Author's Note: I am so incredably sorry! I did not mean to go so long without updating, it just happened since I had so much going on at home. There were several family issues, a camping trip, finals. It's all been so crazy and to top it all off I had writer's block until very recently. My original intention was to post this chapter last week and to hold off until the week after the contest so I could resume my usual updating schedule. Again, I'm so sorry. Here's the chapter you've all been waiting for, long overdue and probably full of issues, but here it is!. R&R! I'm hoping to continue as planned so the next chapter won't be until next week or so.
P.s: check my profile regularly. I'm using it as a pseudo bulletin board to keep all my readers up to date with my activities as far as fiction is concerned.
Kurama watched Botan intently, waiting with baited breath as she hovered over the still sleeping Hiei. Around her, Hiei's soul fragments were arranged in a circle, each floating of their own accord. From the smooth glassy surfaces small streams of flames darted back and forth, some taking the shape of dragons that would snap and seize with energy. Though dangerous, none present in the room feared for the safety of Botan or themselves due to the loving warmth that radiated from the black flames.
"What now," Maya whispered, placing herself in the safety of Kurama's shadow. Unlike the others, she felt no loving warmth or the protective caress, all she felt was the blackness that surrounded Hiei's soul in an impenetrable shell. How could she? She was not blessed with a place in Hiei's heart, so she did not get to see the glimmer of light born from his love.
"I… I don't know," Kurama admitted.
"Yukina, Mukuro, Kurama," Botan began, turning to face them as she did so. "I need you three to enter the circle since you are the closest to his heart."
"Why," Mukuro questioned hesitantly, approaching the ring of energy but not daring to step into it. She feared that her presence would contaminate Hiei's soul and darken the small glimmer of light the darkness protected.
"You are what keeps him tied to this world, and as such you will serve as a safe channel for Hiei to travel back into this plane of existence."
"What do we do," Yukina asked, stepping into the ring and claiming a seat next to Botan.
"Just touch him," Botan smiled, guiding Yukina's hands onto one of Hiei's. Light encased the hands of the siblings, bonding them together in a gauntlet of energy. Even still, none feared. The light was loving and warm, fading into Yukina's arm and forming a link with her youki. The two energies of the twins spiraled together, clashing for only a moment before the two meshed.
Seeing the affect Yukina had over Hiei, both Mukuro and Kurama followed in Yukina's stead. Mukuro lifted Hiei's head onto her lap, running the fingers of her unmarred hand through his hair and resting her other over his heart. She felt a small smile tug at her lips when she felt Hiei's heart flutter under her touch for a moment in time before stilling.* The same light that encased Yukina's arms wrapped around Mukuro almost completely. Hiei's energy and hers mixed almost as soon as contact was made, writhing together as if two lovers in the heat of passion. Hiei's energy would occasionally shoot up along her arms to caress Mukuro's heart, allowing his strength to seep in and add to her own.
Kurama claimed his place at Botan's side, resting his hand on Hiei's bicep, all the while watching Botan with complete fascination and growing ardor. The light that encased his arm gave him a slight pinch before their energies merged. Vaguely, Kurama could feel Hiei's essence spread around them all before spiraling overhead. Hiei's life energy was now grounded within the shell of Hiei's body, giving and taking as needed.
Closing her eyes, Botan moved to straddle Hiei's stomach and place her hands below his throat. The energy around her stilled for a fraction of a second, as if paused before the miniature dragons of black flames shot inward. The flames licked over her skin, slithering along her body and using her as a pathway onto Hiei's chest. From there, some burned away at the cloth that served as his shirt while others formed a obsidian chain around the wrists of all present within the circle the dying crystals formed.
Botan took several deep breaths, forcing her body to relax and allowing her reiki to flow through her palms. She could feel his pulse beneath her hand, slow and steady, and in that moment she realized how fragile Hiei truly was. Not in a means that he was weak, but by the fact that he was mortal. In all her time knowing him, Botan had always believed that Hiei was invincible, but not now.
Botan closed her eyes as she felt Hiei's spirit surround her form, entering her body and coursing through her. His soul was ready to return to its rightful place, relying on her to pave the way. But even though his soul was ready, Botan wasn't so sure his body was. Though they weren't as out of sync as Yusuke's when he first died and Hiei was still technically alive, the task at hand was not going to be easy. Hiei's wavelengths weren't compatible for his soul's re-entry. Fortunately Botan had planned for the complication and was ready to force his Hiei's body to reaccept his soul. I just hope he'll be okay.
"Hiei, you better be ready for this because we only have one shot," Botan exhaled before channeling Hiei's soul through her arms in a rush. As she did this, Botan focused inwards in an attempt to keep her own energy signature from corrupting Hiei's. The body beneath her convulsed beneath her in rejection, fighting Hiei's soul away as if it were an unknown invader that needed to be fought. Even so, Botan maintained her vigil, siphoning the energy Hiei's body expelled in an attempt to weaken it while increasing her own strength. Slowly Hiei's soul seeped into his body, entering through the mouth and nose with every breath taken. Still the body shook and spasmed, fighting away the invader with its waning energy and tapping into its very life energy. But try as it might, the bonds Hiei's body had made with those around it prevented it from taking the energy the wellspring of power offered.
