Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Living on Empty ❯ I do still want you ( Chapter 13 )

 

 

 

Living on Empty 13

Kougaiji

 

 

 

 

The next morning all four of the companions have breakfast in Sanzo's room. Goku is eating his food and looking from Sanzo to Gojyo wondering what is going on between the monk and the hanyou.

 

Sanzo sits back smoking and sipping on coffee. Gojyo watches him as he eats without tasting his food. When Goku reaches in his plate and snags a piece of fish, he says nothing.

 

Hakkai smiles as he picks up his cup, “Gojyo you must have a lot on your mind since Goku is eating both your breakfast and his own.”

 

“Hey, watch it monkey! Eat your own food or take some of Sanzo's, he doesn't seem to want it!” He glares at the monk and then turns too Goku.

 

Sanzo pushes his plate forward and snorts, “He can have it since he's so hungry. I'm going outside for some air; I'll wait for you to finish out there.” He pushes his chair back and gets up.

 

Gojyo gets up and tells him, “I'm finish too, I'll go with you.” He looks at the monk daring him to object.

 

“Whatever.” He heads for the door and stops, “By the way, where is my gun?” Gojyo reaches in his pocket and hands it too him. He takes it, puts it in his sleeve, and opens the door with Gojyo following behind.

 

The other two watches as they leave and Goku rakes Sanzo's food on his plate. “I may be wrong but do you think something is going on between those two?” He puts more food in his mouth as he looks up at Hakkai.

 

Hakkai smiles over at Goku as he thinks, `Why did they leave this for me.'

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Sanzo walks outside and takes a deep breath. He looks around, spots a bench under a tree, walks over to it, and sits. The hanyou follows and leans against the tree and lights a cigarette. He blows the smoke skyward and says nothing as he watches the people rush past. Sanzo looks over at a merchant as he sets up his stand with fruits and vegetables. He looks pale in the morning sun because of his confinement by the prince.

 

“I guess you didn't get a chance to be outside that much when that fucking prince had you locked up. It must feel good to be able to come and go as you please once again, huh?”

 

“You have no idea. I use to dream about being outside and feeling the sun or even listening to Goku complaining about how hungry he is all the time. This day is fine with the sun shining down on me. You think the others will be finish anytime soon. I'm ready to hit the road.” He pulls out his cigarettes and lights one.

 

Gojyo flicks his cigarette and sits down beside the monk. He leans back and closes his eyes. “What are you going to do when we run into the prince and the others?”

 

Sanzo takes a pull on his cigarette and looks over at Gojyo, blowing smoke in his face, “What the fuck do you care. Quit acting like I need protecting.”

 

The hanyou sits up and glares at the monk, “Hey, just a minute! Don't start with me you arrogant, ass, monk! I was just asking a question.”

 

Sanzo stands and they both turn as Hakkai and Goku come out to join them. “Well are you ready to go? I've paid for our rooms and left a tip for the owner's daughter. She was very nice in helping us to locate you last night Sanzo, so I didn't think you would mind.”

 

Goku looks from one to the other, “What's wrong now, don't tell me the two of you are arguing already?” He laughs as he gets in the back seat of the jeep and the rest get inside. Hakkai looks at Sanzo and back at Gojyo and he shakes his head.

 

Goku leans back with his hands behind his head in a good mood. It looks like Sanzo and Gojyo were not as close as he thought. Hakkai telling him to ask Sanzo what is going on between them will be a waste of time. Everything is back to normal and that's all he needs to know.

 

Gojyo slaps him on the back of the head and yells out, “Hey, what you do that for, water-sprite! That shit hurts!” He rubs the back of his head as he glares at the hanyou.

 

“You smiling like `the cat that swallowed the canary' look is creepy. I rather hear you talk about how hungry you are then seeing that look on your face.” He laughs at Goku and grabs him in a headlock while he tries to wiggle out of it.

 

Sanzo sighs, “Some shit never change.”

 

Hakkai chuckles, “Well, while you were gone they didn't get in a fight once.”

 

Sanzo looks over at him, “So you're saying this is my fault?”

