Kurama had not been expecting any of this today. Had no warning to shield his emotions and prepare his mind for this roller-coaster of feelings and proverbial land mines. The feeling that at any moment one misstep could disrupt the balance, and he'd already pushed the fire apparition so far with physical contact that had lasted longer than it should have.

By now the chore of watering those plants had been forgotten in favor of this - the uninterrupted secret time he had Hiei's attention without anyone even knowing they were there.

The words catch him by surprise, not what was said, but that the fire apparition spoke at all. Contrary to one's expectations, the fox is thrilled to hear them. To hear anything so open and honest from Hiei at this stage leaves him a little stunned.

“Hiei-” It's a good thing that his back is turned, makes it easier on both of them, though the redhead would never admit it. There was nothing he could offer that would make up for this.

“I would not expect you to, perhaps ever again. I made my decision and I can not change it now. However, you know that I was never dishonest with you about my plans and I have no reason to begin lying to you going forward.”