Author’s notes and warning: This story (not to mention this chapter) is much longer than ‘Once Upon a Time’ and I thank you for reading it.  I am so thrilled that you like it and I hope I can deliver more to your satisfaction.  I hope you’re not expecting Chichiri to cheat on Tasuki, because I just can’t do it.  It just isn’t like him.  But this chapter will tell you pretty much what’s going on.  Next chapter will be the last chapter and will be set in both places as we approach the climax…(so will the boys, by the way, hehehe)

As with my other stories, I firmly believe that our bishounens are very much equals in their sexual relationship.  They are both strong in their own rights and I don’t see them in the traditional ‘seme’ or ‘uke’ categorization.  I was told once that ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ are more of a sexual positions and it is not quite the same as ‘seme’ and uke’ which are ‘dominant’ and ‘submissive’ respectively.  I can see both of them in either roles and I write with that in mind, I hope no one takes offense.  I received some comments that Tasuki’s more aggressive therefore he should be top.  I agree, to a point.  On the other hand, Tasuki respected and had great reverence for Chichiri, and had actually deferred the leadership role to his very kawaii friend.  He probably would do so in the bedroom as well.  Strength comes in many forms and Chichiri’s strength ran deep.  But that’s just my opinion, folks.  Yours are welcome too!  I would love to know what you think.

There’s lemon in this chapter with some angst and some sap.

Disclaimer: Do not own them still…what?  Did we expect that to change?  I wish…

By Moonraven

**Ancient China – Mt. Reikaku** Day of Toshio’s party…

“Genrou!”  Kouji’s voice drifted through the open window of Tasuki’s room.  “Genrou!”  He called again.

Tasuki mumbled and burrowed deeper into his blankets.  Chichiri laughed and tried to push him out of bed to no avail.  The monk sighed, wrapped his kesa around his torso, and went to answer the window before Kouji decided to throw rocks.

“Hai, Kouji-kun.”  Chichiri poked his head out the window; trying to keep the rest of his kesa clad, but otherwise naked, form out of view.  “Tasuki won’t wake up, no da.  Can I help you?”

“Yeah, Chiri, just tell him that Lee’s here, and that I didn’t tell him anything about you two.  I’ll leave that up to Gen-chan.  And see if you can get him up, okay, Chiri?”  With a wave he bounded off towards the front of the stronghold.

When Chichiri turned back towards the bed, Tasuki was already sitting up.  He looked troubled. 

“You heard, Tasuki, no da.  Who’s Lee?”  Chichiri dropped his kesa in the chair and climbed back in bed with his lover.  “And why do I have a feeling that he’s not going to be pleased about us, na no da?”  Chichiri phrased that carefully.  He actually had a much stronger feeling than that.

Tasuki heard the uneasy tone in Chichiri’s voice and pulled the monk into a fierce embrace.

“I don’t give a fuck how he feels, Chiri.  I love you.”  He pulled away slightly to look deep into the eye of the man who held his very existence in his hands.  “There is something I meant to tell ya but didn’t have the chance to.”  Tasuki paused and Chichiri wasn’t sure he’d like where this was going.  Why was Tasuki so troubled?

“Lee…was my lover a very long time ago.  It never came up because I didn’t think that I would ever have a chance to be with ya.  And then this past week was just so fucking fantastic I couldn’t think of anything else but you.”  He cupped Chichiri’s face with both hands and ran his thumbs over the monk’s cheekbone and lips.

“Ya drove all other thoughts from my mind, Chiri and I just want to drown myself in ya.  In your eye, your lips, your body…” He paused again and kissed Chichiri deeply, delving his tongue in the sweet cavern of his lover’s mouth.  He pulled reluctantly away and gazed into that beautiful mahogany eye as he continued.

“I was fifteen when I met him, he was seventeen.  I guess ya could say it was hero-worshiping thought he ain’t much older than me.  He was tall, strong, and fucking gorgeous.  For me, a kid who just joined them, he was like a god.”  Tasuki had a far away look in his eyes as he recalled his past, then he smiled at his own foolish notions and went on. 

“Anyway, we started to fool around and before long, I thought I was in love.  Right before the old boss got sick, Lee left us.  We fought hard, I didn’t want him to go, but he said that we were holding him back and he needed to see the world.  He said that he’d come back and for me to wait for him.  As you can tell, I ain’t the obedient type.  So when the boss got sick, I left to find the cure, thinking that I might see Lee somewhere along the way as well.  It took me too long and I was too late getting back.”  Tasuki never took his eyes off Chichiri; it was important that the monk understood everything and not hated him for loving someone else before.

Chichiri understood the silent plea and rubbed his cheek against the bandit’s palm.  Tasuki looked so sad it nearly broke Chichiri’s heart to see him this way.

