Author's note: I hope everyone had a happy holiday! I sure did. Yule was amazing and got me the Kinect for my Xbox 360, and christmas got me my sowing machine, so YAY! The contest is kinda over...kinda. I still need dress ideas for Kuwabara and Yusuke, so if any of you, my beautiful readers wants to submit some dress ideas I'd be so happy. Well, here's the chapter. Hop you like. RnR!
"Shuichii-kun?" Both Kurama and Botan turned suddenly to face Maya and the faces of their new company. Once the two realized who the new faces belonged to, Botan and Kurama bolted apart as if stung by a volt of electricity. Botan back flipped over the couch as she did so, landing on her feet and backing as far away from Kurama and his family as possible until the backs of her knees hit the coffee table. Shiori and younger Shuichii stood behind Maya with an incredulous expressions plastered onto their faces. They were clearly not expecting that.
"Way to go onii-san!" Little Shuichii exclaimed once the shock wore off, a silly grin blooming on his face. He pumped his fist in the air, jostling his mother and Maya by his excited actions. Unlike the other two, or more importantly his stem-mother, his reaction and acceptance of the entire situation was clear as day for all to see.
In all her years as Shuichii's mother, Shiori never known her son to show interest in anyone, for any reason at all. But to see him now in such a compromising position… Shiori was more than a little torn. Part of her was ecstatic to see her son with someone, especially someone as endearing and adorable as Botan. Even with the horrible stories Maya had told her on the way up to the apartment, Shiori was quite pleased to see that someone like Botan had won her son over. But at the same time, Shiori didn't approve of how fast the relationship was unfolding in front of her. In her mind it was wrong and promised heartache when two people jumped from well hidden crushes to… Well, Shiori didn't know what to call the scene unfolding before her very eyes, but things were still going too fast for her liking.
"Mother," Kurama gasped, doing his best to make himself presentable in the eyes of his human mother. He could feel the heat of embarrassment color his cheeks and he could only imagine what his mother could be thinking.
"Minamino-san," Botan squeaked, red faced. Thinking about what was in her best interest, Botan did the decidedly smart thing. She uttered a quick farewell and she was out the door in a flash, leaving Kurama to deal with the mess that mainly he was responsible for. That's what you get for being a tease, she thought as she shot him an impish look before rounding the corner.
"Botan," Kurama grumbled, not because she left him with that current mess, but because she left him with another problem altogether that only she could fix; or rather, a problem that he would allow only her to fix.
"So…are you and Botan dating now?" The way Shiori said it made Kurama unsure of Shiori's feelings on the matter. Kurama could see that deep down his human mother approved of her, as he thought she would if previous conversations about Botan were any indication. But there was something bothering her as well. Fortunately Kurama was exceptionally bright; he figured that Shiori hadn't completely understood that he wasn't twenty years old. She was probably worried about him rushing into romances and getting his heart broken or some such rubbish. Kurama loved his human mother dearly, but this: her reaction to his…love life was going to prove to be a problem. It looks like a sit down was in order. But first, how to answer her question.
He didn't really know how to answer. He had taken Botan out on what humans would consider dates. He'd taken her to a ball, a club, and a temple, but they were all missions. Sure there was some fun involved, and he would be more than happy to take Botan out to such events again…if there wasn't work involved. But that was all by human standards. Kurama really wanted to say yes, because he would be far beyond thrilled if that were the case.
However, by demon standards, Botan was pretty much his. His scent was all over her and hers on him. If any demon were to pass by they would say as such. They belonged to each other. Though he didn't realize it in the beginning, Kurama had been laying his claim on her for a long time. He did not know when he had started to mark Botan as his own, but it was clear to him that it had been longer than the current events have been taking place. All he had to do to make his claim permanent would be to mate with her. Such a thing he could not do however simply because he could not have sex with her. Not only was she not ready for such intimacies, but her scar would make such an act unbearably painful for her.
Even still, Kurama had only recently started courting Botan, so her choice in the matter has yet to be made. He knew she wanted him, just as he wanted her, but he feared she would be swayed into the arms of another if he did not act soon. There were many who have shown interest in Botan, and Kurama could only count himself lucky that Botan hasn't noticed the hungry leers sent in her direction. Even the few demons and non-humans they have passed* haven't been completely deterred by him and his obvious intent to claim her. That is, if she wanted him in that way.
Lust and love were two completely different things. Though Kurama didn't know if what he felt was love, he knew that it could not be described by simple lust. He cared for Botan. He cared for her a great deal. He also knew that he never felt this way for anyone, not his past lovers or companions, not anyone. Though he feared using the word to label his feelings, Kurama didn't know how else to describe it. Part of Kurama feared that word and all that came with it, as he always has, but the rest of him was at peace with the startling realization: he was falling in love with Botan. But when did this happen? Kurama asked himself, feeling his heart beat escalate and the rest of his mind go blank save for the image of Botan in his arms. It really didn't matter, the more he thought about it. Kuronue must be rolling in his grave right about now…either that or laughing at me from whatever hell he'd been sent too.
Shiori watched her son with a calculative gleam in her eye. Why wasn't he answering her question? She could tell he'd worked it out in his head, if the peaceful half smile and the brightness of his eyes was anything to go by. But did that mean he finally found himself a proper girlfriend, or did it mean something else. She knew he was a demon, she had accepted that the night that he told her. But even though she knew what Shuichii was, she really didn't know what such a thing entailed. Did demons have different courtship rituals compared to humans? Did they court at all? Did demons even feel love, be it the love of companionship, family, or any other form?
