Botan skipped down the halls, a flower in her hand.
"He loves me," she said, plucking the petal from its stalk with a small smile. Her finger moved to another petal, her expression souring. "He loves me not."
The ferry-girl carried on in the same manner, leaving petals in her wake as she went through her fifth flower. Her expression brightened as she reached the very last petal and she let out a victorious cheer.
"He loves me!"
"What are you going on about?"
Botan skidded to a halt, concealing the stalk within the folds of her kimono sleeve as she blinked back at Koenma. He was in his toddler form, floating around at eye level to avoid being stepped on.
"Well?" he pressed.
"Oh... um... nothing, sir."
His large, brown eyes passed over the trail of petals, before settling back on her.
"You've been on cloud nine for a while now," he observed casually. "Always humming and prancing around."
Botan avoided his gaze expertly.
"I've simply been in a good mood is all," she explained, poking her index fingers together.
"It seems to me like someone is head over heels," he suspected.
"W-well..." she paused, returning her gaze to her oldest friend hesitantly. "Would it be a big deal if I was?"
"Not really," he replied through a shrug. "It is your life."
Botan's face split into a grin as she threw her arms around his small form.
"Oh, thank you, Lord Koenma, I knew you would understand!"
He waved her off dismissively after she had released him.
"Of course," he said. "Yuuto is an upstanding and honest guy. I have no qualms with him."
The ferry-girl stiffened.
"…Yuuto?"
"Yes... isn't that who you're so enamored with?"
Botan shook her head, mouth pressed into a line.
"Oh... then is it Kurama, perhaps?" he guessed.
"No…"
The Prince's tiny features hardened a bit, his gaze turning wary.
"Yusuke?"
"Lord Koenma, he's with Keiko!"
"...Kuwabara?"
"You know he only has eyes for Yukina!"
"Well, I'm running out of options here and I really don't want to say who I'm thinking of next-"
"It's Hiei," she confessed finally. "I'm in love with Hiei."
Koenma's eyes widened dramatically, his mafukan nearly flying out of his mouth as he exclaimed, "Hiei?!"
She nodded, ponytail bouncing perkily behind her.
"Really?" he asked, as though he could not trust his own ears.
"Yes, really," she confirmed.
Koenma folded his arms, his brow furrowed in thought as he sucked on his mafukan. After a few moments of terse silence, Botan took a step forward.
"Sir…?" she began, her voice thin and tentative. "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that Hiei is dangerous, violent and unpredictable."
Her shoulders fell, lips pulling into a pout as he continued.
"But," he said, his expression easing up as his tone shifted into a more positive one. "He has always been a reliable ally and he seems to have settled down over the years."
Botan's entire countenance brightened as she nodded eagerly.
"Yes," she agreed. "Hiei is a very decent guy. You'd be surprised by how considerate and sweet he can be!"
Koenma raised a brow.
"Something really miraculous must have happened in that other reality," he muttered.
Botan laughed sheepishly.
"You could say that..."
Silence swept over them once more and she cleared her throat, gathering the courage to ask the question she had been hesitant to.
"Sir, are my feelings… are they a problem?"
Koenma held her gaze evenly, the moment stretching between them agonizingly slow, before he finally shook his head.
"No, I don't believe it is," he said. "So long as this doesn't obstruct your duties, I have no problems with who your heart chooses."
Relief seeped through her features as she smiled.
"Thank you, sir."
"I should warn you, though, the rest of our kind may not be as open minded."
"I know," she replied. "But I'm glad that I've at least got your stamp of approval."
He nodded reassuringly.
"You always do."
Hiei threw his rucksack over his shoulder as he exited his quarters. History had a strange way of repeating itself and, once more, he was roped into spending another weekend at the fox's family cabin. He wasn't sure who suggested it, but Botan seemed to be just as surprised as he was over how closely the events had followed that of the other reality. She had predictably insisted he go and when Yukina also expressed the same wish, Hiei knew that he had little to no choice in the matter.
Truthfully, though, he was not entirely opposed to it. If it made Yukina happy, he would bear it. And if it gave him the chance to have more time with the ferry-girl, then it would not be a complete and total waste of his time.
His thoughts turned reflective as he walked down the large corridors. He had previously thought himself too broken, too closed off to ever experience life the way that the others did, but Botan adamantly insisted that he had the ability to care and to feel. She believed in him and, in the end, she was right.
She told him that love came easily; in his opinion, it had come far too easily for him. It infiltrated his heart and his mind until it had overcome him and become a steady part of his soul.
While he was content with the way things were currently, he knew that it would not be long until he started to want more than what had formed between them.
Moving forward with the ferry-girl would not be easy – nothing ever was in his life – but Hiei did not much care about the difficulties that lie ahead. It did not matter to him that they were from different worlds, nor did he care about the many differences that spanned between them. He had already resolved to face them head on, like he did with everything else. There was just one thing he had to do before that.
Steeling himself, he pushed open the large doors and strode into the throne room.
Mukuro lowered the scroll she had been reading, her blue eye meeting his gaze calmly.
"I thought you would be halfway to the human realm by now," she commented.
"There is something you should know first."
"Go on," she urged. "I'm listening."
"I intend to pursue the ferry-girl."
Mukuro cocked a slender brow.
"You made that much clear when you brought her here," she said. "You did not have to confirm it aloud."
Hiei maintained the eye contact stubbornly, forcing her to see the whole point of this conversation. His hands balled into tight fists at his side as Mukuro leaned forward perceptively.
"Oh, I see," she nodded, gaze sharpening. "You were seeking my approval."
"Don't misunderstand," he denied gruffly. "I was simply giving you the common courtesy of knowing beforehand, you wretched woman."
The corners of her lips quirked upwards as she continued to stare at him expectantly. Hiei's mouth twisted into a scowl. She really was going to make him ask for it.
"You always have an opinion on everything," he bit out begrudgingly. "So tell me what's on your mind this time."
Mukuro sat back again, her posture relaxed and untroubled.
"This may come as a surprise to you, Hiei, but I have nothing to say," she replied. "So long as the spirit world doesn't breathe down my neck over you stealing away one of their precious ferry-girls, I have no qualms with this newfound development."
Hiei released the breath he did not realize he was holding. Mukuro had never been the type to meddle in his affairs or place restrictions on what he could or couldn't do, so he should not have been surprised. Still, the old prejudices ran deep and his sentimentalities towards a ferry-girl could very well stir up trouble in some form or another. The fact that she was unconcerned by it all meant that she was either very lax or that their relationship with the spirit world was improving. Mukuro was not the type to jeopardize her territory or her power, so it must have been the latter.
"Good," he finished, turning to leave.
"And Hiei?"
He halted, glancing back at her over his shoulder.
"Don't screw this up," she urged.
He held her gaze levelly, a silent understanding passing between them. Mukuro knew him on a deeper level than most and understood just how important the ferry-girl and all that she represented was for a soul like Hiei's. The fact that she not only accepted, but endorsed his wishes was more than he could ever ask for.
He nodded once and the turned away, the unspoken gratitude hanging in the air between them as he left.
The door closed behind him loudly and Hiei fixed his gaze ahead. Haru was waiting for him, back pressed against the wall and arms folded loosely across his chest.
"I know you weren't going to leave for the entire weekend and not say goodbye to little old me, were you?" he teased, green eyes twinkling in amusement.
"That is exactly what I had intended."
Haru slung an arm over Hiei's shoulder.
"Good thing I caught you before you could slip away, then!" he grinned. "I'll walk you out."
"I prefer that you didn't," Hiei said, shoving the man off of him.
