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By now, they had established a meeting place of their own in the woods, somewhere not too far from the house, but secluded enough to provide a general sense of privacy. A place Kurama had been easily found during the glitches, avoiding crowds in his fox form, and of course manipulating the plants to allow for more coverage. Somewhere safe and uniquely theirs.
He'd sent the fire apparition a message to be there at a specific time in the evening, half expecting Hiei to have arrived before him when he does show up with his surprise for the day. Kurama doesn't bother with a greeting or explanation, setting the basket he brought along with him on the grass and crouching down to unpack it, as he speaks casually.
“I do hope you're hungry.”
There isn't much point in asking, he knows that Hiei can always eat or he'd have been more forthcoming with information about his plans, so that his appetite wasn't ruined before arriving. Instead, the redhead opted to surprise him, curious if the fire apparition has absorbed enough about human customs to understand any of the significance to his dinner plans once they're revealed.
He'd sent the fire apparition a message to be there at a specific time in the evening, half expecting Hiei to have arrived before him when he does show up with his surprise for the day. Kurama doesn't bother with a greeting or explanation, setting the basket he brought along with him on the grass and crouching down to unpack it, as he speaks casually.
“I do hope you're hungry.”
There isn't much point in asking, he knows that Hiei can always eat or he'd have been more forthcoming with information about his plans, so that his appetite wasn't ruined before arriving. Instead, the redhead opted to surprise him, curious if the fire apparition has absorbed enough about human customs to understand any of the significance to his dinner plans once they're revealed.
He’s been curious since he’d read Kurama’s message what, exactly, this surprise would be. With Kurama he could never be too sure what he would come up with, or meet him with, when the time came. The meeting place being set for the little clearing they had somehow made their own piques his curiosity even more, and he is, actually, early to their meeting place. Early for a nap, of course, just far enough up in the trees above their meeting place that he wouldn’t be found by eye, though Kurama will likely know he’s there the moment he walks in.
Hiei does not, after all, make very much effort to obscure his energy since most people in Aldrip can’t sense it anyway.
The fire apparition drops out of the tree shortly before Kurama speaks, humming a short noise of agreement at the fact he was hungry. Red eyes dart around to what Kurama is doing, a quirk of his brow indicating his confusion so far.
“You wanted to meet for a meal?”
Kurama has gotten used to seemingly talking to himself when he senses Hiei nearby and out of sight, it seems a fair enough trade considering how often the fox hides in the shadows. Which is why he wastes no time waiting for the fire apparition to join him before getting started, knowing he's up in a tree and will come down in short order, as he predictably does.
The fact that the Chosen arrive from any variety of worlds keeps Kurama more diligent about concealing his energy, at least. There's no telling who can sense it or how they'd approach once demonic energy was recognized. It isn't worth the risk of giving anyone the upper hand in that way, as far as the fox is concerned.
He looks up at the question with his usual disarming smile, answering simply enough as he pulls out a few containers and sets them down. “Christmas dinner. It took a little work to find a place, one of the many things this city lacks is a proper KFC... but I believe this was the best option.”
The fact that the Chosen arrive from any variety of worlds keeps Kurama more diligent about concealing his energy, at least. There's no telling who can sense it or how they'd approach once demonic energy was recognized. It isn't worth the risk of giving anyone the upper hand in that way, as far as the fox is concerned.
He looks up at the question with his usual disarming smile, answering simply enough as he pulls out a few containers and sets them down. “Christmas dinner. It took a little work to find a place, one of the many things this city lacks is a proper KFC... but I believe this was the best option.”
Hiei pauses for a moment, absorbing both the scent of what Kurama was bringing out for them as well as what the fox was saying at the same time. In a way, he’s more surprised that Kurama had gone to these lengths to continue something he’d brought up in passing about Christmas when they’d been idly talking about the holiday.
It’s about all he really fixates on about the holiday, after all - the food. Primarily the fried chicken. The rest of the sentimentality was pretty much lost on him.
“You found somewhere to make fried chicken?” A pause, and then - “For this meal?”
Color him surprised, even if it’s pleasantly. Hiei removes his cape before he moves to settle down and sit, eager but also immediately trying to work out the why of it all.
“Are you also going to be asking me to track down something particularly difficult, along with it?” Look… he knows how this works sometimes.
