Tenshi no Uta (8/16)
Oct. 10th, 2014 02:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wendyjolyTitle : Tenshi no Uta
Author : WendyJoly
Pairing : Guess who~
Rating : PG
Genre : SF
Lenght : Chaptered
Beta : Confetti shower to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
chibipinkpetals
Genre : Music, love and star ships
Disclaimer : I owe nothing but Arashi owns surely my soul
Summary : “An Angel has the power to pacify a crowd, to convey emotions people ignore. But…when an Angel sings for his master, this man can feel the fullness of body and mind…however, one Angel is made for a Master and only one. And the master can’t choose his Angel.” But when Ninomiya Kazunari, an Angel fated to belong to the ruler of the galaxy chooses the Commandant of the ship designated to guide him to his Master, what will happen to him?
Note: The concept of singing Angel belongs to O.S Card, I borrow it with all the respect due to his huge talent.
CHAPTER 8
Jun didn’t close his eyes, too afraid to wake up from this dream.
He met a lot of women during his life, and more than once he had a crush, but as he was making love to Juri he admitted that Sho told him the truth. She had always been the woman of his life and now he couldn’t help but think that if he was meant to be with someone, this person could not be anyone else than Juri. She was laying in his arms as the dawn began to appear and he reached out to retrieve his outfit, decided to get clothes on before the crew notice something.
Once dressed he slid again under the blanket and raised it to detail Juri leisurely. She was sleeping quietly on her side, one leg fold in front of her and Jun caressed it gently. She thrilled under the caress and smiled wide.
“Stop smiling, baka, it’s just because I’m cold. And if you keep on, we’ll be spotted.”
She was looking at him behind her half-closed eyelids, the smirk on her face smothering the harshness of her words.
“And? There’s nothing to be ashamed.”
He resumed his task, approaching her.
“Really? Nothing to be ashamed but we don’t have to tell it either.”
“Why?”
“Kiss me, dawn will be here soon.”
Jun was about to protest and force her to answer but he wasn’t strong enough to resist, still too afraid to lose her. He took her lips with tenderness but they moved back when they heard a scream at the entrance of the cave.
They stood up and ran.
“Master! Master!”
Sho leaped on his feet, hearing the panicked voice of the Angel so close to him. When he stared at him, Aiba was already by his side and was stroking his hair to appease him.
“Master, I can’t see, help me!”
Sho stepped forward but the Monk put his hand in front of him to stop him.
“He’s not here, my Angel, but don’t worry this is only the spice effects, it’s curable. When we’ll reach the Imperial Palace, you’ll be healed and you’ll see again. Your real Master will heal you.”
The Commandant stood, two feet away from the men and his heart broke seeing the terror in the two now blue eyes of the Angel.
“But my Master loves me, he will heal me.”
“You can’t see anymore, this is a message sent by the Goddess. You’re in the darkness now and you’ll see again when you’ll face the man you’re meant to be with.”
Aiba spoke those words, his eyes firmly on Sakurai. The Commandant had the feeling to lose his heart and his humanity. In this very moment, he was dying to take off his weapon to kill the Monk because he had the right to cuddle the Angel and reassure him. Even if he knew he wouldn’t have the time to move without being killed by Aiba.
But after all, perhaps was it the solution? Killed by his hand or living without the Angel…what was the worst? He crossed Jun and Juri’s gaze and stepped back slowly, fearing for his sanity then went out of the cave. He ran to the glade where he had lived the time of his life.
Be killed by the Monk.
Abandoning his crew.
Not leading them to the Court and keep Nino for himself, condemning him to blindness.
It was insane.
Sho kneeled and cried his pain, his voice lost in the immensity of the forest where dawn began to raise.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and someone holding him tight.
He hid his face at Juri’s neck and cried his anger and his frustration as Jun stroke his back with warmth.
After a few minutes, his tears ceased and he raised his gaze on them. He wanted to tell them his pain and his happiness to see them together, at last. He wanted to tell them that he was devastated by this impossible love and that he wondered if his life was worth to be lived now. But he clung on to the only constant in his life, his career and his role of Commandant.
“Let’s go.”
He left them there without explanations and went back to the cave to give orders.
“I need everybody today, we’ll do the first tests and if everything works as planned, we’ll resume our journey. Get it? Aiba-san, could you lock our passenger into the suite, please? And stay with him, I don’t want to have you on my way for the rest of the road.”
Sho felt Nino reacting but he ignored him the best he could and walked to the ship.
After several technical tests and various readjustments, each of them went back to their posts and Yuta gave his authorization for a real departure.
“Shin, start the engines.”
The pilot nodded and delicately pushed the biggest device, triggering a wave of colors in the process.
The cruiser roared and finally moved, scaring all the animals hidden into the trees which began to fly around and above them. Sho checked out the coordinates and the fly plan.
“Kanayoshi, ships in sight?”
“No Commandant, sky is clear.”
“Shin, it’s up to you.”
“Okay, Commandant.”
They took speed and finally got through Shinagawa’s atmosphere. Six days only were passed but they had the feeling it was like months.
