Disclaimer: The usual. Don't own 'em, wish I did.
A/N: Yaoi in later chapters. Pairing is Hakkai/Gojyo.
The Sanzo party is back on the road!
Friendship With Benefits
Chapter 3
Hakkai sat on the bed and patiently waited as Gojyo made sure he was ok to travel. He sat there, arm up behind his head, looking out the window. As much as he wanted to leave this town, he was going to miss the leisure of the past nine days. He intently watched the trees sway in the breeze and the birds gliding in the air, and the blue of the sky and the people below in the town square and anything else other than the fingers of the half-demon that were gliding over his ribs.
"Everything seems ok. Welcome back Hakkai." The redhead leaned back in his chair and lit up a cigarette.
Hakkai put his shirt back on and chuckled. "Gee, thanks." He got up and went over to the window and leaned his forearms on the windowpane ledge, looking out over the town square. He had waited most of the night for Gojyo to return so he could apologize for whatever it was he did to make him so angry, but he never came back. And this morning he seemed to be his normal self so Hakkai wasn't going to bother to bring up the matter.
Gojyo studied the demon. He seemed a bit withdrawn this morning but nothing serious. He had decided last night as he fell asleep with the beautiful blonde cuddled to him, that all this nonsense about Hakkai in his dreams was the result of his guilt for not staying with Hakkai at the village. So in order to make things right again….
"I'm sorry Hakkai."
Hakkai slowly turned to face his friend. "What do you have to be sorry for Gojyo?"
"I should have never let you stay in that village alone. If I had stayed….like a friend is supposed to….you never would have been hurt. I promise I will never leave you like that again."
Hakkai smiled at his best friend. So that's why he's been so angry lately. Guilt. "Thank you Gojyo. But there's really no need to apologize." He walked over and grabbed his bag, heading for the door. "Although," he turned just slightly to show his profile to Gojyo, "I will keep you to that promise."
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Gojyo looked around the room at his companions and sighed. They had made good time traveling back down the mountain, making it in four days as opposed to the six it took them to drive up. After another three days of navigating the thick forests that looked like they stretched on forever, they made it to open terrain and stopped at the first village they encountered for some well deserved rest in real beds.
But as soon as they entered town, it began to pour down rain. That was three days ago and the waterworks hadn't let up yet, leaving Sanzo and Hakkai quiet and withdrawn. They each had their reasons for not liking the rain, but enough was enough. Poor Goku had tried to cheer Sanzo up yesterday and got nothing but a welt on his head for his trouble.
The inn only had one large room for all of them to share and of course they took it because it was better than sleeping outside in the rain. So here they were, stuck together in one room. Two of them depressed for their own personal reasons, and two of them bored to death.
"Hey, monkey. Come with me. We'll leave these two to sulk."
"But…"
"Do you really want to hang around here with these two? Or do you wanna find a nice happy restaurant that sells meat buns?"
"Since you put it that way, I'm with you!"
Goku ran past Gojyo and out the door before the lanky redhead could even take two steps. He let his gaze linger on Hakkai for a few moments and then he walked over to him, a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you want anything while I'm out?"
"No, I'm fine thanks. You two go have fun."
Hakkai turned to him with that fake smile. But those eyes…. Those deep green eyes hid nothing. Gojyo felt his chest tighten at the misery he saw in them. He silently pleaded with the demon…. Just tell me what to do and I'll do it. Anything to make that sadness go away. Hakkai… just talk to me.
Gojyo headed for the door with a resigned sigh when Sanzo's voice caught his attention. "Bring me back a pack of smokes."
"Get up off your ass and do it yourself you lazy monk." Gojyo didn't bother to turn around and see if his comment brought life into the dead monk. He just closed the door behind him.
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That night, Gojyo managed to get all four to sit down and play a game of Mahjong. He had bought Sanzo a pack of cigarettes, but didn't offer them up until he threatened to kill all of them in a nicotine fit. The night wore on and eventually everyone lay down to sleep. Goku passed out immediately and within an hour Sanzo growled himself to sleep, mumbling something about 'stupid monkey' and 'being the sun'. Gojyo sat up and looked over at his friend, whom he knew wasn't sleeping.
