A/N: Wow, I didn't think this would get as much attention as it did, but you HxB fans continue to amaze me day after day! I love each and every one of you, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this. Enjoy this chapter of cuteness, humor, and fluffy hints!
Chapter 2 : Candy Cane Lane
Joy filled brown eyes glimmered happily as she gazed on at the black satin-like material before her, a beautiful blue phoenix adorning the top, with a matching sapphire sash to tie at the waist. Shiori had purchased the fabric a few weeks ago to sew into a gorgeous outfit for Hiei to wear to the Christmas party the next day, and she had just completed her needlework, now finally getting the chance to admire her skill with a needle and thread. She smiled, hoping Hiei would accept the early Christmas gift, much less wear it like she planned for him to. But even if he didn't, the look on his face would suffice her until the next holiday. Though he was so cold with others, there wasn't any doubt that he held a soft spot for her, since she treated him just like he was her own flesh and blood son. Having yet another son was no burden for her, especially since Kurama was all grown up now, and her step-son was nearing the end of his highschool life. Then again, Hiei seemed to be of similar age to her beloved son, so alas, she was a mother caring for those who no longer needed such babying, however didn't seem to mind too much, considering she was such a giving woman.
"Mother, what do you have there?" Kurama asked as he leaned against the doorframe of her bedroom.
Shiori reacted instantly and clutched the material to her chest, hiding it from her son's keen eyes. "A Christmas gift for someone." she replied with a smile, hoping Kurama wouldn't pry further.
"Oh? May I ask who? I do hope it's not for me. You've already given me so much..." Kurama said curiously, eyeing the shiny black fabric with extreme interest.
"Well, no... it's not for you, Shuichi, but it is for someone very special." Shiori told him, laying the outfit back into her lap to fold carefully for the presentation. She glanced at the clock on her nightstand that read past ten in the morning, and she sighed inwardly. Was Hiei late, or did he intentionally forget to avoid the pressure of practicing his music for the next day?
Kurama smirked and stepped forward, admiring the phoenix on the side. "Well, whoever is receiving such a lovely gift from you better appreciate it. It is by far one of the most beautiful pieces you've ever made, Mother."
She blushed and returned his sneaky smile, kissing his cheek softly before she spoke. "Shuichi, will you do me a favor and find a packaging box for me to wrap this in? I would appreciate it so very much."
"Anything for you. Do you prefer a certain color?" he asked, hurrying to the door to go search for a wrapping box.
After thinking for a moment, and glancing back down at her handiwork, she replied. "A blue one if you can find it. It would suit the scheme quite nicely." With a nod, Kurama strode out of the room, leaving his mother to sorting through her thread and other scraps of material, carefully putting each in its correct place when she heard a knock at the door. Withstanding the urge to jump, she hurried down the hall, calling out to Kurama as she scurried to the door. "I'll get the door, Shuichi!"
Before her son could protest, she had opened up the door in expectation to see her favorite student, but was shocked to see carollers of every shape and size. The oldest woman of the small group, no older than Shiori, looked to the mother with a cheery grin, her rosey cheeks a perfect contrast to her white scarf. "May we entertain you with a little Christmas carol, Ma'am?"
Shiori smiled brightly and urged them to do so. "Please do! I would love to hear a song!"
Humming the beginning note, the woman led her entourage in a familiar tune Shiori knew all too well by this time, but was delighted to hear it just the same. "Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore..."
As the sextet continued, Shiori found herself standing on the porch, wrapping her arms around her while singing along quietly, to soon be surprised by another voice she recognized. Noting where it came from, she grinned even wider, aware that he was behind the group of carolers, singing softly, but strong enough for her to hear. "...Hang a star upon the highest bough...so have yourself a merry little Christmas now."
"Wonderful! Thank you all so much! Oh!" Shiori beamed, scurrying inside to grab a nearby plate of cookies, offering the carolers as many as they wanted. "Please take one in the spirit of Christmas, my friends!"
"Thank you, Ma'am!" the woman replied, accepting the sugar cookie without hesitation. "Have a wonderful holiday!"
"And the same to you! Merry Christmas!" Shiori called as they about-faced down the sidewalk to reveal her new visitor, standing at the end of the walkway with a confident smirk on his face. "I was wondering when you would get here."
He shrugged in his typical manner and strode up to meet her, Shiori immediately inviting him inside and out of the cold air. "I waited because I knew your son was still here. I don't want anyone to know what I - "
"Don't want anyone to know what?" Kurama teased, appearing out of nowhere to taunt the fire youkai in the foyer.
