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Post by coldflame on Feb 23, 2008 22:56:07 GMT -5
Kiran chuckled at this and straightened is posture, his chin tilted up slightly as he watched her.
“Ha, well, I would love to be your slave for life, my dear princess…” Kiran said, strolling over to her with his hands behind his back, “…but I think I’ll just stick with the reading instead.”
He grinned smugly at this and then reached over and swiftly took the book out of her hands. Kiran turned around and flipped through several pages of the book, walking about a small space in front of Kiku, occasionally walking around the tree, then back to their small area. His eyes skimmed over a few words, until he came across an interesting short story that – judging from the title – seemed dark. Kiran began to read this aloud to Kiku, continuing to stroll around. As he did so, he occasionally gave Kiku a look that matched his dark words and emotion of the story. He tilted his head down at the pages and still looked up every now and then with his eyes meeting hers – his bangs hung down slightly, but the occasional glow of his golden eyes gave a lasting, deep impression.
The short story seemed rather gruesome on some of the details, but it also seemed to be a darkly romantic story splashed with affairs; it was brief, however – after all, the story seemed no longer then ten pages in the small book. Kiran’s voice matched the tone of the story very well, wanting to hold Kiku’s attention as he read. To any person who may ever be watching him, one thing that is most obvious is that he hardly – of not at all – ever misses a word. Words seem to come naturally to him, as if he knows what the next sentence will begin with before his eyes ever meet the first letter. It was a talent, Kiran knew; he had a talent of keeping people entertained and listening while being nervous was hardly ever an issue, no matter how many people seemed watch. This took time, of course.
As he neared the end of the tragically romantic, dark and saddening short story, Kiran had wandered his way back towards Kiku again. He lifted one arm up in the air, grabbing a low over-hanging branch of the tree, however his eyes still firmly held onto the paper. He leaned forward and the only thing that stopped him from falling on his face was his arm holding him back. Being closer to Kiku now, he raised his smoldering golden eyes up at her and gave her the final lines of the story, arching his neck upward towards her face, and then snapped the book shut and simply grinned.
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Post by kiku on Feb 24, 2008 17:02:23 GMT -5
With ever-widening eyes Kiku listened as Kiran dove into a deep, dark story that nearly left her breathless from the very beginning. It wasn’t what she had expected for one thing, but, evident by her swift trip to the garden, Kiran was good at surprising her. And she kind of liked it that way. His company never grew old.
As Kiran strolled around and spoke, she listened carefully -- smiling a little at parts and sighing at others. At times she found herself drifting off into space for short periods, picturing the story as it was read, soaking up Kiran’s passionate voice; but most of the time she aimed her gaze in Kiran’s direction, finding his various range of expressions quite alluring… Along with his voice, it drew her into the story, and Kiku felt the rate of her pulse increase as she felt the suspense throw her emotions into a chaotic frenzy. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself inside as the story began to come to a close, but that was all in vain. Once Kiran strolled up and hung off the branch, coming so close to her face… She truly held her breath.
Pink brightened her fresh peach cheeks, and her warm eyes widened a moment as the last few lines were read… It was quite suspenseful, and for a moment Kiku felt as if the words were real – as if the story had actually taken place and now lives were changed as she seemingly had through the course of the tragic story. Though, once Kiran flashed a lovely grin, she sighed in relief and laughed a soft, sweet laugh. Shyly, she twisted a loose strand of hair around her finger, glancing down demurely, her cheeks still flushed, and a shy smile light on her lips.
“That was very… convincing.” She murmured thoughtfully, a faintly tinged breathlessness apparent in her voice. Slowly, Kiku glanced back up to meet his smoldering golden eyes, her smile becoming even coy; though it was evident she had enjoyed his presentation.
“Thank you.”
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Post by coldflame on Feb 24, 2008 19:18:18 GMT -5
Kiran winked.
“You’re welcome,” he simply replied. He straightened his posture and released his hand from the tree branch, however keeping his eyes on Kiku. His eyes, moving ever so slightly downward, observed her cheeks and could see that she was blushing again. He loved that rosy hue to her cheeks, though he could never figure out why she seemed to blush so often; most of the time he wasn’t provoking it. He often thought about this while he was away – remembering, thinking, picturing her face and what he did before. The only times he could ever remember her acting the way she was now were the times he purposefully teased Kiku.