"Hakkai."
"Yes Gojyo?"
"Come with me."
"What? Where?"
"Just trust me."
He heard the demon sigh as he stood up and put on his pants and boots, opting to leave the jacket behind and just wear his t-shirt. Gojyo and Hakkai crept out of the room and into the hallway. Just as they were about to head outside, Hakkai grabbed Gojyo's arm.
"Wait. Where are we going?"
"Outside. I would think that would be obvious." He smiled at the confused demon and put his hand over his, "It's ok. I think I know a way to bring you out of this funk you're in."
"Gojyo, this is crazy. Let's just go back to bed and---"
"Hakkai." The stern voice and the strong grip on his hand stopped the demon. His eyes questioned his friend and Gojyo hesitantly let go of the demon's hand and leaned against the wall, desperately wanting a cigarette, but he'd left them in the room. "Look. Maybe what you need is a different perspective on rain. A new, not-so-tragic memory of the rain that you can draw on."
Hakkai just stared at his friend. Gojyo had always given him special consideration on things. They were best friends after all and it worked both ways. But what he was trying to do…. It was the most thoughtful and caring thing Hakkai had ever experienced since Kanan.
"Well? You coming or what?"
Hakkai blinked his eyes a few times, brought out of his reverie by Gojyo's voice. He didn't think what Gojyo was suggesting would work, but he was willing to try, just to make Gojyo happy.
"Lead the way."
The duo walked out into the rain, which was coming down rather heavy at this point, and it didn't take them long to get drenched. Hakkai followed Gojyo to the edge of a nearby farm. "So now what?" Gojyo walked up to Hakkai and reached up for his monocle. Hakkai took a step back. "No. It stays."
"For this, it comes off." Gojyo extended his arm and took a step forward. He felt like some predator, trying to move as slowly and carefully as possible so as not to alarm its prey as it stealthily approached. Hakkai closed his eyes as the monocle was removed. But his eyes flew open when he felt gentle fingers brushing away the hair in front of his face. "I don't understand. Why do you hide behind a small piece of glass?"
"There's nothing wrong with hiding a weakness from an enemy."
"But I'm not your enemy Hakkai." He pocketed the monocle and then leaned back on the fence separating the various grazing pastures. "Gods I love the rain. It washes away everything." He tilted his head back and let the rain pelt his face. "How can something that brings life to the world make you so unhappy? I know you suffered a great tragedy and that it happened to be raining that night. But the rain wasn't your enemy, or the cause of your trouble. If anything, it saved you."
Gojyo tilted his head back down to look at Hakkai. The demon was standing there, his eyes closed and his whole body seemed to be relaxed. He let his eyes roam over the drenched demon before him. The rain only seemed to make him more beautiful.
"The rain led me to you. Because it was raining, I decided to take the short cut home. And that's when I found you."
Gojyo intently watched a raindrop hanging from the demon's chin, desperately wanting to stay with him, not wanting to lose contact. He knew how that little raindrop felt. You couldn't help but want to be with him.
"Don't let one night's tragedy rule you Hakkai. Let it go. Let the rain wash it away. It's not all going to go away, but little by little, you will feel the weight lift from your soul."
Gojyo studied the demon for a few more moments before closing his eyes and hanging his head. His neck hurt from hanging his head back earlier, so he now let it fall forward.
Hakkai wasn't sure if Gojyo could see his tears mixed in with the rain, but he knew the half demon wouldn't say anything even if he did. When did Gojyo become so wise? His words penetrated the cold barrier that had taken hold of his heart the past few days. He could still feel the sting of his loss those many years ago, but it didn't hurt as much now. Instead, he felt a warmth spread through his body. A warmth caused by a certain redhead and his wise and caring words.
Hakkai opened his eyes and saw Gojyo with his head down. He walked over and tilted Gojyo's face up so he could look into the crimson eyes. Hakkai saw so much in those eyes. He saw Gojyo's concern for him. He saw his determination to make him happy. He saw….
