Chapter 13 Quasi Adiago (Or, the Fourth Consolation)
The rain battered mercilessly against the windowpanes.
Three weeks had passed since the recording of Howl's Moving Castle. Three dull weeks. The transition from winter to spring always affected Asuka's mood; this year was especially bad. There was little to distract her from the gloom that settled on her heart. A gloom reinforced by the weather.
Asuka watched the water run down the windows.
Her and Kurama's conversation about the yokai who showed up at Orchard Hall ran through her mind again. Even after three weeks of nothing happening, he was still on edge. He still believed the yokai meant her harm, but Asuka felt differently. She felt the yokai was trying to deliver a message. The issue was, neither had definitive proof to support their theory.
"I'm not upset you went and investigated. That's what you do," Asuka said to Kurama. "I was distracted. In fact, I was feeling downright apathetic to the whole potential danger. I love you and appreciate that you always take care of me and want to protect me." Asuka paused. "But maybe…just maybe…part of my apathy was because I had subconsciously worked out I wasn't in danger. Miyazaki's ki flared during the most beautiful part of the performance. Maybe if I had been giving it more thought, I would've realized that connection."
"But a yokai showing up there, Love. That sort of thing doesn't happen, and your dreams. What if someone is manipulating them?"
Asuka thought for a moment. "Perhaps? But I've dreamed of that lake a few times. And think about it, Kurama; I've never had an issue with yokai."
Even though Kurama still believed her to be in danger, he conceded that without proof, he couldn't ask Asuka to live without freedom. But he worried. Some part of him always worried, she supposed. The possessive part.
Meanwhile, she hadn't had any more ominous dreams, and perhaps that was for the best. It's not like she wanted them or wanted to think about what they meant.
The rain continued to pour.
The only truly bright spot in the past three weeks was tea with Joe Hisaishi. Their conversation reminded her of the days she used to spend with Franz Liszt. In fact, Hisaishi and Liszt had lots of similarities. They were both composers who favored the piano as their favorite instrument, and while Joe Hisaishi was more demure than Franz Liszt, his love for music and composition was infectious, just like Liszt. He smiled a lot, laughed, and was kind and encouraging. He even invited Asuka to his and Miyazaki's next creative meeting.
Asuka was so grateful to have met them, and he cheered her up….somewhat.
No babies.
The thought still stuck like a splinter.
Asuka sat at her piano again. She needed to keep working and perfecting the Consolation pieces for her solo recording. Although they were "easy" in terms of technicality, the emotion of them and how she pressed her fingers to bring clarity to the melody, was of the utmost importance. She needed this recording to stand out. For herself, and because she felt she owed Liszt. He'd given her such a gift.
Dear Liszt.
She needed to get to work.
Consolation number four was sad, slow, and delicate. Asuka thought it sounded like a regal queen walking behind the casket of a decorated war captain who had been her lover in secret. The queen couldn't show the world the pain she felt, but inside she felt broken by the loss.
Asuka understood that feeling. Yesterday met up with Keiko, Botan, Yukina, and Shizuru for a hangout day. Kurama had encouraged Asuka to tell her friends what she'd been going through, but after seeing the glow on Yukina's and Keiko's faces, she couldn't bring herself to.
"Not to break up the happiness, but I desperately want to be pregnant. I want to join the pregnant party. I tried fertility treatment, and it failed. My body failed me again. I'm so angry. It hurts so much that I feel the pain in my bones. And part of me is madly jealous. It makes me feel gross because I love you all so much."
So, Asuka hid her pain and stayed quiet. She wouldn't wipe the smiles from their faces for the world.
Asuka played Consolation number four again and channeled her emotions into the piece, and tried to take comfort from it. She had just finished playing when the door unlocked. She turned, surprised. "Kurama? What are you doing home so early?"
A grin overtook his mouth as he closed the door. "I'm whisking you away, Love."
"Whisking me away?"
"Yes."
"Where?"
His emerald eyes shimmered mischievously. "I'm not going to tell you. It's a surprise."
Her eyebrows lifted. "How am I going to pack if I don't know where we're going?"
"I already packed for you. There's a suitcase under the bed with your things. But you're not allowed to open it and see what's inside."
"I've got meetings next week, though."
"I know. I talked with Himari and she rescheduled them for you."
Asuka's mouth hung open. She stared at Kurama while she processed what he had just told her. As she stared, she felt his ki shift. His eyes turned golden, and his hair turned white. His tail swished.
