Hiei easily navigated his way through the Spirit World, finding Botan's room and walking in without any trouble. It figured that the woman would leave her room unlocked, as she always had the habit of putting too much trust and faith in the good of others. He stepped inside without any reservations or thought to her privacy and looked around. The room hadn't changed much from what he remembered. It held the same flowery scent that the ferry-girl carried and there were all sorts of colorful knick-knacks lying around. It was an orderly disorder that he could only classify as distinctly Botan. True to form, he spotted a book tucked away haphazardly underneath her pillow. He did not have to investigate further to know that it was one of those silly romance novels.

He heard the signs of footsteps drawing near and moments later Botan strolled inside. She let out a startled gasp, a hand flying to her chest as she shut the door.

"Hiei? What are you doing here?"

He was here to see her, plain and simple, but even so, he could not find the resolve and honesty to admit it aloud. He had enough sense to know that this was not the right moment to reveal himself; not when the matter of Yuuto still hung in the air. Besides, she seemed to be distracted at the moment and throwing his intentions into the mix would surely lead to disaster.

"Business for Mukuro," he lied easily. "...And you did extend an invitation."

She nodded absentmindedly and he frowned. Perhaps he shouldn't have come.

"But if you're preoccupied, then I will go," he decided.

Botan snapped out of her daze and shook her head.

"Please stay. I'm thrilled that you chose to drop by, I was just a bit sidetracked is all."

He had a feeling that her inattentiveness was due to the smooth-talking, blue-haired psychic, and the very thought summoned a dark and possessive spirit within him. His expression must have given way to some of his turmoil, because Botan continued without any verbal prompting on his part.

"It's nothing worth noting, really," she explained.

"You're a terrible liar," he accused, crossing his arms over his chest. "If it were as trivial as you claimed it was, then you wouldn't appear to be so troubled over it."

"It's just…" she started, before shaking her head. "It has to do with Yuuto and emotions and all the things you don't like. I'm sure you wouldn't want to be burdened by the silly little details."

"Let me be the one to decide that," he insisted evenly.

Botan's eyes widened in surprise. He had never been the intrusive type, so it was only natural for her to be somewhat suspicious and confused by his sudden prodding. He willed himself to be patient, to be calm, as he continued.

"You don't have to tell me, but if it bothers you this much, then I will listen," he offered.

Botan's face took on a look of understanding and he could see the moment her resolve broke.

"Alright, you win," she conceded. "But don't say I didn't warn you."

Hiei gave a slight nod of his head in return and she took a deep breath.

"A few days ago Yuuto confessed his feelings for me. He said that he wanted to be more than friends."

Hiei pursed his lips together, careful not to show any outwards signs of displeasure as he connected the dots. He had seen Yuuto kiss Botan in the park and assumed that they were already in a relationship, but it seemed as though he had jumped to a hasty and incorrect conclusion. Yuuto was simply making his first move and that meant that Hiei still had time. He still had a chance. He looked back at her, his expression conveying none of the conflict that he was feeling.

"What do you want?" he asked, keeping his voice even and ignoring the tight apprehension pulling at his chest.

"I just want things to remain as they are," she said as she averted her gaze. "Uncomplicated and simple."

"You misunderstand me. What do you want from him?" he clarified.

Amethyst met crimson unwaveringly, and the resolve in her eyes were clear as day as she spoke.

"I'd like to be his friend and nothing more."

A wave of relief and satisfaction flooded his system and dissipated the cloud of doubt that had previously darkened his mind. She did not want the psychic. She had no feelings for the other man. There was really only one thing left to do.

"Then it's simple: tell him that he is a nuisance and that the thought of being with him in that way makes you physically ill."

"That's horrible, Hiei!" she exclaimed. "I couldn't possibly say something so mean!"

"You said it yourself, you don't care for him," he justified.

"That doesn't mean that I don't care about him as a friend," she countered.

"Hn. The psychic is the persistently foolish type that is incapable of taking a hint. You will have to be direct if you intend on getting through that thick skull of his."

