A/N: Wow, I remember when Botan/Hiei pairing was completely unheard of three years ago, now it's a common occurrence! There's got to be hundreds of people loving this couple! What brought about the change, I don't know, but I sure am glad you guys are finally seeing things my way!

(This random note came about when I was looking through my reviews on my other pen-name, Botan-chan, and how I kept Hiei's pairing a secret. Almost everyone in the review said, "How odd! But sweet!" and other times I would get, "Kurama/Botan is better!" Haha, how odd people's minds work, really.)


LOVE IS FOR THE WEAK, BUT ONE IS WEAK WITHOUT IT

(Do You Love Me?)

By: Kiss-me-kitsune


School was out, and naturally, the four friends decided to walk home together. Kurama and Keiko talked about their day, while Yusuke and Kuwabara, as always, complained about how monstrous their math teacher was, giving them loads of homeworks.

"Not like anybody understands a word he says!"

"Yeah!"

Somewhere above, Hiei smirked.

"Those two oafs; doesn't know anything but complain about silly things. Why they bo--" Hiei stopped in midsentence as he heard his thoughts get drowned out by a familiar voice. "Here she comes..."

"Hello everyone! I'm so glad to see you all again; it's been so long!" He watched her run up towards Keiko and give her a hug, which the brunette gladly returned. Botan broke the embrace to glance at the others. They all returned her a huge grin.

"It's been a while, Botan!" Yusuke exclaimed.

"Yes, five weeks, to be exact."

"How have you been?"

"Oh I'm fine, really. I just missed you guys so much!" She smiled at him warmly and approached slowly. Not caring what Keiko would think, she decided to hug her spirit detective. "Oh I truly missed you and your silly antics..." she whispered.

Yusuke embraced her in his arms and asked outloud, "Why did you take a break from us all of a sudden?"

The girl pulled away and looked hurt at his question, but nevertheless answered, "I did not take a 'break from you guys'. Koenma just had some detective work for me, since you threatened to have Koenma shot if he did not give you guys a break." Yusuke chuckled sheepishly.

At this remark, Kuwabara became curious, "What kind of detective work?"

Botan smiled. That's when Candy comes in. She related the story, how Candy, some time after Kurama introduced her in their company, have been getting strange premonitions from an unknown demon; about what, Botan was not told, but she did not care for that was her client's and Koenma's business anyway. That was when she found out the blonde had psychic powers.

Her job was to protect her from any danger, although she was without proper training. Given this, she had performed her job quite well, for Candy, even with the demon's attempts to kill her, is still alive to this day. She was only so glad that the demon have finally quit trying—it's been days now and still no sign of another impending attack.

"Candy? You mean, Kurama's girlfriend?" Yusuke and Kuwabara asked incredolously.

Kurama just remained silent, though with a pleasant countenance. Botan was unsure what lay beneath that mask.

Changing the subject, Yusuke asked, "So you were fighting?"

"Yes, quite like an amateur, actually. But let's forget that for now. Kuwabara-kun," she said, shifting her look to the carrot-top, "how are you and Yukina-chan?"

"Going great! Though, I still can't find the courage to ask her out yet..."

"Oh, Kuwabara... I'm sure you'll find the right time."

The boy smiled gratefully and retired from the conversation to think of a way and how he was to ask Yukina. "Should I buy her flowers?" he thought.

"How about you, Kurama-kun?"

The kitsune smiled gracefully and answered, "I'm fine. If you're inquiring about Candy and I, pretty good, I suppose."

"Oh!" Keiko clasped her hands and cried, "Kuwabara-kun! I know the right time!"

Being the idiot he was, Kuwabara asked, "Duh, you have a watch. I know the right time too!"

"No, you loon. To ask Yukina out! Tonight, we'll have a party at our house, since Botan is free for the day; you can find your time and do your thing." Kuwabara's eyes widened in happiness. Hiei's eyes widened in fright.

The others agreed and found the idea amusing. Hiei didn't find this idea amusing at all.

"That oaf shall never be Yukina's lover! He will only cause her much unhappiness... and think of the offspring they may produce!" A mental image of Kuwabara's face in a toddler's half-clothed body suddenly appeared in Hiei's mind. It froze him still as a statue.

"Shall I drag Hiei along?"

"If it is possible, please do so."

"Of course it is possible."

"Whatever you say, Kurama. We trust you on that matter." Keiko gave everyone a grin and squealed in excitement. "This is going to be great!"

Botan smiled at her friend's cuteness, then, offering her own job, she chirped, "Then I'll be off to Reikai to inform Koenma about this get-together party!" She summoned her oar and sat on it, levitating her a few feet off the ground. With one final goodbye, she steered it upwards and zoomed away, fading into the wind.

"A party?" Hiei scowled at the idea. "But Yukina will be there. I must save her from that baka ningen, but in order to do it effectively, I must seek help from the Kitsune."

He jumped from tree to tree towards the direction of the lad's house, thinking that he will beat him before he gets there.