Kurama analyzes, it's what he does. It's what he's been doing right along since they arrived here, but most notably with Hiei since things began to change. It wasn't unusual for them to disagree, bicker and get under each other's skin. It was unusual for it to happen quite so frequently. The Solstice was another factor, the fire apparition’s behavior there was so unpredictable and difficult to read, he couldn't help revisiting it since. Trying to figure out what he'd missed somehow, all that overthinking he's often accused of doing.
This is a stab in the dark and he knows it. While the fox imagines he'll appreciate the gesture for what it is, the symbolism and human sentimentality attached to it is likely beyond Hiei. Yet, he does it anyway, and he doesn't bother to explain in any meaningful way.
“It is tradition.” As if this much was obvious enough not to need saying. A tradition that was started not long before he was born in human world, so he'd grown up hearing about it and seeing it all over. Even for someone as oblivious as Hiei it was possible that he'd seen mention of the most romantic day of the year in his time stuck in human world, at least.
He's ready for the fire apparition to question what he's doing or why, he expects him not to really know about or understand the holiday, what he's not prepared for is the question he does think to ask. Kurama pauses, looking at Hiei with a mix of offense and confusion. “Why on earth would I do that?”
This is a stab in the dark and he knows it. While the fox imagines he'll appreciate the gesture for what it is, the symbolism and human sentimentality attached to it is likely beyond Hiei. Yet, he does it anyway, and he doesn't bother to explain in any meaningful way.
“It is tradition.” As if this much was obvious enough not to need saying. A tradition that was started not long before he was born in human world, so he'd grown up hearing about it and seeing it all over. Even for someone as oblivious as Hiei it was possible that he'd seen mention of the most romantic day of the year in his time stuck in human world, at least.
He's ready for the fire apparition to question what he's doing or why, he expects him not to really know about or understand the holiday, what he's not prepared for is the question he does think to ask. Kurama pauses, looking at Hiei with a mix of offense and confusion. “Why on earth would I do that?”
At the moment, Hiei is thinking of literally anything but any possible romantic implication. He appreciates the gesture of course, even if he doesn't quite understand doing that undertaking for the sake of having a picnic out here in the woods with him. They have been spending quite a bit of time together, though, and so he thinks that may have some part in it, despite how much of that time is spent bickering and wenching at each other from time to time. Some might consider it annoying, but to Hiei it is simply how they are.
The fox is better company than most, anyway, so it was worth it just to annoy him if nothing else.
"It is... but I wasn't sure if you would want to do it, here." Who knew if it would raise some kind of sentimentality in him that Kurama did not want to revisit, or something like that. The fire demon is always very hesitant to even think of touching the subject of Kurama's mother, especially here and now. Knowing that they may be separated for a long period, if not forever... he doesn't want to possibly accidentally remind him.
The fire apparition looks surprised at Kurama's reaction, stopping sort of in a half-sitting position as Kurama pauses as well. He hadn't exactly said it to offend him, after all.
"You do that, sometimes. Find something to motivate me in order to get me to do something you would like me to." He is aware of it and yet he plays in to it anyway... mostly because it gives him a step to come down to when he does not want to admit his own interest in some matters, but that's beside the point. Hiei drops to his bottom om the ground and shrugs, apparently unbothered by the possibility but... you know. Just wanting to know. "I thought this might be one of those cases."
Kurama is not thinking about his mother, because Christmas Eve is a romantic holiday where Christmas was typically for family and friends. That will be an emotional crisis for tomorrow, today he's focused on this- which means that he's not exactly following Hiei's meaning when the fire apparition suggests he might not want to do it ‘here’.
It also means he will likely isolate himself for a portion of tomorrow to brood in private. It isn't exactly as if he'd needed the reminder, thinking of his mother - and what his absence could mean for her back home - every day, already.
“This seemed like the best place, it is more private. I imagine we'd be interrupted at the house…” He certainly did not get enough food for everyone, as far as he's concerned that was a sentimentality for tomorrow. Even if the holiday itself wasn't a big enough deal for any of them to acknowledge it.
Hiei stops mid-sit and green eyes watch him curiously, taking in the surprise of his expression before the fire apparition speaks to clarify. His eyebrows lift at the explanation, still clearly puzzled by the apparent overreaction to what he'd considered a rather simple gesture. “What about fried chicken warrants tracking down something ‘particularly difficult’, exactly?”
