"High Priest Sanzo." The monk bowed to her. "I come from the east by order
of the Sansbutshin. Some unknown party seems to be seeking the scriptures
of heaven and earth. Unfortunately, two of the three Sanzos are dead, their
sutras have vanished, and it is unknown if the missing scripture has been
found."
"Can you please just get on with it..." Sanzo shifted her weight to the other foot and looked at the monk.
"The Sansbutshin have requested that you investigate this matter immediately as well as locate the missing sutra." The monk said with a deep bow.
"Does anyone know where the Sutra was last? Or is this going to be the proverbial needle in a haystack?"
"It was last seen 500 years ago in the possession of the Heretical Sanzo known as Ukoku." He informed Xia.
Xia sighed as she ran her hand through her blond hair, pushing some stray strands out of the way. "A needle in a god damn haystack... you can inform the Sansbutshin I will be right on it as soon as i figure out where to sit down."
"Of course, High Priest Sanzo." The monk said, bowing then leaving the room.
"SANZO!!!" Goku called, running through the temple halls.
"What did I tell you about running through the halls!" Xia quietly yelled out while smacking Goku on the head with a fan.
"OOOOWWWW!!!" Goku cried out in pain as he gripped his head, "I heard there was someone here from Chang'an!!" He yelled, "I'm going with you!!!" Goku demanded. He knew all to well what a summons from the three heads meant for a Sanzo and he wasn't going to let his reincarnated sun walk into danger unprotected.
"Fine, there is no point in telling you no, you'll just do what you want to anyway." She walked down the hall with the monkey in tow. "You were alive 500 years ago, did you know a Ukoku Sanzo?"
Goku stopped suddenly, his skin pale, "H-h-he ki-killed Hakkai." He said softly, stuttering slightly as the recent, to him at least, memories surfaced. He could still see the near permanent smile on the youkai's face shatter into a look of pure shock as the multitude of pellets ripped through his skin and lungs.
Sanzo had come to a sudden stop. "I'm sorry, i didn't know. Well the messenger from Chang'an has informed me that the other Sanzo's have been found dead and their scriptures missing. I am to find out who is after the scriptures, and to find the missing Sutra of Ukoku."
Goku shook his head, "I don't know if he still had it, Sanzo wouldn't have left without it, I don't think." He stared at her with golden eyes, "If Sanzos are being killed then you could be next, we should get Hakkai and Gojyo." He suggested. It still felt weird calling the two men by the names his dead friends once held but in a way it was comforting because it reminded him that even though they were very different from the originals, the souls were still the same.
"Yes you're right Goku, but not right now it's late. Hakkai will be in bed and who knows what bar or bed Gojyo will be in. Let's get some sleep and we can talk to Hakkai tomorrow." The monk reached out and messed up Goku's hair a bit. "Come on, off to bed with you."
Goku looked sheepish, "Could-could I sleep with you?" He asked softly. With the mention of Ukoku Sanzo's name, the memories of that night were too close. Goku was afraid to fall asleep, afraid of what nightmares of that moment would bring.
Sanzo gave the kid a long look before deciding. "Fine, but your sleeping on the floor."
Goku smiled, some of his normal coloring returning to his face, "Sank you!!!"
It seemed to be the same dream as always but it wasn't. Someone stepped out of the shadows, his face was very clear this time. His hair was short and black, the glasses were broken and useless now. One arm cradled a small stuffed rabbit while the other held out a shotgun. Before the trigger could be pulled, the scene faded away into darkness.
A man was searching the room in search of something. As soon as he threw open the closet door his search had come to an end. A young girl with beautiful green eyes smiled up at him, in her arms she held a stuffed bunny.
In an instant the dark hallway was back, the trigger had yet to be pulled. Something was sticking out a tear in the doll, something that looked strangely familiar. Without warning, the sound of a gunshot filled the hallway.
Xia sat up with a small scream. It was a new one for her, not a dream yet not quite a nightmare.
"Sanzo!" Goku yelled, waking instantly. He knelt at her bedside, gently taking one of her hands into his larger ones.
Xia quickly pulled her hand from his grasp and held her head. "I'm ok, it was just a dream." She said pushing the hair out of her face. "I'm use to it," the female monk yawned and looked at the clock. She couldn't quite make it out in the dark but she figured it was some time after two.
"Hakkai...the old Hakkai, used to say that talking about it helps." Goku said softly, "He used to talk to Gojyo about everything." He said with a gentle smile, remembering how he would get up late at night for water and find the two friends at the table playing poker and talking.
