The Feel of Ecstacy <Fire Nation>

[kunitsu]

The sun beams down upon the city of Hokage with it’s blessings. The weather has been fair for the last six days. This was a good sign. The wind let loose a soft breeze, which was perfect for a day like this.

Kuni Tsu looked outside his bedroom window toward the marketplace. Ever since his parent’s passed on, he inherited the family estate since Jubei died in battle and Gengoro was wanted for treason. His hair was messy since he just got up from sleeping. He could taste the morning breath on his tongue already. He sighed softly as he walked over to his closet to prepare for his morning bath. He picked out his usual wardrobe and proceeded to the bathroom. He drew his bath and submerged himself from within. The water was hot enough to produce a cloud of steam inside the room. The feel of the hot water rushed through his skin and felt invigorating. He sighed happily as he watched the ceiling.

“It feels so good to be on leave for a while,” Tsu said to himself, “I wish this moment would never end.”

Getting out of the tub to dry himself, he took thirty minutes to brush his hair the way he wanted it. Afterwards, he looked over his nails then put on his sandals to go shopping. However, once he got out the door, the unexpected happened. Two Fire Nation fire bender soldiers with fire bending awaited Tsu at his door.

“Sir, we have higher orders to accompany you during your time on leave,” one soldier spoke.

“Tsu sighed in frustration from this protocol control, “I will be fine. Tell the Captain that I will not need armed escorts. I’m a big boy now. I know how to fend for myself.”
“We understand sir, but orders are orders,” the other soldier spoke.
“Tell you what gentleman,” Tsu suggested, “How about I go shopping by myself, and I’ll give you guys the rest of the day to yourselves. The Captain doesn’t need to know about this. This is just between you and me. How is that?”

The two guards looked at each other through their eye holes from their helmets and nodded to each other in approval.

“Very well sir. We shall respect your wishes,” the one guard said. Tsu gave out a pleasing smile as he saluted them and headed his way to the marketplace, humming a very cheery tune through his lips.

[ravi]

Early riser, Ravi woke first that morning. Azar asleep as Ravi untangled himself from the blankets and headed to the bathhouse to bathe and get dressed.

Finally bathed twenty mintues later. Ravi gets dressed he decided that he should take an early morning walk and vist the markeplace for a snack and maybe buy something pretty for Lei Lei. He thought of Azar as he brushed out his hair and got dressed.

He wore saffron yellow trousers under his pomegrante red hanfu with cream trim. He tighten his flax colored sash and slipped on his shoes before going to style his hair.

Now finally ready Ravi got a wickerbasket his coin purse and piece of pressed paper and wrote neatly.

Azar,
I'm going to do some morning shopping and visit around the market place. I will pick something nice for you. If you wish to join me please meet near the docks before noon.

I love you dearly,
Ravi

Hopefully mister grumpy-pants would be a lot more sunny in the morning. Though he doubt it, he would love to go shopping with him. Last time would have been fun if he wasn't so sick.

Of to the market he goes.

[azar]

Azar's morning stuck to his usual mold. He woke up right when the full yellow circle of the sun was in the very center of his window and drug his feet considerably trying to get himself out of bed. He took his time in the washroom and putting on his clothes, and, thanks to the note left for him, never once had to wonder where Ravi was. Thank the spirits - Azar was feeling quite edgy that morning, and Ravi would be no exception to the fact that anyone could set off Azar's temper. He was no happy camper that morning. His family knew as well as anyone how the day before didn't show Azar at his finest. He was surly, sullen, and didn't give a damn.

As he grabbed a quick breakfast from the kitchen, no one bothered to say much to him. His mother, siblings, and grandpa all knew well how he would react if they pushed his buttons, and it wasn't going to be pretty. They all knew where early bird Ravi had gone, anyway. Azar was certain Ravi was out enjoying Hokage's bustling business district, but he wasn't so sure he wanted to join him. There was nothing better to do, and little else that could lighten his mood.

If Azar could have his way, he would stay in bed all day and sulk away his problems. Probably with a few sweets, too. Comfort food always helped.

He'd no doubt find Ravi soon enough, but his walk out the house and through the market was slow indeed. Sanxian was strapped to his back, it would be easy for anyone he knew before his departure to recognize him. He felt that no one really cared one way or another, but reality could easily tell him different. Reality certainly was a bitch those days, flying back into his face and stinging like his eyes were doused in vinegar. People kept proving him wrong and he didn't like it one bit. When he finally reached the pier (one of the Hokage's many), he leaned on the railing and looked out to the horizon. Ravi would be there soon enough, but Azar didn't feel any better.

[kunitsu]

After dealing with the armed escorts that were assigned to watch over him, Tsu went onto his closet to pick out something to wear on his day at the marketplace. With his slight hand on his chin, he looked over the selection he had to work with. After a few minutes of thinking it over, he selected a charcoal grey pair of trousers and a silk orange and red phoenix etched kimono.

