Beyond the Woods and Mountains

Chapter 2

Gojyo was riding his horse though the thick woods, for what he did not know. The night air was warm and the stars shone brightly above. He heard splashing coming from up ahead and he raced his horse towards the noise. He stopped when he came to a clearing that displayed a beautiful lake. And in that lake, bathing in the moonlight, was none other than Sanzo. Gojyo stopped to gaze at him, carefully watching his movements as he bathed. The way the droplets of water trickled down the softly tanned skin and how the wet blonde hair clung to his neck made Gojyo’s desire for him escalate. The need and want for the man made Gojyo get off his horse, which alerted Sanzo’s attention. Sanzo looked over at him and smiled, but not an innocent smile. It was a seductive, ‘come hither’ look.

“Gojyo….I was wondering when you were going to come find me.” He said in a sultry voice, beckoning Gojyo with his finger. Gojyo grinned stupidly and ran to the bank, taking off his boots. Sanzo swam up to him and stood before him, dripping and sparkling in the night’s lights. “I rather come to you…I need to be with you…” he knelt before Gojyo and wrapped his arms around his neck. “I want to feel you in me…taking me and claiming me as yours…I want to belong to you, and only you, my chief.”

“Sanzo, I’ll do whatever you want me to do to this gorgeous body of yours!”

“But I’m afraid I don’t know what is involved in all this…could you teach me?” Gojyo’s eyes widened and he grinned again. He went to pull Sanzo’s head in for a kiss when a sharp shooting pain erupted in his head.

His eyes shot open and he woke up, squinting at the bright light that filled the room. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, trying to blink the sleep and wine out of them. His head ached terribly and his back hurt. What was he doing on the floor? Where was he? Who was he with? He glanced over at the bed and saw it was empty. He looked around and noticed the chieftain symbols all over.

“Oh…right. Hakkai.” He mumbled and stood up on wobbly legs. “Shit…what a night. And what a dream!” he was surprised he did not have morning wood after a dream like that. But that seemed to happen when he had drank too much the night before. He put his cloak back on and undid the flap to go outside. The bright sunlight hit him hard and he hissed as he closed them. “Fuck…! Damn sun!” He blinked his eyes a bit and noticed his ‘wife’, Hakkai, coming towards him. Before he knew it, Hakkai’s fist suddenly met with his cheek in a rock hard punch, making him fall onto his rump.

“Good morning, dear husband! You’ll be late for breakfast!” Hakkai said in a firm tone and an ice cold stare before storming away. Gojyo held his cheek with one hand and his head with the other.

“What the fuck?! What the hell did I do!? My head is killing me!” The punch made all his symptoms ten times worse now. ‘What the hell was that?’ Gojyo asked, watching Hakkai storm away. Some people chuckled quietly as they saw what happened. “Did I do something wrong?” he tried to think back to last night, and all he could remember was that he did sleep with Hakkai. What he did to him or what he said, he did not know. “Uh oh, I must have did something wrong….why else would I get a punch?” He thought back to his other escapades with lovers and none of them were ever angry at him. If anything, they were in ecstasy the next morning and begging him for more. “Wait a minute!”

He remembered that he was worried about sleeping with Hakkai because he really did not want to. He was fairly fussy when it came to who he chose to sleep with. Hakkai was not ugly in any way, but he would not have been someone he would be attracted to. But he knew it had to be done and the only way he can get through something he did not want to do, was to drink. When he was drunk, his mind was half there. Things were easier to handle. He figured he would get used to Hakkai eventually. But that dream…the dream he had about Sanzo. Why could it not have been Sanzo he had to marry? He hardly knew him and he wanted him. He just could not get over the gorgeous looks Sanzo had. They were family now, so he was able to talk to him. But first, he had to go find Hakkai.

After he got dressed appropriately, he headed to the village center where he was sure to find Hakkai. Everyone was up and about, making breakfast and getting ready for the hunt. He saw Sanzo barking orders at the other hunters, banging his spear on the ground. The other hunters worked quickly, clearly afraid of Sanzo. Sanzo’s eyes caught his for a second but he turned away. Gojyo chose to go over to Sanzo to talk to him, using the plans for the hunt as an excuse.

“Hey, what’s the plan for today?” He asked Sanzo. Sanzo gave him a flat look.

“The same as always. We sharpen our weapons, head out, kill prey. Pretty much same as you do. Why ask such a stupid and obvious question?” Gojyo’s eyebrow twitched in an annoyed manner.

“You….I was just ASKING if there was something in particular we are hunting for and if anything needs to be done! I’m coming on this hunt and as your new chief; you’ll let me lead the hunt MY way now! I was going to let you lead, but now I’m not!” Sanzo looked at him and scoffed with an amused smirk.

