Adolescences I
by: Abelle
Hakuryu had been driving for what may have seemed like eight straight hours today, with no apparent signs of a town nearby. Now, night had fallen, and the group would have appreciated the view of the full moon in the sky if it weren’t for their crankiness, their hunger and the soreness in their rear ends from sitting too long in the jeep, especially Sanzo, who had fallen slightly dizzy. To make matters worse, it had started to drizzle, and there were still no signs of a hotel, let alone a small town. Only Cho Hakkai was left awake, Sanzo and the others falling asleep.
Son Goku slouched down in his seat and shifted his position (or more likely, tried to) in order to get a more comfortable sleep. He ended up digging his elbow into the ribs of the person next to him painfully, causing the man to yelp and then glare at him irritably. Goku chose to ignore the redhead and instead concentrated on the neat blond hair that was directly in his sight, knowing that his desire to sleep was now fully impossible for the space in the backseat was too narrow, and because of the raindrops that fell lightly down to his face.
Sanzo’s hair looks like a pork bun. Goku swallowed, mesmerized. Illusions began to dance in front of him, from not stuffing food in his mouth to satisfy his unquenchable appetite for God knows how long. Noodles, soup, dumplings and hot buns, they just kept on disappearing and appearing even when Goku tried his hardest to catch them, and of course, in vain. Sanzo’s hair... pork bun... Goku reached out slowly, his fingers slightly trembling from the unbearable hunger. To his golden orbs, Sanzo’s hair instantly transformed into a magnificent round pork bun, its tempting sight proving too much for Goku to take. With a howl, startling Hakkai who was driving and Gojyo who woke with a start, Goku immediately leaped from his seat and intended to chew every bits of Sanzo’s fine hair off... only to find himself stopping abruptly when he found himself staring wide-eyed into the barrel of a gun.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” The pork bun asked in a soft tone. The pork bun illusion vanished into thin air, and what took its place, was a sour face topped with blond hair that looked as if he might shoot in any minute. Goku’s stomach chose that precise moment to rumble loudly, earning a ‘ch!’ from Sanzo and placed the gun back to its restful place. Without another word, Sanzo turned around and crossed his arms across his chest, glaring at no one in particular. Gojyo just shook his head and resumed his sleep, for once, passing up the opportunity to irritate the eighteen-year-old. Goku, on the other hand, was suffering. I’m so hungry, he yelled inwardly, fearing that he might go mad any minute. Not knowing what else he was supposed to do, he leaned forward.
“Hakkai,” he whined. “When are we going to reach the nearest town?” Another rumble from his stomach supported that question. Everywhere around him, was dirt and sand, the dust swirling everywhere from the light gust that continuously blew, even to Goku’s eyes. He was already half-soaked from the drizzle, and if this continued for another hour, Goku reckoned he would never be able to stand it anymore.
“The nearest town?” Hakkai reached for the map. “I would say... not until tomorrow afternoon,” he chirped, his smile never once faltering. Goku smacked his hand across his face in irritation, a throbbing nerve popping out of his forehead. Is Hakkai actually happy about this? His head was actually starting to spin, probably from thinking too much during the entire ride. I need food... food... food! He fell back to his seat and pouted. If it wasn’t enough, Sanzo’s head had turned back into a pork bun. Goku groaned.
“Well, one thing’s for sure,” Hakkai stated casually, his eyes never leaving the road. “With our food and water supply gone, we can’t stay like this the whole night.” He turned to Sanzo with worried eyes. “We’ll be passing by Eden’s Forest in fifteen minutes. Are you fine with taking shelter there?” Without warning, the light drizzle soon became a mass of heavy downpour. All four were instantly drenched with rainwater. Sanzo took out his reading glasses and newspaper, remaining grumpily silent. “I take it that’s a yes?” Hakkai smiled nervously.
