Disclaimer: I don't own YYH or the characters

Prompt: Memory

Botan was exhausted. She spent the whole afternoon with her charges. They wanted to play tag at the playground, and Botan found herself engaged in their game. The woman, however, was no longer a child, and she tired much quicker than the children. It was part of the reason she planned to get takeout. She knew how exhausting yet rewarding her time with the kids would be.

She ate long before Hiei arrived home, and so after she delivered his multiple meals, Botan began to ready herself for bed. There was a certain ritual to bed time, and she was ready to pass out. Botan slipped into her bed and curled around her pillow. Her eyes closed, and she was ready to succumb to dreamland.

And then there was a loud and angry knock on her door.

Botan felt her heart seize up, but she forced herself to calm just as quickly. She sat up and quickly donned her slippers. When she made it to the front door and looked out the peephole, she saw Hiei. He looked upset, and so Botan opened her door without question. It stunned her when her neighbor just stormed in and slammed her door shut.

"Do you work at Ruka's Tea Room?"

"What?" Botan blinked, confused by his actions and barely understanding his line of questioning.

Hiei growled and clenched his fists. He practically sneered at her. "Do you work there?" Hiei repeated. "Ruka's Tea Room, Fifth."

Botan nodded dumbly. She didn't know why Hiei grew pale. "I-I do," she verbally confirmed. "W-what's this about, Hiei? I've never seen you—"

"Call out Friday." Hiei's demand left no room for argument or uncertainty.

"Tomorrow?" Botan asked, stunned. "But that's our busiest night. I can't leave Ruka by herself…"

Hiei reigned in his temper, closed his eyes and took a breath. "Botan," he mustered out evenly. "You need to call out tomorrow."

"I can't," Botan tried again.

"You must."

The assertion threw Botan for a loop. She was totally bewildered by Hiei's adamancy that she nodded beside herself.

"I-I don't understand," the woman murmured, "but I do have a sick day stashed away. I'll…I'll use it."

Hiei relaxed immediately when Botan agreed to avoid the restaurant the next day. Hopefully that would assure her safety for the time being. "Don't go anywhere tomorrow," Hiei warned. "Trust me."

He accepted her last confirmatory nod before he abruptly left the apartment. When he closed the door, it was not a loud slam as before. Botan had no idea why Hiei was so worked up about her going into work the next day, but her decision to stay home seemed to relieve her neighbor. Botan never saw so many emotions flicker on someone's face. Whatever Hiei was afraid of, at least she'd given him some peace of mind. Her boss would just need to make do without her for one Friday evening.

Hiei arrived at Ruka's Tea Room early, so it irritated him when time passed. It was 6:15, and Tarukane and Zeru had yet to make an appearance. The agent was seated at Tarukane's table when he arrived, and that idea bothered Hiei more than he cared to admit. How often did Tarukane frequent this place? Had he ever seen Botan? Was she on his radar? For the woman's sake and the sake of his coworker's, he hoped not. If that were the case, there was little Hiei could do to protect his neighbor than put Tarukane away. Unfortunately, with a case as difficult as this, slow and steady won the race. Hiei needed to take his time and not act rashly or else he'd never get the criminal kingpin off the street.

Another ten minutes dragged on, and then Hiei finally heard some commotion up front. He heard a boisterous laugh that grated on his eardrums followed by the voice of Zeru. Hiei schooled his features. They were here. It was time.

"Ah, Hiei, you made it," Zeru greeted with a knowing grin. "Were you waiting long?"

Hiei shrugged nonchalantly. "It's fine," he remarked.

Another deep chuckle came from beside them. "It's good to know you took this seriously. Risho up there said you've been here a while. I got held up with an…errand. I hope you can understand, my boy."

Although Hiei appeared neutral when he shifted his gaze, nothing prepared him for the burning hatred that filled his entire being. He kept the anger off his face, remained stoic in spite of the rage he felt. Hiei was finally face to face with Gonzo Tarukane.

Images were important, as was respect, so Hiei held out his hand. "Mr. Tarukane, a pleasure."

Tarukane grinned conceitedly as he took Hiei's hand and shook it. "The pleasure is all mine, Hiei. You've done good work so far. But we have time to talk shop. Sit and let's order. The food here is to die for."

Hiei sat down as did his two companions. "I take it you've been here before?"

"Yeah," Tarukane replied. "Get the quiche. It's the best."

Hiei gave a curt nod as he picked up the menu. "Noted."

