Had to be Fate

Sanzo had been blissfully typing away at his computer when fingers stopped, his head lifted up from the laptop screen and an eyebrow twitched as a crash came from the lounge room. Drawing his leather chair away from his desk Sanzo briskly walked towards the door and pulled it open. He stepped into the hallway just in time to see Goku run down the hallway, head straight into his bedroom and slam the dor closed. Heading down the hallway, Sanzo decided to go check on his guest.

"What's he done this time?" Sanzo remarked to the bent over figure that was picking up broken pieces of a dish from the carpet.

"It was my fault, Goku did nothing wrong." Came the melodious reply as emerald eyes lifted to greet the ever-frowning face of Sanzo.

"I'm sorry about the dish; I'll purchase you a new one." The teacher remarked once more as his eyes darted about the carpet looking at broken pieces of clay, spilled tea and scattered reports.

"What really happened?" Sanzo remarked as he leaned over the lounge staring boredly down at the bowed head of Hakkai. Hakkai for his part was placing the broken pieces of a black and white dish into a dustpan before he went on to collect all the reports that had scattered to the carpet and began separating them into two piles. One with spilled tea on them and the other were the ones that had survived the tea spillage.

"I was trying to help Goku with his homework but he wasn't paying any attention. I ended up turning off the television and telling him that if he didn't concentrate I'll have to fail him and he'd have to stay behind and repeat the year. I wasn't trying to be mean but I upset him, which got me upset and I guess I frightened him and then he ran off."

"You…got upset?" Sanzo remarked as though the mere thought of the usually smiling man upset seemed ludicrous to him. Just seeing a pissed off Hakkai in his mind made Sanzo want to laugh out loud, but of course he didn't.

"I was a little annoyed and wasn't paying attention much so when he ran off, I knocked over the drink and the dish and my reports in the process. I'll have to start the ruined ones all over again." Sano arched an eyebrow as he could have sworn that was a sigh coming from the brunette.

"Aa…" Sanzo remarked and walked off towards the kitchen. It wasn't long before he came back and silently shoved a cloth and some bleach for the tea soaking into the carpet. Blinking owlishly up at the standing Sanzo, Hakkai couldn't help but smile.

"Arigatou Sanzo."

"Che, whatever…" He remarked nonchalantly and headed back down the hallway and then stopped at Goku's door. "Oi, saru don't be in there all day, you've got homework to do. Don't fail anymore tests or else I'll kick your ass got it?" At those remarks Hakkai couldn't help but swiftly get up from his kneeling position and head down the hallway towards Sano and Goku's closed door.

"Please don't interfere with how I've upset Goku as you are only going to make it worse saying something like that to him."

"What did you say?" Sanzo growled at the emerald-eyed teacher before watching the brunette 'snub' him as he knocked lightly on Goku's door but did not enter it.

"Can I tell you a small story Goku?" There was no refusal from the other end and so Hakkai sat down on the floor, back to Goku's door and a far away look in his eyes, almost forgetting the fact that Sanzo was still standing right in front of him.

"Long ago there lived a monk, one of the highest rankings in all the lands. Ironically he was a Sanzo to be exact." Hakkai muttered lightly as his eyes lifted to the amethyst ones that were currently staring blankly at the wall in front of him. "One could say he wasn't your typical monk though. He smoked, drank, swore and carried a weapon, so one would never think of him as a priest unless you looked at him with his robes and a sutra over his shoulders. He had an aura of bitterness about him, but deep down there was a caring nature within him. This fact was true as he walked the earth with…a companion…a Monkey King to be exact. He was probably around your age Goku, but in his 'real age' he would have been over 500 years old. It so happened to be fact that he had no memories of his past life and was locked away in a high mountain until one day this Sanzo came to rescue him. In fact one of the first things to be noted about this monk was for the fact he had hair, but not only that his hair was just like the sun."

"Hair like the sun?" Hakkai blinked up at Sanzo muttering those words and then cast a glance over his shoulder to look at the closed brown door as Goku muffled those exact words as well.

"Yes, hair just like the sun." Hakkai repeated as his eyes never left amethyst and watched Sanzo's frown deepen, as he appeared to be thinking something over.

"Anyway, he really was the Monkey King, only he did not know this and did not like being referred to as a monkey. He was very happy whenever he was with his sun, always so grateful that he'd been rescued from his darkness and ever so protective of the monk too. He felt compelled to protect the man that had allowed him to be set free. Though to the monk he seemed a pain at times, the priest truly cared for him after all. Even though he refused the boy a lot of things it was evident that he made sure the monkey knew he'd never leave him alone. Though it was mostly spoken in anger or annoyance, it still made the boy feel safe…and perhaps even the monk as well. They had this special bond and it could never be broken as it was meant to be that way. They…actually remind me of two people I know."

