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Post by ryota on Sept 29, 2008 20:39:16 GMT -5
How familiar it had been for Ryota to feel so many mixtures of emotion, familar and strange. By now he'd almost given up on trying to understand anything at all, rather than what he felt was right and wrong. If there were influences trying to convince him of anything other than his love for Misui, he'd hear nothing of it. Really, it wasn't quite in his nature to disregard someone else's opinions, but it was starting to make his head hurt. Do this, don't do that...couldn't he decide for himself? Acquaintances may think they had his best interests in mind, but he was sure of this one thing. This one stone he held in his hand, glimmering every which way he turned it under the sunlight as he walked.
His destination was, again, the restaurant. Misui would be there, doubtless. Ryota set down that path posthaste, brimming with a blend of confidence, anxiety, and uncertainty that merged so horribly in the pit of his stomach that he almost felt like throwing up. It went without saying that he wouldn't sample anything Misui would cook up, sadly enough. Alas, this was far more important than food. It was the day he would ask Misui's hand. Renji seemed to approve days before, if only out of confusion that his younger daughter had actually found a man and/or chosen to pursue him.
Tucking away the stone in his pocket, he dredged ahead in a steady stride. Why did it take so long to get there...?
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Post by misui on Sept 30, 2008 7:50:34 GMT -5
Misui set about serving today, as usual her sister stole the somewhat relaxing job of tending to the cooking while Misui was running back and forth quickly enough to keep the present compant complacent. Her parka was forgone in the warm establishment, a heavy fur flap kept the heat in for the most part without melting the house so she could afford to go without it. A long navy blue floor length dress was the lowest layer fir dignities sake, three quarters length sleeves made her hands able to expertly handle the bowls and dishes without dropping them. Over top a light indigo yukata , slits up both hips settled over the fist dress giving added warmth and comfort to the girl.
An apron,possibly older than she tied tightly about her waist, cut shorter than the yukata's length was placed just under a blue obi accentuating her natural curves. As usual her hair was kept in a bun, the sections of her hair in her face, pleated at the sides with a few stubborn strands finding their way into her face. A smile was flashed here and there even though she was tired she placed a bowl of stewed sea cumbers down on the table along with a plate of kelp dumplings bowing lightly to the customer before slipping over to another table taking their order and dutifully heading back into the kitchen.
Renji tested a dish over the stove nodding in approval as his youngest daughter walked in. " Misui try this." The girl rolled her eyes and walked over taking the spoon he offered her and trying the concotion. She tilted her head to the side thoughtfully, it was, alright, not like mom made it though. She looked about the kitchen for a moment, grabbing a handful of sugar, a pinch of salt and some tundra vodka bending the soup to stir it. The man rolled his eyes, so like her mother it was scary. " You'll make a lucky man a good wife." The girl flushed, her eyes finding her father and the bending prowess over the soup stilled, circulating only of it's own devices.
"Dad!"
The man raised his hands defensively. "Just saying." There was a knowing twinkle in his eye, she didn't know what it meant but he'd been doing this for a few days now. Meanwhile the elder of the sister was whipping Renduin into doing something other than lounging around pining after his newest romantic interest who was assumidly upper class.
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Post by ryota on Sept 30, 2008 14:12:51 GMT -5
So there it was, right in front of him. A flap of animal skin, sealing in warmth, insulating the restaurant and all the people inside. Doors were giving him so much grief lately, they were. No matter how hard he stared, he never knew what was on the other side. He could safely guess what was going on in a restaurant, of all places, but it was one person in particular he was worried about. The entire reason he was there was because of Misui, of course. Everyone else would probably just sit there and watch. So be it.
"Misui?" Ryota said as he entered, letting the flap fall back in place behind him. He wasn't quite sure if this was the proper way to go about things, barging in an calling for Misui loud enough for her even to hear in the back room, but it was too late to care. He needed to find her and give her what she needed. Ryota slowly walked through the restaurant, toward the kitchen, hoping someone would intercept him on the path. That way, no one could accuse him of rudely walking right into the back room without permission.
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Post by misui on Sept 30, 2008 22:42:17 GMT -5
" I thought we talked about this-" Misui was distracted by her name being called in the main dining area. Her eyes trailed to the partition between the kitchen and the sitting area, her cheeks taking a slight blush at the voice. She had a good idea who the voice belonged to. It brought back some memories of kisses and long walks in the brisk air. It was very odd for her to feel so, feminine, that giddy feeling in her stomach wouldn't go away. It just got worse the more she tried to ignore it. Even the loud arguing of her siblings couldn't distracted. She held herself back from running out to greet him but when she saw him move into the kitchen she found herself smiling.
