Disclaimer: The usual. Don't own 'em, wish I did.

A/N: Yaoi in later chapters. Pairing is Hakkai/Gojyo. I'm usually a Sanzo/Gojyo fan but these two are just too cute and I happened to be in a cute mood at the time.

Friendship With Benefits

Gojyo supported his friend as he helped him walk over to the jeep and climb in the back. "Now you just stay put and I'll get you all bandaged up when we get back to the inn."

"Who…who is going to drive?"

"Me you dummy. Now sit back and shut up." The redhead hopped in the driver's seat with a smirk on his face. "Ok Hakuryu, let's go!"

Hakkai closed his eyes and prayed to the merciful goddess that he would make it to the inn in one piece.

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Hakkai winced as Gojyo cleaned the gash on his side. It took them awhile to get the bleeding under control, but now Gojyo was able to properly clean the wound and stitch it up. The demon winced once again and muffled a cry as his friend began to expertly stitch the gash closed.

Gojyo looked up at the small sound and saw Hakkai looking away to the side, biting his bottom lip. "Hakkai? Is it that bad? Would you like me to see if Sanzo has any painkillers left?"

"N-no, I'm fine Gojyo." He turned and offered a smile, but Gojyo recognized it as one of his fake smiles, reserved for times when Hakkai didn't want anyone to know what he was feeling.

Gojyo went back to the task at hand, knowing better than to push the subject. He kept his attention on the needle and thread as Hakkai spoke up again. "Thank you Gojyo. For coming after me and for taking care of me. Once again, I'd be dead without you."

"Yeah, well I couldn't let the only person who doesn't piss me off on a daily basis die, now could I?"

Hakkai chuckled and the action caused him more pain. "Ah…damn it." Gojyo raised an eyebrow at the cursing demon, but he saw the look in the green eyes and lowered his gaze. He knew that look too. Hakkai was withdrawing into himself. He did that whenever he was depressed or mad at himself. Gojyo guessed that right now, he was a little bit of both.

"Alright, you're officially in one piece again." Gojyo got up from his knees and went over to the bathroom to clean up and pack the medical kit away. "Hey, you hungry? I can bring you something."

Hakkai had maneuvered himself to sitting on the bed, back against the wall, staring out the window. "No thank you. I'm just going to sit here for awhile and then maybe get some rest."

Gojyo stood by the door, his hand on the knob, "I'll check in on you later then." He watched Hakkai for a few moments, the figure unmoving, unblinking. "You did everything you could. You can't save everyone Hakkai." The demon never acknowledged the comment, and Gojyo left without another word, worried for his friend.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Hey Gojyo! How's Hakkai?"

The redhead sat down at the table with Goku and Sanzo and motioned to the waitress for a drink. "He'll be fine. Needs a few days of rest though."

"So we're stuck here because he decided to be stupid. Perfect." Amethyst and crimson eyes glared at each other. "Don't give me that look. It was stupid and you know it." The monk got up and headed out the door without a glance back.

"Sanzo? Hey Sanzo, wait up!" Goku started to get up and go after the monk, but Gojyo's words stopped him.

"Let him go. He's just pissed because Hakkai did a stupid thing."

"But Gojyo….you looked like you were going to kill Sanzo for calling Hakkai stupid."

"True. But that's because only I am allowed to call Hakkai stupid." Gojyo smiled at the frothy drink placed before him and he gratefully took a long drink. "So, you hungry?"

"Am I!"

The two teammates sat in the restaurant and gorged themselves happily until it came down to the last meat bun. Then a fight ensued and they were thrown out by the waitress.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gojyo made his way up the stairs and quietly let himself into the room. He silently undressed until he was wearing nothing but his boxers and a t-shirt and he slipped into his bed. As he lay there, waiting for sleep to overtake his mind, he couldn't rid himself of images of Hakkai's green eyes, hard and sparking with anger as he dealt the fatal blow to the demon overlord. He hadn't seen that kind of anger in him in a very long time. He also hadn't seen him this hurt in a long time either.

Yes, he had been stupid to go back to that village and help those demon-hating people rid their village of their demon overlord. But that was Hakkai. He valued life and when he saw people in need, he helped. So what if the people of the village had already tried to kill them once? They did it out of fear instilled in them by the demon overlord that terrorized their village.

