Chiba

In no time, Mia and Alex were walking around the city without any particular goals or destination.

Japan was so different from what either of them was used to that most things seemed like a novelty.

They visited local shops and walked around, taking enough time to enjoy the beautiful landscapes that the city had to offer.

The beaches were beautiful and it was easy to tell that the Japanese loved being outdoors and doing all sorts of activities outside.

Eventually, there was a slight struggle with communication when Mia entered a shop and found a beautiful keychain that she wanted to get. Thankfully, being just outside of Tokyo, they eventually found a way.

Mia really needed to learn Japanese if she wanted to have some independence in this country.

Yuzuru, of course, had to stay at the venue for far more time than anticipated and ended up texting her saying that sadly he couldn't join them.

'not even for dinner?' Mia texted back, sightly hopeful that she could at least see him today.

'If you're ok waiting for a bit more.'

'Should be ok. We will be at the hotel. Let me know when you'll come so I can order something.'

To be fair, Mia didn't expect him to be done soon either way, especially not after not attending the first rehearsal.

She had no doubts that Yuzuru was good and well prepared, but a show always required other things to work.

Alex was completely exhausted when they arrived at the hotel and she saw him lying on the couch, making his mother smile.

"Tired?"

"We walked so much!"

"I know, but you wanted to explore."

"I had fun"

"Yeah?"

"I like Japan."

"I'm glad... We should probably look up some cool places to see next. I think Disneyland is near."

"Is it?"

The boy was immediately sitting again, excitement running through him once more.

"Think so. I guess we can ask Yuzu when he comes back"

"I can't wait to watch the show! It will be so much fun!"

"I hope so, hun. I don't know what to expect."

"Yuzu is always cool, so..."

Mia smiled at Alex, there was no point in hiding that she was very interested in the Japanese skater, not when he saw them kissing.

"I guess I do want to see what he will do." And that see-through costume...

Just like usual, Yuzuru chose the perfect time to tell her that he was on his way and Mia was immediately excited. She hadn't seen him all day, after all.

He took just a few minutes to arrive since the venue was also quite close and he looked completely spent as he entered the room.

"Hey" he said to Mia when she opened the door.

"Hey. Long day?"

He didn't reply before hugging her close and pecking her lips.

"Yeah. Long day. All better now"

"You can relax now." She told him with a gentle smile and he didn't waste any time before sitting beside Alex.

It was almost hilarious how both looked equally tired and ready to fall into bed.

Her boys.

"I haven't ordered anything yet, what do you both want to eat?"

"Anything is fine, really."

"Do you mind ordering?" She asked a bit uncertain. The last time Mia ordered room service it was quite a struggle given that even the hotel staff had some trouble with English. "I know you're tired but..."

"I don't mind, Mia. Give me the menu."

With Mia on the couch too, they chose their dinner carefully taking into consideration that Alex wasn't used to a lot of Asian food and flavors. Mia was slowly introducing them to him but she needed alternatives in case he hated them.

Thankfully it didn't take too long for it to arrive and they ate right there, on the couch while the TV ran softly in the background and they spoke about the day. Yuzuru looked proud that they took the time to explore the city instead of just going straight to the touristy places. It was the perfect way to get to know the culture.

As they finished eating, Alex was almost sleeping on the couch when Mia told him to get in bed.

"Goodnight" the boy said softly beneath the warm covers to them both.

Yuzuru seemed to take the opportunity of Alex's sleepiness to get closer to her again, bringing her close on the couch wordlessly.

"It seems to me like Alex isn't the only one who's sleepy." She mentioned as she saw the drowsiness in Yuzu's eyes.

"It's not easy for me to get used to this schedule. I practice at late hours most of the time and shows force me to wake up early and mess up that well-programmed schedule."

"I didn't know that... I guess it explains why you weren't jetlagged in Canada."

"I still feel it, but not as much as most people."

"Yeah... Makes sense."

"You're okay? Had fun today?"

"I like your country a lot." She admitted out loud. "I just wish I knew Japanese."

"You can always learn, if you want to, of course."

"I do, but it isn't easy."

"Let me know if you need any help."

"As usual... Are you staying?" She asked with no particular expectations. Mia didn't know what to anticipate from him anymore.

"Do you want me to?"

"I asked first."

"I would like that. But only if you want it."

Mia smiled and pecked his cheek. "I guess you can stay if you don't find the sleeping arrangements uncomfortable."

"Uncomfortable? Sleeping with a gorgeous woman by my side could never be uncomfortable."