Botan gorged herself on the energy, purring with each shake and shiver Hiei's body produced. Pure warmth rushed under her skin like liquid heaven, coating her body with its sweetness and filling Botan with growing need. She wanted more. She needed more; more than the empty shell of a body could provide. But the soul that flowed through her arms was a different story all together. It was rich with nourishment and flavor, and it promised an end to her cravings. Botan had to have it.
Forming a blockade of sorts, Botan trapped as much of the soul as she could inside her body so she could feed off of it. She cooed and giggled when she felt it squirm under her skin. She loved it. Botan lifted her arms and crossed them over her torso in an attempt to bring the feeling closer her heart and stomach.
Something warm and solid pressed against her back and a vice-like grip circled her wrists before forcing her palms down. Botan's eyes snapped open, glaring and hissing over her shoulder as she tried to squirm out of the hold placed on her. But he wouldn't let go.
Kurama held fast to the struggling Botan, realizing his purpose within the ring. Mukuro, Yukina, and himself were not only there to help Botan place Hiei's soul back into his body, they were there to protect him from Botan, of all people. He shot both Mukuro and Yukina a cautious glance, unsure of himself even though he knew they were doing as they should. Both women had already started to pump their energy into Hiei's form to counteract Botan's theft of it, all the while sucking Hiei's soul from her stomach as gently as they could. But even though there gentleness kept Hiei's soul safe from any further damage, the affect proved harmful to Botan.
She flinched and writhed in pain, fighting to keep Hiei's soul inside her even though she knew that the pain would cease if she would just surrender it. She could feel it ripping at her insides and searing her with heat, burning its way out through her pores. Blood dripped from her nose as she struggled to concentrate, but Botan wasn't strong enough to fight against the combined efforts of those within the ring. With Kurama holding her palms against Hiei's chest, she could do nothing as the soul channeled itself through her arms, lessening the pain but weakening her just the same.
"Shh, just give in. It'll be alright if you just give in," Kurama whispered into Botan's ear, nuzzling her neck in what he hoped was a soothing fashion before clamping his teeth along her spine.
Botan whimpered pathetically in response before surrendering completely to Kurama's dominance. Her entire body wilted when she felt the last of Hiei's delicious warmth slither from her completely and left her feeling hollow and desperate for its touch again. She wanted it back. She wanted it back right then and there if only to erase the emptiness from her heart. "I want it back," she sobbed.
"I know you do," Kurama cooed, lifting Botan from Hiei's body once the light had faded and holding her to his chest. "But you want Hiei back more, right?" Kurama's words held no patronization, just concern. He did not know how far gone Botan was, or if she even cared if Hiei came back or not. He knew Botan, when in her right state of mind, loved Hiei as much as the others and would never dream of harming him. But now, after what had happened, Kurama wasn't so sure if Botan was the one present at the moment.
"No, I don't," Botan admitted with her eyes downcast in shame. "I'll be replaced once he comes back."
"No, you won't," Kurama promised. He rested his cheek atop her head as both watched Hiei's eyes blink open for the first time in what felt like a year of slumber. He blinked several times before yawning and allowing himself a full bodied stretch.
"You tried to eat me," Hiei said bluntly once his eyes settled on Botan. "I didn't think you had it in you." There was no anger or insult in his eyes, just amusement. It was strange, even though she had taken a bite from his soul, he didn't feel sullied or fractured in the least. Compared to everything else he'd suffered, her bite was nothing more than a friendly kiss on the cheek by comparison. But even so, he was exhausted and was ready to call it a night.
Before anything more could be said, Yukina threw her arms around Hiei's shoulders and cried.
Seeing the need for privacy, all present started to vacate the room and allow the siblings a moment to themselves. With one parting kiss to his cheek, Mukuro collected the dead crystals that housed Hiei's soul and sealed the door shut behind her. Only then did she turn her gaze onto Botan and allow her anger to shine through. Hiei may have forgiven Botan, but she did not. No one threatened those she cared for without suffering her wrath. A searing aura flared around her form, alerting everyone to her anger. Mukuro didn't even give anyone a chance to react, ripping Botan from Kurama's arms by her neck and holding her aloft.
Botan hissed and squirmed in Mukuro's hold, clawing at her mechanical arm and kicking at her chest. One kick landed on Mukuro's ruined cheek, forcing her to relinquish her hold and drop Botan onto her feet. Botan then seized the opportunity presented and launched herself at the staggered demon with her eyes glowing angrily. With claw tipped fingers, Botan lashed out at Mukuro in hopes of disabling her long enough to steal as much life energy as she could; and maybe, if she was lucky, Botan would be able to claim Mukuro's soul for dessert.
Mukuro rolled to the side and whipped her leg out in a sweeping kick, costing Botan her balance and sending her plummeting to the ground. Botan yowled angrily and brought her hands up to catch herself. She rolled with her momentum and stood on her feet within moments and stomped on the ground behind her where Mukuro's head once was. Seeing that the attack had not landed on anything living, Botan dropped to the ground without reason and dodged the deadly swipe of Mukuro's arm. Even in her current state, Botan knew such a blow would have decapitated her. Standing on her hands, Botan kicked Mukuro's torso.
Mukuro gasped in shock when the blow landed, ill prepared to handle Botan's attacks. It wasn't so much that Botan's attacks hurt, because in all honesty they didn't. It was the fact that Botan, who was a non fighter, was capable of fighting back. Mukuro smirked to herself for a moment, impressed only slightly by Botan's instinct. But even so, Mukuro would not tolerate such a blow onto her persons. Mukuro allowed her youki to flare as she removed the metaphorical 'kid gloves.' The sheer power of Mukuro's energy alone sent Botan sailing through the air and towards the wall of the apartment.
