Mish-mash post
This post is kind of all over the place, so be forewarned. My brain has ceased higher functioning due to the sheer amount of SHIT that went on today. Was there like National Start Your Christmas Shopping Early Day or something? Holy hell. Work was insane today! Not to mention about thirty minutes into the rush the computer system decided to stop working. It was definitely a WTF kind of day.
Then, the funniest thing happened to me today in Starbucks when I went to get lunch. I got recognized from YaoiCon. o__O This girl that was standing in line behind me was giving me strange looks, until finally I turned around and asked her why she was studying me like that. The conversation went something like this:
Me: Um, hi. So...why do you keep staring at me like that?
Girl: I know you! You were the chick with the vines on her face at that anime convention!
Me: ...what?
Girl: Yeah! My friend took pictures of you and the other two chicks you were with! I didn't go, but she did and she said it was amazing and blah blah blah blah
Me: *doesn't really know what to say* That's...nice. Thank you?
Girl: *giggle* You and your friends looked awesome!
Me: *still doesn't know what to say*
Girl: Well, it was nice talking to you! *waves emphatically as she walks off*
Me: ...*thinks 'WTF?'*
All in all, it was...rather strange.
And as far as writing goes...I've finally started working on Liturgy. *falls over* I'm not sure what I think about it, but Homura is poking at my brain like there's no tomorrow. I've tried swatting at him, but it doesn't work. He's like a mosquito that just won't quit.
Well, the point of this story is, to get my writing groove going, I wrote four more of the stupid little drabbles I was writing AGES ago. While I will not say that these are excellent examples of my literary prowess, I actually kind of like them.
Drabble 5: Religious Experience
He felt his breath catch in his throat and his heart thud against the confines of his ribcage. He fought the urge to wipe his sweaty palms on his robes, just so he wouldn’t ruin it when he reached out to touch it. His mind couldn’t comprehend that he’d finally found it, what he’d been searching for.
His fingers itched to touch, but he kept them clutched tightly together in balled fists. He didn’t want to risk it to find that it wasn’t real. After all this time, it would break him to know that it was just another trick, something that wasn’t real.
His mind was spinning; this was it. The end of his journey, the exodus that he didn’t ask for. Was all the trouble worth it? Of course it was. One only had to look upon it to see that it would be worth the blood, sweat, tears, and embarrassment. Now, if he could only bring himself to reach out and grab it.
His heart was beating wilder now, so loud that he thought anyone else would be able to hear it echoing around him. All he had to do was reach out. It wasn’t so hard, was it?
But what if it was a mistake? He’d heard rumors before; they were enough to turn even the stoutest of heart away. Luckily for him he was as stubborn as he was. He would not let this slip from his grasp again.
So close, he thought as his hand moved towards the coveted prize. So close…
“Sanzo! Just grab the goddamn package of mayo flavored ramen and let’s go! You’ve been standing there for almost an hour! Jesus!”
The crinkle of cellophane was almost enough to drown out the growl that escaped from his throat. Fucking kappa.
-----
Drabble 6: Tagalongs
Note: This one was written based on a picture by keire_ke. I don't know if she has it up online still...but I'll try to find the link.
“Sanzo…don’t you think this is getting a little out of hand? I mean, you can barely sit down in here,” Hakkai commented casually, shoving one of the loud balls of fur off the only semi-available space on the couch. The cat meowed in protest, flicking its tail angrily before stalking off in the other direction.
Gojyo grimaced when a tail caught him under the nose and made him want to sneeze. “Damn right. This is madness. Why the fuck do you have so many of these things?” He was tempted to bark at one of the cats that was swatting at his hair from the back of the chair, but knowing that they belonged to Sanzo was enough to give him pause. Who knows what sort of vicious underhanded tricks those furry menaces would be capable of?
The blond priest pretended not to hear them, righting his newspaper to block their expectant faces from his view. If he couldn’t see them, they weren’t really there. This rule also applied to the many cats, dogs, birds, fish, and other various animals that could be seen traipsing through the temple these days. This went doubly for the insistent cat that lay curled atop his head, since the damn thing had taken to him in particular.
