Fugue

Title: Fugue
Author: Velvetina
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s): Hakkai/Gojyo
Disclaimer: None of this is mine. I am making no cash from this piece of fiction.
Summary: In the final battle Hakkai is hurt. What are the consequences?


Fugue:

Gojyo took a deep breath and looked up at Houtou castle. It had taken them years but they had finally reached their destination.

“Right. We’ve got here. Let go in, do what we’ve been sent to do, and the go the fuck home. I’m not spending one minute longer with you morons than I have to,” Sanzo hissed. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the intimidating building.

Hakkai chuckled. “No plan of action then?”

“When have we ever had one?” Gojyo asked dropping his cigarette and crushing it under his shoe. “We always work best just barging in.”

“We just gotta go in and hit them all until they don’t move anymore, right?” Goku asked with a large grin on his face. “We can manage that.”

Sanzo raised and arm and shot one bullet into the air. “Are you bastards ready yet, or are we going to stand around debating all day?”

“We’re coming, oh mighty Sanzo. Just lead the way.” Gojyo winked at the blonde, who just snorted softly before making his way to the entrance of the castle. Goku quickly followed and, just as Hakkai was about to join them, Gojyo grabbed him and kissed him deeply. “No matter what happens I love you. Always will.”

Hakkai stared at his redheaded lover with a soft smile. “And I will always love you Gojyo.”

In tandem, the pair hurried to catch up with the others just as Goku hit the large wooden doors, causing them to burst open.

As the four moved warily into the large entrance they were all surprised to see the Kougaiji-ikkou standing there.

“Gonna try and stop us, hairdo?” Goku taunted. “You haven’t done such a good job of that so far.”

Kougaiji stared at them impassively for a moment. “Follow us. We’ll take you to the throne room and fight by your side.”

“And why should we believe that?” Sanzo asked suspiciously.

“I have my reasons,” Kougaiji said before starting to move down a hallway.

“Is he always this forthcoming?” Gojyo asked his brother who winked at him.

“Heck, you’re lucky you even got him to say that, to be honest.” Dokugakuji grinned. “But he means what he says.”

For a minute Sanzo stood still looking grim but finally he said, “Fine.” And the eight of them made their way down to the throne room to face whatever was waiting for them.

***

The battle was well underway an hour later. Sanzo was fighting with a scruffy looking doctor who was apparently more than he appeared to be since they were chanting various sutras at one another. Kougaiji was fighting a weird-looking woman with green hair, fireballs flying in every direction. The others were fighting the seemingly never-ending supply of nobodies that the castle had. As for Gojyo himself he was dodging an attack from a woman with fluffy brown hair dressed in a lab coat; one of the lenses of her glasses was shattered and he could swear that at any minute she’d be frothing at the mouth.

“Now sweetie, I don’t like to hit a woman. Kind of goes against my morals y’know?” Gojyo flashed his best seductive smile but quickly ducked as she aimed a kick at him. “Well, shit honey, if you ain’t interested all you had to do was say.” The next time the foot came flying towards his face the redhead caught it and pulled the woman forwards, his other hand coming up to hit her on the neck. She instantly crumpled and Gojyo gently placed her body on the floor, inwardly cursing his gentlemanly side.

“Nooo!” A high-pitched screech echoed through the room and the kappa turned around just in time to see Goku smash the body of Gyumaoh, straight down the middle, with his nyoi-bo. The great demon split in half and, as the aqua-haired woman stood there screaming, Kougaiji took advantage of her distraction to send a fireball blasting through her stomach.

“Makai Tenjyo!” Once more Gojyo averted his gaze in time to see the doctor bound by Sanzo’s sutra. “Sorry Ukoku, but something will always beat nothing which is all that your scripture is.”

“Well fuck,” Ukoku said with a twisted grin just before the scripture wrapped him up entirely, and then he was gone.

Relaxing mildly now that it seemed that the worst of the battle was over, red eyes scanned the room for Hakkai. They widened in terror as they saw the brunette was about to be smashed over the head by one of the underlings who had determined this wasn’t going to be concluded without at least one casualty on the part of the Sanzo-ikkou.

“Shit! Hakkai!” Gojyo screamed, but he was too late and Hakkai’s body fell to the floor. The half-breed started to make his way across the room to his lover but reeled as the backlash of power from the crumbling body of Gyumaoh sent shockwaves across the room. He fell to the floor, his vision starting to go. “’Kai.” Gojyo moaned weakly before passing out.

