Disclaimer: I don't own YYH or the characters

And here it is. Last day of Hiei x Botan Week! I hope everyone enjoys the chapter. Just remember, you can see the clothing models on my Tumblr account, and all images came from the phone game "Time Princess". If you need some good reads and interactive storybooks, I highly recommend the game. I love it!

Day 7: Last Words/Bells/Sexual Tension

As her nightmares kept telling her, Botan awoke in a cave. It was exactly like how it happened in her dreams, and that terrified Botan. Knowing she was part-demon/part-psychic, Botan realized that her nightmares must have been visions all along. She must have inherited them from her mother, and her mother must have known and told her the story of the Lumos to keep Botan calm. The woman passed away before Botan was even a teenager. Perhaps Queen Atsuko meant to tell her daughter, but she died before she could.

The princess was still reeling from the truth. She couldn't believe that Yomi would want to hurt Raizen so bad that he'd take his mate and child away from him. It was this third demon lord's fault that Atsuko was brought to a faraway land and sold to King Enma. The Reikai king most likely bought her to be his wife. It was unbelievable, but it all added up, including the way Enma treated Atsuko through their marriage and Botan through her life. He truly did not value Botan as a daughter because she wasn't his daughter. The princess was Raizen's daughter. It came as both a relief and a concern to Botan. Why did Enma never tell her?

There was nothing but darkness surrounding her. It was that same blackness; nothing surrounded her but the dank heat. If she listened, she truly could hear a water source. At least she got that information right when she told her friends about her nightmare. Maybe they could narrow her location down.

Where am I, though? Botan asked herself. She had closed and opened her eyes, hoping to get used to the darkness, but she may as well have kept them shut for it was like looking into a void. It was also really hot, and steam danced around her. The princess wondered if she should remove her poncho.

"Welcome, princess," a hiss reached the woman's ears. "The master hopes the accommodations are to your liking." A sickening, cruel laugh rang out in the room, but still the princess could see nothing. Then, the woman felt something sliver around her legs to trap her.

"A-ah!" Botan shrieked.

Her captor chortled once more. "No one can hear you. Not the king, nor your 'friends'." He sneered the word with disgust. "You belong to us now. And we'll never let you go."

As the cad sinisterly snickered, the princess felt a pang of fury in her heart. This cruel monster wanted to take her away from her friends, her family, again! She would not let this stand. Botan wasn't scared; she was furious.

"Show yourself, demon," the princess shouted.

The creature came into the light, and it had to be the scariest thing Botan ever saw in her life. Of course, she'd seen it many times before, but its presence was nothing compared to just flashing pictures in her head. The formless mass of black with its strangely muscular build stood before her, and Botan could make out the silhouette. The sound of melting liquid and the smell of decay accompanied him. Still, Botan could only feel rage.

"My friends will find me. I trust them."

The demon didn't seem bothered. He was more amused than anything else. "You are free to believe that if you'd like, but Lord Yomi has no intention of letting you go. You're the key to our victory."

"That isn't information you should give your captive."

Botan felt relief hearing her mate's voice, and she looked in the direction his voice came from. She could make him out a little bit, his body surrounded by a familiar glow, his aura. "Hiei," she breathed out like an answered prayer. "I knew you'd come."

Her stoic lover looked over to her and let his eyes rove her body, probably to make sure she was unharmed. When he was satisfied, his attention shifted back to the demon villain. "Your 'lord' better say his prayers. I'm taking the woman, now. You will not stand in my way."

Faster than lightning, Hiei launched to attack the monster who captured the princess. Dark flames surrounded him, and Botan was pushed back from the force of the demons' clash.

"Ah!" she exclaimed, but she caught herself on the rocks behind her. Botan turned to face the battle but couldn't see a thing. Hiei cried out, probably hit like he was in her nightmares. "Hiei!" she cried out his name.

"I'm fine," Hiei shot back hurriedly. "Stay put."

Botan could hear grunts from both demons as they continued to fight in the void, as well as the swish of a sword. She knew that had to be Hiei's blade. Hiei's sword slashed so quickly, Botan didn't see it strike. She could only see blue flames surround the blade. The princess wondered what the difference was between the two flames, but now was not the time to ask.

