Complications [Private]

[kiku]

Kiku returned a gentle smile, also standing and soon strolling gracefully to the counter next to Kiran, with the two other plates held delicately between her slender fingers. Her large, doe brown eyes were soft and sympathetic as they observed him, and, after she set down the plates, she touched his shoulder gently, gracing him with a brief nod.

“I was nervous too,” She murmured, her voice very soft and consoling. She squeezed his shoulder reassuringly, feeling her heart swell even with this simple touch. Even with moments this small, she could sense the bond that connected them so strongly; they understood one another, and they knew each other so well without even having to speak. It was lovely, knowing her simple touch would tell Kiran everything she was thinking; it was alright, she didn’t mind. They’d get through this one way or another.

“He is a great friend,” Kiku added sincerely to Kiran’s previous comment, though a new shyness melted into her smile. “I’m so glad to see him; though, I was a little disappointed he interrupted…”

Knowing it would lighten most burdens Kiran might feel about her father (not to mention send her heart on a brief but pleasant flutter) Kiku shifted swiftly to her toes, continuing to grip Kiran’s shoulder gently as she pressed a sweet kiss to his warm, handsome cheek. Suddenly, she remembered the very embarrassing conversation Daichi had led them too, as well as the pleasing comment it had supplied.

“Especially,” she murmured near his cheek, closing her eyes for one moment, before her smile broadened amusedly. “I’m apparently not too bad at kissing.”

It wasn’t nearly as embarrassing to talk about with Kiran privately for some reason, or maybe she had just gotten over it. It was surely the thing that separated Kiran from Daichi though; that electricity and blissful lighthearted flutter that made her want to laugh and sigh, blush and tease…

[coldflame]

And it did indeed lighten his burdens – almost completely in the simple gesture she bestowed to him. It was easy to forget things when he was with Kiku; she made everything so easy, it seemed. The warmth of beautiful lips against his cheek was all it ever took to make his mind completely at ease and even joyful. And he read her this way. Words of sympathy or affection between him and Kiku – he knew – were hardly spoken unless really wanted to. Kiran realized that all it took was a gesture to let him know what she was truly thinking or feeling, such as their breif moment of nervousness while Daichi was here. A touch on the shoulder truly let him know that she understood and that she sympathized; he could feel it. So, it was easy to to understand that they already had that connection.

Naturally, he grinned at her words, being awfully grateful for a simple kiss on the cheek as well.

“Well, I wasn’t lying of course…” he said as his arms wrapped strongly around her, pulling her close against him like before. His voice was saturated in that quiet deepness, as if he didn’t want anyone to hear, or at least, he only wanted his voice to reach her ears and only hers.

But his full lips turned into one of those crooked smiles; the smile where one corner of his lips turned up ever so slightly, making his golden eyes seem happier, but also more mischievous. He remembered Daichi’s small order before he left, but…Kiran never said he would keep that promise – he chuckled once at this.

“But perhaps just a little refresher for my memory…”

He raised his hands away from her torso and lifted them to her face, holding her slender profile in his hands with gentle ease. He began to feel that desire to be closer to her, to talk to her in some other way again – in a way they only knew.

Slowly, after he moved closer, he felt the smooth skin of her lips against his. It was a feeling he was getting used to; he could never get over the sudden jump of his heart when he did this, even though it felt so natural to be this close to her. It was always a shock, like the feeling a person would get by jumping into cold water; the rush was always exciting and it would take a while to get used to, but after a few moments, the swimmer gets used to the water just as Kiran’s heart eased itself after he pressed his lips to hers.

He continued to caress her face gently, a very quiet sigh escaping him as he parted and tilted his head to kiss her again. It was fuller this time, as if he was refreshing more or perhaps expressing more. His lips opened her mouth ever so slightly, admiring the warmth and slow movement he was creating for her.