Haru pretended not to hear him, falling into step with the fire-demon and strolling leisurely with his hands in his pants pockets. They walked past the grotesque and morbidly dark walls in relative silence. It wasn't until they stepped foot outside, the red skies and cool air greeting them, did Hiei speak again.
"This is far enough," he said.
"Ah, it's no trouble, I'm going this way, too!"
Hiei's brow furrowed. Haru rarely ventured to this side of Makai.
"Why?" he questioned.
"Because you're not the only one with weekend plans, buddy!" he revealed, clapping a hand against Hiei's back with a grin. "I'm going to go meet Ruka. I've reserved the entire weekend just for her."
"I see."
Interestingly enough, the very same occurrence had transpired in the other reality.
"Yup! I'm pulling out all the stops and I won't stop until she's mine," he professed.
Crimson eyes narrowed in what Hiei hoped looked like skepticism and not at all curiosity.
"And what exactly does that entail?" he questioned.
Haru's expression turned sly, a smirk overtaking his expression.
"Why do you ask, you interested in whipping out the old romance card, too?"
"No."
Haru nudged Hiei with his shoulder.
"You are, aren't you?!"
"I said I'm not."
"But that enamored little look in your eye says that you are!" Haru singsonged.
"Forget I even asked, you simple-minded pest," Hiei insulted as he stalked ahead determinedly.
"Ah, no, wait!" Haru urged out from behind. He sped up until he had eventually caught up to the fire-demon and pouted. "Don't be like that, I was only joking."
"I don't like jokes," he returned stiffly.
"I can see that," Haru muttered under his breath.
Hiei glared and the emotion-reader held his hands up in defense.
"Alright, alright, allow me to leave you with a bit of sound advice, then," Haru implored. "If you really want to woo your lady, just be kind and considerate of her feelings. Listen to her when she talks and do the things you know she will appreciate. Spend time with her when you can. You know, the simple stuff."
He allowed the words to ruminate for a while, before glancing at Haru.
"I thought you would say something more melodramatic and sappy," he admitted.
"Well, all that flowery stuff is nice, too, but I think honesty is your best bet. Don't confuse her by being vague and making her wonder what your intentions are. Tell her what you want directly. The good old: say what you mean and mean what you say."
"Pitifully simple."
"It is!" Haru agreed.
Eventually they came to a fork in the dirt road. Haru shaded his eyes from the bright sun, squinting out into the distance.
"Looks like this is where you and I part ways," he announced.
"Hn."
"Good luck, buddy! I know you can do it!" he encouraged. He was still facing Hiei as he walked backwards on the path, grinning foolishly and giving him two thumbs up. "I'll be rooting for you!"
"Just go, you fool."
Haru chuckled, giving the fire-demon one last encouraging look, before turning around fully and strolling away.
Crimson eyes turned towards the empty path ahead and then Hiei began the journey to the human world. Botan had asked him to meet up in front of the apartment building on Block 7. He made it there in record time, spotting the ferry-girl almost immediately. A sense of dejavu washed over him as he approached the blue-haired woman, who was bundled up in thick layers of human clothing with an expectant smile on her face.
"You made it!" she cheered.
He nodded as she clapped her hands together.
"This is going to be so much fun, I can hardly wait!"
"You're always so easily excitable."
"Maybe so, but you can't blame me! We're about to spend a whole weekend with our favorite people!"
"Your favorite people," he corrected. "I would much prefer to be alone."
She looked unconvinced and he did not bother saying anything else on the topic as his eyes roamed over the familiar brick building.
"Why insist on meeting here instead of the cabin?" he questioned.
"Because we're meeting Kurama."
That's right - the fox had moved in recently, finally cutting the cord from his human mother.
"I thought it would be nice for us to take the drive down there with him," Botan continued. "Shizuru's place is on the way, so we will pick her up and then the four of us can simply kick back, relax and take the scenic route!"
Hiei frowned.
"It sounds like a waste of time." He could make it there in a third of the time. The woman could make it there much quicker, too, if she flew on her oar.
"It'll be fun!" she insisted, linking her arm through his and pulling him along. "Come now!"
They slipped inside of the building as a tenant was exiting and Botan led him to the mail station. Amethyst eyes scanned through the various mailbox plates until she found Kurama's.
"Shuichi Minamino - 4D," she recited knowingly. "Of course."
They made their way up to the fourth floor in the same manner they had done many times over before. Everything was so familiar: the same dull walls, the same dimly lit elevator and the same narrowed halls. They traversed down the hallway, rounding the corner and freezing at the sound of an unmistakably familiar cry. Crimson eyes locked onto a familiar brunette, bouncing an irritable child in her arms.
Botan turned to Hiei with wide eyes, rounded blue brows and parted pink lips. Maki continued to try to soothe the wailing child, oblivious to their reaction, but each and every attempt only seemed to agitate him further. As they approached - she was practically standing in front of the fox's apartment, after all - hazel eyes met Hiei's and all sounds of discomfort ceased.
Shinji began to coo and reach over Maki's shoulder, causing her to turn around to see what had gotten his attention.
"Oh, hello there," she greeted politely.
"Hello," Botan replied, leaning down until she was at eye-level with the child. "What an adorable little boy you've got there. He's simply precious."
Maki smiled as she readjusted him on her hip.
"Why, thank you," she said with a tired smile. "This is the first time he's been calm all day. You two must be heaven sent."
Hiei made a noise of disagreement in the back of his throat. She wouldn't be saying that if she knew who he was and where he came from.
"While I would love to take the credit for this miraculous feat, it's really all due to Hiei!" Botan commended, her hands on his shoulders as though he was one of those spirit world gadgets that she took pride in advertising. "He's great with children! Why, he's a regular baby whisperer!"
Hiei frowned at that, pushing his hands in his pockets and ignoring Shinji as he waved a shy hand at him.
"How cute!" Botan gushed.
"Shinji certainly has taken a liking to you," Maki noted, traces of amusement in her expression and tone as she watched her son attempt to interact with the fire-demon.
The boy made a sound as if to say that he agreed.
"Do you two live in this building?" Maki wondered.
"Oh, no, we were just visiting Kurama," Botan replied with a dismissive wave of her hand.
Maki tilted her head in a wordless show of confusion.
"Shuichi Minamino," Botan corrected hurriedly.
"Oh, our new resident?"
"Bingo!"
"I see." She nodded. "Well, I'm Maki, I live just around the corner. It's always nice to meet some new faces."
"The pleasure's all ours! I'm Botan and this here is Hiei."
Shinji began to fuss again, stretching and reaching out for the fire-demon.
"Shinji, stop that," Maki chided lightly.
But the boy continued to squirm around and his cries were beginning to gain traction. The young mother couldn't very well hold him properly while he continued to reach for Hiei and he sighed. There really was no point in ignoring her plight when there was one simple way to soothe the boy and spare all of their eardrums. He reached a hand out, letting the child clutch onto his finger. His little hand gripped around Hiei's tightly and, once again, Shinji was instantly pacified.
"You really are a baby whisperer," Maki said in amazement.
"Hardly," he grunted.
"I mean it, Shinji has been extremely fussy lately," she revealed.
Hiei's expression softened as the child smiled at him. He still did not know why his presence calmed the boy so, but he supposed it did not matter. All was peaceful and calm until the door behind Maki opened, revealing the fox and Hiei's expression hardened.
"Sorry for the wait-" he began, before taking notice of the scene. "Oh, hello, Maki."
"Good afternoon Shuichi," she returned. "I was just getting acquainted with your friends. They're absolute darlings!"
Hiei's brow twitched at the compliment and Kurama managed to hide his amusement behind that prim and proper facade of his.
"Yes, they are quite an invaluable pair," he agreed.
