In These Dying Hours
Chapter One
It was supposed to be another average fight. Demons attacked. They kicked some serious ass. Blah. Blah. Blah. It was the same every time. But today, something went wrong. No one was sure what it was, but everyone agreed that something happened, which left a bitter taste in everyone's mouths.
"Goddamn demons! You ruined a perfectly good breakfast, yah know that!" Goku yelled, before jumping onto one of the demon's shoulders, ramming his Nyoi-bo down into his head. The demon could do nothing more then gurgle out a cry of pain, before falling helplessly to the ground. Goku did not pause, however, but turned to take out more of his attackers.
"I swear monkey," Gojyo commented lazily, sighing helplessly. "All you ever think about is food."
"Do not!" came Goku's reply.
Hakkai could do nothing but laugh, as he charged another chi blast. "What do you say then? After this, it's a four hour drive to town. We can have a big lunch, on Sanzo's tab, of course."
The Monkey King cheered, before ramming his Nyoi-bo into another demon, sending it reeling. Sanzo snorted, cocking his Smith & Wesson and taking aim. "Remind me to send you the bill, Hakkai." He said simply, before pullng the trigger, nailing one of the monsters through the eyes.
The group assembled as it seemed they had finished killing off the rest of Kougaiji's assasins. Gojyo yawned, cracking his shoulder. "Are we off then?" he asked, looking from Hakkai to Sanzo. Then over at Goku who seemed to be making sure the last of them were dead, before heading over to the smell assembled group.
"Goku! Move!" came Sanzo's horrified yell. Goku turned, in time to see one of the demons get to his feet, ramming his claws towards the young monkey. Goku could do nothing but stare as the claws were rammed through his chest. He gave out a squeak of pain, before Sanzo pulled the trigger. The bullet hit the demon in the side of the head, causing it to fall helplessly to the ground. Goku sunk to his knees, slightly stunned.
"Goku!" Hakkai called, hurrying to his side. "Are you all right?"
Goku's golden eyes were directed down to his middle, where a large gaping hole should have been. Instead, he looked perfectly fine, as if the attack never happened. It didn't even hurt anymore. Goku felt around where the wound should have been, a little stunned. "I-I guess..."
"What the hell happened?" Gojyo snapped, turning to look at the limp form of the demon.
Sanzo snorted, pulling out one of his Marlboro Red's, and sticking it between his lips. "The attack must've missed. End of story. Now let's get the hell out of here." With that, the monk turned on his heel, heading out of the small clearing.
Nervously, Goku got to his feet, stilll unsure about the 'lack-o-wound'. It wasn't as though he was complaining, but still... His hand fell to his chest, where the wound should have been.
It felt so weird.
---
"Food, food, food, food, food, food! Bed, bed, bed, bed, bed!" Goku couldn't help but cheer out in a sing-song tone, as he fell onto the soft bed in the inn. Sanzo had decided to spend the night in the town, even though it was only noon. The next town was two days away, and no one felt like sleeping outside when a warm bed was so close.
Goku cuddled the soft pillow to his chest, more then happy to have a soft place to sleep tonight. He could've dozed off right then and there, and slept until morning, should that not mean missing dinner. "Ch, your such an idiot," Goku opened his golden eyes, and glanced up at Sanzo. His 'roommate to be' tonight. He let a small smile catch his lips as he watched the monk pace the room for a moment, before relaxing in the bed opisite him. Goku pushed his face into the pillow to try and hide his smile.
He loved the way Sanzo walked. The way he held himself. Calm. Strong. And more then a little in control. It was little over a month ago when the realization hit him. He loved the blonde monk. It had just hit him randomly one day. How Goku had not seen it earlier? Sanzo was the sun. Goku was the Earth. Everyone knows the Earth would die without the sun. Sometimes he found himself wondering; would the sun die without the Earth? Goku doubted it. Sanzo was strong, he would carry on without him.
He frowned at that thought, but immediately brushed it away. He turned his attention back to the monk who had taken a few minutes to rest his eyes. Goku studied every part of him. His golden blonde hair. His broad, strong shoulders. His middle. Those long, powerful legs. Yup, Goku nodded to himself. He was totally head-over-heels in love with the man.
He would never breath a word of it though. He knew that Sanzo didn't feel the same, and wouldn't dare let his weakness for the man show. He knew it would only end in a broken heart.
Goku climbed from the bed, careful not to disturb his sun, as he headed out onto the balcony. He stepped out into the sunlight, stretching his sore muscles out. It felt great not to be confined to the back seat of a jeep with Gojyo. He glanced up at the blue sky, shielding his eyes from the brightness of it all. He couldn't help but bounce on his heels, leaning against the railing. He loved the sun. The brightness of day. It reminded him of the day Sanzo freed him. The boy had been so bewildered by the trees, the animals, the rivers, but mostly, of the man who had taken him in. Beautiful days like this only reminded him of Sanzo, and how no matter what, he never wanted to let the man go.
