OUR CHIQA HAS TURNED 21 TODAY!!! AND FOR THAT WE HAVE THIS HUGE PRESENT FOR OUR BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!!
Two great One Shots and a nice Fanart is what is waiting for you~ Also, I updated my A.L.I.V.E. fanfic on AKBlasphemy48 and soon gonna update it on JPH!P too~
I hope you, our dear Chiqa, have a nice birthday~
Let's begin~
PRESENT FROM KEVIN (kevinwkl)
Birthday Girl
When Atsuko wakes up, She's still groggy. Her eyes won't open for a few more minutes, not until she stretches her legs, and turns to lie on her left side. Only today she can't quite get to that third option on her morning routine because Minami is blocking her angle. She seems to be turned to Atsuko, as Atsuko can feel Minami's breath on her mouth and suddenly it hits her. The unusual feeling that today is going to be a good day.
Atsuko hasn't had this feeling on her birthday for a while, after her mother's death seven years ago, but this year it's quite different. She has Minami and knows that her mother will rejoice for her. It's been a constant struggle, dealing with the loss of the one person Atsuko trusted and loved the most her whole life, but lately it got more and more bearable. Minami worked wonders in Atsuko, that's for sure.
That is mainly why she feels so good this morning. Minami is right there, curling up against Atsuko's side, kissing the corner of her mouth and humming something onto Atsuko's skin. It's the best feeling to wake up to every morning and Atsuko thinks she will never get tired of it. Minami's body is warm on this winter day, despite the severe cold wave that hit the city in the past week and despite the snow they watched falling from the living room window last night. It was a beautiful moment, Atsuko and Minami curling up together on the couch, turned to the window with the fireplace burning next to them, as they watched the snow falling outside with its cold sweetness. It was amazing, but not as striking as the morning after.
"Good morning," Atsuko mumbles, still groggy, but already opening her eyes. She feels Minami wrapping an arm around her, still warm and very gentle, letting Atsuko turn on her side so they're face to face under the bedding. It feels marvelous. The curves and angles of Minami's body fit so perfectly against Atsuko's; it's like they were meant to be.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart," Minami says, loud and clear, the waves of her voice hitting the side of Atsuko's face ever so kindly. She places another kiss on the corner of Atsuko's mouth, then leaves a ring of wet kisses up her cheek and over her ear.
Atsuko giggles. "Stop that, it tickles."
Minami does that again, her lips and her hair falling over Atsuko's face, tickling her in a way that Atsuko can never hate. She always despised tickles, but her opinion changed when Minami learned how to tickle her in this loving way. Atsuko can never get enough of it, and most of the time she only tells Minami to stop because she knows that Minami will not stop.
She giggles again, but thanks Minami for the birthday wish. These words haven't sounded so sweet and welcomed in seven years, but Atsuko can't ever deny Minami the pleasure of enjoying everything she says to Atsuko. "Thank you for being here with me today."
"About that," Minami says, leaning back a bit. Atsuko blinks up at her and looks at Minami properly for the first time today. She hadn't noticed that Minami was not under the covers wearing her banana print pajama pants and a white t-shirt. She's wearing jeans and a plaid button down shirt.
"Why are you all dressed up? You said you had—"
"I know what I said," Minami replies. They talked about this yesterday morning while they finally put together the Christmas tree. Minami doesn't have to go to work until noon today, but Atsuko looks at the clock and reads eight a.m.. That can't be right, but the way Minami is smiling at Atsuko gives her away. She's actually leaving right now. "I'll be right back."
Atsuko whines and moves as fast as she can for a lazy morning, moving a hand to the back of Minami's head to try and convince her to stay in bed some more, kissing the corner of her mouth once and again, whispering that Minami promised to spend the morning with her.
Minami snickers and kisses Atsuko back, full on the mouth this time. She feels fresh and washed up, and Atsuko can't believe that she let Minami lie to her about their lazy morning for Atsuko's birthday. Minami unwraps Atsuko's hand from the back of her neck and repeats herself, "I'll be right back."
*
When Atsuko comes out of the shower, she can hear the front door creaking. Minami must be back from wherever she went without sharing any details with Atsuko. There's a smile on Atsuko's face because of course this is related to her birthday, and that is the only reason why she didn't insist with Minami to tell her everything. She wants Minami to surprise her. It's been a while since this day was so enjoyable.
She gets dressed as casually as possible, in old jeans and a brand new hoodie that was officially Minami’s but Atsuko made her think she had lost. She's planning to spend the whole day at home, waiting for Minami to come back from work to engage in whatever plans she has for tonight.
"Don't make plans with anybody for your birthday," Minami had said, weeks ago, and Atsuko couldn't find the heart to dismiss the thought of spending it with Minami. There's no one else in the world right now that makes Atsuko feel as happy and complete as Minami does. It's pretty incredible, but the best kind of feeling in the world.
