Chapter Text
“Promise you won’t act like a tourist over there and bring shame on your family.” Those were the last words Kaoru had said to Kojiro over video chat before his boat trip from his homebase of Vasto up the east coast of Italy.
Kojiro was abroad, following his dream of becoming a classically trained Italian chef. He’d secured a position at a rather popular restaurant after Kaoru’s constant badgering. ‘Just send the email, you coward!’ In the end, Kojiro mustered up the courage and reached out -- and Kaoru had to stop the email Carla had sent just hours before.
They’d found the restaurant a few months earlier during their trip backpacking across Europe. After they graduated high school, they agreed to take a break. See the world. And those were the happiest months of Kaoru’s life. He and Kojiro had always been friends, since they were brats in diapers. But they’d grown closer with each hotel stay and scenic view.
Despite that, when Kojiro left, he and Kaoru hadn’t said anything about it. Kaoru, because he was afraid of ruining what they had, and Kojiro, well… Kaoru hadn’t really gotten to ask. He figured they could sort things out when Kojiro returned from his year-long apprenticeship in Italy.
However, a month or so into his trip, about a week after Kojiro was supposed to return from his deep sea fishing trip with the head chef, Kaoru began to wonder if he’d ever get to talk to his childhood friend again.
At first, he understood. Kojiro was probably learning how to properly butcher fish and create one of his all-time favorite dishes -- which he was sure he’d gush about during their next video call.
But the call never came.
After a few more days passed, Kaoru started to get angry. Had Kojiro snubbed him? Was he so busy schmoozing with Italian chefs and flirting with signorine that he’d completely forgotten that Kaoru existed?
No. Kojiro was a flirt. But he was also Kaoru’s closest friend. And he was caring to a fault. He should have checked in by now. If only to make sure Kaoru was eating properly and to tease him about his A.I. ‘pet project.’
Something was wrong.
Another week passed and Kaoru was really starting to worry. Even so, he wasn’t immediately alarmed when his wristband started vibrating while he was on break at work, followed by Carla announcing that Kojiro’s mother was calling. She was worse than Kojiro about getting him to come over and eat a proper meal.
But when he answered, his heart sank. He could barely understand her through her tears.
‘Kao-chan, there’s been an accident.’
A shrill beeping pulled Kaoru from a restless sleep. ‘Master, it’s time to wake up.’ He groaned and rolled over onto his other side, pulling the duvet over his head. ‘Your meeting with Shindo-san is scheduled for an hour from now.’
Kaoru threw the blankets off and sighed, rubbing at his eyes with the heels of his hands. He hadn’t dreamed about Kojiro in a long time. Actually, he hadn’t had a dream in what felt like ages. He barely got to sleep most nights.
‘Master, your meeting with Shindo-san--’
“Thank you, Carla,” he interrupted and tapped his wristband. “Start the shower.”
‘Okay, Master. Setting the shower to 38.3 degrees celsius,’ she answered. ‘Shall I heat the bath, as well?’
Kaoru paused in the middle of removing his nemaki. He had the time. But soaking in the bath would give him time to think. And with the dream still fresh in his mind, he shook his head. “That won’t be necessary, Carla.”
Shindo Ainosuke was an old friend of his and… and of Kojiro’s. Back in high school, the three of them would get into so much trouble, trying out new skating moves and running around like a bunch of delinquents. Kojiro would sometimes act like the mother hen when Kaoru and Ainosuke -- he was going by Adam then -- pushed things a little too far.
Kaoru sighed. It wasn’t like he avoided thinking about his late childhood friend. It was just that there wasn’t a memory of the time before he left that didn’t include him. He was always a constant in Kaoru’s life right up until he disappeared from it.
Nearly seven years had passed since he’d received that call from Kojiro’s mother. The one that changed his life forever. He should have been over it by now, but--
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” a smooth, deep voice interrupted Kaoru’s thoughts. “My previous meeting ran late.” It was Ainosuke himself, looking older, wiser, but just as mischievous as he had when he’d shown up at Kaoru and Kojiro’s favorite skating spot all those years ago.
“I just got here,” Kaoru lied. “So, what did you want to see me about that couldn’t be discussed over the phone?”
