#especially compared to jazz who speaks very smoothly

[vilevampire]

I'm going to start sobbing

[bastillewolf]

The Grand Tranquility Hotel (XIII)

Pairing: Alex Turner/Reader

Summary: An eccentric hotel owner and an inquisitive writer find solace in each other when they both seemed to be at the edge of rock bottom.

Notes: My 100th post! Also, I’d planned on making this one chapter since it’s the last song left on the album, but writing it made me realize it was getting far too long. So, I split it. Hope you’re all doing well. Enjoy!

Let me know if you’d like to be added to the tag list.

@edgythought​​ @iwannabemorethanme​​ @he4rtbre4khotel​​ @juga-42​

Chapter XIII - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (Pt. I)

5 YEARS LATER…

 “Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino, this is Mark speaking. Please tell me, how may I direct your call?”

“Yes, hi!” She quickly informed him of her name. “I was wondering if I could book a room at your residence? If possible, sometime soon.”

A moment of silence passed over the line.

“O-Of course, madam. It would be our pleasure. Would two weeks from now work?”

“Perfect. I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying. Oh, and I’m bringing someone, if that’s alright.”

“That’s won’t be an issue.”

“And- Could you do me a favour?”

“Anything, madam.”

“Could you book me into room 521?”

“Certainly.”

 She glanced down at her suitcase, taking a deep breath, before slamming the top down and sitting on it to be able to zip it shut. She had packed it to the brim, an unusual habit she’d started showing ever since she’d had to visit random book signings she would only know the location of later during the day. She had spent a while traveling, thus having this quirk grow into something more of a routine.

Her driver had been watching her struggle silently, noting the way she was fumbling with her hands as she put her coat on and nearly dropped her purse for the third time. When she finally looked up at him, he did his best to give her a reassuring smile.

“Are you ready to go, miss?” Matthew asked her. She nodded.

He held the door open for her as usual.

 The building was one she’d seen before on a picture, but only briefly, and she had to admit that she had underestimated the sheer size of it. It was not looming in any way; it was a place you’d walk into expecting to have fun. She could compare it to a billboard; massive, with bright flashy neon lights and something about it that made you turn your head to look at it.

The entrance hallway was decorated with a brightly coloured carpet and simplistic wooden furniture, and it was busy. People were gathered around in little clusters here and there, most likely just having arrived and others meeting up with friends. She was a bit relieved to see that the face behind the counter was not a familiar one, because she still hadn’t decided how ready she was to be in the situation she was today.

“Welcome to the Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino,” the clerk said most enthusiastically. “How may I be of service?”

She tried her best not to pull her nose up at the way he said it, instead opting for a polite introduction. “I’d called the other day; I’d asked for room 521?”

He decidedly blinked at her, before his gaze wandered her up and down, almost as if to check if she was really who she was claiming to be. Finally, when her brow lifted impatiently, he settled with believing her, because he said, “Of course, miss. I absolutely loved your book, by the way. If I may be so bold, would you sign my copy for me one of these days?”

“Of course,” she put up a polite smile, “You’ll know where to find me.”

Matt appeared behind her, lowering their suitcases to the floor. “Sorry I took so long. Couldn’t find a spot.”

“That’s alright,” she muttered, as he eyed the young clerk behind the counter suspiciously.

“Our sincere apologies, sir,” the boy told him, “The hotel is working on the plans to expand the parking lot.”

“Working on the plans? How difficult is it to expand a parking lot?” Matt quipped back, leaving the clerk trying to form a sputtering sentence which mostly consisted of a lot of uhms and buts. He rolled his eyes at the employee, simply reaching out with an open palm. “Just give me the keys.”

“H-Have a nice stay, miss. And to your mister, of course!”

She had no time to reply, for Matt was already guiding her to the elevator with his hand on her lower back. “You didn’t have to be so rude, Matthew.”

“I wouldn’t have to be so rude if they hired better staff at this hotel.”

“He barely said anything. You’re biased.”

“It was the way he was looking at you. I didn’t like it.”

She huffed, hitting his arm.

 “Are you joining me for dinner or are you going to sulk in this room for the entirety of our stay?” she asked as she glanced over herself in the mirror one last time. She’d put on something a bit fancier, having known beforehand what kind of restaurant the hotel housed. Luxury food for the luxury people.

