A/C: I started writing a new KxB fanfic and its entitled Stand Still. I had the first chapter and uploaded over the weekend. I hope that you will show the same support with Stand Still that you showed Come Home. The plot for Stand Still has been nagging on my thoughts for a few weeks now and it was only over the weekend when I wrote it down (err rather type it down). I cannot concentrate with my clinical case study with the plot of Stand Still dominating my brain.
Come Home has reached its last chapter and I couldn't thank you all enough for the wonderful reviews I received. I feel teary eyed as well knowing that Come Home is moving to its conclusion. Kurama and Botan are wonderful characters to work with and their personalities just jive well. Cliché as it may sound but opposites do attract each other.
Come Home By Danielle Winters
Chapter 8: The Man Who Can't Be Moved
"Such a pretty thing…" Kurama breathed as he touched the silver plated mirror. He took in a deep breath as he clutched the mirror, careful not to look at it. Yomi and Kuronue watched their leader as he carefully placed the mirror inside a satchel.
"What the hell is that anyway?" Kuronue asked.
"That mirror is called the Shard of Memories. It is said that it can store anyone's memory and make them forget that specific memory. One shard stores one memory." Yomi explained.
"No wonder Kurama is so careful not look at his reflection on the mirror." Kuronue commented.
"If a youkai looks into the mirror, only his or her memory will be stored. They will not forget that memory; however, it works differently with reigen and ningen. One look at one shard can make them see the memory, store and in the end, forget what they have seen. The effects however will wear off but for a ningen, they may be dead before they remember anything." Kurama added. 'Although for reigen and ningen, if they looked at the whole mirror, the memories stored in it, whether it belongs to them or not will be permanently instilled in their minds.' Kurama thought to himself.
"I hate to disturb the both of you but we have to get out of here." Kuronue mentioned as he cocked his head to his side. Kurama and Yomi nodded and they fled the site before other youkai could see them.
Kurama opened his eyes. He fell asleep in the infirmary right after he got back from watching Yusuke's fight. Yusuke put a stellar performance and was able to defeat Enki in his fight. He moved on to the next round where he was pitted against Hiei in the next round. Kurama let out a deep breath. He scanned his room and noticed that Kuronue was not around. He got up from his bed to get a glass of water when the door to his room slid open. His breath got caught on his lungs.
"Oh you're awake…" Botan said shyly. Her eyes tried to avert his emerald ones that was transfixed on her. "I just got back with Kuwa-chan. He quickly ran to Yu-chan as soon as we landed here in the arena." Botan explained.
"Botan…I…." Kurama was quite speechless. So many things were going through his head and he couldn't seem to make any sense from it or even a coherent thought pattern.
"I saw Kuronue-san outside talking with Yomi-san. He said that he left you alone and had asked me to look after you for a while. It seems that they were talking about something very serious." Botan narrated as she approached the empty chair near Kurama's bed. She took the seat and tried to project a comfortable aura around her although she failed miserably.
"Yomi and Kuronue alone? Talking? Well that's a bit strange." Kurama noted.
"But you guys are close friends right?" Botan said.
"We are but those two are always in each other's throats. They were always bickering with each other, much like Yusuke and Kuwabara-san." Kurama commented and this has earned him a giggle from Botan. It was the first time he had seen her smile.
"Really? That's very hard to imagine." Botan said while trying to stifle her laugh. Kurama smiled at her. He knows that he was pushing his luck but he had reached his hand to Botan's face and tucked a stray her behind her ear. Botan blushed when she felt his hand slightly brush her cheek.
"Thank you for saving Kuronue. He is a dear friend to me." He said softly.
"Even though I was not aware of your friendship with him, you're welcome." Botan replied as she beamed at him. Kurama was just glad that they're slowly settling to their old dynamics.
"Listen Botan about what I said and did earlier…I'd like to…" He was cut-off when he felt Botan's finger pressed lightly on his lip.
"No need to apologize. In all honesty, I am still coping with the fact that my visions had something to do with you and my possible relationship with you before but I'd like you to know that I'm overcoming my fears of learning the truth. I'm prepared to listen when you feel like telling me everything." Botan said gently. Kurama was about to protest when he saw her shook her head. "Focus on recuperating. You still have your next fight ne?" She added as she gently pushed him back to his bed. Kurama complied as he felt Botan's hand gently brush passed his forehead.
