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Relax and Hang On -- Again	By : cupnjava Category: Gensomaden Saiyuki > General Views: 20723 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Gensomaden Saiyuki, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
RAHO: XVI Blanctic Day Three: Among Other Things

Author’s Note: Sorry about the delay in getting this posted. Real life got in the way. With my water leak fixed, ¾’s of my entire floor replaced, I finally got to move in to my new place. Yippie!

Spoiler (kinda, but not really) warning --There is a reference to someone being bar coded, if you don’t know what that means -- all you need to know is that it is a bad thing. There is “callback” from a “filler” episode from Reload. These aren’t spoilers per se so if you haven’t seen the episodes there is no fear of plot lines being ruined -- it just seemed to fit so well, I had to go with it. It was also requested by one of my betas, why this scene from all of the wonderfully delicious ones in that episode, I’ll never know.

Chapter Summary: Being there without being there, worry, Poe, paranoia, comics and among other things the plot thickens.
A special note of thanks to a new beta: Hana-chan! Welcome to the ride dear, we’re glad to have you aboard. I appreciate your nit-picking over connotations (even when I disagree -- I still say “clothing“), your keen eye for my confused homonyms, skipped words and “zypos“. Thanks a million!
I should thank my other beta’s also.
Ashtari_hime -- You’re the worlds most wonderful muse. Your cannon checks help me more than you realize. Thank you for the hours of bouncing ideas around. You’re getting your scene and your line… you happy now? Snicker.
Seph -- You know evil like no ones business. Thanks for being the real-life Sanzo. Here’s a high five for ya. Thanks for keeping an eye on the big picture and my metaphors.
Shadowfox -- Your questions keep me sharp. Your keen eye helps me find my flipped words, “zypos” and skipped words. And, your love of Saiyuki consistently reminds me why I’m addicted to these men in the first place. Have a safe trip, we’ll miss you!
PuffMonkey--How long have we known each other now? How many years have we been having Saiyuki night? You have been with me since before "Of Her Nature" was typed. I love you to pieces! Words cannot express all that you have given me in my life (writing and otherwise).

You guys are the best!

Author’s news: BTW! I’ve finally created a website and I’ve figured out how to upload my AMV’s. Let’s share in this addiction! Of course, there’s a spot for updates and info on the fics -- however I will continue to post them on AFF.
The link: http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeofe5y/index.html

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Crimson eyes squeezed closed and he loudly moaned, “Oh dear god, yes.”
Hakkai smiled, “Like that, do ya?”
“Uh-huh.” Those fingers were working their magic. Tan hands balled up a pillow and Gojyo pushed is face into the soft sage fabric -- an attempt to muffle his moans, but he wasn’t sure why. Pink lips dragged across the fabric as another moan lifted from the crimson haired man.
Hakkai leaned over and whispered, “What about this?”
The hum of chi lifted and pleasure pushed into his body. Gojyo hissed. “You know just how to touch me.”
Hakkai smirked. Gojyo was hardly a challenge to please physically. “You make it too easy.”
Gojyo melted into the mattress as Hakkai’s fingers worked into his flesh. “What I want to know is: why I woke up with bark on my back. What kind of freaky shit did you do to me last night?”
Hakkai laughed as he put more massaging oil on his hands, “I want to know why your shoulders and elbows ache so bad. I don’t feel any tension in your muscles.”
Gojyo turned his head as Hakkai’s fingers worked into shoulders, “Other than that, I feel great. Like, a weight has been lifted off me.”
Hakkai smiled and ran his slicked hands down Gojyo’s arms. Chi hummed around his fingers and sank into his lover’s elbows. “You haven’t asked me.”
“I don’t think I want to, but I suppose I need to face it.” Gojyo sighed and pressed his cheek against the pillow. “Did I try last night?”
Hakkai kissed Gojyo’s cheek, “No. You should have more trust in yourself.”
Gojyo smiled and his brow knitted as Hakkai’s fingers worked into his forearms. He shifted a foot. He shifted it again. “Is it my imagination or is the bed wet?”
Hakkai chuckled, “The bed is wet.”
A long drawn out, “Why?” came from Gojyo.
Hakkai sighed, “I don’t know.” He shifted his hands and lowered himself against Gojyo’s back. He covered his lover and slid his hands down tan arms. Their fingers interlaced as Hakkai’s cheek rested against the nape of his lover’s neck. He settled his hips against Gojyo’s ass and whispered, “I’m temped to just take advantage of this compromising position.” He nipped at Gojyo’s ear.
Gojyo purred. He loved the feel of Hakkai’s skin next to his, “By all means take full advantage of me.” He chuckled.
“That would not be wise.”
“Oh?”
“Yes,” Hakkai gave Gojyo’s hands a squeeze, “This is warming oil.”
They shared a laugh.
Hakkai pressed a kiss to the nape of Gojyo’s neck and brushed the tip of his nose in long crimson strands, “Have I told you how much I appreciate our relationship?”
Gojyo smiled, “I think you just did.”
Hakkai stretched an arm back and pulled the covers up over his back.
And there, bathed in late morning light two men laid. One on his stomach the other draped against a bare back. Both covered by soft sage green sheets and a dark tan virgin wool blanket. Two men just enjoyed the touch of each other -- the feel of skin on skin and the intimacy that it brings.
Two men appreciated each other’s breath. One, a half-breed that couldn’t believe something so good could happen to his kind. The other, a human-turned-demon who was paranoid that one false move might make it all tragically end.
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Goku was dead to the world. He had his face pushed into Sanzo’s stomach and his arms were wrapped around his lover’s thin waist. His legs were sprawled out seemingly trying to occupy both bottom corners of the king-sized bed simultaneously.
Violet eyes looked a bit fretful as he hoped to hell what he dreamt was happening by the tree outside their window last night -- was indeed a dream. There were some things that Sanzo simply didn’t need to see. There were some angles of a certain brunette that in moonlight washed surroundings that were simply too tempting. This confused the shit out of him.
Sanzo sighed. He had no desire to seriously “date” Hakkai, but as time wore on the long-haired blonde’s words became increasingly difficult to ignore. He didn’t want any kind of heavy relationship nor did he want to disrupt what looked so obviously right between his traveling companions, but he was developing urges.
He wanted to “do” Hakkai. He wanted to see that face twisted in pleasure. He wanted to see those eyebrows softly knit. He wanted to hear pleas in that voice that blurred the line of pleasure and pain. He wanted to hear that man scream in ecstasy. In short, he was itching to know if the demon smiled when he came. Just once -- just one powerful night. He didn’t need a whole night. He could be satisfied with a few hours. He could even get it done in one hour, if they cut all the bullshit. Was that too much to ask?
Great -- now he was turned on with a monkey on his stomach. This was not going to be a good day.
And yet, he couldn’t see himself allow anyone else in the entire world to use him as a pillow other than Goku. Goku had a way of nearly instantly being behind the walls Sanzo tried so hard to reinforce. He seemed to get to that core and resonate inside of Sanzo when Goku was just a whisper in his head -- all those years back.
Sanzo found the seemingly simple Goku perplexing. If there were such a thing as fate, could it be that some higher power had guided the two together at a time when Sanzo was on the brink of becoming not only cold on the inside, but also dead?
Now, that was just bullshit. Sanzo had no room for gods. He had no faith left for the intangible. He believed what he saw with his own eyes and felt with his own hands. And that, as of this moment, was this monkey. This perplexing monkey.
Those disembodied heads -- what was it that they told him when he started this journey? Trust the eyes of your heart. What kind of cryptic god-crap was that? That idealistic bullshit went right out the window one fateful day before he was finished with puberty. The eyes of his heart were blackened and swollen shut before his voice even changed. How could those three heads even think to tell him to look with what had been broken beyond repair?
And yet, he was here. Laying in a bed with a monkey he could clearly see and clearly feel sprawled over him like he was some kind of full length body pillow -- or in this case a huge pile of meat buns.
These contradictions and reflections were pissing him off. He couldn’t wait until they were back on the road and had demon attacks to distract him from these inner thoughts. He didn’t need to think about this shit and he resented being forced into such comfortable surroundings as to allow the time and place to provoke this stupid shit.
This was just a time waster. This was just pushing the important thoughts from his head. If he got angry, then he wouldn’t have to think about it. Some things could just be pushed away until they were forgotten.
Konzen smirked, “What’s the problem? You look thoughtful.” He was the exemplification of smug. He knew his ways , although a long time in the making, were finally bearing fruit.
Violet eyes narrowed under short blonde hair, “You ask like you care.”
“You have your monkey and I’m just suppose to leave?”
“You were wrong about Goku and you’re wrong about Hakkai.”
A long blonde pony-tail was brought over a lavender flanked shoulder, “Test my theory. Just once, test it.”
“There‘s no need.”
Violet eyes shifted under blonde feathering locks, “That’s the only way you’ll truly know. If you see it for yourself and feel it for yourself.” Konzen was one sneaky bastard -- a certain family member taught him a few tricks.
Sanzo smirked, “You’ve forgotten something.” That smirk dropped, “I’m a ‘don’t fix it unless it’s broken’ kind of guy.”
Konzen tossed his hair over his shoulder, “If someone has a piece of something and they are never shown the whole. How do they know they only have a piece? They simply assume they have the whole until someone tells them different.”
Sanzo picked his ear.
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Hakkai slowly lifted a hand to scratch his nose.
Crimson eyes went wide as Hakkai flew off him.
“Ow!” Hakkai dashed from the room. “Not good! Not good!”
Gojyo stood from the bed and ran after Hakkai, “What? What happened?”
Hakkai jumped into the shower, “I got it in my eyes!”
A crimson eyebrow lifted as Hakkai used the hand-held shower head as a makeshift eyewash. “The warming oil?”
A strained, “Yes!” came from the bent over brunette.
“Is it wrong for me to laugh?” Gojyo pressed his lips together.
The burning began to subside and Hakkai started to laugh, “Yes, it is.”
Emerald glanced at crimson.
They tried. They tried so hard, but the laughter came. As Hakkai shook with laughter, he got a nice shot of water up his nose. He coughed and sputtered between guffaws, “This isn’t going to be a good day.”
Gojyo, who was now roaring with laughter, stepped into the shower and ran his finger down Hakkai’s spine, “We can always get back in bed and start it over.”
Hakkai slowly turned and smiled sweetly. He gave his lover one big spray in the face.
Gojyo turned his face and laughed.
The spray called forth no memories of a certain blonde woman. Contrary to popular opinion, today was going to be a good day.
Gojyo closed the shower enclosure door, “Well, since we are up and here….” his voice trailed off as he reached for the soap.
Hakkai smirked, “Up?” Emerald eyes flicked down and back up to crimson.
Crimson glanced at emerald. They were laughing again. While Hakkai was laughing, he “inadvertently” sprayed Gojyo -- several times. Many, many times.
Gojyo jerked the shower head from Hakkai, “Gimme that!” He shook out his dripping locks. “You’re dangerous with that thing.”
Hakkai laughed and pushed Gojyo against one of the tiled walls, “I’m dangerous with a lot of things.”
Gojyo smiled, “What’s gotten in to you today?”
Hakkai slowly shook his head, “You’ve got that backwards, it’s what I’ve gotten into.” He crushed his lips against his pinned lover.
That hand-held shower head was dropped and quickly forgotten.
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Golden eyes slowly opened. A smile formed as Goku felt something press into his shoulder. Something firm. Something attached to Sanzo. He pounced.
Violet eyes went wide as Sanzo gasped and arched from the bed. That was a bit of a shock, he didn’t even know Goku was awake.
Goku settled on his shins and pressed his palms in to the bedding on either side of his lover’s hips.
Sanzo settled into the mattress and porcelain fingers twisted into short brown locks. “Goku.”
Goku pulled his lips from around Sanzo. “Like we have any where to go today.”
Blonde eyebrows knitted as the man-child reclaimed him. This was so wrong. He here was aroused by thinking of another person and his unconditional lover was tending to his needs.
Goku rolled his tongue along the underside of Sanzo’s cock.
A soft moan escaped the blonde. Oh! But this felt so good. Goku had learned his body and knew how, where and when to touch him. The young man knew him --- and wasn’t that much more important than the unknown?
Goku pushed his nose into a soft halo of blonde and built up suction.
It took all of Sanzo’s concentration to not buck his hips. A soft hiss escaped him as Goku began a long, tight, downstroke. He was a guy. He was a 23 year-old guy. Sometimes, a stiff breeze turned him on -- did the reason behind his arousal really matter? No, what mattered was right here and right now. What mattered was what he was feeling with his own body and seeing though his tightly closed eyelids.
Tan hands shifted and pushed against a pale stomach. Nimble fingers traveled up and fingertips pressed in too close to the surface ribs. He really needed to get Sanzo to eat more. He backed his stroke and held the head of his lover’s cock tightly in his lips. He flicked his tongue across the small stretch of more-sensitive skin on the underside of the head.
Sanzo gritted his teeth as his hands balled up the bedding. A sharp hiss left him. Goku just reminded the blonde of whom he should be thinking right now.
The brunette flattened his tongue against the bottom of his mouth and shifted a hand to base of Sanzo’s cock. He pulled the barely shifting skin taut and set out to give Sanzo one hell of a good morning.
The heightened sensations slammed into Sanzo. His fists pushed into the bedding and his upper back lifted off the mattress. Blonde hair bounced freely as his head rolled back. Light pink lips parted and Sanzo’s mind began to go blank.
Goku didn’t relent. He could tell by the tensing of his lover’s body that release was pending and his lover was going to get there running full force.
A passion draped yell finally came forth as Sanzo answered ecstasy’s call. He crashed back into the bedding with a small bounce and tried to find his lungs.
Goku released his hand and gently coaxed his lover through rolling tremors of orgasm. His lover’s soft member slipped from his lips and he kissed the shading of Sanzo’s hipbone. “Good morning, Sanzo.”
“Hnnn.” Sanzo pushed a hand into his bangs. This is crazy.

