Life Goes On

Scene 65 ------------------------------------------- That Evening

* Pehjo is in Ryuji's kitchen when he hears the main door to the private quarters open then slam shut. The skink slinks over to the doorway. He watches his new master grumble and curse Lord Mukuro angrily as he yanks off his weapon's sheath to hang it on the hook near the door. After the way the rest of Ryuji's day had been with the irritable woman he'd completely forgotten about Pehjo being there. The skink thinks as Ryuji makes his way over to slump onto his couch wearily. Pehjo hurries over to the refrigerator, takes out a bottle of sake, gets a glass, and hurries out into the livingroom. Ryuji opens his eyes quickly, then moans when he recognizes Pehjo.


Ryuji- Aww, s---, you're still here..

Pehjo- Of course.. You said I needed to work to pay you back.


* Ryuji stares up at the skink a moment.


Ryuji- Pehjo,.. I didn't give the guy any money.. Remember?

Pehjo- Hai.. But you did free me again.. Here.


* Pehjo hands Ryuji the glass then pours some sake in it.


Pehjo- You look like you just need to relax.. so enjoy some sake while I finish making dinner.


* Pehjo places the bottl on the coffee table and bows.


Ryuji- Dinner?

Pehjo- Yes. It's almost done.


* Before Ryuji can say anything more Pehjo shuffles back into the kitchen. Ryuji sighs then downs the glass of sake, 'Great, now I have to deal with him'. Ryuji then catches a deep whiff of the dinner. He recognizes the scent, grabs the bottle, and hurries into the kitchen.


Ryuji- Oxtail?

Pehjo- Stew is my specialty.. I know you prefer it roasted, but..

Ryuji- What? - But how would you know..?


* Pehjo glances a grin at his new master.


Pehjo- I don't tell all my secrets.


* Ryuji tilts his head and uses his inner jagan to begin probing the skink. Pehjo glances at him as Ryuji moves to begin setting the table.


Pehjo- I don't mind.. I guess you should know stuff about me since I'll be your houseboy from now on.


* Ryuji pauses briefly then continues. What he learns about his new 'servant' intrigues him. By the time he closes his hidden jagan Pehjo has dinner all set out on the table. He steps back and motions Ryuji to sit.


Pehjo- The Master always sits to the meal first.


* Ryuji hesitantly moves to his normal place at the low, japanese-style table. Pehjo then sits down across from him. For several moments they eat in silence as Ryuji contemplates everything he now knows about him.


Ryuji- With these.. powers and.. skills that you possess.. why do you portray yourself as such a.. bumbling idiot?


* Pehjo shrugs.


Pehjo- Just because you possess a hidden jagan doesn't mean you go around controlling everybody.. H---, if you did you'd be the territory leader instead of that freaky b---- Mukuro.


* Now Ryuji chuckles and slowly relaxes as he listens to Pehjo relate his life history to him. When Pehjo finishes relating about his first encounter with Hiei after his old master, Kichiro, 'acquired' him it reminds Ryuji about Hiei's current situation. Pehjo falls silent as he watches Ryuji drop his eyes to stare into his empty bowl.


Pehjo- Sorry, I shouldn't have told you about that..


* Ryuji doesn't respond so Pehjo probes his thoughts a moment.


Pehjo- Why?


* Ryuji looks back up at Pehjo.


Ryuji- Why what?

Pehjo- Why won't she let you help him?


* Ryuji takes a deep breath.


Ryuji- Because jealousy is an ugly thing, Pehjo.

Pehjo- My big brother gave up his life to Kichiro to keep me safe.. But the situation is different for you..


* Ryuji stands to begin clearing the table.


Ryuji- Enough probing.


* Pehjo nods as he stands.


Pehjo- This is my job.. You go relax, Master.


* Ryuji looks at Pehjo to protest but the skink cuts him off with an upraised hand.


Pehjo- Please.. I truly do owe you.. When I'm finished here I'll come and give you a special massage that will allow you to get a full night's sleep for a change.. You need that or you're going to burn this place down.


* Pehjo continues gathering up the dirty dishes. Ryuji watches him as he decides to test one of the abilities he's learned about during his probe.


(#) Ryuji- I'd prefer that we just get to the massage.


* Pehjo hesitates, then turns to look at Ryuji.


Pehjo- Of course. These will still be here in the morning.


* Pehjo moves to face Ryuji who has an eyebrow quirked up. For a couple moments the fire demon looks deeply into Pehjo's eyes. Sensing Ryuji's desire, the skink steps up closer and raises his face expectantly. Ryuji pnly has to bend slightly for their lips to brush. Pehjo closes his eyes, parts his lips, and relaxes as Ryuji slowly allows himself to take advantage of Pehjo's willingness. When he finally pulls back to catch his breath he finds that he has pinned Pehjo against the wall beside the doorway. Ryuji looks into Pehjo's eyes again.


Ryuji- I don't want to.. take advantage of..

Pehjo- Neither of us are virgins,.. Master.


* Ryuji swallows when Pehjo projects his complete willingness to co-operate with his desires. The fire demon slowly nods and lifts one of Pehjo's hands.


Ryuji- I know.. But I'm not ready to rush into anything..

Pehjo- I understand, Mas-..

Ryuji- Please, call me Ryuji. No more of this master s---.. I believe you offered a special massage.


* Pehjo nods with a happy smile and leads Ryuji toward his bedroom.


Pehjo- Hai.. But tonight you just sleep.. You really do need it.. seriously.

Ryuji- Hn.


* The bedroom door closes behind them.