Kai stared up at Amanuma's bedroom ceiling with a contented smile on his face. He was supposed to be asleep a long time ago, but he was still buzzing with excitement from the day of fun that they had.
"Hey," Kai said, turning to face Amanuma in the dark, who was snuggled underneath his spiderman sheets.
Amanuma cracked an eye open.
"Yeah?"
"It must be nice having both parents around all the time," Kai mentioned.
"I guess," Amanuma replied with an absent shrug. "I never thought about it before."
"I want it," he said quietly; so lowly that Amanuma had to shuffle closer to hear him again.
"Huh?"
"I want my parents to be together, too," Kai admitted. "Like yours are."
Even in the darkness, he could see Amanuma frowning.
"How are you going to go do that?" the boy asked curiously. "Hana's parents are divorced and she says they still fight all the time."
"Mine weren't ever really together… it's a long story," Kai dismissed. "But I think they're getting closer."
He had noticed the way that Hiei and Botan's relationship slowly but surely turned into friendship. Somehow, the two always ended up together and the fighting had all but ceased. When he saw them alone that night on the beach, he couldn't help but think that they should be with each other. Maybe he was crazy, maybe he was hoping for too much, but he really wanted them to be family in the same way that Amanuma's was.
He looked over to gage his friend's reaction and was happy to see that there was a shred of hope in the boy's blue eyes.
"So, what are you going to do about it?" Amanuma asked.
"I dunno," Kai answered sullenly.
"You're the smartest person I know… if anyone can do it, it's you," he encouraged.
Kai grinned proudly.
"Thanks Ama."
Botan played with the umbrella adorning her turquoise colored drink as she took in the sights and sounds of the bar. The air condition was blasting, affording them a brief respite from the summer heat and the usual crowd was back for the night. The lights were dimmed and a hum of conversation filled the space. It almost felt like deja vu and she realized that a scene similar to this one must have played out before, months ago before she met Kai. A soft smile painted her lips as she thought of all of the good that had come with that one small boy. She was sure that he was having a blast at Amanuma's and, as she checked the time on her phone, she was almost positive that he was still struggling to stay awake although it was way past his bedtime.
Shaking her head and releasing those thoughts, she brought her attentions back to the table. Everyone was here except for Yukina, who had already mentioned that she would be running a little late.
"So, how is business going for you, Yusuke?" she asked conversationally, eyes flitting across the table to meet his gaze.
"Pretty good. The customers can't get enough," Yusuke boasted, before quirking a thumb in Hiei's direction. "This one, especially."
Botan's brows rose in surprise as she looked over at Hiei, who was seated next to her. She had to admit that even after a long and tiring day of work, he still managed to look as handsome as ever in her eyes. The sleeves of his white dress shirt were rolled up to reveal his forearms and he had loosened his tie in an effort to make himself more comfortable. He had a relaxed air about him that only ever came about after the day's events had bit away at his guard and armor.
"I didn't know that you were a fan of the Great Urameshi," Botan joked.
Kuwabara grimaced at Yusuke's self-proclaimed title and Kurama chuckled lightly.
"Fan is a gratuitous overstatement," Hiei countered coolly as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Aw, he says that, but that doesn't stop him from showing up every day like a groupie," Yusuke teased, a smirk pulling at his lips.
"Don't confuse it," Hiei started. "It's a matter of convenience; not preference. Your cart is the closest option near Enma Corp."
"Oh, that's right," Botan interrupted, clapping her hands together. "I know that you're a big exec for a prestigious company, but I keep forgetting that the prestigious company just so happens to be Enma Corp. It really is a small world."
When she thought of all of the connections between them, it was a dizzying. It was a wonder that she had never met Hiei until this year, but she supposed that things worked out the way they were supposed to. She doubted that they would have had much reason to be friends and get along if it weren't for Kai.
Hiei grunted noncommittally, taking a sip of his whiskey without saying a word.
"And speaking of the Enma's, can you believe that Koenma's wedding is in a few weeks?" Botan asked, eyes gleaming as she thought of the upcoming occasion.
"It will be a rather impressive event," Kurama noted from across the table. "The son of Enma marrying the daughter of a wealthy mogul can only mean a strengthening of the two corporations."
"Yes, but it's more than that to Koenma. He's always had the cutest little crush on Ayame and I'm glad that those two found their way to each other," Botan replied with a dreamy sigh.
"Sounds like it all worked out for the best then," Shizuru piped in.
Kuwabara grinned, cheeks flushed from the three drinks he had already consumed.
"The power of true love always wins out," he stated surely.
"Cheers to that!" Botan agreed. She reached an arm across the table to share a toast with him, not missing the way that Hiei scoffed as her glass clinked against his. Her brows rose challengingly as she turned her attentions towards the dark-haired man. "Is something the matter, Hiei?"
Crimson eyes met hers, lacking their usual coldness. She couldn't pinpoint exactly when the change had occurred, but he had stopped giving her those disdained looks a long time ago. Whenever their gazes met, she felt as though he was a little less guarded each time.
"Clearly there is something wrong with the both of you," Hiei accused. "The way you two over romanticize every little thing should be a cause for concern."
"There's absolutely nothing wrong with a healthy interest in love or romance," she defended with a pout.
"And I suppose you believe in silly constructs like soulmates and love at first sight, too," he ridiculed, his tone indicating that he already knew the answer.
"Bingo! Right on the money, as usual, Hiei," she admitted with pride. "Just because it's never happened to a grumpy fellow like you, doesn't mean that it never will. I'm sure you'll experience it one day and it will be better than words can describe."
"Tell me something, woman, have you even experienced those things for yourself to know that it is real, or do you simply live vicariously through what you see on the television and through others?"
Botan's smile faltered for a moment and her gaze fell in embarrassment. If she was being honest with herself, the closest thing she had ever had to a genuine, romantic love was probably what she felt for Hiei. All of her past romantic endeavors had been prompt and short-lived, but with Hiei it was different. They had somehow gone from enemies, to reluctant partners, to friends to family. And now she cared for him in a different vein and she was not ready to admit just how much she cared to anyone yet. Not even to herself. She cleared her throat and looked back at Hiei determinedly.
"Well, no, not yet," she answered. "But I'm sure that I will one day."
"That sort of optimism will only disappoint you in the end," he warned.
"That almost makes it sound as though you care," Botan noted quietly.
Hiei pressed his lips together in a tight line, but he refrained from answering. She decided to take that as a positive response and tried not to get too excited over the fact that he might hold a modicum of interest in her well-being.
"What makes you such an authority on love anyway, shorty?" Kuwabara cut in, eyes narrowed slightly and features tight, the way they always did when he and Hiei were at odds.
Hiei turned his attentions to Kuwabara, posture tense and eyes hard.
"I'm no authority on love or romance, but I do know about the real world. There are no such things as soulmates or red strings of fate. The sooner you grow up and realize that, the easier it will be to accept simple truths such as the glaring one that Yukina is not interested in a fool like you."
"You only say that because you're lonely and jaded," Kuwabara huffed.
Crimson eyes narrowed.
"I say it because it's true," he shot back evenly.
"Don't listen to him, Kuwabara, only Yukina knows her heart," Botan encouraged him. "And I think it's definitely set on you."
Hiei opened his mouth to counter that claim, but Yusuke interrupted.
"I'd give up on this one, Hiei," Yusuke cut in, exchanging a knowing and exasperated look with Shizuru. "You can't convince these two that there isn't anything more magical and whimsical on this earth than the power of love."
Hiei rolled his eyes in the same moment that Botan fixed him with one of her playful, cat-like expressions. The black-haired man looked away agitatedly, resting his cheek in the palm of his hand as he turned away and Kurama let out a mirthful sound at the exchange.
