Love Me Like Music - Part 4 NC17
Title: Love Me Like Music - Part 4
Author: despina_moon
Rating: NC17
Pairing(s): Gojyo/Hakkai (Background Sanzo/Goku)
Disclaimer: Saiyuki belongs to Kazuya Minekura.
Summary: Hakkai's life isn't so good of late. He has a case of unrequited love, some serious financial issues, and a recently acquired fanboy. However, he's quick to notice that this isn't the average fanboy.
Notes: Written for 7thnight_smut and the following prompt:
Pairing/Prompt: Gojyo/Hakkai
Modern day. Rock band setting with Gojyo as the front man. You can decide what Hakkai's role is: eg. member of the band, manager, part of the music industry, or somebody outside of it that Gojyo is interested in.
Loads of thanks to the marvelous betafu and mad handholding from kispexi2 and whymzycal. Thank goodness they were there to talk me off the ledge and drag my sleep deprived, sorry ass across the finish line.
Warnings: Lots of sex. Romance. Misuse of a lovely Italian car. Did I mention lots of sex? More apologies to George Gershwin and The Beat Crusaders.
Love Me like Music - Part 4
Sanzo opened the door and stepped back, giving Hakkai room to enter. "About time. Goku's been nagging me all day wondering when you'd get here." Sanzo frowned and stared at Hakkai intently. "You look like shit."
"Hello, Sanzo." Hakkai slipped off his shoes and followed. "I'm afraid I haven't been sleeping well."
Sanzo lit a cigarette. "Is your rock star keeping you awake?"
"Rock star?" Hakkai furrowed his brow. "Are you referring to my relationship with Sha Gojyo?" They walked down the hall and into the living room. "Well, now that you mention it, yes. My relationship is what's bothering me--it's a little complicated."
"Really?" Sanzo looked over his shoulder. "We've had lots of nosy phone calls about you. Fucking reporters."
"Aha ha ha. A bit annoying, isn't it?"
Sanzo faced Hakkai and took a drag of his cigarette. "Very. Is that what's been keeping you awake?"
"Yes, well, I'm afraid the whole situation has been a little surprising to me."
Sanzo sat down. And waited.
Sitting in a comfortable chair across from Sanzo, Hakkai said, "As Hakuryuu would say, I've not kept up on current events."
"Stop being so fucking cryptic. Are you telling me you didn't know who he was?"
"Yes."
Sanzo raised an eyebrow.
Hakkai cleared his throat. "In my defense, I have spent the last three years absorbed in the world of classical music. Rock-and-roll figures aren't usually discussed in those circles."
"Uh huh." Sanzo leaned back.
"I'm a little out of my sphere of knowledge right now, and it's …" He struggled to find the right words, but all that came to mind were terrifying, exhilarating, and compromising. Hakkai sighed in frustration and changed the subject. "Kanan's was overrun last night."
"Hmm. So fucking a rock star has helped the bar?"
Hakkai frowned; he didn't like the connotations of what Sanzo was implying. "No … well, I suppose financially it has, but the patrons weren't there to see the band."
Sanzo took a drag. "Paying customers are paying customers."
His cynicism grated on Hakkai. "Kanan's isn't supposed to be a sideshow."
"And you've got your head in the sand. I thought business was supposed to profit." Sanzo scowled and shook his head.
"You're right. Lately, I've been wondering if I'm cut out for running the bar. Perhaps I am a bit too single-minded in my approach to business."
"Huh."
"I hung on to it because of Kanan and because I enjoy jazz, but I'm no club owner. I'll lose it one way or another soon enough, so I might as well leave on my terms."
After exhaling a cloud of smoke, Sanzo said, "That might be the smartest thing you'll ever do."
Hakkai didn't want to discuss Kanan's anymore. He fidgeted with his own cigarettes, trying to fight the urge to light one.
Sanzo didn't move. "Something else?"
Nodding, Hakkai said, "No." He fidgeted some more. "Last night I said some things to Gojyo that--well, I wasn't very nice to him."
Sanzo shrugged. "Now he knows your bitchy side, so what?"
Bitchy? Hakkai pick a piece of lint off his pants. "Do you know Gojyo?"
"Tch. He and his band were supposed to be a PR nightmare, but I find that sort of image too contrived. Bad publicity is golden in his line of work."
Hakkai mulled that over. "I suppose that is important for a rock-and-roll band."
"Don't tell me his past is bothering you." Sanzo lips twitched.
"He's so public. He's different, I guess."
"Different from who?" Sanzo crushed out his cigarette. "Kougaiji?"
Hakkai felt as if he'd been slapped. Had he been comparing Gojyo to Kougaiji? That was unfair and … a little cruel. And untrue. Gojyo was more--
"Hey, Hakkai, you're here!" Goku skidded into the living room, stocking feet sliding over the hardwood. "Did you bring the car?"
"Yes, Goku."
Goku stared at him and frowned. "What's wrong, Hakkai? You look kinda mad."
"I'm not mad, Goku, I assure you."
"Is it your new boyfriend?"
Hakkai gave an involuntary flinch.
Goku grinned. "What'd he do?"
"He's not my boyfriend." Hakkai's words came out a little sharper than he expected.
Goku blinked. "Oh, okay, if you say so."
"Are you ready to go?"
"Yep! Let's go!" Goku ran to the end of the hall.
Once in the car, Goku squirmed in his seat like an excited kid--his enthusiasm was infectious. "This car ROCKS, Hakkai! Do you love it?"
"I enjoy driving it, but no, I don't love it." Hakkai shifted smoothly into fifth, the car building speed with frightening ease.
"Yeah, I guess I understand that. It's sort of a reminder of Kougaiji, huh?"
"Yes, I suppose."
Goku laughed. "But I think you don't think about Kougaiji too much anymore. Well, I think that's good, 'cause he was more like a shield, anyway."
"A shield?"
"Yeah. Kougaiji was safe for you to like, 'cause he'd didn't feel the same way." Goku scratched his head. "But I get that, 'cause you don't wanna be hurt."
This conversation was getting a little too personal for Hakkai. "Goku--"
"Hey, can I play this?" Goku held up the CD that Sanzo had given Hakkai--the band who might be Hakkai's next agent job.
That discussion seemed so long ago, now. Hakkai had taken the CD and promptly forgotten about it, forgotten about everything, actually, because Gojyo had shown up in his life. He had yet to listen to the CD.
"Of course, Goku, just try not to break my eardrums."
"'Kay." Carefully, Goku removed the John Coltrane CD.
Hakkai chewed on his lip; he might as well do some homework. "So tell me, what is it about this band that you like so much?"
"Hmm." Goku fiddled with the CD case. "They have this energy, I mean, sometimes their lyrics are kind of stupid and the drummer could be better, but the singer's really good. He makes up for everything. And don't tell Sanzo, but I think he's kinda hot. I've watched a few videos of him on YouTube, and you should see the crowd react to him. He just has something. It's like the audience gets hypnotized, I dunno how to explain it."
"Charisma."
"Yeah!" Goku nodded wildly. "That's totally it, charisma!"
"Well, that would certainly help a rock-and-roll band."
Goku slid the CD into the player. "Yeah. Then he starts tossing that red hair around, and the crowd goes crazy!"
Hakkai frowned. Red hair? He wracked his brain; what was the band's name on the CD? He'd read it in the liner notes. Something of something. A ridiculous name.
"Sanzo was right about them. They just announced their official break-up. Bummer."
All those nights at Kanan's talking about the band breaking up. Hakkai's memory eddied and coalesced.
A single electric guitar strained to spin the opening four bars, and then a second guitar joined it, repeating the same riff in sync. On the third refrain, drums and bass joined, and the rumbling sound reverberated through Hakkai's bones. The four pieces growled together in a loud crescendo of feedback, and then the singer began.
"Come on …
Let me talk to you
I've got a feeling
In my mind."
"Gojyo." Hakkai mistimed his clutch foot, and the gears barked in complaint as he said between clenched teeth, "Layer of Nicotine."
"Huh? What's wrong?" From a sideways view, Hakkai could see Goku put it together. "Hey! Is Sha Gojyo your new boyfr--I mean--that guy you're mad at?"
Hakkai's fingers tightened on the wheel. How could he have been so stupid?
Goku whooped. "Wow! He is! That's so cool! Hakkai, you totally have to let me meet him when you get over bein' mad! Please?"
"Aha ha ha, you must be mistaken." Hakkai forced a smile on his face and glanced at his friend. "I've never said anything about being angry with anyone."
"You never have to, 'cause you just make a really, really creepy happy face. Sanzo and me always know how you feel." Goku nodded his head in time with the music. "But that's probably because we know you so well."
Hakkai didn't say anything. Was he that obvious? He'd never gone into detail about his encounter with Gojyo, yet Goku seemed to know all about it. Of course, Goku was very astute.
"Anyway, I think it's really awesome that Gojyo's the guy you're in lo--um, the guy you've been seeing. There's a million people who would love to be in your shoes."
"Is that so?" Hakkai's mouth was dry.
"Yeah." Goku's enthusiasm faded. "But I guess that's not really your thing, is it?"
"No, Goku."
"Umm, you didn't know who he was, did ya?"
"No." Hakkai shook his head.
"He's so famous, he probably just figured you knew. Some people are stupid like that." Goku hummed along with the song.
Hakkai wasn't certain if Goku was referring to him or Gojyo as the stupid person. He supposed they both were. Even so, Hakkai still felt as if he'd been duped.
"Hakkai?"
"Hmm?"
"Why are you mad at him, anyway?"
That was a good question. "I'm not angry." He felt Goku's eyes staring at him. "I'd say I'm more confused."
"How come?"
"He's a bit more than I bargained for."
"Yeah? Ya mean being a rock star and all that, or 'cause he's not a shield like Kougaiji?" Goku's golden eyes sparkled with reflected sunlight. "You know, he's probably more scared than you are."
Hakkai almost mistimed a shift again. "What makes you say that?"
"He's a rock star. He's famous. People do mean things to famous guys. Make stuff up about them, try and get things from them." Goku tapped his fingers on his knee. "Have you read about all those paternity lawsuits?"
"Yes."
"That's what I'm saying. People have probably been really shitty to him." Goku looked over at him. "You wouldn't do that kind of stuff, and I'll bet you'd be really good for him."
Hakkai remembered Gojyo's look of fear when they'd last parted. Everything was beginning to make much more sense. Hakkai had been very unfair.
"Just go for it, will ya? Ya want him, so what's the worst that could happen?"
"Is there any way,
Is there any how,
Are there any words
That I can say to convince you?"
What was the worst that could happen? He supposed being pestered by the paparazzi would be inconvenient and annoying. He wasn't certain how he would feel about being Sha Gojyo's boyfriend. Life would definitely be more of a challenge. But probably not horrible; after all, Gojyo would be part of it.
Hakkai ran his hands over the wheel and really thought about Goku's question. What was the worst that could happen?
The answer was pathetically simple. The worst would be never seeing Gojyo again. Hakkai pressed his foot to the floor and started to chuckle.
"Umm, Hakkai? Are you all right?"
"Let's take the long way, shall we?"
"Oh, okay." Goku looked a bit unsure.
"And Goku?" He signaled for the mountain pass exit.
"Yeah?"
"Turn it up."
Goku giggled. "Yeah!"
The bar called Map of France was even smaller than Kanan's. As Hakkai approached the doors, he had a few second thoughts. Before he could run, however, a dark-haired fellow stepped toward him.
"Cho Hakkai?"
"Yes?"
The man held out his hand. "I'm Nataku. I'm the manager of Gojyo's new band. Unfortunately, they haven't come up with a name yet."
Hakkai shook his hand.
"Believe it or not, this place has a loft of sorts." There was a sparkle of humor in Nataku's gold eyes. "I resist calling it a balcony, as it's nothing so ostentatious. But at least we'll be out of the mosh pit. Of course, there is always the possibility that it might collapse and fall to the floor."
"Oh."
Nataku laughed. "They insisted on playing this place as a completely unknown band. They'll never learn that the minute the crowd catches a glimpse of my friend Kenren, the cat's out of the bag. This place will be a zoo by the time they end. Let's hope it doesn't burn to the ground while we're inside."
Hakkai blinked. "You call him Kenren?"
"Yes. He tends to go by that name until people get to know him, although he uses the name less these days. People know so much about him that the names are interchangeable, so it's become rather a moot point. Personally, I prefer calling him Kenren; I think it fits."