"I know that, but I've been trying to figure out a way to break it to him gently."

Hiei grunted. In his experience, being nice and being direct were usually mutually exclusive of each other when giving unfavorable news.

"He won't process your rejection if you are too busy wrapping it up in kind words and encouraging phrases," he told her.

Botan's face fell slightly, a worried frown crinkling her brow and pinching her features.

"I just don't want to hurt him," she lamented.

"It's too late for that," Hiei told her. "But it's the risk he chose to take and you should honor that by being honest with both him and yourself. Do not ever harbor guilt over the way you feel."

Amethyst eyes widened slightly and he knew that he had gotten through to her. He did not need the jagan to see the way her thoughts were whirling around in her mind.

"...You're right," she said finally. "I owe it to him to be as truthful with him as he was with me."

Of course he was right. He couldn't exactly come out with his intentions yet - she needed time to end things cleanly with Yuuto, after all - but this was a good sign.

"That was very helpful of you," Botan admitted. "Between you and Shizuru, I really don't have much to worry over."

Hiei briefly wondered what the other woman could have told Botan by way of advice. She was undoubtedly the most sensible and mature one out of the band of human misfits that they had associated with and he was reassured by the fact that Botan had someone sensible to give her counsel in the same way that Mukuro had done for him.

"I find it hard to believe that she and the oaf share the same genes," Hiei commented.

"They are as different as night and day, that's for sure," Botan agreed with a fond look in her eyes. "Sort of like you and Yukina."

Hiei looked away at the mention of Yukina's name, suddenly feeling more uncomfortable than he should have. He knew what the woman was going to ask and he was not surprised when she took a careful step closer.

"Have you thought of visiting her at all?" Botan asked.

"I have," he admitted.

The ferry-girl lit up instantly and warmth filled his chest. He didn't deserve that look - not after all the wrong decisions he had made - but he selfishly committed it to memory anyway.

Botan was glad to hear that Hiei was at least contemplating seeing Yukina. Over the past three years, the ice-maiden had often enquired about Hiei. It was obvious that she considered him a dear friend and if Hiei did not want to tell Yukina about being her brother, then the very least he could do was be a good friend to her.

"I was going to see her tomorrow. Would you like to go with me?" she asked.

Botan awaited Hiei's response eagerly. She knew that Hiei had a hard time visiting Yukina; he usually needed some goading or pestering. She figured if she went along, she could get them to spend some quality time together. She would just innocently slip away and give the two the time they needed. It would be perfect!

The door slammed open with a bang, and she turned to find Hinageshi entering the room wearing an excited grin.

"You'll never guess what I heard!" the redhead started, only pausing when she stepped far enough into the room to finally notice Hiei's presence. She immediately straightened her posture, back ramrod straight as she bowed. "Um, nice to see you again, King."

"Don't call me that," Hiei ordered, his nose crinkling slightly in distaste as crimson eyes narrowed.

"Your excellence?" she tried.

"Stop that."

"How about-"

"I think Hiei would prefer it if you simply called him by name," Botan cut in.

"Got it," Hinageshi complied with a welcoming grin. "Nice to see you, Hiei."

Hiei did not answer and Botan did not expect him to. He might have gained some maturity over the years, but his bad manners remained embarrassingly stagnant.

"Is everything alright?" Botan asked, looking to Hinageshi for an explanation of her sudden appearance.

"Everything is fine. I just got wind that a certain someone made an appearance in the Spirit World," Hinageshi said, looking over at Hiei pointedly before returning her attentions to Botan. "And I thought you might like to know."

"Wow, news travels fast," she stated, brows raised in surprise as her eyes rolled over to meet Hiei's.

The fire-demon's expression turned dark and she felt a pang of sympathy for him. She couldn't imagine what it would be like if her life was put on display for everyone to see the way that Hiei's was.

"When you're the new ruler of a world you're bound to gain a lot of attention," Hinageshi noted. "So, what exactly are you here for? Is it a new law? A top-secret proposal? Some sort of alliance?"

