Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Teaching Goku ❯ Declaration ( Chapter 4 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Quirk 
An okay day turned sucky for Gojyo, ends with a declaration…
Anime/Manga: Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.26.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.4K | Visits: 1.7K | Status: Work In Progress
An okay day turned sucky for Gojyo, ends with a declaration…
Anime/Manga: Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.26.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.4K | Visits: 1.7K | Status: Work In Progress
Title: Teaching Goku: Declaration
Author: Quirk othe Trade
Category: Fan Fiction
Genre: Lemon, yaoi--- angst and romance?
Rating: 17 and up; mature minds
C&CC: quirkothetrade@yahoo.com
Archived: AFF.Net, MediaMiner if I can ever figure out what I’m doing…
Disclaimer: I don’t own these characters, no, no, just playing. They belong to whomever they belong to, like the great Kazuya Minekura. ^_^
Warnings: Implied Goku and Gojyo, implied Sanzo and Hakkai, Gojyo and someone else.
A/N: This is from left field as far as I’m concerned, everyone. Don’t kill me, please. Thank you goes to everyone who read; I noticed the hits are 2,000 plus now. Thank you sooo much! To everyone who reviewed, a double thanks: thank you thank you so so much much! I’m anticipating getting even more busy than I am already, so forgive me if I don’t always get around to sending individual emails; if I can’t or don’t or just forget, I’ll just say ‘thank you’ here, okay? KaosD, Devious Lil Devil, Terry, anime girl, TenshiKaitou: Thank you sooooo much! If the last one was confusing, then it makes me fret a bit to see what y'all are going to think aboaut this one...
Beta: Unbeta-ed
Key: (thoughts)
Synopsis: An okay day turned sucky for Gojyo, ends with a declaration…
+++
The breakfast crowd had already thinned out and the lunch crowd coming in, Gojyo noted, crimson eyes scanning the common room of the Three Daughters Tavern and Inn. Well, it was almost eleven in the morning; they were late in rising this morning. What point had there been in getting up early, though, when lead skies threatened rain? The river was so noisy it could be heard half way across town. Good thing they were far away enough from that; it really might have made Sanzo snap.
The fire was going strong in the oversized hearth on their far left, and people were drifting back and forth through the archway to the right of the front door, which lead back to the inn half of the building. At the bar on the far wall was the red-haired woman from last night (obviously a dye job, if a good one), restocking the bottles that were missing from the tall shelf behind the length of polished wood. Wonderful smells wafted through the air, and they couldn't blame Goku for taking a deep appreciative breath, or for his stomach rumbling audibly. Gojyo didn't know about Hakkai and Sanzo, but his stomach was complaining for all it was worth.
"Welcome, would you like a towel--- oh, it’s you guys!" The girl in the green cheongsam was wearing a green, sleeveless qipao and matching pants today, butterflies a-swirl over the satin fabric. Her hair was the same two braided buns tied up with matching ribbons. A stack of mismatched towels was piled high in her arms, and she set them hastily on a trolley stationed just to the right of the door that had a single towel lying on it. "How are you? Ah, little white dragon, you look adorable today!"
Stepping up to Hakkai and Hakuryu, she held up a hand, and a tiny white nose sniffed it.
(Normal people stay away from the dragon. Though, Hakkai wasn't doing anything to stop her either...)
"Come in. Pick a seat, and I'll go get a menu." And so she went.
"Ahhhhhh... It smells sooooo good in here and I'm sooooo hungry..." Clutching his stomach, Goku listed to the side, almost drooling.
"Shut it, monkey, we're already going to eat." Sanzo strode to a table and sat down. The others followed suit, and Gojyo found himself directly across from the monk. Droopy violet eyes narrowed at him for a second, and for a moment the redhead thought he was going to have to duck; Sanzo had been that horrific lately. But then the blond crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat with a small huff.
(What the hell? Hakkai must have used some first-rate bedroom tricks last night for the monk to be that calm this morning.) A rush of shame immediately followed that thought, but he ignored it. It was his brain; he could think what he wanted to think. It wasn't like he'd said it aloud, at least. He ignored the equally strong rush of envy that accompanied it, but whether he was jealous of Sanzo or Hakkai was anyone's guess. He suspected it was probably both.
The girl came back with four menus, three more than last night, and a platter with a tea service and a dish of rice crackers. She set everything beside Hakkai with a sunny smile, having identified him as the mother hen yesterday. "I'll be right back, I need to finish restocking the towels. Some breakfast items are still available, too, if you want."
"Thank you," replied Hakkai, and passed out the menus and set the crackers across in front of Goku before attending to the tea service. By the time it was steeped and served--- Sanzo got the first cup--- she was back, a tablet in hand. The rice crackers had already vanished. Amid all their babbling, she managed to get everything written down, reciting it all back. “Anything else?”
“Will the shop and markets be open today? We need to stock up if we’re going to be here very long, besides what we need when we resume our journey.”
“Everything’s open, except what’s not.” She answered, picking up the emptied dish and beginning to walk off. “Just walk around and you’ll see. Let me go turn in your order, and I’ll be back. It may take a bit, because there’s so much to cook and all.”
Gojyo stared after her as she took off. “She’s strikes me as the type who’s always on the go, wouldn’t you say? And is it just me, or is she a little off in the head?”
“Like you’re one to talk,” Sanzo drawled, pulling a cigarette and lighting up. Goku snickered, laying his head down on his crossed forearms, and Hakkai smiled as his pet sniffed his teacup.
Snorting back at the monk and the monkey, Gojyo hooked an arm over the back of his chair and fumbled in a pocket for his own Hi-Lites. There was something decidedly off about today, he decided. He felt a bit underdressed without his usual vest jacket, which didn’t help, but Hakkai had claimed it and the rest of his sodden clothes were just that, sodden, and he had put them in the washer to spin out before he would add them to the laundry. Everything that had been in his pockets had been dumped in a large shallow bowl on the shelf, the unused condoms directly on top of the pile of bills and coins. The green-eyed man was saying something, but Gojyo couldn’t figure out what. He was usually so good at reading him, too.