***

Gojyo groaned as he came back to his senses, eyes fluttering open, the light at once hurting his pounding head. Slowly sitting up, he looked around and saw the others in various states of consciousness. Goku appeared to be the least affected by the backlash of power; he was hovering by Sanzo’s side, who was sitting on a rock smoking, looking tired. Dokugakuji was frowning as he stood by Kougaiji who was having a cut on his side treated by Yaone. The redhead felt relief shoot through him as he saw that his brother had only sustained minor injuries.

Looking around Gojyo felt his panic levels rise once more. No matter where he looked he couldn’t see Hakkai. Staggering to his feet, the kappa unsteadily made his way across the room to Sanzo.

“Oi priest! Where’s ‘Kai? You’d better not be having him treat people. I think he took a hard hit to the head near the end there.” Gojyo tried to keep his tone light but swallowed nervously as Sanzo actually looked at him with pity in his eyes.

“I don’t know where Hakkai is. We couldn’t find a body.”

Gojyo sat heavily down on the rock next to the blonde his stomach lurching. “Couldn’t find a body? But then where the fuck is he?”

A hand came down on his shoulder and the redhead looked up to see Dokugakuji standing there, a grim look on his face. “I’m sorry bro. But at least if he was able to get away that means he’s alive.”

“Yeah, but then why would he leave?” Goku’s jaw snapped shut as several people glared at him. “Sorry.”

“I don’t know why he’d leave, monkey.” Gojyo said grimly. “But I’m sure as hell gonna find him.”

***

Five Years Later:

Henry Tenpon sat in the bar of the village where he lived, drinking a pint of beer with some fellow teachers from the school where he worked. They were talking about one of the students who was a well-known troublemaker when Henry heard the barman say,

“Yeah, that’s Henry sitting over there. The brunette with the glasses.”

Henry turned to see a stranger making his way over to him; in fact most of the bar was staring at the stranger. He didn’t look like anyone who normally appeared in their sleepy little village. He was tall, at least six foot if not a bit more, and had long blood red hair that hung lankily around his shoulders. The man looked like he hadn’t shaved in weeks and his clothes were in dire need of a wash.

“You Henry Tenpon?” the stranger husked, his voice holding an odd accent that the teacher couldn’t place.

“Why yes. That would be me.” Henry said standing politely.

The stranger groaned, “Thank the fuck for that.” And then promptly fainted into the brunette’s arms.

Five hours later Henry was sitting in his living room reading when he heard a loud moan coming from the direction of his bedroom. After the stranger had collapsed there had been a few minutes of confusion while the teacher had decided upon the best course of action. In the end he’d brought the other man back to his cottage, not really knowing why he trusted the stranger not to hurt him.

Shutting his book with a sigh, Henry put it down next to him and walked into his bedroom, looking down at his uninvited guest. “It’s good to see that you’re awake.”

“Hakkai!” The man shot bolt upright and then groaned. “Sorry I mean Henry. Argh, I feel like shit.”

The brunette frowned as the odd name made his stomach clench, but dismissed it. “Yes, it appears you have the advantage of knowing my name. Mr-” He trailed off suggestively.

“Sha. Sha Gojyo.” The redhead groaned again and clutched at his head. “But just call me Gojyo. What happened?”

Henry perched on the edge of the bed and handed Gojyo the glass of water that he’d put on the bedside table. “Here drink, it should help your headache. As for what happened. You came looking for me in the village bar and then fainted. After a bit of a debate I brought you home.”

Gojyo chuckled and, at the other man’s curious look, said, “It’s a private joke about me and an old acquaintance. This habit of taking strangers home.”

“Oh,” Henry replied, not really knowing what to say and feeling awkward. There was silence for a minute as Gojyo gulped down the water, and then a rumbling sound filled the room. “Oh, you must be starving. You’re ever so thin. Just give me a second and I’ll bring you a bowl of porridge.”

He hurried out of the room and set about busying himself within the kitchen not wanting to examine exactly what it was about the other man that unsettled him so. Within few minutes Henry had a bowl of soup and a tray and was hesitating just outside the bedroom door. Taking a deep breath, he walked in to find Gojyo examining himself curiously.

“Hey, these bandages your work?” the redhead questioned.

“Um yes. You had several cuts all over your chest, but nothing serious, otherwise I’d have called for the doctor.” Henry placed the tray on Gojyo’s lap and took a quick step backwards.

“Yeah well that’s what a guy gets for being notorious,” the redhead muttered and then spoke louder. “Anyway, thanks man, you didn’t have to do that.”

“Well, what else is a person supposed to do when someone faints in their arms?” Henry said with a polite smile, trying to hide the fact that he was uncomfortable.

