A Winter Apart - Chapter 9
Pairing: Akame
Genre: Angst, romance
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Plot's mine, but JE or the lyrics used here are not...and yes this is fiction!
moshi moshi - hello (telephone only)
Okasama/Otosama - a very formal way of addressing your mother/father respectively. Though here, Matsumi is addressing Jin's parents.
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Chapter 9
Kame’s head jerked up as it hit the window with a soft bang. He rubbed the side of his head and blinked. Looking around he pulled himself upright to try and stop himself from nodding off again. He rubbed his eyes and murmured to himself. He really needs to stop dozing off so easily. He glanced at the empty seat next to him, paused, then turned his attention back to the passing scenery outside.
The last time he was in Kyoto was six years ago… that school trip. With Jin.
He’d nodded off then too, on the way back to Tokyo. He’d had woken up to find himself leaning on Jin’s shoulder and Jin snoozing away on his head. The corner of Kame’s lips lifted slightly as he remember the unimpressed expression he’d pulled; but feeling Jin sleeping so soundly, rather than wake him, he’d lowered his pride and closed his eyes again. This however, obviously did not save Jin from Kame’s unamused glare when he did eventually wake, especially when one intrigued classmate later produced a beautiful shot of the sleeping couple.
Kame glanced again at the empty seat beside him.
“NOW APPROACHING KYOTO. PASSENGERS…”
Jin looked up then down at his watch. Good he was slightly early. He opened his electronic diary to check the address and saw the quick memo he’d made to himself. His parents were going away for the weekend. He flicked opened his phone and dialled Matsumi’s office number as he stepped off the train into the busy Kyoto main station.
“Moshi moshi?” Matsumi tucked the phone between her cheek and her shoulder. “Jin? Did you forget something?” She put her pen in her mouth and stabled a few account sheets together, and scribbled corrections here and there. “Jin I can’t hear you! Wait I’m putting you on speaker-phone.”
She took the phone from her ear and placed it back on its stand whilst pushing the speakerphone button. “Did you forget something Jin? Oh you’ve reached Kyoto.”
The noise of the train station was coming through over the phone in the background and Matsumi turned down the volume as she got up from her desk and walked over to a pile of folders and began to busy through them.
“Ha? No I just miss your voice already. Oh it’s snowing!”
Matsumi looked up and pulled a face. “Jin I’m very busy at the moment. Don’t joke around.”
Jin’s laughter could be heard over the phone. “No seriously Matsumi, I forgot to tell you that my parents were going away for a few days and had asked if we had wanted to join them for the weekend. But I’m in Kyoto and won’t be back till late, but was wondering if you had wanted to go?”
Matsumi frowned. It was a little short-notice. “You’re not planning on going Jin?”
Pause.
Matsumi sighed. She remembered he mentioned something about a concert he had wanted to attend this weekend and between spending the weekend with his parents and a weekend of freedom and live music… “Jin you’re the worst!! You want me to take your parents out and stand in for you!” She crossly flicked over a page, glancing down it before putting it back on the shelf and opened another folder.
“Well it’s just that -“
“Yes.” Why was this here? There should be another page to these accounts. She put down the folder. “Yes okay fine! I’ll go!” She swore Jin does this on purpose so she doesn’t have time to give a rational response. She could almost see him grinning at the other end of the phone.
“Oh one more thing!”
“What?” Matsumi automatically turned towards the phone as if he was in the room.
“I love you!”
She frowned. “Jin. I’m at the office. I have you on speaker phone.”
“I know but there’s no one in your office is there?”
She frowned even more. Someone could walk in. “Jin…”
“Sorry…I’ll go now.” There was a sheepish laugh. “Love you!”
Matsumi cut off the phone. It was this oddly affectionate nature that made him adorable, but sometimes she wish he would think before he takes action. She rubbed her forehead. God now where was she? Matsumi turned and began sifting through the folders again.
