Be prepared for a whole lot of Botan POV!

Mukuro watched the ferry-girl fidget nervously as they sat a small table in a secluded area of the fortress. She had never been the nosy sort, but she had made it a habit to be informed of all of the happenings within her territory and the latest developments were a cause for concern. They were all in a precarious situation, politically speaking, and she needed to be sure that things between Hiei and Botan would not have negative repercussions on her rule. But more than that, she needed to make sure that it would not have negative impacts on the man who she had come to consider a valuable asset to her camp.

"Lady Mukuro?" Botan started nervously, resting her teacup on the plate carefully. "Is everything alright? You haven't said a word since you summoned me here. I wasn't aware that we had a meeting today."

"We don't."

"Is this a social call?" the ferry-girl wondered, brows rising hopefully as her candy-colored eyes lit up. "I had been meaning to spend some time with you outside of work. This way we can get to know each other better!"

Mukuro's expression remained stoic as she spoke.

"I admit, my reason for calling you wasn't a social one, either."

"Oh…" Botan let out, expression dropping slightly as she stared back at Mukuro. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"I want to know what your intentions towards Hiei are," Mukuro replied calmly.

The color drained from the ferry-girl's face as she stammered, "M-my intentions?"

"Yes."

"I care about him a great deal and I want nothing but the best for him," she started, before returning her gaze to meet Mukuro's earnestly. "He's my friend."

"And is that extent of it?"

Botan nodded mutely and Mukuro folded her arms under her chest.

"I don't believe you," the demon ruler admitted.

"It's the truth," Botan claimed.

"Is it?" Mukuro accused. "Because from where I stand, it looks as though you are only playing games with my general."

"I'm not," she countered firmly, frowning as she spoke. "And no disrespect to you, Lady Mukuro, but he's not just your general – he's also my friend. I wouldn't do that to him."

The corner of Mukuro's mouth uplifted in satisfaction; she had heard what she needed to hear.

"You sound pretty possessive for a woman who claims to be just a friend."

Botan's cheeks reddened in embarrassment.

"I'm not... I was simply saying that because I care about him platonically, I have no intentions of hurting him."

Mukuro's blue-eyed gaze was unwavering as it pinned her with a knowing look.

"And yet, that is exactly what you end up doing each and every time you pretend that you don't feel the same way he does."

"I dont mean to... please, you have to understand."

"Explain it to me and perhaps I will."

Botan took a deep breath, hands wringing together. She didnt think she had it in her to dredge up all the details of their histoeyh together, but she cojld at least

"It didn't go so well for us in the past and it took three years for us to become close again. I don't want to risk our relationship over feelings that might be temporary," Botan confessed.

"I see."

"And I promised myself that I wouldn't allow anyone to hurt me in that way again."

Mukuro's gaze softened somewhat at the ferry-girl's confession. She of all people understood the importance of guarding yourself and she had done everything she could to ensure that she would never be exploited again. The ferry-girl was doing the same, but perhaps she did not need to in the case of Hiei.

"You have every right to protect yourself, but it sounds like you're allowing your fear to grip you tight and keep you from moving forward with your life," Mukuro advised. "Whatever it is that's lingering between the two of you might not be as fleeting and temporary as you believe it to be."

"Do you really think so?"

"I do. But you won't know for certain if you don't search for the answer yourself," Mukuro told her.

"I suppose that's true," Botan admitted with a frown.

"Second chances," Mukuro began sagely. "That's what this whole ambassadorship is about. Perhaps it's time you apply your own idealistic beliefs to your situation with Hiei as well."

Botan's eyes widened as she took a moment to ponder the advice. Normally Mukuro hated meddling in the affairs of others but she had resolved to make an exception this one time. Hiei helped her break the chains of her past and now it was time for her to repay the favor by ensuring the future he wanted.

"You really are a kind woman," Botan said, breaking Mukuro from her thoughts. Her smile reached her eyes and softened her expression into one of admiration as she continued. "Hiei is lucky to have you on his side."

Mukuro stood there silently as Botan's departing words replayed in her mind. The ferry-girl was a strange one, but she was genuine and Mukuro could see why Hiei was drawn to a soul like hers.