“Believe me, not everyone would do this,” Gojyo said. He spooned up a mouthful of porridge. Swallowing it, he let out a moan of appreciation. “You’ve put cinnamon in this, haven’t you? I love that.”

Henry flushed, slightly shifting. “I’m sorry, I did that absentmindedly. I’ve never known anyone but me who likes it like that.”

Red eyes flashed up at him shining with mirth. “Chill Henry. I just said I liked it, didn’t I?”

“Um, yeah.” Henry shrugged. “I just usually know better than to make it like that first time for a person.”

The room fell silent once more as Gojyo devoured the food. As soon as the spoon clattered into the empty bowl Henry scooped it out of the redhead’s lap. “I’ll be back in a minute. Just going to wash this, otherwise the stuff sticks like glue to the sides.”

***

Gojyo grinned as the slender brunette made his way out of the room, slim hips unconsciously swaying. It really was Hakkai! He’d finally found him after years of searching. Henry was slightly slimmer, hair slightly longer, reminiscent of Gonou, and he was wearing glasses instead of a monocle, but there was no mistaking the fact that he really was Hakkai.

Over the years, Gojyo had followed many dead ends in search for his lover and finally his patience had paid off. A couple of weeks before, Gojyo had been in a village and heard the bar wenches talking about a very pretty brunette man a couple of villages away, who seemed to have no interested in a relationship of any kind. Interest aroused, Gojyo had gone and plied the women with his usual charm and found out about Henry Tenpon. The new name didn’t throw him at all. Gojyo had long ago accepted that Hakkai wouldn’t be as he remembered. After all, there was no way if Hakkai was still Hakkai he’d have voluntarily left his lover. Gojyo just wanted to know how long it would take him to get the man he loved back, or even if he ever could.

Henry came back into the room and red eyes ran appreciatively over the man’s body once more. Gojyo didn’t think he’d ever get tired of the view.

“There we go, Mr. Sha. Now I’m sure you’re probably about ready to have a long hot shower,” Henry said with a smile on his face that was the one Hakkai used when he was unsure about a situation. It made Gojyo’s heart clench.

“I’ve told you, Gojyo will do.” He stretched and winced as several bones cracked. “And I’d really appreciate that shower, I feel kinda gross.”

“Right, I’ll go turn the water on so it’s warm by the time you get there. Do you need me to help you walk?” Henry looked at him with concerned eyes.

Gojyo assessed his body. He’d suffered worse injuries before. However, “Yeah I think I do. Thanks.” This meant he to got to be in Hakkai’s arms again and actually be conscious for it.

Henry stiffened. He’d obviously been hoping that Gojyo was going to say he’d be fine. Henry was less adept at hiding his emotions than Hakkai had been. Then again Gojyo had always been able to see through Hakkai easier than most.

“Okay then Gojyo. Just give me a second and I’ll be back.” Henry rushed out of the room and Gojyo had to stifle a giggle. The man was just too cute.

Looking around the room, the redhead smiled. It appeared that even though his lover didn’t remember who he was, his personality hadn’t overly changed. The small bedroom was covered in piles of books. They were stacked kind of untidily for Hakkai but obviously the thirst for literature hadn’t changed. In general, the furnishings for the room were minimal, but managed to look cosy anyway.

As he heard the water start up in the next room Gojyo swung his legs around so that he was sitting on the edge of the bed, and groaned loudly. Apparently he was slightly sorer than he’d anticipated. His head swam momentarily, and as he pitched forward, he was steadied by surprisingly strong hands.

“You should have waited for me,” Henry scolded. “You’d already said that you didn’t feel well enough to cope on your own.”

Gojyo smiled up at the brunette. “Sorry. I just moved too quickly, is all. Now let’s get me to the shower.” He sniffed at himself and winced. “Yeah, I really could use a wash.”

“Well, I didn’t like to say, but yes, there is a distinct odor if I stand downwind of you.” Henry smiled up at him and looped one of the redhead’s arms around his shoulders. “Okay, lets stand on three. One, two, three.”

The pair of them stood fairly smoothly, though Gojyo’s knees buckled for a second before he regained his balance. They made their way slowly across the room and finally they were standing in the bathroom that was quickly filling with steam.

Gojyo looked longingly at the shower stall and then down at his own grubby jeans. “How do you want to do this? I’m sure that you don’t really want to see my naked butt – though it is a damn fine one if I do say so myself.”

“Oh!” Henry flushed slightly. “Of course. Well you don’t look ever so secure on your feet. How about I turn my back while you undress and I can sit on the toilet while you shower. The tiles in that cubicle can get very slippery, unfortunately.”

