Hiei's movements were swift and sharp as his sword sliced through the air faster than the average eye could track. Snatches of the afternoon sun glinted off of his blade, casting blinding flashes of light and undertones of shadows across the empty clearing in the forest.

It was another idyllic day in the human world, and, as far as he knew, nothing had really changed since the start of his probation. Kurama was still playing the pitiful role of the perfect son and student, Yusuke was off on a training stint, Yukina was faring well for herself in this unfamiliar land and the ferry-girl, well, she was a mere few feet away, reading a novel at the base of a cedar tree.

At first he assumed she had come to monitor him at her Prince's command in a futile effort to ensure he didn't do anything malevolent while in the presence of their precious humans. But as she settled down and busied herself with her book, it soon became obvious that this visit was nothing more than a social one: the sort of pointless and frivolous thing a friend would do.

It was odd being alone with the woman. Hiei wasn't used to seeing another person without a goal or purpose driving the interaction. This was entirely new to him and the ferry-girl made it all the more trying with her open and eager attempts at breaching his natural barriers.

He did his best to ignore her inquisitive gaze as it occasionally flitted in his direction. She was far from inconspicuous, but she wasn't exactly interfering, either, so he let her be. He focused on his form and precision as he carried on with blows and parries for the better part of an hour. Shadow training could never compare to the thrill of a challenging battle, but it was just about all he could do to quell the pent up energy coursing through his veins. He was just starting to get into a concentrated zone, when his stomach grumbled loudly enough for the ferry-girl to hear.

"Sounds like someone's hungry," she announced as she closed her book and took a stand. Her bright eyes twinkled with amusement as she dusted herself off and then approached him, "I think I saw squid-on-a-stick on today's menu. It's a huge hit with everyone back home, so I'm sure you'll like it too. What do you say?"

His stomach threatened to grumble again at the mere mention of food. He hadn't eaten all day, so he nodded wordlessly. He wasn't so prideful as to turn down a warm and free meal.

"Excellent!" Botan cheered, before pausing and wrinkling her nose at him. "But first… you should really clean up."

He rolled his eyes at her delicate sensibilities as he sheathed his sword. The ferry-girl didn't bother asking him about how he procured it, but he could see the way her amethyst eyes lingered on the weapon curiously. It wasn't hard to get his hands on things that didn't belong to him. He was raised by bandits, after all.

"You can use my amenities again," Botan offered good-naturedly as they exited the clearing. "It's really no trouble."

He grunted his assent, all the while begrudging the fact that he'd been forced to rely on the woman for basic necessities and the like. As it stood his only acquaintances in this realm were Kurama, Yukina and Botan. Yukina was out of the question for obvious reasons, and Hiei wasn't in the mood to see Kurama yet, not with the bitter taste of defeat still lingering in his mouth. The ferry-girl was his only option left and, luckily, she was more than willing to be of service.

"I bought some new soaps, since you complained about the scent," she continued on. "And I washed the clothes you left from last time with the boring non-scented detergent."

"You didn't need to." Even now, she was still doing more than what was necessary.

"Well, I figured smelling like flowers might ruin your reputation as the big, bad fire-demon," she teased.

Hiei scoffed. "If I truly cared about something as fickle as my reputation, I wouldn't be around you."

"Why, that was almost sweet, Hiei!"

"It wasn't meant to be."

For some reason, that only made her laugh lightly to herself. The woman was a peculiar one, so he pretended not to notice the lift of her features or the increase in her mood as she led them to a portal to the Spirit World.

It wasn't long until he got himself cleaned up and changed into the clothes she'd washed and kept for him. If he was keeping score, the disparity between them would've been a strike against his honor code. Fortunately, all of that was eliminated by her insistence on becoming friends. She seemed content with their arrangement. And if she didn't kick up a fuss about the extra duties she'd willingly taken on, then neither would he.

As they made their way down to the mess hall, Hiei wasn't at all surprised by the disdainful looks and wary glances directed his way. It didn't phase him at all, having been used to this sort of treatment even in his own homeland, but he was a little surprised to see the ferry-girl taking it all in stride. She appeared to be even less affected then he was, her cheer and enthusiasm failing to fade under the weight of everyone's scrutiny. Eventually, she brought him to a secluded table in an empty corner of the room and promised to return shortly with their meals.