Hiei looked down at the article in his hands, fists balled in as they crinkled the edges of the paper. The stories focused on himself and Botan were still being printed as the reporters and journalists continued to speculate the nature of the relationship between the two. Mukuro was unbothered by the attention it bought to her territory and she advised that they all simply let it pass, but Hiei could not let it go as easily. He was a private person by nature and such a blatant breach of his personal affairs was unacceptable. He had done a good job in shielding Botan from it, though, with the help of Haru. He knew without a doubt that the articles would only serve to upset her and subsequently push them further apart.

He had met with the tournament committee last night and they questioned the ambassadorship, Botan's involvement and Hiei's intentions. He was tightlipped during the entire meeting, leaving it up to Mukuro to explain the logistics behind the entire operation. This was not the first time his kind had involved themselves with a person belonging to another world and it wouldn't be the last. He saw no reason as to why he had to explain himself to anyone. The meeting ended with everyone seemingly appeased, but as Hiei looked down at the article in his tightened grip, he realized that the issue would not be swept under the rug so easily.

He spared the publication one last glance before crumpling it in its entirety and throwing it into the wastebasket. His mind returned to the events before the irritating meeting – to the moments when he had the ferry-girl at his mercy. He smirked as he thought about how compliant she had been. If Haru hadn't interrupted-

"Hey there, lover-boy," Haru greeted, strolling into Hiei's quarters with a grin.

Hiei was starting to understand Botan's insistence on knocking before entering a room. Haru had no boundaries or manners in that regard.

"What do you want?" Hiei asked irritably.

"Just came to chat. I was hoping to hear all about last night," Haru wiggled his eyebrows playfully. "That PDA was pretty out of character for you."

"PDA?" Hiei repeated in confusion, eyes narrowing slightly as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Public display of affection," he spelled out.

Hiei grimaced.

"Don't call it that," the fire-demon ordered. "And what happened between the ferry-girl and I last night is none of your business."

Haru shrugged.

"You kinda made it my business when you got all hot and heavy in our shared hallway. And you were right in front of my room, too…"

Hiei looked away, unable to deny the claim and Haru grinned. The emotion-reader clapped a hand over Hiei's shoulder in triumph.

"Well, in any case, I'm glad that you two are making progress."

"Hn."

"So what's next?" Haru inquired.

"What are you talking about?"

"What's your next move in operation get the girl?"

"I don't have a plan," Hiei told him. "I'm only doing as I see fit."

"Spontaneous and unpredictable. That's good!" Haru said with a snap of his fingers. "Women love that sort of thing."

Hiei rolled his eyes.

"Don't you have anything better to do than butt into my affairs?"

"Excuse me for caring about your romantic endeavors. It's called being a good friend," Haru huffed. "Speaking of being a good friend, I've been getting rid of all of those articles before Botan could see them and I haven't gotten a single thanks out of you yet."

"And you never will."

"So ungrateful," Haru pouted.

Hiei did not say anything in return as he stood up and grabbed his sword. He exited his room, sparing a quick glance in the direction of Botan's room before heading down the hallway with Haru hot on his heels. He was supposed to meet the ferry-girl today under the pretenses of work. Long before the campfire incident, she had asked him to set aside some time in order to help her decode text that she had trouble understanding. Today was the day they had settled on ironically. He wondered how she would act with him once they were all alone again and he couldn't bite back the slightly satisfied look that broke through his expression. Botan had yet to give him a time to meet her yet and it was still fairly early in the day, so he decided that a bit of solitary training would be beneficial.

"Where are we headed to?" Haru piped up.

"I'm going to train. You need to make yourself scarce."

"But we were in the middle of a conversation!" Haru exclaimed.

"You were in the middle of pestering me," Hiei corrected. "I have more productive matters to attend to."

"I don't know why I even bother with you. You're so mean all the time," Haru lamented as he trailed behind the fire-demon like a lost puppy.

"Go away," he ordered.

"No, not until you say at least one nice thing to me," Haru teased.

Hiei sighed. He really did not understand why he got stuck with the insufferable, overly friendly sort.