A straggled cry left the other demon as it fell, lethally injured. Hiei stood above the creature with eyes full of anger and hatred. Botan could see the blue flames reflected in her mate's eyes. She was relieved he was okay.

"You underestimated me once you injured me," Hiei growled. "That was a mistake that cost you your life. Any last words?"

"Makai will be Yomi's whether he kills the princess now or later," the demon retorted mockingly.

Anger flared through Hiei; he yelled out as he stabbed the creature through its head. The adrenaline quickly wore off and Hiei fell. Botan shouted his name again and raced over to him; the coils that wound around her legs released her. She moved to touch him and saw worry flash in the demon's eyes.

"Don't!"

It was too late as Botan's hands touched the spot she remembered from her nightmares. Even though she couldn't see it, she felt warm blood pour on her hands. All of a sudden, energy pulled out of her body, and she fell against her mate, weak. Hei sighed and wrapped his arms around Botan.

"I had a feeling you'd be a healer like her," Hiei muttered against Botan's cheek. "I tried to warn you so that this wouldn't happen."

"Why am I so sleepy and heavy?" Botan asked. Hiei seemed to have the answers to everything.

"I was injured, and your touch healed me, but you have no control over it right now," he told her. "It drained you of your energy. You will be fine after you rest."

"Hiei…"

"Sh," he whispered. "Rest. When you wake up, we'll be back at the fortress. You're safe now."

Outside, though, Botan could hear shouting and clashing, like others were fighting. "What about—?"

"Rest," Hiei said again. "You are the priority right now. I need to get you home, to safety."

Botan weakly nodded and allowed herself to drift off as Hiei lifted her in his arms. She could make out a battle raging outside the cave, saw flashes of green and blue that she assumed were Yusuke and Kuwabara. Maybe there was more to her nightmares than she originally thought. As she fell deeper into slumber, Botan knew deep down that everything was going to be okay.

When Botan awoke, it was sunset. She awoke in her room and saw Hiei standing across the room, leaned against a wall. Yusuke was by her bedside on her right, and Raizen was on her left. Kuwabara came in with Yukina, and he and Kurama were discussing the battle. No one noticed that Botan woke up, but when the princess looked to her mate, his eyes widened, and he uncrossed his arms and stood tall. His slight movement alerted everyone.

"Botan," Raizen breathed out in relief. "Thank God you're all right."

"L-Lord…" Botan paused and shook her head. "Raizen, I mean…oh, what do I call you now."

Raizen smiled at his daughter. "Anything you wish, my child," he assured her. "I'm just so relieved you're unharmed."

"We thought you stormed off to your room," Yusuke told her, voice laced with guilt. "We didn't think you would…" Botan could tell Yusuke struggled to say the word 'leave'.

"I wasn't trying to leave," she told her friend…her brother. "I just…it was so overwhelming, I didn't think. I don't even know how I ended up at the river."

"I'm sorry, my daughter," Raizen murmured. "This is my fault. I was so certain telling you would hurt you, and I didn't want you to have the added burden while your life was in jeopardy."

"It's okay," Botan assured the man. "I…I understand. Just, I don't get it. How did this all happen? Why?"

"Yomi wanted to wreck Dad's spirit," Yusuke told Botan. "Dad's kind of the strongest out of the three demon lord's, and Yomi wanted to weaken him. Plus, Mom could see things, gave Dad warnings about what to do and what not to do. It made them unbeatable, and Yomi wanted to win."

"What does Yomi want?" Botan groaned. "Like, what's his end goal?"

"He wants to 'unify' Makai under one rule," Raizen explained, "which is a fancy way of saying that he wants to instill the old laws. Makai used to be a horrible, cruel place. We demons fed upon humans until we realized that there were other food sources. After I fell in love with a human, I could never cause harm. I wanted peace. Mukuro wanted chaos until she experienced the peace. Yomi…he just wants the worlds to go back to how they were. The demons who follow him want to return to feeding on humans."

Botan cringed but said nothing. Up to a month ago, she didn't even think humans existed. This Yomi just sounded so evil. He truly was to take her mother away from her home. Then, Botan remembered something. "Mom…she always seemed so sad when she talked about leaving her home," Botan relayed. "I know she missed it here, missed you."

