Chapter Text
The bathroom sink is turned off. Rough, calloused fingers wring it out to the best of their ability, then it's placed against a face.
Kurama doesn't even wince when the fabric touches his relatively fresh wounds, just inhales deeply and lets his eyes flutter shut. The blood on his cheek is entirely dry, and the cuts have long stopped bleeding. This is just to clean it all up. Still, Hiei is gentle and meticulous.
It's nice. They both know it's nice.
Hiei also knows Kurama is displeased with him. He cares, of course he does, but his actions were necessary. They're both displeased with each other, so it evens out.
Just like they normally do in battle. Hiei, impulsive and rushing into everything, Kurama silently analyzing and forming a strategy based off of each enemy. But they can't even each other out when they're not fighting together, and they're too good at finding each other's flaws.
Still, Hiei has to admit Kurama's cautious and slow nature worked in his favor this time. The sight of that annoying demon who dared threaten Kurama's mother blowing up in a bloom of colorful flowers was quite satisfying. Hiei always loves seeing how Kurama can weaponize such normally pacifistic organisms, to say nothing of the Makai plants that feed off of living creatures.
The dried blood has long since been rubbed off. Neither of them say anything, reveling in the moment. Hiei enjoys being able to touch Kurama, and Kurama, ever the animal at heart, enjoys being touched. Hiei's taken to scratching at the spot where Kurama's Youko form would've had ears. As well as petting him. As much as Kurama claims it hurts his pride, in the moment, he absolutely melts, whining into Hiei's chest and clinging to him like a lifeline.
That's beside the point. Hiei puts the washcloth back in the sink and grabs another towel as well as a bandage so these thoughts go away. He dabs the leftover water from Kurama's cheek. Green eyes flutter open, pupils blown wide at the tender contact. Hiei acknowledges it with a swipe of his thumb against Kurama's other cheek. Finally, the x-shaped injury is covered by the bandage, and Hiei steps back.
"Better?" he asks.
"It was never that bad," Kurama says. "But, thank you." His eyes drift lower. Hiei wants to hide his arm behind his back. But he can't.
"Don't you dare try to lecture me–"
"I wasn't going to. No matter how tempting it may be." Kurama gently touches the blackened skin. Hiei simultaneously feels like he's in terrible pain and like he can't feel the touch at all. "Though, really, was it necessary to use this technique against him?"
"Yes. I had to put him in his place."
"By vaporizing him?" Kurama raises an eyebrow, though he's smiling.
"Sometimes, arrogant people just can't learn," Hiei says wryly, unconsciously matching Kurama's smile.
"And summoning uncontrollable demon fire isn't arrogant at all."
Hiei flicks him. "Not if I could handle it."
Kurama frowns, suddenly, giving Hiei whiplash. "You couldn't handle it."
"I didn't die." Hiei shrugs, his smile also fading.
"Your right arm is unusable," Kurama says, raising his voice. "Who knows how long it'll take to heal?"
"I've suffered worse." Hiei turns to the side.
"Have you really?" Kurama tugs Hiei toward him, placing the smaller demon's hand upright in his palm. "Flex your fingers for me." Hiei scoffs. Kurama knows he can't. He's just being obnoxious to prove his point. The only downside to having a partner and being cared for is the nagging .
"I'll be fine."
"Not when you have three more rounds of the tournament left!" Kurama's nails dig into Hiei's palm. "You could get yourself killed! You know all the Yokai here won't hesitate to take you down. Even if your arm heals eventually, it– it might be too late."
"None of these lowlifes could kill me."
"Not if you were at full power. But, may I remind you, your arm is inoperative! Your life is more important than your pride, Hiei."
"I know that!" Hiei snaps, trying to rip his arm away, then getting painfully reminded of its status. "But it's what I needed to do to win."
"We're all doing what we need to win. But none of us are as injured as you." Kurama's fingers gently prod at Hiei's skin, until they've reached the spot the fire didn't quite reach. A jolt of sharp pain shoots down Hiei's spine. Kurama's eyes turn softer, and so does his voice. "I'm just asking you to take care of yourself."
"I'm not an idiot." Hiei covers Kurama's hand with his left and squeezes it. "Of course I'll be at my best during fights."
