(Tatami sandals are considered a casual japanese sandal and are the most popular for daily wear. Tabi socks are the most versatile and most commonly worn tabi when worn with japanese sandals.)
The sun was hardly over the horizion and the humidity was already high. Through out a small forest, it was still pitch black, except for the glow of fire moving around, dancing in the darkness. The fire was being tamed by a small fire demon, who's annoyed face glowed in the firelight. Behind him the scuffle of a tatami sandal and a high pitched, "Hiei!" broke the silence of the dawn.
Hiei turned around, the light fixed on the young girl behind him. "Hn." He replied to her call. Her blue hair was messy and a leaf stood out of it. She bit her lip and gave Hiei a pleading glance with her violet eyes.
"Did you find my sandal?" Botan asked, pointing to her right foot, which was missing a sandal. Hiei merely shook his head, turning back around. He was about to continue looking until Botan gave a wimper.
"What now?" Hiei asked bitterly, turning around once more.
"Don't leave me alone. It's too dark in here and the Maikai forest have all sorts of things in it." She said meekly, touching his shoulder gently. Hiei stiffened at her soft touch, but relaxed. "Are you mad at me?"
"Why would I be?" Hiei turned around again and continued on with Botan at his side, her hand still on his shoulder for safety. She hobbled as she walked, grimacing at her dirty tabi socks.
"Well, we were heading to Yukina's house before my sandal fell... She's expecting you and you'll be late at this rate. I know she's very important to you, more then me of course-" Botan stopped when Hiei reached at the floor to pick up something. He turned around, his expession soften.
"Don't be stupid, you're my mate now. Yukina won't mind." He scolded slightly. In one hand he held her sandal, which was in perfect condition. Botan beamed at him, hugging him tightly before placing her sandal on again. "Let's go now."
Botan smiled and nodded, the sun was rising now and the forest was brighter then before. She leaned down and gave Hiei a light kiss before conjuring her oar and waiting for him to climb aboard. "Come on then." She beckoned, a bright smile plastered on her face.
"What was that for?" Hiei questioned as the fire in his hand vanished with a small breeze of wind. He climbed on and Botan flew threw an opening in the forest trees.
"That was a thank you. Thank you for everything, Hiei."
"Hn."