Party Games

"I'm so jealous, Ya-Ya! You get to be the first mommy of the group." Kanan says brightly, cuddling Yaone on the couch to get that much closer to the bulge of stomach currently housing the soon-to-be-born youkai twins. As uncomfortable as everything is, being in her final trimester, Yaone doesn't mind the close contact from her friend. "Oh, Kou, you must be bursting with excitement! She could go any day now, right?" Kanan turns to Kougaiji then, her countenance ridiculously brightened, if such a thing were possible considering her usual luminance.

Kougaiji laughs at Kanan's over-excitement, but cannot deny that he does feel quite the same, though he is far better at keeping it hidden when out in public. "Bursting, K, bursting." he says with a large grin. Then, as the kitchen door swings open and Lirin finally reproduces herself--a large rice ball she managed to steal smacking between her gums--he gives a great role of bright blue eyes. "At least I know the whole parenting part won't be that new of an experience."

A good many of the group laugh at Lirin's expense, though the still chewing girl blinks naively back at them, not getting how that comment has anything to do with her.

Wholly exhausted with mental fatigue, the four onlookers remain perched in different places along the far wall, finding it is the only place they can stay out of the way while still keeping watchful eyes on things. None are looking at the others, only at the scene, and no one is speaking, their minds filled with far more commotion than they could ever hope to voice.

"It just gets me thinking about things." Kanan continues, the whole group settling themselves in different seats around the living room now. "Mark my words, minna, as soon as there is a ring on this finger there will be a new pregnant woman to dote on." she proclaims firmly.

"A ring? Lack of one sure hasn't stopped you from other things, Kanan." Gonou says with a smirk from around his newly lit cigarette, squeezing onto the loveseat with Gojyo and Lirin, who just happened to have claimed a corner of it for herself.

Many stifle back snickers.

Hakkai's eyes widen so much one might think his monocle would lose its place and fall to the floor. Was that a jab at Kanan's chastity? A sexual comment directed at his Kanan from his own lips? Such a thing could not be possible.

But he must tell himself that this is not his Kanan and those are not his lips. Why is it so hard to remember that…?

"Gonou…" Kanan begins, in a dangerously sickly-sweet voice, quite reminiscent of Hakkai's dangerously sweet tone when he is truly angry. "Don't make me start in on your escapades, or we'll never get to dinner."

Gonou is still smiling around his cigarette, and scoots a little closer to Gojyo, tossing an arm over the youkai's shoulders. He is perfectly content with his escapades.

Kanan laughs, the danger in her demeanor gone. "As I was saying…" she continues then. "If I can help it, it won't be long until there are scampering feet in my home, too, and Jien is well aware. I can picture it perfectly," she says dreamily, closing her emerald eyes. "…little hands, little feet, big baby smile…and lovely red hair and red eyes. What could be more perfect than that."

The hanyou Gojyo swallows--hard--Jien and Kanan's apparent relationship hitting home very truly suddenly. His reservations about this place, how things seems so very sinister somehow, are renewed, and there is a strong taste of bile at the back of his throat as if he might at any moment lose his lunch.

A somewhat mocking laugh steals his attention back to the scene…and he sees that the sound is coming from…himself.

"Yeah right, K. Does your fantasy see all the rocks being thrown at the kid's head?" the youkai Gojyo says with a dark chuckle.

The hanyou Gojyo's breath stops still in his chest.

A few evil looks from many of those in the room and a swift kick from Gonou has the full-youkai quickly amending his statement. "I'm just saying…" he says. "It's a good thing this hypothetical kid has as many strong and tough-looking uncles as it does, coz it's gonna need it. There's a lot of close-minded people out there still."

Gonou plucks the cigarette from his mouth, having lost its taste, and crushes it in the ashtray on the end table next to him. "Good thing there aren't any in here." he says, and reaches over to flick a spiky lock of black hair out of Gojyo's blue eyes.

Nothing more needs to be said on the matter, and the onlookers are happy to have it dropped, though the mention of it…of hanyou…of Kanan giving birth to one…the whole issue has Gojyo and Hakkai wondering when it will be safe again to look at one another.

Kanan could have very well have had a hanyou child, and Hakkai is not soon to forget that. He is reminded of it still, everyday, when looking at Gojyo. The redhead's blood-colored hair and eyes may not only be a reminder or admonishment as they once were, but that does not mean they do not still bring Hakkai back to that fateful night on occasion. Knowing fully that he would have raised that hanyou child as his own, regardless of any surrounding circumstances, hurts so deeply sometimes that Hakkai finds himself purposefully avoiding looking at Gojyo for hours. Doing so, however, has him quickly craving the sight of his friend like an addiction, and he knows not to be so foolish.

