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 Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:02 pm
Although Rin had accepted him back into her life as well as the two creating a vow together to get through the current situation, Duzi fully understood that it would take time, a good length of time, for Rin to forgive him for what he had done. It was even possible for the lioness to still be pained by the sight of his daughter or even the thought that he was with another woman; such a wound, perhaps, could never fully heal no matter time time or remedy. It was a trying scenario that pained the male greatly yet with hell-bent determination he would see to it that he would do whatever it would take to not only win his mates trust back but to make things right. The burden that he carried had been lodged in the pit of his stomach for so long but, with Rin, now he was starting to feel it lessen- deteriorating and becoming something he could bare. This new found revival of happiness was revived within his broken soul yet the mending process, or rather the completion, had yet to reach its final form. For now, Duzi could only hope that the process would mend the rifts that had been created.
Lately, Rin had seemed happy with a new light, a new glow about her. The one frail and beaten appearance had been stripped from her and the familiar figure he had helplessly fallen head over paws for was restored. The simple glance of her only caused what felt like butterflies to launch themselves into a panicked flight within his stomach- twisting and turning it every which way. She was beautiful and her confidence and happiness was more than contagious. But aside from the obvious emotions on the surface it would seem that Duzi had been picking up vibes that were solacing from below the surface.
He was worried.
Rin certainly hadn't been expecting to find him or walk into a situation which was radically different from the one that she had become separated from. There were at times Duzi felt that sadness foreshadowed what darkened thoughts and beliefs crossed his mates mind and such things troubled him. There were countless possibilities of what exactly the subject matter entailed but he was already leaning towards the thought that it had something to do with the lioness now taking on a role of being both a mate and, now, somewhat of a motherly figure to a cub which wasn't even hers. There had been times where Rin seemed to seek out solitude and put distance between them; Duzi respected that but when his mate seemed to be letting pent up thoughts and worries eat away at the one he loved it was near impossible for him to sit by the sidelines and do nothing. What good was a mate if he simply sat around and let the one he loved, that sarcastic fireball, simply be torn apart by things that could be trivial? He would be worthless, he thought to himself. No good at all.
Knitting his brows, the male began to slowly meander towards the red lioness. The outcropping of rocks was more than a familiar spot- it was a location where they had, at once, nearly battered each other with claws and fangs. Duzi could only smile; it felt like yesterday that he had intruded on the lioness's downtime and had come around for the second or third time in attempt to 'woo' her. Paws gripped to the surface with ease as the crimson and black striped male seemed to swagger with a subtle walk, swaying his tail behind him as he mused with a deep, thrumming purr.
"If I didn' know betta' I'd say Ya've got a lot on ya' mind, Marra," he commented, pursing his lips slightly as he settled himself down upon his haunches beside her. Deep, crimson orbs glanced outward to the bleak grasslands before he clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and arched a brow. "Somethin's makin' ya' think too 'ard," looking back, the male twitched his muzzle, "an' its eatin' at 'cha."
Hunkering down to his stomach as he settled beside her, Duzi crossed his forepaws. "What is it?"
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:22 pm
The fiery female felt bad for distancing herself from Duzi, but she felt like she wouldn't be able to handle it if she simply rushed back into everything. It was true, she still loved him and she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, but things were different now. They couldn't just go back to the way their lives were before the storm had separated them. There was a rift, a distance that they both needed to figure out--together--how to cross and reach each other once more.
But as the days went on, she felt like she didn't quite fit. He was a father, and what was she? Still a cubless female. The urge was there to be a mother, to have little paws pitter-pattering around her, little voices calling her mommy. But she wondered if she was cut out for it. Kip followed her father everywhere, and Rin had originally thought they could be a family. Yet how could that be if she felt more like Kip's older sister than a sort of mother figure?
Sighing quietly, her sensitive ears picked up the sound of her mate's approach. She turned to him as he closed the distance between them, and she put on a smile for him. Yet she knew she couldn't hide anything from him. Even in the beginning, at this very spot, he had been able to see through her mask. Although it felt like only yesterday for Duzi, it felt like a lifetime for the once-princess of the Kusini. Vaguely she wondered what her family was up to, or even if they missed her. But she had more pressing issues.
"Duzi," she said quietly. "I.. I do. Have a lot on my mind, I mean." She flattened her ears and nuzzled him under his chin. She took in a deep breath as his scent filled her nostrils and filled her with a sense of comfort and complete tranquility. When he asked what was bothering her, she pulled back so that she could look at him face to face.
"To be honest, Duzi, it's..." She wondered how to put it. "I don't feel like, well, like I really fit. With Kip, I mean. I don't know if I'm supposed to be her mother or or.." She closed her eyes and shook her head. She must sound like such an idiot! "I'm sorry," she spoke quickly. "I don't really know how to explain it."
