Heh… ::looks sheepish:: Yeah… It took me a while to update. Sorry! I hope this chapter makes up for the wait!

Botan sighed heavily and kicked a small pebble out of her path. She was coming from her meeting with Oliver, who, she'd just found out, was actually a demon named Kuronue who – as it turned out – was once the partner of the infamous Youko Kurama… Who wasn't dead.

All in all, a wealth of information had been revealed and Botan felt as if her brain were overloaded. She didn't know what to analyze first, and as she continued to mosey slowly along the avenue, she realized something that made her almost stop in her tracks. She wanted to see Shuichi. Desperately.

In fact, since she'd left him earlier that afternoon, all she'd wanted was to see him again. Strangely, this fact didn't bother her, really she found it rather intriguing. There was something about him… Something mysterious, something he was hiding from everyone. She knew this intuitively, and being the curious thief that she was, she couldn't help but to be drawn to him. After all, he had certain feelings for her, which she undoubtedly returned though she'd hardly known him for more than a week. They were connected somehow, she knew. Because of these things, would he consider revealing his secret – whatever it was – to her?

She hoped so. She really did. In fact, she desperately wanted to tell him her secrets. She wanted to reveal those things about herself that no one besides Karasu and Kuronue knew. She wanted a confidant, she wanted… Love.

Pure and simple.

Love and trust, and she wanted to love and trust in return. And she knew, she knew that Shuichi was the one she could turn to for this.

The realization caused her eyes to light up in wonder, there was a pause in her rhythmic steps. Shuichi was the one.

She had to see him.

Kurama raised his head from his homework and glanced irritably at the ringing communicator. Laying down his mechanical pencil, and closing his Advanced Placement Biology (understanding the mysteries of life science) book, he reached for it.

Flipping it open, he was greeted by a stern looking Koenma. The Reikaii prince was chewing agitatedly on his pacifier and his amber eyes were narrowed worriedly.

"Kurama," He said, pushing a lock of dark brown hair from his eyes, "I need you to report to me in ten minutes."

Kurama's green eyes widened slightly, and he picked up his pencil once more. "What's wrong?"

"That demon lord, who the ring was stolen from. He has sent me some information that I need to relate to you concerning your case."

Kurama frowned slightly, lightly tapping the pencil against his desk. "What sort of information?"

"Confidential. Ten minutes, don't be late." The line went dead. Kurama sighed and turned back to his homework.

There was a timid knock on his door. He glanced over his shoulder suspiciously. Who was that? No one at his house knocked meekly. He rose to his feet, slipping his communicator into his pocket before he opened his door.

Botan stood before him, smiling shyly. "Hi, Shuichi."

Surprised, Kurama didn't check the delighted smile that lit his features. "Botan! What are you doing here?" He reached out and gently took her arm, ushering her into his room and closing the door behind them. He offered her his chair, which she declined. They stood there facing each other, Botan blushing slightly, and Kurama affectionately amused.

"I, um, just thought I'd stop by. You know, since I left you so quickly earlier. Your mother told me to come up here, I hope I'm not interrupting anything." She looked pointedly at the pile of books on his desk.

"Not at all." Kurama smiled gently, reaching out gingerly to grasp her waist. When she didn't resist, he pulled her to him, wrapping his arms securely around her and resting his forehead against hers.

"I'm glad you came." He told her honestly. She smiled.

"Me to." She said simply, enjoying the warmth of his embrace, and of the gentle affection that broke over her in waves. Roses. She was surrounded by the scent of roses.

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something." She told him, bringing her hands up to rest upon his biceps. "It's kind of important." She shifted nervously in his arms and Kurama frowned.

"Is there a problem?" He asked her quietly, rubbing the small of her back in a circular motion.

Botan thought for a moment. Problem? Well… It could be, if he had a problem with her profession. "It may be." She said carefully, laying her head on his shoulder. Really, this attention made it difficult to concentrate.

"Tell me." He told her softly, kissing her hair lightly. Botan blushed deeply, glad that Shuichi couldn't see her face from this angle.

"Well – "

There was a ringing sound from Shuichi's pocket. He bit back a curse and released the blue haired girl from his arms. How could he have forgotten? Koenma!

