When he came to, he was barely aware of cool fingers brushing across his forehead, tugging gently at his hair. They felt soothing against his hot skin, and he did not have the energy to protest their touch. His head was pounding enough to make him queasy, he couldn't have spoken if he had wanted to. Slowly, reluctantly, he opened his eyes.
"Are you awake, Sir Monk?"
Hakkai's lilt voice entered his ears. How dare the bastard mock him. He must have a death wish. He was most likely grinning. When Sanzo could finally focus his vision, he saw that Hakkai was indeed smiling easily. "What the hell are you so happy about…?" Sanzo managed, scowling.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Hakkai promptly answered, continuing to smile.
Sanzo frowned, trying to place where he was. Why was Hakkai so tall all of a sudden? He was leaning over the monk as if he had just gained at least two feet. It was then that Sanzo realized his sore head was resting on something soft. He was using Hakkai's lap as a pillow, as the other sat propped up against what looked like a wall.
Sanzo jerked upright, and then regretted moving. The pounding in his head threw spots in front of his eyes, and he felt faint again. Hakkai's hands steadied him as he eased back down, resignedly laying his head on Hakkai's legs. "Bastard."
"I know," Hakkai bit back a sigh. He knew Sanzo hated anyone seeing him weak, but this situation couldn't be helped. They had been captured during the battle, and brought to the forest-dweller's prison. Hakkai was drained, or he would have at least helped Sanzo with his headache. He could feel the warm trickle of blood leaking down his own neck, and he knew he had a bad head wound, but Sanzo hurt also. For now, he would concern himself with Sanzo's injury.
"Where are we?"
"The enemy's prison. We were captured."
"What of the two idiots?"
Hakkai chuckled, "I believe they escaped. I haven't seen or heard anything of them since we were here."
"How long has it been?"
"About a day after the battle."
A day. Sanzo had slept for a full day. He groaned in annoyance, and shifted impatiently. Hakkai's brows drew together in worry, "Are you in pain?"
"No," he answered. Hell if he was going to make Hakkai worry over him. The brunette already had enough on his mind with Goku, Gojyo, and the jeep. He then noticed a suspicious tint of red at Hakkai's shoulder. "Hakkai, are you bleeding?" he asked, frowning.
"Not that badly, Sanzo," Hakkai smiled.
"Why don't you heal yourself?"
"I'm too tired right now. I'll take care of you once my strength is back," Hakkai rested a hand on Sanzo's head, much to the monk's chagrin.
"I didn't ask you to take care of me," the blonde tried to move away, but Hakkai's palm was stubborn at the silky hair.
"I know you didn't."
"So why the hell are you treating me like I'll break?" Sanzo saw a disturbing change in Hakkai's face, and suddenly realized that maybe he didn't want to know the answer.
