Imprint

ACT III - Part I

A little over two years after the events of ACT II

"I'm going to marry him."

Life truly can change in an instant. You think it's going down the path you chose, and then everything gets derailed. For me? Leo was everything that derailed my plans for how I thought things would turn out for me. Before him, it seemed like I would always be alone and my career would be my life and death. And that was okay with me, or so I told myself.

And now? I don't ever want to be without him. Work is still important, but now secondary to the person I love. And... I always thought I would never get married. Even if by some fluke I did find someone I liked who liked me back, I come from a family where marriage was never a thing. Long term partnerships always made more sense. When my brother got married, we were all shocked! But now? Plans change.

God. I love that man so fucking much, it's not even funny. Some days it just feels like I can't spend enough time with him. Every moment feels so short compared to the time I want to spend with him. Unfortunately, he knows how I feel about marriage — or, should I say, felt about marriage. When we were first dating I pretty much guaranteed that I would never marry anyone, but now?

"Well, if he won't propose, then I will," I mutter to myself as I enter the jeweler's store doors. The attendant, a man of medium height with black hair, locks eyes with me.

"Hello sir! Are you looking for something in particular today?"

"Yes, an engagement ring."

"Ah, well, congratulations! Please, sit here while I retrieve the owner. Care for some Royal Milk Tea?" I nod a yes and sit in the little waiting area, feeling a little awkward. Who buys a wedding ring on impulse? I guess I do. For months, I have been trying to drop hints to Leo that I want to get married, but he always says something along the lines of 'I know how you really feel, don't push yourself for me. I'm happy!' And today, as I was shopping in Ginza, I walked past the sign 'Jewelry Étranger' and just came in.

The attendant returns with the owner — a physically gorgeous blond man — and my tea. As the owner sits across from me, I find myself feeling a little sheepish in front of such a beautiful and dignified person. Just because I love Leo doesn't mean I have stopped being attracted to men — I'm still gay in that regard.

"Good afternoon, I'm the owner — Richard. My attendant, Seigi, tells me that you are looking for an engagement ring, is that right?" I nod, surprised that this foreigner has such good Japanese. "I have brought out a selection of stones, but are there any that you are particularly looking for?"

"Not really? My brother got his wife a diamond ring, so I guess something like that?"

"Well, here we have gemstones, not diamonds — is that okay?"

"Sure, I mean, diamonds are really common for rings, right? Maybe something different is better anyway. Can I see what you have?" The man opens the case, and before me glitter beautiful stones of almost every color. I let out a low whistle.

"They are all beautiful, aren't they?" I nod quickly. One stone in particular catches my eye.

"What is this one? An amethyst?"

"No, actually, though it is purple, this one is a sapphire." He takes it carefully into his hands. "It has a rich history, as it has changed hands several times. The previous owner was a duchess who had it in a brooch for nearly fifty years; before that, it was passed down through several different families in France, Spain, and even the Ottoman Empire. Its place of origin is unknown." It almost feels like the jewel is calling to me in the way that it sparkles.