It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

A New Start

Whining, the tiny wheels of the trolley bumped against the smooth, unpolished shop floor. Shelves stood tall, each aisle stocked with all sorts of things: vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, dairy, beauty, hygiene, so on and so forth. Pushing the grocery-filled trolley, Athena Tsukinami huffed as her stormy eyes scanned the large list Reiji had ever-so-kindly written for her. Her face was covered with makeup, concealing the bruise that her loving husband had left on her cheek. She smiled politely at a fellow housewife who passed by her. A toddler was seated in the trolley, playing idly with a pair of keys.

Her cotton skirt reached just below her knees, it was a dark blue and decorated with white polka dots. A black belt was wrapped around her waist, revealing her slim figure. Her auburn locks had been pinned to the back of her head, with the distant assistance from her husband who clearly decided her efforts just weren't enough. Her heels clacked against the flooring, the sound drowned by the screaming wheels as she turned to walk down another aisle.

"Oh my goodness!" With wide eyes, Athena quickly rushed past her trolley, her hands gently caressing the man whom she'd smashed her trolley into, "Sir, I am so sorry," she furrowed her eyebrows, her hand pressed to the man's back. He was tall and blonde, his skin pale and freckled. He glanced at her through his round glasses, his hands pressed to his side as he offered a polite smile her way.

"No worries," his voice was angelic and smooth, it sent goosebumps down Athena's arms, "these things happen." He groaned as he straightened his spine, Athena felt it pop beneath his white shirt. "Yoshito Akamatsu, I teach Japanese here." He held his hand out for her to shake.

"Athena Ts- Sakamaki," she smiled sheepishly, "I'm here on my honeymoon."

"Who does grocery shopping on their honeymoon?"

"It's a year-long honeymoon - we wanted to settle down without family around." She chuckled, "Again, I am so sorry."

"Honestly, it's okay," Yoshita smiled warmly, "though, try to be careful next time." He looked at his watch before sighing, "My apologies, I have a class to teach - have a lovely day Mrs Sakamaki." Athena forced a smile as he hurried to the checkout point.

Reiji was out in the garden, sitting beneath the large parasol which protected the table outside. He'd been sipping his warm tea and reading a book before he heard the door slam open and shut. His beloved bride was home. He hadn't spoken to her since… the incident, save for him telling her to 'sit' when he'd done her hair.

"Why are these so heavy?" Athena muttered as she entered the kitchen, placing the many bags upon the kitchen floor. Now she needed to unpack. She sighed as she rubbed her forehead - where was her damned husband? She didn't need him. It took her an hour to put everything away neatly, she was sweating by the end of it, gasping for air as she wiped her brow. She muttered curses beneath her breath as she stuffed the carrier bags in an empty cupboard.

"I see you have returned," Reiji's voice sounded, disturbing her peace. She barged past him, heading towards her beloved paints. She needed a moment of pure tranquility. "You bought everything listed, yes?" Lifting her easel, she held it beneath her arm before grasping a blank canvas. She walked past Reiji, into the warm garden. His eyes followed her as he folded his arms over his chest. She entered the kitchen again, heading to the sink where she filled a glass with water. "Are you ignoring me?" Athena's stomach growled as she grabbed her paints and brushes. She shouldered past him a final time, carrying her belongings outside. She placed her supplies on the stone stool that stood beside her set up easel. She carefully placed the canvas in place before letting out a deep sigh. Within the kitchen, Reiji raised an eyebrow before opening the newly stocked cupboards. Satisfied, he lifted her tulip china cup and placed it before the now wheezing kettle. 

Humming with content, Athena stroked the bristles of her brushes along the canvas, leaving a colourful stain upon the fabric. Her smile was small and the bright, setting sun warmed her pink cheeks. A few hours had passed and she was only halfway through her painting of the ocean. She placed her brush into the cup of colourful water, swirling it elegantly as she admired her work in progress. Movement sounded behind her, causing her to turn rather hastily. Reiji stood behind her, adjusting the chair that he'd carried over. He'd placed a small, silver tray upon the stone stool - a cup of hot tea and a few biscuits decorated it.

"What is this?" Athena murmured, anxiety coursed through her veins, causing her to rub her arms shyly.

"An… apology," was all he said. He was wearing an apron and his sleeves rolled up to his elbows - had he been cooking? "Dinner will be ready soon. You will eat it, unlike me, you need food to survive." With that, he left her basking in the glow of the orange sun.

Dinner was a bowl of creamy carbonara served with chopped bacon and sliced mushrooms and sprinkled with cheese. Athena raised an eyebrow as she carried her art supplies into the kitchen. Stars winked down at her now, her painting completed. Reiji sat at the table, waiting for her patiently. He watched as she made the three trips before she washed her hands and sat herself down opposite him. She hadn't eaten since the wedding - her stomach reminded her often. She bit her tongue before thanking her husband weakly. Perhaps… this could be a new start?