:: Perfect World ::

Gensomaden Saiyuki

Disclaimer: I don't own Gensomaden Saiyuki, which rightfully belongs to Minekura Kazuya.

Rating: PG

Pairings: Homura/Goku, Goku/Homura

Warnings: AU-ish, angst, language, shounen ai

Beta-read by: Iapetus

Notes: Wow. The amount of reviews for the previous chapter really surprised me. I wasn't aware so many people were reading this. Awesome, because I really want to spread the love of both my favorite characters and one of my favorite pairings. I'm also muchly enjoying the well-rounded criticism and feedback! Thank you so much, guys. As you know, it's very much appreciated. Hugs and hearts to all of you, and also to my beta-girl for taking time out of her busy schedule to help me with this.


Chapter Eight

The next day went on almost exactly as Homura had presumed it would. Shien and Zenon showed no surprise at Goku's return, though Zenon shot Homura a look as though to ask, "When the hell did this happen?" They let the boy sleep in upon Homura's request, but the instant Goku was awake Zenon was on him, berating him for skipping out on the lesson, then getting into a fight with the boy when Goku threw Homura's pillow at him to shut him up.

He was also correct in assuming Goku would be embarrassed about his act the previous night. The boy kept avoiding his gaze, his answers coming out a bit quieter than usual when Homura spoke to him. Homura noted Zenon rolled his eyes at the sudden change, but he just took it into stride, pretending nothing was out of the ordinary.

This, admittedly, was getting more and more difficult. It was when he kept catching Goku watching him when he thought Homura wasn't looking that made it difficult. It wasn't annoying, but it was worrisome and caused Homura a headache, mostly because he was very well aware that he didn't mind the idea of Goku having stronger feelings for him-- or, bluntly put, in love with him.

Homura didn't like to be blunt.

He was relieved when Zenon bullied Goku into going into the woods with him. "To finish your damn lesson, you brat," he heard the man snap when Goku protested.

"No way! Homura said I could skip that today!"

"Yeah, well you sure as hell ain't bedridden, and you haven't been talkin' to Homura, either," Zenon growled, giving Goku a shove toward the forest. "And I swear, if you run off this time I'll damn well kill you!"

"Gods, you suck," Goku said in disgust, reluctantly doing as his instructor told him.

Zenon glanced back at Homura, who smirked approvingly. "Don't let him get lazy," was Homura's only response to his actions.

"Hmph. Like hell I would," Zenon said in his round-about way of agreeing. He went after the boy.

Homura shook his head, standing. It would probably do good to see what town they were going to next; if it was an ideal place to stop, they would. Of not... well, Son Goku's training could extend a bit longer.

"What are you going to do?"

He paused, only turning his head slightly to give Shien a sideways look. "I'll first assume you mean the boy," he said calmly, "then ask if you're talking about his training or his behavior."

"His behavior," Shien replied quietly, tilting his head toward the half-heretic without opening his eyes. "You know what I'm talking about. You also know as well as I do that it is not wise to start anything at this point, Homura."

Smirking, Homura nodded. "I agree. It isn't wise at all." Then he shrugged, adding, "Of course, what's wise and what's wanted are two entirely different things."

"Even if it ends up hurting him?"

Homura turned to give his companion a full amused look. "I wasn't aware you cared."

"I do," Shien said, his tone still relatively mild. "Because in the end, it won't end happily for you... will it?"

Homura blinked, raising an eyebrow. Despite his expression, Shien's words stirred a quiet discomfort. He shook his head, ridding himself of such thoughts for the time being. "I'll be back later."

To his immense relief, Shien said no more as he left the campsite.

------

He had been so blissfully asleep until the heavy boot connected with his side. Yelping, Goku grabbed at his now hurting ribs, blinking sleep out of his eyes as he glared up at Zenon, cursing his wake-up call.

Zenon wasn't perturbed. "About damn time. Homura's waiting for you."

"Coulda jus' said so," Goku grumbled, wincing as he pushed himself up. He rubbed his eyes, feeling a bit more awake-- and a bit more cranky. He yawned widely, intending to ask if he could take a bath before the lesson, but Zenon shoved what seemed to be a meat bun in his mouth, nearly making him choke.

