What is…Human Kindness?
Love: (noun); a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person; a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
Compassion: (noun); a feeling of deep sympathy and/or sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
Love and compassion. Two human traits that would make the hardest demons wretch. For Hiei and young Kurama, they're traits that would bring them together.
"Well, that takes care of that," Kurama claims after dropping Maya off at her home. He peeks over to see Hiei still staring at him as if Kurama is a test subject. "Something wrong, Hiei?"
"I've heard of you. You wouldn't happen to be the same Yoko Kurama the legendary spirit fox of Demon World, would you?"
Kurama hangs his head down, "And here I thought I hid myself well. First the Hedoki and now you," he makes his way home with Hiei trailing him, "So, what do you want with me?"
"Answers."
"Well that's specific."
Hiei steps in front of him, "You could've taken over all of Demon World, become the greatest thief of them all. And yet, you're here? Why?"
Kurama takes a good look at Hiei noticing his fatigued stance, "You're tired. I'll take you back home for some rest."
"I don't need to rest. I need to find-"
"-Yukina, yes you said that in your dream. Who is she again?" That silenced Hiei. Kurama moves on, "My offer still stands." Hiei follows shortly.
With his mom out on a date, Kurama gets the house to himself. Upon entering, he extends his welcome to his guest. Hiei removes his shoes inside the house before Kurama can finish his invitation. "He's swift," Kurama thinks to himself.
Hiei stands in the hallway completely dismissive, "What?"
"Nothing," Kurama takes off his shoes, "Would you like something to eat? My mother made some beef stew."
"I'm no charity case."
Kurama laughs, "I'll make you a bowl anyway."
As Kurama prepares a bowl for himself and his visitant, Hiei observes him, "You haven't answered my question."
"I can't leave this world just yet."
"Meaning?"
"I escaped to this world to avoid capture by the SDF, merging with a human embryo. This body is my safe haven until I'm strong enough to return."
"In the meantime, you've toyed with humans and their emotions?"
"Not necessarily. I've come to learn about them." Once the stew is properly heated, Kurama serves the two bowls and hands one to Hiei, "Eat up. You'll need your strength." Hiei does. During the meal, both Hiei and Kurama share their times in Demon World, eventually discussing Hiei's relationship with Yukina and Kurama's relationship with his mother. Kurama is touched by Hiei's story while Hiei is confused about Kurama's.
Later that night, Kurama offers Hiei the opportunity for him to clean up in the bathroom while he does laundry. As he sits in the tub, Hiei ponders Kurama's reasoning, "He cares for his mother? The most coldhearted demon in history actually cares for a human? Why?"
There's a knock on the door from Kurama, "Hiei, are you alright? I have some spare clothing you can use for tonight."
"Go away," Hiei demands. It's fortunate for the door to be closed for it hides Hiei's slight blush. "Why the hell am I feeling this way? What the hell…is this feeling?"
Upon entering Kurama's room, a fully dressed Hiei notices the young demon lying on the floor in an extra futon. "If you're wondering, you can use my bed again for tonight. Seeing as how you were so comfortable in it last time," Kurama offers.
"I told you I'm not a charity case."
"I know. I'm being nice. It's something humans do a lot around here." Kurama gets comfortable, "Pleasant dreams, Hiei."
Hiei gets into bed, "Good night." After a few minutes, a seemingly tireless Hiei gets interrogative, "Kurama, why are you like this?"
"Like what?"
"Compassionate. I never knew you were capable for being this way."
"Spending years in the human world would do that to you. I honestly don't understand it myself but, seeing how that woman, my…mother, is with me, I do understand. Humans need someone to care for. It gives them a sense of purpose, a sense that they individually matter. That's what love does. Being able to use that trait to uplift the spirits of another, that's what compassion is. You have the need to find your sister because you love her. I love my mother because she matters to me just as I do to her. At least, I think she matters to me. I haven't figured that out yet. Anyway, I'm showing you my compassionate side because I want you to reunite with your sister. From what I've learned, familial love is one of the strongest characteristics humans have. I hope you return the favor for my kindness someday." Kurama goes to sleep.
Hiei watches Kurama slumber for a couple of moments replaying Kurama's words inside his head. "Love, compassion. Huh, I guess," he too falls asleep.
The next morning, Hiei (in his original clothing) attempts to slip out of the house without anyone noticing. Securing his sword, he is surprised by Kurama. "Leaving so soon, Hiei," he asks in a honeyed tone.
"I don't belong here."
"Then where will you go? Out to find your sister?"
"You already know." Hiei heads for the window.
"When you find your sister, you should tell her you love her."
"…Nonsense. You have a better shot of saying that to your human mother." A couple of quick jumps and Hiei is gone.
Staring out of the window, Kurama agrees, "Maybe I do."
I participated in the YYHFanfiction on Tumblr's Secret Cupid this year and my recipient requested a one-shot with Hiei and Kurama. As much as I read yaoi, I just can't bring myself to writing it so I made this as fluffy and friendly as possible, taking inspiration from the "Two Shots" chapter of the manga. I hope both the recipient as well as you, the reader, like it as this was another challenge for me.
Happy Valentine's Day!
