Disclaimer: I don't own YYH or the characters

I am sooooo late with this prompt. Life has just been hectic, and the commute to work ate all my time and energy. I've slowly but surely been working on this chapter, literally a few sentences at a time here and there, but I finally completed it. Just in time to start a new, local job within the same company (ah transfers). Anyways, enough life updates for now. I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Prompt: Party

Tarukane was furious that Zeru just up and disappeared. Hiei could tell as much when his 'boss' called him up and demanded he come to his mansion to meet. This was a rarity; Tarukane hardly trusted enough men to let into his home. The undercover agent only knew of Zeru's visits, and no other.

Hiei had been with Botan when he received the call. When he saw the number, he knew. Luckily for him, Botan had fallen asleep against him. He gently pulled away and covered her with a blanket before he locked her in and went to his own apartment to answer the call.

Now, late in the night, Hiei was at the mansion. He showed up and acted coolly, aloof. When he met the troubled and angered gaze of the kingpin, his brow furrowed in beat. "What's wrong?"

Tarukane jumped, startled by Hiei's voice. He turned away from his landscape window and faced his roughish employee. "Have you seen or heard from Zeru?"

Hiei feigned surprise at the question, and also mild bewilderment. "No, why?"

Tarukane cursed under his breath and then sighed. "I've hit a snag," he huffed an admission. Hiei's brow quirked in interest, encouraging his 'leader' to continue. "Zeru was supposed to pick up our latest target good."

Hiei appeared confused, though he already knew what 'good' Tarukane was referring to. It made his blood boil. "Target?"

Tarukane nodded. Then he asked, "What do you think my business is, Hiei?"

Hiei took pause and considered his answer. He knew Tarukane was testing him, and he needed to meet that challenge with his observations. "You have two very profitable business: the casinos frequented by those you loan money, and the drug trade. Both rely on addictions to a vice. The part that's more beneficial is the casinos. You loan money to those with a gambling addiction, and they spend it at your casinos. It's why you don't force payments. You just let their interest accrue to get more from them while receiving all that money back when they lose."

"Impressive," Tarukane remarked. "You learn quick kid, but you're forgetting one very important addiction, a vice of lust, let's say. My most lucrative business is the sex trade. Our underground brothel caters to a variety of men with different…tastes. My newest option was supposed to be brought in by Zeru, and it was supposed to happen days ago. Then, out of nowhere, Zeru disappeared into thin air."

Perplexed, Hiei asked, "He just up and left? Without a word?"

Tarukane nodded. "It's disappointing, but this business waits for no one. I need someone to pick this girl up."

Despite the fact that Hiei knew, he asked, "Which girl?"

"Do you remember the tea shop?" Hiei nodded. "Ruka was supposed to set up for the woman's abduction."

Realization filled Hiei's eyes. "That waitress you mentioned?"

"Yeah, her," Tarukane confirmed. "I don't know what happened with the abduction, but I know Zeru well enough to know he didn't screw me over. Something happened, and I need to find out what. Or more appropriate, I need you to find out what."

Hiei seemed stunned. "You want me to talk to the girl," he stated in disbelief.

Tarukane gestured the affirmative. Then, he spoke gravely. "Clearly, she might be on to something now. She may be on high alert, and if that's the case, we can't get close to her. I need her lulled back into a false sense of security."

Hiei kept his expression neutral, but inside his stomach curled. What Tarukane was suggesting was horrendously vile. If not for the fact that he was undercover and with the law, someone else would be getting this order and would truly become Botan's friend only to hand her over to a life of unspeakable, damnable acts. It didn't reassure Hiei that he was in the situation to control what happened. The fact that Tarukane could order someone to do this… It sickened him.

"You want me to befriend and seduce her, you mean," he calmly clarified despite the heat rising in his body as his hatred for the criminal grew to new heights.

"Something like that," Tarukane replied. "Just keep your hands to yourself if you can. I understand she's very exotic."

The agent swallowed to keep the disgust from his face, but not out of his heart as Tarukane talked about Botan as if she were an object. "One question. Why go through all the trouble? Why her?"

