Thank you all for your continued support so far. :) I had a lot of fun writing this chapter; I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
Hiei stared out at the glistening river from the fortress' main tower. He wandered up here in search of privacy and solitude, but the heavy silence only served to amplify thoughts he wasn't exactly ready to face.
If this was years ago, he would have ignored the treacherous beating of his own heart. He would have adamantly denied the truth, shelved his feelings away and let them shrivel up and die in a dark, unbidden corner of his mind. But he was more self aware than that. He wasn't ignorant to his own wants. He wasn't afraid of his own desires. He wasn't ashamed of his own needs.
He was thrown by them, though.
Botan was the first real connection he made. He wondered if his feelings towards her had always been blurred and unclear from the start; if it was possible that his affection for her had always been ambiguous at its root. He couldn't deny that his relationship with her was different than with the others. He just never thought they would spill over into such unbidden territory.
His gaze hardened as he stared out at nothing in particular, hands gripping the bottom of the stone sill with too much force. Normally, he would go after what he wanted, but this was too risky. Botan was too important - too integral to his life - to destroy what they had with sentiments he had no business harboring.
So he tamped down his newfound revelation and resolved to never let it see the light of day.
"Hiten told me you'd be up here." Haru's voice cut through his cloudy thoughts. "Listen, they have this crazy sale going on at the–" The emotion-reader stopped short, his expression falling as concern swept over his green eyes and crinkled the shape of his brows. "What's wrong, buddy?"
"Nothing."
"Tell that to the angry scowl on your face."
"Just leave me be, Haru."
"Oh boy… you used my name and not insult. Things must be really bad."
Hiei glared at him.
Haru remained steadfast, taking a careful step forward. "I just want to help. You feel miserable."
The hard set of Hiei's gaze turned accusatory. "I thought you didn't read people's emotions unless it was necessary."
"Yeah, and I really didn't mean to read yours… they're just… projecting all over the place."
"Then you already know what the problem is," Hiei muttered resentfully.
"Well, your emotions have the bitter sting of rejection and a twinge of envy, so I'm guessing it has to do with your favorite ferry-girl."
Hiei glanced away.
"Did she turn you down?" Haru asked.
"No."
"Then did she get in a relationship with someone new?"
"Not exactly."
"So, she's got her eye on someone else?"
"…" Hiei's jaw clenched tellingly.
"Oh, Hiei," Haru lamented. "I'm sorry."
"I don't want your pity."
"C'mon, buddy, you know it's not that," Haru stated, resting a hand on the fire-demon's shoulder. "If anything it's pure and unfiltered empathy."
Hiei shirked the other man's hand off. "That's even worse."
"Tetchy…" Haru admonished as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Do you want to talk about it? I know you're not big on the sort of thing, but it's been known to help."
"There's nothing to talk about."
Haru studied him for a few moments longer, green eyes sifting through and picking apart at Hiei's guard, intentions and emotions. Eventually, the emotion-reader's shoulders fell in a show of defeat.
"Alright. I'll leave you to brood in peace," he relented, realizing that words and silly platitudes would have no effect on the fire-demon. "Just… don't spiral, okay? You've got people you can turn to, if you need it."
Hiei nodded, if only to get the meddling demon to leave him in peace. When Haru was gone, he turned back to stare aimlessly out the window. The red sky was duller today. There was a storm breaking in the distance, the rumbles of thunder and rain encroaching upon Mukuro's territory. The scene was as tumultuous as Hiei felt, but no amount of ruminating or over-thinking would help his situation. He needed to get a grip. Move on. Move forward.
There was no other choice.
.
.
.
"He's positively dreamy!" Botan said, hugging a small throw pillow to her chest.
Hiei didn't know how he ended up in Botan's room, seated on her overly plush bed, forced to listen as she ranted about the bane of his existence. Perhaps he was simply a glutton for punishment. Maybe it was simply unfortunate timing. Whatever the case - he resolved to mask his vexation this time. He could be a good friend to Botan, the way she had always been to him.