"Enough," Kurama bellowed before he caught Botan midflight and held his wrist to her mouth. Within moments her rage and blood lust was shoved aside when Botan sank her lengthened canines into flesh there. She moaned her delight when Kurama's sweet and musky blood coated her tongue. All the while Kurama glared at the seething Mukuro
Even though she knew she could hold her own against Kurama in her attempt to put Botan down, Mukuro did not wish to press her luck. It was one thing to attack and kill the shikigami, but it was another entirely to do the same to Kurama; whom Hiei looked up to like a brother of sorts. Even still, Botan was a danger to them all and it was only a matter of time before she succeeded in killing someone.
"I suggest you keep her well fed or put her down, Kurama," Mukuro advised once she righted her appearance. "Or else next time she won't be stopped by pretty little gestures."
"Be that as it may, but if you touch her again I swear I'll kill you," Kurama vowed darkly. "I don't care who you are." Kurama pulled Botan closer to his chest as he said this, needing to feel her closeness for his own piece of mind. He could feel Botan's feverish pulse calm with every gulp she took and this pleased him greatly because it meant that she would be fine. She would be his sweet and loving Botan again.
Botan soon stilled her actions when the hunger dissipated and the fog that clouded her mind lifted. She removed her lips from Kurama's wrist and was appalled to see what she had done. Dropping the appendage, Botan turned on her heel and ran.
Kurama sent Mukuro a parting glance before following after Botan, fearful of what she would do now that she was completely herself. He found her outside on the balcony, huddled in the corner crying. Without another thought, Kurama dropped to the ground and gathered her up into the cradle of his arms. She struggled at first, but was too drained physically and emotionally to last long.
"Everything is going to be alright," Kurama soothed.
"No it's not," Botan cried, pressing her face to Kurama's neck. "I tried to hurt Hiei…What if…what if I…"
"Enough, Botan," Kurama reprimanded, holding her tighter. "It didn't happen, so stop beating yourself up over it. Hiei's fine and Mukuro was just angry."
"But she was right, what if the next time I can't be stopped? What if..." Botan couldn't bring herself to say any more on the subject. Instead she curled up against Kurama's chest and allowed herself to weep. How long would it be before the need to 'put her down' became the only option? How long before she hurt one of the people she loved most in the world? She couldn't bare the thought.
"You won't," Kurama answered firmly, "because I won't let that happen."
"How," Botan questioned solemnly.
"Just as long as you're fed, you'll be fine," Kurama explained.
"But each time I'm fed… well, look at me." Botan pushed herself away from Kurama and dragged herself back so she could enter the light, revealing several changes that she was not ready to accept. Gracing the tips of each finger were newly grown claws, dripping with blood from her nail beds. She was oblivious to the initial pain, born from having her new claws slice through her fingers and all that remained was a throbbing that was more annoying than painful. In the dim light her eyes glowed, revealing the developing cat-like slits of her pupils. The rounded edges of her ears began to point along the top and the way she moved seemed to favor her lower spine.
"Every time you're fed you're brought closer to yourself," Kurama argued.
"No," Botan countered. "Every time I'm fed I fall farther and farther. It's only a matter of time before I become a demon completely."
"Is that really so bad?" Kurama felt his heart pound within his chest as Botan's words sank in. Her disdain to becoming a demon was palpable and Kurama didn't know what to think or how to handle that. He was a demon; did that disdain travel to him as well? Where was this hate and anger coming from? Why was it Botan that felt it? Never had it ever crossed his mind that Botan had shared Reikai's loathing of demons.
"For me, it is," Botan pressed, needing for Kurama to understand her current plight. "If I become a demon, where will I go? What will I do? Even as things are now, and if I manage to stunt my fall indefinitely, I don't have a home anymore. I can't leave this body, so I can't return to Reikai. If things continue, I won't be able to stay here in Ningenkai, and I can't live in Makai. I'll have nowhere." Botan began to rock back and forth as she wrapped her arms around herself, trying to fight a new onslaught of tears that would surely come either way.
"That's ridiculous," Kurama barked, grasping her shoulders and returning her attentions onto him. "You act as if you don't matter to anyone; as if you don't matter to me. My home is your home for as long as you want it. I care about you, and I refuse to let anything happen to you."
"You mean that," Botan sniffed. She blinked up at Kurama, wiping her eyes of her tears so she could see him more clearly. There was such a fire burning within his gaze that she could not help but believe.
"Of course I do," Kurama smiled. "You mean more to me than you realize." You mean more to me than I even realize, Kurama thought as he pulled Botan into a hug. "I just wish you would have a little more faith in yourself, and me."
"So how long have you known," Hiei questioned, locking eyes with his twin sister.
"…I don't know," Yukina answered with a shrug. "I guess I've always known." Yukina flashed Hiei a smile and pulled him into another hug, so incredibly happy that she had him back. It was like the fog had been lifted and she could finally leave the forest of misery she had trapped herself within. She had her brother. Everything was going to be okay now.
"Are you mad," Hiei found himself asking nervously. Was it fear he felt? Strangely, Hiei wasn't entirely sure. His body was shaking with anticipation and he found it near impossible to breath.