“I blamed him for a long time for the boss’s death.  Later I came to realize that it was no one’s fault.  We were told there was no cure but I was to damn stubborn to accept it.  I was just a fucking kid.”  Tasuki kissed Chichiri again, tenderly.  He wanted all of his heart and soul to be in that kiss.  He wanted Chichiri to know that there can never, ever be anyone else for him.  Chichiri was everything.

He pulled away to look at his lover again.  “Chiri, I haven’t seen him in almost 4 years.  I know now that what ever the hell I was feeling wasn’t love.  We were just screwing like crazy, every chance we get but that was all.  It felt like nothing I am feeling for YOU.  Ya make me feel things no one had ever made me feel before.  When I see you, my heart skips a beat every time.  I want to shout with joy when ya look at me, I want to jump and do crazy things when ya smile.  When we make love, Chiri, there ain’t nothing in this world that can compare to the feel of you.  I feel complete and whole when I’m with you.  I need nothing else.”  He took Chichiri’s hand and placed it on his chest and his strong heartbeat echoed the monk’s. 

“We are tied together much deeper than lust, Chiri.”  Tasuki continued.  “Even deeper than love.  You are a part of me, Chichiri.  You are my very soul.”

The sincerity of Tasuki’s words pierced his heart and Chichiri threw himself into his lover’s arms.

“Tasuki…”  His lips met Tasuki’s in a heated kiss, his tongue probing hungrily into the younger man’s mouth.  Tasuki groaned as Chichiri pressed himself ardently against him and the bandit fell back onto the bed, pulling Chichiri on top of him.

“GENROU!”  A harsh voice yelled from the door and before the entwined lovers could react, the door burst opened.  Chichiri had a barrier up around the bed as he scrambled off Tasuki.  A fierce red chi glowed ominously as it hovered over his right palm while his left hand clutched at a blanket.  Tasuki peered from behind his lover, Tessen clear out of reach. 

In the doorway stood a tall, muscular man in his twenties.  He had his arms akimbo, hands resting on slim hips clad in tight leather pants.  The man had long black hair reaching his waist, orange headband held it firmly out of his strong handsome face.  He wore no shirt, only a small tan vest that barely covered his deeply tanned, chiseled chest.

The stranger moved closer to the bed and Tasuki gasped.

“What have we here?”  The stranger’s voice was deceptively quiet.

Tasuki put his hand on Chichiri’s arm.  “It’s okay, Chiri, this is Lee.”  Tasuki didn’t want that chi ball flying around anytime soon.

“Gomen.  But you startled us.”  Chichiri reabsorbed the energy in his hand and took down the barrier.  Then he sank back among the blankets and covered himself, face flaming.

“A sorcerer.”  Lee said looking impressed.  “Your taste in men sure has changed, little wolf.”  He gave Tasuki a burning gaze.

“Don’t call me that!”  Tasuki growled.  “What the fuck, Lee?  Can’t ya fucking knock like everybody else?”  He was furious.  He also didn’t like the way Chichiri was withdrawing into himself.  It reminded him too much of the old Chichiri.

Lee stood calmly looking at the flustered couple, a small smile playing on his sensual lips.  Lips that Tasuki remembered very well.  Lee exuded raw sexuality that was hard to dismiss.  He always had and that was what drew Tasuki to him in the first place.  Lee hadn’t changed a bit.

“You did tell me that I was always welcome in your bed…room.”  His eyes roamed boldly over the bandit’s semi-nude form.  “I missed you, lil…Gen-chan.”  Lee said huskily and Chichiri almost whimpered as he slid further into the blankets.

“Fuck you, Lee.”  He said angrily as he pulled the appalled monk into his arms.

“Anytime, Gen-chan.”  Lee purred.

“You’re an asshole, Lee!  Get out!  I won’t have you upsetting Chiri.  After all this time, ya think ya can just walk in here and jump in my bed?  Get the fuck out!”  He pointed to the doorway.

“Well since there is someone else in your bed right now, I guess I’ll have to wait.”  Lee smirked and looked at Chichiri.  “Chiri…interesting name.  Well, I should be off then.  It was nice to meet you Chiri.  I know you’ll have a good time, Genrou was always very good in bed.”  He laughed throatily as he left.

Once the tall bandit left, Tasuki turned to his lover.  “I’m sorry, Chiri.  I shoulda let ya blast him.”  He buried his face in the crook of Chichiri’s neck inhaling the unique scent of his lover.  He flicked out his tongue and tasted the delectable neck.  Chichiri moaned softly and Tasuki redoubled his effort, sucking wildly.

“Tasuki…not now…”  Chichiri tried to shove the over-zealous bandit off of him.

“But Chiri, he interrupted us, I want my koi, now.”  The over-zealous bandit whined.  To emphasize what he wanted, Tasuki rubbed his hardened arousal against the monk’s thigh as his hand travel towards Chichiri’s arousal.

