Author's Note: So, here it is at last. The first chapter to this three-shot is FINALLY up and running. This whole four year KB project should be finished pretty soon. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho. All characters are owned by the talented Yoshihiro Togashi.
Unusual Restlessness
For the pass couple of months, my schoolwork had been gaining on me. For whatever reason, I had no idea why. This was pretty strange, considering that I usually had answers to everything. The day was as normal as the life of Shuichi Minamino could ever be. After the bell had signaled the dismissal, I swiftly gathered my things to leave before I got unwelcomed greetings from my peers. I knew I had many admirers at my school but some days, their attention would turn into a cumbersome matter. This was one of those times. Being the first one out of the door, I promptly made my way out of the hall and weaved through the oncoming students in search of my study area: the library. It soon came into view and in under a minute's time, I was situated at a desk and was ready to get some time alone. The rest of the day left little time for homework so I decided to get the chore out of the way.
While pulling out the materials, a feeling I would dub as boredom settled in my thoughts. Figures, statistics and charts seemed to fester in my mind as mundane distractions from the real world so naturally I couldn't concentrate. The window I sat by was opened so I felt a light breeze blow across my face. It was refreshing and surprisingly, I caught the scent of flowers.
Having the spirit of a fox on my other side, I couldn't resist the lure of nature.
Deciding to neglect my studies, I once again gathered my books and headed toward the forest. Although it paled in comparison with the forest back in Makai, it would have to do. I walked right into the heart of the forest where the dark shades of the trees were the thickest. They were so dense that not a single speck of sunlight managed to pierce the surrounding darkness. This barrier gave me comfort for it separated me from the rest of Ningenkai. Throughout the years, I had come to terms with my life as Shuichi Minamino but I sometimes couldn't help feeling trapped. Limits and boundaries were everywhere and the call of the wild constantly haunted my senses. Unfortunately, an insignificant patch of forest in the middle of the city was the closest I could get to quench my desire.
I jumped up onto a sturdy branch of an oak tree so I could be further hidden from the world. This agitation was so unusual that I didn't know what to categorize it under. Letting out a quiet sigh, I settled back into the trunk of the tree. Another breeze was in the air and I soon caught the aroma of roses. With the rose being particularly special to me, my interest grew and I proceeded to search for the fragrance's origin. I looked down to my left and saw a tiny wild rosebush growing amongst other shrubs.
That's strange. Wild rosebushes are pretty rare around forests like these.
From my position, I could see them perfectly. After I examined the roses, I figured that they were all right. Probably better than average That might have sounded a little audacious but I know a rose's true quality because of my experience with plants. I couldn't help it if I knew my own roses were flawless. It was the truth and there was really no comparison.
Although they were only of mediocre standards, they made me smile as I reminisced a particularly pleasant wedding ceremony about four months ago…
"Congratulations Koenma." I said. Yusuke, Kuwabara and I were in Koenma's dressing room, as he got ready for his big day.
"Yeah, our little baby is all grown up, no pacifier and all…." Yusuke sniffed. He and Kuwabara burst into laughter as Koenma eyed them warily.
"Give me a break boys, I'm getting married. Today, I'm going to be a man," Koenma declared. "Literally."
"Wohoo! Go Koenma!" Kuwabara shouted as he attempted to strike a manly pose to accompany the declaration. He and Yusuke grinned. I sighed and shook my head, a little embarrassed by theirpredictability. "Aw, Kurama you don't agree with us?" Kuwabara asked while nudging me on the elbow.
"Kurama is too proper for that." Yusuke answeredrather insightfullywhile tugging at his bowtie. "Crap, this freakin' stupid bowtie is choking me! Ugh. Somebody help me! What a piece of shi-!" His efforts only succeeded in making it worse as it was pulled it even tighter and I was afraid he might have ended up strangling himself.
"Yusuke stop. Stop!" I ordered. Yusuke stopped tugging and glared at me as I undid his bowtie.
"Stupid things…" Yusuke grumbled. I had finally managed to untie it and was redoing it into its proper position.
