The Temple of Heaven

by Z. Allora

  Tian Di held out a box. “I thought you might like to try these.”

  Jordon stared down at the monkey chocolates. “If I wasn’t already in love with you, this would do it. Chocolate, it’s not just for breakfast anymore.”

  Chapter 17

  “I’M A goddamned adult! And I don’t have to check in all the time.” Jordon tried to quiet his voice to a more mature volume but failed. He plopped back down on the futon with his cell phone. Why had he even left Tian Di’s snuggle?

  Tian Di rolled onto his elbows, the comforter slipping, exposing his shoulders and chest. “You okay?”

  Jordon growled and waved his cell.

  “Which brother?”

  “Zack is going off the rails. Can’t I have one day I’m not tethered to my phone? He acts like I’ve been kidnapped and he hasn’t heard from me in weeks.” Jordon kissed Tian Di’s full, plush lips. Yesterday he had needed to lose himself in all things Tian Di.

  They’d spent the entire glorious day exploring the numerous ways a side can have fantastic sex. Jordon didn’t think they got through 1 percent of all the activities he wanted to try. He’d come to terms with a lot yesterday. Shouldn’t he be allowed to burrow in with his boyfriend and play?

  “Didn’t you text him yesterday at dinner?” Last night, Tian Di had dragged him off the futon and into town. Apparently protein bars and ejaculate weren’t enough to keep hunger at bay.

  “Yup. Though this morning he sent me a text detailing, not asking, mind you, all the scheduled activities for every day off he has on tour. He’s even started to purchase tickets for museums and city combination tickets.”

  “Did he do this in the past?”

  Jordon frowned. “Yeah, I guess, but that was before.”

  “Maybe he misses you.” Tian Di might be too reasonable.

  Jordon wanted to stay pissed. “I miss him, but he needs to respect me and my time.”

  “Have you told him that?”

  Sighing Jordon admitted, “Not in so many words. I guess I need to do that.”

  Tian Di gentled a hand down Jordon’s back. “Is there anything I can do?”

  How did one shoulder squeeze let Jordon know everything would be okay? “Nah, I need to text him back.”

  “I’m going to speak to the owner and confirm we won’t be having dinner here tonight, but we’ll be staying until tomorrow.”

  “Great, thanks.”

  Tian Di gave him a toe-curling kiss that made Jordon want to rethink their plans for the day. Did he really need to see the snow monkeys? He had seen the pictures. Before he could suggest more futon tricks, Tian Di dressed and slipped out of the room.

  Another text vibrated his phone, making him glare at Zack’s new words. I scheduled the early morning tea and temple tour in Penang.

  He texted, That’s two months from now!

  Of course. Zack found nothing insane about planning that far in advance.

  U have to ask me. Was that blunt enough?

  Why??? I’ve never asked U before.

  Well, that was a reality-based boot to the head. The truth bomb was Zack had been scheduling and arranging activities for Jordon since they started touring with Dusty.

  Why is this a problem, now? Zack didn’t have to say since Tian Di. The accusation came over the text loud and clear.

  Jordon punched the pillow and then counted to ten. He reminded himself he was an adult, and if he wanted to be treated like one, he needed to act like one. He texted, Zack, from now on I’d like if we talked before U schedule things.

  Jordon had allowed Zack and Dusty to micromanage the details of his life. It had been easier. All three of the Davis brothers had grown used to this dynamic. He understood they wanted to keep him protected, but now the overprotection felt like control.

  What? Don’t U want to hang out with me anymore?

  His brothers had done everything for him, and he’d let them. But now it was time to adjust the boundaries. Emotional blackmail much?

  Argh! Sorry. I’m trying… and failing. I’ll work on talking to U about things I just assumed before. I miss U Jordie.

  I love hanging out with you, but coordinate with me so I can plan around other things I need to do.

  W/ Tian Di, Zack texted back.

  Anger flashed through Jordon. He typed, YES and with Justin. I do WORK even though you don’t consider my art a real job.

  I totally do. I’m proud of what U do and all U have accomplished.

  Really? Never felt that way. Though in truth, Jordon had never asked anyone for feedback on his art.