The moment the jeep stopped near the entrance of the forest, Goku leaped from the jeep and scuffled through the branches and leaves in search for food. He ran straight into the deep core of the forests, the loud growl emitting from his sorely empty stomach overriding the annoyed cries and exclamations from his companions. His hair was drenched with partly mixed water and sweat, sticking to the sides of his temples as he scurried into parts of the thick forest searching for his needed nutrients. Food! Hell, I can’t stand it anymore! Hey, what’s this? ... poisoned mushrooms? Nah. Goku tossed the unwanted mushrooms over his shoulder and examined the bushes for anything edible. Too deep was he into his hunt that the thought of being lost and separated from his group of companions had not once entered his mind. A flash of shiny blue then caught his eye, and he turned instinctively to his left, eyes widening when he saw a wide river that stretched from one end to the other. The reflection of the full round moon was as clear as the water itself. Water! Goku forgot about the bushes and scrambled to that area. He leaned down and drank the delicious water thirstily; blissfully aware that this was no illusion his mind had conjured up.
Sanzo felt the first signs of his temper flare as he brushed the twigs and branches roughly away from his face. He had, somehow, gotten suckered by Hakkai and Gojyo, who remained stubbornly behind, into finding the idiotic monkey. Right now, he could have sworn he was walking circles in the forest, with absolutely no signs of Goku anywhere. His fever had gone seriously up, and it was driving Sanzo both hot and cold, complete with a splitting headache. Sanzo halted his movement. He half-hugged himself faintly, his body temperature going slightly wild at the moment. Sanzo tried to steady his breathing. Stupid rain. His face was a victim of the little scratches that the sharp twigs made, and for the second time, Sanzo swore that he would shoot Goku. If he found him first. Sanzo stopped abruptly, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings around him. He had not the slightest idea where he was right now, and apparently having enough, Sanzo threw up his hands in exasperation and began running through the forest with surprisingly amazing speed, intending to get this over with as soon as possible. A river came into view.
"That was good," Goku felt a ridiculous smile spread across his face as he stood upright and stretched. “But I’m still hungry! ... And where are the others?” That meant... he had run off without them, and that meant... With a sinking feeling, he felt a large presence over his shoulder and Sanzo’s cutting voice saying, "I will kill you.” Goku was immediately thwacked by the annoying fan that the corrupted monk had always received out of nowhere.
Goku yelped painfully. His hand rubbed the aching part on the back of his head before glaring at Sanzo and wailing,” What did you do that for?!” When a string of curses flew from Sanzo’s lips, Goku held up his hands in surrender, not noticing the briefly pained look that crossed Sanzo’s features.
“We. Are. Lost.” Sanzo deliberately dragged each word out, scowling as he looked around, wondering which was the way back. With a last mumbled apology, Goku followed him silently, hands tucked into his pockets whilst trying not to sir the monk’s anger any further.
“Uh, so what do we do know? Holler?” Goku wondered aloud, biting his lip. He was greeted with silence. “Hey, Sanzo...!” Annoyed, Goku ran in front of him. “Hey...!” His eyes widened.
“You look awful!” That was an understatement, to say the least. Sanzo’s eyes were slightly more than puffy, with sweat dripping down the sides of his face. Tiny strands of blond hair stuck to his face, and his normally droopy eyes were slightly... even droopier.
“It’s just a fever, idiot.” Sanzo tried to scowl but gave up when his throat was beginning to sore up and started to edge past Goku. Instantly, his wrist was gripped tightly by now stronger ones, and Sanzo cursed all idiotic monkeys to everlasting hell. Vainly he tugged on his hand, which was still imprisoned in Goku’s fingers. Sanzo’s strength was, unfortunately, diminished by the fever he had caught hours ago. Sanzo muttered something crossly under his breath as he was being pushed gently to a tree where it sheltered him from the heavy rain. Goku, the ever-loyal pet, ran to the riverbank where he tore his thin shirt and soaked it with water, his forehead lined with worry as his ravenous appetite flew out of his mind, to be replaced by his growing concern for the sick corrupted monk. He walked quickly towards the slightly dazed Sanzo, who was shifting his body a little to avoid the sharp thorn poking at him behind his back. Goku’s hand lifted his chin and revealed his icy blue eyes and flushed cheeks to his gaze. Goku closed his eyes and swallowed, bracing himself for the sharp comments that Sanzo was infamous for.
It didn’t come.
