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Post by coldflame on Jan 13, 2008 15:07:08 GMT -5
Kiran nodded, and pulled his gaze back to Kiku’s face, “It’s why I like the story...” His voice was soft and gently spoken. There was no need to feel as if he should speak up; all that could be heard was the sound of the rain outside gently tapping against the windows. The storm sounded lighter now – calmer. Everything seemed peaceful here. It wasn’t the strange sort of quiet that his home had…it was a quiet of peacefulness, not emptiness. He liked that, because it was the sole difference from where he lived and where Kiku lived.
He watched her for a moment, and smiled very softly, his voice continuing to be in the same soothing tone, “Its…bittersweet.”
His gaze was a pondering one for a moment, his head being tilted a little until he looked back to Kiku and smiled at how well that word seemed to fit the story. Bittersweet - that was the right word. And what an awfully wonderful sound it had, as if it left an unwanted but desired taste in his mouth. Yet, with all the emotions the story had, and even Kiku and Kiran’s friendship that seemed to be a close parallel, the story had appeal.
As Kiran thought this through even more, he realized just how bitter the relationship of their nations were and just how long the fighting had been continuing. Was it wrong for Kiran to be here based on where he was from? Perhaps it was wrong in the eyes of most people, but Kiran didn’t think so. As his people would say, Kiran seemed more of a colonist rather than someone born in the mainland. But the girl sitting next to him proved otherwise at what his people would think of this place; he was happy here and Kiku had opened more doors to his opinions than ever – she accepted him, just when he thought no one, if not many, would. In that very sense – in the way he appreciated her nature, being friends – their time was sweet.
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Post by kiku on Jan 13, 2008 18:15:56 GMT -5
Kiku nodded slowly at Kiran’s words, a small, slightly sad smile soft on her lips. She glanced up to him with gentle, caring eyes, as if sorry he had to accurately speak of things being bittersweet and wished to soothe any pain that he might have thinking about it. It was not because of the two lovers that her eyes were soft and thoughtful and her pale lips were faintly melancholy however. It was because of what Kiran must have been thinking also – their parting and how so very bittersweet the two of them truly were.
In the short silence, Kiku found that the peaceful atmosphere they were enwrapped in seemed to change. There was some other, appropriately, bittersweet tinge in the air. She let out a soft sigh, sure Kiran must have been drawing the same parallels she had during this time, and soon found herself reaching out and taking one of Kiran’s warm hands to hold gently in her own. She squeezed it very softly, stroking the soft pad of her thumb against his skin.
“I’ll miss you.” She sighed quietly, as she secretly admired the size and strength of his hand. How was she to live with out his healing warmth?
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Post by coldflame on Jan 13, 2008 21:52:55 GMT -5
Kiran’s eyes widened slightly, but soon relaxed his features again in what appeared to be a very soft, yet saddened gaze. He hadn’t expected Kiku to suddenly say that, though he should have known that the subject would have popped up sooner rather than later. His lips curled up ever so slightly at the look on Kiku’s face. She appeared to be upset, and more than anything, he didn’t want that.
He squeezed her hand gently, however not pulling his eyes away from her melancholy gaze as he did so. He then smiled comfortingly, his voice still soft.
“I’ll miss you too…” His smile widened just a bit more, his voice more comforting, “You know I’ll come right back as soon as I can. So don’t seem so sad...”
And as he said this, it was as if he was more comforting himself rather than Kiku with those words. He knew he would come back as soon as he could – he knew that. Yet, even though he had been pushing these sorts of reminders to the back of his mind, they seemed to all come rushing back now. Though, his face still seemed reassuring, but his eyes flickered with some form of regret.
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Post by kiku on Jan 14, 2008 20:53:24 GMT -5
Kiku glanced up to meet Kiran’s gaze more directly, her lips curling up in the corner slightly. However, even this half-smile seemed weak to her, as Kiku felt faint but sad emotions bubbling up steadily inside her. And these feelings only seemed to increase as she comprehended the comforting reassurance in Kiran smile, and the sorrow in his eyes…
“I know…” Kiku said, however her voice wasn’t steady. She gripped Kiran’s hand more tightly, which only seemed to make her gloomier. Still, she foolishly tried to continue.