The two tenants shared a look that Hiei could not quite decipher, before Maki began to pry her son's fingers off of Hiei's.
"Alright now, Shinji, I'm sure Hiei has places to be," she said. "You're not going to hold him up, are you?"
Strangely enough, the boy did not protest and released him without much prompting.
"Say bye!" she urged.
"Bye-bye!" Shinji repeated.
Botan grinned, waving them both off as they retreated down the hallway.
"I didn't know you were so good with children, Hiei," Kurama commented.
"I'm not."
"You must be," he insisted. "That child really does not take well to strangers."
"Hn," Hiei grunted as he crossed his arms over his chest. "The boy is clearly defective."
Kurama smiled.
"I think you are just much more approachable than you realized."
Hiei glared, sharp eyes narrowed warningly.
"Mention this to anyone and I'll-"
"Yes, yes, I know."
By the time they arrived, the sun had already set and darkness swept over the area. Hiei and Kurama did all of the heavy lifting, lugging the bags inside while Shizuru and Botan loaded the fridge with the drinks and other perishables. The rustic interior was just as warm and inviting as Botan remembered and she smiled as Hiei brought in the last of the items.
"Kazuma just texted," Shizuru announced. "He says they hit some traffic, but should be here soon."
"Alright," Kurama replied. "I suppose we should figure out sleeping arrangements."
"Well, this is your house... do you have any preferences?" Shizuru asked.
"There are two rooms on the ground floor and two in the upper level," Kurama said. "I would prefer one on this floor."
"Then the guys can stay down here and us girls will take the upstairs," Shizuru decided.
Botan bit her bottom lip, glancing over at Hiei. She had been hoping to stay with him again, but she supposed there was no point in dwelling on it. They had no real reason to room together in this reality and the others would surely find it strange. Besides, there was no telling if Hiei would even be open to such a suggestion.
Emerald eyes fell on Hiei.
"I don't suppose you will want to board with Yusuke or Kuwabara," Kurama inferred. "I will show you to the room where we will be staying."
"That won't be necessary," Hiei said, arms crossed over his chest as he remained where he stood.
Kurama lifted a brow, prompting the other man to explain.
"The ferry-girl and I will share the larger room upstairs," Hiei declared evenly.
Botan's eyes widened in surprise. Hiei did not appear to be bothered by the silence that settled over the area or the attention that rested upon him. He simply kept his gaze fixed on Kurama as if he was challenging the redhead to say something contrary.
"Botan?" Kurama tested.
"Oh, I don't mind," she replied easily. "It was the norm in the other reality, after all."
Hiei glared at her and she brought a hand up to cover her pesky mouth, only now realizing her folly.
"Oopsie…" she said, avoiding Hiei's critical gaze.
Kurama cracked an amused smile.
"I already had a feeling that your living conditions were a bit more intimate than you led us to believe," he divulged.
"You did?" Botan blinked.
"Yes and Hiei's insistence to stay with you confirmed it more than your words themselves."
"Oh really?" she asked, regarding the fire-demon with a sly grin as the proverbial tables turned on him.
Hiei pretended not to notice, mouth pressed into a firm line and jaw fixed in a stubborn jut as he looked away.
"Yes, he has always been a creature of habit," Kurama stated discerningly. "And if this is what you both prefer, then I see no trouble in amending the sleeping arrangements."
Shizuru nodded her agreement.
"Yeah, it still works out if Keiko and Yusuke room together," she determined. "I'll stay with Yukina, which leaves Kazuma with Kurama."
"Perfect!" Botan said, clapping her hands together.
With that settled, Hiei wasted no time in gathering all of their belongings and marching up the stairs. Botan waited until he was out of sight, before turning to face the remaining two.
"Thanks for not making a big deal out of… well… everything," she said.
"We're all adults," Shizuru replied calmly. "If you and Hiei want to sleep together, then that's completely up to you."
"Shizuru!" Botan's cheeks stained with color.
"I agree," Kurama smiled, before adding, "We have no right to meddle in the affairs that take place behind closed doors."
"Not you too, Kurama!" the ferry-girl lamented miserably.
They shared a guilty look of amusement at her expense and Botan frowned. It was awfully devious of her so called friends to tease her, especially when they knew about her feelings towards the fire-demon. Even if she never explicitly told Kurama the way she did with Shizuru, he already proved on several occasions that he was well aware of the truth behind her every interaction with Hiei.
"Oh, you two are very naughty," she huffed, setting her hands on her hips. "I'm going to go and unpack. I hope you'll behave yourselves when I return!"
The ferry-girl fanned her heated cheeks as she made her way up the large wooden staircase. Though it had not been too long since the discovery of her feelings, Botan had more than enough time to accept them. Hiei had been a constant in her life and before she knew it, he had wrapped around her heart so tightly that each beat echoed his name. She wanted to tell him everything - she wanted to tell him just how much he meant to her - and maybe she would this little weekend trip to do so. Maybe it was time to take the dive into uncertain waters.
As she entered the familiar room, she found the fire-demon lying on the bed and staring up at the ceiling impassively. Both of their belongings were strewn on top of the large rug in the middle of the floor and she smiled at him knowingly.
"Aren't you going to unpack?" she asked as she motioned towards his bag.
"I don't see the point," he replied. "It's not as if we will be here for long."
"Still," she began. "It's better than just leaving your clothes to get all wrinkled."
Hiei's expression did not change, indicating that he did not care in the slightest.
"I can do it for you, if you'd like," she offered, before smiling playfully. "I wouldn't want the Prince to sully his hands with such a menial task, after all."
He propped himself up on his elbows long enough to send a menacing glare her way and Botan smiled sweetly in response.
"Do what you will, ferry-girl," he relented eventually.
Botan sat down beside all of their belongings, reaching for his bag and searching through its contents. She was unsurprised to find a startling amount of dark and depressing colors mixed in with the occasional white article. He really hadn't brought much by her standards, but she supposed it would do for the next two days. Pulling out his clothes, she hummed to herself as she folded, sorted and packed them away neatly. She was nearly finished when a startling realization began to dawn on her.
"Hiei..." she began warily.
"What?"
"Why didn't you pack any underwear?"
"I told you before, I don't wear any."
"But you wore it in that other reality," she pointed out.
"Only because the clothing was different," he said, sitting up to stare at her pointedly. "And because you seemed to malfunction every time I didn't."
Botan flushed, clearing her throat as she closed the dresser drawer and started to work through her own belongings.
"Well, underwear aside, it really wouldn't kill you to wear some actual colors..." she urged.
"Hn, you say that as if your tastes are any better."
"Hey!" Botan said, setting her hands on her hips. "My clothes are all tasteful and trendy."
"I'm referring to that patterned atrocity you had me wear last time."
She was unable to hide her mirth as she giggled.
"Oh, but you looked so adorable!"
"Only to a strange woman like you."
She pulled one of her signature cat faces at him, before returning to the task at hand. Every now and again, her eyes would return to Hiei and her heart would flutter in her chest. The fire-demon was donned in his signature black pants and a white, long-sleeved cotton shirt. The hiruiseki stone hung from his neck and rested against his chest, glinting even under the low fluorescent light. Her gaze traveled upwards, taking in the cut of his jaw, the outline of his mouth and the shape of his angular eyes. It was only when red flashed upwards to capture her gaze, did she realize that he was staring at her, too. Her gaze flitted away and she fumbled with her last bit of clothes.
"There," she said triumphantly, closing the drawer and fixing him with a grin. "All done!"
"Hn. Just in time," he replied flatly. "Yukina and the others have arrived."
He hadn't bothered to turn around and look out the window, so Botan took the liberty of checking his claims, pressing her hands against the cool glass as she peered down at driveway. Sure enough, she spotted the others piling out of Kuwabara's beat up, old car.
