Hi guys! Be sure you read Chapter 10 before moving onto this one. The website's been really spotty with notifications and the like lately.

The weekend flew by in a series of ridiculous games, scary movies, heart-to-hearts and bellyaching laughter. Before Botan realized it, she was already getting ready for their imminent departure, packing the last of her things as the rest of the girls sat on the full sized bed behind her. There was a big storm coming and they all wanted to make it home before it broke. She could hear Yusuke prepping lunch downstairs, while the other boys milled around.

"So…" Shizuru's calm voice cut through the silence. "Are we finally going to talk about the elephant in the room?"

Botan paused, blinking up at the brunette through a fluttering of lashes. "What do you mean?"

"She's talking about you and Hiei," Keiko filled in, a hint of teasing in her tone as her lips curved into a knowing curve. She was wrapped up in one of Botan's fluffy blankets, brown eyes alight with interest as she continued. "It's a little surprising how well you both get along now."

Botan rubbed the back of her neck as the beginnings of a blush began to creep up her cheeks. She wasn't oblivious to the looks of surprise or bewilderment thrown her way whenever she and Hiei interacted, nor was she ignorant to the way they all seemed to skirt around the topic. She supposed her friends simply weren't expecting the change in dynamic. What may have been and unexpected development to them, felt like an inevitable conclusion to her. After all, she and Hiei had been through so much. They'd come so far. It was only natural that they would reach this warm and steady place, after all was said and done.

"He's actually a pretty swell guy," she admitted, slipping the last of her hair products into her overstuffed duffel bag. "It only took me a few years and a lot of arguments to realize it."

"That actually gives me hope for this crazy world of ours," Shizuru stated, as she finished tying her hair into a low side ponytail. "Because if you and Hiei can get along, then just about anything is possible."

"Hey now! It isn't all that farfetched!" Botan argued as she sat down next to Yukina, legs folded and tucked beneath her. She stared back at the girls, her dogged expression falling in tandem with her confidence as they each failed to answer. "…Is it?"

"I don't think so," Yukina interjected gently. "There's a lot more to my brother than what appears on the surface. He's actually much kinder than most people realize."

"That's exactly what I've been trying to tell him!" Botan supported. "He's not half as bad as he wants us all to think…"

"He has changed, though," Yukina continued, ruby eyes set on Botan. "And I'm sure I have you to thank for that."

"Oh, that's…" she trailed off, unsure of how to receive such high praise. "It was nothing. I only gave him a soft nudge. He's the one who started opening up and letting his guard down."

Yukina smiled. "It's a lot more than you realize."

"He's done much more for me," Botan replied, expression softening as her thoughts drifted towards dark smirks and fire-filled eyes, a reassuring presence and a trustworthy confidant and friend. "He's considerate, in his own way; more thoughtful than I would have ever imagined. And good company to boot."

"Isn't that cute?" Keiko grinned.

"C-cute?" Botan nearly choked on the word.

"Yeah, you both make quite the pair," Shizuru commented coolly.

Even Yukina's sanguine eyes shone with amusement.

Botan's expression dropped. "I hope you girls aren't suggesting what I think you are."

"There's no need to suggest when it's plain as day," Shizuru prodded.

"Yeah, you like him, don't you?" Keiko asked. Her tone was light, words spoken arbitrarily as if she was discussing the weather and not something as earth shattering as harboring romantic feelings for Hiei.

"No! I absolutely do not!" Botan shook her head, ponytail whipping back and forth. She wondered how the girls could even come to such a drastic and unfathomable conclusion. "We're just good friends. That's all."

"Oh, come on, Botan. You can tell us the truth!" Keiko urged, leaning closer to her. "We can keep a secret."

"But there's nothing to tell," she maintained honestly, wondering why her heart began to race. She swallowed thickly. "Really! He's just… and we… I-"

"Cat got your tongue?" Shizuru teased good-naturedly.

Botan took one good look at all of her friends' playful expressions and the realization finally dawned on her.

"I know what you're all doing," she accused, folding her arms under her chest. "And it isn't nice."

