All he'd really wanted was a peaceful death. Having lived a human life he'd witnessed it over and over, the way that they often grew old and died surrounded by loved ones. Especially after losing his father so young and nearly losing his mother shortly after that, Kurama's perspective around death had changed over time. For one, he had a human family he couldn't just vanish on - entangled as he was in their lives - death was a natural conclusion to severing those ties.
He had the opportunity to grow old and die naturally that neither demons nor foxes were typically afforded. The reward of a violent death in battle wasn't appealing to the fox spirit in the same way it was to his partner, but he knew better than to think the fire apparition would ever understand his thoughts on the matter.
Of course, he knew from their many conversations on the topic that Hiei would not stick around to witness it and he'd accepted that long before the time came. He wasn't happy about it, but Hiei needed to prioritize his own well-being, and he had. Kurama couldn't fault him for doing that, he hadn't ever expected any differently.
It wasn't that he didn't care about the harm his decision would cause, but he had faith in the fire apparition's ability to survive, adapt and move on. Faith that was repeatedly tested over the years as he was able to watch Hiei's path of self-destruction accompanied by Koenma and Yusuke complaints. They'd both let him know what they thought of his rationalization and the reality that had actually followed countless times - Kurama's patience and time spent reading a situation before he acted was making it worse for everyone, Hiei included. How long could he continue like this without interfering?
The fact was that Kurama's favorite plant is his favorite due in part to that difficulty Hiei so resented. A plant so sensitive it evaded touch, then spent energy recovering from it. From a gardening standpoint it was a challenge to care for, requiring a gifted hand and patience to nurture; particular as it was about both light and water consumption. Despite this, it could also be an invasive species under the right circumstances as with plenty of sunlight and room to grow, it spreads quickly, monopolizing the space around it. From a demonic position, with the right energy it became one of the most dangerous plants in his arsenal, able to hunt prey by the smallest vibrations. He had especially come to appreciate that duality as a human, insistent on growing it when he'd started gardening as a human child.
"I believe it's called a hug." As if that was what Hiei was asking, rather than showing his offense at the sheer audacity. The redhead ignores the prick of claws as Hiei's body tenses against his. The fact that he's not violently pushed away is more than enough for now.
Hiei attempts to pry himself free and Kurama's grip tightens reflexively. He's not oblivious to the fact that this might be the last time he gets even this much from the fire apparition. While he's fairly certain that won't be the case, the fox always prepares for every possibility regardless, he always had. Hiei coming to his senses and refusing him outright was still a possibility, after all.
"In a moment."
If Hiei would take pity on him for that long, at least. He suspected that he needed this just as much - if not more - than Kurama had.
no subject
He had the opportunity to grow old and die naturally that neither demons nor foxes were typically afforded. The reward of a violent death in battle wasn't appealing to the fox spirit in the same way it was to his partner, but he knew better than to think the fire apparition would ever understand his thoughts on the matter.
Of course, he knew from their many conversations on the topic that Hiei would not stick around to witness it and he'd accepted that long before the time came. He wasn't happy about it, but Hiei needed to prioritize his own well-being, and he had. Kurama couldn't fault him for doing that, he hadn't ever expected any differently.
It wasn't that he didn't care about the harm his decision would cause, but he had faith in the fire apparition's ability to survive, adapt and move on. Faith that was repeatedly tested over the years as he was able to watch Hiei's path of self-destruction accompanied by Koenma and Yusuke complaints. They'd both let him know what they thought of his rationalization and the reality that had actually followed countless times - Kurama's patience and time spent reading a situation before he acted was making it worse for everyone, Hiei included. How long could he continue like this without interfering?
The fact was that Kurama's favorite plant is his favorite due in part to that difficulty Hiei so resented. A plant so sensitive it evaded touch, then spent energy recovering from it. From a gardening standpoint it was a challenge to care for, requiring a gifted hand and patience to nurture; particular as it was about both light and water consumption. Despite this, it could also be an invasive species under the right circumstances as with plenty of sunlight and room to grow, it spreads quickly, monopolizing the space around it. From a demonic position, with the right energy it became one of the most dangerous plants in his arsenal, able to hunt prey by the smallest vibrations. He had especially come to appreciate that duality as a human, insistent on growing it when he'd started gardening as a human child.
"I believe it's called a hug." As if that was what Hiei was asking, rather than showing his offense at the sheer audacity. The redhead ignores the prick of claws as Hiei's body tenses against his. The fact that he's not violently pushed away is more than enough for now.
Hiei attempts to pry himself free and Kurama's grip tightens reflexively. He's not oblivious to the fact that this might be the last time he gets even this much from the fire apparition. While he's fairly certain that won't be the case, the fox always prepares for every possibility regardless, he always had. Hiei coming to his senses and refusing him outright was still a possibility, after all.
"In a moment."
If Hiei would take pity on him for that long, at least. He suspected that he needed this just as much - if not more - than Kurama had.