139 - Yet another epic in the making

[frudence]

Where There’s Smoke
Chapter One: Good Things Come In Pairs

A Story for the Smoke Signals Thread

By Nekochan

Author's Note

LJ-version: What you all should know is that, by this point, Gojyo has already discovered he is kinda-sorta-not-really-well-maybe-just-a-little attracted to Sanzo and only just recently began entertaining the notion of actually entering into a relationship with the snarky priest. One of the other major plot-points of Smoke Signals up to this point is Gojyo’s development as a bisexual, but by now he’s secure in it, so if you’re interested in that development, I would recommend reading Tricks of the Trade. (I’m not spoiling the last major plot point, but I’m sure those that are so inclined can figure it out.)

Arigatou Minasan! (Thanks everyone!)

Nekochan

(-)(-)(-)

Noontime, Day 1 - Western China

It was reaching the hottest part of the day when the green Jeep carrying four tired, bloody, and sweaty men pulled up to the front of the town’s nearest hotel. A little over twenty-four hours ago, these four men had stormed a fortress and defeated an army of minor gods in addition to the War Prince himself, not to mention a few of their own personal demons. The driver, in point of fact, hadn’t done much driving in the final hour of the trip; the others had fallen asleep and so his final means of fending off exhaustion had left him as well. (1)

The stop and a soft “kyuu” were enough to wake the driver, however. He slowly stirred to life, stumbled to the doorway of the hotel, and – as politely as he could manage in his condition – requested four adjacent rooms to be occupied for one week’s time. The attendant was quite amenable to this and humbly asked if the man’s group would need a porter or two for their luggage.

“Please, if you would be so kind,” the weary man replied.

It took some effort to rouse his companions from their stupor, but Hakkai managed it amidst the hustle and bustle of the porters’ inquiries as to which piece of luggage went to which room.

Goku dragged his feet up the stairs, barely keeping his head from hitting each step. Gojyo stumbled along behind Goku, gripping the railing with his left hand while rubbing his eyes with the other, swaying occasionally as he did so. Hakkai successfully walked without the aid of the railing, but it was only by following the blurry form of Gojyo in front of him.

Sanzo was last because he had to pay the bill before he could retire. While he was there, he decided to ask the attendant which of the four rooms was the largest, farthest away from the others, did not have a window facing the east, or any combination thereof. The attendant happily provided his paying customer with a room number and Sanzo set about the aggravating task of walking up the stairs without tripping over the hem of his robe.

Sanzo didn’t wonder why the door was already open or that there was a lot of junk on the floor; he only wanted to take a long shower and then an even longer nap. The trek up to his room made Sanzo choose to sit on the edge of the bed while preparing to take his shower, starting with removing – and carefully folding – his sutraand taking off his rakusu, placing both next to his left leg.

That’s when he felt something else on the bed – someone.

“Hey Sanzo. Joining me in bed? ”

Sanzo turned and glared at Gojyo’s leering face. “What the hell, bastard, this is my room!”

Gojyo leaned up on his elbow in the pillow. “If you hadn’t noticed, I was here first.”

Turning away, Sanzo got up from the bed and pulled one of his gloves off from out of the long sleeve. “Doesn’t matter. I’m paying, so I get to pick my room, and I pick this one, in spite of the obvious roach problem.”

“Well,” Gojyo stood up on the other side of the bed, “we could always wrestle for it… ”

“Hell no. I’m going to take a shower,” Sanzo called as he walked toward the bathroom door while removing the other glove. “You have five seconds before I start shooting.”

Gojyo hadn’t been looking at Sanzo at first, but decided to face the priest for a prolonged argument about the ownership of the room. “Tch, like you’ve ever actually hit me befo…”

Sanzo shouldered out of his robe sleeves – first one, then another – before pushing the fabric down. Reaching across his stomach to his waist, he pulled the black undershirt up over his head and threw it down to the ground. Then, he reached for his gun and turned it on Gojyo.

“Five.”

The redhead felt a sudden desire to leave the room, but it wasn’t because of the gun in Sanzo’s hand. “Damn, let me get my stuff later, would-ya’?” Gojyo back-peddled until he was around the bed before tripping over Sanzo’s sandals and hitting the doorframe. “I’m going, I’m going!”

Rolling his eyes, Sanzo bent at the waist to grab his shower things. He couldn’t quite reach and so, frustrated, Sanzo took off the robe and sash at his waist. He laid that on the bed next to his rakusu and sutra. Finally, he knelt down and gathered the plastic bag of toiletries.

Sanzo was about to shut the door to the bathroom when he noticed Gojyo again – frozen in the doorway. He glared. “Why are you still here?”

“Uh – my bad.” Gojyo darted down the hall in search of the remaining empty room.

That was… just like the erogappa Sanzo decided, but put it out of his mind as he turned on the water.

(-)

Gojyo slammed the door behind him and slid down to ground, barely remembering to lock the door behind him. Sonofabitch…

He took several deep breaths and pushed back his bangs while removing the bandana. What the hell happened in there? When did Sanzo bulk out in the shoulders? Or get definition in his abs? Or in his ass, for that matter- Shit-

The memory of Sanzo undressing so carelessly right in front of Gojyo was arousing him greatly, but his thoughts continued unhindered, comparing Sanzo as Gojyo had first seen him – extremely short hair, straight as a rod from shoulder to hip, and covered in clothing from head to foot save his face – with how Gojyo had just seen the man – bare-chested in tight jeans, messy golden hair grown out, and muscles shifting with each movement. Twinks like him never bulk out – never! Hell, same goes for girls – they’re either built or they aren’t. But I guess not many people go out on long journeys that have them fighting for their lives on a daily basis…

Still, why’d he have to go an’ strip in front of me, huh? I mean, sure, he probably figures I’m straight an’ all an’ wouldn’t care, but come on… After days without sex, how’s a guy s’posed-ta’ not get worked up over somethin’ like that? The image of Sanzo stripping out of his jeans appeared in Gojyo’s mind. Damnit… Days of going without – I’m gonna’ need a shower t’ rinse off in for this…

(-)

A bathtub… Thank the heavens, I haven’t been able to soak in a tub in months…

Gojyo turned on the warm water faucet and proceeded to remove his dirty clothes, tossing them to the cold tile floor. He looked in the mirror, saw the erection he already felt, and gave a snort. “Yep, I definitely deserve this. ‘All work and no play does not a happy man make’ – Hakkai was right,” he bent down and dipped his fingers in the water. “Tomorrow, I’m spendin’ all night at the most happenin’ bar in town.” Hmm, a little too warm for this… don’t wanna’ burn myself.