Hakkai brushed some wet locks of hair behind the redhead's ear and then let his fingertips lightly brush a wet, yet warm cheek. He had no idea what he was doing. He was just following whatever impulses were coursing through him. And those impulses wanted to touch Gojyo. They wanted to feel his skin, twine his silky red hair around a finger, and most of all, those impulses wanted to know what it would be like to kiss those lips. He took a step into Gojyo and leaned in, his eyes switching between the pink lips and the intense crimson eyes that were fixed on him. He let his lips lightly brush against Gojyo's, making sure the redhead wasn't repulsed by what he was doing. Then he pressed the kiss a little more…
Gojyo didn't know what was going through Hakkai's head. He wasn't one for impulsive or rash actions unless he was in a rage. And the demon was most certainly not in a rage right now. He was….he didn't know. But as confused as he was about his friend's actions at the moment, he was even more confused by his own. When Hakkai leaned into him, he didn't stop him. As the green-eyed demon's lips brushed against his, he didn't move away. In fact, he wanted Hakkai to kiss him. As Hakkai took the kiss further, Gojyo reached out and put his hands on the demon's hips, pulling him in a little closer.
When Hakkai pulled back from the kiss, he searched crimson eyes looking for answers to his actions that he himself didn't have. "Gojyo….I don't know why….I mean, I wanted to….."
A curve pulled at the corner of Gojyo's mouth, "I don't know either, but I wanted it too."
Hakkai smiled. It was a hesitant, shy smile that showed his relief. "So now what do we do?"
"I don't know. You're the smart one." Gojyo smiled and let his eyes roam over the demon's face, studying it as if seeing him for the first time.
"I don't read books about this kind of stuff."
"Maybe you should. I guarantee you they're much more interesting than the history of some war that happened a hundred years ago."
Hakkai smiled and let his hands run down the length of Gojyo's arms, his hands coming to rest on the ones that held his hips. "C'mon. We'll figure it out later." He pulled Gojyo along by one hand, heading back towards the inn. "I want to get dry and get some sleep."
"I'm with you on that one. Race ya!" Gojyo sprinted ahead of the demon, laughing. Hakkai chased after him, feeling better than he had in days. He felt lighter, calm and happy. He was still confused about what happened with Gojyo, but he knew it was a good thing, whatever it was. As he approached the inn Hakkai saw Gojyo stopped under the large awning of the inn's entrance. He came to a stop and silently questioned Gojyo.
"One thing before we go inside." Gojyo stepped up to Hakkai and became serious. "Are you done letting the rain drag you down?"
"You have definitely given me a new perspective on rain." Hakkai leaned in and let his cheek brush against Gojyo's, "And I have a much happier memory too. Thank you Gojyo."
"Anytime." Gojyo's eyes were closed, enjoying the sensation of Hakkai's skin against his. But when Hakkai moved back, he felt the heat leave with him. When he opened his eyes, he saw happy green emeralds looking at him. Hakkai was happy, and suddenly the warmth was back.
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Hakkai woke up the next morning to find that it was still overcast and drizzling. But it didn't matter. He felt like new. When he and Gojyo had gotten back, they'd changed into dry clothes and went to bed. Hakkai didn't even have time to dwell on the evening's events. He fell right to sleep. And now, he woke up to find Goku and Gojyo still asleep and Sanzo nowhere to be found. He quietly got out of bed, cleaned up, dressed and headed for the door when he realized he wasn't wearing his monocle. It's still in Gojyo's pocket. Hakkai found the monocle in the crumpled pile of wet clothes. He turned it over in his hand, wondering if Gojyo had a point. Do I hide behind this? He affixed it to the bridge of his nose and looked down at the sleeping redhead. He'd been right about so many things lately, maybe he was right about this too. Hakkai started to reach out, wanting to feel the smooth skin again, but Goku made a noise and he quickly withdrew his hand and headed downstairs to look for Sanzo.
He found the monk sitting at a table, reading the paper and smoking a cigarette. "Good morning Sanzo. Did you sleep well?"
Annoyed amethyst eyes peered over the paper, "What the hell has you so happy?"
Hakkai smiled and took a sip of warm tea, "The rain."
