"I might have objected more if you'd gotten into fights with her," Hakkai commented. He leaned down, offering a hand to the kitten, and murmured, "Sorry, it's not dinnertime yet."

This time was different, of course. Not because of Gojyo -- who could take care of himself in most situations -- as much as Gojyo's soulless shinki; and, of course, Ren's new one.

He had to admit to himself that he didn't know who would take Hibari if Ren finally lost his patience. There weren't many gods who would accept that much of a headache.

"And besides," he said, scratching Kishi's ears, "you and Ren do still have to work together, you know."