Shiori hadn't realized that her son had snuck up behind her, and suddenly felt worried that Hiei would leave, entirely dropping his plans to play at the Christmas party. In his defense, she spoke. "It's a surprise, Shuichi! Your friend and I are planning something extra special for tomorrow, and you simply can't know any more about it until then!" she said in her chipper motherly tone, Kurama's eyes saddening with disappointment, meanwhile Hiei snickered quietly by Shiori's cleverness.
Kurama, surprised that Hiei could be planning something, let alone be around for the holidays looked to his comrade of recent times questioningly. "Is this true? Are you really planning something for the party tomorrow?"
"Don't you believe what your mother says, Shuichi? I don't think she has it in her to lie outright." Hiei retorted calmly, Kurama's face flushing with slight guilt that for the split second he didn't believe his mother's words. "Besides, even if I was plotting something on my own I wouldn't tell you. That's why they call it a secret."
Sighing, Kurama gave in and looked to his mother and friend with an understanding smile. "Very well, I will leave you two alone. Is there anything you need before I leave, Mother?"
"I'll be fine, Shuichi. I'm most certain that if anything happens Hiei will take excellent care of me." Hiei blushed faintly, thankful his hands were still tucked in his pockets, so as not to show the fist one hand had formed into. "Actually, I will be needing some more tea. Could you get me some more while you're out, please?"
Nodding like the good boy he was, Kurama snatched up his coat and scarf, slid his arms through the sleeves then proceeded to the door. "I'll be back in an hour or so. Will that give you two enough time to take over the world?" he said comically, opening the door for him to continue outside.
Shiori giggled and Hiei rolled his eyes, the mother replying after a few moments. "I believe so. Be safe!"
"Same to you, Mother. Hiei, don't break anything."
The fire youkai didn't reply and stepped out of Kurama's line of sight just as the kitsune shut the door, leaving the mother and adopted son in blissful peace at last. "I don't know how you can live with his sarcasm day after day." Hiei snorted irritably, his gaze trailing back to the tree to observe the gifts of various shapes and sizes lying underneath the green branches. "I see that you are well-prepared for tomorrow. You're not over-exerting yourself, are you?"
Again, she was flattered that he was so concerned for her health, just like Kurama, finding the rare sympathy he showed to be a timeless gift in itself. "It's tradition for us to place the gifts underneath the tree on Christmas Eve. Oh! And that reminds me - I have another early present for you! Wait here."
Before Hiei had the opportunity to voice his disapproval of receiving yet another early gift, let alone another present at all, he sighed heavily and sat at the piano. His mind had been so occupied with thoughts of Botan and nervousness that he barely acknowledged the true reason for Christmas anymore, finding himself to be too clouded to understand. The story went something like a holy child was born to a lowly couple, and both shepards and kings alike came to offer the baby boy gifts, each of significant value. That's where he supposed the tradition of gift exchange came from, hence why everyone loved to give and receive. But again, so many had lost sight of the holiday cheer by simply getting overtaken by the rush of the season, most flustered about not getting the perfect gift and fighting against holiday traffic day in and day out. Shiori most certainly had not been blinded by such things, her giving spirit still strong as ever, and never expecting anything in return for her offerings.
Within a few more minutes, Shiori came into the den with a perfectly wrapped rectangular blue box, and silvery ribbon tied around it beautifully. Smiling, she handed the finely wrapped package to him and he sighed again. "This is for the party tomorrow, so that's why I'm giving it to you now."
Not rushing at all with his careful pulling on the ribbon, Hiei lifted the lid of the box, pulled away the tissue paper to reveal the black and blue outfit Shiori had slaved over for weeks. Gasping silently, he gently removed it from the box to look it over, the pants and sash still neatly folded inside. "Shiori, I... this is..." His fingers gingerly traced the azure phoenix with care, delicate stitches smoothing underneath his fingers with each stroke. "...Did you make this?"
She nodded eagerly, moved by the look of distilled shock on his face. She was almost driven to tears by what he said next. "I don't deserve it, but... thank you, Shiori. I don't think I'll ever be able to repay for it."
Waving it off, she spoke. "It's a gift, Hiei. You don't need to repay me for anything."
He smirked. "Not even the piano lessons?"
Shiori smiled and shook her head. "Not even the lessons." As he continued to look over the intricate design, she took out the sash and motioned for him to stand up. "Try it on."
Hiei raised a shocked eyebrow, red pools matching his cheeks. "In front of you? ...In front of a bloody window? Have you lost your mind, Shiori Minaminno?"
After digesting her suggestion, she blushed pink and laughed nervously. "At least the shirt. I want to make sure it fits right, and if it doesn't, I can make some last minute adjustments for tomorrow."