He let the tub fill up a little more before turning the cold water on just for a bit, then swirled the water from the front to the back of the tub. He tested it again, this time with his other hand while kneeling with one leg on the tub’s edge. Ah, that’s nice…

He slid into the tub with an audible sigh, reveling in the feel of the warmth hitting the sensitive skin of his genitals. For some time, he just sat there, head and arms against the cool tile and lower body sunk beneath the water line.

Then he remembered that Sanzo, too, was wet and naked in another room nearby. Gojyo clenched his teeth as the hard-on returned. He slid down the wall until his head was underneath the water, slowly releasing air from his nose all the while.

Why now? Why today of all days after all th’ hell with that Homura guy? Why four years after we met – why now do I start gettin’ hard fer ‘im? That’s never happened before… ‘Course I can’t think of anybody else I’ve known for that long… The chibi’s still a kid at heart an’ Hakkai’s only now gettin’ over his chick – probably’d still say no anyway, since he’s pretty much as straight as they come…

He resurfaced and wiped his face. “Damn monk’s gonna’ pay fer ruinin’ my pleasure-bath.”

Sanzo popped into Gojyo’s head again, but this time the monk was masturbating in the shower. Leaning against the wall with his right arm, he was pumping his cock with his left hand while the water ran down his pale back.

Right around the time that the Gojyo’s fantasy began to vocalize was when the redhead’s left hand started to trail from his knee, along his inner thigh, and towards the patch of dark red pubic hair. He closed his eyes and mouth, taking only slow breaths through his nose.

The imaginary priest pushed back wet, tangled bangs to reveal a furrowed brow and flushed cheeks. He started rocking toward the wall with the showerhead while speeding up the pace of his pumps.

Gojyo responded with a low moan as he began to play with the head and slit of his own dick. He kept it beneath the waterline, so the motion of his hand swirled the water enough that he felt it against his now very sensitive skin. With his right hand, Gojyo kept a firm grip on the cool tub. He rested his head on his left shoulder against the tile, but eventually leaned back until he was nestled in the corner of the shower-tub.

Fantasy-Sanzo flattened his free hand against the wall again, bracing himself. He bent at the knees slightly as his left hand palmed the head of his cock after every fourth or fifth pump. Suddenly, Sanzo latched onto the base of his cock – amidst the numerous wiry and surprisingly dark blond hair – with two fingers on either side of a dick that Gojyo imagined to be the same size as his own before the priest fondled his sack three times and shuddered.

Gojyo’s feet hit the far side of the tub at the same time his right hand slid along the tub’s edge, making a distinct squeaking sound in unison with the redhead’s guttural exhale as he orgasmed. His left hand was wrapped tightly around his dick, but Gojyo eventually remembered to release it, content to revel in the sensation he hadn’t felt in months. True, he’d had sex in that time, orgasmed too, but this masturbation was a just little different.

Damn that was one hell of a fantasy… Haven’t done it that way since… well, never, Gojyo realized. (2) And when was the last time I had a guy over? Shit that had-ta’ve been… back in Chang’an… Damn that felt good…

Gojyo laid there about a minute longer before draining the tub and showering off. He was just lathering his hands with soap to wash his genitals, but made sure to do it quickly as soon as his fantasy started to repeat itself in greater detail.

He only half-heartedly toweled himself off as he walked out of the bathroom before collapsing into the bed, exhausted in every sense. He tossed the towel to the floor and then crawled under the sheets.

“Shitty monk… not allowed-ta’…” Gojyo yawned. “Tempt th’ bi guy… not fair… strippin’ like… that…”

(-)

Late Morning, Day 2 - Western China

Neither Gojyo nor Sanzo were at breakfast the next day. Goku was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in spite of the numerous wrappings on his limbs, cloth patches on his stomach, and bandages on his face. Hakkai rose late and stumbled to the table, but Goku was happy to welcome him.

“Hey Hakkai, how-ya’ feelin’?”

“I shall live to see tomorrow, but that does not make today any less of a struggle.” Hakkai took a seat in front of one of the empty plates. “And yourself, Goku?”

“Hurts a bit, but I’ll be awright. My stomach hurt more’n that, but I took care-a’ that!” Goku grinned happily, holding up a biscuit.

“Have either Sanzo or Gojyo been down yet?”

“Nuh uh.”

“I hope it isn’t their injuries keeping them in bed.”

Goku spun the breakfast platter and dug into the fresh vegetables in the center of the table before spinning the platter to the biscuits again, grabbing one. “Shouldn’t-ya’ jus’ let ‘em sleep if they wan’?”

“Perhaps. I checked – Sanzo paid for us to stay here a full week. I merely worry if they cannot even get out of bed – I managed it, in spite of it all.”

“Naa, if Gojyo an’ Sanzo don’ come down in a few minutes, can I eat their share?”

Hakkai cast his gaze up the stairs. “If that is your incentive, then perhaps I should check on them.”

Goku cocked an eyebrow. “I was gonna’ do it for ya’, Hakkai – ya’ haven’ eaten either.”

“I appreciate the concern for my well-being Goku, but if I am to assess their condition, I can’t very well do it through your eyes, now can I?” Hakkai smiled.

“Uh… guess not.”