Sho couldn’t wait to end this journey to forget as soon as possible this madness. He swore to himself to harass his parents for them to find him a wife. Any woman, he didn’t care, even if a little voice in his head whispered he wasn’t fair for the girl. Bah, he didn’t give a shit, after all there was no real fairness in this world…
~Ã~
Jun was sincerely worried for his best friend. So much that he couldn’t objectively think about the night he spent with Juri and what they would do once at the Court. He never thought he would see him so desperate. Sho wasn’t a sensitive man, definitely.
He was used to the groaning, to the cursing, to the screaming, his anger and his sadness never last for long, but Sho never displayed his emotions…what would be his life now? Could he forget the Angel?
He gazed at him, discreetly, watch his cold face, his eyebrows knitted.
“Commandant, I have a contact!” Said Kanayoshi, joyfully, surprising Jun who was sat by her side.
“Say to the Palace we’ll be there tomorrow.”
“They are glad to hear us, they were worried.”
“I don’t see why.” Said Sho emotionlessly, standing to go to the window. Jun walked to him, decided to talk to him. He didn’t know what happened between him and Aiba but it was surely serious.
Feeling Jun’s presence, Sho walked away, leaving the Command post.
“Sho, wait!”
“What?”
“Talk to me, what happened?”
“Nothing and leave me alone, I need to be alone.”
“I’m here and Juri too.”
Sho grinned to keep the words he died to speak to Jun and without a word left him. Jun went back to the post and sat in Sho’s sit.
In front of him, the control screens showed a quiet road. He skimmed the different areas of the ship, saw Yuta’s legs under an Eagles…he was incurable.
In the room next to the mess, Juri straddled a bench and was discussing animatedly with someone. It could only be Tadayoshi…
As he was thinking it was wrong, he put the earphones on his ears and activated the sound.
Indeed, he heard the pilot’s voice who sat in his vision field soon.
“…Did you lose your mind?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You and him. Do you think I ignore it?”
“Don’t worry, it’s not a big deal…a mere crush.”
“Do you really think I’m able to swallow such bullshit? I know you, I know your feelings for him.”
“And so? Who cares about my feelings? I know my duty, it doesn’t change anything.”
“Are you a total lunatic?”
“Don’t you dare talk to me this way!”
She stood up and for a second Jun thought she was about to slap the man, but he faced her and grabbed her wrists, forcing her to stare at him straightforwardly.
“You forget who you are and who I am. I’m your safeguard and I have to tell you this, even if it’s the last thing I’d like to do, but you have to face the truth: and what if he put a baby in your belly, HIS baby? Do you realize the catastrophic situation it would be?”
“I…I’m not pregnant.”
“Not yet, but this is the path you’re currently choosing. If you’re so confident, tell him everything, trust him and when you’ll feel his blade getting through your body, you’ll blame yourself.”
“He won’t do that.”
The pilot squeezed her wrists stronger and Jun felt the urge to run to him to punch his pretty face. But the curiosity won.
“He is a Baron Matsumoto, fuck! Juri wake up! The duty is stronger than everything, that’s what you always told me.”
“It’s true. It’s still true.”
“Well, glad to see you kept a bit of common sense. You’ll do what you have to do.”
“But…he loves me.”
“And so? If you’re looking for a lover, you’ll find another one.”
“You’re so…sarcastic.”
“I’d give my life for you.”
“I know.”
“Do you remember our promise? We promised we’d protect you, even against yourself.”
“I remember.”
“Great. We’ll be at the Court, soon and we’ll be free to go back to the Mitta system, achieve what we began.”
“You’re right.”
“I’m sorry, Juri.”
“I know. Me too, I’m sorry to be so emotional.”
Tadayoshi passed by the table and took her into his embrace as the young woman raised the hands, surprised.
“No, Okura,I~”
“Why can’t it be me?”
Juri pushed him and the pilot realized suddenly his mistake, apologized and exited the mess in a rush. She looked at the door for a second and sat back.
Jun ran to the mess, thinking how it will be hard to not hit the guy if he has to cross his path. But the corridor was empty and when he opened the door, she jumped on her feet. She turned back and Jun saw her wiping her tears. But when she faced him again, she was smiling.
“You miss me that much?”
“Juri…we have to talk.”
“Okay. Sit down. What do you want to talk about?”
“About what happened last night, about what we’ll do once out there.”
He died to force her to confess her secrets but it was too soon. She didn’t trust him yet.
“This night was wonderful.”
“For me too.”
He was idiotically relieved because she didn’t act as if nothing happened between them and he reached out. But she didn’t take his hand.
“And about what we will do once arrived…I don’t get what you mean.”
“It’s not a complicated though.”
“We served together during this mission, but General Okada asked us to go back to the Mitta System after. It was the order.”
“Exactly...I thought about something. There is a possibility to keep you away from Mitta if I introduce you to my parents, I’ll officially announce to the Court you’re my mistress, you would stay there.”
Seeing Juri’s look, Jun frowned.