"In the morning Goku," she said with a yawn. Xia let herself fall back onto the bed. "Go back to sleep."
"Okay, Sanzo." Goku said, crawling back to his futon. Even though he slept lighter than what he did on his journey West with Genjo Sanzo, he still fell asleep just as quickly.
Hakkai stood in the doorway of the small shack that Gojyo called home. Liquor bottles and empty cig packs littered over half of the floor and table space. What little table space there was, was surrounded by a sea of used cig butts, the space looked to be just big enough for Gojyo to pass out on. Hakkai didn't consider himself a neat freak but this was ridiculous.
It was finally time for Gojyo to blush as he looked at his place through another's eyes, "Sorry, I didn't realize it had gotten this bad. I usually just come here to sleep."
"I honestly have no clue what to say, or even where to begin." He had to push some stuff to the side so he could set what few bags he had down.
"I'll clean it up, Hakkai. It is my mess after all." Gojyo said with a grimace. To be truthful, he had never really learned how to keep house. He blushed again and scratched the back of his head as his search for a simple garbage bag came up empty.
"There should be a store or two still open, if we hurry we can get a few cleaning supplies before they close."
Gojyo looked down, "We could try, though you'd have a better chance at getting what we need if I'd stay behind. I-uh-don't exactly get a warm reception in town."
Hakuryuu kyuu'ed sadly, changing shoulders for a moment to give a little comfort to the man who contained the reincarnated soul of his master's best and dearest friend.
"Nonsense, we might as well pick up some food while we are there. You did say you didn't have anything, and how am I going to carry it all back?" Hakkai placed a hand on the half-breed's shoulder and smiled.
Gojyo nodded, not bothering to mention that with Hakuryuu around his help really wasn't necessary. "Okay, Hakkai, We'll go together." He said, figuring that they might as well get this over with. The townspeople would figure it out fairly quickly that the pretty green-eyed demon was living with the filthy child of taboo. He just hoped that Hakkai wouldn't end up suffering too much because of him.
Hakuryuu flew out the doorway and turned into his jeep form. He was being extra helpful, mainly because now he was certain that he must make every moment of his old master's new life happier than the last.
It didn't take long for them to find a store that was still open. Hakkai stepped out of the jeep and looked back to his new roommate. "Come on Gojyo, it can't be THAT bad... can it?"
Gojyo sighed, "You'd be surprised." He said softly after exiting the jeep. The two men walked into the store.
The few customers gasped at the sight of the tall redhead, while the owner glared, "We don't serve his FILTH here! This is a RESPECTABLE store."
Hakkai glanced back at Gojyo, the water sprite seemed more interested in something on the shelf than the owner's outburst. It was that bad, maybe worse.
"Now I suggest you leave, that thing is scaring off my customers, half- breed lover." The owner sneered, pointing at the door.
Gojyo headed to the door, he hoped Hakkai had seen enough. He could definitely use a drink or dozen. That definitely sounded nice, alcohol ALWAYS made things better, it also had a side benefit of making him feel less hungry...for a little while.
"I will leave..." Hakkai picked up a bottle and read its label. "As soon as I am done here. No matter what, a customer is still a customer."
"His money and yours isn't good here and never will be. Filth like that should have been drowned at birth. He should have the decency to die, since his mother didn't have the decency to keep her legs closed." The owner snapped.
Gojyo flinched at the references to his mother. He grabbed Hakkai's arm, "Let's just go, Hakkai. I'm sure another store is open, I'll just wait out of sight. If we cause too much trouble, they'll call the police." Gojyo had a look about him that said he had experienced the police's version of half- breed 'justice' before.
It hurt Hakkai to see his friend like this. No wonder the water sprite was skinny. "Ok, I didn't care to much for the brands this place carries anyway." He replaced the bottle on the shelf and walked with Gojyo to the exit.
Gojyo breathed a sigh of relief, he didn't really care to be dragged out into a back alley and beaten to with in an inch of his life. "Look, I know a place we can shop at, if you really want me to help you out." He hated to take Hakkai there, the owner would sell to him but only after charging him near triple what humans and demons had to pay. There were a few restaurants like that too, only he paid that much only to be allowed to eat in the alley behind the building.
"No it's ok, I should have never made you come with." Hakkai looked ahead as he sat in the drivers seat. "I'm sorry to have put you through that Gojyo."
