When Everything's A Mess
Sanzo isn't entirely sure how much time has passed when the 'family' has finally finished their meal and starts to clear off the table. If asked he would not have been able to recount a single bit of conversation that passed between them. Even knowing Goku can't be much father than the living room, and even having the five people at the table for him to watch, Sanzo had felt strangely secluded throughout it all. Only when Meiyuu is lost in the kitchen to begin putting the leftovers away and dealing with the dishes does Sanzo follow the rest of the group out of the dining room.
Once out in the living room Sanzo sees that he had been correct; Goku has not gone far, sitting in the window seat near the front door. Goku does not turn to look at the men who have entered the room, and therefore does not look at Sanzo, either. Knowing the monkey as he does, however, there is not a doubt in Sanzo's mind whether or not Goku knows he is there.
The lack of eye contact, lack of acknowledgement, the sheer insolence of the entire afternoon, all of it…should have Sanzo in a rage. But try as he might, for the first time he is powerless to tap into the anger that should be only too easy to find. He feels…empty.
And he hates it.
"Someone should probably go in there and help Mom or there'll be hell to pay later." Koryuu says with a laugh, throwing an arm around Kami's shoulders, the other blonde having come to stand beside him. "Care to join me, Kami? Better get used to it since you'll be living here. Though she'll probably give you the princely treatment for at least the first few weeks."
Kami's eyes light up in a manner not unlike a child being told there is an extra present for his birthday. "You mean…no chores?"
Koryuu laughs again. "For a little while maybe. Don't think you're getting out of it today, though. We should leave Koumyo and Goku to talk about their new business venture, anyway."
The rather bland attention Sanzo has been paying to the group turns up a notch at the mention of this, and Sanzo takes a few steps closer since he had stopped rather short after leaving the dining room, the door still close at his back. He walks almost right up to the couch now where the older Goku is sitting. Koumyo has taken a seat that faces Goku, and with Koryuu and Kami retreating back to the dining room to head for the kitchen, the pair is soon alone.
The older Goku looks startled, suddenly reminded of his new job. If the younger Goku is also intrigued, Sanzo does not know, because his eyes are locked now on the possibility of a more intimate and personal exchange between his master and his charge.
"Man, I forgot! Kory told me yesterday, but…you really want me to work on the temple for you?" the young brunette asks excitedly, moving forward on his couch cushion so that he and Koumyo are even closer.
Koumyo smiles, the type of smile that a watcher knows has reached his eyes even though the man keeps them closed. "Naturally, you were my first choice when the occasion arose for a new addition. You do not mind, I hope."
"You kidding! This'll be awesome!"
Koumyo allows his chuckling to linger a bit longer this time. "It will be hard work, and may keep you busy for many months." the monk says. "A neighboring temple had an unfortunate encounter with a sandstorm and the monks shall be relocating to Kinzan indefinitely. An entire new wing is necessary to house them all. There are also several things about the current buildings that could use work." he adds, eyes open now, regarding Goku with a common warmth, knowing that his words will not deter Goku in the least but will only prove to excite him more.
True to form, the older Goku leans forward on the balls of his feet, practically unable to remain sitting. "Count me in!" he grins, eating up every word Koumyo has spoken. His face falls a little then, turning thoughtful with a sense of confusion lingering about the corners of his eyes. "Ano…Koumyo…I didn't think monks could pay for things though. Don't you only take charity?"
Again that light laughter sounds, forever amused by even the simplest of things. Koumyo leans forward, the conversation seeming even more intimate purely by the lessened space between them. "There are loopholes to everything, Goku. As you well know, I think. I cannot pay you…but the Sanbustushin can. Perhaps we can get together some time this week to explore blueprints and possible supplies. All tools will be on the bill of the Three Aspects, of course."
Goku gives a little jump. "You mean…I get to use the gold card?"
