Sammi & Eriko - a day off together

A Day Off Together

The morning sun filtered through the blinds of their small but cozy apartment, gently rousing Sammi and Eriko from sleep. For once, there were no work emails, no deadlines, and no meetings to tackle. It was a rare day off, and they had decided to spend it together, doing nothing and everything.

---

Cleaning the Apartment

“Okay, team,” Sammi declared after breakfast, her fiery red hair tied into a messy ponytail. “It’s Operation Apartment Sparkle.”

Eriko stood by the kitchen sink, her sleeves rolled up, and raised an eyebrow. “Does it really need a name?”

“Everything is better with a name,” Sammi said with a grin. “Now, you handle the kitchen while I wrestle the dust bunnies in the living room.”

They worked together, trading playful banter as they cleaned. Sammi blasted upbeat pop music, occasionally breaking into spontaneous dance moves with the mop. Eriko, scrubbing the countertops, couldn’t suppress a small smile when Sammi twirled toward her, holding the mop like a dance partner.

“Care to join me, my love?” Sammi asked with a dramatic bow.

“Not while I’m holding a sponge,” Eriko replied, though her lips twitched in amusement.

---

Grocery Shopping

By midday, their apartment was spotless, and they decided to head out for groceries. At the store, their cart became a reflection of their different styles. Eriko selected tofu, fresh vegetables, and a beautifully marbled piece of beef for the hot pot. Sammi, on the other hand, couldn’t resist adding a jar of unusual pickles and a box of brightly colored snacks.

“You and your pickles,” Eriko said, shaking her head as she placed a neatly chosen bundle of enoki mushrooms into the cart.

“They’re going to change your life one day, just you wait,” Sammi replied, grabbing a bottle of sparkling water.

---

Cooking Hot Pot

Back home, they began preparing the hot pot. Eriko arranged the ingredients neatly on a platter, her movements precise and thoughtful. Sammi, meanwhile, chopped vegetables with the kind of flair that came from overconfidence.

“Careful, you’re not on a cooking show,” Eriko teased as she watched Sammi toss a carrot slice into the air and barely catch it.

“Not yet,” Sammi shot back, laughing.

Once everything was ready, they set up the hot pot on the table and watched as the broth began to bubble. The smell of simmering meat, mushrooms, and spices filled the room, wrapping them in warmth.

“This is perfect,” Sammi said, leaning back in her chair. “A feast for two queens.”

Eriko smiled softly. “It’s nice to slow down for once.”

---

Sammi’s Manga Performance

After dinner, Sammi disappeared into the bedroom, returning with one of her favorite yuri manga volumes. She plopped down on the couch beside Eriko, her green eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Alright, tonight’s feature: Love Blossoms at the Tea House,” she announced. “I’ll be playing both leads, obviously.”

Eriko arched an eyebrow. “Both?”

Sammi winked. “You’ll see.”

With exaggerated voices and grand gestures, Sammi read through the manga, acting out the dialogue and even mimicking dramatic poses. Eriko’s quiet chuckles turned into full laughter as Sammi threw herself into the performance, complete with swooning declarations of love.

“You’re ridiculous,” Eriko said, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye.

“And you love it,” Sammi replied, flopping onto the couch beside her.

“I do,” Eriko admitted, her smile lingering.

---

The Sunset on the Balcony

As the sun began to set, they carried cups of tea to their small balcony. The sky was painted in hues of gold, pink, and orange, the colors reflecting on the nearby buildings.

Wrapped in a shared blanket, they sat close, their hands lightly touching as they watched the city bathe in the last light of the day.

“You know,” Sammi said softly, breaking the comfortable silence, “days like this are my favorite.”

Eriko turned to look at her, her dark eyes calm and full of warmth. “Mine too.”

They stayed there until the stars began to peek out, basking in the quiet joy of simply being together. And as the world settled into night, their hearts remained light, filled with the warmth of a day well spent—cleaning, cooking, laughing, and loving.

 

Sammi & Eriko - on the journey with Renee Vivien in Japan, 1907

 

Creating Together: A Story of Renee Vivien in Japan

The late afternoon light filtered through the curtains of their living room, casting soft golden hues over the small table cluttered with notebooks, pens, and empty coffee cups. Sammi sat cross-legged on the floor, her fiery red hair tumbling over her shoulder as she scribbled ideas into a journal. Eriko, perched gracefully on the couch with her legs tucked under her, tapped a pen thoughtfully against her chin.