"Why would he do that?" Hakkai remembered his anger about that name. He felt like an ass.
Nataku shrugged. "No one ever said musicians were practical." He waved Hakkai toward a side door. "Let's go in."
A set of nearly vertical rickety stairs led up to what Nataku had referred to as the loft. Really, it wasn't so much of a loft, more just wooden beams with a slab of flooring running the width of the club, and about a quarter of the length. The bare, unfinished ceiling was close enough that Hakkai was worried about hitting his head on the timber supports or the bare light bulbs. The only thing between the open end of the loft facing the stage and the concert floor below was a flimsy wall of chicken wire.
"This looks terribly unsafe."
"Yes." Nataku sat down at a battered beer-keg table and motioned Hakkai to join him.
A short-haired man appeared and set down a bottle and an empty glass in front of each of them.
"Thank you, Zenon." Nataku picked up the bottle and pulled the stopper, pouring some of the amber-colored liquid into both glasses. "Kenren said you liked good scotch. I brought some of my private stash. It's a twenty-seven-year-old Glen Garioch. I hope you'll enjoy it."
Hakkai sipped, allowing the smoky peat flavor to unfold on his tongue, giving way to notes of blackcurrant and lavender with a bit of acidity. "Marvelous."
"I rarely find anyone with such a discerning palate in my line of business. I'm glad you approve."
"Very much so." Hakkai nodded as he looked over the floor and the short, two-foot-high stage. "This is a very small venue."
"I think they're just checking out this guitarist. But I don't think he'll work."
"No?"
"No. Although he'll tell you otherwise, Kenren's good enough on his own, they don't really need another guitarist." Nataku took a drink and hummed his approval. He leaned forward, eyes intense. "They keep telling me they want to change their sound. What they really want is a piano player."
Hakkai lifted his glass but didn't speak.
Nataku leaned back, his long hair falling over the back of the chair. "Look, let's get to the point. Gojyo's told me about your playing, and I know he wants you join them. Maybe you should give it a try."
"I've never played with--" Hakkai paused. He'd played hundreds of times with Hakuryuu and other bands, filling in when they were short. He'd spent several nights playing songs for and with Gojyo. "I don't know any rock songs." That wasn't true, either. Over the past few days, he'd been listening exclusively to the Layer of Nicotine CD and to an earlier band of Gojyo's called Tempest's Shadow.
"This is a jam session, it's nothing polished or pretty. There's hardly a crowd; it's Wednesday night, after all. You play at your bar, don't you?"
"Yes, but that's different." There was an upright piano on the small stage and Hakkai's fingers itched. He was surprised to realize he was considering the idea. "Maybe later."
Hakuryuu appeared and settled behind the drum kit. A young man with yellow hair joined him, followed by an attractive dark-haired girl. She was carrying a bass.
"Is that Yaone?"
Nataku nodded and opened the bottle of scotch again.
The small crowd started to mutter excitedly, and then the murmur swelled to screams when Jien and Gojyo stepped out together. They spent a couple of minutes tuning instruments while Gojyo sat on the edge of the small stage and talked to the crowd.
"So, hey ya'll! This night is experimental, so try not to judge us too harshly, okay?" His eyes looked up--searching. When he found Hakkai, he smiled. "Hey, you."
Hakkai raised his hand in acknowledgement and stared. Although Gojyo was only wearing his usual tight jeans and snug black t-shirt, he looked very tempting. Hakkai could feel his temperature climb.
Gojyo tipped his head toward the piano. "Come on. No strings."
"Yes, they'll all be texting their friends, and before long, the place will be overrun." Nataku took another drink. "Wouldn't you rather play now?"
He wanted to. Gojyo continued to talk to the crowd, but he looked up often, waiting for him. Hakkai thought about how dynamic Gojyo was and how he wasn't afraid to take chances. Hakkai was changing, resounding with Gojyo's compelling nature. Maybe now was a good time to take a chance.
He tossed back what was left in his glass and stood up. "Yes. I believe I will play."
Nataku nodded as if he'd been expecting the answer all along, his dark hair obscuring his gold eyes. "Zenon will take you."
Good scotch and the thought of playing left Hakkai feeling excited and keyed up. And Gojyo, of course. Zenon led him through a narrow hallway, a secret passageway around the crowd, and to the backstage. He stood there for a moment, hesitating before Hakuryuu saw him; he grinned and beckoned to him with his drumsticks. Hakkai pushed away the last of his excuses and stepped onto the stage.
Gojyo met him halfway across the stage, not saying anything but walking the distance to the piano with him all the same. He didn't need to speak; the look he gave Hakkai said everything: he'd been worried, and he was relieved to see Hakkai.
Hakkai sat at the piano looked around. Jien nodded his head in greeting and Yaone smiled at him and gave him a little bow.
"Well, Gojyo, what shall we play?" Yaone asked.
"How about 'Summertime'?"
Jien and Hakuryuu laughed. Yaone nodded, picking at her bass.
The guitarist gave a puzzled look. "You mean Gershwin?"
"Yeah, dude." Gojyo winked at Hakkai. "Gershwin."
Yaone set a slow, deliberate pace and Hakkai joined in as Jien slid his fingers along the neck of his Fender, imitating the sound of a steel guitar. Hakuryuu added hi-hat and snare drum, laying down a lazy beat for them to follow. The new guitarist struggled to pick up the melody, botching it a few times before Hakkai played along with him, helping him to find the sound as Jien wove harmonies around them.
The music invoked images of a hot, humid day, filled with purposely-languid movements that conserved energy in order to avoid the heat. Gojyo's smooth, sultry baritone filled the club and the crowd fell silent for a moment. Hakkai could see them swaying to the unhurried pace, mesmerized by the music and Gojyo's voice.
Summertime, and the living is easy
Fish are jumping, and the cotton is high
Hakkai's eyes slid closed, and he could feel the music mingle with a hot, summer day. His fingers followed the rhythm and synchronized with Gojyo's hypnotic voice. The tempo increased and the song changed, morphing into something the crowd and the guitarist knew, but it retained elements of "Summertime"; was the new bit something Gojyo had written?
All too soon, the song ended, and there were only moments before Gojyo shouted out a new song and Jien, Yaone, and Hakuryuu started once again. Gojyo hopped across the stage and sat down on the piano bench next to Hakkai, facing the crowd, their shoulders touching. Gojyo held off singing until Hakkai caught the tune and started to play. This song was slow as well. A ballad, Goku would say, but raw and intense.
Full moon sways,
Slowly on the surface of the lake
You were there,
Giving me a smile through all your pain
Gojyo was singing it for him, to him, and about him. And Hakkai didn't mind because something magical was happening. There was a connection between him, Gojyo, and the other musicians, as if they could feel the music, as if they shared an unspoken bond.
To his delight, most of the songs were easy enough to figure out, and after a few bars, he would join in. Even when he wasn't playing, Hakkai stayed on stage, watching the crowd's reactions or the tantalizing sheen of sweat on Gojyo's body; the whole night was very satisfying. And by the time they finished, the club was definitely exceeding its maximum capacity.
As Hakkai got up from the piano, a squealing, crying girl jumped on the stage, throwing her arms around him and kissing him soundly.
"Umm, Miss?" Hakkai saw Gojyo disappear from the stage, and he tried the pull the girl's arms off so he could follow, but she was stuck tight to him.
Zenon finally helped Hakkai, freeing him and pushing the young lady toward the exit. "Come on, girl." As he escorted the fan off the stage, he grinned over his shoulder at Hakkai. "Welcome to rock-and-roll."
Hakuryuu met Hakkai in the tiny back room, giving him a Gat-strength slap on the back. "I always knew there was a rock star inside you."
Hakkai blinked. "Why?"
Hakuryuu laughed. "Because you're so tragic."
"Hmm." Hakkai refused to allow Hakuryuu to tease him too much. "What about you? Are you joining this band?"
Hakuryuu saluted Hakkai with his sticks. "Yeah, I think so. We'll need to find someone new for the bar."
Hakkai shrugged. "I'm thinking of selling Kanan's anyway."
It was Hakuryuu's turn to blink. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, I think I am. I'm tired of worrying about it, Hakuryuu."
Hakuryuu blinked again, and then placed his hand on Hakkai's shoulder and squeezed. "That'll be the smartest thing you'll ever do."
"Hmm. You're the second person to say something like that. Do you really think so?"
Hakuryuu showed his sharp teeth. "Yeah. I know you love Kanan's, but that place is killing you. It'll be like you're starting a new life."
A new life? Hakkai felt better all ready. He looked around; the yellow-haired guitarist was already gone. "Have any of you seen Gojyo?"
Jien had a towel around his neck. "He left a few minutes ago."
"What?"
"Yes, out the door right there. If you hurry, you might catch him."
Hakkai nodded and quickened his pace out the door and into the parking lot, unsure what Gojyo's disappearance might mean. Did he not want to see Hakkai? Maybe what happened on stage always happened with Gojyo--maybe it was nothing special. Maybe--
Hakkai paused, inhaling the cleaner, fresh air of a crisp autumn night as he scanned for Gojyo. As he walked the length of the lot, he could hear a techno beat reverberating from inside Map of France--dance club music. The magic of the night was slipping away, and a surge of melancholy washed over him.
What would he do if Gojyo had already left?
As he neared his Ferrari, he slowed his steps. Lounging against his car's passenger door and blocked from view of the club's entrance by a large van was a man. Long limbs, long hair, and an unmistakable sexy slouch; it was definitely Gojyo. Hakkai shivered. Even from twenty feet away, his body was already reacting to Gojyo's presence. If Gojyo applied his charms, Hakkai would be unable to resist.
He didn't want to resist.
"There you are," Gojyo rumbled, his voice slightly hoarse from singing. "I've been waiting for you."
Hakkai looked about. "What are you doing out here?"
"Waiting for you." Gojyo straightened and angled closer to him. "I wanted to spend some alone time with you. You were awesome on stage."
Gojyo was too close, and Hakkai took an involuntary step back while he tried to contain his desires. The scent of Gojyo's pheromone-laden sweat wafted over him, making his knees weak. He tried to keep a hold on his desires, but Gojyo always undid him.
"Hakkai?" The purr of Gojyo's roughened voice enticed him. Gojyo raised his hand, and his fingers gently caressed Hakkai's cheek. "Do you have something to say to me?"
When he could finally speak, the sound he made was little more than a whisper. "Gojyo, I …"
Hands settled on each of Hakkai's hips, and Gojyo's eyes delved deep, searching. "Do you want to be with me? Did you miss me?"
"Yes." Hakkai nodded, his mouth dry. "And yes."
"Good," Gojyo sighed with relief. "Because I thought I'd go crazy waiting for you." Fingers pulled Hakkai forward, flush against Gojyo's body and into a passionate kiss. Hakkai opened his mouth and their tongues tangled in a release of pent-up desire as he pressed his hips forward, grinding against Gojyo's hardening erection.
He broke their kiss, breath ragged and composure completely frayed. "Gojyo, we are in public."
"Umm-hmm." Gojyo nuzzled at Hakkai's neck, singing softly into his ear. Low and sweet, singing about the full moon. The sound of Gojyo's song soothed Hakkai, and he relaxed. He licked his lips and tasted the salty remnants of Gojyo's sweat. There was no fighting this, not when Gojyo attacked all five senses at once.
Pleasure pulsed through his nerve endings and resonated with the seductive cadence of Gojyo's music. Gojyo's hands wiggled underneath his clothing, his warm palms pressing flat against Hakkai's back and shifting his hips. They rocked together, seeking the friction they both craved.
Gojyo crooned, "Yeah, there you go." He tugged open Hakkai's slacks and slid his hand inside. Fingers curled around Hakkai's cock, and his temperature soared. In a parking lot, in public.
"Mmm." Gojyo murmured appreciatively as his thumb rubbed against the slit of Hakkai's cock. "You're hard and wet. Sexy. I want to taste you. Can I?"
Hakkai tried to string enough words together to produce a coherent response, but instead all he muttered was a mish-mash of nonsensical noises. Somehow, though, Gojyo understood what he wanted.
