"What are you going to do with that? I told you, you can't eat three plates!"
Kuwabara shot Yusuke an annoyed look. "Just because you aren't hungry, doesn't mean everyone else isn't." He glanced at the to-go box. "Hiei didn't eat."
"Shortie probably got something to eat while we were out. He spends every night at Kurama's anyway." Yusuke shrugged nonchalantly.
Kuwabara nearly tripped in surprise. Or from being a klutz. "Every…night…" He scratched the back of his head in thought. Surely, it was nothing. Just Hiei sleeping. He and Kurama…no, that wouldn't work so well.
"See ya, Kuwabara!" Yusuke was already across the street and headed towards his own place when Kuwabara snapped his head up.
With a small wave he knew the detective didn't see, Kuwabara turned towards Kurama's house. He could see most of the lights were on and, as he shoved the door open, he heard a faint noise.
"Hiei?" He called, making his way to the kitchen.
"Hnh?" Hiei padded into the kitchen, three remotes in his hand.
"I brought you food." Kuwabara set the take out box on the table.
Hiei looked at the food, the remotes, and the general area of the television.
"Wanna eat in the living room?" Kuwabara offered.
Hiei nodded, then shot him an angry look. "I'm not a little kid. I can take care of myself."
Kuwabara smiled. "I know, Hiei. Friends sometimes bring their friends food. It's just manners."
"Hnh," Hiei didn't bother arguing the point, but grabbed the proffered food and remotes and walked back to the living room.
Kuwabara grabbed two glasses and poured them drinks before following Hiei to the living room. He paused in the door frame, fighting back laughter. "Are you.. Watching static?"
Hiei glared at him and shot a pointed look at the three remotes.
Kuwabara set the glasses down on the coffee table and sat on the opposite side of the couch as Hiei. "Do you want to watch anything in particular?"
Hiei watched Kuwabara press a few buttons, and, with a little flash, the static changed to a clear picture. His eyes were glued to the screen as Kuwabara set it to a loud action movie.
Kuwabara set the remote within Hiei's reach, making it clear he didn't have to leave it at that show. He stood, silently leaving the room and appearing a moment later with a book. He settled back onto the couch, stealthily glancing at Hiei before turning his attention to the book.
Hiei curled his legs under him, resting his head on the couch arm. He wasn't fond of the shooting and yelling going on in the show, but he didn't bother changing it. If it was what Kuwabara liked, he'd put up with it. He had to make an effort to get along, or this week would be painful.
The hours drifted past, the sun setting and the night darkening.
"Bed time," Kuwabara announced suddenly, snapping the book shut.
Hiei stared at him expectantly.
"The time at which you go to bed…" Kuwabara explained uncertainly.
"I know what bed time means, Oaf. Where, exactly, do you plan to sleep? Kurama has one bed."
Kuwabara opened his mouth to snap back, but the phone ringing cut him off.
"Hello." He glanced over at Hiei, who was studying the remotes. "Oh, Kurama… Yes, everything is wonderful here… And there?" He turned his attention to the phone. "Oh, no… Yes, we were actually just discussing that… Uh, the same bed? ... Uh-huh…. I could- …Of course not…. I see... And you think he won't kill me? … Right." Kuwabara turned back to Hiei. "Kurama's on the phone for you."
"Fox,"
"Hiei. You'll be sleeping in my bed."
"I had intended to."
"With Kuwabara."
"What?" Hiei shot a glare at the human.
"Hiei, I've set this all up for you. Just…Be nice."
Hiei sighed softly, a frown on his face. "This won't work, Fox."
"You have seven days, Hiei. Just try." Kurama replied softly. Background noise filtered in. "I've got to go, Hiei. Don't be difficult and he'll fall for you."
"Hnh," Hiei let the phone fall back onto the cradle with a click.
"So, uh," Kuwabara rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, a light blush covered his face. "Guess he gave you the same suggestion?"
"Hnh,"
"I could sleep on the couch, if you'd prefer." Kuwabara offered, waving his arms in a vague gesture towards the couch.
"And disappoint the fox?" Hiei made a tsk-ing sound as he padded off towards the bedroom.
Kuwabara hesitated. Hiei didn't seem angry, or disgusted. Maybe… No, that was too much to ask for. Hiei simply wanted to make Kurama happy. He sighed to himself and headed down the hall after Hiei.
The fire demon was already in bed, rolled on his side facing the window. Kuwabara blushed as he noticed the bare shoulder. Shoving any thoughts of just how much Hiei wasn't wearing from his mind, he tugged off his pants and shirt and slid under the blankets.
Hiei was careful not to move. He was suddenly aware of how close they were, under the same covers, wearing nothing but their boxers. He knew he could overpower the human, take what he wanted from him. Maybe that would get rid of these pointless feelings. Kuwabara's steady breathing told him that the oaf wouldn't even put up a fight. Surprise…
But Kurama's words replayed in his head as he forced himself to relax. The Fox thought it was possible, and he was often the intelligence behind their successful missions. Perhaps there was still room for hope.