Kissing came naturally to him. It wasn’t difficult, but when it was with someone he loved so much – with Kiku - it was definitely more exhilarating. It was why he parted from her and came right back again, making every kiss become deeper and more loving. It was that same exhilaration that pushed him forward. He unconsciously did small things that caused such an intoxicating feel: running his fingers slowly through her hair, the thumb on his other hand stroking her soft cheek every time he parted and returned...

He wouldn’t think. He wouldn’t open his eyes. All he did was feel her and all the emotion involved. It was truly the only thing that could be possible when enwrapped in a moment such as this…

[kiku]

It seemed that she could only comprehend everything slowly for the first few moments. Her mind had gone blank, and all the things she could feel were physical at first: strong arms tugging her waist, a gentle caress of her cheek, and, finally, the soft brush and movement of his lips against hers… And then, Kiku felt her heart react – leaping swiftly in joy and excitement, and then calming slight into sporadic sputters as the kiss continued, and continued so intoxicatingly…

Only awe could truly describe how she felt as Kiran’s lips meshed, soft and sweet, with hers, his warm breath spilling into her mouth, his hands tracing gentle patterns against her cheek. It was pure heaven, and Kiku could only sigh as she marveled over the feel their lips created as they brushed and pressed and meshed with each other in a slow, lovely way. Naturally then, as he parted, her arms slipped and tightened longingly around his neck, and she leaned forward encouragingly as his lips met hers once again. It was a perfect reunion, and she felt her heart swell even more with happiness. It encouraged her to move her lips in a slow pattern of their own; her head tilted to the side, and her nose dusted his once as she kissed him slowly back at this new angle, the climax in her depth matching the gradual swell of her heart.

As she became aware of all the little things that made the moment so perfect, Kiku couldn’t help but think that the only reason that Kiran thought she was such a good kisser was because he was so fantastic himself. He made everything so easy... With him sending her into such an intoxicating daze, molding her lips so expertly with his, she hardly had to do anything to feel amazing, and, by how Kiran was reacting, he wasn’t feeling too disappointed himself. In fact, Kiku could feel so much in their slow, easy kiss, and her fingers slipped and twisted into his soft, dark hair before she parted softly herself, a breathless sigh escaping her lips as her heart thudded deeply within her chest.

“I love you,” she whispered, leaning forward to kiss his lips slowly again. It was easy to say – it was the truth after all. She had never felt this way around anyone else… Her heart had never fluttered this way; she next had felt this strange mix of confidence and modesty that formed than when she was kissed by him. Her eyelids fluttered, and a soft smile curled easily into her lips with another soft peck…

[coldflame]

It was exactly what Kiran wanted to hear. Even though it was all too easy to feel that heartfelt message against her lips, it was just as lovely to hear it as well. Unable to pull away from her still, he simply smiled and pecked her lips in return.

Slowly, his full lips melted apart and he uttered those three exact words in a deep and soft voice, “I love you.” It was easy to detect the meaning in the “you” – for him, it was better than adding a “too” at the end. In a sense, it was a way of admitting his honesty and love all over again, rather than adding a “too” and feel like he was simply agreeing with her.

And he continued to hold her close; his left hand was still tangled in her hair, his right hand was still firmly around her waist, and his lips brushed across her mouth in the smoothest fashion.

Even though Kiran’s eyes were closed at some moments, he could begin to see (or sense, rather) the other people that were in the house. He briefly pictured another person walking in and discovering them in their peaceful moment, the most feared of which being Katsu. He figured he should stop and move his lips away, but spirits, why was it so hard to?

It was that desire again. He wanted to stay this close to her, because he knew just how often he had imagined it before he ever came close to admitting anything to her. For so long he desired it, he wanted it. And now, here he was, kissing the woman he loved with the utmost easy passion. That was why it was so hard to move away, to stop pressing his lips to hers, to stop feeling the warmth of her mouth, to stop returning after he parted and travel his lips down her cheeks, to her neck…

Finally, after a long moment, he moved his lips away from her skin and sighed out of compliance; he would have to move away, of course. His heart leaped as he knew he was pulling away for a final time, because he suddenly realized just where he was again - it was like the aftershock of the swimmer getting out of the water. Once he opened his eyes and smiled that crooked smile, he felt satisfied (for the moment, anyways) and quietly wondered if Kiku felt the same…

[kiku]

A soft, gentle sigh escaped Kiku’s soft lips as Kiran’s mouth brushed against and finally melted away from her own. The movement was so warm and tender, following that slow, intoxicating pattern... Her eyes remained lightly closed as she marveled.