"And he's always so nice to me!"
"If that's your base requirement, you're setting the bar low," he pointed out. "Even I'm nice to you, woman."
Botan blinked, tilting her head slightly as she regarded him. Her amethyst eyes sparkled with unbridled mirth as a laugh escaped her lips. "Now that's a sentence I never thought I'd hear!"
Hiei rolled his eyes irritably as she shuffled closer to him.
"Oh, don't pout, Hiei!" she soothed.
Botan might have thought he was pouting, but that was only because she saw things through a softer, less severe light. He wasn't pouting. He didn't pout. Or sulk. He was glaring because he was annoyed.
"You do treat me nicely," she confirmed through a smile. "That's why you're my best friend!"
He held her gaze for a moment or two, before glancing away. Friends. Of course.
"Well, aren't you going to say it back?" she probed, poking his arm merely because she could.
"I wasn't aware that I had to."
"It would be nice to hear every now and then..."
"Too bad."
Cheeks puffed out in annoyance, she hit him lightly with the pillow and rose from her bed. She was wearing that oversized sleep shirt that stopped just above her mid-thigh. Hiei never thought much of it in the past, but it was all he could do not to blatantly stare at her now as she rummaged through her closet. He tried not to look at the pale column of her neck. The delicate twin lines of her collarbones. The long and slender expanse of her legs. But it was a losing game.
To make matters worse, the hem of that Enma-damned purple shirt lifted with each and every movement she made, revealing more skin than he had any business seeing. It was downright criminal. And it was driving him crazy.
"Oh!" She pulled out an intricately patterned blue yukata and held it in front of herself. "What do you think? Is it too much for the bon odori festival?"
He bit down his dismissive response when he noticed the nervous waver in her smile. It was clear she intended to make a positive impression on her precious psychic tonight. The least he could do was swallow his pride and encourage her. "It's fine."
Botan's expression lifted almost instantly, lips curling in satisfaction as she nodded to herself.
"Then we have ourselves a winner!" she decided. He watched her hang the yukata on the single hook outside of her closet door and then set her doe eyes back on him. "Are you sure you don't want to come with us?"
"Positive. I have no interest in team bonding."
"It's not just a new team thing. Most of our friends will be there, too."
"Then you've got more than enough people to keep you company."
"But it won't be the same without my very best friend!"
Hiei arched a dark brow. "…Do you really think that will really work on me?"
Botan smiled sweetly at him, batting her lashes for good measure. "Maybe?"
"Hn." He rolled his eyes. "You're ridiculous, woman."
"You're already dressed nicely enough," she noted, amethyst eyes passing over the new pair of boots he toed off near her balcony and the dark blue outer robes he'd discarded on her bed. "Which - I've been meaning to ask you about - why are you all dressed up?"
He tugged at the collar of his white shirt with a grimace. "Council meetings."
"And you actually bothered to attend?"
"As Mukuro's newly appointed general, I had no choice."
"G-general?"
He nodded. "It was decided this morning."
"Oh, Hiei, that's wonderful news!" Botan was hugging him tightly in the next instant, arms wound around him in a warm and excited embrace. "I'm so proud of you!"
It wasn't the first time she ever hugged him and it wouldn't be the last, but with his good senses mixed up with his desires, he was completely and wholly unprepared for it. The ferry-girl was practically halfway in his lap in all of her excitement. The sudden proximity, the warm press of her body against his, the soft curves he never paid attention to before. He couldn't think straight, much less think decently in this position.
Hiei pulled away first, but Botan thought nothing of it. He'd never been the type to prolong physical affection to begin with.
"Why didn't you tell me about your new position?" she asked, a small pout tugging her lips downwards.
"I would have, if you stopped fawning over the psychic long enough to let me speak."
"Hiei!" she huffed. "Be nice."
