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Post by atalanta on May 19, 2007 14:11:49 GMT -5
"Terribly," Mesheiko and Cheng said simultaneously, while Mesheiko was being serious and Cheng was not. Mesheiko could have only imagined how their lives had been different if he had not been injured. Their paths would be entirely separate; even if Midori had wandered into the battle, it was unlikely that they would have met again. They might have perhaps never seen each other again. Just the thought of Midori, and how much had developed between them, Mesheiko was actually for the first time for his wounds. The wounds had brought them together again. In that moment, it had all been worth it. No matter what life might bring him later on, it had been worth it. Thinking of his budding romance with Midori, it was worth whatever trouble he could face. Mesheiko never thought he would be so hopelessly in love with a woman.
And in an instant, he recognized his own feelings. He could consider as more than a friend now, for he knew he was in love with her. Mesheiko felt as if it was enough, no, more than enough for him to live on. Love was not everything; it was not food, it was not shelter, but it felt as if was indeed everything. It had enveloped his life. It gave him undescribable joy for a moment, but he remembered his situation and the current events. Those indeed dimmed his feelings, but they were not crushed. It gave him new resolve, new strength, similar to when he had kissed her not long ago. When was that, anyway? Mesheiko was beginning to lose all sense of time in the infirmary, knowing only day and night.
This was both good and bad. Good, for he could spend seemingly unlimited time with Midori, and this was more important now than ever, and bad, because it was too long. He wanted to heal and leave. In fact, he didn't even care that much about healing. He was miserable in the infirmary. He just wanted to leave. The sound of loud pounding and shouting was not far, coming just from the open window near his cot. Mesheiko froze for a moment. The battle still haunted him; was this the Fire Nation returning for another attack on Ba Sing Se? He could not fight again, but would if he had to.
Two nurses again passed by, and he caught snippets of their conversation. "I don't understand why they have to drill so near to the infirmary," one complained. "I know. No one can get any rest around here with drills outside," the other replied. Mesheiko breathed a sigh of relief. It was just drills, as miserable as they were. Fortunately for Mesheiko, he was excused from such duties and had nothing more to worry about. Cheng, once he had heard the familiar drilling sounds, looked up in alarm, although for a different reason than Mesheiko. "I'm late!" he shouted, and sprung and sprinted away from the cot in an effort to get to the drills unnoticed. Mesheiko chuckled. Cheng had been so distracted, he had forgotten about his duties. Mesheiko glanced over at was not long ago Sunan's cot, and saw a few more older and sturdy nurses remove Sunan's body. He forced himself to look away, for it was too much for him to bear to watch a fallen comrade be taken away so unceremoniously.
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Post by midori on May 20, 2007 13:23:41 GMT -5
Midori chuckled a great deal as Cheng hurried off; she was laughing at his comical relief, but smiling and lighthearted also because she was alone – or alone as she could be – with Mesheiko, of course. With this satisfying thought, Midori flashed a bright smile in Mesheiko’s direction, her eyes light and pleased as they observed Mesheiko silently for a moment. (It was rather strange how abruptly quiet it seemed with Cheng absent, she thought airily.)
It was so strange, but… lovely how these private moments were. Midori could feel her heart flutter lightly just recalling the other sweet moments they had shared and in anticipation of what the future could bring. It was simply amazing the kind of… silent understanding they had at times, like they were thinking what the other was thinking and knowing it – like they had held conversations before and already knew the agreement, while they had gone without speaking much or even speaking at all. Midori wondered what this meant, but only briefly. She found she’d rather just enjoy their privacy, their closeness…
While thinking this, Midori subconsciously shifted a bit closer to Mesheiko. She then tilted her head slightly at him in a lightly inquisitive manner, though she was still smiling a soft, yet lively and bright smile. What was he thinking? She wondered then. About Banshee, Cheng? About what the weather was like? About her? (For some reason she was rather hopeful of this.) And what was he feeling? Was he still in pain? Was depression still cursing him under the surface? Or was he content with her company? Either way, he was in the infirmary, so Midori wanted to keep the mood bright.
“I’d thought we’d never get rid of him…” Midori teased lightly, tilting her head towards the departed Cheng.
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Post by atalanta on May 24, 2007 20:32:20 GMT -5
Mesheiko attempted to take his mind and gaze off of the image of Sunan's death and focus solely on Midori, but this was a difficult task. He looked at Cheng's disappearing back for a sort of distraction. It played and replayed in his head like a moving river, but unlike most powerful rivers, it was slow but packed much power. It could not be dammed. It was his own personal battle, one in which there were no reinforcements. "Oh, Cheng has more to do than irritate us all the time and flirt with the nurses," Mesheiko commented, although not defensively. "Even if it seems like that is his exact purpose in life. In fact, I'd be surprised if we see him at all today. Drills are so exhausting and tiring. Poor Banshee and Zeki may not even get fed tonight," Mesheiko said, "but I'm sure I can set someone on it later."