Everything he did was so fulfilling; she felt the truth of his words through every motion, felt the sincerity of his passion through the way he held her close to him, knotted his strong hand through her hair. Her shoulders heaved slightly before they relaxed, and her head tilted up as his lips slowly ventured toward her neck, sending a warm contentment throughout her chest and stomach…

Being so close to him was a privilege Kiku would have never guessed she was fortunate enough to receive; when she had first got to know him, it seemed that her most longing daydreams consisted of moments just like the one she was living now. And even then she never imagined them like this; just the way he held her… it all meant so much he could never imagine, she could never express. There was such electricity in his every touch; when their lips met, it was paralyzing, hard to pull apart. She felt like she fully belonged in his arms, like she was truly accepted and safe. She was so in love, and all she wanted to do was hold him tighter. And she did, by soon tightening her arms around his neck, her chest pressing against his. Her heart was still thumping.

She glanced up to him, faint shyness evident in her eyes, though her slight smile and rosy cheeks hinted toward her enamor. As she noted his crooked smile, she glanced down for a moment, her cheeks even more warm, though she soon looked up again, eyes then sparkling. Her gaze met his, and she hoped the warmth and sincerity of her eyes told him what her words could not fully express…

[coldflame]

Once his eyes met hers, it was understandable as to what she was thinking. It was getting easier it seemed – to read her through her eyes or her touch. Kiran understood that what she held for him was love and he, in return, expressed himself in the same way; although, his kiss should have already done that.

His expression became a broader one. The corner of his lips pulled up into that familiar warm and handsome grin, his golden eyes shined in true contentment. He couldn’t restrain a small chuckle in his happiness.

“That was a refresher…” he said softly, his voice tinged in admiration. It would be a lie to say that Kiku did not hold any surprises – in many ways, such as their previous kiss, she offered many things to leave him in awe. Then again, he was in fact ridiculously in love with this woman.

The afternoon was passing. Despite the fact that he wasn’t looking, he could tell by the lighting upon Kiku’s blushing cheeks that the day was slowly passing by. They had, as Kiran remembered, planned to go outside and talk some more. Being out there would be nice; more privacy and reassurance that a sneaking Katsu wouldn’t interrupt them.

Still smiling that bright smile of his, Kiran reached and took Kiku’s hand as soon as he stepped away from her. The day was still warm and enjoyable as they stepped outside. He only wondered why it was so peaceful here, as if it was untouched by anything disagreeable – the war, for instance, was one thing. As he walked through the garden with Kiku, making small comments and asking questions about strange plants he saw, he could only hope that nothing would change here. It was a timeless place, even when the day was already fading away…

[kiku]

The night and, eventually, the morning passed in a light, contented haze. Everything was quite peaceful and comforting, whether it was the easy flow of conversation or the soft, steady touches of Kiran’s hand against hers. Even the weather, which was immensely agreeable, seemed to reflect the tranquility that surrounded the pair as they walked hand in hand through the colorful blossoms and springy green shrubs. The sun had set that evening, casting a soft, reddish glow underneath the billowing, purple clouds, and Kiku felt compelled to smile, remembering the old saying, “red sky at night, sailor’s delight”; tomorrow would be beautiful, Kiku was sure, but not just because of the faint, cool breeze that brushed against the faintly warm skin of her neck. No, tomorrow would be lovely because Kiran was with her, Daichi was home, and everything in her life was pieced together to make her feel perfectly at home.

