|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 11:13 pm
Quote: Reference: Two Of A Kind?
Who: Ment
Kaoru and Ment meet again - Ment is a little larger than Kaoru recalls.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:28 pm
Quote: Reference: Take Me To The Moon
Who: Qadir & Orpheus
Crystal and Kaoru are invited to a dinner and 'sleep over' at the Xi household. Insanity ensues, including shared gifts, stolen kisses and games played. The night ends peacefully, but the midnight hour is a different story.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:18 am
Quote: Reference: Smells Like Fun
Who: Celyn
Kaoru meets a sweet-thief in the midst of the market. They share candy, sweets and drinks and end up holding hands. Completely innocent friendship at its most beautiful and honest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:20 am
Reference: Scent Entry
Seasons Everything is changing. The people I meet change, the weather changes, the produce changes, and I feel like I'm changing too. Mom didn't quite understand, but I tried to explain it like a flower blooming...a sleeping bud that waits to be more. She asked why I didn't use the metaphor of a butterfly, and I told her, butterflies die. Flowers drop their seeds, they polinate, and they go on. I thought she might have been scared, but I think she understood. Ment looks fabulous. I wonder if I'll grow to be as pretty as he is? Or Vanyel? I suspect not all will be normal. Mom was really happy for a while after we stayed with Qadir, but I can see it again. She's still sick, and it's not getting any better. I thought, maybe, I was just imagining things, since Cyr and Qadir and Irene can't see it...but it's there. I can taste it, I can feel it, and soon...if she doesn't get help, it'll find her. I'm frightened. It gets lonely when she has to sleep early. I've thought about contacting Orpheus, but I think he'd be annoyed by my 'girlish worries.' Or he just wouldn't answer. It makes me realize how few friends I have...but on the other hand, it makes me really appreciate the ones I do have. They're all good people, and they've all taught me something, whether they realize it or not. I hope we'll all be friends with the changes continue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 11:08 pm
Quote: Reference: RP over MSN
Who: Cyr, Arcanos, Lucian & RionIt had been a few days since the twins had arrived and Cyr was starting to get worried he’d never find their parents. Wandering about town he’d asked many strangers and all had either replied with a blank look or a polite ‘no’. It wasn’t particularly encouraging. Thus, he found himself passing by Crystal’s little café and flower shoppe and paused a moment. Maybe she knew, kids would have friends and could prove a useful network of information, could they not? It was worth the try.
Entering the café, he looked for either Kaoru or Crystal, hoping he’d find the answers with them. Cyr was sure Lucian and Rion’s parents would be relieved to have the two back to them as soon as possible.
It was Kaoru that he would find first, bringing out large, cold drinks to the patrons with a bright smile and chipper word for each individual. The child was working hard, and did not miss the man's entrance. "Hello, welcome!" the Scent called, turning ruby eyes over to the door to properly greet the new customer. Those eyes became as large as saucers as they fell upon Cyr, a grin just as big dimpling flushed cheeks. "Cyr!! Hi hi!" Kaoru bounced over to him, holding a tray in dainty hands. "How are you? Are you here to see mom again?"
Cyr smiled despite himself and nodded, reaching out to muss Kaoru's hair, "I'm... tired. And yes, I'm here to speak with your mother and you, actually. I'm in need of some help. Is she very busy right now?" He looked over the child to scan the rest of the area, relieved to have at least found Kaoru.
"Oh...no, she's not busy." The child smiled, turning on heel to run into the back of the cafe. Kaoru was gone perhaps a total of ten seconds before the child came back out, giggling a bit. "She's co~ming! Is everything okay?" Maybe Kaoru just remembered that he said he was tired, or maybe it was just evident, but those ruby reds were peering up at the man with scrutiny.
"Mind your manners Kay or I'll make you pick weeds," Crystal chided as she approached the two from the direction the child had come from, setting her silvery gaze over her daughter. As Kaoru chittered with giggles and stepped aside, the flower girl extended her arms to the taller man to wrap him into a warm embrace. "Cry, my dear friend, how are you? I think Kaoru said something about the dead and your name before taking off again."
The child simply continued to giggle.
Cyr nodded, not wanting to worry the child and stepped into the hug, returning it with a squeeze of his own. "I've been busy. Dead? Pardon?" He blinked and glanced at Kay then back at Crystal, "I just some help. I seem to have acquired a pair of unexpected house guests and I was just wondering if you knew anyone who was missing a pair of twins. This tall, black hair, brilliantly blue eyes..?"
He held his hand out at about the same height as Kaoru and sighed, "They got into my oil and now they smell of it... and I can't get it off of them. Repeated baths don't work. But they're nice enough, I suppose - which makes me wonder why I can't find their parents."
Crystal looked as though she was going to deny the claim, until the second part of Cyr's statement. At that, her eyes became a touch more understanding, her lower lip gently held between her teeth as she looked at Kaoru. The Scent looked back at the woman, all traces of silliness gone, only a seriousness of understanding. The flower girl gave a small nod, turning her eyes back to the man with a faint smile. "Do you have time for a walk, Cyr? There's something I'd like to share with you and it's best to have some fresh air."
"Mm? Sure. All I have is time right at the moment. But aren't you working? I wouldn't want to get you in trouble...." He frowned slightly, trying to figure out why they'd suddenly turned so serious. "Do you know their parents? Please tell me..."
The flower girl opened her mouth, closed it and shook her head, looking towards the cafe counter. "Mary, please tell my mother I went to take a walk?" Before Cyr could protest, she circled her arm through his and lead him out of the store, moving swiftly down the street with Kaoru in tow. It was only when they were out of the main flow of traffic that she sighed and began to speak, still holding his arm. "Did you get the oils from Solace Scents? If you didn't, then stop me now, but if you did, I ask that you listen."