Botan exited the fortress in serious need of fresh air and a change of scenery to clear out her confused mind. The red sky was vast and endless, without a cloud in sight and the sun was bright and high in the sky. If she ignored the sounds of squabbling and weapons clashing in the distance, it was a very serene day. She continued her assessment of the area and stopped short when she realized that she was not alone. Hiei was there, oblivious to the outside world as he trained. His cloak and shirt were discarded in a pile on the grass and his sword rested on top of the heap. The fire-demon was doing one-handed, handstand pushups. The balance, strength and concentration that it took must have been incredible and she couldn't help but watch in awe as his muscles contracted and expanded under the strain of his movements. His sweat seemed to glisten in the sunlight and she trailed a bead as it slid down slick, tanned skin.

Hiei's brow was furrowed slightly and his lips parted as he breathed in and out. Her eyes paused on his mouth and she pursed her own as she thought back to last night and the way he kissed her. It had started slow and innocent, but then his lips moved expertly against hers in a bid to consume all of her and leave nothing behind. Her cheeks heated up as she recalled the way he held her. He was so warm and his touch was like fire. His hold was gentle, but his fingers gripped her body like he never intended to let go. It was that kind of pure and unbridled passion that burned away at her resolve and blocked out the more reasonable part of her mind, causing her to give into the moment until they were interrupted.

"Something the matter, woman?"

Botan was abruptly pulled out of her musings and brought back to reality at the sound of the familiar voice. She was shocked to find that Hiei was standing directly in front of her, giving her a questioning look. She forced her mouth shut, finding it dryer than usual as she tried to recall whatever it was that he just said.

"I'm sorry, I was just lost in my own thoughts," she explained sheepishly.

Hiei shot her an unconvinced look, but otherwise said nothing.

"What?" she pressed, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his scrutiny.

"You were watching me," he noted.

"I-"

Hiei cut her off, taking a step forward in the same manner a predator did when closing in on its prey. Her pulse quickened, and whether that was a result of fear or anticipation or fear, she could not be entirely sure.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of," he told her.

"I'm not ashamed!" Botan asserted, standing her ground. "I was just watching you casually, curiously and innocently."

"Is that why you've been avoiding me all day? Afraid your causal watching will turn to something more curious and less innocent?" he questioned.

Botan gulped.

"I was simply busy. You know that I have a lot of work to do," she answered, fixing her gaze on a point in the red sky rather than on his piercing ruby eyes.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, it was such a hectic morning…" she continued. "I only came out here-"

"To watch me."

"To clear my head!" she countered. "And I have… so I'll just be going then."

"Fine," he relented.

"Yup!"

"Good."

"Perfect!"

"Hn."

"Hmph!"

She remained rooted to her spot stubbornly, eyes trailing from Hiei's eyes to his defined jawline and down to his collarbones. She caught herself immediately, bringing her eyes back up to meet Hiei's. He was giving her a pointed look and she mentally berated herself for being so careless.

"Okay, I'm off to do… something…" she announced awkwardly.

"Wait," he ordered, halting her in her tracks. "When do you need me?"

"What?"

"We had a meeting today concerning the demon world text."

"Oh," Botan said as she finally remembered what he was getting at. It was only logical for her to ask Hiei to assist her back then, but now she was regretting it as she realized that the two would have to work closely together. The thought of the two of them all alone in a quiet room made her feel slightly dizzy and she shook her head. "We don't have to do that today. In fact, you don't have to help me at all. I'm sure you're busy and I can always find someone else to help me make sense of it all."

"I always keep my word," he answered. "You know that."

"Yes, but you really don't have to this time…"

"Does the thought of being alone with me make you uncomfortable?" he asked, a slightly mocking edge to his tone as he raised a brow.

He was toying with her; she could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. If she showed him just how riled up she was, then he would only continue with his teasing, so she straightened her posture and gave him a confident nod.

"No!" she shot back, crossing her arms over her chest. "I was only letting you off the hook for your benefit. But since you insist, how about we meet up at the library at 3:00?"

Hiei nodded wordlessly.