"What were you doing with her?" Maya questioned darkly, trying to find any explanation that could explain what she just saw away. She refused to accept that her Shuichii was making out with that trollop. She was a monster, a danger to them all, so why did he insist on pursuing Botan? What was it about that tramp that made her so irresistible to Shuichii? It couldn't be her looks, because according to the judges at the auditions, she was the most adorable and talented girl they had seen so far. That hussy wasn't smart either, so there was nothing there to serve as a lure. What does that blue haired witch have that I don't?
Kurama decided to take a route similar to Botan and just walked away. Picking up the groceries as he did so, Kurama made his way into the kitchen and placed his purchases onto the counter. "The television remote is on the coffee table, help yourself," Kurama said as an afterthought.
"Cool," little Shuichii beamed, hopping over the back of the couch and grabbing the said device. Within moments he found some random action cartoon and the earlier incident was erased from his mind. At least it was for the time being.
Kurama knew that as soon as his human mother and Maya were out of sight, little Shuichii was going to grill him with an intensity (and awkwardness) that would most likely rival Shiori. At that thought, Kurama turned to his mother and saw that she was claiming a stool behind the counter so she could look into the kitchen without getting in the way. Her gaze was steady and expectant, if not a little critical. Kurama really hoped he'd be able to handle the questions sent his way, diverting them as best as he could until Maya left. Though he had no interest in her at all, Kurama preferred to deal with her at another time, preferably when he didn't need her as bait.* Why do the fallen think I want her anyway? Kurama thought darkly.
"So, where's Hatanaka-gifu?" Kurama asked, washing his hands thoroughly and refusing to meet his mother's gaze. He was still a little embarrassed by the fact that he was caught by his mother and step-brother, but not by much. In his long years of life this wasn't the first time he'd been caught by a parent, though they usually weren't his. He just hoped that his mother's image of him hadn't changed too drastically.
"He's back at the house," Shiori answered simply, almost coldly.
"Is something wrong?" Kurama didn't like the way Shiori spoke, hearing the pain and heartache within her voice. Finally, Kurama took the time to look at her and was appalled to discover the puffiness around her eyes, covered by thick layers of make-up. Her eyes were lined with black in a futile attempt to hide the pink. Here cheeks were overly and unevenly powdered. Here nose was glaring red under her concealer. Everything about Shiori drooped with misery, but the mask she wore had fooled all, even him for a moment.
"What did he do?" Kurama's voice dropped low and took a threatening edge. If that man harmed so much as a hair on her…
"We're…we're getting a divorce," Shiori explained solemnly.
"What? Why? Is it…is it because of me?" Shiori flinched at Kurama's words, proving Kurama's words true even as the lies were already forming on his human mother's lips.
"It's not you're fault baby," Shiori cooed in hopes of alleviating the guilt from her son's eyes. "He and I have been having issues for a while now."
"Please don't lie to me mother," Kurama requested, bracing his arms against the counter and dropping his head. "He's leaving you because of me; because of what I am."
"No. Baby, no," Shiori pressed, reaching out to place her hand on Kurama's head.
Kurama leaned forward instinctively, allowing his mother to comfort him by massaging his scalp and running her fingers through his hair. It was his fault. What other reason could there be. "If I hadn't…If it weren't for me the both of you would be living happily. You wouldn't have to suffer through all this," Kurama continued morosely. Again he was responsible for robbing his mother of her happiness.
"Baby, I left him." Shiori's hand dropped to Kurama's shoulder when his head shot up. Pure shock was evident within his golden eyes. Then there was confusion as Kurama's mind raced to find a logical explanation as to why Shiori would leave the man that she loved.
"Why?" Kurama couldn't help feeling like a child in that moment, clinging to his mother's every word as if they were his lifeline. All these questions and false theories circled in his head within a vortex of guilt. It had to be his fault; there could be no other reason.
"He wanted me to abandon you. He would go on and on about how this was all your fault, and how you were a danger to us all; a danger to me. He told me to leave you, or he leaves. I chose you," Shiori explained simply with a steady voice.
"But mother, I-"
"You are my son, my baby, and I love you. I love you more than anything. The choice was easy. But that's enough about me. I know you're trying to distract me from what happened." Shiori smiled and arched an eyebrow. There were some tears that still lingered within her eyes, waiting for the cover of night and darkness to be shed, but there was also strength born from a mother's conviction.
Respecting his mother's unspoken wishes to drop the topic, for the time being, Kurama bit his lip and looked away. He scratched the back of his head and thought back to the question his mother posed after she caught him and Botan. He still didn't know how to answer, but he was grateful for the change in topic just the same. The very thought of Botan and her sweet smile lifted the feelings of misery and self loathing and filled him with warmth and happiness.
'That's a look I never thought I'd see," Shiori sighed happily.
Kurama blushed, deciding to keep himself busy to alleviate the slight awkwardness of having this conversation with his mother while under the ever watchful eyes of the nosy Maya and even nosier Shuichii. "What look?" Kurama attempted to feign ignorance, but his mother seemed to be an expert on him and clearly saw through the act.
"You're how old? I'm sure you know what I'm talking about," Shiori pressed, watching her son pull out a chopping board and a knife. He placed several washed vegetables to the side, putting a few on the chopping board before he started to slice through them quickly and efficiently. The even slices were then scraped into a bowl to be dealt with later. Now his attention was solely on chopping.
"I'm four thousand years old, and yes I know what you're talking about," Kurama admitted. "But I don't really know why. Botan is…I don't know."