"That's none of your concern," Hiei replied curtly, ending the conversation and leaving no room for discussion.

Botan cringed. She knew for a fact that Hiei was abrasive and that Hinageshi hated it when people treated her like a child. The younger girl had worked hard to become an experienced ferry-girl, after all, and she only asked for the respect that she deserved. By the looks of things, she certainly was not going to take Hiei's bad attitude without at least putting up a fight of her own. Rather than blow up, the redhead settled her hands on her hips and shot Hiei a challenging glare.

"Alright hot shot," Hinageshi challenged. "If you have business here then why are you here in Botan's room instead of out there in Koenma's office?"

"Hinageshi!" Botan exclaimed, face heating up immediately at the other girl's insinuation.

"What?" the redhead feigned innocence with a simple shrug as she glanced at Botan. "It's a legitimate question."

"That's none of your business, brat," Hiei gritted.

Botan could see that the two clashing personalities would soon erupt into an argument, so she made the executive decision to step in.

"I told him to drop by more often and it looks like he decided to listen for once," she defended. "That's all."

The moment the words left her lips, Botan immediately regretted it. Hinageshi's sly grin extended, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Is that so?"

"Um… yes?" Botan replied uncertainly. She was starting to feel uncomfortable with the way that Hinageshi was looking at her. She had a feeling what the girl was thinking and she did not like it at all.

"Interesting," Hinageshi crooned, looking the two of them over with a critical eye. "Very interesting."

"Don't you have work to do ferry-girl?" Hiei snarled, glaring over at the redhead.

"Yes, I'm sure you have souls to guide or paper work that needs completing," Botan added.

Hinageshi shook her head.

"No, not really-"

But Botan was past the point of listening and was already ushering the short, red-haired girl towards the door. She was sure that her cheeks had darkened from a light pink to a deep scarlet in her embarrassment. Her offer of invitation towards Hiei was a friendly gesture, but of course Hinageshi would get the wrong idea.

"I'm sure you have lots to do," Botan laughed nervously. "I'll see you later!"

As Botan closed her door, she let out a sigh and gave Hiei an apologetic look.

"Sorry about that, she can get pretty carried away sometimes."

"Hn, I'm beginning to realize that blatant inquisitiveness is a trait that the entirety of Spirit World shares."

"It's simply a healthy interest in the well-being of others," Botan defended.

"It's intrusive."

"Well, you're not above it either, mister," she countered, pointing an accusing finger in the fire-demon's direction. "If I recall it was you who hectored me into telling you about Yuuto."

Hiei averted his gaze, crossing his arms over his chest with a grunt. He looked absolutely adorable and Botan could not help the giggle that escaped from her lips.

"But… I am glad that you decided to drop by. I feel much more confident about my situation now and I know what I have to do."

Hiei nodded curtly in response.

"Good," he said gruffly.

"…And well, about my question from earlier…" she tried once more, hinting at the possibility of Hiei joining her to see Yukina tomorrow.

"I'll go," he answered.

Botan grinned brightly.

"I'm glad to hear that."

The following day, Haru had ambushed Hiei in the training room. The fool nearly got his own head cut off, not watching where he was going and just barely avoiding the sharp end of a blade as it whizzed past him.

"What are you doing in here?" Hiei demanded, his tone lacking its usual bite. Haru never made it a habit to enter this room, preferring to call himself a lover and not a fighter, much to Hiei's chagrin and disgust.

"I came to here about how yesterday went," Haru said, wiggling his eyebrows. "Did you get the girl?"

"This is hardly the place to talk about that," Hiei berated. His eyes focused on the soldiers as he watched them engage in combat and paid no mind to the snooping orange-haired demon.

"Come on, man!" Haru whined. "I skipped breakfast and everything just to get the juicy details."

"That's your problem, not mine."