Raizen sent his daughter a bittersweet smile. "Even so, she raised a hell of a daughter. I'm just so happy to have you here."

The princess was overcome by emotion. She shot out of bed and wrapped her arms around her father. He hugged her tightly and allowed Botan to sob against his chest. This was all she ever wanted, a father who loved her and cherished her and was proud of her, one who didn't make her feel less of herself. She felt another set of arms encircle her and peeked over her shoulder to see Yusuke grinning at her. Botan smiled at her brother. She could see a glimmer of their mother in him. This was her family.

Later that night, Botan snuck out of her room to go to the garden. Hiei left her earlier with her father and Yusuke. The three told stories well into lunch and dinnertime and meals were served in her room. Botan learned that the room really was designed for her. Her sky-painted room was going to be her nursery before Atsuko was taken. It made her feel happy that even when she had no idea who Raizen and Yusuke were to her, they wanted her to feel special and welcome.

Botan looked around the garden and felt her heart leap. Now that she knew that this garden belonged to her mother, the princess understood why it seemed so familiar to her. Her mother must have had some seeds or something with her, or at least made Enma procure them for her. It made sense why her mother was always happiest in her garden.

"I didn't know if you'd come."

Botan turned to see Hiei standing there before her with his head dropped, shoulders slumped, and fists clenched. The princess cautiously approached him and wrapped her hands around his fists. Hiei's grip slackened, and he joined their hands together.

"How did you find me?" Hiei's eyes snapped to hers. "Did you all know I was in Reikai?"

"No," Hiei admitted. "We had no idea when we came to negotiate with Enma that you would be there. We knew he had a son and daughter and nothing else."

Botan grew fearful. "If you didn't know, how did Yomi send an attacker?"

"There was a spy in the convoy," Hiei growled. "He recognized your mother's gown. We all did."

"So, everyone knew and no one told me?" Botan asked, incredulous.

Hiei shook his head. "It wasn't like that," he admitted. "We suspected, but we didn't know truly until the attack. We were all suspicious about how Enma treated you."

The princess paled. "You think he knew?"

"It's possible," Hiei remarked as he took Botan in his arms. "It doesn't matter anymore, though. You know the truth. His decisions no longer affect you."

Botan wished she could agree with Hiei, but she was still affected by everything. She had to tell her brother the truth, couldn't just hide away here in the Makai forever. "I eventually have to go back," Botan tentatively remarked. Hiei's energy flared, and Botan met his gaze. "Koenma needs to know the truth, and I left some things behind of Mom's that I want."

Hiei relaxed after Botan's explanation. "That's understandable," he replied. "After all, Koenma is yours and Yusuke's half-brother. He should know the truth of what happened."

There was a moment of silence—aside from the waterfall—before Botan asked, "How well did you know my mother?"

Hiei tensed and pulled Botan closed to him as they sat on the ground underneath the Lumos tree. "After…after my people abandoned me, I was mostly on my own. Like Raizen said, the Makai was not a kind place to the weak. I had to learn to survive, became a thief and killer to protect myself and to be what my people condemned me to be. I was still a child when Raizen found me, alone. He saw something in me that I don't yet see, and he brought me back here. Yusuke and I became rivals. Actually, before he ever fought Kuwabara and joined the army. Your mother…I was wary of her at first because of where I came from, but she always regarded me with patience and care.

"I used to come to this garden. Being outside…it was what I was used to," Hiei continued. "I used to sleep in trees for cover, and it was a challenge to get used to the comfort a true home offered. Whenever I came, I'd run into Atsuko. She told me stories about the spirits who lived in the trees she planted, the Lumos. When you told me about them…that was all the proof I needed that night. Atsuko said the Lumos brought her peace when her visions threatened to consume her."

"Visions?" Botan asked.

Hiei nodded. "Her psychic ability…and yours."

Botan suspected when her dreams became reality, but she never realized she'd inherited so much from her mother. Her mother never left her, was a part of her forever. The princess realized that it was why everyone kept interrogating her and asking her all those questions about the cave. They suspected she shared her mother's gift and wanted to know how to protect her and find her.