"And no funny business this time. We need to focus on work," she warned sternly.

Botan tapped her pen against the table absentmindedly as she pretended to read through a document that made absolutely no sense. The library was empty save for the two of them and silence was stifling. Although she was supposed to be working, she found her eyes wandering over to Hiei. His brows furrowed slightly as he concentrated on the paperwork before him and his lips pouted out just a bit as he thought. Her eyes froze on his mouth as her mind was once again flooded with the memories of last night. For such an emotionless man, he sure did know how to get his feelings across in a physical manner.

Hiei's concentrated expression gave way into a mischievous smirk as his eyes remained on the script he was reading over.

"I thought you said we should focus on business," he reminded her.

"I am."

"Your mind is wandering."

"It's not!"

"You should know that lying is a futile effort around me. I don't even need the jagan to know what you're thinking, woman."

Botan's expression fell as she decided to forego all pretenses and ask him the question that was burning on her mind. Dropping the paper she had been pretending to read on the desk, she fixed him with a studying look.

"How can you be so calm and unaffected after everything that happened last night?"

"Because I'm not ashamed of what I want and I refuse to deny it," he told her simply. "Besides, I'm merely behaving as you insisted, unless you would rather I didn't."

She swallowed slowly, shaking her head and returning her attentions to the pile of files in front of her.

"Professional is good."

Hiei chose that very moment to lean over her and once again invade her personal space. The proximity had a whole new meaning now and she could not help but wish he would close the distance between them. The fire-demon only smirked at her as he reached for a document near her side, pulling away and settling back into his seat. The sneaky little smirk on his face had yet to vanish and she knew that he was having fun with this.

"It's not nice to tease me, you know," she said self-consciously.

"I'm not teasing you."

"Yes, you are," she asserted. "You're obviously enjoying this little game that you've taken to playing around me and it's driving me crazy."

"Is that all you think this is?" he countered. "A game?"

"I don't know, Hiei, you tell me," she retorted thoughtlessly as she shuffled through a few documents. She found it strange that he had gone silent and when she looked over at him, she noticed that a brief flicker of disappointment passed over his features.

"I don't think you realize how serious this is for me, Botan," he muttered as he stood up from the table.

He was retreating back into his guarded shell, all signs of playfulness lost from his expression and Botan instantly regretted her words. She trailed after him, nearly tripping over a chair as she rushed to reach him before he left.

"Wait," she pleaded, grabbing a hold at the back of his arm and pulling him to face her.

Hiei glared at her and she frowned.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have trivialized things like that. You have feelings for me. I understand what that means and I apologize for making light of it."

He let out a humorless sound, still looking as wound up as before as Botan released the hold she had on his arm.

"You really don't understand, do you?" he asked.

"What do you mean?"

Hiei averted his gaze to the side as he spoke.

"I don't just have feelings for you and I'm not simply attracted to you," he admitted lowly. "It runs much deeper than that."

Botan's eyes widened slightly as Mukuro's earlier warning came to mind.

"Hiei…"

"I love you," he stated as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

She couldn't help the small gasp that escaped her lips. The sentiment hadn't fully processed in her mind, as it was something that she never expected to hear from him.

"I'm in love with you," he declared unwaveringly. "And no matter what you do or what you say next, that isn't going to change."

"How… when did you…" she stuttered, in a lame attempt at finding the answers to questions that were currently causing her brain to short circuit.

"From the start," he answered.

"Of the tournament?"

He shook his head.

"Three years ago," he revealed.

Botan frowned in confusion; the sudden truthful confession only serving to puzzle her further.

"I don't understand. You told me that our time meant nothing to you. You told me that I should forget all about it," she recalled, her voice raising a decibel as the thoughts became too much for her to bear. "Why would you say all of that if you felt otherwise?"

"Things changed during the battle with Sensui. Facing an enemy that nearly destroyed us all reminded me of my original goals of strength and power. I thought that I needed to leave everything and everyone - including you and Yukina - behind to realize it, but I was wrong. I shouldn't have chosen between my ambition and between the only two people I had ever cared about," he answered tightly. "I could have had it all. I see that now."

