Everything I'm Not
"Speech"
Thoughts
Telepathy
((My Notes))
Disclaimer: I don't own anything… except Haru! –huggles-
Chapter 5: Unexpected Guests
…She had fallen asleep, on his bed. Granted it was technically hers, but he had been sleeping there for the past two nights. It was just kind of awkward to wake up next to somebody else. Feeling their heart beating so close to you… the faint sounds of breathing… the intoxicating rise and fall of their chest… So close yet so far. She was so tangible yet so untouchable at the same time.
Silently cursing himself, Hiei rose up out of the bed and got himself prepared for the day. Damn it all. It seemed he got the worse end of the deal. Every moment he spent with her, he could feel himself becoming more and more drawn to her. It wasn't fair! He never asked for these worthless feelings. Leave the pathetic human emotions for Kurama, Yusuke, and Kuwabara. Hiei didn't know how to handle them. What was he supposed to do?
Denying them did nothing. Ignoring them blew up in his damn face. He couldn't fight it, not when she was so close to him every second of the day. It was physically and mentally impossible. Hell he didn't even know what to call these emotions.
The worst part of all was the fact that Hiei was actually beginning to like them. Him! Hiei and emotions didn't mix -maybe emotions like hate, disdain, and malice- but Hiei and these sentiments certainly didn't meld well. Reminding himself he had to talk to Kurama to sort things out, Hiei re-entered the room to wake Botan. He was hungry… even though her cooking wasn't that good it was better than nothing.
"Onna," Hiei tapped her shoulder. He heard her grumble, but her eyes didn't open. He prodded her shoulder again, this time getting his hand slapped back by the drowsy girl. Hiei was becoming irritated. Wasn't she supposed to be a 'rise with the sun' kind of person? This was a side of Botan he doubted anyone, other than Koenma of course, had seen. "Onna." He shook her a bit rougher this time.
Botan turned to the side and let out a muffled, "…Hiei go back to bed it's too early to be awake."
"You happen to be sleeping in my bed."
Her eyes opened immediately and she sat upright. The room walls were yellow; her room was lilac… Shoot! He's right! She squinted. The walls really were too bright. Botan figured Hiei was just trying to annoy her for the past two days. He kept on constantly bothering the girl about her choice in color. Apparently he was right; this color really does hurt your eyes.
She looked up to see Hiei's eyes piercing her own. He was wearing a cocky smirk in response to her sudden interest in waking up. Dare he say it, she almost looked… cute. He grimaced at the thought that the word cute ever popped into his mind. Her hair, which used to be in a ponytail, was now a jumbled mess of blue being held together by a band. Her eyes were opened wide, and a blush found its way onto her cheeks.
The flabbergasted girl looked around confused. I must have fallen asleep here after the movie!
Yes, there was a television in each of the bedrooms, courtesy of Koenma. The last time he gave her an apartment it was utterly disgusting. Peeling wallpaper, toilets that didn't flush, sinks that sprayed out murky water accompanied by a putrid smell were some of the various features to her old apartment. After 'complaining', or nearly biting his head off as he liked to call it, Koenma quickly got her a new one much more luxurious.
Did he sleep in here too? Looking up at himBotan doubted it. He probably slept on the couch not wanting to get ferry-girl-germs, or something ridiculous like that. She pouted. He could be really cruel sometimes. "Sorry… about falling asleep in here."
Good thing she didn't ask if he had fallen asleep there too, she'd probably think he was some kind of pervert. He had fallen asleep next to her, but didn't make any attempt to move in the middle of night when he realized she was still in his bed. He didn't want her there… but it was just too bothersome to move her. Hiei shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, turning his back to her. "It's your apartment."
She nodded her head then went inside the bathroom to get ready. After she was finished she changed her clothes then walked past Hiei, who was sitting on the couch. Glancing around the room her eyes caught hold of the clock. It read six-o'-clock. "Hiei…" Botan whined, stretching out his name in frustration.
He looked up at her, still flopped down on the couch without a care. "What?" He replied in an irritated tone, his ruby eyes narrowing. He hated when she dragged his name out like that.
"Why did you wake me up at such an unnatural hour in the morning?" Botan was now talking through gritted teeth. Her eyes bore the same look as Hiei's, utter frustration.