Kaoru walked on the other side of Cyr, quiet for once as Crystal continued. "This may or may not come as a surprise to you, but /you/ are their father, Cyr. Those children...twins, you say...they were born from those oil cups."
Cyr worked his mouth, trying to respond but when she mentioned Solace Scents, he stopped trying to reply and simply listened. His expression grew... uncertain as she spoke, "I... but... It was oil. They're just confused... calling me mother." He let himself be lead to wherever it was they were going and sighed. "I... don't really understand. Magic is nothing new to me but..." He wasn't sure what that but actually was. It seemed... ludicrus, really. You summoned creatures, spun illusions, but you couldn't birth children from oil! "It... was just one cup. Just one vial... I don't see how..." He was muttering to himself, trying to think these things through. It was different when you were expecting children but having the responsibility thrust upon you...? It was more then a little disorienting.
Crystal stopped slowly, looking over to Kaoru. Without a word, the child lifted dainty arms to Cyr, in silent askance of a hug. Once he obliged, the child wrapped those slender arms around him, absently petting his hair as only a child would do. Crystal smiled, albeit a touch wistfully, looking between the two. "Breathe deeply, Cyr. It's not shampoo."
Adjusting Kaoru so shi was better settled on his hip, he blinked, "Not... shampoo?" He did breathe, though, and offered a thankful smile to the child but he didn't see what shampoo had to do with shampoo. Instinctively, he touched forehead to Kay's and smiled, "You don't need to worry about me, Kaoru. I... did you want to see them? That is if they haven't dragged Arcanos out. It seems we're heading towards my neighbourhood."
The woman sighed and smiled a little, shaking her head. Kaoru's scent wasn't as strong as the others, and was easily missed by the man. "That...would be fine." Crystal wasn't sure if she should tell him that Kaoru was the same as his children, deciding to hold off for a while longer. She wasn't entirely sure he'd believe her anyway.
Kaoru simply held onto Cyr, not smiling. Even the neutral expression worn was somewhat distant, a thoughtful look that made the child look older. The Scent looked between the two adults before staring off to the horizon, unusually quiet.
Or rather, he'd assumed it was some sort of perfume. It wasn't uncommon for people to adorn themselves with scents, after all. Moving forward once more, Cyr glance to Crystal, "Are... there many like that? Born from oil?" He liked incense but if that meant getting a child, or children, from each one he'd have to avoid the stuff. Cyr could accept that they came from oil... but it was hard.
"There are," Crystal agreed. "Two work in our store. My darling is father to another. It seems they are specifically from Solace Scents." The woman glanced to Kaoru as she talked, smiling a little to herself. The child had always known when she'd come from, and had no qualms about it, accepting that the flower girl was her mother; for that, Crystal was grateful. But for the children to come to another unprepared parent? She was reminded of Qadir, and how long it had taken him to adjust to Orpheus.
"They are children of unique quality. Each have their own special aspects and abilities."
"Oh?" He caught that look Crystal tossed at Kaoru and eyed the child, "Are you one of these magical children, Kay?" There were no negative overtones to the words, merely a simple curiosity, "Unique is certainly the word." He inhaled deeply, another calming breath, and caught a good dose of Kay's own scent. Blinking, he turned to Crystal with a question, "They smell of the oil because they came from the oil, don't they?" Even more mysteries to these strange children.
The child in question gave a single nod, looking at Cyr. "I am pomegranate."
Another gentle smile lit Crystal's features. "Yes...she is one such child, and no two are the same...except, maybe for yours. Many would think her biologically mine, but I assure you I had no child when I was twelve." The flower girl chuckled softly, inclining her head to the question. "It will never leave them. If Kaoru's observations are astute - and I would not question them - the smell will get stronger with age. They grow." Her smile lingered, intruiged, curious and thoughtful. "Kay was a blessing in an oil cup."
"She fainted when she saw me," Kaoru intoned seriously.
"Pomegranite's a lovely scent!" He smiled at Kaoru, "Fresh and lovely." Though he frowned at the mention of it getting stronger, "Oh... they already smell pretty strongly of the stuff. Though it's not as complex as the oil I bought..." The image of hanging air fresheners around his home to balance out the smell of his chargers flashed through his mind.
Cyr laughed at that, "I suppose that's better then being woken up by someone prodding your wing or tugging painfully on your tail."
Kaoru blinked at Cyr, losing some of the seriousness. "We don't have tails or wings. Neither does mom." The child stared a little harder, then looked to Crystal, who smiled queitly. "Hmph. And you wondered where I got my trickster streak from!"
"I am no trickster Kaoru, I simply know of a few things that many do not." The flower girl pat Cyr's arm kindly, steely eyes turning onto her daughter. "One day you might know the difference of knowledge and secrets. They are not one in the same."
The Scent snorted a little, content not to fight the point. Cyr was spoiling the child by being carried, and it was enough to sait Kaoru's strange love of being picked up.
Cyr only smiled at that, winking as he agreed with Crystal, "Don't judge a book by its cover holds truer then you think." It wasn't too much longer before they reached his home and he set Kaoru down so he could unlock the door. Pushing it open, he found himself looking at... a mess. Well, not really a mess but it was obvious someone had been entertaining themselves in the livingroom. Sighing, he offered an apologetic smile to the two, "Sorry... I didn't think they'd make this much of a mess. They generally behave when I'm around, at least." Moving further into the home, he picked up a discarded book, broken candle sticks that had apparently been used as swords for there were foil hilts on them, and randomly tossed pillows. "Lucian!? Rion!? ... Arcanos!?" He called out, drawing the last name out some as he searched for his mate and found no one home. Sighing, he returned to the door and closed it after the other two had entered. Shifting then, he shrugged shoulders, fluttered wings and smiled. Winking at Crystal he spoke, "Seems they've gone out. Can you wait a bit? I'd like to learn more of these... scent children. The fewer surprises the better, I think."
