Disclaimer: I don't own YYH or the characters

I can't believe the week is almost over! (And I still need to finish Chapter 7 ^^'''). Hope you enjoy!

Day 6: Secret Dating/Nightmares/Fake

As with all dark romances, one step forward usually resulted in many steps back. Princess Botan felt something the night of the ball for her demon companion. It seemed like he felt it too. The days that followed, however, Hiei was nowhere to be found. At first, Botan thought that Hiei might be busy with training. However, he never seemed to be around Yusuke and the others, did not come to lunch, and Kurama told Botan Hiei hadn't been showing up to training.

Botan, of course, took it personally. She tried not to, but she was certain that she and Hiei shared a connection. Now that the soldier was keeping away, Botan figured she'd done something wrong.

Finally, she had enough. At night, she went to the garden and hoped to find Hiei. He was there, sitting casually in a tree as if he hadn't been a phantom for a week. Botan pouted. She climbed the tree and perched herself on the same branch, her legs dangled over. Hiei was lounged with his hands behind his head. A sigh escaped him as he opened his eyes and found Botan glaring at him. His brow furrowed, but he said nothing.

"You're avoiding me," Botan stated, getting straight to the point. "Why? Did I do something wrong?"

"No."

Well… Botan thought dryly. That was helpful.

The two sat in silence and stared at each other. After more time passed, the tension within Botan grew, and so did her anger. "I don't understand you," she shouted. "You…we…I thought everything was fine." Hiei scoffed and averted his gaze. He crossed his arms over his chest and grimaced. Botan's heart sank over the way Hiei was behaving. It was as if he didn't want to be near her anymore.

"Fine," Botan huffed as her voice cracked. "I'll leave you alone then. I should have known."

Hiei's eyes snapped to hers. "Should have known what?" he challenged. "That I can't love you the way you need? That my people were right about me?"

Botan shook her head and blinked back tears. "Hiei, I told you, none of that is true. Why are you saying this now?"

"I can't be what you need," Hiei replied. His voice sounded more strained than before.

"I didn't ask you to be anything more than you are," Botan returned. "I…I thought you cared about me, that we were friends. Didn't you ever just want to be with someone, to have a companion, just to be able to share your hopes and fears with them?"

"No," Hiei replied.

Botan sighed and dropped her head. She really thought there was something between her and Hiei. Her dreams kept showing him to her, and he was her safety. There were feelings in her heart she wanted to express, but she feared his reaction. Maybe her father was right all along. Maybe she wasn't worth much of anything.

"You're hopeless…"

Hiei's expression darkened, but his resolve grew. "Remember that. It's exactly how you should feel about me."

"What if I don't?" the princess challenged.

Crimson eyes narrowed sharply. "Then you're a fool."

Botan's heart shattered at the words. She wanted to lift her head high and tell Hiei that he was the foolish one to turn her away. She was a princess, sought after by many, but she couldn't voice that because that's not what she saw when she looked in the mirror. She wanted to be confident, but the princess had been torn down by her father so much that she truly believed the king's words.

"This is what I should have known," she murmured, lost. "That even those I trust don't want me either. My father was right. I truly am worthless…nothing."

Hiei's energy darkened, and black flames shot out from his body. It surprised Botan, and she leaned back too far and fell from the tree. Instead of hitting the ground, she was caught in strong arms, Hiei's arms. The demon's grip on her tightened protectively, and Botan chanced a glance. When she looked at his face, his eyes were closed and his expression was pained.

"That… You can't really believe that," Hiei told her, his voice raw. "That's not what this is. Botan, I'm not a good man. I'm not kind or soft-hearted. I could never give you what you need. I'm not capable of it. It has nothing to do with you. You just…deserve better."

"Like who? Yusuke?" She noticed the look of disgust flash over Hiei's features and said, "See? I can't even stand that idea. What about the nobles from Reikai? They're even worse! I don't care who I am or my status or whatever it is. I want you!"