They had agreed to meet at a little café around the corner from Kaoru’s studio. Well, ‘agreed’ wasn’t really the right word. Ainosuke had adamantly insisted that they speak in person. He’d even pulled the ‘When’s the last time you set foot outside of your office?’ card. Which was ludicrous because Kaoru had gone out plenty of times to do public displays of his calligraphy and to personally fulfill commissions requested all over Okinawa.
“Can’t a man invite an old friend out for coffee and pastries?” Ainosuke asked, flashing a poster-worthy smile. If he hadn’t already secured his position as a diet member, he could have easily gotten everyone’s vote in the restaurant.
Even so, Kaoru didn’t fall for his overly charismatic bullshit. He knew him. “Cut the crap,” he hissed, narrowing his eyes. “What do you want, Adam?”
Ainosuke raised his rather uniquely-shaped brows, but his smile didn’t falter. “I’m worried about you, Cherry.” He used his old skating handle, as well. Or, at least, the first part of it. “When is the last time you went anywhere?”
At that, Kaoru sighed and then lifted his arms, gesturing toward the table and those seated around them.
“You know that’s not what I meant,” Ainosuke continued, pausing to thank the server when she set down their cups. “You’re overworking yourself.”
Kaoru scoffed into his tea and placed it back onto the table. It was far too hot to drink yet anyway. But he’d be damned if he stuck around long enough for it to cool. “If this is all you have to say, then I’m lea--”
“Cherry, wait.” Ainosuke placed a hand over Kaoru’s on the table. “You look dreadful.”
“If you’re trying to entice me into staying, you’re doing a fine job of it,” Kaoru said sarcastically with a roll of his eyes. “Is this how you sweet talk all of your constituents?” He quirked a brow.
Ainosuke sighed, but didn’t release his hand. “I can’t remember the last time you took a vacation,” he said. Well, Kaoru could. It was before Kojiro left, when the two of them-- “You’ve been working nonstop for what feels like years,” Ainosuke continued. He wasn’t wrong. But that didn’t make him right, either. “Come now, Cherry.” He gave his hand a squeeze. “Even Tadashi takes breaks.”
Kaoru narrowed his eyes. “A secretary, even one as busy as the right hand of Shindo Ainosuke, can afford to take breaks.”
“And so can you.” Ainosuke dropped his charismatic air, his expression growing serious. “I meant it when I said I was worried about you. And that’s why I’ve handled all of the arrangements.”
“Arrangements?’ Kaoru questioned, but Ainosuke was already lifting his hand into the air.
“Tadashi, the documents.” And then, as if from nowhere, Ainosuke’s secretary appeared, placing an envelope into his boss’s awaiting palm. “Everything is in order?” he whispered and Tadashi nodded. “Then, you’re all set.”
Kaoru blinked and then frowned. “I’m all set?”
Ainosuke nodded. “Yep.” He let the ‘p’ go with a pop, but didn’t explain further.
“And...what am I all set for...exactly?” Kaoru was almost afraid to ask.
“Your vacation!” Ainosuke answered cheerfully. “Tadashi worked everything out with your precious Carla and ensured that there were no commissions or meetings during your absence.”
Kaoru gaped. He glanced down at his wristband. Tadashi had…
“So, with your schedule free, you’ll be able to properly enjoy your trip.” Ainosuke grinned.
Tadashi cleared his throat. “Ainosuke-sama.”
Ainosuke checked his watch. “Ah, yes. It looks like our time is up.” He reached for his cup of coffee and drained the remainder before dabbing at his lips with a napkin. “Tadashi, take care of the bill,” he said as he stood up. “Oh, and Cherry,” he paused, glancing over his shoulder. “You need this, so don’t even think about trading in your tickets. They’re non-refundable.” He beamed. “Have a good time.”
Kaoru sat there as Ainosuke walked toward his car, not even sparing a glance at Tadashi, who was no doubt leaving a very generous tip for their server. He did, however, look away from his old friend’s retreating back when Tadashi placed the envelope in front of him on the table.
“All of your travel documents are inside,” he informed him. “I have also forwarded all of the information to your A.I.,” he explained with a short bow. “Have a safe trip, Sakurayashiki-sensei.”
And just like that, Kaoru was left alone at the table.