It was late morning in the in the infirmary, perhaps a couple of hours until lunchtime. That was how the schedule ran, Mesheiko had learned. It functioned according to mealtimes and medicine schedules. Fortunately for Mesheiko, his medicine went with his meal, so there was less possibility some young, excited nurse might approach Midori and Mesheiko about their budding relationship. One encounter was enough. His time had all begun to blur together, only separated by day and night, darkness and light, and even then some events got transferred to different days. He had not kept up in his journal lately; he could not even try. Besides, he thought that he had left it in the tent and he would rather not chance Cheng or other soldiers glancing at it if it should fall open somehow, some way.
But it would seem that Mesheiko would be paid an earlier visit by a nurse than he expected. Fortunately for him, she seemed very calm and unconcerned about coming to meet the newest hero. She was young, but her eyes indicated otherwise. It looked as if she had seen much. She stopped a few feet away from the head of Mesheiko's cot, and made a slight bow. This surprised him. No one had yet really commemorated him as a hero, just whispered hastily. There had not yet been actual official recognition of his status, just fans chancing glances at him. She rose and looked at him with the same compassion he had seen her look at with all other patients. "Major Jin-Ho requests to see you at noontime if you feel strong enough, Private Mesheiko," she said, and paused for a moment, being still, waiting to see if he had any objections, questions, or comments. Nurses that worked mainly on the battlefield often delivered messages during peace (or as much peace as could be achieved during a bloody war), and some were fairly experienced in the job. Mesheiko gave her a little nod to signal that he had nothing to say, and the nurse departed. "I guess we'll be having a visitor," Mesheiko said as positively as he could without sounding overly perky and rather fake.
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Post by midori on May 25, 2007 20:28:52 GMT -5
“I wonder what he wants to talk to you about.” Midori pondered aloud with sincere curiosity as she glanced after the nurse. Midori could not help but feel a tinge of worry about what the major wished to speak to Mesheiko about. Would it drastically change their plans? Would Mesheiko somehow be an asset to the army and be offered a chance to stay? Or was the major just checking up on Mesheiko again, saying hey and heal up? Would she have to leave? Midori wondered what time it was…
“Anyway, I could always feed Banshee later.” Midori offered, shaking off her slight anxiousness and speaking with fresh pleasantness. “After all, he knows me and likes me well enough – more than a stranger anyway – and all the soldiers are going to be busy and exhausted apparently.”
Midori smiled merrily, eager at the thought of having something useful to do, as she was really serving no purpose in the infirmary; unless, of course, one counted entertainment, in which case she might be succeeding with one person, maybe a few gossip-prone nurses.
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Post by atalanta on May 26, 2007 20:08:44 GMT -5
Midori's offer was sweet, and practical. Still, it was unlikely that Cheng would ignore the ostrich-horses. He loved his own ostrich-horse Zeki, and wouldn't dare abandon Banshee. For one, Cheng was faithful to his friends, and Banshee was important to Mesheiko. Banshee was also as well known as a war hero as Mesheiko. If he wasn't fed, Cheng would be in a great deal of trouble. Banshee would certainly let people know when he was unhappy, even if the ostrich-horse was still too nervous around people to behave properly around those he was unfamiliar with, or so Mesheiko had been told by Midori, Cheng, and various other sources. He wished desperately that he could visit the ostrich-horse, for they could provide each other with a strength that little else could, and for Mesheiko this little else was his new found love in Midori.
Midori's lack of military knowledge was apparent, however. Mesheiko just preferred to keep it that way on most aspects, though, since it had mainly been him who had introduced her to this terrible, brutal, and cruel war, but on this he felt he must correct her. A misplaced comment from a new soldier often earned the mocking of comrades. He didn't know what it merited among the nurses, but he thought that Midori ought not to find out the hard way. "If we don't see Cheng, he probably hasn't fed them. He'd stop by to tell me just so I knew. But he probably will. We've both trekked out to the stables after a hard day; it's just got to be done. Besides, we don't even need the signal of Cheng not showing up," Mesheiko said, "Banshee's loud enough to let the whole camp know he's not been fed, trust me."
"And speaking of the whole camp," Mesheiko began on his correction, "it wouldn't be all of us. We train by our divisions and such. We have shifts. I can only imagine the entire camp drilling at once." He pretended to shudder. "Actually, I can't. It's just too chaotic to even imagine. We have to have shifts to avoid this and make sure everything gets done. It's one of the biggest stationary camps in the Earth Kingdom." Mesheikos said matter-of-factly. His words were not scolding, however; it was simply a gentle correction, so subtle it would be difficult to detect that he was even correcting her. Mesheiko wanted to do nothing to endanger his emerging relationship with Midori, no matter her passive nature. It would devastate him to lose her, which was why he was so insistent on getting her away from here, even if it was away from him, ironically. He simply wouldn't be able to bear it. It would all be too much. He did this not for strength in body Midori gave him just through being with him, but for his heart.