He doesn't even realize he's transformed.
The mischievous glow intensified around him as he patiently waited for her to respond.
She didn't have any concerts scheduled, so it was possible to get away. The weather wasn't helping her mood anyway, and she needed to take her mind off her problems. Plus, she loved being surprised.
Asuka's lips could no longer stay straight. The edges curved upward. Her eyes twinkled. And then she laughed. "Alright, my mischievous fox, you win."
He growled and swished his tail like he was going to pounce. The intensity of his gaze made her knees weak and heat shot through her. Kurama growled louder.
She swallowed. "Do we have time?"
"Yes, but I want to save it for when we arrive."
"Better get going then." Her voice shook.
Kurama licked his lips.
Asuka looked at him for another long moment and then went down the hall to the bedroom. She found her travel suitcase underneath their bed just as he said.
Asuka grabbed her iPod charger, headphones, and toiletries before she returned to Kurama, who was still waiting by the front entrance. He'd changed back to his human body, but the mischievous glint in his eye remained.
"Where's your suitcase?" Asuka asked.
"That's our suitcase."
"I guess that means there aren't a lot of clothes in there."
Kurama wrapped his arms around her and took hold of her mouth. His kiss was heady. She felt his anticipation, both in her mouth and the hardness pressed against her.
"Let's go." His voice groveled.
Asuka and Kurama got into the Maxima and drove to the airport. Even though there would never be car seats in the back of it, Asuka was still thankful Kurama had talked the rental company into selling it.
Once at the airport, Kurama checked them in and handed her the first ticket and her passport. It said, "LAX".
"We're going to Los Angeles?" Asuka asked.
Kurama smirked.
Not Los Angeles, then.
Asuka looked at the boarding tickets. "You got first-class tickets?" Asuka asked.
"Indeed."
Asuka was beginning to wonder how much this impromptu vacation cost.
At least he didn't plan this trip for right after Howl's. I would've had my period.
Thinking about periods made her angry, so she forced the thought away.
After they went through security, they made their way to the international concourse. Once there, Kurama suggested they get lunch at a restaurant in the concourse. Asuka sat across from Kurama at a table near a bar. He took off his jacket and revealed was wearing a white button-up with the first three buttons unbuttoned. It gave Asuka, and everyone else, a peek at his collarbone and the top of his pectoral muscles.
The server, who had been busy with the lunch rush, hadn't noticed them sitting at the table. When Kurama smiled to get her attention, she gasped and dropped her tray. The glasses balanced on the round platter shattered with a fantastic twinkling sound. She turned beet red. "I'm so sorry, so so sorry," she said to the table nearest to the accident. "We'll clean that up right away. I am so sorry." The server looked over at Asuka and Kurama. "I'll be with you in a moment. I'm sorry." Covering her still-reddened face, she ran to get a broom and mop.
Asuka's mouth twitched with amusement. "You're the most attractive man anyone has ever seen, you know."
"You believe so?"
"I know so."
"I've always found the attention irritating," he said. "In school, it interfered with my studies, and now it interferes with my work and my life with you."
Asuka bore her eyes into Kurama's. "How do you feel about the attention you receive from me?" She knew the answer, but she wanted the already high sexual tension to go up another notch.
"One glance from you sends me into the deep." His voice groveled.
"Mmm…" Asuka licked her lips.
His pitch went lower. "Just wait until I get my hands on you."
"Show me what you can do."
"I intend to."
The still-flustered server broke Asuka and Kurama's low-spoken conversation. She set the full water glasses in front of them, took their orders, and left.
Asuka smirked. This was fun.
Kurama and Asuka's conversation over lunch was like the conversations they had before Asuka had turned her mind to getting pregnant, and she liked that.
Her eyes drifted toward their gate. "So, we're going somewhere from LAX. There are a hundred possibilities. But I know one thing."
"What's that?"
"We'll be completely alone."
His eyes twinkled.
"You've threatened to whisk me somewhere far away a few times. And we have one shared suitcase between the two of us. You don't plan on us wearing much. Somewhere tropical?"
The glint went amber as a smirk encompassed Kurama's future. "We wouldn't be wearing much, even if we went to the mountains."
"True."
Asuka just wanted to hurry and get where they were going.
-* ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ *-
The flight to LAX was long, but comfortable since Kurama had splurged on such nice tickets. After they arrived, they went through the customs check and boarded another flight to Faa'a International airport.