"I prefer to be honest," he snarked back.
She sent him a withering look, but recovered quickly enough with a clap of her hands. "Well, now that the cat's out of the bag, you absolutely have to come with us! We need to celebrate your fancy new title."
"I have no intention of celebrating. Much less at a pointless festival teeming with all manner of humans."
"I'll treat you to all the festival snacks you like," she tempted. "Plus you'll get to spend more time with Yukina and we both know she'll be thrilled to see you there. Doesn't that sound nice?"
"No."
She pouted again, and this time, Hiei found himself staring at the pink jut of her lips for far too long.
"Hiei," she pleaded. "Please don't make me beg."
He should have declined, but it was damn near impossible to deny Botan. Even more so now that these new feelings had taken root in his ridiculously weak-willed heart.
The festival was a breathtaking sight. Bright lanterns and string lights glowed like beacons in the darkness, attracting swarms of colorfully dressed humans. The familiar scents of sugary sweets, fried dough and grilled meats mingled in the air. Echoes of drums and voices and footsteps created an upbeat melody. It was a lively affair, as expected. And Botan couldn't wait to see more.
Yusuke, Kuwabara, Yukina and Keiko were already waiting for them near the the takoyaki stand.
"It's a regular reunion," Yusuke grinned as the ferry-girl and fire-demon joined the group.
"We're just missing Kurama and Shizuru," Keiko noted, glancing around at the crowd.
"Shizuru's coming straight from work," Kuwabara announced. "So she'll probably be a little late."
"And the fox is already here," Hiei informed with an incline of his head.
They all followed his gaze to see Kurama, attempting to purchase a kitsune mask across the way. The blushing owner was insisting on giving it to him for free, while the former legendary bandit was insisting he pay full price. The woes of being beautiful, Botan thought with a giggle.
One by one, the stragglers trickled in and everyone was introduced accordingly. With the addition of the new team, their already sizable group was far too large to wade through the narrow pathways together.
"We should probably split up," Yusuke stated, looking at the large group they amassed. "Doubt we'll be able to bustle through with so many of us."
"Yes and I'm sure we each have different sights we'd prefer to see," Kurama agreed. "We can all meet up near the tanuki statue in one hour and proceed from there."
"Sounds like a solid plan," Tenshi agreed.
"Well, I already know what I'm doing," Yusuke announced, cocking his thumb at the row game stations. "Anyone dare to challenge me?"
"Sure, if you're down to lose," Kaisei taunted, before turning towards his sister. "Fu, you in?"
Fubuki waved a dismissive hand at them. "You go on. I really don't feel like watching you guys make a fool of yourselves…"
"Do you want to come with me instead?" Keiko suggested. "I'm planning on sampling as many deserts as I can."
"Now that sounds way more appealing," Fubuki smiled.
"I'll join you," Kurama stated. "I promised my mother and brother I'd bring something back for them."
"I'm in, too," Shizuru added. "I definitely don't want to be any part of that…"
They turned to see Kuwabara, who was giving Yukina a smoldering look. Botan could practically see the shoujo bubbles and sparkles surrounding the duo as their private moment turned on into a public display.
"Yukina, my sweet." Kuwabara took the ice-maiden's hands in his. "Will you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you?"
"Of course I will," she replied easily. "I didn't really have anything in mind, though…"
"That's fine, my love! I'll lead the way!"
Botan didn't miss the way Hiei's expression darkened at the exchange.
"Would you like to join us, brother?" Yukina questioned, turning towards the fire-demon innocently. "I'm sure you're just as new to this as I am and Kazuma is an excellent guide."
Kuwabara visibly bristled at the suggestion, shaking his head stiffly at Hiei behind Yukina's back.
The fire-demon smirked cruelly at the psychic, crushing his hopes in one fell swoop as he turned towards his sister. "If you insist."