"Um… I don't follow," Keiko said with an arch of her brow.

"You're trying to get back at me for all of my meddling, aren't you?" she insisted, turning her nose up in the air stubbornly. "Well, it won't work. I refuse to be flustered. So there!"

"Oh Botan…" Yukina began, her voice bordering on placating as her thin brows creased slightly.

"It's alright, Yukina." Shizuru placed a hand on the slighter woman's shoulder. "The denial runs deep with this one. Give it some time. She'll eventually catch up."

Botan frowned, her features loosening and falling from their tightly woven look of obstinacy as the uncertainly crept in.

Now she was really confused.

.

.

.

A littler later on, Botan found herself seated in front of kitchen island, the mouth-watering aroma of curry cooking on the stove as Yusuke and Keiko prepped lunch. The couple worked together efficiently, never missing a beat as they weaved around each other from station to station. Botan couldn't help but smile at the domesticity of it all. They certainly painted a cozy little picture.

Behind them, she could hear Kuwabara reciting some of his original poems to Yukina. Shizuru had stepped outside for a cigarette a few minutes ago, joining Kurama as he tended to the grounds. She didn't have the slightest idea of where Hiei was, but she quickly decided that it was for the best. He certainly wouldn't have found Kuwabara's writings as endearing as Yukina did.

Keiko's phone rang, pulling Botan out of her thoughts.

"I have to take this," she announced, untying her apron and setting it down on the empty stool beside Botan.

Yusuke's gaze trailed after Keiko, a surprisingly tender look softening his expression and warming his gaze.

"Well, aren't you two the cutest couple in the land?" Botan teased, leaning forward with both elbows on the island and her face cradled in her hands.

Yusuke raised a challenging brow at her. "You really want to start that?"

"Oh, don't get all bashful on me now, Yusuke," she giggled. "It's simply a harmless observation."

"I've got a few of my own that I've been keeping to myself," he warned, turning the wooden spoon in the pot of stew a few times.

Botan tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

He paused to shoot her a pointed look. "You and Mr. Stoic seem to be getting along lately."

"Well, of course we are! We've been living together for weeks."

"Things getting a little hot and heavy between you two?" he asked, brows wiggling.

"No, you pervert! Nothing of the sort is happening!" she denied, spine ramrod straight as she sat up. "We're friends."

"Friends, huh?" he said.

"Yes!"

"I'm no warrior of love, but I don't think friends look at each other with hearts in their eyes."

"I do not do that!"

Yusuke only chuckled, turning back to the large pot of curry.

Botan pouted at his back.

"Did the girls put you up to this?" she questioned, amethyst eyes narrowing warily. "It really isn't nice of you all to tease me like this."

He smirked at her from over his shoulder. "If we're all seeing the same thing, then maybe there's some truth there."

"Or maybe you're all delusional."

"If we're delusional, then you're in denial."

"I am not-"

"-You totally are," Yusuke insisted. He turned away from the stove to fix her with a knowing look. "Don't think I didn't notice how much time you two spent together this entire weekend. In fact, every time I looked for you, you were right at our favorite little grump's side with that smitten look on your face."

"Smitten look?"

"You know, the one that's practically screaming: oh, Hiei, take me into your manly arms and have your way with me!"

"Yusuke!" Botan screeched, but the detective was too busy laughing over his terrible impression to properly respond. She let out a frustrated sigh as she stood up. "You're absolutely ridiculous, you know that?"

"Whatever you say Mrs. Jaganshi!"

As Botan huffed and plodded away, she wasn't so ignorant to think that she didn't deserve the ragging. After all, she was known to stick her nose in her friends' business and tease them relentlessly. But it was one thing to tease them about truthful and obvious matters and another for them to tease her about something completely ludicrous. Especially when there was a very high chance that Hiei would kill her if he ever caught wind of their jesting.

She pouted. She really didn't know why the others were grasping as straws like this. If they really wanted their taunting to be effective, then they should have at least chosen a topic that was a more believable, because the thought that she was developing feelings for Hiei was completely and wholly implausible.