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Hakkai wrapped his fingers around Gojyo’s wrists and pushed them into the tile by his lover’s hips.
Crimson eyes closed as he rolled his head back opening his neck to his lover.
Pink lips brought forth a barrage of kisses, licks and nips against tan skin. Hakkai rocked his hips and pushed the physical indications of his mood against his lover.
Gojyo met that rocking with his own acknowledgement.
The shower head dangled by its cord and shifted into a tiled corner.
Hakkai jumped as cool water sprayed against his waist. He jerked from Gojyo and held the hand-held. He sighed as water splashed against the tile. “The oil and now water issues.” He chuckled, “This just isn’t happening is it?” An emerald eye opened and found chuckling crimson.
Gojyo smirked. “Poor baby. This just isn’t looking like your day.” He laughed, “Besides, we forgot a few things when we made our mad dash in here.”
Hakkai blinked, “I was going to use conditioner.” He shrugged.
Gojyo pressed his lips together as Hakkai’s inexperience was brought home. “C’mere you.” He wrapped his arms around light tan shoulders. “It’s slippery enough for some things.”
Hakkai pressed his face against Gojyo’s neck. “But the viscosity leaves too quickly, huh?”
Gojyo nodded. “Especially, considering two things.”
“What’s that?”
Gojyo tried not to chuckle, but he did. “It’s meant to be washed away with water. Running water.” He moved a hand and tapped the shower head, “And, we didn’t bring it in with us.”
Hakkai’s nervous smile fell into a wry smirk. The wind just got knocked out of his sails. Here he was thinking he was being spontaneous, creative and aggressive and all the while his inexperience blocked him. He sighed. “I guess it just can’t be as spontaneous as with a woman.” Gojyo had been full-on wonderful creativity since they arrived here. Every moment was slightly different, he’d experienced a vast variety of sensations since he became involved with Gojyo -- could he compete with that? Was he out of his league? What was Hakkai thinking when he got involved with someone who was a notorious lover?
Gojyo grinned, “Well, there is that extra step that needs to be factored.” He slid his hand down Hakkai’s back. He picked up on that slightly sad tone of voice, “It’s cool, man.”
Hakkai wrapped his arms around Gojyo’s waist and gave his lover a gentle squeeze. “I just want to make sure you stay interested.”
Crimson eye brows knitted, “In you?”
Hakkai silently nodded.
Gojyo blinked. He was just blind-sided. He pulled space between them and put his fingers on Hakkai’s chin. He lifted that fretful emerald gaze up, “When did I give you any kind of sign that my interest had in any way, shape or form changed?” Where was this fear in his lover originating?
Hakkai blinked. He couldn’t point to anything in particular. There was no “for instance“. He just had this need to make sure Gojyo didn’t go away. He had these feelings of not quite being enough to hold the playboy’s attention. Gojyo had all of these creative ideas and knew all of these things when it came to bedroom activities and he couldn’t even pull off sex in the shower. In short, he was feeling inadequate; although, he wasn’t entirely sure why. “I don’t know,” softly whispered from Hakkai. Gojyo could walk out of this bathroom and hand pick anyone. He could have a lover that challenged him and intrigued him. Gojyo could have a lover that was on par with the satyr; how much more time would pass before Gojyo grew bored with his fumbling lover? How much more time would pass before Gojyo drifted from Hakkai’s sphere of protection?
Therein lay the crux of the issue. He needed to protect Gojyo -- to keep him safe. In order to do that, he had to keep Gojyo close. In order to do that, he had to keep Gojyo interested. He had to keep that love.
Gojyo’s face softened, “Lover, if I have said or done anything to make you feel like I’m leaving; I’m sorry.” He cupped Hakkai’s light tan face in his hands, “I’m not going anywhere.” He smiled, “I’m loving this -- this you and I stuff.” Gojyo could have a different lover, but he didn’t want a different lover. This lover was more than just a bedroom toy -- this lover was also a dear friend. A friend that piqued and captured his interest as well as challenging him in a multitude of ways. Also, truth be told, the occasional fumbling was just darn cute.
Hakkai blinked. For now. He nodded within the confines of his lover’s embrace, “I am too.”
Gojyo lifted an eyebrow. Could this be coming from Sanzo’s off-hand comment yesterday? Could this be coming from ’Do you two do anything except fuck?’ Gojyo pressed his lips together and smirked. It was time to remind Hakkai of the friendship that started this trip down lover’s lane.
Gojyo was mistaken. This doubt was coming from a comment, but not one made by a blonde who was saying anything to keep from saying something. This comment came from deep inside Hakkai. This comment was made by a human figure of Hakkai’s psyche. This comment was, ‘How can you expect him to love you if you he doesn’t know you?’
Thus, a disconnect was established. Gojyo set out to remind Hakkai of a friendship that was stronger than the Rock of Gibraltar while Hakkai recognized that Gojyo responded best to physicality and had his mind set upon proving himself to be worthy of his lovers long-term attentions.
A friendship that wasn’t in doubt and the status of “lover” that had been proven -- these two had it for each other so hard it was pitiful.
Even two people that had an innate understanding of each other, experienced their share of miscommunications and crossed-motivations and it was all endured for the sake of the relationship.
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The Great Kannon rolled her eyes, “Oh, gods. Here we go again. Can’t these two just get it on in the shower already?” She cued up the new station ID for her commandeered radio waves. “I want a sexy shower scene -- a full one.”
Over the airwaves, “WKMS FM108.5 Kannon Radio. The best mix of her whims.”
Jiroshin snickered, “You’re just pouting.”
She lifted an eyebrow, “When did you get so cavalier?”
He crossed his arms, “When did you become a DJ?”
She looked at her big fluffy microphone, “I’m not pouting.”
“You are. ” He sighed, “You’re pouting because it didn’t happen -- oh -- what did you say --- ‘tomorrow morning’ ? “ He chuckled, “You forgot a butterfly.”
She glared at her dials and LED indicators. She was completely pouting with her eyes narrowed and her lips shifted to the side.
Jiroshin wasn’t done shortening his immortal life, “Whatever happened to ‘of all the gods in heaven, I’m the one that saw this coming a mile away’ ? Or, ‘nothing is impossible for me’ ? Or --”
A terse, “Shut up.” Cut right through his sentences.
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Dokugakuji ran is fingers through his short dark hair and sighed at the screen in front of him. Worry resided on his brow, concern twisted in his gut and a heaviness pushed in to his chest. He muttered, “Three days.”
Yaone stepped up behind him and slipped her hands over his white clad shoulders, “What’s been three days?”
He glanced over his shoulder, “Did I say that out loud?”
She nodded, “Yes, what’s been three days?”
“No sign of them for three days. They aren’t where they should be.”
She knitted his brow, “The Sanzo party?”
He nodded, “They should have been through Taikgen by now. There’s no sign of them.”
She tilted her head and leaned in toward the screen, “The ground scouts have no reports?”
He shook his head, “No. None of the live intel people have reported in and this electronic, “ He pushed the keyboard away, “crap, I just don’t trust.” He stood from his chair, “Three days and no sign of them.”
She watched as he started his first pace on the floor. “We should tell Kougaiji.”
“Tell me what?” Came from the doorframe as the young prince stepped into the monitoring room. He eyed his male companion. The worry coming from the taller man was tangible.
Yaone smiled at her prince, “No sign of the Sanzo party for three days.”
Kougaiji lifted an eyebrow. Why was this such a concern? They’d been unable to track the priest in the past. The foursome always shows up eventually.
Dokugakuji continued his pacing, “It’s like they’ve fallen off the radar. Just disappeared. There’s not even unconfirmed rumors of them. It’s, “ he looked at his brethren, “It’s like they’ve stopped the journey.” His stomach twisted. There was only one reason they would stop the journey --- and that was morbid. “Maybe, they just paused it.” His voice went soft. There were two reasons why they would pause it and that was because one of them had fallen or one of them was seriously hurt. Like his brother was the last time he saw the red-head.
Kougaiji nodded, “You’re worried about your brother.”
Dokugakuji eyed the prince, “My loyalty lies with you, Kou.”
“I’m not questioning your loyalty, Dou.” He took a few steps closer to the taller man, “I would question your emotional state if you weren’t worried.” He sighed, “The last time you saw him, he was very badly hurt and now you can’t get confirmation that he’s alright. I understand the importance of family --- blood, half-blood or otherwise.”
No one questioned Dokugakuji’s loyalty, but there was this unspoken ponderance about how all of this would work out. No one could really empathize with the tall demon. No one could truly relate to what it was like to wake up one morning and see your little brother on the other side of the battle line and then to have to see that face that too often still looks eight years-old on the other side of your sword. They wondered, they pondered and sometimes they worried for him, but they never voiced it.
With a huff, Dokugakuji spoke, “I’m not worried. Gojyo can take care of himself.” It sure didn’t seem like it when he held his brother’s limp body in his arms and got his brother’s blood on him. It sure didn’t seem like the young twit that thought he had it all figured out could take care of himself. It didn’t seem like the cocky brat could even walk himself to the bathroom. Dokugakuji stormed from the room flipping off the computer screen as he strode.
Kougaiji sighed. “He’s worried.”
Yaone nodded, “He’s very worried. He’s been like this since yesterday. It’s not even been three full days since we lost contact.”
Kougaiji nodded, “We’ll send out more scouts.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Focus them around Taikgen. They are not to engage. All roads lead to Taikgen, if they haven’t already past that place -- they will.”
Yaone nodded as she left the room, “Yes, sir.”
Kougaiji took in a deep breath as he sat down to look at the monitor. He hated that “sir” stuff from her. He liked looking at these particular comrades as family or at least friends -- part of those most precious to him. That “sir” stuff just seemed to put up a barrier. He didn’t want them on his side out of some sense of obligation to his position as his father’s son. He wanted them with him because they wanted to be here.
They did want to be here. Yaone carried a sense of obligation in the beginning, but now she really wanted to be here. They both did. They believed in Their Prince. They respected his honor and trusted his ways. It was no secret that they didn’t care for Ni nor the Empress, but they loved him. His charisma, honor, charm and cause are what kept them at his side regardless of why they originally came to be there.
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Goku stepped from the bathroom ruffling his hair, “Hey, Sanzo?”
Violet eyes lifted as a cigarette was lit, “What?”
“Do you think they’re done with their morning screw? Cuz, I’m hungry.”
Porcelain fingers twitched around the base of a paper fan. “That’s it! I’m limiting your time with Gojyo.” Sanzo stormed across the living room and jutted a finger at Goku, “Hurry up and finish dressing if you’re so hungry! Now, move your ass!”
Brown eyebrows knitted as Goku sulked from the room, “Gods! What did I say?”
Sanzo turned sharply. What had set him off?
Konzen sneered, “Jealous?”
Sanzo extended his middle finger.
Goku shoved his head through his shirt. He balled up their warmer clothing hoping that Hakkai would know how to wash them. He walked from the bedroom and noticed Sanzo looking out the window at the snowman. He smiled. “I’m moving my ass, you following it?”
Sanzo sucked his teeth as he put the on cloak over his robes.
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Hakkai and Gojyo had finished their shower and dressed in their typical clothes. Hakkai had gathered the soiled laundry and suggested they head down to the lodge after breakfast.
Gojyo sat on the couch looking at curled up and asleep Hakuryuu. The little dragon always seemed so peaceful when he slept. He sleeps more than a cat. That little white chest rising and falling. The occasional soft peeping snore lifting into the air. Gojyo grinned, “Hey, Hakkai check this out.”
Hakkai set the basket of laundry on the floor and walked over to Gojyo.
Gojyo snickered at he pointed a finger and touched one of the fine feathering hairs on the little dragons neck.
A sleeping dragon’s scales twitched.
A half-breed snickered and did it again.
Hakuryuu twitched again.
Gojyo lightly touched the tip of a wing.
A wing twitched.
Hakkai softly chuckled and sucked his teeth, “You shouldn’t tease him.”
“I’m not teasing him,” Gojyo looked at Hakkai and beamed, “I’m tickling him.”
Hakkai gave Gojyo his best now-you-know-better look.
There was a knock at the door. Hakkai opened the door to the expected visitors. “Good morning.”
Goku smiled, “Good morning. Is there a place were we can…” His voice trailed off as he lifted the dirty clothes.
Hakkai nodded.
“Ow!” Gojyo jumped from the couch shaking his index finger. “He bit me, the bastard!”
Hakuryuu squawked as he flapped to the top of the couch. He looked positively smug.
Hakkai lifted an eyebrow, “Serves you right.”
Sanzo sighed, “What did you do to him?”
Gojyo indignantly spoke, “I was gently waking him.”
Hakuryuu peeped. Do it again, General, and I’m keeping that finger.

Goku sucked his teeth as the walked over to the affronted dragon, “Gods, Hakkai’s not doing his job if you have to go after the dragon.”
Gojyo stormed over to Goku, “Hakkai’s just fine! You shouldn’t talk, Monkey.”
Hakkai blinked. Just fine? Fine? As in alright? As in ok? As in ehhh? As in so-so? As in fine? He was making a concerted effort at being a better lover as of this moment.

Goku ran his fingers down Hakuryuu’s neck, “Good dragon, defending yourself.”
Hakuryuu grinned as he eyed that general. A little to the left…. There we go.

Hakkai knitted his brow as he walked into the kitchen. He softly spoke, “Breakfast anyone?”
Goku grinned. “Do ya even need to ask?”
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She’d been driving all night. She hit the road not an hour after she got that telegram and sent a reply. Ah’Nesty was freezing. The road conditions were horrid, which forced her to move at a snail’s pace, and she fully believed her fingers were stuck to the steering wheel.
At one point she tried to pull over to the side of the road and catch a few hours of sleep, but the worry in her stomach and the freezing temperatures outvoted the sleepiness in her mind. So, she and her white jeep kept charging through.
Artificially blue eyes squinted as she tried to make out the road. Everything was white, it was hard to tell the ditches from the traveling lanes.
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Dokugakuji sat on one of the upper balconies of castle. He had his back against a support beam, one leg bent and up on the railing the other leg was down pushing against the flooring. He looked out over the clouds as a large flock of ravens took flight and black dots peppered the white clouds. I taught him better than that.
They lived in a demon village and they were a limiter-free family. Gojyo was raised around demons and being a half-breed was rather rough on the red-headed child. Jien got sick and tired of watching his younger brother get his ass handed to him. It pissed him off that the little boy didn’t even bother to fight back. Just trying to get to and from school, crowds of bullies would circle the young boy -- fists, rocks, sticks whatever could be picked up was thrown at the red-head. The other kids were bad enough, but when the dumb-ass adults would get into the act --- that was just despicable. Shop keepers would refuse Gojyo admittance. One bitch would run him off with a broom. All the while, Gojyo just took it. He took it from everyone.
Half-breeds only bring pain, misery and bad luck -- what kind of bullshit was that?
Jien loved the little brat and didn’t give a damn that Gojyo just happened to be born of a human woman. He just couldn’t tolerate that tender heart getting bruised by the life Gojyo was thrust into. Big Brother Jien went to the rescue, under the guise of roughhousing and teasing -- Jien taught Gojyo to fight. The young punk learned fairly quickly.
Being a half-breed in a demon village, meant that young Gojyo was a bit smaller than a lot of his “friendly neighbors”. Luckily, they had the genetics for a tall family, Gojyo was the shortest of the males in the family, topping out in his adult life at six feet -- which when compared to others usually meant he was tallest or one of the tallest in the room. He would love for Gojyo to go back there now -- even if it was just to rub being alive in their faces.
Dokugakuji knew that Gojyo knew better than to just let himself get captured. Something odd had to have happened. They returned Gojyo to the other three -- alive, but unconscious. Now, he couldn’t get any kind of confirmation that the little eight-year-old who use to stumble over his growing feet still had breath.
Dad’s dying wish was for Jien to look after the small family. A duty Jien took very seriously. He tended after Mom and Gojyo the best way he knew how. He stepped up to the plate and became the “man of the house”. He did all he could think of to keep his mother’s hands from around Gojyo’s neck. And now, here they were years later on the opposite sides of the battle line. Wouldn’t good ole’ Pop be just so proud.
Actually, their father had every right to be proud and would have been if he were still living. Both of his boys had grown in to strong, respectable men. Both carried a good sense of right and wrong. They had their quirks and foibles, but they were both really good people. There was just a conflict of interest dividing the relations. One was saving the world. Another was saving a mother.
Again ironic tragedy rears its ugly head -- these brothers need not be against each other. Their quests could easily merge, but neither one saw that.
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Hakkai turned from the laundry machine and smiled at his lover. Hakuryuu landed on top of the humming machine.
Gojyo grinned and crimson eyes flicked as he scanned his lover wearing that familiar green shirt and those khaki jeans.
Hakkai slipped his arms around Gojyo’s waist and moved to nip at that tan neck.
Gojyo sighed as he tired to push carnal activities from his mind. “So, what’s there to do around here other than watch the socks go in circles?”
Pink lips fell just short of their target. Hakkai backed his head and knitted his brow. He had plenty of ideas concerning things to do and not a one of them involved watching socks. He knitted his brow. Strip poker. Making blind bets on what article of clothing gets removed and you can’t remove your own clothing. And! The clothing has to be removed with your teeth. Nothing could ever be simple for Hakkai. We lock the door, I throw you up on the washing machine and we wait for the spin cycle. Hakkai blinked. We go to game room and make creative use of the ping-pong table. He shrugged. We walk the trails and I slam you against a tree. He finally spoke, “Well, this is a ski lodge most of the activities are outdoor ones and with your warmer clothing being washed, we shouldn’t go out. You’ll get cold.”
Gojyo nodded as he pulled Hakkai close to him. “Tell me something. Tell me a memory of this room.” Maybe if they did more talking with their lips, then Hakkai would be reminded of the their friendship. This also would let him see a little bit into Hakkai’s past. A little glimpse of what was beneath that smile.
Hakkai turned in his lover’s embrace and his eyes scanned the room. He silently remembered …
********************
Emerald met emerald and Kanan lowered her light tan back against the cold, white, enameled metal.
With his nose buried between her breasts, Gonou smiled as the spin cycle kicked in.
**********************
Gonou stood on the makeshift scaffolding and rolled paint against the ceiling.
Ah’Nesty looked up, “Are you sure Mr. Rupert said to paint the ceiling that dark of a tan?”
Gonou looked down, “We have less cans of this color , right?”
Ah’Nesty shook her head, “No, that’s the lighter tan. We have three cans of the darker color. Two of the lighter.”
Gonou blinked as he looked at the practically finished ceiling, “Well, we’re just going to have to change the plan aren’t we?”
Ah’Nesty laughed as they looked around the going-to-be laundry room and tried to figure out a way to make the paint scheme work. “The back wall. If we carry the dark tan down the back wall and paint the rest with the light tan, then it will add the illusion of depth.”
Gonou shifted on the scaffolding to look at the back wall. His foot hit the open can of paint.
The can fell to the floor with a loud clank and a surprised squeal from a budding woman.
Gonou nervously looked down.
Ah’Nesty, now spattered with dark tan paint, looked up, “You’re going to pay for that.” She flung her brush at him.
He ducked.
She picked up her can and splattered him with light tan paint.
He jumped down from the scaffolding.
They were going to need more paint -- lots more paint.
************
Hakkai shrugged, “There’s not much to tell. It’s a laundry room.”
Gojyo looked around, “Ok, that makes sense. Who thought of the splatter paint design? It’s kinda cool.”
Hakkai chuckled, “That was a collaborative effort.”
Gojyo just tricked Hakkai. “So, you were involved with a lot more than just showing up here and hanging out. Not just that one cabin.”
Hakkai sighed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gonou gritted his teeth. “You want him to know you. That’s why you even came here. You could have gone to any inn and insisted that you stay put until he was better, but you chose to come here. How can you expect him to love you if he doesn’t know you?” Gonou was thankful that Hakkai pushed back last night, but this was getting out of hand. He sucked his teeth and turned sharply, “He doesn’t love you. He only thinks he does. He doesn’t love you because you won’t let him.”
Tenpou was pissed. No one questions their relationship. He gritted his teeth and emerald eyes darted at a human, “Don’t you dare doubt that love.”
Gonou paled. He grabbed a hold of himself and glared back, “Don’t you doubt my truth.”
“You have a point, but don’t doubt that love.”
Gonou let out a huff as he turned his back on the man in the white coat.
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Hakkai tightened his hold on Gojyo’s hands. He pressed them against his waist. Gonou had a point -- although he wasn’t making it very well. Gojyo was an abused child. He grew up constantly being denied that which he strove to obtain -- and that was love. As an adult, it could be expected for someone with that background to grab at any semblance of affection and tenderness -- any whisper of love and hold onto it. At least until a stronger call came. Hakkai nibbled his bottom lip. He honestly loved Gojyo, but was he good enough to keep that love? Did Gojyo truly love him? After all, how could he really? No doubt the emotion that the red-head felt would eventually turn into love, but would Gojyo stay long enough for that budding love to blossom?
Gojyo pushed his nose against the nape of Hakkai’s neck. He felt that wall go up. He wasn’t sure what caused the green-eyed man to withdraw, but the thicker energy was tangible. He whispered, “Love…” He tired to shift his hold to Hakkai’s shoulders. He wanted to see those emerald eyes.
Hakkai resisted.
Gojyo smiled, “I’m prying, aren’t I? I’m sorry. I just want to know you. “ He pressed a kiss against the light tan neck. “I want to know the past that made the man I love.” He was going to have to do a better job of reminding himself that these memories led to painful thoughts for his lover. “If you don’t want to talk about it, I understand.”
Hakkai knitted his brow, “It’s not that, Gojyo.” Entirely. “It’s just that a lot of it isn’t very interesting.”
Gonou narrowed his eyes, “You lie.”
Hakkai continued ignoring the rude human. “If you really want to hear that I ran a roller against this ceiling, I’ll tell you.” He softly chuckled, “It’s just not an interesting story.” How interesting can rolling paint and hanging sheetrock be?
Gojyo smiled against Hakkai’s neck, “You tell me whatever you want to tell me.” He shouldn’t push. He knew better. If he kept pushing and pushing then he was going to end up pushing his lover away. No one wants to feel forced to share something that they don’t want to share.
Hakkai turned in Gojyo’s embrace. He smiled softly at crimson orbs that screamed of longing -- longing to love. “Do you ever have one of those moments where you just can’t seem to find the words?”
Gojyo smiled. “Yes.” That told Gojyo all he needed to know. Hakkai wanted him in under that smile, but just didn’t know how.
Hakkai nodded, “I don’t want to bore you with long winded stories of unimportance.”
Gojyo cupped his hands around Hakkai’s face and tilted their foreheads together. “I just don’t want you to feel alone.”
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The Merciful Goddess jumped from her chair. “Oh my GODS!” Her arms failed, “This! This is driving me crazy!” She looked at Jiroshin as her hands slapped against her thighs, “We’ve covered this! We got past this!” She began to pace around the studio, “They have more trust than this.” She screamed and stomped her feet, “They know better than this!”
Jiroshin chuckled. Who’s wrapped up in the love story now?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerald eyes flickered, “Hey! I’ve got an idea.”
Crimson eyebrow lifted. “Oh?” He grinned.
“There’s a ping-pong table here.”
Gojyo chuckled, “Really?”
Hakkai nodded, “Yeah.”
Gojyo interlaced their fingers as they walked toward the door of the laundry room, “Remember when you taught me to play?”
Hakkai nodded, “Yes. I swear I think you were hitting me with those on purpose.”
Gojyo laughed, “Well, maybe that one.”
Hakkai shook his head, “Gods! That hurt.”
Gojyo bellowed as they walked down the hallway, “You dropped to your knees so fast.” He had to stop walking. “You… you … “ He grabbed his sides, “It was … it was like blur …” He leaned against the wall. “No … no … a streak … a streak of brown and green.”
Hakkai was not amused. At least he was trying to not look amused. “I’m glad you find humor in… in… in… “ He was laughing.
Gojyo took in a self-collecting breath as he steadied himself on his feet. “I bet that ice pack felt good.”
Hakkai pressed his hand to his forehead, “No comment.” Hell yeah it felt good!

