He really is an idiot sometimes.

The peanut shells and the glass-shaped stain on the long stretch of the counter separates Gojyo's place, as compared to Hakkai's with it's neat little coaster and use of a second dish for his scraps.

Maybe it's the alcohol making Gojyo speak before thinking, despite Hakkai already on seven and Gojyo stuck with four.

His sober side is reminding him not to talk about Chin Yisou, but the words had just slipped out. Cause and effect, really.

One, Hakkai comments that Gojyo tends to be drinking too much too fast.

The real reason is likely because they've been on the road for two weeks without access to beer or girls or real food. He's wanted this glass for days, dreaming about it and imagining its taste. And the glass before, and the glass before that too.

But despite Hakkai's concern, Gojyo wants to be witty so he comments that he needs watering, much like a tree. And hey, hadn't he almost become one that one time when Sanzo shot him in the heart and...

And...oh yeah. We don't talk about that because...

Hakkai laughs for a moment, gives a failed impression of a grin and turns away to ask for his bill.

Shit.

"Hey, we got through," Gojyo starts. Whenever he tries to fix something with Hakkai, he's never entirely sure he does it. "Don't be all mopey because I'm an ass when I'm drunk."

"It's fine," Hakkai comments. "But you really don't want me present right now."

Gojyo's brows frown as he straightens. "Really, dude. I didn't mean--"

Hakkai clears his throat and gives Gojyo a look. And then, he looks past Gojyo.

Turning, the red-headed traveler watches as three very stunning ladies glance around the semi-crowded bar. One's a red-head, the other two are blond--(sisters?). Their faces say that they're old enough to know what they like, but their clothes offer everything to Gojyo's imagination.

"I'd cramp your style and sitting here, there'd only be two other seats available," explains Hakkai.

"You are the best," Gojyo says automatically.

"Have fun," concedes Hakkai. "But slow down with the drinking. If you're sick tonight, I swear you'll be working off your hang-over running after Jeep in the morning."

There's something dark promised in those words, which causes Gojyo to duck his head. "Yes mom."

Hakkai chuckles again, a real sound. All is right between them, and Gojyo sighs happily with good beer on his tongue and the presence of one pair of pretty green eyes finally finding him, replacing the gaze from Hakkai.