With their order placed, tea came swiftly. Markus was having an animated discussion with Yamato regarding the broad topic of cultural access in Japan, thanks to his comment about learning more about ikebana.
“...and so it follows that the younger generation of Japan has little desire to continue our rich cultural heritage. I will admit to feeling a swell of anger at this, but that is only because I am passionate about my home. My own art -ikebana- is much derided by the youth of today. It is called “unseemly” and “effeminate”. I have tried -to no avail- to impress upon these people that ikebana was once practiced by the very samurai that they so revere! That one may be many things at the same time. Warrior. Scholar. Poet. Gardener. The youth simply have little care for these other aspects of the samurai class.
“And the older generation is slowly dying. Many of our traditions and practices are dying with them, Barton-san. With so many factors at play regarding the aging of Japan’s lifeblood -her very people- it will take decades to sort them out, if we ever can.
“So few want to learn the arts and practices that have made Japan the shining flower she has become. My fear is that her many petals of beauty will wither and die -much like Japan herself is doing.”
Yamato sighed. “I apologize, Markus. Here I am, monopolizing the conversation with morose lamentations about my country. A country that you aspire to reside in! So. Why -besides our lovely Ikeda-chan- would you like to live here?” He smiled at Akane, who grinned happily at Markus.
Markus looked off in the distance, his mind cast back to his childhood. “I had a friend in high school. His name was Brian. When he would come over for the weekends, or I would go visit him, we would watch TV and read comics. We found this one comic -I think you’ll recognize it- called DragonBall.” Markus noted with some delight that everyone at the table smiled at the mention. “And it spurred us both to learn more about Japan. We wanted to move here and become some big-shot businessmen or something.” He laughed ruefully. “Brian… Brian didn’t get the chance to see it happen. Stress and some other factors caused him to take himself out of this world.” Akane reached out to take his hand. He smiled gratefully at her. “I never stopped dreaming I’d make it here one day, but I lost a lot of the drive to make it happen. This opportunity seemed too good to be true, and I knew I’d be a fool to pass it up. I’m glad I didn’t.”
Yamato nodded and raised his teacup. “To absent friends, whose memories linger like the warmth of a cherished embrace. May their spirit guide us in our journeys and remind us to treasure each moment we share with those we love. Here's to Brian, whose light continues to shine brightly within our dear Markus.”
Markus smiled and raised his own teacup, an action mimicked by the rest of the group. “To Brian!” They reverently drank their tea, each remembering a friend or family member who had gone to be with their ancestors, to eternally watch over their loved ones.
A few moments later, their appetizers were brought out, and conversation fell by the wayside as they enjoyed thinly sliced pickled daikon radish paired with mandarin orange sections served on a bed of cabbage.
Markus, in particular, enjoyed the appetizer as he had never had pickled daikon radish. The tangy, crisp flavor served to compliment the orange slices in a pleasant way, and the cabbage formed a slightly peppery bed for it to be nestled in.
All too soon, the appetizer was gone, and Markus was left to gaze at his dish in mild disappointment as there was no more for him to enjoy.
“Well, that sucks.”
Akane looked at him in concern. “What do you mean? Is something wrong?”
Markus gestured at his dish, empty save for a sheen of vinegar. “Yeah. It’s all gone!”
Akane sputtered a laugh, laying her hand on his forearm. “There’s more food coming, Kuma-kun!”
Hanako hid her smile behind her hand. Regaining her composure, she cleared her throat. “Barton-san. You must learn to pace yourself. Take the time to savor your meal. This may be your last night in Kyoto for a while, but you will return. And you will have more at that time. I understand that things are different in America, but here, we place a large amount of emphasis on enjoying the meal instead of simply feeding the body.”
Akane squeezed his arm gently and smiled. “She is right. This will probably take you a long time to understand properly, but we will make sure you get it.”
“But that was really good.” Markus sighed dramatically. “I suppose I’ll get used to it eventually.”
As the rest of the meal was served, course by course, Markus spent the time committing his friends to memory. From every flowery statement from Yamato, to every coarse joke from Atsuki. He knew that this moment would be indelibly imprinted in his brain for the rest of his long, long life. Taking the time to commit these people, this moment was of the utmost importance to him. This… This day was the beginning of the rest of his life, and he knew it.