Defeated again by her motherly charm, Hiei handed the top over to her, then removed his cloak and shirt in a blur too quick for her to catch in slow motion. Snatching the shirt back from her, he slipped his arms through the silkened sleeves as he shivered subconciously by how smooth the material was against his skin. Turning around to add the finishing touches out of Shiori's view, Hiei briefly admired himself in the window, satisfaction flooding him in an instant.
"Perfect fit." he said proudly, pivoting back around to meet the ecstatic gaze of his 'adoptive' mother.
"Oh, Hiei, you look wonderful! I pity the eyes of the other girls who have not managed to capture your heart." she giggled, making him blush furiously with embarassment. "How does it feel? Any discomfort in the seams?"
Moving his arms around a bit to test the fabric, he shook his head. "Not that I can tell. You did an excellent job with this." Gesturing for the sash Shiori still held in her lap, Hiei silently asked for it and began to tie it around his waist, the material again an amazing hue of glowing sapphire blue. "...All this for me. I really can't believe it."
Cocking her head to one side, Shiori inquired further. "What do you mean? Haven't you ever received a gift that made your heart stop out of pure joy and undeserved happiness?"
Before he considered shaking his head, he stumbled over one gift that he was given, slightly fearful of what Shiori's reaction could be should he show her. His hiruiseki stone was a precious and fine jewel, not seen in the Ningenkai jewelry shops, with the exception of the gems his sister had shed while under captivity, and those were likely locked away and out of sight. Revealing his secret history to Shiori was not a good idea at the moment, and thus he shook his head, a rare smile of unrequitable gratitude on his features.
"No, so you can consider your gift the first to do such." he told her softly, watching the lone joyful tear slip down her cheek before he could catch it. Her happy, yet sad expression made him wary, but one thought came to mind, providing him with the excuse to inquire on her tears. "Did Shuichi's birth have the same effect on you?"
She nodded, wiping the tears lingering on her cheeks, the memories of her son's birth swarming in her mind. "Yes, for he was my first and only child of my creation. I had carried a child before, but I was unable to deliver him successfully, so Shuichi is indeed a blessing for me. As are you."
Hiei raised his eyebrow again, but this time out of curiosity. "Me? How am I a blessing when I'm not even your son?"
"Because I see so much of Shuichi in you, and many other attributes as well. You care about me, your friends, while caring little for yourself." Shiori replied, smiling now that he was blushing yet again. "You have a very giving spirit, Hiei, and I am proud of you. Your mother was also blessed to have such a wonderful son."
When she took him in her arms to hold for a few humble moments, Hiei let his mind wander. Did Shiori mean what she said? Did she really see him as her own son, one that she was proud of and could depend on? Why couldn't his mother live long enough so that she could have said the same thing? Witholding the hidden animosity for his birth mother, Hiei chided himself inwardly and shushed his bitter thoughts with the idea of a growing relationship between himself and Shiori. By her loving and motherly acts, he felt she deserved a present worthy of a perfect woman, and he was at a loss for what to get her. Besides the fact that she loved tea, he had no idea what things she liked. It would be pointless to ask Kurama what to get, for the kitsune would interrogate him endlessly on the fire youkai's motives for getting his 'adoptive' mother a gift. No one else knew her very well, either, but there was one other person he could go to for advice.
Botan...
He swallowed hard as her picturesque and angelic expression flashed before him, taunting him without remorse or chance for recovery. He hated to rely on others for such a seemingly private matter, but Botan was the only person he could think of that wouldn't tease him relentlessly for his efforts. She could at least understand his reasons for wanting to offer something to Shiori. After all, Shiori was like a mother to them each of them, but seemed to hold a special place for Hiei. Perhaps she knew down deep that his mother was dead, but never suspected Hiei to be the cause of such a tragedy.
He sighed again and pushed the matter into the back of his mind, pulling away from Shiori's hug so that they could begin the lesson. "Thank you, Shiori..." he muttered softly, not letting the woman get a clear view of his saddening eyes.
Shiori smiled knowingly and gestured towards the music before them. When he began to play, she noted that his gaze didn't even look at the book in front of him, and she grinned, taking the book in her hands to hold. The clever young man had already memorized the song...
But as he played, she failed to notice the almost invisible stream trickling down his opposite cheek that formed into a tiny deep blue stone...
L-a-t-e-r
The fresh scent of coffee and sweets tickled his senses as he strode down the busy street in search of the deity he had fallen for, passing frantic shoppers as they hurried to finish their holiday shopping before the clock struck closing time for the various stores in the city. Hiei, unfortunately, was one of those bustling people, but knew not to panic as they did, for he had a plan in place. He just had to see Botan first so that he could accomplish his task at hand. Shiori was the only person this Christmas that he was actually going to buy a present for, as his piano music would have to suffice everyone else, but still, the thought nagged at him...