Kuwabara deflated, but refrained from voicing his discontent. He fixed his gaze on Yukina instead. "Is it okay if we head for the drummers first? I heard they were going to cover some of Megallica's songs in tribute to their 20th anniversary."
"Megallica?" Tenshi echoed with renewed interest. "Mind if I go with?"
Kuwabara's dark eyes lit up. "You're a fan?"
Tenshi rubbed the back of his neck. "Been a follower since I was kid."
"Me too!"
The two quickly became absorbed in listing off Megallica's greatest hits, while Hiei and Yukina trailed behind and engaged in their own, much more subdued conversation.
That only left Botan with–
"Care to join me?" Yuuto asked.
Much like her, he had thrown on a light yukata for the occasion. His hair was swept back and out of his eyes, making his gaze all the more potent.
"I'd like that," the ferry-girl beamed as they began walking forward. "Anything in particular you want to see?"
"I enjoy the general atmosphere more than anything else. But please, let me know if something piques your interest."
Botan nodded her agreement.
"It was kind of you to invite us, by the way," Yuuto mentioned, pushing his hands into the oversized sleeves of his yukata. "When I agreed to join the spirit detective team, I assumed it would be more of a clinical thing. I certainly didn't expect for us to be seeing each other outside of missions or debriefings."
"Well, the former team was close, so it only felt natural to do the same with you four," Botan reasoned as they strolled down the illuminated path. "And besides, you four may find yourselves in life-or-death situations one day. It's better to go into it with people you trust and care for, right?"
"Yes," he echoed. "That does make sense."
"So, what do you think of everyone so far?"
"Tenshi and I have become quick friends. I worry for the siblings, though. I fear they're too young for a job as dangerous as this."
"They may not look it, but they've been facing demons and such since they were kids," Botan replied. "As a former spirit detective herself, their mother ensured they'd always be ready for anything."
"I suppose this is somewhat of their legacy, then," Yuuto surmised. "They do appear to be eager to step into Kuroko's shoes."
Botan nodded. "On the plus side, we aren't forecasting any cataclysmic events on the horizon. The relations between all three worlds have been improving lately."
"Let's hope we can continue on this way," Yuuto said with a smile. "It would be nice to live in a time when all three realms could work hand in hand for a better future. And all the races could learn to tolerate one another."
Botan perked up. "I feel the same."
.
.
.
The duo spent their time sampling various foods and sweets, oftentimes running into the others along the way. Botan enjoyed every moment - especially the brief snatches of time that she had with Yuuto and Yuuto alone.
But before she knew it, their hour was up, and they were once again gathered with the others.
In no time at all, the groups had all reconfigured: the new team ended up together, Botan accosted Hiei, Yusuke sidled back over towards Keiko, Shizuru and Kurama had paired off as the only two sensible members of their ragtag bunch and Kuwabara's wish of being alone with Yukina was finally fulfilled.
"Shouldn't you be with your new team?" Hiei asked.
"I think it's important for them to bond on their own," she said, watching the foursome cheer Kaisei on as he attempted to scoop up goldfish. "Besides, I want to celebrate with you."
"You don't have to."
"I want to," she insisted. "I'm sure this new post will keep you busy. Who knows when we'll get to do something like this again."
She meant to move forward, but Hiei remained rooted to his spot. The flashing yellow and red lights of the nearby stall made it hard to decipher his expression. She couldn't tell if the wrinkle of his brow and slant of his lips were a result of contemplation, confliction or displeasure.
"Hiei?" Botan tried. "Did I say something wrong?"
"… I'll make time for you," Hiei declared, lifting those determined crimson eyes up to meet her gaze. "Things won't be like they were when we first parted."
"Oh, I don't expect you to-"
"I mean it, Botan," he maintained solemnly. "Nothing will change."
The simple declaration filled her with a warmth that chased away the autumn chill. Even with two separate worlds pulling apart at their time, attention and loyalties, she wholeheartedly believed in Hiei and his stalwart promise. A smile stretched over her lips and brightened her features.
