A/N: tumblr anon prompt: "So tell me...which do you prefer?" KuraHi or YokoHiei
Provoked
They'd been out on reconnaissance when the rain started. Hiei hated the rain, and made it known, though it was Kurama who tugged him under the protection of a shop's awning, only a moment before it turned into a downpour.
"Just because I hate it doesn't mean I'm incapable of doing the work in it," Hiei muttered.
Kurama lifted an eyebrow. "I'm aware."
"Then why don't we just get this over with?"
"Just because we can doesn't mean we have to. I would prefer to avoid being drenched, wouldn't you?" It was said mildly, but Hiei knew better than to push the matter.
He huffed a sigh and crossed his arms, leaning casually against the glass of the storefront. Despite himself, his eyes wandered to examine his companion. Kurama was staring out, watching the progress of the storm.
The moisture in the air had made Kurama's hair into an unruly mess. It wasn't the kind of thing Hiei would've expected himself to notice, but he did. It curled aggressively where he'd tucked it behind an ear, tiny curly-cues evident at his nape, and a few damp strands sticking to his forehead and cheeks. It reminded him of sweat-slick skin, and the thought made Hiei turn his head.
But Kurama had noticed. He always did, and there was a glint in those green eyes, catching Hiei's a moment before. Hiei waited for it, the teasing barb or loaded question that was inevitable when he was with Kurama.
Hiei didn't like it, that Kurama knew him so well. It was a weakness, would be a problem if it ever came to having to oppose Kurama, truly. Not that he had any intention of doing so, but Hiei had never let himself rely on anything. Or anyone.
Though, he supposed it would be fair, since he'd learned to read Kurama, too. Still, it was clear to Hiei that there were depths to Kurama that Hiei hadn't even begun to understand, and that made him uneasy.
"What is it, Hiei?" It was a demand, more than a question, Kurama's voice as even as ever.
He knew Kurama would provoke him to an answer, and still he ignored it.
"If you won't tell me what's on your mind, then permit me to say what's on mine." Kurama had tilted his head, giving Hiei a considering look.
Hiei leveled a glare at him. "You'd do it anyway, so why bother asking my permission."
"Hm, true enough. So tell me, then…which do you prefer?" There was that mischievous spark in his eyes again, his voice low and conspiratorial.
"That's hardly a question. What are you even talking about?"
A small smile. "You really know nothing about timing one's language properly; you didn't allow me to finish."
Hiei grit his teeth. "Then spit it out!"
Kurama's smile widened. "Coffee, or tea?"
Hiei stared. "Are you mad?"
"Of course not. It's just looks much more comfortable in this cafe," Kurama gestured at the entrance to the shop they'd stopped in front of, "than out here."
"You were going to say something else, weren't you!" Hiei clenched his fists in irritation.
Kurama chuckled. "You think so?"
Hiei glared in answer.
"You're really too easy. So what do you say?" Kurama stepped towards Hiei, closer to the door to the cafe.
After a moment, Hiei bit out, "Fine," and jerked the door open before Kurama could.