“She does seem a bit simple minded,” said the man in Gojyo’s thoughts. “But she’s good at her job, and her family seems nice, so there doesn’t appear to be anything to worry about.”
“Who said I was worried? She’s just off her rocker.” Putting the cigarette between his lips, he tried his lighter, but nothing happened. He frowned at it. (The hell? It worked last night.) There was a clatter in front of him, and he looked up to see Sanzo’s latest lighter turned sideways beside his untouched tea. Wary crimson eyes flickered up to violet only to find his face turned away, releasing a long stream of smoke from perfectly pursed lips. For a moment stray bits of arousal and longing clenched his stomach in knots as he focused on that mouth, and then he forced it away and picked up the lighter. Lighting up, he reached across and set it carefully beside Sanzo’s cup before sitting back with a nod of thanks. (Damn, another chance to aggravate Sanzo, and I don’t dare take it in case it breaks his quasi good mood. He’s been so fucking pissed lately; I’m surprised he hasn’t broken a few blood vessels. ‘Course, that’s probably been my fault, too… if what I think is true…)
“Sorry for the wait!”
The girl drew their attention, and he turned his head slightly back when he didn’t hear the monkey move in turn. His chocolate head was still pillowed on his arms, but his eyes were locked on Gojyo, indecipherable and unfathomable. Their eyes locked, and the look didn’t change. The redhead finally recognized the look, though it was a far cry from its origin. It was similar to the look of the Seiten Taisen when he was concentrating on nothing but the battle, without even that horrid amusement, though a much more faded, sedate version of it. A shiver danced up and down his spine, and he broke away from that golden gaze that gave away nothing.
“Like I was saying, everything should be open, though that’s no guarantee. The town is fairly crime free, so you can go pretty much anywhere you want.” She set a plate of steamed buns at the center of the table, and a dipping bowl filled with water in front of Hakuryu. Goku’s head popped up at that, and Hakuryu bent his head to lap daintily at his drink. “The red light district is open during the day by appointment only, it’s Sunday so the village library is open only one to seven in the noon time, and the cinema’s open twelve to twelve.”
“Xian!” came a horrified voice from the bar. “Don’t tell them that!”
(Red light district?) Gojyo hid an amused grin behind his hand as he took a deep drag. Sanzo hid behind his hand, eyes averted, Hakkai took a sip of tea, and Goku blinked, his mouth full of bread and filling.
The redhead from behind the bar was suddenly there beside the girl, and a hand popped her lightly upside the back of the head. “Ow! Mei---”
That same hand clutched the top of her skull and forced a bow out of her as the redhead bowed. “My apologies, gentlemen. She’s feeble minded; please forgive her.”
“MMM! Will you stop telling people that?”
“You get out of here; go help Yu in the kitchen. And put your apron on, damn it.” Forcibly turning the other and shoving her in the direction of the kitchen, the redhead--- Mei--- smiled over her shoulder before following her. “Check the front desk for maps of the town. Any questions, just ask me.”
Gojyo couldn’t help it; he threw back his head and laughed.
+++
“Aaahhh, I’m stuffed.” Goku patted his stomach, bulging slightly under his shirt. “The food’s so awesome here.”
Everyone murmured agreement, even Sanzo. Service had been just as excellent as the day before, Xian keeping the used plates and bowls whisked away and the food coming, ducking skillfully around the warring monkey, kappa and intervening harisen. Even the little white dragon lolled on his spot on the table beside his tiny glass bowls, tummy bulging through his alabaster skin, eyes half-mast in contentment.
“My, my, it looks like everyone’s ready to go back to sleep.” said Hakkai.
Gojyo half hid a yawn behind a palm. “Maybe, but I’m going out to pick up a few things.”
“We’re all going out. We’ve got a house to stock up for a few days.” Sanzo replied, breaking out his smokes. “Or do you think Hakkai should try to carry everything himself?”
“Does that mean you’re coming, oh great Sanzo Sama?” drawled Gojyo. Seeing Sanzo light up made him want to light up, but for once lethargy got the better of him and he left them where they were at in his pocket. Besides, he had no lighter. It had been a good meal, though, had felt normal. He and Goku fought over food, Sanzo hollered, threatened and then used the fan, and Hakkai laughed at them all while Hakuryu snagged what he wanted without waiting for them.
“Hn. Maybe.”
The redhead grinned, but kept his mouth shut.
Hakkai drained his glass of tea and set it down with a click. “Well. Shall we go?”
Sanzo lifted his hand, and the girl was there in a flash. “Yes?”
The gold card flickered between two fingers. “We’re taking off.”
“Yes.” Taking it, she disappeared to the bar then emerged with an accompanying credit slip and a pen. She waited for it to be signed, then left with a cheery good bye. Amidst a few groaning complaints, they stood and stretched before heading for the front door, a map taken earlier tucked in Hakkai’s pocket.
“We’ll head for the square. That’s where the most shops are.” Hakkai lead the way, since he was the one who had most closely examined the map. Bare sprinkles misted on them, determined not to give up as they strolled along to their destination. People were out and about, running their own errands and chores. Sanzo’s robes earned him no second glance from most people. Soon enough they hit the square, and there was an open-air market aside from the various storefronts. Gojyo spotted the drugstore ahead on his left.
“I’m going here for a moment. I’ll find you when I get done.” Not waiting for an answer, he broke away from them, the green-eyed man’s words drifting unheard behind him.
Entering with a bell’s ringing, he paused to look around before deciding to browse the shelves. There was no clerk to be seen at the check out. He found what he wanted third aisle in, directly in view of the cash register. While a tad embarrassing if you were the sort, it meant a quick getaway if there were few customers. Gojyo wasn’t the sort; buying protection was something that went with the territory. He was a little impressed with the selection, though. He easily found the ones he liked, not that he needed them. No, he was there for things for Goku. Eyes gliding down the packages, he found the size he needed, and was forced to debate which one to get: they had a three pack, a twelve pack and a twenty-four pack. After they were done with the lessons, there would be no need for the extra condoms. But, what if Goku ended up ripping the condom? Extra would be needed then--- and he did need to practice…
He picked up the twenty-four pack.
