In the time spent away, Hiei has had time to forget about the plant varieties in this little clearing and their effects. Far more likely is he's stuffed down every bit of memory about this place that could prove painful over time to save himself, an ability that he's mastered time and time again. If he hadn't stuffed things down and moved on from the ice village or his first demon 'family' he may never have come out of the demon woods to meet Kurama or, eventually, Yusuke and Kuwabara.

As begrudging as he had been about nearly that entire episode of his life.. a part of him now misses it. Rowdy 'family' gatherings at Genkais, the quiet, hungover mornings that followed until most were too old to want to participate anymore. And here..

Their last venture out here had been so long ago, and so.. stressful, now that he thinks about it. Hiei stays quiet at the reminder, staring out at nothing as a frown finds its way to settle over his expression that wasn't his basic scowl. A wash of memory comes over him in an all too familiar fashion, the concern for his ailing partner's change in blood pressure that had led to his assertion that they could no longer come back here. It occurs to him, after a moment, that Kurama can see him, and soon the fire demon is taking a note from his partner's playbook and turning as if he's spotted something in the woods to the side as an excuse to turn away.

For lack of anything else to say, Hiei lamely offers an observation. "At least this stayed green."