Checkmate
The Queen
I waited, biding my time for the perfect moment to join our little play. Hah. Director, producer, and actor, is there anything I can't do?
Anyway, I waited about a week. No notes showed up. Funnily enough, this upset Sanzo and Goku more than if they had been showing up. It was as though they were expecting them now, relying on them to tell them how much time they had left before something big happened. Now with the notes no longer showing up, they were flinching at every passing siren, eating and sleeping less, and unable to focus on simple mundane tasks. I knew it was probably driving them crazy. It was actually very entertaining.
As I said, I waited patiently for the perfect time to strike. It happened about a week after the last note arrived. Sanzo had been held out late that night by some of the senior priests who were thinking about investing in a better lock system. The rate of suicide/murders had gone up exponentially, most of which connected to the stock market crashing. It looked like New York was going to the dogs, if it wasn't there in the first place. The meeting had dragged on longer than expected, and Sanzo was making his way back towards his room alone. It was a fair bit past midnight too. I couldn't have asked for a better moment.
He arrived back into his room with a sigh, his shoulders drooping. I could tell he just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep until dawn. However, I had a surprise for him before that.
When he turned on the lights, he caught sight of my present. Lying on his pillow was a human hand severed at the wrist. The skin was wrinkled and tinged bluer than could be considered healthy. Its fingers were curled around a small card.
You have two minutes before Goku joins me at the bottom of the ocean.
Sanzo gasped, stumbling back against the door in surprise. His eyes were wide and haunted, breathing in huge gasping breaths in his shock. His limbs shook, and it took him a minute to get himself under control.
That was when the meaning of my message finally got through his thick skull.
His eyes widened, and suddenly he forgot about the severed hand on his pillow. He ripped open the door and bolted down the hall, heedless of anyone in his way. It was late, so the only people he had to dodge was the occasional nun on watch. A few yelled at him as he passed, but he paid them no mind. Suddenly getting enough air was a problem, and I could see him cursing his smoke abused lungs as he ran. Getting to the other side of the church must've been difficult, but Sanzo managed in under a minute and a half. I should know. I was timing him.
He threw open the door to Goku's room and his eyes widened at the sight that greeted him. I was in disguise of course, my hair tucked up under a dark hat and wearing some cheap clothes I found at a store the other day. I also wore a pair of thick-rimmed glasses that really did nothing to hide my identity, but I thought they looked cool. I was glad for the shadows to hide me.
Goku was beneath me, gasping and thrashing against the hands around his neck. I had been holding him like this for several minutes, and suddenly his thrashing was dimming. His eyes were glassy and his lips were turning blue. I think I was enjoying it too much. He squirmed where he was pinned, tearing the sheets and blankets off the bed. I pressed my full weight down on him, tightening my grip and I watched as he made soft noises at the back of his throat. His fingers that had been trying to pry my wrists off his neck had gone weak.
It was far too easy; I felt like I was crushing an ant under my boot. Goku had been so much more than this once. We'd all been so much more than this once, but not anymore, I suppose. I had snuck up on Goku while he was sleeping, since I didn't doubt that he could clock me a good one while conscious. He had awoken when I pinned him down, but couldn't do anything to stop me.
I watched Sanzo in the doorway, watching the shock and horror on his face as the light began to fade from Goku's eyes. Suddenly, with a cry of fury he lunged forwards. I was expecting that. I kicked him sharply in the ribs, making sure that my hands were still around Goku's neck. This wasn't going to be easy on either of them. And if Goku died, then they were never worth messing with in the first place.
I wasn't expecting Sanzo to recover so fast. He lunged out almost immediately, catching me by the side and sending us sprawling out over the floor. I gasped when my back connected with the hard wood as I heard Goku coughing and wheezing from the bed. Sanzo pinned me down just as I had done to Goku, and then as easily as he would rip the wings off a butterfly, he began to beat me.
