Author's Note: Hey everyone. Here is my new story and drabble. Please enjoy and let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho.

Just...The Beginning of Something.

I peeked over the thick book I was reading for an upcoming assignment for class. A simple read really, though one I found quite interesting. However, I realized I have been on the same page for about ten minutes. For some reason my attention was elsewhere. Where you ask? Well if you had my curious, wondering eyes and my keen, sense of hearing, you would know all my senses were entirely focused on the pair sitting outside. Strange. They were both extremely diverse. Various differences described the pair accurately such as hot and cold, rage and joyful, temper and tranquil. All these terminologies truthfully describe the duo, and clash when together. Although, the dissimilarities seemed to fit them and form a sense of peace at times.

The whole gang was here. Simply lounging around after a recent mission, everyone thought it would be nice to have some down time. My short, demon friend was slouching against a tree in front of Genkai's home. One of his legs crouched up to his chest and the back of his hands cradling his head up against the bark. His eyes closed. One who didn't know the fire apparition well would have assumed he was asleep, but I knew otherwise. He was awake, just dare I say, at ease.

The blue-haired ferry girl, Botan, was on the other side. Her oar gone from her usual side and a book in her lap as well. She was biting her lip in anxiousness, must be from her book. She was sitting straight up and had her legs tucked underneath her. Her usual pink kimono was gone. In its place was a simple, forest green, ruffled sundress.

Both were in a serene sense of silence. It perked my curiosity. Were they always this close? No, I recalled. They hated each other. Well, on the contrary, one hated the other; however, I had no sense of grasp on how the girl felt towards him. Odd that they are so close. Just the other day, Hiei had threatened to break her wrist if she were to touch him with a cotton swab covered in alcohol that stung his wounds, which he had received on a mission. She had scolded him, saying it would get infected. He just disappeared from her sight leaving her with a few choice words nothing short of 'I'll kill you if you try that again'. Now the readings from their auras are different. They almost seemed to be leaning alongside with each other.

I quickly scanned the rest of the group. Kuwabara was trying to impress Yukina and his older sister was bringing him back down to our level of normalcy. Yusuke was busy talking with his girlfriend, Keiko, as well as his mentor, Genkai. His voice gradually getting louder at times. Probably from both Keiko and Genkai lecturing him. Only few options came to mind. Either they already knew the happenings, they didn't care, or haven't noticed the small signs showing within the pair. Most likely the latter.

I suppose I will have to watch them closely, then. Interested on how this new peek of appeal will last. I will have to be patient and perceive on how the current situation will progress.

Though I do wonder if this epidemic will prove to be a problem in the immediate future? All in all, I will keep this situation to myself, and if I need to intervene I will. For now, I will leave it be. After all I am a fox, and we are inquisitive creatures...waiting to see how circumstances will turn out whether good or bad.

'Fox,' a disgruntled voice spoke up in my head.

I looked down immediately at my book and smiled. 'Yes Hiei.'

'What are you looking at?'

I raised my green eyes and peeked over the top of the book. One red orb was glaring at me from across the yard.

I held an even bigger grin. 'Just...' I paused and closed my eyes, quickly searching for the right words...'the beginning of something...'

Perhaps...This Wasn't The Beginning.

My green orbs were completely and utterly focused on her entire being. All of my senses were heightened tenfold, totally focusing on the ferry girl. She was sitting outside, leaning her small back against the wooden wall of Genkai's temple.

My bright forest green orbs scanned her small, petite form. She had a slight hue of pink staining her cheeks, similar to the color in her bright eyes. She seemed flustered...was that the right term to use for a girl that was normally cheery, and extremely ambiguous in some aspects? Her blue hair, which was normally in a ponytail, was now flowing down along her back. Botan was wearing her customary, pink kimono after having just finished her obligations with Koenma. She bit her lip in between her teeth as the soft, sensitive flesh began to bruise. Her hands were curled together in her lap, legs tucked underneath her body. Her hands that were always neatly manicured and filed down, except for one nail...her thumb nail had a slight crack in it. Unlike her. Her eyes lost their usual happy glow for she was reminiscing...staring, but not actually seeing to put it delicately.

Everyone was getting ready to join us for training. A new case was coming up and Koenma wanted us to be in "top form" his words not mine. I was trying to concentrate controlling my energy through the plant in front of me. Testing a new technique if you will. Everything has energy you see no matter how small. I am experimenting if I could somehow absorb the plant's energy into my body. However, I couldn't stop watching the blue haired girl in front of me. Ever since I found out of this new hobby of mine..meaning watching Botan and Hiei, I couldn't keep my curious, nosy mind out of it. I was almost desperate to find out when this relationship started. I haven't seen them in a couple weeks, with everyone being busy.