Tarukane laughed. "Hiei, you're a man," the cretin pointed out like that would explain anything. "I'm sure you know what it's like to meet a woman who makes your blood boil. It takes all types. The exotic ones are always rare, but that bubbly, innocent personality is rarer still, especially in our world. Men would pay anything to be with a woman like that, see that light leave their eyes when they realize their trapped. But not girls like that, those endless fountains of optimism. They always believe they'll be free, so the light of hope can leave them again and again and never burn out until they're broken. Once they've resigned themselves to their fate, they may lose that novelty, but those looks stay with them. I have a whole market of different types, but girls like her are still my biggest sellers."

Fury. Hatred. Burning rage. Hiei was pissed! He wanted to fucking kill Tarukane for all those wretched words he uttered, but he knew he couldn't. Tarukane wouldn't just keel over and die, and honestly Hiei didn't want it. No, Hiei needed to bring Tarukane down and make sure the bastard knew exactly who he was and how his blind trust in a kid he didn't know, but practically created, destroyed his whole world. Still, to hear this filth from this depraved man… This is what Tarukane thought about his mother and sister. That's what Tarukane did to these women, over and over, and Hiei would not let it continue.

"Don't worry, Mr. Tarukane," he said dutifully. "I'll find out what happened."

Reassured by his employee's words, Tarukane grinned his sickening grin. "I knew I could count on you. I'll give you some time to work your magic. I'll tell Ruka to give you some privacy when you show up at the restaurant."

It never ceased to amaze Hiei that Tarukane, who was so carefully guarded, put this much faith in him. The leeway Hiei would be given to 'manipulate' Botan actually worked in his favor. Botan trusted him too, and he could use that bond to convince her to play along however he needed her to without giving her any information. Hiei was certain he didn't need to worry about Ruka. Even though Hiei already paid the witch a visit, he had no doubt she'd obey Tarukane. The 'boss' didn't need to know that Hiei ever interacted with Ruka beyond this command.

The tea shop was fairly crowded for a Monday night, and waiters and waitresses made their rounds in a bit of a frenzy. Hiei had yet to see Botan, but he knew she was there. Ruka was over at her podium. She glanced at him nervously. After she sat a couple down, she went in back and came out with Botan. Botan seemed startled that Ruka dragged her away from the back so roughly, but when Ruka pointed out Hiei's table, he noticed Botan smile at him. She was always happy to see him, but he needed to create a different reaction, one that lacked familiarity.

So he glared at her, and then her expression became wary. Ruka noticed this and encouraged her by nearly pushing his neighbor forward. Botan shot a look of heated displeasure at her boss and then walked over to the table to take Hiei's order.

Hiei shifted his eyes to Ruka and nudged his head in the opposite direction to send her away. Botan noticed the exchange and blinked a few times in bewilderment.

When Botan reached the table, Hiei gruffly ordered her. "Sit."

Thankfully, Botan listened, but she seemed a bit timid. "Hiei, what are you doing here? What was that whole exchange about?"

"Pretend you don't know me," Hiei demanded quietly. Botan's eyes widened, the woman perplexed. "Act like this is the first time we've met."

"Huh?"

Botan's surprised reaction pleased Hiei. He was counting on it, honestly, because it needed to appear that they had no prior connection. He could give the appearance to Ruka and anyone who might be watching the two of them that Botan was really confused by Hiei's presence in her life instead of comfortable with someone who should be a stranger.

Hiei took a paper napkin from the table and pulled out a pen. He wrote his number down on the napkin and handed it to Botan. The woman was still completely bewildered and bothered by this exchange, every emotion written plainly on her face. Her eyes questioned Hiei, her uncertainty evident.

"I look forward to your call, miss."

With that, Hiei stood and left the tea room. He didn't need to look back to know that Botan remained rooted in her spot, confused. Just as Hiei had hoped.

Hiei expected the loud knock on his door following Botan's shift. He knew his neighbor would seek him out for answers. Always the curious sort, he mused.

As soon as he opened his apartment door, Botan flew in and fired her series of questions. Her arms waved in the air wildly.

"Hiei, wha…what was that all about? Why did you…? This napkin! What's going on?"

Hiei didn't answer at first, but his eyes cut sharply to her. "For the next week, just do everything I say, no questions."

"Hiei, I don't understand—"

"Do you trust me?"

