Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Never No Answer ❯ There's a tear in my beer ( Chapter 8 )

Disclaimer: Saiyuki and the characters used in the following belong to Kazuya Minekura.

And some other characters belong to "The Flower Drum Song," but do we care at
this point?

(P.S. - there WILL be sex in some shape-way-form. Surprise!)

Goku yawned, reaching up to wipe at the drool coming out of the corner of his mouth…and was drawn up short. He decided not to care, nuzzling back into that warm soft spot he had found in the blankets. The air touching his face was too cold even think about waking up right now, the heavy coverings too much to push off right now. He felt vaguely restrained, but there wasn't any sort of danger right now and sleep overwhelmed him without a second thought.

When he woke up for the second time, it was finally because of an overwhelming need to pee. Goku blinked his eyes open as he smacked his lips together, trying to get enough bearings to actually sit up out of bed. He went to scratch at his eyes and Sanzo moaned softly in protest.

Goku would have already been across the room and out the door if it Sanzo wasn't so close. If he had so much as twitched, his fingers would have tapped Sanzo right on the lips, one arm captured against the sleeping blonde's chest by a hand. Goku froze up instead, unable to even breathe for fear of waking the priest. Was he in the wrong bed? Goku's eyes whipped around as he tried to remember where he had fallen asleep last night, sure that this was the same room, so just when the hell had the blonde wandered in?! It was times like these Goku wished that he wasn't such a heavy sleeper.

"Sanzo?" Goku whispered, soft enough not to wake the blonde up but having to ask the question all the same. Maybe Sanzo might have gotten drunk and just mistaken his bed, but…it was unlikely that the monk had also mistaken his hand! There was no answer as Sanzo twisted slightly, showing bare shoulders as the sheets slipped, healed and smooth like usual. Goku was already using his free hand to grab the blankets covering him and throw them over Sanzo's body. He wasn't going to catch a chill now after Hakkai had obviously done so much to heal the man…

Goku blinked, realizing that Hakkai would have never been able to heal Sanzo this thoroughly. The monk even looked younger, though it could be because when he slept, his face relaxed instead of being crunched up in anger. Or pain…Goku's last lucid memory slammed down: that awful, awful painting. His nose and eyes started burning, a sick feeling in his stomach taking over. Goku may be pretty stupid when it came to some things, but he knew damn well what had happened to his High Priest at the hands of those youkai. Why did that have to happen to Sanzo? Sanzo didn't deserve any of it; Goku should have been watching Sanzo closer during that fight, should have finished off those youkai sooner, and should have been faster in finding him. Goku put his own hand on top of Sanzo's, gripping it tightly in apology while Sanzo was still asleep, trying to not cry, just breathe around that fluttering ache in his gut. He was sure that the monk wouldn't let him do this if he was awake…blinking at Goku in a drowsy, childish manner that would have made him laugh aloud, if he wasn't so worried that he was in deep shit for being there.

He wanted to hide his head, run away in shame instead of lying in the same bed as Sanzo, but was stuck when soft lavender eyes opened and settled on him. Goku winced and waited for Sanzo to explode like usual, bowing his head to take off some of the force of the blow. Instead, Sanzo's cold hand shook itself in Goku's soft grip, lacing their fingers together gracefully and squeezing once. Goku understood why the man was the High Priest; so much compassion in that small gesture that it was hard to believe the same fingers pulled the trigger of a Smith and Wesson every single day. Even though he had full right to, probably should have been screaming at Goku for messing up again, Sanzo was forgiving him.

"I'm sorry," Goku choked out before Sanzo could say anything, unable to fight the tears. He had probably done something bad during that time between seeing that…painting and… and he got to wake up with Sanzo whole and healed up even better than ever. Tears came out that just wouldn't stop, Goku wanting it have all to have just been one really bad dream. Goku knew he wasn't going to be that lucky, but he could still hope. Sanzo didn't say anything to his outburst, and Goku couldn't summon up the courage to see what expression Sanzo was wearing right now. A hand crept up and landed on his head; Goku grimaced, trying to hold in his crying and barely managing not to whimper, freezing, waiting for his life to end… waiting… and waited a little bit more.

Sanzo suddenly pulled Goku closer with it, the priest's chin on top of his hair and a whole body pressed up against his own, their hands still stuck between them. He didn't dare move, pretty sure the only reason he was still alive was because Sanzo hadn't quite woken all the way up yet. One did not find a Sanzo in their bed everyday, and they certainly were never affectionate. Goku felt like he might start crying all over again, not when he felt so bad and awful-and knew that Sanzo had to have been hurt twice as bad even if he looked fine now. Sanzo had actually been the subject for that monstrosity the youkai had called art... Goku would have taken Sanzo's place in a minute, knowing just what that would entail despite Gojyo always making fun of him and calling him a virgin on top of a monkey, but he didn't care. He would do anything to make that night never happen, nothing more than a bad dream; that for once Sanzo wouldn't end up half-dead every time they fought youkai. Sanzo was still just a human with skin that bled too easily…Goku still remembered how horrible Sanzo's body had looked when they had first tried to clean the man up. The rage was surprisingly fresh and ready to come to life, crying even harder as he realized he must have lost his temper and…and turned into that. Something inside him, that he had no memory of, and yet was his first recollection. He didn't know what happened during the times his demon limiter had been broken or removed, but was told he turned into his true form. Goku didn't like anyone to call it that. Any time he lost control and became lost in the madness that had taken over all other youkai, he ended up hurting his friends. Worst of all, he would attack Sanzo. He probably had done something like that again…

Goku choked and sobbed openly against Sanzo's chest, and even though the man wasn't saying anything, wasn't comforting him, or even so much as twitching…but, it was because of that Goku felt like he was actually wanted- or, tolerated, since Sanzo didn't seem to like anyone much. It was more than enough, Goku barely able to keep himself from hugging the monk. That would certainly break whatever spell had over come Sanzo as get him kicked out of bed. Goku should just be thankful that Sanzo was this close to him right now! The monk should have died three times over in the past couple of days. Even if he was miraculously healed- though at what price Goku would rather not think about right now- he had been even more sensitive about being touched or people getting close to him, coming close to blowing a few of the villager's heads off at dinner when they crowded in too close to the High Priest. Hakkai and Goku had barely been able to keep up with the apologizing and protecting of Sanzo, while Gojyo just snickered like it was hilarious that the monk was constantly on the verge of causing a bloodbath these days.

Goku swallowed up the rest of his tears, unable to wipe his face dry with Sanzo so close. Crying wouldn't fix anything, not now, and he'd probably end up pissing Sanzo off soon. He couldn't keep on being weak like this, couldn't depend on Sanzo when he had sworn to protect the man. If he just stopped screwing up, everything would be fine. Goku wasn't crazy with anger anymore, just guilty, tired, and sad. He didn't want to feel like this again. It was no small miracle that Sanzo was actually there, and Goku was pretty sure there weren't that many left. Sanzo had already had enough near-death experiences to give cats a run for their money. Goku wasn't going to let anything hurt Sanzo again.

Never ever!

There was a hushed rumbling, a weak and dry cough from smoking too many cigarettes, and then Sanzo was snoring. Goku hadn't heard Sanzo snore in years, well, not since they had lived at the monastery, and now it was even worse than Gojyo's. Goku couldn't help smiling, taking that as sign that things were going to be okay. They hadn't shared a bed since Sanzo had first found Goku and shown him huge, star-filled night skies were utterly terrifying. Everything had been frightening at first, but Sanzo had been there to watch him and soon he was just simply thrill with the newfound freedom. He was the only one who got to be so close to the High Priest, was allowed to stay in his room without a single question and all protests from younger monks silenced with a hard glare. It had just been the way things were. At some point, Sanzo had decided that Goku had grown up past sleeping with him and refused to share a set of sheets, roughly pushing him out of the nest. Sanzo hadn't said anything when Goku slept on the floor next to him, or curled up on the foot of the bed like a pet-as long as he was quiet and didn't get in the way. He'd just be serious when they fought youkai, making sure to cover Sanzo instead of playing with the ridiculously weak clans they fought. Sanzo was healed and in one whole piece, and he was going to stay that way! Goku would make sure of it now, was going to do everything right from now on! He wanted the priest to wake up, yell at him, start smoking and reading the newspaper like usual. He didn't want Sanzo fainting again, wouldn't be able to take watching the blonde's eyes roll up into the back of his head before he fell down to the ground, hard.

Deciding that Sanzo was fully asleep now, Goku snuck in closer to press a wet nose above the man's shoulder, just so relieved that he was alive. There wasn't much to hold onto, Sanzo being so amazingly thin for how bad tempered and violent he could be. Goku was going to make sure that Sanzo ate a lot when he woke up, was going to protect the monk with everything he had. Goku burrowed in deeper against the taller blonde's warmth, surprised Sanzo could feel so squishy and cozy. It had been a long time since he'd been allowed to be this close, and Sanzo had certainly been prickly about anyone seeing his skin lately. Goku knew just how much this meant, and was sure that Sanzo wouldn't allow Gojyo or Hakkai to ever do the same, smiling to himself as he drifted off to sleep once again.

* * *

Sanzo found it almost impossible to hold back the curse on his lips when he woke up in a strange bed entangled with another living being for the second time this week, forgetting for a moment just he had ended up here. Except on this occasion, Sanzo found himself waking up somewhat curled around Goku; crushing the messy, strangely fluffy head close to his chest with one hand. This was only marginally better than waking up with Gojyo, and that morning had been a pleasant little preview of what hell must be like. Sanzo barely had words beyond a string of `fuck, damn it,' hissed out softly to keep from waking up Goku. As if anything could really disturb Goku's sleep, short of the whole place falling down. The boy hadn't woken up when Sanzo had first snuck into this bed, so he could just do the same again, not about to end up having to explain himself to that dumbass ape. He was High Priest Genjo fucking Sanzo! He didn't need to give reasons for anything he did, certainly not to those servants following him. Didn't need to tell them that he'd truly become numb inside…

Sanzo bit his lower lip, harder until his teeth finally broke skin and the tang of blood helped him wake up. He didn't mean to, but Sanzo found himself holding Goku closer despite his newfound repugnance for human contact. Damn those youkai that were hopefully nothing more than little pieces of ash after everything Sanzo had been through, for instilling this newfound fear in him. Sanzo didn't do scared. But, he needed something to hold onto to keep from falling apart when he remembered that painting. Gojyo had told him it had been burned, but that didn't erase the shame, the utter humiliation of seeing himself portrayed in such a disgusting manner. Even worse, the only people who really mattered had seen it. Goku had gone absolute fucking crazy after seeing it. Sanzo should punch the ape one good just for having the goddamn audacity to attack him, but at least the dumbass had had enough sense to knock Gojyo into the wall. Still, that animal had broken his wrist, had…the skin on his chest shuddered and crawled like a thing of its own underneath Goku's face in memory of that fatal blow. He should be dead.