Addiction. When did Gojyo become something so necessary? Was it all the way back on that rainy night, more than three years past?

Braving the danger in it, Hakkai turns to regard Gojyo, so close to him against the wall. The pair is sandwiched between Sanzo and Goku, the monk being on Hakkai's side of course, but as Hakkai looks over at that tan face, for a moment he almost forgets that anyone--monk, monkey, or any of those seated in the living room--are in the room other than he…and Gojyo.

"You're staring again." Gojyo says suddenly, red eyes still locked on the scene, even as he is speaking to the friend beside him. Hakkai finds it a little disturbing that Gojyo will not face him. The redhead lifts a hand to tug at one of his ruby strands. "Must be coz a this, huh?" he says, a little softer now. "Why not. It's reason for plenty of other things. Especially with you. Right…?"

"Gojyo…" But what can Hakkai say. He isn't staring for the reasons Gojyo thinks, not only because of those reasons. His reasons have very little to do with Kanan, or blood, or children never born, or even that Gojyo's unique coloring has been brought up. But how can Hakkai explain…the real reason he can't take his eyes away…is…

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The door does not wait to be answered, and soon Jien is bursting through it, all smiles to greet the room that has turned to see the new arrival.

"Don't tell me the party started without us?" he says grandly, feigning horror. It is then that the gathered group sees what he means by 'us' as Goku and Koryuu step inside behind him, closing the door as the three of them enter fully, and tossing the group smiles and varied helloes that are eagerly met and even more eagerly echoed.

A silence falls over the watchers again, Hakkai turned back to the scene as he momentarily forgets the straying thoughts that had been running through his head. They watch as the fully gathered group meets and greets.

Jien kisses Kanan hello. Goku ruffles Lirin's hair. Koryuu takes his turn feeling the kicking twins. Kougaiji takes Koryuu's forearm in greeting. Gojyo pulls Goku into a friendly headlock. Kanan kisses Koryuu on the cheek. Goku goes over and punches Kougaiji in the arm with a large smile. And so on…and so much…

They are content. They are comfortable. They are friends. And more than friends. And…happy. They are not weighed down. They are not bitter. They are not enemies. They are not…reality.

Reality burns.

-----

An hour later the group is seated around the dining room table, unceremoniously digging into the food and passing the many dishes around to be certain everyone gets to try what has been made and brought. The table is set up in the living room, to the left of the kitchen door, set far enough from the main part of the living room as to almost seem like a dining room. The couch now being vacated, Hakkai has reclaimed his spot, but was not joined by Gojyo. The hanyou chose instead to sit on the arm of the couch, separated from Hakkai. Goku is back on the floor, and Sanzo in his chair, even if that chosen chair points him away from the commotion of the table. They are still silent. Still tense. Even with all the laughter so near them. Perhaps…more so…because of that laughter.

Goku finds himself watching Kougaiji the closest, because he has always liked the youkai, to be honest, and to see him smiling and joking with the others and Goku's own likeness…is…painful, for its unreality. Turning from Kougaiji to look at Koryuu, who is of course seated next to the older Goku, the watching Goku finds his frown hardens even more. The pain of the shift lingers in his mind, nagging at him since he does not know why it returned. It isn't that he doesn't want to keep pushing Sanzo to get a reaction--a good reaction, with results, unlike the unexpected punch that broke Sanzo's hand. But as much as he wants that, he really cannot help being afraid, seeing the way Sanzo reacted before. The last thing Goku wants is to make things worse. But then again, he wonders, maybe that is what he has to do if he wants to get anywhere at all.

The smell of meat and vegetables and rice and curry and…oh, so many things the monkey loves, has Goku's mind forgetting Sanzo completely just long enough to think enviously of the feasting group for a very elementary reason.

"Man, this is torture." the monkey grumbles, clutching his stomach with a frown.

Gojyo, allowing a small little half-smirk, looks down at the younger man from his perch. "Hey, I thought you said you weren't hungry."

"I'm not really. But…I could still eat. I mean, look at all that stuff! I'd grab for something if I didn't think my hand would go right through it."

