|
|
Post by kiku on Dec 1, 2007 23:07:48 GMT -5
As soon as Kiku detected Kiran’s presence, heard his comforting voice, she immediately felt a soothing rush of relief. With Kiran around, Kiku naturally felt much less nervous, especially when he helped her out of the merchant’s grasp. She was a bit surprised, however, when he purposefully wrapped his own arm around her waist and pulled her so close to his side. It didn’t make her nervous like the merchant had, but instead comforted her and made her feel safe. His arm was very strong…
Subconsciously Kiku leaned into Kiran’s warm side a little, so very thankful for his rescue and the safe feeling he provided… even though she had probably overreacted a bit.
“Oh, no… I was just leaving…” Kiku murmured shyly. Or at least she had been trying to. She was still trying to stay on the polite side, however; Kiku didn’t like to offend anyone, especially if they truly meant no harm. The merchant still seemed rather disappointed, even though it was obvious Kiku truly wanted no part in browsing around his stand.
“Are you sure you don’t want to look at anything?” He offered a bit weakly, hoping the girl would feel more comfortable with her… friend with her. He was desperate to make a sale, and it was refreshing to see such a nice, fair young woman around…
|
|
|
|
Post by coldflame on Dec 2, 2007 17:36:43 GMT -5
“She’s sure,” Kiran answered for the man, and though his voice might have sounded a bit serious, he didn’t mean to anger the merchant in any way. But the thought of someone upsetting Kiku - pestering her – sent a wave of irritation over Kiran. As he felt Kiku lean into him a little bit, he felt slightly better; her warmth felt amazingly comfortable and it was a sign that made Kiran sure that Kiku was grateful for his presence.
He glanced down at her for a moment, and then raised his gaze around the area. Kiran was searching for something – something to let this man leave the two of them alone, yet satisfy the merchant so there was no disappointment. And then finally, he heard a small chirp of giggles come from down the street.
Turning his gaze back to the merchant, Kiran replied: “Why don’t you go and see if those ladies are interested in what you’re selling…” As he said this, Kiran pointed to a small group of young women who were walking towards them, all of them giggling as if they had heard a funny story. They all seemed to be the type of women who would be interested in buying trinkets, for they were already holding several bags with items inside.
“Excuse us…” And with that, Kiran firmed his hold around Kiku’s waist and held her against his side, guiding her calmly away from the determined merchant to continue through the town.
|
|
|
|
Post by kiku on Dec 2, 2007 21:37:27 GMT -5
“Thank you.” Kiku murmured shyly as the two of them walked away from the merchant, who was now animatedly entertaining the other group of young ladies. A faint blush was on her cheeks, for it was a tad embarrassing to be rescued from a determined merchant for one thing, but also because Kiran’s arm was still around her, firmer, and she had expected him to take it away by now. Indeed his arm was strong, and she was rather comfortable in this position; however, Kiku did not make much of it. Kiran was simply friendly, perhaps a bit on edge because of what had just happened.
Glancing up at Kiran, Kiku observed him for another moment, hoping he wasn’t frustrated with her for getting caught up in a situation like that. His face and handsome features were softened into what she thought was a rather serene expression, so Kiku simply returned to looking back around the stands and into the sky, airily wondering what he was thinking. He seemed to be pretty content. She looked thoughtfully into the sky as it caught her attention, for it did seem as if it was getting darker…
|
|
|
|
Post by coldflame on Dec 3, 2007 21:59:26 GMT -5
“No problem,” Kiran replied, smiling briefly down at her. His gaze turned back towards the crowd with a foggy, but content look on his face. He was just happy that some stranger didn’t try to run off with her, for it definitely would have ruined their day together for sure. Even though Kiran wasn't admitting it to himself, Kiran was being rather protective at the moment; though, he was sure he didn’t need to be. And of course, without Kiran realizing it for a second, his hand tightened around Kiku’s waist. The warmth that he felt in his hand caused him to snap out of his foggy daze and realize that, yes, he was still holding onto her closely. Even though Kiku didn’t seem to mind this fact, Kiran slowly slipped his arm off her waist and let a little more space between them again. However, it did disappoint him slightly, but he shrugged it off.
“So, what do you want to--” Kiran said, but he stopped himself short as his eyes caught sight of something interesting.
Stepping aside from the crowd, Kiran stared upon a small trinket resting on top of one of the large merchant stands – it a small decorative box. And Kiran recognized it right away: the marble top was designed into a red rose with several other flowers surrounding it; the rest consisted of polished wood, and as Kiran slowly opened the lid, it played his tune. It was the music box from yesterday. He stared at it, wishing he was able to get it for Kiku again…but he knew it would be out of Kiran’s price range. But just the thought of giving it to Kiku as a going-away present would be perfect; it would remind her of him.