(-)

Hakkai gently knocked on the door across from his and heard the distinct grunt of one half-awake priest. “Sanzo? Are you well? You didn’t join us for breakfast and so I was worried that…” (3) Relieved to hear heavy footsteps coming toward the door from inside the room, Hakkai waited for Sanzo to appear.

It didn’t surprise Hakkai to see Sanzo in nothing but jeans, but the bruises and cuts gave the healer pause for thought.

“Yes, no, no, yes, two.” (4)

“Yes you’re well, no you don’t want me to send for a doctor to double-check that, no you don’t want me to examine you either, yes you’re sure of that, and you’ll take Lunch at two?”

“Pi-pon,” (5) Sanzo replied in a deadpan manner. “Good night.” With that, he shut the door.

Hakkai shook his head as he heard Sanzo trudge back toward the bed. “Were it not for all of those conversations, I might never know what really goes on in that man’s head.” (6)

(-)

“Gojyo…” Hakkai walked into the room next to his. After the third knock and no response, he’d figured he should come in.

The redhead pulled the blanket over his head. “Mrm…”

“You went to sleep with wet hair again didn’t you?”

“Nn-uhn…” Gojyo could be heard sniffling in spite of his covers.

Hakkai sighed, leaning on the doorframe. “I’ll have some soup sent up for you. For now, get some rest and you should be fine.” He started walking towards the door.

Gojyo sat up from underneath his sheets, barely remembering to keep his lower half covered. “Gweat, suh Iy cen-”

“Sleep in your own bed and alone without the influence of alcohol or cigarettes, yes indeed Gojyo.” Hakkai stopped and turned to face his former roommate. “Was there anything else you would care to know?”

“Uwh…” Gojyo stammered sheepishly before grinning like an idiot. “Howrya feelin’ Huwh-kai?”

“My legs are stiff and my muscles are sore, but I’ll be fine after I tend to my cuts.”

“An’ Gowh-kuh?”

“He appears to be hungry more than anything else.”

Gojyo hesitated before asking the last question. “Uwh… an’ Sahn-zwoh?”

“Sanzo is fine as well – that is to say, nothing but his usual self.”

“Owh, goowd, tha’s goowd.” The redhead looked down at his lap.

Hakkai furrowed his brow at the sight. “Is something wrong?”

“Nah, duhn worry ‘bout me.”

“Gojyo, go blow your nose and we’ll talk.”

“Uwh… cuhdja’ get it fer me?” Gojyo chuckled a little.

That wasn’t the first time Hakkai had been witness to Gojyo’s I’m-embarrassed-but-not-really look. “Fine, fine.” Hakkai closed the door, went to the bathroom, and saw the pile of yesterday’s clothes on the ground. As expected of Gojyo – he can’t even be bothered to put on undergarments sometimes, just like when we roomed together. He pulled a few sheets from the toilet paper roll and wound them on his hand.

Gojyo accept the wad from Hakkai after his best friend came out of the bathroom and pulled up a chair. He blew his nose once from each nostril and then wiped the rest. “Thanks Hakkai.”

“Not a problem. Now, are you sure it’s not just a cold you have?” Hakkai leaned forward in his chair. “We all faced a number of trials yesterday, didn’t we?”

Gojyo sighed. “Nah, it’s not about that – I mean, yeah, it was hell t’ have that illusion there, but that’s not what’s got me weirded out…”

Hakkai tried to think of something that happened between the time that Homura died and this moment that might have “weirded Gojyo out”. The shooting star… “Was it the shooting star?”

“Maybe.”

“Did your wish come true?”

“I dunno… Didn’t think I made one.”

“After all, you were the one to claim it was ‘lame’ to do so.”

“Right, right, but…”

“Was it about me?”

Gojyo looked over at Hakkai, who was giving Gojyo a pitying look.

“It had something to do with me, didn’t it?”

“Not like how ya’ think, Hakkai! Honest! I just… I guess the reason I said what I did was because… I was hoping t’ move on, ya’ know? Not like it’s cool t’ keep botherin’ someone jus’ ‘cuz you can’t get over ‘em, right? I mean-”

Hakkai sighed with relief. “I appreciate that, Gojyo, I really do, but that wouldn’t seem to be the kind of thing that would make you upset.”

“Yeah. It wasn’t you ‘cuz I got over that awhile ago but I started thinkin’ ‘bout guys again an’ that’s just weird ‘cuz it’s been forever since I was with one, ya’ know? Nothin’ out here but straight girls an’ straight guys an’ asexual monks…” Gojyo bit his lip.

Hakkai tried to find any hint of insincerity in Gojyo’s face. “What did you say?”

“That I was thinkin’ ‘bout guys again?”

“No, Gojyo, after that.”

Damn, he did catch that. “Uh…”

“Something about ‘asexual monks’?”

“Well, yeah, ya’ know, all these chumps we keep meetin’ who buy into the whole ‘Honorable Sanzo Priest that can save them from swarms of youkai’…”

“You must forgive me, Gojyo, but I feel you’re full of bullshit.” A wide smile was plastered across Hakkai’s face.

Not good… “Okay, okay, you want the honest truth, Hakkai? The honest truth is that sometime between yesterday and today I lost my fucking mind because I saw Sanzo topless and after that proceeded to masturbate to a fantasy version of him in the shower doing the exact same thing. Happy now?”

Hakkai blinked. Now that was… not quite what I had expected… He coughed slightly. “Ah so… you’ve become attracted to Sanzo?”

“Yes, damnit, an’ I have no fuckin’ clue why! He’s a bastard an’ when we started this trip he was a beanpole skinnier’n you – not hot in the slightest. Then yesterday… Dude, is it just me or did he suddenly get abs?”

Hakkai nodded while contemplating his own memory of this very morning when Sanzo had opened the door and was also shirtless. “No, no… I think you may be right, Gojyo. In spite of us not walking this entire distance, we have had to fight an impressive number of enemies along the way, and after years being confined to a monastery, perhaps Sanzo merely started to… get muscles.”