They leaned against each other and laughed all the way to the game room. Much to their surprise Sanzo and Goku were already there. Hakuryuu landed on the arm of a unoccupied chair. Sanzo was sitting in an over-stuffed chair reading and Goku was trying to figure out how fooz-ball was played alone.
Goku lit up, “Hey! You found us!”
Sanzo cringed. “The peace was nice.” It was nice and quiet in here after he convinced Goku that the table with all the handles on it was a solitary game. He sighed.
Hakkai chuckled, “Goku, what are you doing?”
Goku looked at the table, “Playing with the little soccer players on sticks.”
“Alone?” Gojyo pressed his lips together.
Goku knitted his brow, “Yeah.” Didn’t Gojyo know anything?
Hakkai lifted a hand to his mouth as he eyed a reading blonde, “That’s not played alone.”
Golden eyes narrowed as golden hair came into view.
Sanzo shrugged, “I was raised in a temple, what do I know?”
Gojyo walked over to Sanzo and grinned, “We do more than fuck. Do you do more than read?”
Sanzo sat his book face down and violet eyes narrowed, “Nine ball, mahjongg, cards and this!” The fan flew.
Gojyo rubbed his head as he walked off. How can they be in their third day of rest and relaxation and Sanzo still be a pissy little twit? He decided he’s leave Mr. Anger-in-a-Robe to Goku.
Hakkai pulled the canvas covering off the folded ping-pong table and rolled it from the wall. Goku nearly skipped across the hardwood floors. “Oh! I play winner!” He helped Hakkai set up the table.
Hakkai smiled, “Sure.”
Gojyo started opening the mahogany cabinets, “Where’re the balls and paddles?” Paddles? Now, was not the time for such thoughts. This was them doing more than just fucking. “Never mind, just found them.” He pulled the whicker basket from the cabinet and walked over to the table. He handed Hakkai a green rubber coated paddle and he rolled the red one in his hand.
Hakkai popped Gojyo on the ass as he walked to his side of the table.
A crimson eyebrow lifted. Hakkai was in an unusual mood today.
Hakkai laughed as he served.
Gojyo jumped to the side as that ball was heading at an extremely high rate of speed to somewhere other than the table.
Hakkai collected himself under several chuckles, “Told you, I remember.”
“Should I be wearing a cup?”
“Are you brave enough to play without one?” Emerald eyes twinkled with mirth.
Gojyo sucked his teeth. “Now, play right.”
Hakkai sighed and properly served the ball.
Golden eyes shifted and brown hair bounced to the steady rhythm.
A little white dragon head swayed.
Sanzo cringed as the steady tick, tick, tick, tick messed with his reading speed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yaone walked up to Dokugakuji, “Would you feel better if you went to Taikgen in person?”
Their voices hushed as a man carrying a bunny walked past.
Dokugakuji softly shook his head, “Kou needs me here.”
Yaone nodded, “The scouts are reliable.”
Dr. Ni smirked and looked at his bunny. He softly chuckled at he returned to the interior of the castle. Reliable indeed.

Dokugakuji and Yaone shivered.
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Hakkai jumped to the corner and backhanded the ball to Gojyo.
Gojyo’s head whipped as the white streak flew past.
Goku laughed as he pulled the rendered useless plastic from the wall.
Gojyo sighed, “You’re breaking my balls, Hakkai.”
Hakkai pressed his lips together and shrugged.
Goku handed Hakkai yet another new ball, “I forgot to ask you.”
Hakkai nodded.
“Do you know how to make lasagna?”
Hakkai knitted his brow, “That’s an unusual request. I didn’t know you liked Italian.”
Gojyo laughed, “It’s food.”
Goku nodded, “And, I’ve not had it. That’s got to break a law or a rule or something.”
Sanzo sucked his teeth.
Hakkai nodded, “I can give it a shot.” He’d seen it made twice. “If I can get the supplies we’ll have it tonight.”
Goku beamed, “Sweet!”
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Ah’Nesty gritted her teeth. This was bullshit, pure bullshit. She was cold, hungry, tired and she couldn’t tell the road from the freaking ditch!
She got back in the jeep after having a bit of a temper tantrum. With her chest heaving, her mind determined and her grip tight, she shifted into low. They were making it up this hill this time --- damn it!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gojyo jumped to a corner and back-handed the ball to the opposite corner.
Hakkai threw up a small chi barrier to volley the ball.
Gojyo pointed a finger, “That’s cheating!”
Hakkai shrugged, “That’s making use of all available resources.”
Gojyo shook his head, “No, that’s cheating. That’s not counting.” He looked at Goku, “I get a point for that.”
Hakkai laughed.
“You’re making that up to me.”
Hakkai softly smiled as an eyebrow twitched, “And just how would you like for me to do that?”
Gojyo softly smiled. He knew that bedroom tone of voice and now was not the time for that. “I get a question per point.”
Hakkai blinked. Gojyo -- Sha Gojyo -- just took the innuendo right out of the statement.
Gonou glared at Hakkai. “It’s shameful that Gojyo has to resort to such measures.”
Hakkai sighed, “Alright, I’ll play. Direct questions.”
Gojyo grinned. “How old were when you met Ah’Nesty?” He looked over at the other two, “The chick in the pictures.”
Goku nodded. “Oh.”
Violet eyes looked over the top of a paperback.
Hakkai smiled, “13.”
“How old where you when you met Kanan?”
Hakkai looked over at Goku, “What’s the score?”
Goku chuckled, “You’ve got 4 and he’s got 3.”
Hakkai sighed, “Just over of 16.” Sixteen years, one month, two weeks and three days. “Well, that’s not true. I knew her when I was much younger, but I didn’t know it was her.”
Gojyo smirked, “How old were you when you got the bike?”
Hakkai ran a hand through his bangs, “Fourteen.” Technically, they were fourteen and six months when he and Ah’Nesty got their bikes.
Goku tilted his head, “How old were you when you started coming here?”
Hakkai glanced at Goku, “Thirteen.” This was one of the rare times Hakkai’s memory faltered. They were fourteen when they came up here for the first time. That’s why Ms. Marie always said fourteen -- she was correct. He knitted his brow, “No fair that’s four questions.”
Ms. Marie entered the game room, “Gon -- Hakkai, when you get done playing with your friends, can you come by the front desk? I need your help with something.”
‘Playing with your friends’ Hakkai felt fifteen again, “Yes, ma’am, do you need me now?”
She shrugged, “It doesn‘t matter.” A delay in time would be nice. It would give her the chance to figure out something that needed his help. She received a return telegram that Ah’Nesty would be here today and was just trying to keep him at the lodge for his surprise.
Hakkai looked at his friends. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be; I don’t want you walking back to the cabins in this cold.” He thought for a minute and turned his head toward Ms. Marie, “Can I take them back to the cabins and come back?”
Ms. Marie nodded, “Whenever, dear.” She left the room.
Gojyo smiled, “So, would this be a forfeit, because the clothing should be done?”
Hakkai smirked. “Then, you owe Goku a game.”
Gojyo tapped his paddle against the table. “Step up, Monkey.”
Goku took Hakkai’s paddle, “You’re going down, Sprite.”
Hakkai walked over to Sanzo, “What are you reading?”
Sanzo looked up and put his book face down on his lap,” An anthology of Edgar Allen Poe.”
Hakkai smiled, “ ‘Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. " 'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door;

Only this, and nothing more.’ “
Sanzo blinked, “ And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door; And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming. And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor

Shall be lifted---nevermore! “
Hakkai softly chuckled, “Shall we try ‘The Bells’ or maybe the ‘Tell-Tale Heart‘?”
Konzen huffed, “An intellectual too. Do you get that from the monkey?”
Sanzo sighed and waved a hand in the air, “To the moaning and the groaning of the bells.”

Hakkai chuckled, “Now, you’re not suppose to jump to the last line.”
Violet eyes shifted as he scanned Hakkai’s face. So what if the mon-- Goku wasn’t ready for Poe, yet. He’d get there. “The Far Side.”
Hakkai lifted an eyebrow. “Oh, well now -- if you want to go there. ‘The Chopping Block’. “
Sanzo lifted an eyebrow, “That’s a rare one. ‘Get Fuzzy.’”
“Oooo, good one. Why do I get the feeling you relate to Bucky?”
Sanzo sighed, “ ‘The Chopping Block’ ? Is there an inner Butch I need to know about?”
“Do I really need to answer that?“ Hakkai grinned mischievously, “Bloom County, Outland or Opus?”
Sanzo thought for a minute, “Not Outland, that was for shit.” He nodded, “Bloom County.”
Hakkai shrugged, “I’m rather partial to Outland. I enjoyed the brief visit. Here’s one. Lt’l Abner.”
Violet eyes went wide, “I haven’t thought about that in a long time.”
Hakkai chuckled as he left to gather the clothes.
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Konzen crossed his arms and looked completely smug. “Intellectual matters, he annoys you less that the others , comics, food, and you’ve heard them so you know he’s a wildcat in bed. What more could you possibly need to show you that you are with the wrong one?”
Sanzo looked at the long-haired blonde, “Don’t do that. You have failed, heh.” Sanzo smiled a smile that would make most lose body temperature.
Konzen looked confused.
“He’s an Outland guy; it would never work.” Sanzo glared, “You can shut up now.”
Konzen blinked as he realized he was defeated by a flightless, big-nosed, fat bird.
Konzen wasn’t defeated by a penguin. He was defeated by a monkey. For Sanzo knew, that the simplicity of the monkey was the balancing force he needed in his life. Just as Hakkai balanced Gojyo, Goku balanced Sanzo. Hakkai could be considered a friend. A friend that was sought out for certain types of company and conversation, but Hakkai was not a compatible long term lover. That type of relationship put too much importance on the simple things and nothing was ever simple for Hakkai.