She was doomed.
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 5:44 pm
Crimson orbs settled upon his mate with compassion, bearing a warmth of their own as he arched a brow upwards slightly as while ears became attentive- erecting upwards if to catch each spoken word. Feeling the lioness nuzzle underneath his chin only caused the male to purse his lips before a tender smile trailed across his maw but it seemed short as Rin pulled back, looking at him directly. With having only walked again into each others lives Duzi perhaps couldn't ultimately feel and view the situation just as perfectly as Rin; It would seem that Rin was enduring a completely different game as she was trying to figure out her place with him, with Kip, while the large male was trying to put a fragmented relationship and past back together. Perhaps he wouldn't understand it completely but he was doing his damn best as that, at the moment, was all he could do. For the moment he said nothing but only listened. There was confusion in her voice, a subtle fear embedded within her tone as well as in her eyes which made him sad knowing that his mate, his lover, seemed frustrated and uncertain of where this was going or what she was doing. He had come to know quickly from the beginning that the fiery lioness never did like being put in awkward or strange situations that pushed her out of her comfort zone and this, to be honest, perhaps was far more than she would have bargained for.
"Don't be sorry, Marra," he corrected. "There isn' a reason fo' you ta' be. But let me try an' have a whack at it: You're not sure how ya' suppose ta' deal with this, eh? 'M sure it's a bit more than awkward fo' ya but I think its best ya' know that Kip looks up to ya' even if she doesn' say it. She admires ya', Rin."
Kip herself was a rather oddball. The young juvenile had a stubborn, strong willed and rather boisterous personality but, as of lately, it seemed that the young female was sub level while silently hoping, pleading, that her father and Rin would be able to work everything out. The stories which he had told his daughter were not only bedtime stories- they had molded themselves to become a desired lifestyle. What more could a young rebel ask for when both of her parents didn't answer to the law or abide by rules? That unruly, fiery nature between Duzi and Rin was something Kip was envious of and it would seem that she was, of all times, trying to stay on her best behavior and give the long lost lovers some time to themselves. Just like her fathers bull-headed and rebellious lifestyle it would seem also that Duzi's level of etiquette and charm had translated over to the new generation. Even now the young female was watching from a distance, shrouding herself within the thick, tall, grass as she awaited- nearly waiting on tail and claws for any signs, at at all, that would point to which direction this small family would choose to head toward.
"In the case of tryin' ta' decide if ya' should be a motha' or an' olda' sista," he continued, a paw reaching over toward the lioness's as he placed it atop of hers, "I think ta' best thin' you can do fo' her would ta' jus' be a friend to her. You don' have to act like a motha' o' an olda' sista', Rin, jus' be there fo' her. Knowin' that Kip has someone ta' turn to, talk about anythin' with and mess aroun' wif' I thin' would jus' mean ta' world ta' her. That's all she'd eva' ask fo'. Ya neva' know- soona' or lata' she might see ya as her mom an' ya' relationship will become mo' o' a' motha' an' daught'a type o' even a olda' sista' an' younga' sista. I think its up ta' time an' what ya want from it. But jus' rememba that whateva' ya put inta' it you'll get back, if not mo'."
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 8:20 pm
Or perhaps not so doomed.
Rin sighed in relief as her lover seemed to know exactly how she was feeling. That was one of the wonderful things about their relationship. They fit so perfectly with each other that they didn't always have to have words for how they were feeling; the other simply knew. And it was now more than ever that she needed him to understand what she was going through. They were in a rocky time, and they were working through it, but without proper communication and understanding, their relationship would be doomed to fail from the very beginning. Thankfully, though, Duzi was an intelligent and thoughtful male, and so could pick up on a female's sensitive mood swings.
When the striped male told her that his daughter looked up to her, the red lioness could only blink for a moment. She had always prided herself on being herself and being a strong individual, but it had never occurred to her that someone might idol her. It was never really her intention. She simply wanted to prove that females were just as good, if not better at times, than males.
"You really think so, Duzi?" she questioned quietly. She was feeling so unlike herself. Back in the old days, they'd spend their time arguing and play fighting, being sarcastic with each other and simply being themselves. Now, she almost didn't know who she was anymore. She was hurt and, for the first time in her life, she felt fragile. It was like her life hung in the balance and what happened in the immediate future would determine where she would go in life.
Hopefully, it was onwards with Duzi and his daughter Kip.
When the male placed his paw on hers, she nearly melted. She knew that she could never leave him. They would work this out, whatever it took.
"A friend," she repeated, testing the word in her mouth. Rin had never really had any friends. She had been too much of an arrogant princess to really bother with something such as friendship. Duzi had been her only friend, and even then she had tried to push him away and make him leave her alone. Being friends with someone younger and half her size would certainly be a challenge. But if there was one thing Rin knew, it was that she'd never back away from a challenge. She'd overcome any obstacle.