Hiei sat down wordlessly. Whispered words of derision, disbelief and bewilderment spread across the room like wildfire. The sea of faces all held similar lines of discontent carved into their stiff expressions as they shot quick glances his way. It was to be expected. Their realms were constantly in direct opposition and therefore their respective people detested each other. Hiei thought all of the spirits to be elitist, hypocritical fools, and he was sure their judgments of demonkind were as equally vitriolic. Coexistence was nothing more than an impossibility, but the ferry-girl didn't seem to realize that.

"I hope you're ready for a culinary experience," she sang as she set a steaming tray of food down before him. "You're in for a real treat!"

Crimson eyes took in the spread of unfamiliar foods laid out before him. The savory scent wasn't unappetizing, so he had no reason to doubt her. He was about halfway through his meal when Botan spoke again.

"It's so quiet today…" she mumbled, doe eyes glancing around the room in confusion. "Usually everyone is a lot livelier than this."

"You should have known that bringing a demon around would unsettle the sensitive and fragile minds of your compatriots," Hiei stated flatly. "Even you can't be that oblivious."

"I had a sneaking suspicion that was the case," she admitted woefully. Concern laced her expression as she fixed her gaze back on him. "Would you prefer to take our meals elsewhere? I certainly didn't bring you all this way to make a spectacle out of you, and the last thing I wanted to do was upset you."

"It takes a lot more than this to bother me, woman."

"Well, that's good!"

"But the fact remains: you were foolish to invite me here at all."

Pink lips pulled into a frown as she pointed her chopsticks at him accusingly. "If you knew it was such a bad idea, then why did you bother coming along in the first place?"

"Because I was hungry and unlike you, I don't concern myself with the opinions or comforts of others."

"Excuse me for trying to foster a little tolerance..." she mumbled under her breath with a huff.

"The realms won't operate on rainbows or sunshine just because you want them to. You may call the two of us friends, but there are many more that would sooner ridicule you for it than commend you."

"That's a terribly negative way to look at things!"

"It's the truth. The three worlds aren't ready for your rose-tinted, idealistic, and unrealistic brand of coexistence."

"Certainly not with that attitude!" she countered, undeterred by his words. Her expression softened as she went on. "We might not be there yet, but one day, we will be. Times are changing. If you refuse to catch up, then you'll only get left behind."

"…"

"Now." Botan turned to face the rest of the room, acknowledging those who'd been listening in on their conversation. "I certainly hope you all enjoyed your eavesdropping, but Hiei and I would appreciate it if you stopped gawking and started minding your own business!"

The onlookers glanced away and broke off into their own jilted conversations, while Hiei bit back the smirk that was edging its way onto his lips. The ferry-girl had gall. He would give her that much.


"Someone certainly seems to approve of human world cuisine," Botan observed, face cradled in her hands as she watched Hiei make quick work of his second bowl of udon. She learned her lesson after bringing him around the Spirit World and opted for more neutral ground in Kaidan's shopping center instead. They sat in a small and homely restaurant, characterized by its lived-in wooden furniture and old photographs. There were only a couple of other patrons scattered around the area, their chatter a low and quiet hum in the background. "Why, I'd even go as far as to say you were enjoying it!"

"It isn't bad," Hiei replied.

Botan's smile widened, pleased that she managed to learn a little more about the taciturn man. In the few days since his release, she'd taken to parsing bits and pieces of information about him in an attempt to discern who he was as a whole.

He seemed to prefer nature to the concrete jungle, most often choosing to frequent the secluded areas of the park and the tallest, sturdiest trees in forests. He tended to be more agreeable at night, which made her think it was his favorite time of the day. And she thought he might like the color red, too, because his eyes always lingered on the blood red sunsets.

It was all speculation on her part, though, as Hiei remained fairly tightlipped and closed off. She could hardly tell what was running through that head of his, especially when he was so averse to stating it aloud. Even so, there was no rush to figure him out. They had plenty of time and she was enjoying the brief respite they were afforded before the real world began.

"I'll see if we can get you some funds so you can do as you please without relying on me," she decided.

"That won't be necessary."

"Why not?"

"I use the jagan when you're not around. Humans are pitifully weak and succumb to it every time."

"Hiei!" she admonished, lowering her voice when an older couple glared at her outburst. "That's illegal!"

"I've done far worse."

She opened her mouth to argue, but quickly deflated when she realized that he made a valid point. The fire-demon wasn't opposed to resorting to violence or worse, so she simply shook her head and sighed. "I suppose the jagan is better than the alternative," she admitted. "Still, I'll put a rush priority on that stipend."