"Let's go greet them, shall we?" she suggested.
"I don't think they need a welcoming committee, ferry-girl."
"Oh, come now," she said, taking his hand in hers and pulling him along.
He could have stopped her if he wanted to - all he needed to do was stand still and refuse to budge or pull her back - but he didn't. He rarely did. Instead he allowed her to drag him out into the hallway and and somewhere along the way, his hand had enclosed over hers. The warmth that emanated from his palm washed over her entirely, filling her with a sense of stability and security that she did not know she craved until now. She longed for the moment to last, but it ended as abruptly as it had began. The instant they reached the ground floor, he wasted no time in releasing his hold and she reluctantly did the same.
"Hey guys! You sure did take your sweet time!" Botan teased.
"Urameshi insisted on fixing his hair, and we all know how long that takes," Kuwabara grumbled, laden with multiple bags as he struggled to fit through the doorframe.
"Perfection takes time," Yusuke countered with a haughty shrug.
Keiko sighed, shaking her head in exasperation while Yukina looked on in mild amusement.
Hiei chose that moment to step out of the hallway and come into view. He nodded at Yukina and she smiled back at him, ruby eyes lit up happily. Kuwabara watched the exchange, his expression completely unreadable in that moment, before tearing his gaze away.
"So, where's my room?" Yusuke questioned.
"You and Keiko are upstairs," Kurama supplied. "Third door on the right."
"Sweet," he said as he and Keiko disappeared upstairs.
"I'll show you to ours," Shizuru said, motioning for the ice maiden to follow her. "You too, Kazuma, your room is in the same hallway."
After a few minutes of settling in, they had all reconvened on the main floor. The fireplace was lit, flames cracking and heating up the area. Yusuke was whipping up dinner, the mouth-watering scents of his newest recipe already filing the air. Everyone else was gathered nearby, occupying different nooks and spaces within the main floor. This scene was startlingly familiar and Botan smiled as her eyes passed over each one of her friends.
Once again her heart warmed within the echoes of familiarity and home.
-x-
Botan woke up groggily the next morning. Faint recollections of last night returned to her as she squinted against the bright sunlight streaming through the window. Somehow, Yusuke had talked them all into drinking far too much under the guise of one of those drinking games of his. The night was all mostly a blur, but from what she could remember, nothing too outrageous had happened. She checked the time on the wall clock and shot up into a sitting position. It was nearly noon and, from what she could hear, the house sounded far too quiet. Looking down at the empty side of the bed, she frowned. Hiei could have at least woken her up before disappearing.
She threw the covers off of her and quickly made use of the bathroom, before padding downstairs. The living room was empty, but she was surprised to see both Yukina and Hiei in the kitchen, looking well rested and right as rain.
"Good morning," she greeted cheerily, as she walked towards the breakfast bar and leaned against it.
Hiei nodded at her, a low sound of acknowledgment reaching her ears.
"Good morning, Botan," Yukina returned, setting away the last of the dishes as she turned to face her. "How do you feel?"
"Fine, except I wish I hadn't slept the morning away!" she pouted as she glanced at Hiei. "You could have woken up me, mister!"
"Judging by the sound of your snoring, you needed all the rest you could get," he replied.
Botan frowned indignantly.
"I don't snore!"
"You do."
"I don't!"
"You do, woman."
Yukina giggled and they both stared at her.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh. It's just…"
"No, it's alright," Botan reasoned sheepishly. "I'm sure we must make a funny sight, bickering like children."
"If it makes you feel better, no one else has awoken yet except for Kurama," Yukina tried. "We didn't want to disturb you all. It was a late night."
Botan nodded in understanding. She looked around curiously, finding no signs of the redhead anywhere.
"Where did Kurama go off to?"
"The fox is outside," Hiei revealed, his back facing her as he worked at a task that she could not quite see from this angle. "He is most likely monitoring the developments of his death traps."
Botan blinked.
"He does that sort of thing around here?"
"You know he is overly cautious," he replied.
"I suppose you can never be too careful, especially considering the nature of our lives…"
Hiei said nothing as he turned around and set a cup of tea in front of her. Folding his arms over his chest he nodded for her to try it. He had often done the same in the other reality and Botan smiled as she cupped the mug with both hands and raised it to her lips. She blew at the steam, before taking a sip and releasing a blissful sigh. It was sweet and flavorful; just the way she liked it.
"It's perfect. Thank you!"
Hiei nodded in response and Yukina smiled at the exchange.
"I think I'll get started on lunch," the ice-maiden decided. "I'm sure the others will be awake soon and they'll all be hungry."
"Do you need any help?" Botan offered.
Yukina shook her head.
"I'll be okay," she reassured, glancing over at the fire-demon. "I've already enlisted Hiei's assistance."
Botan nodded as a slow smile stretched over her lips. She settled into the plush couch and sipped her tea slowly as one by one the others started trickling towards the living room. The boys had eventually decided to gather some firewood for the remainder of the weekend, while Shizuru and Keiko joined Botan on the couch. They were seated comfortably and covered in a few blankets to keep warm.
"It's still so surreal to think that Hiei was Yukina's brother all this time..." Keiko said quietly as she glanced at the pair.
"Those two are as different as night and day," Shizuru agreed.
Keiko's expression turned teasing as she nudged Botan lightly.
"What's even more impressive is the fact that you managed to keep it a secret this long, Botan."
"Well... I almost slipped a few times…" she admitted sheepishly.
"More than a few," Shizuru replied fondly, having been the one to cover for her on more than one occasion. She leaned back into the couch, letting out a sigh. "But after years of keeping it a secret, it sure is nice for it to be out in the open now."
Botan nodded, eyes drifting towards the twins fondly. Yukina had Hiei on knife duty, instructing him on the proper slicing methods. It was quite the adorable picture. She watched the scene unfold for a few moments longer, before giving them some privacy.
"Say, how did Kuwabara handle the news?" she questioned curiously.
Shizuru's gaze dithered a bit.
"He was angry that he was kept in the dark this entire time," she said. "And he was even more furious that we willingly hid the truth from Yukina."
"As expected," Botan replied guiltily. "I've always felt horrible for keeping such a thing from her."
Shizuru nodded.
"Likewise, but it couldn't be helped. It was a complicated situation from the start and eventually, Kazuma understood that," she said. "Anyway, after his initial shock and anger wore off, he settled down. I think he's still having trouble processing it, though."
"Makes sense. I am, too," Keiko replied honestly.
Silence passed over them for a short while, until Keiko spoke up again.
"By the way, where are you staying, Botan?"
"Hm?"
"Well, I know that Kurama, Kuwabara, Shizuru and Yukina were on this floor. But I had no idea where you were. Or Hiei, for that matter."
"Oh… well… I'm in the room next to yours," she said vaguely.
"All by yourself?" Keiko frowned in concern.
She shook her head.
"Not exactly…" Botan said, pushing the pads of her index fingers together.
"What do you mean?" Keiko asked.
"The thing is, I'm... sort of rooming with Hiei?"
Keiko's jaw dropped, mouth opening and closing and she tried and failed to form a coherent sentence.
"With... but... why?!"
A fresh wave of guilt washed over Botan as she stared back at the confused and bewildered girl. She had come to think of Keiko as a dear friend over the years and, as such, she deserved to know the truth, too. Taking a deep breath, she decided to just come out with it.
"Our counterparts weren't simply roommates in that other reality, they were partners… in a relationship."
Keiko gasped as Botan went on.
"We had to pretend to be together for the sake of hiding our identities and I suppose we both got used to it," she said. "It became comfortable and familiar…"
"You got used to ... to being in a relationship with Hiei?" Keiko surmised.
