Disclaimer: I don't own YYH or the characters

Day 2: Arranged Marriage | Balance

As the week went on, Botan came to grips with the fact that she'd had some type of psychic vision. Where she didn't understand it, she didn't need to. She just needed to keep her eyes peeled for similarities. In the meantime, Botan continued to talk with others in the psychic chatroom and observe their stories. She was very careful not to give too many details online. After all, there was an apprehension within her to disclose certain things when that Mr. Yom fellow seemed overly interested and invested.

As strange as this all was, Botan felt she was handling it rather well. Still, she had to figure out what to do next. After all, there were clearly differences from her fact and fiction. She didn't know how to go about discussing this with anyone, least of all Hiei, Yusuke, and Koenma…all of whom had a right to know.

For now, Botan planned to let things lie while she pieced together what was reality and what was fiction.

To start, Botan decided to look into her mother. She was about to google 'Atsuko Urameshi disappearance' along with her own birth year to see if she could get information, but then Botan's phone rang, and despite not knowing who was calling her, the woman felt a strong sense of dread.

As the phone's tone grated on her eardrums, Botan could only register her beating heart. It was her father. Why was he calling her? Could it be he knew she was in his room? That she stole her mother's dress? That she was suspicious of him?

Botan swallowed and picked up her phone. "Hello?" she answered as stoically as she could.

"How dare you leave when I told you to be here for the gala?" her father's angry voice boomed. "Did I not tell you to clear your calendar?"

Botan released a quiet breath, relieved that this was just about the gala and nothing else, that he was just pissed she left and not suspicious of her. "I told you I wasn't staying long and that I had no interest in the gala. I'm nearly done with medical school, and I refuse to miss my last moments."

"If you don't come to the gala, I will stop paying your rent. Then where will you go when it comes time for your residency program?"

A heavy sigh escaped Botan as she pulled her laptop to her lap and started to look up apartment listings. It was better to play nice for now while planning a way out. "Fine. When is it again?"

"This weekend. Saturday, six o'clock. You need to attend," Enma demanded. "My coworker's son is looking forward to meeting you."

Botan froze, and that out-of-body sensation took over once again. Her senses were warning her fiercely. She had a feeling she knew what this gala was. Of course, she was certain her father wasn't marrying her off to some random man, but she was certain he was going to try to strongarm her into a relationship she didn't want. Similar to the game. Similar, but not exact. She took out her journal and wrote down a new fact: My father wants me to attend a gala I don't want to go to, while the princess's father arranged a marriage ball without her knowledge.

"I'll be there," Botan surrendered. Her father hung up the phone without even saying goodbye.

Botan was used to this kind of treatment, but it was still upsetting. Even with her current suspicions, Enma was still the man she grew up with as a father. She always tried to earn his approval. Nothing was ever enough, maybe because she wasn't his…or at least suspected she wasn't.

Either way, this gala was not going to go the way her father wanted. She was not about to let him use her for his own personal gain, shoving her into the arms of some businessman's son. No, Botan was her own woman now. She would find a way to break free from her father. First, she needed Enma to be aware she was now off the market. She pulled out her phone and dialed Hiei's number.

"You know I'm working today, right?" Hiei spoke a bit gruffly, a manner he rarely got with her unless he was having a bad workday.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?"

Hiei sighed. "No, it's fine. What do you need? Is everything okay?"

No… Botan thought, but she wasn't going to say that out loud. "Well, I spoke with my father today."

Hiei's demeanor shifted immediately. "Oh? You don't talk about him much."

"He and I don't really see eye to eye," Botan admitted. "Actually, the reason I'm calling… He's demanding I go to a gala at my childhood home this Saturday. I was hoping you'd attend as my date."

Hiei grew quiet for a moment, but then asked, "Why do you want me to go?"

Botan realized that she really hadn't broached the subject of meeting her family in all the years they dated, not because she was hiding her relationship, but because she did not want her father involved with her life. Anything she said about that man to Hiei was all negative. Hiei deserved an honest answer as to why she wanted to bring him into all of this when she made no move to do it before.

"I have a feeling my father wants to use me to forge a business relationship with a business associate," Botan explained. "He kept going on about a coworker's son. He's trained me for these galas, to be prim and proper. I went to etiquette classes for everything ranging from tea parties to how to be a debutante, and all of it… It just isn't me. I want him to know I have a boyfriend, because I want this to end. I don't want to be a pawn for him."

After she unloaded all of that, Botan blushed. She realized she probably gave way too much information. To be honest, she rarely vented about her family to Hiei. She was afraid she'd chase him away. Now that he was silent again, Botan panicked. "I mean—"

"Say no more. I will attend."

Botan blinked, her amethyst eyes wide in surprise. "You will?"

Hiei's resolute voice sounded on the other end of the call. "I will. What time should I pick you up Saturday?"

