AN: Recently I've been getting back into fanfic in particular some of the pairings that sparked my interest in the first place. After going through some old files of stories I started I figured I might as well post one or two of the mostly done ones. This was the most complete but it's a little rough so please forgive any errors or ambiguity of plot. I had planned it as a three shot but I guess I'll see what it terns into after I pull together the already written bits of the next two chapters. Hope you enjoy.

Bet Please

The dimly lit bar was noisy and crowed, two things he hated. How he had let the fox talk him into this little outing was beyond him. As if aware of his train of thought Kurama moved from the nearby table to stand next him. "Why don't you join us Hiei. There is no need to sulk against the wall when you could be spending time with friends."

Snorting in reaction to the idea that he would sulk, Hiei's eyes moved to look at his former teammate. "I do not sulk." Once again directing his gaze at the table of rowdy comrades Hiei sneered in disgust. "I simply have no need to participate in that."

Following his friend's gaze Kurama allowed the amusement to show in his features. "They are only having a bit of fun Hiei. It would do you good to find some of the same." With that he pushed off the wall and headed back to rejoin his other friends all the while feeling the little fire demons eyes on him as he moved.

Once Kurama had reseated himself at the table Hiei once again surveyed the bar. It was poorly maintained with small round tables crowed near each other around its perimeter. The obvious focus in the room was the large protruding double sided bar manned by a few scantily clad females. The rowdy women being the obvious draw to the establishment with their suggestive clothing and occasional bar top dancing. He had to at least give them a little credit for the way they manhandled any patron who got to close, as this wasn't the type of place where anything but drinks were for sale. Hiei could only assume that the possibility of violence from the bartenders only added to both the bar and bartenders appeal. Redirecting his attention back to his friends he once again had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. Yusuke and Chu were currently trying to out drink the other with both Jin and Riku acting as there respective cheerleaders. Shishiwakimaru was attempting to charm a pair of wolf demonesses a bit closer to the bar while Toyu and Kurama were seemingly debating the likelihood of his success.

Just as Hiei had about had it with this whole excursion and was about to make an unannounced exit, a fox demon moved to lean against the wall next to him. Instead of addressing him as would be expected the demon simply looked off into the bar teal eyes scanning over the crowd not even acknowledging Hiei's presence. After a few moments of waiting to see what the fox would do Hiei grew agitated with the silence. Gritting his teeth as he bit out the words intended to get the demon to leave Hiei wished he had not been forced to check his sword at the door. "I suggest you go enjoy the view from some other wall." The reaction he got doing nothing to calm his now very agitated nerves.

The fox demon gave Hiei a sideways glance and frowned a little before responding to Hiei's subtle threat. "Not very sociable are you?"

At this Hiei fisted his hands tightly trying to determine if there would be any down side to violating the bars no fighting policy. Before he could make a rather menacing threat to the fox's life the unfamiliar demon shifted his gaze to the table his friends were seated at and continued his unwelcome intrusion. "Those must be your friends. Interesting bunch. I've seen them in a here a few times before. Not you though. This your first visit?"

Hiei was a little taken aback. Was this demon really trying to make small talk? With him? Regardless he was not interested in the demons company if he had wanted to engage in conversation he would have joined Kurama and the others at the table. "I'm not interested in making new friends if that's what your pointless chatter is meant to do. Why don't you go bug some other unfortunate bastard?"

To Hiei's surprise instead of leaving him in peace the fox demon burst into quiet laughter. "You are an interesting guy I'll give you that. As for bugging someone else I'm afraid you are the only one in my bar who doesn't seem to be having fun, making you the only patron I need to worry about."

That statement had gotten Hiei's attention. "You are the owner of this establishment?"

The fox looked at him directly this time in an almost patronizing way. "I believe that is what I just said. Not very bright either I see?"

Hiei glared. Did he really just insult him? "Seems your hospitality leaves much to be desired if all you can offer is disparaging comments barely disguised as observations." His friends completely forgotten, the unfamiliar fox now had his full attention.

Surprisingly the bar owner seem completely unfazed by the murderous look he was receiving from the short fire apparition. He simply looked at Hiei with a falsely concerned expression on his face. "Hmm. Seems you are correct on that. Guess I'm going to have to come up with something different if the drinks and the girls don't do it for you." He began rubbing his chin, as he seemed to consider the situation. Hiei only continued to glare not as all amused by the owners antics.

Just as Hiei was about to tell the fox the get the hell out of his face the owner snapped his fingers and once again directed his full attention to Hiei. "I know. I have just the thing for a personality of your type. A challenge!"

Hiei scoffed unable to hold back his reaction to such a ridiculous idea. "You can't be serious? You? Challenge me? What makes you think you or anything you come up with could possible interest me?" Glaring once again "You would be better off removing yourself from my presence."

At this the owner pushed of the wall he was leaning against and began to turn away seemly acquiescing to Hiei's request. "Sure. Sure. I get it. Not every demon is up for a challenge. My mistake." At that he began walking away heading toward the opposite side of the bar.

Hiei twitched. Did he just? That bastard. Gritting his teeth willing himself not to take the bait with no success. Hiei moved to follow easily spotting the auburn ponytail of the fox demon as it disappeared down a back hallway. Once he caught up, the fox looked at him with knowing eyes. "So you are interested? In that case follow me."

The fox turned and continued down the hall into a mostly empty back room. There was little of any interest in the room with the exception of a small display pedestal centered along the furthest wall. An old sword rested on top. The fox turned to look at him. "Would you care to make a wager?"

Hiei eyed the fox suspiciously. He had been around Kurama long enough to know that this fox was up to something. Foxes are after all a deceptive breed. "I think not."

Deciding this had been a bad idea he turned and headed for the door. The words said by the other occupant of the room stopping him. "Not confident you would win?"

Once again turning to glare at the owner Hiei responded. "As if I would loose."

The foxed smirked knowing he had him. "Really? In that case I'll bet I can see to it that you are defeated by a sword."