But now, as Kiran tilted his head at her, noticing how she nervously twisted a strand of her hair in her fingers, her blush, her coy ‘thank you’ made Kiran wonder if she really did enjoy his reading to her. She appeared uncomfortable now…No, that wasn’t it. It was the exact opposite, Kiran knew. Kiku had an imagination that seemed to carry his words to a whole new level, Kiran thought. Though, he wouldn’t hide what he already knew: Kiku seemed flustered now because of his presentation with the reading; she liked hearing him, watching him. This made Kiran’s insides jump with joy, though, typically it never showed. Perhaps, for all those other reasons when she seemed to be this way in front of him, Kiku had some…feelings for him. Kiran thought about this before as well – and as much as he wished for such a thing while he was away – he knew it would be pointless. He also knew that he could be wrong. Maybe Kiku had other reasons for her flustered actions around him.
In order to figure out why she seemed to blush all those other times in front of him, he couldn’t help but perform a small test. Just one test, he thought - one small gesture to see if there, by any chances, her having those feelings for him were possible. But he had to make it sincere; he had to make it seem like he wasn’t trying to tease her or scare her. He just needed one tiny, significant glimmer in her eyes…
“Hnm…” he mused softly. Slowly he brought his hand up, trying to keep his smile soft and calm and by no means teasing, and gently pressed his hand it against her blushing cheek. His voice was casual, however. “…I want to know something,” he said, his eyes already beginning to search hers, “…Why do you blush so often? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind it…but I can’t help but wonder sometimes.” Not wanting to put pressure on her and make her eyes glance away like they usually did, he suggested for the sake of his experiment, “…Guess you just like listening to me, huh?”
He smiled a little wider at this, but his thumb accidentally stroked against her cheek. He stopped himself, not wanting Kiku to be uncomfortable, for he regretfully knew that his theory could be very wrong about her feelings towards him (and for he has seen Kiku’s frantic expression when he’s gone too far). Right now, he just needed one small glimmer of truth.
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Post by kiku on Feb 24, 2008 20:03:51 GMT -5
As soon as Kiran’s palm touched her cheek, Kiku felt her heart pounce fiercely in her chest and her stomach begin to churn and twist and flutter. While quite alluring naturally, Kiran was even more irresistible when in direct contact, his warmth solidly against her soft skin. How gentle his touch was, how sweet. How much she would like to impulsively whisper his name and find herself wrapped up securely in his arms, full lips at her temple.
However, while a torrent of emotion bubbled passionately below the surface, outwardly she seemed completely calm – her breathing deep and slow, her eyelids fluttering, as if she wished to nuzzle her cheek against his palm, close her eyes, and sigh. While a soft whoosh of breath did escape her lips, she did not stroke her cheek against his hand (as she would have desperately loved to) nor close her eyes; instead she took the opportunity to refocus her gaze, taking in Kiran’s soft smile, wondering.
She swiftly noticed how tenderly intent his golden eyes did seem, and she was a little taken aback at the depth at which he seemed to search her gaze. Her cheeks, while pink before, did then only glow even more rose, and Kiku’s lips curled up a little in the corners, forming a faintly dazed and shyly allure smile. And as she looked up at him, continuing to soak up the warmth and depth of his eyes, she couldn’t help to search his eyes as well, hers sparkling a little – with hope. She observed him with some kind of curiosity, some kind of tenderness, of sincerity. She could feel the words she’d like to say flutter barely on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t yet. It would only hurt if she was wrong. But she could feel her inner bubbling emotions leaking into view through the brown of her eyes. If only he could see, could show her back…
“Yes. You… just have that effect on me, I suppose.” Kiku finally replied, her voice something just above a whisper.
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Post by coldflame on Feb 25, 2008 21:18:29 GMT -5
Kiran paused for a moment. His eyes gave a sudden flicker once he saw it – that look in her eyes that seemed to be reaching out for him; that spark that he was looking for. Though, her expression seemed to be a lot stronger than what he had imagined it to be. There was…something about the way she stared at him back that made him think she was…hoping for something. Kiran had a great talent of being able to read someone through their eyes, but now it seemed difficult to understand, or to perhaps want to understand.