Atsuko goes downstairs slowly, pretending not to be in a hurry to see what Minami is doing there. The whole house has been quiet except for the ruffle of clothes while Atsuko was in the bedroom getting ready, so whatever it is that Minami is doing, it must be pretty exciting.
"Hey gorgeous," Atsuko says as soon as she finds Minami in the kitchen. She's always the cook in the house, always the one to warn Atsuko about domestic chores and all that. Atsuko isn't really interested in it, but Minami is kind of a neat freak. She is the cutest neat freak Atsuko has ever met, though.
"Good morning, sunshine," Minami says brightly, turning her head so Atsuko can see her beautiful smile.
"Where did you go so early?" Atsuko asks, approaching Minami from behind to look over her shoulder and take a peek of what she's making on the counter. That looks a lot like a bowl of dough.
"I had to go shopping," Minami replies, stealing a kiss from Atsuko's mouth before she focuses back on batting the dough.
"In this cold?"
"Well, yeah. I got up and wanted to make you breakfast in bed, but came downstairs and noticed we had run out of flour and eggs. I know I promised you a long, lazy morning in bed, but there were far more important things to take care of," Minami says, sounding very proud of whatever she's planning.
"Things like what, exactly?" Atsuko asks, cocking her left hip against the counter so she can stare at Minami's profile while she keeps batting the dough. She looks amazing in the kitchen, wearing her orange apron that apparently her mother made for her when she joined cooking school, back in her teen years. It has her name embroidered on the front pocket, at the level of her chest. It's pretty cute. It fits Minami.
"Making you waffles." Minami grins and apparently finishes working on the dough, turning to check the waffle iron. Atsuko didn't see it on the counter when she came in. She didn't even know Minami had one.
"Are you serious?" Atsuko asks incredulously. her mom used to make her waffles for her birthday. She hasn't had those in years, because she had never had the courage to actually make them herself. "You remembered. I told you that, like, a year ago."
"Of course I remembered. I've been planning this for a really long time, Atsuko," Minami confesses, smiling sweetly. She opens the waffle iron and oils it with a brush, before she spoons in the batter and closes the lid, adding, "When you opened up to me about your mother last year, I knew I wanted to do this for you today. I couldn't let you see this tradition die. I know it won't be the same, I'm not your mother, but I thought you could still—"
Minami puts down the bowl in silence and looks up, turning to Atsuko with a serious expression on her face. her eyebrows are arched downward and her lips are sealed tight, but then She asks, "Are you mad at me?"
Atsuko shakes her head, obviously. She could never be mad at Minami for making her waffles for her birthday. It brings back a lot of memories, but she has someone to share them with right now, and that is never a bad thing. Nothing about Minami seems to be bad, at all.
She kisses Minami, too. It's short and sweet, but it's Atsuko's way to show Minami how truly thankful and surprised she is. "I never thought you would pull off something like this. I knew you were up to something because you were so secretive, and getting up before me and all that, but I had no idea how—" Atsuko stops, sighing.
"It's okay, you don't have to say anything. I know how it must feel," Minami replies softly, taking Atsuko's hand and squeezing it lightly. "Let me finish those waffles now. You can go and make us some coffee, right?"
"Yes, Chef," Atsuko replies with an excited grin of her own.
*
After breakfast, Atsuko just sits there watching Minami as she cleans up. It's absolutely enthralling to watch Minami in the kitchen; it's her natural habitat. She's a professional cook and, although she isn't the head chef yet, she's one of the most acclaimed masterminds working at the restaurant. Atsuko probably fell in love with Minami's food faster than with Minami herself.
"What?" Minami interrupts Atsuko's thoughtful staring. She looks up and finds Minami wiping her hands on their Christmas decorated dishtowel. Her hands have a very uncommon way of doing it, Atsuko has always noticed so. They pull her in like nothing else. It's incredible.
"Nothing," Atsuko replies, smiling softly. She shakes her head to stop paying attention to Minami's hands so they can make the most of the next couple of hours until Minami really has to go to work. "I am really thankful for today's breakfast, though. I used to look forward to this day the whole year, even as a teen, so this means a lot to me. You're wonderful, Minami. Thank you so much."
Minami smiles in that captivating way that tilts her mouth to the right. It's all these random little quirks that helped Atsuko fall in love in the first place, not to belittle the long conversations they've had since the very first day. Or the way Minami always understands what Atsuko means. "It's my pleasure. I know how hard your mom's passing hit you, and I truly care for you. That's all. I don't expect anything in exchange."
Atsuko can't say anything in particular in response. She can only think of getting up and placing a kiss on the right corner of Minami's lips, feeling it tilting up yet again under her own mouth. It's beautiful. Then, she asks, "What's next?"
"I didn't plan anything," Minami says, with a casual shrug. "You decide."