He prayed Kanzeon had nothing to do with this; couldn't really remember the explanation Gojyo had given him while they drank Sanzo hated it, would have been trying to mutilate himself again as he had before Gojyo had interrupted it, except he was here with Goku…and he knew the stupid monkey would cry if he actually managed to do something. Sanzo shook his head, trying not to think about all the times he had been a bit too hard on the kid, on everyone. He didn't need this, just wanted to get this fucking mission done with, get back to the monastery, and finally deal with everything that had built up inside him, not just from this recent incident. Gojyo, Youkai, and the innocent people he hadn't really wanted to kill but had been forced to. Sanzo wasn't about to hesitate when something got in his way. He'd blow its fucking head off.

Sanzo resisted the urge to scrub at his eyes, feeling dead tired in a way that wasn't physical at all, the faint threat of hangover the minute he decided to get out of bed. Damn Gojyo for tricking him into drinking, keeping him from sulking silently like usual, for being there when the storm had started in earnest. Sanzo had been so caught up in the act that he'd completely forgotten about his master's death, being raped and left for dead by a band of third-rate youkai, just filled up with a warm-

He had to get out of this fucking bed. Sanzo was not going to contemplate how good it felt to have a half-youkai bastard rutting between his thighs. He didn't feel as raw as he did last night, so open and vulnerable after that extremely regrettable consummation between him and Gojyo. Sanzo still couldn't even sort out how it had happened, if it had been the rain or the liquor or the color of Gojyo's eyes… but Sanzo certainly hadn't felt a thing, nothing at all on his part. No emotion what so-fucking-ever. Fool, fool, fool! Sanzo railed at himself, for allowing anything to happen, for becoming so weak that he had actually wanted it for one brief second…He refused to think back on the complete loneliness he'd felt lying next to Gojyo in the cooling aftermath, profound emptiness after the loss of bodily contact. There was nothing to ward of the memories then, nothing to distract him from that sadistic hell he had survived…from that fucking vile painting that youkai had dared create. He needed a drink, and damn how early it was. Last night had been like walking across broken glass; his ass and ego still hurting. He didn't know what he was going to say to Gojyo the next time he saw the redhead, but it wasn't like he'd be able to avoid the situation. Genjo Sanzo did not run or hide, and he'd fucking kill the bastard if Gojyo thought to say anything smart. Hopefully they could both chalk it up to too much alcohol and a string of really bad nights.

Slowly, even though Goku was a notoriously heavy sleeper, Sanzo loosened his arms and began to disengage himself from the poor boy. Just because he'd had a moment weakness, a pathetic need for safe, simple human comfort, he had gone and snuck up on the dumbass ape, of all people. He felt like a damn parasite, crawling up into Goku's blind trust and taking advantage of it. How was this any better than what Gojyo had done to him? He managed to pull himself away from Goku and escaping out from between the sheets without the idiot's breathing even changing. Sanzo liked to think that he was good at anything he did, but being proud of sneaking out of a bed wasn't any skill to be proud of unless he was Gojyo. And that thing was a fucking imbecile.

He stood up and had a whole new reason to hate Gojyo's guts, wishing the most painful and slow death possible upon the prick. He may have been healed of all life-threatening wounds, but the bottom of his spine felt like it was a huge bruise and an uncomfortable throb of sore organs when he tried to shuffle away from the bed. His butt cheeks clenched spasmodically in pain, at the awkwardness of what had happened last night. Walking was a painful torture that Sanzo would be sure to pay back double fold when he found Gojyo next. He used cold fingers to pinch the bridge of his nose, a painful habit as he waited for the migraine to start. He was so irritated that he was sure his head would burst. Amazingly enough, beyond the usual irritation Sanzo felt, there was no headache.

Nothing.

Sanzo gritted his teeth. Kanzeon Bosatsu had no right to be playing around with his body and life, even though she seemed to do so on a daily basis with the rest of the Gods. He was going to finish this mission and be a hermit for the rest of his shitty life just to spite those demanding, selfish powers that be. Sanzo sourly ran a hand through his hair, wishing that they had never stayed at this village in the first place. He was still sticky with dried sweat from the act cracking at every movement, something that he found even more repulsive than…well, sex with Gojyo. His skin was absolutely filthy from leftover youkai bastard, that touch infecting his senses like a damn sickness! Sanzo wanting a shower, badly, and frowning when he vaguely remembered this inn had a public bath and checked the small bathroom by the door, a sink and toilet the only things capable of holding water. The bedroom he had originally been in until Gojyo had invaded his space and made it impossible to stay in after Hakkai had locked them away…

Just where the hell was Hakkai anyway? Sanzo had more than a bone to pick with that arrogant son of a bitch, presuming to dictate what went on in his life. Locking them in like that, as if it was some sort of child's game, especially on a rainy night. Hakkai should have known better, out of all of those damned maggots. He was the only one who knew exactly why he hated storms so much, but Sanzo had a sneaking suspicion that the man had opened his mouth to everyone else. He had told Goku once before during one particularly bad winter, when he'd been so weary and on the verge of tears everyday despite his vow to never cry again, but he doubted the ape had understood. Hakkai was probably waiting somewhere with that damn smile on his face and so ready to listen to each and every little problem, the smiling bastard. Sanzo despised that sympathy, that ability to crawl up inside a man's defenses and somehow able to guide the conversation toward what was really bothering him. Sanzo wouldn't stand to be accused of having a heart. He didn't possess such a weak, useless thing and that was for damn sure.

Sanzo wanted a bath, a drink, a cigarette, and was even beginning to feel hungry through the nausea. It had been a while since he'd had a desire to eat anything, figuring this was also that Goddess' fault. He hated her so much. Still, if he was going to indulge in any of these worldly pleasures, he needed to get decent first. Last night's pajama bottoms just weren't going to cut it this time he realized as he looked down at himself. His skin was mottled with bruises like a mishandled fruit, Gojyo's fingers leaving marks on his hips and wrists, his nipples were still swollen and an angry red- that little bit being enough to send Sanzo over the edge. He couldn't breathe, had to close his eyes because to see the world in front of him right now was too much. How dare Gojyo do this to him! He was the damn High Priest Genjo Sanzo! This was intolerable, unbearable, and Goku was very lucky he was still asleep and missed the face Sanzo made.

Standing there fuming wasn't going to get Gojyo murdered gruesomely any faster. He found himself rummaging through the dresser in Goku and Hakkai's room and surprisingly enough, found a pair of jeans. They were, of course, too big, but long enough for his legs, and an oversized buttoned-up shirt tucked into the waist solved the problem entirely. Now that he was dressed, Sanzo almost started out of the room before Goku discovered him…and then realized he ran the risk of running into Gojyo. It wasn't that he was scared; it was just going to be incredibly awkward. Sanzo fucking hated feeling awkward.

"Wake up, you dumb ass ape," Sanzo ordered as he returned to the side of the bed to loom over Goku's sleeping form. There wasn't even twitch until Sanzo gave the boy a rough shove that sent him tumbling halfway onto the floor, his legs still tangled up in the bed sheets. Goku started to wake up then, blinking slowly at the reversed view he must have of the world as the boy blinked slowly, trying to comprehend what was going on.

"Sanzo!" Goku yelled his name, the sharp cry hurting his head and prompting the hangover to turn into a strong headache. He put a finger to his temple as Goku tried to stand up and ended rolling head over heels to the floor along with half the bed. The dumbass finally seemed to right himself and jumped up, standing in front of Sanzo with wide, bright eyes. Goku studied him for a second, uncharacteristically silent in a way that set his teeth on edge. He certainly wasn't going to be the first to say anything, waiting for whatever thought had settled inside that tiny brain.

"You're all better! Are you feeling okay?" Goku's voice hardened to ask the question, and Sanzo only had to turn slightly to find too close, too intense golden eyes checking him over carefully. The boy thought that there was a reason to be worried. Maybe he had been awake at come point last night. Sanzo doubted it, but it made him worried enough to actually be concerned. Please, let that not be the case. He didn't need Goku thinking that he was actually hurting, that this all had affected him in the end and was still there. Goku's damn over-protectiveness had kicked in full throttle, whether Sanzo liked it or not. It was endearing and incessantly frustrating at the same time when one good punch would have helped release a lot of tension building up. Sanzo just had to grind his teeth together, forcing himself to shake his head. He didn't quite trust himself to be able to say anything that wasn't offensive right now, so he just kept his mouth shut. Gojyo deserved the tongue-lashing this morning, not Goku. The ape had the sense to not ask why he was in the bedroom, hopefully didn't even know what he had done last night.

"Are you hungry?" Goku asked excited, making fists and holding them under his chin in excitement, just begging to be hit. Sanzo open his mouth to tell Goku exactly how he felt when for the first time in forever, his stomach growled loudly. Sanzo was thankful it was only Goku that was there to hear it, but the laughter it caused was enough to send a flush of heat to his cheeks. Sanzo stopped the giggling quickly with a fist on top of that ape's thick skull. He was too infuriated for a moment to even think of anything smart to say, Goku grinning at him like a fool. It reminded him vaguely of Gojyo.

"About time you woke up, you lazy shit! If you want any breakfast, we're eating now before leaving," Sanzo snapped, taking out his anger on Goku since the taller half-breed wasn't wandering around.

"Leaving?" Goku echoed it back, looking at Sanzo in confusion. As if he hadn't been expecting the news. Sanzo didn't want to stay here any longer, not when every villager was going to ogle him and ask for his blessing. He hated this place, despised the faint spiritual buzzing coming from the general direction of the forest. He had a feeling that it was time to leave, and Sanzo always trusted his instincts. He nodded sharply, turning around before there were further questions…embarrassed as all hell that he was actually hungry this morning. He should be nauseous from drinking so much, wanted to start get hammered again as soon as possible so he didn't have to think about anything; and yet there was a hole in his gut that was getting bigger. It had been so long since he had last had breakfast he couldn't even remember if he like it or not.