Pivoting, he halted as a thought assaulted him. What if whoever was at the counter thought they were for HIM? The injustice of that thought had him reaching for his own size. (Let the bastard guess!) Then he was halted again by the display of lubricants. There were a good variety of those too. Just who the hell ran this shop, anyway? Picking a couple of bottles, he went to the checkout and rang a hand bell. (I can always use it later.)
A door opened behind the counter, and a tiny wrinkled granny appeared and toddled over to the check out. “Hmm. Hello. How are you today?”
“Fine, thanks.” He set the items on the counter, swallowing a little. (Damn, I feel like an idiot for thinking that…)
“Hmm. A healthy sex life, eh? Good, good.” She nodded as she rang it up and tucked them in a small brown bag, then a second carrier with handles.
“Nothing to be ashamed of,” he said noncommittally as he passed her the money.
“Hmm. Good, good. It’s important to enjoy yourself when you’re young.” She passed him back change and toddled away while Gojyo made for the door with his purchase feeling like a joke had just been played on him somehow.
Once outside, he scanned the area for the others and caught a glimpse of blond and buttery beige disappearing around the stall of the rice vendor. Long legs carried him to them, and he popped around the corner in time to see Goku pull on Sanzo’s sleeve. “Hey, Sanzo, they’re selling roasted corn! Can we get some? Please?”
“You just ate, you monkey with a stomach for a brain. At least wait an hour before you stuff yourself again.” Gojyo said. Hakkai was looking at vegetables up and down the row of stalls, his dragon peering intently with him. Goku had a sack of rice in one arm already while the priest was watching people pass by disinterestedly.
“You shut up, kappa.”
“Don’t start, you two. You’re both idiots.”
+++
It was later, after the food and sundries were gathered, and Sanzo was in the tobacco shop and Gojyo had given Goku change to go get his roasted corn, that the redhead’s day was marred. He sat smoking under a stripped overhang with Hakkai and the groceries while they waited for the other two to rejoin them.
“Gojyo?”
“Yeah, Hakkai?”
“What are you doing?”
“Sitting, waiting with you.”
“---With Goku.”
He had known, just known, it wasn’t going to be pleasant when Hakkai used that particularly pleasant tone. He knew flippancy wasn’t the best way to handle it, either, but he’d been half hoping to divert it, whatever ‘it’ was. The taste of tobacco was suddenly sour in his mouth.
“Not that I have much room to talk, considering my past and the norms of our times, but this is Goku we’re talking about. Don’t do anything that will cause us all to suffer, please.” He shifted beside him. “Especially Goku. Sanzo will kill you if you do. And I wouldn’t blame him one bit.”
He released the smoke he held in his lungs slowly. “We can hear you, you know. As quiet as you are, we hear you. Did you ever stop to think the monkey would get curious?” Dropping the cigarette butt, he crushed it out in the mud beneath his boot and then reached for another one. It was no big deal to tell this to the other man, that he and Goku were aware of the things they did--- wasn’t it? No big deal at all… “And with the two of you occupied with each other, who else would he turn to? It’s not like I didn’t tell him no first, either.”
“That doesn’t explain what you’re doing.” The green-eyed man said after a slight pause.
It was funny how Hakkai and Goku were both brunets, but such different colors. Hakkai’s was a rich, dark chocolate brown, while the monkey’s was a gradation of browns, from almost-blond light brown to practically-black sable brown. He could just see the edge of Hakkai’s bangs from his peripheral vision, ruffling in the breeze and suddenly he could just tell the difference. “He… trusts me.”
There was utter silence. He looked at him, wondering what would be next. Emerald eyes slowly turned to look at him, at once threatening and sharp. “Believe it or not, we actually trust you, too.”
Gojyo didn’t bother to hold the gaze. Instead he stood up with the packages he held. It was as much to escape from the feeling rising up inside him as Hakkai. “Sorry.”
“Go---“
He walked away.
+++
He dropped the bags on the table and left them there, except the one he had bought. He hadn’t been loaded with any perishables. Then he went upstairs and changed into a pair of jeans, a tee shirt and a long sleeved shirt. Transferring all his stuff to the new pants, he pulled out a pair of canvas slides he kept at the very bottom. It was there he tucked away the bag he had bought. It was something he was going to have to think about. Then he went downstairs, slid into the slides, and went next door into the tavern for a few minutes and had a beer. Not many people were at the bar drinking so early in the afternoon, so he received prompt service.
“What’s wrong?” asked Mei as she slid his order before him. “You don’t look so hot.”
“Nothing much. Just need to down a few beers, get out of the house for a while.” Picking up the tankard, he sipped at it and then downed a few mouthfuls. “Hey, care to answer a question?”
“What?”
”What time do you get off work?” He asked with what he hoped was a flirting smile.
“I’m always working, mister.” She snorted, and reached under the bar for a paper--- which turned out to be one of those maps--- and a marker. Uncapping it, she circled a shop. “If you’re looking to cruise, either hit the red light district after dark or try this hangout HERE.”
She pushed it across to him, and he took it, studying it. “A bar?”
“Yeah, for the most part.”
“Hey, mister! What are you doing here? I just saw your friends go past the door.” Xian clapped him on the shoulder.
“Hey, good to see you again, kid.” Sliding payment and a big tip onto the polished surface, he patted her on the head with a smile. “See you, okay?”
“Sure…” she looked up at him wide eyed, as if used to almost total strangers patting her on the head like a dog. She watched him swagger out the door as he shoved a piece of paper in his pocket. “He doesn’t look good. He looks like he’s going to be sick.”
“Mmm. Something like that.”+++
Finding the bar hadn’t been hard. Finding a partner--- female--- hadn’t been hard either. Neither had been the drinking, or the making out or the sex that had followed the making out. It had been a relief to touch rounded curves, kiss a mouth that was as experienced as his, to enter a body that didn’t warrant such consideration as a first timer did. It had been wild, for both of them, wild and hot and intense as only a mutual one-night stand could be. He had surprised them both with his stamina. He had taken her against the wall, bent over the edge of the bed, let her ride him then flipped them both over and fucked them both senseless. She had clawed him up most excellently, gouging deep lines on his shoulders, chest and abdomen, and left teeth marks here and there in his flesh. They stung now as he stood under a too hot spray, eyes closed, head bowed, listening to the sound of the falling water.