Gojyo shrugged, "It's okay, Hakkai. It's not like I didn't know what was going to happen anyway." Gojyo slipped into the passenger side, "I've had stuff like that yelled at me ever since I was a child. Mother couldn't protect me for long." He said sadly, "Look, maybe you should go back to your apartment. If you hang out with me much longer, you won't be able to shop anywhere and no one will hire you either. No one wants the bad luck a child of taboo brings."
"You are not bad luck. Its human nature to fear what is not like you." Hakkai started up the jeep and began to drive. "Maybe it would be best if i do the shopping alone."
"Not tonight, you said it yourself, we need too many things to get started. It wouldn't be right to make you carry everything yourself, even with Hakuryuu to help. Like I said, I know a place, but I won't lie, it's going to be expensive but the stuff there is high quality. I go there if I scrape enough money together." Gojyo said.
Hakkai thought for a moment, "Where is this place?" Maybe with any luck he could talk the price down a bit.
Gojyo gave the converted demon the directions, sat back, and tried to relax a little.
It didn't take Hakkai long to reach the foul smelling alley that Gojyo had directed him to. It was overly clear now that anyone who would sell goods to a half-breed would have to do so away from the human customers.
"I'm sure Hakuryuu will be safe here." He smiled at the dragon turned jeep, "After all, you'll just transform and fly off if someone tries to mess with you, right?"
Hakuryuu kyuu'ed reassuringly, he was far too smart to be caught by criminals.
Gojyo walked to the only door in the alley and knocked on it.
An older man opened it, a greedy look appearing in his eyes as he spotted the lanky half-breed. "Sooo, I assume you have enough money to afford my prices??"
"Yeah, the kid knows what he needs." Gojyo replied offhandedly pointing at the brunette. His hands were deep in his pockets as he acted nonchalantly, trying hard not to remember what happened the last time he came here and was short what he needed for the few cans of food he'd ask for.
The man looked at Hakkai, his eyes widened as he licked his lips. "How may I serve you, young man??" He said oddly stressing the word 'serve'.
Hakkai approached the man uneasily, there was something about the man that just didn't sit right with him. "Um, good evening sir," he said with a polite bow. "All we need are garbage bags, a bottle of soap and several cans of food."
"Ahhh, very good, I'll be right back with it." He said, sounding far more pleasant than when he spoke to Gojyo. He reentered the shop.
Gojyo placed a hand on Hakkai's shoulder, "Look, if we can't afford it, I want you to go back and sit in the jeep, okay?"
When Hakkai looked into Gojyo's eyes, there was something there that erased all questions in his mind. "All right Gojyo."
He squeezed the younger man's shoulder. Hakkai's depth and sheer innocence always amused and shocked him. The man was a complete contradiction. On one hand he was a mass murderer before he had hit puberty, yet on the other, he was just a kid who hadn't even been kissed for the first time. It was that innocence Gojyo was determined to protect, even if it meant sacrificing his own body to do so...just like his mother did for him.
The shop owner returned with several bags and a box of can goods, he shoved them roughly into Gojyo's arms then handed Hakkai a bill. The amount on it would have paid for twice what they had received, and was definitely far more than they could afford on a teacher's and a gambler's/sometimes whore's paychecks.
This was a life style Hakkai had known about but had the good fortune to never experience. He looked over the bill, his smile long gone. "This is going to be harder than I thought," he said looking up at the slightly taller man. "Maybe we could ask Sanzo for a loan till we get on our feet." A slight smile found its way onto his face, he tried to find a bit of humor in the situation.
"Tau Lin!!!" A masculine voice called from inside the building.
The shop owner winced. He mentally cursed the day he hired the moral young man and doubly cursed the day he allowed him to meet his wife.
Footsteps echoed as the young man came to stand in the doorway. His dark green eyes surveyed the scene and he frowned suddenly. His shoulder length light brown hair was tossed about by the evening breeze. "Tau Lin!" He growled softly, "Don't tell me you're out here cheating that young man again!? You know how angry that makes Zhen!"
"I was doing no such thing, Yukio!" Tau Lin sputtered, outraged that the young man would accuse him like that in front of his 'favorite' customers.
Yukio glared, walked over to Hakkai, and snatched the bill from his hands. He quickly scanned it and whirled on the older man, "GET BACK INSIDE, YOU OLD CHEAT!!!!!" The lighter brunette pointed imperiously at the door as the old man darted back inside, already cringing from the shrill chewing out he was sure to get from his wife.