But Hakkai wouldn't leave. He insisted on staying behind and helping them. So the three of them had left him there with the understanding that he would catch up with them soon. Gojyo lasted half a day's journey before he decided to take Hakuryu and go back for Hakkai. Sanzo may not have any trouble being a coldhearted bastard, but Gojyo did. Especially when it came to his friends. And Hakkai was his best friend. He felt guilty leaving him in the first place. If only I'd backed him up from the start, he wouldn't be in this condition.

Gojyo rolled over onto his side and watched the sleeping figure, covered in blankets and moonlight. "Hakkai? You awake?" Gojyo got up and padded over to the other bed and looked down at the peaceful face. He so rarely got to see Hakkai without his monocle on, and it was a bit strange to see him now, hair brushed back, his face fully exposed.

Gojyo admired the man. He'd often heard people, mainly women of course, describe Hakkai as beautiful. Men weren't supposed to be beautiful were they? They were supposed to be handsome or sexy, maybe even cute. But beautiful? Gojyo admired the long eyelashes that rested on pale cheeks, thin pink lips that even when not smiling, were inviting somehow. He saw Hakkai's long slender fingers tangled within his auburn hair that was shiny even in the moonlight.

Gojyo reached out a hesitant hand, his fingertips barely touching the warm skin of the sleeping demon's cheek when he pulled back as if bitten. What the hell am I doing! He stared down at his friend, still feeling the need to touch him, but restraining himself. Maybe that blow to the head was worse than I thought. The confused half-demon went back to his bed and eventually fell asleep, thinking back on the time he and Hakkai had lived together, so long ago.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gojyo opened his eyes wide at the sound of someone pounding on the door. He sat up and growled as he heard the voice on the other end. "Hey! Wake up Gojyo! Sanzo says no breakfast until we're all ready! Wake up! I'm starving!"

Gojyo yanked the door open and pulled the smaller young man up to his face by his collar, his voice hushed, but acidic. "Listen you inconsiderate little monkey. Hakkai needs to rest. And he won't be able to rest with you pounding on the door like a lunatic. Now go back to your tree and I'll be downstairs for breakfast soon. If you can't wait, eat Sanzo."

And with that, Gojyo tossed Goku into the hallway and closed the door. He leaned his forehead against the door and sighed. "As usual you were too hard on him Gojyo." The redhead turned to see Hakkai's green eyes fixed on him, smiling. "Good morning."

"Hmph. For some maybe." Gojyo went back to his bed and fell into it, closing his eyes. "How do you feel?"

"Ok I guess. Sanzo stopped by last night and gave me some pain killers so I was able to sleep."

Gojyo smirked at Sanzo's secret being revealed. The coldhearted bastard cares after all. "Would you like some breakfast?"

"Don't worry about me. I'll have someone from the inn bring me some food. You get some sleep or eat or do whatever you want to do. I'll be fine. I'm just going to lay here and recover."

Gojyo sat up and looked over at Hakkai. "No, you're going to lay here and wallow in depression and self loathing." Stunned green eyes met his crimson. "I'll go and get us some breakfast and we'll play cards. And before you decide to protest, yes, this is what I want to do. So don't go anywhere. I'll be right back."

Gojyo put on his jeans and shoes and went downstairs to get some breakfast. Hakkai waited for his friend to return, occupying his mind with thoughts of what Gojyo was doing at his bedside last night.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gojyo spent the morning with Hakkai, eating breakfast and playing cards. Correction. Eating breakfast and losing at cards. "Damn it Hakkai! Why do I still play with you?" Gojyo threw his cards down in disgust as the green-eyed demon across from him chuckled. Gojyo forgot his frustration at the sight of his friend smiling. Truly smiling. "You are one lucky bastard." He leaned back and lit up a cigarette, waiting for Hakkai to deal the next hand.

"I suppose I am." Hakkai's eyes lost the smile, even if his lips didn't and they both knew what he was thinking. He was lucky to be alive. That demon overlord had him dead-to-rights. Hakkai was preparing to die, unable to generate any chi, he laid there, waiting for the final blow from the demon's staff. Instead, the staff had been stayed by a chain wrapped around it. The demon turned his attention to the newcomer, leaving Hakkai for the moment. After all, he was no longer a threat. Hakkai watched as Gojyo battled the demon overlord, drawing him further and further away.