"Where's that?" Asuka asked.
He kissed her head and smiled. "Tahiti."
Asuka grinned. "I knew it was somewhere tropical."
"You did."
They were going to Tahiti. Asuka had never been there, but it surprised her that Kurama had opted for these islands instead of something near Okinawa. Maybe he rented a house high in the mountain range where we can be alone and take trips down to the beach. It sounded blissfully romantic. I bet he moved up our ten-year anniversary trip to take me away now.
Their anniversary was a few months away still, but Asuka didn't mind they were taking the trip now. In fact, being whisked away like this made it feel even more special. Tokyo was beautiful in full spring, anyway. She didn't want to miss the blooming of the Sakura trees.
Once they landed in Tahiti, Kurama surprised her, because they boarded another flight to one of the Tahitian islands called Rangiora. Thankfully, the flight was brief.
"How are you doing?" he asked after they disembarked.
"Tired, but excited. Is this our final stop?"
He smiled. "No."
"Really?"
"We're almost there. Come with me?"
She clasped his hand, and they exited the airport.
It was hot and humid outside the airport, but the tropical air was full of salt and she felt sand in the wind. There was a taxi waiting. Kurama opened the door for her.
The taxi driver did a double take at both Kurama and Asuka before he settled into his seat. Kurama told him where to go, and the taxi headed out.
Asuka had seen the water from the airplane, but to see the pristine greens and blues so close tripped her heart.
The taxi pulled up to a boat launch, crowded with groups of people. One group was American. Another couple was Swedish. After Asuka and Kurama boarded, a few more people boarded. They were French.
So many different types of people, Asuka thought as everyone got settled.
The boat pushed off.
The wind blew Asuka's long flowing hair forward, and she grabbed it, laughing. "Guess I need to put my hair up."
Kurama's hair was also being pushed forward. He looked so ethereal while the wind carried his raspberry strands. The passengers kept glancing at both of them. We really stand out.
The boat pulled up to an island resort, and everyone stood. Asuka also stood and grabbed her things when she felt a gentle hand on her arm.
"Not here," he mumbled.
Asuka looked at him, puzzled. Then she realized. "Kurama…did you…rent an entire island?"
He said nothing, but that told Asuka everything she needed to know. She could hardly believe it.
After the resort passengers exited, the boat backed up and sped across the water. The sky was clear save for some sparse puffs of white. Water sprayed over the sides of the boat. As the droplets dried on Asuka's skin, they left a salted crust behind.
The boat wove through islands of various shapes and sizes. Palm trees swayed. In the distance was the atoll.
It felt like heaven.
The boat slowed as it went around the tip of a tiny island closer to the atoll, and Asuka's breath stopped.
There was a wooden dock the boat pulled up to, which led to a pristine beach of white sand. Tucked into the palm trees was a thatched roof bungalow.
Kurama got off the boat first and held his hand to Asuka, who stepped off in wonder. Kurama gave his thanks, paid the ferry driver, and then clasped Asuka's hand. She heard the boat push off and zoom away, but didn't watch. Her focus was on their island getaway.
The bungalow was made with teak wood stained dark and shiny. Two wooden posts in the front held up the roof and two glass sliding doors. To the far left was the bedroom with a king bed with cream linens piled high with brown pillows. It had its own set of sliding glass doors.
Inside the bungalow was a living area, kitchen, and bathroom. Outside the bathroom was an outdoor shower and an outdoor soaking tub. There were lounge chairs and a double hammock. There was even a little peninsula with a dining table and chairs at the end up on a deck.
And if all of that wasn't enough, outside, closer to the shore but still surrounded by palm trees, was another deck that supported an outdoor bed. Sheer curtains fluttered in the breeze.
"What do you think?" Kurama asked.
"This is the most beautiful place I think I've ever been. But, Kurama." She hesitated. "How?"
He laughed.
In terms of finances, Asuka and Kurama were doing well. Better than well. They had plenty of money. They could get a bigger place if they wanted and could own two cars—even nicer than the used Maxima Kurama had just bought with cash.
But there's a difference between having wealth and being filthy rich. To pay for this island and their first-class tickets, they would've needed to be filthy rich. And Asuka didn't think Kurama's practical nature would've let him liquidate his stocks to pay for a holiday, no matter how possessive he was feeling.
"Do you remember that CD you signed for Fukashi Hiroshima?"