More than anything else, something in the tone of voice the older Goku has just used reminds Sanzo of his own little monkey-boy. The sheer innocent spark and eagerness. The wanting of a child.
Sanzo's eyes flick up from their intense watching of the pair in front of him to look at the younger Goku for the first time since his brief look when he came into the room. Meeting gold so suddenly catches Sanzo's breath in his throat. Goku had been watching him. With their eyes on one another now, Sanzo finds the conversation on the couch begins to dim.
The wanting he can see so clearly…is no longer that of a child.
When Koumyo's voice takes on an unexpected change of tone, the electricity that had been passing between keeper and charge is momentarily disrupted. "Dear Goku…always with a smile at the ready." says Koumyo, his voice quite different from how it had been before, softer and with only a pale remnant of its former humor. "It is because of its readiness that I often wonder what might be lurking beneath the surface."
Sanzo forgets the real Goku just long enough to realize talk of construction is over and now…Koumyo is putting out so openly and honestly a thought Sanzo too has often wondered.
Turning his attention back to the couch, Sanzo is soon focused on a pair of slightly older golden eyes now as the other Goku frowns, troubled.
"Wha…Whadda ya mean, Koumyo? You smile a lot too."
A laugh, but this time…it may more easily bring someone to tears than cause them to join in. "Indeed. So I know…how effective a smile can be when you do not want your thoughts or intentions known." For the briefest of moments Koumyo's smile disappears completely, and only because Sanzo cannot accurately recount an instance when he saw his master without one does the blonde notice it now. The smile is back as quickly as it left and Koumyo is moving from his seat to join Goku on the couch. "Something is troubling you, yes? You and Koryuu both seem to have difficulty allowing such things."
Sanzo swallows, and is glad Hakkai and Gojyo are not here to silently accuse him of the same. Goku…he already imagines to be thinking it.
"I do not mean to be presumptuous, of course, but…if I had to guess what is on your mind…" Koumyo starts, lifting a hand to slowly reach up into Goku's mess of brown hair and brush through the strands before moving with even slower movements…to touch the glittering gold of the young man's diadem. "…I'd guess…it has something to do with this."
Gold eyes are no longer watching Sanzo; he feels them leave, undoubtedly moving to stare at the pair on the couch finally, just as Sanzo is still staring.
The older Goku looks almost fearful, his eyes wide and wet, as if he might suddenly burst into tears.
"How do you…always know? How do you…do that?" the brunette asks, his voice a quick and fierce whisper for all its stumbling. He looks down, happy to have the hand on his head moving back up into his hair instead of on the cold gleam of gold. "I don't mean to think about it. I just…when…a bunch of us are together…I think about it more."
Koumyo nods in understanding, even though the downcast eyes of the older Goku can most likely not see the gesture, and Sanzo is acutely aware of just how real and yet somber Koumyo's smile is right now. "When was the last time you tried?" he asks, his words apparently needing no more embellishment than that.
"A couple…weeks ago."
"Aa…I thought as much. It would explain Koryuu's absence from the temple for that length of time."
The older Goku snaps his head up, forcing Koumyo's hand to fall away. "I'm sorry." he says in sudden desperation, as if the apology had been waiting just inside his throat to burst out at that moment. "He gets so clingy after, like…he thinks I'll disappear. I don't mind. I kinda…like it. But…I know it's coz he's worried and…I just…hate doing that to him. And then…then he stays at home more and forgets to visit you. That's not fair to you and Kami. I'm sorry. I'm…sorry…"
"Goku."
For a moment, the Goku at the window is reminded of Hakkai, because the underlying meaning in simply saying a name is so clear. It speaks a warning that cannot be ignored even when the owner of the name wishes it could be.
"You have nothing to be sorry for." Koumyo stresses. "I understand. You are merely…trying. There is nothing wrong with practicing as long as you take precautions. I understand the longing you feel." He lifts his hand again to touch his fingers to the crown on Goku's forehead. "Longing for a day…when this will no longer be necessary."
