I smiled the moment my feet stepped out of airport grounds to the city of Tokyo. We were actually to go to Kyoto but we decided to stop in Tokyo then take a train to Kyoto after spending a day or two here.
“Wow.” I said as Ben smiled before he wrapped his hand around mine.
“I’m honestly impressed.” Ben commented as we stared at all the citizens and tourists who would wake in and out of streets, corners and roads with fancy gadgets and AI simulations. Totally different from the US and it made fifteen hours of discomfort in a flying container of metal.
“I’m so exhausted. Why don’t we take quick nap before heading out?” Ben asked as we approached a taxi.
“We’re only spending a night here before we go to Kyoto; there are a lot of tourist sites I want to go to.” I whined as Ben chuckled.
“Honey, we have five days to spend in Japan, we will make time for everything. I’m sure your internal clock is itching to rest then adjust.” Ben expl
039 Japan sure had a lot of temples for island people and Azrael who was the only Asian I knew didn’t exactly have anything to link him to his mother’s side of his family even though it was right he bears her last name as the alpha of the family. It made me wonder if it was possible to go to Osaka which was Azrael’s hometown to explore but I brushed off that thought. This trip was for me and Ben not Azrael so I shouldn’t think of him at all. We were so lost with touring Tokyo, we kept on pushing our arrival date to Kyoto today. It was fun though I felt bad a little because I left most of the packing to Ben since it was the only thing I couldn’t do and he insisted on the million-dollar treatment. “I want to go to a spa.” I said when looking at the tour manual the hotel we lodged in gave to the guests. “A spa?” Ben asked as he unpacked our things that needed out of the box. “My birthday is tomorrow so a spa cleansing i
040 I was in a café enjoying my milkshake as I looked at the people that were happy. I was born on the fifth of May in Germany and I was celebrating my twenty seventh birthday alone while my husband was in an airplane heading home. I suddenly regret not joining for that party. “I still have Todo’s email, maybe I could invite him out for Karaoke.” I said as I scrolled down my phone. I was about to text Todo when I saw someone I least expected to see. Azrael was buying a drink as well before he turned back and froze when he saw me. I broke eye contact with him but then reconsidered it and waved at him. It was awkward and he looked around before he realized it was at him and waved back. We were both quiet sitting opposite each other before I pulled my hair back. “It’s been a long time.” I said as Azrael nodded. “How are you doing?” Azrael asked as I shifted in my chair. “I’m good. What about you?” “Same.” We were
041 We arrived at a traditional inn and the moment one of the staff saw Azrael; she ran towards him and smiled at him. They were talking incredibly fast and it wasn’t like I could understand but how she acted when Azrael looked at me gave me a clue on what they were talking about. She bowed at me before she blushed with a satisfied look. “We should take a bath.” Azrael said as I stared at the elderly woman. “What were you guys talking about?” I asked and Azrael blushed. He didn’t say anything and it only piqued my interest more as I followed Azrael. “What did you guys talk about?” I insisted before Azrael paused. “It’s nothing important. We should hit the Onsen.” Azrael replied before he pushed aside a sliding door. We entered inside before Azrael closed the door behind him. The room was neat, dry and spacious with baskets stacked in rows. I was honestly expecting a lot of people here but it wasn’t that time or hour w
042 Leslie I opened my eyes slowly, blinking multiple times before I recognised the heat I was sensing. I tried to move but I felt an arm around my waist that obstructed my movement. I looked up to recognize who it was before I saw Azrael. He was sleeping with his mouth slightly open and his chest heaving gently while he snored softly. This was the first time hearing him snore whenever he slept off even though it was gentle. I looked to the left and I was shocked when I saw the yukata, we were wearing last night scattered on the ground with bottles of the sake we drank last night before I touched my lips. It dawned on me what I had done last night with Azrael and I was the one who initiated it. I quietly got off Azrael, careful so I wouldn’t wake him up before I picked my yukata up and put it on. My legs felt a little weak but it had enough strength to take me to anywhere since my body didn’t hurt. I opened t
043 Azrael I just arrived home from the airport with a frown on my face. I’ve been struggling to reach Leslie since he texted that he arrived in the US. It was frustrating especially since I couldn’t rid this anxiety and panic that was eating my flesh. Reina had mentioned that Leslie mentioned he wouldn’t be resuming work immediately and that made me overall suspicious. Leslie loved his job more than anyone could comprehend especially since he was given fresh talents to help while still working with me to produce a book that would rival my unadulterated books. “We’re here sir.” The driver said as he stopped in front of my apartment. I came down from the car, pulling down the face mask and exhaling before I took off the cap then ruffled my hair. My private building suddenly felt bigger and it made me contemplate getting another apartment somewhere smaller with neighbours who just minded their goddamned busines