“Sounds fine to me.” Gojyo waited until the brunette had turned his back and then started on getting his pants off without causing too much pain to his aching ribs. At the same time he pushed down the disappointment that Henry didn’t seem to even want to peek at his ass.

'Dude remember he isn’t Hakkai. He has no memory of you!' the hanyou scolded himself as he slipped into the shower.

Instantly the hot water started to soothe his muscles. Gojyo leaned against the wall with a sigh of pleasure, the water beating down on his head.

“Is the temperature okay?” Came the smooth tone of Henry’s voice. “I wasn’t sure how hot you liked it.”

Gojyo wiped at one of the steamed-up glass panels of the shower and could see the blurry shape of the other man sitting a short distance away. “It’s perfect. I feel better already.” He hesitated and then said, “By the way, I’m impressed by your restraint.”

“I beg your pardon?” Henry turned slightly towards him.

The redhead slicked his hair back and tilted his face up to the water. “I mean if I were you and had just brought a strange man into my home who had been looking for me, I’d be asking what the heck he wanted.”

Slender shoulders shrugged. “Your health is my most important concern right at this moment. You aren’t really in any condition to do any harm to me, so I figure it can’t hurt to wait a while before asking my questions. Anyway, if you’ve been looking for me, I’m sure you’ll tell me the reason soon enough.”

A smile made its way onto the kappa’s face. That answer was such a typical one of Hakkai. “Fair enough.”

Gojyo quickly washed himself as best he could and then called out. “I’m just about done.”

“Okay then. Twist the dial on the left towards yourself and the water will stop and I’ll pass you a towel to wrap around yourself.” Henry must have moved quickly, for as soon as the water stopped, a bright green fluffy towel was thrust through the door. Gojyo dried himself off and then wrapped the towel around his waist before stepping out into the room. Without saying a word, the brunette slipped an arm around his waist and they moved back into the bedroom, Gojyo trying to ignore the flutter in his stomach at the other man’s touch.

“Just sit for a minute and I’ll grab you something to wear.” Gojyo couldn’t help himself from admiring Henry’s ass as he bent over a chest to dig out a pair of grey sweatpants. “I’ve never worn these. Someone brought them for me once but they were too long. Should be just about right for you though.”

“Thanks.” Gojyo slipped the pants on as Henry turned his back once more. “Ah, I hate to ask, but could ya help me with my hair. It kind of hurts to stretch like that.”

“Of course. Sit on the edge of the bed!” The brunette hurried across to the bed and knelt behind Gojyo. He picked up the discarded towel and started to squeeze the water out of the long hair. “I can tie it up for you if you’d like.”

The kappa smiled to himself as he remembered that Hakkai had always loved it when he’d put his hair up in a ponytail. “That would be nice.”

A few minutes later Henry was just finishing tying Gojyo’s hair when the hanyou turned to looked at the other man unable to hold back any longer. “The reason that I came to find you is…” He trailed off, licking his lips nervously.

“Is?” Henry encouraged tilting his head to the side.

“Is because I believe you know a acquaintance of mine. He goes by the name of Cho Hakkai. He’s missing and I need to find him.” Gojyo’s gut clenched as green eyes widened as he said ‘Hakkai,’ recognition shining briefly before shutting down. But that quick flash gave him hope that one day he might get his lover back if he could just be patient enough.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve never heard of anyone by that name.” The brunette’s face became down-turned as he realised he couldn’t help Gojyo. “I can’t dream why anyone would indicate that I’d know him. But I wish I could help.”

The redhead sighed and turned his face away. “It’s okay. It’s not your fault. But could I be a pain and ask for one more favour?”

Henry stood up folding the damp towel and placed it in the laundry basket. “Of course you may.”

“Winter is setting in and I’ve been on the road for a long time. Could you help me find somewhere to stay? I’m willing to do any odd jobs to pay my way. I’m good at things such as chopping firewood.” Gojyo touched his ribs ruefully. “Well, normally I am. I just don’t fancy travelling during the winter.”

“Why…” the teacher hesitated. “Why don’t you stay here with me? I actually have a spare bedroom, and you could earn your keep by doing some of the repairs around the cottage that need doing. When you’re fully healed, of course.”

Gojyo’s head jerked up. “Seriously? I mean you’re taking a big risk saying that.”

The brunette shrugged. “It’s the least I can do. And for some reason my gut tells me that you aren’t going to hurt me.”

'The scar still does its job then.'

“Then thanks. I accept your offer. To be honest I have no idea what I’d have done to rent a place,” Gojyo said with a rueful chuckle.

