Taken Home(K)

Ko:

He was moving at a slower pace, his feet pressing against the solid rooftops as he held the young girl in his arms.  She seemed to be falling asleep, the exhaustion from the tumoil that had been going on in her life too much for her young mind to cope with.  Kiyo was with them, he was thankful for that, she was a young lady who'd have more experiance with this sort of thing than he would, or at least he hoped she would.  His eyes moved off of her slim form and back to where he'd be landing, his footsteps light and in the waning light seemingly unaffected, though he knew that the light wouldn't affect Kiyo.

Eventually they came to his house, it was small and on the outskirts of the village, a single room with light smoke wafting from a central fireplace.  He'd placed some long burning logs on there before leaving that morning so that the house would be warm when he returned, now he was doubley thankful for it.  Unlocking the door silently he moved into the place and turned on the lights, the heat washing over him as he entered and the girl wriggled in his arms, seemingly comfortable.  Silently he moved to his room, and placed her in the bed before rejoining Kiyo in the lounge and closing the door behind him.  Moving to the kitchen which was part of the lounge he turned and spoke quietly, also knowing that the volume of his speach wouldn't matter "Can I get you anything?" he asked pouring water into a jug.

Ki:

Help? Need? Each step taken dictated a new direction for Kiyo. How many years had it been since she had felt her very movements counted for something? She felt light and heavy all at once as she fought the tug of panic that had pulled her away from people and pushed down the excitement in being invited inside.

Kiyo hadn't expected anything and yet his home was exactly as she expected. Anbu were not the type to search out extravagant homes but instead seemed to relish in living amongst others in the time they had to be themselves. Anbu didn't need to impress anyone with the way they lived.

The problem was, now that she wasn't striding around in dirt and in an enclosed space even Kiyo felt uncomfortable over the state of herself. The earth smell over rid the less pleasant but her feet were still dirty and her clothing still ragged. Awkwardly she hovered near the doorway. She was tired but she wouldn't sit. She wanted to move into the heat but she'd wouldn't walk across the floor. "I-I'm fine, truly. She seems calmer now so whatever happened...." admittance she hadn't let herself listen in, "will be easy enough to deal with hm? A little sleep and it wont take much."


Ko:

He looked at her awkwardly standing in the doorway and raised an eyebrow as he set the jug to boil.  His eyes didn't leave her as he took off his jacket in the warm room, the heat seeping out of the doorway.  He cracked his neck as he wandered back to the kitchen and fetched out a couple of cups "Come in, get out of the cold.  Make yourself at home." he wasn't aware of why she might be uncomfortable, though his house was almost spotless.  It looked like it was lived in, but there didn't seem to be any rubbish, and recently cleaned hard wood floors.  Taking some tea leaves he placed them in the kettle as it heated, he wasn't particularly good with teas but he had a combination he enjoyed and so that's what he made in the pot.

A small dinner table with two chairs, just in case he had a visitor over stood nearby, and a more comfortable and colourful lounge area further in looking out across the village which was slowly lighting up as people turned on their lights with the quickly fading light.

Ki:

A shiver ran down her back and Kiyo realised she hadn't even closed the door. She stepped further in and turned; pulling the door closed behind her and stared for a long moment at the barrier she'd put in place. Well no use just slipping out, idiot.

She was aware of thewood under her feet as she turned back around and took one more step into his home. Every tiny peice of dirty falling away rang true in her ears and the scrape of the dirt between her feet and the floor grated irritatingly only because she focused on it. "Ah well, pardon my intrusion then." He could see her, his continued invitation had to be based on something.

One more awkward step then a stronger more confident one until she strode as if this was exactly what she was to be doing, shoulders squared andchin up, across the room. "I'm sorry, this is unusual for me," she muttered, hand connecting with the chair she'd preceived to be there. With relief she sunk into the chair, knowing that it must be filthy already. Had she left foot prints or just imprints of dust? "It's supposed to be bad luck to let an eart-" she bit off her own words and schooled her face to a mask of calm instead.

"What do you intend to do with the little girl?"

Ko:

Pouring their tea he looked to her and listened to the words she had to say, then they were cut off, bringing the two cups over he placed one in front of her, assuming the noise of it would allow her to realise where everything is.  The crackling wood in the fireplace should also have helped with her vision.  "Well, I know where she lives so I'll go have a chat with her mother, see if I can figure out what's going on and what can be done." he shrugged afterwards as though it was the only solution he could thing of, so it must be the right one.  "Would you like anything to eat?" he asked casually letting her answer before continuing "Anyway, as you were saying, it's supposed to be bad luck to let a~" he left it hanging wondering what she was going to say, she hadn't held back before so why now?

Sipping on his tea the rose scent to it hid the rest of the flavours, but that had been something his father had shown him, and was part of the reason he liked that particular combination of leaves and petals.


Ki:

Kiyo nodded her thanks as he set the tea down in front of her. Her movements were ingrained and graceful as she turned the cup in quarter motions then pulled it to cradle in her hands,” With her mother? Yes, I suppose that would be best; although, please be careful. Mothers are deceptively sweet when their parenting comes into question. Perhaps you should get as many details from the little girl as you can first, its obvious she was distraught about something and I find... children's troubles are set aside too quickly." The tea smelled wonderful and not at all like anything she could remember tasting or smelling, despite the connection with roses. What had that girl said once, that a new smell or taste connected important moments? Perhaps this one would remain a memory. That time had been peppermint and sea salt.

"I don't need to eat," she murmured, lifting the cup to her lips but not drinking. Not yet, she'd burn her tongue and ruin the most important part. "That is to say; I have eaten recently and should be fine for now but please go ahead if you are hungry." The cup set down again and she smiled to herself. The discomfort was going away.

It was no surprise to her that he chased after the words she hadn't meant to say but that had been her own error and not explaining while sitting in his home would have been a grievous insult, "Religion is amazingly diverse in Cloud compared to the rest of the world but even then not every single one is understood. With my mothers blood I should have been more attuned to Raiden and the currents of sound and air. There was a contradiction however and I am as I am and I am not so poor that I could not have shoes if I wanted them. I was indulged as a child, my parents were very understanding but amongst the smaller villages I'm some sort of bad luck charm." An amused twitch at the corner of her mouth and she fell silent on the matter. Kiyo was aware of the gaps in her explanation but the more accepting creatures of Cloud tended not to understand the superstition of more simple people. Perhaps they were right though, belief often held some line of truth.

Ko:

Sitting with her was interesting, she was so tightly wound he wondered about her, he was sure that pressing the right button would have her spring out of it and end up as a pile of ribbons on the ground for someone to rewind as they saw fit.  He stood as she let him to and cook and he pulled out a pot, placing it on the stove he filled it with some powder and water with a couple of chicken legs in there before he began to peel and cube a couple of vegetables.  As he did all this his head was permanently turned slightly towards her listening to what she was saying "I don't know much about religion." he admitted "It's so... over the top.  Like, it's nice to think that there's someone watching over us, and it's all good to scare little kids into thinking that if they're naughty then bad things will happen to them, but I could never put up with the arguments that go on amongst them all." perhaps he was the odd one, but he didn't care.  His father was a great believer in Raiden and his family were all believers, but he'd given up on faith a long time ago.  He had himself, that's all he needed.

Spooning the fat that had foamed at the top of the water he got rid of it and then let the chicken cook through.  Turning he leaned back against the bench top, picking up a cube of carrot and popping it in his mouth he looked at Kiyo "If you're bad luck then I want as much of it as I can get." he smiled, he was only joking attempting to lighten the mood, though nothing she'd done so far showed him that she had a laugh, the ability to show a sense of humour, no, she'd probably say something equally as smart assed and want to have the last word.


Ki:

Her fingered drummed gently against the cup and she turned her head slightly to keep him within her theoretical vision as etiquette dictated. Being blind was no excuse for being rude, hadn't her mother said that? "The beliefs of people must always be considered whenever in dealings with them. It is an easy thing to miscalculate the reactions of others because religion often changes a reasonable man into something demonic. I have had the grand pleasure of insulting some very interesting and diverse people, simply by sitting the wrong way or speaking a little to loudly 'for a woman' or too quietly for exactly the same reason. So even if they are over the top, it is important and being an offense for being myself has always been a pain."