Hiei's eyes widened in surprise, and he flinched back as if he'd been burned. Botan took advantage of his shock. In her indignation, she grabbed Hiei's face and kissed him to prove a point. As their lips crashed together, Hiei's arms wrapped around Botan. The two sank into each other and joined their bodies together.

When they broke away, they both looked stunned. Hiei then grew serious, more resolute. He glided his hands up Botan's body and cupped her face. His thumb traced her lips. Botan's doe-eyed expression moved him. Her eyes shone with uncertainty and light all at the same time. That's what she was—light. A dark creature like him could never help but be moved by her.

His lips met hers again, tentatively at first. Botan pushed back and let her hands find his hair. Hiei's kisses grew more passionate. He pulled her close again and used his strength to hoist her a bit. Botan didn't mind as Hiei carried her to the waterfall and laid her back against a stone.

The level cleared just as Botan finished her lunch from her favorite sushi place. Once again, the story threw her for a loop and added angst to the budding romance between the princess and her demon knight. Botan was so enraptured by the story that she didn't even take note of the time. Her eyes widened. She had English in just a few minutes. She had to quickly gather her things and headed towards the arts building.

Just as she reached the door, Botan noticed a hung piece of paper.

Classes cancelled today due to out-of-state meeting.

Botan sighed in relief. At least she wasn't late. Better yet, she could head home for the day and study.

But, let's be real—she was going to complete the next level of the game, first.

After the kiss Botan shared with Hiei, the two became inseparable, at least in private. The fire demon returned to his normal behavior. When asked by the others where he'd been, he lied and said that he'd been doing some private training. He remained distant and aloof, but Botan didn't mind one bit.

In the evenings, he'd show up to her room. In fact, when Hiei arrived, he'd press Botan against her wall and kiss the breath out of her. The two would cuddle and caress each other. It was pleasant and sweet, and Botan was very happy.

Hiei seemed to be, too. His hands were always on her in some way. Currently, he was with the princess at the twilight hour. His arm was draped over Botan's middle, his eyes closed and body relaxed. He traced circles on the princess's shoulders. His touch always made her nerves fire in a million different directions. If that wasn't enough, she then felt his mouth, teeth, and tongue on her skin as he nipped on her.

Botan's eyes rolled, and she practically whimpered. Hiei snickered. "You're so sensitive…" He found such amusement in this.

"Don't tease me," Botan chided with a whine. She exposed her neck to him, and Hiei lapped at her skin.

"As my princess wishes," Hiei remarked in jest. He flipped her over and gazed into her eyes with adoration. It was moments like these where Botan could tell just exactly how Hiei really felt about her. He didn't give her flowery words or tokens of affection. His actions, including how he respected her and treated her like priceless treasure, meant more to Botan than anything.

Botan crashed her lips against Hiei's and allowed him to arrange it so that he knelt on all fours above her. His eyes roved her body, and Botan knew exactly where this would lead if she didn't pull away. As Hiei's finger worshipped her body, Botan found she didn't care. She wanted Hiei, and he wanted her.

When they needed air, they broke apart. Hiei gazed down at her with lidded eyes. "There's no turning back from this. Once we start…you'd be accepting me as your mate."

The princess blushed at the implication, then nodded. "I know," she admitted. "I…" She placed her hand behind Hiei's head. "I love you, Hiei. I feel like I've known you my entire life."

Hiei's gaze softened. "I know," he admitted. "I…remember how I cut into your thoughts, at the ball." Botan nodded. Hiei used one hand to pull off his bandana, revealing a third eye to her. Instead of being fearful like Hiei half expected, Botan blinked in curiosity. "I…I've seen into your mind with this. I know about the nightmares."

This surprised Botan. "How long have you known?"