“It’s j-just…” She had to stop. During her weak statement, Kiku felt a wet trail roll down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away with her free hand, not wanting to cry in front of Kiran of all people; she didn’t want to be depressing, spoil perhaps one of the last few moments they had together… But at this thought, another tear trickled down her cheek, and she blushed and turned away, embarrassed.
“I’m sorry…”
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Post by coldflame on Jan 14, 2008 21:48:16 GMT -5
Kiran tilted his head, his eyes widening in what appeared to be concern, however all the more surprised to actually see a tear trickle down her cheek. She was crying…over him? No, he wouldn’t allow that – he definitely did not want to see his friend crying over him, of all things.
“Kiku…” he murmured softly, taking her chin lightly into his fingers to pull her face back towards him. He chuckled softly at her, shaking his head slightly as he raised his thumb and brushed away the trails of tears on her cheeks.
Kiran had no idea that his leaving – although promised to be temporary – would actually have such an affect on Kiku to the point of tears. Soon, Kiran felt his heart sink at her saddened expression, the redness of her eyes, the moisture that gathered in them…
As the sadness of Kiku’s feelings melted inside him, he soon found himself wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closely against his chest. He leaned back and scooted her closer into his lap, sighing deeply at how her form just seemed to fit within his arms, as if they were sculpted for one another.
“You shouldn’t be crying…” he murmured softly again, his arms tightly wound around her in a warm hold. She shouldn’t be crying over him; it seemed unethical to be doing that…right? Their bond shouldn’t be so close already, so profound; not enough so to cause this much sadness to Kiku, and even deep down, to himself.
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Post by kiku on Jan 15, 2008 16:34:49 GMT -5
Kiku sniffed delicately, wrapping her own arms gently around Kiran’s neck and tucking her face softly against his shoulder. She sighed, but not from sadness now necessarily; in fact, Kiran’s tender fingertips brushing her cheek and warm arms wrapped around her waist soothed her immensely. Though certainly more comforted now, warm and cozy firm against his well-shaped chest, Kiku couldn’t suppress the eager jump that sent her heart fluttering gently nor the warm blush across her cheeks.
“Maybe.” Kiku murmured, her voice very soft and tender now. She shifted slightly in their snug embrace, silently admiring being close to him; there was just something perfect in how it felt, not only physically, but in her heart. Kiran always knew how to make her feel better, whole. It nearly made her embarrassing tears worth it…
“It’s just…” Kiku began, but she soon paused again, wondering how to accurately describe the way Kiran made her feel, what he had brought to her. It was so hard to explain what she felt, she soon realized, so she settled for the most general explanation. “…it seems like you’ve brought so much to me. I’ve felt so much more like myself ever since you’ve come…”
Kiku felt her cheeks grow more flushed at own her words, for they might have sounded tender to him, but nonetheless they were true. She was more herself around him – more cheerful, more comfortable… Automatically, she nuzzled her cheek gently against Kiran’s shoulder.
However, suddenly a loud voice called out from nearby.
“Dinner's ready!” Hana sang, bouncing into the room with a pleasant sort of motherly grace. She stopped suddenly however when she caught sight of her granddaughter and Kiran snuggled up tightly together on that little sofa. She smirked wisely; her assumptions had been rather accurate (but then again, when weren’t they?).
“Of course, I can save it for later if you'd like..." she added slyly with a crinkly smile, winking as Kiku sat suddenly frozen, staring horrified at her grandmother. She was very tempted to burry her face in Kiran’s shoulder in embarrassment, but she knew that would make things worse.
“Ah... I-We’ll be right there, Gram...”
Hana chuckled, turning around to return to the kitchen, an amused smile on her lips.
"Take your time, you two.."
