Hakkai listened to Gojyo�s soft snores beside him. The redheaded youkai was sprawled on the left side of the bed, his arm around Hakkai, limiting the other�s movement.

Not that I want him to let go.

Hakkai smiled at the memory of the night�s lovemaking. Gojyo was amazing, as always. He glanced at the unused bed at the other side of the room. Later, he would have to muss it up to make it appear that someone had slept there. It wouldn�t do for Sanzo and Goku to discover that whenever Gojyo and Hakkai shared a room, they also shared the bed.

Sanzo would probably be indifferent to them if he knew. The monk didn�t seem to care much about others� business. As long as it doesn�t get in his way, he was content. Goku was a different matter. The teenager was going through a delicate stage--in spite of the physical strength in someone so young. He had made the three older men his father figures and he worshipped them all in different degrees: Goku revered Sanzo, respected Hakkai, and held a grudging admiration for Gojyo. No, it wouldn�t be proper for Goku to discover the real situation. To be safe, Hakkai and Gojyo decided to hide their relationship from the world.

Relationship. The word made Hakkai frown. He and Gojyo had started sleeping with each other shortly after they started on the trip west. Though they have lived together in town for three years, they never felt the need for each other until the tensions of fighting countless youkai and fending off Kougaiji�s attacks drove them to each other.

Four months.

The frown didn�t leave Hakkai�s delicately-boned face. In the four months of secretive sex and lovemaking, Gojyo had never spoken about their relationship. Hakkai had taken it for granted that they were a couple but he wasn�t sure. With Kana, everything was out in the open: their feelings, emotions, and dreams. Gojyo was as silent as a clam. And Hakkai didn�t have the heart to try to pry him open. He loved Gojyo, and he felt pretty sure that the handsome devil felt the same. He wouldn�t be able to perform all the stuff he did if he didn�t feel anything. Yes, he was sure Gojyo loved him in return.

Hakkai smiled softly as he turned to his sleeping lover.

�Aishiteru yo,� he whispered.

Gojyo groaned in his sleep and turned away.

***

�I�m hungry!�

�Shut up baka saru!�

�Why you horny water monster!�

Sanzo�s vein throbbed as he tried to ignore the fighting in the backseat. It was hot and he didn�t sleep much the previous night--his temper was definitely wanting. He glanced sideways at Hakkai. As usual the man exuded a calm aura. He never seemed to be bothered by the everyday fighting in the backseat. Sanzo sighed as he sat back on his seat.

Heading this trip was not an easy job. He was the undisputed leader of the group. Though competent on their own, he knew that the other three depended on him for guidance. He had their deep loyalty and respect. And their love? Maybe. In a way. He knew the baka saru adored him. He was the parent the monkey never had. The other two were more his equals but they had pledged their commitment to him when they went with this trip. The four of them shared a bond. And Sanzo was grateful for that.

Gojyo and Hakkai. Of course he knew about their �secret� relationship. No matter how hard they tried to hide it, they could never withhold the fact from Sanzo. He knew them both too well not to know. He knew how important the secrecy was to both of them so he gave them the space and privacy for it. He always volunteered to room with Goku whenever the need to share rooms arose. He also overlooked the tiptoes in the inn hallways from one room to another as he listened for possible youkai attacks late at night.

It was also the reason why he never told Hakkai that Gojyo was fooling around behind his back.

***

Hakkai tucked Hakuryu into the bed. He and Gojyo would be sharing the other one. Luckily for them, the inn only had two rooms to spare. Sanzo had declared that he wouldn�t tolerate Gojyo�s snores so he would room with Goku in the other room. This left the whole night open for Gojyo and Hakkai.

Speaking of Gojyo, he�d been gone quite a while. After they checked in, he said he�d be out for a while to get a drink. Hakkai went up to wait for him. The brown-haired youkai took out his pack of cards and played solitaire to pass the time while waiting for his lover.