The bond they shared was purely platonic. It was absent of any romantic threads or sexual undertones. There were no physical tensions or attractions underlining its surface and blurring the lines.

Hiei was her dear friend, nothing more and nothing less.

Besides, Botan considered herself to be in tune with her emotions and wants. What she felt for Hiei was real and honest and true, but it did not lie outside of the borders of friendship. It couldn't possibly have. If she truly started feeling differently towards him - like everyone else was so dead set on insisting - then surely she would have detected it by now.

But, as she ruminated on their past interactions, she failed to find any red flags at all. There were no warning signs. No hints. No traces of something more. And that's why she knew, from the bottom of her heart, that there was no possible way that she had fallen for—

Hiei.

Botan rounded the corner and nearly bumped straight into the man of the hour. Her eyes went wide in shock, lips parted on a gasp. Suddenly, time seemed to down around as the rest of the cabin and its surroundings faded away. The world was reduced to just the two of them, standing face to face in the narrow hallway. Botan's eyes were transfixed on him, mesmerized in a way that wasn't entirely unfamiliar. Her gaze trailed over his features and catalogued them one by one: angular red eyes framed by dark lashes, a straight nose between strong cheekbones, thin lips pulled into a neutral line above a sharp jaw. He was handsome - it didn't take a genius to figure that out - but more than that, he was-

He was Hiei. There was no other way to put it, no other word that could accurately encompass all that he was and everything that he meant to her. Botan's expression softened as her eyes returned to the sea of red that made up his gaze. The unmistakable sense of security, the swell of affection, the tender fondness that ached beneath her chest – how long had these sentiments been living and breathing and gaining traction right under her nose?

Her heart picked up its rhythm, almost as if the treacherous organ was trying to get his attention and sell her out.

"Why are you looking at me that way?" he asked lowly.

Botan's face flushed red as she took a retreating step.

"N-no reason."

"You're acting strange, woman," he said. "Stranger than usual."

"I feel strange," she mumbled.

Crimson eyes narrowed as he took a step closer. "Botan-"

"It's nothing!" she reassured, hands raised in defense. "I'm fine!"

Botan pushed past him and zipped up the stairs, retreating back into the safety and solitude of her room. When she didn't hear the telltale signs of footsteps trailing after her, she let out a relieved sigh and moved to stand near the window. Her heart was still racing, even as she took in the sights of the serene and quiet afternoon unfolding before her. The sky was grey, the sun's pale light touching down on the earth below as the wind and all other motion stilled.

It was the proverbial calm before the storm. Quiet and unassuming.

But eventually – something had to give – and a few heartbeats later, she spotted Hiei exiting the cabin and walking over to where Kurama stood near the lake. His hands were pushed in his pockets, shoulders seated in a relaxed line. Botan's expression softened as she stared down at him.

She thought the warmth that blossomed in her chest whenever Hiei was around was merely fondness, similar to the platonic affection that she felt for all her friends. But the more she thought on it, the more she realized that her claims were far from the truth. She didn't look at Kurama the same way she was looking at Hiei right now. She didn't smile at Kuwabara the same way she smiled at Hiei. And her pulse didn't quicken for Yusuke the way it quickened for Hiei in this very moment.

Botan swallowed thickly as her mind raced. She couldn't even pinpoint when these affections began to take root or when they bloomed, but somewhere within weeks of living with him and daily interactions, her feelings slipped into romantic territory. Maybe it happened somewhere in the middle of their late night chats and early morning conversations. Hidden in the spaces that diminished between them during packed train rides or unhurried strolls through the neighborhood. Maybe she lost her heart to him when he swore to protect her. When he worked so hard each and every day to ensure she was safe. Perhaps it was in the quiet moments they shared, not speaking, but simply existing side by side. Maybe it was everything all at once, weaved together and embedded so deep inside her heart that she couldn't see it until it was right in front of her.

