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| Surprise!; [Rosie/Kate, Ari, Open] | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 30 2008, 03:00 AM (357 Views) | |
| Kate | Aug 30 2008, 03:00 AM Post #1 |
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Unregistered
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Time of Day: Early morning, around nine in the morning Place in the Time-Line: August 21st "C'mon, Rosie, Ari's gonna love this!" Kate tiptoed down the hallway, a large covered platter held carefully in her hands. Rosie, holding the two colorful birthday bags, followed along at an even slower pace, toting the bags as carefully as she could -- one of them especially, a carefully wrapped box with small holes punched in it that rustled just a bit. "But we're not 'posed ta play with fire!" Rosie wailed, her little face troubled as she looked to the left and right, making sure that no one was looking. Kate waved her worries off as they reached Ari's door. "Ari can light it." She said confidently, shifting the platter in her arms so that she could knock. Under the cover was a stack of Ari's favorite flavor of pancakes, complete with a candle stuck in the middle -- a candle that neither girl was allowed to light, really. Kate raised her voice very slightly. "Ari?" She called, nudging the door open with her foot. Rosie went ahead of her, crawling onto the bed with a bounce and a rustle (the bags were full of tissue paper and other gifts). "Happy birthday!" Someone had given her the tip that the older girl's birthday was today, so Kate had gotten her a gift -- as well as Rosie. Carefully, Kate sat the tray down and balanced on the edge of the bed, grinning from ear to ear, happy as a clam. Kate's Gift1 Kate's Gift 2 Kate's Gift 3 Rosie's Present |
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| Ari Boyd | Sep 1 2008, 09:22 AM Post #2 |
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Unregistered
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Ari had been having a restful sleep, a swirl of dreams passing through her mind that flitted away as soon as her door creaked open and a little body flung itself onto her bed. Eyes opening immediately, Ari looked up to find Rosie and Kate, both beaming down at her. Rosie's high chirp made Ari laugh as she remembered the significance of the day. She was nineteen today, another year older. It felt pretty much the same as before, but it dawned on her that this would be the last year of her 'teens'. That was an odd thought to entertain, though realistically she'd felt a lot more like a grown-up and less like a teen for a while now. Like most of the kids at the school, living without parents to coddle you made you grow up faster. Missions, being in the heat of battle...those things helped too. "Why thank you," said Ari, a smile crossing her lips though her voice was still a little groggy. She leaned forward to kiss Rosie's cheek affectionately, exchanging a grin with Kate. Both girls were like sisters to her and despite the fact that it was early, Ari couldn't have been happier for the surprise visit. "You bought me presents?" she asked, her brown eyes widening slightly as she took in the bags Rosie seemed to be dragging along with her. One was actually pretty large and Ari curiously wondered what might be inside it. She idly hoped for handmade things, since as a kid and even now she had relied on her art skills to get her through holidays and special occasions. The only thing that had arrived before the two girls was the delicious smell of pancakes and it was now filling the room. Ari had a strong sense of smell and she would know that one anywhere. Gaping at Kate she said, "You made me breakfast? It smells so good..." Her stomach rumbled, but she was already being handed a present. It was from Rosie and when she pulled out the drawing Ari couldn't help but let out an easy laugh. "It looks just like us, Rosie!" It made Ari feel so proud that the little girl was artistic, like Jean and like herself. She made a mental note to show Kurt, who would surely get a kick out of Rosie's portrait of him. Slipping from the bed, she moved to hang it on a clear spot on the wall, smiling fondly at it as she returned to her bed. "Thank you, Monkey!" she said happily, snuggling Rosie close and tickling her sides. The sound of rustling took her attention though, and she looked sharply at the box, noticing now the holes punched into it. Quirking an eyebrow, Ari looked between the girls, "Guys?" Taking the box tentatively, Ari slowly pulled the lid up, both eager and nervous about what she might find in there. What she saw though made her squeal in delight, "Oh my God! It's so cute!" She looked at Kate, "It's for me?" The cage was already in there, tiny hamster running on the wheel inside. Lifting it out, Ari was already undoing the latch and sticking her hand inside, gently trying to scoop up the little hamster inside. Simply put, she wanted to snuggle the hell out of it. Of course he attempted to outrun her hand, scurrying around the cage until she managed to pick him up and let him run between both her hands, his tiny paws mesmerizing her for a moment as she brought him closer to her face. Ari was beaming wide. She'd never ever had a pet, not including the fish she and Warren had won at a carnival. But fish were boring and certainly not a pet she really enjoyed taking