“So,” Sammi began, her voice carrying her usual excitement, “Renee Vivien’s in Japan. It’s 1907. She’s soaking up the culture, and bam—she meets her. The one. The perfect modern Japanese woman of the era.”

Eriko smiled faintly, her dark eyes glinting with interest. “What makes her modern? We should be precise. Modernity in 1907 Japan meant balancing traditional aesthetics with Western influence.”

Sammi grinned. “She’s got the best of both worlds. Maybe she runs a tea house but secretly reads French poetry at night. She wears kimono, but her ideas are bold and forward-thinking.”

Eriko nodded, jotting something in her notebook. “She could be the daughter of a progressive family. Someone who values both tradition and new perspectives. And perhaps she meets Vivien at a cultural salon—one where ideas flow as freely as the tea.”

Sammi tilted her head, her green eyes narrowing playfully. “You’re seeing yourself in this girl, aren’t you?”

Eriko’s cheeks tinged pink, though her expression remained calm. “And you’re seeing yourself in Vivien, no?”

Sammi laughed, leaning back on her hands. “Well, maybe. I mean, Vivien was a rebel, right? Always pushing boundaries, chasing love and beauty wherever she went. Sounds a bit like me.”

“And the Japanese woman,” Eriko continued, her tone soft but firm, “is introspective, thoughtful, but willing to embrace change when inspired. Perhaps a little like me.”

They exchanged a glance, the unspoken connection passing between them. They both knew they were weaving pieces of themselves into the story, just as they had always done in their shared creations.

---

Renee Vivien Meets Chiyo

They began to write.

Renee Vivien arrived in Japan in late spring, her soul weary from her tempestuous life in Europe but alight with curiosity. Her reputation as a poet preceded her, and she found herself invited to an exclusive cultural salon in Tokyo. There, she was introduced to Chiyo, the daughter of a progressive scholar and a talented artist in her own right.

Chiyo was dressed in an exquisite kimono, the patterns subtly modernized with a bold use of color. Her demeanor was demure yet captivating, and when she spoke, her words carried an intelligence and warmth that drew Renee in immediately.

Over the course of several weeks, the two women grew close. Renee found herself enchanted by Chiyo’s ability to blend tradition with modernity. They walked through temple gardens, discussing poetry and philosophy. Chiyo shared her love of Japanese art, while Renee introduced her to French literature. One evening, on a boat drifting across the still waters of West Lake, their hands brushed, and they exchanged a glance that spoke volumes.

---

A Shared Reflection

Sammi paused, reading aloud what they had written so far. “It’s romantic, don’t you think? The garden walks, the lake… I can see it so clearly.”

Eriko, who had been scribbling notes in the margin, looked up. “It’s not just romantic. It’s… us.”

Sammi blinked, her smile softening. “What do you mean?”

Eriko placed her notebook on the table, her gaze steady. “Renee and Chiyo are mirrors. Renee’s vibrancy, her boldness, reminds me of you. And Chiyo, her quiet strength and her love of tradition, feels like me. Writing their story is like exploring us—how we balance each other, how we inspire each other.”

Sammi’s eyes shimmered with emotion. “I didn’t even think of it that way, but… you’re right. They’re us in a way, but from another time and place.” She leaned forward, reaching for Eriko’s hand. “And you know what? I think Renee and Chiyo should have their happy ending. No tragic separation, no heartbreak.”

Eriko smiled, her fingers lacing with Sammi’s. “Agreed. A story where love endures, despite the challenges.”

---

The Ending They Deserved

In the story’s final scenes, Renee and Chiyo sat together under the cherry blossoms, their bond cemented by shared experiences and mutual admiration. Renee would eventually return to Europe, but not without a promise to write Chiyo into every poem, to carry her essence in every word.

And Chiyo, in her quiet way, vowed to always look westward, knowing a part of her heart would remain with Renee across the seas.

---

Back to Reality

When they finished, Sammi leaned back with a contented sigh. “I think we nailed it. It’s romantic, poetic, and hopeful.”