The next day did happen to follow this same, easy pattern; warm sunlight poured lazily through Kiku’s window, brightening her cheeks and causing her eyelids to flutter open. She had smiled at the gentle warmth that touched her cheek, and she had swiftly dressed, and, after preparing a healthy (as in large) breakfast, insisted she must catch up on some of her work. Only a few minutes into her routine, however, Daichi had appeared and, along with Kiran, tagged along with her as she performed her daily chores. Every once in awhile she would ask them to assist in some easy way, while also chatting pleasantly with both. It was incredibly satisfying to have them both beside her.

However, after a few hours, Daichi had decided to head out to catch up with some of the other village boys and town gossip (since Kiku was rather worthless on that topic). He waved, promising to meet up with her again after lunch. With this note hanging thickly in the air, Kiku inferred that Kiran would be interested in gaining some sustenance, and offered to take him out to town to eat.

And so, it was because of this that Kiku came to be strolling, hand in hand, with a man whom she loved very much, a light, contented smile on her pale lips. She squeezed it gently as they walked closer and closer to town, enjoying the strength of his fingers.

“So,” she murmured, offering him an easy smile. “What are you in the mood for?”

[coldflame]

The new day was again peaceful and enjoyable; Kiran considered himself out of options on what to do while Kiku worked, however a visit from Daichi kept him easily entertained. They followed Kiku about, often critiquing her work in a teasing manner, though she seemed to take it well.

With Daichi keeping Kiran company, the day didn’t seem very long at all while Kiku worked. But even with her working, he was glad to see that she was on task again; he knew he was a bit of a distraction. Though, Kiran was sure that he and Daichi hadn’t helped much either.

Now, at last, Kiku had finished most of her work and Kiran was able to enjoy some time with her alone again.

“Hmn...the real question is, what am I not in the mood for?” he said, grinning at the obvious truth of this when it came to food. “I don’t care – you decide.”

The town wasn’t as crowded today for some reason. Strange – the market was almost always filled to the brim of shoppers. Why was it so empty today? He looked around and could see a few of the shop keepers begin to fold up their awnings and close their shops, but Kiran simply figured it was because they were going for a break or for the lack of customers for the day. However, most shop keepers stayed open, though they lounged back in their chairs while others chatted to other merchants or little customers.

“It’s not very busy here today…” Kiran noted aloud, mostly to himself. It was a little disappointing, really; Kiran always enjoyed crowds, because they brought lots of life to the town. Now, seeing how calm and fairly empty the village of Zhy currently was, it seemed a bit lonesome around. Kiran could only wonder why…

[kiku]

At first, the streets’ emptiness was not conspicuous to her. Kiku was simply enjoying the day; that was the easiest thing to do with Kiran by her side. Why, she wasn’t even trying to savor the peace, she just did. The faint hum of silence seemed only to be an addition to her wonderful morning, not a disappointment, for, unlike Kiran, the peace of quiet streets was relaxing. Crowds were unnerving; they were loud and often made one feel claustrophobic, even rude while bumping into so many people. It was for this reason that Kiku didn’t enjoy coming out too often – only when she had to – and it was for this reason also that she didn’t notice anything too amiss at first; she was used to the silence.

However, when Kiran asked what she would like, she was of course forced to furrow her brow and think for a moment, and, as she thought, Kiku looked around the street that they were on, looking for places that would be available (and satisfying) to them.

It was then that she noticed that little things were off. Ayane’s bakery wasn’t open, and her place was always the first to. Since Kiku always seemed to come to town early, she could easily remember the way the space around her door foamed with the warm scent of fresh, toasted bread… But, alas, no one was there. And while this could perhaps be dismissed by itself, there were other familiar faces missing also, doors that weren’t open, familiar trinkets that were not on display… Kiku pouted a little.

“It is… very quiet,” Kiku agreed after Kiran spoke, giving a slight nod. “It’s actually quite strange. Something isn’t right.”

She paused for a moment, sighing softly as she tried to connect what was wrong while hunting for a decent spot for lunch. As she continued with a slow, graceful stroll, she soon noticed a place that was open – but, most importantly, a place that was open that sold food.