“Oh I’m sure with your good looks you could have sweet-talked one of the ladies in the village into letting you stay.” As his guest’s jaw dropped, Henry shrugged and grinned. “Are you going to tell me I’m wrong? How about a game of cards?”

Gojyo nodded numbly, and when Henry left to go get a pack of cards, he let a large smile spread across his face. Hakkai was definitely still in there somewhere.

Over the game of cards the redhead found out many things about his love’s new life. Firstly, the fact that Henry taught history and music at the local school. Secondly, that Henry’s favourite pastime was reading gothic horror novels. Thirdly, that Henry could cook meals just fine, but when it came to baking he had a habit of blowing ovens up. Gojyo found this out and many more things.

He also found out that Henry hadn’t lost Hakkai’s talent for effortlessly winning card games.

***

Over the next week the pair fell into an oddly comfortable routine as Gojyo healed. Henry was the first up and made breakfast, then, while he was out at work the redhead would sneak a couple of cigarettes and start training his body back to full fitness. Then in the evenings they would sit at the dinner table and talk for hours on end, finding out about one another.

On the ninth night of Gojyo’s stay, the dynamic started to change. As they ate dinner, raindrops started to tap on the windows and, as soon as the washing up was done, Henry excused himself and disappeared into his bedroom. The redhead watched him leave and his stomach clenched. Apparently there was something else that hadn’t changed either.

The kappa left his friend for about an hour, busying himself by actually reading one of the novels lying around, and then made a cup of green tea. Moving to the bedroom, door he didn’t bother to knock, but just walked in.

Henry was sitting on the window ledge staring out at the rain as the water started to pound down even harder. Gojyo felt his heart twinge as the man presented a picture of absolute beauty and misery at the same time.

“Gojyo?” Henry’s head turned and he stared at the cup in his friend’s hand. “But… how did you know?”

The redhead shrugged and moved across the room to hand the slender man the tea and then wrapped an arm around Henry’s shoulders.

The brunette stiffened for a moment and then relaxed with a sigh. “I don’t know why, but whenever it rains I get like this. I’m so sad and the scar on my belly aches, but I don’t know why. I just want it to stop.”

Gojyo stayed silent, knowing it was best to just let the other man deal with his thoughts. They stayed in that position until Henry fell asleep and then the kappa picked his friend up, took him to bed and tucked him in. He hesitated for a minute before leaning down and kissing Henry on the forehead.

“I love you,” he whispered before leaving the room, wiping away the dampness that had crept into his eyes.

***

The next day nothing was said about the night before, but Henry did produce an ashtray giving silent permission for Gojyo to smoke within the cottage. The redhead was careful not to abuse this right since Henry’s eyes still had the ability to scare the crap out of him when he stepped over any line.

They fell back into their comfortable routine and the weeks passed by without much change apart from when school closed for the Christmas holidays and Henry was actually around to tell Gojyo what jobs he wanted doing.

Before he realised it, almost six weeks had passed by and, while he kept hoping that Hakkai would come back to him, Gojyo also found himself coming to care for the new aspects of him that made up Henry’s personality.

The next incident happened when they put up the Christmas decorations. The night before it had snowed and everywhere was coated in a thick blanket of the stuff. Henry had just finished attaching a set of lights to the gate at the end of the garden and was making his way back up the path when he slipped on a patch of black ice.

Gojyo turned from decorating a bush as he heard the high pitched yelp of alarm and dashed across the garden to catch the brunette and tug him backwards so that they fell together onto the snow covered grass.

“You okay?” Gojyo asked once he got his breath back.

“Yeah I think so,” Henry gasped. The redhead looked up at the man lying on top of him and instantly regretted it. The teacher’s cheeks were coloured a bright red, contrasting with his milky skin, and his green eyes were sparkling. Gojyo felt a stirring in his groin and almost groaned as a flash of lust crossed over Henry’s face.

'It’s too soon' the kappa told himself firmly and scooped up a handful of snow before shoving it down the back of Henry’s neck. The brunette rolled off with a shriek.

“You devil! You’re going to regret that!” Gojyo took one look at his friend and knew that the other man didn’t issue threats lightly. The redhead quickly raced across the yard, dodging a barrage of snowballs.

No more decorations were put up that afternoon but for hours the air was filled with playful yells and laughter.

***

Over the holiday period, the two men drew even closer and, before they knew it, school was starting up again, meaning that Gojyo had to deal with more spare time than he knew what to do with. He’d quickly become a hit with the other villagers and often did odd jobs around the town, occasionally tending the bar during the lunch period when it was extra busy. But despite his new friend’s company, Gojyo was still spending more time on his own than he’d had to work. He decided to start writing a journal of his previous encounters with Hakkai and what his life was like with Henry.