Hakkai let out a sigh. “Sanzo, did you hear me? I said this is ridiculous. Why in the world you would have so many animals? You hate animals.” The healer frowned as what appeared to be a raccoon scurry across the floor towards where the cats had gathered to feed. Now he’d seen everything. “I’m sure this isn’t very sanitary either. What do the monks have to say about this?”
“Goku cleans up after them. The monks don’t say anything about it. Who cares what they have to say anyway?” Sanzo grunted from behind his newspaper, ignoring the playful paw that swiped at the page when he turned it. He’d gotten so used to it by now, it wasn't hard.
“I have to say I agree with Hakkai. This place is a fucking zoo.”
Annoyed now, Sanzo lowered the paper and gave them the best glare he could muster. “Do you want to know why? I’ll tell you why. It’s because Goku…”
Whatever he might have been planning to say was cut off by the sound of a door slamming, followed by heavy footsteps that were headed right towards the occupied room. Goku burst in with something clutched tightly to his chest. “Sanzo! Sanzo! Look what I found!” He held out his hands, letting the other three see the small white duckling cradled in his palms. It looked like it had been attacked, squawking pitifully for all it was worth.
Hakkai raised an eyebrow, but wisely said nothing when Goku continued. “I found it out by the pond! I’ve got to make him better! Can we keep him? Please? Please?” Golden eyes sparkled with unshed tears, as though poised and ready should the need to unleash them arise.
Sanzo looked as though he was going to refuse at first, until the monkey’s eyes widened even more and he pouted cutely at the priest. Finally, after a few long moments of their staring contest, he relented. “Damn it, do what you want. It’s your goddamn responsibility though.”
Goku made a ‘yippee’ sound and kissed Sanzo on the cheek, which of course the priest wiped off grumpily with his sleeve. “I will, you know I will! Thanks Sanzo!” He turned his gaze to Hakkai, holding out his hand to the other man. “Come on, Hakkai. You can help me fix his wing!”
Hakkai blinked for a moment, an easy smile blossoming on his lips as he got to his feet. How could he deny such a request? “Of course. You two behave yourselves while I’m gone.” He allowed himself to be dragged out of the room as Goku chattered on about what they needed to do to take care of the tiny creature.
When they had disappeared down the hall, Gojyo let the laugh he’d been holding in escape. Violet eyes questioned him, but he just waved his hand. “Hard to believe that Goku’s almost twenty-two and still does shit like that. Seems he inherited someone’s tendency to pick up strays, hasn’t he?”
Sanzo just ignored him.
-----
Drabble 7: Just Like That:
Note: This particular drabble was inspired by soliandxpyne's picture of Koumyou and Koryuu.
“Remember to breathe properly, Koryuu. Let yourself relax into the pose and don’t force it.” Koryuu’s cheeks flushed a bit at the gentle chiding, but he focused himself once more. He ignored the slap of his bare feet on the floor and held himself in position.
“Just like this?” Expectant violet eyes turned towards his Master, looking hopeful.
The older man smiled warmly at him, the same smile that had the ability to spread to the people around him. If he hadn’t been so focused, he probably would have smiled too. “Yes, Koryuu. Just like that.”
The young blond couldn’t help the swell of pride at the words. He never really cared for what other people thought or had to say about him, but Koumyou’s mattered. He wanted nothing more than to please the man, to see that expression that let him know he was pleased.
“So determined, Koryuu. Don’t make such a scary face!” Amused laughter floated from behind him, making him frown. Was his Master laughing at him now? He turned towards the man, dropping the pose and crossing his arms across his chest.
“Are you making fun of me?” Koryuu demanded, looking cross.
Suddenly, warm fingers threaded through his hair and tangled in the soft blond locks. A quick ruffle of the strands and the hand was gone as quick as it had come, the same way his Master always did it. “Do you think I was laughing at you?” the older man asked gently.
Koryuu studied his Master for a long moment, finally raising an eyebrow and rubbing the back of his neck. “No…I guess not. I just…don’t want you to laugh me.” It was the truth, after all, even if he was suddenly struck by embarrassment for saying it.
“You’re doing fine, Koryuu. Why would I laugh at you? I am probably the least qualified person to laugh at anyone, so it would make no sense for me to laugh at you. Understand?” At the young blond’s nod, he smiled again. “Now, why don’t you pick back up where you were? Perhaps the pose will come easier to you this time.”