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Post by midori on May 27, 2007 17:22:04 GMT -5
“Ah…” Midori gave in soft confirmation, her smile near a grin. She pondered over this for a short while, though this information had little impact on her, for it did make perfect sense and was a mildly interesting detail. In fact, Midori found most pieces of military-related information (as she had only heard snippets of past battles and the truthfulness of the details of those clashes were oftentimes iffy), rather interesting – at least in a way. Midori found she was often terribly curious about most things, and knowing something new – no matter how insignificant it would seem – was a bit of a treat.
“I see your point. Numerous divisions of strong men, running around and sweating… I can only imagine the smell.” She mimicked Mesheiko’s shudder, but it didn’t last long; she quickly erupted into soft and gentle laughter – one that she hoped didn’t disturb other patients. “But if we do hear something deafening, I’d be more than happy to help poor Banshee out. And don’t hesitate to ask for anything you want either.” Midori added thoughtfully, meeting Mesheiko’s eyes with a sincere gaze.
Sure, Mesheiko might have nurses attending on him hand and foot, but they were busy much of the time it seemed, and she didn’t want to give off the impression she was lazy or useless or (spirits forbid!), she didn’t care. In fact, in every aspect it was opposite. Midori was rather eager to get up and move around, and she was more than capable of finding things; and, as of recently, Midori found that she cared about Mesheiko very, very much. And even that description of her feelings seemed bland.
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Post by atalanta on May 30, 2007 14:57:18 GMT -5
Mesheiko smiled slightly at Midori's words. Her offer was helpful, and her words provided him with strength. It made him feel as if he was not truly trapped within the white, clean walls of the infirmary. How much longer would he have to remain here? It was so frustrating to have to remain here day after day, although he had been here only for a few. How many more days would he have to spend here? They all felt useless and boring. Mesheiko was not the type of person who could enjoy time to relax. He always felt he must do something, and if not, a day felt worthless. Confined to a cot, Mesheiko could do very little. He joined the Army to help his country, and indirectly the world, not lie on a cot.
However, when he had joined he was aware of the sacrifices he very well might have to make. If he lied on his cot for much longer, one of those sacrifices just might be his sanity. He could only stand this useless inactivity for so long. He had a breaking point. "Thank you," Mesheiko said as meaningfully as he could to Midori, trying to convey to her how truly thankful he was with everything he had- his words, his eyes, his body language. It was not simply for her offer to feed Banshee, either. She provided him with new strength, new courage, and a will to live. Midori was what kept him from losing his insanity in the infirmary. She was vital to his well being- mind, body and soul. Mesheiko could think of little to do but thank her for her great service to him. He could never repay her for it, and the only way he could think of that might would be his newfound love for her.
Meanwhile, while these emotions ran through Mesheiko's head, a familiar figure strode into the infirmary. He wasn't a particulary tall man, with greatly dark brown hair that was graying, and wrinkles were beginning to develop on his face. His skin was incredibly tan, but this was natural. He had a friendly, yet distressed look about him. He stepped slowly through the endless rows of cots, looking more depressed and disappointed past every man. He was dressed in simple civilian clothes, and drew looks of pity from a few of the less experienced nurses. Mesheiko was unaware of his presence, however. Many people past through the infirmary in search of loved ones. While he felt sympathy for them, he was probably not very useful, which irritated him. He wished he could do something those unfortunate ones.
The man wandered ever closer to Mesheiko's cot, but neither paid attention to one another. Mesheiko gazed at Midori for a moment, a gaze that was filled with all the emotions that had just been running through his head. He was about to speak when the man approached Mesheiko's cot. The man bent forward a little, studying Mesheiko. Mesheiko looked reluctantly away from Midori and to the man, wondering if he could help the man and what the man wanted. If he was searching for a loved one, then why was he studying Mesheiko so intently? The man glanced at Midori and smiled, but then he saw Mesheiko's bandaged leg and bruised body and his smile fell. Mesheiko looked at him curiously, studying him as meticulously in return.
The man took a step back, and it seemed he was in great shock. He glanced around the infirmary to see if someone was going to disprove his theory, but there was no one besides a few wandering nurses looking at him with curiosity. "Mesheiko?" he questioned, almost not wanting to believe what he was saying, but asking to make sure, wanting it not to be true. Mesheiko was shocked, blown away. Much had happened to him since he had met Midori, and most recently awoken in the infirmary, but this simply took the cake. There had been a voice whispering it in his head when he had looked at the man, but had refused to believe what it was saying. Like the man, he wanted it to be true but didn't.
"Dad?" Mesheiko almost whispered in disbelief.
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Post by midori on Jun 2, 2007 8:58:25 GMT -5
Midori stared at Mesheiko in surprise, at first not comprehending. Only moments before it had seemed as if Mesheiko wanted to say something to her, and for some reason, perhaps it was the way he was looking at her, she was rather eager to hear what he had had to say. Yet, with the sudden appearance of another man, the conversation had, again, taken a drastic turn. At first, a wave of disappointment washed over her with the distraction, that is, until she finally comprehended what was going on. Midori was still shocked, however; Mesheiko’s father was right next to them! Her disappointment was quickly then conquered by excitement.
