Hiei frowned thoughtfully. "Hn." He snorted as they reached the apartment. "You try dating one of the most beautiful creatures in the three worlds and see if you don't become a little jealous too." He muttered, blushing as he flitted away to the kitchen to put away the groceries. 'Yeah, like his ego wasn't already big enough...' He thought to himself, but he wanted the redhead to understand. The fox was vain enough to know he was handsome but Hiei had never told Kurama that he was beautiful. It was understandable that Hiei was a bit insecure, because he couldn't look at his own drab appearance and imagine what Kurama might see in him. 'Hmph, some of those humans are a lot more visually appealing than I am. Probably more pleasant to be around too...'

Kurama disengaged the lock in the same manner he had earlier and pushed aside the door so Hiei could enter with his heavy load. Kurama stepped in behind him and was busy replacing the wet umbrella in it's stand when Hiei chose to respond. The shorter demon's late reply was nearly lost in the wake of his disappearance but Kurama's face softened when the words reformed themselves in his ears. He knew he was beautiful by both human and demon standards but it felt nice to hear it from Hiei, even if he was embarrassed to say it.

Stepping out of his own shoes at the door, Kurama walked around the small puddles that Hiei's booted feet had left on the floor and followed them into the kitchen. Setting the mesh bag on the table he began unloading it, "Beauty isn't the only component of attraction, Hiei." The fox paused as he set the extracted the carrots from their leafy bedding, "I find your dark allure very appealing." The words flowed slowly from his mouth as Kurama did his best to keep the husky tone the fox wanted him to use from his voice.

Hiei blushed even as he scoffed. "Hn. You'd be the only one, Fox." Embarrassed by his own compliment and by Kurama's reply, he busied himself with trying to put the groceries away for a minute before he realized he had no idea where anything went. Giving up, he fished the squishy carton of ice cream out and opened it curiously. The stripes glared back at him, blending to an unappealing gray soup at the edges where they ahd started to melt together. He sniffed at it, trying to identify the flavor, before glancing at Kurama and surreptitiously scooping a finger full of the brown gunk out to try it.

Kurama said nothing in response to Hiei's comment. It was likely true and though Kurama rather preferred it that way. Opening the refrigerator door, Kurama slid out a clear drawer and began heaping the produce inside. It didn't all fit however so the shelf above served to store the overflow. After finishing the task, he turned his attention to the bag that Hiei had abandoned only to catch sight of the curious demon sticking his fingers into the slightly soupy ice cream. He chose not to chastise his partner but instead asked, "Do you like it?" He peered over the shorter demon's and noticed that some of the flavors had regretfully blending together but that didn't stop him from reaching one of his own delicate fingers over Hiei's shoulder to scoop out a bit of strawberry for himself.

Hiei stuck the sticky brown goop in his mouth and considered it for a minute. It was cold and squishy...and chocolate. His eyes widened and he scooped out some of the white goop this time, testing his new theory. 'Vanilla.' Then the pink stuff. 'Fruit.' He went back to the chocolate section for more, preferring it to the other two. "Hn." Was his agreement to Kurama's question. "Next time can we get the chocolate by itself?" He asked as he licked his sticky fingers clean and reached back for another blob.

Kurama licked his finger clean of the pink substance as Hiei sampled the two colors he had yet to touch. When he went back to the brown one, it was obvious which one he preferred. Sneaking his own finger back down for another taste of strawberry he said, "Yes, but only if you come with me," taunting. Shopping was more interesting with Hiei around. Satisfying his sweet tooth with one more taste of the strawberry side, Kurama moved around the obstacle in front of him to take the insulated bag from the counter and began unloading it's contents into the small refrigerator as well. Once finished, he set the bag on the table with it's companion and contemplated their lunchtime meal. He had just bought enough food for the week but that only served to complicate the question of what they should eat. Glancing at his watch Shuichi realized that it was fairly late in the afternoon. Deciding that a light meal would be best so as not to spoil their dinner, Kurama began preparing a batch of sticky rice.

((I should go to bed soon, I'll probably only be able to do one more post tonight if that. T_T Stupid early bedtime... *Mutters*))

Hiei rolled his eyes at the redhead's teasing tone. "Hn." He snorted, continuing to meticulously dig his way through the chocolate section of the tricolored treat. Only when he had reached the bottom of the cardboard carton and just the less appealing vanilla and fruit sections remained, did he put the lid back on and shove the lopsided container into Kurama's freezer.