Koryuu did as he was instructed, letting out a whooshing breath he didn’t know he was holding. Stepping into the pose they’d been practicing, he did find it easier to concentrate and hold it. “Like this, Master?”
“Yes, Koryuu. Just like that.”
------
Drabble 8: Gimme Three Steps:
Note: This one is for macavitykitsune. I thought about you the entire time I was writing this. *gigglesnort* And in case anyone is interested and/or doesn't know, this title is based on the song "Gimme Three Steps" by Lyndyrd Skynyrd. I thought it fit the scenario quite nicely.
Something was wrong here, of that he was certain. He should have been used to staring down the barrel of a gun, but this was a sawed-off shotgun and the person wielding it wouldn’t have missed. Angry eyes peered up at him, making the smaller man more formidable looking than he probably really was. “You heard me, boy. I said I’m going to shoot you.”
Gojyo swallowed nervously, holding his hands up in surrender. He probably could have clobbered the man if he tried, but the gun was pressed nearly up his left nostril. It was best not to goad the man into anything. “And all I asked was why. It’s not every day that you find yourself with a shotgun aimed at you like that.” Okay, that was a little bit of a stretch for him, but the angry little man didn’t need to know that.
An ominous click sounded and Gojyo couldn’t stop his knees from shaking. “This is your fault, and I think it would be in your best interest to take responsibility for it.” The man nodded over his shoulder towards a pretty young woman behind him, her arms folded around her swollen belly. She looked just as angry as he did, which was never a good sign. Oh? Oh! Oh shit.
“I think you have the wrong idea, sir. I’m just a traveler. I’ve never been to this town before, and I certainly don’t remember your daughter.” That sounded rational, right?
The man looked unimpressed. “I don’t buy it. That’s what you said last time you breezed through here! You’ve done gone and gotten her pregnant, and now no man in the town wants her. She said she was done by a redheaded man with a cocky grin, and you fit that description just fine.”
Gojyo’s eyes widened. He put two and two together, and he definitely decided he didn’t like what it equaled. Most likely it meant he was a dead kappa. “Sir, as good as your intentions are…I don’t think I’m the one you’re looking for.” His voice was dripping with sarcasm, even as he fought to keep his tone neutral. It probably wasn’t the best idea to treat this man like he treated Sanzo in these sorts of situations. “In case you didn’t notice, I’m a half-breed. I’m sterile…can’t reproduce.”
The man cocked an eyebrow even as he kept the gun trained firmly on Gojyo’s forehead. At least it wasn’t digging into his nose anymore.
“That’s right…and besides, he has no interest in women anyway,” a voice said from him, and Gojyo felt the tension leave his body. Thank Hakkai and his perfect timing. An arm slid around Gojyo’s shoulder and he felt a playful nip on his ear. “I’m sure that this gentleman isn’t the one you’re looking for.”
The gun lowered, and the man looked like he couldn’t decide whether to be disgusted or horrified. Either way, he mumbled an apology and grabbed his daughter, stalking off before anything else could be said.
As the two of them walked back towards the inn, Gojyo let out a dramatic sigh of relief. “Holy shit, I thought I was a goner. That guy was going to blast my brains out for knocking up his daughter! That was a great act you put on, Hakkai, I owe you one.” He turned towards his best friend, the smile melting off his face to give way to something else.
Hakkai was smiling predatorily, which was never a good sign. “Who said anything about an act, Gojyo?” That look and that voice were enough to make everything below the belt of Gojyo’s pants stir with interest. Was Hakkai for real? “And besides…I know just how you can repay me…”
Oh shit.
So there you have it. *laughs* For your viewing pleasure.
And did anyone else find it hilariously ironic that Sanzo managed to win the Shojo your Mojo contest? Oh, the plot and art bunnies that are going to spawn from that. *laughs* Sanzo'll never hear the end of it, I'm sure.