Quickly, after that short moment of shocked silence and an uncomprehending stare, Midori turned her head to glance at Mesheiko’s father, her surprised expression quickly melting into a warm, welcoming smile. From what little she had ever heard about his father, Midori had inferred that there was a loving bond between this father and son. And Midori knew from a short conversation in a certain inn in Kei Lan that the two had not seen each other in a very long time. Because of this, and for some other reason perhaps, it seemed vital to make a virtuous first impression.
Swiftly standing, Midori simply gave a respectful nod to Mesheiko’s father in acknowledgement, her soft and somewhat shy smile still light on her lips. Otherwise, she didn’t speak, but stood beside the headboard side of Mesheiko, so that the two men could speak without her being in the way, yet so she could still be close enough to Mesheiko for emotional support, should he need it.
Though properly calm and composed externally, Midori was nearly bursting with curiosity on the inside. Questions on this father’s appearance whisked around in her mind: What was he doing here? Had he heard? Was it just by luck that he was visiting? And then, a series of other, more selfish questions mixed in: Would he like her? Would he approve? If he was here… did that mean he would take Mesheiko home? Would they be separated again?
Simply, Midori stood, hand on the headboard, face composed, watching, hopeful that she would hear a few satisfying answers.
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Post by atalanta on Jun 7, 2007 11:43:27 GMT -5
Mesheiko could hardly believe it. It was so unlikely. He had not seen his father in quite a long time, perhaps years. He was ashamed to say that he had lost contact with his father, despite his father's monumental efforts to stay in touch with him. But why now? Why did his father appear so randomly in Ba Seng Se, much less the military camp outside of it? Terrible situations ran through his head. Perhaps the village had been attacked by the Fire Nation and all of his sisters and their husbands had been killed, leaving his father a homeless refugee. Part of the reason he had resisted his ties to family and home were his sisters. They had been horrible to Mesheiko before he was taken away, almost worse than simple sibling rivalry. Now, however, to think that he might have lost them was a great blow to Mesheiko.
Now that he recognized the man as his father, Mesheiko looked at him more closely. Time had not been kind to his father; it was clear that he had aged. Wrinkles criss-crossed the man's face, and he had distinct worry lines among them. Still, his father's eyes still held the same gentle kindness and merriment that Mesheiko knew as a child. The two looked at each other for another moment, and then his father sat on the cot beside Mesheiko, though keeping his distance from Mesheiko's bandaged leg. Suddenly, all the emotions Mesheiko had been fighting to keep inside of him burst out all at once. He had tried to remain strong and calm in front of Midori, in front of Cheng, for they were his peers, and his friends, even if Midori was now more. He didn't want to give them any more reason to worry over him. However, his father was more of a comforting figure. After all, he was his father, the greatest friend Mesheiko could ever have, and he simply could not hold his emotions inside any longer.
Mesheiko threw his arms around his father, and he simply broke down. Father and son sat on the cot, embracing, Mesheiko crying. After many emotional moments, they both composed themselves and broke the embrace. They remained seated on the cot, however, and Mesheiko's father took note of Midori. He smiled and nodded to the young woman, acknowledging her for the moment. "Dad, how'd you get here?" Mesheiko inquired, and wiped tears from his eyes. His father refrained from speaking for a moment, taking in the surroundings of the infirmary and looking at Midori once again. "Well, Mesheiko, Arzu's husband joined the Army a couple of years ago and we recently received word that he was wounded in battle and discharged, so I came to look for him and bring him home.The letter said he was in the Ba Seng Se infirmary," he answered. It was only then how deeply wrapped in the war his family was.
He was serving now, a brother-in-law had served, and his father too had served in earlier years of the war. Fortunately, his father had not been wounded; he only left after his term was up. His father was an honorable man. "There's actually a couple of infirmaries beside this one in the camp, Dad, though this one's the largest," Mesheiko informed his father. The great emotional moment was over; they would have time to catch up later, Mesheiko was sure, for he was going to be trapped in this infirmary for some time. Now they had business to attend to. "Well, that's helpful," Mesheiko's father said, and groaned. "I'm not sure if I can look at any more of these men. It's terrible," his father said, grimacing. Mesheiko nodded in agreement. The infirmary was indeed a depressing place, as Mesheiko had learned. He would be spending quite a bit of time here, so he had to make the best of it, which was easier with people he loved, like Midori, his father, and Cheng.
The two's depression passed in a moment. His father then turned his attention more fully to Midori. "I'm sorry, miss, I'm afraid I haven't greeted you. It is nice to meet you," his father said, and extended his hand for a handshake. He smiled, and then turned to Mesheiko with a more impish smile. "Now, son, just who is this lovely young lady?" his father asked with a mischievous air. Mesheiko was forced to blush; they both knew rather well that he hadn't been the greatest hit with women back home. He had been almost obsessed with becoming a soldier before actually being one, and this almost always drove potential girls away. It was not attractive, he had learned, to want to get away from women and fight and die in the Army. Still, however, it had held great appeal, almost more so than finding a young woman to eventually wed, and his father had not pressed him to. They shared a mutual understanding of one another. But, according to his father, if Mesheiko found a young lady on his own whom he was attracted to and attracted to him, then who was he to stand in the way of young love? He and Mesheiko were often the jesting type, and it showed in their relationship.