“Big man you are, thinking you’re doing ME a favour.” He gripped Gojyo by the front of his cape. “Don’t try to threaten me, asshole! I run these hunts! I’M the boss here! This is MY territory! I don’t want your ass on this hunt! So get lost and go do some chief stuff!” He shoved him away. Gojyo was shocked.

“W-wait a minute?! Who are YOU to think you can order ME around?! Be thankful you’re my brother-in-law or I would no sooner punch that pretty face of yours in!” Sanzo’s spear point suddenly appeared next to Gojyo’s ear, close to his skin. Sanzo narrowed his eyes at him in a glare.

“Never, EVER lay a hand on me, cockroach! I see how you look at me! You’re not the first and won’t be the last! You will never be able to touch me, even in a simple, friendly manner! Go back to my brother, your “wife’, and stop thinking about me!” he pulled his spear away and walked back over to the men.

Gojyo just stood there, shocked. What was that? He never would have guessed such strong words of venom could come out of that pretty mouth. He had just figured he was standoffish and shy, but wow, was he wrong. ‘What an asshole’ Gojyo said to himself, clenching his fist. But the way he glared at him, the way he spoke, intrigued him even more. That man just needed to be tamed, but no one was strong enough to do it. And no wonder, he would sooner bite his own tongue off than submit to anyone. That much was obvious. He smirked, this was going to be interesting. If it was not for his good looks, Gojyo would ignore such a person.

“Very well then. Carry on.” He said and spun on his heel, heading back to the center of the village. Hakkai was sitting at the head table with his brother Jien and Kou. Gojyo took the seat next to Hakkai, who looked at him annoyingly and went back to eating. “Hey, can we go talk somewhere?” Hakkai looked at him.

“About what?”

“You know what. Come on, let’s go for a walk.” Jien looked at them, confused, and then met Kou’s eyes. Kou just glanced at him and then looked back at the other two.

“….sure.” Hakkai answered and got up from his seat. Gojyo lead him further away from the morning festivities so they could be alone.

“Look…about last night, I-“ Hakkai cut him off.

“You did what you needed to do so it’s over now. There’s nothing more to talk about.” He crossed his arms and turned away.

“Yes there is! Look, I was drunk last night! When I’m drunk I tend to be…half there. Surely you’ve been drunk before and know you do things you wouldn’t NORMALLY do.”

“No, I haven’t. I don’t get drunk.” Gojyo frowned. “Unlike you, I can hold my wine. I’ve never gotten drunk, no matter how many drinks I have.”

“Uh…well, look, don’t think I’m like that all the time! I’m a great lover! One of the best, if not THE best.” He said proudly and Hakkai rolled his eyes.

“You certainly showed no signs of THAT title.” He scoffed. Gojyo growled.

“Hey, you’ve never done it before so how the hell do you think you can compare what was good and what was bad?! Don’t criticize something you have no prior knowledge about!”

“I’m not an idiot! I know what goes on and what is SUPPOSE to go on! I hear talk! I know what I experienced last night was unpleasant and definitely NOT the skills of a fantastic lover!”

“You’re lucky I fucked you at all!” He shouted in anger then gasped softly. He should not have said that. Hakkai gave him a look, one of pure shock and hurt. “Hey… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that…. It-it’s not true!” Hakkai glared.

“If it’s not true then why did you say it?! You said it because you think it! Look, I didn’t ASK for this either! We have a duty to uphold! That’s all! I know I’m not as exotic as my brother, but we come from different mothers! I look like my mother! He looks like his! Just say it; you lust after Sanzo, like everyone else!” He pointed his finger threateningly at him “You’re not allowed to go near him, do you hear me! He’s not for you and he would never have you! And if you try anything, just remember who you have to share your BED with every night!”

Gojyo took that as a warning. What kind of family did he get himself into? He had an annoying, ill-behaved wild cat for a brother in law and an overpowering shrew for a wife. Hakkai’s the type to do something horrible to you while you are sleeping. Hakkai must have known about his attraction for Sanzo, but then again, he was probably used to it. Having to always stand next to your brother, who people always praised for how beautiful he was. He knew it had to be hard for Hakkai to have a brother like Sanzo, who always got attention and praise.

“Excuse me, my chiefs.” Both looked at Goku. “But your father wishes to speak to Chief Gojyo.” Hakkai looked at him and walked away. Gojyo went to Goku who took him to a small hut behind the main house. “This is where the former chief, Hakkai and Sanzo’s father, is resting. He is very ill and the medicine doctor fears he will pass soon.” Gojyo nodded.

“Alright, I’ll try not to keep him too long.” Gojyo gently slipped through the flap and saw the old man lying on a bed of hay and furs. Only a single torch lit the room. A try of untouched food sat next to him and Gojyo saw that as a warning sign of upcoming death. He walked over to the old chief and sat down next to him. “I’m here. Chief Gojyo of the Sedalon Clan. You wanted to see me?” The old man opened his eyes pale blue eyes to look at him.

