Everything I'm Not

"Speech"

Thoughts

[Telepathy

((My Notes))

Disclaimer: I don't own anything!

Chapter 7: Awkward Reunions

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"Sure you were," Kuwabara started as Keiko nudged him. "Guys, leave Botan alone. I believe her!" Keiko announced, sympathetically. She remembered their last get together, and how fond Botan seemed of Hiei. All this pestering couldn't be good for a growing relationship, and she'd be damned if she let the guys' taunting ruin it!

"Keiko's right, give Botan a break." Yusuke started, running a hand through his gelled hair. Everybody turned in Yusuke's direction; surprised that for once he had something productive to say.

Botan smiled. Leave it to Yusuke to say something you wouldn't expect.

"I mean, Hiei's the one who was all over her!"

She sweat-dropped. Or not...


Yusuke was left nursing an injured head as the others made themselves comfortable in Botan's living room. "I was just stating the obvious..." he muttered, grinning sheepishly at Botan.

"Yusuke!" Botan pulled him close to her and whispered harshly. "You know that I have ...well... feelings for Hiei! Why do you have to make it harder than it already is!" She looked behind her to make sure the others weren't peeping in on their conversation. Thankfully, they were too busy watching interactions between Kuwabara, Yukina, and Hiei.

The spirit detective scratched the back of his head nervously. "I'm sorry Botan! I wasn't trying to spill your secret or anything, honest. It just came out... you know? I figured you'd be the most understanding in a situation like this, seeing as you're the one who can't keep a secret..." Yusuke went on rambling, trying to prove his point. He was being honest, though. Bluntly saying things were Yusuke's specialty! It was engraved into his very being, after all!

Botan sighed. "Okay, I get it. Just please, promise me you'll try to contain yourself?"

"Loosen up, Botan." He patted her shoulder reassuringly, trying to console her. I wonder what she'd do if she knew more than half the people in the room knew her secret... Let's see... the only ones that know about it are me, Kuwabara, Yukina, and Kurama. Keiko and Shizuru have no clue. I think that's pretty good, considering Kuwabara and I were the only ones who knew... granted the secret is bound to slip to Keiko and Shizuru one day soon. He mentally shivered. I don't even want to think about what she'd do if she found out. "Your secret is safe with me." Yusuke lied, walking over to Keiko and sitting beside her. The female species; they were so violent sometimes!

Following Yusuke, Botan sat down on the other side of him, seeing as that was the only spot available.

"-And your eyes are like the most beautiful rubies I've ever seen in my life! No! They're more beautiful than rubies! They're much deeper in color, and they light up my world!" Kuwabara finished rather love-struck.

"Sounds like you were trying to flirt with Hiei or something," Shizuru noted, playing with a a few locks of hair, apparently uninterested in the doting and fawning of her brother. She hadn't realized how right she sounded, as everyone's eyes landed on Hiei.

The said fire apparition twitched, but only slightly, so much that so the untrained eye couldn't catch it.

Keiko eyed him. "Now that you mention it, their eyes are a lot alike..."

Hiei clenched his fists, trying to keep himself from causing bodily harm.

Kuwabara jumped up from his seated position, clenching his fists at his sister. "Are you insane?! Hiei's are the ugly kind, while Yukina's are-"

Hiei's hand had now found its way to the hilt of his sword; the one thing he could count on to shut everybody up.

"-It's similar for demons to have the same color eyes. After all, red eyes are a natural occurrence in Makai." Kurama cut in swiftly. Botan looked to see Hiei's hands were no longer looming over his sword, but were now shoved in his pockets.

"Kurama's right! I've seen many demons with the same eye color, it's completely natural!" Funny... I didn't notice he had his sword on when we were so close... Botan shook all thoughts out of her head, feeling a blush come onto her face. She shouldn't be thinking about that sort of thing now, especially when there were so many witnesses to see her zoning out!

Noting the tension in the room, Shizuru sighed. "Relax, bro. It's called a joke." Kuwabara crossed his arms. "Well your jokes aren't funny." He sat down once more, resembling a two year old who hadn't gotten his way.