"Really? Who?" Came the muffled voice once more from behind the door. By this time Sanzo was staring down at the closed eyes of Hakkai and watched thick brunette bangs fall over them.

"You…and Sanzo. I know how hard you try to please him, how it must hurt you if you don't think you succeed well enough at school or in sports, but I'm sure Sanzo cares more then you think. He is here isn't he? He did take you home and allowed you to be apart of his life ne? You are important to each other though both too stubborn to speak of it at times, but others can see it…I can see it. That's all that matters ne? That silently the bond you share is there for others to see for themselves?" Silence fell between the three males in the apartment before a door was swiftly opened and Hakkai made a slight struggling noise as he fell to the carpet and hit his head on the ground.

"Cho-sensei, I'm sorry I upset you earlier." Just staring up into the big golden eyes of the young boy Hakkai lifted himself up before placing his hand on Goku's head as he was sitting up on his knees on the carpet in his room.

"Iie, it's alright…and I'm sorry too." Hakkai pondered on something before placing a smile on his face. "Why not out of school hours you call me Hakkai ne?"

"Hakkai?" Goku muttered before nodding his head with a big grin on his face. His eyes opened once more as he saw the turned figure of Sanzo dressed all in black and looking like he was heading back into his study.

"Ne Sanzo?" Goku quietly voiced and watched as amethyst eyes turned to meet his shimmering gold ones. "I…I won't fail again!" Goku's hands were fisted at his sides as he stood up now and waited for Sanzo's reaction. It surprisingly was a soft whack on the head and a drawled 'baka'.

"Of course not, you've got us remember?" Even Hakkai had been surprised about this confession as he gathered Sanzo meant the "us" counted him as well. Staring over at Sanzo he watched the lingering bond between adult and child linger before Goku's smile nearly split his face as he nodded vigorously at Sanzo's words.

"Ne Hakkai?"

"Um…yes?"

"I'm hungry! Let's go get food!" Hakkai couldn't help but chuckle at the boy while Sanzo frowned and felt his eyebrow twitch once more.

"What would you like to eat Sanzo? Me treat of course." Blinking his eyes over at Hakkai who was standing behind Goku with his hands on his shoulders, Sanzo turned away from the "affectionate" scene and grumbled out a reply.

"Noodles with ginger, fried meat and vegetables. And get some more beer."

"Hai, hai." Hakkai remarked as he headed for the lounge room to grab his wallet before heading back down the hallway to see a bouncing Goku at the door that was telling him to hurry up.

"We're going now!" Goku yelled before closing the door behind him and Hakkai. Sanzo continued to remain in the hallway as he stared at the door. He made his familiar 'che' sound before heading back into his study, this time with the door left open and moved to sit back down in his chair. Staring up at the ceiling Sanzo had to remember how he'd gotten himself into this predicament of allowing Hakkai to stay over for a couple of days.

# Not too long ago #

It had merely been a week and Sanzo had seen Hakkai regularly. One windy day he'd come home from meeting with his aunt and found Goku and his teacher playing a video game in the lounge room! He recalled that the day was Wednesday and apparently Hakkai had struck a deal with Goku that if he one the fight against him then they'd have to do some study. Sanzo had arrived just as he heard the groan of complaining from Goku and a laugh from Hakkai, which sent an unknown sensation straight to his icy heart.

"Ah, Sanzo! Konbanwa!" Goku remarked as he waved at the silently standing blonde.

"Don't you think play time is over Goku? Cho-sensei will need to get home soon." Sanzo had boredly replied as he placed some beer and milk into the fridge.

"Demo Sanzo…Cho-sensei…"

"Actually, I was hoping to catch up with you Sanzo-san and talk about some books Goku will need to purchase for some light reading." Hakkai interrupted whatever it was Goku was going to say.

"How much is it?" Sanzo spoke while bringing out his wallet as he entered the lounge room once more. He blinked silently at the teacher who looked to be in thinking mode as he placed an index finger at his lips while his eyes were staring up at the ceiling.

"Mm, 6000 Yen I believe. I could possibly get you a discount perhaps as I know the store owner." Hakkai replied and blinked as noted were thrust into his face.

"Do whatever is necessary."

"Arigatou Sanzo-san and please, like I said, call me Hakkai." Staring down at the teacher Sanzo stepped slightly back as he watched the brunette get up from his sitting position, one hand turned into a fist and a smile on his face. "Oh, would you like something to eat? I brought something over as a thank you for allowing me into your home and accepting my offer to help out Goku."

"You should Sanzo, its really good!" Goku emphasised with a big grin and a pat to his stomach which made Sanzo roll his eyes as he headed for the kitchen once more and finally took notice that there was a pot on the stove.