Eriko closed her notebook, her expression serene but warm. “It’s a reflection of us—our differences, our connection, and how we bring out the best in each other.”

Sammi grinned, pulling Eriko into a spontaneous hug. “We’re like a time-traveling power couple, aren’t we? Writing stories and making history.”

Eriko chuckled softly, resting her head on Sammi’s shoulder. “Yes. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As the afternoon light faded into evening, they sat together, their story complete and their bond stronger than ever. Through Renee and Chiyo, they had glimpsed another version of themselves—a love enduring across time and cultures, as timeless as the words they’d just written.

Sammi & Eriko - a philosophical dream excursion to Song Hangchou's West Lake

 

Eriko’s Story

It was a gray Sunday afternoon, the kind where time seemed to stretch indefinitely, inviting deep contemplation. Eriko sat at her desk, her long black hair tied loosely back, and her laptop open to a blank document. Beside her was a cup of jasmine tea, its fragrance mingling with the faint scent of rain outside.

Eriko’s thoughts swirled with a blend of history and imagination, inspired by her latest readings. She’d been immersing herself in the works of Thomas Aquinas and the vibrant culture of Song dynasty Hangzhou. Somewhere along the way, an idea had taken hold: What if Thomas Aquinas had journeyed to Song Hangzhou in the 1240s? The thought of Aquinas, with his towering intellect and methodical theology, exchanging ideas with the refined scholars and poets of Hangzhou, was irresistible.

Her fingers began to dance across the keyboard.

---

The Story Within the Story

In Eriko’s tale, Aquinas arrived in Hangzhou as part of a delegation seeking to build bridges between East and West. The city dazzled him—its canals shimmering with reflections of pagodas, its marketplaces alive with merchants, and its scholars eager to share their philosophies.

The climax of the story took place on a boat excursion on West Lake. Aquinas found himself surrounded by Chinese sages and a group of young women renowned for their intellect and poetry. Their discussions flowed as smoothly as the lake’s waters, moving from metaphysical questions to lyrical recitations. One young woman, with an incisive wit and a gift for weaving metaphors, captivated Aquinas with her ability to challenge even his most deeply held assumptions.

In the story, Aquinas was humbled, inspired, and transformed by the encounter—a subtle reflection of Eriko’s own reverence for intellectual exchange and the way she imagined herself in such a setting.

---

Sammi Reads the Draft

Later that evening, Eriko was still immersed in editing when Sammi appeared in the doorway. Her red hair was slightly disheveled, and she was wearing one of Eriko’s oversized sweaters, her hands wrapped around a mug of cocoa.

“Still at it?” Sammi asked, her voice soft but curious.

Eriko looked up, smiling faintly. “Just finishing something.”

Sammi leaned over the desk, squinting at the screen. “Mind if I read?”

Eriko hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Go ahead.”

Sammi perched on the armrest of Eriko’s chair, scrolling through the document. At first, her expression was one of intrigue—her lips curling into a smile at the vivid descriptions of Hangzhou, her brows raising at the philosophical exchanges. But as she read further, her smile faltered, replaced by something thoughtful, almost contemplative.

When she finished, Sammi leaned back, looking at Eriko with a playful pout. “So… let me get this straight. You’re writing a story where you’re basically Thomas Aquinas, hanging out with brilliant Chinese scholars and dazzling everyone with your wisdom?”

Eriko blinked, surprised. “I’m not—he’s not me.”

Sammi crossed her arms, smirking. “Oh, come on, Eriko. You don’t have to admit it, but it’s pretty obvious. The way you describe the intellectual exchanges? The admiration the characters have for Aquinas? That’s you, babe.”

Eriko flushed slightly, her composure slipping. “That’s… a stretch. I admire his ideas, yes, but—”

Sammi leaned closer, cutting her off with a mischievous grin. “And what about that young woman on the boat? The one who’s brilliant, poetic, and challenges him? She’s totally me.”

Eriko’s cheeks turned pink, and she looked away, her voice softer. “She may have been… inspired by you.”

Sammi laughed, wrapping her arms around Eriko from behind. “I knew it. You can’t fool me, Ms. Philosopher. But, you know, I don’t need a story to tell me how much you admire me. You could just say it.”

