Twice a Day

Chapter 5: A Long Walk

Goemon was mysterious. It was really the easiest way you could summarize him, especially now. Trekking past the mountains, out of sight of any familiar landscapes and with no guidance beyond a compass and Goemon's directions, you were lost if he suddenly decided not to go through with this.

However, he was the one who insisted on packing so much. He didn't strike you as the kind to need a tent, but you realized later it was likely for you. He was subtly considerate, it seemed. Which was odd, as you'd picked up on a few things after your limited time together. Namely, the fact that Goemon didn't express emotions subtly.

He had two modes on the surface. Completely unfeeling, unwavering, stone cold Goemon, and... Hyper-sensitive, very nervous, very FEELING Goemon. It was strange, seeing him bounce between the two, especially in such rapid movements. When you'd met, he seemed squarely in the middle of it, shy and nervous, but still obviously someone who meant business at times.

However, if one looked deeper, they found much more to him. Especially with how you could catch him smiling when he thought you weren't looking, or how he held his hand open just slightly by your side, as if he wanted you to take it.

Would it have been awkward if you had hugged him earlier, like you wanted to? Would he have held you without any fuss, knowing you needed the time to just process and calm down? It was a little late to ask about it now.

"How far is it again?"

"Two days. If we make good pace."

You sighed. If? You weren't fond of that idea. "Not walking for 48 hours straight, right?"

He turned to look at you as if you had the ugliest hat in the world on your head and he didn't want to say anything. "No...? I believe we would need to rest."

"Oh. Duh." You nodded awkwardly. It explained the tent he had strapped to his back. "Is it heavy?"

He only gave way to the tiniest of smiles. "You really need not worry."

What else could you do? It seemed like you'd already been walking for hours, hidden by this forest when you felt you could've just gone through the field. Goemon though, Goemon insisted on "cover," another detail that made you further anxious.

You decided that conversation was the best past-time to cover the worry. "Mr. Kushieda, do you have any family?"

Goemon kept his pace as you sped up slightly to walk beside him. "I... do, but I fear I do not see them often." He inhaled like he intended to continue, but froze before doing so, like a wave of something passed over him. "You can call me Goemon."

"Oh, okay Goemon! How come you rarely see them?" You didn't really want to press, but you supposed if he was really bothered by it he would simply go quiet.

"It's as Jigen said. We travel frequently."

"What about Jigen?" you asked.

"Jigen?"

"What's your relation to him?"

Goemon thought about it for a long time. "He's... my best friend."

"Wow," you said quietly, mouth hanging open. "You must be very close if you can stand how cranky people get travelling AND only travel with him."

Goemon muttered something about Jigen always being cranky before clearing his throat and speaking louder. "We are not alone. I have, um... Two other friends."

"Oh good! The more the merrier."

Goemon seemed content on leaving the conversation lying flat on its back right there. But you weren't done. "So what are they like?"