"Yes, knowing is good, especially if someone else already knows what to expect," Crystal agreed, trying not to giggle at the jaw-dropped visage of her daughter. "I don't mind staying. I'm not sure I'm allowed to leave--"
"What ARE you?!" Kaoru squealed. Despite the words, the expression was one joy and amazement, open fascination and admiration in bright red eyes. "Wings!" The child bounced squealing again. "Tail!"
"And you can see how intelligent they are." Crystal smiled with amusement, curling a lock of hair around her finger. After a moment, she added, "They are truly smarter than they let on, most of the time. Some that I know make me feel quite infantile."
Cyr laughed, walking over to Kaoru and crouching down before hir, "Shifter. Quite observant." He smiled as he glanced over at Crystal, "Advice from someone experienced always does help. I'll have to keep that in mind..." All while he spoke, the end of his tail twitched with amusement, joy at another positive reception to what he was. "You mentioned special abilities... like magic?" Kaoru squeaked and reached out to touch Cyr's face, mouth in a perfect 'o' shape.
"Yes," Crystal stiffled a little bit of laughter. Kaoru truly did take after her in some aspects. "Kay said one of the girls she met could conjure an orange butterfly, and that another had a flying...candy cane." She wasn't sure what to make of that claim yet. "Seems there is magic, but it's harmless."
/I hope,/ she added silently, not knowing the extent of what Kaoru saw verses what actually happened.
The Scent was oblivious to any conversation. "Shifter," the child purred, touching the blue skin and looking over the wings a dawning type of respect. "I knew you were cool," Kaoru grinned widely.
His gaze was drawn back to Kay then and he grinned, "I haven't changed, you know. I'm still me, or rather the proper me." Rising, he gestured for the couch, "Come have a seat and you can look as much as you like." He puffed at the compliment and smiled broadly in return. Very much like hir mother.
Sitting down on the edge of the couch in case Kaoru wished to get in behind, Cyr thought over what Crystal had said, "Little bits like that, hnn? That's good. I don't need to worry too much about things being blown up or turning invisible. You think the twins will have something like that too?" He couldn't quite call them his twins yet... there was a possibility they weren't after all.
Crystal followed suit, smoothing her dress beneath her knees to take a seat. "I could be mistaken, but it might be related to their scent...somehow." She frowned a bit at this, uncertain. "The 'flying candy cane' came from a boy who came from Peppermint." The woman sounded somewhat insane even saying it out loud, but it wasn't entirely unfounded.
"His name is Ment, and he dresses like a girl." Kaoru had perched beyind Cyr by this point, admiring his wings, only the slightest touch of fingertips brushing over the skin, not touching the membrane. "Vanyel is orange and her magic was orange and smelled lovely. Like oranges."
The flower girl glanced at Cyr, not sure to make heads or tails of the child's information.
"Nothing wrong with dressing like a girl." Cyr smiled, glancing over his shoulder, "It does seem like they're related to the scent... I don't know who Ment or Vanyel are but they're scent children as well then you might be right." While he didn't claim to fully understand what Kaoru was going on about, he did follow. Arching wings a bit, he bumped the arm against that light touch, "You aren't going to hurt me, Kaoru."
The pomegranate child smiled privately. "I know there's nothing wrong with it."
Grey-blue eyes gazed between the Shifter and the Scent. Crystal smiled to herself, wondering when her perfectly ordinary life had become so extraordinary, and how she'd ever been content before. "Of that, I have very limited knowledge, but should I know more...I'll make sure to find you."
A small 'meep' sound escaped Kaoru, blinked at the sudden movement. A single finger traced delicately over the membrane of the wings before spreading into the light pressure of a palm to better feel. The child said nothing, fully enraptured.
"That'd be appreciated. I have the feeling I'm going to need all the help I can get..." He sighed, rearranging the things on the coffee table to be more organized, "Taking care of three kids is going to be a challenge." While he loved Arcanos dearly, the man was like a great big kid around children. Which made Cyr all the more fond of him but the point remained.
Under that pressure, the membrane stretched, forming a sort of dip as Kaoru pressed, much like bathing suit material or a thing rubber band. Cyr twitched though, a soft laugh escaping him, "That's ticklish though, be careful."
Kaoru squaked with sheer delight when Cyr laughed, being more mindful of the warning and showing a bit of maturity by not testing the claim. Instead, deft fingers shifted to the skin again, very light and gentle.
Crystal arched a brow once more at the mention of three kids. Had it been before she had met her vampire beau and their charges, she would not have understood; as it were, she'd seen the man and her daughter in a kitchen before, and knew all too well what Cyr was referring to. "We'll tough it out together." She reached out to pat his knee, "That's what friends are for, after all."
"Aye. For that I'm greatful." He laid his dark hand over hers and leaned back, momentarily forgetting Kaoru was there. "I... just can't really believe the're /mine/... too sudden." He laughed, "A romantic weekend turned into a wild goose chase." When he felt the other behind him, he reached back with wing-arms and gripped the other, to make sure shi wouldn't be knocked over, "Sorry!"
The woman smiled sweetly at Cyr, genuinely thankful for having run into his house that day...even if she was still mortified about it to this very moment. "Perhaps you will find that they can lend to romance. Stranger things have happened." Crystal fondly recalled the silly but immensely intimate dinner she had with Kaoru, Qadir and Orpehus. It had...felt like a family, and was one of the sweetest memories she had.
When Cyr leaned back, Kaoru was too startled to make a noise, and actually found it to be quite comfortable. The child giggled at the wing-arms, patting the ebon hair of the male reassuringly. "I'm fine! Just dandy, don't mind me!"
