Standard disclaimer: I do not own the characters or the fandom from any series or anime

For Her Sake

Chapter 3

Hiei turned at the sound and though he fought to contain it he knew color was rising in his cheeks. His sleeveless shirt was tighter on her feminine form than on himself leaving the curve of her ample breasts visible as she moved and it was clear that she wore nothing under the hakama as the sides left her thighs completely visible. Even though she was clothed seeing her in his colors was doing strange things to his insides.

Kenshin stared shamelessly at the clothing Kagome wore while trying to look as though he was not and he could not help but to think of the way he had seen her earlier. He realized that the clothes left very little to his imagination since he had seen her without them. He had never once thought hakama sexy before, but his opinion had just changed. His mouth had gone dry and his tongue flicked out to moisten his lips. She walked towards him her hand out stretched and he drew in a sharp breath struggling to find the resolve within him not to be physically affected.

"You don't need to do that. I can take care of it."

Kenshin nodded slowly and began to hand her the stick he'd been using, but he dropped it. Kagome smiled at him and quickly bent over to retrieve it. There was a strangled sound behind her almost a mix between a growl and a groan. Hiei snatched the stick from her hand. "Onna go find out about dinner, I'll handle this."

Kagome drew a deep breath. "Enough! I am sick of this pussyfooting around each other. We are going to be living together so this has to stop! If it helps think of me as a warrior and not a woman, it's alright with me." She saw them glance at each other with a look of "impossible" and rolled her eyes. "If you say or do something I don't like I will tell you. And neither of your lives belongs to me. It was an accident and completely my fault. If we are going to make this work, there will be some rules. Every closed door is knocked on before entry, especially the bathing room. When it comes to chores we work together, I am not a house wife and I'm not a maid." she was annoyed and it showed in the way her eyebrows drew down and her eyes flashed.

"I fail to see what your lack of virginity has to do with chores." Hiei said with a frown of confusion. He was still trying to focus his thoughts away from the spicy scent. As she moved he suddenly knew what it was and his gaze sharpened upon her in a way that if she caught his eyes she would have gasped in surprise at the heat in his eyes.

"Not virgin a maid, it's a human term for a woman who is hired help to clean. Long ago they were servants who had no choice because they were little more than property." Kagome said with a confused frown.

"Ah, that is why this one lifted his sword. I could not ignore the suffering of the weaker people before my eyes." Kagome looked at him thoughtfully before shaking her head. Now he sounded like a mix of Buddhist monk and Taijiya. Kenshin was certainly not anything like the books described him.

"Anyway, I understand that both of your instincts tell you to protect me, but I don't want to be a burden to either of you. I don't want you to think that you have to change your lives to protect me. Believe me I'm not worth it. Hiei I need that stick back. I have chores to do."

Hiei opened his mouth to argue as Kenshin did the same, Kagome cut them off. "I am the Shikon no Miko who faced down Naraku and won back the Shikon jewel. I faced down a youkai Lord who made Naraku look like a kitten, twice-and I lived after being doused in Sesshomaru's dokutsu," Hiei looked impressed by that statement but Kagome wasn't finished as she plucked the stick from Hiei and gave the blanket a whack to emphasize her words. "I'm not some blushing virgin so stop acting like I am. If I want to walk around here naked I will, and don't either of you think you have the right to tell me I can't."

Both males glanced at each other and then back at Kagome. If her clothing wasn't bad enough, the thought of her walking around naked caused instant discomfort in their suddenly too tight pants and fundoshi, but Kenshin's reaction was most obvious on his face. His face flushed and he turned and retreated back to his room.

Kagome turned at the sound of the door closing. She gave the blanket another solid whack trying to stuff down the desire still burning thickly in her veins after her close encounters. She couldn't look either of them in the eye completely and her irritation did little to quell the memory of those well built fighter bodies and ...those muscles, well formed and rippling with every movement...damn...Hiei was right behind her. She swallowed and hoped fervently he couldn't hear her heart pounding in her chest or feel the fire of her skin as it had become feverish with her wayward thoughts.

