Saeka: Meh... I'm stalling for writing my book reports for school. And what makes it worse, is there's no spark notes for them. So I had to actually read some gay ass book called Into the Wild by some crackpot weirdo named John Krauker or whatever, and had to read this really REALLY graphic (and when I say "Graphic" I don't mean carnage) nasty book about some black lady's struggle in life. (--coughs-) And, I don't remember any of what I read. I think I was off in an alternate universe called "Halo" at the time of reading and because of my short attention span. My thoughts have a tendency to wander when reading exceedingly boring pieces of crap in the first five minutes. In rebellion of being forced to read those books, I procrastinated even more and read books such as Lord of the Rings and Watership Down. (--wonders why she's telling the reader-chans this--)
(--pauses--) PROCRASTINATION RULES ALL!!!
So, instead of writing book reports, of which I don't know anything about the books and will probably have to make something up AGAIN, I chose to work on the story! (procrastination in its most primal state--) Yay! Which is what has caused my speedy update!! Also, I didn't want to be killed violently in my sleep. (--looks nervous--)
So, here's all the disclaimer crud: Believe me, it doesn't snow in July. Keep this thought in mind when I tell you I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho.
Reviewers: I'd give more e-cookies, but, feh, you guys are probably sick of them. So, instead, I'll shower everyone with meaningless compliments. You guys are better than procrastination. (--pauses--) Which says a lot, you know. Since, without procrastination, I could probably kiss my good grades in school good bye. Procrastination is always the best policy. (--wonders again why she's telling you this--) You guys are also better than swimming. (--pauses again--) Which says a lot, you know. Since, swimming is basically my whole life. (next to bishies and anime and manga) Damn!! (--suddenly remembers--) I forgot that County Swimming was this weekend! (--bad words come out of Saeka's mouth--) u.u Oh well. I hope you all watched Michael Phelton on the swimming finals for the USA. He's my future husband. (--nods happily--)
Reader-chans: (--throw their shoes at Saeka--) Shut the hell up and give us the chapter!!
Saeka: Jesus, fine! Good thing I decided to write this chapter earlier than usual. We can all thank Sherkoni-chan, cause it's her coming home thingy...or, whatever. Anyway, I'm going to close with a few words: Procrastination, Gretchen Wilson, and Monkeys.
Reader-chans: STORY???
Saeka: Oh, yeah. Here you go!!
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Chapter 6: The Grievances of Hiei
Botan felt as if she had been run over by a truck. Several times, in fact. She awoke with a blinding headache and a stabbing pain in her side. She moaned as the morning light streamed through her eyelids, and rolled over onto her hip, only to gasp out at the sudden, white-hot pain. Biting her lip, she groggily sat up, only to feel dizzy and light-headed as the blood rushed to her head. Reaching blindly for where the sharp pain was coming from, her searching fingers found it to be covered up with a delicate white gauze. That's right...the assassins. At the sudden memory of the attack, Botan became wide-awake.
She pushed a hand through her hair, and glanced around the room. It was hers, or the one that had been allowed for her to use. The large window on the far side of the room was thrown open to let in some of the morning air. She saw Kurama slumped in a chair, and smiled softly. What a good friend, she thought warmly. At least better than that good for nothing, Hiei. I didn't even save Kurama's life and here he is spending every waking moment with me. You'd think the creep would at least say "thank-you" or check on me just to make sure I didn't die. But, nooo, he's too good for that. Suddenly angry, Botan swung her legs over the bed and got up. Why should Kurama suffer for something he didn't do? Furiously stuffing herself into some clothes, she carelessly tied her hair back with a ribbon and stalked out of the room. Well, I think it's time I had a little talk with Mr. Macho- Stud.
She hadn't gotten fair before she realized she had no clue where she was going. Oddly enough, that only made her even more enraged. She grabbed a servant and growled lowly at him, "I need to know where Hiei's quarters are."
"Pardon?" The servant gasped in a shaky voice.
"The Shadow Lord!! Where are his quarters?"
"I-I don't know, I'm not entrusted with that kind of—"
"Tell me!"
"Down those flights of stairs and to the left," he said, pointing with a trembling finger. "But I do not know how well he will be paying attention, for I saw la huera enter the room—"
"Thanks," Botan said, releasing the quivering servant none too gently, and flying down the stairs. As she ran down the seemingly never-ending hallway, she disturbed several servants and caused crashes as startled people dropped whatever they were holding. When she finally reached two large double-mahogany doors, she wasted no time in pounding on the door.
"What is it, now?" An agitated voice called out through the door.
"Hiei Jaganshi!! I need to talk to you!" Botan yelled.
"Well, by all means, come on in," he said wryly.
"Darn right I will!" She shouted, and ripped open the doors. What she saw made her mouth drop open in shock previous thoughts of anger evaporate. There, in the middle of the room, sat Hiei in a bathtub wearing a maximum of bubbles. Her eyes widened as she took in the way he causally braced himself against the tub with a male grace that was hard to find. Light from the room washed over him like a caress, igniting small fires in his crimson eyes and bringing the powerful muscles of his chest and neck into high relief. His hand was rubbing the back of his neck as though to relieve muscles tightened with fatigue—or desire.
Too late Botan realized from what remained of the little Spanish she had learned that la huera meant "the blonde". And that was just what the woman was, a tall, lushly built blonde with coppery hair who was reaching for Hiei with manicured hands and a pouting mouth. Her dress was all but undone, showing the swell and sway of her breasts. Hiei was looking down at the smooth flesh being offered to him, and there was a sardonic curl to his hard mouth.
"What is it, Mina?" He asked, closing his eyes and rubbing his eyes. "Does that fool Lieutenant Dai need my help again?"
Botan couldn't force an answer past her lips. The sight of his exposed chest had frozen her in place. As she stared openly at it, she felt an odd, warm feeling uncurl from the pit of her stomach. Christ, she thought emptily. No wonder the sick bastard kissed me. He has women coming out of his ears. This is disgusting. I hope he makes her stop. Botan looked at the woman's exposed assets and her shining lips. The blonde didn't look like a woman who expected rejection. She looked like a woman who knew very well how to please the man smiling down at her. The thought made Botan shudder as sweat broke in a clammy wave over her skin. A soft, choked sound came from her throat.
