YAMI NO MATSUEI – DESCENDANTS OF DARKNESS
THE BEGINNING OF A BEAUTIFUL RELATIONSHIP…OR NOT?
Chapter Five: The Make-up Date
"Wow," was all that Watari managed to mumble under his breath as the two broke away from the kiss that Tatsumi and he had shared. His honey-colored eyes were still locked on the other's gaze and his heart was still racing from the kiss and embrace.
Tatsumi smiled, that heartfelt gesture capturing so many thoughts and emotions bottled up for many years. He caressed the other's cheek and planted a more innocent kiss on the other's lips before saying, "Let us talk about our second date over lunch. The food's probably cold by now."
Watari blushed a bit and stroked his hair, having his hand rest for a while on the nape of his neck. "I'm sorry."
This time, Tatsumi's smile became warmer still. "Why are you sorry, Watari-san? I'm not."
Being playfully dismissive, Watari replied, "You're just saying that to be kind."
"Since when, pray tell, have I ever leaned more towards kindness than the rational or practical?"
Watari blinked and then said, "Hardly ever…."
"Enough said, then… If there was no food waiting, it would've been much longer," was Tatsumi's statement as he took the pot of soup to the dining area for their meal.
"I'm proposing our actual date out to be tomorrow night," said Watari once the two have settled in their respective places and were about to eat.
"Do you already have plans for tonight?"
"Stay in tonight and watch movies with you. At least two movies – one being your choice and the other one's mine. We went out last night. I want to relax tonight but still spend time together with you."
Tatsumi nodded. "All right. Why don't you spend the entire day and evening with me? You're even more than welcome to sleep over."
"So you'll spoil me with good food and sake tonight?" asked Watari with a disarming hopeful look in his face along with a soft smile that escaped from his lips.
"I suppose…" was what Tatsumi quietly said, trying not to laugh but being unable to hide his amusement over the other's giddy, child-like antics.
"Would you do me two favors, Tatsumi?"
Gazing at Watari, Tatsumi was all ears.
"First, I'd like to call you something other than your last name. Second, call me Yutaka. It's all right if we call each other as we normally have done over the years in the office. If we're together…if we have privacy…I'd just like every time that we could get be made for us – even if it's just simply by calling each other by our first names."
Tatsumi listened intently and gave the other a probing gaze. Gauging that Watari was serious about the request, he said, "Only four people had called me by my first name or nickname – Father, my sister, Mother, and a father figure since I was a child. No one has called me by my first name since Mako-san – my father figure – had passed away."
After a long pause for silence, Tatsumi added, "They called me Seii. I'll be honored and humbled if you begin calling me by that name, Yutaka…."
The two exchanged meaningful smiles as they ate in silence. From time to time, they stole glances in-between conversation about how they were going to spend the weekend. As much as many options have now been placed for them to choose from, the two men already had a silent agreement to make this getting-to-know-each-other weekend a memorable one.
"Hmmm….two dramas and a musical," said Tatsumi with an amused smirk as he walked home with Watari with movies and groceries while Watari carried a duffel bag of clothes and personal sundries for his weekend stay.
"Well, you're the chicken who doesn't want to watch a horror movie," was Watari's wry comeback, a smile also escaping from his lips. "What's so scary about Storm of the Century?"
Remembering the movie that Watari initially wanted, Tatsumi said, "Think about the plot, Yutaka. It's a story about a demon who preys on an entire town hit hard by an unprecedented winter storm and holds them captive…preying on the poor people's fears before he kills them or he pushes them to suicide – all because he wants them to give him what he wants from them. "
"Yeah... So…?"
"Considering what we've all been through in our last case, I just want to stay away from work and anything that would remind me of work for just this weekend. I did tell you that I want to watch it with you next time…next weekend, if you're free. I also made a compromise."
Watari sighed and nodded, letting Tatsumi know in his usual carefree way that he was all right with the compromise. "Well, an additional movie to watch – one that we'd both like to watch – was a good additional incentive to give up on Storm of the Century for now. You already got me to say 'yes' when you said that you wanted to watch it next weekend."
"I've read the book before. The book's great, so I'd love to see the movie. The topic just hits too close to home. Too close about our last case and too close about what we do for a living. I thought that you'd already had enough crying for a while after what we've been through but I guess not. Tuesdays with Morrie and My Fair Lady, huh…?"
