I don't own the Yu Yu Hakusho, and never will. I do own the plot of the story.

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As soon as Hiei had finished eating he ran back to his old friend's garden. A quick once over of his surroundings showed that although most of the plants had died, more than half of its beauty had been preserved in shape. The vines that he and Paulita had once played under, had grayed but somehow were still intact. Hiei found himself thinking, "Yukina would love it here."

A new wave of guilt washed over the flame Koorime thoughts. He hadn't even thought much about his sister, let alone protect her from whatever danger might approach her in the week since the last mission. In Hiei's mind Yukina was always in danger, she trusted too easily.

As had Paulita. Hiei could still see the girl inviting strangers to share her food on the day when they had first met. He could see her inviting him to come, and play, and could vividly see how his friend had trusted him to never harm her, even when she was killed, and the little fire demon who held himself responsible for her death had stood by and not dared too shed a single tear.

It hadn't been long afterwards that Hiei started being cold to everyone, both so that he wouldn't hurt others, and so he wouldn't get hurt. Somewhere (forgotten by everyone) along the line he had allowed himself to become a fully wicked assassin. Hiei winced at the memory of the artifacts case. He had used Keiko against yusuke in the same way that Paulita had been killed to punish him.

Although he denied it Hiei was quite fond of the other detectives, and his feelings for Botan, well He didn't know what he felt for her, except that he was comforted when she was near him and not acting.

"I wish the ferry girl was here" Hiei muttered, shocking himself with a wish for campany.

"I am" The ferry girls voice was gentle and affectionate," I've been here for five minutes while you were daydreaming" Botan's eyes were serious for once and she was basically showing her true concern.

"I's fine to miss your friend, but don't t....." Hieis mind speak stopped her short.

Don't torture myself over it? After how you have been over Your sister, your not one to speak

botan stopped herself from her meowing habit. "lily would have loved this garden. Please tell what Paulita was like"

Hiei's mask slipped offf again and , He told the whole story.

After a few moments of silence Hiei spoke. "How can you and the Rest of the Tantei trust me, especially after us meeting as enemies?"

"You haven't betrayed us once, and trust is always a risk anyway"

Than feeling the same way about Hiei as he did with her, she continued

"Besides I Care for you."

Instead of replying Hiei Moved in and a confused couple found themselves in a tight embrace.

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