"Is that your cell phone?" Botan asked, cocking her head to the side.

"Yes." Said Kurama, grabbing a jacket from the back of his chair. He turned to his (and how proud he was to be able to say this!) girlfriend. "I have to go. I won't be gone long, wait here for me, will you please? Like yours, my boss sometimes calls me in at the strangest times." He pulled the jacket on, the insistent ringing from the communicator beginning to annoy them both.

"Aren't you going to answer it?"

Kurama decided he'd rather avoid the uncomfortable questions that would be raised if she'd seen what his 'cell phone' really looked like: a tantei communicator.

"No, I don't need to. I already know what my boss is going to say." The ringing stopped. Kurama stepped up to Botan once more, resting his hands on her shoulders. "I know what you have to say is important, I'm sorry that I have to leave right now. But please, wait right here for me, and I promise that I will be back soon."

Botan smiled cheerily at him. "Of course! I don't mind. Take your time, Shuichi."

Kurama felt a sudden rush of strong affection and leaned down, brushing his lips sensually across hers, before pulling away regretfully.

"Thank you." He whispered, backing out of his room. "I'll be back soon." He said again, before closing the door.

Botan sat down heavily on Shuichi's bed. Wow. She'd almost told him everything, then his phone had to ring!

Perhaps it's a sign, she though glumly, maybe I'm not supposed to tell him yet.

And, he had a job?! Since when?! Why didn't she know about it sooner?

There was a lot about him she didn't know, she realized. A lot. She picked up his pillow and hugged it to her chest, breathing in deeply. Roses. His pillow smelled like roses – just like him. She put the pillow down again, having derived little comfort from it.

Suddenly she was rethinking everything. She liked Shuichi, she liked him a lot. She liked him more than she had ever liked anyone. But was she really ready to share everything with this boy she hardly knew? One side of her said yes, desperately. But the other side of her said no, it was foolish. It would be stupid to trust someone who was almost a stranger with her secrets.

But she would still wait for him. She didn't want to leave. She wanted him to come back through that door, and hold her the way he had just moments ago.

Her cell phone rang.

Oh, how perfect. She thought irritably, digging it out of her own pocket.

"Hello?"

"Botan…" Her heart skipped a beat. She couldn't believe it. She had told him she didn't want to be bothered!

"Karasu?"

Kurama was escorted hastily into Koenma's office by George, who looked as worried as Koenma had earlier.

"Sit down." Said Koenma wearily from his desk, gesturing to the chair before him. Kurama took his place, his gaze never leaving Koenma's tired form. He felt his anger at being interrupted with Botan fade as he took in the heavy circles under the godlings eyes.

"I have some information for you." Said the young ruler, pushing some papers together into a neat stack.

"Yes, you've said."

"That demon lord, who's home was robbed of that ring, and the jade ankh. He hired a private detective, or something like that. He managed to trace down the Anhk on the black market and find out who sold it. We know who our thief works for, even if we do not know who the actual thief is, yet. You were right, the thief is apparently being hired and informed by this other person who knows where to find valuable things."

Kurama nodded, his curiosity piqued.

"This thief is employed by a demon renowned in the black-market. He escaped to Ningenkai some years ago and is expected to have become somewhat unstable. His name is Karasu."

Kurama froze. That was the name of the demon that Botan worked for. That Botan worked for… It couldn't be…

"Find this demon, Kurama, and you'll undoubtedly find this thief, The Artful Dodger."

Kurama raced home.

It couldn't be. Botan had no idea she was working for a dangerous demon! She had no idea what she could be involved in – however innocently! He would have to tell her – tonight – to quite her job. He'd come up with some excuse, anything. He just had to get her away from him.

He ran swiftly from the park where Ayame had left him all the way to his own home, slightly breathless as he reached his porch. He opened the door quietly, so as not to alert his parents or his brother, and crept nimbly up the stairs, pushing the door to his room open.

"Botan-!"

it was empty. He looked around frantically, maybe she was playing a joke on him – hiding behind his desk, under his bed! Nothing.

Something fluttered from his desk to his floor, Kurama turned and picked it up, sparing it only a hasty glance. He glanced at it again. Then once more.

It was a note. From Botan.