Goku was instead amazed by the obvious vulnerability in Sanzo’s face, and then truly concerned, for the fever must have been really bad for Sanzo to unknowingly display this rare expression. Sanzo had always seemed so self-confident and steady; it was as if nothing on Earth could affect him. Goku folded the piece of wet cloth neatly and pressed it against Sanzo’s burning forehead. He must have caught it from the rain. He hates rain, Goku thought absently. Darn, I wish Hakkai was here. I’m not good at this stuff. He lifted the Sutra from Sanzo’s shoulders and opened his soaked robe uneasily, revealing the fortunately dry skin-tight black top that holy monks of Sanzo’s rank would never even think of wearing. Newspapers, his spectacles, his gun and the ever notorious fan, they all fell out of the robe’s large sleeves and Goku tried to keep the smirk out of his face. He didn’t quite succeed though, when Sanzo noticed it even in his dazed state and almost managed to glare at him. Almost. Goku pushed the robe down to Sanzo’s slim waist, and then stopped abruptly, unsure of what to do next. He was never trained in the healing arts, not by a long shot, but wasn’t removing Sanzo’s robe supposed to raise the fever higher, by the looks of the never-ending rain?
Goku’s shoulders slumped, berating himself for being so useless. He sheepishly lifted his face to meet Sanzo’s, silently telling him of his dilemma. For once, he ignored the loud growl his stomach was causing. He removed the cloth from Sanzo’s forehead and got up to soak it in cool water again silently, somehow getting the feeling that eyes were boring holes into his back. Of course not; it’s probably his imagination. This time, when he came back, the vulnerable expression that Goku had saw had been replaced by a more guarded look, a cold calculating look that made Goku bit his lip uncomfortably. He purposely ignored it and pressed the cloth against Sanzo’s forehead, looking at everywhere but the iciness of Sanzo’s blue eyes. What’s up with him? I’m just trying to help! But he couldn’t deny that the look Sanzo bore now was actually bothering him. Uncomfortable now with the way he was staring at him, he stepped back as far as he could, placing his hands on his hips and sticking out his tongue. Staring cross-eyed at Sanzo, he whined, "What’s your problem? I’m just trying to help." He saw the cold expression on Sanzo's face fade, to be replaced with something that Goku couldn’t define. Which was even worse.
"You... the least you could do was to say thank you, or better yet, offer me some food.” Now his appetite was back, knowing fully that if Sanzo could at least adopt that look, then it must mean that he was on his way to recovery (or so he thought). "Sanzo...” Goku whined. “I’m so hungry! " Sanzo just tilted his face and looked stubbornly away (with a large amount of effort), crossing his arms (which took another amount of effort) in response to Goku’s famous line.
“You could rot in hell for all I care,” Sanzo said in a careless tone, only the slightest tremble betraying on how drained and tired he felt.
At that moment, Goku’s eyes momentarily clouded over with hurt, and it was gone as soon as it had appeared. Unsure and stunned with himself, he hopped down in front of Sanzo, crossing his arms, taking up the same pose that Sanzo was currently in right now. Since when did he care that much of what the corrupted monk said to him? Goku examined him thoroughly, trying to find out just what had changed. The heavy feeling of something similar to tension in the air, Goku was unfamiliar with it. There was a funny feeling in his stomach, one that was surely not caused by his appetite. Maybe it’s just the suffering from the lack of food, Goku thought and mentally shrugged, giving up when he couldn’t identify it. He peered up at Sanzo.
He was fast asleep. At least his fever had cooled down a little, even though the rain had just begun to beat down harder. Goku scrambled for cover, settling hesitantly next to Sanzo in the secluded partially dry spot and tried not to get soaked. He groaned loudly and buried his head in his hands. “No food,” Goku finally admitted his defeat and hung his head.
For half the night, Goku couldn’t fall asleep, instead bringing his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. He shifted a little, to give the sleeping Sanzo more space. His teeth slightly chattered, from the coldness seeping into his skin that his shirt had failed to prevent. He had tried to think of his favorite food, beef dumplings, he had tried to do the impossible by counting each hair on Sanzo’s scalp, and he even tried to will himself to sleep. The funny feeling that had been gnawing inside him earlier had evolved to something much, much more, something Goku found himself unable to comprehend; it was the reason why he could not fall asleep. His palms were always getting sweaty, and his throat would always close up whenever he looked at Sanzo. Maybe he had caught the fever too.