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Gojyo looked at Goku through the hole in his paddle.
Hakkai walked back into the game room with clean and folded clothes.
Gojyo’s head whipped toward Hakkai, “Hakkai! The monkey’s breaking the toys.”
Without missing a beat, Hakkai calmly replied, “He better not be breaking somebody’s toy. If he is, I think I know somebody that’ll be upset.”
Gojyo looked at Goku, “Yeah, that’s just not …,” his voice trailed off as crimson eyes narrowed. He slowly turned to look at Hakkai and blinked. He just got the joke and smirked, “Yeah, I don’t like broken toys.”
Hakkai shrugged, “Who does?”
Gojyo spun the aerated paddle in his fingers, “So, what should I do with this?”
Hakkai smiled, “Certainly don’t leave it here; that would just disappoint someone.” He paused, “Expecting a good game of ping-pong and not being able to play.” He smiled, ”I’ll let Ms. Marie know. Equipment breaks all the time.”
Gojyo lifted an eyebrow, “Sure.” He slipped the paddle into back pocket. He didn’t know what had gotten into Hakkai this morning, but he hoped he could bottle it and keep some for later.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bubbles lifted in a pale green liquid. A nude woman’s body slumped as the restorative and rebuilding liquid was drained from the tank. Dr. Ni opened the door to the tank and the body slumped against his shoulder. He hooked one arm around her thin waist and hoisted her from the tank. Cords snapped as tension pulled them from her body. He put her in a chair and squatted down to get eye to eye with her. He pulled bunny from his lab coat pocket and smiled. “Her neck looks much better doesn’t it?”
Bunny’s ears flopped as she nodded in agreement.
Dr. Ni snapped his fingers in front of the woman. “Time to wake up, my dear. There is work to be done.”
Flaxen opened her eyes. The blonde was now bar coded.
He brushed his thumb across her cheek, “Can you speak now?”
Flaxen smiled, “Perfectly. Damn you’re good.” Her voice was a little rough, but it was quickly returning to normal.
“Good?” He chuckled, “That’s a matter of debate now isn’t it?”
Bunny spoke to the woman, “All roads lead to Taikgen.”
Flaxen tilted her head, “Are we trying again?”
Dr. Ni shook his head, “I am weary of trying. I plan to succeed.” He stood and pointed to some clothing that was folded neatly on a desk, “Do be a dear and get me that sutra.” He and bunny headed for the door. He stopped a few inches from the metal barrier. Looking of his shoulder he spoke, “Use one against the other as we discussed originally.” He and bunny left the room. With his fingers curled around the door frame, he spoke, “Once I have that sutra, I’ll show you how good I can be.” A lab coat wearing man carried a velveteen bunny down the hall.
Flaxen stood and her anklet jingled as she walked to the clothing. This time it was a green dress: silk and shiny, with a mandarin collar. The dress was adorned with maroon piping that ran diagonally across the chest and straight down the left side. She smiled as she eyed the five inch “fuck me” spikes that had been dyed to match the maroon piping. For a man that wore understated lab coats, he sure knew women’s fashions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo and Hakkai got out of the jeep by their cabins. Hakuryuu transformed and peeped as he dashed off for another parameter check. Goku and Sanzo headed for the warmth of their cabin with their warmer clothing in their arms.
Hakkai and Gojyo headed to their cabin. Gojyo stepped though the door and whipped off his cloak. “Damn it’s cold!”
Hakkai closed the door and dropped the basket. He whipped a hand in the air and grabbed the length of Gojyo’s hair as the half-breed was walking toward the fireplace.
Gojyo’s shoulders and head jerked back as his hair went taut.
Hakkai maintained the firm grip on Gojyo’s long locks and leaned against the back of his lover, “You have been resisting my advances all day; I want to know why.”
A crimson eyebrow lifted. “Have I?” He intended on reminding Hakkai of their friendship today, but he had no intentions of resisting any kind of advances from his lover.
“Yes, you have.” Hakkai slipped an arm around Gojyo’s waist and nipped at his lover’s neck. He released the crimsons strands.
Gojyo turned in his lover’s embrace. “Remember when ---”
Hakkai curled his calf behind Gojyo’s knee and in a streak of crimson and brunette Gojyo was on his back looking up at Hakkai. The brunette settled himself on Gojyo’s hips and softly smiled. “What were you saying?” He slipped his hands under Gojyo’s white tank top and began to push it up.
Gojyo knitted his brow as Hakkai lavished attention on his stomach, “Re-- re-- remember when…when…oh dear god that feels good.”
Hakkai smiled against Gojyo’s skin. He shifted his hands and curled his fingers around his lover’s blue unbuttoned button-up. “You’re wearing too many clothes. I don’t like you this hard to get to.”
Gojyo blinked and curled his hands into brunette strands. He nudged Hakkai’s face up and dove into emerald eyes, “Hakkai, are you hiding again?”
Hakkai lifted an eyebrow. Why was Gojyo resisting? What was he doing wrong? Hakkai’s fears of inadequacy were getting validated, “No, I’m just trying…” to get you in the mood. His voice trailed off as he rethought his statement, “What’s wrong? What am I doing wrong?”
Crimson eyes went wide, “Wrong? Hakkai you aren’t doing anything wrong.”
“Then why aren’t you interested?” Hakkai shifted and sat on the floor. “It seems the harder I try to get you interested,” He shook his head, “rather -- keep you interested the less interested you become.”
Gojyo sat up and gently squeezed his lover’s shoulders, “Not interested? I’m very interested.”
Hakkai shook his head, “You don’t seem like it.”
Gojyo blinked and knitted his brow, “We’ve misunderstood each other somewhere along the way. This…,” he paused, “I’m just trying to remind you that this isn’t just about sex.”
Hakkai lifted an eyebrow, “I know that. I never doubted …” Hakkai tilted his head, “Is this coming from Sanzo’s comment yesterday?”
Gojyo lifted an eyebrow, “I thought you were working off Sanzo’s comment yesterday.”
Hakkai smiled, “What I’m working off -- has nothing to do with Sanzo,” He leaned forward and dove into Gojyo’s neck, “and everything to do with you.”
Gojyo rolled his head back and slowly slid to the floor.
Hakkai shifted back onto Gojyo’s hips and curled his fingers around his lover’s shoulders. He ran the tip of his tongue from Gojyo’s chin to a tan collar bone, “We’ve got a solid friendship. I know this. Do you?”
Gojyo softly moaned, “Yes, I know this.”
Hakkai nipped at his lover’s skin, “You have offered me your body and mind to enjoy. Does it make me a bad person if I take advantage of opportunities to do so?”
Gojyo pressed his hands into Hakkai’s cloth covered shoulders, “No, it doesn’t.”
“Well then, do you want me to continue?”
Gojyo smiled. “Yes.”
Hakkai just made Gojyo say the word that Flaxen failed to get him to say. This was being there without being there.
Emerald eyes twinkled as Hakkai shifted to allow room to remove Gojyo’s shirts. Light tan fingers danced down tan arms and curled around tan wrists.
Gojyo smiled as his arms were slid across the floor and he lifted his head as Hakkai crossed those tan wrists. Gojyo relaxed his head against his wrists.
Hakkai settled back on his lover’s hips and scanned the magnificent sight before him. Emerald eyes shifted as Hakkai studied the clean muscular lines and sharp chi flow. He smiled softly has his fingers skated across Gojyo’s skin.
Gojyo arched off the floor and cried out as pure pleasure raced through him and coursed through his veins. He panted from his sudden rush of euphoria and felt himself straining in the sharp tightness of his normally loose denim pants. “That would be praise.”
Hakkai grinned, “You remember.”
Gojyo softly blushed, “That’s one day I will never , ever, forget.”
Hakkai crashed forward and attacked his lover’s chest.
Gojyo writhed under the barrage of kisses, licks, and not so gentle nips.
Without warning Hakkai ceased his actions.
Gojyo blinked, “What’s wrong?”
“You moved your hands. Put them back. I’ve got you and you are not interfering.”
Crimson eyes widened as Gojyo shifted his hands back under his head, “I don’t recall moving them.”
“Don’t let it happen again.”
Gojyo’s mind raced through all that Hakkai had eaten, drank or smelled during the day. There had to be something calling this paramour from his lover. He wanted to identify it and get it by the cartload.
Hakkai’s tongue sought out a pink nipple as his fingers worked the unique waistband of those khaki pants.
Gojyo gritted his teeth as Hakkai’s teeth applied pressure to his getting sensitive skin. He felt his pants open and crimson eyes narrowed. He hated to interrupt this, but Hakkai had forgotten something. “Uhh, Hakkai, I think you’ve forgotten some supplies.”
Hakkai bit down harder.
Gojyo cried out as warm sharp pain shot straight though his chest. His hips rocked and the emerald eyed paramour seized his chance to pull that fabric barrier away. Gojyo hissed through his teeth, “It’s important.”
Hakkai applied his teeth to Gojyo‘s previously neglected nipple. When was Gojyo going to learn that it was impolite to interrupt?
Gojyo squeezed his eyes shut, “Hakkai please! Listen to me.”
Hakkai pulled his lips from Gojyo’s chest. His shoulders rolled as his head shifted. Intense green eyes found crimson. “What is it?”
The lust coming from those emerald eyes was nearly audible, “Lube. You forgot lube.” Gojyo smiled nervously.
Hakkai smirked, “Too bad for you, huh?” He crashed forward and pointed his tongue.
Gojyo felt the blood leave his face. Hakkai couldn’t be serious. “You don’t mean that.”
Hakkai nipped Gojyo’s stomach, “I strongly urge you to take a moment and relax, because this is going to hurt if you don’t.”
Gojyo gasped, “Hakkai, lover, it will hurt no matter how relaxed I am.”
Hakkai chuckled, “You need to expand your boundaries.”
Gojyo knitted his brow, “This isn’t funny.”
Hakkai smiled against Gojyo’s hipbone, “Love, if I get up, I am returning with more than just a tube.”
“You come back with that warming oil and I‘m beating your ass.” Gojyo smiled.
Hakkai sucked his teeth. He’d had enough of this insolence. He sat back on his shins and scanned the room. He stood, “Get up.”
Gojyo blinked, “What no, please?”
Emerald eyes narrowed, “Get up before I get that paddle from your pants’ pocket.”
Gojyo knew that tone of voice. Hakkai wasn’t playing around. He stood.
Hakkai walked over to the rug by the fireplace and shifted it. “Lay down with your head …” He pointed at the end near the chair and the couch, “at that end.”
Gojyo laid down and Hakkai quickly built a fire. Emerald eyes looked over a green clad shoulder, “Can’t have you getting cold.” He smiled, “Move and you’re in real trouble.” He quickly darted into the kitchen and tossed the plastic wrap onto Gojyo’s stomach as he headed for the bedroom.
Gojyo released a puff of air at the unexpected addition, “It won’t be on my skin long enough for it to take effect.”
Hakkai spoke from the bedroom as he grabbed the red leather bag, “Do I need to gag you?”
Gojyo laughed, “No, I can’t kiss you if I’m gagged.”
Hakkai smirked and stepped back into the short hallway wearing noting but his boxers, “Then stop pushing it. I’m not doing that with the plastic wrap.” He settled across his lover’s hips and smiled an honest smile as the firelight coated Gojyo’s bronze skin with a tinge of yellow and a hit of orange.
Crimson eyelashes flicked as Gojyo noted that Hakkai was once again backlit by firelight.
Hakkai softly sighed, “What am I going to do with you?”
Gojyo smirked. Something fun, I hope. “I dunno, love me?” He was being serious but made a half-hearted attempt and making the question sound like a joke.
Emerald eyes slowly shifted between crimson ones, “Didn’t you know? Once I fall in love it is forever.” He was completely serious.
Gojyo softly smiled, “Forever is a long time.”
Hakkai nodded, “Yes it is. I do hope you’ll recognize me come our next life.”
“Plan on looking me up, do ya?”
Hakkai softly chuckled, “I plan on doing a lot.” Hakkai began to unzip the red leather bag, “Beginning with this.” He pulled out two black faux fur rings of fabric. Connected to the rings were long strips of woven nylon. A mischievous grin formed on Hakkai’s face as he ran the long strips of nylon through his fingers, “Now, are you going to play nice and close your eyes or do I need to blindfold you?”
A crimson eyebrow lifted as a small flame licked the air by Hakkai’s left shoulder. “If you blindfold me, I’ll never forgive you.”
Hakkai tilted his head. That voice was breathy and not at all playful. “Lover, do you not want to play a game?” Hakkai shook his head, “All of this can go by the wayside if you want.”
Gojyo softly smiled as the fire popped, “Right now, I’ll play anything just as long as it is you I feel next to me, your voice in my ear and your breath on my skin.”
Hakkai softly blushed as he scanned his lover’s face. The light of the fire was reflected in the white of Gojyo’s eyes and the orange and yellow hues tweaked the crimson tones of Gojyo’s features. The red that once served only as his admonishment -- his reminder -- was now the red that he longed to see when he woke in the mornings. The crimson of his nightmares became the tone of his love and now that crimson popped with richness called out by the fire. He smiled, “Maybe, fire and water do blend. Don’t close your eyes; I want to see them.”
Gojyo smiled, “And you always get what you want.”
Hakkai crashed forward and pushed his nose into Gojyo’s stomach.
Gojyo softly moaned as his muscles quivered under the physical beckoning from his lover.
Hakkai marched his line of kisses and nips up Gojyo’s body as light tan fingers sought out tan wrists. He lifted his lover’s hands and slipped them through the faux fur rings.
Gojyo’s arms were lifted to a 45 degree angle.

[His were arms straight and out at a perfect 45 degree angle. ]
Hakkai wrapped and tied one nylon strap around one of the back legs of the chair. With his lover’s stomach in easy reach, Gojyo pointed his tongue and tasted Hakkai’s skin.
A jagged breath left Hakkai as he wrapped and tied the other strap around one of the back legs of the couch. As he shifted, Gojyo kept his tongue pointed and a warm wet line was drawn to Hakkai’s chest.
Hakkai smiled, “Love, I want to know something.” He pushed his nose into Gojyo’s neck. “Why didn’t you,” he nipped his lover’s earlobe, “use the safeword earlier?”
Gojyo smiled, “Because I knew you were just teasing me. I know you’d never hurt me.”
Hakkai pressed a light kiss against Gojyo’s cheek. He softly chuckled, “Well, only the good kind.” Hakkai pushed the clover leaf clamps against Gojyo’s side.
Crimson eyes went wide as Gojyo realized Hakkai picked those up not to experience but to use.
Hakkai felt Gojyo slightly stiffen and rubbed the tip of his nose against his lover’s ribs. He softly stroked five fingertips against the side of Gojyo’s waist, “Remember you can stop it with one word.”

[“… When this gets to be too much for you, all you have to do it say one word.” ]
Gojyo softly chuckled, “I know. I jerked because the metal is cold, that’s all.” That wasn’t the full truth, but that’s what Gojyo wanted to be the full truth.
Hakkai smiled against Gojyo’s sternum, “We can’t have you cold. Should I get the warming oil?”
“Reverse -- that idea.” He chuckled.
Hakkai softly chuckled as the rested the clamps on Gojyo’s chest.
Gojyo blinked, “You’re not going to use them? Just set them there?”
Hakkai lifted from Gojyo’s skin and pressed the tip of both index fingers against soft pink lips, “Thou doth protest too much.”

[ “…I repeat. You have no right to protest…” ]

Gojyo parted his lips and swiped the tip of his tongue against Hakkai’s fingers, “You’re running this show. As of this moment, I am yours.”
Hakkai softly shook his head, “No, you became mine a long time ago, but this afternoon I’m sharing myself with you on my terms.” He placed his palms on the rug below Gojyo’s shoulders and put his body weight on his hands. He tucked one foot and then the other under Gojyo’s knees and shifted. Tan knees slid atop light tan tights. Hakkai curled forward, draped himself against Gojyo’s torso and slowly straightened out his legs. He could feel the intense heat of the fire on the soles of his feet.
Crimson eyes blinked. Laying there practically ensconced in his emerald harbor was everything and everyplace Gojyo wanted to be. Bound with play restraints -- that offered the unspoken availability of easy release provided him with a feeling of vulnerability and security. Which made Gojyo wonder if Hakkai really did know what he was getting when he picked up these amateur restraints. He curled his fingers around the nylon straps. Feeling Hakkai’s breath grace his stomach provided him with the reminder that he was here with Emerald -- his Emerald. Feeling his lover’s legs under and to the outside of his reminded him that no matter where he went his emerald harbor would be there. No matter what, love was not going to be abandoning him for when Hakkai finally fell in love it really was forever. Open, vulnerable, naked, restrained and yet totally relaxed and free. Being completely comfortable while resting at the whims of his lover -- all of this was tantamount to trust. Complete, unquestionable trust that a crimson salvage had in an emerald harbor. Gojyo smiled and softly whispered, “Why do you do this?”
Hakkai knitted his brow, “Please clarify the question, because I’m sure you are not asking why I enjoy feeling you next to me.”
Gojyo chuckled, “You’re right. Why do you start with such fervor and then slow everything down?”
Hakkai turned his head and kissed Gojyo’s abdomen. “Such moments in our lives are fleeting and all too rare. Sensuality for me is a lot more than intercourse.” Hakkai’s smile softened, “And, in the event that we should ever become separated, I want to be able to close my eyes and return to moments like this.”
Gojyo knitted his brow, “Emerald..”
Hakkai lifted an eyebrow. Gojyo rarely used that nickname.
Gojyo continued,” … do you still hold some kind of feeling that I’m going to leave you?”
Hakkai blinked. Yes. “Not voluntarily.” Gojyo had walked away twice; the second time came with no indication that he was going to return. They were being hunted by demons and gods. History is the greatest predictor of the future and Hakkai’s background with love offered only ominous foreshadowing. Additionally, thanks to one of the whispers inside his mind, Hakkai was on full alert that it was just a matter of time before he did something or didn’t do something that made this fantasy turned reality shatter. In short, Hakkai’s fears of abandonment were running full force and the emerald eyed man was terrified that he’d once again find himself alone.
Gojyo’s sighed, “Well, we see our fair share of battles, but I’m still here. I can’t help the fact that I’m mortal.” He assumed Hakkai’s concerns were that Gojyo was going to die. One day he would. One day they all would, such was the nature of being biological beings, but dwelling on such thoughts and letting mortality rule one’s life was no way to live. After all, which is worse, not leaving one’s home for fear of outside dangers or not going home for fear that one’s roof might fall?
Hakkai gently squeezed his lover, “Which is why I like to take my time and savor these moments. These moments of calm togetherness.”
Gojyo laughed, “If you knew how horny I am right now, you wouldn’t call it calm.”
A mischievous grin formed on Hakkai’s face, “It just wouldn’t be polite for me to have you wanting.”
Gojyo nodded and mock-indignantly spoke, “Yep. Wouldn’t be polite at all.”
The tops of four light tan fingers ghosted down a tan thigh. He flipped his hand and curled his fingers. With a lazy “S” four rounded nails worked their way up Gojyo’s leg.

[He took in a sharp breath as her nails scraped down and around his leg.]

[This would have turned him on if the situation had been just slightly different. ]
Gojyo released a soft moan and his leg muscles involuntarily quivered under his lover’s touch.
Hakkai shifted and sat on his shins between Gojyo’s legs. Emerald eyes twinkled with playfulness as he picked up the box of plastic wrap.
Gojyo smirked.
Hakkai tore off a strip of plastic about three inches wide. He laid that strip of plastic on Gojyo’s stomach and pulled the safety scissors from the red leather bag. He cut the strip into three squares and discarded one of the squares. Hakkai may not command the vast romantic skills of his crimson haired lover. He may not have first hand knowledge of many activities that Gojyo’s love enriched life afforded the red-head; but, Hakkai knew anatomy. He grinned as the placed the plastic squares over Gojyo’s nipples.
Gojyo softly knitted his brow.
Hakkai pressed his index and middle finger against one of Gojyo’s nipples. He parted his fingers and firmly pressed into the muscle and tissue around that plastic covered pink nipple. That pink nipple began to bulge against the plastic. With his eyes locked on crimson, his free index finger began to firmly “scratch” the defenseless nipple, “How’s this for upping the ante?”
Crimson eyebrows softly knitted. With his skin held taut there was no loss of sensation due to the shifting of his skin. He moaned and writhed under his lover’s touch.
Hakkai grinned as he felt that nipple come to a very hard point, “The plastic allows me to do this harder without damaging your skin.”
Gojyo gritted his teeth as Hakkai increased the roughness of his “scratches“.
Hakkai stopped his scratching and wiggled an eyebrow as he picked up one of the clamps. He discarded the plastic square and applied the clamp to a very hard nipple.

[She unscrewed one of the clamps and placed the teeth around his right nipple.]

[She tightened the screw. ]
Gojyo gasped and moaned as firm solid pressure radiated pleasing heat.
Hakkai watched his lover writhe for a bit and set out to pay the same attention to the neglected nipple.
In short order, Gojyo was pulling against his restraints, hissing his breath through his teeth and squirming beneath his lover’s gaze.
Hakkai softly smiled and sat back on his shins to watch his lover dance.

[She stood upright, tossed her hair and stepped back to

watch the dance that was about to begin.]