***

Gojyo stumbled into the room in the inn. He saw Hakkai�s sleeping form in the darkness. He felt a twinge of guilt. They wasted a night together. They weren�t always given the opportunity to be alone in a room like this. Oh, well. He and Hakkai would make up the next time. It was too late to wake him since it was nearly dawn. As quietly as he could, Gojyo took off his boots and jacket and pants and lay beside the other man. Soon enough, due to fatigue and alcohol, he was fast asleep in no time.

Hakkai opened his eyes. He stayed up all night. Waiting.

***

In the next room, the blond monk shook his head. He had heard Gojyo enter the inn and the slight noise was enough to wake him up. He sensed Hakkai was awake inside. Waiting for Gojyo. Sanzo could still hear the faint giggle of the girl in the bar. Poor Hakkai. He was beginning to notice.

***�

They stopped to rest. Hakuryu was feeling a little winded. The four had lunch under a great old tree with wide spreading branches that provided ample shade. Sanzo lay on the roots with his eyes closed, taking advantage of the weather and silence to take some time alone and sort out his thoughts. Goku was sleeping alongside Hakuryu not far off. The boy always napped after lunch. He wondered what he would do about Goku after all this business was over. Should he send the boy to school? Interaction with other kids might be good for him. But then, Hakkai was a qualified teacher himself. Goku won�t be lacking in education.

The monk�s reverie was broken by the sound of voices. Gojyo and Hakkai were arguing. They probably thought he was asleep. He chose not to reveal his consciousness and tried to give them their privacy by blocking out the conversation. But Sanzo�s attention was called again by Hakkai�s beseeching voice.

�Tell me the problem Gojyo, if there is one. I don�t like being kept in the dark. Especially if it concerns you.�

�Look, there�s nothing wrong. I just lost track of time because I had too much time gambling. C�mon, admit it. It happens to you too, right?�

Hakkai was silent. He didn�t want this� this arguing over nothing. He really must trust Gojyo. His lovely Gojyo.

He raised his head and smiled at the redhead. �Hai, Gojyo. I�m sorry I grilled you about such a trivial matter. Let�s take a walk before we go.�

Sanzo heard the receding footsteps of the two. They�re probably going somewhere to make out or worse. You better behave, Gojyo. The monk remembered the events of the previous night.

<Flashback>

Sanzo-sama stepped into the village pub. It was late but he felt like having a drink before turning in. As soon as he was inside, he immediately spied Gojyo�s distinctive red hair. The half-youkai was winning at the gaming table. Being as handsome and charismatic as he was, the redhead was surrounded by women. The blond monk nodded towards his comrade and headed to the bar, quite close to where Gojyo was. Later, he couldn�t help but overhear the conversation as he bent over his beer mug.

�Hmmm� your hair is so soft, Gojyo dear. Are the other parts of you as supple?� The girl�s voice was seductively soft.

�Why don�t you try to find out later, Miss Kanli.�

�Will you come up with me then?� the voice was warm, eager.

�Convince me, my dear.� The way he sounded, he didn�t need much convincing. She giggled in response.

Soon enough, the girl named Kanli walked away with Gojyo to her room above the tavern. Gojyo gave Sanzo a goodbye wave before letting himself be pulled upstairs. Sanzo tossed his payment to the bar in disgust and walked away form the place. Of course the redhead wasn�t worried. He didn�t know that Sanzo knew. The horny fool. He didn�t know what he was playing with. Hakkai didn�t deserve such shoddy treatment.

As he entered his own room, Sanzo sensed rather than heard the anxiety of Hakkai in the other room. It was nearly midnight and they�d have a long way to drive tomorrow but the green-eyed youkai was bent on waiting for his wayward lover.

Stupid water monster.

They would have to fix this themselves on their own. But Sanzo wondered how long he could hold out before he let his friend get hurt.