There is a little huff from Sanzo and Goku can't help but smile at the sound of it. That had been a very normal Sanzo-huff, the kind the monk makes when he is pleasantly annoyed with Goku's antics. At least, that's how Goku has always interpreted that particular Sanzo-sound, seeing as how it is never followed by a glare, a harsh word, or a strike of the fan.

Score.

Goku decides not to make further comment. Better to let such moments of triumph be so that Sanzo doesn't turn defensive again. Maybe Goku can afford to push, if he does it just right. The trick of course will be doing it just right.

And it is almost a guarantee that events to come will have Sanzo back in that frightening, dark mood only too quickly.

Hakkai makes a funny little strangled sound, as if holding back a cry of surprise. His eyes dart down. The others, noticing this, turn to the table where the man had been looking moments before, and it does not take long for them to find the cause of his response. Gonou and Gojyo, seated next to one another with their backs to the ikkou, seem to be involved in something secret and rather illicit right under the others' noses. Gonou has slithered his hand across Gojyo's thigh and is moving it with the slowest of advances further and further between the youkai's legs. Gojyo, trying his hardest not to attract attention, is eating with one hand, while the other tightly grips the bottom of his chair. Neither are looking at the other, but even without a clear shot of their faces, the watchers are certain Gonou is grinning.

The amorous nature to the couple is more than apparent, but those watching had been trying to pass it off anyway. Now, as it increases exponentially, happening even in front of an entire--though unaware--group, Hakkai is not the only one blushing over it.

But wait a minute, Gojyo thinks, red eyes darting from the couple to Hakkai, who is still staring at his lap with cheeks flush. Why is this anything to blush over when they have seen so much more? Really, the reason must lie with Hakkai, since the couple hasn't changed. But…if Hakkai has changed…what exactly has changed in him? What…is the brunette thinking…that is making him blush so much harder now?

A few possibilities flash through Gojyo's head and he is suddenly blushing the same shade as his friend. No. No way. Hakkai could not be thinking that. Could he? It certainly would explain why the man keeps looking at Gojyo with such a lost…speculative expression.

Gojyo suddenly coughs, surprising himself as it comes out, and when three sets of eyes turn on him, he just smiles weakly and shrugs. He can feel how emerald remains on him just a bit longer than violet or gold, but he cannot turn to look back and face it full on. Not when those flashes keep going through his head.

Brown falling with red. Emerald into crimson. Tan and pale skin meeting and moving and feeling.

No way.

And so the tension mounts, even as those at the table are having such a pleasant and easy time. Well, pleasant enough, though some things brought up do not necessarily equal anything pleasant.

"They finally finished with Houtou Castle." Kougaiji's voice says after a short span of quiet while everyone had been eating. A few eyes dart immediately to his, and he tries to keep his smile in place, albeit somewhat in vain. "Completely finished. The whole thing is cleaned out and gone. All of Nii's things have been destroyed or sent back to their proper owners now. I…thought you might want to know." This last bit is said to Koryuu, who nods with a vainly attempted smile of his own.

The onlookers are all tightly tuned to the table now as the blonde speaks. "I'll tell Koumyo. I'm pretty sure he got back everything…that was taken from him. The sutra was the only important thing but…I know there were some other things he was happy to have back. Thank your men for me."

Kougaiji grimaces somewhat. "Don't call them my men. Mom's maybe. I don't want anything to do with that place. The men are good men, but…too much to remember and for once I don't want the responsibility. That's all behind us now."

There is a moment of silence, the table gripped with just the smallest bit of tension. Hoping to hear more about this world, the watchers remain equally frozen, afraid that even a too loud breath might shatter the scene.

When a brighter, though strangely soft voice breaks the quiet that has fallen, watchers and those being watched alike are thankful for it.

"Why didn't Koumyo-sama go after the sutra right away…?" Lirin asks, to no one in particular, her voice thoughtful, and therefore strange sounding coming from her. "I mean…that creep guy, Nii, got the Seiten Sutra a long time before trying to get the other one. Why didn't Koumyo-sama try to get it back when Nii took it?"

Sanzo's mind comes to immediate attention. What? Nii? Who the hell is that? He has the Seiten scripture? He took it…had it taken…from Koumyo? But if the sutra was still taken why is Koumyo alive in this world?

Sanzo decides to shut his mind up long enough to hear Koryuu answer. Those at the table seem to be doing the same.

"I never really asked…I didn't feel I should, but…I think Master gave it to him."

Like hell Koumyo would do that!