The princess leapt at Hiei, and his arms awkwardly wrapped around her. She sobbed her pain and grief out against him, and he held her as she hugged him tightly. All of this new information was overwhelming. As joyful as Botan felt finding her family and true home, she had no idea where to go from here. There was a fear inside her about what was to come, if Yomi would get her, what Enma knew…if she would have to deal with any of it alone.

Hiei chuckled and ran his hand through Botan's hair. "Everything will be fine," he reassured her. "I have you, and I will never let you go."

Botan laughed through her sobs and pulled away only to plant a kiss on her mate's lips. Her fingers gently met his skin and danced against his cheeks. The fire demon deepened the kiss and the two fell to the ground, the grass a bed below them. The rays of the Makai sun beat down on them and warmed their bodies and souls.

Unbeknownst to Botan, when Hiei took her from the cave, the battle that raged outside was between Yomi's army and the combined forces of Raizen's and Mukuro's. The two armies overtook Yomi's men and women, and Yomi was defeated. The third king offered his official surrender. This came as a relief to Botan. It meant she didn't have to hide away anymore, that she could return to Reikai.

Of course, she had no plans to resume her life there. She was already mated to Hiei, so the matter of her betrothal was a moot point. She only wanted to go back to confront her 'father' and denounce her right to the throne. Her hope was to collect her mother's belongings, negotiate relations for her and Yusuke to see their half-brother whenever they wanted, and to transport her mother's luminous plants to the Tourin garden.

Botan packed her bags, ready to make the trip back to Reikai. She felt strong arms snake around her waist and a head against her shoulder. Hiei breathed in her scent and rubbed her sides. "How do you feel?" he asked her.

The princess was touched by her lover's consideration. Hiei understood Botan's mixed feelings about returning to what used to be her home. After much consideration, Botan deduced that King Enma obviously had to know she wasn't his daughter. Atsuko was brought to him while pregnant. According to Raizen, the woman had been fairly far along, enough to show and to be able to tell the baby would be a girl. It was most likely the reason Enma never tried to connect with Botan and why he wanted to marry her off like some prized swine to whomever would benefit him the most.

The joke was on him for Botan now knew the truth. Enma had no legal claim on her. Her father was a kind and loving soul who would back her no matter what. Timid Botan no longer existed. Confident Makai Princess Botan stood in her wake. She looked to her closet full of clothing King Enma would never approve of. She smiled. It was her intent to march into Reikai and make a stand to defend who she was.

Botan pulled away from Hiei and moved to her closet. Her mate watched her with curious yet amused eyes. It was as if he knew what she intended to do, and most likely he did. Her eyes lit up, her lips curved into a wicked grin, and she grabbed a gown from her closet and spun around with it.

"I'm going to make sure Enma regrets what he's done," she replied to her mate. Hiei signaled his approval when he pounced on her and connected their mouths.

Raizen's convoy arrived in Reikai unannounced. It both relieved and angered Enma. The discourtesy of their arrival was overshadowed by the return of Princess Botan to Reikai. Because of his daughter's return, Enma was prepared to contact Lord Otake so that his son could marry the princess by the end of the night and secure their alliance.

What no one in Reikai expected was for the princess to march into her father's throne room with her head held high and an entourage of soldiers around her. Raizen and Yusuke glared hatefully at the king, and one of the soldiers, the one who danced with Botan the day of the Reikai ball, stood beside the princess as her equal.

Fury lit Botan's eyes. Her arms swung back and forth as she marched up to the king. Defiantly, she placed her hands on her hips and gave the man an admonishing look. Her regal aura was supported with a pale blue, spaghetti strap dress adorned with beautiful pink flowers and ornate streaks of white. Sheer streamers adorned her arms and shoulders and cascaded down to the floor. She wore the necklace Hiei gave her as well as her mother's bracelet, and a pair of heels created from the vines of the Lumos tree, a pair her mother had left behind in Makai.

"I hope you're happy," Botan challenged the king.

Enma was furious as he observed his daughter and her obstinance. "Do not take that tone with me in the court, young lady. What is this about, and what the hell are you wearing?"

"Lord Yomi of the Makai had Raizen's mate kidnapped by a slave trader," Botan orated. "Tell me, 'Father', did you ask the slaver where he got Mother before you paid him?"