It occurred to Botan that she should have been worried over these blossoming affections, but as her eyes lingered on his form, her doubts faded away. Hiei was kind, in his own, unique way. He was unchanging and resolute. Dependable and loyal. There were much worse souls to fall for. In fact, she had taken a liking to all the wrong sorts in the past. Hiei - the man she had come to know so intimately - was a step up in all areas.

When she really thought about it, feeling this way about him was an inevitability.

How could she not want him when he was all she could see?

How could she ever hope to stop these emotions when everything he did stayed with her?

There was no fighting it. No sense in resisting it. All she could do is hold onto these feelings and carve out a special place for them safe within her heart. It would be a secret all her own; one that she would keep to herself.

.

.

.

"Keys please," Botan requested, hand held out expectantly in front of Hiei.

He had just finished loading up the last of their belongings into the trunk when she accosted him. He blinked down at her upturn palm, dark brows knotting and lips slanting into a frown. "What?"

"I saw you drinking with the boys last night," Botan mentioned. "I'm sure you're hung-over."

"What's your point?"

"My point is, I'm perfectly well rested and capable of driving right now, while you are not."

He held her gaze wordlessly, refusing to confirm or deny her claims. The howling winds rustling through the tree leaves overhead were the only sounds that passed between them for a long stretch of time, until the tensions finally snapped and Botan exploded.

"I'm not going to crash your precious car, Hiei!"

He winced at the volume and pitch of her voice, before closing the trunk with a frown. "It's not the car I'm worried about."

"Will you please just have a little faith in me?" she asked, eyes rounded and lips downturned. He normally wasn't the type to fall for pouty looks or entreating words, but when she leaned in closer, she was surprised to see him break his proud stance.

"…"

"I'll get us home in one piece," she continued earnestly. "All you have to do is sit back, relax and trust me."

"…"

"So, what do you say?"

Hiei sighed.

"…Fine, woman," he relented as he fished the keys out of his pocket and handed them over to her. "Don't make me regret this."

Botan's expression brightened as the keys fell into her palm with a jingle. "You won't regret it at all. I promise!"

Leaves crunched underfoot as she skipped over to the driver's side, Hiei following suit at a much less excited pace. They slid into their respective seats wordlessly and, upon adjusting the mirrors and the heat, Botan moved to tinker with the radio.

"Don't even think about it, Himura," Hiei warned to her left. "Knowing you, you'll put on another concert and drive us straight off the road."

"You're a regular comedian, Hiei."

"I'm not one for jokes."

"No, you prefer unfounded insults."

"It isn't unfounded," he insisted. "Yusuke told me about the last time you drove."

Botan blushed. "And I told you that it was not my fault! A squirrel ran into the road and I had to swerve!"

"So you say."

"It's the truth!"

"Hn. We should hope that no woodland creatures cross your path this time."

She pouted. "Would it kill you to trust me?"

Hiei folded his arms over his chest and leaned back. "I did give you the keys, didn't I?"

The fight drained out of her with that simple, truthful declaration. When it came to the tetchy detective, actions always spoke louder than words. Warmth spread through her from the inside out, pulling her lips into a fond smile. Her expression must have betrayed more of her heart than she intended to, because Hiei's expression changed as well.

"What is it?"

"N-nothing!"

Botan hoped her face wasn't as flushed as it felt as she shifted the car in drive and took off. She rolled down her window a crack in an effort to let the cold air regulate her heated cheeks. Her heart was beating a little faster than normal, hands slightly sweaty on the steering wheel, so she took a deep breath to calm herself.

She had a small crush on Hiei. That was fine. Nothing had to change between them. She could absolutely play it cool.

She glanced at the detective, unsurprised to find that his arms were folded loosely over his chest and eyes already closed. He really did trust her if he was able to let his guard down so quickly and easily. It made her smile once more, all worries and nerves dissipating with that simple thought.

They pulled into the parking garage with little to no trouble, just as the rain really began to pour. Hiei slept through a majority of the drive, his headache mostly gone and hangover assuaged.

"Perfect timing!" Botan grinned triumphantly. "I hope the others all make it back okay. It looks awful out there."

