"Did you catch him?!" Sotona asked with wide eyes. He knees were so weak she couldn't get out of Doku's bed. She just stayed there with the blanket wrapped around her.
"No. Lost him on the street." the man sat on the edge of the bed and hid his face in his hands.
"I'm sorry." the girl sniffed loudly causing the man to look at her quizzically "If I hadn't got so drunk... If I checked if I have the stupid keys..." tears were now running freely down her cheeks "I'm such an idiot! Sanzo warned me that my uncontrollable drinking will get me in trouble! But I never take good advices... The worst thing is that HE got hurt..."
"You can't wear this." Doku suddenly said as he took her jeans lying on the floor next to his feet and then threw them back on the floor "Wait here."
After a moment he came back with a bathrobe and a glass of water.
"You must be thirsty."
"T-thanks." she draped the cloth around herself tightly and drained the glass at one go with her hands shaking wildly "I better go. Others must be worried."
She put the glass on the night stand and stood up. However, while getting up her body swayed dangerously threading a fall. Doku caught her just in time.
"Are you sure you're okay? Maybe I'll-"
"Carry me? Don't be silly. I don't want to make matters worse."
"Guess you're right. You'll make it on your own?"
"It's right next door." Sotona smiled "I should manage that far on my own."
She left the bedroom and was met by princes' gaze. Sotona would find the white fluffy bathrobe combined with heavy boots she was wearing funny if not for a dull pain in her head. She knocked on the door to her own living area with her ruined clothes in one hand. She observed with a blank stare as Hakkai's face changed from surprised to relieved and then going to EXTREMLY surprised when he noticed her attire.
"Berry-san? My goodness, what happened ?!"
"The worst morning in my lifetime." she answered in a low voice entering the living room and going straight to their bedroom.
"Berry! What happened?"
"Goku, shut up. I have a hangover from hell."
She shut the door behind herself and sat on her bed playing with her no longer wearable shirt. Her face was red and wet from crying when Hakkai cautiously entered the bedroom and sat next to her.
"I know it's none of my business-"
"I totally screwed it, Hakkai." Sotona sobbed "Yesterday we went drinking. Gojyo left earlier to deliver the ciggs for Sanzo. Doku and I stayed longer cause I wanted to finish my beer... and we ended up two more hours in the tavern. I was so loaded Doku had to almost carry me. At the door, it turned out I didn't have my keys after all. We didn't want to wake you guys up since it was already two in the morning. He offered me to stay at their place. We were sure Kou-san was sleeping on the next bed so we squeezed in on Doku's bed. You see the state my cloths are in." she spread the shirt she was holding. It was all stained and had burned out holes on it "I couldn't sleep in this. The jeans look the same. When Gojyo came in... he saw us pressed against each other on the bed in our underwear only. I understand he got mad. I'd be furious if I were him. But he didn't even want to listen to what we had to say." Sotona finished the sentence and started crying heavily.
Hakkai lost at what to say hugged her and stroked her back trying to calm her down.
"It's all my fault,Hakkai. He's going to hate me. And Doku! He was only trying to be nice and because of my stupidity he thinks his brother did something like this to him. He must think that I'm a cheap whore. Wait! I take that back! A bitchy slut that two-times lovers! And with who?!? With his older brother!" she burst into tears again sobbing miserably.
"Hash... Don't cry. I'm sure you guys can talk it out."
"Talk this out?!? With Gojyo?!?"
"I know he can be really headstrong at times but I understand him a little. I mean (!) from his point of view. However, if you talk it over I'm sure he'll understand it's all a sad misunderstanding."
"He won't listen to me!"
"I'll talk him around."
"You will? Promise?"
"Promise."
"Thank you." she hugged her friend so tightly she almost strangled him.
"Now,wash up and we'll go out. You wanted to buy some things,right? Or maybe you don't feel like it?"
"No,I'll go. If I stay here I'll keep crying over this whole day. But what about Gojyo? We have to find him. Sanzo will want to leave."
"I'm afraid we have to stay here at least two days. The inn keeper said it started raining at night."
Sotona looked over her shoulder. It was pouring buckets.
"Hakuryuu won't make it through the mud and going on foot is also out of the question. Anyway, right now the most important thing is that you are safe. We got worried when we woke up and you weren't here."
"Sorry. I cause you nothing but trouble."
"Don't say that. You are a part of the group. I think even Sanzo is beginning to accept that."
"SANZO?!?" she yelled surprised and quickly covered her mouth with her hands.
"Well,in his own way,yes. And you keep Goku preoccupied. He and Gojyo have less opportunities to fight. Now,do you have anything to wear?"
