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

...n_n...

Cold Shoulder

It has been minutes since Kurama and Botan split up with Hiei. 10 minutes to be exact after everyone bid them goodbye. Then they jumped in the portal to enter Makai. A few moments ago, Botan can still smile at the exchange conversation between Kurama and Hiei.

"Hn, better not loose your touch Kurama."

"As if.. Why not just say 'take care' or 'stay safe'?"

"Hn"

Now that Hiei is gone, something is off with Kurama and she felt uncomfortable. He became silent, not that Botan isn't used to his silence but they have kept on traversing with prolong silence. He was carrying his shoulder bag and her backpack which Hinageshi prepared with whatever deemed necessary for sure. She should be carrying the usual silver attache case but he insisted to carry it since she has a bag in her hands half filled with different food pack good for three days; just enough before coming across a place full of different shops where they could buy food.

She was trailing behind him and sighed. "Kurama, wait up!" she shouted. Kurama didn't look back at her. He halted until they are side by side and continue to walk. She informed him, "If we keep up this walk before the sunset, we can cover up to one eight before the designated location." She showed the watch-like device where blinking green dot can be seen and red dot which shows where part they are - in the south of the location.

He only raised his brow at her. Upon seeing his reaction, she also raised her brow. Then she focused on the road ahead of them. His eyes followed hers.

"Who says we will keep up this walk?" Botan thanked inwardly that he is speaking up. She turned to him with the quizzical look. "This is just a warm up, Botan."

"Right," she agreed.

"We will travel for real after 20 minutes. We will cover upto one fifth instead," he said in a neutral voice. It earned a surprised look from Botan yet she nodded.

Then they are at it again, traversing in silence. He didn't even look at her. Once in a while she looks at him for a hint if he wants a conversation yet there was none.

"Ready when you are," she suddenly broke the silence. In an instant, he is now running far from her. "What's the matter with him? Is he avoiding me?" she asked to herself before riding into her oar. She tried with all her might to catch up with him. Then she decided to respect his decision to have space and be silent.

Kurama just wanted to be his most natural self around her. "Well, she has no luck today though," he thought. He feels out of the blue: somewhat irritated and upset. He slowed down running and allowed her to catch up. Again, another prolonged silence and somehow he hoped of hearing any word or initiation of conversation from her. He confirmed with himself, "Maybe I am really am."

After hours, he sighed and decided to speak up. "Botan," he called her and she was a bit startled.

"Yes? Why? Ahm, are you famished?"

He was supposed to ask her that and not her asking him. He answered, "No."

"Okay, just tell me if you are so we can stop."

He was not expecting that. If this was a spar, he obviously loses to her. He pursed his lips into thin line and continue running. Again, another prolonged silence and crushed hope of hearing any word or initiation of conversation from her. It was afternoon. He never expected her to have a strong stamina for the journey. If not for the bag that almost slipped out of her hug, they wouldn't stop.

She said, "I think we better stop for a while now Kurama."

He nodded and agreed. They went for a shade of tree enough to cover them both. She asked him what food he prefer and spoke about the food they are to eat. He can only nod or say one word in response. They rest a little bit before traveling again.

The night claims the day. It was Kurama who lead her into the middle of the forest and manipulated the trees to cover space for them. Botan searched through the packed things but found only one tent and one blanket. She inwardly reminded herself to scold Hinageshi for packing only one. Afterwards, they both started to set up the tent. Botan started to prepare their food. Kurama dropped seeds to the ground inside the tent that grew into piles of leaves and placed the blanket on top. He then joined her outside and added few lamp plants. They ate in silence and cleared the place afterwards in another silence. She went in the tent. She rummaged through her things, jotted down some notes and plans. She is bothered with his friend's behavior throughout the day. She decided not to let the night pass with at least a bit of talk with him or a good night.

"Kurama," she called softly emerging from inside the tent.

"Hm?"

"Don't ever plan to sleep in the tree. You can sleep in the tent with me."

She was surprised to him and abruptly looked away upon finding him shirtless. He looked at her awkwardly. He was hanging his wet shirt.

"When did you...?"

"Awhile ago," he answered.

Curiosity is creeping into her if the falls or spring is nearby but decided not to ask. She repeated, "Oh, by the way," however ways stopped when he turned around to look at her and started speaking.

"I found you busy so I didn't bother to ask you to come with me. Since you are not now, you can gather what you need and I will accompany you to the river."

"Oh, river," she muttered. "Yeah right, just a minute!"

They gone to the river in silence admiring the vast sky above them. He gave her space and time alone in the river. Then they returned.

"Kurama, as I said before, you can sleep inside with me." She felt awkward when he didn't replied to her yet she faced him seriously. She said, "Don't look at me like that. I don't bite." She added, "It's a compensation for keeping my mouth shut adjusting for you. Now, your turn. And I insist that it will also going to be the same on the following days." She didn't wait for him to answer and went back inside the tent to sleep. She was occupying half the space of the blanket and curled to the right side.

A deep sigh escaped his lips. He decided to agree. He found the space provided for him.

"Kurama," he heard her spoke, "I am not bothered by you sleeping shirtless but it's getting cold. You may use the black t-shirt you're seeing. If you don't like the color, there is another gray on my bag. Good night.."

He actually has extra shirts in his shoulder bag. He thought, "Maybe a token of appreciation - accepting the offer wouldn't hurt. This might as well help me to remove such unknown irritation." He took the shirt in his hand. He didn't mean to but observed that the shirt is probably three years. It's not that feminine but more like a man's shirt. He sighed with the irritation running through him again but nevertheless wore the shirt. "For the sake of appreciation," he muttered as he lie down beside her facing the left, opposite of her.