Gojyo chuckled and dropped slowly down to his knees. Carefully, he drew down Hakkai's pants and boxers, freeing his heated erection and leaving him half-stripped and vulnerable in the cool night air. Gojyo gazed up at him, his red eyes dark with passion while his fingertips skimmed over Hakkai's aching balls. Gojyo's touches were hot bursts of electricity, but they weren't hard enough. In response, Hakkai's hips swayed forward and followed the teasing caresses. Gojyo's eyes shifted and he stared at Hakkai's eager flesh. "You are perfect."
"Gojyo …" Hakkai held his breath as Gojyo leaned close and his tongue licked away a smear of precome. Gojyo curled his fist around Hakkai's cock and then rubbed his cheek against his quivering erection.
Hakkai's fingers twined in long hair and yanked Gojyo's head toward his erection, growling with his impatience. "Gojyo, stop teasing."
Gojyo grinned up at him. "Okay." His tongue dragged down the front of Hakka's cock, applying firm pressure while his mouth followed. Wet heat engulfed Hakkai's erection until the tip bumped up against the back of Gojyo's throat. Gojyo shifted the angle of his head, and somehow Hakkai's cock slid completely inside.
"Gojyo," was all he could manage to whisper while his hands twisted in his lover's hair.
Gojyo's head started to move; and the intense suction was dizzying. Gojyo began to hum and the reverberations made Hakkai shake. At this rate, he wouldn't last long. He could hear voices in the distance, and he thought he should be concerned, but he wasn't. He didn't care if the whole world watched him get sucked off by Gojyo.
His balls tightened, and Gojyo moved a bit faster, his head nodding in time to the roaring sound of Hakkai's pounding heart. Gojyo's fingers gently rolled over Hakkai's sac and dipped lower, sliding through excess saliva and precome before rubbing against his perineum. Hakkai moaned and rocked his hips in a counter-rhythm to Gojyo's motions. He felt his cock thicken and a floating, coiling sensation was building, telegraphing pleasure to every synapse in his body.
Sparkling tracers exploded behind his eyes, and Hakkai groaned loud and long. His fingers tangled more tightly in Gojyo's hair and he pressed his erection deep down into Gojyo's throat. Muscles closed on him and caused his orgasm to crest and he came violently, spilling down Gojyo's waiting throat.
Hakkai's body convulsed a final time, and he released a shuddering breath. He loosened his death grip on Gojyo's hair and attempted to smooth out any snarls. "I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?"
Gojyo pulled away from him and smacked his lips. He stood up and shook his head. "Do I look hurt?"
Hakkai stared into Gojyo's dark, passion-filled eyes, and he shook his head. "No."
Gojyo reached out, caressing his cheek. "You worry too much, Hakkai."
Hakkai felt a wave of indescribable emotion. He didn't have a point of reference for the flood of affection he felt.
"Maybe we should go, huh?"
"But what about you?"
"I'll be fine." Gojyo tugged Hakkai's pants back into place and then kissed him.
Hakkai could taste himself on Gojyo's tongue, bitter and tangy and somehow erotic. Gojyo's erection bumped his hip and Hakkai realized he didn't want to go. Not yet. Time slowed for him as he turned them, reversing their positions. The buckle on Gojyo's pants came loose, and the buttons on the worn jeans practically fell open.
How different Hakkai's life had come to be in such a short amount of time; only weeks earlier he'd never have considered doing something like this. But now he enjoyed it--even needed it--and his erection was already returning.
"Hakkai? Are you--"
Sliding his fingers under silky fabric, he carefully pushed down Gojyo's boxers. His palm closed around the tip of Gojyo's wet, hard cock, and grew slick. Hakkai dragged his thumb over the slit as he closed his fist around Gojyo's ready erection.
Gojyo's body stiffened and he moaned.
Hakkai's hand easily slid the length of Gojyo's cock. Leaning back, he watched his fingers glide up and down, savoring the feel of hard flesh trembling under his touch.
"Hakkai?" Gojyo's voice was hoarse.
"Hmm?" He looked up. Gojyo's arms were at his sides gripping the car as his hips rolled in tempo with Hakkai's hand. Gojyo's expression was quite wanton and very alluring. Hakkai squeezed.
"Fuck, yeah." Gojyo's eyes closed and his cock thrummed in Hakkai's hand, splattering them both with his release. Gojyo shuddered one last time and then sighed. "Man, I needed that."
Hakkai raised his hand and licked at Gojyo's come. He could hear voices not far away, but he didn't care.
"Holy fuck, Hakkai, are you trying to kill me?"
Looking up, he saw Gojyo watching him lick at his fingers.
Gojyo shook his head and he dressed himself. "And here I thought you wouldn't let me jump you like this. You're almost too much for me to handle, you know? Almost."
That warm affection coursed through Hakkai's body again. He licked his lips. "Well, I've discovered I have no luck resisting you. You're changing me, Gojyo."
"Yeah? Well, that's only fair, since you're changing me, too." Gojyo grinned and pressed his forehead against Hakkai's. "Did Nataku talk you about joining the band?"
"A bit."
"And?"
Hakkai couldn't hide his smile. "Well, I did enjoy being on stage with you."
"Then, you should think about it."
Hakkai nodded and slipped his arms around Gojyo's neck. "I will."
Gojyo looked up as a pair of voices passed close by. He straightened. "Maybe we should finish this conversation at my place."
"Yes." Hakkai's erection hadn't dissipated. "There are a few more things I'd like to do tonight."
"There are, huh?" Gojyo raised an eyebrow. "Well, then, my bike's over this way."
Hakkai followed. "Um, Gojyo, may I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Well, maybe now's not the right time--considering what we've just done--but do you want to help me break up a wedding?"
"I don't know about that, Hakkai." Gojyo faced him, a frown on his face. "Isn't he your ex?"
"No." Hakkai laughed. "I believe he's your brother's ex."
"Oh." Gojyo stared at him, and this time he smiled. "Oh."
A few days later, they were driving toward Koukaiji's wedding. Hakkai wasn't certain what he had in mind would work, but it was all he could think of. He was glad Gojyo had decided to come with him, although Hakkai suspected some of his lover's enthusiasm was to cover up a bit of jealousy. Hakkai couldn't remember the last time someone had been jealous over him, and he was quite flattered.
They'd been on the road for nearly twelve hours, and during that time, they'd only made minor stops for necessities. Hakkai hadn't managed to frighten or surprise Gojyo with his driving. In fact, at the moment, Gojyo was reclined and asleep in the passenger seat.
But Hakkai was tired. He signaled and turned into a forest-lined cut-off. The paving job of the "road" left much to be desired, but the Ferrari managed it without many scrapes to the undercarriage. Hakkai reflected that while the car drove like a dream, it really wasn't very practical. And it was terribly expensive, burning through fuel at an alarming rate. Of course, he was partially responsible for that, driving it so hard.
There was a nice wide spot in the road, and he pulled over and cut the engine. The forest was very dark and quiet.
"Hakkai?" Gojyo stirred and stretched his arms. "Is something wrong?"
"No." Hakkai tried to suppress a yawn. "I need to close my eyes for a few minutes. I suppose we should have stayed at a hotel."
"Ah, but then would we arrive in time?"
"Probably. Maybe not. As it is, we'll get to the designated hotel on time, but I'd like to sleep a bit when we get there."
"You do know I can drive, don't you?" Gojyo chuckled and sat up. "I have a license and everything. You could rest while I drove."
Hakkai did know Gojyo could drive. He'd gotten on the back of Gojyo's bike, hadn't he? But even so, the offer caught him off guard. "I know. I'm just not used to this." He ran his fingers over the wheel. So much of his life had been spent taking care of others, it was hard for him to remember that he had someone--a partner--he could rely on.
"Come on." Gojyo got out and stretched again. "Man, it's beautiful up here. Come on out and look at the stars."
Hakkai climbed out, flexed his back, and stretched. The air was crisp, clean, and smelled of pine trees. There was a carpet of needles beneath his feet, muffling the sound of his steps. Gojyo strolled around the car, his eyes nearly glowing in the darkness. Hakkai experienced that indefinable emotion again, that warm swell in his chest.
Gojyo stopped, only inches away. He raised his hand and his fingertips gently brushed Hakkai's cheek. "Hakkai? Are you sure you're all right?"
Hakkai couldn't stop himself; he angled closer and kissed Gojyo.
Later, when he closed his eyes to sounds of the tires on the road and Gojyo's gentle hum, he wondered at his recent lack of control. His body still ached in a number of places from their quick and satisfying--if somewhat uncomfortable--tryst in the car. Then again, he supposed control wasn't really worth worrying about.
"Holy shit, you weren't kidding. This place is gigantic." Gojyo stared up at Kougaiji's mansion. "Man, a Ferrari must be like pocket change to this guy."
"Well, yes, it is rather large." Hakkai shut the car door and walked toward the front door. "I've gotten lost a few times."
"Does it have a swimming pool?" Gojyo ran to catch up.
Hakkai nodded and stopped in front of the dual doors. "Two inside. One out. All Olympic size. There's also a man-made lake out back."
"Figures." Gojyo faced Hakkai. "I hate swimming."
"Gojyo, while I believe you accompanying me is rather quaint, it's not really necessary."
"You think not, huh?"
Hakkai hesitated. There was an odd edge to Gojyo's voice. "Gojyo--"
"I know, I know. You need to talk to him. But that doesn't mean I have to like it." He kissed Hakkai long and hard, with tongue, pressing him against one of the doors. Gojyo's kiss left him breathless, but even so, Hakkai felt as if it might not be enough. Gojyo's eyes were very troubled as he raised his hand and touched Hakkai's hair. "Don't get lost, okay?"
Hakkai patted Gojyo's cheek. "You worry too much. We have about thirty minutes."
Gojyo nodded. "I'll come in and get you if you take longer."
"Gojyo--" Hakkai didn't finish; the set of Gojyo's jaw said it all. "Give me thirty minutes, that's all I'll need."
Tetsuya, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair, let Hakkai into the house. Tetsuya was a Kougaiji's loyal valet had been with Kougaiji for years. He never said much, but he gave Hakkai a rare smile.
"Good evening, sir."
"Hello, Tetsuya. Are you all ready?"
"Yes, sir."
Hakkai nodded. "They should be here soon."
"I understand."
The house was the same, large and sprawling, filled with a cool, melancholy emptiness. Hakkai had never noticed the last part before, and he wondered if perhaps that was why it had felt safe. He followed the sound of a piano, knowing exactly where he'd find Kougaiji.
Hakkai entered the room, feeling a wave of confusing nostalgia. Only two months had passed since he'd last occupied this room, but so much had changed that it felt like a lifetime ago. He cocked his head and listened, letting the sorrowful notes spiral around him. They told him everything he needed to know. Kougaiji was troubled and unhappy, more so than usual.
Kougaiji finished the song. When he looked up, he gave Hakkai a warm smile. "There you are. I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show."
Hakkai shook his head. "Of course, I would show, Kougaiji. You know me better than that."
"The hotel was supposed to notify me when you checked in."
"Ah, well." Hakkai coughed softly. "I'm staying in another hotel."
"Are you? Why?"
"It's a rather complicated story." Hakkai smiled. "And I'd rather hear about you. You seem determined to go through with this wedding."
"Hakkai, we've been through this."
Hakkai nodded. "Indeed we have, but I thought you might come to your senses, all the same."
"Hmm." Kougaiji raised an eyebrow. "Scotch?"
"Yes, thank you."
Kougaiji stood up. He was incredibly graceful, always using the minimal amount of body movement. Hakkai watched him, aware that he'd spent hours in the past watching Kougaiji, convinced he was in love. Now, he could still admire Kougaiji's catlike grace, but he knew that what he'd once felt was kinship, not love. He'd been comfortable in their combined misery.
Hakkai followed him to the liquor cabinet, immediately taking stock of the new brands. Kougaiji stepped back, urging Hakkai to pick out something he liked. Hakkai browsed through the vast selection and on a lower shelf, he spied a 20-year-old Cadenhead's and grabbed it.
He turned, handing the bottle to Kougaiji. "I think this one will do."
Kougaiji was staring at him, studying him intently. "You're different."
Hakkai tilted his head. "How so?"
"There's a quiet confidence radiating off you. Before, you would have deferred to my choice of scotch." Kougaiji took the bottle and poured them each a glass.
"Mmm." Hakkai took a sniff of his glass, slightly smoky with floral notes. "Wonderful."
"Oh, no, none of your avoidance, Hakkai." Kougaiji gave him a sad smile.
