Pain and Love Comes in Many Forms

Chapter Twenty Eight

I should never be left alone.

Jack went to buy something and I was left sitting on a park bench, a burning cup of green tea in my hand.

Osaka was a beautiful city, but I couldn't catch my breath.

But, being alone......

I'd rather never catch my breath if it meant I had to be alone.

Maybe I should talk to jack about getting a support dog. After dog jack passed away, I haven't really been able to cope with loneliness.

It was just... a crushing void that came in waves, time to time.

It still came even when I was with other people, but not as bad.

I should get a therapist or something.

I never thought to much about my problems. I wanted to forget them and never deal with them, hiding myself behind the walls of fame...

That never...

Never...

Never works out.

I took a sip from my tea, looking at the shop jack was shopping in, seeing his in the window, talking to the cashier.

I thought when jack proposed, everything I felt would just melt away, that I'd feel safer, knowing he's mine alone.

I know he wouldn't cheat, but that fear still bubbles forever within me.

Being the way I am, I can give him a kid, not biologically anyways, so I'm afraid.

Maybe I'll always be afraid.

I took a deep breath, leaning back on the park bench.

"Ah the worrisome woes of love." I said out loud, not even recognizing my switch to Japanese.

"You're Japanese is pretty good for a very American looking person." I glanced sideways towards the voice, seeing a guy around my age with soft chestnut brown hair and honey gold brown eyes. He sat next to me.

"Oh, I guess. I would say it's because it's because my dad is Japanese, but he never taught me."

"Really? Is he first generation or was he born in Japan?"

I shrugged, "I have no idea, never asked."

"Well, you should ask next time you see him," the guy hummed.

"Talking to a grave won't give me many answers."

The guy looked panicked, "I'm so-"

"It's fine. It's been over ten years,"

"So," the guy muttered, "just because ten years went past doesn't mean you're okay."

"Thank you for worrying you nosy stranger, but I am fine. Besides, got someone worrying after me already," I held up my left hand, flashing the ring.

"Aw, here I was hoping you were single."

"Thanks. My boyfriend won't like that, but I'm flattered."

He chuckled, "at least I wasn't hitting on a straight guy."

"I know right? The struggles you get. My boyfriend... well, fiancé now, used to be straight."

"You turned him gay?"

"Well, that's now how it works, but kinda."

The guy smiled, "Yamada."

"Ethan."

Yamada looked around, "so where is you boyfriend?"

"Ah, he's buying something. I hate standing in stores, so I said I'd wait out here for him."

"Makes sense."

"I'm done. Oh, you make a new friend?" Jack teased, reaching the bench, holding a small bag.

"Yup."

Yamada gave Jack a glance, "Huh, so you like the masculine type."

"Not exactly. Childhood friend."

"Oh, that makes much more sense."

Jack raised a brow, "excuse me?"

"Well, i tried hitting on him and he denied me, so I was wondering his type."

"Oh! That... makes sense?"

"I don't really have a type. I mean, I guess? But I've only ever loved the idiot who I'm engaged to."

"Same here you beautiful dork," Jack snorted.

Yamada raised a brow, "so you never dated anyone else?"

"There was this eight year gap where we didn't see each other at all. I tried dating, never worked. Especially dating coworkers."

"It's not like you find it awkward. You still kiss them in movies and shit."

"Wait," Yamada took in the situation, "You're an actor? Wait, are you the Ethan King?"

I laughed, nodding, "in the flesh. I'm assuming you know about Jack Queen then."

"I'm just, wow. I'm surprised I didn't recognize either of you. I'm a huge fan!"

"Well, were American celebrities. Well, me mostly. Jack does all sorts of odd jobs."

"If you don't mind, could I get a picture with you two?"

Jack shrugged, "sure." Jack sat next to me on the bench as Yamada pulled out his phone, snapping a picture.

He took a few and we did a few poses jokingly before he put his phone away.

"So what brings you to Osaka of all places?" He asked.

"We have about two months to relax. So we're traveling and ya dorks always wanted to go to Japan. We know Japanese, so it's easier for us."

"Oh," Yamada exclaimed, nodding in understanding, "That's fun. How much left do you guys have?"

Jack hummed, "we have a few more cities before we fly to Australia."

"Then after that we have to go home."

"And work again."

Yamada smiled, "fun lives there. When's the wedding?"

Jack flushed, "well, we just got engaged, so we haven't started planning yet."

"Well, whatever you two do, I'm sure it will be great. Anyways, nice meeting you, maybe I'll see you two around. I've got to get to work."

"What do you do?"

Yamada winked, "wouldn't you like to know? My first name is Akito." He left us and we both watched him leave. Oh, I forgot people in Japan use their last names first.

"Akito Yamada? That does sound familiar." Jack muttered.

I nod, "it does. You think he's.... oh my god."

"You figure it out?"

"That game we played as teenagers. Remember how the same English voice actors were also the Japanese voice actors?"

"Yeah?"

"Who does he remind you of?"

"Wait, oh my god, he's Robin!"

"Oh boy, I wonder how he'd feel if his voice acting led us to being together."

Jack snorted, "he'd probably think we were weird."

"What a small world we live in," I chuckled softly.

"You could say it's a small world a-"

"Finish That and I'm going to smack you."

"Alright."

All my unease just slipped away. I completely forgot about it. Maybe that's how it works, when I'm around Jack things feel gr-

"Wait, how old is that guy?" I asked, "we were sixteen when that game game out!"

Jack's eyes went wide, "you're right! How old is he????"