He watched his companions as they joked and laughed and conversed about life and their future. Smiling and laughing with them as they joked, and sympathizing as they told their histories.
Reaching under the table, he found Akane’s hand and seamlessly slid his fingers into hers, feeling her heartbeat race through her palm. Looking over, he smiled at her, knowing that this night was special to her, too.
Eventually the dessert was served. A beautiful and eye-catching arrangement of a trio of what appeared to be mochi infused with matcha was arranged in a triangular pattern on a midnight-blue, octagonal plate, was served to each of the six. The mochi were arranged in a triangle on the plate, dusted lightly with powdered sugar and matcha powder, with a mint garnish, if the scent was anything to go by. Served alongside the mochi was a shallow saucer of a yellow-orange, citrus-scented glaze.
“Oh, this is exquisite!” Yamato remarked softly. Looking up at Markus, he smiled. “Barton-san? Do you know what you’re looking at right now?” Bewildered and delighted at the presentation, Markus simply shook his head. “If my nose doesn’t deceive me, we have mochi infused with matcha powder, and in that saucer is” -he dipped his little finger into the sauce and tasted it, giving a satisfied moan of pleasure- “yes… it is. Yuzu demi-glace. We are quite fortunate, my friend. Take your time and, as nee-san instructed, savor this dish. You will be unlikely to ever have its like again.”
Markus copied Yamato and tasted the sauce. It was sweet, tangy, and deliciously citrusy. Gently, he picked up a piece of the gelatinous mochi and took a tentative bite. It was sweet, but not overpoweringly so. The sweetness was undercut by the somewhat bitter matcha powder. Not an unpleasant combination, but still different. He dipped the mochi in the sauce and tried a second bite, and the flavors seemed to come alive as they danced across his tongue. The bitterness of the matcha was complemented beautifully by the bright citrus flavors of the yuzu sauce. The balance of sweet, tart and bitter was a delight as he chewed appreciatively on the mochi.
Making sure to take his time with it, he slowly ate each bite of mochi, and even ate the mint garnish, which gave him a refreshing burst of cool flavor.
Stolen story; please report.
“That has to be the most sublime dessert I’ve ever had. And it has been made all the better by sharing it with a most worthy group of friends. Thank you all for agreeing to this Day of Good food and Good Friends. I know that I will never forget it.”
Hanako bowed her head. “Barton-san, I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we are honored to have one like you as a friend. Please. Hurry back.”
Markus nodded, unable to trust his voice. Akane, sensing his discomfort, squeezed his hand gently. “I know he will return soon. I trust him completely.”
“Ah, love. Such a noble and beautiful thing. Right, Petal?” Yamato smiled at Genkai, seeing the man flush red.
“Ah… y-yes, my Breeze. Something we must all cherish.”
The group sat contentedly for a few more minutes, each ruminating on their own changed status in life. In just a few short days, each had found new friends and powerful love. Atsuki began to chuckle.
Hanako nudged him with her shoulder. “What’s so funny, Yūben'na?”
He grinned. “I was just thinking about old man Komamura. And what Barton-san said about him the other day. Said that he sees -and probably loves- me as his son. Fuckin’ old man.”
Yamato stroked his chin in thought. “Komamura, you say?” Atsuki nodded. “Father would speak often of his friend Komamura-san. His name wouldn’t happen to be Takashi, would it? And he used to be something of a fighter?”
“How did….”
Yamato continued. “And owns a ramen-ya in a bit of a rough neighborhood?” Atsuki nodded dumbly.
Yamato smiled broadly. “I must meet my father’s old friend, then. Hopefully, he can tell me tales of my father from when he was a child.”
Atsuki simply stared at the man. “You mean to tell me that Komamura-ji was your father’s friend? And your father might be the man who loaned him the money to open his business?”
“The very same, my friend. As soon as you are able, I would like to meet him.”
“Tomorrow after five?”
“Fantastic! I shall be certain to wear father’s pin. If he is who I think he is, Komamura Takashi would recognize it immediately.”
Atsuki huffed a laugh. “Small goddamned world, it is. I meet an American who turns out to be one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He introduces me to the most exquisitely beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, and her adoptive brother just happens to be Komamura-ji’s benefactor. What are the odds?”