Botan smiled, the pressure and anxiety leaving her body. "How about four? That gives us a couple of hours for travel before the gala."

"I'll see you then, Botan."

Botan thanked Hiei and hung up the phone, their warm interaction healing the painful dismissal she received from Enma.

I hope you're ready, Father. You're in for a big surprise…

These galas were all the same: hours of mundane conversation, kissing up, boring speeches, and a fancy dinner. As spectacular as it looked, it was by no means glamorous. Hiei drove up to the front of Botan's house, not revealing a hint of surprise at the number of expensive cars, limos, and crowds. Instead, his caustic humor shone through.

"With the way people are here, you would think we were back at the movie premiere."

Botan released the tension in her body, not having realized she'd been clenching all of her muscles. "Yeah…that's Dad's parties for you," she spoke calmly. "I don't mind being around people, but this? This was always too much."

"Why are we here again?" Hiei huffed. He noticed Botan wilt and turned to her. "I'm serious. I could leave right now and spare you from all this. It's not too late to turn back."

Botan nodded, but she told him, "It's not that simple, unfortunately. I don't make a lot right now, not enough to get an apartment on my own. He's paying for my place. I started looking for new living arrangements, but everything was above my price range."

"We can figure it out," Hiei told her. "Together. I'm looking for a new place too. Maybe it's time… Time for us to both stop living alone."

Botan was surprised by the offer. She flashed Hiei a kind and thankful smile. "I will keep that in mind. For now, I need to play along like a good 'daughter'."

Hiei eyed Botan strangely, and then she realized she did air quotes when she said 'daughter'. It reminded the woman that she was in a weird place. When she was with Hiei, it was easy to forget all that, focusing on their relationship. It felt like a bucket of ice water was dumped on her when she practically dismissed their relation, because it meant living with Hiei might not be a good idea either until she could figure out what everything meant. This was all just too raw.

The car approached the front of the house, and there was a man there to park the car for valet. Hiei looked at Botan, perplexed, silently asking her if her father truly hired someone to park cars at his home. Botan sighed. This was going to be a long night. At least Hiei's presence would keep her steady.

The evening went on as a blur. Later on, Hiei found himself on his own when Botan's brother came to get her for some kind of kitchen emergency. Because of the hustle and bustle, Botan hardly had time to introduce the two. That was fine with Hiei. He wasn't sure if he should insert himself or assist, so he kept to himself and watched as the massive throng danced and partied. He grimaced in distaste as the pretentious masses pretended to be high society. Their fake laughs and vapid small talk irritated Hiei to no end, but he wasn't here for them. He was here for Botan.

Hiei's eyes roved the crowd, and his eyes found Enma Rei, his girlfriend's father. Where they weren't introduced, Hiei would have been a fool if he didn't know something about the businessmen. With how often his name was in the media, the youth was certain he'd hear about the man's family. Of course, Hiei heard about the son of Enma, but never heard about a daughter. He couldn't be certain that meant anything. After all, it was normal for someone to want to protect their daughter from the limelight of the media, but seeing as this gala was occurring and Botan was forced to attend, that didn't seem likely. The more logical reason as to why Botan was never mentioned in the media was simply because Enma never wanted to mention her.

Music blared along with grating laughs, but Hiei tuned it all out. His only focus was Enma. As the man shook hands with some man Hiei did not recognize. As nondescript as the encounter, Hiei's intuition told him the interaction was significant.

Moments later, Enma made a gesture to cut the music off. All attention was on him. "I have an announcement to make," he declared. "Botan, join me."

Hiei's brow furrowed when a young man approached the man with whom Enma just shook hands. There was no doubt in Hiei's mind that this announcement had something to do with what the two men spoke of. Botan did step over to her father, but instead of looking bewildered or uncertain, she held fury in her eyes. Then, she smiled proudly, as if she had the upper hand. Hiei stayed rooted to his spot. If she needed him, she would ask. It was best to let her enact her own plan. Hiei couldn't explain why, but he was certain she had one.

"Actually, Father, I have an announcement as well, a very important one," Botan loudly interjected. She looked at Hiei and held out her hand. Hiei walked over to her and took her hand, ignoring the whispers in the room and the angry glare of Botan's father. "This is Hiei, my boyfriend. We have been dating for several years. I wanted to tell you because he is someone special to me. I hope you'll welcome him as my guest."

Steam practically poured from Enma's ears at his daughter's brazen announcement, but to keep up appearances, he acted like a good host. "Of course," he calmly spoke despite the look he gave Botan indicating his displeasure. "Welcome, Hiei. I hope you enjoy the festivities."

Hiei gave a nod and then followed Botan to sit down at the table. Botan offered him a shy and apologetic smile, but Hiei smirked. He leaned in and whispered, "Well played," in her ear. Botan was taken aback by Hiei's words and spent the majority of the dinner wondering what he meant.

