Caine
I hummed as I plowed the farm. We didn't have as much land as some of our neighbors, but it was enough to live off of. Zetsuna's thriftiness helped matters too.
"Hey, Caine," a voice called out. I glanced up and saw some familiar faces. I recognized them as my childhood friends, Bruce, Eddie, and Sam. We'd known each other for years and had grown up together in this small town.
"Hey, guys," I called back, wiping the sweat from my brow.
Bruce was the tallest among us, a burly man with a heart of gold. Eddie was the jokester, always ready with a quick quip or playful jest. Sam was the thinker, quiet and thoughtful, but when he did speak, his words always held weight. Despite our different personalities, we were close, even if we didn't get together as much these days.
"Bruce, Eddie, Sam," I greeted each by name. I leaned on my plow, taking a moment to rest. "What brings you guys here?"
Eddie, with his usual grin, replied, "We're gonna go get some drinks over at the tavern. Wanna come?"
I scratched my head. "I'm not sure if Zetsuna would like that."
He snorted and rolled his eyes. "Since when do you let your wife determine what you do or don't do?"
I frowned at Eddie's dismissive tone. "Eddie, it's not about 'letting' her determine anything," I said, trying to keep my tone calm. "Zetsuna and I make decisions together. We are husband and wife, team. Not that you would understand. You never settled down."
Eddie looked taken aback for a moment, then shrugged. "Seems I was right to stay single. Getting tied down like that sounds so boring."
I gripped my plow.
"Eddie, don't anger Caine," Bruce said, pulling Eddie back.
He scoffed. "Alright, let's get going. If we spend more time with this guy, we might become pansies too."
Bruce sighed as Eddie walked off before turning to look at me. "We can catch up another time."
I nodded. With a final wave, they left. I watched them go, a mixture of emotions swirling inside me. Eddie's words stung, but I knew deep down that I was happy with the life I had chosen. Even with all the issues that came with being married.
Once I finished, I headed back inside to shower.
Zetsuna was busy cleaning our room. I waited for her to notice me, but she was too busy with her work.
My heart ached. Lately, I've felt a coldness from her. The foreplay we used to have when we first got together was gone.
"Hey," I said, walking up behind her and wrapping my arms around her waist.
She didn't respond, instead continuing to clean.
I frowned and hugged her tighter, resting my chin on her shoulder. "Zetsuna... please."
She sighed. "Yes, dear?"
"You know, we haven't been doing it lately. What's wrong? You mad at me for something?"
She paused, then sighed. "Why are you always so horny? Can't you wait until I'm done?"
I pulled away, a little hurt. "Zetsuna... I'm not just talking about sex. It's been a while since we've spent time together."
"What do you mean?" she asked, looking at me. "We're together now, aren't we?"
"Yes, but you seem distant lately," I said, taking a seat on the bed.
She swept the duster across my arm. "Hey, don't sit on the bed! You're gonna get it dirty."
"S-sorry," I said, quickly standing up. I made my way to the bathroom to clean myself.
Once I was done, I returned to the bedroom, but she was gone. She probably went to make dinner...
Maybe I should've listened to Eddie.
Taking a deep breath, I got myself changed and went down stairs.
"Hey, Pa. Why the long face?" Seiya asked.
"Tell your ma that I'm going to be out with some friends.
He nodded.
I left the house and headed for the tavern. It wasn't the same one we frequented in our younger days, but it was close enough.
The smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke hit my nose the moment I entered. Men and women were scattered about, laughing and chatting with one another.
He shook his head. "No, we aren't friends. Not anymore. And ya know why? Because ya chose a woman over us."
I frowned. "It's not like that. I'm just saying that you need to respect her decision."
"And if I don't?"
"Then you're not the man I thought you were."
"So be it. If ya want me to leave, I will. But ya won't ever see me again."
I sighed. He really couldn't hold his liquor.
"Ya have three seconds to decide. One, two..."
"Let's go before ya make a bigger fool of yaself," Bruce said, grabbing his arm.
He ripped his arm free. "Fine, I'm going." He turned around and stormed out of the tavern. Sam ran after him, like always.
"Sorry about that," Bruce apologized, rubbing the back of his head.
Kai's mother sighed. "Is he always like this?"
"Only when he is super drunk. That said, sorry for his behavior."
"It's fine. It's not the first time something like this has happened. It comes with the job, unfortunately."
Bruce smiled. "Still, it wasn't right. Here, let me buy you a drink."
She returned his smile. "You're a real gentleman, you know that?"
He laughed. "My wife tells me that all the time."
I couldn't help but smile. Sometimes, I wondered how Yayoi turned out so different from him. That guy had bullied Sou. Yet, Bruce was such a kind person.
"So, where is Zetsuna?" Kai's ma asked.
"Home. She's been... not feeling well lately," I said, taking a sip of my drink.
"Ah, I see. Well, if you want, we can talk about it. I am a great listener."
"Nah, it's alright."
She shrugged. "If ya say so." She made her way over to the bar.
Bruce sat down next to me. "I know ya probably don't wanna talk about it, but what's wrong with Zetsuna?"
I sighed. "She's been acting strange lately. Distant. It feels like she's avoiding me."
"Hmm. Maybe she's going through a rough patch. Happens to the best of us."