After a moment, he recovered and, grumbling, opened the manila envelope. Ainosuke came from money and often wasn’t sure where to draw the line when it came to gifting things. Actually, he didn’t seem to grasp the concept of lines at all. So, Kaoru wasn’t surprised when he pulled out a plane ticket.
However, when he glanced at the itinerary, his breath caught. Ainosuke wanted him to spend an entire month away from work? But what was worse than the length of the trip was the destination.
‘Master, you have a message from Shindo-san.’ Carla buzzed. ‘Shall I read it?’
Kaoru pinched the bridge of his nose. “Go ahead, Carla.”
‘Sorry I had to cut our meeting short,’ she read. ‘But I do hope you find closure and have a wonderful time in Italy.’
Kaoru could have stayed home. He absolutely could have skipped the trip entirely. It was easy enough to find work. He’d just pick up some extra commissions. Take over for his apprentices and give them a break. They probably needed a vacation. Hell, one of them could have his.
But the morning of his flight, there was a knock at the door. “Sakurayashiki-sensei.” It was Tadashi. “I’m here to drive you to the airport.”
Of course. Ainosuke didn’t do anything halfway. In all honesty, if he’d showed up in a flightsuit and led Kaoru to his waiting private jet, he wouldn’t have batted an eye. But as it was, Tadashi was outside his front door, patiently waiting for him.
“I haven’t packed,” Kaoru said when he let him in.
Tadashi smiled. Or as much of a smile as Kaoru had ever seen him crack. “Ainosuke-sama has taken care of everything.”
Nope. He most certainly didn’t do anything halfway.
“I have dinner plans tonight,” Kaoru said from the backseat as Tadashi drove him to the airport.
Tadashi glanced at him in the rearview mirror before returning his gaze to the road. “Ainosuke-sama has arranged for Nanjo-san to dine with him this evening.”
Kaoru chewed on the inside of his cheek. In truth, he’d had dinner with Kojiro’s mother just last week. They usually got together about once a month or so. It was nice and familiar. He’d pulled away after the funeral. Everyone grieved in their own way.
Hell, he’d still had Carla running a missing persons report until about three years earlier, when he realized Kojiro was never coming back. When they found the ship, there was no one on it, so he’d held onto that hope.
Still, around that time, Kojiro’s mother reached out to him again, inviting him into her home and cooking him all his favorite foods. She hugged him before he left, saying how she was glad she hadn’t lost her ‘other son,’ too.
That was the last time he’d let himself cry.
“Sakurayashiki-san,” Tadashi called, pulling him from his thoughts. “We’ve arrived.”
Seven years had passed since Kojiro’s accident and now Kaoru was about to get on a plane to go to the last place he’d been. Well, not the exact place. Ainosuke wasn’t that thoughtless. He knew Kaoru had enjoyed his time in Italy, but he’d arranged for him to head to an area in the northeast. Far from where Kojiro had been studying. And yet, his old friend still expected him to ‘find closure.’ How?
“Have a safe trip,” Tadashi said again and then drove off.
Kaoru took a deep breath. Enough time had passed. He could do this.
“Did you remember your sunblock, Kaoru?” Kojiro asked with a teasing grin. “I know how easily you burn.”
“Shut up, you idiot. You know I can’t take that on the plane,” he replied.
“Ah, right. Since you need the industrial sized bottle,” he snorted. “Precious can’t let his skin get as pink as his hair, now can he--OUCH! Kaoru!” Kojiro rubbed his arm where Kaoru had punched him. “Geez, I was just joking.”
Kaoru lifted his nose in the air. “Jokes are funny,” he said before pushing past him and through the sliding glass doors. “Now, hurry up.” He turned to look at him over his shoulder. “And I get the window.”
To his surprise, instead of seeing Kojiro’s annoyed face at Kaoru stealing his assigned seat, he saw a completely different expression. It was soft. But then Kojiro smirked. “Whatever Precious wants.”
Kaoru jolted awake when turbulence rocked the plane. It was dark, but the seatbelt light illuminated just above, causing him to squint at the harsh orange and red glow. He looked away, glancing out the window at the night sky.
He felt like Kojiro was seated beside him. He could picture him there, arms crossed over his chest and chin down as he dozed during the twenty-hour flight to Marco Polo Airport in Venice. But he knew better. If he turned now, he would find an empty seat.