-----
Gojyo recognizes that the constant taping of his own fingernails on the kitchen counter must be starting to get on his friend's nerves, but for all his awareness he cannot bring himself to stop. The nervous gesture is not nearly as soothing as he would like, but at least it is keeping him occupied.
When Hakkai first came out of the bathroom Gojyo had not been waiting in the living room but had gone back into the kitchen, assuming the amorous couple would be done with their…activity. They had been, though Gojyo had entered early enough to catch Gonou still with his pants down while the couple languidly kissed, playful smiles on both their lips. The kappa could not have been happier when those pants were back in place in time for Hakkai's entrance.
Once the couple moved to the kitchen table to begin eating, Gojyo and Hakkai had moved to lean back against the counter--the counter furthest form the spot…it happened.
Hakkai's first words upon entering the kitchen had been, "Ah, breakfast is underway, I see," which Gojyo took to mean, "Thank goodness they're done," but he didn't comment. He had been too busy repressing a scowl at how Hakkai was wearing his shit-eating grin like nothing had happened. He had been too busy hating himself for being the reason Hakkai now has every one of his walls firmly in place. He had been too busy…thinking of just what he can say to take everything back.
Tapping his fingers on the counter behind him still and only half-heartedly watching the interaction between Gonou and the other Gojyo, he has yet to come up with the right thing to say. He knows his silence is only making things worse, but his tongue feels almost heavy, too thick for his mouth, and he cannot even find the will to lick his lips let alone speak.
And with Hakkai constantly filling the quiet with aimless chatter Gojyo knows is forced, the kappa doesn't think he will be amending his silence any time soon.
"This lazy afternoon of theirs is rather pleasant, don't you think?" the healer says, looking at the pair at the table, who are almost finished with their meal now. He does not turn his gaze for even a second to look at Gojyo next to him; he seems to be having trouble with that lately. "A nice change from yesterday. I feel less inclined to pay so much attention. Though I suppose that might be a bad thing if we miss an opportunity to escape this place. It is a wonder that nothing seems to be presenting itself. If this is indeed a trap or attack of some sort, one would think the more sinister aspects would be more obvious, or that some form of demands would be made. Unsettling really."
No shit, Gojyo thinks, but though he would usually voice such a comment aloud, he gives a barely audible grunt of agreement instead. He really does wish Hakkai would stop talking.
"Quaint of them to call their meal breakfast when it is well past noon now. I suppose it is part of the leisure-life of someone who gets to enjoy their weekends. With Sanzo's schedule we are offered very little reprieve. Perhaps we can consider this a…vacation."
That would work…if this was at all relaxing or wanted, Gojyo nearly snarls. Why can't Hakkai just say he's upset. Say he feels uneasy. Say he wants to blast Gojyo with his hottest surge of chi. Say…how much he hates Gojyo now…
"I do wonder what Goku and Sanzo are being granted today. Oh yes, I remember. It was brunch with Koryuu's mother, wasn't it? That sounds rather like this then. Less intense. For both their sakes, I hope so. If Sanzo does anything to push Goku further away I don't know what we will do with him. It really is unfortunate he finds he cannot simply express his true feelings."
That's it; hypocrisy is the last straw. Gojyo groans in disgust, quite loudly, and soon feels a very hesitant but finally present emerald gaze looking him over.
"Gojyo…? Have I said something to upset you?"
Oh for crying out loud! Are you daft, Gojyo wants to scream, are you blind, deaf, and dumb! It's what you're not saying!
"Gojyo…?"
Gojyo sighs, a hand coming up of its own accord to brush the longs red bangs out of his face, even though--with his head bent as it is--they just fall back into the same place anyway. "Hakkai…" he tries, hearing the weariness and disuse in his voice like crackling gravel. He ignores it, but hates that it makes him sound like he is only half a sentence away from crying. "You're not stupid." he says weakly, soft if only to make his voice sound less hoarse. "You play dumb sometimes, but you're not stupid. So…how can you even dare call Sanzo like that…when you are twice as bad."