"Love, you know better than anyone that I'm not so great at making friends. What if I mess it up with her and she ends up hating me?" This was another thing that was completely new to the lioness: doubt. She had never doubted herself or her abilities, so why was she starting to now? Perhaps it was the fact that she'd never had to be in this sort of situation before.
She sighed once more and forced herself to smile for him. "But you're right, Duzi. I'll be her friend, and I'll make this work. You just wait and see."
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 9:52 pm
It was the ability to decipher one another so easily which made their relationship stand apart from others. Previously with Kimya Duzi only pined for someone who was open, someone he could bicker with as well as an individual who wouldn't hesitate to knock him off his paws and blind sight him if he was getting, somehow, out of line. That feeling, that connection was never there and it only made the time apart from Rin all the more painful. But somehow he had gotten a second wind, a chance to prove himself to the one he had become separated from so long ago with the intentions to start a new life together- a new beginning for the both of them. No doubt it was a rather rocky situation, something which was unseen but knowing the strength of both hearts on the battlefield they would, eventually, ride out the storm they faced. Now seemed the time where strength would be more than recommended, it was required. Here and now the waters were being tested, boundaries pushed and the everyday ordinary was becoming more of the unknown but they'd face it- through hell or high waters they would, one way or another.
Duzi tilted his head slightly as a warm, slightly cheeky, grin slipped across his maw. A chuckle rumbled from his chest, "I don' think, I know."
Although Rin was far from her elemental norm Duzi would be there every step of the way; he would walk beside her, not behind her and nor in front of her. This was a team effort. He had never known Rin to have had any friends before he met her yet such a thing was of the past and this was the present and looking back to what once was wouldn't help to move an individual forward. The large male knew that it would be somewhat of a difficult first step for his mate but knowing her hell bent determination she would try her damnedest! That, truthfully, was one of the qualities he had always found so- so sexy about her. The mere thought of her spitfire attitude only created a small shiver to shoot down his spine.
"C'mooooon," he sighed, clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth, "that was b'fo now wasn' it? An' b'sides that was ta' past- I thin' you'll fin' in this friendship that its not so much you makin' the effort as it is ta' jus' have fun. If ya haven' got the memo, love, havin' fun is ta' secret ta' doin' anythin'. Don' think abou' how it can go wrong, jus' go wid' ta' flow. Trouble is sometimes is dat' ya' gotta not live wid' all ta' worries." The male pursed his lips as a paw flicked at a small pebble as it launched from off of the outcropping of rocks and onto the ground below. Duzi watched it for a moment before he glanced over to Rin, only grinning just a bit wider as he paced around her. "Sometimes ya ju' gotta dance."
Dancing. It was an odd concept but with Duzi being quite a sly romantic he was getting somewhere or at least trying to put something in a new perspective. Perhaps for those who he had ruffled and busted up in the past it would have been somewhat of a riot to see the male easy on his paws and creating fancy paw work and movement but even a rough and rumble rebel knew how to pick up spirits and solemn hearts.
"Skimmin' ta' surface, glidin' where turf is smooth. Life's mo' painless fo' ta' brainless so why thin' too hard? No need ta' tough it when ya' can sluff it off as I do. Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters makes it jus' life so jus' keep dancin' through!" His motion and quick movement caused his back paws to slide across the smoothed surface of the rocks, slipping as if on ice while a forepaw rose upward with its paw pad facing upward. The crimson and black striped male only chuckled, bearing his teeth with an impish grin. Duzi arched a brow upwards, head canted to the side ever so slightly as he shrugged his shoulders and planted his four paws back onto the ground- walking around his mate with a swagger as his tail found itself to caress under her chin with a flick as his voice continued to carry a tune. "Dancin' through life, swayin' and sweepin' an' always keepin' cool cuz' life is fraught-less when ya' thoughtless. Mindless an' careless make sure ya' where less trouble is rife. Woes are fleetin', blows are glancin' when ya' dancing through life." It seemed a simple concept, or- well, Duzi hoped it would be. But if anything it was a good attempt to something new to help bring a rise of laughter out of his mate. Although dancing was never in Rin and Duzi's lifestyle as the pair was more of a bickering, feisty sarcasm banter one would think that dancing would be simply... mindless? A take one something which was rather pathetic or pansy. He didn't expect her to dance but he was trying to prove a point; she had to reach out of her comfort zone.
"Ya see what I'm gettin' at, love?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:27 pm
Rin's mood was lightening up already. Simply being around him made the sun seem dull compared to the warmth and the color the male put into her life. She couldn't help but grin and swat at him playfully with her paws. She had been one of the lucky ones, one of the few to find someone that she could truly be herself with. They could do anything together. They weren't just a mushy couple that pranced around and had arguments about who was cuter. They had real adventures and created real memories with each other. What they had was real, and not just puppy love. It was true love, and she'd never let him go again.
