A year of marriage had been sweeter than any dream Botan could have imagined. It started with a small ceremony at Genkai's temple with all of their loved ones - the event a low-key and simple one for the fire-demon's sake - and ended with Hiei taking her home and officially making her his.

From that day on, she lived on the outskirts of Mukuro's territory, in the two-story home Hiei purchased for them. Much to her delight, he had given the ferry-girl free reign when it came to decorating, only providing his input when prompted and probed. With everyone's collective assistance, Botan was able to turn the place into a homey and comfortable space. She personalized it with pictures and furnishings that both she and Hiei approved upon and she kept theme warm and neutral, with splashes of color and brightness along the way. It held the same sort of familiar air and style as their apartment in the other reality, which pleased Botan to no end.

Life in the demon world was certainly different than what she was accustomed to, but she truly loved it here. Haru showed her around the best markets and shopping spots, while Hiei had warned her of the places she should absolutely never venture to. When time allowed, the fire-demon often took her along scenic routes and to landscapes outside of Mukuro's territory. Her favorite site would always be the Valley of Solitude, though, and she had a feeling that Hiei felt the same. She smiled as she glanced down at her wedding band fondly, thinking back to the all the moments that led them to this point.

As their days together grew in number, they assimilated into this new phase of life seamlessly. The couple had already known of each other's habits and quirks and had no trouble adjusting to sharing a single space. While both of their schedules were usually jam packed - what with Hiei being the General of Mukuro's army and Botan continuing her duties as both a ferry-girl and assistant to the spirit detectives - they always managed to find time for each other.

They had their ups and downs, as most couples did, but Botan wouldn't change a thing between them. She was truly happy and there was nothing more she wanted out of life.

"Searching for something, woman?" Hiei asked, pulling her out of her musings.

The ferry-girl tilted her head, bringing curious eyes up to meet his from across the small kitchen table.

"Hm?"

He motioned over to her full plate and it was only then that she realized she had taken to poking and prodding at her eggs absentmindedly with her fork.

"I think I'm coming down with something," she muttered, setting her fork down with a frown. "My appetite's been a bit off lately."

Hiei's gaze lingered on hers, eyes narrowing the way they did when he was vexed or concerned.

"I'll be fine, though," she reassured through a smile. "Don't you worry about a thing; I always bounce back quickly!"

Crimson eyes continued to examine her for a moment longer, before relenting.

"Anyway, you're the one I'm worried about," Botan pointed out. "You always get so reckless on these excursions."

"You worry too much," Hiei deflected, averting his gaze stubbornly.

"And you worry too little!" she argued back. Flashes of a bloodied and injured fire-demon plagued her mind as she stared back at him from under knotted brows. "You've got to exercise some caution, okay? I don't want to see you hurt like the last time."

"I'll be fine."

"Hiei," she said, tempering her expression and her tone. She didn't want to fight with him – not when she wouldn't see him for the next few days. "I don't like to see you injured and in pain. If you won't be careful for yourself, then at least do it for me."

The fire-demon's gaze was locked onto hers as he stood up, an understanding passing through crimson eyes that had Botan's expression softening.

"I can't make any promises," he said carefully. "But I will try to do as you say."

"That's all I ask."

"Eat something," he urged, leaning down to give her a parting kiss. "And if you aren't well, call for Yukina."

Botan nodded with a smile.

"I'll be back," he promised.

"I know you will," she returned. "Love you."

He kissed her again, slower and more prolonged this time, causing Botan's heart to flutter in her chest. She wasn't sure if she would ever get used to calling Hiei her own, but she supposed she had her whole life to let the notion sink in. He pulled away, pecking her lips one last time for good measure, and then he was gone.

Left alone with nothing but the silence of an empty house, the ferry-girl turned her attention down to her plate with a sigh. It couldn't hurt to at least try to eat, so she shoveled a few forkfuls of eggs into her mouth and forced it down with a swallow. For a short while, she seemed to be okay. She managed to clear the table and finish washing most of the wares, when the familiar wave of nausea hit her in full force. Stomach churning and twisting, she brought a hand to her mouth and suppressed a moan as she scrambled to the bathroom and proceeded to spill the contents of her stomach out into the sink.