His mind was blissfully silent. Except for the physical euphoria lingering in his skin, he was numb on the inside. Crimson eyes opened, and if anyone had been there to see, they would have looked like red glass instead of eyes. His body automatically reached for the soaps, the shampoos and conditioners, washing away the evidence that could be washed away. The curtain and door was open, and he was aware that he had an audience of one, content dark brown eyes watching him lazily. They eventually closed, and she fell asleep before he exited the bath.
Picking up his pants, he pulled a cigarette out and lit up with her lighter. He leaned against the windowsill and stared out at the night that had descended early, though a quick glance at the clock on the wall declared it midnight. They must have fallen asleep somewhere after all their vigorous activities, though he didn’t remember that. All he remembered was the feeling and the movement, not the passing of time. But lights lit the dark of almost every building he could see, even brighter with the clouds hiding whatever moon and starlight there was to be had.
Soon, he’d have to go back. He wasn’t afraid of taking one from Sanzo or Hakkai. The only reason Hakkai had jumped his ass was because he was concerned with the situation. Where did he get off messing with the monkey, anyway?
(He was lonely and curious. He wants to understand Sanzo better, maybe Hakkai, too. He wants to be part of the group. )
(It’s GOKU, you fool. What happened to the few morals you had?), he argued with himself. (He’s got the mentality of an eight year old. You’re a damned--- fuck.)
He didn’t want to think about that. The damnedest things could send you screaming back to the past, where the truth was always screwed up with the emotions. His eyes searched further away, over the immediate buildings in the direction the haunted youkai house was in, and there were fewer lights on in the houses over there to light the night. There was no telling which house it actually was, since he couldn’t remember the roof and everything. He was going to have to go back there soon. He wasn’t sure how he was going to react, or how he was SUPPOSED to act. Hakkai might trust him a bit, but Sanzo? If the thought didn’t make him feel so sick with guilt, he would laugh.
Turning away from the window, he walked back to the table to crush out his cigarette. He removed his towels and draped them over chairs. Then he slid back between the sheets, pulled the woman close and closed his eyes.
He wanted to put it off a bit longer.
+++
Grimacing, he tried to keep his hands from rubbing at the fresh scratches on the nape of his neck as he made his way through the predawn streets. He reeked of sex again, but it couldn’t really be helped. He had been awakened by his partner performing an exquisite blowjob on him, smelling fresh and clean from the shower among the sheets scented with sex, and that had lead to other things, things like him turning the table, which was how he had acquired the new gouges, which had the effect of him reaching for a new condom and her hands. Keeping her hands secured above her head had been a chore, because she wiggled and writhed, fingers twitching, as he fucked her slow and hard, her legs tight around his waist. When they had finished, they both had enjoyed themselves thoroughly, sweaty and satisfied. They had talked for a moment, and then he had gotten up and gotten dressed when he saw the time. She had offered him the shower, and he had declined with an excuse and a kiss good bye.
His footsteps slowed to a stop as he stood before the house. Another sense of guilt was trickling through him now, an irrational one. He felt like he had been… unfaithful.
Entering, he kicked his shoes off. Everything was like it had been the night before, with a lamp on and the drying rack in place… and a half awake Goku standing in the doorway of the kitchen with a glass of water in his hand, dressed in his pajamas.
“Gojyo! Where have you been, you cockroach kappa?” asked the gold-eyed youth, setting the half finished glass aside.The sleepiness was blinked away as he rubbed a hand over his eyes.
All he could do was stare. The guilt was rising up, both types of guilt, drowning him and the sight; the sound of the monkey was making it worse.
“Answer me, kappa!” He padded close, and halted a foot away, nose twitching. His eyes widened. “Gojyo?”
He stepped around him and started for the bathroom. “Go to bed, Goku.”
Instead he followed him to the bathroom. “No. I smell blood.”
He pulled the over shirt off and flung it in the laundry. “Now, monkey.”
“NO. What---“ His voice cut off as the redhead pulled his shirt over his head. Crimson eyes shifted to the mirror just before the fabric cut off his view, and an almost blank expression edged with disbelief was cut off as well. Then he was free of his shirt, and he flung that aside as well before he spilled his pockets into the catchall dish and shed his jeans.
A familiar hand touched his back, near the scratches, and he flinched.
“Why did you get so rough?” The tone was quiet, soothing, almost sorrowful, and he stepped away.
“She did, not me. It's not that bad. Go back to bed, Goku, there won’t be any lessons tonight.”
“Stupid, we were worried about you.”
“I can take care of myself.”
Goku grasped a handful of crimson satin and yanked.
“Oww!” He whirled, glaring. “What the hell---”
Small hands grabbed his face and yanked him down. A gentle, chaste kiss was placed on his mouth, and he jerked back, eyes almost wild. “Not when I’ve been out, damn it!”
“Stupid asshole kappa, I don’t care. And I don’t care what Hakkai might have said either. This is between you and me and we’re not done yet.” Goku turned for the door. “Or is that all there is to sex, you pervert kappa?”
“Trust a chimp not to understand.” (Did Hakkai say something that he overheard? Shit, shit, shit… I don't care about me, but the monkey doesn't deserve to feel bad over this...)
“I’m not a chimp! You said you’d teach me about sex. You haven’t finished doing that. And I’ll let it go this time, but you’re not allowed to sleep around any more.” Goku grinned over his shoulder and stuck his tongue out before he bolted, as if expecting pursuit or retaliation of some sort.
“What?!” Too stunned to react in such a manner, Gojyo stood there wide-eyed. Then he folded his arms across his chest, wincing at the pull of the scartches, and comtemplated the pattern on the tile floor. His ears picked up a door shutting upstairs; odds were good that was Goku. His mind and emotions spun, guilt forgotten, while half of him wondered what Hakkai was going to say about this new piece of business. The other half was... shockingly pleased, if a bit confused. (Did the monkey just put a claim on me??)
