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Post by coldflame on Jan 31, 2008 19:55:59 GMT -5
Kiran couldn’t help but smile softly at Kiku, wondering if she was anywhere close to thinking the same things as he was – her feelings (towards him, specifically) – but before he could have enough time to think about this, his stomach heard her pleasing offer and made a loud lurch inside him. Kiran’s eyes widened slightly and he gripped his stomach, suddenly remembering just how hungry he was.
Quite pathetically, his lips turned into a childish pout and he moaned, as if in pain from the lack of food in his stomach.
“Yes…! Save me from this pain..!” he groaned, the monster in his stomach growling impatiently. To anyone who didn’t understand Kiran’s appetite, they would think he was quite a melodramatic, but Kiran was simply passionate...and hungry for just about anything.
However, he soon became distracted as he looked towards his feet and realized he dropped his bag. Bending down, he picked it up and swung the beaten, leather bag over his shoulder and grinned sheepishly at her once he had his things in hand.
“I really miss your cooking...” Kiran said, still grinning a bit sheepishly. He stomach gave another lurch as the thought of having homemade food floated across his conscience. It had been a while since he had a decent meal (for the food he had while traveling was often cheap and the food at the Fire Nation Navy docks shouldn’t even deserve to be called ‘food’) so the thought of having Kiku’s cooking was simply too pleasing to pass up.
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Post by kiku on Jan 31, 2008 21:19:26 GMT -5
Kiku laughed as that sweet, pleasant lightheartedness filled her up inside, for Kiran was so easy to be around; his charming childish nature was quite infectious, and she couldn’t help but want to suddenly dash around the garden carelessly, as if she was six years old again, Kiran running at her side.
“I’m here to please.” She laughed, dipping into a deep, exaggerated bow, matching Kiran’s enthusiasm. Returning to full height she met his gaze, her eyes sparkling, thinking of how it was quite flattering to hear Kiran express how he enjoyed her cooking (for it was something she was a little proud of). Of course, she was more than eager to help satisfy him; it was the very least she could do.
“Well, I shouldn’t keep you waiting any longer, I suppose.” She continued with a cute smile and a slight tilt of her head. As she turned around and began to stroll toward the house however, she let a gentle, teasing laugh slip out of her pale lips.
“Though, I begin to wonder if you’ve only come because of my cooking...”
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Post by coldflame on Feb 1, 2008 18:30:06 GMT -5
Kiran scoffed, bounding slightly to get a few steps ahead of her.
“Of course that’s why.”
And although his voice didn’t sound sarcastic in the expectedly joking way, his grin was all the more teasing. He knew perfectly well that that wasn’t even close to the main reason why he had such an urge to come see her. And although he didn’t seem to always want to admit it to himself, cooking hadn’t even crossed his mind at all as to the true reason why he traveled so far to come back…
He chuckled lightly at her, walking backwards a few steps before strolling by her side. It was impossible to not notice the warmth about her; her pretty smile seemed to say everything to him, though no word had to be spoken. His own smile softened slightly and he shook his head.
“But, really. Food is the last reason why I came back.” He grinned a little more at this, knowing the secret, full truth of that statement. “…Though, I know that probably sounds surprising.”
He stomach gave another one of those loud grumbles and he grinned sheepishly again as he approached the house, soon stepping on the back porch. Nayeli watched them leave uninterestedly from the garden, still munching on grass, and soon rested in the grass to sleep…
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Post by kiku on Feb 1, 2008 20:17:39 GMT -5
“Hm. Maybe a little.” Kiku replied with a smile, but after a moment she laughed softly and pleasantly again, savoring the pure happiness it sent throughout her.
“Of course, there are several reasons to like me.” She mused teasingly, her smile curling up cutely in the corners. She gestured gracefully to herself, as she spoke and glanced sideways at him, her eyes still sparkling and warm in that contented way. Kiran was so good at opening up the opportunity for a good time, she remembered again. It was one of the things she loved about him – his ability to provide such pleasant lightheartedness was one of the reasons she felt so whole around him. Still smiling, Kiku reached out and gently opened the door in front of them, seeing it empty and quiet, before grinning again.
“Though, not as many as there are to admire you, naturally.”
Walking inside, Kiku slowly turned around to smile charmingly at him in addition to her statement, observing him quietly, and thinking of how true that did seem to be.
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Post by coldflame on Feb 2, 2008 21:39:19 GMT -5
Kiran shook his head as he followed her inside, removing his shoes once his feet placed gently against the hardwood floor. His eyes scanned the house for a moment, taking in that familiar silence the walls emitted, and the soft early light that poured through the windows, the smell of the garden wafting inside... Everything was kept the same; everything was exactly as he remembered it. His smile was warm as he noticed these things.