I mean like, literally beat me. I haven't had my ass kicked for quite a while, but Sanzo did a number. He began to punch me so hard I think I actually blacked out a few times. I know I lost one of my molar teeth. Now let me tell you something about me. I am not a fighter. I like to avoid conflict completely if I can. Going up in a fist fight against anyone, let alone Sanzo who still had some leftover bang from his last life, was not a smart idea. He kicked my ass hard. As I swam through the pain and the poundings, I remember thinking that I had to come up with some sort of excuse for having so many bruises.
Oh yeah, and he broke my glasses. Asshole.
Finally, he paused for a breath, and I moved. He shot my arm up quickly and broke his nose. Or at least I think I broke his nose. Anyway, it started bleeding, and I remember hearing him curse. I managed to wiggle free, getting to my feet and holding my bruised face. Goku was half-hunched over his bed, staring at me with wide eyes. He recognized me. Well isn't that all fine and dandy. Not exactly on the to-do list, but I got what I wanted anyway. I turned and bolted before Sanzo could break anything else on my face.
After I 'made my getaway,' Sanzo turned to Goku. "Are you okay?" he asked simply. Strictly business with Sanzo. No emotion there whatsoever. He really needs to get in touch with his feminine side.
Goku nodded, rubbing his throat. He was still a little pale. He opened his mouth to try and say something, but only ended up coughing again. Sanzo sat next to him, placing a hand on his back while Goku managed to catch his breath. Good, I almost crushed his windpipe and his boyfriend knocked out two of my molar teeth. Now we're even.
Goku took another gasping breath in, still rubbing his throat. "Sanzo…" he rasped out. "Sanzo… th-that was…." His sentence was abruptly cut off by a nasty coughing fit.
"Don't talk," Sanzo said gruffly, rubbing the teen's back in what little comfort he could offer. "I get it… this was… This is too far. That sick piker has gone too far this time. We have to get out of here."
Sanzo got to his feet, crossing the room and ripping open Goku's drawers. He pulled out some clothes and threw them at the boy. "We can't stay here anymore. This is going to kill me. It doesn't matter where we go, but we've got to go."
Goku looked down at the clothes thrown out along his bed. They weren't his church clothes, but rather a pair of trousers, a shirt and a jacket he'd been given one year for his days off duty. He nodded, his throat still too raw to speak, and began to get dressed.
By two am, Goku and Sanzo had slipped out into the church parking lot. Silently, they started one of the church's automobiles, usually what the priests used to go to do house calls or the like.
November 28, 1929 found Sanzo and Goku silently slipping out into a world they had never before really experienced.
And away we go.
--
Almost a month later, on December 25th, Sanzo and Goku found themselves seated in the car they had, quite frankly, stolen. They weren't sure how far they had traveled, only that they had been heading west for some time. However, they realized as time began to roll on that perhaps leaving near the end of November probably wasn't the smartest idea. They had tried to head south, but they had been unable to avoid the inevitable snowfall. They were freezing cold, running low on gas and the stash of money Sanzo had saved up was all but out. They spent their last couple bucks on jackets to hide them from the cold. They only had about a dollar seventy-five. In those days it would buy them quite a bit, but it wasn't enough.
They both realized they needed jobs. That much was obvious. But who would hire them? They had to figure out something fast, because at this rate they were going to freeze to death.
Sanzo had awoken that morning with a gasp. Instantly, he was shivering, able to see his breath out in front of him. He hugged his jacket tighter to him as he tried to sit up. Christmas morning had brought them no joy, and as he gazed out the car-window he felt himself filling with dread. All over the country children would be opening their presents and exclaiming with joy. They would be together with their
families and there would be nothing but happiness and togetherness. Sanzo wished he could feel some of that joy now as he sat in the backseat of their car, shivering. They had been sleeping in the back of their car for several weeks. They had spent one night in a hostel, but after that they had been unable to locate any others. Mostly they had been on the large expanse of the highway, and had come across no major cities. Sanzo didn't even know where they were anymore.
He moved to sit up, grunting a bit when the figure lying on top of him refused to move. Goku's eyes were still shut in sleep, his body lying still as he curled against Sanzo's body. Sanzo knew they had to start moving, and soon, if they didn't want to sit there and be buried under a flurry of white.