"I'm very sorry about this." Yukio said politely, bowing deeply to the two men. "Please take them as a most sincere apology for all the trouble. And next time you need anything, please come in through the front door. I would be most happy to help you and give you a proper price."
"Thank you," Hakkai bowed to the young man. "Well Gojyo this is a good sign!"
Gojyo nodded, too stunned for words. His mouth moved frantically with no words coming out until suddenly one word blurted from his mouth, "WHY??"
Yukio blinked, "Well, my family has always had a soft spot for half-breeds. A half-breed was once a very dear friend of an ancestor of mine. Out of respect for that friendship, our family have made an effort to not discriminate against those who have no choice in their parentage." He said with a sincere smile.
"It's a shame everyone can't be a part of your family. Or at least be as open."
He chuckled, "True. Unfortunately the Cho family has never been a large or prolific one." He said with a smile.
"Cho?" Gojyo asked, finally snapped out of his shock enough to ask."
"Yes, how rude of me. I'm Cho Yukio." He said, finally introducing himself.
It was Hakkai's turn to stand there shocked. "Cho isn't a very common name. I'm Cho Hakkai." Hakkai tried to remember if his mother or father mentioned a Yukio in the family.
Finally it was Yukio's turn to be shocked, "But you're dead!" He said suddenly.
"What do you mean? I'm right here." Hakkai felt his wrist just to be sure he still had a pulse.
"Father said that Uncle Toshi, Aunt Ayame, and my cousins Aiko and Hakkai were killed by demons almost 10 years ago!" Yukio said, his eyes wide.
Hakkai closed his eyes and turned away from the two men. "The demons kidnapped me because they thought I was the most powerful demon reincarnated. So they took me. Once I escaped I never went back home, I was to scared to."
Gojyo looked at them, "Wait, you mean, you two are COUSINS??"
Yukio nodded, then placed a hand on Hakkai's shoulder, "It's okay, Hakkai." He looked at his younger cousin, "You know, we would never have blamed you for what happened." Yukio said softly.
"Maybe we can talk about it more tomorrow..." Hakkai reached up subconsciously and checked his three limiters.
Yukio chuckled, "Of course, the back alley isn't exactly a dream spot for a family reunion."
Gojyo scoffed, "You can say that again."
"Yes, well, I must get back inside. Please feel free to come by anytime either of you would like to shop or just talk." Yukio said happily. He was glad to have stumbled onto his cousin. It would be nice to have a guy to talk to. Being the only rooster in a hen house wasn't all what it was cracked up to be. The female members of his family just didn't understand what it was like to be a man.
Hakkai made his way back to Hakuryuu and stroked the jeep. He heard the door shut and Gojyo make his way over. "I think we can start cleaning in the morning. This was more exhausting than it should have been."
Yukio waved at the two men before going back inside the store.
"Yeah, you look more drained than me, so why don't you take the bed?" Gojyo offered before leaning back, "Your cousin seems pretty cool. Must run in the family." He grinned at Hakkai.
A pale pink flashed across Hakkai's cheeks, though he managed to keep his composure. "Yeah, I haven't seen him since I was about three or so." The ride back home was quick. The two of them took the supplies and brought them into the house. Once Hakkai managed to find a place to put everything he went off to bed.
Gojyo stayed up for a little, drinking and thinking. He got up after a few hours and headed to the small bedroom, he stood over the sleeping demon. "Poor guy, I thought my life was bad. You had family waiting for you but you were too scared to go home cause you thought they'd hate you." His fingers slipped into Hakkai's hair, gently brushing it away from the gentle face, "I don't think anyone could hate such a beautiful face. I know I couldn't." He said softly, the words only slightly slurred from the alcohol. The redhead leaned over and pressed a feather-light kiss against the green-eyed man's lips, before bonelessly sinking to the floor. He leaned against the bed as his red eyes closed and his breathing relaxed into the deep rhythms of sleep.
Hakkai laid on the bed, not quite asleep yet. The night's events kept him from falling into a sound sleep. He heard Gojyo enter the room and stop next to the bed, the smell of liquor wafted down from the red head. The converted demon's heart jumped when Gojyo brushed some hair from his face. He wasn't at all surprised at his friends words. The only thing that did surprise him was the kiss.
Only when he heard Gojyo hit the floor did Hakkai open his eyes. Slowly Hakkai pulled out his arm and reached over to the passed out half-breed slouched against the bed. His fingers found their way through some of the blood red hair.