“Those are two big varieties in time,” Matt commented from his strewn-out position on his bed, “I know I’m not joining you tonight, but I don’t know what I’ll be doing for the rest of the week. I’m not a fortune teller.”

“I know you’re not a fortune teller, otherwise you’d throw out some bullshit that you foresee that you will join me in other activities and then it never happens. Just promise me you’ll be a bit more productive. Join me on walks, you can bring out your camera.”

“We’ll see,” he said, as she walked out the door.

 Dinner for one, such a common theme for her during her life. When she lived on her own a while away from her family, she used to enjoy going to restaurants by herself. No one there to chatter her ears off, no one to take her attention away from the delicious food she didn’t have to cook for herself. She’d done it quite often, and still thoroughly enjoyed it.

Especially considering the fact that she had a best-seller book and a lot of people now knew her name, she couldn’t say she’d ever been denied a seat at a restaurant. Up until now, when a familiar man with a frantic look on his face was glaring down at his clipboard, going through people’s names and reservations.

“I’m very sorry, madam, but I’m afraid all of our tables are reserved. We could provide you with complementary room service, though-“ The sound of his voice had died down quietly during the moment he’d looked up at her and recognition had befallen him. His eyes softened momentarily, his hand wavering over the clipboard he was holding. They inspected each other, and both felt a mutual warm blanket of familiarity and respect surround them, as two old friends would.

Though it had only been a few years, he had changed a lot. Not so much in appearance; still sporting the long, curly bush of hair resting on his slim shoulders, which were covered by a velvety suit jacket. It was in the way he held himself. He looked so very much more confident, if not relaxed. The dark circles under his eyes were no longer as prominent as they used to be, and he radiated a hospitality any clerk could only dream of having.

“I could always just sit on the floor,” she said, her lips quirking up facetiously.

Nick smiled warmly at her in turn. “Actually, I think we’ll manage. If you’ll follow me, miss.”

He guided her through rows of tables holding chattering people, most adorned with a crystal glass of alcohol in their hands, seemingly in a state of pure and utter rich bliss. They reminded her of the very people she’d slandered at a particular gathering. She noticed them catching glimpses of her through the corners of their eyes, telling each other ‘don’t turn around, but there’s this-‘ or something of the sort. Because they knew what kind of person you had to be to get into an already packed restaurant.

She loathed them as much as they loathed her.

“Here we are,” Nick announced, pulling her out of her daze. He snapped his fingers, and she’d almost burst out laughing at the comical gesture until a few of the personnel came running through a door, carrying a table and chair, amongst a few other things. And in a flurry of motion, they’d set her in front of the window, adorned her place with the most intricate cutlery and dishware she’d ever seen, and had even poured a small amount of champagne for her to try.

When she’d agreed to the sparkling gold that slid smoothly down her throat and her glass was filled generously, they were gone as quickly as they’d come. She’d barely had time to get comfortably settled in her chair, or even blink.

Nick smirked at her clear state of disarray. She hadn’t changed a bit, and it made him more than happy.

In the time of her absence, Nick had seen a lot of people he’d known change. Some for the better, some for worse. It had hurt him to see it all. And thus, knowing it was her in particular that had her familiar ways rooted so deeply into the ground and still stood tall, made that wave of nostalgia something he wanted to cherish.

“I hope you didn’t have to cancel any reservation for this?” she wondered, “This table has such a good view.”

“Not at all, miss. Only the famous and our regulars get a special treatment.”

“And I am?”

“Both, really,” he replied with a playful lift of his brow.

She snorted, “Not as famous as you’d think, Nicholas. And certainly not a regular.”

“You are a regular to us, miss. You always will be.”

He made her heart flutter, drowning out the initial worry she’d come in with. “I suppose you’re too busy to join me, then?”

“Unfortunately, I am. But I will ask our head chef if he has time to go over the menu with you, and keep you a bit of company.”

She hummed, “That would be nice. Thank you, Nicholas.”

 Her gaze wandered over the many faces in the room, her ears filled with their nonsensical blathering, barely being able to make out the faint jazz band seated on the stage a little end away from her. She glanced down at her worn golden watch; the same one she’d carried around all those years ago. It was time for her medication, and if the time hadn’t told her so, the noticeably increasing pounding in her head certainly did. She plucked the bottle out of her purse, took one out, and threw it back quickly with a gulp of water. They never really worked, but a part of her always hoped they would. It was one of her last options, and even her doctor was getting frustrated.