"I guess you could put it like that," the ferry-girl affirmed.
Keiko fell silent, her gaze lowering as she absorbed Botan's words. She seemed to be piecing the puzzle together, slowly but surely, and when the realization hit her, she wasted no time trying to confirm the obvious.
"Botan... are you-"
The ferry-girl clamped her hand over the other girl's mouth, before looking over at the twins in the kitchen pointedly.
Keiko nodded in understanding and Botan released her. She heard the kettle going off and spoke quietly, hurriedly, under her breath.
"The answer to your question is yes," she confirmed.
Keiko's eyes went wide in disbelief and Botan could only nod sheepishly in response. The trio of boys returned, too lost in their own conversation to notice the tense atmosphere between the girls on the couch.
"Maybe we should take this conversation elsewhere..." Shizuru suggested.
They ended up in Botan's room, seated in a triangle with Botan near the head of the bed.
"So… you and Hiei, huh?" Keiko began, still a little shell-shocked.
Botan nodded.
"A lot happened in that other reality…" she explained.
"Tell us about it… from the beginning," Keiko urged. "I want to try and understand."
"Well, alright…" Botan said, gaze rolling upwards in thought as she recalled the things that stuck out most in her mind. She told them about everything, from their very first day in that reality, to the moments leading up until their last. She told them about the changes she had seen in Hiei, the glimpses of the man behind the stone guard wall he had erected between his emotions and his heart. She told them about all of their misadventures and misunderstandings and about all of the wonderful moments they had shared together. Although she had been jumping all over the place and retelling their stories out of order, the girls seemed to be enthralled nonetheless, hanging off of her every word. Time escaped them until a knock at the door pulled them back to the present.
"Come in!" Keiko said.
Yukina appeared in the threshold.
"I'm sorry for interrupting, I just wanted to let you all know that lunch is ready."
"Thank you, dear," Botan replied. "Sorry for leaving you to do all the work on your own and secluding ourselves up here. We were just talking about… er… about…"
"About your interest in my brother?" Yukina questioned, closing the door behind her.
Botan's eyes widened, glancing at Shizuru and Keiko, before fixing her sights back on the ice-maiden.
"You knew?"
Yukina nodded, a small smile painted on her lips.
"The fond way you talked about him upon returning to this reality was very telling. I could see that a new bond had developed between you two."
"Y-you could?"
"Yes," the ice-maiden asserted. "And I think this is a good thing. You both suit each other."
"She's right. It's hard not to notice the way things have changed between the two of you, lately," Shizuru said. "The question is, what are you going to do about it?"
"I think I want to tell him," she confessed hesitantly, her her heart racing in her chest at the mere thought of it.
"Botan, that's wonderful," Yukina supported.
"I can hardly keep a secret to begin with and... I don't know!" She hid her increasingly flushed face in her hands. "I'm just so happy around him that I can hardly contain it!"
"Aw, you're so in love," Keiko noted.
Botan nodded shyly, still hiding behind her hands.
"Good on you," Shizuru said. "Sometimes you've got to be forward and direct. Take matters into your own hands."
Botan slowly lowered her hands, taking in her friends' expressions. They were all smiling, Keiko's accepting, Shizuru's encouraging and Yukina's radiant. They supported her, they encouraged her and they endorsed this one-hundred percent.
She was sure that she could do it. There was simply no backing down now.
Hiei watched as all of the women returned downstairs. There was something different about them, though he could not place his finger on it. As they ate, they had all taken to staring at him surreptitiously, casting knowing glances his way. Most peculiar of all was the ferry-girl. She kept looking at him when she thought he did not notice and turning away when she thought he did. It continued to occur for most of the day, until he had cornered her in the hallway.
"Woman, you keep staring at me."
"Oh… I…"
"Tell me why," he ordered.
He took a step closer to her and Botan stiffened.
"It's nothing really!" she tried, hands raised in defense.
"I heard you talking with the rest of them earlier," he revealed.
Amethyst eyes widened in alarm as the color drained from her skin.
"Y-you did?" she asked weakly.
"You told them that our counterparts were in a relationship."
She nodded guiltily.
"And then you all disappeared upstairs," he added.
Botan swallowed thickly. He took another step closer and he could hear her heartbeat quicken as her back hit the wall. She was nervous and rightfully so.
"I can only presume that you told them about everything else in that reality. All the degrading things I was put through."
Botan's gaze fell away from his. She looked as though she wanted to argue against it, but then agreed.
"You caught me!" she said, far too forcefully and hurriedly. "That is absolutely why we disappeared. I was off being a blabbermouth again! And that also explains why I was so skittish all evening – I was afraid that you might find out."
He eyed her skeptically.
"You're still acting strange, even by your standards."
"Y-yes, well, I feel very strange."
"…"
"It must be the time of the month!" she blurted out.
The two of them stared at each other for a moment, Hiei in confusion and Botan, horrified at what she had just said. Luckily for them, Yusuke's voice was loud enough to pull their attentions elsewhere.
"Guys, get in here!"
Botan took the opportunity to slip away and skitter back into the living area. Hiei followed after her, mouth pulled into a slant. The woman was so bizzare.
"You guys up for a little entertainment in the form of friendly competition?" Yusuke asked.
"That all depends on what you had in mind," Shizuru countered.
"How 'bout a thrilling game of Jenga?" he proposed.
"No," Hiei and Botan both declared at the same time.
Botan's reaction was more an indignant shriek, while Hiei's was a firm reply that left no room for arguing.
Yusuke's expression fell into a look of confusion and slight offense.
"Geez what's you guys' deal?"
"I know all about your devious little schemes, Yusuke Urameshi!" the ferry-girl reproached. "And I'm not falling for them this time!"
Yusuke turned to face Kuwabara with a displeased glare.
"Oh, great, you told her?" he accused.
Kuwabara frowned defensively.
"I didn't say anything!"
"What is Botan talking about?" Keiko cut in questioningly.
"Nothing," Yusuke replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know how she is... always going on about something that none of the rest of us are in on..."
Keiko remained unconvinced, eyeing him skeptically.
"Let's just forget Jenga, yeah?" he tried.
"Yeah," the brunette returned dryly, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I believe we have a deck of cards in the cabinet drawer," Kurama informed.
"That works!" Kuwabara said.
Hiei stood off to the side. This scene was far too reminiscent of that night during the Dark Tournament when they had all gathered in his and Kurama's shared room - for reasons Hiei still could not fathom - and insisted on pestering him into playing silly little human games. He had remained firm in his decision not to, eventually leaving the room entirely for the sake of finding some peace, but this time around, as he watched them gathered around the table in excitement, the need to flee was long gone.
"C'mere," Yusuke said, slugging an arm around his shoulders and dragging him towards the table. "You've got the best pokerface around, right after Kurama. I need you on my team."
"I'm not familiar with these trivial human games."
"I'll teach you."
"I don't care to learn."
"Too bad! You're going to play and you're going to like it," Yusuke ordered, as if he was a parent chiding a small child.
It was only after Hiei abysmally bombed the first two rounds did Yusuke decide to switch him out for Shizuru. Turns out, the oaf was also horrible at the game, and Kurama had somehow gotten Yukina to agree to one round in his stead.
The fire-demon stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his expression only easing up once he felt the familiar energy of the ferry-girl approaching.
"Hiei?" Botan said, regarding him with far more caution than needed.
He cocked a dark brow, the tension in his posture lessening.
"There's something I want to tell you," she began, wringing her hands nervously.
"I'm listening."
"The truth is… I..."
"..."
"I..."
"..."