…

Kagome's words were ringing through Hiei's thoughts as he stood there in stunned silence, "I understand that both of your instincts tell you to protect me but I don't want to be a burden to either of you. I don't want you to think that you have to change your lives to protect me. Believe me- I'm not worth it." Why after everything he had done and said did she still feel like she had no value? It irritated him more than anything. The onna had placed herself between him and Sesshomaru who rightfully should have killed him, but she pleaded for him. Did she not understand that, that alone won her his loyalty more than any debt? It wasn't only instinct that bound him to her it was deeper. Yes, he had thought at one time her kindness a weakness but now he had matured and understood more of the world. Protecting Kagome would never be a burden.

She had asked him not to fight with Kenshin so he would never again draw his blade at the impetuous and irritating youth. His life belong to her, his every breath belonged to her. Her every whim was his to follow even if she asked him to take his own life he would without hesitation. Were she any other being, he would balk at the control that gave her over him, but he knew her words that night were sincere; she wanted to earn his friendship. The problem was he had no idea how to start.

He didn't even know how he'd become friends with Kurama, it just sort of happened. They fought together and after time they relied on each other to watch each other's backs. The trust in that reliance was not something Hiei had ever examined before. How did he win her trust? The only way he knew was to protect her and so his thoughts had come full circle. He would just have to prove himself worthy of her trust and prove her words wrong. She was worth it. But first-

Coming up behind her he splayed one of his hands over her bare midriff and breathed her in as he wrapped the other gently around her throat, a reminder that he was not human and could crush her with a movement of his hand. His words were heated and they pierced her through with sharp bolts of fire that pooled like liquid flames at the base of her spine. "I know you enjoyed the show earlier, onna." She trembled against him as he felt and sensed her beginning to burn. His had slid from her throat over the swell of her breast to the curve of her hip and then to that teasing bit of bare thigh that was exposed thanks to the hakama she wore. His lips dipped to her neck and he nipped her. She shuddered as his hand and mouth contacted her bare skin and Hiei nearly jerked back in shock (Well that was… unexpected). Just his teasing of seduction had caused her to climax in his arms. Turning her in his arms he was caught off guard by the way that her eyes had darkened with passion and the way she panted softly against him. He watched her lick her lips and was mesmerized by that little pink muscle he wanted so badly to chase it back to her lips with his mouth and to taste her. With truly a herculean effort he wretched himself away and ran for the icy lake hoping that she wouldn't follow him and praying that she would.

Kagome sat there for long enough to realize what had just happened before she went to her room retrieved her towel and headed to the bathroom with a huff and a muttered "tease me, please me, leave me! Ugh!" She hoped that water was frigid because she was burning from the inside with a flame by the name of Hiei. A trickle of youki was her only warning…

…

Kenshin sat on the raised futon and looked about the room. It was nicer than any of the rooms he had stayed in while an Ishin Shishi member. The futon was soft and he was unused to the feeling of sinking in as he sat. Everything was so different here. People were more bold and outspoken and some of the honor and respect of his time had been lost. The biggest change of all was his identity. He was a youkai? He looked down at his shortened nails that had always been stronger than those of other humans. Then he ran his tongue over his eye teeth that were slightly sharper too. He'd never noticed that he had fangs or claws. He was overwhelmed by the changes around him and he closed his eyes.

His mind turned instead to remembering as she rose up out of the water. He had been startled of course but then he had been transfixed at the sight of her. She had looked to his eyes like a celestial maiden from legend. Her skin, smooth and iridescent, with glistening drops that sparkled in the light giving her an unearthly glow as he watched them trail from her body. He remembered the ache he felt as his hand twitched to touch her, to taste her-his lips curled into a smirk has he recalled her blush and the spark of desire he saw in her eyes before it had become a flame that he'd been drawn to like a moth.

