Honeymoon [ONE SHOT]
Title: Honeymoon
Author: keshichan
Pairing: Aimiya
Genre: Suspense, Mystery (hints of fluff)
Prompt: We used to… (rainbowfilling)
Word Count: 3,510
Summary:
Hawaii was where they had their honeymoon. Kazunari Ninomiya was an officer in the Japanese Imperial Army and just got married to his fiancée, Masaki Aiba, now Ninomiya. Strange things happened and were happening.
~~~
[Masaki stood up, suddenly wide awake...]Masaki stood up, suddenly wide awake. There was a strange unease in his mind and body, something in his past haunting him, or what he could call the feathers from his broken wings, crashed and torn apart bloodily from his back. Falling away like a bird caught by its hunter. He looked out the window. There were dark shadows from the crows that were circling over the dead rabbit, jerking their necks along the way as they surveyed before devouring their prey. His eyes turned to the empty coffee mug that was almost stale on the table. Of course it was already empty, he had drank it last night in hopes of not sleeping, afraid of the dreams that were always in the corner of his mind, seeping in like the rays of the sun but they weren’t shining instead, that’s where the darkness keeps on creeping in.
Outside, the ivy was creeping onto the forlorn wooden gate that he had already forgotten was there. He’d been living alone except for a friend that stays with him a day or two, sometimes who stayed for as long as a week; he couldn’t handle it alone without Kazunari. Then, just as he thought of Kazunari, he felt something stir in deep in his heart: a balloon that was about to burst just as it was blown up midway. Kazunari Ninomiya was an officer in the Japanese Imperial Army; a general to be exact. He just got married to his fiancée, Masaki Aiba, now Ninomiya, and they were on their honeymoon in the east coast of Hawaii when they encountered what almost broke their marriage.
Hawaii was beautiful with its turquoise waters, crescent beaches and outstanding landscapes. The drive from Waikiki to Oahu was uneventful. Passing some mountains in Pali Highway, entering the lush country landscape and pure white sand beaches of Oahu's coast, the only thing that caught their interest were the curiously crafted pebble stones that were scattered at the side of the high way.
Masaki took notice of this and had wanted to talk about with Kazu but it seemed that the man was too preoccupied to even notice that he, Masaki, had just shifted on his seat and stared at the pebbles that were seemingly moving along with the movement of the car. Though he already blinked twice, the pebbles were still following the car.
Maybe it's just my mind playing tricks with me, Masaki thought. The mixture of heat and sleepiness were getting to him; since they left the airport, they haven't had lunch which made it more difficult for him to focus. Trying to push away the pebbles from his mind, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep.
Nino opened his mouth as if he was about to say something but he adjusted Masaki's seat belt instead. It was their honeymoon but he wasn't in the mood for just about anything. He wanted to just sit in front of the television and have a bottle of cold beer, stay indoors and keep to himself. He was only here in Hawaii because they had talked about it before. He wanted Masaki to be happy but something seems quite off with his wife - so to speak.
The black Volvo PV444 approached the graveled driveway of one of Oahu's expensive and luxurious hotels. A wide, mansion-like structure appeared before them. Everything about the place was inviting: the sun, the palm trees that decorated almost every space, the flowers blooming colorfully and the attractive Hawaiian dolls - wearing grass skirts - that were put in front of one of the vast windows of the hotel lobby.
There was a gathering in one of the gardens. Kazunari was able to wake his 'wife' up as soon as he was able to get a parking slot. The car was almost tiny that it was easy to maneuver and park. They brought in their bags into the lobby and noticed squeals of laughter and annoying grumbles in one of the gardens outside the hotel. It was filled with locals and only a few foreigners - Germans or Spaniards, Kazunari mused - were attending what seems to be a celebration of some sort.
The room that was given to them was as large as a dining area fit for ten people; the balcony was overlooking the horizon and the beach. There was a huge bed in the center covered with blue and white sheets along with some pillows. On the wall sat an eight feet tall walk in closet with mirrors. The place was enormous for the both of them but it was what Masaki wanted in the first place. Some honeymoon, Kazunari thought bitterly.
He had made a lot of money for the past three years of serving in the army but the times has changed and he wanted to at least keep much money as he could in his bank account but travelling to Hawaii and spending at least ten thousand dollars was in the least part of his plans. But what can he do? He was sure that he was in love with his partner after all; Masaki had waited for him for almost two years after they had gotten engaged in a silly little party before he left for the war.