Hakkai gave himself an internal shake. Had Kougaiji always been this despondent? Hakkai was a selfish fool for never noticing, and he felt a surge of regret. He should have been a better friend to Kougaiji.
Hakkai realized that Kougaiji was still waiting for some sort of reply. "I'm sorry, Kougaiji, what did you say?"
"I have my sources, and they inform me that you're seeing someone."
"I am." Hakkai tried to fight the smile that always accompanied thoughts of Gojyo, but it was no use.
"Well, if I hadn't heard it from someone else, the look on your face just told me everything. I'm very pleased for you." He lifted his glass. "And a rock star, no less?"
Hakkai waited three heartbeats before he added, "His name is Sha."
"Sha?" Kougaiji started and almost dropped his glass.
"Yes." Hakkai measured Kougaiji's reaction carefully. So, he wasn't wrong about this; Kougaiji was still deeply attached to Jien. So many things made sense. "His name is Sha Gojyo."
Kougaiji frowned at him, but visibly relaxed.
"But what of you, Kougaiji?" Hakkai looked over the rim of his glass. "A loveless marriage while two people you do care for still wait. Why would you do that to them?"
Kougaiji sat down in a mahogany-colored leather chair and almost glared at Hakkai. "Be careful, Hakkai, some wounds remain raw."
"It took me a long time to understand why you kept yourself apart from everyone." Hakkai sat on a matching leather couch and crossed his legs, cradling his glass of scotch. He stared out the large windows, across the balcony and to the lake. The setting sun glittered off the water in pinks and purples. "In the end, I had to find out from someone other than you."
Kougaiji gave him that wistful smile again. "Are you angry that I didn't tell you?"
"I believe I am." Hakkai moved his gaze from the lake to Kougaiji's troubled features.
"And what would you have done with that knowledge?"
"Possibly, I wouldn’t have tried to convince myself that I cared for you beyond friendship." Hakkai rubbed his thumb across his glass. "Or, at the very least, I wouldn't have been so pathetically obvious about clinging to you."
Kougaiji chuckled. "Clinging is a term I would never use to describe you. Besides, I suspect I benefited more from our time together than you did."
"I appreciate your attempt at making me feel better, but it's not necessary."
"Why must you always be so difficult?" Kougaiji sighed. "You were the one who challenged me and kept me interested in music. If you hadn't been around, I would have quit three years ago. I had to keep playing to remain better than you."
Hakkai made a dismissive noise. "Please don't insult me, we both know I'm not in the same league as you."
Kougaiji shifted his shoulders deeper into the leather. "I suppose I do have something of a technical edge over you but, as you know, music is much more than technique alone. If we were to compare the feel of playing, you are miles ahead of me, my friend."
That wasn't possible. Was it?
Kougaiji watched him closely, and then chuckled again. "Believe me, you've literally kept me on my toes."
Hakkai shook his head and filed Kougaiji's words away. He would consider them later.
The feel of the room changed, darkening a little to match the sky. Kougaiji sat up a little straighter, and his voice was a little quieter. "Have you spoken to Jien?"
"Yes. Both him and Yaone." Hakkai took a drink of his scotch. "They still feel the same, you know. And they blame themselves."
Kougaiji shook his head. "How can they blame themselves?"
"The same way you've spent your life brooding over it."
"Brooding?" Kougaiji raised an eyebrow. "I don't--"
"Yes, you do." Hakkai smiled. "Trust me, I know brooding. We both like to wallow in it."
Kougaiji swirled his scotch in his glass. "I've followed their careers, you know. Layer of Nicotine and all. They've had a rather colorful time, haven't they?"
"They have." Hakkai set down his glass.
Faraway, a doorbell rang.
Hakkai's time was growing short. "I wanted you to know that I'm selling Kanan's."
"Are you?" Kougaiji shook his head. "You always said you never would."
"I know. Things can change, Kougaiji." Hakkai stood up. "Sometimes for the best."
Tetsuya appeared. "You have guests, sir."
Kougaiji's brow furrowed. "Who?"
"A Miss Yaone and a Mr. Jien. They insist on seeing you."
Kougaiji stared but didn't move. "Hakkai, are you responsible for this?"
Hakkai smiled. "Of course. After all, I'm your best man. I couldn't stand by and watch you marry someone you didn't love. If you can still go through with the marriage after you see them, we'll talk."
Kougaiji's eyes were wide and full of panic. He stood up. "But, you don't understand. I left them without a word. I hurt them deeply."
"And you weren't also hurt?"
"Yes, but---"
"You're no longer a child, Kougaiji. They are here because they want to see you, not to chastise you."
"Hakkai, the wedding's set, what would you have me do?"
Hakkai stepped forward and placed the Ferrari keys in Kougaiji's hand. "I would have you be happy. As I intend to be. Go. Talk to them. What's the worst that could happen?"
He turned for the door. "You know my number."
Hakkai walked down the familiar marble hallway, possibly for the last time.
"Mr. Cho?"
Hakkai turned to see Tetsuya. "Yes?"
The proper, dour older man did something that completely surprised Hakkai. He bowed deeply and said, "Thank you."
Hakkai smiled. "Nothing's decided yet. If the wedding gets cancelled, you can thank me then."
Tetsuya nodded stiffly. "Very good, sir."
Hakkai wanted out of the house; the place was stifling. He quickened his pace as he headed for the nearest exit, a glass door that emptied him out into Kougaiji's vast, immaculately-cared for garden. He exhaled the tension of the house, and inhaled the scent of jasmine. Then he went in search of Gojyo.
He was standing right where Hakkai had left him, and the smile Gojyo gave him made the recent discomfort ebb.
"Let's get the hell out of this place." Gojyo shivered. "It gives me the creeps. I feel like it's sucking out my soul."
"You're so dramatic. I thought you'd want to stay and see the outcome."
"Nah, I know my brother and Yaone. They'll talk it to death before anything's decided. Could be weeks before they figure it out."
Hakkai chewed on his lip. "They don't have weeks. They have twelve hours before Kougaiji's formidable stepmother shows up and tightens the noose around her meal-ticket of a step-son."
"Dude, you don't talk about people like that." Gojyo stuffed his hands in his pockets. "And considering what she's already done to split the three of them up, she must be a piece of work."
"I believe that's an understatement. Trust me when I tell you we will need to be very cautious for a while." Hakkai crossed his arms. "She's likely to come after all of us if this wedding doesn't go as planned."
Gojyo shrugged. "All the more reason to get the fuck out of here. It's not like we can do anything, anyway."
"Ah yes, about that--I'm afraid we can't go until our alternate means of transportation arrives."
"Alternate means of transportation?" Gojyo blinked, glanced at the Ferrari and then back at Hakkai. "But what about--"
"I returned the car to Kougaiji."
"You …" Gojyo's features softened into a lazy, yet somehow intimate, smile.
Hakkai felt his face heat, and he stared out toward the dark road. "Well, it wasn't really my kind of car."
Gojyo nodded. "Right."
"I'm definitely more practical."
"Uh-huh."
A few moments of silence passed before Gojyo asked, "So, what exactly are we waiting for?"
In the distance, Hakkai could see headlights. "I believe they are approaching now."
"Is that our ride?" Gojyo's voice had a skeptical edge to it. "Are you sure?"
The lights swerved over the road once and then a second time. "Yes, I'm positive." The car careened up the drive, and Hakkai grabbed Gojyo's arm, pulling him away from the circular driveway.
"What was that for?"
"I find it a good precaution to keep some distance between myself and the road when Sanzo is behind the wheel." Hakkai shook his head and clucked his tongue. "He's a terrible driver."
As if to punctuate Hakkai's observation, the comfortable-looking sedan scraped over the curbing and bounced onto the walkway before lurching to a stop.
"What the fuck? I guess you weren't kidding!"
"No." Hakkai could hear the arguing from inside the car.
Sanzo threw open the door and stepped out. A cigarette hung from his mouth, and his usual scowl was in place.
Goku, on the other hand, burst from the car in his energetic fashion, dropping from the oddly parked car and nearly rolling onto the driveway. "Man, I didn't think we were going to make it alive this time! We got lost, and Sanzo wouldn't listen to me even though I had the map!"
"Shut up," Sanzo snapped. He took a drag from his cigarette and stared at Hakkai and Gojyo. "Huh."
Goku looked at Hakkai and then Gojyo. His eyes widened, and he moved next to Sanzo, looking uncharacteristically shy. He whispered to Sanzo, "You didn't tell me he was gonna be here!"
"I didn't know." Sanzo's eyes narrowed in Hakkai direction. "Why aren't you at the hotel?"
"Ah, well, we had to make other arrangements."
"Why?"
Gojyo grinned. "Because of me. I'm not allowed in that hotel anymore. My band kinda wrecked it once."
Goku's eyes went even wider. "Was that the one you blew the windows out of?"
"Nah. I think it was the one we set on fire." Gojyo scratched the back of his head. "We had to do a bunch of charity shows to dodge jail-time on that one. At least, I think it was that one."
Goku hopped from foot to foot. "I can play all of your songs on my guitar."
"Shut up, Goku!" Sanzo pointed at Gojyo. "Don't give him ideas!"
Gojyo blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"He's dumb enough as it is; I don't want him to catch your stupidity, too." Sanzo blew smoke in Gojyo's face.
"You sanctimonious ass!"
"Ah, yes." Hakkai smiled at everyone. "Well, it appears introductions aren't necessary at this point, so I suggest we leave. The keys, if you please, Sanzo."
Sanzo handed them over and then walked to the passenger seat.
"Hey!" Gojyo ran to the passenger side door. "Why do you get to sit in the front? I'm the boyfriend!"
"It's my car." Sanzo flicked his cigarette butt onto Kougaiji's finely groomed lawn.
"It's not really your car, you rented it, Sanzo!" Goku chirped.
"Shut up."
"Oh, really?" Gojyo turned to Sanzo. "Then you should sit in the back with the runt. Besides, you don't want me corrupting him, do ya?"
"Who ya calling runt, ya perv?"
"Perv? Where'd you hear that?"
"I've read about ya!" Goku's voice was gaining volume. "All about ya!"
"That's just tabloids, you can't believe that shit!"
Hakkai slid inside the car and sighed with disappointment. An automatic.
Sanzo got in the car and slammed the door. "Drive."
"But Sanzo--"
"Leave them."
Hakkai started the car and waited. The two stragglers piled into the car, still arguing.
Sanzo exhaled, and then grabbed the crumpled up road map and whacked both Gojyo and Goku on the head. "I said, shut up!"
Hakkai was sure it wasn't painful, but they did fall silent for a few seconds. Hakkai spent the quiet time familiarizing himself with the controls and moving the seat to a comfortable position.
Unable to survive in the silence, Goku was the first to break. "Hey, Hakkai, are you really joining this dumbass's band?"
Gojyo growled, but he didn't say anything.
"I think so, Goku. Yes."
Sanzo stared out the window. "Huh."
"What? No fair!"
"Why do you say that?" Hakkai put the car in drive and eased it off the curbing.
"'Cause you were supposed to join my band!"
"Your band? Oh, puh-lease, dude. Do you even have a band?"
"Not yet, but I was gonna!"
Sanzo lit a cigarette. "I swear, you two are giving me a headache."
The sedan landed on the driveway with a bouncing thump. Hakkai nudged the accelerator and the car lunged forward. Hmm. At least it had a big engine.
As the car made the turn in the driveway, headlights framed the Ferrari. The sedan was very quiet again.
"It really was a cool car." Goku's voice was almost a whisper. "Will ya miss it?"
Hakkai drove on past, pausing at the driveway exit to check for oncoming traffic. He glanced into the review mirror and saw that Gojyo was watching him pensively.
"Hmm." He pressed his foot to the floor, and for a heartbeat, the tires threw gravel before they caught on the asphalt, squealing and propelling them forward and onto the road like a sling shot. No one spoke. Sanzo clutched the door handle, and from what he could see of Goku's reflection, he seemed a little green.
The speedometer read 105. Hmm, big engine, indeed. Hakkai pressed harder on the accelerator and shifted his gaze to the rearview again. Behind him, the mansion, the Ferrari, and much of what he'd known for the past three years faded from view. Everything but Gojyo.
Gojyo was still there, clasping the bar above the door and smiling at him in the mirror.
"No, Goku, I won't miss it at all."