Sanzo lowered his paper and glared at the demon. "What did you say?"
"I gained a new perspective on the rain last night."
"And what might that be?"
"It cleanses the world and brings it life."
'Che." Sanzo rustled his paper and brought it back up in front of himself, blocking out Hakkai and his chipper mood.
They sat there quietly having breakfast and when Hakkai was finished, he got up and stretched.
"I'm going to go out for a little bit. Do you need anything Sanzo?"
"Just some peace and quiet."
"Then that is what you shall have." Hakkai bowed to the monk and took his leave. Just as the door was swinging shut, he heard Goku's enthusiastic greeting to Sanzo and the monk's growled response. Hakkai couldn't help but laugh.
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The foursome remained in the town for two more days. Finally, the rain let up and they were on their way once again. The downpour had created some flooding problems and they had to reroute in a wide arc to avoid being caught up in the water. The detour had cost them an extra week, but at least they were able to spend each night in a town and not camping outside in flood ravaged lands.
When they were finally back on track, they found themselves traveling through a wasteland for six days and it had been two days since the last town. All the members of the Sanzo party were showing signs of weakening in the dry arid expanse.
"How much further Hakkai?"
Hakkai winced at the whining emanating from the backseat. The last thing he wanted was for Sanzo to go off again. He used his most soothing voice to try and placate the young demon.
"It shouldn't be that much further Goku. Just try and stay still, ok?"
Just as the sun was setting, a town was spotted in the distance. "Alright everyone. We should be reaching that town in a few hours. Try and behave yourselves please. I know this has been a tough trip, but that's no excuse to act uncivilized."
"You heard him monkey. Behave."
"He was talking about you, you whoring drunk."
"Who are you calling drunk, glutton?"
Hakkai rolled his eyes and smiled as the argument continued in the backseat. He threw a sideways glance Sanzo's way, expecting the short tempered monk to explode any moment now. Instead, he found Sanzo's head resting on his chest, eyes closed. Wow. He must really be tired to sleep through all this noise. Suddenly a flash of white whooshed past Hakkai's head, causing a significant breeze on its way to its intended targets.
As Goku braced for the impact of the monk's fan, Hakkai reached out and grabbed the fan, mid-swing. Amethyst eyes glared at the demon, but Hakkai held his own. He saw the shocked and frightened look on Goku's face, but he was unable to see Gojyo's. He could imagine the smirk though.
"Please Sanzo. We're all very tired and irritated." His voice was calm, low, but it had that quiet forcefulness behind it that only Hakkai could do.
Hakkai and Sanzo glared at each other for a few tense moments. But once Hakkai was satisfied that Sanzo got his point and there would be no further violence, he let the fan go. Sanzo turned his glare on Gojyo.
"I blame you for this."
Gojyo only smirked as Sanzo slowly turned around and sat back in his seat. Hakkai let his grip on the steering wheel relax just a little, but he sped up, wanting to get to town as soon as possible.
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"What possessed you to do that Hakkai?"
The two friends were unpacking the jeep while Sanzo and Goku got them rooms. It had been a quiet and tense two hours to the town. But they were finally here and everyone was looking forward to a goodnight's sleep.
"I don't want to talk about it Gojyo. Let's just get the stuff and go inside." As Hakkai gathered the bags, he wondered, why did I do that? Now Sanzo is going to be pissed with me. And it's not lke it doesn't happen often enough. Gojyo's hand brushed against his as they unloaded the jeep and he felt that little spark zip through him. He looked at his friend and was greeted with a warm smile, the truth of his actions finally became clear. It made Gojyo happy.
Gojyo watched his friend gather several bags and head into the inn. What's bothering him? Oh well, I'll just find out tonight. Gojyo followed his friend into the inn. As soon as he opened the door, he heard Goku whining.
"But Sanzo! Why!"
"Because I want to sleep in peace and quiet. I'm tired of listening to your snoring. Now shut up or I'll make you sleep outside."
Gojyo walked up to Hakkai, "What's it this time?"
"Apparently you and Sanzo will be rooming together."