Gasps and whispers arose in the court. Koenma paled and looked between his father and Botan. "Father? Is this true?"

King Enma grew tense and fumed. His face turned beat red and his fists clenched in his rage. He shot Raizen an accusatory glance. "How dare you spread such lies to my daughter?"

Raizen crossed his arms, and although his body language remained casual and unthreatening, there was a dangerous glint reflected in his eyes. Botan knew how angry the man was at King Enma, how disgusted he was, and she knew her father would rather tear this wretched man to pieces than let Botan handle this, but he still let his daughter take the reins and trusted her judgment. That meant more to Botan than anything.

"They aren't lies," Botan calmly stated. "I am of the Makai, half-human, half-demon. Queen Atsuko was Lord Raizen's mate, his wife. When she was pregnant with me, she was taken. You knew. That's the only explanation as to why Lumos plants were brought here. You knew of her past, of her visions, and you still kept her here against her will. You kept me here without giving me the choice to explore the truth of who I was. Yomi attacked me because I share Mother's gift of foresight. He would have killed me if not for my real father, my brother, our friends, and most importantly my mate."

Botan took Hiei's hand, and the demon returned her grip. He squeezed her hand, reassurance that she was doing well as she faced the Reikai ruler. Enma noticed the action; his eyes narrowed into slits as he stood up abruptly from his throne."

"What treachery is this?" he spat. "You slept with a demon when you knew you were betrothed to another?"

Botan rolled her eyes. She was about to reply and tell the king he had no right to auction her off in the first place, but another beat her to it. "You're the traitor!" Koenma snapped. He rose and squared off against the king. "You were going to marry Botan off to a noble knowing full well she wasn't of Reikai blood. Furthermore, she is the daughter of one of our allies." Koenma met Raizen's gaze, an apology in his expression. Raizen nodded to him, indicating no hard feelings. The prince then faced the nobles in the court. "You are all dismissed. We have a family matter to discuss. Guards!"

A few Reikai soldiers entered the throne room and looked to their prince. They were surprised to see their prince so menacing. "Y-yes sire?" one murmured.

"George, I order to you to arrest the king."

The soldiers were all perplexed, but they approached and surrounded the king. George nervously recited the king's rights, but Enma barely cared. "Enough of this! You will not arrest me. I am king!"

"Not anymore," Botan replied, her arms crossed as she regarded the man she once called 'Father' with disappointment. "You did business with evil, and now you'll have to suffer the consequences of those actions. Mom's soul can finally be at rest."

Enma glared at Botan, highly bothered by her impudence. Before he could say anything more, he was hauled away by his own men. When the king was no longer in the throne room, Koenma sighed and turned to his sister and the others.

"I am truly sorry," Koenma apologized. He placed his hands on Botan's arms and she let them release. Her brother stroked her arms and looked her up and down. "Especially to you. I had no idea… If I'd known, I would have…"

Botan smiled at Koenma and hugged him. Koenma held her tightly. "You always tried to fight for me," Botan reminded him, "and because of that, I will always know I can trust you."

Koenma seemed surprised, especially when Yusuke approached them and threw his arms around both his siblings. "What she said. The alliance still stands, because of all of us, because of Mom."

The brunet prince nodded and clapped his hand on Yusuke's shoulder. "Because of Mom," he agreed, "and because of our amazing sister."

Botan adjusted to her new life like a fish to water. With her safety ensured—along with her friends, mate, and brother teaching her self-defense and how to access her spirit energy—Botan could enter and exit the fortress without a bodyguard. Sometimes she opted to bring someone along with her for protection, but most of the time she wandered around in peace, alone, to reflect on the turn her life had taken.

She could walk freely in the streets of her kingdom. Oftentimes, she was greeted kindly by her people. The marketplace was always lively and welcoming. Botan loved to take in the sites, visit vendors, listen to people's life stories. Today was no different. Street performers littered the streets. Kids ran around, excitement evident in their eyes. A group of tikes played with some kind of ball which they kicked around. Everything was peaceful.