Finally, since I couldn't stop myself. Stolen from macavitykitsune and s0hmam0miji:
Comment on this post and I will:
1. Tell you why I friended you.
2. Associate you with something - fandom, a song, a colour, a photo, etc.
3. Tell you something I like about you.
4. Tell you a memory I have of you.
5. Ask something I've always wanted to know about you.
6. Tell you my favorite user pic of yours.
7. In return, you must post this in your LJ. I'm noting that you don't have to if you don't want to. No one's being forced into this, after all. *laughs*
Just for grins and giggles. ^__^
Then, the funniest thing happened to me today in Starbucks when I went to get lunch. I got recognized from YaoiCon. o__O This girl that was standing in line behind me was giving me strange looks, until finally I turned around and asked her why she was studying me like that. The conversation went something like this:
Me: Um, hi. So...why do you keep staring at me like that?
Girl: I know you! You were the chick with the vines on her face at that anime convention!
Me: ...what?
Girl: Yeah! My friend took pictures of you and the other two chicks you were with! I didn't go, but she did and she said it was amazing and blah blah blah blah
Me: *doesn't really know what to say* That's...nice. Thank you?
Girl: *giggle* You and your friends looked awesome!
Me: *still doesn't know what to say*
Girl: Well, it was nice talking to you! *waves emphatically as she walks off*
Me: ...*thinks 'WTF?'*
All in all, it was...rather strange.
And as far as writing goes...I've finally started working on Liturgy. *falls over* I'm not sure what I think about it, but Homura is poking at my brain like there's no tomorrow. I've tried swatting at him, but it doesn't work. He's like a mosquito that just won't quit.
Well, the point of this story is, to get my writing groove going, I wrote four more of the stupid little drabbles I was writing AGES ago. While I will not say that these are excellent examples of my literary prowess, I actually kind of like them.
Drabble 5: Religious Experience
He felt his breath catch in his throat and his heart thud against the confines of his ribcage. He fought the urge to wipe his sweaty palms on his robes, just so he wouldn’t ruin it when he reached out to touch it. His mind couldn’t comprehend that he’d finally found it, what he’d been searching for.
His fingers itched to touch, but he kept them clutched tightly together in balled fists. He didn’t want to risk it to find that it wasn’t real. After all this time, it would break him to know that it was just another trick, something that wasn’t real.
His mind was spinning; this was it. The end of his journey, the exodus that he didn’t ask for. Was all the trouble worth it? Of course it was. One only had to look upon it to see that it would be worth the blood, sweat, tears, and embarrassment. Now, if he could only bring himself to reach out and grab it.
His heart was beating wilder now, so loud that he thought anyone else would be able to hear it echoing around him. All he had to do was reach out. It wasn’t so hard, was it?
But what if it was a mistake? He’d heard rumors before; they were enough to turn even the stoutest of heart away. Luckily for him he was as stubborn as he was. He would not let this slip from his grasp again.
So close, he thought as his hand moved towards the coveted prize. So close…
“Sanzo! Just grab the goddamn package of mayo flavored ramen and let’s go! You’ve been standing there for almost an hour! Jesus!”
The crinkle of cellophane was almost enough to drown out the growl that escaped from his throat. Fucking kappa.
-----
Drabble 6: Tagalongs
Note: This one was written based on a picture by keire_ke. I don't know if she has it up online still...but I'll try to find the link.
“Sanzo…don’t you think this is getting a little out of hand? I mean, you can barely sit down in here,” Hakkai commented casually, shoving one of the loud balls of fur off the only semi-available space on the couch. The cat meowed in protest, flicking its tail angrily before stalking off in the other direction.
Gojyo grimaced when a tail caught him under the nose and made him want to sneeze. “Damn right. This is madness. Why the fuck do you have so many of these things?” He was tempted to bark at one of the cats that was swatting at his hair from the back of the chair, but knowing that they belonged to Sanzo was enough to give him pause. Who knows what sort of vicious underhanded tricks those furry menaces would be capable of?
The blond priest pretended not to hear them, righting his newspaper to block their expectant faces from his view. If he couldn’t see them, they weren’t really there. This rule also applied to the many cats, dogs, birds, fish, and other various animals that could be seen traipsing through the temple these days. This went doubly for the insistent cat that lay curled atop his head, since the damn thing had taken to him in particular.
Hakkai let out a sigh. “Sanzo, did you hear me? I said this is ridiculous. Why in the world you would have so many animals? You hate animals.” The healer frowned as what appeared to be a raccoon scurry across the floor towards where the cats had gathered to feed. Now he’d seen everything. “I’m sure this isn’t very sanitary either. What do the monks have to say about this?”