Kiran slowly took in a breath of air (which he had seemed to have forgotten about when he noticed that hidden message in Kiku’s eyes) and, hesitating slightly, dropped his hand from her cheek. His smile had softened away for a moment once Kiku spoke, but now as he took the smallest step away from her, he smiled lightly. Again, he didn’t want to make a big scene from it, or he just simply didn’t want Kiku to see what hidden message his eyes held for her. He was stubborn like that, he knew; it was his pride that he would often keep to himself in order to do what he thought was right – pride, but also concern. He wasn’t stupid or oblivious; Kiran knew that his feelings towards Kiku were greater than what he had ever expected, but he refused to admit it to anyone, hardly himself at times.
He wasn’t right for her, he knew, but only if it ever went any farther then how their relationship was now. He messed his past relationship up terribly and hasn’t had time for one since. Kiran knew that being away constantly, having to go back to the army every so often, and even the conflict with her father and other friends would be too much for Kiku. It was too much for his past relationships; he never stayed in one place for long.
For Kiku, he had come back, and a lot sooner than what could have been possible. How many other times could he keep that up for her if anything between them got anymore serious? It wouldn’t be fair to Kiku…even if he did feel devoted to her.
So, why did he want to see that spark in her eyes that told him just what she seemed to be hiding as well? Simple – he just wanted to know. Perhaps, more than likely, Kiku felt the same way towards him…but, no…he wouldn’t bring it up or mention it or ask questions. He wasn’t about to go and make Kiku’s life more complicated than it needed to be.
Suddenly, he blinked. Kiran had been gazing off to the side for a moment, absorbed in his thoughts again. His smile had seemed to vanish, but once he looked back to her, he smiled softly again and leaned his back against the tree.
“I guess that’s why I enjoy reading to you so much,” Kiran said, spinning the book he still held in his hands. He gave a playful wink at her, and pretended not to notice what her words seemed to really mean. If anything, being a good friend to Kiku was the best thing for her – he could promise her that much.
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Post by kiku on Feb 25, 2008 22:26:53 GMT -5
Kiku glanced up at Kiran curiously as he seemed to drift off, her eyes still warm and wide, trying to focus on every emotion that seemed to sparkle out in his eyes. It was a bit difficult for her, however, almost because she was afraid of what she might – or might not – see. Nevertheless, Kiran’s warm touch made her hopeful – but the sensation was fleeting.
As Kiran’s hand slipped away from her cheek, a wave of swift dejection poured over her; when he backed away, she felt her eyes flash with hurt. Stupid, stupid. She got her hopes up far too rapidly, Kiku knew. But… there seemed such a reason to. For a moment – no, for several moments – she sensed such tenderness in his gaze, his touch, his words. A tenderness that could have easily led to some deeper meaning. That could not have been simply mistake, could it? Perhaps he was hiding something. Something she would desperately like to experience. But if he felt that way, why was he backing away?
For a moment Kiku was silent, unsure of what to say, how to react. The affection of the moment seemed to have vanished with Kiran’s smile, so Kiku simply glanced at him with a small one of her own.
“Are you implying that you read to me only to be entertained at my expense?” She asked in a teasingly taken-aback way. She touched her fingertips gently to her collar to gesture to herself, sticking her nose up a bit in the air. Though, inside she knew being sarcastic was the only thing she could do without showing her hurt. She held out her palm expectantly.
“Well, then I’ll kindly have my book back, thank you, good sir.”
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Post by coldflame on Feb 26, 2008 20:27:39 GMT -5
Kiran’s smile quickly returned at Kiku’s teasing aristocratic, or perhaps more royal-like attitude again. In any sense, Kiran was happy to see her not upset by his earlier gesture….or rather, upset with him for doing so.
He couldn’t help it, of course. He had always loved to keep ladies entertained in his presence and since reading seemed to be Kiku’s favorite choice, he typically would be amused by reading for her. Besides, he loved it when she got that fascinated look on her face when he read to her; Kiku must have a great imagination and, without surprise, Kiran took pride in being able to catch her attention so fully.
Once Kiku stuck out her palm for the book, Kiran sighed dramatically and bowed deeply to her with the book held out for her to take.
“I’m terribly sorry, mi’ lady…” Kiran said, his voice saturated in deep subservience. “But even though I am simply your pitiful slave, I couldn’t help but be happy at seeing your smiling face when I read to you.”