"…Maybe a little," Yukina nodded before turning away from him. "I'd been looking for you for so long, and you knew that but you kept your identity hidden. Why?" Yukina's voice shook with emotion. She had been alone for so long; without family, and until recently she had been without friends too. Was there something wrong with her? Did he not want to be with her? He was her brother; her twin and she was his sister. They were all each other had left, and yet Hiei insisted on keeping himself shrouded in mystery as far as their relations were concerned.
"It was for the best," Hiei offered gently in explanation.
"For who?"
"You know, I really don't know anymore," Hiei chuckled.*
"You've known about me for that long, haven't you," Yukina guessed, figuring that Hiei had forgotten his reasons because of the time taken.
"I would be lying if I said I didn't," Hiei shrugged.
"I see," Yukina sighed. "So, what now?"
"I don't know," he admitted. "You tell me. Do you still want me to kill the apparitions of the floating isles?"
"…Not really, no." Yukina said finally. "I'm just happy to have my brother," she smiled serenely.
Hiei blinked several times before returning the expression to his sister. His expression vanished instantly though when a sudden loud growl emanated from his stomach. Reaching down, Hiei rubbed his stomach and instantly he felt his entire center cramp up and seize with pain, alerting him to the time spent without sustenance of any kind.
"Why don't we get something to eat," Yukina offered, holding out her hand for Hiei to take. Once their hands were joined, both exerted a pulling force which allowed them both to rely on each other simultaneously to stand. They shared a smile before exiting the room. What they found was a grinning Mukuro and the sultry smell of dinner wafting from the kitchen.
"What did you do?" Hiei knew that grin anywhere and for once he did not fear Mukuro's expression*.
"Helping you win your bet," she disclosed happily before leaning forward and placing a quick peck on his lips. "Though Kurama isn't all too happy with me at the moment," she added as an afterthought.
"You picked on Botan, didn't you," Hiei chuckled.
"Something like that," she winked before taking the lead to the dinning table.
"What bet," Maya questioned, catching the conversation from the kitchen.
"How long before Botan and Kurama start dating," Shizuru answered while serving the plates of steaming hot food. "It's an ongoing bet all of us have that Yusuke started, according to Hiei.*"
"What," Maya exclaimed before dropping her mug and running towards the balcony where she had last seen her Shuichii. She looked out the sliding door and almost left when she didn't see anyone, but a flash of red stopped her. Even though she could barely see them, Maya could make out the silhouette of Shuichii leaning against the wall with Botan cradled on his lap.
"Dinner's ready," Maya announced angrily as she yanked the door open, interrupting the moment the two shared. They weren't talking, their eyes weren't even open, but the feeling of a warm emotion was there just the same.
"Thank you," Kurama replied, peeking up at Maya with one eye. He had smelt the food several moments ago, but was not entirely hungry so he remained stationary since Botan had no need of food at that point in time. Even still, the night was exceptionally cold and Kurama found himself fearing for Botan's health. Coming to a decision, he stood from the ground with the dozing Botan still secure in his hold and entered the apartment.
"Where are you going," Maya asked when she saw Kurama traveling in the opposite direction of the dinning room. She couldn't help but notice the knowing grin the other home's occupants shared, and it was like a knife through her heart.
"Botan needs her rest," Kurama answered simply before continuing into the room. He closed and locked the door to the only remaining room of the three, not wishing to be disturbed should one of his friends, or to be more precise, Maya became nosy. Laying Botan out on the bed, Kurama began to remove Botan's shoes, thigh highs, belt, and everything else that would prove uncomfortable during her sleep. He would not dare to remove much else though, even though he knew Botan's halter would be terribly uncomfortable at that point in time.
"Ku-chan," Botan mumbled, stirring from her sleep when she felt the blanket get tucked around her form. She blinked her eyes several times and searched the room until she found Kurama smiling down at her.
"Hey," Kurama greeted as he sat down next to her. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired," Botan yawned. "I'm also a bit hungry…but…." Botan let the sentence hang, unsure of what Kurama would think if he knew she didn't want to eat with the others.
"I'll bring you a plate and something to change into," Kurama offered with an understanding smile. Before leaving, Kurama shed all cumbersome accessories and dumped them with Botan's. He left soon after with a spring in his step. That was twice now she had called him by 'Ku-chan,' and even though he loathed pet names of any kind when referring to him in the past, he couldn't help but feel…giddy. The way she said it, and the way she looked at him made his heart sing.
"Something's made you happy," Hiei teased once Kurama came into view.
"And it'll make me happier if you stay here for the rest of the month and recuperate," Kurama countered with a calculating gleam in his eye and a smirk on his lips.
"That was the plan, I won't be much use to you as I am now," Hiei agreed. All joking vanished from his countenance moments later as his next words formulated in his mind. "Truth is, I've almost been drained dry. I should have died days ago, and yet here I am. Why was I spared? Why are we all being spared? Kuwabara is as tapped as I am; the only thing sustaining him now is his life energy. Yet whatever it was that was leeching off of us, won't finish the job."
"What about Yusuke?"
"Whatever it is, it's still feeding off of his energy," Hiei responded.
"What do you think it means?" This was all too strange and Kurama felt an ominous feeling descend around him. Something was not right, at all.
"Whatever it is, it's letting us live for some reason," Hiei shivered slightly, the frigidness of the apartment seeping in through his skin and chilling him to the core. In most cases, his youki would protect him from extreme temperatures, but now there was barely anything left to warm him from something as slight as a human air conditioner.