"Wake up, Goku," Sanzo said, still half-asleep as he shook the teen's shoulder. Goku didn't respond. "Goku, you have to get off me," he said, a little louder this time. Still Goku didn't move.
Sanzo's brows began to furrow in annoyance as he shook the teen with both hands. Goku lay limp in his hands, his skin slightly pale and his lips tinged blue. Sanzo placed two hands on either side of Goku's face, feeling the cold flesh beneath his fingers. His eyes widened.
"Goku!" he cried, again trying to jolt the teen awake. He was madly shaking him, rubbing parts of his bare skin to try and heat him up. "Goku, don't you dare die on me and leave me holding the bag!" He shook the boy ferociously, finally slapping him hard across the face.
Goku's eyes shot open, but they immediately began to droop again. "Sanzo…?" the boy breathed, his head lolling forwards like an infant with no proper neck muscles.
The relief was evident on Sanzo's face, but he immediately masked it with a scowl. Old habit, I'll bet. He began rubbing Goku's limbs, trying to encourage circulation. "C'mon, Goku, you've got to move. You can't fall asleep on me again, all right? I'm not going to have you freezing to death on me."
Goku nodded, his body finally beginning to catch up with itself as he began to shiver. He hugged his arms to his chest, flexing his fingers. By the wince, I'll bet it hurt. "O-Okay," Goku stuttered. "I'm o-okay."
Once Sanzo deemed Goku well enough awake, they climbed into the front. Sanzo began driving, keeping Goku awake with conversation. Sanzo may not have been a good conversationalist, but it worked. He kept Goku talking, and gradually they began to warm up. The heater was on at full blast, but it still felt like they weren't heating up fast enough. Sanzo wondered what they would do if they didn't reach town in time. He would've loved to leave the heater on all night, but it would've drained the battery and they would have been stranded. Sanzo was silently praying for a city as Goku babbled senselessly next to him about going to the Bahamas.
I'll bet you're probably wondering why I can keep narrating this story despite the fact that I wasn't anywhere near Sanzo and Goku at the time. That's my secret. A magician never reveals his tricks, does he? I'm sure you understand more than anyone else, though.
Despite the fact that Sanzo and Goku were having the time of their lives, (not) back at the church things were getting tight. Mind you, the following took place at about, oh, the first of December. The discovery that Sanzo and Goku had disappeared had been the start of much gossip. First an older priest is murdered, (or what is presumed) and then a priest and a senior-altar boy go missing? Suddenly everyone wanted to know more, and presumptions were made. Were Sanzo and Goku kidnapped? Did they run away from the Church because they were converted by Satan? Did Sanzo take Goku hostage because he was actually behind the killing of Father Thomas? I had to raise a brow at that one. Some of these rumors were starting to make less and less sense.
Father Hank, the head priest at the church, had called all the major priests to his office that evening. The ones that helped make the decisions, basically. Unfortunately, I was among those.
The meeting wasn't the important part. It was just a bunch of old farts that decided they were going to fill out missing person's reports concerning Sanzo and Goku. I nearly fell asleep. Anyway, I made my way back towards my room, but I was stopped by a young, junior altar-boy with bright blue eyes. His name was Joseph, something-or-other. He was from up north. His parents moved down not long ago and they enlisted their son in the Church, since they were such devout Catholics. He was from Quebec, or somewhere, since I could sometimes detect just a hint of a French accent.
"Father!" the boy exclaimed, a smile lighting his features before his face fell slightly. "Is it true? Are Sanzo and Goku truly gone?"
I frowned slightly. The kid always seemed to follow me around, Sanzo as well sometimes, but I could never place where I'd seen him before. It was as though I knew him from somewhere else. "Uh, yes," I said, recovering as I turned and began down the hallway. "They're gone."
"Oh," his shorter legs scrambled to keep up with mine, and I could detect the sorrow in his voice as he followed me. "Can I walk you back to your room?"
