Well, welcome back for another chapter! Thanks a bunch for the reviews, I love them like I love my kitties! And I love my kitties to death! And I know, I'm horrible. I always take long to update. But it can't be helped.

Disclaimer: Fate is cruel. I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho.

Spirit

Chapter Seven: Just like old times

:thinking: (a/n)

((Begin))

"I can't believe the nerve of her! Lecturing me like that when she has worse problems! Humph!" Keiko mumbled walking down the road. She kept on ranting, even as the people walking past her stared strangely.

She looked down and saw a can, and decided to kick it along the sidewalk, imagining it was Botan. (Wow, Keiko! That's a bit harsh!)

"Hey, Keiko! Wait up!" She heard Shizuru calling her, but ignored it, and kept kicking the can. That is until, Shizuru flew past her and picked up her torture toy.

"Shizuru! I was using that!" Keiko sulked, and pushed past her, walking down the sidewalk again.

"Right, like kicking a can was doing you much good," Shizuru replied, and threw it in a near by trash can, walking in stride with Keiko.

"I'll have you know it was doing me much good!"

"I highly doubt that. Anyway, you know that's not why I'm out here."

"I know why you're out here, and I don't want to talk about it," Keiko hissed, picking up her pace. Shizuru picked up hers also, still walking in stride with Keiko.

"It's never stopped me before. And I get the feeling you're not really mad at Botan."

"What's that supposed to mean!"

"It means, I think you were just taking it out on her, the fact that you can't be with Yusuke anymore. You know, since he has a new girlfriend now," Shizuru told her, not being sympathetic at all. She was in the same boat you know, so she has no reason not to be forward about it.

"Yeah, well what do you know?" Keiko asked haughtily, trying to ignore what she just said.

"Keiko, stop acting childish. I know what's wrong. I have empathic powers, remember? And don't take it out on me like you did Botan."

"I'm not taking anything out on anyone! Stop interrogating me, and I'm not being childish!" Keiko hollered, turning to face her finally.

"Keiko, stop denying it! I already told you I know what's going on! You can't lie to me. You need… you need to let it out," Shizuru told her, and Keiko finally broke. Tears started falling from her now rosy cheeks, and she tried to wipe them away, only to have Shizuru grab her wrist, gently mind you.

"No, let it out. You can't keep it welled up inside. It's not healthy you know," Shizuru said concerned, and dropped Keiko's wrist. Keiko let out a choked sob, and started shaking.

"I-I just can't help it! I've loved him since I was a little girl! I can't stand the thought of him being with somebody else!" Keiko wailed and hugged Shizuru. (No yuri moments, thank you!) Shizuru patted her head and sighed.

"You should apologize to Botan."

"I know… I was so horrible!" Keiko sobbed again, pulling away. She wiped her eyes embarrassedly and looked at Shizuru, "Sorry about that. I guess I just needed a small reality check."

"Yeah, you did. But if you ever need another, you know who to call," Shizuru smiled and ruffled her hair, "Let's go."

"Right, thanks," Keiko said, fixed her hair, and ran after Shizuru.

:I can't believe I said those things to Botan… I just snapped! I couldn't stop myself.: Keiko thought ashamed as she walked silently behind Shizuru. It's a good thing Shizuru came after her, she could have done something irrational. She wiped her eyes again, hoping they didn't look too red.

"What should I say to Botan?" Keiko asked Shizuru. She was so mean, she didn't know what to say to make up for it.

"I don't know. Whatever comes to you, I guess. I'm sure Botan will understand," Shizuru reassured her and they finally arrived at the club. The two took a deep breath, and entered.

"D-do you see what I'm seeing?" Keiko stuttered, Shizuru nodded dumbly and looked in the direction of Hiei and Botan.

((Hiei and Botan))

"Hiei… I missed you so much," Botan cried and buried her head deeper into his chest.

"Hn. Me too, onna, me too," Hiei pulled her closer, and nuzzled her neck. She smelled like wild flowers…

"I wish I never left you. I should have never taken the others with me," Botan said into his shirt, muffled, but he could hear it.

"Hn. It's the past, so let's keep it that way."

Botan nodded and held him to her tight, she had dreams about this! It felt so great to have him in her arms again, and she knew Hiei felt the same way. Well, she was pretty sure she did anyway. She pulled away gently and looked him in the eyes.

"What are you going to do about Linaki?" Botan asked, still a bit unsure about staying with him. Sure, she wanted that with all of heart, but if he wasn't going to get rid of Linaki, she wasn't going to wait around for him. Botan already knew he said he'd get rid of her, but she wanted reassurance.

