The Importance of Prioritizing
Chapter Six: I Promise to Give, as Well as Take.
At first, he wondered why Homura had called him over Friday night. They had to leave for Chicago the next day, and he seriously wanted to get some sleep. He'd actually been playing with his phone before Homura called, toying with the idea of calling Sanzo. He wanted to, but the problem was he had no idea what he would say. And the last thing he needed was to call Sanzo, only to look like an idiot.
He knocked loudly on the door to the small apartment, smiling politely when Homura opened a few seconds later. "Hey Homura," he said softly. "What did you want to see me about?"
"I just wanted to invite you over," Homura said with a simple shrug, pulling the door open wide enough to let the teenager in. He then turned, stepping inside while leaving the door open. "C'mon now, you're letting the heat out."
Goku choked out a reply, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. He pulled off his jacket and shoes, allowing them to tumble to the floor. He stepped into the small apartment, surprised to find it fairly clean. Nothing like Sanzo's house, which was littered with clothes and packages from take-out food. He headed into the kitchen, following Homura as the man pulled out two beers. "Want one?" he offered simply, holding it out to the young man.
Goku waved it away. "Its fine, I'm underage."
Homura shrugged, placing it back in the fridge. "Your call."
Goku couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable as the two headed into the living room, taking a seat on the couch. Homura turned on some movie, and settled back comfortably into the sofa. Goku felt sick. He recognized the people on the screen immediately; this was the same movie he watched with Sanzo what felt like weeks ago. Neither of them had been paying any attention, and it was on mute, but Goku was not mistaken. "Homura," he said quietly, standing. "Maybe I should go home. I'm not really feeling well."
When he turned to leave, Homura caught his wrist. "Come now Goku, don't leave so soon." He yanked the young teen back down into the couch, watching him fall back with an ungraceful thud, right into his lap. Homura wrapped his arms around the boy, nuzzling his chin into the boy's shoulder. His beer was long since forgotten. "Stay with me."
Goku felt really sick. He tried to pull away from the uncomfortable embrace, but Homura held firm. "Homura, I really just want to go—"
His response was cut off as Homura twisted the boy, firmly kissing him. Goku felt incredibly overcome by guilt; it was so thick and he wanted to throw up. He knew that he and Sanzo were no longer together, and he didn't have to worry about cheating, but he still felt horrible. He felt as though he still owed Sanzo something, even though that was incredibly ridiculous. Finally gaining his strength back, He shoved him back. "What are you doing?" Goku cried, staring into Homura's unreceptive eyes.
"Kissing you," he said simply, leaning in. Goku flailed his arms, pushing the man back again.
"Why!?" Goku cried again, suddenly frightened of where this might lead. A pair of violet eyes flashed before his vision, but he tried to ignore them.
"Because I think you're pretty," he said simply, leaning down to bite Goku's earlobe. The teenager gave out an undignified yelp of surprise. "And I'm sick of seeing you look so distraught over Konzen. So I'm going to make you forget him… for a while," Homura hissed, before nipping at Goku's neck.
The brunet's hands fell to Homura's chest, attempting to push him away again. He didn't want this. Sanzo would get mad. Sanzo would hate him. Sanzo would…..
Sanzo wouldn't care.
Somehow, Goku's strength left him and his hands wound their way up behind Homura's neck, fingering his hair slightly. It felt like Sanzo's hair, but when he opened his eyes and looked at the deep, charcoal color, he couldn't stop the stab of guilt. He immediately replaced it with anger. Whatever, if Sanzo wanted to be a brooding masochist, then let him. He could have Homura. He felt as though the only reason he was letting Homura touch him like this was to get back at Sanzo. His actions seemed to be fueled by spite quite frequently as of late.
Goku could feel his breath hitch as Homura's cold hands found their way down his pants. And no matter how hard Goku tried to flush thoughts of Sanzo from his mind, they continued to resurface. The guilt made him want to throw up, and he could practically taste the bile on his tongue.