044 Leslie I opened my eyes and looked down to Ben who was hugging my stomach as he breathed exhaustedly. His grip around me was weak and he was deeply asleep that I didn’t struggle to sneak out of bed like I’ve been attempting to for a while. I climbed down from the bed, covering him with the blanket before I picked up his shirt that was tossed on the floor and buttoned up. Cold, sticky fluid slipped past my legs and my face curled in disgust as I picked my own shirt from a few days ago to clean away his semen. I stood up and softly groaned in pain from the sores and the marks Ben handed to me. I had grown accustomed to the pain from Ben’s hard hand on me and I was afraid of that… Afraid of adjusting to a life of abuse. I looked at Ben who was quietly sleeping before I slipped out of the room. It’s been hard to get breathing space from Ben ever since Azrael came to see me and I was worried about him because just like Ben, h
045 Isaac The memories that haunt my dreams were happy memories of a smile and the voice of my birth mother singing me to sleep. I couldn’t remember his face but I knew he was an omega like me except white like the soft rain that melted after winter. In those vague memories, my mother and I were happy before that happiness was replaced with screams and crying that turned into nightmare. I was adopted into a family, small, warm with desperate couples longing for children but I never felt loved especially after Ben was born. I have a good relationship with my parents especially my father who dotes on me but I never felt I belonged so I always searched for my mother even till today. I was misdiagnosed when I was younger with dyslexia after failing multiple exams and due to the problem, I didn’t start school in time because my parents focused on therapy before they decided to give up and send me to school. It was in midd
046 Leslie Ben returned home as I folded laundries, ignoring the fact he was back since he kept me hostage in my own home. “I’m home.” Ben said as he walked into the living room where I was folding laundry. I ignored and proceeded with my work before he knelt down beside me and stretched his hand towards mine. I retracted mine before he could touch me before I held it securely and created some distance between us. “Sorry I didn’t mean to scare you, I just wanted to help you.” Ben apologized as I stared wearily at him. “Now that your face has healed,” Ben said as I touched my face. “Let’s go out for dinner. Just the two of us, I also got you a gift.” Ben dropped a few bags and two boxes in front of me before he pushed it towards me. “What’s that?” I asked. “I picked out some clothes I thought would look good on you, we haven’t gone out on any date in a while.” Ben said as I pushed back the gift
A year has passed, and we’ve experienced wonderful and painful things together, but we’re fine and strong.Valentin proposed to Lucas, and they had a fast court wedding in April. No one knew but Ancel, and you can’t blame him. He found out the day they wedded.We knew because I didn’t hear from Lucas for two weeks, but his social media flooded with honeymoon and his past lovers called me to confirm if it was true.We’re happy for them but everyone in the family except Konrad hopes they don’t have a child as Lucas’ fertility period ends.There would be so much awkwardness every time Leslie and I saw that child and the age gap. Dominant omegas fertilities are just too long.There were bad times. Isaac and Sarah separated for a few months because of their careers and a client of Isaac that was Sarah’s childhood friend.It wouldn’t be my concern, but Isaac was my brother, and Lucas cried. They were a power-couple so watching them almost throw everything because of another woman; it was pa
AzraelLeslie’s second pregnancy journey was fierce. Tougher than the duration he was pregnant with Nikolaus.Week ten.Leslie eats mostly fruits because his nausea is heavy. He gets fatigued over minimum effort and sleeps for long durations. He cries a lot, but he bounces back after the mood swings.He craves churros with weird dips and ketchup a lot.Week seventeen.Leslie’s a little underweight but his bump is growing now. The doctor gave us a supplementary diet we’re strictly following. Leslie hates the taste, but Carson Campbell, Isaac and Lucas are great helps with improving the diet.Leslie’s nausea is getting better but his mood swings aren’t better.Week twenty-four.We’re going to go for a gender test but mother insists on a gender reveal party so the results will be mailed to her. Since we don’t know the baby’s gender, we decided to start decorating with neutral colours like orange and yellow, but Leslie wants purple.We haven’t started picking names, but we know bobby is g
LeslieThe daily life of a marrying a spoilt rich international treasure.I wake up by five every morning for devotion and head to the kitchen. I enter the kitchen and start preparing school lunch for my kid.Ida joins me in the kitchen around six to make breakfast for everyone except I package Azrael’s breakfast because he wakes up when the driver takes Niko to school.Azrael wakes up around ten and eats breakfast late if he eats at all. On days Azrael wakes up early, I don’t work at home.I continue to unwrap wedding gifts from family, friends and fans, sorting things to give out and donate with the servants until I get exhausted.Our habits didn’t change after marriage, and we’ve been married for five months, but things were different in a good way. Pleasant.At least until now.I bolted to the bathroom and crouched in front of the toilet, gripped the toilet seat and hurled in the bowl. My stomach twisted in pain, but gentle pats soothed my churning stomach.“Is that better?” Azrae