 

“Of course not, Sanzo. I'm saying the two of them are happy you are back with us. We don't have to worry about where you are, so they are in a way, celebrating.”

 

Sanzo snorts, “That's one hell of a way to express their joy. The two idiots are giving me a headache.” He turns and takes aim at the both of them.

 

“If you don't keep it down back there, I'm going to fill you full of holes and toss your asses on the side of the road!”

 

“Gojyo started it! He just doesn't like seeing me happy, Sanzo! You should shoot him just because!”

 

“Shut up and don't tell that crazy monk shit like that. He's liable to take you up on it!” He sits back in his seat and pulls out a cigarette. He looks at the monk and leans over, close to the back of his head.

 

“Give me a light Sanzo, I can't find my lighter.” He slides his hand down his chest as if by accident. Sanzo gives him his lighter completely ignoring his move.

 

The monk closes his eyes for a moment at the contact and lets out an exasperated sigh. If Gojyo keeps trying to find little ways to touch him, he will have the other two thinking something is going on between them. The last thing he wants is to explain to Goku, he and the hanyou are lovers. However, with Hakkai he probably already has an idea something is going on, since he and Gojyo are best friends.

 

He puts his hand up to his forehead and rubs it with two fingers.

 

“Are you okay Sanzo? Maybe we should take a break by the next river we see.” Hakkai looks at him with a concern frown on his handsome face.

 

“I'm fine Hakkai, I can wait. I'm just a little tired because I've been stressed. Being back with all of you is rather soothing even if the baka in the back seat are giving me a headache. I'd rather be here then where I was before.” He leans back closing his eyes.

 

Gojyo leans forward, puts his hands on the sides of his head, and massages his temples. Sanzo lets out a contented sigh, which surprises the other two because he is allowing the hanyou to touch him, without going off on him.

 

“Now I know I'm pulling over. I didn't find anything wrong with you but you never know.” He speeds up a little, sees the river to his left, and pulls over. They all get out of the jeep and Hakuryu transforms and perches on his shoulder. They walk over to a large tree and Sanzo sits down and pulls a cigarette out. Gojyo lights it for him and hands him back his lighter.

 

Seeing the river Goku rolls up his pants and kicks off his boots. He walks over to the edge of the water and sticks one foot in. “Hey this isn't so bad! Why don't we all take a dip?” He walks further in and bends down splashing water as he chase some fish. Hakkai smiles and walks over towards him. “If we have to camp out here it may be smart to try and catch some, Goku.”

 

Goku laughs and goes further into the water. Hakkai tells him to be careful but he stands with his shoes off and watches him as he laughs and plays in the water.

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Gojyo leans against the tree watching the boy play, marveling at how innocent he looks, when he is acting like the kid he is. You would never believe he is the strongest and the most vicious out of all of them and the kindest. He has a child's heart and a devil's soul.

 

“Why aren't you in the water playing with Goku? You are a water-sprit after all.” Sanzo blows smoke up towards the clouds as he looks up at Gojyo.

 

“Nah let the kid play. I'm where I want to be and that's by your side.” He looks down at the monk, “I told you before, I'm not letting you out of my sight. I meant it then and I mean it now.” He whispers for the monk's ears only, “No matter what you say, Sanzo, I do love you. I don't want what happen to you, to happen again. That's regardless to if I ever get the chance to hold you again. I will be the last man you have made love too.”

 

“Please Gojyo, you're making this harder then it has to be. In time, you will see I'm right. This thing we have, or whatever you want to call it has to stop. I'm not use to this…to this way of life. I thought it would be okay. When Kougaiji kidnapped me, I found out, I couldn't handle something like this. Having sex, being in a love triangle is not for me. If I stay away from you maybe, I will not have a problem with him. I still feel uneasy being out here. He can swoop down and do the same thing again. Who's to say he won't. Every time we fight the youkai now, I'll be wondering if he is behind it, lurking somewhere in the bushes.”

 

Gojyo squats down next to him and smiles in his face. “That's why I say, I won't let you out of my sight and I know the others feel the same way but for different reasons. I'm sorry that happen, Sanzo and I will do everything in my power, to not let it happen again.”