One of Hakkai's knuckles gives a soft crack as fists tighten in reflex, and Gojyo knows the other man is struggling to keep up the façade. "Whatever do you mean, Gojyo?"
Though he doesn't voice it, inside Gojyo howls. "Gods, 'Kai…please don't feed me this shit. You're pissed. You're freaked out. Can't you just…yell at me or something."
Suddenly, Gojyo wishes Gonou and his look-a-like would talk louder, because it is too quiet, and he can hear the unevenness to Hakkai's breathing and swears if he tuned his ears just right he would be able to hear his friend's muscles twitching as well. "Gojyo…" Hakkai begins with as much steadiness to his tone as he can force. "…please…do not go back on our agreement."
Crimson eyes clench tight. "Fuck…" he curses beneath his breath, believing he is most likely making things a thousand times worse, but…having no choice now but to keep speaking until the damage is done. "I know you don't want to talk about it. I know you wanna forget. But…I…can't. Please…can you at least let me say I'm sorry for being such a fuck-up?"
"Gojyo…"
"I…I shouldn't have…touched you like that. I mean…fuck…you told me to stop. You said no."
"Gojyo, please." Hakkai's tone is demanding now. "Please just leave it alone. I understand. I do. You were giving me what you thought I needed."
"No." Gojyo snarls, so angry with himself and only open to Hakkai's words if they condemn him as he feels he should be. Crimson eyes remain tightly closed, trying unsuccessfully to rid his mind of Hakkai's dark green eyes filled with lust and pale hands clutching at his shoulders in desperation. "Just…let me say I'm sorry. Please…"
Silence answers him for some time. The first sound to break it is the door of the kitchen swinging as Gonou and the other Gojyo leave the room. They do not move to follow and Gojyo does not open his eyes, still waiting for the axe to fall, or--even if he does not expect nor believe he deserves it--waiting for forgiveness in whatever form it comes in.
It certainly does not come as he expected.
"I was not aware you had anything to be sorry for." Hakkai speaks in a strangely sharp andbiting tone. Almost…scornful, though Hakkai tries to keep it from being too noticeable.
Gojyo notices.
"Really, Gojyo, you have nothing to apologize for. You were merely…offering your services. As any…friend would."
With his eyes still closed at first, it takes Gojyo a minute to realize Hakkai is moving away from him. When he finally thinks to lift his head, he is greeted by the sight of his friend's back as the brunette slowly makes his way to the kitchen door and is all too quickly gone.
What actually just happened, the truth that just passed between them, hits Gojyo hard enough to have him gasping for breath. He realizes then, so untimely, that he has been reading the situation entirely wrong, and that--judging by Hakkai's reaction--things are far worse between them than he thought.
And the only one he can blame is himself.
-----
"Kougaiji's coming over tomorrow so we can try again. But…I dunno…"
The continuing conversation between Koumyo and Goku is only half-heard by a certain blonde monk, since the monk in question is currently staring at his charge.
The look of anxiety on Goku's face is unmistakable.
"I know it frightens you, but I also know…your want to succeed outweighs your apprehensions." Koumyo says, all understanding and paternal care as he slips his arm around the boy's shoulders and more than happily accepts the brown head that nestles against his arm.
As his gaze risks looking to the couch again, Sanzo realizes with sudden epiphany that he feels no sense of anger or resentment towards the sight of Goku snuggled up against his master. He feels warmth. A warmth that is foreign and yet…familiar. And for the first time it does not matter that his own Koumyo is not here because he knows…if Koumyo were alive today…he would be happy to have Goku as an addition to his life. Sanzo has an answer to Goku's earlier question, because he knows…Koumyo would love Goku…just as much as…
The emotions added to the warmth in Sanzo's chest surge up and tighten around his heart and throat so strongly he almost sways. He looks to Goku again, the monkey still fixated on Koumyo and the older Goku, and feels a familiar wave of anger rise up…at himself.