care of. He hardly counted. In fact, aside from making sure he was alive and throwing a few fish pellets in every day, she rarely checked on him. There were other people at the school that quite liked fish though, and in the tank she'd made with her own hands he was free to be observed and taken care of by them. Seriously though, you can't pet a fish or cuddle it. Aside from some prettier fish, they're pretty boring as far as pets go. At least Ari thought so. So this hamster was a welcome surprise and Ari was elated. "I can't believe you got me a hamster," she said, grinning wide at Kate. "I've always wanted one." She let him run around the blanketed circle between her knees for a few moments before scooping him back up and placing the little thing back into the cage carefully. Mindful not to jostle the cage too much, she stood up and cleared a spot on the nearest glass table, setting it down. Still beaming, Ari turned and pulled Kate into a strong hug, kissing her cheek. "Thank you! I love him so much! What should I name him?" She looked at him scrutinizingly for a second, "Anchovy?" She paused with a smile, her nose inhaling the sweet smell of breakfast. "And his middle name can be Pancakes." She laughed as she looked at the girls, "What do you think?" |
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| Kate | Sep 2 2008, 03:14 AM Post #3 |
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When Ari stirred and opened her eyes, Kate shifted on the edge of the bed, giving the older girl room to sit up. When she realized that Ari was awake, Rosie bounced, nearly upending the wrapped hamster cage before Kate reached to steady it. "Rosie really wanted to give you her gift and make breakfast." Kate explained sheepishly. "Well, me too." She blushed, red coloring blossoming across her cheeks before she ducked her head. Rosie, on the other hand, harbored no shyness and was quick to return Ari's kiss with a sticky one of her own. "Ours is real kewl!" Rosie chirped, folding her hands serenely as Ari unwrapped her drawing first. The reaction was no less than pleasing, and she beamed. "I hope it's not too cold..." Kate bit her lower lip, briefly worried, but there was a cover on the pancakes and they would be warm. Besides, Ari was busy being excited over the hamster, and Kate found herself blushing again, more than pleased. "He was the best hamster in the pet shop." She promised. The hamster squeaked, nuzzling into Ari's hands and using its tiny paws to clean its face. Rosie leaned in, admiring his downy fur and scaring him slightly with her big eyes, but Kate leaned against Ari, beaming as much as Ari. She was so happy that Ari liked it. "Anchovy?" Both girls burst out in giggles. Kate recovered first. "It's great! Anchovy Pancake...we can call him An-Pan!" They dissolved into giggles again. Kate leaned into the hug, while Rosie tugged at Ari's sleeve imploringly. "You gotta light the candle! We're not 'lowed." |
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| Kurt Wagner | Sep 2 2008, 09:26 AM Post #4 |
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Unregistered
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Kurt had been up, rather nervously, for two hours. He was an early riser, but he knew that Ari was not so much and, unlike her two surprise guests this morning he didn't want to wake her. Still, he also liked to do the most important things early and this distinctly qualified. She should be up by now, right? Kurt was about to knock on the door, when he found it still open from the girl's dramatic entrance. Well, as it turned out she was awake, through no fault of her own. Kurt was... mildly frustrated at the audience. At least one of the gifts was private, and he dared say romantic. He hoped she would think so too. An audience would ruin the mood to be sure, but the two girls had worked so hard for the party, it seemed, and Kurt certainly wasn't going to shoo them out. Besides, the day was long. There would be plenty of time later. "Breakfast in bed? he queried, "and a hamster? Well I must say I have some stiff competition in the gift department, don't I" A hamster would have been a good idea, particularly now that he saw how happy she was with it. He had only been dating her for about six weeks or so, but he had known her much longer than that and felt he was at least adequate at getting gifts for her. Still she seemed to really like the hamster. By the giggling alone Kurt could tell he was going to be walking into a certain amount of girliness. Ari had girly tendencies to be sure, and she was unashamed of them. Kate however... well, was a thirteen year old girl who could turn into a kitten. Does that really require explanation? "Anchovy Pancake?" he asked, "Are we naming a pet or a bizarre new breakfast? And if it is the breakfast, I'd be a little cautious about the food in front of you Ari." An anchovy pancake? Ew. Thank goodness he was joking. "May I come in?" |
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| Ari Boyd | Sep 2 2008, 09:10 PM Post #5 |