His question startled Botan, and her frantic expression softened. "Of course I do."

Hiei knew it already, but was surprised by her open admission. He nodded in acceptance. "Then trust what I say."

Botan was still baffled by all of this, but Hiei was certain she'd follow what he told her. Somehow, he'd keep her safe in all this. The alternative, he couldn't even think about.

What took him by surprise was Botan throwing herself into his arms. Red burned Hiei's cheeks, his face hidden and pushed against her shoulder. "C-can I," Botan murmured. She stiffened and hesitated, then tried to pull away.

Hiei knew what she wanted, knew what she needed. After this abnormal day, plus the evening walk home paired with her uncertainty, Botan was probably fearful and on edge, paranoid, and looking for comfort. That was clearly what Tarukane was banking on, but the reality was Hiei could provide her the stability she needed. Most importantly, he wanted to.

The agent regained his composure and wrapped one arm around Botan. He pulled her inside, and then shut and locked his door. The woman flinched, surprised by Hiei's willingness to indulge her childish needs. Botan's shaking form started to calm.

Hiei looked at his digital clock that was set up on his living room end table. It wasn't super late, but it was definitely a good idea to turn in for the night. "You can stay," he assured her.

Botan practically melted in his arms from sheer relief. She nestled her head against his, buried her nose in his hair. Hiei tensed, despite the pleasant tingle that arose within him. He gritted his teeth, angered that his body refused to pull away.

His breathing stopped when he felt warm wetness in his hair.

Now, Hiei was paralyzed for a completely different reason. His heart was frozen in his chest. There was something about a crying woman that bothered Hiei to his very core, and he was at a loss of what to do. He couldn't very well keep silent and leave the woman to her misery, but he also didn't know what to say.

As Botan's body shook, Hiei finally asked, "What's wrong? You are safe here."

Botan pulled away and gazed at Hiei with red, tear-filled eyes. "I-I've just never had a friend like you before."

Hiei was not expecting that answer, especially since he knew all Botan's friends. Never had Botan indicated anything that sounded so lonely. The agent knew all about loneliness, even when surrounded by his team and comrades. For the first time, Hiei considered Botan's past, the one he knew but she had yet to confide in him, the fact that she grew up without her family much like he did.

His grip on her tightened; Botan's sniffles continued as Hiei gently coaxed her to his room. He let her go for a moment so she could lie down and settle in while also giving him the opportunity of distance. Hiei entered his bathroom and stared at himself in the mirror, his expression bewildered and pained. He gripped the sink hard and let his head drop.

As much as he wanted to be a support for Botan, as much as he was wrongfully drawn to her, he was not a good friend. A true friend wouldn't allow the other to feel uncertainty and fear, wouldn't lie to her and let her remain in this horrific situation. He was just as cruel as this vile city, a monster misleading an innocent and frightened girl.

After the 'initial' meeting at the tea room, Hiei returned there another time. That time, he told Botan to sit and lean in, giving the impression they were conversing. They were, honestly, but Hiei still directed the conversation so as to have Botan appear unfamiliar with him. As time went on, he allowed her more familiar conversation, but still kept personal information to a minimum in public. Truthfully, Hiei indulged her more in private. Either way, her trust in him increased, so it was time to once again meet with Tarukane.

Hiei called his 'boss' to set up a time to meet. Hours later, the agent found himself in a large dining room. Tarukane's serving staff brought out several trays of food. It was strange, Hiei felt, to be offered so much hospitality from the one man who he hated more than anyone. Ever in character, Hiei thanked a female host after she poured him a glass of warm sake.

Tarukane nodded to his staff, and they all left the two men to discuss business. "So," the criminal uttered lowly. "What's the story?"

Hiei took a sip from his drink, his posture casual but respectful. "From what I've gathered, Ruka set the girl on a blind date, but she wasn't interested, so she never went out."

Tarukane pondered this, but shook his head. "That still doesn't explain why Zeru never came back."

"Isn't it obvious?" Hiei remarked. "He clearly didn't want to fail you, so maybe he's lying low."

As farfetched as it sounded to Tarukane, he seemed to entertain the idea. "Perhaps…"

"Regardless, what should my next move be?" Hiei asked.