Breathy moans filled air between the two lovers. The shading of Gojyo’s ribs shifted as his breath heaved. Sharp focused warmth converged inside of him and coursed straight to his dick. His arousal throbbed and his teeth parted as a load moan lifted from him. He tugged against his restraints as his back arched from rug. All the while he was being carefully watched by those emerald eyes.
Hakkai softly moaned as his quickly formed erection demanded attention. With a lust laden voice he spoke, “What tantalizes me the most lover, is that I know that you know what is in store for you when those clamps come off.” Fire light glinted off the silver metal of the clover leaf clamps.
Gojyo began to calm his “struggling” as his endorphins kicked in and the focused crossing of pain and pleasure abated.
Hakkai wryly smiled, “What was it you told me?” He fished out the tube of lubricant and placed a dab on the pad of his middle finger. “ He tapped his index finger against the inside of Gojyo’s ankle and trailed his hand up that delicious tan leg. “Pant, lover, pant through it.” He touched the cool gel against Gojyo opening.
Crimson eyes went wide as the coolness of the slick touch conflicted with the heat of his flesh. He moaned and rolled his head back. His hips shifted trying to coax his lover deeper.
Hakkai remained steadfast and was confident that Gojyo was not going to goad him into rushing this. He massaged his lover with small circles and felt the tight cluster relax.
Gojyo knitted his brow, “Hakkai…please.”
Hakkai softly sighed at his lover’s pleading, “Please what?”
“Please… you … you ssss… know what.”
Hakkai shook his head and blinked innocently, “No, I don’t. I believe you’ll have to tell me.”
Gojyo dug his heels into the rug and pushed back against Hakkai’s massage.
Hakkai back his hand, “Tell me what you want, lover.”
Gojyo moaned as the desired touch was denied. His hips rested back against the rug.
“Voice it or you won’t get it.” Hakkai nearly evilly grinned. He loved seeing Gojyo dance like a marionette and when he was the puppeteer.
Gojyo hissed and took in a sharp breath, “You. I want you.”
With his free hand, Hakkai began to work his boxers off. “Me? You have me, Gojyo. You have all of me.” He leaned over and lifted his hips from his shins. He spoke as he pulled his boxers to his knees, “Ask me. I want to hear you ask me.” He slipped the tip of middle finger inside his lover.
Gojyo took in a quick breath. It had been a while since he’d been entered and he was damn tired of waiting. “You…mmmm…you…. inside me.”
Hakkai shifted as his boxers became just another piece of fabric forgotten on the floor, “I am, Gojyo.” He nipped at his lover’s ear and his voice dropped in register, “If you want me to fuck you, you have to ask me -- nicely.”
Gojyo felt the heat of passion lifted to the surface of his cheeks -- what was it about that word from those lips that was just so damn electrifying? Hakkai was going to pay for this toying and pay beautifully. His jaw trembled as he whispered, “Please…,” he panted, “please, Hakkai, take me. Fuck me.”
Hakkai backed his fingertip from his lover. That was all the preparation Gojyo was going to get. “As you wish.” He slid his hand to his cock and positioned it against Gojyo’s lightly slicked body. With tenderness in his voice he whispered, “If I hurt you, I’ll stop in a heartbeat. You might not be as healed as you think you are.”
Gojyo smiled, “I have no doubts. One word , right?”
“One word, lover.” With that, Hakkai shifted his hips and began to slowly penetrate Gojyo.
Crimson eyes went wide as Gojyo tightened his hold on his restraints and air filled his lungs. He felt his body resist briefly and then suddenly open granting his lover smooth entry. The frugal use of lube forced Gojyo to feel every contour Hakkai’s cock and the thin line between pleasure and pain was shattered. Stretching warmth nearly overwhelmed him as his internal muscles simultaneously begged for a deeper touch and yet resisted the probing. His teeth parted and cried out, “Oh dear god, YES!”
Hakkai tilted his head as he hit his full depth. He paused allowing Gojyo to settle into the stretching. Emerald eyes shifted as he took in the sight presented before him. Tan cheeks were reddened with passion. The normally tan neck had paled slightly. Crimson strands splayed out against the pale rug and one lock of hair clung to Gojyo’s cheek, pointing to the corner of puffy lips that shifted slightly under calming pants. Crimson eyes that were overflowing with desire and longing looked back at Emerald. His fears and concerns of being an inadequate bed partner just scattered to oblivion. He softly smiled, “Can you say my name?”
Gojyo grinned, “That’s not the right line, Tigon.”
Hakkai smirked, he was trying to avoid being clichéd. “What’s my name, Liger?”
“Cho Hakkai.”
Hakkai backed his hips, “Don’t forget it.” He rammed his lover.
Gojyo was instantly reminded of the brazen kink that relished in a good hard fuck who nestled deeply under that smile.
Hakkai curled one hand around the back of Gojyo’s neck and slipped one around his lover’s cock. He could feel the clamps shifting against his chest and could only imagine what his lover was feeling.
The heat from the stretching synergistically mated with the sharp renewed warmth from the clamps. Gojyo began to proffer screams of pleasure to the heavens.
Hakkai smirked as he gave his lover what was so politely requested. The long-haired greened eye figure in his mind was correct all those months back -- this was exactly what Gojyo needed.
Gojyo rocked on the rug. His world jarred in his vision. His breath caught in his chest and throat. His body began to tingle as his endorphins ran amok. He felt himself begin to go to that beautiful place once again. His safe, stunning emerald palace. Lifted by raw pleasure. Gojyo stepped into that frisson where the body screamed for carnal release.
Hakkai felt heard the urgency in his lover’s pleas and felt the tightening of his lover’s pending release around his cock. He slipped his hand from Gojyo’s neck and yanked the clamps from those now red nipples.
Gojyo screamed as sharp pain shot through him. Blood bolted to the compressed flesh and his nerves screamed as nipples throbbed. Fully engulfed in his emerald palace, time momentarily paused.
Hakkai groaned, “Cum for me, Gojyo.”
With that call home, Gojyo climaxed. Pleasure raced from him and left his safe palace. With his body aflame with spent passion, Gojyo returned to his physical senses.

Gojyo would violently thrash no more.

He -- they -- just beat her.

Hakkai smiled as Gojyo shuddered through waning ecstasy. “Well, what do you know, you cum when called.”
Half lidded crimson found pleased emerald. He softly moaned, “Your turn.”
Hakkai smirked, “Not ready; don’t wanna.”
Gojyo dug his heels into the rug and bucked his hips to meet Hakkai’s strokes. He worked his internal muscles and clamped down around his lover’s probing. “Gonna make ya.”
Emerald eyes went wide as a frantic cry ran from him. Hakkai found his own frisson of raw pleasure and crashed against his lover. His body jerked as he flushed his lover with hot passion.
Gojyo smiled and relaxed against the rug. He snickered as he felt his lover twitching inside of him, “Told ya.”
Hakkai panted against Gojyo’s chest, “Not fair.”
“Completely fair.” He snickered, “Don’t move.”
Hakkai softly smiled, “You’re not ready for withdrawal?”
Gojyo smirked, “No, I thought that was you. Relax and hang on, lover. You get two.”
Hakkai cried out as he suddenly hardened.
Gojyo cried out as his muscles were quickly stretched by his lover’s growing girth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goku sighed as he settled against Sanzo’s chest, “I don’t get it. Why would someone wear a blue veil over one eye?”
Sanzo shook his head, “You’re being too literal. It’s a description of a cataract.”
Goku sucked his teeth, “Then why doesn’t Poe just say cataract?”
Sanzo gripped his forehead. A food analogy! That’s what was needed, “Which sounds more interesting? An apple or a red apple with a skin that catches the light and muted yellow inner flesh that brings forth a clear juice when bitten?”
Goku blinked. “I prefer green apples.” Yet another example of people complicating things. Why go through all of that for an apple? An apple is an apple; everyone knows how yummy they are.
Sanzo wanted to scream. How did teachers do it? How did Hakkai put up with it for all those years? Maybe, tutoring Goku was why he didn’t talk about teaching anymore?
The brunette shrugged, “Don’t get me wrong, I like red apples, but I prefer the tartness of the green ones.”
Sanzo gritted his teeth and wondered if this would be classified as justified monkey-icide.
Brown eyebrows knitted, “What do apples have to do with this anyway? I don’t remember an apple. I’m sure I would have remembered an apple.”
Sanzo began to silently count. He took in a deep breath.
“I mean, this story is just stupid. ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’ that’s a lame title. And, a heart can’t beat once someone is dead and stuff like that.”
Violet eyes rolled. This was why he wasn’t one of those teaching monks. It was much easier to just kill off the wannabe sutra thieves. “The sound is from his guilt.” He clinched up a fist, “Read it again.”
Goku sighed and read aloud, “TRUE! nervous, very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why WILL you say that I am mad? The disease had sharpened my senses, not destroyed, not dulled them … “

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gojyo felt his teeth clatter together as Hakkai continued his merciless thrusts. He lifted his knees and wrapped his legs around his lover’s waist.
Hakkai gripped Gojyo’s shoulders for leverage and rammed his way to release. He cried out as his mind flashed white and sweat rolled down his back. A light tan hand clapped across Gojyo’s lust-flushed lips. “Say it again and I will tie you spreadeagle and remove my limiters.”
Crimson eyes twinkled as Gojyo chuckled under his flesh gag.
Hakkai shifted his hand and pushed some space between their chests.
Gojyo smiled, “If that was supposed to be a threat, it won’t work. Do you have any idea how sexy you are in that form?”
Hakkai blushed. “It’s hideous, Gojyo.” He shifted his hips.
With a soft moan of protest from his lover’s withdrawal, Gojyo shook his head, “Oh no, you are very mistaken. Your hair takes on the appearance of wind blown locks -- wild and carefree. The vine that adorns your skins calls to me and begs for attention. Your movements become graceful and seamless like a panther on the prowl. But, your eyes. Your hidden demon eyes -- that’s where the real beauty resides. The onyx elliptical pupils surrounded by the deepest and richest jade I have ever seen. Gods, you’re stunning and the makings of fantasy human or demon.”
Hakkai knitted his brow, “If I were to unleash that beast, your skin would not remain intact.”
Gojyo nodded, “Yeah, that’s why we gotta get west. One of these days I will have you totally unfettered.” He smirked, “Too bad we didn’t start all of this back when we shared that box of a home.”
Hakkai shifted and helped Gojyo slip his hands from the faux fur rings, “I wasn’t ready for love back then.” He sighed as he put the clamps back in the leather bag, “There hadn’t been enough time.”
Gojyo rotated his arms and smiled as Hakkai’s fingers worked into his joints, “I’m not saying that I was, but…” His voice trailed off.
Hakkai tilted his head, “But what?”
Gojyo sheepishly grinned, “I kept that cross.”
Emerald eyes narrowed, “The cross?”
Gojyo nodded as he rubbed his fingers against the woven nylon. “Yeah that little metal cross on the black leather.” He smiled, “The cross you said I could have before I knew your name.”
Hakkai nodded as memory registered on his face. “Yeah, I didn’t need it anymore. I didn’t want it anymore.”
Gojyo pressed his lips together and for some odd reason felt a lump form in his throat, “Ya know, I wore it everyday you were gone. That’s why I had it on at the apple stand when you came back. It was like if I had it on you weren’t really dead, I mean, gone, I ….” His voice quavered, “I ummm…” He took in a deep breath, “I never held Christian beliefs so that cross only symbolized you. Ya know…” He paused searching for words that weighed so heavily in his chest.
Emerald eyes silently dove into crimson.
Gojyo blinked as his eyes began to burn, “I don’t know why Sanzo’s words hit me so hard.” He shrugged, “I only knew you for about a month, but our connection was so solid and so instant. You were so open and free --- even though you were in a lot of pain and grief.” A tear skated down his scarred cheek and he ran a hand through his hair, “You hadn’t had the time to hide under that smile and bury your emotions.” He sniffed and wiped his cheek with the back of his hand, “Then you came back.” A shaky smile formed on his face, “I was really happy. I could feel that something was different about you, but you were back and that’s all that mattered.” He forced a chuckle, “I had my buddy back.” His brow knitted as he picked his nails and his bottom lip slightly quavered, “I felt that wall between us. For the longest time, I thought I had upset you or done something, I dunno, wrong or bad or something.” His teeth lightly clattered as he tried to cap this unexpected rush of emotion, “It was like you were pushing me away.” His voice cracked as another tear found it’s way over two scars, “I took it personally.”
Hakkai’s shoulder’s softened and his face slightly twisted as his stomach knotted, “Oh, Gojyo, no -- no it wasn’t like that.”
Gojyo nodded, “Yeah, I know. I came to realized that you were pushing everyone away. It wasn’t just me.” He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, “I guess what I’m trying to say is that, well, I’m glad you aren’t pushing me away anymore. That, umm… that… errr… that… I’m … I’m really thankful to … no… yes… I’m really thankful and honored to be allowed under that smile. “ Crimson eyes squeezed shut as Gojyo gritted his teeth trying to protect his inner eight year old.
Hakkai softly gasped as he wrapped his arms around Gojyo’s shoulders, “I never meant to push you away.” In his quest to be this new person, had he really pushed away those that cared the most for him? Hakkai had felt that wall too. He’d assumed it was from the others. Who wouldn’t want to keep a certain kind of distance from a mass murderer? The guilt from his crimes rationalized that emotional distance and he accepted it as a necessity of his new life. Unconsciously, he surrounded himself in guilt and grief. He dove into an inner misery and he assumed that if he wore happiness on the outside eventually he’d feel it on the inside. He had no idea that the barrier was cast by him not upon him.
Gojyo nodded in his lover’s embrace, “I know. I know.” He muttered, “I know that now.”
Emerald's eyebrows knitted as he realized he’d held on to that guilt. He’d beaten himself with regret of his past.
Hakkai may never fully heal. He may never fully release his guilt over what was done and what wasn’t done, but this conversation gave him something. It was this confession from Gojyo that provided Hakkai the strength to one day stand against and defeat a god who was also trapped in a guilt laden past. Hakkai’s crimson harbor is what enabled him to stand strong and not be a fool during that upcoming battle.
Hakkai gently squeezed Gojyo.
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Dokugakuji stared into his tea. His arms were folded on the table by his chest.
Yaone sat down at the table next to him. She smiled softly, “Mr. Hakkai will take good care of him.”
Brown eyes found soft feminine features, “You really do think they are more than friends.”
She nodded, “I’m sure of it.” She sighed, “With the way he reacted when we returned your brother,” she shrugged, “that was the worried fury of someone that was reacting to seeing someone much more than a friend injured.”
Dokugakuji softly smiled, “Hakkai will treat him right.” He nodded more to himself than anything else, “That much I’m sure of. I just hope he survived the injuries. I know they’d do all they could.”
Yaone patted her lover’s arm, “How do you feel? What does your gut tell you?”
He blinked and thought for a moment. He sighed, “That he’s alive. “
She chuckled, “Is that the brother or the opponent speaking?”
“Both.”
She grinned, “Then, he is alive.”
Ni lifted an eyebrow as he clandestinely walked away from the doorway. Just as he’d suspected, the Sanzo party had paired up. This was indeed a useful discovery. His plan might very well work this time.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Goku sighed, “Can we please go back to the comic book?” He shook the book in his hands, “This shit’s depressing and I think this guy was on some hard drugs.” He shook his head, “This guy needed some serious help.” He shrugged, “I’ve only read one other author who was more disturbing.”
A blonde eyebrow lifted, “Who was that?”
“Dr. Seuss.” Golden eyes went wide as he shivered, “Whoville! How freaky is that? That song they sang still haunts me. It’s like, “ he thought for a moment, “like the wind howling through an empty winter forest. And the rhyming, rhyming like that only comes from a demented mind.” He closed the Poe anthology and sat up. Edgy gold found confused violet, “Only a deeply disturbed individual could create the cat in the hat.” He tried to shake the fear from himself, “Green eggs and ham? I wouldn’t even eat green eggs and ham. And what kind of sick prick would stalk someone making them eat obviously spoiled food. I’m willing to bet Sam died after he ate them and he just said they were good to get the psycho away.” He swallowed, “How many times and how many ways did he say he didn’t want them? If someone were to do that and it was about sex -- that would be rape.” He sighed, “After Hakkai read that to me, I had nightmares for a solid three weeks.”
Sanzo shifted and lit a cigarette. He’d never looked at Dr. Seuss that way. The writing irritated him, but he figured that was because he looked at it through adult eyes. He hadn’t thought about the recollections and the reactions of a young adolescent; specifically, one with the type of innocence Goku had at the time of his exposure.
Goku folded his hands and continued, “It was nearly the same dream each time. I was being chased and hunted by green eggs. I ran has hard and as fast as I could. I flew past the fox, box, house, mouse, boat and the whole thing. Finally, I ended up in this yellow barn. I felt pretty safe like the eggs couldn’t get to me there. Then, this huge green chicken showed up and she had this green ham in her wing.” Goku laughed, “Eventually, I got so scared I had to do something. The chicken had invaded my barn. My safe yellow barn and I couldn’t allow that. I like chicken. So,“ he grinned, “I ate the chicken and beat the eggs up with the ham.”
Violet eyes blinked. “What did you do with the ham?”
“I threw it as hard as I could from the loft in the barn.” He sighed, “Sometimes the ham comes back for revenge.”
Sanzo shook his head, “Don’t be an idiot. It’s only a dream. Dreams can’t hurt you.”
Goku rolled his eyes, “I know that.” Now. “But that doesn’t change the fact. The guy had issues.” He glanced out the window and looked at the snow. He knew dreams couldn’t hurt you. At the time of the nightmares, he didn’t know that, but he knew that now. He knew a lot of things now. Sometimes he forgot, but he knew. “Hey, Sanzo.”
Violet eyes blinked. Great. Now, he’s hungry. “What?”
“How does snow do that?”
“Do what?”
“Steal the sound?”
Sanzo sighed. “Don’t be stupid. Snow doesn’t steal sound. It absorbs it within the ice crystals or something.” He wished Goku would ask Hakkai these things. He wasn’t all that sure of his answers. He didn’t really care as long as it shut the monkey up.
Golden eyes narrowed, “So, it traps the sound in little crystal cages. Like a prison.”
Sanzo’s eyes narrowed, “That’s one way to look at it.”
Goku sighed and rested back against Sanzo, “So, not all fears are irrational.”
“No, Goku, some fears are very real.” He sucked his teeth, “I thought you were no Charlie Brown. Are you going to wimp out at let the snow beat you?”
“Nope. I’ll fly my kite even if the tree eats it.”
Sanzo barely smiled.
Goku grinned as he looked up at the pale face, “Do you know why?”
“I don’t care as long as you do it.”
Goku laughed, “You care; you just won’t say it. I’ll do it because I know Gojyo’s staff can cut down the tree; Hakkai can make me a new kite and you will always be there to make sure I’m not an idiot and get eaten by the tree.”
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Hakkai shifted the rug back in place and Gojyo emerged from putting the toys away in the bedroom.
The crimson haired man sat down on a dining room chair and lit a cigarette. “Hey, didn’t Ms. Marie say she wanted you?”
Hakkai’s mouth dropped, “Oh my, I forgot.” He nervously laughed, “Yes, yes she did say that.”
Gojyo exhaled, “I’ll keep the home fires burning. You head on and help her, unless you think you might need me?”
Hakkai was making an effort at being open, but Gojyo with Ms. Marie was too much too soon for the brunette’s comfort level. On the other hand, that would mean that Gojyo would be here alone. Something might happen. Of course, Gojyo could hold his own and he shouldn’t be gone long. Then again, how long is too long? Tragedy can strike in a split second. However, there had been no sign of demon activity since they arrived so if there was a safe place this would be it. He knitted his brow as he finished tidying the place and nodded, “I’m sure whatever it is, I can handle it.”
Gojyo nodded. “Just come get me.” He really shouldn’t let Hakkai drive with snow like this. Granted, it wasn’t actively snowing at this moment, but the conditions were horrid. Of course, Hakkai showed him earlier that he could handle the jeep in these conditions and Hakkai knew the paths here very well. Also, if something were to happen Hakuryuu would come and get them. But! What if something happened to Hakuryuu and Hakkai was hurt also and -- this was absurd. Hakkai was a big boy and could handle himself. “If you need me, I’ll be around here.”
Hakkai nodded as he put on his cloak, “I won’t be gone long.” He stepped outside and called for Hakuryuu.
The white dragon left his resting spot on a branch near his cliff. He’d renamed that cliff “The Western Seas Clan Cliff” and headed straight for his Marshal’s voice.
Gojyo took advantage of not having Hakkai’s motherly eye around and kicked his feet up on the table. He leaned back in the chair and enjoyed his smoke. It wasn’t long before he heard a sound by the back door. He snuffed out his spent smoke and headed for the door. He looked out and down. There was a hound dog looking up at him. Gojyo grinned, “Hey boy. Whatcha pokin’ around here for?”
Blue’s eyes sparkled. Play? Play? He panted and his tongue hung from the side of his mouth.
Gojyo did a double take as he noticed the hot tub, “Holy shit! We are using this.”
Blue barked. That person was no longer looking at him. They only play when they look at him.
Gojyo glanced at the dog.
Blue hopped into the air and wagged his tail.
Gojyo chuckled, “Ya wanna play, boy?”
That was the keyword right there. PLAY! Play was nearly as important as that other keyword which was “eat“. Blue barked excitedly.
Gojyo laughed as he turned toward the cabin, “Let me get my cloak. I’ll be right back.”
Gojyo closed the door and Blue howled. That was no fair! He used the word and then there was no play! This was so sad.
Gojyo shook his head and spoke to himself, “I said I’d be back. Geez!” He quickly threw on the cloak and headed back outside.
Blue jumped for joy as the tall man stepped from the porch.
Gojyo laughed, “You play fetch boy?”
Blue’s ears perked with the word fetch. Fetch? Fetch? He knew that keyword.
Gojyo looked around for a stick poking out from the layer of snow. Crimson eyes narrowed as he studied the shapes hidden by the snow. He found a lump that looked promising.
Blue barked. A stick! Stick! Throw it! Throw it! Throw-it-throw-it-throw-it-throw-it!