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Ari waved a dismissive hand at Kate's worries, "Don't worry Kate, I'm sure they'll still be delicious. I'm not picky." Sure, some food tasted better hot, but really, what was the big deal if you had to eat it at room temperature? She'd never been camping before, but she was quite sure she could deal with the food. She grinned as she watched her new pet rub at his face. He really was cute and she couldn't stop thanking Kate, "I love him so much. Seriously, you're the best--" She was uncharacteristically gushing, her hands clasped together in happiness. A lot of things made Ari happy, but this...her own little snuggly pet to take care of and play with had her heart elated. Ari too laughed with the girls about her choice of naming. Honestly, sometimes she did wonder where she came up with things. But Rosie's tugging at her arm distracted her and she said, "Light it?" It instantly clicked in her head as she pulled the top off the pancakes, the candle jutting from it making her grin. "Birthday pancakes!" she said with a laugh. Kurt's voice sounded from the door, instantly making Ari look up sharply. "Kurt!" He'd been on her mind of course, like he often was now, as she had been wondering if they would spend the day together. "Of course you can come in," she said, already replacing the lid on her pancakes. She was still in her pajamas, strands of dark hair ruffled in disarray, morning breath... Nothing she was too self-conscious about in front of her favorite girls, but things instantly changed once her favorite guy joined them. She nearly leaped from the bed to greet him, closing her eyes and puckering her lips before remembering her less than stellar breath. Her hand flew up to cover her mouth and she smiled sheepishly, "Sorry...I'll be right back." In a few long strides, she had entered and closed the bathroom door behind her, quickly going through her normal morning ritual and in a few minutes she stepped back out, smoothing her bangs, though the rest of her hair was still doing it's own thing. How many times hadn't Kurt seen her in pajamas, looking just like she did? Funny how it took on a new meaning now. "Minty fresh," she whispered with a grin, tapping her lips as she puckered up once more. "Gimme my birthday kiss." She knew it would be fairly quick, since they did have an audience, but she was expectant nonetheless. "Oh! You have to see what Rosie gave me--" she said, taking his hand and tugging him toward the newly hung piece of artwork. She turned and reached her arms out to scoop up Rosie, a wide grin on her lips, "I think it looks just like us." Still holding the little girl, she plopped back down on her bed, "Kurt, can you light it? There's matches there--" She gestured with her chin to the matches beside her oil burner. Ari hugged Rosie snugly, playfully pretending to nibble Rosie's neck, "Mm yummy. Maybe I'll have a birthday Rosie instead. What do you think Kate? I think she might taste yummier than my pancakes..." |
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| Kate | Sep 6 2008, 04:06 AM Post #6 |
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As Rosie snuggled Ari, her eyes still on the fluffy little bit that was the hamster, Kate settled back on the bed with her knees to her chin. She was so happy that Ari had liked the hamster, and barely noticed the emotional signature coming down the hallway until Kurt was right at the door. With a little start, Kate realized that she was jealous, and she squashed the feeling hard. Since the events of...well, all of the events, from Shadow X and the mall to even Ari helping with her homework, Kate had grown attached to the older girl. But Ari had someone now, and it was hard to give her up. Who did Kate have? At the moment, she was a third wheel, in the way when Ari and Kurt wanted some private time. Feeling low and horrible for being jealous of the couple, Kate forced a grin on her face when Kurt came into the room. "Hey, Kurt. We made pancakes if you want some." She turned to the littler girl then. "C'mon, Rosie, we should go now. Class time." It was pretty much a lie; Rahne wouldn't mind if she were a few minutes late, but Kate felt cruddy for intruding on their moment and she wanted to get out as soon as possible. Rosie, who naturally didn't notice, squealed at the entrance of the fuzzy one and bounced over to him before Ari scooped her up. "I dunno..." Kate hedged as Rosie squealed, wiggling and twisting away from Ari's playful nibbling. "It's my mom's pancake recipe." The smile on her face was genuine, but she was already edging towards the door. |
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| Ellis Reed | Sep 6 2008, 03:43 PM Post #7 |
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Energy Manipulation / Wraith Form
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It was a bit silly, but then again, they'd been pretty silly that strange week when they'd suddenly become friends. A small smile tugged on the corner of his lips. Eldan couldn't go overboard like he used to when it came to presents, but he did have a bit of money tucked away. It was nothing compared to what he used to have, but it didn't matter. That was the least of his problems, and what concerned him more was what her reaction would be. They'd been friends for ust about a month, but that didn't mean he hadn't freaked out when he realized it was going to be her birthday in mere days and he hadn't gotten her anything. He'd just planned to leave the present outside the door. He wasn't a morning person - at all - and he wasn't the greatest person to hang out with this early. He blinked as he heard talking and laughing from beyond the -mostly- closed door. He paused, considering knocking and giving his present as well. It seemed there was an impromptu birthday celebration inside. Darkly cloaked against the light, the wraith was an ominous figure. Perhaps he'd just wait, and give it to her later. He hadn't talked to the others in the room, and he didn't want to startle the kids. Eldan placed the black bag, traced with color balloons, beside the door. A card, and the gift, had been placed inside... along with way too much confetti and some colorful yet translucent paper. He hoped she'd like it.. -present- |