He looked up at her, his bangs mostly covering his eyes for his head was still slightly tilted downward. However, he then dramatically slumped down onto his good knee and held up the book, as if in complete reliance to her mercy.
“Please forgive me, princess! Take the book away if you wish…” Kiran then pouted up at her – rather convincingly – with a heartbroken expression in his eyes. He bit down on his full bottom lip slightly, and if anyone that happened to be looking at him, it would seem that he was like a little kid again…though, for most people, it was nearly impossible to resist. Typically, Kiran had perfected this technique.
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Post by kiku on Feb 27, 2008 21:28:51 GMT -5
A soft laugh easily escaped Kiku’s lips, and slowly she tilted her head downward, observing Kiran’s pleading expression with much refreshed amusement. Her eyes sparkled more at this, and her smile curled up cutely in the corners, before she shifted more forward, placing a single hand on her hip while the other remained outstretched. She sighed in a dramatically exasperated way, before letting her dignified façade drop completely along with her hand while releasing another fresh laugh.
Her smile pleased and sweet, she glanced down at him, warmth evident in her gaze.
“Well, I can hardly take it away from you when you look at me like that,” She replied softly with a smile, her dark cocoa-colored eyes focusing more firmly on Kiran’s childish pout. She couldn’t help but chuckle at it once again. It was amazing how childishly innocent he could play while still maintaining such a high level of handsomeness. It was just his expression, his golden eyes; they held such convincing passion and sincerity, even when he was teasing.
“Call me too kindhearted, but I think I shall spare you.” She sighed, before laughing sweetly again.
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Post by coldflame on Feb 28, 2008 22:26:07 GMT -5
Kiran chuckled and then promptly stood back up, grinning proudly that his pouting trick had successfully seemed to lighten the mood. He chuckled lightly again once he heard Kiku’s sweet laughter fill his ears; that’s all he ever wanted to hear from her. If Kiku was happy, then he was happy. Simple as that, he thought.
“I knew you couldn’t resist,” Kiran implied, a small smirk curling on one corner of his lips. Though, he soon flashed his teeth again and flipped the book over in his hands. He leaned his back against the tree again, tilting his chin up in the air, and just as he was going to give another proud reply, he was interrupted.
Again, there was something moving his leg again, jerking it violently. Kiran looked down and saw Nayeli trying to tear the life out of the bottom of his boot strap. Kiran simply lifted his leg up in the air to perhaps make her let go, but surprisingly, Nayeli held on and dangled from his foot.
“Nayeli...! Let go,” Kiran said, unable to hold back a small chuckle from his lips. Once he bent down and released Nayeli from his shoe, he lifted the fuzzy animal up in his arms and handed her over to Kiku.
“I guess she’s hungry…” he said, shaking his head at Nayeli who called back at him from Kiku’s arms. “...That, or she’s just a forceful attention-seeker.”
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Post by kiku on Feb 29, 2008 17:00:24 GMT -5
“Aw!” Kiku gasped as she took the small but precious lamb into her arms. Naturally she began to stroke the soft wool of Nayeli’s back, while also cradling her with the tenderness and love a first child might receive. Looking down at the sweet creature in her arms, Kiku couldn’t help but feel a knot of guilt wedge itself into her heart; she had simply left the poor thing out here, while she wandered off, distracted. That was no way to treat her – Nayeli, her sweet and much treasured gift.
“Poor, precious thing,” Kiku cooed in a sweet, gentle voice. She continued to lightly stroke the soft, smoother coating of gray fur that covered Nayeli’s head with a single index finger, her smile slight, but full of affection. “I’m sorry; you haven’t been getting enough attention.”
With this, she smiled up at Kiran, chuckling a little bit.
“Would you like to head inside? I can prepare a little something for her there,” she explained with a soft smile that quickly turned charming as she released a final soft but amused laugh.
“Unless you’d care to sacrifice your boot.”
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Post by coldflame on Feb 29, 2008 20:04:04 GMT -5
Kiran sighed at this, rolling his eyes at Kiku’s little remark. However, he lifted one foot up and tried pulling his boot off.
“Well, if you insist…” Kiran said, already beginning to untie a few of the boot straps behind his knee. However, as though Nayeli knew exactly what Kiran was going to do, the small koala-sheep called back at Kiran loudly, as if telling him to stop.