“ ‘Fill out’ is more like it. Geez. It’s not fair.” Gojyo gripped some of his blanket tightly in his fists.

Hakkai tried to guess at the meaning of that. “Not fair… that Sanzo got muscles?”

“No… that I’m the only not-straight one on this trip.”

“You’re sure about that?”

Gojyo gave Hakkai one of the most stupefied looks Hakkai had ever seen. “You’re shitting me, right? We both know for a fact you’re straight, Goku’s… almost definitely straight but not quite past the ‘cooties’ stage yet, and Sanzo-”

“Has never been seen in the company of women or men, has he?”

Gojyo pondered that.

“I would not encourage outright asking him, of course…”

“Hell no, I’m not that stupid.”

“…But I’m merely making the observation that Sanzo has never expressed any interest in either gender, in stark contrast to yourself, might I add.”

“Gee thanks, Hakkai.”

“Now, do I find it odd that you like Sanzo at all-”

“Find him slightly attractive.”

“Fine, find him slightly attractive, yes, but if it’s true that his physique has changed, then perhaps it’s not so odd for one such as yourself to… develop that attraction.”

“Not like I could ever date him – guy’d shoot me before the question got out of my mouth,” Gojyo pouted, flopping backwards onto his pillow. “Just gotta’ try-ta’ get it outta’ my head fast.”

“Is this the same Sha Gojyo that tried to persuade me for a little over three years?”

“Dude, you are not helping.”

“Gojyo, all I’m saying is that… I’d hate to see you give up without even trying.”

“What, has he ‘confessed his love’ fer me t’ ya’ or somethin’?”

“Not in the slightest,” Hakkai retorted. “However, I feel that it would be easier for one’s mind to be put at ease when there is some evidence backing it up, rather than pure, unadulterated fear.”

Gojyo glared at Hakkai. “I am not afraid of that quasi-monk.”

“Of being turned down?”

“Hell no!”

“Then why not give it a try?”

Gojyo narrowed his eyes at Hakkai again. “Do you an’ th’ monkey have a bet goin’ or somethin’?”

“No.”

“Is this to clear your conscience about ‘hurting my feelings’ or something?”

“No.”

Gojyo sat up again. “Then what th’ hell, man? You really think he could ever even consider dating me?”

“I think that things tend to go our way when we put effort into it. Not all of the time, but the chance of success certainly goes up.”

Gojyo sniffled a bit. “Well, maybe I can get Lady Luck to have pity on a sick guy.” He grinned over at Hakkai.

“You would probably do well to get in his good graces before broaching this topic with him.”

“Meaning get on his good side.”

“Yes.”

“An’ how am I supposed to do that?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll think of something.”

(-)

Very Early Morning, Day 3 - Western China

Goku turned on his right side as a very audible grumbling emanated from his stomach. He rolled onto his left side, but that didn’t help. Finally, he sat up, bleary eyed. He smacked his lips and blinked a few times, still hunched over.

“Man I’m hungry.” Peering out the window, all Goku saw was a dull blue-gray color. “Crap it’s not even dawn yet…”

Goku debated what to do for a moment before getting out of bed to put on a shirt. He scratched his shorts as he made his way to the door, turned left, and was about to knock on Hakkai’s door when he realized what he was doing.

Damnit, I bet he’s still asleep… an’ no way am I wakin’ up Sanzo or Gojyo either… Arg, now what am I gonna’ do? I’ll starve t’ death before they get up!

The door to Hakkai’s room was cracked open and Goku was about to close it when he heard a soft “Kyuu?”

“Hakuryu,” he hissed softly, “what’re you doin’?” The white dragon had stuck its head into the crack and was looking up at Goku from the floor. “Come on, in or out, I’m gonna’ shut the door so Hakkai can sleep some more.”

“Kyu-uu!” Hakuryu cheeped and took a few steps into the hallway.

“How come you’re up, Hakuryu? I’m just hungry…”

Hakuryu nodded, but said nothing.

“Hakkai’s got all our extra food… Wonder if the kitchen’s open yet…”

“Kyu-uu?” Hakuryu flapped his wings until he was in the air and headed down the hallway towards the lobby.

“Oi, Hakuryu, where’re ya’ goin’?” Goku took off in the same direction.

(-)

The first thing Hakkai noticed when he woke up was that Hakuryu was gone. He wasn’t terribly worried, as Hakuryu could certainly take care of himself, but it was very unusual all the same.

Oh well, I’m sure I’ll need to be dressed to do anything of value today. He got up and sifted through the laundry, pulling up the articles he intended to wear, but didn’t put them on.

Hakkai looked sadly at his ruined shirt. It was the same green shirt with black sleeves that he had spent so much effort making before the four men set out across China; the same one he’d worn nearly every day since and washed with care each night; and the same one which an army of ‘holy youkai’ had torn to shreds less than a week ago.

If I recall correctly, it took me a good hour to sew each sleeve so that it was tight on the lower arm and loose at the top. The green fabric near the shoulder was in tact, but it had pulled loose from the black fabric near the elbow. Perhaps if I just mend the upper sleeve… I would still have to mend both sleeves of the cuts, but if the fabric pulled loose so easily after one intense fight… Things will only become more difficult as we approach Hotou Castle.

Hakkai began to examine the torn green sleeves to determine the extent of the damage when it occurred to him that the inner fabric was a vibrant emerald, whereas the outside had faded to a pale peapod color. He blinked and looked at his layman’s scarf. Why, I must have washed the color right out of it… Though it had been a dull pink on the day Sanzo gave it to him, it was now a cream-grey – scarcely any hint of its former color was still evident on the scarf and that was mostly on the underside or where Hakkai normally tied the knot in it.

I guess what’s done is done – I can’t very well re-dye the fabric for that would certainly be a waste of resources. At that rate I should buy a new undershirt, a much looser black one, I think. The silver bracelets should go too if the sleeves are going to be so loose… I wonder if Sanzo would lend me the card for a bit of shopping… surely Goku and Gojyo need their outfits mended as well, so I might as well purchase enough fabric all at once.

