It had been a little while. To Daidouji it felt like they had been walking forever. It annoyed him. He hadn't always been that bad at walking long ways. But after Ryuuga's attack his leg wouldn't work like it was supposed to anymore.
And it had been the same scenery over and over, too. Not like he cared. At least not until a cactus appeared by the road. Well, that felt nostalgic. And Daidouji couldn't help getting a tiny bit exited. Seeing a cactus outside, growing naturally… How long had it been since he saw that?
And he was definitely up for an excuse to stop in his tracks. So he did, examining the plant.
Rago turned around, his expression a perfect pokerface (like pretty much always). Only his eyebrow showed how surprised he was. "What about that?", he asked, not sounding too interested though.
Only then Daidouji seemed to even recall his existence. He looked up and shrugged, with a little grin. "It's a cactus. You know, cacti are fascinating things…. and annoying. Oh, very annoying indeed. I used to have a bit of an obsession with them."
"Used to?" Rago did not sound convinced. Or impressed for that matter.
Daidouji cleared his throat. "Well… I must admit I still have a bit of interested in- ouch!"
You'd think that somewhere over the years he might have learned how touching cacti ended. But he couldn't help it.
"Damn thorns… ", he mumbled, "Anyway, what I was saying was that I have not paid them much mind, since I joined you."
"Hnfh."
Daidouji didn't know how to interpret Rago's reply, but he didn't bother asking. His leader was smiling, only a bit, and even though he wasn't quite sure why, it still was a positive effect.
Next thing he knew was that a small bit of fabric was wrapped around his bleeding index finger.
There weren't many things in the world that could startle Daidouji, but this did. For a second.
Rago shrugged and pulled his hands away. "Let's get going again then."
Obediently Daidouji bowed a bit. "I was just about to suggest it."
He felt like he could walk another mile or two easily now.