"I'm hungry." He said it as though she were expected to jump at his every beck and call. He could care less if she was tired or not, Botan was the one who decided to make him live in her house for a week. Losing his anger, Hiei relaxed his shoulders and continued watching television.
She decided to calm down, resolving not to blow off the handle. Forcing a smile on her face Botan spoke. "If you're hungry then why don't you cook something for yourself?"
"This is your house, and I am a 'guest' in this house, correct?"
Botan nodded slowly. "And your point is?"
"Isn't it a ningen custom for the guest to normally be served?"
Botan gave him a questioning look, surprised he knew about something like that. "How do you know about things like that?"
"Kurama's house," Hiei responded curtly, closing his eyes. He remembered the first time he came to Kurama's house. His mother made sure that Kurama attended to Hiei's every need. He thought the woman was mad, but milked it for all it was worth. He even asked for ice cream and Kurama had to go to the grocery to get some. Kurama put on a smile for his mother and complied, but Hiei could sense the frustration from the kistune.
"Since when do you follow human traditions?"
"Since today," Hiei retorted arrogantly; watching as the ferry girl pouted. Her amethyst eyes narrowed skeptically. "You're having fun making my life miserable, aren't you?" He could be so selfish sometimes. She often wondered how he could be related to someone as selfless as Yukina.
Hiei brushed her comment off, realizing that Botan fully well knew the answer. "Would you just go and make the damn breakfast?"
She rolled her eyes. It's not like she could fall back asleep anyway, and they might as well get an early start on the day. "Yes your highness." With a mock bow, she walked away; stomping for added effect. Only five days left, and he'd be out of here… Wait-no! That's not a good thing! Stupid, stupid mind! She mentally berated herself.
Preparing the breakfast, Botan began to think about what she could plan for the day. She doubted Hiei wanted to go visit the others, and they had just visited Yukina. In other words, today was going to involve the two of them, alone.
Yesterday Yusuke and Kuwabara came over unexpectedly, saying they wanted to spend some quality time with their 'favorite ferry girl'. The day before that Kurama graced them with his presence, warning them about Yusuke and Kuwabara's 'new mission'. He didn't fully explain the details, but he told Hiei and Botan they might as well just steer clear from the dynamic duo; stating something about them bringing nothing but trouble. Hiei could care less, but Botan wanted to know more.
Before she could begin to ask Kurama, the boy took off, mentioning something about his mother calling him. …Which is a plausible thing for Kurama since he's so attached to his mother, plus with his kitsune hearing he could probably hear her from halfway across the world.
She had the nagging feeling that something was going on, but in time that feeling wore off. It's not like the world was going to end or anything.
BOOM
–Maybe she spoke too soon? Startled she knocked down the egg batter she was holding, and silently cursed herself. She'd have to clean that up later.
"DAMMIT!" A strained voice yelled.
"Hiei! What's going on?" She yelled from inside the kitchen hesitantly.
"It's nothing." Hiei didn't want her to worry, but the aggravation in his voice didn't do a good job of hiding it. Hearing his frustration she quickly made her way into the living room. Botan was greeted with an unexpected sight. A demon had crashed into her table, effectively reducing it to nothing but splinters. "Wh-who's that?" She pointed with a hesitant finger, eyes wide and mouth gaping.
"Heh, I guess I better work on my landings." The unidentified demon began dusting himself off as he stood up. "Haru's the name!" The demon had tawny-colored short hair, coupled with bangs that brushed against his eyelids. His eyes were a greenish-blue, and it was often hard to determine what color it was exactly. He was tanned, with a healthy glow, and was well-built. If she had to choose word to describe him, it'd be exotic.
Botan began to blush as in an instant he was at her side, kissing her hand. She swallowed slowly, suddenly unable to speak properly, "H-hello there…"
"And what's your name?" He asked her, loosing the clumsiness his voice originally held. "It's…" She trailed off. Get it together girl! "Uh…Botan? Yes! Botan! I'm Botan!" She let out finally, as she began to laugh nervously; rubbing the back of her head. It was funny how a handsome man could come strolling-or rather crashing- into her house and she became a bumbling idiot.