"It's a stew, you do eat meat right?" Hakkai spoke as his attention went back to the television as Goku had pulled him back over and handed him a console controller.

Dishing out some stew Sanzo reheated it in the microwave before entering the lounge room to stand near the recliner chair with bowl and beer in hands and his eyes looking over the pair stuck in front of the television. Hakkai calmly kneeled wearing a pair of tan trousers and a now untucked green shirt while Goku was sprawled on his stomach and dressed in black shorts and a yellow shirt. It wasn't long before the battle was over and Hakkai was lightly chuckling with one hand behind his head.

"I guess I win again Goku." Oku lightly fumed before turning off the system and dragging out his books from his school bag which was lying beside him.

"Fine, a promise is a promise, but you have to play with me again!" Goku loudly remarked which Hakkai quietly replied with a 'hai, hai' and then they were at it, teacher and student looking over several books in different subjects with a quiet Sanzo eating and silently eyeing them every now and then.

That's how it went on for a few more days until randomly one evening Sanzo heard a knock at the front door. He got up from his chair in his study and headed for the door. He opened it up only to be greeted by the sight of,

"Konbanwa Sanzo-san." Hakkai smiled politely at the man who was sanding at the door in black slacks, grey shirt and a pair of slippers. His hair was slightly dishevelled while a cigarette hung from the corner of his lips.

"What are you doing here?" Sanzo spoke while his amethyst eyes travelled down to the two bags slung over the brunette's shoulder.

"Well my place has plumbing problems and won't be fixed for two days, could I stay here?" Staring at the blankness of Sanzo's face, Hakkai felt complied to explain his decision even further. "I mean I'd ask Goyjo, you know the guy from the restaurant you don't like, but he's got so many women going by that I'd hate for them to think that I would be imposing on their nightly activities. Also I thought of your place as I wouldn't disturb you at all and in fact I can cook and clean and do whatever you li-"

"Just shut up. Come inside and do whatever you like." Sanzo practically growled at the emerald-eyed teacher. He hated it when the man began to ramble on and on and just wouldn't shut up until he got an affirmative answer from himself.

"Is that an open invitation for anything Sanzo-san?" Hakkai retorted back with…was that a glint in his eyes?

"Stop calling me that!" Sanzo snapped in irritation.

"Err…gomen, demo, arigatou…Sanzo…" Hakkai quietly spoke while stepping into the house and closing the door. He had gotten sufficient frowns from the blonde in previous ties at referring to him as 'san' but it was only polite and that how Hakkai was brought up nonetheless. He heard Sanzo grunt and watched him move back into his personal study before closing the door with a defiant click.

"Eh, Cho-sensei?" Came another voice as Goku had just finished in the shower and was wearing shorts, white singlet and a blue towel around his shoulders.

"Good evening Goku, I hope I'm not interrupting you, but Sanzo-san…err…Sanzo allowed me to stay while my place is being repaired."

"Sanzo did? Well, I'm gunna watch TV, wanna come?" The boy spoke confusedly but piped up as he actually liked the company of his sensei.

"Mm, but I'll mark some tests while you watch."

"Ok!"

# Back to the present #

Sanzo let out a sigh as he drifted his eyes back to laptop, which was now in screen saver mode. Why couldn't he say 'no' to Hakkai? Was it because he had the personality and even the always-smiling expression like his guardian and mentor?

"Tadaima!" Sanzo's eyebrow rose as he heard two voices yell that at the same time and was soon greeted by the smiling faces of Hakkai and Goku.

"Sanzo, would you like your dinner in here, you look busy, or do you want to eat with us?" Hakkai questioned the blonde who was now standing up and stretching slightly. He spoke of nothing and instead followed the two other occupants in the house towards the kitchen were dishes and cutlery were brought out.

"Did you remember the ginger on the noodles?"

"Mm, Hakkai asked the lady, umm, Yaone-san for some more in case you wanted more ginger on it as well." Goku happily replied while Hakkai was busy placing the dishes into bigger serving bowls. Staring silently at Hakkai, Sanzo didn't thank the man and only placed more ginger into the noodles.

"And we got meat buns too!" Goku happily voiced once more and just to prove that point he shoved one into his mouth.

"Just like your story, right Hakkai?" Sanzo muttered to the brunette who quietly laughed as he made a side glance at the oblivious Goku who was serving himself up a big plate of everything that had been purchased.

"Well, its always nicer to see a happy little monkey ne Sanzo?" Hakkai remarked as he had been surprised for the fact that this was the first time Sanzo had actually called ihm by his name and now the usual "Cho-sensei" and not only that he was even happier when he watched Sanzo try and fight the smirk on his lips. The happy little moment in Hakkai's mind was ruined as Sanzo whacked Goku over the head.