Sanzo watched under his lowered eyelids as a curiously strange expression appeared on Goku’s face. Sanzo was only slightly surprised, for it was not everyday when you see the idiot monkey looked serious. He had no strength to move from his position, for the fever was only half gone and he did not want to disturb the aching in his head. He studied him, noting that Goku had, more than often, turned to glance at him, probably worrying about his fever. Stupid monkey. The corners of Sanzo’s lips lifted upwards into a small smirk, small enough to escape Goku’s attention. It was more than interesting actually, to examine the many emotions that Goku was displaying openly right now. The unguarded emotions, this puzzle, Sanzo wondered briefly what was going on inside the monkey’s head.
During the night, Goku grew adapted to Sanzo’s head on his shoulders as he slept, the soft but definite snore that escaped his mouth, the almost angelic look that he wore when he wasn’t scowling. Not once had Sanzo stirred from his sleep. Goku found out that touching Sanzo under his arms would automatically bring him to bring his hand up, as if to swat an annoying fly away. Basically, it was the same thing as to be kissing him, as the Goddess of Mercy had done some time ago. Goku grinned and flushed, wondering what Sanzo would do if he actually kissed him. Not that he was serious, of course.
Goku’s stomach was proving to become too unbearable by the minute. I can’t take it anymore! Goku wailed silently and got up from his position. He carefully held Sanzo’s shoulders to prevent him from falling face down to the wet grass and leaned Sanzo against the tree gently, all the while making sure that he did not wake up. Sanzo’s breathing was even. Good. He tiptoed away like a mouse, and then hurrying over to the bushes where he dug and searched for anything that was edible. Even the mushrooms he had found earlier would do. It was not like he would die from the poisoning anyway. Wait a minute... is that... strawberries! Goku clamped his mouth to hide his excited shriek and gathered as much as he could. I’ll have to leave some for Sanzo too. He threw one after another into his mouth, sighing happily when the sweet flavor exploded inside his mouth. I should have searched harder. In consolation, Goku told himself it was worth the wait.
“Oi, Sanzo,” Goku shook the monk’s shoulders with one hand while cradling the precious strawberries with the other. No matter how hard Goku shook him, he still wouldn’t wake up. Is he... Goku’s eyes widened for a moment. Nah. He said he wouldn’t allow himself to die before us. Taking a deep breath, squaring his shoulders, Goku gripped the strawberries and practically shoved them into Sanzo’s mouth.
A hand stopped him abruptly.
Time seemed to still as Goku and Sanzo were left staring. Eyes that could only belong to Sanzo’s glowed brightly, and it reminded Goku of the times when Sanzo’s eyes had burnt like that when he was pushed to the limit. He was dragged down to the ground. What am I doing? Goku’s heart seemed to jump out of his chest. Why’s Sanzo staring at me like that? He must be delirious from the fever... And yet... this feels so right... Goku's eyes fluttered shut as Sanzo leaned in, and the first touch of his lips surprised him, for it was neither hard nor soft, just... perfect. He lightly brushed his mouth again and again, until they swelled from it. He didn’t dare breathe, trying not to move, no matter how minimal, in fear that Sanzo would stop what he was doing. The funny feeling in his stomach exploded into something Goku couldn’t quite grasp on, but it was a sensational feeling that he never once experienced before, until now.
The feeling was overwhelming, that Goku gave himself up to it immediately. Sanzo wrapped his arms around his waist as he ravished his tongue repeatedly. Goku felt himself going up in flames as he gave in to Sanzo’s silent anxiety. He heard himself making small animal noises continuously, and yet, he didn’t care, for there was nothing that could quench this... this wanting for Sanzo. Unconsciously he brushed the blond strands away from Sanzo’s eyes, beginning to respond to his kisses, slightly trembling knees that betrayed what he was currently feeling. The kiss was less rough now, less bruising, but it was longer, and sweet, like precious honey.
Strong fingers gripped the sides of Goku’s arms – Sanzo had been lightly sucking the small throbbing vein under his jaw, sending waves of electricity washing over him – and then he was being pushed away and held at arm’s length. Goku’s eyes were still half-closed, dazed, until the confusion settled in and cleared away all the haze that was occupying his mind. Goku blinked, and stared up at the coolly collected Sanzo.