The kitchen began to fill with the smell of good food and the sounds of its making and she congratulated her good sense in having waited on the first drink of her tea. Rose tea and the smell of food would be a far rarer and much loved rememberance, though she might not smell it again. She plucked the cup up again, intent on her drink when the last of his lines rang true and she nearly dropped her cup in surprise.

"Kitty, you shouldn't..." she fumbled the cup to her mouth all the grace left from her movements and took a great drink to calm her nerves. It was good, better then anything she'd had in a long time and this nerve rattling unease would sit with her for a long time. Spots of pink dotted her cheeks. "Have a heart, you'll have me falling away at my stitches."

Ko:

He watched her startled look, heard her heart skip a beat and noticed the physical stumbling.  Suddenly he wasn't sure of this girl anymore, he'd written her off as cold, heartless, though she hadn't responded as he was sure she would, she also hadn't responded the way he was sure she wouldn't.  Her cheeks were going a light pinkish colour and he heard her words, interesting he thought to himself as he turned back to the pot and pulled out the chicken, replacing it with the vegetables in the broth while he replied "I haven't done anything yet, but by the time I'm done you wont have any stitches to fall away from little Ragdoll." he smiled towards her, enjoying the stumbling state of her, his knife cutting the meat away from the bone he diced it up and placed it in the soup as well with a little salt and pepper before returning to the table.

Ki:

She hid her smile behind a sip of her tea , eyes falling shut on impulse as she took another long drink. Heat was flooding into her body through her hands a mouth now and though her embarrassment had been momentary the color did not go away. In fact, it deepened and spread to her nose. Soon moisture clung to the inside of her nose but it was still a good sort of feeling.

"Cat, I'm not a mouse nor should you go putting dirty old things in your mouth. You needed my help with the little kitten and to keep an eye on me; lets not pretend I'm here on a social call alright?" her mood turned sour as quickly as it had sweetened with that quick reminder to herself. That door, she still hadn't gotten past it. Why had it had to be empty, had the room been filled she wouldn't have wanted to put herself back inside. her hands suddenly felt weakened she set the cup down against the table for its own safety.

"I shouldn't have come back at all..." she murmured to herself, the words only audible to their ears and yet she'd had no intention of saying them at all.


Ko:

He smiled as he sipped from his own tea, delighting in her discomfort his foot moved under the table and his big toe gently brushed against her as he replied "Now, now, that's not nice Ragdoll, you're not old, though you are dirty.  Perhaps you should let me decide what I want in my mouth?  I'm a big boy after all." he said, she'd given him all the fuel he needed to keep pushing her buttons, pushing the thought of the girl from her mind, or so he hoped at any rate.  But she did have a point, and he had to concede that "Ok then, maybe not tonight, but on the condition that you'll come by tomorrow night and let me cook you a nice meal."

She murmured something to herself, and he let it slide this time, at least for now.  Perhaps a nice piece of conversation to raise another time when she wasn't feeling so down on it.

Ki:

Her leg pulled back quickly, the limb finding refuge rucked behind the leg of her chair. The other fell back too, wary of meeting the same fate as its pair and in fact if dared to brush away at the spot he had touched her in as if to brush away the moments past. Kiyo tightened her hands around the cup, wary of the breaking point of glass but sure she wouldn't have enough strength in her hands to break it either. She wasn't a Taijutsu specialist, she'd never be a Taijutsu specialist and the strength of body would remain a mystery. "You'd have been a child still.... You're sweet but sweet words are lost on me. I can't promise I'll be back around Kitty, I may get caught up in something"

A smile quirked her lips upwards and this one she let him see. At the same moment she let her eyes fall closed as she remembered he was as she was and that keeping pretenses up over if she could see was pure foolishness.

"Are you at all interested in Kumo's history? You have some grasp of the ancient language, even if it isn't entirely good, but that usually comes hand in hand with some history. Ah, wait, it's to impress girls isn't it? In that case I'd say you're at just about the perfect level."

ko:

He pulled away and he realisd any progress he'd gained was now lost.  Going back to drinking his tea he shrugged, once more realising that the small gap in her defences was just that, a small one.  And though he'd tried to exploit it it seemed her cold front was almost impenetrable.  He watched as she smile slightly, though now it mattered little to him now, if he was a kitty he was a kitty who'd realised that the string would never be in reach, and though the game had been fun for a short time, he didn't like to be taken as a fool.  Thankfully she changed topic "Kumogakure's history isn't my priority, I wish to learn the Classical Kumogakurian language, the beautiful language as you speak, however I need to get the Raikage's permission to be allowed.  The language isn't just to impress girls, it's a dying language, it's spoken by a small handful of people, and all bar you are aging.  I want to have it, to treasure it and know that with me the language lives on."  His voice had died slightly, lost the playful edge that he'd had before, talking as though it was just business.  She'd judged him with her comment about the girls, and he couldn't stand it when people judged him.  His head shook slowly as he stood and placed some thin noodles into his soup before going to the cupboard and getting a bowl "Would you like some?" he offered, his eyebrow quirked, a hand on a second bowl waiting her responce.

Ki:

Kiyo felt the shift in power over the conversation move in her favor and the knots she hadn't realised were forming between her shoulders began to untangle themselves. Her body relaxed against the chair's back and her legs returned back to the floor. This was the way it'd always been, they would make a pass and realise, something, and whateverit was would make them move away. The beloved one had been an exception but he had always been the most cruel and exceptional at making her squirm. It was a shame he hadn't pursued the bath and clothing thing anymore though, as her mind worked it seemed to be a very good idea.

"No, it takes a certain, special type to have a real interest in history. I'm not that type either really, not completely, or at least I never used to be. Seeing so much loss recently makes me want to dig for the little details and ages that may have been passed over for the very same reason. Would it not be lovely to find a break in the village's curse with its Kage, I'm absolutely certain the answers are in the Raikage's office." Her words become more and more insistant until the last of them died away with a pregnant silence. She hadn't noticed the effect of her previous words for the sheer passion that surrounded these. "It must be some sort of sign, Kitty, for this conclusion to have come to me at yet another time of turmoil- yes, please I wouldn't mind a little,- and for that place to be empty. That one is gone for good by the way, even from outside that room felt very lonely... "

Kiyo's words died away, realising the error or them, and she fiddled with the rim of her cup for a long moment before continuing,"there are always more Kages though... I want to fix it. Make the next one live a long and happy life. Perhaps there is something haunting them...." Yes, something was wrong if such powerfulmen could not fill such an important position. With each change over of hands the village would look weaker to the rivals around it. Less jobs would come them and soon following would be the threats from the other villages. She could guess at which first, the island bound behemoth to the east liked to throw its weight around.

"Wait, what do you mean 'all bar you' and if you likeI can teach you the language a little. Languages shouldn't need permission... not completely... though the books may be better teachers than I."

Ko:

He scooped her up some of the soup and moved back to the table slowly, her wordswere filled with passion and feeling though it was now, when hers had lifted, that his own had died.  Nodding silently he brought the salt and pepper over with him, sitting before her and listened to her words.  It seemed she wanted to know everything, like she was a student to history, she probably belonged in the library, he agree'd with her statement about the Kage's, he himself had little to no idea as to what went on in those rooms, his word of acknowledgement "Perhaps..." quiet as he didn't have much to say on the subject and could only assume her to be correct.

Then she addressed the conversation about the language once more and he replied letting his soup cool a little "Well, the only people who understand and know the language tend to be the elderly or middle aged librarians of Kumogakure, except for you.  Access to the books requires the Raikage's signature, and the teaching of the language itself is held in strict confidence by those who know it.  But if you were willing to teach me I would very much appreciate it." he nodded sincerely before sipping his soup again.

Ki:

Kiyo had the good grace to look apologetic at her outburst, though her eyes missed him just enough that it lost some effect . Not everyone was interested in the going ons of politics and while often a love for the ancient language went with the love for the ancient texts on ancient politics it must have been just as tis one said; his interest was purely in the language. Well it'd add to his appeal wouldn't it? An old dead language and good culinary skills if the smell of that soup was anything to go by. Gingerly she sipped at it and was rewarded with the warm feeling that came with a good soup. It sat against the tea nicely in her stomach as well; which, dispite her earlier words had been quiet empty. "Ah, yes, librarians do tend to look quiet old don't they? Even the young ones take on a certain...aura. "

Another drink of the soup and smiled to herself, "More conspericies to keep history quieted, the only texts that would be written in the language would be history...well mind you I believe there are a fairly large number of old jutsu in that tongue as well. I can understand-this is very good by the way-  the protecting of our old words and secrets from the outside world but one would think proff od residency here would be enough to learn. Hide the books not the language." Her hand switched back to the tea and she took a deep drink of the before setting it aside to continue, "Honestly, its easiest with text texts but speaking is only practice, can't get the accent right without practice."