Atsuko shows Minami a wicked smile and throws her arms around Minami's neck, tightening the grip until their faces are really close. She hovers over Minami's mouth and whispers, "I'm so glad you said that."
Minami laughs, then asks, "Why are you wearing my hoodie, anyway?"
"It's my hoodie now," Atsuko points out cockily. However, she can't help but lose her devilish grin when Minami kisses her mouth fervently.
*
"I hate leaving for work when you're home," Minami says, buttoning down her shirt. "Especially when you're naked."
"Don't worry. I'll wait for you right here," Atsuko half jokes, patting the mattress next to her. She stretches her legs to try and slide her feet under the warm duvet, but she fails to do so because she's too busy staring at Minami, who simply chuckles.
"That'd be nice. Do I get to punish you if you move?" Minami asks, but Atsuko can't be sure if she's trying to be funny or being serious. Minami does wiggle her eyebrows, so it could be a joke, but the way she's strolling closer to the bed tells Atsuko otherwise. She would be able to read the anticipation in Minami's eyes anywhere, anytime.
Atsuko giggles, half nervously, half anxious to test Minami's reaction. She is totally swimming in unknown waters, but it can't hurt to try. She trusts Minami to understand her. "You'd like that?"
"I don’t know, would you?"
Atsuko shrugs, getting on her knees and approaching the foot of the bed. "Don’t know, never tried it."
"Me neither. Maybe we could try it together, it'd be better than never knowing what it's like, right? You always say that." Minami is within reach by now, and Atsuko stretches her torso and kisses the corner of Minami's mouth. She loves that they do this instead of the standard peck on the mouth. It feels special, feels like this is the way only they are.
"Exactly," Atsuko replies, trying to get her mind back on track. She can really look into Minami's eyes now, and they're kind of shining through this conversation. They have never mentioned something as radical as spicing up their sex life with spanking or anything else of that kind, but Atsuko doesn't regret it. Not with the lustful way Minami is looking at her. "Should I do some research on this, maybe buy us some stuff? Would you like that?"
"I really can't tell until we try it out," Minami says with another shrug and a few pecks to Atsuko's mouth now. Her kisses are addicting, and Atsuko finds herself giving in to them once again. These moments always remind her of their very first kiss, so unexpected, after Atsuko had been talking about some heavy shit from her past; the way she felt back then was unexplainable. It wasn't so much like Minami was taking advantage of her, but rather showing Atsuko that she could still love and be loved despite the biggest loss she has ever experienced.
Right now, she thinks about it deep in her mind, but it's soon clogged by the feeling of Minami's hands on her face, pulling them apart. "I have to go now, okay?"
Atsuko nods, but steals one last kiss from Minami. She doesn't let go even when Minami straightens back up; Atsuko just follows, arms tight around Minami's neck, legs stretching until her muscles start to hurt. Minami chuckles against Atsuko's lips, but by then Atsuko has managed to get on her feet on the bed and is now standing taller than Minami.
Minami manages to pull back from Atsuko's face and looks up at Atsuko, teasing, "Oh hey there. Here's something I don't get to see every day."
"Ha. Ha," Atsuko mocks laughter, knowing very well what Minami is trying to joke about. She doesn't get as affected by height jokes now as much as she used to when she was in high school. Plus, Minami looks pretty cute when she thinks her jokes are funny. "See if I walk you to the door now."
"I didn't ask you to," Minami says, unmistakably trying to be amusing. "Plus, you're naked."
"You think that's going to stop me?"
And in fact, Atsuko does walk Minami to the door in the nude, no shoes or slippers, not really bothering to get something to cover herself. Minami is half laughing at her, half checking the windows. They didn't open any of the blinds yet, though, only in the kitchen, and they're going straight through the living room to the front door right now. Atsuko is teasing Minami with small kisses in between chuckles, saying she'll go by the sex shop to check out some items for them.
"We could have a theme party tonight," She adds, wiggling her eyebrows. "I could go by the store around four p.m., so that you're on your break. I could send you pictures over the phone and we could discuss what's best for us to buy."
Minami is laughing openmouthed by the time Atsuko unlocks the front door for her. She agrees to everything Atsuko just said, though, which tickles Atsuko in return. Atsuko places a last kiss on the corner of Minami's mouth, lingering there for a long second, before she says, "Thank you again for the surprise breakfast. I loved it."
"Have a nice day at work," She adds when Minami smiles widely and kisses her cheek. "Drive safe."
"I'm not driving today," Minami says, pushing Atsuko so she's 100% behind the door when a car outside honks. "Tomochin is picking me up."
"Why?" Atsuko questions her, frowning. Minami always takes her car to work.
"So you have a reason to pick me up from work tonight, and so I can lure you into the restaurant and give you a proper birthday dinner that I have cooked with way more pans than we have at home," Minami replies, only half joking. Her grin is pretty wide by now. It makes Atsuko laugh, for all these tiny details that Minami thought of for her birthday, and she nods. She couldn't say no to such a considerate offer.
