So just to clarify, yes. I did make Goku more mature. I know he's more mature than he lets on; he not just a stupid monkey anymore. Or so I believe anyway.

Morning had come too early. Goku knew it was partly due to the fact that because his room was facing east, as soon as the sun peaked over the horizon, he was going to know. Yawning, he looked out into the morning and wondered what time it was. It seemed like even the monks weren't up yet.

A familiar growl cut through the silence and drew out a sigh from Goku. There was no way he was going to be eating anytime soon, so he settled for a shower. He hadn't taken one the night before for two reasons: he was too tired to bother, and he didn't want to find out how shitty it would be. He was right. The bathing room's state matched that of his room. Maybe worse. It didn't even look like the acolytes tried to clean it up. The faucet and drain were rusted up and the smell of mildew hung in the air. Whatever. Goku turned the water on and stepped into the unsurprisingly cold shower. The feeling of ice water on skin was nothing new to him; during the journey they all had bathed in cold stream many times over. It was just disappointing that it hadn't changed. If there was one upside, it was that it definitely helped wake him up, and right then the cold was taking his mind off of his hunger.

Finally tired of the cold, Goku turned off the water and began drying himself off with the towel, or rag, he wasn't sure, that was left for him. Returning to his room, he noticed that a lot more of sunshine was spilling through the window. His mood brightened a little.

He had definitely spent more time in the shower than he'd anticipated, though breakfast was still a long way off. Goku decided to take a walk along the grounds, wanting to see if everything in the temple had stayed the same. Pulling on a pair of jeans and white t-shirt, he made his way outside, pausing slightly outside of Sanzo's room. The door was closed, but Goku recognized the sound of Sanzo's breathing. Goku smiled at the familiarity of it. He was still asleep, so Goku continued on his way and was surprised at how warm the air was when he emerged outside. It was still early spring, but the summer weather seemed to be moving in fast. He took his time walking around, almost enjoying the sights. Dew laced the flowers and shrubs that outlined the temple and glittered in the early light. As he rounded a corner, Goku saw his peach tree. Technically, it belonged to the Goddess of Mercy, but Goku had spent so much time lazing in its branches that he was entitled to some sort of claim over it. No fruit had emerged on it yet, but the budding flowers gave off the familiar scent. Unable to stop it, Goku grinned and made his way up the tree, finally settling on a branch high up enough to see the entire grounds.

It's so peaceful. So quiet. It feels so weird being back here. Goku mused over his thoughts, thinking of the times the monks had chased him off the tree, unable to stop him from grabbing a few peaches. Or the times he had been berated by Sanzo for tracking mud in after a rainstorm. I miss those days. Goku sighed contently.

"You know if they catch you up there they'll throw a fit." Goku started at the sound of Sanzo's voice. Goku looked down to see the priest leaning against the tree, enjoying a morning cigarette.

"You're up early."

"I could say the same for you."

"The sun woke me up. By the way, when's breakfast?"

"You haven't changed at all, monkey." Goku frowned. But he had changed, hadn't he? He definitely felt older, but maybe he really hadn't changed much. He frowned at the thought. Things that don't change are boring; people grow tired of them. Was Sanzo growing tired of him?

"Hey Sanzo?" Goku watched as Sanzo turned his head up slightly. "Is it okay that I'm here?"

"Well, you're here aren't you?" Goku nodded. "So it doesn't really matter, does it?" Instead of waiting for a response, Sanzo put out the cigarette and turned on his heel."It's breakfast time." Goku gave a slight smile, at least Sanzo thought it was okay he was here.

As Goku dropped from the tree, he couldn't help but notice a few acolytes staring at him.

Goku was finding breakfast rather dull. He'd never admit it, but he actually liked fighting over food. Without Gojyo, there was not competing, and a lot more silence. It was mostly his fault though. Sanzo was never one for conversation at the table, so if Goku wanted to talk, he should be the one to initiate it. It wasn't that Goku didn't have anything to talk about; it was more like he had too much to talk about. Too many questions to ask, and no idea where to start. The silence really was killing him though.

"So what're we—" Goku caught himself. "What's on the agenda today?"

"Dunno. Don't care either."

"Are they going to stick you with a tower of paperwork again?"

"Probably."

"Anything I can help with?"

"Ch'. You can stay out of trouble." Goku smiled. Even though they were in a different place, at least this was familiar.

"But trouble is so much fun!" Sanzo rolled his eyes.

"Not when you're the one cleaning up after it." With that, Sanzo pushed himself way from the table and made his way back to his room. Goku followed him.

"Did I invite you to come with me?" Sanzo asked, sliding into the chair behind his desk.

"Dunno. Don't care." Goku mocked, laying back on the bed. It was much more comfortable than his own. Goku tried his best not to fall asleep, but after the terrible night ofsleeping before, it was hard not to, especially not on such a soft mattress.

"Oi, monkey." Goku opened his eyes and stared at the blonde monk towering over him. "Go nap in your own bed."

"No." Goku rolled over in defiance and smirked when he heard Sanzo sigh in aggravation.

"Whatever. I'm going to see the Sanbutsushin."

"Can I come with?" Goku asked, finally sitting up.

"No."

"Please?"

"No. Play with the other kids while I'm away. I'll be back sometime this evening." Goku stood at the doorway, and watched as Sanzo slipped outside, and leaned against frame.

"Hello there Master Goku." Goku turned to look at three young monks, grinning at him. "May we ask a favor of you?"

"Uh, sure." Curious, and a little surprised by their geniality, he followed them all the way into the kitchen.

"See, as you know, we have chores, and one of them is to wash dishes. But the problem is we also have several other tasks, and they're taking longer than expected. Could you maybe help us out?"

"Um," Goku raised an eyebrow. On one hand, he really didn't want to, but on the other, maybe it would help him get on the good side of the monks. "Okay."

"Thank you, Master Goku."