"You're absolutely right," Botan agreed. "Because I won't allow anything to change either."
The corner of Hiei's mouth quirked upwards. "I didn't think for a second that you would."
"Now let's go," she urged, taking his arm. "There are still a few things I want to see before the fireworks show!"
Hiei spent his first free afternoon upon taking up the mantle of general with Yukina. They were at Yusuke's cart because the ice-maiden spent most of her time there. Today, she was experimenting with new recipes. It would soon be time to open up for business and Yusuke was nowhere to be found. The ex-detective still followed rumors and whispers of otherworldly activity. Protecting his world in his own way, on his own terms. As such, it wasn't unusual for him to disappear and leave his cart in Yukina's capable hands.
"Brother, will you try this new broth I've been working on?"
Hiei blinked down at the bowl of murky colored liquid that Yukina slid towards him. Steam rose from the concoction, along with an unfamiliar aroma that caused the fire-demon's nose to twitch.
After years of lies, their relationship turned out to be surprisingly open and honest. He didn't have to temper his brusque and blunt nature, not when Yukina was already used to the frigid countenance of her fellow ice-maidens. She trusted him not to mince words and he knew that it would be a disservice to her if he was anything but sincere.
"...I question your sense of taste," he admitted, despite accepting the offer. "Especially considering you have a soft spot for that clown."
Yukina smiled knowingly. "I suppose you and I are similar in that way."
Hiei raised a brow. "Are you implying I'm attracted to Kuwabara?"
"No," she giggled, amusement sparkling in her ruby eyes. "I just meant that we both prefer total opposites when it comes to partners."
His expression dropped in a moment of honest surprise. If it was anybody else, he would have denied it immediately. But he couldn't bring himself to lie. Not to Yukina. "You're far more observant than you let on," he noted sourly.
"Guilty as charged," she replied, her smile turning a bit sheepish.
Hiei wondered just how obvious he had been. It was only natural that Haru would find out, but Yukina was another story entirely. Perhaps it was due to their connection as twins and not as a result of his own carelessness with his guard. He much preferred the former over the latter.
"Hiei?" Yukina tried. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Talking makes no difference," Hiei answered, glancing at the residential streets covered in orange and yellow fallen leaves. "She's enamored with some human fool."
"I wouldn't give up on hope, yet."
"I have no hopes, much less any intentions of pursuing the woman."
Yukina hummed, but refrained from saying anything on the matter.
Hiei frowned. "You're unconvinced."
"I just think you need some time."
He didn't. But there was no sense in arguing with his sister over something that would never be. "Enough about me. You're sure about the oaf?"
"I am," she confirmed. "Kazuma is a brave, honest and gentle soul. I was fortunate to meet him when I did or else I might have closed my heart off the way our people do."
"If he ever brings you pain, I will end him."
"You don't have to worry about that," she reassured. "Kazuma would never hurt me."
Begrudgingly, Hiei knew it was the truth. The fool would sooner spear himself on his own spirit sword than harm Yukina. But it still had to be said. It was his duty as her brother, after all.
The communication device rang, cutting into his thoughts. This newer version was even more grating and high-pitched than the last, so he had long since learned to answer it as quickly as possible.
"Hello my favorite twins!" Botan's bubbly voice filtered through the speaker.
Yukina peered down at the screen with a welcoming smile. "Hi Botan."
"Oh, I love what you've done with your hair, dear!"
"Thank you," she said, tucking several aquamarine strands behind her ear. It was a little past shoulder length now, flowing freely and no longer tied in its usual braid. "Shizuru was the architect and engineer behind it."
"That style really suits you. In fact-"
"Botan," he interrupted. "I'm assuming you called for a reason."
"Oh, that's right. I nearly forgot: can you stop by before you head back to Makai?"
"Why?"
"I just need your help is all."
"With what?"
"Something important."
