[YamaChii] 音楽の海 (The Song of the Sea) Chapter 1
音楽の海
©ainomesseji
Genre: Romance, Drama, AU Pairing: YamaChii
Summary: They all say that Fate has its own way of allowing two souls that are meant to be together to meet. Some say they meet by accident. Some say by chance and luck. Though does it even matter, how Fate does its magic? For the two of them, it’s doesn’t. Because may it be by accident or by mere chance Fate has already decided that they’ll never ever be one.
Chapter 1:
***
He’s running towards the port. He’s going to see her first before anything else. And God, how excited he is, it just cannot be explained. All he knows is that his heart is beating so fast, ramming inside his chest and making him feel all queasy. It was a wonderful feeling actually. Especially now, since he’s actually going to see her-her by all means has been gone for so long in his life. Almost three years, he guessed. And that time span is a very long time-so very, very long. But finally now, after waiting for almost three years, he’ll finally meet her in all her glory and be with her for the first time in ages.
She must be marvellous like she’s supposed to be, like how he wanted her to be.
Yamada Ryosuke grinned at the thought before kind and gentle brown eyes settled on the big ship that’s been docked inside the port of his small hometown. And the first word that came into his mouth was “Wow!” With his eyes going wide and his face glimmering with enthusiasm and excitement, just like a child who’s been given the most wonderful gift that a kid could ever ask.
But damn, she was actually huge, bigger than he expected-or even hoped it to be. The details too, from the paint to the overall design, it was grand. They have actually given her great consideration, like they are dedicating it to his Father overall. Because how many times Ryosuke looked at it, this ship-her, is just like how his Father would have wanted it to look like. So maybe, that’s the reason why, despite the grudge his family had for the owner of this ship, and despite being thrown and kicked out while undergoing the final process of the ship’s engine development. He is not mad. Well… not anymore. Because rather than being mad, he is very much glad and happy that their-his and his Father’s dream can come to life.
He’ll be riding it even. Though, he did have to work still. He was part of the mechanics. His company outsourced him to be a part of the maintenance team. But nonetheless, he’s happy either way. After all, this ship… this is something special to his family. Because this ship, this humongous and very wonderful vehicle, is his Father’s memory of his Mother.
And this is his, and his family’s only memory of their parents.
Wasurenagusa, that’s this ship’s name.
“Don’t ever forget,” Ryosuke smiled to himself as he lovingly took in every detail that is them. Most especially that is her overall-his mother, who is the only special woman in Ryosuke’s whole world and the only girl he’ll ever love more than himself. “It’s funny but…" He chuckled, “…the ship is just like you, Mom.” He snickered as he remembered his Pop’s voice looming over him with pride, while saying “It has to be like your Mom. This is everything I know of her!” He sighed. “Those were the good old days.” He whispered as he closed his eyes and tried to be one with the only memory he has of his beloved parents.
And as he did, tears (like always) gently fell down his cheeks after that. He knew why, but he’ll pretend he didn’t and just allow it to stream freely. Because in all honesty of his heart…
He badly missed this. Even though he knew that ever since he was born sensitive and a cry baby, but it is during moments like this. When he reminisce of contentment and happiness did he dearly missed the sensation of being near the port and looking at the sea, and hanging out with his Pops, while trying to escalate and compute how many days and how many bags of cash it would take them to create something as big as their dream.
Though while him and his Father would often go overboard with the price and the size, while fighting over the cheapest and the luxurious type of metal to paint and to the overall design. They didn’t actually spat at each other and argued like it was the end of the world. All they did was laugh it through and continue on imagining of everything they could think about and even argue about. While his father, as they talk, would take down notes and think it all through to see what’s actually best. Because despite those silly fights and overzealous arguments that they have. The two of them would always talk about it with love and adoration. Just like how often they would talk about her and her sophisticated grace that can never ever be compared to anyone.
And call him whatever names. But he really loves his family, more so his parents, because they showed him the beauty of life regardless of the people’s comments and judgmental eyes. They showed Ryosuke that despite being poor and a thrown out of both their families. They are still happy. Not much with the jewelleries and the money, but they are making through and giving each other a happy home to live into.