It was about the third week in January. Gojyo was sat in the kitchen eating lunch when his eyes drifted to the counter and saw a box sitting on the counter. Walking over to it, the redhead let out a groan as he recognised it as Henry’s lunch box. Glancing at the clock, he saw that he had twenty minutes before the brunette’s lunch break was over and it was only a ten-minute walk to the other end of the village where the school was.

Quickly, Gojyo threw on a coat and scarf, grabbed the lunch box and dashed out the door. He made it to the school in record time and was breathing heavily by the time he made it to the front entrance.

“Could you tell me where Mr. Tenpon is please?” he asked the receptionist who blushed bright at the handsome man talking to her, and then pointed him in the direction of one of the music rooms.

As he neared the room Gojyo’s could hear someone playing the piano. Quietly, he opened the door and slipped into the room. Red eyes widened as he took in the fact that it was Henry playing.

The brunette had his eyes closed and his hands were moving effortlessly over the keys. The hanyou felt as though the other man was weaving a spell on him. While he knew that Henry was a music teacher, he’d never really thought about it. After all, Hakkai had never shown and particular musical inclination.

All too soon the music stopped and Henry noticed he was there. “Gojyo? What are you doing here?”

“Oh, urm… you left your lunch behind. I thought you might want it,” the redhead stuttered. “Henry, what you were just playing it… it was fantastic.”

Green eyes lit up at the compliment and the shorter man started to cross the room. “I was playing a type of fugue. It’s a very romantic form of playing. Full of emotion.”

“Yeah I could tell that,” Gojyo breathed huskily, “I certainly felt emotional. You looked beautiful when you were playing.”

Henry gasped slightly and a bright blush came to his face, making Gojyo think that he’d said the wrong thing and ruined all the progress that he’d made so far. Just as he was about to blurt out an apology, surprisingly strong arms wound their way around his neck and pulled him downwards.

The world ceased to be for Gojyo as his lips met Henry’s. He’d forgotten just how perfect it felt to kiss this man. Just as soft lips below his parted, a shrill bell rang and Gojyo almost cried with loss as Henry drew back.

“I’ve got to go Gojyo,” Henry said, frustration obvious on his face. “But we’ll continue this when I get home tonight. Okay?”

The redhead nodded numbly and watched as the brunette slipped out of the room, still not quite able to comprehend what had just happened.

That evening when Henry arrived home from work, he found dinner waiting for him on the table and Gojyo standing nervously by the table fidgeting.

“It ain’t much, I’m afraid. I’m no cook to be honest, but I wanted too… well y’know.” He faltered and the brunette took the opportunity to walk over and kiss him softly, causing the kappa to blurt out, “It also tastes really good heated up.”

Henry smiled widely up at him and Gojyo felt like his heart was about to explode. How he’d missed that smile.

“I’m sure it tastes great.” The brunette flushed slightly and hid his face in Gojyo’s chest. “I do have to warn you that I haven’t ever done this – well I don’t remember having ever done this before. Do you understand what I mean?” Green eyes flashed up at him worried.

“Yeah, I understand,” Gojyo said softly. He brought one pale, slender hand to his lips and kissed it. “Don’t worry, I’ll show you.” He didn’t bother to question why Henry was giving this honour to him. Their bodies just recognised that they were destined for one another.

Gently, Gojyo took Henry by the hand and pulled him in the bedroom and taught his soul mate how to love him again.

***

The next day was spent with Gojyo and Henry lazing in bed and discovering each other’s bodies. Finally late in the afternoon the brunette decided that they needed actual sustenance and they were now cuddled up together eating bacon sandwiches.

“Gojyo?” Henry asked looking up at his lover.

“Hmm?” Gojyo replied idly stroking his fingers through soft hair.

“I was wondering what was going to happen next.”

Frowning the redhead looked down at the man cuddled up to his side. “What do you mean?”

Henry sighed. “I mean this is amazing. I’ve never felt so happy in my life. But you came here looking for that friend of yours. Don’t you still want to find him? Are you going to have to leave at some point?”

Gojyo pulled his lover tightly to him. “No Henry. I’m not going anywhere. I couldn’t leave you. I don’t need to find him anymore.”

'And that is true' Gojyo said to himself, 'I have the one I love back and this is enough for me.'

Green eyes looked worriedly up at him for a moment longer before the man sighed happily. “Okay, if you say so.”

