Teh Queen: All the chapters for this fic generally aren't going to be very long at all.
Teh Slave: For this fic in particular, PLEASE refer to the PPP. Only slight Takouji in this fic.
-One-
"Can we stop for the night?"
"Not yet, we have a lot of ground to cover in a short amount of time, if we want to get to the forest terminal soon that is."
Junpei complained, Bokomon explained, it was the same deal each night.
"I dunno, my legs are getting pretty tired." Neemon pitched in before tripping over his own feet.
Takuya sighed. He was getting tired, and as much as he would normally complain, he somehow felt responsible for the groups sanity, so he kept his mouth firmly shut. People were getting moody, and if he tried something, anything, he knew Kouji would jump on him for it. Being leader was hard.
"No, I think we should make camp, it's dark, we might get lost." Surprise settled over the scene. Since when did Kouji suggest rest? Everyone jumped on the opportunity.
"Ok!"
"Sounds good to me"
"I'll fetch some fire food."
"I'll come with you!"
"Can we find something to eat too?" I'm starved!"
One sentence statements fluttered as Junpei, Izumi and Tomoki headed in one direction is search of food and wood, Bokomon and Neemon heading in another to find water. Normally, Takuya would jump on a chance to take charge but right now he was concerned with Kouji, (who was now slumped against a tree, hands behind his head) and his sudden change in attitude. He too slid down the tree next to his companion.
"Well, I'd have to say that was pretty decent of you, they won't seem to do anything anymore without your approval." Takuya indicated in the directions their friends had walked off in.
"I suppose it's set in for me I'm part of a team now, and it's a majority rules situation." Kouji muttered in reply, eyes closed. Takuya smirked.
"I think I'm starting to like you."
Kouji snickered.
"I'm flattered."
They sat in silence for a while until Bokomon and Neemon returned with water and some fish. A while later the others arrived bringing wood and an assortment of wild herbs.
"Complements to the chef!" Izumi bragged as she served out her cooking. Which did indeed taste good. Things got hectic in the midst of a well needed meal, but Takuya still couldn't help but occupy himself with Kouji. He really was a good guy, even if he didn't show it, and even thought they clashed, Takuya seriously thought there was no one else here he could connect with better. The fun evening was dampened quite literally when a light drizzle started, which escalated into a sheet of cold rain. The group had to force themselves as close to tree trunks as they could, the thick foliage protecting them effectively, yet there was no way Takuya could make himself comfortable against the straight trunk of the tree, with his legs curled out of the rain. He muttered under his breath about it.
"If it bothers you that much we can lean back to back." An unexpected voice seemed to come from the rain itself, at least, that would have seemed more logical, considering he now realised it was Kouji, sitting, staring at him intently. Takuya just blinked at him, wondering how he had heard his mutterings. "At least that way your legs won't be in the rain, but hey, whatever floats your boat." Kouji prepared to lean himself against the tree again.
"Oh, yeah, I mean, if you don't mind." Takuya fumbled, still grappling with the offer, scratching the back of his head.
And so they slept that way, under the giant tree, resting back to back, unaware of Cherubimon watching them from his castle, forever plotting how to sabotage their progress.