Renji looked back to his stew when the warrior walked in, he was somewhat nonchalant about his retraction from the conversation. Misui sent him bit of a glare but he shrugged and sent her an indifferent look. " So you've been working all morning, take a break, the young man seems to want your attention." She simply nodded and trotted over to the man quick to assist in any megar comforts she could help him with. But first her arms went around him pulling him into an embrace. An " I missed you" Whispered to him through it might have been lost in the embrace.
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Post by ryota on Oct 1, 2008 13:31:13 GMT -5
Ryota tried, as he might be expected, but it was so hard to enjoy what felt like their first hug in ages when he had other things on his mind. Also, it kind of hurt for her to pull him close to her when his chest was still stinging from the tattoo that was recently inscribed onto his flesh. His face seemed to make no effort to hide his discomfort that way, as did a sibilant hiss that escaped his teeth. Her part of the deal was safely in his pocket.
Sadly, she may have interpreted it wrong, but Ryota would never let that happen. He'd never allow her to think for too long that he didn't want her to touch him. "Me too," he said, eyes still conveying minor feelings of pain, somewhat uneasy. He then took her hand. "B...but I have something important to show you."
Stutturing again, no matter how brief, Ryota anticipated a good deal of fumbling around his own tongue before things would improve. All he could do, however, was try. It was hard enough when he made the promise, but now? How could his beating heart and shaking nerves be calmed?
He took that opportunity to draw Misui close and kiss her, if only to feel the needed confidence to say exactly what he wanted. A bead of sweat gently rolled down his temple. "This is gonna be hard," he chuckled softly to himself.
Taking a step back, he pulled off his parka slowly but surely. It was warm enough, he presumed, inside the restaurant that he could do so and not freeze to death. Aside from that, he could never show her the fine monument to a love that blossomed so quickly when a heavy coat still hung on his husky form.
Placing the parka on an empty table to the side, Ryota slowly shuffled back to Misui. It felt like there was a lump in his throat, but he was dead certain he wasn't going to back off. It would take only a coward to do that, and Ryota certainly was not a slave to fear. His hand slid into his trousers' pocket and pulled out precisely what either one wanted to see.
From a thickly woven navy blue wool strap it hung, a disc of cornflower blue soapstone crudely engraved with the word 'promise', precisely as had been tattooed on his chest. Made with his own too hands, he was too proud of his own work to care about its slew of imperfections. Eyes meeting hers, lips in a humble smile, Ryota let the pendant dangle from its cord.
He lowered to the floor in a kneel, though he was duly uncertain that was the proper way to propose. It didn't matter now. What he wanted to say went without saying. "Misui..."
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Post by misui on Oct 1, 2008 14:07:49 GMT -5
She nearly jumped back from him when she heard his hiss of pain. Did she do something wrong? Was she mistaken? It seemed too logical now, he didn't want to keep this one year deal up, there was just too much to chance on it. She should have known, there was no way it'd work, that was something she'd told herself time and time again though her heart argued with her mind on the matter. She was so quick to lead herself to doubt that her hands fell from the man and she took a step away from him her eyes attempting to read his expression carefully. Why did she even consider this relationship working out? It was a fling, nothing more nothing less, they should count their losses and move on.
Her hands nervously moved the hair from her brow to her cheeks, framing her round face delicately. She felt like she needed to do something, her entire body felt like it would start shaking any moment now and break down.
Just as she was about to walk away he took her hand and she pursed her lips, worried, very worried of what he'd say next. She'd seen girls get dumped before. She wouldn't be the girl to cry and mope for weeks on end though, she'd slap him and get back to work. Yet she couldn't move away from him, she couldn't stop watching him. He was something she'd miss, someone she'd cry over for hours. Though she would save her tears for later when she was alone. Misui didn't seem to notice the eyes of everyone in the kitchen settling on her. Of course they'd stare, they were a bit of a sight. But the silence was deafening. Aside from the bubbling of various foods and the sizzling of warmed meat the kitchen found it's self mute.
Ryota lead her into a kiss which she quietly took, it seemed a little improper in front of her family, this was when she felt their eyes on her. This was also when she noticed Ryota's actions and stopped scrutinizing him. His parka came off. If he was going to break up with her he wouldn't make himself comfortable. Her rose tinted mocha lips were parted gently watching him as he tried to convey something, something that made her heart go into overdrive, her eyes followed his every movement awkwardly but when she saw something come from the folds of her clothes she knew, a hand went over her mouth trying to hold herself back from crying, screaming or some other action that she would later regret doing with her siblings and father not ten feet away from her.
Against her wishes her eyes began to water and her expression became so soft one might fear she would melt "Ryota..." she managed to say in a little more than a whimper. It was difficult but her expression peeled into a smile and she nodded. Her world had been in slow motion but it suddenly sped up, she got down on her knees. Her hands cupping his face and her lips pushing eagerly against his. Who cared that her family was watching? The man she cared so much was was proposing! They could disapprove all they wanted and she wouldn't mind a bit.