Botan groaned as she turned the faucet on and caught her reflection in the mirror. Pale skin and pink eyes filled with misery stared back at her, haunting her like a ghost.

"Oh poo... what's wrong with me?" she wondered as she grabbed her toothbrush and began brushing her teeth sullenly.

Koenma had given her a permanent corporal form - a body with the same level of spiritual abilities she possessed in her spirit form that would age at the same rate as a demon's. This body could phase in and out of spirit form, perform healing magic and channel spirit energy into defensive or offensive attacks. It was a privilege that only higher ups were granted and Koenma had pulled many strings and gone through many loopholes in order to give her this gift. Unfortunately, being in a corporal body meant that she was prone to getting sick like everybody else.

It was a small price to pay for a normal life with Hiei, though, so she was determined to bear it without complaint. Marching back into the kitchen, she drank some water and nibbled on her leftover toast. It was better than nothing, she decided, as she finished up the last of the dishes.

Her morning was fairly quiet, until a knock at the front door interrupted one of her favorite soap operas.

"I wonder who that could be," she muttered to herself.

The ferry-girl hadn't been expecting any visitors, but her expression brightened when she opened the door to reveal a grinning emotion-reader.

"Haru!" she exclaimed as she ushered him inside.

"Hey pretty lady," he grinned in return.

"What brings you to this little neck of the woods?"

"Hiei said I should check in on you," he mentioned, a small moue tugging at his lips. "Everything OK?"

Botan smiled, her heart warmed by both her husband's thoughtfulness and Haru's concern.

"I'm alright. It's nothing to worry about."

"Seriously?" he replied, folding his arms over his chest loosely as he arched a brow. "'Cause you look like hell."

"Well, thanks Haru..." she mumbled self-consciously.

"No, I mean... you don't look well..." he amended, hands raised in a placating gesture. "Maybe you really should consider seeing a doctor."

Botan's shook her head.

"I don't think it's anything too serious," she reassured. "I'm meeting up with the girls in the human world today. Maybe I'll ask Yukina for a second opinion."

"Sounds like a smart idea," Haru supported, his indomitable grin returning to his expression. "Want an escort? I'm headed in that direction, anyway."

A smile curved her lips upwards.

"That would be lovely," the ferry-girl replied. "Just give me a few minutes to get ready?"

"You got it," Haru acceded, plopping down on the couch and giving her a thumbs up.

Botan headed upstairs into the bedroom, smiling when she noticed that Hiei had made the bed and tidied up sometime between waking up and leaving. Ever since their time in the other reality, he had become more organized and orderly when it came to the state of his dwelling place. It still amused her to this day and she bit back a smile as she rummaged through her closet for a thick pink sweater and jeans. It was still a little chilly in the human world in mid-April, but this should do.

Tying her blue locks into its signature ponytail, she looked herself over. Her reflection was still a little too pallid for her liking, but she supposed there was nothing she could do about that. Grabbing her purse, she bounded down the stairs and reconvened with Haru. He had made himself comfortable, leaning back into the plush cushions of the couch as he channel surfed. His bored expression lightened when he heard her footsteps draw near.

"Ready?" he asked, turning the television off and standing to full height.

Botan picked her keys up from the table and nodded.

"Just about!"

He extended his arm to her in a grand flourish and a wink.

"Then, let's be on our way, fair lady."

She giggled as she accepted the offer and together, they made their way to the nearest portal. The air was denser today, the sky an ominous crimson instead of a bright red. The sun was intermittently shining through gray clouds as thunder rolled in the distance. It was the perfect backdrop for a battle and she hoped that Hiei was doing well, wherever he was.

Haru distracted her with some lighthearted gossip about happenings at the fortress until they approached a swirling portal. He let her go with a hug and a grin and from there, Botan mounted her oar and flew through calm blue skies at a leisurely pace.

When she arrived at the temple, she found Yukina, Shizuru and Keiko seated around the short table in the east wing of the compound with tea and snacks laid out before them.

"Hello ladies," Botan greeted as she took up a seat beside Shizuru.

A chorus of greetings met her ears as Shizuru set a cup of piping hot tea in front of her.

"Love the hair, Keiko!" Botan commented, upon getting a good look at everybody.

"Yes, it's lovely," Yukina added.

The brunette reached up to finger the shoulder-length locks with a smile.

