Unpredictable
"Talking"
Thoughts
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho!
Chapter 7: Confrontations
--
When Botan first began working here time flew by quickly. She had been open to so many colorful characters, unexpected situations, and random turn of events. She couldn't imagine working anywhere else at this point, and Jaganshi Corp was like a second home to her. Everyday was like a rollercoaster with its highs and lows and every range of unpredictability in between. However, this past week had been going by as slow as a snail on a hot summer day. Everyone seemed so defeated and lackluster, and although they tried to hide it from the rest, she could see it easily.
On such a languid week as this, Botan sat at her desk absentmindedly trying to piece together the clues, or what she believed to be clues at least, of Hiei's past. She had finished the first and most time-consuming assignment he had given her and the day was drawling on slowly. She had plenty of time to finish the rest of her work.
First off, the most basic clue: Hiei and Yukina are siblings. Yukina grew up with her mother, which meant Hiei could've possibly grown up with his father.
Hiei had some affiliation with orphanages, while Yukina did not. His outlook on the world is rather cynical and he is always so guarded.
Thirdly, Hiei was obviously hiding some dark secrets and Botan believed it could be connected to whatever is inside that smaller room within his office. He goes back there often times and whenever he's not in his office, that door is always locked. The other day he snapped at her she was trying to open that door inside his office. There had to be something there!
Fourthly-
-That's all I've got? I've been working here for a month now and that's all I could come up with? It's time to take this seriously! I can figure it out, I know I can! I've just gotta put more effort into it.
Botan had basically given up on searching anything worthwhile off of the internet. The only things there were speculations, wild accusations, and ludicrous findings from unreliable sources. If she was going to find out anything, it would have to be the hard way. She'd have to coax it out of others. But that in and of itself was a hard task for Botan to accomplish; she was anything but subtle.
A ball whizzed past her face snapping her out of her thoughts. Shura was here and it was Yusuke's turn to keep watch over him. She had been seeing a lot of the little boy recently. Now that she thought of it, Yomi's visits had been more and more frequent, in addition to Mukuro's.
Shizuru had told Botan before of Kurama and Yomi's unstable relationship. They seemed pleasant on the surface of things but there was an underlying hostility between the duo. Then there was Mukuro. For some reason that name held all the negative connotations in the world for Botan. Why was she so insistent with merging her company with Hiei's, especially if Hiei was against it? Also, why did the partnership have to be formed through marriage? Can't the woman take 'no' for an answer? Botan just didn't understand anything at all and it made her even more frustrated!
Sighing, she leaned back on her chair and closed her eyes. This was just too much for one girl to handle. All the secrecy, all this mystery was too much. Lately everything had seemed so tense, too. Kurama and Hiei were busier than usual, meaning Botan saw and heard less of the two. Shizuru was around, but she always seemed preoccupied. Yusuke and Kuwabara's antics had even lessened somewhat. If things didn't turn around soon then… well Botan didn't know what to think.
"Sleeping on the job?"
Hiei's sharp voice cut through her internal ramblings and her eyes shot open. The first thing she saw was her boss standing at the entrance of her cubicle. Even his taunts seemed less threatening nowadays. He just looked plain worn out. "N-no, that's not it. I just… well you know I was just resting my eyes!" She laughed nervously. "Staring at a screen all day long can't be good for your eyesight, you know!"
Hiei just shrugged, not having the spirit to care. "Whatever."
She looked up at Hiei from her seated position questioningly. "Is there anything you need? Coffee or tea, maybe? You look pretty worn out."
"Kurama-"
"-Oh, Kurama is still in his office with Yomi. Speaking of Yomi, he's been coming by an awful lot lately. Do you know why?"
Hiei avoided her gaze. "That's none of your concern."
She rolled her playful amethyst eyes all too knowingly. Hiei was Hiei, after all. "Hey." His eyes snapped back to hers at the sound of her tender voice. "Is everything okay? You all look really tense lately. I know I'm still new and all, but you can tell me you know."
