9:29 AM; May 23, 20XX
Normalcy had finally come to us, strangely. I didn’t care enough to question it, though. I just wanted to exist with Airla the way I intended. After that fantastic night and morning, the next few days felt like a blur as I found myself in my office, doing my job as expected of me as a CEO. Elion was due to visit, needing a few days to figure out the situation in regards to Asha’s body. Just as I thought of her, she stepped through my doors; celadon eyes bright as she smiled.
“Just who I was thinking of. Nice to see you.”
“Glad to be thought of. How’s it going?”
“It’s going. I’ve been waiting to speak to you about the situation at hand.” With pursed lips, she made her way to a seat and crossed her legs, hands clasped together as she nonchalantly stared back. I wondered what she had in store for me, so I sat back to allow her to speak.
“So. After thorough examination of that room, I came to the conclusion that Ikuto was just a snide bastard and made way with her body to not allow her rest. She’s close to Airla’s height and weight, it’s impossible that she’d move from her seat unless someone moved her.” My hand went to my face, while not an implausible conclusion; it was just… unearthly. Why would he take her body? What message was he sending? I didn’t want to question Elion’s logic, but…
“Why are you looking at me like you don’t believe me?”
“…it’s strange, Elion. Why take her body? How does that hurt me? What does he gain from taking the body of an escort turned Madame?”
“Kazuhito, I investigated and that’s the conclusion I came to. There’s nothing I can do after that without angering not only your mother, but your father.”
“Is it not strange though? Please, I can’t be the only one thinking it’s weird...”
“Whether it’s strange or not, you cannot possibly expect me to spend any more time on this. Especially without annoying your parents, which by the way, they send regards and would like to know when they’re going to meet the famed Airla.” I rubbed my eyes, a long sigh. I hadn’t worried about my parents meeting her, that was going to happen, I was on Airla’s time, not mine. I had already dumped so much on her in regards to my family and in that, I also took from her. The least I could do is wait until she was ready to meet them.
“I’m waiting until Airla’s ready. Meeting my parents is not easy. Just seeing my father might take a week from me, which means that’s a week of Airla being on foreign soil and dealing with customs that I’m sure she’s not going to enjoy.”
“You want me to tell your father that we’re waiting on your girlfriend’s decision to meet him? Kazu, if I’m not mistaken, you have certain duties to this family that have certain…time limits. I don’t think Nagatsuchi-Sama is going to enjoy hearing that he’s forced to wait longer for you to fulfill those obligations.”
“Don’t say girlfriend like that. It diminishes how important she really is.”
“Sorry. I’m just saying, it’s not going to bode well with them.” I groaned this time, she wasn’t completely wrong. I didn’t like serious conversations with Airla, but this was one I needed to have.
10:24 AM
After my conversation with Elion; I made my way to the lobby, the topic of my parents truly dampening any desire to focus on paperwork. I found Airla focused on her mural, her coils in a messy bun as she bopped her head to whatever music was playing through her headphones. Yama and Yami, her twin guards; both bowed as they acknowledged me, one tapping Airla on the leg gently to get her attention. A sweet glowing smile warmed my heart as she removed her music and bent down from her scaffold.
" It's only been…” A quick gander to the time, she giggled. "… 2 hours and you're already looking for me. I'm never going to finish this mural if you keep it up."
“I missed you and had news, why wait to tell you?” Her brows lifted in curiosity as she was helped down by Yama, the warmth of her hand meeting mine soon after.
"Is it good or bad? I'd rather wait to be at home to deal with bad news.”
"Hard to say unless I tell you, my love.
“Well, go on; might as well rip off the bandage.” She rolled her eyes playfully, a squeeze of my hand as she waited.
“My parents are starting to wonder when they’re meeting you. Elion was kind enough to pass the message along.”
“Oh. That news.” She sucked her teeth in thought, the smile she had slowly fading. I knew this was going to dampen things.
“I haven’t spoken to them about it, I wanted to leave that to you until you were ready.” With my free hand I tucked a stray coil behind her ear, my hand lingering on her cheek after. She looked to the ground as she sighed, whatever good mood she might’ve had, I might’ve just ruined.
“It’s not that I don’t want to meet them, it’s just…what if they don’t like me?”
“And why wouldn’t they like you?” I asked, cocking my head. My parents barely had opinions of my dating choices. As long as I was happy, it was my business to deal with it.
“It’s different when you date a black woman and break up with her as opposed to when you date her and have plans for a future with her. What if your parents are against that future for…appearances?”
“Baby, I am a half breed Japanese with a half breed Japanese best friend and a half breed Japanese lover. I don’t think they care. Besides, my parents got along with Ken’s mother before we were born so it’s safe to say they’re okay with foreigners.”