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| Kurt Wagner | Sep 7 2008, 05:51 AM Post #8 |
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Kurt stepped in the door. He didn't at all notice that Ari was in "just woke up" mode. If she thought she had it bad she should try waking up with fur. Still, it was clear that she was embarrassed. Of course, he had seen her first thing in the morning before. If this was when people looked their worst, then Ari truly was beautiful all the time. Of course, he kept this to himself for now. Such romantic talk was generally better spoken without listening ears. He idly wondered if she would think the same of him, with his fur all a mess and such. Then again, she rose so much later than him she would probably never see him in that state unless.... ehem, well at any rate she looked wonderful now. He leaned in before she suddenly put her hand over mouth and rushed into the bathroom. There was a brief silence in the time that she took getting herself ready, which was not very much. He was more than happy to give her a birthday kiss. Although he wanted to linger longer, he kissed her short and sweet. Kurt was quite thrilled to see what Rosie had drawn. He smiled at the representation of his tail, pointed end and all. "Amazing. I've never seen such a likeness," he said, "You are turning into quite the little artist." Rosie was a neat kid, Kurt thought. She had endured a lot in her meager four years, but was still a child. She did things that children did, laughed at the silly things children laughed at, and had to wear a bracelet so she didn't accidentally hurt people. Kurt enjoyed her presence thoroughly. He enjoyed her drawing too. Kurt reached over to grab one of the matches, lighting it on the box and bringing it to the candle sticking out of of the pancake. He would simply have to try some, especially since it had been offered. He could tell that Kate was feeling uncomfortable right now, trying to edge out the door. Kurt would simply have none of that. She had thrown the party, no sense in her getting kicked out. "I think Ms. Sinclair will understand it being Ari's birthday. I can always write you a note or something. Come, have a pancake and we can sing happy birthday." Kurt hadn't noticed the Wraith, who had slipped quietly into the room and dropped a present. |
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| Ari Boyd | Sep 8 2008, 05:42 AM Post #9 |
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"I think Rosie's portrait might even look better than mine," said Ari, nudging Kurt's side with a smirk. Ari would be forever glad of asking Kurt for his permission to use him as a model. It had led to their spending a lot of time together and culminated in them becoming more than just friends. Kurt's portrait, which was now hanging in her studio, was much more significant than just as a piece of art. It would have bothered Ari immensely to know about Kate's fears of losing her. Kate had become like a younger sister to Ari and when she could, the brunette made an effort to spend time with her. She remembered what it was like to be a preteen, suddenly at the school, and not having the comfort of having her parents nearby. It hadn't been so bad when she'd first started, but eventually her parents had moved to Florida and the space was felt a lot more clearly. It took adjusting, to get used to sort of being on your own, and Ari was aware of that. Of course for a few months Ari had been single, which meant more time with the younger redhead. Now that Kurt was in the picture, Ari had done like most people in new relationships and put spending time with him at the top of the priorities list. It wasn't intentional by any means, but that's how it was. Kate would likely do something similar once she got older and started seeing boys in a different light. Still, Ari wasn't so blind not to notice that flush of color on Kate's cheeks and the way she'd instantly gotten up to leave. Ari made a mental note to have a talk with her in private. She nodded at Kurt's words, "Yeah, come on Kate. It's my birthday. Rahne won't mind..." Ari's eyes noted the shadow suddenly cast through the space in the doorway. Clad in darkness, lanky... Ari knew before she'd even seen his face. "E!" she exclaimed, the shortening of his name sticking from when they were kids. "Come inside--" They had never been close, not until recently when they'd been de-aged and somehow banded together. Eldan was a good person, a generous person, and Ari was happy that they'd become friends, even if the reason behind it still made little sense. She didn't know why he hadn't knocked, though she assumed it was because he wasn't really familiar with all the people inside. Still holding Rosie close, Ari made sure to keep her hands from the fire as Kurt lit her pancakes. It was definitely