Licking the last of the sticky ice cream residue from his fingers, he sat down in one of the kitchen chairs and watched the redhead cook. "What are you making?" He asked curiously, when he was satisfied that his bare hand was free of chocolate.

It didn't take long to set up the rice cooker. The redhead could probably make rice in his sleep if he had to, the method was that ingrained into his head. It was rather interesting to think that rice hadn't even been a part of his diet back in Makai. The weather there was unfavorable for the shoots that grew the tiny grains. Pulling a few items from a nearby cabinet, he set them down near the rice cooker before setting a cutting board in front of the station he had prepared. As he retrieved one of the packages of fish from the refrigerator, he answered Hiei's question. "Onigiri." It was a simple meal but it would still be quite flavorful the way he planned to prepare it. Taking the salmon over to the cutting board, he began cutting it into small pieces that could be easily packed inside the rice balls.

Hiei nodded. He'd had rice balls before. Hanging around Japanese humans, it was hard to avoid the staple meal. Even eating with his human teammates as rarely as Hiei had chosen to do so, he had had onigiri a few times. They were not his favorite food but they were filling enough and they traveled well. It was a practical choice and they would likely be eating a more substantial meal in a few hours anyway. Hiei leaned his elbow on the table and propped his head on his fist, feeling the day's events catching up with him as he watched the redhead move gracefully through the steps to make the simple meal. He wasn't aware when his eyes drooped shut and he drifted off; years of sleeping in trees giving him the ability to sleep sitting up without falling from his chair.

Kurama was so used to Hiei's silence that he didn't notice that he had drifted off until he paused a moment between cutting to catch the shift in his breathing. Glancing back, Kurama smiled softly when his suspicion was confirmed. Hiei looked so peaceful when he slept... The rice cooker conveniently clicked off just about the time the fox finished cutting up the salmon and he scooped the sticky substance out into a large bowl to mix in the soy sauce and black sesame seeds he had pulled from the cupboard earlier. The soy sauce gave the rice a nice salty flavor and although the sesame seeds were mainly for appearance, they did add a slight variation to the taste.

Satisfied with the mixture, he cupped a handful of rice in one hand and placed a piece of salmon on the middle with the other before bringing them together to expertly pack the lot into the customary triangular shape. The final touch was to wrap a short strip of nori around the bottom and the first rice ball was finished. Kurama repeated the steps until he had used up the rice and leaned back against the counter to eat his share as he watched Hiei sleep. Finished with his own meal, Kurama saved Hiei's portion in a container which he slipped into the fridge for later. Remembering the wet footprints Hiei had trailed down the hallway upon their reentry, he brought out the mop and wiped the remaining water from both the hallway and the kitchen. As he watered the indoor window box, Kurama found that the rain had calmed to a very light drizzle and the clouds were beginning to clear, revealing a few weak rays of late-afternoon sunshine.

((This may or may not be my only post for the day. I need to go to bed early tonight.))

The change in the weather finally penetrated Hiei's sleep and he opened his eyes, immediately looking towards the window to confirm what his other senses were telling him. The rain had nearly stopped and the clouds were breaking up. Kurama must have eaten without him to let him sleep and Hiei was a bit grateful for that. He eyed the slanting sunlight thoughtfully. It was late afternoon but if they left soon, they could reach the temple before dark and explain things to Yukina before the oaf got a chance to let something slip. He took a moment to enjoy the view of Kurama as the redhead leaned over the sink to water his herb garden, before speaking up. "The rain's stopped. You want to go see Yukina with me?" He asked, his tone giving no hint of how much he really wanted the fox to be with him when he told his sister of their new relationship.

Kurama finished watering his tiny kitchen garden and set the empty watering can down on the counter before turning to reply to Hiei. He knew his partner was anxious to speak with Yukina before Kuwabara got the chance to let something slip so he nodded in the affirmative, "I will go." He had nothing else to do since he had been released early from work and they had already completely the shopping he had been planning to do that evening. "You should eat first," he said, retrieving the onigiri from the fridge. It was a long trek to Genkai's temple and if the fire demon had been hungry early, he would certainly be famished before reaching their destination. The redhead set the meal down in front of Hiei before taking a seat in the chair across from him. He leaned one elbow on the table and propped his hand upon it thoughtfully. Tomorrow was Saturday and he wondered if he should not visit his mother.