Hiei's eyes opened as he spun swiftly and saw Botan standing in the doorway, her eyes blank, her hand raised as though to push something away. "I'm—I'm sorry," she stammered. "I was told that you'd—that you were—"
"No problem," he said dryly. "Miki just stopped by to see if I need her company. As I don't at the moment, she's on her way out." He rubbed his neck and moved his to ease the tight, aching muscles. "Do you need anything? You were unconscious for a while time. Would you like something to drink?" He asked, ignoring Miki and gesturing with his free hand toward a tray sitting on a desk.
"Let me, darling," Miki said, standing on tiptoe to knead Hiei's shoulders. "I know just where those old headaches tie you in itty-bitty knots."
Botan turned away before she saw Hiei pull Miki's hands from his body with a gesture that shouted of impatience.
"I'll, just, uh, I—" Botan gave up trying to talk coherently while her mind was reeling. She spun and all but ran out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her. With a sigh of relief, she leaned back against the cool mahogany of the door. That was stressful. She thought, blindly reaching for her wound that had suddenly began protesting the long run down the corridor to his room.
What a selfish jerk! She thought as she rested her head against the door. He probably knew it was me all along and wanted me to see him with that—that girl. Just to show him that the kiss he gave me in the hills didn't matter one bit. It shouldn't have hurt seeing Hiei with another girl, but it did. More than it had any right too.
Moaning, she pushed away from the door and wandered back down the hallway. She mounted the stairs wearily, suddenly feeling disgusted with herself. The man could obviously have any woman he wanted. Heaving herself up over the top stair, Botan stopped and rested her hand against a wall. Well what did you expect, silly? That one kiss means he's head over heels in love with you? Fool. You should have known better. Turning the corner into her own room, Botan noticed Kurama was still snoring gently from his spot in the chair. At least I know one thing, she thought with a smile as she walked over towards him. Kurama would never stoop so low to do something like that.
"Kurama," She said, gently shaking him. "Wake up."
He muttered something before his eyes fluttered open. "Botan," he gasped, jolting upright. "You should be in bed! Are you all right? You shouldn't be up and moving around so close to when it happened! Do you feel light-headed at all? I—"
"Ssh," Botan said, a tender smile on her lips. "Don't worry. I feel fine. You did a bang up job patching me up."
"Are you sure?" he said, looking slightly pained. "Ever since I saw you unconscious in that grass, I—" He choked on a word before burying his face in his hands. "It's all my fault. I should have never left you alone."
"It's not your fault," she said softly. "I should have known better. Don't worry about it. If it hadn't been for you, I'd be dead right now."
Kurama gave her a warm smile and reached out to touch her hand. "I'm glad one us thinks that way."
Botan smiled back. "You're a good friend."
Suddenly Kurama's smile turned into a frown. "Botan, I—"
"I hate to break up this little love feast, but I need to talk to Botan for a moment."
At the sound of Hiei's cold and flat voice, Botan scowled sharply. Kurama dropped her hand as though it had burned her, and looked over to his friend. "By all means, talk to her."
"In private," Hiei hissed through clenched teeth.
Wordlessly, Botan got up and moved out of the room, shutting the door behind her. "I noticed you put a shirt on," she said scathingly.
His eyes narrowed. "Follow me." He turned around and walked down the hallway and stairs with a brisk speed. When the reached his door, he ushered her in and shut the door behind her. "Sit down," he sighed, wandering over to a cabinet that held crystal decanters of liquor. Picking out a square one, he poured himself a glass before turning around and assessing Botan with calculating scarlet eyes.
"Well?" She asked, sniffing daintily. "What is it you wanted to talk about?"
"I bet you're wondering why I've called you to the island. More or less, I bet you're wondering what in the hell I'm doing as "Shadow Lord". Suffice it to say, I think it's time I answered some of those questions."
"Well, duh. At least your ego doesn't interfere with the way your brain works."
"Are you trying to say something?"
"Oh, nothing." Botan said airily, gently folding her hands in her lap. "I'm just saying someone has a little problem with thinking of people better than a dirty piece of laundry."
"I get it," Hiei said, taking a sip of his drink. "You think I'm shallow."
"As a side-walk puddle. But you're rich and gorgeous so it makes up for it."
"You're such a smart-ass. And I'm not shallow."
"Fill in the blank: the most import thing in Hiei Jaganshi's life is—"
"Fighting is my life. I'm not apologizing for it."
"The second, third, and fourth most import things in Hiei Jaganshi's life are fighting, fighting, and, oh my goodness, fighting!!" It was desperately unfair to call Hiei shallow. But, then again, a complex man wouldn't wave a cheap blonde under her nose the way he had.
"Do you want me to explain things to you or not?"
"The fifth most import thing is—oh, wait, that would be women now, wouldn't it?"
Hiei flushed angrily. "Will you shut up, now? Or do you want to find yourself in the same position you were before: me kissing you because I lost my temper?"
Botan quieted instantly. Long, sooty black eyelashes swept down over her eyes before she glanced back up at Hiei. "Is that what you call it?"
He set his glass down on a side table with something less than finesse. Raking a hand through his hair, he looked back at her. "Listen, Botan, you shouldn't have provoked me like that. When I lose control of my temper, I lose control of my emotions. If you didn't want that kiss, you shouldn't have made me angry. Now, whether you like or not, I intend to explain something to you today."
There was a moment of silent. "All right," she said slowly. "Go ahead."
He picked up his glass again and took a long swig of it. "I guess I should start from the beginning. I didn't exactly wake up one day and decide to be what I am. It came... gradually, and before I knew what was happening, it was too late to turn back. After we all went our separate ways, I was... I wasn't myself. I was confused and desperate and lonely. My life was like living in a slow hell. A twisting, burning, place where the hurting never seemed to stop," he laughed softly. "I came very close to killing myself in those days." Botan's eyes widened slightly. "I spent most of the day and half of the night drunk, stumbling around for answers. If it wasn't for Kurama, who found me and pulled me out of the wreckage... I don't know where I'd be. He knocked some sense into me that day. And it was then I realized that sulking over my life wouldn't change it one damn bit."
A soft sound escaped from Botan. He looked up sharply, and saw tears magnified in her amethyst eyes. "The only way you make a place for yourself in this world," he said slowly, pacing over to the window, "Is to turn it upside and shake it like hell to make a place for yourself."
"Hiei," Botan whispered gently.