Hiei responded by pulling her back into his arms and whispering in her ear again, "Onna, I love you, not her. I'll fix this."

Botan nodded in understanding, her heart fluttering. This would work. They could be together again! Now if only she could get the others to forgive each other… She looked up over Hiei's shoulder and saw Keiko and Shizuru standing in the doorway, gaping at her and Hiei.

"Oh, no! Hiei, Keiko and Shizuru came back. What if they get even madder at me for you know, forgiving you?" She asked, pulling away. Hiei ran his hand slowly down her shoulder in a light caress and he pulled back also.

"Hn. Don't worry about it. The ningens will forgive you sooner or later."

"I guess I'd better go talk to them."

"Hn. Go," He pushed her lightly in their direction, and made his own way over to the Tantei. He glared at them, warning them not to say a word. Of course, the glare wasn't taken seriously. Yusuke came over, wrapped his arm around Hiei's shoulder, and made kissy faces at Hiei. Hiei growled and pushed him off, and Yusuke just threw his head back and laughed, the lights shining in his face.

"Yeah, Hiei! Who knew you'd be the first to get your girl back!" Yusuke laughed some more and patted Hiei's back, "Way to go, you hopeless romantic!"

Kuwabara laughed with Yusuke, and Hiei's growls grew louder. Kuwabara's eyes widened and he poked Yusuke, "Hey, Urameshi. I think we'd better stop…"

Kuwabara backed away quietly, but Yusuke just kept going. Hiei finally snapped, and tried to attack Yusuke. Yusuke was completely oblivious, so Hiei had the perfect chance. Kurama luckily got in the middle, and stopped Hiei.

"Hiei, calm down. Yusuke is just having fun. He's happy for you. We're all happy for you," Kurama reasoned, and the other Tantei nodded. Yusuke, after finally noticing he was about to be beat to a pulp, nodded too.

"Hn."

"So… who's up for some more drinks!" Yusuke exclaimed and tried to make his way over to the bar, but not before Touya grabbed his collar again, making him stop.

"Not after we just got you sober again. I think you can lay off on the drinks for a while," Touya told him. Yusuke sighed and obeyed, and Touya let him go. Touya looked to the corner where he had seen Yukina sitting, only to notice she wasn't there anymore. Where did she go?

Touya's eyes scanned the crowd and didn't see her. So, he looked in the most logical place she could be. Over with Shizuru, Keiko, and Botan. She was trying to do some damage control…

((Spirit))

"Botan, what's going on?" Shizuru asked, her eyes still wide. They were only gone for about fifteen minutes, and this happens!

"Well… um… I still love Hiei?" Botan answered nervously, making a cat face. Hopefully they took the news well.

"But, Botan! Look at what he's done to you! At what they've done to us!" Shizuru exclaimed. She thought Botan hated them all…

Yukina took that moment to step in, "I think this is Botan's decision. And that we should respect it. Keiko, just before you were saying that you might have forgiven Yusuke. Plus, Botan is Hiei's mate. They're always going to have a connection no matter what. It can only be severed through death. They love each other. Just like you two love Kurama and Yusuke."

Yukina took a deep breath. That was a lot of talking to do! Hopefully she got them to understand. Yukina looked up at Botan, who was smiling at her in thanks.

"I don't love him anymore!" Shizuru cried, "I… can't."

Keiko looked at her in pity. Wasn't she the one who was just lecturing her on her love for Yusuke? Well, what goes around comes around!

"Shizuru, that's bull and you know it! You still love him, it's written clearly on your face! Just as it is on all of ours! We can't keep lying to ourselves about this! We're always going to love them… I just don't understand why," Keiko sighed, glancing over at Yusuke who was looking longingly at the bar. She shook her head at him, same old Yusuke.

It seemed to get through to Shizuru, all of them actually.

"Well, what are you thinking! You can't just let these new girls stomp in on our territory!" Botan exclaimed. If they still loved them, which she knew they did, they would fight for the Tantei. They are going to get their family back, no matter what!

"You're right… We can't let them take what's rightfully ours! They were nice girls, and I don't want to hurt them. They saved Yukina. But, if it means getting Kurama back, I'll fight. And I'll fight hard," Shizuru said determinedly.

:I know I still love him. I have no reason to, but I do. It doesn't make any sense. He hurt me so much… but I have to do this. I need him…: Shizuru thought, her eyes making their way over to Kurama.

"Let's do this."