"Oh, you'll love them. You'll see," was Watari's reply about the two movies that Tatsumi just mentioned. "I haven't watched Ikiru before but I've heard many good things about it."
Tatsumi, still in a cheerful mood, explained as he closed the distance between them as they walked side-by-side. "It's a tearjerker, too. It makes one think twice about how short life really is, and if there's ever really a thing as living a full life."
"Well, at least I'm glad that you gave up on choosing that 12-disc documentary about economics over Ikiru."
"Excuse me, Yutaka, but getting a glimpse of how history's events shaped economics is an excellent and educational choice."
Watari then deadpanned with a wry smirk, "Yes, I know…but each disk is two-and-a-half hours long. I do plan on spending time with you in much more varied ways this weekend. My plan doesn't include falling asleep and asking you what's happening every time I doze off from that economic epic that you're proposing earlier."
Tatsumi chuckled quietly, for he knew from the beginning what Watari's general answer would be. He actually showed that documentary and worked on persuading the blonde scientist to watch it with him just so he would know how Watari would say 'no' to the suggestion.
Well, actually, Tatsumi also thought that Watari would say 'no' to conduct an autopsy on Doctor Kawasawa's remains but the other surprised him. At least, he was accurate with guessing how the blonde scientist would react this time.
The two finally reached Tatsumi's house and once Tatsumi opened the door, he told Watari, "If you go towards the hallway and make a right, you'll see three rooms – the master bedroom where I sleep in, the guest bathroom, and a guest room. Why don't you freshen up while I prepare for supper? There's a fresh set of towels, washcloths, a robe, and slippers for you to use. You'll find them in the master's bedroom."
"Where should I put my stuff, Seii?" asked Watari – not really realizing the implied impact of his innocent inquiry or how it potentially put both of them on the spot until after he had asked Tatsumi the question.
"Whichever makes you feel most comfortable," said Tatsumi with a smile. "Make this your home, too. You can use either or both rooms and bathrooms, if you wish."
"I'll put my bag in the guest room for now. I could always move it later."
"All right. Just freshen up and I'll get supper going."
Tatsumi and Watari went about their respective tasks, each one thinking about how surreal yet wonderful today has been. The mental conversation happening inside their respective heads continued well until supper, the two enjoying each other's company much more comfortably than yesterday evening's date.
After supper and during the clean-up, the two talked about anything that came up – all of them topics of interest that became springboards to get to know each other much more intimately such as hobbies, the political and socio-economic environment when they were still alive, the feelings that they had gone through as they were transitioning from recently-judged deceased to shinigami, what jobs they have held prior to being assigned at the Shokan Division, and much more.
The goal of getting to know each other was well-accomplished as one learned more about the other. Both were truthful yet were cautious not to delve into matters which were too melancholic or complicated. In the back of their respective minds, the two believed that the time for such deeper-level discussions and sharing would come later in the relationship rather than now.
And now, something so unexpected yet wonderful was going on between them…and both felt and wanted that ambiance to remain that way for them at least for this weekend.
Once they were ready with light snacks and drinks for them to enjoy as they watched, Tatsumi stood by the light switch while Watari turned on the television and operated the DVD player to play tonight's first movie – My Fair Lady.
When Watari took his place in the middle of Tatsumi's couch, Tatsumi turned off the light and made Watari inwardly smirk while thinking, "Tatsumi and his frugal ways… I mean Seii…"
Tatsumi sat beside Watari, the two just feeling comfortable with each other. He was happy that Watari felt at home. He grabbed the big bowl of lightly salted buttered popcorn, propping it between them so that it was within easy reach.
As to Watari, he kept his eye on the movie. He had watched this movie so many times with Tsuzuki and he was so giddy to be with Tatsumi. As Professor Higgins showed up for the first time in the movie, he exclaimed, "Seii, doesn't the Professor remind you of someone?"
Tatsumi blinked then frowned, trying to give a thoughtful answer to Watari's question before he replied, "No, he doesn't. Who does he remind you of? If you're thinking about Pygmalion, that's where the play has been loosely based on."
Watari chuckled lightly, being so relaxed. "No, no… I know that it's a modern interpretation of the Pygmalion and Galatea myth. He just reminds me of you."