"No whining," the man said firmly. "And no dawdling. Homura's got a new thing for you today, so get off your lazy ass and get going."

"You're the lazy ass," Goku muttered around the meat bun, earning a thwack upside the head.

"Whatever. Just get going, will you?" Zenon pushed him off toward the woods. Wearily hoping it was the right direction and not another prank, Goku followed his indicated path. The trees seemed to thin out the more he went along, but there were no places he could label as a clearing. He stumbled over a large tree root at one point, catching himself on his hands before his face could connect with the ground.

Geez Where the hell is he? Goku wondered crossly, dusting himself off as he got back up. He continued walking and eventually found a gentle stream, but still no sign of Homura. There was no sign of anything aside from a few gentle chirps of early-morning birds.

Then a hand connected with his back, sending him splashing into the river.

Dah! Cold! was Goku's first silent reaction. His second was to flail until he surfaced, gasping for air and shivering from the cold. The river wasn't deep, only coming up to his chest, but it was thankfully deep enough so that he hadn't hurt himself when he was pushed in.

Then he noticed Homura looking rather amused on the riverbank. Growling, he waded through the water, splashing to shore. "You jerk! That was cold!"

"But you are more awake," Homura pointed out, tossing a towel at him. Where he'd gotten it Goku didn't know and, as usual, didn't think he wanted to know. "Dry off so you won't become ill. Then we'll start."

Goku did as he was told; drying off the best he could in his dripping wet clothes. He shook his head wildly to get rid off any excess water. By that point his towel was almost as wet as his shirt and pants.

Homura noted this. "It's sunny out; you'll dry off soon enough," the man said calmly. "Come." Goku frowned but obliged, standing before his instructor. "I want you to practice more with your staff today."

"It's called Nyoibou," Goku said, a bit irked.

Homura wisely decided not to comment. "We're going to do the usual. You will attack; I will dodge and correct you." Goku groaned; that routine was quickly growing old, even though he knew it was doing well in honing his skills. "However..." He looked up quickly, brightening with hope at the word. Homura smirked, seeming amused by his reaction. "However," he repeated, "there is something else we are going to try."

Goku gave him a skeptical look. "Something else, huh?"

"It's just a minor change," Homura said, causing Goku to sigh. He'd suspected as much. "But it will seem rather major to you."

"If you say so..."

"Well, we'll see how well you remember what I've taught you first," Homura decided, bringing his hand out from the folds of his cape. His sword was in hand; he brought it up swiftly, smirking at his student.

Goku returned the look, holding his hand out. "Nyoibou!" The staff formed in his hand seconds later. Without waiting, Goku launched forward, getting a firm grip on his weapon at the last instant before swinging the staff down. Homura brought his blade up quickly, easily blocking him. Goku quickly changed tactics, landing on the ground. He crouched down, swinging the staff at Homura's ankles instead. This time the man jumped, but Goku was pleased to note it was a narrow escape.

He swung up this time, forcing Homura to phase out in mid-air. Or rather, a year or so ago it would have seemed so; by now Goku's sight was sharper and he knew Homura had to result to his commendable speed in order to dodge that. Considering it was the speed of a god, Goku had to say he wasn't doing badly at all.

Homura seemed to agree; he chuckled behind the boy, causing Goku to whirl around. "Not bad," the man said, smirking. "Much better than last time."

Goku grinned. "Dodging Zenon's bullets kinda helps."

"It would seem so," Homura agreed, suddenly slamming the blade of his sword into the ground. Goku blinked, watching as the grass around the fiery sword withered as though from intense heat. When he looked up again Homura was almost directly in front of him.

Homura grabbed the boy's wrists, clasping them tightly. Goku's eyes widened; he looked up questioningly, trying to ignore the fact that his heart had somehow found its way to his throat.

At least Homura wasn't about to give him the chance to speak. "This is going to make things considerably more difficult, but with practice you'll notice the difference it makes," he said. Goku yelped; his wrists suddenly felt cold. Homura let go of him, his chains clanking softly.

First Goku realized that without Homura holding his wrists his arms suddenly felt very heavy. He looked down at the cause, his eyes widening at the metallic shackles.

When he moved his arms, he heard the sound of chains again.

"This... is..." he whispered faintly, feeling suddenly numb.

