Invisible
Botan's POV
Author's Notes: This started as just the little poem, and then I added the second part. Sequel to 'They Don't Know Me'.
I wish I could be noticed by someone...
Anyone...
I wish I could be seen as something other than the cheerful ferry girl.
Why can't anyone treat me as more than a friend?
A woman...
... A girlfriend...
...A lover...
All I ever get are Yusuke's rude comments,
The memories of Kuwabara's crush,
The sight of loving couples.
The woman in me,
The one that needs the romance, love, and attention,
Begs to be seen.
But, no, that's not possible.
I'm nothing but the ferry girl.
The annoyance,
The non-fighter,
The ditzy assistant;
I feel invisible...
Nobody sees my true self...
...Invisible...
[Hiei's POV, at Botan's residence]
She had locked herself in the bathroom, and I could hear the sound of her sobs. It pained me greatly. After she attempted to include me in the group so many times and continued doing so even after being declined each time, she deserved happiness.
No lock would stop me. With a few swift movements, the door opened. Startled, Botan looked up at me with red eyes and a tear-stained face from where she was sitting on the tiled floor.
"Why are you crying? What could possibly upset such an optimistic person so much?"
"I..." She struggled to find the words while trying to hold back her tears. I knelt down in front of her and stared, waiting.
Eventually, with a sniff, her tears ceased, and she wiped her face. Softly, she said, "I'm... lonely..."
"With so many friends, you would be the last person I would think to hear that from."
"Sure, I have friends, but..."
"You want something more?"
She nodded, eyes cast downward and a pink tinge on her cheeks.
"Who do you think could provide that for you? Koenma?"
She shook her head and answered, "No...
"Kurama?"
Again, "No..."
"...me?" Though I doubted it, a part of me vaguely hoped her answer would change.
And it did.
"Maybe..."
My eyes met Botan's, her hope barely contained within the beautiful pink orbs.
Normally, I would have turned her down, as I had with her previous requests for me to join in with the group. But... my opinion of her had changed greatly. Perhaps, there was a chance I could learn to love her...
Perhaps...
"Are you looking for romance? I cannot provide that for you..."
"No.. I just want someone to love... to be with..."
I hesitated, wondering if this was in either of our best interests. I didn't love her. I might cause her even more pain. Would she be better off forgetting me? Or would she believe it better to have loved and lost, rather than not loved at all?
Finally, I answered, "I would be willing to try... for your sake..." There. My decision was made. There would be no going back now.
At my words, her face brightened and she hugged me. Rather awkwardly, I hugged her back.
"Thank you, Hiei..." she whispered, cheerful once more.
Though she couldn't see my face, I allowed a small smile to grace my lips. Perhaps this wouldn't be so bad...