He wasn't romantic in any way and he wasn't really into memories but he did know that making your partner happy kept a relationship good and lasting. As he thought of this and that, he dropped his baggage on the bed and proceeded in unpacking them, placing his light clothes in the closet along with his shorts and trunks. As he did so, he noticed that Masaki hasn't even opened his bags but was still in the balcony, staring blankly into space.
Afraid that his partner was down, he stopped what he was doing and hugged Masaki from the back. "What's wrong?" he asked, trying his best to keep his voice neutral.
Not looking away, Masaki murmured, "Nothing. I'm just tired."
It wasn't true, Masaki knew that Kazunari knows about this since he had slept almost throughout the ride but he didn't know what he really felt. At most, he was seeing things; inanimate things that were moving, following them. It was as if it was magic, hypnotizing him in some way.
The afternoon passed normally; they were able to take a short swim in the beach, watch some bottle-nosed dolphins afar as they played, and do some shopping in the local district markets. The sun setting in the horizon was beautifully sculpted along with the different hues of purples and oranges that were reflected in the clouds. And while the thought of having a good night's sleep was planned, Masaki picked up some pebbles from the sidewalk, earning him some bad stares from the locals who noticed his action.
"What are you doing?" Kazunari asked, having seen how the locals were now eyeing them.
"I just took some of these prettily colored pebbles. Why?" Masaki answered innocently.
"Fine," Kazunari snapped, "Now, let's get back to the hotel."
Kazunari almost dragged the annoyed Masaki to their hotel room, anger flaring up as they reached it. "What the hell? Why did you have to yank me from the store? Don't you know that I've spent a month's allowance just to have a foot spa and pedicure?"
Of course, he'd rant about something totally nonsense but he didn't really care. Having Kazunari drag him and have people make fun of him, producing gossips were the most irritating things that could happen to him. Masaki was in the least concerned with his appearance but what could he say? Kazunari probably would think that he was crazed when he tells him that those pebbles followed them from Pali Highway.
Masaki could feel Jun fix some breakfast downstairs, the chairs whining as he moved about in the process. The air was filled with sweet and salty aroma and Masaki guessed that Jun was making some pancakes and coffee. He was sharp when it comes to food but last night, he wasn’t even able to eat anything that Jun laid out in the kitchen table; that was fine as long as he had coffee. He sighed and went downstairs with the empty cup in his hands. He walked slowly, trying to steady himself, feeling strangely queasy. He managed not to fall off the stairs, settling in one of the couches, not bothering to put the empty cup down but Jun took it from him and replenished it.
“How was your sleep?” Jun asked. He was washing some frying pans and some dishes that needed cleaning. The sound of the water running and splashing almost echoed.
Masaki scratched his head twice before he answered. “I couldn’t really sleep. You, of all people, must know that.”
Jun nodded absently. “I know. I really know,” he answered without looking up. “The bill just came when you were upstairs. And there’s mail from Ninomiya.”
Masaki should be happy from the announcement that there was mail from his husband yet, he couldn’t make his heart skip anymore. Words couldn’t come out from his throat, as if they were suppressed by barb wires.
“Thank him,” Was all that Jun said when he finished the dishes and went to take the broom and sweep the dining area.
Masaki looked away. He wasn’t ready for any of that yet. Yes, it was good that Kazunari was still spending for his expenditures. He remembered the way Kazunari looked after he’d asked him to marry him: his black hair streaked with brown and black brows, and flushed cheeks. The way he said how much endearing he was to him was stern but full of love.
Jun sat across him with eyes filled with curiosity but it didn’t register. By now, Masaki’s thoughts were back in Hawaii, hands and eyes closed; pained by the mere memory of Hawaii, his honeymoon and the locals’ indecent mutters about what he had done. Had he known what would have happened if he picked up the goddamn pebbles then he wouldn’t have done it. Tokyo seemed so far now, a hundred light years away, from his thoughts and reality.
