Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho.

Summary: Best friends separated for seven years are finally reunited to have a grand wedding due to earlier arrangements made by both families. Not bad, right? Especially if the groom to be is a young, handsome redheaded actor who everyone adores, right? WRONG! Now, if only he can get his fiancé to fall for him… Completely AU, featuring the KB pairing.

Couples: Mainly revolving around the red blue couple, Kurama/Botan, but also includes the 'supporting' pairing Kuronue/Shizuru, a bit of Yusuke/Keiko, and mentionings of Kuwabara/Yukina

Chapter 20

"I look okay, right? I don't look weird, right?"

"How many times do I have to tell you? You look stunning, just like your mother."

Botan turned to look at her father, the loving smile on his face making him look almost parental in her view. She wasn't sure if it was because it was her wedding day, or if her father had always loved her but never showed it, but she didn't hate the smile that found its way to her lips.

"Will you walk me down the aisle?" she asked, in a soft voice, as he gently took her hand and linked it around his arm.

"Why are you even asking that? I'm your father, of course I will," he murmured, as the doors slid open. Her smile widened at his words.

"Thank you… dad…" she whispered, the last name call that erupted from her throat felt as if a boulder had just been lifted off her shoulders.

"It's been a long time since I heard you call me that," Yukio muttered, but the smile in his purple irises was evident. "You know I've always loved you and that I always will, right?"

Botan let her eyelids flutter close as she felt her father softly pull her down the aisle. "I know." She breathed in the scent of lilies that invaded her nostrils. "I love you too, dad," and she tightened her grip on his clothed arm.

"Shuichi's a lucky man," he remarked, and she opened her eyes to pin a confused stare on him. His smile broadened, before he tilted his head at the front, gesturing to a certain someone waiting for her.

She followed his gaze, and her heart swelled with joy, a rosy tint developing on her cheeks as she caught sight of Kurama, standing proudly in his black tuxedo, his red hair flying gracefully with the wind and his emerald orbs fixed on her form with a glimmer of affection and astonishment.

"He did a great job on the garden," Yukio commented, as he allowed his eyes to study the various color and flowers that accentuated the green grass. The roses seemed to speak as they fluttered against the bone chilling but relaxing breeze.

"He has a talent with plants, after all," she told him, as she remembered back when Kurama decided that he wanted to make a garden out of the green meadow where they first saw the fireflies, after having proposed to her that night one and a half month ago. Of course, she assisted him, but he'd always tell her not to due to the reason he thought he could do it on his own. Even so, she never listened. She rather loved the red roses and the blue peonies; they reminded her of her and him, and how they were meant for each other.

As they reached the altar, Botan inhaled a deep breath.

"I have to give her up for you now, Shuichi-kun," Yukio said, with a playful touch in his voice, his purple orbs dancing in mirth. The redhead laughed, the sound like a soft lullaby as it echoed in her ears. She watched as her father released her, guiding her towards Kurama, who took her by the hand. "Take care of her. If I would allow anyone to gain her trust, I am glad that it is you," her father murmured in a soft voice, as he patted Kurama on the shoulder, a trusting gleam in his eyes, before he turned and walked to his seat.

"I'm getting cold feet," Botan declared in a shaky but low whisper, as she wrapped a quivering arm around Kurama's. The redhead sent her a reassuring smile, the look on his charming features soothing her rattling nerves.

"Don't you dare back out," he warned, but his voice was gentle.

Her fingers tightly gripped on him. "Never," she whispered as she shook her head, a small but warm quirk of the lips etched on her lovely countenance.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to…"

Botan took a few deep, calming breaths as the priest began the ceremony, the speech that was accompanied with it rather mute in her ears as she imagined the life she would from today onwards lead with the one and only man she truly loved and desired.

"Calm down," Kurama said in an amused tone, as his free hand reached out to grasp hers that was still linked around his arm, "You're making it seem like you're pregnant."

I will be sooner or later, Botan mused to herself, but dared not say it out loud. Images of her and Kurama taking care of four or five little children, each of them bearing a striking resemblance to the blue haired girl and the red haired boy, conjured themselves up in the recesses of her mind. Her nerves ached with anticipation as she thought of the happy family she could share with Kurama, and she realized how long she had dreamt of it.

Botan snapped out her thoughts as she felt Kurama's hand lightly squeeze hers, just in time for the priest to ask;

"Do you both pledge to share your lives openly with one another, and speak the truth in love? Do you promise to honor and tenderly care for one another, cherish and encourage each other, stand together, through sorrows and joys, hardships and triumphs for all the days of your lives?"

The devotion was undeniable in her and Kurama's voices as they chorused: "We do."

"Do you both pledge to share your love and the joys your marriage with all those around you, so that they may learn from your love and be encouraged to grow in their own lives?"

