Opposites Always Attract

"Speaking"

'Thinking'

((My Notes))

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho!

((This Chapter takes place a few weeks later than the other ones.))

Chapter 7: Denial

It had been three weeks and two, or was it three, days since Hiei told Botan they were friends. Time didn't matter, what was important was that he considered them friends. They had gotten closer, and the feelings they had for one another hadn't faded over time. Koenma still couldn't track down the spirit, and for now they were living in peace.

"Hiei!" Botan whined from her position on the couch, "The movie's gonna start without you!" "Who cares. I don't want to watch that ningen shit." He replied from the kitchen looking for sweet snow. "It's not ningen- Oh I see Hiei. You're just afraid of watching a horror movie! You could've just told me! You know, everybody gets scared sometimes." Botan coaxed slyly awaiting his answer.

In an instant Hiei was at her side with a tub of ice cream. "Hn. If you really think I'm afraid of some 'horror' movie, then you're as dumb as you look, onna." Botan pouted and tried to change the subject, "I'm gonna go broke if you keep on eating at the rate you are."

"Just shut up and eat." Hiei replied as he handed her a spoon. Botan took the spoon and pulled the blanket closer as the movie started. "Why are you covering yourself? It's not even cold." Hiei looked at her as if she had an extra head. "It's comforting." Botan replied simply.

"How can an item bring you comfort? Ningens can be so odd at times. . ." Hiei stated. "It's not just humans, Hiei!" Botan placed a finger on her chin as she thought. "Let's see. . .oh! You're comforted by your mothers tear gem. That's why you carry it around your neck all the time, isn't it?" Hiei glanced at her. "I wouldn't call it comforting. Besides, only weak beings would need consolation, and in an item no less."

Botan sighed. What's with him? And we were getting along so well too! Ever since yesterday he's been acting strangely. He's treating me just like he used to, before he was assigned to protect me. But what do I care anyway. It's not like I want Hiei to like me or anything. Botan tried to get her mind off of Hiei as she watched the movie, but all thoughts drifted back to him.

Finally pushing all thoughts of Hiei aside, Botan focused on the movie only to be frightened by an image that popped onto the screen. She latched on to Hiei nearly knocking the ice cream off of his lap and closed her eyes, shrieking. She felt Hiei stiffen, and then relax. "Is it gone!" Botan asked apprehensively.

Hiei mentally sighed. He was actually getting used to Botan hugging him. "Onna. You've seen worse things during our missions. I told you already, this ningen garbage is nothing more than that."

I-I think he's trying to comfort me, in his own Hiei-ish way. It was then that Botan realized she was still clinging on to Hiei. A blush crept its way onto her cheeks as she let go, almost reluctantly, and continued to watch the movie.

Hiei glimpsed at the ferry girl once more before shifting his eyes to the screen. What is she doing to me. I thought . . . I thought if I avoided her, and tried not to get too close these damn feelings would go away. That only made it worse. Now all I think about is her

Hiei was jolted out of his thoughts as he felt something lean up against his arm. Botan had fallen asleep. Sighing, the Koorime picked Botan up and brought her to her room. Hiei sent one last glance in Botan's direction before leaving and closing the door.

Frustrated, he picked up his katana, and exited Botan's apartment in search of a place to train. Hiei ended up in the park. It was dark and no one would see him. What the hell was wrong with him? He almost dare he think it called Botan -cute-. That word wasn't even a part of his vocabulary, and here he was using it. And to describe Botan, no less.

Hiei found himself wishing this mission was over. Once he found the spirit, everything would go back to normal.

...His life was perfect before, wasn't it? Doing what he pleased, without fear of repercussions. Not caring what anyone else said or did. Living for him, and only him. With the exception of Yukina of course.

...That's what he wanted didn't he? A life free from attachments, and filled with fighting. No emotions, no friends, and no more Botan. No more loud, annoying, and way too cheerful ferry onna. No more having to protect her. It's all he wanted.

...Right?

Then why...

...why?

Why was some part of him hoping that his mission with Botan would never end.

It was times like these he wishes he were back in Makai. At least he could take out his frustration on demons. Too bad there are no demons in the human world...

Botan was frantic. She woke up to find Hiei not there. She had been so used to having Hiei with her every morning, and now to not have him there with her, didn't feel right. Was he in trouble? Was he hurt? Was he lost? Did he leave on his own free will? Was it something she said or did? A million thoughts ran through Botan's head as she hung up the phone.

"Not at Kuwabara's house either." Botan walked back into Hiei's room, searching for a note or something. Anything that would help her figure out where he was. She had called everyone. Kurama, Yukina, Koenma, Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Keiko. Not one of them knew where he was.

"Damn it!" Botan cried, feeling the tears threatening to spill. She blinked them away and sniffed a bit. Hiei, you better be alright. I don't know what I'd do if you- I can't think like that. Maybe, maybe he's just talking a walk or something. Yes, that's it! He probably just needed air...

Just then, Hiei walked through the door. Alleviated, Botan ran to him and hugged him fiercely. "Hiei! Where were you? I was so-", Botan's words were cut short. Hiei gripped her shoulders roughly and pushed her off of him, leaving Botan to land on the floor unceremoniously.

Botan got up, shocked at first, but then anger seeping through her features. "What was that for! I spent half the day worrying about you, and now I don't even know why!" Hiei crossed his arms, unfazed, and smirked. "You think it's funny? You-you, asshole!", Botan was yelling at the top of her lungs now.

"Onna. Shut up before you make my ears bleed." Hiei mocked as he advanced towards her. Confused, Botan just stared at him, something wasn't right. His eyes were different, they held an almost vicious glint in them. His voice wasn't the same either. It was colder than normal. Botan never once heard Hiei speak to her like that. And, the Hiei she knew would never hurt her.

"H-Hiei? What's wrong with you?" Botan questioned. She nervously took a few steps back, only to find she had backed into a wall. Just my luck... Botan watched Hiei anxiously, unsure of what he was going to do next. In an instant he was in front of her. "It's the spirit isn't it Hiei? You're stronger than it, fight it!" Botan pleaded.

"There's no use in trying to talk to him, he can't hear you. He did put up a fight though. That was the hardest take-over I'd done in years."

"Y-years?" Botan questioned. "You've only been out of that orb for a month!" The spirit chuckled. "You really think Enma could keep me contained? Let me tell you something, this isn't the first time I've broken out of his orbs. There's always some fool who unknowingly lets me out. But this time, I don't plan on returning to that damn orb. Heh, and with this body I could do lots of damage."

Botan scowled, "When Hiei regains control of his body, you'll be sorry. S-so why don't you just g-get out now, and save yourself from the pain?" Botan spotted the spirit forming an energy ball in his hand. "Maybe I'll let him come back, after I killed you. The torment alone of not being able to save you will be worse than death."

"You-"

"-Silence! I've heard enough from you as it is. Now prepare yourself." The blast got considerably larger in his hand. Botan thought she could persuade the spirit into coming out of Hiei, but that backfired. All it did was make it more angry at her. As a last ditch effort Botan did the only thing she thought she could do; If this doesn't bring you back Hiei, I don't know what will! She kissed him.

Oooh will the ultimate kiss of looooove win out? Will Hiei come back to his senses? Will the Spirit take pity on Botan? All this and more on the next chapter of Opposites Always Attract! -laughs at cheesy attempt to get readers excited- Anyways, thanks so much for sticking with me even though I take forever to update. I LOVE YOU GUYS! . -hugs reviewers-