"Thank you for healing me by the way." Kurama said softly. This earned him a sweet smile from Botan. After making sure that he was comfortable on his bed. Botan stepped back and quietly left the room. Kurama just watched him. Upon hearing the door close, Kurama breathed out a sigh of relief. Botan did the same outside while leaning on the door of Kurama's room.
"Out so soon? I was half expecting to see you guys making out?" Kuronue teased. His remarked however earned him a glare from Botan. "I'm just pulling your leg you know?" He commented.
"I saw you talking with Yomi-san. I'm surprised he's not with you." Botan remarked.
"He said he has something to take care of." Came Kuronue's reply.
"Oh sou da ne…" Botan replied. "Kuronue-san…would you mind if I talk with you for a bit?"
Kuronue watched Botan. His eyes were half hidden by his hat. He smiled at her and placed a hand on Botan's head as he ruffled her hair a bit. 'He would kill me if he could see what I'm doing to his deity' He chuckled to himself. Botan groaned in annoyance and pouted at him.
"I can't deny the deity who saved my life a moment to converse." He said as he smiled at her.
Kuwabara, upon arriving at the main arena, ran as fast as he could to the infirmary where Yusuke's wounds were being treated. He barged in the room while Yusuke was laughing hard with their youkai friends Jin and Chou.
"Urameshi!" He shouted.
"I told you I'd kick his butt! Now it's time to kick yours." Yusuke said to Kuwabara.
"You just got lucky!" Kuwabara retorted. "Albeit you prayed to your goddess in the ningenkai." He added making the former spirit detective blush.
"Quit it and shut up!" Yusuke yelled in embarrassment as Jin and Chou laughed hard.
"Anyway where the hell is Botan? You two were together right?" Yusuke inquired.
"She visited Kurama." Kuwabara answered as he took the seat near Yusuke's bed.
"That sly fox!" Yusuke grumbled. "He should just tell the whole damn truth to Botan. He's dragging this issue far too long."
"Since when did you start becoming concerned about other people?" Kuwabara commented.
"I am always concerned about other people." Came Yusuke's snotty remark.
"Really now? In any case, it is none of our business." Kuwabara said.
"None of our business? You are the one who always likes to but-in into other people's business." Yusuke remarked.
Jin and Chou looked at each other as the two bicker (insert a sweat drop moment here ^^v). They both thought that those two will never change. It was in this semi-chaotic state when Koenma together with Ayame and George arrived in Yusuke's room. Koenma was annoyed as hell as usual while Ayame and George found the scene amusing. Koenma cleared his throat to get the attention of the two bickering former spirit detectives. "Ahem!" But the two still yelled at each other as if they were mountains apart. Koenma's vein popped but he tried to calm himself. "AhEm". Again, he was ignored and another vein popped.
"You two idiots stop yelling at each other!" Koenma yelled. Yusuke and Kuwabara were already grabbing each other's shirt and when they saw Koenma they dropped it each other's shirt.
"Oh it's you lord brat." Yusuke said.
"Stop insulting me Urameshi!" Koenma scolded. Yusuke just shrugged it off. "Kuwabara, pray do tell where is Botan?" Koenma asked.
"She went to see Kurama." Came Kuwabara's reply. Koenma raised an eye brow while Ayame and George just smiled at each other.
"In anycase, we just wanted to congratulate Urameshi and to wish him good luck with his fight with Hiei." Koenma said.
"Thanks." Yusuke said. "Is Botan going back to Reikai?" He asked. Koenma looked pensive for a moment.
"I really can't say for now but she is free to leave her post here anytime she wishes." Koenma answered.
Evening has fallen over Makai and the day's tournament was ended with a festival in the main arena. Fighters and the audience mingled with each other. Yusuke and Kuwabara, accompanied by Jin and Chou had joined in the festivities. Enki, despite the injuries he sustained from his match with Yusuke, entertained the delegates from Reikai (namely Koenma, Ayame and George). Since Yomi's country hosted the tournament again, he was present in the said festival accompanied by Shura and Kuronue.