"Sleep well Gojyo..." he said as he brought his arm back and finally fell asleep.
"Can you please just get on with it..." Sanzo shifted her weight to the other foot and looked at the monk.
"The Sansbutshin have requested that you investigate this matter immediately as well as locate the missing sutra." The monk said with a deep bow.
"Does anyone know where the Sutra was last? Or is this going to be the proverbial needle in a haystack?"
"It was last seen 500 years ago in the possession of the Heretical Sanzo known as Ukoku." He informed Xia.
Xia sighed as she ran her hand through her blond hair, pushing some stray strands out of the way. "A needle in a god damn haystack... you can inform the Sansbutshin I will be right on it as soon as i figure out where to sit down."
"Of course, High Priest Sanzo." The monk said, bowing then leaving the room.
"SANZO!!!" Goku called, running through the temple halls.
"What did I tell you about running through the halls!" Xia quietly yelled out while smacking Goku on the head with a fan.
"OOOOWWWW!!!" Goku cried out in pain as he gripped his head, "I heard there was someone here from Chang'an!!" He yelled, "I'm going with you!!!" Goku demanded. He knew all to well what a summons from the three heads meant for a Sanzo and he wasn't going to let his reincarnated sun walk into danger unprotected.
"Fine, there is no point in telling you no, you'll just do what you want to anyway." She walked down the hall with the monkey in tow. "You were alive 500 years ago, did you know a Ukoku Sanzo?"
Goku stopped suddenly, his skin pale, "H-h-he ki-killed Hakkai." He said softly, stuttering slightly as the recent, to him at least, memories surfaced. He could still see the near permanent smile on the youkai's face shatter into a look of pure shock as the multitude of pellets ripped through his skin and lungs.
Sanzo had come to a sudden stop. "I'm sorry, i didn't know. Well the messenger from Chang'an has informed me that the other Sanzo's have been found dead and their scriptures missing. I am to find out who is after the scriptures, and to find the missing Sutra of Ukoku."
Goku shook his head, "I don't know if he still had it, Sanzo wouldn't have left without it, I don't think." He stared at her with golden eyes, "If Sanzos are being killed then you could be next, we should get Hakkai and Gojyo." He suggested. It still felt weird calling the two men by the names his dead friends once held but in a way it was comforting because it reminded him that even though they were very different from the originals, the souls were still the same.
"Yes you're right Goku, but not right now it's late. Hakkai will be in bed and who knows what bar or bed Gojyo will be in. Let's get some sleep and we can talk to Hakkai tomorrow." The monk reached out and messed up Goku's hair a bit. "Come on, off to bed with you."
Goku looked sheepish, "Could-could I sleep with you?" He asked softly. With the mention of Ukoku Sanzo's name, the memories of that night were too close. Goku was afraid to fall asleep, afraid of what nightmares of that moment would bring.
Sanzo gave the kid a long look before deciding. "Fine, but your sleeping on the floor."
Goku smiled, some of his normal coloring returning to his face, "Sank you!!!"
It seemed to be the same dream as always but it wasn't. Someone stepped out of the shadows, his face was very clear this time. His hair was short and black, the glasses were broken and useless now. One arm cradled a small stuffed rabbit while the other held out a shotgun. Before the trigger could be pulled, the scene faded away into darkness.
A man was searching the room in search of something. As soon as he threw open the closet door his search had come to an end. A young girl with beautiful green eyes smiled up at him, in her arms she held a stuffed bunny.
In an instant the dark hallway was back, the trigger had yet to be pulled. Something was sticking out a tear in the doll, something that looked strangely familiar. Without warning, the sound of a gunshot filled the hallway.
Xia sat up with a small scream. It was a new one for her, not a dream yet not quite a nightmare.
"Sanzo!" Goku yelled, waking instantly. He knelt at her bedside, gently taking one of her hands into his larger ones.
Xia quickly pulled her hand from his grasp and held her head. "I'm ok, it was just a dream." She said pushing the hair out of her face. "I'm use to it," the female monk yawned and looked at the clock. She couldn't quite make it out in the dark but she figured it was some time after two.
"Hakkai...the old Hakkai, used to say that talking about it helps." Goku said softly, "He used to talk to Gojyo about everything." He said with a gentle smile, remembering how he would get up late at night for water and find the two friends at the table playing poker and talking.