At his silence Botan continued. "I'd like to help, if I can. I'll take on any extra workload you give me. I can handle it, I promise. I'm good enough to be your assistant after all!"
His gaze softened, it was barely noticeable, but Botan could see something was troubling him. "There have just been extra pressures coming in lately. I-"
"How dare you!"
The duo turned their heads to Kurama's office and quickly ran to see what all the commotion was about. The scene they came upon was truly unexpected. Kurama held Yomi by the scruff of his shirt while Yomi stood there composed as ever.
"Kurama, please stop!" Botan pleaded. What exactly was going on here?
Soon enough Shizuru rushed in with Kuwabara. It was a good thing Yusuke and Shura were probably making mischief somewhere else, because Botan was sure the young boy wouldn't approve of the way Kurama was handing his father at the moment.
Hiei ran up to angered redhead and unlatched him from Yomi. "Get a hold of yourself Kurama," Hiei advised in a hushed voice.
Kurama's normally patient eyes were narrowed in frustration. His intense gaze never left Yomi's figure throughout the entire encounter. "Get out."
His voice was dipped in malice and Botan almost shivered when she heard it. She had never seen Kurama act impatient or ill-mannered and she could tell he was using every ounce of will-power to control himself.
Upon seeing the other man's unmoving figure, Kurama continued, his voice a bit louder than before. "I said leave. I believe your business here is finished."
"You're right, I've said all I have to say," Yomi answered and Botan could've sworn she saw his lips curve upward.
Hiei turned his attention to Botan, still not releasing his hold on Kurama. "Botan, escort Yomi to his son."
The said girl nodded obediently. "This way, sir…" She took hold of his arm and guided him out of the office. The rest followed suit.
Upon everyone's exit, Hiei shut the door. "What's the meaning of this Kurama?"
--
Botan seated Yomi at her desk and went off to find Shura. After some running around she finally found him with Yusuke in the copy room, making a mess of things. "Yusuke!"
Yusuke snapped his head in Botan's direction and put on that cheeky grin. "Hey, Botan! How's it goin'?" He waved as if he were doing nothing wrong. Shura turned to greet Botan with a smile, and then returned his attention to his "art-work."
Botan put her hands on her hips and sighed. "Normally I would scold you for this, but we've got bigger problems to worry about," She said gravely.
The smile was erased from his face and his chocolate-brown eyes lost the mirth they once held. "What's wrong?"
The blue-haired assistant only had to look at Shura and mention Kurama's name for Yusuke to understand. Yusuke moved closer to Botan in order to avoid Shura from listening in, speaking only when he was sure the younger boy couldn't hear him over the racket of the copy-machine and printers going off simultaneously. "Please tell me they didn't throw punches or anything, because I don't feel like cleaning up blood-stains." Although he said it in jest, Yusuke's voice was grave.
"No, but I've got to get Shura back to his father so they can leave. Come on, let's hurry. The others can fill you in." Her tone was urgent and Yusuke knew this was no time for playing around. Something was bound to happen between Kurama and Yomi one day, he just didn't expect it to be so soon. Yusuke tilted his head in Shura's direction raising his voice over all the commotion. "C'mon kid, it's time to go." The younger boy shook his head and made no attempt to move.
Botan smiled and leaned down so she could meet his eyes. Tauntingly she announced, "I've got candy at my desk!"
Instantly he perked up and took hold of Botan's arm as she lead him back to her cubicle. Yusuke just rolled his eyes as he followed the two, hands in his pockets.
--
When the trio had arrived at Botan's workspace, Botan returned Shura to Yomi and they made their way down to the lobby. Both Kuwabara siblings left with Yomi in order to remedy the situation and make sure there would be no legal repercussions directed towards Kurama.
"Now that the brat and his prick of a father are gone…" Yusuke took hold of Botan's shoulders and guided her to her seat. He then turned the small lamp on and faced the light towards Botan, in attempts of creating a mock-interrogation room. "I'd like to get some answers. Just what happened between Kurama and Yomi?"