“Ah…my dear boy…the new chief for our clans….I am honoured you chose to go along with this marriage and join our tribes.” Gojyo nodded.

“Yes…it was a strong choice on both your parts.” The old man sighed.

“My sons…two spirited young men. Much like their mothers, in more than looks.” He looked at Gojyo. “As such a handsome young man as you are, I’m sure you had wished you were married to my youngest son, Sanzo. What a gorgeous young man he is, just like his mother. SO much like his mother. My eldest son Hakkai, your wife, is wise beyond his years. Hakkai is my oldest son and heir to the clan. He had to be prepared for this. He always studied hard and learned all he could to be a good chief. He knew his duty. Sanzo would get to play all day, without a care in the world. I feared this would raise jealousy for his brother, but throughout it all, Hakkai never had a shred of envy in him.”

“That’s pretty good…I know I would have been jealous of Sanzo if he was my brother.” The old man took his hand.

“Please…take good care of my boys. Both are so strong on their own but they both need something more. Sanzo is too stubborn and strong willed to bend but Hakkai can be bent. I gave you to Hakkai because I know he will make a good, loyal wife and strong chieftain. Sanzo is not trained in the way of leading of clan, the hunt, yes. Don’t be too hard on Hakkai…and don’t judge him too harshly. He has a lot to live up to and is under a lot of stress.”

“Yeah…I know he is.”

“Let me tell you a quick story about my wife, Hakkai’s mother. We had an arranged marriage too. I had never liked her, ever since we were children. She always had her nose up in the air and looked down on everyone else. When I heard I was to marry her, I thought my life was over. Neither one of us wanted that wedding to happen, but it did. It was so hard to consummate the marriage with her. She was angry and unwilling, but I had to force her regardless. But we grew to tolerate each other. I held a special place for her in my heart. I did grieve when she passed from illness. Hakkai was but three or four at the time. I know it’s hard…but you will grow to like each other. Hakkai is a good boy…he’ll make you a fine wife and companion. It just won’t happen overnight.” Gojyo looked down

“Yeah…I know. Thanks for the advice, chief.”

“I don’t have much time left…I just wanted to meet you before I pass. I can already tell you are a good man.” Gojyo smirked at that.

“Yeah…I guess I am….”

“Just please…protect my boys.”

“You have my word. They are as important as the rest of the clan members. We all look out for one another. I will be a good husband to Hakkai and lead the clan fairly.”

“Good….you can leave now…I want to see Hakkai…send him here.”

“Yes…I’ll bring him.” Gojyo got up and left, then went to find Hakkai. He found him in the hut, washing his face in the water bin. “Hey Hakkai?” Hakkai looked at him.

“Yes?”

”Your father wishes to see you…. He doesn’t think he’ll make it…”

“Oh…alright. Just me or does he want both Sanzo and I?”

“He said just you for now.” Hakkai nodded and walked passed him, heading to the hut. Gojyo watched him and decided to go find Sanzo before the hunt started to tell him. He found him in the same spot as before, still yelling and barking orders. When he saw Gojyo walk up to him he narrowed his eyes.

“What is it this time?”

“Cool your head! Your father is seeing both of you separately. He doesn’t think he’ll live for much longer. He’s talking to Hakkai right now; I thought you’d like to know.” Sanzo blinked, but his facial expression remained the same.

“I’ll wait for him to call me.”

“Alright.” Gojyo went back to the former chief’s hut and waited outside. He could hear them talking.

“I’ll do my best, father.” He heard Hakkai say.

“For my sake and the clan, keep your tongue. I know how outspoken and shrewish you are about things.”

“I’m not shrewish!”

“Don’t get a tone. This is your duty, you know that. Your job is to help Gojyo run the clan. And I don’t want you fighting in any battle that may come this way.”

“But why not?! I’m a great fighter!”

“Yes, but Gojyo has to lead the warriors to battle. He is more skilled in that field where you are logical and smart.” Gojyo’s eyebrow twitched at that, he was smart! “And someone needs to run the clan should something happen to Gojyo.”

“But-”

“No buts! You heard what I said. Now send your brother in here.”

“Yes…father.” He stepped out and saw Gojyo standing there. “I need to find Sanzo. Have you seen him?”

“Yeah, he’s getting ready for the hunt.” Hakkai said nothing and went to find him. Gojyo just watched him and sighed.

Later that day, Sanzo was gathering the hunters. Hakkai came up to him with his father’s spear.

“Are you coming with us?” Sanzo asked.

“No…but father said to give this to you.” he tossed it to Sanzo who caught it. “He’s killed much large game with it.”

“Yeah, but I catch big game without it. I will hunt with it though…it’s a good spear.”

“Take care of yourself out there.”

“I always do. This is going to be a long hunt, so we might not be home until tomorrow.”