"I do."
"Well," Kurama said with a glint, "he has now become a client of ours. He is president of a Pacific Island Real Estate Development Group and I asked him if there were any properties I could rent. I told him I was thinking about something tropical and remote. And he offered this island, 75 percent off."
Asuka gaped. "Really?"
"Really. He enjoys your work and was excited that I asked. I used some of our miles to book the first-class tickets."
Of course.
This was still the most expensive holiday they'd ever taken, but their ability to afford it made more sense now.
"Any more questions?" he teased.
Asuka laughed. "No."
They went to the bedroom to get unpacked. While Asuka took everything out of the suitcase, Kurama came behind her and pulled her taut against his body. His large hands roamed her stomach before going upward to cup her breasts.
She felt him press up against her.
"Hi," he whispered, while he kissed her neck and massaged her.
Asuka set down what she was doing and reached back to put her hand on Kurama's face. His lips left her neck and kissed her palm.
"I've fantasized about this for a long time," he confessed. "But especially while you were away."
Asuka smiled.
Kurama's hand left her breasts and went to her shoulders. He squeezed them before he stepped away. "Take your time unpacking. It was a long trip."
"How long are we here for?"
"Nine days."
Asuka did a mental check. That meant she'd still be jetlagged for a concert, but she decided it was fine. She needed this. Kurama needed this.
"I'll be in the kitchen," he said before he left.
Asuka went back to unpacking.
The suitcase had shirts and shorts for Kurama, a pair of jeans, and some swim trunks. For herself, he packed bikinis, a very strappy swimsuit that should be considered lingerie, some sundresses, shorts, and a t-shirt.
It wasn't enough clothes for a full ten days, but it was plenty for a lonely island getaway. Actually, Asuka had expected a lot less. She put the clothes in the dresser next to the bed.
No babies.
The invasive thought came from nowhere and pierced her mind. Thank you for the reminder, Asuka thought bitterly. Moving on. She shook her head and turned her body. For a long while, she stared out at the ocean. There were hardly any waves because of the atoll, but she could still hear the faint lapping of the ocean that came in with the breeze.
She was in paradise. Asuka finished putting everything away and found Kurama.
He was in the kitchen slicing up some fruit. "Finished unpacking?" he asked as he handed her a slice. The outside was green, and the flesh was white with large black seeds.
"I did. You packed more clothes than I expected."
Kurama laughed. "Well, a chef will be coming to prepare our dinners and some breakfasts. I thought we could take care of the rest ourselves."
"That makes sense." Asuka bit into the fruit. It was citrusy and sour. "What kind of fruit is this?"
"It's called Tahitian Noni."
"It has a strong odor, but I like it."
There was also bread available, which Kurama and Asuka ate. Afterward, Kurama gently clasped her hand and led her to the bedroom. "I love you. How about a nap?"
She smiled. "A nap sounds nice. After all that travel, I could use one."
"I thought so."
"What time will the chef be here for dinner?"
Kurama looked at his watch. "He should be here five-thirty local time. It's three-thirty now."
Asuka fluffed her pillow and slipped under the linen sheets. Since it was warm, she didn't snuggle next to Kurama like she normally did, but she got close and whispered, "Thank you."
"You are most welcome, my love."
She closed her eyes and let the rustling of the palm trees and the gentle lap of the ocean a short distance away lull her to sleep.
-* ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ *-
Asuka woke to an empty bed. She yawned and then looked at her phone. The time read 5:00. She rose and changed into a sundress before she went outside.
Kurama was sitting on the dock reading a book. He was wearing a pair of jeans with the same white button-up shirt. The sleeves were now rolled up past his elbows. His knee propped up the arm that held the book up.
As Asuka walked closer, she saw Kurama had also unbuttoned the bottom two buttons. The open shirt at the top revealed his pectoral muscles, while the open shirt at the bottom revealed his abdomen.
Sexy. "Did you sleep at all?" Asuka asked as she sat down on the dock next to him.
Kurama closed the book. "Some."
Asuka leaned her head on his shoulder. Her gaze fell on the blue-green waters that stretched to the horizon. "This is paradise."
Kurama turned toward her and pulled her into his lap. He cupped her jaw with his hand and kissed her fervently. His other hand wandered downward and palmed her breast.
Asuka whimpered.
His grip on her tightened, and his teeth caught on her bottom lip as he massaged her. Asuka's fingers went into his long, silky hair as she wrapped her legs around his waist.