"The day Ukoko brought Kami to the temple, I was there studying with Master. Some of you know this. Mom came to pick me up and I introduced her to Kami. She liked him right away. But…when she met Ukoku…she had this awful feeling about him. I did too. So much. I couldn't believe he was a friend of Master's. Everything about him seemed…off. Sinister."

Wait. Ukoku…Sanzo? Nii…? What…? How…?

"I didn't say anything, but Mom did. She didn't want Kami leaving with Ukoku and she told Koumyo so. She said she didn't trust Ukoku, and knowing she is such a good judge of character, Koumyo listened. He confronted Ukoku, asked what his plans were for his new apprentice. I don't know what went on when they discussed this, but at some point they began to ague, and the next morning Ukoku was gone. Mom had taken Kami home with us that night. She would have kept him with us, but Kami wanted to stay at the temple with Koumyo because…I don't know…Ukoku had been the first sign of something good in his life, and being a Sanzo as well, Koumyo was as close to the same thing as Kami could get. He really clung to Koumyo after that. To me and Mom too. I still don't know all that happened before Ukoku left, but when I asked Master about the sutra he just smiled, sort of sad, and said…he said…that sometimes we do foolish things for those we love."

Sanzo's breathing is harsh, loud, pounding. This Nii is Ukoku, he realizes with a shock. He's the reason for it all. His master's friend. And Koumyo might have--yes, foolishly--given him the sutra, but instead that bastard sent youkai to take it, not long after Ukoku and Kami's visit. And those youkai…had taken what they came for…and so much more.

"That's why he never went after the sutra, Lirin. But when things turned bad, when…Nii…had resurrected you, Kou, your mother, and the servants, Master knew he had to do something before it escalated. We all know the rest of the story. It still hurts Master sometimes, I think, because Nii…Ukoku…had been a good friend once. And you know…as much as I hate the man myself…I feel almost…grateful to him."

Never. Sanzo could never be grateful. That son-of-a-bitch took away his whole life, and all just for that damn sutra.

Apparently, those at the table are just as shocked to hear Koryuu say this, but he smiles and quickly amends his words so that they understand.

With kind eyes moving to regard Lirin and Kougaiji, he speaks. "If not for him…this table would be a lot more empty. Then who would eat all this food." His smiles broadens in the face of Lirin and Kougaiji smiling back at him. "Other than Goku, of course." he adds, elbowing his companion gently.

Tension successfully broken.

But not for everyone…

"Ukoku…it was…him…all this time…"

Hakkai, Gojyo, and Goku know not what to say, and rightly say nothing at all. They are just as much a part of the mission as Sanzo, but it has and always will mean just a little more to Sanzo because of the involvement of his master's sutra, something he has been searching for since the man's death. Now, knowing this new information, the mission means even more to him.

For better or worse.

Goku represses a wave of jealously. Jealousy. He internally snarls at himself for even allowing it, but…he can't really help it. He has always been a little jealous of…Koumyo. The man had gotten to see Sanzo when Sanzo was still…a person. When Sanzo was still alive, and allowed himself to be. And Koumyo will always hold more of a place in Sanzo's heart than Goku could ever hope to. If Koumyo were truly still alive, Sanzo would go to his master's side eagerly, and forget Goku only too easily. Goku believes this. And it makes the thought of the food on the table no longer appealing.

Whatever is said at the table in the minutes that follow are heard by none of the onlookers. Their thoughts are only on each other, on the journey, and on the mess made of it all now. Whatever good might come out of them being here is dismissed entirely, because the truth is…none of this is easy.

And it never will be.

-----

"Okay, who's next?"

"Kou's next!"

"Me? Uhh…okay…I guess I'll go with Kory."

The onlookers are once again forced to be against the wall, since after dinner the group moved back to their places in the living room. No one, other than Yaone is actually ON any of the furniture, though, to be honest. They are seated in a circle on the floor, leaning back against the chairs and couch. Yaone is in Sanzo's old chair, with Kougaiji leaning back on her legs, his head almost in her lab. The other couples are quite similarly scattered, Kanan and Jien leaning against one another, Gojyo and Gonou the same, and Goku is snuggled between Koryuu's legs, leaning back against the blonde's chest.

The younger Goku had quite a few distracted thoughts on that, wondering what it might be like to sit in what he imagines to be the most comfortable seat in human--or youkai--existence.