"Maybe it's because there's more energy to drain, or there will be," Kurama concluded. "I suggest that you stay hidden until all your strength is back and to be prepared for another possible attack."
"So I am to hide like a coward," Hiei argued, angered that Kurama would even think of such a thing.
"No, you are to hide in wait. There's a difference between cowardice and biding one's time to be prepared," Kurama assured him.
"If you say so." That was as close to a 'yes' as Kurama was going to get, so he canted his head in acknowledgement.
Kurama waked over to his bag which rested in the corner of the living room and pulled his shirt from the top. In most cases, Kurama would have chosen the clean one. But for some reason, Kurama wanted Botan to smell like him. It was strange, that wish rarely came about and only in the case of his longer lasting lovers. It would be nice, Kurama thought. Botan is beautiful; maybe even more so now. She would make a perfect lover…maybe even a mate…if only for the upcoming season. If only…if only her cursed scar would heal, Kurama sighed. Kurama returned to the dinning table and claimed a plate that he rightly assumed was made for Botan before heading back into the room.
Kurama found Botan dozing, curled around one of the pillows with her hair loose and fanning out behind her. When she heard him enter, Botan lifted her head tiredly and slowly opened her eyes. She smiled at him then, filling his heart with warmth. She really would be perfect. Kurama forced his mind to the present then, no longer wishing to torture himself with what could, but never would be.
"How are you feeling," Kurama inquired. He placed the plate on the nightstand and handed Botan his shirt to change into. He claimed the bed as a seat then in order to slide an arm beneath her and lift Botan up into a seated position.
"I feel funny," Botan admitted. "I'm so tired and hungry, and I'm sore all over."
"That's not all that strange," Kurama smiled. "Would you like for me to help you?"
Botan paused for a moment before nodding, strangely not all that fazed when Kurama started to unzip her halter and remove it from her torso. It took some maneuvering, but the skirt soon followed and joined the other articles of clothing on the floor. She didn't mind to have him see her naked, she was too tired to really care. Besides, it wasn't the first time and she still had her simple pink panties on. Kurama then helped her into his shirt, careful not to jar her too much because of her tender lower spine.
"Thank you," Botan yawned while Kurama stacked all but one of the pillows behind her. She squirmed a little until she was most comfortable before giving Kurama a nonverbal cue to place the remaining pillow on her lap for her hot plate to go onto. She watched Kurama for a moment longer, enthralled by the way he moved while stripping down to his black boxer-briefs. He climbed into the bed next to her and laid down on his side with his head propped on his arm. Botan didn't know what to do with him watching her the way he was, especially since she had food and he didn't.
"Don't worry so much," Kurama chuckled, sensing Botan's discomfort. "You're hungry. Eat."
"Aren't you going to eat," Botan asked, unwilling to start eating even as her stomach growled. "You can have some of mine."
"No, thank you." Kurama was touched by Botan's concern for him, even though he knew she must be starving. He dropped his arm and rested his cheek against his forearm, resting his head close to Botan and taking deep breaths of Botan's scent. Closing his eyes, Kurama took deep breaths through his open mouth in order to taste Botan's divine scent*. The scent of death was all but washed away and the alluring scent that remained and strengthened was of Eden. Her scent was paradise personified and he felt as if he was home.
Botan continued to watch him for several moments longer before she gave into her need and devoured all that was on the plate. She didn't even taste the food. She was eating so fast, and though she knew she should slow down she couldn't. Because of this, it wasn't too much of a shock to see that the food was gone. She was still hungry, but she chose not to ask for food and to settle with the one plate. It was unhealthy to over eat and since she was stuck in her body she did not want to get sick from it. She set the plate aside and stared at it for a moment longer before she shuffled further into the covers and rolled over to her side facing Kurama.
"I'm sorry," Botan apologized suddenly and without any obvious reason.
"What about," Kurama breathed, easing his eyes open.
"I bit you, and I drank from you," Botan recounted nervously.
"It's alright, you can feed from me whenever you wish," Kurama offered almost happily.
"Why? Doesn't it hurt? What if I don't stop next time? What if –"
"Botan," Kurama interrupted, "I'm a demon. As such I'm a bit of a masochist, so even if your bite did hurt I wouldn't mind it at all. I actually enjoy it," Kurama admitted with a smirk. This made Botan blush, and that in turn made Kurama laugh at her. "You need your rest, sleep."
"…Will you stay?"
"For as long as you wish." Kurama pulled Botan into his arms, marveling at how perfectly she fit against him. Botan shoved a thick pillow under Kurama's head before making herself comfortable at his side. Her head found its way under Kurama's chin and her eyes drifted closed for the last time that night.
When Botan awoke the next day, she was shocked to discover herself within her own room and tucked into her own bed. She was alone, but it really didn't feel that way. The scent of Kurama still lingered around her, and not just in the shirt she wore, but in her sheets and soaking into her skin. Kurama had stayed with her until recently, that much was clear. She could even feel the fading warmth where Kurama once lay. But where was he now?
Botan sat up and looked around herself again, focusing her attention primarily to the side of the bed Kurama had occupied. When her eyes landed on his pillow, she couldn't help but smile as a giddy feeling fluttered within her stomach. On the pillow was a little note and over it was a single rose without its thorns. Botan bit her lip and her smile grew, she couldn't help it. She felt like she was living a scene from a romance movie, and the thought increased the number of butterflies she felt in her belly.