“Here’s a good spot,” Kiku said, satisfied, before squeezing Kiran’s hand gently as she guided him over to a long, slender building. It was a bar-like setting - a long, open counter with stools lining it, a large, olive canvas poking out like a tent and covering customers in shade. However, the customers were scarce today…

Kiku sat a seat down from a couple who was chatting mutedly (though still audibly) with one of the few workers who had stayed this long, and even they looked wary…

[coldflame]

Kiran followed Kiku under the overhanging awnings of the long-bar and took a seat next to her with ease. He was seeing just as she was seeing – customers talking in hushed voices, some not looking up or talking at all as Kiran glanced down the bar. The line of faces seemed…tense? Kiran almost shivered at the quietness there was to everything in the town today. What was everyone’s problem? Had someone died?

Just as Kiran looked above a waiter’s head, reading the menu posted in the front of the bar, Kiran’s ears picked up a gruff conversation just beside him. He merely took a quick glance from the side, just long enough to see that it was a man and a woman talking to one of the few waiters at the bar. As far as Kiran could see from a quick glance, their expressions were worried.

More curious than ever, and wanting to get some information as to why the town seemed to be so deserted, Kiran listened carefully to the group’s conversation. He wanted Kiku to listen as well, so to get her attention, he gently nudged her side with his hand and glanced quickly from her to the group, as if saying for her to listen as well. Whether it was considered eavesdropping or not, Kiran wanted to know what was going on.

Keeping his eyes casually on the menu, he listened. The waiter spoke.

“How do you know?” he asked, his voice a little skeptical, but also a little worried.

“Everyone has heard about it,” said the woman incredulously, but almost mutely.

“I have a cousin in the military. He himself even said the Fire Nation scumbags were heading in this direction before his division was attacked,” spoke the man, his young voice tinted with anger and confirmation. “They couldn’t stop them.”

Kiran couldn’t help but glance at the waiter’s face, expecting his own face to be looking just as surprised.

“Is that really why there isn’t anybody out today?” the waiter asked, now looking a bit convinced.

“Of course…!” said the woman in a certain whisper, “No one is taking any chances. There have been so many stories, but all of them mean the same thing..! They’re coming here…” The woman seemed nervous now and then immediately insisted that they leave like everyone else had to the man beside her. They agreed, and soon, they stood and quickly left the bar.

Maybe the information was false; maybe it really is just a rumor. But sometimes things like this are hardly rumors; they’re mostly warnings. He couldn’t be sure, but it definitely made sense as to why the town was in such a state of isolation.

With the information just heard, it couldn’t have been hard to read what was going on through his mind. Kiran’s eyes darted to Kiku’s face, his expression now reflecting what everyone else’s seemed to be saying.

[kiku]

As soon as Kiku felt the gentle nudge against her side, she glanced toward Kiran curiously, though it didn’t take her long to understand. Swiftly, she glanced toward the nearby couple whom he had gestured to with his eyes, though she quickly glanced back at her pale hands, which were spread out lightly against the bar top. Carefully she listened, her eyes soft and unfocused as she soaked in exactly what Kiran had. Throughout the duration of the short bit of banter, her fingers – at first their tips pressed gently against the counter – slowly curled into lightly balled fists.

Kiku felt her brow furrow in desperation and her soft lips pull down slightly in the corners. Her expression did not seem worried like the others – only sad, sober, perhaps thoughtful. Her deep brown eyes held the greatest sadness, though, for even though the couple soon left, the silence that followed their departure was thick with an ominous gloom. However, soon she felt Kiran’s stare, and she glanced up to meet his own worried gaze, for a moment thinking about how wrong his face looked contorted with such a painful expression. Yet, she couldn’t help but continue to look at him sadly, her fingers naturally uncurling only to weave their way into his own; it felt safe.