Botan blocked her eyes from the sudden light. "Yusuke, please, try to be serious for at least one second!" She turned the light off and stood up.
"I'm being serious here, I gotta know! This has been building up since forever!"
Botan bit her lip. "Ok, I'll tell you everything you want to know."
"Thank you, you're a god!"
"But first-"
"-There's a condition?" Yusuke whined.
"…I just want to know the history between Yomi and Kurama. And why is it that whenever he comes around Kurama becomes so tense?"
"Oh well, it's not all that clear to me, either. All I know is, those two go way back. They take the words 'friendly competition,' to a whole other level. They never see eye-to-eye, not that Yomi can see at all, well you understand where I'm getting at."
"But why don't they get along?" Botan asked, getting a little impatient.
"Don't tell anyone I told you any of this…" Yusuke motioned for Botan to come closer, and she did. "…but I heard Yomi's a real crooked guy. While Hiei and Kurama have become successful through hard-work and dedication and all that jazz, Yomi participated in illegal activities and used underhanded tactics to get where he is now."
Botan nodded slowly as Yusuke continued. "I'm not exactly sure why he keeps coming by, but he's probably trying to persuade Hiei and Kurama into doing some shady shit they aren't willing to do. Jaganshi Corp is a very famous company, I'll have you know, and he probably wants to get in while the stocks are hot."
Yusuke's tone changed from serious to anxious. "So, c'mon spill the beans. What happened?"
"Well…" Botan recounted the story of how she and Hiei heard Kurama's shout from his office and, upon entering, found him holding Yomi by his clothes threateningly.
Yusuke huffed. "You mean I gave you all that information and this is all I get in return? Boy did you cheat me Botan." She smiled at Yusuke's childishness.
"But you know…" Yusuke put his hand to his chin, thoughtfully. "I wonder what it is that Yomi said. Kurama's not the type to lose his composure so easily."
"Exactly! That's what I want to know!" Botan exclaimed fretfully, pouting a bit.
"Let's do a little snooping shall we?" Yusuke cocked his head to Kurama's office. His eyes were filled with mischief and that familiar up-to-no-good-smirk was on his face.
Botan's eyes widened and she shook her head furiously. "…No! We couldn't possibly!"
"Oh come on, Botan!" He grabbed her hand and led her Kurama's office door. "Stop being such a goody two shoes!"
Yusuke pressed his ear to the door and listened intently. A few moments later, Botan figured it couldn't hurt and followed suit. As they strained to listen in on their unsuspecting superiors, Botan couldn't help but feel uneasy. What would they be talking about? Would it help in her quest to unravel Hiei's past?
Moments passed and they heard nothing but silence. "I can't hear a thing!" Yusuke whispered harshly. Botan nodded in agreement, pouting a little.
Just then the door opened and Yusuke and Botan were face to face with Hiei.
"Uhh… we were just about to. We were… um, Yusuke and I… What I meant to say was-" Botan stammered nervously awaiting the verbal abuse from her boss.
"Botan and I were just leaving!" Yusuke finished as he lead the rambling girl back to her desk. Hiei carried on and made his way to his office, making sure to close the door behind him.
Yusuke let out a sigh of relief. "We got off the hook easily. At least he didn't blow up on us."
Botan nodded in agreement. "I guess we should try and get some work done. A little productivity every now and then wouldn't kill you, you know."
"Oh, but it would." Yusuke joked as he walked back to his own desk.
--
The rest of the day was spent with little interaction between the group, unless it pertained to work. Everyone seemed on edge and tense. The atmosphere was so heavy and it worried Botan. To makes things worse, Kurama hadn't come out of his office all day, and she was beginning to get antsy. Was he alright? Could she help him in any way possible? Did he need comforting?
Just as she summoned the courage to get out of her chair and knock on his door, he exited his office. Botan stood up immediately and their gazes met. He looked normal, just a bit stressed.
"I'm sorry you had to witness that. I'd prefer if you hadn't have seen it at all." Kurama confessed solemnly, his tone apologetic.