“Half breed yes, still a Caucasian half breed. That changes when my kind of blood gets involved.”
“My love, if you don’t want to meet my parents yet, just say so. No need to go into scenarios where you fear a racist attack from my parents.”
“I’ll meet them if they meet mine.” She stated quickly, not giving me a chance to respond.
“W-wait, huh?”
“I’ll meet your parents if they meet mine. I am not going to any foreign country to meet anyone’s parents without my own.”
“That means I’d have to meet your parents first in order to do that.” She pulled away to go back to her mural, a rather cute smirk on her face as she turned back to look at me.
“Then meet my parents, Kazuhito. I’m worth the stress.”
??
5:58 PM;
After Kazu’s little interruption, I hunkered down on the mural and hyper focused on it until it was time to quit. By the time that came around; I was tired, achy and in need of a bath and maybe a massage that could possibly lead to something else. Arriving home, we were greeted by Ken and Kurenai in the kitchen, together as expected as they prepared dinner. The past few days had seen these two bitten by some love bug as they were nearly inseparable. Kazu found it endearing, allowing them time alone during the day and giving Kurenai some time to worry about someone that wasn't him. Ken was busy with fresh pasta as Kurenai worked behind him, their movements synchronized as they made sure to not get in each other’s way. It was beautiful to watch really, their locks in messy buns and faces slightly covered with flour.
“Aren’t you two the cutest thing, pasta for dinner?”
“Mm. sort of. We decided to mash our cultures together and make Dominican spaghetti, which is just spaghetti with salami and olives. It’s a dish my mother learned to make for my father as they dated, it was the one story I always remember her telling me so…warmly.”
“It’s also the one story involving pasta and as an Italian, the least I should know how to make is pasta.” Ken spoke after her, once again the fluidity of them coming to light.
“Ah. Well, Kazu and I will freshen up and we’ll see you guys at the dinner table.” I held my hand out, Kazu soon taking it as he waited for me at the door. Lost in their own world again, I heard a giggle from Kurenai as Ken pulled her in for a kiss.
6:38 PM;
I found myself between Kazu’s legs as we laid in the bathtub together, his head laid back as he puffed on a cigarette slowly. I felt the length of him on my back, enticing yes. I still needed to wash. Taking my sponge and soap, I handed it to him, giving him a chance to touch me and introduce any chance of messing around. Of course, with gentle hands he began to wash my back, silence between us as he focused on lathering me up properly.
"Has anyone ever told you that you have a beautiful back? A back piece would look amazing on you."
“It’s never dawned on me to get tattooed. Looks painful...”
“Oh, it's nothing. Then again, I've been beaten up, so my pain tolerance might be a little skewed." His hands made their way around to my breasts, a slight squeeze, nothing too grand. Maybe he was planning on a slow kind of entice...which I was not opposed to.
“Well, if I were to get one, what do you think I should get?” I laid back, allowing him to play with my slowly hardening nipples. He nuzzled into my neck after his cigarette, the smell of him and nicotine slowly making the notion of bathing a thing of the past.
“Mm, well, tattoos are subjective. Your canvas, your choice.”
“Let’s say in this instance you were given full range to pick, what would you choose?”
“Hm, I’d go for a simplified version of my own back tattoo, honestly. Given you’ll be my wife someday, it’ll be your own irezumi.”
“Baby, you can’t throw out random Japanese terms and expect me to know, elaborate please.” I paid no mind to the casual slide in of the wife title, it wasn’t something I wanted to get into while getting my nipples played with.
“It means inserting ink. It’s what Yakuza tattoos became labeled as in the Edo period to distinguish them as criminals. If you were to tattoo yourself with markings close to mine, you’d be essentially proclaiming your fidelity to my clan.”
“Wouldn’t being your wife proclaim that enough?”
“You’d think. Unfortunately, the women of our rivals are free game. If one of my other adversaries wanted to take a shot at you, while he’d lose a fucking finger, it wouldn’t be surprising.”
“Just a finger? I’d hope there’d be more to lose from messing with Kazuhito Nagatsuchi’s wife.” I was doing anything I could to push him over the edge, I was clean enough, I wanted him instead. Turning around, I finally faced him, his dark wet locks pushed back, gilded eyes heavy.
“I only said a finger out of modesty. I’d do worse.” Was I turned on by the possibility of him turning the world upside down for me? Of course I was. I never said I was modest. Rubbing myself on his cock, I was ready to take him right here but curiosity had me wondering what he’d do.
“How about a small example of what you’d do?” With gentle wet hands, he took my breast into his mouth, swirling his tongue slowly around my nipple as he wrapped his arm around my waist and helped me on his cock. That sweet shiver went up my spine, his eyes focused on me as I slowly began to ride him.