"You really like her, don't you?" Shiori couldn't help it, her smile grew until her cheeks hurt and she couldn't do anything about it. Her son had it bad. Pure euphoria bloomed within her heart, chasing away her misery like the light that chased away shadows. Her son had finally fallen.
Kurama nodded in admittance, unsure how to proceed with the conversation. He finished chopping the vegetables and pushed the bowl aside. He then placed a large saucepan onto the stove and set the electric burner's dial to the middle. While he waited for the pan to heat up, Kurama grabbed a tub that he had set aside and opened it to scoop out about two cups worth of white miso into it. He then put it away and pulled out an unopened bottle of sake. He uncorked it easily before taking a swig straight from the bottle. Kurama ignored the face his mother made in favor of pouring some of it into the pan over the miso. As he did this, his free hand reached for a spoon and he started to stir the two ingredients together without much thought to his actions. He took another swig of the cooking sake and placed it to the side for later use.
"You must like her a lot if you're willing to cook for her," Shiori noted, eyeing the alcohol but deciding not to say anything against it since her son was legally of age.
"Actually, it's his turn to cook," Maya interjected suddenly, scooting her stool closer to Shiori.
Shiori arched her eyebrow again at her son, knowing more than anyone that Kurama hated cooking. She remembered how he always tried to weasel out of it while she was teaching him. He could cook; really well when he put his mind to it, but it was clear he hated it. Shiori suspected her son would eat things raw if he could. He only cooked when he absolutely had to, and even then he sometimes didn't. He only started cooking regularly when little Shuichii joined the family and started to rely on him since both she and Hatanaka had to work a lot more due to their increasing expenses.
Kurama looked away again as another blush painted his cheeks. He loathed cooking, but when Botan said that they would all have to take turns with the task the thought of arguing against it never crossed his mind. Though he wouldn't admit it out loud, Kurama actually enjoyed cooking for Botan.
"Botan made the rule, didn't she?" Shiori's answer came in the form of her Shuichii stirring faster and pulling a bottle of mirin from the pantry, taking a swig from the sweet cooking wine, and dumping it into the pan before almost slamming it down next to the sake. Her grin grew at her son's guilty behavior. She watched him grab the sugar and sift some into the pan before putting it away. Her lips peeled back, showing her teeth as her grin grew even more. If she guessed correctly what her son was making, Shiori knew that Shuichii was going to have to turn and face her to get the water.*
Was it wrong that she wanted to watch her cool, calm, and collected son squirm? Was it wrong that she wanted him to know that she knew how wrapped around Botan's pinky he was? It probably was, but Shiori couldn't bring herself to care. All those years of waiting for her son to show interest in someone so she could embarrass him like all mothers love to do. All those years of looking for anything and everything she could use against him, from baby pictures of his perfect little bottom, to the rare, but funny little accidents have finally come to an end. Finally after twenty years of fruitless collecting, she can finally use it. Sweet justice, it felt so good!
Kurama knew he was trapped. He knew exactly what his mother was doing too. Fortunately, his demon mother liked to do the same thing to him, and even though it had been a long time since, Kurama still knew how to rob her of her satisfaction. The goal was to see the affect, and Kurama would be damned before he let his mother see exactly how pussy whooped he was by Botan. He'd be damned before he let anyone see; it was one thing to receive this kind of torture from his mother, but his friends would be relentless with their teasing.
Kurama opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. He could feel his mother steaming behind him at his robbery and he couldn't help but smirk at his little victory. He poured about half of the bottle in and drank the rest, washing away the thick sweetness of the mirin. Feeling particularly bratty then, Kurama started to hum a happy little ditty that wouldn't drive him insane by the mere thought and took another swig of the sake.
Shiori pouted at her son's back, knowing that he had won that challenge. But there would be plenty more. She was a mom, as such she was gifted with quite a bit of patience.*
Botan was still feeling kind of bad for leaving Kurama alone to deal everyone, but not enough to put her plans on hold to deal with this contest. It was probably for the best that everyone came when they did because Botan had a sinking suspicion that Kurama would have found a way to keep her in the apartment. Most likely in a way that Botan knew she'd have no power to deny. She could still feel the heat of his body against hers, leaving her full of wanting.
Botan stalled in her walk and looked back, tempted to head back home in hopes that she could get that kiss she was sure Kurama would have given her. She sighed then and continued on her way. She told herself she was going to enter the contest, and she was going to. With the pamphlet in hand, Botan continued on her way and eventually found the grand hotel the auditions were being held in. Biting her lip, Botan checked her reflection in the window and gave her hair a quick fluff. Here goes nothing. Botan breathed before entering the hotel and walked over to the reception desk with what she hoped was a confident stride.
"You're here for the beauty contest auditions?" The busty blonde receptionist inquired before Botan had a chance to speak. Botan just nodded dumbly and the receptionist pointed to closed double doors to Botan's left.
"Thank you," Botan bowed. She took several more calming breaths before heading to the doors and opening one wide enough for her to slip into discreetly.
Against the wall was a long line of chairs, all facing the opposite wall. Most of the chairs were empty, but there were a few beauties seated primly upon the chair's cushions. All of them wore buttons proclaiming their names and entry numbers, and all of them were dressed extravagantly in expensive dresses and suits. All the remaining contestants were staring at the only door on the wall across from them. It was a tall and imposing set of double doors that made the pair behind Botan seem tiny by comparison.
Botan gulped and instantly felt underdressed. Regretting her decision, Botan turned to head home. Maya would be fine without her and Botan was sure Kurama would swoop in and rescue her should anything happen. But before Botan could reach for the handle, a woman that had been previously unseen was there holding out a button for Botan to wear and a permanent marker in on hand and in the other a clipboard and pen.