It seemed like a pretty stupid question, since that's what he was doing. I murmured something back as we continued down the long dark hallways. It was fairly quiet until I reached my room. I placed a hand on the doorknob when I felt a tug at my sleeve.
I turned back to Joseph who was looking down at the ground distractedly. He suddenly didn't look like a young teenager, but rather a small child. "Father, God doesn't forgive murderers, does He?"
I blinked, confused by the sudden question. "No," I replied without thinking. "No He doesn't."
Joseph smiled up at me before he turned and darted down the hallway. I blinked in confusion before shaking my head and turning back into my room.
At about two pm, on December 25th, Sanzo and Goku arrived in Chicago. Now, this was after the Church had sent out a missing person's report, and it had been sent halfway across the country, including Chicago. The license plate number was also along with it, though Sanzo and Goku were oblivious to this. They simply entered Chicago, awed by the sight of it and yet relieved that they might finally be able to make some money. Sure, money was tight all over America by that point, but they had to be able to do something. It was better than freezing to death in the back of the car.
Since their faces and license plate number was splashed half-way across America by that point, it was no surprise that they were pulled over by the Chicago police rather quickly.
Sanzo pulled the car over without a fuss, mentally going over what he might have done wrong as the police began to come up the side of the car. Goku's teeth
continued to chatter as he glanced from the cop to Sanzo. The blond didn't spare him a glance as he rolled down the window, letting in a blast of cold air.
"Is there a problem, officer?" Sanzo asked in the typical fashion, looking the man in the eye.
The police officer glanced from Sanzo, to Goku, no doubt recognizing their faces. "You're Genjyo Sanzo, correct?" the officer asked him, turning his attention back to the blond.
Sanzo was suddenly hesitant. "Yes…" he said, wondering where this was leading.
The cop nodded, as though confirming something within himself. "There's been a missing report filed for both of you by a Father Hank back at St Mary's Church back in New York City, you know that, right?"
Sanzo glanced back towards Goku, who kept his mouth shut and his expression neutral. Sanzo turned back to the cop, keeping his own expression equally indifferent. "No, we didn't know that," he said slowly. He was calculating again. I could tell. Sanzo's easier to read then most people seem to think.
The cop sighed. "Don't worry; we'll have you home right away. There was a… Father Gregory—" Haha! That's me! I got a crappy name in this life, though. "—that asked specifically that you make it home safely. He seemed really worried about you." I asked all the cops to at last mention my name. I wanted to see what would happen afterwards.
Goku's eyes widened as he sought out Sanzo's. It had been sometime earlier that Goku had revealed that his secret strangler was none other than myself. They assumed that I left the notes as well. Sanzo turned back to look at Goku, the same level of surprise reflected in his eyes. There were a few moments of silence when nobody moved or spoke. Then Goku threw open the side door and they ran.
The cop clearly wasn't expecting that. He shouted out to them but the pair were already out of the car and heading down the street. It was stupid, really. They didn't know Chicago. They were bound to be caught, sooner or later. The cop turned and got back in his car, turning and driving after them with sirens blazing. Goku ducked into a nearby alley and Sanzo followed him.
The streets were slick with slush as the snow silently began to fall from the sky. Sanzo slid a few times, bracing himself on the walls of the alley while Goku raced on ahead of them. The cops had gotten out of their car and were running after them, shouting for them to stop.
It would've probably been smarter for them to seek help from the cops. They could've easily told them about my attempt to strangle Goku, and launch a whole investigation. However, neither Sanzo nor Goku were very good at seeking help. Besides, I think they realized I could've countered with my knowledge that they successfully murdered another priest. They probably decided that this was better.
A door was opened out into the alley and a man stepped out. He was holding a brown paper bag to his chest and laughing at whatever had happened inside. Goku, unable to stop in time, ended up crashing right into him. The man stumbled, placed a hand on Goku's shoulder to steady him as Sanzo came to a screeching halt beside him.