Nodding his thanks, Hiei dug into the light meal without further urging. The onigiri disappeared at a speed few could match without choking to death and the plate was soon empty. "Not bad, Fox." Indeed they were some of the better rice balls he had ever tried. Satisfied, the shorter demon stood and waited for the fox to be ready to go before flitting out through the balcony door and heading towards the edge of town via the rooftops. He traveled slower than he usually would have, in deference to his redheaded companion. This wasn't a race, merely the path of least resistance to the temple.

Hiei seemed to practically inhale the contents of his meal which didn't leave Kurama much time to consider visiting his mother. When the shorter demon stood, it was obvious that he was ready to depart. Kurama placed the empty plastic container in the sink before retrieving his shoes and coat. After quickly dressing, the redhead followed the dark-haired demon out onto the balcony and closed the door behind him before leaping after Hiei. He was thankful for the slower pace as it allowed him time to think rather than being forced to concentrate on the various obstacles that racing presented. The rooftops were wet but he managed to avoid nearly every puddle despite paying only a minimum amount of attention to where he was going.

Hiei leaped lightly to the ground in an alley as the buildings began to thin out towards the edge of the city. He shoved his hands in his pockets and resumed the short journey along the sidewalk, at a mind-numbingly slow human pace. Still, it did give him more time to walk with Kurama, and to consider how he should announce their relationship to his sister. His enjoyment of the company didn't stop him from taking to the trees as soon as they reached the edge of the forest surrounding the temple and within minutes he landed at the top of the ridiculous stairs that humans used to reach the peaceful place. 'Not that many humans come here anymore, not since the old psychic died.' The thought saddened him. Genkai had not been a friend, but they had fought together and he had respected her strength and her attitude. Then there was no more time for reminiscing because his sister had come out to meet him.

"Oniisan, Kurama-san, welcome. I'm sorry. With the rain lasting so long, I did not think you would be here today so I put everything away." The ice demoness smiled at the tall redhead. "Did you come to help with the wedding planning, Kurama-san?"

Kurama didn't notice immediately when Hiei returned to flat ground but followed suit a moment later when he noticed the demon's energy from down below. Leaping casually down in the next alleyway, he walked closely beside Hiei but not so close as to impair the shorter demon's movement. As they entered the cover of the forest he sensed Hiei flit into the treetops above and followed suit. It wans't often that he traveled in this method but it would be faster than taking the stairs. The redhead dismounted when they reached the top and landed silently beside his mate. The two of them didn't have to wait long before the ice demonness appeared from within the temple to greet them. When she inquired about his reason for coming, the redhead put his hands up defensively, "I'm afraid I only came to visit," he said with a smile. Lowering his hands he added, "I will only offer my opinion should you request it."

((My odd work schedule this week has me all confused. I thought it was Thursday and that you weren't online because you were in class. V_V))

OOC: No, I was just being flaky yesterday.

Hiei glanced away from his sister. "I didn't come to help with that either." He said slowly. "I...I need to tell you something." The fire demon was obviously uncomfortable.

Yukina's eyes widened in concern, but she nodded. "Oh...okay, would you like to come in first?" Her voice quavered slightly. 'He's changed his mind. He won't give Kazuma his blessing...or maybe he doesn't want me for a sister after all.' The little koorime fought back tears as she headed towards the temple.

Hiei noted his sister's distress and hurried to catch up to her, catching her cool wrist in his warm hand. "It isn't about you, Imouto." He said when she turned liquid filled eyes on him. "It's something that has changed for me, and I want you to know about it. I...I just hope you can be happy for me." Crimson eyes flickered back to the fox demon, the emotion in them saying more than his tongue could manage.

Yukina's own ruby orbs caught the gaze and she looked from the redhead to her brother and back in dawning comprehension. Her free hand clasped to her mouth. "Oh..." She whispered. "You...and Kurama-san..."

Hiei nodded once, glad not to need further words.