Hiei stopped and met me by my school just yesterday. It was strange to see him so out in the open. He looked impatient, or more so than usual. I greeted him. His response was nothing, but a mere glare in my direction. Fearing that something was wrong I quickly scanned him over. His posture was relaxed though his hands were tucked away in his cloak. The slight crinkle in the cloth gave away that he held the inner pocket material in his fists. Tense, crossed my mind. I asked him if something was bothering him or on his mind he wished to discuss. He simply scoffed. He looked away then back to my eyes. His aura slightly raising. Before he disappeared, he left me surprised at what he said. "Mind your business Kurama."

My eyes widened, my jaw set tight. I just shook my head and continued on my way home, hoping to help mother with dinner later on that night.

I closed my eyes and reopened them as I looked at the plant. It was in part bloom, teeth were etching into the petals and hungered for my energy. I simply stopped my task and the flower was back to its harmless form. My eyes went back to the deity of death. Her eyes hadn't changed. She was still remembering I assume. Her hand was upon her lips now. Softly running over them as if recalling something...something special perhaps? I nearly choked now on what I was getting at. No it couldn't be, was she remembering...I can't say right now, but I'm almost certain, her body language was consistent. I quickly scanned over her clothes, although everything was neatly tucked back into place. If anything had occurred in the first place.

"Kurama, are you okay"? a soft voice broke me out of my thoughts and theory.

I turned to the side. Yukina was holding out tea for me. A worried look upon her normal smiling face in concern for my well being.

I smiled to reassure her and to cover what I was implying with my thoughts. "I'm fine thank you." Taking the cup full of tea from her hands. "Just trying to concentrate on this plant."

Her eyes held understanding and smiled. "Oh sorry to disturb you. I assume you are mastering your new technique well then"?

"Yes."

Yukina then switched her attention to the ferry girl. "Botan, would you like some tea?"

At this Botan immediately got out of whatever stupor she was in. She turned quickly to face the ice maiden "I'm fine Yukina dear. No worries here." Botan laughed.

Yukina however wasn't fooled. Perceptive...just like her brother. "You seemed out of it. Were you thinking about something?"

Or someone I inwardly thought.

Her posture was now stiff. Then, she plastered a huge smile on her face. "No need to worry. Must be tired is all. Koenma has been working me pretty hard lately", she stretched. Her limbs and joints popping. "Though some hot chocolate would be nice", she added. She stood up and walked into the kitchen to prepare some of the milk chocolate drink. Yukina merely left it at that and went to join her to help.

But Yukina didn't catch a very important detail that I did. It was something you could only see if someone was looking for this minor detail. I was astonished to say the least. I almost didn't believe my eyes as Botan left toward the kitchen. I slowly, carefully, stood up. Slinking in a way. Quietly and easing my feet to not make a sound against the old floor boards. My eyes casting quick glances toward the open doorway to make sure the two girls were preoccupied with their current task.

My hand picked up the thin object. I twirled it in my hand not quite accepting what I was observing. This couldn't be, maybe it was a mistake, still no need to jump to conclusions entirely yet. This object now only fueled my hunger of knowing what was going on more. It was still too soon however, this new finding has peeked my interest. I am even more determined to find out what is going on. If anything is going on.

I then let the object descend to the floor, following the others who have just arrived from training into the living room, though not before turning back and glancing at the small object. The thin, black tress of hair with a tint of white at the end of it that drifted off of Botan's clothes when she got up...

Perhaps this wasn't the beginning...

Indication...

"Hey Kurama, earth to Kurama."

I was immediately brought out of my ruminations by Yusuke. I turned my attention to my gel haired friend, who had a troubled expression on his face. His brown orbs held worry and concern for my well being.

"Sorry Yusuke, I was deep in thought." I smiled lightly to let him know I was doing fine. Which I was, to a certain extent. Ever since I came upon that hair, I have been restless and apprehensive at times. I have been debating on whether I should inform Yusuke of the recent happenings I have come to discover, or just keep quietly to myself. After all, Botan was a good friend to us all, however, even more so to Yusuke, since they spend enormous amounts of time together.