((Reikai Tantei))

Kurama could sense eyes on him, and he looked away from Yusuke. He glanced around the room, and saw Shizuru was the one staring. He smiled at her and she waved uncomfortably, looking down. He let his eyes linger on her form a small while more, and then he turned back to Yusuke… who was still staring at the bar.

"You're not going to get anymore alcohol Yusuke, so stop looking. You're just going to torture yourself more," Kurama sighed and watched as Kuwabara went over to order a drink, just to taunt Yusuke.

"No fair! If Kuwabara can get a drink, so can I!" he whined, watching as Kuwabara took a big chug of some beer.

"No, you can't. Because you can't control yourself," Hiei sneered and Yusuke glared at him.

"So what!"

"So you can't have a drink," Touya finished, leaving no room for protests. Yusuke pouted and accepted his defeat.

"On to more pressing matters. Hiei, now that you're back together with Botan, how are you going to tell Linaki?" Kurama questioned, giving Hiei his full attention.

:And if there's a small chance I can get Shizuru back, how will I tell Mya: Kurama thought, once again glancing at Shizuru, then back to Hiei.

"Hn. I've been trying to figure that out, Kitsune."

"Well, you need to think of something soon. I believe they are coming over tomorrow, and I doubt Botan would be happy about that if she found out you didn't say anything to Linaki," Touya explained, shuddering at the thought of a mad Botan. He'd only seen her really mad once or twice, but it was scary nonetheless.

"I know!" Hiei hissed and sat down at one of the tables, the rest of the Reikai Tantei following. The tables were actually very clean for a night club. And the seats were comfortable. This place must have been very successful.

((Spirit))

"Girls, it's getting kind of late. It's almost midnight! We should probably be getting home, don't you think?" Keiko asked, looking at the glowing clock on the wall.

"Let's stay for a little longer, then we can leave. Is that okay with you?" Shizuru asked. She didn't want to leave the Reikai Tantei just yet, even if they weren't on speaking terms at the moment.

"That's sounds chipper to me!" Botan exclaimed, smiling brightly at them.

"I think that's all right with me," Yukina smiled also.

"Yup, that's fine!" Keiko chirped. It was nice to go out every once in awhile, especially now that they're back in Japan. They didn't to get to go very many places in case of any crazed fans. They really weirded the girls out… "Hey, Botan?"

"Yes?" Botan replied.

"I want to apologize for lashing out on you. I had no right. I was just angry and frustrated, and you just happened to be the one talking to me at the time. Plus, I was in a bit of a denial," Keiko told Botan. She really did feel bad about the way she had acted.

"Think nothing of it, Keiko! We've all been a bit on the edge these last few days! I know you didn't mean it!" Botan forgave Keiko. After all, they were like sisters. All of them were like sisters. They could always count on each other when it comes down to it.

"Thanks," Keiko grinned and hugged Botan. Botan hugged her back. While, Yukina devised a small plan in her head.

"I have an idea. Since we've decided we're going to get the boys back, why not start now? Now that Botan's already gotten back together with Hiei, that gives us more reason to go over there. Botan, you can start walking over, and we can follow you," Yukina explained, and everyone nodded eagerly.

"Yukina, you really are a genius," Shizuru complimented and Botan started walking towards the boys' table. They looked up and greeted her, and she grabbed a chair to sit with them. The girls took that as their queue to walk over.

((Botan and the Reikai Tantei))

"Well Hiei, you were right! They didn't mind!" Botan chirped and moved her seat closer to his. He grunted and smirked at her.

"So, Botan, do you still have your oar?" Kurama asked her, trying to make conversation. It was an awkward situation, but everyone was working to get past that. Until, the other girls came over. Then it was just an uncomfortable silence. It was to be expected, though.

:Shoot! We thought of why they would come over, but not what they would actually say: Botan thought and glanced nervously around the table. Shizuru was the first to speak up.

"Mind if we sit here?"

"Not at all," Kurama said smoothly. He grabbed three chairs from an empty table next to them and sat them around their own, "Have a seat."

Kurama, being the sly fox that he is, he put Shizuru's chair in between his and Kuwabara's, Yukina's in between Hiei's and Touya's, and Keiko's in between Yusuke's and Botan's. The girls all sat down, and another wave of silence passed over the table. Kuwabara cleared his throat and asked his sister, "So, sis, how ya been?"

"How do you think? I'm rich," Shizuru told him sarcastically and smiled in spite of herself. She really missed her brother's idiocies.

"Keiko," Yusuke demanded her attention. All eyes were on him and Keiko nodded, showing she was listening to him.