<end of flashback>

***

The four were in a new town, checking in a new inn. As usual. It was off season so they were all able to have separate rooms. As soon as they were shown to their rooms, Gojyo took leave, claiming to need a nightcap from one of the pubs.

He hadn�t walked far when he was stopped by someone calling his name.

�Gojyo!�

His head turned slowly, a little surprised. �Sanzo?�

�Make sure you return before midnight.� The monk threw his cigarette butt into the darkness. The faint light died as it came into contact with the ground. �Hakkai�s waiting.�

Stunned silence. Gojyo swung around and faced Sanzo but the monk had already disappeared into the inn.

�Shit.�

***

Gojyo paced his room for the umpteenth time. He had to tell Hakkai something. This couldn�t continue anymore. Sanzo knew.

�Shit.� The redhead muttered. He�d been feeling guilty enough already. The corrupt monk was right. He had to tell Hakkai.

***

Hakkai�s door opened silently. The brunette smiled. It was only Gojyo.

�I don�t think I�m going to get much sleep tonight.� He grinned suggestively.

Gojyo stopped, five feet from the bed. Hakkai�s smile disappeared. He sensed that there was something going on. He felt apprehensive, even afraid, for some reason. He looked at the other expectantly.

�Well�?�

�Hakkai, I�� Gojyo kept his eyes trained to the floor. �I�� He sighed and plopped into the bed beside the other man. �I have something to tell you.�

�Then what is it? Do you have a problem? Maybe I can help.� Hakkai smiled gently, rubbing Gojyo�s shoulder comfortingly.

After a few seconds, Gojyo spoke, not looking at his lover. �I think we should stop.�

Hakkai�s smile froze. He shook his head slightly and closed his eyes. The words traveled slowly to his brain. What was Gojyo�s problem again?

The other man continued speaking ��.then I realized that I could not make it with you. Do you understand? I do love you but if I can�t manage to be faithful then this isn�t it. This isn�t working at all� Hakkai?�

Hakkai was still smiling, nodding at his words. �I see. Well, Gojyo�� He stopped. Did Gojyo just break up with him? Impossible. Yes, he just did.

Somewhere in his muddled brain, Hakkai realized that though they were both in his bed, they would never sleep together again. Ever.

�Hakkai? Hakkai? Are you ok? Hakkai!?�

Hakkai slumped forward, unconscious.

***

�Sanzo, aren�t we leaving yet? Where are Gojyo and Hakkai?� The teenager was talking a mile a minute and Sanzo�s veins were close to popping. He�d been listening to the baka saru�s chatter since six o�clock this morning and his ears were beginning to feel the pressure.

�Hakkai�s still in his room. Gojyo�s � I don�t know where he is.� The blond monk calmly poured and sipped his breakfast tea, careful not to spill any on his robe.

�Why? What�s wrong with Hakkai?�

�Let�s check after breakfast.�

***

�Hakkai?� Goku called uncertainly. Hakkai�s room was still dark. The drapes were still down though it was almost noon. He saw the still form of the converted youkai under the covers. Goku walked to the bed and shook the sleeping form.

�How is he?� Sanzo advanced and uncovered Hakkai�s upper body. Hakkai was still asleep, his breathing shallow.

He doesn�t look good. Sanzo frowned and touched the sleeping man�s forehead. He�s burning hot! Great.

�Goku, ask the maid to fetch us some cold water in a basin and a washcloth. Hakkai�s sick.�

The youngster hurried from the room to find the serving girl. Sanzo drew the drapes, letting in some light and fresh air. Hakkai stirred slightly. His face was flushed from the fever. Sanzo shook his head and sat beside the sick man. He started loosening the other�s shirt.