Here, Kurama sighs, because while it was entertaining to see just how much of human customs Hiei might pick up on, the idea that he'd only track down this meal to get Hiei to track something different down for him is not the direction he expected the discussion to go. Yes, he did tend to find certain encouragements to motivate Hiei into doing things from time to time, but he was generally pretty forthcoming about those intentions, leading with what he wanted before attempting to sweeten the deal when the fire apparition resisted.
“It's a meal, the only thing I am asking you to do is enjoy it.”
It also means he will likely isolate himself for a portion of tomorrow to brood in private. It isn't exactly as if he'd needed the reminder, thinking of his mother - and what his absence could mean for her back home - every day, already.
“This seemed like the best place, it is more private. I imagine we'd be interrupted at the house…” He certainly did not get enough food for everyone, as far as he's concerned that was a sentimentality for tomorrow. Even if the holiday itself wasn't a big enough deal for any of them to acknowledge it.
Hiei stops mid-sit and green eyes watch him curiously, taking in the surprise of his expression before the fire apparition speaks to clarify. His eyebrows lift at the explanation, still clearly puzzled by the apparent overreaction to what he'd considered a rather simple gesture. “What about fried chicken warrants tracking down something ‘particularly difficult’, exactly?”
Here, Kurama sighs, because while it was entertaining to see just how much of human customs Hiei might pick up on, the idea that he'd only track down this meal to get Hiei to track something different down for him is not the direction he expected the discussion to go. Yes, he did tend to find certain encouragements to motivate Hiei into doing things from time to time, but he was generally pretty forthcoming about those intentions, leading with what he wanted before attempting to sweeten the deal when the fire apparition resisted.
“It's a meal, the only thing I am asking you to do is enjoy it.”
“Yes. And we would have to share.” Which Hiei obviously does not want to do at the moment. If they had any leftovers, maybe, but he would likely simply drop them off for Yukina and deal with Yusuke’s whining later. It wouldn’t be the first or last time, after all, and Hiei could hardly care in the first place.
The fire apparition at least has it within himself to look a little shy as Kurama asks what would make him think the ask would be difficult. A fair enough question, but one that’s met with a quiet little shrug that says Hiei was most likely over thinking it all.
“I don’t know. You put some effort in so you might expect it in return.” That was what Hiei was used to, anyway, with his general demon relationships. Transactional thinking and dealing was, basically, how demons tended to operate with one another. Particularly in his current spot under Mukuro.
Applying it to Kurama, while not wholly correct, makes sense enough in his mind.
“Not a tall ask.” Hiei not enjoying food is practically an impossibility after all. Though… since he’s already stuck his foot in his mouth, Hiei gestures for Kurama to pick.
“You take what you want first.”
His head tips slightly at that, watching Hiei curiously with surprise that the concept of sharing even came up. There was a reason he didn't want to be interrupted, after all. He responds in a matter- of-fact manner, as if this much was obvious.
“I did not bring enough to share, actually.”
The little smile that follows the fire apparition's explanation for his reasoning is automatic, “Everyone puts in some effort for a holiday, that's what makes them special. Stepping outside of routine to do a little extra. It's about spending time together, not leveraging favors.”
Kurama is a demon and he will always be one, that does color his perspective and personality and it always will. This is a human tradition though, and it is one he's treating accordingly. Even if he is watching for any hint of realization on the other's part, that was the extent of his expectations for their little get together. This place has become a bit of a safe haven for them, and he wasn't about to use it for anything akin to a business transaction.
When Hiei gestures for the fox to make a selection, the idle smile only widens. He takes two of the containers and sets them directly in front of the fire apparition, indicating as he speaks. “These are your portions. This is the chicken here, and that one's the side dishes…”
The fire demon can probably smell which is which without the help, but Aldrip was not like back home. Which means aside from the chicken that Kurama had been determined to get for this meal, the sides might be more foreign in nature, reflecting Christmas traditions unknown in Japan. A variety of vegetables, mostly.
“I also made sure to include dessert, but I'm afraid that may be a little anticlimactic after such a meal.” More or less because the traditional Japanese dessert for the holiday was to Kurama's personal tastes rather than Hiei's, but they both know he'll enjoy pretty much anything all the same.
“I did not bring enough to share, actually.”