He pulled back from my nipple slightly, just to speak. The tip of his tongue is still very attentive. “The inclination of losing a finger is just one of the things I’d do. Depending on my mood, maybe his hand would be next. Or his arm…” a pause to suck, the grip of him tight around my waist. “His cock might also pay the price. It’s about the memory of it, not the necessity to kill.”
“So you’d torture a man for me.” Being in control gave me the confidence to speak clearly. If I handed that to him, well, coherency was going out the door.
“If I kill one, another takes his place. It’s the price of being with a woman like you.” He let his head lay back, he was enjoying himself, the rushing of blood to his face giving him away. I wrapped my arms around his neck as I bounced on him, the grand size of the bathtub more than comfortable enough for me to do so.
“A woman like me, once again, elaborate, baby boy.”
“An exquisite woman. With a face — and body carved by the hands of the universe itself. That kind of woman.” I giggled to his compliment, pulling him into a kiss as the water sloshed around; the rocking of our bodies filling in for the remainder of our bath time.
7:49 PM
“You implied dinner together, yet you come out of a bath an hour later. You’re lucky I busied myself with other activities while we waited for you.” Ken spoke from the couch as we entered the room in robes. A quickie was more than enough to hold me until later on.
“Sorry, I had my woman to please, I’m sure you understand.” Kazu smirked as he put his arm around me after a tap on the ass.
“I do. Now, dinner. Spaghetti is not a dish I’d recommend eating so late into the night.”
Ken’s older age and protective nature always came in handy. The level of care that he carried for all of us was endearing, from making sure we were fed to even keeping a small dry erase board on the fridge to remind us to drink water. A fantastic friend, partner and lover. Making our way to the dining table, we were greeted with a warm Dominican spaghetti dinner, bread and salad included. As Kazu held the chair for me, Ken did the same for Kurenai, a sweet touch of her chin once he took his seat. I wondered what had awoken inside of them, I was in love with how in love they were.
Getting through our dinner, Kazu cleared his throat after a sip of water. “So, baby girl, on the basis of my meeting your parents, are we due a trip to Brazil?”
I was serious on the topic of him meeting my parents, I just expected some push back, but no. “I haven’t even told them about you or anything that’s happened in the past two months, they allow me space to give them updates on my own time.”
“Well, while you update them on your status, ask if they’d like for us to come to them or I can set them up in one of the apartments here.”
“I’d like to go home actually…I miss the smell of Brazil. I miss hearing Portuguese being spoken in the streets, my neighbors waving to me…the music, the women…oh.” I sighed fondly of home, the memories of my quiet albeit wild youth. Leaving Brazil at 25 to pursue a different artistic path left a hole in my heart. I always yearned to go back, but I wanted to live in paradise with my dreams realized beforehand. I could say, I was close.
“Then it’s settled, we’ll be in Brazil by the weekend.” His cheeks glowed as he smiled, the ability of him to make things happen so quickly truly a perk I appreciated. Ken cleared his throat, our attention shifted.
“I wanted to know if Nai and I could use the time you’re busy with that to take a trip alone. I think it’s long overdue.”
“We’d be gone for a week at most, where’d you like to go?”
“Back home, well, home adjacent to me.”
“Ah, Italia. I’m sure it’s nice this time around. Sure, enjoy yourselves. I’m sure our 16 will keep us safe. Would you like me to inform our associates over there for your arrival?”
“No, it’s fine. We want to be alone, no need for outside…inference.” Ken glanced quickly to Kurenai, who smiled into her food as she ate.
“Then alone you shall be. I’ll miss you for the week, but I’m sure Kure-Chan will be a sufficient distraction.”
“Thanks, Kazu. I appreciate the compliment.” Kurenai replied, a sweet wink from her as we continued our dinner with tender smiles on our faces.
??
A week later...
5:12 AM
Nai and I found ourselves in a quiet and private jet, the stewardess getting the message from Kazu and assuring us the privacy we desired. We decided on an early flight to get to Italy as soon as we could. A 10 hour flight would find us arriving in Florence by 9pm, so to combat that, we got the hard part out of the way and got to flying early. Nai was still sleepy; so she slept in my arms as I watched the clouds slowly pass me by. Her hand was locked in mine, the beating of her heart loud in my ears. Since finding out about our supernatural connection, we respected each other's mental space; trying our best to not take away from the human need for solitude. With that, I was able to plan what I wanted to do for her without her finding out. The element of surprise, still attainable.