There were faint ancient drum sounds tapping. Faint taps… one, two, three, and then it stops. As heard the drums, he felt hypnotized. He looked to his right and he saw two figures, a man and a woman, wearing Hawaiian traditional clothing. They were both extraordinarily beautiful. The figures were there but weren’t. Masaki looked at them closely and he realized that they were floating in the mist, a mirage-like images in front of him. He grabbed Kazunari’s arm and held on to it as if his life was on the line and ranted, “D-do you see those people?” He pointed towards the figures with his finger and closed his eyes. He just shut them, afraid.
“There’s nothing there, Masaki,” Kazunari firmly said. He seemed tired of his words. He let go of his hand and put them down on his side. “I don’t know what’s happening to you but I’m getting bored with your antics.”
Masaki had no other choice but follow Kazunari as he stormed off, muttering profanities as he reached the hotel’s entrance. Something appeared off as they entered the hotel. The receptionist didn’t greet them and the guards looked down as they walked to the elevator. He felt a lot of eyes were staring at them but he was afraid that if he pointed it out to Kazunari, they might fight again. He wanted to understand what was happening to him but he couldn’t form any words in his blank mind as if it was an empty shell.
The next day, Masaki went to the grocery alone, perhaps Kazunari wanted to keep to himself as he did usually. He was holding the basket in his left hand, picking up some milk and fresh tuna, thinking of making some sashimi later for dinner. As he busied himself in shopping, a woman came up to him. Her hair was long, up to the waist, and she was wearing a pair of pants and a colorful blouse. She was a local; Masaki presumed as she spoke to him in Hawaiian accent, “Something awful will happen to you if you don’t pay respects to Pele.”
Eh? Pele? Who the heck is that? These mere thoughts formed in his almost blank consciousness. Why the hell do I have to pay respects to that person? “I’m sorry but I think you have the wrong person. I don’t know that ‘Pele’ person you’re talking about.”
The woman didn’t move. She just stayed there like a statue. “Pele wants you to repent and put back the things that you took away from her,” she spoke again with the accent that Masaki was turning to hate. Still, she stayed rooted there along with the prolonging silence from Masaki. She waited dumbly, waited and waited until Masaki spoke up:
“I’m sorry but I really couldn’t understand anything that you’re saying.” He sounded hoarse and he didn’t know why.
If only he asked what he did wrong then maybe he would have known. Jun was now picking up the trash and taking it out. The day already felt long. He noticed that Jun was now taking some beer from the freezer and as he placed an opened one in Masaki’s hands, he took a long swig from his own bottle. Jun’s eyes were tired and they showed. “Drink up. I don’t care if you want to finish it but drink some in front of me. I don’t want to sound rude or anything but I’m not your maid, I’m your friend here.
“After coming back from Hawaii, you’ve been like that. I can’t make you do things but think about others as well. It’s hard to take care of someone who doesn’t want to help themselves.”
Standing up, he finished the beer and took the novel that he was reading from the coffee table and picked up where he left off. The conversation was finished and Masaki was left with no words to rebut. Of course, he had nothing to say at all. What Jun had said to him were all true, and he couldn’t disagree about any of it. He almost hated Kazunari for not believing him, thinking that everything that he said were all just lies.
Repent, repent, repent… The words just kept on repeating itself in his subconscious, echoing like an everlasting bond in his heart. Why it kept on going and going, he didn’t know. It has been six months since what had happened in Hawaii but he couldn’t ignore the fact that things weren’t the same before. Kazunari had left for another war, suggesting that Masaki had to stay with Jun in their newly bought house. It was supposed to be theirs - they should be the ones to live in it, together - instead, Jun was with him and Kazunari wasn’t.
He missed him. He misses him.
He was talkative but he has changed. It was because of Hawaii. It was because of his ignorance.
Kazunari’s mail said that he was coming home today. He wasn’t prepared - not yet - at all. He was happy that he was still coming back to him but his heart wasn’t. He… Me… I… It was always himself that he was thinking about and he has yet thought about what others felt. He was a self-centered asshole and he didn’t realize it until he thought of Kazunari. He loves him; yet he loves himself more. That smile that he showed him before he left for war was heartwarming but he was afraid that he might not comeback, so he didn’t show his real feelings to Kazunari. He loves him yet, he wasn’t true to himself.