Haru huffed dramatically, throwing his hands up in the air and letting them fall limply to his sides as he muttered something about guarded and uncooperative fire-demons. The movement caught Hiei's attention and his crimson eyes rested on a thin, printed publication in Haru's hands. Hiei's eyes narrowed when he noticed something vaguely familiar issued on its pages and he wasted no time in snatching it out of the other man's grasp. The fire-demon stalked out of the training room and into the hallway, snarling as he read the contents of the newspaper. It had detailed records of what Hiei had been up to over the past few days; his visit to the human world, his trip to the Spirit World, his border patrol routes – they were all there. The author – who Hiei had decided to add to the top of his kill list – had even gone as far as insinuating about Hiei's relationship to a very specific woman in the Spirit World. He clenched his fists tightly, wrinkling the articles beyond the point of repair.

"Hey! I was planning on reading that!" Haru said, pulling the magazine from Hiei's hands and attempting to smoothen it out. "What could have gotten you so - oh…"

Haru trailed off, laughing nervously as he tossed the offending item behind him.

"Don't pay attention to those things. They're all just speculation and nobody really reads them," Haru soothed.

Hiei gritted his teeth as he paced the hallway. It was hard enough trying to win Botan back without the whole world on his heels. If he strayed from the territory, he was followed. If he entered the human world, he was tailed. If he appeared in the Spirit World, he was spotted and was sure to be documented in some trashy magazine or newspaper. It was downright infuriating.

He valued his privacy and solitude and it seemed as though the only place he was left alone was within the fortress itself. The media knew better than to infiltrate Mukuro's territory without permission, but he could not remain within the walls of the fortress forever. He would end up visiting the other worlds if he intended to get Botan back and he would subsequently be followed and written about. If only there were a way-

He froze mid-step as an idea formed in the back of his mind. His problems with Botan and with the media could be solved with one course of action. Hiei smirked as he began walking towards the throne room.

"So, you never answered my question," Haru reminded him as he caught up to the fire-demon and paced beside him. "Did you get your lady?"

"No," Hiei answered easily, his footsteps echoing in tune with Haru's among the empty hall.

"Aw, buddy, I'm real sorry," Haru said apologetically, giving Hiei a sympathetic frown. "But there are plenty of other fish in the sea, you know? In fact, there are three whole worlds full of beauties, especially now that relations between the worlds are getting better."

"Stop talking, you simpleton. It's not over yet, she simply needed time."

Haru's expression brightened and his face broke out into a lively grin.

"You're learning the finer subtleties of patience and consideration. I'm so proud of you!" he cooed, throwing an arm around Hiei's shoulder good-naturedly.

"Get off of me," Hiei barked.

"I assume you have a grand master plan?" Haru asked, unfazed.

"Of course I do."

"Are you going to tell me what it is?"

"No."

"I could give you some tips," Haru said, pulling on the collar of his shirt and puffing out his chest. "I'm quite the lady-killer."

Hiei rolled his eyes.

"You're more of a clown than a Casanova."

Haru's face scrunched up, green eyes narrowing slightly and mouth drawn into a pout as he took offense to that statement.

"I'll have you know the girls go crazy over me!" Haru insisted. "I'm willing to wager that you've got far less experience than I. So, go on, tell me all about this plan of yours."

"I'd rather not."

"But Hiei-"

Hiei was past the point of listening as he entered Mukuro's throne room, slamming the door shut on a deflated Haru. Mukuro was reading over some documents, her blue eye scanning over black ink as she leafed through the pages thoughtfully.

"Why do I have the feeling that you are going to propose something that I do not like?" she mused through a smirk, not bothering to look away from the sheets of paper.

Hiei mirrored her expression as he stopped in front of her.

"Because you're a cynical woman," he responded.

Mukuro rolled her eye, finally resting it on him.

"Out with it," she commanded. "I don't have all day."

Hiei stared back at her without a shred of doubt or hesitation. This was exactly why he belonged here. Mukuro did not play mind games like Yomi nor did she care for politeness and civilities like Raizen's group. He could plainly tell her what he was thinking without worrying about anything else.

"I want you to accept Koenma's ambassadorship program on the sole condition that Botan is the only ferry-girl we allow within the fortress," Hiei proposed.