Would anyone really care if he played or not?
He slapped himself mentally, knowing fully well that all his friends would be overjoyed (or for that matter, shocked) that he went to the trouble of suppressing his pride to play Christmas carols for them all on the holiday night. Shiori had made it clear to him that singing such carols during the holidays was an important ritual for everyone, and that it would be the perfect way to show his friends that he cared for them. However, when he asked her about a special song to play for his secret fascination, she barely took a moment to comprehend his words when she came up with a suggestion. Grudgingly, he accepted the offered music and learned it promptly in hopes that it would please her, as well as Botan.
This Christmas started to almost seem like a chance at redemption for himself, what with his efforts for practicing and worrying recently. Silently, he prayed daily that his friends wouldn't laugh at him, but would instead welcome his attempts at bringing them Christmas cheer, and he knew they would be delighted somehow.
'Hiei, you idiot, you've already gone over this. Stop worrying and just find Botan!' he chided himself, replacing his stoic expression with a familiar scowl.
Showing his frustration in the way that he walked, he didn't even notice that the scent he had been following was directly ahead, the blue-haired beauty chatting happily with a roadside vender. Botan giggled and glanced briefly to her right, eyes widening instantly when she saw Hiei storming through the crowd, and not even looking at her. "Hiei!" she called.
Accidentally, he ignored it.
"Hiei!" she yelled again, anger beginning to flare in her tone.
When the sharp voice called his name, Hiei stopped abruptly in his tracks and looked Botan's way, shocked to see that she was barely four feet in front of him. Tapping her foot impatiently, she motioned for him to step out of the way of the other shoppers, and though he did it out of reflex, he pretended to act annoyed with her. "What do you want, ferry girl?" he hissed.
"I think I should be asking you the same question." she replied, silently apologizing to the vender for her companion's rudeness. "Don't tell me you're out Christmas shopping..."
Noting the dryness of her tone, Hiei scoffed and folded his arms, turning his gaze to the side. But it wasn't out of spite - it was to avoid looking at her ideally dressed winter attire. "Hn, it's not your concern what I'm doing, but I was out looking for you. We need to talk."
Botan raised a surprised eyebrow, but smiled gratefully, knowing that this was the perfect opportunity to get an idea for his Christmas present. Turning back to the vender, Botan spoke. "Excuse me, but do you know of a nice place to go and talk that's indoors?"
The vender nodded enthusiastically, bearing a prideful smile. "Yes, I do! There's a little coffee shop just around the corner that's great to go and have a nice conversation, not to mention a delicious cup of hot chocolate!"
When Hiei silently agreed that the location would suit their needs, Botan nodded her thanks to her new friend. "Thanks! Merry Christmas!" Reflexively, she took Hiei's hand in her gloved one, not noticing the surprised blush on his features that was cleverly disguised by the cold already. Leaning down, she gave her excuse for such an action. "To blend in with everybody." she told him, making Hiei's heart sink a little by her words. How foolish of him to think the gesture was out of affection...
Once they had found the little shop, Hiei took a seat at a free table by the window, while Botan went to order herself a holiday treat. Trying not to stare at her, he let his eyes sweep across the little cafe', coming to stop at the small Christmas tree in the corner. It was barely four feet in height, adorning various ornaments that glittered in the twinkling multi-colored lights, and had a small, but noticeable star to top the admirable holiday jewel. So quaint and ideal for such a place.
"I've got something for you!" Botan chirped, setting down a mug of something that smelled rather chocolatey in front of him. Sitting down, she gestured for him to sip at the winter delight. "Go ahead, but be careful! It's hot!"
He stared at it for a moment before bringing it to his lips, noting how she blew on hers before taking a sip. Carefully, he did the same and took a small amount into his mouth, grateful that it didn't burn his tongue as he first suspected it would. Over the brim of his mug he saw her smile at him, a smile that made his stomach tie itself in a few knots. Cursed... beautiful woman! Didn't she know that it was torture for him to sit in front of her and withold the urge to pounce on her and kiss her until she was breathless? Apparently not...
"So, what did you want to talk about?" she asked cheerily, setting her mug in front of her as she removed her red gloves, tucking them into her coat pocket.
Hiei waited a moment, seeming to appear in awe as he watched her untie her scarf, drape it over her chair, and then he was completely mesmerized when she removed her white coat. When she looked his away again, having expected an answer by now, Hiei quickly took a sip of his hot chocolate without blowing on it, and was rewarded with a sharp sting on his tongue. Botan tried not to giggle, but found herself doing so anyway due to the expression on his face. Growling quietly, he calmly set his mug down on the table and pretended to ignore the numbness of his tongue and glared at her, making her giggles subside, even though he secretly enjoyed them.