Hiei growled. "Why the hell did you even come here, Haru?" He couldn't stand to see Botan make a bigger fool out of herself. For some reason his dislike for Haru just rose, big time. Who does Haru think he is barging in here for no apparent reason… and- and… what's with the hand-kissing?
"I just came to check on my favorite fire demon! I heard you were shacking up with some ferry girl from Reikai, so I came here to check it out. I don't believe you didn't even have the guts to tell me first!" Haru feigned hurt, shaking his head indignantly.
"Tell you what first?" Hiei averted his eyes to the boy before him.
Upon seeing Hiei's glare, he smirked. "You don't have to play dumb, Hiei. I know all about your furtive affair with Botan. I can't blame you though, she is quite a catch." He winked at the girl beside him.
Botan's eyes widened. "We are not shacking up!"
"Oh please. You're both living together and you're telling me nothing is going on between the two of you?" Haru's striking eyes glistened with mockery.
The said two just stared at each other in disbelief. "Hiei, I'm ashamed of you. Mukuro will be heartbroken." He added, placing his hand over his heart.
Ah, so he must work for Mukuro. Botan's eyes ran over him once more. He didn't seem as uptight as all the others that served her. She actually liked his vibrancy. But what was with this talk about Mukuro being heartbroken? Was there actually a relationship between the two that had been kept hidden? Botan certainly hoped not, feeling a bit envious.
"Would you shut the hell up for one moment? The onna means nothing to me, and I don't give a shit about what Mukuro feels." Hiei glared at the man standing before him.
Botan's heart sank upon hearing Hiei's declaration. Her lips formed a small pout, but she quickly replaced it with a look of indifference.
Taking note of Botan's actions, Haru changed the subject. "Hiei you really are too cruel. And the others have been saying you'd get all soft hanging out with 'nothing but human scoundrels, and an air-headed ferry girl.' I of course believed you'd still be that haughty demon I met a few months ago, and so, here I am today!" He huffed proudly, resembling a child.
Hiei mentally sighed. "You came all the way over here just to figure out something you already knew the answer to?" Haru beamed, as Hiei continued. "Hn, you really are a baka."
The demon let out an uneasy smile. "Eh, well… that's not the only reason I came here." He walked over to Botan, becoming serious again. "I heard Botan was a stunning woman; even for a being from Reikai." The last word was coated with disgust.
Haru hated how those in Spirit World always looked down on everybody and everything, as if they were better. He had never once met someone from Reikai who didn't look upon demons as cut-throat barbarians. Not every demon was like that, especially not him.
Botan regained her composure. "Thank you, but I'm really not that special…" She could feel the blush trying to return.
Haru grabbed her hand, and clasped it within is own. "Oh, but you really are." He looked deep into her eyes, and put on a charming smile. His voice became richer, and more refined. This was his lady-killer move. Get's 'em every time…
"Haru, cut the damn theatrics!" Hiei growled watching the pair with disdain. Letting go of Botan's hand, the boy laughed nervously while resting his hands upon his mess of hair. "Okay, okay. I was just trying to have some fun!"
"Pft." Hiei turned his head to the side, and shoved his hands in his pockets. It was way too early to be dealing with a staged Haru. It didn't bug him when Haru played this game with other women, but with Botan it was different. She didn't even know how to react to all the attention, further fueling his antics. If he didn't stop Haru, Botan certainly wouldn't be able to do it; meaning Hiei would be stuck with the pestering demon the whole day. One over-emotional woman was far too much for Hiei to deal with and if Haru stayed, Hiei wouldn't be able to handle the two effervescent idiots. It's not like he was jealous or anything. He could care less if the two started a relationship. It wouldn't bother him one bit, nope not one, tiny, miniscule, itty bitty bit.
"Hey, Haru, would you like anything to eat? I mean since you came from so far away and all?" Botan asked.
He grinned and nodded. "That would be great. Thanks, Botan!" She returned the smile and walked into the kitchen. Hiei couldn't believe how easily she had cooperated with Haru. It took him twenty-one questions just to get her to make him something, but she practically begged Haru to allow her to make breakfast. Baka onna. Turning back to face Haru, he eyed him charily. "Why did you really come here? You can't expect me to believe it's because you wanted to see how I was doing."