"Nonetheless, after I couldn't find anywhere I belonged, I began to get angry. It was then that I needed to do something physical to something. I was furious at everyone, and I thought that this was the way to do it. You see, I'm not the original Shadow Lord. I didn't cause that ridiculous Ho Chi Minh City incident like everyone else thought I did. Killing stupid ningens just simply isn't worth my time. Anyway, I thought that if I could somehow get my hands on this "Shadow Lord", I could kill him and use his title to get what I want. I told Kurama of my plan, and he followed along with it, not willingly, but because he thought he owed me something. I don't think I'll ever understand why he decided to come along with me. I'm too far in this mess right now, Botan. All I want is out."
"Then why did you start this war?" she asked curiously.
Hiei snorted. "I didn't start this war. Do you honestly think I'd be that stupid? The only reason I wanted his title was because I had some unfinished business to take care of. Certainly not to start this pathetic war. Those dumb asses in Spirit World wanted to get rid of me, and thought that framing me to make it look like I started this war would get them back in the good graces of the people they ruled. So I was made out to look like a bloodthirsty lecher."
"Serves you right," Botan said sniffing daintily.
"Look," Hiei growled, bracing his hands on a table. "I'm not what you think I am. Do you honestly believe that I enjoy being looked down people's noses at? I hate the man that I've turned into. And if you think that I like being general of an army during a war, and watching all those innocent men and boys get killed, you are dead wrong." The cool finality in his voice made Botan's lower lip tremble slightly.
With an anguished sound, he turned away. "You wouldn't understand. You're just like the rest of them." Suddenly, he felt gentle fingertips touch his wrist lightly. Startled, he looked up and saw Botan there; tears falling softly down her face. "You shouldn't cry for me," he said, turning away. "I'm not worth the salt in your tears."
"Yes you are," she said earnestly. "Don't say that. I know you wouldn't kill all those people. Not willingly."
"Botan," he said softly, tenderly extending a lone finger and tracing the wet trail of tears that streamed down her cheeks. "Ever since I've called you here, all I can think about is why. Why did I call you here? I certainly didn't lack in female companionship. As you saw Miki, I don't want any of that. I've often wondered why. But then, now that I look at it, the answer's simple. They aren't you."
"Hiei, don't..."
"I thought I had left you behind with the others. I never wanted to see you again. I knew that if I did... you were just too beautiful. You still are. You know what? I think I finally know why you're here." With that, he slowly pulled her towards her and into an embrace. He looked down at her lips for a moment, wondering if they tasted as sweet as they looked. Muttering a curse under his breath at his own lack of self-control where this one woman was concerned, he bent and fitted his mouth over hers with exquisite care, leaving no sensitive surfaces untouched. For a few moments Hiei moved his head slowly, parting Botan's lips by fractions, feeling the subtle changes in her body tension as she began to realize what he was doing. Suddenly, he could wait no longer to taste her, and twisted his head hungrily.
Botan's mouth opened in surprise and response to Hiei's kiss, leaving her vulnerable to the velvet penetration of his tongue. She could neither speak nor move, so tightly was she held in his arms. She had no physical defenses against the slow, hot glide of his tongue. Nor did she have any mental defenses against the consuming kiss, for she had never been kissed with a tenth so much heat, even by a man she ad once that to marry.
With a throttled moan Botan gave herself to Hiei's embrace, moving her tongue over his, tasting him more and more deeply with each racing second until they were locked together in a searching kiss that turned her bone to honey.
The abrupt feeling of emptiness when Hiei's mouth lifted from hers came as a distinct surprise. Slowly she opened her eyes, aware of a noticeable feeling that she had just made a mistake. A bad one. She hadn't been the least bit aroused by any man since Koenma, the first man she had ever loved. And—she had vowed—her last. IF she were going to make an exception to that particular personal rule, she knew she should have started with some a good deal less...well, less potent than Hiei was. He was way beyond her level of sensual experience. But he tempted her almost unbearably. The early, golden sunlight slanting in the sitting room through the high windows made her eyes luminous, nearly ruby-like in their color, twin smoldering fires watching her.
"I want you," He said, his voice layered with a complex set of emotions she couldn't name, bending down to her mouth again.
Oh God, God, God!! He didn't say that, Botan. He didn't mean that. Botan stiffened and tried to ease from his arms. She didn't have the least bit of success. He was even stronger than he looked, holding her effortlessly, hotly. The caress of his hands moving in slow sweeps down her arms flushed her lips and made goose bumps march slowly up and down her arms. "That's why you're here. Not because I felt pity on you, but because I want you. Not Miki. Not anyone else for that matter. Just you."
"Hiei," Botan said, twisting out of his arms. "I can't."
"Why not?" he frowned.
"Because I loved another man and it almost tore me apart when I lost him. I couldn't go through that again. It would destroy me."
"Don't you understand what I'm saying?" He said roughly, shaking her. "I want—"
"Yes, you want, Hiei. But wanting isn't enough."
"Botan," he said thickly, tracing her lips with his fingertips. "Isn't this enough?"
"Hiei, have you ever loved anyone?"
He looked pained.
"Ever?"
His silence said what he didn't.
She sighed, and began to move towards the door. "I don't think I can love another person without them loving me back. And I certainly can't love a person who dangles cheap blondes in front of my face like they were trophies."
"I didn't plan that." He said harshly. "I was stressed and tired after you took that fall...and..."
"I saved your worthless life," she said, almost just as harshly as he had. "And if you're too blind and proud to see that, then we definitely aren't meant for each other." She let go of his hands, and placed her freed ones on the door handle. "I'm sorry." She opened the door, and walked out into the hallway, shutting it quietly behind him.
That was harder than it should have been. She pressed a hand to her forehead, and quietly made her way down the hallway. It was his fault. He shouldn't have lied to me like that. I'd never believe that he'd care for me. Wanting and desiring just simply aren't the same.
"Hello, bitch."
The cool, calculating tone laced with malice made Botan jerk her head up. She saw Miki, her long golden hair in wild disarray around her perfect, porcelain head. Her hands were balled up on her hips, and her stance was tight and knotted. Her golden eyes smoldered with anger, and Botan could practically see the steam coming out of her ears.
"Not now," she sighed, pushing her way past the angry girl.
Miki grabbed her arm, and violently threw her against the wall. "Listen here, you haughty little wench," she growled lowly. "I saw you coming out of his room. Don't try and put on airs with me, whore."
"Look, --Miki? Is that your name? I could care less."
"Don't try and pull that with me!! I know you want him. Well, you can just kiss my ass, because he'll never want you more than me!"
"Can I please go back to my room?"