"Oh, but are you sure, my love? I know sometimes you can become... distracted." She smiled slyly and rubbed herself against him, rumbling low and contentedly. She knew that he couldn't resist her charm.
Rin had had her worries, but around him she couldn't help but let all the worries melt away. She knew that they still had some things to work out, and that she would have to work hard to fit back in with him and this new life that they had going for them. There was another member now, and she had to realize that she was now part guardian to his daughter. It still felt awkward, knowing Kip wasn't hers, but she was slowly coming to terms with that. Eventually, she would have her own cubs, but for now she had her little family of three with Duzi and Kip.
"You're right, Duzi. Man, I've been away from you for too long." She purred and licked his cheek and ears. "Being alone took all the fun out of things. But now," she spoke, crouching down low, as if stalking prey, "I can get back into the swing of things and finally get some fun back in this old gal."
Then, when he started dancing, she sat back and tilted her head slightly at him. Where had this come from? The Duzi she remembered always wanted to spar, not dance. That was sissy stuff. But, she had to admit, he did look rather amusing moving about like that and singing out some silly words. She began to chuckle and watched as he pranced around like some love-struck juvenile. Her chuckle soon escalated into a full on fit of laughter. She nearly fell over watching him move around like that. But, she had to admit, it was kinda sexy. And by kinda, she meant a lot.
And, as such, she simply had to join in. She wasn't as coordinated or as graceful as him, but she could hop around on her toes with the best of them. "You mean like this, love?" she called to him while moving around him. Anyone looking at them from any distance might have thought they were a bunch of nutjobs. But, if she could talk to them, she'd tell them to try acting silly every once in a while and see if it didn't make them feel better.
Slightly tired out by their little dance, Rin plopped down and rolled over onto her back, paws in the air and belly fully exposed. She threw her head back and the tuft of fur atop her head fell to the ground as blue eyes glistened with bliss.
"I see, and I'm loving it."
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Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:41 am
"Distracted?" The crimson and black striped lion repeated, cocking his head slightly. "Neva."
Rin's charm was something that was a weakness which he always submitted to- it was something so irresistible which left a craving, a need to be around her. Perhaps it was best associated to be a toxin or something which had become more of an addiction as the male had become quick to realize that he couldn't live without it, without her. But, truly, if there was anything in the world that could distract Duzi it would be Rin; she was quite a charmer. It only left the male questioning whether or not she had picked up a few tricks along the way! The idea only made him chuckle while a small grin stretched across his maw with a subtle appearance. He could see it now: Rin teasing a few blokes and trying out her new tricks in hopes to impress Duzi before she found him once again. It was possible but, at the same time, the idea made him, truly, somewhat jealous. Thankfully he didn't have to be. Rin was here with him and the time they were spending right now was simply another real memory. True love was at its best and in the works.
Seeing her look once he had started his small routine only made him chuckle once more. Yes, her sparring partner was dancing- most likely a sight she never would have imagined let alone seeing the tough, bumbling male engaging in a rather sissy pastime. The movement of his paws only followed a rhythm which was unheard, romping within his mind and guiding him blindly. Duzi himself was well aware that he must have looked like a fool, a mindless bloke who simply had been subject to the heat too long or was, perhaps, dropped on the head a few times too many as a cub. Dancing was something far from out of character but with being a sly charmer it would seem the old cat had to pick up a few new tricks along the way, The same routine had been getting a bit rusty but certainly an act such as this was just the thing to jazz it up a notch or two. If anything one could rest assured that this would be the last time that anyone would see him dancing about like an idiot- this was for the sole purpose of his mates enjoyment and attempt to lift her broken spirits. But it wasn't until he saw Rin rising to her feet and starting to move around that ti seemed that his solo was now turning into an unexpected duet. A broad, brimming grin only stretched across his maw as the male laughed, fervently nodding his head. "That's it, Marra! Jus' loose an' carefree- 'sides if anyone is onlookin' with ill will then it's 'cause they don' know how to have fun. Can't attemp' ta' live and be serious all ta' time. Sometimes bein' silly is jus' like gettin' a secon' wind."
Their level of silliness only escalated as Duzi followed her movement, dancing with her and alongside her as he bumped into her with his side. His hips swaggered while his tail swayed behind him and the tap-tap-tap of paws and claws rattat-tatted against the rockface as spirits and his own morale soared to new heights. Stress, worries and uncertainty lifted their burdens, if only temporarily, from off of his shoulders. Mpinduzi felt lighter.
