Disclaimer: I don't own YYH
"Why do you keep on smiling?"
It was a random question, something totally unexpected from him.
"Because I'm happy, that's why I smile", came her simple reply.
They stayed in silent for a minute, her sitting on a bench in Genkai's garden, him on a tree branch. They were too different, there really wasn't anything to say to each other. Of course, her initial fear of him, which he obligingly fueled, didn't help either.
For all the years that they've worked together, the two had never been alone. But that is not to say they aren't comfortable with each other, because they are. Which is weird really, but when a group of people—or demon, or spirit, had been through so much together like them, words weren't needed.
She shifted from her position to look up at him. His silhouette was contrasted by the setting sun at his back. He looked peaceful, a word not usually associated with Hiei. The fire demon had his eyes closed but she knew he was aware of everything.
"You don't believe me, do you?" asked Botan.
"I didn't say that I don't believe you, but I don't believe what you said. No one can be happy all the time. But you smile all the time, for someone who's seemingly honest you are a very deceiving woman." He said in a deadpanned tone, like explaining boring facts.
"Why do you ask, Hiei?" she asked, the Soul Reaper was truly curious where his questions are coming from.
He's truly an enigma she has yet to understand. He isn't like Yuusuke or Kuwabara whom in all their positive characteristics are, to put it bluntly, simple creatures. Not that there's anything wrong with simplicity, she considers herself a simple girl. He isn't like Kurama either who is the most complex of the lot, having two persona and all. But with all his complexity, the fox is consistent.
But Hiei's different. He's simple yet unpredictable. Then there is that cool face of his that showed next-to-nothing emotions.
Thinking that he probably wouldn't answer her question she decided to clarify her former statement, "I'm not trying to pretend I'm always happy, Hiei. I do have my down times too like everybody, but that doesn't mean that I'm not happy with my life. Besides, but I don't only smile for myself, I smile for everybody. Even for you—when you don't show your happiness, I smile for you"
For me?
He didn't get it. "There's no happiness for the Forbidden Child" he unconsciously muttered.
She heard, "Yes there is. Like right now, I can tell that you are happy to be here with your sister… and with us." Botan said the last part with a bit of uncertainty but she couldn't help but assume that he's happy with them, as she is when he's there.
"Hn."
He…he agreed! Maybe he isn't as mysterious and unreachable as he seems. Oh Hiei, am I finally understanding you?
On his tree the fire apparition was deep in thought. So this feeling is happiness, not the same as the satisfaction of besting an opponent. Not the same as the contentment knowing that my sister is safe. Not the same as the pleasure of an adrenaline rush when I'm in a battle or when I tamed the Dragon. More like a combination of all. As I thought, she isn't as dense as she seems. With eyes still closed, Hiei, the Forbidden Child of the Koorime, smiled.
From inside the temple Yuusuke called, "Yo Botan! You better come inside or Kuwabara and I will eat your share of desserts! And tell Three Eyes that he should stop sitting on his tree or else there won't be any ice cream left!"
Botan looked at her back and yelled threateningly, "You better leave some cake for me Yuusuke or you'll be facing my oar!" She then stood up, smoothing the wrinkles of her silk kimono. She said to her companion, "Should we get going then? It's not good to keep the cake and sweet snow waiting." The girl then made her way towards the door, playfully hopping at each step stone.
In a flash Hiei was walking behind her. "Arigatou"
"Huh, for what?"
"For smiling", it was all he said as before they entered the house.
She didn't see his face, but she could feel the small tug at the end of his lips when he said it. Again, no words were needed when two people had come to a silent understanding of each other.
"Douitashimashite"
Fin