“But Tasuki…no…da…ahh...”  Chichiri breathed.  “We have no door…na no da.”

Tasuki growled deep in his throat.  “That’s it!  Where’s my Tessen, I’ll fucking torch him myself.”

Chichiri rolled them over, pinning Tasuki under him.  “So violent, na no da.  I’d rather you reserve that energy for me, Tas-chan.”  Then muttering something under his breath, Chichiri teleported them onto his bed in his room.

“Sugoi!”  Tasuki squealed.  “Monk, you are turning me on BIG TIME!”  He gripped Chichiri’s ass and pulled him hard onto his hips, grinding both their arousals together deliciously.

“So what are you planning to do about that, no da?”  Chichiri asked innocently.  He shifted and slid his hand between them, gripping the bandit’s arousal firmly.

“Ahh…I can think of a few things, koi.”  The bandit groaned as his lover gave him a few quick pumps.

“Gods, Chiri, fuck me now…please, now.”  He thrust up into his lover’s hand.

“I don’t have anything here to prepare you, Tasuki.”  The monk looked around his room.

Tasuki took Chichiri’s fingers into his mouth and sucked on them vigorously, wetting them.  Tasuki rolled them over and now Chichiri was underneath the bandit.  Tasuki then slid down the monk’s body and took his lover’s pulsing arousal into his mouth. 

Chichiri gasped as the hot mouth engulfed him, sucking and swirling, lavishing him with his saliva.  Then Tasuki moved back up and positioned himself above the panting monk.  Chichiri slowly slipped one saliva-slicked finger into his lover and work it around, stretching the bandit.  Tasuki moaned and moved up and down on Chichiri’s finger.

“Mmmm…more Chiri…more…”  He urged, panting.

Chichiri added another finger and scissor them to loosen the tight ring at his lover’s entrance.  Tasuki continued to moan and thrust himself repeatedly on Chichiri’s fingers.  When Chichiri removed them and moved the bandit over his aching length, Tasuki engulfed Chichiri’s erection in one swift downward motion.  They both moaned loudly at the intense sensation. 

“Fuck, Chiri.”  Tasuki panted, moving steadily up and down on Chichiri’s hot shaft.  “I can never have enough of you…never.”

The two lovers moved together in near frenzy as one and soon the pace was beginning to be too much.  Chichiri wrapped his hand around Tasuki’s engorged member and pumped his lover vigorously.  Tasuki cried out at the feel of Chichiri’s hand on his dripping arousal and the incredible friction as his lover length slid in and out of him.  He increased his paced and repeatedly slammed down hard on his lover’s shaft, burying Chichiri deep inside him.  The dual stimuli on his senses proved to be overwhelming for the bandit and he shouted out his release as he thrust down one last time on his lover.  Chichiri thrust up hard at the same time and as the bandit’s muscles clamp down around his erection, the monk’s senses exploded and he spilled his seeds deep inside his trembling bandit.

Still breathing hard, Tasuki rolled off his lover and snuggled into the monk’s side.

“I love you, Chichiri.”  He sighed happily.

“I know, Tasuki.  I love you too, no da.”  His voice was soft but his expression was thoughtful.  Lee’s smiling face was occupying his mind.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Fuck, Lee.  What the hell were you thinking?” Kouji shouted at the nonchalant bandit sitting at one of the dining tables.  “Now we gotta fix his damn door.”

“Relax, Kouji.  It was you fault you didn’t tell me he was banging some guy.”  Lee poured more sake into his bowl.  “He looks fucking great, though.”  Lee mused with a predatory gleam in his eyes.

“Give it up, Lee.  It’s been, what, 4 years?  He’s moved on, man.  And Chichiri ain’t some guy he’s banging.  They’re together, Genrou is nuts about him.”

“We’ll see.”  Lee said softly.

“Shit, Lee.  You’re so fucking full of it.”  Kouji was incredulous.  He stared at his friend and shook his head.  “You think you can just waltz in here and get Gen-chan back?  Not a chance in hell.  Genrou won’t ever leave Chiri.  He’s that crazy about him and if ya go near Chiri, Genrou will toast yer hide.  If not, Chiri will.”

“Like I said, relax.  Nobody’s gonna go near anybody.  Sit down and drink with me, man.  I haven’t seen ya in 6 months.”  He pulled out a chair for Kouji and the scarred bandit grudgingly consent.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Toshio’s bachelor party was in full swing when Tasuki and Chichiri finally made their appearances.  Tasuki scanned the room for Lee.  Not that he wanted to see his ex-lover, but to make sure that Lee and Chichiri did not cross paths.  Chichiri may be older and wiser than him in many ways but Tasuki knew that when it came to matters such as love and possession, the monk was as green as a new recruit.  He would be no match for Lee and Lee had possession on his mind.  Tasuki.  Nope, Lee ain’t going anywhere near the monk.