"We do."

"May this rings be blessed as a symbol of your union. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you not only be reminded of this moment, but also the vows you have made and the strength of your commitment to each other." The priest turned his blue eyes to peer at Kurama. "Shuichi, please repeat after me…"

Kurama nodded, and let go of Botan, only to take a tender hold of her upper arms. He looked straight into her eyes, a smile lingering at the edge of his lips as he wiped away the single tear that cascaded down her left cheek. He felt as if everyone was holding their breaths as he began to repeat his vow that was first uttered by the priest;

"I, Shuichi Minamino, promise to love and support you, Botan Fukuyama, and live each day with kindness, understanding, truth, humor, and passion. With this ring," He slid the ring on her finger, the sharp intake of her breath like music to his ears, "I thee wed."

This time, the priest shifted his gaze to the bride. "Botan, please repeat after me…"

Botan had to let out a shaky breath as the words left her trembling lips, "I, Botan Fukuyama, promise to love and support you, Shuichi Minamino, and live each day with kindness, understanding, truth, humor, and passion. With this ring," and she placed hers on his finger, feeling him tenderly grab her quivering hand, as she finished, "I thee wed."

"Go now in peace and live in love, sharing the most precious gifts you have – the gifts of your lives united. And may your days be long on this earth." Then, those words finally reverberated in the air, sounding like a gentle whisper in the cold breeze, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

A startled gasp, followed by a soft girlish giggle poured out her lips as Kurama suddenly grabbed her by the waist, and in a swift motion, claimed her lips with his. He kissed passionately, as passionately as he could, and the crowd went wild with cheers and claps of applause. In heaven… I hope you are watching me, mother, Suichi… he echoed in his thoughts, before he pulled away to study the shade of amethysts that belonged to the woman he had always wanted as his who was now his wife, and he swore he would love and cherish her forever.

"Now you are finally mine," he whispered, as he nuzzled his nose lovingly with hers.

Botan giggled, the laughter and tender emotion reflected in her eyes giving out a beautiful glint. "As you are mine," she whispered back, before he once again sealed her lips in a breathless kiss.

"Wow, that was a wonderful ceremony," Kuronue exclaimed in awe, as he eyed the pair of newlyweds stroll up to their friends. "Kurama seemed weirdly matured as he said his vows."

"Are you implying that I was not matured before?" Kurama half-heartedly growl, as he faked a glare at the direction of his best friend. In the black haired lad's arms, was a familiar tall, brown haired woman, dressed in a yellow dress, and a crimson tinge on her cheeks.

"What do you think?" Kuronue joked, a fit of laughter leaving his lips, before it subsided a couple of moments later as he traveled his gaze to the woman wrapped in his embrace. "When are you and I getting married, Shizuru-chan?"

Shizuru was dumfounded. "W-what are you saying!" she stammered. "Probably in a million years!"

"Aw, don't say that, Shizuru-chan." She grimaced as he reached out to poke lightly at her cheek with his index finger. "I want a grand wedding that's better than Kurama's and Botan-chan's."

"Highly doubt it," Shizuru muttered under her breath, but grinned in amusement as her boyfriend formed an adorable pout with his mouth.

"Exactly," Kurama agreed, in a determined statement, "Like hell you'll have a better wedding than mine. Botan is the best woman, I am the best man, and we are the best couple."

Kuronue arched an eyebrow at him, but a light smirk evidently tugged at his lips. "Well, at least your arrogant side still hasn't changed. Might wanna reform before Botan-chan decides to leave you, don't cha think, Kurama-kun?" he taunted, making the redhead's eyebrow twitch, and the addition of the honorific laced in a mocking tone, caused him to nearly spat out a few curses at his friend.

"Kuronue-san!" Botan cried out, just in time to halt Kurama from going up to deliver a punch on the said lad's face. "You know that's not true."

"I know," Kuronue dodged as Kurama's fist missed his eye, "I was just kidding, but your husband has the temper of a bulldog." He laughed as "the bulldog" in question grumbled a savage curse under his breath.

"Ignore that idiot," Shizuru said, as she gave Kuronue a warning nudge in the rear, the latter letting out a wince and pulling another pout at her actions and her calling him an idiot, "I don't even know why I date him."

"Because I'm freaking hot?"

Shizuru heaved a loud, exasperated sigh at the narcissism practically radiating off Kuronue's smug smirk. And he says Kurama's arrogant… she thought to herself, before shaking her head in disapproval and focusing her gaze on the wedded lovers, the serious expression on her features meaning no games and merely business. "Look, pal," she gestured to the redhead, "If I see her shed even one tear over you, you won't be answering to me, but my fist instead, got it?" She held up a clenched fist to emphasize her point, her countenance stern for a brief second, before it was quickly replaced by a warm smile. "So, don't hurt her, okay?"