Kame bowed low to the caretaker of the local cemetery, who politely returned the gesture. He thanked him again before turning and walking away. He glanced upwards and murmured a quiet, “Rest in Peace Okasan…” and smiled, finally feeling a small burden lifting off his shoulders. He texted Ueda again to thank him and tell him the final resting place of his mother before putting the phone away and looking around him. Kyoto had always given him pleasant memories, but now, standing alone in the middle of the busy street, tourists, businessmen, local people moving by him each to their own, Kame felt the emptiness of a presence that had made his last Kyoto visit a memorable one.
Kame looked about him again then down at his fingers. Finally he sighed and biting the insides of his cheeks he decided he might as well enjoy his stay and re-visit some old favourite spots in the city.
He zipped his jacket up to his neck and brought his hands up to his mouth to warm
them before putting them deep into his pockets. Glancing around at the comfortable
houses, the semi-high walls of the small front yards, Kame felt a little out of place.
Without realising it Kame’s feet was tracing the steps of their school trip together six winters ago. He remembered these streets well, not only because it’d also been his home for a few years before his return to Tokyo on his mother’s death, but also because he had been busy taking notes and making quiet observations during the trip. On Jin’s behalf as well as his own.
His eyes glanced over the windows of the houses he passed, catching a glimpse of
their interiors. Shelves of books lined the walls of some, calligraphy over fireplaces,
watercolour paintings tastefully highlighted by well-placed lights, children at the
piano… Kame took his hands out of his pockets and pulled up his collar as if to hide
his face from the gaze of respectability of these middle-class homes before placing
his hands back in the warmth.
One of their stops had been at a local shrine situated within embrace of thousands of cherry blossoms. It was a popular spot during the Spring. The park was lined with cherry blossoms and there were two other temples within the grounds. It’d been a favourite spot with Kame whilst he lived here and he used to come alone after school just to sit and think. It was probably the only stop on the whole trip that winter that Kame didn’t have to take notes for Jin because he too had been so taken by it.
Kame stopped at the end of the street and looked through a hedge that lined the
edge of the low wall into a small, neat front yard. From where he was he could
glimpse the few stone steps that led up to a porch and ceramic plaque with the
name “Akanishi” clearly inscribed in down the centre.
Jin shook hands with his client and thanked him in advance for his hospitality. The client had been anxious to seal the deal and Jin had managed to negotiate a favourable contract so it was a win for both sides.
“Akanishi-san, I look forward to meeting you again tonight. Meanwhile enjoy Kyoto. Are you sure I can’t offer you our driver?”
“No, that is very kind, but I would like to do a little exploring by foot. Look forward to tonight. Once again, thank you.”
The bowed and parted. Jin stepped beyond the office building and glanced at his watch. It was not too late in the afternoon and he had a good few hours to explore the city. He seemed to remember coming here, but didn’t recall much as he did not recognise anything. His parents must have taken him when he was really too young to remember. Jin took off his tie and undid the collar button of his shirt as he made his way out of the commercial district of Kyoto. A few well known spots had been suggested for him to visit whilst he was here in Kyoto, but there was one particular place which seemed to catch his attention more than the rest.
“Leave Kamenashi out of it. How many times do I have to tell you that it had nothing
to do with him!”
“Are you back-talking to your father? Don’t forget whose roof you’re currently living
under!”
Silence.
“Your mother and I have given you far too much independence! It is shameful that
my son is associated with those sort of people and not only that you got involved
in a fight -“
“Look I told you! The whole situation had nothing to do with us! I got into a fight
and if it hadn’t been for Kame-“
“I don’t care! What were you doing in that area in the first place?! If it had been for
that boy you wouldn’t have been there in the first place!
Kame clapped his hands in front of the shrine and paused. He felt himself briefly being cloaked in tranquillity, and for the first time in a long while, his mind cleared. Kame remained like this was a little longer letting the silky breeze brush pass him and the silence of his surroundings sooth his slender frame. Finally he clapped again before bowing slightly and stepping away.