Moments later, a redheaded woman came to the table. She looked quite irritated, and Hiei assumed she had to be the owner, Ruka, who Botan mentioned. Hiei looked away and noticed that Tarukane looked more disappointed than Ruka. At first Hiei wondered if it was the woman's attitude, but his answer came when Tarukane spoke.

"Ah, Ruka, baby," the man cooed. "What's wrong? Is it just you tonight?"

Ruka huffed and tossed her hair back. "Unfortunately."

"Where's my pretty little blue-haired beauty?" The question made Hiei's skin crawl as his earlier concern was proven.

"Botan called out sick tonight, so I've gotta cover her tables. What'll it be tonight, sir?"

Tarukane and Zeru gave their orders. Then, everyone looked to Hiei. "Order up, kid," Tarukane demanded. "It's on me."

"Thank you, Mr. Tarukane," Hiei smoothly mustered out. The agent handed his menu to Ruka. "I'll take a quiche and whatever tea you recommend." Ruka winked at Hiei and took off.

Tarukane noticed the exchange and was amused. "That was nice of you, kid. Giving Ruka the reins like that when she's having such an off day."

Again, Hiei answered with a shrug. "It's not a big deal."

"Actually, it is," Zeru remarked. "As a regular, it's important to us that we keep the staff happy." Zeru regarded Tarukane. "I told you he's modest."

"A good quality to have," Tarukane commended. His expression soured for a moment. "Of course, I'd really rather have my blue-haired beauty waiting on us."

That was the second time Tarukane referred to Botan in this manner. This time, Hiei didn't stay silent. "What does it matter? Who is she? Girlfriend?" Of course, Hiei felt he knew the answer to the last part, but he wanted Tarukane to admit outright what his fascination with Botan was.

Tarukane chortled, and Zeru covered his mouth to stop his laughter. "Nah, kid, nothing like that. I just have a thing for blueheaded ladies. There's just something about them that's so…exotic."

Again, Hiei had to steel himself from the way Tarukane spoke about women, women like his mother and sister, women like his innocent neighbor. "To each their own, I guess."

The criminal snickered. "I like you, kid. You have a fresh attitude, a little rigid, but dedicated. That's why I wanted to meet you. I'll cut right to the chase, Hiei. You've made a reputation for yourself, and your work for me has been nothing short of perfect. That's why I'd like to give you other responsibilities, beyond cleanup duty. Zeru…"

Tarukane gave the floor to Zeru. The blonde met Hiei's gaze and looked pretty darn proud. "The job I gave you the other day. It was a test. Akashi is actually my cousin. He doesn't really have a gambling debt. We just use him when we want to test the loyalty of new recruits. He said you passed with flying colors."

Hiei didn't let his mind linger on the fact that a teacher was enmeshed with a criminal organization, but he would file that tidbit away for later when Tarukane's organization was brought down. "I can't say I like being lied to, but I understand. Glad you approve."

Tarukane smirked. "I'd like for you to take on some of Zeru's responsibilities. I need his help with another business venture of mine. It will take away time from collecting debts and dealing with clients like Ura. I need someone to oversee the lower level so to speak."

This was too good to be true. Hiei was being offered a very big role in the organization, one that would normally take years to achieve. He'd only been working for Tarukane for months. There was no way careful, brutal Tarukane was awarding an outsider a power position and trusted seat. He had to know something.

"What's the catch?" Hiei countered evenly.

His genuine question causes Tarukane to burst out into laughter once more. He looked to Zeru. "I love this guy." He looked at Hiei. "There's no catch, kid. Honestly, I've needed Zeru's assistance for a while, but I couldn't find a suitable replacement. That's why we've had you involved with some of the messier cases. Needed to see how you'd react and if you'd screw me in the long run. But you're just as stone cold as your reputation indicated. I'm impressed. Just keep following orders and sooner or later you may be helping me with my more lucrative wares."

As bothered by that last remark as Hiei was, he knew this was by far the most perfect opportunity to get closer to Tarukane. The kingpin seemed pretty pleased with Hiei's performance. If Hiei continued to ingratiate himself with Tarukane, then he might learn more about where the bastard was keeping all those women, the 'wares' he referred to. This meeting yielded more good than anything else, including the knowledge and warning that his innocent neighbor was in the criminal's sights.

"Then I accept," Hiei replied confidently. "Just tell me what you need me to do."

Tarukane grinned at Hiei and said, "For now, just enjoy the meal." The man slid a black phone to Hiei, most likely a pre-paid. "Just make sure you keep this on you. If I need you to take care of any business, I'll send you the details on this."