Ko:

Quietly he replied to her comment about the librarians "Sure do." his voice was almost like it was daydreaming, though his mind had been taken to another series of recent events to do with a particular librarian and her threats to cause his family pain.  Shaking his head slowly he snapped out of it and drank some more of the soup as he listened to her continue, she commented on his soup mid sentance and he nodded, a small smile on his lips in recognition of the compliment as she continued.  Her words rang true, and he did know a fair amount of Kumogakurian mythology through the learning of the Vulgar AK language.  She admitted it'd be easier to learn with texts but then made an unusual observaton "Who's to say what the accent was originally like without someone from those times here to speak it to us.  We can only speak it as we imagine it would be spoken.  Perhaps the Hashigaki crystal library would hold information like that, but I can only imagine that much like the common language, the way we speak the old tongue would seem as foreign as someone from Konoha." he shrugged.  It seemed a little off hand, like he wasn't particularly interested, and didn't want to argue over the point, but had felt the need to raise it.

Finishing his bowl of soup he smiled and looked towards his bedroom and frowned, the girl was sleeping, that was clear, which meant he'd be on the couch tonight.  At least it folded out to a reasonably comfortable bed.  "Thank you for coming here, though it seems like you may not have been needed it was very much comforting to know that I had support and your council." he said, looking at her earnestly "Is there anything I can do to show my gratitude?" he was unsure if there was anything, but perhaps she may want to take his offer of the bath, he had plenty of scented oils and such to run a bath worthy of a Daimyo, personal hygene had always been one of his stronger attributes.  Though perhaps she'd ask for something else... whatever it was he'd do his best.

Ki:

Her fingers curled around the bowl and she sat just inhaling the smells of the food before her as her once empty stomach adjusted to its new state. Soup had been a particularily good idea on his part and she was thankful for it. Not only was she warming rapidly but her body was unlikely to reject the milder food. Something rich may well have made her sick. "I am more a scholar." She confirmed solidly, her fingers playing with the bowls edge, "Soup always makes my nose drip, it is an oddly comforting feeling." A smile played across her face but settled back to mild interest as she listened to him speak. Kitty was observant, she had to give him that and while she could have argued it was impossible for her to prove that her way was the right way.

"It doesn't matter really, at least the memory of it is kept alive. I wonder sometimes if the other villages didn't speak another language once as well but were careless with their history. Anicient Mist was hit by a flood that ruined everything and Ancient Leaf  was hit by an unnatural disaster... I think at the same point Sand's village was burried beneath the sand. Cloud hardly stood up to the might of those three as it does now so we were capable of caring for the past a little better," that old book had disturbed her, the eye witness account of a missing nin who had come upon one after another ruined village. Her ancestors sister. 'I never questioned Cloud's care with strangers after that moment.'

His words and body language seemed a barely veiled request of her absense. Kiyo couldn't be made, maybe only a little sad at having to go out againsoon. He was genuinely thankful, she was certain of that, but he already had one girl to be taking care of. She didn't need a care taker of any sorts. "I... No it's fine. I think I should get going soon. You've given me soup and a place to warm up awhile and that is more than enough. I don't mind having come but well... I really shouldn't stay. I'll try my hardest come again tomorrow. " She wiped away the moisture from the bottom of her nose and knew she must look a little funny with her nose bright red. She'd stop at the bath house after this and perhapssee about something newer to wear. She should look the traveller, not the stinking vagabond. "I'msorry I can't be fo more help."

Ko:

He smiled and gave a half laugh at her comment about soup making her nose run, while he sat silently listening to her tales of the other villages.  Information he'd never heard of before, though should someone want to find it he was sure they'd be able to in the great library.  He agree'd that it was about keeping the language alive, after all that had been his intent all along and he wasn't worried about the accent of the language.  She turned down his offer, though assured him that she would do her best to arrive there the next day, he looked at her and smiled, a warm smile, he knew that he'd enjoy the conversation, and the ability to learn a little of the classical ancient language "It'd be nice to have you again.  You're welcome anytime, but of course I am an ANBU and sometimes find myself working unusual hours."  He took her lines as the end of the night with her and stood, he took a coat of his, one he didn't often wear but kept because it had been warm during his time before he was made ANBU and had been given different robes to wear.  Handing it towards her he smiled again "Perhaps you can return this to me once you have more appropriate clothing for the climate.  Unfortunately I don't have any footwear that would fit you." he didn't want her dying of the cold in the night time mountain air, he himself had learned a technique that could raise his body temperature in case he was caught without clothes for whatever reason.

Passing her the clothes he licked his thumb pressed and rubbed it against her forehead cleaning a small patch of dirt before leaning in and kissing it "Thank you for the help you offered and your wise words.  I would have been lost otherwise." they were close for a moment and then he stepped back, giving her space to put on the jacket and get ready to head to whatever home she lived in.  Though the thought made him realise something "You do have somewhere to stay don't you?"

Ki;

"Of course, that is the way of your occupation. Even on basic duties an Anbu can never know when they might need to be available. I never envied those in such an occupation. I only hope that you'll be available when the little girl wakes up. I doubt she'll remember exactly what has happened when she awakes." That was the last bit of advice she would offer on the matter. He could cook, his house was in order and the little girl seemed to know him welle nough; they would get along fine. With some luck the matter would be fixed with a chat. He'd likely look after her if it wasn't.

Gently she pushed the empty dishes away from herself androcked to her feet. They ached a little now that she'd been off them awhile but that bath would sooth them soon enough. Odd how being clean suddenly seemed important. "Thats alright kitty, Ragdolls don't wear shoes," she said softly. there were wrappings in her pocket that would suffice if the weather turned nasty but her feet had long ago grown strong enough to take the very worst. Somehow they remained fairly elegant dispite the bottoms resembling the pads on a cats foot. She didn't argue his offer of a coat but felt guilty as she took it into her arms. Kiyo would have to be sure to have it cleaned before she returned it; when had clean become an issue.

"Is it really that bad?" she asked, refering to her face. Before now he'd been flirty and had come near to touching her but his thumb scrubbing across her forehead seemed the first time she could remember him touching her tonight. The kiss that followed seemeda natural progression, her own parents had done the same, and yet it left her a little flustered all the same. "Ah- you're welcome. I...." the assurance that she had a place to stay died on her lips and all she could manage was a smile as she pulled on the jacket. It was larger on her and heavy but it would definitly keep her warm. "You've enough to be worrying about, I know how to take care of myself."


Ko:

He smiled at her asking about his cleaning her forehead, and he was a little surprised at her lack of moving away.  Yet she seemed flustered again, and suddenly he realised, his last thought was on the money.  She had no-where to go.  Frowning he took the coat from her with his left hand and his right moved around her and pressed into her back, she wasn't going anywhere.  "I couldn't possibly let you leave without somewhere to go.  Come with me, we'll run you a hot bath.  You can sleep with the kid and I'll sleep on the couch where I was going to be anyway." his tone left little argument, he had made his mind up, he wasn't going to let her out, no matter how she'd survived till now.  Idea's of what to do formulated in his head, and though he wouldn't force her against her will, he would place effort into convincing her to stay.  He'd already fed her, he was already kicked out of his bed, and there wasn't anything else her staying could inconveniance him with.


Ki:

Her first reaction was to dig her heels in both figuratively and mentally. The dirty soles of her feet left much to be desired in the way of traction; however, and she guessed that even had she had something to set her feet against the stronger arms of this man would make her move. Damned Anbu and their strength, she bet he'd carry her if she didn't comply.

Her second reaction was to argue verbally."There are plenty of places for a visitor to sleep within the city and a public bath is just as good. You don't need to worry about me like this. Honestly Kitty you don't even have a name,I could be some famed serial killer. Look the sad abandoned creature then stab you in the night. Worst case scenerio that is. I could just rob you... I've of half a mind to rob you...fine! I'll stay." Her jaw set like the of a child that had just been told she couldn't go out to play with her friends and she let him lead her about. She knew herself, and Kiyo would have been long gone by now had she the resolve to just go.