"Yes, leaving. We still have a mission, you stupid animal," Sanzo spat out, not about to have patience with anyone as he stomped over and threw open the door. He immediately regretted it, muscles pulling and his bladder aching so fiercely Sanzo thought he might have to go the bathroom instead of standing there in recovery as Goku shuffled by. The boy just rubbed his eyes with one hand, smiling up at Sanzo as if he'd just complimented him, not lashed out because Goku was the only person in the room. Sanzo didn't even want to be himself right now, hurting and acting like a child because of it, despising everything he did. He couldn't understand how Gojyo and Goku still put up with him, the two of them both selfish and mindless individuals.

"You're not okay, are you? You're walking funny, Sanzo," Goku worried needlessly when he saw Sanzo attempting to hobble along behind him. He was going to kill Gojyo. This was not fucking acceptable, and he certainly wasn't going to wait around for any more smart comments. He could only bit his lip and concentrate on straightening his back despite the pain in his stomach.

"I'm fine, alright?" Sanzo sighed, rubbing at his forehead in frustration. He just hoped Goku thought it was because of the injuries he'd accumulated over the past week or more and not from the unsavory truth. Sanzo could only hope that Gojyo wouldn't say anything in front of Goku, would at least have that kind of courtesy. He could bet money that Hakkai and Gojyo would already be talking about it together, probably bragging and laughing about it. No way would he let someone talk about the High Priest getting fucked by anything. Sanzo could have pulled on his fair in frustration as the knowledge of that painting pricked his consciousness, the reason why he'd run to someone for comfort at first chance. He was really going to have to kill Gojyo this time to keep any shred of dignity he had left. He had always wanted to see what the Manten Scripture would do to half-breed youkai.

"If you say so," Goku trailed off in a way that reminded him of Hakkai, like he knew better but wasn't about to say anything since he knew what a sensitive matter his pride was. Sanzo glared at the boy's back the whole way down the stairs and into the familiar common room of the dark, ill-lit inn. He hated this shit hole, not to mention the fact that he knew it well enough to simply nod to the server taking back dirty dishes to alert her to his presence. He had managed to make himself rather familiar with this inn, a thing that Sanzo never let happen before. They were never supposed to stay in the same place for more than a night or two at the most, the mission to head West needing to be completed as soon as possible. He wasn't sure if would be able to stay sane otherwise, most of the people eating this morning doing so in hopes of catching a glimpse of him. Sanzo didn't want to eat in front of these fucking morons, every man and woman scattered around the tables and at the bar turning around to stare at him in a hush. Goku was already rushing through the chairs and tables to an empty seat, clearly trying to get to eating as soon as possible. There couldn't have been very many people here, but they were all eyeing him up and down in such a way that Sanzo couldn't help questioning if Gojyo had told him the truth about that painting being burned.

Yes, keeping staring at the High Priest. I'll fucking kill you, Sanzo promised each and every one of them, barely able to keep from slapping the few people he passed to sit down at the table Goku had chosen, both of them on the same side. He had to hiss and adjust his seat, unable to find anything comfortable but at least a position that wasn't painful before he felt eyes on him. Sanzo snapped his head around over the ape's head to frown at a small man with a fat, round face gawking at him as if he was seeing a ghost. The second their gaze met, the man immediately bowed his head and went back to eating his breakfast. Sanzo tisked and looked down at Goku, who was just smiling and beaming up at him in pure joy at the prospect of a meal. He couldn't deal with that sort of cheerfulness so early on such a horrible fucking morning, the din of people eating and blathering uselessly scratching on his ears.

"Rough night?" a girl's voice asked politely, and Sanzo turned around to glare murder at the waitress. "Uh, I mean, monk-Lord Priest Sanzo?" she floundered around for a title proper enough to cover up her first, incredibly rude question, her eyes darting away from his face. She fidgeted around, obviously wanting to run but not able to do so to a High Priest. Sanzo couldn't help but wonder just how loud they had been last night. What if he didn't even have to worry about Gojyo or Hakkai talking about it when he'd already been screaming it out during the act? Sanzo felt sick, remembering that he had been trying desperately to keep from crying out. What if he hadn't actually been able to muffle himself as well as he thought he had? Sanzo had a hand covering one side of his face before he even knew it, staring down at the top of the table in horror as he frantically tried to recall exactly what had happened…and not wanting to at the same time as he thought back to Gojyo's face, the sound of hitched panting while he was so gentl-

"Good morning, Mei Li!" Goku greeting the girl merrily, breaking the tension that was threatening to explode. Sanzo realized that this was the same girl who'd been waiting on them the whole time they'd stayed here, but he hadn't bothered to remember her name. She nodded shakily, pale and not taking her eyes off Sanzo for a second. It wasn't as if he was going to attack her, unless he had a reason…Sanzo sighed, running a hand through his hair to an audible gasp. Mei Li's eyes widened and for a moment Sanzo wondered what the fuck the stupid bitch was gaping at when he realized that his chakra must be showing. She still wasn't used to seeing the mark of High Priest after he'd seen her plain face just about once every time he'd been conscious? Sanzo pursed his lips in distaste, knowing that he couldn't slap a woman in public but not appreciating her staring in the slightest.

"Sanzo's gonna eat breakfast today! Can we get some food? Bring one of everything to start!" Goku rushed out gleefully. Sanzo just groaned and added a beer before he allowed the girl to backtrack from their table and all but run to the kitchen to place their order. He wasn't so sure if he was hungry anymore, nauseous with the thought of his sexual life being public knowledge. Thankfully, Gojyo was still sleeping it off, and Sanzo didn't know if he should be pleased or not. He still needed to find Hakkai and figure out just what the hell the man had been thinking when he locked them in together. His life wasn't something to be toyed around with as others saw fit, and he wasn't going to admit that it had caused an opportunity he would have never had nor taken before. Sanzo realized he was chewing on his thumbnail and tapping his heel on the floor. Genjo Sanzo did not fucking fidget. He crossed his arms, wishing he had his usual robes and could tuck his hands into the opposite sleeves as he was accustomed to. Goku simply watched him with a vapid smile, golden eyes blinking on something beyond him.

"Hey, Hakkai!" Goku called out, once again being too loud this morning for Sanzo's hangover. He jerked his head in the opposite direction to instinctively save his hearing, his eyes rolling over to their fellow traveling companion approaching the table. Sanzo opened his mouth and found it stuck when Hakkai giggled and wavered through the tables, nearly falling somehow miraculously catching his balance at the last minute as he staggered back and forth. Hakkai's hair was a mess, his spectacle long gone and with his shirt opened and untucked. There was a dull grin on his face, different from the mysterious smile he usually wore, and bags under his eyes that told Sanzo in an instant that Hakkai hadn't gone to sleep last night.

"Saaan-chan," Hakkai slurred horribly as he tried to stand at the side of the table and was failing miserable, the greeting ending in a loud burp. Sanzo felt his whole face curl up in disgust, raising his hands up in stunned, shaking shock while Goku giggled at the endearment. Just when had he thought of that name?! Not- not even Gojyo would dream of addressing him like this! Sanzo shook his head. Scratch that thought. When the hell did Hakkai get drunk? Hakkai reeked, absolutely stank of alcohol. It took a little more than a few shots to get Hakkai this tipsy, and there were few people who could keep up even if the whole room took the brunette on. It was probably why the door had been locked last night; a drunken prank on Hakkai's part. Goku's giggling trailed off weakly as he noticed the look on Sanzo's face while Hakkai just collapsed drunkenly into the chair opposite on him.

"You're drunk. You're fucking shit-faced," Sanzo growled, waiting eagerly for the chance to kill the bastard. Hakkai's head lifted up after some effort, his eyes blearily focusing on Sanzo's face. Sanzo did not lean back, did not look away, just narrowed his gaze until in the hope all his murderous thoughts would actually reach something. Goku whispered a meek `good morning' at Sanzo's elbow, ignored by the both of them in favor of this staring match. Hakkai dropped first, simply too inebriated to hold his head still for that long. He'd probably gotten so trashed because he knew that Sanzo was going to hold out on his punishment until Hakkai was sober enough to truly appreciate it.

"I thou-t…youz `n go…Gojyo," Hakkai tried to force out more, smacking dry lips and concentrating hard on pronunciation. Sanzo took a sharp breath in through his nose, trembling with the urge for violence, for fast and sudden retribution, but unsure how to even start. It was hard to breathe around the rage that consumed him at Hakkai being bold enough to speak about his personal life! Sanzo would most certainly not have people talking about him fooling around with some half-breed. He was the High Priest! Did nobody understand that?!

"Yeah, where is Gojyo? Is that stupid cockroach lost in someone's bed?" Goku joked, obviously trying to distract Sanzo from committing murder before noon. He didn't know just what he was making a crack about, both Sanzo and Hakkai turning to stare at the dumbass ape. Did…did he really not have a single damn clue about what had happened, or was Goku playing stupid? Sanzo couldn't tell, didn't know if he should be taking offense or not. He was already too preoccupied with Hakkai hiccupping and giggling like a fucking dolt in front of him; arms limp at his sides, obviously not going to be able to stand up by himself. The chair was probably the only thing that was keeping him conscious. Sanzo still didn't feel pity for Hakkai, more pissed off than anything else at the man, Goku's mocking echoing in his ears.

"Yeah, do-do you know where Gojyo is, Sanzo?" Hakkai sang in a strange high-pitch that he had never heard the man's voice go before. The way Hakkai said it made Sanzo almost want to wait for the brunette to sober up before he punished the man for having the impudence to speak to him so. He would want Hakkai to be fully aware when Sanzo tore him a new one. He couldn't go into the full details of it, not in front of all these people and Goku, but Hakkai seemed to think that he could yell about High Priest Genjo Sanzo's sex life to this common room.