  Yes!!!!! BTW I’m reading your Sakura Rose manga.

  And? A nauseated shudder went through him at the idea of Zack gawking at the sexually explicit images that came out of his brain.

  Excellent!!!!!

  Wow. Thanks.

  Though that Tricks is mega filthy in a good way. It’s a great story.

  Thank you. We good?

  I’m a planner. Can U take a look at the things I scheduled & tell me if I should cancel/reschedule?

  That’s fair. Of course.

  It’s weird, U know.

  What?

  U having Tian Di. I guess I’m trying to get used to the idea of you being old enough to have a boyfriend. Let alone you having a serious one.

  Jordon had been okay with Dusty’s dating. When his older brother found someone who made him happy, Jordon thought that was super cool. But when Zack started seeing Andrew, Jordon had hated it. Not just because Andrew had been an asshole and didn’t deserve Zack, but because Jordon was afraid he wouldn’t matter to Zack as much.

  Jordon texted, U know I love U fuckhead.

  Yes, A-hole. I love U 2, Zack responded, then asked, Are U having a good time?

  Leaving out the amazing incredible sex, Jordon texted, Yeah, great! We’re seeing the monkey park & museum today.

  Good. Send some pics.

  Jordon texted, What R Yr plans today?

  Doing some stuff w/ Andrew.

  Knowing better than to ask what that might entail, Jordon texted, Have fun, and signed with an artist emoji.

  U 2. Call if you need me.

  He fell back onto the futon. Ouch! This sucker wasn’t nearly as comfortable when Tian Di wasn’t there to snuggle with.

  Setting boundaries, and keeping them, exhausted him. Jordon didn’t want to hurt Zack or Dusty, but he needed to do this for him. His therapist told him creating new neuropathways could make you feel drained. He was grateful they’d been there for him when their mother turned him out, but he was an adult now. A different dynamic needed to be built.

  Even though it was awkward and felt kind of shitty, setting boundaries was important. Adulting 101 lesson of the day: it was healthy to realign previously set limits.

  A few minutes later, Tian Di came back. “We’re all set. I think I avoided insulting the owner by explaining I’d take you to the restaurant my sister recommended.”

  “Playing the sister card, well done.” Jordon slipped his arms around Tian Di and breathed easier. “Ready for the monkeys?”

  “That’s not the question.”

  “What’s the question?” Jordon loved how Tian Di tried to keep a straight face, though his laughing eyes screamed that a joke was in the works.

  “Are the monkeys ready for us?” Tian Di’s voice remained serious as he locked their room.

  Jordon snorted and trailed after Tian Di. “They’re not, but who could be?”

  Tian Di chuckled, stepped outside the ryokan’s front door, and took a deep breath. “Not too hot today.”

  Spying some clouds, Jordon worried. “I hope it doesn’t rain.”

  Tian Di shrugged. “Eh, if it does, we’ll deal with it.”

  Jordon let that thought sink in at a philosophic level. Things happened, and people just dealt with what life threw at them. He could deal with rain. If he got wet, so what? It might be romantic to kiss in the rain.

  “This way.” Tian Di pointed out the path toward the J
igokudani Snow Monkey Park.

  As they trekked, Jordon found the vivid greens of the forest fascinating. “Look at all the shades in the leaves. There’s jade, malachite, midnight green, sea green, and—get ready for it—”

  Grinning, Tian Di said, “Forest green?”

  “You totally stole my thunder.” Jordon shoulder-bumped Tian Di.

  The path ended in a paved area. On one side was a rock wall with different levels of flat ledges. Groups of macaques congregated and lounged in the sun. On the other side was the man-made hot spring pool, rimmed with rocks, that was in all the pictures of the snow monkeys of Nagano.

  Three monkeys were submerged to their necks in the steaming water. One surveyed Tian Di and Jordon, and the other two had their eyes closed. A couple of monkeys ran around the rim of the pool, clearly not following the “no running in the pool area” rule.

  “Look at him.” Tian Di pointed to a relatively young monkey who hopped into the water. He held his hands delicately above the water, took a few tentative steps, and darted back out.