He nodded, eyes brightening at that, "Indeed. I'm one to talk. Count your blessings not your trials." He'd lived by that remark for many years.
Cyr smiled as the other patted him and let go, allowing his wings to settle into a more natural position. Still, he shuffled forward some to give the other space. "A little family couldn't hurt, right?"
Crystal shook her head slowly, tucking a curl behind her ear, smiling almost bashfully. "I would like Kaoru to have a proper family. I don't feel I'm enough for her, although she takes care of herself well enough. And me, for that matter." She reached out to touch the child's hair, her expression warm.
The Scent giggled and hunkered closer to Cyr as he moved, now tracing small circles on his back, close to where his wing muscles were. To Crystal, Kaoru snorted, "Someone has to take care of you. That's what you do when someone is sick."
The woman rolled her eyes good naturedly, giving Cyr a 'what can yo do?' look.
"Bah. You're a wonderful woman, Crystal. And a wonderful mother, I'm sure." Cyr pondered the chid's words a moment and chuckled, "Suprisingly mature as well. Just full of surprises."
"If you want to do that, Kay, I'll take my shirt off and you can rub my back, alright? An even trade, I think." He glanced at Crystal for permission as well, just in case. The child seemed determined to explore.
A gentle smile and slight nod was the approval given. Crystal laced her fingers over her lap, watching the two. "I appreciate it." She paused, and added, "I would just like her to have someone else to rely on. I work so much..."
"So do I~!" Kaoru chirped, rubbing hands together to prepare for the deal-making back rubbing.
The woman smiled tiredly. "I think that's part of the problem, dear. I'd prefer you stay home and have a childhood like any other--"
"Can't. Gotta watch out for you." The child was staunch and unyielding, smiling despite the conversation.
"You see? I can't even take care of her, she does it herself." The flower girl chuckled, spreading her hands helplessly.
"She's welcome to visit here whenever she likes, provided I or Arcanos are home, if you want." His words were slightly muffled as he pulled his shirt over his head and rolled his shoulders, greatful for the removal of constrictive garments.
"Besides, she'll be a child when she wants to be." He arched a brow, 'like now' hanging in the air despite his not saying the words. "And she does need you, right Kaoru?" Folding his shirt and setting it on the coffee table, Cyr smiled knowingly, "You do more then you think. Don't doubt yourself."
Kaoru nodded firmly, once, waggling warmed up fingers before pressing small palms to Cyr's broad back. The child didn't try to massage - truly, the Scent didn't quite know what that was yet - but it was quite an attempt at making larger versions of the circles from before. Red eyes flitted briefly to Crystal, a faint smile curling cupid-bow lips.
The woman caught her daughter's glance, both perplexed and not entirely certain. It wasn't that she knew anything, but perhaps it was more her lack of knowledge that made her uneasy. "Thank you," was all she said, not really wanting to dwell on it and Kaoru's words. "I'm sure Kay would be delighted to meet your boys. I would like to meet them too, when you and Aracnos have settled."
"Of course, and provided I'm still breathing." He grinned, "You still need to meet Arc, don't you? I keep telling you about him and he's never around when you come over." Laughing he made a note to set up a dinner between them or something once they'd all settled in, and he'd convinced Arcanos that the twins were indeed his... and that they had an obligation to keep them.
And then Kay's attentions make him jerk and laugh helplessly, "Hey! That tickles!"
Crystal chuckled softly. "He must be a busy man. I can understand that." She understood it all too well. "It would be delightful to meet the rest of your family." After a moment, she added thoughtfully, "You know, if you ever wanted time just the two of you, you could leave the twins with me. Or at work, there's plenty to keep them occupied. Just a thought."
Dainty hands shot off of Cyr's back, a surprise giggle escaping Kaoru. "S-sorry! Sorry." Gently pressing just fingertips to blue skin this time, the child tried to resume the small patterns like before, moving in lazy circles as red eyes danced over the remarkable muscles.
He perked at that, long ears twitching, "Really? That'd be very much appreciated!" Rolling shoulder and arching back, a variety of joints popped and with a satisfied sigh, he settled back into position, "It's alright. I'm just sensitive all along that area."
Actually, at that very moment, Arcanos was on his way back, with twins in tow. The two of them had been begging to go and play at the park for a couple of days now, but it had been raining outside a lot lately ... and neither 'parent' really wanted to go out in that. So the outing had had to wait until today ... then Arcanos had agreed to take them by himself to give Cyr a bit of a break. Now he was wishing that -he- could have something of a break. He'd forgotten how much -work- it could be to keep up with children.
The woman smiled brightly. "Of course! I would hope to see you and Aracnos as well."
Kaoru giggled at the snap and crackle of the man's back, withdrawing those dainty hands as things fell back into place. With a content, "That sounded good," the child continued to rub in circular motions for a handful of seconds before pausing. Ruby eyes shifted momentarily away from the cobalt skin, resting on the door.
Crysal arched a slender brow at the sudden lack of movement, following her daughter's glance curiously. She didn't see anything, but that didn't mean much; Kaoru had always been more sensitive to the senses than she had.
Cyr nodded, glad for Crystal's friendship... and then Kay stopped 'massaging' his back and he glanced up, head tilted to the side. The only person that would be returning would be Arc... "Well, it seems that you won't have to wait too long to meet him." A laugh as he excused himself and went over to the door, pulling it open to greet his lover....
Only to have a pair of boys dart past him, laughing loudly about something or other. When they saw the guests on the couch, they skidded to a halt and immediately stepped closer together, peering at the visitors.
Turning slightly, he arched a brow at their abundance of energy and laughed, moving back to face Arcanos,"Welcome back. Looks like they wore you out rather then the other way around. We've guests I'd like you to meet... and some news you probably want to know." He smiled a little nervously.