"I have better things to do than keep track of you damn idiots! Shut your fucking mouth, Hakkai," Sanzo snapped back, slamming both hands down on the table to drive his point home. Goku jumped in his seat next to him, squeaking and smiling weakly as he started to sweat. Sanzo didn't even look beyond the dumbass ape to know by his skin crawling, fine hairs on the back of his neck lifting up as Sanzo felt eyes upon him. At least it had grown quiet, the irritating scrape of silverware paused for a moment. Sanzo was revoltingly satisfied at still being able to scare these people and the ape, and greatly disappointed when Hakkai just sneered back as he thumbed his ear. Sanzo couldn't help chewing on his lip in frustration, realizing just how lucky they were that Hakkai still had his demon limiters on. The arrogant bastard just seemed to think that Sanzo was making some sort of joke, grinning and leaning back in his chair as he regarded Sanzo with a superiority he did not have the right to. Sanzo so desperately wanted to start screaming at Hakkai for locking him in the same room as an overly sexed youkai half-breed that had, in a rare show of good taste, not fucked Sanzo while he had been unconscious. No, Gojyo had waited and made sure Sanzo had been awake and aware for each excruciating second.

"Hey, Sanzo, do you want cigarettes? I think I can get cigarettes from the innkeeper," Goku shrilled in Sanzo's ear, making him wince and hardly restrain himself from cradling his aching head in between both hands. He waved Goku off, wanting that drink to come sooner to help chase away this hangover and the nervous tightening in his stomach and throat. What the fuck did he care if he was suddenly alone with Hakkai at the table? Hakkai could just breathe the wrong word and Sanzo was going to rip his head off. He didn't look to the side to check on Goku's progress, just glared harder at Hakkai in case there were any funny thoughts running through the man's head right now.

"So, did-…"

"Shut up," Sanzo shot off without even thinking, crossing his arms yet again along with his legs underneath the seat, trying to hold in that desire to start screaming. It wouldn't do to have the highest-ranking Buddhist monk go insane in the middle of this no-name village that wasn't on a single map. Sanzo was not going to lose it here, not with a public audience so ready for any little bit of gossip.

"Were you-…"

"Go to hell," Sanzo ordered, wishing the man would comply and commit suicide promptly. Hakkai stared at him, leaning heavily on an elbow braced against the table, as if Sanzo was speaking in riddles. He didn't know how he could be any clearer about this, wanting conversation to cease immediately. Gojyo was probably going to be heaven to deal with instead of Hakkai's damned conceited and perverted grin spreading across his face.

"Was Goj-…"

"I swear, Hakkai- One. More. Word- just one and I will kill you," Sanzo hissed, no longer leaving it as his usual empty threat. He meant it this time, right down to the bottom of his soul. Hakkai blinked at that, able to recognize a man on the verge of homicide even if he was drunkest Sanzo had ever seen him. There was blessed silence for a moment, and Sanzo closed his eyes in the miniscule relief that Hakkai had finally shut up. He didn't even want to think about what the end to those questions might be, not at all about to guess at what Hakkai might want to know. Sanzo barely understood anything himself, trying to think of when he had exactly agreed to anything. He was such a damned fool, allowing a few drinks and small acts of kindness to go to his head and Gojyo in his pants.

"Go!" Hakkai barked out sharply, making Sanzo jump in his seat as he looked around for the threat. He hated himself for being so high-strung, for turning around and letting his jaw drop when he saw Gojyo swaggering up to their table with a smug sneer plastered all over his face and his hips swinging around with each step. Deliberately. Sanzo could tell that Gojyo knew he was being looked at, the way his body language suddenly shifted to languid as all hell. Like he had someone to impress. A rush of heat to his cheeks and Sanzo cursed himself for looking over in the first place, helplessly staring now. He just couldn't manage to meet the redhead's eyes without his thoughts trailing back to last night. That bastard. Utter and complete fucking asshole! Why wasn't he dead already? Sanzo was sure all of his thoughts and emotions were in plain sight, unable to school his expression into its usual visage of calmness and indifference. How could he when Gojyo had his hair back, twisted and knotted around itself in a messy ponytail, and was wearing a pair of jeans and his usual tank top? Sanzo was simply stuck in the oversized shirt he'd found without any insults to defend himself. What could he possibly come up with that wouldn't be followed by a `that's not what you said last night' from the half-breed? Sanzo hated the fact that Gojyo had the upper hand right now, his jaw clamped shut helplessly in the moment that seemed to be drawn out forever.

"Gojyo!" Hakkai managed the full name at last, grinning like a fucking retard at the accomplishment. Sanzo didn't even turn around to remind the man about his threat, figuring he would just have to grit his teeth and wait until he could go back in that room they'd rented and grab his gun. He'd get up right now since the room would be finally empty, if it wouldn't look so much like he was running away.

Sanzo shouldn't have been so damn delighted when Goku returned after managing to find his cigarettes and loudly greeting Gojyo. At least that gave him a few seconds as Gojyo turned and to desperately- come up with nothing as he quickly turned back around in his seat. It had been raining, he had been drunk and confused, so Sanzo really could just blame it on Gojyo and say it was all his fault. Nobody would question that, since he was a damned monk and Gojyo was a notorious lover. High Priest Sanzo did not get his ass pounded on a regular basis, wasn't going to ever let a half-youkai try the same sort of thing again. At least he knew that all those demons and that fucking painter were dead and hopefully rotting in hell. Gojyo was still standing around and being an asshole.

"Didn't expect you to be down here," Gojyo finally announced behind Sanzo's head. Even staring forward stonily in his best attempt to pay no heed to the prick, he could hear the unspoken behind that greeting. You weren't there when I woke up. As if Sanzo was going to lie around waiting to tell Gojyo how fucking fantastic he had been, like any other empty-headed lover the bastard managed to con into bed. The mere thought made him want to gag. Sanzo didn't even want to imagine what Gojyo was thinking, more than ready to cut off all interaction with the prick. Fuck him for walking down and managing to actually find Sanzo sitting here for a breakfast he didn't want anymore. Damn Gojyo for making a High Priest feel like some twelve-year-old virgin, gawky as all hell and doing everything wrong. He had to have screwed up last night, being so fucked inside up already, something deeply flawed that had needed to be patched.

Sanzo wasn't even sure what he was thinking about these days, wanting to bash his skull open until all these vile `feelings' poured out. He gritted his teeth and re-crossed his arms as Gojyo and Goku finished laughing at each other and came to take a place at the table. Out of the corner of his eye, Sanzo caught a tanned, scarred arm reached out beside him to pull the chair. He…panicked-there was no other word to describe it as he turned around and hastily caught Goku by the elbow before the boy walked around to the other side, slamming the ape down to the chair before Gojyo could possibly take a seat. Gojyo's jaw hardened but he didn't say anything about that small defeat, one disaster headed off at a time. Sanzo didn't give a damn if Goku was staring at him in shock, or if Hakkai was giggling and pointing at Gojyo's face. It was worth it to not have Gojyo sit next to him for a meal. That sort of closeness could be fatal right now.

"Sanzo?" Goku asked with no small amount of concern in his voice as he sat up properly in his chair. He slowly put the cigarettes down on the table and slid them in front of Sanzo, who could have cried with relief at the familiar brand. He was almost grateful enough to say `thank you' before thinking better of it after spending a better portion of the night holding the dumbass ape, glaring at the other thing he'd been with before that. Gojyo had managed to completely ruin his life in just a matter of hours. If they were nothing else, Gojyo and he could at least be considered acquaintances- and you didn't fuck acquaintances. Sanzo would have been impressed, if he didn't want to kill the bastard so very badly.

"Are you drunk?" Gojyo asked Hakkai aloud as he took the last empty seat at their table, distracted enough by the brunette wobbling in his chair to not say anything more to Sanzo. Hakkai nodded gleefully, almost falling down because of it before Gojyo caught him with a hand on his shoulder. He shot a dark look over to Sanzo, as if he could have possibly had anything to do with Hakkai choosing to drink himself into oblivion. Like Sanzo hadn't been rather busy with getting a dick up his ass to watch the brunette. He wasn't there to play mother to any of these idiots- he was going to kill each one of their brethren that had already succumbed to madness.

"Now how the hell did this happen?" Gojyo demanded, as if he actually had the moral fiber to be concerned about someone's wellbeing. Selfish piece of shit. Sanzo just snorted at the question, viciously telling himself that he certainly didn't care that Gojyo was more concerned with Hakkai this morning than him. It wasn't as if Gojyo had been the first person to see him almost completely naked-it had had been the first time Sanzo had ever had sex. At least willingly. No! You weren't `willing,' damn it! He despised Gojyo, even more so now for taking advantage of him, for turning his self-confidence into dust. Genjo Sanzo just didn't get fucked by half-youkai, or anything for that matter! It was no small miracle that he had even allowed Gojyo to breathe the same air as him, and he would have never in a million years thought anything remotely romantic could ever occur between the two of them…and it hadn't been romantic in the slightest to be caught between Gojyo's sweat body and dirty sheets!

Was he going to have to correct every other fucking thought now?

"Kanzeon and I drank to-gether…las' night," Hakkai incoherently bragged to Gojyo, raising up his cup to further this state before Gojyo slapped a hand down over the brim and pushed it down to the table. Sanzo was slightly satisfied to see someone stop Hakkai, because he certainly didn't care enough to actually do something, even though a drunken Hakkai was an annoying one. Sanzo opened up the cigarettes as he narrowed his eyes, taking in what the man had just said. He had suspected that the Goddess had healed him and put a stop to Goku's rampage, as usual, but she hadn't ever stuck around before. Never once had she stayed to talk with any of them, and why would it be Hakkai? Sanzo was the one that had gone through hell and nearly killed more times than any mere mortal should ever have to deal with. First, Gojyo had all but outright ignored him in favor of the drunken bastard, and now that fucking hermaphrodite deity had shared a bottle with him? Just when had Hakkai become so damn important?

"She said Sanzo…needed to be shown a good time," Hakkai didn't slur as much now that he had been practicing speaking for a bit, of course just in time to make that statement loud and clear. Sanzo's hands froze on top of the cigarettes, literally felt a part of himself die inside. Gojyo barked out several short laughs at that, sounding like long screams to Sanzo as his jaw clenched, muscles spasming out his control. He…he didn't have words for the rage that took over him, even his ears burning as he felt himself flush. Hakkai and Kanzeon Bosatsu had not just been talking about him last night, but his sex life. His shitty, non-existent, complete failure of personal relationships. They had thought it would be grand fun to turn his life upside-down, to watch the fallout after the High Priest got it up the ass. He couldn't hold onto the pack anymore, dropping the cigarettes on the table, all his organs hardening into ice. Genjo Sanzo wanted to run for the first time in his life, just hard and fast until he found a place where no one would ever find him again.