End
Lyrics for Summertime by George Gershwin
Lyrics for 50cent Wisdom by The Beat Crusaders
Author: despina_moon
Rating: NC17
Pairing(s): Gojyo/Hakkai (Background Sanzo/Goku)
Disclaimer: Saiyuki belongs to Kazuya Minekura.
Summary: Hakkai's life isn't so good of late. He has a case of unrequited love, some serious financial issues, and a recently acquired fanboy. However, he's quick to notice that this isn't the average fanboy.
Notes: Written for 7thnight_smut and the following prompt:
Pairing/Prompt: Gojyo/Hakkai
Modern day. Rock band setting with Gojyo as the front man. You can decide what Hakkai's role is: eg. member of the band, manager, part of the music industry, or somebody outside of it that Gojyo is interested in.
Loads of thanks to the marvelous betafu and mad handholding from kispexi2 and whymzycal. Thank goodness they were there to talk me off the ledge and drag my sleep deprived, sorry ass across the finish line.
Warnings: Lots of sex. Romance. Misuse of a lovely Italian car. Did I mention lots of sex? More apologies to George Gershwin and The Beat Crusaders.
Love Me like Music - Part 4
Sanzo opened the door and stepped back, giving Hakkai room to enter. "About time. Goku's been nagging me all day wondering when you'd get here." Sanzo frowned and stared at Hakkai intently. "You look like shit."
"Hello, Sanzo." Hakkai slipped off his shoes and followed. "I'm afraid I haven't been sleeping well."
Sanzo lit a cigarette. "Is your rock star keeping you awake?"
"Rock star?" Hakkai furrowed his brow. "Are you referring to my relationship with Sha Gojyo?" They walked down the hall and into the living room. "Well, now that you mention it, yes. My relationship is what's bothering me--it's a little complicated."
"Really?" Sanzo looked over his shoulder. "We've had lots of nosy phone calls about you. Fucking reporters."
"Aha ha ha. A bit annoying, isn't it?"
Sanzo faced Hakkai and took a drag of his cigarette. "Very. Is that what's been keeping you awake?"
"Yes, well, I'm afraid the whole situation has been a little surprising to me."
Sanzo sat down. And waited.
Sitting in a comfortable chair across from Sanzo, Hakkai said, "As Hakuryuu would say, I've not kept up on current events."
"Stop being so fucking cryptic. Are you telling me you didn't know who he was?"
"Yes."
Sanzo raised an eyebrow.
Hakkai cleared his throat. "In my defense, I have spent the last three years absorbed in the world of classical music. Rock-and-roll figures aren't usually discussed in those circles."
"Uh huh." Sanzo leaned back.
"I'm a little out of my sphere of knowledge right now, and it's …" He struggled to find the right words, but all that came to mind were terrifying, exhilarating, and compromising. Hakkai sighed in frustration and changed the subject. "Kanan's was overrun last night."
"Hmm. So fucking a rock star has helped the bar?"
Hakkai frowned; he didn't like the connotations of what Sanzo was implying. "No … well, I suppose financially it has, but the patrons weren't there to see the band."
Sanzo took a drag. "Paying customers are paying customers."
His cynicism grated on Hakkai. "Kanan's isn't supposed to be a sideshow."
"And you've got your head in the sand. I thought business was supposed to profit." Sanzo scowled and shook his head.
"You're right. Lately, I've been wondering if I'm cut out for running the bar. Perhaps I am a bit too single-minded in my approach to business."
"Huh."
"I hung on to it because of Kanan and because I enjoy jazz, but I'm no club owner. I'll lose it one way or another soon enough, so I might as well leave on my terms."
After exhaling a cloud of smoke, Sanzo said, "That might be the smartest thing you'll ever do."
Hakkai didn't want to discuss Kanan's anymore. He fidgeted with his own cigarettes, trying to fight the urge to light one.
Sanzo didn't move. "Something else?"
Nodding, Hakkai said, "No." He fidgeted some more. "Last night I said some things to Gojyo that--well, I wasn't very nice to him."
Sanzo shrugged. "Now he knows your bitchy side, so what?"
Bitchy? Hakkai pick a piece of lint off his pants. "Do you know Gojyo?"
"Tch. He and his band were supposed to be a PR nightmare, but I find that sort of image too contrived. Bad publicity is golden in his line of work."
Hakkai mulled that over. "I suppose that is important for a rock-and-roll band."
"Don't tell me his past is bothering you." Sanzo lips twitched.
"He's so public. He's different, I guess."
"Different from who?" Sanzo crushed out his cigarette. "Kougaiji?"
Hakkai felt as if he'd been slapped. Had he been comparing Gojyo to Kougaiji? That was unfair and … a little cruel. And untrue. Gojyo was more--
"Hey, Hakkai, you're here!" Goku skidded into the living room, stocking feet sliding over the hardwood. "Did you bring the car?"
"Yes, Goku."
Goku stared at him and frowned. "What's wrong, Hakkai? You look kinda mad."
"I'm not mad, Goku, I assure you."
"Is it your new boyfriend?"
Hakkai gave an involuntary flinch.
Goku grinned. "What'd he do?"
"He's not my boyfriend." Hakkai's words came out a little sharper than he expected.
Goku blinked. "Oh, okay, if you say so."
"Are you ready to go?"
"Yep! Let's go!" Goku ran to the end of the hall.
Once in the car, Goku squirmed in his seat like an excited kid--his enthusiasm was infectious. "This car ROCKS, Hakkai! Do you love it?"
"I enjoy driving it, but no, I don't love it." Hakkai shifted smoothly into fifth, the car building speed with frightening ease.
"Yeah, I guess I understand that. It's sort of a reminder of Kougaiji, huh?"
"Yes, I suppose."
Goku laughed. "But I think you don't think about Kougaiji too much anymore. Well, I think that's good, 'cause he was more like a shield, anyway."
"A shield?"
"Yeah. Kougaiji was safe for you to like, 'cause he'd didn't feel the same way." Goku scratched his head. "But I get that, 'cause you don't wanna be hurt."
This conversation was getting a little too personal for Hakkai. "Goku--"
"Hey, can I play this?" Goku held up the CD that Sanzo had given Hakkai--the band who might be Hakkai's next agent job.
That discussion seemed so long ago, now. Hakkai had taken the CD and promptly forgotten about it, forgotten about everything, actually, because Gojyo had shown up in his life. He had yet to listen to the CD.
"Of course, Goku, just try not to break my eardrums."
"'Kay." Carefully, Goku removed the John Coltrane CD.
Hakkai chewed on his lip; he might as well do some homework. "So tell me, what is it about this band that you like so much?"
"Hmm." Goku fiddled with the CD case. "They have this energy, I mean, sometimes their lyrics are kind of stupid and the drummer could be better, but the singer's really good. He makes up for everything. And don't tell Sanzo, but I think he's kinda hot. I've watched a few videos of him on YouTube, and you should see the crowd react to him. He just has something. It's like the audience gets hypnotized, I dunno how to explain it."
"Charisma."
"Yeah!" Goku nodded wildly. "That's totally it, charisma!"
"Well, that would certainly help a rock-and-roll band."
Goku slid the CD into the player. "Yeah. Then he starts tossing that red hair around, and the crowd goes crazy!"
Hakkai frowned. Red hair? He wracked his brain; what was the band's name on the CD? He'd read it in the liner notes. Something of something. A ridiculous name.
"Sanzo was right about them. They just announced their official break-up. Bummer."
All those nights at Kanan's talking about the band breaking up. Hakkai's memory eddied and coalesced.
A single electric guitar strained to spin the opening four bars, and then a second guitar joined it, repeating the same riff in sync. On the third refrain, drums and bass joined, and the rumbling sound reverberated through Hakkai's bones. The four pieces growled together in a loud crescendo of feedback, and then the singer began.
"Come on …
Let me talk to you
I've got a feeling
In my mind."
"Gojyo." Hakkai mistimed his clutch foot, and the gears barked in complaint as he said between clenched teeth, "Layer of Nicotine."
"Huh? What's wrong?" From a sideways view, Hakkai could see Goku put it together. "Hey! Is Sha Gojyo your new boyfr--I mean--that guy you're mad at?"
Hakkai's fingers tightened on the wheel. How could he have been so stupid?
Goku whooped. "Wow! He is! That's so cool! Hakkai, you totally have to let me meet him when you get over bein' mad! Please?"
"Aha ha ha, you must be mistaken." Hakkai forced a smile on his face and glanced at his friend. "I've never said anything about being angry with anyone."
"You never have to, 'cause you just make a really, really creepy happy face. Sanzo and me always know how you feel." Goku nodded his head in time with the music. "But that's probably because we know you so well."
Hakkai didn't say anything. Was he that obvious? He'd never gone into detail about his encounter with Gojyo, yet Goku seemed to know all about it. Of course, Goku was very astute.
"Anyway, I think it's really awesome that Gojyo's the guy you're in lo--um, the guy you've been seeing. There's a million people who would love to be in your shoes."
"Is that so?" Hakkai's mouth was dry.
"Yeah." Goku's enthusiasm faded. "But I guess that's not really your thing, is it?"
"No, Goku."
"Umm, you didn't know who he was, did ya?"
"No." Hakkai shook his head.
"He's so famous, he probably just figured you knew. Some people are stupid like that." Goku hummed along with the song.
Hakkai wasn't certain if Goku was referring to him or Gojyo as the stupid person. He supposed they both were. Even so, Hakkai still felt as if he'd been duped.
"Hakkai?"
"Hmm?"
"Why are you mad at him, anyway?"
That was a good question. "I'm not angry." He felt Goku's eyes staring at him. "I'd say I'm more confused."
"How come?"
"He's a bit more than I bargained for."
"Yeah? Ya mean being a rock star and all that, or 'cause he's not a shield like Kougaiji?" Goku's golden eyes sparkled with reflected sunlight. "You know, he's probably more scared than you are."
Hakkai almost mistimed a shift again. "What makes you say that?"
"He's a rock star. He's famous. People do mean things to famous guys. Make stuff up about them, try and get things from them." Goku tapped his fingers on his knee. "Have you read about all those paternity lawsuits?"
"Yes."
"That's what I'm saying. People have probably been really shitty to him." Goku looked over at him. "You wouldn't do that kind of stuff, and I'll bet you'd be really good for him."
Hakkai remembered Gojyo's look of fear when they'd last parted. Everything was beginning to make much more sense. Hakkai had been very unfair.
"Just go for it, will ya? Ya want him, so what's the worst that could happen?"
"Is there any way,
Is there any how,
Are there any words
That I can say to convince you?"
What was the worst that could happen? He supposed being pestered by the paparazzi would be inconvenient and annoying. He wasn't certain how he would feel about being Sha Gojyo's boyfriend. Life would definitely be more of a challenge. But probably not horrible; after all, Gojyo would be part of it.
Hakkai ran his hands over the wheel and really thought about Goku's question. What was the worst that could happen?
The answer was pathetically simple. The worst would be never seeing Gojyo again. Hakkai pressed his foot to the floor and started to chuckle.
"Umm, Hakkai? Are you all right?"
"Let's take the long way, shall we?"
"Oh, okay." Goku looked a bit unsure.
"And Goku?" He signaled for the mountain pass exit.
"Yeah?"
"Turn it up."
Goku giggled. "Yeah!"
The bar called Map of France was even smaller than Kanan's. As Hakkai approached the doors, he had a few second thoughts. Before he could run, however, a dark-haired fellow stepped toward him.
"Cho Hakkai?"
"Yes?"
The man held out his hand. "I'm Nataku. I'm the manager of Gojyo's new band. Unfortunately, they haven't come up with a name yet."
Hakkai shook his hand.
"Believe it or not, this place has a loft of sorts." There was a sparkle of humor in Nataku's gold eyes. "I resist calling it a balcony, as it's nothing so ostentatious. But at least we'll be out of the mosh pit. Of course, there is always the possibility that it might collapse and fall to the floor."
"Oh."
Nataku laughed. "They insisted on playing this place as a completely unknown band. They'll never learn that the minute the crowd catches a glimpse of my friend Kenren, the cat's out of the bag. This place will be a zoo by the time they end. Let's hope it doesn't burn to the ground while we're inside."
Hakkai blinked. "You call him Kenren?"
"Yes. He tends to go by that name until people get to know him, although he uses the name less these days. People know so much about him that the names are interchangeable, so it's become rather a moot point. Personally, I prefer calling him Kenren; I think it fits."