Slipping on his sandals, he walked out of his front door and locked it behind him. At this point, the guards were already gone, which meant that they took his order seriously. He smiled happily as he walked down the street whistling to himself. At around 9:00 AM, the market place was starting to get busy as everyone awoke from their nightly slumber and a start of their daily routine. The merchant stands were calling out to customers to buy their wares and goods. You know, the usual.

A slight breeze swept the streets. Bits of Tsu’s hair flowed with the wind as he enjoyed it’s cool touch.

“Alright, I have to look over the shopping list,” Tsu said to himself. Pulling out a rolled up piece of parchment from his obi, he opened it up and read what he needed from the market.

“Alright, first off, I must get cabbage. After months of those rations the military makes me eat, I need a real meal. After that, some peppers and cucumbers. Then we’ll go from there.”

He rolled the parchment back up again and slip it into his obi and proceeded with his search.

[ravi]

The streets were busling and alive as Ravi walked down the roads and stopped at the various shops. He noticed a hill that led up to an old abandoned house...or a shop of some kind. With the phoenix statue at the base it probably was clinic.

Not wanting to explore it, he continued down the road and notice a shop selling dates and local sweets. Wondering if Azar would like anyway looked them picking his favorites when saw something next to him.
It was the red and orange kimono with a burning red phoenix embroired in the fabric.
"I love that kimono." Noted Ravi to the stranger as he bought a bunch of figs for Azar.
"Was it personally tailored for you or did you buy it from a shop." He had find that shop, it fitted so well on him and it was goregous. Ravi wondered if he had time to find that shop before he had to met Azar. Thats if he shows up. Far as Ravi knew he could still be pouting in bed

[azar]

Hokage was a bit different than the capital for many reasons, Azar had grown to notice. A port city (much less one not so obsessively guarded under the Fire Lord's nigh-paranoid requests) naturally attracted much more crime, more of those 'undesireable' types in some people's eyes - though to Azar, plenty of people were undesireable; namely, about seventy percent of the population. The rest were either stupid, too sexy to matter, or worth his wholehearted indifference. It was truly unfortunate if anyone was viewed any of those ways by Azar, though Ravi seemed to carve out a nice niche for himself and hold his own against Azar's oft-rising nonsense. If anything, Ravi was a true survivor because of that.

...Regardless of Azar's biased and prejudiced opinions, Hokage wasn't nearly as pristine and sparkly as the grand metropolis of Lun Yang, brilliant jewel of all the Fire Nation. The godly leader of their people would never allow the place to sink to such a state. There, one seldom had to worry about being tackled and mugged in a dark alley. Azar could thankfully employ his street smarts learned as a youth, recalling what his middle-class upbringing taught him about survival in this city. Memories of the past kept springing into his head.

Kicking a few pebbles between the slats of the boardwalk idly, Azar looked to his feet and drifted in and out of a lax state of quiet reflection, albeit bored beyond any standard imaginable. He didn't have to wait for Ravi forever, but it would sure seem like it.

[kunitsu]

The aroma of these dates are fantastic. The merchant must’ve picked up some of the freshest dates today. Kun Tsu picked a date up and went in close to it for a smell. The smell alone almost put him in euphoria. What a perfect way to start a perfect day.

“I will take two pounds worth please,” Kuni Tsu told the merchant. He bowed courteously and gathered the freshest of the dates. He looked over the list to see what else he needed for the day. He would still need to pick up cabbages as well as a few more vegetables and fruit. He actually wondered if today was a good day to pick up some fish too?

“I love that kimono,” a stranger next to his said, “Was it personally tailored for you or did you buy it from the shop?”

He turned around and noticed this slight man in front of him. From the face, it would easy to confuse this person for a woman, but Tsu knew better, for he gets that same treatment all the time from his peers. Tsu gave him a warm smile and bowed courteously. He tilted the straw hat backwards for him to get a better look at his face. It would be impolite if the person he was talking to couldn’t see his delicate face.

“This kimono has been embroidered by some of the finest tailors in Hokage,” Tsu told the stranger with a lisp, “I’m glad you like it. Have you ever thought about getting some new clothes or designs for your old ones? If so, I could recommend a few places.”

