A/N:Allright. This is mostly going to be a SanzoGoku story, though there will be HomuraSanzo mentioned and major HomuraGoku hints, if not more. Anyway, enjoy one of my more light-hearted stories.

The Importance of Prioritizing

Chapter One: Papers, Papers, Everywhere

Genjyo Sanzo didn't need anyone. He didn't want anyone. He didn't need some blonde bimbo clinging to his arm, telling him about how much she loved him to survive. He was capable of living all by himself thank-you-very-much. In fact, he liked it that way. Alone, in his one bedroom house. Equipped with a nice kitchen, an understanding living room with a relaxing couch and a TV Sanzo often found himself sleeping in front.

He never did like his bed much.

Most people who met him always looked at him in pity. He was twenty-two years old, living alone in a one-bedroom house that smelt heavily of cigarettes. They often said that he needed to get out more. That he needed to live his life instead of just sitting around all day, staring at his computer screen. Some of the guys even commented that he seriously needed to get laid. He hated those people. They knew nothing about him, yet they loved to pry into his life.

Sanzo had set himself up as a writer. He wasn't overly famous, but his books were on the shelf, and they sold enough to keep him fed. When writer's block had it's grip in him, Sanzo often found himself wandering into a nearby bookstore. He would simply smirk to himself when he saw a shelf of his books. Clean. Published. Right there in print. He loved seeing them. It meant he was someone. He was there. He didn't care if he never sold a single copy. He just loved being able to flip through his own books, seeing his own writing staring back at him.

Not like he'd ever admit it, though.

Sanzo enjoyed time where he could just sit, and write, or watch TV, not bothered by anyone. Though somehow, Sanzo always found there was someone who liked to annoy him every once in a while. His editor, Kanzeon, for example, never could contain herself from cracking the whip, barking at him to get his work done. He'd kicked her out of his apartment more then once. Whatever. The hag deserved it.

Hakkai was one of the few people Sanzo found he could stand. The young green-eyed man owned a small bookstore just down the street. They had met one afternoon when Sanzo had stumbled into his store to admire his own hard work. Hakkai had recognized him immediately and began to talk politely. Sanzo found his presence wasn't as annoying as others, and allowed the man to ask as many questions as need be. Hakkai was one of the few people that called him Sanzo. His real name. Konzen Douji was the cover name he used as a writer, and it was who most people knew him as. He both hated and respected the man for it.

Someone Sanzo found he couldn't stand was Hakkai's good friend Gojyo. The man was loud, repulsive, and all around a complete and total asshole. The young man worked at a bar, and gambled often. Sanzo had found it amazing two people who were so different could be friends.

Sanzo didn't love his life-- he wasn't someone who could just do that. But at the same time he didn't overly hate it. He was content. That was how it was supposed to be.

Then, why was it his life had been flipped around in one fell swoop?

He had been standing at the train station that morning. Sanzo had a car, but it was a piece of junk that barely moved. Besides, he enjoyed taking the train. There were a lot of people often crammed together, and god knew he hated people, but at the same time he could sit back, relax and watch the world pass him by. No one even cared if he got off or not. He could ride all the way from one end to the other, just listening to the sound of the wheels on the tracks. It was peaceful.

He'd been waiting for his train, as he did every morning when he headed out to his favorite restaurant for breakfast. Sanzo couldn't cook to save his life, so he never bothered. He had enough money to go out to eat, so why not? It was better then eating out of cans anyway. He had been minding his own business, smoking, when someone ran into him.

Both of them tumbled to the ground. The contents of the boy's bag had been lost all along the platform, and Sanzo could hear him cursing. Sitting up, he found the young brunette gathering up his utensils. Chopsticks, knives of all kinds. Spoons and forks. What the hell was he going to do with those? Not like he cared. "Watch where you're going next time, idiot," Sanzo snapped, pulling himself to his feet and dusting the dirt from his pants.

The boy was scrambling for his lost items. "I'm sorry! Really! I wasn't watching! Sorry!" he sounded like he was in a hurry. Sighing, Sanzo bent down, grabbing a wooden spoon and several spatulas and holding them out to the boy. The brunette looked up, and their eyes caught. Golden eyes. Sanzo had never seen anything like them, and found himself staring. The boy was staring as well, so it wasn't like it mattered. Slowly, he reached out, and grasped the items Sanzo was holding. The boy swallowed, as though his throat was suddenly parched. "Thanks..." he whispered.