Is he really so weak? Has he really…already failed? Had he failed long ago and just not realized…?
"I know the fear that lurks within you."
Another moment of wondering whether or not Koumyo is actually speaking to Sanzo this time passes over the monk, and he looks back to the couch. Koumyo, however,is still fondly attending Goku.
"You want to overcome this great obstacle but do not want to risk hurting those you love. You often fear such things, that you will lose the control you have and lash out. Don't you?" This last phrase is not really a question, and all four men in the room recognize that instantly.
"I…I just get so scared sometimes…" the older Goku admits, his head turning so that the few tears stinging at his eyes can be lost in the folds of Koumyo's sleeve rather than meet the open air. "Koryuu…everyone…they tell me I'm being silly if I say anything, so…I just don't anymore. But…so much of the time…almost all the time…I think…what if I just…lost it, or…or if my limiter broke or got taken off or…I don't know…anything. If that happened and I…hurt…anyone…I…I just…I just...hate this...I...hate…being so weak…"
A flurry of movement and rustling of robes and suddenly Goku is not merely leaning against Koumyo's side, he is in the man's arms. "Be strong Goku…for you are not weak. You are merely human." A smile. "Well…in relative terms. But we all fear such things, that we will be unable to stand against our darkest demons. It is only in trying that we can even hope to succeed. Darkness comes into our lives in many forms. Sometimes…we do lose control…we lose ourselves…we lose those we love. But we mustn't lose hope. We mustn't believe we are weak when we can be strong. Be strong, Goku. I know you can be."
'Be strong, Genjou Sanzo.'
Suddenly, Sanzo fears he might break. Or worse yet…cry.
If only to still his own fluctuating and traitorous emotions, Sanzo once again turns to the window, and the look of sheer hopelessness and isolation he finds there shocks him to the core. When gold eyes turn to look back at him, they are filled with something Sanzo can easily decipher: the things the older Goku just admitted were not things his Goku ever wanted him to hear.
Quickly, Goku turns away from him, pulling his knees into his chest as he turns to look out the window, as if to pretend nothing has happened, even while Koumyo is still speaking soothing words to the monkey on the couch. It takes very few strides to carry Sanzo over to that window, and though the monk half wonders if his body is betraying him as it sits itself down next to Goku, he finds…he doesn't mind as much as he should.
"Is all that…true for you too?" he asks, failing miserably at making his voice sound like it normally does, coming out sounding nervous rather than apathetic.
Goku keeps staring out the window, looking at nothing, but eventually…nods, and golden eyes close as the boy pulls his knees in even tighter.
"You never…say anything." Sanzo says, shifting uncomfortably, but not entirely because the seat itself is uncomfortable. "You do right after it…happens, but…by the time we're back on the road you just…you don't even…" Sanzo sighs. Damn it. It shouldn't be this hard for him to form a sentence. "You're so vocal about everything else. You never shut up half the time."
Peaking out of the corner of his eye, since he is staring more at the floor than at the boy next to him, Sanzo catches the slight flicker of a smile that crosses Goku's face. "Yeah…" the boy says, in too soft a tone for Sanzo's liking. "But…it's better when…you're just telling me to shut up. If I talked about that stuff…you'd…I don't know what you'd do. I guess…I like it better when I can expect things. When I just…know…that's what Sanzo would do. That's how Sanzo'd react. That's what Sanzo's like."
Sanzo huffs. "You sure as hell seem bent on getting me to react differently for someone who likes me the way I am."
This time the monkey's smile is unmistakable, because there hadn't been a trace of the monk's usual animosity or annoyance in that phrase. Goku turns his head and grins at the blonde beside him. "Maybe, Sanzo. But I'm fishing for the good stuff. That's worth the risk."