Kiran chuckled, his gaze aimed at the lamb.
“What? I thought you liked the taste of boots…” Kiran said to the animal, and she replied with another small call. “Yeah, yeah…Fine, I’ll let Kiku spoil you.” He then looked back up at Kiku, shaking his head but grinning as he tied the boot straps securely back around his leg.
He glanced from Kiku to the lamb, then back to Kiku. His teeth flashed slightly as he noticed just how gently Kiku seemed to be holding her new gift. Kiran was very content at seeing that Kiku loved her pet, even if it was a last minute gift to her. Though, he knew all along that she would love the small animal; it seemed to be the right pet to give her. But, oh how this lamb was going to be spoiled…
“Well, let’s head inside…,” he replied and began heading his way towards the house, “…before Nayeli tries eating any more of my clothing.” Kiran grinned at this, and looked back at his friend with a warm smile, as if calling her to follow him.
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Post by kiku on Feb 29, 2008 21:53:37 GMT -5
Chuckling softly, Kiku strolled easily up to Kiran with Nayeli in her arms, a pleasantness evident in her graceful step. Ah, it was such a lovely morning, she couldn’t help but think. Though Kiran hadn’t been with her that long yet today, it nearly felt as if he had never left, as if they had been together a long time now, and were simply spending another sunny day together, talking, laughing, enjoying each other. With his healing presence near, it was hard to think of a time when she was bored or worried or … aching.
If Nayeli hadn’t been tucked cozily in her arms Kiku was sure she would have reached for his hand, for the moment reminded her of the last time they had been in each other’s pleasant company. Things were always so easy with him, whether it was laughing or embracing… It was lovely to have him back. It didn’t matter that he was Fire Nation or an engineer, that her father may not be his biggest fan – they were friends, kindred spirits, and she felt so whole and alive when she was near him.
After flashing a soft, sideways smile in Kiran’s direction, Kiku held Nayeli closer to her chest, and reached out one hand, opening the door and strolling into the house; first through the shop and then to the kitchen…
A sheepish smile quickly curled up into Kiku’s lips as she stepped into the dining area, as her entire immediate family was present there.
Katsu had his chair rolled up to the head of the table, and he was firstly enwrapped in the writings of a scroll that was spread out across his front. Hana was seated to his right, her head swiveled in his direction, as if they had been speaking, while Lien was at the counter, pouring a cup of tea. She was the first one to notice their arrival.
“Well, good morning, sweet,” Lien greeted beamingly as she glanced in her direction. She paused before her grin became more pronounced. “And look who’s here! Hello, Kiran.”
Swiftly, as if a magic word had been spoken, both Hana and Katsu suddenly glanced up towards the door, their expressions nearly opposite.
“And who do you have there?” Lien asked sweetly, not noticing the sudden interest of the other two family members. Gently she gestured to the koala-sheep present in Kiku’s arms with her elbow.
“Oh! This is… Nayeli. Kiran gave her to me. … As a birthday present.”
Katsu raised an eyebrow, his eyes flickering with an odd mix of steeliness and curiosity.
“He bought you a koala-sheep?”
Hana chuckled. It was worse than she had thought…
“I think she’s adorable,” Lien approved swiftly. She smiled at Kiran, her eyes kind. “That was nice of you dear, would you like some tea..?”
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Post by coldflame on Mar 1, 2008 18:42:30 GMT -5
Kiran stepped into the kitchen and was slightly startled to see the whole family already gathered around, but he should have figured; the morning had nearly passed. Time flew by too fast here…
“Hello, ma’am. It’s nice to see you again.” Kiran said, grinning at Lien. He glanced at the tea, but figured that he wouldn’t be spending very much time in here anyways (especially if tensions were going to rise again). “No tea for me, thank you; I’m fine.” It was a relief to see Lien’s bubbly smile, especially when it was already possible to feel Katsu’s icy stare from across the room. Though, Kiran gave a small chuckle, glancing at Nayeli who shifted impatiently in Kiku’s arms.
“And…Nayeli was sort of a last-minute gift,” he chuckled slightly, Nayeli giving a small call in his direction once she noticed his stare.