After the dinner, while the speech droned on and people quietly negotiated business deals, Botan and Hiei sneaked out the back. Botan breathed a sigh of relief the moment she was in the garden, the one place of the house that felt like home.

It had been so stifling inside, especially after she made her announcement. Hiei's presence helped her remain grounded, and Koenma's brotherly support was enough to distract their father and keep him quiet. Now, Botan was free to release the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding all night. It made her take a moment to think over the evening's events.

"What did you mean when you said 'well played'?" Botan asked Hiei.

"You mentioned your father kept mentioning the son of his coworker," Hiei mentioned. "I saw him talking with someone, and it looked like they were making a deal. That's when he began to make his announcement, so I had the feeling about what you father was trying to do. You seemed to as well. I'm amazed you had the foresight to do something about it."

Botan felt a wave wash over her at Hiei's tone. It was as if he somehow knew something regarding her premonition, but that couldn't be right. She decided that instead of wondering, it was best to test the waters. "Have you ever had a dream where you find yourself experiencing something, and then sometime later, it happens?"

Hiei became intrigued by the question. "Is that what happened here? Did you dream your father would hold a dinner to set you up?"

"Something like that," Botan admitted tentatively.

"I think I know what you mean," Hiei interjected. "I tend to dream up things on the regular that come into existence. It happens too regularly to me for it to be coincidence."

Botan's mind reeled at the admission. Could it be possible that Hiei was a psychic like her and was connected to her like in her dream? Did he see through her like the fantasy? Did he know exactly what she was thinking, what was happening to her?

Her memories flittered to the fantasy story, how Hiei rescued the princess from the cruel declaration of her father. Tonight, he played a similar role.

"If it weren't for you, I would have never gotten through tonight. Thank you."

Botan leaned forward and stunned Hiei when she kissed his cheek. The look he gave her displayed a familiar vulnerability, and Botan felt a spark between them. She leaned in again, their lips meeting in an exploratory dance. Neither of them noticed her father watching from the balcony with an unreadable look on his face.

When they pulled away, Hiei took the time to admire Botan. She looked as beautiful as always, but she wore a more modest dress than usual, probably to show at least one iota of respect. It flattered her well, blue at the top with a lacy white bottom. The dress still suited her taste, covering one shoulder in a Grecian style.

Before he could give her a compliment, a tile from the maroon slated roof fell and shattered. Botan's mood shifted from happy and calm to nervous.

The scene of the ball in the story ended with the princess being attacked, but there was no way some monster would show up to harm them, right? Botan couldn't be one-hundred percent sure, so she was going to remove this variable.

"We should go back inside," she told Hiei abruptly.

Hiei didn't understand her urgency and terror-filled declaration. She probably didn't realize she let her fear into her tone. He went along with her wishes.

To Botan, the world started to feel distorted, as if she had drank several glasses too many. She felt off-balance despite racing into the house in a straight line.

When the two returned inside, her axis turned completely upside-down. There, across the room, talking with her father, was Raizen. Botan paled and stumbled back when her father called him Tourin. She felt sick to her stomach.

Then, Raizen's gaze turned toward them, and she noticed the look of recognition and surprise when he spotted Hiei. That was too much for Botan to compute at once. She turned and ran off to her bedroom, closing and locking the door behind her as she spiraled.

Hiei followed her and knocked on her door. "Botan, let me in," he calmly spoke, trying to convince her to let him inside. She quickly opened the door and grabbed him to pull him in before she slammed the door behind them.

Her breathing was erratic, panic setting in. Hiei had no idea what was going on, but he needed to give her time and space to calm. It never happened, and Botan's eyes cut through him. She looked terrified.

"What's wrong?"

"Y-you're going to think I'm crazy," the woman hesitated.

Hiei shook his head. "I won't."

Botan took a deep breath, shook her head, and averted her gaze. "Five years ago, just before we met, I started playing this storybook phone game. In it, there were all these characters. They looked just like you, your friends, your sister, my family…Raizen and Yusuke… And…and they were my…" Botan trailed off when this look of disbelief flashed over Hiei's face. Her eyes pleaded with him to believe her. "Please say something…"

When Hiei remained silent, his eyes wide, Botan was about to try to run away again. Hiei stopped her and held her arms gently as she tried to push away. "Let me go!"

"Botan, it's okay," Hiei whispered lowly. "You aren't crazy." Botan's eyes widened in shock, her mouth dropped open slightly. "Let's get out of here. We'll talk somewhere more private."

Botan nodded and gripped onto Hiei's hand. The familiar warmth grounded her, and his strong grip reassured her. He was able to get them out of her childhood home without being seen. As frightening as this all was, Hiei was with her, and she knew he would protect her, come what may.