"You worry too much," he said, hauling a majority of the bags so they wouldn't have to make a second trip. "They'll be fine."

"You're right!" she agreed.

After a weekend of too much interaction, Hiei was eager to return to the solitary confines of his apartment. Although, he supposed he couldn't call it that anymore due to a certain blue-haired woman. Even so, he was already accustomed to her constant presence. He had taken to her much sooner and easier than he ever thought possible, given how dissimilar they were. He supposed it helped that she wasn't always so loud and talkative. Sometimes, she simply sat beside him for no conceivable reason, busying herself with her phone or a novel or her journal.

He set their things down on the living room floor and when he looked up again, he found amethyst eyes fixed on him. Botan immediately startled and glanced away, busying herself with the hems of her sleeves instead. He frowned. She had taken to staring at him ever since their literal run-in at the cabin. Her gaze landed on him more often, eyes lingering, expression turning fond. And then she proceeded to become skittish when he caught on to it.

Hiei was used to her concern, her care and her friendly affection. But there was something different about this. A nervous energy in her actions that he couldn't quite place.

"What's wrong, Himura?"

"Nothing!" she answered far too quickly, her tone edged with something panicked and foreign. "Why… why do you ask?"

He took a step closer, bringing them in close proximity. "Because you're acting even more bizarre than usual."

His gaze was unwavering as it held onto hers. A blush spread over the bridge of the woman's nose, dusting over pale cheeks as she blinked back at him.

He had no idea what was running through her mind.

And in the next instant, she was brushing past him and skittering into the bedroom, much like she did hours earlier at the cabin. She closed the door behind her and he could have sworn he heard her let out a muffled groan. Dark brows furrowed as he pushed forward and followed after her stubbornly. As soon as he wrenched the door open, Botan sat up from her facedown position on the bed.

"Hiei!" she said shakily. "What if I was indecent?"

"It wouldn't be anything I haven't seen on a woman before," he said, keeping his gaze set on her.

He thought back to the cabin, wracking his brain for a moment or conversation that might stick out in his memory. He couldn't remember doing or saying anything out of the ordinary. As far as he was concerned, he didn't treat her any differently than the norm. In the past, he would have brushed her behavior off as part of her eccentric nature and ignored it entirely. But she wasn't merely the overly friendly, exceedingly emotional and highly talkative member of his acquaintanceship anymore. She mattered to him - on a level he didn't quite understand. And if he'd done something or crossed a line, then he needed to know.

"Tell me what I did," he urged lowly.

She blinked up at him, expression falling into surprise. "What?"

"If you don't open your mouth and tell me, then it can't be fixed."

"You think you…" she trailed off, before shaking her head adamantly. "No. That's... You didn't do a thing, Hiei."

"…"

"I promise," she reassured. "I-it's just me. I'm in my head and my thoughts are all over the place, but it's not your fault."

He had a feeling she was lying, but he also couldn't deny the sincerity in her tone. Whatever was bothering her was clearly something he couldn't remedy.

"Fine."

"I'm sorry," she sighed. "I didn't mean to make you think you were at fault."

"Don't apologize. You're peculiar by nature - I should have known better."

She smiled a little at that. "Well, you aren't exactly normal either, mister."

His expression softened, just the slightest upturn of his lips. "I'm well aware."

The wind howled suddenly, rain pelting harder against the windows, causing Botan to frown.

"It's really coming down out there. I hope we don't lose-" A blinding flash of lightning illuminated the room, followed by a crash of thunder and a plunge into darkness. "-power…"

Hiei sighed, pushing the curtain back to reveal that the entire block was submersed in darkness as well. "Of course."

"Don't fret! I'm sure the electricity will return in due time. We can just light some candles in the meantime."

He released the curtain and glanced back at her. "For once, your overabundance of frivolities will work in our favor."

"I'm glad you agree!"

