Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
Best Friend
The fish were eaten. The sun was setting. And Ginta and Hakkaku stared at each other, their faces woebegone.
"I guess it's time to go."
"Yeah. Time to go." Ginta looked away, scuffing a foot against the ground. "You should take the wolves."
"No, you should keep them."
"No, you should—"
"I think Hakkaku-san should take them."
Startled, the two whirled to face the human boy, expressions surprised and then annoyed. Kohaku's face reddened a bit, but he didn't look away. "Kirara and I will be with Ginta-san. If the territory between here and your home is dangerous, Hakkaku-san shouldn't travel alone."
The two looked back at each other, somber, and finally nodded. "I'll take them."
Ginta nodded. "Okay." Silence. "Um, bye."
"Bye."
Kohaku watched the trio finally leave, his hands in Kirara's ruff. "You're good friends, aren't you?"
Ginta peered at him. "Yeah. The best. Since pup-hood. Koga's pack-leader, but Hakkaku—we've never been apart before.I miss him."
Kohaku's gaze fell as Ginta turned away. Pain and yearning and loneliness filled his heart. He'd never had a best friend. He'd always felt apart as a kid, driven hard by his father. His sister had always been on his side, but once she started working—
Would he ever have a best—a human—friend? Kirara was a friend; a companion tried and true. He loved her. But, to have a friend who could talk, who could make jokes, who could share secrets and questions...
Would he ever dare try?
His eyes burned.
Author's Note: This drabble was written for the prompt "Tried and True" on the LiveJournal community Issekiwa. It was originally posted on March 3rd, 2012. It took second. (7/15/2012)