"Okay, you caught me!" Haru stopped smiling after that statement, his face became unsentimental. It was really freaky how he became serious all of a sudden when it was needed, but Hiei had already gotten used to his quirky mannerisms. "Mukuro's not really brokenhearted or anything, more like…" He paused, searching for the right words. "…doubtful. She doesn't want you becoming weak because of Botan, and your growing human emotions. I told her think nothing of it, and nothing could change you, but she's not convinced. Hell, she says she doesn't need any lovesick puppies in her army. She wants a 'warrior, and not a love weary, sentimental, baby'. As you friend… I figured I'd warn-"
"Shut up. I'm not in love with that ferry onna; I could care less about what happens to her. You can assure Mukuro that nothing will come out of my staying here with her. And furthermore, tell her not to stick her nose in affairs that don't involve her." Hiei's eyes were set upon Haru's, and the carefree demon could've sworn he saw a flame flicker in the Koorime's eyes.
Haru shrugged his shoulders. "I sure will Hiei." He stared off into the direction of the kitchen. "Okay, I'm gonna go check on your girlfriend now." With that he walked off, affirming what Hiei had begun to suspect. Haru hadn't been listening to a damn word Hiei had just said. Flopping down on the couch, Hiei turned the television on, hoping to find something more entertaining than Haru's stupidity.
-----
"Hey Botan, need any help?" Haru walked into the kitchen, hands behind his head.
She shook her head. "No thanks. I've got everything covered here." Her back was turned to him, as she began cooking on the stove. "I'll just wait here for the food to be done… Hiei's acting like someone shoved his katana up his ass." Taking a seat Haru began to wait for the food to be done.
She laughed upon hearing his response to Hiei's attitude. He was right; Hiei could act rather uncouth at times. He was such a haze of mystery, but so was everyone in their own way. Haru for example… underneath his blithe demeanor she knew one thing that could tick him off.
Biting back the urge to ask him about it, she continued cooking. After fifteen agonizing minutes she could no longer take it. It felt like she was going to burst if she didn't ask him right here and right now. Botan bit her lip, finally gaining to courage to ask him about it. "Haru, about what you said before… something about being beautiful for a being from Reikai… what did you mean by it?"
Haru was taken back by the question at first, but decided to answer anyway. "I'm sorry if it offended you. It's just that the people from Reikai and I haven't always been on good terms." His voice became harsher, and it lost the carefree nature it formerly held. "They're all so damn condescending and judgmental… I can't stand how they try to critique us, when they don't have a clue about the world we live in. Their outlook on us demons just pisses me off!" He slammed his fist down on the table.
Her shoulders shook at the sound of Haru's outburst. "I'm sorry you feel that way. I remember how cold-hearted those in Reikai could be. I wish it were different, really I do." She sympathized with him, fully well knowing how patronizing they could be. "But you know… there really are a lot of us who do care about what happens to the good souls in Makai. I mean we make it our priority to make sure all three worlds retain their order. At least the people I work with do. Most of the ferry girls, the ogres, and Koenma all feel the same way."
"Koenma?" He asked curiously. "He actually gives a damn about what happens to us?"
Botan smiled. "Of course he does. His advice isn't always played upon by those in Makai, but he is trying. You should see him sometimes, in that maze of paperwork. I'm surprised he can find his way out sometimes!" She laughed, lightening the mood a bit.
Her words seemed to have a calming effect on him, as his voice became soother. "I see that now, and it's good to know we've got somebody looking out for us in Reikai." He relaxed his shoulders, and unclenched his fists.
"Thanks."
He nodded. "Well enough about Makai and Reikai! How's you and Hiei's relationship shaping out?" Haru nudged her. "N-nothing's going on between us!" She faced her back to him, so he couldn't see her blush. Putting the final preparations on breakfast she continued. "Hiei and I are just friends, comrades, you know!"
"If so, then why does your heart skip a beat every time I mention his name?" He smirked as she stiffened. "I-uh-what? My heart does not do that! You must be hearing things, Haru!" Botan put a hand over her heart as a reflex.
"Nope, my demonic skills are unheard of! I can sense it, every time your pulse quickens or heart beats faster. Plus I can read anyone's emotions anytime. You love Hiei." His eyes seemed to pierce into her very soul, reading every single feeling, thought, and wish.