And thus she settled on pouting quietly.He'd even taken the jacket away so if she went now it'dbe colder than it might have been a moment ago. Hadn't she thought of tricking him into a bath earlier? Well she'dgotten her way, only after she'd decided it was best not to. "I'll start by stealing all your hot water." she nodded to herself as if it had been her idea all along. "Just don't expect a mirical with just some soup. I'd probably have to chopthe last twofeet ofmyhair off to even begin getting out the...everything."

Ko:

She at first pushed against his hand, yet he knew it wasn't a real attempt to get away, she could easily have twisted away from him, it seemed more like an effort to seem like she didn't want to stay.  She talked to him, and made idle threats as to what she might be, without realising that by doing so she was essentially writing herself off of those lists, and then she exclaimed that she'd stay.  By this time they were in the bathroom, it wasn't large but the bath could handle most inside it comfortably.  Above it was a shelf filled with oils and other bath liquids.  Closing the door he started to run the bath water, he moved in silence, occassionally giving her a look out the corner of his eye, taking a capfull of some liquid he placed it in the water and immediately the water slowly went a milky white, and filled the room with an aroma that though not overly pleasant wasn't unpleasant either.  Then he took a couple of other bottle and tipped a small amount of their contents into the water.  The oil spread out across the hot water and the previous smell was changed into the scent of a flowershop.

Turning to her in her rags his hands went to his hips "Have you finished complaining?" he grinned after he said it and moved against her, his hands moving over her clothes undoing the ties and buttons keeping it on, his fingers seemed well practiced at undoing other peoples clothes.  His head was over her shoulder as he undid a tie on the back of her neck and he whispered "For all you know I'm some kind of predator who uses his ANBU job to lull people into a false sense of security before bringing them back to my place where I convince them to take a bath and let me clean them." he pulled back to look at her face and smiled a very amused smile.  "Besides, given enough time I'm sure my fingers will be able to pry every small bit of dirt out of your every... last... crevace..." he said the last words slowly and winked at her afterwards, laughing as he moved away and behind her, his hands brushing against her form in the clothing as he took hold of it and slowly began to pull it off of her.


Ki:

Kiyo watched him start the bath silently. So0mething about the running water made her skin prickle, perhaps because she was used to wet meaning cold by now and bathes didn't come around too often. Her travels north had been the worst, she was sure she couldn't look any good at this time and there had been no help from locals. Supersticous village folk could be the worst and she hadn't been able to bring herself to cover her feet and pretend. Ninja were learned at staying alive in nature and she had been lucky.

The first new smell made her wrinkle her nose but as he added more to the water it became less offensive if not less harsh on her sensitive nose. She felt lucky that she wasn't an Inuzuka  at that moment, she guessed one of those sensory enhanced people might feel ill about now. As it was, the sound of the water filling the tub was almost head pain inducing. Another reason to have gone for something more public. Also she could have rinsed off rather than dirtying the water that she was going to have to sit in.

Hands on her clothing startled Kiyo from her thoughts and she tried to shit away from Kitty as he pulled away at her clothes. Protesting words were cut of by more animalistic sounds of protest as she tried to bat his hands away. When he moved behind her she could only cling at the clothing that threatened to fall away and listen to his threatening words. His threats sounded much more convincing, a prang of worry tightened the muscle between her shoulder blades. "?f?ste ta d??t??? µ?? ?a sa? p?????? ?a?a????. I can wash myself kitty, I don't need a chaperon to bathe."

Ko:

He laughed in his head at her meek protests at his touch and then he let her be "Let me know if you need anything ragdoll" he said as he left the bathroom and grabbed his coat darting off into the night.  He headed towards the clan house and found one of his sisters, explaining the situation he managed to gather some of her stuff, and headed back towards his place amid a bunch of wolf whistles that embarrissed him slightly.  Arriving back at his house only ten minutes later he moved towards the door and knocked on it before opening and entering "Here are some clothes you can wear." he said to her hanging them on a hook behind the door.  Turning back towards her the milky water hid anything private from view but he could already see the difference on her face.  "I should go." he stumbled, his face going red and he moved to leave.

Ki:

He was gone as fast as he'd comeandKiyo was left with the quiet bathroom and the sound of his receeding foot steps. They did not stop otherside but continued on until she heard the house door open then click shut. Only then did Kiyo move, removing her clothing layer by layer, He;d done an amazing job of removing each clasp that held the old fabric in place andshe had to wonder if it had been planned or pure skill. 'I don't know which sets me off more, the idea that he was undressing me in his mind until now or that he's skilled enough to unwrap and the nessasary links in such a short span of time."

Despite their wear Kiyo was careful with each layer of clothing, she folded each neatly and set them in a safe place so that they would not damp from being too near the bath. They still looked a little lumpy and sad but that could have been fromthe things in her pockets. Last to go were the wrappings that had hid away her marks of status along her arm. Tiny, neatly placed symbols for anbu, for her village and the more intercate and less known one that marked Kage. Less than an inch wide and placed on the wrist, it was impossible to remove and would always be with her. 'Stupid traditions.'

The water changed colour quickly as she stepped inand sat down inside the tub.She took a long minute just to soak then turned her attention to using the water and soap to work out the dirt on her skin and the tangles in her hair. The difference was phenomonal, she couldnt remember her skin being this light a colour or...pink.

Her ears heard Kitty return and she was able to turn her bodyinsuch a way that he couldnt have seenmuch even had the water been clear when she realised this room was his goal again. Colour rose lightly to her face anyways but she merely pulled her half cleaned hairto the side."In or out buy if its in make yourself useful and wash my back.'Irredgradles she went back to picking part the strands of her hair while humming under her breath to be able to see her work.

Ko:

He stopped, unsure of what to do, he decided to do as he wanted and turned slowly.  He moved around behind the bath tub grabbing a large sea spong he had he looked at the water, slightly off white with the dirt, though the cleansing qualities of that liquid would kill any bugs in it.  Dropping the sponge into the water he rolled up his sleeves, his words were soft, no matter how he looked at this, this was intimate "Lean forward for me?" he asked though it wasn't so much a request as letting her know he was ready to match her request.  The sound of the water lapping around her body... that combined with her now smooth beautiful skin within reach, his hand took the sponge and he slowly started to rub it over her back "You look beautiful like this." his voice was low, his other hand ran the back of a finger lightly against her side, wanting to shift forwards and fondle a breast, but he kept it somewhat under control "Your skin is so soft." he said in a voice filled with wonder.  He was getting lost in his own fantasy world as he cleaned her back.  "My name is Koumyou."

Ki:

Water had been an interesting sensation to get used to when her eyes had left her. The echoing of water made it difficult to see the same way she did in the air and at first it had seemed likea grey mass of moving shape. As time went by she had been able to grasp the depth of things but it was still interesting to have her arms melt into water and losetheir connection to the world. She pushed at the dirty bath water, creating waves in the water which rippled across her vision in interesting patterns and drew hermind from the odd request she'd made.

Kitty would have left her alone had she only said her thanks. She might have enjoyed the rest of her bath in solitude rather than this uncomfortable situation she had created for herself. Was she so starved for people that she'd allow someone to touch her in such an intimate situation? Apparently so. As he moved about the room she curled in on herselfso that her legs protected the more scandalous parts of her body. Whather positioncould not do her long hair did for censoring and it was like that she was able to relax and allow him to wash.

The bones of her spine were easy to count like this and it was apparent that whatever she'd eaten before hadn't left much in the way of weight on the rest of her body. The dirty clothing had been bulky enough and while she wasn't sickly in any way or starved she wasn't all soft rounded curves. The touch at her side caused a sharp intake of breath but she neither moved in protest or approval. "?? ?e?? e??a? p???s?," she murmered quietly against her knees, her voice neutral as well.

A long silence followed the giving of his name, punctuatedbut the sound of water and their breathing. The smell of a flower shop and moisture, Koumyou, and the connection was set. "Kiyo..."