A couple food vendors offered Botan samples. Some she graciously accepted; others she waved off. Then, she went to the market square and approached a stone statue, one she hadn't seen until Yusuke decided to bring her further once she learned the truth. It was a dedication from the people—both human and demon—who were thankful to the Tourin rulers for the security he offered them. It was a statue of her father and mother, standing together. Stone Raizen had an arm wrapped around Atsuko's visage, a kind smile adorned his face, and his other hand remained on a hilt of a sword stabbed into the ground below them. The stone queen held a warmth as she gazed into her lover's eyes, hands cupped the warrior's face, and various plants and flowers were carved around her.

The first time Botan saw this statue, tears filled her. Even now, she grew misty. The princess touched the stone and smiled despite her watery eyes. She looked to her mother and whispered two words.

"I'm home."

Later, the princess dressed up in a lovely gown that was dyed red and various shades of blue. It hugged her figure tastefully in that light material that made it feel like a second skin. Golden roses adorned her middle, and her shoulders were also covered in gold which gave way to light-blue, chiffon streamers. She wore her two most favorite pieces of jewelry and added her rose drop earrings and her mother's wedding ring. She lightly dusted her makeup and smiled at her appearance.

Botan loved to dress herself, not that she didn't miss Ayame, but the news that Ayame and her brother grew closer and married after she left made the separation bearable. She would still see her friend, now sister-in-law, again. It was a good thing King Enma was locked up for good or else that marriage would have been the last thing to happen.

The princess shook thoughts of her former 'father' out of her mind. Tonight wasn't about him; it was about her. Botan tied the back of her hair together, only taking a few tendrils and clipping them with a golden flower barrette.

She took off for the garden and found Hiei already there in his most formal clothing. He'd set up a picnic blanket and several of her favorite dishes. His gaze met hers the instant she set foot in the garden; her breath hitched. She joined him at their meeting spot.

These clandestine meetings still continued even though everyone knew Hiei and Botan were together. Their family teased them about it but approved. Hiei had been wary of Raizen's reaction, but the proud father clapped his hand on Hiei's shoulder and said, "Congratulations, son." Botan remembered the confusion of her mate and his dazed stare into space after Raizen so graciously accepted him as one of his own. Hiei really didn't know what to do with that. He was still learning to accept that he could be loved so deeply by Botan. It overloaded him that night.

But not tonight. Tonight was the night the Lumos would come out and dance around the garden. Apparently, there was more truth to Atsuko's stories that Hiei shared with Botan. The two watched the magic unfold in silence. One of the spirits found Botan and moved around her. The heat of its energy moved over Botan's skin and tickled her. The princess giggled, and the sprite returned to its friends. Botan's joy filled her, a satisfied and excited grin graced her as she sat with her legs folded underneath her. She leaned into Hiei, and he wrapped his arm around her.

"It's beautiful," she told him. "How did you know that tonight…?"

"Your mother always brought me out here on the night of the new moon," he explained. "When the land is completely shrouded in darkness, the Lumos give their light to it. I never understood their importance, despite Atsuko's stories, but I understand now. They bring light to the darkness." His heated gaze snapped to Botan, and she nearly fell back. "Just like the two of you."

Hiei crashed his lips to Botan, and she fell back on the blanket. His body covered hers, and she could feel every inch of his hard muscle. Her fingers found purchase on his shoulders, and they tentatively grazed his shoulder blades. Hiei hissed as his eyes closed. His head moved back before he stared down at Botan with an indescribable hunger. Botan blushed, the thought of being looked upon in such a way stirring her from within. The two ran their hands gently on one another, and Hiei's snaked up her dress and traced circles on the skin of her stomach.

Botan gasped at the sensation, felt hot and like her clothes were threatening to constrict and consume her. Hiei's other hand traced the sternum right below her neck and trailed to her bosom. He touched the silk of her dress and gave his hand pause right below her heart. Botan could hardly breath, especially when her lover's eyes never left her.

"Princess…" Hiei breathed out.

A knock on the door shattered the illusion, and Botan yelped as she rolled off her couch. She hit the floor kind of hard, dropped her phone, and rubbed her back. Although she'd been waiting for dinner, Botan didn't expect the intrusion during such a heated, intense, and dare she say steamy moment of the game. Botan fanned herself to try to cool herself. What the heck kind of reaction was that to a game anyway?