"I really, really-"
"-Hiei."
The gruff voice could only belong to one person and Hiei's brow furrowed as he turned to face Kuwabara. The psychic seemed lost in his own mind, completely unaware to the fact that he had just interrupted one of the only people that Hiei was willing to listen to.
"Can we talk?" he asked.
"No," Hiei replied dismissively, crimson eyes still resting on the ferry-girl. She was going to tell him something important and he wanted to hear what she had to say.
Botan shook her head.
"Don't be like that, Hiei," she berated, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder. "Go on, we can pick up where we left off from afterwards."
He kept his eyes on her, unwilling to go, but she only waved him off.
"Please, go ahead."
Sighing, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and trudged after Kuwabara. The psychic led him out on the front porch, where it was raining heavily. The air was cold and the wind was harsh, the skies a thunderous gray. Hiei hated this weather. The sooner they got this little talk over with, the better. Crimson eyes lifted to view the other man critically.
His posture was rigid and tense, as if he was preparing himself for a fight, and hands balled into fists at his sides. The hard press of his lips and the multiple creases in his forehead could only mean that he was overthinking something with what limited brain capacity he possessed. If he didn't stop straining himself, the fool would soon give himself an aneurysm.
For a while, the pitter-patter of the rain was the only sound that prevailed.
And then, Kuwabara finally spoke.
"I never would've guessed in a million years that you were the brother Yukina was looking for," he began, as if it pained him to admit aloud. "But I should have noticed the signs. You guys used to be around the same height and you sort of have the same eyes. She mentioned her brother was a fire-demon a few times and you're the only fire-demon we've ever known, besides Zeru. Plus, you were only ever nice to Yukina and you always looked like you had a problem with me being around her."
"You're rambling," Hiei stated impatiently. "Get to the point."
"My point is… you're her brother and it was really messed up of you to keep it from her all this time," he said sternly. "I was so angry that you guys hid it from me like it was some big joke, but I could forgive that. What I couldn't forgive was how you let her suffer alone like that."
"She wasn't alone," Hiei rationalized. "She had the others."
"But all she wanted was you."
Hiei held Kuwabara's piercing gaze. He knew that. He did not need the psychic to rehash it or shove it in his face.
"It wasn't fair at all…" Kuwabara continued, his voice tight with emotion, before he shook his head and the tension released from his features. "But… you finally did the right thing, so I guess I shouldn't harp on the past."
Hiei frowned in uncertainty. He wasn't sure where the oaf was going with this, but he gave him the benefit of the doubt and remained silent.
"I've had some time to think it over and I can kind of understand why you kept your distance," he divulged. "I mean... you're you..."
Hiei bristled as a flash of lightning illuminated both their faces.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means you've got tons of enemies, your past is chock full of crimes and your social skills kind of suck. You kept your distance because you were trying to protect Yukina in your own weird way."
The fire-demon's mouth pulled into a firm line. There wasn't much to say when the psychic had pretty much hit the nail on the head.
"You took a long time, but I'm glad you finally came around. Yukina's happier now. Everyone can see it and that's because of you, Hiei," he said. "So don't skulk off to the demon world for years at a time and make her sad. If you hurt her, I'll make you regret it."
"I believe that should be my line, you fool."
"I'd never hurt Yukina," he declared firmly, before his gaze dithered and fell to the floor. "...And I know you wouldn't, either."
Hiei tensed slightly. This conversation had somehow become far too sentimental for his liking, but he would not shirk away from it. Kuwabara lifted his dark eyes to regard the fire-demon reluctantly.
"Do you think we should just try to get along for Yukina's sake?"
He crossed his arms over his chest, giving off an air of indifference.
"So long as you refrain from speaking, we should be fine."
"Hey!"
"If that is all you have to say, we're done here."
Kuwabara nodded, the harsher edges of his features smoothening into a more neutral look.
"Yeah, shorty, that's all."
When they re-entered the cabin, Hiei bypassed the others in the living room and took a seat on the bottom step of the staircase. It was a bit darker there, and the solitude he was afforded offset the noise and commotion going on a few feet away. He glanced at the psychic, who had taken to helping Yukina with the card game and looked away.
He did not care much about Kuwabara's acceptance, but he felt as though he had just received it. With the span of a few short minutes, they had somehow come to some sort of roundabout understanding. Something different than the antagonistic and reluctant partnership they were forced to bear. Something closer to what appeared to be the norm in that other reality. It was strange, but not entirely unwelcome, and that was where Hiei's main problem lay.
"Everything okay?" Botan asked, taking up the empty space beside him.
"It's fine."
Her expression softened, that slightly concerned look lingering on her face.
"Are you sure?" she tested.
"Positive."
"Alright," she relented, apparently deciding to let it go and did not push the subject any further.
Fixing her eyes on those gathered around the table, a soft smile graced her features.
"This is nice, don't you think?"
He watched her, all else fading away.
Yes, he could admit to himself, this wasn't so bad at all.
Later that night, while Hiei was taking one of his infamously long showers, Botan rejoined the girls.
She had tried to talk to the fire-demon few times today, but her nerves won out in the end. Plus, after his little talk with Kuwabara, she thought it unfair to burden him with anything else.
"I couldn't do it," she lamented miserably.
"That's okay, there's no rush," Keiko comforted, rubbing a hand on her back soothingly.
"And there's no sense in forcing yourself if the timing doesn't feel right," Shizuru added.
Botan sent them a look of gratitude.
"I suppose you're both right," she nodded, her optimistic spirit returning to her bit by bit. "I'll simply get a good night's rest, gather up my courage and tell him tomorrow."
"Sounds like a plan," Shizuru spurred on.
"Besides, if things went sour, then it would be too awkward to share a room, and I do love being bedmates with Hiei!" she winked.
"TMI, Botan," Keiko said.
The ferry-girl's face fell as she shook her head.
"No! Not like that! Get your mind out of the gutter, girls!"
"You're the one saying dirty things, Botan," Keiko teased.
"I meant it literally! He's very warm and firm and-"
"I don't think his sister wants to hear all the intimate details," Shizuru cut in, tilting her head in the ice-maiden's direction.
Yukina hid her amusement behind her hand as Botan flushed a dark red.
"I was being completely innocent!" she defended.
But they were too busy laughing at her expense to listen. She puffed out her cheeks as she stood up.
"Goodnight girls," she said pointedly, trudging back to her room in her fuzzy slippers.
By the time she had returned to their room, Hiei was finished showering. He smelled like soap and that earthy, comforting scent that she could only associate with him. Her heart warmed at the sight of dark-hair and red eyes and she smiled softly at him.
"All set?" she asked.
Crimson eyes rested on her calmly as he nodded.
She closed the door behind her and extinguished the lights. Like clockwork, they proceeded to slip under the covers and settle in. Hiei radiated enough heat to keep her from feeling the effects of the cold weather and it quickly lulled her into a sense of security. Closing her eyes, she released a deep breath. Tomorrow would be a new day. She would most definitely tell him of her feelings then.
The next morning, Hiei awoke to the ferry-girl latched onto him. It wasn't the first time she had and crossed the invisible barrier between them and, if he was fortunate enough, it would not be the last.
Hiei remained still, not wanting to wake her as she snuggled closer and let out a contented sigh. He glanced down at the sleeping woman as he thought back to how quickly things had changed. For years he had overlooked the ferry-girl and now, it was as if she was the only one he could see.
In the past, the subject of love and all that it encompassed was considered nothing more than a needless sentimentality. Such concepts were so far removed from him that the mere thought of it ever reaching him was laughable. But Botan had found her way into that dead heart of his and made it beat again. It was slow and gradual, until she had become a part of him that he could not do without.
