#he feels the need to heal sanzo despite his own injuries ;;

[shouga-nai]

Hakkai noted the slight wobble as Sanzo rose to a stand. It was too dark to tell, but he suspected his companion was injured, likely because of him...

Focus.

The hand being offered pulled him from his thoughts, and he couldn't help the soft wistful smile forming on his features. You're getting soft, Sanzo, he thought, but held his tongue this time lest he receives another whack upside the head, haha.

It always was nice to know someone believes in him more than he did.

"I suppose you're right." Hakkai took his hand and swiftly got to his feet. Only then did he take notice of the damage he'd sustained. Nothing serious, but probably would be a nuisance if left untreated.

A ball of chi was gathered in his palm, serving as a decent light source as he led the way, maneuvering around the now lifeless hooded forms — until the shine of metal on the floor caught his eye. There his limiters were, right by the first demon he sliced in that temple...

Hakkai wasted no time in retrieving and putting them back on, appearance reverting back to normal. He heaved a sigh then, looking around at the old place. Suppose they could consider the mystery solved.

"Well then," he turned to the priest, smile ever present. "Shall we head back and claim our reward?" In other words, he'd very much like to get out of there now that their work was done, and he figured Sanzo would feel the same way. Also, he needed to get a better look at Sanzo's state. The sooner they leave, the better.

𖤓 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ Sanzo's face remained expressionless, even when Hakkai recoiled away from him. It gave him a moment to breathe, sucking precious air into his lungs. The monk hadn't realized he was holding his breath the entire time Hakkai threatened to slice him with his claws.

"I don't need an apology," Sanzo replied dryly, standing with a slight wobble. He touched the back of his head to feel the sticky blood in his hair. At least the bump had clotted. "I need you to focus. Where are your limiters?"

The damn temple was dark with no source of light to help them find their way around. Sanzo thought he could use his lighter, but upon checking his sleeves & pockets he must have dropped the damn thing during their scuffle.

Damn.

Against his better judgment, he offered his hand to help lift Hakkai to his feet. "Killing you would be an inconvenience," he muttered dryly without looking him in the eye. This was Sanzo's way of saying he cared. "Besides, I wouldn't hear the end of it from Goku & Gojyo if you got in the way of my bullets."