Arcanos smiled at the other and kind of nodded at that. "Of course... it was impossible for them to play alone. I got forced into chasing them around all over the place," he complained, rolling shoulders back for a moment. Eyes popped open at the mention of visitors, though, and Arcanos blinked and leaned around to peer past Cyr. "Guests..?" he asked curiously.
The flower girl didn't hear the men right away, her attention was so fixated on the boys. They were /lovely/. Perhaps it was just in her nature, but Crystal was immediately taken with them. "Hello," she raised a hand and gave a little wave.
The Scent was sitting stock still, unmoving even as Cyr got up to open the door. Bright ruby orbs skimmed over the twins, raising a slender brow in curiosity. They were handsome, but they were acknowledging the child and that was very new to Kaoru. Mimicing the woman, Kaoru lifted a small hand, waggling dainty fingers at them with a grin that swiftly became giggling.
As an unfamiliar voice inquired, 'guests?,' Crystal gave a start and stood, smoothing down her dress and moving towards the door (mindful not to frighten off the boys). She peeked around Cyr's shoulder, smiling brightly at the man standing there. As unique and lovely as his mate, it appeared! "Aracnos, I presume?" she inquired softly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Crystal, and the lump on your couch--"
"HEY!"
"--is my daughter Kaoru."
The boys stood close together and for a moment, didn't say anything or move an inch, simply watching and guaging these strangers. Then, when they were waved at, Lucian and Rion returned the gesture. Curious expressions bloomed on their faces and they gravitated towards Crystal and Kaoru, gazes flicking between the two. "Hi." Spoken in unison, the children didn't shy away as the flower girl passed them, instead offering brilliant smiles.
"Who're you?" Lucian asked, looking at Kaoru.
Cyr, in the meantime, laughed, "I doubt you were forced, Arc. This is-" He blinked as she came up behind him and smiled, "... Crystal. Crystal, this is Arcanos."He stepped aside so he wasn't between them, and slipped an arm around Arc's waist, leaning slightly against him, "And those two over there-"
"Lucian~" One spoke, turning on his heel to present an angelic grin.
"And Rion! Are you friends of father?" Rion tilted his head to the side, one hand clasped in his twins'. They weren't entirely sure these people were alright quite yet...
Arcanos blinked at the extra people, eyes narrowing just a bit when he saw that both were female. Not that he -mistrusted- them on sight or anything, but... well did he know how his lover was ... attracted to shiny things. Still, it helped when Cyr moved and leaned against him. Arcanos smiled then, and slipped an arm about the other's waist in turn, nodding to Crystal. "Hi ... like he said, I'm Arcanos." Glancing from Crystal to Kaoru, Arcanos smiled at the child too. "And hello to you as well, Kaoru," he said to her.
Kaoru was about to answer the twins, but looked to Aracnos instead, a faint frown on those cupid bow lips. For a while, the child said nothing, simply staring intently. Once the Scent was greeted, the child nodded in a bounce of curly hair. "Nice to meet you, Aracnos." And just as quickly, those eyes settled back on the twins. "You can call me Kay if you'd like."
The woman missed both Aracnos' eyes and Kaoru's reaction, smiling sweetly as Cyr snuggled up to the other male. It was the first time she'd seen such a pairing, but really, with everything else she'd seen, the size and color of love was quite acceptable. As if she was one to talk anyway. "Cyr has spoken of you fondly. It's very nice to meet you," she repeated, extending a slender hand to shake while stepping to the side. It would be quite rude to deny them access to their own home, now wouldn't it?
"Kay!" Lucian agreed and grinned, amused by the play on words and clambered up onto the couch, followed shortly thereafter by Rion. It was clear they considered this their home and felt perfectly at ease there.
Cyr caught that look and smiled, pinching the other's side. Yes, he liked shiny things but that didn't mean he'd wander. "Should probably sit down, I've learned a lot today... About them." He gestured to the twins who were watching the group with little smirks. Tugging Arcanos lightly, he moved over to the love seat and plunked down on one of the cushions, "Crystal's a wonderful fountain of knowledge."
Arcanos reached out to take Crystal's hand, shaking it politely before letting go and sort of steering Cyr past her as she stepped aside. "Oh?" he asked, eyeing the twins as the two of them proceeded to take up just about all of the space on the couch. "Move over, you two," he said, tone playful as he kind of made a shooing motion with one hand.
"Not really," Crystal gave Cyr a mock-scornful glance. "It's...more experience than knowledge." She moved to stand by Kaoru, giving the twins another wave. "You two are awfully adorable." She could literally see mischief surrounding them, and could only shake her head and laugh a little. Resting a hand on her daughter's small shoulder, she glanced over to Cyr as if for permission.
Of course, the Scent had far less tact. "They're like me," the child informed the two adults, although Kaoru's gaze and smile was all for the boys. "Enigmas. We just are."
The woman gave an indignant huff. "Stop being so cryptic, Kay." With a faint smile to Aracnos, she started where her daughter left off. "Kaoru came to me much as your darling twins came to you. They appeared from a glass burner with a sweet scent; they from Fallen, so Cyr told me, and she from pomegranate. They are your children, now." The last part was said softly, stroking Kaoru's curls.
The pomegranate child finally turned to look at Aracnos, awaiting a reaction.
The twins stuck their tongues out at Arcanos but scooted closer together, sharing the same space easily to make room for the tall kitsune. He'd be fun at the park so they could repay that with this, at least. Different story later on but for now they could be agreeable. "See!?" Lucian called out, grinning, gaze locked with Kaoru, "They know! We weren't lying!"
"Will you stop giving us baths now?" Rion asked hopefully. While he liked splashing around in the tub and generally making a mess of things, it got tedious after a while.