+++
TBC…
Convert ing /tmp/phpMYRKNu to /dev/stdout
Author: Quirk othe Trade
Category: Fan Fiction
Genre: Lemon, yaoi--- angst and romance?
Rating: 17 and up; mature minds
C&CC: quirkothetrade@yahoo.com
Archived: AFF.Net, MediaMiner if I can ever figure out what I’m doing…
Disclaimer: I don’t own these characters, no, no, just playing. They belong to whomever they belong to, like the great Kazuya Minekura. ^_^
Warnings: Implied Goku and Gojyo, implied Sanzo and Hakkai, Gojyo and someone else.
A/N: This is from left field as far as I’m concerned, everyone. Don’t kill me, please. Thank you goes to everyone who read; I noticed the hits are 2,000 plus now. Thank you sooo much! To everyone who reviewed, a double thanks: thank you thank you so so much much! I’m anticipating getting even more busy than I am already, so forgive me if I don’t always get around to sending individual emails; if I can’t or don’t or just forget, I’ll just say ‘thank you’ here, okay? KaosD, Devious Lil Devil, Terry, anime girl, TenshiKaitou: Thank you sooooo much! If the last one was confusing, then it makes me fret a bit to see what y'all are going to think aboaut this one...
Beta: Unbeta-ed
Key: (thoughts)
Synopsis: An okay day turned sucky for Gojyo, ends with a declaration…
+++
The breakfast crowd had already thinned out and the lunch crowd coming in, Gojyo noted, crimson eyes scanning the common room of the Three Daughters Tavern and Inn. Well, it was almost eleven in the morning; they were late in rising this morning. What point had there been in getting up early, though, when lead skies threatened rain? The river was so noisy it could be heard half way across town. Good thing they were far away enough from that; it really might have made Sanzo snap.
The fire was going strong in the oversized hearth on their far left, and people were drifting back and forth through the archway to the right of the front door, which lead back to the inn half of the building. At the bar on the far wall was the red-haired woman from last night (obviously a dye job, if a good one), restocking the bottles that were missing from the tall shelf behind the length of polished wood. Wonderful smells wafted through the air, and they couldn't blame Goku for taking a deep appreciative breath, or for his stomach rumbling audibly. Gojyo didn't know about Hakkai and Sanzo, but his stomach was complaining for all it was worth.
"Welcome, would you like a towel--- oh, it’s you guys!" The girl in the green cheongsam was wearing a green, sleeveless qipao and matching pants today, butterflies a-swirl over the satin fabric. Her hair was the same two braided buns tied up with matching ribbons. A stack of mismatched towels was piled high in her arms, and she set them hastily on a trolley stationed just to the right of the door that had a single towel lying on it. "How are you? Ah, little white dragon, you look adorable today!"
Stepping up to Hakkai and Hakuryu, she held up a hand, and a tiny white nose sniffed it.
(Normal people stay away from the dragon. Though, Hakkai wasn't doing anything to stop her either...)
"Come in. Pick a seat, and I'll go get a menu." And so she went.
"Ahhhhhh... It smells sooooo good in here and I'm sooooo hungry..." Clutching his stomach, Goku listed to the side, almost drooling.
"Shut it, monkey, we're already going to eat." Sanzo strode to a table and sat down. The others followed suit, and Gojyo found himself directly across from the monk. Droopy violet eyes narrowed at him for a second, and for a moment the redhead thought he was going to have to duck; Sanzo had been that horrific lately. But then the blond crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat with a small huff.
(What the hell? Hakkai must have used some first-rate bedroom tricks last night for the monk to be that calm this morning.) A rush of shame immediately followed that thought, but he ignored it. It was his brain; he could think what he wanted to think. It wasn't like he'd said it aloud, at least. He ignored the equally strong rush of envy that accompanied it, but whether he was jealous of Sanzo or Hakkai was anyone's guess. He suspected it was probably both.
The girl came back with four menus, three more than last night, and a platter with a tea service and a dish of rice crackers. She set everything beside Hakkai with a sunny smile, having identified him as the mother hen yesterday. "I'll be right back, I need to finish restocking the towels. Some breakfast items are still available, too, if you want."
"Thank you," replied Hakkai, and passed out the menus and set the crackers across in front of Goku before attending to the tea service. By the time it was steeped and served--- Sanzo got the first cup--- she was back, a tablet in hand. The rice crackers had already vanished. Amid all their babbling, she managed to get everything written down, reciting it all back. “Anything else?”
“Will the shop and markets be open today? We need to stock up if we’re going to be here very long, besides what we need when we resume our journey.”
“Everything’s open, except what’s not.” She answered, picking up the emptied dish and beginning to walk off. “Just walk around and you’ll see. Let me go turn in your order, and I’ll be back. It may take a bit, because there’s so much to cook and all.”
Gojyo stared after her as she took off. “She’s strikes me as the type who’s always on the go, wouldn’t you say? And is it just me, or is she a little off in the head?”
“Like you’re one to talk,” Sanzo drawled, pulling a cigarette and lighting up. Goku snickered, laying his head down on his crossed forearms, and Hakkai smiled as his pet sniffed his teacup.
Snorting back at the monk and the monkey, Gojyo hooked an arm over the back of his chair and fumbled in a pocket for his own Hi-Lites. There was something decidedly off about today, he decided. He felt a bit underdressed without his usual vest jacket, which didn’t help, but Hakkai had claimed it and the rest of his sodden clothes were just that, sodden, and he had put them in the washer to spin out before he would add them to the laundry. Everything that had been in his pockets had been dumped in a large shallow bowl on the shelf, the unused condoms directly on top of the pile of bills and coins. The green-eyed man was saying something, but Gojyo couldn’t figure out what. He was usually so good at reading him, too.
“She does seem a bit simple minded,” said the man in Gojyo’s thoughts. “But she’s good at her job, and her family seems nice, so there doesn’t appear to be anything to worry about.”
