Kurama was still unaware of the tear's origins. That it had been over him, that it had been left at his grave only to be discovered by Yusuke sometime later, yes - without input from Hiei, himself, he couldn't know much more than that. The value of the stone in his possession was far more personal and sentimental than monetary in nature. Given that Hiei had not wanted it back after his return, the fox certainly wasn't about to give it up for any other reason, which in its own way made the jewel, by definition, priceless.
As a human, Kurama had given his whole life to Hiei. A life so short that it seemed like a waste to the fire apparition, but the fox had chosen to remain as he was and he'd chosen to spend as much of that time as he was allowed with Hiei as his partner. Even if he'd mistakenly believed that frustration with his human limits would have the demon leaving in self preservation before it was over. He'd been willing to take that risk, enjoy what time they had together, as limited as it may be.
Kurama was very much in the process of trying to come to terms with the shift in dynamic they faced now. While he was willing to accept whatever semblance of a relationship Hiei offered - the trade off for accepting his death despite the fire demon's wishes - he was also certain it would never be what it had been before and he wasn't exactly happy to have his nose shoved in the reminder, intentionally or not.
The fox doesn't respond as Hiei mercifully puts the valuables back, presumably to offer to Yukina later, instead. The better option, as far as Kurama's concerned. He's still unaware that Hiei had used the Jagan on him, having no reason to suspect as much despite not blaming him if he had been inclined. He finishes pulling the weeds there in the silence that follows as the fire apparition flounders for something more to say.
Hiei's attempt backfires in that it doesn't do much to make Kurama feel any better, or ease the tension, but it does earn him a response, green eyes glancing back to him once more as he speaks. The redhead brushes his hands off on his pants before pushing himself to his feet, ready to move on to the next task, but keeping his attention on his former partner for the moment.
“She's lucky to have you looking out for her. It couldn't have been easy taking care of this place alone.” While she had her brother, the fox knew he had resumed spending most of his time in Demon World after his passing all those years ago.
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As a human, Kurama had given his whole life to Hiei. A life so short that it seemed like a waste to the fire apparition, but the fox had chosen to remain as he was and he'd chosen to spend as much of that time as he was allowed with Hiei as his partner. Even if he'd mistakenly believed that frustration with his human limits would have the demon leaving in self preservation before it was over. He'd been willing to take that risk, enjoy what time they had together, as limited as it may be.
Kurama was very much in the process of trying to come to terms with the shift in dynamic they faced now. While he was willing to accept whatever semblance of a relationship Hiei offered - the trade off for accepting his death despite the fire demon's wishes - he was also certain it would never be what it had been before and he wasn't exactly happy to have his nose shoved in the reminder, intentionally or not.
The fox doesn't respond as Hiei mercifully puts the valuables back, presumably to offer to Yukina later, instead. The better option, as far as Kurama's concerned. He's still unaware that Hiei had used the Jagan on him, having no reason to suspect as much despite not blaming him if he had been inclined. He finishes pulling the weeds there in the silence that follows as the fire apparition flounders for something more to say.
Hiei's attempt backfires in that it doesn't do much to make Kurama feel any better, or ease the tension, but it does earn him a response, green eyes glancing back to him once more as he speaks. The redhead brushes his hands off on his pants before pushing himself to his feet, ready to move on to the next task, but keeping his attention on his former partner for the moment.
“She's lucky to have you looking out for her. It couldn't have been easy taking care of this place alone.” While she had her brother, the fox knew he had resumed spending most of his time in Demon World after his passing all those years ago.