Even after he found himself lying naked on Homura's living room floor, those violet eyes did not disappear from his mind. Even thought he was completely worn out, body and mind, he could not shake that piercing glare. So, with Homura asleep next to him, Goku silently rose to his feet, went to the nearby bathroom and vomited.
---
Sanzo's eyes strayed up to the clock on the wall, staring at it for a moment before berating himself for something so foolish before turning his attention back down towards his laptop. He stared at the screen, watching the cursor blink, as though taunting him. Telling him he had yet to continue his work.
Oliver, his character, was trapped within indecision. He could run, sacrificing his friends and driving himself into deep mental torment for as long as he could live, or he could attempt to save them, and risk shattering his own mind in the process. Truly, the story could go either way. Sanzo didn't much care; he simply needed a way to end it. But how could Oliver decide when he himself couldn't make up his own mind?
Sanzo's eyes strayed to the clock once again. 12:32. Goku's plane took off at three. Only two and a half more hours until the brat was gone from his life for good. After glaring at his computer again for good measure, he turned back to look at the clock once more. Damnit, not even a minute went by.
"Goku's plane leaves at three. It's up to you what's more important."
Damn Hakkai. Damn Kanzeon. Damn Homura. But mostly, he damned Goku. Damn him for continuing to bother him, even if he wasn't in the same room. He glared at the clock once more, before finally letting a sigh pass through his lips. Saving and shutting down his laptop, he got to his feet before heading for his car.
---
Goku stared at the clock. Two thirty. Soon he'd have to get on the plane for Chicago, leaving everybody behind. His parents… Nataku… Sanzo… he felt his heart twist and turn in his chest with guilt. Why couldn't Sanzo just leave his mind? Those violet eyes, that golden hair, those pale lips… Goku shut his eyes, trying to force the image of the man from his mind. No matter how hard he tried, his face continued to resurface. Goku stumbled to his feet, looking towards Homura who sat next to him. They were at gate fifteen, waiting for the plane's arrival. Everything had been checked and tickets had been clarified. There was no backing out now.
"Are you okay?" Homura asked, sounding generally concerned before getting to his feet, wrapping his arms around the boy's waist. "Nervous?"
No. No! The guilt was too thick; he couldn't stand to have Homura's arms around him. He pushed himself out of the man's arms, stepping back. "I-I'm not feeling good," Goku admitted weakly. "I'll be right back."
Homura frowned questionably as Goku turned, heading quickly towards the men's washroom. As soon as he stumbled inside, he headed straight for the closest stall, bending over and emptying his stomach of its contents. Why was he getting so sick lately? Was it Sanzo? It must've been. The man infected him with something, and now being away from his arms was driving him to sickness. He wanted the cure—needed the cure. Unfortunately the cure hated him, wanted him to stay as far away from him as possible.
Pulling his knees to his chest, Goku could feel the weight of Sanzo's gaze pushing down on his shoulders. His hatred, his anger was almost too much to bear. He couldn't stand it anymore. "I'm in love with Sanzo…" he muttered softly, the realization startling him. Opening his eyes, he turned towards the water-stained ceiling. At this, a dry chuckle sounded from his throat. "Wahoo, I'm in love with a man who hates me," he whispered sarcastically, letting his head rest back against the stall door. He could only laugh softly, finding the irony of the situation too much to bear.
---
It hadn't taken him long to find Homura. His missing charge unsettled him, but the pure anger at spotting the dark haired man was enough to set him off. The cocky bastard was sitting by the gate, a magazine in hand and flipping through it without a care in the world. Sanzo's hand fisted and he stalked up to the man without worrying about Goku's absence.
Homura looked up at him as he approached, giving him a slight wave. "Why hello there Konzen," he said with a grin. "Come to give me a goodbye kiss?"
"Cut the bullshit," Sanzo snapped. "Where's Goku?"
Homura shrugged, turning back towards his magazine as if the blond's presence bored him. "I don't know, he said he wasn't feeling well, I haven't seen him since."
Sanzo's hand fisted, and his teeth grit in pure anger. He wanted more then anything to punch Homura's cocky face in, but managed to resist the temptation. He had to find Goku first, and he didn't need airport security dragging him out before he could do that. "Well, when I find him, he's coming back with me."