He shook his head; it would do no good to dwell on that thought he squashed his desire through will power alone. A woman like Kagome dono should be given the highest respect and honor even though she was a warrior, she still deserved kindness. It was vulgar to imagine her in such a sexual way. It had shocked him to hear her say she was not a virgin for who could possibly have thought themselves worthy enough to lay their hands upon her? She must have loved them deeply. It must have been that Inuyasha person Hiei had killed.

His lips turned down, Hiei seemed to believe that it was his duty alone to protect Kagome dono but if they were to live here all together then the responsibility needed also to be shared. "Where is Hiei?" he wondered as he got up to follow her after not hearing the short dark youkai speak. The sound of a soft moan caught his ears before he felt Hiei leaving swiftly. He stepped out of his room confused by the scent teasing his senses. All he knew was the teases were pulling at his careful control and restraint. He breathed deep and savored the spicy tang upon his olfactory senses. Kagome was flushed and panting in a way that suddenly placed her in the starring role of all his fantasies.

He wasn't even aware he had moved until he had her hair (just like the finest silk) twisted in his hand at the nape of her neck and his mouth slanted over hers. Instinct seemed to drive his actions as he nipped her bottom lip and she gasped as he took the kiss from mild to feverish in a single move. He backed her against the wall, his hands seemed to have a mind of their own as he reached down and gripped the back of her thigh dragging her leg to his hip and pressing in closer to the cradle of her hips. Her scent was becoming thicker and his actions reflected it. She was not idle in his arms as her nails dug into his back through the thin material of his kimono. That small touch of pleasure pain and sudden clarity lanced through him and he froze his body once on fire, went rigid. He released her leg and lowered his eyes unable to face the accusations he was certain were there.

Perhaps if he had looked up he might have seen the disappointment and desire swimming in her eyes. He looked at the ground knowing nothing could absolve him of this sin he had committed by touching such a holy and amazing creature. Wanting her in such a carnal way was unforgivable, desire was no excuse he had better restraint and control than this. "This one has shamed you, forgive me."

(Oh no you don't!) Kagome thought briefly before reaching out and grabbing his collar. (You don't get to tease me, please me, and leave me too! I am a 20th century girl and no longer a child afraid of such things.) Merging with the jewel had taught her several things and one was to not fear or reject her own sensuality. She was not a loose woman by any means; she had just accepted that she was sensual by nature and knowing that she was able to accept herself fully. She knew she could never have a permanent relationship so she might as well enjoy what fate had plopped in her life. She caught the surprise on his face and the cute exclamation "Oro?!" Before her mouth was on his and she was kissing him with wild abandon. Then she stepped back patted his cheek and walked away leaving him standing there gaping like a fish out of water.

Hiei who had seen her act and heard her very loud thoughts was just as shocked as she walked past him and swatted his ass making him jump. He snatched her wrist and tugged her back fisting her hair and giving her a punishing kiss that left her reeling. His hands wandered down cupping her ass and squeezing it pressing her close to that part of him he wanted to be intimately acquainted with her body, before he stepped back and gave her a fanged smirk that made her knees weak she shuddered with the combination of sensual assaults. And that was it for his restraint or would have been had he not decided to throw gasoline on her fire. "That, onna is actual teasing, pleasing," he stepped away his breath in her ear, "and leaving."

…

Kurama felt Hiei leave and sighed as he carried the groceries he'd gone to purchase to the kitchen. Yusuke set his bags down as well and stretched. "Think all this will be enough for the three of them for a few days?" he asked.

Kurama shrugged. Digging out the supplies he needed and a large bowl. "It depends on how much Kenshin eats I suppose."

"What do you think got Hiei's panties in a wad?" Yusuke asked absently as he began putting the extra groceries away. He turned at the sound of a material swish and almost reached for his nose certain it was going to bleed.

"Hey guys can I help?" Kagome asked as she walked in.

