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Post by coldflame on Jul 16, 2008 20:09:11 GMT -5
Kiran laughed heartily, giving Daichi an equal heart pat on the shoulder.
“Don’t worry. I won’t let her out of my sight,” Kiran chuckled, winking in Kiku’s direction, enjoying the teasing he and Daichi were easily giving (as if Kiran didn’t enjoy teasing Kiku enough).
Even though Kiran was having his fill of amusement, he did at least have to offer some bit of reassurance to Daichi that he would take good care of his friend. In some sense, it was a way to stay on Daichi’s good side if he ever did happen to find out where Kiran was really from. Of course, Kiran wouldn’t tell him – at least, not unless Kiku wanted to tell him. In an attempt to have a fair share of trust, Kiran decided that if Kiku thought it was right to tell Daichi of his true background, then he would let her. Perhaps if Daichi knew that Kiku trusted him, then it would lessen the tension. Though, Kiran simply hoped he wouldn’t end up in some predicament involving earthbending – also not to mention that Kiran doubted Kiku would say anything anyways.
However, these thoughts still unaffected Kiran’s amusement; it still felt hard to be put down. He smiled, a little genuinely this time.
“And I know how much Kiku must mean to you, Daichi. I can tell by the amount of gloom Kiku had when you were gone,” he said, unable to hold back another more amused grin. “Even though she’s the biggest troublemaker and flirt I’ve ever had to look after, you can trust me.”
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Post by kiku on Jul 16, 2008 22:27:45 GMT -5
As Kiran continued to talk, Kiku only felt her cheeks become warmer and warmer as embarrassment became even more obvious in her expression. It was bad enough that Kiran had to be incredibly (though certainly unintentionally) sweet by saying he’d never let her out of his sight, but did he have to be so completely honest and spurt out how desolate she had been? Daichi knew she worried, but Kiran didn’t have to so bluntly report how bad it was… or had been anyway; Kiran was a welcome and effective distraction. Kiku opened her mouth to explain something similar to this, but, naturally, Daichi’s interrupted unintentionally.
“That’s nice to know, Kiran,” Daichi replied perkily, though he flashed a grin at Kiku also. “And, I know this fireball has a soft side; however small it may be.”
Kiku could only roll her eyes, which made Daichi laugh more.
“Of course, I bring out the best in women,” he chuckled, and Kiku sighed in relief as she sensed a change of topic.
“Well, certainly you’ve found some nice girl by now,” Kiku commented sweetly as she took a few slow steps closer to Kiran. Daichi watched this, amused, and replied with a soft shrug.
“Maybe, but I don’t think we’d be quite as cute as you two,” Daichi laughed slightly while bringing up his hands to form a picture frame. He closed one eye as he framed the two of them within his hands, and grinned. Kiku shook her head in exasperation, but she was smiling.
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Post by coldflame on Jul 17, 2008 22:32:35 GMT -5
Kiran chuckled and grinned widely at Daichi’s gesture. As he realized that the soldier had raised his hands in forming a picture frame, Kiran wrapped his arm around Kiku’s waist, pulling her against him as to fit her in the picture with him.
It was so different now, it seemed. For a moment, Kiran remembered doing the same to Kiku. He remembered holding up his hands in the same way and framing his fingers around the distant image of Kiku; he also remembered Kiku doing the same to him. Two people – two frames – separate before, but now together in one frame. Kiran only grinned warmer at this, realizing again (for what seemed like the millionth time in one morning) that Kiku was now his; his to keep close.
Even by simply wrapping his arm around Kiku’s waist, he felt no embarrassment, no shame or hesitancy to keep her away in front of Daichi. Besides, if it wasn’t obvious that he and Kiku were already very close as it was from the moment Daichi came in, then Kiran wasn’t sure what else there could be to hide.
Thinking of Daichi’s last smug and teasing comments, Kiran simply chuckled and held firmly onto Kiku.
