Goku pulled his arms above his head and stretched, groaning as he felt his back crack. It felt good, after nine hours on his feet, and he couldn't wait to get home and run himself a hot bath. It had become a tradition, to have a nearly scalding bath after long shifts like these. Being so close to the University campus, the store was always busy and he rarely had a chance to sit down. Except for his lunch break, of course, but that always seemed far too short.
Stepping into the staff washroom, Goku pulled off his uniform, making a face at the yellow bow-tie he was forced to wear, before pulling on his more comfortable jeans and T-shirt. After stuffing it into his locker, he was on his way home.
The spring was nice this year, with little rain. Despite his sore feet, Goku often walked home when the weather was as nice as this. He always loved to be outside rather than indoors, even in the city. He'd always liked fresh air, sunlight, and people. When he was younger, he'd hardly spent any time inside. He'd played for hours after school and on weekends, with the trove of friends he'd made during elementary.
The thought brought a frown to Goku's mouth, and he sighed softly. He should get home quickly, settle himself inside and watch TV or something. His history was plagued by bad things, things he couldn't really remember happening, but the outcome was seared in his mind. It was just too dangerous to linger outside, around other people.
But....
Goku's long strides shortened slightly as his mind drifted toward this morning. He'd started his shift just a few hours earlier, at six in the morning, and had been prepared for a day just like every other he'd had since starting this job the week previous. He'd helped prepare the pastries and had checked that the coffee bean containers were full when he'd looked up from his work and had come face to face with the most gorgeous man he'd ever seen in his lifetime.
He'd nearly dropped the coffee pot in his hand, as shocked as he'd been at his own thought. But there had been no helping it as his gaze met those striking violet eyes, eyes that seemed to haunt him even now with their familiarity. He'd never met the other before, but in that moment he knew that it wouldn't matter. The strings of fate had brought them together for a reason.
It must be some kind of test 'fate' was throwing at him. Could he keep the promise he had made to himself, to stay away from other people as much as life would let him? Because, in that moment, he was dangerously close to breaking it. A very large part of him wanted to throw caution to the wind, and take up on his heart's desire to get to know the blond better.
And, in that moment, he found himself wondering if would it be okay. What were the chances of what happened back then to happen again? He'd kept careful control over his emotions, and there had been no incidence since. Perhaps, now, he had enough control of himself that he could take that risk.
It was impossible though, he told himself again. He hadn't been able to stop thinking about it for more than a few minutes all day, wondering what he could or should do. He'd never felt something so strongly so quickly, and oh how he wanted to be able act on those feelings. But it was impossible for him, his rational mind repeatedly reminded him.
It was impossible. He'd just have to gather his emotions, and keep a sane mind. Genjo Sanzo; he'd learned the name from a crushing co-worker; was off limits.