Atsuko is still smiling when Minami pulls the door closed, and she stands there grinning to herself for a good two minutes. In the end, she rolls her eyes at herself. "So hopeless, I swear."
*
The book shaped headstone is starting to lose its color, or maybe it has just faded under the heavy blanket of snow Atsuko just wiped off of it. She wants to read her mother's name entirely, even though she only had her first and maiden name engraved, the way she always wanted. It might have been seven years ago, but standing right here doesn't make this any less painful.
Atsuko can always only think about the day she saw her mother pass away in bed, after a mere couple of months of being ill. It was really fast, but awfully agonizing, watching her shake with the ultimate seizure that ended up taking her life. Having to watch her fade away under the best hospice care and large amounts of medicine. Having to watch her fall sick quite suddenly, in one warm, upsetting summer evening.
Today, however, she has no tears to shed; she's not thinking about her mother and missing her so terribly, unlike every other year since her death. Today, Atsuko is thinking back to the moment she realized that this year was going to be different. She won't spend the whole day with grief and her scary bouts of loneliness.
"I wish you could meet her, Mom," she says, wiping more snow from the top of the headstone. "You would have loved Minami. She's so lovely, and makes me laugh all the time. You must have seen it already, but I can't— I can't explain exactly how I feel about her. It's magical. I still wish you were here, but Minami makes the pain a lot more bearable. Thank you for bringing her my way."
There's a cold breeze whisking Atsuko's hair, prickling on the back of her neck. Atsuko wraps her scarf a little tighter and adds with a smile, "Yeah, don't think I don't know you had something to do with it, Mom. I know you like the palm of my hand."
Atsuko replaces the dying white roses with new ones in the small vase in front of the headstone. It's always the last thing she does, after a small conversation with her mother. She also kisses the tips of two of her fingers and places the kiss on the headstone, stroking them over the name and the single sentence written on the grey marble, which reads, I love you, Mom.
"I'll always love you, Mom," She says, closing her eyes to avoid the threat of tears she can feel forming. She doesn't want to cry this year; she has a few reasons to hold herself together now. When she gets up and turns around to leave, it's with the wind whisking her hair yet again.
*
It's eight p.m. sharp and Atsuko has just parked the car at the back parking lot of The Banana Bistro, the restaurant Minami has been working at for four years now. It's a high fashion yet welcoming kind of place where you can choose from a varied menu, from luxury meals to those family dishes a grandmother would cook for lunch every Sunday. Atsuko loves it here. But not just for the food, of course.
It's been a little over a year since Atsuko walked into this place for the very first time. She had just been fired that afternoon and by nighttime, she was tired of walking around town, mulling over her terrible luck. She walked in and stayed at the bar, sitting on a stool with her head low, ordering a beer every now and then so they wouldn't force her to get out and go look for somewhere else to brood about her troubles. Before Atsuko knew it, there was someone tapping her shoulder and telling her they were about to close.
That day, Minami was working the latest shift in the kitchen and for some reason, she was the one telling Atsuko that she would have to leave. Atsuko looked up at her and can't be sure if Minami could read something on her face or if it was pure sympathy, but for whatever reason Minami offered Atsuko a drink and her full attention.
By the time the sun was rising the next day, Atsuko had opened up to Minami about her job, her messed up life, about losing her mother and everything that had been bothering her for a really long time. She just let it go. That was the most revealing and releasing moment in her whole life, but she doesn't regret it. Somehow, Minami gave Atsuko her phone number and told Atsuko to call her anytime she needed to talk, and she told Atsuko to come by the restaurant whenever she felt lonely or merely when she needed someone to really listen to her. Minami kept her promise.
She's been keeping that promise for a year now and Atsuko can't deny that she found a true friend in Minami, her best friend in a long time. There is nothing Atsuko can do to pay her back, except for being there for Minami in the same terms, as a good listener, a constant support and a best friend.
Sighing and shaking her head to herself, Atsuko gets out of the car at last, burying her first couple of steps in the snow that still covers the sidewalk. Then she sees Minami exiting the restaurant, grinning and offering her an arm. She's still wearing her kitchen apron and wipes her hands on it as she asks Atsuko, "Are you ready for the night of your life?"
"You say that every night." Atsuko smacks her arm and snickers, expecting nothing but another dinner at the restaurant, with professional waiters serving them food while they relax with a glass of red wine or something equally refined that they don't share every day.
There is, however, something different about the restaurant tonight. It's quieter. There are a lot of clients sitting at the tables in the main dining room, decorated in blues, blacks and whites, but the people in it aren't being as loud as you'd expect for a bistro. At least, not from what Atsuko has witnessed in here some days in the past, but it feels nice. It makes it feels like a very quiet birthday, and that's all that Atsuko needs this year. To spend her birthday with Minami and no one else.