“True…” he said, meaning to the frame still around them. “But then again, I guess that just means I’m better at bringing out the best in women.” Kiran smile was warm, but challenging in Daichi’s direction, perhaps thinking he would explain something more about this previous girl Kiku wondered about.
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Post by kiku on Jul 18, 2008 19:54:42 GMT -5
“Ouch!” Daichi exclaimed, staggering backwards and grasping his heart. He tilted his head down a little and chuckled, looking back up towards the pair, but mostly to Kiran. “Touché,” he added with a grin, stepping back to his previous position and leaning in a bit to give Kiran a playful punch in the shoulder. Though, his words were addressed to Kiku.
“He’s a clever one. You are in for it.”
Kiku simply shook her head, but she kept her smile. While it could be considered extremely embarrassing to be close to Kiran while in Daichi’s company (and for a moment it was), Kiku soon realized that it felt very… nice to be able to be accepted that way. Close to him. She was so relieved she didn’t have to feel judged or disliked because Kiran’s hand was around her waist and she didn’t at all refuse… It was wonderful to see that her two dearest friends got along well.
Of course, Kiku thought then, internally sighing, Daichi didn’t exactly know Kiran that well. And she had no idea how he might react if he was told. But, right now, she didn’t want to focus on that problem, and the thought was actually quite easy to discard. With everyone smiling and laughing right now, it was simple to imagine things always being this way; she would save the ancestry battle for another day.
“I think I’ll manage,” Kiku replied in a soft, sweet voice. Gently, she leaned into Kiran’s side, her smile admiring. Even now she felt her heart flutter faintly; it was only an echo of what she truly felt when Kiran was near and touching. Daichi raised his eyebrow, and spoke, for once, sincerely.
“Never thought I’d see the day. Well. Maybe I did. But not this soon,” he grinned. Suddenly, a thought popped into his head. “So ol’ man Nakahara give you hell, Kiran?”
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Post by coldflame on Jul 19, 2008 0:05:30 GMT -5
Kiran had laughed heartily at Daichi’s display of an imaginary dagger in the chest and willingly took the punch in his shoulder. Yeah, it was easy to say that Daichi was fun to be around, even if Kiran had just met him. It was in Kiran’s nature to be laid back among others – even total strangers. But Daichi didn’t really feel like a stranger as much. After hearing Kiku talk about him and even simply knowing that Daichi was the closest friend to Kiku, he didn’t seem that much of an outsider to Kiran. Perhaps that was a good thing, but none could say.
He chuckled, but suddenly glanced down at Kiku once he felt her weight against his side. He saw her leaning comfortably into him and he smiled softly at the feel. He was happy at knowing Kiku wasn’t hesitant to show her true feelings in front of Daichi – he was even a little surprised, but he supposed he knew she wouldn’t mind. Even her soft comment left his heart feeling warm, happy at knowing she wasn’t afraid to admit anything aloud either.
And when Daichi spoke again, Kiran could detect the sincerity of his voice, but when the soldier turned to Kiran and spoke again, Kiran’s face immediately fell. His expression, in a flash it seemed, went from softly smiling to a now doom-and-gloom sort of look – the look Katsu easily reminded Kiran of. Ol’ Nakahara – his cold glare, his stiff remarks, and all-knowing glances, as well as his episode last time they sat together at the dinner table – all made Kiran cringe and sigh with a tone of regretful remembering. Yes, hell was a good word for it…so far.
With a tone of tired torment, he replied:
“You have no idea.”
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Post by kiku on Jul 20, 2008 20:13:14 GMT -5
Daichi’s question made Kiku glance down in faint discouragement, a sudden pout evident by the slight downturn of her soft lips. Whenever her father came up in this kind of conversation, she felt immensely guilty, like it was somehow her fault that he was so gruff and prejudiced - her fault that this part of their relationship had to be hard. Kiran’s expression didn’t help her either, nor did his words, which she knew were much deeper than they sounded. She hated how hurt she sensed he was inside…
Gently, she reached over and took the hand that wasn't around her waist, and squeezed his fingers reassuringly. Daichi raised his eyebrows at the reactions he received, folding his arms for a moment as he thought.
