Disclaimer: I do not own the character's of Yu Yu Hakusho they are owned by the original author. I only own the characters that I create.

Author's Note: Hey everyone. This is my first attempt at a fanfiction in a while. I would really appreciate it if you could give me some feedback. I just realized that this chapter is short so I promise the other ones will longer. Please feed my belly with rates and reviews :]

Summer Haze

Spring had finally ended and the weighted heat of summer moved over the Tokyo streets. Waves of clear heat hovered over the pavement as the cars stood still in time. Horns blared under the palms of the impatient drivers trying to make their way home to find relief in their air conditioned apartments.

Watching them go about their every-day routine, as if it were a religion they subconsciously followed, he scoffed. What a pitiful race they were. How oblivious they were to dangers that could lurk around every corner. He despised them. Humans. Weak, pathetic, miserable creatures. It amused him how vulnerable they were. He could take so many of them to the end of the worthless lives with so much as a muscle twitch.

Smirking, the thought of ridding the universe of humans amused him. He hated living in this foul smelling world where the humans dwelled. The only reason he had stayed in this wretched place was because of his sister. She had grown attached to the humans. The one that she was most attached to was the one that he had despised from the moment he met him.

His smirk morphed into a grimace. He hated thinking of how his sister fell for this pathetic excuse for a human. Clutching his fist he forced the thought away to the back corner of his mind. He knew it would be back, but for now he just wanted to watch the humans scurry like soft shelled ants in silence.

Soon all the cars had filtered out of their blocks on the highway grid. The sun started to set in the west as a few birds flew by making black shadows on the building wall. Quietly, he sat studying the slowness that followed the evening rush. The heat had died down along with the brightness of the sun. It seemed to him that the humans died with the sun each day. They weren't like his kind.

So many like him could thrive in darkness. Thrive without all the necessities that these urchins became to rely on. Stupid things such as cell phones, cars, or anything to do with their mechanical technology. It was all so unneeded. They no longer had their instincts to help them. It was a waste, the way that they tried to make their race more advanced than others of their species. To him, they were no more advanced than the animals that inhabited the very same world they did.

Turning away from the orange sun in the sky, he jumped stealthily from building to building. It was time to visit the fox. It had been a while since he had talked to someone. He was sure that the fox had some type of news from Koenma or the old hag his sister was staying with. As much as he hated being here, he was still working off his punishment for Koenma. Though only a toddler in appearance, Koenma wasn't stupid. Koenma knew that if he was to keep him under his watchful eye, he would have to remain in the Human World where he couldn't hide easily. The toddler would probably just sick the fox and the spirit detective after him if he tried to flee anyway.

He growled slightly. How he hated being Koenma's puppet. It was true that he had many crimes against him in both the Demon World and the Human World but as far as he was concerned the Dark Tournament, Hunting down Sensui, and competing in the Three Kings Saga should have been enough to pay off his debt. He hadn't been sent on any missions for the brat lately, though he would much prefer a mission rather than being stuck here with the humans. It's been a long time since he slit the throat of his enemies or even bloodied his knuckles on someone's face. There had been the occasional low D-Class demons that slipped though the barrier every now and then but they were hardly a challenge. Maybe he would pick a fight with that idiot his sister had a soft spot for.

The wind blew his black robe as he ran from rooftop to rooftop. It was the easiest way for him to travel without being seen by the humans. Though in his appearance, he didn't look much different than the humans. They might have picked up on his small fangs or his red eyes or perhaps in a rare event, if the band around his forehead were to fall off they would see his Jagan. He smirked. Seeing a third eye would just scare them. It was funny how little they knew about what else was out there besides their own little world.

It wasn't much farther to the fox's house. He would just let himself in the window until he came next door. His red eyes scanned a small store front that was filled with colorful vegetation. It had seemed that over these past 5 years the fox was using his powers to create a business and fit in with these humans.

