"What bizarre ritual will you have me partake in today, ferry-girl?" Hiei asked, as he sat down beside Botan on the veranda.
The sun stretched out over the horizon, its light touching down on the verdant grass, shrubs and foliage surrounding the temple. It was fairly early for them to be meeting up, but when a failed excursion left the fire-demon with extra time on his hands, he decided to drop all pretenses and do as his will dictated.
He wanted to see Botan.
And he didn't have the strength to deny himself.
"Why don't you choose this time?" she proposed, pointing the flower she had been twirling between her thumb and forefinger at him.
Hiei raised a brow at the suggestion.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked. "It's not like I'm a tyrant who always gets her way."
"Could've fooled me."
"Hiei!" she exclaimed, fist balling around the stalk tightly. "I've been nothing but kind and fair to you, but now I have half a mind to rescind my generous offer."
"That suits me just fine," he said. "I had nothing in mind."
"...Really? Nothing at all?"
"Not a thing, woman."
Botan's features fell in an obvious sulk.
"What's that look for?" he asked sharply.
The ferry-girl sighed. "It's a little off putting that you can't even be bothered to come up with something. Makes me feel dispensable."
"Don't put words in my mouth," the fire-demon discouraged, frustrated that she always chose to interpret his intentions the wrong way. He wasn't the bear-it-all type, like the oaf. He couldn't weave intricate phrases together like the fox. And he didn't have the same dumb luck as the detective. The fire-demon could only rely on his actions and limited social skills. And clearly, they were failing him miserably. "I never said you were dispensable."
"You didn't have to!" she pouted. "Your lack of interest says it all."
"I'm here, aren't I?"
"Yes, but that doesn't change the fact that you're so indifferent to everything!"
Hiei scoffed, tearing his gaze away from the infuriating woman. If only she knew just how interested he was in her. He doubted she'd dare to sit this close, letting her arm brush up against his so casually.
"Isn't there anything you'd like to do?" she pressed. "I've got a whole host of things in mind and yet you can't even be bothered to think of one?"
Hiei resisted the urge to snap at her as he ground his teeth together. Exploding wouldn't do either of them well right now, so he recentered his thoughts on the topic at hand. Botan never seemed to mind their arrangement before. In fact, she was usually all too eager to rope him into whatever new diversion suited her fancy. He couldn't pinpoint the source of her current discontent, so he blamed it on the only thing that made sense. "Does this have to do with that other realm, woman?"
"Well…" The ferry-girl's gaze darted away as she fiddled with the white petaled flower between her hands. "The other Hiei did take the initiative when it mattered. He was caring and kind; he even got me flowers once. It was so unexpected."
The fire-demon's mouth slanted into an unimpressed frown. "That's all it takes to impress you? Some wilting weeds?"
"It's the thought that counts!"
He bit back a frown as jealousy churned in his chest. It was ridiculous - especially considering the person his anger was directed at was himself in another life - but he couldn't dispel the dark, irritable cloud that overtook his countenance. He couldn't help but wonder if the ferry-girl had fallen for his counterpart and all of his human, sentimental ways.
"What's more, his actions lined up with his intentions," she added. "He was tactful and gentle to boot."
"I can be gentle," he grumbled. "Only a fool can't restrain himself."
"So why don't you?"
"Because I choose not to."
"Then prove it!"
"Fine."
If Botan wanted gentle, then he would damn well give it to her. And he'd do it better than his pathetic human counterpart, too. He reached a hand out towards her, noting the way Botan's breath hitched at the sudden action. The flower fell away from her hand as the backs of his fingers brushed over her cheek, trailing down her flushed skin slowly. His touch was feather light and he felt her suppress a shiver beside him. He traced the pad of his thumb over her mouth, dragging it over her bottom lip. Then he moved his hand to cradle the back of her head, fingers slipping through soft blue strands as he drew her in. He was a hair's breadth away from seeing this through, his breath ghosting over hers. It would be so easy to give into his desires - to close the paltry distance between them - but he pulled away.
"Soft enough for you, ferry-girl?" he asked finally.
Botan snapped out of her daze, cheeks burning red.
"That other Hiei isn't special," he groused. "Anyone can do what I just did. It's simple seduction."
"He wasn't being nice to seduce me! He was gentle and thoughtful because he cared!" she argued. "It wouldn't hurt for you to apply some of that same consideration to your everyday life, you know."
