"Hiei, your back."
"Welcome home, brother."
Both Botan and Yukina greeted the small fire-demon at the door, enveloping him in warm hugs. Hiei sighed, standing still, no longer put off by the unneeded show of affection. When the two let him go, he looked both the ferry-girl and his sister over.
"You two are unharmed?"
Botan smiled. "Yup. Thanks to you." She poked his chest. "Why didn't you tell me you could do that thing with your Jagan Eye?"
"Circumstances wouldn't allow it."
"... wait, what?"
Hiei smirked, patting his confused mate's hip. "Foolish women. Finish your tea, we will be leaving soon." He turned towards Yukina and nodded.
His sister smiled, and took Botan's hand, leading her back towards the kitchen.
Hiei stood in the doorway, taking a moment to surveyed the temple, before flitting away to a nearby tree.
Botan and Yukina ended up talking well into the night, and when it was time to leave, both girls pleaded with Hiei to let them spend the night.
Hiei growled, annoyed, but he could never deny his sister and mate much of anything. So, reluctantly, he agreed.
Botan shifted under the covers, snuggling closer to Hiei's warm body. In tern, he looped an arm around her shoulder, keeping her close.
"... Hiei?"
"What is it?"
"Nothing, I simply wanted you to know how much I love you."
Hiei arched an eyebrow.
Botan laughed lightly. "Don't give me that look. Think of it as my 'thank you' for saving me today."
"Hn. Your foolish if you believe I need to be reminded of your feelings for me. I know them and return them. It's not something I plan on forgetting."
"I know, silly, but it never hurts to say it outloud."
"... go to sleep, woman."
"Okay… hey, Hiei."
Hiei growled. "What?"
"Can we stay for breakfast tomorrow?"
"Woman."
Botan nuzzled Hiei's cheek and the fire-demon felt his annoyance quickly wash away. "We won't stay long," he warned.
Botan nodded enthusiastically. "Of course!"
"Now go to sleep."
"Right. Good night, love."
Hiei pinched her hip. "Sleep."