Shuichi, my boss called too! Sorry, I'll have to talk to you tomorrow. Hope things went okay at your job. I guess it's a busy season for all of us, ne? I feel bad, because I promised I'd wait for you, but you know how these things go. Don't worry, I'll make it up to you!

Love, Botan.

No.

NO. She had left! She had gone directly to the person he needed so desperately to warn her about! Sudden terror gripped him. He had to find her, wherever she was.

Botan rang the doorbell of Karasu's apartment, her bag slung over her shoulder and a slight frown upon her face. Immediately, the door opened, and Karasu pulled her inside.

Botan glanced at his face quickly, but his expression was cool.

"It has to be tonight." He told her, only the faintest hint of excitement in his voice. "I have been informed by very reliable sources that the house is empty again tonight. I must have a book. A book that explains how the ankh works." His eyes roamed over Botan's slim form, oh how he'd missed her…

She nodded and moved toward his room. "I'll change." He watched her go, not attempting to follow this time. Soon, he told himself. Soon. After this heist, I'll have enough money. Then I'll take her back to Maikai with me… He turned and looked out his window. The sun was setting. Symbolic of his career? That it was coming to a peaceful, beautiful end with a prize lovelier than even the promise of night? Botan…

"I'm ready!" She called, moments later, emerging into the hallway, her black attire rendering her practically invisible in the darkness of Karasu's home. He turned to face her, an odd smile on his lips that caused her to retreat a few steps back into his room, away from him.

"Good," he purred, following her. He flicked a lock of inky black hair over his shoulder and sat down next to his bed, preparing to summon the portal. His dark hair lightened to a golden blonde, his body glowed ethereally as the portal between the two worlds began to open before him. When it had opened completely, Botan stepped up beside him.

"Two hours." She said quietly. Karasu nodded, his lips twitching upward in a smile. Botan stepped through the portal and it closed behind her, leaving Karasu alone in his room, staring strangely off into nothing.

Kurama raced through the streets, allowing Youko's good senses to guide him. He was following Botan's scent, and it was leading him to the demon he knew was really responsible for the thefts troubling Maikai.

He approached an apartment building, Botan's scent becoming stronger. He slowed, walking past all the doors and climbing up several flights of stairs before he found the apartment where Botan's scent lead him.

Heart racing, Kurama knocked. Then, after a moment, he knocked again, harshly. The door opened, the face of the demon he had met the other night staring down at him in annoyance.

"You." Karasu sneered, leaning against the doorframe. "What are you doing here?"

"Where is Botan?" Kurama asked, teeth bared. Karasu eyed him, amused.

"She's not here." He said after a moment. Kurama's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"She left me a note, saying you called her. Where else would she be?!" his voice was low. He was dangerously close to becoming Youko.

Karasu stared at him thoughtfully for a moment. "She did stop by. But then she left on an errand for me…" He could see the boy didn't believe him. He grinned slyly, standing aside. "You're welcome to come in and have a look, of course."

Kurama didn't need another invitation. He stepped into the hall and instantly began to look around, his quick eyes taking in everything and storing it away. Her scent was heaviest here, but it was already beginning to grow cold. She wasn't in the apartment. He wandered rapidly from room to room anyway, observing. Karasu followed him, smirking.

"Tea?" He asked politely, openly eyeing the kitsune admiringly.

"No thank you." Kurama ground out. Stopping in the bedroom. There were… Odd vibrations here.

"How did you know where I live?" Karasu asked, settling down in the armchair that resided in one end of the room.

"Botan told me." Kurama lied, turning in a slow circle.

"Ah…" Sighed Karasu. "Botan." The tone of his voice caused Kurama to stop still, his attention becoming riveted upon the demon. He was staring at him, his violet eyes fixed upon him. A lazy smile crawled onto the dark youkia's lips. "Botan. You are certainly quite agitated over her."

Kurama frowned. He detested this demon. "I have something important to tell her. I must talk to her right away. In person."