Mukuro rested her chin in her hand as she watched him interestedly.

"Does this have anything to do with the fact that your every move is documented once you step foot outside of the fortress and you do not want the rest of the world to know that you are wooing a ferry-girl?"

"I don't care who knows," Hiei said, averting his gaze. "But it would be easier if she were here temporarily."

"That's very brazen of you," Mukuro noted. "You dare to suggest that I accept the ambassadorship for the sole sake of helping you to win back your ferry-girl?"

"No, I expect you to do so for whatever political advantages it will provide you. Following through with Koenma's plan will give you access to Spirit World's records and resources. The fact that it will suit my needs is an added advantage."

Mukuro's gaze sharpened.

"I have been considering it. It would certainly serve to make this territory appear to be more tolerant and open than we truly are, and the benefit of having millenniums worth of knowledge at our disposal is quite enticing."

"You will do it, then."

"It couldn't hurt."

Hiei's smirk extended.

"I will tell the Prince about it today," he offered.

Mukuro nodded her assent and Hiei made his way out of the throne room.

Haru, who had apparently been eavesdropping this whole time, grinned deviously.

"Nice plan, Hiei. I didn't think you had it in you!"

The demon raised his arm, palm facing Hiei as he waiting for the fire-demon to clap it, but Hiei continued walking as though Haru were another one of the stone fixtures and armors lining the walls.

"You know, for a fire-demon, you sure are cold!" Haru called out from his end of the hallway.

Hiei smirked, having long tuned out the sounds of Haru's meaningless babbling. Things were coming together. His plan would work; he was sure of it.

After her morning shift of ferrying had ended, Botan mustered up the courage to locate Yuuto. She called him up on the communication device and they had decided to meet in the Spirit World. Botan took a deep breath and entered the old records room that hardly anyone had used anymore. It was the perfect spot to meet without any prying eyes or ears and as she entered the room, she was assaulted with the scent of old pages, ink, and the stuffy feeling of dusty, old air. Despite the unlit and dark nature of the room, she immediately spotted him. He smiled as he pulled a chair out for her with a smooth and easy motion.

Botan returned the smile with a slight upwards tug of her mouth, but the expression did not reach her eyes the way it normally did. She took a seat across from him and folded her hands in her lap, fidgeting with them as she thought of the appropriate words to say. All coherent thought had left her the moment she saw the psychic's hopeful smile.

"Judging by the look on your face, I'd say that your answer isn't the one I'd hoped to hear," Yuuto said smoothly, breaking the static silence.

"I'm sorry," started, lowering her gaze to her entwined hands in her lap. "I've only ever thought of you as a friend."

"Don't be sorry," he replied. "I had a feeling that you would say that, but I had to try regardless of what the outcome would be."

Botan's eyes lifted to view Yuuto's face. There was a sadness underlying his polite smile and she felt horrible that she was the one who caused it. She was no stranger to the sting of heartache and she empathized with the psychic, but Hiei's words rang true: Yuuto knew the risk when he confessed his feelings and Botan was doing the appropriate thing by telling him the truth.

"I understand if you would rather work with someone else after all is said and done," she told him. "I won't take any offense to it."

"That's hardly necessary," he said, his tone soft and reassuring. "I value your friendship far too much to do that."

Botan smiled in understanding, happy that he was comfortable enough to continue working with her. They were both quiet for a while and the ferry-girl was considering making her exit, when Yuuto spoke.

"May I ask you a question?"

She blinked, wondering what else he would have to ask her before nodding.

"Of course you can."

"You don't owe me an honest answer, but I'd still like to know," Yuuto began. "What exactly happened between you and the fire-demon during the tournament?"

"We just reconciled is all," she answered without a moment's hesitation.

"I see."

There was a knowing smile on his face, a bit bitter now that Botan examined it closer.

"Why do you ask?

"I saw him in the human world before. And I heard that he had visited this world yesterday. I just find it strange that he would show face in the very place that he claims to have hated this entire time."

"He said that he was here for business."

"Then why is he lingering around you?"