"Don't be cryptic, woman."
"I'll tell you more when you get here!"
The connection ended, leaving him with more questions than answers. He lifted his confused gaze to meet Yukina's and the ice-maiden simply shrugged.
.
.
.
Hiei glared at the eccentric ferry-girl as the pile of rejected clothing at his feet continued to grow.
"You made it seem as though this was an emergency."
"This is an emergency! Yuuto invited me out. Alone!" she revealed. "No Tenshi. No Fubuki. No Kaisei. Just me."
Hiei folded his arms over his chest and shot her an unimpressed frown.
"Do you think... I mean, is it possible that he likes me, too?" she pondered. "Could this be an actual date?"
"I don't know, woman."
Botan let out a fanciful sigh. "I hope it is."
The line of his mouth tightened, but he refrained from saying much of anything. Yuuto was his complete and total opposite in every sense of the word. It only made sense that the ferry-girl would be enamored with him.
She stuck her head out of the closet and frowned at Hiei worriedly. "If I'm reading him right, this is the first time anyone's shown interest in me. I hope I don't ruin it."
Hiei raised a brow. "Didn't the oaf harbor affections for you?"
"That was more of a harmless crush. It was over before it began, really, and I can't blame him. I'm hardly ever anyone's first choice."
She had said it without a trace of self-pity or sadness; like it was a proven and accepted fact. He couldn't help the frown that etched into his features as he stared back at her.
"What is that supposed to mean?" he questioned.
"Well... you know, I'm more of a supporting role, not a love interest," Botan explained with a shrug. "No one ever truly falls for me."
But he had.
He did.
He still was...
He swallowed thickly, pushing those thoughts out of his head as she continued.
"I'm not womanly like Keiko, or mature like Shizuru. I don't have the same gentle warmth as Yukina..."
Hiei's frown deepened. Did she truly not see her worth?
"You shouldn't be so self-deprecating. It doesn't suit you."
"I'm not! I like who I am... I'm just being realistic when it comes to the love department."
"You're being ridiculous," he asserted.
"Hey-"
"You're the only one I let in," he continued. "That should say something about the type of person you are."
Her expression fell as his words sunk in.
"As for the physical - don't play coy. You preen and primp yourself enough to know what you look like."
"What is that supposed to mean, Hiei?!"
Botan lit up every room. She garnered all sorts of attention - she just never seemed to notice that glaring fact. The ferry-girl was attractive; beautiful on the inside and out. Even someone like him knew that much, long before he even started to harbor these fruitless feelings.
"You're not unpleasant to look at," he offered lowly.
Botan blinked as she deciphered his words. She knew him well enough to know what he meant. And the smile that followed was worth the heat coloring his cheeks.
"Thank you," she said. "And I'm sorry for burdening you with all of this. I'm sure you'd much rather be doing anything else than playing counselor."
"It's fine."
Her smile softened and the ache in his chest grew.
"What about you? Any potential mates catch your eye?" she wheedled.
He averted his gaze. "No."
"You're no fun! I tell you everything."
"There's nothing to say."
"I know you well enough to know when you're hiding something from me."
"..."
"I'll find out eventually, mister. You can't keep this secret forever."
"You must have me confused for you."
She huffed, folding her arms over her chest in a show of irritability. "I can't believe you, Hiei. I would keep your secret. I could even help you out!"
"I don't see how you could."
"Well, I am a woman, you know; I know what we like."
"I don't need any help-"
Her eyes lit up, thinking she'd effectively gotten an answer from him.
"-because there is no one," he finished.
He knew that she didn't believe him and he couldn't blame her for her curiosity. But it was plainly obvious that she did not feel the same about him and there was no point in making things awkward by telling her the truth. And so, he set his features into a look of indifference, helped the woman pick out an outfit for her date, and watched her go.
It was the friendly thing to do, he told himself as he made his way back to Makai.