Lirin is sitting as close to Koryuu as she can, but keeps herself safely enough between the blonde and her brother so that the older Goku doesn't glare at her.

For the past hour or more, the group has been playing a rather interesting game. Something without rules--other than unwavering honesty--that has given the watchers more insight into the psyches of the people they are watching than they ever wanted. How it plays is that going in a circle, one of the group has to ask another--of whom they can choose out of anyone--some random question. It is usually personal and humiliating, but it must be answered with complete truth. Every once in a while, what has been shared has brought the onlookers close to smiles and laugher, even Sanzo (almost, and only for as long as it could remain until he crushed it). But…some things…

"Okay, Kory…" Kougaiji continues, his smile turning sinister as he looks over at the expectant--and a little frightened--man a few feet away. "What…is your most embarrassing sex story?"

Sanzo's throat closes up, leaving little air to breathe but plenty to choke on.

Especially since Kougaiji is the one who just said that.

Koryuu appears to be having a similar reaction as Sanzo, and tries--without much success--to keep his gaze from going to the boy in his lap.

The older Goku, still settled in that lap, has gone a bit pale.

"Oh, do I wanna hear this." the youkai Gojyo says with a half-cheer, sitting up a little straighter on the floor. "Judging from the saru's look, I'd say he was involved in this embarrassing moment. Am I right?"

Goku grimaces and sends the dark-haired youkai an impressive glare. "Of course I was involved! You know anybody else he's slept with?"

"I certainly hope not."

Gonou chooses to ignore that comment.

"Hey, let the man speak." Kougaiji breaks in, his smile still one of gleaming fangs and teasingly curled lips. Somehow he knows that his comments, even his choice of question, will not grant him any audiences with a gun, a fan, or elongated anger. After all…they are friends. "Give it to us, Kory. You two have been together a long time now. It won't make us look down on you."

Koryuu raises an eyebrow, wondering what the others are imagining the embarrassing moment to be. "For the record, this…story…does not in any way involve Goku and I being unable to deliver what and when requested. So shut up." he adds, looking right at Gojyo, even though the youkai had not looked as if he was going to say anything. But Koryuu doesn't need any prompting; he could feel the taunting accusations coming regardless.

The red-haired Gojyo, Hakkai, and younger Goku are more than at attention to hear this story, if out of a certain morbid fascination that most will never admit to feeling.

Sanzo is laying his head back against the wall, eyes closed, trying to imagine he is anywhere else. Anywhere tonight--today too--where this is not happening.

"Okay…" Koryuu begins, everyone listening intently and Goku looking rather defeated in the blonde's lap since his part in the tale is just as prominent as Koryuu's. "It was our…first time together, just to make matters worse. And…"

"Wait. How old were you?"

Koryuu looks over at Gojyo with a glare.

"Details count, man."

Koryuu growls. "Fine. I was…18. Anyway…"

"Whoa." Gojyo cuts in again. "That means Goku was--"

"15! Koryuu, honestly!" This is Yaone, thoroughly scandalized. The rest of the group only snickers, though many are admittingly surprised over the issue.

"Hey, I came on to him." Goku says in Koryuu's defense, as if that settles the matter entirely.

"Anyway…" Koryuu says loudly this time, hoping to simply move on. He casts his gaze over the group, and content that no one looks as if they will be adding anything else, continues. "Yes, we were ridiculously too young probably, Goku more so, but for the record the monkey did make the first move. Okay? But…the worst thing was…just as we were…about to bring things to an end…" He trails off for a long time, until it is quite certain he cannot bring himself to finish.

So…Goku does it for him. The brunette takes a huge breath--he must, really--and finally… "Mom walked in."

Several jaws land with a thud to the floor.

Three of those watchers against the wall have to hold back all out laughter.

Sanzo's eyes are open again, looking…dare it be said…a little scandalized himself now.

"It was awful." Koryuu says in response to the many looks. "She didn't know anything about us yet, coz we…hadn't really done much about anything yet anyway, and…when she came in…the way it looked…with me…on top, and…oh gods…"

A moment's pause.

"She thought he was molesting me." Goku finishes at last, in a strangely matter-of-fact tone that makes the whole thing sound terribly funny compared to the horror it actually was.

To prove just how funny it is to all of those listening, a slow snickering from Gojyo eventually has everyone in stitches. As much as Goku looks a little miffed and Koryuu is trying to maintain a glare, they soon find themselves succumbing too.

It really is something that needs to be laughed at.