The youth's enthusiasm impressed Tarukane. "Keep getting closer to the broad," he instructed. "I don't really know if I buy her reasoning. She could be lying to keep something to herself. Gain her trust so that she's not on alert."

Hiei nodded. "How will I know when to strike?"

"When you get her alone. Right now, the broad's being watched by law enforcement." Hiei's expression betrayed his shock at Tarukane's knowledge, and thankfully Tarukane misread it. "Yeah, I know. When I started trailing her, I had no idea she had friends at the local precinct. It makes it trickier, but not impossible to catch her."

Once again, Hiei addressed the criminal with a stiff nod. He was certain that his friends received the recording from his phone, evidence against Tarukane. There was now just one issue left to solve to end this bastard once and for all. It was imperative Hiei find and get access to the underground brothel. Before incarcerating Tarukane, that was necessary to make sure all those women were freed. For now, Hiei had no other choice but to play Tarukane's game. Everything was coming to a head.

At the end of the day, Botan and Hiei met at their apartment doors. Botan, after a week of strange behavior on Hiei's part, didn't know what to think. Hiei showed up at her job a lot to talk with her. Ruka seemed to be okay with it, always gave them their space. Hiei still told Botan to act like she barely knew him, told her to keep up an appearance that she was keeping him at a distance.

It was when they were at home that normalcy returned to them. Hiei acted so much more like his aloof self. When they were together like this, Botan always waited for Hiei to explain to her why he told her to act differently in public. Then, Botan would remember that Hiei asked her to trust him. She did trust him, trusted him completely. So, for now, she'd let it go.

Hiei wasn't surprised when Botan ordered takeout for the two of them and showed up at his door. Ever since they started meeting outside of the apartment, his abnormal behavior offset the woman greatly. Even so, she never questioned him. Instead, she looked to spend more time with him in their private world. Hiei should have discouraged her desires to spend time with him, but damn it all it was nice to have some form of company.

His growing feelings for her also played a part. The agent knew his bias could get in the way of how he played things moving forward. He was playing a dangerous game, one he wanted to end before things grew more complicated. His training warned him against everything that was occurring. The dangers Botan faced should have stopped this dead in its tracks. The fact that he was lying to her face every day dismayed him. He knew whatever this was could never become anything more, and yet he was foolish enough to allow it to continue. Maybe it was his masochistic streak.

"So, I wanted to know…do you maybe want to go to a party with me on Saturday?"

Hiei snapped out of his loathsome thoughts. He raised his head to meet her gaze, expression neutral. "What?"

Botan tapped her fingertips together nervously. Hiei noticed her crinkled brow and her vulnerability. There was a slight tremor in her body. It seemed that his answer was important to her. His gaze softened. He knew why she asked this question; he knew his answer would let her down.

"I can't."

Wilted and withered, shoulders hunched, Botan leaned back in the chair. "O-oh…okay. Why not?"

Why indeed, Hiei bitterly thought. The agent knew exactly what Saturday was. It was his sister's birthday, his own birthday. The party Botan wanted him to attend was no doubt a gathering at Yukina's and Kuwabara's apartment. This is why Hiei hesitated. It was one thing to lie to Botan, but a whole other to ask his colleagues, her friends, his sister included, to lie. Even if it was his birthday, and he made it a point to celebrate with Yukina each year, the mission to take down the man who destroyed their lives and protecting Botan mattered more.

"I don't think it's a good idea." Botan opened her mouth and quickly inhaled, about to protest. To stop her words, Hiei added, "I don't do crowds."

Understanding washed over Botan, and she smiled at her neighbor. "That's okay. I'll bring you home a piece of cake if I can."

"You don't have to—"

Hiei was cut off and stiffened when Botan wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She pulled him in for a hug. Her grip felt so tight, like Hiei was wrapped in a warm and inviting blanket. His eyes clenched shut and he gritted his teeth, frustrated by his own reaction.

"I'll be back later," she whispered in his ear.

Just as soon as she pulled him in, Botan pulled away and moved to leave. Hiei could still feel the warmth of her breath on his ears and ghost of her touch on his skin. "Botan," Hiei called out without thinking. His voice stopped her.

Hiei didn't know what force overcame him. For a moment, he felt a strong desire to tell Botan the truth, of everything—who he was, what was happening, warn her to be extra cautious.