"Thank you. It was getting way too long and I needed a change, so I asked Shizuru to cut it."

"Well, she did a marvelous job," Botan complimented.

Shizuru met her gaze with a cool and casual smile.

"I'm a woman of many talents."

Botan smiled as she placed her hands around the teacup and siphoned some of its warmth.

"Have some snacks, I made your favorites," Yukina offered as she pushed the tray closer to the ferry-girl.

The bluette took one look at the sweet treats and had to suppress the urge to gag as shook her head.

"Thank you, dear, but I'll have to pass on your wonderful baking this time around," she declined. "My appetite's been so out of whack lately!"

"It has?" Keiko asked, leaning forward in interest.

"Y-yes, in fact, I think I may be coming down with something..." Botan continued.

"You don't say..." Shizuru probed.

"It's really nothing to be concerned about, but you all know how Hiei gets," she continued with a dismissive wave, completely and utterly oblivious to the way all the girls' gazes rested on her. "I'm sure he'd feel better if someone confirmed that all was well."

"What are your symptoms?" Yukina inquired.

"Let's see..." Botan proceeded to count them off on her fingers. "I've been getting these nausea and dizzy spells lately. And I'm more drained than usual lately. Plus, I'm having trouble keeping my meals down..."

Keiko's brows rose, receding behind her thick bangs as she shared a knowing look with Shizuru. Yukina's expression had changed as well, shifting into an excited sort of look that Botan could not make sense of.

"What is it?" the ferry-girl asked, lashes fluttering as she blinked at them. "Why are you all looking at me like that?"

"When is the last time you had your period?" Shizuru questioned.

Botan's expression fell as she tapped a finger to her chin.

"U-um, well, I'm a little late," she admitted sheepishly. "But that happens sometimes, right?"

"It usually isn't a big deal, but paired with your other symptoms, it can only mean one thing..." Shizuru trailed off.

Blue brows crinkled as the ferry-girl frowned in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Botan..." Yukina began gently, a soft smile gracing her features. "It sounds to us like you may be pregnant."

"P-pregnant?" the ferry-girl trilled, looking between the trio with wide and shocked eyes. "That's impossible!" she exclaimed with a shake of her head. "We were so careful. I can't possibly be..."

Yukina held her gaze evenly.

"It would explain your current condition..." she noted.

Botan thought of the past few days and the peculiar symptoms that only seemed to ail her: the fatigue, the morning sickness, the many fluctuations of her mood. The pieces were beginning to align slowly, but surely into one startling conclusion. She did not want to believe it – but there really was no other explanation. A hand rested on her stomach as she swallowed thickly.

"Oh my."


Hiei didn't know how he ended up this way, with Yusuke's arm slung over his shoulder casually, Kurama flanking his other side and Kuwabara taking up the rear, but somehow, someway, it always came down to the four of them.

The red sky thundered as lightning flashed above them. The area was littered with defeated enemies and his soldiers were departing, returning to the fortress to report their victory back to Mukuro. All in all, this expedition was a success and it was all due to the three who had no ties to Mukuro's army in the first place.

Their presence here was out of the ordinary: Kuwabara had no business being in this world and meddling in its affairs, Kurama had long since cut ties to the demon world and Yusuke seemed content to live out the rest of his days in the human world. But when trouble drew near, the trio was never too far behind. The skirmish had become much larger and more troublesome than Hiei and his handful of soldiers had accounted for, leading them to the borders of Raizen's territory. The monks must have alerted Yusuke, who then undoubtedly pulled the fox and the oaf into the fray as well.

They showed up like they always did: without warning and without prompting. He could have managed to claim the victory on his own, but not without losing a soldier or two and injuring himself along the way. Truth be told, Hiei probably would have been in more trouble than this damn excursion was worth had it not been for their interference and though he would never admit it aloud, perhaps his former allies were not the worst people to have around when the stakes were high.

"Man, there's nothing like a good scuffle to get the blood pumping!" Yusuke exclaimed, releasing the fire-demon in order to punch a fist into the palm of his hand.

"Yeah! We kicked some serious demon tail today!" Kuwabara cheered boisterously.

"Yes," Kurama agreed, tucking a single rose back into his hair. "It's certainly been a while, but it seems as though the old team dynamic is still quite effective."