“Goku cleans up after them. The monks don’t say anything about it. Who cares what they have to say anyway?” Sanzo grunted from behind his newspaper, ignoring the playful paw that swiped at the page when he turned it. He’d gotten so used to it by now, it wasn't hard.
“I have to say I agree with Hakkai. This place is a fucking zoo.”
Annoyed now, Sanzo lowered the paper and gave them the best glare he could muster. “Do you want to know why? I’ll tell you why. It’s because Goku…”
Whatever he might have been planning to say was cut off by the sound of a door slamming, followed by heavy footsteps that were headed right towards the occupied room. Goku burst in with something clutched tightly to his chest. “Sanzo! Sanzo! Look what I found!” He held out his hands, letting the other three see the small white duckling cradled in his palms. It looked like it had been attacked, squawking pitifully for all it was worth.
Hakkai raised an eyebrow, but wisely said nothing when Goku continued. “I found it out by the pond! I’ve got to make him better! Can we keep him? Please? Please?” Golden eyes sparkled with unshed tears, as though poised and ready should the need to unleash them arise.
Sanzo looked as though he was going to refuse at first, until the monkey’s eyes widened even more and he pouted cutely at the priest. Finally, after a few long moments of their staring contest, he relented. “Damn it, do what you want. It’s your goddamn responsibility though.”
Goku made a ‘yippee’ sound and kissed Sanzo on the cheek, which of course the priest wiped off grumpily with his sleeve. “I will, you know I will! Thanks Sanzo!” He turned his gaze to Hakkai, holding out his hand to the other man. “Come on, Hakkai. You can help me fix his wing!”
Hakkai blinked for a moment, an easy smile blossoming on his lips as he got to his feet. How could he deny such a request? “Of course. You two behave yourselves while I’m gone.” He allowed himself to be dragged out of the room as Goku chattered on about what they needed to do to take care of the tiny creature.
When they had disappeared down the hall, Gojyo let the laugh he’d been holding in escape. Violet eyes questioned him, but he just waved his hand. “Hard to believe that Goku’s almost twenty-two and still does shit like that. Seems he inherited someone’s tendency to pick up strays, hasn’t he?”
Sanzo just ignored him.
-----
Drabble 7: Just Like That:
Note: This particular drabble was inspired by soliandxpyne's picture of Koumyou and Koryuu.
“Remember to breathe properly, Koryuu. Let yourself relax into the pose and don’t force it.” Koryuu’s cheeks flushed a bit at the gentle chiding, but he focused himself once more. He ignored the slap of his bare feet on the floor and held himself in position.
“Just like this?” Expectant violet eyes turned towards his Master, looking hopeful.
The older man smiled warmly at him, the same smile that had the ability to spread to the people around him. If he hadn’t been so focused, he probably would have smiled too. “Yes, Koryuu. Just like that.”
The young blond couldn’t help the swell of pride at the words. He never really cared for what other people thought or had to say about him, but Koumyou’s mattered. He wanted nothing more than to please the man, to see that expression that let him know he was pleased.
“So determined, Koryuu. Don’t make such a scary face!” Amused laughter floated from behind him, making him frown. Was his Master laughing at him now? He turned towards the man, dropping the pose and crossing his arms across his chest.
“Are you making fun of me?” Koryuu demanded, looking cross.
Suddenly, warm fingers threaded through his hair and tangled in the soft blond locks. A quick ruffle of the strands and the hand was gone as quick as it had come, the same way his Master always did it. “Do you think I was laughing at you?” the older man asked gently.
Koryuu studied his Master for a long moment, finally raising an eyebrow and rubbing the back of his neck. “No…I guess not. I just…don’t want you to laugh me.” It was the truth, after all, even if he was suddenly struck by embarrassment for saying it.
“You’re doing fine, Koryuu. Why would I laugh at you? I am probably the least qualified person to laugh at anyone, so it would make no sense for me to laugh at you. Understand?” At the young blond’s nod, he smiled again. “Now, why don’t you pick back up where you were? Perhaps the pose will come easier to you this time.”
Koryuu did as he was instructed, letting out a whooshing breath he didn’t know he was holding. Stepping into the pose they’d been practicing, he did find it easier to concentrate and hold it. “Like this, Master?”