"Not that I mind or anything, but why are you guys here?" Botan sneaked a glance at Hiei, who was leaning on against the wall, looking quite uninterested. If they had come another day... I wonder what might have happened... No! I need to stop thinking about this. Focus on... something, anything else!

Kuwabara looked at Yukina then Yusuke quickly. "Well, you see... what it was, was..." Kuwabara fumbled at his words. Yusuke simply elbowed him in the stomach to get him to stop talking, while Yukina fidgeted, fingering the sleeves of her kimono.

"Yusuke and Kuwabara wanted to have some sort of reunion between us all. It was their idea entirely. They said it had been a while since the whole group got together, so they contacted everyone." Kurama once again stepped in and saved the day.

Shizuru quickly turned her head in Kurama's direction, eyes questioning. Kurama casted her a warning glance, his emerald eyes boring into her hazel ones, hoping she'd understand and ask questions later. Shizuru nodded, "That's right. These two knuckleheads are to blame for this. Isn't that right Keiko?"

The younger girl caught on quickly as she nodded her head vigorously. She felt bad lying to Botan, but it didn't look like the poor girl was up for hearing the real reasons why she was here.

Botan had a feeling that something wasn't right, but she quickly dismissed it. These were her friends. What could they possibly have to hide?

Hiei, however, wasn't so trusting. He was no fool, and could easily tell they were each hiding something. Crossing his arms, he narrowed his eyes. "Why hold it at the onna's apartment? Isn't Genkai's the usual spot for these pointless reunions?" He smirked at the numerous off-guard motions each one made.

"Having it here is a guaranteed way to make sure you wouldn't skip out on us!" Yusuke's cocky voice cut through the silence.

"Not that we really need you here..." Kuwabara grumbled defensively. Even though they were doing nothing but lying, he still couldn't have Hiei thinking he actually wanted him to be there.

Hiei rolled his eyes, muttering a curt, "Likewise."

"Guys, let's not fight! You all don't even need a reason to drop by. I'm glad you all came." Botan smiled reassuringly.

Yukina returned the smile graciously. "Thanks, Botan. Besides, I like spending time with all of you."

Botan clasped her hands together with Yukina's in a fit of excitement. "It really has been too long since we've all been together like this, so lets not waste time fighting!" She turned her head to face the rest of the guys.

"Hn." Hiei turned his head to the side, intent on tuning everyone out.

"She's really good at doing a complete one-eighty turn around, huh?" Kuwabara muttered to Yusuke as he nodded slowly, eying the blue-haired ferry-girl. "Oh well. At least she's not suspicious anymore," he answered.

How did everyone come along in the first place? Oh yeah! Now he remembered...


Kurama was sitting at his desk, doing his homework, like a good student should. That's when he was interrupted by a series of raucous knocks at his door. It couldn't have been his mother, she never knocked. Well not like that anyway. She usually lightly rapped at the door two or three times.

Wincing, he put his books away. Truth be told, he was getting a bit tired of studying anyway. "Come in, Yusuke."

"How'd you know it was me?"

"Lucky guess."

"Oh, well I'm holding a little meeting here, alright?"

Sighing, Kurama nodded. There was just no point in trying to talk things over with Yusuke. "Kuwabara should be here in a little while," the said Spirit Detective noted, sitting down on Kurama's bed.

Sure enough, moments later, Kuwabara entered. "Hi Kurama." He grinned sheepishly. "So what's the deal, Urameshi? I've got Yukina waiting at my house. I wanted to show her around human world today!" He sounded a bit nervous, as if he intended to take Yukina out on their first date or something.

"I just wanted to know if you guys were up on visiting our two lovebirds today." He smirked.

"Can't we do this some other time, Urameshi? I mean today is kind of important!" Kuwabara stated, anxiously. Kurama remained silent. He was fine with it either way, and if Yusuke and Kuwabara decided to go over to Botan's, they would definitely need someone to buffer Hiei's short temper.

Yusuke fidgeted. "Well, I was kind of hoping we could do it today..."

"Trying to get away from something important?" Kurama asked.

Yusuke sighed, defeated. "It's important to Keiko, but not to me. She wants me to go see some crappy chick flick today. I figured if I told her we were all planning on visiting Botan's, she'd probably understand. I mean, I could just say it was for a mission or something..."