"Don't hold your breath. I have no intentions of becoming like him."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Not even a little?"
"Not even a bit."
"Well, that's good to know," she chirped. "Because I was only teasing."
He growled. "Woman-"
"Ease up, Hiei!" She cut him off with a peal of melodic laughter and a wave of her hand. The sun outlined her form, highlighting the affection in her amethyst eyes and the playful curve of her smile. "I like you just as you are: prickly thorns and all."
His anger was wiped clean and replaced by something else. Something heavy and uncomfortable sitting right in the center of his chest.
Botan must have noticed his change in disposition, because concern quickly overtook her expression. "Is something the matter?"
He swallowed thickly and forced himself to shake his head once.
She leaned closer to him, blue brows creasing slightly under the weight of her mounting worry. "Are you sure?"
"Positive," he said, taking a stand and fixing his eyes on the forest ahead.
"...Hiei?"
"There's a trail nearby," he stated, watching as warm, golden rays filtered through the gaps in the swaying tree leaves. The human Botan enjoyed the simplest things, so long as they were together. He had an inkling that this one would, too. Setting his sights back on her, he extended his hand down towards the ferry-girl. "If you insist on doing something right now, then we can go there."
The way her features lifted into a beaming smile did puzzling things to his insides, but Hiei pushed those thoughts aside the moment her soft and smooth hand slid into his.
"I'd love that," she said as he helped her to her feet. Instead of releasing him, she held on tighter, her grip warm and reassuring. "Lead the way."
There was nothing left for the fire-demon to do but close his hand around hers decisively and stride forward.
"Please?"
"No."
"Pretty please?"
"Not a chance."
"But it's our last night!" she said as they stood in the kitchen, having finished the last bit of Genji's antidote. "We should do something memorable!"
"I said no, woman."
Botan expelled a fanciful sigh, letting her bottom lip jut out in a showy pout as she folded her arms under her chest. "I bet the nicer Hiei would have."
"What?"
The ferry-girl tamped down her burgeoning smile as Hiei took the bait. She knew it was naughty of her, but ever since realizing that the human Hiei was a trigger for the demon one, she may have taken to exploiting that fact a bit. "In my dreams, we'd go out all the time."
Hiei's jaw line sharpened as he gritted his teeth.
"Granted, it was probably after some pestering on the other Botan's part, but he always caved in eventually," she recalled with a dreamy sigh. "He was just so mature. And he knew the importance of a good compromise—"
"Enough," Hiei cut in brusquely, fists clenched as his sides. "I'll do as you please if it gets you to shut up about that infernal human Hiei."
Botan's smile sharpened shrewdly. "You've got yourself a deal, mister!"
And that's how the two found themselves settled into a small wooden boat at the river's edge, in the heart of town. They sat side by side in the center of the vessel while the boatman pushed off from the shore and set them adrift downstream.
Botan held onto the side of the boat as she peered out into the distance excitedly. Sakura trees lined either side of the river, their branches arching over the water. Large, luminescent bulbs sat between each tree, lighting up the night in a series of colors and fluttering petals.
"Isn't this gorgeous?" she asked, turning to view the fire-demon.
He wore his usual air of stoicism as he stared down at the rippling water. Its glittering surface was covered with powdery pink petals, the loose offshoots raining down from their boughs above. "Of all the things you could've chosen, this isn't the worst."
"I was hoping you might feel that way," she admitted. "Don't take this the wrong way, but you look like you have the weight of all three worlds on your shoulder tonight. Did you have a hard day at the fortress?"
"Not particularly," he replied. "I was only testing my limits with the dragon."
"I see…" Botan nodded in understanding. The dragon required a great deal of power and always left the fire-demon past the brink of exhaustion. That - coupled with Hiei's own punishing drive - made for a deadly combination on his energy reserves. "And how did you fare?"
"Piss poor," he grumbled.
"Come now, there's no need to be so hard on yourself like that."
"I won't improve otherwise."
"Well, I think you're plenty strong. And you'll continue to get stronger because that's just the kind of man you are. So there's no need to rush things."
He raised a challenging brow. "What would you know about any of this?"
"Plenty! Did you already forget who your team trainer was during the Dark Tournament?"
"The only thing you did with your self-proclaimed title was stand too close to the ring and argue with the referee."
"All of which are very serious team trainer duties!"