Ko:

He could feel something in the air, it was heavy and hot, maybe it was just the steam mixed with the scents and smells of the room, but his hand slipped around tracing along her rib lines and down.  His fingers were hesitant, any motion or sound that she didn't want it he'd stop, but he wanted to pull her back in the water towards him.  It had been a rather emotional day, filled in order with lust, aggrevation, panic, relief, concern and now back to lust.  Though he wondered if he had been the only to feel this way, she'd stumbled a couple of times as well, and her face seemed to redden around him occassionally.  He just wanted to pull her back, wrap his arms around her and embrace her silently his voice whispered, not wanting to spoil the moment "A beautiful name."

Ki:

The water swirled dengerously near the tobs edge as she surged forward and away from the arms that might had grabbed aold of her. Her heart beat was in her ears now and no doubt the heat on her  skin was all the blame on the bath now. She hadn't taken his earlier threats seriously but now they stood out in her mind along with any number of worst case scenerios. The wasn't an uncommon scene for her, some even thought they were doing her a favor. "Kitty, that isn't make back," she managed to say, ignoring the name he'd whispered to her mere moments before. What was she thinking, of course it would seemlike an extended invitation. (Had it been?)

Rather then huddle in the water and wait for what he might do; Kiyo stood and glared over her shoulder if only to express his disapproval. It was her tangled heaps of hair that saved her again from showing more then she might have been comfortable with if not spurred on nerves. Beneath it all a tiny peice of her hoped for him to press forward and she cursed her own tangled mind. "Is there a towel to go along with the clothing or should I expect to air dry." She spoke in her best authoritative voice, the one that expected what she wanted ten minutes ago.


Ko:

His eyes dropped as did his hands.  He had risked it all and felt like he'd been completely rejected.  There was a pain in his chest and he frowned, why did this girl have such a hold on him?  Gah, he'd had many girls, could have many more, why did one girls opinion matter?  Clearly he was just emotionally open right now, that's what he had to put it down to, his emotions were playing tricks with him, that must be it.  His hands clenched as did his eyes as he stood and moved to get a towel.  Picking it up he took in a deep breath, and moved back, he kept his eyes diverted, his mind having decided that she didn't want the attention he was giving her "There's a robe amongst the nightwear, I'll leave you to get yourself sorted."

Turning the pain in his chest wouldn't leave him alone, so he had to force it away.  He moved to the kitchen, pouring himself a glass and filling it with wine.  Alcohol would calm his frayed nerves, it would let him sleep, even though he hated resorting to it.  When she arrived in the room he would offer her a glass as well, and then take them to the couch where his view over the village in lights could be seen.  His mind whirred, she was so demanding, so off hand, so cold.

Ki:

Kiyo stood silently until he left the room, with her chin tilted high and all her awareness on him. She took the towel, wrapped it around herself and continued to wait. She should have thanked him, she should have explained her discomfort,she should have kissed his cheek and eased his mind but it was allshe coulddoto keep her legs straight and not shake.

But then the door clicked shut and there was no one to stay strong for but herself. She didn't need to be strong for herself; Kiyo stumbled out from the water and collapsed silently against the wall. It took several deep breaths to calm her heart down but her hands still shook as she reached for the clothing he'd left for her. They were obviously cut for a woman and she connected theleaving his house with these. He'd taken the time and she'd obviously been hurtful... Kiyo pulled the clothing on, surprised at the feel of clean clothes on clean skin.

She didnt bother asking for a comb, she was sure he'd insist on one anyways and instead walked out of the bathroom. She stood using her fingers to work at the worst of the knots and watched him with his wine. "Thank-you...." she murmered, the under lying 'I'm sorry.' there if you listened hard enough. She agreed to the wine, taking a seat on the couch but leaving more than enough space for him to sit. "My hair is still a mess..."

Ko:

She walked out, her fingers pulling through her hair and she looked... amazing.  Heat moved to his face as she took the wine, her voice sounding like the way he felt and he caught the hidden meaning behind it.  His eyes met hers and he smilled a little, they sat on the couch and his mind was too caught up in his own feelings and emotions to realise that she needed a brush.  Her words however alerted him to this fact "I'm sorry, I'll go get you a brush." he placed the glass filled with the red liquid on the table and headed off to get his hair brush.  Her hair wasn't much longer than his own so he figured his own brush should do the trick.  Sneaking quietly into and then back out of his room the girl was still sleeping soundly.  He moved back to the couch and sat next to Kiyo and handed it to her "It'll probably be best if you do it, so many knots I wouldn't want to hurt you." he said, his eyes gazing into hers and a small smile on his lips "I'm sorry if I'm acting like a child, I just... I don't know how you feel." he was unblinking, as if within the fraction of a second he lost sight of her she might dissapear.

Ki:

Kiyo took the brush and slipped from the couch to the floor. her legs she stretched out in front of her, the toes pointed in cutely. Despite the obvious abuse her feet might go through they had remained an elegant shape and unmaimed; though the nails could have used a clipping. The flanel of the pijamas he had leant her covered the top of her feet comfortably and hid away her legs but had he actually taken the time to look early in the bathroom her legs had been surprisingly hairless. They felt warm and comfortable in the softer fabric; Kiyo's previous pants had been hard with wear and age and had by this point done little to keep her warm. The tear in the leg had only made an air conditioned effect. She leaned her head forward, pulling her hair to the right of her head and unwittingly exposing ehr neck to him. Her hair had kept the skin there well protected from the sun and wind, the single birthmark settled just below her ear in the shape of a star contrasting hard against the pale cream complexion. Whatever lay beneath the collar of the matching flanel shirt was likely to be equally nice, though he'd seen her back earlier. Thick, dark lashes flickered over her cheeks as she blinked to keep her eyes clear though they seemed to droop slightly as fatigue from the day and the comfort in being clean set in. There were somany things she wanted to give intobut just wouldn't.

Under her breath she hummed a tune to make the strands she picked through meticulously stand out in her vision. What had seemed like brown hair earlier with dirt and even while wet now showed a more dark red shade as it dryed and yet it showed no sign of curling. She paused in her humming only when he spoke and she tried to cover her discomfort over his statement by taking along drink of wine. Wine and wet hair smell; she wasn't sure what this moment was but no doubt it stood out.

"I feel rather clean but you're probably right...it's best if I work on these," Kiyo truned the brush over in her hands and swiped gently at her hair; not forcing her way through but patiently alloing the knots to work their way out though she was sure she'dneed to pry the worst of them apart with her fingers soon. "Thank-you, you've been kind despite the nature of our meeting. It leaves me confused but Ilike to think this is only kindness..."

Ko:

He nodded and listened to her light singing, sipping from his wine he looked out the window at Kumogakure.  To a common eye it'd seem so quiet and peaceful, the lanterns lighting the quiet near dead streets as only a few shop keepers and such guided pack animals to their shot to resupply them.  To his eyes however he could see the shadows dancing, the shinobi of the village keeping constant watch or even mearly heading home in the way that seems most natural to them after all their training.  Moving in the couch till he was behind her his hands moved to her shoulders and started to press his thumb into them, rubbing in slow circles a blue chakra humming around his hands as he massaged the muscles with a healing jutsu "So where did you go?" he asked idly looking out the window still.  He had heard her earlier mention something about not returning, and hadn't brough it up at the time, deciding to wait for a better moment for it.  This seemed like one.  He knew she was combing her wet hair, and it was slowly regaining a shine and a straighness to it that he was sure it was once used to.  His mind diverted suddenly to a scene with her letting out animalistic groans her arms and legs wrapped around him before he managed to shake it out of his mind.  Not the time for those thoughts, though he was male, so some had to be forgiven.

Ki:

The section of hair she'd so patiently been brushing at finally gave way, the brush cutting through and leaving the sectionsmooth and gleaming The triumphant cry she'd meant to give off turned to pleased mewl as his fingers pressed into her shoulders. She'dbeen aware of hismoving but Kiyo had not expected such a familiar gesture from him. Again there was that fear he was seeking out to take advantage of her but each time she might have mustered the strength to complain he found another tense little knot.

She'd not wanted to speak of these things but but before she knew it the words were pouring from her lips. What was the harm anyways, she held no power to have what she'd done used against her. "I went north first, there was no plan. People became scarce and eventually I was left wondering only why I did not let the cold take me. I met people, they were kind and thenI went west and south past the borders of sand. I met a woman there and learned from her awhile... sacrificed a bit of what i was for what I wanted then turned east. In mist I've distant family and was welcome there until I was ready to move on. Then a smell reminded me of home and I turned back towards what I knew... I don't know if it was the most correct choice. Kumo and I, we might still be incompatable. So long...one can hope can't they?"