Realizing he would need to know how damaged the other two’s outfits were as well, Hakkai left his room in search of Goku first. He still required the support of the hallway walls, but made it to the room to the right of his.

The door was wide open.

Did he… I hope Goku is downstairs at the breakfast table. Hakkai took in the look of the room – it wasn’t any more disheveled than Goku normally kept his room, so Hakkai decided to not jump to conclusions.

Ambling over to Gojyo’s room, Hakkai heard someone shuffling around inside. “Gojyo, are you awake?”

“No, my last-night lover’s only just now leaving – Geez, Hakkai, yes, I’m awake. Come on in.”

Hakkai shook his head, but opened the door and shut it behind him. “Looking for something?”

Shirt, vest, pants, shorts, boxers, boots, bandana, belt – every article of clothing Gojyo owned was scattered on the floor, leaving Gojyo in one of his wifebeater tees and light brown boxers.

“Something not bloody and torn to shreds.”

“I’m sorry?”

Gojyo held up his vest with one hand and pants in the other. The vest had numerous cuts horizontally as well as vertically, that were starting to fray, with blood spattered around each cut. The pants had less cuts, but more stains – blood, dirt, food, and what Hakkai assumed was not Gojyo’s own fecal matter.

“That answer your question?”

“Uh, yes.”

“Boots are so muddy an’ full-a’ crud I can’t wear ‘em indoors anymore, belt holes ripped so my pants keep fallin’ down, the symbol on my headband’s so smudged ya’ can’t read it anymore…” Gojyo sighed in defeat. “I honestly just want a new outfit, but I feel bad since I know ya’ went-ta’ all th’ trouble-a’ makin’ this thing in th’ first place.” (7)

Hakkai shook his head. “Actually, my clothes are in little better condition than yours, and so I was planning on going shopping today, however I can’t seem to find Goku…”

“What, he wasn’t in his room? Bet th’ brat-”

“HAAAAKKAAAAI!”

“Wow, speak-a’ th’ monkey.”

Hakkai stuck his head out the door and Gojyo moved to stand beside him, wondering where Goku’s voice was coming from.

They saw rather than heard Goku’s boots clomping up the stairs first. Not two seconds later, Goku appeared at the top of the stairs and ran headlong at Hakkai. “Your stupid dragon got me in trouble!”

Hakkai looked utterly shocked. Goku isn’t the type to call Hakuryu a ‘stupid dragon’! “What on earth happened, Goku?” He’s still in his sleeping shirt and shorts…

“I followed Hakuryu to the kitchen to get somethin’ t’ eat, but then the Chef guy found us an’ yelled at me for snackin’ an’ chased me outta’ the kitchen!”

“And this is Hakuryu’s fault because…?”

“I followed him t’ th’ kitchen, but I bet he knew I’d get all the flack an’ he jus’ wanted somethin’ t’ eat too, but used me as a decoy!”

Both Gojyo and Hakkai were amused by Goku’s use of battle terminology in the context of acquiring food.

“Uhm… Goku…” Hakkai began gently, “I really don’t see how this is Hakuryu’s fault. You were hungry and couldn’t wait-”

“Yeah, but Hakuryu went t’ th’ kitchen first! I was jus’ followin’ ‘im!”

Gojyo screwed up his face and looked at Goku in utter confusion. “Oi bakazaru, did it ever occur to you that dragons don’t think like that?”

“I’m afraid I’m inclined to agree, Goku; I don’t think Hakuryu is vindictive.”

Hakuryu came fluttering up the stairs, a piece of meat in his mouth, and soared as high above Goku as he could without hitting the ceiling before settling on Hakkai’s shoulder.

“See! He even got-ta’ grab somethin’ while I was runnin’!”

Hakkai looked at Hakuryu, who only quirked his head to the side, then gobbled the strip of meat down.

Goku glared at the dragon. “I dunno what a ‘vin-dick’ is, but I think your dragon is one, even if they’re not all like that.”

“Dude, I’d cut that out if I were you,” Gojyo insisted, pointing at Hakuryu’s raising mane.

“How about we solve this the easy way – while we’re out shopping, we get some more food for everyone to keep as their own personal store of emergency food,” Hakkai suggested.

“Won’t work, Hakkai, because this time next week Goku’ll ‘ve eaten all th’ way through his.”

“What was that, perv-kappa?”

“You heard me, bottomless-pit-monkey!”

“I’m going to ask Sanzo for his card now. I’ll meet you both downstairs in five minutes,” Hakkai said out loud and walked towards Sanzo’s door. He chuckled slightly to himself as Goku dashed back to his room instantly, as if he hadn’t just started an argument with Gojyo. “It truly is amazing what we can set our minds to with the right motivation.”

Gojyo shook his head. “Simple minds are easy to manipulate an’ you know it. Tellin’ th’ monkey we’re goin’ shoppin’ is like a free gift of food ‘cuz Goku knows you’ll buy him somethin’.”

“Perhaps that is the case, but-” Hakkai suddenly had an idea. “Gojyo, I wonder if Goku isn’t the only one who would appreciate a gift.”

Gojyo appeared thoughtful, but didn’t say anything.

“Sanzo?”

“What about ‘im?”

“Perhaps a gift for Sanzo could start you on your way to your goal?”

“What’re you- oh… Oh, actually, you may have somethin’… Aw fuck, Hakkai, what th’ hell d-ya’ get someone like Sanzo?”

“Let’s see what we find in the marketplace. I’ll go check on Goku, you get dressed in… something.”

“Fine, fine, see ya’ in a bit…” With that, Gojyo shut the door to his room.

It only took Hakkai a moment to cross the hallway to Goku’s room, but he wasn’t prepared for what he saw there.