Hakkai couldn't let Gojyo battle alone, so he forced his body to move, crawling towards the combatants. Along the way, he found a discarded halberd and used it to prop himself up. He leaned against a tree, supporting and concealing himself, and followed the action, finally making eye contact with Gojyo. Bring him to me. I will kill him. Hakkai saw Gojyo's hesitation, but the redhead nodded and started to draw the overlord towards him. He watched with the alert and skilled eyes of an expert tactician, waiting for the right moment. Finally, the overlord was within striking distance. Hakkai stepped out from behind the tree, and with a cry full of hatred, he swung the halberd, beheading the unsuspecting demon.

As Hakkai watched the overlord dissolve into a million particles of dust, he turned grateful eyes to the approaching half demon. Gojyo, his best friend, had once again saved his life. He sunk to the ground, letting the halberd fall from his hands. Hakkai surveyed the destruction before him.

He'd come here to save the villagers. But they had once again tried to kill him and he was forced to defend himself. He didn't kill them of course and the overlord saw this, so he used the villagers as shields. Hakkai was forced to defend himself and wait for the demon to make a mistake. But it was Hakkai that had made the mistake. He had miscalculated on a chi blast and had killed the villager being used as a shield. That was when he'd let the overlord get the advantage. He'd stood there in stunned horror as the villager crumpled to the ground, his body burned beyond recognition. Hakkai suffered blow after blow in his shocked state. He finally brought himself out of it, mounting an offensive, but he was so badly wounded by this point that his body just didn't have what was needed to defeat the overlord.

And just as he was preparing to feel the blade of the overlord end his life, he was once again granted a reprieve from death. His crimson-haired savior had shown up just in time. Once Hakkai saw Gojyo, he knew everything would be alright. That was how things worked for them. Whenever one of them was in any sort of trouble, once the other showed up, things worked out fine.

"Hey. Hakkai. You in there?" Hakkai shook off the thought and looked up to see inquiring crimson eyes aimed at him.

Hakkai smiled and began to deal the cards. "Oh, sorry. I just spaced out there for a moment."

Gojyo's keen eyes studied his friend's movements. He was still hurting. A lot. He was trying not to move any body part unnecessarily and the result was a stiff and awkward demon. "Last hand. You need to rest."

"I won't argue with you."

"It wouldn't do you any good."

"That's what I thought."

The last hand had Hakkai winning yet again and Gojyo thankful they didn't play for money. Gojyo picked up his jacket and headed for the door. "I'm going out for a bit. Do you need anything before I leave?"

"I'm fine Gojyo. You worry too much." He slid down into the soft bed and sighed. The painkillers had worn off over an hour ago, but he hadn't wanted to be alone yet, so he kept his mouth shut, waiting for Gojyo to decide to leave.

"Only about you." He turned and left the injured demon to recuperate. "I'll check back in around lunch time. Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone."

"Who, me?" His voice was as innocent as could be.

Gojyo chuckled and closed the door behind him, "Exactly. Later."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gojyo wandered the marketplace, not really looking for anything in particular. He just wanted Hakkai to get some rest so he'd left him alone. He couldn't find Sanzo and Goku so that left him to his own devices. As he walked through the various stalls, a pretty face caught his eye and he made his way over to the booth.

"Hello there."

"Hello. How are you today sir?"

"Much better now that I've seen you."

The pretty blonde giggled and blushed slightly. "So what's your preference?"

"Huh?" Gojyo hadn't heard that response before.

The girl indicated the stacks of books between them. "What kind of books do you like to read?"

Gojyo looked down and finally noticed all the books. He hadn't been paying attention to what the girl was selling. All he saw was a nice rack and a pretty pair of green eyes. "Oh. Hmmm. That's a good question." He smiled back at the young girl and when he looked into her eyes again, thoughts of a certain green-eyed demon came into his mind. "Do you have any history books?"

"Right over here."

Gojyo selected several books for Hakkai to read while convalescing. Two were history, one was a compilation of local folklore, one on flowers, one on birds, and one which seemed to be more of a writer's guide, but the girl said it contained fascinating information on symbolism used in literature.

So Gojyo had purchased the books and kept wandering around the town. It was a nice day and the air was so clean and fresh up here in the mountains. It was almost lunch time when Gojyo decided to head back and check on Hakkai and deliver the books.

When Gojyo opened the door to their room, Hakkai was asleep. He quietly placed the books on the bedside table and left. He'd promised the girl he'd come back when she got off work, which should be right about now. And I hate disappointing a lady.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"We move out tomorrow, with or without you!" Sanzo slammed his hand down on the table, not caring who stared at this point. He was fed up with Gojyo babying Hakkai. They had a mission. And hanging around in this town for a week wasn't part of it.

