"Hey, Genjo!"
Sanzo turned at the sound of his name, shifting the two bags of takeout he was carrying to his other arm. He suppressed a groan when he saw the building manager standing just outside of his office, looking less than impressed. When the landlord wanted to talk to you, it wasn't usually a good thing, especially with an expression like that.
"Yes?" he asked.
"I saw someone with a key head into your apartment," Yakura replied, his eyes narrowed. "Did you bring in another tenant without telling me?"
Now, Sanzo didn't usually care enough about someone's opinion to lie, but he'd known it would be unwise to announce to this man that he'd invited his boyfriend in to live with him. His land lord was nice enough, but extremely old fashioned. He wouldn't understand situation, and Sanzo didn't relish having to find another place with equally low rent close to the university.
"Oh, him. Sorry, he's just staying with me until he can find a place of his own, so I didn't want to bother you with it," Sanzo explained, making a mental note that he would have to find a new place once he was finished school. This lie wouldn't last forever, and he didn't want to expose Goku to someone else's stupid prejudices when he didn't have to. Besides, he might as well clear this place out for another student once he entered the working world.
"Well, make sure you get the extra key back from him when he moves," Yakura stated, already turning back to his office.
Sanzo continued on his way up the stairs, a frown on his lips. In this day, most prejudices were rare. But they still existed, and he knew how dangerous an unwarranted hatred could be. There were endless stories about in books and on the news, whole wars created simply on the basis of a different skin color or religion. He hadn't bothered to think about those who may hate himself and Goku because of their relationship. It wasn't a big concern, considering the only real friends either of them had were Gojyo and Hakkai, who were a couple themselves, but Sanzo realized that they still needed to be careful with some situations.
Well, this situation was handled anyway, so Sanzo dismissed his troubling thoughts. They would deal with problems as they came, instead of worrying about them before they even presented themselves. Goku was already busy with dealing with the demon problem, and Sanzo didn't want to lay more on top of it.
"Food!" was his greeting when he entered the apartment, and Sanzo couldn't help a laugh as Goku eagerly dug into the bags. Although his grocery bill had gone up quite a bit, he didn't mind in the least. It was hard to get upset about it when Goku was so overjoyed every time they began a meal. He was definitely the type of person who enjoyed the 'simple pleasures' of life. Even if it was just take out.
"Good news," Sanzo said as he dished himself out a plate. "I handed in my final assignment today. All that's left is to prepare for the final exam next week, then I'll be graduating."
"That's great!" Goku exclaimed around a mouthful of rice.
"How would you feel about moving?" Sanzo broached. It was a given fact that Goku would continue to live with him. "After I graduate, I don't really need to live so close to the University. Besides, it would be nice to find a place near wherever I happen to be working, so that there isn't such a long commute."
Goku's lips pursed as he thought about it. "You know that the rent would go up, right? Any apartment we chose wouldn't have student rates. Especially if we move downtown," he pointed out.
Sanzo shrugged. "That doesn't bother me. If my grade average stays around where it is now, I should be able to get a decently paying job. I've already looked into several companies that are hiring. Besides, I still have some of my saved funds left over."
Goku had stopped eating, and was pushing his food idly around his plate. "I was thinking about going back to work," he admitted quietly.
Sanzo paused in his eating as well, carefully studying Goku's face. "Do you think you're ready for it? You know I don't mind supporting both of us. If you don't feel comfortable with it, then you can take more time."
"I think I've made a lot of progress, actually. I won't know for sure until I'm actually placed in that situation, but I feel it inside. I'm more certain of myself now. Either way, I don't want you to have to financially support me. We're partners in this relationship, and I hate feeling useless. I want to be able to contribute something."
The blond frowned at his boyfriend's words. He got to his feet, pulling Goku into his arms. "Don't you dare think for a second that you don't give me something in return," he stated firmly. "I can't think of anything that makes me happier than seeing you when I walk in that door. You give me laughter and kindness and love. You keep me warm at night and chase the loneliness away. You give me a subject I never grow tired of drawing and a warm body to hold whenever I need a hug. I love you, Goku, and you are NEVER useless."
Golden eyes gazed up at him for a long moment, a familiar warmth that he always enjoyed seeing within their depths. Without any other words necessary, Sanzo dipped his head down and pressed his lips against those of the other. They kissed often throughout the day, but something was different this time. He could feel the subtle change in the way Goku's body pressed against his own, in the gentle caress of hands moving across his chest.
Sanzo let himself be pulled along the gentle flow they were creating, one hand lifting to bury itself in Goku's wild hair while the other snuck its way to brush against the bare skin of the small of Goku's back. He felt the familiar hunger building with in him, his skin burning through his shirt wherever Goku happened to touch him.
He felt the desire begin to overcome him. However, this time, there seemed to be no reason to stop.
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