Sherkoni - First off, let me apologize for the very long wait. I had a chapter typed up, when I decided I didn't like it. So I wrote a new one, only to realize the computer had no internet. So it's been sitting, waiting to be uploaded, I just haven't had the chance.

So sorry again, but I hope you enjoy it. Oh and . . . -beats Saeka over the head- Of course Gizelle didn't mean Kurama, she meant Hiei you baka. -teasing grin-

Chapter 7

Kill the Cliche'

And his footsteps echoed through the corridors, bringing force sounds of hope and fading away into notes of love. Little did the fair maiden know, her soulmate was just around the corner, waiting with open arms...

"Yes, yes, that's good." Dimitri rubbed his chin proudly. "I really need to write that autobiography. . ."

He continued his trek through the Spiritworld corridors, his long blonde hair swishing gracefully behind his back, blue eyes seeming to dance with gorgeous specks of light. The author would like to remind everyone that she doesn't exaggerate. Here, anyway.

Dimitri paused at the large double doors, checking his fuzzy reflection in the polished wood. "Ah, perfect." His lips curving into a sculpted smile, he pushed the doors open and entered into the office of the Prince of Spiritworld.

"Hello." He sighed as if waiting for applause to die down. "I'm here to see Botan."

We'll test you to see if you behave, if you pass you can roam unmonitored, Hiei thought sarcastically to himself.Another angry growl rumbled through his throat. What a joke. And I was the bunt of it.

A cool breeze passed over his face, seeming to swipe away the warm anger flushing his face. He sighed and toed a blade of grass thoughtfully with his boot. Suddenly, the realization of his casual actions hit him.

He didn't care. Not really.

But why? He should. In fact, if he really thought about it, if it had been a few months ago, he wouldn't have hesitated to strangle both Koenma and Botan. But then again, he did act more or less immature considering the lightness of the situation. The same voice that had tormented him in the forest clearing came nagging back into his head.

I told you that you had feelings for her.

"Shut up," Hiei snapped into the previously silent air. It still tormented him with shame and embarrassment to think he could've fallen into the traps of petty emotions.

Fine, the voice continued. But why, may I ask, are you still outside the portal to Spiritworld? For the past three hours, I might add.

Hiei narrowed his eyes. The voice was getting a very independent personality. That probably wasn't a good sign of mental stability. Perfect.

However, the 'voice' was right. He turned, rather embarrassedly, towards the swirling vortex of blue and violet. Why he hadn't left yet was a mystery to even him. Every time he started towards the Makai, a unsettling feeling developed in the pit of his stomach. Even as he recognized his foolishness for pondering over it this long, the feeling started to return.

He battled it for a minute, before an idea struck him. "Perhaps I'll apologize?" he muttered into the air, questioning the suggestion aloud. The feeling instantly left his stomach.

"Oh hell. Now I'm getting a conscience too."

It didn't matter. It made sense, in a systematical way. Apologize. Clear conscience. Go home. Get on with life.

Flawless, and quick, if he didn't stretch it out and let Botan get all sentimental over it.With a final grunt, he bounded into the portal without a second thought. He breeched Spiritworld's boundaries in a rush of color. Hardly pausing for a breath, he sprinted towards the palace situated high in the mist.

"E-Excuse me?"

"As I just said, I am your soulmate."

Gizelle scrutinized the handsome demon with folded arms. "I know a lot about soulmates, and there is no saying you are her's."

Dimitri flashed a brilliant smile. "And how is there any possible saying that she isn't? We're practically made for each other! She's beautiful!"

Botan's eyes widened slowly, allowing it all to sink in. He couldn't be serious and still hold on to any dignity. Clearing her throat politely, she tapped him on the shoulder. "Um . . . I don't think being 'soulmates' necessarily depends on looks."

Dimitri looked puzzled. "Oh?" He pondered this for a second, rubbing his chin in confusion. "Then we should get to know each other!"

"Eh . . ." Botan forced a weak smile. "Perhaps."

Dimitri took her hand in a charming flourish, gazing down at her lovingly. "Would you at least honor me as being my date to my ball tonight?"

Botan chewed her lip, trying to think of the best way to turn him down without hurting his feelings. "Well . . ."

He frowned in frustration. "Why are you so indecisive? That Hiedi person said you thought we were soulmates."

"Wait - Hiedi?"

"Or something like that . . ."

Botan's stomach churned uneasily. "H-Hiei?"