Markus’ phone chimed with a message before he could interject with a comment, and he dug into his pocket. It was a message from Amun.
Keep your mouth shut, son. Yes I did, and yes it was necessary.
Markus nodded and placed his phone back into his pocket. Akane nudged him gently.
“Everything okay?” she whispered.
Markus smiled and nodded. “Yeah. All good. Just a quick note from the boss. That’s all, nothing more.”
Akane nodded and rested her hand on his thigh. Their server arrived with the ticket, and Markus placed his debit card on the tray without looking at it. The server bowed and went away to process the payment, returning a few minutes later.
“Thank you for visiting Hafuu Shogoin. Please return soon.”
The six up them got up and walked out into the darkening evening, smiles on their faces. Genkai rested a hand on Markus' arm.
“So what’s next?”
Hanako shook her head. “I’m afraid I cannot stay out late tonight. I work tomorrow morning. And I’m sure your brother does, too. You, Nii-san, Ikeda-chan and Barton-san are the only ones who can stay out late tonight. And Barton-san likely needs to get up early in the morning. I don’t know when his flight leaves, but he cannot stay out too late, or he will miss it. I think it may be best if we were to go to our own homes at this point. Otherwise, we will be too tempted to simply keep going.”
Genkai sighed and nodded. “You are right, of course. Barton-san, I…” He trailed off, looking at the ground. Markus stepped in and wrapped the younger man up in a hug.
“You’re welcome, Gen-kun. All I did was see the person here. That’s all.”
Genkai hugged the burly man tightly. “Thank you so much, Barton-san. Thank you for seeing me.”
Yamato stepped forward and bowed deeply. “Barton-san, I would like to offer my most heartfelt thanks for introducing me to my Petal. I have rarely known a man as kindhearted as he. And you, my friend, are the very soul of kindness. To treat the two of us as you have is a rare gift in our country. Thank you.”
Markus placed a hand on Yamato’s shoulder and squeezed it gently. “You’re a worthy man, Hiroshi Yamato.”
Yamato placed his delicate hand atop Markus’ and smiled.
“Hey. American. Bring me some quarters when you come back, yeah?”
Markus snorted a laugh and nodded. “You got it, Atsuki. I will bring… what was it? Marysland and Arkansas?” Markus made sure to pronounce the final “s”.
Atsuki chuckled and clapped Markus on the shoulder. “A good American friend of mine said that they’re pronounced “Maryland” and “Arkansas”.”
Markus grinned and nodded. “I’ll get them for you. Don’t worry.”
“Thanks, bro.”
Hanako had been watching the exchanges with an amused expression, which slowly faded as Markus turned his attention to her. Her voice cracked as she spoke. “I… I don’t know what to say, Barton-kun. It doesn’t seem real. You’re leaving and there’s a chance that you won’t come back.” She sniffled, dabbing at the sudden tears that filled her eyes.
Gently, Markus reached out and took her hand. “On my life, I swear that I will return. Once I have the money I need to set up a home here, I will return, Ichikawa-san.”
The woman nodded, afraid to trust her voice. Atsuki came to her rescue and placed a hand on her shoulder. “We will miss you, Markus. Come home soon.”
“Count on it.” Markus wrapped an arm around Akane’s waist and squeezed her gently, eliciting a squeal and a giggle from the woman. “I don’t want to leave her side for too long.”
Akane threw her arms around him and squeezed tightly. “It’s just for a few short months. Then we can get ourselves into a home of our own.”
Markus nodded and smiled. “Yes we will. Just you and I. Let’s discuss this a little later. Our buses are coming and I’ve still got to pack my things. I’ll call you?”
Akane nodded and sniffled. “Please. I miss you already, Kuma-kun.”
Markus ran a hand across her jawline, snaking it to cup the back of her head as he tilted her chin and kissed her deeply. Once they broke the kiss, he gently touched his forehead to hers. “I miss you too, Usagi-chan.”
Silently, they parted. Markus looked up at the bus, noting that it was the one he needed to get back to his hotel.
“Love you.”
Akane let his hand slowly fall from hers. “I love you too.” She watched, silent tears dripping from her chin as he got onto the bus and took a seat near the back as it sped away.
It was Hanako that took her into her arms and held her as she wept.