It was then that she began to worry. If the Fire Nation did come, what did that mean for her, for Kiran? She wasn’t quite sure what to expect, didn’t know what that meant for them…

If Kiku felt any bit of hunger before, she wasn’t feeling it now. Suddenly, she didn’t want to be out in these silent streets. It was too open; she felt increasingly vulnerable, even with Kiran’s hand around hers. Perhaps this was because he was in danger now too.

Kiku sighed deeply then, her sad, doe eyes closing. She spoke then, her voice soft and desperate.

“What should we do?”

[coldflame]

Kiran’s brow furrowed as he glanced down at Kiku’s hand, noticing the whites of her knuckles appear as she gripped his hand. It was uncomfortable, more mentally so, to see her innocent gaze look so frightened. He wanted her to calm down; there was still no reason to get worked up just yet, right? Even though the rumors seemed to be spreading like the plague, Kiran had to hold just a small bit of doubt.

Though, at the sound of Kiku’s voice and the strange, empty feeling of the atmosphere, Kiran figured it would be best if they leave and headed back home. After all, if his nation’s soldiers did decide to show up, the last place he would want Kiku to be was in town.

The waiter who had been previously talking to the couple a few moments ago then appeared and asked for their order. However, Kiran hurriedly declined.

“No thank you. We just remembered we need to be somewhere…” he said, standing from his seat and pulling Kiku along with him out of the bar. He didn’t turn around to see the waiter’s disappointed face; so much for business today.

“It’ll be alright, Kiku,” Kiran said, his voice appearing calm, though the grip of his hand only tightened more around hers, “Let’s just get back home for now.”

He walked quickly and didn’t speak most of the way back to Kiku’s house. He simply listened to the uneven pace of their footsteps walking together, noticing how the limp in his leg caused a scraping sound against the dirt. The day suddenly felt as if it had gotten darker – a typical summer thunderstorm was approaching in the distance, the air having become very still, the smell of rain not too far away. He even turned his head toward the distance at the faint sound of thunder.

But this made him stop in his tracks.

Kiran’s eyes locked onto something in that distance. It was faint and cloudy, as if there was a fire going on in the forest with a plume of smoke rising above the trees. But Kiran knew better. No, the smoke seemed to be moving – very slowly, but it was moving.

He cursed under his breath and pulled Kiku faster.

[kiku]

Kiku followed Kiran’s lead without much objection; though, she did hesitate a bit as she was pulled away from the smooth countertop, for she felt quite guilty for getting the man’s hopes up on such a slow business day. Therefore, Kiku swiftly reached into her pocket and tossed a few copper pieces to the table before she took too many steps away. However, once this was done and she graced the man with a small, apologetic smile, Kiku was forced to pick up the pace, as Kiran had set one that was getting more brisk by the second. Though Kiku knew this was for a good reason.

As Kiku held Kiran’s hand tightly, with that worried expression renewed on her face, she realized she wasn’t sure what all this could mean. She never recalled being caught in the center of a Fire Nation raid, or even confronting them… Would her town stay safe? What about her gram, her parents, Daichi? She blanched a little as she considered all this. Certainly they would spare her garden, wouldn’t they?

And there was also the matter with Kiran… But he seemed worried for her - as much as she was worried for him – so Kiku was sure this would only bind them closer together during this ordeal. If there was one, that is. Yet, it was then that Kiku heard Kiran mutter and glanced to him in confusion, soon following his gaze and gasping softly as she noticed the gray plume of smoke that lingered not too far off.

Fear brightened her eyes then, and she bit her lip, while squeezing Kiran’s hand. Why must they come now, she wondered with a thudding heart. Just as she and Kiran had finally confessed themselves to the other…

“Kiran…” she began, her voice calm, but undoubtedly tinted with worry. “Do you think we’ll be safe at home?”

She was deathly afraid of losing her family, naturally, but, at the moment, she was more concerned with Kiran’s safety. He was her life now, it seemed – her happiness, all the warmth that flooded to her heart and kept her alive and herself… Loosing him – well, it was impossible to imagine now. What thing could possibly be more horrible, cause more pain?