"That's not quite what I meant…" Kurama smiles sheepishly. "I was thinking more along the lines of don't do anything self-sacrificial unless it's necessary?"
"That goes without saying." A wave of relief suddenly washes over Hiei. He can deal with one of his arms being entirely numb, but he's not sure he could deal with arguing with Kurama. They've had small disagreements and spats here and there, but genuine arguments are few and far between. And with the rest of the tournament ahead of them, he can't afford to expend energy on that; he's sure Kurama can't either. "Seriously, you worry about me too much."
"If you want me to stop, then stop doing stupid things," Kurama says with a disarming smile. "Come on, let me bandage your arm."
Hiei rolls his eyes. As if he has a choice. As if he would say no if he would. They're partners, after all.
Kurama applies some kind of healing salve that smells awfully familiar. Definitely a Makai plant, judging by the smokiness and strength of the smell. Hiei has the strange urge to taste it, but he decides that's a bad idea if he doesn't know what it is.
"This isn't strong enough to heal it by the next round," Kurama murmurs, his light voice seeping into Hiei's ears and weighing him down, in the most pleasant way possible, "but even the slightest bit of help could make a difference."
"Why don't you kiss it better, then?" Hiei asks teasingly. Kurama is startled into a laugh. "I overheard your mother saying that once. Please tell me she was joking."
"I was skeptical at first, too." Kurama throws the teasing tone right back at Hiei. "But don't doubt the power of love in healing injuries."
"Something tells me love won't do much about this."
"That's because you don't believe in it."
Kurama's hands are gentle as they wrap the numb skin in the bandages. The tender touch relaxes Hiei just as it did Kurama. He wants to lean forward and drown in the fox's warmth, but he doesn't. More specifically, he can't. His arm needs to be wrapped. But he's going to drag Kurama to that bed and cuddle the life out of him once he can.
"Speaking of Shiori," Hiei says, "you should call her."
"Eh?" Kurama's eyes go wide.
"I know you're worried about her."
"Well, yes, but… I told her I wouldn't be able to contact her. That might not even be a lie. Who knows if phones work out here."
"Tell her you found a phone by surprise, or something." Idiot. Don't deny yourself this.
Kurama smiles knowingly. Hiei doesn't like that Kurama can see through him so easily, but some part of him does. He doesn't like the vulnerability, but he likes being understood. And he does like that Kurama knows he cares. Reluctantly.
"Let me finish taking care of you first."
As usual. Hiei doesn't say anything, though. He'll never admit it, but he likes being cared for. Only by Kurama. His touch is the only one Hiei can stomach, along with his feelings. His want to care. It's overwhelming from anyone else.
The bandage is tied off just above the boundary of the burn, so the sensitive skin is protected. Hiei's nerves scream for a few moments, and then they calm. He rolls his right shoulder, and though his body protests, he manages to do it without falling over. A small rush of pride goes through him, and Kurama must feel it because he smiles, and though Hiei didn't realize it until recently, Kurama doesn't give smiles out freely. He's certainly not stingy with them, but a true smile from Kurama is a rare and beautiful sight.
When they're in the presence of others, of course. Kurama is typically in a good mood when it's just the two of them. Hiei's traitorous heart has many theories about that.
"I'm going to go down to the lobby," Kurama says, standing and taking Hiei with him. "Lay down, but don't put any weight on your arm. I know how you like to sleep."
"Tch."
Soft fingers wrap around Hiei's bandaged hand. He blinks at them owlishly, then blinks again at their owner. Kurama's eyes start to crinkle at the corners, and before Hiei can say anything, the fox leans down. He kisses the center of Hiei's palm, lingering just a moment too long before he lets go. "Get some rest and wait for me, dazzling fire."
Hiei only gets a glimpse of Kurama's pink face before he turns and walks out of their room, seemingly nonplussed but his youki running wild. He's sure he's not any better, though.
The pet name? The kiss? He'd be more surprised if he wasn't burning up. A look in the mirror shows that he is, indeed, bright red. He groans.
Laying down on the bed – making sure to keep his right arm on top of himself, damn that fox –, Hiei stares at the ceiling. Dazzling fire? How fucking cheesy could he get? And why does Hiei love it so much?