“Jun, I’m a pilot.”
“True. But you’re my mistress too.”
“We spent one night together, I’m not your mistress!”
“Of course, you are.”
“Not officially.”
“But this is an enviable status! You seem to think it’s an insult!”
Juri was ready to argue but she smiled, incredulously, as if he was joking.
“What’s so funny?” Groaned Jun.
“This is an enviable status?! So, ask to one of your one-night-stand girl. I’m an Eagle’s pilot!”
“Be the mistress of a Baron is an honour.”
“You said it already but no thanks, I decline this honour.”
“You want to be with him, with them?”
“If you’re talking about my squadron, of course I do. I want to pilot rather than slowly die at the Court. How could you even ask?”
“Because I refuse to lose you.” Murmured Jun pitifully.
Juri felt guilty, she grabbed his hand and gazed at him.
“Jun, listen to me. I’m flatted…somehow…but let’s say for a second that I agree. I stay at the Court when you’re in mission at the other side of the Galaxy. I see you, what, 15 days by year for some special occasion.”
“I’ll do my best to be~”
“The only way for a soldier to obtain time is to be married. And you’ll be, one day or another. Your parents will push you, your duty is to give them a heir. Will you marry me?”
“…”
“You know it’s impossible. A forest girl and a Baron?”
“You pilot an Eagle!”
“You remember it when it serves you! Jun, if you love me, you know it’s not a life for me. Could you imagine my daily life, sharing your spouse’s apartments?”
“We could do it together, this heir!"
“What?! The law forbid to Noblemen to have children with their mistresses.”
“And if? If you were pregnant who would dare to raise an objection?”
Juri put her chin into her palm, hiding her trembling mouth. He touched a painful subject.
“They would take him to us, Jun, you know it just like I know …he would become a soldier if he had the chance to survive until 7 or 8. The succession laws are very cruel for a misbegotten.”
“I’ll protect you, both of you.”
“Stop it already, stop…” She cried in silent and Jun’s heart broke. He cupped her face and kissed her cheeks, drinking her tears. She smirked courageously, brave little soldier and she murmured:
“Enjoy the time we still have.”
“Come with me.”
He dragged her by the hand to his room and as soon as they passed the door, he slammed her to the wall. They took off some pieces of clothes, loving each other in a rush, their union tasting like despair.
~Ã~
The ship landed on Kanda and a welcoming committee waited for them. Without understanding what was happening, as soon as the door slid opened, they were celebrated like heroes, people congratulating them for this brilliant expedition. The members of the crew exchanged incredulous gazes, wondering where they were to deserve such great praises. .. they were tired, nervous wrecked and above all, they wished to find some peace.
Seeing the way everybody stared at him, Sho thought he was surely scary, but Jun wasn’t in shape either, just like Juri who sounded to have cried all night long and Tada, so angry he couldn’t talk without groaning.
The Commandant pushed unceremoniously the hands trying to grab his’ and he turned around when he heard the murmurs of the crowd.
Aiba just exited the cruiser and he held the Angel’s hand who fumbled cautiously.
He sounded more fragile than the previous time and Sho wondered how he could still walk. He seemed so sad that he felt his good resolutions leaving him dangerously. But the crowd moved away and the General in uniform walked to them.
This latter came straight to Nino and his guard who stepped aside. Okada put the hand on the Angel’s cheek.
“What happened to him?” His voice was full of anger.
“He has been hurt in the jungle and I had to give him spice to save him.”
“You did right Aiba…his life is all it matters.”
The members of the crew frowned, surprised that the General know so well their passenger. But after all, with this man, nothing was surprising anymore.
“Can’t you see, my Angel?”
“My master will cure me.” Whispered Nino.
Automatically Sho stepped forward.
“Yes, you’re right, I will cure you. I’m so happy to meet you, at last.” Answered Okada.
The General hugged him, caressing him tenderly and lulling him in full view of the world. Not a sound escaped from the crowd so noisy early. Okada announced the previous day a very special arrival but a public demonstration wasn’t usual at the Court, even for a married couple.
Sho felt Juri’s hand behind his back and it woke him up. She squeezed tight his vest and he ignored if it was to support him or keep him away from Okada. He died to jump on him to stop this masquerade, for him to stop touching his love.
He stepped away and as one man, the crew followed him.
“Commandant Sakurai!”
He turned back and Okada gazed at him happily, still holding the Angel’s hand.
“Come at my table tomorrow. You and your crew will be my guests. Then you’ll go back in mission. I leave you the entire night to celebrate your return. I guess you need it.”
“We planned to leave as fast as possible, General.”
“So I suppose you’ll have to wait and your parents will be happy to see you, like Matsumoto’s. I told them your return. You can go now, we’ll meet tomorrow.”
They bowed at him and resumed their road.
Sho and Jun met their parents briefly and joined the crew in a bar of the megalopolis.
The atmosphere was more than morose in spite of the success of the mission. Yuta talked first.
“I can’t believe I killed two Eagles.”
“It’s just ships, Yuta-kun, we’ll repair them and I swear I’ll fly with you next time.”