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Post by ryota on Oct 2, 2008 14:45:32 GMT -5
That went better than he had hoped, even though his mind, heart, and pretty much everything else he could imagine was racing at light speed, like a swarm of livid scorpion-bees whose hive had been rattled a bit too hard. Then to feel that kiss upon his lips...it was bliss. Pure, uninterrupted bliss. There was confirmation far beyond what any words could say, blessed with confidence, a sort of victory over his own fears and uncertainties. Pure, uninterrupted bliss.
Trite metaphors excused, he could see their happy future together in her eyes. Although, he was quite uncertain whether their future would be spent in the North Pole, the Earth Kingdom, or somewhere else entirely, but he did know that they would still love each other no matter where they were. He was confident his children would enjoy a world free from the hands of war, too. Everything seemed so bright. Pulling away his lips slowly, his hands around her waist drew her close, meeting his forehead to Misui's own. No other words were needed, just a smile. "Misui..."
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Post by misui on Oct 3, 2008 11:01:55 GMT -5
" I love you." She whispered her expression relieved, a little worn for wear but her smile was as bright as the tears that pooled in her azure eyes. There was a little world that appeared, a world away from the kitchen where they sat kneeling on the floor with her family right behind her no doubt starring and jumping to their own conclusions. Right now there was only herself and Ryota, a family playing out in time, their first child being held to her breast for the first time, the bright eyes, Ryota's eyes as the baby crawled for the first time. Herself growing old with the Ryota, surrounded by grandchildren.
It was too much for words. She took a moment before she moved in for another kiss, a much softer one. Chaste but heart felt, it would be the sort of kiss they'd share as they declared their love in front of the entire city. In front of the spirits Tui and La, in front of the whole world. It came as a surprise when she finally spied her father at their side, he placed a hand on Ryota's shoulder with a reassuring smile, he was once young and in love, three beautiful children being the result of such an emotion. " Welcome to our family Ryota."
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Post by ryota on Oct 4, 2008 18:12:32 GMT -5
For a short while, nothing was said, nor was it required. Ryota could imagine Misui's imagination lulled away by his heartbeat as his head rested against hers. Closing his eyes, he held her close again. She belonged to him now, as he did to her. They belonged to each other...forever. How sweet.
Pulled from the depths of his mind, Ryota turned when he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Renji, Misui's father, giving him their blessing. It was a relief to see that he'd stuck to his word, not changing his mind at the last second. From what Ryota could tell, it was smooth sailing from there on. Even if he had to leave her for the Earth Kingdom soon, that year would no doubt breeze by in an instant. They would be in each others' arms again in no time. Ryota smiled at the older man. "Thanks...that really means a lot to me coming from you."
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Post by misui on Oct 4, 2008 22:53:22 GMT -5
Misui blushed getting to her feet and tugging Ryota along with her. Her eyes met his for a moment, a bright smile on her face as she looked into the eyes of her future husband. She was more than willing to follow him where ever he may go. She began to dread with every fiber of her being his departure, it would be unfair. Like stealing a man from his wedding night.
The year would be long and too difficult to face on her own constantly counting the days, worrying that he may or may not be coming home on time or ever. Her father smiled a bit, he, no doubt was happy to see his last unmarried daughter in the hands of someone that made her happy in a way he'd never seen her before. Misui's sister merely shook her head, fighting back a smile before she whacked her husband in the stomach. " How come you can't be sweet like that anymore?" The man groaned and set a hand over his stomach sending her a bemused look, woman, can't live with them, period.
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Post by ryota on Oct 5, 2008 14:55:46 GMT -5
When Misui severed eye contact, Ryota's own gaze happened to drift around the entire establishment and a few details that were, more or less, quickly forgotten. One thing that did happen to stand out in his mind was the awkward stares they attracted, most having faded away considerably in that stretch of time. Ryota did feel sheepish, but knew they would probably make a scene with such a large announcement of that ilk. But by now, people had mostly returned to their meals, apparently viewing it as something that could happen any day of the week. Sure, a few people still stole glances at the husky warrior's latest escapade, but it wasn't like anything had exploded into a cloud of stars and sparkles that cleared to reveal a bouquet of singing salmon-clams and arctic turnips. That would be weird.
Ryota was now unsure what to do, in a usual pattern. He'd planned so much to pop the question that every detail beyond that point was basically ignored. Maybe he expected things to move along without his intervention, but that lingering moment of silence made him a bit too uncomfortable. There had to be an easy way out this time around. Sifting through a few options, pursing and biting his lips a few times as his eyes drifted to nothing, Ryota came to a fine conclusion. Well, maybe a rather predictable one, but it was better than being around all those meddling family members. They were nice and all, but they were really making the moment rather impersonal. Taking her hand, he rubbed his free hand over her fingers gently. "So, let's take a walk...?"