He had no idea why the fox wanted so badly to fit in with the humans. Even though the fox was a powerful demon, he had grown attached to the humans that had raised him. What a waste. The fox was just as powerful as he was, maybe even more so. There was no reason for him to fit in here. Maybe, the fox still had some of his debts to pay to Koenma as well.

Letting out a breath he sighed. It didn't matter to him anyway what the fox did. As soon as he could, he would leave this place and take his sister with him. Going back to the Demon World he could do more meaningful things like fighting with upper class demons, instead of just sitting here in this boring world thinking to himself as he studied the humans.

He spotted the fox stepping out of his shop and locking up. Then the sounds of small foot steps padded their way towards the fox. Having keen senses the fox looked up to the person approaching him. It was a tiny frail looking girl. No doubt she was a human. It seemed to him that she was much weaker than the average human. The fox smiled at her. This must be another human that the fox grew attached to.

He listened to their conversation.

The girl looked up at the fox. Her face flushed and out of breath. Quietly, she said, "Um, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be late."

The fox chuckled. "Not a problem. I was beginning to wonder where you were. I'll fetch your balloon for you." The girl nodded shyly looking away and towards the ground.

The red headed fox went back into his shop. The little human stood there outside his shop awkwardly as she looked around. She looked so very weak to him. He thought that most humans were weak but this girl was much weaker than most. She was also so terribly thin and almost sickly looking.

He wrinkled his nose in disgust. It seemed to him that this human couldn't even take care of herself, never mind defend herself if the need be. Why would the Creator give life to such pitiful, weak things?

Just then the fox returned. He handed the girl a small balloon filled with air instead of helium. The balloon was small but in the girl's hand it seemed larger than it really was.

"Here you are," the fox said.

The girl bowed slightly in thanks. "Thank you very much." She reached into her pocket and handed the fox 25 yen.

The fox smiled and took the money. "You're very welcome. You take care now Kiyoko."

The girl slightly smiled. "You as well," and with that she turned and hurried away.

Once again the fox turned around and locked the door to his shop. Jumping down from the building he had been watching from he appeared beside the fox.

"Why hello there Hiei. What brings you here?" the red head asked.

"Hn. I was just checking in that's all."

Smiling the fox said, "Well then why don't you come in for some tea?" He walked to the door that was about 5 meters away from his shop door. The fox had found a useful place to dwell. It was attached to his shop on the left hand side of the building. The part in which he resided was two stories and seemed to suit him. The first floor was used as a sort of storage for things the fox kept in his shop. He turned the key in the lock and opened the door.

He followed the fox into the home and up to his apartment. Immediately, he walked to the window and crossed his arms as he stared out.

The sound of a faucet was heard from the kitchen area. Soon the sound changed to the clicking of a pilot light and a small flame igniting. As he stared out the window he saw the reflection of the red head appear. Turning he merely glanced at the fox.

"Who was that Kurama? Another worthless human that you've grown soft for?"

Closing his eyes and signing Kurama crossed his arms casually over his chest. "I suppose you could say that. She comes into my shop to buy a small white balloon everyday. "I only know her as a regular patron of my shop."

Hiei studied the fox carefully, and just turned to look out the window. He had nothing else to say about the subject.

Kurama watched as the small fire demon turned back to look out the window. He smiled inwardly. He knew that Hiei was curious about this human.

"You know she'll be back tomorrow," he stated perhaps to get some inkling of curiosity from his friend.

"Hn. Why would I care?" Hiei responded without turning from the window.

"No. I suppose you wouldn't," he said slightly smiling. "I assume you came to see if anything new has occurred."

At that Hiei turned slightly to face the fox.

Sighing Kurama ran his fingers through his red hair. "Well it seems that everything is going smoothly. Koenma has nothing of importance that he can't handle himself." He knew that's all the fire demon wanted to hear but he continued. "Yusuke and Keiko stopped by a week ago…"

Giving a sideways glance, Hiei looked at the fox demon. "Is that so?" Maybe the spirit detective had some news to break his boredom.

"Yes," Kurama said as the whistle for the kettle blew on the stove. He walked off to the kitchen and turned the burner off causing the whistle to die down.