Kurama stared at her clothing and began to chuckle. With the highly familiar (tight) black top which exposed her tone midriff and her waist hugging hakama that accentuated the feminine flare of her hips covering her while showing her flawless skin, Kagome embodied the perfect mix of woman and warrior. There was a teasing scent that was muted by the fact she had bathed as evidenced by her wet hair, but he smelled Hiei and Kenshin on her and the scent of desire. Interesting was not the word any longer. This was a powder keg and its name was Kagome.

Yusuke looked shocked for a moment before a huge grin split his face and he laughed. Yusuke was more than amused at Kagome's appearance, "ah, that explains it. I like your new duds Kagome." He teased her watching as her cheeks pinked and she bit her lip.

Kenshin tried his best to keep his eyes off her as he walked into the kitchen. He was failing spectacularly his eyes eagerly drinking her in as her hair dripped. The black material was not only tight but it was clinging to her wet skin and he bit back a strangled groan as she reached across the counter to grab a can that had rolled away.

"I bought a new lock for the bathroom door," Kurama began absently then he noticed the darkening of the blush on Kagome's face. Kurama chuckled, he couldn't help teasing the fascinating woman who had, in less than a day captured not just Kenshin's attention but the untouchable Hiei's as well. "Did you enjoy your bath, Kagome?"

"Um, yeah it was interesting- um I mean it was pleasant to see- I mean I liked them…It…" she felt her face growing even redder as she stammered before she grabbed one of the bags in front of her seeking a way out of the embarrassment. Under her breath, the not so innocent Miko muttered "maybe I should just jump them both and get it over with! Gah! No! bad…oh man."

Kurama was highly entertained by the information Kagome had stammered in her discomfort (she had obviously forgotten their advanced hearing) and he was equally amused by how Kenshin's expressions had changed with each statement. The slight reddening spreading over his cheeks was tale tell nor was it hard to put two and two together. Kenshin must have walked in on her and not just walked in but most likely had been preparing to bathe if he understood her rambling correctly. Then likely to cool down she had run for the lake, Hiei's favorite bathing spot. Still she must have liked what she saw.

Ah this was going to be interesting indeed; Fire and Air elementals competing for the same woman, and not just any woman but a legend: the Shikon no Miko. It was a shame that he lived in the city, he was going to miss most of the fun.

"What do you all want for dinner? I'll cook." Kagome asked as she sorted through the groceries. She would not look at any of them but Kenshin especially as she sorted through the contents and turned in search of a knife and cutting board. Finding what she sought she turned again to the vegetables.

Kenshin took the knife from her hand, "I can do this much at least." His mask was back in place but this time there was a slight difference. His eyes were filled with emotion. He leaned over her to reach the bag of vegetables. "We will speak later, Kagome dono." He whispered.

"Tempura was what I had planned. I bought some shrimp and assorted seafood too. I also bought some crab for Hiei. He always enjoyed it. I thought we would have a feast to celebrate and welcome you both here."

The click and hiss of a can opening had everyone glancing at Yusuke who was guzzling a can of beer. "What, didn't you say we were gonna party? Well it's my house and I'm starting."

Kurama shook his head and shooed everyone out of the kitchen then he rolled up his sleeves and began.

….

Hiei clutched the bag tightly as he sprinted back to the location he'd torn open in the barrier. He'd never been more humiliated in his life. Above him and to the left was the wind master Jin, apparently who was coming with him back to the temple. After kissing the infuriating and tempting onna he had decided she needed some different clothes. He knew nothing of female clothing so he had gone to the Makai market place which was only an hour run at his speed from the barrier.

Hiei had tried to maintain his composure as he purchased a number of clothing items for Kagome. Half of the items he'd never even seen before but he knew of them from the magazines that Yusuke hid under his bed. Even with his current company anything was better than the thought of that insufferable onna in black and red bending over in front of him. Tease me, please me, and leave me indeed. It was completely unfair that she could shatter his centuries old control with a single look.

