Oops, forgot to upload this one! It's finally here though, and the next chapter should be Sunday or Monday, as usual.
I hope you enjoy!
Luka woke up to a soft blue sky. After blinking for a bit, she realized that they'd fallen asleep on top of the raft, on top of the canopy, while staring at the stars.
She turned to face Miku, who still slept soundly, her hand around Luka's. Slowly, Luka sat up, releasing her hand from the embrace, and she looked around.
Blue sky, blue water. Nothing but blue and the thin line of the horizon. Not a speck to be found, near or far. She sighed, then looked at Miku.
The blinding blue sky didn't seem to bother her at all. Her features were soft, relaxed.
Luka took out her notebook and started writing.
Dear Meiko,
Day Four! Yesterday was probably the craziest day. For the most part, it was normal. But at the end? Man. I can't tell you what happened exactly, but after a bit of an...encounter, we went outside to look at the stars. To wind down, really. To relax. And then she kissed me. Just like that. It was kind of nice, really. I haven't been kissed like that in years. I'm not sure what she meant by it; she wouldn't tell me. But it was nice. Sure, we haven't brushed our teeth in ages, but I think the ration bars we've been eating might take that into consideration: low sugar, you know? I don't think we'll be getting cavities from them. And since we've been eating the same stuff, we tasted pretty much the same too. Either way. That aside, it was actually really nice. And her boyfriend is a total, abusive ass. I convinced her to leave him. I hope, I really hope that she'll see that through. She deserves better.
She looked down at her sleeping companion, then kept writing.
I had her all wrong from the start. Granted, I couldn't really help it to begin with, but it just goes to show that people are never just skin deep. Everybody is dealing with their own shit. She has parents that are either too miserable or too busy to care about her. She's spent a life slaving away to get top grades, probably to get their approval, then gave up and decided to live a life of debauchery instead. I can't really blame her. But she's fallen into a few pitfalls and well, I can't help but want to help her out of them. Starting with that disgusting boyfriend of hers. She really does deserve better.
She pocketed the notebook again and sat there for a long time, just looking around. Eventually, she realized that the sun was getting harsh, so she gently nudged Miku.
"Wake up."
"Wh— Where?"
"We fell asleep looking at the stars."
Miku yawned, then chuckled. "You did. You go to bed so early. I stayed up for hours afterwards."
"Oh. You could have woken me up. We could've gone back inside."
"No way. The stars were pretty. And the weather was so nice. I wanted to stay out there."
"Fair enough," Luka said. "Here, your clothes are dry."
"Freaking finally. Jeans take ages."
Luka rolled her eyes, but with a smile, and turned her back to the other woman so she could get changed in the middle of the raft, far from the edges.
"Okay, I'm all dressed!" Miku declared after a few minutes. She threw the suit jacket back over her shoulders. "And I have this disgusting life vest on."
"Dress for the splash," Luka said breezily. "Let's get the canopy set up again."
With some effort, they reset it, then had some water. Breakfast followed soon afterward, and then it was back to killing time. Miku busied herself with her hair, as usual, and Luka sketched what she saw in the raft, avoiding Miku as a subject.
"What do you do with that book of yours?" Miku asked.
Luka hesitated. "I draw."
"You? An artist?" Miku asked. "What do you draw?"
"Things I see. I do it to pass time, really. I'm not particularly good at it."
The younger woman laughed. "What are you drawing right now?"
"Just the pile of blankets next to me. It's a bunch of interesting shapes, I guess, but I've had better models."
Miku chuckled. "Draw me!"
"I, uhm. Sure. If you want."
Miku put down her hair and posed, leaning back on one hand, the other draped over a raised knee. "How do you want me?"
"Whatever is comfortable is best. I'm not exactly a fast artist."
"Okay." Miku adjusted herself a little, then held the pose.
"You pose for art often?" Luka asked.
"You could tell?"
"Well, you have this practiced air about you," she mumbled, drawing the first lines, keeping them faint so she could draw over them later.
"Normally it's photoshoots, which don't take so long. But every so often we get a painting commissioned. To commemorate an occasion."
"Where do those paintings go?"
"The grand hall back home," Miku said. "I must have sat for, I don't know, like, twelve pieces so far."
Luka nodded. "That's pretty cool."
Luka drew in silence for a while, and Miku sat perfectly still. Luka worked fast, capturing the essential lines, the basic structure, before filling in the shapes, and eventually, the lines.