"Fill these out please and write your name on the button please." The woman sounded so bored that it was infectious. When she yawned, Botan and the nearest three contestants yawned as well. Once Botan accepted the items, the woman pushed her cropped black hair behind her ear and sashayed back to her corner where a lone seat and her book lay in wait. "Hand the clipboard back to me as soon as you're finished," she waved over her shoulder.
"Okay, thank you." Botan watched the woman for a moment longer before claiming a seat that was both far from the droll woman and the other contestants alike. Eyeing the first of many pages, Botan visibly paled. A lot of the information the pages asked for she didn't have, so she couldn't give. She didn't even have a surname. Without even realizing it, Botan was pulling out her compact communicator with the intent to call Kurama and have him give her a hand with the pages. Stopping herself mid motion, Botan looked up to scan the faces around her, none of which were even sparing her a glance. Why would they? Compared to them, Botan was much to plain to count for anything.
I knew this was a bad idea… Botan thought fretfully. I don't have a family. I don't even remember my birthday. How old am I anyway? Botan struggled to fight back the panic by breathing deeply and slowly. She could do this. She must have had someone to call her family in the past. Try as she might to think otherwise, the only family she had was Yuri. Wasn't there anyone who cared for her; who treated her like a person and not a possession or curse? No, there isn't. I am the demon spawn of Bright Eyes…my father... He must have loved me. He and my mother must have. No, I know they did. My parents loved me before they even knew me.
Botan fought the tears as her hand wrote the appropriate characters on its own: Meibo. Pride filled her heart when she looked down at her father's name. What she wouldn't give to meet him, if only just once; him and her mother. Botan sniffed and wiped her eyes before she continued on to the next issue. Her date of birth was another issue entirely. She doubted that anyone would really believe how old she was. Okay, I'm three thousand and fifteen years old. I was born in the spring. I died around my fifteenth birthday…what did my ID say? Botan fished the said item from her back and noted how it said she was twenty. It also said her birthday was March 14, so Botan decided to go with that. She didn't know why Shizuru gave her that birthday, but she figured she'd never find out.* The rest of the forms were easy to fill out with easily backed lies and fibs. Botan even named Genkai and Atsuko* as her references, knowing that they would back her lie without batting an eyelash.
Once finished, Botan wrote her name on the button and walked over to the woman in the corner to hand the information off and the marker off. Botan then returned to her seat and fastened the pin of the button to her dress. Botan then settled herself to look around the hall in hopes of finding some form of entertainment. None of the girls even met her eyes, to preoccupied with their own worries and growing insecurities. They had been waiting for so long and the time spent was eating away at them, that much was plain to see.
"Meibo-san," the woman called.
Botan almost didn't answer, but when she realized that the woman was addressing her she stood. Botan walked over to the woman nervously, worried that she might have put something wrong or worse, she had been found out. "Is something wrong?" Botan stammered nervously.
"Nothing's wrong dear, I just wanted to know if you had photo to go with your form." The woman found herself smiling at Botan in what she hoped was a soothing gesture. The girls were strung up as it was, the woman would feel terrible if she placed any more stress on one of the contestants.
Botan blushed and shook her head in the negative. She didn't say anything, fearing that if she admitted to joining the contest last minute she would upset someone. Botan dropped her gaze demurely, staring at her toes and wishing she had the time to paint them. She just felt so plain compared to all the extravagantly dressed young women.
"That's fine, just stand there and give me a smile," the woman offered, pulling a camera from her hidden purse. Sensing that Botan wasn't all that comfortable, the woman chose to hold off on taking Botan's picture in favor of giving her some advice. "Try thinking about a happy memory, the happiest one you can think of. I'll take care of the rest."
Botan thought for a moment. Ever since she met Yusuke, she had so many memories to choose from. It really was a matter of picking one, but her mind skimmed over them all until the event from earlier that day entered her mind. It wasn't even so much the near kiss as it was the fact that Kurama had thought about her. He had stayed with her, soothed her nerves and laid her fears to rest. He held her. He coddled her when she needed it most. He treated her like more than a true friend. He made her feel special, if only for a day. Her heart was still singing from his actions and she couldn't help but smile. If only the two of them had a chance to form the relationship she wished for. If only…
"That'll be all sweetie, you just wait here while I give the judges the information and your photo." The woman just skipped into the room that all the other contestants had been staring at, grateful to actually be doing something other than reread her romance novel for the fiftieth time.
Botan merely shrugged and reclaimed her seat. Reaching into her purse, Botan started to tinker away at some spirit detective gadget that Yusuke would most likely never use. Who knows, maybe she could get Kurama to use it. With that thought Botan attacked the ring with a renewed vigor.
So engrossed was she in her work, Botan didn't even realize the dwindling amount of contestants within the room until finally her name was called. Botan was startled into alertness, jumping to her feet with her hands balled into fists. When she realized what she was doing and what was going on, Botan blushed and apologized profusely. Picking up her things and storing them away in her purse. Botan then entered the room.
As it turned out, it was one of the hotel's smaller ballrooms that was being used as the audition's location. At the edge of the dance floor was a long table at which sat five people. Four of which were human, one of which was not. He was a demon, or at least he felt like one. Botan schooled her features in hopes that the demon would not realize that she knew what he was, or thought he was. Botan new that there were demons that made Ningenkai their home, and he was most likely one of them so she shouldn't be so concerned, but at the same time she should be. The demon was obviously masking his youki, and yet the amount that seeped through the barrier sent a shiver of anxiety down her back. He was dangerous, that much was certain, but to who.