"That's the damn truth," Gojyo agreed heartily, obviously considering himself the `good time' in question. Goku shook his head and desperately tried to hush Gojyo, but the damage was already done. Sanzo didn't have the nerve to glare at the other two, staring down at his lap with his face on fire. He couldn't breathe properly, not when Gojyo and Hakkai were sharing such a good fucking laugh at his expense. How dare they mock him like this when he'd just been gang raped by youkai and…and painted, fucking painted in every minute, excruciating detail! He needed to find a nice place to commit suicide, so his body wouldn't be found and desecrated, as seemed to be the new popular trend.

Breakfast came the second Sanzo left the table, snatching up the cigarettes and the cold beer the girl put down before retrea-leaving, blind and humiliated. He didn't even hear what Goku yelled at his back as he tried not to race up the stairs, just desperate to be gone.

* * *

"He was going to eat this morning too! You're the worst, you stupid, perverted, river cockroach!" Goku railed at him in between quickly shoving whatever was on the plate in front of him in an obvious effort to finish eating and chase Sanzo down. Gojyo hadn't believed it was possible, but the priest had actually managed to get an even worse attitude. Here Gojyo had been thinking he had really outdone himself last night, had taken time and care when the shitty monk hadn't really deserved it. Not with that mouth, and not after leaving Gojyo to wake up in a surprisingly cold and empty bed. He should have been expecting it, damn sure now that Sanzo wasn't the type to lie around and engage in small pleasantries like cuddling and talking. Not that Gojyo had ever been interested in those things himself, but Sanzo was a very special case. This was a one-night stand that he was going to see everyday afterward…which wasn't looking so good. He was lucky he had already been giggling over Hakkai's last comment because he found it impossible to hold in when the monk had stalked off with his shoulders straight and his knees bent, obviously trying to not look like he was running away. Gojyo could practically smell the fear, the nervousness that was hiding underneath that glare. Sanzo wasn't even speaking to him this morning, obviously ticked and holding a grudge with Gojyo over showing him a little bit- oh hell, he could even call it `stress relief' just so Sanzo wouldn't get his back up about sex being mentioned. He'd been silent the few times Gojyo had a chance to boast about his latest conquest, seeming haughtily above it all; but in reality, was the greatest virgin he'd ever run across. He couldn't believe how timid Sanzo had been once Gojyo had gotten completely naked, understanding that the blonde had been through a lot lately and yet finding the shyness irresistibly cute.

Sanzo was probably going to shoot him right between the eyes when he got a hold of his gun again.

"What else did she tell you?" Gojyo gleefully asked while Hakkai was still drunk enough to freely gossip. Usually the man just smiled pleasantly and smoothly changed the conversation, but the few times Gojyo had been around for when the man got liquored up, he was surprisingly loose lipped. Sometimes even downright funny, but it was clear Hakkai had already drunk past that point. Gojyo had been expecting one hell of a hangover himself, but had found screwing one Genjo Sanzo could sober a man up rather quickly.

"That you're both pathetic," Hakkai finally insulted him, far too late for Sanzo to enjoy. Goku chorkled at that, eggs splattering out from his mouth, across the table and ruining most of the food. It didn't matter, even if Gojyo had felt like eating, practically shaking in the seat with excitement. No matter how Sanzo was acting now, he had been pretty vocal last night. Gojyo wasn't going to able to forget that anytime soon, taking a deep breathe in pride. Some screwed-up gender Goddess shouldn't be talking about him being pathetic. Sanzo, certainly. It was that shitty, sour monk's loss for not greeting Gojyo properly this morning. He would have even considered going again, if Sanzo being such a bitch about it.

"And…and Sanzo was the first to survive. Did you-..." Hakkai started, obviously eager to tell more after the reaction he'd gotten. Except Goku cut him off by standing up just as abruptly as Sanzo had, his eyes hidden by his bangs and tight fists at his side. Gojyo had to lean back in his chair out of self-preservation, knowing just how volatile Goku was when Sanzo got involved. The ape wasn't even eating any more. Gojyo could recognize clear and present danger.

"Don't talk about that anymore," Goku made it a threat, his usually happy voice gone cold. Gojyo slapped a hand down on Hakkai's arm to keep the man from saying anything else, too smashed to realize what was going on. Gojyo let the kid turn around and follow after Sanzo silently, knowing the best move would be to just stay still and not aggravate the monkey any more. He finally let go of Hakkai to grab the brunette's drink and finished it off for him, needing something after all that. One hell of a morning to follow one hell of a night. And everything had seemed so perfect when he had fallen asleep after a courtesy wipe down with a wet towel for both of them, finding a nice spot against Sanzo while he was still slick with sweat and not so much asleep as unconscious. Sanzo wouldn't have let him cuddle close otherwise.

"Anything else?" Gojyo prodded once again while they were alone and Hakkai was still sitting upright. He didn't have opportunities to get the pure truth out of Hakkai very often, even if was by factor of massive amount of alcohol. He knew damn well that it wasn't going to be possible to ever get the same from Sanzo. Hell, he would probably end up feeling grateful by the time Sanzo finally started talking to him again. He had only gotten the cold shoulder once before, for some small stupid fucking reason that Gojyo couldn't even remember himself anymore. He did recall the utter hell Sanzo had managed to make his life without saying a single word. And he had been foolish enough to think that regular Sanzo could be trying sometimes. A pissed-off, victimized, and probably sore Sanzo was not pretty.

"You… you better not…make him sad," Hakkai managed after a moment, and Gojyo knew that it wasn't a quote. There was a glint in his eyes when he said it that had nothing to do with bloodshot veins and unfocused pupils, making Gojyo pause and suddenly wonder about his own wellbeing. Sanzo was probably all the West and knocking on Gyuumao's door right now with Goku not far behind, and he had a drunken Hakkai getting all intimidating and protective! Was Hakkai going to get all bent out of shape over this as well, whenever he sobered up enough to be that sarcastic prick that Gojyo hated? It had just been sex, and frankly, Sanzo had needed to be fucked good and hard. It had seemed like the right thing to do at the time instead of letting Sanzo sink deeper into his self-mutilating misery…

He had just left the table to likely go back to one of their rooms, alone.

Goku would probably respect any door Sanzo locked, didn't even know just what kind of sick, twisted individual he adored without question would be thinking right now. Gojyo could guess, since he was still unharmed and Sanzo was the only other person that had been involved last night, disregarding that angel in disguise that had locked the door. Gojyo couldn't even deal with that yet, realizing that he needed to concentrate on Sanzo right now. If Sanzo did anything like what Gojyo had caught him trying to do in the bathroom because he'd walked out on what Gojyo had considered an excellent damn `good time,' he didn't know what he'd do. Things weren't supposed to go like this- well, Gojyo didn't know how it was supposed to go, but certainly not this badly. It pissed him off that he all of a sudden gave a damn, that the idea of Sanzo hurting himself twisted his stomach up inside. He had suspected something vaguely along such lines and had even had a few late night, insightful conversations about the monk with Hakkai; but he had never once thought he'd see Sanzo ready to take a razor to his face. Even if that mansion had been burned, likely with a few youkai still alive inside, it had been too quick compared to how it was sticking to the blonde. Gojyo was probably already wasting too much time thinking about it instead of going upstairs and straightening everything out with Sanzo.

"Okay, we're going to up to bed," Gojyo finally told Hakkai gently, standing up and carefully waiting for Hakkai to follow suit. He didn't want to piss the man off, knowing he could get touchy when drunk. He figured he could drag Hakkai up to the room and once the man was laid flat out, he'd pass out in short order. That would be one down, leaving only Goku before Gojyo could try to shake some sense into that blasphemous High Priest. If Sanzo thought he could skim over all this with the silent treatment, he was dead wrong.

"But I don't wanna!" Hakkai protested like a spoiled child, waving at the unfinished meal that he had yet to touch himself. Gojyo just grabbed Hakkai by the arm yet again and forcibly hauled the man out of his seat. Once Hakkai got to standing, he didn't even have the spare concentration to argue anymore, since it was all directed to simply staying upright. Gojyo could barely hold onto the brunette as he wobbled and stumbled against his side even though they had yet to take a single step. Gojyo just sighed tiredly, quite used to being the only adult one in their little band sometimes. One had to be slightly disappointed in Hakkai though, since the man usually never drank himself the point of being unable to speak properly. Gojyo sung one of Hakkai's arms over his shoulder, using the rest of his body to start manhandling the drunk out of the room.

He yelled out an apology to Mei Li as he dragged Hakkai toward the stairs, though the girl looked more relieved that someone was finally taking care of the brunette than anything else Gojyo supposed that the meal would just go on their tab and Sanzo could pay it off with that gold credit card of his. It never ceased to amaze Gojyo that no matter how far West they got, every inn they stayed at still accepted plastic. He wondered what the bill for this place was looking like just for all alcohol alone after Gojyo and Sanzo had gotten plastered, which was no small feat for either of them, and Hakkai had also seemed to be following suit. It was probably a good think that Goku didn't drink, but Gojyo was definitely feeling the need to start again as he hauled Hakkai toward their rooms.

* * *

Sanzo first went into what had been his room with Gojyo for a small part of the night. He went through the drawers violently, not caring as wooden cabinets fell out and hit the floor. He found the Smith and Wesson at last, eagerly reloading it with shaking hands before tucking it firmly into the front of his pants. It was best just to fantasize about aiming a bullet right down the next set of lips that dared slander him. He couldn't believe how Hakkai and Gojyo had laughed, fucking laughed at him! He was doing his best to control his breathing, but it was a vain attempt. It stank of sex in here, musky and lingering despite how long ago it had been. Gojyo was a fucking animal, even half-youkai sperm as pungent as a full-blooded one, almost like cat piss, only worse. Sanzo needed a shower, needed a stiff drink, needed to shove the nuzzle of his gun up against his temple and pull the trigger. He couldn't even stand to look at the bed, sheets tangled up from last night and a few pillows fallen to the floor. Hakkai and Gojyo were probably still talking about it, right in front of Goku at the table in the middle of the common room.

