Distraught was definitely the easiest way to put it.
Kurama could only imagine the anguish that came from the unexpected passing of someone with so much to give to the world, whether by benefitting humanity as a whole, or just the existence of a single person. Without the foresight that Botan held with her position as a grim reaper, Kurama knew that Meiko had made people happy. She was not very popular, but she was someone that other people cared for, and people had lost that until they joined her in the next world.
He continued to listen closely to the details Botan offered him. Meiko couldn’t remember what was going through her head before she had chosen to jump. He didn’t want to believe it—especially after their struggles during the Dark Tournament—but it seemed to be something only a demon could instill. As much as he wanted to know more, Botan had caught the enticing aroma of baked breads and sweets. Giving pause to the current discussion, she wanted to go inside and get something to eat. She would find no argument from him; there was no rush to confront a foe they had no information on, and her details would not suddenly cause the answers to fall into their lap. When she took hold of his hand and brought him inside, he gave a soft smile at her back despite the horrible circumstances that brought them together.
Kurama took note of the well-decorated interior and approved of the cosmetic decisions within. The stencils were a good touch, but the color scheme was nothing compared to how clean everything looked. He made a mental note to return here with her at some point.
Joining her at the counter, Botan justified her sudden interest in baked goods that kept his smile going strong. “I’m not complaining, Botan,” Kurama said with quiet laughter, watching as she scanned the menu. He made a quick note that she was a very particular girl when it came to treats. The selection was wide, but this was not a decision the reaper intended to make lightly. After she had finally chosen her treat of choice, it was his turn. “I’ll take a cinnamon roll and some milk.” He kindly requested. Paying for his own items, he rejoined Botan outside and took a seat at the table she had chosen for them.
The outpouring of details continued. The suicide of both Meiko and Anabe were not recalled, going against how deliberate it was to slice one’s wrists open in the bathroom. It was possible that Meiko’s death was foul play. The school had sent everyone home and launched an investigation the day that she had fallen. There was no evidence of a struggle from where she had jumped—it couldn’t have been anything more than the decision of a troubled girl. Or so they thought. Botan’s mention of records had sealed that possibility for Kurama entirely. Their lives were not taken by their choice but by the choice of another influence, another being.
Kurama ate his cinnamon roll and drank his milk, allowing her to continue on. His expression did not change when she told him of her plans. His senses rarely betrayed him, but Botan had access to tools that he did not have, nor did he believe he needed. At this point, anything would be helpful, and he was invested in this case. When she concluded, he chewed the last of his cinnamon roll and drank the last of his milk. Setting the cup down and dabbing at his lips with a napkin, Botan’s request had made his eyes widen and his cheeks slowly tighten up with amusement.
“It would be my pleasure, it’s just—“He paused and held a loose fist up to his mouth, trying to conceal his laughter. “I’m sorry, it’s just hard imagining a grim reaper being concerned about a bad hotel.”
Kurama was no fool. He knew that there were as many bad men in a position of power as there were good. Botan’s attractiveness would certainly grab the attention of terrible men who intend to extort and prey on her. She had to have known that herself and did not want to bring harm on people who did not know what they were dealing with, even if they were despicable. She had survived the Makai Insects and even lived to see the Dark Tournament’s conclusion; Botan had the strength of a fighter deep within, holding power yet untapped. Even if it could not be manifested into a concentrated blast of energy as readily as Yusuke’s, or wielded as a blade of energy like Kuwabara, it was still strong and pure. It only needed to be tended to—nurtured with the care of one overseeing the growth of precious flowers.
Kurama’s fist fell, but his smile remained just the same. “I’ll have to talk to mother about it. We don’t have company over often, much less staying with us, so I’m sure she won’t mind the arrangement.” He was confident that Botan’s presence would be welcome, and left little doubt that she would be refused.
After Botan had finished her meal, they set out for Kurama’s home. Telling a lie to his mother was never comforting, but it was always for the sake of her peace of mind. Together he had bounced off potential stories Botan could use; she was new to the school and transferred from another part of Japan, but due to some confusion during the move she was unable to pay for housing elsewhere; her parents are fighting far too frequently, and she wants to get away from it for a little while by staying with a close friend; Kurama had helped her out of a bad situation with some riffraff, and she won’t be comfortable staying at her own home for a while, at least until she feels safe walking home alone again. Any story was plausible, but he stressed that his mother was more than likely to accept Botan no matter how simple her reason was. It did not take escaping an abusive relationship for his mother to help someone in need. Botan’s housing troubles would be nonexistent the minute she made a case. It was just that easy.
“Mother, I’m home!” Kurama called, entering the warm Minamino home and guiding Botan inside. It was a modest place that was kept very tidy. The carpet and walls were kept clean, with tables and furniture kept dust-free. The sound of a television had greeted them just before Shiori Minamino did, emerging from around the corner of the kitchen wiping away at a wet pan with a look of contentedness.
“Welcome back Shu—“Her son had returned, but with him was a girl she did not recognize. Shiori had, as many mothers might, began to form her own idea of who she was before either Shuichi or the sunny new guest could. “Oh!” Shiori smiled, setting the pan and rag down on the counter beside her before approaching her son and his friend. “Welcome to our home! Shuichi, is this a new friend of yours?”
“She’s not exactly new. Her name is Botan and she’s a good friend of mine. She has something to ask of you.” Kurama could practically see the gears in his mother’s head turning. Botan’s case might be unnecessary at this point. If mother was already coming to her own conclusions, then her place here was guaranteed. All that mattered now was what story she would choose to stick to.
Shiori looked at Botan with subtle excitement. “It’s not every day that Shuichi brings home a friend, especially one so cute.”
“Mother, please.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Shiori waved a hand apologetically. Shuichi’s embarrassment only made this moment more adorable to her.
Taka
Dane
erikh