Wearing his uniform, Kazunari announced his arrival. By the time he came, Jun already left - he said that he was going to run some errands but Masaki knew better - and he was smiling, beaming at seeing Masaki after a long time. “I’m home.” Masaki barely heard him but he felt strong hands embrace him and then he knew that he had frozen in his place. All those years together and not together, he still felt something warm from Kazunari.
Sighing, but not showing it, Masaki murmured, “Welcome back.” Taller than Kazunari, Masaki towered his husband but it seems that Kazunari wasn’t bothered by it.
“Don’t you miss Hawaii, Masaki?” He asked as he nuzzled his chin on Masaki’s back.
Masaki closed his eyes. “I don’t know.”
Kazunari hugged him tighter. “Do you want to get fixed? I know someone that can help you.”
“What are you talking about?” He knows but pretended not to. Of course, there was something wrong with him.
Kazunari kissed his nape. “I love you.”
Something changed in Kazunari after Hawaii. He felt afraid. Not because of what was happening to Masaki but because of what might happen. He wanted to keep Masaki - he was like a trophy to him - but he was not really thinking of their past; only their future. He was in love with him like a school boy with his first crush but things were different now. How come Masaki turned into someone he’s not familiar with, he wanted to know.
“Remember,” Kazunari continued, “we used to talk about things just out of the blue?”
Masaki remembers. He practically remembers a lot of things about them doing things together; talking things out; and making everything seem right. But in a flash, he again saw the pebbles glowing there, in the tapestry, making him recall what had happened in Hawaii. Of course, it always went back to Hawaii. “Pele,” Masaki muttered.
Kazunari held his tongue. He might say something that will ruin this moment. Right now, Masaki was talking. He had to do something; to say something that might at least help his partner get through things that he was going through; something that he wasn’t really sure at all. Thinking straight, he answered, “Let’s go back to Hawaii, okay?”
They boarded the plane the following day; only a few things packed. Masaki slept through the flight while Kazunari held his hands, afraid that once he let go, Masaki will soon again have those weird dreams that Jun told him about. Jun was his confidante while he was away; they sent mails once or twice a month, just to know what was going on. Jun had told him things that Masaki often saw and what Jun hears in Masaki’s sleep. Great and unimaginable things have happened to Masaki after their honeymoon and nothing ever was the same.
Kazunari talked to some of the locals. He was whispering and mumbling things that Masaki couldn’t hear. They were a few feet away from him and he had to wait, shifting his weight from one foot to another, until his husband came back to his side. As soon as the conversation with the locals ended, Kazunari went back and held his hand firmly. He said some words that didn’t sound reasonable. “We have to go to the volcano that the locals said you have to pay respects to.”
Was he drunk? Masaki was bewildered at what Kazunari said. His eyes widened as he spoke between gritted teeth, “Are you out of your mind? Why, of all places, a volcano?”
“The locals know better.” The conversation ended. Kazunari said it firmly but he could see that he was shivering. Was it cold? Masaki couldn’t comprehend why Kazunari was scared but he could see in his eyes that he was determined.
They came to the foot of an unknown volcano - unknown because Masaki didn’t hear the name of it when Kazunari spoke to the locals - and they brought fruits, different kinds of food, and some local Hawaiian wood carvings. They seemed like carvings of animals of some sorts but Masaki couldn’t be sure. Three locals, a man and two women, helped them in the excursion and prayed and danced. It was an offering of some sort and Masaki had to follow their steps in dancing what looked like hula but a bit more different.
Tokyo seemed beautiful now. The rush of people dashing here and there seemed wonderful. Masaki’s heart was lighter and he could smile again. The long queue in the movie houses seemed short. He was like a bird in the clouds. Jun could see that what happened in Hawaii was now over and he could see the happiness of his friend was now reaching his eyes. Whatever Kazunari did for Masaki was effective.
Masaki used to be weary and tired every night but tonight, it was gone. All the weariness that he bore was not here anymore. Jun smiled when his friend came up to him and said, “Let’s watch that movie. I’m sure Kazunari wouldn't want me to watch it but what the heck? I want to have some fun today.” All Masaki’s frustrated fears vanished into the thin air and his friend was back to normal.
~~~
A/N:
There's this Hawaiian legend about Pele, the goddess of volcanoes. Well, now you know who Pele is. ^_^
I wish you like this story. And comments are loved! ^_^
A/N2: black Volvo PV444* was changed from red Nissan Dayz.
