A Harbor to Call Home (Chikayou)
“You died out at sea. It was a mysterious, terrible accident.” Chika said with a long sigh, staring out at the orange-bathed horizon with a look of longing. Her shoulders sagged low, her eyes reflected a sad acceptance.
“Uh...”
“Her family was so devastated. Her father most of all. Who would’ve thought her own daughter would be loss to sea.”
“Chika...” Feet shuffled nervously beside her, but she continued, clasping her hands over her heart.
“What’s worst is that she was carrying some important cargo! When it was lost, so was my heart.”
“I ate it by accident, okay?” You whined, stomping her foot in the sand. She had enough of hearing about her made-up death at sea. Chika sighed deeply, continuing to look out to the ocean.
“Sometimes, I hear her voice. She never kept her promise to me.” She fiddled with a ring in her finger, smiling sadly, though the cracks of a smirk were beginning to show.
“A promise to bring snacks as souvenirs, Chika!” You nearly dropped her captain’s hat in her desperation to explain. She was still in her uniform, having no time to change when Chika suddenly left her family’s inn and walked silently to the beach. When she regretfully told the news that she accidentally ate the souvenirs she bought for Chika during her latest voyage.
Six months at sea only to be done in by showing empty handed? You always knew fate to be a cruel mistress. Still, she was always one to try and go full speed ahead at any difficulty.
“Chikaaaa...” But she was getting desperate, just wanting to hug her after not getting to for so long.
Chika’s breath hitched. You didn’t know if it was from crying or hiding her laughter. She was stubborn, and her performance was weirdly convincing. Did she practice?
“If only I got to see her again and... Taste those cookies she told me so much about.”
“Oh my Gods!” You stepped in front of her, grabbing her shoulders and forcing to meet her eyes. Impressively, Chika kept her saddened expression, but she tilted her head up to look at You, the smile was harder to conceal now.
“If she ate those cookies, that means if I kissed her now, I would taste them indirectly.” She muttered aloud, no longer putting effort to hide her amusement. You blinked, sighing in exasperation. She removed her hat, tucking it in her armpit.
“Aye aye, captain.” She agreed with a tired breath. Chika smiled, giggling at the nickname. She waited, smiling against the kiss when You closed the gap. Chika wrapped her arms around her, embracing her captain close.
They pulled away. Foreheads bumped together. Chika was first to speak. “Welcome home, captain Watanabe.”
You finally showed a smile, sighing in relief as she snaked her hands around Chika. “I’m home, Mrs. Watanabe.”
You Takami just didn’t have the right ring to it.