Ryosuke’s learned from that kind of living. And, he is thankful of that as well because he would never be here if they didn’t teach him the essence of living and being content.
“Father, do you remember what we promised each other that day when Mother’s birthday came.” Ryosuke smiled big before he spread his arms like wings, and stood proudly at one of those barrels located near where the Ship is anchored. “We promised each other that we’ll build this Ship in remembrance of Mom. You’ll be my Architect and I’ll be your Engineer. Then we’ll take Aki, Chihiro, and Misaki on a trip around the world. Just like a big and happy Family…” Ryosuke stopped his sentence and just stared at the ship, while driblets of tears rolled down his cheeks once more.
“But I guess…” He closed his eyes and took in a deep, deep breath. “…it’s all in the past now.” Wiping his cheeks with the back of his hand, Ryosuke stepped down, strapped his messenger bag firmly and began to walk away. Too much reminiscing won’t do him any good. Today should be filled with happiness. After all one of their dreams came true-his Father’s did too.
That’s why; bittersweet memories should be left forgotten. It should also been thrown into the deepest and darkest recesses of his mind.
Because before anything could even come to life-their dream and their promise, his Father passed away with a broken heart. He died because he couldn’t take the heartache and the pain of what his best friend did. It was betrayal. His father’s own best bud, his father’s partner in crime… the person his father trusted the most, he took advantage of his father and took away his father’s most precious treasure. Despite the fact that that person knew… he knew from the start how much his father has given his whole world to create something such as this.
Ryosuke took one last look at the ship, before he fixed his fedora hat and lowered it so that his beautiful orbs of brown would be hidden from the world. He didn’t want anyone to see his slightly puffy eyes, especially not to nosy strangers who did nothing good but judge.
But thinking it all through, Ryosuke frowned. It would have actually been okay. It would have been, really. His Father was a forgiving man. He would have understood it and left it behind. Maybe his father would have just doodle out something new and better the second time around, because his father did still have the prototype and his sketches. Well that could only be if it were any other thief, and any other man. However, it wasn’t any other thief and any other man. It was his father’s own best friend. His best friend who stole his father’s treasure and broke such trust. He stripped his Father bare and left him with nothing but the feeling of loss and apathy beyond compare.
And it was very heart-breaking for their family, most especially for him because the moment his father started losing weight and slowly began showing signs of withdrawal. It actually killed Ryosuke inside inch by inch. What more seeing his father go limp and slowly give in to death while being tortured by his inner demons. That would actually cause a deep scar, because that mere suffering alone, and that mere thought alone of losing someone dear because of someone else’s greed. It took a great toll on young Ryosuke.
So what more when he was slapped with the realization that he needs to raise his family at a young age? And that he needs to be strong for them to live?
That…
That is what actually tore Ryosuke apart. It broke him and shattered him into millions of unfixable pieces. Because what can a thirteen year old boy do by that time? He can barely fend for himself. He can barely live alone. So what more when he has to fend for five more people? What more to that?
What more to that?
However, even if he sulks, life must move on. So with both their parents gone, he took the responsibility of being a parent and a brother to his younger siblings. He tried his best to fill in the gap left by his parents. He acted strong and strived hard to live for his family. And God Bless thee, he was never left alone. Everybody around him supported him, especially his Gramma, their old neighbour who took in their family after their father’s death with so much love and devotion. She took them all in as if she was their own grandmother. She really did make a huge impact in their family’s life. Because during the days when Ryosuke had to work double time and study triple times, she’s the one who took care of everything.
And, he is very thankful for that.
So carrying a grudge for so long is not an option, because he learned so much from such experiences. He learned how to be strong. He learned to live life without any regrets and most importantly, he learned to love unconditionally.
“Dad, you should have seen our years of effort come to life. She’s majestic. Very beautiful just like how you pictured mom to be…” Ryosuke whispered, before he gave one last look and turned his heel towards the other side of the port. Because in a few hours, he’ll board his Father’s creation and see what it is capable of.
“See you guys soon…Mom, Dad…”
***
After bidding his siblings goodbye and promising them lots of souvenirs when he get back; he decided to meet his Gramma by the port side. She was doing groceries earlier on. That’s why to not give his Gramma extra miles to walk, especially with her weaken legs. Ryosuke decided to meet his beloved grandmother at the port to say his proper goodbye.
