Surprises

This is more or less just a little project I'm using to break through my writer's block. Originally it was just a one shot, but my current lack of creativity has made getting it just right a nightmare.

However, since my stubborn and competitive nature will not let me just leave it, I've decided to spread it out into a series of drabbles; I wouldn't call them chapters, but that's the best comparison I've got right now.

Anyway, like I said, it's really just me trying to get out of the little rut I've gotten stuck in. Updates will be sporadic, and I'm sure they will be a little confusing. But I would like to hear from you anyway. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Botan had always found Hiei fascinating.

Everything about the stoic little fire demon was shrouded in shadows, appealing to her sense of mystery and wonderment, alluring the ferry girl like a treasure chest deeply buried within the sands of a long forgotten island.

Of course his appearance had first sparked her interest. His inky black hair defied gravity, standing almost straight up even when drenched with sweat. His bangs, however, seemed to bend to the laws of physics, framing his face and shadowing his perfect features. His eyes were the color of blood, which suited him perfectly, vivid and enchanting if one ever worked up the courage to meet them.

Even in his full demon form, when his pale skin became a sickly green color and dozens of eyes opened over his body, he was still a sight to behold. The organized chaos of his hair lost its organization, and the deep blue sheen at the very tips became more prominent replacing the white at the base. The features of his face became less obscured by his hair and, even shaded green, were still perfect. His eyes took on a soft yellow hue, but the bloody crimson remained in the center, the only solid proof that Hiei and his second form were indeed one in the same.

He was beautiful, no one would argue that. But Botan had always considered him more of an artist's masterpiece, meant to be seen and never touched. Admired from a distance.

It wasn't until later that she realized there was more to him than what sat on the surface. Not until she'd watched him so viciously attacking Toruknae in defense of the unknowing Yukina, every nerve in his body vibrating with hate and malice so drastically different from his usually calm, emotionless exterior. Not until he'd simply dropped slimy, pitiful excuse for a human, merely because the young ice maiden had asked him to. Not until she'd seen him gaze through the thick glass of the window emotionlessly as he verbally declared himself a part of their team.

That was the first time she'd seen him as something real and solid, instead of the flawless work of art she'd imagined him to be. She realized that all this time she'd been looking at someone with depth and passion, woven together in a complexity that, given a hundred lifetimes, she may never understand. What she finally had come to understand, however, was that, regardless of the many things that Hiei was, he could never be something flat.

Before that moment, Botan had never thought anyone could confuse and entice her so deeply, or that she could be so pleased with the feeling. But life and Hiei had a lot in common.

They were both full of surprises.