Gojyo waved the stick in the air and gave it a good side-hand throw.
Blue watched as the stick spun in the air. He took off.
Gojyo shook with laughter as he old hound dog romped through the snow. Velvet ears flopped and paws kicked up clumps of white.
Triumphantly, Blue stood with the defeated stick in his mouth.
“Bring it here, boy!”
Ears perked and Blue took off toward the red-head. This guy was fun. He threw sticks.
Gojyo patted Blue on the head and reached for the stick.
Blue backed his head. That was his stick fair and square. He hunted it down. Who was this guy trying to take his stick?
Gojyo grabbed the stick.
Blue shook his head and shifted back on his haunches. This was his very own stick. It was his “favoritest” of all sticks. This was his best stick.
Gojyo laughed, “If you don’t drop it. I can’t throw it again.”

Drop? Drop! Blue dropped the stick and panted as his tail wagged so hard his hindquarters shook. A stick! He’s got a stick! Throw it! Throw it! THROW IT!

Gojyo threw it once again.
Inside the cabin, the fire burned itself out.
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Goku looked out the window. “I swear that’s a dog barking.”
Sanzo rolled his eyes. “Well, put on the warmer clothing and go look if you want to know so badly.”
Goku turned and his eyes twinkled, “I wonder if it’s a puppy!”
Sanzo shook his head, “That’s the bark of a hound, an old hound.”
Goku pointed at Sanzo, “You were listening.” He laughed as he dashed to his warmer clothing. He tossed Sanzo’s sweater to him. “Come with.”
“No.” He sat the sweater on the couch.
“Oh, come on! If you keep living like this you’ll be an old man way too early.”
Violet eyes narrowed. Why did they keep going at the age jokes? He was only one year older than Hakkai and Gojyo. “I don’t want to.”
Goku smirked, “What, the cold bad for your old bones?”
Sanzo threw the fan and beaned Goku.
Goku picked up the fan. “If you want it back, you are going to have to come and get it.” He grinned, “And I’m going to go play with the dog.”
Sanzo snarled as he shed his robes and put on the sweater.
They followed the sounds and in short order Gojyo was joined by two traveling companions.
Sanzo leaned against a tree as Goku took the stick from Gojyo.
Gojyo walked over to Sanzo and lit a cigarette. “What’s up?”
Sanzo knitted his brow. What kind of dumbass question was that? It’s not like they didn’t see each other just a few hours ago. “My foot up your ass if you keep acting like an idiot.”
Gojyo raised an eyebrow, “Goddamn, the monkey not doing it for you or something? Shit! What crawled up your ass?”
Sanzo cringed as his hand twitched, “I’ve got my gun on me, Sprite.”
Gojyo sighed, “I‘m just trying to be social, Monk.” You need to get laid. Goku’s not doing something. Shit!

They stood by the tree in silence for a while and then Goku came running up. Slightly winded from his play with the large-breed dog he grinned, “Is it just me or does that dog have a slight limp?”
Violet eyes narrowed, “The gait is off, probably arthritis.”
A crimson eyebrow lifted, “You sure do know a lot about animals.”
Sanzo snatched the fan from Goku’s waistband and nailed Gojyo, “I dated a veterinarian! Don’t be an idiot!”
Gojyo laughed, “Dated? I didn’t realize you and Tano were like that.”
Sanzo cringed. Damn his mouth! He hated making stupid mistakes like that.

Gojyo wrapped both arms around his waist, “Dated! I didn’t know you were the holding hands in the park type. Dated.”
Click, click.
Crimson eyes crossed as they triangulated on a locked, cocked and loaded Smith and Wesson. The laughter from the half-breed immediately stopped.
Realizing that if he didn’t step in, they’d be short one person west -- two, if Hakkai figured out that Sanzo killed Gojyo. Three, after he avenged Sanzo’s death. Four, after guilt took his own. -- Goku spoke, “So, umm, playing like this is bad for him?”
Blue lumbered over to the three men and sat down. Yea, a stick. Blue sighed, If you throw it one more time, I’m going to keep it and you’re not getting it back. Blue figured they needed to take better care of their sticks. He was beginning to wonder if they even wanted the stick.
Gojyo smiled as he scratched Blue behind the ears, “Actually, movement can help keep range of motion, but he looks kinda tired now.”
“Tch, who knows about animals now?”
Gojyo pointed at the monk, “I’m dating, Hakkai! Don’t be an idiot! He talks about stupid shit.” He shrugged, “I can’t help but pick up on some things.”
Violet eyes flickered, “Do you wanna die?!”
Gojyo whipped his head to face Goku and jutted an arm toward Sanzo, “Monkey! Take your monk back to your cabin and suck him off or something! Shit!”
A gun shot cracked the winter air. Snow fell from some tree tops. A half-breed jumped. “Ya prick! You could have killed me!”
Sanzo gritted his teeth as veins popped on his forehead, “I was trying to, but the glare from the snow messed with my aim!”
Goku sighed as he realized how much Hakkai was needed. “Would you please stop fighting?” He pointed at Gojyo, “You stop instigating shit!” He pointed at Sanzo, “You learn to take a joke!”
Gojyo and Sanzo glared at Goku. Who was this monkey thinking he had the right to tell them what to do?
Goku paled and smiled nervously.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hakkai stepped from the ladder with a small box in his hands, “Here you go.”
Ms. Marie smiled and opened the box, “Oh dear, this one isn’t it either.” She blinked, “I thought for sure I kept all the tax records in the storage room.” She handed him back the box.
Hakkai carried it back to the top shelf, “Hmmm,” emerald eyes blinked, “That’s the last one up here. Is there somewhere else you’d like to check?” He had no idea why she wanted to review 15 year-old tax records, but he was more than happy to climb the ladder for her. She didn’t need to be doing things like this.
Ms. Marie shrugged. She knew full and well the last seven years of tax records were in the filing cabinet in the office. “Well, I suppose it is of no consequence anyway.”
Hakkai wiped the dust off his hands, “If the calculations were wrong, they can’t be corrected now.”
She nodded. “So, true.” She headed for the door, “I suppose you should be heading back to your friends now.”
Hakkai held out his arm and Hakuryuu waddled up to his shoulder. “Yes, ma’am. If you need me again you know where I am.”
She grinned, “Cabin thirty-eight, your favorite.”
Hakkai nodded. He was covered in dust; as soon as he got back he was going to get in the shower. “Yes, ma’am.”
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Goku shut the door to the cabin and whipped off his cloak. Sanzo shrugged his off his shoulders and violet eyes went wide as his waistband was grabbed. Goku smiled as he yanked Sanzo closer, “The sprite’s right, you need an attitude adjustment.”
“Tch, fuck you.”
“Strip and I‘ll grant that request.”
Sanzo shifted his hips and tried to get his waistband from Goku’s grasp. “I’m not in the mood for this.”
Goku slipped a hand around Sanzo’s waist and began to grope his lover, “You will be soon.”
Sanzo sneered, “Aren’t you hungry or something?”
Goku teethed Sanzo’s shoulder, “Real hungry.” He chuckled, “Starving, I hope Hakkai gets back soon.” With a laugh, he released Sanzo.
Violet eyes narrowed as he glared at the brunette. Teasing like that was just improper.
Goku chuckled as he flopped onto the couch, “Oh you like it, I don’t even want to hear that look.”
A blonde eyebrow lifted. When did the monkey get so flippant?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gojyo stepped in the cabin after wishing Blue “good day” and grinned when he heard the shower running. Hakkai must be back, naked and wet. This was going to be a good surprise if he was sneaky enough.
He crept to the door and stealthily opened it. He stepped into the steam filled room and lifted an eyebrow. His lover must have gotten cold; Gojyo had wonderful ways of recapturing warmth and was more than willing to help. Trying his best to not to disturb the steam enough to give away his movements, he slipped from his clothes and eyed that frosted glass enclosed shower. Yes! The blurred figure before him meant his lover was slightly bent over most likely rinsing or washing his hair. This was perfect. He jerked the door open, “Surprise lover!”
Female eyes looked back at him -- crimson female eyes. She whipped her dyed black hair from over her head and laughed.
Gojyo backed up. “You’re not Hakkai.”
Glancing at him from over her shoulder, she spoke, “Nope. I don’t know any Hakkai. What was your first clue, Big Boy?” Crimson eyes flicked down and then up, “Oh, excuse me, it seems I spoke too soon.” She grinned and chuckled. Truth be told, she was scared out of her mind. She was completely naked, in an isolated place, away from her knives and a strange man was standing way too close. The only tactic she had was bold bluffing speech.
Gojyo’s mouth dropped open, “Hey! It’s cold!” How dare her insult his manhood! He narrowed his eyes, “You’re that chick in the pictures with Kanan.”
Ah’Nesty closed the door to the shower enclosure. That statement spoke volumes. He used the word “lover” when he came in here. That meant he was with someone. She already knew there was a single visitor here for her. This guy obviously knows Kanan and he hasn’t mentioned Gonou. Her stomach twisted. This could mean that this guy was with Kanan. Fuck! If that was the case, then two things were true. One, he was no threat. And two, Gonou was dead and had been dead for a while if Kanan has taken another lover. She felt a lump form in her throat and begged herself to not jump to conclusions. After all, there still remained the matter of figuring out who this Hakkai person was. She spoke over the running water, “If you know Kanan then you know Gonou.” Please say yes.