 

“Sit down Gojyo; sit next to me for awhile.” He puts his hand out, strokes the hanyou's hand, and looks in his face. “I don't mind you being concern but you have to think of your safety too. If you are always watching me, what happens to you? Although I say we shouldn't be together, I do care what happens to you. I don't want you sacrificing yourself for me.” He looks away and says in an inaudible voice. “I'm not worth your concern, trust me.”

 

Gojyo leans his head back and sighs, “I know what you're feeling Sanzo and like I told you before it's not your fault. You should lay the blame where it belongs, with that bastard of a prince. He's obsessed with having you so much, he takes stupid risks, but I love you and all I want is your happiness. If you say you can be happy without me, I will respect your wishes, no matter how unreasonable I think you're being.”

 

Sanzo looks at the hanyou with his hair blowing in the soft breeze and his eyes closed. He knows he loves him, but being with him will not be fair. The whole time he was gone all he could think about was coming back to this man. All he wanted was, to feel his arms around him and his lips touching him everywhere on his body. Kougaiji spoiled that for him. Now he does not trust his feelings because if he loved the hanyou so much, why did he give in to Kou the way he did.

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Hakkai returns smiling, “We should get a move on if we want to find a village before the sun sets. I for one, am not looking forward to sleeping on the ground tonight.”

 

“That makes two of us. Where is Goku, I thought he was playing in the water?” Gojyo stands brushing off his pants as he puts his hand out to Sanzo. He takes his hand, pulls himself up, and comes face to face with Hakkai.

 

“This baka has appointed himself my personal bodyguard.” He turns and looks up in the hanyou's face with a small smile. Gojyo looks back at him and winks.

 

“Un Sanzo…was that a smile I just saw or do you have gas from too many cigarettes? Hakkai covers his mouth with his hand as he chuckles.

 

Sanzo glares at him, “Let's get the hell out of here!” He walks towards the open road mumbling, “Everyone's got jokes!”

 

Gojyo and Hakkai follow behind trying to keep their laughter to a bare minimum. Sanzo gets in the front seat and Goku jumps in the back, looks at the other two and yells, “What's so funny?”

 

The hanyou leaps in the back next to him, “Sanzo made a joke, you missed it, bottomless pit!” He ruffles Goku's hair and laughs. Hakkai gets in on the other side, looking over at the monk uncertainly.

 

“Well Sanzo I'm happy you are in a good mood. With luck, we may reach an inn before nightfall. I just hope we don't run into any trouble before we get there.” He starts up the jeep and they head further west.

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Kougaiji is back at the palace and pacing in his room. He picks up the glass of wine, drinks, wipes his mouth and throws the glass in the fireplace. He walks over to his window and looks out at the setting sun. It's been three days since he has seen the monk and now he wonders if he survived the trek through the forest.

 

He walks over to the bed and sits on the side. He sighs and looks up closing his eyes slowly. “Where are you monk…where have you gone?” He lies back on the bed, rolls on his stomach and pulls his pillow towards him. The prince is missing the monk as he grimaces in frustration.

 

Two days they were together and those were the best two days of his life. He remembers the touch of his skin, the softness of his lips and the smell of his essence. He wants to cry out in aggravation but he knows if he were to vent, it may be heard. As he thinks about the monk, he hears a knock on his bedroom door.

 

“Come in!” The prince sits up and looks in the direction of the door.

 

“I came to see if you are feeling any better Kou? You haven't been eating well lately and we're all concerned about you.” Doku comes in pulling the door up behind him.

 

“I don't know if you heard but the monk is back where he belongs. The four of them have been spotted…”

 

Kou jumps up, “Sanzo is back with them! When did this happen! Why wasn't I told?” He stands with his fists at his sides and a frown on his face.

 

“Get a hold of your self! I'm telling you now! You need to calm down, Kou. It will not do to allow the others to see you this agitated. You have to know, it was just a matter of time before the others found him.” He looks at the prince with something akin to pity on his face. Kougaiji has it bad for the monk. Sadly, there is nothing that can be done about it.