Dimitri clapped his hands. "That's the one!"

The remark left a surprising sting in her heart. Her face fell in disappointment. Disappointment? For . . . .

She gasped, a hand flying to her mouth. She was disappointed that Hiei wasn't her soulmate. She was disappointed that he obviously didn't feel the same, as he had picked out a match for her. The realization of it all came crashing full blow, nearly knocking the breath out of her.

She had grown to care for the cynical fire demon as . . . . more than a friend. More than a kiss to be brushed aside, as it were.

But her feelings weren't returned, that much was obvious. "I . . ." she whispered, fighting down the tears that were forming. This is stupid, she scolded herself for almost breaking down in front of her friends like an idiot. What did you expect? You can get over it. Easily. And the best way to start is to have 'Prince Charming' take your mind off things. "Sure."

"Sure what?"

She nearly jumped out of her skin. That voice was masculine and cutthroat, demanding submission from everything else. She knew that voice. And it's owner sounded particularly irritated.

She turned to see Hiei standing in the doorway, glaring at her suspiciously. She opened her mouth to say something, but she was interrupted by Dimitri. "Splendid! I'll pick you up in about two hours. In my flying limo." He winked deliberately at Botan and she winced.

With a large flourish of his cape, he sailed out of the door. Hiei hardly acknowledged him. "What's going on?" he demanded again, turning his ruby gaze to Botan.

She quickly averted her eyes. "Uh, I better go get ready," she rushed, running by Hiei towards her room in the Spiritworld palace. Hiei was tempted to reach out a hand and stop her, but he stopped himself, letting her brush by. He blushed slightly when their arms touched for an instant. He watched her form run down the hallway until she turned a corner.

He turned back to Koenma and Gizelle. "Well?"

Koenma grunted nervously. "Botan has a date, with Dimitri whatshisname."

"Who?"

Koenma raised an eyebrow. "How should I know? You're the one that set them up."

Hiei's eyebrows shot up. "What?!" He frowned in confusion, racking his memory. In an instant, he remembered. That was the only demon Botan had found attractive in the Makai bar. He flushed at his own stupidity. He asked cautiously, "When is she leaving?"

"In a few hours." Gizelle smiled wryly. "I'd still go apologize."

Hiei glared at her furiously, his cheeks turning a beet red. "Excuse me, I nev–"

Gizelle waved a hand, cutting him off. "Oh pish posh. I know everything."

Hiei gave her a flat look. "Oh? Then I suppose you know that–"

"Love sucks. Yes. Now get a move on."

Unusually stunned, he shifted uncomfortably before finally submitting to her knowledge and gave a wary shrug."Hn." He turned away from Koenma's amused look, and headed down the hall towards Botan's room.

Knock! Knock!

Botan peered at the door quizzically, finishing the touches on her hair. "Wonder who that is . . ." she murmured, walking to the door. She opened it slowly and jumped to see a rather uneasy looking Hiei.

He just didn't want to make this easy on her, did he? "Hello Hiei," she said, amazed at how calm her voice sounded. "What do you need?"

He grew all the more uneasy. "I . . ." His gaze shifted to the floor. "I just wanted to speak with you for a moment."

Botan swallowed the nervous lump in her throat. Unsure of how wise the action was, she motioned him inside. "Sure, come in."

Hiei stepped inside her room, giving the pink and lace decorations a disapproving look. He walked to her bed and took a seat on the end.

After a few moments of tense silence, Botan said, "So . . . what did you want to talk about?"

Hiei grit his teeth, gripping the sheets forcefully between his figures. After a few more moments, he ground out, "I wanted to apologize . . . . for before . . . . I acted like a child." When he got no reply, he glanced up warily, searching out Botan's reaction. Her face was lit up like the sun, her smile ethereal with approved happiness. With a tangible irony, he realized he would apologize to the lowest scum on the earth to see her smile like that again.

"Don't worry about," she quipped happily. Seeing the relief wash over his face, she was struck with a bittersweet feeling. He made her heart swell, but at the same time, she knew he wouldn't bother with her.

"Where are you going tonight then?" Hiei asked softly.

Botan shrugged carelessly. "A ball, or something." She glanced shyly at Hiei before turning in a full circle before him. "How do I look?"

His eyes widened at the unexpected question, taking in the folds of blue that swished gracefully around her legs. "You aren't the dress," he answered curtly. Seeing her dismayed look, he brought a hand to the space next to him. "Let me see."