Another lock gave way to her ever moving hands and she paused to drink more wine before moving on to the next. Eventually she would need to stop his hands. A blush creeped across her face, deepening with each minute that ticked by. "Any place that would have Aion ov-..." her mumbling fell into incoherence andKiyo shook her head gently. "You will put me to sleep with that..."

Ko:

He could feel the knots fall away under the jutsu, it was a nice combination a medical shinobi had taught him.  Applying the pressure caused the muscle some pain, but instead of letting the pain generate dopeamine in the brain before relaxing the muscle he was skipping the middleman and was healing the muscle and allowing it to do so early.  Continuing to rub as she told her story.  Her breathing was changing he could feel her resistence slowly slip away and she cut off from what she was saying, his thumbs moved to the base of her neck "This combined with your bath I wouldn't be surprised.  You must have seen some wonderous things." he prompted as they rubbed small circles slowly up to the base of her head.

He was enjoying her stoy and wanted her to continue, though he was prompting to go back to the travels, it was clear that she would have more enjoyable things to say about that than about this Aion person.

Ki:

Slowly as his fingers worked over her back the brush worked out the knots of her hair. For all it had looked like a terrible mess, Kiyo had been able to save herself the grief of a pair of sissors and the lack of washing had left her hair in errily good shape. With each passing moment it promised to be as soft and smooth as silk thread. Evntually the brush was no longer needed and she set it aside with satisfied sigh. The amount of hair tangled within the bristles was alomst gruesome.

Kiyo curled her feet up against her body, leaning comfortably on her knees so that she could simply enjoy the feel of his hands working out years worth of muscle damage and stress. She had always had a good grasp of the healing arts but never at a skill level that would leave her completely without injury. he was no mednin either but the patient kneading combined with the ability to combine massage made the entire experience much more fruitful.  "I feel human. I can't be certain on if this is good or not."

She paused in thought, searching for the correct words before continuing on," Wonderous? The grass only really seems greener on the other side. I find Kumo to be the most wonderous place..." A smile played over her lips though it wasnt likely he could see it from this angle,"I miss seeing it..."


Ko:

A rush of wind passed through his nose as he laughed silently, a smile on his own lips.  He looked up and out of his window the lights of Kumogakure and the pleasant feeling of home, yes he could understand enjoying Cloud more than anywhere else, though he wondered how long she must have been away for to travel so far and wide.  It didn't matter much, it seemed that she was happy to be home, despite no apparent lodgings.  "Lean your head back and rest it on my lap so that you are facing the ceiling." he suggested waiting for her responce.  A finger gently traced a line down the side of her skull to her small dainty ear then down her neck  and back up again.  "Even if Kumogakure was the most wonderous the other countries must have some places of interest surely." he said relatively amused that she'd avoided his question in a way.  She hadn't pushed his hands away so he could safetly assume she was enjoying herself, and he secretly admitted to himself he enjoyed that.


Ki:

All her awarness was focused on him now; the way he blinked; the level of his breathing and the hands moving across her neck. The hum of his voice as he spoke made everything vivid for one lovely moment and then it died away to the soft echos of the fire and their breathing. It seemed like a natural progression of things tosimply doashe said and turn her head back as he'd instructed. Whatever discomfort there had been over the way he touched her neckfromtheremelted away with the warm feeling themoment presented. She should have been upset over the way his fingers moved over herneck, these things made her uncomfortable and it had an echo to it like the moment in the bathroom and yet...'would I have moved away had he washed my back a little longer?' The thought frightened her but a wince was the only outward sign of any discomfort.

"Why? Thinking of taking a vacation?" her voice came out at a pitch higher then before and slightly strained. Even if she could see through them there was something more assuring to having her eyes closed while she basically stretched her neck out before him. Hopefully he wouldn't cut it, she wasn't in a mood to die today. 'Mist is good for a little sun and beach but well... the people leave something to be desired."


Ko:

She hesitated for a bare moment, something one wouldn't realy notice, yet when her neck rolled back against his knee's, her head resting on his lap he looked down and smiled his fingertips brushing a few loose strands of hair off her face as he answered her query "Not at all, I was curious.  I've never left Cloud." then his thumbs pressed into the middle of her forehead rubbing circles slowly with more distance growing between them as they headed towards her temples.  "So what was the reason for your departure at any rate?" his voice was soft and he was very interested to find out what the story was with her travels, had she left to get a break from shinobi life, or perhaps from someone.  The details didn't matter, he just liked to talk.  His thumbs moved to her nose pressing lines and rubbing from just under the corner of her eyes up the bridge of the nose to the space between her eyebrows before running down the forehead ending where he'd ended the earlier part of the facial massage.  Besides... he thought to himself ...maybe it'll give a clue as to why she was at the tower and demanded entry to that room.

Ki:

"Mmm perhaps you'll be able to  let your feet take you tonew places one day. Not just on missions but away for the sake of being away," His hands moving ofer her head melt amazing and whileit might have been easy to thing up all the different ways he could have doneaway with her, it wasnicer just to turn off her brainfor awhile. She whimpered audibly for their ears as his fingers reached her temple but the sound was obviously brought on be pleasure rather than pain. It occured to her to feel badly about. "Where were you a dcade ago, mmm thats perfect."

As the moments passed her head grew heavy andwhileKiyo was aware he was speaking to her she couldnt be bothered to make sense of any of it. More questions, questions and then evenmore questions and each one would demand perfectly constructed sentances that answered his curiousity and kept her true past secret. She was warm and relaxed and he'd even given her wine; it was a very crafty ploy.

"I'm on to you," Kiyo mumbled sleepily, a self pleased grin passing over her face,making her look very much the cat who'dfound a mice hole. Her shoulders rolled against his knees as she settled herself back into a position of greater comfort. "I'll lose my mystique if I keep answering your questions and being interesting gets me food or well in this case wine though thats pretty crafty."

Ko:

She was now audibly reacting to him, the wine combined with the tiring effect of the bath and his massaging fingers had her feeling good.  And he could hear it.  He whispered "Close your eyes." as she continued talking to him as his thumbs were about to start rubbing the muscles just below the eyes in small circles from the nose outwards, very slowly and this time lingering once they got to the temples.  His thumbed pressed against the edges of the skull around the dip.

Her words pleased him as well as she asked where he had been a decade ago, though that brought up the question of her age he knew better than to say anything.  Taking the tips of his three central fingers he then started to rub down and along her jaw.  "I'm glad you want to remain interesting, that tells me you like me and want me to like you." he said and smiled down at her as his fingers finished the massage.  "You look like you should go to bed, though if you feel up to it you can come up here." he lent back on the couch and pat the seat next to him.  To be honest he wasn't sure which option she'd take, spend more time with him, in a seat where she'd be unable to avoid physical contact with him, or bed where she could sleep with sweet dreams.

Ki:

Half way to sleep already, Kiyo felt no trouble in letting her eyes shut fully so that he could continue his minstrations. She could remember a hearer doing something similar in far back and fuzzier memories and yet those lost their sweetness along with the sharp crack of bone setting itself back into place and the overwhelming feeling of pain. In the moment she felt nothing but spoiled; even if he was of a mind to coerce past and future from her lips. The sigh she let out as he reached her temples was nothing short of blissful and Kiyo found herself felting against his knees.

"Would a boring person be getting such a massage? No, I think not." Surprisingly there were no more questionsthis time and she was left to sit and be warm and comfortable for a long moment before he made what seemed to be two very reasonable suggestions. Carefully she plucked her wine glass from the floor and took a long drink while fully regarding him and her options.

Bed would be warm of course. There would be blankets and pillows and even if she had to share it with the young heroine of her own personal tragedy, there wasn't likely to be much fuss. Children tended to react far less harshly to a stranger of the same gener sharing their bed then an adult. Sleep went along with bed of course and so long as Koumyou did not turn out to be of some sort of danger... she would be off in the morning and on her way.

The couch on the outher hand was just somuch closer! Kiyo was generally not one to believe in instant gratification but in this case it was very, very tempting. Perhaps he'd rub her feet if she tucked herself up properly against his side and who said she couldn't sleeplike that.It was unlike herself but at the moment Kiyo felt as much unlike herself as she could have.