"Well, what's for dinner, Big Chef?" Atsuko asks, grinning excitedly.
"You'll see when it's time. How was your day?" Minami asks, taking off her apron and handing it to Tomochin, who's standing by the door to the kitchen. Atsuko greets her with a silent nod.
Atsuko tells her about her visit to the cemetery, but mostly about her visit to the sex shop. She makes Minami laugh and it's the most beautiful thing in the world, that half a cackle, half a snort that makes the outside corners of her eyes wrinkle in the cutest way. Atsuko asks Minami if she saw the pictures Atsuko sent while at the shop, having chosen only the most embarrassing items to take pictures of, to test Minami's reaction. Minami didn't reply to the text messages and she doesn't seem to be paying much attention right now either, as she leads Atsuko to the non-smoking dining room of the restaurant.
She keeps talking, though. "I've also been on the internet, reading some stuff that we could try out tonight, or whenever we're gonna do this. It could be fun. We'll need a safe word, though."
"A safe word for what?" Minami asks, distracted, shifting her look towards Atsuko for one tiny second before she focuses back on their way to the dining room.
"You know what, Minami," Atsuko says suggestively, turning to Minami with wiggling eyebrows. It makes Minami laugh again, but she shakes her head as well and places a hand on Atsuko's back, pushing her forward. Atsuko grins at Minami over her shoulder, when she sees Minami's hand extended like a gentleman showing her the way, but then Atsuko turns back forward and finds something she was not expecting.
There's a quite big group of people in the room, clearly waiting for something, standing under a huge banner on the wall that reads HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATSUKO in bold capitals. Atsuko sees Minami's parents, Minami's brother, a few of the friends they have been hanging out with lately, and then some older friends that Atsuko hasn't seen in years.
Atsuko covers her gaping mouth with one hand at this sight, and even more when she sees Mariko's witty eyes smiling back at her like there haven't been almost five years since they last spoke. Seeing all these people, however, is very heartwarming. Atsuko turns back around to Minami, her hand still over her mouth, looking up with wide eyes at Minami's sweet smile. She was expecting a surprise, but not this.
"This is incredible, Minami. All these people—" Atsuko feels herself getting extremely emotional and giggles to cover it up, burying her face in the crook of Minami's neck and wrapping her arms around Minami in a really close hug. Minami wishes her a happy birthday again, this time whispering the words straight into Atsuko's ear, and tells her to go and enjoy her birthday dinner party.
"You deserve it, Atsuko."
*
"This dinner was on standby until this morning, actually," Minami tells Atsuko when they're already on their way home. Minami is driving because Atsuko is so overwhelmed about this surprise dinner that her hands are still shaking. She looks at Minami now, asking her what she means by that. "Well, if you hadn't taken my surprise breakfast so well, it would have been just you and me."
"It would have been just as amazing," Atsuko replies tenderly, moving her had to the back of Minami's neck to play with the little hairs there. She has to admit, though. "I'm not gonna lie to you, this was unbelievable. I have no idea how you made all those people come here for my birthday. I mean, like, sure, your family and our friends, we've been hanging out with them lately, but Yuko? And Miichan, and Mariko?"
Minami smiles at her quite fondly. "You have no idea how much those guys love you, Atsuko. It doesn't matter to them that it's been so long since you last talked; that kind of thing happens to everyone. They were so supportive when I talked to them. I found their contacts on your phone, sorry I had to sneak through your phone to get to them by the way, but I explained them the situation and they said yes almost immediately."
"Even Mariko?" Atsuko inquires, quite incredulously. It has been a long time since she talked to Mariko. After her mother's death, Atsuko went through a lot of trouble and couldn't find the guts to call people and try to be a decent friend to them, and then things fell apart naturally. Mariko also moved back to her hometown state years ago and it was harder to keep in touch, so it's actually pretty incredible that she was able to be here tonight.
"Especially Mariko," says Minami, nodding quite proudly. "I know how you feel about her and the others, having drifted away from everyone at some point, but they were very understanding and willing to come."
"I told you I've been planning this for a long time…." Minami wraps up her line with an honestly sweet smile, reaching out for Atsuko's hand and squeezing it. "I'm very proud of you for making it through very harsh times without your mom. I didn't get to witness most of them, but I will be here for you from now on."
"You promise?" Atsuko asks, feeling hopeful about the future than any other time in the past year. Minami doesn't even have to reply. Her toothy grin reveals everything Atsuko needs to know, so she squeezes Minami's hand in appreciation.
*
When they get home, Atsuko locks the door behind them and turns around to find Minami unzipping her boots and shaking off some snow onto the floorboards instead of the big red rug in front of the end table to the left of the front door. It's always the same damn thing, so Atsuko just shakes her head at Minami's careless actions.
"What?" Minami teases Atsuko with a cheeky grin, flipping Atsuko's ear lobe with the tips of two fingers. For some reason, she loves doing that, but she also knows that Atsuko hates it.