“Who said I was worried? She’s just off her rocker.” Putting the cigarette between his lips, he tried his lighter, but nothing happened. He frowned at it. (The hell? It worked last night.) There was a clatter in front of him, and he looked up to see Sanzo’s latest lighter turned sideways beside his untouched tea. Wary crimson eyes flickered up to violet only to find his face turned away, releasing a long stream of smoke from perfectly pursed lips. For a moment stray bits of arousal and longing clenched his stomach in knots as he focused on that mouth, and then he forced it away and picked up the lighter. Lighting up, he reached across and set it carefully beside Sanzo’s cup before sitting back with a nod of thanks. (Damn, another chance to aggravate Sanzo, and I don’t dare take it in case it breaks his quasi good mood. He’s been so fucking pissed lately; I’m surprised he hasn’t broken a few blood vessels. ‘Course, that’s probably been my fault, too… if what I think is true…)
“Sorry for the wait!”
The girl drew their attention, and he turned his head slightly back when he didn’t hear the monkey move in turn. His chocolate head was still pillowed on his arms, but his eyes were locked on Gojyo, indecipherable and unfathomable. Their eyes locked, and the look didn’t change. The redhead finally recognized the look, though it was a far cry from its origin. It was similar to the look of the Seiten Taisen when he was concentrating on nothing but the battle, without even that horrid amusement, though a much more faded, sedate version of it. A shiver danced up and down his spine, and he broke away from that golden gaze that gave away nothing.
“Like I was saying, everything should be open, though that’s no guarantee. The town is fairly crime free, so you can go pretty much anywhere you want.” She set a plate of steamed buns at the center of the table, and a dipping bowl filled with water in front of Hakuryu. Goku’s head popped up at that, and Hakuryu bent his head to lap daintily at his drink. “The red light district is open during the day by appointment only, it’s Sunday so the village library is open only one to seven in the noon time, and the cinema’s open twelve to twelve.”
“Xian!” came a horrified voice from the bar. “Don’t tell them that!”
(Red light district?) Gojyo hid an amused grin behind his hand as he took a deep drag. Sanzo hid behind his hand, eyes averted, Hakkai took a sip of tea, and Goku blinked, his mouth full of bread and filling.
The redhead from behind the bar was suddenly there beside the girl, and a hand popped her lightly upside the back of the head. “Ow! Mei---”
That same hand clutched the top of her skull and forced a bow out of her as the redhead bowed. “My apologies, gentlemen. She’s feeble minded; please forgive her.”
“MMM! Will you stop telling people that?”
“You get out of here; go help Yu in the kitchen. And put your apron on, damn it.” Forcibly turning the other and shoving her in the direction of the kitchen, the redhead--- Mei--- smiled over her shoulder before following her. “Check the front desk for maps of the town. Any questions, just ask me.”
Gojyo couldn’t help it; he threw back his head and laughed.
+++
“Aaahhh, I’m stuffed.” Goku patted his stomach, bulging slightly under his shirt. “The food’s so awesome here.”
Everyone murmured agreement, even Sanzo. Service had been just as excellent as the day before, Xian keeping the used plates and bowls whisked away and the food coming, ducking skillfully around the warring monkey, kappa and intervening harisen. Even the little white dragon lolled on his spot on the table beside his tiny glass bowls, tummy bulging through his alabaster skin, eyes half-mast in contentment.
“My, my, it looks like everyone’s ready to go back to sleep.” said Hakkai.
Gojyo half hid a yawn behind a palm. “Maybe, but I’m going out to pick up a few things.”
“We’re all going out. We’ve got a house to stock up for a few days.” Sanzo replied, breaking out his smokes. “Or do you think Hakkai should try to carry everything himself?”
“Does that mean you’re coming, oh great Sanzo Sama?” drawled Gojyo. Seeing Sanzo light up made him want to light up, but for once lethargy got the better of him and he left them where they were at in his pocket. Besides, he had no lighter. It had been a good meal, though, had felt normal. He and Goku fought over food, Sanzo hollered, threatened and then used the fan, and Hakkai laughed at them all while Hakuryu snagged what he wanted without waiting for them.
“Hn. Maybe.”
The redhead grinned, but kept his mouth shut.
Hakkai drained his glass of tea and set it down with a click. “Well. Shall we go?”
Sanzo lifted his hand, and the girl was there in a flash. “Yes?”
The gold card flickered between two fingers. “We’re taking off.”
“Yes.” Taking it, she disappeared to the bar then emerged with an accompanying credit slip and a pen. She waited for it to be signed, then left with a cheery good bye. Amidst a few groaning complaints, they stood and stretched before heading for the front door, a map taken earlier tucked in Hakkai’s pocket.
“We’ll head for the square. That’s where the most shops are.” Hakkai lead the way, since he was the one who had most closely examined the map. Bare sprinkles misted on them, determined not to give up as they strolled along to their destination. People were out and about, running their own errands and chores. Sanzo’s robes earned him no second glance from most people. Soon enough they hit the square, and there was an open-air market aside from the various storefronts. Gojyo spotted the drugstore ahead on his left.
“I’m going here for a moment. I’ll find you when I get done.” Not waiting for an answer, he broke away from them, the green-eyed man’s words drifting unheard behind him.
Entering with a bell’s ringing, he paused to look around before deciding to browse the shelves. There was no clerk to be seen at the check out. He found what he wanted third aisle in, directly in view of the cash register. While a tad embarrassing if you were the sort, it meant a quick getaway if there were few customers. Gojyo wasn’t the sort; buying protection was something that went with the territory. He was a little impressed with the selection, though. He easily found the ones he liked, not that he needed them. No, he was there for things for Goku. Eyes gliding down the packages, he found the size he needed, and was forced to debate which one to get: they had a three pack, a twelve pack and a twenty-four pack. After they were done with the lessons, there would be no need for the extra condoms. But, what if Goku ended up ripping the condom? Extra would be needed then--- and he did need to practice…
He picked up the twenty-four pack.