The little smile that follows the fire apparition's explanation for his reasoning is automatic, “Everyone puts in some effort for a holiday, that's what makes them special. Stepping outside of routine to do a little extra. It's about spending time together, not leveraging favors.”
Kurama is a demon and he will always be one, that does color his perspective and personality and it always will. This is a human tradition though, and it is one he's treating accordingly. Even if he is watching for any hint of realization on the other's part, that was the extent of his expectations for their little get together. This place has become a bit of a safe haven for them, and he wasn't about to use it for anything akin to a business transaction.
When Hiei gestures for the fox to make a selection, the idle smile only widens. He takes two of the containers and sets them directly in front of the fire apparition, indicating as he speaks. “These are your portions. This is the chicken here, and that one's the side dishes…”
The fire demon can probably smell which is which without the help, but Aldrip was not like back home. Which means aside from the chicken that Kurama had been determined to get for this meal, the sides might be more foreign in nature, reflecting Christmas traditions unknown in Japan. A variety of vegetables, mostly.
“I also made sure to include dessert, but I'm afraid that may be a little anticlimactic after such a meal.” More or less because the traditional Japanese dessert for the holiday was to Kurama's personal tastes rather than Hiei's, but they both know he'll enjoy pretty much anything all the same.
Hiei simply makes one of those sly smiles as Kurama says he did not bring enough to share. He’s far from annoyed at the thought of not having enough to share, of course - the fire demon struggles to remember himself, sometimes, when faced with good foood. It wasn’t all that long ago he was primarily eating with his hands, after all.
The fire apparition tips his head a little at Kurama’s explanation. All of this human sentiment stuff is still so new to him that he does not quite know how to process it. Or what it all means, if he’s honest. A part of him still wonders if some of it is not also a means to gain leverage, but he is quick enough to not allow himself to say as much. They already spend so much time together, he almost wonders what need there is for more, particularly with the rate at which they end up bickering. Lately, they spend quite a good bit of time picking at one another, getting in to little fights with no real meaning or reason. Hiei hasn’t missed that, though he wonders on why.
“Oh.” Another thing he’s been saying a lot, lately. Coming to certain understandings that he hadn’t really understood before that moment. He certainly can still smell the difference in the box of sides, picking them up and smelling through the box before he opens it to actually look. The difference is curious, but thankfully Hiei is not the type to pass on vegetables. Food is food, so far as he is concerned, and there is very little that he will not eat.
He thinks this is basically his go ahead to start, actually, opening the box of chicken to eat first. In his usual style Hiei eats with his hands, plucking up a piece as Kurama goes on about making sure to have dessert.
Interest piqued, the fire apparition thankfully asks before he takes his first bite :
“Will you actually eat the dessert you got?”
The fox relaxes a bit as the fire demon seems to finally ease into the concept of just having dinner without ulterior motives or involving others. He's not exactly holding his breath for any semblance of manners, but he'll take the other refraining from working leverage into the conversation again for the moment, at least.
Knowing Hiei and exactly what he's dealing with, Kurama wouldn't have brought fried chicken if he was expecting him not to eat with his hands, KFC was hardly fine dining. He remains oblivious to Hiei's thought process as he tries to understand the motive behind the redhead's actions, all this about human sentimentality and the amount of bickering they manage to do more often than not since arriving here.
As far as the sides go, he is relying on the fire apparition's eagerness to eat just about anything for most of them, knowing that some of the options were more familiar than others. Even if Hiei were a picky eater, the chicken was the focal point of the meal, for him at least. Kurama was far more interested in trying new dishes than the same old thing, mostly because the novelty of most things didn't linger long for him, most food was just that as far as he's concerned.
Green eyes watch as the fire apparition inspects the containers, looking over the sides curiously without comment. The thing he does seem inclined to ask about is the dessert, which hasn't been unpacked yet, and the fox looks no less amused at the inquiry.
“Why? Did you want mine as well?”
Knowing Hiei and exactly what he's dealing with, Kurama wouldn't have brought fried chicken if he was expecting him not to eat with his hands, KFC was hardly fine dining. He remains oblivious to Hiei's thought process as he tries to understand the motive behind the redhead's actions, all this about human sentimentality and the amount of bickering they manage to do more often than not since arriving here.