She noticed him before he did her. And he looked good.

He was dressed in a black chef’s uniform, which looked like it had come straight out of dry-cleaning. Not a spot of grease or grime to be seen, yet his sweaty forehead which he quickly ran his handkerchief over told her he was still as hardworking as ever. Chef Cook, read in a red italic on the front of his shirt.

His blue orbs met hers and held a giddy sense of surprise to see her. He rushed over to her table, ignoring every singly person asking to have a word with him about his commendable food, and didn’t hesitate to give her a tight hug. Everyone who had tried to grasp his attention looked rather appalled.

She pulled back from him with twinkling eyes. “Look at you,” she muttered, “Chef Cook. All professional and organized.”

He huffed, “Professional, I certainly strive to be. Organized? I don’t think that’s possible. Not in my kitchen, at least.”

He took a seat right next to her, provided by one of the same waiters that had set her table up for her. “It’s good to see you again, miss. I’m really sorry I haven’t had the chance to call. It’s been a very hectic few years.”

She shook her head, “You don’t have to explain yourself to me, Jamie. I can tell how busy you’ve been, and how much it has payed off. It makes me happy to just see you doing well.”

“But it’s not an excuse to not have been able to thank you for what you’ve done for us,” he insisted.

“You would’ve been fine without me,” she waved him off, “The book only gave you a bit more publicity. The rest you did yourselves. Besides, I completely understand if certain… regulations made you refrain from calling me. That’s not your fault, either.”

He held a look of guilt; a similar one she’d seen at another time, another place. “Even if there were, I should’ve just picked up the phone. I just- I just didn’t think you’d want to talk to us again after the last time we saw each other…”

She furrowed her brow in confusion. “Why?”

“We certainly didn’t do much to speak on behalf of your honour, miss. I didn’t have words to describe what I was feeling, and I couldn’t say I was ready to defend you in that moment. And yet I wonder, after all of that, how you still managed to write any good about us lot.”

She placed her hand on his back comfortingly. “You did what you thought was right. I did something awful and have spent the past five years trying to make up for it. I’m only glad you still want to talk to me.”

“How could I ever not want to talk to you?” He smiled, “You’re our favourite guest.”

 They talked about a whole lot. He told her about how he met his wife shortly before the grand opening of the new hotel, and how they’d gotten married in the spring only a few months ago. He told her of how he had struggled with the new position he’d been given, considering it had been a while since he’d had actual staff work underneath him, let alone this many. And he told her of how he’d gotten through the reestablishment with the support of his family and friends, and how he often thought back on the old hotel, which still remained a hidden gem.

She informed him of how she’d gotten quite a few offers on the previous script of her book, though most of them seemingly more interested in the gossip than her actual story. When she felt she found the right company, she’d set the record straight that all earnings go to the hotel itself, which Jamie confirmed.

“The, uh- The boss didn’t want it at first. As you can imagine. But I knew you wouldn’t take the money back, so we had the old bathhouse in the Grand Tranquility Hotel restored. You should come see it sometime, it’s beautiful.”

“I’d love to,” she replied genuinely, “I’d hoped that old ruin would get its life back some day. It’s a place I hold dear in my heart.”

Jamie nodded in understanding. He hesitated, and she noticed the question lingering on his lips.

“Spit it out,” she huffed.

He smiled awkwardly, glancing up at her with his bright orbs. “How’s Matt been?”

She let out a sigh. “He’s been okay. Has been acting as my chauffeur, mostly, though he knows I can drive perfectly fine myself. He’s still looking for a job that holds his interest for longer than a few weeks.”

He nodded, reaching over to scratch the back of his head. “Is he here, too?”

“He is. We share a room.”

“Has- Does he ever mention us?”

She blinked. “No.”

She watched as his shoulders slumped in anguish, quickly adding, “But I know he thinks about you a lot. And that he misses you, even though he’s too stubborn to admit it. It will take him a while to be able to realize what he really needs and wants.”

He didn’t perk up much, but he gave a noise of acknowledgement that told her he’d at least taken her words into consideration.