“And where do you intend to make him sit?” Asked Jun, ironically.
“I won’t tell you. You could ask me a ride too…”
“Tada is busy?”
“Yeah, he had to see his parents.”
“I saw mine.” Said Sho and they looked at him. “I said I wanted to find a wife as soon as possible.”
“Sho…isn’t it a bit rushed?”
“One way or another, we’ll have to be married.”
“Hearing you, this is a simple formality.”
“Show me a happy married couple…” concluded coldly the Commandant.
Jun stared at Juri and the rest of the crew, totally devastated by their leader’s behaviour.
~Ã~
The next day, at the Court they left the uniform for a ceremonious outfit. Women wore dresses the General sent them the previous day.
They sat at the huge table, already full of precious meal, where the Courtiers waited for their arrival. Sho’s and Jun’s family were here, Tadayoshi sat with his parents and welcomed Juri as a friend.
Okada came soon with his wife and behind, Aiba and Nino. The Angel walked alone and if his eyes were still blue, he found back his sight, even if he looked at his feet.
The General sat, facing Sho and Jun, his wife at his right, Nino at his left. Lady Aoi was crimsoned and sounded to be on the verge of explosion.
Just like Sho.
The Emperor entered the hall and they stood up, then sat back when he allowed them to.
“Happy to be back, Commandant Sakurai?” Asked Okada engulfing a piece of meat.
“I am, General.”
“Aiba praises you a lot, you know. Yet, he’s hard to satisfy.”
“I’m very glad to hear it.” He said gloomily.
He raised reluctantly the gaze on Nino who was staring at him intensely. But the light in his eyes was gone. His lips were blank and his gaze anxious. It was a real torture to face him.
“You don’t sound to be so glad. Action misses you? Yet you had your share…you were impressive.”
That’s not it. I’m not the most courageous, he wanted to scream. Look at you touching him, forcing me to stare at you because you think he’s yours-.
“I have good news for you! I talked to your parents today and they told me you wished to be married. Coincidentally, it was the purpose of my visit! I wished they agree to your union with my niece, Satomi-chan. They gave me their agreement. What do you think about it?”
Sho stared at his parents who hung their heads. Obviously, they didn’t have the choice. Did he find out what happened between him and Nino or the monk told him? No way, Aiba would never take a risk with Nino.
“When do you wish this marriage?”
“The sooner the better, isn’t it? Time for you to prepare and meet her…three months?”
“I’ll be in mission.”
“You’ll come back once a month.”
There was nothing to argue. Sho sneaked a look at the guests and spotted the girl who smiled in spite of the blush on her cheeks.
His gaze came back to Nino and he clenched his fists under the table.
“Then it is settled! You’ll be my nephew and I’m satisfied. This is a beautiful day. I’d like for you to hear my Angel now.”
He sounded to be so proud while he spoke those words “My Angel”, it was disgusting, thought Sho.
“Kazunari, stand up.”
The Angel did what he was told.
The Courtiers began to murmur. They would hear an Angel for the first time. Only Okada and Aiba had this chance and most of them were curious beyond words, the word “overrated” already on every mouth.
Nino parted his lips as his gaze fell on Sho.
His voice rose slowly like a whisper at first and a perfect silence fell on the Hall. Some of them even stopped to breathe to listen without noticing while others inhaled the most discreetly possible to not cover the Angel’s voice.
Then his singing grew in scale and time as space vanished. He sung the sadness and the nostalgia of a night.
The guests heard clearly the sound of the summer rain and sensed the desire to feel it on their skins. They weren’t sitting in this room, they were simply bodies and blank minds, filled by powerful sensations. They were brushed by emotions and feelings they ignored mixing melancholia, sadness, regrets, dreams and the frustration of what could have been and would never be. A bitter sweetness born from a devastating and absolute love.
Sho received it violently. He sung their story and told him how much he loved him, how much he wished to sing for him and only him until the end of their lives.
It was too much for the soldier. He stood up brutally, making fall the chair behind him and Nino’s song broke immediately.
“Excuse me. I don’t feel well.”
Under the shocked whispers he walked through the hall and when he woke up the next morning he was in a girl’s arm, in one of the numerous brothel of the town, with a serious headache.
At the Palace he came across Juri and Tadayoshi. They wore their pilot outfits.
“Are you leaving?”
“The General told us we were free to go back in mission. So, yes, we’re leaving in one hour.”
“Jun?”
“I didn’t talk to him.”
“He will be furious.”
“He will understand. One day. I’m rather worried for you, Sho."
“It will be fine. One day.”
“I wanted to tell you…if living without him becomes unbearable, contact us. We will help you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Juri! Time to go!”
“Com’in.”
She faced Sho and hugged him briefly.
“You can’t imagine how much it missed me.” She said to his ear.
“I love you, Juri.”
“Me too, Sho.”
He stared at the two pilots taking their leave, wondering if he would have the chance to see them again. He walked through the corridors, thinking again and again about what she told, unable to fully grasp the meaning of it. He decided to talk to Jun. Once he would be sober enough to have a real conversation.
