Hieiâs eyes flicker away, and Kuramaâs gaze follows it unbidden, an eyebrow raising just a fraction as he sees what Hiei is looking at. The bedroom. He looks back with a curious smile, lips curved just enough to be mischievous but expression otherwise unusually neutral. Whatever Hiei was thinking about, whatever he wanted (and it was clear he wanted something), he would have to ask for it. Kurama would not insult the both of them by playing guessing games, nor would he bother pressuring for answers, at least not about whatever this was.
Sometimes, it was better to just wait and see with the imiko. Sometimes it was better just to let the other demon stew in his own mind and allow things to progress as naturally as they could.
The neutrality of his expression melts away as the other teases, the foxâs mouth softening into something almost modest. âCharming you would be too much a feat, even for me, Iâm afraid. You have very, very high standards. I would not wish to insult you and have you storm out, never to return.â He replies smoothly, before smiling something genuine. âI am used to you being in my home, it would be a shame to break from our comforts.â
Thereâs a moment when, when the fire demonâs eyes widen, Kuramaâs smile shows teeth. Not enough to be a threat, but enough to be considered both sharp and fond at once. The expression of a youko, not a man. But it smooths into gentle fondness, and a rare look at unadulterated affection, as Hiei points and makes a declaration of claim that is arrogant, challenging, and charming all at the same time. âI could never.â He murmurs in reply, open and honest and softness in the way he forms the words, with a look on his face that reads nothing of his usual deception and games. He wants to say more, thereâs always more on the tip of his tongue, but then Hiei springs to his feet with a noise like a laugh and teasing words, gaze keen, and Kurama finds himself taken aback for a moment, mouth opening as he makes a noise of very mild amusement.
âHiei,â He almost admonishes, leaning back in his seat. âDo you think I could ever forget? Despite what you - and the rest of the team - seem to think, I am not a tamed house pet.â
                 yes ,   it would be quite a shame.  though for high standards he canât help but watch kurama intently before looking away without a word ;  conveying a feign ignorance.  his standards regarding people were high indeed ,   but kurama exceeded that ten times full.  not that heâd allow such truth to be vocalised.  hiei wouldnât give him that satisfaction ,   even if it was obvious enough within their relationship.  he hadnât left yet and had no intention of doing so ,   his cautious nature taking on a more curious role.
                 possession was not something hiei acted on callously ,   and he had no need to put ownership on objects let alone people.  wanting someoneâs attention ,   however ,   was not off the table for a creature like him ,   even if he wasnât soft about it.  it was a promise between the two ,   not an act of ownership.  it was their relationship  â  how it was conveyed had meaning only between the two ,   and hiei didnât care nor focus on how that may look from an outside perspective.  while mukuro didnât pry him often about personal affairs ,   the demon king was no exception to his private life remaining private and sacred to himself.Â
                tiny fangs show against his widened grin ,   unable to simmer his satisfaction down to a measly smirk.  hah.  kurama a house pet ?  now that was laughable.  for all his remarks ,   mocking or otherwise ,   hiei was not blind  to the true yokai within.  it was frighteningly brilliant and something to be respected.  he himself would not wish to face kurama in combat.  he was more cut-throat then hiei was.
                â    I would hope not.  tame doesnât suit you very well kurama.  â  hands reside within his coat ,   shoulders tense as he openly laughs.  never a warm and loving sound ,   always mixed against a sharp exhale and mocking tone ;  even when not meaning it to be.   change would inevitably occur ,   but unlike the rest it would not effect hieiâs life as drastically ;  in fact it made it easier.  back where kurama belonged ,   to a place where hiei resided this time.  it was something to be excited about ,   not mournful over.  though that didnât mean it was blind to the repercussions on kuramaâs end ,   but it was simply inevitable for a yokai like him.
                 a final exhale.  sharp and quick before gaze darts off to the side and ,   moments later ,   his figure vanishes with the air around him swooshing with a sharp jilt.  he doesnât go far.  hiei had no intention of returning to makai tonight.  whether it was to provide silent support towards his partner or not went unsaid ,   and as always heâd simply respond with;  â    I just donât feel like returning.   â Â
                 instead he makes himself comfortable on the bed heâd been eyeing previously.  hunched against the backboard ,   arms folded over the leg that pushes against his chest while the other remains straight.  he made himself at home quickly and without prior warning ,   because of course he did.