Damn it! This was ridiculous. He could just bet that Kurama was laughing his ass off at this situation. It was only three days earlier that he had told Kurama that he would never be interested in any onna, unless she was perfect. But Kagome wasn't just any onna and she was perfect in his eyes. Damn, that Kenshin got on his nerves. But he hadn't been jealous as he watched her kiss him he had been intrigued…

Add to everything the wind master coming back with him? Why were all these males suddenly surrounding the one onna he liked? That was simple and he knew why first hand, there was no one in the three worlds like Kagome Higurashi. He was grateful that Kurama didn't have his eye on her and that Yusuke was with Botan or he would have had to murder his friends in their sleep to lessen the competition.

He couldn't however get rid of Kenshin like that. Damn, he hated the fact that he was Kenshin's babysitter. He hated the fact that Kenshin would be living with Kagome. He hated the fact that Kenshin would be alone living with Kagome- over his dead body. As of this moment he would be moving in permanently. There was not a chance in hell that he was leaving Kenshin alone with Kagome. He vowed he would never draw his blade on Kenshin, not that he wouldn't fight for the woman.

"Y'look a bit off yer game at the moment yer wind is confused and yer face is a might bit red there Hiei." Jin said landing and looking him over.

"My face and my game are none of your concern Wind master." Hiei growled.

"Might ya be going to visit yer lass and be carrying gifts for her in that bag then Hiei?"

"What makes you think this bag is for a woman, it could be for me." Hiei growled again.

"I never guessed y'were the silk and lace type, there Hiei!" Jin laughed holding up a silky and lacy vibrant red and black bra.

Hiei felt the color drain from his face as he saw the object and asked hesitantly, "Where was that?"

"Eh? Oh hanging out the top of the bag and rather waving like a banner behind ya as ya ran."

Hiei closed his eyes, alright that decided it- he could never show his face in the Makai again, ever. Mukuro would never let him live this down. He looked like a degenerate underwear thief from that manga Yusuke was reading and that damned bra in Jin's hand was proof. It was sexy and Hiei's imagination gladly placed Kagome wearing it and posing in one of the ways like the magazine girls which left his mouth nearly dry except-

Jin raised his eye brow and lowered the item. "Hiei, yer a good friend, but I like lasses with curves and bounce not that yer not a perfect example of masculine-"

"Shut up." Hiei snarled as he snatched the bra and stuffed it in to the bag and tied it closed tightly. Jin must have smelled his desire and misinterpreted it, damn onna! The woman was going to be the death of him. He just knew it.

"Ya going back to Genkai's temple then? I fancy going with ya to see the lass has ya all a flustered."

"Will that shut you up?"Hiei growled.

"Well now it just might." Jin said tapping his chin.

"Hn, keep up."

The reluctant hybrid led the wind master to the previously abandoned temple and snapped at him to wait at the gate while he delivered the clothes to Kagome's room. Returning to the landing he looked around for the wind youkai and growled in frustration. Jin was gone. He could hear the lilting voice coming from the kitchen and he nearly groaned at the thought of Jin likely regaling them with his mortifying moment in the Makai.

Squaring his shoulders he moved to the kitchen determined to keep his cool regardless of what Jin had told them.

~*oOo*~

Jin's eyes gleamed as he heard a soft female voice laughing with Yusuke and Kurama, eagerly he followed the sound and his ears wiggled wildly with excitement as he laid eyes on the fairest lass he had ever the chance to behold. She was juggling several bowls and her face wore a concerned expression. Stepping awkwardly she tripped and as the other males rushed to catch her Jin manipulated the wind to catch the bowls.

"This is unexpected Jin." Kurama greeted retrieving the bowls from the wind that held them. Kagome had refused to let any of them help her. Kenshin and the other two had tried to carry things for her but she had told them all to back off, so with equal looks of acceptance they all stepped back till she tripped. Kenshin using the speed of the Hiten Mitsurugi reached her first.

"Are you hurt Kagome dono?' he asked helping her to her feet. Jin stepped closer noticing an ugly purple bruise on her ankle. Crouching down he gently pushed her back on to a cushion of air that blew things around the kitchen as he lowered her to the floor.