�I should have known this would happen.� The monk arranged the other�s position on the bed, gently laying Hakkai�s head on the pillow. �Where the hell is that redheaded fool?�

***

Hakkai reached over to the bedside table and took a ripe apple from the basket. Goku brought the fruits earlier this morning as an effort to cheer Hakkai up. Hakkai was grateful for the saru�s attention. He couldn�t seem to bring himself to talk to anyone but Goku, not even Sanzo. He felt the monk knew more than he let on and Hakkai was too vulnerable to risk feeling embarrassed.

He�d been sick for two days. Two days. Gojyo was still missing.

He sighed and chewed on the apple. It was quite good really. He should be able to travel first thing tomorrow morning. His fever had gone down slightly already. But where was Gojyo?

His door opened and Sanzo entered. The monk was holding a fresh basin of water and a washcloth.

�Do I still need that?�

�You need to recover your strength quickly.�

Hakkai lay still as the other performed the ritual efficiently and quickly. The washcloth was quite effective. He felt his fever seeping out of his pores.

�Will you be well enough tomorrow?�

�I don�t know.� Hakkai answered shortly and closed his eyes. He was a little annoyed with the monk. Did he really think the damned mission was the only important thing in the world?

�I know you better than you think I do.� Sanzo brushed a lock of Hakkai�s hair from his face. �You won�t let this stop you. Really, you�re stronger than you think.�

Hakkai�s eyes opened. Sanzo was gone.

***

The day had been unbearably hot. Goku complained the whole trip. To his consternation (and puzzlement), not one of his three companions countered him. Really! The three were silent the whole day. Too silent! Boring�.

Luckily, Hakkai�s fever had disappeared totally at dawn and Gojyo reappeared a little later, mysteriously refusing to reveal where he�d been staying the past two days. As far as Goku could remember, the two hadn�t said a word since they started on the jeep. Sanzo was just as bad. As soon as he slid his ass on the passenger seat, the monk curled up to sleep, only waking for meals.

�Ne, Hakkai�� Gojyo drawled, breaking the uncomfortable silence. �Are we going to camp yet? It�s been dark for a while.�

To Goku�s surprise, Hakkai stopped the jeep abruptly, throwing them off balance and waking Sanzo. Hakkai turned suddenly and gave Gojyo a resounding slap across the face. The next moment, he was running to the forest, plunging into the darkness.

Gojyo sat there, unmoving. He didn�t make a move to follow the other man. Sanzo glared at him and hopped off to find Hakkai.

A few minutes passed. Gojyo hesitantly looked at Goku. The teenager was looking at him with raised eyebrows. �I�m still waiting for an explanation.�

***

Sanzo stopped and called Hakkai again. No answer. The monk swore under his breath and turned left. He�d been looking for Hakkai for almost an hour. Still, the man would not answer his calls.

Out of breath, Sanzo leaned on a group of rocks and lit a cigarette. He needed to run more. Traveling on Hakuryu was making him soft. The silence was broken by the sound of splashing water. Sanzo�s head snapped up. The sound seemed to be coming from the back of these rocks. Not without effort, he climbed up and found a pool hidden on the other side. The water was calm, really quite lovely in the moonlight.

Hakkai was there, naked, water up to his waist. He was vigorously scrubbing himself with sand and water. Even with the faint light, Sanzo could not fail to notice that the youkai was rather hysterical. Sanzo quickly tossed off his robe and plunged into the pool, wading towards Hakkai.

�Hakkai! Stop it right now!�

Hakkai didn�t seem to hear anything as he continued scrubbing his arms with sand. Sanzo could hear soft sobbing coming from the other man as he neared. He grabbed Hakkai�s wrists and held them to his side as he screamed for him to stop. Hakkai fought him off, swearing angrily. Sanzo kept his hold until the other stopped screaming. Hakkai alternately cried and shrieked for a while before eventually tiring himself.

Sanzo led a sobbing, naked Hakkai to dry ground. Soon enough, it started to rain. Before they got any wetter, the monk grabbed their clothes and carried Hakkai to a nearby cave which was, thankfully, dry and quite spacious. He covered Hakkai with his robe.