“Aw,” he murmured, almost sorry he had brought it up, though it was interesting. “I’m sure things’ll work out. Katsu’s alright once he figures out you’re not a Fire Nation spy.”
He chuckled a little bit at this little joke, but Kiku felt like she could die. Holding back a groan, she shook her head and swiftly changed the subject.
“Anyway, would you like a slice of bananaleaf bread, Daichi? I know you like it, and I think Mom just made some…”
“You had me at slice,” Daichi sighed, patting his stomach.
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Post by coldflame on Jul 23, 2008 17:40:34 GMT -5
Kiran’s smile soon turned into the kind of smile that was utterly fake, but good enough to fool anyone. Oh, the irony of Daichi’s words made Kiran feel the worst kind of guilt (and possibly fear) that only could be brought about as to who he truly was.
He could only manage a weak chuckle at Daichi’s “joke”, however true it might have been. Kiran knew he wasn’t a spy of course, but the comment meant all the same, nonetheless.
“Heh….yeah,” he simply replied, scratching the back of his neck while he glanced down at Kiku. He was sorry to see that she had paled a few shades lighter at Daichi’s remark as well. Kiran wasn’t sure if he looked the same way, but he sure felt the same. He could only feel sorry for Kiku and rather not himself at the moment; Daichi was Kiku’s best friend and Kiran could only imagine how upset she would be if she saw how her friend might react, if that reaction would be unpleasant.
Kiran had always felt sorry for Kiku in this sense – he almost saw himself as a burden to her sometimes when this subject would arise. But he would just have to suck it up and stick with it. There was nothing he could do about it now, despite how many times he warned himself before. Most of the time he didn’t care, but now when he saw that tense look in Kiku’s eyes, he knew just how bad Katsu’s reaction would be as well as others. But again, Kiran knew it was bound to happen and that there was nothing he could do to change it…so why bother caring anymore? Well, there was one reason to care, and that reason was Kiku.
At her distraction away from the subject, Kiran relaxed a little and gave a small chuckle at Daichi’s reaction to the sound of some bananaleaf bread. The thought stirred Kiran as well and he spoke up with more of a grin.
“Does Kiran get a slice?”
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Post by kiku on Jul 23, 2008 21:05:33 GMT -5
Kiku laughed softly in general amusement; Kiran and Daichi were both entertaining on their own, but Kiku felt as if her heart was swelling with warmth as the two of them conversed, together in the same room. She glanced affectionately at Kiran however, and graced his shoulder with a gentle pat, her soft smile reassuring.
“Of course he does,” Kiku murmured with a faint chuckle, and, swiftly then she strolled gracefully over to the nearby pantry to find the loaf she had seen earlier that morning. While she had her back turned, Daichi found himself near, almost alone, with Kiran, and of course he felt the urge to fill up the silence.
“You see, Kiran, I don’t usually eat that much (I can’t with the rations they give us, but that’s a different story completely…). But, I just got home about an hour ago, and I’ve been traveling a bunch recently.” More to himself than any reply, he nodded. “Yup. Earned a short vacation.” He laughed a little. “A very short vacation.”
“How long are you staying, Daichi?” Kiku asked with interest from the counter. She had her back turned, and was busying herself with slicing the loaf into neat slices, and reaching into the cabinet to produce two tiny plates, setting one piece of bread neatly on each. She sighed a little, feeling as if she asked this question far too much; it was a little sickening how familiar the question was. As was the answer.
“A few days, maybe a week,” he mused. “I could stay longer, but it takes awhile to travel back.”
Kiku nodded quietly, while turning around and strolling to the table, setting both her friends’ slices there. She smiled warmly at both of them and gestured to the table.