The popcorn went down the wrong way and Tatsumi coughed, feeling the need to drink water before he managed to ask in a voice that was still trying to clear the remaining impediment in his throat, "What makes you say that?"
"He's such a stickler about English as you are with your numbers. Come to think about it, though, I see your forehead crinkle in frustration when you see grammatical errors on the reports that pass by Kacho's desk. Your red-lead accounting pencil turns into a proofreader's pencil whenever that happens."
"You make it sound as if I'm so annoying," said Tatsumi with an amused smile, now recovered from his coughing fit.
"Endearing…not annoying…. It's annoying when one can't handle the pressure. But you know how the case is between us most of the time."
Tatsumi laughed then remarked, "Because you manage to dish it out and throw it back at me…in an annoying yet at the same time endearing fashion…"
Watari's wry smirk reflected in his honey-colored eyes so warmly. "See? Do you get my point? I hate to say it but he's as anal as you…adorable and anal. The good thing is that you're younger than he is."
After having his smile radiate more warmly for the other, Tatsumi stole an innocent kiss from the other – planting that kiss on the other's cheek. The two exchanged gazes until the first notes to another song began to play, prompting the two to be presently contented with an exchange of smiles.
Once the mutual understanding had been reached that they would resume something much later, the two concentrated on enjoying the film.
However, that moment also prompted the two to put the popcorn bowl back on the coffee table so that they could sit closer together…closing any gap between them. There were no racing hearts, apprehensions, and reservations. Last night's hurtful episode seemed to be eons ago – long-forgotten.
Then time passed so quickly….
The songs, the dialogue, the colorful costumes, the superb acting…everything about the film sent an overall positive vibe that made the two cozy with each other – with Tatsumi reclined on the sofa while Watari snuggled against him.
Watari, humming along from time to time and feeling so sated with this very moment, used Tatsumi's chest as a pillow. His leg draped over the other's leg, the two letting the moment 'just be' between them.
Watari only shifted from his comfortable place when the movie was over, motioning for Tatsumi to stay put until he returned. He quickly took out the DVD and placed the second movie – Ikiru. It was not long until he became engaged with the film, identifying so intimately with the main character and empathizing with his plight. In a way, watching the black-and-white film reminded him of how as shinigami they all watched the lives of their retrievals before they take them to Enma for judgment. He could also understand why Tatsumi recommended the film and would not be surprised if the latter had watched it as many times as he did My Fair Lady.
Ikiru was sad, yet Watari instantly became fond of the film. He snuggled with Tatsumi, at times having silent tears flow from him as he felt so sorry for the main character. At times, he could not help but smile at the main character's moments of small triumphs.
Just as it did during the first movie that the two watched, time flew quickly once more.
"How many times have you watched this film, Seii?" asked Watari a few minutes after the film had ended and the credits were being displayed.
Tatsumi gratefully groaned a bit, stretching his back and rubbing Watari's back at the same time. He said in a gentle tone, "Many times, but I never get tired of it. Akira Kurosawa's a great director and I love all his works, but Ikiru has been one of my all-time favorites. Watanabe just reminds me that there's hope for all...even for those such as us…that we could still do some good even if we think that it's too late for us already."
Sighing contentedly, stretching with gusto, and then snuggling comfortably against Tatsumi once more, Watari then said, "I envy Watanabe. He left a legacy behind – no mater how small it is. He left without any regrets…tying up all the loose ends with such passion. If I ever die again, I want to be able to do what he did. I don't want to die without being able to say goodbye to the world and those who I love. I don't want to die as suddenly as I did the first time."
Rubbing Watari's back affectionately and taking in a deep cleansing breath, Tatsumi pondered for a couple of seconds and then replied, "I don't think all of us in the Shokan Division ever had been given such a rare gift. I wish for the same thing as you do – another death, a more fulfilling one the better. What you just said reminded me of the speech that Kurosaki-kun read in our last case. Do and say everything that you can for your loved ones to let them know that you love them because they're the ones that make both life and death meaningful."
"Yes, I remember," was Watari's thoughtful reply as he looked up and met Tatsumi's gaze. "Whatever happened back there was a wake-up call for all of us. I wonder if Tsuuri Troy's all right now. He was so young when he died."