Botan set up a few non-scented candles in strategic areas, blanketing the apartment in a soft, orange glow of light and shadow. The two settled on the couch in silence, both scrolling through their half-charged phones. Hiei finally decided to check his message thread with Haru, unsurprised to find it flooded with links and gifs of cats that his partner believed to be amusing or interesting. As if on cue, another picture popped up. Hiei scoffed. No matter how many times he told Haru that he wasn't interested, the latter continued to bombard him with an onslaught of nonsense.

"I got some nice shots of us all," Botan mentioned, leaning in, the length of her arm brushing against his. "See?"

There was one of Yusuke and Kuwabara, roughhousing with each other as usual and completely unaware of the camera. A few selfies of the women wearing various ridiculous expressions. Kurama tending to one of the plants outside. Keiko bathed in the sunset. Shizuru swathed in afternoon sunlight, standing beneath a large tree. Yukina smiling at a bird that flew into her palm.

Botan continued swiping until she reached one of him, asleep on the couch. He glared at the image, then at the woman who took the picture.

"Delete it."

"Why? You look so cute!" she gushed.

Hiei blinked back at her. Even in the darkness he could see the blush overtaking her face as she cleared her throat.

"A-anyway. I'm keeping it forever. So don't even think about trying to remove it."

"You're a nuisance, woman."

Her responding laughter was light and melodic as she continued to scroll through the album, still pressed against him as she did so. His gaze lingered on Botan instead of the pictures she attempted to show him. The bright light of the phone shone on her face, highlighting the amusement lighting her amethyst eyes and the curve of her pink lips. He felt himself relaxing into the couch, the tension draining from his shoulders. He much preferred her in her normal state of cheer than the skittish, nervous behavior from before. It didn't escape him that it was odd for him to prefer any form of Botan at all - but stranger things have happened in his life.

The silence was soon interrupted by several hurried knocks at the door. The two exchanged confused glances.

"Were you expecting anyone?" Botan asked feebly.

"No."

"Then maybe you shouldn't answer it."

"Scared?"

"I'm erring on the side of caution!"

"Hn. Don't worry, woman." Hiei stood up from the couch and smirked down at her. "The ghost from the cabin can't travel this far."

He ducked out of the way of the pillow that Botan chucked at his head, a smirk on his lips as he moved to answer the door. Staring back up at him from the darkness of the hallway stood the Sato siblings and Hiei's expression promptly fell.

"Um… so…" Kaisei started, blue eyed gaze averted sheepishly.

"Mom and Dad are out and Kaisei is scared," Fubuki explained. "Can we stay with you for a little while?"

"Fu!" the boy exclaimed in horror.

"What?" She shrugged. "It's the truth."

A deep rumble of thunder had Kaisei stiffening where he stood. And when an even louder crack sounded off, the boy moved forward and clung to Hiei's shirt with trembling fingers. The detective frowned down at him, but didn't bother attempting to pry him off.

"It's alright, Sei," Fubuki soothed, patting her older brother's back soothingly.

"I'm not scared. I-it just surprised me, is all," he said as he slowly detached himself from Hiei.

"Hn."

Kaisei had always been like this, for as long as Hiei could remember. He thought he would've outgrown it by now, though. Before he could say anything else, Botan was at his side, pulling the door wide open.

"Oh, you poor thing, of course you can stay with us!" she offered, motioning for the two to come inside.

Hiei turned to glare at Botan, but she either didn't notice or didn't care as she returned to the couch and was quickly distracted by the siblings that flanked her sides. He closed the door and took up residence in the single armchair now that his spot on the couch was occupied. The rain continued to fall relentlessly; sharp cracks of thunder echoing in his ears. Kaisei's posture was hunched, as if he wanted to curl in on himself, but was too prideful to do so in their presence. Botan shot a quick glance at the boy, before deciding to take action.

"I know!" she cheered, while clapping her hands together. "Why don't we play a game to distract ourselves?"

"Okay," Fubuki agreed, sitting up straighter in her excitement. "Which should we play?"

"Hm…" Botan hummed as she pressed a finger to her chin. "Do you both like charades?"

Kaisei nodded. "I'm in."

"Me too," Fubuki agree.