At the end of a truly perfect date, Yuuto escorted Botan all the way back to the ferry-girl's quarters.
It was a lovely evening and, in theory, it should have been the ideal outing. They had dinner at a quaint and intimate spot. They took a long stroll afterwards underneath the stars. Their conversation flowed well, without any awkward or stilted silences.
But there was something crucial missing.
Yuuto was handsome, considerate, polite – practically perfect.
And yet, the fluttering of her affections had faded almost completely over the course of their evening together. He was no longer a walking dream or an unreachable fantasy. He was a real, tangible person. With his own strengths and weaknesses. Flaws and faults. And, by some odd twist of fate, she realized that he wasn't everything she wanted.
It was almost scary how quickly the flicker in her heart was extinguished.
Botan stopped in front of the housing building, wondering how she would break the news to him. She rubbed her arm and glanced up at the psychic. "I had a lovely time tonight, but…"
"…We should just remain as we are?" he finished, confirming that he felt the same.
Botan released a sigh of relief. "Yes, exactly."
"Friends?"
Botan nodded and smiled. "I'd really, really like that."
The ice was broken and the ferry-girl felt as though she could breathe easily again. They bid each other farewell with no resentment in their hearts, promising to meet up before the next team meeting.
Then, Botan entered her bedroom, kicked off her shoes and flopped down on her bed with a bounce.
Rolling over, she stared up at her ceiling.
Her heart was really a fickle thing if she could become so infatuated in one second and fall out of it in another. Perhaps she simply wasn't built for love. It would make sense that things wouldn't work out. Ferry-girls were never meant to have a life outside of their duty, after all.
She reached over towards her nightstand to switch the lamp on and grab her communication device. It rang four times before Hiei eventually answered. The image was blurry due to the device being moved around and for a while, all she saw was the fire-demon's torso and the bottom of his chin.
"Hiei?"
He appeared to be out somewhere loud and chaotic and the antithesis of everything he preferred. She watched as someone slung an arm around his shoulders, only for the fire-demon to promptly fling it off.
"Where are you?"
"The tavern," he replied. His voice was nearly drowned out by the noise inside the establishment. She caught a glimpse of Haru's orange hair and the familiar face of another soldier as Hiei removed himself from the bar and trudged outside. It was much quieter out there, the commotion reduced to faint humming. "What is it?"
"I wanted to chat, but I didn't realize you were preoccupied," she explained. "I can call tomorrow if this is a bad time-"
"It's fine. I'd rather not return so soon."
"Always so antisocial," she teased, as she propped herself up on a couple of pillows. An air of levity lifted her spirits. "So, what's the occasion?"
"What?"
"Why are you all out on a night in the town?" she asked curiously. "Did something good happen?"
"No. The soldiers just felt the need to get inebriated and make fools of themselves."
"You look like you have a healthy flush on you, too, mister."
"I can control myself. Unlike you."
"That was only one time!"
"One time too many, woman, considering you're a touchy drunk."
A light and carefree peal of laughter overtook the ferry-girl at the memory of that night. Yusuke had thrown himself a return party at the temple and invited all sorts of familiar faces across the three realms. In hindsight, it was definitely a terrible idea assigning Chuu to drink duty. Even the most harmless looking beverages had a kick to them. She couldn't remember much after a certain point, but she did remember that Hiei was there. And he took care of her.
He always did.
When she glanced at him again, the image warmed her to her core. Perhaps it was the moon beam falling across his face, casting his dark hair, ivory skin and fiery eyes in a luminescent glow. It could have been the nearly imperceptible uplift of his mouth, so different from his usual displeased moues. Or maybe it was just the simple fact that he was always there for her; tried and true in a way that only he could be.
A deep contentment settled in her soul as she realized she already had everything she could ever need. Wonderful friends and comrades alike. Purpose that carried her through each day. A job she enjoyed. And a life worth living.
She didn't want for more.
This was more than enough.