Kurama listened to the teacher drone on and on about the history of North America. He sighed as the teacher wrote something on the board. He copied it down in his notebook, then wove his fingers annoyingly through his sticky hair. The air was humid and hot, and the school had no air-conditioning. He scowled at a girl who was staring at him across the room. He was not in a very good mood. He really didn't know why. Part of it may be because of Genkai's urgent call to the four boys to meet at her temple at four. That meant no extra after-school studying, and no precious moments with his human mother.

Finally the bell chimed and Kurama literally leaped from his seat. He rushed out of the hot building, only to be greeted by more sticky air. He growled deep in his throat. Why did Genkai have to call them to her today? Of all days she had to pick the most humid. The only thing he wanted to do was sit in his air-conditioned room, with Hiei's familiar and soothing energy entering his senses while he studied. Speaking of Hiei, Kurama was slightly nervous, yet excited at the same time. He hadn't actually seen or talked to his close demon friend for a while now, and he wanted to ask him why he was always outside his window, but he wasn't sure he'd have the courage to.

Hiei on the other hand simply decided not to say anything to the fox, though it would hurt him to do so. All he wanted was to be in the fox's company. Just to talk with him like it had been before. He didn't really know when all of these mixed feelings started, but as usual, they annoyed him.
Kurama started for Genkai's temple. He had no time to stop at home and drop off his things. Why couldn't she have made it around five or six?

Only a few days has Kurama sensed Hiei's energy as he was walking home from school. This was one of those days. He felt the energy quickly move from one branch to another, then stop and wait for him to catch up. As usual, the other demon's energy soothed him, and he slowly drifted out of his sour mood. As he approached the stairs that led to Genkai's temple, Hiei flitted quickly up them. Kurama scowled. Stupid demon. Has to show off his speed when it would come in need the most, he thought as he started up the stairs.

A normal human would tire quickly, walking up the many steps, but it didn't Kurama. He was well fit enough to run up and down them several times, but chose not to - for obvious reasons.

Hiei entered the temple just a few minutes before the fox. He sat at his usual spot: the window sill facing the trees behind. The cool glass felt good on his side as he leaned against it, one knee up, his opposite arm resting on it, the other leg hanging towards the ground. Because of his height, his toe barely came to touch the floor. He looked up when Kurama entered.

"Kurama! Good to see you!" Yusuke greeted, walking up and giving the fox a well-powered slap on the back, causing the boy to stumble forward a step.

"Yes, it has been a while Yusuke, Kuwabara, Botan," the polite fox nodded to each as he said their name. "Yukina, Genkai - to whom he bowed slightly - and you Hiei." His emerald eyes met with piercing ruby, and turned away. He wished he would someday be able to look into those eyes and see nothing but love, not the confused look he had just seen.

"Hey Urameshi! I thought you said the little twerp was supposed to be here!" Kuwabara complained, placing his fists on his hips, but quickly turned his attention to the petite girl at his side. "Don't worry baby, we won't have to wait much longer, I know it can be impatient."

Hiei and Kurama both rolled their eyes, as did Genkai. Yusuke just laughed.

"Damn fox you're awfully quiet this afternoon.." Yusuke started, walking over to the fox. "You okay?"

"Mmm... I'm fine."

Hiei knew better then to believe the fox's words. He knew him much better then that, and he knew when he was lying. Hiei frowned. What was bothering the fox so much? He had been pretty quiet, and Hiei was annoyed at himself that he didn't notice it before the stupid spirit detective.

Yusuke shrugged. "If you say so."

Kurama smiled one of those smiles that covered up anything he was trying to hide. It worked for everyone - except Hiei, who saw right through it.

Koenma arrived a few minutes later. He greeted everyone, then told them that this was simply a warning.

"You called us all the way out here to warn us about some weak demons that are after us?" Kuwabara complained. "Give me a break! We would sense them sooner or later!"

Kurama spoke up. "True Kuwabara, but I believe it was smart of Koenma to warn us. They may attack when we are asleep, and normally we keep our guard down. Just raise your energy when you sleep. That will tell them not to come near or you will attack. Either that or they may attack when you are in a vulnerable situation. Anything is possible Kuwabara."

Yusuke smiled. He didn't know why he had been worried about the fox. He seemed his usual self.

Hiei frowned. He didn't have time to worry about lower-class demons. He had more important stuff on his mind, and if he was thinking about the boy standing in front of him, those demons would be able to kill him without him even putting up a fight.

Kurama made sure it looked like he was paying close attention to what was being said. Truthfully, he was paying attention to the demon at the window. Was it just him, or was Hiei constantly looking in his direction? He didn't know, but he wanted to. Did the demon truly see him as more then just a friend? Did this long silence between them upset him as much as it did himself?
Hiei escaped the temple as soon as possible. He needed some alone time to think. Something still just seemed unsettling to him, and it bothered him.