-- disclaimer -- I do not own Gensomaden Saiyuki
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Part IV: Prodigal Pet
I glanced at my watch and at my reflection, golden eyes surveying my attire.
It's not a formal thing, but since I haven't seen these guys for a long time-
what's wrong with looking presentable? I'm not wearing a suit or anything, just
a shirt and jeans. I smoothened my shirt and ran my fingers through my hair.
I still look the same, after ten years, just taller. I think I'm as tall as
Hakkai now who knows? Not as tall as Gojyo, owing to the fact of his hair
never mind.
Checking that I have my keys and wallet- plus, Hakkai's address, I went out
of the boarding house that I'm staying in. Hey, I'm just a student, can't really
afford a hotel room!
I asked for directions, and found out that Hakkai lives near the outskirts.
I stuffed the paper into the pocket of my coat. I stared at the sky- it wasn't
exactly bright, and there were clouds in the sky, and it was windy too. Really,
if it rains- Sanzo's not going to be happy. I chuckled.
Walking past the shops and houses, I noticed girls staring, smiling shyly or
even giggling openly as I passed. I know kappa loves that kind of attention,
but me? I never understood why they do that I'll ask him later- I made
a mental note.
I have no idea how long I walked, but it seemed pretty short. By the time I
looked up again, I was already in Hakkai's street. I took out the paper again,
and saw a drop of water. It's starting to drizzle, I thought. As I walk, the
drizzle began to get heavier. I pulled up the collar of my coat and walked faster.
Finally, I stopped in front of an average house. I smiled nervously. Good to
see Hakkai's doing well, I thought, because my teachers say that they don't
get much pay- and I heard that Hakkai's a teacher. Wonder if he has a family
now and the others too
I'm still pretty young, and getting married is way over my head- I don't even
have a girlfriend. I have friends- sure, I do. Lirin's also in my university.
She's the only one I know for a long time there. We hang out, she's kinda like
my best friend in school. She teases me all the time about being so clueless
about things. I dunno, I'm just like that. Plus, I'm more committed to my first
love: food.
Finally, rain came pouring down. Great, I thought, gritting my teeth. I raised
a hand to ring the doorbell. My hands were shaking slightly. I admit, I'm pretty
scared but I pressed it anyway.
The door opened, and familiar eyes stared at me. The same deep amethysts and
light hair. I managed a weak smiled. But he merely stared, finally, he said,
"Saru, how long are you going to stand there?"
"Sanzo" I said, choking. I'm extremely nervous now, knowing
that he gets really touchy when it rains. And partly because I was almost choking
myself with the collar. He stared at me, apparently amused, and stepped aside.
I bowed my head slightly, but looked up as the smell of Hakkai's cooking met
me.
Then, I saw Hakkai poke his head from the door, probably leading to the kitchen. He smiled, and motioned me to take my coat off. "I'll be there in a minute," he said, disappearing again. Sanzo sat on an armchair, with the paper on his lap and a can of beer in his hand. I smiled discreetly, sitting opposite him. I nervously and discreetly rocked in my seat, wringing my hands together, thinking furiously of what to say. Then Hakkai's rich laugh was heard from somewhere behind me. I looked up and saw Sanzo staring at me, with his eyebrows raised, "Saru, I don't eat. Don't worry, you're not in a principal's office or something."
"You could be worse than a principal I ought to know," I mumbled. Hakkai laughed, as he sat next to me and handed me a drink.
"That's a good one, Goku." He smiled. I relaxed.
"Is Gojyo here yet?" I asked,
"No, he's always like that." Sanzo said, not looking up from his paper.
"Goku, you're all soaked."
"Not really, I got here just in time." I said, sitting back. Hakkai was surveying me, amused. I stared at him, "What?"
"Goku, it's impressive that you turned out to be a good looking young man. You're taller too." He mused, laughing at my embarrassed expression. "You must've got lots of admirers, Goku."
"Er, not really" I muttered.
Sanzo made a derisive sound, "Who'd go for a saru, anyway?"
I made a face at him, and Hakkai laughed, "Don't mind him, he's just happy to see you." he assured me, then the doorbell rang.
"Can I go to the bathroom?" I asked.
"Sure, upstairs and it's the third door." Hakkai called, as I got up. I climbed the stairs. I counted the doors. I wasn't really desperate, I was more like looking an excuse to escape Sanzo's gaze. Hey, I'm scared. I found the bathroom- and quickly locked it. I glanced at the mirror and grinned. How stupid I thought, laughing at myself, they're my friends- seen them or not for the past years, they're my friends. I washed my face and ran wet fingers through my hair again. I smirked at the reflection for the last time and went out.
On my way back to the living room, where I heard more voices, I passed by door that was open. I casually walked pass it, but something caught my eye. By the window, was a baby's crib? Curiously, I opened the door and poked my head in. I tiptoed across the room and towards it. My heart was beating like crazy. I peered down on it. My eyes went wide and my jaw dropped open when I saw the same amethyst coloured eyes staring at me. Light hair, fair complexion, and a penetrating stare. It stared at me before it smiled and cooed.
"S- S- Sanzo!" I yelled. The baby merely laughed at me.
-- a/n -- Final chapter will be up soon!!