He pulled away.
"Kurama," her voice croaked, "part of this trip is about us and making up for how we missed each other while we were apart. So, I want you to take me whenever you want me. Don't hold back, and I'll do the same."
He growled. "Oh, I plan to. The only reason I haven't stripped you is because the chef is coming. I can hear the boat in the distance."
In their moment of passion, Asuka had forgotten. She went to tuck her hair behind her ear, but Kurama beat her to it. "We'll pick this up later," Kurama said.
Asuka gave him another quick passionate kiss and slid off his lap. She clasped his hand and resumed looking out over the ocean. She could also hear the boat now.
A few minutes later, the boat docked. There was only one person on it.
"Hello," the man said in Japanese with a friendly smile.
"Do you speak Japanese?" Asuka asked.
"No," he shook his head. "Apologies."
She figured. Tahiti was part of French Polynesia, so she said, "I can't speak Tahitian, but I can speak French. I hope that's okay."
His eyes widened. "Of course! My name is Enoha and I'll be your chef. The notes said that you two would prefer local cuisine for your meals. Is that still the case?"
"Yes, please. I'm Asuka, and this is my husband, Shuichi."
Asuka turned toward Kurama and relayed what the chef said. Kurama knew a few languages, but French was not one of them.
"Does your husband speak any other languages besides Japanese?" Enoha asked.
"He does. He speaks Mandarin and English."
"Well," Enoha said in English. "I can also speak English. My English isn't as good as French, I'm afraid."
"You speak English very well," Asuka said.
"Indeed," Kurama said. "And thank you."
Enoha smiled widely and lifted a giant cooler out of the boat. He set it on the dock. "I've got the catch of the day in the cooler and marinating. Dinner should be ready soon. You can just pretend like I'm not here and enjoy your holiday."
"Oh, no," Asuka said. "I would much prefer to acknowledge your existence."
Enoha chuckled. "Well, thank you. Since you two are Japanese, is it okay to assume you eat raw fish?"
"It is," Asuka said.
"Then I will make what I prepared tonight."
"Is it okay if we come to watch you?" Asuka asked.
"I would love an audience."
Asuka and Kurama followed Enoha into the kitchen and sat on the counter-height stools. They watched him open his bag and put on an apron and sharpen his knives.
"I'm going to make you Poisson Cru," he said. "It is one of our most famous dishes."
"What's the Tahitian name for it?" Asuka asked.
Enoha smiled warmly. "Ah, Mrs. Asuka, thank you for asking. We call it Ei' Ota. It is raw tuna, marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. I will mix it with some diced vegetables."
"It sounds delicious."
Enoha opened the refrigerator and took out a variety of vegetables, which he diced with efficiency.
Asuka noticed the ring on his finger and asked, "How long have you been married?"
"Fifteen years," he said proudly. "We've got five children. Four boys and a girl."
Asuka felt a dull ache. She ignored it and asked, "Do you live on Rangoria?"
He nodded as he opened the cooler. "My wife and I were born on a different island, but since Rangiora has a lot of resorts, we moved here for my work. It was easier."
"That makes sense."
"Where did you learn how to be a chef?" Kurama asked.
Enoha laughed. "Well, mostly from my mother, but I also went to France. You can't work the resorts without French training. And they require fluency in English."
Asuka nodded.
Enoha plated their food with a flower. Asuka stared at how he'd arranged their food.
"Is that okay?" he asked, uncertain.
"Oh!" Asuka stirred. "I'm sorry. It's beautiful. It's so beautiful, it looks like artwork. I was just admiring your skill." She scooped some of the tuna with her spoon and took a bite. "Wow! Enoha, this is…very good."
Kurama ate some of his and heartily agreed.
"I'm glad you like it. The perfect dish after a long day of travel."
"Mmhmm." Asuka said through a mouth full of food. It had such a delicate flavor. Asuka ate slowly to savor it.
"Well, I will leave you to enjoy your meal," Enoha said.
"Please stay," Asuka and Kurama said at the same time.
He smiled. "If you insist."
"We insist."
At that, Enoha laughed. He grabbed a stool and sat on the other side of the counter.
Their dinner was fun and casual. Enoha talked more about his family, his upbringing, and a secret spot on the main island known only to locals. When they finished their dinner, Enoha brought out a dessert he'd already made called Banana Poe.