*
1944-1966
Author: keshichan
Pairing: Aimiya
Genre: Suspense, Mystery (hints of fluff)
Prompt: We used to… (rainbowfilling)
Word Count: 3,510
Summary:
Hawaii was where they had their honeymoon. Kazunari Ninomiya was an officer in the Japanese Imperial Army and just got married to his fiancée, Masaki Aiba, now Ninomiya. Strange things happened and were happening.
~~~
[Masaki stood up, suddenly wide awake...]Masaki stood up, suddenly wide awake. There was a strange unease in his mind and body, something in his past haunting him, or what he could call the feathers from his broken wings, crashed and torn apart bloodily from his back. Falling away like a bird caught by its hunter. He looked out the window. There were dark shadows from the crows that were circling over the dead rabbit, jerking their necks along the way as they surveyed before devouring their prey. His eyes turned to the empty coffee mug that was almost stale on the table. Of course it was already empty, he had drank it last night in hopes of not sleeping, afraid of the dreams that were always in the corner of his mind, seeping in like the rays of the sun but they weren’t shining instead, that’s where the darkness keeps on creeping in.
Outside, the ivy was creeping onto the forlorn wooden gate that he had already forgotten was there. He’d been living alone except for a friend that stays with him a day or two, sometimes who stayed for as long as a week; he couldn’t handle it alone without Kazunari. Then, just as he thought of Kazunari, he felt something stir in deep in his heart: a balloon that was about to burst just as it was blown up midway. Kazunari Ninomiya was an officer in the Japanese Imperial Army; a general to be exact. He just got married to his fiancée, Masaki Aiba, now Ninomiya, and they were on their honeymoon in the east coast of Hawaii when they encountered what almost broke their marriage.
Hawaii was beautiful with its turquoise waters, crescent beaches and outstanding landscapes. The drive from Waikiki to Oahu was uneventful. Passing some mountains in Pali Highway, entering the lush country landscape and pure white sand beaches of Oahu's coast, the only thing that caught their interest were the curiously crafted pebble stones that were scattered at the side of the high way.
Masaki took notice of this and had wanted to talk about with Kazu but it seemed that the man was too preoccupied to even notice that he, Masaki, had just shifted on his seat and stared at the pebbles that were seemingly moving along with the movement of the car. Though he already blinked twice, the pebbles were still following the car.
Maybe it's just my mind playing tricks with me, Masaki thought. The mixture of heat and sleepiness were getting to him; since they left the airport, they haven't had lunch which made it more difficult for him to focus. Trying to push away the pebbles from his mind, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep.
Nino opened his mouth as if he was about to say something but he adjusted Masaki's seat belt instead. It was their honeymoon but he wasn't in the mood for just about anything. He wanted to just sit in front of the television and have a bottle of cold beer, stay indoors and keep to himself. He was only here in Hawaii because they had talked about it before. He wanted Masaki to be happy but something seems quite off with his wife - so to speak.
The black Volvo PV444 approached the graveled driveway of one of Oahu's expensive and luxurious hotels. A wide, mansion-like structure appeared before them. Everything about the place was inviting: the sun, the palm trees that decorated almost every space, the flowers blooming colorfully and the attractive Hawaiian dolls - wearing grass skirts - that were put in front of one of the vast windows of the hotel lobby.
There was a gathering in one of the gardens. Kazunari was able to wake his 'wife' up as soon as he was able to get a parking slot. The car was almost tiny that it was easy to maneuver and park. They brought in their bags into the lobby and noticed squeals of laughter and annoying grumbles in one of the gardens outside the hotel. It was filled with locals and only a few foreigners - Germans or Spaniards, Kazunari mused - were attending what seems to be a celebration of some sort.
The room that was given to them was as large as a dining area fit for ten people; the balcony was overlooking the horizon and the beach. There was a huge bed in the center covered with blue and white sheets along with some pillows. On the wall sat an eight feet tall walk in closet with mirrors. The place was enormous for the both of them but it was what Masaki wanted in the first place. Some honeymoon, Kazunari thought bitterly.
He had made a lot of money for the past three years of serving in the army but the times has changed and he wanted to at least keep much money as he could in his bank account but travelling to Hawaii and spending at least ten thousand dollars was in the least part of his plans. But what can he do? He was sure that he was in love with his partner after all; Masaki had waited for him for almost two years after they had gotten engaged in a silly little party before he left for the war.