"Shit," Sanzo whispered it out to himself, slapping a cool palm over his eyes and holding his breath. He wasn't going to cry. He was not feeling the sting of tears or tightening of his throat. He'd teach the two of them a lesson about respect as soon as he could hold himself together in front of all those asinine fools. Everything was still a bit too fresh and recent for Sanzo to simply ignore, not when he was still aching from Gojyo. How long would it take for this new humiliation to fade into something tolerable? When would he be able to meet Gojyo in the face and not see a superior, satisfied sneer? That stupid half-breed had always known to shut up and leave well enough alone, along with Hakkai at least up until this morning. It was because he didn't have his gun. They would have said all those things if Sanzo had been armed…at least, he could have permanently silenced them afterward.

"Sanzo?" he heard Goku's voice after few short knocks on the door. He swirled around to see the door swinging in, knowing that Goku would be able to see that only one bed had been slept in and it still smelled in here.

"Don't come in!" he yelled it, more desperate and harsher than he wanted it to come out. There was an audible pause before the door closed again, leaving Sanzo alone with all the evidence of last night. At the very least, Goku didn't seem to care that Sanzo was acting so emotional-so vulnerable. Sanzo didn't know how much of it was simply because the dumbass didn't realize what had happened between him and Gojyo. He still appreciated the fact that Goku closed the door without asking `why' or `are you okay?' Sanzo wouldn't be able to deal with that, not able to cope with what was already in front of him. He stomped over to the window, undid the latches, and pushed it open angrily. Of-fucking­-course, the sun was out and shining on the wet ground, as if it hadn't been a damn hurricane last night, but Sanzo was only airing out the room, not staring at this ugly scenery. He wasn't some goddamn maid, and he certainly was not going to clean up after the mess Gojyo had started. He just didn't want anyone else to know.

Sanzo took the time to pick up two bottles that were still half and one-quarter full and shuffle them around with the beer; enough for him to last until he could send Goku down for some room service. He wasn't going to last another hour without drinking, his breaking point suddenly very much in sight. He was trembling on the edge of losing all of his mighty control and cool distance. It had definitely been lost last night, hot skin against skin despite keeping the robe…oh, fuck, he hadn't examined it before, but how damned childish of him! Gojyo was already under his skin and more personal now than Sanzo had ever let someone be before, so what would it have mattered if they were naked or not? Just one more thing to regret on top of letting it happen at all in the first place.

Sanzo was stomping out of the room and into the hallway so quickly he almost ran into Goku, who deftly jumped out of the way. Where he lacked in any sort of common sense whatsoever, Goku had amazing agility and physical reactions. Thought they usually got the boy into trouble more often than not, this time Sanzo was thankful that the ape had managed to avoid him. It had yet to happen this morning since he'd gotten out of bed, but Sanzo didn't think he was going to be able to take physical contact.

"What are you doing, standing out here like a fucking moron?" Sanzo yelled, more pissed at himself for being such a clumsy ass this morning than Goku really doing anything wrong. Not only was he not even thinking straight after running into Gojyo-which had been just as horrible as he expected it to be- he couldn't even walk. Perfect. Fucking perfect. Sanzo could die right now from sheer embarrassment.

"Waiting for you," Goku returned, smiling despite the open glare Sanzo fixed on the dumbass. And then his face slowly turned into a disapproving stare that would have put Hakkai to shame when he saw the two bottles in Sanzo's hands. He tisked at the look, kicking the door closed behind him before the stench could spread out into the hall and stalking down the hall without another look at Goku's face. He couldn't stand to be pitied, not by anyone…not Goku. Despite it all, Goku was too young, too innocent to know half of what Sanzo had gone through, what he was thinking of right now. Gojyo and Hakkai knew damn well what had happened, were older enough to fully comprehend it. That was why they were down there at breakfast right now, making him the butt of every joke.

He stopped to glare at the door he and Goku had shared; both hands full of liquor and wanting impatiently for Goku to quickly jog around him and open it. He could have done it himself, but Sanzo wanted to be waited on after having such a rough time of it lately. Not even saint would be able to quietly endure all these offenses…even if he was supposed to be a saint. The Gods weren't supposed to fuck around with their devotees' lives, certainly not condoning a pious man having sex! He was supposed to be goddamn celibate, which had been working rather well up until last week. He had yet to have a choice in the matter, being taken advantage one both occasions by youkai. Sanzo had even more reason to hate them now, chewing on the inside of his cheek while Goku held the door open for him. Sanzo didn't say anything, even though he was secretly pleased that Goku still followed him mindlessly. The ape had just slept through Sanzo sneaking up close and using him for comfort. At least one thing had gone right. Now if only Hakkai and Gojyo would choke on their own gossip, Sanzo would have his own little heaven right then and there.

Instead he got the edge of the mattress on the bed that hadn't been used in this room, setting one bottle down on the floor in standby while he put the beer between his legs. He was wearing jeans and the alcohol wasn't even very cool, but the glass felt good against his groin for some reason as he pulled the gun out from his waist and set it within easy reach on top of the sheets. He twisted off the cap to…tequila, Sanzo finally noticed as he looked at what he was about to drink.

"I…I thought you were going to eat breakfast," Goku whimpered out before the bottle touched Sanzo's lips. He glanced over then to see two big, wet, golden eyes barely a foot from his nose, begging with him to not drink first thing in the morning. Sanzo paused, caught between feeling like absolute shit and Goku looking like a kicked dog. He belatedly remembered that he didn't give a damn, tilting the bottle back before Goku made a whining protest, not even a real word. Sanzo sighed heavily then, grinding his teeth together in frustration. Goku was probably the only one who would be able to get away with this, especially on a day like today. Well…neither Gojyo nor Hakkai was there right now, so Sanzo supposed he didn't need a drink right now. Sure, his nerves were frayed to all hell and he was hanging on by a nail, but Goku was likely to cry if Sanzo chugged the tequila like he wanted to. Slowly, loathing himself for being so weak against that face Goku made, Sanzo put the bottle on the floor next to its brother. The beer stayed where it was, rather comfortable and not speaking back like that detestable half-youkai that had been there earlier.

"Do you want me to get you some breakfast now? I'll bring it up here!" Goku offered energetically, somehow managing to make the corners of Sanzo's mouth twitch despite wanting to shrivel up and die like overripe fruit inside. He shook his head, not really up to eating, not really up to living right now, and reached in the breast pocket of his shirt for the cigarettes. He tapped one out while Goku watched, surprisingly quiet for once with a contemplative look that Sanzo didn't like in the slightest. Goku wasn't the type to think, and certainly not while looking at him! Since he couldn't start screaming and ripping at his hair in front of Goku or finish those two bottles off as quickly as possible, he had to settle for slow death by nicotine. Sanzo placed the filter between his lips before he realized he didn't have a lighter, lamely patting himself down for the chance in hell he might have matches or the like and just not know it. He came up empty, of course, and did his best not to curse aloud in front of Goku.

He would kill for a light right now.

"Hey, Hakkai's passed out in the other room," Gojyo announced as he started to enter without knocking, the only person he knew that might have a lighter and also the last living creature he wanted to see right now. Sanzo had the Smith and Wesson in hand without even thinking, firing off a shot that blew the door closed before Gojyo could open it all the way. There was a scream, a delightfully terrified noise, that Sanzo relished before muffled curses were loudly shouted, his name among them. Sanzo spat to the side while the barrel smoked softly, figuring that either he had missed Gojyo or the door had stopped the bullet. Goku just raised up both eyebrows, looking slightly impressed more than anything else. The monkey was still on his side, not so stupid as to be unable to see how poorly Sanzo had been treated at breakfast.

"Am I the only fucking one that's going to be mature about this?!" Gojyo cracked the door open just wide enough to roar that into the room. Sanzo shrugged his answer, knowing that Gojyo couldn't see him and not giving a shit, gun still trained on the spot where the half-youkai's head should be if he dared entered.

"Sanzo…" Goku said softly when it became rather apparent that Sanzo didn't care if he was being childish or not. He had already given up a morning shot of tequila, which he now required if he was going to make it through having to look at Gojyo's face one more time. He wasn't going to play nice just so Goku's eyes wouldn't water up and his lower lip start quivering in a way that Sanzo was so damn weak for. Goku's face wasn't at the end of the cross-sight on the gun. Sanzo's eyes narrowed, waiting for that blessed second when Gojyo showed enough of himself to actually hit a kill shot on the man. He wouldn't have to suffer any more, there'd be no more talking behind his back, and certainly he would never have to deal with that lewd, leering gaze ever again.

"You can't shoot Gojyo," Goku tried lamely when the Smith and Wesson didn't waver. Sanzo was ready to differ, if he had thought it would be worth it to argue with a retarded monkey. He had the fucking right after getting his ass spread open for Gojyo to drive up inside last night. The door wasn't opening up any further either, but Sanzo could suspect that Gojyo was watching, waiting, ready to snatch him up the moment he showed the slightest weakness. As if he was ever going to let there be a repeat- steeling himself inside in case Gojyo decided to turn around that corner with that fucking swindling, disarming smirk that had tricked Sanzo in the first place.

"I can damn well try," Sanzo hissed back, feeling as tense as if he was in real gun fight instead of in the middle of half-breed youkai target practice. Something moved in the doorway and Sanzo slapped both hands around the handle of his gun, retraining the aim in case. He wasn't going to miss this time, not having any warning shots left despite the massive patience he'd developed in the company of these dullards.

A white flag waved into the room, held out by a hand that was obviously expecting to be shot off. Sanzo felt his arms relax instinctively, confused for a moment at where the peace sign had come from-and it was long enough for Gojyo to slip all the way in, his shirt gone to make the flag. He blanched, not expecting a half-naked redhead to be his target, noticing the slight tan line Gojyo had developed from his usual vest and arm bandages, his nipples two dark olives in his chest. Sanzo gritted his teeth, closed his eyes, and felt the gun be ripped from his hands before he could claw through the air after it. Damned youkai speed and agility, Gojyo holding up the gun in his other hand as he crowed triumphantly. Sanzo stiffened at the sheer proximity of the man being on the other side of the bed, turning around to let his back face Gojyo. Shouldn't the bastard be nursing Hakkai right now?