Just as his mate seemed to be tuckered out and tired from the sudden dance number Duzi settled slowly as he sat upon his haunches for a moment if only to catch his breath. Slowly, his forepaws seemed to slid in front of him while the rest of his body was lowering itself, again, to lie upon the outcropping of rocks where the warmed rock faces would certainly bring relief to muscles that ached. Apparently there were muscles aching that he never knew existed! Note to self: Dancing was only for special occasions. Eying the lioness, Duzi seemed to scoot closer toward her before slithering his way to rest his head and thick, black tapered mane upon her chest so pools of blue could clash with pools of deepest crimson.
"Jus' fo' ta' record, dances from now on will be in limited supply. They're a hell of a lot of work. Righ' up there wid' sparrin' and brawlin'," he chuckled, exhaling softly as his dragged himself atop his mate just a bit more. A deep, thrumming purr rumbled from within his chest. "But fo' you I thin' I'd be willin' ta' give ya' a show or two ... for a price," he winked playfully, musing as he licked at her maw tenderly. That sly, slick nature seemed to only kindle as the male pursed his lips. "Oh, what 'm seein' right here 'm lovin' it, too. But 'm wonderin' if what I see realizes that this bloke is ready ta' do whateva' it takes to make her happy- even if it means lookin' like a mindless sap." Her presence only continued to act like a toxin; her very scent was like a drug. Duzi nuzzled against her and breathed deeply as he took a more serious turn.
"In all honesty, Marra. I thin' you'll be fine wid' Kip. Jus' gotta have faith that it will all work out. I know it will wid' all my heart but you gotta believe it too. Jus' rememba' that I'll be 'ere every step o' ta' way." His voice abounded with compassion, ringing with what he hoped would be taken with fullest sincerity and commitment. Everything he said he meant and he would see it through and through. If only to add, Duzi winked. "Through hell o' high wata', love. Hell especially since I'd love ta' be ta' first ta' make a row down there an' come back. High wata' would be a bit of a challenge- I can't 'old my breath fo' too long... and I'm not a great swimma'."
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Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 1:28 am
"Never, you say?" She chuckled slightly, shaking her head at him. "Well, if I remember correctly, you had a habit of becoming distracted quite often." She purred once more and circled around him, her sapphires watching him with pointed interest as her tail lifted to caress the underside of is chin. Simply touching him sent a shiver running through her entire body. She missed that feeling more than she had ever imagined.
It made her think of how close they had come, so many times in the past, to creating their own family. She wondered briefly if things might have turned out differently had they had cubs together. They'd have always been together, watching over their offspring, and she never would have gotten lost looking for him in the storm that fateful day. They would have sheltered together, protecting their cubs against any and all threats, beastial or natural. They would have never gotten separated, and he would have never spent that night with that female. He would have never sired her cubs. Cubs that didn't belong to Rin.
Suddenly, she felt guilty. She was a little attached to Kip, and wishing that they'd never gotten separated was almost like wishing the young female had never been born. She looked down at her paws momentarily, ashamed of herself.
But she couldn't stay too sad about it for long. Duzi was dancing, and she would be damned if she missed it! She laughed out loud, and realized how long it had been since she had laughed last. They had been away for far too long, and now that they were back together she felt as if they would be living up every moment. Which was exactly how it should be. Life was short and often took unexpected turns, so it was wise to enjoy the good times while they kept rolling. "You would know all about being silly, wouldn't you?" she teased, leaping for him then quickly leaping away. As he bumped her, she growled playfully but continued hopping around him.
When their dance was over, and the red lioness on her back, she simply smiled and continued to regain her breath. He was right, dancing was quite a work out! "I don't blame you, love," she chuckled. "Although I do rather miss our spars." She gave him puppy dog eyes and a bit of a sad face. She didn't think she had the energy to spar now, but she'd definitely get a brawl or two out of him later.
But she became serious as he moved himself so that his body was a bit more on top of hers. Another sensation filled her body, and her breathing slowed slightly. Right then and there, she never wanted their bodies to separate. And a deeper feeling took hold of her, something like an instinct.
Duzi went back to their earlier topic, however, and the red lioness forced herself to calm down. "Well with you by my side, there's nothing I can't do," she purred, giving him an affectionate lick on the cheek. "But you don't have to go down to hell with me. Not unless I could go with you so we could kick the devil's arse around a bit." She laughed and pawed at his mane, wishing always that she'd never have to be parted from him again. When he joked about not being a good swimmer, she shook her head slightly. "You smart a**!" she teased, rolling away from him suddenly, hoping to catch him off guard and make him stumble.
She had some fight in her yet.