As far as the sides go, he is relying on the fire apparition's eagerness to eat just about anything for most of them, knowing that some of the options were more familiar than others. Even if Hiei were a picky eater, the chicken was the focal point of the meal, for him at least. Kurama was far more interested in trying new dishes than the same old thing, mostly because the novelty of most things didn't linger long for him, most food was just that as far as he's concerned.
Green eyes watch as the fire apparition inspects the containers, looking over the sides curiously without comment. The thing he does seem inclined to ask about is the dessert, which hasn't been unpacked yet, and the fox looks no less amused at the inquiry.
“Why? Did you want mine as well?”
"No..." In fact, the fire demon makes a little face at the thought that Kurama thinks he would want his dessert too, digging into the chicken breast he's pulled from his box with sharp little teeth. He could've held off to finish explaining, but the smell of it, combined with the feeling of warm meat in his hands was too much to ignore to finish his sentence. At least not until he had a mouthful already on board -
" - You just aren't normally very... eager for sweets." Yes, it's said through the chicken, no he isn't sorry about it. Chalk another thing up on the list they're apparently going to lowkey bicker over, and another little confusion he has going on over what the hell is going on here.
For a long moment, Hiei is focused on his chicken and his chicken only, reminding himself that he doesn't need to eat quickly despite his nagging want to. The faster they finish the meal, the faster they go back to one of Kurama's many jobs or the house with the others... and with that little thought in mind, he finally slows down enough to speak again.
"Does the holiday mean you get some time to not be.. at your jobs? It seems a lot of people here celebrate a little.. differently than in our world..."
He expects something along the lines of an annoyed eye roll at the suggestion and yet, Hiei answers seriously. The smile doesn't waver as Kurama listens to the response, seemingly intent on letting his own food get cold as the fire apparition digs in despite the conversation.
“It's a traditional Christmas cake.” As in strawberry shortcake, as in one of the few sweets that Kurama did bother to enjoy. With timeline discrepancies it is always possible that Hiei doesn't know that, but the topic hasn't really come up yet and he didn't bother to ask. Bad enough that Yusuke seemed to be from around the battle with Sensui, he didn't want to think about them all being from different time periods.
This may very well be how he finds that out, actually.
The fox starts to eat only once Hiei slows down finally, taking his time and - of course- paying more mind to manners when he begins with his own chicken. The next question makes him pause, regarding Hiei quietly for a moment before responding.
“I took the evening off.” Aldrip wasn't like back home with hours logged and salary paid. He showed up and worked as needed, choosing his own schedule. It was easy enough to set aside the day for this, since he had the opportunity to plan ahead. They had been bickering and getting under each other's skin more than usual, he wanted some time together without external pressure weighing on them to do something or be somewhere else.
Call it testing a theory.
“It seemed... prudent to avoid interruption.”
“It's a traditional Christmas cake.” As in strawberry shortcake, as in one of the few sweets that Kurama did bother to enjoy. With timeline discrepancies it is always possible that Hiei doesn't know that, but the topic hasn't really come up yet and he didn't bother to ask. Bad enough that Yusuke seemed to be from around the battle with Sensui, he didn't want to think about them all being from different time periods.
This may very well be how he finds that out, actually.
The fox starts to eat only once Hiei slows down finally, taking his time and - of course- paying more mind to manners when he begins with his own chicken. The next question makes him pause, regarding Hiei quietly for a moment before responding.
“I took the evening off.” Aldrip wasn't like back home with hours logged and salary paid. He showed up and worked as needed, choosing his own schedule. It was easy enough to set aside the day for this, since he had the opportunity to plan ahead. They had been bickering and getting under each other's skin more than usual, he wanted some time together without external pressure weighing on them to do something or be somewhere else.
Call it testing a theory.
“It seemed... prudent to avoid interruption.”
“Oh. So it’s strawberries.” He knows Christmas enough to know what Kurama is hinting at, or at the very least Christmas food. That settles enough for the fire apparition that Kurama is very much going to eat and enjoy the dessert that he’s gotten for them for this little meal. He does pay more attention than most people think he does, and chooses when he reveals just how much he knows when it suits him to do so.
Here he doesn’t think it will do him any harm or, really, mean Kurama will expect him to pay attention at all times by admitting he knows what the usual Christmas cake is.
… And he will absolutely be missing the idea that this is meant to be romantic for a bit longer. Especially when he is a professional at convincing himself that things that may be happening are not.