“Yes, Koryuu. Just like that.”
------
Drabble 8: Gimme Three Steps:
Note: This one is for macavitykitsune. I thought about you the entire time I was writing this. *gigglesnort* And in case anyone is interested and/or doesn't know, this title is based on the song "Gimme Three Steps" by Lyndyrd Skynyrd. I thought it fit the scenario quite nicely.
Something was wrong here, of that he was certain. He should have been used to staring down the barrel of a gun, but this was a sawed-off shotgun and the person wielding it wouldn’t have missed. Angry eyes peered up at him, making the smaller man more formidable looking than he probably really was. “You heard me, boy. I said I’m going to shoot you.”
Gojyo swallowed nervously, holding his hands up in surrender. He probably could have clobbered the man if he tried, but the gun was pressed nearly up his left nostril. It was best not to goad the man into anything. “And all I asked was why. It’s not every day that you find yourself with a shotgun aimed at you like that.” Okay, that was a little bit of a stretch for him, but the angry little man didn’t need to know that.
An ominous click sounded and Gojyo couldn’t stop his knees from shaking. “This is your fault, and I think it would be in your best interest to take responsibility for it.” The man nodded over his shoulder towards a pretty young woman behind him, her arms folded around her swollen belly. She looked just as angry as he did, which was never a good sign. Oh? Oh! Oh shit.
“I think you have the wrong idea, sir. I’m just a traveler. I’ve never been to this town before, and I certainly don’t remember your daughter.” That sounded rational, right?
The man looked unimpressed. “I don’t buy it. That’s what you said last time you breezed through here! You’ve done gone and gotten her pregnant, and now no man in the town wants her. She said she was done by a redheaded man with a cocky grin, and you fit that description just fine.”
Gojyo’s eyes widened. He put two and two together, and he definitely decided he didn’t like what it equaled. Most likely it meant he was a dead kappa. “Sir, as good as your intentions are…I don’t think I’m the one you’re looking for.” His voice was dripping with sarcasm, even as he fought to keep his tone neutral. It probably wasn’t the best idea to treat this man like he treated Sanzo in these sorts of situations. “In case you didn’t notice, I’m a half-breed. I’m sterile…can’t reproduce.”
The man cocked an eyebrow even as he kept the gun trained firmly on Gojyo’s forehead. At least it wasn’t digging into his nose anymore.
“That’s right…and besides, he has no interest in women anyway,” a voice said from him, and Gojyo felt the tension leave his body. Thank Hakkai and his perfect timing. An arm slid around Gojyo’s shoulder and he felt a playful nip on his ear. “I’m sure that this gentleman isn’t the one you’re looking for.”
The gun lowered, and the man looked like he couldn’t decide whether to be disgusted or horrified. Either way, he mumbled an apology and grabbed his daughter, stalking off before anything else could be said.
As the two of them walked back towards the inn, Gojyo let out a dramatic sigh of relief. “Holy shit, I thought I was a goner. That guy was going to blast my brains out for knocking up his daughter! That was a great act you put on, Hakkai, I owe you one.” He turned towards his best friend, the smile melting off his face to give way to something else.
Hakkai was smiling predatorily, which was never a good sign. “Who said anything about an act, Gojyo?” That look and that voice were enough to make everything below the belt of Gojyo’s pants stir with interest. Was Hakkai for real? “And besides…I know just how you can repay me…”
Oh shit.
So there you have it. *laughs* For your viewing pleasure.
And did anyone else find it hilariously ironic that Sanzo managed to win the Shojo your Mojo contest? Oh, the plot and art bunnies that are going to spawn from that. *laughs* Sanzo'll never hear the end of it, I'm sure.
Finally, since I couldn't stop myself. Stolen from macavitykitsune and s0hmam0miji:
Comment on this post and I will:
1. Tell you why I friended you.
2. Associate you with something - fandom, a song, a colour, a photo, etc.
3. Tell you something I like about you.
4. Tell you a memory I have of you.
5. Ask something I've always wanted to know about you.
6. Tell you my favorite user pic of yours.
7. In return, you must post this in your LJ. I'm noting that you don't have to if you don't want to. No one's being forced into this, after all. *laughs*
Just for grins and giggles. ^__^