Cyr sighed, still finding it hard to swallow this news himself, "Apparently, we've become parents... I couldn't find their parents and everyone I asked just looked at me funny.." He arched a brow at Rion and nodded, "No. You still need regular baths, Rion."
Glancing at Arcanos, he smiled slightly, unsure of how the other might take this. At least he enjoyed children, right?
At that look, Lucian frowned, "You're our guardian! There's no choice!"
Arcanos's mouth dropped open at that, looking back and forth from Kaoru to the twins... apparently -their- twins. "Oh..." he said softly, sounding slightly stunned. I mean, it was one thing to have children when you -knew- they were coming! But to have them suddenly appear out of oil burners ... and then, as children and not babies that were -somewhat- easier to manage... er.
Kaoru chuckled. "I guess you're the only one who is going to faint, mom."
"Kaoru." Crystal snapped her gaze to the child, who giggled and continued to look at the boys. The woman hesitated a moment, looking between the two men before finishing. She felt a little bad for Arcanos, since it didn't just end there. "They grow sporadically, it seems. Kaoru has met a few that have grown. It's very sudden. They...some also show certain abilities as they grow. It doesn't seem to happen until...they grow." She didn't know how else to say it. She still felt half mad saying it out loud at all.
"Mmhmm. I hope I don't get a flying candy cane like Ment."
Crystal grimaced a little, smiling almost apologetically at the two.
Cyr chuckled, "Odd abilities aren't anything new to us, Crystal. Neither is magic. Just hope they don't cause too much mayhem..." He laced fingers in Arcanos', "Hard I know, but we can't very well toss them out, right?" Squeezing the other's hand, he met his gaze and smiled softly, "Sorry..."
"Flying candy cane?" Rion quirked a brow and leaned forward, "I want... I want to fly around like the birds! Or! Or!" He started listing things he'd seen recently and Lucian quickly joined in, the two babbling away at each other, plotting great adventures.
Cyr smiled despite himself, "Crystal said she'd help if we needed it.... It'll be okay - I hope." Seeing Arc was a little stunned, he reached up and kissed him to try to get him to bring him out of the shock. "Arc..?"
Arcanos instantly felt a bit of panic arising at the mention of new powers cropping up. The twins were trouble enough as they -were-! But Cyr was right ... they couldn't exactly kick them out, especially if they really had nowhere else to go. "I know... you're right," he murmured after a moment, eyes lidding as he returned that kiss. "Just wasn't planning on being a parent again ... y'know?"
Kaoru was listening intently to the boys, not adding any input but smiling in a manner that Crystal often smiled when the Scent went on some wild tangent. After a while, the child intoned thoughtfully, "I hope you both fly, someday. I'd like to see that. You'd look like angels." There was a good chance the Scent didn't say that out of silliness.
The woman bit her lip as she watched the two, agreed with Cyr. "I work with one of the Scent children, and I've seen many come through. You aren't alone, and never will be if you look about." She tried to smile reassuringly, but there was so much she /wasn't/ certain of. It was good that the men were used to magic, but...even having met them, having had Kaoru in her life, and Qadir...magic was still something that routinely surprised her.
The twins stopped chattering abruptly and looked at Kaoru, puffing up with looks of pride shining in their faces, "Thanks!~" Flicking long hair over a shoulder, Lucian grinned at Kaoru. He liked this one, nice and flattering.
Rion smiled as well, breaking away from his twin to find his way over to sit nearer the pomegranate child, "What do /you/ want?"
"Oh! Good question!" Lucian nodded his agreement and wandered over as well, settling down on the opposite side of Kaoru that Rion was on.
A weary laugh, "I hadn't been planing it either... but we didn't exactly get a choice. What she says is right... But," He turned his gaze away from Arc to meet Crystal's, "Are the scent children really that common? People, well, know? Sometimes when they don't understand something, they'll seek to destroy whomever it is..." A valid concern, one that rung with experience, and Cyr wouldn't tolerate danger to family even if that family was unexpected and new.
Arcanos winced as Cyr brought up that point and nodded, looking slightly concerned. "That's a good question too..." he said quietly, glancing up at Crystal.
The Scent tapped a full lower lip, looking between the two boys. "Flying would be cool," the child agreed, "but I haven't really thought about it." Kaoru glanced to Crystal, then back to the boys, smiling. "Maybe something helpful, like the ability to heal things like wounds and flowers and stuff."
Crystal looked a little troubled at the question, fingers curling into a thick ringlet. "It's not exactly something one totes around, but...those who know are very accepting. I suppose I've never thought to say where Kaoru comes from. She...is simply my daughter. Her origins are unimportant." She smiled a little, disheartened that she could not ease their minds, but unwilling to lie.
"Healing? That would be neat!" Lucian replied, nodding thoughtfully, "You'd be invicible then, couldn't get hurt 'cause you'd just heal yourself all better right away."
Cyr nodded, understanding what she was saying, "I see. I... can do that. " He'd been doing that most of his life, afterall.
Arcanos smiled at the twins at that... shaking head slightly. "I think that after a while, you might run out of energy ..." he pointed out, just to keep conversation going. "And that's true... they're ours now, I guess."
"Oh I'm sure it'd have it's consequence. Everything does." Kaoru smiled faintly. "I doubt I'd use it on myself anyway. There'd be too much else to do, I couldn't waste the gift on just me."
Steely eyes turned to the girl, an adoring smile forming on her lips. "How could anyone want to hurt such dreamers?" she asked softly, wrapping her arms around her stomach. "I can't do much...but I'd do everything I could, if I thought she was endangered. If I thought /any/ of them were endangered," Crystal added with firm conviction. "They're just children." She knew that wouldn't matter to some, glancing over to Cyr. She imagined he'd know that best.