"If you leave without us you'll be walking monk!"

"At least I'll be doing something other than sitting on my ass in this town." Sanzo stood up and headed for the door. "C'mon Goku."

"But Sanzo---"

"I said now!"

Goku cringed at the tone and turned apologetic eyes to the redhead. "It's ok Goku. Go ahead. He's helpless without you whether he admits it or not."

The young man smiled and visibly relaxed at Gojyo's words. "Right." He ran out the door to catch up with the angry monk.

Gojyo finished his drink and went upstairs with a tray of food and a flask of sake. He opened the door and found Hakkai reading one of the books he'd picked up for him yesterday. He was greeted with a warm smile that made all his anger at the monk just disappear. Hakkai had that power over him. He could make him feel better with a single look.

"Hello there."

"Hey. Brought you some dinner."

"Thank you." Hakkai got up slowly and walked over to the small table in their room and cleared off the books and papers. "I heard Sanzo outside grumbling. Would that have anything to do with me?"

"Hmph. Damn monk."

"I'll take that as a yes." Hakkai sat down and began to set the food out and pour the drinks while Gojyo washed up. "I'm recovered enough to leave Gojyo. There's no need to delay anything for me."

He sat down and Gojyo emerged from the bathroom to join him. "If you can't fight Hakkai, you're useless to us." Hakkai frowned at the truth of his friend's words. "That's what Sanzo said. And that's why he's going to be walking if he leaves without us."

"Gojyo, if Sanzo thinks we should leave---"

"Shut up Hakkai. I doubt you could even drive a full day."

"You or Sanzo could drive. I can sit in the back until I'm fully healed."

Gojyo looked at Hakkai, knowing his friend was once again just trying to keep everybody happy. Heaven forbid he inconvenience the monk and take some time to heal. "Look Hakkai. You're going to stay here until you're well enough and that's final."

"And who will be the judge of that?"

"Me of course."

"I see." Hakkai raised his cup at his friend, "Then here's to good health my friend."

"I'll drink to that."

Hakkai chuckled as he began to serve the food, "You'll drink to anything Gojyo."

"Just about."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hakkai and Gojyo drank the night away, laughing and playing cards. Sanzo and Goku had joined them at one point, but the monk and his faithful saru retired once the town bells chimed 2am. Before Sanzo left he had agreed to stay in town for two extra days. "After that, I'll shoot you myself to put your lame-horse ass out of commission. Got it?"

"Yes sir."

Hakkai's face and tone let Sanzo know that the man took him seriously and he would be prepared to leave in two days, fully healed or not.

"Well, I think I'm going to call it a night." Gojyo got up and stretched before undressing and heading into the bathroom to wash up. When he came out and sank down into his bed, he marveled at how even when injured and on painkillers, the quiet Hakkai could drink them all under the table. "Goodnight Hakkai."

"Goodnight Gojyo."

Hakkai lay there for an hour or so, unable to sleep. He finally got out of bed and carefully put on his jacket, pants and boots and headed out of the room. He inhaled deeply when he merged from the inn and out into the fresh night air. It felt good to breathe cool, fresh air. He walked out into the town square that the inn overlooked and sat down on a bench under a tree. He really wasn't feeling any pain at this point thanks to the painkillers and the sake. He looked up at the crescent moon peeking out from behind the clouds.

"Nice night."

Hakkai smiled at the voice and turned to see Gojyo standing there, cigarette in his mouth. "I'm sorry if I woke you when I left. I tried to be quiet."

"You were quiet. I wasn't asleep." Gojyo sat down next to him and leaned back, looking up into the night sky to see what Hakkai found fascinating only moments ago.

"Thank you again for the books. They're the perfect thing to keep me occupied."

"Thought you might enjoy them." He cast a sideways glance at the demon next to him, "Besides, I haven't seen you read in awhile. Any reason why?"

"Events haven't exactly allowed me much free time."

"You should make time."

Hakkai looked over at his friend who still had his crimson eyes fixed on him. "You really do worry about me, don't you?"

"Hmph." Gojyo turned his attention back to the night sky, not willing to participate in the conversation any longer. At least, not the topic at hand anyway. The two friends sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

Gojyo finished his cigarette and stomped out the butt, creating the only sound to be heard within the square. "You ready?"

"No. I think I'll stay a little longer. You go back to bed." Hakkai saw the look and he chuckled as he turned away from his friend. For some reason, the look of concern in those crimson eyes made the heat rise to his cheeks. "I'll be fine Gojyo. I made it out here, didn't I?"

