"Ah, there you are," Yoko prowled out of the shadows of the dense forest that marked the edge of the town. "I was worried, you know. These woods are a dangerous place. I mean, just look at the mess you're in already."
He spoke to the evil Sanzo priest, who was currently wrapped to his thighs in sharp thorny vines. Yoko approached the priest, a soft evil smile on his lips. "Now, did you do as I asked? Is the former human's limiter corrupted?"
"I had hoped we established a better level of trust than this," Hatsu said trying not to feel the brunt of as many of the thorns as possible. "Yes, I kept my word. In fact, Cho Hakkai's strongest limiter has been warped by my hand. I've kept my word, now, you keep yours."
"Ah, but the game is not yet tipped in my favor. And I cannot let you go until then," A wave of his hand and the vines curled away from Hatsu's legs. "You will not leave these woods, or I may be forced to return you to Hiei's care." Yoko caressed the monk's face. "And that would be a shame. We've only just begun to understand each other."
"So, why is it the fox demon plots behind his keeper's back? Could it be we're hoping Hakkai wipes out or at least severely wounds a certain other member of your party?" Hatsu wasn't going to back down to the likes of this pretty but hardly what he'd call free demon. "If that's it, I think you're going about it all wrong. You should find someone who can free you from whatever power they hold over you." He leaned on a nearby tree. "And I'm not the outdoorsy type so, unless you can do something about these accomadations I'm going to have to relocate several villages away in at least a three star inn." He'd caught Cho Hakkai off guard and that was before he possessed the Maten scripture, Yoko was taking a hell of a chance baiting him.
"Follow the right hand path, then," Yoko pointed and a path appeared, trees and bushes curling back to reveal a tiny cottage. "And bear in mind, Hatsu Sanzo," he strode into easy reach of the monk, producing a bunch of lilac blooms. "I hold the trump card in this little game. Lalitha's continued existence depends on my good graces." He tucked the lilacs behind Hatsu's ear. "Go and rest. Your next task is rather unorthodox for a man of your station."
"To say I hate you would be a rather anti-climatic end to this conversation." Sanzo Hatsu muttered reaching in his robe, his hand resting there and considering a bold move. "But I'd be careful, you have more enemies than you realize for an overrated gardener." Instead of Sanzo's Banishing gun, he pulled out a lollipop, unwrapped it and stuck it in his mouth. Turning, he headed for the cottage, murder on his mind. "It might not be wise to use something I've already written off as your only leverage."
"I know, but that's the best part," Yoko said to his back. "And you, dear Sanzo, should not play life and death games with a man who doesn't care how it ends."
Knock. Knock.
"Sheriff Hakkai, ya in there? I'm here to bring you some of Ma's corn muffins and show you to your office." It was Pa
"Yeah, come in." Hakkai was staring out of the dusty window, thinking moodily. Sanzo knew it was him who'd betrayed them. But he'd never find out why. Not if Hakkai had anything to say about it.
"The founding member of Hillbilly's Anonymous is here." Sanzo called from where he sat disgusted by what the local folk called a newspaper as he tried to read it. He'd gotten two sentences in before counting the fourth 'y'all'. "Say, Pops, if Ma really wants to feed us, she should find a recipe for meat buns."
"Ain't never heard of 'em."
"You don't know what meat buns are?" Sanzo yelled across the room and prepared himself for Goku's reaction. "Well you'd best learn, they're Goku's main source of nutrition."
"There for Goku? Well, I reckon that's different Ma's taken a real shine to him, she just don't like you."
"That's not very nice," Goku said, scurrying to sit at Sanzo's feet, scattering the game of domino he'd been losing to Gojyo.
"Hey! You stupid monkey!" Gojyo snarled. "I was set for an all time high score."
"Well, I hate that stupid game. I thought it'd be like Mahjong."
"So, you can beat everyone? That's not what games are about!"
"Well, now that the gangs all here." Pa motioned towards the door. "I'll show you to where you are staying."
"I thought we were staying here." Sanzo said off-hand as he inspected the dominoes for signs of Gojyo tweaking them.
"Nah, we just wanted y'all to be comfortable for at least one night."
At the word 'comfortable', Sanzo gave Hakkai and then Pa a look that clearly said, 'you thought this was comfortable'.
Pa gestured outside again. "C'mon it's just around the bend, kitty corner from the General Store."
Sanzo stood and said to no one in particular. "Next time I plan our vacation."
Hakkai rubbed his face. "Okay. Let's go."
Goku tried to grab onto Sanzo's sleeve but without his monk's robes, there wasn't really any sleeve to grab, so he ended up holding on to Sanzo's hand. "Sanzo, I don't like the sound of that."
"It can't be that bad, monkey boy." Sanzo started listing the places of discomfort they'd spent the night at. He reflexively gripped the boy's hand a little tighter as Pa ran up the steps of the building and flipped the sign from 'Undertaker' to 'Sheriff Station'. "Forget everything I just said."
"Great," Gojyo muttered. "That's so very promising."
"Quit your whining," Hakkai snapped, lighting a cigarette (which he'd taken to hoarding). "It's something with a roof at least."