Then three pairs of eyes landed on Hiei. It was clear what they wanted, but he wasn't giving in today.

"No."

"Aw, come on, shishou," Fubuki teased, reaching over to poke him in the arm.

Hiei glared at her obstinately. "I'm not repeating myself."

"I suppose that would be asking for too much from Hiei," Botan considered. "What about cards? Surely that's more up your alley?"

"I don't own a deck," he replied.

"We do!" Kaisei offered, jumping up to his feet excitedly. He withered a little when a thunderclap sounded off in the distance. "But um… I don't want to go back up there alone."

"I'll go with you, dear," Botan offered.

"No," Hiei said, taking a stand. "Fubuki and I will go."

He was confident in the building's security, but there were too many unknown variables with the power out. Besides, it was clear that Kaisei was only putting up a brave front. If he tagged along, Hiei would surely have to soothe or pacify the boy, and he wasn't capable of something like that. Fubuki wasn't afraid and he wouldn't have to coddle her on the way there and back.

"Yeah," Fubuki agreed, rising to her feet. "Leave it to us. We'll be back soon."

And so, the two set off. They were forced to take the stairs now that the elevator was out of commission and, every so often, Fubuki would grin over at him in that infuriating way she often did when she was about to pester him.

"What is it?" he asked, voice echoing eerily in the darkened and hollowed space.

"Botan's really fun. And super pretty."

"…"

"I'm surprised you have such good taste, shishou!"

"Fubuki-" he began warningly.

"And good game!" she added, as if she doubted his ability with women. She pushed her hands into the pockets of her hooded sweater as her grin lit up in interest. "How did you meet again?"

He was enrolled in the academy when he first met Botan. There wasn't much that he remembered - not from that day or from that initial meeting - but he could recall immediately writing her off as soon as she opened up that loud mouth of hers.

"We met through work," he said, pulling the fifth floor's door open and signaling for Fubuki to go through first.

"Was it love at first sight?" she asked as they ambled down the hallway, honest interest and curiosity in her voice.

"It was nothing of the sort."

"Then how'd you-"

"We didn't," he said, for what must have been the hundredth time. "We aren't together."

Fubuki frowned up at him petulantly. "How long are you going to keep hiding the truth? Me and Sei aren't stupid."

"No, you're both just hard of hearing," Hiei replied. "I've told you before: we are nothing more than friends."

"Then why do you both use the couple charms, huh?"

Hiei's brow twitched. He honestly didn't know why he still had it.

"It's 'cause you like her!" Fubuki filled in. "And she definitely likes you, too."

"I don't like her - not in the way you're thinking," Hiei denied. "And the woman likes everybody."

"I think she likes you most," Fubuki sang.

Hiei averted his gaze. He was well aware of how much the woman valued him; how much she cared. She probably considered him to be one of her closest friends. It certainly explained why she continually sought him out and why she looked at him with such warmth and affection. It was par for the course with a woman as openhearted and emotional as Botan, so he thought nothing of it. Fubuki was simply over-romanticizing a situation she did not fully understand. He wasn't about to tell the girl that the only reason Botan was living with him was because she was in danger, so he simply let it go.

"Well, if you guys really aren't together, then you better do something about it fast," Fubuki warned. "One day Kaisei'll be all grown up and he'll steal her way."

"What?"

Fubuki giggled, stopping in front of apartment 5B. "He's got an even bigger crush on her than you!"

Hiei frowned at the new information. He didn't much care about childish infatuations and the like, but he found himself eager to return nonetheless.

"Just hurry up," he gritted.

Fubuki pulled a key ring out of her pocket, unlocking the door and heading inside. He could hear her footsteps as she ran around the apartment. It wasn't long before she came back with a pack of cards in hand and some snacks for all of them. When they re-entered 4C, he was unsurprised to find more of the unscented candles spread out and lit up. Botan must have gone out of her way to Kaisei feel more at ease. Their bags and belongings from their trip at the cabin were cleared out as well and he could only guess that Kaisei had done in an attempt to be useful. Or to show off in front of Botan. Who he apparently liked.