"Goku!" someone shouted from behind him, snapping Sanzo out of his trance. He looked up, finding a dark haired boy running up behind the fallen brunette. The boy was very pale, but hoisted the brunette up with ease. "C'mon! We're going to miss our train!" he cried, grasping the boy's hand and heading towards the train on the opposite platform. Sanzo found himself watching the two boys run off towards their train. He immediately looked away when the brunette turned to give him one last look.

He headed on his train, staring out the window as people and places past by him. He missed the morning rush, as he did every morning, and he was thankful for it. He was so wound up in his thoughts he almost missed his stop. Climbing from the train, he took the short walk to the small restaurant. He got a table fairly easily, and ordered his meal. It came fairly shortly, and Sanzo relished in the silence. Unfortunately, it was not to last.

"Konzen Douji! There you are!" came a loud, shrieking voice that bore into Sanzo's mind. A few people looked up at the familiar name as the long, dark haired editor took her seat across from him. Sanzo glanced around the restaurant, hating the fact that a few people were now whispering about him.

"Damnit, you old hag, can't you at least use my real name in public? I'm going to have to get rid of half this crowd now," he snarled, sinking in his chair.

"Geez, what crawled up your ass?" Kanzeon asked, before opening the folder she had dropped on the table. "Now, I've come to discuss deadlines. You owe me a manuscript."

Sanzo rolled his eyes, poking at whatever was left of his breakfast with his fork. He had suddenly lost his apatite. "I know, if you'd stop bothering me I'd get it to you. With you hovering around me, it's impossible to get anything done."

"If I didn't hover around you, then I'd have nothing at all," Kanzeon sighed. "Konzen, is something wrong? You don't seem to have as much bite as you usually do."

She was right. Normally by now he would've come up with some nasty remark, which would have lodged them in a full out yelling fight. But he simply sulked in his seat, pushing a piece of potato back and forth with his fork. "I don't know. I've just got a bad feeling," he muttered, getting to his feet and shoving his hands in his pockets, heading towards the front counter to pay. "Just leave me alone and I'll get you the manuscript by Thursday."

Kanzeon snarled. "It was due two weeks ago," she snapped, rising to her feet to follow him. "It should be done by now!"

Sanzo reached into his pocket, pulling out his wallet and paying for his breakfast, before turning from the restaurant. "Do you want it done, or do you want it done right?"

"Konzen Douji!" Kanzeon snapped, her high heels clicking on the sidewalk as she walked after him. "Do not try and pull some crap that--" Kanzeon stopped suddenly before running into Sanzo's back. She looked up at the taller man, glancing around in front of him to find out why the blonde had suddenly stopped in his tracks. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of who stood in front of them. "Homura," she hissed.

Standing before them was a tall, dark haired man wearing a long black jacket. The victorious smirk played on his lips, and his mismatched eyes were hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses. He reached up, and pulled the glasses away, smiling down at Sanzo with a devilish look. "Hey," he said, folding and pocketing the glasses. "How long's it been Konzen? Three years? Four?"

Sanzo narrowed his eyes at the man in front of him. Homura had always found his cover name ridiculous, and often liked to tease Sanzo with it. That was back when they had meant something. Back when Sanzo and Homura used to be an item, a couple, whatever the hell you want to call it. Back when Sanzo was just starting out his career as a writer.

Back when Sanzo was an idiot for falling in love with such a pompous airhead.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Sanzo snapped before he could stop himself. "I thought you moved to Chicago."

Homura shrugged, completely ignoring Sanzo's sharp tone. "I did. Found it beautiful, for a while. But then I started to miss New York. Started to miss you." He smiled, and Sanzo narrowed his eyes. Homura was playing with him again. Just like he used to. Sanzo studied the gold and blue eyes that peered at him under dark bangs. The glinting gold suddenly reminded him of the boy at the train this morning, and then he wondered where such a random thought came from.

"Unfortunately, I'm starting to miss not having to look at your sorry face. Now move, I have work to do," he snapped, before brushing past the older man, heading back towards the train station.

Homura was not so ready to let him go. Grasping Sanzo's wrist, he smiled. "C'mon Konzen. Let's talk. I want to see if we can fix things."

Sanzo ripped his arm back, disgusted. "Shove a stick up your ass. I said I didn't want to see your ugly face and I mean it. Now piss off." He then turned, and rapidly began heading down the street. Kanzeon shot Homura a victorious look, which the dark haired man returned with a glare.

The woman held her head high as she clip-clopped after Sanzo. She waited until they were out of hearing distance before she let a smile catch her lips. "Well Konzen, I must say I'm proud of you."

Sanzo grunted in response.