Sluggishly Kiyo uncurled herself, stretching legs before her, arms above her and spine back. The sleepy smile he'd produced didn't leave her face as she stood and deposited herself in a sleepy heap in the space he'd supplied. "I'm here on the temporary besis that you'll engage mein and interesting and soically fullfilling conversation. Satisfy my demands or I discontinue the precious resource of my time!........Entertain me!"

Ko:

She was sleepy and he could see, yet she chose to sit next to him, he could almost her her mind ticking over the pro's and cons to such an action and he laughed in his head as she made her decision.  As she sat in the small corner of the couch he couldn't help but have her brush against him and he her, yet in her flanel pijama's he wondered if her skin would feel as soft as the material itself in this moment.  As she got comfortable she spoke, and in a very long drawn out manner she essentially said dance monkey dance.  He grinned a mischeivous grin as she said it and turned his body towards her before his hands darted out, moving under her flanel top and tickling her sides.  He knew this wouldn't be the kind of behaviour she'd wanted, or the kind of thing she would be used to, however after saying something like that.  Yet her body would be warm and more sensitive than normal from the bath and what could he think but that she deserved it.  As he tickled her relentlessly he spoke several small short sentences, teasing her for what she'd just said and making a point.
"What was that?"
"Did I hear something?"
"Is this entertaining you?"
"Well?"
"I'm sorry I couldn't make out what you said there."
"Come again?"

As he did this he naturally moved closer and closer to her, till they were almost nose to nose, only then did he realise how close he was and stopped a little shocked at that.  It hadn't been in his plans, it had just... happened.  A small, nearly silent "uhhh" escaped his lips as he was unsure what to do next.  He knew what he wanted to do, but that wouldn't be conversation "So when was the last time you were tickled?" the words were uncertain, he knew he was fumbling, but he knew that just going for it wouldn't get him anywhere, and besides this hadn't been what he'd aimed for, so he figured he'd make use of the situation for conversational purposes, and yet he didn't move away.

Ki:

Kiyo had been so warm, so comfortable and buried in the cloud soft pijama's shemight have fallen asleepeven sitting there by the sideof someone she'd been nervous over being in the company of this entire time. He'd given her a chance to escape though and yet her sleep driven mind had taken the easiest course in movement. Her comments had been an attempt at putting him at arms length so that he wouldn't take her laziness as anything but so when he moved towards her Kiyo had only the worst situation in mind. When his hands slide up the sides of her topit wasn't her sides that she first moved to protect and when his fingeres started the dance of torture she was just to slow to get his hands away before she melted into a gooey, defenslessmass of giggles.

"Ah!"
"N-no p-please!"
"NO!"
"I Can-n't-"
"Kou!"
"I can't breath!"

It took Kiyo a fair bit longer to realise how close he was now. Perhaps it was the gasping for breath after having every bit of air she'd managed to suck in escape just as quickly in fits of giggles or perhaps it was the fact that she wasnot operating of the nerves and hormones of a young male. When her breathing did calm down two things about the moment did stand out to her. He was nervous suddenly and his hands were still up her shirt. An amused smile broke out over Kiyo's face and affectionately she patted the side of his face.

"I broke the nose of the last guy to try," she mumbled, needlessly turning her face away to look for a whine glass when she didnt at all need her eyes. She wasn't particularily interested in drinking much more of the stuff but the glass made a nice barrier between her face and him. There had to be some hormones mixed into this entire mess and attractive as he was she wasn;t about to let him rush at her simply because she was a presentable piece of meat. "That wasn't entertaining."

Ko:

Breaking out of his discomfort he grinned "Depends on where you were I guess, I found it incredibly entertaining to watch your stiff demeanour melt into a fit of laughter." smiling his elbows pressed against the couch and lifted him away from her, his far hand drifted slowly down her stomach his fingers teasing the skin across the front of the PJ pants and along her near leg, his other arm pushed slightly around, gently brushing against her back.

He placed some pressure on her back, but not much, it was pressure clearly aimed at moving her towards him, however he'd already decided that he wouldn't use his strength to get what he wanted, he'd let her decide on how close she wanted to be.  Leaning back he closed his eyes.


Ki:

Her violet eyes twitches then narrowed dangerously though the true malice of the look wasn't turned correctly towards him. She opened her mouth to protest being called stiff in any way but choked on her own words as she felt his hands move across her. A deep blush crossed her cheeks and the glass in her hand came dangerously close to spilling over."I-I'm not stiff!" she protested shakily, her body twitching uncomfortably as she moved away fromhis hand only to realise it only brought her closer to him.

A frustraited sound came from her throat as she resolved to move only a little closer while still trying to maintain some sort of comfort. there was still the glass between them to defend herself, if she wanted to defend herself. "Kitty..." she mumbles shyly while tilting her chin away from him, "I told you, I'm not a toy."

Ko:

He smiled as he felt her move closer to him, her cheeks flushed crimson as she turned her head away from him, it was almost as though this was her last defence, her words previously strong and definate, pushing him away had faltered to a mumble, shaking.  Her body posture had gone from grubby but regal to clean, though still she held an air of regality, just with a definate beginning of relaxation creeping in.  Leaning in slowly his further arm had moved back to her side, now that she'd moved closer to him it was easy, though he didn't dare move his hand to her hips.  His face moved closer as well, yet not in a direction that would be intimate, more looking in a similar direction to where she was looking, but more angled towards her, his voice came softly "You have a lovely profile."  It was another carefully laid trap, what was she to do?  She knew he'd be there looking towards her, and the way she was now she couldn't let him get away with that, he hoped she'd turn her face towards him for then their faces would be so close their noses would meet.

The arm around her back moved up to her shoulder letting her snuggle her shoulder under his armpit should she choose to, though of course doing so would be a sign of her letting him have control.  In this fraction of a moment he wondered what path she'd choose, what direction she would take.  Was she going to let herself have what she clearly desired, or was she too stubborn and would she deny herself some of lifes little pleasures.


Miyako:

Miyako was sound asleep for a long while, gently snoring.  She unconsciously wrapped herself tightly into the blanket, as if she were a caterpillar inside of a chrysalis.  The warmth dragged her even deeper into her slumber, and she began to dream.

There was a vast field, with tall blades of grass, and giant trees.  The wind was blowing slightly, and the clouds danced across the sky.  Miyako was in the middle of the field, with her parents.  They were enjoying a light picnic in the sunny, yet pleasurable weather.  While she could not make out the words, her family's faces were all happy, and smiling.  There was laughter in the atmosphere, so much that she felt as though it were almost real.  There was a great big smile on her face in particular, and she seemed to be telling a story that the three of them deemed entertaining.  The conversation went on for a long time, and every so often a cloud would pass in front of the sun, casting an enormous, playful shadow on the green grassy fields.  Birds could be heard singing cheerful tunes, but they were as good as invisible.  No matter how hard you looked, you wouldn't be able to find them.  Miyako was laughing happily, and was enjoying the time that she was spending with her family.  But then, suddenly, the entire mood changed.

A cloud moved in front of the sun again, but this time, it seemed as though the cloud spanned endlessly across the sky.  The sun had been blocked out for what seemed like more than an hour, when Miyako's parents began to argue.  It progressed from slight disagreements on topics such as diet, careers and politics, to even harsher comments about the pastimes of the two.  As time passed, it got to the point where Miyako's father lashed out at her mother, with his hand brutishly moving across her face.  It was at this moment when he stood up and walked away into the distance, as the girl's mother ran in the opposite direction.  Miyako was left alone, confused, in the dark field.  The grass became a blackish color, and the trees seemed to be getting taller by the second.  She could hear vicious growls surface as the singing of the birds died out.  There were red, glowing eyes surrounding her, in almost every direction.  She only saw a slight opening in front of her, and without hesitation, she sped off in that direction.

She got to a small space where there was no grass, just soil and trees, and she could see someone she recognized in the distance.  It was Koumyou.  She ran towards the figure, but she didn't seem to get any closer.  Then another figure appeared.  It seemed to be a woman.  Miyako remembered seeing her in the square.  Of course, she didn't know anything about this new person.  The two far-off figures were in conversation, with Miyako still trying to reach them.  Then, they both looked at her, smirking, before turning away and walking into the distance.  The poor girl then cried out, trying harder to reach Koumyou, but unable to do so.  Around her the glowing eyes began to close in, forming the shapes of wolves and other frightening creatures.  The kept getting closer and closer, and the world around her grew darker, until everything was black, except for those looming eyes.  One of the creatures jumped out at her with fangs and claws exposed, and Miyako screamed with fright.