I wanted to do for her what my father wanted to do for my mother. I wanted to make this lifetime worth it just in case the next one isn’t as accessible. There was a reason my soul found solace with theirs, the love they had for each other truly unconditional, hence my orphaned state. I never faulted them for following each other to the end, my father’s demise too much on my mother’s heart; the visible drain of light from her face a vivid memory in my brain. Even at 5 years old, I knew my mother was gone before she physically left. I still remember the guttural cry when she was told the news, even as Sophia had taken me away, I could still see my mother fall apart in Nagatsuchi-Sama’s arms. Soon after, I waited for my mother by the window until one day I just stopped. Something told me she was no longer with me, that my waiting was for naught. My worst fear eventually realized as I was sat down by Kazu’s parents at 7 years old and told my mother was never coming back. I accepted it, mourned her privately and moved on. At a young age, I never faulted their love, I was their sacrifice.
Now at my age, I yearned for a love like that for myself, without the tragedy and suffering. I itched for the elation and tenderness that my parents deserved. I knew how close I was to obtaining it, so I wanted to nurture it in whatever way I could, even at the expense of Kazuhito's feelings. I knew I loved him, deeply, almost obsessively sometimes; but he was not my mate. He wasn't meant to be mine and mine alone; he never was. I was a placeholder until Airla’s soul was ready to take her rightful place next to his. With a soft snore and a gentle snuggle, Nai agreed with me.
…
I found myself dozing off, the emptiness of my arms a nudge from my sleep. The cabin was dark, the light from the bathroom on. I assumed Nai was only using it until I turned on a light and noticed her clothes on the floor. Was the trail an invitation?
of course it is, darling. come join me.
I smiled at the invasion of my thoughts, hands on my buttons as I headed to the bathroom at her request. Stepping in, she looked over her shoulder, a smile on her face as I soon undressed and stepped into the warm stream of water. Given the Nagatsuchi’s need for space and luxury, the shower was spacious enough for both of us, my hands wrapping around her waist as I pulled her in for a kiss on the cheek.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“We have about 5 hours left on this flight, what would you like to do for the remainder of our time?” I asked as I pulled back, giving her a chance to turn around and face me. Her eyes on the stream of water going down my chest. I could feel as she analyzed the strokes of my various tattoos, her nails grazing me slowly.
"Make it so we land in Florence with my nails digging in your back.”
I gave her a slight scoff, not of annoyance; just of amusement. “Ever so inhibited, even in the shower.” She responded with the same scoff, allowing me to part her lips with my tongue as I pulled her in for a deeper kiss. Our connection had improved our already thriving sex life, being able to hear her ask me for what she desired while kissing her guaranteed her inner and external satisfaction every time. Lifting her as she wrapped her arms around my neck, my lips left hers as I kissed her down her wet neck and chest, a tender suck on her décolletage to remind myself that she belonged to me.
“No need to remind yourself who I belong to, darling. I only want to belong to you.”
With those words alone, I took it upon myself to satisfy her how she asked of me. How I chose to do it, well that’s for me and her alone.
??
9:23 PM; CET Time
I was sufficiently satisfied by the time we stepped off the jet, our stewardess bowing as Ken held the door for me to our waiting vehicle. As he had arranged for us to be completely alone, the driving was left to him. I smiled as he closed the door, got into the driver seat and winked at me as he revved up the engine. The car beautifully purred, a chuckle from him.
“I’ll give it to Kazu, he sure knows his way to a man’s heart.”
“You’re an easy man to please, darling. It’s one of your best qualities.”
“Is it now?”
“Well, it stems from your devout nature. You like to please, in whatever way you can.” He pursed his lips to the side, brows lifted. I didn’t have to read his mind, he agreed as he drove. With my hand in his, he sped us through the Florence countryside; the stars Illuminating the way as light pollution was less of a worry the closer we got. As we arrived, I made notice of the small church, the priest nodding his head in hello when he noticed my looking.
Our home for the week wasn’t just any home, it was the home that Ken’s parents had planned to move to when it came time for his father to retire. They had hoped that he would have stepped away from the Clan once Nagatsuchi-Sama had become Chairman, but that was squandered due to his demise. Ken made little mention of his parents, the subject matter too despondent for anyone to handle as his mother’s demise came by suicide, her heart broken to a state of psychosis. I felt terrible to know that Ken was so alone in this world, his devotion to Kazu a clear sign of his loneliness. His love for me, another clear sign of his need for companionship. The supernatural connection we had was truly a happy surprise. It was the least he deserved.
Stepping out the car, we were greeted to a moon illuminated home, the green shutters bright even in darkness. With a swift open of the hardwood door, we stepped into a beautifully furnished home, white couches and wood finishes, the Tuscan feel of the home very warm and comforting, something I knew was intentional on Nagatsuchi-Sama’s behalf. Even with the lights off, the various windows kept it bright enough for us to just stand there hand in hand, foreheads touching and eyes closed. I was at peace in more ways than one with Ken. The beating of his gentle heart playing a symphony made special for me. To love him was a blessing like no other and I still couldn’t believe he was truly all mine. Opening my eyes, I was greeted by grey ones, a question lingering as they burned into me.
