A Brother's Love : Truly Unique
A/N: I couldn't help but make this the epilogue. You see, my favorite holiday is Christmas Eve. Not Christmas, but the Eve. It's a family thing. But, enough about me, let's get started! Enter... Hiei... Botan... Presents... and the gang! Read and Review!
I
Yukina was... excited? No. More like... exhilarated to no end. Even Genkai noted the fact that the little ice maiden couldn't keep a grin off her face for more than fifteen seconds. It was Christmas Eve, and the entire gang was coming. But that wasn't all.
Hiei had finally found love. Her dearest brother had found a mate. Botan, to be specific. Botan, you sly deity you! Yukina giggled at the thought. She wasn't sure if anyone but knew other than her. Kurama probably did. Hiei was friends with him. If that's what you called it.
II
Kurama tugged on his white shirt as he buttoned his slacks. He was having trouble focusing. One: Shizuru was going to be there, and I guess you could say that they were an item.
Two: He was going to finally see Botan and Hiei together. Together! Kurama sprayed on some cologne. He remembered the day when Hiei came to him. It had startled him to say the least.
Back in the day...
Kurama sighed as he rolled over on his bed. It was late, the moon shining through his windows. He tugged the covers over his chest, which was covered by a white tank top. That was when he heard a hard, brisk tap on his window. The kitsune started and saw his half fire demon, half Koorime friend standing outside.
"Hiei, what are you doing here?"
Kurama hissed, a bit annoyed at his friend for coming to his house in the middle of the night. The Koorime gave him a smug look that made kitsune uneasy. Hiei Jaganeshi was proud of... oh God.
"If you killed anyone-!"
Hiei rolled his eyes and shook his head, his smirk turned into a sneaky grin.
"Don't worry yourself fox, I just felt... that..." Kurama watched as the Koorime shifted uneasily, his cockiness gone. "I needed to tell you that I have found a mate and–."
Kurama gasped and felt his face turn red with happiness, astonishment, and a little bit of fright.
"Oh, Hiei... that's... great! Is... it...?"
"Yes, fox. Botan and I are mates."
Kurama didn't know what to say. Things like this didn't happen often, even with normal demons. And this was Hiei, definitely not a run-of-the-mill guy. Kurama must have looked a bit helpless because Hiei smirked at him. So, the fox let his wonder get the better of him.
"Can I see it? The mark, I mean."
This made the Koorime scoff, but, blushing slightly, he tugged at the collar of his cloak so there was a good view of his neck and upper chest. There it was, for Kurama's eyes to see, the bite mark on his neck.
The kitsune stood and walked closer to Hiei, who regarded him with a bored expression. Until one of Kurama's feminine hands reached out to touch it.
"Fox! What do you think you're doing!"
Hiei grabbed the kitsune's wrist, glaring at him. Kurama blinked and then realized that he had been a fool. The mark of one's mate was very special to say the least. Precious. It warded off other demons to let them know that Hiei was taken.
"Sorry, it's just that... I've never seen one before."
Hiei let out a "huff" and readjusted his collar so that it was back to normal. The conversation took on a more serious tone when Kurama continued, bringing up Botan.
"Do you really love her?" Hiei didn't answer right away, and Kurama felt his demon energy spike. His platonic love for the ferry girl made his instinct want to protect her from getting hurt. "If you break her heart, I swear–."
"I would never do that fox. I love her too much."
The words were very soft and very low. A human wouldn't be able to hear it. But then again, Kurama wasn't entirely human, was he?
Hiei left without saying another word, leaving Kurama restless. Hiei... in love. It sounded like a title to a comedy film. Or a horror flick, Hiei being like Hannibal Lector in Silence of the Lambs.
III
Botan was the first to arrive. Hiei was running late, something about last minute gifts. Ignoring Yukina's pleas, Botan went right into the kitchen and helped Genkai and the ice maiden prepare food. While Botan was stirring a creamy soup, Yukina and Genkai began to ask her questions. After all, wouldn't you want to know what it was like being Hiei Jaganeshi's mate?
"How are things with Hiei?"
The ice demon's voice was suspiciously sly, and Botan felt herself question Yukina's innocence.
"Very well, thank you. Sure, he's getting used to... living with me, but he's caring. It's strange, I never thought anyone would love me. And now, I have a... mate."