Unconciously, he tucked in tighter to Arcanos as memories came unbidden, "No... some people wouldn't care if they were young or old, male or female... That's why I asked. So I could be wary."
"But... what if you were hurt? You wouldn't help yourself?" Rion blinked, confused. Wasn't self-presevation important? Regardless of what you did with a gift, you couldn't do anything at all if you were dead, right? Have to take of yourself first and foremost.
Arcanos nodded at Cyr's words, his hand moving to trail up the other's back just a bit and then back down, a soothing motion. "It wouldn't matter to some people ... simply because they're ... 'unnatural'. Strange, unexpected.... " His voice dropped down lower, in hopes that the children wouldn't pay so much attention. "Monsters."
Kaoru heard everything, but paid it no heed. "Now how could I appreciate how awesome I was if I didn't see what I was sparing everyone else from suffering through?" The Scent grinned broadly, making light of the situation as possible.
"There isn't much crime here, at least," she murmured, moving between the two couches and closer to the men so they could speak without talking over the children.
"Nothing more than petty shop lifting. Genocide...no. That wouldn't happen here." Crystal looked unsettled. The children seemed to have come so suddenly. It would be plausible if they'd existed elsewhere...and moved, to avoid... but no. She wouldn't think of that. Her town was too peaceful...despite the Shifter, the vampire, the kitsune... The flower girl sighed and drew a hand over her jaw. Maybe she was mistaken.
yr sighed, sensing that they were worrying Crystal, "I'm sorry... we didn't mean to upset you. Where we are from, not everywhere is as welcoming or paradisaical as here. I do not walk the streets like this for a very good reason - I do not want people to misunderstand." He smiled as he leaned into Arcanos' touch, "You are right, though and I am glad for that."
"Pfft. You don't make sense. How can you do anything if /you're/ hurt?" Lucian crossed his arms and peered at the other.
"Have to take care of yourself, right?" Rion added, also frowning slightly.
Arcanos nodded in agreement with Cyr... though he was glad that this place -was- rather a bit nicer than some other places they'd been in before. He remember how even his own people had reacted to Cyr, and shuddered just slightly. "Yes... it's not nearly as bad here as where we came from before," he said softly.
The Scent settled and pointed a finger to Lucian. "Say you're hurt." The finger turned to Rion. "Say you have the ability to heal. Once a day. And you're hurt too." Kaoru peered between the two, "You're telling me you'd heal yourself over your brother? You have to take care of yourself, but not at the expense of someone else's well being." The child sighed, feeling like some old grandparent, henpecking youth. It made Kaoru grin anyway; Amahte and Orpheus probably wouldn't understand either. Maybe it was a male thing.
Crystal nodded once, smiling faintly at Cyr. "It's okay. One must always be aware. As a parent, I find I better understand why we go grey as we age." She laughed a little, dropping her gaze to her hands. "It's easy to pretend nothing will ever happen to us and those we love. We'd worry ourselves to an early grave otherwise. Or so my father says, but...he's not from this town." Dainty shoulders shrugged beneath her mass of curls, still smiling.
Lucian and Rion had the perfect response to that and both sat up, striking a pose together and grinned at Kaoru, "We won't get hurt. Won't let anyone touch us." There was a fierceness in their response that challenged Kaoru to disagree with this statement. Neither Lucian nor Rion would let the other get hurt thereby neither would be wounded. Simple.
Cyr laughed and plucked at his hair, "I don't think I get greys... see any?" His people aged differently then others. "Find someone to hold onto and keep your chin up not matter what happens, that's what I've been taught." He glanced at Arcanos with a fond smile, silently thanking him for that lesson.
Arcanos glanced over at the children as the twins struck that pose, raising an eyebrow slightly and smiling at them. Twins ... yes, he well-remembered the first set. They'd been a lot like that too - utterly protective of one another. Arcanos then leaned over and pretended to peer into Cyr's hair. "Hmm... actually, I think ... " He reached and yanked out a hair. "Oops. Nope, this one's the right color." Smile.
The child smiled at the two, reaching out to pat their cheeks with small hands. "Good." That was all Kaoru would say on the subject. In a way, they did understand, but it was different. The Scent didn't think there'd ever be a situation where they'd have to make a decision like that anyway, so it was moot, wasn't it? The child couldn't very well explain the motives, not yet.
The flower girl smiled again, a little less understanding. "A lesson one must learn through trial and error, no doubt." Crystal didn't have anyone to hold and call her own, not the way these two did. They were a family...came home to each other, awakened with each other, made decisions together. It was something she knew of but hadn't experienced yet. She was far too busy to be courted properly.
Cyr was watching the twins as well and groaned, hoping these twins would be more... tame then the last but somehow doubted it. "I-OW! Hey!" Rubbing his head, turned to mock-glare at Arc. "Yeah well, you watch out! Or I'll wax your ears for you. See how you like it." Grinning mischievously, Cyr plucked a hair from one of Arc's long ears.
Returning his gaze to Crystal he nodded, "At times. Sometimes it just takes the right person. Like that Qadir fellow who came to my shop not too long ago. He seemed rather fond of you." Cyr smiled knowingly, a hint of teasing in his voice.
Lucian and Rion laughed as Kaoru touched their cheeks and grabbed hir hands, jumping from the couch to try to drag the poor child off for some unknown playdate.
"Lucian! Rion!" Cyr called sharply, frowning, "What're you doing?"
Pausing, they offered innocent looks to Cyr, "Nothing. Just wanting to show Kay around! It's boring sitting here listening to you blab away." Rion nodded his agreement and tugged on Kay some more.
