A monk and three youkai on an epic journey to the west: Saiyuuki.

South by Jeanne Johnson.

"You again," the man said, sounding disgusted.

Gojou grinned. "Me again."

The other didn't smile back, but there was a look in his eyes that meant the same thing as a smile, and the brandy feel just went on getting stronger.

"Patrolling?" the man said.

"Same like you."

"Anything?"

"Not a sausage."

"Cigarettes?"

"Don't mind if I do."

"I meant, you got any on you?"

Sanzou stood gazing over the scenery, exhaling smoke. "Don't mind too much," he said. "I told you the gods save nobody. You'll get used to it."

After a moment Hakkai said, "Yes."

"It gets better. But you being you won't believe that until it happens."

It would be rude to say 'no', so he didn't say it.