Brutally broken from what had been a very sweet dream, Gojyo is roused roughly as he suddenly finds himself face down on the floor, having landed with a painful thud after someone gripped his exposed ankles and pulled. He doesn't get up, though, instead reaching blindly for the blanket that is hanging slightly off the nearby bed and pulls it down to land on top of him.

He nearly surrenders back into blissful sleep then, before that blanket is rudely swiped away. Gojyo is used to this treatment, so he once again chooses to ignore it.

"Gojyo..." begins a warning voice.

"I'm sleeping."

His attacker offers a humored snort. "Hardly. Besides, it is well overdue for you to be up and about."

Gojyo groans. It's the weekend, isn't it? It has to be. "Come on, 'Kai, just five more minutes..."

"No."

"Ugnnn..." the kappa whines, burying his head in the crook of his arm. "I hate you."

"No you don't."

Damn it. Gojyo can practically feel his friend's smile. "Why do I have to get up anyway?"

Hakkai crouches down beside Gojyo and lifts up the curtain of crimson hiding his friend's face. "You said we could go shopping for another bed today, remember? Honestly, the way you keep putting it off, one might think you enjoy sleeping with me." Hakkai smiles warmly, forcing Gojyo to scowl back at him.

"I'm no queer, thank you very much. I just...don't see why we need another bed. I mean, we had just the one all through your recovery, and we've been fine for the past nine months since you've been back. It's a little crowded, but...I don't mind. It'll save us money if we just leave things alone."

Knitting his brow together curiously, Hakkai falls back to sit cross-legged on the floor as Gojyo props himself up onto his elbows. "I don't mind either to tell you the truth. It's only...well...I assumed you would be happy to get rid of me so...so you could bring your companions back here once in a while instead of staying over with them. Am I mistaken?"

Shifting onto his back now, Gojyo puts his hands behind his head and sighs. He has always been the kiss and tell type. Always. But not with Hakkai. "Wouldn't change things anyway. You'd still be in the same room, and there's no way I'd feel comfortable getting lucky with you just a few feet away."

"Well...that brings us back to our old conversation again, Gojyo."

"You're not moving out."

"I'm an invasion of your privacy just by being here."

"You're not a burden. I want you here."

"And you don't mind the...inconveniences?"

Gojyo huffs, sitting up and spinning around to sit as a mirror image, cross- legged in front of Hakkai. "Look, if I want to get laid, I'll find a way, and if that includes sleeping at the girl's place, it ain't a problem, okay? So...can we just drop this urge of yours to spend mass amounts of my winnings, already? Coz unless you want a bed because you want it, I don't see why we need one."

"Fair enough."

"Good. Now where the fuck'd you put my blanket?"

Hakkai laughs genuinely and points back up on the bed where he had redeposited the blanket. Thankful, Gojyo reaches up, pulls it over his head, and feigns sleep if only for a few more moments of quiet rest.

With another soft laugh, Hakkai rises and leaves the redhead be, though if Gojyo chooses to remain so lackadaisical for the remainder of the day, he will be forced to resort to drastic measures again.

Shuffling into the kitchen, Hakkai decides that a little breakfast will be just the incitement the kappa needs to rouse fully. As he begins to cook up what he can find--they really need to hit the market today--his thoughts stray to the oddity of the pair's arrangement. It has indeed been nine months now since he moved in with Gojyo under his new name: Cho Hakkai. It has been nine wonderfully content months that feel almost impossibly easy even after the time they spent together when he was still...Gonou.

Gojyo now knows all of Hakkai's secrets, all the haunted details of his past, and Hakkai has gradually found out equally heartbreaking tales of his friend. They really do make a good match for roommates. Bedmates, though...that begins to make things complicated. Hakkai knows that if he just leaves things be, as Gojyo has asked, he can continue to pretend there is nothing odd about them sharing the same bed, in the same home, while sharing each other's lives. After all, friends share their lives. They share their homes sometimes, too. They share their...beds...don't they...?

'I've grown so used to it. To me...it would feel wrong without him.' Hakkai reasons, boiling water for rice and coffee in the same kettle to save on dishes. 'I guess...I assumed he would want me to have my own bed, but...he seems just as...soothed by our arrangement as I am. Is it really so strange? If we were women it certainly wouldn't be, and it isn't fair to live by a double standard. Perhaps Gojyo is right about many things. I think too much...'

