Winter's Halo

Bargains and Learned Secrets

Certain expressions of awe were ones Hiei were accustomed too, especially when a person first notices his lesser size. But for the second time in a matter of days he was being eyed with the same heated glare of undetermined want he'd seen in the Chimera's eyes before. And dare he say, both expressed desires proved…unsettling.

"The night isn't young you know." Hiei suddenly spoke, breaking the goat demon's stare. "Either fetch the Youko or I'll go down myself."

Yomi lifted his eyebrow, a calm smirk spreading. This one has a sharp tongue. Interesting combination with that element he possessed. Such an interesting display of rouge handsomeness collected inside this hot little chili pepper. "Hmph," he snorted eyeing the smaller one with a look of interest. Long hair naturally defying all forms of logic on his head, as black the night's sky. The shape of that black robe could easily be disguising a body worthy of being caressed under Yomi's fingers. And what was possibly the most captivating of this creature were those ominous glowing eyes, shimmering a haunting crimson in the black darkness.

Before he could comment on his mental rant, the backdoor clung heavily to the side as something landed hard and bounced off in the form of Kuronue to block Yomi's tantalizing view of the little Koorime.

"Heyyy Pige," Purred Kuronue, bending down cheekily to the shorter demon. "I missed you, did you miss me?"

"Pige?" Yomi mumbled curiously, looking between the two. Is that the little sprite's name? Quite odd. It wasn't something he'd picture for the little guy's spunk.

"Quite a deaf one aren't you," Hiei grumbled walking around the Chimera fool. "I told you before to cease calling me that ridiculous name." That being his last statement as he hopped down the shaft knowing he'd have to be the one to get the Youko himself.

"Aw come on Pige," Kuronue dived in after him all smiles.

Now left alone, Yomi blinked, scratching his head and shrugged, obviously he'd missed something along the lines of Pige and Kuronue, but he was intrigued to find out more about this so called Pige and quickly followed suit.

Hiei landed on the rough surface below, and took off down the winding decline. The lights of pale glowing weeds clung against the strings of vines lined down the tunnel, acting as Hiei's guide toward the ending where he knew the Youko would be. Soon, directly above he caught sight of several dark feathers by his cheek and took off faster. He could hear the raven's raspy laughter vibrate inside his chest, as if he were directly behind him. But one glance over the shoulder told Hiei differently. There was no sign of him, meaning he'd left the fool in the dust—or so he thought.

Up ahead was the smug faced Kuronue, arms folded leading against the entrance. "I win Pige."

Hiei came to a dirt cloud halt, purposely kicking up enough dust to choke the idiot and shoved him out of the way as he walked into the meeting chamber. Kuronue rolled on the ground holding his throat to spit out all particles of dirt and rocks, lunged in his throat. While rolling around he accidentally stumbled to the back of Hiei's legs and his face ended up looking up the undercoat of the black robe. A soft blush painted the Chimera's cheeks before a foot clad boot erased it.

The Youko Hiei'd been searching for looked in his direction and smirk before glancing down at his maps. "I've made my decision," he heard the Koorime say.

"And that would be?"

Hiei stiffened at the lack of consideration, "I won't speak in front of every pair of ears in here. The decision is one best spoken in private."

Yoko carefully scanned over a previous map sketch, drawing out more routes from one dot to the next, "If it turns out you want to join there's no sense in being private. The matter would be brought up eventually before my men," This time his hazel eyes rose to meet the scowling glare, "So whatever you need to say, speak now."

". . .No." The crowd of discussing male voices simultaneously died away the instant the confident word of negativity came. No one moved or even considered the possibility of breathing as viewers darted one eye to their leader and to the other who dared to say 'No' to Youko Kurama.

A peculiarly tense silence leveled over the underground counsel. One sizzling glare of unwavering cerise eyes stayed glued to the naturally amused honey gold. Yoko stood from his bent posture, piercing the fire demon with only the glint of mischief marring the truth behind that smiling mask. Inwardly the rest knew he was displeased with hearing anyone ever tell him No. The word was never said to him unless the speaker clearly had no idea what they were up against.

"No. . . did you say?" The Youko repeated, walking around the lengthy table, a slow step in his predatory stride.

Hiei stood his ground, not bothering to put up any form of defense as the leader came closer and closer still with the same cheshire grin. "Your ears are large enough to hear," He said once the creature stood directly before him, "I doubt I need to repeat myself but since you obviously proved you are incapable of proper understanding I'll say it slowly," Hiei boldly tilted his head back, smiling a lip tilt as thin as Yoko's. "No I won't discuss my decision before your men. If you want my decision we will talk about it in private."

By then Yomi had just made it to the entry to witness a tension filled clash between the little fire demon and his leader. Kuronue lead against the wall frame, grinning from under his hat at the display of bravery. One indigo eye spared the goat demon a quick glanced before twinkling a knowing look. Yomi caught on the secret message and lifted his eyebrow at the unusual Koorime. The only reason this kid would even think of defying Yoko was if he'd never heard of this creature's ruthlessness and damn before this was over there would definitely be some hell.