Apparently, she didn't answer the door fast enough for the pizza delivery guy rang her doorbell. Her cheeks puffed in irritation. "Just a minute!" she called out with a slight bite. So impatient. Hmph!

Botan got up from the floor and dusted herself off before she moved to her door and opened it. She was prepared to give the pizza guy a piece of her mind, but her voice got caught in her throat. She could hardly breathe when she saw a familiar face at the door.

"Hiei?" she shouted in disbelief. He looked exactly like the character in the game, and that was enough to make Botan gawp like a fish. "Wh-what are you doing here?" she nervously sputtered as she went to get the money.

Hiei quirked an eyebrow as he stared at the strange woman. "Do I know you?"

Botan blushed as she thought about the story she'd been playing throughout the whole week and where she'd just left off. Her cheeks heated. Quickly, she took the pizza and handed him the money. Hiei crossed his arms and looked off to the side, eyes cast downward, and bashful…just like her prince.

The woman shook her head and attempted to rid herself of fantasy images. Hiei didn't leave right away. He seemed perplexed and caught off-guard. To try to alleviate the awkward tension she felt, Botan attempted some small talk.

"So…how is it…selling pizzas?"

As she said the last part, her voice lilted higher because she questioned her own conversation skills at the moment. After the words left her, though, Botan cringed and felt like she should have remained silent.

Hiei looked to Botan and shrugged indifferently. Botan was surprised when he awarded her an answer. "It's all right." Botan swallowed nervously. His voice was exactly the same as in the game. Then, Hiei surprised her when he asked, "Aren't you that girl from my literature class?"

Botan faltered. "H-huh?"

The delivery guy nodded. "The one who sits at the front of the room and has an ungodly amount of books in that small backpack of yours."

"I…I know you from school?" Botan tried to place him, but she just couldn't. The only Hiei she knew was a character in a game. What the heck was happening?

Hiei shook his head, arms unwrapped from their defensive position over his chest. "I wouldn't say 'know'. You never look to the back of the room, but I see you."

Botan feels her breath hitch as his familiar crimson eyes bore into hers. "Well," she replies, her voice a bit breathy. "It's nice to meet you. Thank you for delivering my pizza."

Hiei smirked, and it did things to Botan…things she could hardly admit her herself. "It's kind of my job," he returned with a chuckle. "You're an amusing woman."

"Ah," Botan called out, but then Hiei turned to leave. She clamored out her door as Hiei walked down the hall. She had to know. "Um, your name. W-what's your name?"

Hiei paused and turned back. He cast her an impish glance. "You already said it. It's Hiei, Botan." At her surprise that he knew her name, Hiei snickered. "The teacher calls on you all the time. See you in class."

And then he was gone.

Botan shook with nerves and stormed back into her apartment. She tossed the pizza on her coffee table and went to pick up her cell phone from the floor. It was still on the game screen, but the sight on her screen threw her for a loop. Her breathing became erratic as she panicked.

On her phone, she saw the prince, but he didn't look the slightest bit like Hiei and he had a different name. Botan's eyes widened in shock, and her mouth gaped open in disbelief.

What the hell just happened?

A/N: What the heck just happened? Well, that's up to your imagination. ;) I hope everyone enjoyed the story for Hiei x Botan Week. It was such a ride to work on it. Let me know what you thought!

Review Responses

MystiKoorime: I love how quickly you caught up. Hoping to do the same for your story next :) I share your fav BxV moment. I actually wasn't thinking of it when I wrote this, but you're so right! Their alone moments are the best. Hiei doesn't know how to do public XD The shopping scenes were fun to write :D We needed some lighthearted before I delved into the meat of the story. I loved writing Raizen too. He was one of my favorite parts of the story. I'm sure you noted in this chapter that the "I see you" line came up again ;) I don't know Bollywood but I'm a sucker for the romance scenes and usual tropes. It's really funny that you thought Chapter 6 was a big one. It was a shorter chapter than the rest, but a ton of stuff happened in it. Yup, no, Botan wasn't just going to sit there and take Hiei's avoidance. I'm really glad you enjoyed all the chapters up til now, and I hope this one didn't disappoint ^_^