"As young as Kurosaki-kun…. Is that what you're thinking? Let us just pray to the gods that Tsuuri-kun's soul is in good hands and that he's now in peace along with his loved ones. As to Kurosaki-kun, he exists so he still has a destiny to fulfill. The same truth applies to all of us at the Shokan Division, you and me as well. It'll just take some time and more reminders to be more proactive about matters of the mind, heart, and soul."
Watari then snuggled a bit more, his eyes closed and then smiled. "A happy musical and a thought-provoking tearjerker…two opposite ends of the emotional cline. I love movie night."
The blonde scientist's words made Tatsumi grin as well. "Me, too…."
"What time is it?"
Drawing his arm away from snuggling Watari and checking his wristwatch before resuming the affectionate position, Tatsumi replied, "It's 11:30 p.m. Are you ready for the next movie?"
"May we save Tuesdays with Morrie for tomorrow's viewing? Let us watch it tomorrow before we go out for dinner. We could also stay in again and relax here with a movie and each other tomorrow evening as well, if you wish."
"Are you sleepy now?"
"I don't know. I just want to relax with you…just like this…"
"We could go to bed now, if you want to be more comfortable."
Watari nodded, which prompted Tatsumi to get up from the couch. The two did their respective stretching and yawning before they walked towards the bedrooms.
By the time that Tatsumi held his hand and gave him a gaze inviting him to share a bed with him tonight, Watari said with a soft smile, "I'll get my stuff."
After Watari retrieved his stuff and closed the door to Tatsumi's bedroom, Tatsumi was already in the bathroom getting ready for bed. He then emerged from the bathroom, telling Watari, "All yours. There are fresh towels hanging by the rack for you to use."
With a huge smile on his face, Watari told the secretary, "You look great without your glasses, Seii. It's the first time that I've seen you without them."
A pajama-donned Tatsumi blinked, his reply being a lighthearted smile and the slight blush of embarrassment tingeing his cheeks. His cheeks then turned a deeper red once Watari went inside the bathroom, the darker flush due to the saucy wink that Watari gave him seconds ago.
Watari and that trademark wink – it never ceased to make Tatsumi blush and think about the other every time that it happened.
The secretary went under the covers, lay on his side, and then closed his eyes while offering his silent petition to the gods, "This is such a good night. Thank you for making it possible and bringing us closer together…even though my stubbornness gets the best of me most of the time."
Unfortunately for Tatsumi, Watari normally took long in terms of getting ready for bed. So by the time that Watari was done, Tatsumi who waited for a little while had already fallen asleep.
Watari sat on the bed by Tatsumi's side watching the other sleep. He could not help but smile, his silent tears of joy beading at the corner of his eyes. From time to time, he wondered if the other was dreaming right now and if the other was dreaming then what was the dream all about?
As he allowed the emotions to course inside him, Watari could not help but lean forward and plant a soft, lingering, and affectionate kiss on Tatsumi's lips.
The blonde secretary heard the other's even breathing change as the kiss deepened, with him feeling the sleeping one slowly but surely awaken to reciprocate the gesture. He was encouraged even more when he felt the other's hand rest on him one more time, their kiss lingering longer than expected.
As the kiss continued between them, Tatsumi drew Watari closer to him until both of them were on the bed. The explorative and passionate kisses that he shared with the other were accompanied with an exchange of affectionate caresses.
What now began for the two of them was the fulfillment of what they have silently promised each other earlier when they were watching My Fair Lady. The loving and demonstrative ministrations pushed matters along into something and somewhere more intimate.
And it was somewhere figurative that the two of them wanted to go to, but had never had to courage to risk everything and invite the other for that journey until now.
End of Chapter Five
Normal Disclaimer
I do not own Yami no Matsuei and its lovable characters. However, I do own this fic and Chief Satori, Tsuuri Troy, and other original characters.
I also do not own Storm of the Century (Stephen King), Tuesdays with Morrie, My Fair Lady, and Ikiru. They belong to their respective authors/creators/writers/etc. – all individuals who hold rights to these awesome works.
Author's Notes
The speech that Watari and Tatsumi were referring to - the one that they were talking about during their discussion of Ikiru - was the commencement speech that Kurosaki Hisoka had read in Kyoto Files Revisited (the final chapter). The final chapter also had the events which opened up this story between Watari and Tatsumi.