"You've been awfully quiet," Botan pointed out, setting her sights on Kurama with a frown. "Don't tell me that even you agree with what Hiei says?"
Kurama paused to consider her question, before bringing his eyes up to meet hers.
"My beliefs lie in the middle of both viewpoints. I have yet to experience love in order to truly test that theory out," he admitted. There was a secretive glint encased in those emerald eyes as he continued. "I suppose I haven't found the right woman, yet."
Botan nodded in understanding, her mind already settled on the idea of who that 'right woman' happened to be.
"Fair enough," she responded, before tilting her head towards her favorite brunette. "And you missy? What are your thoughts on love and romance?"
Shizuru's expression dropped from mild amusement to immediate disinterest, but Botan was not going to give in. She was ready to continue to hound Shizuru further, when Kurama came in with an assist.
"In all the time I've known you, I don't believe I've ever heard of your thoughts on the subject," Kurama added curiously.
"That's because I'm not as emotional as my baby bro," Shizuru answered evenly, flicking some of her hair over her shoulder as she spoke. "But in the spirit of sharing: I've never been in love. I've only been involved with one bad decision after another."
"Perhaps you just haven't been looking in the right place," Kurama suggested.
"Maybe," Shizuru agreed, holding his gaze for a moment to long before she broke it to take a sip of her drink.
Botan bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling as she watched the exchange between the two. It was so obvious that they liked each other. She had no idea why they both decided to skirt around the issue. She saw Hiei turn his head towards the front entrance and she spotted a flash of mint green as Yukina approached their table.
"Yukina!" Kuwabara gushed excitedly.
"You're right on time!" Botan grinned. "What are your thoughts on love?"
Yukina smiled the way always she did when she came right in the middle of a deep discussion and paused to consider Botan's question.
"I think life is unpredictable and strange. Sometimes things happen that we can't explain; sometimes they're for the better and sometimes they're for the worst, but the thing that makes life worth living is love. Whether it's familial, platonic or romantic, I think it's the most important and beautiful thing a person can have."
"Wow, that was profound!" Botan said, clearly impressed.
"They were just my honest thoughts," Yukina explained as Kuwabara beamed at her.
As the docile woman settled in beside Kuwabara, the conversations deviated into their own separate ones. But Botan could not get what Yukina had said out of her head. It was really beautiful and she believed it as well. She turned to Hiei, who seemed to be content with ignoring everyone, and tapped his shoulder to get his attention.
"Still think love is a waste of time? Even after hearing what your dear sister said?" she asked quietly.
"Love isn't for everyone, woman," Hiei maintained stiffly and, if Botan didn't know any better, almost self deprecatingly.
Her brows creased as she frowned at him. Hiei wasn't the self-deprecating sort. He was confident and arrogant and certain of himself, but the way that he dismissed the idea of love made her heart ache. It was as though he specifically believed that it wasn't for him.
"Yes it is," she insisted. "Even for a skeptical man like you."
Hiei let out a bitter and humorless laugh, eyes focused on the amber liquid floating in his glass rather than on her.
"You hardly even know me," he muttered.
"Of course I do," Botan countered with an unwavering confidence.
He looked over at her silently, wordlessly, and in the same searching manner that Kai often did.
"If you ask me, there's hope for you, yet," she finished with a gentle smile.
Hiei's expression suddenly took on the same manner that it did during their last night at the beach. It made her heart flutter and she wasn't sure if he was aware of it, but his eyes became more open and the tightness of his features softened considerably. There was a careful and studying look in his crimson eyes, but the moment ended when he looked away with a grunt. Botan's gaze lingered on him for a second longer, the look in her eyes turning wistful.
She knew that Hiei was guarded and she knew that her chances with him were slim to none, but she hoped that he wouldn't be so stubborn as to close himself off from love – even if it wasn't with her.
As much fun as it was being at Amanuma's house, Kai was happy to be home. It was comforting to have a place to return to that was all his. The apartment smelled like coffee and something sweet and he found Botan typing away at her laptop with a plate of French toast at her side.
He watched her for a moment with a fond smile. Her hair was tied into a lopsided ponytail and her candy-colored eyes were focused on the laptop as she typed away. She was so engrossed in her column that she didn't even realize that he had returned.
"I'm back," he announced with a grin, dropping his bag to the floor.
Botan stopped typing and pushed her glasses up so that they rested atop her head.
"Welcome home," she greeted warmly, opening her arms so that he could give her a quick embrace. He grinned and quickly gave her a tight hug. Botan always gave the best hugs. "So, how was your time at Amanuma's place? Did you boys have fun?"
"Yeah," Kai answered, taking a seat across from her. "We went to the park and we played a lot of games."
"I knew that you would have a blast!" she exclaimed brightly.
"What did you do?" Kai questioned, curiosity swimming in his purple eyes.
"Well, nothing out of the ordinary. I met up with the gang last night and then did a little cleaning this morning," she answered nonchalantly.
"Was Hiei there too?" he asked. He tried to sound as innocent and casual as possible, even though his questions had a motive.
"Yes, even he decided to grace us with his presence," she answered amusedly.
"Did you have fun?"
Botan nodded.
"It's always a good time with everyone around."
"With Hiei, too?"
"Yes, with Hiei too," she replied with a light chuckle.
Botan went back to typing away at her laptop and Kai tried to think of ways he could keep Hiei in the conversation. Amanuma had told him that it was important to make sure that his parents saw the best in each other. He said that he had heard it from some television show that his mom was watching all the time and Kai decided that it sounded like a good idea. Kai already thought that his parents were the greatest people in the world, so it was easy for him to talk them up.
"Did you know that since Hiei joined Enma Corp. profits have gone up substantially?" he recited, index finger poised informatively as he spoke. "Isn't that amazing?"
Botan lowered the top of her laptop to raise a brow at Kai.
"Did Hiei tell you that himself?"
"No," Kai said with a shake of his head. "Haru did."
"Haru sure is a swell guy."
"So is Hiei," Kai insisted. "He kept everything I ever gave him and he wears the ties I bought him, too."
Botan smiled warmly.
"Of course he would, he's your father and he loves you."
"He likes you too," Kai insisted.
Botan froze, mouth slightly ajar as she stared back at him.
"What?"
"Well, he seems to have fun when you're around, right?" Kai reasoned.
"…Hiei and fun don't exactly go hand in hand, but I suppose the two of us do have a good time together regardless."
"So, you like him, too, right?"
Botan's face turned red.
"Don't you?" Kai probed.
"O-of course I do," she stammered. "He's a good friend."
"Do you like him the most?" he questioned.
"Excuse me?"
"I mean, more than anyone else?"
"Um, well, I suppose it wouldn't be fair to pick favorites, since I like everyone in different ways…" she replied unsurely.
"Oh," Kai said, sounding less than thrilled.
"But Hiei's a great person and I'm glad that he's your father," she continued with more conviction this time. "I don't think I could have done this without him."
Kai seemed to be satisfied with that, nodding along contently. It was always easy to tell when Botan was lying about something and it was clear that she meant every word she had said. It was a good start, at least. He just wasn't sure exactly how Botan liked Hiei. Sure, she called him her friend, but she also got all high-pitched and flustered when she said it. She kind of seemed like Kuwabara when he was around Yukina, but to a much lesser degree.
"Now, what's with the sudden interrogation?" Botan asked, pulling him from his thoughts.
"Huh?"
"Your endless stream of questions?"
"Nothing, I was just wondering."
Botan's eyes narrowed suspiciously and Kai put on his best innocent upturn of his lips. He couldn't lie to her, not really, so he hoped that his supposed 'cuteness' would be enough to distract her. He extended his smile into a grin, flashing his teeth for good measure until Botan finally relented with a shake of her head.