"Yeah," Kurama nodded, the determination in his emerald orbs barely unmatchable than any she had seen before, "I won't."

She nodded, satisfied with the answer.

"Uwah!" cried Keiko, who was covered in tears of joy, as she suddenly wrapped her blue haired best friend in a crushing embrace, "I can't believe Botan's married now! I'm so happy for you, B!" she wailed, barely noticing Yusuke who scratched his neck with an awkward grin on his lips and a huge sweatdrop at the back of his head. "If you ever need anything, just come and ask me! I'll do anything to help you out! Either it's taking care of your kids, or looking after the house, you can always count on me! You know that, right, B?"

A laugh began to build in Botan's chest, before erupting from her throat at her friend's emotional display. It was rare to see the brunette expressing herself in such a way, as she always assumed it as embarrassing, but Botan felt touched that she cared so much for her that she would be so willingly to act the part of the gleeful mother.

"Keiko's right," Kuwabara, dressed in a white tuxedo, said to Botan as the girls were finally able to get the bawling Keiko off of her. "I don't really know much about Kurama since we've only met each other a month ago, but I can tell he's a nice guy, so I know he can take good care of you. But, don't ever forget to let us know if you ever need some help, okay? We'll always be there for you," he finished, as he sniffed dramatically, patting the blue haired young woman on the head. She laughed.

"Oh, Kuwa-chan, I know you will," she murmured, an appreciative grin grazing her lips.

"I wish you all the happiness in the world," she heard Yukina's voice whispered in a breaking voice, and fixed her gaze on her just in time to see the shorter girl at the verge of crying. "I want you to be happy, Botan-chan, you deserve it. And I know Kurama-san can give that to you." She held Botan's hand in hers, as she said this.

Botan's smile broadened. She had such good friends. "Thank you, Yukina-chan," and she placed her other hand on the one Yukina had on top of hers. "I really am glad to have you guys as my friends."

"Hn, what a hideous sight," Hiei's voice spat from behind her, and she turned to look at him, but his eyes were glued to the carrot top bawling his eyes out. "The oaf crying over a small wedding? What a fool," he scoffed.

"But, you yourself are happy for us, are you not?" Kurama said, all too knowingly, which caused the shorter male to tug his lips down in a deep scowl. But the effect clearly wore off as he developed a pink tinge in the cheeks. "It's okay, Hiei." The redhead placed his hand on Hiei's shoulder, giving it a light, friendly pat. "You can cry if you want."

"I would never! Ugh." Hiei scrunched his nose in disgust, vividly aware of the flush on his face as he cupped a hand on it, his fingers attempting to hide the infuriating color on his cheeks. "But, I am happy for you… I think," he mumbled, his voice almost inaudible, but Kurama heard him quite clearly.

The redhead blinked, clearly not expecting his usual detached best friend to admit to it so easily, but then, he smiled. "Will you ever tell Mukuro how much you love her?" he suddenly questioned, watching in amusement as Hiei cleared his throat in discomfort. Hiei didn't say anything, so he went on, "Even Kuwabara-kun have the guts to finally ask Yukina-chan out."

"Yeah, after six or so years of knowing her!" Hiei hissed.

"At least, he did."

Kurama let out a laugh as Hiei grumbled something incoherent under his breath.

"Koenma!" Botan gasped as she watched the brown haired man in question approach the group. "I thought you were on a business trip?"

"You seriously didn't think I'd miss out on your wedding, did you?" Koenma snorted, but a smile lingered at the corners of his mouth. "Congratulations."

Botan couldn't help but return his smile with one of her own, touched at the prospect that her boss willingly discarded his important business trip just for her. "Thanks, Koenma," she uttered, her voice soft.

"It sure is merry, isn't it?" Botan looked up at the question and at the feel of Kurama's arms hooking around her waist. A giggle left her lips as she felt him pull her against him, her small back pressing against his torso.

"Yes," she whispered breathlessly, as his hot mouth trailed down her smooth, bare shoulder. "It is," and she sighed, contented.

"Hey, Botan-chan…"

"Hmm? What is it, Shuichi-kun?"

"If I… asked you to marry me, would you?"

"We're still too young, Shu—"

"I know that! I mean, in the future, if… if I were to become a better, stronger man, and asked you to marry me would you?"

"… Yep. Because I like you, Shuichi-kun."

"Then… I'll become a better man and come back to marry you—

—Because I like you, too, Botan-chan."

Botan laughed as Kurama threw her on the bed, her back bouncing against the mattress as he crawled on top of her, their legs intertwined, and their bodies fitted perfectly against one another as he crushed her lips in a bruising kiss. A light tug at the zipper at the back of her dress, and she gasped out a startled gasp, pulling apart from his mouth. She smiled, and he smiled, as he began to slowly, and tenderly, undress her.