She gulped. "L-love?"
Haru decided to end his little game, figuring he pestered her enough. "Don't get so riled up it's only a joke! I-uh… I can't really read emotions or anything like that." He lied.
Botan sighed. "You really had me going there!" He might as well be an actor, with those eyes. They really did look as though they were penetrating deep into her core, analyzing her feelings. Snapping out of her thoughts, she set the food down on the table. "Hiei breakfast is ready!" She called.
Entering the kitchen he sat down at the table looking down at the food, suspiciously. "What the hell is this stuff?" Botan sighed. "Hiei, it's food. Now eat!" She shoved the plate in front of him stubbornly.
"You probably poisoned it or something." He glared. Hiei was still fuming because of Haru's advances towards Botan.
"Nuh-uh," Haru said through a mouthful of food. "This stuff is good! I'm pretty sure she didn't poison it cause then I'd be dead!"
"-And the whole world will be better off…" Hiei answered contemptuously as he eyed his food suspiciously. Ningen food really was peculiar. He had no idea how Kurama dealt with this.
He continued to eat, not paying any attention to the Koorime's harsh words. "You hurt me Hiei."
Botan let out a frustrated sigh. "Just eat it Hiei! Weren't you the one who said I should cook something?" Hiei remained silent; he seemed to be ignoring her. "Fine, I'll just help you then." Picking up his fork she shoved some food into his mouth, as Haru began to laugh raucously at the demon. Stomping off into the living room, she began muttering to herself about demons and their tenacity.
Abruptly getting up, Hiei walked over to the sink and spit out the atrocious food in his mouth. Glaring at the spot where Botan just stood he began to walk in the direction she had left. "That damn bitc-"
Before Hiei could reach the doorway, Haru stood in the threshold, blocking Hiei's path to Botan. "-Ah ah ah! I don't think it'd be wise to follow her. You know, women and their mood swings. Must be that time of the month…" He trailed off.
"Move." Hiei's voice was dangerously low.
"Come on! Do you think I really came here to check on you and Botan? I've got covert info on Mukuro! Something that I bet no one else except for a select few know!" He smiled tauntingly.
"I said, move!" Hiei repeated, intent on catching up to the ferry girl.
"Mukuro's a 36-B!" He yelled hurriedly, trying to make Hiei forget about Botan. "Yeah some of the others went digging into her personal items and found out, hilarious isn't it? Ha-ha!"
Hiei growled. "I don't care damn it, now get out of my way!"
Haru stopped smiling, his voice becoming somber. "Do you smell that?"
…Salty
"She's crying. And it's because of you. Now I don't know what's causing her to act this way but I've got a pretty good feeling. She's confused, upset, distressed, troubled, and a whole bunch more. Just let her be." Sensing Hiei's composed manner, Haru went back to the table and took a seat. Hiei followed suit, ending his pursuit of the ferry girl.
Hiding his anger, Hiei sat down. Why the hell did she have to be so sensitive? Her tears, they just pissed him off even more. Why did she have to cry? She didn't deserve to feel one ounce of pain. Not after all the good things she had done in her afterlife. To think that he caused her pain, made him hurt inside. It was a sort of gut wrenching, excruciating feeling. Much more painful than anything he'd ever felt in combat.
Haru smirked to himself after glancing at Hiei. He was feeling pure guilt. Probably the first time he had ever felt like that before.
-----
Botan wiped her tears, frustrated with herself. Why was she crying anyway? Oh yeah, because Hiei was such an arrogant bastard, and really could care less about her feelings. She remembered when he blatantly told Haru that Botan meant nothing to him. He probably didn't realize it, but it really did hurt her. Then he had to go and be such a jerk, instead of eating his breakfast and being grateful, like a normal person.
Letting out a frustrated groan, she got up from her bed and into the bathroom. She washed her face, and then dried it, looking into the mirror. Her eyes were red. Deciding to wait until she looked more presentable she began to think.
It was really stupid of her to run out like that. He could be dense sometimes, so maybe he didn't know what he was doing to her. Plus this was Hiei. He had said way worse to others, and she should be used to it now.