TBC...
Author : WendyJoly
Pairing : Guess who~
Rating : PG
Genre : SF
Lenght : Chaptered
Beta : Confetti shower to
chibipinkpetals Genre : Music, love and star ships
Disclaimer : I owe nothing but Arashi owns surely my soul
Summary : “An Angel has the power to pacify a crowd, to convey emotions people ignore. But…when an Angel sings for his master, this man can feel the fullness of body and mind…however, one Angel is made for a Master and only one. And the master can’t choose his Angel.” But when Ninomiya Kazunari, an Angel fated to belong to the ruler of the galaxy chooses the Commandant of the ship designated to guide him to his Master, what will happen to him?
Note: The concept of singing Angel belongs to O.S Card, I borrow it with all the respect due to his huge talent.
CHAPTER 8
Jun didn’t close his eyes, too afraid to wake up from this dream.
He met a lot of women during his life, and more than once he had a crush, but as he was making love to Juri he admitted that Sho told him the truth. She had always been the woman of his life and now he couldn’t help but think that if he was meant to be with someone, this person could not be anyone else than Juri. She was laying in his arms as the dawn began to appear and he reached out to retrieve his outfit, decided to get clothes on before the crew notice something.
Once dressed he slid again under the blanket and raised it to detail Juri leisurely. She was sleeping quietly on her side, one leg fold in front of her and Jun caressed it gently. She thrilled under the caress and smiled wide.
“Stop smiling, baka, it’s just because I’m cold. And if you keep on, we’ll be spotted.”
She was looking at him behind her half-closed eyelids, the smirk on her face smothering the harshness of her words.
“And? There’s nothing to be ashamed.”
He resumed his task, approaching her.
“Really? Nothing to be ashamed but we don’t have to tell it either.”
“Why?”
“Kiss me, dawn will be here soon.”
Jun was about to protest and force her to answer but he wasn’t strong enough to resist, still too afraid to lose her. He took her lips with tenderness but they moved back when they heard a scream at the entrance of the cave.
They stood up and ran.
“Master! Master!”
Sho leaped on his feet, hearing the panicked voice of the Angel so close to him. When he stared at him, Aiba was already by his side and was stroking his hair to appease him.
“Master, I can’t see, help me!”
Sho stepped forward but the Monk put his hand in front of him to stop him.
“He’s not here, my Angel, but don’t worry this is only the spice effects, it’s curable. When we’ll reach the Imperial Palace, you’ll be healed and you’ll see again. Your real Master will heal you.”
The Commandant stood, two feet away from the men and his heart broke seeing the terror in the two now blue eyes of the Angel.
“But my Master loves me, he will heal me.”
“You can’t see anymore, this is a message sent by the Goddess. You’re in the darkness now and you’ll see again when you’ll face the man you’re meant to be with.”
Aiba spoke those words, his eyes firmly on Sakurai. The Commandant had the feeling to lose his heart and his humanity. In this very moment, he was dying to take off his weapon to kill the Monk because he had the right to cuddle the Angel and reassure him. Even if he knew he wouldn’t have the time to move without being killed by Aiba.
But after all, perhaps was it the solution? Killed by his hand or living without the Angel…what was the worst? He crossed Jun and Juri’s gaze and stepped back slowly, fearing for his sanity then went out of the cave. He ran to the glade where he had lived the time of his life.
Be killed by the Monk.
Abandoning his crew.
Not leading them to the Court and keep Nino for himself, condemning him to blindness.
It was insane.
Sho kneeled and cried his pain, his voice lost in the immensity of the forest where dawn began to raise.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and someone holding him tight.
He hid his face at Juri’s neck and cried his anger and his frustration as Jun stroke his back with warmth.
After a few minutes, his tears ceased and he raised his gaze on them. He wanted to tell them his pain and his happiness to see them together, at last. He wanted to tell them that he was devastated by this impossible love and that he wondered if his life was worth to be lived now. But he clung on to the only constant in his life, his career and his role of Commandant.
“Let’s go.”
He left them there without explanations and went back to the cave to give orders.
“I need everybody today, we’ll do the first tests and if everything works as planned, we’ll resume our journey. Get it? Aiba-san, could you lock our passenger into the suite, please? And stay with him, I don’t want to have you on my way for the rest of the road.”
Sho felt Nino reacting but he ignored him the best he could and walked to the ship.
After several technical tests and various readjustments, each of them went back to their posts and Yuta gave his authorization for a real departure.
“Shin, start the engines.”
The pilot nodded and delicately pushed the biggest device, triggering a wave of colors in the process.
The cruiser roared and finally moved, scaring all the animals hidden into the trees which began to fly around and above them. Sho checked out the coordinates and the fly plan.
“Kanayoshi, ships in sight?”
“No Commandant, sky is clear.”
“Shin, it’s up to you.”
“Okay, Commandant.”
They took speed and finally got through Shinagawa’s atmosphere. Six days only were passed but they had the feeling it was like months.