“Come on and sit.” She smiled at Daichi. “You need your relaxing time.”
“True that,” Daichi laughed, sliding into his seat enthusiastically.
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Post by coldflame on Jul 25, 2008 13:02:17 GMT -5
Kiran chuckled as well, and took a seat at the table. He placed himself next to Kiku and in front of Daichi, moving his plate over closer to himself to take a hearty bite out of his bread. Simply one bite had already taken away half of the slice, but he chewed thoughtfully, knowing that it was difficult to be put on rations as well. It didn’t happen as often in the Fire Nation army, but when things began to run low after the first couple months, Kiran remembered how his servings of food were lessened – as well as the contentment of his stomach. He could only be grateful that engineers, however, were treated with more care than the average soldiers…
Though, he couldn’t exactly comment on any of this to Daichi. It would easily give his job position away and therefore his secret of origin.
After taking another hearty bite and simply having only the corner of one slice left to eat, Kiran figured he could say at least something conversational-wise. He was still a bit curious about Daichi and wondered if he truly lived up to the potential Kiku gave him.
So, after swallowing his thoughtful bite of bananaleaf bread, he replied with an air of casualness:
“Well, it’s good you got a break, nonetheless. I was wondering if I was ever going to have the chance to meet you.” He quickly finished off his bananaleaf bread without problem at all, wiping a few crumbs away from the corner of his mouth before speaking up again. “I travel a bit every now and then too, so I guess it was good timing.”
Figuring it wouldn't hurt, he then asked curiously:
“But ah…other than the lack of food, how’s the army life going for ya?”
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Post by kiku on Jul 25, 2008 21:25:07 GMT -5
Kiku held in a slight giggle as she watched Kiran completely inhale his warm slice of bread, her eyes sparkling faintly with mixed amusement and admiration. Kiran’s gluttony could be very entertaining, but it was also nice just to have him in her kitchen, enjoying something. His profile was very handsome as well – a strong jaw, curving up into soft, full lips, now pulled just slightly down in thoughtfulness. The pale golden eye that was revealed (though slightly obscured by slender strands of black hair), was faintly fogged, matching his lips…
Meanwhile, Daichi was growing fairly impressed with Kiran’s eating skills. He watched for a few moments, grinning, picking at his own piece with strong fingers. He ate – but they were modest pieces, though he was nearly two-thirds through by the time Kiran was done. He was about to interrupt the small bit of silence that had enwrapped them, but Kiran beat him to the punch.
“You are lucky,” Daichi commened, that typical grin on his lips. “Meeting me and all.”
He laughed, taking a moment to take another bite of bread, before continuing.
“Ah, and things haven’t been too bad, I guess. I mean, they work us all to the bone, but we’ve just been shipped back to another station after doing some patrolling along the path to Bai Sing Se. We… ran into one ruff spot. There was a skirmish, and some of our guys got messed up pretty bad…” He paused here, glancing at Kiku, who was observing Daichi now with worry and concern strong and glistening in her doe brown eyes. A faint pout was curled down in the corners of her soft lips, and her cheeks were clear of the pink observing Kiran had brought to them.
“Hey, hey…” Daichi said defensively, raising his hands. “We’re back home, and the guys are recovering alright. Our nurses know what they’re doing – you know that.”
Daichi stopped there, knowing his should bite his cheek before he mentioned the rumors that were circulating around an attack on the capital. If things started and got bad, his division would probably be there…
Meanwhile, Kiku only sighed.
“I don’t worry about the nurses,” she murmured meaningfully.
“Hey: ask my officers. I am a darn good earthbender. I may even get promoted,” he said with a grin.
“Oh great,” Kiku said with a roll of her eyes, but the gesture was dramatic, and a breathless laugh escaped her lips. Daichi shook his head, and, for Kiku’s sake, changed the subject in his typical, abrupt way.