"Hm," Yoko's smile grew and that was the band's cue to leave. Every single one of them decided to slink around the two blocking their exit and scrambled out the drop door. Within minutes, the entire cell contained only four demons. Two on standby for a brawl and two in a deadlock stare, boldly analyzing the other. "Privacy is now yours."

All sense of tension and daunting elements quickly evaporated the instant those words were spoken. Kuronue stared stunned. Yomi stared, stunned. And even Hiei showed a small glimpse of surprise when his eye twitched. None of them were expecting such a harmless response, but nonetheless, it was one Hiei didn't pass up. "I will accompany you on this one heist but in exchange I want my freedom."

It was Yoko's turn to arch an eyebrow at the young one. The request was one he hadn't exactly expected to come so soon though he knew it would. But it was one he was prepared for, "Your freedom; I assume you want that plus a leeway for the child?"

"Ye—" Hiei averted his eyes for the quickest second. No he couldn't take the boy. Not after what he'd done earlier for Kura—the human. He wasn't one to go back on his word. "No, I shall be the only one to depart."

Yoko caught the crack in tune, knowing where to take it. "Your freedom will be considered after I see your skills."

"That's not my deal."

"No its mines," Yoko folded his arms, "If you truly want to leave here I'll gladly give it to you but if I see that you're more useful then I assume, then I might be forced to keep you here."

Kuronue's ears wiggled excitedly at the fact his little pigeon might be staying longer than expected. That meant more fun and possibly a little more down the long haul. Yomi's subtle attraction, reflected in a brief nod of approval. If the fire sprite were to stay things could prove to be quite interesting in this place. Or he could even put the little guy to good use.

"I fail to see how I benefit in all this," Hiei spat, narrowing his eyes to mere slits of ice.

"In time you'll see that you benefit in more ways than one." Unfolding his long arms, Yoko kneeled down to the Koorime's height a charming grin on his face. "Trust me, over time you'll come to like it here."

"I trust no one." Hiei answered on beat and turned on his heel to end the conversation there.

"Hey Pige wait up!" Kuronue flew off after the escaping fire sprite.

Yomi remained behind shaking his head, "You never cease to amaze me Yoko." He clapped a hand on the young demon's shoulder. "But I don't think even you'll be able to break that one."

"Perhaps, perhaps not." But the look on Yoko's face said differently. And perhaps deep within himself, though he'd never dream of speaking it out loud, he didn't mind proving the Koorime wrong. He'd end up trusting him soon enough. That he could count on.

---

"Hey Pige, wait up!"

Hiei kept flitting across the snowy night grounds, blandly ignoring the flying creature gaining fast on him. As quick as he was, he had to admit the creature was fast. This would be the third time he's managed to keep up with him, though Hiei can say for the tall demon to keep up like this didn't go without consequence. The proof being in the way Kuronue was slowly losing ground and Hiei was gaining.

"Hiei!"

Now that made him stop. Hiei back flipped off a branch and landed on the flurry ground before the panting Chimera, bent at the waist. "Why are you following me? What part of 'leave me alone' don't you understand?"

"Come on Pige, I know you don't mean that," Kuronue panted. Damn he hadn't realized it'd take that much energy just to keep up with the little sprinter. By the time he caught his breathe, Hiei was already walking toward the fortress. "Hey, wait, wait wait!" Kuronue scrambled off to cut off the Koorime.

"What the hell do you want?"

Kuronue blinked, trying to figure out the best way to explain why he stopped him but suddenly couldn't think of anything now that he was face to face with the little cutie. "I. . .umm," He scratched his hat, "Well ya see the thing is—"

"Spit it out!"

"I like you. . .ur" At the hardened scowl, Kuronue quickly corrected himself, "Your fight skills and wanted to ask if you would spar with me sometime?" It being asked in a shy like question.

Hiei blinked at Kuronue, Kuronue blinked at Hiei. "I'll consider it." And Hiei took off.

Kuronue watched him leave this time, feeling a little more confident. It wasn't an outright no, but it could easily be a yes right? So maybe that meant that his little Pige liked him too? Either way he was happy with the results. In the end he was going to get to touch that skin and possibly see what the little sprite was all about.

---

During the misty gray and slowly pinking clouds of the morning, tiny speckles of sunlight began to trace over the horizon. Before the sun could come forth in the sky, Kurama was already rising, stretching the newly reformed muscles, bones and other tissues of his body now fully healed after a night's rest. As he made to sit up from the pallet of silky furs and satin sheets, a long arm stretched around his waist pulled him down against a warm body.

"Where are you going?" Yoko nuzzled into the fluff of scarlet hair.

Kurama braced his hand on the fox's chest, "Out for a while. I'm feeling stiff being cooped in here."

Yoko sleepily tightened his hold, keeping Kurama's back against the wall of chest muscles, "Stay."