Botan turned back; her candy-colored eyes prisons captured his soul, and her mouth dropped in childlike surprise. Her innocence tore his heart out of his chest; he felt like it was in a vice grip. "I—"

His voice got caught in his throat. Hiei was unable to say the words. He became stoic as he took out a wad of money. "Here," he said before he shoved it into Botan's hand. "Remember to call a cab. Use the money."

"I couldn't possibly," Botan attempted to deny.

"Don't make me worry," Hiei grunted forcefully. Those words were enough to convince Botan. He even asked her to let him know when she was home.

Botan was with her friends at Yukina's lively birthday party. Everyone talked over each other to catch up and to hold their own individual conversations. Botan decided to partake and tell everyone more about her new friend and neighbor, the recluse with a heart of gold who ensured her safe arrival to the party. Most in the room exchanged conspiratorial glances. Botan assumed it was her friends' camaraderie and that they silently conveyed how they could tease her. She could never have guessed that it was because almost everyone knew the truth about her neighbor's identity and knew exactly who he was.

Yukina was none the wiser to her brother's case, and therefore had no knowledge of his connection to Botan. Yusuke's girlfriend, Keiko, asked Yukina about her brother and their shared birthday. "Wasn't he supposed to be here?"

The teal-haired woman nodded and wore a sad smile. "He was supposed to be here, but he's on assignment." The women didn't notice the alerted expressions on Kuwabara's and Yusuke's faces. "He couldn't get away."

Always the curious one, Botan sat down next to the birthday girl. "That sounds cryptic. What does he do?"

Yukina smiled kindly, but she couldn't satiate her friend's wonderings. "Unfortunately, that's classified. I can't talk about it."

"Oh, poo," Botan murmured. "Oh well. I feel bad that he can't be here on his birthday. We'll have to celebrate again when he's back from whatever his assignment is."

"Yes," Yukina agreed. "I'm sure Hi—"

"Yukina, my love," Kuwabara blurted out before the woman could say her brother's name. In a dramatic fashion, he nearly threw himself over by her side. He had a delicately wrapped package in his hands. His eyes glistened with love as he offered her the gift. "For you. Happy Birthday, my princess."

Yukina giggled affectionately. "Oh Kazuma, you always say such silly things." She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

"Hey, Botan," Yusuke called. Botan's attention snapped to him and away from Yukina. "Could you help me with something in the kitchen?"

Ready to help, Botan was on her feet and by her best friend's side in an instant.

Meanwhile, while Botan was in the kitchen, Yukina remained with Kuwabara. The birthday girl was about to open her gift when her phone went off. There were just a few people who had her number, and all but one of them was at the party. Yukina met Kuwabara's gaze, and his gray eyes softened.

"Answer it," Kuwabara told her. "Tell him I said 'Happy Birthday'."

"Thank you, Kazuma," Yukina replied softly. She looked down at the phone. A text from an unknown number appeared.

Sorry I couldn't come. Happy Birthday, Yukina.

Yukina smiled sadly when she saw her brother's message. She understood more than anything how hard this day was for him. As much as she wished he would come to their shared birthday party, she was thankful he could throw himself into work. She didn't know the specifics of the case, and the danger involved in these undercover missions concerned her. Still, Yukina knew there was a lot about Hiei's life and survival that she could never sympathize. As long as her twin promised to be careful and safe, Yukina didn't hover much or complain.

Happy Birthday, brother, from me and Kazuma, Yukina greeted. I wish you were here.

I know, Hiei replied. I couldn't sneak away from this assignment. There are several reasons it would have been a bad idea.

The teal-haired woman felt a pang in her heart. It surprised her that Hiei wrote so much to explain his absence. He was a man of few words. Their conversations were usually short but meaningful. When he did indulge in full conversation, it was usually due to either his honor code or guilt. Yukina knew her elusive brother, surprisingly well despite not growing up with him, and his secretive behaviors. Maybe it was a twin thing, or Yukina's deep empathy. Either way, Yukina could tell that her brother felt guilty.

Yukina decided to reassure Hiei and make sure he knew that she was not upset with him. As long as you're keeping safe, that's all I can ask for. We can celebrate together when you come home.

