[Dokugakuji rubs his arm, as though trying to quell an ache, his expression growing distant and reserved. Hakkai watches him for a moment before glancing away.

Is that tendency to self-blame genetic, he wonders, or learned? He could really buy either.]

Not entirely. He does have other friends, you know: there are two shinki who work with him at his bar.

[After a moment, he shakes his head, briskly dismissing the statement. It's only a little too late to be convincing. He's worried about the same thing; Gojyo doesn't do well alone. He hadn't before Hakkai wound up in the road on his way home; he hadn't when Hakkai was away at the temple. He doesn't want to, when he remembers. Now? Well. Now, it seems he's decided it's for the best.]

I'm hoping they'll help him.