"I'll find something. I meant to buy something new anyway." she said with a sad smile. For her, even those worn down clothes carried memories but right now she wanted to get rid of anything that reminded her of this day.
She left the room in a white knee-length sun dress, boots and her usual denim jacket.
"You want to leave like that?" Sanzo scrutinised her over his newspaper.
"I don't really have anything else right now. My jeans got singed in many places and I wouldn't be able to remove the stains."
"That will teach you not to get drunk."
"Yes,Sanzo. It will."
He gave her his usual Sanzo stare but he knew something was wrong. Then again, it wasn't like he cared.
"Hakkai," the priest spoke turning back to his paper and handing his card to the 'motherly figure' in their group. " while you're buying supplies get her something to wear."
"Oh,Sanzo, you don't have to. I'll have enough money to buy a pair of jeans and a shirt."
"Shut up. Hakkai, make sure she has something decent for once."
"Yes,Sanzo."
Both Hakkai and Sotona decided there was no point arguing with the priest. They left the inn and proceeded towards the market place clutching their umbrellas tightly as the rain poured heavily from the dark grey sky.
***
Hakkai POV
After getting a pair of jeans and a 'decent-enough-for-Sanzo' shirt, the two parted with Sotona stating she needed to buy something 'personal'. Hakkai didn't even try to presue her into giving him her bags to carry. He knew all too-well she wouldn't give up carrying them herself. At times like this, Berry reminded Hakkai of his deceased Kanan. Both women were strong willed and both sucked at cooking. Sotona wasn't entirely that bad if she had someone next to her, instructing her exactly what to do. The problem was she always asked... strange questions. She wouldn't be able to keep her room tidy to save her life but she asked questions like: "How much is 'pinch' according to you?" or "Spoon? Full? Flat? A bit less than a flat? How much less?". It was obvious she always had someone to cook for her. Hakkai wondered about her upbringing. She was taught how to fight and was well educated but she was absolutely new to any household choirs. Unlike them, she knew her parents (maybe except Gojyo, but still, he didn't know his really mother), though her mother died when she was young. Judging by what she told them, Hakkai guessed she must've come from a good family. Maybe her father owned a dojo of some kind? Hakkai was sure she was brought up not to take orders but rather to give them. Despite her general cheerfulness and carefree attitude, he could spot a certain pride she carried herself with, though he wouldn't say the tricks and stunts she pulled were exactly honourable.
It wasn't like any of them meddled into each others past. However, for Sotona, it seemed pretty strange. Few times she managed to talk for five hours non-stop, not letting any of them to say a word. Still, when she spoke about her parents she said very little and the facts she gave them were vague. Hakkai decided it was a delicate issue for the girl. Maybe she didn't get along with her father? Her leaving her comfortable environment and avoiding talking about where she came from suggested such an answer.
Her moodiness also seemed very fitting for this kind of situation. Hakkai mentioned to Gojyo she might have a personality disorder of some sort but he never went into details. The frequency of the changes in her behaviour wasn't normal, even for a woman. She seemed reckless but sometimes Hakkai had a feeling she provoked the risky situations, almost as if she WANTED to get hurt. Hakkai had his suspicions but he decided against naming them to his best friend. It wasn't like he had any proofs.
Though nice, the fact that she was spoiled and selfish came out now and then. That made Hakkai wonder, he was sure he wasn't the only one, what was the 'little princess' doing at a place like this? True, she said she had a business to attend to but she never named any details. On their way she visited few libraries in large towns which was a 'part of what she was suppose to do'. Hakkai had no idea as to how she persuaded the librarians to let her stay at their workplaces all night. In spite of that, after such cases she always napped in the Jeep. Never did Hakkai see her more peaceful than then.
Anyhow, Hakkai was sure she wasn't with them to steal Sanzo's scripture. She had more than one opportunity for that. Moreover, after this morning, Hakkai was positive Berry loved Gojyo, even if she never said it out loud. He wasn't all that sure if Sotona wouldn't cheat on Gojyo but he was certain she wouldn't do it with the guy's older brother. She was too smart to get caught on it so bluntly, anyway.
End of Hakkai's POV
***
Sotona finally got the last thing she needed. She used an excuse that she had to get some 'personal things', to part with Hakkai. Honestly speaking, she would feel awkward buying the stuff she needed with him around. She enjoyed wearing clothes like those she just bought but Hakkai would probably feel uneasy. All the shop assistants would stare at him if she got those things while being with him. And she needed those clothes desperately. She had to get Gojyo back and she'd do anything to achieve it. "All's fair in love and war"/
*
After dinner Sotona locked herself in the bedroom. The others decided to leave her in peace. When she finally left the room, she was welcomed by blank stares, wide eyes and few open mouths.