Gojyo pulled on his boxers. “I know of Kanan and I wouldn’t say that I know Gonou.”
Her brow knitted and she tried desperately to hold back her tears. She slowly turned off the water. “Just tell me which one is dead or hurt or whatever. Ms. Marie wouldn’t tell me anything except that I have a visitor.”
Gojyo nibbled his bottom lip as he grabbed a towel and held it by the door. “Kanan died a little over three years ago.”
Ah’Nesty’s hand shook as she took the offered towel and slipped it behind the frosted glass door. Since he didn’t know Gonou and Kanan was dead that meant both of them were gone. She felt something snap in her chest as she wrapped the towel around herself. She pushed a hand to her bangs and began to weep.
Gojyo’s heart sunk, “I didn’t mean to drop it on you like that.” He opened the door and slipped his arms around her shoulders to comfort her, “Ah’Nesty, I’m sorry.”
She wanted to push this stranger away, but his embrace felt so comforting. With a loud sniffle, she pressed her forehead into his chest.
Gojyo coyly smiled as his insides twisted. He hated to see women cry. “Hey now, no fair turning on the water works.” He tilted her face up and crimson met crimson. With their faces just few inches apart and their flesh pressed together, Gojyo softly whispered, “It makes me wanna kiss you.” His gaze shifted to her lips and back to her eyes.
She pushed a hand to her face and turned from him. She leaned against one of the tiled walls. “Give me a break here, alright? You’ve just let me know that my two best friends have died.” Her words hid under sobs.
Gojyo nodded, “I shoulda --- two? No, just one.” He rolled his eyes in self chastisement, “Not that it makes her death any better, but you haven’t lost both of them. I’m sorry, Hakkai’s better at these things. I shoulda let him tell you.”
She took in a deep breath.
Gojyo smiled. He liked the way her moderate sized breasts pushed against the towel with that breath. Now that the steam had somewhat cleared, he could visually enjoy a practically naked chick in the shower with him.
She ran a hand through her wet locks. “Where’s Gonou?” She needed someone familiar right now. She needed some she trusted and felt comfortable with. She didn’t need this stranger. She paled, “Wait a minute. If she’s dead…” her words trailed off, “Oh my god. What happened? I never thought … I never doubted that he’d kill himself if something happened to her.”
Gojyo sighed, “Well, that’s a long story.” He grinned, “Don’t get me wrong. Wet, practically naked, cute chicks are my favorite kind, but this isn’t the best setting for a long story.”
She jerked a hand and pointed at him.
Gojyo liked that soft shake to her bosom.
She snapped, “Tell me where Gonou is or I’ll rip your nipples off!”
Gojyo raised his hand, “Look, Missy! Don’t cop an attitude with someone that’s trying to be nice!”
She put a hand on her hip, “Just because were both half-breeds doesn’t give us some kind of stupid psychic connection, I don‘t owe you shit. I don’t fucking know you. You come into my shower, drop a fucking bomb on me and now you won’t tell me where my last remaining friend is. Don’t make me do something painful with your nuts! Where the hell is Gonou?”
Gojyo jerked his palms in to the air, “Woah! Take a pill or something. Shit. I never said you owed me nor did I say jack shit about some kind of connection. As far as Cho Gonou goes -- that’s a long story. Now, do you wanna hear it in a towel, because I certainly won’t mind. I like seeing cleavage.” He chuckled.
She lifted an eyebrow, “I’m not bashful,” That wasn’t entirely a lie. She wasn’t bashful per se, but she wasn’t nearly as bold as she was pretending to be. This guy had already seen her naked and worry was overriding her need to get dressed. “Is Cho Gonou dead?”
Gojyo cocked an eyebrow, “Yes and no.”
“Fuck! Is he in a coma?”
“He was.”
“Oh my god!” She knitted her brow, “What hospital is he in?”
“He’s not in a hospital.” He sighed, “The man you knew as Cho Gonou…” With him in his boxer shorts and her in a towel, Gojyo stood in a shower and told Ah’Nesty of the death of Kanan, the “death” of Cho Gonou and the birth of Cho Hakkai.
While he spoke, she slid down the wall and sat upon the tiled floor. She sat in silence for a brief moment and pinched the bridge of her nose. She very softly spoke, “I can’t believe he’s still alive.”
Gojyo, who was also sitting upon the tiled floor, ran a hand through his hair, “Yeah, well, it was touch and go there for a while.”
She shook her head, “No, not from the injuries -- from himself. She was his reason for breathing.”
He knitted his brow, “It’s taken him every bit of these three plus years to get to this point, if you say anything or do anything to make him feel like he shouldn’t have another lover, I promise you I will disembowel you. “
Feminine crimson eyes went wide, “Dude! Where’s that coming from?”
“I will not have you or anyone else making him feel guilty for finally getting just a little past that grief. I will not let anyone push him back into that grief …,” he paused, “cocoon that he tried to die in.”
“Relax man, it’s not like that. Three years, “She shook her head and sighed, “wow, half of me is shocked that he’s alive and the other half is amazed that anyone can go three years without a lover.” She was in no place to speak. Her relationship with Gonou was the last sexual relationship she’d successfully had. “I won’t fault him or hold anything against him. You must really love him.”
Gojyo nodded, “Heart and soul.” He took a moment to scan her. She was cute. She wasn’t that “traffic stopping” beauty of which stories are written, but she was attractive. She had a playful spunky air about her. He noticed that the ends of her long dyed-black hair were her natural crimson. He smirked; it looked like a somewhat effective attempt to recreate the look of flames in her hair. She seemed to be somewhere around 5’ 6” -- right in that range of the “cute height” for chicks. She was shapely with just a few hints of extra padding in all the right spots. Just enough extra padding to make sure no one forgot she was a woman, he‘d be willing to bet she was real soft. Her breasts were on the small side of moderate -- they looked like they would just fill his hands. Those were what Gojyo liked to call “cupping breasts”. Large breasts were great to look at but “cupping breasts” were fun to play with. When it came to breasts, he use to belong to the “more the merrier” camp until he shared a bed with a smaller breasted woman. Smaller breasted women seemed to have more sensitive nipples and that just made them all the more fun in bed. If the situation were different, he’d totally “do” her, but she was an “ex” of sorts. Ex-girlfriends where in a category all to themselves.
There was an universal unspoken guy rule. Ex-girlfriends of buddies were off limits. Any self-respecting guy would get permission before pursuing an ex-girlfriend even if it was just for a fling in the sack. Which made him wonder, “Ah’Nesty, let me ask ya something.”
She nodded.
“What was your relationship with him?”
She laughed.
As she laughed, Gojyo watched her eyes sparkle. Those razor-cut eyes that looked back at him in the mirror each morning, except this time they looked out from behind black hair. He was convinced he knew those eyes from somewhere other than his face; he just couldn’t place it. “C’mon.”
She took in a deep breath and capped her laughter enough to speak, “We were, I guess you could say, fuck-buddies.”
Gojyo’s eyes went wide. “I totally knew it!” He laughed, “I just never saw him as the type to have a fuck-buddy.”
She shrugged, “Well, of sorts.”
Gojyo’s grinned dropped. This was just bullshit; he couldn’t get a straight answer from her either, “Cut the crap, what’s this ‘of sorts’ bit?”
She grinned. “Let’s just put it this way, when your lover left me,” she paused and waved her hand in the air in a silent melodramatic ‘ta-da’, “he was an experienced virgin.”
Gojyo howled, “You never went all the way.”
She shook her head, “Nope, never went all the way.”
He grinned, “So, why didn’t you ever become more than just fuck-buddies?”
She shrugged, “Do you really wanna talk about this in the shower?”
He shrugged, “Whatever.” Yeah, because when you shift your legs, I get a beaver shot. Gojyo loved Hakkai. Hakkai was meeting all his needs, but Gojyo was still ‘Letch Extraordinaire’ -- who had his business card printed on his tongue so they’d never forget to call. Call out -- in loud ecstasy.
She shifted and stood remaining unaware of his visual grope-fest. “Well,” she sighed as she straightened her towel, “You could say he wasn’t ready for any kind of real relationship or commitment while I was with him.”
Gojyo smirked as he stood. Hadn’t Hakkai told him basically the same thing a few nights ago? He shook his head, these two lovers just kept missing each other. A simple problem known as bad timing -- too bad for her, great for him. He chuckled to himself as he grabbed his clothes from the floor.
She headed for the bedroom. Why hadn’t she noticed any bags? She closed the bedroom door and eyed the closed closet door. She pulled off her towel and opened the closet door. She eyed the two bags on the floor. This day marked the last time she let freezing temperatures make her drop her bags by a bed and jump in the shower for warmth.
Gojyo set up the coffee pot and began to brew some of the life giving liquid. A wry smile formed on his lips as he wonder how much information she would divulge before Hakkai got back here and taped her mouth shut.
As the coffee pot gurgled, she stepped from the bedroom wearing ash gray leggings, an oversized black cardigan sweater, an ash gray mock turtleneck shirt and black slouch socks. She had the sides of her black and red hair pulled up in a clip on the top of her head and her wavy hair cascaded down her back. That cute pale face was framed nicely by black locks. He did a double take when he noticed her eyes were now gray. He pulled out two coffee cups as she sat down in the chair by the fireplace. “Why do you do that?” He inquired as he poured the coffee. “How do you like your brew?”
She glanced over the chair, “Sweet and light. Do what?”
He made the coffee and carried a cup over to her. He sat on the couch close to the chair. He scanned her face, “Hide yourself? Do you deny your birth?”
She rolled her eyes, “Don’t tell me your one of those species-pride half-breeds.”
He looked at his coffee, “I’m not up in peoples faces, but I don’t hide. Why would you hide here anyway?”
She sipped her coffee, “Good brew. I’m not hiding, I just get sick of looking at the same face in the mirror everyday. Is that cool with you or does that insult some kind of sensibility?” She tucked her feet up in the chair and put her knees between her torso and him, “You seem to know me, what’s your name?”
He smirked, “Don’t go changing the subject. I’m Gojyo. Sha Gojyo.” He glanced over at her and smiled. “Bah, who am I to tell you what color your hair should be? I just wanted to know.”
Gray eyes narrowed as she scanned his face. “I have to admit, doing it has probably gained me admittance to a few inns and restaurants that would normally have been closed to me … to us.” She shrugged, “And, I’ve probably avoided a few fights.” She knitted her brow as she finally noticed the two scars on his cheek, “From where do I know you?”
He smirked, “I’ve been trying to figure that out since I saw the pictures. I thought at first you might have been some vague one night stand.”
She laughed, “That’s not it, I assure you.” She sighed and glanced at the hot tan liquid in her cup, “Man, she’s really gone, huh?”
Gojyo nodded, “Yeah, she’s really gone.”
“Where did he bury her?”
Gojyo cringed, “She died in a castle. It got torched before he could get her body out.”
She knitted her brow, “You never saw the body?”
He shook his head, “Nope.”
She blinked, “She stabbed herself in the abdomen or heart?”
“Heart.” He knitted his brow, “abdomen.” He shrugged, “I’m not sure, come to think of it.”
“So, there’s a chance she’s still alive if someone got her out before the fire took her. Stomach wounds are a slow death.”
Gojyo paled and tingles cascaded down his body. He glared at her, “If you mention that to him… if you give him that false hope … “ He gritted his teeth and found his words, “She’s dead. Don’t go there. Accept it, cry over it if you need to , but in three years she would have found him if she were alive.” He narrowed his eyes, “You say that to him and you will shatter him.”
She nodded. But still, it could be. “I won’t say anything.” She shook the thought from her head. She could always check into this later. Crimson eyelashes flicked over gray eyes as she scanned his face, “So, you and he are an item now?”
He nodded, “Yep.”
She chuckled.
He knitted his brow, “What?”
“When did he figure out he was bi?”
He softly chuckled, “Surprisingly, just a few months ago.”
Her eyes went wide, “We all saw it way before he did, I didn’t expect it to take that long to sink in to him. So, you’re his first male lover.” She sucked her teeth, “Aww, isn’t that sweet?”
He softly nodded. And the last as long as I have any say, “Yeah ---” He turned his head toward her, “Hey, are you making fun of us?”
She shook her head, “Nah, not really. “ She shrugged as she crossed her ankles between her hips and the inside of the arm of the chair, “You just don’t seem like a sub to me.”
He tilted his head, “What?”
She knitted her brow, “Oh, come on. Surely, you’ve noticed. He’s a very dominant lover.”
Gojyo knitted his brow, “I wouldn’t say it like that.”
She smirked, “How else can you describe it? Shit, the quickest way to turn him on is to be naked while he’s still clothed.” She shrugged and chuckled, “Well, maybe not the quickest. If you run you fingernail right here, “ she pointed at the back of her neck, “like this,” she ran her finger from her hair line to her shoulder, “that just jump starts him.”
Gojyo laughed. He could think of a certain phrase that would turn him on quicker than that. “I wouldn’t agree with that.” He smirked, “Old language.”
“Old language? Like arcane or anachronistic language?”
He nodded, “Yeah.”
She snorted and laughed, “He’s such a dork!” She shook her head, “I didn’t know about that, but if there is anyone that would be turned on by words it would him.” She sipped her coffee, “My god, he wouldn’t even entertain the thought any kind of restraints and he knelt on the bed for a blowjob. Kneeling, god, he loved kneeling. I think we came up with kneeling positions that aren’t in the Kama Sutra.” She chuckled.
Gojyo howled, “We better make sure we’re talking about the same guy. Brown hair, green eyes, 5’ 11”, about 150 pounds, slim build, soft spoken, real polite, and a total bookworm.”
She lifted an eyebrow, “Brown hair down his back.” She shook her head, “No, he was thinking about cutting it, green eyes, 5’ 11” when he finally stopped growing, 150 pounds if he filled out well, slim build, “ she laughed, “but not everywhere, soft spoken at times, and a total bookworm. But, that real polite bit -- I don’t know. There’s a level of sarcasm that kinda cuts that. You forgot to add a total letch and a complete breast man.”
Gojyo had to set his coffee down and he gripped his sides with laughter, “He’s changed. Whoa boy, has he changed!”
She shook her head, “No way. No one changes that much.” She laughed as she finished her coffee. She was so tired she was getting punchy. More coffee was needed -- for sure. “He use to play with my tits so much, I’d have to put lotion on my nipples.” She shook with laughter, “I swear, I think they were constantly erect.” She howled, “I’d have to put little band-aids on them so people wouldn’t stare at school.”
Gojyo’s shoulders shook, “You’ve gotta be shitting me. There’s no way this is the same guy.”
She grinned, “Why are we doing this the hard way? I’ve got photo albums.”
Gojyo’s mouth dropped open. “Oh dear god, yes!” He nodded, “You are bringing those out.” He rubbed his hands together, “What do ya say, we make him squirm a bit?”
She tilted her head, “Squirm? You don’t know Som.”
“Som?”
“Nickname for a nickname.” She chuckled.
Gojyo blinked, “Oh, yes squirm. You don’t know Hakkai.”
There was a knock at the door, Gojyo stood and opened the door, “Hey, Hakkai’s not back yet.”
Sanzo huffed, “Then, we’re not interrupting the bunnies.”
Gojyo rolled his eyes and looked at Goku, “Whatever you did wasn’t enough.”
Goku shrugged. What could he do? A teased Sanzo made for a much more fun Sanzo later on. He stepped inside and his eyes went wide when he saw Ah’Nesty, “What the hell? Sprite, I swear. Here we are stranded in a ski lodge. No one but us and yet you still manage to pick up a girl.”
Gojyo laughed as he closed the door, “What can I say, I’m the master.” He waved his hand in the air, “Everyone meet Ah’Nesty.”
Violet eyes narrowed, “Stranded in a snow storm, huh? How did you get here?”
She grinned as she pulled her legs tighter to her chest and pulled her sweater over her knees. She slipped a hand to her waist and fingered the hinge to one of her butterfly knives, “Well you see, I have the most curious form of transportation. A white jeep that…”

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Gojun “Speed Demon” Dragon King of the Western Seas Clan raced through the air hurling himself toward certain death.
The crowd in the stands went to their feet with boisterous cheers as the daredevil dragon showed no fear of the isolated cliff. A gasp covered the crowd as the white dragon faltered and wobbled during his lightening fast descent.
Gojun struggled to balance his wingspan. That was a giggle. He just knew it. A little dragon head shifted as red eyes narrowed. The crowd in his mind went away as he eyed the rocks, snow, and trees. Someone was here.
He sniffed the air and smiled.
She laughed and stepped out from behind the tree. “You are totally busted.”
He blushed as the longest eyelashes he’d ever seen blinked at him, “Advowlkryie, why are you here?” If he had thought for one second he wasn’t alone there was no way he would have been enjoying what should be the national dragon pastime.
She sighed as he joined her on a branch, “All this time, I thought your absence from the clan was for an important mission. I didn’t know this was a windsurfing vacation.” She chuckled, “You’re playing like a hatchling. It makes me worry less.”
He nudged his snout against her cheek, “Are you keeping tabs on your mate?”
She shook her head, “Of course not. You don’t need anyone keeping tabs on you.” Red eyes playfully narrowed, “Do I need to keep tabs on you?” She was completely keeping tabs on him.
He smiled, “No, my dear, we mate for life.”
She nodded, “Such long wonderful lives too.” With that two dragon snouts touched. These two were so in love with each other it was sickening.
He brushed his cheek against hers, “I’ve missed you.”
She softly smiled, “I’ve missed you too.”
“How’s the prince?”
“Still missing you and still performing honorably.”
“How’s the clan?”
“Everything at home is fine, Gojun.”
“Has he taken a mate?”
She shook his head, “Not yet dear.”
He sighed, “What is his delay? The ascension line to the throne needs to be secure.”
She blinked as he tried to hide a shiver. “How long have you been out here?”
He shrugged, “Just a few minutes, but I’ve been outside a lot today.”
She sighed, “You know better. You’ve become chilled.”
“I’m no pup.”
She shook her head, “Then fine, I’m chilled.” She wasn’t. “Let’s go inside somewhere.”
He blinked, “I can’t have you chilled.”
With one flap each, they headed back toward the cabins.
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Hakkai shifted the bags in his hand as Hakuryuu took to the air with great speed. He could tell by the tracks in the snow that Sanzo and Goku were keeping Gojyo company. He hoped his lover hadn’t been shot. His baffling errand with Ms. Marie had taken longer than he expected. At least he remembered to get lasagna supplies for Goku before heading back to the cabins. He opened the door and froze as a familiar face came into view.
Ah’Nesty smiled. “Hey, lover.”
Sanzo and Goku whipped their heads toward Hakkai. “LOVER?” They inquired simultaneously.
Bags of lasagna supplies hit the floor.
Gojyo howled with laughter.
Gonou sneered, “Ah’Nesty. And she was here with them... alone. You know they’ve been talking.” He chuckled, “Oh dear, what does Gojyo know about you now?” Gonou, the voice of Hakkai’s paranoia -- among other things.

[End of Chapter]

Endnote: If you are not familiar with the comic “Chopping Block” and would like to know about Butch -- here’s a link. http://www.choppingblock.org/d/20000927.html

It’s written and drawn in such a way that you really sympathize with the crazed serial killer.
If you are not familiar with “Get Fuzzy” and would like to know why Hakkai thinks Sanzo relates to Bucky, here’s a link.

http://www.comics.com/comics/getfuzzy/html/cast_GetFuzzy.html

***********Reviewer Feedback *************

CloeyKujaku 2005-01-23

You updated~! Yaaaaaay~!

Fic Review: Laugh. My. Ass. OFF. When Goku mistook the "card game" as a sexual innuendo, I couldn't stop laughing. Hell, I IMed Zil and started mocking it. That is such a damn kodak moment. Funniest shit EVER. Next to the Rudolph parody. WHICH I FINALLY FIGURED OUT SANZO DOES LIKE MAYONAISE IN HIS RAMEN! NASTY. And Goku is afraid of snow! Wow, I never knew this. AHEM, anywhoo... Sanzo's knoweledge for comics..Wow. He's such an in-the-closet-nerd. I love it. Hell, I love Sanzo period. 'Specially your Sanzo. He's fun. (Hearts.) Whoo~! Bath scene was so nosebleedable! Gojyo is so damn sexy. He can touch me with a sponge any day~! ..Scratch that. He can touch Hakkai with a sponge anyday, and let me watch! Better. I was waiting for Kenren and Tenpou to finally take control. But aww, no screwing. Poor guys. And dear God, Hakuryuu cracks me up. His personality is PRICELESS.

Review towards Reply: Waaaah~! I'm serious, I WANT a shirt like that. That'd be the most awesome thing ever. Tenpou's spiffin'! And you met a reader by chance? Wow! I'd probably glomp and fawn over you like you were a God. I'm so childish. And yes, there should be a sign up sheet for that! I'D SIGN UP! Whoo, Sanzo is one sexy, sexy man. And yes, now Gonou doesn't piss me off as much.

Aww, you're typing. Good girl. (Pats.) This be Clojaku, signing off. You keep writing, I keep reviewing~.

---Clojaku

CloeyKujaku --- I’m glad the humor carried in that “card game” scene. For a bit, I thought it was too obvious to be funny. We knew it had to happen at some point. After writing that, I went back and re-read the first time Goku suggested a card game -- so many snickers now that the readers knows what he was really talking about. Too bad it turned into a real game with just Gojyo -- talk about a disappointed monkey.
Sponge -- glad you liked the bit of fun with household items *big grin*.
Hakuryuu -- If he didn’t let go every now and then he’d go insane! Now we know what he does when he disappears during the show.
I’m a very touchy-feely person -- you are welcome to glomp all over me. Thanks for your supportive words!
Yes, I’m still writing. I wouldn’t dare risk “persuasion”.
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*

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Beysie 2005-01-24

Ok... I was all set for reviewing this great chapter, when you went and tried something fatally horrible on me... LOGIC! You made my head hurt! Therefore, I must comment on your logic games first.

You have a height miscalculation somewhere... I know that for height in cm I'm 164... I also know that in feet I'm exactly 5'4 1/2". You got 5'7 1/2" for Kanan somewhere, I'm not sure... I'm quite sure she's taller than I am.

The hair thing? My mother's a barber... I can tell you that everyone's grows at a different pace. My best friend's hair grows at an inch to inch and a half per month... I get less than a centimeter, maybe less than a half per month. It could simply be that Gonou's hair grows very quickly.

Prego thing? Again, a contrast for you closer to extremes. Again my best friend... she could practically tell you at what time the sperm entered the egg, for all three of her kids. My first I was clueless because my cycle skipped and prodded so bad that birth control pills were useless. I figured it out by the degree of heartburn. Therefore it was easier to tell with my second. The showing thing? I carried one at a time (thank the Goddess for that!) and by the end of my first trimester I looked like I was six months gone... I simply had big kids. Both were over 8 and a half pounds, and on schedule. I also envied those women that didn't show until they were nearly 7 months...

Now I have to go hunting through my Saiyuki anime... I don't know about the manga, haven't read it... but all the killings weren't all on one night. However, I could be misinterpreting what you had meant by this... the one castle was in one night, but the black crow clan was a few nights previous. I know it was mentioned in the anime, I'll have to get back to you on which episode. I can't remember if it was the Sambutshin telling Sanzo, or if it was Sanzo telling Goku... that information did get out in the anime though.

The reason why all this shit hurt? Let's just say that I can completely understand Goku logic! I think on more simple terms... I normally don't read the review responses authors make public like you have. I believe it's meant for those people, not me. It's rare for me... however this time I did catch one that wasn't mine. (thanks btw!) So many people seem to read so deep and catch all your symbolism, and I feel so simple... I know my subconscious catches it, I understand it, then my eyes move on to see what next little tidbit you have in store for me. I admit often I don't see the symbolism unless it's pointed out to me, yet at the same time I completely understand what it's meant to convey at the right moment. I at least catch the feelings it's meant to convey. This is why I can understand Goku so well the way you have him portrayed here!