Hiei did not know how she felt about him, but it was obvious that she had liked him a great deal more than he deserved. Perhaps one day soon, he would finally tell her the truth. For now, though, this was enough.
She stirred, her expression scrunching up as if she did not want to wake.
"Hiei?" she mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep.
"Ferry-girl."
"What time is it?" she asked, releasing him to rub at her eyes.
He looked over at the little clock on the wall.
"Still early."
He sat up and she followed. Her hair was a mess, candy-colored eyes half lidded and clothing slightly rumpled, but she still looked like a sight too good for his eyes. She smiled at him, brighter than the sun that streamed through the blinds.
"Good morning," she greeted. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did," he confirmed.
"Me too!"
"..."
"..."
"...Well, this pillow talk is pretty abysmal," she teased.
Hiei stared back at her, unimpressed.
"I told you that you're using that term wrong, woman."
"But I like it!" she said. "It's practical and cute!"
"Hn."
Her expression turned more serious all of a sudden, her brow creasing as she seemed to remember something significant.
"What is it?" Hiei prompted. "You've been acting peculiar for some time now."
"I don't know if this is the right time to say this..." she trailed off, drawing patterns into the bedsheets.
"There will never be a right time if you continue to talk yourself out of it," he stated.
"Okay," she conceded, taking a deep breath and releasing it. "Okay."
Amethyst eyes lifted to capture his gaze as Botan took his hand in hers. She always ran colder than him, her skin cool and smooth against his. Clearing her throat, she finally began.
"Hiei, I'm in-"
A knock on the door startled them both.
"Rise and shine everyone! Time for a good old morning hike."
Yusuke voice was muffled through the other side of the door, but they could hear him retreating as he proceeded to rouse the rest of the cabin's inhabitants.
Botan groaned, throwing the covers over her head and burrowing herself underneath the sheets.
"Is this a sign?" she muttered.
"What?"
"Or perhaps a bad omen?"
He frowned.
"I don't know what you're getting at."
"Oh, why is my luck so dismal!" she whined.
"Woman," he pressed.
"Never mind me..." she sniffed pitifully. "You go ahead first. I'll be out shortly."
He dragged a frustrated hand over his face, before shaking his head at the ferry-girl underneath the bundle of covers.
It was far too early to be this confused.
-x-
Hiei sat at the base of a tree, the afternoon sun beating down on him. He watched uninterestedly as the fox's rose-whip cut through the air and came dangerously close to snagging on the oaf's clothing. Their sparring had barely managed to hold his interest and his mind continued to drift further and further away.
He thought back to their earlier hike and how the women continued to regard him in the same unfounded manner as before, whispering amongst themselves and going on about something he was not privy to. The ferry-girl continued to deviate between her normal, cheery persona and that blushing, skittish shell of herself. And Hiei had continued to grow increasingly confused and weary from it all.
He was granted a brief respite when the women decided to retire back to the cabin, leaving the former spirit detective team to engage in some light sparring. He thought their absence would be a good thing, but apparently, his mind was incapable of focusing on anything other than the ferry-girl at the moment.
Hiei frowned. He did not think he had done anything to warrant such a reaction from her, but she had only taken to behaving strangely around him. She was obviously overthinking something. Or not thinking enough. He could never tell with her.
"What's wrong?" Yusuke said from beside him. "I thought watching Kuwabara get his ass handed to him was one of your favorite pastimes."
Hiei forced his gaze back to the fight, watching Kuwabara's spirit sword as it struggled to maintain its form.
"It is," he replied.
"Then why are you hardly paying attention?" Yusuke asked.
The fire-demon rolled his eyes.
"Because even I lose interest in a one-sided fight like this."
As if to prove his point, Kuwabara relinquished his sword and called for a break. Kurama's weapon returned to nothing more than a harmless rose and they both treaded towards Hiei's current position, picking up the water bottles near his crossed legs.
"Good effort," Yusuke encouraged. "But your stamina could use some serious improving."
"Excuse me for not being a slowly aging demon, Urameshi!"
Yusuke chuckled.
"Yeah, we can't all be as lucky as me."
They ended up seated around the base of the tree as Kuwabara recovered his breath. Dead leaves swayed precariously from their positions on the branches, falling off and collecting around them. Hiei felt Yusuke's gaze on him and he knew that whatever was to come out of his mouth would be unpleasant.
"So, tell me, man to man: what's up with you and Botan?"
Hiei's features hardened as noticed the curious way that Kurama and Kuwabara's gazes landed on him.
"That is none of your concern," he answered evenly.
Yusuke grinned cheekily.
"Ooh, that means there's definitely something noteworthy going on."
"How do you figure that, Urameshi?" Kuwabara questioned.
Yusuke cocked a thumb in the fire-demon's direction.
"When he gets all tight-lipped and defensive like that, it always means he's hiding something."
"I'm not hiding anything," Hiei gritted.
"Yeah? Then why did Keiko tell me that you guys were sharing a room?" Yusuke teased.
"They are?" Kuwabara echoed in disbelief.
"Yep," he nodded.
"At least take her out to dinner first," Kuwabara ribbed.
"I should mention that Keiko also said that nothing 'untoward' was going on."
Hiei crossed his arms over his chest.
"Your harpy seems to know more than need concern her," Hiei muttered.
"Hey-" Yusuke cut in warningly.
"Tell me, has she actually told you anything of importance?" Hiei questioned. "Like the reason behind the ferry-girl's abnornal behavior as of late?"
"…Uh, no, not that I remember," Yusuke answered. "But you know, Botan, she's always on some crazy new shtick."
"Watch what you say," Hiei warned, eyes narrowing sharply.
"Careful, Urameshi, he's getting all defensive!" Kuwabara snickered.
"He doesn't like people talking about his girl," Yusuke noted. "Go figure."
"I never would've expected shorty to be the protective type. Especially after all that stuff he used to say about friendship and love."
"I know. Back in Makai, the dude always had some hot new piece around."
Hiei clenched his fists, his energy rising warningly.
"Ignore them, Hiei," Kurama advised.
Oblivious to the simmering fire-demon, the two continued.
"Wow, the shrimp really got around, huh?" Kuwabara said. "Was he, like, the male harlot of the demon world or something?"
"Nah, that's just the demon way," Yusuke explained. "But I guess all that's in the past now. Seems to me like the only thing that gets him going now are happy-go-lucky, kimono'd up ferry-girls."
The two began to chuckle amongst themselves and Hiei gritted his teeth.
"Get up," he ordered, pulling Yusuke harshly to his feet by the scruff of his shirt.
"Whoa, where's the fire?"
"Prepare yourself, Yusuke. You and I are going to spar."
The former spirit detective smirked, cracking his knuckles.
"Kuwabara was ragging on you, too. You sure you don't wanna take a crack at him first?"
Hiei cast a disparaging glance at the sweat soaked and exhausted psychic.
"Hn, he's not even worth my time."
The two immediately jumped into a series of blows and blocks. It was good for releasing the pent up tension Hiei had been housing as of late and he knew he never had to hold back when it came to Yusuke. Sparring with the ex-detective was always challenging and thrilling in its own right. The other man was far too unpredictable, always keeping Hiei on his toes. By the time they were finished, he actually felt the burn of a good workout coursing through his muscles and his lungs. He trudged back into the cabin, the scent of something savory leading him to the kitchen. He paused when he spotted Botan all alone, test tasting a dish and smiling in satisfaction.
Amethyst eyes lit up upon seeing him.
"I'm making your favorite," she singsonged.
"You didn't have to."
"I know, but I wanted to."
He nodded his thanks, lingering where he stood as he watched her stir a pot. They were all alone now, perhaps she would finally tell him what was on her mind.