The demon in question pushed his long blonde hair behind his ears, the almost luminous strands of gold catching the light in a marvelous display that augmented his natural beauty. Deep sapphires looked at her, filled with untold secrets and veiled with mirth. The muscles of his powerful bare arms flexed as he pulled his hair into a ponytail, exposing the dimples in his cheeks born from his infectious smile. He wore a simple black tank top, which was strange considering the formal business attire of his colleagues. From what Botan could see of the man's long muscular legs, she could tell that he wore leather pants designed specifically for him. Behind him the matching leather jacket was strewn over the back of his seat.
He truly was beautiful, more so than many Botan had seen in her life. The man could give Adonis a run for his money, and she should know since she's met the demigod in person. Botan flushed nervously, unsure how to handle the man. His power was undeniable and terrifying, but his eyes were kind and mischievous.
"So, Meibo Botan," the man began, his voice like warm liquid honey, "I must say, you're hair is quite an interesting shade, and yet I find myself believing that it's natural. Is it?"
"Um, yes," Botan stuttered, wringing her fingers together nervously. She was at a loss. Should she be afraid of this man or not?
"I find that hard to believe," one of the two female judges admitted, her gaze shrewd and cold. Her hair, brunette and pulled into a tight and elaborate coil atop her head, made her sharp features stand out and gave her a harsh appearance. "But interesting dye jobs aside, tell us about yourself."
"Um…what do you want to know?" Botan was nervous, that much was certain, but this time for a different reason. No one had ever asked her to talk about herself, and she feared that she would give too much, too little, or the wrong kind of information.
"For starters, what do you like to do for your free time?" The other woman, an exotic dark skinned beauty questioned with a bright and loving smile. Botan was instantly endeared to the woman and flashed her one of her signature smiles in return.
"I love to make trinkets and gadgets, like jewelry and stuff. I also dabble in sowing and cars." Botan blushed at the last bit, her surprised she admitted to such a thing.
"Interesting mix," the woman chuckled. "What about you're schooling; what's your favorite subject?"
"I love history." Botan answered honestly after a short pause. "I also enjoy literature and theology." The last part was somewhat a lie, since knowing about the gods was technically work related and confusing on some days, but it wasn't all bad.
"Is that so? What do you think of religion today?" The golden man, for that was the only way Botan could describe him.
"It's hard to say," Botan admitted. She never really gave much thought to her own opinions about human's and their religious selves. Her main priority had been the gods, not how they were worshipped. "I never really thought about it."
"Of course not, it's your job. Why would you want to think about work?" Botan gasped and jerked to alertness, her eyes darting around herself in search of the source of the voice. Yusuke…? She heard him, but she couldn't see him or feel him anywhere.
"Hey!" another familiar voice added almost indignantly. "I'm here too! Don't you sense us?" Kuwabara's voice asked, sounding from everywhere and nowhere at once.
"Of course not, duh! We're in a magic box. She probably can't even hear us." Yusuke's voice shouted in reprimand.
"In a box…where?" Botan sent out telepathically in hopes that the two could hear her over their squabbling. All the while Botan's lips moved on autopilot, answering the questions of the judges with feigned sunniness. And Koenma said talking whiles spacing was a bad habit. Hah! Multitasking for the win!
"So you can hear us. What the hell are you doing here?" Yusuke bellowed in exasperation.
"Looking after Maya, she's still a target…right?" Botan found herself asking.
"They forgot about her ages ago," Yusuke informed. "They figured out that Kurama didn't care about her in that way when he started to use her as a lure in hopes of catching one of the fallen."
"He's been doing WHAT now?" Botan's eyes were alight with anger even as her smile stayed, her lips stating her favorite colors without her even hearing the question.
"Uh…nothing!" Yusuke said while Kuwabara grumbled about immorality or some such thing. "The point is that this contest thing is a waste of time! I have a wedding to plan and I can't do that locked in a box with Kuwabara!"
"You're finally going to go through with marrying Keiko? Congratulations! When are you planning the big day?"
"Keiko wants a fall wedding, but I'm leaning more towards spring in hopes of avoiding mating season but- hey! That's beside the point! Get me out of here!"
"uh…wouldn't it be better for Botan to stay in the contest?" Kuwabara offered, interrupting Yusuke's long string of swears and profanities. "She'll be able to look for us without people asking questions."
"…I want to hit you right now." Yusuke grumbled, seeing the validity of Kuwabara's statement. "Don't you dare lose Botan. If you're doing this, you're doing it for the win. If I find out that you lost, I'm sending Keiko to kick your ass."
"Right." Determination flashed within Botan's eyes as a new drive filled her. She would do Yusuke and Kuwabara proud. She was going to find the box they were trapped in and she was going to win this contest. She was already part way done, her first suspect was already in sight. Botan glanced at the beautiful man, searching him and his aura for any sign of her friends' energy signatures or a way to this box the two kept talking about. She could faintly see the residue of Yusuke's soul on the man's hands, but it was nowhere near enough evidence to place him as her tantei's captor. For all she knew, he could have touched the box without even realizing it. Just because he wasn't human didn't mean he was guilty.
"Well, Meibo-san, we look forward to seeing more of you. Congratulations, you are our final contestant," the man grinned.