I just love how Sanzo decides that comics can convey more than sutras... damn near peed my pants I was laughing so hard!

And despite how serious the situation is between Hakkai and Gojyo, you managed to put in the humor to keep it from being too nasty. Thank you. Tempou and Kenren are hilarious when they want to be. I have been known to get so drawn into a story that I've had anxiety attacks from scenes like those. Yes, I really do lose myself in the stories I read... but that's when I know it's a good story! Of course our wonderful, and oh so serious *sneezebullshit* Dragon King... his pla-- I mean perimiter checks, so serious as to not be construed as play... *snickers*

I didn't truely realize how unbalanced Hakkai was until this chapter. It's hard for me to keep up with his thought process! I can understand it, just not the depth I guess... I can kind of relate to that self sacrifice thing. I'm still learning how to say 'no' myself. However I can say I'm much further along than he is! *chuckles*

Ack! Now you've got me thinking deep... Damn, now I need some Tylenol. Until next time... Update soon!

Beysie --- That’s the problem with using aggregate data -- there are always outliers. Sigh. After all of that (and those big mistakes) we see it in plain writing that it was just over two months, so we now know and can lay off the headache meds. Snicker. I still can’t believe as many times as I have read that manga, that I missed it.

Don’t feel simple. Writing speaks to different people in different ways. Some people are very abstract thinkers and some are concrete thinkers. One isn’t better than the other, they’re just differences. I try to include a bit of each for both groups of people. One piece that ended up on the cutting room floor (to turn a phrase), is so abstract, I had to go back and add some concrete stuff just make sure people knew there was a lemon going on. Then, I chose to nix the whole scene -- it was WAY too abstract. I should post if for Flamingolo
The symbolism is really more to help me set the tone and pace of each chapter. They also work as threads to hold the whole thing together -- “for a little while” , “butterflies”, and the nautical theme are the main three that are running at some level in each chapter. Some chapters rely upon it more heavily than others. No doubt there are some pieces so cryptic , especially in the beginning, that nearly everyone missed it. The key thing is picking up the emotions, which you say you get -- so then I have communicated properly.
Missing the symbolism is not a reflection of the reader, it is a reflection of poor writing. I’ll make a better effort at clarifying and being less cryptic.
Hakkai -- yeah, he’s a total head-case. The odd thing is that I actually think Gojyo is the most mentally messed of all of them. He’s so far out there, I can’t really write it. I’ve been able to touch on it and there a have been a few times where I’ve gotten it, but for the most part it is beyond my grasp. I think he is the most fragile (mentally) of them all and the most suicidal. He hides it extremely well. I suspected it, but I didn’t get it until I read the translations for his songs. Yowza!

Thanks for leaving a review -- till next time!
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*

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Shinigami_Senpai 2005-01-24

Much like Goku, I was very excited at the prospect of them all "playing cards" together.

Again, excellent writing. I can't wait for the next chapter.

Not to give you the big head (LOL) but I'm currently in the middle of the Reload anime, and I've found myself being more interested in your next chapter then the next episode. There's just more action in YOUR story!

Shinigami_Senpai --- Wow! What a great compliment! One big orgy, LOL, such a fun thought, but I’ll leave that to PWP. I don’t want to deal with the fallout of that. In RAHO there’d be a morning after. In Goku’s eyes nothing would have changed, but the others --- ehhh--- that would mess with the chemistry too much.
Thank you for your glowing words. I hope you continue to enjoy the fic!
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*

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Silvertales6 2005-01-26

Hello again,

*Kisses Cup on the cheek*

you are amazing...simply put. my compy has not been working lately so when i saw that there was two chappies i hadn't read, i sat there and took 1 and a half hours to read them. There are just so many things in these chappies that made me laugh, cry, think etc. and i cannot even begin to name them all. The snow and Goku...very deep stuff there. The song that Gojyo and Hakkai wrote about Sanzo...priceless. Also liked the humor between Goku and Sanzo ..."I'm not reading. I'm looking out the window."

And i never did get the funny part of Garfield either. What is so funny about a cat that eats Italian? I eat Italian..and I'm not funny. Nor do i have my own comic strip...hmmm...i'll think about that.

I'm glad that the butterfly thing stuck around. I've always thought that the theroy was interesting. Cause and Effect...hm.

Anyways...wonderful wonderful as usual. Waiting impatiently for the next chapter, your reader,

SilverTales6

PS - As i went to click to review this, I found something funny. Review Relax and Hang on -- Again. Take it on a literal meaning. Review again? Okay! I shall! :)

Silvertales6--- Hello *rubs the kiss in* (gonna keep it forever) I wondered to where you had run off! I’m glad everything is ok aside from puter issues. Garfield use to be my favorite comic strip. I never found the food stuff funny, but the other stuff bumped that. I’m now totally into “Get Fuzzy” -- more ‘tude and less food.

The Butterfly thing -- yeah it is still there, I’m just not interrupting the narratives like I did in that one chapter. It’s been there since the beginning (with the one-shot) hiding in the background, but I had to bring it out for that one chapter. There have been a few butterfly flaps that won’t become evident for a few more chapters. [insert mischievous chuckle here … hmm what has happened that hasn’t been brought out of the background? Hmmm….]
Thanks for taking the time to review RAHO Again --- Again! *Chuckle* I’m real glad you’re back with us. See! I saved your seat and kept it warm. *grin*
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*

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Mzblue 2005-01-26

Yet again another moving chapter. You capture such raw depth and emotion of the Saiyuki guys. Well enough with the mushy stuff on with the review:

1. Charlie Brown is fucked. Do you ever have those days where you just can't win. They'll always be a Lucy or tree who eats your personal kite. Don't get me wrong, I love Charlie Brown, he just keeps plodding away. On that note:

2. Everyone should embrace their own inner Garfield. Be not fooled by the fatness. This cat kicks ass and takes no prisoners. Its ok to once in a while eat the lasagna, push the Odies of the world off the edge of the table, and pretty much just do what you want.

3. Much can be learned by reading comics, grasshopper.

I'll say it again, the characterizations are so yummy and soulful. What I like about your fic is the wonderful blend of the real, the now, and the surreal. The Saiyuki men bleed, they aren't perfect individuals, talk about mentally disturbed, these guys make Sybil look like a walk in the park (For those not in the know, Sybil was an actual person in the medical books who claimed to have 7 different personalities inside her) I'm ever the optimist, I want the Happy Ending for the Saiyuki Men. However, this is your baby, and mind you I said Happy Ending, not mentally sane! I don't think they'll ever be 100% fine in the head. But I guess thats what makes us love these guys, sigh ;)

For the record your fic has got the funniest lines ever, good rendering of Sanzo's sarcasm, Hakkai's dry wit, Gojyo's sexy magnetism, and Goku's childish energy.

Keep up the great work!!! I'm such an addict for your fics.

"Obsession is great, Therapy is for quitters!"

MzBlue -- You are such a dear and I love your look on life! Can I steal “Obsession is great, therapy is for quitters!” for the website?
I agree Charlie Brown is totally screwed. Garfield -- I know I have an inner feline that likes to kick every now and then. Much indeed can be learned. All too often it is fancy words that make us think something is a deep thought -- in reality simple words can convey much more.
These guys are more bonkers than a state hospital. “Happy Ending” -- well define happy… it’s all in your perspective. I know the last line of the fic. I’ve known it for several chapters now, but it’s going to be a little bit before we get there. There are a couple of chapters that are going to be delayed because I want the manga/anime to catch up -- that’s part of the reason I’m delaying the aftermath of the whole Homura thing. I want the readers to get ahead of the fic in relation to the anime. That way I’m sure to not spoil anything. I want to deal with the aftermath of Homura and the Kami-sama arcs before I put this puppy to bed. Especially the Kami-Sama arc -- a butterfly has indeed flapped its wings there.
BTW -- for you and the other Het fans out there, I’ve heard your “there’s just not enough het fics for Saiyuki” cry. I’ve shied away from that because I didn’t think it was all that popular (and my fear of writing a Mary Sue), but you guys are so sweet, I’m brewing one for you. How does Hakkai / Yaone sound? Or are you one of those Character / OC het fans?
Thanks again for reviewing, I always look forward to your take.
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*

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Flamingolo 2005-01-30

Just wanted to drop a quickie on how much I adored the new chapter. Excellent, excellent job; as usual, you conjured up an intruiging, dischorded rhythm and atmosphere. I'm a bit too pressed for time to give a suitable review at the moment, but I just couldn't turn away from leaving SOMETHING after reading the smashing chappie. Consider this my raincheck *lol*. Well-written chapter!

Flamingolo--- Thanks for giving me a quickie. LOL! (Sorry couldn’t resist!) I’m glad you liked it. I’ve got a lemon that was cut from another fic, that I think you’d like. It is extremely abstract. Since it was cut from another fic, I haven’t posted. I just can’t seem to find a home for it. I suspect you’ll be the only one that will like it. At least I hope you will. If you see “Total Eclipse of the Moon” on AFF know that it is for you.
Thanks for dropping me a line, I hope I continue to entertain you. Many times while I’m writing I think “OOooohh! Flamingolo is going to LOVE this!”
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*

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Vampire Ifurita 2005-02-02

Wow. Now I know I'm not very good at reviews (I mostly just praise) but let's see if I can do this without getting spazzy or something. It took me three days to read this fic, and I must say that it was worth every minute. I have found that there is always one really good fic that is just perfect for certain couples. I've found about four now, this is one of them. I absolutely adore Hakkai/Gojyo, 5/8. You're fic amazes me. You've put so much work into researching and writing and making sure its perfect that I'm simply floored. The details... I don't think I've read something that's so detailed (for fanfiction anyway). The plot is amazing. I just can't seem to get enough of this story. I just had to finish it, and now I'm left wanting more and have to wait for an update. I must say that your story is amazing and aside from a few minor word things I can't find anything wrong with it. The characters spring to life off the pages and its like I'm there in the story. The Kenren/Tenpou moments amuse me to no end. I can't help but find myself laughing at times, and at other times I get all nervous over what is to happen. This story is truly amazing. I respect your writing capabilities and I praise the ground you walk on for creating this story. This is one of the best fanfictions I've read. Now that I've put in my two sense (which was mostly praise, but less spazzy then I normally am) I think I'll bow out of this review. Thank you for writing this story, I love it to death. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

Vampire Ifurita--- A new voice! Welcome to the ride! Ok guys let’s make a little room here… ok everyone comfy?
Wow! Thank you so much for the glowing review! You mentioned other fics -- oh please do share! (I’m such a glutton for 5/8). Three days? Yowza! This is a long fic indeed. Man. I’m going to try to add a link to the one-shot just to cut down on the confusion. I’m glad you rank this fic up there with the other gems you have found. That means a lot.
Yeah, I’ve got a few errors in there that slipped past the betas and myself. Sigh. We all try to grab them all, but some still sneak past. I hope they weren’t intrusive. When I update I try to correct them. Looking back on them some of them are just comical. I had one reviewer who corrected me on a word -- by all means feel free to do that. I’m not perfect, I know this -- boy do I know this.
Kenren and Tenpou -- What’s not to LOVE there? All of the yummy-ness of 5/8 without the issues. GOTTA love that!
Thank you for your wonderful review! Welcome to the ride!

Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*
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Azurepoet 2005-02-07

I have spent four days reading this masterpiece. The first two were in small, sporadic periods of time. I was hooked, utterly and completely, by the seductive opiates of your wordplay. The result was a 32 hour reading marathon of what is, in my opinion, the best Saiyuki fanfiction on the Web. I bow at your alter. You have taken a permanet spot as one of my living writing muses. Thank you for blessing us with this work, and please please please give us more. I can't hear the word "relax" without shivering because of you. ^_^

Azure poet --- Another new voice! Wow! I am floored by your review. Thank you so very much for taking the time and letting me know how much you like this fic. “Seductive opiates” -- oh my goodness -- that’s just wonderful (that might get into the fic somehow -- wow -- I LOVE that phrase). 32 hours of reading -- man, I’m gonna have to put an eye strain warning at the beginning of this fic. Snicker.

More? After 32 hours your want more? Sure, I’m happy to provide! Every time I hear the word “relax” I complete the phrase in my head. I’m glad I’m not alone. Giggle.
I hope I continue to impress you,
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*
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Flamingolo 2005-02-08
Okay, I was finally able to donate a little time to this lovely chapter. Get ready for a novel-length review ^_^ First off, loved the imagery of the sun and the clear parallels you drew to Sanzo. Very well done in both subtlety and the reverse. My god you had some really humorous lines mixed in this chappy, and I love how you always manage to balance it out wonderfully. Laughed my ass off: 'How bad was it when you deflected from yourself'; 'No point in putting up bolts at every inn they stopped at' ; 'He also liked making use of hyperbole in his own mind -- of course no honorable Dragon King would ever admit to something like that'; 'olfactory gymnastics'; 'do these feelers...'; 'Homura, please take our monkey'; Goku recognizing Sanzo as the Jane Goodall of the group (rflmao); the scene with Goku trying to speak and people interrupting him; 'brimming over with ‘gotcha’ half-breed'...funny as hell.
The way you described Kanan's hair when she rested on Gonou's lap was really unusual, and conjured up visuals very nicely. I adore how you describe things like that in a manner that is both visually stunning and realistic; it was so easy to appreciate the imagery of the variations of color playing on her hair. I felt the bottom of MY stomach drop out when Gonou was guilting Hakkai with 'you lied to her'; doesn't that just about sum up Hakkai's psychological motivation to a T? Plus, the foreboding that you interlaced between the 'happy' bits made it that much more effective. Moving on to other aspects that hit me really hard; once again your symbolism blows me away. That's one of the reasons why I always want to take my time reading this fic, because the intricate symbolism you blend into the story is just so...blissfully hidden in plain sight, I don't want to miss it. Onward, to when Hakkai notices that the pads of his ring fingers were numb and wishes the numbness would spread; you define so much with just that little, absently-sounding afterthought. 'Like a child, he’d been playing with a toy all the while not realizing the doll’s pain'...great line, you have a knack for making me do a double take. The carrying theme of 'numbness'; it was breathtaking how you managed to work it in on soooo many levels. Another big one was the aching sweetness in the exchange between Hakkai and Gojyo, where Gojyo scoops him up to help hide him; very well done, especially metaphor usage. Hakkai getting weirded out by having his mouth and chin covered by silk, and the implications of that also floored me a bit...so much to be drawn from that one little tidbit you give us. Loved the dragon windsurfing and the cute running inside joke Sanzo and Goku share during the card game. The increasing tilt to the rhythm was phenomenal, especially when Gojyo is searching for that bitch. As for the general unbalance of the chapter, it suited your purposes extremely well. That's it for this review of EPIC proportions. Outstanding job! I'm always looking forward to more from you.

Flamingolo --- First ya give me a quickie and now you come in to slip me a long one. I must apologize for that. That would be my inner Gojyo coming out. LOL!
I have been wanting to use the dual sun line in a fic for a good while now, but I just didn’t seem to have a good home for it. Thanks for noticing it! The Jane Goodall bit was taken from an AU fic I am brewing.
I’m glad the humor carried. I try to get a good mix, some chapters by their nature are heavier than others and I want to keep this fic in the realm of fun. When you have Gojyo who deflects with humor, Sanzo who is funny without trying, Goku who goes for the slapstick obvious humor and Hakkai with the very dry sense of humor, one can only write but so much before it just sneaks in there. I have a very dry sense of humor and I often find things funny when no one else does. The most ticklish line in this chapter for me is the kappa-icile line. I’m glad you like the humor.
Hakkai being weirded out by the sheet. I don’t know if what happened to him as a child will come out fully in the fic. Tenpou is insistent on keeping a hold of those papers, and to be honest with you I’m not sure what it will do to Hakkai if it comes out. However, things like that can give you some hints.
Gojyo searching for Flaxen -- That was gut wrenching for me because his psyche thinks she’s dead so he’ll never be able to catch her.
Dragon wind surfing -- I figured dragons have got to have “sports” thus Dragon Windsurfing. I’m glad I’m not alone in thinking it was too cute. Portraying Hakuryuu as Gojun cut out on a lot of “cuteness”. I’m trying to get it in there when I can.
Card game joke -- did ya notice the fan service bit? I’ve often wondered why yaoi has that height rule. This will come back if I can fit it in.
Thank you so very much for all your support! I hope chapter 16 lives up to your expectations.
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*
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andromeda 2005-02-09

First, I just want to say that this is an excellent story and you're doing a wonderful job. That being said, I'd like to share something with you. I was listening to the Gaelic Storm album "Tree," and track two made me think of this story. It just fit so wonderfully that I had to give you the lyrics. You can hear a snippet of the song if you do a search for Gaelic Storm on Amazon.com.

"Before the Night is Over"

Some take their hope, and hide it away

It burns in the darkness, like gold in a grave

There's a spark inside, that can't be concealed

No hurt is so secret that it won't be healed

Chorus:

Before the night is over

Make your heart an open door

Then all we hold inside us

Won't divide us anymore

Before the night is over

And the time we have is done

Before our courage fades away

Let our hearts be bound as one

I've lost my way, when nothing is clear

I've been afraid to love, then I hurt what I fear

I can face the night, find strength in your eyes

not afraid to fall, not afraid to rise

Chorus

Chorus repeat & fade

Andromeda --- Another new voice! This is great. Thank you for reviewing, I really appreciate it. I’m glad you have enjoyed the fic and I hope I continue to entertain you. It is high honor indeed that you heard this song and thought of the fic and not just the anime. Thank you so much for sharing. That song does seem to fit so very well. I’m currently looking for an mp3 of it. I can’t wait to hear it.
Won’t divide us anymore

Before the night is over … wow so fitting. All of it is so fitting.
Thank you again,
Cupnjava c[~]~~~*sip*
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