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Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:43 pm
Being caught in the moment only caused a broader grin to stretch across his maw. In the past there had been a plethora of times where both Rin and Duzi could have chosen to create their own families but, perhaps in a way, fate had a funny, if not twisted, way of making things happen. Currently it would seem that where they stood now as opposed to where they were in the past wasn't the choicest situation but already Duzi was digging in his paws and firm in a belief that somehow, sooner or later, it would all work out for the better. But what would of happened if they had started a family together? What would their future look like. Would it be better? Had they never been separated what would have befallen then or, rather, what would their lives be like? The thought itself was hard to stomach- had they been together there would have been no Kip and the thought of that pained the male. His daughter had brought him joy and had become the rock of his once crumbling foundation but now he only hoped that the three of them could become a unit, a family unit so to speak. Fate had a strange way of having things unexpectedly work out for the better and perhaps this was one of them; it was a strange, heart wrenching experience albeit but in the end it would only strengthen them in mind, body and soul.
Silliness was something he had never incorporated- something that the rought and rumble male never had considered part of a healthy diet for day to day life. As far as he had previously been concerned silliness would never get one far in life. But with having to entertain and make light of the situation for his mental health and his own daughters morale it seemed that silliness had become needed in a well-mannered daily dose. One could never be too serious or look at the world with a scowl. Life was for living and no one in their right mind should subject themself to believe it was better to live alone then without a significant other or even a purpose. What good was a life without meaning? It didn't make sense. Like his old life concept it seemed to fit; If you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything. Other than fighting in brawls and scuffles Duzi was now fighting for his beloved, his daughter, and their future. Fighting for them was the most important calling and duty he could ever hold.
But rest assured, the deep crimson and black streaked male was far from a softy now. He was, and always would be, an individual whose claws remained anxiously awaiting and engaged to pursuit brawls and uprises. Sparring, bickering and spite fire stubborn antics were all included along with a more defined sense of resistance, bartering and a connection to others who knew anything about loss and tragedy. Duzi, in short, was still Duzi- he had simply gained a few new tricks up his paws.
"Spars," he exhaled deeply, nostrils almost greedily taking in fresh air as he mused, "we'll have plen'y o' 'em. Jus' not now. 'M beat." Duzi only chuckled. He felt the same; he had missed the random and sudden brawls which he and Rin had engaged in. They not only kept him in shape but afterward the duo often engaged in a cool down session at the watering hole or even took a well deserved nap. It was easy to say that the lioness certainly knew how to jump start his adrenaline rush without a hinderance! But his backtracking to the previous topic had only then come to mind and it was if he needed to say it- to tell his mate that, in a way, it was all going to be okay. Duzi was certain that it was a bit nerve racking and intimidating for Rin to try to decipher where she fit in the picture but the male was more than willing to help clear her view and show her that, amidst her fears, it wasn't all that bad.
As far as Duzi was concerned Rin was doing a hell of a job!
Feeling the lioness's paws in his mane made him grin, thrumming again a deeper purr as he arched a brow upwards with a cheeky manner as she seemed to catch on. He had been leaning in to her, waiting to plant a sly kiss upon her muzzle before she rolled away from him and his face, and overall balance, abandoned him in the blink of an eye. Within seconds his near puckered lips seemed to collide onto the warm rock face as that metallic, earthy taste all but seized and clung to his lips. Such a vile, unwanted taste only caused his muzzle to bunch slightly as he pulled his sunken head upwards and stuck out his tongue with a fanged, amused look of disgust.
"You cheeky blighter!" He laughed, turning his head to the side as he spit- freeing his maw from the earthy taste. He licked his maw again and flicked his ears. Duzi slowly turned his head toward the lioness and shook his head. "Oh, ta' cleva'ness o' ya'," he mused, scooting a bit closer towards her as a small grin slid across his maw, "I don' think I can compete wid' 'dat. I migh' need somethin' a bit mo'...aggressive."
Scooting lower, Duzi leaned forward and grabbed the lioness's tail within his maw and began to tug once before her attempted to drag her.
"Thin' this'll do it, eh Marra?"
Padding slowly towards the edge of the outcropping of rocks, Duzi hummed to himself as he dragged his mate along as gently as possible. It was all in good fun- a little roughhousing never hurt anyone, especially these two.
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Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 1:34 pm
Rin thought about those times where they could have created their own family. She wondered why she had hesitated then, why they didn't go through with it when they had so many chances. It was so long ago, she almost couldn't remember why she stopped. Had she been scared? She had always thought she had wanted a family with him, but perhaps it wasn't always so. But dwelling on what could have been if this or that had happened was dampening her mood, and she didn't like it. So she shook off thoughts of the past and instead looked foward, to her future with Duzi and Kip.
She had never thought of herself as a silly sort of person, or as dancing to really be her thing. But somehow, dancing around with him seemed almost right. She realized that no matter what she did, if she did it with him, it would always be right. They were a team, partners, the best of friends, lovers. They were two halves of one whole, and together nothing could ever seem wrong. They were perfect for each other in every way, and she couldn't have asked for anything better.