Kurama was not really in the mood to join any form of festivities. So much had happened in such a short time. While his mind was anxious, his only consolation is the thought that Botan seemed to be managing her confusion already and she does not avoid him anymore like a plague. 'I hope that things will eventually work out'. He thought to himself. He chuckled at the thought of Botan. He'd like to see her pout again and judging by his activity that night, Botan would not be too happy to learn that he snuck out of his room and made his trek to his lake in his old territory. He needed to clear his mind and he needed to ready himself when the time comes for him to tell everything to 'his' Botan. He sighed at the thought of finally having Botan to himself. He shouldn't be calling her 'his' because technically, she isn't. As Kurama reached the lake, let out a deep breath as he allowed his eyes to drown at the beauty of the site before him.
"If Botan healed you, how come you didn't even look for us?" He asked. Kuronue just sighed. His old time friend has been given the 'task' by 'his' deity to look after him.
"Like I said before, when I learned that you were shot dead by and that I was your accomplice when we had thrown Yomi of our wagon, I didn't have any reason to stay. I just secured our old territory and wandered around Makai." Kuronue explained.
"Me, shot dead? You should know better Kuronue." Kurama remarked.
"I'm not insane to cross the boundary to ningenkai or reikai for that matter unlike someone here." Kuronue replied in sarcasm. Kurama just smirked.
"Were you even aware about this Makai Tournament?" Kurama inquired.
"I was in a far off land during the first tournament. When I learned that there'll be another tournament this year, I quickly travelled back so I could scare you and Yomi to death." Kuronue replied not really meaning the last part that he said. "Kidding aside though, I wanted to meet you and Yomi. Crossing paths with her was a coincidence." He added.
Kurama was indeed happy to see his oldest friend and comrade alive and well and he had Botan to thank for that. Kurama took a seat on his old spot by the lake and tried to relax himself. It has been a while since he last visited the place. He was hoping he won't get any surprise and unwelcome visitors.
'I'll definitely pound Kuronue-san for this! He gave me the wrong direction.' Botan mentally shouted. After her talk with Kuronue, he gave her the instruction to visit a specific site in Makai which might help her with her dilemma. It was just a few kilometers away from Gandara, Yomi's nation. She has flown over the said site but she couldn't see a thing except for trees. 'Expect a thief to hide his treasures so well.' Botan noted. Getting tired of searching for Kurama's old lair, Botan decided to descend a few feet and look for safe and quiet spot where she could rest. She smiled upon seeing a pristine body of water. She descended on the said area to rest for a few minutes before going back to Gandara and join in the festivities. She smiled because the water appeared to be safe to drink. 'And I am getting thirsty! I'll really pound Kuronue-san for giving me the wrong direction.' She directed her oar towards the pristine lake's shores.
"Kuronue-san…" Botan started as she walked towards a secluded balcony in the infirmary. "Could you tell me what you know about me?" She asked.
"You saved my life." Kuronue simply replied.
"I am not referring to that. You…when we met earlier, you said something about the kitsune seeing me. Were you referring to Kurama?" She asked again.
"Kurama and I go way back. We, including Yomi, were part of a band of thieves who was famous around Makai and feared in Ningenkai. Kurama was our leader and even among us, he was a legend." Kuronue explained.
"What does it have to do with me? I keep having visions…I couldn't see the face of the being I saw but recently, it shown the face of Kurama." Botan said.
"I am in no position to tell you the information you seek. I believe it's best if you talk with Kurama. You two appear to have a very good relationship. You should not be afraid to ask him." Kuronue suggested.
"I had been avoiding him for several weeks already. Actually it was only today when I began to talk with him casually again…our encounter before his match didn't go so well either." Botan admitted.
"Try going to our old lair…you might learn something valuable from there." He said as he pushed himself away from the wall where he was leaning. He quietly walked away and left the deity of death with her own thoughts.
As her feet touched the shore of the pristine lake, Botan admired the view of the night sky. The stars were brightly shining and the moon was at its fullest. She paused and she felt like she has been in this place sometime before. In her mind, the image of Kurama in his youkai form flashed.
"Masaka…" she stuttered as the realization slowly came to her. She felt her body shook and cold sweat trickle down her forehead. The place where she stood at this very moment was the lake in her visions. She then heard footsteps approaching her. She abruptly turn around and froze on her spot.