He wasn't romantic in any way and he wasn't really into memories but he did know that making your partner happy kept a relationship good and lasting. As he thought of this and that, he dropped his baggage on the bed and proceeded in unpacking them, placing his light clothes in the closet along with his shorts and trunks. As he did so, he noticed that Masaki hasn't even opened his bags but was still in the balcony, staring blankly into space.
Afraid that his partner was down, he stopped what he was doing and hugged Masaki from the back. "What's wrong?" he asked, trying his best to keep his voice neutral.
Not looking away, Masaki murmured, "Nothing. I'm just tired."
It wasn't true, Masaki knew that Kazunari knows about this since he had slept almost throughout the ride but he didn't know what he really felt. At most, he was seeing things; inanimate things that were moving, following them. It was as if it was magic, hypnotizing him in some way.
The afternoon passed normally; they were able to take a short swim in the beach, watch some bottle-nosed dolphins afar as they played, and do some shopping in the local district markets. The sun setting in the horizon was beautifully sculpted along with the different hues of purples and oranges that were reflected in the clouds. And while the thought of having a good night's sleep was planned, Masaki picked up some pebbles from the sidewalk, earning him some bad stares from the locals who noticed his action.
"What are you doing?" Kazunari asked, having seen how the locals were now eyeing them.
"I just took some of these prettily colored pebbles. Why?" Masaki answered innocently.
"Fine," Kazunari snapped, "Now, let's get back to the hotel."
Kazunari almost dragged the annoyed Masaki to their hotel room, anger flaring up as they reached it. "What the hell? Why did you have to yank me from the store? Don't you know that I've spent a month's allowance just to have a foot spa and pedicure?"
Of course, he'd rant about something totally nonsense but he didn't really care. Having Kazunari drag him and have people make fun of him, producing gossips were the most irritating things that could happen to him. Masaki was in the least concerned with his appearance but what could he say? Kazunari probably would think that he was crazed when he tells him that those pebbles followed them from Pali Highway.
Masaki could feel Jun fix some breakfast downstairs, the chairs whining as he moved about in the process. The air was filled with sweet and salty aroma and Masaki guessed that Jun was making some pancakes and coffee. He was sharp when it comes to food but last night, he wasn’t even able to eat anything that Jun laid out in the kitchen table; that was fine as long as he had coffee. He sighed and went downstairs with the empty cup in his hands. He walked slowly, trying to steady himself, feeling strangely queasy. He managed not to fall off the stairs, settling in one of the couches, not bothering to put the empty cup down but Jun took it from him and replenished it.
“How was your sleep?” Jun asked. He was washing some frying pans and some dishes that needed cleaning. The sound of the water running and splashing almost echoed.
Masaki scratched his head twice before he answered. “I couldn’t really sleep. You, of all people, must know that.”
Jun nodded absently. “I know. I really know,” he answered without looking up. “The bill just came when you were upstairs. And there’s mail from Ninomiya.”
Masaki should be happy from the announcement that there was mail from his husband yet, he couldn’t make his heart skip anymore. Words couldn’t come out from his throat, as if they were suppressed by barb wires.
“Thank him,” Was all that Jun said when he finished the dishes and went to take the broom and sweep the dining area.
Masaki looked away. He wasn’t ready for any of that yet. Yes, it was good that Kazunari was still spending for his expenditures. He remembered the way Kazunari looked after he’d asked him to marry him: his black hair streaked with brown and black brows, and flushed cheeks. The way he said how much endearing he was to him was stern but full of love.
Jun sat across him with eyes filled with curiosity but it didn’t register. By now, Masaki’s thoughts were back in Hawaii, hands and eyes closed; pained by the mere memory of Hawaii, his honeymoon and the locals’ indecent mutters about what he had done. Had he known what would have happened if he picked up the goddamn pebbles then he wouldn’t have done it. Tokyo seemed so far now, a hundred light years away, from his thoughts and reality.