"You always leave snow on the floorboards, that's what. Wipe it off, and stop that," Atsuko says, annoyed, swapping Minami's hand away from the side of her head. Minami just chuckles.
Atsuko leaves her to wipe the snow off the floor somehow and strolls to the kitchen. She doesn't expect to have her arm pulled from behind and to lose her balance and fall back into Minami's arms. Minami asks, "Did you have fun on your birthday?"
Atsuko grins dramatically, trying to prove her point without words. She wraps her arms around Minami's neck and pecks the corner of her mouth. "I loved it. It's been years since I've enjoyed this day, actually. You were amazing, Minami. Thank you."
"Oh, it was nothing," Minami dismisses it with a shake of her head and a big smile.
Atsuko grins back. "Well, it's past midnight now, so my birthday is over. No more surprises up your sleeve, right? And I have an idea to thank you for everything you—"
"Actually, you still have to open your actual birthday gift," Minami retorts proudly. Atsuko squints at her because it's not like Minami hasn't done enough by now.
"Fine, let's get it over with," Atsuko says, rolling her eyes. "Where is it? I don't see any box."
"It's in the basement."
"That is a really strange place to hide a birthday present," Atsuko muses with a giggle. Still, she turns around and walks through the foyer towards the basement door, then flicks the light switch and climbs down the stairs into the half darkness. She doesn't expect to hear a small yip.
"It's a girl!" Minami exclaims out of a sudden, sounding amused.
"You didn't—" Atsuko trails off, eyes wide, head turning in every direction to see what's hiding in the basement after all. She turns to Minami, who's just grinning and nodding.
Weeks ago, on another regular Sunday morning, having breakfast together before Minami went to work, Atsuko let out a mere thought about always having wanted a dog. Minami had laughed at her, that pretty charming chuckle of her, but she actually went and got them a dog.
It's actually just a small puppy, white body, black ears that flop around as it runs in their direction, legs sliding in every direction too. Atsuko giggles at the scene, but crouches down and hopes the pup will come to her even though she's a stranger.
"Atsuko, this is Juju," Minami says when the cheerful puppy finds her and starts climbing up her legs. She picks it up and hands it to Atsuko carefully with a smile, eyes gleaming and certainly reflecting Atsuko's.
(the end)
PRESENT FROM JOSE (tumblr user)
Memories
Together in all these memories
I see your smile
All the memories I hold dear
Darling you know I love you till the end of time.
-Memories by Within Temptation
Sometimes we forget the importance of our memories. We believe that memories will stay forever in our head. Sometimes we don’t care about them; we even want to forget our most painful ones. But what happens when we forget them for real? What happens when part of your life it’s been erased from your head? What happens when, one day, you wake up without memories? What happens when most of the faces, the people and, even, the feelings you once felt, suddenly vanish?
I always thought that we will be together forever, that nothing will be able to make us apart. But destiny had other plans for us.
1 month ago.
Since the very beginning our love story was full of obstacles. I was a princess since the first day I born; I never had to struggle for anything. And her, she was a middle-class kid; her parents always struggled to make her and her younger brother to go to a decent school.
The way our paths crossed was when I was 11. That day I escaped from my father’s bodyguards, I was walking around Akihabara when suddenly a group of boys started to molest me. I was scared, and for instance, I wanted the bodyguards’ protection. That’s when she appeared; yelling at the boys and even punching them a couple of times.
-Are you okay? – She said with a big and proud smile on her face. And I just hugged her while crying.
She patiently waited until I calmed down and stayed with me until my father’s car stopped in front of us. I was scolded of course, but since I was the only child in the family, my father just sighed and, after his speech, he hugged me tightly. I wanted to know her name at that time, I wanted to thank her for what she did; but when I glanced to my side, where she used to be, she was gone. The only thing I remembered was her smile, her long and light-brown hair and that ribbon that supported her ponytail.
Our second encounter was when I was 20. This time, it was at Tokyo University. For some weird causality, we shared a few subjects; which I found weird because I was trying to be an actress and she was aiming to be a singer and, even though, both were related I was the only one of my class to take those few subjects.
When I realized she was the little girl that saved me back in the day, I was very excited and happy. I tried to find her for a couple of years, I even went to Akihabara again, with protection, and stayed there, standing in the same spot where we met for the very first time, with no luck. She changed a bit. She had the same height though, but her hair now was shorter and the ribbon was nowhere to be found. But her smile, that smile I’ll never forget, that smile was the same.
I wasn’t brave enough, even though I was full of confidence; for some reason I felt scared. What if she didn’t remember me? What if, for her, I wasn’t an important memory? The single thought of it made me tremble. And after a year of seeing her from afar, of collecting all my strength; suddenly my father announced me that I could go to New York. Finally I could go there to study acting; finally, my dream was coming true. But, she was so close to me. I was so close to talk to her and I didn’t want to let go before even saying “hi”.