Tasuki spotted Kouji and dragged the reluctant monk with him.  Chichiri was beginning to feel uneasy, as there were so many more people than he was used to.

“Hey, buddy.”  Tasuki called to Kouji.  “Where’s that arrogant bastard?”

“Around.”  Kouji looked over to Chichiri who was looking more flustered.  “What’s the matter, Chiri?”

“So many faces I haven’t seen before, no da.”  He said, more nervous now and wished that he hadn’t left his mask upstairs.  Why did he listen to Tasuki?

“Don’t worry, Chiri.  They’re just old friends.”  He casually draped his arm around the monk’s shoulders.  “Speaking of friends, Toki was looking for ya, something about a song ya taught him.  He’s helping out in the kitchen I think.”

Chichiri smiled, feeling less nervous at the thought of a familiar face.  “I’ll go see him, no da.”  He gave Tasuki’s hand a quick squeeze and walked towards the kitchen.  When his lover was out of earshot, Tasuki turned to Kouji angrily.

“Why the hell didn’t you warn me about Lee earlier?”  He growled at his friend.

“I didn’t know he was getting back so soon.  He wasn’t due for another month.”  Kouji watched his friend closely.  He knew of the relationship between the two men 4 years ago.  He wondered how the younger man was taking this.  Lee radiated sex appeal that not many people can resist.  Kouji himself had fallen prey to the other man; the only difference between him and Tasuki was that Kouji was never under the illusion that he was in love.  For Kouji, it was just sex.

“OI!  Quit looking at me like that, Kouji!  I ain’t gonna jump back in his bed!  What the hell’s wrong with you?”  Tasuki scowled at his friend.

“I don’t know, Gen-chan.  You were practically joined at the hips 4 years ago.  You remember what happened when he left?”  Kouji reminded him, none too gently.

“Yeah, yeah.  But that was a long time ago.  I was, what, sixteen?  Seventeen?  I was a fucking kid.  I was thinking with my dick not my head and he was…very good.”  Tasuki looked at his friend in earnest.  “But with Chichiri it ain’t like that, Kouji.  I love him.  I knew there was something the first time I saw him.  It was so fucking weird.  Deep in here.”  Tasuki put his hand on his chest.  “It felt like something inside of me knew him.  Do you know when I found out that I can’t live without him?”  Kouji shook his head.  “It was in Kutou, when he was holding me after that damn Tama beat the shit out of me.”  Tasuki had a far away look in his eyes as he thought about the incident.  “I was almost dead man but I could feel him.  I could feel his life flowing into me.  It was so fucking warm, so fucking beautiful.”  He looked directly into Kouji eyes, his own golden orbs burning.  “He has my life in his hands now, Kouji.  I gave him my soul.  If he ever leaves, I’ll die.”  The intensity of Tasuki’s words rocked Kouji to the core.  He had never seen Tasuki like this.

“I believe ya, buddy.  Chichiri is something, ain’t he?”  He looked around and pulled closer to Tasuki.  “Just watch it, man.  I saw that look in Lee’s eyes and it looked like he wants you back.”

“Yeah, I saw it too.”  He chewed worriedly on his lower lip.

“Worried about Chiri?”  Kouji asked.  “I’m sure he can take care of himself, Genrou.  I know he can kick ass tougher than Lee’s.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about.  Lee can play dirty and Chiri ain’t like that.”

“We’ll keep an eye on them.  Lee can be pretty determined so keep thinking about your sweet little monk, Gen-chan.”

“Fuck Lee.”  Tasuki grumbled.

“My thoughts exactly.”  Said a deep voice behind them.

Both men whirled around to face the owner of the voice.  Lee stood not far away, holding a tray loaded with sake bottles and drinking bowls.  He carefully placed the tray on their table and grabbed a chair.  He turned the chair around and straddled it, resting his arms casually on the back.  His white shirt opened at the collar, revealing the tan column of his strong throat and collarbone.

“It’s been a long time, Gen-chan.  You’ve grown up.”  Lee’s voice was soft and his blue eyes burned into Tasuki’s.

“Yeah, I have.”  Tasuki replied, staring back unfazed.

Lee chuckled as he downed his drink.  “Your little friend was quite…interesting.  Mind if I…get to know him better?”  He winked at Tasuki.

Tasuki slammed his fist down hard on the table, spilling contents of their drinks.  Kouji gripped his arm tightly in an effort to keep his friends from killing each other.

“You stay the fuck away from him, Lee.”  Tasuki managed to grate between tightly clenched teeth.  “I know how you work.  Chiri ain’t like that!  You touch a hair on his head and I’ll burn you alive.”  It was not a threat but a sure promise; the seriousness of Tasuki’s tone left no room for doubt.