"In the morning Goku," she said with a yawn. Xia let herself fall back onto the bed. "Go back to sleep."
"Okay, Sanzo." Goku said, crawling back to his futon. Even though he slept lighter than what he did on his journey West with Genjo Sanzo, he still fell asleep just as quickly.
Hakkai stood in the doorway of the small shack that Gojyo called home. Liquor bottles and empty cig packs littered over half of the floor and table space. What little table space there was, was surrounded by a sea of used cig butts, the space looked to be just big enough for Gojyo to pass out on. Hakkai didn't consider himself a neat freak but this was ridiculous.
It was finally time for Gojyo to blush as he looked at his place through another's eyes, "Sorry, I didn't realize it had gotten this bad. I usually just come here to sleep."
"I honestly have no clue what to say, or even where to begin." He had to push some stuff to the side so he could set what few bags he had down.
"I'll clean it up, Hakkai. It is my mess after all." Gojyo said with a grimace. To be truthful, he had never really learned how to keep house. He blushed again and scratched the back of his head as his search for a simple garbage bag came up empty.
"There should be a store or two still open, if we hurry we can get a few cleaning supplies before they close."
Gojyo looked down, "We could try, though you'd have a better chance at getting what we need if I'd stay behind. I-uh-don't exactly get a warm reception in town."
Hakuryuu kyuu'ed sadly, changing shoulders for a moment to give a little comfort to the man who contained the reincarnated soul of his master's best and dearest friend.
"Nonsense, we might as well pick up some food while we are there. You did say you didn't have anything, and how am I going to carry it all back?" Hakkai placed a hand on the half-breed's shoulder and smiled.
Gojyo nodded, not bothering to mention that with Hakuryuu around his help really wasn't necessary. "Okay, Hakkai, We'll go together." He said, figuring that they might as well get this over with. The townspeople would figure it out fairly quickly that the pretty green-eyed demon was living with the filthy child of taboo. He just hoped that Hakkai wouldn't end up suffering too much because of him.
Hakuryuu flew out the doorway and turned into his jeep form. He was being extra helpful, mainly because now he was certain that he must make every moment of his old master's new life happier than the last.
It didn't take long for them to find a store that was still open. Hakkai stepped out of the jeep and looked back to his new roommate. "Come on Gojyo, it can't be THAT bad... can it?"
Gojyo sighed, "You'd be surprised." He said softly after exiting the jeep. The two men walked into the store.
The few customers gasped at the sight of the tall redhead, while the owner glared, "We don't serve his FILTH here! This is a RESPECTABLE store."
Hakkai glanced back at Gojyo, the water sprite seemed more interested in something on the shelf than the owner's outburst. It was that bad, maybe worse.
"Now I suggest you leave, that thing is scaring off my customers, half- breed lover." The owner sneered, pointing at the door.
Gojyo headed to the door, he hoped Hakkai had seen enough. He could definitely use a drink or dozen. That definitely sounded nice, alcohol ALWAYS made things better, it also had a side benefit of making him feel less hungry...for a little while.
"I will leave..." Hakkai picked up a bottle and read its label. "As soon as I am done here. No matter what, a customer is still a customer."
"His money and yours isn't good here and never will be. Filth like that should have been drowned at birth. He should have the decency to die, since his mother didn't have the decency to keep her legs closed." The owner snapped.
Gojyo flinched at the references to his mother. He grabbed Hakkai's arm, "Let's just go, Hakkai. I'm sure another store is open, I'll just wait out of sight. If we cause too much trouble, they'll call the police." Gojyo had a look about him that said he had experienced the police's version of half- breed 'justice' before.
It hurt Hakkai to see his friend like this. No wonder the water sprite was skinny. "Ok, I didn't care to much for the brands this place carries anyway." He replaced the bottle on the shelf and walked with Gojyo to the exit.
Gojyo breathed a sigh of relief, he didn't really care to be dragged out into a back alley and beaten to with in an inch of his life. "Look, I know a place we can shop at, if you really want me to help you out." He hated to take Hakkai there, the owner would sell to him but only after charging him near triple what humans and demons had to pay. There were a few restaurants like that too, only he paid that much only to be allowed to eat in the alley behind the building.
"No it's ok, I should have never made you come with." Hakkai looked ahead as he sat in the drivers seat. "I'm sorry to have put you through that Gojyo."
