Present

I see you as soon as I come out from among the forest's trees, albeit I could already perceive your scent much earlier. You are at the clearing near the river, where we usually extend our clothes. I remain an instant just watching you from the distance, content with just that after the five days I've been without being able to look nor smell you. You are happy, smiling, and listening carefully to the words of one of the women from the village. I close my fist tighter around what I've brought you, hidden underneath my hakama's sleeve. I wanted to bring you a present, something for you to know you are constant, and that you always travel in my soul.

I feel my heart pounding against my chest, I know it's absurd to feel this anxious, as it isn't the first time I've brought you something, yet up until now, you've always asked for it in some way.

This time I chose it myself.

One of the villagers points in my direction, and you turn around in one quick step to look at me. Again, my heart jumps from my chest.

You start my way with a bright smile which could very well be mistaken for the light coming from the highest of suns during the day. I meet you half-way, and we both stop in the middle of that path to stare at each other. You take a deep breath, and try to get closer to give me that kiss that always awaits me, no matter who is watching us.

"Wait." I ask you, taking half a step back.

"What's the matter?" You show surprise.

"Close your eyes." I request, and you wrinkle the space between your eyebrows. "Close them." I insist, softly, and now you also wrinkle your nose, but I know you'll smile next; just like you end up doing.

"Alright." You concede, and veil your gaze.

I pull out what I've brought for you, and do the necessary movements to place it before you. Behind us the women from the village chuckle, happy and privy to my actions, which makes your anxiety grow.

"Can I open them now?" You ask, filled by yearning.

I smile with a bit of uncertainty which I'm sure you hear in the brief tremble of my voice.

"Yes."

You open your eyes, setting your gaze on me first, then skywards, to take in what's over your head.

"A wagasa."

You say no more, yet by the way you look at the umbrella, and extend your fingers, slowly, to touch the drawing on the inked paper, I surmise you've liked it.

"It's a chrysanthemum." You say, and trace the flower decorating with its yellow tone and green leaves the white background.

"Generosity and happiness, that's what the woman who makes them said at least." I explain.

Your fingers now touch the silk strings that allow it to open and close. I see your lip starting to tremble and I smell the tears suddenly filling your eyes. I tense up, for I still have a hard time accepting tears of happiness also exist. You look at me, place a hand over the one I'm holding the Wagasa with, and that link is left by our side as I receive the kiss you offer me. I surround your waist and lift you slightly, just enough to feel your body shape against mine.

Behind us, the women laugh and some even clap. I place the wagasa between them and our reencounter.

A/N

I loved to write this drabble. When I was almost finished, I found out that the wagasa, or inked-paper umbrella made out of bamboo, weren't made in Japan until 1568 (Registered date), however they existed in China way before that. So, I just left it like it was, and told my mind: everything has been made before someone has registered it.

I hope you enjoyed it.

Anyara

This text is possible thanks to the translation of: Dezart