"What's on the menu, Ma?" Gojyo's smooth voice asks, his red head slithering forward to lean over Hakkai's shoulder.

'So predictable, Gojyo...'

"I have asked you repeatedly NOT to call me that." Hakkai replies, resisting the urge to scratch where Gojyo's hair is tickling the side of his face. The red locks are growing back nicely. Not quite to his chin yet, but long enough to fall into the kappa's crimson eyes often. "I'm just making something simple to tide us over till we make a market run later. If you get ready before I'm finished, I'll allow you to waste money on taking us out to lunch."

Gojyo gives a short laugh. Hakkai took over the house's funds almost immediately after moving in, though he still refers to the money as if it belongs entirely to Gojyo.

"Oh, and I have a meeting tomorrow to discuss that substitute teaching job." Hakkai adds, still ignoring Gojyo's close proximity as best he can while beginning to pour hot water into too mugs and gesturing for the kappa to fill them with their instant coffee mix. He then takes the remaining water and adds the rice, stirring it gently as the kernels settle. "I'm only reminding you so you remember that tomorrow is Tuesday. Trash day. Don't forget just because I won't be around."

"Yes, honey." Gojyo smirks, slithering away to make the coffee as he has been ordered. He then takes his with him as he heads back into the main room to change.

Thankfully, he doesn't have to bathe, having managed to squeeze in a late soak the night before, knowing Hakkai would expect him ready sooner than he would want to be up--as always.

"Hey." he calls towards the kitchen, pulling a clean shirt over his head. "Why do you need an interview for that teaching thing anyway?"

"Any new teacher would require one." Hakkai calls back.

"Even though you've taught before?"

"They don't know that."

"Why not?"

"I can't exactly tell them."

Gojyo sticks his head back inside the kitchen, one hand still carrying his coffee, while the other tries inelegantly to button his slacks. "You can't tell them? Why? It would make your resume look too good?"

Sighing heavily, Hakkai turns out to face the now dressed and somewhat presentable water sprite. "It would lead to too many questions. Where did I work before? How long? How can they contact them? Things like that. And I'd rather not leave a trail leading...anywhere. Cho Hakkai has never taught. That is the truth, yes?"

Feeling suddenly very foolish, Gojyo smiles and nods. He hates unwittingly reminding Hakkai of his past. Now that he knows the full extent of that past, he really hates it. "Shutting up. So, how's breakfast coming?"

Hakkai smiles back at him, looking a little flushed, ashamed at himself for allowing his tone to turn sharp, though Gojyo had barely noticed. "Almost finished. But...is that what you're going to wear today?"

Gojyo groans loudly. "Gods, 'Kai, you're as bad as a nagging wife..."

-----

"Hurry up, Gojyo, it's nearly past noon already." Hakkai calls from his stance outside their front door. He is wearing a white, button down shirt that is tucked into trim, khaki slacks. In his pocket is a long list of things they need at the market. His right eye is--of course--covered by his monocle. "You look fine, Gojyo. Can we please be on our way?"

Gojyo hesitantly stumbles out the door, tugging at his color. Hakkai has dressed him in a black, fitted, long-sleeved T-shirt and deep burgundy pants. He looks very nice, and he knows it, but he still feels a little constricted in the freshly pressed clothing. "When'd you get this stuff?"

Hakkai's smile brightens as they begin walking down the path into town. "A week or so ago. I had planned to save them for a special occasion, but I'm glad I decided not to wait. They look wonderful on you."

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Gojyo represses a blush. "Whatever. You don't have to baby me, ya know? I can buy my own clothes." Gojyo notices that Hakkai's smile twitches at his words and he instantly regrets having said anything at all. "I'm being an ungrateful bastard again, aren't I? Look, I love the clothes. You're just so much more thoughtful than me, I never know how to say thanks."

A laugh--so predictable. "Well, you're welcome. Now, why don't we concentrate on what we need at the market today." This having been said, Hakkai pulls out his list. "Item one: bed. Well, I guess I can cross that off."

Gojyo pretends not to notice Hakkai's smirk and remains silent.

"Two: groceries."

"Heh. That's specific."

Hakkai is undaunted and smiles wider. "We're out of everything, so I figured it would be monotonous to write it all down. I know what we need."

"What else is on there?"

"Hmmm..." Hakkai mulls over the list a few moments. "We're running low on cleaning supplies and we could really use a new broom after what you did to the last one."

"That wasn't my fault."