"I asked him to visit every once in a while. That's why," she asserted firmly, finding it strange that everyone was hung up on Hiei's presence lately.

"It isn't my intention to be pushy. Please excuse me if I am."

"Then what exactly are you trying to be?" she asked.

"A friend," he replied plain and simple. "I just want you to be aware of what you're getting yourself into."

"I appreciate your concern, but there is absolutely nothing to be worried about. Hiei doesn't think of me that way."

Yuuto let out a humorless chuckle and Botan's brows furrowed in confusion.

"What?" she asked.

He gave her a gentle look and she could clearly see the unbridled affection in his eyes.

"You don't realize your own worth, do you?" Yuuto asked, bringing a hand to cup her cheek. His soft expression was replaced with a more guarded one as he let his hand fall to his side. "The fire-demon would be a fool to let you go a second time."

Botan's mouth opened and closed futilely as words failed her. She did not have time to respond as Yuuto was already standing up. She thought she knew exactly what she was getting herself into with the Hiei, but as she watched Yuuto walk away, she found that she was second guessing herself.

Hiei stood at the entrance of the Spirit World's gates and frowned when he noticed exactly who was exiting at the same time. He was perfectly content with ignoring the pretentious psychic, but apparently Yuuto had other plans.

"Hiei," he greeted, extending a hand formally. "What an unexpected surprise."

"I'd prefer it if you skipped the small talk and false pleasantries. I lack the patience and we both lack the sincerity necessary for it."

"Fine," Yuuto said with a frown, retracting his arm and sliding a hand into his pocket. "I presume you are here to see Botan."

"My business here is mine and mine alone," Hiei replied.

"It just seems strange that you've suddenly shown up again. There is clearly something amiss here."

"The only thing 'amiss' here is your obtrusive curiosity."

"It is a fault of mine. Though I doubt you would tell me outright, I'd still like to know: what exactly is going on between you and Botan?"

"That's none of your concern," Hiei said. "In fact anything having to do with the woman is no longer your concern."

"But you appear to be deluded into thinking that it is somehow yours," Yuuto retorted.

"I never said that."

"You didn't have to. I saw you in the park that day and now I'm seeing you here again after a three year hiatus from this world. It's not hard to see what is going on here."

"What's your point, Yuko," he drawled uninterestedly.

"It's Yuuto," he corrected.

"I don't remember caring," Hiei replied, looking over at the rolling golden clouds in the distance rather than at the psychic before him.

"That's where the problem lies. You don't care, even when it matters the most."

Hiei's gaze returned to meet Yuuto's with an intensity that would have intimidated most others.

"You don't know a thing about me."

"I know that you had Botan once and were foolish enough to lose her," Yuuto said. "And I know that she was terribly hurt because you couldn't care for her the way she deserved."

Hiei glowered icily, losing his cool at the mention of his shared past with the ferry-girl. He was going to kill the psychic. He didn't care if it was a crime or not. He didn't care that he had a reputation to uphold now that he was the official leader of his world. He didn't care if it was wrong. All he felt in that moment was extreme distaste for the other man.

"You had best choose your next words carefully, psychic. They will be your last," he warned.

Yuuto did not look fearful, but strangely somber look passed over his features as he ran a hand through his dark-blue hair.

"But despite all of that… I know that Botan cares for you," Yuuto admitted. "And there is nothing I can do if I'm not the one she desires."

A good portion of Hiei's ire dissipated at the other man's uncharacteristic admission.

"Hn, so you have finally learned to look past your own ego and see reason. Congratulations. Now get out of my way," Hiei ordered.

Yuuto did not move, instead choosing to fix Hiei with an imperative stare; unwavering and determined.

"There's really nothing left for me to do but accept the fact that we will be nothing more than friends. So I'm asking you, as her friend, to do right by her this time around."

Hiei's glare lessened somewhat as he stared back at the blue-eyed man. The haughty psychic had foregone his pride entirely and Hiei grudgingly respected his sentiments. He dare not open his mouth, lest a scathing or biting remark make its way out. Instead he chose to nod in understanding and keep his lips sealed tight.