Lee laughed outright.  “You’re right, Kouji.  Our little wolf had fallen hard for the sorcerer.”  He gave Tasuki a friendly smile.  “Don’t worry, Gen-chan, I was just playing with ya.  I like my men…roguish…and hardy.  You know I like ‘em rough, Gen-chan.  Your sorcerer’s safe from me.”  But you’re not, his eyes clearly said.

Tasuki narrowed his eyes but said nothing.  Kouji let out a long sigh.  “Shit!  You two will give me a fucking heart attack.”

“You’re not still mad about this afternoon, are you?”  Lee asked when Tasuki was still silent.  “Sorry about that, Genrou.  No one told me you were…occupied.  They kept saying you were sleeping and well, it was WAY too late even for YOU.  I had no idea you were SLEEPING with someone.”  Lee held out his right arm, palm slightly upwards, across the table, smiling apologetically.  “No hard feelings?”

Tasuki frowned at the peace offer.  He wasn’t mad about THAT.  He was still thinking about Lee coming near his Chichiri.

Kouji held his breath.  It seemed that he’d be doing a lot of that from now on.

Tasuki grunted and clasped arms with Lee.  They stared at each other across the table and Tasuki could feel the heat of Lee’s gaze surge through him.  Some things hadn’t changed.  His body was still reacting to Lee’s blatant sexuality even as his head and heart screamed at him.  He removed his arm quickly and leaned back in his chair.  Lee had a knowing smile on his face.  He knew very well what effects he had on the younger man.

Tasuki cursed himself silently, gulping down his sake.  He loved Chichiri, he said to himself over and over again.  The image of the smiling Chichiri came to mind and Tasuki felt a sense of peace slowly settled the havoc in his senses.  Paradox.  Isn’t that what he had thought of Chichiri?  Chichiri can ignite a roaring fire of Tasuki passion yet calm the fiercest storm in the bandit’s turbulent life.  Gods, he loved that man.

Kouji nudged him out of his thoughts and he found that Lee was talking.

“Um…sorry, man.  Ya were saying?”

“I said I missed you.  It’s been too long.”  Lee sincerely.

“Yeah, well it’s your own damn fault.”  He mumbled, not sure how he should take the strange mood of his old lover.

“Not entirely.”  Lee protested.  “I came back 3 years ago.  You were gone.”

“Ya actually thought I was gonna sit here on my ass just waitin’ for ya?  Shit!  I had better things to do.”  Tasuki snorted.

“Apparently.”  Lee said mildly and lifted his drink.  “Here’s to old times.” 

As they drank the toast, they heard commotion from a nearby table.

“A fucking monk?  He’s too fucking hot to be a monk.”  A very drunk voice slurred.  “I wanna get me a piece of that ass.  One night with me and he’ll give up that monk shit.”  He laughed, not knowing how close he was to dying.  The man was one of the bandits that came back with Lee.  He clearly didn’t know about Chichiri and Tasuki.

Tasuki got up, shaking with fury.  Kouji gripped his arm in a futile attempt to hold him back.  “Easy, Gen-chan.  He don’t know about Chiri.”  Even as he tried to calm Tasuki, some of his own men spoke up for Chichiri.

“Ya stay the hell away from him, Shin.  He’s good man.  He ain’t for the likes of ya.”  Kei warned the man.

“Yeah.  Touch him and ya ain’t gonna see sunrise, man.”  Enji added and there was a chorus of general agreement.

Tasuki was touched.  He sat down dumbfounded.  For all of their teasing, they actually liked the monk.

“So…” The deep voice of Lee drew Tasuki’s attention back to their companion.  “You are sleeping with a MONK?”  Lee was incredulous, his eyes wide, mouth agape.  “When I said your taste in men changed, I didn’t know it changed THIS much!  A monk!”  Then he burst out laughing. 

Tasuki didn’t think it was so funny.  He scowled and was about to reach over to the guffawing bandit when he felt a firm but gentle hand on his shoulder.  Tasuki didn’t need to turn around to know that it was his lover behind him; his senses were well tuned to the monk’s. 

“Good evening, Lee-san.”  Chichiri said formally.  “It is always a pleasure to meet one of Tasuki’s friends, na no da.”  Kouji slipped into another chair and Chichiri took Kouji’s seat with a nod of thanks. 

“Chichiri.”  Lee sobered immediately and placed both hands on the table, head bowed low, his forehead almost touching the table.  “I have to apologize for earlier.  I didn’t know Genrou was…busy.”  He looked up from his humble position hopefully.  “He seemed to have accepted my apologies, I hope you can too?”  He turned his charms on maximum but it was lost on the honest monk.  Chichiri only saw a simple smile and he smiled back.