Yukina's smile seemed to light up the courtyard as she threw her arms around her nervous brother. "That's wonderful!" She burst out joyfully. "I am so happy for you both." She pulled away from the sudden hug, feeling Hiei stiff and nervous in her arms. She wasn't overly hurt by his reaction, Hiei wasn't used to affection. 'Perhaps Kurama and I can help him grow used to the idea that not everyone who touches him wants to hurt him.' Her smile wavered for a fraction of a second, before coming back in full force. "Please come in and we'll talk."

Hiei nodded and followed his twin, falling into step next to his fox and shyly reaching out to catch the redhead's hand in his own. He hadn't been sure his sister would accept them so easily and it was like a weight had been lifted from him. It was going to be okay.

((Bleh, I should probably be replying to the Secrets of the Dark RP but your reply came sooner so I'll do this one first.))

Kurama remained silent as Hiei fought to disclose the nature of his coming to his sister. Hiei's words seemed to worry the gentle demon girl however and as she led the way back to the temple, Hiei rushed to catch her. The fox didn't follow but rather held his ground to give the two siblings a chance to speak more privately. Even from his faraway position, the keen ears of the fox could pick up the nature of their conversation. When both brother and sister looked back at him, Kurama caught the comprehension in Yukina's eyes. The redhead knew her feelings on the matter would be very important for Hiei and thankfully her reaction showed genuine excitement rather than scorn. Only when the ice demonness invited them inside did Kurama approach the temple. His lips curved into a small smile when his lover reached out to intertwine his fingers with his own, happy that Yukina had taken the news so well. He hoped that her acceptance might rub off on Kuawabara with time...

Yukina made tea and the trio spent a pleasant afternoon discussing wedding details....at least Yukina found it pleasant. The little demoness didn't make a big deal out of her brothers newly announced relationship, for which the fire demon was grateful. His sister's nonchalant, graceful acceptance of the situation meant more to him than any forced gesture or fancy words ever could.

As the sun started to creep towards the horizon, Hiei began to seriously consider setting fire to the catalogs and fabric swatches his sister had them looking at. As much as he loved her, he could only help so much with matters of etiquette...and human customs were completely beyond even that little bit of experience. He grew gradually more silent and short tempered throughout the afternoon, though he did his best to hide it for her sake. 'It's the first time she's asked you for anything as your sister. The least you can do is try to be obliging.'

Yukina seemed oblivious to his discomfort as she excitedly showed them the piles of things Kuwabara had brought her for planning the wedding. She didn't have much idea of what a wedding should be like, having only ever attended one (Yusuke and Keiko's) but her enthusiasm helped to make up for her inexperience.

Hiei was just happy Kurama was there to explain what in the three worlds she was talking about half the time. She had a guidebook the orange haired idiot had bought her and she was following it with an almost religious fervor. His patience had reached it's limit long before and only his affection for his sister, and his guilt for having failed for so long to be there for her, kept him from taking back his blessing on the wedding and demanding she elope if she wanted to marry the oaf.

Kurama was grateful for the tea after running through the rain-chilled afternoon air. The ice demonness seemed to make the beverage better than anyone else, possibly even his own mother, and so Kurama was content to sit peacefully in one of the interior rooms of the temple as Yukina brought various details to Hiei’s attention and his own. Shuichi offered his opinion where it was necessary and did his best to explain details of the event to come to both Yukina and Hiei. Although he was by no means a professional wedding planner he had more knowledge than the other two given his experiences with his own mother’s marriage and Yusuke’s and an eye for detail.

As the hours stretched on, Kurama picked up on Hiei’s increasing annoyance and his own mild impatience. Though Yukina was obviously excited about the planning, it seemed to Kurama that she was far too caught up in following the guidebook Kuwabara had provided her with to a T. Graciously butting in as she sought their opinion on one more thing, he offered his advice, ”You need to choose what makes you happy Yukina. This isn’t a rulebook,” he said, indicating the guidebook, ”It’s merely designed to provide you with ideas.” Kurama smiled, ”You don’t have to decide everything in one night; you have plenty of time,” he added as he stood and stretched. ”I think we should be going Hiei,” he said, fully aware of his companion's failing patience, ”We could stop in at Yusuke’s to get something to eat if you'd like.” There were other reasons for dropping in to see the spirit detective but Kurama was certain he wouldn't have to explicitly state them for Hiei to understand what he intended.