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Post by coldflame on Jan 16, 2008 20:20:27 GMT -5
Kiran had been enjoying the warmth coming from Kiku as he held her close, but it was typically cut short, much to the dismay of Kiran. Though, instead of appearing embarrassed as Hana walked in, he instead laughed heartily. Hana was a funny lady, Kiran knew – just the suggestive look on her face moments before couldn’t keep Kiran from smiling. How teasing she was…
Kiran released a few more chuckles, tilting his head down to catch a peek at Kiku’s face. His smile soon softened however, but in a rather contented and peaceful way. She seemed happier now…well, perhaps slightly embarrassed, but nonetheless less troubled.
“I’m glad I can make you happy…” Kiran said gently, addressing Kiku’s previous tender statement before Hana had rushed in. It warmed his heart to know that despite the fact that Kiran didn’t seem like he helped people often, he was glad to know that he helped Kiku, even if it seemed like what he did –whatever he did- was small. The way he gave her a simple embrace seemed small to him, yet that sparkling and now contented look in her eyes seemed to prove him wrong. ‘Fine…’ he thought to himself, ‘Just as long as she’s happy…’
“I think we should head to dinner now,” he said, grinning a little more, “…or else who knows what Hana will be thinking next.” He chuckled softly. Slowly, and all the more disappointedly, he unwrapped his arms from around Kiku’s waist…
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Post by kiku on Jan 17, 2008 21:05:13 GMT -5
Kiku couldn’t help but laugh very softly at Kiran’s last comment, but at the same time she knew that she couldn’t suppress the warm flush that was lightly powered across her cheeks nor the tender sparkle of contentment in her wide, brown eyes. His tender comment had also left her heart jumping more thrillingly, and Kiku felt positively foolish while slipping slowly off of Kiran and out of his firm and cozy embrace. She took a deep breath as she slowly stood, silently coaxing herself out of her girlish tizzy.
He doesn’t think about you that way; you don’t feel that way.
Quickly composed, she completely stood and tilted her gaze back to Kiran, flashing him a quick, charming smile, while strolling slowly towards the door to the kitchen. When she spoke, her voice was light but amused.
“That’s a good idea. I think Gram has been a bit eager to jump to conclusions lately.”
Chuckling a little softly, Kiku continued her way to the door and finally into the kitchen and dining room, where her entire family sat quite cozily at the table. Lien had just sat down, looking quite tired and quite-recently damp, but happily so, and Katsu had placed himself beside his wife. He didn’t seem to be in a great mood, but he was always kind of gruff anyway. Contrasting with him greatly however, Hana sat next to him, smiling slyly when she glanced up to see Kiku walk in.
A little flushed at this, Kiku quietly took a seat next to her mother, smiling softly in Kiran’s direction before taking a glance at the steaming meal in front of her.
“Hello, you two.” Lien greeted warmly. She smiled more broadly as she focused on Kiran. “Did you have a good time today?”
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Post by coldflame on Jan 18, 2008 21:08:27 GMT -5
Kiran nodded back to Lien in hello as he sat down in front of Kiku, his smile soft and pleasant. “Yes ma’am, we did,” Kiran said politely but casually, glancing at Kiku before looking back at Lien, “...Hope everything went alright at the restaurant.”
He smiled a bit sheepishly at this, remembering just how many people were left at the restaurant when he and Kiku left. He could see the exhaustion in her features, knowing that it must have taken a lot of scurrying around to serve all those customers.
As Kiran sat at the table, he looked for ways to not make eye contact with Katsu, though he had nodded respectfully at the man as he walked in seconds before. Now, however, Kiran didn’t want to bring himself to try and acknowledge his presence. It wasn’t out of dislike, no…but, there was a slight chill in the air when he last looked at Kiku’s father. It was as if Kiran’s respect for Katsu seemed almost agitating to him, though he didn’t know why exactly…
Lifting a bowl of rice, Kiran smoothly passed it across the table to Kiku after he served himself, his smile becoming slightly warmer as he looked up towards her face. Everything always felt better when he saw Kiku and her small, pretty smile. But it was more of the fact that he wasn’t a complete stranger at this table; he had a friend with him.