“Of course, no da.  No harm done.”  Chichiri squeezed his lover’s hand gently.

“Excellent!”  Lee exclaimed.  “Can I pour you a drink?”  He made a move to get the sake but Chichiri declined.

“Thank you, but no, Lee-san.  I rather not right now, no da.”  Chichiri looked embarrassed.

Lee quirked an eyebrow and looked questioningly at Tasuki and Kouji, who just shrugged.  Before he could reply, Toki brought a tray to Chichiri. 

“Here ya go, Chiri-san.  Keep the sake for Toshio’s toasts okay?”  The boy winked conspiratorially to Chichiri and left.

The poor monk’s face was as red as a tomato.  The tray contained tea.  He looked up at Lee and smiled.  “I don’t handle liquor well, na no da.”  Lee laughed good-naturedly at the blushing monk.

“No problem.”  He said then looked at Chichiri closely.  “I hope you don’t mind, I’ve been wondering…”  Lee didn’t have a chance to finish.

“DON’T say it.”  Tasuki’s harsh voice cut in.  He knew what the other man was staring at.  Chichiri was self-conscious enough about his scar; he didn’t need to be reminded of it in front of a total stranger.

Kouji groaned inwardly.  Tasuki could be so intense when it came to Chichiri.

“Tasuki, no da.”  Chichiri put his hand on Tasuki’s arm gently.  “It’s okay, no da.  You helped me to come to terms with it and I’m not upset anymore, na no da.”  He turned back to the uneasy Lee.  “It was a childhood accident, Lee-san.  I was hit by a log, no da.”

“Sorry about that, Chichiri, sometimes my curiosity gets the better of me.”  Lee gave Chichiri an apologetic look.  “Why did you call him ‘Tasuki’?”

“That is Genrou’s seishi name, no da.  You didn’t know that he’s a warrior of Suzaku?” 

“Come to think of it, when I came back 2 years ago, I think Kouji did say something about Genrou leaving to help a priestess of Suzaku.  I just never paid attention to the names I guess.”  Lee looked at Tasuki again with renewed interest.  Chichiri wasn’t sure he liked that look at all.  And he liked the fact that Tasuki’s chi was in turmoil even less.  He looked over to his lover and found Tasuki frowning slightly into his drink.  Tasuki was really troubled.

The rest of the night went by rather smoothly and Chichiri excused himself quickly when the women made their appearances.  He knew what was next.

“Chiri!”  Tasuki gripped his wrist gently.  “Where are you going?”

“Tasuki no da, I don’t want to watch this na no da.”  He was turning a little pink, both from the sake he drank when they made a toast to Toshio and from the thought of the naked women.  “I’ll take a walk outside to clear my head a little, no da.  I’ll be back soon, Tasuki no da.”  He gave his koi a brief kiss before heading out the door.

Tasuki’s attention went back to the catcalls and whistling as his men began to show their appreciation for the women.  He didn’t see that Lee had slipped away right behind Chichiri.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chichiri took a deep cleansing breath as he watched the mountains in the moonlight.  It was really beautiful here; he would miss it when they leave.  He looked back towards the dining hall where laughter and music was coming from.  Tasuki was truly happy here.  How will the bandit react when it was time to leave?  Tasuki would go wherever Chichiri went, but was it the best for Tasuki?

“Beautiful.” 

Chichiri kicked himself mentally for being too deep in thought to notice the intruder’s chi.

“Yes it is, Lee-san.”  He said amiably as he turned to face Tasuki’s ex-lover.  “I’ve always thought it was more beautiful here than Mt. Taikyoku, no da.”  He leaned his back on the stone railing of the terrace as he watched the other man standing in the shadows.

“I was thinking about you.”  Lee’s voice was low and seductive.

Chichiri blinked, his mind was racing to find something to say to that but found none.  Lee came out of the shadows and sauntered towards him slowly.  Lee’s Chi was radiating excitement and desire; something Chichiri was not comfortable with at all. 

“What?  Aren’t you going to tell me that I’m out of line?”  Lee smirked as he came to a stop a couple of feet away from Chichiri.  One hand rested casually on the railing while the other was poised dramatically over his chest.

“I don’t need to, no da.  You already know that, Lee-san.”  Chichiri’s mouth was dry.  The man was standing too close.  He took a step back, needing to re-establish his personal space.

Lee chucked softly when Chichiri moved away from him.  “Do I make you uncomfortable, Chiri?  Gomen, ne?  It isn’t my intention.” 

“What IS your intention?”  Chichiri went to the point.  He didn’t understand what the other man was doing.  Chichiri thought that he had seen the lust in Lee’s eyes as Lee watched Tasuki.  Why was the heat in his chi reaching out to Chichiri?

Lee laughed.  “They were right about you, Chiri.  You are priceless.”  He took a step closer to the monk but this time Chichiri stood his ground.  He refused to be intimidated.