Sanzo doesn't say anything, and for once, Goku doesn't really mind.
"You don't have to worry, Sanzo. I'm not…as scared as I used to be. I mean, it's happened three times now, right? My limiter broke, I took it off, Homura took it off. It's happened, but…I've always been brought back. I don't think the Goku here has ever had it off the way I have." Goku's eyes drift a moment to the couch, but are soon back again. "I don't really know what they're talking about. I guess…maybe the other Goku practices taking his limiter off or something to see if he can…be himself even without it on. Which does sound a little scary. The practicing, willingly taking it off part, anyway. But it's okay, Sanzo. I won't ask to do that. I'm not as scared about losing control. I've made sure I'm stronger. Ever since Hakkai told me to be. So…you don't have to worry about me."
The heat from their met gazes becomes too much for Sanzo then, because Goku is no longer looking indifferent or frantic, but…desiring again. Desiring for…
Sanzo swallows.
"Who's worrying?" he says quickly, making a point to focus his gaze on some distant spot in the room now. He crosses his arms. "Who has time to worry over a stupid monkey like you. You're just annoying."
Considering all that has happened today and throughout this 'trip' of theirs, Sanzo is not at all surprised to hear a laugh respond to him. "Yep. That I am." Goku says brightly, and Sanzo knows the chimp is no longer thinking about fears, which he decides he is allowed to be content with. "But you know, Sanzo…" Goku adds. "I know you don't mind me as much as you say you do. In fact…I think you kinda like it when I bug ya."
All set to deliver one of his usual--and therefore soothing--comebacks, Sanzo turns to his charge…but nearly topples backwards when he sees how close Goku is. While Sanzo was unaware the little scamp managed to drop his knees down and crawl his way close enough to be within an inch of Sanzo's face.
Sanzo leans back, tense and alert as if fearing an attack.
"Don't crowd me…monkey." he warns, raising a hand to push at Goku's chest, though even he cannot deny his words sounded weak.
Goku does not allow himself to be moved by the pressure of that hand. He reaches with one of his own and takes Sanzo's wrist, moving the monk's hand to rest over his heart and loving the lingering feel--albeit unwillingly given--of Sanzo touching him. "What if I want to crowd you." he says, the desire Sanzo is still fearing present in every word. "What if I want more…"
Sanzo tries to pull his hand back but finds the boy is even harder to get away from than Gojyo. Couple that with how the wall of the window seat's little alcove is at his back as he leans away from Goku, throw in how he can't seem to get his body to listen to him when Goku crawls onto his lap…and suddenly Sanzo finds himself trapped.
"Whatever you think I want from you Sanzo…I think you're wrong." Goku starts, his smile dripping of that same desire. He has seen an opening and he is taking it. Push while you're ahead, as the saying goes, and Goku thinks it's about time he pushed Sanzo over the edge. He rather likes the feel of being in the monk's lap. "I love you…Sanzo. Sure, having you on your back wouldn't be so bad..."
"You little--!"
"But…that's not the only thing I'm after." Goku takes Sanzo's hand from his chest and brings it up to his lips, staring straight into violet as he places little kisses on the monk's fingertips.
Sanzo feels his heart jump and lets out a small gasp at the feel of chapped but warm, gentle lips on his skin. "Idiot…what are you…stop that." he commands ratherineffectually, his voice worn and soft, not at all filled with the tone of command as it should be. "I don't…and you don't…st-stop…that…"
Goku chuckles, and the warmth of his breath on Sanzo fingers causes the monk to gasp again. "Not buying it, Sanzo, coz I know you like it." the monkey says, brimming with confidence he never seems to lose, even when he was so recently looking like a lost little boy again. But this is no boy, and no amount of denial can have Sanzo believing otherwise. "I know why this scares you, Sanzo." Goku whispers, turning Sanzo's hand so he can press a kiss intothe palm, and loving how Sanzo seems incapable of resisting other than attempting a few half-hearted tugs. "You don't think I do, but I do. It's coz 'a him." Goku does not point or even gesture, but both of them know the 'him' Goku means. "And I understand. I do. But trying not to love again just so you won't hurt if you lose someone…that's stupid. It's like…taking the love you had for your master…and calling it worthless."