Hiei wilted, afraid his answer would set her off. "When you kept looking at me strangely and getting nervous around me…I peeked in. That's when I heard your thoughts that you knew me. I didn't pry much further until…"

"Until…"

"Before the attack," Hiei finished. "After I got you out of the banquet hall and we were in the garden."

Botan relaxed a bit. It didn't bother her that Hiei invaded her thoughts ever. It actually made sense, the words he muttered under his breath and the way he told her to tell everyone about her dreams. He knew, and he encouraged her and protected her.

Hiei sighed. "I…don't really know much about love," he said regrettably. Botan's face drew into a concerned moue. "But I know I feel something for you that I can't explain. I don't want to be without you."

That made the princess smile. She let her fingers graze through his tresses, and Hiei closed his eyes, shivered, and leaned into her touch. "You never have to be without me again."

Hiei and Botan became mates in secret. They continued to keep their relationship to themselves, enjoyed their honeymoon phase type relationship. Hiei would come to Botan at night. Sometimes they'd make love well into the morning, and other times they'd rest together. A month passed, and the two were still so content with one another. Hiei slowly started to understand Botan's loving sentiments and what it meant to be truly happy.

But, now that Hiei was with Botan so often, he got to experience her nightmares firsthand. They came so often, so frequently. Botan assured him it didn't used to be like this. Now they affected her a lot more. Even worse, in the nightmare she just experienced, Hiei was wounded.

When Botan awoke, she was inconsolable. Hiei could hardly react in his sleepy state as Botan gripped him desperately. The demon blinked awake, his voice a whisper as he gently shushed her. "What happened?" he asked her.

Botan sniffled against his chest, after she calmed down from the sobbing moments ago. She felt terrible for waking Hiei. He had already come in late, exhausted from training. He didn't need to be bothered with her horrible dream.

His voice still lax as he chided her. "Stop that. Tell me. Clearly whatever you dreamt affected you."

"You got hurt," Botan whimpered. "That demon that kidnapped me…"

Hiei hummed. "Was it life-threatening?"

Botan shot up and looked at her mate, horrified. "Huh?"

The fire demon opened his eyes and asked his question again. "If it wasn't life threatening, then there's nothing to worry about. I've experienced horrendous pain before without succumbing."

The princess thought back over her dream and realized that where Hiei was injured, he was still able to fight. The nightmare cut out before anything else could happen, but it was safe to say that Hiei would be okay. "I still don't like the idea of you getting hurt."

Hiei's hand ran through the princess's hair. He pulled her close to him and gently kissed her. "You're extremely soft-hearted." Botan felt insulted by the comment. "It's not a terrible thing, but you have to understand that I can endure more than what you'd expect. Do not be afraid."

Botan lied down again and allowed Hiei to wrap his arms around her. His presence and confidence both calmed her raging mind. Her heart still raced from the terror, but the princess knew her lover was okay. They were both safe. Besides, whatever these recurring dreams showed her, it didn't mean they would happen. It wasn't like Botan could see the future.

Botan awoke, feeling restless. Her nightmares were getting worse and worse, and they kept her awake. She reached beside her to find Hiei's spot in the bed empty. Curious, she got up and dressed herself in a light dress with a color poncho and comfortable shoes. She decided a walk would do her some good, maybe to the garden that reminded her so much of home—hers and Hiei's secret place.

On her way to the garden, she passed by Raizen's 'throne' room. Although this was technically where he met with dignitaries, everyone had an equal voice and could sit with him at the discussion table. The politics were far different than Reikai's. It made Botan wonder what Raizen had to gain from an alliance with her kingdom anyway.

"You're a coward!" Botan heard Yusuke shout out of nowhere. She paused near the door, frozen in shock. Who was he talking to?

"Yusuke, please contain yourself," Kurama pacified. "He is only doing what he thinks is best right now."

"The hell this is best," Yusuke fired back. "We should tell her."

There was a pause before Raizen's tired voice spoke. "She isn't ready for that yet."