Gojyo shrugged, "It's okay, Hakkai. It's not like I didn't know what was going to happen anyway." Gojyo slipped into the passenger side, "I've had stuff like that yelled at me ever since I was a child. Mother couldn't protect me for long." He said sadly, "Look, maybe you should go back to your apartment. If you hang out with me much longer, you won't be able to shop anywhere and no one will hire you either. No one wants the bad luck a child of taboo brings."
"You are not bad luck. Its human nature to fear what is not like you." Hakkai started up the jeep and began to drive. "Maybe it would be best if i do the shopping alone."
"Not tonight, you said it yourself, we need too many things to get started. It wouldn't be right to make you carry everything yourself, even with Hakuryuu to help. Like I said, I know a place, but I won't lie, it's going to be expensive but the stuff there is high quality. I go there if I scrape enough money together." Gojyo said.
Hakkai thought for a moment, "Where is this place?" Maybe with any luck he could talk the price down a bit.
Gojyo gave the converted demon the directions, sat back, and tried to relax a little.
It didn't take Hakkai long to reach the foul smelling alley that Gojyo had directed him to. It was overly clear now that anyone who would sell goods to a half-breed would have to do so away from the human customers.
"I'm sure Hakuryuu will be safe here." He smiled at the dragon turned jeep, "After all, you'll just transform and fly off if someone tries to mess with you, right?"
Hakuryuu kyuu'ed reassuringly, he was far too smart to be caught by criminals.
Gojyo walked to the only door in the alley and knocked on it.
An older man opened it, a greedy look appearing in his eyes as he spotted the lanky half-breed. "Sooo, I assume you have enough money to afford my prices??"
"Yeah, the kid knows what he needs." Gojyo replied offhandedly pointing at the brunette. His hands were deep in his pockets as he acted nonchalantly, trying hard not to remember what happened the last time he came here and was short what he needed for the few cans of food he'd ask for.
The man looked at Hakkai, his eyes widened as he licked his lips. "How may I serve you, young man??" He said oddly stressing the word 'serve'.
Hakkai approached the man uneasily, there was something about the man that just didn't sit right with him. "Um, good evening sir," he said with a polite bow. "All we need are garbage bags, a bottle of soap and several cans of food."
"Ahhh, very good, I'll be right back with it." He said, sounding far more pleasant than when he spoke to Gojyo. He reentered the shop.
Gojyo placed a hand on Hakkai's shoulder, "Look, if we can't afford it, I want you to go back and sit in the jeep, okay?"
When Hakkai looked into Gojyo's eyes, there was something there that erased all questions in his mind. "All right Gojyo."
He squeezed the younger man's shoulder. Hakkai's depth and sheer innocence always amused and shocked him. The man was a complete contradiction. On one hand he was a mass murderer before he had hit puberty, yet on the other, he was just a kid who hadn't even been kissed for the first time. It was that innocence Gojyo was determined to protect, even if it meant sacrificing his own body to do so...just like his mother did for him.
The shop owner returned with several bags and a box of can goods, he shoved them roughly into Gojyo's arms then handed Hakkai a bill. The amount on it would have paid for twice what they had received, and was definitely far more than they could afford on a teacher's and a gambler's/sometimes whore's paychecks.
This was a life style Hakkai had known about but had the good fortune to never experience. He looked over the bill, his smile long gone. "This is going to be harder than I thought," he said looking up at the slightly taller man. "Maybe we could ask Sanzo for a loan till we get on our feet." A slight smile found its way onto his face, he tried to find a bit of humor in the situation.
"Tau Lin!!!" A masculine voice called from inside the building.
The shop owner winced. He mentally cursed the day he hired the moral young man and doubly cursed the day he allowed him to meet his wife.
Footsteps echoed as the young man came to stand in the doorway. His dark green eyes surveyed the scene and he frowned suddenly. His shoulder length light brown hair was tossed about by the evening breeze. "Tau Lin!" He growled softly, "Don't tell me you're out here cheating that young man again!? You know how angry that makes Zhen!"
"I was doing no such thing, Yukio!" Tau Lin sputtered, outraged that the young man would accuse him like that in front of his 'favorite' customers.
Yukio glared, walked over to Hakkai, and snatched the bill from his hands. He quickly scanned it and whirled on the older man, "GET BACK INSIDE, YOU OLD CHEAT!!!!!" The lighter brunette pointed imperiously at the door as the old man darted back inside, already cringing from the shrill chewing out he was sure to get from his wife.