“Your intentions, Lee-san.”  Chichiri repeated.

“I just want to get to know you better.”  Lee shrugged innocently.  “After all, you are the man that captured the heart of our little Gen-chan.  I should be the one asking about YOUR intentions.”

Chichiri frowned.  “MY intentions?”

“Yes.  What are your plans about our little wolf?  He loves his lair, you know, and his pack.  Will you drag him with you in your travels again and keep him from the people he loves for years at a time?” 

Chichiri was silent.  He had thought about this many times himself.  Surely that was Tasuki’s choice?  He’d never take Tasuki anywhere he didn’t want to go.

“He THINKS he’s in love with you.”  Lee voice cut into his thoughts.  Chichiri’s eye came up to meet the other man’s sharply.  Lee’s emphasis on the word ‘think’ was not lost to Chichiri.  “I’ve seen it before, you know.  He thinks he’s in love, throws everything into it, and then realizes that he misses his old life too much.  Regret is inevitable.”  Lee watched Chichiri shrewdly.  The older man looked distressed.  Perfect.

“I have no plans for Tasuki.  He makes his own decisions, I don’t make them for him.”  Chichiri looked anxiously at Lee.  Did Lee know something that Chichiri didn’t?

“I know Gen-chan.  If he thinks he loves you then he’d do whatever you want.  He’s like that.  He holds nothing back.”  He peered at the silent monk.  Chichiri was still frowning, chewing worriedly at his lower lips.  He was gorgeous and Lee found himself thinking about how those lips would taste, how they would feel wrapped around his arousal.

Chichiri looked at Lee sharply when he noticed a passionate flare in Lee’s chi; the man was leering at him.  To Chichiri’s dismay, his body began responding to the other man’s needs against his will.  He cleared his throat and try to move away. 

“I should go back to Tasuki, no da.”  Chichiri muttered.  A strong hand gripped his wrist and he paused, not looking at Lee.

“Chiri.  Genrou is not the type to be tied down to one person.  He needs lots of…stimulations; I think you know that.  Even now he finds himself wanting me still.  Can you live with that?  Will you deny him his pleasures?”  Lee spoke quietly.  He was so close that his hot breath brushed Chichiri’s cheek as he spoke.  Chichiri shivered involuntarily.  He turned and gaze steadily into Lee’s eyes.

“Like I said, Tasuki makes his own decisions.  I have to go back in now before he worries.”  He pulled out of Lee’s grip and walked towards the dining hall.

Lee smiled into the darkness.  Tasuki was as good as his.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Chichiri watched his lover from one of the side doors.  Tasuki was still seated at the table, drinking and laughing with his men, generally having a great time.  Something Chichiri was not very good at.  As he watched his lover from outside, Chichiri saw Lee approached their table.  The over-sexed man had discarded his shirt and was now clad only in his skintight leather pants.  Chichiri bristled slightly; it was a warm night but not THAT warm.  Lee walked up behind Tasuki and leaned over the red head to get his drink, his bare chest and arm brushing against the younger man.  Tasuki’s eyes were fixated on the half naked man and Chichiri could feel the bandit’s chi fluctuating wildly. 

Chichiri watched with a sinking heart as Lee sat down next to Tasuki and casually draped his arm across the younger man’s shoulders.  Tasuki tensed immediately and Chichiri looked away, unable to face the reality that the man he loved desired another.  The monk walked back out to end of the terrace and stood staring unseeingly into the night.  He couldn’t really blame Tasuki; Lee had some abilities in projecting his desires.  It was so strong that people around him got caught up in the sensation as well.  Chichiri knew because he had just experienced it.

Chichiri detected Tasuki’s very distinctive chi approaching but he couldn’t move, couldn’t go meet his love.  He couldn’t get rid of the aching feeling in the pit of his stomach, the feeling that he was going to lose Tasuki.  There were so many things he couldn’t do; surely he couldn’t make Tasuki happy?  Chichiri’s chaotic thoughts were interrupted by a pair of strong arms wrapping themselves around him.  Tasuki’s solid body pressed lightly against Chichiri’s back and he reflexively leaned back into the warmth, sighing contently.

“Ne, Chiri.”  Tasuki nudged and nibbled at his earlobe.  “What do ya say to an early night?”  Tasuki’s tongue made it’s way along the shivering monk’s neck while his hand roamed his lover’s torso, dipping sensuously lower.

“Mmmm….” Say?  Chichiri could hardly find his voice let alone think of something to say.  He could feel Tasuki’s hot length pressed against him and he wondered distractedly how much of that was Lee’s doing.

“Tasuki, no da.”  He barely whispered as he unthinkingly ground his hips into his lovers.  Tasuki groaned at the pressure.