"Ha! I've seen that act before! I know you care!"
Botan rolled her eyes. "Excuse me, but I think—"
"Oh, yes, you might think a lot so far, but you just wait! He'll get tired of your scrawny, pale body. And when he does, you can bet I'll be right there back with him!"
"Yes, I'm sure, but listen, nothing happened—"
"Don't try and lie to me, bitch. I can see through that in a minute!"
Botan tried to leave again, only to have Miki's arm latch onto her wrist. "You might think that Mamoru cares for you, but let me tell you, he likes me, not you! I'm going to marry him!"
Goodness, does she ever shut up? "Listen Miki, you can take them both for all I care. I don't want anyone right now. In fact, it'd probably be easier for me anyway. I came here to do a job, and that's what I intend to do. Go back to Spirit World. I gave you that broom didn't I? Why don't you use it for something other than getting laid?"
Miki flushed angrily. "Hiei's mine, understand? And if you touch him, so help me—"
"I haven't "touched" them at all, okay?" Her temper was starting to rise at the girl's stubbornness. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to go have some breakfast." With that, Botan dodged out of Miki's grasp and moved down the hallway towards the great hall.
"He's mine!" Miki screeched from behind her. "Mine!"
What a mess, Botan thought to herself.
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The Gardens
Pushing open the large double doors that led into the gardens, Botan squinted in the early afternoon light. The gardens had called elementally to her from her window, and she couldn't resist going outside again. The gentle noises of the fountains drizzled over her, calming her nerves, as did the cheery noises of birds chirping. The gardens themselves were kept in excellent conditions under Kurama's meticulous eyes, carefully bringing them out to their full wonder. Bending down towards an azalea bush, Botan inhaled heavily, taking in the heady fragrance like a soothing herbal tea.
"Hello! Botan!"
Glancing over her shoulder, Botan noticed Kurama standing in and around a large group of workmen, waving a spade at her. "Over here!" A slight smile on her lips, Botan wandered over towards him.
"Hello," she said pleasantly. "What's going on?"
"Just putting in some of these new orchids that came yesterday," he said, gesturing towards a large pile of beautiful flowers incased in ceramic pots. "Sadly, I've been doing most of the work. Most of the men here wouldn't know the difference between a lily and a daffodil if it bit them on the nose."
Botan giggled. "Righto. Can I help?"
"Of course!" He answered delightedly. "Just pick up one of those pots. It's quite simple really. Here, let me show you." He reached over and gently picked up a flowerpot. "Of course, make sure you make a nicely big enough hole for the orchid to go into. Orchids are sort of touchy plants. They won't grow well if they hardly have any space to grow in. And if they have too much, they'll start to go on a rampage. I'd say a hole the size of the pot is good enough." (1)
"Okay..." Botan said, a little unsure.
"The gently ease the orchid from the pot. It's easiest when it's dry. I usually slip a piece of paper between the ceramic and the soil. It's sometimes easier. Make sure not to damage the roots when you pull it out." He made it seem like it was as easy as changing his socks. Somehow, Botan expected that it might be slightly more difficult for her. "Then, put it in the hole, and pat the lose dirt around it."
"Voila!"
"Yes," Kurama grinned, looking over the dainty orchid in the ground. "Voila."
Botan grabbed a pot, and excitedly sat down beside him with the eagerness of a child.
"So, what have you been up to all morning?" Kurama asked casually as he bent down beside her to attentively prune a leaf of the orchid.
"Oh," Botan said, trying to be nonchalant, praying Kurama wouldn't ask about Hiei. "Out and around, I guess."
A bizarre expression settled over his face. "Botan, I can easily tell that you're lying. But, as I sense that you're under some stress now, I won't push it. It wouldn't be fair to you."
Botan felt her heart clench. "Thanks," she said, giving him a sisterly peck on the cheek. "As I've told you before, you're a good friend."
Suddenly, Kurama got up to his feet. "Let me show you something," he said, extending a hand to her. Curiously, Botan took it and let out a grunt as he heaved her up. "This way," he said, leading her onto an unmarked ghost of a path. "Watch out for thorns," he called out just as Botan suppressed a curse. He pulled her along the trail in companionable silence, until he came to a clearing in the trail. In the center stood another fountain, this one slightly smaller.
"A fountain...?" she asked uncertainly. "Ssh," he whispered. "Look closer."
Questioningly, she let go of his hand and quietly tiptoed up to the fountain as he asked her to. "I don't see it," she said softly.
"Lean farther out," he said. "It's a bit far in there."
Following his instructions, she leaned farther out into the fountain. Still the only thing she saw was the tender rippling of waves across the surface. "Here, let me show you," he said, walking up behind her. "See that piece of rock over there? Look straight at it." Complying, a frown furrowed across her brow when she still saw nothing.
"Kurama? I still don't—ARH!!" Suddenly, Botan found herself face down in the fountain, gurgling desperately as she fought her way to the top. "Kurama!" she cried, outraged at the person in question who was standing there, chuckling quietly at himself. "What was that for?!"
"I'm sorry," he said between breaths, "You just were looking so sad, I had to do something."
Botan's eyes narrowed. "So you pushed me into the fountain??"
"Yes!" He said, bent over with laughter.
"Oh, it's on," she said lowly, reaching out of the fountain and grabbing him by the shirt.
"What are you doing?"
"Time for a little payback!" She yelled, pulling him into the fountain. He came up coughing and spluttering, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Two can play at that!" He shouted, grabbing her ponytail and dunking her down into the water.
And so it went on, girl dunking boy, boy losing horribly as he was being beaten by girl, until the sun began to sink beneath a hill. And with it, Botan's restless feelings of the early morning seemed to sink away as well.
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Though Kurama and Botan didn't know it, they were being watched by a pair of smoldering crimson eyes.
Feeling furious at himself for thinking Botan would choose him over Kurama, he took a big swig of whiskey. That kiss she gave me damned near set fire to me. Anyone with a tenth so much passion as hers deserves to be with me. As the sound of her laughter floated up to him, another one of those odd feelings uncurled from the pit of his stomach. Angrily, he clenched his fist on the delicate shot glass. You're a bigger fool than she is. No one will ever want you for just yourself. You knew that a long time ago. Then why does it hurt so much to see her with Kurama?
In the corner of his mind, an answer floated up to him. Heatedly disbelieving it, he mentally stomped on the idea. That's ridiculous. But, even as he denied, He knew the answer was true.