"Now, then, Goku, why don't you leave us two adults to talk alone," Gojyo suggested, no doubt spinning his gun around in his hand. Sanzo felt his heart seize up, petrified at the thought of being alone with Gojyo again. He didn't want that to happen, didn't want that door to get locked again and him be left unarmed, but he couldn't beg for Goku to stay. Genjo Sanzo wasn't scared, didn't need someone to protect him. He had always done a damn fine job of it by himself. He didn't want someone like Gojyo slithering up into the empty coldness where his heart should be- making him feel embarrassed and miserable when Sanzo had been untouchable before. His single-minded purpose was shaken, thoughts besieged on all sides by doubt and fear that Gojyo had managed to plant inside him.

"No," Goku refused like a five-hundred-year-old-demon, the cold tone enough to make Sanzo applaud Goku from the very core. His imbecilic pet had learned something from him, standing tall and glaring so hard at the half-breed youkai that Sanzo could be proud. That was why he was so happy, not because Goku was defending him, wasn't going to leave him alone with a fucking pervert. Goku's presence there didn't change a thing, other than having a biased witness for anything else that was going to happen. He could just tell Goku to say that Gojyo had…shot himself. Some stupid, worthless memory about his mother getting out of hand, Sanzo vaguely recalled as he reached for a good excuse when they found Gojyo's corpse, shirtless or not. He angrily ripped the cigarette he didn't have a light for out of his mouth, accidentally breaking it between his fingers and just dropping it to the floor in the end.

Somehow- Sanzo was going to get his gun back without having to look at Gojyo.

"What?" Gojyo obviously needed it repeated. Sanzo wouldn't have minded it himself, satisfied with the dumbass ape enough to hear it twice. He really wanted to turn around and start railing at Gojyo for not wearing a shirt, but then where would that put him? Sanzo hunched his shoulders further, wondering when it had just become so cold in here. He couldn't believe that he was now being argued over, as if he wasn't even in the room while Gojyo demanded his turn to play with the High Priest. Even worse, he couldn't think of anything to say, even the basic `go to hell' seeming…immature.

"I'm not leaving Sanzo. You're upsetting him. I don't trust you anymore," Goku stated very simple facts that made Sanzo look up sharply at the boy. He didn't notice Sanzo, golden eyes fixed on Gojyo and hands twitching into fists at his side. Goku suddenly fit the plain white shirt the hotel had supplied, shoulders square and chin held up high. The sun coming in through the window was too bright, giving him a halo that Sanzo had to blink and tear his eyes away from. He didn't have anything to explain the insidious warm that came along with those words, reminding him of the few days he had had with Komyou while his master had been alive. Sanzo reached up and clutched at his chest, twisting up the shirt and flesh caught underneath his fingers. He didn't know that happiness could actually hurt, having been so long since he'd last felt anything remotely like that emotion. Sanzo appreciated Goku so much at the moment, remembering why he kept the honest idiot around despite all the blunders and mistakes he made. Goku still believed in him, for some reason Sanzo didn't even know himself.

"Fuck, what side of the bed did you two wake up on?" Gojyo demanded rudely, so utterly crass that Sanzo couldn't stand it anymore. He couldn't possibly be making a comment about Sanzo sleeping with Goku last night-how could he even fucking know?-and yet breakfast had shown Sanzo that Gojyo would say something so unfair, so cutting. He twisted around on the bed, quite ready to speak his mind now…as Gojyo shrugged his head into his shirt, pulling it back on in a flex of stomach muscles that demanded Sanzo's complete attention. The Smith and Wesson was firmly tucked into the front of Gojyo's pants, and Sanzo suspected that he wasn't wearing any underwear if last night had been any indication of the man's everyday attire. Damn him! Gojyo was a fucking youkai, not some damned wet dream come to life…not that Sanzo even had those! Tears were very close now, stinging his eyes so badly that Sanzo couldn't even try to deny it to himself. Thankfully, Sanzo was already locking his gaze down on the bed sheets before Gojyo could catch him.

"Okay, you know what, I'm so sorry for whatever I'm doing wrong. Are you guys happy now?" Gojyo sneered out, not sounding very apologetic at all. Sanzo took a breath, drew himself together, and glared at Gojyo. Met him straight in the eyes and tried to will him dead on the spot, making up for being too galled and humiliated to do anything earlier. Gojyo was alone in this room, no Hakkai to be an asshole with, and Goku ready to beat the shit out of the bastard on Sanzo's word. It was the best he had felt in years.

"Never mind…never mind. I'm sorry. We've all been having a tough time lately, okay?" Gojyo finally tried to pacify them all, both hands up in front of him now that his peace flag was back on his body. He had obviously finally recognized the futility of trying to be a smartass here and now, realized just what a grave mistake he'd made just by walking in the room. Sanzo felt a very slight smirk creep onto his face, satisfied and feeling confident again now that Goku was like an animal barely kept at bay. He should know just how powerful Goku was-he'd been nearly killed by the brat several times over.

"Gun."

Sanzo held out his hand expectantly, other one resting on the unopened beer. Gojyo stiffened up, back to a nice, High Priest-fearing silence. Goku blinked back and forth between them as the very air seemed to crackle with their respective egos.

"Do I look stupid?" Gojyo finally spat out, smirking and shrugging off all the tension Sanzo had managed to create. He opened his mouth to answer the youkai bastard's question.

"Don't. even. say. it," Gojyo hissed out before Sanzo could start, raising up one hand to stop the verbal trap he'd walked right into. Goku giggled behind him, managing to ease the affront of being interrupted yet again. Sanzo let his hand drop down, trying to summon up the anger he should be feeling at having his gun stolen. He just felt faintly ill, or maybe it was hunger. He'd like to think that was the explanation for the hole growing in his stomach. Sanzo didn't care if Goku sobbed his bloody eyes out as he twisted off the cap and tossed it out in front of him. Beer would be able to fill him up better than Gojyo ever could…

…did he really just think that?

Sanzo started chugging desperately while he listened carefully to Gojyo's footsteps. He wasn't going to have the bastard sneak up on him a second time. Thankfully, the redhead just went over to stand in front of Goku, though it was still too close for Sanzo's comfort. The two nitwits gazed up and down at each other respectively, for once silent and not fighting like children. Sanzo couldn't say he didn't find it incredibly pleasant and refreshing for once, smiling as he paused for breath halfway to the bottom of his beer.

"Oh, don't give me that face, monkey," Gojyo joked, swinging an arm around Goku's shoulder and slamming the boy up against his side. Was the bastard going to fondle everything on two legs because he was in front of Sanzo? Was this some kind of sick attempt to make him jealous? Why couldn't he have held onto his gun instead of wincing away from Gojyo's nudity? It had never bothered him before, no matter how modest Sanzo was himself.

"Hey, Goku, when was the last time you had a bath? You fucking smell…like…," Gojyo trailed off, drawing Sanzo's attention until he was helplessly caught by two angry red eyes glaring over Goku's hair. Sanzo's lips pursed together, realizing that Gojyo must be smelling him on the monkey, likely not just Sanzo but the half-breed's own lingering scent that Sanzo hadn't been able to wash off yet. Even a bastard youkai still acted like a complete animal, marking up his territory so that he could scent it if anyone else was touching Sanzo. He damn well hoped that Goku reeked of him, just so Gojyo would know that last night meant absolutely nothing.

"You guys always make such a big deal about washing! I smell fine!" Goku yelled, shoving Gojyo off of him. Sanzo eyed the boy, thinking back to the last time he'd been the one who yelled at the dumbass to finally bathe, and couldn't come up with any recent recollection. He'd been rather busy simply trying to survive. But, if Sanzo didn't look after the idiot nobody would, and sadly came to the conclusion that Goku hadn't washed since he'd fallen in the river. Sanzo sipped lightly on the beer, feeling like he'd let Goku down after how the boy was defending him this morning. He could have been at least making sure Goku stayed cleaned, since all it would have taken was a bit of yelling. Even if he had been laid out in a bed for the better half of the week, it didn't take that much effort to bitch. He should know after having to listen to Gojyo whine and complain every foot they covered on this damned trip West.

"Goku, take a fucking bath," Sanzo finally sighed out as he finished off the beer, his stomach stretched and aching at being so suddenly full but nothing compared to the soreness below his waist. Now that he thought about it, Goku had smelled a little bit last night when Sanzo had snuck into bed with him. The stupid ape looked hurt for a moment at him agreeing with Gojyo- and Sanzo almost hated himself just as much for doing so, however indirectly. Just how necessary was it to keep Sha Gojyo around?

"Why don't you come with, Sanzo? They have hot spas here, you like those, right?" Goku tried, so quickly able to switch into a cheerful mood that it almost set Sanzo's teeth on edge. He leaned over to set the empty bottle on the floor, feeling Gojyo's gaze upon him like a fucking plague, skin shuddering instinctively. When he sat back up, Gojyo's expression had changed from sour jealousy to a wide, feline grin. Sanzo's gaze dropped down to his gun, feeling so sorry for his poor friend being stuck inside Gojyo's pants…and then blanched as he realized he was almost looking at Gojyo's groin. He instantly glanced back to Goku just for safety, the boy grinning weakly as if he was expecting to be hit any minute.

"Yes, Sanzo, come with us," Gojyo echoed, leaning heavily on Goku with a sparkle in his eyes that Sanzo instinctively hated with every fiber of his soul. Gojyo had thrown himself in, obviously trying to make this a group trip since he couldn't get Sanzo alone. Sanzo ground his teeth wanting to just refuse and sit here alone…to…think about everything he'd been through lately. Lovely. He didn't feel up to being alone, much preferring to be irritated and annoyed beyond all limits; because then he didn't really have the time to think about being tied or pinned to a bed, a whole clan of stinking youkai watching or just one as he was forced into the most intimate of acts. He glared at the two shits in front of him before stubbornly standing up, one hand across his gut as the beer sloshed around. Sanzo now wished he had taken the chance to eat something, already feeling a bit tipsy. At least it wasn't a hangover anymore.

