Memory
Disclaimer: Gravitation does not belong to me. I'm borrowing the characters, for entertainment purposes only.
Notes: Written for Silverone's February drabble challenge. Inspired by Aja's "Pointless Jealousy". You'll see a definite connection.Written in first person as Tatsuha, because I use fewer words this way. 345 words.
I passed so many stores to get here. Red, pink, and white everywhere. I've come to the conclusion that they sell the worst shit around Valentine's Day. Who would want a pink gorilla? More importantly, who would buy a pink gorilla? You'd have to be out of your fucking mind.
I spot an old man as I pass, buying a white gorilla plush. The gorilla is wearing a pink t-shirt. He kind of looks like my dad… the old man, I mean, not the gorilla… The old man must be buying a present for his granddaughter. He's excused.
Without another look around the sorry street, I enter into the restaurant. Kumagoro's favorite restaurant, to be exact. Kumagoro doesn't eat but last time I pointed that out, Ryuichi mashed some cherry pie into Kumagoro's face, just to prove me wrong. I'll never forget the red pie filling dripping from Kumagoro's mouth, like blood and flesh. Kumagoro eats… I had nightmares for weeks.
The waiter pleasantly directs me to the table. Apparently, Ryuichi got here before me.
Ryuichi smiles warmly, rising to meet me. No words needed. The kiss is enough. It's this hole in the wall place that lets us do this. The food is great, but we bring our own wine.
"You know it's Kumagoro's birthday today." Ryuichi is still smiling, as he takes his seat.
"Valentine's Day? …" I'm shocked that he even brings it up.
"Well, we celebrate on Valentine's Day, because that's when I met Kumagoro."
Like some kind of pink gorilla…
"A fan gave him to me, on Valentine's Day."
I can taste alcohol off Ryuichi's lips. I pour the wine anyway.
"Kumagoro was the first gift I ever received from a fan… before Nittle Grasper had so many fans. The fan who gave him to me was just a little boy, but he was so cute. He had dark hair and dark eyes. I remember wondering how I could have had such a powerful effect on someone so young…" Ryuichi's hand finds mine. "It made me really happy," he finishes.