In his brutal grip on his glass, it shattered into pieces in his hand.
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Saeka: Well, I had planned on going farther, but I'm really sick of this chapter right now. So, I decided to end it instead. (--dodges empty spray cans thrown at her--)
Don't forget to review, reader-chans!! (--dodges more empty spray cans--)
Ta!
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1. Can you tell I know NOTHING about orchids? Lol.
(--pauses--) PROCRASTINATION RULES ALL!!!
So, instead of writing book reports, of which I don't know anything about the books and will probably have to make something up AGAIN, I chose to work on the story! (procrastination in its most primal state--) Yay! Which is what has caused my speedy update!! Also, I didn't want to be killed violently in my sleep. (--looks nervous--)
So, here's all the disclaimer crud: Believe me, it doesn't snow in July. Keep this thought in mind when I tell you I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho.
Reviewers: I'd give more e-cookies, but, feh, you guys are probably sick of them. So, instead, I'll shower everyone with meaningless compliments. You guys are better than procrastination. (--pauses--) Which says a lot, you know. Since, without procrastination, I could probably kiss my good grades in school good bye. Procrastination is always the best policy. (--wonders again why she's telling you this--) You guys are also better than swimming. (--pauses again--) Which says a lot, you know. Since, swimming is basically my whole life. (next to bishies and anime and manga) Damn!! (--suddenly remembers--) I forgot that County Swimming was this weekend! (--bad words come out of Saeka's mouth--) u.u Oh well. I hope you all watched Michael Phelton on the swimming finals for the USA. He's my future husband. (--nods happily--)
Reader-chans: (--throw their shoes at Saeka--) Shut the hell up and give us the chapter!!
Saeka: Jesus, fine! Good thing I decided to write this chapter earlier than usual. We can all thank Sherkoni-chan, cause it's her coming home thingy...or, whatever. Anyway, I'm going to close with a few words: Procrastination, Gretchen Wilson, and Monkeys.
Reader-chans: STORY???
Saeka: Oh, yeah. Here you go!!
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Chapter 6: The Grievances of Hiei
Botan felt as if she had been run over by a truck. Several times, in fact. She awoke with a blinding headache and a stabbing pain in her side. She moaned as the morning light streamed through her eyelids, and rolled over onto her hip, only to gasp out at the sudden, white-hot pain. Biting her lip, she groggily sat up, only to feel dizzy and light-headed as the blood rushed to her head. Reaching blindly for where the sharp pain was coming from, her searching fingers found it to be covered up with a delicate white gauze. That's right...the assassins. At the sudden memory of the attack, Botan became wide-awake.
She pushed a hand through her hair, and glanced around the room. It was hers, or the one that had been allowed for her to use. The large window on the far side of the room was thrown open to let in some of the morning air. She saw Kurama slumped in a chair, and smiled softly. What a good friend, she thought warmly. At least better than that good for nothing, Hiei. I didn't even save Kurama's life and here he is spending every waking moment with me. You'd think the creep would at least say "thank-you" or check on me just to make sure I didn't die. But, nooo, he's too good for that. Suddenly angry, Botan swung her legs over the bed and got up. Why should Kurama suffer for something he didn't do? Furiously stuffing herself into some clothes, she carelessly tied her hair back with a ribbon and stalked out of the room. Well, I think it's time I had a little talk with Mr. Macho- Stud.
She hadn't gotten fair before she realized she had no clue where she was going. Oddly enough, that only made her even more enraged. She grabbed a servant and growled lowly at him, "I need to know where Hiei's quarters are."
"Pardon?" The servant gasped in a shaky voice.
"The Shadow Lord!! Where are his quarters?"
"I-I don't know, I'm not entrusted with that kind of—"
"Tell me!"
"Down those flights of stairs and to the left," he said, pointing with a trembling finger. "But I do not know how well he will be paying attention, for I saw la huera enter the room—"
"Thanks," Botan said, releasing the quivering servant none too gently, and flying down the stairs. As she ran down the seemingly never-ending hallway, she disturbed several servants and caused crashes as startled people dropped whatever they were holding. When she finally reached two large double-mahogany doors, she wasted no time in pounding on the door.
"What is it, now?" An agitated voice called out through the door.
"Hiei Jaganshi!! I need to talk to you!" Botan yelled.
"Well, by all means, come on in," he said wryly.
"Darn right I will!" She shouted, and ripped open the doors. What she saw made her mouth drop open in shock previous thoughts of anger evaporate. There, in the middle of the room, sat Hiei in a bathtub wearing a maximum of bubbles. Her eyes widened as she took in the way he causally braced himself against the tub with a male grace that was hard to find. Light from the room washed over him like a caress, igniting small fires in his crimson eyes and bringing the powerful muscles of his chest and neck into high relief. His hand was rubbing the back of his neck as though to relieve muscles tightened with fatigue—or desire.
Too late Botan realized from what remained of the little Spanish she had learned that la huera meant "the blonde". And that was just what the woman was, a tall, lushly built blonde with coppery hair who was reaching for Hiei with manicured hands and a pouting mouth. Her dress was all but undone, showing the swell and sway of her breasts. Hiei was looking down at the smooth flesh being offered to him, and there was a sardonic curl to his hard mouth.
"What is it, Mina?" He asked, closing his eyes and rubbing his eyes. "Does that fool Lieutenant Dai need my help again?"
Botan couldn't force an answer past her lips. The sight of his exposed chest had frozen her in place. As she stared openly at it, she felt an odd, warm feeling uncurl from the pit of her stomach. Christ, she thought emptily. No wonder the sick bastard kissed me. He has women coming out of his ears. This is disgusting. I hope he makes her stop. Botan looked at the woman's exposed assets and her shining lips. The blonde didn't look like a woman who expected rejection. She looked like a woman who knew very well how to please the man smiling down at her. The thought made Botan shudder as sweat broke in a clammy wave over her skin. A soft, choked sound came from her throat.
Hiei's eyes opened as he spun swiftly and saw Botan standing in the doorway, her eyes blank, her hand raised as though to push something away. "I'm—I'm sorry," she stammered. "I was told that you'd—that you were—"
"No problem," he said dryly. "Miki just stopped by to see if I need her company. As I don't at the moment, she's on her way out." He rubbed his neck and moved his to ease the tight, aching muscles. "Do you need anything? You were unconscious for a while time. Would you like something to drink?" He asked, ignoring Miki and gesturing with his free hand toward a tray sitting on a desk.
