Hiei rewards the redhead’s smile and response with another frown. It’s true he’s been a bit grumpy since all of this started, the concern for his partner pairing with his lack of sleep to make the already testy fire demon easier to fire off than usual.

This time, though, it’s more because he does not wish to be misunderstood about this, even by a little bit.

“You do not owe me. I’m simply reducing my own suffering later.”

Hearing Kurama lament over damages or who knows whatever else the fox could find to feel bad about given the time to think about it. Hiei doesn’t want to think about it any more than he already has.

He’s also full of shit, considering his concern is far more centered around Kurama than himself, but like hell is he ever going to admit that.