“Do you really need to stay out so long?”

“The more game we get, the less we have to hunt. And- oh, here comes your ‘husband’.” Hakkai looked over his shoulder and saw Gojyo coming up to them.

“So, how long you going to be hunting for?” he asked Sanzo.

“At least until tomorrow. The more game we have, the better.” Gojyo nodded.

“Very well, bring back as much as you can. We have a bigger clan now to feed.” Sanzo ignored him and readied the hunters.

“Alright, let’s head out!” Gojyo and Hakkai watched them as they disappeared into the woods. Hakkai looked at Gojyo.

“You should start having more weapons made. We have a training arena behind the village.”

“I’ve seen…I thought about starting that. What are you going to do?”

“Keep the gatherers and provisions in check. Keep record, things like that. Let’s get started, work needs to be done.” Hakkai walked off and Gojyo shook his head. Both these men were obsessed with getting work done, that much was evident. Neither one of them looked like they knew how much fun it was to lay around some days and do absolutely nothing. Like he does! He does what needs to be done but he does not overwork himself or worry about it. He put his arms behind his head and went off to gather his warriors for training.

It was late by the time Gojyo let his fighters rest. He was eating a big piece of meat, a deer leg as he walked to his hut. He grabbed a mug of wine from one of the women and brought it with him. He entered the hut and saw Hakkai sitting on the bed of furs, writing things on paper. Hakkai looked up at him and his lip went up in a sneer as he saw Gojyo eating.

“Don’t eat in the hut! It will make the place smell!”

“Nonsense. I want to eat in bed.”

“Absolutely not! Not in this bed! You might spill the wine or drop the meat!”

“Bullshit. Now move over.” he ushered Hakkai over and sat down, still eating. Hakkai growled a bit.

“I said not in the bed! Use the table!” Gojyo ignored him and continued eating. “Damn it, Gojyo!”

“Hey, I won’t spill anything! Give me some credit!” Hakkai got up and went to sit at the table and crossed his arms. Gojyo looked at him and continued to eat. “Don’t be so strict! You’ve got to learn to relax a bit. Why don’t you join me? I didn’t see you at dinner. I have some extra meat on the deer.”

“No thank you. I’m fine. I had some dinner.”

“Are you going to come to bed then after I finish?”

“Yes, as long as there is nothing spilt on the furs.” Gojyo rolled his eyes and finished his meat, tossing the bone to the side. Hakkai growled and got up, picking up the bone.

“No garbage in the hut!” he tossed the bone outside.

“Boy, you sure do nag a lot.”

“Shut it! That’s the rules of this hut! I want it clean!” Gojyo sighed.

“Alright, alright! Just shut up and get into bed.” Hakkai got under the furs and laid down on his side, his back to Gojyo. “What, no goodnight kiss?”

“Now you want a kiss?”

“Yes. Pleeease?” He said in a sing song tone.

“Will it make you go to sleep if I do?”

“Yes.” Hakkai sat up and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “That was it? Just the cheek? How about right here” he tapped his lips. Hakkai sighed and gave him a quick peck on his lips.

“There.”

“That’s not a kiss. You’re not kissing your grandmother here, you’re kissing your husband.” Hakkai just looked at him then sighed.

“Do I have to?”

“Well, you don’t HAVE to, but, well, you know. We can TRY to make this work. Here.” He put his hand behind Hakkai’s head and brought his face closer to his so their lips touched in a kiss. Hakkai blushed as Gojyo kissed him deeply then pulled away. “There, now THAT was a goodnight kiss.” Hakkai blinked, still blushing red and Gojyo smiled. “See? You liked that.”

“Uh…” Was all Hakkai could get out. He was so surprised by the kiss that he was at a loss for words. He had never really been kissed before, not like that. Gojyo gave a light chuckled and settled down on the bed of furs. He put his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. He felt Hakkai settle down next to him and he held an arm open.

“Come here.” Hakkai looked at him and slid over, cautiously at first before Gojyo impatient and just pulled him. Hakkai rest his head in the crook of Gojyo’s arm and shoulder, with his arm around his waist. This was different from last night. Maybe Gojyo felt sorry for him because his father was close to dying. Or maybe, he was trying to make their marriage work.

Gojyo’s body was hard and warm, which gave him a strange sense of relaxation. He felt comfortable right now, more than he ever did. He had never lain next to someone who was not his father or brother. When he was young, he used to sleep next to his father all the time. When he got older, he would let Sanzo share his bed if there was a thunderstorm or if the boy had a bad dream. And what he was feeling now next to Gojyo was different from what he felt with his family. But whatever the difference was, it felt nice. It put him at ease with himself and helped relax his wandering mind. He closed his eyes and gave a small smile of content as he laid in Gojyo’s arms. Maybe this had a chance of working out after all.

End Chapter 2