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Prompt: Memory

"Please?"

"No."

"Pretty please?"

"I said no, woman."

"But-"

"I refuse to be surrounded by a crowd of loud humans and their sugar-high spawn."

"You're no fun!"

"So you've told me many times before."

Hiei continued down the meandering path, moving further and further away from the festival. Botan dragged her feet next to him as she handed over a stick of dango she'd purchased ahead of time. It was a lame attempt at luring him into the raucous event. And, while he did enjoy all manner of food on skewers, it wasn't enough to bind him to an evening full of fresh torture.

Besides that, he'd finally scouted a third demon crazy enough to join his and Kurama's heist. And tonight was the night he was due to introduce him to Kurama.

Gouki was a bumbling, burly idiot, but he at least possessed the brawn and the bare minimum of brains required to follow simple directions. Hiei was certain Kurama wouldn't object. The fox couldn't afford to be picky at this point; not with his precious human mother's life hanging in the balance.

Hiei finished the last of his dango and tossed the skewer in the nearest receptacle. Botan let out a tiny, nearly soundless sigh. Under the cover of night, her amethyst eyes were a deep mauve as she stared back at the festival's glittering lights longingly.

"Stop sulking, ferry-girl," he ordered. "It won't sway my decision."

Botan took a sharp bite out of her own dango in response, chewing while somehow managing to maintain her pout. She'd been bothering him about all manner of odd events that he had no business attending. His demonic hearing was still able to detect echoes of excitable voices and chipper music from this distance. Not a single bit of it appealed to the fire-demon. In fact, the discordant melodies and peals of laughter only served to solidify his decision to actively avoid such affairs entirely. He wondered if Botan was clinically insane to willingly partake in such activities, but he'd long since learned that trying to figure her out was a wasted endeavor.

Crimson eyes shifted towards the ferry-girl in question as she tossed her empty skewers. He was sure she would mope all night, if given the chance. She needed a distraction; something to take her mind off of that cursed festival. And Hiei knew just the thing that would do it.

"Woman."

Botan stopped walking and turned to face him. She raised a slender brow, head canting to the side slightly as she met his gaze. "Is something wrong?"

The fire-demon rooted around inside his cloak's pocket until his hand clasped around a small object. He wasted no time in pulling it out and tossing the item her way. "Here."

It glinted gold beneath the pale moonlight as it arched through the air and landed in Botan's hand. Her eyes went wide as she blinked down at the bracelet in her palm. "H-Hiei…"

"You were staring at it yesterday."

"I didn't think you noticed," she admitted, eyes transfixed on the unexpected gift. "It was so expensive that I couldn't possibly justify buying it. How did you…?"

Hiei crossed his arms over his chest. That much should have been obvious. It wasn't like he had any human world currency to his name. He met her questioning gaze with a hike of his brow. "What do you think?"

"Hiei!" she exclaimed accusingly. "You can't just go around stealing things!"

The fire-demon merely scoffed, "Neither of us are of this world. I don't see why we need to live by its rules."

"That's a very criminal way of looking at it."

He gave a half shrug in return as he watched her deliberate on the ethics of the stolen bracelet.

Swiping it was an impulsive decision on his end.

His paltry attempt at tipping the scales between them.

The ferry-girl continued to do more for him than need be. She taught him a great deal about this world, completely unprompted. She gave him all of her free time. Wasted her considerations and kindness on him, expecting nothing in return. He had no way of repaying her. Doing something for her benefit was the honorable thing to do, at least according to the tenets of his loose code of ethics.

But beyond that - more than a mere obligation or simple duty - Hiei wanted to do this for her. He knew very well that the ferry-girl harbored some sort of affections for him. Her eyes were always colored with a mix of interest and longing where he was concerned. He could feel her pulse skitter on the rare occasions that they touched. And he caught her openly staring at him on more than one occasion. It didn't take a genius to realize that she was interested in him. And he wanted her, too.

Normally he would take what he desired, but he found himself hesitating where Botan was concerned. He wasn't sure what it was that he wanted from her. For the first time in his life, his interest ran deeper than the physical. He didn't know what to do with such foreign sentiments. He couldn't even give them a proper name. So, he simply allowed himself to remain by her side for now. The answers would fall into place in their own due time.

"I suppose it would be rude of me to turn down such a beautiful gift." Botan's melodic voice pulled him from his thoughts. She was looking at him with those warm and inviting eyes. Her features were softened under the lucent filter of the moon as she took a step closer. "Would you help me put it on? It's a little hard with just one hand."

Hiei's calloused hands weren't meant for such a delicate task, but he found himself nodding regardless. He fumbled with the tiny clasp, fingers brushing against the smooth and delicate skin of Botan's wrist with each failure. She waited patiently throughout it all, never once shirking away from his touch. It took a few more tries before the soft click of the clasp sliding into place reached their ears.

"Thank you," Botan beamed, fingers tracing the small charms and shimmering gems of the bracelet.