"I'm very sorry about this." Yukio said politely, bowing deeply to the two men. "Please take them as a most sincere apology for all the trouble. And next time you need anything, please come in through the front door. I would be most happy to help you and give you a proper price."
"Thank you," Hakkai bowed to the young man. "Well Gojyo this is a good sign!"
Gojyo nodded, too stunned for words. His mouth moved frantically with no words coming out until suddenly one word blurted from his mouth, "WHY??"
Yukio blinked, "Well, my family has always had a soft spot for half-breeds. A half-breed was once a very dear friend of an ancestor of mine. Out of respect for that friendship, our family have made an effort to not discriminate against those who have no choice in their parentage." He said with a sincere smile.
"It's a shame everyone can't be a part of your family. Or at least be as open."
He chuckled, "True. Unfortunately the Cho family has never been a large or prolific one." He said with a smile.
"Cho?" Gojyo asked, finally snapped out of his shock enough to ask."
"Yes, how rude of me. I'm Cho Yukio." He said, finally introducing himself.
It was Hakkai's turn to stand there shocked. "Cho isn't a very common name. I'm Cho Hakkai." Hakkai tried to remember if his mother or father mentioned a Yukio in the family.
Finally it was Yukio's turn to be shocked, "But you're dead!" He said suddenly.
"What do you mean? I'm right here." Hakkai felt his wrist just to be sure he still had a pulse.
"Father said that Uncle Toshi, Aunt Ayame, and my cousins Aiko and Hakkai were killed by demons almost 10 years ago!" Yukio said, his eyes wide.
Hakkai closed his eyes and turned away from the two men. "The demons kidnapped me because they thought I was the most powerful demon reincarnated. So they took me. Once I escaped I never went back home, I was to scared to."
Gojyo looked at them, "Wait, you mean, you two are COUSINS??"
Yukio nodded, then placed a hand on Hakkai's shoulder, "It's okay, Hakkai." He looked at his younger cousin, "You know, we would never have blamed you for what happened." Yukio said softly.
"Maybe we can talk about it more tomorrow..." Hakkai reached up subconsciously and checked his three limiters.
Yukio chuckled, "Of course, the back alley isn't exactly a dream spot for a family reunion."
Gojyo scoffed, "You can say that again."
"Yes, well, I must get back inside. Please feel free to come by anytime either of you would like to shop or just talk." Yukio said happily. He was glad to have stumbled onto his cousin. It would be nice to have a guy to talk to. Being the only rooster in a hen house wasn't all what it was cracked up to be. The female members of his family just didn't understand what it was like to be a man.
Hakkai made his way back to Hakuryuu and stroked the jeep. He heard the door shut and Gojyo make his way over. "I think we can start cleaning in the morning. This was more exhausting than it should have been."
Yukio waved at the two men before going back inside the store.
"Yeah, you look more drained than me, so why don't you take the bed?" Gojyo offered before leaning back, "Your cousin seems pretty cool. Must run in the family." He grinned at Hakkai.
A pale pink flashed across Hakkai's cheeks, though he managed to keep his composure. "Yeah, I haven't seen him since I was about three or so." The ride back home was quick. The two of them took the supplies and brought them into the house. Once Hakkai managed to find a place to put everything he went off to bed.
Gojyo stayed up for a little, drinking and thinking. He got up after a few hours and headed to the small bedroom, he stood over the sleeping demon. "Poor guy, I thought my life was bad. You had family waiting for you but you were too scared to go home cause you thought they'd hate you." His fingers slipped into Hakkai's hair, gently brushing it away from the gentle face, "I don't think anyone could hate such a beautiful face. I know I couldn't." He said softly, the words only slightly slurred from the alcohol. The redhead leaned over and pressed a feather-light kiss against the green-eyed man's lips, before bonelessly sinking to the floor. He leaned against the bed as his red eyes closed and his breathing relaxed into the deep rhythms of sleep.
Hakkai laid on the bed, not quite asleep yet. The night's events kept him from falling into a sound sleep. He heard Gojyo enter the room and stop next to the bed, the smell of liquor wafted down from the red head. The converted demon's heart jumped when Gojyo brushed some hair from his face. He wasn't at all surprised at his friends words. The only thing that did surprise him was the kiss.
Only when he heard Gojyo hit the floor did Hakkai open his eyes. Slowly Hakkai pulled out his arm and reached over to the passed out half-breed slouched against the bed. His fingers found their way through some of the blood red hair.
"Sleep well Gojyo..." he said as he brought his arm back and finally fell asleep.