“Carla,” he said, voice low enough so he wouldn’t disturb the other passengers. “How much longer?”
‘Okay, Master. Searching for signal.’ His wristband glowed briefly and then buzzed. ‘Fourteen hours and three minutes have elapsed. Approximately six hours remain with an arrival time of--’
“Thank you, Carla,” he interrupted before placing a hand over his eyes. He was tired. But if he took another one of his pills, he’d run the risk of sleeping through the landing and being groggy at the airport. Then again, if he did, maybe the plane would just fly him back to Okinawa and he could skip this forced ‘vacation’ entirely.
As if on cue, his wristband buzzed again. ‘Master, a text message has arrived from Shindo-san.’
Damn, did Ainosuke have eyes and ears everywhere? Or maybe he could just read minds. Either way, Kaoru turned onto his side as best he could in his plush, but still uncomfortable First Class seat and closed his eyes.
‘Master--’
“Carla, switch to Do Not Disturb.” There was a quiet buzz and then she was silent, allowing the hum of the plane and the sound of a passenger coughing to lull Kaoru into a restless and, thankfully, dreamless sleep.
Shindo Ainosuke didn’t skimp. He probably didn’t know the meaning of the word. Which was how Kaoru found himself standing in front of the fanciest, most luxurious five-star hotel he’d ever seen outside of movies. It was whimsical, an old palace that looked recently refurbished and modernized.
Kaoru did well for himself. His calligraphy business was successful and his A.I. coding certainly paid the bills and then some. So, he easily could have afforded a place like this on his own. But he wasn’t about to argue with Ainosuke. Not after being dragged to the airport and suffering through a twenty plus hour flight.
Jetlag did things to a person. Which explained why he just went with it and walked through the sparkling revolving doors and into the world-class hotel.
It was probably better that he was being led down the palatial halls to his room by a member of the staff, who greeted him by name and had all of his bags at the ready before Kaoru had even arrived. If he’d checked into a hostel or a cheaper place, it might have reminded him of the last time he’d been in Italy. When he and Kojiro had wandered around young and carefree with nothing but the backpacks on their shoulders.
“We’ve arrived Signor Sacrascicchi--” Close enough. “Here is your keycard.” The bellhop handed it over when they reached his room. “If you have a need, do not hesitate to call.” He gave an awkward bow.
“Thank you.” Kaoru reached into his pocket for the tip, but the young man waved his hands.
“It has been taken care of.” And then he disappeared down the hallway and into one of the elevators.
Ainosuke truly didn’t do anything halfway.
And the room just further proved that notion. Though, calling it a room seemed like an insult. It was a lavish suite complete with a master bedroom and ensuite bathroom, and a living and dining area with a full kitchen. Like Kaoru could be trusted around any appliance he had to operate himself.
‘Master,’ Carla buzzed. ‘Please excuse the interruption, but you have forty-two messages from Shindo-san. The last three are marked ‘Urgent.’
Kaoru rolled his eyes. “You can go back online, Carla,” he sighed. “Read the most recent messages.”
‘Okay, Master.’ She buzzed twice. ‘Cherry, I know you’re ignoring me, but I’ll forgive you if you tell me how the room is.’ There was a pause as she switched to the next message. ‘No, I don’t think I’m sending him too many, Tadashi. Oh, the talk to text feature was engaged. How do I delete--’ She paused again and Kaoru snorted. ‘Sakurayashiki Kaoru, I know you’ve checked into the hotel. Call me the moment you receive this message.’
Kaoru never thought he’d long for the days when ‘Adam’ had grown distant and pretended not to know them anymore. He was glad to have his old friend back after his extended stay in America. But the overattentive Ainosuke was a bit much to handle.
“Carla, draft a message to Shindo Ainosuke,” he said. “Adam, I’ve made it to the room. This place is too much. I will accept your hospitality, but allow me to enjoy my vacation in peace.” He smirked. “Send message.”
His wristband glowed and then grew dark.
It was still midmorning in Venice, but it was nearly dinner time back in Okinawa and Kaoru realized at that moment that he hadn’t eaten since his mid-flight meal hours earlier. As if to prove his point, his stomach growled audibly. But before he went searching, he figured he’d check to see just how thorough Ainosuke -- or, more likely, Tadashi -- had been with his itinerary.