Kurama felt like he was in a dream. In front of her stood Botan, shocked and frozen on her spot upon seeing him. He too was just as surprised as her. It's as if the fates had been toying with them. Dead and awkward silence enveloped them and Kurama tried to break the thick silence between them.
"The fates must be toying with us." He commented while laughing nervously. "This is where we first met…just so you know…"
"Kurama…" Botan uttered as she felt her heart pound against her chest. She placed her hands on it in a failed attempt to calm herself.
"I came here to clear off my mind…I didn't expect to see you here though…" Kurama said as he diverted his gaze to the lake.
"I talked with Kuronue-san and asked him to tell me the truth…he wouldn't budge and he instead told me to look for your lair for I might learn something about the visions…about those memories per se….I…I couldn't find your lair and instead found this lake…I was getting tired and decided to rest here for a while." Botan explained. She was trying her hardest to control her shaking voice. She heard Kurama chuckle. Botan pouted. "What's so funny?"
"You said the same thing when we met here. You said you were looking for a place to rest for a bit." Kurama explained as he tried to stifle himself.
"I did?" Botan asked incredulously. Kurama nodded. She looked at the pristine lake and the reflection of the moon its waters. It was truly a site to behold. She scanned the area while Kurama quietly watched her. Botan noticed a hammock a few feet away from where they stood. Kurama, following the direction of Botan's eyes saw that she was staring at the hammock.
"I made that for you." Kurama stated. Botan looked at him curiously. "I wanted to keep you here in Makai for as long as possible since we only meet a few times…unfortunately, when I finished this hammock, you never returned here." He said. His face was devoid of any emotion but his eyes were much more expressive.
"The most recent vision I had…was it the reason why you snuck in Reikai? It was because I didn't return?" She inquired. Kurama nodded.
"Before, you said you'd chose to stay here with me but that didn't materialize either." Kurama remarked.
"The reason I did not return…was it because I forgot you? Does this have something to do with what Kuronue-san said when we met…the Shard of Memory…"
Kurama felt his heart constrict while his insides were churning. The moment he dreaded came to soon but who was he to turn down such a perfect yet nerve wrecking time? Kurama let out a sigh and proceeded in answering Botan's question.
Yomi was kept in company by Kuronue while his son, Shura was pulled away by Ringo and Jin to join in the mini-fighting games inside the arena. It was weird but Yomi felt a sense of calmness and peace especially after Kuronue returned and the three of them were complete again. He quietly listened to everyone present in the main arena for the night's festival and he sensed that everyone was having a great time. A small smile crept to his usual placid face and this did not go unnoticed by Kuronue. Kuronue patted him hard on his back which destroyed the usual calm and collected demeanor of the Mazoku. Yomi was glad that no one noticed.
"You need to loosen up you know…" Kuronue commented. Yomi just smiled at his comment. "And I was just glad you're not angry with me or Kurama for what happened to you."
"I wanted to revenge actually." Yomi admitted. "But if it wasn't for that incident, I wouldn't be this powerful. Besides, I hadn't meddled with Kurama's affair , he wouldn't have done that." Yomi explained. "I am more thankful now though." He added.
"It's good that there's no bad blood among us." Kuronue remarked.
"I believe Kurama had not forgiven me yet for making the deity forget him." Yomi replied.
"He'll come around. Seeing him right now, he isn't as wicked as he was before." Kuronue assured his old friend. "And the deity is too pure and charming…I still can't believe that she is a shinigami. She'll rub some good sense on our friend."
"You should join the next tournament." Yomi said to change the topic. Kuronue smirked at him.
"That I will. I'm already looking forward to fight you and Kurama."
Kurama watched Botan closely. She was quietly sitting on the hammock while he stood in front of her. She was awfully quiet the whole time Kurama was telling her the truth, from the moment he first saw her until their very last night together, to the night he snuck in Reikai to confront her but she no longer remembers him, and it brought a great deal of tension in Kurama. He repeatedly assured her that he was not after the Quill of Life. The night when he was reportedly attempting to steal the Quill was the night he wanted to meet her in Reikai and eventually 'steal' her. For the first time, he could not read the expression on the deity's face. He clenched and unclenched his hand repeatedly. Another minute of silence from her and it would surely driver him insane. Kurama's heart beat increased when he noticed Botan stood from the hammock. 'This is it…' he said to himself.