"Oi baka saru, don't take all the food!"

"Maa, maa Sanzo, I brought more." Hakka imagically made another take away bag appear out of nowehere which got Goku's mouth watering before he was pounded on the head again. Not only did Hakkai produce more food he also brought out a six pack of beer, two cups and also a small sake bottle.

"Care to join me in some sake Sanzo?"

"Aa…" The blonde remarked as they made there way to the lounge room and sat around the coffee table in silence. Well almost in silence as Goku shoved food down his throat and then was bouncing to the kitchen for seconds while Hakkai smiled and poured Sanzo a cup of sake.

# Hours pass #

"A content saru…that is a first." Sanzo remarked as he eyed the young boy who was currently asleep on the lounge, which happened to be Hakkai's bed for the time that he was a guest here.

"I should wake him and send him to bed."

"No its alright, I can take him myself." Hakkai spoke politely and effortlessly lifted Goku form the couch and silently made his way down the hallway, his footsteps not creating a creak in any of the floorboards. Sanzo for his part watching the brunette leave before collecting the empty sake bottle, the six cans of beer and the empty bowls and dishes. To Sanzo, Goku was your regular vacuum cleaner.

"Ah, arigatou for clearing the mess Sanzo." Hakkai spoke before his hand lifted up to push his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Well I better get to work or else these reports will never be handed in tomorrow." He silently spoke, almost to himself as he made his way to the laptop, lifted the screen and turned it on.

"Will they take long?" Sano questioned the brunette who did nothing but smile at him.

"Are you going to work on your novel?" Hakkai answered Sanzo's question with a question of his own and watched him silently nod before heading off towards his study where the light from the room was obscured by the closing of the door.

When Hakkai had first met Sanzo he thought he was just your regular businessmen but it wasn't until he had come across a complaining Goyjo who was ranting about a frowning blonde man who seemed like he had something stuck up his ass. Goyjo then politely informed Hakkai that the blonde with the attitude problem was actually Kouryuu the writer! To say Hakkai was surprised was an understatement.

Sighing and smiling at the funny flashback, Hakkai thought it best to get cracking on his reports, as they weren't going to write themselves.

# Hours roll by… #

Sanzo rubbed his temples, a small headache coming on as he hadn't taken a break from the screen for quite some time now and decided coffee was the best medicine. Moving out of the study he heads for the kitchen only to realise that Hakkai was still up and had pen to paper as he tried to make sense of his previous words that had been smeared by tea. The television was on to create some noise in the dead apartment, but Hakkai had his back to it not really wanting to be distracted at the moment.

The light from the lamp on another wooden table captures the brunette's lighter strands of hair and creates a shadow of him over the carpet. Moving quietly so as not to disturb the man, Sanzo headed for the kitchen and made coffee for himself, but then after some thought made coffee for Hakkai as well. He quietly headed over to the table Hakkai was using as he had reports spread all over it and dumped the coffee mug onto the table. The mere sound and his presence startled the deep in thought teacher as he blinked up at Sanzo and then down at the swirling coffee.

"Eh? Oh, arigatou Sanzo."

"Mm…" He muttered before heading back to his study leaving the man be. They both had work to do after all.

# More time passes by… #

Sanzo emerged once more for another break from the computer screen and another coffee as well and this time he noticed that Hakkai was not at the coffee table anymore. In fact he was now lying on the couch as Sanzo peered over the back of the couch. By now the brunette was dressed in a pair of black slacks and was resting comfortably on his back. One of his arms cradled the back of his head along with the arm of the couch and a white cushion, while the other was holding an old diary against his stomach area. Thick bangs that usually cover his right eye from view had fallen away to reveal two small scars. One situated at his eyelid, which was always generally hidden when his eyes were open and the other was a small 'L' shape near the side of his eye. Not only that as Sanzo had free range to observe the slumbering teacher, he noticed that the book shifted slightly and his eyes couldn't help but widen as a large scar marred the man's slender but taunt skin on his abdomen. How could such a kind-hearted man have such a scar like that?

A click from a door jolted Sanzo away from the couch as he noticed a stumbling Goku come out scratching his ruffled hair as he moved for the toilet. The home fell silent to the night once more and as Sanzo left the area, to head for a closet, a smooth yet tired voice flittered to his ears.

"Do I intrigue you Sanzo?" A shuffling noise could be heard as Hakkai opened his eyes just in time to see a blanket come sailing over the couch backing to hit him straight in the face.

"Don't flatter yourself." Sanzo quietly barked back and left the emerald-eyed man be. He didn't even see the lingering smile break onto the man's features as he turned over to face the backing of the couch and fall asleep once more…the blanket now covering his form.

# To be continued… #