Gojyo opened his mouth to say something, but decided better of it. He sighed and started to head back to their room. "'Night."

"Goodnight Gojyo."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gojyo stood at the window looking down at the spot he knew Hakkai to be occupying. He couldn't see the demon because of the tree, but he stared anyway. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep until he knew Hakkai had made it safely to bed. He wasn't sure why he was so worried. He'd seen him injured before. Too many times in fact. The problem with looking out for his best friend was that most of his injuries were internal. He suffered internal damage to his body when he used his chi beyond its breaking point as a shield, usually to protect all of them.

But this time, he'd taken major hits and they were very evident. Gojyo shuddered as he recalled the condition he found Hakkai in, preparing himself to die at the hands of that disgusting overlord. If he'd died…if Hakkai had left him here….alone…..

Goku may be like a little brother to him, but he had Sanzo to look after him. And Sanzo…..well they had a volatile relationship that worked for them. They didn't hate each other. Sanzo just made it very difficult for people to truly care about him.

But Hakkai was his best friend. The only person in this world he truly cared for. He didn't even care for his brother as much as he cared for Hakkai. I suppose you could say I love him. Why not? All love isn't romantic. Love can exist between friends. He loved Hakkai as his best friend. He didn't want to lose him and he would always worry about him. Especially if he kept doing stupid stuff like he just did.

Gojyo sighed and turned away from the window, heading back to his bed. But as he turned, he came face to face with glittering eyes. "Oh shit!" The redhead stumbled a step backwards, a hand on the wall for support. "Hakkai! What are you trying to do? You almost gave me a heart attack!"

Hakkai stood there, his heart was pounding so hard he was having trouble finding words. "I-I'm sorry." They stood there a few moments in silence and then Hakkai found his voice. And a smile. "What were you looking at?"

"A tree." Gojyo brushed past the demon and went to lie down on his bed.

"I never knew you to be such a nature lover." Hakkai lingered at the window, looking out at the square before sliding into bed.

"I'm not."

"Then why were you looking at a tree?" Hakkai felt like sparring with his friend. He always enjoyed drawing things out of people that they didn't want to reveal. And one of his favorite targets was Gojyo. Mainly because he wanted to know as much about the half demon as possible. But his favorite target would always be Sanzo. The closed off monk didn't want anything revealed about himself and whenever Hakkai managed to get a piece of information, he considered it a great victory. But it was Gojyo he was concentrating on now and it didn't appear his friend was in the mood because he hadn't answered his question yet.

"Gojyo?"

"Hmph."

"So why were you looking at a tree?"

Hakkai waited and still didn't hear anything. Just as he was about to try one more time before calling it a night, he heard a muffled answer.

"Because I like the color green." Green like the emeralds that he knew were looking at him right now.

"I never knew that about you. Would you like to know a few things about the color?"

"Isn't it a bit late for Sensei Hakkai to be awake?"

"Sensei Hakkai is always awake and waiting Gojyo."

"Fine. What do you know about green Sensei?"

"Green can symbolize growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. It has a strong emotional correspondence with safety and it has great healing power. It is the most restful color for the human eye and can actually improve vision depending on the environment. Green suggests stability and endurance."

"That explains it."

"Explains what?"

"Why you prefer to wear green and were born with green eyes. You are green Hakkai."

Hakkai lay there, contemplating his friend's remark. It was a lovely compliment and rather poetic. He liked the idea of Gojyo thinking of him as green. He felt his cheeks getting warm at this last thought but he didn't know why.

"Hakkai?"

"Yes?"

"What does….what about red. What does red mean?"

"Red? Well, it's a very emotionally intense color. It is associated with war, danger, strength, and determination. It also represents passion, desire, and love."

"Is there anything you don't know Hakkai?"

Hakkai chuckled, "Plenty."

"That's good to know."

"Why?"

"That means I may still be able to teach you a few things."

"I'm not sure I like the sound of that."

"Don't you trust me?"

"With my life."

"Then you have nothing to worry about. Now go to sleep before I knock you out."

"Alright. No need to get like Sanzo. Goodnight red."

"What did you say?" Gojyo rolled over to glare at the demon, but only his back was visible so Gojyo just grumbled and closed his eyes.

"Oh, nothing." Hakkai pulled the blanket up to his chin, a small smile on his face as he fell asleep.

to be continued...