"Did you…when we I first met you back in ningenkai…did you recognize me?" She asked as she walked towards the shore of the lake. Her back was all Kurama could see.
"Yes. I could never forget how you look; however, I was on a mission to save my mother's life. Her well-being was my priority." He honestly answered.
"You had so many opportunities to tell me everything Kurama…why didn't you?" she inquired again.
"I thought you could just like me for what I have become rather than to like me for what we shared before. I was willing to start from scratch if that was the only way for me to get you back." Kurama answered. "I didn't expect that you'd get some of the memories back though."
"Baka!" Botan said as she turned to face him. Kurama was surprised by what Botan had said but he knew that he deserved it. It was really stupid of him not to account for the possibility of her gaining back some of her memories. He was stunned however when Botan was smiling at him. "Gomen ne, I put you through so much pain. When you told me everything, my visions finally made sense. In all honesty, I was afraid to hear the truth…I was afraid to hear that I was just a pawn in your plans –"
Kurama wrapped his arms around Botan which startled the deity "You were never a pawn and I could never think of such." Kurama said softly, his voice finally cracking from the turmoil of emotions that he kept at bay. He tightened his hold of Botan, afraid that she'd vanish if he loosens his hold of her.
"Thank you for being honest Kurama. I truly appreciate your honesty." Botan said as she wrapped around Kurama. "But I hope you don't mind but could you give me time to think things over?" She asked. She heard him laugh.
"I've waited seven hundred years…another 100 years will do no damage." Kurama said in a teasing manner. "But kidding aside, I don't mind waiting…I don't mind starting over as well."
"Arigato…" Botan said as she rested her head on Kurama's chest.
FIVE YEARS LATER
They were in Genkai's temple for a birthday celebration. Yusuke and Keiko's son turns four years old that day. The whole gang plus their friends from Makai and Reikai were invited to join in the party. Shura was running around the garden while Yusuke's son was chasing him as Yomi listened to his son's movement. Kuronue was busy talking with Shizuru. Kuwabara and Yukina were expecting their first child and in fact, Yukina's in her 8th month of pregnancy already. Mukuro was very much amused with her mate's reaction that a 'pitiful' human mated with his twin sister by ningen law, they were brothers-in-law. Koenma and Ayame were recently married and their wedding ceremony was held in Genkai's temple.
"You sly fox!" Yusuke said as he slapped Kurama's back. Kurama cringed because it was a hard slap coming from the former reikai tantei.
"Yusuke I hope you're not intending to push my lungs out from that slap." Kurama said dryly.
"Kurama-san, I hope you don't intend to spoil our son with your gifts but he seems to truly enjoy the puppy you gave him." Keiko said. "And you, slapping people to thank them isn't the proper way of being grateful!" she reprimanded Yusuke and glared at him at the same time.
"He is my godson after all." Was Kurama's innocent reply to Keiko, although at the back of his mind, he was intending to spoil the child. "Hiei is also spoiling him in his own way so I guess you can cut me some slack." He added while grinning sheepishly. He was pertaining to the sword that Hiei gave to Yusuke's son. Attached with the gift is note telling the boy to cut his father when he becomes annoying.
"Oh I think I'm the one who will use that." Keiko commented as she glared at her husband who was pulling a prank on Kuwabara.
Koenma accompanied by his wife, Ayame arrived in Genkai's temple. The head of Reikai has not returned to his toddler form ever since he married Ayame. Behind them was George the Ogre but Botan is nowhere to be seen. Kurama heart sank at the thought that the deity was not around. This didn't go unnoticed by Koenma though. Koenma was not about meddle to the affair though but his wife decided otherwise. Ayame approached Kurama and whispered something on his ear. Kurama smiled and nodded. He then excused himself to go to where his deity was.
Indeed, Kurama gave Botan time to think things over after the night he told her everything. After the Makai Tournament, she returned to Reikai and did not see him for months until one night, she paid him a visit to his apartment. Kurama could never forget that night.