Sotona was wearing a tight zipped up vest, mini skirt and high-heeled boots. All black leather. Her wrists were graced with large clangouring silver bracelets and the always present black velvet choker on her neck. Sotona's long nails had the same dark burgundy hue as her lips. Her eyelashes, longer and thicker thanks to the coal-black mascara, weren't hidden behind her glasses as usual.
"I'm going out." she said trying to hide her amusement at their reaction walking to the door.
"You don't intend to leave looking like THAT, do you?"
"Yes, I do,Sanzo." she smirked shutting the door behind herself.
As she made her way to the stairs she could hear the priest's voice.
"I told you to buy her something 'decent'!"
***
Gojyo's POV
The tavern Kappa chose to play poker in wasn't the usual run-down type. It had a live pop rock band playing and some free space where few young women and men were dancing. The red head was already on his third beer here and had won quite a bit.
'Anything to take my mind of her.'
"Gojyo, you're amazing." one of the women who were watching him play squealed.
"Yeah, you're the best." the other said leaning slightly behind him so that her breast was touching his shoulder. That's when he noticed something. The band was taking a break and two of it's members were talking with some chick. Then it hit him. He would recognize that haircut anywhere.
'The wh*re! Two aren't enough for you? Got tired of my brother so you went to find someone new?' he thought almost shattering the glass in his hand.
When the girl turned to the bar to take the drink the barman handed her Gojyo could see her face.
'What's with the get-up? Though... she does look pretty hot...'
She turned to the band members chatting cheerfully. They were standing very close to her. Too close, for Gojyo's taste.
'Tche... what do I care?!?'
The musicians returned to their companions and started playing. Though Gojyo didn't pay much attention to what they were preforming previously, he could tell it was different than before.
The men he was playing with also turned to the stage. Sotona joined the people on the dance floor and started swaying her hips to the rhythm.
(Oh oh oh its fud a dud a nine)
[Chorus:]
She moves her body like a cyclone
And she makes me want to do it all night long
Going hard when they turn the spotlights on
Because she moves her body like a cyclone
Just like a cyclone
She moves her body like a cyclone
And she makes me want to do it all night long
Going hard when they turn the spotlights on
Because she moves her body like a cyclone
A mighty cyclone
Sotona let her body flow with the music. Her moves were very seductive. Much more than when she was fighting.
'She's good at this stuff...'
I look at that double on the back a that bumper
She ain't even playing when shes shaking that rumpa
And oh you ain't know
She gets lower than a muffla
Even wit her girl friends
Show stopping with a hustler
The way she move her body
She might see the Maserati
She wanna put it on me
Trying to show me her tsunami
Her movements started to resemble the ones in a Belly Dance as she drew circles in the air with her hips.
She make it hard to copy
Always tight and never sloppy
And got an onturage
And her own paparazzi
Now there she go again
Riding through the stormy weather
You better button up if you wanna go getta'
Cause it is what it is
And everybody wanna love her
But when she pop it boy you better run for cover
She slapped her hip playfully.
"Who's that babe?" Gojyo heard one of the men ask.
The red head had to give it to her, she knew how to handle her body.
[Chorus:]
She moves her body like a cyclone
And she makes me want to do it all night long
Going hard when they turn the spotlights on
Because she moves her body like a cyclone
Just like a cyclone
She moves her body like a cyclone
And she makes me want to do it all night long
Going hard when they turn the spotlights on
Because she moves her body like a cyclone
A mighty cyclone
(It's a wrap)When she breaks them boys of a typhoon
(It's a wrap)Better get that fatty like a boss tycoon
(It's a wrap)Now hold it steady cause she make a monsoon
(it's a wrap)Now you can Google download the iTunes
She what I'm saying
She ain't playing
And she got them heads turning
You gonna her it clack-clack
When them heals get to burning(clack-clack)
Stiletto so fuego
She got her own label
And got us all doing the tornado
'Those boots really outline how nice her legs look...'
The Kappa swallowed hard when Sotona started adding few thrusts of the hips now and then.