"They're chains made from the same metal as my own," Homura explained, stepping back. Goku didn't look up at him, barely registering the words. "The shackles themselves are approximately the same weight as mine as well, but the chain links are lighter and weaker. Altogether mine weigh about one hundred-ten kilograms. Yours only weigh ninety-five."

Only...? Goku shook his head, trying to rid himself of the sudden flashes of his prison in Gogyo Mountain. No... he's not gonna take me back. This is necessary. He said so...

"Are you ready, Son Goku?"

Still a bit dazed, Goku nodded and tightened his grip on the staff. He took a step back, raising it into a defensive stance. It was a bit harder to do because of the weight, and he had a bad feeling.

Homura's attack was sudden. Goku yelped, barely bringing the staff up in time to block. The force of the blow made his arms jolt; gritting his teeth, Goku stumbled back. Homura was attacking again, and this time he knew he wouldn't be able to block. He instead opted for dodging.

Gotta get back on the offensive, he thought. That would be difficult since it was taking all his concentration to simply dodge Homura. Normally it wasn't this hard, and the man wasn't attacking any faster than usual, but the chains were succeeding in slowing Goku down. It wasn't a huge change, but it was considerable enough to count.

With that much weight on his arms, Goku knew it would be stupid to try what he called the "hide-and-seek" tactic. He could only roll and dodge, making muffled sounds of irritation. It was like the chains had set him back to a level he'd been at a whole year ago! At least I can see him this time, though...

Worst of all, it was hard to dodge when he couldn't help but think about how he'd been all alone, chained to that cave for a few hundred years. Thinking about it was bad enough, but this physical reminder...

I can't get out.

It was exactly like the cave, only worse in some ways. In his prison he had only been able to see the landscape ahead of him; out here he could see in all directions. He could run anywhere he wanted if he could only get the chance.

And the damned chains were restricting his movements.

Goku froze. He couldn't breathe, couldn't move, and couldn't seem to see properly. The movement was sudden; he was completely locked into place.

And Homura appeared so taken aback by the abrupt change of events that it was all he could do to swing the sword at the last moment. It grazed by Goku; an inch or two closer and it would have done a lot worse. He shuddered.

The fire sword fell to the ground. "What were you doing?" Homura demanded, his voice hot with anger. "You know better than to stop like that!" Goku could only shake his head numbly, and for a fleeting moment Homura's expression darkened. That moment was the most frightening second Goku could remember experiencing. He had the feeling that had he been anyone different, anyone else at all, he would have been the victim to one of Homura's rare explosions.

He'd never seen one of those explosions, much less have one directed at him, but he had the unnerving feeling that it wouldn't fall anything short of incredible. And that it wouldn't be the good kind of 'incredible,' either.

Homura quickly turned and walked away a few paces. Goku stared blankly as he rubbed his forehead, eyes closed as though in serious thought. He stayed there for a good few minutes. When he finally came back there was none of that anger on his face. He put his hands on the boy's shoulders, saying quietly, "Let's stop for now and go find the next town, shall we?" Goku nodded slowly, eyes flickering down as Homura's hands slid down his arms. The chains on Goku's wrists clicked, fell off, and seemed to disappear into thin air. The change was remarkable; Goku's arms suddenly felt incredibly light. He rubbed his wrists, feeling only intense gratitude that he couldn't express in words.

Seeming to understand, Homura knelt down to pick up his sword, then Goku's fallen staff. "Send it back," he said simply, handing the nyoibou to him. The boy did as he was told, and Homura followed his example before starting back to camp.

However, even though the chains were off, Goku had the sinking feeling that nightmares of the cave would come to haunt him for days to come.

------

It was three nights after the shackles-and-chains training that Goku finally mustered up the courage to do it.

It had taken them a full night to get to town-- or rather, it had taken Goku hours to pack, nothing made any easier with Zenon's tormenting him. The trip there had been quick enough; Homura had "teleported" him to the edges of the woods, near the next town. (By now Goku knew that what Homura, Shien, and Zenon called "teleporting," he simply called, "unnatural speed." Because really, that was all that their so-called "teleporting" was.)