"You're starting to sound like me. I don't think I like it. I know I'm an asshole what's your excuse?" Sanzo said stepping inside. "Fuck no." He said to the large space containing a desk, two chairs, large wooden man-sized boxes and planks. "There's only one bed and that's in the cell!"
"Well just throw some blankets in one of these and you'll sleep like the—"
"The dead?" Sanzo finished for him.
Hakkai walked into the cell. He kicked the bed, flopped down on it, than sat up. "It's actually fairly comfortable. And sturdy. It'd be a shame to waste it on criminals." He dragged the cot-like mess out of the cell, and pushed it against the far wall. He flopped back down. "There's room for one more." He gave the others a very unlike-Hakkai leer. "Who wants to share?"
Sanzo went over and lay down next to him staring at the ceiling. In a harsh whisper he said only for Hakkai. "What is your problem? You're starting to scare Goku I can see it in his eyes." He laid a hand on Hakkai's arm. "Don't get up yet. I want some answers."
Hakkai shrugged and propped himself up on one elbow. He took a drag from his cigarette and offered the other half to Sanzo. Once his hand was free, he lay it on Sanzo's stomach. "Don't you ever get sick of sugar sweet Hakkai?" He eased two fingers between the buttons on Sanzo's shirt to caress bare skin. "Personally, it makes me want to retch."
"It's not sugar sweet Hakkai I'm talking about." Sanzo explained trying to ignore the heat from Hakkai's fingers. "I'm just sure fucking psycho Hakkai is the way to go either."
"Perhaps you're right," his hand slid up just a little to open a button. "But, I've been under a lot of stress lately. So many things on my mind." He eased his hand further inside Sanzo's shirt splaying his fingers out over his stomach. "You understand, don't you?"
"More than I can say." Sanzo's breath caught on his words.
"Say, boy?" Pa tapped Gojyo on the back. "Those boys over there, the Sheriff and the sick one, they aren't 'funny' or nothin' are they?"
"Hmm?" Gojyo looked over at Sanzo and Hakkai. "Them? Nah. Hakkai's sort of a doctor. Sanzo's probably got a stomachache or something. He was already a bit fragile before you poisoned him."
"Oh, alright then." Pa walked over to Sanzo and Cho. "Say there, Doc Hakkai, maybe you could help me with my back later, but as soon as yer done healin' yer deputy…we got business to discuss."
Sanzo almost smacked the old man away. He wasn't wanting to be interrupted. Really, what did he want then? His eyes met Cho's green depths. Oh, well, that wasn't a total shock. Now, that he was about two seconds away from giving in, in front of Goku, Gojyo, and even, Pa, was a bit more disturbing. He moved away and off the bed quickly. "Yes, we'd best focus on the business at hand, don't you think?"
"Are you okay, Sanzo? Did you eat enough breakfast? Did I eat too much and not leave enough? What's wrong with your tummy?" Goku was in front of Sanzo, peeking in through the unbuttoned gap Hakkai had created. "It looks okay."
"I'm fine." Sanzo said pushing on Goku's head. "And you never leave me enough breakfast so why worry about that now." He couldn't stop watching Hakkai as he spoke to Pa. For the moment, the man had become a total distraction.
"Now, see here, Sheriff. I know you're going to find it unpleasant, but from experience we know the early bird gets the worm…it is best to be prepared. So, this needs doin' so I can get the order in and complete by tomorrow dawn the latest." He handed Hakkai a measuring tape. "It's a Sheriff's duty to see his men rightly put to rest.'
Hakkai took the tape. "Right. Sure thing, Pa," He uncrossed his legs then crossed them the other way as he looked at the other three. 'Could we have a bit of privacy for this, though?" He was fingering the fat silver lighter he'd found in one of his pockets.
"Of course, it's one of them delicat' situations. Just send one or two of your boys to get me when you're done with them." Pa gave Hakkai an affectionate pat on the back. "And it's probably best you don't look out the back window while your doing this."
"Gallows or graves, Pa?" Gojyo had to ask, not that he wanted an answer.
"Ew, you're so... ew." Goku clung to Sanzo's arm, trembling just a little.
"Just don't look." Pa said firmly but kindly.
"Which one of us is going to look?" Sanzo said. "Someone give me a cigarette and I'll do it."
"Here." Hakkai offered him one. "And don't hold back, we're all men here." He unrolled the tape. "Speaking of, c'mere, Goku. We'll get this out of the way."
"Ok." Goku reluctantly went to Hakkai.
Sanzo took a long drag. "You're really able to do that?" He turned to the window whatever it was, it was better than watching Hakkai measure Goku for his pine box. "You have to admire their efficiency." He walked inside the cell to be able to yell out this window. "That's a 'Z' not a 'Y', it's Sanzo not Sanyo. And there are two K's in Hakkai!"
"Thanks," Hakkai muttered, stretching the tape from Goku's heel to shoulder, then to the top of his head. "I think you've grown Goku."
"I guess he's a size 8 coffin now. Not a kid, anymore. Are you?" Gojyo poked the too serious looking Goku in the ribs.