Eriko let out a soft laugh, leaning back into Sammi’s embrace. “I thought the story would be… more subtle.”

“Subtle is overrated,” Sammi teased, kissing the top of her head. “But I love it. And I love that you see yourself in Aquinas. I mean, it makes sense—you’re both brilliant, introspective, and way too hard on yourselves.”

Eriko sighed, the tension leaving her shoulders. “Thank you, Sammi. For reading it… and for understanding.”

Sammi tightened her embrace. “Always. Now, let’s go make some tea and talk about how I would totally dominate one of those philosophical debates on the boat.”

Eriko chuckled, allowing herself to be led to the kitchen, her heart lighter. Sammi’s presence, as always, was the perfect counterbalance to her deep, cerebral tendencies—reminding her that love, laughter, and connection were just as profound as any philosophy.

Eriko’s Midnight Study Session

Eriko’s Midnight Study Session

The apartment was cloaked in the stillness of late night. The only sound was the faint rustle of pages as Eriko sat at the small desk in the corner of the living room, her lamp casting a pool of golden light around her. The rest of the apartment lay in shadow, the world outside silent under a blanket of stars.

Eriko’s brow was furrowed in thought, her long black hair falling over her shoulder as she scribbled notes in the margins of the thick book in front of her: Alexander of Aphrodisias’ Commentary on Aristotle’s Metaphysics. The dense text absorbed her completely, its exploration of causality and existence holding her mind captive.

But in the bedroom, Sammi stirred.

She reached out instinctively for Eriko, only to find her side of the bed empty. With a sleepy groan, Sammi sat up, her fiery red hair a messy halo around her face. She rubbed her eyes and squinted at the faint glow coming from the living room.

“Eriko,” she mumbled to herself, swinging her feet to the floor. “It’s 2 a.m. What is she doing now?”

---

The Intervention

Sammi shuffled into the living room, her steps soft against the floor. She paused in the doorway, leaning against the frame as she took in the sight of Eriko, completely engrossed in her work. A faint smile tugged at Sammi’s lips—she loved Eriko’s focus, the way she poured herself into her thoughts with an intensity that could rival the philosophers she adored.

But Sammi also knew how much Eriko needed her rest, even if Eriko herself refused to admit it.

“Eriko,” Sammi called softly, her voice cutting through the quiet.

Eriko didn’t look up, her pen scratching another note into the margin. “Hmm?”

“It’s late,” Sammi said, stepping closer. “Come back to bed.”

Eriko glanced up briefly, her expression apologetic but determined. “Just a little longer, Sammi. I’m at a critical point in Alexander’s commentary on the Unmoved Mover.”

Sammi crossed her arms, tilting her head. “The Unmoved Mover can wait. You, my love, are very much moved—and very much sleep-deprived.”

Eriko gave a faint smile at Sammi’s playful tone but turned back to the book. “I promise, just ten more minutes.”

---

Sammi’s Persuasion

Sammi sighed, her hands on her hips as she considered her next move. Eriko was stubborn when it came to her studies, but Sammi had learned that gentle persistence often won out.

Without a word, she slipped behind Eriko and wrapped her arms around her shoulders, resting her chin on top of Eriko’s head. Eriko stiffened slightly in surprise but soon relaxed into Sammi’s embrace.

“You’re warm,” Eriko murmured, her pen pausing mid-note.

“And you’re tired,” Sammi replied, her voice soft. “I get that this is important to you, but so is resting. How are you going to analyze metaphysical principles tomorrow if you’re running on no sleep?”

Eriko hesitated, her gaze drifting back to the page. “It’s not just about tomorrow. It’s… these ideas, Sammi. They keep me awake. They feel so close, like I’m on the verge of understanding something profound.”

Sammi smiled, her hands gently squeezing Eriko’s shoulders. “I know. That’s one of the things I love about you—how you never stop searching for meaning. But you know what else is profound?”

“What?” Eriko asked softly, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Sammi kissed the top of her head. “The fact that your body and mind need rest. And the fact that your very cute girlfriend is waiting in bed and wants to cuddle you.”