 

Kougaiji glares at his friend and turns away. He knows Doku is right but knowing Sanzo is back with Gojyo is making him angrier than he wants to admit at this time. He gets himself under control and turns back around. “Thank you, Dokugaku, you can leave now.”

 

“I'm not leaving you alone, Kou. I don't want you too do something foolish. I have also told Yaone and Lirin, so if you leave the palace we are going with you.”

 

Kougaiji walks up to Doku and stands close to him, “You forget yourself Dokugakuji. I don't answer to you or anyone else for that matter. If I decide to leave here on my own…this is what I will do.”

 

Doku takes a step back, falls to one knee, and bows his head down. “I meant no disrespect. I just think it would be best if you allow the monk to stay with his party. No good can come of your taking the monk against his will. I hate to say this but the time you had him should be enough for you. The monk wants to be with another. When he was missing, my brother was very upset. I don't think he is going to allow you to take him a second time, Kou.”

 

“Your brother doesn't know anything! Sanzo and I…Sanzo and I, we have come to an understanding. He has feelings for me, I can tell. The others found out where he was and broke him out, making him destroy the stronghold. Like I told you before, this has nothing to do with you and I want you to stop trying to interfere!” He stands with his hands clenched at his sides and breathing deeply. He pushes past Doku and heads for the dragon's cave.

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Hakkai looks over at Sanzo, “We should be coming to a village shortly. I for one, am in need of a bath.” He sniffs with his head down a little and groans.

 

“Just make sure you keep sniffing yourself and don't even think about looking at me. I don't know how I smell but it couldn't be any worst than the two in the back.” He chuckles under his breath as Gojyo starts in on a rant.

 

“What makes you think you smell like a fucking rose?! We've been traveling for two days without baths, so what the hell you expect!” He falls back in his seat and folds his arms across his chest in a huff.

 

Goku laughs and tells him, “You're a water-sprite so you should be able to always smell fresh. You stink to high heaven though! Phew, man you really need a bath more than anyone!” He ducks as the hanyou takes a swing at him.

 

Gojyo grabs him in a headlock, “Now take a deep breath monkey! Let's see how long you last after smelling a real man!”

 

“Gojyo! Let him go!” Sanzo turns and glares at Gojyo.

 

He looks at Sanzo with his mouth open and releases Goku. He looks at the monk who stares back at him. He narrows his eyes at the monk and then smiles. Realization hits him like a shot! It's his scent! His scent is making the monk irrational. It has been three days since the two of them have made love and he is feeling the effects.

 

Sanzo looks in Gojyo's eyes and immediately regrets his outburst. He turns back around and sighs. With his fingers stroking his forehead, he knows the others think he is losing it. “I'm sorry.”

 

Hakkai looks over at him and tells him they will all feel better once they have baths and some food. “Yey! We get to eat! I'm starving, I feel like I haven't eaten for a week!”

 

The young ikkou talks non-stop about his favorite foods, while the others are deep in their own private thoughts.

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The manger leads them too their rooms and Goku asks about food. He smiles and tells them the dinning room is open whenever they are ready too eat. “I'm sorry we only have the two rooms. We are having a festival of the saints so we are filled up at this time. Please feel free to join us.” He looks over at Sanzo and bows, “It will be an honor if you were to join us, Priest Sanzo.”

 

“Hump, what I want now is a bath and some food. Provide that and I will be more than happy.” He turns and walks into the room.

 

Hakkai looks at his back and over at the manager, “It will be nice to join your festival and I'm sure after he has relaxed he will come also.” He smiles at the manager as he goes into his own room.

 

Goku waves his hand and tells the man, “As soon as I take a hot shower, I'll join you in the dinning room so save some food for me, okay!”

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Gojyo runs his fingers through his long hair, follows the monk inside, and closes the door. He looks over at the monk and takes his jacket off. Sanzo looks back as he tosses his robe on the chair.

 

“You want to get in the shower first, Sanzo?” The hanyou lights a cigarette and blows a cloud of smoke as he watches the monk. He sits on the bed and pulls his shirt over his head, throwing it on the floor.