And of course, although they both could have their moments where they seemed to become completely different, and silly, personalities, they would always be the same fiery souls deep down. They'd always retain a love of the fight and the energizing feeling of a good brawl.
When Duzi said he was tired, Rin blew air out of her nose and tried to not laugh. "You, tired?" she teased, circling around him as if he were her prey. "I thought you always had time and energy for a good brawl. What happened? Did poor little Duzi grow soft while his trainer was away?" She knew this wasn't the case, but she loved messing with him all the same. She loved getting him all riled up and ready for a fight. She had missed exchanging mock blows with him, and seeing who could get the better of who in a fight. So far, they had been equally matched. But now that they had been away from each other, she wondered if anything had changed. Would she be stronger now, or would he? Or would they still remain matched? She flexed her claws, ready for anything.
And, when she rolled away and caused him to slip and fall, she couldn't help but feel proud of herself. She still had it. She'd been away from any sort of company for months, but she still had some tricks. Lifting her head high, she purred proudly and pranced around him. Yet when he began sliding closer, she stopped and eyed him cautiously. She knew he was planning something, but what?
Then she felt him tug on her tail, and out of surprise she slipped and fell to her belly. "Duzi!" she growled playfully, turning her head about to look at him with narrowed blue eyes.
"Cheater!" she accused, although she knew all was fair in love and war. Nevertheless, she allowed herself to be dragged by her mate, slightly curious as to what his next move might be.
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Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:36 pm
The lack of constant training and reckless spars had caused the male to perhaps lose his touch just a bit. It was something he'd never openly admit to his mate but he was certain he had become somewhat rusty in his tactics and his approach. With an extended downtime between when he last was with Rin Duzi only could estimate that he had packed on a few pounds; the male was still lean and trim but there was somewhat of a bulk to him that perhaps needed to be tamed. Duzi not only had grown soft but he had been obsolete as what good was an athlete without their trainer? Rin pushed him to new levels and helped him increase his stamina and without that extra push motivation was all but a bleak, distant memory. Vigilantly he continued to grasp onto his mates tail, cradling it between his jowls as he glanced around looking for something, some for a grand move on his part. But it would seem that there weren't many options; the drop off between the rocks and the ground was steep and risked some potential, haphazard mess. The male pursed his lips, staring out into the open grassland as he flicked his ears.
"Hmmmm," he mused, cocking a brow upward while his tail slithered behind him like a wriggling, mischievous serpent. For the moment he ignored his mates playful grow and dared not to look back at her. Her tall tale pools of blue would certainly break through his ploy if he glanced back and that was something he couldn't risk. Even with the accusation of being a cheater was tempting- there was a part of him that simply wanted to shoot back a cheeky, cocky grin but such a thing would only ruin what concoction his mind was attempting to devise. But it seemed his luck was running short. There was nothing which seemed even remotely appropriate as to how to deal with this lioness.
What a shame.
Slowly, the male pivoted around to face his mate. A solemn expression which lacked, or attempted to, lack any emotions stared at her. He walked closer without a word before he was nearly hoovering over her and it didn't take long before he laid atop of her, pressing his weight down just a bit to try to restrict her movement and any attempt she could possibly try to make. But knowing Rin it would seem that anything was possible and Duzi wasn't going to hold his breath and assume that it would be a complete success. But for now this seemed a rather relaxed and playful option.
Duzi stared, pursing his lips almost methodically. "Seein' 'dat there isn' anythin' else betta' o' crafty ta' do I fig'a I'll jus' sit atop o' ya. If ya' can' tell I've gotten a bit borin', I thin'. A bit rusty, really."
Lying on top of her the male chuckled.
"I need some majo' trainin'. 'M not u ta' par," he laughed. "Thin' ya' can 'andle ta' task?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:39 pm
Rin hadn't sparred since she was last with her mate, but if anything she had lost weight. She had been living on her own, almost purposely avoiding contact with others. As such, she had to hunt for herself and also defend herself if things got rough. One result was that she lost most of her baby fat and instead developed lean, hard muscles. It was true that muscle weighed more than fat, but living on her own had made her somewhat skinnier, as she wasn't always successful on her hunts. It took a group to have any sort of spectacular success rate.
But, if it was any consolation to the male, she couldn't tell that he had gained or lost any weight. He might be a bit soft, but she had always kind of considered him her big teddy bear. Secretly, of course, since she suspected that Duzi wouldn't appreciate being referred to as something cute and cuddly.
Watching her teddy bear intently, she smirked slightly when she noticed that his plan had fallen short. He had wanted to do something tricky to get back at her for rolling away, but it seemed that their environment was working against him. Any which way, and they both might have suffered some injury. Any other lion might have worried, but she knew and trusted that he wouldn't do anything to harm her. He was smart and compassionate, so there was really no reason to worry. Instead, she simply watched him with pure amusement. He was trying to figure something out, but time was slowly ticking away. She wiggled her tail slightly to tease him, and purred, trying to get him to look at her. She knew he couldn't resist her sweet face.
