(Youko's fangs are sharp, their bite cruel and quite possibly lethal. But this time he seeks not to give pain with them. His desire is another one altogether. And the fangs won't do as much as leave a scratch.)

Out of all the places that should keep them from well apart, this is the one Botan holds the most respect for. She sits in her pew, Kurama in one of the rows in front of her. Of course he would be there; this is his mother's wedding, after all. Shiori would want her son close to her for such an event. Botan smiles, her trademark cheer present. Even with all her respect for holy ground, her mind still goes to Kurama and those deliciously seductive whispers that ring in her ears. They make her weak in the knees, so it's a blessing really that she's sitting down right at this moment.

The bride is beautiful, she thinks. Not because of the dress or the artfully pinned locks of hair. It's the fact that she's radiating happiness that makes her beautiful. Shiori is a woman who shines. Botan can hardly look away from her. Would she ever have something like that with Kurama? The ferry girl can only wonder. Not the wedding, because demons and inhabitants of Reikai seldom hold such ceremonies. No, Botan craves that particular level of fondness, the intimacy. Could she possibly have that with her lover? Her skin tingles pleasantly at the thought. It is a tad strange, she reckons.

Vows are exchanged and the witnesses stand to their feet, clapping as the groom kisses the bride. It's a short brush of lips, as if they need no more to assure the other. Botan's eyes inwardly travel to Kurama. He must be glad that his mother has finally found someone that makes her smile; a person she loves.

Next to Botan, Keiko sighs softly. The brown haired girl is here as Yusuke's date and Botan can tell right away what she is thinking. Weddings are romantic and they tend to plant fantasies in women's heads. Botan giggles equally soft. She nudges Keiko gently, her eyebrows rising in a questioning gesture.

They are out of the chapel in a matter of minutes. Botan walks slightly behind Keiko and Yusuke. Those two are busy sharing sweet looks, which Botan has no desire to witness, so she breaks away from them.

Quite unexpectedly, a hand circles her waist. The spirit guide knows the touch, so her body immediately relaxes. "Kuwabara," she murmurs her greeting. "And Yukina! How are you, Yukina?" They share a laugh, the man releasing her.

"Kazuma wishes for you to walk with us," Yukina enlightens her in that unassuming manner she always exhibits. The ice maiden needs not plead to convince. She only has to glance for Kuwabara to comply.

"Yes, Botan. Walk with us," Kuwabara extends the invitation too. "You should have brought Pacifier Breath along too. Has he ever been to a human wedding before?"

"I'm sure he has," Botan offers, voice laced with laughter once more. "Alas he could not be here, you see, for there are matters that require his attention. Even I have only two days off."

And with that they board one of the taxies. It's not a very long drive to the restaurants where the party is held. Botan's eyes widen at the lavish surroundings. It's like a story book has been brought to life before her. She gazes about with curiosity fro her table.

Kurama extricates himself from the newlyweds with a kiss to his mother's cheek. He has his own woman to look after. And this female he spies sitting at the table with a look of wonder plastered to her face. It makes her seem a child really. Kurama can't help thinking that she is adorable, her head tilted just so, her lower lip continuously worried. Is she even aware of how positively charming she is to him right now?

Given the circumstances, Kurama approaches her slowly. "Take a walk with me," he says when her eyes land on him. It's not the first time she stares at him so. He has felt those eyes on him in the church and it took a lot of willpower not to turn around. There is something enticing about her and those eyes. Kurama helps her up, offering the lady his arm. "There is a garden." He leads her away to the promised garden. They are surrounded by blooms of all kinds. Kurama is in his element.

"I've missed you," she breathes out. Her contented sigh when his hands span her waist reverberates trough him. Her arms climb to his shoulders fingers digging in the material of his shirt.

"I've missed you more." Kurama bends his head down to steal her lips with his. The scent of her perfume, a discreet aroma, fills him. It's tantalising in away that makes Kurama wonder is she provokes him on purpose. His grip on her middle grows in pressure.

Pulling Botan with him, Kurama find a relatively hidden spot. He strokes his lips to the corner of her mouth in an almost taunting manner. Then his kiss moves to her jaw and down her neck. He stops at her pulse point, lingering there. She is tense in his arms, still as a statue. There is heat and a hint of fear, because this is by far the most intimate moment they've ever shared. So Kurama waits. And finally, she relaxes.

It is a matter of trust. He had the advantage and she had to decide whether her faith in him is strong enough or not. As it turns out, Botan does believe in her lover. So when his mouth simply grazes the spot, she melts into him.

"Stay with me." The words pour out, and he straightens himself to meet her eyes.

"Your mother –" Botan protest. "What will she think?" Because Shiori has seen Botan only a handful of times and even if the woman is a sweet, understanding person, she's bound to be shocked.

"She will think that her son is in love." It's so good to feel her leaning into him. "And she wouldn't be wrong."

In the end, Botan gives in. "I'll stay with you." She agrees because it's what she wants to do and she is tired of denying herself what she desires. Her reward is another kiss.

This dance of theirs is something sacred. It's something they do in a discreet manner because it is meant to remain between them only. Those who have eyes to see have already noticed, those who don't probably will at some point. But there is no need for a show. Why desecrate something so essentially theirs.

"Good," Kurama replies. He escorts her back into the crowd.

A/N: Your words today is Bethesda - a hallowed place, chapel, holy ground