There was a moment when there was nothing but silence. Sanzo and Goku were both wheezing, trying to catch their breath. Suddenly, the calls of the cops sounded behind them and the man's dark blue eyes narrowed. "I think yah needs a place to hide," he said quietly, before he turned and knocked on the door. He called something through and the door was opened. The three of them slipped inside, closing the door behind them.
Goku and Sanzo didn't care what act of kindness it was that made the man help them. They simply gasped for air as they absorbed the wonderful warmth. The place they stepped into looked like a bar, though that couldn't be right, since alcohol was still prohibited in the country, and would be for another three years. The lighting was dim and smoke rose to the roof, the evidence of many cigarettes and cigars smoked within the place. There were a few people scattered about, all looking at the three of them curiously.
Goku sank to the floor, grateful for the ability to rest while Sanzo's eyes were sharp and darting around the room. Suddenly trusting this man didn't seem so smart, and he was ready to bolt any time now. He didn't very much like the way this man's fedora dipped down over his short, straggly black hair. Sanzo instantly disliked the way he was looking at Goku.
"Hey Mikey!" one of the men called from behind the bar. "Whose Ethel and the little pussy cat?" The men barked out laughing at the apparent joke.
The dark-haired man snorted out a growl, turning to the other men behind him. "Lay off, or I'll tell a certain someone whatcha said about his Mama." That seemed to shut the other man up.
The man turned back to them, bending down in front of Goku. Sanzo bit back a jealous growl. "Well, I did mah part," he said simply, nodding to the door. "I got them coppers off yer back. Now, do me a favor." His eyes were glued on Goku. "Tell me, whatcher name and where yah from?"
Goku looked up at Sanzo, uncertain. Finally, he turned back to look at the other man in front of him. "M-my name's Goku… and th-this is Sanzo," he said. When the man spared him a glance, Sanzo growled a warning. The man ignored him. "We're from New York."
The man broke out in a smile, getting to his feet. "Hot dawg, I was right," he chuckled, turning to look at Sanzo. "Now, I can tell yah got nowhere to go, so why dontcha come and stay with me and mah girl? We gots lotsa room." Sanzo and Goku didn't reply right away, looking over at each other. I could tell they were probably just as confused about his offer as what he was saying. His accent was thick, all right. "Ah, right, sorry. I forget to introduce mahself. I'm Micheal Red. Jus' call me Mikey."
And so the next actor steps onto the stage. Ladies and gentlemen, I formally introduce you to Micheal Red, otherwise known as little old Sha Gojyo.
Okay, I can hear you questioning me from here. Why is Gojyo's hair and eyes not red? Why is he talking so funny? What's he doing in a bar in the middle of an alcohol ban in the United States? First, let me remind you that Gojyo is no longer a half-breed. When he was reborn, he lost the blood-red coloring that marked his parentage. Gojyo's original hair color was black, and his eyes a dark blue. And second, we're also remembering that this is not the same Gojyo who fought with Goku over food, slept with Hakkai on occasion and dodged Sanzo's bullets on the journey west. This Gojyo was born and raised in Chicago, now twenty-five years old and friends with very powerful people. Unfortunately, he ended up dropping out of high school and his English hadn't much improved much since then. But that's not important.
Anyway, I won't bore you with the details. Essentially, Gojyo invited the pair to come stay with him for a little while, at least until they got back on their feet. Goku
and Sanzo were startled by his sudden invitation. People didn't just offer room and board for no reason. Sanzo guessed that by the way he was looking at Goku, there was a reason.
They made their way to the man's car and drove silently back to Gojyo's house. They wisely left their car behind, since it appeared that the cops now had their license plate number. Sanzo was simply glad that they hadn't left anything important in the car. Sanzo chose to sit in the front while Goku took up the backseat. Sanzo crossed his arms over his chest, put on a scowl and watched Gojyo the whole way. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Gojyo was uncomfortable with the scrutiny, but wisely said nothing about it. I could tell that Sanzo did not want to stay in this man's house, but they both knew it would be suicide to stay out on the streets.