"Thank you for dinner and the conversation," Asuka said as Enoha was packing up.
"It is my pleasure," he said sincerely. "You two are my favorite people to visit in a long time. Would you like me to cook your breakfast tomorrow?"
Asuka looked at Kurama, then said, "I think we'll skip breakfast tomorrow. We're planning on sleeping in after our long trip."
"Then I will see you both tomorrow evening. I have stocked the fridge and cabinets. Enjoy your night."
Asuka and Kurama waved to their chef as he climbed into the boat. He waved back, started the engine, and sped away.
It was now twilight, and there were no sounds save for the wind through the palms and the gentle lap of water.
Asuka turned toward Kurama and saw the way his eyes gleamed. She wanted him to overwhelm her like he'd been longing to do. She could see how he ached for her in his body language and the smoldering fire in his eyes. He pulled her in for a kiss.
"Maybe we should just have sex here on the dock," Asuka said, breathless.
"At some point. However, I have plans for you."
"Oh?"
He scooped her up. Asuka snuggled into the opening of his shirt and breathed in the scent of musk and roses. Nothing compared to the security of him and his love.
Kurama carried Asuka up to the deck and gently set her down. "Take off your clothes and lay down, Love." He pointed to a lounge chair that was completely flat outside the open bedroom glass doors on the deck of the bungalow. Next to the lounger was a container of oil.
Asuka realized Kurama wanted to give her a massage. She looked at the lounger for a moment longer. "Let's go to the outdoor bed instead."
"I didn't want to mess the sheets out there."
"Don't worry. While I was putting away our clothes, I found the extras. We can change them if we need to."
She walked out to the bed and stripped before she climbed into it. The sheer curtains fluttered in the breeze around her as she settled. The soft linen sheets were perfectly blissful. As Kurama climbed in, the bed dipped.
"On your back?" he asked gently.
Asuka turned over, put her hands underneath her head to support it, and exhaled.
Kurama started with her shoulders and kneaded the coconut oil into her skin. His touch was both arousing and relaxing. He was slow and precise as he dragged his rough hands over the smoothness of her skin and carefully worked down her back. When he got to her butt, he palmed both cheeks while he used his thumb to massage her.
His hands lingered there before he dragged them down and went to her legs. Once the back of her was sufficiently massaged and oiled, she felt his lips kiss down her spine.
"Flip over for me?" he whispered in her ear.
Asuka did so. As much as she appreciated how good her back felt, this view was much better. She could see the desire on his face as he dragged his hands over her. She whimpered when he cupped her breasts and kneaded them.
"Perfect. So perfect," he breathed. "And to think—I had once believed I didn't need you in this way."
"That was a long time ago," she said, her voice raspy and strained.
His hands moved down her stomach before going to her thighs. "Mine."
"Yes."
He growled, and his fingers tightened on her thighs as he massaged her.
When he was done, Asuka didn't give him a chance to dictate what happened next. She told him to strip and moved to grab the coconut oil.
"Think you can lie on your stomach?" Asuka asked, motioning to the hardness before her.
"I can." He adjusted himself and lay on his stomach.
Asuka swallowed.
His human body was both beautiful and sexy. The muscles in his back rippled as he adjusted his arms. She pushed his hair out of the way and slathered on the oil.
This was a human body, but his hair, eyes, and even some part of his muscular physique were influenced by the yoki that burned inside of him. If not for the fusing of their souls, Shuichi Minamino would've had black hair.
Asuka's fingers traced the ridges of his shoulders and the muscles, which had become so comforting to her. This man is mine. Everyone could look at him (it's not like the world could ignore him), but he was hers. Hers to touch, to love, to pleasure. A possessive feeling washed over her.
His back gave way to his toned glutes, which led to his sturdy legs. They were dense and hard. He was so different from her. His beauty mixed with his masculinity in ways she couldn't comprehend.
"Turn over." The command was stronger than intended. Her jaw clenched when he shifted his body and she saw he hadn't lost his arousal.
Asuka started with the top of his shoulders. Her smoky purple eyes bore into his as she massaged his biceps. Her fingers traced every line, and her eyes drank in his physique.
"You're giving me an examination, Love," he said. His voice dripped with desire.
"You deserve to be examined…by me." She was so turned on. He'd been stoking this fire ever since he walked into their apartment and surprised her with this getaway. "You're not the only one who feels possessive," Asuka said as she worked her way down to his abdomen. "You're mine. This," she said as she took hold of his length, "is mine."