Sho couldn’t wait to end this journey to forget as soon as possible this madness. He swore to himself to harass his parents for them to find him a wife. Any woman, he didn’t care, even if a little voice in his head whispered he wasn’t fair for the girl. Bah, he didn’t give a shit, after all there was no real fairness in this world…
Jun was sincerely worried for his best friend. So much that he couldn’t objectively think about the night he spent with Juri and what they would do once at the Court. He never thought he would see him so desperate. Sho wasn’t a sensitive man, definitely.
He was used to the groaning, to the cursing, to the screaming, his anger and his sadness never last for long, but Sho never displayed his emotions…what would be his life now? Could he forget the Angel?
He gazed at him, discreetly, watch his cold face, his eyebrows knitted.
“Commandant, I have a contact!” Said Kanayoshi, joyfully, surprising Jun who was sat by her side.
“Say to the Palace we’ll be there tomorrow.”
“They are glad to hear us, they were worried.”
“I don’t see why.” Said Sho emotionlessly, standing to go to the window. Jun walked to him, decided to talk to him. He didn’t know what happened between him and Aiba but it was surely serious.
Feeling Jun’s presence, Sho walked away, leaving the Command post.
“Sho, wait!”
“What?”
“Talk to me, what happened?”
“Nothing and leave me alone, I need to be alone.”
“I’m here and Juri too.”
Sho grinned to keep the words he died to speak to Jun and without a word left him. Jun went back to the post and sat in Sho’s sit.
In front of him, the control screens showed a quiet road. He skimmed the different areas of the ship, saw Yuta’s legs under an Eagles…he was incurable.
In the room next to the mess, Juri straddled a bench and was discussing animatedly with someone. It could only be Tadayoshi…
As he was thinking it was wrong, he put the earphones on his ears and activated the sound.
Indeed, he heard the pilot’s voice who sat in his vision field soon.
“…Did you lose your mind?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You and him. Do you think I ignore it?”
“Don’t worry, it’s not a big deal…a mere crush.”
“Do you really think I’m able to swallow such bullshit? I know you, I know your feelings for him.”
“And so? Who cares about my feelings? I know my duty, it doesn’t change anything.”
“Are you a total lunatic?”
“Don’t you dare talk to me this way!”
She stood up and for a second Jun thought she was about to slap the man, but he faced her and grabbed her wrists, forcing her to stare at him straightforwardly.
“You forget who you are and who I am. I’m your safeguard and I have to tell you this, even if it’s the last thing I’d like to do, but you have to face the truth: and what if he put a baby in your belly, HIS baby? Do you realize the catastrophic situation it would be?”
“I…I’m not pregnant.”
“Not yet, but this is the path you’re currently choosing. If you’re so confident, tell him everything, trust him and when you’ll feel his blade getting through your body, you’ll blame yourself.”
“He won’t do that.”
The pilot squeezed her wrists stronger and Jun felt the urge to run to him to punch his pretty face. But the curiosity won.
“He is a Baron Matsumoto, fuck! Juri wake up! The duty is stronger than everything, that’s what you always told me.”
“It’s true. It’s still true.”
“Well, glad to see you kept a bit of common sense. You’ll do what you have to do.”
“But…he loves me.”
“And so? If you’re looking for a lover, you’ll find another one.”
“You’re so…sarcastic.”
“I’d give my life for you.”
“I know.”
“Do you remember our promise? We promised we’d protect you, even against yourself.”
“I remember.”
“Great. We’ll be at the Court, soon and we’ll be free to go back to the Mitta system, achieve what we began.”
“You’re right.”
“I’m sorry, Juri.”
“I know. Me too, I’m sorry to be so emotional.”
Tadayoshi passed by the table and took her into his embrace as the young woman raised the hands, surprised.
“No, Okura,I~”
“Why can’t it be me?”
Juri pushed him and the pilot realized suddenly his mistake, apologized and exited the mess in a rush. She looked at the door for a second and sat back.
Jun ran to the mess, thinking how it will be hard to not hit the guy if he has to cross his path. But the corridor was empty and when he opened the door, she jumped on her feet. She turned back and Jun saw her wiping her tears. But when she faced him again, she was smiling.
“You miss me that much?”
“Juri…we have to talk.”
“Okay. Sit down. What do you want to talk about?”
“About what happened last night, about what we’ll do once out there.”
He died to force her to confess her secrets but it was too soon. She didn’t trust him yet.
“This night was wonderful.”
“For me too.”
He was idiotically relieved because she didn’t act as if nothing happened between them and he reached out. But she didn’t take his hand.
“And about what we will do once arrived…I don’t get what you mean.”
“It’s not a complicated though.”
“We served together during this mission, but General Okada asked us to go back to the Mitta System after. It was the order.”
“Exactly...I thought about something. There is a possibility to keep you away from Mitta if I introduce you to my parents, I’ll officially announce to the Court you’re my mistress, you would stay there.”
Seeing Juri’s look, Jun frowned.
“Jun, I’m a pilot.”
“True. But you’re my mistress too.”