"Hmm, looks like it hurts a mite bit. Can ya walk lass?" Jin asked softly.

"It will be fine. Just give it a second." Kagome said wincing as he touched it. It was to this that Hiei entered and shoved Jin aside. With grit teeth Hiei placed his hand on her ankle and reached for his nearly dormant ice power and pulled it to the surface. It kept trying to slip away as he had never had a need for it, but with an iron will he focused it and the purple bruise began to fade. "Thank you Hiei." She said softly. His eyes met hers and she swore that for an instant he looked angry and then he closed his eyes

"You're welcome." He said instead of whatever scathing remark he'd wanted to say. He looked away from her and turned to the kitchen before he began picking up some of the things blown about.

Jin cast a look around the room his eyes wide. Hiei was a mean little bastard who had never shown anything but distain for everyone and everything. Yet somehow this lass, this beautiful lass, had changed him. He was missing something. His blue eyes turned to the newest youkai in the room. His wind seemed dull and confused as it barely swirled around him. "Yer another wind mate are ya not lad?" Jin asked thoughtfully.

"So they tell me, but I didn't know." Kenshin answered as he set the knife down.

"Kenshin is a kukiyoukai." Kurama corrected taking over the vegetable chopping.

"Kuki, an Air elemental eh? How canna ya not know yer own heritage lad? Yer winds are strong and healthy but locked inside ya. Come with me an we'll set ya to rights. Lass you come too, I've a feeling we be need'n ya."

"Alright," she answered without hesitation. She didn't know this wind male but if he could help Kenshin then she would trust him for now. At her side Hiei followed. Yusuke and Kurama shared a look and promptly burst into laughter as they felt them leave the house.

…

"A'right lad lets see what ya ken do." Jin said watching him waiting.

"Do with what?" Kenshin asked with a frown.

"Were you raised human Kenshin?" Kagome moved forward and took his hands. Her power washed over him, searching through his aura. "His energy is confused I can't figure it out."

"What other way would I have been raised?" he asked trying not to bask in the comfort she gave nor the thrill he felt with her holding his hands with her small calloused ones.

Hiei scoffed as he opened his Jagan. "The problem is in his head that's my department. Move onna-er Kagome." He took Kagome's place minus the hand holding and stared at Kenshin who met his gaze without flinching. His mind was wide open. That would have to be fixed-after. ^Close your eyes and let your consciousness drift inward. I will teach you. ^

Every instinct told Kenshin to look away but he couldn't move and he could resist as Hiei pulled him inward. Opening his inner eye he felt Hiei's presence. ^You have a good grasp of your kenki, but no sense of your youki. Without youki you cannot access your full power. As you know how to use your ki in general, feel out the darker pulse within you reach for that ki. Slowly- you have never used it before so it will over whelm you for a moment. I will help you." He felt the changed in the energy the moment Kenshin found his locked away youki and fought with it as he slowed the flood to a manageable steady flow. As soon as it was circulating properly Hiei found his-self flung mentally from the mind of the samurai who he'd thought had no mental control or blocks. "Hn, you are stronger than I gave you credit for." Hiei said with an annoyed sneer.

"Na thatsa fair wind lad! Ya must be an A class or better, how canna ya not know?" Jin's ears were wiggling and a grin stretched his face as he reveled in the energy Kenshin was releasing. It made him want to fight, like Urameshi's wind.

Kenshin kept his eyes closed as a vibrancy of life he'd never felt before flooded his body. It washed away the bone deep weariness he carried and filled him with a feeling of power and strength. He could feel the ki circling through his body he could feel the winds calling him. His senses opened and he could feel everything around him, he could hear the rapid pulse of Kagome's heart beat as he felt her elation soar with him. In the youki washing his body he felt something in his mind let go as well and he remembered…

"Do you think he will be alright here, Takai?"

"He has to be Maya. The seal, will allow him to live human and I've watched this farmer and his wife for some time. They want a child and will love him. If he is found, he will perish as the rest of our clan. Come we have stayed too long."