"Let me, darling," Miki said, standing on tiptoe to knead Hiei's shoulders. "I know just where those old headaches tie you in itty-bitty knots."
Botan turned away before she saw Hiei pull Miki's hands from his body with a gesture that shouted of impatience.
"I'll, just, uh, I—" Botan gave up trying to talk coherently while her mind was reeling. She spun and all but ran out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her. With a sigh of relief, she leaned back against the cool mahogany of the door. That was stressful. She thought, blindly reaching for her wound that had suddenly began protesting the long run down the corridor to his room.
What a selfish jerk! She thought as she rested her head against the door. He probably knew it was me all along and wanted me to see him with that—that girl. Just to show him that the kiss he gave me in the hills didn't matter one bit. It shouldn't have hurt seeing Hiei with another girl, but it did. More than it had any right too.
Moaning, she pushed away from the door and wandered back down the hallway. She mounted the stairs wearily, suddenly feeling disgusted with herself. The man could obviously have any woman he wanted. Heaving herself up over the top stair, Botan stopped and rested her hand against a wall. Well what did you expect, silly? That one kiss means he's head over heels in love with you? Fool. You should have known better. Turning the corner into her own room, Botan noticed Kurama was still snoring gently from his spot in the chair. At least I know one thing, she thought with a smile as she walked over towards him. Kurama would never stoop so low to do something like that.
"Kurama," She said, gently shaking him. "Wake up."
He muttered something before his eyes fluttered open. "Botan," he gasped, jolting upright. "You should be in bed! Are you all right? You shouldn't be up and moving around so close to when it happened! Do you feel light-headed at all? I—"
"Ssh," Botan said, a tender smile on her lips. "Don't worry. I feel fine. You did a bang up job patching me up."
"Are you sure?" he said, looking slightly pained. "Ever since I saw you unconscious in that grass, I—" He choked on a word before burying his face in his hands. "It's all my fault. I should have never left you alone."
"It's not your fault," she said softly. "I should have known better. Don't worry about it. If it hadn't been for you, I'd be dead right now."
Kurama gave her a warm smile and reached out to touch her hand. "I'm glad one us thinks that way."
Botan smiled back. "You're a good friend."
Suddenly Kurama's smile turned into a frown. "Botan, I—"
"I hate to break up this little love feast, but I need to talk to Botan for a moment."
At the sound of Hiei's cold and flat voice, Botan scowled sharply. Kurama dropped her hand as though it had burned her, and looked over to his friend. "By all means, talk to her."
"In private," Hiei hissed through clenched teeth.
Wordlessly, Botan got up and moved out of the room, shutting the door behind her. "I noticed you put a shirt on," she said scathingly.
His eyes narrowed. "Follow me." He turned around and walked down the hallway and stairs with a brisk speed. When the reached his door, he ushered her in and shut the door behind her. "Sit down," he sighed, wandering over to a cabinet that held crystal decanters of liquor. Picking out a square one, he poured himself a glass before turning around and assessing Botan with calculating scarlet eyes.
"Well?" She asked, sniffing daintily. "What is it you wanted to talk about?"
"I bet you're wondering why I've called you to the island. More or less, I bet you're wondering what in the hell I'm doing as "Shadow Lord". Suffice it to say, I think it's time I answered some of those questions."
"Well, duh. At least your ego doesn't interfere with the way your brain works."
"Are you trying to say something?"
"Oh, nothing." Botan said airily, gently folding her hands in her lap. "I'm just saying someone has a little problem with thinking of people better than a dirty piece of laundry."
"I get it," Hiei said, taking a sip of his drink. "You think I'm shallow."
"As a side-walk puddle. But you're rich and gorgeous so it makes up for it."
"You're such a smart-ass. And I'm not shallow."
"Fill in the blank: the most import thing in Hiei Jaganshi's life is—"
"Fighting is my life. I'm not apologizing for it."
"The second, third, and fourth most import things in Hiei Jaganshi's life are fighting, fighting, and, oh my goodness, fighting!!" It was desperately unfair to call Hiei shallow. But, then again, a complex man wouldn't wave a cheap blonde under her nose the way he had.
"Do you want me to explain things to you or not?"
"The fifth most import thing is—oh, wait, that would be women now, wouldn't it?"
Hiei flushed angrily. "Will you shut up, now? Or do you want to find yourself in the same position you were before: me kissing you because I lost my temper?"
Botan quieted instantly. Long, sooty black eyelashes swept down over her eyes before she glanced back up at Hiei. "Is that what you call it?"
He set his glass down on a side table with something less than finesse. Raking a hand through his hair, he looked back at her. "Listen, Botan, you shouldn't have provoked me like that. When I lose control of my temper, I lose control of my emotions. If you didn't want that kiss, you shouldn't have made me angry. Now, whether you like or not, I intend to explain something to you today."
There was a moment of silent. "All right," she said slowly. "Go ahead."
He picked up his glass again and took a long swig of it. "I guess I should start from the beginning. I didn't exactly wake up one day and decide to be what I am. It came... gradually, and before I knew what was happening, it was too late to turn back. After we all went our separate ways, I was... I wasn't myself. I was confused and desperate and lonely. My life was like living in a slow hell. A twisting, burning, place where the hurting never seemed to stop," he laughed softly. "I came very close to killing myself in those days." Botan's eyes widened slightly. "I spent most of the day and half of the night drunk, stumbling around for answers. If it wasn't for Kurama, who found me and pulled me out of the wreckage... I don't know where I'd be. He knocked some sense into me that day. And it was then I realized that sulking over my life wouldn't change it one damn bit."
A soft sound escaped from Botan. He looked up sharply, and saw tears magnified in her amethyst eyes. "The only way you make a place for yourself in this world," he said slowly, pacing over to the window, "Is to turn it upside and shake it like hell to make a place for yourself."
"Hiei," Botan whispered gently.
"Nonetheless, after I couldn't find anywhere I belonged, I began to get angry. It was then that I needed to do something physical to something. I was furious at everyone, and I thought that this was the way to do it. You see, I'm not the original Shadow Lord. I didn't cause that ridiculous Ho Chi Minh City incident like everyone else thought I did. Killing stupid ningens just simply isn't worth my time. Anyway, I thought that if I could somehow get my hands on this "Shadow Lord", I could kill him and use his title to get what I want. I told Kurama of my plan, and he followed along with it, not willingly, but because he thought he owed me something. I don't think I'll ever understand why he decided to come along with me. I'm too far in this mess right now, Botan. All I want is out."
