The Husband

Early mornings are typically when I can feel most at peace. The gentle sounds of the ocean's waves, the smell of the salty sea breeze, and the comfort of my own bed all combine into an inescapable sense of bliss.

I can feel your warmth next to me as I lay here. I look over to you, my lovely, dramatic, and sometimes annoying partner. You're still sound asleep; the sun hasn't risen yet, and I have a feeling you'll be that way for a while still.

A smile forms on my face as I watch your peaceful expression, and I reach over to brush a lock of hair behind your ear.

You're so beautiful when you're not talking.

The first rays of sunlight won't be shining through our window anytime soon, but it's still time to take care of the errands. I carefully sit up in bed, trying not to wake you, and stretch my arms above my head. After, I dress and leave our home, taking a stroll over towards the shopping district.

I'm going to need a few things.

***

It's an hour later. The sun's light is barely bleeding over the horizon now. Our quaint little apartment is in sight. It looks like a painting when contrasted with the colors of the dawn sky and the ocean that stretches beyond. I have to stop and appreciate the view for a moment.

It's so wonderous, so… tranquil—the kind of thing you might see in a movie. A part of me wants to just stay here, take a deep breath, and relax. I deserve it after all. Spending day upon day and hour upon hour fishing at the ends of the Earth will do that to a person.

I take a moment to place my purchases on a nearby bench. Maybe I'll do exactly that. After all, you're likely still sleeping. Such a hard-working, kind, devoted, and lovely soul like yourself requires the extra hours. For now, I'll bask here in the serene atmosphere of—

Suddenly, I see a window open on the third floor of our apartment. It's the window to our bedroom. A familiar figure appears in the opening, and leans their head out, pretending not to notice me.

Oh no.

"Ahem." The figure clears their throat and begins to sing.

 "Where art thou, my husband?

 My bed is empty so.

 You left no reminder,

 Or note to let me know.

 Where art though, my husband?

 Have you abandoned me?

 Left me for another?

 Perhaps took to the sea?

 Where art though, my husband—"

I pull you back from the window, puffing, heaving, and nearly out of breath from having sprinted up the flights of stairs. "You… dramatic… horndog...!" You grin, and my puffs turn to sighs. I can't stay angry at that adorable face of yours. "You know," I say, and pinch the tip of your nose. "You're lucky that this building is mostly empty. Otherwise, we'd both be in trouble!"

"But Minato, my husband… You left me alone in our abode. There was nothing else to do but pine over you."

"Nothing else? What about breakfast? Or a shower? Oh, I know, what about getting dressed?"

You pout. "But I wanted to do all of those with you~"

"Arashi." I sigh and rub at my temple. "We talked about this. You can't just burst into song whenever the mood takes you. At the beach is fine, but here? No."

"But it's fun!"

"Maybe for you! But what if a police officer or someone else were to be strolling by? There's such a thing as keeping the public peace."

You scoff and roll your eyes at me. "Oh, come on, Minato. We both know that no one is going to arrest anyone over a little song, and especially not someone who can sing as well as I can. Besides, I'm sure they'd understand. It's been so long, and I need to feel your—"

"!" I interrupt you and place my hand over your mouth. Your skin is so soft and warm, and I can't help but blush a little, but I have to stay firm. "That's enough of that. I had a surprise for you today, but I'm not sure I should go through with it after that stunt you just pulled."

Your eyes go wide, and the excitement is clear on your face. I remove my hand from your mouth, and you immediately begin to speak. "What is it?! Tell me, tell me!" I can feel the energy radiating off of you.

"Only if you promise to be quiet, okay?" You nod vigorously, and I take a step back. "Alright, now stay here and close your eyes."

You do just that and put your hands over your eyes in an adorable fashion. I smile at the sight of you. Then, I make my way over to the bag I brought back, rummaging under the groceries until I find the surprise—it's a two-parter. It doesn't take long until I'm back, but I can already see you struggling to contain your anticipation.

"Here," I say. I grab your wrists and pull your hands from your eyes. Then, I present you with the gift. "This is for you."

You blink once, and then twice, and then your mouth falls open. "F-for me? Oh Minato, you shouldn't have." You hold the new condenser mic in your hands, staring at it in awe. I'm sure the old one is still perfectly fine, but I couldn't help but spoil you a little.

"I just got paid, so I figured you deserved something nice."

You pull me into a tight hug. "It's so beautiful. I'm going to sing so many songs into it. Thank you! Oh, I know. I can make a song for you right now—"

"Hush, I have another part to this surprise." You look up at me curious as I hold a finger up, signaling to you to wait. Then I pull the next part of the gift from the bag.

You look at it before realization colors your entire face red in excitement. "Minato~ Is that really—"

I stuff the gag into your mouth and tie it before you have the chance to finish that sentence. I notice you begin to squirm, so I reach behind you and pull you into my arms. You're breathing heavily now. It's obvious what you're thinking. I can see the excitement and lust in your eyes as I lean in and whisper in your ear.

"…I'm going to rest for a little while longer now. Is that alright with you?"

"!" You struggle against me in disappointment, but I hold you tightly. You're not going to worm your way out of this one. "You're a tease, and a meanie, and I hate you, and I'm going to sing the raunchiest song you've ever heard once this is over!" you'd probably say if you were capable.

Instead though, I plop back down on the bed and toss you beside me.

I can vaguely hear the muffled sounds of your voice trying to escape and annoy me further with what I'm certain is some kind of sexual harassment. But I just smile and take one last look at you before I close my eyes.

"You're so beautiful when you're not talking."

You try to kick me, but I'm already fast asleep.

I'm so lucky to have a partner like you.