However, as he glanced towards Kiku, seeing how her skin was tinted to an antique color as the sun radiated off the walls, he couldn’t help but watch and wonder what made her think these things of him. He wasn’t anything special, really; not in comparison with her. He saw so many better qualities in her than in himself, that her statement just seemed so untrue. Kiran knew that he had to learn in order to have his manners and had to go through a series of events in order to understand people; Kiku just seemed as if she could have never been any different – always forgiving and pure.
“Hm…I doubt that,” he replied, his smile still soft and pleasing as he followed her toward the kitchen. He set his bag beside the kitchen counter and grinned up at her once he lifted his head again. “Now, tell me how you’ve been. Anything happen while I was gone?”
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Post by kiku on Feb 3, 2008 19:36:46 GMT -5
Kiku shook her head at Kiran; however, she smiled in that soft sweet way as she continued to the kitchen, listening and chuckling a bit at his comment.
“Oh, I’ve not done anything too exciting.” She replied pleasantly, while strolling gracefully to the counter. Swiftly, she began to explore the cabinets above the sink as well as the pantry, wondering what kind of food they had available for breakfast.
“Gram delivered a baby… I’ve done some shopping.” She murmured, reviewing the boring routines she had returned to when he had left. Everything seemed so blurred now when she looked back over it, as if she had done absolutely nothing noteworthy in the last month. In fact, the most vibrant activity she remembered was daydreaming – about him, most all the time.
“I missed you a lot…” She murmured, carefully focusing on the food displayed on the shelves. A soft blush dusted across her cheeks, but after a moment she spoke again, her voice still soft and pleasant.
“But otherwise I’ve been fine. How have you been? And what would you like to eat?”
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Post by coldflame on Feb 6, 2008 21:39:43 GMT -5
“Hnm…” Kiran mused softly. He listened to her rather bland response of what she had done while he was away, but he was nonetheless interested in what she had to say, as always. He appreciated every word that was spoken from her, and after being gone for what felt like five months instead of one (including a few weeks), he desired to hear her soft spoken voice again. It was day in and day out that all he would hear were the shouts of men, the sawing and grinding of metal, the smash of hammers against iron, and the loud bantering of his friends and coworkers as he spent time at the docks that nearly drove him mad. Being here again - in this soft light and listening to Kiku’s voice- was enough to keep him satisfied.
He smiled softly at her, and very typically, took his seat on top of the kitchen counter to watch her. If it seemed that Kiku’s life was uneventful while he was gone (which seemed to displease her, judging from the look on her face) then Kiran just supposed that he would have to fill in those empty spaces of time for her.
“I think I’ll have…some of those fruits,” he said, pointing to some brightly colored foods placed in the pantry, however continued, “…and some rice. Oh! And toast – not burnt to a horrible crisp – with a lot of jam.”
He grinned, remembering at how he had failed in making toast himself last time. This time he would just sit here and patiently watch Kiku cook – he would much rather do that anyways.
“And I’ve been busy; as I told you in my letter…” he said casually, leaning over and resting his elbows against his thighs, his eyes focused on her. “The docks were tiring as ever, but a few of my friends seemed to keep everything entertaining.” He grinned, shaking his head as he remembered a few things. “Hatim, who’s an older friend of mine, likes sake – a lot of sake. So, you can guess what tended to happen from there.” He chuckled slightly, “He says hello, by the way.”
His smile softened just a bit as he continued to watch Kiku go about the kitchen, reminded of the thoughts he had of her while he was away. Though, he was far from going into any sort of details as to telling her what those thoughts were – even to himself, as difficult as it was…
“And I missed you too. Really.”
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Post by kiku on Feb 7, 2008 20:25:18 GMT -5
Kiku couldn’t help but laugh a bit at Kiran’s extensive list of breakfast foods but obeyed swiftly and pleasantly enough. While listening with the utmost earnest to Kiran’s steady but alluring voice, she placed the loaf of bread in front of her to cut while almost simultaneously placing some round, colorful fruits in a polished bowl. Kiku’s eyes shifted upward to meet Kiran’s gaze frequently, always sparkling with contentment. She chuckled softy at the mention of his friend and smiled softly when he voiced how he had missed her.
“That’s nice to hear,” Kiku murmured back in a soft, sincere voice. It was very nice to hear, well, because Kiran’s words so easily warmed her heart; it was easy to imagine him meaning more with those sweet words, but… than again, she shouldn’t get her hopes up. As much as she wanted to in this pleasant atmosphere.