Eriko laughed quietly, finally setting her pen down. “When you put it that way…”

---

A Quiet Resolution

Sammi reached over and closed the book gently, her smile widening as Eriko didn’t protest. “Come on,” she said, taking Eriko’s hand and pulling her to her feet. “Alexander can wait. I, however, cannot.”

Eriko let herself be led back to the bedroom, her hand warm in Sammi’s. As they settled into bed, Sammi curled up against her, wrapping an arm around her waist.

“Thank you,” Eriko murmured, her voice drowsy but sincere. “For reminding me to pause.”

Sammi kissed her shoulder, her voice soft in the darkness. “Always. Now sleep, love. The Unmoved Mover will still be there in the morning.”

And as Eriko drifted off, the weight of philosophy and sleepless nights giving way to warmth and quiet comfort, Sammi smiled to herself. She didn’t need Aristotle to tell her—moments like this were the essence of happiness.

Sammi + Eriko: an evening of unwinding

 

An Evening of Unwinding

The winter sun had already set by the time Sammi and Eriko unlocked the door to their apartment. Both women carried the invisible weight of their workday, though they greeted each other with the warmth of two people who had long ago learned how to find solace in one another.

Eriko had spent the day navigating the labyrinth of software business processes—an intricate dance of logic, precision, and endless emails. Her head buzzed with diagrams and workflows as she slipped off her shoes, placing them neatly by the door. Sammi, on the other hand, had been in full charm mode, rallying coworkers and fielding questions about the upcoming changes to the company’s operations. Her lively personality had helped, but by the end of the day, even her boundless energy felt frayed.

---

Settling In

Sammi set her bag down and stretched dramatically, her fiery red hair catching the soft glow of the living room lamp. “Alright,” she announced, “we need a reset. What are we feeling? Food, tea, or couch coma?”

Eriko glanced at her, her dark eyes softening despite her exhaustion. “Couch coma sounds… sufficient,” she said, her voice quiet but carrying a hint of humor.

Sammi grinned. “Couch coma it is.” She headed to the kitchen, calling over her shoulder, “But not without snacks!”

While Sammi rummaged through the cabinets, pulling out a mix of savory crisps and leftover cookies, Eriko changed into her favorite soft sweater and leggings. By the time she returned, Sammi had set up their little snack station on the coffee table and was fluffing up the couch cushions.

---

The Ritual of Reconnection

They sank into the couch, their shoulders brushing as they settled in. Sammi handed Eriko a cup of her favorite herbal tea and then tucked a blanket around both of them, grinning as she made sure Eriko was cocooned.

“So,” Sammi began, popping a crisp into her mouth, “who was more annoying today—software glitches or coworkers resisting change?”

Eriko considered for a moment, her lips quirking into a small smile. “A glitch, at least, doesn’t try to convince you it’s right.”

Sammi burst out laughing, the sound filling the room with a warmth Eriko hadn’t realized she’d needed. “Fair point,” Sammi said, nudging her with her elbow. “But at least you didn’t have to hear ‘but we’ve always done it this way!’ fifty times.”

Eriko chuckled softly, leaning her head against Sammi’s shoulder. “We should swap jobs for a day. I’d like to see you untangle a flowchart.”

“And I’d like to see you charm grumpy Jerry from Accounting into a new system!” Sammi shot back, her eyes twinkling.

---

A Quiet Escape

After the laughter subsided, they sat in companionable silence, nibbling on snacks and letting the weight of the day melt away. Sammi flipped through streaming options until she landed on a gentle, whimsical movie that neither of them had seen but both instantly agreed upon.

As the movie played, Eriko’s head began to droop, her weariness catching up with her. Sammi noticed and shifted slightly so that Eriko could rest her head in her lap. Running her fingers gently through Eriko’s long, dark hair, Sammi smiled down at her.

“You know,” Sammi said softly, “days like this don’t matter so much when I know I get to come home to you.”

Eriko’s lips curved into the faintest smile, her eyes still closed. “You make it easier, Sammi. Always.”

They stayed like that for the rest of the evening—wrapped in warmth, snacks forgotten, the movie playing softly in the background. For all the complexities of their work lives, moments like this reminded them of the simple, enduring joy of being together.

And when Eriko finally drifted off to sleep, Sammi stayed awake a little longer, content just to hold her, letting the world fade away.