Kanzeon looked up at him, unable to hide her grin. "I may be your editor, but as much as you don't like it I'm your Aunt as well," she stuck her tongue out. "My little Sanzo's growing up."

"Shut up and die," Sanzo snapped.

Kanzeon chuckled. "All right, I'm sorry," letting her smile fade, she added in a much colder tone. "I need that manuscript before Thursday, Konzen."

---

"Goku? Goku!? You asleep again?"

Bleary golden eyes blinked, focusing on the young man in front of him. Nataku. With long dark hair that had been pulled back, with frightening golden eyes that matched his own. As Goku slowly began to awaken, he began rubbing the sore spot on his forehead, where it had been pressed against the desk. He blinked, glancing around the classroom that was rapidly emptying of student. Giving a yawn, he stood. "Man, I must've dozed off again."

"Again?" Nataku shot back, with a questionable quirk of his brow. "Have you been sleeping at all lately?"

Goku gave him a bleary-eyed smile. "Nope," he answered, gathering his books as the pair turned and headed from the hallway. "I've been too excited. I start my internship Saturday. I'm studying at a small restaurant just south of here."

For as long as the boys knew each other, Goku had always had a passion for food. It was later in their high school years that the seventeen-year-old had begun taking culinary courses, and began studying food. Nataku was convinced that Goku just liked cooking because he could eat what he'd made afterwards. Luckily, the boy had managed to score himself an internship not far from where he lived, where he could study food and not be bereted for sneaking in a dessert or six. Nataku had been proud of his friend, and couldn't wait to stop by his restaurant to try some of his dishes. Goku promised to make something personal just for him.

Nataku had always been a bit envious of his best friend, only because he'd found something he was truly passionate about. He was still shifting from one job to another, trying to find something he could really get into.

"I just hope you don't fall asleep over the stove or something stupid," Nataku added, before chuckling softly at the imagery.

Goku laughed too. "I hope not," he added, as the pair grabbed their bags and began heading out towards the train station again.

As the pair became enveloped by silence, Goku let his thoughts wander on the man he had met that morning. Well, not met as much as run right into. He'd had to admit he couldn't help but think the man was absolutely beautiful. The way the sun played with his golden hair had left him speechless. And those violet eyes...

Goku shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, before he realized Nataku was talking to him. "I'm sorry, what?"

Nataku frowned slightly. "I was asking if you had any change for the train," his frown only deepened. "Are you all right? You're either asleep or impossible to talk to. You got something on your mind?"

Goku paused a moment, turning the image of the blonde around in his head once again. "I was thinking about that guy I met at the train this morning," he muttered, looking up to find Nataku giving him an amused smirk. "Not like that, you idiot! I was thinking about how much of a jackass he was. I mean, I apologized and everything, and he was... still mean...?"

Nataku could see right through his pathetic little lie, but decided to humor him. He just laughed, patting his friend on the back as they headed up towards the train station. "Yeah, don't worry about it. Assholes come and go."

Goku knew Nataku could see right through him, and pouted because of it. "Whatever." The pair purchased their tickets, heading up towards the platform. Goku found himself looking around, hoping to see that blonde haired man, if only to tell him off. When he didn't see him, Goku couldn't ignore the disappointment that welled in his chest.

---

Saturday came swiftly, and Goku found himself up at seven, to make sure he was at the restaurant by eight thirty. He had been brought through basic training, told what he was supposed to do, and how to do it properly. He was vegetable cutter. Great.

The restaurant was busy in the mornings. People came in and out for breakfast, then it cooled down a bit before it spiked again as lunch began. Goku found himself running back and forth, taking orders from every direction. He couldn't even think straight anymore. Despite the fact that it was busy, Goku was still having a lot of fun. He didn't have time to make friends, but he'd said hi to a lot of chefs. Most of them brushed him off, too absorbed in their work to care. Some had said hello back, which made the brunette grin.

He was getting very good at slicing vegetables, and by the end of the night he could do it blindfolded. Thought that hadn't stopped him from cutting himself more then once. His fingers were covered in bandages by the time the dinner rush had set in.

"Goku!" barked another chef, causing him to jump. "Our table buster is busy. We need you to clear away table nine!"

Goku had a hard time grabbing the bin before it was shoved in his hands. Offering a tired smile, he nodded. "'Kay," he cried, before hurrying out to fulfill his task.