She glanced up at Kiran again with one of those cute smiles, while setting a few slabs of bread on a plate to heat up. Her smile softened however as she shifted daintily to her tiptoes to dust the jar of jam with her fingertips. She laughed a little bit at this, her cheeks now dusted the lightest shade of pink. Shifting her weight back onto the whole sole of her feet, she observed the ground, grinning a bit, before slowly moving her gaze up to Kiran’s; she took her time, secretly admiring his pale skin and slender but muscular build, and, of course, his tallness. She chuckled sheepishly.
“Do you think you could help me out a bit?” She asked pleasantly. To demonstrate her point, Kiku rested her palm firmly against the countertop and leaned against it, jumping up a little only to miss grasping the jar once again.
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Post by coldflame on Feb 8, 2008 20:11:58 GMT -5
Kiran tilted his head slightly, amusingly watching Kiku jump for something above him. He was more distracted by her cute smile, her sheepish chuckles, and not once did he glance up above him to see what she was trying to grasp; it was simply too interesting to watch her like this, for she did look very cute and small from where he sat.
However, at her shy request, he had no choice but to look up. Slowly, he turned his gaze above him from where he sat on the counter and noticed at what she was trying to reach for; a jar of sweet-looking, purple colored jam. Kiran grinned as he glanced back down at Kiku and nodded.
“Of course,” he replied, obeying her request and easily reached up and took the cold jar into his hand. He glanced at it for a moment, turning it in his palm. Then, quite teasingly, he held the jar above her head, just keeping it out of her reach.
“Is this what you want?” Kiran grinned widely, his teeth being revealed across his face. He continued to dangle the jar above her head, and as if shifting into a mocking position, he rested his cheek against his fist with his free hand, looking amused as ever. However, for his sake, he lowered it just slightly so she could possibly snatch it from him…
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Post by kiku on Feb 8, 2008 20:43:42 GMT -5
For a moment, Kiku was indignant. She placed a single hand gracefully on her slender hip and glanced up to him with a single eyebrow raised, as if asking if he really thought she was going to make such a fool of herself. But at his handsome, mischievous grin, she felt her mature defenses weakening, and a dainty laugh slipped easily from her lips.
“Kiran, just give it here…” She ordered, holding out her hand. Of course, it was quickly apparent that she wasn’t going to get her way so easily, and after a hushed moment of being silent and motionless, she made a sudden jump for the jar, missing it by brief millimeters.
“Come on, please!” She begged then, her cheeks a little flushed. She jumped again, skimming the jar with her fingertips but unable to grasp it. She laughed again breathlessly, an embarrassed tinge ringing in her voice.
“Kiran…!”
She felt as if she was making such a fool of herself, and her frustration was made visible by her panting futile attempts, her slight laughter, and of course the rosiness splashed across her cheeks. But her eyes were still warm and sparkling…
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Post by coldflame on Feb 9, 2008 21:02:06 GMT -5
Kiran laughed heartily at Kiku, grinning teasingly as ever as he continued to dangle the jar above her. It was too good to resist seeing that flush in her cheeks, and he would gladly do anything to provoke her to see such a sight. He was surprised that Kiku gave into having to jump for the jar of jam; he was sure she would just continue glancing up at him with that expectant look on her face, her hand on her hip. Though, he never stopped grinning.
“Alright, alright…” he chuckled, giving in to her wishes. He lowered his arm and handed her the jar of jam with ease. “But only because you worked for it.” Kiran chuckled again, still joking, of course.
He leaned back against the palms of his hands, making his shoulders hunch up as he relaxed on his perch beside Kiku. It was no use trying to hide his softening smile as he stared at her, for it was starting to get a bit addicting now. He could slowly feel his eyes focusing on hers with an unintentional intensity; perhaps it was just simply the lighting, he thought. The entire kitchen was engulfed in a sepia tone of early sunlight, causing Kiku’s skin to appear very softened, as well as making the entire room look that way. Kiran’s golden eyes matched the lighting to an almost perfect extent; for anyone looking at him, it would seem that his eyes were glowing. And as unintentionally torturing as it was, Kiran moved his sepia, sparkling eyes away from hers and suddenly became increasingly interested at what was being cooked for him – a typical gesture.
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Post by kiku on Feb 9, 2008 21:57:01 GMT -5
“Thank you.” Kiku murmured, swiftly grasping the jar of jam and bringing it close to her chest. She glanced up at Kiran and briefly flashed him one of those cute smiles, as if she had won their little game, and at that moment their gazes briefly met. At this, Kiku felt her face grow warm and she glanced down shyly, feeling her heart flutter and suppressing the flood of desires rising up within her.