"Hn."

"You guys wanna head to the bar?" Yusuke suggested. "There's a really good one nearby."

"I'm in!" Kuwabara agreed.

"I can spare some time," Kurama stated.

"I'll pass," Hiei replied flatly.

"Don't be a wet blanket!" Yusuke goaded.

Hiei glared at the ex-detective.

"I have no interest in wasting my time at a dingy bar," Hiei declared.

Yusuke opened his mouth to protest, but Kurama was quicker.

"To be fair, Hiei has been out on the field for far longer than we have," he pointed out, an amused smile on his lips. "I am sure he is more than ready to return to home."

Yusuke's expression sharpened into a knowing smirk.

"Ah, I see how it is," he said cheekily as he nudged the fire-demon with his elbow. "Can't wait to be welcomed back by the wife, eh? Never would've guessed you'd be so whipped."

"I don't know, Urameshi, it kinda makes sense when you think about," Kuwabara considered, rubbing at his chin contemplatively. "He's got that weird honor-code of his that makes him uncharacteristically loyal. Plus he's had it bad for Botan since the day they came back from that other reality."

"True," Yusuke snorted in amusement. "He's practically the poster child for committed and loyal husbands everywhere."

The fire-demon rolled his eyes as the two banes of his existence continued to throw quips back and forth. He had gotten better at tuning them out for the most part, but he still itched to unsheathe his sword and spill some blood for all his troubles.

"Go on ahead," Kurama said. "I will keep these two in check."

Hiei nodded, not needing to be told twice before taking off in the direction of Mukuro's territory. All manner of terrains blurred into earthy browns and greens as Hiei sped past, sprinting with an urgency that as not unwarranted. The mission lasted a little over a week and he was eager to return home, to the one who was waiting for him. It had only been a few days in the grand scheme of things, but he had come to crave Botan like no other.

Hiei slowed to a halt when their house came in view. The woman had insisted on growing cosmos, even though the flower itself was fickle and difficult to maintain. They lined the way to the front door, and even he had to admit that it added something unique and personal to the grassy plains surrounding their home. He could smell something appetizing emanating from the open kitchen window and he could hear the dramatic notes of that silly television show his wife loved so much playing in the air. A ghost of a a smile reached his lips as he reached a hand out to open the door.

Coming home always felt cathartic, but the cold and ominous feeling that washed over him as he ventured inside halted him in his tracks. Something was not right and when he spotted Botan, the feeling only grew.

"Hiei," she said, standing up from the couch and allowing blanket to slip off of her shoulders as she stared back at him. She forced a smile on her face, tight and unnatural, as she made her way over to him and kissed his cheek. "Welcome home. How was it?"

"Nothing I couldn't handle," he answered.

Botan was strangely silent, her expression falling in increments. When a few seconds passed by without any reaction in her, Hiei decided to continue.

"The fox, the oaf and ex-detective somehow ended up joining the battle," he recounted.

"That's nice..." she said, clearly distracted.

"And then Raizen was resurrected and the three kings entered a battle which threatened to destroy all of Makai," he lied.

"How wonderful."

His eyes narrowed suspiciously, but the ferry-girl failed to notice it as she clapped her hands together and fixed him with another one of those smiles that failed to light her eyes.

"You must be hungry," she said, though he had a feeling she was simply speaking for the sake of distracting herself. "I'll reheat the leftovers and fix you some tea while I'm at it..."

He frowned as she made a beeline for the kitchen, leaving Hiei no choice but to follow after her.

Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, he watched on silently as Botan retrieved a mug from the cupboard and busied herself. Her posture was ramrod straight, movements lacking their usual fluidity. She kept casting quick glances at him, biting her bottom lip the way she did when she was nervous. Something was very clearly off between them and the fire-demon was determined to know the reason. Kicking off of the wall, he crossed over to the stove and turned it off.

Botan spun around in surprise, gasping when she realized their proximity.

"The tea..." she said as she pointed over to the kettle. "Don't you want any?"

"The only thing I want is an explanation behind your peculiar behavior."

Botan's lips pursed together, a look of fear and guilt passing over her features as she glanced away.