"I wish you had told me all of this back then, Hiei."

"Would things have been different between us if I did?" he asked.

"I don't know, but I would have at least I known the truth," she admitted.

"You know the truth now and I don't intend to let you go this time."

She took a step back, distancing herself as she looked away with a frown.

"I can't afford to be hurt like that again."

"You're supposed to be the optimistic one, woman," he reminded her. "You're supposed to believe that everything will work out in the end."

She couldn't help but smile a little at that as she brought her gaze to meet his once more.

"People change," she said.

"But you haven't."

"I have," she asserted. "I'm not that excitable, naïve girl that I was three years ago. I've learned. I've grown."

"You might have grown, but you haven't changed."

"How can you be so sure?"

Hiei stared back at her wordlessly for a moment and for the first time she understood what those unreadable looks he had hidden behind those guarded eyes meant. She felt the first chip in her usually solid resolve breaking away as Hiei grabbed a hold of her hand and rested it flat against his chest. Botan gasped in surprise as she felt his heart beat once… twice… and again… it continued to thump in a steady rhythm. She still did not understand the logic behind demon hearts and why they beat at a rate much slower than that of a human or spirits, but right now, Hiei's was beating in tune with hers.

"Because even after three years, you're the only one that can make this happen," he answered. "After everything that happened, you are still the only one I want."

"You… you can't just say things like that," she breathed out as a whirl of emotions threatened to carry her away. "You're not playing fair."

"Hn." The corner of his mouth uplifted slightly as he pulled away. "I rarely ever do."

As Hiei exited the library, giving Botan the time and space she needed to think things clearly, he wondered if he had said too much. The ferry-girl seemed to be in shock, but once the initial surprise wore off, he wondered what sort of conclusion she might come to. He knew that her care for him had pushed past the boundaries of a mere friendship, but he did not know whether or not she would choose to accept it and give into it. He had done all that he could and his only option left was to wait on the woman. In his life full of dangers and trials, this waiting was undeniably the hardest thing he ever had to do.

"That was quite the confession."

Mukuro's voice reached his ears and when he turned in the opposite direction, he saw her standing off in the distance with Haru. His eyes narrowed as he approached them.

"Were you eavesdropping?" he growled out.

"No! The walls are thin and we've got excellent hearing…" Haru defended.

"I would expect this from Haru, but not from you," Hiei accused as he glared at Mukuro. "Perhaps you've been spending too much time in the company of fools."

"We were simply passing by and happened to catch the tail end of your conversation," Mukuro replied calmly. "Though I suppose I should confess that I did summon the ferry-girl earlier this morning and the two of us had a very enlightening talk."

Hiei frowned at her.

"You shouldn't have done that."

"Don't be mad, Hiei," Haru interjected. "It's just what friends do."

"We aren't friends," Hiei and Mukuro said in unison.

Haru's expression brightened and Hiei had to wonder if the other demon had a few screws loose in that head of his.

"That's right, we aren't just friends. We're practically family," he gushed. "And if something or someone affects one of us, it affects all of us."

"This sentimental drivel is making me nauseous," Hiei scoffed.

"Yes, sometimes even I forget why I keep him around…" Mukuro replied.

"Aw, you guys, I know you're just pulling my leg," Haru said, waving a dismissive hand. "So, anyway, did you get any juicy info from Botan during your talk?"

"As a matter of fact, I did," Mukuro replied, her blue eye gaging Hiei's reaction as she spoke. "The ferry-girl is still concerned over whatever happened between you two in the past. She closes herself off from feelings of the romantic avenue because of it."

Hiei frowned, fully well knowing that he was the cause of Botan's newly instituted guard. His own reckless actions in the past had singlehandedly jump-started his own misery in the present.

"But she is quickly losing her resolve. She cares about you a great deal," Mukuro finished.

"Yeah, just hold out for a bit longer and I'm sure it'll all go your way," Haru urged. "I don't need to use my abilities to know that she's only got eyes for you."

"You're both too invested in this," Hiei stated uncomfortably as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Consider it my thanks for you accepting the leadership," Mukuro replied. "Moreover, watching you two run in circles around each other is torture enough for everyone involved."