[ravi]

Ravi saw the man turn to him and lifted his straw hat. Oh he had such fine face. Ravi smiled gently as the man replied “ “I’m glad you like it. Have you ever thought about getting some new clothes or designs for your old ones? If so, I could recommend a few places.” Ravi nodded. “Oh that would be wonderful, I know a few tailors in Lun Yang, but most of them rarely take commissions from me. I would love to visit those shops I would love nice new kimono for to-oh my.” Ravi forgot about Azar for a second.
“Oh Azar! He needs some good clothes too.” He added on and then, Ravi cleared his throat,

“I’m Ravi from Lun Yang.” He said introducing himself. “I would like to see more of this city, but I am meeting my dear friend Azar, and he tends to get grumpy if he has to wait.” Ravi said with proper bow, “If you are not busy later I would like it if you showed me these shops, it’s not every day I meet someone with exquisite taste.” Ravi looked at the sun briefly and then he shadow, Azar was waiting for him.
“I know this is not at all polite and I am very sorry but I must go.” Waving good by he strolled to the docks where Azar was waiting for him

“I am sorry I’m late, I met someone who knows some the best tailors here in Hokage and I would love a new kimono, oh I brought you some figs.” Ravi added as an afterthought showing him the basket.

[azar]

Azar wasn't happy after waiting so long. Instead of boredly looking at the water past the dock whilst perched at the rail, he had now taken to looking at the water past the dock whilst sitting at a nearby bench. He couldn't help it; there was nothing better to do while waiting for Ravi, other than to sit and watch people idly, maybe scoping out a few cute guys...even though that did him no good. There was no point in tempting himself if it would just end in disaster like last time. Ravi was too good to let go, even though he still wanted more. It was a dilemma by every angle.

Ravi finally came, apologizing and showing Azar the basket of figs he held in his hand. His excuse may have been valid, but the musician didn't really care. As long as the wait was over, he was just fine with that. Well, maybe not. Azar still felt a twinge of annoyance with his lover after the preceding day, much like he felt with the rest of the world. He never realized he was projecting his own unwanted feelings onto everyone around him, but it only resulted in pain. Until he admitted his own stupidity, he was stuck in a deep bog from where there was little chance of return.

Standing up, Azar nabbed one of the figs from Ravi's basket. He sidestepped from his lover quickly while gnawing on the sweet fruit, meanwhile stewing on his own negative feelings. "Uh huh," he grunted, not meeting Ravi's gaze with his own. From anyone's standpoint, it was clear Azar was ignoring Ravi, but only to the point where it ceased to benefit him. The fact that he took one of the treats from Ravi's basket was enough evidence of that. "That's great..."

[ravi]

He noticed that Azar was not in a pleasent mood when they met up, he barely met his gaze or even acknowledged him. Ravi watched his lover eat a few of the figs as Ravi explained about the man he met. Azar was not at all interested that was apparent. Ravi felt a bit ignored and even hurt as Azar walked ahead and Ravi followed.
"Umm I was wondering if you want to go out for lunch today. Show me around Hokage." Asked Ravi trying to keep the mood light. After all there was so much to see, he wondered if Azar had any favorite places. He thought about that as he walked with Azar however his heart ached. When will this end? Does Azar still care for him? Ravi felt a twinge of worry hit him. He didn't know what to do.
Then he saw that same kimono and that same man.
"Oh we meet again!" Ravi said waving to him wondering if he would reconize and respond

[kunitsu]

The warm sun was making itself unwelcoming as the day started to get more humid and more warm with each passing minute. Beads of sweat start to form on his forehead. He wiped the beads of sweat with his hand and noticed the vast moisture he was producing.

“Good old Fire Nation weather we’re having,” he thought.

“Sir,” a voice from behind him whispered, “We can always get you some water.” It was the same guards that Kuni Tsu excused their duties from back at the house. Apparently, they have been checking in on him for his well being. Kuni Tsu was not amused by this sort of behavior.

“I thought I told you guys were released for the day?” Tsu asked the armed escorts once more.

“Well, we got kinda worried,” the other confidant spoke. Tsu sighed.

“Very well. Get me a tankard of water. Once you get it for me, I want you guys to go away. Understood?”

The two armed men bowed respectfully and went on their way. The shade from his straw hat wasn’t helping with the heat.

“Oh, we meet again,” a voice called out in a distance. He turned around and saw the familiar man waving him. Tsu approached the man as well as his friend and bowed respectfully.

“It is good to see you again Ravi,” Tsu complimented, “And who may I ask is your friend here? Wait a minute. You must be Azar. Ravi has talked so much about you.”

[azar]

All things put in perspective, Azar would probably have enjoyed a nice, peaceful lunch with Ravi and leisurely walk around the city. Whether the musician kept such things in mind or not, they would probably be back on good terms before the sun set, especially if he went along with Ravi's suggestion. Yes, it would have brightened his mood considerably, but Azar stayed quiet and felt like sulking a good while longer. He couldn't help but attribute his own foolishness to someone else, and keep stewing on those false and negative feelings.