By the time they stepped outside, only faint remnants of twilight remained in the azure sky. Botan half expected the fire-demon to vanish into the night, but he remained in step with her as they traveled down the crowded and busy streets of the shopping district. They must have made quite the pair, Botan with her unnatural coloring and Hiei donned in his signature black cloak. But unlike the downright oppressive reception they received in the Spirit World, nobody in this small human city seemed to care. It was a refreshing turn of events and the ferry-girl welcomed it with open arms.

"So, it's been an entire week of freedom! Has your impression of this world changed yet?" she asked conversationally. "Starting to see its appeal?"

Hiei pushed his hands in his pockets and averted his gaze. "I wouldn't go that far. It may be slightly better than the cell, but it is still a realm of frivolity, oversaturated with weak willed and weak minded humans."

"I don't know, I quite like the change in pace and scenery," she countered. "It's like a perfect little getaway from the madness of the Spirit World."

"Is that why you choose to dress like a human, too?" he asked, tone disparaging as his crimson eyes paused over her jeans and fuschia blouse. "Escapism?"

"That - and their fashion is just lovely." She winked playfully. "But really, there's just so much to do and see here. I'm sure we can find something that suits your fancy, too."

"I doubt that."

"Well, what sorts of things did you do back in Makai?" she asked, stepping closer to the fire-demon in an attempt to avoid the incoming crowd of highschoolers. "You know, for leisure?"

If Hiei had any qualms with their new proximity, he didn't show it. "Sought out strong opponents and relished in the thrill of battle."

"That's what makes you happy?" she balked. "Violence?"

"I wouldn't expect a pacifist ferry-girl to understand," he replied. "But strength and power govern all those in Makai. Without it, you have nothing."

"I see…" she considered with a nod. "And I suppose that strength is what helps you watch over and protect Yukina, too."

His expression darkened tellingly. "It sounds sentimental when you say it like that."

"But that doesn't make it any less true," she stated with a smile. "And, anyway, I think it's good to have a goal to strive towards."

"Then what's your goal, woman?" he asked.

"Me?" she blinked, pointing at herself in surprise. His question caught her so off guard that she stopped walking entirely, causing Hiei to do the same. They stood in front of an arcade, its bright neon lights shining down on them.

"You are the one who started this conversation," Hiei returned.

"I know, it's just… nobody's ever asked me that before…"

"There must be something," he probed. "Aside from peddling human world tourism."

"Hey!" she protested, feature scrunching in distaste. "You make me sound like some sort of weird zealot."

"You do a decent job of that all on your own," he countered. "But you've yet to answer my question."

Botan's gaze shifted away uncomfortably.

"I don't know," she admitted. "I used to think my purpose was fulfilled by the virtue of my existence as a ferry-girl. I've always done my job well and carried out all the duties expected of me. I thought I was doing good in the world; maintaining the balance. But after meeting Yusuke, I started to realize that I've been sheltered and oblivious to the ongoings of life around me." She paused to look back at Hiei once again. His expression was neutral, but not exactly unkind. Washed in the colorful lights of the store front, he seemed so different from the man she first encountered; a far cry from the nearly indomitable enemy in the darkness of the warehouse. "We've been taught such rigid rules about humans and demons and right and wrong, but you've all shattered those notions, over and over again."

"…"

"I suppose what I want is to learn the truth for myself. I want to experience life and the three worlds as they really are and then form my own notions instead of blindly believing in what I've been taught," she stated.

Hiei didn't say a word and she realized she had gone on a monologue.

"You must think I'm strange," she said, an embarrassed flush creeping over her cheeks.

"You are strange," he affirmed, his tone lacking its usual biting edge. "But this changes nothing."

Botan's eyes widened, breath caught in her throat and words lost somewhere between her surprise and gratitude. She fully expected Hiei to insult her character or discourage her idealistic notions, but he simply accepted them without a hint of irony or distaste. It was more than she thought she would ever get from anyone, least of all the fire-demon.

Warm affection stirred in her chest as her features lifted into a slow smile, and for the very first time, Hiei chose not to turn away.

.

.

.

"Say, Hiei?"

He lifted his red eyes to meet hers, a single brow raised in a silent question. They were in the park this time, the evening sun pouring through the cherry blossom trees in fragments of gold as Hiei tended to his sword.

"What would you say your toughest battle was up to date?"

"Why the sudden interest?"

"I'm just curious, is all," she replied lightly. "Your life is so different from mine and I wanted to understand you a bit better."

Hiei didn't speak for a while and she wondered if she'd said something wrong or overstepped her bounds. She was beginning to think the conversation was over entirely, when he finally replied.