Homura's brows rose in an amused fashion, but other then that he made no indication that he heard the man. "Is that so?" he asked, amusement and victory lining his tone. "He didn't seem to want to run back into your arms very quickly last night."
"Last night?" Sanzo echoed.
Homura turned to look at him with a purely innocent expression, as if to say 'oh, you didn't know?' "Yeah. When Goku was wiggling beneath me, loving my touch, screaming my name…" he let his sentence trail off at the shocked expression that crossed the blond's face.
Sanzo could only stare. Homura had to be joking. Pulling his leg. There was no way… no way…. Sanzo's eyes narrowed and a growl formed in his throat. So, this cocky son of a bitch thought he could get away with touching his idiot? Homura was in for one fucking painful face breaking. Just as he prepared to break his nose, a sound from behind him caused him to turn. Goku stood behind him, eyes flickering from Sanzo to Homura. Pure disbelief and horror crossed his face, as if blown away that Homura could tell Sanzo they had fucked around and not even bat an eyelash about it. But as Goku's golden eyes flickered up to him, he could see pain, and fear, but just behind that a glimmer of hope. "S-Sanzo…" the boy muttered weakly. He opened his mouth to say more, but then fell silent, turning his eyes away in shame.
Somehow, Sanzo couldn't feel any anger towards Goku, as Homura's confession did nothing but stir new anger towards the dark-haired man. Still, he paid him no mind, turning to Goku; he frowned deeply, causing the youth to flinch involuntarily. "C'mon Goku," he snapped, a little too harshly. "You're coming with me."
Goku's eyes shone with newfound hope, as he stared at Sanzo with a look of pure bewilderment. "R-really?" he croaked out. Goku knew he should've said no, should've turned and went right along with Homura to Chicago. Yet knowing that Sanzo had come just to get him back made him want to do nothing more then to just run away with him, and fall back into the familiar apartment that smelt so much like Sanzo. Even if Sanzo was only here to take him back and rub his victory into Homura's face, he didn't care. He knew it would be less painful then having to live in Chicago without him.
Homura sprang to his feet as the pair turned, preparing to leave without him. Grasping Goku's wrist, he pulled him back. "C'mon Goku, you don't honestly think—"
His sentence was cut short as Sanzo flipped around, nailing a punch straight to Homura's face. The force sent the man spiraling back, crashing into the chairs set up for those waiting for planes. The commotion caused several eyes to turn their way, but Sanzo paid them no mind. He simply glared at Homura, as the man wiped a bit of blood off his chin. "Don't fucking touch him," Sanzo seethed, before turning and placing a hand on Goku's shoulder to guide him. Without a second look back, the pair headed out towards Sanzo's car.
---
Goku felt like he should've been happy. Sanzo had come to get him. He'd driven all the way to the airport to stop him from going to Chicago with Homura, but still, Goku found himself ultimately confused at the blond's actions. Hadn't they broken up? Hadn't Sanzo said he never wanted to see him again? The confusion and joy within him were battling for dominance, and the confusion was winning.
The TV was on, as it always was, and it was on mute—as usual. Sanzo had taken his perch at the end of the couch, typing away on his laptop. Goku simply sat, fumbling with his hands while casting him looks every once in a while. This continued on for several minutes until finally Sanzo stopped writing and looked up at him. "What?" he snapped.
Goku frowned. "I just… want to know why…" Goku muttered, his sentence trailing off when his confidence began to slip.
Sanzo sighed, as he could tell the direction this conversation was going to go in. Turning off his computer, he set it gently on the ground before turning his attention the brunet before him. Changing his mind, he rose to his feet, grabbing his cigarettes from the counter before returning to the couch. At least this bought him a moment to think. Why did he stop Goku? Did he truly miss his presence that much? Taking a drag from his cigarette, he let his eyes stray to meet Goku's. His golden eyes were trained to him, waiting patiently for an answer. An answer Sanzo didn't have. "I got tired of having to go out all the time to eat," Sanzo admitted finally, tapping the ashes from his cigarette into a nearby ashtray.