"Alright, if you say so…"
Kai let out a quick sigh of relief as she went back to working on her column. It sure was hard work trying to get his parents together. For the remainder of the week, he was pretty much unsuccessful. Every time he had tried to invite Hiei over to Botan's or Botan's over to Hiei's, it never worked out. He had never attempted something like this before and he was out of his element. He didn't know the first thing about romance, but he wouldn't give up. He wasn't determined to see this through, no matter how many failed attempts it took.
The next week started off normal enough. Kai was at the grocery store with Botan on a regular run-of-the-mill Tuesday morning, restocking their supply of household necessities and foods. Botan had been in an extremely good mood after hearing positive feedback from her editor and Kai was hoping that he could invite Hiei over to top off the day. He figured he would ask her once they reached home, but his plans came to a screeching halt at the appearance of a blue-haired stranger.
Botan was currently on her tiptoes, stretching to reach Kai's favorite cereal on the top shelf. It was one of those weird off-brand ones that Yusuke teased him about all the time, but Kai didn't care. He was used to eating it back at the orphanage and he really liked it. But Botan was struggling and it wasn't worth it if she hurt herself trying to get it. He was just about to tell her to forget it, when a man approached them.
"Let me help you with that," he offered.
Botan didn't even have time to spin around to face him before the stranger stepped behind her, reached over her and grabbed the cereal box. Kai's brows furrowed, instantly getting a bad vibe off of this guy when he realized just how close he was to his mother.
"Here you go, Botan," he said as she turned to face him.
"Shishiwakamaru," she replied breathlessly.
"The one and only," he replied. His lips extended into a half smile and Botan's face turned red, the same shade it did when she was talking about Hiei. Kai's eyes narrowed in annoyance as she and this Shishiwakamaru character stared at each other wordlessly, suspended in a moment that he couldn't quite breach. The blue-haired man snapped out of it first, shaking the box and bringing it to her attention.
"Oh, right, thank you," Botan started with a sheepish grin, reaching out to procure the cereal box.
"Yeah thanks," Kai said gruffly, grabbing the item out of his hand before he could give it to Botan and plopping it into the cart.
"It's really good to see you again," he greeted.
Botan smiled shyly.
"Yes, it's been quite a while, hasn't it?"
Shishiwakamaru's mauve eyes lingered on Botan for far too long and Kai was starting to get tired of being ignored. He let out a pointed cough and Botan finally remembered that he was around. Shishiwakamaru seemed to take notice of him, too, the older man's face taking on a look of surprise as he acknowledged the boy.
"Is this your little brother?" he questioned.
"Actually, he's my son," Botan revealed with a brilliant smile. She turned to Kai and motioned towards Shishiwakamaru. "Kai, this is an old acquaintance from college, Shishiwakamaru."
"Please, call me Shishi," he smiled. Although he seemed polite enough, Kai couldn't help the feeling that his sincerity wasn't genuine. "Nice to meet you, kid."
Kai grunted in response and Shishi recovered quickly.
"He looks like you," he told Botan.
"That's a first. Almost everyone says that he most closely resembles his father," Botan mentioned.
"Nonsense, the boy is your splitting image," Shishi insisted. "And you were always an unforgettable beauty, Botan."
She blushed as Kai gawked at the man's audacity.
"Forgive me; I had better take my leave before I say something that his father certainly wouldn't appreciate."
"Oh... it's not like that between us. We co-parent, but we aren't together," Botan clarified. "It's a long and complicated story actually. I'm sure I'll only end up boring you with the details…"
Shishi appeared to be satisfied with that particular bit of information, a pleased glint lighting up his purple eyes.
"I wouldn't mind hearing it," he insisted as he handed her a small business card. "If you're interested, give me a call."
He smirked at Botan one last time before disappearing down the aisle. Kai frowned at the entire exchange, not liking the way that Botan's eyes were following after him as he walked away.
"I don't like him," he voiced.
"You don't even know him," Botan pointed out.
"Do you?" Kai countered.
"Well, we had a few conversations back in college," she recalled.
"He seemed like a creep to me," Kai huffed.
"Oh, stop it," she admonished lightly, before pushing the cart forwards and refusing to talk any further about Shishiwakamaru. Although the conversation had ended, Kai had a feeling that this wasn't over by a long shot.
It wasn't until a few days later that the Shishi problem reared its ugly head. Kai had seen Botan looking down at his contact card more often than not and he knew that she was considering calling him.
He wanted Botan to be happy, he really did, but not with that creep. In fact, he had a much better option in mind. Someone who was close to both of them, someone who Kai knew would take good care of Botan. But until he figured out how to get them together, he was stuck.
He went to his room and dialed up a number on the landline.
"Kuwabara?"
"Hey Kai! Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, it's fine. Can I ask you something?"
"You can ask me anything little buddy."
"Um, so… how do two people fall in love?"
"…Is there a special little lady in your class?"
"Ew, no!" Kai exclaimed, face scrunched up in disgust. "I was just curious."
"Aw, come on, you can tell me if there is!" Kuwabara cooed
"There isn't."
"Really?"
"Really!" Kai insisted. "…But what if my friend likes a girl? What can I do to make sure everything works out?"
"Well, I would tell your 'friend' to just be himself."
"Right… and…?"
"That's really all there is to it. He should be honest and open and respectful."
"That's all you got?"
"You can't rush or force love. It takes time and patience, like one of Kurama's really complicated plants."
"Huh?"
"It's like this: if you don't give it enough sunlight or water, then it withers away, but if you give it too much, then it'll die. Love is the same way."
"You lost me…"
"Heh, maybe I got too philosophical there. Anyway, as the warrior of love, it's my duty to steer you down the right path and I have every intention of helping you get your girl-"
"Not me, it's my friend, remember?" Kai reminded him exasperatedly.
"Right… your 'friend'."
"I'm serious!"
"I hear you, I hear you. So, like I was saying, you should let things happen naturally. Don't force it or rush into things, but don't hang back and confuse everyone by being too distant. Your 'friend' should try and spend some time with this girl and see where it leads. If it's meant to be, then things will fall into place when the time is right."
"…Okay, I think I get it. So they should hangout first… be themselves… and if it's meant to be, then everything will work out?"
"…More or less."
"Thanks Kuwabara!"
"Anytime Kai."
Botan eyed Shishiwakamaru's card for what had to be the hundredth time that week. She had the hugest crush on him back in college, but things were different now; she had a son and there was the whole issue of Hiei to consider, too. But still, every now and then her mind would fade back to a handsome face, long blue hair and alluring purple eyes. He seemed to be interested in her in a way that Hiei had never really shown her and she found herself wondering what it would be like to indulge on one date.
"You're a single woman," Shizuru encouraged, leaning back into the couch casually. "There's no reason not to see where this could lead."
"But what about…" Botan paused to lower her voice. "You know, my situation with Hiei?"
"There's no harm in one date. You're obviously interested," Shizuru pointed out.
"Maybe… just a little curious. But it's been so long since I've even been on a date. I wouldn't know the first thing to do."
"Just be yourself."
"A talkative, clumsy ditz?"
"A caring, fun-loving, wonderful person," Shizuru said, before smiling teasingly. "Save your true colors for the third or fourth date."
Botan laughed. "If he's willing to stick around that long."
"You shouldn't count yourself out. You're a catch."
"You have to say that as my friend."
"That's true. But Shishi wouldn't have given you his number unless he thoughts otherwise."
"I suppose so."
"The choice is yours to make, but a girl's got to have her options. Maybe it'd do you well to see other people."
Botan bit her lip. She couldn't remember the last time she had flirted with anyone, much less gone out on a date. It wasn't as if she was getting any younger and she couldn't find a feasible reason not to give Shishi a chance.
"You're absolutely right. Maybe I will call him up."