I was interrupted with my contemplation once more when Yusuke retorted with "Yea more like in deep space. You were on some other world than this one." He leaned closer and I held a question in my forest, green eyes. "What's up Kurama," he asked, as he placed his hands in his uniform pant pockets. "It's not your mother is it"?

I chuckled. "No my mother is doing well. I was just..." I paused, trying to find the right term without giving anything away. Perchance Yusuke was aware of some details I was not. It couldn't hurt to ask. Now was the perfect time anyway. We were standing outside of Genkai's' temple. The others would soon be on their way. We were to discuss a certain mission with Koenma once everyone has arrived. I came to just settle on taking the minor risk.

"Yusuke," I felt myself hesitating, "when was the last time you saw Botan"?

"Botan," Yusuke was surprised that I even asked and looked up in thought. "I just saw her earlier today. Said she had important things to talk about with the whole team. She's busy getting Kuwabara now."

I inquired further, "Did she seem alright?"

Yusuke quirked a brow and scratched his head. "Yea I guess. She is still the loudmouth, overly cheery assistant. Why are you asking about her all of a sudden?"

"Oh no reason," I tried to brush it off then I saw a gleam in Yusuke's eyes. This gleam meant my friend was about to say something totally out of the ordinary and out of proportion. I tensed at his next choice of words.

"Oh I see what is going on here," the boy in green grinned showing teeth.

"You do," I questioned. Did he know what I was getting at? He shouldn't have, I didn't even mention Hiei's name. Maybe he was watching them more than I had first assumed.

"Kurama you don't need my permission just because she is my assistant, though I'm sure baby breath might have some issues," Yusuke laughed.

Now even I was puzzled on where Yusuke was taking this. "What are you talking about?"

I must have had a grim expression on my face because he then slapped me on the back and laughed. "Don't try to deny it Kurama, you sly fox. You have the hots for Botan don't you." He snickered once more.

I nearly choked on air at the presumption coming from the boy in green. I held my hands up trying to defend myself. "No, Yusuke, you have it wrong."

"Yea yea. You like her don't you. I bet that's what you were thinking about. Well how long have you guys been sneaking around huh," he gave a lecherous smile.

I sighed. "Yusuke..." I was about to clear this whole situation up before it got any worse, of course my fate wasn't so fortunate.

"Hey Yusuke, Kurama." Chills went through my veins as her voice floated up the steps and she waved merrily at us both. Kuwabara trailed slowly behind her up the numerous steps to get to the temple.

Yusuke waved back, though his scent gave off a wave of agitation. "It's about time. Kurama and I have waited for an hour already. Your always nagging me about wasting time," as we both met them at the beginning of the steps.

Botan huffed and put her hands on her hips. She was wearing normal human clothes. A simple white dress with a dark green cardigan. "I'm sorry Yusuke. Kuwabara had to run back for some things."

"What," Yusuke said jokingly, "he forget he left his kitten outside. God forbid he loses that thing. Just think, poor softy would be heartbroken."

"Shut it Urameshi. Come on let's start fighting already," Kuwabara pumped his fist in the air.

Urameshi just smirked and held up his pointer finger. "What, ready for me to pound your face in so soon."

I ignored this banter. My eyes were set on the blue haired ferry girl in front of me. She was trying to break up the fight, but to no avail. "Now boys," she placed her hands on Kuwabara's forearms, " now is not the time for useless bick-", but was interrupted by Kuwabara.

"Hold on Botan, this punk needs to learn some manners," Kuwabara waved his hand to lightly push the ferry girl out of the way and I instantly drew in a breath for what happened next. Botan was pushed and stepped back as she lost her footing on the steps, falling backwards. A scene popped in my head of Botan falling down the steps and her bloody body broken at the bottom. Yusuke and I, seeing her start to fall and tried to reach for her, however, for some reason, she stopped in mid fall. She was suspended in air. Leaning back and her heels were the only thing briefly touching the ground for a second. Then she was slowly pushed forward back onto her feet.

Confused for a split second, until what held her up came into view from behind her...Hiei. Fate seemed to want to kill me. He was wearing his blue fighting robes and his sword was held in his hand. We all took a deep breath of relief.

Yusuke then took that moment to speak up. "Nice catch Hiei," then twisted to his best friend, "Way to go Kuwabara, you almost gave Botan the fall of her life down those god damn stairs."

"What the hell Urameshi, that was not all my fault," I stopped listening to the two fighting. I was too engrossed watching, amazed with the other two before me.