A woman with soft crimson hair and amber eyes held him tightly. "Be good my son. Grow strong and brave. I love you." Then she set him down and he watched them till they were out of sight. There was pain and then darkness.

"Hey little fella where did you come from- I'll call you Shinta." The last voice was the voice of the man he'd called father. He had been a kind and loving man and his mother had been sweet and strong. But he knew the truth, they were not his parents, his parents were youkai they were Takai and Maya of some Air clan.

The shackles of whatever seal had been placed on him fell away and he was reborn.

He breathed deep feeling the power fill him and he tasted things in the wind as his mind translated them to feelings and knowledge. He felt Kagome watching him and felt the air shift as she moved even with his eyes closed; he could find her without fail. Her power was a whisper on his skin that both thrilled and warned him. He could now feel the dark fire that was Hiei and knew he owed him respect. From within the temple he could feel also the power of Yusuke and Kurama and realized his folly at threatening them earlier. Slowly he opened his eyes and was disoriented at the clarity of even distant things. If he focused he could make out individual fist sized rocks on the mountain a good ways from where he stood. His eyes drifted to her and he was nearly overwhelmed at the vibrancy and beauty he saw there.

Hiei stepped forward and drew his sword. "Spar with me Kukiyoukai." Kenshin felt the elation of a fight coil within and his hand dropped to his hilt.

"With pleasure." Kenshin replied and the two of them vanished. The ring of steel meeting steel rang through the court yard and Jin laughed in excitement watching to swords masters sparing with no holds barred.

Kagome sat on the porch out of the way as she too enjoyed the spectacle, but her view was different that Jin's. They both had lost their shirts. She was having a very difficult time not drooling at the sight of two powerful males in combat. Powerful muscles rippling and graceful spins made it look like a wildly deadly dance and she was enthralled, but the best thing was the lack of killing intent this was a fight to test the limits of skill nothing more and nothing less.

"Huh, looks like Hiei found a new friend. Cool, none of us could really keep up with his sword so he never got to spar with it. But Hiei is killer at hand to hand too. I think Kenshin will need some training there. Yusuke snatched Kenshin's blade as it was knocked out of his grip and spun towards Kagome. He rolled his eyes as he planted it in the ground next to him. "Are you a trouble magnet or what? Geez."

The spar ended the moment Kenshin's sword slipped from his grip and he panicked as he saw it almost in slow motion heading at Kagome. Hiei saw it too and his warning would come too late as they were both just seconds too slow to stop it. Relief filled them both as Yusuke snatched the blade out of the air and turned an annoyed look at them. The two of them where at her side in an instant a set of annoyed crimson eyes looked her over as an apologetic set of amber eyes did the same, "Kagome dono, are you hurt, this one is sorry that you were placed in danger."

"Fool, why did you hesitate and not return your sword before it was out of reach- You are a wind elemental you could have called it back."

"I did not know I could." Kenshin said quietly.

"You will learn. I will train you." Hiei said with a tone that brooked no argument.

"That was the most awesome fight I have ever seen! Hiei isn't it great?! You have a sword sparring partner now! You know what I think, we ought to crack open a bottle to celebrate."

"Hn, you would use any excuse to "crack open a bottle" but I suppose this is as good a reason as any. Next time trust your instincts Kukiyoukai."

Yusuke flung an arm around Kenshin like before. "Isn't that great? Hiei gave you a compliment! He said next time, you pass! Welcome to the team Kenshin." Yusuke threw another arm around Kagome. "You are going to keep us all on our toes huh?"

Kagome blushed. "Not intentionally," she said with a small laugh and a shake of her head.

"Good. Come on dinner is ready, lets get this party started!" Yusuke's mood was infectious and Jin laughed giddily adding to the playful atmosphere.

Any day that began with humor and ended with a drinking party with friends was okay in his book especially with a lovely lass, to eye quietly from his seat without drawing attention to his wandering eyes...

….