Part 14
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Kurama got unsteadily to his feet, leaning on Hiei-chan for support.
Man, his head really *hurt*. He wanted nothing more than to lie
down on a comfortable bed and rest. Preferably for a week or so.
However, he didn't think any of the city's innkeepers would rent
them a room, not after seeing what Hiei-chan had done. He sighed.
He winced,
already feeling the rocks that were going to be poking him in the
most *uncomfortable* places. This was *not* going to be fun.
"Ne, Kurama-chan?" Hiei-chan's voice sounded worried.
"What is it Hiei?"
"You're not mad at me, are you?"
"Of course not," Kurama blinked, surprised. "Why do you ask?"
Hiei-chan scuffed the ground in front of him with one small foot. "'Coz your face is kinda scrunched up, like this," he said, demonstrating.
Kurama's lips quirked in a tired grin. "I'm just tired, that's all."
"Honto?"
Kurama gave him a quick hug. "Honto." He took hold of Hiei-chan's hand. "Shall we go off to find a place to spend the night?"
Hiei-chan gave him a brilliant smile. "Hai!"
* * * * *
"Oi, Kenshin, take a look at that," Sanosuke said, peeking around the corner. "The monster's acting just like a kid now."
Kenshin peered over Sanosuke's shoulder. His friend was right. The small demon *was* acting like a child, chattering happily to the somewhat bedraggled redhead walking beside him. He actually seemed quite harmless, like a sweet, innocent young boy. In fact, he looked exactly like Yahiko did when the boy forgot himself and acted his age. He turned his gaze to the other young man. He must be pretty special to have that kind of an effect on a demon.
* * * * *
Just about then, Hiei-chan spotted the trio peeking at them from around the corner. He immediately scowled and went for the wards on his arm.
"Hiei! Stop that!" Kurama scolded, brushing his hands away. "Now what did I just tell you?"
"Demo-"
"No buts! We'll never find our way home if you keep on flaming everyone we meet," he said, shaking an admonishing finger before Hiei-chan's nose.
"Hai," Hiei-chan sighed, pouting.
Kurama turned towards the trio, who were staring at him like he'd come from another planet. "Gomen nasai," he said, bowing. "My friend here just has a bit of a problem with socializing."
"Yeah, right, talk about understatements," Yahiko muttered.
Now youkai ears are notoriously sharp, especially when the owner of said ears is the topic being discussed. Needless to say, Hiei-chan heard Yahiko's little comment. He shot him a dirty look.
Yahiko 'meep'ed and hid behind Kenshin.
"Hiei!" Kurama frowned. Yahiko grinned and stuck his tongue out at the irate fire demon.
"Yahiko-dono!" Kenshin gave him a reproving stare.
Both boys gave their respective friends innocent, 'Who? Me?' looks.
Sanosuke looked from one set of redheads and spiky-haired brats to
another.