Even though he knew that he’ll only be gone for two weeks. He can’t help but say his farewell. It’s over acting but there is just this nudging feeling in his heart that he should say this to them. There is this unknown pang in his heart every time he decides that what he’ll be doing is unnecessary. And they say instinct should be followed, so he did what his heart says he should.
Though the moment he reached the main port, he couldn’t help but be amazed still. If the backside was beautiful, what more of the front, right? And people were actually gawking. They were like fishes with their mouth opened wide in a perfect “O”.
And, it was actually very funny to Ryosuke. It’s like these people has never seen a ship before. But he guesses that, these people can’t really be blamed. The fucking ship was humongous. The flyers they gave out did it no justice. But who cares? People’s reactions are very much entertaining to watch. “School of goldfishes,” He snickered before he made a sound.
“Flop, flop…” He imitated a goldfish, and that somehow earned him a whack from his Gramma, whom approached him earlier on, and began fixing extra necessities that will last him for more than two weeks.
Smiling at his grandmother’s kindness, he kissed her forehead and she smiled in return before saying, “There you go child. Everything is all set.” He gave her a thankful look, before he took one of the pamphlets being given out.
It was disgusting.
The pamphlets context was too cliché and sappy. It was actually disgusting to read. Shit! “A journey you’ll never ever forget… a dream of a lifetime…” Ryosuke repeated as his face turned sour. “What is this cruise line, a motel?” Ryosuke snapped. He actually felt a tinge of anger seeping in. He felt degraded, because this ship is something special. It is more than what that stupid pamphlet says. He snarled at the thought before he crumpled the piece of stupidity sent on earth for him.
Although overall, disregarding the stupid pamphlet (of course), Ryosuke can actually say that everything is actually great. He’ll be an idiot if he says so otherwise.
“Wow, whoever created this ship is really awesome…” Someone praised from a distance and Ryosuke couldn’t help but grin. Even though he has no right to boast, because neither his father nor his name, was even placed on the Plate of Recognition; nonetheless, the fact can’t actually be hidden to the naked eyes.
Wasurenagusa is really beautiful.
And just thinking about being a part of this-with recognition or not. It still made his heart swell with pride, especially as he sees around him people gawking and praising what his father and he had dedicated his life to.
It overwhelmed his heart.
***
“Are you sure about this, Ryosuke?” A woman in her early seventies reluctantly asked her adopted-grandchild for one last confirmation, hoping that maybe in her course of actions and days of persuasion. Her grandchild, who is the eldest of four, might budge and back out. Even though deep inside her heart she knew that just like his father-Yamada Kou, or as everyone knows as Yabu Kota, his eldest son would never say no. Especially not now, not when everything has been settled and is just waiting for him to be spread out.
“I’ll be okay, Gramma. So don’t worry about me, I’ll come back home safely.” Ryosuke grinned before he encapsulated his grandmother into a tight embrace. “I love you, Gramma. You and everyone should take care of each other while I am gone, okay?” He kissed his Grandmother’s forehead. “….especially you, Gramma, okay? Please always drink your medicine so that I won’t worry. Promise me please, okay?” He smiled as he let go of his Grandmother and wiped her tears. “Don’t be stubborn. You know how Aki gets angry. He might tickle you.” Both of them laughed, before he whispered lovingly. “I’ll be back soon. I promise….”
“Okay, I understand child. But…” His Grandma lectured sternly. “No Grandchildren when you come home, okay?” His Grandmother warned, which made Ryosuke’s eyes sparkle in delight as he laughed a loud. “We’ll see.” He replied cheekily and that earned him a whack on the head. “I’m just kidding, Gramma.” He grinned before he kissed his Grandmother’s temple again before he took his belongings and went on his way. “See you soon.” He gave one last boisterous smile before he turned his back away from his Grandmother and his Hometown.
However as Ryosuke turned his back away from safety, tears just started to flow down again on his Grandmother’s eyes, because at the exact same moment Ryosuke turned his back. She saw both the boy’s father and his beloved wife’s form waiting for their son to aboard the ship that means the world.
“Goodbye, my child.”