Botan shook her head. "Don't worry about it. In fact I've already forgotten about it!" Her smile was reassuring and he felt a fraction of his stress slip away. "If there's anything I can do for you, just ask! That is what I'm here for, right?" She winked, trying to lighten up the mood. Everyone was so down lately.
"Thank you, Botan. I'll keep that in mind." Kurama returned her smile earnestly.
At that moment, Kuwabara came rushing down the hall with Shizuru and Yusuke in tow. "Hey guys!"
"What's up Kuwabara?" Botan questioned, wondering what could have the orange haired man so excited.
"Guess what tonight is!" He taunted as he waved a piece of paper around sloppily.
Botan gave up trying to read what the flyer said after a few seconds. "You got me…"
"It's-"
"-nothing special. Just a party Jaganshi Corp holds annually, to foster good relations between employees and boost company morale, that type of thing." Shizuru finished with a smirk.
"Why do you always have to do that?" Kuwabara whined. He didn't mean to sound so whiny, it was meant as more of a question, but well, Shizuru could be really annoying sometimes! At least to him that's how it seemed.
Suddenly, Hiei's office doors opened and he stepped out into all the commotion. "I should've known it was the oaf making that damn racket," He said to himself.
"Who're you callin' an oaf, shorty?" Kuwabara countered, clenching his fists, small charcoal eyes narrowing threateningly.
"Guys aren't we past the name-calling? I swear you two behave like children sometimes."
"Shut up, Kurama!" They yelled simultaneously as the redhead rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.
Botan shook her head at the duos immaturity. Sometimes it felt like Kurama and Shizuru were the only adults here, along with herself of course. She wasn't nearly immature as the other three, she was just… animated! Yeah, that was the word! She inwardly smirked at her brilliant deduction.
"Are you all going to the party?" Botan questioned, ignoring the glares Hiei and Kuwabara were sending each other.
Shizuru shrugged. "Probably not."
"Even if we wanted to, we couldn't. We've been banned from any and all of Jaganshi Corp events." Yusuke scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
Botan raised a brow at his statement.
"It's not like we did anything horrible. We just thought we'd liven up the place and maybe gave some people's drinks an extra kick." His eyes rested on Kurama for a moment then shifted back to the ground.
"Well I think we should all go!" Everyone turned their heads to the blue-haired assistant upon hearing her request. "It'll do us some good to relax. Everyone's been so tense lately. What we all need is a nice break from this office and all the paperwork that comes with it!"
"Hiei and I have to go anyway, seeing as this is his company. We'll be there."
"Yay!" She made a victory sign and smiled.
"I guess it can't be that bad…" Shizuru decided as Botan hugged her while uttering "thank you," over and over. The girl had been right, everyone especially Kurama had been acting strangely lately. This event could possibly lighten everybody's mood and get them back to the way they were. Shizuru secretly hoped it could lighten Kurama's heart the most. He didn't deserve all the stress Yomi and brought him. She snuck a glance in his direction only to find he had been watching her as well. A small blush appeared on her face but she quickly overcame the initial surprise and regained her composure.
"Hey, what about us?" Yusuke shouted brazenly, crossing his arms.
"Yeah have you forgotten? We're banned!" Kuwabara added.
"Well…" Botan began slyly. "If a certain someone lifts the ban, then you're free to go!" She turned her gaze to Hiei and pouted while clasping her hands.
Hiei matched her pleading gaze with an uninterested one. In all honesty he could care less if the two bakas came or not. He wasn't even the one who prohibited them in the first place. "Please allow them to come! If anything bad happens, I'll take full responsibility! I'll make sure that they are on their best behavior tonight, I promise!"
"Onna, I'm not the one you should be begging to. Kurama's the one that banned the fools." He pointed over to his partner.
"Oh…" She faltered then turned to Kurama, starting up her speech again. "Please allow them to come! If anything bad-"
Kurama, who immediately averted his eyes from Shizuru, raised a hand, silencing her. "It's okay Botan. You can save the speech for another time, I'll allow them to attend tonight's event."