"But what about Yukina!" Kuwabara replied. "You know, the beautiful ice maiden that has eyes that light up-"

"-We could take her with us! She's just as bent as seeing Hiei and Botan get together as we are. Or did you forget about the day she came here, asking us if Hiei could ever learn to love? I bet she'd rather visit Botan's than go visit the town with you." Yusuke curtly cut the boy off, not really in the mood to hear his confessions of love.

The boy glared at Yusuke. "You didn't have to say it like that." Then he thought about it for a moment, remembering the way she looked when Kurama told her there was a possibility of Hiei learning to ...well... love. "I guess she would be happy to go visit them, and I could always take Yukina out another day."

"I've got no problems with it. Just don't do anything that could cause a disturbance." Kurama stood up, eying the two boys.

Yusuke stood up as well. "Got it. Could I use your phone for a second?" Catching the phone that Kurama threw at him, he began dialing Keiko's number. "Hey, Keiko. We all have to meet up at Botan's apartment today, so unfortunately I'm gonna have to cancel our plans. And I was looking forward to watching that movie with you too." He lied, smoothly.

"Botan's?" Her voice perked up at the sound of visiting her friend.

"Yeah..." He continued, a bit a confused as to why she would be so happy.

"I'm going to go too!" Keiko sounded very excited at the prospect of seeing Botan again. I wonder how far she and Hiei have gotten... I know she had feelings for him before, when we were over at Genkai's... I'm certain I can help her somehow!

Taken back by the girl's outburst, yet happy that she wasn't biting his head off for canceling their day together, he complied. "Alright. Meet us at the park." He hung up the phone, a bit dumbfounded. "Keiko's coming along too."

"That's fine. The more the merrier." Kurama noted.

"Yeah and the less suspicious," Yusuke grunted.

"Oh! Can I use your phone too?" Kuwabara asked sheepishly. "Go ahead." Kurama answered as Yusuke gave Kuwabara the phone. Shizuru answered the phone. "Hi, sis. Could you take Yukina to the park for me? We're all gonna meet up at Botan's."

"Why? Is this another one of your missions?"

"No! Nothing like that!" He gulped. Unless you considered their little plans concerning Hiei and Botan a mission. "We're just going to visit. No missions at all!" He laughed nervously, never being one to lie.

She paused. "Well then I'm coming along too." Shizuru could always tell when her 'baby brother' was up to something, and she wanted to find out what it was.

"You can't just invite yourself!" He pleaded.

"I can, and I will. See you at the park, baby bro." She hung up, not giving the boy a chance to answer. Sighing, he hung up the phone as well. "Shizuru's going to bring Yukina to the park, but she's coming along too."

"It's no big deal. Besides, Kurama could always occupy her, if you know what I mean." Yusuke nudged Kurama in the ribs, with a sly grin on his face.

Kurama's eyes widened, but he quickly regained his composure. "I assure you, I don't have a clue of what you mean." Kurama turned away from Yusuke, crossing his arms. Yusuke rolled his eyes at the other boy's comment. "Sure you don't, Kurama." His voice was laced with sarcasm, and he patted the redhead on the back reassuringly.

Kuwabara made a disgusted face. "Gross. You're sick, Urameshi!" Kuwabara began to walk out of Kurama's room, with Kurama following suit.

Yusuke hurried after them, not once ceasing his taunting. "You can't tell me there's nothing going on between those two. It's obvious, they like each other. Our favorite fox-boy's taken a liking to your sister!"

Both boys sighed, as they made their way to the park to pick up Yukina, Keiko, and Shizuru. By the time they got there, the girls were already at the park, talking amongst each other. As usual, Kuwabara ran up to Yukina. Yusuke walked up to Keiko, and Kurama did the same with Shizuru. Kuwabara had explained the real reason as to why he, Kurama, and Yusuke were going to Botan's, and she was thrilled.

Yusuke and Keiko pretty much kept to their own thoughts, both not wanting to betray Botan. Neither had knew the other figured out the girl's secret. Shizuru and Kurama walked ahead of the group, making idle chatter. They reached Botan's apartment in ten minutes, and that's when they found Hiei and Botan in a very compromising situation.