She lifted the rose to her nose and took several deep breaths before unfolding the note Kurama had left her:
'Dearest Botan,
Sorry to leave you before you awoke, but I thought you might want a decent dinner tonight. Besides, you deserve a treat after all you've been through. I'll bring you part of your treat when I get back, so stay in bed in the meantime. You need your rest.
Yours truly, Kurama'
Botan couldn't stop the girlish giggle from emanating from her throat. He called me his dearest, Botan beamed.
The sound of a door opening reached Botan's ears and she was on her feet in moments. She checked her appearance in her vanity mirror before she left the room in hopes of seeing Kurama as soon as she possibly could. The word 'Dearest' kept repeating itself in her head and all she wanted was to hear that word from his lips. Narrowly avoiding stubbing her toe into the door jam, Botan sped out of the room with a bright and sunny greeting already forming on her lips. Her smile fell however when she saw that the person at the door was just Maya.
Slung over one of her shoulders were a few dress bags and hanging from her arm were several more bags of varying size. She didn't even spare Botan a glance when she walked by her and dumped her purchases onto the dinning room table, followed by her purse. From her purse a flyer fell, enthralling Botan as it glided in a lazy circle onto the ground. Maya didn't seem to notice, and if she did she didn't care enough to pick it up. Instead, Maya busied herself around the kitchen to make herself lunch.
"Hi," Botan greeted belatedly, walking over to the table and lifting the page to her gaze.
"Hey," she replied with poorly feigned pleasantness. Maya didn't even want to look at the blue haired witch, knowing that if she did she would remember how her Shuichii completely ignored her. Maya would remember how he cooed over and coddled the sleeping monster, even though it had been made obvious that she was a danger to them all. She remembered how Shuichii's friends all laughed and sneered behind her back, going on and on about how he and Botan were going to be together. Maya feared, that the more she remembered, she would do something that would be entirely unladylike and out of her usual character. Why is it always her? She's not even that smart. She's a ditzy bimbo that probably doesn't know two plus two, let alone know how to hold a stimulating conversation. Maya sent Botan a frosty glare before continuing with the task at hand; her lunch.
Botan didn't chose to back away from the frigidness that engulfed Maya's aura in favor of returning to her room to wait for Kurama, taking the page with her. She closed the door behind her and walked over to her bed, hopping on and curling up where Kurama had slept. Once settled, she allowed herself to read the words the pink and lunar themed paper was stained with. "The Princess Serenity* Pageant," she read out loud. "This five day long contest will measure a contestant's talent, beauty, poise, knowledge, and personality. In so doing, the contestant is presented the opportunity to let their true shelves shine for all to see."
"You should enter," a high pitched, yet adorably feminine voice chirped.
Botan yelped and pitched herself over the edge of the bed. She landed with a solid thud on her head with her legs tangled in the sheets and preventing Botan from righting herself. Botan groaned in pain and tried to kick the covers off so she could roll over, but she just got herself more tangled. Eventually Botan gave up and shuffled a little so her position was far less painful. She then scanned the room for the owner of the voice in hopes of complaining and maybe even getting a little help out of her little predicament.
"Fool," another voice chuckled as a white flame and a silvery bubble formed in front of her. Both Hiya and Unmei materialized from the floating elements before claiming a spot at each of her shoulders and righting her position. "For a cat, you're way too clumsy."
"Shut up," Botan pouted, all the while grateful for the help. "Why do you say I should enter? It's not like I'd win."
"If the likes of that maggot has a chance of winning then you are guaranteed the crown," Hiya replied simply with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Besides, it would give your confidence a major boost," Unmei added. He turned away from Botan in order to watch Hiya flit over to the bed and claim a seat. Once situated, Unmei flew over to the other pixie and curled up onto his lap happily. Both shared a quick peck on the lips and snuggled under the bunch of covers that remained on the bed itself.
Botan watched and sighed with envy. What she wouldn't give to have that; the true and absolute love the two pixies shared for one another. To have someone accept all her flaws and love them as much as they loved her. The thought brought a smile to her lips, Kurama's face filling her mind with promises of what could be. It was strange, this feeling that she had. She knew now that what she felt for Kurama was a crush, and that the feelings she was currently feeling was born entirely from her infatuation. She didn't even realize when she made the discovery. It was as if one second she was so confused and emotional, and in the next something inside her clicked without any conscious thought. She had a crush on Kurama; A MAJOR crush.
"So are you going to enter?" Kaen lay on her stomach atop Botan's head and started to play with a strand of Botan's hair while she waited for a favorable answer. But, when she didn't receive any response at all, Kaen allowed herself to slide forward until she was able to brace her hands on the bridge of Botan's nose and look her in the eyes. "You are going to enter, right?"
"I don't see the point, so no," Botan decided without truly thinking on the subject. Besides, Botan had developed a bit of a phobia about them, especially considering that the most traumatic soul she'd ever ferried was a suicide caused by a lost pageant. The thought of placing herself under that kind of emotional strain didn't appeal to her in the least.
"But Maya's entering. What if the enemy decide to target her? Kurama won't be able to be with her at all times, so it would be for her safety," Unmei argued.
"I suppose."
"And there have been some energy fluctuations in that area, so what better way to investigate," Kaen inserted.