He's not a romantic; likely a byproduct of being half a race of demons that have thrown away their concept of sex or romantic love to ensure their safety. He never thought he'd find someone he trusted besides Yukina, let alone someone he'd consider a potential lover . And yet Kurama somehow waltzed his way into that role, so smoothly and unexpectedly, but it felt so right. He doesn't want to imagine Kurama leaving his life voluntarily. Their only options are death or lovers.
When did he get so dramatic? Ugh, this is why he wishes he wasn't in love with Kurama. So many strong feelings, and they're all so good but simultaneously so awful. He wants more of the feelings; he wants to bury them in the grave. He'd be surprised if Kurama didn't notice, with his penchant for latching onto the fox like a koala and saying out of character things. Kurama's just so warm, and soft… and cuddling with him gives Hiei the adrenaline of finally defeating a powerful enemy, but without any of the danger.
Well, there is danger. Getting attached is always dangerous. Love has a reputation for being maddening for a reason.
And sometimes Hiei is sure he's gone mad. Since when does he care about the life of a single human woman? Since when does he smile and feel so happy over the smallest things? Insane. Yet, if this is insanity, let him be mad. If love makes people act foolish, let him be a fool. He doesn't care what anyone thinks besides Kurama and Yukina.
Even if Kurama is put off by his feelings, Hiei's sure their bond won't suffer. Demons aren't as awkward and cowardly as humans; they'll have a conversation, have a few days of distance from each other, Hiei will smother his feelings and make sure there are no embers to catch flame again, and then things will go back to normal. Simple. Not easy, but simple. And that's all he can ask for when it comes to love.
The door opens and Kurama steps in.
"They had a phone, and it was able to reach her home, but she must've been busy," he says, obviously still in a good mood.
"Mn. What's the point of having a way to contact someone from far away if they're not always available?"
"Humans are busy creatures." Kurama shrugs, removing his outer shirt and leaving him in an infuriatingly form-fitting undershirt. "Still, I'm glad to know she's alright." He climbs into bed, pulling up the slightly fluffed up blanket over both of them. Despite the heat Hiei radiates naturally, he still revels in the warmth the fox gives back to him. This world can be quite cold compared to Hiei's preferred parts of the Makai.
Green eyes slightly obscured by darkness linger on Hiei's face. The fire demon tilts his head to look back at Kurama. "What?"
"Roll over."
Hiei blinks.
"It's not good to put weight on your right arm at the moment," Kurama explains, "but…" He finally breaks eye contact, turning pink yet again. Ah. Just as beautiful as Hiei suspected. "But, I still want to spoon you."
"Spoon? Like the utensil?"
Kurama chuckles, and fuck, his smile is so pretty like this. Hiei never understood the concept of blushing for humans, but now he's suspecting it's an evolutionary tactic to attract mates. It's certainly attracting him at the moment. "No, it's a type of cuddling. One party faces away from the other, and the one facing them is the one that holds them."
Oh. So they've been doing it for a while. "Okay." Hiei obliges and rolls over onto his left. Kurama hooks an arm around his waist and shifts closer. The heat grows stronger.
Hiei relaxes in the embrace. The only good thing – and he means the only good thing – about their staggering height difference is Kurama entirely envelops him like this. He feels safe. Not safe as in he's not actively in danger, either, safe as in all anxiety has faded from his heart and he's found a place where he doesn't have to worry. It's an incomparable feeling of comfort and joy and relaxation.
Hiei feels Kurama's breath on the back of his neck before he hears him speak. "I just want you to know," he murmurs, "that even when I'm mad at you, I'll never leave you. If we hadn't made up in the bathroom, I'd still be cuddling with you right now."
Hiei makes a small noise of acknowledgement. "I never doubted that, fox."
"I don't believe you." Kurama snuggles closer. "I know you get scared when we fight."
"It's not a big deal."
"Even then, I still wanted to make sure you knew."
"Yeah yeah, sentimental fox." Hiei nudges his head back since he can't do it with either of his arms at the moment. "Good night."
"Sweet dreams, fire."
Hiei's chest nearly implodes. He puts his free hand over Kurama's and squeezes. How will he be able to sleep when his heart is pounding like this?
(Surprisingly easily. Contentment spreads over him and his mind calms down quickly. He doesn't dream, he never does unless there's some kind of magic involved, but he does wake up nice and calm.)