Despite the tension he could sense coming from the table where Katsu sat, Kiran didn’t falter his warm smile. He stepped further into the kitchen and said good morning to everyone. Kiran could only simply give Katsu a nod, his smile softening slightly. It was strange…Kiran was not mad at Katsu at all; not anymore, anyways. Sure, he had been upset last time, but was never quite sure if it was at Kiku’s father personally. If anything, Kiran had seemed to easily forgive the man. That feeling of needing to respect Katsu was something that Kiran couldn’t seem to shake off. Past the steeliness and suspicion in the man’s stare, Kiran could see something else. He wasn’t sure what it was, but there was definitely something else to respect about this man besides what already seemed obvious from his outward appearance.
Kiran quickly then looked to Hana, his pleasing smile more pronounced. It was again a nice relief to see another face in the Kiku’s family that seemed more enthusiastic for him being there. Hana reminded Kiran of his own grandmother; they each had that crinkly smile that seemed to always know something that no else did. He had already noticed this before, but now her stare was strangely even more witty and knowing than usual – as far as Kiran could tell anyways.
“Hello, Hana,” he said, crossing his arms and smiling handsomely. “How have you been?”
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Post by kiku on Mar 1, 2008 22:28:37 GMT -5
Hana chuckled.
“Oh, I’ve been doing well, thank you,” she replied, glancing up at Kiran with that same wise smile. Past him Hana could spot Kiku strolling to the counter, her hands now free of the koala-lamb she had been cuddling previously. Kiku reached up and placed a shallow bowl on the counter, but not before passing a shy, sweet glance in Kiran’s direction. Hana’s smile only broadened.
“Though, it’s quite refreshing to see you back, Kiran,” She chuckled, remembering their last encounter, and then Kiku’s faintly charmed smile. “It’s a nice change, having a young man around the house.”
Or entertaining at the very least. In wasn’t often that Kiku was in such a mood; she had never seen her so completely enwrapped with anyone’s presence like she was with Kiran’s. But Hana could understand; he was quite a handsome young man! And a gentlemen too. She should have known her granddaughter would have excellent taste… Yes, she was all but insincere when she said it was nice to have such a strong and charming man around. And not for just Kiku's sake.
“Ah…” Hana sighed as she got up on her feet, stretching her back. “Ah. My joints aren’t what they used to be though.”
Slowly, Hana shuffled a step or two forward, grabbing the table’s edge weakly. She glanced up to Kiran with soft eyes (though her smile was faintly amused around the corners for a moment), her voice perfectly hesitant.
“…Could you be a dear, Kiran, and help a poor old soul to the counter?”
At the counter, while mixing an arrangement of greens in the bowl, Kiku swiveled her head, raising an eyebrow at her grandmother, seeing right through her tactics. She couldn’t help but smile and force down a chuckle at her gram’s boldness, and yet, she couldn’t help but admire her cleverness…
At the table, Katsu simply raised an eyebrow, before turning his head toward the scroll with a gruff scoff. It wasn’t unlike Hana, but little did he know that Lien’s thoughts weren’t too far from Kiku’s.
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Post by coldflame on Mar 2, 2008 1:28:22 GMT -5
Kiran’s heart immediately reached out for Hana once he saw her struggling. It must have been painful for her to even get up out of her chair, for he could have sworn he heard a pop in Hana’s back. Getting old must be a terrible burden, he thought. Seeing that she was gripping the edge of the table with difficulty, he quickly reached out to take Hana’s arm.
“Of course…!” Kiran said, his eyes looking concerned as he firmly wrapped his strong arm with Hana’s frail one. He then used his other hand to take a hold of Hana’s wrinkled hand and slowly lead her to the counter. Kiran had not noticed the expression of the other family members, for he was too concerned about Hana; he only wondered what he could possibly do to help her.
“Can I help you with anything else?” he offered, carefully stepping forward to guide Hana. He slowly led her out of the dining area and towards the kitchen counter with ease. It was hopeless to not think of how he slightly felt sorry for the woman. Spirits knew that Hana was a hard worker; after all, she had been a great help when he fell ill here on the kitchen floor, hardly able to move. She was so quick that Kiku barely had time to move either. Perhaps now her joints were finally catching up with her.
If anything, Kiran wanted to at least return the favor by helping Hana, especially with something as simple as walking her to the kitchen. Though, being an escort was hardly something Kiran would call ‘returning the favor’.
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