Goku giggled and hopped away from Gojyo, "Hey, that tickles!"
"Does it?" Hakkai dropped the tape in his pocket and seized Goku around the waist, dropping him onto the bed, and pinning him down to tickle mercilessly.
"Help!" Goku gasped. "Sanzo, help!"
Sanzo spun around. "You stay away from him!" It was out of his mouth before he could stop it. What was going on and what his mind said it saw, two very different things.
Hakkai stopped, looking at Sanzo, shock plain on his face. Goku sat up, gasping for breath and staring wide-eyed at Sanzo.
Gojyo grabbed Sanzo's arm. "Okay, it's Bud time for the cranky monk, let's go." He began to haul Sanzo out of the building. "I know I saw a bar, complete with saloon girls just up the street."
"I'm not going anywhere." Sanzo dug his feet into the floorboards. "I'm not leaving Goku alone with him!" Sanzo was completely serious. "In fact, Goku go get me a beer and take water weenie with you."
Gojyo looked worried, but Goku bounded up. "Okay Sanzo. Let's go, water weenie," he was still short of breath, but the chance to escape the sudden tension in the room was motivation enough to go now.
"Wait up, monkey!" Gojyo paused by Sanzo. "Try to remember, it is Hakkai."
"Tell him that." Sanzo muttered as they exited. "Ok, Sheriff, we're alone." Hoping this worked because he couldn't guess what else to do, he leaned heavily two bars from the open cell door and pretended to be slightly weakened. "Best get this over with while I can maintain my full height."
Hakkai put his hands on the bars on either side of Sanzo's head. "Now, that would be a shame." He leaned dangerously close. "Wouldn't it, Sanzo?" One hand released the bar, and caressed Sanzo's blonde hair, down to the nape of his neck where it rested as Hakkai looked down into Sanzo's eyes.
"Now remember the General Store isn't far. We'll have to be quick. So pull out your length," Sanzo was referring to the measuring tape but the chosen words just might shock Hakkai enough to trip him up. And once he had him in the cell, and himself on the outside then he could talk some sense into Cho and be safely out of his reach. He just had to seize the moment when it came and not get caught up in the dangerous need he was all too aware of in himself.
"Have a little patience," Hakkai brought his other hand down to begin working on unbuttoning Sanzo's shirt. "You know those two will argue all the way there, get distracted by everything and then argue all the way back. We have time." Hakkai leaned a little more, lips hovering just above Sanzo's
With more than a little willpower Sanzo leaned into Hakkai, used one of his feet to unsteady his stance, and quickly spun Hakkai in the direction of the open cell. Quickly, before he lost the chance he pulled away and let the door slam and lock. This time it wasn't an act as he leaned heavily against the door. Staring at the keys on the wall across the room, he forced himself calm. But he couldn't face Hakkai so he stayed where he was trying not to shake with the overwhelming hunger he'd accepted then forced himself to ignore.
Hakkai stood in the center of the cell, looking offended. He turned to see Sanzo leaning against the door, gasping for breath. Fine, this wasn't over yet.
Silently, offering no warning, Hakkai slid his arms through the bars to reach around Sanzo, one hand caressing his chest, the other undoing the buttons on his pants. Tilting his head, he kissed the back of Sanzo's neck, tongue tickling his skin.
A well-executed plan, maybe, but it should have included moving away from the cell. "Hakkai, I was supposed to talk you down." His hands were holding on to the bars for dear life afraid bringing them in contact with Hakkai's skin would be his undoing.
Hakkai slid his hand into the waistband of Sanzo's pants. "I'm listening," he purred against Sanzo's neck. "You have my undivided attention."
"Good. We have supervillian outlaws to deal with now…might…not have time to….um Hakkai! Have you forgotten yourself completely." Sanzo breathed in heavy sighs, melting into Hakkai's touch.
"No, not at all. I'm just remembering," Hakkai's hand closed around Sanzo's cock. "Do you have any idea how sexy you are?"
"It's not something I consider while chanting sutras," he tried to play the Buddhist priest card, "I am a monk. They don't usually—"
"But they should." Hakkai bit the back of his neck. "I'm sure Buddha wouldn't mind if you did."
"You're probably right. When I ask myself what I think Buddha would do, it doesn't help my case…not one bit." Sanzo smirked as Hakkai's teeth raked his skin. "But I'm still not letting you out…until…you calm down."
"I could be in here a while," Hakkai released Sanzo's cock, and used his hips as handles to turn him around. "Why don't you come in here with me?" He slid both hands around to cup Sanzo's ass, and stared intensely into his violet eyes.
"I would…" I would? "But how exactly is that going to look when they get back." Wait to get in I need the key. To get the key I have to get away from him. "Then again, I…let me get the key." This could my last chance to get out of this. The question is do I want to?
Hakkai pulled Sanzo tightly against the bars, and leaned and tilted until he could capture the monk's pouty lips with his own. He kissed him, long and deep, passionately and sweetly, tongue savoring the flavor of Sanzo's mouth. As he pulled away, Hakkai heard bickering coming up the stairs to the room. "Your beer has arrived," Hakkai said, releasing Sanzo.