"That's true," Haru attested with a nod. "And like I said, we're all family! It's what we do."

Hiei did not know how much he agreed with the whole 'family' sentiment, but he had to admit, knowing that those two supported him was not the worst thing in the world.

Botan had long since given up on trying to sort through the text without Hiei there to interpret its meaning. And even if he had remained, she would not have been able to get any work done. Not after he had just dropped a bomb of nuclear magnitude on her.

He loved her three years ago and yet, he still chose to let go of her. He admitted that it was a mistake. Although he did not say it outright, it was obvious that he regretted his decision and suddenly things began to fall into place, settling into a picture of clarity.

He ended the bet because he cared about her. He had tried to explain during that horrible day in Koenma's office, but she wouldn't listen. She said such nasty things to him and he retaliated because he had gotten hurt. Then they all got wrapped up in the latest threat with Sensui and there was little time to worry over their relationship, but once the dust had settled, Hiei had the chance to make things right. He could have been honest with her and she would have listened, but instead he had chosen to lie to her and leave her with a hollow and empty feeling inside. He told her to forget about him so callously; he said that their time together held no meaning, although it was the exact opposite for him. It was only now that she realized that his departing words were all said for her sake. Perhaps he had only done that to help her to move on. And it worked. Or at least, she thought it had.

She had done a stellar job being friends with him during the tournament, but there were moments when she felt her own feelings rekindling in tune with his. There were instances when her whole world had only reduced to him, when her senses could only detect his form and her heart was completely in tune with his. She could not ignore those moments in the same way that she could not disregard what had transpired in the past.

Botan took a deep breath and let out a self-pitying sigh. Hiei had gone through all the trouble of getting her here because he wanted a second chance, but her heart and her mind were at war with one another and she did not know which one would win in the end.

She ended up in the lower levels of the fortress, just outside of the training room. Taking a curious step forward, she peeked through the window of the door and spotted Hiei. There was always a sense of longing underlying their every interaction and she could feel it even stronger now that she wasn't so focused on deluding herself into thinking that they were better off as friends. Perhaps Mukuro was right; maybe she was doing more harm than good by attempting to shield herself from getting hurt. Maybe she was going about this the wrong way.

She returned her attentions to Hiei, who had the full attention of the soldiers in the room as he took slow, long strides and paced back and forth. His expression was hard, crimson eyes staring forward and tone authoritative. He stood proud and strong; he looked absolutely regal in front of them. He was saying something about their effectiveness as a unit and Botan could not be sure if he was insulting them or praising them, but they hung on his every word. It was a sight that would be engraved in her memory forever. He had come a long way from that overconfident menace who had kidnapped Keiko all those years ago. He was no longer that scary member of the team who had to threaten her to keep his secret. He wasn't merely the mysteriously dark ally who had a penchant for scathing comments and harsh advice. He had somehow become one of her best friends and a person that she did not want to do without.

Suddenly his gaze cut to her and she backed away from the door, feeling silly for staring at him like that. The door to the training room opened and Hiei stepped out.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing at all… in fact, I'll just head on back to my room now. I don't want to disturb you."

"Don't lie to me," he told her. "You and I both know you aren't any good at it."

"I'm fine, really. Everything is great, I promise."

"This is about what I said earlier, isn't it?" he realized.

"No," she covered up out of habit. Hiei always knew when she was lying, though, and this time was no different. She bit her lip and nodded. "…Maybe."

"I don't expect an answer from you today," he said. "I don't intend to rush you, woman, and I can see that it would be best if I kept my distance until then."

"No," Botan said, shaking her head. "I don't want us to avoid each other and I don't want things to get awkward between us either. I just…"

She wasn't exactly sure of what she wanted. She looked up at Hiei as he waited on her answer and she realized that he had been doing that a lot lately. Waiting for her to be ready. Waiting for her to give him a chance. Waiting for her to choose him. Something broke within Botan and she felt her guard crumble and fall in that moment. Her expression softened as she decided to do the very thing that Hiei had been doing this entire time: try.

