Passing Acquaintances

Notes: Hiei/Kurama. The genre within itself. I actually did research to try to figure out what to rate this fic. Unfortunately, I didn't find any precedent (if you can believe that). This chapter contains absolutely nothing to merit an R rating. It's more like G. So far, it doesn't even qualify as shounen ai. However, it will become apparent in the next chapter why I rated this fic R, though I deeply suspect it might be better rated as PG-13. It'll qualify as citrus, but will definitely not be explicit. I may even change the rating, but for now, I'm playing it safe. This is my first (published) fic that actually isn't a oneshot. So be nice. ^_~

Disclaimer: None of the characters mentioned within (except for Mr. Mystery Demon) belong to me.

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The summer night was hot, and the heavy air promised rain. The roses on Kurama's balcony drooped on their stems from the intense humidity, beads of moisture forming on their petals. Kurama had barely even closed his eyes to go to sleep when a dark and agitated ki flared outside the bedroom window of his apartment. The impending storm filled the air with an almost electric tension, and the appearance of Hiei did nothing to calm the feeling nagging him that something was happening.

The locks on his apartment windows were the kind that could easily be jimmied from the outside, and though he'd never admit it, it was one of the reasons he'd chosen the apartment. He knew no ningen thief would consider his apartment worth breaking into, and even if they did, it was three stories up. His (numerous) enemies in the Makai were still blissfully under the impression that he was long dead. Wouldn't they be in for a shock when he returned . . . but for the time being, he was happy to live out his ningen existence in an apartment a few blocks from Shiori's house. One that his ever-reluctant friend could easily break into, if need be, or the fancy struck.

Apparently this visit was not a casual one. Hiei was inside before he could even so much as sit up, anger as black as the fires of the Makai burning hot in his eyes. He was so angry, in fact, that at first he was speechless.

"What's wrong?" Kurama asked immediately, struggling to sit up in bed.

The fire demon stalked confrontationally to the foot of his bed, but Kurama wasn't too concerned yet. If Hiei had a real reason to kill him, he wouldn't be wasting his time hovering menacingly. "Yukina," he growled finally, his voice rough.

Had he finally told her of their kinship? If so, why was he so angry? His twin was a touchy subject for the half-koorime, but Kurama couldn't imagine what could have gone wrong . . . . "Hiei . . . what happened?"

"I took your stupid advice, is what happened." There was a brief flash in his eyes and he gave the footboard a swift, powerful kick, splintering the wood. "Dammit!"

Kurama winced inwardly, but ignored the property damage. "You told her, then. And then what?"

"I ran," he spat. "Just like a goddamn coward, I ran . . . and she followed me. Didn't I tell you, Kurama?" His eyes burned with accusation. "I told her, and she was hurt because of it. She followed me into the Makai, and she was attacked. She may die." There was a nearly undetectable catch in his voice. "Because of me."

The kitsune was aware of the implied, help, Kurama. I don't know what to do'. It fairly hung over their heads, though unspoken. The fire demon had tried twist his visit into an accusation. Inari knew Kurama wasn't one to push (overtly), but he had hinted that it would be better for both of the twins if Yukina knew where they stood. Whatever the case, Kurama knew Hiei didn't want an apology . . . nor did he want him say it wasn't the fire demon's fault. Oddly enough, the kitsune wasn't sure what the jaganshi did want him to do . . . much of Hiei's behavior was still a mystery to him. He would disappear for weeks, and then suddenly come and visit him every day, sometimes craving the small talk he professed to hate, and sometimes just sitting there, soaking up his surroundings. Kurama had long suspected that he simply (though secretly) wanted the reassurance of their relationship . . . though neither of them were yet willing to establish exactly how they stood with each other.

Sensing Hiei's anger subsiding, Kurama decided to take action. "Where is she?" he asked, getting out of bed and searching for some clothes.

"I brought her to Genkai's temple."

Something in the weary note of Hiei's voice made Kurama stop and look at him directly. "Hiei . . . are you alright?"

Hiei looked up at him, his ruby eyes sightly confused, whether at the red-head's concern, or something else. "Kurama . . ."

For a brief second, his eyes were completely lucid, and Kurama could almost see past his facade. Of course, a split second later, the window that had been briefly opened by his concern slammed shut. The half-koorime turned and left, not even glancing back once to see if Kurama was following. Whether he was taking it for granted that he was, the redhead couldn't say. What bothered him was the sudden thought that Hiei would probably be right to take it for granted.

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Word traveled fast among the Reikai Tantei, and Kurama wasn't surprised that both Yusuke and Kuwabara were there when they arrived. Genkai was fretting over the pale little koorime girl as the two watched on, trying to keep out of the way. Hiei immediately positioned himself in a dark corner as far away from the others as physically possible while still being in the room.

"How is she?" Kurama asked softly, thus announcing their presence.

"Dying," Genkai said bluntly, giving the new arrivals a sidelong look. She sighed. "She's lost so much youki . . . I don't know if I can save her."

Kurama was surprised to see that Kuwabara looked almost as protective as Hiei, and quite nearly as grieved. Just not as guilty. And that guilt was what Kurama was afraid of. Glancing surreptitiously at the fire demon in the corner, he saw that Hiei's red eyes were fixed unwaveringly on his twin sister's pale face.

"Do we know who's responsible?" Yusuke asked softly.

Genkai's gaze flickered a moment to Hiei, a gesture that Kurama didn't miss. He wondered if the fire demon had told her what happened. "A low-class demon looking for a pretty snack, I'd assume," she said, narrowing her eyes in concentration. "But noone saw it happen."

"Why was she in the Makai in the first place?" Kuwabara started, sounding angry.

"Does it matter?" Kurama said. "She's been hurt, and nothing can change that."

"Hell, yeah it matters! I want to know who the bastard is, so I can personally go and kick his ass."

"What is that going to accomplish," Kurama argued, "but foolishly endangering yourself? You can't just rush off by yourself without plan or direction."

"Uh, Kurama . . ." Yusuke, who had been quiet until now, suddenly cut in. "You might want to tell Hiei that."

He turned toward the corner that the fire demon had occupied mere seconds earlier, and then toward the now-open window, curtains fluttering in the wind.

Hiei was gone. And it had just begun to rain.

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. . . eh . . . this fic is actually almost done, but I'm posting it in increments because it helps with the editing. That and I want reviews (naturally). It will probably end up three chapters in length, four if I include an epilogue. Just if you were curious. ^_^