“If I asked you to marry me, would you?”
“A bold question, don’t you think?”
“A question nonetheless.”
“Is marriage necessary? I belong to no one but you, Kentaro. Does anyone else need to be informed of that besides you?” I placed my hand on his cheek, rubbing it softly with my thumb. A smile formed slowly on his face as he nuzzled into my hand.
“No. I just…”
“You need to claim me because this lifetime decided to be so cruel to your soul. Look how many years it took for our souls to find each other, even with the proximity. I’m not going anywhere, Kentaro. I don’t want to. I don’t need to. I can absolutely humor your wishes and marry you if you'd like, but just know that there should never be any doubt in your heart in regards to me.”
“I implore that you humor me then.”
“Now, Kentaro. You can’t possibly…”
“Kurenai Lucia Almarosa, I implore you to humor me in this lifetime and the next. I want these words to echo in your mind in the next chapter of our souls so in case there’s doubt, my voice could always bring you comfort. I love you in all forms, in every feeling. I ask, no I beg for the honor to love you and protect you in the eyes of the law, of the clan, of god and the devil himself.” He held tightly to me as he found himself on his knees, his devout nature front and center. I had no intention of saying no, I just needed a minute to process how truly blessed I was.
“Yes, my love. In every language, sign or otherwise. Do you plan on doing it immediately? I have no dress, no ring, we can’t just marry like this.” He chuckled as he stood up, going to our luggage and opening it up to reveal a rather gorgeous lace white dress, the simplicity of it close to the style I find comfort in. His other hand carried gold bands, simple and discreet.
“Your respect for my private thoughts allowed me to make the necessary arrangements to allow us the opportunity.”
“Okay, but where will we marry?”
“The church at the edge of town. We can deal with the legal processes once we go back home.”
“How long have you been planning on this, Ken?”
“Too long to count, my love.”
“Well, then let’s go get married.”
??
4:48 PM; BRT Time
I looked at my hands as we lingered outside my parents home. The manicured garden, a clear sign of my father’s good health. He loved gardening, a well deserved distraction for the time he put into raising me. When it came to the reality of being Enzo Moreno’s daughter, he was like every Latin father, overprotective and stern, yet caring. Being his only daughter came with lingering eyes, which made me want to rebel in more ways than one; hence my affinity for “bad boys”. While I knew that he’d never push me away, how would that change once he became aware of Kazu? Would he make me choose? Would I be dragged into a pick one or the other situation or am I just…overreacting?
Kazu’s warmer and much larger hand held mine, causing me to look up at those warm eyes of his.
“You’re nervous they won’t like me.”
“My mom will love you, you’re handsome like the men she watches in her novellas. It’s my father I’m worried about.”
“Don’t worry about it, baby girl. I’ll handle him. I deal with powerful men all the time, what’s one more?” Kissing my hand, the car door opened by Ichi’s hand, a bow leading after. Our trip wasn’t a lonely one, 16 statuesque bodyguards waited for our word, the eyes of my neighbors burning on my back as I stepped out the car. It wasn’t soon after that the doors to my childhood home opened, my parents stepping out in confusion and excitement, a phone in my mother’s hand, those damn neighbors.
“(In Portuguese) Airla, my sweet girl! Why didn’t you call!?” Mami rushed at me for a hug, her eyes on Kazu as she pulled away. With no shame and a hand on her hip, she turned to him, her gray coils bouncing as she did. “And who are you?”
Kazu chuckled, placing his hand out for my mother to shake. To her surprise, he held her hand gently; a small bow as he barely grazed her hand with his lips. Those amber eyes of his focused on my mother’s face as he stood up straight. “My name is Kazuhito Nagatsuchi. Pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Mrs. Moreno. I’m your beautiful daughter’s lucky suitor.”
“Pleasure is all mine, goodness.” She giggled, hand to her face. Papi cleared his throat, arms crossed.
“You didn’t mention a boyfriend the last time you called. Only that you’d visit, this is a surprise.”
“I didn’t think you’d want to hear I had a boyfriend, you tend to be cold towards them. Hi, Papi.” I smiled, kissing him on the cheek swiftly.
“For good reason. What did you say your name was again?”
“Kazuhito Nagatsuchi, sir. Say, do you have a bathroom for one of my bodyguards? It’s been a rather long trip.” He confidently replied as he shook my father’s hand, a tight grip as he pointed with his other hand; his eight standing from the steps intensely.
“Bodyguards, huh? What kind of man needs bodyguards if not a bad one? What are you involved in?” Papi’s eyes narrowed, his overprotectiveness pouncing rather intensely. Kazu’s demeanor might have been to blame, he was rather unfazed.