“You see this?” Kiran asked, his eyes turning back to Kiku while keeping his hand on the music box, as if perhaps it would come to life and spring away. “Do you like it?” His smile was soft and curious, wanting to know what she would think of it before taking any ideas on buying it for her.
|
|
|
|
Post by kiku on Dec 4, 2007 22:51:18 GMT -5
Kiku glanced at the box curiously as it was presented to her, a curious glint in her eyes. What had distracted and allured Kiran enough to attract him all the way to this little stand? She found that she was very interested, so Kiku studied the tiny box for a brief moment, but soon touched her own hand to it, flashing a cute smile at Kiran.
“Well, let’s see…”
Gently, Kiku slipped the box from underneath Kiran’s hand and took it into both of hers, examining it more closely. It was indeed a beautiful little trinket – the design that embellished the top was intricate and detailed, realistic and simply beautiful. Of course she had a weakness for the flower design, but the box was well constructed as well. As Kiku dusted her fingers along the top and the sides, she found that every surface was smooth and polished. And as she opened it… Oh! She found the light tune it played lovely as well; she could see why Kiran was so fond of it.
“It’s beautiful.” Kiku murmured, her smile soft as she listened to the tune continue. Now that she thought about it… the tune was vaguely familiar. She stared at it for a few more seconds with the same soft admiration etched into her expression, until the music began to repeat. Looking up at Kiran, Kiku smiled at him once more.
“I love it.” She said earnestly, closing the box with a gentle thud.
|
|
|
|
Post by coldflame on Dec 6, 2007 21:34:16 GMT -5
Kiran smiled softly, happy knowing that she did enjoy the little music box. He now wanted to get the trinket for her more than ever, for it truly did seem like the perfect gift. He gently took the music box from her hands and placed it back on the stand, however, keeping his hand on top of it as he observed it more.
“I wanted to get it for you. You know, as a going-away gift,” he said softly, quickly glancing up at her, then back down at the music box. “The song that it plays is a tune that I know…” And after he said this, he briefly began humming the tune while at the same time swaying his hand from side to side along with the tempo, and then grinning as he stopped short. As he glanced back down at the music box, he slowly slid his hand off of it and turned to her with a small, slightly regretful smile. “The only problem is that it looks a bit expensive…”
And as he said this, there came a voice behind him from the stand:
“The music box is five gold pieces.”
Kiran turned towards the stand to see a middle-aged man with a scruffy beard; however he looked a bit professional as he smiled at the two of them curiously and obviously took notice of them observing the music box - he was undoubtedly the merchant of the shop. “You interested in buying it?”
Kiran gave a small wince at the price, brushing his fingers against his side pocket; he remembered that he only had two gold pieces and a few silver and copper pieces left with him…
“Are you willing to make a bargain for it?” Kiran asked, raising his eyebrow curiously at the merchant, a hint of doubt (but hope) in his eyes.
|
|
|
|
Post by kiku on Dec 6, 2007 21:54:17 GMT -5
Kiku blushed at this sudden turn of events, a little appalled at what was happening. Though, the blush and that shy glint in her eyes revealed that guilt was her primary emotion at the moment. Kiku felt rather sheepish that she had loved the little trinket so much now, when she found Kiran wanted to buy it for her… but didn’t have the money.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that.” Kiku interrupted swiftly, blushing and glancing up at Kiran with shy, sparkling eyes. Gently she reached over to touch his hand, and spoke, her tone coated with sincere concernedness. “You should save what you have…”
Certainly if Kiran had to travel all the way back to the Fire Nation he would need to save what money he possessed for more practical items. It seemed silly, logically, for him to waste his money on a little going away present, while he would probably need to save it to use to get back home. Yet… there was still a small part of her that was undeniably flattered at his thoughtfulness, and wanted nothing more than to have the beautiful little box to remind her of him…
|
|
|
|
Post by coldflame on Dec 6, 2007 22:51:15 GMT -5
As Kiran laced his fingers back into Kiku’s hand, his smile softened slightly and his gaze turned back to the music box. Perhaps Kiku was right; he hardly had any money left over from buying medicine and traveling before. It was important that he saved his money to perhaps pay Red – Kiran’s personal lift to get home – and to possibly save up so he’ll have enough money to travel with the army…if needed. Kiran sighed, figuring it would be best to wait another time if he saw the trinket again.