His gaze directed down, finding streets filled with people shopping. He watched as Hakkai and Gojyo stepped out the door, heading out to gather more supplies. His wrinkled his nose in a combination of annoyance and jealousy when Gojyo placed his arm around Hakkai's shoulders. Those two thought their relationship was a secret. Goku couldn't help but snort. He wondered if the two had figured out yet that you couldn't keep secrets when most of your day is spent in a jeep with three other people.
His gaze drifted out past the mainstreams of town, and caught sight of a forest just outside the city's limits. There was a beautiful crystal lake in the middle of it. He couldn't help but smile. Maybe going out exploring today would prove interesting.
"What are you grinning about, you stupid monkey?"
Goku turned, finding Sanzo standing in the doorway behind him. His posture was slouching, and his hand was pulled through his hair, holding his bangs back and letting the red chakra on his forehead stick out like a sore thumb. Goku smirked.
Exploring with the monk would prove even more interesting.
Goku shrugged, turning his attention back out to town. "Nothin'," he said simply. "I was just thinking."
"Really, I didn't know you could think," Sanzo muttered dully.
Goku shrugged the insult off, turning to face the man. "There's a place I want to explore. Come with me?" he asked, puffing out his golden eyes in a way he knew Sanzo couldn't refuse.
Sanzo looked into the large pleading eyes of the brunette and scoffed, turning his eyes away. "Kids explore," he said dully. "Adults take walks."
Goku smirked. "Fine then. Would you take a walk with me?"
Sanzo shrugged one shoulder.
Goku grinned, grabbing his arm and leading him towards the door before he had the chance to change his mind. They were soon out in the street, surrounded by many people all rushing to get to where they needed to be. Luckily, no one seemed to recognize Sanzo, letting the man and his monkey enjoy their afternoon. Goku began prattling on, pointing out which restaurants they should go to for dinner, all the while making his way towards the forest which contained the beautiful crystal lake.
It seemed like forever until they were out of the crowds of people. Soon buildings were replaced with trees, and water came into view. Goku shot Sanzo a smile-- which was returned with an annoyed look-- before hurrying towards the lake.
He came into a clearing, glancing out at the crystal waters that spanned out in front of him. It wasn't overly big-- only stretching at least twenty-five meters across at most-- but the surface of the lake shone like glass. Goku almost believed that if he stepped on it, it would be hard. "Wow," he gaped, before turning back to Sanzo, as the blonde haired man made his way out of the foliage, looking the lake over in silent amazement. "Isn't it pretty, Sanzo?"
Sanzo scoffed. "No," he muttered, before taking a seat on the grass, pulling his cigarettes from his pocket and lighting one. "Just hurry up and finish your little childish exploring so we can get back to the inn."
Goku scowled at him, but none the less turned to enjoy the quiet peace of this cut off world. He picked up a smooth rock, and was tempted to throw it into the glass-like lake. He finally decided against it. He pocketed the smooth stone, before turning and taking a seat next to the blonde monk. Goku fell back into the grass and closed his eyes with a content sigh, happy to be in the monk's presence. Finally, he peeled open his golden orbs, and surveyed the sky above him. It was absolutely pallet blue. Almost the same color as the water. Only a single cloud obscured his vision of the clear sky.
"It looks like a meat bun," Goku thought with a silent snicker.
He glanced over at Sanzo, finding the monk gazing off. He seemed less agitated then normal, which made Goku smile. This moment was absolutely peaceful. It was perfect. Goku didn't care who; it could've been Kougaiji, a hoard of demons, Gojyo, or even Gyumaoh himself, if anyone disturbed this moment he wouldn't hesitate to beat them into putty.
"Hey, Sanzo," Goku droned suddenly, studying the monk's face. Taking in every one of his features. It was an odd pass time he'd picked up while traveling in the jeep.
"What?" came Sanzo's sharp reply.
"What would you do if I died?"
Sanzo's reply didn't come right away. The monk pulled in the last breath of his cigarette, before tossing it away without a care. After letting the smoke file out the corners of his mouth, he said, "Don't ask stupid questions."
Goku couldn't help but snicker. He placed a hand over his mouth, hoping Sanzo didn't hear him. Either he didn't hear him or he didn't care, as he did not snap back at him, embarrassed as he usually would. Goku let himself relax back into the grass, hoping to enjoy this moment of peace for a few minutes longer. Feeling eyes on him, he cracked an eye open, looking up at his sun who was watching him out of the corner of his eye. Goku let a small smile catch his lips, propping himself up on his elbows. "What are you looking at?" he snapped, through his tone held no malice, simply amusement.
"Nothing," came Sanzo's reply. "I just wanted to know what you're grinning about."
"Do you really want to know?" came Goku's casual reply.