“So – you travel?” Daichi asked Kiran in a friendly voice. He chuckled, and waved his hand carelessly toward Kiku. “Guess that’s how you met this little girl over here?”
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Post by coldflame on Jul 28, 2008 19:09:35 GMT -5
Kiran amusedly watched Kiku and Daichi chat for a moment, enjoying the different taste in company. Kiran could tell (despite her fake drama) that a part of her did not wish for Daichi to move up in his ranks – it would simply mean that he would be gone longer. And it was inevitable to feel a strange presence and guilt when Daichi spoke of his own country hurting a friend of Kiku’s; Kiran could only wonder if Kiku ever thought about those sorts of things whenever she looked at him – he for some reason hoped she did….and yet truly hoped she didn’t. But Kiran could feel neither pity nor guilt for Kiku until the attention was turned back to him.
Kiran grinned and leaned back in his chair, folded his arms, and glanced at Kiku for a moment before looking back to Daichi.
“Yeah, I’ve been to a few good places. But, actually, I stumbled upon Kiku by shear chance. I have a terrible knee problem, “he said, lifting his impaired leg and glancing down at it for a moment, “…and it was just starting to act up before I passed the house.”
He shrugged casually, smiling back at Kiku.
“So, I came in for some medicine, but I took a turn for the worst when I got here. And, so, Kiku took good care of me until I got better.” He chuckled softly, glancing back at Daichi. “So, despite my moving habits, I promised her I would come back, and well, now I’m here again.”
Kiran flashed another warm smile at Kiku, giving her a quick wink. Perhaps it was simply because the real story felt so much deeper than that and a mere wink obviously (to him and Kiku) signaled to something more.
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Post by kiku on Jul 28, 2008 20:54:15 GMT -5
“She must have made quite an impression on you,” Daichi chuckled gently, glancing toward his old friend. Kiku simply shrugged, glancing down at the table, her shyness evident by the faint rose color that colored her cheeks once more. The story Kiran told, though at the time was frightening, was, now, a light, wonderful memory. It was almost dreamy; it was the start of their story, of their feelings for one another…
Truly, Kiku was a bit amazed as she remembered that plead she had made. At the time, it was hard to explain the strength or even the rationality of her actions. She didn’t know why she wanted him back so much – she simply knew she had to see him again. And Kiran had felt it too. There had just been such a strong bond between them every sense they had first met… Kiku learned later that it was love.
“He made an impression on me too,” She murmured softly, smiling admiringly at Kiran, her smile holding within it the same, secretive tint as his wink. Indeed, their relationship held so much more depth than could be found on the surface…
“Aww…” Daichi cooed, placing his chin on his fist while his elbow rested on the table. Then, with little shame, he sit up straight, a serious (though, somehow, teasingly blank) expression, looked to Kiku, and asked clearly, “So, Kiku, is he a good kisser?”
“Daichi!” Kiku burst, her cheeks beaming even more with color. She looked away to the opposite side of the room swiftly, her heart thumping in embarrassment. Daichi, laughing, only made it worse.
“… Well, what do you think, Kiran? That’s one thing about Kiku I don’t know.”
Daichi grinned, leaning back in his chair, enjoying the moment. He knew Kiku was embarrassed, but he also knew her well enough to see that she was enjoying it too.
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Post by coldflame on Jul 29, 2008 17:41:41 GMT -5
Kiran was surprised by Daichi’s comment, but that was probably one reason why he joined Kiku’s friend in his hearty laughter. Kiran definitely wasn’t embarrassed as Kiku now was – he could easily see the heat rise to her cheeks, which of course, made him chuckle for even longer.
Though he had only kissed Kiku a couple times, he was sure he already had his answer. If there was anything in this world that Kiku did to surprise him, it was definitely by the love of her kisses; in those few times, Kiran almost didn’t recognize her. She was different whenever she was that close to him - not in a strange way, but rather in a newly discovered way.