Botan gasped in shock, finding it hard to believe that the audition was so easy. She wasn't even aware most of the time. Botan stammered a quick but honest 'thank you' as she bowed before she waved and left the hotel. Ducking into the nearest deserted alley, Botan summoned her oar and mounted it. She couldn't wait to get back home and tell Kurama the good news. She found Yusuke and Kuwabara, or rather parts of them. Either way, Botan was so pleased with herself that she almost forgot to place a glamour onto herself before flying off towards her apartment.
Hungry eyes watched Botan ascend into the air, filled with dark and wicked promises. While another pair watched for another reason entirely.
Kurama was just pulling the baked tuna from the oven when he felt Botan's aura approaching the home he shared with her. He was quick to place the dish onto the dinning room table and rush to the door in time to open it for Botan. Though he wouldn't say it, he had been worried about Botan since she had been gone for a few hours. The sun had already started to set and some of the nearby demons had started their prowl for potential mates and meals.
"You are in big trouble," was the first thing from Botan's lips as she jabbed his chest with her index finger. Then, quick as a flash, she fisted the front of Kurama's shirt and yanked him outside. Once the door was closed, Botan chose to elaborate on her statement. "You've been using Maya as bait! How could you be so cruel?"
Kurama was at a loss for what to say, completely bewildered by the sudden fire in Botan's eye. He wasn't going to lie and say he didn't enjoy the look. He was rather turned on by it if he wanted to be completely honest, but that really wasn't helping his situation. He needed to think. How the heck did she figure out his ploy? No one had the slightest idea about the fact. "How did you…?"
"Yusuke told me," Botan answered with an angry pout.
"Hang on, what? Where were you?" Kurama demanded urgently, his worry increasing. The only way she would be able to find him would be if she was close to one of their enemies. "Are you alright?" Kurama asked as he searched her for any sign of injury, fearing that she had been attacked during her mysterious errand.
"I'm fine. I was auditioning for some beauty contest so I could look after Maya since she entered too. While I auditioned I heard Yusuke and Kuwabara. I couldn't find them because they're in some box that keeps me from sensing them, but that doesn't change the fact that I found them."
Kurama sighed in his relief to know that Botan was unharmed. He caressed her cheek and rested his hands on Botan's shoulders, needing the physical contact. "Why did they tell you about my ploy?"
Botan's anger evaporated at Kurama's concern for her well being. What was it about him that made being angry with him so hard? "I told him why I was entering the contest when he told me that the fallen had forgotten about her when they realized your plan."
"I see. When is this pageant?"
"It's in a few days," Botan replied, shivering as a gust of wind blew passed them.
"Is there anything I can do until then?" Kurama asked, pulling Botan closer to his form to share his body heat.
"No, not really, but I'll need your help to poke around since I'm not the greatest at it…and…" Botan let the sentence hang, biting her lip nervously.
"I'll show you a few tricks after dinner," Kurama promised.
"Thank you," Botan blushed, not knowing what else to say. Both just stood there in silence for a moment longer, both unsure of themselves and what to do. Both felt as if they had to do something, but what was a complete mystery to them.
"Why don't we head inside? You don't want to catch a chill." Before Kurama could reach the door and open it for her, a sudden thought came to mind, prompting him to turn on his heel and return his attention onto Botan. "Before I forget…"
"Forget what?" Botan froze when she saw Kurama's face descend onto her own and instinctively she closed her eyes as anticipation took hold of her. His lips found her cheek in an open mouthed kiss before trailing his lips towards her ear, pressing feather soft kisses as he went. When he reached the shell of her ear, he caught it between his teeth and tugged gently. Kurama couldn't fight the smirk that tugged at his lips when Botan's faint moan reached his ears and her hands clutched at his shoulders. He pressed his lips to where her jaw met her neck, laving it with his tongue and suckling. Kurama gave her neck a few nips in between his licks and sucks until the sounds of Botan's mews became too much for Kurama to handle and still be in complete control.
"That's what you get for ditching me," Kurama breathed into Botan's ear. He then began trailing his lips along her jaw line, stopping at the corner of Botan's mouth before pulling away with a deliciously wicked grin. The grin only grew when Botan whined her dissatisfaction. He turned again and opened the door for Botan, waiting patiently for her to snap out of her daze.
When she did, Botan blushed profusely before giving his shoulder a hard smack. "Tease!" Botan cried indignantly. She gave into her impulse and smacked him again when Kurama started laughing at her displeasure. Three more smacks in and several more laughs at her expense, Botan finally caught an alluring scent that wafted from the house. She could have purred when she realized what it was. Tuna!
"I hope you like the dinner I made. I figured you deserved a treat for all that you've gone through." There was an edge of nervousness in Kurama's voice as he said this. Kurama wasn't a bad cook, but he wasn't the best either. It was strange too, the need to impress her with his culinary skills. The need to provide for her seemed to grow with every passing day. He knew it was something that males did for their mates; providing them with food and other needs. But it was something he'd never done before. He'd always thought that such mating rituals did not apply to him, but there he was, cooking for Botan what he knew to be one of her favorite things.
"You're a dream." Botan cooed, stepping onto her tippy toes and pressing a kiss onto his cheek. She was too happy to care that she did such a thing in front of the ever watching Shiori and the increasingly nosy Shuichii. She just skipped inside and claimed her seat next to Kurama's and across from Maya's. Fortunately Maya wasn't there to see her actions, though Botan had a feeling she wouldn't have cared if she did. Where is she anyway?