Time seemed to stop. Hiei's hand on Botan's back didn't instantly let go until her feet were placed firmly on the ground. It was almost gentle, the way he was handling her. How unlike him to be so cautious. "Thank you Hiei," Botan said softly, but the fire demon gave no sign that he heard her, his hand dropping as soon as she spoke. Hiei's red orbs were instead focused on the two fighters arguing.

"Would you fools shut up. We should be training and concentrating on the impeding tournament. At the rate your going, you two wouldn't last a minute in the ring and I for one, am sick of babysitting."

"Why you," Kuwabara went to hit Hiei but Botan quickly intervened.

"Guys stop. You're a team now," Botan pointed out "that means you boys need to start acting like one. Now let's get inside. Koenma wants to speak with us all."

"Yea whatever Botan," Yusuke shrugged. Just as we were about to go inside my luck got worse. "So Botan any news you need to be telling us," the detective decided to bring the subject up. I instantly froze in mid step.

Botan looked at the gel haired boy in consideration. "News," she questioned.

"Like how you're seeing a certain someone," he giggled lightheartedly to himself.

At this, even I found myself wanting to shut Yusuke up. Not good timing Yusuke. I turned to Botan and her face at once grew edgy. She folded her hands together and looked at the ground. Not daring to face anyone. She fidgeted with her feet when she was nervous. Hiei merely raised a brow but gave nothing else. If anything, he was just staring at Yusuke as if waiting to see what the Spirit Detective was going to say next.

"No way," Kuwabara shouted. "Who is the guy Botan"?

Botan looked at Yusuke. "Yusuke I haven't the foggiest idea what you are talking about."

"Hey," he threw his hands up. "No secrets between us remember. We are a team now so who is it?"

Botan could only stand by helplessly as the two boys ganged up on her. "No really I don't..."

Yusuke deciding to end this game merely said "It's fine Botan I already know who it is."

Botan gasped, her eyes widened. "You do"?

"So there is someone," Kuwabara countered, with a smile and a gotcha look.

Botan's eyes shifted from me to Hiei hoping for some kind of assistance. "No your putting words in my mouth."

"Yusuke, maybe this isn't the best point in time to discuss this," I tried to cut in but the two fighters weren't having any of it.

Yusuke laughed and said, "Hold her down Kuwabara, I'm going to check for hickeys."

"Guys we don't have time for this", as she backed up.

Yusuke stopped advancing and put up his hands like he was giving up. "Your right Botan, after all, you can just tell us later how you have been sneaking around with Kurama after our debrief."

Everyone was silent after this declaration. Botan was shocked, she didn't know what to say. The two fighters then rounded on her once more. Botan blushed and continuously tried to deny thier teasing. However, my attention was completely elsewhere. Like the fire demon to my left.

He was ignoring all the useless mockery and I seemed to have his full attention. I in turn could not keep my orbs off him either. Hiei was stiff, though his face held no emotion, his eyes and his stance told me everything that I needed to know. His eyes held a peculiar emotion, one that not even I could place for all the years I have known him. He clenched the sheathe of his sword tightly, and his aura was showing. His teeth were inwardly clenched and his jaw ticked. Hiei stood tall for moment. I then began to feel his energy overwhelming crushing down on me. The pressure of it all was immense and my eyes widened at the feel of it on my skin. It felt almost burning on my body. Was he challenging me? No, I observed. He was scanning me over. Surely he didn't believe what Yusuke had said. He breathed in deeply, to smell my scent and his eyes wondered over my person. To see if the detective's proclamations were valid. It seemed for like an eternity that we stared each other down until we heard a loud crack.

We both turned to the side to see Botan breathing heavy with her oar in her hand like a bat.

Yusuke was on the ground rubbing his head as well as Kuwabara, who was holding his nose that was now bleeding.

"Enough of this," she screamed, her face fully red in mortification. "Koenma wants to talk with all of you so get going," she then jumped on her oar and flew off, surprisingly she didn't even look back.

Yusuke and Kuwabara quietly muttered all the way inside leaving Hiei and I alone. I was the first to break the stare and started to walk toward the home. Although, I knew this whole conversation wasn't over, not even close...if Hiei's fixed glower at my back was any indication...

Well there you folks have it. A little longer than the first two chapters and a bit more dialogue but what the heck. Some drama starting hope you like. I'm hoping to get at least twenty reviews for this chapter but I'll see before I continue. I have great plans for this fic. Appreciate to those who have stopped by, read, and reviewed. Love ya guys.

-I'veGoneMad