There was a long pause between messages, but eventually Hiei answered. You give me far too much credit.

You give yourself too little. I'll see you soon, brother. I love you.

You too.

Yukina smiled and set her phone aside. She noticed that her boyfriend was still staring at her. His brow was furrowed in concern, but otherwise he was calm.

"How is he?" Kuwabara asked. "Did he say?"

Yukina shook her head. "He didn't say too much, but I could tell he feels guilty for not being here. I think he understands that I don't hold it against him. Today is a hard day for us both."

"Yeah," Kuwabara agreed with a solemn nod. "But I'm sure he'll be okay. He's one of the toughest guys I know. Don't tell him I said that, though."

Yukina giggled with mirth. Her brother and boyfriend had a longstanding rivalry with one another. Whenever they interacted, the two were at each other's throats. Still, they had a very similar honor code and deep down respected the other. Kazuma confided in Yukina that he truly did think very highly of her brother. The admission meant the world to Yukina. In the spirit of the two men's antics, though, Yukina kept it to herself.

"I wouldn't dream of it, Kazuma," Yukina replied warmly. "Thank you, though."

Kuwabara seemed perplexed. "For what?"

"That all of you look out for him."

Botan hummed happily as she chopped up some vegetables for a salad while Yusuke prepared some appetizers for the party. She missed cooking with her best friend at times. Moments like these were reminiscent of their younger years, when Botan lived with Yusuke and his mother, Atsuko. Whenever Yusuke asked Botan to join him in the kitchen, she jumped at the opportunity. It was like preparing a meal with an older brother. That's exactly how she saw Yusuke, and he once told her he saw her as his sister.

It dawned on Botan that she'd been a little secretive about the happenings with her next-door neighbor. Sure, Yusuke knew that Hiei protected her and she spent time with him. There was still something on Botan's mind that she felt the need to share with someone. Perhaps it wouldn't be too keen an idea to share these feelings with her brother-figure, but Botan knew if there was something going on between Yusuke and Keiko, arguments or anything, she would want to know and be there for her brother. She needed to offer Yusuke the same courtesy.

"I like my neighbor," Botan murmured quietly yet confidently as she finished chopping the vegetables.

From behind her, Botan heard so pans nearly fall. She turned to meet Yusuke's gaze, but found the man holding a pan with his hip. It appeared like he almost dropped a plate of appetizers and had to catch it, which nearly took the rest of the food with it. Botan wasn't sure what she said to cause such an extreme reaction, but maybe it stemmed from the fact that Botan never expressed interest in a guy before now.

"What?"

Botan blushed and nodded. The disbelieving tone led her to feel like she was a specimen to be studied. Yusuke's eyes were wide as saucers. His posture was rigid and hunched forward, as if he wanted to know more. "Yeah… I know I haven't known him long, but he's very sweet. I would have brought him here tonight, but he said he doesn't like crowds."

Yusuke scoffed a laugh, set the plate down, and crossed his arms. "Yeah, sounds about right."

Botan blinked, surprised. If she didn't know any better, she'd say Yusuke was familiar with her neighbor, but that couldn't be right, or he would have told her. "Pardon?"

"Uh, I mean, from what you told me about the guy, he doesn't seem like a big people person," Yusuke corrected himself. "So…how long?"

Botan mixed the vegetables together in a large bowl and then added some crotons, cheese, and nuts. "What do you mean?"

Yusuke stepped up to her and gently nudged her hip with his. "How long have you liked the guy?"

His answer was a shrug. "I don't know. There's always been something about him that's drawn me to him. You probably think I'm silly."

"No," Yusuke said a little too emphatically. "No, I don't." He opened his mouth to say something else, but then closed it and swallowed. Botan could never know the internal war occurring inside the detective or how much everyone was trying to protect her. "Just…Botan, as much as you trust the guy, be careful."

Botan was surprised by Yusuke's sincere warning. Her friend always encouraged her to pursue romantic ventures, especially because for as long as they had known each other, Botan was always single. Maybe it was his protective big brother thing, but usually if he had reservations with a guy she liked he was more direct and less couth about it.

"You…you're warning me away?" she asked timidly.