  Jordon enjoyed taking in the cool factor of being someplace he’d heard about. “Aw, poor thing. Maybe the spring is too hot for him.”

  Tian Di pointed out five monkeys sitting in a row on the rock wall, grooming each other. “The monkey version of Made in China—Ew.” One of the monkeys found a tasty bit in the other’s fur and ate it. “I’ll assume that’s a twig and not lice.”

  Jordon didn’t dissuade him of his false belief. He directed his attention to a female resting on a lower rock. “Look at the mommy monkey feeding her baby.”

  “The baby is staring so lovingly at his mother. That’s so sweet.” Tian Di threw an arm around Jordon’s shoulders.

  The touch helped keep the bitterness from stealing Jordon’s bliss. His life might not be perfect, but it was pretty damned fabulous.

  “Do you mind if I draw?” Jordon started dragging out his sketch pad and pencils.

  “Of course not.” Tian Di moved closer to the hot spring and started reciting words to Made in China songs.

  The way the light played off Tian Di’s face and hair was too glorious for words, but not for drawing. Each line Jordon set down attempted to capture a hint of the magic that was Tian Di.

  After he had Tian Di on the page, he expanded the picture to include the hot spring and some of the monkeys. When he was happy enough with the image, he picked the red pencil to sign the page. He scrolled the word To and stopped because he could no longer draw for a mysterious figment of his imagination. Not when Tian Di—

  Screech! Argh! Chaos broke out in the hot spring. Some monkeys jumped out of the water and others moved to the side.

  Tian Di jumped closer to Jordon. “What was that?”

  Shoving his sketch pad and pencils into his bag, Jordon stepped directly in front of Tian Di. What was happening?

  The question was answered by the rowdy group of adolescents chasing one another over the top of the rock wall. One of the biggest monkeys stomped out of the hot springs and stood on the rim. The male, based on his anatomy, didn’t look amused.

  He shrieked, displaying his teeth.

  Jordon shifted his position and inserted himself between Tian Di and the angry monkey.

  The chastised monkey rebels sat down on a rock ledge near the top of the wall and shut up.

  The male gave one warning screech and returned to his bath.

  Tian Di kissed Jordon’s cheek. “Thank you.”

  “For?” Jordon cocked his head.

  “Protecting me.”

  “Oh.” He hadn’t realized he’d done that.

  “You’re so cute when your cheeks get all pink like that. Just like a character in one of your manga drawings.” Tian Di grinned.

  Jordon couldn’t even give him a mock frown. He shrugged and said, “Let’s take some pictures.”

  Tian Di sent one to his sister.

  Jordon sent Zack and Dusty one of himself, with the monkeys enjoying the hot springs in the background.

  Zack texted, Send 1 of U & TD.

  “Um, Zack requested a picture of us together.”

  “My sister asked for the same thing.” Tian Di waved his cell.

  Jordon sniffed.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “This is another of Zack’s olive branches. His way of telling me he’s going to try to accept that I’m an adult and that I have a boyfriend who’s very important to me.”

  “All that from just a text?” Tian Di was either impressed or concerned, Jordon couldn’t tell.

  “It’s Davis-speak.”

  They took several poses and chose to send a smiling picture, one of them making silly faces, and his favorite pose of Tian Di kissing Jordon’s cheek.

  Dusty and Zack both texted back Great pics.

  Tian Di looked at his phone and gave a rueful chuckle.

  He didn’t want to pry, but Jordon was damned interested to know what got that response. He promised he wouldn’t push if Tian Di didn’t want to answer. “What?”

  Tian Di thrust the phone close enough for Jordon to read the translation of the text in question. He’s the one.

  Well, fuck! “Is she right?” Jordon stared into Tian Di’s eyes, knowing the answer in his own heart.

  “My sister’s never wrong.” Tian Di’s sincerity made Jordon joyful.

  Jordon did a little victory dance, ending with a fist pump.

  Tian Di laughed. “Since I keep gushing my love at you, it shouldn’t be a surprise.”

  “You haven’t gushed in the last two hours. Now if you want, we can head back to the room.” Jordon wiggled his eyebrows like a perv. Though he doubted his body would cooperate.