“So,” she started, “how outrageous would it be if I asked you to make me a cheeseburger?”

He smirked. “Probably be the least outrageous request I’ve ever gotten from a guest, miss. Coming right up.”

 Her walk back to her room was slow, her belly not allowing her to take the long strides she would usually take. Her face felt slightly warm from the buzz of champagne, which she admittedly drank more of than planned, and her chest was full with happiness.

The people she’d been so anxious to meet had accepted her back with open arms, and it was a wave of gratitude and ease that had washed over her since then.

The moment she’d stopped in front of her door and glanced down at her watch, however, was not a moment of joy. She had forgotten her keys, and it was late, meaning Matt had most likely already fallen asleep. “Shit,” she muttered under her breath, rubbing her eyes tiredly. There was no way she was going to bang on the door only for other guests to wake up and file noise complaints. Resting her head against the wooden surface, she thought about her unfortunate circumstance, and wondered how people did that trick with their credit card to break in.

Just as she was about to consider committing a felony, her ears caught the click of a door opening and a pair of feet shuffling until they momentarily wavered.

She met the chocolate brown eyes she hadn’t seen in five years.

Happy birthday, Miles <3

[tokyotwosome]

Okinawa

Yesterday was our final day in Okinawa and in the short time we spent there so much transpired. The one thing that immediately caught my eye was how completely different Okinawa feels compared to that of mainland Japan. It’s clear that the American influence plays a big role, yet the islanders hold on to their distinct heritage in a very beautiful way. There were simple differences, really, yet so significant. Take the language, for instance. You often hear people in Tokyo mentioning how Okinawans speak a different dialect of Japanese. What I didn’t realize is a lot of the traditional way of speaking is almost its own language altogether. While they share many of the same customs as the mainland, they also have their own. Let me begin with why we went to Okinawa in the first place, apart from the fact that it’s been on our bucket list of places to go. The purpose of this trip was for Rob, myself, and our friend Naoki to deliver a seminar to JTEs (Japanese Teachers of English). Our friend and fellow colleague, Taniguchi-sensei (or “Grandpa” as we call him) is a well known organizer for these seminars and managed to book the trip for the four of us. We shared a presentation on “How to Team Teach with Foreigners” in the hopes of providing a new perspective to the JTEs. After meeting with all of the teachers and locals during our trip, we can say for certain that there is one thing Okinawa shares with mainland Japan and that is their warm hospitality, or omotenashi as they say in Japan.

DAY 1

Our first day was reserved for visiting some of Okinawa’s world heritage and memorial sites. The first place we toured was called Sefa-utaki, the historical origin sites of the Ryukyu Islands. Walking through the forested area and gazing at the monstrous rocks where pilgrims often travel to pray brought out a very spiritual feeling to us as observers. Shortly thereafter, we drove to the Peace Memorial for a private tour and a bit of history about the events that unfolded during the Battle of Okinawa in April of 1945. We were especially moved by the fact that the walls with engraved names of the dead included Japanese, Okinawan, and American military personnel. The cliff pictured above shows a beautiful view of where nature’s greenery meets the ocean-blue waves. During the intense battles that took place here, the locals were essentially pushed off the edge and forced to commit suicide against their will. At that time, the water was completely red from the blood of those who died. We took a few moments and all prayed together. It was quite beautiful and honestly what we hope our ancestors and countrymen would have wanted as a result from the war. 

Nearby the Peace Memorial is another memorial called Himeyuri that had another very emotional impact. The site is dedicated to an Okinawan girl’s school that had suddenly been forced to become participants during the battle. These girls had to drop their books and pick up medical supplies to aid the injured Japanese soldiers. As a result of the battle, almost all of the 222 girls lost their lives. I encourage everyone to learn about their story as it’s a truly tragic one. Girls as young as 12-years-old went into the underground caves where the Japanese military required them to care for the injured. They weren’t allowed to return to their families and eventually most of them died from various causes. They’re known as the Himeyuri students. 

Our first night out took a thrilling turn. What seemed like any normal Japanese-style restaurant turned out to be anything but ordinary. The restaurant included live music and portrayed a perfect example of Okinawan-style cuisine. We tried pig’s feet, Sōki soba (Okinawa’s famous noodle dish), as well as umibudou (or seaweed grapes, which had no particular flavor but a very interesting texture), and then washed it all down with an ice cold Okinawan brewed Orion beer. The music consistently involved the audience in singing along, dancing around the restaurant together and giving a cheers to your neighbor by shouting “ari-kanpai”. As if things weren’t exciting enough, we then took to the stage for a chance to try on traditional Ryukyu royalty attire (pictured above).