“A bargain, huh?” The merchant replied, scratching his beard thoughtfully. He had noticed Kiran and Kiku take hold of each other’s hands and naturally assumed that they were a couple. And the merchant couldn’t help but admire the young woman’s modesty and her boyfriend’s disappointed look. “Well…no one has seemed to take interest in that item for a long time…” the merchant began, observing the two. “I can sell it to you for two gold pieces. How about that? After all, a cute couple should have something nice for each other.” The merchant smiled politely at this.
Kiran didn’t even seem to register the word ‘couple’ at all, for he was too excited at hearing the merchant’s offer – it was just the right amount of money Kiran had as well as knowing he would have money left over. He turned his gaze to Kiku, smiling warmly and excitedly.
“How does that sound, Kiku? Do you want it?” Kiran asked, his voice more confident now than before at the drastic price change of the gift he desperately wanted to get her now.
|
|
|
|
Post by kiku on Dec 7, 2007 18:38:17 GMT -5
Kiku had naturally blushed rather prominently when the merchant had called them a couple, again feeling a conflicting mix of pleasure and embarrassment. She swiftly would have protested, only Kiran had good-naturedly continued, glancing at her as if nothing odd had been said. This made her feel rather awkward, for the merchant was now readily assuming that the two were a pair, and it seemed as if Kiran had no problem with the comparison either… She didn’t know how to feel about this, or react to it, so she simply sighed.
“Well…” Kiku hesitated, uncertain. It was very kind for the merchant to lower the price for them, but Kiku still wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to have Kiran give up his money for a simple present for her, when he could still use it for more practical items. Glancing back at the box, Kiku did realize she would very much like to have it, for she would desperately miss Kiran, and it was so thoughtful of him to want to give her a gift…
Lightly Kiku squeezed Kiran's hand, knowing she was defeated as she felt the continued comfort of his grip. He seemed so eager, like he really wanted to get it for her, and she could hardly resist that excited look on his face. If he really wanted to… she could hardly stop him.
“Well, of course I do.” Kiku murmured, glancing up at him with shy eyes. “But only get it if you really want to…”
|
|
|
|
Post by coldflame on Dec 7, 2007 22:14:15 GMT -5
“I do want to get it for you,” Kiran replied earnestly as he had already begun to fish the two gold pieces from his side pouch.
The merchant chuckled at this, took up the music box, grabbed an empty carrying bag, and gently placed the gift inside with ease. He was satisfied that he had pleased the couple, and as he placed the music box back on the stand, the merchant held out his hand for the two gold pieces.
Once Kiran found his money, he graciously placed the two coins into the man’s hand. “Thank you,” Kiran said to the merchant; the man replied with a nod and a smile. Kiran’s golden eyes showed great appreciation and nodded to the man as he took the music box off the counter. Excitedly and proudly, Kiran squeezed Kiku’s hand and led her out towards the crowd again.
Turning his smile towards her, Kiran held up the bag in which the music box was snugly kept and handed it to her. “Here. Take good care of it…” He grinned at this, leaving a sense of satisfaction in voice, for he was finally able to give something in return for all the things Kiku had done for him, despite its small significance.
|
|
|
|
Post by kiku on Dec 8, 2007 19:55:08 GMT -5
Kiku couldn’t help but grin as she wrapped the strings of the bag around her fingers and held the music box close to herself, with her other hand still intertwined in Kiran’s. She gave his a gentle squeeze, and spoke with an amused yet sincere glint in her eyes.
“I’ll love it forever.” She promised, stroking the bag admiringly with her thumb. How could she not? It was a beautiful little thing and it represented so much. In a way, it prove their meeting and this day, which was being spent with him; a day she would surely cherish and recall as long as he was away. More prominently, it was a reminder of Kiran’s kindness, their friendship…
Contently, Kiku began walking again, her smile soft and easy on her lips. Secretly she savored the quiet moment, the warmth of his hand, and the natural rush of activity that surrounded them. Glancing around, she began wondering what might be nice to do next, but she was quickly interrupted by the faint sound of rumbling thunder. Kiku glanced up into the sky.
“I think the rain is going to start soon…”
|
|
|
|
Post by coldflame on Dec 8, 2007 23:14:38 GMT -5
As Kiran looked up towards the sky, there was another low rumble of thunder. The clouds loomed over the streets – dark grey clouds – and they soon began to release a few more raindrops.
