Tricks of the Trade
Chapter 2: Damsel In Distress

A Story for the Smoke Signals Thread

By Nekochan

Author's Note

This chapter's pretty short but I wanted to keep it that way since it's pretty focused on Ruiping, just to flesh her out a little before running back to Gojyo.

Gojyo's inspiration song for this one is also "tears of pearls" by Savage Garden (Savage Garden). Ruiping's song is still "Watch Me Shine" by Vanessa Carlton (Legally Blonde Soundtrack) because it really embodies 'Girl Power' to me - yes, even more than the Spice Girls.

I will remind everyone once again that this story is rated M. There's a fair bit of adult sexual material, but the bulk of the M rating will come from foul language.

Arigatou Minasan! (Thanks everyone!)

Nekochan

(-)(-)(-)

The Flowing Sands Tavern, Chang'an

Ruiping did find Gojyo that night as well as every other night that week. She turned out to know her way around a gambling man quite well, since she did not give away how good - or bad - his hands of poker were and she made sure both of their glasses were filled with alcohol at all times. Gojyo also discovered that some of the stuff Ruiping babbled about included Card-shark innuendoes and, sure enough, she'd been right on the mark when she noted certain men in the tavern as cheats.

After their first night and morning together, Gojyo invited Ruiping back to his place twice, on nights he knew Banri would be out late slumming for some cash - either a snatch-job or prostitution. He didn't want to give her any indications he wanted a relationship, just that he was starting to enjoy her company, and thus he decided to turn her down the other four nights. He'd actually thought about taking a different girl back with him once, but the thought of sexual intercourse in excess of his needs made him more uneasy than another night spent with a familiar face.

That was what Ruiping had become - a familiar face among the countless, nameless whores that frequented the back-alleys of Chang'an. She stood out in no obvious ways - she had black hair and brown eyes which were incredibly common - save the mole above her right eye that always told Gojyo it was her if he was in doubt.

The redhead glanced down at his thigh, which Ruiping was massaging lightly since she was sitting next to him. He had admitted to himself that last time she'd spent the night how . . . unusual it was to fuck the same person rather than changing partners. He'd found himself remembering to do something or to not do another . . . because it was Ruiping and that was how she liked it. He still couldn't decide whether that was a good thing or not.

Much to Gojyo's embarassment, Ruiping did remember things about him as well - she remembered his 'kink' and played along; he was thankful for the quiet despite his confusion as to why she'd care about his wishes.

However, it was quickly becoming apparent to Gojyo that he could not avoid Ruiping's obvious desire for answers; as quiet as she was when they had sex, she was twice as chatty afterwards. She'd tried making small talk about the weather, cigarette brands, favorite foods, and even choice of clothing, but it didn't stay that way for long. There were also the more focused tales of other fights she'd witnessed as well as Gojyo's opinions about his roommate, but he would never answer her very specific questions.

How did Gojyo discover his taste in that kink? Was he willing to try others? Why didn't he want to have sex every night? Did he desire other partners? Was there something about her that made her less desirable?

It was starting to bug the hell out of him.

"Oh, look at that - our glasses are empty again. Well, in that case, I'll be right back." Ruiping pushed her chair back and stood up, taking their glasses one in each hand. "Would you like the same thing, Gojyo? Or something stronger?"

"Same thing's fine."

" 'Kay."

Why is she doing this? What does she stand to gain? He glanced back at her as she was leaving, since he was inbetween games. Suddenly, a long line of cleavage surrounded by pale skin was all but shoved in his face.

"Excuuuuse meeee," a high voice called to him in a sing-song voice as a young woman sat next to him. She was only in her teens, wearing a tube top and a mini skirt, plus pale brown and blonde streaks in her black hair. "Uhhm, I'm new in town, aaaand, like, the bartender told me that this super-hot guy named Gojyo could, y'know, show me a good tiiiime . . . Tee hee," she giggled and winked before continuing, "Would you, like, know who this hottie is? I can't seem to fiiiind him." She had her hands in her lap and her elbows locked as if to ensure he got a good view of her breasts.

There's only one word t' describe girls like that: Easy, Gojyo thought to himself as he fought to keep from busting up laughing at her poor attempt to play innocent. "Well-" he was about to respond, but was cut off by a menacing tone nearby.

"I'm sorry, honey, but that seat's taken. You'll have to find another." Ruiping had come back with the drinks and was glaring daggers at the girl.

"No one was sitting here when I got here, Grandma, are you sure your eyesight isn't failing you?" The new girl smirked and narrowed her eyes as well.

Gojyo blinked a few times. Wait . . . what's going on here?

"No, I'm pretty sure that all I see is an airheaded tart with unnaturally large boobs. Did Daddy pay for those?"

There was a chorus of "Oohs" from the rest of the common room. Apparently everyone was interested in how this would resolve itself now.

The girl stood on her feet, knocking her chair over. "Bitch, you did NOT just go there!"

"Oh, so I was right then? My apologies," Ruiping snickered sarcastically, setting the beer down on the table at Gojyo's other side. "Didn't mean ta' embarass ya' like that, sweetie. After all, isn't it past your bedtime?"

"FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!" Chanted the other patrons.

What? Fight? What the hell would they possibly be- Gojyo debated the likeliness of what he was thinking before deciding on a course of action. Thoroughly frustrated that things had come to this, he stood up and got between the two women. Ignoring the flighty teenager, Gojyo grabbed Ruiping by the wrist. "You. Me. Outside. NOW." He started walking.

