A/N: Ah... First serious attempt at a fic that I'm willing to share publically. Work in progress. Comments would be greatly appreciated. This takes place before the series. Bits of Gojyo/Hakkai fluffiness eventually.
All things Saiyuki related belong to Kazuya Minekura.
"You remember what today is, don't you?"
Gojyo froze. He and Hakkai were returning from the market, both clutching two bags each to their chests. They had been walking home in a comfortable silence, as always. He really wasn't expecting the question.
Once the words sunk in, he began to panic inwardly. What the hell had he forgotten?! He knew he looked like an idiot as he started ticking off dates in his head. It wasn't anyone's birthday, was it? Some obscure holiday?
"...shopping day?" he muttered, feeling really damn stupid. Hakkai just laughed.
"Well, yes, that is true. But that's not quite what I was thinking."
"I dunno, then," Gojyo replied sheepishly.
"That's alright. I almost didn't realize it myself."
They walked another block or two in silence before Gojyo spoke up again, "I give. What is today?"
"I guess you could say... it's my second birthday," Hakkai said, grinning. Gojyo gave him a blank look. Hakkai smiled and clarified, "Exactly one year ago today, I took the name Cho Hakkai."
"It's been that long already? Wow..."
"Yes, it's hard to believe, isn't it?" Hakkai smiled.
"Really," Gojyo mused, "We should have a party. Call over the monk and the monkey..."
"You just want an excuse to throw a party," Hakkai teased.
"Damn, figured me out."
"It would be nice to get together with those two again. It's be-..."
Hakkai cut off suddenly, and glanced towards the wooded area near the village. Gojyo followed his gaze, squinting into the darkness.
"Did you hear that?" Hakkai whispered.
"Hear what? ...hey!"
Hakkai shoved his bags into the flustered kappa's arms and bolted off. Once Gojyo had regained his balance, he cursed softly. Should he follow? Head back home? He opted to just wait, listening for any signs of trouble. He really needed a smoke, but he didn't want to set the bags down. Gojyo sighed and made himself as comfortable as possible. Certainly, it wouldn't take his friend long to return...
"Need help, sonny?"
A little old lady smiled up at him over small, square spectacles. She came up to about Gojyo's elbow and had her pale blue hair pulled up tightly in a bun.
"Nah, just waiting for someone," the half-breed replied with a nonchalant shrug.
"Ya look lonesome."
"Maybe a little."
The granny hopped up onto a barrel, grinning.
"I'll keep ya company!" she exclaimed. Gojyo gave her a weak smile back as she looked him over.
"You're scrawny! Ya need ta eat more! Women don't like men that look like twigs!"
"Hey, look, granny, the ladies like me just fine the w-"
"And look at that hair! Tch! Kids today..."
Gojyo tuned her out and let her yammer on and on about how he needed a haircut and some decent clothing. Just as he felt himself slipping into a coma, the kappa noticed movement from the woods. Hakkai jogged over to him, carrying something bundled in his jacket. As the young man came closer, Gojyo could see a large scratch down his cheek and smears of blood on his clothing.
"Shit..." he muttered, hurrying over.
"Such language!" the woman snorted. Gojyo ignored her as she launched into a lecture about the evils of foul words.
"What the hell happened?"
"Let's get back home first. He's in pretty bad shape," the green-eyed youkai said. He smiled at the woman as he passed and bid her good evening, asking forgiveness if his companion had been any trouble.
"Now there's a gentleman!" she chirped to herself.
"...wait..." Gojyo froze again. "He?"
"Yes, he," replied Hakkai calmly, "Now let's head back before one of us catches cold."
To be continued...