"Urameshi you're such an idiot! Even I was able to tie mine by myself." Kuwabara laughed and he pointed his finger to his own bowtie. I myself had to suppress a laugh, the bowtie was so twisted that it hung vertically instead of the usual horizontal way and was slowly rotating its way back around.
"There." I had finished fixing Yusuke's bowtie and I made my way to Kuwabara's when Koenma announced it was time for him to go.
"Alright boys, wish me luck!" he said. I gave him an encouraging smile while Yusuke and Kuwabara gave big thumbs up. But just when he was out of earshot Yusuke took his chance to say what he truly had in mind.
"And he's gonna need it my friends." He shook his head and folded his arms.
"What do you mean Urameshi?" Kuwabara asked. He had always been a little late on the uptake but this time I also wanted to know what Yusuke meant.
"That Ayame girl is gonna chew him up and spit him out after about a week or two. I mean haven't you guys ever heard of those insane stories about those couples out there? Marriage is scary."
"Urameshi! How could you say that? What, you don't want to get married to Keiko?" Kuwabara asked indignantly. Maybe it was the romantic side of Kuwabara that went on the defensive for the concept of holy matrimony.
"Well, um…." Yusuke stopped running his mouth and just grumbled something about Keiko being totally different. I finished Kuwabara's bowtie and stepped out onto the balcony.
"Yeah, I think I heard Yukina mentioning that Ayame was a controlling woman at times. She says she heard it from Botan." Kuwabara commented.
"Really?" I said, turning back to them. "I've always thought Ayame and Koenma have gotten along quite well."
"Well maybe you should ask Botan. Though knowing her, she's probably forgotten about it." said Yusuke.
I smiled slightly, knowing that Botan had probably done exactly what he'd said. She had always been very easy to be around and she would never keep minor details like those in her mind because they weren't important. At that moment, a blue ogre popped his head in.
"Gentlemen it's almost time!" he announced.
"Are you doing alright in that tuxedo there, George?" I asked as he grimaced and pulled at his collar. "You look as uncomfortable as Yusuke."
"Hey!" Yusuke glared at me again.
"Well all I've got to say is that I hope this ceremony goes by fast." George grunted. He led us out of the door and down into the back room where the procession was supposed to be taking place. There we met Keiko, Yukina and Hinageshi who were all looking lovely in their bridesmaid dresses.
"Yukina! You look as radiant as ever!" Kuwabara said withhis usual signatureexpression of love on his facethat causedYukina to slightly back away. Butshe smiled innocently as always and unknowinling returned a priceless compliment to Kuwabara who was on the verge of losing his coolness. Suddenly, the sound of a slap rang out and at once I knew that it had come from Keiko. It was obvious that Yusuke had done something inappropriate and had gotten a well-deserved punishment.
"Yusuke! Watch what you're doing will you? We're at a wedding!" Keiko fumed.
"Yeah, yeah sure whatever." Sighed Yusuke rubbing his still red cheek. I chuckled quietly to myself thinking how Keiko was the only one who could ever make Yusuke behave.
Soon, footsteps could be heard coming down the other hall. It turned out to be the bride Ayame, and Botan. Ayame looked divine in her white wedding gown. She greeted everyone a little nervously then took her place in the back. That was when I got the chance to really look at my partner who would be accompanying me down the aisle. Botan looked absolutely beautiful. She had worn her hair down with a delicate white flower tied back in the middle. The deep scarlet dress was very attractive on her.
I had been the one to arrange the flowers so naturally the bouquets were specially crafted. For each of the girls, I had arranged a special bouquet centered around a flower that matched their eye color. Of course, I told no one of this since I always had a passion for plants. This was just a special detail that was added to make the bouquets more beautiful, even if I was the only one who would notice and enjoy it.
Ayame's bouquet held a blue iris, Keiko's had a hazel carnation, and Yukina's contained a red lily. Botan's flower was exceptional to me because it had been very difficult cultivate the particular lavender hue that matched her eyes. It was quite a challenge but in the end, I had achieved the perfect color. Since the color was quite rare, I decided to give that tint to a particular special batch of roses. Of these, I had chosen the best one and made it the center for Botan's bouquet.