Goku was awed by the sight of the glorious city. Snow was silently falling, and had been for a little while now. It was as though the entire city was silent, every one of its citizens watching the wondrous display on Christmas Day. I'm glad to report that Goku had no fear whatsoever of the white stuff. It looked like his fear was left behind with his last life. That was a good thing.
They arrived at Gojyo's small house on the outskirts of Chicago. The house was a tiny little thing that looked as though the roof was about to collapse in on itself. Sanzo and Goku hesitated on the end of the drive, glancing at each other. They again took a moment to wonder if trusting Gojyo had been a smart idea. They, of course, had never met him before in their life—this one at least—but neither could deny the urge that made them want to trust him. Perhaps Gojyo felt it too. Maybe that was why he reached out to them. I wouldn't doubt it; their bond was strong.
They headed up the small walkway as Gojyo opened the door and stepped into the house. Goku and Sanzo hurried in behind him, relishing in the warmth.
They stood in the doorway, shivering, studying their surroundings. They had just stepped into a tiny, two bedroom home. There was only really one level, though there was a pair of stairs that led to a small attic. The living room merged with the small kitchen, and there was a hallway to their right that led to the bedrooms and bathroom.
Standing in the kitchen was a woman with dark brown hair that fell down her back in waves. Her bright green eyes widened as they entered, and her thin lips pulled
into a smile. She was a nice lean woman with a good pair of breasts and a healthy figure. Any man would've called her beautiful.
Ladies and gentlemen, Cho Hakkai.
"Gojyo!" Hakkai exclaimed, throwing down the oven mitts and turning towards the entry way. She was wearing a short dress that showed off her legs, without a lick of make-up. I don't think I could handle it if Hakkai decided to wear make-up. I mean, the dress was bad enough. I guess it doesn't matter; I've been reincarnated as a woman a few times myself. Though I've never put on a dress before.
But I guess Hakkai didn't remember being a man. Whatever.
Hakkai headed towards them, but stopped when she caught sight of Sanzo and Goku's faces. The pair stood in the doorway, noticeably shivering. However her eyes were focused on Goku and Sanzo felt another shot of possessiveness shoot up his spine. She stopped, and then forced an empty-smile so like Hakkai that it made me remember things I probably shouldn't have.
"Uh, Angel, honey?" Gojyo ventured, catching the young woman's eye. "These are some buds a' mine. Goku and Sanzo. They're from New York."
She smiled and nodded, turning back to look at Goku again. She didn't even seem to notice Sanzo. "Of course. My name is Angel Hunter. It's a pleasure to meet you." She shot them another half-assed smile before she turned back to Gojyo. Her smile dropped and there was nothing but the promise of death in her eyes. "Gojyo? May I talk to you?" she asked sweetly. "Alone."
I think Gojyo knew his balls were on the line. However, he turned and shot the two boys a smile before disappearing back into the kitchen. From there Sanzo and Goku could make out the forms Hakkai talking to him sternly, her arms crossed over her chest and her eyes flaming in their intensity. They couldn't make out the words. Neither could I.
Finally, the pair headed back over to them and all hostility was lost from Hakkai's eyes. She smiled sweetly as she stopped next to them. "Gojyo told me what's going on. Of course you can stay with us. Please, you're probably freezing. Come in, Gojyo can grab you some blankets and I'll make you some tea to warm up."
Goku and Sanzo shot each other another look before slowly they began undressing. They left their jackets and shoes next to the door as they made their way into the living room. Gojyo got them some blankets which they immediately wrapped themselves in. They were practically shaking they were so cold. Gojyo lit the fireplace to try and help warm them up, and Hakkai arrived not far after with tea.
Soon the four of them were assembled around the fire. They were all sipping tea, listening to the radio Hakkai had turned on. TV wasn't yet invented, so they relied on the radio for entertainment. It was nothing more than some Christmas songs, and old radio skits that they had on tape. It didn't take long for Gojyo to get fed up and turn the thing off.
"So fellas," Gojyo said, turning to face them with a cheesy grin. It didn't look complete without the fedora tipped lazily to one side. "Why dontcha you tell us where you're from and whatcha doin' here."