He headed out through the maze of tables, arriving at the desired one and placing the bin down. He placed plates and cups inside, wiping it down, unable to hide his grin. Leaning against the table, he allowed himself a moment to breath. In another hour, he would be able to go home, fall asleep and relax. Of course then he'd have to get up and do it all over again tomorrow. But it was worth it. Just being in that kitchen made him happy. Maybe one of these days he'd be able to start cooking in his own restaurant.

"Geez Hakkai, you're as bad as she is. Why can't everyone get off my goddamn back?"

Goku's eyes snapped open and his muscles tensed all over again. He'd heard that voice before. Why did it sound so shockingly familiar? Flipping around, Goku could feel his throat close up when he saw the blonde haired man from the train station rising to his feet, heading for the door. He could only stare, mouth open, as he watched the man open the door, stepping out into the early evening, heading home. There were two other men with him, a brunette and a redhead. The redhead seemed to be having a great time, but the blonde kept snarling at him.

Goku's gaze fell back to the man's table, annoyed that he had let the man slip through his fingers. As he approached the table, he was surprised to find one of the men had forgotten his wallet. Goku picked it up, opening it. Inside, he pulled out the driver's license, surprised to find the blonde's scowling face looking back at him. He was about to run after them, when a clipped voice called out to him, making him wince. "Goku! We need you in the kitchen!"

"Okay..." came Goku's reply, as he pocketed the wallet and grabbed the bin, hurrying back into the kitchen.

---

It was raining when Goku got off.

He headed out into the street. He'd forgot his umbrella that morning, forgetting that it was going to rain, even though his mother reminded him repeatedly. So, he was left heading though the streets towards the train station, completely soaked and fingering the man's wallet. From his license, he found out the man's name was Genjyo Sanzo. Sanzo... there was something mysterious and alluring with that man. He had no idea what it was, but he wanted to find out. After getting his address from his license, Goku realized that the man didn't live far from him, deciding to give it a shot, he headed towards the man's house, no longer caring how wet he got.

He headed towards the man's house with uncertainty. What was he going to say? That he found his wallet? That would probably work, but then, would it make him a stalker to go all the way to his house to give it back to him? Then again, he wasn't going that out of his way, but, maybe it was still creepy?

By the time Goku's train of thought had ended, he found himself on Sanzo's doorstep. He rang the doorbell and waited patiently, feeling the rain splatter down on top of him. He heard soft footsteps, before the door opened, and Genjyo Sanzo stood in the doorway, scrutinizing him with eyes of pure violet. Goku's voice caught in his throat. Why was he here again? His mind went blank and he could only stare. "Well," Sanzo snapped, pulling him out of his trance. "What the hell do you want?"

Goku took in a deep breath, before holding out the wallet. "Here," he said, causing Sanzo's brows to furrow in confusion. "You left this at the restaurant I work at."

Sanzo took the wallet back, giving a small nod. "Okay. Bye," he said, before slamming the door in Goku's face.

The boy blinked, slightly stunned that his nose had nearly been caught. After it settled in what the blonde had did, Goku grit his teeth, pounding on the wood. "Hey!" he yelled, loud enough to make sure Sanzo could hear him. "You could say thank you, you know! Or..." Goku sighed softly. "...Invite me in to dry off." He let his sentence trail off as the cool night air swept over him, the cold rain still pasting his clothes uncomfortably to his body. "I'm not leaving until you thank me!" Goku yelled again, pounding his fist on the wood. "So you'd better thank me, asshole!"

He waited a few minutes, and when Sanzo did not open the door, he sighed, taking a seat on the porch and placing his head in his hands. What on earth was he doing? Why did it matter so much that Sanzo thank him? It just proved what he first thought; Sanzo was a spoiled jerk. The bastard was probably sitting inside right then, with all his friends laughing at him. Goku let his head hang. "I'm such an idiot..."

The raindrops suddenly stopped pelting down on him, and he glanced up, surprised to find the man standing above him, holding an umbrella. The man shot him a glare. "Either get your ass off my property or get inside. It's freakin' cold out here."

Letting a small smile grace his face, Goku got to his feet, heading inside after Sanzo. The man told him to stay still, as he headed through the house to get towels. Goku found himself glancing around at the living room which held an overstuffed couch, and a TV seated simply on stand, which at the moment was muted. Beside that was the kitchen, and next to that was a hallway that Sanzo had disappeared down. He reappeared a few minutes later with several towels which he dumped in Goku's arms. "Here," he said gruffly. "Now dry off, change, then get the hell out of my house."