The more progress she made, the more Luka leaned into her work. The pages of her book were small and Miku was a large subject, relatively speaking. But she applied herself, making sure the details sat just right, and eventually, she thought she was pretty much done. The pose, the jacket thrown over her shoulders, it was all there. She even reduced how obvious the life jacket was around Miku's form, just to be nice.
However, it was an unsatisfying piece. Luka studied the piece with a critical eye, finding it wanting in several ways. For one thing, it was far too small. One could barely tell who the model was, and with no scenery or background, Miku's image merely floated in the middle of the page.
Luka shifted closer and started a new drawing.
"Turn towards me just a bit."
"Changing it halfway through? Interesting technique," Miku teased.
Luka didn't answer, focusing on this second drawing. This one would be a portrait, an honest one, and she applied herself more than she ever had, capturing her likeness quickly with the basic structure, then the shapes, and again, then the lines. Luka paid particularly close attention to the faint curve of Miku's smile and on her eyes, which never left Luka's.
It took a long time, but eventually this second sketch—or rather, drawing—was finished as well.
"Done."
"Let me see!"
Luka shrugged and handed Miku the notebook. "Just don't turn the pages, please. It's also serving as my diary at the moment."
"A diary, you say?" Miku said with a teasing grin. "Fine. I won't snoop."
Then her eyes rested on the drawings, and her smile fell.
"I'm telling you, I'm not really good at this."
"No, these are... Really good."
"You don't have to humor me."
Miku didn't reply, staring at the drawing for a long time, her expression neutral.
"Is this how you see me?"
"I suppose so."
"Oh."
After a minute or so, Miku returned the notebook without another word, and proceeded to worry over her tangled hair again. Luka shrugged, pocketing the notebook.
"I'm going on lookout again," she declared evenly.
"Okay."
Luka made sure she had her flare, her whistle, her telescope, and stepped outside. She found a spot out of the sun, then sat there for hours, gazing at the horizon as she always did, looking left, right, peeking behind from time to time, past the edges of the canopy.
Then it happened. She thought she saw something, a lone dot, on the edge of the horizon. Frowning, brow furrowed, she made her way to that side of the raft and pulled out her telescope.
It was a boat.
Luka immediately pointed the flare upwards and pulled the trigger. It popped deafeningly, and a huge, bright red light sprang upward, straight into the sky.
"Miku!" she called out. "Miku, there's a ship!"
"What?"
"A ship, Miku! There!" She pointed just as Miku exited the canopy. "See, right there!"
"Oh my god, there's someone here."
"There! Yes!" Luka looked up, seeing that the flare hung overhead, shining a bright red light, blinding from so up close. "Fuck, I hope they see this."
Suddenly, the image of the boat was blinding. Luka flinched once, twice, until she realized they were signaling them with a light.
"They see us!" Miku said first, grabbing Luka's arm. "They actually see us!"
"We're safe!" Luka exclaimed. "We're saved!"
They cheered, holding on to each other for dear life.
"Oh god, now we have to wait for them to come to us," Luka groaned.
"We can paddle towards them," Miku offered. "Unless that won't make much of a difference..."
"Fuck it. Let's go."
Each grabbed a paddle and immediately started paddling for the boat. The boat, whose size had grown since they were last outside, continued flashing them, reassuring them that they were in their sights and were on their way.
Sure enough, the spot grew. Soon, even without the aid of a telescope, the shape refined into that of a boat, and Luka blinked when she noticed something else: the boat wasn't alone.
"Oh my god there's a whole fleet over there," she said while she paddled. "I see... Four, five boats."
"I see them too," Miku panted. "We're saved!"
"Think they'll have enough water for us?"
Miku laughed. "They better!"
The image of the boat grew and grew, and eventually it became obvious that it was heading right for them, the shape clear. Luka could even catch a glimpse of the sailors looking from the windows and leaning from the railings.
"Other people...!" Luka exclaimed.
"No offense," Miku said. "But I think we both think that our faces are growing a little old."
Luka laughed. "Just a little. Our voices too."
"So old."
Soon, the ship was right alongside them. They stopped paddling in favor of waiting and seeing how they could be welcomed on board.
"Here," Miku said, handing her the suit jacket. "I'll give this back."
"You can keep it. It's ruined, anyway."
Miku grinned and tossed it back over her shoulders, just as the sailors neared.
"Hello!" a sailor greeted them. "You all right?!"
"We're fine!" Luka replied.
"We're here to bring you home!" another called. "Hold on!"