"Of course, you know." Karasu said, narrowing his eyes and completely ignoring Kurama's statement. "She belongs to me. She's mine, and I'm sick of you, human, interfering!" The demon's hair color began to change and he rose to his feet, approaching the red head menacingly. "I have plans for her, and I don't want you messing them up! I've seen you with her, thinking you can claw your way into her life? When I rule her completely?! She's my mate, and I'm tired of your meddling!" The glint in his eyes was that of the insane. There was a sudden explosion, directly next to Kurama's head. If he had moved just a second later…

The situation had become dangerous. Kurama pulled a seed from his hair with speed that rivaled even Hiei's. He crushed it into a fine powder between his fingers and darted forward, blowing the dust into Karasu's face.

The youkai fell to the floor, unconscious. Kurama stared down at him, shocked. The demon was insane, absolutely and inarguably insane. And no longer able to really control his powers, he'd nearly overloaded himself with Youkai! He nudged the body with his foot. What was he to do? He didn't want to turn Karasu in until he was sure Botan was safe, just in case…

His communicator rang. Sighing, he dug it out of his pocket and flipped the screen open.

"Kurama, get up here now! The lord's house is being robbed!"

AN: Woah! Sorry about the long wait for the update, folks! My bad, my bad, I was so exited about Foxgloves that I kind of got carried away with THAT story. Speaking of which, did anyone notice that I used the same attack that Kurama used on Karasu at the end that Youko used on Botan in the last chapter of Foxgloves? Huh?! It's because I'm not creative enough to think of anything new. But hey, I don't want to hear any complaints! This chapter had a TON of stuff in it! You had it all – fluff, action, um… fluff. Oh, and craziness. Yup. Isn't it amazing that this fic is almost done?! Holy Mokes!

Thanks to the following reviewers:

Shiroi Hikari: Shocked? Really? Man, I thought I'd hinted at it enough! Ah well. Teaches me to be overly subtle.

Botan and Kurama Lover: I know! It will be so cool when Kurama finds out about Kuronue!

Frith: What?! Am I not allowed to give you all a healthy cliff hanger now and again? I mean, I think I have my rights, as an authoress, to make sure you all keep coming back for more. Since I can't spike the pages with crack, I use cliff hangers. So there. Hey, summer is here! Summer is here! Soooo… You can update every week! Yay!

DeityofRoses: Wow, see? Everyone was busy! And I moved too, so uh… I have an excuse for updating so late…. ::CoughyeahrightCough:: But I just read your new Matchmaker Youko, and I LOVED it. LOVED. You must write more! Or I will hurt you!

RoseThorns: Eh-heh. Sorry about the lat update!

Miyako14: Yay! Update time!

Lady Nightshade: Of COURSE Youko and Kuronue will meet up again! We gotta have them get together.

Dark Chobit: I love Kuronue too! I've used him in both Captive and Thief!, and he'll be in the prize fic I'm writing! I love him love him love him. And I'm glad you like Foxgloves. I'm really enjoying writing that.

Snowfall: I'm glad you liked it! I hope you liked this chapter as well!

Paleah: Obsessed? It's because of Kuronue isn't it? Yeah. He's enough to drive any of us crazy. With lust.

Disturbedvixen: Actually, I DID hint that Oliver was Kuronue. A few people got it! You don't know what he looks like? Good god, you poor thing. He's hot. Make that hawt. I'll send you a picture via email, okay?

cHiCkxOfxdArKnEsS: Your new name makes my eyes hurt. But, as you see, Botan didn't get a chance to say anything to Shuichi! Oh no!

Blue Rose4: Man! I did hint at it, I swear! But I'm glad you like it.

Kookey: Wow! Thanks! I love it when people put me on their favorite authors list! You know, my goal when I started writing was to be on at least thirty people's favorite authors list, but last I checked, I'm on 85 peoples! Woah! Far surpassing my expectations, let me tell ya. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the last chapter. I simply love Kuronue. LOVE. And did you enjoy the crazy Karasu of this chapter? Mwuahahahahah!

Cheeto: Sorry about the long time it took to update! But… I never did see an update for No Need For Chibis, so… You aren't allowed to be angry at me! ::Sticks tongue out::

JDFielding: Yes, confrontation at last! But, it's not the end… They still have to have that major battle! But I'm glad you liked it, JD, praise from you means so much to peons like me!

Allin656: Well, I'm glad you liked it!