"Why would he do that?" Hakkai remembered his anger about that name. He felt like an ass.
Nataku shrugged. "No one ever said musicians were practical." He waved Hakkai toward a side door. "Let's go in."
A set of nearly vertical rickety stairs led up to what Nataku had referred to as the loft. Really, it wasn't so much of a loft, more just wooden beams with a slab of flooring running the width of the club, and about a quarter of the length. The bare, unfinished ceiling was close enough that Hakkai was worried about hitting his head on the timber supports or the bare light bulbs. The only thing between the open end of the loft facing the stage and the concert floor below was a flimsy wall of chicken wire.
"This looks terribly unsafe."
"Yes." Nataku sat down at a battered beer-keg table and motioned Hakkai to join him.
A short-haired man appeared and set down a bottle and an empty glass in front of each of them.
"Thank you, Zenon." Nataku picked up the bottle and pulled the stopper, pouring some of the amber-colored liquid into both glasses. "Kenren said you liked good scotch. I brought some of my private stash. It's a twenty-seven-year-old Glen Garioch. I hope you'll enjoy it."
Hakkai sipped, allowing the smoky peat flavor to unfold on his tongue, giving way to notes of blackcurrant and lavender with a bit of acidity. "Marvelous."
"I rarely find anyone with such a discerning palate in my line of business. I'm glad you approve."
"Very much so." Hakkai nodded as he looked over the floor and the short, two-foot-high stage. "This is a very small venue."
"I think they're just checking out this guitarist. But I don't think he'll work."
"No?"
"No. Although he'll tell you otherwise, Kenren's good enough on his own, they don't really need another guitarist." Nataku took a drink and hummed his approval. He leaned forward, eyes intense. "They keep telling me they want to change their sound. What they really want is a piano player."
Hakkai lifted his glass but didn't speak.
Nataku leaned back, his long hair falling over the back of the chair. "Look, let's get to the point. Gojyo's told me about your playing, and I know he wants you join them. Maybe you should give it a try."
"I've never played with--" Hakkai paused. He'd played hundreds of times with Hakuryuu and other bands, filling in when they were short. He'd spent several nights playing songs for and with Gojyo. "I don't know any rock songs." That wasn't true, either. Over the past few days, he'd been listening exclusively to the Layer of Nicotine CD and to an earlier band of Gojyo's called Tempest's Shadow.
"This is a jam session, it's nothing polished or pretty. There's hardly a crowd; it's Wednesday night, after all. You play at your bar, don't you?"
"Yes, but that's different." There was an upright piano on the small stage and Hakkai's fingers itched. He was surprised to realize he was considering the idea. "Maybe later."
Hakuryuu appeared and settled behind the drum kit. A young man with yellow hair joined him, followed by an attractive dark-haired girl. She was carrying a bass.
"Is that Yaone?"
Nataku nodded and opened the bottle of scotch again.
The small crowd started to mutter excitedly, and then the murmur swelled to screams when Jien and Gojyo stepped out together. They spent a couple of minutes tuning instruments while Gojyo sat on the edge of the small stage and talked to the crowd.
"So, hey ya'll! This night is experimental, so try not to judge us too harshly, okay?" His eyes looked up--searching. When he found Hakkai, he smiled. "Hey, you."
Hakkai raised his hand in acknowledgement and stared. Although Gojyo was only wearing his usual tight jeans and snug black t-shirt, he looked very tempting. Hakkai could feel his temperature climb.
Gojyo tipped his head toward the piano. "Come on. No strings."
"Yes, they'll all be texting their friends, and before long, the place will be overrun." Nataku took another drink. "Wouldn't you rather play now?"
He wanted to. Gojyo continued to talk to the crowd, but he looked up often, waiting for him. Hakkai thought about how dynamic Gojyo was and how he wasn't afraid to take chances. Hakkai was changing, resounding with Gojyo's compelling nature. Maybe now was a good time to take a chance.
He tossed back what was left in his glass and stood up. "Yes. I believe I will play."
Nataku nodded as if he'd been expecting the answer all along, his dark hair obscuring his gold eyes. "Zenon will take you."
Good scotch and the thought of playing left Hakkai feeling excited and keyed up. And Gojyo, of course. Zenon led him through a narrow hallway, a secret passageway around the crowd, and to the backstage. He stood there for a moment, hesitating before Hakuryuu saw him; he grinned and beckoned to him with his drumsticks. Hakkai pushed away the last of his excuses and stepped onto the stage.
Gojyo met him halfway across the stage, not saying anything but walking the distance to the piano with him all the same. He didn't need to speak; the look he gave Hakkai said everything: he'd been worried, and he was relieved to see Hakkai.
Hakkai sat at the piano looked around. Jien nodded his head in greeting and Yaone smiled at him and gave him a little bow.
"Well, Gojyo, what shall we play?" Yaone asked.
"How about 'Summertime'?"
Jien and Hakuryuu laughed. Yaone nodded, picking at her bass.
The guitarist gave a puzzled look. "You mean Gershwin?"
"Yeah, dude." Gojyo winked at Hakkai. "Gershwin."
Yaone set a slow, deliberate pace and Hakkai joined in as Jien slid his fingers along the neck of his Fender, imitating the sound of a steel guitar. Hakuryuu added hi-hat and snare drum, laying down a lazy beat for them to follow. The new guitarist struggled to pick up the melody, botching it a few times before Hakkai played along with him, helping him to find the sound as Jien wove harmonies around them.
The music invoked images of a hot, humid day, filled with purposely-languid movements that conserved energy in order to avoid the heat. Gojyo's smooth, sultry baritone filled the club and the crowd fell silent for a moment. Hakkai could see them swaying to the unhurried pace, mesmerized by the music and Gojyo's voice.
Summertime, and the living is easy
Fish are jumping, and the cotton is high
Hakkai's eyes slid closed, and he could feel the music mingle with a hot, summer day. His fingers followed the rhythm and synchronized with Gojyo's hypnotic voice. The tempo increased and the song changed, morphing into something the crowd and the guitarist knew, but it retained elements of "Summertime"; was the new bit something Gojyo had written?
All too soon, the song ended, and there were only moments before Gojyo shouted out a new song and Jien, Yaone, and Hakuryuu started once again. Gojyo hopped across the stage and sat down on the piano bench next to Hakkai, facing the crowd, their shoulders touching. Gojyo held off singing until Hakkai caught the tune and started to play. This song was slow as well. A ballad, Goku would say, but raw and intense.
Full moon sways,
Slowly on the surface of the lake
You were there,
Giving me a smile through all your pain
Gojyo was singing it for him, to him, and about him. And Hakkai didn't mind because something magical was happening. There was a connection between him, Gojyo, and the other musicians, as if they could feel the music, as if they shared an unspoken bond.
To his delight, most of the songs were easy enough to figure out, and after a few bars, he would join in. Even when he wasn't playing, Hakkai stayed on stage, watching the crowd's reactions or the tantalizing sheen of sweat on Gojyo's body; the whole night was very satisfying. And by the time they finished, the club was definitely exceeding its maximum capacity.
As Hakkai got up from the piano, a squealing, crying girl jumped on the stage, throwing her arms around him and kissing him soundly.
"Umm, Miss?" Hakkai saw Gojyo disappear from the stage, and he tried the pull the girl's arms off so he could follow, but she was stuck tight to him.
Zenon finally helped Hakkai, freeing him and pushing the young lady toward the exit. "Come on, girl." As he escorted the fan off the stage, he grinned over his shoulder at Hakkai. "Welcome to rock-and-roll."
Hakuryuu met Hakkai in the tiny back room, giving him a Gat-strength slap on the back. "I always knew there was a rock star inside you."
Hakkai blinked. "Why?"
Hakuryuu laughed. "Because you're so tragic."
"Hmm." Hakkai refused to allow Hakuryuu to tease him too much. "What about you? Are you joining this band?"
Hakuryuu saluted Hakkai with his sticks. "Yeah, I think so. We'll need to find someone new for the bar."
Hakkai shrugged. "I'm thinking of selling Kanan's anyway."
It was Hakuryuu's turn to blink. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, I think I am. I'm tired of worrying about it, Hakuryuu."
Hakuryuu blinked again, and then placed his hand on Hakkai's shoulder and squeezed. "That'll be the smartest thing you'll ever do."
"Hmm. You're the second person to say something like that. Do you really think so?"
Hakuryuu showed his sharp teeth. "Yeah. I know you love Kanan's, but that place is killing you. It'll be like you're starting a new life."
A new life? Hakkai felt better all ready. He looked around; the yellow-haired guitarist was already gone. "Have any of you seen Gojyo?"
Jien had a towel around his neck. "He left a few minutes ago."
"What?"
"Yes, out the door right there. If you hurry, you might catch him."
Hakkai nodded and quickened his pace out the door and into the parking lot, unsure what Gojyo's disappearance might mean. Did he not want to see Hakkai? Maybe what happened on stage always happened with Gojyo--maybe it was nothing special. Maybe--
Hakkai paused, inhaling the cleaner, fresh air of a crisp autumn night as he scanned for Gojyo. As he walked the length of the lot, he could hear a techno beat reverberating from inside Map of France--dance club music. The magic of the night was slipping away, and a surge of melancholy washed over him.
What would he do if Gojyo had already left?
As he neared his Ferrari, he slowed his steps. Lounging against his car's passenger door and blocked from view of the club's entrance by a large van was a man. Long limbs, long hair, and an unmistakable sexy slouch; it was definitely Gojyo. Hakkai shivered. Even from twenty feet away, his body was already reacting to Gojyo's presence. If Gojyo applied his charms, Hakkai would be unable to resist.
He didn't want to resist.
"There you are," Gojyo rumbled, his voice slightly hoarse from singing. "I've been waiting for you."
Hakkai looked about. "What are you doing out here?"
"Waiting for you." Gojyo straightened and angled closer to him. "I wanted to spend some alone time with you. You were awesome on stage."
Gojyo was too close, and Hakkai took an involuntary step back while he tried to contain his desires. The scent of Gojyo's pheromone-laden sweat wafted over him, making his knees weak. He tried to keep a hold on his desires, but Gojyo always undid him.
"Hakkai?" The purr of Gojyo's roughened voice enticed him. Gojyo raised his hand, and his fingers gently caressed Hakkai's cheek. "Do you have something to say to me?"
When he could finally speak, the sound he made was little more than a whisper. "Gojyo, I …"
Hands settled on each of Hakkai's hips, and Gojyo's eyes delved deep, searching. "Do you want to be with me? Did you miss me?"
"Yes." Hakkai nodded, his mouth dry. "And yes."
"Good," Gojyo sighed with relief. "Because I thought I'd go crazy waiting for you." Fingers pulled Hakkai forward, flush against Gojyo's body and into a passionate kiss. Hakkai opened his mouth and their tongues tangled in a release of pent-up desire as he pressed his hips forward, grinding against Gojyo's hardening erection.
He broke their kiss, breath ragged and composure completely frayed. "Gojyo, we are in public."
"Umm-hmm." Gojyo nuzzled at Hakkai's neck, singing softly into his ear. Low and sweet, singing about the full moon. The sound of Gojyo's song soothed Hakkai, and he relaxed. He licked his lips and tasted the salty remnants of Gojyo's sweat. There was no fighting this, not when Gojyo attacked all five senses at once.
Pleasure pulsed through his nerve endings and resonated with the seductive cadence of Gojyo's music. Gojyo's hands wiggled underneath his clothing, his warm palms pressing flat against Hakkai's back and shifting his hips. They rocked together, seeking the friction they both craved.
Gojyo crooned, "Yeah, there you go." He tugged open Hakkai's slacks and slid his hand inside. Fingers curled around Hakkai's cock, and his temperature soared. In a parking lot, in public.
"Mmm." Gojyo murmured appreciatively as his thumb rubbed against the slit of Hakkai's cock. "You're hard and wet. Sexy. I want to taste you. Can I?"
Hakkai tried to string enough words together to produce a coherent response, but instead all he muttered was a mish-mash of nonsensical noises. Somehow, though, Gojyo understood what he wanted.