"I guess…"
"And doesn't your Kurama always target the 'most beautiful beings' to claim as his lovers," Hiya added with a wicked grin.
"What's that supposed to mean," Botan demanded in a huff and a blush.
"Come on, you're crush is so obvious I'm surprised he hasn't said anything about it yet." Unmei and Kaen nodded in agreement to Hiya's words, both unable to understand why someone as smart and observant as Kurama hadn't done anything about Botan's feelings yet. Especially considering that the three of them suspected that he harbored the same feelings for Botan as well. The two of them were being stupid, but what else could the pixies expect from demons. They're not always to bright when it came to matters of the heart.
"No it's not," Botan exclaimed in horror.
"Yes, it is," Hiya chucked along with the other two.
Botan knew what they said was the truth. With the way she was behaving now and how she acted last night at the club, she was almost certain that Kurama had probably realized her feelings before even she did. Botan didn't know how she felt about that. If he did know of her emotions, but hadn't said anything, that would mean that he didn't want to respond to them. It wouldn't be the first time he played ignorant for the sake of someone else's emotions. What was to stop him from doing the same to spare hers? In comparison to most Botan wasn't much of a catch, and the baggage she came with was more than any sane person would want. But what if he didn't notice her increasingly odd behavior around him?
Though Botan doubted that Kurama was that inobservant to those around him, it was possible. Botan wasn't all that interesting…unless she was trying to eat those around her. Kurama's primary focus was the restoration of their companions and everything didn't warrant his attentions. Botan didn't warrant his attentions. For all she knew, Kurama thought Botan wasn't behaving any differently than she usually does. This was the longest they'd been together so it was possible.
Maybe they're right, Botan thought. Maybe this would be a good opportunity to make Kurama notice me as someone more than just a friend. I may not be as pretty as Maya or that she-devil, but I'm not ugly. Maybe this would be good for me…
"…alright," Botan finally agreed, "but only to protect Maya." Botan didn't want to think what would happen if she were to lose, or what Kurama would think when he heard that she had entered a beauty contest considering their situation. All she wanted to think about was the fact that maybe; just maybe, she would be able to get Kurama to look at her with love and adoration.
Botan scrambled to her feet and ran over to her closet in search of the cutest outfit she could find, deciding that if she was going to do this, she would need to do it now. She pulled a pink summer dress from its hanger and was quick to shed all her cloths and pull it on. It fit a little snugly around her torso, which sent off warning bells in Botan's head about her increasing weight, but she would not let it deter her. I'll just be more careful with what I eat, Botan told herself as she pulled on a pair of white strappy sandals. The heels didn't do much for her height, and the only reason they matched was because of the color, but they would have to do. She could always go shopping later.
She left the closet and sat on the stool of her vanity in order to fuss with her hair. She didn't want to throw it up in a ponytail, like she usually would, simply because she thought that the look was tired and plain. But she didn't really have many other options. Working a brush almost violently through her hair, Botan experimented with different styles, some up, some down, some crazy, but none seemed to click with her and her needs. Botan eventually gave up and let her hair drop in favor of staring at her reflection. From the corner of her eye, Botan saw the rose Kurama left her resting undisturbed on her pillow.
Botan turned to face it and smiled, the visage of the thornless rose filling her with radiating warmth. Botan couldn't help but climb to her feet and walk over to her bed and lift the rose into her hands. She held the petals to her nose and took several deep breaths of its fragrance. She couldn't wait to see Kurama again, and part of her wanted to forget the contest if only to sit and wait for his return. But she couldn't do that. Even though her decision to try and enter the contest was motivated almost entirely by selfish reasoning, her pixies posed a legitimate point; Maya could still be in danger.
Even though there have been no attacks on her as of yet, even with her constantly being out and about in the public eye, she was still in danger. She was someone important to Kurama, and as such she was a way to get to him. Botan would not, and could not allow for anything to happen. If it meant protecting her rival from harm in order to protect Kurama, Botan would gladly do it. Resting the rose behind her ear, Botan grabbed her purse and other essentials and left her room with sure steps.
It was strange that now was the time she ran into Kurama, rather hardly. Botan felt his arm snake around her waist in order to keep her from falling backwards, crushing her to his chest and filling her with delicious heat. Botan took several deep breaths of Kurama's arousing scent, allowing the heady smell to fill her lungs and her belly. Already she could feel the affect it had on her limbs, the smell turning her arms and legs into jelly. Peeking up at him, Botan couldn't help but blush when her eyes met his.
Kurama grinned down at Botan, surprised to see her out of bed and dressed, but pleased just the same. Heat radiated from her body as her blush crawled down her neck, prompting his eyes to follow the flushed path. Kurama didn't know why she was wearing her summer dress, but he didn't really care to ask in that moment in time. He was just grateful for the vision it presented. "Going somewhere?"
"Um…I was…just gonna run an errand," Botan stammered, clinging to Kurama's chest to hold herself up.
"Now?" Kurama cocked his head to the side curiously, unsure how to take the bit of information Botan had provided. He was hoping she would stay in bed so he could coddle her some more in the privacy of her room.
"I'll be as fast as I can," Botan promised.
"Would you like for me to go with you?" Kurama didn't say that he didn't want for her to go alone. He knew Botan well enough to know that such words would not fly well. Even if his reasoning was entirely for her safety, Botan was a free and capable spirit. She didn't need him to follow her everywhere she went. But that didn't change the fact that it was dangerous out and Kurama wanted desperately to protect her.