Hiei took the phone and placed it in his pocket. His steady gaze returned to his target. "I'll be ready."

Satisfied with his answer, Tarukane and Zeru continued to talk shop about some of Tarukane's business rivals and ventures. It turned out Tarukane owned a couple of casinos in nearby locations. Most of the men who borrowed money from the criminal either were involved with drugs Tarukane's men provided or gambling in Tarukane's own casinos.

Makes sense why he wouldn't want to off the gamblers, Hiei pondered. They give the money right back to him and still have to make up the debt.

Ruka returned to their table with the food, and the shop talk ended. Hiei ate his meal and forced his expression to remain neutral. The food was decent, but Hiei noted that there was a difference in the taste from the food Botan brought home. Hiei realized that Botan must do more than just waitress. He wondered if Ruka knew that and if that was why she was so angry Botan was not there.

Later, Hiei returned home. He tossed the phone Tarukane gave him unceremoniously on the nightstand. Then, he took out his own secret line and texted Yusuke to warn him Botan was already in Tarukane's sights, a target. As Hiei expected, his colleague flipped out. A sigh escaped him as he responded.

We'll just have to keep an eye on her, Hiei interjected. Patrol the area more. Tell Kurama to close his damn grocery store early to deter her from going after work.

How did he even find her?!

How Tarukane found any of the women he did was still beyond Hiei. All he knew was the vile man needed to be brought down. He was getting closer, so Yusuke and his team just needed to keep an eye on things as he completed his mission. Hopefully, Tarukane would not attempt to strike at Botan anytime soon.

Hiei practically tore his shirt off of him and tossed it to the hamper. He discarded his crummy jeans and glowered at his reflection. An inexplicable anger welled up within him when he thought about dinner. He should be thrilled that he cleared another hurdle with Tarukane, but a fire burned within him when his mind wandered back to the words 'my pretty little blue-haired beauty'.

As the words ran through Hiei's head, he couldn't help the disturbing thought that Tarukane once thought of both his mother and sister that way. As Hiei learned more and more about his parents from his sister, Rui, and Shiori, he ascertained that the two women were so similar. Like Botan they were bleeding hearts who were naïve and caring, innocent, untainted. Hiei's mother and sister were both free-spirited like that before facing Tarukane's horrors. The agent would be damned if he let another join them. Part of it was out of loyalty to Yusuke and the others, but deep down Hiei knew there was a part of him that was bothered by this notion. He felt sick as his stomach churned at the idea of Botan specifically being brought into the horror of the underbelly of the city.

There was a knock on the door, and Hiei flinched. He had no doubt that it was Botan. Earlier, he was so brusque with her and gave her no inclination as to why he demanded she stay home. Hiei learned early on that his neighbor was a curious one. A sigh escaped him before he grabbed a pair of sweatpants and threw them on.

Hiei whipped his door open. Botan stood on the other side with a plate of cookies and one of her fists raised. Her eyes widened at the site of him before her cheeks dusted red. She averted her eyes but sheepishly snuck a peek at him again. For a moment, the agent wondered what his neighbor was thinking. Hiei was never one to be self-conscious, but the shy and innocent way she drank in the sight of him made him question answering the door shirtless.

"Um," Botan awkwardly hummed. "I…made these cookies for you." She held out the plate.

Hiei was taken aback when he saw the iced oatmeal cookies. Those were the kind of cookies Yukina always made, a recipe their mother and her friend Rui made for high school bake sales. The icing kind of looked like snow. According to their mother's friend, winter was Hina's favorite season. It was bitter irony that the woman was murdered in the wintertime.

Botan waited for Hiei to take the plate. Once he did, she made to leave, but Hiei grabbed her wrist to stop her. "What are these for?" he asked.

His neighbor blushed again but cleared her throat and put on a smile. "Well, I'm not sure why you wanted me to call out of work today," Botan began, "but I know you were worried about me for some reason. So…whatever it is, thank you. I appreciate your concern for me."

Hiei sobered, his form rigid as she beamed at him. He looked to the plate of cookies in his one hand and glowered at it with confusion. There was no need to thank him, especially when Botan was completely unaware of the circumstances. Still, it was a nice gesture, and Hiei found himself wanting her company, against his better judgement. As soon as the thought hit Hiei, he assured himself it was just for the sake of the woman's safety.

"Stay," he ordered, although his voice lacked the curt tone he usually used. Botan seemed surprised. He looked at her offering. "There's too many here to eat."

