A/N: In case you didn't see this last chapter, this is best read as a companion story to Feminine Reflection by Astral_Writer

Disclaimer: I do not own Saiyuki. They would be shirtless a lot more often if I did.

These two chapters were posted right away because... I decided to. Muahahahahah. Also, I'd say that all chapters after this will be posted every other day, but that might create the idea that I'm reliable.

Goumei had wanted out of there. She just knew they were going to stick her with something, and she was not in the mood for work or female company at the moment. So, after signing the registry, she got out and started walking. The town wasn't big enough for guys to openly cat call at her, but she felt when men stopped to stare. It was always nice to be reminded of how good you look. She eventually found a place that smelled like alcohol, and she walked in immediately. She walked up to the bar, her eyes discreetly scanning the clientele. No one special, which made sense; it was still fairly early and something seemed to be going on today. A festival, or something; it made sense that most people would be out working right now, instead of enjoying the company of intoxication.

She could've gone for a beer, but it was still kinda early, and people always assumed that she couldn't hold her alcohol well because she was a woman. So, she ordered a Mai Tai, something a little... more elegant, but still pretty alcoholic. She took the offered glass, making sure all the garnishes were out of the way, and took a sip. She kept herself from making a face. Apparently, they were really fond of the lime juice here. She took a few more sips, and adjusted to the taste, actually able to enjoy the drink now. She was just letting the stress from being stuck in a stupid jeep for days fall away, when a chill ran up her spine. Another demon was around. She looked over her shoulder, and stopped.

For a second, she'd thought she'd caught the reflection of her own hair in a window, or something, but she quickly realized that someone new was in the bar. A very interesting someone. She turned back around, set her glass down, and focused on observing him, without being obvious. She wanted company, sure, but she wasn't desperate. No way was she going to let anyone think she was either. Still, even from the corner of her eye, she could see the confident way he carried himself and the slight hint of an attitude in his movements. He seated himself, and she allowed herself to get a better look at him.

He was really thin, for a guy, but his arms looked to be all muscle. If she had to guess, she'd say the rest of him was muscle too. His hair was also really long for a guy, and such a bright red that she was sure most people thought it was from a bottle. She'd think so too, if strands of the same color weren't hanging in her face. Overall, he looked good, kinda on the pretty side but no way was someone confusing him for a chick. Besides, there was nothing wrong with having a pretty face to look at all night.

She watched him tense up, and she smirked to herself. So, he'd finally sensed her own demonic presence, huh? She looked away, keeping herself busy with the view of the bar, her fingers running through her bangs, to make sure there were no fly-aways, before going back to playing with the rim of her glass. She let him look for a bit, before glancing over at him. A quick, flirty smile passed over her lips, before she went back to her view of the bar, taking another healthy sip of her Mai Tai.

"Pardon me, miss." she looked back at the man. Then she noticed another interesting little fact. As red as his hair was, his eyes were just as red. So, he was another one like her. That really was rare. She felt one eyebrow quirk, a signal for him to continue with his thoughts.

"You don't seem like you're from around here. You're just too damn pretty." His voice was smooth, full of charm. But there was this undercurrent of energy in his tone. Like a promise that he was not the guy to go to for a full night of sleep. That sounded like exactly what she was looking for.

She couldn't stop herself from letting out a laugh, before quickly covering her mouth with her hand. It was a good line, she had no problems with it, she just recognized how...fake, it was. Oh, he might actually think she was really good looking, but they both knew why he cared if she looked good or not.

"Why you laughing? I was dead serious." he said, smiling at her, fully confident with himself. Oh, she'd bet he was, but she liked her guys to be confident, maybe even a little cocky. She stood up from the bar, taking her drink and walking over to him, her hips swaying with each step.

"Well then, by that logic, you shouldn't be from around here either," she said, coming to lean in the bar next to him, taking another sip of her drink as she gazed at him coolly. It was subtle, but she was returning the compliment.

"Yeah, I'm just passin' through. I'm heading out west with a couple of idiots. But you know what, haven't ever run into a girl quite like you before. What do ya say you and I hook up later?" She would've admired his straightforward approach, if it wasn't for what he said. He said he was heading west, and that set off warning bells in her head. Sure, he was only half a demon, but he was still part demon, and he was heading west. That just didn't seem right. What reason did he have to head west? All the trouble was in the west. But she decided it didn't matter at the moment. If he was looking to join Gyumaoh, or whatever, she wasn't going to feel bad when she had to kill him. She'd at least be nice and do it quick. Of course, he could be going west for innocent reasons, so she'd overlook it. Not her business, ya know. She just grinned in response. "Doesn't sound like a bad plan to me, but can I at least get your name first?" she asked teasingly.

"Oh, how rude of me." His smile wasn't sincerely apologetic, and the teasing only made her smile back. "I almost forgot. I'm Gojyo, but you, you can call me whatever you want. And what can I call you?"

"Goumei." she replied. She looked up as the bartender approached.

"It's just about the lunch rush, are either of you interested in eating?" If she stayed, Hachiko would probably pull the hurt puppy look because she didn't come back to eat with them. She held up a hand and waved the offer off. "Nah, I think I need to get going." she said, picking up her Mai Tai and finishing it off. She turned back to Gojyo, a smile on her lips. "See you here later?" she questioned, not wanting to lose a chance with such a looker.

"Later tonight?" Goumei felt pleased that he sounded so hopefully.

"Can you try and wait until then?" she said, her fingers brushing down his arm as she started heading out.

Gojyo smirked. "I don't know. I've never been a very patient guy."