"...If you must know, it was a tribe of wolf demons."

"All at once?"

"I was younger and more reckless than I am now," he admitted, sheathing his sword and setting it aside. "I didn't care if I died in the heat of battle. It would've been a warrior's death."

"What changed?"

He raised a brow. "What?"

"Well, you must have gained some self preservation instincts, otherwise you wouldn't be standing here today."

The fire-demon's expression fell into a more guarded look, lips pressed into a stubborn line. "…"

"It was Yukina wasn't it?" she deduced.

His jaw clenched tellingly and Botan raised her hands in defense.

"Sorry, sorry," she backpedaled. "I know you don't want to talk about her, least of all with me."

Hiei remained silent, so she went on.

"In any case, you'll certainly have the chance to face strong opponents here," she guaranteed, hugging her knees to her chest. "Yusuke should be finishing up his training soon. I suspect you boys will finally be going on your first mission any day now. Koenma seems to be in a tizzy over something, but he hasn't divulged anything yet."

His expression lifted just the slightest bit, the corner of his mouth curving into the ghost of a smirk. "It's about time."

"Excited?" she asked.

"It's been far too quiet. I'll relish the opportunity to spill enemy blood."

"You might want to cool it on the bloodlust, mister. Your priority is to defend the human world."

"And I'll do that by disposing of the threats entirely."

"You're very creepy sometimes, you know that?" she blurted out unthinkingly. When she realized what she said, she laughed nervously. "I-I mean, not that that's necessarily a bad thing. I just-"

"It's fine," he cut in dismissively. "I've been called worse."

"So have I," she admitted.

Hiei held her gaze for a beat longer. His features appeared softer under the wash of last vestiges of daylight and she found it hard to look away. They may have been polar opposites, but Botan was starting to realize that they had more in common than she ever would have thought. It was comforting to know that she wasn't always the odd one out and she would have voiced that fact had it not been for her Spirit World certified watch erupting into a series of shrill and loud beeps.

"What is that infernal noise?" Hiei asked.

She silenced the alarm and sent him a sheepish look. "It's one of the spirit detective tools. I programmed it to alert me after an hour, but I didn't realize it was so loud."

"Hn. The Spirit World has never been known for its subtlety."

"But that reminds me…" she paused as she dug through the folds of her kimono to find the item she was looking for. "I could've sworn I brought it…"

"..."

"There we go, tada!" she sang, brandishing the small, purple compact between her thumb and forefinger. "Your very own communication mirror."

He blinked down at it in wary silence.

"You're part of the team now, so the Spirit Detective tools are at your disposal. We can use it to communicate for work, or even just for leisure. Plus, it'll be a lot easier for me to track you down as opposed to flying all around the city to find you."

Hiei took the device and turned it over in his hand suspiciously.

"It's already programmed to mine so you can call me up whenever you want," she explained. "Just hit the little triangle on the left."

"That won't be necessary," he dismissed. "The jagan works just fine."

"But it's disturbing and off putting to have someone prodding around in your mind like that."

He smirked.

"It isn't funny, Hiei!" she exclaimed. "You weren't exactly kind or polite the first two times you used the jagan on me."

"We were enemies back then. Were you expecting civility?"

"No, but we are friends now," she countered. "So, the least you can do is contact me the normal way."

He shot her a flat look, but pocketed the device anyway. "No need to be so dramatic, woman."

Satisfaction curled the edges of Botan's grin as she summoned and mounted her oar. One of the very first things she learned about Hiei was that he lived by his own self-imposed honor system. She couldn't begin to decipher it, much less break it down in layman's terms, but from what she'd gathered, he placed great importance on loyalty and upholding his word. Otherwise, he wouldn't have allowed her to take up so much of his time or honor her wishes as a means of fostering their tenuous ties.

"Don't look so pleased with yourself, ferry-girl," Hiei discouraged, crimson eyes sharp as they gazed up at her from her hovering position. "I've only agreed to keep the device. I've made no promises about using it."

"Maybe you'll surprise us both one of these days," she returned with a playful lilt to her voice and a hopeful sparkle in her eyes. She afforded him one last smile as she rose higher in the sky. "I have faith in you, Hiei!"


Hiei found himself in the Spirit World once again.

The temple had always felt far too large, gaudy and stifling to him. The loud colors were harsh on his eyes and the cacophony of voices echoed far too loudly in his ears. It was a chaos completely unlike that of Makai and the sooner he could leave, the better.