Goku's eyes suddenly darkened. "That's it?" he croaked out, all fear and intimidation gone. "You got tired of going out to eat? Do you know what I gave up for you, Sanzo? A five star restaurant! I gave up my dream for you! I'm in fucking love with you and all you can say is you're too lazy to go out every night to eat." Goku didn't even know why he was yelling. Hadn't he wanted this? To be with Sanzo again? So why was he complaining?
He was prepared to hear Sanzo's temper spark up at him, and was surprised when it didn't come. Instead, Sanzo sighed, putting out his cigarette and rising to his feet. Before Goku could say anything, he pulled the brunet close, kissing him with flaming intensity. Goku was momentarily stunned at the sudden contact of lip, before he melted and kissed the man back. He could taste the bitterness of the man's lips, mixed with something that tasted softly of strawberries. The blond would never know how tasty he was. Sanzo's hands slid behind his waist, pulling Goku close in a grip that said he would never let him go. Goku let his hands rest on the man's chest, enjoying the feel of the man's heartbeat beneath his palm. Finally, the kiss broke, and no matter how hard he tried he could not be angry with Sanzo. Goku hated how much power the man had over him. "You're my idiot, got it? I can't stand the idea of Homura touching you," he kissed Goku softly again, before pulling away. "Besides, your lack of presence seems to stir writers block."
Goku could only smile softly. "Really?" he whispered. "Then I better not leave your side ever again. Your career may depend on it."
Goku stared up at the blond, waiting to hear his reaction. "Hm," Sanzo said finally. "I guess I could live with that."
---
The annoying ringing of his cell phone was what pulled him from sleep that morning. He'd stumbled around in the dimly lit room, before his hand grasped the small phone. He flipped it open, putting it to his ear. "What?" he snapped irritably. There was only one person he knew would be calling him.
"Where the hell are you?" Kanzeon snapped her tone like a needle's sting. Sanzo winced, pulling the phone from his ear. "It's three in the fucking afternoon! Did you finish your manuscript?"
Sanzo blinked slowly, his mind slowly coming out of the fog. "No," he said slowly, giving a yawn.
He could hear his aunt growl on the other end of the line, and prepared for the explosion. "Why the hell not?!" she yelled.
Sanzo yawned again, falling back into bed. "I had more important things to deal with," he said, turning to the brown haired boy asleep next to him. Sanzo allowed a small, undetectable smile to cross his features, knowing no one would be able to see it. "Wasn't it you who told me to get my priorities in order?"
Kanzeon paused at the other end. "Yes," she finally said.
"Well, I'll get you the manuscript… sometime this week. Right now I have more important things to attend to." Without a hint of remorse, Sanzo hung up his phone, letting it drop to the ground with a soft thud. Beside him, two golden eyes fluttered open.
Goku smiled sleepily up at him. "You're gonna get in trouble…" he whispered.
Sanzo snorted. "You had school today," Sanzo reminded him, kissing him softly, his actions still sleep ridden. Goku's response was slow, and lazy. "Are you ever going to tell them you didn't go to Chicago?"
Goku grinned suggestively. "They'll figure it out eventually."
"Brat," Sanzo muttered, before Goku leaned in for another kiss.
The kiss broke not long after, and Goku wrapped his arms around the blond's middle, settling in comfortably. Leaning his head against his chest, Goku listened to the sound of his heartbeat, allowing it to sooth him with its melodic beat. As drowsiness began to take the youth again, he smiled. "I love you, Sanzo."
Goku could not see Sanzo's smile, yet somehow he knew it was there. "I know you do."
---
Papers, papers, everywhere
Tension strongly in the air
What is your Priority?
Your number one Majority?
Make it me, for your own sake.
I promise to give, as well as Take.
A/N: Well, hasn't this been an interesting ride. This was supposed to be a oneshot, and I can't believe how long it took to finish. Aw well, I'm pleased with the results, even if there isn't major angst or death. And despite the cheesiness of it all. Oh wells, I hope you all enjoyed.
C&C still appreciated.
Begun: 1.27.07 Ended: 05.05.07