Finally the music began and it was time for the wedding ceremony to commence. I walked over to Botan who looked rather excited and extended my arm. After she laid her hand on my sleeve we proceeded to walk down the aisle. Surprised to suddenly hear a small gasp, I glanced at Botan to see her delight as she looked at the decorations I had done.
"You did an amazing job Kurama. No, you outdid yourself." She said quietly. I thanked her replied modestly as usual. I had to admit it felt nice walking with Botan. She walked with a certain flow and grace that she usually doesn't get credit for. We parted when the aisle ended and I took my place on the right hand side of the altar.
Koenma stiffly stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting for his bride, his expression was nervous just like Ayame's but I knew it was just from the anticipation. I was glad for him to finally be able to settle down and although I didn't want to admit it; I also had a hidden desire to have a family of my own. Small chance as it was of actually happening, I couldn't suppress the thought. There would be so many obstacles that would arise to even consider the concept so with disappointment mingled with a firm resolution, I quietly tucked the thought away. I figured that once it was in that corner of my mind, it would stay there until it finally faded away.
When the ceremony ended, we partnered up again. Walking down the wedding aisle made me think and feel as though it would be the only time I would ever do so.
When we were once again in the back room, I took a last look around the room when I saw Botan. She seemed surprisingly distracted, not at all like she was at the beginning of the wedding.
At the reception hall, the party began almost immediately when Yusuke and Kuwabara got a hold of some champagne. I grinned as I saw Kuwabara offer a huge glass to a flustered Yukina, and wondered where a certain Urameshi team member was at that moment. As if right on cue, I suddenly felt Hiei's presence outside. Since I decided to prevent any possible damage to the party, I went out to greet him. And sure enough, there was a shadow walking briskly away.
"I'm surprised to see you come Hiei." I said as I leaned casually to the wall. Hiei paused without turning around.
"Don't kid yourself. The reason I came here was to look after her. With that big oaf drinking, who knows what could happen." He began walking away again.
"Really? I thought you were here to congratulate Koenma on finally finding his bride." I said innocently enough though I'm sure he caught my sarcasm.
"Hn. Nonsense."
"Actually, I think it is a wonderful thing that they've found each other. Remember, we had a part in creating this relationship." I mused thinking how we had all played a part in sparking the inevitable beginning of the romance between the two
"Kurama, your life in the human world has really softened your heart." Hiei remarked and disappeared.
That made me think. Was I really that weak to let love dominate my thoughts? This was never even an issue when I was Youko Kurama…Thoughts of confusion began to conflict as I realized thatI didn't know if I wanted to relinquish all of my feelings to be like the legendary bandit again, or to live a normal life as a human; experiencing and being affected by emotions.
But you'll never becompletely human. A voice rose in my head and I knew that it was true. How could I ever find someone to truly understand my feelings when I didn't even fully comprehend them myself? Most importantly, if I couldn't, how could anyone else? A good amount of time was spent outside as I pondered my feelings and wrestled with my thoughts until finally, I couldn't think any more. All conclusions I came to were dead ends to both of my conflicting sides.
A little irritated about my "fruitful" battle, I went back to the hall. The music was still going on and everyone was enjoying the party. Well, not everyone to be exact. My eyes caught Botan sitting alone in a corner. She held a glass of champagne in one hand and she rested her chin on the other one. This was rather surprising because usually, Botan would never be depressed for long. It seemed as though whatever was occupying her thoughts earlier had not gone away…
I decided to go cheer her up so I walked over to her table. As I made my way over, she was pulled out of her reverie and greeted me with a smile. I pulled up a chair next to her and asked if she was tired. She answered normally, but I could tell she was still distracted. I didn't want to pursue my curiosity so I continued the conversation in another subject to try and gently ease her out of any troubled daydreams. Subjects roamed and of course it landed on how nice it was that the couple had finally found the person they cared for most. Seeing the Prince and wife arm in arm was rather comforting. Instead of a quick cheery answer that I had expected, there was a pause until Botan finally answered.
"I think everyone should have someone to be with…Life definitely wouldn't be lonely…" Quite taken aback, I looked at her to find that she had fallen back into her own trance before I had come. It was unsettling for me to see Botan act so out of character. She would never be this disheartened let alone allow it drag on for several hours. Whatever was bothering her must have been fairly significant. Usually, she'd never wandered off in mid-sentence while she was in the company of someone.