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Post by midori on Jun 7, 2007 20:41:00 GMT -5
As the two men suddenly embraced and broke out in tears, Midori watched, at first in shock, but very soon in sympathy. It pained her terribly that both of them must feel such strong sorrow and stress, and Midori herself longed to be one of their embrace, to add what little comfort she could provide to the two weeping men before her; for seeing someone as strong as Mesheiko fall so was devastatingly heartbreaking, and, even though she knew little of Mesheiko’s father, it seemed so terrible that any weathered father should have to suffer so.
What pain this war had brought – not only physically, but emotionally. How awful it was that two apparently close friends, father and son, had been separated and suffering as they slowly grew apart, while loosing precious moments, Midori would think. Midori tried to imagine what life would be like without her parents, or just simply her father… She couldn’t. They had influenced her too much. Simply the thought of loosing the memories she had of them for a few months, a simple year, two... It was baffling, over her head. Midori had never realized how much her parents meant to her.
Looking about the bland walls, the motionless bodies, the two embracing friends… Midori suddenly felt a sickening wave of something rather unfamiliar: homesickness. In a sad huff, Midori knew she didn’t want to be trapped in this building of pain; she wanted to be home where she was embraced warmly and loved. Where things were okay.
But she wouldn’t, couldn’t leave. Not now. Not without Mesheiko walking solidly at her side, so to speak. She felt too closely bonded to him now; she cared so much, even more now as she witnessed his few moments of weakness. There was a force that seemed to be bringing them closer every moment they were near, and she didn’t want to loose that. Never would she stand for leaving him again. She longed for, needed his company. She needed him.
However, soon the tears evaporated from sight, and Midori was relieved to witness and receive a warming smile from Mesheiko’s father, as well as a handshake. Midori gripped Mesheiko’s father’s hand firmly in return, hoping she could transfer her gratitude in him coming; Mesheiko should have his father here, where he needed him.
“Thank you.” Midori replied warmly, her bright smile subtly returning as their handshake took place. “It’s nice to meet you too.”
With his father’s suggestive next words, however, Midori’s smile was instantly shy and modest; though, she was greatly amused and pleased somehow that a faint blush dusted Mesheiko’s cheeks.
“My name is Midori. I’m…” Oops. Here was the hard part, the uncertainty. Why had she continued? Midori paused briefly as she racked her mind for an appropriate word, one that wouldn’t be offensive or hurtful for Mesheiko or embarrassing to him. Or false. They were certainly more than friends… But what were they? Finally, she chickened out. “… visiting.”
A soft blush instantly pinked Midori’s cheeks, her smile soft and sheepish. Nervously lacing her fingers behind her back, Midori chanced a shy glance away from his father and toward Mesheiko, her gaze swiftly tender. She wished she could accurately express her sympathy to him, her longing to comfort…
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Post by atalanta on Jun 9, 2007 16:51:59 GMT -5
"I see," Mesheiko's father said, nodding. It was clear to him that this Midori was far more than simply a visitor to Mesheiko, but he would not mention it. He knew his son well enough to know that Mesheiko was embarrassed about this awkward introduction, and it was fairly obvious from Midori's blushes. He respected Mesheiko's privacy, and was glad he had found a young woman for comfort. This led him to think of Mesheiko's mother. She had been a strong woman, beautiful, and probably a better Earthbender than Mesheiko's father. It was strange, then, when Mesheiko was the only Earthbender born to his parents. It was even stranger when Mesheiko's mother died after Mesheiko's birth. Mesheiko's sisters blamed the fact that Mesheiko was an Earthbender for their mother's death when they were young. They said Mesheiko just took too much of her strength, and thus that ended her life, according to them, at least.
Mesheiko, having never really had a mother, was awkward around women, his father knew. His sisters only worsened matters. They made him rather nervous around women of any time, especially those his own age as he got older. So, Mesheiko's father was somewhat grateful to Midori. Both Mesheiko and his father caught Midori's tender glance at Mesheiko, trying to comfort him in his moment of despair and vulnerability. Mesheiko was touched, but he wished he hadn't had that particular moment with Midori present. Although he wanted their relationship to be free of stereotypical and worldly restrictions, but he still held some himself. It was a matter of male pride and such. He felt that he shouldn't be Midori's great protector, but he had to protect himself in moments of what were considered weakness. Having such moments with his father, under the circumstances was one thing, but it was entirely different with Midori.