LeslieThe soft strands of the brush glided carefully around my cheeks and stopped. I opened my eyes and stared at the mirror.The makeup artist did a terrific job making the makeup subtle. My hair was ready, cut shorter than the original length and gelled.Ancel opened the door, surveying seriously with a small note in his hand. He stayed at me and pulled out a white rose from the vase in the room.He placed the rose in my pocket and patted it.“Perfect but I liked the white suit better.”“You were going to make me wear a long veil if I wore that and this is my second marriage.”“You and Azrael would match but the blue isn’t bad. Soft and stable and I get to see you marry.” Ancel said and the door opened.Dad entered with a bouquet of hydrangeas and minor flowers. I recognised the flowers from mom’s garden and dad handed it to me.“Ancel, could you give us a minute?” Dad asked and Ancel winked.“Sure thing pops, have to make sure the set’s perfect.” Ancel said and left the room with
The doorbell rang, and I opened it. Kaiyo stood there with a pout on his face and glared at me. I spread my arms across the door and leaned back a little.“You’re not here to dump tomato juice on me again, are you?” I asked, and he blushed.I smiled and lowered my arms.“I came to apologise, so listen closely, because I won’t say it again.” He puffed his chest and placed his hand on his hip. “I’m sorry for splashing juice on you and saying embarrassing things.”“Stay away from Mitsuki. You don’t deserve him. He’s mine.” I teased, and he turned red.“S-stop teasing me. Y-you be kissing my feet. I came here today.”I patted his head and smiled. “Do you want ice-cream? Sundae?”“What flavour?” He shook his head and wiped his mouth. “I’m not a dog.”He acted like Becca’s, one of Isaac’s twins in her teenage stage that doesn’t want to be smouldered by adults. It’s difficult to find innocence and pure naivety at his age these days.Everything I wouldn’t describe Lucas, me or Oliver as.“Com
105LeslieI joined my friends at the table. They were all waiting, so I raised my hand to reveal the wedding ring.“Yes!!!” Everyone cheered.Some high-fives and hugged me.“Congratulations!” Isaac said and grinned. “You’re marrying my brother again. Welcome to the family.”We laughed at the joke, and I nudged Isaac.“I can’t wait to tell everyone, and it was all thanks to me.” Ancel gloated and pulled out his phone.“Hold on there cowboy, Lucas might have already beat you to it. He was the first person Azrael called to while we were in Japan.”“I’m still going to spice it up more. I still have a picture of the ring.” Ancel said and started typing.“Thank you.” I whispered to Ancel. “For helping me with the ring.”Ancel nudged me and smiled. “Anytime. Patronise my company to decorate your wedding. I’ll give a discount even though your fiancée is one of the wealthiest living things in the world.”“Of course. Just set an appointment for next week.”Ancel was genuinely happy, but his ey
AzraelI took pictures as Leslie excitedly stuck out his head from the train; the breeze blowing against his hair and his eyes excited with the nature scenery around Japan.Leslie was my kid, but travelling brought out that soul in him more. No sleep for me if he was awake, talking my ears out on all the places he wanted to go.I never want him to cry or feel lonely when I’m around.“I can’t wait to take a lot of pictures.” Leslie said, and I sighed.“I’ve missed hot spring baths.”The train stopped, and we headed for one of the popular temples in Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.We took a lot of pictures with a temple guide giving the history of the temple. I didn’t believe in any gods, unlike my parents and Leslie is Christian, so I couldn’t understand his fascination with temples.“Should we buy a charm or two? Maybe a souvenir?” Leslie asked.“Kid, these god statures aren’t for decorations and children touch things they shouldn’t. Let’s stick with the papers that won’t leave t
103Ben and I watched the examination Dr. Steve had with Niko. They were talking as Niko coloured and laughed.Dr. Steve touched a colour of the Rubik's cube and Niko would match the colours he picked as they talked about random topics unrelated to colours.Dr. Steve came out as a nurse took supervision, and we followed him to his office. We sat down and stared at Dr. Steve.My chest was heavy and my hands sweaty. I exhaled to ease the discomfort in my gut.“I have a few questions.” Dr. Steve said, and we nodded. “When was the first time you noticed your ward’s condition?”I stared at Ben, and he nodded in understanding.“When he was three. Nikolaus has always responded to the colour red as a baby, so I thought he liked the colour and yesterday, I confirmed he sees everything as red, with few exceptions.” I narrated, and Dr. Steve nodded.“What exceptions?” Dr. Steve asked.“Himself, me and objects that are actually the colour red.”Dr. Steve stared intensely at the both of us and exh
102LeslieKeystone Kindergarten was a beautiful building with welcoming graffiti and bright scenery. It was the beginning of a session. The school was full of parents, kids, and teachers.Azrael and I held Niko as we stared at the building before we saw a familiar toddler run towards us.“Remy!” Lennon screamed, and Niko broke loose from our hold.They hugged each other, laughing and giggling, then held hands. Lennon was a beautiful boy with a messy mop of brown hair, green eyes, and the brightest smile on his lovely face.“Leslie! Bethan!” Ben jogged towards us and stopped.“He’s so fast.” Ben said and hugged me. “It’s been a while.”Azrael frowned, and I wrapped Azrael’s arm around my shoulder. “You should keep a closer eye on him.”“Or a leash.” Azrael added, and we laughed.Ben checked his wristwatch and stared in shock. “I need to head for the office soon. I have a meeting in less than two hours.” Ben said.“It’s your second son’s first day of school. Be supportive.” I said and