"Thank you, Kurama! I knew you were the most kindhearted and reasonable between you and Hiei!" Kurama's emerald eyes twinkled a little as he smiled at her confession. He looked over at Hiei tauntingly. "You heard that, Hiei? Your own assistant favors me over you."
"Hn." Was all Hiei said in reply.
"Well, it's just about time for me to leave," Yusuke said looking at his watch. "We all know I've never worked a minute of overtime in my life, and I'm not about to start now!" He saluted as he walked off, with Kuwabara trailing behind shouting his goodbyes from across the hall.
"Oh and make sure Yukina comes too!" They heard him shout before he disappeared from their line of vision.
Hiei snorted, "Over my dead body." Botan couldn't but laugh at his overprotective nature towards his sister. It was endearing, that he could care about his family's well-being so much.
"I guess I'll go too, wouldn't want those two getting into trouble. You know how they are." Botan nodded as Shizuru went to her desk and gathered her things.
"I'll accompany you," Kurama offered as he walked over to Shizuru's cubicle and they made there way down the hall together.
"I guess it's just us now, huh?" Botan stated looking over to where Hiei was. "…Hiei? Where'd you go?" That jerk. He could've at least told me he was going somewhere! She gathered her things together and turned around to meet Hiei's ruby orbs piercing through her. He was at the entrance of her cubicle, with his things in his hand.
"Are you going to stand there gaping like a fish all day long or are you going to leave? I'm not paying for you to stand around like a clueless idiot." Hiei said curtly, waiting for her.
She blinked a few times then walked up to him. "You mean… you wanna walk out, together?"
"Hn." Hiei had already begun to walk away, so she picked up her pace to keep up with him.
They entered the elevator in silence and both waited as they descended one floor at a time. Botan wracked her brain for topics to talk about, but for once in her life, she thought it would be best to stay quiet. For some reason it made her happy, just to be by his side. She didn't have to say a word and it felt right. His presence was comforting almost.
She blushed at her thoughts and tried to control herself. As usual she was getting hyped up over nothing. They were just walking out of the building together. It's not like they were on a date or anything!
When they made their way to the lobby and out of the swiveling doors, Hiei's car was already waiting for him. They both walked up to the curb and Hiei gave one last glance to Botan.
"Don't worry about me; I'll just get a taxi as usual." She smiled at him assuredly.
"I wasn't worried," Hiei replied as he stepped into his car and shut the door. Botan glared at Hiei but soon enough the glare was gone from her face. She could never hold a grudge for long anyway.
The car remained there for a few minutes then unexpectedly drove off. As soon as Hiei's car was gone, another one had replaced it. An older man stepped out of the car and opened the door, motioning for Botan to get inside.
Botan refused, nodding her head politely. "I-I couldn't possibly drive in a luxury car. I've only got enough money for a taxi," she declined sheepishly.
"Nonsense, Mr. Jaganshi has called me to escort you to your residence."
"He WHAT?!" Botan shouted, utterly amazed that Hiei would do something so kind for her. Hiei was just full of surprises. First leaving work together and now this? She never expected that he would call for someone to pick her up. It was unbelievable how much his advances could affect her heart and its already growing feelings towards the cold-hearted man.
The chauffer smiled at Botan, fully understanding her disbelief. "It seems odd of him to do so, but it is the truth. Please step inside, miss." Botan smiled and did as she was told, seeing as she didn't want to turn down the only courtesy Hiei would probably ever show her.
--
Shizuru had called Botan to remind her it was a black-tie affair in addition to reminding her to bring her work ID for security reasons. Botan was thankful that the brunette had called to remind her because she certainly would've walked out the door without giving a second thought to her identification card.
"How do I look?" Botan gazed at her own reflection in the mirror.
"You look hot!" Hinageshi answered giggling.
Botan wore a black dress strapless dress which covered about three-quarters of her thighs, coupled with simple yet elegant jewelry. "Thanks, Hina. Well it's just about time to be leaving."