"Take it easy, Hiei. Don't drink it so quickly." she told him, taking one of the unmelted marshmallows from her mug and dropping it into his. He looked at it suspiciously, then looked at her again. "It'll make it taste even better."
"Hn, like I can taste it now, anyway." he returned, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms. "I needed to talk to you about a gift for someone."
Behind her mug, Botan smiled. She knew it! He was Christmas shopping! "Oh? A gift for who?"
He gave her that look he was famous for - that 'I-don't-think-so' look. "That's none of your business, ferry girl."
Again, she subdued a giggle and mimicked his posture, leaning back in her chair to relax the tension in her back. Despite being away from ferry duty for the last couple days, she was surprisingly stiff from her constant shopping and holiday preparations. "Well, in that case, I can't be of much help. What reasons do you have for getting them a gift?"
He smirked. Clever question to ask when without a name to go on. "As a thank you for helping me with something important."
Botan raised a knowing eyebrow at his response. Did he mean Kurama? The kitsune had been quite helpful in various circumstances, not to mention he had befriended Hiei when he had no one to depend on. But then again, why would Hiei give Kurama a present? It wasn't like him to do such, so she ruled the kitsune out. Yukina perhaps? No, that would be too obvious, especially since Hiei only seemed to have the mindset of giving one gift this Christmas. After meticulously sorting through the other nominees in her mind, she gave up and inquired further. "I see. A close friend?"
Hiei nodded slowly, being careful to not let his secret slip. He may have fallen in love with Botan, but he didn't exactly trust her just yet with this kind of secret. After all, his reputation was at stake, not so much his pride. "Yes. I want it to be something significant. Something she will appreciate."
When his tongue slipped, he quickly corrected himself, ignoring that smirk on Botan's features. "Something they'll appreciate..."
"Too late, you already screwed up. So I've narrowed the field down a bit!" she teased, causing Hiei to scowl angrily at her from across the table, defiantly sipping at his still steaming hot chocolate. Botan's giggles ceased when she saw the flustered look in his eyes, embers dancing about in the red pools to emphasize his impatience. "All right, all right! Stop being so stubborn and let me help you! I won't try to drive it out of you, I promise!"
By her 'willingness' to cooperate, Hiei obliged and set his mug down again, a confident smirk on his face as Botan sighed heavily. "You're so difficult, you know that?" she said, sticking her tongue out at him.
His smirk only seemed to get cockier as he assumed his former posture. "And yet you put up with me. What suggestions do you have for the gift?"
She looked down into her lap and began to contemplate random things girls liked, jewelry coming to mind first, but like Hiei had the patience to go look for such a luxury. If she knew the fire youkai, he would want to get something simple, yet meaningful. And of course, a large price tag was an obstacle to overcome as well, so that put him in a difficult position. If only she knew who he was getting the gift for! "Hiei, I don't mean to pry, but I need to know something..." He glanced at her dangerously, mentally hoping she wouldn't overstep her boundaries and ask who the gift was intended for. "...Of what relation do you see this person?"
Not a bad question, really. Simple, yet that could narrow down the field for her. Hiei knew that answering truthfully would let Botan figure it out instantly, but answering in the form of a lie could result in him getting the wrong token of appreciation. After mulling over his options for a moment, he mumbled his reply. "...Like a mother."
"Oh... I see." Botan said, understanding sweeping over her. So Shiori was his target, but why? She never saw the two interact very much, when in fact, she barely saw them talk at all. Maybe it was a secret relationship. Either way, she thought it was sweet that he was willing to get something special for the kind-hearted woman, and knew that whatever she suggested had to work. But then again, she had so much trouble the other day selecting something, so how was she supposed to help Hiei? 'Come on, Botan old girl. Put yourself in the shoes of a mother. What would you want from someone like Hiei?'
'Meaningful...'
'Priceless...'
'Memorable.'
Knowing in an instant what Hiei should give the perfect mother, she grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him over to the little tree in the corner. "What are you doing, ferry girl?" he snarled, confused by her actions.
Shushing him, Botan looked all over the sparkling wonder in search of what she had in mind. "Hang on a moment, Hiei. Let me see if this tree has some."
Hiei growled and peered around the side of the tree at her frantically searching form. She looked so cute when she was busy... "And what are we looking for?"
"You'll see. Ah! Here's some, perfect!" she chirped, snatching the two white ornaments off of the tree to hold in her hand. The shop clerk gave her an odd glance, but she waved at him to assure him that she didn't intend to steal the objects. "Here, get two of these."
He looked at them peculiarly, and traced their winged shapes with confused interest. "What are they?" he asked.