Sanzo frowned at the boy. "Yes," he said, though there was slight uncertainty in his tone.
Goku leaned in close, so their noses were practically touching. He was grinning in the most evil way he could manage. "I was thinking about..." he trailed off, and his grin faded. He hadn't realized how close they were. He could feel the monk's uneven breath on his lips. Smelling just like cigarettes. Goku found he could not say anything, and was overcome by the desire to close the distance and kiss the monk. He forced the feeling back down. There was no way he could do that. He would ruin the delicate relationship the two shared. "...meatbuns," he whispered.
Sanzo moved, allowing him the freedom to fall back on the grass, closing his eyes and trying to calm his speeding heart. He heard Sanzo light another cigarette next to him. He listened as the monk drew the breath in, then let the smoke out through his lips. Lips Goku so desired to kiss.
"C'mon Goku," he peeled open an eye, looking up at Sanzo who had chosen to end the small era of peace. "We should head back to the inn." Without waiting for the brunette, the man turned and headed off towards the town.
Goku climbed to his feet, the smallest of frowns touching his lips. Yeah. Sure. It wasn't like he should even be allowed peaceful moments with his sun anyway. Growling slightly at that thought, he begrudgingly headed after the Sanzo priest.
---
Running. Screaming. Panting. He was out of breath. Every muscle in his body burned as he ran. What was he running from? He had no idea. But someone... something was hunting him, and he had to get away. His feet ached. Blisters littered the undersides of his feet, along with cuts that leaked blood all over the ground every time he took a step. How long was he running?! Why couldn't he stop!? He felt like sobbing from the exertion.
He suddenly tripped. He collapsed into the dirt, crying and unable to move. Everything burned. His body refused to listen to him. But he had to get away! He had to keep running! "Get up!" he turned his golden eyes up the man who had spoken.
Sanzo? It had to be. The man wore purple robes, ones he did not recognize... but.. that golden hair, those purple eyes. It was Sanzo, wasn't it?
"Sa--"
"She's coming!" the Sanzo look-alike pressured, pulling him to his feet. "We have to keep running!"
He managed to swallow whatever saliva he could. "Y-Yeah. Sorry. Let's go." The two took off running again. He had no idea who this man was, but being with him made him feel secure. Safe. Just like when he was with Sanzo. Still, he found himself glancing over his shoulder, waiting for the beast to strike.
Suddenly the Sanzo look-alike stopped, and so did he. "Keep running!" he yelled.
The young boy was taken aback. "S-Sanzo?"
"Keep running!" the man yelled again. "I'll stall her!"
He couldn't help but nod, turning to run. He only managed to run for a few feet, before he turned back to the Sanzo look-alike. His eyes widened in horror as he watched the man's chest spew blood, and he sank to his knees. He could feel himself shaking. No. This wasn't happening.
"KONZEN!" he would come to wonder where that name had come from, but for now, all he could do was call it out and sob as the man who had tried to protect him was dying. He forced his legs to work as he ran to the man's side. He rolled him over, gazing into his lifeless purple eyes. He could feel himself sobbing. "No. Konzen, no..." he shook his head, as if trying to deny this was really happening.
"Goku," the man groaned out weakly. "Are... are you going to let this happen to me a second time?"
"What?"
Konzen grabbed his shirt pulled him in close. His lips twisted into a sickly grin. "Are you gonna let Sanzo die too?"
A cry caught in his throat as Goku bolted awake. He sat straight up, fists clenching the blanket so hard his knuckles were turning white. It took Goku a moment to catch his breath. What happened? Glancing around, he found himself in the room he was sharing with Sanzo. Glancing over, he found the monk calmly sleeping, unaware of the nightmare his monkey just had. His silhouette was illuminated by the moonlight being let in through the window. Seeing the man's sleeping form calmed his nervous slightly, as it always seemed to.
Goku ran his fingers through his sweat-cloaked hair, trying to calm himself. What was that? That man... Konzen? He said something about letting Sanzo die. What was he talking about?
Goku sighed, and fell back into the soft pillows. It was just a dream. Just a dream and nothing more. It meant nothing. Goku managed to slow his thundering heart, and close his eyes. Just a dream...
Goku got no further sleep that night.
A/N: There we go. Chapter one for my first long SanzoGoku story. I don't like how this came out though, future chapters will be better, and more mushy. I can't wait to write more of this. I have so many ideas I'm itching to try. I just hope people out there like what I'm writing. Oh well, as usual, I'm open to anything you wish to say. Flames, criticism, praise, I don't really care.
Also, I'm not sure as to how deep I'm going to make Sanzo and Goku's relationship (If any at all. Haha) So rating may go up in future chapters. Just a warning. If it does suddenly spike up because of my inner pervert, then I shall place a warning in the chapter before, and the chapter itself. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, and please review!
