/curse/ I really do not know what exactly is wrong with my mind. I think I require psychiatric help.

I do not own anything except Kura-chan. /holds up a unicorn soft toy/

Same warning : SHOUNEN AI. As usual, HxK. Or rather, in this case, pre HxK. yep, something like that.

2nd warning : incredibly OOC characters, or so I think.

"What do you want from me?" His harsh voice broke the previously quiet atmosphere.

"Huh? What…I told you, I…" "Don't give me that bullshit. Everyone is out for themselves in this world."

Kurama's eyes widened slightly, and that unconscious action only made Hiei angrier. He rose and in flash of steel, stood in front of the fox spirit.

"Do whatever you want to do, but don't mess with my mind!"

He jerked Kurama up from his sitting position and pressed the sword against his throat. Yet, there was a slight twinge somewhere inside of him at Kurama's wince and the small spread of crimson along pristine white bandages caused by that sudden movement.

Fully awakened by the sudden pain, Kurama managed to push back the half formed whimper and put forth a calmer countenance.

"Really, Hiei. I have given you my opinion on this. I want nothing…" the shutter of agony reopened as Hiei's hand tightened around his collar and a soft line of new crimson dawned on his neck. A deep breath, "more than you will give," he finished wearily, suddenly wanting nothing more than to slid down on to the ground and slip into healing slumber.

"I have no wish to remain in your debt!" Hiei spat angrily. Dimly, he could see, could feel Kurama's exhaustion and he knew exactly what he was doing, but somehow he was unable to stop.

"I never consider it to be a favour of sorts. I did it because I wanted to. That's all. You did not force me, nor was it a scheme to get you indebted to me." Kurama's melodious alto was slightly strained, with just the effort of keeping conscious.

"It gives you no right to take the strike meant for me. Why did you do it?" Hiei demanded, unable to accept the much too logical answer that Kurama gave him. In truth he was still shaken to another's blood splattered upon his face; not that of his opponent's, but Kurama's.

"Look, Hiei, another day…I'm tired…" Despite that voice laced with fatigue, he could not help but prompt for an answer.

"Why!"

A soft sigh was heard before Kurama retorted half-heartedly.

"I'd talk better if you stop attempting to cut my neck into half." His eyelids fluttered shut for a moment and opened slightly as Hiei removed his sword grudgingly.

Tired….unconsciousness seem to beckon more and more invitingly as every second in silence ticked by until…

"Why, kitsune?"

"I don't know…" he mumbled. Darkness's caresses were so welcoming…and he was no longer aware of what he said, or of Hiei's eyes widening, as he fell into a dark embrace.

Kurama slumped forward and his head fell against Hiei's shoulder. His mumbled half conscious but unmistakably sincere reply should have been incoherent, but was not.

After a stunned moment, Hiei sat down cautiously, and slowly, gently, lowered the unconscious being down beside him. sliding his fingers through Kurama's hair with hidden affection, he smiled softly.

"You are my friend…although sometimes I wish you are more…"

Maybe that is all the answer that he needs.

/stops, blinks again/ Should I be happy? Hm...whatever.

Wait, they really are OOc, aren't they?

Hiei : This sucks.

/ cloud of depression/

On second thought /whaps Hiei in the head/

ok, back to the cloud of depression.