[Chorus:]
She moves her body like a cyclone
And she makes me want to do it all night long
Going hard when they turn the spotlights on
Because she moves her body like a cyclone
Just like a cyclone
She moves her body like a cyclone
And she makes me want to do it all night long
Going hard when they turn the spotlights on
Because she moves her body like a cyclone
A mighty cyclone
Shortie got looks
And shortie got class
Shortie got hips
And shortie got ass
Plus she hit the stage
She drop it down low like
(rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew)
Ah this is crazy
Its amazing
She must be the way to the ladies
She be looking like
(rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew)
[Chorus:]
She moves her body like a cyclone
And she makes me want to do it all night long
Going hard when they turn the spotlights on
Because she moves her body like a cyclone
Just like a cycloneShe moves her body like a cyclone
And she makes me want to do it all night long
Going hard when they turn the spotlights on
Because she moves her body like a cyclone
A mighty cyclone
(rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew rew)Oh
The song ended and Berry run a hand through her hair to remove the strands that got into her face.
"And now, a little surprise." the vocalist said to the mic "One of our lovely customers asked if she can preform a song. She warned us she's an amateur, so please, don't be too hard on her."
As Sotona went up to the stage quite a few people applause. She has drawn a lot of attention by her dance.
'What is she thinking? Wasn't she the one who said her voice "sucks"?'
Gojyo took a sip of his beer to cool off. Sotona placed her hands loosely at the mic attached to the stand and gave audience a pretty smile as a thanks for such a warm welcoming.
That's when their eyes met. Gojyo was sure she couldn't recognise him without her glasses. She couldn't see a person's face from 3 meters away and the distance between them was much more than that. Still, her eyes were somehow fixed on his. She smirked and then went serious.
'Just like when you're fighting...'
Yeah...My heart was jumpin' for him (She put hands on her chest)
My head was spinnin' in circles (she motioned a circle in the air)
My tongue was tied (her finger pointed to her lips)
I tried, but couldn't find the words 'Not that bad...'
He had them eyes of fire 'Huh?'
The ones you can't put out (She balled her hand into a fist and opened it vividly)
He saw a sucker for lovin' (Pointed at herself)
And turned my world around (Sotona stared rocking her hips to the sides)
[Chorus:]
Oh, I just can't let you go 'Those lyrics...'
My mind is not my own
And I can't eat, can't sleep
I'm in too deep
Oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh, I just can't let you go (She outstretched her hand to the audience)
Whoa, I just can't let you go
One look in my condition
I see you in my dreams (She pointed at her head)
And every night I fight (Formed a fist once more and started slamming the air)
To keep my sanity
He's like a roller coaster (Her palm motioned sliding up and down)
And I'm afraid of heights (She pointed up)
But still there's nothing to stop me (Waged a finger)
From getting off this ride
Oh, I just can't let you go 'Don't tell me you're doing all this...'
My mind is not my own '...You hate singing, sweets...'
And I can't eat, can't sleep
I'm in too deep
Oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh, I just can't let you go
So many times I've tried (She swayed her hips slowly)
To get him out of my life
But he knows I'm addicted
To the taste of his lips (She motioned to her lips again)
My strength is drifting away (Her hands dropped loosely to her sides)
My body's aching with pain (Her hands became fists as she slammed the air angrily)
I can't hold on
I can't hold on any longer (She stomped her foot turning her head to the sides violently)
[Chorus X2] <-- in the background
Gojyo stared at the singing girl.
'You're trying that hard? After what you did?' But honestly Gojyo himself didn't know what he felt. Could he forgive them?
'It's not like we said we want to be exclusive in the first place. But out of all the people, did it have to be HIM? Damn, don't look at me like that,baby...'
Her eyes were practically on him the whole time. However, they wore an expression he never saw before. No lust, anger or cheerfulness. She was pleading. e knew how proud she was. She took $hit form no one, yet, now there she was, singing she needs him, begging him not to leave her.
"Not bad for a beginner, not bad." the vocalist cheered almost drown out by the applaud from the audience.
'Her voice doesn't sound so bad in those kind of songs. But she still has way to go before being presentable.' the red head thought.
The band immiediately started playing a pop rock song and Sotona was already back on the dance floor swaying lightly.
Girl,
There's something 'bout me that you ought to know.
I've never felt the need to lose control.
Always held on back and played it slow.
But not this time.
Baby, don't be gentle,I can handle anything.
Baby,
Take me on a journey.
I've been thinking lately,
I could use a little time alone with you.
Crazy,
Let's do something, maybe.
Please don't take your time,
You got me,Right where you want me.
From the very beginning this time, her moves where smooth yet seductive. Her arms floated around her sides resembling a bit motions one does when under water. Her knees were slightly bent allowing her hips to swing and rotate sexually.
Girl,
I'm gonna let you have your way with me.
But when you move like that,
Its hard to breathe.
I never thought that it could be like this,
But I was wrong.
Baby, don't be gentle,
I can handle anything.
Baby,
Take me on a journey.
I've been thinking lately,
I could use a little time alone with you.
Crazy,
Let's do something, maybe.