If someone had hurt her in his absence, he would kill them. It was as simple as that. He would never forgive himself for allowing any harm to befall her, but he would at least have enacted due justice.

When she finally lifted her gaze to meet his, whatever declaration she had been working herself up to say died on her parted lips. Hiei watched her fidget with the ends of her sleeves with a frown. The ferry-girl has been nervous on many occasions - like when she had blurted out something private that he did not want or need anyone to know about - but this hesitance was new. The worry shading her amethyst eyes was unfamiliar. She looked as though she hadn't slept at all, her cheeks lacking their usual color and gaze downcast.

"Botan," he said, his voice firm as he drew her attention back to him. "Whatever it is, we will get through it as we always have."

Her bottom lip quivered, but she nodded and sucked in a deep breath. Hiei steeled himself, counting the empty seconds that passed them by as he waited for the words that hung above them like a guillotine.

"I," she began quietly. "I'm pregnant, Hiei."

The fire-demon froze, every muscle stiffening as his crimson eyes widened a fraction. The words made his blood run cold, shards of ice freezing in his veins.

"You..." he echoed lowly, chest laden with a weight he hadn't felt in a long time. "You're..."

Botan nodded, her hands wringing together nervously as she held his gaze.

"I know we didn't plan for this and we never really talked about the prospect of children..." she started carefully. "But it's true."

Crimson eyes darted down to the ferry-girl's midsection. If he concentrated, the jagan was able to sense it: the hybrid mix of energy that resided in Botan. It was so faint, he wouldn't have detected it unless he was actively searching for it, but it was undeniable. The energy was his and hers and something else entirely.

Botan's expression fell further as she took a step closer to him.

"I know this is a lot to take in... and I know that neither of us are ready for this, but please say something," she urged, lifting a hand to touch his cheek. "Even if you're upset, I want you to tell me what's on your mind."

Her words pulled him out of his daze and he looked back at her.

"You think I'm upset?"

"You've got that unreadable look on your face and you've withdrawn into yourself. What else am I supposed to think?"

"I'm not..." he tried to explain, but trailed off as Botan withdrew her hand. He didn't know what he was feeling; he was too numb with shock to process anything at the moment. He couldn't get his thoughts straight; couldn't properly express one of the many emotions running through his mind and laying heavy in his chest, but there was one thing he had no trouble revealing. One truth that would never change. "If it's with you, then it will be fine."

"Hiei..." Botan's eyes were round as she stared back at him in shock.

He meant it when he said he wanted to be with her forever. It was not a weightless declaration by any means. And he knew that their future would eventually come to this - he just wasn't expecting it to happen so soon.

"It's what I decided a long time ago," he revealed evenly. In fact, she was the one who helped him make peace with the idea of having children and it was a possibility he only dared to consider with her. Still, her reaction was worrying. Perhaps she did not feel the same. Maybe she was not ready for any of this. "But you seem troubled."

"I'm a little uncertain because this is unchartered territory for the both of us, but I've always wanted a family, Hiei," she replied honestly as she took a hold of both of his hands and squeezed comfortingly. "You know that."

He did, but he needed to know...

"And do you want that with me?"

"Of course I do, silly!" she affirmed, as if any other answer would be ridiculous. "You're the only one."

He let out the breath that he had been holding as he nodded in understanding.

"Then there is nothing for you to worry about," he comforted. "It seems we both want the same thing."

A slow smile stretched over her lips, amethyst eyes shining with more affection than he deserved. He could still feel the faint signal of their child's energy radiating from within her and the reality of their situation began to sink in. This was really happening. He was going to be a father.

"We're having a baby..." Botan whispered, eyes shining with happiness. "We're going to be parents."

He nodded, his voice failing him at the moment.

She let out a small sound of delight before hugging him tightly. Hiei brought an arm up to encircle her as an unfamiliar, but not entirely unpleasant feeling burned in his chest.

He never thought there would be a day when he would so readily accept fatherhood, but he supposed there was a first time for everything.

Suffice it to say, from here on out, things would never be the same.


Hey guys! I'm back with the sequel. I can't promise super long chapters like Home had - but this fic will afford a snapshot into Hiei and Botan's life together as the years go by. It will be more fluff and sweetness than anything else, because I'm a big mush like that.

Please drop a review if you enjoyed. :) Thank you for reading!