"That a girl."
"There's no harm in it, right?"
"None at all."
"Alright, I'm going to do it."
And that's how she found herself getting ready for her first date in years. She didn't know what to wear or how to act or what to do, but she was actually becoming pretty excited over it. Shishiwakamaru said that he would take her out to dinner, someplace nice, so she was browsing through her closet. When the doorbell rang, she grimaced. She hoped that it wasn't him already.
Botan answered the door, surprised to find Hiei standing in the hallway. Her heart froze in her chest at the sight of him and she was suddenly torn between feeling excited over her upcoming date and guilty that she had a date to begin with. She shook those thoughts out of her head and stepped aside.
"Come in," she said as she granted him entrance.
"Where's Kai?" Hiei asked, stepping into the apartment and looking around for the boy.
"Um, he's…"
Soon enough, Kai scurried out of his room. He looked like he was up to no good with that cat-like grin on his face and Botan could already feel that she wouldn't like what he was about to say.
"You said it was urgent. What's the matter?" Hiei inquired, looking down at him seriously.
"Botan's going on a date," Kai started to explain.
"Kai!" she shrieked.
Hiei looked over at her before turning back to Kai.
"I fail to see your point."
"With a stranger," he continued imperatively.
"He is not a stranger, he's an old acquaintance from college," Botan explained.
"I don't care about any of that," Hiei said with a frown as he directed his next words at Kai. "I want to know why you made it seem as though something was wrong."
"Because this is all wrong," Kai insisted, hands balled into fists and shoulders raised and tense.
"She can do whatever she pleases with whomever she pleases," Hiei said sternly.
"Yes, Kai, I'm a grown woman and I can make my own decisions," she reiterated, throwing her hands on her hips. "What were you thinking, calling Hiei like that?"
Kai stared back at her stubbornly.
"I was thinking that you needed a buddy."
"What?"
"You know, like when we go on field trips at school and stuff? Someone to stay by your side and make sure that you don't get into any trouble."
Botan's heart melted at his concern as she gave him a sympathetic look.
"Kai, there is nothing for you to be worried over. I'm simply going out to dinner with a perfectly decent man," she told him.
"How do you know that he's decent?" Kai challenged.
"I…" she was at a loss for words. "I just do. Besides, we will be in a public, safe place. Your concern is heartwarming, really, it is, but I promise you that everything will be okay."
"Hn," Kai grunted.
Botan turned to Hiei.
"I'm sorry he called you over for nothing. I didn't know."
Hiei shook his head dismissively.
"It's not your fault," he said, throwing a pointed glare in Kai's direction.
Kai looked away, pretending to be very interested in a spot on the opposite wall.
"What is he going to be doing while you're on your date?" Hiei asked.
"The others were all busy except for Kuwabara. He said he would be happy to watch him for a few hours."
"I'll take him," Hiei said instead.
"What?"
"I don't want Kuwabara's stupidity rubbing off on him," he clarified.
"Kuwabara isn't stupid!" Kai defended through a petulant pout.
"You only think that because you're still young and naive," Hiei retorted.
Kai let out a huff of air, but did not say anything further.
"I suppose I'll call Kuwabara and let him know that he doesn't have to come over anymore," Botan mentioned. "He was just going to hang around the apartment. Feel free to do the same, if you want."
"Fine."
"Oh, and I made dinner, you'll just have to reheat it."
Hiei nodded wordlessly.
"Well, I suppose I should finish getting ready now…"
Botan's eyes lingered on Hiei's fleetingly. If he told her not to go, she would have gladly stayed. That's how badly she had it for him. But as he stared back at her, crimson eyes devoid of any particular emotion, she realized that he did not care in the same way that she did. It was foolish to believe that one day he might, and she owed it to herself to see just where this thing with Shishi could go.
She forced a grin on her face and retreated to her room, heart feeling heavier than it should have.
Hiei watched Botan disappear behind her room door, suddenly feeling more conflicted than he cared to admit. Perhaps he should have told her that he didn't like the idea of her dating some stranger that Kai felt such strong dislike for. Perhaps he should have told her that it bothered him that she was dating at all, but he kept it to himself because that was a dangerous thread of thought.
"Don't let her go out with that guy," Kai urged from beside him.
"I don't care about what she does," Hiei replied, pushing aside the dark and conflicting feelings.
"Why not?"
"Because it does not affect me," Hiei replied, tightlipped.
"But it affects me," Kai retorted. "And I really don't like him."
"You hardly know him," Hiei noted.
"Botan said the same thing, too," Kai recalled, cheeks puffed out in annoyance.
"She was right," Hiei said flatly. "It's safe to assume that she will date more men that you don't like or approve of in the future, so you might as well make peace with it now."
Although Hiei appeared to be unaffected on the outside, his own words were a bitter pill that he could not seem to swallow. The thought unsettled him far more than it should have and tried to push it aside. They both took a seat on the couch and Kai crossed his arms over his chest angrily. The boy's features were set into a tight frown as he glared at nothing in particular. Eventually, Hiei felt his eyes settle on him unhappily, but there was little that Hiei could do about his sour mood.
"This sucks," Kai huffed after a few moments of silence. "That Shishiwakamaru guy is all wrong for her."
"Shishiwakamaru?" Hiei asked, frowning slightly.
"Yeah, do you know him?"
Unfortunately he did. If Hiei recalled correctly, Shishiwakamaru was the same fool who always had a following of girls chasing after him. He reveled in the attention and it was no secret that he was a bit of a womanizer.
"Well, do you know him?" Kai asked again, nudging Hiei insistently.
No," Hiei lied. There was no way that Botan was about to go on a date with the same Shishiwakamaru that he was thinking of. She might have been naïve too trusting at times, but even she should have had more sense than to fall under that fool's spell.
"Well he's the worst," Kai said darkly. The boy's frown suddenly quirked upwards into a devious smirk as a thought came to mind. "I bet if I pretended to be sick, Botan would stay home."
"Behave," Hiei told him, although the idea did not sound entirely bad to his ears.
"Oh fine," Kai grumbled, flopping down so that he was laying on half of the couch.
Ten minutes later, Botan returned to the living room. Kai sat up to view her and Hiei did the same in a much subtle manner. She was dressed in a flirty pink dress, hair drawn up into its signature ponytail and a light dusting of makeup on her face. Hiei noticed that she was wearing the jewelry set that he and Kai had gotten her for her birthday and the fact that she had put so much effort into her appearance for a man who did not deserve it burned something dark and fierce in his chest.
"Well, what do you two think?" Botan asked, doing a little twirl.
Kai refused to answer, in fact the boy chose not to look at her at all and Hiei noticed how quickly Botan's expression deflated. She looked over at Hiei worriedly, before brining her gaze down to look at Kai.
"Kai?" she asked, a frown etched into her features.
The boy turned away stubbornly, mouth set into a firm line.
"Answer her when she's talking to you," Hiei ordered firmly.
Kai sighed and brought his gaze up to meet Botan's.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry that you're upset," Botan started sympathetically.
Kai's expression softened upon seeing Botan's conflicted one. His shoulders wilted in defeat and he opened his mouth to speak, but Botan was faster.
"I didn't think about how you would feel if I went on this date and I suppose that wasn't fair," she continued. "If it really bothers you this much, then I won't go. You're the most important thing to me and I don't want you to be unhappy."
"I'm sorry, too..." Kai said, regret heavy in his tone as he stared at the floor. "For being a jerk." He paused to look up at her, the traces of discontent all but vanished from his expression. "You should go on your date. I'm okay with it."
"…Are you sure?" Botan questioned.
"Yeah, I am," he agreed, before breaking out into a shy smile. "You look really pretty, by the way."
"Thanks sweetie." Botan smiled at him softly.
