Disclaimer: It's their sandbox; I'm just playing in it.

Redefining

Andixa

Hiei wasn't sure what had come over him in the last few years, creeping into his mind, forcing him to slowly redefine himself. Maybe it was his adventures with the detective, the strange new experience of having trusted friends at his back. It could be that he'd been spending too much time around emotional humans - he could summon only a halfhearted sneer at the thought. Perhaps his hard-won power, the mastery of his dragon, his position as Mukuro's heir, had allowed him to become comfortable in his own skin at last.

Or maybe he was just growing older.

Whatever the reason, many things that had seemed so daunting only a few years ago had resolved themselves in his mind. Although he was as surly as ever - nothing short of a full mind wipe could change that - he no longer resented his ties in the human world, nor was he ruled by disgust at his own weaknesses. Even his ice demon heritage was growing on him, enough for him to appreciate his endurance to harsh climates and naturally high psychic powers - and possibly more. As for his ice maiden sister... hiding who he was, and forsaking any emotional bond with her, was starting to seem more and more impossible - and kind of stupid, in hindsight.

So it was that on one hot afternoon of no particular significance (other than Yusuke's self-titled Annual Summer Barbecue Cookout Party Extravaganza) that Hiei came to a quiet decision.

Snatching the beer can out of Yusuke's hand - the detective was threatening to shove it down Kuwabara's throat - Hiei raised a thin eyebrow.

"You almost ran into Yukina. What's wrong with your disgusting human drink, other than the obvious?"

"It's warm!"

"So?"

"It's supposed to be cold! Aaaarg!" Yusuke grabbed another can and moved to attack his taller friend again, until that one disappeared into Hiei's hands as well.

"Last time I checked, this idiot does not have the power to control the temperature of your repulsive drinks."

"Ah, Hiei-san." Yukina peeked around from behind the bulky human, "Kazuma-san was supposed to bring ice for the cooler, but he was so enthusiastic to help me prepare the food for today that he left it outside in the sun, and now it's melted! I'm so sorry, Yusuke-san!"

The detective knew when he'd been beat. He rocked back on his heels and gave the girl a sheepish grin. "Aw, that's alright, Yukina. It's not your fault. Saaaay, you're an ice maiden, right?"

"Yes, I am, Yusuke-san. If you'd like ice, it would be easy for me to-"

"Never!" Kuwabara broke in and struck a pose. "The great Kuwabara Kazuma will correct his own mistakes! Don't waste your powers, miss Yukina. I'll be right back with more ice!"

Two (and one half) demons were left staring at his retreating back, as he turned abruptly to jog down the dirt path. Yusuke scratched his neck.

"It's like a mile to the nearest rest stop, innit?"

"Two, Yusuke-san."

"The ice will be melted by the time he gets back, won't it."

"I believe so, Yusuke-san."

"Idiot." Hiei rolled his eyes. "You drink this crap cold, huh? Ch'."

"Yeah. Otherwise it tastes like- err... crap, I guess."

Hiei tilted his head at the can again, an odd quirk to his lips. When he looked up, it was straight into his sister's eyes. Red, like his eyes - one of many things they had in common. She returned the look with a smile.

He froze the can solid.

"There you go, detective. Now try to keep your fights further away from Yukina next time."