[ That's not how Hakkai feels, Gojyo wants to yell. That's just his memories lying to him. For the six months Gojyo's been here he's been nothing but mean to Hakkai -- anything good between them is false, put there by the heavens to bring them together.

Does that matter, though? Everyone's been telling him it doesn't matter, so maybe... maybe it's time he listened. Maybe it's time to put aside one more thing that he thinks he knows, and try trusting other ideas. ]

It was a really good memory. [ Hakkai's touch is so gentle that it's raising goosebumps all along Gojyo's arm; he has to close his eyes to stop from shivering. ] You looked at me like I was the best thing in the world. You looked so happy.

[ There's no more guilt on the shinki connection. It's all just longing, bright and fierce need. Gojyo's been doing so much better the few weeks he's been at the temple -- he needs people around, friends and casual enemies both -- but there's still an empty place in his chest, and it aches to be touched.

He opens his eyes, and all he can see is the top of Hakkai's head, unevenly cut dark hair above a too-pale face. He's still not recovered, is he? And here's Gojyo, making Hakkai burn through what little energy he's got left to comfort him. He should pull back, make Hakkai sit, eat, sleep... but he's just not that strong right now. ]

I've been such an asshole to you. I don't know how to make it better.