He moved away from the main hall of the shrine and walked through the grounds, taking in the calm atmosphere. His eyes then settled on three wooden frames upon which hundreds of hopeful wishes written on wooden tablets hung in seven neat rows. Kame stood still.
“Look! Just leave Kame out of this!”
“Don’t you even mention that name like that!! How can you even associate with
people from his background! Even that aside, I haven’t even started with you
and - “
There was a crash.
“Don’t you even DARE walk away from me boy!! Akanishi Jin you get back -“
A door slammed.
“PAPA! JIN!”
"AKANISHI YOU-“
Jin paused at the giant gateway of the Shinto shrine. Something about the grounds of this park moved him; maybe it was a nostalgic feeling, or maybe it was the calmness that suddenly overtook him, or maybe it was just the simple beauty of the place. Even in the winter. Jin closed his eyes for a moment to just pause and listen to the comforting peace of the place. It’s been a while since he had properly got away from his busy life in Tokyo and with everything that had happened lately, Jin was glad for this breathing space. He opened his eyes again and walked beneath the gate into the shrine.
Kame closed his eyes and straightened himself quickly as he saw Jin come
rushing out of the house. He came around the corner and almost walked
straight into the older boy.
“Kame…”
Kame pulled up an apologetic smile. “Oh…sorry I’m late…” He paused.
“Jin you okay?”
Jin paused and observed the slender boy before him who looked back
with steady eyes. “Kame… did you just -“
“Yeah. I just got here. Got lost, sorry.”
“No I meant did you hear…?”
Kame frowned. “Hear what Jin? You okay?”
Jin paused again. “Nothing. C’mon let’s just go…”
Kame nodded as Jin began to walk briskly away. Kame glanced briefly
at the opened sitting room window of Jin’s house, before following in
silence behind the figure ahead of him.
Matsumi came down the lift and glanced at her watch. She had just about enough time to go home and pick up a few essentials for the weekend.
“The things I do for you sometimes Jin!” She murmured under her breath. She walked up to the reception. “Shirota-san, I’m leaving early today.”
“Yes, thank you Nishikiddo-san! Oh by the way, these two gentlemen are looking for Akanishi-san. They say they’re his high school friends.”
Matsumi turned to the two guys standing not too far from the reception and walked over to them and bowed politely. “Nice to meet you. I’m afraid Akanishi, is in Kyoto at present on a business trip..."
Maru and Koki bowed in greeting. The taller of the two replied courteously. “That is unfortunate. Sorry for dropping in so suddenly. We were Akanishi’s friends from school.”
“Nishikido. Nishikido Matusmi…” She held out a hand and smiled politely. "I'm his fiancée."
Maru took the hand and shook it with a firm maturity. “Congratulations. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Nakamaru Yuichi. This is Tanaka Koki.”
“Pleasure.” Matsumi shook the shorter man’s hand who nodded, but said nothing.
“So Akanishi is in Kyoto? When will he be back?”
Matsumi turned her attention back to Maru. “Tonight I hope.”
Maru nodded. Koki ruffled his short hair, grinned and said to no one in particular. “Kyoto…what a coincidence. It might jog his memory a little!”
Kame ran his hands lightly over a row of small wooden wish tablets, his eyes
pausing to read a few here and there. Many come here with their different
prayers and dreams, wishing that the gods will take favour on them and
grant their request. Yet they all had something in common: here, in seven
neat rows, hung that one thing which Kame didn’t know if he had anymore:
Hope.
Matsumi tipped her head to one side slightly and looked at Koki with interest. “Oh? So you two know about his memory loss?”
Koki glanced at her and replied without amusement. “Yeah…we know about it alright! He didn’t even-“
Maru grabbed his arm. Koki stopped and nodded his head in apology at Matsumi before carrying on more calmly. “Sorry… Yes, we found out the last time we bumped into him.”
Maru nodded. “We were in this area and thought we’d drop by and see how he was and maybe go for a drink as we didn’t really get to talk last time.”