"What about you, Mesheiko? How'd you manage to land yourself in here?" Mesheiko's father asked, giving him a careful little punch on the shoulder. Mesheiko paused. He'd had a difficult time telling his story to anyone, and he was afraid that it was painful enough to bring that moment he'd had with his father back again in front of Midori. Still, it was clear that his father hadn't heard Mesheiko's heroic tale, and he would have to tell it. Perhaps he could get a nurse to tell his father. However, that probably wouldn't be accurate, and he needed to tell his father himself. "Well, there was this battle a while ago and.." Mesheiko began to tell the tale, but his voice cracked when he saw his bandaged leg. Mesheiko's father followed his son's eyes, and suddenly understood. He needed to hear no more. "It's okay, Mesheiko. It will all be alright," Mesheiko's father comforted, and placed a fatherly hand on his son's shoulder. Outside the window, there was a strange yelling and distinct cheering sound. "I guess it's lunch break," Mesheiko said in a lighter tone.
There was a few moments of silence, with Mesheiko's father's hand still placed on Mesheiko's shoulder. Mesheiko glanced from his father to Midori. Then, suddenly there was a slight coughing noise from behind the cot. Mesheiko twisted and shifted around on the the cot to get in a position to see the new visitor. "Oh, Major Jin-Ho!" Mesheiko said, surprised. It seemed rather quick for the major to get from the ground where they were drilling to the infirmary in such a short amount of time. However, the grounds were just by the infirmary, as the noises through the window proved. Mesheiko attempted to move forward to shake the major's hand, but Major Jin-Ho was aware of Mesheiko's condition and stepped forward to shake Mesheiko's hand instead. "I trust you're feeling well enough, Private?" Major Jin-Ho said cordially. "Well enough, yes," Mesheiko replied. He was feeling well enough physically, but his emotions were in a tangle. "Good to hear," Major Jin-Ho responded, smiling and nodding a greeting to Midori. "Who is this?" he inquired. "I'm Mesheiko's father," he said, trying to save Mesheiko the effort. "Nice to meet you, sir," Major Jin-Ho said, shaking Mesheiko's father's hand as well, "I want you to know we are all very proud of your son. He has done a great service for his country, and in turn, the world." "Thank you, Major," Mesheiko's father accepted.
Major Jin-Ho then turned to Mesheiko. "Now, Mesheiko, I have some disappointing news. I spoke with the surgeon who examined you, Dr. Bao," he said, and Mesheiko grimaced at the memory of the man who was so rude to Midori. It didn't matter if she was a woman for her to stay; Mesheiko loved her, even if he hadn't realized it at the time. "He said that your leg was severe enough to keep you out of service, but just short of needing amputation. Is that correct?" Major Jin-Ho asked, waiting for confirmation. Mesheiko nodded. "He advised me to discharge you from the Army. And I hate to say it, because you seem so dedicated to this, but I must agree with him on this. You are in no condition to fight anymore, but you could still work some of the more civil jobs in the Army," Major Jin-Ho said. Mesheiko's heart fell, though he tried his best not to express it at the moment. As much as he looked forward to leaving the infirmary, he wanted to still serve his country. He had hoped it wouldn't happen. As much as he wanted to spend more time with Midori, he had hoped he could still remain in active service.
"But as I said before, it will be very ceremonious." the major assured Mesheiko. Mesheiko's father's hand still remained on his shoulder, and ever present comfort. "So, Major, when he is discharged, will I be able to take him home?" Mesheiko's father asked innocently, unaware of the young lovers' plans. "Oh, of course," Major Jin-Ho replied, "we were going to contact you when he was discharged anyway if you had not come for him. Mesheiko was suddenly caught in a tangled web of options. He wanted to go with Midori, Cheng needed help on his farm at home, his father wanted him to come home (and so did Mesheiko), or he could stay. Why did he have to be discharged? Why had this all happened?
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Post by midori on Jun 9, 2007 21:03:55 GMT -5
Midori felt her breath catch in her throat in one sudden second. The major’s first comments had been predictable enough (and frankly Midori was selfishly grateful that she would no longer have to worry about Mesheiko’s wellbeing), and, really, the father’s reaction and comment were obvious too; however, that stop Midori from feeling a sudden wave of panic and despair.
Mesheiko’s father would take him away. And Mesheiko would want, would deserve to stay home with his father and family, where he belonged. She, however, could not stay with him there, not when her family was still anxious and waiting for her own return at the least, not when she would just be a desperate follower with no set purpose but to soak up Mesheiko’s company. She would not have a place to work or a place to stay. It would make no logical sense to tag along. But that didn’t stop her heart from yearning… This is, once she could overcome the ache, the sadness of the mere idea of separating from him again. Even if it was for a short time. Even if she was to visit sometimes. She had just become too hopeful. Too comfortable with the idea of spending all that time with him.
Midori knew she was being selfish in many ways – for desperately longing for Mesheiko to stay with her while his father was content to have him home, for simply staying in the infirmary while her family worried… But it didn’t seem to matter to her very much at the present. Though, Midori kept her mouth firmly shut as the conversation continued, knowing it was Mesheiko who would inevitably have to make a choice. Knowing it was insanely rude to even speak out about such desires.