But, as expected, she didn’t remember about me.
-I’m sorry, Maeda-san. But –she scratched the back of her head- I don’t seem to remember. I’m really sorry! – She bowed.
I turned around and started to walk away. I didn’t stop until I reached the gates of the entrance, and just as I got in the car, I saw her running to my direction. I could hear her calling my name, but I didn’t want to hear her voice, I didn’t want to hear her excuse or her apologize. I just simple wanted to go away.
Our last and final encounter happened when after 2 years of staying in New York. I decided to go back to Japan, in order to be a known actress. I missed my parents, my friends, but mostly, very deep in my heart, I missed her too.
It happened at a coffee shop, in Shibuya. I was trying to relax with a good coffee, a habit I acquired while living in New York, while reading one of my first scripts for a drama role. It wasn’t a big role, but it was a first step.
-Maeda-san? – A sweet voice said. I looked up just to find her, my heart stopped for a second and my mind screamed in both fear and excitement. She smiled at me- You are Maeda-san, right?
The only thing I could do was nod.
-It’s me, Takahashi Minami – she pointed at her chest – remember me?
-I… I, yes. Yes! Of course I remember you! What are you doing here?
-I work in here – she giggled as she bowed her head a little
After a few more seconds of talk, I finally ordered what I wanted and she disappeared in between the tables. I felt my heart pounding hard inside my chest. After all this time, I still have a crush on her. I smiled as I waited, finally she remembers me! That was all I could think.
We exchanged numbers and promised to go out whenever we could. We texted each other every time we could, even if it was late at night. And soon, that crush developed into something else. Something I knew very well, but that I stubbornly, didn’t want to admit. That something was called love.
My phone’s ringtone brought me back from my memories. I was at home, trying to rest from my last job.
-Maeda speaking
-Atsuko! – Shouted a voice through the device – Takamina, she…
-Minami? What happened to Minami?! – My heart ached.
-She had an accident; we are currently at the hospital!
The porcelain cup I was holding soon crashed on the ground.
I rushed inside the hospital and went straight to the waiting room Yuko told me she would be.
-Yuko! What happened?! – I asked scared of the answer.
-I-I still don’t know the details – she said as she grabbed me and made me sat, softly, on one of the chairs of the waiting room – I was trying to call Takamina to ask her something, when a nurse answered me and told me that she apparently had an accident not long ago. I came as fast as I could but she… - her voice broke a little, she was trying to be strong- since then, she’s in the operation room.
The hours passed and I felt it like an eternal waiting. Her family and more of our friends came to ask for her after Yuko called them to inform them of the situation. But I couldn’t talk, I was feeling so scared; even more scared that when I was 19. I was alone, in a corner, trying not to break down in tears and only hoping for the best.
-Takahashi-san’s family? – A nurse called.
-Yes? – I walked fast towards her. – I am her wife. What happened to her?
For a moment there I forgot that her parents were in the room too.
-I want to inform you that Takahashi-san is in a bad condition. Apparently, she was hit by a car, a drunk driver. She had severe bone fractures and head contusion. But, fortunately, she was still alive when she got here. We made all we could and we are hoping for her to recover soon, but she still needs to be in observation until we are sure she is fine.
-Will she be fine? – Yuko asked.
-Well, now that depends on her. The doctor is a bit worried about the contusion on her head, but we won’t know if it will leave any sequel until she wakes up.
-Thank you, really thank you! – Yuko then jumped on the tall nurse, making her squeal.
After a week, she finally opened her eyes. But, what we celebrated as a success, it turned into a living hell.
-Who are you? – were her first words after she saw me.
-What?... You… don’t remember me? – She moved her head form left to right. I tried to stop my tears. “This is not happening” I thought.
-How’s that you can remember us but not her? – asked Yuko, referring to Minami’s family and to herself, voicing my silent question. – What’s the last thing you remember?
- I remember that we were at school, planning our last summer vacation before we graduate. – She said looking at Yuko, confused.
Minami’s family, Yuko and I were waiting for the doctor to give us and explanation of what happened with her and also if she could leave the hospital or not
-This can be the product of the contusion. – The doctor explained at us – Unfortunately, I don’t know when will she recover her lost memory or if she will recover them at all. I’m so sorry about this.
I couldn’t hold it anymore and I broke down in tears. Yuko hugged me and assured me that she will recover her memories soon. She comforted me the best she could, while I just cried and cried.
The PresentI was feeling tired; tired of all the fights and fail attempts of making her remember. I never blamed her for what happened, how could I? But the stress from everything that was happening was taking the best of me and soon we started arguing over things, small things.
Things were getting worse day by day and I didn’t know what to do.