"Then why did you start this war?" she asked curiously.
Hiei snorted. "I didn't start this war. Do you honestly think I'd be that stupid? The only reason I wanted his title was because I had some unfinished business to take care of. Certainly not to start this pathetic war. Those dumb asses in Spirit World wanted to get rid of me, and thought that framing me to make it look like I started this war would get them back in the good graces of the people they ruled. So I was made out to look like a bloodthirsty lecher."
"Serves you right," Botan said sniffing daintily.
"Look," Hiei growled, bracing his hands on a table. "I'm not what you think I am. Do you honestly believe that I enjoy being looked down people's noses at? I hate the man that I've turned into. And if you think that I like being general of an army during a war, and watching all those innocent men and boys get killed, you are dead wrong." The cool finality in his voice made Botan's lower lip tremble slightly.
With an anguished sound, he turned away. "You wouldn't understand. You're just like the rest of them." Suddenly, he felt gentle fingertips touch his wrist lightly. Startled, he looked up and saw Botan there; tears falling softly down her face. "You shouldn't cry for me," he said, turning away. "I'm not worth the salt in your tears."
"Yes you are," she said earnestly. "Don't say that. I know you wouldn't kill all those people. Not willingly."
"Botan," he said softly, tenderly extending a lone finger and tracing the wet trail of tears that streamed down her cheeks. "Ever since I've called you here, all I can think about is why. Why did I call you here? I certainly didn't lack in female companionship. As you saw Miki, I don't want any of that. I've often wondered why. But then, now that I look at it, the answer's simple. They aren't you."
"Hiei, don't..."
"I thought I had left you behind with the others. I never wanted to see you again. I knew that if I did... you were just too beautiful. You still are. You know what? I think I finally know why you're here." With that, he slowly pulled her towards her and into an embrace. He looked down at her lips for a moment, wondering if they tasted as sweet as they looked. Muttering a curse under his breath at his own lack of self-control where this one woman was concerned, he bent and fitted his mouth over hers with exquisite care, leaving no sensitive surfaces untouched. For a few moments Hiei moved his head slowly, parting Botan's lips by fractions, feeling the subtle changes in her body tension as she began to realize what he was doing. Suddenly, he could wait no longer to taste her, and twisted his head hungrily.
Botan's mouth opened in surprise and response to Hiei's kiss, leaving her vulnerable to the velvet penetration of his tongue. She could neither speak nor move, so tightly was she held in his arms. She had no physical defenses against the slow, hot glide of his tongue. Nor did she have any mental defenses against the consuming kiss, for she had never been kissed with a tenth so much heat, even by a man she ad once that to marry.
With a throttled moan Botan gave herself to Hiei's embrace, moving her tongue over his, tasting him more and more deeply with each racing second until they were locked together in a searching kiss that turned her bone to honey.
The abrupt feeling of emptiness when Hiei's mouth lifted from hers came as a distinct surprise. Slowly she opened her eyes, aware of a noticeable feeling that she had just made a mistake. A bad one. She hadn't been the least bit aroused by any man since Koenma, the first man she had ever loved. And—she had vowed—her last. IF she were going to make an exception to that particular personal rule, she knew she should have started with some a good deal less...well, less potent than Hiei was. He was way beyond her level of sensual experience. But he tempted her almost unbearably. The early, golden sunlight slanting in the sitting room through the high windows made her eyes luminous, nearly ruby-like in their color, twin smoldering fires watching her.
"I want you," He said, his voice layered with a complex set of emotions she couldn't name, bending down to her mouth again.
Oh God, God, God!! He didn't say that, Botan. He didn't mean that. Botan stiffened and tried to ease from his arms. She didn't have the least bit of success. He was even stronger than he looked, holding her effortlessly, hotly. The caress of his hands moving in slow sweeps down her arms flushed her lips and made goose bumps march slowly up and down her arms. "That's why you're here. Not because I felt pity on you, but because I want you. Not Miki. Not anyone else for that matter. Just you."
"Hiei," Botan said, twisting out of his arms. "I can't."
"Why not?" he frowned.
"Because I loved another man and it almost tore me apart when I lost him. I couldn't go through that again. It would destroy me."
"Don't you understand what I'm saying?" He said roughly, shaking her. "I want—"
"Yes, you want, Hiei. But wanting isn't enough."
"Botan," he said thickly, tracing her lips with his fingertips. "Isn't this enough?"
"Hiei, have you ever loved anyone?"
He looked pained.
"Ever?"
His silence said what he didn't.
She sighed, and began to move towards the door. "I don't think I can love another person without them loving me back. And I certainly can't love a person who dangles cheap blondes in front of my face like they were trophies."
"I didn't plan that." He said harshly. "I was stressed and tired after you took that fall...and..."
"I saved your worthless life," she said, almost just as harshly as he had. "And if you're too blind and proud to see that, then we definitely aren't meant for each other." She let go of his hands, and placed her freed ones on the door handle. "I'm sorry." She opened the door, and walked out into the hallway, shutting it quietly behind him.
That was harder than it should have been. She pressed a hand to her forehead, and quietly made her way down the hallway. It was his fault. He shouldn't have lied to me like that. I'd never believe that he'd care for me. Wanting and desiring just simply aren't the same.
"Hello, bitch."
The cool, calculating tone laced with malice made Botan jerk her head up. She saw Miki, her long golden hair in wild disarray around her perfect, porcelain head. Her hands were balled up on her hips, and her stance was tight and knotted. Her golden eyes smoldered with anger, and Botan could practically see the steam coming out of her ears.
"Not now," she sighed, pushing her way past the angry girl.
Miki grabbed her arm, and violently threw her against the wall. "Listen here, you haughty little wench," she growled lowly. "I saw you coming out of his room. Don't try and put on airs with me, whore."
"Look, --Miki? Is that your name? I could care less."
"Don't try and pull that with me!! I know you want him. Well, you can just kiss my ass, because he'll never want you more than me!"
"Can I please go back to my room?"
"Ha! I've seen that act before! I know you care!"
Botan rolled her eyes. "Excuse me, but I think—"
"Oh, yes, you might think a lot so far, but you just wait! He'll get tired of your scrawny, pale body. And when he does, you can bet I'll be right there back with him!"
"Yes, I'm sure, but listen, nothing happened—"
"Don't try and lie to me, bitch. I can see through that in a minute!"