That didn’t stop her, though, from passing an instant, anxious glance in Mesheiko’s direction. A desperate, slightly panicked glance that was all too apparent in her bright green eyes. Her hands, still folded in a nervous grasp behind her back, tightened together so firmly it almost hurt, but Midori managed to sustain a tentative smile after a few moments. She would put on a cheery façade for now, but she would have to talk to Mesheiko later when they were alone. Until then, Midori distracted herself with another aspect of the major’s news.
Ceremonious. That was the word the major had used. She airily wondered if she was invited, and if she was invited… what in the world was she supposed to wear? Midori found her smile broadening, if only slightly, at this uncharacteristic thought, but it was one to seriously consider none-the-less. A discharging ceremony for a wounded war hero was bound to be a formal event, and Midori hadn’t even bathed in… forever.
Letting loose a tiny sigh, Midori lifted her gaze to the major’s, hesitantly bringing forth the less depressing subject manner with an increasingly shy smile. She hoped that since Mesheiko’s father had just spoken out, it wouldn’t seem so rude if she was to next.
“Um, Major…” Midori began, her cheeks instantly warmer. “If there is going to be a ceremony… would I be allowed to attend?”
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Post by atalanta on Jun 11, 2007 15:12:57 GMT -5
Mesheiko's father looked between Mesheiko and Midori and noticed an odd exchange of looks. Earlier than had been only tender toward one another, but now both were looks of anxiety. Mesheiko's was perceptive, and he had seen how the two were obviously attracted to one another. What, then, were the looks of disappointment for? Surely she wanted him to return home. At home he could earn a true living. The Army was all good and well, but it was difficult to build a life on. You were always moving, and you were rarely able to see your family. The dangers were constant, as Mesheiko had learned, and the money was not enough to support others if you were not ranked higher. Mesheiko's father knew this personally; he had married Mesheiko's mother while he was still in the Army. He left soon afterwards. Mesheiko's father had expected Mesheiko, in the short amount of time they had been reunited, to come home and start working, or if he could.
But perhaps he and Midori had other plans? What could those be? Mesheiko was 18 now, certainly a young man. He was not much older when he met Mesheiko's mother. They had been so young, so in love, so similar to Mesheiko and Midori. They had been married not much later. Wait a moment. Mesheiko's father's mind began to race, making connections, jumping to conclusions. Mesheiko was going to get married? No wonder they both seemed to look so panicked. In one fell swoop, he had ruined their plans, but he couldn't let his son get married, not so early and in his injured state. He wouldn't be able to support a wife, love or not, and he wasn't ready.
Mesheiko, meanwhile, had a dilemma of his own. This was far too many choices. He could not handle this. He had half a mind to simply stay with the Army. He could work as an assistant, a stablehand, etc. This led him to think of Banshee. What would Banshee's role be in all this? He wasn't some luggage or a vehicle that Mesheiko could simply drag anywhere he liked. The ostrich-horse had a personality, and a rather fiery one at that. Mesheiko looked at Midori calmly, trying to assure her. It was a decision he would have to make himself, and he could let nothing influence him too greatly. This was his fate, and he had to be the one to control it. All these people were tied to him greatly: a young woman he loved, his father, friends, Banshee. It was not something to be taken lightly. His decision would have great impact on all those close to him.
All this thinking went on in a few moments, in which Major Jin-Ho had to answer Midori's question. Neither Mesheiko nor his father seemed to be very alert at the moment, each wrapped in their own individual thoughts. He turned to Midori to speak with her. "Oh, why, of course, Miss Midori. We have always let a soldier's sweetheart attend in past discharges," Major Jin-Ho said rather casually. It was rather obvious that Midori was not simply Mesheiko's sister or friend. He was perceptive. He had seen many women there for their wounded soldiers. At those words, both Mesheiko and his father were shocked out of their trancelike state and into reality. This sent them both on new, but related trains of thought. This confirmed it for Mesheiko's father.
Perhaps Mesheiko and Midori were going to get married right here in the Army! There were certainly officers qualified to do such, and the Army did not disapprove, as long as the soldier stayed attentive to his duties and the woman, if she did not work for the Army, either went home or joined herself. Mesheiko was sent into a new state of panic. It seemed everyone knew about his relationship with Midori now. If he stayed here, then this would only continued, but if Midori went home, it might. But then a new wave of young women, seeing him as available, might try for him. It seemed as if Mesheiko's discharge was complicated and confusing for everyone. It would affect them all, no matter what.
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Post by midori on Jun 14, 2007 13:46:54 GMT -5
The major’s reply was a satisfying one, for Midori was really quite pleased that she would be able to attend this ceremony – it was an event to look forward to, and Midori could use something to look forward to. However, Major Jin-Ho’s comment (or was it an accusation?) also sent a fresh, warm blush to her already rosy-tinted cheeks. Sweetheart? And in front of Meshiko’s father! Were they that incredibly obvious? Or had the news of their few tiny, tender moments been spread so widely through out the grapevine? But it’s not as if they had been terribly scandalous… or even that close, Midori had thought. One kiss, a peck on the cheek, a hand touch here and there… Most of those gestures were very sisterly… Perhaps the others had exaggerated, made assumptions. Whatever the case, Midori suddenly felt rather defensive; the next time something happened in her personal life, she wanted to be the one to tell.