A ladder on the side of the boat lined up with the raft, and two sailors were already clinging to the rungs, hands outstretched.
"You first," Luka said to Miku.
"No. After you."
Luka shook her head. "I'm not making that mistake again. Please, go first."
Miku acquiesced and grabbed a rescuer's hand. Luka watched as the other woman was carried up the ladder all the way to the deck, and only then did she follow.
The feeling of a solid ship underfoot was so startling, it took Luka a few minutes to adjust. Luckily, there was plenty of time to do that, between the liters of water she was drinking, the fresh food she was offered, and the medical experts that fretted over her. Luka got her collarbone set, and just like Miku had warned her, it sucked the whole time. But she was then given a proper sling and told that it would take two months to heal.
Once the essentials were taken care of, and they were given a proper bed to rest on, a man joined them and caught them up on the events.
Their plane had gone down somewhere in the northern Atlantic. The rescue operation had begun immediately, but due to the remoteness of the location, getting there took some time. Time that their raft took, apparently, to drift far from the original location, in the direction of Iceland. The canopy had only served to catch the wind even more, pushing them further than their estimates had allowed. They had just expanded the search area to take into consideration the recent weather and currents, and had found them almost in the middle of their projected path.
Everybody was worried sick, of course. Luka was handed a phone with her parents on the other end of the line, and their relief was so palpable, Luka couldn't help but cry. Miku did the same with her family, crying in her corner while whispering reassurances.
The question did come eventually: what had happened to Gakupo? Luka asked to speak to his family, and broke the news that she didn't know what had happened exactly, that he'd never made it out of the cockpit after the crash. He's died saving her, she admitted among more tears, and she couldn't be sorrier.
Their feelings were mixed. Luka couldn't blame them. They didn't know her, they only knew of her, and that was mostly thanks to the news. Hearing that he had died helping a stranger only soothed the emotions a little.
Then Luka was free, at least to a certain extent. She hadn't moved around a lot on the raft, so her muscles had started to atrophy. She desperately wanted to move around, to exercise, so that she could regain her strength, but the doctor had ordered her to rest until they got her to a proper hospital for a full check-up.
Luka could only stay in bed for so long, though. She was free, and it was tangible in everything they did. It seeped into her soul. She had to wander around the boat a bit, at least in the areas that civilians were allowed to enter. Plus, she ate good food, drank fresh water, and could talk with people and do many more things. Luka joined the sailors in a few card games, and sketched a few more portraits when word somehow got out that she was a decent artist.
Towards the end of the day, though, Luka retired to her bed and wrote another letter to Meiko.
Dear Meiko,
You must have heard that they found us by now. I spoke with my parents, but they won't extend the same courtesy to every one of our friends, for reasons I understand, of course.
I ache to talk to you again. It feels like ages ago since you called me, asking if I was free to hang out. Things were still normal, then.
Being on a real boat is a huge change from a raft. A solid deck, more people, better food. There's things to do, and you're not just bobbing around like some poor idiot on a bubble in the waves. Instead, you're cutting through the water like an arrow, and that's just so refreshing for a change. It's weird; there are so many boats around us, too. So much effort went into finding us. I wonder how much money our rescue even cost. Who's paying for it?
The news people are here, too. Not on our boat, obviously, but some of the ships around us definitely have news crews on board. You've probably seen my face already. You probably think I look like shit. I probably do, but I feel like a million bucks. I got to brush my teeth and put on deodorant—can you imagine? But I'm definitely not ready to talk to the news outlets. People have asked me if I wanted to do a short interview, but I declined. I wonder what Miku said.
About Miku: I haven't seen her a lot since our rescue. We haven't exchanged a word since we got fished out of the water like, well, fish. She's in bed a lot, which I understand. I don't know what she thought, but sleeping on the raft sucked sometimes. But I also wonder how her parents feel about her being rescued: if they care, or if they started caring. If they'll start paying more attention. If her life will turn for the better now.
I heard we're headed to the U.K., which is somewhat poetic; it's where we were going to begin with. It's the closest landmass, which is all that matters, really. Then, I bet it's a day in the hospital for me while I get my collarbone checked out. Miku can probably fly straight home, but with another pilot this time. I'll be grounded for about six to eight weeks, if I'm lucky. Can't fly with a broken wing.
I hope I at least get to see someone I know in London. Will you visit? Can you? It might be expensive. At the very least, I'll see you when I get home, which I now know won't be very long at all. This might be my last letter to you.