"They're turtledoves - symbols of friendship and love." she replied with a beaming grin, giving him one to look at closer. "If you give your friend one, and if you keep the other, it's a way to say you'll always be friends, no matter what happens."
Carefully, he turned the tiny bird-shaped ornament in his hand, admiring the intricate carvings of the wings and feathers, and how smooth it was. Yes, this would be perfect, not to mention symbolic, like he had hoped. And it could be something Shiori could hang on her tree in the years to come, something that she would treasure for as long as she lived, as he would also. Just like his sister's hiruiseki stone, he would keep the little ornament close to his heart.
"This will do." he said simply, handing the little object back to Botan for her to hang on the tree, when the clerk approached them.
"Oh, sorry, Sir! We were just putting them back." Botan told him, hurriedly placing the ornmanents back where they were before she snatched them.
He waved it off with a smile and looked at the odd couple in front of him. "Don't worry. I hope you don't mind, but I heard your little conversation, and it would be my pleasure to let you have that set of turtledoves, young man." the clerk said, gesturing for the turtledoves to be placed in Hiei's grasp.
The fire youkai looked stunned, glancing over at Botan for some verbal help. When she too appeared shocked, she replied nervously. "Oh-oh... thank you, Sir! You're so generous! Can we at least pay you for them?"
"That won't be necessary. Consider them my gifts to you this holiday." he said, turning around to see to a customer at the counter.
Hiei stared again at the tiny wonders in his hand, his eyes softening into an almost red-violet he was so grateful for the gesture the clerk made. Christmas truly was all about giving selflessly, just like he was willingly sacrificing his time and pride by playing piano for them the next day. If so many could derive so much joy from just giving a small token, then he should be bursting with happiness the following night. Smiling to himself, he tucked the precious items into his pocket and turned to face Botan.
"Thank you for your help, Botan. I'll see you tomorrow night."
Amazed that he said her name, and in such a caring and grateful tone, Botan was frozen in shock for a moment in time before she noticed his retreating form. "Hiei, wait!" she ordered, alerting him to stop at the door and look at her, that same soft expression in place. "I need to know something you'd like to have..." she said shyly, looking down at her feet to avoid that beautiful red shine in his eyes. In the rare instances that he gave anyone that stare, she always felt nervous and shy, trying to suppress her inner emotions as best she could. Try as she might, she could never truly ignore how mesmerizing his iris' looked whenever they glowed in that gentle, caring manner he so rarely displayed.
Another rarity occurred - he smiled a small, meaningful smile, and placed his hand on the door handle. "There is nothing else in the world that I could want more than tomorrow night." And with that, he was out the door and striding down the sidewalk, leaving her in stunned silence.
Botan hesitantly took her seat at the table again and shakily brought her mug back to her lips, forgetting to blow on it when she was jump-started back to reality by the startling warmth the brew still had. After resuming the normal procedure of drinking her hot chocolate, she recalled that look he gave her and the words that followed. The way he spoke... it was such a deep and breathtaking sound, like he truly meant what he said. But... what did he mean, anyway? Yes, Christmas was the next day, but why could he be so thrilled about the coming holiday? Had he suddenly gained an appreciation and love for the season, or was he just glad that he had a gift for Shiori?
No... No, there was something more to his motives, now. He had a purpose and desire to be with his friends the next night. For the first time, it looked like he would actually come to the party with joy in his heart, and love in his spirit - two things never seen at the same time from the fire youkai.
As her eyelashes fluttered a bit in understanding, something else did the same. She smiled, and let out a small, surprised chuckle.
...Her heart was dancing.
S-h-o-r-t-l-y-A-f-t-e-r
The melodic skips of her heart seemed to continue as the afternoon wore on, her steps light and carefree in the way that she strode down the busy street. Several carollers were out and about, entertaining the last minute shoppers with timeless songs, and toy drivers were attempting to bring joy to an unfortunate child by requesting final donations. Botan smiled, seeing several pictures of the various children the toy drive was benefiting, and she had to feel proud of herself for taking part in the endeavor to make a young boy or girl laugh this Christmas. Bringing such a delightful sound into the world was more than worth the amount of money she paid for the little teddy bear she purchased a few days ago, imagining herself in a child's shoes and picturing her reaction. No doubt, she was overcome with joy, and thus she felt even more satisfied by her generosity.
But more so than feeling generous, she had been overcome by another emotion, one she had tried to ignore for so long, and yet never could subdue it completely. She wasn't sure what to feel after that look Hiei gave her... It was enough to make her knees weak, more than enough to make her heart beat sporatically, and it soared beyond the thought of making her mind swim frantically. Denial and heartache were knocking at her door, but joy and glee were pleading for attention. What was she supposed to feel?