Hiei scoffed, but it was so light and non-derisive that she could have mistaken it for a dark chuckle. Botan found herself smiling in turn.
"And, as your former trainer, I suggest you sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic view," she encouraged. "It'll be good for you to take a break and unwind every now and again."
"I don't remember asking for advice."
"Part of being a good team trainer and an even better friend is knowing when to meddle."
He grunted, but did as he was told, fixing his eyes forward as their boat glided smoothly beneath a bridge. While he was preoccupied, she allowed her attention to linger on the fire-demon. Arms folded loosely over his chest, posture upright and shoulders relaxed, he was quite the handsome sight amongst the backdrop of the starry sky and falling cherry blossoms. Crimson eyes surveyed the winding path, his expression calm and undisturbed. Under the glow of the full moon, his face became a canvas of ivory skin, dark lashes and soft lips.
Botan's thoughts turned wistful as she realized that this would likely be the last time she had him all to herself like this. After tonight, there would be nothing tying them together. Moments like these would become nothing more than fading memories.
"What's wrong?"
The ferry-girl blinked out of her stupor, averting her gaze. "It's nothing, really."
"Doesn't look that way to me, woman."
The note of concern in the fire-demon's usually stoic tone pulled Botan's attention back to him. As amethyst met crimson, she found herself wanting to declare every single feeling she kept buried in her heart. She longed to tell him how much she liked him, how happy he made her, and how sad she would be once this was over, but the words wouldn't find their way out of her mouth. They remained trapped, lodged firmly between her bleeding heart and her fears. In the end, her hesitations won out, drowning the sentiments beneath a sea of doubt. Forcing a smile over her lips, she decided to live in the moment, rather than lament over their future. "I was just thinking of everything we've been through lately. It's been really nice having you around."
Hiei looked utterly unconvinced by her response, but he chose not to press the issue. "Hn. You're always so needlessly sentimental, ferry-girl."
"Well, one of us ought to be!"
"If you say so," he relented, glancing away mercifully.
Botan's gaze lingered on him for a few more seconds. She wasn't ready to let him go, but she couldn't find the courage to tell him the truth, either. The only thing she could do was lock her feelings away in the hopes that they'd somehow become more manageable. She took a deep breath, letting the comfort of Hiei's strong presence anchor her to the present. He was still here with her; he wasn't gone yet.
That would simply have to be enough for now.
The following day, Hiei was the first to arrive at Genji's cave. He leaned against the craggily cave wall, jaw ticking with irritation. It wasn't the most comfortable position, jutting rocks digging unforgivingly into his back, but it was the furthest point away from Genji, and that was good enough for the fire-demon. Despite the obvious distance maintained between them, the old demon continued to babble on about his glory days. His wiry voice echoed in the hollow space, the words streaming on endlessly.
Hiei ignored him as best as he could, hands balled up into impatient fists within the folds of his pants pocket. Botan should've been arriving with Kurama any minute now. The sooner the better; he didn't know how much more of the senile demon's reminiscing he could take.
"Good afternoon!" Botan greeted, her sing-song voice reverberating around the enclosed space as she and Kurama came into view. Even in the dimly lit cave, the woman still managed to shine with a brightness that was unique to her. Hiei soaked in the sight of her in her favorite pink sweater and blue jeans, hair tied up in its signature ponytail. She carried her usual scent of fresh meadows and wore an infallible smile on her lips. "I hope you boys haven't been waiting too long!"
"Not at all," Genji said. "Hiei and I were just discussing the good old days."
Kurama hid a chuckle behind his fist upon detecting Hiei's darkened aura.
"I take it you both finished the antidote without skipping a day?" Genji checked.
"Yes." Botan nodded dutifully. "Every day without fail. Hiei made sure of that."
The fire-demon joined Botan in the center of the cave, fixing Genji with a questioning look. "Now tell us: did your antidote work?"
Genji examined the two, circling them for a few revolutions as he hummed to himself. Hiei didn't appreciate being scrutinized this thoroughly, but he tempered himself for the sake of getting answers.
"Interesting," he mumbled under his breath. "So very fascinating…"
"Well?" Botan asked gently as Genji swiped his hand through the air between the two of them. "What's the verdict?"
"The ties are broken," Genji finally confirmed. "As is your link to the other dimension. However, a new bond has formed in its place."
"A new bond?" she repeated.
"Yes." Genji's smile was wide and broad as he stared at them both. "But this bond is entirely dependent on you two and how you choose to act next."