“We spent one night together, I’m not your mistress!”
“Of course, you are.”
“Not officially.”
“But this is an enviable status! You seem to think it’s an insult!”
Juri was ready to argue but she smiled, incredulously, as if he was joking.
“What’s so funny?” Groaned Jun.
“This is an enviable status?! So, ask to one of your one-night-stand girl. I’m an Eagle’s pilot!”
“Be the mistress of a Baron is an honour.”
“You said it already but no thanks, I decline this honour.”
“You want to be with him, with them?”
“If you’re talking about my squadron, of course I do. I want to pilot rather than slowly die at the Court. How could you even ask?”
“Because I refuse to lose you.” Murmured Jun pitifully.
Juri felt guilty, she grabbed his hand and gazed at him.
“Jun, listen to me. I’m flatted…somehow…but let’s say for a second that I agree. I stay at the Court when you’re in mission at the other side of the Galaxy. I see you, what, 15 days by year for some special occasion.”
“I’ll do my best to be~”
“The only way for a soldier to obtain time is to be married. And you’ll be, one day or another. Your parents will push you, your duty is to give them a heir. Will you marry me?”
“…”
“You know it’s impossible. A forest girl and a Baron?”
“You pilot an Eagle!”
“You remember it when it serves you! Jun, if you love me, you know it’s not a life for me. Could you imagine my daily life, sharing your spouse’s apartments?”
“We could do it together, this heir!"
“What?! The law forbid to Noblemen to have children with their mistresses.”
“And if? If you were pregnant who would dare to raise an objection?”
Juri put her chin into her palm, hiding her trembling mouth. He touched a painful subject.
“They would take him to us, Jun, you know it just like I know …he would become a soldier if he had the chance to survive until 7 or 8. The succession laws are very cruel for a misbegotten.”
“I’ll protect you, both of you.”
“Stop it already, stop…” She cried in silent and Jun’s heart broke. He cupped her face and kissed her cheeks, drinking her tears. She smirked courageously, brave little soldier and she murmured:
“Enjoy the time we still have.”
“Come with me.”
He dragged her by the hand to his room and as soon as they passed the door, he slammed her to the wall. They took off some pieces of clothes, loving each other in a rush, their union tasting like despair.
The ship landed on Kanda and a welcoming committee waited for them. Without understanding what was happening, as soon as the door slid opened, they were celebrated like heroes, people congratulating them for this brilliant expedition. The members of the crew exchanged incredulous gazes, wondering where they were to deserve such great praises. .. they were tired, nervous wrecked and above all, they wished to find some peace.
Seeing the way everybody stared at him, Sho thought he was surely scary, but Jun wasn’t in shape either, just like Juri who sounded to have cried all night long and Tada, so angry he couldn’t talk without groaning.
The Commandant pushed unceremoniously the hands trying to grab his’ and he turned around when he heard the murmurs of the crowd.
Aiba just exited the cruiser and he held the Angel’s hand who fumbled cautiously.
He sounded more fragile than the previous time and Sho wondered how he could still walk. He seemed so sad that he felt his good resolutions leaving him dangerously. But the crowd moved away and the General in uniform walked to them.
This latter came straight to Nino and his guard who stepped aside. Okada put the hand on the Angel’s cheek.
“What happened to him?” His voice was full of anger.
“He has been hurt in the jungle and I had to give him spice to save him.”
“You did right Aiba…his life is all it matters.”
The members of the crew frowned, surprised that the General know so well their passenger. But after all, with this man, nothing was surprising anymore.
“Can’t you see, my Angel?”
“My master will cure me.” Whispered Nino.
Automatically Sho stepped forward.
“Yes, you’re right, I will cure you. I’m so happy to meet you, at last.” Answered Okada.
The General hugged him, caressing him tenderly and lulling him in full view of the world. Not a sound escaped from the crowd so noisy early. Okada announced the previous day a very special arrival but a public demonstration wasn’t usual at the Court, even for a married couple.
Sho felt Juri’s hand behind his back and it woke him up. She squeezed tight his vest and he ignored if it was to support him or keep him away from Okada. He died to jump on him to stop this masquerade, for him to stop touching his love.
He stepped away and as one man, the crew followed him.
“Commandant Sakurai!”
He turned back and Okada gazed at him happily, still holding the Angel’s hand.
“Come at my table tomorrow. You and your crew will be my guests. Then you’ll go back in mission. I leave you the entire night to celebrate your return. I guess you need it.”
“We planned to leave as fast as possible, General.”
“So I suppose you’ll have to wait and your parents will be happy to see you, like Matsumoto’s. I told them your return. You can go now, we’ll meet tomorrow.”
They bowed at him and resumed their road.
Sho and Jun met their parents briefly and joined the crew in a bar of the megalopolis.
The atmosphere was more than morose in spite of the success of the mission. Yuta talked first.
“I can’t believe I killed two Eagles.”
“It’s just ships, Yuta-kun, we’ll repair them and I swear I’ll fly with you next time.”
