Disclaimer: I do not claim any of the YYH characters although I wished I do.

Slumber

Retiring was called for everybody. Genkai stood up and said, "I know that you could all manage yourself from here." Then, she left the room. The boys decided to stay and sleep in the same room instead of their own rooms. Hiei made sure that Kuwabara will be sleeping with them so he decided to stay. That was his prepared excuse for anyone like Kurama or Yusuke and even Botan who will ask although the reason for staying was also that he missed them. He missed the ambiance of being with them.

Keiko and Shizuru decided to sleep with Yukina in the opposite room of Botan. Spreading futons would be enough for them to sleep on. Botan did offer her room for anyone of Keiko and Shizuru but they refused, wanting to give her a lone time in preparation. Seemingly that everyone were on their way to a deep slumber, Botan on the other hand has just finished dishwashing.

Botan entered her room and didn't bother to turn on the light. It's been a long while but she still memorized too well her room. This made her smile, still familiar with the room. She went directly for the bathroom to freshen up before deciding to sleep. After switching off the light of the bathroom, she went directly to her bed. Yawning, she laid down comfortably in the bed.

"Something is strange," Botan mumbled to herself.

She rolled to her right and was startled to find a hand pale in color. Nervously tracing the owner of the hand, its arm, its neck, its lips, its nose, its closed eyes, made her gasp. She finally found out that it was no other than Yuuhei. She was about to get irritated but then brushed it off instead as she noticed how peaceful he looks when sleeping. "I guess you could say that it's possible not to be irritated by you. Yes, as long as you are sleeping," she whispered and smirked.

15 minutes later…

As Hiei senses someone in front of the door, he opened his one eye. The three in the room are fast asleep. He sighed. "Even Kurama let his guard down and comfortably sleeping."

He looked at the silhouette on the door and knew to whom it belongs. He was torn between opening it up and ignoring her so that she will leave. Conversation is not interesting in this time. Besides, that talking mouth of hers might wake everyone up. He will not want that, being robbed of the comfortable rest he could only find in this place. He almost called it home at his previous conversation with Mukuro as he told her to where he will be going. Judging by the silhouette, she is carrying a folded blanket and futon. His intuition as to what she's up to kicked in. As her hand raised and was to do some knocking, he hurriedly opened the door, sliding it silently. He didn't want to but he did. He didn't want the idea of anyone on the room having already in deep sleep, waking up.

Botan explained in a low voice, "I'm sorry to be here. Girls' room is locked. They are sleep and I should n-"

"Silence, I didn't ask anything," Hiei said as if commanding her. "Just enter slowly and silently".

Botan sighed and decided to do as told. To the right side was where Yusuke sleeps and there is still space to his right. It was near the window. On the left side of Yusuke was Kuwabara then Kurama where there was more space on his right. With no further ado, she walked gently to the right side of Yusuke.

Then, she felt a light tap on his shoulder. Of course, it was Hiei. She asked, "Why?"

"Off limits," Hiei answered. "Marked already as mine, the other side is not."

She nodded and accepted, "Okay".

It left her no other choice but to be next to Kurama where she could sleep. Leaving her room to Yuuhei is a better idea after all. This room is much better to sleep on than with Yuuhei. Settling the futon slowly, Hiei decided to help her. She bowed and was grateful for his help. "Thank you!"

Then he handed a pillow which he took from Kuwabara. "Hn, don't mention it." Hiei went back to his place to sleep.

She smiled as she closed her eyes and contemplated on the things that happened before drifting to sleep. It was kind of tiring yet fulfilling to be with them again. How much she missed them!

Moments ago...

Shizuru asked, "So tell me Botan, how long have you been in a relationship with Yuuhei?" This earned a visible surprise from Yukina and Botan herself, and silently by Kurama.

"I know! That is the possible reason why Koenma-sama assigned him with you because he will surely protect you."

Botan sighed deeply. "Not you too, please, Yukina. I don't know what that guy told you but we are not, you know, even far from official. I thought he just spoiled to you my new post in Makai and now this." And that earned another wave of surprise from the rest.

Yusuke approached her and looked seriously at her. He asked, "Are you sure?"

Botan answered, "Very sure". She crossed her arm irritatingly hoping that Yusuke will stop looking at her seriously. "Oy, Yusuke! What do you take me for? You know I am not an easy to get because of looks, right? Given that I just met him today."

"Alright, I believe you. But why did he have to tell you are both in a relationship? Anyway, here, take this, for settling that what he told us is a bluff," Yusuke said and handed her a bottle that she accepted. Then Yusuke returned to his seat.

"Are you sure about drinking that?" Kurama asked removing the bottle of sake from her hand and poured all the contents into his mouth. "Better not accept anymore of this from Yusuke or else I'll be drinking all of it," he told her straightly.

"I never knew Kurama could be so in into drinking," Shizuru announced to them.

"Me too Shizuru! Here's one more Kurama."

"Yusuke!"

"Alright, let's have a competition Yusuke on who can drink more within a minute. Now, I, Kazuma Kuwabara can finally prove that in one way am superior to you," Kuwabara proudly said standing up.

"Bring it on!"

Keiko shouted, "Boys!"

"It's alright Keiko, they can handle themselves. I'm positive my brother will win this. Who wants to bet?" Shizuru said grinning at her.

Botan stifled her laugh on the scene unfolding joined by the gentle laugh of Yukina and later on followed by Kurama. Shizuru asked each one of them on who they want to bet into. Trusting her previous statement almost everyone bet on Kuwabara except of course for Keiko.

Suddenly, Botan felt her hand being covered by the person beside her. He squeezed it gently that earned him confusing look from her. Both are trapped in the moment that is transpiring while others were on to the competition. He smiled warmly at her and found her reaction priceless. He took delight in it before speaking up for such abrupt actions.

"Take care of yourself. I hope that I will not be summoned just to rescue you from something or what," he told her and with his eyes holding much affection.

She hesitantly asked herself, "Is this affection or perhaps concern for a friend? I never thought Kurama can be that protective of me just like Yusuke." Her heart however confirmed to her that it was really affection as it beats louder. Brushing her thoughts, she escaped his eyes and look at her hand covered by his.

Kurama tightened his hold. Let it be known as he would want to that he cares for her. He spoke, "I'm just kidding at the last part. I know you could handle yourself. Besides, your companion, Yuuhei, seems stronger than me. I think, you could say that."

"No, we could not! We should not come into conclusion if we have not seen him fight," she disagreed and abruptly removed her hand from his. She poked lightly his shoulder indicating the reason for so removing her hand. She reminded herself to act naturally as possible even if his actions and words are affecting her in a very different manner. On the other hand, Kurama was a bit disappointed. Just when he decided to confront himself with the confusion he feels towards Botan, is also the time he realized that it was better left unanswered. Both suddenly freed from their moment, joined their group's conversation… And in which fortunately, Kuwabara won…

A/N:

So, h114, thank you! I received an email regarding your review that reminded me of this chapter saved in my files. Finally, it's uploaded!

This chapter depicts the silent concerns for Botan from the silent persons of the group.