�Wait here. I�ll get firewood before everything�s soaked.�

***

�What have you done to Hakkai?�

�Ch�� You�re too young to know baka saru.� Gojyo fixed the tent more tightly. It was starting to rain and he didn�t want the damned thing falling on him in his sleep.

�I�m not so young anymore, you redheaded water monster!� Goku fondly put Hakuryu in the tent, away from the drizzle. �You forget, I turned sixteen last month.�

�Yare yare.�

Goku stopped playing with the small dragon and faced Gojyo, who just entered the tent and started arranging the bedding.

�You know, I know more than you think. The saru�s not so stupid anymore.�

�Not you too!� Gojyo swore under his breath. Were they that obvious? Goku gave him a knowing look.

�Let�s wait for them here. I hope they found some sort of shelter. The rain sounds quite wicked.�

***

A few minutes later, Sanzo had a fire burning. It gradually warmed the cave as the rain continued to beat the ground outside. In the light, he noticed Hakkai�s back as the robe covered the man�s lower half. His skin was red and pink. The stupid youkai had scrubbed himself raw. It looked painful.

Sanzo sighed. �What have you done to yourself?�

Hakkai faced him, half rising. �You wouldn�t understand. You, of all people�� He turned away. He shouldn�t let his anger out at Sanzo. He was just trying to help.

Sanzo moved closer and touched Hakkai�s shoulder. �I understand better than you think.�

Hakkai blinked and looked at the monk, his face inches away. Sanzo�s eyes looked almost black in the firelight. He smelled like gunpowder, sandalwood, rain, and tea--a rather good combination. Hakkai leaned closer.

Sanzo turned away. �I think we should-�

�No.� Hakkai touched his cheek, forcing Sanzo to face him. �Don�t turn away.�

They looked at each other for what seemed like ages. Sanzo felt heat rising to his cheeks. Hakkai�s thumb was making circles on his cheek and he was looking at him in a most disconcerting manner. Unconsciously, Sanzo felt himself leaning towards the other.

�Ha� Hakkai?� Hakkai�s eyes were deep emerald pools drawing him in. His hands moved to Sanzo�s nape, pulling him nearer. �I don�t think we should.�

Sanzo breathed the words out with difficulty. It was most improper. But the other man was not cooperating. And Sanzo wasn�t sure if he wanted to follow his own advice. Hakkai�s mouth looked so good. So good� to kiss?

�Just this once, Sanzo��

The monk felt Hakkai�s lips on his own. All of a sudden, he lost control. Sanzo put his arms around Hakkai and kissed him deeper, tasting his mouth, his tongue--all of Hakkai. The robe slid from the other and Hakkai was quickly ripping the black turtleneck from his body hastily, passionately.

Sanzo felt alien sensations throughout his body as Hakkai touched sensitive parts he never knew existed. The monk sighed and moaned as Hakkai kissed his heated torso, playing with the exposed nipples. He felt his own erection rub on the other man�s flat abdomen as Hakkai teased his way downward with his tongue.

Unable to bear it much longer, Sanzo pushed the other until he was lying on top of Hakkai. Both of them were naked and thoroughly aroused. He ravished the lips that had tortured his dreams for countless times. He nearly lost himself as he felt Hakkai�s hand closing on his swollen member. This felt so wonderful. So right.

Sanzo looked into Hakkai�s eyes. They stared at each other. Something snapped.

Sanzo rolled away from Hakkai and sighed. He fought to control his urges, bringing himself down from the heights the other man had brought him. It wasn�t going to be easy. He could still feel Hakkai�s hands, his mouth, his� Stop! Stop it, Sanzo!

�I�. I�m sorry, Sanzo.� Hakkai whispered brokenly behind him. �Maybe we should..�

�You�re right. We should forget about this.� It pained him to say it. Hakkai didn�t want him. He wanted someone else. Gojyo. God! How deluded could you be, you stupid monk.