 

Sanzo turns towards the bathroom and walks in closing the door behind him. He leans against the door with his head back, `How long can I take this shit!' He pushes off the door and turns the water on in the tub. As he takes off his shirt and pants, he hears a soft knock.

 

“Sanzo…can I come in…please?” The hanyou is pressed against the door as he whispers through the thin wood. “I won't do anything too you I promise…unless…”

 

Sanzo walks too the door, opens it and stands back, allowing him to enter. “You feel it too?” He closes the door and looks in the hanyou's face.

 

“To tell the truth, I've been felling this way since you returned. I love you and I know you love me too. What happen with that damn prince was not your fault. If you give up on us now, he will have won in a way.” He pulls Sanzo in his arms and whispers in his ear, “You don't want to let that bastard win do you?”

 

He covers the monk's lips with his own. Sanzo moans into the kiss, wraps his arms around Gojyo's neck, and runs his fingers through his hair. He pulls back, looking in Gojyo's face, “You need a shampoo, let's get in the shower.”

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Gojyo sits on the bed with Sanzo between his legs as he dries his hair. He leans over giving him a kiss on the neck. “How do you feel now?”

 

“I feel like a bitch, sitting here and letting you dry my hair. How the hell do you think I feel? Are you done yet?” He gets up and stands looking at the hanyou. He runs his fingers through his hair. “It does feel better though.” He pulls the towel from Gojyo's hand.

 

Gojyo laughs, “I see you're feeling better, let's go eat. When we come back, I'm going to make you pay for that remark.”

 

“Promises, promises, I look forward to you trying. I need some target practice anyway.” He ties his robe around his waist and opens the door. Gojyo chuckles as he follows him out.

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The four of them are walking around the village taking in the sights of the festival. Goku has a bag of peanuts he is eating while the others stroll next to him. Sanzo stops to light a cigarette and they all stop. He takes a lungful and looks at the others. “I guess you are planning on keeping an eye on me. Why don't you relax? I'm sure even the prince will not have nerve to come here.”

 

Goku looks up with a small smile, “We just want you to be safe. He may try to kill you if he gets his hands on you. We are all concern about you.”

 

The monk hits him on the head with his fan while smiling at him. “Gojyo will stay with me, so I want you to have a little fun. They have cotton candy in the next stall and a place with rides, so have fun. You might not get this chance for a while, monkey.”

 

Goku rubs his head laughing, “I guess you're right, I should visit them.” He turns to Hakkai, “You want to come with me?”

 

Hakkai looks at Sanzo and Gojyo. “I suppose that will be fine. If the two of you see anything strange, call us. Its dark out and you never know what may be hiding in the shadows. We have not run into any youkai but that doesn't mean they are not around.” He looks at the villagers enjoying themselves without a care in the world. He cannot feel the presents of any youkai close by. Therefore, he follows the monkey over to one of the stalls.

 

Sanzo and Gojyo walk over to a stand that has set up target practice. Gojyo smiles, “You want to show off your skills, monk? This should be easy for you.”

 

Sanzo looks at the stand and see the prizes and turns to the hanyou, “You want me to get you one of the toys?”

 

“Please, daddy can I have the one of a dragon?” He claps his hands like a child causing Sanzo to give him one of his rare smiles. He walks over, picks up the rifle, and takes aim at the moving targets.

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The prince hides his dragon in the near by bushes, jumps off and heads for the village. The other three land their dragons close and follow him.

 

He comes to the edge and turns around, “Why are you following me! I told you I would take care of this on my own!” He glares at his two closest friends and his only sister.

 

“What's the big deal? We want to help get the scriptures too. The Sanzo party may not even be here. I can't wait to do battle with baldy! Let's go because they look like they're having a giant party!”

 

Lirin runs from the woods into the town. The others walk past Kougaiji and go into the village leaving him behind. He stands fuming as he watches the others. `So much for a stealth entrance.' He walks in, looks around, and spots Goku and Hakkai at one of the stands talking to the owner.

 

`So, if the two of them are here than I know the monk cannot be far behind.' He walks over to a bench under a tree and sits watching the others mingle with the crowd.

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