“Steelwork and such. My family is rather prestigious at home, the guards are just my father’s caring nature, I am his only son and heir. He was kind enough to also give my beloved eight of her own, he was very understanding of my need to protect her.”
“…Hm.” Papi’s shoulders relaxed, his brows following suit. My eight stepped from the bottom of the steps, their intense gazes on my parents. This was what Kazu meant in regards to handling him. A subtle show of power, a man’s weakness.
…
We sat across from them, our hands interlocked as my father stared at our hands. Mami came with drinks, a smile on her face as she sat down.
“Your name, Japanese I assume?”
“Mhm. My name is fully Japanese, my blood is not. I’m half British, courtesy of my mother.” I was wholeheartedly mesmerized by the way Kazu carried himself, Mami’s eyes sparkling as she took a seat next to Papi. I was a spitting image of her, my eyes the only thing my father truly had any win in. Both my parents were beautifully dark skinned, with glistening skin that rivaled that of gods.. My mother had my same coily hair framing her cheeks, while my fathers’s picked out Afro was more fitting for his angular face.
“Ooh, British. Makes sense, you’re so…proper. Were you raised in England?”
Kazu took a sip of his drink, a slight shake of the head. “Not at all, my father is painstakingly Japanese. He was very adamant that his only son be raised in his home country, the power dynamics of my family making that a necessity.”
“Power dynamics in a male centered family is not something I want to hear about, Kazuhito. Especially not if it regards my daughter. It breeds misogyny.”
“Mr. Moreno, that’s where you’re wrong. Your daughter would have to do nothing but stand proudly by my side. Just like my father does for my mother, I plan on taking care of her tenfold. I plan on loving her even more so. I want to ease your worries now about my intentions with your daughter.”
“What are your intentions?” Papi laid back on his seat, his russet colored eyes staring intensely back at Kazu. Mami and I stared at each other. The men needing to one up each other was expected, it was part of their nature. I knew the man I was raised by, I also knew the man I was into.
“I intend to marry and love your daughter, protect her and fight for her too. I might even commit a crime or two for her, but that’s just me being facetious.” He smirked after a cross of the legs after kissing my hand. I blushed at his admission, Mami’s brows scrunching in awe.
“I don’t want to hear that you’ll commit a crime for my daughter, that doesn’t benefit her in any way.”
“Hence why I stated what I did so facetiously. I would never do anything to stress Airla out, history and other men have done that. I have no other desire but to care for her, it’s been that way since I first saw her in a sea of people. She happened to magically cross paths with me again, which was only an answer to my silent prayers.”
“Oh, Enzo, back off. He’s a sweetheart.” Mami interjected, her hand patting Papi’s shoulder, he glared at her from the corner of his eye, a quick glance back at Kazu. He was unrelenting when it came to me, I was a handful when it regarded my dating history.
“They’re all sweethearts until you turn your back on them and then suddenly my little girl’s coming home in tears.”
“I’m not a little girl, Papi. And I can assure you that the only tears I have shed weren’t Kazu’s doing. He hasn’t left my side since that happened, a true sign of his good nature.” I glanced at him as I held his hand, my parents becoming a blur as we focused on each other. “I love him, Papi. I need you to see that because whether or not you do, it’s not going to change that.”
I was fully aware of what I had said, the word lingering in my mind as he smiled back, not needing to give me an answer. I turned to my parents, my father’s brows scrunched in eased worry with a smile, my mother’s just the same. They were first glance lovers, their love story starting off in a high school class and still going strong 30 years later. I would hope that they understood how I felt about Kazu, I wanted them to see that I had finally found my fucking person.
“Airla, you sound rather smitten, how do you know he feels the same?” Still the seed of doubt, typical Papi.
“We’ll be heading to Japan after this so Airla could meet my family. I don’t waste my father’s time with lazy pursuits, this time around? I want every single second of his time so he knows how serious I am about your daughter. The only thing stopping me from marrying her is time, soon enough that will cease to be a deterrence.” Kazu assured them, the plan of meeting his parents was wholeheartedly true. He sat through this for me, I would absolutely do the same for him.
“Enzo, if the next thing that comes out of your mouth isn’t a blessing, you can expect to sleep on the couch tonight.” Mami huffed, standing up and coming to our side. Patting Kazu on the shoulder, we stared at Papi back; his comfort being compromised must shake something.
“No marriage proposals until after a year. I don’t want to see my daughter in a dress she’ll regret.”
I beamed at his response, leaving Kazu’s warmth to embrace him. A low chuckle as he kissed the top of my head. I’ll always be a proud daddy’s girl.
??