Suddenly, she snapped out of her thoughts as the awkwardness of the silence built up and quickly looked apologetically at me before looking away. I guessed she realized that she had told me something unintentionally and was embarrassed that I had heard the personal statement. For a moment there was discomforted period in which neither of us could think of what to say. The awkwardness was surely straining on her so I stood up, offered my hand and invited her to a dance. The pink color in her cheeks deepened a little, but she agreed and took my hand. I smiled inwardly thinking that it was rather sweet when Botan acted shy. It was strangely refreshing since she was typically so outgoing.
I led her to the dance floor and we began to move to the music. At first I could feel that Botan was a little tense, but as the music continued, she relaxed in my arms and allowed me lead. I guessed it was awkward that we were dancing together since we had never done anything like this before. As we followed the music, I found it pleasing to be dancing with her. When I noticed that she was looking at Yusuke and Keiko, I followed her gaze to find Yusuke dancing a little stiffly with a hideous frown on his face. Keiko on the other hand, was beaming and was confidently leading the way. I laughed quietly at that amusing look on his face.
"Yes, I see Keiko has forced Yusuke into a situation he cannot refuse." I commented while Yusuke's frown deepened with every turn. I heard Botan laugh and looked back at her. There was the old charming smile back on her face and I was glad that I was able to get her mind off her troubles. When she opened her eyes and looked straight into my own, I became startled at her gaze. A moment later, she looked away and told me she liked the song that was currently playing. The song was Canon in D from Pachebel and I had to admit, the melody of the strings were very relaxing.
"This song is very peaceful." She commented then closed her eyes. I saw that she really enjoyed the music so I let her settle down as I guided her through the dance floor among the multitudes of couples gliding to the melodious chords. When the song ended, we went to the back of the room to make way for other couples. Glad to see Botan with the cheerful expression once again, I strangely found myself feeling relieved that she was content.
As the cool night air blew in from outside the open doors, I realized it was quite late and checked my watch to confirm the time. I bid her farewell and made my way to the door. Though the night was memorable, the festivities did leave me feeling tired and I was glad to go home. Spending it with her made it even more special as I found her company to be natural. Even though she was distracted, she did not fail to make my night pleasant. As I was about to walk down the stairs, I heard her call out to me. Stopping, I turned around to find her hurrying out of the doors.
"Thank you Kurama, you really made tonight special for me." She smiled and looked down at the floor She then leaned up and gave me a soft kiss on my cheek. My heart certainly quickened its pace as she stepped back and said goodnight. I had to admit that what she did was unexpected but wasn't unwelcome, that at least I knew. I decided to give her a rose just to make her night complete or maybe as a thank you present for the kiss. Whichever reason, I did not know exactly why but it felt right. So I swiftly pulled a rose out of my hair. It was the same lavender color I had cultivated for the rose in her bouquet.
I handed it to her and said, "You're welcome Botan, though I could say the same about you." I turned and walked down the stairs. The kiss was still on my mind. That had completely taken me by surprise since I felt like I didn't do anything particularly special for her to have been in such apparently, high spirits. She seemed to have truly enjoyed my company.
Suddenly, I felt a wave of sympathy towards her… Being the Deity of Death was probably not an easy task as she constantly guided countless souls to Reikai. I wondered how she could handle such a grim occupation and still be so cheerful and energetic at the same time. Aside from the bride and groom, she deserved a good night herself. I thought. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I turned around the corner. That was when I saw a dark figure coming my way. For a second I tensed up and was very cautious until I saw it was Yusuke with a bizarre smug look on his face.
"Kurama!" He called as he approached me.
"Hello, Yusuke." I replied. "How come you aren't in the hall?"
"Oh, I needed a break. Dancing five times straight in a row is not a picnic I'll have you know. Whew! That girl can dance!" He stopped and leaned onto the wall near to us shaking out his worn feet.
"So, how was your night Kurama?" He suddenly asked with a brief gleam in his eye. He folded his arms and smirked while standing in his signature stance.
"Fine." I answered slowly. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Yusuke shrugged but still had that teasing air.