Goku opened his mouth to begin but Sanzo cut him off. "Why should we tell you anything?" he barked with a sudden ferocity. His eyes narrowed and Gojyo wrinkled his nose in response. "We don't know anything about you."
Gojyo grinned, getting to his feet and placing his tea on the mantel of the fireplace. "Let's see, I was born and raised in Chicago, flunked outta high school…" he trailed off, glancing down at Hakkai and grinning. He took her hand and spun her to her feet. Clearly, Hakkai was used to this routine. "Then I met mah girl, here. We hit it off right away," he winked and Hakkai smiled. "She's the best dame in all the world. I mean, she cooks, and cleans, and she's one hot tomato to boot."
He twirled Hakkai into his arms and then dipped her. Hakkai pretended to scoff, as though outraged. "Gojyo, I will not have you speaking to me like that in front of company." He lifted her up and spun her in and out again, her hair flying around her as she moved. "I mean… keep up that attitude and you're makin' yourself dinner."
Goku couldn't stop the laugh that escaped him as the pair began to dance once more. Sanzo simply rolled his eyes.
Gojyo grinned, ignoring the threat as he continued. "I work fer a buddy o' mine downtown. I sell giggle water to all the boys. Racks in quite a profit."
"Giggle water?" Goku questioned in confusion.
Gojyo paused, Hakkai hanging in a dip. "Ya know. Bootlegger. Coffin varnish. Hooch. Moonshine?"
Goku blinked. "Alcohol?" he breathed, as though shocked.
Gojyo and Hakkai looked at each other before bursting out laughing, unable to stop themselves. The shocked look on Goku's face was priceless. Even Sanzo's lips twitched upwards in an amused smile. Goku's face colored in embarrassment, gripping his mug. "Shut it! You know that alcohol is illegal in this country, right?"
Gojyo managed to get his laughter under control as he let Hakkai up. "I know. I'm only sellin' it to get some extra clams. Me and Hakkai…" he glanced over at Hakkai and grinned, enfolding her in his arms and resting his chin on her shoulder. "We're goin' places. America's great and all… but I'm not gonna stay here. Once we gots enough money, we're headin' all the way across the ocean."
"To Europe?" Sanzo asked, suddenly interested.
Hakkai nodded. "Yup. Paris. London. Rome, you name it. We want to travel for a while."
Goku grinned. "That sounds great!" he exclaimed. "It's so cool that you guys really want to do that kind of stuff. I think stayin' in one place too long would be dull. I'd like to come with you guys."
Gojyo winked good-heartedly. "Tag along then, Goku. We have room for one more. We'll go everywhere. See everythin'. It'll be the bee's knees."
Goku's grin only seemed top stretch off the boundaries of his face. "Nifty!"
Goku suddenly found himself smacked on the back of the head. He yelped, grabbing his sore skull while shooting Sanzo a sour look. "Ow! What was that for?" he barked.
"You're starting to sound like him. We don't need two idiots who can't speak," Sanzo said apathetically as he turned back to his tea.
Goku and Hakkai burst out laughing while Gojyo only looked insulted. It was amazing how easily they fell into their roles. I wondered if they realized how
suddenly comfortable they were around complete strangers. I guess it didn't really matter. They would look back on this one day and wonder how everything just sort of… clicked. But you and I will know, won't we? We've always known.
The laughter subsided not long after as Gojyo grabbed his drink off the mantle and slumped down next to Hakkai. She suppressed the last of her giggles behind her hand as she turned her bright green eyes over towards Sanzo and Goku. "What's your story then?' she asked, innocently enough.
All amusement was suddenly lost and the tension that descended upon them was thick. Hakkai and Gojyo were both surprised by the sudden intensity, and glanced at each other in concern. Goku looked up at Sanzo, suddenly lost. I could tell he wanted to confide in Gojyo and Hakkai, but was afraid of what his lover might say to that. He turned back to look at his tea while Sanzo went about telling the story. I could tell by the level of his voice and the look in his eyes that he was calculating again. He was wondering exactly how much he should reveal.