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Post by kiku on Jan 18, 2008 22:52:22 GMT -5
“Aw, it was alright, hon.” Lien said with a faintly brighter smile while pouring herself some hot, soothing tea. “Just really busy, but that’s not unusual or anything. A lot of people travel this time of year, of course.” With this she smiled more warmly at Kiran, as well as her daughter, taking in the sweet sight of them. As she quickly observed them, Lien saw that Kiku seemed much happier, which of course, was one reason she seemed so content after a hard day’s work; it was nice to see her daughter with another little friend and nice, handsome one at that. “But, I’m glad you two sweet things had a good time today.”
Hana graced the two of them with another sly smile. “I am too. You work hard, Kiku.”
However, Katsu of course was not so agreeing. He still couldn’t forget the swift assumption he had made about Kiran, and continue to mull over how it was most definitely true. He frowned a bit as Kiku returned Kiran’s soft smile with a shy own of her own and quickly decided he didn’t like this Kiran fellow around his daughter. He was too much a stranger… too easily an enemy. Not to mention Kiku seemed to like him a lot. The quicker he was gone the better.
Katsu cleared his throat pointedly then, his tone unintentionally cold, though appropriately so.
“Speaking of work. Kiran, what do you do… wherever exactly you live, that is.”
Kiku glanced at her father slightly, though her face was still tilted toward her plate. She couldn’t help but feel embarrassed at his obvious dislike and nervous about what the outcome might be. A modest pink tined her soft fair cheeks, and she shyly took a tiny, slightly reassuring glance in Kiran’s direction, while prodding her rice slightly with her chopstick.
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Post by coldflame on Jan 19, 2008 14:43:38 GMT -5
The warming words of Hana and Lien seemed to almost vanish as Katsu’s cold voice broke through the conversation at the table. Kiran looked up at him; his eyebrows were raised ever-so-lightly, feigning surprise to be asked a question, however more startled with the fact that Katsu’s question was a very good one, indeed.
Kiran’s glance soon was brought down to the table for a moment as he passed Lien the butter, quickly thinking as to what he should say. If he told them he was an engineer, it would be much too obvious that he would be from the Fire Nation; engineers, after all, had to be around technology and the only technology that would be qualified enough to work with would be the kind made in his country. Kiran had to admit that Katsu seemed equally perceptive as him…
Without even stuttering, Kiran pulled his words together in a smooth, causal manner. His eyes drifted over the bowls of food as he spoke and appeared as if Katsu’s question was out of mere conversation, rather than suspicion:
“Well, I actually do more than one kind of work,” he said partly, but truthfully nonetheless, “I usually work with my father who is a master at blacksmithing and repairing – he’s taught me a lot about those sorts of things, so my skills mainly lie there.”
Kiran smiled slightly and nonchalantly looked up at Katsu, still being polite. “My friend is a fisherman, so he pays me to help him fish as well. I sail with him a lot, actually; it’s how I mostly get around.”
Kiran then took a quick glance at Kiku, smiling a little more and then looked towards his food, took up his copsticks, and ate a decent bite of his rice.
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Post by kiku on Jan 19, 2008 15:36:22 GMT -5
While Hana and Lien seemed content enough to nod a bit and begin eating steadily, Katsu only continued to observe Kiran with shrewd, slightly narrow eyes. Meanwhile, Kiku found this was an appropriate time to speak; perhaps it would ward off more prying questions her father might have. She chose her words carefully, but spoke softly, her eyes sparkling a little as she met Kiran’s gaze.
“That sounds fun. I’m sure the coast is beautiful.”
Katsu chose this moment to clear his throat, and speak in a more nonchalant manner, though his eyes were no less merciless.
“Is it really necessary to sail? Wouldn’t you just find jobs close to your home on land?” He paused, raising an eyebrow slightly. When he continued, his voice was coolly suggestive. “How far do you have to travel exactly?”
Kiku frowned a little, but swallowed her food thoughtfully, glancing at Kiran. Swiftly a bubbling feeling coursed within her, and she glanced to her plate more shyly, though there was a refreshing smile light on her lips.
“Well, in any case, I’m glad he gets to travel. If he hadn’t, we wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to meet.”
