Hiei notes the hand lifted to Kurama’s chest with slight concern. He realizes fairly quickly that this will be easier for them both if he does not stand his ground on this, but it doesn’t change the facts so far as he is concerned.

Yes, he’s helped to keep Kurama in some kind of control when he could, but so far as he is concerned he did not actually help him.

Hiei blinks a few times, truly at a loss to answer the question Kurama has asked. After a few moments of silence the fire demon turns his eyes literally anywhere other than Kurama and decides to attempt to assuage him.

Badly.

“Fine. I helped.”