"Would you like to spend some time together later?" she asked on a whim, surprising the both of them.

Hiei obviously had not been expecting that and she could see the flash of shock pass over his features. He got over it quickly enough, crossing his arms over his chest as he schooled his expression into a more stoic look.

"So long as it isn't sentimental or embarrassing," he agreed.

Botan smiled.

"I think I can work with that," she said.

She was starting to think that Hiei would not show and her heart fell. She had asked to spend some time with him because that's what her heart dictated, plain and simple, but perhaps she should not have suggested it at all. It was getting late and she had yet to hear from the fire-demon at all. She gave up on the notion of waiting for him, deciding to shower and browse through the late night television channels until she found something that would put her to sleep. Donned in her signature oversized purple sleep shirt, she flicked through the stations until she happened upon Love and War – the very same show that she had been following during the tournament.

Ten minutes in, a knocking sound pulled her from her groggy state. She answered the door, shocked to find Hiei donned in a pair of black pants and a white, short-sleeved shirt.

"Hiei, I wasn't expecting you so late," she said, taking in the sight of him. He looked a little wearier than usual now and she frowned in concern. "Is everything alright?"

"There was a complication during the border patrol," he explained.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. It was nothing more than a group of foolishly curious humans wandered into this world and I had the unfortunate displeasure of being in the area," he clarified.

"I see," she answered. "Well, it's much too late for us to do any of the activities that I had in mind, but if you're still up for it, I don't mind the company."

Hiei entered the room and she closed the door behind him. His gaze cut to the television and he frowned when he realized what was playing.

"Hn, I should have known that you would be watching this."

"Isn't it great?" she gushed. "I wasn't able to see any of this while I was back home and I was wondering how things were going on this show!"

"It's all nonsense."

"It's good entertainment. Besides, I bet you're just itching to find out how the love triangle between Sakura, Gin and Akane is progressing!"

"Hardly."

"Oh don't be such a spoil sport, come on," she urged as she reclaimed her spot on the bed and patted at the empty space beside her.

His eyes narrowed slightly as though he were trying to make sense of her actions.

"A few hours ago you were avoiding me like the plague," he stated. "Now you want me in your bed?"

"Don't say it like that, Hiei!" she exclaimed, unable to stop herself from blushing furiously. "You're free to sit wherever you want, but the bed is fairly big and it's the best spot to watch television from."

Hiei remained unconvinced and Botan shot him an accusatory look.

"So long as you can control yourself, we won't have a problem," she said.

"You should be saying that to yourself, woman."

"Alright, fine, so long as we both can control ourselves, then all will be well!" she relented.

Hiei grunted noncommittally as he sat down a respectable enough distance from her. He made no teasing comments or moves to fluster her and she realized that he had certainly toned it down considerably since his unexpected confession. It had been the focus of her thoughts for the remainder of her day, thankfully drowning out any other musings of about the more physical side of her attraction to him. She needed to deal with one thing at a time and right now, she really needed decide on what was best for the both of them.

Though if she were being completely honest with herself, she really did not need to think much on the matter. She had always loved him and she always would. It was easy to hold her feelings at bay when she convinced herself that Hiei did not care for her in the same way and never would, but it was becoming plainly obvious that he really was serious about this. When he said he loved her, he meant it and when he said he wanted her, it wasn't some meaningless declaration to lure her in.

Botan snuck a glance at him from the corner of her eye and the way her heart softened was proof enough of how much she wanted him. She didn't think she could ever care for someone in the same way she did for Hiei. He was under her skin, he was a part of her soul; he was embedded deep in her heart. Letting him go was impossible and setting up boundaries for their relationship seemed to be doing nothing good for the both of them. Maybe everyone was right. Maybe they both deserved a second chance. She had said awful things to him when she learned about the bet and he let it go. She could do the same for him. She wanted to.

It was just scary to think about. If she did this... If she really committed to it, then there would be no turning back.

Botan closed her eyes. Her heart and her thoughts were always moving in his direction. Pretending that there was nothing between them was taking its toll on her and perhaps it was time to let go and see where it led her.