Goku was seated on his bed in what Hakkai imagined had to be an awfully awkward position: the boy appeared to be trying to pull one of the bandages from off of his right shoulder with his left hand, but with little success. Goku had his right arm crooked against his stomach and his left hand inched toward the bandage on his lower right shoulder blade three times before he gave up and tried to use his right hand with even less success.

Hakkai had to chuckle for Hakuryu was watching the boy’s strange motions with a look of utmost curiosity, as if to say, ‘Why is he having such difficulty? I can reach every inch of my body – why can’t he?’

“Goku… do you require some assistance?”

The younger man turned only his head to face the door. “Hey Hakkai! Can ya’ help me, please?”

We must work on vocabulary at our next opportunity, Hakkai decided to himself. “Yes Goku, I can do that.” He seated himself next to Goku on the bed as Goku turned his back toward Hakkai. The healer carefully peeled the back the bandage he assumed Goku had been trying to remove. “I don’t know Goku… perhaps you should let this cut heal more first.”

“But it’s buggin’ me!”

“I worry that it will get infected if it doesn’t heal first.”

“Aw man…”

“Can you survive one more day?”

“Mebbe…”

“I’m glad. Now, I have a question for you…”

Goku spun on his butt – easily done in cotton shorts on bed-sheets. “Yeah?”

“Might I see your jeans?”

Goku blinked. “Why?”

“I imagine they’re torn, are they not?”

Energetic as always, Goku appeared thoughtful for only an instant before getting off the bed and walking to his dirty laundry pile. He pulled the jeans out, stained with blood, dirt, and an odd assortment of foods. “Guess so.” He held them upside down by the pant legs.

“See, there are extremely wide tears right at the level of your knees.”

“Oh yeah…” Goku turned the pants around and held them up to his face. “Well, guess that needs fixed.”

“Yes, that’s why I-”

Goku gripped the left pant leg with both hands, one on either side of the tear. Without a second thought, he ripped the lower leg portion from the rest of the jeans.

While Hakkai, for once his life, stared open-mouthed at the situation in front of him, Goku repeated the action on the right pant leg.

“There, fixed!” Goku declared happily, holding the jeans against his body. “That’ll help keep me cool in Jeep now! Those seats get so hot sometimes…”

“Kyuu?” Hakuryu chirped.

Hakkai finally found himself again. “Well, uh… I guess that means you won’t need me to patch your jeans for you…”

“Why’d you wanna’ do that?”

“Ah, never mind Goku. Your method… solves the problem just as well, I suppose…” Hakkai got up to leave.

“Didja’ get the card from Sanzo?”

“I wanted to tell Sanzo precisely what I intended to pick up while we were out, but I wasn’t sure how your clothes were faring…”

“Gojyo’ll want t’ pick up a girl I bet!” Goku snickered.

Hakkai laughed, slightly embarrassed. “Ah yes, Goku, I’m sure he’ll be looking for something like that.”

(-)

Afternoon, Day 3 - Western China

Hakkai thoroughly enjoyed shopping with Goku and Gojyo, not because it was argument-free, or because it was done in a timely manner, or because the town had nice scenery, because that wasn’t the case at all. It was because it reminded him of the days back in Chang’an when his days were filled with nothing but his friends and caring for their well-being, whether that meant shopping with Gojyo for essentials for the house, teaching Goku at the temple, or filling Sanzo in on his personal repentance progress to report back to the Sanbutsushin.

True enough, Goku was hard to control as they walked down the fresh-food lane of the marketplace, but Gojyo became just as bad as they started looking for fabrics – “I’ve learned my lesson,” he claimed. However, all of the fabrics that Gojyo was looking at for a new vest were entirely too expensive – Egyptian Cotton (8) was scarcely cheaper than silk due to being imported – and so Gojyo had to settle with two new pairs of black jeans, three new white shirts identical to his wifebeater shirt, and some brown material they found in the discount scrap pile for his bandana.

“Hey guys…” Gojyo mumbled, waiting for Goku and Hakkai to stop before continuing. “ ‘M gonna’ keep lookin’ for a shirt-‘r vest-‘r somethin’, why doncha’ head back? I’ll catch up later.” He met Hakkai’s gaze. “I still need-ta’ pick up somethin’ else too.”

“Better not be somethin’ perverted!” Goku insisted as seriously as he could before laughing.

“None-a’ yer goddamn business, monkey! Now get!” With that, Gojyo spun on his heels and headed back down the lane of clothing and accessories. He could hear Goku fussing behind him, but also Hakkai calming Goku down and eventually their voices faded into the crowd.

A gift for Sanzo… what th’ hell kinda’ gift would he want? Not like he needs anything new for his outfit like the rest-a’ us, every temple we come to that offers us a place for the night has at least a handful of monks ready an’ willin’ t’ repair his robes… an’ polish that breastplate thing… not t’ mention repair his sandals- “THAT’S IT!” Gojyo shouted out loud, earning him a look or two, but he took off down the lane, thoroughly excited.

Soon enough, he found a cobbler. Much to his delight, the artisan was having a two-for-one sale on his leather shoes through the week. Gojyo was just committed the price of a pair of shoes to memory when something towards the front of the store caught his eye.

It was a coat unlike any other he’d ever seen. He was sure it was made of leather like the shoes, but the sleeves were long and there was what he assumed was sheep’s wool lining the collar and – he hoped – the inside as well. He chuckled when he realized the leather had been tanned the same color as the fabric Hakkai had purchased for his new bandana.

It looks like it’d fit me… “Hey Mr. Cobbler, how much for this coat-thing?”

The man was cleaning a pair of shoes on the counter and answered Gojyo without even looking up. “The jacket you are admiring is a flat one-hundred.”

“One-hundred?” Gojyo repeated, stunned. “And a pair of shoes is thirty-five?”

“Yes, that’s correct, although you will receive a complimentary pair of shoes if you purchase one pair.”

Gojyo looked a little indignant. “Thanks, I can read.” He nonchalantly pulled the money he had on hand out of his pocket. Damnit, only ten? “I’ll be back for that jacket tomorrow, you can bet on that.”

