Meadow - Volume 2

A decaying meadow seemed to stretch on forever, engulfed with death and desolation as far as the eye could see. Every plant was brown and dried, their bony branches sticking out of the ground like skeletal fingers. Black and gray clouds covered the sky, creating a depressing atmosphere that matched the barren landscape below.

Jiro stood there alone, wondering how he ended up in that desolate place. He was surrounded by demise and destruction, his soul drowning in hopelessness.

The shining ring on his left hand caught his attention and he realized that he wasn't supposed to be on his own, that he had someone by his side - his one true love.

"Natsuo..."

He started calling out his name, desperately searching for him. His eyes glanced around the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, but all he saw was turmoil in the dark.

His ears were listening intently for any sign of his presence. A weak sob came from a far distance and Jiro's heart leaped in his chest - he ran towards the sound, dried flowers creaking under his boots.

Finally, he saw a figure on the ground, his long brown hair falling across his back as he curled into himself, his shoulders shaking with pain. He was wearing a white robe, the silken fabric stained with dirt and sweat.

As soon as Jiro touched his spouse, the meadow was transformed into a sea of pink, yellow, and blue wildflowers with vibrant green leaves peeking out beneath. A sudden change occurred in the sky, replacing the deep darkness with a teal hue and white clouds tipped with silver reaching out to the horizon.

Jiro's eyes widened in shock as he saw the roundness of Natsuo's stomach, the gentle swell of his body that he had not noticed before. He immediately realized that his fiancé was carrying a child, although he couldn't figure out how it was possible.

He quickly shook his head, pushing aside his confusion. He leaned closer to Natsuo and gently brushed his hair away from his face, whispering words of comfort as he let out a painful groan.

Jiro held Natsuo close to him, cradling him against his chest and softly stroking his bump as he tried to calm his companion's distress.

"W-what did you do to me...?" Natsuo asked as he huffed, his voice trembling as he looked up at Jiro with watery eyes.

Jiro let Natsuo's robe fall open, revealing the full and large belly that was visibly swollen with life. He placed his hands on Natsuo's bare stomach, feeling the gentle movements of the baby beneath the surface. He gasped in amazement as he sensed the unmistakable presence of a tiny being growing inside of Natsuo, overwhelming him with deep happiness.

"I'll get you to the hospital," Jiro replied as he held his dearest lovingly, a surge of responsibility and love pouring over him. He vowed to do whatever was necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of his loved ones.

"Everything will be alright," he concluded as he kissed Natsuo's neck, calming him and their unborn miracle inside of him. No matter what the future had in store, he knew they would be prepared to face it.

Jiro finally understood the significance of the changes he had seen in the sky and in the meadow. There was only darkness and death without him - but with him, he could find light and a chance to live a life he never thought possible.

He stood up and delicately gathered Natsuo in his arms, supporting his back with one arm and scooping him up.

The soft sun peeked through behind the silver clouds, its rays of light spilling down on the field below. He smiled as he watched the sunlight dance across the colorful flowers, aware that the road ahead held many possibilities. His eyes fell on the sleeping Natsuo in his embrace and he kissed his forehead, convinced that they were on the right path.

"Are you okay?"

Jiro slowly opened his heavy eyes, his vision blurred by the tears that had gathered in them. He was touched by a hand on his wrist and the meadow disappeared from his sight as he was pulled back into his new surroundings.

His gaze adjusted to the stark white walls of the hospital room. He saw a familiar person next to him, his brown hair falling over his concerned face.

He forced his feeble hand to remove the oxygen mask from his mouth, his voice weak and quivering as he spoke.

"How is... our baby?"

Natsuo stared at him dumbfounded, his mouth agape as he tried to process his question.

"Did we... lose it?" Jiro murmured under his labored breath and tears spilled from his eyes, his heart hurting with the fear that they had lost the miracle they had been expecting.

Natsuo smiled kindly at him, understanding that the heavy medication had obscured his senses. He dried the tears from his chin and placed the mask back on his face.