Her large, brown eyes held within them this fear as she looked to him, and while squeezing his hand gently, Kiku was sure he would understand this fear that was really the comment hidden beneath her question.

[coldflame]

Moving at the pace of a lizard-hound, Kiran wasn’t sure if Kiku’s home would be safe, but it would be for the time being.

“I don’t know…” he said quickly, his brow furrowing in thought. Kiran wasn’t sure if his nation’s troops would be simply passing by or if they had other plans in mind. The habits of most generals usually involved taking anything that came by; that sounded more realistic, considering the ration supply every soldier had was immensely unsatisfying.

If a raid was going to be the case…then Kiran knew Kiku would not be safe in her home. And then suddenly, a horrible realization struck him. Kiku’s profession of being a healer – a healer open to anyone and any Earth Kingdom soldier, supplying medicine and herbs to those who needed it most – was treason. Kiran then knew it wasn’t just her home that could be in danger, but her garden as well. He had heard about it a few times before – Fire Nation generals destroying healers’ gardens so they can not be used to help and wounded soldier that may pass by.

He cursed again under his breath. He couldn’t just sit and wait for his country’s men to come and take everything away from Kiku and her family. It would be cowardly and even stupid. If anything, Kiran knew he had a better chance of perhaps stopping them before they reached Kiku’s house; there had to be one way at least. Anything to not make them come in this direction…

After a few more minutes of quick walking (almost running), Kiran could see the gates to Kiku’s garden appear around the corner. Thunder was starting to pick up and the sky was turning a darker grey.

“Kiku, I want you to stay with your family,” he said, his voice still calm but demanding now, “…I’m going to go back into town to see what’s going to happen, because if it’s a raid they intend to do then…” He paused, not wanting to scare her, but knowing she needed to hear the truth. “Then they might burn down your garden after taking everything they can. The last thing they would want is a nearby healer to help any soldiers.”

He glanced to her with uncertainty in his eyes.

“I’ll try to figure out a way to stop them if that happens.”

[kiku]

Kiku’s brow furrowed as she heard Kiran curse again; truly, that was the answer to her question. They wouldn’t be fortunate enough to escape the turmoil that was approaching them. She, along with her entire family and village, was in danger. There was no escaping that now, no way to sugarcoat the fact that they were going to be raided, no way to mask the meaning of the plume of smoke that was approaching their village slowly, but surely. However, while this didn’t surprise her much at all, Kiran’s next few comments did.

“Huh?” She asked after a moment’s pause, grand confusion evident in her ever widening eyes. However, her brow soon furrowed as she stopped in her tracks, staring at Kiran with grand intensity, trying to piece together all that he had said… And soon she felt dread gradually form within her; her stomach twisting into a knot, arms feeling weak and hollow. Surely he didn’t suggest..?

“You’re… you’re not leaving me, are you?”

Kiku had to ask, but, once she spoke, she knew it was a rhetorical question. Of course he was; nothing could be as simple as him just staying with her, keeping her happy. No, no. Kiran was too noble for that, she should have known. He would want to protect her, certainly, but in a more direct way that what she had at first imagined. Now that she knew of the option… it was so obvious. Yet, Kiku still gasped in mixed surprise and horror.

“No! Don’t leave, Kiran! It’s… it’s so dangerous.”

It was an obvious statement, but Kiku couldn’t help herself; it was her main concern right now. It had probably been her greatest worry for a long time now – for as long as she’d known Kiran. Loosing any part of him – the gorgeous smile that radiated from his full lips, the cheerful glint in his eyes, and the warmth of his overall presence – it would be a tragedy. She only could only too clearly imagine the ways that he could be taking out of her grasp... forever. A curse of being a healer.

Kiku squeezed her eyes shut, for simply imagining the pain was just too much, and the likelihood for this loss seemed so great… She felt the tears coming and she turned her head away.

“You don’t have to do anything, Kiran. J-just stay with me, please!”