"Right. The broom was the one who danced with you after getting drunk at the bar."

Gojyo places a cigarette between his lips and winks. "You got it."

After Gojyo has unsuccessfully attempted to light his cigarette for a good five minutes, Hakkai finally decides it is time to continue. "Ah, yes, the next item on the list...a new flint for Gojyo's lighter."

Gojyo grumbles with his customary 'che' and tosses his useless cancer stick to the ground while jamming his lighter back into his pocket. "Jerk."

"Now, now, be happy I put it on the list at all. I could always try and make you quit."

"Next item on the list: new house for Hakkai..."

"Point taken."

Naturally, there isn't a single ounce of actual animosity between the two, and they share a humored smile as they continue on.

The pair still has a few minutes before they will be at the edge of town, but the trip is never a hassle as long as they have each other as company. In fact, though neither would likely admit it, the walk to and from town is probably one of the most enjoyable events in their day. Even on a weekend when Hakkai could be curled up with a good book and Gojyo could be out stalking the streets for women--alone.

"So, is that everything on the list?" Gojyo asks after a minute or two, kicking at the pebbles along the path.

"Just one more thing. A water dish for Hakuryuu."

"What?"

And--right on schedule--a loud 'kyuu' sounds above their heads as the blur of a white span of wings appears from nowhere and begins flying towards them. Somehow, the small dragon manages to land softly on Hakkai's shoulder anyway, and nuzzles the brunette's neck affectionately.

Possessively.

"Good morning, little friend." Hakkai greets his pet. "Have a good hunt?"

"Kyu!" the dragon chirps in affirmation.

Gojyo, unlike Hakkai, does not find this amusing or adorable. "You're spending my hard earned money on something for that...flying rat?" he asks, childishly crossing his arms in front of him. "Figures, since you've already named it and gotten yourself attached. Just coz you find some wild creature in the forest one day, you expect me to let you move it in like a second boarder? What if it has some kind of disease or something."

"Don't be ridiculous. Hakuryuu is more obsessive about keeping himself healthy and prim than you are about having your daily dose of nicotine." Hakkai counters, stroking the little dragon on the head. If Gojyo didn't know any better, he would swear the thing was glaring at him. "Besides, he found me. I swear...it almost seemed like he...knew me."

"Yeah, well, I thought after the first week he'd be on his way, but now he's gone and gotten all comfortable with us." Gojyo grimaces. "Comfortable with you anyway. As for me, if you and I weren't sharing the same bed, the stupid thing would probably try and kill me in my sleep."

"Oh, Gojyo."

"Just look at how he stares at me." Gojyo pipes in, before Hakkai has the chance to shoot his suspicions down. "He acts like I'm trying to steal you away from him. Well, I got news for ya, buddy." he adds, leaning towards Hakkai to address the dragon on his friend's shoulder. "I had him first."

Finding these words rather humorous, Hakkai arches an eyebrow. "Oh you did, did you?"

Oops. "You know what I mean." Gojyo covers quickly, pulling back.

"Well, neither of you has any need to be jealous. The three of us can get along just fine, I think. Besides, after discovering Hakuryuu's secret, I would think you would be just as excited to keep him as I am."

"Turning into a jeep would be a great trick if he let someone other than you drive once in a while, which he doesn't. We could be using him right now, by the way."

Hakkai raises a slender finger towards the sky. "One should never use gifts frivolously, unless one wishes to lose that gift prematurely."

Groan. "And here's me without my apple..." Gojyo grumbles beneath his breath.

Hakkai hears him, but chooses to ignore it. Ahead of them, the town is finally coming into sight. "Hakuryuu, would you be so kind as to head back home until we return?" he asks his pet. "Gojyo and I have shopping to do and your presence seems to attract excessive attention."

The dragon promptly chirps in agreement and rises off his master's shoulder to head back down the path, though not without passing a rather unnerving glance in Gojyo's direction.

Hakkai, naturally, doesn't notice.

"You don't believe that thing is out to get me, do you?"

"I'm afraid not, Gojyo."

"Well, if ya wake up one morning and I'm gone, and that thing has this familiar-looking, red floss between its teeth, then will you believe me?"

Hakkai doesn't reply, but his light laughter lingers all the way into town.

-----

"Here they come again, Meiko. Like husband and wife practically."

"They're so obvious. And they think we don't know? The whole town knows."