Goku smiled, but said nothing as he headed towards the bathroom Sanzo directed him to. Goku dried himself off completely, and changed into the pair of pants and the t-shirt Sanzo had leant him. After feeling completely comfortable, he headed out back into the living room, finding Sanzo sprawled out over the couch, a laptop seated on his crossed legs and his hands flying across the keyboard. Goku took a seat on the ground, watching him type for several minutes. Finally, after feeling incredibly uncomfortable, Sanzo stopped typing to glare at him. "What do you want?"

"Aren't you going to thank me?" he asked skeptically.

"No," Sanzo snapped, resuming his typing. "Now we're even for when you barreled into me this morning."

Goku pouted, but remained silent as Sanzo resumed his typing. After a few moments, he spoke again. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

Sanzo groaned, removing his glasses and rubbing the bridge of his nose. Clearly he had a headache. "Why? Should I?"

"I don't know. I want you to say... something. I mean, shouldn't you say something? I did bring your wallet back. Doesn't that mean anything?" Goku shut his mouth before he began to ramble, turning his eyes down to study the carpet.

Sanzo got up, heading towards the kitchen for a glass of water. Goku quickly scrambled to his feet, heading after him. "Hey! Are you listening to me!?"

Sanzo flipped around suddenly, grasping Goku's shoulder and throwing him up against a nearby wall, he glared the boy down, causing Goku to lick his lips in anticipation as his throat went dry. He was stunned, and a little more then speechless to find this beautiful blonde haired man glaring him down. He couldn't help but fidget slightly. "What the hell's your problem?" Sanzo hissed. "Why the hell are you so interested in me? Will a thanks get you the hell out of my life? Well then Thank you, now get out and stop wasting my time." Sanzo loosened his hold, turning back to getting the glass of water.

Goku frowned. "You could be a little more polite you know," he snapped. "I did walk all the way here in the rain to return your goddamn wallet."

"So I've heard," Sanzo said with a sarcastic roll of his eyes.

"You don't have to be so mean about it," Goku snapped defiantly. "You are nothing but an arrogant jackass after all!"

"And he gets it!" Sanzo continued sarcastically. "Give the man a prize!" Placing a cup under the tap, he ran it full of cold water, leaning against the counter and cocking an amused brow. "So, pipsqueak, what are you going to do about it?"

Goku pushed himself closer to the man, glaring up at him with absolute defiance. Goku had no idea what he found alluring about those violet pools. They were nothing more then the eyes that belonged to a jackass. He should've thrown that wallet away the second he found it. But now, looking up at him, he wanted to do something that would leave him speechless. That would give him the upper hand. Grinning, he pushing himself up on his toes, attempting to look the man in the eye. "I'm gonna kiss you," he hissed, before doing so.

He had no idea why he was being so bold, or so stupid. Since when was he into guys anyway? But more importantly; why was he melting at the feel of the man's lips? The cup in Sanzo's hands fell to the floor, spilling water across the wood but neither seemed to care. Sanzo was slightly stunned, and Goku used that to his advantage. He kissed the man breathless, only pulling away after realizing what he had been doing. The pair stood in silence for a moment, before Goku felt embarrassment and horror at his own actions. No longer caring, he turned and bolted from the room, managing to grab his shoes before he was out the door and down the street.

He was soaked before he even got to the end of the block. By that time rocks and glass were digging into the bottom of his feet, and he sat down on the sidewalk to pull on his shoes. He held his head in his hands, feeling like an idiot. He'd kissed a guy. Worse then that, it was Sanzo! A man he barely knew. All he knew was his name, and the fact that he was nothing more then a pretentious asshole. Why did he always have to do stupid things like this?

Gently, he placed his fingers to his lips, feeling the warmth from where only moments ago Sanzo's mouth had been firmly pressed against his. He felt butterflies soar through his stomach, and his throat tighten with feelings he couldn't describe.

Threading his fingers in his hair, he realized he'd forgotten his clothes, and his work uniform at Sanzo's. He groaned softly. "Such... an... idiot.." he whispered, suddenly wishing Nataku was here to scold him for such a simple-minded, selfish, all around stupid act.

---

A/N: I've got one word to discribe this. Oops. This was supposed to be a oneshot, and it's stretched really, really long. Too long to post all at once. Anyway, this should only be six chapters. So make sure to keep me in line, okay guys? I don't want to go off and write a twenty-chapter fic all about Sanzo and Goku sexing in New York city. Though I have a feeling you guys will only encourage that.

I hope you enjoyed, and as always take the time to share your thoughts. Also, if you ahev any ideas for further plot twists, let me know. 'Cause I'm not really sure what to do with Sanzo and Goku. (sigh) They're so troublesome.