Since the beginning, she tried to remember. She looked at all the photographs we had; she watched our wedding videos and other videos we took together. But it was all in vain. We tried going out, dates to places we used to love, but that now were just mere places. We tried to watch the movies she used to like, the music that she used to like, the food. We tried everything, but the results were the same.
We tried everything, we waited, I prayed to all gods. Until one day she just said the words I was afraid to hear.
-I want the divorce – I looked at her surprised – This is obviously not working, Maeda-san. I’m tired. I can’t stand it anymore. This doesn’t even make sense. A divorce of a marriage I don’t remember… - She laughed nervously.
I walked near her and took her hands on mine; I needed of all my self-control to prevent myself from crying.
-Could you wait a little longer? – I begged in a weak tone – Please, just… Wait a little longer. Let’s just wait; maybe soon you will recover your memories… Just… Please… - She looked at me and biting her lower lip she gave me a small nod – If it doesn’t work then we will… - A sob slipped out of my lips.
She looked down and I knew she was feeling guilty about everything.
-I’m sorry, but I can’t stay here anymore – she said. Those were her first words once I stepped inside our apartment and I found her luggage at the door – I tried, I really tried Maeda-san. But, I just can’t keep with this anymore. I… I don’t know what to do. I feel so lost and… I don’t remember half of the friends that come to visit me. I don’t remember things they assure me that happened. I don’t even remember all those videos and photos you have. This… -she sighed- this is just too hard for me to handle. The divorce papers are on the table. I’m so sorry.
I looked to the ground. I understood right away. I nodded still looking down, my long hair covering my face. I didn’t want to look at her, because I knew that if I stared at her eyes and face again, I will cry.
I heard how she took her bags and walked towards the door. With each step a tear fell from my eyes and my heart broke a little more.
-I’m really sorry. – She said for the last time.
And I simple nodded.
-I’m sorry too – I whispered as the door closed behind me.
I fell on my knees and cried again. Cried like I’ve never done before, I couldn’t stop the tears and I couldn’t stop the few screams that left my mouth. All I wanted to do was to disappear and to not feel anything anymore. No more pain, no more love. No more memories.
EpilogueI always liked the coffee from here. It was the first coffee shop I attended after I arrived to Japan. It was the shop in which Minami used to work and in which we reunited again. That was a powerful memory that I never wanted to forget.
It’s been 3 months since Minami left my life again. It’s been 3 hard months full of job and sleepless nights, in which I would cry and call her name. It’s been 3 months in which I will remember our encounters again and again. Destiny didn’t want us together it seems.
A silent tear escaped my eyes, I quickly wiped it away. This was not the place to cry for her.
-Can I sit here, Maeda-san? – I almost choke at the sound of that voice. Looking up I saw her again, after all this time.
I nodded and it all felt like a déjà vu.
A waiter walked straight to us and asked her if she wanted to drink something. I knew what she would order even before she said it. Hot chocolate; “
It relaxes me” she used to say.
-Just bring me hot chocolate. – She smiled at the young boy as he wrote her order and bowed before walking away. She looked back at me and added – It relaxes me.
I bite my lower lip, I wanted to tell her how much I missed her but, I’m afraid. I was a famous actress in Japan now, and so I acted in front of her. I smiled, even though inside I was crying, and nodded.
The silence that came after that exchange became a little awkward. I was trying to focus on the papers I had in my hands, instead of her movements. She was extremely nervous, I noticed because she couldn’t stay still. She removed in the chair, tapped her fingers on the table and moved her feet quite a lot too. I suppressed a smile. The same Minami I love.
-A new movie or drama? – She finally asked after a few more minutes.
-A new drama, actually – I smiled at her and she blushed.
-I see. I… -she cleared her throat- I’ve seen your movies, they’re pretty good. – She smiled at me still blushing – Just like you –she whispered.
-I beg your pardon? – I said, acting as if I didn’t hear her last statement.
-I-I mean that you are pretty good too! – She blushed harder – Yes, pretty and good.
I laughed. I couldn’t stand her cuteness anymore. I just laughed instead of crying, I laughed as I remembered all her failing attempts of praise me; the same Minami as usual.
-Thanks, I guess- I laughed again and this time she also laughed.
After a few seconds, we both stared at each other, in silence and smiling.
-Can we… -she said doubtful – Can we be friends again?
All my memories came back crashing together to a certain day, the day in which she said almost the exact same words.
-Can we be friends? – She said as she handed me a piece of paper with numbers on it – Call me or text me whenever you want. I, actually, after you left me back when we were at the campus, I remembered you. You were the girl I protected in Akihabara, weren’t you? – She smiled, her dimples showing a bit – I always wanted to find you and I thought I would never do it again. But here you are and this time I will not miss this chance.-Of course we can – was my answer.
(the end)
FANART BY HIGGAPPI~ (mayuki_daisuki)
Topic: HAPPY BIRTHDAY POST TO CHIQA!!! ATSUMINA FANS, BEHOLD!!! (Read 2443 times)