Botan's answer came in the form of hurried footsteps and a slamming door coming from the direction of Maya's room. Said girl exited the room with a merry expression on her face and her cell phone in hand. She had just gotten a call from the pageant committee and she was going to be in it. She couldn't help but be ecstatic for her small victory. She had been so worried about it for the better part of the day. Sure she had bought the dresses already and had them altered weeks ago, but that was something all the contestants had to do. She didn't have the guarantee that she'd get in and the prospect of spending all that money on her dresses for nothing had been looming over her head for a while now.
"What's got you so happy?" little Shuichii found himself asking, even though he was more interested in the fact that Kurama was actually serving dinner instead of calling from the kitchen 'come help yourself.' Man, Botan-chan has got onii-san whooped. Shuichii didn't know how he felt about that thought. Wasn't it supposed to be Botan cooking for and serving Kurama? Maybe demons do things differently…I guess if it'll land me someone as hot and nice as Botan maybe I should try things that way…
"I'm going to be in the Princess Serenity Pageant," Maya sang happily, claiming her seat and waiting expectantly for the words of praise and congratulations that were sure to be sent her way.
"Wow," Shiori breathed, truly glad for the girl and her accomplishment.
"I thought you were in already," Botan blurted with her head cocked to the side. Maya shot her a questioning glance, unsure as to why Botan would say such a thing, let alone how she knew. "Well, you see, I saw the dress bags and stuff. I just assumed that…" Botan suddenly felt sheepish and guilty. She knew that Maya was going to be angry to know that Botan was entering the contest as well, that's why Botan had planned not to say anything until the day of when everything was said and done. Leave it to her big mouth to bring that plan to a screeching halt and add more drama into her life
"Why would you think I was already in?" Suspicion was thick in Maya's voice and her eyes narrowed into a glare.
"Um…I uh…" Botan floundered in search for something to say, but nothing smart came to mind. Several stupid things started to form on her lips, but that was around the time Botan decided to fill her mouth with her delicious dinner. She didn't allow for her mouth to be empty, knowing that the moment it was she was going to say the worst possible thing.
"You don't have anything to be ashamed of," Kurama offered Botan, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "You only did it to protect Maya since she's still a target."
Botan gave Kurama a look for a fraction of a second before smiling her thanks. "I kinda entered the contest so I could stay near you and keep you safe," Botan explained. What Maya doesn't know won't hurt me.
"What?" Maya hissed, trying her best to hide her absolute fury over the matter. Why couldn't things just go her way for once? What was worse was she couldn't be angry about it without coming across as a spoiled and selfish prima-donna. I really hate her.
"You're still in danger, so I entered. I guess since I was the last entry they told me that I was in the pageant right then," Botan continued.
"Oh, how nice for you," Maya smiled, feigning happiness at the event. This was supposed to be her victory, not Botan's. No one passed an audition on the spot, no one. At least, Maya didn't think so. "So, do you have your dresses already?" Maya tried to keep her voice civil, wanting to show that she was supportive of her rival if only to impress Shuichii and his mother. However, deep down Maya was seething. Why is everything going her way? I can't stand her! I just wish she'd just disappear!
"Now that you mention it…I really don't have anything. But I'm sure I'll be able to find something and them in time." Botan cocked her head to the side and scratched the back of her head, trying to look as harmless as possible even though she knew it was a moot point. Ooh, Maya really hates me now… Botan winced. She could literally see the darkness of rage and envy seeping up from Maya's pores, wrapping her in a veil of shadow. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
Botan decided from then on to remain silent for the rest of the night. She didn't want to rock the boat any further. So instead, Botan ate, and ate, and ate. Three helpings in, Botan realized that conversation had resumed between Kurama and his family. The three of them were discussing plans of action since the contest spanned the entirety of a week and the contestants had to stay at the hotel. Since both Shiori and little Shuichii wanted to go and show their support, the cost of the hotel rooms was going to be somewhat of an issue. Botan and Maya were already paid for, as part of the pageant, but everyone else was another issue entirely since it was a five star luxury hotel.
"Are you sure Hatanaka is alright with you staying with us? I wouldn't want for you to get in trouble," Kurama asked of his younger step-brother, giving rise to Botan's curiosity.
"Of course he'll be fine with it," little Shuichii fibbed. "He let me come here, didn't he?" The truth was, little Shuichii had told his father off when he heard about the ultimatum his father gave Shiori. Little Shuichii loved his step-mother as if she were his real mother. Little Shuichii had also grown to love his step-brother. Because of this, no matter what horrible things his father said about Kurama, Shuichii didn't want for Kurama to go away. He didn't want for Shiori or Kurama to leave his life since they were some of the best things to happen to him in a long time.
When his dad gave Shiori her choice Shuichii was stunned, having been a present witness to the entire argument. He could still see and hear the fight that had taken place that morning, and whenever he had a moment to think it would play out within his mind like some sick scene repeating over and over again:
"Either he goes, or I go," Hatanaka bellowed at his wife, face red with fury.
"But he's my son," Shiori shot back violently, no longer the sweet and timid woman that little Shuichii or Hatanaka had known; in her place stood a terrifying entity of rage and indignation. Angry tears cascaded down her face and her voice cracked with raw emotion. How dare this man order her to abandon her only child? How dare he expect for her to erase him from her life and continue on as if her son never existed?
"He's a demon! He's dangerous and it's only a matter of time before he turns on us. You've seen him!" Hatanaka approached Shiori, towering over her in hopes of cowing her into submission.
"I don't care what he is!" Shiori snapped, shoving her husband back with enough force to make him stumble. "He could be the devil himself and I wouldn't care! He's my son; mine! If you can't accept that then fine. I choose him. I'll always choose him." Turning sharply on her heel Shiori slung her purse onto her shoulder and stormed out of the house.