the first time she'd had birthday pancakes, which seemed to have chocolate and peanut butter chips in the batter and smelled absolutely delicious. The people around her began to sing and Ari blushed slightly, always feeling awkward at that point of a party. It was people she loved, but that didn't change her from feeling like all eyes were on her. The song ended and Ari gave a laugh, concentrating on the candle in front of her and what she might want. Honestly, right now she felt so happy and content with things that she couldn't think of what she might want. She had her friends, her family, she had Kurt...what could she really want? It might be cheesy, but Ari only wanted it to last. She had that thought in her head as she blew out the candle. Grabbing up the butter knife on the tray, she went about cutting the pancakes into equal triangles, with Rosie's just being slightly smaller than the rest. "First piece is mine," she said with a grin, keeping with the tradition so often used on cake. After everyone had gotten a piece, she finally began to eat her slice, her eyes widening slightly from the sugary deliciousness of melted chocolate chips and peanut butter. "Mm, these are delicious Kate. Almost makes me not want to share," she said jokingly. |
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| Kate | Sep 9 2008, 11:13 PM Post #10 |
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While Rosie swelled at pride at the compliments on her painting, and watched Kurt light the pancake candle, Kate hesitated near the door. The others were extremely sincere, and her opinion of Kurt went up several notches as she blushed, nodded, and went to sit on the other side of Ari. "Make a wish!" She reminded quickly, though she wasn't entirely sure that it counted on a birthday pancake. The scene was so very normal that for a moment Kate couldn't believe she was sitting there. This was her temporary surrogate family, and to be doing something so completely ordinary after all the horrible occurences was mind-boggling. "Hey Kurt," Kate began shyly, deciding that she ought to act a lot nicer. If Ari liked him, then he had to be a good guy. "I was wondering...your fur's all shiny and clean..how do you keep it like that?" She hastened to explain, "When I turn kitten, I get all this dust in my fur, and it just doesn't come out...." Kate ended with a shrug, accepting her slice from Ari with a grateful grin. The pancakes weren't exactly like her mother's, but they were close, and Kate sighed in happiness. It reminded her (in a good way) of home, and by the way Rosie gobbled hers up she knew that the others would like it as well. "Mom and Dad say hi." Kate continued, looking to Ari. The older girl most likely would never know just how grateful Kate's parents were to Ari for being so kind and helpful. "Someday I'll let you meet them. They might come to bring me home for Christmas." She grinned at all the others, more grateful than she could ever express. |
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| Ellis Reed | Sep 11 2008, 02:02 AM Post #11 |
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Energy Manipulation / Wraith Form
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Eldan closed his eyes, sighed, and picked up the bag before stepping inside. How Ari had noticed him hesitating outside the room momentarily while she was surrounded by friends and such was beyond him. He offered a half smile at her use of his 'childhood' nickname, though it was barely visible in the protective darkness of his hooded cloak. Perhaps their actions as children didn't make much sense, but he stil understood why he did it. He was protective of his friends, and once he'd (very abruptly) decided that Ari was numbered amongst his friends, he had to dissuade people from messing with her. As a powerless child, that was not an easy thing to do. As an adult, looming over someone in his black cloak, and glaring, seemed to be effective enough without resorting to his powers. Which were very effective. Without the powers, somewhat intimidating look, or thinking capacity he'd grown used to, as a mutant and as an adult, he had to resort to ... drastic measures. Should've just left it to the people that gave Ari and him a hard time, though. He'd gotten carried away, and they went overboard. It had been fun though... "Happy Birthday, Ari," he began as he set the present on her bed. He then glanced at the others, whom he had yet to speak with. "I'm Eldan," he added, trying not to think how much the younger two reminded him of 'before'. There was a little kid that looked so much like the toddler, and he could only hope she had made it. He was slightly embarrassed and uncomfortable when he was brought into the birthday celebrations with the ... pancakes? He didn't get it, but it seemed like a cute idea. He took a bite after Ari had tasted it, and it was about as good as she had proclaimed. The wraith had caught Ari's friends names from the conversation, so he didn't have to ask. "Excellent pancakes, Kate. Much better than mine. I'm lucky if I don't scorch them," he said, only exaggerating a little. He could cook well enough, but he'd much rather eat someone else's cooking. Someone that actually had talent in the kitchen. After they were done eating, he noticed something. Kurt seemed to want to have Ari to himself for a bit. And he had the perfect idea, so it seemed at first at least. "Could you girls help me bring the dishes back to the kitchen?" he asked, voice utterly grave. "And... could I ask a favor? When I was a kid... last month... I hid someone's stuffed animals around the mansion as a prank. But I can't find them all, and he seems a little upset about it." ~Though he didn't notice that it was me,~ he thought. "Could you help me find them later? I could swear I hid a penguin in the freezer, but I can't find it anywhere..." |