It was a paltry excuse, but Botan didn't seem to mind. Her smile never left her face and became more genuine as she entered his apartment. Hiei set the dish on his wobbly kitchen table and retreated to his room to grab a shirt.

The two sat in his living room together eating the cookies Botan made in a comfortable silence. Hiei forced himself to keep the pleasure these treat brought him off of his face. They tasted quite a bit like Yukina's recipe with a hidden flair Hiei couldn't describe. Now that he knew that the woman was close to Yusuke and Koenma, it wouldn't surprise him if it was an adaptation of his and Yukina's mother's recipe.

"Do you like the cookies?" Botan asked, her voice soft as if she were trying not to break the peace surrounding them.

"They remind me of my mother's," Hiei remarked beside himself. When the words left his mouth, he realized what he just admitted. He never revealed anything personal about his true life to the woman prior to that moment. There wasn't anything more he could do about it but follow through with the thought. "They were her favorite."

Botan's lips curved; she seemed overly satisfied with his answer. "That's really sweet. Were you two close?" Hiei's jaw ticked as his teeth clenched. Botan noticed the hesitation flicker in her neighbor's eyes. "Uh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was a sore—"

"You're fine," Hiei muttered. "It was my fault for my response. My mother died when I was an infant. Her recipe is still in the family."

"I'm so sorry," Botan empathized, a kindness in her touch as she placed her hand on his. "I'm glad you still have that connection to her." Hiei shrugged and said nothing more as he took another bite of the cookie, abruptly shutting down the topic.

It should have bothered Hiei how much the cookies warmed him to his core. Even more so, alarm bells should have sounded when Hiei realized being in the woman's presence was strangely calming despite the situation they were both in. The last thread should have been cut the moment Botan leaned into him and rested her head against his chest.

It didn't end then, Hiei recalled as he had Botan wrapped in his arms. He knew exactly how he got here, in her bed, protecting her from her own fear. From that night where Botan brought him the cookies, she started to spend more time with Hiei in the safety of her apartment. From the communication with Yusuke, Hiei knew that their group was looking out for Botan. Kurama would drive the woman home from his little store setup. But Botan was still as independent as ever and didn't know the dangers that awaited her if she were ever alone at night. It was important to keep her engaged in the relative safety of his or her apartment, so Hiei allowed her to indulge. He still kept very quiet about who he truly was for the sake of his mission.

It put him in the position to save her tonight and act as her guardian of sorts. He'd never been more thankful that he was in the right place at the right time. What Botan thought was a mugging was really an abduction setup by Tarukane. Even more damning was that the woman's attacker was Zeru. It was a good thing Hiei took him out when he did, because once Zeru saw him Hiei knew his cover was blown. At least after he knocked the bastard out, Yusuke was able to take Zeru into custody so there was no risk of Tarukane finding out.

Something didn't sit well about how the evening played out. It was like the second the woman was alone, the kingpin struck. One would assume Tarukane was having Botan followed, but Hiei had not seen anyone around their area who worked for Tarukane. Now that he was so enmeshed in the organization, he knew what to look for. There was nothing that indicated that Botan was being watched. That only meant the blind date, and subsequently Zeru's attack, was either a coincidence or a setup.

Botan hummed in her sleep, a peaceful smile on her lips as she snuggled deeper into Hiei. Hiei's hardened brow slackened as he breathed out a heavy sigh. He wasn't going to get his answers tonight about what happened. Nothing could change what happened. Tomorrow was up in the air. All Hiei could do tonight was keep his promise and stay with the woman. He closed his eyes as he decided that was exactly what he was going to do.

A/N: Yay! Finally connected the chapters to the first scene. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, as much as anyone can when evil jerks are involved. I hope the fluff made up for that. Now we can really dive into this thing :D

Review Responses

ReaperDemon: He's definitely getting closer, but not in the big leagues yet. It's unfortunate Botan is already on Tarukane's radar. Of course he cares, though is it part of duty or something more. I'll let you decide. Lol, thanks. Glad you liked the use of Akashi. It surprises me that Iwamoto stayed around in the series but Akashi disappeared. I wonder if he got fired from messing with Kuwabara's exam.

Deepsea: You may be right, but how will that meeting go, I wonder. Botan is definitely a curious one. But will it be her curiosity or her heart that gets her into trouble?

selene5: Well, hopefully by now you're all caught up :) I'm trying to play catch up myself. Hope you're enjoying the story!