7:33 PM; BRT Time
“Are you sure you can't stay? I'm sure I can make enough space for you and your bodyguards.” Catarina expressed her hands on Airla’s shoulders as we stood by the door. After Enzo backed off, we got on first name basis; the need for me to learn how to say their names with the proper inflection for our “future kids”. That was barely off putting, given the shit my family might expect from Airla once she meets them. Airla patted her mother’s face softly, a giggle after.
“While I’d love to, I don’t want to impose on your space. Besides, we have a long flight to Japan tomorrow night, I want to show Kazu around.”
“Mmm, fine. But you better call us when you arrive in Japan. Kazuhito, I hope you send my well wishes to your parents and let them know we’ll be excited to support this relationship as much as they do.”
“Of course, Catarina. My mother will probably be in touch soon to set up a date, she’s been waiting to spend time with an in-law.”
“I’ll be waiting. Take care of my baby, Kazuhito.”
“Till my last breath and then on, Catarina.” Airla came to my side, taking my arm. Her mother was on the verge of tears as we headed to our waiting car, holding the door open; I waved to them again, a nod of approval from Enzo as he took a hold of his wife’s hand.
…
“That’s the best show of handling I’ve ever seen, Papi never showed any of his portraits of me to anyone.” Airla turned to me as I lit a cigarette, the hard part was over, I deserved my little vice.
“It’s easy to handle when you’re being truthful. I meant every word I said.”
“So did I. Especially that one word.” I glanced at her with a smile, holding her chin as our surroundings slowly hazed up. I wanted to hear her say it again, I just wanted my ears to be the only ones that heard it. “Ichi, privacy.”
Within seconds, I was given what I asked for. The rear and side curtains coming to a close as the partition did the same. Given the blackout appeal, the small lights of the ceiling turned on, the small gleam of each individual light dancing on Airla’s skin. Abandoning my cigarette in the ashtray, I closed the space between us, my thumb on her lip.
“Now, why don’t you go on and repeat those words for me?”
She giggled slightly, a smile forming on those luscious lips of hers. Her hand held onto my shirt, a slight graze of her nail as she focused on my chains before looking up. “I always liked to show instead of tell, could that apply in this instance?”
“Sure, as long as I get to hear it.” Another sweet giggle before her hands trailed down to my belt to unbuckle it. Her favorite love language, the one she always looked so pretty doing. I got comfortable for her, allowing her to get in between my legs and pull me out of my slacks. It took little for me to get ready for her; those cat like eyes of hers just pulling me the fuck in. Red manicured hands gripped my cock before the sweet warmth of her mouth took over. A deep moan vibrated through my body as I bit my lip, words truly not necessary for her if this is how she expressed her love. Her head bobbed up and down as the slow hum of the car joined her. We had a ways to our hotel, enough time to enjoy my treat. She looked up to me as she did, our eyes saying everything it needed to say in regards to our feelings.
I loved her, no fucking doubt. I loved her with every fiber of my fucking being and I really don’t think I’d ever be okay if she was taken from me. Yes, the amount of time we knew each other was short, but that was the magic of our love. The spontaneity of it, the need to check all the boxes of a good relationship as quickly as possible. I wanted to marry her as soon as I could, if I could somehow speed through the year just to do so, I would. I would sacrifice a year for a chance at forever. I panted slowly as she took me deep, the need to touch her taking me over as I held her head and pushing her just a little bit deeper. “F-fuck, I love you so fucking…much.” I had no control of this orgasm, my admittance of my feelings taking my sense of control away. She, of course, accepted all of me, not a single drop wasted as she licked up my shaft, a satisfied smirk as she pulled back.
“I fucking love you too. Till my last breath and then on.”
??
12:39 AM; CET Time
Patience was a virtue that I truly appreciated, the priest’s demands made it so I did. Nai and I sat at the back of the church, our hands interlocked as we watched the priest say his final words to his congregation. He had asked that we waited till after midnight mass; just to see how truly we desired this. We were patient beyond belief, we wanted this. Watching as the last person walked out, the priest closed the heavy doors; the sound of the thud echoing through the spacious hall.
“(In Italian) You truly showed me. For a midnight mass starting at 10 pm, I commend your patience.”
“(In Italian) The love I have for her surpasses any impatience I might have. I would’ve waited all night if I needed to.”
“(In Italian) You remind me of this one couple I married once, in fact; you look like a spitting image of said couple, you don’t happen to know them?”
I chuckled at his question, I had no idea of what my parents had done in their lives, I wouldn’t be surprised if they had committed the same act as I was currently planning on. Nai sat quietly as I lingered on the question, was my curiosity so desperate for satisfaction? “(In Italian) If their names were Ken and Alessia, then I might just be.”