"Just go back to sleep. Everything will be alright," he said in a calm tone.

Jiro reached for Natsuo’s hand, gripping it as he searched for comfort in his loved one’s touch.

"Yeah... everything... our baby... is alright..."

He let his eyelids sluggishly close as a wave of serenity washed over him, relieved that their family was safe and secure.

(A couple of days later)

Natsuo thanked the cashier a little awkwardly, a small smile playing on his lips as he handed her the money and picked up two coffees.

He stepped out onto the patio of the hospital, where a few people were quietly enjoying the late evening sun. Natsuo set the cups down on a nearby table before taking a seat next to Jiro, who was still wearing his patient clothes.

"Thank you, honey," he said as he sipped on his black coffee. The soothing wind played with their hair and they watched the sunset together in companionable peace.

They had been in the hospital for days, but Jiro had finally been discharged. He had been through a successful operation and the doctors had assured them that everything had gone well. His physical pain thankfully should ease and his emotional scars from the crash should begin to heal with time.

The two would leave the surgery unit tomorrow and start the journey back to Tokyo, where Jiro would begin his rehabilitation with the help of a team of medical professionals.

His interest wandered to the table a few steps away, where a mother was holding a small baby in her arms. The small child's tiny hands were grasped around a bunny toy and its eyes were wide open as it stared in wonder at the world around it.

Natsuo followed Jiro's gaze and noticed how his future husband smiled warmly as he looked at them.

"You know... you said some strange things after your anesthesia."

Jiro took another sip of his coffee and shrugged, not remembering anything from that evening.

"So what did I say?"

"You asked about our baby," Natsuo said rather seriously, his expression suddenly turning thoughtful as he recalled that night.

Jiro was just about to take another mouthful of his drink when something caused him to cough, his face reddening slightly as he quickly put the cup down.

"Really? That's hilarious," he said as he scratched the back of his neck nervously.

Natsuo narrowed his eyes at him, remembering how Jiro had said he wanted to grow old together and have children with him. However, he had clarified that he meant just cats and never expressed wanting to be a father after that.

But now he couldn't help but wonder if it was just the effects of the drugs and or if Jiro had secretly been harboring the thought of having an expanded family.

"You knew what you were getting into when you chose me."

"Huh?" Jiro wondered as he shifted his eyes from the baby, conscious that his prying gaze might irritate the mother.

Natsuo's face was intense as he said the words, his tone making it clear that he wasn't playing a joke.

"You understand that I can't give you that," he pointed out as his fingers squeezed from the plastic cup.

Jiro looked at him, surprise written across his features. He hadn't expected Natsuo to bring up something so grave at that moment.

"However, if you want that..."

Natsuo took a short pause, his eyes still locked on Jiro's as he considered his next words carefully.

"You shouldn't choose me. There's no way I can have a child."

"What are you talking about, silly?" Jiro laughed as he pinched his partner's cheek, shaking his head as he realized how ridiculous his thoughts had become.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm getting into," he continued as he smiled at Natsuo, reassuring him that he was confident in their relationship.

It had always been the two of them. He imagined the future they would have together - he pictured the secluded island where they would blissfully lounge around in the sun, making love and enjoying each other's company without a care in the world.

The baby in the mother's arms started screaming, causing the pair to turn their focus to the sound. Jiro quickly emptied his beverage, the liquid running down his throat in a single gulp.

Sunset slowly crept over the horizon, as the sky turned light pink and golden yellow, while a hint of sapphire blue glittered in the last few glimpses of daylight. Jiro's expression was warm as he nodded toward the street lined with spring flowers.

"Let's take a walk, just the two of us," he suggested, offering his hand to his spouse. Natsuo glanced at the platinum ring on his finger and nodded his head, tying their hands as he stood up.

"Lead the way," he smiled, feeling content as he remembered the promise and commitment they had made to each other. The faint breeze rustled the blooms from the stems and a few of the petals floated through the air, slowly drifting away...