It was then that the girl rolled onto the floor and awoke with a jolt.  She struggled to get out of her blanket cocoon, before running out of the room with tears streaming down her face.  She was in such a panic that while running towards her friend, she slipped on the floor and fell onto her backside, still sobbing heavily.  Koumyou and the strange woman were not too far away, only a few steps.  The girl was too shaken up to notice anything that was happening at the time.

Ki:

"Cat..."

A strange mix of emotions washed across the young woman's face as she tried desperately to show nothing. The discipline she'd always prided herself on achieving was as far awat fromher as any dream had seemed to leap. Embarassment for the first and most understandable and thus the heat that rose at her cheeks rather then move to remove the veiw she also seemed to secretly preen under the attention. Followed by that was the anxiety and discomfort as her tired mind caught up with her actions. Why,what didhe expect? Did this boy think her so cheap and easy as to be won over by a bit of kindness? Kiyo would have slept in the streets first. These weren't her terms though andthus no matter the sincerity ofthe moment she could not be comfortable.

He'd be able to feel her boneyshoulders, betrayal of a hard year, tense beneath his hand and she pulled her weight back from him.

"Stop, please stop. I'd rather..." she began, her voice wavering, only to be cut off by the whimpers then cry of the little girl she'dnearly forgotten about in the face of the bundle of seduction that was Kitty. Her first instinct was to go and help the fallen girl but to be helped by a stranger would just be frightening. "Ah, poor thing."

Ko:

He felt her push away, and he let her, her sharp bones dug into his arm as he let her gain some distance between the two.  As he did so however he was distracted, completely not listening to Kiyo's words he saw that Miyako had gotten up and had tears glistening on her cheeks, her quiet sobs barely audible, but clear to both the members of the room.  Koumyou was quick, without thinking he was up and over the couch and moved to where she had falled "Hey there, you ok Miyako?" he said as his hands wrapped around her small form pulling her up into his arms.  Standing he moved back to the couch, this time to the opposite corner of where Kiyo sat, and placed himself down.  "There there, it's ok, we're here now." he said, his voice light and lilting, an attempt to calm the child.

Mi:

Miyako was still in a sense of confusion when Koumyou walked over and lifted her up, holding her close to his body.  His warmth was comforting to the young girl, as it had been a long time since anyone had held in such a position.  Soon enough, they were on the couch, and the older male was speaking to her in a calming manner.  She wiped her face and breathed deeply, trying to calm herself down.  She tried to give an explanation of what she had 'seen'.

"There was grass and trees and then my parents...my..."  Miyako stopped short as she remembered the situation at hand.  A frown was situated on her face.  She looked at Koumyou in a pleading manner.  Her eyes were still somewhat red and swollen from the crying, but they were clear now.

Ki:

Kiyo didn't wait on the couch as he went to Miyako but stood and moved to the kitchen. She'd watched him make tea earlier so it was simple enough for Kiyo to retrace his movements and set the brewing of the warm drink in motion. She kept herself aware of the situation between the two like the fact that he'd moved the girl to the couch and the strange descriptionof the girl's nightmare but it was still for the best that she not be too close. The last thing the little girl needed was to feel she needed to compete for Koumyou's attention.

Leaving the water to heat up; Kiyo quietly moved from the kitchen to the bedroom and fetched the blanket that had been abandoned on the floor. Just as quietly she moved back to the couch and settled the blanket around the girl's shoulders. She spared a cryptic smile for Koumyou then headed back to the kitchen to keep herself out of the way."Trees in a dream signify new hopes as well as protection; grass may suggest a more natural protection or finding strength in ones self. Not an uncommon mix with parents," she spoke outloud more to herself then to them but it still held an element of conversation.

Ko:

He heard what Kiyo had to say about what little Miyako had said so far, he turned his head towards her and politely and calmly spoke "Yes please." nodding towards the heating up water before he turned his attention back to the girl.  "Go on Miyako, tell us what happened." he smiled reassuringly to her, he was wondering what had troubled her and was glad that at least they were in a more private location, here she could let him know exactly what had gone on.

Mi:

Miyako felt a blanket drop down on her shoulders and she looked back to see the "strange" woman walking away towards the kitchen.  The girl watched her for a moment as she gave explanations as to what some of the elements of her dream could symbolize.  The only thing that bothered her was when she said it wasn't an uncommon mix with parents.  At that moment, Miyako really didn't like how her parents were.  Arguments are one thing, but...

Before she had any more time to think about the situation, Koumyou addressed her and asked what happened.  Of course, he could be asking about the dream or what happened before, with her parents.  Though she could have sworn she had told him the latter already.  Unsure of how to respond, she simply said,  "Come again?"

Ki:

Kiyo watched the girl watch her though she did not meet the girls eyes as she moved about the kitchen. It was entirely possible that the girl had only just noticed her there at all and yet at very least there didn't seem to be any malice over her extra presence. Perhaps cryptic words hadn't been the most intelligent of ice breakers, especially with a child, but Kiyo had always been known for her charisma. Of course there was still hope.

She answered Kyoumou with a nod, her eyes turning to the slowly heating water. The water must have mostly still been warm to be heating so quickly but if she thought about it realistically, Kiyo had only been here a few hours. Dealing with the matters Kitty liked to drag up made time seem to grind by at an unfavorable pace.

"I believe he meant your dream. You said there were grass and trees and your parents but that doesn't seem so scary so there must have been more to frighten you like that," she spoke calmly without a hint of anything but mild concern and neutrality, as if her troubles were the only thing they needed to sort out at this moment. Truly they were and the little girl couldn't have known the descision she had saved Kiyo from having to make.

Ko:

He didn't need to answer the question as Kiyo did it for him, he nodded letting her know that that is exactly what he meant.  Sitting there patiently he waited to hear the girl out and listen to her story.  The way she'd appeared let him know that it couldn't be good, couldn't just be her and her parents by a tree, there was more.  His hand moved up and down her back reassuringly trying his best to sooth her.


Mi:

"Well...the trees were really really huge, right...and...my parents argued...and...then my dad...he...he hit my mom...and they walked away in different directions...then it got really dark...and there was something in the grass...like..wolves...and..." The girl stopped, trying to keep herself from crying in order to finish her story.  She wiped the tears that began to build up again in the corners of her eyes.  "Then...then...I started to run to get away, and I saw you...and that lady..." As she said this she pointed at Kiyo passively, still wiping her eyes.  "Then...I saw you...and...you both looked at me...and then you walked away, and I couldn't catch up...and then a wolf jumped at me...and then I woke up..."  Without thinking, the small, shaken girl launched herself at the door to the living quarters, and ran outside, not knowing where she was going.

Ki:

To her ear the water seemed to come to boil far sooner that the normal ear might have heard and soon the whistle of the kattle was near headache inducing. With one ear covered she pulled the water away from it's heat but it left a nasty right in her ear that made making out the quiet conversation difficult. Rather than give away her discomfort; Kiyo simply set about filling the cups with water for each of them. If nothing else the tea would be a good distraction for the girl.

She was aware of being pointed to and as the sound came back to her sensitive ears she could almost hear the heightening levels of stress in the child but she wasn't prepared for the small childs sudden launch from the couch and even out the door. With a small shocked sound she wrestled the kettle to the counter at the same time reacting with an order she herself couldn't expect to fill.

"Ah, you need to go after her Kitty!"

Ko:

She got up and ran after giving him a brief description of her nightmare, he stood and hesitated, Kiyo was about done with the tea when it happened and he looked at her as she said the obvious "You're not dressed for outside, not at this time of night.  Feel free to use my house like it were your own, I'll be back later, I've gotta go see if I can help her, at worst I'll take her home." he said before grabbing his jacket and leaping out into the chill night air.

Ki:

Kiyo made a little sound of affirmation and willed her body to calm itself. There was no need to have two people chase one small child after all and if she found her without him? There was not telling if the child would react strongly against her presence.

Once he'd gone she took her tea to the couch and curled herself up in the corner of it. Gently she set aside the cup of tea where it would grow cold and the blanket that had been abandoned by Miyako was retrieved from the floor. He'd find it neatly folded on the bed later along with the borrowed Pijamas and brush.

And on the table would be a short message, '-I hope it went well.'