***

After that weekend a new routine was set up between them. Gojyo’s bedroom once again became the spare bedroom and they spent every night happily cuddled up in each other’s arms. The fact that they were a couple became common knowledge throughout the village. Initially, Henry was wary about a negative reaction to the fact that he was sleeping with another man. However, he was pleasantly surprised when people just clapped him on the back and said it was about time that they’d got together and they were glad to see him happy.

Gojyo himself was deliriously happy; it felt almost exactly the same as when he’d been with Hakkai. He continued to do odd jobs around the village and write up his journal.

Life continued on peacefully in a happy cycle until one afternoon.

Gojyo whistled as he walked up the path to the door of the cottage after finishing a shift at the bar. In his head he was going over ideas for that evening. He wondered how his ‘proper’ little teach would respond to the idea of being tied up and thoroughly shagged.

He pushed the door open and crimson eyes widened in surprise as he saw Henry sitting on the couch reading.

“Love? What are you doing home at this time of day?” Gojyo called out, moving forwards, halting abruptly as he saw what the brunette was reading. One of his journals. “Where did you get that?”

Henry shut the book and set it down on the cushion green eyes shooting fire across the room at the hanyou. “The school had a half day today, Gojyo. I told you yesterday.”

“Of course you did, Henry I just for-“ The redhead cut himself off as the shorter man actually bared his teeth in an imitation of a snarl at the sound of his name.

“Henry? Don’t you mean Hakkai, since that’s who you think I am,” the brunette hissed out, his tone deadly quiet.

“No. You’ve got it wrong. Just sit down and listen to me. Let me explain it to you, love,” Gojyo said desperately.

“Don’t you dare call me that! You don’t love me. You love the memory of that… that man! The one that you really love. The one that you think about when you’re in bed with me. The one who you were searching for.”

“But Henry don’t you see that is you! You read what I wrote. You know what happened. Please, I love you. I can’t lose you again.” Gojyo pulled Henry into his arms and was about to kiss him but was stopped by a hand around his throat.

“Why have you never let me top? You said that Hakkai always topped.” The hand started to tremble and green eyes filled with tears. “You don’t love me or trust me like you did him. I’m just a poor substitute.”

Carefully Gojyo reached up and removed the hand from around his throat before pulling his lover into a tight hug. “That’s not true Henry. I love you. I know that you don’t believe me but I do love you. You are the same man to me. And I do trust you. You just never seemed ready to take the lead like that.” The redhead licked his lips. “If you want you could now.”

“What?” Henry’s head jerked up and stared at him.

“Take the lead, love. Show me who I belong to and make me scream out your name.” Gojyo said hoarsely praying to the Merciful Goddess that this worked.

Green eyes looked fathomlessly at him for several long minutes – just long enough for the redhead to start sweating - and then Henry nodded.

The brunette leant up suckled on the exposed area of Gojyo’s neck and then he leant back with a satisfied look. “It’s kind of thrilling marking you as mine.”

“It only gets better,” Gojyo promised fervently.

Henry looked around the room and then started tugging the redhead towards the bedroom. “I want a soft surface for your back because I’m going to take you hard.” The normally placid man couldn’t keep a low growl out of his voice.

“Ever the healer,” Gojyo joked, but then snapped his mouth shut as his lover shot him a dangerous look.

Once they were in the bedroom Henry left the taller man standing in the middle of the room as he sat down on the bed.

“Strip.” The brunette’s voice brooked no argument.

Gojyo swallowed thickly and started to unwind his scarf from around his neck, letting it drop carelessly to the floor. His coat, sweater and boots quickly followed suit. Slowly he pulled his t-shirt over his head, taking his time so that his lover could appreciate every inch of skin being put on display. When the thin material went flying across the room, the hanyou lowered his hands to toy with the button at the waistband of his jeans. Casually he flicked it open and drew down the zipper. The rasping sound of the metal was loud in the room. He swivelled his narrow hips and the heavy material fell to the floor. He now stood naked in front of Henry.

Nervously, Gojyo waited as patiently as possible. This was Henry’s show and any wrong move could seriously piss off his lover, which was never good. Finally, the slender brunette moved across the room and started to stroke the bared skin. The redhead groaned loudly as a hand cupped his balls and squeezed gently, bringing him to full hardness.

“Do you have any idea how good you look, Gojyo?” Henry husked in his ear and then bit down harshly on the tender lobe. “Just ready and waiting for me. I could do anything I want to you. I’m throbbing just at the thought of being in your hot ass.”