“(In Italian) They chose not to give me their names, just asked that I marry them. Your eyes are very reminiscent of the bride’s, but that could just be a coincidence. It’s very surprising that you’re asking for the exact same thing though, may I ask why you’re pushing for such a lonely marriage? Do you not have anyone to celebrate such a joyous occasion?”
“(In Italian) We do. We just want this for ourselves. We were both forced to experience the world in some kind of loneliness, so we’re accustomed to it. This is just a goodbye to that loneliness so we can begin our life together.” I faced Nai as I admitted my reason, I was over being alone. I no longer wanted to sleep, eat or breathe alone. I wanted to retire at the end of the night knowing I’ll be in my love’s arms. I wanted to be selfish for once.
“(In Italian) That’s a different perspective on marriage, refreshing even. I have a good feeling about you two. Come, let our lord and savior nurture that love for you.”
…
He had it so I stood by the altar, facing the rather large effigy of Jesus Christ at the end of his crucifixion. I stared into the gaunt eyes of the religious figure, the forgiveness and love he still carried for us evident even in such despair. I held no space for religion in my heart, it was too powerful of a force that brought much destruction and pain, something I was too aware of. But even in that, I understood the need to follow something, anything, to peace, even if that peace was tainted with blood. I chuckled to myself as I waited, I had my own version of religion.
I looked over my shoulder to the clicking of heels on the marble, the priest in an arm lock with Nai as he walked her down the aisle. I had no idea what conversation they might’ve had, but it warmed my heart to have her experience what every woman is expected to experience. Her face was soft, the choice to put those locks of her in a bun with a small rose clip was great; the chance at seeing Nai’s expressive face was a treat for me to experiment in public for once. Arriving at my side, her hand was placed in mine, a smile from the priest.
“I understand the need for privacy, but Kentaro, you must marry her in front of your loved ones one day. She deserves to be seen.”
“You speak English, father. Would have saved me a lot back there.”
“You had your moment to open up with me, I wanted to allow her the same. Besides, language is God's beautiful creation, why not indulge in something He took time to create?”
I forwent a response, I was too busy focusing on Nai as she stood there quietly in all her beauty. The dress I had chosen for her hugged her curves like I would a hug, the simple lace detail a nod to her femininity that she allowed me to flourish in privately. Her simplistic tattoos were also on display, the laurels she so tastefully had in display for the eyes of the metaphorical angels to see. I felt a knot in my throat the more I stared at her, my sweet crimson rose.
“Given that this is far from any ceremony I’ve ever done besides one other one, I feel it’s only right to speak out loud in an empty room so that the souls of your departed may hear my words. In life, we find that person who makes us whole, who carries us in good faith no matter the place. You, Kentaro and you, Kurenai, have found that person. In each other. No one but you and God will understand your love for each other. As your witness, I ask you now, do you, Kentaro, take Kurenai as your wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health till death do you part?”
I ignored that last part, death wouldn’t dare. I held Nai’s hands as I stared into her eyes, those hazel green of hers a field to get lost in. I knew I needed to respond, I just needed to take her in. “I do.”
“And you, Kurenai, do you take Kentaro as your husband, to have and to hold, to stand aside not behind him, till death shall you part?”
“I do, father. I do.” I could hear the crack in her voice, Nai wasn’t a crier so I didn’t expect tears. But her voice, it was all I needed to hear.
“Kurenai, you wanted to say your vows during your ring exchange?”
“Mhm.” She didn’t break eye contact as she nodded, a small smile as she slid the ring on my finger. “Kentaro, from the moment we crossed paths, I knew we were destined to end up here. The things I’ve seen, the things I’ve experienced, your presence has made it better. Without you, I don’t know where I’d be and truthfully, I don’t want to know. I want to stand by your side always, as your wife, your love, your partner and so on. I love you here on earth, in heaven and excuse me, father, even hell.”
I couldn’t help the small tear escaping my eye, I loved her deeply. Every version of me belonged to her, no matter the embarrassment.
“Kentaro, do you have anything you’d love to say?”
I cleared my throat, my hand slightly shaking as I did the same with her ring. “I am eternally yours, Kurenai. In this life and the next, I will always find you. I promise to love, respect and uphold you to the highest power. I will always stand beside you, I will always be your rock. I am proudly your husband from this day on.”
“Seems that you both did most of the work for me. Well, with the power vested in me by the creator himself, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Kentaro, you may finally kiss your bride.”
Nothing stood in between us as I pulled her in for a kiss, her soft lips a heaven in different names. We stayed mindful of the priest’s presence and respected the space, cutting our lip lock short for his sake. Nai giggled as I pulled back, my hand on her back. I chuckled back, her joy truly infectious. Resting our foreheads together, she spoke first.
“I love you.”
“And I you.”
right, given their supernatural connection.
NOW, I would've.