Which is exactly why his head tips slightly after his next mouthful of chicken, trying to figure out what Kurama means about being prudent and avoiding interruption. It doesn’t make much sense to him at the moment if he’s honest, but that isn’t all that unusual. Not much makes sense to Hiei when it comes to humans and their customs.
“Why?” Well.. it can’t hurt to ask, right? Clarification isn’t picking he doesn’t think. “Is there something I don’t remember about Christmas that requires we not be interrupted?”
“Sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries.” To be more specific.
Mostly, Kurama is just curious why he'd asked at all, if it wasn't to offer to take his share off his hands. Considering Hiei is right that he doesn't typically care much for sweets, it seemed like the logical intention to him. For how much the fire apparition was interested in the chicken, the fox was actually more interested in the dessert than anything else while planning this little get together, though. The one small touch of nostalgia he's allowing himself with this.
He pauses at that question, looking at Hiei with apparent confusion before glancing up, answering airily. “You do complain that I occupy too much of my time with work.”
Mostly, Kurama is just curious why he'd asked at all, if it wasn't to offer to take his share off his hands. Considering Hiei is right that he doesn't typically care much for sweets, it seemed like the logical intention to him. For how much the fire apparition was interested in the chicken, the fox was actually more interested in the dessert than anything else while planning this little get together, though. The one small touch of nostalgia he's allowing himself with this.
He pauses at that question, looking at Hiei with apparent confusion before glancing up, answering airily. “You do complain that I occupy too much of my time with work.”
"Then you will definitely finish it." Hiei knows that one with a certainty, amusement playing over his face for a moment before he takes his next bite of chicken. Idly, he entertains digging in to the vegetables for his own curiosity once this piece is done, which will not take long at the pace he's tearing through it at.
Had it been something Kurama was less likely to enjoy.... yes, he would have offered to take it off the redhead's hands, this is Hiei after all. But since it is his favorite.. he'll leave the fox be on this one.
Kurama's next assertion, while correct, stirs a little laugh out of Hiei. Of course that would be his justification for taking the evening off - not the holiday, but his complaints that he doesn't normally pay any bit of heed to. "Since when do you take my complaints in to account when delegating your time for anything?" He's only partially joking with this, of course, setting down his completely stripped first piece of chicken and inspecting his fingers for leftovers.
"You have me coming along with you instead of changing your schedule, after all."
“Since right now, apparently.” His tone doesn't change in the slightest, but his gaze does lower to meet Hiei's once more.
“You seem irritated that I work at all, and unfortunately for the foreseeable future, that is non-negotiable. No one is forcing you to come along if ... you would rather not.”
He almost says if he'd rather stay home, but the fox figures Hiei would argue he has much higher priorities than staying at the house he didn't want.
“I simply thought you might appreciate the break, some time to ourselves.”
While the fire apparition debates the sides, Kurama splits his attention between the meat and vegetables as he eats, pausing when Hiei inspects his fingers to offer almost distractedly, “There are utensils and napkins in the basket, if you'd like.”
“You seem irritated that I work at all, and unfortunately for the foreseeable future, that is non-negotiable. No one is forcing you to come along if ... you would rather not.”
He almost says if he'd rather stay home, but the fox figures Hiei would argue he has much higher priorities than staying at the house he didn't want.
“I simply thought you might appreciate the break, some time to ourselves.”
While the fire apparition debates the sides, Kurama splits his attention between the meat and vegetables as he eats, pausing when Hiei inspects his fingers to offer almost distractedly, “There are utensils and napkins in the basket, if you'd like.”
“Why? So you can occupy your thoughts with something other than your theories about what is going on here?” It’s probably the most honest way Hiei could’ve asked that, really, but the fire demon has never been known for being delicate. If anything it helps him to better know how to help in his own ways if they speak more frankly about the hows and whys of the fox doing things, but getting either of them to speak plainly about things is like pulling teeth.
Overall, a fairly annoying tug of war that doesn’t seem to really have a beginning or end, but here they are anyway, having a fried chicken picnic and somehow awkwardly dancing around the subject of their own feelings over and over and over again.
The fire demon does at least hum a little sound of agreement that it was good to have a break to themselves whilst he picks out a napkin to at least remove the grease. Typically he’d simply lick his fingers, but… he’s trying to behave. Enough that he picks up a fork for his vegetables as well, curiously trying a few. Thankfully Hiei hasn’t developed too much of a reserved pallet since coming to human world and trying new foods, and soon he is happily munching away.