He treaded to Koenma's office, where the sliding doors opened automatically to let him in.

The Prince's desk was overflowing with stacks of paperwork. Stamps were scattered to and fro and a tray of food sat half eaten next to a pile of scrolls. Koenma was dwarfed by the chair he sat in and it would have been a comical sight, if not for the person he was speaking to. Hiei froze near the doorway, not at all expecting to see Kurama so soon. The redhead was completely healed from the injury Hiei inflicted, appearing as if nothing had happened at all. Hiei steeled his expression as he made his way further into the office, nodding briefly at Kurama in acknowledgement as Koenma cleared his throat.

"Thanks for stopping by," he greeted, his high-pitched voice no less grating than Hiei last remembered it. "I'll cut right to the chase: there's been talk of unrest lately. I was wondering if either of you had any prior dealings with the Saint Beasts."

"They've been nothing more than a phantom whisper in the heart of Makai," Hiei stated. "Too inconsequential to even be considered a threat."

"I've come across rumors of them as well, but it was nothing concrete or substantial," Kurama added.

"Their leader has been sending demands that we grant them access to the human world. You can only imagine how terrible an idea that would be."

"Ignore it," Hiei ordered. "What threat could any of those cretins pose from their imprisonment in the castle?"

"Plenty, unfortunately," Koenma returned. "They claim to have procured a tool that could wreak havoc on the human world. Suzaku called it the Makai Whistle, although I can't find any records that details what it does."

Hiei was well aware of the whistle and its properties, but he crossed his arms over his chest and let Kurama take the lead. The former thief loved to play the role of the all-knowing informant and far be it for Hiei to interrupt.

"It has the ability to summon insects native to Makai," Kurama explained. "A single bite from a Makai insect can turn a human into a mindless slave with only violence on their mind. In essence one could create a human army if they wielded the whistle properly."

The Prince sucked on his pacifier as his brows furrowed with worry. "That's concerning."

"Are you finally sending us on a mission?" Hiei cut in, eager to do something while on his miserable probation.

"No, not yet. We'll need an entire team for this one and Yusuke hasn't completed his training yet."

The fire-demon resisted the urge to scowl, although he was severely disappointed by the news.

"In any case, I should thank you both for the intel," Koenma said. "It was very helpful and we can at least start making counter measures. If you learn anything else, it would be prudent to let me know."

"Understood. I'll keep an ear out," Kurama replied.

Hiei grunted dismissively and the two demons exited the office in silence. The air was tense and heavy, each second ticking by adding to the unspoken awkwardness rising between them. The fire-demon felt as off kilter and unnerved as he was the very first day he met Kurama. Back then it was because Youko's reputation had preceded him and, although Hiei would never admit it outloud, he held the legendary bandit in high regards. But now he didn't know how to classify the gnawing pit in his stomach. Surely it wasn't regret or guilt; he didn't operate on such trivial sentimentalities. And what happened in the warehouse was a direct result of Kurama's own human weakness.

"How have you been adjusting to your probation?" Kurama asked.

"Fine," Hiei replied gruffly.

"If you need help with anything at all-"

"-Contrary to your beliefs, Kurama, I'm not a child. I can get by on my own."

"I know," he appeased gently. There was no condescension in his emerald gaze; no amusement in his calm tone. "But you don't have to."

Hiei lost some of his ire at that; his shoulders falling from their squared position. "…I'm well aware.

"I hope there's no contention between us after our last encounter," Kurama stated. "I simply couldn't leave Yusuke to face you alone. Not after all that he'd risked for me and my mother."

Hiei shook his head. "You may have gotten in my way during my bout with the detective, but you also vouched for my release. As far as I'm concerned, we're even."

"Then why do you insist on avoiding me?"

"Don't flatter yourself Kurama. I just have other plans."

"You do?"

He didn't. But he could, if he reached out to the ferry-girl. So, he only nodded in response.

"I see," Kurama said with a knowing smile. "Enjoy your time with Botan, then."

Hiei's eyes narrowed. "What makes you think I'm going to see the ferry-girl?"

"News travels like lightning in this world and you two have become talk of the town, so to speak."

Hiei glared defensively.

"In any case, I really should be getting back," Kurama said. "Please give Botan my regards."

Kurama walked away before Hiei could reply, leaving the fire-demon to glare at the fox's back until he was out of sight. He always had to have the last word, but Hiei supposed it was good that things hadn't changed between them. No matter how infuriating he was as an ally, Hiei wasn't so foolish as to make an enemy out of Kurama.