He'd felt numb the entire time, hardly rising to any of Zenon's insults, especially when they became more suspicious and testing than they did teasing. Homura had found lodgings at one of the hotels, this time splitting the rooms amongst the three of them. Zenon and Shien seemed fine with having their own rooms, but neither ignored the fact that Homura had quietly but firmly insisted that the boy stay with him for a couple days.

Goku would have been more grateful if his wrists still hadn't been hurting. He spent that night curled up on his bed, listless, tossing and turning nearly all night with no sleep. Surprisingly, by morning Homura didn't seem too well-rested either.

When asked what the plan was for this town, he'd simply said, "Relax." That was a rare moment that told them there were no leads for him in this town, and if there were rumors they weren't important enough to be recognized.

That gave Goku a couple days to get his wits back about him. It had also given him a couple days to do sit and do nothing but think-- something Zenon would scoff over and call a rare occurrence. Thankfully, he was fairly sure he'd come to a conclusion, which was basically, "There's only one way to find out, so just do it."

He waited until the third night, exhausted but determined to go through with his plan. Goku clung to his sheets, his eyes closed as he waited for a certain someone to come in. It seemed like ages before the door opened quietly, and ages more until that someone went to bed.

Goku bit his lip, counted to twenty, then quietly slipped out of bed. He walked over to Homura's bedside, standing there silently, watching, waiting. It took two agonizing minutes for Homura to realize that he wasn't going back to bed. The god opened his eyes, his right eye reflecting gold in the pale moonlight.

"May I help you?"

Goku nodded, saying quietly, "I wanna sleep with you."

Homura arched an eyebrow; Goku seemed to have succeeded in surprising him again, for he was silent for a long stretch of time. The man finally sat up, giving Goku an appraising look. "You're not a child anymore."

"I know."

"You don't need to go to a parent's bed for comfort now."

"I don't know if I ever had parents," Goku said honestly. "And I don't want you to be a parent. I want you to be Homura. I like that."

Homura grew quiet again, making him fidget in his place. It was fairly late, enough so it was quiet, but still early enough to dimly hear drunken voices downstairs in the tavern.

"You ask for a lot, Son Goku."

"That's because you don't give a lot," he said, his voice starting to become stubborn.

"Freedom isn't a lot?"

"What's freedom without relationships?"

There was another silence. Homura continued watching him, eyes narrowed as though scrutinizing the boy. Goku couldn't blame him; the double meaning to his words was obvious, especially since he was the one who had said it.

His fists and teeth were clenched as he struggled not to just tackle Homura right there. He wanted to latch on to him, to press closer to Homura's warmth and not move for a good, long while. He wanted to be held, especially after that near emotional breakdown he'd had a couple days earlier. He wanted Homura to stop viewing him as a child. He wanted...

He wanted.

At last Homura sighed, turning away. Goku flinched; about to bite his tongue, but Homura's voice made him pause. It was amazingly light and amused, like he sounded when he was in an especially good mood. "Well, it's wasted money for that bed, but I suppose that's fine for one night."

It was all Goku could do not to launch himself at the man. He quickly scrambled onto the bed, but then hesitated, unsure of what was allowed. Homura solved it for him, resting his hand on Goku's head. He pressed lightly, bringing Goku closer. Warm lips touched his head briefly before Goku was pushed down. Homura lay down beside him, pulling the covers up.

Goku nuzzled against the man, sliding his arms around him. When Homura didn't resist, he tightened his hold and pulled himself closer, pressing his face into Homura's chest. "Thanks..."

"So long as you don't take it back later," Homura said gently, running his fingers though long brown strands. "That would be very rude."

"I won't," Goku muttered, closing his eyes. He felt limp suddenly, so tired. It was like a huge weight had been taken off his chest. Suddenly he could breathe easier; he found the bed more relaxing and comfortable. Homura was warm. It felt nice. "Won't... because I trust you... and I've been waitin' a long time."

Homura's hand seemed to go a bit lax. "This will only hurt you in the end."

"Nuh uh," Goku said stubbornly. Because Homura seemed ready to argue, he dug his fingers into the man's back. "Sleep now. Talk later."

"All right," Homura finally agreed.

Smiling, Goku loosened his hold a bit, shifting on his side. Within minutes he was fast sleep, feeling more calm and peaceful than he had since the first night Homura had freed him from his rocky prison.