Please don't take your time,
You got me,Right where you want me.
Her hands travelled up and down her body. If the first dance was hot, this one has made Gojyo really hot and bothered. He shifted in his seat because his pants suddenly became too tight for him. He lit a cigarette to calm his nerves but he couldn't find the strength or will to dart his gaze away from his female companion.
Can't explain it,
How you swept me off my feet,
unexpectedly.
In slow motion,
My imagination's running,
trying to keep my body still,
I can hardly stand the thrill.
Baby, don't be gentle,
I can handle anything.
Sotona started thrusting her hips now and then with an obvious sexual allusion. All the memoires of their nights together flouted to his head and refused to leave. Gojyo knew that even if their first time was an 'incident', the next ones that came carried more emotions than just lust. On both sides.
Baby,
Take me on a journey.
I've been thinking lately,
I could use a little time alone with you.
Crazy,
Let's do something, maybe.
Please don't take your time,
You got me,
Right where you want me.
Then Sotona did something no one had probably expected. The girl started making her way through the room rocking her body in the most seducive way she knew,while the band was still playing the song.
'What the hell...?'
Just as the song was about to end, the girl, now in front of Gojyo, straddled him sitting on his lap.
"Care to spear me 10 minutes?" she whispered into hi ear causing shivers to run down the man's spine.
"Sure..." he really didn't know what to answer so he decided to just go along for now.
She stood up and nodded in the direction of somewhere inside the bar. He stuffed the money he won into his pocket and followed her to a dark corridor obviously leading to a restroom.
"Listen," he spoke nonchalantly trying to be as calm as possible " I get it. You wanted to have some fun, just-"
"Wait." she interrupted Gojyo trapping him between a wall and her body "Please, let me explain." she sighed " First of all, I want to apologize for hurting you with this misunderstanding."
"'Misunderstanding'?!?" so much for him keeping calm... "You two in bed, naked. What's there to misunderstand?!"
"Hear out the WHOLE story."
"Oh?! So you want to tell me how good Jien is?!"
"Just listen!" she cried out and told him what she earlier told Hakkai.
"And I'm suppose to believe this?!?"
"Yes! We honestly didn't do 'it'!"
"How do you know ?!? You were drunk!"
"Gojyo, you and the guys know perfectly well that as loaded as I can get, I ALWAYS remember what happened ."
"Why the hell should I believe you?"
"Gojyo, please..." her eyes became teary and though in the shadows he couldn't see her face clearly, he could certainly hear her voice shaking "I might have a lot on my account. I've done really bad and mean things in life. But I would never, NEVER, do something like this to the one I... I care about." she leaned her head on his shoulder covering her face with one hand and the other one was on his chest. Still, he was able to hear her muffled sobs and feel her body shivering against his. Unconsciously, she hit the soft spot.
"Come on... stop crying..." feeling helpless, he started rubbing her back trying to soothe her.
"Please... believe me..." she clung to his jacket hiding her face in the crook of his neck. Because of the high heels, she was only an inch shorter than he. Her grasp lessened and she slid to the floor. Surprised, Gojyo instinctively embraced her and sat on the floor with her in his arms.
"Don't cry, Sweets..." he hugged her tightly, placing his head on hers.
"Please... I beg you, Gojyo... we didn't do anything... believe me..." she weeped into his chest.
"I get it, I get it, alright? Hush baby..."
"You believe me?" she looked up at him and up close he could clearly see her red and stained with tears face "Please,tell me you do..."
'What can I do when you're like this?'
"Yeah, honey. Come, we need to clean you up."
They entered the restroom and Sotona stared at her reflection.
"Gods, I look like $hit."
"It's not that bad..."
She started cleaning her face from the runny mascara on her cheeks with a paper towel. When she looked decent enough she leaned over the basin placing her hands on each side of it on the wooden counter.
"You okay? Do you feel sick?"
"I'm fine, Gojyo. Just, all this..."she covered her face as she felt tears filling her eyes again.
"No,no. I though we had this over with." he whispered taking her in his arms and kissing her hair.
"Gojyo... I-I... I can't live without you..."
He took her chin and turned her face to his. He stared in her red puffy eyes and chuckled slightly.
"I love those strange eyes of yours, Berry."
Somehow, the way the tears made her eyes glassy reminded him of the look she wore just after reaching ecstasy. Suddenly remembering her dances earlier, Gojyo couldn't control himself and he crushed his lips on hers. She immediately gave him entrance and he could taste the sweet liquor she had earlier still lingering in her mouth. How different it must have been from his own taste of cigarettes and beer. At the thought of that he tried to back away but she flung her arms around his neck refusing to let go.
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