Midnight Coffee, Always Watching

Chapter 2: Chai Tea

(Monday 3:24 pm)

You know him better than I do Kurama, I just need a bit of advice.

I honestly don't know much more than you do about him I am afraid. If you want me to be honest Yusuke, most of what I know about Hiei has been reliant on observations I make and have made about him. Does he really follow you around as much as Kuwabara has told me he does? He's told me he's even seen Hiei scampering across rooftops at night in your neighborhood and swears one night he will be on his own looking to gut him, though I've tried my best to reassure him that wouldn't happen.

Ha! Doofus should know by now that three eyes isn't like that. I almost think it brings him some odd comfort to think Hiei's out to get him. He's weird like that, likes his consistencies with people you know?

Indeed, I have noticed that even with you. Though Kuwabara's quirks aren't what you came here for, I am now deeply curious however what is.

-A cup of chai tea and coffee, two sandwiches, and two colleagues.  A comfortable room of royal mauve, burgundy, and navy blue made up the colors in Kurama's bedroom, regal shades fitting for his prowess, and yet the deep hues brought an overshadowing comfort as a place of security. The red haired demon in human skin sipped lightly from his tea cup, having been startled by seeing Yusuke appear at his residence to see him, and over Hiei no less. Shiori, Kurama's mother, had been ecstatic to know a friend was here to spend time with her loner of a son, and immediately insisted Yusuke come inside for a bite to eat and visit a while. The pair had not long after fled for upstairs with the food and drink, finally getting to the conversation at hand.-

I know he doesn't follow me around for sick kicks, it makes me think something in this city makes him uncomfortable.

Hm. I can agree with that. He used to follow me around for the longest time until he got comfortable in the city, after that I only saw him for the occasional question or chat, and eventually not at all until we stormed King Yama's vault. I had not heard from him for almost 6 months until then, which is why I too am moderately curious why he's been on your heels since the both of you met and he was released from custody. I wonder if you are... more approachable.

More approachable?

Yes. Hiei knows my history, he knew who I was long before you. Even spirit world did not know who I was until I told them in lock up after our little "adventure" together. I do pay attention when he speaks of me to you and Kuwabara, especially when he thinks I am not listening or am unable to pay attention. He's frightened of me Yusuke.

-The dark haired spirit detective paused half way through a sip of coffee, he gently put down the cup on Kurama's end table, having been seated next to him on the foxes bed grunting with a disgruntled brow.-

I mean, he's made comments before but I figured he was just being Hiei, your telling me that's all legit and not some weird appeasement of viewing you on a pedestal as a more powerful demon he happens to respect?

It may be partially both. The fact of the matter is, in a fight, he knows I would outmatch him, and I believe that anerves him. As for why, I can only speculate. But, you Yusuke, he seems comfortable with you. You of all people should have a grudge to hold against him, but, you don't. I think that both bewilders him, and brings him a sense of peace all at once.

But, what about you? He's always made it seem like the two of you were so close... why are demons so complicated?

-Kurama simply laughed at that, lightly nibbling a bite from his early dinner and sipping lightly from his warm home grown chamomile and vanilla tea. There could be a million reasons for Hiei's odd behavior, and usually the answer was simply: "Its Hiei." But even Kurama could agree that he too wanted some answers. He agreed with Yusuke that he had always viewed a level of kinship with the fire demon, and yet in the recent year or so, he would make passing comments about concern for his own well being in relation to the whip wielder. Instantly those emerald green eyes glittered with the thought of the past year, there time at the dark tournament, specifically the fight with Dr. Ichigaki's men in the forest.-