DAY 2

Our first seminar went exceptionally smoothly and we really connected with the teachers who had attended. Once the seminar came to a close for the day, we went out for a night of drinking and learning about Okinawan local life. One of the teachers played the sanshin (an Okinawan banjo-like instrument) as we all sang the local tunes at an anime-style karaoke bar. The night ended at a Showa era jazz bar with a very talented guitarist, where we sang old-style Japanese karaoke (no TV prompter). We spent the majority of the time drinking awamori (popular local spirits) and talking with our new local friends. 

DAY 3

Following our final day of presenting (including a taco lunch and local parade), we joined everyone for a sunset beach BBQ. We gathered by the water, drinks in our hand, as we took in the beautiful view of the ocean and cooked up various meats. What we hadn’t anticipated was the sudden change in weather. We started the BBQ with beautiful skies and a slight breeze in the air. Then, suddenly the storm decided to swoop in. The sky went grey as thunder and lightning boomed overhead. Rain began pouring in a monsoon-like way as the wind blustered through, blowing away our cups and plates. Soon after, a staff member came by to evacuate us as the storm was in full force. The group of us grabbed our belongings and took off towards shelter in a nearby resort hotel lobby. It was like something out of a movie. We sprinted through the rain as the wind gusted this way and that. Moments later we had safely arrived to shelter beneath the nearby hotel. The same staff member provided us towels to dry our soaking wet bodies, reimbursed us for the BBQ, and it was then that we realized some of the guys had carried their beers with them through the storm. We all busted into laughter at this realization and the mere luck of the typhoon hitting us so suddenly in that moment. 

DAY 4

Day 4 was yet another impactful day. As you may know, Okinawa has an abundance of U.S. military bases throughout the island. What you may not know is how exactly this impacts the locals. Whether it be the osprey that crashed (disrupting local life), the rape and murder of a high school girl, or the drunk driving from American military personnel, it’s clear that the military presence has an impact on the Okinawan people. In addition to all this, the Japanese government is currently in the works of a new plan to build a U.S. base on the shores of Henoko (a region in Okinawa). We had an opportunity (thanks to the help of our new friend and local university instructor, Keiko-sensei) to go speak with the protesters about what they’re opposing to try and grasp a better understanding of their cause. 

LET ME BE CLEAR THAT WE WERE IN NO WAY INVOLVED IN THE PROTEST, BUT MERELY THERE TO OBSERVE AND TALK WITH THE ACTIVISTS TO EXCHANGE THOUGHTS.

As it seems, the new base where the construction has began is not only endangering the ocean-life and surrounding natural habitats, but the locals feel they’re having their land stolen right under their feet. It was really powerful to see how passionate they are about their heritage, people, and land. It reminds me a bit of how the Native Americans feel about their land in the states and having to then fight for what is rightfully theirs. After speaking with the protesters, they had asked us each to say a little something and next thing I know I’m singing the song “Imagine” by John Lennon to a group of protesters in Okinawa as the U.S. military is gazing at us only a few yards away. It was a very surreal and eye-opening experience. 

DAY 5

The biggest take away from this trip is that we as people cannot bundle a society or country of people into one category. If you meet one American, can you honestly say you fully understand American culture from that one person? Certainly you cannot and the same is to be said about Japan. Okinawa is it’s own brand and a place we hope to visit again in the future, along with some of it’s neighboring islands. Our final day was spent sightseeing, shopping, and going to an ocean-view onsen (or hot spring). We would just like to thank Takara-sensei (see you in Seattle next March), Seiko-sensei, Seigo-sensei, Keiko-sensei, Gaku-sensei, Yoko-sensei, and the rest of the Okinawan crew of teachers! You all made our trip so very special and we’ll truly never forget it. A special shout out to Naoki and Grandpa (Taniguchi-sensei) for being such remarkable travel partners. Thanks to Grandpa for making this whole trip happen and being “the best of the best”. We are so incredibly lucky to know you all and feel very blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. あり乾杯！