Gojyo chuckled and dropped slowly down to his knees. Carefully, he drew down Hakkai's pants and boxers, freeing his heated erection and leaving him half-stripped and vulnerable in the cool night air. Gojyo gazed up at him, his red eyes dark with passion while his fingertips skimmed over Hakkai's aching balls. Gojyo's touches were hot bursts of electricity, but they weren't hard enough. In response, Hakkai's hips swayed forward and followed the teasing caresses. Gojyo's eyes shifted and he stared at Hakkai's eager flesh. "You are perfect."
"Gojyo …" Hakkai held his breath as Gojyo leaned close and his tongue licked away a smear of precome. Gojyo curled his fist around Hakkai's cock and then rubbed his cheek against his quivering erection.
Hakkai's fingers twined in long hair and yanked Gojyo's head toward his erection, growling with his impatience. "Gojyo, stop teasing."
Gojyo grinned up at him. "Okay." His tongue dragged down the front of Hakka's cock, applying firm pressure while his mouth followed. Wet heat engulfed Hakkai's erection until the tip bumped up against the back of Gojyo's throat. Gojyo shifted the angle of his head, and somehow Hakkai's cock slid completely inside.
"Gojyo," was all he could manage to whisper while his hands twisted in his lover's hair.
Gojyo's head started to move; and the intense suction was dizzying. Gojyo began to hum and the reverberations made Hakkai shake. At this rate, he wouldn't last long. He could hear voices in the distance, and he thought he should be concerned, but he wasn't. He didn't care if the whole world watched him get sucked off by Gojyo.
His balls tightened, and Gojyo moved a bit faster, his head nodding in time to the roaring sound of Hakkai's pounding heart. Gojyo's fingers gently rolled over Hakkai's sac and dipped lower, sliding through excess saliva and precome before rubbing against his perineum. Hakkai moaned and rocked his hips in a counter-rhythm to Gojyo's motions. He felt his cock thicken and a floating, coiling sensation was building, telegraphing pleasure to every synapse in his body.
Sparkling tracers exploded behind his eyes, and Hakkai groaned loud and long. His fingers tangled more tightly in Gojyo's hair and he pressed his erection deep down into Gojyo's throat. Muscles closed on him and caused his orgasm to crest and he came violently, spilling down Gojyo's waiting throat.
Hakkai's body convulsed a final time, and he released a shuddering breath. He loosened his death grip on Gojyo's hair and attempted to smooth out any snarls. "I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?"
Gojyo pulled away from him and smacked his lips. He stood up and shook his head. "Do I look hurt?"
Hakkai stared into Gojyo's dark, passion-filled eyes, and he shook his head. "No."
Gojyo reached out, caressing his cheek. "You worry too much, Hakkai."
Hakkai felt a wave of indescribable emotion. He didn't have a point of reference for the flood of affection he felt.
"Maybe we should go, huh?"
"But what about you?"
"I'll be fine." Gojyo tugged Hakkai's pants back into place and then kissed him.
Hakkai could taste himself on Gojyo's tongue, bitter and tangy and somehow erotic. Gojyo's erection bumped his hip and Hakkai realized he didn't want to go. Not yet. Time slowed for him as he turned them, reversing their positions. The buckle on Gojyo's pants came loose, and the buttons on the worn jeans practically fell open.
How different Hakkai's life had come to be in such a short amount of time; only weeks earlier he'd never have considered doing something like this. But now he enjoyed it--even needed it--and his erection was already returning.
"Hakkai? Are you--"
Sliding his fingers under silky fabric, he carefully pushed down Gojyo's boxers. His palm closed around the tip of Gojyo's wet, hard cock, and grew slick. Hakkai dragged his thumb over the slit as he closed his fist around Gojyo's ready erection.
Gojyo's body stiffened and he moaned.
Hakkai's hand easily slid the length of Gojyo's cock. Leaning back, he watched his fingers glide up and down, savoring the feel of hard flesh trembling under his touch.
"Hakkai?" Gojyo's voice was hoarse.
"Hmm?" He looked up. Gojyo's arms were at his sides gripping the car as his hips rolled in tempo with Hakkai's hand. Gojyo's expression was quite wanton and very alluring. Hakkai squeezed.
"Fuck, yeah." Gojyo's eyes closed and his cock thrummed in Hakkai's hand, splattering them both with his release. Gojyo shuddered one last time and then sighed. "Man, I needed that."
Hakkai raised his hand and licked at Gojyo's come. He could hear voices not far away, but he didn't care.
"Holy fuck, Hakkai, are you trying to kill me?"
Looking up, he saw Gojyo watching him lick at his fingers.
Gojyo shook his head and he dressed himself. "And here I thought you wouldn't let me jump you like this. You're almost too much for me to handle, you know? Almost."
That warm affection coursed through Hakkai's body again. He licked his lips. "Well, I've discovered I have no luck resisting you. You're changing me, Gojyo."
"Yeah? Well, that's only fair, since you're changing me, too." Gojyo grinned and pressed his forehead against Hakkai's. "Did Nataku talk you about joining the band?"
"A bit."
"And?"
Hakkai couldn't hide his smile. "Well, I did enjoy being on stage with you."
"Then, you should think about it."
Hakkai nodded and slipped his arms around Gojyo's neck. "I will."
Gojyo looked up as a pair of voices passed close by. He straightened. "Maybe we should finish this conversation at my place."
"Yes." Hakkai's erection hadn't dissipated. "There are a few more things I'd like to do tonight."
"There are, huh?" Gojyo raised an eyebrow. "Well, then, my bike's over this way."
Hakkai followed. "Um, Gojyo, may I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Well, maybe now's not the right time--considering what we've just done--but do you want to help me break up a wedding?"
"I don't know about that, Hakkai." Gojyo faced him, a frown on his face. "Isn't he your ex?"
"No." Hakkai laughed. "I believe he's your brother's ex."
"Oh." Gojyo stared at him, and this time he smiled. "Oh."
A few days later, they were driving toward Koukaiji's wedding. Hakkai wasn't certain what he had in mind would work, but it was all he could think of. He was glad Gojyo had decided to come with him, although Hakkai suspected some of his lover's enthusiasm was to cover up a bit of jealousy. Hakkai couldn't remember the last time someone had been jealous over him, and he was quite flattered.
They'd been on the road for nearly twelve hours, and during that time, they'd only made minor stops for necessities. Hakkai hadn't managed to frighten or surprise Gojyo with his driving. In fact, at the moment, Gojyo was reclined and asleep in the passenger seat.
But Hakkai was tired. He signaled and turned into a forest-lined cut-off. The paving job of the "road" left much to be desired, but the Ferrari managed it without many scrapes to the undercarriage. Hakkai reflected that while the car drove like a dream, it really wasn't very practical. And it was terribly expensive, burning through fuel at an alarming rate. Of course, he was partially responsible for that, driving it so hard.
There was a nice wide spot in the road, and he pulled over and cut the engine. The forest was very dark and quiet.
"Hakkai?" Gojyo stirred and stretched his arms. "Is something wrong?"
"No." Hakkai tried to suppress a yawn. "I need to close my eyes for a few minutes. I suppose we should have stayed at a hotel."
"Ah, but then would we arrive in time?"
"Probably. Maybe not. As it is, we'll get to the designated hotel on time, but I'd like to sleep a bit when we get there."
"You do know I can drive, don't you?" Gojyo chuckled and sat up. "I have a license and everything. You could rest while I drove."
Hakkai did know Gojyo could drive. He'd gotten on the back of Gojyo's bike, hadn't he? But even so, the offer caught him off guard. "I know. I'm just not used to this." He ran his fingers over the wheel. So much of his life had been spent taking care of others, it was hard for him to remember that he had someone--a partner--he could rely on.
"Come on." Gojyo got out and stretched again. "Man, it's beautiful up here. Come on out and look at the stars."
Hakkai climbed out, flexed his back, and stretched. The air was crisp, clean, and smelled of pine trees. There was a carpet of needles beneath his feet, muffling the sound of his steps. Gojyo strolled around the car, his eyes nearly glowing in the darkness. Hakkai experienced that indefinable emotion again, that warm swell in his chest.
Gojyo stopped, only inches away. He raised his hand and his fingertips gently brushed Hakkai's cheek. "Hakkai? Are you sure you're all right?"
Hakkai couldn't stop himself; he angled closer and kissed Gojyo.
Later, when he closed his eyes to sounds of the tires on the road and Gojyo's gentle hum, he wondered at his recent lack of control. His body still ached in a number of places from their quick and satisfying--if somewhat uncomfortable--tryst in the car. Then again, he supposed control wasn't really worth worrying about.
"Holy shit, you weren't kidding. This place is gigantic." Gojyo stared up at Kougaiji's mansion. "Man, a Ferrari must be like pocket change to this guy."
"Well, yes, it is rather large." Hakkai shut the car door and walked toward the front door. "I've gotten lost a few times."
"Does it have a swimming pool?" Gojyo ran to catch up.
Hakkai nodded and stopped in front of the dual doors. "Two inside. One out. All Olympic size. There's also a man-made lake out back."
"Figures." Gojyo faced Hakkai. "I hate swimming."
"Gojyo, while I believe you accompanying me is rather quaint, it's not really necessary."
"You think not, huh?"
Hakkai hesitated. There was an odd edge to Gojyo's voice. "Gojyo--"
"I know, I know. You need to talk to him. But that doesn't mean I have to like it." He kissed Hakkai long and hard, with tongue, pressing him against one of the doors. Gojyo's kiss left him breathless, but even so, Hakkai felt as if it might not be enough. Gojyo's eyes were very troubled as he raised his hand and touched Hakkai's hair. "Don't get lost, okay?"
Hakkai patted Gojyo's cheek. "You worry too much. We have about thirty minutes."
Gojyo nodded. "I'll come in and get you if you take longer."
"Gojyo--" Hakkai didn't finish; the set of Gojyo's jaw said it all. "Give me thirty minutes, that's all I'll need."
Tetsuya, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair, let Hakkai into the house. Tetsuya was a Kougaiji's loyal valet had been with Kougaiji for years. He never said much, but he gave Hakkai a rare smile.
"Good evening, sir."
"Hello, Tetsuya. Are you all ready?"
"Yes, sir."
Hakkai nodded. "They should be here soon."
"I understand."
The house was the same, large and sprawling, filled with a cool, melancholy emptiness. Hakkai had never noticed the last part before, and he wondered if perhaps that was why it had felt safe. He followed the sound of a piano, knowing exactly where he'd find Kougaiji.
Hakkai entered the room, feeling a wave of confusing nostalgia. Only two months had passed since he'd last occupied this room, but so much had changed that it felt like a lifetime ago. He cocked his head and listened, letting the sorrowful notes spiral around him. They told him everything he needed to know. Kougaiji was troubled and unhappy, more so than usual.
Kougaiji finished the song. When he looked up, he gave Hakkai a warm smile. "There you are. I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show."
Hakkai shook his head. "Of course, I would show, Kougaiji. You know me better than that."
"The hotel was supposed to notify me when you checked in."
"Ah, well." Hakkai coughed softly. "I'm staying in another hotel."
"Are you? Why?"
"It's a rather complicated story." Hakkai smiled. "And I'd rather hear about you. You seem determined to go through with this wedding."
"Hakkai, we've been through this."
Hakkai nodded. "Indeed we have, but I thought you might come to your senses, all the same."
"Hmm." Kougaiji raised an eyebrow. "Scotch?"
"Yes, thank you."
Kougaiji stood up. He was incredibly graceful, always using the minimal amount of body movement. Hakkai watched him, aware that he'd spent hours in the past watching Kougaiji, convinced he was in love. Now, he could still admire Kougaiji's catlike grace, but he knew that what he'd once felt was kinship, not love. He'd been comfortable in their combined misery.
Hakkai followed him to the liquor cabinet, immediately taking stock of the new brands. Kougaiji stepped back, urging Hakkai to pick out something he liked. Hakkai browsed through the vast selection and on a lower shelf, he spied a 20-year-old Cadenhead's and grabbed it.
He turned, handing the bottle to Kougaiji. "I think this one will do."
Kougaiji was staring at him, studying him intently. "You're different."
Hakkai tilted his head. "How so?"
"There's a quiet confidence radiating off you. Before, you would have deferred to my choice of scotch." Kougaiji took the bottle and poured them each a glass.
"Mmm." Hakkai took a sniff of his glass, slightly smoky with floral notes. "Wonderful."
"Oh, no, none of your avoidance, Hakkai." Kougaiji gave him a sad smile.