  Laughing harder, Tian Di waved Jordon off. “No, after all day yesterday and this morning, I think we need a little break.”

  Jordon pulled out his sketch pad and red pencil. He stared at the To he’d written for a moment and then added Tian Di’s name. Then he signed it With Love, Your Future Husband. He closed the pad before Tian Di could see what he wrote.

  “What did you write?”

  “I’ll show you someday.” Jordon tucked his sketch pad away.

  Tian Di scrutinized him.

  “Oh my God, look at him.” Jordon pointed to the monkey dangling from the park camera. He kept swinging under the device and then putting his face to the camera lens.

  Laughing, Tian Di took out his phone. “I’ve got to get some video of this.”

  Jordon laughed. “Mr. Curious is going to freak out the people who tune in to the park’s monkey cam. The eye of the monkey sees all.”

  “You want to take a few more pictures and head to the museum?”

  “Sure.” Jordon took some more snaps, focusing in on the colors in case he wanted to paint this experience.

  Tian Di glanced away from his cell. “I found the bus route that drops us two blocks away from the Hokusaikan Museum.”

  JORDON WAS impressed by the Japanese transportation system. Their bus was clean, quick, and efficient. Compared to Albany’s CDTDA buses, it was like traveling first class.

  Tian Di paid the museum admission and pointed to the Japanese sign. “Sorry, the sign says no photos.”

  “Bummer,” Jordon grumbled and tucked his phone into his bag.

  Skimming the museum pamphlet written in Japanese, Tian Di said, “They said this is a small museum, so they rotate what they have of Hokusai’s works. He was very prolific, and is believed to have produced thirty thousand pieces of art—can you imagine?”

  “Incredible. I can’t wrap my head around that number.” Jordon whistled as they meandered down the hallway toward the galleries.

  “Do you ever feel intimidated by other artists?” Tian Di studied him.

  Jordon paused outside the first gallery and thought about it for a moment. “Some artists cut more prolific artists off at the wrists. They criticize them for not taking the time or care with their work, but not me. We’re all adding art to the world, and I’m honored to bear
witness to their talent.”

  Tian Di nodded. “I feel the same way. The guys keep comparing me to Angel Luv or to other singers. I have my own style, and I don’t begrudge Angel his success or Symmetry’s domination of the Asia charts. I’m thrilled for their music because they’re bringing happiness to the world through song.”

  Jordon smiled. “I’m glad you’re not jealous or petty, ’cause insecurity coming from the singers of other opening acts in the past was horrifying. One singer purposefully tampered with Angel’s pants so his zipper came undone during a performance.”

  Tian Di’s eyes got huge. “No! What happened?”

  “He made it part of the show. Of course, that was the last time the opening act performed. Megan, the manager, was not amused and dropped them.”

  Tian Di chuckled. “That’s crazy.”

  Jordon gestured toward a colorful placard on the wall. “Hey, does that sign mean Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji are on display now?”

  “They are. We’re catching the exhibit a week before they rotate those pictures out.” Tian Di pointed the way.

  Stepping into the gallery was like a punch in the gut to Jordon. Views of Mount Fuji filled every wall.

  “Oh my God.” Jordon stumbled to the center of the room, then turned in a tight circle to take in all the paintings.

  Tian Di handed him a napkin.

  “Thanks.” Jordon shook his head, wiped his eyes, and stepped closer to the works.

  Tian Di stood next to him. “Each painting has Mount Fuji in it. Where is it in this one?”

  Jordon pointed to the almost hidden mountain. The paintings showed the perspective of Mount Fuji close and far, seen through towns, from the water, part of the action, and not. “Mount Fuji remained a constant. Hard to believe such beauty is a volcano. The last eruption was in 1707.”

  Pointing to a sign, Tian Di translated, “Mount Fuji is the most climbed mountain in the world. One hundred thousand visitors trek to the top yearly.”

  “In a future story, I have one of my characters making the climb to be at the summit for the honorable rising of the sun.”

  Tian Di’s mouth dropped open. “Which character?”

  “You want me to tell you?”