Genjo Sanzo finally looked down at Goku, his voice calm and his eyes frozen over. “Sorry,” was all he said.
Goku stared up at him in stunned surprise before blurting out “Sanzo?" He found himself looking at a disinterested face. What’s... going on? One minute we’re... and the next... Goku, for the first time in his life, was struck speechless. Sanzo’s expression never changed, if possible, his gaze became colder as Goku continued staring at him in shock. “It’ll never happen again,” Sanzo said mercilessly in that same tone of neutrality. Slowly it began to sink in. Goku stumbled back, and held up his hands. “Ah! I also got carried away, right, Sanzo? Didn’t mean to either. Heh.” Goku knew he was blabbing nonsensical facts, but he couldn’t stop himself. In desperation, he scrambled up and forced himself to stretch nonchalantly before saying,” Well, I’m still hungry, Sanzo. So I’ll come back later.” He started to walk away, fighting down the enormous urge to run. No, he must not run, for nothing could be more painful and humiliating than to let Sanzo see how bad he’s hurting inside. But why was it painful? It wasn’t as if he actually loved Sanzo, did he? No, Goku decided hastily. No, it wasn’t because of that. But whatever the reason...
It hurts.
Sanzo silently watched him walk into the rain and away. He mumbled a curse to himself for giving in to the animalistic urges. He tried to stand up, knees wobbling as he held on to the tree for support, and began to arrange his robe back in place. He walked a couple of steps and tilted his face up, the piercing raindrops splashing onto his smooth face. If he hadn’t taken the first step in crossing that line, if he hadn’t... there were too many ifs, and Sanzo was not going to think about it any further. The idiot monkey would thank me for this.
“You...!”
The outraged howl brought Sanzo’s attention sharply to its direction. He raised an eyebrow when an apparently angry-looking Goku stormed over to him. Goku slightly grunted as he began to half-drag Sanzo back to his resting place. “You should not be walking out in the rain when you’re sick!” He made sure to carefully avoid his eyes from Sanzo’s, aware of the fact that Sanzo could see through anything at all. His feelings were temporarily put on hold for a moment as he scolded Sanzo for being suicidal, even though Goku knew it was just a fever gone slightly down now. He wanted to cover it up desperately, cover up the painful feeling that just wouldn’t go away! What he didn’t expect was for Sanzo to actually grip his chin and lift it up, causing Goku to cry out in alarm...
... exposing eyes that looked suspiciously red.
To hell with morals.
Sanzo shook his head, all control lost to him, and then his strong arms encircled the startled Goku. He lowered his head, burying himself into Goku’s brown hair and breathing in the scent of partly mixed rain, fresh fields and sweat. Sanzo gave into the desire completely. Sanzo kissed him hard, now rougher than the first time that they had kissed. Sanzo kissed his lips over and over again; his eyes fluttered completely shut as he tasted him. Sanzo had let himself lose control for the first time...
Goku shook like a leaf in Sanzo’s arms, afraid and at the same time, the feeling of anticipation gradually invaded his insides, and the previous feeling that he had felt soon had pleasantly spread across his entire body. He felt himself being laid on the damp ground, Sanzo’s weight partially over his even without breaking lip contact. Goku closed his eyes, his lips slightly apart for breath as Sanzo began to suckle the sensitive area on his neck again. Never in his wildest imagination would he had believed that he would be down on the ground with Sanzo, securely wrapped in his arms, and kissing the living breath out of him. This must be how Gojyo had felt when he’s out with the women, Goku briefly thought in wonder before the thought was driven out as Sanzo captured his lips with his once more. Goku’s eyes glazed.