The doorbell rang, interrupting their moment and Hiei steeled himself for what he was about to see.
"Well, that's my date."
Hiei stood up from the couch and watched as Botan opened the door. His gaze hardened when he saw that her date was, in fact, the same Shishiwakamaru that he remembered from college. Same blue hair, same ridiculous hairstyle and same over-confident gaze. Hiei's crossed his arms tightly over his chest as Botan let the man inside. A look of recognition flashed in his purple eyes as he spotted Hiei.
"Hiei," Shishiwakamaru said stiffly.
Hiei grunted noncommittally in response. The two of them had never gotten along before and there was no reason to pretend otherwise now.
"You two knew each other?" Botan asked.
Shishiwakmaru nodded at the same time that Hiei answered.
"No."
"You seriously don't remember me?" Shishi asked. "We went to the same college."
"Hn, I don't make it a point to remember insignificant people."
Hiei didn't miss Kai's smirk or the affronted look on Shishiwakamaru's face.
"Don't be rude, Hiei," Botan said, shooting him with a warning look.
"So, he's the father?" Shishi asked, pointing between Hiei and Kai and putting the pieces together.
"Yes, he is," Botan replied.
"Makes sense," Shishi said, although something about his tone made Hiei angry.
Botan didn't seem to catch it, taking it a compliment as she smiled back at him.
"Yes, sometimes those two are so alike that I can hardly believe it," she agreed, turning to view the both of them. Her expression dropped when she noticed the way that Kai was glaring at Shishiwakamaru and Hiei was sure that his expression wasn't any better off.
The atmosphere turned tense and awkward and Shishiwakamaru cleared his throat pointedly.
"Our reservations are in a half an hour, so we better leave now," he advised.
"Alright," Botan nodded, before looking back at Hiei and Kai.
"You two boys have fun, now," she urged with a wave.
"And don't wait up," Shishi teased with a smirk.
And then she was gone.
Kai watched the door as if he could will Botan to return, before looking over at Hiei.
"See?" Kai asked. "Didn't I tell you that he was the worst?"
"Hn. He's the same fool as he was back then; lost in delusions of grandeur and vanity."
Kai's eyes brightened upon hearing that.
"Yeah! He's all wrong for her," Kai started. "She needs someone… someone like you."
Hiei froze.
"What?"
"You know, someone brave and strong and smart," Kai said.
Hiei disregarded the comment, instead choosing to sit down on the couch and go through his phone. Kai took a seat next to him and grinned up at Hiei.
"Didn't Botan look really pretty?"
"..."
Hiei's brow crinkled.
"Well?" Kai pressed.
"..."
"Yusuke says she's hot, but I think she's really pretty. Don't you?" he continued.
Hiei's jaw ticked. The fact that Yusuke was openly hitting on the mother of his child while their aforementioned child was close enough to hear it didn't settle well with him at all.
"Earth to Hiei?" Kai called out, waving a hand in front of his face.
"It doesn't matter what I think," he finally answered.
"Sure it does," Kai insisted.
Hiei raised a suspicious brow.
"Why?"
"Just because," Kai grinned secretively.
"Hn. You're every bit as intrusive, curious and strange as the woman is."
Kai only smiled wider, apparently taking his comment as a compliment.
"Do you-"
"I'm not answering anymore of your disturbing questions," Hiei stated with an air of finality.
"Aw, you're no fun."
"So I've been told," Hiei answered dryly.
Kai laughed up at him and Hiei wasn't sure if he'd ever get used to that warm feeling that bloomed in his chest whenever the boy looked at him like that.
"Are you hungry?" Hiei asked, looking to divert Kai's attentions to something other than Botan.
"Kinda," he answered. "Can we have dessert after?"
"That depends on if you ask me any more intrusive questions."
"My lips are sealed!" Kai promised obediently, zipping his mouth shut for good measure.
Hiei got up to reheat their dinner and then spent the rest of the night subjected to Kai's every whim. He would never admit it to anyone else, but he had an increasingly difficult time saying no to the boy. Especially when they were alone. Luckily for him, Kai knew well enough not to repeat a word about the degrading things that Hiei had done simply because the boy had asked.
Hours later, after Kai was showered, changed and had brushed his teeth, Hiei sent him off to bed. He picked his phone up from Botan's makeshift workstation in the living room and frowned when he looked down at his wallpaper. Kai had changed it to a picture of himself grinning and giving the camera a peace sign.
His thumb hovered over his screen, eyes glued to Kai's expression. When he grinned so openly, Hiei couldn't help but think of Botan.
The same woman who was too innocent to realize when she was sending mixed signals, the same woman who was far too trusting and far too simple, the same woman who was extremely late in getting home and had yet to message him about it was currently out on a date with the biggest playboy of their graduating class.
He gritted his teeth as he stared at the clock on his phone. It wasn't like him to worry about someone else, but ever since Kai had made an appearance in his life, he found himself doing the things he had never allowed himself to before. And, unfortunately for him, that included caring enough about someone else to become concerned over their well-being.
The sound of movement on the other end of the door broke him out of his thoughts. He shoved his phone into his pocket and crossed his arms over his chest as Botan entered the apartment. He looked her over quickly and relaxed when he realized that she didn't look out of place or flustered.
"Sorry, there was traffic getting back home and then to top it all off, my phone died," she explained sheepishly.
Hiei only grunted in response.
"Did everything go well?" Botan asked.
He nodded.
"Kai's asleep."
"That's good," Botan answered.
They were both quiet for a while, neither one willing to say much of anything before Hiei broke the silence.
"Did he try anything?" he asked.
Botan's mouth hung open for a moment, clearly shocked by his curiosity. Even he was shocked that he had asked. But he wanted to know and there was no shame in that.
"Well, I suppose he did lay it on pretty thick," Botan recalled.
Hiei's eyes narrowed.
"But I didn't let anything happen," she answered.
"Why?" Hiei asked, before he had the chance to filter the thought.
"To be honest, I just wasn't that into him. Which is surprising, considering how much I liked him during college," she revealed. "I suppose my old crush didn't amount to much in the present."
Hiei ignored the brief sense of satisfaction and relief that arose as the tension in his muscles eased away.
"Kai could have told you that much."
"Hey, now, at least I put myself out there," she defended. "Which is more than I can say about you, mister."
Hiei rolled his eyes.
"I don't need to go on any dates."
"And why is that?"
Kai chose that moment to interrupt, exiting his room with a stifled yawn.
"You're back," he said, squinting through tired eyes.
"That I am," she grinned, giving him a hug.
"How was it?" Kai asked.
"It was alright, but I don't think I'll be seeing much of Shishi anymore," she confessed. "I would have rather spent the night home with you boys."
Kai bit back a pleased grin and Hiei swallowed the satisfied sentiment that rose within him.
"Now, off to bed," Botan instructed.
"'Kay," Kai agreed, happily. "Goodnight Hiei."
Hiei nodded at the boy, watching as he entered his room.
"Thanks again, for tonight," Botan said.
"He's my son. You shouldn't thank me for watching him."
Botan gave him a pleased smile.
"That's true."
They both remained in their spots, the air feeling heavier between them. In the dim light of the apartment, he could see Botan's bright eyes clearly, searching his for something that he wasn't sure was there. Words unspoken lingered in the air between them, weighing it down and changing the mood considerably. Then Botan cleared her throat and Hiei looked away - the moment effectively passing them by.
"Well, goodnight."
Hiei nodded and left. He wasn't quite sure what was happening between the two of them and the more he thought about it, the more disconcerted he felt. As he stepped into the night air, he looked back at Botan's apartment window. The last light went out and Hiei decided to do what he did best: push his troubling feelings aside.
They were all over at Kurama's place tonight and Kai's mood was lifted knowing that the whole Shishiwakamaru fiasco was behind them.