Botan tried to leave again, only to have Miki's arm latch onto her wrist. "You might think that Mamoru cares for you, but let me tell you, he likes me, not you! I'm going to marry him!"
Goodness, does she ever shut up? "Listen Miki, you can take them both for all I care. I don't want anyone right now. In fact, it'd probably be easier for me anyway. I came here to do a job, and that's what I intend to do. Go back to Spirit World. I gave you that broom didn't I? Why don't you use it for something other than getting laid?"
Miki flushed angrily. "Hiei's mine, understand? And if you touch him, so help me—"
"I haven't "touched" them at all, okay?" Her temper was starting to rise at the girl's stubbornness. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to go have some breakfast." With that, Botan dodged out of Miki's grasp and moved down the hallway towards the great hall.
"He's mine!" Miki screeched from behind her. "Mine!"
What a mess, Botan thought to herself.
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The Gardens
Pushing open the large double doors that led into the gardens, Botan squinted in the early afternoon light. The gardens had called elementally to her from her window, and she couldn't resist going outside again. The gentle noises of the fountains drizzled over her, calming her nerves, as did the cheery noises of birds chirping. The gardens themselves were kept in excellent conditions under Kurama's meticulous eyes, carefully bringing them out to their full wonder. Bending down towards an azalea bush, Botan inhaled heavily, taking in the heady fragrance like a soothing herbal tea.
"Hello! Botan!"
Glancing over her shoulder, Botan noticed Kurama standing in and around a large group of workmen, waving a spade at her. "Over here!" A slight smile on her lips, Botan wandered over towards him.
"Hello," she said pleasantly. "What's going on?"
"Just putting in some of these new orchids that came yesterday," he said, gesturing towards a large pile of beautiful flowers incased in ceramic pots. "Sadly, I've been doing most of the work. Most of the men here wouldn't know the difference between a lily and a daffodil if it bit them on the nose."
Botan giggled. "Righto. Can I help?"
"Of course!" He answered delightedly. "Just pick up one of those pots. It's quite simple really. Here, let me show you." He reached over and gently picked up a flowerpot. "Of course, make sure you make a nicely big enough hole for the orchid to go into. Orchids are sort of touchy plants. They won't grow well if they hardly have any space to grow in. And if they have too much, they'll start to go on a rampage. I'd say a hole the size of the pot is good enough." (1)
"Okay..." Botan said, a little unsure.
"The gently ease the orchid from the pot. It's easiest when it's dry. I usually slip a piece of paper between the ceramic and the soil. It's sometimes easier. Make sure not to damage the roots when you pull it out." He made it seem like it was as easy as changing his socks. Somehow, Botan expected that it might be slightly more difficult for her. "Then, put it in the hole, and pat the lose dirt around it."
"Voila!"
"Yes," Kurama grinned, looking over the dainty orchid in the ground. "Voila."
Botan grabbed a pot, and excitedly sat down beside him with the eagerness of a child.
"So, what have you been up to all morning?" Kurama asked casually as he bent down beside her to attentively prune a leaf of the orchid.
"Oh," Botan said, trying to be nonchalant, praying Kurama wouldn't ask about Hiei. "Out and around, I guess."
A bizarre expression settled over his face. "Botan, I can easily tell that you're lying. But, as I sense that you're under some stress now, I won't push it. It wouldn't be fair to you."
Botan felt her heart clench. "Thanks," she said, giving him a sisterly peck on the cheek. "As I've told you before, you're a good friend."
Suddenly, Kurama got up to his feet. "Let me show you something," he said, extending a hand to her. Curiously, Botan took it and let out a grunt as he heaved her up. "This way," he said, leading her onto an unmarked ghost of a path. "Watch out for thorns," he called out just as Botan suppressed a curse. He pulled her along the trail in companionable silence, until he came to a clearing in the trail. In the center stood another fountain, this one slightly smaller.
"A fountain...?" she asked uncertainly. "Ssh," he whispered. "Look closer."
Questioningly, she let go of his hand and quietly tiptoed up to the fountain as he asked her to. "I don't see it," she said softly.
"Lean farther out," he said. "It's a bit far in there."
Following his instructions, she leaned farther out into the fountain. Still the only thing she saw was the tender rippling of waves across the surface. "Here, let me show you," he said, walking up behind her. "See that piece of rock over there? Look straight at it." Complying, a frown furrowed across her brow when she still saw nothing.
"Kurama? I still don't—ARH!!" Suddenly, Botan found herself face down in the fountain, gurgling desperately as she fought her way to the top. "Kurama!" she cried, outraged at the person in question who was standing there, chuckling quietly at himself. "What was that for?!"
"I'm sorry," he said between breaths, "You just were looking so sad, I had to do something."
Botan's eyes narrowed. "So you pushed me into the fountain??"
"Yes!" He said, bent over with laughter.
"Oh, it's on," she said lowly, reaching out of the fountain and grabbing him by the shirt.
"What are you doing?"
"Time for a little payback!" She yelled, pulling him into the fountain. He came up coughing and spluttering, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Two can play at that!" He shouted, grabbing her ponytail and dunking her down into the water.
And so it went on, girl dunking boy, boy losing horribly as he was being beaten by girl, until the sun began to sink beneath a hill. And with it, Botan's restless feelings of the early morning seemed to sink away as well.
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Though Kurama and Botan didn't know it, they were being watched by a pair of smoldering crimson eyes.
Feeling furious at himself for thinking Botan would choose him over Kurama, he took a big swig of whiskey. That kiss she gave me damned near set fire to me. Anyone with a tenth so much passion as hers deserves to be with me. As the sound of her laughter floated up to him, another one of those odd feelings uncurled from the pit of his stomach. Angrily, he clenched his fist on the delicate shot glass. You're a bigger fool than she is. No one will ever want you for just yourself. You knew that a long time ago. Then why does it hurt so much to see her with Kurama?
In the corner of his mind, an answer floated up to him. Heatedly disbelieving it, he mentally stomped on the idea. That's ridiculous. But, even as he denied, He knew the answer was true.
In his brutal grip on his glass, it shattered into pieces in his hand.
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Saeka: Well, I had planned on going farther, but I'm really sick of this chapter right now. So, I decided to end it instead. (--dodges empty spray cans thrown at her--)
Don't forget to review, reader-chans!! (--dodges more empty spray cans--)
Ta!
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1. Can you tell I know NOTHING about orchids? Lol.