"There was something you wanted to say before," he mentioned.
Botan's eyes widened and her cheeks flushed with color. She looked so unsure and he couldn't tell why.
"What was it?" he urged.
Her gaze fell to the floor, brow creasing slightly as she contemplated saying what was on her mind. Her lips parted and just as the faintest sound began to make its way out, it was drowned out by the pot boiling over on the stove.
"Oh no!"
She lowered the heat, fretting over the other pots and pans. In the time that it had taken her to get a handle over the situation, the fox and the others returned inside. Hiei noticed the way her expression fell sullenly and he took a determined step closer to her.
"Woman."
"Lunch will be ready soon," she said dismissively as she turned her back to him. "I'll call you when it's finished."
His gaze lingered on her back, torn between staying or going. When it became apparently clear that she was set on avoiding him, he finally turned away. Hiei didn't know why a heavy feeling lingered in his chest or each step felt more weighted than the last. His confusion soon turned to frustration and he slammed the bathroom door shut with more force than necessary. Setting the water at a high temperature, he stepped into the shower and let out a sigh. The hot water served to relax his muscles, but did nothing to ease his turbulent mind. The ferry-girl was driving him crazy.
He was well aware that he was missing something important. He could always read her mind, but he had a feeling that she would be opposed to that.
Dismissing all further thought, he proceeded to clean and rinse himself off. He toweled himself dry, threw on a clean outfit and then determined to mach downstairs and get some well deserved answers from the ferry-girl. As he reentered the hallway, his ears picked up on the sound of the detective's woman in the other room.
"Poor Botan. She's been trying so hard to talk to Hiei, but something always comes up."
He froze.
The door was halfway opened and he saw the oaf's sister, the detective's woman and Yukina talking amongst themselves.
"I know," Shizuru said. "But don't count her out, I'm sure she will get it out eventually."
So, they were all privy to the truth behind his dilemma. He took another step closer, brow furrowed.
"Do you think we should help her out?" Keiko suggested.
"How would we do that?" Yukina asked.
"I don't know... maybe we can clear out for a while and give them some time alone?"
"Hm," Shizuru considered. "That could work. We'll have to see if she's willing, but-"
Hiei shook his head. Standing in the shadows and eavesdropping was unbecoming, so he rested a hand on the door knob and pushed it open fully.
"What are you all going on about?"
The trio looked over at him, eyes wide in surprise. They all wore matching expressions of guilt on their faces.
"What has the ferry-girl been trying to tell me?" he demanded to know.
He stared at Shizuru pointedly, though, from what he knew of her, she wouldn't crack under pressure. He then looked to Keiko. She barely interacted with to begin with, so he probably would not get very far with her. His eyes eventually settled on his sister.
"Yukina," he pressed.
She shook her head.
"I'm sorry, brother, it's not my place to say."
He sighed, but then Keiko spoke.
"It is important, though, so the next time she tries to say it, do us all a favor and listen."
Hiei grit his teeth in an attempt to avoid snapping. He had been listening; Botan was the one who kept refusing to continue. He couldn't very well remedy the situation when they all continued to talk around the issue at hand.
"If you know what she was going to say, then get to the point," Hiei demanded.
"You should really find her and ask her that for yourself," Shizuru instructed calmly. "But try to be a little more gentle and tactful when you do."
His hand balled into a fist as he shoved it in his pocket and turned around stiffly. Women, he scoffed, they seemed to be wholly incapable of ever giving him a direct answer to anything.
He descended down the stairs, immediately spotting Botan in the living room, chatting with the rest of them. He could feel the presence of the other women behind him - they had followed him down here - and he noticed the way that his arrival had captured the attention of fox, the ex-detective and the psychic, but he did not much care. All he saw was blue hair and bright eyes. When she looked at him, he could have sworn he saw longing reflected in her gaze.
"You wanted to tell me something," he began.
"I… yes," she admitted, taking a stand. "But not in front of everyone..."
"Ignore them," he insisted.
"I can't..." she said.
"Why not?"
"Because it's private and if you don't feel the same way, I won't know how to recover. I can't bear the thought of-"
She gasped, bringing her hand to cover her mouth. Hiei's eyes widened slightly, expression softening as he took in the gravity of her words. It was deathly silent and he could feel everyone's gazes on him - waiting to see how he would react. The thought occurred to him that he should probably do this private, but his legs were already carrying him to her, closing the distance between them. All this time she had been trying to tell him the one thing that he wanted to hear. He shouldn't have made her agonize over a confession that he gladly would have given to her. He shouldn't have made her wait at all.
"Botan," he began.
Her hands fell to her sides, a worried frown etched into her features. She needn't look so unsure.
"Hiei… I…"
His mind ran blank, the words failing him. He did not often dwell in hesitation or deliberation, much preferring action and, right now, the only way to tell her what was on his mind was to show her. He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers and savoring the feeling slowly and experimentally. It was not their first time, but it may as well have been, considering the way it set every bit of him on fire. Botan pressed against him eagerly, her hands finding her way to the short hairs at the nape of his neck. Her lips were soft and tentative, feather light and tantalizing in a way that he was not used to. Though he did not want to, he pulled away, eyes fixed on hers intently.
"I love you," he said simply. That really was all there was to it.
"Oh, Hiei, I love you, too," she confessed, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I have for a long time now.
Relief flooded through every part of him. He should have known that she did. Only she could love a man like him.
"I want you to be mine," he added, just in case it wasn't obvious enough already.
Amethyst eyes regarded him hopefully.
"The way it was in the other reality?"
"No," he said, with a firm shake of his head. "The way it should have been all along in this one."
She smiled at him and that alone was enough of a confirmation that she desired the same. He did not have enough time to process it, though, as the next thing he knew, Botan had pulled him back into her by the neck of his shirt and captured his lips with a fervor that he was not ready for.
His heart pounded in his chest, ears just barely picking up on the sounds of the other women as they broke into sounds of excitement and Yusuke as he slapped a hand to his face and groaned.
"Uh… I'm real happy for you guys, but you do know we're all still here, right?" he mentioned.
Hiei smirked into the kiss as the tension that usually resided in his body was slowly replaced by a warmth that filled his soul. Snaking an arm around Botan's waist in an effort to keep her as close as possible, he continued to commit the feel and shape of her mouth to memory.
"Please, contain yourselves." Kurama's voice reached his ears faintly.
Botan sighed pleasantly against him and Hiei took that opportunity to regain control once more, lips brushing feverishly against hers as he set a pace that would soon leave them both breathless.
"Oh, come on, guys, get a room!" Kuwabara pleaded. "All I hear are lips smacking!"
Botan pulled away, cheeks flushed.
"Goodness, will you boys please pipe down?" she admonished.
"Go get freaky elsewhere, reaper, we're trying to keep our last meal down," Yusuke teased, an amused glint in his eyes as he waved her off.
"Fine," she said, grabbing his hand. "Come on, Hiei!"
The girls all grinned proudly as they passed them by and proceeded up the stairs. In the past, he would have had an issue with just how involved the others were in his personal affairs, but he couldn't find it within himself to care much now. Not when he had everything he ever wanted beside him.
Botan slid her hand into his, giving it a soft squeeze. She smiled at him and his expression relaxed.
He had never much felt like he belonged anywhere, but when she looked at him like that, he knew that he was home.
The End!
I want to thank you all so much for seeing this fic through to its conclusion. It's been a pleasure writing for and interacting with every one of you. I may post an Epilogue for Home in the future. I've got a few ideas brewing in the back of my mind, but as of now, this story is officially finished.
I hope you all enjoyed the ride. I know I sure did!