Hana smiled slyly at this, her eyes twinkling knowingly, while Lien smiled cheerfully at Kiku’s words. Meanwhile, Katsu pouted, still observing Kiran, obviously wanting his question answered.
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Post by coldflame on Jan 19, 2008 20:16:57 GMT -5
Kiran’s eyes glanced from Kiku, smiling at the fact that she was trying to help him, however it might have been best if she stayed quiet so Katsu wouldn’t feel urged to ask more questions. In his nature, Kiran could easily see the coldness in Katsu’s eyes; the questions and suspicions that scorched in them. And by judging from Katsu’s pout, he wanted an answer, nonetheless.
“Far enough to not feel so isolated at home,” Kiran said, still keeping his calm exterior in place. As he resumed, he tried to tell himself that if the prying questions continued, he would also continue to tell the truth, despite what Kiku’s family might think of him if they found out who he was exactly. As he promised himself before, he would not start a reputation of being a liar in front of them, especially Kiku. As he caught a gimpse of Katsu's chair, Kiran knew that it was understandable to have so much pent up hate inside a person, all of it bent on returning something that Katsu probably never had the chance to do again: to throw the hate right back into the face of the person whose nation crippled him.
He took a sip of his tea and shook his head slightly. “And I find jobs with many blacksmiths or other fisherman who might need any help; it’s not very inconvenient. But usually, I still like to work with my father…” Kiran took in another sip of his tea, giving a quick smile at Hana as he caught her crinkly eye.
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Post by kiku on Jan 20, 2008 14:10:15 GMT -5
Katsu raised an eyebrow instantly at Kiran’s obviously evasive response before his brow furrowed again in dislike. It seemed so much more obvious now that Kiran was Fire Nation, if it hadn’t been so much before, that is. The practiced calmness, the indirect answers, the golden eyes… He glowered down at his rice. And to think that scum was eating dinner in his house.
Kiku meanwhile had lost much of her already delicate appetite. She couldn’t believe her father was being so horribly rude, and her slightly tinted cheeks revealed her modest embarrassment. Frowning a little, Kiku poked at her remaining rice before glancing at Kiran once more with soft eyes, almost wishing they hadn’t come in for dinner; she’d so much rather be alone with him, his arms around her again.
“Of course, hon.” Hana replied with a softer smile, her wise eyes glittering. “It’s always refreshing to be around family. Especially when they’re such outstanding and enlightening role models… Isn’t that right, Kiku?”
Kiku could help but giggle softly a little at this.
“Of course, Gram…”
Lien chuckled, but Katsu was refusing to let anything go. If… no, because this guy was Fire Nation, he wanted to make sure Kiran knew he knew. He shouldn’t have scum around his dinner table, or his daughter for that matter.
“Well, Kiran,” He began casually, popping a piece of meat in his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully. “I assume your father has a steady job then. Why don’t you just work with him if you enjoy it so much? What did you say he was again?”
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Post by coldflame on Jan 20, 2008 16:22:53 GMT -5
Katsu knew. He knew everything already; Kiran could now definitely tell by the unsatisfied look on his face. Kiran couldn’t help but feel his heart begin to jump in his chest – the very thought of being permanently kicked out of Kiku’s home was nerve-racking. What if he was never going to be allowed to see Kiku again? He wouldn’t like going against her father’s orders…
“He’s a mechanic, but also a talented blacksmith…” Kiran said, his eyes searching Katsu’s, nearly hesitating when he almost said ‘engineer’. “I work with him a lot – since I was about eight. But he’s a bit of a workaholic, and I don’t exactly want to become like that. I like getting away every once in a while…”
Kiran did not glance at Kiku, knowing that he gladly would have been distracted by her comforting face. However, Kiran’s focus was now at her father, his face still calm but his grip tightening slightly on his chopsticks. As understandable as it was to have hate towards his people, it wasn’t fair that he should be judged so quickly and so unfairly. Yes, what happened to this man was terrible, but why should Kiran get the blame?
He quickly looked down at his plate at this and took another sip of tea quietly, his heart still secretly jumping at the interrogating questions.
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