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| Ari Boyd | Sep 22 2008, 09:35 AM Post #12 |
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[Ari/Kurt JP] Kurt really didn’t want them to leave. Well, that was not entirely true. He thought it was selfish that he did want them to leave. After all, they were Ari’s friends. They didn’t have to suddenly give them alone time all the time now that they were together. Of course, Kurt felt immensely happy that they had as the two girls followed Eldan out the door, dishes in hand. Okay, maybe it was a little selfish. So what? It wasn’t bad to be a little selfish, was it? Kurt leaned in for a more passionate birthday kiss after he heard the sound of the door close. A far cry from the chaste, quick kisses that they enjoyed in the company of others. A far cry indeed as lips met, arms wrapped around each other, and tongues danced until they pulled away from one another. Kurt smiled and stated simply, “That’s a real birthday kiss. Happy birthday. Of course, that’s not the only gift I got you,” he said as his tail reached into his coat pocket, pulling out an envelope. It was an envelope that clearly holds a greeting card of some kind, designed with the intention of being decorative, not surviving a trip through the US postal service and the disgruntled employees thereof. “Don’t worry, it’s not a gift card,” Kurt said jokingly. If nothing else, Kurt had a little more class than that. Ari couldn’t have been happier than she was, surrounded by her friends as they celebrated her birthday. She opened Eldan’s gift once they were done eating and when she saw what it was, the brunette laughed and hugged the Wraith, promising those surrounded that she’d make enough ice cream for all of them. Eldan rose to leave, and quickly asked the girls to help him. If she’d been younger, Ari might not have understood what Eldan was doing, but as it was, she felt a surge of gratitude for his attempt. She would have happily spent the entire morning with the girls she regarded as sisters, but there was no denying that another side of her craved some alone time with Kurt. Ari had barely turned toward Kurt when his lips were already smashing against hers, literally stealing her breath as he kissed her eagerly. It was very different from the kiss he’d given her before, and Ari sunk into his arms more than a little willingly. After several long moments, they pulled away and Ari could only grin headily, her breathing uneven and her cheeks flushed. “Makes me wish it was my birthday everyday,” she said with a low laugh. Reaching a hand out to take the envelope from his tail, she chuckled, “You didn’t have to get me anything, Kurt. A few more of those birthday kisses would’ve been enough.” Sitting with her leg tucked under her, Ari looked down at the envelope, her name written neatly on the paper. It was a very different hand than her own messy scrawl and Ari couldn’t help but be curious as to what was inside. Opening the envelope, she let out a squeal of glee, “No way, Kurt! How’d you know they were even coming here?” He’d gotten her tickets to see Jack’s Mannequin, one of her favorite bands. Honestly, Kurt surprised her sometimes. He paid a lot of attention to little things that she would’ve thought he wouldn’t take notice of. Sometimes he’d remember things she’d only mentioned once. Needless to say, it was impressive. Throwing her arms around his shoulders, she hugged him close, kissing his neck, cheek, and then kissing his lips, “Thank you! We’ll have so much fun. You’re coming with me right?” Kurt did have a tendency to remember the little things; well what some would consider the little things. He didn't think they were that little, or that it was so much of a big deal. Ari had seemed to particularly enjoy the music from Jack's Mannequin. Kurt liked it too, really. Kurt had never been much into modern music. He didn't think anything bad about it, he just never got into it in the circus. Ari had some bands she liked, and Kurt had plenty of time in between two hour car rides to find out what they were. She liked this one a lot, and Kurt tried to keep an ear to the ground to see what was coming. "Oh didn't I? Well I'll just have to keep that in mind for next year," he joked, "Does this apply to Christmas as well? Because I saw something really nice but if that's how you feel about it…" Kurt would never dream of not getting her something on a special day, of course. "I try to keep an eye on who's coming that you like. I seem to recall you saying you would like to see them live and they were coming so I got tickets. I take it you like them, then?" His question was answered quite adequately as he felt her lips on him again, "There are two tickets, you know. I'd love to come with you." A smile played across his lips, "This isn't all I got for you though. I couldn't really wrap the other present so if you would close your eyes, we'll go get