Hakkai gave himself an internal shake. Had Kougaiji always been this despondent? Hakkai was a selfish fool for never noticing, and he felt a surge of regret. He should have been a better friend to Kougaiji.
Hakkai realized that Kougaiji was still waiting for some sort of reply. "I'm sorry, Kougaiji, what did you say?"
"I have my sources, and they inform me that you're seeing someone."
"I am." Hakkai tried to fight the smile that always accompanied thoughts of Gojyo, but it was no use.
"Well, if I hadn't heard it from someone else, the look on your face just told me everything. I'm very pleased for you." He lifted his glass. "And a rock star, no less?"
Hakkai waited three heartbeats before he added, "His name is Sha."
"Sha?" Kougaiji started and almost dropped his glass.
"Yes." Hakkai measured Kougaiji's reaction carefully. So, he wasn't wrong about this; Kougaiji was still deeply attached to Jien. So many things made sense. "His name is Sha Gojyo."
Kougaiji frowned at him, but visibly relaxed.
"But what of you, Kougaiji?" Hakkai looked over the rim of his glass. "A loveless marriage while two people you do care for still wait. Why would you do that to them?"
Kougaiji sat down in a mahogany-colored leather chair and almost glared at Hakkai. "Be careful, Hakkai, some wounds remain raw."
"It took me a long time to understand why you kept yourself apart from everyone." Hakkai sat on a matching leather couch and crossed his legs, cradling his glass of scotch. He stared out the large windows, across the balcony and to the lake. The setting sun glittered off the water in pinks and purples. "In the end, I had to find out from someone other than you."
Kougaiji gave him that wistful smile again. "Are you angry that I didn't tell you?"
"I believe I am." Hakkai moved his gaze from the lake to Kougaiji's troubled features.
"And what would you have done with that knowledge?"
"Possibly, I wouldn’t have tried to convince myself that I cared for you beyond friendship." Hakkai rubbed his thumb across his glass. "Or, at the very least, I wouldn't have been so pathetically obvious about clinging to you."
Kougaiji chuckled. "Clinging is a term I would never use to describe you. Besides, I suspect I benefited more from our time together than you did."
"I appreciate your attempt at making me feel better, but it's not necessary."
"Why must you always be so difficult?" Kougaiji sighed. "You were the one who challenged me and kept me interested in music. If you hadn't been around, I would have quit three years ago. I had to keep playing to remain better than you."
Hakkai made a dismissive noise. "Please don't insult me, we both know I'm not in the same league as you."
Kougaiji shifted his shoulders deeper into the leather. "I suppose I do have something of a technical edge over you but, as you know, music is much more than technique alone. If we were to compare the feel of playing, you are miles ahead of me, my friend."
That wasn't possible. Was it?
Kougaiji watched him closely, and then chuckled again. "Believe me, you've literally kept me on my toes."
Hakkai shook his head and filed Kougaiji's words away. He would consider them later.
The feel of the room changed, darkening a little to match the sky. Kougaiji sat up a little straighter, and his voice was a little quieter. "Have you spoken to Jien?"
"Yes. Both him and Yaone." Hakkai took a drink of his scotch. "They still feel the same, you know. And they blame themselves."
Kougaiji shook his head. "How can they blame themselves?"
"The same way you've spent your life brooding over it."
"Brooding?" Kougaiji raised an eyebrow. "I don't--"
"Yes, you do." Hakkai smiled. "Trust me, I know brooding. We both like to wallow in it."
Kougaiji swirled his scotch in his glass. "I've followed their careers, you know. Layer of Nicotine and all. They've had a rather colorful time, haven't they?"
"They have." Hakkai set down his glass.
Faraway, a doorbell rang.
Hakkai's time was growing short. "I wanted you to know that I'm selling Kanan's."
"Are you?" Kougaiji shook his head. "You always said you never would."
"I know. Things can change, Kougaiji." Hakkai stood up. "Sometimes for the best."
Tetsuya appeared. "You have guests, sir."
Kougaiji's brow furrowed. "Who?"
"A Miss Yaone and a Mr. Jien. They insist on seeing you."
Kougaiji stared but didn't move. "Hakkai, are you responsible for this?"
Hakkai smiled. "Of course. After all, I'm your best man. I couldn't stand by and watch you marry someone you didn't love. If you can still go through with the marriage after you see them, we'll talk."
Kougaiji's eyes were wide and full of panic. He stood up. "But, you don't understand. I left them without a word. I hurt them deeply."
"And you weren't also hurt?"
"Yes, but---"
"You're no longer a child, Kougaiji. They are here because they want to see you, not to chastise you."
"Hakkai, the wedding's set, what would you have me do?"
Hakkai stepped forward and placed the Ferrari keys in Kougaiji's hand. "I would have you be happy. As I intend to be. Go. Talk to them. What's the worst that could happen?"
He turned for the door. "You know my number."
Hakkai walked down the familiar marble hallway, possibly for the last time.
"Mr. Cho?"
Hakkai turned to see Tetsuya. "Yes?"
The proper, dour older man did something that completely surprised Hakkai. He bowed deeply and said, "Thank you."
Hakkai smiled. "Nothing's decided yet. If the wedding gets cancelled, you can thank me then."
Tetsuya nodded stiffly. "Very good, sir."
Hakkai wanted out of the house; the place was stifling. He quickened his pace as he headed for the nearest exit, a glass door that emptied him out into Kougaiji's vast, immaculately-cared for garden. He exhaled the tension of the house, and inhaled the scent of jasmine. Then he went in search of Gojyo.
He was standing right where Hakkai had left him, and the smile Gojyo gave him made the recent discomfort ebb.
"Let's get the hell out of this place." Gojyo shivered. "It gives me the creeps. I feel like it's sucking out my soul."
"You're so dramatic. I thought you'd want to stay and see the outcome."
"Nah, I know my brother and Yaone. They'll talk it to death before anything's decided. Could be weeks before they figure it out."
Hakkai chewed on his lip. "They don't have weeks. They have twelve hours before Kougaiji's formidable stepmother shows up and tightens the noose around her meal-ticket of a step-son."
"Dude, you don't talk about people like that." Gojyo stuffed his hands in his pockets. "And considering what she's already done to split the three of them up, she must be a piece of work."
"I believe that's an understatement. Trust me when I tell you we will need to be very cautious for a while." Hakkai crossed his arms. "She's likely to come after all of us if this wedding doesn't go as planned."
Gojyo shrugged. "All the more reason to get the fuck out of here. It's not like we can do anything, anyway."
"Ah yes, about that--I'm afraid we can't go until our alternate means of transportation arrives."
"Alternate means of transportation?" Gojyo blinked, glanced at the Ferrari and then back at Hakkai. "But what about--"
"I returned the car to Kougaiji."
"You …" Gojyo's features softened into a lazy, yet somehow intimate, smile.
Hakkai felt his face heat, and he stared out toward the dark road. "Well, it wasn't really my kind of car."
Gojyo nodded. "Right."
"I'm definitely more practical."
"Uh-huh."
A few moments of silence passed before Gojyo asked, "So, what exactly are we waiting for?"
In the distance, Hakkai could see headlights. "I believe they are approaching now."
"Is that our ride?" Gojyo's voice had a skeptical edge to it. "Are you sure?"
The lights swerved over the road once and then a second time. "Yes, I'm positive." The car careened up the drive, and Hakkai grabbed Gojyo's arm, pulling him away from the circular driveway.
"What was that for?"
"I find it a good precaution to keep some distance between myself and the road when Sanzo is behind the wheel." Hakkai shook his head and clucked his tongue. "He's a terrible driver."
As if to punctuate Hakkai's observation, the comfortable-looking sedan scraped over the curbing and bounced onto the walkway before lurching to a stop.
"What the fuck? I guess you weren't kidding!"
"No." Hakkai could hear the arguing from inside the car.
Sanzo threw open the door and stepped out. A cigarette hung from his mouth, and his usual scowl was in place.
Goku, on the other hand, burst from the car in his energetic fashion, dropping from the oddly parked car and nearly rolling onto the driveway. "Man, I didn't think we were going to make it alive this time! We got lost, and Sanzo wouldn't listen to me even though I had the map!"
"Shut up," Sanzo snapped. He took a drag from his cigarette and stared at Hakkai and Gojyo. "Huh."
Goku looked at Hakkai and then Gojyo. His eyes widened, and he moved next to Sanzo, looking uncharacteristically shy. He whispered to Sanzo, "You didn't tell me he was gonna be here!"
"I didn't know." Sanzo's eyes narrowed in Hakkai direction. "Why aren't you at the hotel?"
"Ah, well, we had to make other arrangements."
"Why?"
Gojyo grinned. "Because of me. I'm not allowed in that hotel anymore. My band kinda wrecked it once."
Goku's eyes went even wider. "Was that the one you blew the windows out of?"
"Nah. I think it was the one we set on fire." Gojyo scratched the back of his head. "We had to do a bunch of charity shows to dodge jail-time on that one. At least, I think it was that one."
Goku hopped from foot to foot. "I can play all of your songs on my guitar."
"Shut up, Goku!" Sanzo pointed at Gojyo. "Don't give him ideas!"
Gojyo blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"He's dumb enough as it is; I don't want him to catch your stupidity, too." Sanzo blew smoke in Gojyo's face.
"You sanctimonious ass!"
"Ah, yes." Hakkai smiled at everyone. "Well, it appears introductions aren't necessary at this point, so I suggest we leave. The keys, if you please, Sanzo."
Sanzo handed them over and then walked to the passenger seat.
"Hey!" Gojyo ran to the passenger side door. "Why do you get to sit in the front? I'm the boyfriend!"
"It's my car." Sanzo flicked his cigarette butt onto Kougaiji's finely groomed lawn.
"It's not really your car, you rented it, Sanzo!" Goku chirped.
"Shut up."
"Oh, really?" Gojyo turned to Sanzo. "Then you should sit in the back with the runt. Besides, you don't want me corrupting him, do ya?"
"Who ya calling runt, ya perv?"
"Perv? Where'd you hear that?"
"I've read about ya!" Goku's voice was gaining volume. "All about ya!"
"That's just tabloids, you can't believe that shit!"
Hakkai slid inside the car and sighed with disappointment. An automatic.
Sanzo got in the car and slammed the door. "Drive."
"But Sanzo--"
"Leave them."
Hakkai started the car and waited. The two stragglers piled into the car, still arguing.
Sanzo exhaled, and then grabbed the crumpled up road map and whacked both Gojyo and Goku on the head. "I said, shut up!"
Hakkai was sure it wasn't painful, but they did fall silent for a few seconds. Hakkai spent the quiet time familiarizing himself with the controls and moving the seat to a comfortable position.
Unable to survive in the silence, Goku was the first to break. "Hey, Hakkai, are you really joining this dumbass's band?"
Gojyo growled, but he didn't say anything.
"I think so, Goku. Yes."
Sanzo stared out the window. "Huh."
"What? No fair!"
"Why do you say that?" Hakkai put the car in drive and eased it off the curbing.
"'Cause you were supposed to join my band!"
"Your band? Oh, puh-lease, dude. Do you even have a band?"
"Not yet, but I was gonna!"
Sanzo lit a cigarette. "I swear, you two are giving me a headache."
The sedan landed on the driveway with a bouncing thump. Hakkai nudged the accelerator and the car lunged forward. Hmm. At least it had a big engine.
As the car made the turn in the driveway, headlights framed the Ferrari. The sedan was very quiet again.
"It really was a cool car." Goku's voice was almost a whisper. "Will ya miss it?"
Hakkai drove on past, pausing at the driveway exit to check for oncoming traffic. He glanced into the review mirror and saw that Gojyo was watching him pensively.
"Hmm." He pressed his foot to the floor, and for a heartbeat, the tires threw gravel before they caught on the asphalt, squealing and propelling them forward and onto the road like a sling shot. No one spoke. Sanzo clutched the door handle, and from what he could see of Goku's reflection, he seemed a little green.
The speedometer read 105. Hmm, big engine, indeed. Hakkai pressed harder on the accelerator and shifted his gaze to the rearview again. Behind him, the mansion, the Ferrari, and much of what he'd known for the past three years faded from view. Everything but Gojyo.
Gojyo was still there, clasping the bar above the door and smiling at him in the mirror.
"No, Goku, I won't miss it at all."
End
Lyrics for Summertime by George Gershwin
Lyrics for 50cent Wisdom by The Beat Crusaders