Alfred turned in his bed. He couldn't sleep for some reason. Feli and Kiku were both fast, Feli even snoring slightly. Alfred sighed and decided to sit up instead. To draw his mind away he crawled out his futon and sat next to the window, watching the light evening breeze blow the cherry-coloured Sakura blossoms. The silver moon with it's legendary rabbit smiled down at him and he smiled back. It made his mind recall a sweet memory of Amaya, or rather Arthur, telling him the story of the usagi pounding mochi in the moon. He loved stories and was forever requesting Arthur to tell to him. Not only were they always interesting but Arthur had a way of telling them perfectly. His favourites always contained heroes and villians. He would picture being in the hero's shoes and saving Arthur from the evil villian like a damsel in distress. He wanted so badly to make them come true, and actually rescue him from his situation. He was a man who had to cross-dress and earn money as a geisha, Alfred knew. Not that Arthur was aware he knew he was really male, or the fact he knew many things about him. He was keeping it a secret so that Arthur would continue to have him as a loyal customer. He was sure that 'Amaya' would refuse to see him any longer if he admitted his knowledge. Alfred couldn't have it. It would tear him apart. He needed Arthur by his side, selfish as it was and if keeping hush and playing dumb would do that by god he would do it! He'd do anything to be Arthur's hero.
Before coming to Japan, Alfred had been living a pretty lonely life in America. His folks weren't around anymore and his brother was living in Canada which meant they didn't get to talk much. He moved for change and that's exactly what he got. He still remembers the night he first set eyes on Arthur. So beautiful, like a painting in a museum. He did his best to try and get him when they requested geisha next time and it was worth it. Arthur has just made him so happy, even though he's not really his but this was good enough for now. Just being near him.
Feli stirred and pulled Alfred back to reality from his drifting thoughts. Sighing, he crawled back to his futon and wriggled inside. Sleep felt like it was just a reach away but was refusing to meet him and take him to the land of dreams. It was slightly frustrating. Finally giving up, Alfred just turned on his side and let things take their natural course. Should sleep choose to greet him tonight, he'd welcome it with a smile.
"But wasn't it fun?" Hatsu giggled. "No! I almost lost my cool and he could have found me out" Arthur answered. The two maiko were sitting in their room and gossiping about their latest meeting with Alfred, Feli and Kiku. "Oh no, you wouldn't have done that. You've had too much practice to mess up now" Hatsu stated with a dismissive hand. Arthur rolled his eyes at her naievity, "Anyone can make mistakes Hatsu. Even onee-san". Hatsu nodded in understanding agreement. Sakiri slid their bedroom door across and smiled at them, "Time to sleep you two. It's getting late and tomorrow we have a festival to attend remember". The maiko nodded and lay down, putting their necks on the takamakura (neck supports). They all bidded each other goodnight and Sakiri slid the door back across. Hatsu seemed to be able to relax just fine but Arthur was having trouble. His mind was asking too many questions of him that there was no answers for. He sighed to himself for he was sure that would probably be the case for a long time.
Opening his eyes, Arthur awoke to the sun's morning rays and the sound of Hatsu calling to Sakiri and shuffling around outside. He sat up and rubbed his eyes breathing in deep to wake up his body. Hatsu came back in the room and saw him, "Oh you're awake, good" she smiled "You've got to get dressed so we can get to the festival on time". "Oh! I forgot about that" Arthur thought. He stretched and stood up saying "Right, I'd best get a move on". Once the trio were in their kimono and their faces were freshly painted, Arthur took his form behind Amaya's pale face. She was him and he was her but he still felt like she had everything he wanted and Arthur was just an existance, a body if you will, that bound Amaya to reality. "Alright, let's get a move-on" Sakiri called from outside. "I'm kind of excited" Hatsu grinned "I have been waiting for this". Arthur smiled back at her, "Mmm. I suppose it will beautiful as every year". They finally pulled away from the Okia and made their way to the festival.
There were so many people in beautiful yukatas and everyone had a smiling face. It was a warm and fuzzy sight to see. Arthur watched as children ran around, couples linked arms, stall owners passed food to their customers. It all gave him a happy sense of family or community, even though there was only a portion of people he actually knew here. Their transport came to a stop and they all dismounted, being careful not to fall out their huge shoes. Sakiri looked around for their hosts and found them waiting by a sakura tree by a bridge. They waved to them and shuffled along. Arthur looked but only saw two men instead of the three that they were expecting. "Ah, glad you're here Sakiri-san. Girls.." One man greeted, "Amaya-san, I'm sorry to inform you that Tanaki-san couldn't make it today and it was too late to get the word out. My sincerest apologies on his behalf, please feel free to join Sakiri and I". Arthur bowed with a smile, "It's fine, it would worry me if he didn't get the appropriate rest". The man smiled and signalled for the ladies to walk beside him and the other gentleman. Arthur paused for a moment and then decided against going with them after all. "Umm" He began and everyone turned to face him again, "since Tanaki-san isn't here. . . I don't suppose you would protest on allowing me to explore?". They all smiled and the men told him to carry on. He bowed in appreciation and shuffled away toward the stalls.
A pearl and golden face glubbed up at Arthur and swam around when he touched the surface of the water with his lightest finger tip, making ripples. He chuckled to himself as it went in a circle and then back to him. He thought how nice it must be to have a pet so pretty as a koi fish. "Beautiful fish huh?" Arthur heard behind him making him jump slightly. He snapped his head to the source of the sound... only to find that the voice was indeed his beloved Alfred.