it." Teleportation made things so much easier sometimes. Ari supposed that her music choices should have been obvious to Kurt, after all, all those car rides didn’t consist of them only talking. There were many times she’d sung along quite exuberantly to the music. She had always been glad to ride with Kurt because he didn’t seem to mind letting her have most of the control over the radio. She’d let him change it when he wanted, but it was never a battle to find a common sound they both liked. There were times when Ari forgot that Kurt had grown up a little differently than herself. Well…make that a lot differently. As a child she’d been going to school and playing dolls with her friends. Kurt, on the other hand, had been traveling around with the circus, already a pint-sized performer. Kurt was fairly modern now, but there were times when Ari realized he hadn’t grown up in America. Ari laughed easily, “Well, I mean it. But gifts are nice too.” It struck her that Kurt had mentioned a Christmas gift, as if they would still be together then. Ari quite liked that thought and she found herself grinning a little wider, “You already have a Christmas present picked out? I’d better get on the ball. You’re not messing around.” The brunette would’ve been content to stay kissing him, but Kurt’s mention of another present caused Ari’s eyebrows to rise, “Something else? Trying to spoil me?” Smiling to herself, Ari promptly closed her eyes, Kurt’s arms slipping around her as they bamfed away. “If I were trying to spoil you, would you complain?” Kurt asked. He wasn’t really sure if this last one would be considered a gift, but he hoped she would like it. Kurt liked to give her stuff, but this gift was a little bit more meaningful. Her eyes were faithfully closed, even as her world shifted around her. Kurt briefly thought that it must be hard to do that. She could be anywhere. Of course, she was just in his room, her head facing a vase. It was a small vase, just big enough for a small flower. Kurt didn’t keep things often. He did if they meant something, but he wasn’t much of a packrat. He had a few keepsakes around, a sword his mom had bought for him, his old acrobat outfit (which didn’t fit anymore) and a flower in a vase. It had been tough to do, and Kurt had decided to save it immediately after he had received it from Ari. At that time they had been friends, but what a friend she had been. It had been a dark time for Kurt. He had done things he had regretted, thought things he had regretted, crossed lines he swore he would never cross no matter what. What he and Ari had decided, that all they could do was keep moving forward, was something Kurt wanted to remember. That it was important to keep smiling. He hadn’t been keeping track, but he hadn’t smiled after Shadow X until Ari had given him that flower. It brought a smile to his face. Just like she could do now, only more often. “You can open your eyes,” he said. He hoped she recognized it. After all, he knew it might not carry the same significance to her as it did to him, “You know, after I had been changed back from my… darker self, I didn’t really smile. Well, no one did really. I didn’t feel like I could, like I should, after what I had done. The first time I can recall smiling after that was when a very close friend, who was not smiling very much herself, gave me a flower after we discussed that we really can’t change what we did and all we can do is move forward and try to keep smiling. Of course, now I have a reason to smile all the time so I think I can give it back to you now. “ Teleporting with her eyes closed hadn’t bothered Ari in the least. She was with Kurt and she trusted him, which was all she needed to really know. He told her to open her eyes and Ari acquiesced, realizing instantly that they were in Kurt’s room. By now she wasn’t exactly a stranger to the space. Movie nights were a lot more fun when you were alone and not surrounded by fifteen year olds who wanted to join you. The student media center was awesome in terms of gadgetry, but for privacy not so much. Kurt’s room was always relatively tidy, and Ari wished she could keep hers in the same state, rather than in the cluttered and colorful state it always seemed to be in. She hadn’t noticed the vase before though, which was odd because she considered herself observant of her surroundings. Maybe Kurt’s closeness just addled her, but either way, the vase and the flower inside it seemed new. Except that the flower wasn’t new at all. In fact, it was long dead. It had maintained its petals though, and its soothing, pretty blue color, as though it had been dried purposely. For a second, Ari’s forehead wrinkled in confusion. Kurt was…giving her a dead flower? That was nice in a melancholy sort of way. Ari could find the artistry in it. She didn’t have to though as Kurt began to explain his gift and not even halfway through, realization dawned on the dark-haired young woman. Ari’s brown eyes widened and she could hardly believe that Kurt had kept the keepsake. She remembered that day vividly, as well as the conversation they’d had. They had been only friends then, but even then there had been a level of comfort and communication between them that displayed closeness. It brought back painful memories in a way, but also the awareness that those times were behind them. Things were okay again, even though the battle to get