Pivoting, he halted as a thought assaulted him. What if whoever was at the counter thought they were for HIM? The injustice of that thought had him reaching for his own size. (Let the bastard guess!) Then he was halted again by the display of lubricants. There were a good variety of those too. Just who the hell ran this shop, anyway? Picking a couple of bottles, he went to the checkout and rang a hand bell. (I can always use it later.)
A door opened behind the counter, and a tiny wrinkled granny appeared and toddled over to the check out. “Hmm. Hello. How are you today?”
“Fine, thanks.” He set the items on the counter, swallowing a little. (Damn, I feel like an idiot for thinking that…)
“Hmm. A healthy sex life, eh? Good, good.” She nodded as she rang it up and tucked them in a small brown bag, then a second carrier with handles.
“Nothing to be ashamed of,” he said noncommittally as he passed her the money.
“Hmm. Good, good. It’s important to enjoy yourself when you’re young.” She passed him back change and toddled away while Gojyo made for the door with his purchase feeling like a joke had just been played on him somehow.
Once outside, he scanned the area for the others and caught a glimpse of blond and buttery beige disappearing around the stall of the rice vendor. Long legs carried him to them, and he popped around the corner in time to see Goku pull on Sanzo’s sleeve. “Hey, Sanzo, they’re selling roasted corn! Can we get some? Please?”
“You just ate, you monkey with a stomach for a brain. At least wait an hour before you stuff yourself again.” Gojyo said. Hakkai was looking at vegetables up and down the row of stalls, his dragon peering intently with him. Goku had a sack of rice in one arm already while the priest was watching people pass by disinterestedly.
“You shut up, kappa.”
“Don’t start, you two. You’re both idiots.”
+++
It was later, after the food and sundries were gathered, and Sanzo was in the tobacco shop and Gojyo had given Goku change to go get his roasted corn, that the redhead’s day was marred. He sat smoking under a stripped overhang with Hakkai and the groceries while they waited for the other two to rejoin them.
“Gojyo?”
“Yeah, Hakkai?”
“What are you doing?”
“Sitting, waiting with you.”
“---With Goku.”
He had known, just known, it wasn’t going to be pleasant when Hakkai used that particularly pleasant tone. He knew flippancy wasn’t the best way to handle it, either, but he’d been half hoping to divert it, whatever ‘it’ was. The taste of tobacco was suddenly sour in his mouth.
“Not that I have much room to talk, considering my past and the norms of our times, but this is Goku we’re talking about. Don’t do anything that will cause us all to suffer, please.” He shifted beside him. “Especially Goku. Sanzo will kill you if you do. And I wouldn’t blame him one bit.”
He released the smoke he held in his lungs slowly. “We can hear you, you know. As quiet as you are, we hear you. Did you ever stop to think the monkey would get curious?” Dropping the cigarette butt, he crushed it out in the mud beneath his boot and then reached for another one. It was no big deal to tell this to the other man, that he and Goku were aware of the things they did--- wasn’t it? No big deal at all… “And with the two of you occupied with each other, who else would he turn to? It’s not like I didn’t tell him no first, either.”
“That doesn’t explain what you’re doing.” The green-eyed man said after a slight pause.
It was funny how Hakkai and Goku were both brunets, but such different colors. Hakkai’s was a rich, dark chocolate brown, while the monkey’s was a gradation of browns, from almost-blond light brown to practically-black sable brown. He could just see the edge of Hakkai’s bangs from his peripheral vision, ruffling in the breeze and suddenly he could just tell the difference. “He… trusts me.”
There was utter silence. He looked at him, wondering what would be next. Emerald eyes slowly turned to look at him, at once threatening and sharp. “Believe it or not, we actually trust you, too.”
Gojyo didn’t bother to hold the gaze. Instead he stood up with the packages he held. It was as much to escape from the feeling rising up inside him as Hakkai. “Sorry.”
“Go---“
He walked away.
+++
He dropped the bags on the table and left them there, except the one he had bought. He hadn’t been loaded with any perishables. Then he went upstairs and changed into a pair of jeans, a tee shirt and a long sleeved shirt. Transferring all his stuff to the new pants, he pulled out a pair of canvas slides he kept at the very bottom. It was there he tucked away the bag he had bought. It was something he was going to have to think about. Then he went downstairs, slid into the slides, and went next door into the tavern for a few minutes and had a beer. Not many people were at the bar drinking so early in the afternoon, so he received prompt service.
“What’s wrong?” asked Mei as she slid his order before him. “You don’t look so hot.”
“Nothing much. Just need to down a few beers, get out of the house for a while.” Picking up the tankard, he sipped at it and then downed a few mouthfuls. “Hey, care to answer a question?”
“What?”
”What time do you get off work?” He asked with what he hoped was a flirting smile.
“I’m always working, mister.” She snorted, and reached under the bar for a paper--- which turned out to be one of those maps--- and a marker. Uncapping it, she circled a shop. “If you’re looking to cruise, either hit the red light district after dark or try this hangout HERE.”
She pushed it across to him, and he took it, studying it. “A bar?”
“Yeah, for the most part.”
“Hey, mister! What are you doing here? I just saw your friends go past the door.” Xian clapped him on the shoulder.
“Hey, good to see you again, kid.” Sliding payment and a big tip onto the polished surface, he patted her on the head with a smile. “See you, okay?”
“Sure…” she looked up at him wide eyed, as if used to almost total strangers patting her on the head like a dog. She watched him swagger out the door as he shoved a piece of paper in his pocket. “He doesn’t look good. He looks like he’s going to be sick.”
“Mmm. Something like that.”+++
Finding the bar hadn’t been hard. Finding a partner--- female--- hadn’t been hard either. Neither had been the drinking, or the making out or the sex that had followed the making out. It had been a relief to touch rounded curves, kiss a mouth that was as experienced as his, to enter a body that didn’t warrant such consideration as a first timer did. It had been wild, for both of them, wild and hot and intense as only a mutual one-night stand could be. He had surprised them both with his stamina. He had taken her against the wall, bent over the edge of the bed, let her ride him then flipped them both over and fucked them both senseless. She had clawed him up most excellently, gouging deep lines on his shoulders, chest and abdomen, and left teeth marks here and there in his flesh. They stung now as he stood under a too hot spray, eyes closed, head bowed, listening to the sound of the falling water.