Kurama had just returned from his work from his step-father's company. He was exhausted and he just wanted to throw himself on his bed and get a good night's sleep; and throw himself on the bed was what he did. Sleep was finally claiming his consciousness when it was disrupted by a knock on his window. Irritated and exhausted, Kurama dragged himself to the window, prepared to shout and kill anyone who dared disturb his rest. His eyes were deadly and he prepared a rose just in case. Upon opening his window, no one was there. His mood had changed immensely.
"BOO!" Botan shouted as she revealed herself. She was hanging upside down, floating using her orb. Kurama blinked his eyes and was thankful that he had not summoned his whip.
"Botan…" He said softly. His irritation dissipated in a matter of seconds. "What the heck are you doing here this late?" He inquired. He was worried about her but a huge part of him was ecstatic to see the deity after several months.
"Gomen ne for disturbing your rest. I only had this free time you see. I had a lot of souls to ferry across the river Styx. My schedule is jam packed." Botan explained apologetically. Kurama had allowed his apartment. Botan admired the modern style apartment. She faced the owner of the apartment and smiled at him. Kurama was curious as to what had brought the deity this late at night to ningenkai and he was expecting that it has something to do about the status of their relationship.
"Koenma just gave me a month long vacation and I was planning to spend here in Ningenkai. I was hoping you could help me find a place to stay." She said cheerfully. "I really don't want to impose to the newlyweds and Kuwa-chan's house is already full now that Yukina-chan is living with them."
"You could stay with me." Kurama said instantly. His eyes were locked on her and he was deadly serious with what he said. Botan giggled.
"I already expected you to say that. Maybe you could show me around Ningenkai as well." Botan said as she closed the distance between them.
"I do have a very good reason to believe that it's not the main reason why you came to see me." Kurama said to cut the chase.
"You're no fun sometimes!" Botan pouted. "Anyways, I may be very predictable to you already if we had known each other for hundreds of years already." She added as she moved her face closer to his.
"I'm sorry to cut your fun but I'm afraid I have to take back what I said about waiting for you." Kurama said as he inched closer to him.
"You don't have to wait then." Was her simple reply as she moved closer, their nose almost touching. "Let's start over…in all honesty; my memory of that time is still fuzzy and fragmented and –" Botan was cut off when Kurama's lips crashed against hers. It was a chaste yet demanding kiss. Botan felt all the pent up emotions that Kurama hid. She wrapped her arms around him as she kissed him back with all the love she had for him. The kiss was only broken when they needed to breath.
"I don't mind starting over. Why don't we start now?" He said while smirking at her. His eyes were glinting with love and mischief. Botan just giggled as she embraced the red-headed kitsune.
The beach near Genkai's temple was a site to behold. The view of the sunset was breath taking. The sound of the gentle waves crashing on the shore was music to Kurama's ears. He walked towards the shore and inhaled the sea' salty yet refreshing air. He removed his sandals and walked along the shore, allowing the cool water to touch his feet. It has been three years now since he and Botan had started things over. Her one month long vacation in Ningenkai allowed them to catch up on things and put the past behind them. Furthermore, it allowed them to look forward to a bright future ahead of them, ensuring that nothing should come between them. Kurama waited long enough already and so two nights ago, he decided to take their relationship on another level.
Kurama nervously held the tiny box made on his pockets. He just finished talking with Koenma and he had hard time convincing the new Reikai leader about his plans; nonetheless, persistence proves to be best as the outcome he was expecting was given to him. He had to admit though that Koenman was stubborn as a bull but he realized that Koenma truly looked after their well-being. After his talk with the Reikai leader, he proceeded to the gardens and waited for his deity. Every second felt like hours to Kurama although he tried to calm himself for what was about to happen next. Soon, he heard footsteps and as he turned, he saw her quickly walking towards him.
"Kurama is something wrong? Koenma-sama told me that you are here." Botan said as she halted in front of him. Her eyes were filled with worry.
"Nothing's wrong Botan." He coolly replied. "And besides, it's not only bad news from Makai that brings me here. I do have the rights to visit you here in Reikai as well since technically you are my girlfriend." Kurama added in a matter-of-fact tone.