“And where do you intend to make him sit?” Asked Jun, ironically.
“I won’t tell you. You could ask me a ride too…”
“Tada is busy?”
“Yeah, he had to see his parents.”
“I saw mine.” Said Sho and they looked at him. “I said I wanted to find a wife as soon as possible.”
“Sho…isn’t it a bit rushed?”
“One way or another, we’ll have to be married.”
“Hearing you, this is a simple formality.”
“Show me a happy married couple…” concluded coldly the Commandant.
Jun stared at Juri and the rest of the crew, totally devastated by their leader’s behaviour.
The next day, at the Court they left the uniform for a ceremonious outfit. Women wore dresses the General sent them the previous day.
They sat at the huge table, already full of precious meal, where the Courtiers waited for their arrival. Sho’s and Jun’s family were here, Tadayoshi sat with his parents and welcomed Juri as a friend.
Okada came soon with his wife and behind, Aiba and Nino. The Angel walked alone and if his eyes were still blue, he found back his sight, even if he looked at his feet.
The General sat, facing Sho and Jun, his wife at his right, Nino at his left. Lady Aoi was crimsoned and sounded to be on the verge of explosion.
Just like Sho.
The Emperor entered the hall and they stood up, then sat back when he allowed them to.
“Happy to be back, Commandant Sakurai?” Asked Okada engulfing a piece of meat.
“I am, General.”
“Aiba praises you a lot, you know. Yet, he’s hard to satisfy.”
“I’m very glad to hear it.” He said gloomily.
He raised reluctantly the gaze on Nino who was staring at him intensely. But the light in his eyes was gone. His lips were blank and his gaze anxious. It was a real torture to face him.
“You don’t sound to be so glad. Action misses you? Yet you had your share…you were impressive.”
That’s not it. I’m not the most courageous, he wanted to scream. Look at you touching him, forcing me to stare at you because you think he’s yours-.
“I have good news for you! I talked to your parents today and they told me you wished to be married. Coincidentally, it was the purpose of my visit! I wished they agree to your union with my niece, Satomi-chan. They gave me their agreement. What do you think about it?”
Sho stared at his parents who hung their heads. Obviously, they didn’t have the choice. Did he find out what happened between him and Nino or the monk told him? No way, Aiba would never take a risk with Nino.
“When do you wish this marriage?”
“The sooner the better, isn’t it? Time for you to prepare and meet her…three months?”
“I’ll be in mission.”
“You’ll come back once a month.”
There was nothing to argue. Sho sneaked a look at the guests and spotted the girl who smiled in spite of the blush on her cheeks.
His gaze came back to Nino and he clenched his fists under the table.
“Then it is settled! You’ll be my nephew and I’m satisfied. This is a beautiful day. I’d like for you to hear my Angel now.”
He sounded to be so proud while he spoke those words “My Angel”, it was disgusting, thought Sho.
“Kazunari, stand up.”
The Angel did what he was told.
The Courtiers began to murmur. They would hear an Angel for the first time. Only Okada and Aiba had this chance and most of them were curious beyond words, the word “overrated” already on every mouth.
Nino parted his lips as his gaze fell on Sho.
His voice rose slowly like a whisper at first and a perfect silence fell on the Hall. Some of them even stopped to breathe to listen without noticing while others inhaled the most discreetly possible to not cover the Angel’s voice.
Then his singing grew in scale and time as space vanished. He sung the sadness and the nostalgia of a night.
The guests heard clearly the sound of the summer rain and sensed the desire to feel it on their skins. They weren’t sitting in this room, they were simply bodies and blank minds, filled by powerful sensations. They were brushed by emotions and feelings they ignored mixing melancholia, sadness, regrets, dreams and the frustration of what could have been and would never be. A bitter sweetness born from a devastating and absolute love.
Sho received it violently. He sung their story and told him how much he loved him, how much he wished to sing for him and only him until the end of their lives.
It was too much for the soldier. He stood up brutally, making fall the chair behind him and Nino’s song broke immediately.
“Excuse me. I don’t feel well.”
Under the shocked whispers he walked through the hall and when he woke up the next morning he was in a girl’s arm, in one of the numerous brothel of the town, with a serious headache.
At the Palace he came across Juri and Tadayoshi. They wore their pilot outfits.
“Are you leaving?”
“The General told us we were free to go back in mission. So, yes, we’re leaving in one hour.”
“Jun?”
“I didn’t talk to him.”
“He will be furious.”
“He will understand. One day. I’m rather worried for you, Sho."
“It will be fine. One day.”
“I wanted to tell you…if living without him becomes unbearable, contact us. We will help you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Juri! Time to go!”
“Com’in.”
She faced Sho and hugged him briefly.
“You can’t imagine how much it missed me.” She said to his ear.
“I love you, Juri.”
“Me too, Sho.”
He stared at the two pilots taking their leave, wondering if he would have the chance to see them again. He walked through the corridors, thinking again and again about what she told, unable to fully grasp the meaning of it. He decided to talk to Jun. Once he would be sober enough to have a real conversation.
TBC...