Matsumi paused. “I see… I take it then that Akanishi must have forgotten to tell you about dinner arrangements next week?”
Both Koki and Maru knotted their brow, to which Matsumi shook her head slightly and said to herself. “Well at least he remembered to tell…” She bowed slightly to Koki and Nakamaru. “I’m sorry. Akanishi has been quite tired lately, he must have forgotten. He was supposed to have invited you two to dinner next week.” She smiled. “It’s okay, I’ll remind him to make the arrangement when he comes back tonight.” She paused. “So you met Akanishi in Kyoto…?”
Six years ago he had dared to hope. When Jin bought a wooden tablet and
picked up the pen and earnestly wrote his wish on it, he had dared to hope.
He had leant over his shoulder to see what in the world Jin had wished for
and had looked away in embarrassed surprised. Jin had grinned at him
when Kame could not stop himself from hiding the smile on his face. Jin
hung the wooden tablet on the top row; he had written
just a single word:
"AkaKame"
Kame took his hands away from the tablets and turned to the table beside him.
Taking the tablet he’d bought he picked up the pen that lay on the table. Dare
he hope? He placed the nib of the pen onto the wooden surface, but then
paused. Glancing up at the rows of dreams before him, the wishes for health,
fortune, love, blessings for loved ones, Kame looked down again and began
to write.
“Ha…?” Koki looked at Matsumi with a little amusement. “No - we’re were his best mates in high school!”
Nakamaru understanding Matsumi’s confusion quicker than Koki did carried on pleasantly. “Thank you for the invitation we’ll make sure we’re both free. I think what Koki was referring to was the last school trip they all went on together.” Maru smiled sadly. “Apparently there were some good memories there.”
Koki looked away and again said to no one in particular. “Yeah maybe he’ll remember Kazuya!” He grinned. “Those were the days…haha…”
Matsumi nodded and glanced at Koki. “I see…” She looked at her watch. “Oh!!” She looked up at the two. “I’m so sorry, I’m going to be late.”
Maru and Koki dipped their heads. “No, apologies from us for dropping in unannounced.”
“No not at all! I’m glad you did. I’ll remind Akanishi. It’s lovely to meet my fiance’s old friends and I will see you next week I’m sure.” Matsumi bowed gracefully, smiled and hurried away.
Koki and Maru followed the hurried Matsumi from the building at a more leisurely pace. “So Jin is going to be married…”
Koki put his cap back on as they emerged from the glass building. “Looks like it…”
Jin stepped out from the main hall of the shrine. He let his gaze brush over the quiet scene before him, and brought his hands up to his mouth to warm them as a cold breeze swept gently over him. The bare branches of the Sakura trees waved in the wind causing some of the snow that had settled on the branches to fall and shower lightly to the ground. Jin smiled. Watching the snow fall like that reminded him of something. His gaze then settled on the rows of wishing tablets not too far in the distance. “Whilst I’m here I might as well…”. He paid the vendor before slowly making his way over to the large frame.
His empty tablet in hand, Jin stood for a moment in front of rows of wishes of those that had gone before him and wondered what to write. As his eyes swept over the many prayers, his own name written on one tablet caught his eye. Jin blinked in surprise as he reached out to touch the words written in a familiar handwriting:
“For Akanishi Jin: Let the past not trouble him anymore and may he have every happiness in his new life.”
Jin lay staring up at the clear frosted sky through the bare branches of the cherry blossom. The body beside him gave him a sense of calm, his thoughts were clear….
Jin closed his eyes. “Kame…”
There was no sound, but Jin heard the silent response from the warm body next to him. “Kyoto must be beautiful during the Spring. The parks in light pink, families picnicking beneath, watching the cherry blossom shower when the wind blows…” Jin smiled as he let the image form in his head. “I wish I could see it all year round…”
He paused for a moment listening to the steady breathing of Kame who was listening without a sound beside him. He was about to carry on when he felt a wisp of cold air hit his side.
“Kame…?
Jin opened his eyes in surprise only to be met by pure white snowflakes gently floating down towards him from the branches above.