"Where is it being held at anyway?"
Botan froze mid-step and laughed nervously to herself.
"You don't even know, do you?"
"Silly me, I forgot!" Botan tapped her head softly.
"That is so like you, Botan!" Hinageshi whispered good-naturedly as Botan rummaged through her purse for her communication device. She quickly called Shizuru but there was no answer. The same held true for Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama. She had no choice left but to call Hiei. Well he did give me permission to call him… Her thoughts drifted back to that day when he said he'd make an exception for her. The memory, even though it was a good few weeks ago, still made Botan's heart melt. She didn't know why, just the fact that he made an exception for her was heart-warming. She hoped he wouldn't regret allowing her to call him.
Apprehensively she dialed in his number and hoped he would pick up. After the fifth ring, she gave up all hope, but unexpectedly (as most things were with Hiei), he picked up. "What is it, onna?"
She smiled. "Hello there, Hiei. Could you possibly tell me where the party will take place? I kind of forgot to get the information from the others," Botan said pathetically, ashamed at herself for sounding so scatter-brained in front of Hiei.
"Wait a minute." Hiei should've known Botan would end up doing something like that. It was just like her. He almost smirked at her idiocy as he imagined her running frantically around her apartment looking for directions.
"Ok, thanks- uh… He hung up on me!" Botan exclaimed to Hinageshi.
"Don't worry maybe it was just a mistake?"
"Mistake my foot! Hiei lives off of tormenting nice, unsuspecting people like me!" She quickly dialed his number again but he didn't pick up. Pouting, Botan took a seat next to the shorter girl. "He can be a real jerk sometimes…"
A few minutes later the doorbell rang. Hinageshi went to answer it and called Botan out of her room to greet their 'guest.' To Botan's surprise, it was none other than Hiei. "Hiei, you came!" She could hardly contain the elation in her voice.
He smirked at her sudden brightness. "Don't confuse it, onna. Your apartment was on the way and I didn't feel like having you call me back for directions when you got lost."
"Right!" Botan decided she'd rather not argue with him tonight and just go along with whatever he said, for the most part. Picking up her purse she walked over to Hiei. "I'll be back later, Hinageshi!"
"Later Bo. You two behave now!" Hina mocked as Botan blushed and Hiei glared back at the younger girl. She sniggered as she closed the door after the couple, wondering how the event would go for Botan.
Hiei opened the door and allowed Botan to go in first, before sliding in the backseat himself. "I know you didn't do this for my benefit, but thanks anyways. And thank you for earlier, your car was much more comfortable than a taxi!"
Hiei just nodded wrapped up in his own thoughts. He had done two good deeds for her in the span of one evening. That's more than he probably did for anyone in his entire life! It troubled him, the way she was worming her way into his heart.
To take things a step further and make matters worse, he liked doing nice things for her. It made him feel… good inside, as ridiculous as that sounds. It almost seemed as if he were falling for her. But that couldn't be happening, especially not now. Not that there ever was an appropriate time for romance in his life, but there were too many troubling things on his plate at the moment. He couldn't handle falling, truly falling, for someone else. Not now and not ever.
And that is why Hiei came to the logical conclusion that he couldn't possibly be harboring feelings for Botan. Lust, maybe. Admiration for her cheerful outlook and determination despite what obstacles may befall her, perhaps. Hell, Hiei was even willing to go as far as to say that Botan reminded him of Yukina, making him want to watch over her and protect her. He simply had nothing more than a brotherly concern for her well-being. But it couldn't be anything more than that. It couldn't be love.
…Right?
--
Phew I stopped there. After a loooooooong hiatus, this story is up and running again! I had to go back and reread everything and remember what was going up until this point. Next chapter will be the party. Who knows what'll happen there, I don't even quite know yet! Haha. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter. I'm a little rusty; just give me some time to get back into the swing of things. Please review and tell me what you thought. If you've got any suggestions, let me know! Thanks again~