"Of course, when we finally got her to stop yelling and explained, she calmed down." Koryuu says through the dimming laughter. "Dinner that night was the most awkward moment of my entire life, but by morning…everything was normal. A few weeks later when I was brave enough to kiss Goku in front of her…she actually smiled at us. Now…she thinks we're the cutest thing ever and never shuts up about it." he hugs Goku a little closer to his chest. "So…most embarrassing moment…but no lasting trauma. As long as it never leaves this room. Trauma will be handed to all of you if it does."

A few more snickers follow, but when they have died down the first voice to speak is Gojyo, who is beaming somewhat wickedly at what he gets to say. "Penalty, Kory." he says, only too happy with himself.

Koryuu's eyes widen, all the laughter in him gone. "What? No way, I told the truth."

"Sorry, rules are rules, man. Right?" he asks his partner, casting blue eyes over at naked emerald.

Gonou nods diplomatically, as if considering the matter objectively, despite that most likely not being the case. "Oh, yes, penalty indeed. Koryuu didn't speak the punch line. Goku did. Technically, you didn't speak the whole truth, because Goku spoke it for you."

The others in the room are soon snickering again.

The watchers, having seen a few penalties, are instantly on edge. The way the game works, any time someone refused an answer, or was caught in a lie, they were given an undesirable task to perform. Kanan had to sing an entire song of the group's choosing--something she swears vengeance for upon her brother, he being the one who appointed the penalty, since neither of the twins was born with a particularly good singing voice. Kougaiji had to clip off the pinky-claw on each of his hands, a task appointed by Goku, on whom the claws will be tested out once they grow back, of course. And Lirin…had to stop snatching leftovers from the table, something that is proving to be the cruelest of punishments thus far.

Though Koryuu is looking rather sore for being called penalty on, he cannot rightly stand against it, because it is the truth. Goku did the hard part for him. Damn that brat for being so good to him.

"Ooo! I know!" Kanan says brightly. "Strip tease! Haven't had one of those in a while."

The younger Goku perks up at this.

Sanzo tenses. No.

"No." Jien echoes the monk's thoughts, pulling Kanan in closer against him. "I didn't like the look in your eyes when you suggested that." Despite his words being what they are, he is still smiling at her.

Both Gokus and Lirin wear pouts, but the suggestion is set aside.

"Okay then…" Kanan begins, the light in her eyes turning strangely dangerous this time as she speaks up to voice another option. Her gaze flits quickly over to Gonou, evilly, and somehow her twin seems to know what she has in store for them because his eyes widen in horror. "Kory has to tell another story to make up for the last one. What I imagine to be the second most embarrassing sexually related moment in his life, and something he definitely doesn't want any of you to know about."

"Kanan…" Gonou says warningly.

She just smiles sickly-sweet back at him, her eyes speaking of the promise she had made to get him back for making her sing earlier in the evening.

Gonou swallows in the face of that look, knowing he has been beat.

Koryuu's voice wavers as he speaks. "K…please…don't make me."

By now all of this drama has the others in the room more than ready to hear whatever this other story is, and Gojyo is casting Gonou accusatory looks that the green-eyed man refuses to meet.

That is more than enough of a go ahead for Gojyo.

"All agreed?" he asks the group, smile as wicked as Kanan's and gaze never once leaving Gonou's slightly worried face.

"No!" Koryuu and Gonou say together.

But they are easily outmatched by a great cry of, "Yes!"

The watchers are fairly certain they don't want to hear this story for it brings them back to a line of thought they had left some time ago…involving Sanzo and Hakkai. The pair in question is once again doing all they can to avoid one another's gaze, which is easier this time around seeing as how none of the group has been meeting gazes lately.

Defeated, Koryuu realizes that his story has to be told or he will be given an even worse punishment, and now that everyone's curiosity has been perked, Goku and Gojyo's especially, even if he refused he knows that at some point he will have to confess anyway.

He tries to hug Goku closer to his chest again, but the monkey pulls away so that he can look back into his lover's face. Koryuu is truly undone, and figures…he might as well end it quickly.

"I will find a way to get you back for this, K." he promises with a growl, much as the expression means so little to its receiver.

Gonou looks less worried now, accepting the inevitable.

