Christmas Morn
by Jari Son


Echoing off the bathroom walls, Botan could hear the timber sounds of her truelove's voice singing merrily. "Jingle-bells, jingle-bells, jingle all the way..." This day was Christmas day-the anniversary of their marriage two years ago. She could feel her heart go pitter-patter in her chest as a wide, incredibly joyous grin spread across her face. It actually hurt to be this happy-but she couldn't help it.

His singing trailed off as he entered their bedroom. "Merry Christmas, my love." He was still wet from the shower, but clothed again in his robe and pajamas. His brown hair was parted down the middle showing his unbandaged forehead as he strode across the room and gave her a quick peck on the lips. "Notice anything different?"

Botan gazed dreamily into his eyes before taking in his whole appearance. Something was missing. "Your... Your mark-it's gone!" Koenma grinned. "How?" she asked.

"It's official-I'm no longer Enma's son." He pulled back the sheets and climbed back into bed with her. Koenma didn't seem sad about this admission one bit, but Botan became immediately concerned. She wrapped her arms around him, squeezing his lanky abdomen tight. "This was my wish and his anniversary gift to us." He paused a moment, then continued, "Try to call your oar."

Botan's face screwed up as she looked at him curiously. She had been a ferry-girl for as long as she could remember. She had always been queen of the dead. To be free from that... for real... She'd never considered the possibility. When she stretched out her arm and opened her palm-nothing happened.

"Is this supposed to a good thing?"

Koenma shrugged, but his eyes were glittering, giving way to his true feelings. "Yes, Botan-chan, it's a very good thing." He touched his hand to her cheek and lightly traced her jaw, causing the hairs on her arms to stand on end. "We're human now. We're free to be together, with Enma's blessings."

"But..."

He kissed her and she lost all doubt, happy to be alive with her truelove on Christmas morn.

~Owari~

~*Happily Ever After? Hm.... ^_~

 Jari Son 2001

Yu Yu Hakusho is copyright to Yoshihiro Togashi/Shueisha, Jump comics, Fuji Television and Studio Pierrot and licensed by FUNImation Productions, Inc.