Much love,
Luka
Two days later they were on solid ground, and that feeling was stranger still. A ground that didn't bob to and fro with the waves? Insanity, or at least it felt like it. True to her prediction, Luka was immediately carted off to the nearest hospital, and was to be kept there for a full day for monitoring. Thankfully, she was sufficiently fed and hydrated, and aside from her mending collarbone, there were no outstanding issues. So Luka laid there in her comfortable hospital bed, in a room for one, for an hour or so, unattended, while she sketched. She planned to wait it out without complaining. She'd been at sea for almost six days after all, she could spend another in a cozy room before going home.
A knock on her door startled her.
"Come in."
A man opened the door, smiling when he saw her. But it was a polite, strained smile.
"Hello. Luka Megurine, if I'm correct?"
"That's me."
"Mind if I come in for a chat?"
"I suppose not. You are...?"
He entered and closed the door behind him, before approaching her with an outstretched hand.
"I'm Miku's father," he said. "Mikuo Hatsune."
Luka merely blinked, shaking his hand. Now that he had identified himself, she saw the resemblance. Sure he was much stockier — build more like a fridge than anything else — but she could see the hint of teal in his graying hair. And he had a princely aura about him that reminded her very much of Miku. "I see. A pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise." He stood back, and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I suppose I owe you for saving my daughter's life?"
"Well... You don't owe me a thing."
"You saved her, didn't you?"
"I did."
He nodded. "And then you spent multiple days on a raft with her."
"I did, yes."
He chuckled. "My deepest condolences."
A frown pulled at the edges of Luka's lips, but she fought it. "I'm sorry?"
"She's a handful, that one. I'd hoped that this experience might straighten her out, but she's exactly the same as she ever was."
Luka blinked, and thought for a moment. "She's here."
"Yes. Under medical watch for a day. And she's already demanding a new wardrobe to replace the one she lost. All those shoes... The insurance claim is going to be gargantuan."
"I'm sorry."
"No, I'm sorry. I might have strangled her myself if I'd been on that raft with her!" he said with a laugh.
This time, Luka did frown. "We got along."
"Ha! Teach me!" he joked, crossing his arms. "Either way, I love that girl, in my own way. I've come to say that if you need anything, if you want anything, let me know. The world is your shopping list."
"Oh. Well. I'm happy to stay in her service as her charter pilot, once my shoulder heals. And if I pass my psychological evaluation."
"Excellent. I understand. Rest first, you'll still be on the payroll. Would you like a raise?"
"If anybody needs a raise, it's the team doing the maintenance work on the plane. As motivation."
He didn't even flinch. "Noted. I'll take care of that. Is there anything else you want?"
Luka shook her head. "I'm okay. Maybe a new suit and briefcase, but the insurance will take care of that, really—"
"Don't bother with the paperwork, I have it covered. In two months I'll put you in touch with my tailor, he'll make a beautiful suit for you."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me. I need to thank you. Anything else?"
"I don't think I have a single desire other than to see my friends and family, but that'll wait."
He nodded. "You're flying back tomorrow?"
"Yes. I still need to sort that out. I don't know who to ask about this stuff—"
"I'll have you flown there. No need to deal with those people. Or business class, even."
"Economy is—"
"Rubbish. I won't have that. I'll fly you home. You'll have your own jet, just for you. You'll be right behind Miku."
"That's more than what I could ask for," Luka said. "I don't mind flying a commercial—"
"Ah, it's a lonesome, long flight, isn't it. I can hire staff for you. There will be movies, entertainment. A chef."
Luka shook her head. "That's way more than enough. I promise, economy on a commercial jet suits me just fine."
He frowned. "Perhaps you would like to join Miku on her plane?"
"If... If she isn't against it?" Luka said, uncertain.
"I'll ask her. If she's willing, I'll send one of my staff to retrieve you and your things. If not, you'll have a ticket to the best seat in a commercial plane that money can buy."
"Thank you."
"You have my number. If you need or want anything else, just let me know."
"I will."
He chuckled. "I could get you a nice car. A little Ferrari?"
She chuckled as well, if just to be polite. "I'm fine, thank you."
"If you insist. Get well soon, Ms. Megurine. If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to call me."
"I will, sir."
He left at that, softly closing the door behind him. Bewildered, Luka let out a breath as she replayed the conversation in her head.
"No wonder Miku is the way she is..." she muttered, before getting settled in her bed.