"I wanted to say sorry. For you know… what happened at the mall," Yusuke told her, looking her in the eyes so she would know he wasn't lying or anything.

She looked down at her hands in her lap and said in quiet whisper, "It's okay, Yusuke."

"Right," Yusuke put his hand on her shoulder and grinned at her. She couldn't help but smile back at him. Yukina giggled, they were so cute together.

"How have you all been fairing lately?" Yukina asked, also trying to make conversation.

"Can't complain," Touya told her and asked if she would like a drink.

"No thank you, we have to leave soon."

"Would you come visit us at Genkai's temple soon?" Kurama asked, and the guys held their breaths unknowingly. This would decide whether they had a chance with them ever again or not.

"Yeah, I would like that," Shizuru replied quietly and all the girls agreed with them. Yusuke cheered, and Keiko pulled him back down in his seat embarrassedly.

"Yusuke, must you be so loud!"

"Well, duh!" Yusuke poked her and laughed. Keiko's face turned red and she made a small 'humph' sound. Botan and Yukina giggled, while everyone else just shook their heads. It was just like old times.

Speaking of old times, Yukina started wondering about Genkai.

"Is… is Genkai still living?" Yukina asked, fearing the answer. What if they left and she had passed away! They would have never even got to say goodbye!

The boys glanced at each other and all was quiet for a while. The girls waited wearily for their answer.

"She's living, yes. But, she's very ill. We don't know how much longer she'll be in the living realm," Touya said, trying to be discrete about her illness. He knew how close Yukina and Genkai were. Yukina almost saw Genkai as her grandmother. She would be devastated if Genkai had died.

"How bad is she?" Botan asked, her eyes watering a little. Genkai was also very important to her. Unlike Yukina, who only saw her as a grandmother, Genkai was the only motherly figure Botan had ever known or had. She always went to her with her problems. Hiei nuzzled her neck, trying to be as comforting as possible. He wasn't the type to express his emotions with words.

"As Touya said, we don't know how much longer she'll be alive," Kurama told her sadly. He hated to be the bearer of bad news.

"Can she be healed? Is there any way me or Botan could use our healing powers on her?" Yukina questioned hastily. If there was a way to save Genkai, she'd use all of her power to help!

"We don't even know what she has, but it's possible you might be able to heal her," Hiei answered. Maybe they really could save her, maybe not.

"We'll be over tomorrow for sure," Shizuru told them. There was no way they would wait any longer to see Genkai. From what the Tantei said, she may not have a lot of time left.

"She'd be happy to see you, ya know," Yusuke said, stirring a soda that Kuwabara was nice enough to order for him.

"It would be good to see her too… I think we'd better go now," Botan told the boys and all the girls got out of their seats and said their goodbyes to the boys. Botan wrapped her arms around Hiei's neck and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

"Hn."

Their fans waved and cheered as they walked out. Their limo was there waiting for them and they rushed in. The driver pulled out and they were on their way to Keiko's parent's house.

"It was nice… being with them, I mean," Keiko said, looking out the window absently.

"Yeah, weird, but nice. It felt good to be with them, not fighting, but just enjoying their company," Shizuru agreed. And opened the limo door for everyone to get out as the driver pulled up next to the house. The girls scrambled out and walked into the house in silence. Keiko's parents were already asleep, so they creeped into Keiko's room and all went to bed.

((Reikai Tantei))

"We should get going too," Kurama sighed, grabbing Yusuke, who was snoring on the table. Hiei and Touya complied and grabbed Kuwabara, who was at the bar, getting another drink.

"I hope Botan and Yukina will be able to help Genkai," Touya wondered out loud. They all went their separate ways, eagerly awaiting for the morning.

((The OC girls))

"They're getting closer to the Tantei, we have to do something!" Amani crowed, watching with her friends as Yusuke walked down the road to his house.

"The only way we can stop them is to eliminate them," Sae hissed.

"So be it."

"Well then, they're going to have a long next two days," Linaki grinned maliciously. How dare that Botan touch, no kiss, Hiei! She gave up her right to do that three years ago! Well of course, with a little help from mind controlling the Tantei, that is.

"Come, we have much planning to do," Mya ordered, and they also went their separate ways, planning their revenge for each one of the girls of Spirit, who supposedly took the Tantei from them.

((End Chapter))

I know I didn't get anybody together in this chapter, sadly. I really wanted to, but it just wasn't coming to me. So, expect a coupling next chapter! It wasn't too bad though, I had bits of fluff for each couple in there. RR please!