"Wait, but Gojyo-" Ruiping protested as she was dragged out of the tavern.

The girl's mouth hung open. Then she stood with her arms akimbo and brow furrowed as she scoffed, "Gojyo? Man, what a jerkface!"

(-)

Outside of the Flowing Sands Tavern, Chang'an

"Gojyo! GOJYO!" Ruiping cried out, "Gojyo, you're HURTING me!"

The redhead let her go, but walked over to lean against the corner of the building. He pulled out his pack of Hi-Lites and proceeded to light one.

"What the hell was that for, Gojyo?!" Ruiping demanded angrily.

"Why don't you tell me."

"No, you actually hurt me," she insisted, rubbing her wrist, a pained expression crossing her face. "I thought you liked me."

Great, she's pullin' out the pity card. Gojyo rubbed the base of his neck with his free hand. "Maybe I do, but what I don't like is that stunt you just pulled."

He's not as dumb as he's acting. "You actually wanted that skank's attention?" The raven-haired woman accused.

"That's none of your business," Gojyo shot back, "No matter how much you want it to be."

Ruiping stood shell-shocked. Well, I guess that's that then . . .

"You were acting like my girlfriend without the title and without my permission."

She hooded her eyes with her bangs, leaning forward into a bow. " . . . I'm sorry."

Gojyo stopped in the middle of a drag on his cigarette, taking it from his lips. "What?"

"I'm sorry for embarassing you in front of everyone. I was only trying to stay near you instead of forcing the 'girlfriend' issue." She stood up and walked towards him, balling her fists and holding her arms tight to her chest. "Why won't you at least give a chance, Gojyo? What did I do to turn you off this past week? Please, answer me!"

He sighed, "You didn't do anything. It's just me . . . I'm not 'boyfriend' material, Ruiping. I live hand to mouth every day; I'll never be anyone. You should look for someone else to hang around with."

She turned away slightly. "I can't. No one will take me."

"Why not?" Gojyo asked confused. "You're not ugly or anything. A little pushy, maybe-"

"I'm twenty-three."

Red eyes went wide in embarassed shock. "No you're not."

"I'll be twenty-four in seven months."

"Woah . . ."

"That's why."

Hell, she only looks nineteen . . . "You don't look it, Ruiping. I'm serious."

"Thanks, but I'm still an Old Maid compared to a stallion like you." She sounded utterly depressed.

"You're not looking for a boyfriend, are you?" Gojyo asked aloud in realization. "You're looking for a husband."

"I'm sorry, Gojyo, I didn't mean to pressure you so much. I won't bother you if that's what you want."

The redhead groaned. "Damnit, Ruiping, you're makin' me out ta' be tha' bad guy!"

"I'm sorry-"

"Stop apologizin', damnit!" Gojyo said, infuriated at the whole situation. "Look . . . I'm bein' completely honest here, Ruiping, there's no way-"

"I don't care anymore!" Ruiping flung herself at Gojyo. "I shouldn't be so selfish - I know that - but I really like you, Gojyo!" She chuckled bitterly, "You remind me of a burnt dumpling."

"A what!?" Gojyo laughed and asked at the same time.

Ruiping sniffled and coughed as she giggled at his reaction. "It's something my dad would always say. He said that burnt dumplings tasted the best because they were crusty - overcooked - on the outside and soft - undercooked - on the inside."

Gojyo snorted, continuing to laugh, "That's the worst analogy ever! I'm not soft . . ."

She felt the vibrations against his chest, which amused her as well. "I'm sorry, but it just came to my mind!"

With a resigned sigh, the redhead wrapped his arms around Ruiping's shoulders. "I've already told you you're crazy, right?"

Wait . . . he isn't angry anymore . . . I think. Brown eyes gazed up into red. "Gojyo-" She felt her chin lifted up and then firm lips against hers. Gods he's a good kisser-

Gojyo pulled away, mouth creased in a straight line. "I have one condition."

She blinked, dazed, "What now?"

"I'll give this thing a shot on one condition."

"What's that?"

"After sex," Gojyo began, "Don't babble so much, wouldja'? I actually like sleep."

Ruiping blushed a bit. "I'm terribly sorry about that . . . I'm such a chatterbox; everyone says so."

"And try not to be so clingy, huh? We've both got lives, haven't we?"

"That's two conditions!" She protested.

"Oh well," Gojyo said as he shrugged his shoulders. "Whatcha' gonna' do 'bout it?"

Ruiping smirked seductively, pressing a thigh between his legs. "Make you make it up to me, that's what."

"Ooh, I'm so scared," he chuckled as he started walking towards the house, arm still around her shoulder.

She pouted and lightly punched his shoulder.

"Oi!"

"Serves you right, meanie."

(-)(-)(-)

To Be Continued

4/2/2007

Despite having this whole story written out in note form, I'm going to have to take a break from it - I actually experienced a sense of vertigo while writing this chapter and had to lay down in Sept's room until she provided me with water and Cheerios. This is important stuff and I do want to keep writing it, but I can only take emo in so many small doses at a time. I need fluff - it's my lifeblood these days. Thus, I am off to write (dun dun dun) the beginnings of 53! (GASP!)

Nekochan