"Hm," As tempting as it was to remain in bed with his mate, Kurama just wasn't up for lounging around. He preferred to start his days off early. "Yoko where's Kisa?"

"In the cubby," Came the fox's groggy reply. "Lie back down Shuichi."

With some effort, Kurama finally managed to untangle his nudity away from the Youko and scooted off toward freedom. When he'd glanced over to the handsome fox's face, Yoko's eyes were closed shut, though he knew he wasn't asleep. "How did things go last night?"

Even if he was awake, that didn't mean he felt up to conversating, "Beneficial."

"For you?"

"Hmmm," Yoko pulled up his pillow to replace the missing body heat and grunted "Both," before he really found a more comfortable posture.

Kurama sat for moment before speaking softly, "You've been tired lately haven't you?" He mumbled, reaching out to stroke the slacked downy fox ears. Yoko pressed his head against the soothing touch, feeling a jolt spike through his spine and tail from each rub. "You shouldn't do so much Yoko. Things can be handled without you sometimes."

There was no answer or acknowledged action towards the statement, Yoko stayed lying on his side, a deep rumbling in his chest fully content with the loving caresses. Later after kissing the fox farewell, Kurama stood to get dressed in a softer set of green and yellow long sleeve tunics and hakama for the crispy weather. Winter would be over soon but it wasn't going down easily, with all this snow still sticking. He checked inside the backroom cubby hole seeing Kisa nicely tucked in a pile of warm furs and stroked the tike's ears before setting out.

A part of him was interested in seeing how the Koorime felt after negotiating a bargain and for some reason he felt that Hiei would be up as well. This he assumed as he carefully scaled down the fortress path toward the forest where he'd seen the demon previously.

The sound of snow purposely crunching under his feet signaled his approach to the dark figure sitting high in the same lifeless tree. "I thought I'd find you here," Kurama said once he reached under the tree.

There was no answer for the longest while, as Kurama settled down on the roots to gaze at the same raising sun as the other. Chirps of early rising birds and other woodland creatures sang their usual praises toward the sun's glorified warmth and slight creaks of moving branches echoed longer then the words exchanged from above, "Shouldn't you be healing, Human? I doubt you'd be fully recuperated after one night's rest."

It was a small shock to Kurama when he heard a response, having not expected one, "I'm fine. I could use the rest but I needed some fresh air," he turned his head up at the black foot, hanging off the side. Then a thought came up to make him smile. "If that's alright with you?"

"Hn," Hiei scuffed, pulling his foot up. "Do as you wish. I could care less."

"If that were the case why ask in the first place?"

This human was really dead set on pissing him off this early wasn't he? "I asked because I wanted to know why the hell you were invading my privacy. Last I checked my ass was sitting here first."

"Then please don't let my presence effect where your ass resides." Kurama spoke up clear and crisp as ever.

A deep growl burned Hiei's throat as he crouched on the branch and flipped off to land directly in front of the smug faced mortal. "Look you disgusting—what's so funny!" He yelled at the chuckling Kurama.

"I see my little trick worked," Said Kurama still laughing a little. "Since you're down here why not join me?" The side of him was patted on the soft ground free of snow.

Hiei's lip curled distastefully at the villain, tricking him to come down from his post but even he had to admit it was sort of clever for the red haired fiend to use his temper against him. Deep, pretty deep down inside he'd say he was impressed but hell'd freeze over before those words ever left his lips. He still wasn't going to sit within ten feet of the fool.

Kurama's smile faded a bit when he noticed Hiei turning away to walk around the tree.

"I still don't like you," He heard Hiei grumble, then a soft crush thumped against the opposite side of the tree, returning the smile to his face when he heard, "And don't get the wrong idea. I simply don't feel like going back up there since I'd be back here soon enough."

"Of course. I wouldn't dream of it," Kurama settled back against the tree truck, marveling at the view and the extra company supposedly not wanted.

So there they sat, neither saying a single word nor needing too. One simple sat and scowled as was his permanent facial while the other closed his eyes grateful for the simple addition near. Someone who was there, just to be there.

"Tell me something Human."

"Yes?"

"Why do you choose to live here with demons?" Hiei shifted a little to see the splash of red behind him. "How are you even able to live in Makai without the poison tearing your soul in half?"

Kurama chuckled at the description, pulling his legs to the side, "I thought it'd be plainly obvious why I stay here."

"If it were, I wouldn't be asking."

"Touché," Hummed Kurama. "Well one could say I stay because of my fascination with my mate—"

Hiei rolled his eyes, "Don't say mate as if you're a demon. You don't have any sort of demonic blood running through your veins—"

"Actually. . ." Kurama turned until he could see one eye glaring at him, as the sun's rising shine haloed around his body, "I do hold demon blood in my body."

Hiei sat dumbfounded as the mortal continued on.

"You see, in a way you could call Yoko. . .my brother."

---

TBC: Don't jump the gun yet guys. All will be explained in the next chapter and I think their might be some REAL spice in the next one but between who? ^_^