Scent II

Hey, guess what, I'm not dead! I know I haven't touched this for weeks, but I did say the updates would sporadic.

Anyway, I ended up sort of combining the first two and doing them through Hiei's point of view. It's not a science, but I gave it a shot.

I think the last few paragraphs need some work, but at least it's something, right?

(More chirping crickets)

I really got start closing that garage door…

Hiei wasn't sure exactly when he'd begun to notice Botan.

Of course he'd always noticed her; it was impossible for two people who spent so much time with the same group not to be aware of each other. But she had always been more of a background to Hiei, always there, but never really seen.

Now he seemed to notice everything about her, and wondered exactly how she'd remained on the very edge of his awareness for so long.

She was pretty, he had to admit, stunning even. Her long hair was the softest shade of powder blue, and flowed through the wind like water. Her eyes were a pale amethyst, warm and comforting, always offering a glimpse of the pure soul that sparkled within.

But what surprised the fire demon most was how didn't mind noticing her.

He enjoyed watching her during meetings or missions, listening to her high musical voice change from cheerful and light, to angry and screeching, to sorrow filled and low, back to gleeful music all in a matter of twelve minuets.

He liked to watch her pretty eyes darken to lavender in curiosity, to indigo when she was angry, to deep violet when she was sad. He loved to watch her amethyst pools sparkle like gems when she was pleased.

He liked the way she seemed to project her aura around her, a soft blanket of warmth and comfort following her wherever she went. He craved the feeling of pure contentment when she was nearby.

He enjoyed all of this and learning new things about the ferry girl with every encounter. What bothered him was the fact that he really didn't mind.

But that was a thought to be saved for later; right now he wanted to focus on the ferry girl standing barely a foot away. Actually, she'd been doing that a lot recently, standing close enough that he could taste the warm vanilla and honey fragrance that hung sweetly in the air around her.

Inwardly this pleased him, having her close enough to reach out and touch, her wonderfully sweet aroma filling the air thickly around him, but his personal heaven was tainted with questions and suspicion.

Her pale face tinted cherry red with embarrassment and shyness was a picture that would remain safely tucked in the back of his mind to be pulled out and cherished on a rainy day when he confronted her about it.

Nervously she stuttered out her answer, no doubt bracing herself for a cold insult or promise of death, but he surprised both her and himself, by barely whispering, "You smell nice too," before turning away, feeling his own face beginning to burn.

Vanishing before her eyes, he mentally berated himself, knowing there was a chance she may have heard him admitting a...fondness of her.

Almost tripping over his own feet, he didn't bother to hide the shock on his face as he realized part of him hoped that she did.