"Two young men living together, both in their prime, with Gojyo steering away from women more and more while his housemate doesn't even bother looking at the girls in town? They might as well just admit the truth."

"No kidding."

"I mean, honestly, how could anyone look at those two and not assume they're sleeping together...?"

Though they had been well out of hearing range for most of this exchange, Gojyo and Hakkai pass by the gossiping women's fruit stand just as the final phrase is spoken. Gojyo's ears perk up at the insinuations he knows are directed at them, but Hakkai discreetly nudges him in the side and shakes his head. There is no point in starting a fight that has no possibility of ending well.

Once they have passed the stand by, however, Gojyo turns to Hakkai anyway.

"Those old hags don't know shit." he curses, keeping his voice hushed for Hakkai's sake, though not terribly hushed. "Like our lives are any of their business anyway. Two people can't live together these days without the whole town getting the wrong idea? These people know me. I've chased half the skirts in town. More than half. And more than once. Shit. It just really pisses me off, ya know?"

Hakkai smiles throughout Gojyo's entire rant, glancing from stand to stand as they walk through the market. When Gojyo finishes, he merely shakes his head. "Really, Gojyo, I'm surprised you let them get to you. Let them think what they want. We know who we are, and that should be enough for us, yes? Rumors never bothered you before."

"Yeah." Gojyo answers reflexively. "Wait. What?"

"Hm?"

"Nothing." Maybe he was just imagining things.

"We're pretty much done, it seems." Hakkai offers happily, a bag in either hand just as Gojyo has one in both of his. "Is there anything in particular you want just for you before we head home?"

No reply.

"Gojyo?"

But Gojyo's attention is focused on the other side of the alley, on a particularly lovely brunette. She is modestly attired, but the way her simple green dress fits her trim body is incredibly enticing, and something in her soft green eyes, matching so perfectly with her clothing, draws him in, so much so that he can barely hear his friend's humored voice calling his name.

"Gojyo? Gojyo? You're drooling all over our bags, Gojyo."

"Huh? What? You say something, 'Kai." Gojyo mumbles, his eyes still trained on the woman across the way.

"Not a thing." Hakkai smiles, having long ago grown accustomed to Gojyo's need for female companionship. "You know, if you'd like to go talk to her, I'm sure I can get these things home by myself."

Finally, Gojyo is roused from his ogling as he turns back to Hakkai. "No way. I'm fine. Just admiring a nice view, is all."

Not one to stand in anyone's way over anything, Hakkai is rightly skeptical. "I wouldn't want to keep you from a worthy conquest, Gojyo. She seems...rather pleasant."

Gojyo would have laughed out loud at Hakkai's attempt at 'guy-talk', but refrains, believing he would end up offending his friend, if anything. "Pleasant ain't the half of it, but I promised to help you."

"You know, I wouldn't have thought a woman like that would be your type."

"You kidding? She's...she's...hn. You're right. I guess my tastes have changed. But it doesn't matter, coz right now I'm with you. And I'm not about to make you walk back on your own, loaded down with all this crap. I can get a woman on my own time. So zip it...and let's head home."

A small part of Hakkai debates bringing up the comments those women had made about how obvious the two of them appear, but he knows not to. He merely smiles and nods as they turn back to find the path that will carry them home.

END PART 8

-----

A/N: Hmmm. I don't know. I didn't think at all again, I just let the boys take me. Basic, random moments again, just to show the progression of their life together. No they aren't sleeping together, if you didn't catch that, and they are completely oblivious to any feelings they may or may not have at this point. They are content and happy. I think there will be two more parts. One set very close to the start of the journey to show how they progress after the three full years together, and another set during the journey. Kenren and Tenpou didn't get to speak this round (though if you caught the little slip about rumors you saw that they are still present) because it isn't their life. However, time will tell how much more influence the past lives will have.

yayoi25--Sorry, but if I WAS Kazuya Minekura, the Saiyuki boys would be bonking canon. :-) A LOT.

Me-Nuriko--Even though this has nothing to do with this fic, yay for Gay Pride in Sweden! And thanks for the review on "Day of Silence."

Everyone else, you rock! You rock my socks off! Thanks so much for everything and please continue as I keep pumping out what I can. I love this fic!

P.S. For some reason, certain words or group of words sometimes don't appear. Not bad ones, normal ones that just don't show up in quick edit no matter what I do. So forgive the occasional lapse of a missing word. So far I've only found this a few times, but just so you know.

Crim