“It has gotten busy with everyone here…” Which is familiar, but also concerning if he’s honest. “I still prefer to stay out, with you. There is less fuss that way.”
AKA he can’t sit and either harass Yusuke and Kuwabara or vice versa.
Kurama just stares for a moment at the fire apparition's question, trying to figure out exactly what prompted it before connecting the dots in some form. Or, so he thinks, at least. Green eyes narrow before he replies, making an effort to keep his tone as neutral as possible. So much for not bringing up things he doesn't want to think about, Hiei. He's not going to acknowledge that part, mostly because it doesn't seem relevant to what's being asked, but also because of the fact that he actively doesn't want to talk about it right now. He’s trying to have a nice time here, not dwell on the nature of the simulation or what all of that means for them.
“Why is my work non-negotiable? Living expenses don't exactly take care of themselves. I do imagine that - with some time, at least - a passive income will be obtainable, however that sort of thing won't just happen overnight, you know.” He figures the fire apparition doesn't know, actually, or they wouldn't be having this conversation. He also doesn't expect him to understand the interest in building community and getting to know the other Chosen, but that's another matter entirely.
The fox watches as Hiei makes an effort to clean himself up and move on to the vegetables before wordlessly sliding the container of his own remaining chicken across to him, continuing to focus on eating the rest of his sides in silence in the meantime.
At the last thing the fire apparition says, preferring to stay out with him, Kurama's tone is laced with amusement, smiling slightly despite his best efforts to refrain. “Then I suppose you have no reason to complain about accompanying me to work.”
Really, Hiei set himself up for that one.
“Why is my work non-negotiable? Living expenses don't exactly take care of themselves. I do imagine that - with some time, at least - a passive income will be obtainable, however that sort of thing won't just happen overnight, you know.” He figures the fire apparition doesn't know, actually, or they wouldn't be having this conversation. He also doesn't expect him to understand the interest in building community and getting to know the other Chosen, but that's another matter entirely.
The fox watches as Hiei makes an effort to clean himself up and move on to the vegetables before wordlessly sliding the container of his own remaining chicken across to him, continuing to focus on eating the rest of his sides in silence in the meantime.
At the last thing the fire apparition says, preferring to stay out with him, Kurama's tone is laced with amusement, smiling slightly despite his best efforts to refrain. “Then I suppose you have no reason to complain about accompanying me to work.”
Really, Hiei set himself up for that one.
Hiei had begun to formulate a thought about the fact that Kurama insisting on having a job is still playing at being human - which he is not - when the fox goes and brings up living expenses. The thought brings some falter to his mental steps, slowing even his chewing as he mulls over a point that he had not at all thought about. In most things, Kurama approaches from a very different angle than Hiei does instinctively -
Of course the fire demon has not thought of anything like living expenses. Even in his much more cushioned life now he barely deals in things like currency - what he wants, he gets, in one way or another, though lately most things come in the form of gifts from those looking to get in his good graces. He'll take them, of course, but generally does not give in return. With Kurama, though -
Hiei will begrudgingly admit, after he finishes what he's been chewing: "I didn't think of that." Though, in the next breath -
"Yusuke isn't doing anything? Kuwabara will likely jump at the first chance he has."
He.... isn't offering himself, of course. He wants nothing to do with human things like jobs or whatever, and, frankly, nothing seems quite suited to him other than accompanying and assisting Kurama when he wanted him to. He will take the offer of his leftover chicken as a sign he hasn't stepped in too much by asking the question about what he hadn't considered, at least, though he will make sure to ask him before going to town on it.
"You're sure you're done?"
Kurama has always thought about expenses. Long before Hiei was even born, he had determined he wanted his own territory, and the way to get that required money and power. Two things that Hiei came into the world with - his natural abilities and precious tear gem inheritance - and the fox had fought for years to obtain, by comparison, climbing his way to the top and living in infamy along the way for it.
Of course their world views would be different.
“Not surprising,” He smiles faintly but doesn't elaborate, instead answering, “Yusuke does odd jobs here and there, I've put him to work at the farm for a few things- Kuwabara as well, I'm sure.”