"No, but thank you," Botan smiled sweetly.
"Alright, but hurry back so I can give you your present," Kurama requested, reminding Botan of his note.
"Can't you give it to me now?" Botan bit her lip and batted her eyes in what she hoped was a fetching manner. The thought of Kurama's gift had been nagging at the back of her mind and her curiosity demanded that she at least knew what ever it was Kurama was going to give her.
"No," Kurama chuckled
"Please," Botan pleaded, her puppy dog pout growing in its cuteness so much that she could see Kurama waver in his decision. Seeing this, she began to twirl her finger in Kurama's fore locks, something that she had wanted to do from the moment she'd met Kurama it seemed, in hopes that it would push him over the edge and give in to her wishes. Instead, Kurama's arm tightened around her waist and he lifted her up off the ground.
Lust ignited within his belly and Kurama could barely control himself, so when he lifted Botan off the ground it was with the intention to carry her off to her room to do as she asked…and then some, but he stopped himself midway. Instead he sat her on the back of the couch. Kurama couldn't help but notice how her dress hitched up without Botan's noticing, and the scent of her arousal was almost too much to bear. But bear it he did. Kurama wedged himself between her legs and dropped his arm to hold her steady even though he knew her balance was near perfect in most situations. With his other hand he reached into his back pocket, pulled out a little box for Botan to open and slid it into her hand. "You win," he grinned, his voice deeper than intended.
"Yay," Botan cheered, throwing her arms into the air in a celebratory motion. In doing so, her back arched enough to press herself more firmly against him. Botan realized her actions and dropped her arms immediately, an apology already forming on her lips. Her words died in her throat however when she saw the look of hunger within Kurama's gold rimmed emerald eyes. Her breath caught and suddenly she felt she wasn't close enough. She felt Kurama's arm tightened around her, pulling her closer until their bodies were flush against one another.
"Are you going to open it," Kurama breathed into Botan's ear. He knew the position they were in would make such a task difficult, but he couldn't bring himself to care. In his lust, he was greedy and didn't want to lose the contact he had with his Botan. Mine, Kurama's thoughts echoed hungrily.
Botan could only nod before she leaned back, her thighs clamped around Kurama's hips and pulling him closer so she could lock her ankles behind him. She could feel a hardness pressing against her dampening core, but the haziness that was taking over Botan's mind was keeping her from realizing just what it was. She removed the ribbon that held the box shut and lifted the lid to reveal a simple clip of gold and silver swirls.
Kurama smiled down at her, his eyes shining with more than just his growing lust. Pulling the rose from Botan's hair and waiting until he had Botan's undivided attention, Kurama held the flower to the clip Botan held and allowed his youki to flow from his fingertips. Both the rose and clip began to glow before they merged before Botan's very eyes. The rose itself vanished and the clip changed to include the bloom's shape in the precious metal. Traces of Kurama's youki still remained within the ornament, caressing Botan's fingers adoringly. Kurama took the clip from Botan's hand and eased it into her hair.
Once he was sure of its security, Kurama trailed his fingers through Botan's hair until his fingers came into contact with her cheek. He trailed his fingertips down her cheek, over her slightly parted lips, along her neck, to her breast, and then around her waist. Kurama then lowered his head until his lips found her temple, near where the clip rested.
Botan gasped as chills ran down her spine even as the trail Kurama's fingertips traveled set her nerve endings ablaze. She panted, struggling to control her breathing as Kurama's lips caressed the side of her head. She wanted more. She ached for more. Kurama's breath ghosted over her cheek and she felt as if she was lost. Botan was so lost, but she didn't want to be found. Botan arched her neck, tilting her face towards Kurama's in silent demanding.
Kurama knew what she wanted, and he wanted it as well. Tracing his lips along the very same trail his fingertips had traveled, Kurama found Botan's lips, but did not kiss them like they both wanted. No. He wanted to tease her a bit longer; if only to hear more of her silent mews that she was oblivious to. Their breaths mingled and Kurama could barely feel the petal softness of Botan's lips. He licked his lips sultrily, Kurama's tongue tracing along Botan's bottom lip as he did so. Mine.
"Shuichii-kun?"
*1 – In my fic, demon hearts only beat once every few days or so. But on rare (happy) occasions their hearts would flutter, usually when in contact with a loved one. The fluttering later leads to deep human-like beating when in the case of lovers and long lasting mates
*2 – Hiei's original reason to not tell Yukina his identity was because it was the price for his Jagan eye, but when Shigure (the guy that implanted the Jagan eye; defeated in the three kings saga by Kurama before his suicide) died Hiei no longer had an outside reason to not tell her.
*3 – In my fic, Mukuro has a mischievous streak in her and Hiei knows how to find it predominantly by the grin she wears.
*4 – Hiei, Kuwabara, and Yusuke were able to communicate with each other as long as their crystals were in the same room.
*5 – strong smells can sometimes be tasted, the only reason I'm placing this note is because someone said you can't taste smells. So to you person, you CAN taste smells if there strong enough.
*6 – If I don't get any guesses for this cameo I'm going to jump in a river. And just so you know, it's winter on my end.
Author's Note: Just so you know, my contest is still going and I need dresses based off of Yusuke and Kuwabara since I have none...I kinda need those, so yeah. Again, sorry for the rediculously long wait for my update. I hope you liked the chapter. Ciao!