�Let�s go to sleep, Hakkai.� He pulled his robe around him. It was going to be a long night.

***

�Wake up, baka saru!�

�Wha..?� Goku looked up blearily. Sanzo was shaking Gojyo awake beside him. Hakkai was on the driver�s seat already.

�Move quickly! I want to get an early start.�

Goku muttered something about being grumpy so early but he pulled himself off the bed and started dismantling the tent as Gojyo raised himself from the ground.

�Oi, you horny water monster! Let�s go!�

***

�You�re lucky, Sanzo-sama. The inn isn�t so filled today. I have four single rooms for you and your companions.� The proprietor told them, pleased as he showed the four to their rooms. Sanzo nodded quietly and handed him the gold card.

�Charge them all here. Including the meals.�

Goku entered his room. Finally, the grumpy monk said something. Today was an all new record. He almost went crazy on the trip to the town. The three said nothing (Nothing!) the whole way.

�Idiot adults! How can they reach their age and still be that stupid?�

He really hoped they would be able to fix everything by tomorrow. As soon as they figure out what he, Goku, had already known since they all started acting weird, trying to hide their little heart problems from the innocent child.

He winced. �Innocent, my foot! Those bakas� better be okay tomorrow. What�s the use of having people around when they don�t even talk to you?�

Wishing the three a silent good luck, Goku happily prepared for his bath.

***

Gojyo nervously knocked on Hakkai�s door.

�Come in.�

He stepped in, refusing to look at Hakkai straight in the eye. He fully intended to make things right this time. He bungled everything the last time.

�Hakkai, I need to talk to you. Will you� will you listen?� He looked at Hakkai hopefully.

The other man nodded silently, unsmiling. Gojyo could feel the lump in his throat growing. No! He had to say this.

�I feel I was unfair to you, leaving things like that three days ago. I meant to tell you�� he sighed. He sat beside Hakkai and looked at him earnestly, honestly.

�I�m sorry. For everything. For misleading you, for hurting you, for loving you, and for being such an unfaithful asshole. I don�t deserve everything you gave me.� He hung his head. I�m crap.

�I�m sorry, too.� Gojyo�s head swung back up. Was he really hearing this. �I�m sorry for assuming too much and trying to force something that wasn�t really there. I tried to make you feel something you did not feel for me, and I tried to make you into someone you aren�t.�

Hakkai sounded honest (Is he really apologizing!?). He held Gojyo�s hand with his own and smiled at the other gently.

�I�m not sorry about everything that happened. We just happened to need each other at the time. I want to thank you. For being there.�

�You�re too good for me.� Gojyo returned the other�s smile with a lopsided one of his own. �I just want you to be happy, Hakkai. You really are a great friend.�

�Go on. I know you want to go out. Play a few card games, win some money.� Hakkai shooed the him away playfully.

Gojyo stood and laughed. �You sure you don�t want to come. You�re such a wicked player. We could really bring the house down this time.�

�Nah. I�m too sleepy. I didn�t sleep last night, it was too cold.�

�Okay, then. Good night! See you tomorrow.� The door closed behind him.

Hakkai sighed and lay back. Really, it was painful seeing Gojyo go but it was the right thing to do. What they had wasn�t real. It had made them feel good but they had enjoyed it separately, not together. But, he was starting to let go. That was good. He laughed at himself for the first time in weeks.

***

Sanzo heard the faint sound of laughter in the other room. He knew Gojyo had entered Hakkai�s room earlier. Now they were laughing. Together.

�They�re together�� The blond monk gritted his teeth and inhaled deeply on his cigarette, reducing it to a stub in seconds. He tossed it on the floor angrily.

He heard laughter again. He stilled momentarily. Hakkai�s laugh. He sounded so� happy. Yep, they were definitely back.

Sanzo left the room and fled away from the happiness he could never share.

***

Hakkai turned in his bed. Damn it! Why can�t he sleep?