‘I use to miss the cherry blossom showers in the winter… but the snow settling on these trees has its own kind of beauty.” Kame had softly stood up and was standing a few feet away. He had a fallen branch in his hand with which he very gently shook the snow-covered branches of the tree above. “But then one winter I discovered that you can watch cherry blossom showers in the winter. You just have to use a little more imagination that’s all.”
Kame tipped his head and looked down towards Jin’s and smiled.
Kame looked down and grinned at the memory. Jin had dragged a reluctant him out in the middle of the night on a whim wanting to explore Kyoto’s nightlife. He can’t remember how he got persuaded, but he was glad he did even if he did get into trouble the following morning. They had fallen asleep beneath the tree that night and got caught as they climbed back through the hostel window in the morning. He’d climbed back in just as the teacher entered to wake the group, but Jin was still outside so he’d quickly shut the window and apologised. He had received a sound scolding from a surprised, but angry form tutor for not only sneaking out at night but also on his own and as punishment, he had to spend the day in the hostel writing a historical essay on Kyoto.
Jin skipped breakfast that morning and made himself sick so to keep him company.
“Baka…”
His eyes looked up at the blue sky through the snow-covered branches of the Sakura tree. He heard a light rustle behind him and the snow began to fall and shower gently down onto his face.
“You know you can watch cherry blossom showers in the winter. You just have to use a little more imagination that’s all.”
Kame turned in surprised to the voice behind him.
Matsumi pressed the doorbell of the luxurious apartment of her future parents-in-laws and waited for a reply. Jin’s mother came to the door and on seeing Matsumi beamed in pleasure.
“Matsumi-chan!! Do come in!”
Matsumi dipped her head, and entered. She quickly slipped out of her shoes and affectionately took the older woman’s arm. “Okasama, how are you?”
“It’s so lovely to see you Matsumi-chan! I’m very well. Jin told me you were coming with us! I was delighted.” She patted Matsumi’s arm before calling out to her husband. “Papa, Matsumi-chan’s here.”
Matsumi bowed in respect as she saw Jin’s father. “Otosama.” Mr. Akanishi looked up from the paper, smiled and nodded.
Mrs Akanishi turned back to Matsumi. “Jin won’t be joining us later, will he? He rang earlier. He’s working very hard lately.” She glanced disapprovingly at her husband who pretended he didn’t notice.
Matsumi smiled. “Yes Jin will be busy this weekend, but I’ll make sure he treats you both to dinner to make up for it.”
There was a slight pause, before Mrs Akanishi patted Matsumi’s arm again. “Ahh Matsumi-chan, you’re too good to him.” She turned to her husband. “Papa are you ready?”
Mr Akanishi folded up the paper and rang for the driver to come and pick up the small pile of luggage. Mrs Akanishi moved out of the way and quietly asked after Matsumi’s parents. Mr Akanishi picked up his coat and followed the driver downstairs and Matsumi took the cue to slip back into her shoes.
“How are you and Jin settling back into Tokyo Matsumi-chan?” Mrs Akanishi picked up her own coat and slipped into her shoes. Matsumi stepped outside.
“It is lovely to be back in Tokyo. Jin is well and settling in very quickly. He seems to be happy.” She smiled. Mrs Akanishi looked at her before turning to lock the door.
“Matsumi-chan, you are good to him. I am very glad he met you.” She turned the key. “My son was never very attached to his parents.” She said with a small knowing amusement in her voice. She turned and took Matsumi’s hands into her own. “With everything that happened in Tokyo six years ago, I worried for him coming back. I worried about what would happened if he... and then I was worried for you too.” She looked at Matsumi. “But even with that you’re sticking by him.”
Matsumi nodded reassuringly and gently squeezed Mrs Akanishi’s hand.
“Don't worry Okasama, everything will be just fine.”
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Hope I didn't disappoint too much guys - my Muse seems to have disappeared this week, so apologies if that was a bad chapter >_
Thank you!