Yuuto let out a breath and nodded as well, stepping out of Hiei's way and allowing the fire-demon to enter the gates of the Spirit World. It was a bizarre encounter and Hiei was glad that it was over. Now, he could focus on the real task at hand. He received a few greetings from the ogres who recognized him as the new ruler of the Demon World, but he otherwise ignored them as he advanced towards Koenma's office.

The Prince had returned to his toddler form and was stamping documents in a flurry of quick and practice motions. Hiei was sure that Koenma was not even reading the proposals as he mindlessly worked to clear the work on the top of his desk. It took a few moments for the Prince to sense Hiei's presence and he nearly jumped out of his chair. Hiei resisted the urge to smirk, keeping his tone and expression neutral as he leveled a stoic look in Koenma's direction.

"Your ambassadorship program," Hiei began. "Is that still an offer you're willing to make?"

Koenma looked taken aback by the sudden question. He closed his stamp and set it aside as he nodded slowly.

"Of course I am, as long as I have the consent of all three major territories."

"And you plan to send the ferry-girls as ambassadors, don't you?"

"Why, yes, I did."

"Mukuro may be willing to take part," Hiei revealed.

"That's excellent news," Koenma replied, a smile brightening his face. "It will be a step towards progress and unity for all three worlds should she accept."

"There is one condition, though."

Koenma's grin fell.

"What is it?"

"The only ferry-girl we will accept as an ambassador is Botan."

Koenma took on a contemplative and unsure look as he fiddled with the pacifier in his mouth.

"I don't know if that is the best course of action..."

"You have the bloodthirsty cat woman and the ditzy fish girl as ambassadors in the human world. Botan is far superior to them in every way," he pointed out, daring Koenma to challenge his claim.

Koenma looked a little taken aback by Hiei's declaration, but he quickly hid it behind a mask of professionalism.

"I appreciate your confidence in Botan and I agree wholeheartedly."

"Then what is the problem?"

Koenma paused.

"...I'm not entirely sure that Botan will want to become an ambassador for Mukuro's camp."

"Just propose it to her," Hiei insisted impatiently.

"Fine, but I can't force her into doing anything that she does not want to do."

"I'm well aware of that."

"Alright," Koenma conceded. "I'll see what she says."

Hiei nodded, exiting the office and walking towards Botan's room. It would be much easier if she were in the same world as him, in the same territory and in the same fortress. It would be less complicated and he would feel more comfortable trying to win her back on his turf, rather than in the human or Spirit World. Things were moving in the right direction and right on cue, he spotted her walking towards his general direction from the opposite end of the corridor. Features pulled down into a frown, she wasn't even watching where she was going and he was not surprised when her feet tripped against an old and torn up scroll that was littered on the floor. Luckily for her, his reflexes were better than most and he was able to catch and her in time. His hold on her lingered for as long as he could without being too suspicious, allowing himself to soak in the feeling of the woman in his arms, despite how sentimental the action really was.

"You need to be more aware of your surroundings," he berated lightly as he released her.

"Hiei…" she said a little breathlessly, wide eyes blinking back at him in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

'Isn't it obvious, you obliviously naive woman,' he thought to himself with a hint of self-loathing. 'The only reason I'm standing here is because I'm still in love with you.'

Botan blinked.

"Did you just say something?" she asked, eyes rounded in disbelief.

Hiei froze, immediately catching his blunder. He had been thinking it, but only now did he realize that he must have subconsciously projected his embarrassingly honest thoughts into her mind.

"Hiei?" she pressed.

'Fuck.'

Careful, Hiei! Your guard is slipping!

I had to cut this chapter into two separate parts. The preview that I gave in the last chapter (where I said that where Hiei's plans are slightly derailed and he ends up getting way more than he bargained for) will occur in the next chapter.

Hope you all enjoyed this one! As always, thanks so much for all the support, whether it be through reviews, PMs, favorites or alerts. The comments always leave a huge smile on my face, so special thanks to all those that choose to review.