"Well?" Sanzo demanded when he realized they were just watching him suffer. Gojyo and Goku looked to each other, sharing something that made it hard for Sanzo to not hit both of them. Then, Gojyo swung up and gave Goku a push in the square of his back, sending the boy stumbling forward to the door. And stood there. Sanzo just arched one eyebrow, quite ready to wait until hell froze over for Gojyo to go ahead of him. He was not about to let the half-youkai walk behind him, free to stare at parts that Sanzo was pretty sure he didn't want to be looked at. Sanzo didn't care if he had to make a battle out of every little thing now, but he wasn't going to lose anymore face in front of Gojyo.

"I thought we were going?" Goku called from the hallway, obviously confused at the delay when Sanzo had been snapping at them only seconds before. Sanzo jerked his chin at Gojyo, who Goku immediately started glaring at again. Sanzo looked back over his shoulder at the pervert, grinning triumphantly as Gojyo was forced to leave first. It was almost a good thing to have had Goku berserk only yesterday, a fresh memory that was sure to spur Gojyo on. Sanzo only had to follow behind as they all marched in a single file line to the baths, quite pleased with himself. Being last meant he could finally limp along like he body was begging him to instead of trying to walk proud in front of the rest of these bastards.

One more flight of stairs later, Sanzo found himself regretting his choice but having nothing else to do but lamely follow as the distance between him and Gojyo. Which was just fine in the end. It was enough time to get his breath back before straightening his spine and walking through the doorway Gojyo and Goku had gone through. Another small hallway that parted two different ways, which Sanzo followed the sign for `men' and went to the left. Inside was a simple white-washed changing room, the dim lighting coming from a lamp above ill-placed wooden shelving. The floor was cold cement instead of tiles, which spoke of how poor this shitty inn really was. Goku and Gojyo were already standing inside with changing baskets, Gojyo waving his around in greeting.

"Oh, I thought you were chickening out there for a second," Gojyo greeted loudly despite Goku's warning hiss. And, suddenly this was not only an exasperating distraction for Sanzo, but a challenge as well. Sanzo's eyes narrowed as he walked in stiffly and slowly to take a whicker basket of his own off the shelves, tightening his lips as he tried to solidly ignore the youkai bastard. Sanzo walked over to Goku's side, even though he kept one eye on Gojyo as the asshole took the Smith and Wesson out of his pants and set it in his basket. Sanzo kept his curse to himself, deciding he could always grab it by rushing in before the half-breed got out of their bath. Sanzo picked up several towels of his own, wrapping one around his waist protectively on top of his clothes before turning around to face the wall. Sanzo undid his zipper and dropped his pants without giving Gojyo the chance to see anything above his knee. Sanzo stepped out of his jeans and underwear, gathering it up and dumping it in the basket without a care. Sanzo was trying to get this over with as soon as possible, already halfway done while Goku struggled with getting his arms out of the sleeves over his head. Goku was slow simply because it was a trial for the boy to figure out clothes with complexities like buttons and zippers. Gojyo, however, was being slow because he was clearly trying to catch Sanzo's eyes again. The tank top was being dragged off slowly, catching on every curve of muscle despite how quickly Gojyo had changed out of it earlier. Sanzo didn't even care, not impressed what he already seen last night as he fixed the towel around his hips and slipped out of the shirt without even bothering to unbutton it. He didn't want to be there for when Gojyo finally got naked and started swinging his junk around. Sanzo stomped off through the door separating the small changing room from the baths and looked around, glaring hard as possible to pin down any prey that might be trying to take a long soak.

The effort turned out useless, since the place was empty. Sanzo sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to remember exactly what had pissed him off this time. He couldn't be walking out of rooms because of what some half-breed youkai prick was saying or doing at the time; he was Genjo fucking Sanzo! He walked across the wet stone floor, glaring at the dark walls moist with condensation, the few light bulbs not nearly bright enough to cast a proper glow about the abandoned baths. He did like hot spas, as Goku had announced earlier, his one weakness that he didn't get much of a chance to indulge in when they were always on the road. Yet another reason why he wanted to go back to the monastery with its open-air hot spring where Sanzo could escape to on nights when he wanted to get stinking drunk without monks and disciples bitching about the High Priest Sanzo not following the scriptures-again. He missed that place either way, because there the idiots shut up after one harsh glare. Sanzo had lived like a king there, minus being forced to lead the prayers all day long, and now he was living in conditions barely fit for civilized human beings.

Sanzo dropped himself into one of the pools boiling with bubbles from primitive jet-streams and steaming, the shock of hot water enough to sidetrack him. He hissed in pleasure at the tingling needles, forcing his body to hold still even though it wanted to squirm and writhe away from the heat that stabbed into every inch of him. Sanzo held his towel in place around himself, leaning back against the side of the low pool and taking a comfortable seat, planning to soak for a long time. He breathed in deeply through his nose, wishing he had grabbed some cigarettes as well. That and cold beer and Sanzo would have his own little heaven right then and there. Quiet, blessed nothingness was a rarity that he had learned to appreciate more and more after traveling with those assholes.

"Sanzo, Sanzo! You still haven't had breakfast yet, right? Let's eat after this," Goku screamed across the pools as he came jogging up along the side of the wall, wearing a towel around his waist as well. Sanzo didn't even have the strength to yell at Goku to walk around water- and didn't even need to when the boy tripped and went down face first, sliding on what seemed like only his chin as legs and arms flew about. Sanzo just shook his head as Goku slowly picked himself back up, towel resting several feet behind him. Sanzo wasn't bothered since the boy had nothing he hadn't seen before when he'd first released Goku and dumbass had run around without a stitch of clothing or a clue to why it was wrong…and it was Goku after all. Sanzo wanted his gun and his dignity back, not so much bothered by Goku, but the taller figure swaggering in slowly behind him.

"That's dangerous, you know," Gojyo called out as he stepped into the large room with a towel swung over his shoulder and a hand running through long, wine-colored hair very slowly. Deliberately. Sanzo could tell that Gojyo knew he was being looked at, the way his body language suddenly shifted to languid as all hell, as if he had someone to impress. A rush of heat to his cheeks and Sanzo cursed himself for looking in the first place, helplessly staring now. It had been dark; he had been drunk and confused, so Sanzo really hadn't a chance to take a good look at Gojyo's body. The bastard had done it before on many occasions, but Sanzo had just ignored it then. He hadn't ever studied another man's body before, but Sanzo's just couldn't live without knowing exactly what he had done last night. No matter how horrible it was, he had to know the full extent. Besides, it wasn't like Sanzo could tear his eyes away from the long, taunt body as Gojyo came closer. He reminded Sanzo of a horse, long legs and something quite remarkable between them. He had to have been very drunk to fit that-appendage inside of him, the impossibility of the act now hitting him sober. It was no small wonder Sanzo was sore as all hell this morning.

"Getting a good look, priest?" Gojyo asked, obviously aware that his nakedness bothered Sanzo, and enjoying it. This was definitely going to be a problem; Sanzo's flesh crawled with the memory even though he started his bath. High Priest Sanzo did not get his ass pounded on a regular basis, wasn't going to ever let Gojyo try the same sort of thing again- even if it was Gojyo now instead of those barbaric, outright fucking feral youkai. At least he knew that all those demons and that fucking painter were dead and hopefully rotting in hell. Gojyo was still standing around and being an asshole.

Too bad Sanzo couldn't even gather the balls to even look at Gojyo.

Sanzo dropped down further into the water, until his nose was almost brushing the surface as he tried to hide every inch of skin possible underneath the bubbles. Damn Gojyo for making a High Priest feel like some twelve-year-old virgin, gawky as all hell and doing everything wrong. Nobody had ever managed to so completely break him down and embarrass him so deeply, even worse than Hakkai slurring that he…he needed to be shown a good time! Gojyo was getting a sick pleasure out of taunting a wounded lion with a whole fucking lot of hurt pride. Sanzo's teeth clenched at the indignity while Goku stood up and brushed himself off, completely oblivious to the conversation. The two walked over evenly to the bath Sanzo had chosen, Gojyo slowly lowering himself in with his gaze locked on Sanzo, even though he was staring at the surface of the water. Goku just jumped in, a large splash washing over Sanzo's head and completely soaking his hair. He was laughing when he surfaced, splashing his hands and giggling madly at the waves he was making, making it impossible to yell at the dumbass for getting him wet. There was no choice but to dunk his head all the way under and just immerse himself completely now, his face tingling madly as he stayed under the hot water for a moment.

Sanzo let himself break the water with a gasp, letting both hands scrub through his hair and to his neck. He blinked away the water in his eyes and felt a strong, intense focus on him. Sanzo froze like a startled rabbit when he realized Gojyo was staring at him. Not just glaring or undressing him with his eyes, but outright dazed and enraptured without a single thing hinting at active thought. Sanzo felt himself start to flush from the heat of the water, coughing at the steam getting stuck in his throat and quickly going back to watching Goku play. That adult display of protectiveness was gone without a trace as Goku cupped his hands together and made a small water gun, blasting of a quick spurt into Gojyo's face.

"You little punk," Gojyo roared before falling down on top of Goku to dunk the boy's head under the water. They tussled about while Sanzo crossed his legs and carefully pressed himself up against the side to stay out of the way. This was certainly not something he wanted to be involved in, pressing a hand down over the towel to make sure that he was covered. He frowned at how easily Gojyo and Goku made up, roughhousing like brothers in the middle of the bath Sanzo was trying very hard to enjoy. Goku managed to come up on top, taking one huge breath of air before throwing himself on top of the wet redhead trying to surface. There was yet more tumbling and splashing, a fair amount of the pool going right over the side as the two went at it. Sanzo finally found his patience to run out, opening his mouth to start screaming like usual.

"Is the High Priest Sanzo in here?" Mei Li screamed out, the girl skidding into the men's bath, pale and shaking. Sanzo frowned at the idiot girl while Gojyo paused in the middle of choking Goku, looking over at the disturbance.

"What?" Sanzo snapped, not at all pleased with some strange interrupting his bath and staring at him in such a state of undress.

"We're…we're being haunted!" she wailed out horribly, officially managing to make the situation worse than it already was.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Because…I have too much free time. Let's continue this fic. Thank you to iie nome for beta-ing me, but I'm always ready for more.

And to everyone else…God I love you so much just for being here and reading this sentence. Let's all hug. This is dedicated to everyone who can't find a good Gojyo/Sanzo fic…I think there was one back in '99… anyway. Despite Goku being five hundred years old, he's still a minor to me! Sanzo can get more angst for all I care, but not our baby!