And that leads up to where they were now.

Kuwabara was still a bit upset about the comment his sister made, and was left glaring at her, from across the table. That's when he noticed how close she was to Kurama. Too close... Didn't Kurama ever hear of something called 'personal space'? Hmph!

Yukina, who was next to Kuwabara, was lost in her own thoughts as well. I hope Hiei wasn't too discouraged by what Kazuma said. I know Kazuma didn't mean it, and he doesn't seem like one who would be affected by such trivial things. Or maybe he just doesn't let it show? Either way, I'll apologize before we leave.

Across from them was Kurama and Shizuru. Kurama's emerald eyes were focused on the table, arms crossed. That had been a close one. Good thing Yukina didn't seem to notice anything and Hiei didn't overreact. If this had been a few months ago, I'm sure Hiei wouldn't hesitate to spill blood. He really has changed...

On the other side of the couch, Shizuru had her head propped up by one arm, biting her lip. It was so unlike her to slip like that! Damn that was a close call. I guess I should think before I speak from now on...

On another couch, Keiko was fingering the ruffles on her skirt. She let out a small sigh. I wish we had walked in later! It's not fair! If only I knew what was happening. Maybe I could've stalled! Then their relationship would be so much farther than it is now. The brunette looked up at Hiei and Botan who seemed to be avoiding each other at all costs.

Yusuke, who was seated in between Botan and Keiko, kept on replaying the scene between Botan and Hiei in his mind, trying hard not to smirk. If only we had come in a few seconds later. Heh. They probably would've been in the middle of a serious lip-lock session. Oh well. I'm sure by the time we leave, they'll be picking up where they left off. The devilish grin, and glint in his chocolate brown eyes never once left his face during his thoughts.

Botan who was glancing around the room, took note of Yusuke's odd expression. Continuing her little survey of the room, her eyes landed on Hiei. He was standing there with that same blank expression he always had on his face. Never once letting his mask slip... except he had let it slip. Today, with her of all people. He did something nice for her, opened up to her, and... and... She blushed, then quickly looked away from him, casting her eyes downcast. I really need to get that out of my head. He was probably just teasing me. It's not like he was really about to ... to... kiss me.

Hiei, who was leaning up against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest and looked down at the floor. They're all such idiots. Why they came here is a mystery to me. Hn. And they almost spilled my damn secret. If they didn't come, it'd save me a lot of trouble. But if they didn't come... then I would probably be... Wait. What the hell would he be doing? Not kissing Botan, that's for sure. He would never allow himself to give in to such foolish desires. Only weaklings succumb to such feelings. Then again, Botan wasn't just an ordinary girl. Hiei looked over at her, then caught himself and looked away. Who knows if he would've been able to stop himself, unless they came. Maybe it's good those bakas came in when they did after all. Damn onna.

Just then, while everyone was lost in their own musings, a portal opened up and a familiar demon crashed through. "Damn it! I never land on my feet when it comes to portals!" He got up from the floor, dusting himself off.

Botan stood up and Hiei uncrossed his arms as they both replied at the same time. "Haru?!"

Both Yusuke and Kuwabara were about to call out his name, but Kurama caught them, signaling them to stop.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite demon, and my favorite girl from Reikai!" Haru walked up to Botan and kissed her hand like he did before. It was all in good fun. Plus the way Hiei reacted when he did stuff like this was always priceless.

Hiei rolled his eyes while Botan blushed.

"Just state your business and leave." Hiei glared, eyes narrowing. For some reason seeing Haru do that only made his blood boil. Keiko and Yukina both smiled once they heard Hiei's reply. It was easy to see he was a bit jealous, no matter how much he tried to hide it. Both took notice that the other was smiling, and quickly tried to stop. Shizuru watched the whole encounter a bit confused.

I'm pretty sure Keiko saw me smiling. If she figures out why, I don't know what I would do. I was supposed to keep the situation between Hiei and Botan a secret, but I might have just ruined it... Although I don't like the idea of not telling Keiko anything, it's not my place to reveal anything. Oh, I feel awful.