Yusuke shook his head. "No, I didn't say that. Like I said last time we talked about the guy, he seems like a decent guy. It sounds like he could benefit from having someone like you in his life. Just, you don't know him 100%, so be mindful of that."

Botan relaxed when she realized that Yusuke was just worried about her and her heart. She knew she didn't know Hiei all that well, but she could tell he was a good man. That was a start. He was slowly but surely letting her into his life, even if he was confusing at times.

"I won't rush into things if that's what you're worried about. I want to get to know him more. There's just something about him. I can't describe it."

Botan didn't see Yusuke's reaction to her words. At first, he seemed shocked, but after the initial shock wore off, he wore a secretive smile. Although Botan said she wasn't planning to rush into anything, even Yusuke wasn't so emotionally constipated that he couldn't see what was so plainly happening.

Then, he frowned, and the horror of the situation hit him. Botan was still in danger, and Hiei was so desperately trying to keep her out of it. The undercover agent texted one of them every time he went out to meet with Botan under the pretense of Tarukane's loyal employee, just in case anything went awry. If what Botan said regarding their mutual friend was anything to go by, Hiei wasn't avoiding her back at home either. Hiei normally kept his distance during these cases. The fact that he wasn't hit Yusuke like a ton of bricks.

Botan didn't just like Hiei. Hiei felt something for her, too.

"Whatever you say," Yusuke replied nonchalantly. "Hey, Bo, you think you can take over for a minute? I need to get something."

Botan smiled and nodded. "Sure, no problem."

Yusuke thanked her and left the kitchen. He approached Kuwabara and Yukina. "Hey, birthday girl. Mind if I steal the big lug for a moment?"

Yukina giggled and waved them off. "Of course."

The detective could see that Kuwabara was reluctant to leave Yukina, so he grew sterner, like when they were at the station. "It's important."

Realization filled Kuwabara's eyes. He looked at Yukina and put on a smile. "I'll be right back, baby."

The two men hurried into a bedroom. Yusuke pressed his back to the door after they closed it. Kuwabara eyed his friend nervously. He already had a sneaking suspicion that Yusuke was going to tell him something about his girlfriend's brother. "What's this about, Urameshi?" he asked warily.

Yusuke met his friend's gaze and shook his head. "This mission just got a lot more complicated. I think Hiei and Botan are falling for each other."

Hiei threw himself down on the couch with a cheap beer in hand, his eyes on the ceiling. Since there wasn't anything new going on with the case he was building, the darkness of the day crept up on him. Ever since being reunited with his sister, Hiei spent their birthday with her every year, even when he was on assignment. That made telling her he couldn't be there even harder this time. Normally, he would have found a way to sneak over, but knowing Botan was there kept him away. The guilt he felt for keeping both women in the dark took root, so much so that Hiei felt like he was no better than the bastard he was trying to bring down.

It was getting late, but Hiei wasn't too worried. He knew how late his friends' gatherings could go. Now that he knew about Botan's friendship with their mutual group, Hiei wondered how he'd never met her before or how her name never once came up before this assignment. It truly unsettled him how unknown this woman was even with a shared group of friends. As much as their friends all cared about Botan, was it possible that Tarukane's plan would have worked and he would have lifted her out of existence? Surely, her friends would search for her the rest of their lives if that happened, but it still would have occurred if Hiei wasn't a factor in this case.

A knock on the door cut Hiei free from the web of his thoughts. He took a large swig of the beer and set the bottle down on the end table with a loud bang. The agent got up and crossed the room to reach his door. He reached out to open it without even checking to see who it was. Hiei was certain he knew exactly who was there.

Hiei opened the door and revealed his neighbor. She looked as timid and uncertain as she had been lately in response to his bizarre behavior. Hiei's eyes shifted to the covered plate, and he deflated, his hardened mask shattered.

She didn't…

"Hey," Botan greeted with uncharacteristic seriousness. She held out the plate to him, and Hiei didn't have to remove the foil to know that she brought him a slice of birthday cake, as she promised. "Can I come in?"

Hiei answered silently by stepping away from the door to allow the woman entry. He shut the door and locked it. When he turned away from the wooden barrier from the outside world, he found Botan merely staring at him. It unnerved him, the intensity of her gaze, the way those warm amethyst pools searched him. He could hardly look away from her, hypnotized.