Such a comment would have had Sanzo surging forward had it come from Gojyo, but today…so far removed from the previous night now with what has passed between himself and Goku, instead…it has Sanzo going limp, failing in all forms of resistance.
Thrilled to be given even more power, Goku kisses Sanzo's palm again. "Not being willing to love…is like saying it wasn't worth it to love him. But you don't think that. You loved loving him. I know you did. So…unless you really wanna pretend it wasn't worth it, you gotta prove otherwise." Goku kisses again, slightly higher on Sanzo's palm, and places kiss after kiss between words as he slowly climbs towards Sanzo's wrist. "You'd be honoring his memory…" Kiss. "…if you just…" Kiss. "…let yourself…" Kiss. "…let yourself…" Kiss, right on the pulse point. "…love."
And since Sanzo half expects Goku to continue his upwards trail, the monk clearly being in some kind of trance--that's the only explanation, he decides, for why he hasn't killed the boy yet--he is definitely taken by surprise when chapped, warm, gentle lips…are suddenly upon his.
The same flood of emotions that struck him before surges up again and nearly drowns him. Like before he fears breaking, crying, loving…because he has lived so long without any of it. But for the first time…someone has said all the right words.
And that someone is Goku.
Sanzo doesn't even realize he is returning the kiss…willingly returning it…until that old nausea--strangely dulled, Sanzo notices--forces them apart. Staring into gold as Goku's body begins to go limp in his lap, for the first time…Sanzo wants to ignore the wave of overpowering fear starting to rise forward from the back of his mind.
tbc...
A/N: But can he ignore the fear? We'll see. As for the less highlighted 58 pairing, I do appologize. They will be getting more attention soon. I am very wary about this chapter, so I really need comments this round. You were all so wonderfully supportive concerning the last one, so...do it again, ne? I know all the Koumyo/Goku talk about 'practicing' was vague and confusing, but it was supposed to be. After all, we only know as much as the watchers do, and it was more to get to the fear aspects anyway. The actually practicing, I can tell you, will come in later chapters, and might make Goku change his mind about not wanting to ask for the chance to practice himself. We'll see. Now, don't think Sanzo has completely given over, but I do think Goku said the one thing that would get Sanzo to pause and think. I just love making Sanzo all speechless and helpess and...hee. Go, Goku! Gojyo and Hakkai...sigh. At least Gojyo understands that saying, 'A friend helping a friend' was NOT the way to go.
Diva Urd: No, I wanted 'wet' not 'wetness'. I like the way it sounds. :-) But damn quick edit again. I noticed that right after posting and it is so annoying how it just happens randomly. Glad you liked how I didn't allow for the, 'Oh, thanks for getting me off, Gojyo, I love you now,' because...no. Sexual situation can and often DO make things worse.
Natsuko-chan: Guess I answered who's submitting first, but then again...will Sanzo allow himself to stay submitted?
Whisper Reilman: "Gojyo and Hakkai are both idiots. Thank you, that is all." That had me laughing. Haha. Hope you liked how I dealt with Sanzo's issues.
Avenged Suffering: Do you have any idea how long and hard I laughed after reading your review for chapter 12? OMG, the whole Hakkai and the neglected penis thing was just...too funny. I was practically on the floor. Now, you know...that wasn't the reaction I was going for when writing that bit, but...to each his own. I must say...you speak in a rather personal manner about the love for friend issue. I have one guess why. :-) Glad to be joining you on Gaia.
Alrighty then. Sanzo and Goku shall wake up with the others next part, and then...the 58 mess needs some major help. Here's hoping Gojyo doesn't fuck things up more! Love!
Crim