“Carla, do I have any reservations for lunch?” he asked.
‘Yes, Master,’ she replied. ‘You have a reservation at a nearby restaurant called Sia la luce .’
“Nearby?” Kaoru questioned as he began unpacking what was in his suitcase. He tried not to think about how Ainosuke’s men -- again, more than likely, Tadashi -- had gotten into his apartment as he searched for something to wear. He’d take a proper shower later, but he could at least change out of his travel clothes before going out in public.
‘Yes, Master. A five-star restaurant within walking distance from the lobby,’ she said.
Kaoru frowned. He figured his first meal would either be room service or at least inside the hotel. But knowing Ainosuke, this restaurant was a ‘highly-rated hidden gem’ and a ‘must’ for Kaoru. He fought the urge to smile as he imagined his friend paying Sia la luce those exact compliments.
“When is my reservation, Carla?” he asked once he’d settled on an outfit.
‘In fifteen minutes.’
Well, he’d better hurry then. He just hoped Tadashi hadn’t planned every moment of his trip down to the second. That was more Kaoru’s M.O., after all. But he was hungry and he’d worry about rescheduling later.
For now, he’d give this Sia la luce a try.
The restaurant was smaller than Kaoru had expected, considering it’s alleged accolades. But then again, everything in Venice was on a smaller scale, nestled beside the water, and Sia la luce was no exception. It was tucked away between two buildings whose signs read ‘Il Sole e La Luna’ and ‘Panetteria.’
When he walked up, the host greeted him warmly and led him to a table outside. Kaoru was about to ask to be seated elsewhere, but when he sat down, he realized why Ainosuke had made this request. This side of the restaurant overlooked the canal and the view was beautiful.
With limited seating, the server was there in an instant, handing Kaoru a menu and giving him a moment to look it over as he fetched his requested bottle of chilled water. “Cosa desidera ordinare?”
Kaoru knew a fair amount of basic Italian from their trip all those years ago. But he was rusty. Even so, the moment he saw his favorite dish, he had no trouble placing his order. “Spaghetti alla Carbonara, per favore.” He could always peruse the separate wine list while he waited.
The server smiled and took Kaoru’s menu. “Ottima scelta! È la specialità della casa.”
Mere minutes passed before he returned and set the plate in front of him. It was gorgeous, almost too pretty to eat. But the aroma was tantalizing and Kaoru now felt every second of the hours since he’d last eaten.
Nothing could ever compare to Kojiro’s, of course. Even if this pasta looked and smelled amazing. He knew it would place second at best. However, when he took a bite, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. Everything about it, the texture of the pasta, the creaminess of the sauce, brought him back to a time long before Kojiro left to study abroad.
Suddenly, he was sitting in his apartment, waiting rather impatiently while Kojiro finished plating his newest creation. He wasn’t reinventing the wheel, but he was applying everything he’d learned during their trip to perfect Kaoru’s favorite thing he made.
“Is it ready yet?” Kaoru asked, drumming his fingers on the countertop.
“You can’t rush perfection,” Kojiro replied without looking back. “These things take time.”
Kaoru rolled his eyes. “And yet you’re always trying to rush me around,” he offered.
Kojiro did turn at that, a smile curving his lips. “Only because you’d sleep in every day if it weren’t for me.”
“I work late,” Kaoru argued, but he didn’t have a chance to explain himself further, as Kojiro was finally done.
“Here you are.” He presented the plate with a flourish. “Spaghetti alla Carbonara for the signor with the most discriminating of tastes,” he teased. “Buon appetito.”
Kaoru came back to himself, his kitchen melting away to reveal the canal once more. This pasta tasted exactly like Kojiro’s. It was… “Perfect.” He didn’t realize he’d started crying, until he felt the pad of someone’s thumb brushing a stray tear from his cheek.
“Spero siano lacrime di gioia per la bontà di questo piatto.” The voice was deep, soothing, and familiar. “Perché un così bel viso non dovrebbe mai essere triste.” The man finished and set a wine glass filled with a sparkling red liquid before Kaoru. But he barely registered that because, the moment he turned to either thank him or apologize, he froze.
There, living and breathing and looking healthier than ever, was… “Kojiro?”