It came out of the blue when another fellow approached, who appeared almost as flamboyant and effete as Ravi himself. He wore fine clothing and, as far as Azar knew, acted more than a little swishy. It was kind of the same impression he got from Ravi when they first met...and they both knew how that day turned out. As on Barazoku Beach, Azar was almost ashamed to be tied down to a single fellow again. Guilt and angst wore down on his conscience.

"Uh, hi," Azar waved lazily, "and yeah...that's me." It was the most he'd said all day, surprisingly. The fact that there wasn't any whining or griping that escaped his mouth was almost like a miracle. However, he didn't seem to look at Ravi directly as much as he did the other man, but even then he peered at the nicely-dressed fellow long enough to make a firm note that he was attractive. He really didn't want to look at anyone at the moment, but he was quite intent on nabbing another fig from Ravi's basket. Since his first one had been completely seconds before, he did just so.

The term 'friend' was predictable, though. The two often had to refer to each other as such to prevent public suspicion. People just didn't liken well to their sort; a thought which made Azar sink a bit deeper into despair. Now that he thought about it, this newcomer into the conversation probably wasn't even the type Azar had in mind.

[kunitsu]

It felt that the one called Azar was a little nervous, if not apathetic when it came to his nature of being here. He watched him grab a date from Ravi and ate it with haste. He giggled a little bit at his awkward nature.

“Well, it is a pleasure to meet you Azar,” Kuni Tsu bowed once more in respect, “I am Kuni Tsu, Lieutenant in the Fire Nation Light Cavalry.”

He smiled warmly at Ravi, “So, are you ready for some new attire, cause I would be honored to watch the both of you in some new clothes.”

He knew those two guards were still watching from hiding spots that knew already existed. For some reason, the Captain wanted a close eye on him. He had no idea what for, but he might as well put some use in the guards. He clapped in the air. Once clapped, the guards came out and bowed in respect as well.

“As long as you are going to be watching me, I’m going to get some use out of you. I need a rickshaw for myself and my newly acquired friends here. We will be going to the Spirit Hands tailor shop.”

“At once sir,” the guard responded as he went on his way.

He then turned toward Ravi and Azar again and smiled, “Well, as long as you are with me, I shall treat you as my honored guests under my care.”

[ravi]

Smiling at Tsu, Ravi nodded agreeing. “Yes this is Azar,” And then turning to him he said. “See this is the guy I have been telling you about!” Azar seem not to be interested in Tsu. Ravi on the other hand was elated at the idea of going to shopping. Oh new clothes would totally make his day.

Though at the mentioning of Tsu being a lieutenant and well cared for one as he had his men sent to get a rickshaw to go to the tailor, Ravi wonder about his orientation. Though the thought was brief; he wondered if he was just well kept straight man, or does he have interest on the other side. Or maybe he likes both, after all why just sample the clams when you can have the oysters too.

Ravi hoped with some company and some pampering, Azar would stop being so sour. After all if things worked out Ravi would love to have nice romantic dinner in his new hanfus with Azar. Of course this might take some persuading, grumpy Azar is a stubborn Azar. Ravi hoped his lover would be pleasant as the go shopping today.

“Thank you so much Tsu, for this opportunity.”

[azar]

This Tsu fellow seemed to command a few people around, but hearing his esteemed title of lieutenant didn't raise either of Azar's eyebrows the more he realized. There was still much floating lazily around in his head regarding the man's Ravi-esque nature, but his mind really was more on himself than anyone else. He was still conscious enough to hear and have a chance to reply to everything Ravi or Tsu said, but he never actually spoke much rather than a brief statement between the time Tsu offered them use of the carriage and when Ravi thanked the man. "Uh huh..."

Clothes shopping reminded him slightly of his lover, considering the last time they shopped for clothes didn't bring on the best occurances. Ravi's stupid, homophobic father appeared from nowhere and beat the poor fellow down verbally, after which he happened to suddenly manifest a bad illness that scared Azar beyond reason. The musician was somewhat indifferent about shopping for that reason, and somewhat superstitious in thinking it would happen again. His face, for only a split second, appeared to wear uneasy concern, but it returned to the sullen sulk that was his norm that day.

It wasn't like he needed new clothes anyway - his current attire was in mint condition, same as the day he bought it. He wore a pair of cordovan trousers and an opera mauve sleeveless tunic tied in place at the waist by a wide, rich purple sash tied again in the middle by a thin Persian red rope, after which trailed the remaining length of the tunic that ended an inch or so past his groin, with short side slits starting at the sash's lower side. Down his back, the fabric was folded and creased slightly to allow for better movement, in spite of the garment's seemingly close fit. On his shoulders was a high-collared, diamond-shaped burgundy mantle, distinctively Fire Nation in style. Everything had even been altered to fit him. Truly, there was nothing to be acquired or changed, but if Ravi wanted to go...he wouldn't argue. He just shrugged his shoulders.