"We're from a church in New York. Both Goku and I… lived there, and have for a while. We left since—" Sanzo found himself suddenly cut off.
"We killed someone!" Goku exclaimed loudly. Three pairs of eyes widened, one in stun that Goku had just blurted out the secret they had been trying to keep. Goku looked down again, his shoulders hunched over even as his eyes darted back and forth in panic. "I mean, I didn't mean to. It was an accident, and then this guy won't leave us alone and we had to get away. We had to start over."
Sanzo rolled his eyes, not even bothering to hit the boy as he turned back to look at Gojyo and Hakkai. "That pretty much sums it up," he muttered moodily.
Gojyo and Hakkai looked at each other, and a strange sort of silence followed. Finally, Gojyo grinned sleazily, turning back to look at the pair. "So? We don't care. S'not like we haven't had a dabble in that too." Sanzo and Goku shot them blank stares. "We gots connections to the big boss. The chief, the fella who practically runs Chicago. But… that don't matter. It's fine if you guys stay here." He grinned and winked at Goku. "At least until you is back on your feet."
"Copacetic!" Goku exclaimed happily, which earned him another bop on the head. He grumbled at Sanzo, but couldn't stop the small smile that pulled on his lips.
Sanzo sighed, hanging his head as the tension in his shoulders disappeared. I could see it was one of relief though. Sanzo was like tissue paper. Punch a hole and you can see right through him, which is easy enough. Sanzo ran a hand through his blond locks, forcing himself to relax. "I need a smoke," he grumbled.
"You said it, Ethel," Gojyo muttered as he got to his feet. "Let's ankle, I've got some ciggys ta spare."
Sanzo rolled his eyes and got to his feet, snatching his jacket off the couch as he stepped outside. He leaned against the side of the house and let out a deep breath. "Butt me," Sanzo ordered, holding his fingers out expectantly. Gojyo placed a cigarette between his fingers and the matches followed. Sanzo lit up and took a deep, calming breath, relishing in the sensation of the smoke in his lings.
"Why are we smoking outside?' Sanzo asked out of curiosity as he glanced at Gojyo out of the corner of his eye.
"Hakkai don't like the smell 'a smoke," Gojyo replied.
Sanzo nodded and the pair of them fell into comfortable silence once more. Sometimes I wonder if the only reason Gojyo and Sanzo were ever able to stand each other was because of their shared habit. Otherwise, it was like being in the same room with each other was the call for a war between them.
After a long moment, Gojyo spoke. "So, you and Goku's tryin' to find a new place? Start over?"
"Don't speak," Sanzo said bluntly as he stared up towards the sky. "The sound of your voice is infuriating."
Gojyo scoffed, offended. "Fine. I ain't offerin' you no job then," he grumbled, turning back to smoking in silence.
Sanzo cocked a brow, turning to look at the other man huddled up in his jacket. "A job?" he asked simply.
Gojyo scoffed, rolling his eyes as he took another deep drag in. "Ya don't want to be a dewdropper, do ya?" before Sanzo could answer, Gojyo continued, "Look, we gots an openin' at the bar I work at. Serve drinks; be on the down low so no coppers can find ya. It's a good deal." Gojyo turned and cocked a brow in dry
amusement. "Yer face's pasted all over the city, Sanzo. I think it'd be best if yah hid for a little bit."
Sanzo said nothing for a little bit, looking down at the cigarette silently smoking in his hand. After a moment, he sighed through his nose, turning to look at Gojyo out of the corner of his eye. "I'll think about it," Sanzo said, tossing the cigarette butt into the snow and watching it sizzle out.
Gojyo smiled and without a word, he turned and headed inside. Sanzo stayed out a moment longer, looking out over the snow-clad streets. His eyes narrowed and I wondered for a moment if he could feel me watching him. In the end he shrugged, hugging his jacket closer to him as he fled from the cold.
I almost laughed. The King, Queen, Knight and a Rook, Sanzo? Is that all you have?
You forget I have an army of pawns at my disposal.
My move.
