Author's Note: KyoHana - Thank you for your kind review! I have some more ideas lined up for this and will write more when I can. Hope you enjoy this one as much as you did the last. :D
"What's an onsen?" Hiei pointed at the travel pamphlet on Kurama's desk.
Turning from his homework to face the compact demon on his window sill, Kurama explained, "An onsen is a natural spring with water that has been geothermally heated. It's a common practice for ningens in this country to soak in the springs for relaxation. Especially since they —"
"You going to one?" Hiei was not interested in Kurama's long-winded explanations, and wasn't about to let him launch into one.
"I'm afraid not," Kurama frowned. "Between work for the Spirit World and keeping up a human facade, I can't possibly take the time off to go all the way North to Hokkaido to soak in an onsen, as much as I'd love to. The outdoor hot springs there are espec—" Before Kurama could go on, Hiei had already disappeared out the window.
The next day, Hiei reappeared as Kurama was walking home from school.
"Come with me, fox."
Curious, Kurama allowed himself to be led into a wooded area that sheltered a pond.
"You can have your onsen now." Hiei crouched down and dipped a single finger into the pond before blasting his ki into the chilly water. In an instant, the entire pond was simmering. With a hint of pride in his face, Hiei turned his head to address Kurama, "See fox? No need to go North."
Kurama knelt to pick up a dead fish from the water's edge. He didn't have the heart to break it to Hiei, but there was no way the finicky fox would ever bathe in boiled fish soup.