Oh no! I hope Yukina doesn't think it was odd that I was smiling, especially right after seeing Hiei's jealousy... I know she'd be understanding of Botan's situation, but it's not something I can just start telling people. Great going, Keiko! You probably just gave it all away! I should probably just try and contain my excitement from now on! I'll just tell her I was smiling because of that new demon. What was his name again?

"Uh, Yukina!" Keiko motioned for the girl the come forward, and they both leaned over the table. "That boy... Haru. He's very attractive, huh?" She smiled, hoping Yukina would think that was the reason why she was so happy before.

Yukina looked at her with wide, innocent eyes, before she nodded. "Yes. I know what you mean. He has... a nice personality too." Yukina smiled as well, hoping Keiko wouldn't catch on to the real reason she was smiling before. Hopefully, using Haru as a cover-up would do some good. They both mentally let out a sigh of relief, thinking they should try to contain themselves from now on.

Haru laughed at Hiei's sudden outburst. "Calm down Hiei. I'm just saying hello. Geez." That's when he took notice of the rest of the people in the room. "Oh! Hey Kurama, Kuwabara, Yusuke... and others. I'm Haru!"

Each of the girls introduced themselves, and Botan noticed something. While it was perfectly natural for Haru to know Kurama, it wasn't for him to know the other two. "How did you meet Yusuke and Kuwabara?" She pointed at the now sweating duo.

"I-it's a long story, really."

Hiei was getting sick of this 'lying game' that everyone was so fond of playing today. "We've got time. Go on." Hiei pressed, smirking at Haru's sudden expression. "Since when have you been so nosy, eh, Hiei?" Haru laughed nervously, patting Hiei on the top of his head.

Hiei growled and removed Haru's hand. "Don't confuse one question with nosiness. I asked a simple question, so answer it."

"Oh I almost forget!" Haru completely ignored Hiei's last comment. "The reason I was really here, is to tell you that Mukuro wants you back in Makai. "

Botan looked down at the floor, guilt ridden. "That's my fault." She almost forgot that Hiei had a job to do, and by her keeping him here, she could possibly get him in trouble. "I made Hiei stay here. If Mukuro wants to blame anyone, blame me." She was sure Hiei would go back to her now, and for some reason a wave of jealousy hit Botan. It was wrong of her, but she still couldn't help but feel this way.

Hiei snorted. "Don't be foolish, onna. I'm the one who agreed to the stupid deal."

Botan looked up, eyes-wide at Hiei. "But I-"

"Shut up. It's not your fault." He continued, getting tired of the way she always put things on herself.

Haru smiled deviously. "Now that we've figured out who's fault it is. I'll continue. She said you've been gone for too long, and you're neglecting your duties."

Hiei put on a smug grin. "It's only been a few days. Can't she run her part of Makai without me?"

Haru shrugged. "I wouldn't know. So what do you want me to tell her?"

"I'll be back in four days," Hiei answered.

"I'll be sure to tell her. So, what are you guys all doing? Did someone die or something?" Haru joked. He was met with silence, when they each realized he was talking about when everyone was deep in thought. When no one answered, his eyes widened. "Did someone really die?!"

"Nobody died." Kurama answered.

"So why were you all sitting here, looking like ... well I don't know. Like you've seen ghosts or something?!"

Botan laughed nervously. "I guess we all zoned out or something." She blushed as she remembered her thoughts from before. The rest of them, minus Hiei nodded.

Sometimes, humans can be really weird. He thought slowly. "Alright!" He saluted. "I would stay longer, but unfortunately I've got a lot of work. Nice seeing you all!" He smiled brightly.

There was a series of goodbye's and grunts courtesy of the group and Hiei, respectively. "Come back anytime!" Botan called, waving goodbye as he stepped back into the portal and left.

"I wish he'd come over more often." Botan muttered to herself, smiling.

"I don't." Hiei grunted, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Why not? I really like him." She turned to find the whole group staring at her. "N-not like that! In a friendly way!" Botan breathed out.

"He's a nuisance, that's why." Hiei told her. Botan smiled at him. She knew Hiei most likely thought of Haru as a friend, but probably couldn't admit it.