Kurama's place was just as nice and spacious as Hiei's apartment and it had all sorts of cool plants and books that Kai was interested in. Kuwabara and Yukina were on a date and Shizuru had some work event, so the rest of the gang decided to spend the night here. While he and Kurama were busy piecing together a complicated puzzle, Yusuke worked on dinner in the kitchen and Hiei and Botan were chatting it up on the opposite couch.
Kai pretended to be fully concentrated on the puzzle as he eavesdropped on his unsuspecting parents.
"So, do you want to meet us at the carnival or should we all go together?" Botan asked conversationally.
Hiei's brow creased in confusion and Kai pursed his lips together to stop himself from laughing like an evil genius. He told Botan that Hiei was interested in coming to the carnival with them, hoping that she would be able to rope him into the activity. She was usually good at that sort of thing and Kai had no doubt in his mind that she would pull through as usual.
"What are you talking about?" Hiei replied.
"Kai and I are going to the carnival tomorrow. He said you wanted to come along. Don't you remember, silly?" she teased lightly.
"I hate the carnival," Hiei said, disdain rising in his voice. "It's filled with loud noises and wild children."
"I could've sworn that Kai said that you wanted to join. Maybe I misunderstood..."
"Hn."
"Well, if you're free the offer stands," she suggested.
"…I'll check my schedule," he answered much to Kai's satisfaction.
Kai tried to hide a grin behind his hand, but Kurama was watching him knowingly. Of course he would catch on to his plans, he was probably the smartest one out of all of them.
"Kai," Kurama started lightly in that admonishing tone of his.
"Um, I'm gonna go help Yusuke in the kitchen!" he suggested, jumping off of the couch and dashing to where Yusuke was. He would surely crack under Kurama's careful gaze and he couldn't afford to mess things up when he had only just started trying.
He closed the door behind him and let out a sigh of relief when he didn't hear Kurama's footsteps following him. He was safe for now and he alone himself to relax as he stepped further inside the smelled really good and he wondered if Yusuke had made a brand new dish for them to test out.
"Do you need any help?" Kai asked good-naturedly.
Yusuke's back was turned to Kai as he removed the last pot from the stove and wiped his hands.
"No, but you're just the person I wanted to see," he said as he faced Kai with a shrewd expression on his face.
"Why?" Kai asked, suddenly feeling defensive.
"I'm onto you kid," Yusuke started, an intuitive glint sharpening his brown eyes.
Kai's brows shot up and he began to panic. Either way he was doomed; both Kurama and Yusuke had seen right through him. All he needed now was for Shizuru to come in and figure everything out.
"It's not what you think…" Kai tried.
"It's exactly what I think," Yusuke countered. "Hiei and Botan might be too dense to realize that you're trying to pull a classic Parent Trap on them, but I'm not."
Kai frowned as Yusuke continued.
"You can't just force those two to be together because they happen to be your parents," Yusuke explained bluntly. "Not all mothers and fathers are meant to be together."
"What would you know about it?" he shot back defensively.
"More than you think," Yusuke replied, his tone softer this time. "I used to be like you once."
Kai blinked unbelievingly.
"…Really?"
"Yeah, but it didn't work out," Yusuke revealed with a careless shrug. "Unlike you, my parents weren't exactly role models. My mom worked things out eventually, but my old man, he was another story."
"Oh," Kai said, looking down at the floor sadly when he realized that he never met either of Yusuke's parents. He had met Kurama's mother and Kuwabara's father, but Yusuke never really talked about his. "I'm sorry."
"Don't give me that look," Yusuke started. "It was a long time ago and I'm perfectly fine."
Kai lifted his gaze to look up at Yusuke unsurely.
"…What happened?" he asked.
Yusuke looked distant for a moment, his eyes unfocused as he thought back.
"My old man wasn't around much, but when I was your age, I used to think he was the greatest guy in the whole world. I stupidly always wished that he would stick around for good and that he and my mom would work things out and stay together. I was probably a few years older than you when I finally realized that that day would never come. He ended up leaving us for good because other things were more important to him. My mom picked up a nasty drinking habit that took years for her to quit. And as for me, well, let's just say I wasn't the nicest of guys back then either. In any case, having the two go separate ways was the best thing that could've happened to us."
"Why?"
"Because I learned that I didn't need him. My mom figured it out eventually too."
"I'm really sorry... I didn't know."
"It's alright. Nobody really knows the full story. Never said it out loud like this before."
"Not even to Kuwabara or Botan?"
"Not even to them."
"So... this is like a secret between men?"
Yusuke looked at him and chuckled.
"Botan's really got to stop letting Kuwabara babysit you, but yeah, it's a secret between men."
Kai nodded eagerly.
"I won't tell anyone, I promise."
"Good and I won't tell anyone about your extracurricular matchmaking activities."
Kai's brows lifted in surprise.
"You mean it?"
"Yeah, I'm a man of my word," Yusuke claimed, puffing his chest out. "Most of the time, anyway."
Kai grinned and Yusuke's expression turned more serious.
"But you have to understand that things might not work out the way you expected them to," Yusuke warned.
"I still want to try," Kai stated.
"Suit yourself kiddo. Who am I to stop you when you've got Botan's endless optimism and Hiei's sure-fire look in your eye?"
Kai ducked his head in embarrassment, unable to stop himself from grinning upon hearing that.
"C'mon, help me bring all of this stuff outside," Yusuke said, motioning to the impressive spread he had made.
"'Kay."
Once all of the plates were dished out and they were seated around the table, Botan looked over at Kai.
"What were you two talking about so seriously in there?" she asked playfully.
"It's a secret between men," Kai answered, tight-lipped and serious.
Hiei's lip curled in disgust.
"I'm banning him from seeing Kuwabara," he declared.
"But I like Kuwabara!" Kai countered, fist curled around his spoon as he frowned up at Hiei.
"Too bad," Hiei replied mercilessly.
Kai looked over to Botan for some kind of help and she shook her head disapprovingly.
"Don't worry, he's only joking," she soothed.
"I wasn't aware that Hiei had a sense of humor," Kurama joined in.
"I don't," Hiei deadpanned.
"Well, if Hiei places a ban, then I'll just lift it," Botan suggested confidently.
"That doesn't sound like very effective parenting," Kurama jested.
"Yeah, I say you cut your losses, Kuwabara's got to go," Yusuke joked.
Hiei cracked a smirk and even Botan let out a little amused laugh. Kai crossed his arms over his chest and huffed, not finding the humor in this situation at all.
"Don't listen to them, Kai. If all goes well with Kuwabara and Yukina, then he might very well become your uncle. So he will be sticking around whether Hiei likes it or not," Botan pacified with a wink.
Kai's sour expression dissipated and was soon replaced by a satisfied smile at the thought of being related to Kuwabara.
"Awesome!" he cheered.
Hiei's expression darkened considerably while Yusuke and Kurama chuckled at his expense. Kai started on his meal with a satisfied grin and everyone followed suit. The conversation lulled for a while as everyone appreciated Yusuke's cooking until Botan broke the silence.
"So, about the carnival tomorrow…" she started, turning towards Hiei.
Kai stopped eating to look up at him hopefully.
Hiei paused to regard him before nodding.
"I'll go," he answered.
Yusuke and Kai exchanged a knowing look and then Kai swallowed a spoonful of rice as a warm feeling settled in his gut. He didn't know much about love or romance, but he figured he was doing enough. If he kept creating these opportunities for them and if it was meant to be, then he was sure that it would all work out. Just like Kuwabara had said.
The following night Kai and Botan were both staring out of the window. Rain pelted heavily on the windowpane and bright flashes of lightning illuminated the thundering sky.