Love seemed out of the question at first, but it was too soon to comprehend it already. Hiei was cold and cruel, not gentle and loving, and most certainly not the romantic type. And yet, he displayed so many rare things to her earlier that day. He had asked for her help, spoke of a woman he cared for as a mother, and even smiled at the deity out of appreciation. Perhaps he was making a change for the better this Christmas, and that made Botan overjoyed. Having a happy Hiei for Christmas was an ideal gift to them all, but falling in love for the first time...?
"Nonsense! I'm not in love!" she spat out loud, drawing the attention of the other pedestrians she was mingling with.
"Really now? And what makes you so sure?" a familiar voice startled her out of the dissipating crowd. There, sitting on a holiday decorated bench was the ever-so blunt Shizuru, calmly suckling on a candy cane as she smiled at the deity. "Hey, Botan. I see you've got a lot on your mind."
Emphasizing her embarassment, Botan blushed furiously and shuffled towards the brunette woman. "Hi, Shizuru! Hope you can ignore that little outburst there."
Shizuru scoffed and licked at her holiday delight as she replied. "Like that's even possible. Who's the lucky guy?"
Botan fumed in restrained anger and stomped her left foot once to make her point. "Nobody! You just caught me in a rare moment!"
"Uh huh, yeah sure. I'm gonna get you to talk one way or another, girl." Shizuru replied, smirking cleverly as she pulled another candy cane out of her pocket for the deity. "Take it as a bribe."
The blue-haired beauty eyed the sweet treat for a moment before giving in. She had an odd sense of trust in Shizuru, and figured that it would be most appropriate to tell her, rather than Yukina or Keiko, as their respective partners would inquire on the matter at hand. Sighing, Botan accepted the candy cane and spoke as Shizuru stood up. "You're so cunning, Shizuru, always using my one weakness against me..."
Shizuru laughed and gestured that they proceed down a quaintly decorated walkway of the park, conveniently labelled "Candy Cane Lane". Botan grinned and unwrapped her candy, pointing to the sign with a giggle. "Did you have these candy canes on hand?"
"Nah, some guy gave me a couple. I already walked this trail already, and he's at the end of it handing them out if you have a good story to tell about your 'journey' through the little wonderland." Shizuru replied, still suckling on her candy cane occasionally. Botan nodded and began to admire all the decorations that were set up along the path, most lit up since the afternoon had grown into early evening rather quickly. Once Shizuru was certain that Botan wasn't going to take off, she initiated the original conversation again. "So you haven't told me yet who the guy is you're oggling over."
Botan's expression flushed in mid-suckling on her treat, and she stared at Shizuru in surprise. Why, oh why couldn't the subject be dropped? She wasn't sure yet if what she was feeling was genuine or not, and didn't want to make assumptions so soon. "It's no one, really... I think this is just a girly thing I'm going through."
Rolling her eyes, Shizuru didn't buy it and pointed to a Christmas display of two lit up snowmen, one a male, and the other a female. "I highly doubt that. Even I'm in love with someone, so you have to be, because you are far more girly than I am."
Ah, curses!
Grinning, Shizuru continued to urge the information out of the deity. "Come on. Go ahead and tell me who it is. You may feel better after you do..."
"You'll laugh at me if I tell you." Botan replied, staring at the sidewalk as she continued to lick away at her candy cane.
"No, I won't. Just tell me."
The deity turned her gaze away to a lighted display of turtledoves, instantly reminding of her new fascination. Biting her lip, she muttered his name under her breath. "Hiei..."
"Who?" Shizuru repeated, obviously not hearing Botan's response.
Botan growled and glared up at Shizuru, shouting the name back at her. "Hiei!"
Shizuru smiled calmly and re-inserted her candy cane between her lips. "I thought so. He's the only single guy we know, anyway."
Amazed that the brunette woman didn't laugh at her, much less scold her for falling victim to the mysterious youkai's 'charm', Botan had to giggle, relaxing under the brief tension she just felt. "I guess so. He's just been... abnormally nice to me lately."
Shizuru raised an eyebrow in shock. "You mean you've seen him recently?"
Nodding and smiling as she suckled on her holiday delight, Botan replied. "Yep. I saw him this afternoon. He was out looking for a gift for someone, and he asked for my help." When Shizuru maintained her silence, the deity looked at the older woman out of concern, and proceeded to inquire on Shizuru's stunned expression. "What is it?"
Looking directly at the blue-haired girl next to her, Shizuru's seemingly shocked expression melted into an undeniably ecstatic grin. "He came to just you?" Botan nodded slowly, that grin on Shizuru's face widening even more. "Girl, he's got it for you - badly."
