As requested by Demidevi-san; a little ficlet about Dokugakuji and Hakkai talking about Gojyo.
Seeking Out
by Maaya
The whole situation is unusual and not just a little embarrassing.
They aren't lost--exactly--because Hakkai knows exactly where they are, and where Hakuryu is and that is really everything they need. The problem is the others. Sanzo, Kougaiji and company, all meandering around in the forest looking for each other, what a chaos, what a chaos. Hakkai and Dokugakuji running into each other is more dumb luck than anything and by mutual agreement they won't fight now. Not until they're back with their team mates again, and can retreat and lick their wounds, mostly the ones damaging their pride.
They don't have much else in common, so it's just natural that they start talking about Gojyo.
Dokugakuji is definitely enjoying himself, they start out talking about any embarrassing secrets Gojyo might have, an interesting subject that leads to Hakkai having loads of juicy facts he can use if Gojyo would ever become too insufferable. Or perhaps he can leak them to Goku if the boy is being very bullied by Gojyo--Hakkai hasn't decided yet. But that is a later problem.
Right now, they should concentrate on finding their companions. While they're doing that, this conversation is interesting. But even that is slowing down, as the hours passes.
An hour is spent in mostly silence, until Dokugakuji breaks it.
"Say," Dokugakuji suddenly looks somewhat...guilty? Or ashamed--worried. His eyes are a little wide but he grins nonetheless. Hakkai is no fool; it's obvious the man is trying desperately to keep up a proud facade. "Did he ever...talk about me?"
Ah. Not a surprising question, considering. Hakkai doesn't bother to hide his smile as he pushes some branches away to clear the path. "To me, yes."
There is silence after that. Hakkai doesn't need to turn around to know the way that Dokugakuji's eyes are gleaming with a special kind of pride.
They don't speak much after that. They don't need to continue the conversation any longer.
end