"Well…I was 15. It was just a few weeks before finding Goku, and…" He tells the tale, starting by explaining how Kanan and Gonou were both 14 at the time, all of them friends, having grown-up together and all, and that he and Kanan could sometimes be found kissing in one of their bedrooms that year, "Only because we were horny teenagers, we weren't going out or anything." Much as Kanan may have wanted to speak up then, she lets Koryuu complete the story, saying how Gonou knew about them running off every now and then, and that…one day…when Koryuu was supposed to be meeting Kanan to study, "And yes, we were just meeting to study this time," he was actually…otherwise occupied. And when Kanan went looking for him…

As he had with his other story, Koryuu trails off for a long time, but this time he knows no one is going to come to his rescue and finish it. He just hopes…Goku isn't too mad.

"She…she…" he closes his eyes; there's no getting around it now. "…she caught me making out with Gonou behind the school."

"What!" This is Goku, speaking rather loudly at such close range, still half in Koryuu's lap. He stares impatiently, waiting for Koryuu to open his eyes again. The blonde does not.

"I knew it!" Gojyo proclaims in triumph, pointing an accusing finger in Gonou's face. "Never slept together, fine. But I knew there was something you weren't telling me. You perv. 14 and 15, too. Shit." But the light in Gojyo's eyes is nothing but laughter. He's just happy to finally know the truth.

Gonou, slightly miffed to have his one little secret spoiled, nods his head in concession towards Kanan's beaming smile. She got him. And he won't begrudge her the win.

Koryuu, however, is most likely plotting her demise considering the reaction he is currently getting from the mad little monkey in his lap. Goku is almost pouting, and the sight has most of the others chuckling again.

To hear of Kanan and Koryuu fooling around a little hadn't been a surprise really, because Koryuu had told Goku that a long time ago. Koryuu didn't mind admitting it because it hadn't meant much to either of them, just…naughty teenage fun. This means--as far as Goku can see it--that Gonou did mean something if the blonde has kept it from him.

"Of course it didn't really mean anything," Koryuu reads the monkey's mind, eyes finally open as he reaches for Goku and pulls the brunette against him despite slight struggling. "Horny teenagers, just like with K, only…this was different because we were two teenage boys…trying all this stuff with another boy, and…we had swore never to talk about it, made Kanan swear too, and…I never quite knew how to tell you."

"All in good fun, Goku." Kanan breaks in, her smile faded from wicked to be motherly and warm suddenly. "You have nothing to worry over. The biggest reason Koryuu never told you was…well…remember what he said? He was 15 when I caught them. They stopped soon after that. You know why?"

Goku looks over at her, questioning, still smothered in Koryuu's arms. "15...? That's…that's when he came and found…me."

A brief moment of, 'Oh, so that's why Goku is 20; Koryuu was 15 instead of 17,' passes through the onlooker's thoughts, but it is soon replaced with other concerns.

Having tried to take the whole tale as nothing, this finally starts to get Sanzo anxious again. It is one thing to have to avoid meeting Hakkai's gaze for a while, but he honestly doesn't care if Koryuu and Gonou once upon a time had a few snogging bouts in the bushes. Seeing as how he has never had any such thoughts over Hakkai anyway, it is easy to dismiss. But if this turns back to him and Goku…

No, to Koryuu and Goku. It's different. It's different! He can dismiss this too…he can. He has never had such thoughts over Goku, either. He…hasn't…

"That's right, Goku." Gonou says with a grin. "You spoiled all my fun." He has slipped an arm behind Gojyo's back to pull the youkai in closer to him in thanks for understanding, and in apology for keeping something hidden. Gojyo accepts the acts, having only wanted to know, and not caring that he guessed so right.

The older Goku looks up into violet, searching and hoping, and he finds what he should have known would be there: the honest love that Koryuu has for him in so much abundance. "Yeah…one word from you…one look at you…and I couldn't think of much else." Koryuu says softly, his voice hushed as if only for Goku, even if there are several others in the room who can hear him.

Koryuu is instantly forgiven everything. "Gods, I love you." Goku breathes back, lifting up to grasp already parted lips he wants to consume every part of.

The kiss is allowed to continue in relative silence for sometime before someone has to speak up. It comes as rather a shock to the ikkou that Kougaiji is the one to say the words that break the couple apart, though. "Gratuitous displays of affection! Save us!" the red-haired youkai shouts mockingly.

Loving lips part then, and more laughter follows--such easy, common laughter--as the barely-there animosity that had existed with Kanan's vengeance is lost in the folds of true affection and understanding among friends. Among loved ones. Even those watching have to admit that the moment is…touching in its own way.