Suddenly the sounds of an alarm rang in her ears. Her eyes flew open and she looked over at Hiei in confusion.

"What's happening?" she asked, yelling over the alarm.

"It's a defensive maneuver," he explained as they got off of the bed.

"Is someone attacking the fortress?" she questioned.

"No," Hiei shook his head. "An enemy is invading a territory that belongs to Mukuro."

The fire-demon did not look worried in the slightest; in fact, he appeared to have caught his second wind over the new development as his eyes sharpened and his footsteps carried an urgency that she could not ignore. Botan trailed after him until they had reached his room.

"Unit A is to depart in ten minutes," a voice echoed through the halls.

"Is that you?" she asked.

"Yes," he affirmed.

Botan's expression fell as concern laced through her features.

"You're worried," he noted.

"Of course I am!" she exclaimed.

"You will be safe here. Mukuro and Haru will see to that," he assured her.

She shook her head.

"I'm worried about you," she said, taking a step closer. "You're the one who is about to walk into who knows what."

"It's part of the job. No different then when I was playing my role in the spirit detective team," he dismissed as he turned around to pull out a rucksack and began filling it with clothes and other items.

"You talk about it so easily, but aren't you the slightest bit afraid?"

"No," he replied, fearless as ever. "The thrill of battle excites me. The prospect of fighting an opponent stronger than I am will force me to become even stronger. This is what I want."

Botan sighed.

"I'll never understand your penchant for jumping headfirst into danger," she admitted with a shake of her head.

"It's the way of a warrior. Someone as pacifistic as you wouldn't understand," he replied as he continued packing. There was nothing discouraging about his tone, but she still took offense to it.

"Hey! That's not true, I've got a strong fighting spirit. I could be a great fighter, just like you or Yusuke or Kurama."

"It isn't in your blood like it is with them."

"And like it is with you, I suppose," she pointed out through a pout, deflating a bit.

Hiei paused to lift his gaze to hers, red eyes as intense and striking as ever.

"You misunderstand," he said. "You possess a different strength, much rarer than mine."

"You think so?"

He nodded.

"You do a lot of unnecessary things. You open yourself up to hurt, you care about others, you give chances, you hope. You will fight for those who deserve it and fight harder for those that don't, and that is a strength that most people will never obtain no matter how hard they train."

She swallowed back the lump in her throat and blinked away at the tears that threatened to spill over.

"You're a lot more insightful than you let on," she noted.

"No," he said, thumbing away a tear that managed to escape and then taking a step back altogether. "You're just easy to read."

It was the same as when he told her exactly what he thought about her during the night at Genkai's temple. The emotions surged up just as strongly as before and flooded past the gates of her shoddy resolve. He knew her and it wasn't on a superficial level; he really understood her. Her reasons for guarding herself seemed so thin and fragile now. Without really thinking of the consequences, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

"For good luck," she said.

"If you're going to do something for luck, then you should do it right," he advised.

He didn't give her a chance to react as he leaned in and sealed his mouth over hers. Botan gripped the front of his shirt tightly as she gave into the exchange, pressing her lips against his with equal fervor. She could feel the beginnings of a smirk forming on the fire-demon's lips and she smiled into the kiss as she reveled in the feeling of having him so close. Their moment was interrupted a second alarm was set off and Botan pulled away reluctantly..

"Please be careful," she urged.

"You worry too much," he scolded as he secured his sword.

"I know that you can handle yourself, but I suppose the more I care, the more I'm prone to worry."

Hiei froze in his ministrations, eyes a fraction wider.

"What are you saying, Botan?"

"Come back safely and we'll talk about it," she bargained with a playful smile.

Hiei smirked.

"Hn. You've got yourself a deal, woman."

This chapter was hell for me write. It went through many revisions and I cut out a whole side plot because I feel like I've dragged this story out long enough, but this chapter is finally finished and HB finally made some noteworthy progress. Yay! Botan hasn't made any promises, but she has decided to try and that's worth something.

I'd say we've got two chapters left. We're almost there, guys! Thank you for the support so far. I love reading your reactions / comments, so let me know what you thought.

And last, but not least, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Be safe!