Hiei shook his head and reclaimed his seat in the armchair.

"What should we play?" Botan asked.

"How about poker?" Kaisei suggested, blue eyes reflecting the fiery glow of the candlelight.

Botan's brows rose in surprise. "You two know how to play poker?"

"Yup," Fubuki grinned as she shuffled the deck expertly. "Mom taught us how!"

"Choose something else," Hiei ordered. "Botan doesn't know the meaning of a neutral face."

Kaisei and Fubuki snickered while Botan frowned at him.

"Hey!" she pouted. "That's-"

"The truth," he maintained.

She promptly deflated, bottom lip jutting out in displeasure. "Well, excuse me for not being a good liar."

"How about Old Maid?" Fubuki suggested next.

"Yeah!" Kaisei cheered. "I'm the best at that!"

"You shouldn't sound so pleased," Hiei discouraged. "There's no skill involved in that trivial game, just luck."

"Well," the boy said through a smile. "Dad always says I was born under a lucky star."

.

.

.

They ended up playing long after the power was restored. Hiei was determined to win at least one hand for the sake of his pride after losing so miserably to Kaisei round after round. In that time, he received a few text messages from the others, indicating they all made it back home safely.

It was later than he realized when Kuroko called for her daughter and son's return.

"Thanks for letting us stay over," Fubuki said.

"Yeah, next time, we'll bring more snacks and games!" Kaisei promised, the deck of cards and leftover snacks in hand.

"That would be lovely!" Botan interjected, before Hiei could get a disparaging word in. She walked them to the door, a warm smile spread out over her features. "Goodnight dears. Give your parents my regards."

"Night!" they sang in unison.

She watched them run down the hall, presumably waiting until they were out of sight to close and lock the door. "Wasn't that nice?"

He pushed his hands into his pockets and averted his gaze. "It was just shy of torture."

"Well, I'm sure they appreciated you hanging around. They really do adore you, Hiei."

"They have a funny way of showing it."

"I don't know, I think it's pretty obvious in the way they interact with you," she continued. "Why else would they come around so much?"

"They take pleasure in tormenting me," he explained, trudging towards the bedroom with Botan in tow. "But you're the one they wanted to see."

"They wanted to see the both of us," she insisted. "They're such sweet kids."

"You would think that. You're just as demented as they are."

"Maybe," she admitted with a light laugh, crouching down to sort through her things.

Hiei opted for lying down on the bed and staring up at the ceiling instead. It would only take him a fraction of the time to unpack, after all, so he didn't see the need to rush.

The rain was petering off, nothing but a light and rhythmic drizzle puncturing the silence that enveloped them. He caught glimpses of Botan as she made her way to and from the closet, the dresser and the bathroom, returning her belongings to the places she'd claimed over the past few weeks. At the point, he was sure that the apartment was filled with more of her things than his.

Oddly enough, he didn't seem to mind it much.

"I had so much fun at the cabin," Botan said suddenly.

Hiei rose up into a seated position with a smirk. "Of course you did, woman. You love everything social."

"Guilty as charged," she grinned. "Even so… nothing beats coming back home."

He paused as her words struck a resonant chord within him. Prior to Botan's relocation, 4C was simply the place he resided. He never considered it to be his refuge or safe haven. It was merely a one-bedroom apartment with a decent sized kitchen, living room and bathroom. He never gave much thought to the space or its significance, but lately, things began to change. He found himself looking forward to returning to its familiarity. He started to long for these walls and all that it encompassed in a way that was entirely unbecoming of him.

He glanced at Botan and his thoughts drifted to ridiculous television marathons on the couch, trivial games around the coffee table, food sizzling on the stove, meals shared at the dining table and a bed fit for two.

Somewhere along the way, this inconsequential place and all the memories housed within it began to mean something to him.

Somewhere along the way, it started to feel like home.

As always, thank you for following this story as it progresses. And a special thank you to those who take the time leave a reviewers. Y'all are the best! :)