“Told ya so,” Kiran said knowingly, rubbing his nose as he felt a raindrop splatter right on top of it. He looked around the town and already could see people heading into nearby shops and taverns for shelter. Merchants began putting up there awnings to protect their items from the gradually falling rain; some even seemed to be closing entirely to head into the local tavern for a drink. It was not long before the rain began to start coming down harder, turning the streets a darker brown as the rain pelted the earth.
“Any ideas on where to go?” Kiran said a bit loudly as he tried to talk over another rumble of thunder that drained out his voice.
He gripped Kiku’s hand and pulled her underneath a nearby awning with him to get out of the rain, but it did little to protect them from the wind for it was followed by water. The weather had definitely taken a nasty turn, but perhaps it would not last long. And if Kiku knew a nice place to stay until the storm ended, it would definitely stall some time. There was also the fact that if Kiku’s gift was to get wet, it could get damaged and perhaps no longer be called a ‘music’ box anymore. The thought of Kiku’s precious gift becoming damaged so soon after just receiving it made Kiran feel a bit anxious to get out of the rain even quicker.
|
|
|
|
Post by kiku on Dec 9, 2007 16:05:46 GMT -5
“Yes!” Kiku replied loudly, almost laughing, right before another shocking thunderclap made her straighten. “And it’s not too far! Come on!”
Keeping her tightly wrapped bag close to her side, Kiku began to jog, staying as close to the awning and its protection as she could, for as long as she could; however, quickly stands and people got into the way, so she was forced to dash out into the streets, going as fast as she could with Kiran’s hand still in hers.
She knew immediately that she was not going to get out of the storm remotely dry, because it was pouring rain for one thing, but also because the faster she went, the more water she splashed around. Puddles were swiftly forming, and more than once she had to laugh, for she was sure she was soaking Kiran a ton on her own. Nevertheless Kiku dashed determinedly down to the end of the street and up the few steps, into the protective porch of the building that rested on the corner.
“Here!” Kiku said breathlessly, swiftly releasing Kiran’s hand and cradling her little package next to her chest, as if soothing a baby. She leaned against the porch railing and chuckled breathlessly a little, before breathing deeply, inhaling the familiar, warm aroma that wafted out from the slightly cracked window. Ah... Her mother's restaurant.
|
|
|
|
Post by coldflame on Dec 9, 2007 19:25:43 GMT -5
Kiran couldn’t help but chuckle as he ran alongside Kiku in the pouring rain. He was thoroughly soaked, but the thought of reaching shelter made him run even faster through the wet streets. He was positive that the only reason why Kiku was laughing was because she was purposefully getting him wet as she slashed past some puddles, but Kiran didn’t mind much; he was soaked as it was anyways. Eventually, however, Kiran had to start holding his pants up a little, for they were being weighed down by the amount of water they soaked up near the knees. Even his boots began to gain some water, making them feel like they were ten pounds heavier.
Then finally, just before Kiran felt like slowing down due to the weight of his boots, Kiku led him up some unfamiliar stairs and onto an unfamiliar porch of what appeared to be a restaurant. He grinned as he watched Kiku cradle his gift closely to her, glad to see that she managed to keep the gift safe. Taking both of his hands, Kiran sighed and brushed his fingers through his damp hair, causing his bangs to be momentarily slicked back until he shook out his hair again. He looked like a mess now – a soaking wet mess to be exact – but the smell of wonderful food drifting through the windows brought his attention away from his condition.
“What is this place?” Kiran asked, stepping in front of the doors of the comfortable restaurant and glancing at Kiku curiously. He could obviously see that, yes, it was a restaurant, but why did Kiku decide to come here? Was this just simply her favorite place to eat?
|
|
|
|
Post by kiku on Dec 9, 2007 19:49:05 GMT -5
“This…” Kiku began, smiling gently. “… is the restaurant my mother manages.”
With this, Kiku let the bag slip over her arm and hang there as she gathered her hair in her hands and wringed it semi-dry, smiling at Kiran all the while. It wasn’t only her hair that was soaked, sadly; she was terribly wet. Glancing down at herself momentarily, Kiku saw that her yukata was rather wet and her pants were extremely soaked, especially from the knee-down. Sighing, Kiku glanced back up at Kiran and continued swiftly.
“The food’s wonderful here, and it’s very cozy… It’s my favorite place. And not just because I usually eat free.”
Chuckling softly, Kiku strolled across the porch and to the door, but paused right before she touched the door handle. Shyly, she glanced over her shoulder to look at him with a charming smile light on her lips and a teasing glint in her eyes. When she spoke, her tone was innocently sweet.
“So would you like to go in? Or… We could always just go back out in the rain.”
|
|