"What!" Gojyo dropped all the bags he was carrying and stomped over to the monk. "I am not staying with you!"
"What's the matter? Don't want to be separated from Hakkai?" Sanzo's amethyst eyes dared Gojyo to say something. He knew something was going on between those two. He didn't care if they were lovers. He just didn't like secrets. So he was just going to have to force the issue and make them come clean. And the best way to do that was to focus on the weakest link, Gojyo.
"I'll room with Goku, it's no big deal." Gojyo whirled on Hakkai and he saw the resigned look in those green eyes as he walked past his friend and grabbed the key from Sanzo, walking up the stairs to his room. "C'mon Goku, let's get settled. It's late."
Once Hakkai and Goku were out of earshot, Gojyo picked up his bags and fixed his crimson eyes on Sanzo. "You're up to something monk. Is this some sort of punishment because he stood up to you?"
"Che. You know nothing. Hakkai is the only person that could do that and live and he knows it."
"Huh? What about me? And Goku?"
"I don't tolerate disobedience. Hakkai is the only intelligent one among you and I may not always agree with him, but his actions are usually justified."
"Disobedience!" Gojyo dropped his bags and stepped into Sanzo, his face inches from the monk's. "I am not some pet you can punish at whim. Goku may put up with that shit, but I'll be damned if I'm going to. You got that?"
"Whatever." Sanzo picked up his bag and went upstairs to his room. He didn't feel like arguing with the redhead now. Not ever really, but especially not now. He quietly made his way upstairs and went through his routine of unpacking and settling in for the evening. Damn. I forgot to send Goku for a paper. He continued to lay out his belongings, and lastly he hung up his robes.
Sanzo didn't acknowledge Gojyo when he entered the room. He just grabbed one last cigarette before going to sleep. He lay in his bed, enjoying the soothing effects of the nicotine, and watched Gojyo as he unpacked. He'd never known the redhead to be so neat and tidy. Must be Hakkai's influence.
For the life of him, he couldn't figure out how Hakkai became such good friends with Gojyo. The demon was usually quiet, reserved, and loved to read. Gojyo on the other hand was the complete opposite. He was loud, carefree and if he did bother to read, it was probably smut. He liked to drink, smoke and get laid. Hakkai could drink them all under the table three times over, but he preferred tea. He detested smoking and he'd never known him to sleep with anyone. He assumed Kanan was his lover, but if not, then Hakkai could very well be a virgin.
Sanzo scoffed at the thought and turned his attention to the sky framed by the window. Hakkai and Gojyo were true opposites, but they were the best of friends. Sanzo envied them that closeness. He'd been close to his master, but he had been dead for years. He had Goku, but the young man was his ward, not his peer or confidant. Sanzo had always trusted Hakkai and they'd had their fair share of conversations and he'd always enjoyed spending time with the demon. But lately, he'd been spending most of his free time with Gojyo. And that pissed Sanzo off.
Sanzo sighed and got up, heading out of the room. He knocked on the door and Hakkai answered. "Hey Sanzo."
"I want you to come with me tomorrow to get supplies. Every time those two yahoos go it costs too much money."
Hakkai smiled, relieved to know Sanzo wasn't mad at him anymore. "Sure. After breakfast good for you?"
"Fine."
"Goodnight Sanzo."
Hakkai closed the door and Sanzo just stood there a few moments, staring at the wooden door. Why did I just do that? I hate to get supplies! Sanzo grumbled back to his room, and realized he still hadn't asked Goku to get him a paper. Fuck! Where is my head today?! He opened and slammed the door and stomped over to his bed, cutting Gojyo off before he could even ask.
"It's none of your business. Shut up and go to sleep."
Normally Gojyo would let into Sanzo for speaking to him like that for no good reason, but he was so tired and it just wasn't worth it. He lay there, wondering if Hakkai was feeling as lonely as he was right now. He'd grown accustomed to having the demon next to him in bed. They may not be lovers, but the feel of the warm demon's body next to his, arms wrapped around his waist, fingers tangled in his hair…. Gojyo growled and tossed and turned in his bed. Stupid monk….
To be continued…..