"I'm sorry," Botan apologized as she turned away from the window. "I had no idea that the weather was going to turn out like this."
"That's okay," he said, hiding his disappointment. Truth be told, he was more upset over the fact that he wouldn't have the chance to push Hiei and Botan closer together than he was at the fact that he wouldn't be going to the carnival.
"We can still do something fun," Botan suggested.
"Like what?"
"We can make a fort out of blankets and pillows and watch movies all night. How does that sound?"
"That sounds awesome!" he agreed.
The two got to work creating a suitable form, before plopping in a PG rated horror movie. They were nice and cozy under the cover of their blankets when a blinding flash of light illuminated the apartment. The next thing they knew, the entire room was plunged into darkness.
Botan stood up to flick the lights on, letting out a sigh when nothing happened.
"The storm must have knocked the entire block's power supply off," Botan noted as she looked out of the window and frowned.
Kai stiffened at Botan's side and as a loud bang of thunder echoed within the silent apartment. He wasn't afraid of the dark but he was afraid of the mysterious unknown, and when the wind whished ominously and caused the entire apartment to creak, he let out a scream.
"It's okay," Botan soothed. "It's just-"
She was interrupted by a loud knock on the door and then she was screaming too. Kai felt her arms wrap around him and he buried his face in her shirt as he continued to scream. The front door swung open and Botan shined the flashlight from her phone onto the intruder. They both let out a sigh of relief when they saw Hiei coming through the door after having used the spare key they kept outside.
"Oh, thank goodness, it's only you," Botan breathed out.
"Why were you two screaming?" he asked, frowning as he looked between the both of them. There was a drenched umbrella in his hand the bottom of his pants were a little damp from the rain.
Botan laughed nervously.
"Oh, that? That was a fun new game. It's all the rage these days," she tried to explain sheepishly.
Hiei looked unconvinced, turning to Kai instead.
"We got scared," he revealed plainly.
Botan shot him a withering look and he shrugged his shoulders.
"You told me it wasn't right to lie."
Botan's shoulders deflated in defeat as she faced Hiei.
"In any case, we can't go to the carnival in this weather. I should have texted you but I figured you knew that already."
Hiei stood there as though he was contemplating something, before shoving his hands in his pockets and giving Botan a determined look.
"I'll take him home with me. He shouldn't stay in a dark and dank apartment."
"My apartment isn't dank!" she objected indignantly.
"You too, woman."
Botan lost her anger, brows drawn closer together in confusion.
"...What?"
Kai lit up immediately, taking a step between them.
"Hiei's saying that you should come too!" he clarified excitedly.
Botan hesitated, looking past Kai to search Hiei's gaze.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
Hiei's expression did not waver.
"I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise."
Botan thought about it for a moment before nodding.
"Well, who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth?" she relented. "Thanks Hiei."
"Hn."
She looked down at Kai and motioned for him to follow her.
"Come on, kiddo, let's pack our bags."
"'Kay!"
Kai trailed after her, helping to fill up their overnight bag with items that he thought they might need. He was grinning from ear to ear, unable to believe his good luck. This was even better than the carnival!
"What are you smiling at? Happy that you get to spend the night at Hiei's?" she asked teasingly.
"Yup. And I'm even happier that you're coming too," he revealed as he threw some of his clothes into the bag.
Botan ruffled his hair fondly.
"Such a sweet-talker."
Soon enough they had finished packing and returned to the living room. Hiei was waiting for them near the door, looking bored and aloof as ever.
"Alright, we're ready," Botan said.
Kai watched as Hiei wordlessly took the large duffel bag from Botan and motioned for the two of them to exit first. As they walked down the hallway together, Kai realized that this was all that he wanted: the chance for them to be together.
Hiei unlocked the door to his apartment and let Kai and Botan enter first. He had Kai over many times, but this was the first (and would be the only) time that he invited the woman, too. She had done a lot for him and he wasn't quite sure how to repay her. This was a step, at least.
He watched as Botan lingered in the living room unsurely until Kai grabbed her hand.
"Come on," Kai urged, leading her to the guest room where he had stayed on occasion.
Hiei watched them retreat into the room before retiring to his own. His guestroom had more or less turned into a second bedroom for Kai and he could hear the boy showing Botan all of the items he had collected over the short time he had inhabited the area.
Hiei ignored the odd sensation that blossomed in his chest upon hearing the animated way Kai that had chattered on about something that Hiei had recently bought him. It was far too easy to please the boy and Hiei felt that he did not deserve any of Kai's devout admiration. There was no sense in dwelling on it, though, so he tuned Kai out as he changed into more comfortable clothing and then settled on the couch in the living room. It was still raining heavily outside, but his apartment building had a backup generator and he was sure that the electricity would remain in tact for the entirety of the storm.
Kai and Botan had joined him a few minutes later, taking a seat on the same couch as him. Botan's hair was tied into a loose bun and Kai was in an oversized t-shirt and shorts.
"So, what should we do?" Botan wondered, bringing her finger to rest on her chin as she thought of possible activities.
"Let's have a staring contest!" Kai suggested.
"Alright, it's been a while, but I'm sure it can't be that hard," she said determinedly.
"Not with me," Kai said, hopping off of the couch. "I'm the worst at this game. You should try with Hiei."
"W-what?" Botan spluttered as she looked over at him.
"Go on," Kai encouraged.
"No, that's quite alright. In fact, Hiei doesn't even play games," she declined, putting all the blame on him.
"Is it because you're scared, Hiei?" Kai asked, childlike curiosity swimming in his purple eyes. "Because you don't have to be. This game is really easy."
"It's because I don't have the patience or interest to indulge in trivial games," Hiei replied, crossing his arms over his chest.
"But there's nothing better to do. So why don't you just try?"
"No," Hiei said firmly.
"Aw, come on," Kai whined.
"No."
"Pretty please with all your favorite toppings on top?"
"No."
"What about with-mmph-"
Hiei covered Kai's mouth with his hand and glared at him. He was sure that Kai was about to say something embarrassing and the boy looked back at him sheepishly.
"Oh, let's just humor him," Botan suggested. "Unless you really are afraid to lose."
There was a teasing lilt to her voice and Hiei rolled his eyes as he released Kai.
"Taunting won't work on me, woman. You forget that I'm not as juvenile as Yusuke or Kuwabara."
"But you are as competitive," she noted. "And the sooner we do this, the sooner we can get it over with."
Kai looked at him pleadingly.
"Just one round? I even have a prize for the winner!" he claimed.
"Yes, Hiei, don't be so cruel. Surely one game won't shatter your fragile male ego," Botan tried.
Hiei turned to face her with an irritated glare.
"Fine."
They stared at each other from opposite corners of the couch and Kai set his hands on his hips.
"You guys should get closer," he suggested.
"Huh?" Botan blinked unsurely.
"Come on," Kai instructed, motioning for Botan to forward. "It's the rules of the game."
"Oh fine," Botan conceded as she scooted a little closer towards Hiei.
Kai shook his head, clearly unsatisfied.
"A little more," he urged.
Botan moved a fraction closer to Hiei.
"A little more."
Botan sighed and scooted an inch closer.
"Almost there."
Botan began to shuffle her way forward, when Hiei took the liberty of destroying the distance between them until only a few inches remained. She sucked in a surprised breath of air and her cheeks flushed, but Hiei ignored it.
"Close enough for you?" Hiei asked Kai challengingly.
"Perfect." Kai grinned cheekily. "Alright, first one to blink loses."
Botan gulped at their proximity and nodded numbly.
"Ready, set, go!"
Hiei set his eyes on Botan, his expression indifferent and unreadable as always. It was strange to stare at her wordlessly, at such a close proximity and for such a long period of time, but he had no intentions of losing or backing down. The entire apartment was quiet, save for the sounds of the storm raging on outside and Hiei could feel Kai's eyes on him as well.