“What ever you want Henry. I am all yours.” Gojyo hissed as fingernails were suddenly raked down his chest and then a hot mouth started to suckle on one of his nipples.

“Oh my mother-fucking god!” he howled loudly. “Do that again, please,” he begged, the words tumbling out of his mouth.

Green glittered in the semi darkness of the room and Gojyo suddenly found himself being pushed towards the bed, falling on the mattress, and the air whooshing out of him. Before he had time to take stock of his new position, Henry was straddling him and kissing him deeply. The redhead twined his tongue with his lover’s and lost himself in the pleasure.

The kiss was broken briefly as Henry tugged off his own top and threw it somewhere behind him and then their lips met again. The kiss turned desperate and needy, Gojyo could feel hands holding him close so that he couldn’t draw back.

Eventually he was pushed back down onto the bed and the brunette started to kiss his way down Gojyo’s chest, sucking occasionally and marking the kappa as his. As Henry began to lap delicately at the head of Gojyo’s leaking cock, he fumbled to undo his own pants and eventually they were kicked away, boxers following quickly.

The redhead moaned from the loss as the teacher left the bed momentarily, but grinned in appreciation when Henry came back holding a tube of lubrication.

“I’m angry at you Gojyo, but I’d never hurt you,” Henry, said uncapping the tube and squeezing out a healthy handful. “You are mine.”

Gojyo’s head fell back and thrashed on the pillows as a finger circled his entrance and pushed in crooking directly onto his prostate. He yelped loudly as a second finger made its way in and then the fingers were sharply scissored, stretching him thoroughly.

“Now, Henry!” Gojyo demanded as a third finger wormed its way in and thrust his hips down. “I want to feel you in me.”

There was a low chuckle and then the smooth voice purred. “As you wish, love.”

Without any warning Henry buried himself fully in Gojyo, giving the redhead a heartbeat to adjust before he set a punishing pace. The hanyou kept his eyes trained on the beautiful man moving above him as he wrapped his legs around narrow hips.

“Who do you belong to?” Henry asked his voice thick with lust.

“You!” Gojyo cried as he came. “I belong to you, Henry!!” As his vision blacked out and his whole body stiffened the redhead, could feel his lover pour himself inside of him.

Henry collapsed on top of him and, trembling, Gojyo wound his arms around his lover, holding him tight. Tiredly, he realised that they should probably go clean up but before he could make good on that though he was asleep.

***
“Gojyo?”

The redhead frowned as sunlight swam across his face and rolled over, refusing to open his eyes. “Five more minutes,” he mumbled.

“Gojyo… what the hell is going on?!”

“Huh?!” The kappa jerked upright and looked at his lover. “What do you mean what’s going on?”

The brunette looked around, his eyes wary. “Well where are we? The last thing I remember is fighting Gyumaoh and then everything is blank. Did we win?”

Gojyo’s jaw dropped wide open as he got a good look at the other man’s eyes. “Hakkai? Is that you?”

“Of course it is.” Hakkai tilted his head curiously to the side. “Why would you ask that? What on Earth is going on?”

Gojyo was frozen for a minute and then he pulled his lover tightly into his arms and burst into tears on the brunette’s neck. The healer let out a concerned noise and the kappa sobbed.

“You aren’t going to believe it ‘Kai. But I am so glad to have you back. I can’t believe it’s you. I love you

***

Seven months later Gojyo and Hakkai made their way up the steps to the temple in Chang’an. It had taken Gojyo a long while to explain to his love exactly what had happened, and Hakkai had insisted poring over the redhead’s journals to try to comprehend what had happened to him. After Hakkai had figured out what was going on and had accepted that he’d lost five years, it had taken them even longer to arrange things so that he could leave the village.

Now finally they’d reached the top of the stairs to find Sanzo and Goku waiting for them, Hakuryuu perched on the monk’s shoulder. The small dragon let out a loud squeak and dived for Hakkai, who hugged the creature to him tightly.

“How’d you know we were coming?” Gojyo asked Sanzo as he watched Goku enthusiastically jump on Hakkai.

Sanzo shrugged but his eyes looked suspiciously damp. “The monkey just woke up this morning and said we had to be here at this time. And then you two rolled up. He looks well. I trust you’re going to tell me what the fuck happened to him.”

Gojyo crushed out his cigarette beneath the heel of his shoe, smiling broadly at the look of joy on Hakkai’s face. “Course I am. But first let’s celebrate being back together, and our triumph.”

The two men moved forwards and finally, the four of them were reunited. They lived happily ever after.

And if Hakkai never quite regained his baking skills, Gojyo didn’t complain… apart from now and again when he had to buy a new oven.