A low chuckling was heard, and the two girls turned to see a smiling (gasp) Genkai. She was making tea and working on something in the oven at the same time. Her grey hair was a bit frizzy as she spoke to the ferry girl.
"I told you, everyone deserves love. And look, Death is Hiei's mate. Who would have guessed it?"
The three women laughed as Botan was asked more questions by her friends. Well, Botan thought, I might was well get prepared for when Keiko and Shizuru come.
IV
Yusuke walked up to Genkai's temple, hand in hand with Keiko. He was brimming with excitement. Today was the day that he was going to announce his engagement to Keiko.However, his attentions were steered in a new direction when he picked up Botan's spirit energy. He bristled visibly.
"Yusuke, what is it?"
Keiko put a hand on her fiance's shoulder. Yusuke didn't answer her, he was caught up in Botan's energy. It was... different. It was connected... with someone else. Connected with Hiei. Wait a minute... HIEI!
That was when it all snapped. Yusuke had marked Keiko, that's why the energy connection seemed so familiar. Then... that would mean... HIEI MARKED BOTAN! HIEI AND BOTAN ARE MATES! Yusuke grabbed Keiko's wrist.
"Come on, we got to go!"
Before his fiance could protest, she found herself being dragged into the temple. Unknown to either of them, a certain fire demon was staring at the detective...
V
Botan heard the doors to the temple bang open and a familiar voice echoed through the complex.
"BOTAN! Come out, come out wherever you are!"
Botan walked to the entrance of the kitchen, feeling a bit wary. That was when she was tackled to the wooden floor. A bit dazed, she still heard a girlish shriek.
"YUSUKE!"
Keiko... and Yusuke! Botan saw the detective staring at her, and then shift his weight on top of her.
"Hold on, Botan."
The ferry girl did no such thing. She struggled as the delinquent touched her neck and tried to slide the neck of her kimono down. Tried, but he did not succeed. Why? Well, two very strong hands picked Yusuke off of Botan.
"Baka detective. Keep your hands off her."
Yusuke was being held by his collar, his face inches away from a very pissed off Koorime. Otherwise known as Hiei. Instead of muttering an apology like most would, the detective instead screeched.
"Did you really mate with Botan? Tell me, Hiei!"
Keiko gasped and looked at the ferry girl with her mouth hanging open. Botan blushed and propped herself up, causing Hiei to drop the detective and help her up. Growling at Yusuke, Hiei grumbled.
"Hn. What do you think?"
VI
"Okay girl, spill it!"
Once cooking was finished, Keiko, Yukina, and Shizuru (who came a few minutes after Yusuke with Kurama and Kuwabara) all cornered the blue haired ferry girl in the corner Yukina's bedroom. The boys were outside having a "snowball fight". Codename: Beating the crap out of each other in a snowy environment.
"What is there to tell? Hiei and I are... mates now."
There was an eerie silence before Shizuru exhaled loudly and shook her head.
"I never would have imagined. I mean, Kurama always said that Hiei was unreachable, even for him. And plus... how can you say... polar opposites?"
Keiko smiled slyly, poking Botan lightly in the side.
"You know what they say, opposites attract."
Shizuru bit her lip while she tried to fight down the grin that was edging onto her face. She had really wanted to ask Botan this question. She knew she would never get the answer, but all the older girl wanted was the response.
"So, what's he like in bed?"
The scream that echoed throughout the temple was deafening. Shizuru smirked, satisfied with the ferry girl looking very disoriented. Her face was bright red and her hair was actually sticking out in some places.
"No need to answer, I just needed to see your face."
VII
Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei were standing outside. It was snowing lightly and the ground was covered in a white blanket. Hiei unsheathed his katana slowly, letting the sound of the metal sighing ring though out the clearing.
It was a simple spar. Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama against Hiei and his katana. Hiei wouldn't hurt them, just cut their clothes or lightly scrape their skin. Kurama let out his breath slowly, a white cloud existing his mouth. That was when the battle began.
While the fight was taking place, Yusuke couldn't help but doubt Hiei's actions towards his friend, Botan. Did he really care about her? It was evident that Botan was in love with the moody demon, but he still acted the same. Could Hiei even love another without having a mental breakdown?
So, when the boys were called into dinner, Yusuke lingered behind with Kurama and voiced his doubts.