His mind was blissfully silent. Except for the physical euphoria lingering in his skin, he was numb on the inside. Crimson eyes opened, and if anyone had been there to see, they would have looked like red glass instead of eyes. His body automatically reached for the soaps, the shampoos and conditioners, washing away the evidence that could be washed away. The curtain and door was open, and he was aware that he had an audience of one, content dark brown eyes watching him lazily. They eventually closed, and she fell asleep before he exited the bath.
Picking up his pants, he pulled a cigarette out and lit up with her lighter. He leaned against the windowsill and stared out at the night that had descended early, though a quick glance at the clock on the wall declared it midnight. They must have fallen asleep somewhere after all their vigorous activities, though he didn’t remember that. All he remembered was the feeling and the movement, not the passing of time. But lights lit the dark of almost every building he could see, even brighter with the clouds hiding whatever moon and starlight there was to be had.
Soon, he’d have to go back. He wasn’t afraid of taking one from Sanzo or Hakkai. The only reason Hakkai had jumped his ass was because he was concerned with the situation. Where did he get off messing with the monkey, anyway?
(He was lonely and curious. He wants to understand Sanzo better, maybe Hakkai, too. He wants to be part of the group. )
(It’s GOKU, you fool. What happened to the few morals you had?), he argued with himself. (He’s got the mentality of an eight year old. You’re a damned--- fuck.)
He didn’t want to think about that. The damnedest things could send you screaming back to the past, where the truth was always screwed up with the emotions. His eyes searched further away, over the immediate buildings in the direction the haunted youkai house was in, and there were fewer lights on in the houses over there to light the night. There was no telling which house it actually was, since he couldn’t remember the roof and everything. He was going to have to go back there soon. He wasn’t sure how he was going to react, or how he was SUPPOSED to act. Hakkai might trust him a bit, but Sanzo? If the thought didn’t make him feel so sick with guilt, he would laugh.
Turning away from the window, he walked back to the table to crush out his cigarette. He removed his towels and draped them over chairs. Then he slid back between the sheets, pulled the woman close and closed his eyes.
He wanted to put it off a bit longer.
+++
Grimacing, he tried to keep his hands from rubbing at the fresh scratches on the nape of his neck as he made his way through the predawn streets. He reeked of sex again, but it couldn’t really be helped. He had been awakened by his partner performing an exquisite blowjob on him, smelling fresh and clean from the shower among the sheets scented with sex, and that had lead to other things, things like him turning the table, which was how he had acquired the new gouges, which had the effect of him reaching for a new condom and her hands. Keeping her hands secured above her head had been a chore, because she wiggled and writhed, fingers twitching, as he fucked her slow and hard, her legs tight around his waist. When they had finished, they both had enjoyed themselves thoroughly, sweaty and satisfied. They had talked for a moment, and then he had gotten up and gotten dressed when he saw the time. She had offered him the shower, and he had declined with an excuse and a kiss good bye.
His footsteps slowed to a stop as he stood before the house. Another sense of guilt was trickling through him now, an irrational one. He felt like he had been… unfaithful.
Entering, he kicked his shoes off. Everything was like it had been the night before, with a lamp on and the drying rack in place… and a half awake Goku standing in the doorway of the kitchen with a glass of water in his hand, dressed in his pajamas.
“Gojyo! Where have you been, you cockroach kappa?” asked the gold-eyed youth, setting the half finished glass aside.The sleepiness was blinked away as he rubbed a hand over his eyes.
All he could do was stare. The guilt was rising up, both types of guilt, drowning him and the sight; the sound of the monkey was making it worse.
“Answer me, kappa!” He padded close, and halted a foot away, nose twitching. His eyes widened. “Gojyo?”
He stepped around him and started for the bathroom. “Go to bed, Goku.”
Instead he followed him to the bathroom. “No. I smell blood.”
He pulled the over shirt off and flung it in the laundry. “Now, monkey.”
“NO. What---“ His voice cut off as the redhead pulled his shirt over his head. Crimson eyes shifted to the mirror just before the fabric cut off his view, and an almost blank expression edged with disbelief was cut off as well. Then he was free of his shirt, and he flung that aside as well before he spilled his pockets into the catchall dish and shed his jeans.
A familiar hand touched his back, near the scratches, and he flinched.
“Why did you get so rough?” The tone was quiet, soothing, almost sorrowful, and he stepped away.
“She did, not me. It's not that bad. Go back to bed, Goku, there won’t be any lessons tonight.”
“Stupid, we were worried about you.”
“I can take care of myself.”
Goku grasped a handful of crimson satin and yanked.
“Oww!” He whirled, glaring. “What the hell---”
Small hands grabbed his face and yanked him down. A gentle, chaste kiss was placed on his mouth, and he jerked back, eyes almost wild. “Not when I’ve been out, damn it!”
“Stupid asshole kappa, I don’t care. And I don’t care what Hakkai might have said either. This is between you and me and we’re not done yet.” Goku turned for the door. “Or is that all there is to sex, you pervert kappa?”
“Trust a chimp not to understand.” (Did Hakkai say something that he overheard? Shit, shit, shit… I don't care about me, but the monkey doesn't deserve to feel bad over this...)
“I’m not a chimp! You said you’d teach me about sex. You haven’t finished doing that. And I’ll let it go this time, but you’re not allowed to sleep around any more.” Goku grinned over his shoulder and stuck his tongue out before he bolted, as if expecting pursuit or retaliation of some sort.
“What?!” Too stunned to react in such a manner, Gojyo stood there wide-eyed. Then he folded his arms across his chest, wincing at the pull of the scartches, and comtemplated the pattern on the tile floor. His ears picked up a door shutting upstairs; odds were good that was Goku. His mind and emotions spun, guilt forgotten, while half of him wondered what Hakkai was going to say about this new piece of business. The other half was... shockingly pleased, if a bit confused. (Did the monkey just put a claim on me??)
+++
TBC…
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