“It is not on reserve for you,” the man remarked.

“Guess that means I’d better work fast then,” Gojyo called as he exited.

(-)

Late Afternoon, Day 4 - Western China

It had taken Gojyo that evening and the following afternoon, but he managed to quadruple his earnings.

If there’s one thing I’m good at it, it’s gamblin’. Too bad th’ guys in this town can tell when yer good an’ jus’ stop playin’ with ya’… Well, if I’m gonna’ buy Sanzo a pair of shoes, then I’m gonna’ need his size at any rate, may as well see if that card is lying around anyplace I can swipe it. Okay, that sounds like I’m stealin’ an’ I’m not, I’m just… gettin’ a new outfit. That’s all.

For the first time in a long while, Gojyo was thankful for the time he’d spent doing snatch-jobs with Banri – picking locks in a town like was nothing compared to the ones in a metropolis like Chang’an.

Hairpins… wonder why more women don’t use ‘em, heh, they’re so damn useful…

Sure enough, Sanzo was dead asleep; Gojyo could hear him snoring.

Hey, my razor! And my other sock! Gojyo started picking up the remainder of his things that had been left in Sanzo’s room. I totally forgot about some-a’ this stuff! Figures Sanzo would only kick stuff out inta’ th’ hallway an’ not check what’s left… Wonder why th’ hell he’s been sleepin’ so much lately…

Hunched over on the floor and barefoot, Gojyo did everything he could to avoid making a sound or get within Sanzo’s vision should the monk actually be awake. Finally, Gojyo spied the sandals on the floor halfway where Gojyo assumed Sanzo had left them before getting into bed – exactly halfway between the headboard and baseboard.

He was about ready to leave when he remembered he still needed to look for the card. He very cautiously lifted his head to look for Sanzo’s head near the pillow. Sanzo was indeed asleep and turned away from the window – toward Gojyo – with the sheets pulled up to his shoulders.

Shit… Gojyo paused as he realized he could see Sanzo’s collarbone and upper chest. He sleeps naked? His eyes traveled down the contours of Sanzo’s right side until they caught sight of where Gojyo knew surely the blond’s groin – or butt had Sanzo been turned on his other side – would be underneath of the covers.

Memories of the fantasy from three days ago in the bathtub – Sanzo’s pale back, arms, and butt all straining as the priest worked himself to orgasm – made Gojyo’s dick twitch.

He purposefully turned away and happily saw the card on the bedside table. He grabbed it and, remembering to be quiet, left the room as fast as he possibly could.

It wasn’t until Gojyo was back at the cobbler’s shop that Gojyo realized he and Sanzo wore the same size shoe. That intrigued Gojyo, but he wasn’t sure what to make of it. Gojyo got mad at the guy yet again when he tried to rip Gojyo off, but decided to buy the shoes and jacket anyway – the opportunity was just too good to pass up. So, Gojyo paid the man with cash for the shoes, put the jacket on the gold card, and left the shop a very happy man.

(-)

Evening, Day 4 - Western China

Sanzo removed his glasses and set his book down next to his pillow before rubbing his eyes. The nap had been enough that he was able to finish the book, but now it was dark out and he’d had to strain to read with the light on.

Probably should eat something. Sanzo pushed back the covers and slid his legs out from under the rest. He set his feet down where his sandals should have been, but his right foot hit the cold floor. Looking down, he didn’t see the other sandal anywhere. Sonofabitch…

He slipped his left foot into the sandal and proceeded to get dressed, all the while looking for the other sandal. He looked under the bed, in the bathroom, and even in the dresser drawers he didn’t remember opening.

Someone fucking stole my sandal!

He decided to put just his black tabi on instead of walking around in only one sandal, grabbed his fan and gun, and left his room for the dining room, fully intent on finding the culprit and make them pay for invading his room.

“Well look who decided to join us for dinner!”

Sanzo snapped his head in the direction of Gojyo’s voice; he was seated next to Goku and Hakkai with Hakuryu curled up in a fourth chair at a round table. He marched right up to the table and debated who to point the gun at first. Gojyo won out for his prior comment.

Looking down the Smith & Wesson’s barrel at Gojyo, Sanzo demanded, “All right, where’s my sandal, bastard?”

“-Th’ hell, Sanzo?”

“One of my sandals is gone and one of you is to blame. I’m just starting with the most-guilty looking.”

“You’ve looked everywhere in your room, Sanzo?” Hakkai asked.

“Of course I did. No petty thief would steal a fucking sandal so either of these two had to have done it as some sort of joke.”

“How on earth would they get into your room with the door locked?”

“Yeah!” Gojyo chimed in, but the barrel pressed harder against his forehead.

“You wanna’ die?”

“N- no.”

“Maybe th’ maid took it!” Goku supplied. “I swear one-a’ ‘em moved my stuff around, so maybe-”

“It’s their job to straighten things up, not take things,” Sanzo retorted before turning back to Gojyo. “Give it back.”

“H- how about this, Sanzo? I got somethin’ better for ya’…” Gojyo reached down, anticipating the gun would follow his every move, and pulled one of the pairs of boots from his shopping bag. “You can have ‘em, serious.” He held the boots up for Sanzo to take as if his hands were a platter.

“Why the hell would I want those?”

“ ‘Cuz they’re a gift. Friends can give each other gifts, can’t they Hakkai?”

“Indeed they can.”

“I don’t want a gift, I want my sandal.”

“Well, think about it this way, Sanzo, they were gettin’ so ratty an’ th’ terrain’s just getiin’ worse an’ worse, so I figure ya’ need a better pair-a’ shoes anyway an’ it was buy-one-get-one-free-”

“So you’re giving me something you got for free.”

“Well, technically-”

“You didn’t use my card did you?”

Gojyo smiled internally, but acted offended. “Hey, I bought the shoes with my own money – 2 afternoons-a’ gamblin’ those babies cost me. You should come next time, Sanzo – we still have that game-a’ billiards to finish.”