He was inexperienced, he knew, but he did his darnest to respond back to him, not wanting to let Sanzo think he was utterly clumsy. And then he was lost, along with Sanzo, lost in a whirlpool of emotions that mingled partly with desire and want. All thoughts were already driven out of his mind, and he willed himself not to think, but to feel. His hands tugged on Sanzo’s robe, assisting him in removing it, and absently ran a hand through the smoothness of the black top, the one thing that was in the way from Goku actually feeling the smoothness of his skin. Sanzo’s kisses began to grow more with urgent, as his hands began trailing down Goku’s body, over his leg and up before entwining themselves in Goku’s now tousled hair. Sanzo’s hands were everywhere, becoming slightly firmer as he lifted Goku’s shirt and tossed it over his shoulder. Sanzo placed a kiss on his shoulder tenderly, causing Goku to draw in his breath in surprise. Smooth and slick fingers brushed against his nipples, and he fought not to cry out at the wonderful sensations. Sanzo smelt of cologne and a unique smell that was strictly Sanzo’s, his lips brushing across every inch of skin possible on Goku’s torso that was causing him to make little noises unconsciously. Goku could not feel himself shaking under him, eyes tightly shut, as Sanzo leaned up and kissed him again.
Sanzo paused for a moment to place both his arms on the both sides of his face, lifting himself slightly off to look at the creature beneath him. Eyes fluttered closed, lips slightly apart with the line of sweat that trailed down from the sides of his temples, Goku would never know how alluring he was looking right now, as Sanzo abandoned the last of his thoughts, at least for this night. He flicked his tongue at one nipple, slightly aware of the strange yet soft sounds Goku was making. He made sure to go as slowly as he could, nipping at one and then the other nipple. His movement was excruciatingly slow, driving Goku almost to the brink of insanity, from the sheer torture of Sanzo’s mouth, the thrilling sensations racing in his veins. Goku was aware of his painful reaction to Sanzo’s movements. He began to grasp blond hair, unconsciously trying to lead Sanzo’s mouth to where it was needed the most, his body writhing under him. Sanzo’s mouth began to increase its pace, his bites becoming lengthy, his hands holding Goku’s hips to steady the thrashing movement that he was making. The undeniable proof of Sanzo’s desire began to press against Goku’s thigh, with only the heavy material of Goku’s pants and Sanzo’s slightly lighter fabric keeping them apart.
Suddenly lifting his body slightly off his, Sanzo brushed wet strands away from his eyes and looked down. He paused for a moment before dragging Goku up to meet his eye. He made no protests as Goku ran his hands down his chest as he clutched the fabric of the cloth and lifted it, exposing his chest, suckling his nipples in retaliation for what Sanzo did to him earlier. Sanzo managed to swallow an unintended moan, shock waves of pleasure racing into him. He ran his fingers through the thick darkness of Goku’s hair, glancing at it through half-closed lids. Sanzo lowered his head, once more capturing Goku’s already swollen lips and thrusting his tongue deep inside the moist warm cavern of his mouth, forcing Goku to respond, their tongues beginning to entwine and dance a sensual dance, driven slightly wild as they tasted each other, as if they couldn’t get close enough when Sanzo’s body was already pressed flat against Goku’s, making it impossible to even slip a paper between them. They pulled apart reluctantly only when the need for air arose, their breaths harsh and panting, and at the same time, eager to spend the night to explore the pleasurable hints on what will be in store for them. Both dismissed the need to speak, as if even one word muttered could instantly shatter the ecstasy and the almost unreal feeling that folded them like a blanket. But Sanzo knew that if he didn’t say the words, he might do some unintended damage to the young teen, and that was almost the last thing he wanted, for the boy had already suffered enough.
“You do know,” Sanzo spoke in a low volume, not wanting to disturb the warm atmosphere, despite the cold continuous rain,” That this changes everything?” He felt arms encircle his neck, much to Sanzo’s surprise and relief, though he didn’t want to admit it to himself, and began to pull him down. By this time, Goku had already gained the knowledge on returning one’s kiss, and it was sweeter, slower and hinted at absolutely no hesitation. He pushed his tongue lightly against Sanzo’s mouth, sliding in smoothly when lips parted, allowing Goku to resume their heated kiss once more. Sanzo leaned back against the tree trunk, closing his eyes while receiving the magic that Goku’s tongue was working in him. No words were needed, after all. It was all there in Goku’s eyes, the burning desire that was causing the brightness in Goku’s magnificent golden eyes to shine, the definite challenge that he couldn’t mistook, as Sanzo stared in growing astonishment, and unmistakably, the trust.
--- THE END ---
--- Continue to Adolescences II --
Opened August 28, 2002
Page uploaded on October
08, 2002