Kurama has no interest in trying to convince Hiei to take on a regular job, getting him to tag along with him and run the occasional errand has been his own subtle way of ensuring the fire demon contributes in some form or other. Whether he knows (or likes) it or not, the spirit fox already has him working here and there, mostly where his speed or vigilance is advantageous. It works best for both of them that way as far as he sees it.
“We all have our strengths, I'm afraid Yusuke and Kuwabara likely aren't inclined to… plan ahead in quite the same ways.” Do they know anything about passive income? It isn't exactly a topic of conversation he'd thought to bring up before.
As for the food the fire apparition confirms he has permission to take?
“I'm sure you'll enjoy it far more than I.” The chicken had been acquired specifically for Hiei, after all. Kurama was really more interested in the rest of the meal, sharing his own serving seemed likely to benefit both of them, if it means he can move on to something new without overindulging.
Of course their world views would be different.
“Not surprising,” He smiles faintly but doesn't elaborate, instead answering, “Yusuke does odd jobs here and there, I've put him to work at the farm for a few things- Kuwabara as well, I'm sure.”
Kurama has no interest in trying to convince Hiei to take on a regular job, getting him to tag along with him and run the occasional errand has been his own subtle way of ensuring the fire demon contributes in some form or other. Whether he knows (or likes) it or not, the spirit fox already has him working here and there, mostly where his speed or vigilance is advantageous. It works best for both of them that way as far as he sees it.
“We all have our strengths, I'm afraid Yusuke and Kuwabara likely aren't inclined to… plan ahead in quite the same ways.” Do they know anything about passive income? It isn't exactly a topic of conversation he'd thought to bring up before.
As for the food the fire apparition confirms he has permission to take?
“I'm sure you'll enjoy it far more than I.” The chicken had been acquired specifically for Hiei, after all. Kurama was really more interested in the rest of the meal, sharing his own serving seemed likely to benefit both of them, if it means he can move on to something new without overindulging.
Hiei hasn't quite connected the dots on that just yet - he views their time spent together as that and only that for the most part. The fire demon is particularly lenient where Kurama is concerned, though, and isn't very likely to win even whilst fussing at the fox to begin with. So when he does realize... well. Chances are he won't say anything anyway.
Or he'll start a massive fight, with zero ability to do anything in between. Only time will tell.
For a moment, Hiei looks about ready to ask what that's supposed to mean, but quickly shakes himself off that trail and snaps up Kurama's leftovers. Despite having plowed through a good bit of his chicken, even making sure to get the cartilage off the bones, the fire demon still eats like a man possessed as he digs in to that next piece. For the moment, his vegetables are forgotten, though he will not waste them.
"You are reserving room for dessert." Hiei says it like an accusation, though the little quirk of his lips indicates he's laughing a little bit even as he says it.
"If you're saving room.. how much cake did you bring?"
Hiei was not normally the type of demon who bothered to pretend to understand human things. Even though his partner lived a mostly human life, the little fire demon saw little value in learning the days and traditions that Kurama tended to mark with even a bit of reserved reverence for, even if it was only for the sake of tradition. However... since they had begun bickering so often, and Kurama had done so much to mark Christmas with a meal that he would like...
The fire demon has decided to make an exception.
Over time he's gathered a few little bits and things that he thinks the redhead would like. An Aldrip version (black in color) of the fox tail charm Kurama carried on his backpack in their world, and of course a little strawberry dessert to match the fox's tastes.
Had he opted out of giving them to him in person and simply left them on his bed when he knew Kurama was close to the house? Yes.
But they're there anyway.
Kurama does not go looking for Hiei once he's found the surprise that's been left for him. He assumes it was left without a word for a reason, after all. He does, however, see no point in playing ignorant once he comes across the fire demon by chance later. Head tilting thoughtfully with the question that comes instead of any sort of proper greeting.
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about who was in my room earlier, would you, Hiei?"
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about who was in my room earlier, would you, Hiei?"
Hiei knows that Kurama will certainly know who the gifts are from, but leaving them in this way takes out a certain level of awkwardness that helps his comfort level. Small steps or something like that. The fire demon has taken refuge in his normal tree after the drop had been made, snacking away on a little bit of a treat he’d gotten for himself as well.
Red eyes fall on his partner from his spot in his tree .. but he isn’t coming down just yet.
“How much earlier?” Might as well play hard to get right?
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