The longer he stared at her, the more he paid attention to the woman's features. He noticed the shape of her eyes and the peculiar way that they appeared to be more purple than pink tonight. He noticed the length of her lashes and the way they curled. He had been noticing a lot of things about her lately, without really intending to.
"And Botan wins!"
Hiei didn't even realize that he had broken eye contact and blinked until Kai let out his exclamation.
"Congratulations Botan!" he cheered. "And you did a great job, too, Hiei. It was really close."
"Yes, it was an admirable try, Hiei," Botan replied.
He grunted in response.
"So, what's that prize you mentioned earlier?" she asked, turning towards Kai expectantly.
"Oh, that… um, well, I haven't thought of it yet," Kai answered, rubbing the back of his neck lamely.
"Kai…" she started warningly.
"I'll think of something, I promise!"
"That's not the point, honey, we talked about how bad it is to lie. Even if it is a little white lie like this one."
"I know," he said guiltily. "But I'll make it up by giving you a super, awesome present. And I'll give Hiei one too."
"Well, don't you know how to butter a girl up," she winked.
Kai grinned in response.
"So, what do want to do next?" he asked. "You get to choose since you won the last game. But if you can't think of anything, then I have an idea for another game."
"Uh, what do you say we watch a nice movie, instead?" Botan suggested, eying her son warily.
"Yes, I grow tired of these childish games," Hiei added.
"But I-" Kai tried.
"I brought the Lion King," Botan sing-songed.
The boy's frown was immediately replaced by a satisfied grin. "Okay!"
Although Hiei had dreaded those animated musical type dramas that those two loved so much, he had to admit that it was a better alternative to any of those pushy games Kai would have insisted they play. He had a sneaking suspicion as to why Kai had taken to pestering him about Botan lately, but Hiei did not want to go any further down that line of thought, so he settled into the couch quietly and kept his eyes glued to the screen.
True to Hiei's suspicions, Kai predictably had taken up the entire half of the couch, causing Botan to sit directly beside Hiei with little to no room between them. He had half a mind to get up and sit on the one-seater, but this was his favorite spot and he wasn't exactly uncomfortable. There was absolutely no reason for him to move. If Botan had a problem with it, she was free to get up and she had yet to make a move, either.
As the night wore on, Botan and Kai had taken to quoting each line and singing along to the every song. Hiei had no idea why they insisted on watching a movie they had clearly seen one too many times, but he supposed it could have been worse. The plot was acceptable, the characters weren't entirely unbearable and he supposed the story had a meaningful message for the children who watched it.
When it had ended, Kai let out an exaggerated yawn, before blinking slowly.
"I'm beat," he voiced.
"Already?"
"Yeah, I think I'm gonna go to sleep now," he mentioned.
"Do you need-"
"I'm okay," he said quickly, before giving them a sly smile. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Botan echoed.
Hiei nodded in return.
Botan watched as he scampered off to the guest room, before turning to Hiei.
"That's a little strange. He usually tries to stay up until the last possible minute," she recalled, a confused frown etched into her features.
"Trying to figure him out is almost as pointless as trying to understand you," Hiei declared.
"Hey! Are you calling us strange again?"
"Take it however you see fit, woman."
Botan nudged him lightly, but he did not retaliate, choosing to smirk at her in response. He watched as she let out a huff, pink lips pouting out in annoyance. Without Kai taking up half of the couch, there was no reason for her be in such close proximity and she seemed to realize that in the same moment as him. Her cheeks tinted red as she scooted to put some space between them.
"Um, anyway, I'm not really tired, so I think I'll stay up for a while longer. You can go, though. I'll make sure everything is turned off before I turn in."
Hiei remained in his seat wordlessly. Months ago, he would have taken her up on that offer and retreated to his room. Months ago, he wouldn't have even offered for her to stay the night. But somewhere along the line her presence had become less of a hindrance and more of a constant fixture. He had never really had anyone over at his place, but here she was, as though she fit right in. Kai was the only one he had allowed to enter his domain so freely and frequently, but she was something else entirely.
"Really, you don't have to keep me company," she restated, when he made no move to leave.
"I'm not keeping you company, I'm just not tired," he replied simply. And it was the simple truth. He would have rather wasted time out here with her than retire to his room and stare up at the ceiling until sleep had overtaken him.
"Alright then," she answered, settling back into the seat and flicking through the television channels.
The two settled into a comfortable silence and Hiei glanced at her from the corner of his eye as he tried to figure her out. She was like a splash of technicolor in an otherwise greyscale world. She was bright and lively and calm and soothing all at once. She was too loud, too emotional and too meddling but despite all of that, he didn't mind it when she lingered near him or when she sought him out. He didn't mind it when her eyes rested on him for longer than needed or when her mouth was quirked upwards because of something he had done. It didn't make any sense at all and, yet, as he sat beside her under the dim light of the apartment, he realized that perhaps he didn't need to figure it out. Not yet, anyway.
The next morning Botan insisted on making breakfast (and had somehow managed to do so without burning down the apartment), Kai insisted on doing the dishes and then they both insisted that Hiei join them for a game of jenga that Kai had brought from home. He didn't put up much of a struggle, knowing that it was futile in the end, and that's how he ended up seated on the floor beside Kai and Botan in the middle of the living room.
The entire apartment was quiet, save for the light scattering of rain against the windows. It was all so domestic, and for the first time, Hiei found himself not minding it at all.
Hiei had just finished making his move by pulling a piece that left the tower on its last legs. Hiei smirked. His last move should have ensured his victory – there was no way that either the woman or Kai would find any success during their turns – but against all odds, Botan had managed to successfully complete her turn without destroying the tower.
A focused look pinched Kai's features as he examined the blocks. The boy was every bit as competitive as Hiei was.
"Ah, ah, ah," Botan wagged a finger. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Kai reconsidered, moving his small fingers towards a different piece that by all rights should have crumbled the entire tower. The boy shared a knowing look with Botan, before grinning at Hiei.
"Your turn!"
Hiei frowned. Those blue-haired menaces had sabotaged him. He watched as they high-fived each other, before bringing his gaze back to the wooden blocks. He glared at the tower, reaching a hand out to grab a piece when the doorbell rang. Crimson eyes flickered over to the front door in annoyance and Botan laughed, shaking her head lightly.
"I'll get it," she offered, pushing herself into a standing position. She looked down at him with a wink. "We wouldn't want to break your concentration."
"I'll make sure he doesn't cheat," Kai offered, staring at Hiei with a serious expression.
Hiei's eyes cut to Kai's.
"I don't cheat," Hiei told him flatly.
"I'll be the judge of that."
"How do you even cheat in this game?" Hiei countered, eyes narrowing further.
"I dunno," Kai said with a shrug. "But if you figure out a way, I'll be watching you."
Hiei scoffed at the child, before returning attempting to return his attentions to the game. A foreboding feeling tore at the edges of his senses, disorienting him and breaking his concentration. Something wasn't right and though he tried to ignore it, the dark feeling spread from his chest to his gut.
"Is Hiei home?"
The familiar voice hit him like a ton of bricks and before he could even react, the entire jenga structure fell apart and scattered all over the floor.
Suddenly, his sense of reality was skewered. The axis that his world spun on had tilted and threw everything off course as his two realms were forced to collide. He stared at the orange-haired woman at the door, lips parting, but no words coming out as his chest tightened uncomfortably.
"Who's she?" Kai asked, looking over at the door in curiosity.
"She's…" Hiei started, dragging his gaze to look at Botan almost guiltily. "She's my fiancée."
Oh shit. Hiei has some explaining to do.
All will be explained in the next chapter, so let me know what you thought about this one!