Atrocities

Chapter 1

A dominant roar came from out the space shuttle. The ship landed, and a wave of cheers and applauses filled the air as Kaito walked out, proudly grinning as he slowly took off his helmet. Kaito had only been in space for a day, meaning he was gone for a whole year.

It was his moment. The sounds of kids cheering and squealing as the astronaut gave high-fives, fist bumps, and signed autographs. After Kaito's praise fest, he walked over to his girlfriend, Maki who didn't seem too pleased at the lack of attention she received. Kaito leaned in for a hug, but Maki quickly shifted her body away.

"Why the long face, Maki roll?" Kaito asked, sounding almost sad. Maki sighed and darted her deep red eyes to him. "You've been gone for a whole year, and now you're being a show-off? I am the last person you even dared to make eye contact with." Maki said, furrowing her brows.

Kaito sighed, and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Look, babe. I'm sorry I haven't been paying any attention to you, but you have to think. Being an astronaut isn't all that great. It's a physically demanding job, and the drastic difference between days and years on earth are shocking. It was only one day, but I've actually been gone for a whole year on earth."

"I know." Maki groaned. Her angered expression slowly turned into a slightly depressed one. "I just... I missed you so much, you have no idea. No matter how many times you piss me off, I can't imagine what life would be like without you."

Kaito chuckled and kissed her forehead. "I love you, my little starfire." Maki smirked and giggled under her breath. "I love you too, dumbass." Kaito lended Maki a hand, signaling her to stand up and hold it. Maki walked with Kaito peacefully, only for it to be ruined by bombarding fans. "Kaito Momota!" A kid shouted. "I wanna be just like you when I grow up!" He said excitedly. Kaito giggled. "That's awesome, kiddo! Remember, you can do anything you set your mind to."

The kid nodded and ran away giggling in glee. Maki rolled her eyes. Kaito stopped in his tracks seeming slightly annoyed. "What now?" He said with an irritated tone. "I'm sorry, babe! It's just all the attention, the fans, the little shits crowding over you-"

"You mean the kids?" Kaito interrupted. Maki sighed. "Yeah, the kids. Whatever. It's just ever since your space trip, I haven't been able to spend time with you."

Kaito tucked a piece of Maki's dark brown hair behind her ear and smiled warmly. "I swear, when all of this is over, I will make it up to you. I'll take you out tonight. Just you and me. No crowds of adoring fans, no children screaming, no cameras, nothing. Just me and my beautiful starfire." Kaito kissed her forehead and slowly rubbed her hair.

Maki pulled Kaito in a hug. "Thanks, hun. Sorry for being moody. You know how I am with attention." Kaito smirked. "I know. Now let's get home, babygirl." Maki blushed and looked away. She acted like she hated that nickname since it almost made her feel like a child, but it secretly thawed the ice in her heart.

The house was quiet. Kaito sat on one of the dining room chairs, looking at old pictures of himself before his skyrocketing (no pun intended) fame. He sighed, and twiddled his thumbs. He then held his hands together and stared at the ceiling. Kaito wasn't really a religious person, but he felt like he needed God. He didn't want to be famous. He didn't want to be an idol. He didn't want to be accountable for filling NASA's pockets. He just wanted his starfire.

"Dear God up in heaven..." Kaito began. "I'm not really a religious person, but right now I need you. You see, when I became a famous astronaut, life seemed like a dream. I made a lot of money, I was on every newspaper, and I worked with the infamous NASA. Now, I'm not saying I'm ungrateful for you helping me on my journey to success, but I must let you know that I want more than just a sponsorship and a paycheck. Amen."

Maki overheard Kaito's prayer, but she didn't want to interfere. A faint smirk crept upon her face. It felt good knowing that Kaito didn't care about money or fame. He was happy with his Maki roll. His starfire. His honey bun. His babygirl. It felt good knowing she was with the ultimate astronaut.