Hiei's expression darkened with desire as he allowed himself to follow the familiar curves of her pink lips. He briefly wondered what they'd feel and taste like against his own, despite having never been all that interested in kissing before. His gaze slid down to the long and pale column of her neck, his canines itching to graze the tender flesh. He drank in the sight of her slender curves wrapped up in a brightly colored kimono, hands tempted to touch. His thoughts were headed down a dangerous avenue. If he continued to stare at her moonlit visage any longer, he would surely end up doing something impulsive.

"I have to go," he announced suddenly, tearing his gaze away. "Kurama's expecting me."

"Oh." Surprise and a little disappointment flitted over her features. "I didn't realize you had plans with your friend tonight."

"I've told you before, Botan, he and I aren't friends."

"Sure you aren't," she appeased performatively, before setting her hands on her hips. "Well, if you're not sticking around, then I suppose I should head back."

She glanced around at the area, a frown tugging at her lips when she spotted a couple of humans loitering around. He recalled her mentioning that she wasn't supposed to use her abilities around humans. Something pointless about maintaining the balance and order between the worlds. Hiei didn't concern himself with such pointless restrictions, but he wasn't surprised that Botan did.

"Follow me," Hiei said, leaving the beaten path and moving towards a more secluded location. He was more or less an expert on the uninhabited areas of the park, so it wouldn't take long to find a suitable place where she could make her exit.

"Alright," she agreed, trailing behind him as he cut a path through the trees and undergrowth.

All was silent, save for the occasional chirping cricket and snapping of twigs beneath their feet. Fireflies glowed intermittently around them, providing some semblance of light in the otherwise darkness.

"This should do it," Botan announced as they reached a little clearing. She summoned her oar like clockwork, the tried and true transport blinking into existence with an audible pop. She maneuvered herself into a seated position with a fluid and practiced grace, hovering a few feet off the ground. When she set her sights back on Hiei, the turn of her smile was both teasing and tenacious. "I'm still not giving up on the festival. I'll get you to agree to it one day!"

"You can try, woman," he replied, crossing his arms over his chest.

Botan's smile grew knowingly. She waved at him, as she always did, and then shot up towards the starlit sky.

Hiei pushed his hands in his pockets as he watched her disappear out of sight. He would have much rather wasted his time doing nothing with the ferry-girl, but duty called.

A few days later, Botan invited Hiei to a tranquil lake on the outskirts of town. She discovered the area during her last soul retrieval rounds and thought it would be the perfect place for a demon who wasn't a big fan of people or fun.

They sat on the grass with a few empty onigiri wrappers and two half-finished green tea bottles between them. Botan had discarded her shoes in favor of letting her bare feet graze the grass. Beside her, Hiei shirked off his long cloak and white scarf to reveal a sleeveless blue shirt. He assumed a side-sitting position: one arm supporting his body, while the other rested on the bent knee of his elevated leg. Despite his relaxed posture, she had the feeling that he was still very much poised and ready to spring into action, if the need arose. Every muscle in his body was finely tuned; coiled for immediate response.

Dappled sunlight fell across his face as a gentle breeze ruffled through his hair. He was awfully handsome for someone who scowled so often. She let her eyes wander down the inky darkness of his flame shaped hair, to the sharp cut of his angular, red eyes. She followed the outline of his lips, wondering if they were as soft and skilled as she imagined in her dreams.

"Something on your mind, ferry-girl?" he asked with a barely concealed smirk.

Botan flushed red and let out a few nervous chuckles. "I-I was just zoning out, is all!"

"You shouldn't let your guard down so easily."

"Why not?" she countered. "You're always alert enough for the both of us."

His brow furrowed briefly, before smoothing itself out. She could've sworn she saw a hint of emotion flash over his red eyes as well, but it happened so quickly it could have just been a play of sunlight and shadows. He only scoffed in the end, "You're far too trusting for a being from the Spirit World."

Botan bit back her ensuing smile. The fact that he didn't outright deny her was more than enough to warm her heart. She stared up at the blue sky and took a deep breath of fresh air. "This is a quaint little spot, isn't it?"

Hiei followed her gaze contemplatively. "The distinct lack of humans does make it more appealing."

She tilted her head at him questioningly. "There's really no love lost between you and the human race, huh? Makes me wonder what brought you here in the first place."

The demon's mouth formed into a deep frown. Judging by his reaction, it appeared his current residency wasn't all that voluntary. There must have been some unknown circumstances that kept him bound here.

"As you know, I'm often here for work," she explained. "But I've only just started sticking around for leisure, too. I like the change of pace in the human realm. I find it all so fascinating."

"You're the type that's taken with everything."

"That's not true. I definitely have standards."

"Keep deluding yourself, ferry-girl."

Botan huffed at him, but found it hard to truly be angry when the look in his eyes indicated that he was merely teasing her.

They settled into a comfortable lull in conversation after that. She admired the way the sun glittered on the water's surface, watching the reflection of a large and fluffy cloud float idly by. It was nice to sit back and do nothing like this. She almost drifted off when the sound of Hiei's voice brought her back again.