Botan blushed instantly, hiding her face in surprise for this stunning revelation the brunette boasted shamelessly. So Hiei was the one in love with her, and not her in love with him? Who would have ever thought it? But then again, how did Shizuru know this? "Hey, how do you know? It could be the other way around!"
Catching herself a moment too late, Botan slapped a hand over her mouth while Shizuru laughed, more than amused by this day's small joys that turned into hilarious blunders. "And is it?" Shizuru asked, still bearing that sneaky grin that Botan was beginning to hate.
Shoving one hand into her coat pocket, the deity was hesitant to reply, though inwardly giggled that she could admit it to herself on the inside. "Maybe..." she muttered softly, to her surprise not receiving more fits of laughter from her companion. Instead, the two exchanged both understanding and overjoyed stares, and Botan spoke again. "You don't think I'm crazy, do you?"
"Nah, it was bound to happen sooner or later." Shizuru replied, letting her gaze wander over the displays she had already seen, admiring the structure of the lighted gingerbread house at the corner turn. "But I think it's been longer for him."
"What do you mean?" Botan asked, beginning to show curiosity in her tone. For some strange reason, she was dying to know what Shizuru's thoughts were on Hiei's feelings.
Shizuru smirked and bit off a piece of her candy cane. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed all those times he's stared at you. The guy's practically obsessed with you... maybe even unhealthily."
The two giggled and Botan spoke. "Well, I have caught him staring at me a few times, but I thought he was just glaring at me out of annoyance. I never considered it to be an 'affectionate' gesture from him."
"Hiei's ways are strange, and his behavior around women is even more weird. But I have a feeling that if he's kept on you for this long, then his feelings have to be genuine." Shizuru said with a knowing smile, making Botan do the same. "Besides, you're an attractive girl, why wouldn't he fall for you?"
Botan rolled her eyes and bit off a piece of her candy like Shizuru, chewing the piece before replying. "Because I'm a ditsy clutz."
"Not good enough. Try again." Shizuru urged, smirking behind her candy cane.
"Fine, because I'm overly hyper!"
"Strike two."
"Because I didn't think I'd ever fall for him too!"
When Botan slapped her hand over her mouth again, Shizuru held up three fingers and smiled. "Strike three, you're out. You know you like him, so start believing it."
"But... but like is so much different than love, Shizuru!" Botan pleaded, not realizing that they were nearly at the end of the path already.
Shizuru shrugged her shoulders and patted the deity on her shoulder. "That like could grow into love. Just wait and see what he does tomorrow night. With any luck, you'll end up under the mistletoe with him."
Botan turned pink again and stopped in her tracks when the voice of the man at the end of the trail broke the silence. "Good evening, ladies! And what story can you tell me about your journey through 'Candy Cane Lane'?"
After recalling that Shizuru had already walked the path and told her story, he directed his gaze to the blue-haired girl beside her, watching the confusion and understanding etch into her face in a hurry. Botan was careful to sort out her thoughts and give the man a plausible story, and then smiled when she came up with a winner. "My story is that I can learn to love someone I used to hate."
"Wonderful! Have another candy cane, Miss, and have a very merry Christmas!" he told her, chuckling joyfully as he handed the red and white treat to her.
She accepted it cheerfully and gave him her thanks. "Thank you so much! Merry Christmas!" As the two women strode away from the park display, waving to the carrollers that continued to sing in the chilly night air, Botan wrapped her arms around herself and spoke. "Well, I better get back to Reikai and see if there's any work that needs to be done at the last minute. Thanks for the talk, Shizuru!"
Nodding in reply, Shizuru smirked knowingly. "Sure you're not going back to work just get your mind off your little heart-throb?"
Growling playfully at the older woman, Botan was quick to reply using her own wit. "Heart-throb indeed! He's a little pain in the neck as it is!"
"Ah, and the lovers quarrels begin already." Shizuru noted with a typical sigh meant to tease the deity.
Drawing out her oar, the deity lightly smacked Shizuru and spoke again. "You just wait until tomorrow night! I'll knock him flat on his back!"
"Ooo, going to wear a killer dress?" Shizuru replied, keeping that devillish smirk in place to Botan's delight.
"You bet I am! He won't know what hit him!" Botan giggled, sitting on her oar as she began to float into the sky. "Bye, Shizuru, and thanks again!"
Shizuru waved from down below and called out to the drifting deity. "You're welcome! See you tomorrow night!"
A/N: I love Shizuru so much! She's who I would go to if I were in Botan's position, too, so I naturally wrote it this way. I even added a little something for the Hiei fangirls, too. lol Y'all like? When I first got that mental image of that daggone outfit, I was on the verge of drooling insanely. Meh, I'm such a fangirl... Anyway, hope you liked the chapter, and look forward to the next one soon, which shall be full of fluff! Thanks for your time!
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