He stared at the winding yellow road in the distance. He could very well be on his way now that the fox was out of his hair, but something, be it his honor code or plain old boredom, niggled at him from the back of his mind, beckoning him to stay.

And so, he pulled the small device out from his pocket, flipped the top cover open and hit the call button.

.

.

.

"I have to say, I certainly wasn't expecting you to call me up for once, Hiei."

Botan's voice was as light as the air, and twice as melodic as a song as she smiled from beside him. They sat on the rooftop of an abandoned building on the west side of the Spirit World with a tray of snacks and two cups of tea between them. The sky was an unnatural shade of pink, interrupted by fluffy, golden clouds drifting slowly by. They were far enough away from the usual hustle and bustle that he couldn't even hear the scurry of hurried footsteps or the tired voices of overworked lackeys.

"There's a first time for everything, ferry-girl," he replied finally. "Besides, I was in the area."

"What for?"

"Koenma summoned me. Although it was a pointless waste of time, seeing as he refuses to send me out on the field," he revealed bitterly.

"Don't worry, I'm certain you'll be back in the thick of things eventually."

"Not soon enough."

She smiled knowingly as their conversation fell into a lull.

After consistent interaction with the ferry-girl , Hiei was no closer to understanding her, but the unease he felt in her presence was starting to fade. He was slowly getting accustomed to her endless strings of words and odd turns of phrase. He wasn't as unnerved by her sunny disposition or her open expressions. And he had come to expect a lack of boundaries in both personal space and the questions she asked.

In no time at all, she had become more than comfortable around him, too, letting her guard down whenever she was in his presence. He didn't know if she did it as an attempt to strengthen the friendship that she was so insistent they maintain, or if it was simply normal for her to be so trusting. Either way, it was unheard of for a being of the Spirit World to be so at ease with a demon, much less one with a litany of crimes under his belt.

"The mochi isn't poisoned, you know," Botan stated, breaking the silence between them. "And it wouldn't hurt to try it, just to see if you like it."

Hiei stared down at the oddly colored desert and opted for the tea instead.

"Oh, come on!" she tempted, holding one of the pink treats out before him. "It's very tasty."

"I highly doubt I can trust the opinion of a woman who seems to love everything."

"Hey now! That's not true. I most definitely have standards!"

Hiei shot her an unconvinced look.

"I mean it!" she insisted through a petulant pout.

The fire-demon's gaze was piercing as it met hers. "You wouldn't be around me so much if you did."

Her pout deepened into a full fledged frown now, concern etched into her features. "That's an awful thing to say about yourself, Hiei."

"It's the truth," he insisted. She would have been much better off befriending someone like Kurama. The fox knew more about social graces than Hiei did and had a myriad of interpersonal skills at his disposal. He was practically a human in everything but his soul, with how well he'd assimilated to this world. He would know exactly what to say or do in the moments where Hiei could only rely on loaded silences and paltry deflections. "Any sensible person would have stayed away. But you continue to seek me out and waste your time with me."

"It would be a little counterproductive to stay away from my newest friend, don't you think?" she countered lightly, setting the mochi back down on the plate and dusting the powder off of her hands.

Hiei noticed that most things rolled off of her shoulders like water. She never allowed herself to be thrown, dismayed or upset for too long. He couldn't tell if it was a conscious effort on her part, or if she was simply that thoughtless.

"And for the record," she continued, smiling at him in that inviting way of hers, "I don't consider our time together a waste. I think it's been quite nice."

"I don't see why you would."

"You're different from anyone else I've met. I like chatting with you, hearing your thoughts, and even sitting in silence, too. It's been nice getting to know you."

"…"

"This is the part where you say: it's been nice getting to know you, too, Botan."

His mouth slanted downwards at her terrible impression of his voice, before answering, "That has yet to be determined."

She wilted. "Would it kill you to be a little kinder towards me?"

"It just might."

"We really need to work on your negativity, mister! It certainly can't be good for your health, or for mine!"

Hiei only grunted as he grabbed one of the green mochi balls and chewed on the gelatinous substance. The way Botan lit up at the small gesture was highly unnecessary, but not exactly surprising.

He was wading in foreign and unchartered waters, but if he didn't overthink it, if he ignored it for long enough, it wouldn't matter. One day, he would find his way back home. And this odd allied ship that was forming between them would be nothing more than an afterthought.


Thank you all for the interest you've shown in this fic so far! I hope you enjoyed this installment as well :)