Not like they hadn't taken a billion walks before...
Just then, Ryota felt another surge of pain on his upper pectoral. Rubbing it, he winced and shook his head a bit, trying to ignore the stinging residual effects.
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Post by misui on Oct 6, 2008 9:02:23 GMT -5
Misui nodded, complacent in any sense of the word, she fetched his parka and her brother got hers, handing it to her once she'd given the warriors parka back to him. Before she was able to put it on she got a hug from her father. Ever so gently she returned it. Even if Ryota was uncomfortable there was no place better Ryota could have proposed then right here with all the people she loved so much present. The man kissed the top of her head before releasing her and the look he gave her was too much, she almost started to cry again. " Go on, after closing we'll have a big dinner to celebrate." He nodded towards Ryota, from what he could already tell the man was good, whatever else came with that was superficial. He'd take care of his little girl, he knew enough about young love to know this one wasn't some flame that would soon grow cold.
The girl pulled her parka on and took Ryota's hand to leave with him. No doubt there was a lot they'd need to talk about. She wanted to ignore the fact he would soon be leaving but it would need to be discussed. A prolonged engagement was little without some law laid down or something. Still with this vow to one another she felt justified being out and about with him. She was no longer some harlot fraternizing with a warrior, she was a young woman with her fiancee. It made her feel, giddy, an odd feeling for the usually course and self righteous girl. But it wasn't like she wasn't still herself, she was just herself with some meaning, someone who had a person who made her so happy she could burst. What was the harm in that?
She tugged him outside gently, coming into the dining area there was some clapping, making Misui wished they'd taken the back door. Her cheeks were scarlet.
But once outside all was well. The cold air was soothing and ryota's hand was warm.
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Post by ryota on Oct 6, 2008 12:51:50 GMT -5
The first few steps outside the building quickly brought back to mind his other half of the deal, never before mentioned directly to Misui, that of the tattoo upon his chest. It read the same as her new necklace she wore proudly on her neck, but now could not be revealed as easily as before, inside the restaurant. He cursed himself for not thinking of it earlier. Knowing Misui, however, he could tell her about it anytime at all. On the other hand, he could tell her right there and now. That was his ultimate decision, it was.
"There was something I forgot to say...or, show you back there," Ryota turned to Misui, smiling rather sheepishly, tightening his grip on Misui's hand in a quick jolt before loosening again. Now that they were out in the cold, he couldn't simply remove his parka for his tattoo to make a brief cameo appearance, lest a thin layer of frost cover his skin and he start to turn blue and shiver. There had to be some way, now that he'd mentioned it. The fact that it still stung reminded him of its presence constantly.
Rubbing his free hand over the area, he hinted at its location. "It's sort of a second half to the deal."
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Post by misui on Oct 6, 2008 14:32:20 GMT -5
Her free hand was at her neck, the pads of her fingers traced the lines carved into the pendant. It was sloppy but under her fingers it felt smooth and perfect. She couldn't have asked for anything better. Promise to her that he would make her an honest woman, and as far as she believed she already was. Her eyes were still misty as she walked with Ryota to spirits knows where. The mans hand and shoulder were the only locations she was aware of. She leaned on him as they walked. Enjoying the way his skin had some give with muscle underneath it.
Husky men weren't anything unwanted, in fact it made her love him even more. But he seemed to have something else, aside from the necklace to give her. She would take the small token and be quite content with it. Her eyes followed his hands touching his chest, from the pain earlier she could only guess it was something under his clothes. That made her a little uncomfortable in an odd way but she understood somewhat that he would want someplace a little warmer, and a little more closed off from the world.
She tugged on his hand with a small smile. " We can go to my place." After all, they'd have to celebrate some how.
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Post by ryota on Oct 6, 2008 16:11:59 GMT -5
Thank the spirits she actually suggested a place to go, somewhere to be other than an aimless walk down the icy walkways flanking all those canals. Strange though was how she suggested her own house, to be alone at long last and out of the public's eye. It made Ryota's heart skip a few beats, but eventually beat quicker than before. While his heartbeat would drown out most any other sounds, he nodded to Misui slowly. "That sounds nice..."
Yet again did the difference between the Southern and Northern tribes surface in his mind. In such a small village like his own, no doubt a business like a restaurant would be part of someone's home in itself, not a seperate building as this one. Heck, he even thought for the longest time that Misui actually lived at the restaurant with her family, in some room far in the back. He knew better now...
Whichever direction she would lead him was just fine, in his opinion. What else could be done but wait for her helping hand toward the right way? Clinching her hand softly again, Ryota smiled. "Wherever that is." That sort of humor was always in good taste. She wouldn't mind an innocent quip like that at all, he was certain.
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