If only she could get through his barriers… maybe then she could understand him more. He wouldn't be such an obscurity, and everything he did wouldn't have to be justified by basing it on what others thought him to be. Taking a deep breathe she walked towards the kitchen, mentally preparing herself for facing the two demons.
She re-entered the room, seeming to have regained her poise. Crimson meet amethyst as their eyes locked for a brief moment. Hiei broke their gaze and stubbornly shoved the food into his mouth. Botan's eyes lit up and she sat down at the table to eat. Forcing back a laugh Haru started up conversation. He really couldn't believe that Hiei had backed down to a woman. This was certainly a breakthrough for someone like Hiei. Incredible how much he could change in a week. -Only when he was around Botan, of course.
After eating Haru decided it was time he left. After all, he had work that needed to be done. "Thanks for the breakfast Botan, it was great! I'm gonna have to stop by more often!" He laughed.
"Please do! It gets boring being in this apartment all alone sometimes."
"Ok, I will then. Catch you later Hiei."
Hiei nodded. "I'll be sure to tell Mukuro about your recent expeditions later." Hiei taunted, as he watched the boy stiffen. "You wouldn't dare! C'mon Hiei you know I'd never tell anybody if you did! I guess I'll just have to remember not to tell you anything anymore…"
Hiei shrugged it off.
"Goodbye, Botan." Haru flicked his wrist and a portal was created. Looking back at the pair one more time he couldn't help the grin that made its way on to his face. It was like the kind of grin that a child makes when they know something you don't. Botan, your heart really does skip a beat every time Hiei's mentioned. And he does feel something for you, no matter how much he tries to refuse it. Hopefully you'll get some sense into that baka's head.
Botan watched as he waved goodbye to them and stepped inside of the portal. It looked like he was trying to tell her something, but she wasn't sure what. Remember their earlier conversation, she turned to Hiei. "Say, can Haru really depict people's feelings? Is it some sort of demonic trait he's got?"
Hiei snorted. "Obviously… That's the only reason Mukuro keeps that idiot around." Botan gasped instinctively.
"What the hell's your problem?"
She started slowly, "Oh nothing! He just said a few things… I didn't believe he was telling the truth." She waved it off with her hand, sweat-dropping. Shoot! Haru really wasn't kidding! If he can read my feelings like an open book will he tell Hiei? No. He wouldn't do something like that!
Fully knowing that Botan was lying, Hiei shrugged it off. He didn't want to concern himself with her problems. "Forget it. I don't care anyway."
A sigh of relief escaped her lips. At least he wasn't interrogating her about it. She knew she wasn't a good liar, and Hiei would probably be able to figure out the truth if only he looked hard enough. Or if he used his Jagan… That could be a potential problem. She wondered if Koenma knew any techniques to repel the Jagan.
Koenma…
…Work…
"Crap. I'm going to be late for work, again!" Rushing past Hiei, Botan ran into her room to get herself ready. Five minutes later she came out, looking a bit tousled, but nonetheless ready for work. Checking to see if she had turned everything off in the kitchen she grimaced at the hideous glob of dried egg batter on her white tile. "It's almost as ugly as the color in Hiei's room…" Botan muttered as she frowned.
Instantly, she started to smile as an idea came into her head. "Hiei!"
"What?"
"I need you to move all the furniture out of your room, please!" She tried to sound as desperate as she could, hoping it would coax the Koorime to carry out her wishes.
On instinct, Hiei wanted to respond with a brisk refusal, and maybe an insult or two… but this time he didn't. Maybe if she hadn't gotten so emotional and started crying because of him, he'd be able to refuse. He never liked it when women cried. Maybe it was because it reminded him of Yukina, and all the torment she had went through with Tarukane.
"Fine, but I'm not moving it back." His voice still had that caustic manner it always held, but Botan didn't believe he really meant it. "Okay, when I get back I'll have a present for you!" With that she left.
Present? Hn. Baka onna… Hiei didn't want any presents. All he wanted was freedom. Only five days left, and he'd be free to get as far away as possible from her.
Question is: would he want to leave when all of this was over?
-----
Okay I'm done. Heh, I love Haru.
Just click that little review button and make me happy… please? I updated wayyy faster than last time, that has to count for something… right? Haha! Later guys!