"But I'm usually the one who visits you in Ningenkai and the only times you come here on your own initiative is when there is trouble in Ningenkai or Makai, or when you are being called by Koenma-sama." Botan reasoned out. Kurama was about to rebut but decided against himself. Instead, a wicked plan came to his mind.
"You know, you're right. I did have some bad news and I've already discussed it with Koenma. He wasn't too happy when he heard it actually and he gave me a hard time as well." Kurama narrated. He saw how his deity's eyes widened in shock.
"Koenma-sama gave you a hard time?" Botan questioned. Kurama nodded vigorously. "Pray do tell what was the bad news?"
"Well, I told him that I finally came to take away his best ferry girl." Kurama answered as he turned his back to Botan.
"What do you mean take away his best ferry girl? Who is that ferry girl?!" Botan shrieked in jealousy as she summoned her oar prepared to hit Kurama on the head. Kurama laughed at their situation. His deity can be very clueless sometimes. Before Botan could do any damage to him, he faced her and looked at her in her eyes.
"I asked Koenma permission to take you as my bride." He said. Botan blinked many times as if trying to register what the kitsune-incarnate had just said. And then, her lips began to quiver as Kurama prepared himself. She swung her oar at him and effortlessly dodged it.
"How come you asked him first?!" Botan shrieked. "Shouldn't you be asking me first?"
Kurama could not help but smile upon remembering his deity's reaction to his proposal. He did have a few bumps on his head because Botan manage to land a few hits on him. He just laughed heartily that day and was amused by how dense his deity can be at time. In the end, he manage to pull off a decent proposal to his intended after she has calmed down.
"Kurama!" His chain of thoughts were interrupted when he heard his name. Looking at the sky, he saw his deity descending towards him. He caught something glimmering on her left hand and he could not help but smile. The deity soon landed in front of him with the most charming and sweetest smile on her face.
"You're late you know." Kurama teased. Botan stuck her tongue out as her reply.
"I had to stay long in Reikai you know since I'm turning over some of my duties to Hinageshi." Botan pouted.
"Turning over?" Kurama repeated as he inched closer to her "So I am assuming that you have accepted my proposal?" Kurama inquired while smiling.
"Silly! I wouldn't be wearing the engagement ring if I didn't accept ne?" Botan replied. "You are no fun sometimes! Just when I thought a perfect plan of getting back at you." She said as she crossed her arms and mover away from Kurama. Kurama pulled her into his arms and inhaled the scent of her hair.
"Aishiteru Botan." He said.
"Aishiteru Kurama."
Hand in hand, they walked back to Genkai's temple. They were greeted by Kuronue who teased Kurama for being missing a good thirty minutes and was implying that he and Botan did something. Kurama was in a very good mood so he let the green joke from Kuronue slide. Botan wasn't as amused as him and she screamed at Kuronue. Kuronue ofcourse was laughing hard at Botan's reaction. Koenma turned his back from Kurama, still disappointed by the fact that Botan won't be at his beck and call anymore. Ayame consoled her husband and mouthed an apology to Kurama. Yomi cleared his throat to get everyone's attention while Hiei was just smirking at Kurama.
"I believe Kurama has an announcement to make." Yomi said and everyone's attention was turned to Kurama. Kurama sighed. Sometimes he wonders whether his old friend was truly blind.
"Since Yomi has eagerly called everyone's attention, might as well be out with it ne?" He said as he looked at Botan. She smiled at him and he couldn't help but fall in love harder as he saw the glow of love in her eyes. 700 years…705 years to be exact…yes…it's been a long wait. His centuries of loneliness and pain has finally reached its ending and Kurama looked forward for the years ahead he'd spend with her by his side. "Botan and I are engaged." He announced.
The announcement was met with silence and seconds later, cat calls and whistles echoed in the temple. Kuwabara and Yusuke was eagerly teasing him as each of them slapped his back. Kuronue was teasing him to no end while Hiei telepathically called him 'pathetic' and 'slowpoke'. The ladies rushed to Botan and embraced her, congratulating her for their engagement. The children kept on playing with George the Ogre's horns not really caring about the announcement. As Kurama and Botan looked at each other amidst friends persistently prying information while congratulating them, Kurama couldn't help but smile.
OWARI