There were faint ancient drum sounds tapping. Faint taps… one, two, three, and then it stops. As heard the drums, he felt hypnotized. He looked to his right and he saw two figures, a man and a woman, wearing Hawaiian traditional clothing. They were both extraordinarily beautiful. The figures were there but weren’t. Masaki looked at them closely and he realized that they were floating in the mist, a mirage-like images in front of him. He grabbed Kazunari’s arm and held on to it as if his life was on the line and ranted, “D-do you see those people?” He pointed towards the figures with his finger and closed his eyes. He just shut them, afraid.
“There’s nothing there, Masaki,” Kazunari firmly said. He seemed tired of his words. He let go of his hand and put them down on his side. “I don’t know what’s happening to you but I’m getting bored with your antics.”
Masaki had no other choice but follow Kazunari as he stormed off, muttering profanities as he reached the hotel’s entrance. Something appeared off as they entered the hotel. The receptionist didn’t greet them and the guards looked down as they walked to the elevator. He felt a lot of eyes were staring at them but he was afraid that if he pointed it out to Kazunari, they might fight again. He wanted to understand what was happening to him but he couldn’t form any words in his blank mind as if it was an empty shell.
The next day, Masaki went to the grocery alone, perhaps Kazunari wanted to keep to himself as he did usually. He was holding the basket in his left hand, picking up some milk and fresh tuna, thinking of making some sashimi later for dinner. As he busied himself in shopping, a woman came up to him. Her hair was long, up to the waist, and she was wearing a pair of pants and a colorful blouse. She was a local; Masaki presumed as she spoke to him in Hawaiian accent, “Something awful will happen to you if you don’t pay respects to Pele.”
Eh? Pele? Who the heck is that? These mere thoughts formed in his almost blank consciousness. Why the hell do I have to pay respects to that person? “I’m sorry but I think you have the wrong person. I don’t know that ‘Pele’ person you’re talking about.”
The woman didn’t move. She just stayed there like a statue. “Pele wants you to repent and put back the things that you took away from her,” she spoke again with the accent that Masaki was turning to hate. Still, she stayed rooted there along with the prolonging silence from Masaki. She waited dumbly, waited and waited until Masaki spoke up:
“I’m sorry but I really couldn’t understand anything that you’re saying.” He sounded hoarse and he didn’t know why.
If only he asked what he did wrong then maybe he would have known. Jun was now picking up the trash and taking it out. The day already felt long. He noticed that Jun was now taking some beer from the freezer and as he placed an opened one in Masaki’s hands, he took a long swig from his own bottle. Jun’s eyes were tired and they showed. “Drink up. I don’t care if you want to finish it but drink some in front of me. I don’t want to sound rude or anything but I’m not your maid, I’m your friend here.
“After coming back from Hawaii, you’ve been like that. I can’t make you do things but think about others as well. It’s hard to take care of someone who doesn’t want to help themselves.”
Standing up, he finished the beer and took the novel that he was reading from the coffee table and picked up where he left off. The conversation was finished and Masaki was left with no words to rebut. Of course, he had nothing to say at all. What Jun had said to him were all true, and he couldn’t disagree about any of it. He almost hated Kazunari for not believing him, thinking that everything that he said were all just lies.
Repent, repent, repent… The words just kept on repeating itself in his subconscious, echoing like an everlasting bond in his heart. Why it kept on going and going, he didn’t know. It has been six months since what had happened in Hawaii but he couldn’t ignore the fact that things weren’t the same before. Kazunari had left for another war, suggesting that Masaki had to stay with Jun in their newly bought house. It was supposed to be theirs - they should be the ones to live in it, together - instead, Jun was with him and Kazunari wasn’t.
He missed him. He misses him.
He was talkative but he has changed. It was because of Hawaii. It was because of his ignorance.
Kazunari’s mail said that he was coming home today. He wasn’t prepared - not yet - at all. He was happy that he was still coming back to him but his heart wasn’t. He… Me… I… It was always himself that he was thinking about and he has yet thought about what others felt. He was a self-centered asshole and he didn’t realize it until he thought of Kazunari. He loves him; yet he loves himself more. That smile that he showed him before he left for war was heartwarming but he was afraid that he might not comeback, so he didn’t show his real feelings to Kazunari. He loves him yet, he wasn’t true to himself.
Wearing his uniform, Kazunari announced his arrival. By the time he came, Jun already left - he said that he was going to run some errands but Masaki knew better - and he was smiling, beaming at seeing Masaki after a long time. “I’m home.” Masaki barely heard him but he felt strong hands embrace him and then he knew that he had frozen in his place. All those years together and not together, he still felt something warm from Kazunari.