"C'mon!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 11:09 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 9:30 am
Maturity Prompt (Required To Teach Teen Stage) Learning how to be responsible is an important part of growing up. In order for your scent to mature into a teen, they need to prove that they are capable of taking responsibility for themselves and/or others. That said, your scent comes home one day with an amazing story that shows how responsible they are. They have rescued a cat, saved up enough money to buy themselves something nice, or saved the world from an evil wizard that tried to divide by zero. Whether it was ultimately to serve themselves or others, your scent's tale will show traits of maturity that will let them blossom into angry, hormone-driven monsters that act nothing like the sweet children that you fondly remember having. Be as creative as you'd like with their story, and remember:RESPONSIBLITY, DO YOU HAS IT?!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 11:09 am
Reference: Adolescent Prompt
Faith, Love, and That Which Lay Between
Only the soft whistling of the tea kettle broke the silence of the Beckett home, an air of heaviness seeming to mute any other noise. Ruby eyes flicked over the cups and saucers prepared for the steaming tea, darting between it and the soup that was also boiling. Kaoru was alone in the kitchen, but not in the house; the air of tension seemed to not affect the small child, despite the two adults in the living room and the several others in a bedroom down the hall.
The Scent glanced over to the grandparents on the loveseat. Kaoru had never seen grandma so pale, nor grandpa so distraught. The expressionless panes of his face did nothing to hide the crinkle of worry at his eyes, or the minute pull of his lips into a frown. The older woman looked as though she hadn't slept in days, although they had just been called to their daughter's home not even an hour ago. Kaoru was a child, but could understand the fear that would come with being contacted by doctors to come to their daughter's residence.
The black kettle's steam rose in a sharp song, prompting the small dress-clad Scent to remove it and pour the scalding water into the six cups. Kaoru carefully balanced two cups with a small bowl of sugar cubes, setting them on the coffee table in front of the grandparents. Their soft thank yous were answered with a singular nod and an encouraging smile before the Scent returned to the kitchen, laddling out some of the soup. It was really more like broth, but Kaoru knew it'd be best at the moment. Crystal had taught her child much.
Holding one tea cup without sugar and a bowl of chicken broth in the other, the child padded down the hallway, passing the three doctors that exited the room furthest to the back, returning their downcast glances with a bright smile. It elicited smiles from them in turn, and that was satisfactory; smiles were the best medicine, after all.
Kaoru turned into the last room on the right, eyes sweeping over the scene. Crystal was in her bed, looking to the covered window and thus away from the door, Qadir dozing next to her due to the time of day. The woman was terribly pale with flushed cheeks, making her look like a doll with all her dark ringlets. She was still wearing the dress that they'd found her in. The child hummed loudly so the flower girl would acknowledge the Scent's arrival, placing the tea and broth on the nightstand.
A smile met the woman's bright grey eyes, prompting her to smile back, but Kaoru could see there was sadness there. Not worry, not concern, not even fear, just a quiet resignation. The child patted the rim of the bowl. "I brought you some food."
Crystal reached out slender hands to the child, who was all too happy to scramble onto the bed and nestle against the woman's lithe frame. Ruby eyes closed slowly, listening to the woman's heartbeat, which didn't sound irregular at the moment. They stayed like that for a time, with Kaoru laying on the woman, who was leaning against the headboard with a calm expression.
"Kay." The child opened those brilliant crimson eyes, looking up to the woman. Crystal smiled gently at the Scent, and Kaoru felt a little cold at the way it looked. "You know if anything ever happened to me, grandma and grandpa would take care of you, right?"
Kaoru chuckled, lifting a small hand to play with one of the woman's sleek curls. "Yep. But it's our turn to take care of you now." The flower girl looked as though she was going to say something, but the child wasn't finished. Kaoru looked away, "I know you can't pick me up and spin right now. I know Grandma Rosey wont let you work as much either, once the doctors talk to her." The child turned that intense gaze to hold Crystal's own startled silvery one. "I'll help her though, like I have been. And I can bring stuff home from the cafe or cook it here, I'm good because you and Grandma taught me. I don't want you to worry, 'cause I'll take care of everything, okay? And when you're better, you can spin me again and we'll be even." Kaoru smiled cheerily, as if planning a picnic rather than holding the discussion they were currently in.
Crystal's lashes were heavy with unshed tears, one falling as the dismayed cry of her mother carried down the hall. "Kaoru," she murmured softly, brushing the child's curly hair. "My blessing." She regarded the child for a moment, who simply smiled with all the warmth of the sun at the woman. She couldn't help but smile in the face of such determined optimism, even if it couldn't come to pass. There was no harm in hoping for the best, was there? "I'll spin you as fast and often as I can..."
"When you're better. I know! Now you have to get something on your stomach so you don't faint again. I'll go make some stew, Grandma brought some meat over!" The child bounced off the bed and out the door before the woman could protest, leaving her to her tea and chicken broth. The stew wasn't going to cook itself, and the sun wouldn't be in the sky much longer. Kaoru had much to do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 1:46 pm
Reference: Scent Entry
Spring To come.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 1:52 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:40 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:44 am
Reference: Guardian Entry
Time To come.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:47 am
Quote: Reference: The Rain Dances - Day 01
Who: Everyone and their momma!
Time is found - Crystal and Kaoru meet and greet friends that they hadn't seen since the flower girl fell ill. She's pleased beyond reason to talk with Cyr and Arcanos, to see the twins, to talk to the lovely and enigmatic lady who offered her tea, to even spot her beloved Qadir in the day's light; Kaoru is likewise happy to have finally met Olivia, albeit briefly, as well as seeing Ment and Celyn again, to dance with Orpheus, meet Rhiloss, see the beloved twins Lucian and Rion.
It was chaotic, but it was a wonderful day for both of them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:02 pm
Quote: Reference: The Rain Dances - Day 02
Who: Everyone and their momma!
Kaoru only remembers one thing about this day - the teenage vision that is Orpheus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