Goku stopped eating momentarily, his mouth still full. “When did you two play a game with bills?”

Sanzo turned on Goku with the harisen, the hit nearly knocking the food out of Goku’s mouth. “Idiot, it’s a game of pool, and don’t talk with your mouth full of food.”

“Ow Sanzo, that really hurt! I think I bit my tongue…”

“Serves you right. Hakkai, move your pet so I can sit down. Gimme those boots, Gojyo, my feet are gettin’ cold down here.”

Gojyo breathed a sigh of relief as he handed the boots over to Sanzo. That was a close one, but I guess he liked the gift after all…

“Oh Sanzo, I meant to ask you, whatever managed to keep you occupied for three days in your room?” Hakkai inquired. “I can’t imagine you were just sleeping your injuries off as they weren’t all that bad.”

“Just reading a book.”

“May I ask the title if it was so very interesting?”

“Tao-te-ching.” (9)

“Ah! Brushing up on the canon of other religions?”

“No, just passing the time in silence… it relaxes me to read.”

Definitely gonna’ remember that one, Gojyo decided. “Hey Goku, pass the soy, wouldaja’?”

(-)(-)(-)

-to be continued-

11/14-11/29/2007

(1) In my stories, I mostly stick to manga canon if anime canon would contradict it. The second half of Gensomaden Saiyuki, with Homura and the gang, of course only appeared in the anime, but is included because I think it helps Goku’s maturing process. After that we jump back into the manga until the clone episode (between Chapters 2 & 3 of Where There’s Smoke) before going back to the anime for all of that filler stuff. Why claim the filler is going on? Well, the joke with ASR and me is that this (that is, Where There’s Smoke) is what was going to be in the first half of Reload, but it didn’t make it past the censors. So, the producers said, “Well, let’s put in filler until we come up with something better…” and they never did come up with anything. (Haha.) Anyway, following that we’ll jump back into the manga for Even A Worm (the Hazel stuff) because the anime messed it up so bad. I really hope all of that made sense.

(2) This is a reference to Gojyo’s sexual maturation as told through the story Tricks of the Trade, in which Gojyo overcomes his association of sex with the incestuous relations of his mother and brother. He used to do this predominantly, though not exclusively, by focusing only on his own orgasm – taking care of it quickly with the help of any willing woman – and only after disassociating sex from his family was he able to enjoy sex. Thus, Gojyo forced himself not to fantasize until recently in his life and, prior to Tricks of the Trade, did not even masturbate.

(3) This is characteristic polite Japanese, which Hakkai uses all the time in the show. It’s what ASR and I call “ten-ten-ten” because one of the three dots that make up an ellipsis in English is called a “ten” in Japanese (and because our teachers called it that in our Japanese Language classes). Use of the ellipsis is common in polite Japanese because it leaves unsaid things which are considered obvious, such as “I think that was a bad thing to do because… (you’ll get in trouble)” making the “ten-ten-ten” often translated as “and you know what that means…”

(4) An homage to Janime’s “Warrior’s Call” Ronin Warriors fanfiction from Chapter 3 – Meetings. The original line is “Yes. No. Yes. Rowen. Three. … Yes, I can see you. No, I don't feel nauseated. Yes, I'm sure. My name is Rowen. You're holding up three fingers.”

(5) The Japanese sound effect for “bingo” or “right-on” is “pi-pon” which comes from the sound effect for “correct” used on game shows. Of course, it is normally said with great enthusiasm.

(6) A reference to the Confidantes plot thread in which the kankei (non-sexual relationship) between Sanzo and Hakkai is explored through the many conversations they’ve shared behind closed doors ever since “Cho Gonou” died (i.e. the conversation in which the Sanbutsushin sentenced the killer to atonement rather than death for his sins in the Sannenmae story arc [Fated Guys / Be There).

(7) A references to Beast of Burden, in which Hakkai made / altered a significant portion of Gojyo’s Gensomaden outfit.

(8) Egyptian Cotton is a very soft fabric, but as durable as cotton; it was also the fabric I used to make the green shirt for my Gensomaden Hakkai costume.

(9) The more recent Romanization is actually the “Dao-de-jing”, but I thought it appropriate for Sanzo to use the old spelling. The book is a classic of Taoism / Daoism, actually considered to be more of a philosophy than a religion, yet Hakkai calls it a religion anyway. This is a reference to Blasphemy, in which young Cho Gonou developed an extreme prejudice for religions and religious people. Thus, when Hakkai refers to something as a religion, he is actually implying it is slightly irrational and cultish (i.e. not real), as a modern-day Christian might view the beliefs of a Wiccan or Classic Mythology (Roman & Greek Pantheon folklore).

A very good song for Gojyo in this chapter is “High On You” by Survivor (Greatest Hits) and guess who he’s thinking about? (Snickers profusely)

Nekochan

Definitions

Rakusu – the golden breastplate Sanzo wears that is supposedly made from bamboo.

Erogappa – contraction of the words “ero” (from “erotic[ism”) and “kappa” (Japanese water oni); with contractions in Japanese, the first syllable of the second “word” gets vocalized, so the ‘ka’ in kappa becomes a ‘ga’ and thus “erogappa”

Twink(s) – a term for extremely skinny, often well-toned (gay) men

Sanbutsushin – The Three Aspects / Gods of Buddhism; i.e., the three floating heads that Sanzo reports to at the Palace of the Setting Sun on the outskirts of Chang’an.

Wifebeater (tee-)(-shirt) – a plain, usually white shirt without sleeves, but thick straps (i.e. not spaghetti); the kind of (white) shirt Gojyo wears in the Sannenmae arc as well as under his blue vest in his Gensomaden outfit

Tabi – the style of sock worn with Japanese sandals where there is a cut in the sock for the thong of the sandal between the big toe and the rest of the sock. They are usually much thicker than Western-style socks.