Waiting for the fox to return Hiei glanced around in mild amusement. The fox had quite a collection of books around his living room. The books were all filed on bookshelves that were kept clean of dust. Then something caught his eye. On top of these bookshelves were small frames with pictures in them.

The phone rang.

In one frame there was a picture of the fox's human family. Hiei just stood there staring at it. The picture made him sick. How could these humans get to the fox? A once and powerful demon tamed by such weak creatures. He then glanced at the picture in the next frame. It was the picture that he had reluctantly taken with everyone after they had won the Dark Tournament. He studied everyone's faces. Everyone seemed happy even himself, though he would never admit it.

Had he gone soft like the fox? It was true that he had come to befriend the spirit detective and the others. But, that is out of respect… he told himself. They were all great fighters; even that oaf had his purpose. These weren't average humans so he allowed himself to become slightly attached. His eyes then glanced to Yusuke and the human Keiko. Yusuke's arm was around her and they both smiled. He didn't know much about human affection and he didn't want to.

Pushing the thought from his mind he studied the last picture on the bookcase. In fact it wasn't even a picture. It was a small pressed flower. He couldn't think of the name of the flower, it wasn't his area of expertise. It was the fox's. The flower was a bluish purple in color having large heart shaped like petals. In the corner of the paper the flower was pressed to, there was a small sketch of a balloon.

"Kiyoko gave that to me," came the fox's voice from behind him. He had been too deep in thought that he had not noticed the fox had entered the room?

Holding out a mug Kurama offered Hiei a cup of tea. He looked from the cup to the fox's face. Taking the hint Kurama place the mug on a coaster on the coffee table.

"Why would I care who gave it to you? Now what is this news Kurama? I don't have all day." He was slightly agitated that the red head had caught him looking at the pictures.

Still in his work clothes Kurama sat on the couch. Sighing, the fox leaned forward placing his elbows on his knees. He took a sip of his tea.

He felt restless. He could tell by the delay that it was something Kurama didn't want to tell him. He clenched his jaw trying to stay calm.

"So? Are you going to tell me fox?" he asked a little irritated that the fox hesitated.

"Well, it's not bad news. It's quite the opposite actually. You see Yusuke and Keiko are having a child," Kurama said studying the fire demon.

There was a long pause. "Well it's about damn time," Hiei stated not to amused with the news. It meant there would be another human that he had to accept. He honestly didn't know how to react. Yusuke was after all a friend and Keiko; well she was just another common human. He didn't despise her like he did most humans but he didn't form a friendship with her either. He supposed he was glad for the spirit detective, but he couldn't manage to show it.

"Is that all?" he asked hiding his face from the fox by retreating back to the window. He felt the fox trying to search his mind but he just blocked his access.

Sighing Kurama said "I suppose." There was another long pause. "You're not upset are you?" the fox asked trying to gage the feelings of his friend.

"What do I care what the detective does. This doesn't affect me so it's not my concern. "With that he slid the window open. Hopping up on the ledge he jumped from the second story window. As soon as he hit the pavement he sprinted away, leaving the fox alone in his apartment.

The night was slightly humid as he ran towards the park. His mind has blank as he ran to the tree that he stayed in every night since he came to this place. He could see the tree approaching rapidly as he drew nearer.

Why should I care if the detective has a child?

With a flash he jumped up into the tree and landed on a thick branch. Immediately he settled down against the trunk leaning his katana against his chest. He raised one leg to remain balanced as he continued to think.

His mind stirred as he tried to tell himself he didn't care that everyone was moving on with their lives, but for some reason he did care. Try as hard as he could he couldn't find a reason as to why he did in fact care.

Letting out a frustrated sigh he stared up through the canopy of the tree. The moon was full tonight. As it sat high in the blue black sky it remained him of a white balloon. He wanted to pop that damned balloon…

Author's Note: So there you have it. Please give me feedback! I welcome all kinds but don't be really mean about it! I'm currently working on the second chapter so please feed my brain with your comments. I also love getting PMs.