Yukina absorbed the redhead's words with wide eyes. She blinked down at the book feeling somewhat relieved. It was designed for people planning a large wedding and she had been wracking her brain with caterers and seating arrangements and heaps of other things that she didn't really understand the need for. "Really?" She almost whispered. "I just...I just want the wedding to be perfect....for Kazuma too." Her gaze dropped to her feet.

Hiei stood and hesitantly reached out to his sister, his irritation melting away as he turned her chin up until he could see the eyes that mirrored his own. "Th...Kazuma won't care about the flowers or any of this other crap. He'll be tying himself to you, and I can safely say that is all that it will take to make your wedding perfect in his mind." He told the self-conscious demoness seriously.

Yukina smiled weakly and wrapped her brother in a quick hug. "Thank you, Aniki." The tension seemed to drain out of her as she released him, her smile brightening by the moment. She then embraced the taller redhead as well. "And thank you, Kurama. Tell Keiko-chan and Yusuke hello from me please."

Hiei nodded, confirming Kurama's suggestion that they stop by and agreeing to pass along his sister's message in that simple economical movement.

((Sorry for the wait.))

Kurama smiled gently at the ice demon's question and replied with a firm, "Yes." Before he could say anything else on the matter however, Hiei stepped in to reassure her. Hiei's response to Yukina was quite eloquent given his usual demeanor and Kurama was proud of him for it. The fire demon had always taken his role as a brother seriously but he was just now beginning to outwardly show it. The usually unemotional demon seemed to have opened his heart a great deal in the past few days, which was a pleasant surprise for more than one individual.

Kurama was taken aback when Yukina hugged not only Hiei but himself as well. He gently patted her on the back and responded to her request with a simple, "I will." Without further ado Kurama led the way out of the temple and out onto the damp lawn. The sky had darkened though a few rays of light remained to guide their way back through the depths of the forest. As Kurama took to the stairs running, he felt a twinge of hunger. He'd been by far more active in the last two days than he usually was and he realized that he would need to start eating more to compensate for the extra expenditure of energy.

((Off to bed now, goodnight.))

Hiei followed the redhead out of the temple and then fell in beside him as they made their way down the ridiculous stairs. It wasn't far to the small ramen shop and they set an easy pace. The last of the light faded around them but that mattered little to Hiei. He could see far better than a human, though he doubted his night vision was as good as Kurama's. Foxes had keen eyes and ears.

Yukina sat looking at her guidebook for a few minutes after her visitors had left. Finally, she stood and resolutely dropped the text into the trash before gathering the rest of the wedding paraphernalia and sweeping it back into a box. She decided she would call Keiko later to discuss the wedding. The other woman would hopefully be able to help her with more practical advice than any book could provide.

Kurama enjoyed the heavy, moist scent that hung in the air and the sweet scent of grass that assailed his nostrils as he ran. As they approached the city limits however, the fresh smells gave way to the more pungent aroma of dense population. The sky had darkened completely and lights shown brightly from street stalls and shops in the commercial district. It didn't take long for them to reach Yusuke and Keiko's establishment. Upon ducking inside, the redhead was greeted by the slightly humid environment of the restaurant that didn't seem to be lacking in customers at the moment. "Evening Yusuke," he called in the cook's direction over the noise of the small crowd. Kurama didn't immediately spot Keiko but he was sure she was somewhere in the vicinity.

Hiei held back just enough to allow Kurama to enter the crowded eating establishment ahead of him and then gritted his teeth and followed. It wasn't overwhelmingly crowded, but it was a little uncomfortable. Many of the customers eyed the pair of demons (more specifically him), as they made their way over to the counter, and Hiei found himself thinking again about acquiring some human clothes. Some things were true in both worlds. One was that it was unwise to stand out too much most of the time. He nodded a greeting to Yusuke and surreptitiously reached out with his Jagan to place Keiko without really thinking about it.

Yusuke smiled and waved as he smoothly served half a dozen customers at once. It took him a few moments to finished doling out the steaming bowls of ramen and then he hurried over, grinning widely. "Hey guys. What brings you here?"