Kurama smiles faintly as Hiei nuzzles in, gripping red hair as the fire apparition tries to sort out just how to approach things. He rolls to drop onto the mattress beside him instead, nudging his shoulder lightly now that he's no longer pressed into his neck. He doesn't seem at all concerned with whether or not the motion tugs at his hair in the process. When the fox does respond, his tone is light, pleasant as ever.

“You didn't.”

It's a lie, probably quite obviously, but the reason wasn't something he could admit to. That initial offense at Hiei's words was hardly fair to begin with, it would seem. As well known as the spirit fox was for enjoying puzzles and challenges, cracking codes, it was no wonder the fire apparition interpreted things that way, and it had made it easier and more enjoyable for him, even if it wasn't exactly his true motivation.

The realization that Hiei was speaking from his own self worth and not a jab at Kurama's behavior had come when he didn't double down in his accusation that the redhead was merely using it as entertainment. Which aligned far more with his expectations in the way the fire demon normally approached similar in the past, unwavering in his certainty of Kurama's intentions.

Instead the I wouldn't blame you wasn't the reassurance it was likely intended to be. Where there should have been a sense of relief that he wasn't being viewed through some twisted lens, ignoring his more human side, he'd felt something closer to dread. A cold shock to the system that in reality, Hiei couldn't fathom the idea of being wanted for any other reason. Now here he is trying to soothe the fox's mood, when he should be the one reassuring him. Clearly, he's just going to have to try harder.

“I just hadn't realized.”