Kawaii-sakura12: No, no OC's! Only when absolutely necessary. I don't really like them, you see. I can't help it, I'm almost a canon fanatic.

Sazuka-Chan: Man. I finally figured it out. Grrr, ff.net! I hope you quite changing stuff around now!

Kagorin: ::Blushes:: Aww. Thanks.

Kurama's Kitsune: Mwa-hahahahahah! Yes. Evil cliffies are fun.

Naru Lovely: - Wow. I think that was one of the sweetest reviews I have ever had! Thank you! I'm so glad you like it! I sent you an email, though I'm not sure if you received it. I would be HONORED if you would like to translate my fics! I'm very flattered that you think highly enough of my skills to even consider it! I'm glad you caught onto the 'Oliver is Kuronue' thing, as I was SURE I'd left a decent amount of hints! Anyway, email me if you would, with more information on your translating business thingy. And just so you know, I am as distressed as you are at the lack of K/B fics. It's very sad, really. But, I'll do my best to contribute!

Kim: I'm so glad you like him! Honestly, your obsession rivals even mine! But yes, I think this chapter was just as action packed as… Um… Well I see I haven't had a whole lot of action in the last few chapters… Heh…

Mourning Fox: What? I was under the impression that Kuronue was killed long before Youko. Like, years. But, if I'm wrong… Oh well! It's an AU, so uh… That's my excuse! Yeah!

Inuyashafan98: Glad you liked it!

Kaze Tasukai: Heh, 'supposedly dead people popping up all over the place'… That just sounds creepy, doesn't it? But correct. Don't worry. She'll find out about the whole Youko/Shuichi thing soon.

Liz Inc: Erg, so glad that danged test is over. Anyway, glad you liked the last chapter! I just love Kuronue. And your welcome about that whole Hinageshi thing.

NoneOfyourBwax: Man… Aren't you glad school's out?

Junyortrakr: No, she doesn't know who the real Youko is. Not yet.

Nijiko-Chan: Yes, Kuronue and Karasu look fairly similar. Except… Kuronue is hotter. Heh.

GoddessofKoorime: I'm glad you like it!

Aya Sakura Kinamoto: Oh, really? Well, I must go look! I shall go peek at your fics when I get the chance!

Lil-rosa: OMG! I KNOW! IT'S, LEIK, TOTALLY GR8!

Kawaii Thief Kitsune: Yay! Thanks!

Anica106: Oh man, you aren't kidding! You know, we almost weren't able to take the test, because of the time thing. I think we started about two minutes before nine. Hey, to break a rule, did you think the multiple choice part of the test was difficult? Because I found it easier than the essays. Except for the excerpt from Volpone (Woah, I freaked when I saw my pen name on the test! I was like: Good Omen!), those were hard. And I don't think I did to hot on the first essay with the poem comparison. But the essay on the excerpt and on the open ended question I think I did okay. I used Kate Chopins The Awakening for the open ended question. Meh. We don't get our results until next month either. I hope I passed I hope I passed! Oh… Um… Glad you liked the last chapter!

Tiineiji Rin: Oh, yeah. I know that Kurama killed Karasu in the anime. But this is an au, and Karasu is still alive! Wahahahahahah!

Yume Ookami: Jen, you're just sick minded! - I like it.

Kitsune Kit: Yay! You got my hints!

PassionateAngel: Yeah, I thought that TOTALLY made it obviouse that Kurama and Botan were MEANT to be together… Of course, though… I'm biased…

Reikachan14: Awww! Thanks! Now I feel even MORE guilty for not updating as soon… Sorry! But I hope this chapter makes up for that, if only just a little!

John Cena's Basketball Star: Well, I'm glad you like it…

Babybotan: Thanks!

Chocogurl: Don't worry about reviewing EVERY CHAPTER. I'm just glad you enjoyed it!

Zack Schinzer: Why, thank you.

BountyHuntress16: Thanks! I love hearing that.

Insaneoveranime: Wow, thanks for being such an enthusiastic fan!

Luci-chan6: I'm glad you like it! And I can't wait to see your sight when you get it all the way up. ¬.¬' Heh. Spelling will never be a talent of mine. Oh well, don't sweat the small stuff!

Thanks you guys! And now…. It's time to review again! Yay!