“Well…” he managed, a few chuckles still escaping him here and there, “…by knowing Kiku, you would think she’d be much too shy for it, but…”
He glanced at her, his chuckling gone, but his grin continued to stay plastered on his face. Though, he folded his arms and one corner of his mouth seemed to turn up a little more than the other, as if he was crookedly smiling now in some grand achievement.
“…Yeah, I’d have to say that kissing is something she’s good at.”
He knew that little comment would drive Kiku crazy, either with enjoyment or embarrassment – though, he was sure it would most likely be the latter of the two.
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Post by kiku on Jul 29, 2008 19:28:47 GMT -5
Though it seemed as if Daichi and Kiran were having a grand time, Kiku refused to look at either of them. Her cheeks were burning, and her heart thumped mercilessly against her ribcage; oh, why did Daichi have to ask such intimate questions? Questions she wasn’t even sure she wanted to hear the answer to? She should have just answered his question first; at least that answer was obvious. But when Daichi directed a similar question toward Kiran… Oh, she could have just died. Kiku was sure she… wasn’t the greatest (as much as she did enjoy kissing him), and dread coursed through her veins as she awaited the answer.
However, when Kiran did speak, Kiku’s heart felt as if it would leap out of her chest completely. Her cheeks only flooded more with color, and she glanced at Kiran’s handsome face, disbelief evident in her eyes, before she swiftly glanced away again, cringing her shoulders in embarrassment.
Perhaps what was more amazing than the answer itself was the sincerity in which Kiran spoke it. He easily could have said something similar just to spare her feelings… but his words shone with that same sweet, sincere tone, even behind his amusement. He even seemed proud to say it, which made Kiku feel incredibly joyful and relieved… Yet, with Daichi still there, Kiku felt the wave of embarrassment, for the most part, overpower her bliss; though she did glance over at the two of them after a few moments.
Daichi winked.
“I’m not that surprised really. I always knew she had it in her. Just took the right guy…”
“Oh, just stop,” Kiku sighed, though color still brightened her cheeks. She glanced to Kiran shyly, offering him a coy smile. Daichi chucked, raising his hands defensively.
“Fine, fine…” he paused glancing toward the door, thinking for a moment. “It’s getting later anyway, and I promised I’d go back home soon.” He rolled his eyes for a moment, but he was smiling. “Mothers.”
He stood then, though, he strolled over to Kiku and ruffled her hair affectionately, grinning down at her. Kiku glanced back up, her smile faint.
“Oh, I’ll be back tomorrow, don’t worry.” He opened his arms. “But stand up and give me a hug.”
Kiku laughed, standing and embracing her friend softly. “See you later, Daichi.” It felt good to say.
“Later, Kiku… You two behave,” He chuckled as he wandered toward the door, winking to Kiran.
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Post by coldflame on Aug 1, 2008 22:40:26 GMT -5
Kiran had only chuckled at Kiku’s ridiculous blushing, but at the sound of Daichi leaving, Kiran felt a bit disappointed. Yet, he easily understood the way mothers could be if their sons were away for too long...
He gave a small chuckle at Daichi’s parting comment and raised a hand to signal his goodbye.
“Later, Daichi,” Kiran called out, his amused grin still apparent on his lips when he dropped his hand again. As soon as Daichi was gone, Kiran’s warm gaze turned to Kiku.
“I can see why you’re such good friends with him. He’s a nice guy,” he commented as he stood from his chair, bringing his empty plate with him. He walked past Kiku and placed the plate inside the washbin, soon glancing up at her with a small cringe.
“I was a bit nervous with the Katsu joke, though.” He still managed a soft smile after that comment; his mood was still in the best of sorts and he wanted to keep it that way for now.
He felt that she already knew this, but if there was another thing nice about Kiku, it was the fact that he could tell her the truth about him and she would accept it with the best kind of understanding; he never felt like he had to hide anything from her.
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