"Kurama, do you really think that Hiei cares about Botan? I mean, I'm glad shorty's finally got himself a mate, but can you even tell that he noticed?"
"He cares deeply about her, Yusuke. As he does for his sister. Well, obviously not exactly like his sister, but similar."
The fox picked up the pace, leaving the detective in the snow. Yusuke wasn't satisfied. I guess I'll have to find out myself.
VIII
But don't think that the subject died down easily. The teasing festival began as soon as everyone was done eating. First there was re-enactments. Kuwabara stole Hiei's cloak somehow and Kurama was forced into playing the part of Botan, his long red hair up in a pony tail.
Well, Kuwabara was pretty drunk at the time, so he pounced on the disturbed kitsune and screamed at the top of his lungs, "I WANT YOU BOTAN!"
Needless to say, Kuwabara was lucky to survive without much long term damage. The funny part was, it mostly Kurama who beat the stuffing out of the idiot nigen. Hiei only had a small part to play. It was probably because Kurama would be scarred for life. It's not exactly a pleasurable experience to have Kuwabara on top of you, declaring that he wants you (or who you are pretending to be).
Then the couple was chased around the temple with mistletoe. Now, half of the plants that the team had met an unfortunate end with Hiei's sword. But, just before everyone was going to set up their sleeping bags, Kurama was the one who finally caught them.
"Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!"
The entire room shook with the chant as Hiei fumed silently and Botan giggled. That was when Yusuke got impatient and pushed/punched Hiei in the back of the head, causing him to lurch forward unexpectedly lock lips with his mate.
The loud cheer was short lived after every single person in the room, except Yukina, was given a very specific and detailed death threat. But, that wasn't enough for Yusuke. He wanted love, not a kiss that was well, forced by his fist.
So he waited until the presents were exchanged. He waited though the announcement of his engagement to Keiko, which went over well. Heck, he waited until the late hours of the night after mostly everyone was asleep. Everyone except for himself, Hiei, and Botan.
IX
"Are you going to sleep on the window sill?"
It was a soft, delicate whisper. Botan looked at her mate, hiding any traces of disappointment. She saw the dark shadow tense at her voice. He must have thought that I would go to sleep!
"Hn."
Hiei disappeared and was instantly at his mate's side. He shook his head slowly as he nuzzled her neck. He was lost without her. Hiei Jaganeshi was in love.
Botan smiled as she sat down on her sleeping bag, Hiei following suit. She was wearing red flannel pajamas, but she was still shivering. Hiei brought her onto his lap so she was still facing him. His hands went under her shirt and up her back, his long nails teasing her skin.
He knew her weak spots. But, the main reason he was doing this was to warm her up. His fire demon blood made his skin warmer than usual. His actions caused her to lean into him, her eyes closing.
That was when the Koorime felt two hands go to his sides. All they did was touch the spot right above his hips, but it still caused him to shudder. Hiei smirked. He had to give his onna credit. She knew where he was vulnerable too.
"I love you."
Whenever Botan said that it still took him by surprise. Just like her smiles or kisses. He could never figure out why she loved him. But, she never lied. He took her lips, telling her without words that he felt the same way.
She was and would always be the love of his life.
X
Yusuke heard and saw it all. Afterwards he felt like a dirty old pervert, but he now he knew that Hiei returned every shred of feelings that Botan had for him, if not more. He heard the rustle of the sleeping bags, and he knew the couple was calling it a night.
The next morning, everyone woke up earlier than usual. It was Christmas, and waking up at the crack of dawn is a natural instinct for nigen children. But, two beings were still slumbering as the Rekai Tentei stirred.
The team gathered around Hiei and Botan. It was an warm picture. The ferry girl was in the arms of the fire demon, being held fast, his arms around her waist. Hiei's head was resting on her shoulder, his lips over the bite mark he had given her a few months ago.
Botan's head was bowed and buried in Hiei's chest. Yusuke took out a disposable camera. There was one picture left. He brought the camera up to his eye, angling it perfectly.
Click.
The End
A/N: I love this chapter. If it was a person, I would marry it! Anyway, tell me what you thought! I'm proud of myself, but if you can give me a good reason not to be, I want to hear it! If you want to tell me to go and get a life, shout it from the streets! Or, if you want to tell me that you liked/loved/worshiped it, that's cool too!
Hiei and Botan forever!
-Mia