"Want to try me?" His voice, low and barely a whisper, sent a delightful shiver down her spine. She didn't bother to resist as he leaned down, and in one swift motion, slammed his hot mouth on hers. His lips moved against hers in a slow, passionate lip lock, but she made no move to respond to the kiss, staying as still as a statue as he continued his ministrations. A few seconds later, he seemed to have gotten tired of her idle lips, and went and darted his tongue out to give her pink mouth a few experimental licks, the flicking of the wet appendage against her plump lips almost as if asking for permission. When she refused to grant it, he bit lightly on her lower lip, a startled gasp leaving her, her mouth now parted and he took that chance to push his tongue between her lips. A soft moan escaped her, the sound muffled in the heated kiss, as she finally began to respond, moving her mouth rhythmically against his.

A hand sliding up her thigh, her loud whimper as he entered her, his throaty groan as she ran her rosy nails up and down his back, the sweat trickling down their bodies and onto the white sheets, now tainted red with their love making.

He moved, slowly at first so as not to hurt her. Their breathing practically in sync, as she bucked against him a few breathtaking moments later.

He smiled at her, a loving, affectionate smile that seemed to touch his green irises with warmth. "Just promise me one thing." He released his hold on her when he felt that she wouldn't look away.

Botan slowly blinked at him when he let go, a part of her aching for his touch and missing the warmth he offered. "What is it?"

All of a sudden, his gentle fingers found her cheek, grazing over the smooth skin lightly, and the touch nearly similar to that of brushing feathers across her cheek. "That you would never leave me again."

A smile, filled with promises, soft and reassuring came to rest on her pink lips. "I promise. Never again."

"Never again?" he echoed, his hand trailing to the back of her head and nearing her face to his.

She fluttered her eyelids close as she felt his warm breath fanning over her mouth. "Never again," she whispered.

He nodded his head. "Never again," he repeated once more, before cupping her cheeks in both hands.

Leaning down, he sealed her lips in a passionate kiss.

Botan cried, her hands gripping onto his biceps, her nails digging almost painfully so into his skin, as he slammed against the sensitive spot inside her. "Shuichi… Shuichi… Shuichi…" she panted over and over like a soft, breathless prayer as he continued to love her, the heat and pleasure becoming almost too unbearable.

She mewled, he thrusted, and then she came, her screams muffled in a kiss as his lips crashed on top of hers and his seed spurted inside her.

"Botan…"

"And here I was trying to be a romantic," he murmured, before expelling another sigh. "Okay, let me rephrase that," he said as he inhaled a deep breath, closing his eyes. Then, he opened them and looked straight into hers. "Be mine forever and ever, don't ever leave, don't ever be with someone else, because you belong to me. And this ring," He slipped the ring on her finger, eyeing her transfixed gaze, "this ring symbolizes that we are tied together in an unbreakable bond. You and I, forever destined to be together." He smiled. "Now shut up and stop asking questions; just say yes and let me kiss you until I leave you breathless."

Botan squirmed, but not in a bad way, as she felt Kurama's fingers lightly tickle her sensitive ear. He tucked a strand of blue hair behind her ear, his smile making her giddy, and his loving stare causing her heart to pound. She heaved a contented sigh, eyelids fluttering close, as his mouth lightly pecked hers. Her eyes slowly opened, just in time for him to lean in and kiss her again, this time firmer.

She giggled as he moved until he was on top of her, and hooked her right leg around his waist. He kissed her again, this time laughing with her as her lips danced rhythmically with his.

"I love you," he whispered against her lips, his hot breath ghosting over her mouth and tickling her, "my wife."

"And I love you," and she cupped his cheeks in her lithe hands, her warmth sapping into his skin, "my husband."

"Forever?" he asked, the worry and fear laced in his voice barely inconceivable as he pulled away to study her with a serious expression.

And she didn't hesitate when she answered, "Forever."

-Fin-

A/N: I hope I did a good job at the wedding scene. And I feel as if the ending is kinda rushed… but, oh well, I might rewrite it, but then, I probably won't. But, I feel that it's about time to end this story here. Sad to say, but it's true; this is the end. I might write a companion piece, but I'm not sure what: I have three stories in mind; First, a sequel – or more like a prequel – of Botan's and Kurama's relationship before those seven years of separation (I think I used this line a lot in this story), second, a continuation of what happened after their wedding; children, life, etc., and third, sort of a side story to this fic, except it's more Kuronue/Shizuru centered. I don't know what to choose, because I kinda want to write them all, but I know I have other stories to finish so I might not. Hmm… Anyway, I really enjoyed writing this piece, and I hope you guys enjoyed reading it as much as I did when I wrote it. Thank you for all your support, and I wish you a good day!