The bluette glanced over at Hiei in confusion.
Hiei turned away.
"Ignore the senile old fool," he advised gruffly. "If we're cured, then our business here is through. Let's go."
Botan floundered, amethyst eyes darting between the bristling fire-demon and the grinning racoon-demon for a few short moments. In the end, she bowed quickly, thanking Genji for his services and wishing him well.
"You two go on ahead, I'll be right with you," Kurama said, opting to exchange a few words with his acquaintance.
Hiei didn't need to be told twice, making his way out of the hideout with Botan trailing behind him. The plains that bordered Yomi's territory always held favorable weather, and a warm zephyr greeted them almost immediately upon exiting the cave's mouth.
"Well..." Botan began futilely. It was clear she didn't know what to say as she shifted her weight between her feet. "I suppose you'll get back to your regular routine now."
He nodded.
She mimicked the action as an awkward silence enveloped them. She pushed a smile on her face, but it did nothing to hide her expression's melancholic undertones. She was staring at him with that same sad look she wore last night. Hiei didn't know why she looked so sad, but he was determined to find out. "Botan-"
The fire-demon stopped short upon sensing Kurama's approach. The ferry-girl sensed him as well, forcing another one of those plastic smiles on her face.
"I…" She shook her head, seemingly giving up on whatever it is that she wanted to say. "I hope I'll see you around sometime. Take care, Hiei."
He nodded once, stiffer than he meant to, before taking his leave. He didn't dare look back; Kurama was too perceptive and would surely pick up on his hesitation, but he couldn't stop his mind from racing as he sped across the blurring plains.
At the start of their ordeal, he couldn't wait for it to end. The ferry-girl managed to get on his every nerve. He couldn't stand her cheery optimism any more than he could her incessant chattering. But all of that changed so swiftly. The usual indifference he felt for the woman melted into something warm and soothing, like a balm or her white magic. She began to occupy the empty corners of his mind. Staying with him, even when she wasn't around.
Hiei slowed to a sudden stop.
If he walked away now, it would really all be over.
He raised a hand over the unusual, steady beating of his demon heart. This yearning building in his chest, this unease clouding his mind - it was the rumblings of regret. He didn't want to lose those nights with the ferry-girl. He didn't want to do without her rich laughter or teasing smiles.
He was far too greedy to let her go.
The fire-demon turned around with a renewed determination, heading back to where the ferry-girl and Kurama were. He wasn't a coward, nor was he weak. He wouldn't shy away from this. Not when Botan was still within his reach. As he reentered Yomi's territory, he was surprised to find the two still lingering at the mouth of Genji's cave. Concealing his energy, he stood behind a rocky outcrop.
"Are you alright?" Kurama asked.
"Yes, I just…"
"What's wrong?"
"I like him, Kurama," she confessed. "I really, really like him."
"Why do you look so troubled?"
"Because Hiei would never return my affections!" she exclaimed, seeming so sure of that fact. "He hates spirits and emotions and, up until very recently, I was pretty sure he hated me, too."
Hiei froze at those words.
"But things changed. He stuck with me every night. He listened. He cared. He was there for me," she recounted. "My silly heart got all twisted up with thoughts of him and now I'm left to deal with the aftermath on my own."
"Have you considered telling him any of this?"
"I wanted to, but then what? There's no chance he'd ever want to be with a ferry-girl."
"How can you be so sure of that?"
"Because I know him… and I know myself," she replied in defeat. "We're too different. We come from opposing worlds. Do you really think he'd want to be in a relationship with someone from the Spirit World? Would he even care to be in a relationship at all?"
"Only Hiei can answer those questions. Perhaps you should talk to him."
"I can't," Botan sighed. "As much as I don't want things to return to the way they were, I would be devastated if my selfish feelings ruined our friendship."
Hiei's mouth was pressed into a firm line as he turned away. He was a fool. The ferry-girl wore her heart on her sleeve. He should've seen all those beaming smiles and gentle touches for what they were. He should have known that she wanted him in the same softhearted way he wanted her.
It might have taken him too long to figure it all out, but there was still time to change things.
He wouldn't let her down.
Thank you all SO much for the lovely reviews and support you've shown this fic! I've started replying to reviews again via PM, but I wanted to give thanks here for the guest reviewers to see as well. You all rock and have made my days a little brighter.
Next chapter will be the last.
See you then!