He growled at her words and moved his hips so he moved in her hand.
Asuka let him go and moved down to the front of his thighs. He was breathing heavily now as her fingers worked his muscles.
The perfection of him. The manliness of him. He'd taken her halfway around the world to lift her from her sorrow and satisfy a deep-seated need that had been triggered.
When she moved to climb on top of him, Kurama stopped her by gently grabbing her wrists.
"Don't try and stop me," she hissed. "I need you right now. I deserve to have you right now." Her own words startled her.
Kurama let go of her wrists and allowed her to make her ascension. He felt good between her legs.
Somewhere in the back of Asuka's mind, she knew her behavior was because she wanted to forget. Forget how angry she was at her body, forget that she couldn't have children. She wanted to drown herself in Kurama, and because he'd arranged this getaway, she could.
They were alone on this island, with no one around for miles. Asuka threw her head back and moaned loudly as they moved together, slick with coconut oil and sweat. Kurama's large hands palmed her breasts while he panted and thrust upward.
The sound of him panting and grunting—was like music. Each note rang in her ear and heightened her arousal. She twisted her hips and changed the music she drew from him.
He felt good. He felt so good. Why couldn't she play this music forever? Why couldn't they stay like this forever?
Her climax began to burn inside her. Tight and taught, like the man clinging to ecstasy beneath her. He was right on the cusp. So close. She was so close.
Asuka's vision began to blur. The wind, Kurama's heavy pants, and her own moans went silent and were replaced by a star-lit lake.
The rippling turned to waves as a fierce wind blew. Then, the head of a giant electric green dragon came up from the depths of the lake. "Maeko. You must return."
And then—Kurama satisfied her.
The sensation ripped Asuka away from her vision. Euphoria shot her body as she continued to rock against her husband. She rode the waves, clinging to him and the feel of him inside her. His oiled, muscled body spasmed. "Asuka."
There was something desperate in the way he said her name as he rode out his own pleasure. Asuka opened her eyes, bent over, and fastened her mouth to his. Let me stay in this moment.
After a few minutes, Kurama sighed deeply. His fingers went through the ends of her oiled hair.
"What is it?"
"You're so…beautiful. Especially now. I want to remember you this way, forever."
Asuka leaned down and kissed his lips again. "You will."
They stared at each other silently while Kurama kept playing with the ends of her oiled hair.
"Your ki just now. It was the brightest it's been since you lost your foresight," Kurama said quietly.
"It was?"
Kurama nodded and sat up, careful to keep her in his lap. "Is everything okay?"
Asuka bit her lip. It was now dark, and she could just barely make out Kurama's expression. He looked worried.
"I had another vision of that lake," Asuka said. "And this time, a dragon came out of the water. It was electric green and glowed just like the stars above it. And…the dragon called to me by my original name. It told me to return."
Kurama's eyes widened.
"I just…I have this feeling. I've been having this feeling that something is off with the world. I can't explain what it is…but I've been wondering…"
"Wondering what?"
Asuka shook her head. She didn't want to voice the thought because she'd been avoiding letting it formulate. And she didn't want to say it to Kurama. Not now, on one of the most romantic nights of their relationship. "Never mind. I don't want to talk about it. It's not important."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. Oh, Kurama, look. The stars."
He turned around and looked over the ocean. The stars filled the sky in a way Asuka had never seen before. And in the center was the Milky Way. Its silver river cut across the sky and splashed down to the horizon in a waterfall of color.
"Beautiful," Kurama said. He drew Asuka close to himself, and they sat there together and watched the sky.
I don't want to leave you, Asuka thought. All I want…is to stay with you. Forever.
Author's Note:
So, it's the dragons who are calling Asuka, and they called her by her original name. What is the thought that Asuka has been avoiding? More on that soon.
That bungalow in Tahiti is real because of course it is. Trust me when I tell you I went down a long hole of researching private islands...because of accuracy. Sure. We'll call it accuracy and not my deep desire to go to a private island in the middle of nowhere. Sure.
Kurama's look with the jeans and white shirt is inspired by a colored illustration Togashi did eons ago which was turned into a figure. I have that figure sitting on my desk. It's one of my favorites so I had to work in that visual somehow.
Sexy chapter, but also sad. And maybe a bit worrisome.
See you next week. I hope all of you are well :-)
-Arielle