"I have family here," he divulged quietly. "That's the only reason I came to this realm."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Botan clapped her hands together in excitement. "And here I was thinking you were all alone."

"…"

"Do you think I can meet them someday?"

"No. I don't need your peculiar brand of idealism rubbing off on Yukina."

"Yukina?"

"My twin sister."

"Twin?" Botan gasped, inching closer towards him. "Oh, I've got to meet her now!"

"Not a chance, ferry-girl."

"Why not?" She wilted petulantly. "For all you know, she and I could become the best of friends!"

He frowned at the suggestion.

"Oh don't worry, Hiei." The bluette patted his shoulder placatingly. "You'll always be my favorite!"

"I don't care about that," he denied, folding his arms over his chest. "I'm not introducing you because Yukina doesn't even know who I am."

Botan blinked in complete and utter confusion. "Come again?"

"It's a long story." His gaze settled on the horizon instead of on the inquisitive ferry-girl. There was an almost distant look in his crimson eyes, as if he was recalling events from long ago. He didn't appear to be sad exactly, but that undeniable moue on his face made her heart ache all the same. "I've never told this to anyone. These memories aren't exactly pleasant."

Botan sat up a little straighter and nodded wordlessly.

"I'm an imiko," he revealed, his stoic gaze returning to hers. "Do you know what that is?"

"Yes," she admitted quietly, having read about them in the archives. "An imiko is… the cruel term used to identify a male fire-demon born to an ice-maiden."

"Then you know what happens to my kind. On the day of my birth, I was immediately cast out of the village and left to fend for myself."

"But you were only an infant… how in the three realms did you manage to survive?"

"I was picked up by a group of bandits on the surface. They took me in, hoping to pilfer the only possession I had of any worth: my mother's tear gem."

"How awful!"

Hiei carried on, almost clinically. "I dealt with them once I realized their true intentions. From there, I wandered through Makai with nothing but thoughts of battle, bloodshed and victory on my mind. When I realized its worth, I wore my hiruiseki openly. It was a brazen challenge to any demon who felt confident enough to take the bait. But eventually, my hubris got the best of me, and I lost it in a scuffle in the highlands."

Botan's expression fell. Although she had a sinking suspicion that she already knew the answer, she had to ask anyway. "Did you ever manage to find it?"

"No, but my journey led me back to the glacial village. It was there that I learned of my mother's fate. And of my sister's existence."

The light of hope returned to Botan's eyes as she clasped her hands together tightly. Surely this was where his painful past turned around. She nodded encouragingly at him, letting him know that she was still listening. Hiei's gaze drifted away from hers and settled on the water's edge.

"I was told my mother never recovered from her grief," he recounted. "The pain of losing a child was too much to bear and she ended up taking her own life."

The ferry-girl gasped, drawing a hand up to her mouth. She didn't even have the chance to offer her condolences, because Hiei was continuing on as if he was merely commenting on the weather.

"Left orphaned, Yukina was determined to find the only family she had left. When she was old enough, she decided to leave the glacial village and seek me out. By the time I had the means to locate her, she was already here, in the human world. And I've been watching over her ever since."

Botan couldn't mask the sympathy that covered her expression. His past was filled with so much pain and betrayal. It was no wonder why he was so very closed off. His solitary nature, his reluctance to rely on others and his harsh outlook on life were all byproducts of his history.

"You've been through so many hardships," she finally spoke.

"Don't pity me, ferry-girl."

"I'm not, I just feel for you, is all. It's not fair that you had to go through all of that alone."

"Life isn't meant to be fair," he stated evenly. "And a soul that hasn't experienced suffering is nothing more than a shallow husk."

"That may be true," she agreed solemnly. "But life shouldn't be one affliction after another, either. I'm sure there'll be brighter times ahead. We've already started to make happier memories, don't you think?"

His nose crinkled in obvious distaste. "You make it sound so sentimental."

"It's not my fault you're allergic to warm and fuzzy thoughts," she countered lightly.

"We can't all operate on rainbows and sunshine, woman."

"No, you just prefer doom and gloom instead," she taunted with a playful nudge of her elbow.

Hiei's mouth quirked upwards wryly as he grabbed his drink and finished it off. He said nothing more, but he didn't have to. The relaxed line of his posture said it all, allowing the two to sink into an easy and comfortable silence.

Botan hugged her knees to her chest, inadvertently catching sight of her bracelet as it glinted in the sunlight.

Day by day, she found herself growing more fond of the fire-demon. A wiser spirit would have closed herself off to such dangerous and unnecessary attachments. A smarter soul might have locked away such foreign and unpredictable emotions. But Botan never knew when to quit. And the mere thought of giving Hiei up scared her far more than the burgeoning affections nestled deep within her heart.

So, she endeavored to hold onto him.

She would stay by his side, for as long as he would let her.

Four chapters down, three more to go! Canon finally catches up to our favorite pairing in the next chapter. Hope you're looking forward to it.

See you in the next chapter.