"'kaa-san!" Shuichii called after her, no longer able to remain silent and addressing her as he would his real mother. He didn't want her to go. He didn't want to lose another mom.
"Shuichii, that's enough!" Hatanaka snapped, turning his back to the door and his son, anger giving way to his sorrow.
"No! What if the monsters try to hurt her? We can't let her go out alone!" Shuichii argued vehemently.
"She made her choice; I won't let you make the same mistake." Hatanaka barked, incensed by the fact that his wife and son wouldn't see reason. Shuichii, no, Kurama was dangerous. He was only going to get them all killed if he didn't do it himself.
"Well too bad. Just because you hate onii-san doesn't mean that I do. You're just using this demon thing as an excuse. You've always hated him and now's your chance to get rid of him. But I won't let that happen. You already robbed me of one family; I won't let you rob me of another!" With that, Shuichii grabbed his cell phone and keys before running out in hopes of catching up with Shiori.
He was the one to make the call to the apartment, and when Maya answered he was the one to let her know that they were on the way there. The two hopped on the next available train and that was the end of that. His father had yet to call him and demand his return, so that either meant he accepted Shuichii's departure, or he didn't care. That was all fine for Shuichii though, as long as his dad didn't say anything then Shuichii was free to do as he pleased. That included staying with Kurama.
"As long as he's alright with it," Kurama decided, accepting the lie for the time being. He could always interrogate his step-brother later. Pushing his plate aside, Kurama checked to see that Botan had finally finished eating. She was still giving the last of the tuna the eye, but she was making no move to eat it. It was clear that she liked the meal that he had prepared, and Kurama was beyond thrilled by this fact. "Botan, when you're finished would you like to join me for a brief training session?"
"Oh, yes!" Botan exclaimed, dropping her chopsticks and nodding enthusiastically. "We can go to the second floor of our warehouse. Can we go now?" Anymore glares from Maya and I think I'll pop.
"Alright, let me just clean up while you change into something more…suitable." Though Kurama rather liked the idea of Botan learning to fight in a dress, he doubted it would be all that practical since the fabric of most of Botan's dresses moved a little too well. Just because he would like the show, didn't mean he wanted anyone else to enjoy the same thing. Best not let her get used to fighting like that… Kurama thought before standing to collect the plates.
"Okay." Botan nodded before she excused herself from the table and jogged over to her room.
Both Kurama and Shuichii's eyes were drawn to the flashes of Botan's thighs that the skirt offered and the…other parts that bounced, drool accumulating within the mouth of the younger boy. Without breaking a sweat, Kurama freed a hand and used it to cover little Shuichii's eyes. Once Botan was gone from sight, Kurama gave the back of Shuichii's head a light and almost playful smack before he continued on his way to the kitchen.
"May I come as well?" Maya could care less about fighting, but if it meant getting in the way of Botan and Kurama she would be more than happy to stomach it. She knew she was losing Shuichii to Botan, but that was because she had been delusional in thinking that he was unlike other men. He wanted that harlot simply out of lust. If Maya wanted to be with her Shuichii then she was going to have to try harder to direct that lust onto herself. How hard could it be? She was cute, if not cuter than Botan. Sure Maya didn't have Botan's bust, or hips, but Maya knew she had the whole package; beauty and brains. All she had to do was show Shuichii that she was the better choice. That couldn't be hard at all.
"May we as well?" Shiori, being the smart woman that she was, saw through Maya's plan quite easily. If she played her cards right, maybe Shiori and little Shuichi could distract Maya so her son and Botan could bond. She could already see that her son didn't like the idea of any of them joining, but she could also see the agreement forming on his lips before they could even be heard.
"I don't see why not." I suppose it's for the best, Kurama thought almost forlornly. Without them around, I doubt I'd be able to behave myself for long anyway. But still, Kurama was really looking forward to some alone time with Botan. Maybe she'll let me sleep in her room again…
*1 – When Kurama says demons and non-humans, Kurama is referring to those that live with the humans in Ningenkai. They were just passerbys and by no means held any importance. They're just random people that have given Botan the eye.
*2 – and you thought Maya was pointless. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH- Kurama is evil- MWAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAH!
*3 – Kurama is making the dengaku miso sauce for a Japanese spicy baked tuna dish that I had found.
*4 – I am of the belief that moms store up every little thing and plan for the fateful day when you bring that certain someone home. They know exactly what they're doing and they plan on it from the moment you're born. Why else would they take pictures of you? You think it's for memories? No! It's to embarrass you as revenge for all the crap you put them through as a child!
*5 – Kurama's human astrological sign is Cancer, Botan has been made a Pisces by Shizuru. Their signs state that they are romantically compatible :-p. This is one of Shizuru's more subtle matchmaking ploys.
*6 – Atsuko knows Botan and adores her. She often teases Yusuke when Botan's around that she would have preferred Botan as a child since she's so much nicer. This is a running joke that no one really believes. Though she doesn't show it, Atsuko would die for Yusuke and wouldn't trade her son for anything in the world.
Author's Note: Before I get any complaints about Botan learning to fight, and I know I will, I'm going to say this: I am of the firm belief that all women should know how to defend themselves. It's a sad fact of life that women are the targets of violence way more than men are. There's battery, domestic abuse, mugging, rape, murder, the list goes on and these things are more likely to happen to a woman than to a man. Because of this, my beliefs and views on this, and many other things will be projected onto my fanfiction.
Anywho, I hope you liked this chapter. Reviews are welcome...by a lot. Just so you know.