"Oh, nothing. I just thought your night was a little more special than that." I was still confused and had no idea what he was getting at. Unless… Now it was my turn to cross my arms.
"Yusuke, what are you talking about?" I said more seriously attempting to confirm my suspicions.
"Well, I see trying to pull it out of you is completely useless." He sighed and put his hands on his hip with a determined look on his face. "Well, what's the deal between you and Botan!"
"What?" Why is he talking about this?
"Wow! First time Kurama's clueless!" Yusuke laughed, enjoying my supposed "clueless" air. "Aw, come on! You like her don't you?" He raised one eyebrow and grinned at me.
"What? I don't know…" I began, but I knew exactly what he was talking about and I did not want to discuss anything about it. Then a foreboding feeling concluded when I heard a familiar voice behind me.
"Of course he does, Urameshi! It's written all over his face!" It was none other than Kuwabara, just the right person I needed at a situation like this. He strode right to us with the same ridiculous grin on his face as Yusuke had before.
Great, I get tagged teamed.
"Yup! I've been waitin' quite a while for Kurama to fall for some girl. Who knew it would be my assistant?" Yusuke laughed leaning on my shoulder. Kuwabara nodded fervently in agreement. I could suddenly feel the heat rise in my face and the last thing I needed was some evidence to be used against me. I quickly tried to regain my composure, hoping and willing the heat to subside. "I mean seriously, you guys looked really good in there. All dancing together and everything."
"I don't feel like that. She's just a really good friend. I'd dance with you too if you wanted."
"What?" yelled a shocked Kuwabara. He had always been the gullible one on the team and I can't help but use it to my advantage.
"Right, Kurama." Yusuke said sarcastically and too smugly for his own good.
"I knew that." A relieved Kuwabara insisted as he continued the assault. "So Kurama, is she a really good friend?" He nudged at my elbow and winked. His obnoxious grin became wider and wider.
"Yeah. Really, really good?" They both began laughing hysterically and rather idiotically too seeing as how Kuwabara had doubled over and was banging the ground to find another way to vent his mirth. I suddenly felt very tired and the thought of being at home looked more and more welcoming. So as they were caught up in their amusement, I quickly and quietly backed away from them and went in the opposite direction until I was assured that there was a good and safe amount of distance between us. The warmth on my face was still lingering as I walked towards the direction of the portal leading to Ningenkai.
"They're probably right you know." A voice said. I jumped slightly and saw Hiei standing in the shadows. What is the matter with me? I thought a little frustrated with myself. How come I couldn't sense Hiei there? Was I this…distracted? I crossed my arms again.
"Now don't you start Hiei-" I began.
"Alright." He closed his eyes and smiled very slightly. "They will." He pointed his finger behind me. Sure enough, Yusuke and Kuwabara were coming towards us fast. A huge growing cloud of dust was behind them as they sprinted toward us.
"Hey, Kurama!" Kuwabara yelled.
"Yeah, wait a minute man! Guy talk!" Yusuke called. I gritted my teeth and looked for means of escape but realized the area was an enclosure of the Reikai palace and the slope of a mountain. Escape was futile. Hiei jumped up to a cliff right above us and settled down ignoring my glare. Fine stay there and watch.
"You know, I don't blame you Kurama. I mean, I fell for her when I first met her." Kuwabara said as he came up. "But that was before I met my darling Yukina of course!" Up on the cliff, I could sense Hiei shift uncomfortably.
That should teach him. There's an idea, Yukina. She'll be the perfect change of subject. Pursuing the stroke of genius, I decided to prod the fire demon's sensitive issues. "Yes, Kuwabara. When do you plan to take your relationship a little further?" I asked, knowing that Hiei was about to come bursting down in a rage of fire and brimstone.
"Well, you see-" He began but then Yusuke cut in.
"Now, now. Kurama, don't be modest! It's your time to shine!" Yusuke said innocently but completely knowing he had shifted the attention right back to me. Since when had Yusuke become so clever at handling conversations with me? He then looked up at the cliff above us. "Tonight is all about you!" He grinned up at Hiei while I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath preparing for the torture….
Who knew the Reikai Tantei were such sadistic heroes.