Sanzo.

The monk had been in his thoughts all day. He wanted to approach him but� No, you have no right you baka! He cursed himself. After what you did last night, he�ll never look, much less talk, at you again.

Sanzo was probably hating him at this moment. He�d think Hakkai just used him� Well, did you?

�Did I?� The question echoed in his room.

�No. I can never do that to Sanzo.�

To be honest, Hakkai was a little surprised at himself the other night. He�d been fascinated with the monk since they first met. But since he didn�t seem interested or even inclined to such things, Hakkai left him alone. He thought all desire for anyone else had left him while he was with Gojyo. But Sanzo made him feel� Hakkai blushed as he remembered their heated kisses. Sanzo made him feel hot, warm, cold� wanted. Treasured.

Yes. Like Gojyo, he had a few unfinished things left to say, this time, with the corrupt monk.

Hakkai knocked on Sanzo�s door. There was no answer. He opened it and found it empty. Where was he?

***

Sanzo sat on the wooden bench, facing the town center�s monument. It looked silly. A man on a horse, holding a sword. The horse didn�t even look big enough to support the man, whose legs were too short. So unlike Hakkai. Hakkai�s legs were long, perfect.

He threw another cigarette butt on the ground. Damn! You�re such a loser. The great Sanzo-sama pining after a man who wanted someone else. Who loved someone else. His mood dropped to new lows of self-loathing.

�Sanzo.� The voice was soft, pleading.

He didn�t turn. He couldn�t even if he wanted to. His body was totally stiff. He felt Hakkai sit beside him on the bench. He smelled the other�s scent. As usual, Hakkai smelled clean, like soap and � Hakkai. He smelled like Hakkai.

�I wanted to tell you��

��that I�m sorry��

��and that I love you.�

Silence.

�I did, for a long time now. I�m so stupid, really. I didn�t realize it until it was almost too late. I was just so dense�I�m sorry for hurting you last night. I know I probably don�t deserve this but I want to know if you still feel the same way��

Hakkai swallowed. It was so hard to get the words out.

�Do you still love me, Sanzo-sama?�

The silence stretched. Hakkai felt his insides break, little by little. He deserved this. He was such an arrogant prick, expecting Sanzo�s love to be handed to him on a platter. He should have known.

He stood and started to walk away. A hand on his wrist stopped him.

�Wha� what about Gojyo?� Sanzo sounded strange, like he was choking. Or crying.

�He.. we said goodbye. To the relationship.� Hakkai shook his head. �It was nothing, really. We just rescued each other at a time when we were both drowning and there was nobody around to rescue us. We talked and� We�re friends now.�

�I� I still love you, Hakkai.�

Sanzo pulled the other man back on the bench and kissed him. Really kissed him this time.

***

�Sanzo��

�Hmmm�?� Sanzo smiled at the very adorable Hakkai beside him. They were taking a break from driving. They just had lunch and Sanzo was taking his customary rest under a tree.

�Do you think Gojyo will ever be this happy?� Hakkai laid his head on Sanzo�s lap.

The two had spent a very (!) passionate night at the inn. Hakkai had given him a taste of the pleasure Sanzo had never had before. The monk smiled evilly at the thought of what the two of them would do tonight� and the following nights, of course.

Sanzo looked at where Goku and Gojyo were playing with Hakuryu. The two were sitting close together. Goku seemed to be saying something amusing for Gojyo had erupted in laughter, tears running down his eyes. Goku was looking at the redhead, pleased that Gojyo found the joke funny.

�Yes. I think he�s going to be just fine.�

-fin-

(December 2002)

Note: This is even more ancient than Pure, and it's the first time I've attempted to write anything longer than a one-page short story and post it on the Net. Personally, I think I wrote this badly, but it was written all because of a dare to do something about all the Sanzo x Hakkai lurve. ^^ So I'm quite attached to it all the same.