there hadn’t been easy for anyone. It was bittersweet memory in a lot of ways. “I can’t believe you kept it, Kurt. It’s been months…” she said softly, bending at the waist to look more intently at it. She didn’t dare touch it lest it fall apart at her fingertips. Kurt said that he had a reason to smile now and Ari’s gaze left the flower to look at him, her gaze unfathomable for a moment. A bashful, lopsided smile suddenly found its way to her face as she moved closer to the blue-furred mutant, warmth filling her from the inside out. “You’re too sweet for your own good sometimes, you know,” she said, slipping her arms around his waist and leaning her head against his shoulder, squeezing him tight. “Thank you, Kurt. It’s really very thoughtful. One of the most meaningful things I’ve ever gotten,” she said honestly. It really did mean a lot to her; possibly more than she could properly put into words. She’d always thought herself a fairly vocal person, but with Kurt she found that it was sometimes quite difficult to find strong enough words to convey her thoughts. He stumped her sometimes. And when Ari was stumped, she unconsciously tended to fall back on humor. Lifting her head up to look more properly at Kurt, Ari’s full lips broke into a grin and she suddenly said teasingly, “I hope I’m the reason you’re smiling all the time now and not because you learned some new fencing technique…” He couldn't help but smile at her words. Kurt enjoyed bringing happiness to others. Some could look at the golden rule as a guide to try not to harm others. Kurt looked at it more as a motivation to go out of your way to please others. After all, Acts 20: 35 told him that there was more happiness in giving than receiving, and although he would never ask it he would want others to try to help him out if they could. At any rate, Kurt had certainly found more happiness in giving, but particularly in giving to Ari. She was special to him, more so now, and he could no more find words that described how glad he was that she had liked the gift than she could how much she had liked it. "Thank you Ari. I am glad you liked it," he replied simply. Kurt really couldn't think of anything else to say, but Ari ended the silence and Kurt couldn't help but give a chuckle. A new fencing move? Really. "Well, I actually did master this one I've been working on for a while so…" he said jokingly, "but that's not the reason I smile," he finished a little more seriously. Kurt teased Ari with the idea that it wasn’t her in fact that made him smile and she smacked his stomach, “Don’t be mean on my birthday.” She let out a laugh and hugged him a little tighter, burrowing against him and enjoying his body warmth. In Ari’s opinion, her birthday couldn’t have been any better, and realistically it had only just begun. “I’ll have to make sure to hold on to everything you give me from now on, just so I can have something sentimental for your birthday too,” she teased, looking up at the blue furred mutant. Really, she was already thinking of what she could give him, or make for him. Kurt didn’t have everything, so that made it easier, but still, he wasn’t a packrat like she was. If he was going to accept something it would need to be practical. Ari could already tell that was going to be a challenge. After a moment, the brunette laughed softly, “I still can’t believe you kept that flower for so long.” Leaning up, she pressed a kiss against the side of his lips, “I’m glad you did.” It was very easy for Ari to be affectionate, especially with Kurt who made her heartbeat quicken just by being nearby. He had better restraint than she did, and sometimes she wondered if he was as physically interested in her as she was in him. When Kurt kissed her with real passion, like he just had a few minutes ago, she was reminded that he was, her self-conscious worries dampened for the moment. Still, being the one with more experience, sometimes Ari felt the need to take the reins and remind Kurt that she wasn’t just his close friend anymore. The young woman moved her arms over his shoulders and clasped her hands behind his head, her eyelashes batting as she looked into Kurt’s yellow gaze, “So, what’re my chances of getting more than one birthday kiss?” Impudent? Most definitely. But was it so bad to want to milk your birthday for all the perks? Ari certainly didn’t think so. Ari was definitely more affectionate than Kurt was. Usually. He knew that sometimes he surprised her. She said so. In his opinion, turnabout was fair play. One of the things he liked about Ari was that he both felt like he knew her extremely well and also had no idea what to expect from her. She had an element of unpredictability about her that he found exhilarating. So he felt it only fair that she be surprised sometimes too. He wasn’t sure if this would surprise her, but he wanted to do it anyway, bringing one hand to rest between her shoulder blades and another on the small of her back Kurt moved his feet a little to dip her as though they were dancing. Even strong people would have difficulty holding another person at this angle for long, but Kurt’s acrobatic arms were used to the strain so he held her steadily and was easily able to bring her lips to his, wordlessly confirming that the answer to her question was yes. [align=center][End Thread][/align] |
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2:52 PM Jul 11