After this rush of thought, Midori opened her mouth to reply, but paused, for she was unsure of how to respond to him. It seemed so embarrassing to answer to “sweetheart” with the other two there, but, she was grateful for the acceptance.
“Thank you.” Midori replied after a moment's hesitation, her voice sincere.
Not believing there was much else to say, Midori glanced over to the other men, curious about their reactions to the major’s little slip. But… they didn’t really seem to be all with it, which made Midori even more agonizingly curious. What in the world were they thinking?
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Post by atalanta on Jun 16, 2007 17:56:02 GMT -5
Major Jin-Ho took from Midori's expression that she was not perhaps Mesheiko's sweetheart, but, with the blush, it was all the more likely that she was. A simple friend would just be taken by surprise; a potential or already existing sweeheart would blush, like Midori had. It had probably not been his place to speak of her as a romantic friend of Mesheiko's, but he had made an assumption. A young hero like Mesheiko with a young woman with him? Oh, yes. It was oh so likely that they had no special interest in one another. He smiled at Midori, thinking of how wonderful it was to be young and in love. "You're welcome, Miss Midori," Major Jin-Ho said. He flashed the smile at Mesheiko and Mesheiko's father in turn. "I'm glad that is settled. We will decide when the ceremony will take place at a later date. Thank you all for your time," Major Jin-Ho said, nodding in a sort of farewell.
Meanwhile, as the major exited, Cheng entered. Mesheiko saw him coming from far across the infirmary. He could barely stifle a large sigh and groan that fought against him and each other to escape him. It was just an endless parade of people today. In fact, the parade had began when he awoke in the infirmary, and he had a sinking feeling that it would not end yet. Now, of course, these were people he got along well with, but he knew in time that he might be greeted with endless fans. The infirmary was fairly guarded; no one could swarm him. But, as his goal was to escape the bleached walls, Mesheiko could not always expect this protection. Still, perhaps by the time he was released from the infirmary and discharged from the Army, his fame might have died down. He looked forward to it.
Cheng approached the cot with his usual confidence, but then when he saw Mesheiko's father, he was bewildered. Who was this man? Cheng did not recognize him as an officer or simple soldier, and he was too old to be a new recruit. While it was not uncommon for older men to join, it was still just odd. They normally had families and such, and if they were to tell stories to their children, it was from their youth, not the present. Mesheiko looked at Cheng's confused expression and suspected Cheng's thoughts, but he was a bit more distracted by Cheng's appearance. Cheng was nearly covered in sweat, and his chestnut hair was somewhat wet. It was not the most beautiful sight, but the smell trumped the sight by far. Fortunately for Mesheiko, he was used to such odors. He too had drilled, and his appearance was not much different than Cheng's was right, which was why Mesheiko was for a moment grateful that he was injured.
"Hello," Cheng said uncertainly. Mesheiko grinned. "Cheng, this is my dad," he introduced. "Oh," Cheng responded, and extended his hand for a handshake. Mesheiko's father took it, happy to greet more of his son's friends. "Dad, this is Cheng, my friend. We were tentmates back when..welll...before," Mesheiko said, still unsteady about the battle. Also, he was not entirely sure how to refer the great period in his life, eighteen years, while his body was still whole, before he was crippled. "It is nice to meet you, Cheng," Mesheiko's father said, smiling warmly.
While Cheng's reappearance after drills renewed Mesheiko's thoughts of what he would do with himself, it spurred a whole new set of thoughts in Cheng, but on the same topic. Their plan had been for Mesheiko to travel home with Midori and work there, and then they would make further plans after Cheng's current term was over. What would happen now, however? Would Mesheiko return to his own home? Cheng couldn't blame him, knowing Mesheiko's story, but he couldn't help but feel sympathy for Midori if Mesheiko made that decision. He could imagine her pain at this. Cheng was the bold sort, and he felt he must know what they were going to do about this.
"So, Mesheiko, are you going to go home or go through with the plan?" Cheng inquired. Mesheiko's father's eyes went wide at this, for his thoughts of an early marriage between Mesheiko and Midori were renewed. As much as he wanted his son to be happy, he could not let him get married at such a young age. Mesheiko's life was going to be hectic enough without a wife to support. Mesheiko's father didn't really know of Mesheiko's heroic status, but if he did, he would make the connection that some of Mesheiko's "fans" would not be pleased if Mesheiko married. Mesheiko's father once again placed his hand on Mesheiko's shoulder, but this time it was less of a fatherly comfort and more like fatherly structuring. "Mesheiko, I cannot condone a marriage between you and Midori," he said sternly. Mesheiko and Cheng were both taken by storm, and their eyes were very wide. Cheng looked once again bewildered as he glanced between Mesheiko and Midori, and Mesheiko couldn't take his shocked eyes off his father, staring in a mix of confusion and shock. The sighs and groans that had threatened to erupt from inside of him earlier now kept words from coming out of his mouth. Mesheiko was absolutely speechless.
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