Part 16
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"Would you like to stay with us?"

Kurama's emerald eyes widened. He must be hearing things. The young samurai couldn't possibly have said - A look at the other two humans disabused him of that idea. The taller one looked stunned. The other one stared at his friend like he'd just gone mad.

"Are you sure about this? You don't even know us."

Kenshin's purple eyes warmed as he nodded. "Aa." He stepped back and bowed. "Sessha wa Kenshin, Himura Kenshin de gozaru. Those two are Sagara Sanosuke," gesturing towards the poleaxed one, "and Myojin Yahiko. Anta-tachi wa?"

"Kurama desu," Kurama replied, blinking. He nodded towards his burden. "This is Hiei-chan." Said fire demon stared back at the violet-eyed rurouni.

"Sou de gozaru." Kenshin smiled again. "Now we know each other, ne?" Kurama nodded dazedly. Kenshin beamed. "So, will you come?"

Yahiko tugged at Kenshin's sleeve. "What the hell are you doing?" he hissed. "Are you nuts?!?"

Kenshin ignored his young friend. He couldn't just leave these two to fend for themselves. What if Kurama was mistaken for him again? Although he personally wouldn't mind if Saitoh or one of his other "friends" met up with the wrong side of Hiei-chan's temper, he didn't think the city could handle any more, um, "tantrums". One raging dragon was enough, thankyouverymuch! He didn't want to think of what other tricks the youkai had up his sleeve.

Kurama bit his lip, undecided. The offer was very tempting, but... Hiei-chan yawned. "I'm sleepy, Kurama-chan." Kurama sighed. He looked up and bowed slightly. "We would be honored to be your guests."

* * * * *

Kaoru cast an annoyed glance at her unwanted guest. That exasperating woman was here. AGAIN. Would she never leave her in peace?

Kaoru scowled. This was just not her day. She sighed and looked out the window. Thin streamers of smoke were still rising from the tavern district. Kaoru's hands tightened on the window sill. Kenshin had better not be doing anything heroically stupid again.

* * * * *

Kurama stumbled, Hiei-chan's death grip on his hand the only thing keeping him from sprawling onto the ground. He really needed to get some rest...his wounds were beginning to bleed again.

"Kurama-chan, daijobu?"

He looked down into Hiei-chan's worried face. "Aa, daijobu. Shinpai shinai de, Hiei."

Hiei-chan looked unconvinced. Kenshin cleared his throat.

"Perhaps you would allow Sanosuke to carry you? I really don't think you should be walking in your condition."

Sanosuke choked. "Kenshin, what the hell do you think you're-oomph!" Sanosuke's breath left his lungs with a loud "whoosh".

Kenshin removed his left elbow from Sanosuke's side. "Don't argue, Sano!" he hissed, casting a wary look at Hiei-chan. Thankfully, the little demon seemed not to have heard them. "I don't think the little one will be happy if his friend collapses, if you know what I mean."

Sanosuke's eyes widened. Visions of gutted houses and barbequed men danced before his eyes. His face turned an interesting shade of green.

Amusement flashed in Kenshin's eyes, quickly suppressed. Sano was so much fun to tease. Kenshin knew Hiei-chan wouldn't be torching anything else, not after the scolding he had gotten. And certainly not with Kurama around to see. For some strange reason, the little one wanted his friend's approval very much. Of course, the situation would quickly change if something happened to Kurama, of that he had no doubt. Promises or no, he had a feeling that Hiei-chan would do whatever it took to protect his friend. Kenshin looked back at Sano, who had stepped forward to offer his services to the slender redhead. He felt a twinge of guilt for manipulating his friend like this, but it *was* for a good cause. He stole a quick peek at Kurama. He hoped he agreed to let Sano carry him. He looked like he needed it.