When he finally turned towards him, she gave him the most innocent of smiles. "Having some issues there, Duzi?" she purred. Then he did something that she wasn't expecting: he simply laid on top of her! She squirmed slightly, though only from surprise. After a moment she stilled herself and grinned at him. "That was your wonderful plan?" It wasn't extravagant or over the top, but she liked it all the same. After all, anything that involved her being close to him made her skin crawl with excitement and deep desire for him.
"Rusty?" she echoed. "You? Never." She grinned again, pawing at his face playfully. "But if you think you need some new moves, I'm sure I could teach you a few." Her eyes sparkled with underlying hints that were hidden among her words.
"I'm sure I can whip you into shape in no time at all."
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Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:58 pm
He gave a cheeky grin. "Issues? Don' think so, Marra," Duzi replied, chuckling ever so sheepishly as he laid there. Nothing else had come to his mind and it seemed that this was the best solution that he could come up with! Thankfully it seemed to work somehow and it was definitely better than standing there like a dimglow and not knowing what to do or how to make his next move. As his mate commented about his plan Mpindizu only grinned, fervently nodding his head up and down. "Well ya can' always 'ave it be mind blowin'," he added, winking.
Truth be told he was a complex individual but, on the other paw, it was the simple things that often had such a deeper and lasting effect than anything which was extravagant and too gaudy. Although at times Duzi was prone to creating such events and lasting memories his chosen approach only seemed best suited for their current situation. Besides, who didn't want to lie atop their mate? Surly everyone enjoyed being close, or too close, with their mate. Feeling her warmth upon his body only stirred up a tingling sensation to twist and knot his stomach with excitement. Even her very smell seemed to send his senses on an adrenaline rush; Rin was intoxicating. It was more than impossible to resist her charm and that sweet face- she always seemed to have him hooked by the tip of her claw.
Duzi laughed, shaking his head side to side. "Oh please. Don' play me lke 'dat. 'M rusty an' ya' damn well know it." The crimson and black male only knitted his brows slightly as he stared at her before her paws grazed across his face with no claws needed. Each swipe felt more like a caressing massage, a tingling sensation which only made him chuckle ever so softly while his tail thumped upon the rocky surface with enjoyment although he tried his best to hide such a thing. "Oh I need moves," he hastily insisted. "Teach me what'eva ya' got an' I'll follow alon'."
The large male drew his muzzle closer in as their noses pressed together gently. "Do ya' thin' you can whip me inta' shape now?" It wasn't so much a question as it was an invitation. Duzi arched a brow upwards as a sly grin spread across his maw in an almost devious manner. "Hmm?"
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Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:07 pm
Rin laughed slightly, wiggling a littleunderneath him to be a bit of a tease.
"Issues, my dear," she answered, nodding her head slightly. "As I recall, you always seemed to have issues around me. Loss of your train of thought, maybe some weak knees?" she teased, knowing just what she did to him. She knew that her smell, her appearance, her very being, was like ecstasy for him. She knew, well rather hoped, since he was the exact same for her. She had trouble concentrating, though in the best way possible. All she could think about was him, and the way he did things. The way he walked, the way he talked, the way he looked at her, the way he stalked, the way he roughhoused with her. He always seemed so confident, so graceful, so... manly. It was incredible.
"With you," she purred, "it's always mind blowing."
When Duzi told her that she knew he was rusty, she gave him another of her innocent smiles. He might have been rusty, but so was she. They had been apart from each other for so long, and so they hadn't had their sparring partners for the duration. As a result, it was only expected that they would have some difficulties getting immediately back into the swing of things.
"Oh, but I thought you liked it when I played with you," she spoke, continuing to tease him, her tail searching until it found his and curled around it. She could feel her breath slowing, almost so much that it felt as if she weren't breathing at all. A funny feeling began growing within her stomach, but it was a good sort of feeling. She wanted nothing more than to be alone with him forever, just the two of them. She wouldn't have to share him, she wouldn't have to lose him ever again.
"I think I showed you some of my moves, but I have some new ones I've been wanting to try out," she purred, her voice growing softer as she felt a great calm settle over her.
As their noses touched, the greatest feeling shot through her body, and she simply melted. "Now?" she whispered, nearly lost in a dream. It was almost surreal, being back with him again. She had been away for too long, far too long, and she realized then just how much she really missed him. It was like one whole half of her had been torn away, and she wasn't really her. She was simply an empty soul, wandering the landscape and looking for its other half.
"Well, I'm sure I could teach you something," she spoke slyly, wiggling once more to hopefully send a message.
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