"Oh! You guys are probably hungry! I'll go make snacks!" Botan began to walk off.

"Wait! We'll join you." Yukina got up along with Shizuru and Keiko, and followed Botan into the kitchen. They all began to catch up on each others' lives and share stories when Shizuru brought up the question everybody wanted to ask.

"So is there anything going on between you and Hiei?"

"What?!" Botan's eyes widened, and she began to feel her heart beat faster. Was she that obvious?

"Calm down, I was just asking. There's obviously sparks flying between you two." Shizuru pointed out.

Botan looked down at the drinks she was currently pouring. "No, not really. Hiei and I just understand each other better now, is all. He even stopped those silly death-threats! I think we're actually becoming friends!" She exclaimed happily.

Shizuru nodded. "I see."

"Well, I don't see why any girl wouldn't like Hiei!" Keiko stated. "I mean he is handsome." They all stared at her. It was so unlike her to come out and say something like that. "What?" The brunette watched as they all stared at her. "It's the truth. Come on, tell me you haven't thought it yourself." The things I do for you, Botan.

"Keiko is right." Shizuru added slyly.

"Looks aren't everything, guys." Botan replied, although her thoughts betrayed her. She was guilty pf spending time thinking about Hiei's appearance. It was enough to make any girl melt... Catching herself, she continued. "Sometimes. Hiei can be such a jerk! He assumes he's better than everyone, and thinks emotions and feelings are a pain. And he has knack for shutting people out." Then her eyes softened. "But he's not like that all the time..."

All three women could see through Botan. The way she looked when she talked about him. She was just genuinely happy. It was nice to see her so happy over someone.

In the living room, the boys were having a similar conversation.

"C'mon, Hiei. Why don't you sit over here. We don't bite." Yusuke teased as he turned on the television.

"I'd rather not," Hiei replied, obviously annoyed.

Kurama sighed. "You could try and be just a bit more social Hiei. It wouldn't kill you."

Hiei glared warningly. "Kurama..."

"Fine," he answered.

"What's going on with you and Botan?" Kuwabara asked tactlessly. "It looked like you two were about to kiss or something." He made himself more comfortable on the couch, his eyes glued to the television.

Hiei rolled his eyes. "What the onna and I do is none of your business." He wasn't in the mood to explain anything.

"Well when you put it like that, it sounds like there's a lot more going on that we don't know about... if you know what I mean." Yusuke grinned.

"Nothing's going on," the black-haired demon said harshly, glaring at Yusuke. Thoughts of him and Botan doing... things plagued his mind, and it was all Yusuke's fault. When Hiei found that he wasn't disgusted, he became even more revolted at himself.

Kurama could see Hiei was having a mental battle, and decided to take the pressure off of him. "Don't mind him, Hiei. He's been like this the whole day."

"Hn." Hiei sighed. "I'm not surprised."

The girls walked out of the kitchen with drinks and snacks soon after. The rest of the day went by in a flash, as all their usual meetings did. Botan was happy they came over. Just for that moment, she could forget about all her feelings for Hiei, and just be happy with friends.

Hiei was too engrossed in their stupidity, and for the rest of the day he forgot all about the encounter he had with Botan.

When everybody left however, it was a different story. Botan didn't want to bring up what happened earlier today, not yet anyway. Hiei walked out of his room with his katana in hand. "I'm going to train."

"Alright, I think I'm going to turn in early. I'll see you tomorrow." She hadn't even looked at him, afraid she might start blushing.

He nodded, and left.

Botan let out a sigh after he left. Things were getting complicated now. She knew she had feelings for Hiei... and after the little event that happened, she had fallen even harder. Did Hiei actually like her back? Was he just playing with her emotions? It was too confusing. Botan let out a frustrated groan. She'd save those questions for tomorrow. Right now, all she wanted to do was take a nice warm bath, and fall asleep... without thoughts of Hiei plaguing her mind.


Yay! I updated much much faster than last time, right?! Hehe. I liked this chapter. Everyone's so secretive. Hope you liked it as well! Leave a review and tell me whatchya thought! Oh and thanks for all your encouraging reviews so far! You guys are great.