“Yeah, Chiri?”  Tasuki continued to nuzzle the monk’s neck.

“You have to be with your friends, no da.”  Chichiri reminded him.  “We have all night later, na no da.”

“I don’t wanna wait.  I want my koi now.”  Tasuki bit gently into his neck, thrusting with emphasis into the monk’s backside.

Chichiri laughed at his lover’s antics but gently disengaged himself.  He turned around and planted a brief kiss on the pouting bandit’s lips.  He debated silently weather or not to warn Tasuki about Lee.  Would it help his lover to deal with his desires if he knew it was Lee’s and not his own? A small frown creased his delicate brows as he continued his internal struggle.

“What’s wrong, Chiri?”  Nothing about Chichiri’s moods escape Tasuki now a days.

“Hm…nothing, no da.”  Chichiri tried to be cheerful.  And failed.

“Don’t give me that, Chiri.  We promised not to keep things from each other.  Tell me.”  Tasuki urged.

“Lee…” Chichiri didn’t know how to say it.  This was so unnerving. 

Tasuki tighten his hold on the monk almost painfully.  Chichiri squirmed and the bandit loosened his grip.

“What the fuck did he say to you?”  Tasuki’s voice was harsh.  The bandit kept his eyes locked on the fidgeting Chichiri’s.

“It’s not what he said, Tasuki.  It’s his aura, no da.  It’s very strong.”  Chichiri managed.

“What the hell does that mean?”  Tasuki frowned.  “I didn’t feel anything?”

Chichiri sighed.  “Yes you did, no da.”

Tasuki’s frowns deepened.  “I did?  Fuck, Chiri, you know about these shits better than me. Is it bad?”

“Er…no…not bad exactly.” 

“Then what is it exactly?”

Chichiri chewed on his lips thinking about the best way to say this.  He took a deep breath and looked directly into his lover’s eyes.

“Tasuki-kun.  What do you feel when Lee is around you?”  He asked as gently as he could.  Chichiri didn’t want Tasuki to feel bad about the desires he felt.

Too late.  Tasuki looked guilty and Chichiri could feel remorse seeping from the bandit’s chi.

“It’s okay, Tasuki, no da.  I felt it too.”  He caressed the bandit’s cheek reassuringly.

“NANI!”  Tasuki was shocked.  Chichiri wanted Lee? 

“No, Tasuki.  I don’t want him.”  Chichiri read the hurt in his lover’s eyes.  “That’s his aura, no da.  His desires are very strong and the target of his…um…needs is often caught up in it.  What they are actually feeling is Lee’s desires na no da, not their own.”  There!  That wasn’t so hard. 

Tasuki looked confused for a few second then he gasped as understanding dawned on him.  “Shit!  That’s fucking great!”  Tasuki whooped and laughed in obvious relieve.  “You have no idea how much better I feel!”  He picked up the older man and whirled him around gleefully. 

Chichiri laughed and playfully pounded on the bandit’s chest.  “Let me down, na no daaa.”

Tasuki stopped and held Chichiri close, relishing the feel of the monk.  “I felt so bad, Chiri.  I thought I wasn’t worthy of you to be thinking about Lee like that after all this time.  I love you so much.”  He buried his face in Chichiri’s neck.

“It’s alright, Tasuki, no da.  I understand.”  Chichiri said soothingly.

Tasuki pulled away suddenly, eyes flashing.  “If you felt it too that meant he came after you!”

“He’s after everybody no da.  Don’t worry.”  He kissed Tasuki tenderly.  “I can take care of myself, na no da.”

“Yeah, but I wanna take care of you!”  Tasuki still wasn’t reassured.

The monk laughed again.  Tasuki had a way of making his gloomy world brighter.  But what could he offer the exuberant bandit in return?  Surely his love wasn’t enough? 

“And I want to take care of YOU.”  Chichiri kissed Tasuki soundly for emphasis.  “I feel much better now that you know about Lee, na no da.  I don’t have to worry about you as much.”

“Ne, Chiri.  What’s this?  You sound like you’re leaving.”  Tasuki stiffen in his arms, alarm clearly in his voice.  He searched Chichiri’s eye intently.

Chichiri’s heart ached unbearably.  ‘For you, Tasuki.  I can sacrifice anything for you.  Even my own happiness, my own life.’  Chichiri thought desolately

“No Tasuki, no da.  I’m not going anywhere.”  He said as he kissed Tasuki firmly, his lips reassuring the younger man of his love, his tongue promising eternal bliss…

…while his heart bled at the lie.

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Next Chapter: Getting to Know You

Ack!  This is harder than I thought.   There are so many things that needed to be taken cared of.  I so wanted to finish this in the next chapter but it doesn’t look that way.  So…the story continues…maybe 2 more chapters, okay?

Let me know what you think so far…please?

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