Cheeks still pink, Kiku turned and with a free hand flipped the few pieces of toasting bread, swiftly averting her gaze away from his. She had only glanced up and met his eyes briefly, but it was still dazing… His smile was handsome, his golden eyes like melting gold in the pale light; it was intensely difficult not to stare.
Because of this, Kiku did her best to focus on what she was doing, her expression softening as she gracefully went through the familiar tasks of beginning the tea and finishing the bread. The light poured in through the window peacefully, calming her somewhat frantic heartbeat, and causing a soft smile to flow easily to her lips. Once she felt completely composed, Kiku glanced at Kiran with the same soft smile, and gestured gracefully to the dining table.
“Take a seat. The food’s almost done.”
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Post by coldflame on Feb 10, 2008 0:55:47 GMT -5
“Alright,” Kiran replied, happy at hearing that his food would be ready very soon. He lively jumped from the top of the counter, however then shuffled his way over to the table and slowly sat.
As he sat there, he leaned back in his chair and looked around at the other empty chairs about him. The last time he sat here, it wasn’t exactly what he would call a pleasant experience. Anyone who was humiliated in such a way would love to forget what happened, but Kiran still remembered it in such detail. He glanced over at the empty chairs and remembered just where everyone sat, and of course their facial expressions - particularly Katsu’s. It was burned into him, that hateful stare. And now, Kiran was positive that Katsu would perhaps tell him to leave if he happened to roll towards the table at this moment. This table, Kiran thought, didn’t need to be left with an unhappy memory, but he couldn’t help but wonder what Kiku’s father would do once he realized his daughter’s friend was here to stay again. Just the thought of seeing Katsu’s unsatisfied face nearly made Kiran cringe – not in anger, but in disappointment…and perhaps humiliation as well. He could only imagine what Kiku’s family must think of him now, especially after leaving so abruptly the last time he was here…
Kiran’s gaze was distant as he remembered these things, but he soon leaned back into his chair after he had subconsciously sat forward, and then raised his eyes up to Kiku.
“Kiku…” he spoke softly, resting his arms on the table, “About your father...well, I know he’s not going to be happy to see me here…” He winced slightly, knowing that Kiku would understand just what he meant.
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Post by kiku on Feb 10, 2008 15:31:08 GMT -5
Kiku almost cringed when she heard Kiran’s question, hesitating slightly as she slipped toasted slabs of bread neatly on a plate. It was needless to say she was quite reluctant to speak about the matter – in fact there was nothing she would like more than to avoid it completely – but it was only natural for him to want an answer, so, sighing, Kiku strolled to the table, carrying with her their food, ready to be eaten.
She was quiet for a few moments as slipped the food and plates on the table and took her seat with the same silence. Picking up a piece of bread to set on her plate, she glanced up to Kiran with some hesitation, her eyes soft.
“Don’t worry about it, Kiran.” She replied gently. “I think Mom made him feel guilty about the whole thing, so I don’t think he’ll be too bad.”
Honestly, Kiku didn’t know what to expect from her father. He was quite a gentleman to most, but he seemed to act completely different when Kiran was in the room. He was rude and prejudiced… but Kiku didn’t plan to have Katsu and Kiran alone in the same room too often.
Kiku’s eyes were soft and apologetic for the few more moments they observed him, before they lowered back to her plate, and she began to pick at her toast.
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Post by coldflame on Feb 10, 2008 16:03:00 GMT -5
Kiran glanced down at his food as well, not seeming very satisfied about the whole thing. He knew that Katsu would probably hate him even more now for coming back to his home, particularly for Kiku. Kiran was sure that Katsu would be disgusted of that fact, but he wasn’t going to leave Kiku forever because of it; no, not even an angry father would keep Kiran away. Besides, the man knew nothing of Kiran – who he truly was and what he was truly like. He was nothing like the way Katsu must be imagining him to be; heartless, deceiving…So, why should he not come back to see his friend who he cared so much for?
Kiran sighed quietly and pulled his plate closer toward him, unable to stop thinking about it; he was bothered by it immensely. That didn’t stop him from eagerly digging into his food, however. The food probably would have tasted better if he wasn’t thinking such things and being distracted as he looked back up towards Kiku. Perhaps he could make a suggestion on how to make the situation a little better – to keep a respectful distance. Kiran didn’t want to impose on Kiku’s family, after all…
“You know…” he began to offer, swallowing another bite of food, “…I could stay at the nearby tavern if it could make things easier for your family. I have enough money to stay there…”
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