Please do come back home.
***
“I said, let me go!”
A very beautiful young man growled, as he desperately tried to push the bodyguards that his overprotective father has sent to guard him on this little cruise trip. He didn’t even want this. His father just wanted someone to represent their family to socialize and keep tab of the oh-so grand people here.
And as usual, he is using his youngest son to do it. “Stupid Politics and Business Men…” He grumbled as he glared at his father’s guards. “God, I you guys and I hate this!” He pouted, though was obviously ignored.
“Young master, please… act like your age… don’t be a brat.”
He wanted to rebuke and to kill overall. That was actually infuriating. A mere bodyguard telling him something scandalous such as him being a ‘brat’, that’s hypocrisy! They should really swap shoes sometimes. Maybe he’ll think it all through, especially when he feels how much torturing and overprotective his damned father is. Maybe he’ll reconsider and apologize.
But what’s the use? Being in a rich family does this shits to you, he sighed at the thought before he decided to just shut his mouth and stay glued into place. His father wants rebellion? He’ll give him one.
Though if he’ll be really, really honest with himself. He’s actually getting tired. He’s been making a fool out of himself for almost an hour now and these freaking sons of a bitch just wouldn’t butt off and go away. And he is actually quite proud of that, his Father’s men were actually trained to tolerate his bratty-side, which to the extent impresses him but still pisses him off.
“Young Master Yuri…” One of his bodyguards called out and tried to take hold of his shoulders. However he stepped back and continued on to glare at them all.
“Sissy’s…”
Yuri wanted to mouth out and retaliate like the brat that he is acting out to be. But before he could even start on his one-sided feud with his father’s bodyguards, Yuri saw the people staring at him and his so called “commotion”. Feeling his cheeks burning from the embarrassment he caused to himself, he just decided to just shut it and go on with whatever his father planned.
Actually, it wouldn’t really hurt. He just needs to socialize and be the person he isn’t and just, well… relax. Finally, for the first time he can relax. “Well I guess this isn’t bad…” He sighed before he turned his heel towards those he has caused troubled with and bowed. He really shouldn’t have been pissed. This was his obligation after all.
This was his Father’s ship. Well… his Father’s stolen ship, if Yuri will ever be honest. His Father just stole it from his best friend… maybe that’s the reason why he has been very reluctant and weary of taking his father’s place as a representative of their family.
His father nor he, or his family deserves any of this. This beauty isn’t theirs. It’s someone else’s. His father couldn’t make such a detailed thing. He’s sure of that. He might have not been an Architect or an Engineer, but he knows his father well. And by that mere fact alone, he can say that this-this Wasurenagusa is made with love and dedication, which his father cannot bring-never.
Plus, Yuri could actually feel it.
Everything in this ship is special. And that’s one of the more of the many proofs that Yuri has to prove that this wasn’t his father, or his older brother’s design. Though, speaking of his older brother, his older brother would be here at some point. So… Yuri crinkled his brows. Why was this task given to him? It is humiliating as is to be a part of a thief’s family. What more standing as a representative of a man who doesn’t even deserve the recognition.
“This is bull.” Yuri cursed as he ascended the Ship with dread. However as he was ascending the platform of the ship, he got caught by something that made him trip-well, almost. Because before he could have fallen down the water and before his bodyguards could even react, strong arms caught him and pulled him up to stand. “Watch where you’re going, Princess. The sea is not a healthy place to be.” The young browned haired male grinned, before he ruffled Yuri’s hair and continued on walking ahead.
Flustered and very much awed by the young man’s appearance, he couldn’t help the blush that gently painted his cheeks. Although it was suddenly replaced by a glare and a pout when he recalled how the young stranger addressed him. “Princess!?” Yuri growled as he hurried inside the entrance of the ship with the goal of finding that stranger and strangling him to death.
***
Author’s Note: And that’s the first chapter. I hope it’s entertaining enough. By the way, I’m really sorry for not being able to update. I have no internet connection at home and is very much busy with real life stuffs at the moment. So please do bear with me, I don’t really know when I’ll have a proper net connection. It has been going on since December. My Net fluctuating and being a bummer, though aside that. I hope everyone did enjoy the first chapter. Otsukaresama deshita.