"What?" he rasped lowly. Botan flinched and seemed surprised. Hiei wondered if something happened on the way home that made her this nervous. He approached her and put his hands on hers that held the plate. She was shaking. "What is it?"

Botan took a deep breath, her eyes briefly cast downward before they returned to him, resolute. "I… I admitted something to my best friend tonight."

Her curious nature must have rubbed off on him, because Hiei's interest was piqued. "Oh?" he remarked, brow raised.

Everything happened so fast as Botan leaned in to peck his cheek and withdraw like an assassin and deer-caught-in-headlights all at once. But to Hiei, it all may as well have happened in slow motion.

When Hiei didn't react right away, he saw fear flicker in Botan's eyes, her mouth dropped open as she misread his awed reaction. She pulled away from Hiei and rushed to the door to leave. Hiei swiftly reached to grab her and tossed the cake aside. The plate fell with a loud clang but it didn't deter the two as Hiei leaned into Botan and captured her lips in a fiery kiss, her back pressed against the door and his hands on her wrists.

The two pressed their bodies against each other as their lips senselessly caressed. They pulled apart to catch their breath and rest their foreheads together as their breaths mingled.

"I…" Botan murmured. She closed her mouth, unsure of what to say. "I…"

Foreheads still adjoined, Hiei shook his head. He kissed her again, quick and brief. "Don't say anything," he warned. "Tomorrow… You have to pretend this never happened."

Botan's face fell as disappointment and heartbreak trickled in at the thought of Hiei's rejection. "But…"

"Out there," Hiei clarified. Botan wore her confusion so plainly. "Here…you're safe."

Botan didn't understand, and Hiei could see the concern in her soft gaze. "What do you—?"

Hiei kissed her one more time, a bit longer than the last, as he held her tight. Ever since he stayed with her the night of her attack, Hiei knew that it felt so right holding this woman in his arms. He saw the writing on the walls long before this moment and did nothing to stop it. He couldn't. This woman was so infectious, a subtle spring rain that trapped his once thought dead heart in a windstorm. He was powerless against the feelings he didn't understand. Now he knew, and he was more determined than ever to bring her through this even if she one day hated him for his deception.

He pulled away but kept his hands on her arms. "You need to return home," he told her, voice light and timbre low. "I will see you in the morning."

Botan opened her mouth to respond, but remained speechless. Her eyes then landed on the dropped plate behind him and widened in guilt. She quickly moved to pick up the plate and looked so disheartened. "I'm so sorry."

Hiei felt the pressure inside him release as he chucked and moved to take the plate from her. "Don't be," he replied with a humored lilt. He smirked at her, eyes smoldering as he teased, "I wasn't complaining."

Botan blushed, but she smiled bashfully. She closed her eyes and laughed. "I guess not." The woman grew momentarily earnest. "I… I hope I didn't cross a line. I just…"

"You don't have to explain," Hiei cut her off. "Just trust me. We'll get through this."

"Get through what?"

Hiei shook his head again. "Not tonight, Botan."

Botan answered with a nod and then embraced Hiei again in the most innocent hug. She leaned her head against Hiei's shoulder and felt his arms wrap around her. After some time, Hiei released the woman and sent her on her way to get some distance.

He wasn't even furious with himself for breeching his ethics or giving in to his desire. When Botan's lips brushed his cheek, Hiei knew it went beyond simple desire. He should have been terrified that he acted on the impulse to kiss her given the state of his assignment and the positions they were in. None of that mattered in that moment—not the past, not the case, and not even the deceit. Hiei truly meant it when he said they'd get through this hellish travesty that was Tarukane. No matter what, Hiei would keep Botan safe, and he was confident he could bring down his archenemy who made his birthday so damned.

Hiei's eyes fell to the disheveled plate, and his heart didn't clench in his chest as it normally did as he thought about the day. It was no longer a day he could curse, not when just next door slept a woman whose touch still ghosted over his body and lips.

A/N: This chapter ran longer than I expected, but everything just flowed and sort of wrote itself. I hope you enjoyed the progression, and I have another chapter to catch up on for the story.

FerociousMiniMe: Glad you're enjoying the story! Thank you so much for the review :D