Botan situated herself so she could see inside. Yusuke looked angry, eyes narrowed at his father. His arms hung to his sides, but his fists were clenched. "Mom would tell her."

Raizen smacked Yusuke upside the head, and Botan bit her lip to keep her gasp silent. Yusuke didn't seem to care about the strike. His defiant nature shone through. Raizen snapped at him. "You think I don't want to tell her? You think it doesn't pain me to look in my daughter's eyes and know she sees a stranger? Yomi wants her dead. I need to make sure she's safe, first and foremost. We'll tell her when it's over."

"No, Dad, Botan needs to know now. She keeps seeing an attack. She needs to know she's a—"

Botan walked into the room as if on autopilot. Her presence startled everyone in the room, including Hiei who looked at his mate with both surprise and apology. Although she didn't hear the exact words that she was Raizen's daughter, it didn't take a rocket scientist to piece their conversation together. Memories of the past month shot back to her in a flash. When they left Reikai and Raizen patted her head, the affectionate yet playful way Yusuke regarded her, the youthful half-demon's reaction whenever she mentioned her mother, Raizen's doubletalk about his daughter when he brought Botan the queen's dress, and most importantly the garden where she and Hiei kissed for the first time.

She looked to her mate; betrayal flashed in her heart. You knew… she thought. As if Hiei were tuned into her thoughts right now, he averted his gaze and wilted in guilt. Botan shook her head. Why didn't they tell her?

It felt like the princess was going to explode out of her own body. She didn't know what to do. She just needed to get away. In her agitated state, she backed away.

"Wait, Botan, we can explain," Yusuke tried, but to no avail. Botan turned and ran from the room. She looked back over her shoulder to see everyone's crestfallen expression and felt her heart ache.

In her anxiety, Botan forgot to alert a guard where she was going. The princess didn't even know where she was running to. She had no idea how she got outside or how far her feet took her. When she heard the sound of running water, she stopped running. She stood by a river and relaxed. The sound of running water always helped her to think. It reminded her of the fountain back home.

Home… Botan didn't know where home was anymore. She was torn now. How could she be Raizen's long-lost daughter. Hiei told her that the queen was kidnapped by a slave trader who most likely sold her. Did he sell her mother to King Enma? Why would the Reikai king buy a wife? This was all just too much to believe.

The sound of footsteps alerted her, but Botan relaxed when she saw Hiei. Her mate had come for her, maybe to explain what had happened and why he never told her. Maybe he feared how she'd react to finding out she was part-demon/part-human like Yusuke, or maybe it was something else entirely.

In any case, she was relieved to see her mate, mostly because she had no idea how to get back to the fortress. "I'm sorry I ran off," she told him.

Hiei shrugged. "It's fine. You shouldn't be out here alone."

"I know," Botan hesitated before she shook her head. "Why didn't you tell me about my mother? Did you think I couldn't handle it?" Hiei didn't respond. "Was she really the queen? Really human?"

"Queen Atsuko was human," Hiei replied. "Raizen fell in love with her and wed her without thinking of the consequences."

Consequences? What consequences?

"Yomi knew she was a weakness to him."

Botan nodded, understanding. Hiei approached her, but Botan felt unease enter her heart. She couldn't figure out why. Hiei was with her, so she was safe. Then, her mate did something completely out of character. He grabbed her from behind her head and crashed his lips to hers in a bruising kiss out in public where anyone could see them. It surprised Botan, but not as much as Hiei melting and morphing into something else entirely.

The demon from my dream! Botan panicked. She pushed herself away, but the grip of the villain tightened around her. He snickered against her and then knocked her out completely.

A/N: Oh no! Botan got kidnapped after all, right after finding out the most shocking news of her life. Her nightmare is about to unfold. Time to see where the chips will fall.

Review Responses

LonelyDreamer7: That's where the modern/fantasy AU part comes it ;) Glad you're enjoying it. By now, I'm sure you'll see tons of development between HB ^_^