Confused at first, Botan gave him an odd look. Finally grasping what he meant, she took a seat next to him on the bed. Hiei's face twisted into a contemplative frown. He brought a hand up to her cheek. Botan blushed before she could stop herself.

His rough fingers traced her features with a surprising gentleness, tracing her eyes and brushing across her lips. He shifted his hand to sift through her hair, Botan glad that her features could get a rest from his fiery touch. Finally, Hiei's hand dropped to her shoulder. Both sat in silence for a few stricken moments before Botan finally dared ask, "Well?"

Hiei slowly brought his eyes to meet hers, never removing his hand. They stared at each other for a few moments. For once Hiei's eyes weren't covered by a hard mask, increasing their beauty in Botan's mind. She saw regret, sorrow and perhaps a touch of envy. What she wouldn't give to see true happiness, unmasked, in those eyes.

Please let me, she begged silently, reaching a hand to his face. The second her finger touched his warm cheek, he pulled back, removing his hand almost instantly. The mask was back and his lips were curved in a tight smile. "You'll do."

She tried to laugh, but it came out more as a gasp. "Thanks," she breathed with a forced smile.

Suddenly, a loud buzzer sounded in her room, shattering the silence. Even Hiei started a little. Botan stood to her feet. "That's probably my ride," Botan said with a final smile at Hiei. She knew Dimitri really wasn't supposed to be there for another hour, but he had either come early or Koenma needed her for something else. Either way, it was an escape from the tense emotions present.

He wanted to offer to at least walk her out, but he couldn't manage to do anything but nod. Botan looked away and rushed out the door. The second the door clicked shut, a wave of exhaustion rushed over Hiei. And he thought fighting was hard?

Against his better judgement, he allowed his body to lay back onto Botan's bed. The comfort of the feathered bed combined with the strains of confusion and helplessness swarming his head made his eyelids grow heavy. In seconds, he had drifted into sleep.

"Are you still here?"

Hiei's eyes snapped open in surprise. Standing over him with an amused smile was Gizelle. He looked at her apprehensively. Her smile widened. "How are you feeling?"

With a groan, Hiei pulled himself upright. He didn't know how long he had been asleep, but he guessed it was a good few hours. "I dunno...." He ran a hand over his tired face.

"Regret? Envy?"

Hiei's head snapped up, glaring bitterly at Gizelle. "Why do you care?"

"I just think it's amusing, that's all. That you wish it weren't happening, but it's your fault," she said, taking a seat next to Hiei before folding her arms gracefully across her stomach.

Hiei groaned again. "That was a mistake," he muttered.

"Ah, so you are feeling regret." Ignoring the agitated growl she received, she dared to ask, "So why did you choose him then?"

Hiei shrugged helplessly. "I don't know. I wanted revenge on Botan, so I had to choose someone."

Liar! The voice was back. You knew Botan wanted love in her life and the only person she liked at the time was him! You, my friend, wanted her happiness. Revenge? Psh.

Hiei ignored the thought. "And I suppose because Botan thought he was . . . " he bit off the word, "attractive."

Gizelle snorted. "And," Hiei added after a moment. "His favorite color was purple."

"I hardly see how that is relevant."

Hiei shifted in irritation. "I don't understand it either. Botan said opposites attract better than those of the same. I don't know for sure what the opposite of green, Botan's favorite color, is. But purple seemed close enough. The only person who'd try those together would be Kurama."

Gizelle pondered this for a moment. "Well, I suppose that is fairly good reasoning. It's not really a foundation for marriage, but it probably indicates in the right direction." She paused, letting a light laugh escape her lips. "Except, purple isn't the contrasting color of green."

"What is?" Hiei asked, more or less bored. He hardly cared now.

"Well, don't you know? It's red child."

Hiei tightened with surprise. Such a simple statement - even with a simple meaning should not have jolted him like that. But it was ringing with an undeniable clarity through his brain.

He wanted to grab Botan around the shoulder's yelling, "I'm your soulmate you idiot!" until it was firmly implanted in her brain. Even if she didn't care.

"I have to go." He said curtly. Running with a speed even fast for him, he sped out of Spiritworld into Makai.

Sherkoni - Oh, dun dun dun dun. Muhahahaha! -sinister music-

oO;; Review, please. For it does odd things to the corners of my mouth. They tend to curve upward.