And suddenly…Sanzo is heading for the door.

He knows that if he hears anymore of this, if he has to sit through one more second, he will probably end up punching through the wall, and the last thing he wants is another broken hand. Even if it will heal a few minutes later. He just hopes whatever shield is holding them to the scene will let him get as far as the front porch.

The others don't say anything as he leaves, knowing he can't get very far anyway, and are feeling pretty helpless again. One more so than the rest.

"Be honest, guys." Goku says quietly, silence--other than the still laughing and chatting group--having passed a few moments after Sanzo left, the monk being successful in making it out the door and onto the porch outside. The people in the scene did not notice the door opening or shutting, of course. "Sanzo…do you think…he'll ever change?" Goku asks. "Do you think I can get him to see things my way? Do you think I can ever get him to see me…as more than just a dumb monkey? Or…is it just going to hurt like this forever…"

It is an understatement to say that Gojyo and Hakkai have no idea how to respond. Both are at a complete loss, Gojyo more so since until this moment the monkey himself had never mentioned these kind of things to the redhead. Gojyo knew, thanks to Hakkai's words earlier and his own intuition before, but…Goku is laying it out for them pretty clearly now.

Sad gold eyes look away from the door to catch emerald and crimson, seeing those contrasting shades looking back at him wide-eyed and lost. "Yeah." he says, taking their blank looks to mean they see this just as he does. As hopeless. "But ya know…I must be a masochist, coz…I'm gonna keep trying anyway. Even if it hurts." And the smallest of stubborn smiles slips into his expression. He pushes away from the wall then, heading for the door.

But Gojyo's arm stops him. "Hang on. Let me go."

Hakkai and Goku both gape at the redhead, unsure if they heard him correctly.

"I'll talk some sense into him, huh. If you go, he'll probably just get more pissy at you. At least this way…he'll get pissy with me." The hanyou doesn't wait for agreement, he just goes after that, leaving Goku to stand dumbstruck and passing Hakkai with a little wink as if to say, 'don't worry, I'll knock some sense into the monk even if I have to pound it in with my fists.'

Hakkai can only hope it doesn't come to that.

tbc...

A/N: I feel like this chapter is a little late, but I have been enjoying halloween festivities. Anyhoo, I really liked this chapter, full of fun and a little angst. Oh yes, the fun will continue, and next we'll see how Gojyo handles Sanzo, and how...later on...Sanzo handles his aggressions in a very different way. Hehehe.

As for the Nii stuff, I hope nothing I put was inaccurate, though much is speculation. I have always assumed that he sent the youkai who killed Koumyo, after (I assume) asking for it when he visited with Kami, receiving a no. After all, Koryuu doesn't look all that different in age from their visit to Koumyo's death, and I think Koumyo might have sensed that Ukoku was up to something, and that's why he wanted to make Koryuu a Sanzo. I only semi-allude (if you even caught it) to the possibilities of Koumyo and Ukoku being more than friends, because I don't know how I feel about that. But...part of me wonders...how could they not have been more than friends? I mean, for Koumyo to be friends with that obviously disturbed man...makes no sense unless he was blinded by love. It could be friend-love, but...eh, who knows. If I did make any mistakes regarding some things, I apologize.

Diva Urd: Dang, you can really tell how tired I was by how many mistakes you found. The one that really got to me was the sink/sync, because I noticed it right after posting, but was too tired to go in and change it. And the joins instead of joys, seriously, what was that about? (shakes head at self). And the five-years-old thing too, is something I KNOW, but was too tired to catch at the time. So, you're reminding me not to do this that late again. But i still thank you for catching me. As for Nii, I figured as much, and I hope none of this chapter conflicted with any of the truth, since I have only read the first volume of the Reload manga. Bring on that Beta-mode of Doom!

Whisper Reilman: I love you! Yes, why doesn't Kou just do that, and word it just as you have. I mean, duh! Really! But then we would have no anime, but it would be a nice way to end it eventually. I feel sort of the same with the Homura arc, because I firmly believe if the guys were their Heaven-selves, they would totally be on his side, going yeah, we should reinvent Heaven and the world coz it sucks! Anyway...the ending of this fic shall be dedicated in part to you for inspiration. (as you will see when I get there...)

Okay, off I go to...get real work done for once. Gasp! And I thank the many involved in this, making every chapter a joy even more. The next chapter...hmm...I think I might need to raise the rating...so...be aware of that, just in case. ;-)

Crim