Sighing, but not showing it, Masaki murmured, “Welcome back.” Taller than Kazunari, Masaki towered his husband but it seems that Kazunari wasn’t bothered by it.
“Don’t you miss Hawaii, Masaki?” He asked as he nuzzled his chin on Masaki’s back.
Masaki closed his eyes. “I don’t know.”
Kazunari hugged him tighter. “Do you want to get fixed? I know someone that can help you.”
“What are you talking about?” He knows but pretended not to. Of course, there was something wrong with him.
Kazunari kissed his nape. “I love you.”
Something changed in Kazunari after Hawaii. He felt afraid. Not because of what was happening to Masaki but because of what might happen. He wanted to keep Masaki - he was like a trophy to him - but he was not really thinking of their past; only their future. He was in love with him like a school boy with his first crush but things were different now. How come Masaki turned into someone he’s not familiar with, he wanted to know.
“Remember,” Kazunari continued, “we used to talk about things just out of the blue?”
Masaki remembers. He practically remembers a lot of things about them doing things together; talking things out; and making everything seem right. But in a flash, he again saw the pebbles glowing there, in the tapestry, making him recall what had happened in Hawaii. Of course, it always went back to Hawaii. “Pele,” Masaki muttered.
Kazunari held his tongue. He might say something that will ruin this moment. Right now, Masaki was talking. He had to do something; to say something that might at least help his partner get through things that he was going through; something that he wasn’t really sure at all. Thinking straight, he answered, “Let’s go back to Hawaii, okay?”
They boarded the plane the following day; only a few things packed. Masaki slept through the flight while Kazunari held his hands, afraid that once he let go, Masaki will soon again have those weird dreams that Jun told him about. Jun was his confidante while he was away; they sent mails once or twice a month, just to know what was going on. Jun had told him things that Masaki often saw and what Jun hears in Masaki’s sleep. Great and unimaginable things have happened to Masaki after their honeymoon and nothing ever was the same.
Kazunari talked to some of the locals. He was whispering and mumbling things that Masaki couldn’t hear. They were a few feet away from him and he had to wait, shifting his weight from one foot to another, until his husband came back to his side. As soon as the conversation with the locals ended, Kazunari went back and held his hand firmly. He said some words that didn’t sound reasonable. “We have to go to the volcano that the locals said you have to pay respects to.”
Was he drunk? Masaki was bewildered at what Kazunari said. His eyes widened as he spoke between gritted teeth, “Are you out of your mind? Why, of all places, a volcano?”
“The locals know better.” The conversation ended. Kazunari said it firmly but he could see that he was shivering. Was it cold? Masaki couldn’t comprehend why Kazunari was scared but he could see in his eyes that he was determined.
They came to the foot of an unknown volcano - unknown because Masaki didn’t hear the name of it when Kazunari spoke to the locals - and they brought fruits, different kinds of food, and some local Hawaiian wood carvings. They seemed like carvings of animals of some sorts but Masaki couldn’t be sure. Three locals, a man and two women, helped them in the excursion and prayed and danced. It was an offering of some sort and Masaki had to follow their steps in dancing what looked like hula but a bit more different.
Tokyo seemed beautiful now. The rush of people dashing here and there seemed wonderful. Masaki’s heart was lighter and he could smile again. The long queue in the movie houses seemed short. He was like a bird in the clouds. Jun could see that what happened in Hawaii was now over and he could see the happiness of his friend was now reaching his eyes. Whatever Kazunari did for Masaki was effective.
Masaki used to be weary and tired every night but tonight, it was gone. All the weariness that he bore was not here anymore. Jun smiled when his friend came up to him and said, “Let’s watch that movie. I’m sure Kazunari wouldn't want me to watch it but what the heck? I want to have some fun today.” All Masaki’s frustrated fears vanished into the thin air and his friend was back to normal.
~~~
A/N:
There's this Hawaiian legend about Pele, the goddess of volcanoes. Well, now you know who Pele is. ^_^
I wish you like this story. And comments are loved! ^_^
A/N2: black Volvo PV444* was changed from red Nissan Dayz.
*
1944-1966