I shrugged. "Maybe. I just hope she'll open up to me. What if she finds me annoying?"
"I'm sure that's not the case. Yer a good man, Caine."
I smiled. "Thanks, Bruce. But if anything, she is the amazing one. She puts up with me and all my stunts."
He hummed. "Such as?"
I looked at the table. "Well, how I treated Seiya and Souta, when... Well, you know."
He nodded. "Can't say I can blame either of you. You both did what ya thought was best. That said, I know for a fact that ya regret those choices. Ya can't take 'em back, but ya can try and be better."
I looked up at him. "I've been trying, but... I can't help but feel it's too little too late."
"Give it time. I'm sure things will work out."
I sighed. "I hope so."
"But, if it doesn't, then move on. No sense dwelling on a dead relationship. Life is short. Ya gotta make the most of it. Live each day like it's your last."
I laughed. "Easy for ya to say. You and your lady are super close."
He smiled. "I'm a lucky guy, that's for sure."
"Zetsuna and I used to be too... Before all the issues with our sons."
"Ya know, maybe ya should do something nice for her. Show her how much she means to ya."
"Like what?"
"Like I would know. Ya her husband, not me. Just think of something she would enjoy."
"But, what if it's not enough?"
"Trust me, Caine. If yer genuine about it, she'll appreciate it. Women love gestures."
I frowned. "Really? Like, what, buying her a gift or something?"
"Or cooking her a meal. Something that shows ya care. It doesn't have to be big."
"Hmm... I'll think about it."
"Say, when is your anniversary again?"
"In a couple months."
"Perfect. Ya have plenty of time to come up with something. Just keep it in mind."
I smiled. "Thanks, Bruce."
"Anytime, bud."
I stood up and ran back home.
"You're home," she said as she and the others wer eating.
I smiled. "Hey."
She nodded and turned back to the food. "Where did you run off to?"
"I... went to get some drinks with my friends."
She wrinkled her nose. "Hope that didn't include Eddie. That guy's a bad influence."
"Eddie... Isn't he the dad of one of your bullies, Sou?"
Sou frowned. "Yeah... Actually, all three are kids of my Pa's friends."
No wonder Zetsuna wasn't fond of my friends. But it wasn't entirely their fault. Bruce was a good guy and was there for jis boy. Sam and Eddie were not.
I scratched the back of my neck and sighed.
"Well, enough talk. Come and sit down," she said, gesturing towards the empty spot next to her.
"Y-yeah." I took a seat and dug into my meal. It was delicious, as usual.
After we ate, I helped clean up the table. Then, we headed off to bed.
Setsuka closed the door behind her. She gave me a slight smirk.
I smiled back and removed my shirt, revealing my abs and firm pecs.
She walked over to me and placed her hands on my chest, gently stroking it.
I closed my eyes and sighed, enjoying the sensation.
She leaned in and kissed my cheek. "I'm sorry if I was acting cold earlier," she said, trailing kisses down my neck.
I shivered, my body tensing.
"But, I have a lot on my mind. We are gonna be grandparents soon."
I blinked. "Eh?" I turned to look at her. "Grandparents? What? But both our oldest sons are gay and the others are too little."
She sighed. "Well, you're not gonna believe what I have to say."
"Try me."
"Seiya got his boyfriend pregnant."
I wrinkled my nose. How was that possible?
"I know, it's hard to believe. But it's true."
"Wait, are you sure?"
She nodded. "A Quartz man can impregnate another Quartz man."
I touched my butt, disturbed. How was the kid gonna come out a guy's butt?
"Ziv laid an egg."
"Okay, now I'm even more confused."
She sighed. "Look, I'll explain everything tomorrow, but for now, just trust me. We are going to be grandparents."
"Alright," I said, still unsure of how any of that worked. But, part of me was happy. That meant our bloodline would live on.
"Do you think Sou will also have kids?" I asked, sniggling her.
"Well, if he gets together with Purpura, he would."
I frowned. That guy was still living rent free here.
"Not fond of the idea, huh?"
"I still prefer Ava, but Sou's not going to budge."
She chuckled. "True." She placed a hand on my pants. "Well enough about the kids. Let's have some fun ourselves, shall we?"
I smiled. "Alright." I leaned in and kissed her. She returned my kiss, deepening it.
"Hey, Caine. Would ya mind with we had another kid?" she asked pulling away.
My eyes widened. "Ya sure?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I mean, I know that I'm gonna push forty soon, but we stone women can have kids well into our sixties."
I smirked. "Alright, if you say so. Although, I kinda hope it takes more than this one night."
Zetsuna pressed her head against my chest and laughed. "I'm glad that you still see me as a woman."
I blinked. "Why wouldn't I?"
"Well, I am getting older now. I mean, I will maintain my youth longer than other woman, but eventually it will ne gone."
I shook my head. "Even if you're an old crone, I'll still love ya."
She smiled and nuzzled my neck.
I stroked her hair, enjoying the moment.
"Zetsuna," I whispered.
"Hmm?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Being with me. Loving me. Putting up with me."
She chuckled. "You're welcome. Thank you for being my husband."
"I love you."
"I love you too, Caine. Forever and ever."
I laughed as I pulled the covers over us. "Likewise, Babe."