floralogy | ♥ 8th Flower Picked

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♥ 8th Flower Picked

[Action;]

Oh goodness, it's so cold!

[There's a shriek that follows that and the intense shielding of oneself from the falling snow. Ino trains her eyes around her surroundings. It's obvious she's in the forest, but where exactly? Grumbling, she focuses on staying warm, at least as warm as she can get when she's dressed for a humid forest.]

It's really typical of this place to send you on a mission to a perfectly humid jungle only to dump you back into a freezing forest.

[Ino rambles, teeth starting to chatter amid the frigid air. A certain location looks different when covered in snow but she hasn't been in this place for two years not to know her way around. Two years, Ino recalls, come to think of it, this is my third winter in this place.

She sighs, her expression falling a little, as she focuses on finding her way to the village. Probably by the time she does reach its outskirts, she's freezing and looking ready to fall any moment.]

[Voice; much later]

So, I'm back.

[The voice behind this post, which obviously belongs to Ino, is tired and a little hoarse from sneezing a lot.]

If anyone ever needs me, I'll be available next week.

Or the week after that.

Or the week after that.

[There's a long sigh.]

I think I won't be going on any missions for a while.

[Not that she can promise that, but a long hot bubble bath and some well-deserved rest and relaxation for days are probably in order.]

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Are you kidding?

[His grip on her hand tightens, and he leans close.]

While you were gone, it was like the whole world stopped.

[...Okay, that sounded incredibly cheesy, but at least he tried?]

[Okay, sorry, but that got her laughing. Omg Riku, way to break the ice in this cold weather.]

Now that's just cheesy. [There, she said it.] I think I was gone for more than a year for you to say that.

Well, it's true. And it felt like some huge part of me was missing, and...

[He stops himself, fully realizing how silly this sounds.]

I think you get the idea. It's good to have you back.

[And to prove it, he'll plant a quick kiss on her cheek.]

So, c'mon. Let's get back to our room. I've got a huge stack of blankets with your name on it.

[And they're even freshly washed!]

[Awww, Riku. c:]

Really?

[With her smile widening, Ino throws her arms at Riku. Oh, the warmth of an embrace!]

Aw, it's really good to be back. [To this, coming home to people who matter. That's the real consolation they have being stuck here in Luceti.]

[The embrace is especially welcome, given his lack of comfy winter attire. He'll lean into it a bit, wrapping both of his arms around her waist.]

Want me to whip up some cocoa when we get back? That oughta take the edge off this chill.

Sure thing, I'd love that!

[Letting go of him just a tad bit so they can continue walking, Ino continues.]

Did I miss anything important, by the way? You didn't hit on any girl while I was on a mission, did you? [Teasing teasing. It's not like Riku's that kind of guy.]

Pff, c'mon. You really think I'd pull a stunt like that?

[He chuckles and rolls his eyes.]

But, nah, nothing big's really happened lately. The village has a therapist, but other than New Feathers popping up more frequently than before, there's nothing to really write home about.

[She was about to tell him she's just kidding when what he said last caught her attention.]

Wait, we have a therapist?

[For what??]

Yep.

[He snorts and waves one of his hands.]

Think of it as a "present" after what happened with the Shift Bomb. They think we've got issues.

We have issues?

[Ino's expression and tone drop into something short of annoyance.]

Seriously? Tell me they didn't just make that assumption because then, they haven't looked at themselves in the mirror.

[Have a pat on the shoulder, Ino. Riku totally and utterly sympathizes.]

Hey, maybe it helps them sleep at night. Placing the blame on someone else means they can act like they're better than us.

[She visibly rolls her eyes in disgust.]

Sleeping at night will be the least of their worries when I'm finally through with them.

[Okay, maybe she's being too worked up over this, but after a tiring mission? Yeah, little things can get on her nerves.]

Remind me to never get on your bad side, Ino.

[He even feigns a shudder, though after a few seconds, his expression shifts to a more serious scowl.]

But believe me, I'd happily lend a hand if we ever get the chance. I've got my own issues with those creeps.

[She gives him a small smile at his first statement, proud of what she can do and the fact she knows she can get him in line.

Her expression shifts to something mirroring Riku's own, though, when he continues.]

I think everyone does and that's what keeps us united in this place somehow.

Well, it's gotta at least help a little bit.

[He stops once the Flame Building comes into view, shrugging his shoulders.]

Anyway, looks like we're just about there. You ready to get out of this cold?

Of course! I'm born ready.

[And she emphasizes this by actually grabbing Riku's hand and dragging him to the building. Come on, let's get warm!]

Whoa!

[Okay, he should've expected this, and once the shock wears off, he'll pick up the pace. No need to get dragged around.]

You want to just hit the elevator? Might save us some time.

[Oops! Sorry about that, boyfriend. She smiles at his suggestion, though.]

Sure! I was thinking that, too.

[Then, with a plan in mind, Riku'll go ahead and slip through that elevator of justice!

Once they reach their destination, he'll even hold the door to their room for her.]

[Well, aren't you a gentleman. Ino then enters their humble apartment, only stopping short to take off his coat and hang it on the rack. There's a satisfied smile on her face, as the familiarity of home, or at least her home here in Luceti, settles in. She glances at Riku as she takes his hand as if to say she's finally home with him.]

It feels great to be back. [A brief pause as her smile turns wider, if not a little mischievous.] I'm planning to take a warm bath later. Do you want to join me?

[...Oh. Riku's face reddens a little at the idea. It's nothing too outrageous, and by now he really oughta be used to Ino being so forward.

Good thing he's established a groove when it comes to stuff like this. After a second or two, he leans towards her and smirks.]

Hmm... Sure you don't have ulterior motives?

[He chuckles and waves one of his fingers.]

If you do... well, I'm not complaining.

[She chuckles, finding his earlier reaction adorable and his latter smirk just sexy.]

Well, I'll make you scrub my back. Does that count as an ulterior motive?

[Of course, she has ulterior motives but Ino's sure Riku's well-aware of these.]

Hmm. Well, I would've done it anyway.

[He plops a hand down on her shoulder.]

Better than using a back brush, right?

Definitely.

[Her smile seems unwavering as she remembers something.]

Anyway, you promised me some hot cocoa, right?

And that's one promise I intend to keep. Just give me a sec, and I'll get you all set up.

[With that, he'll make his way into their apartment's small kitchen and start pulling out the goods. Powdered cocoa mix? Check. Marshmallows? Check. Mugs? Double check.]

You gonna want marshmallows? Whipped cream?

Edited 2014-01-23 19:10 (UTC)

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floralogy - 2014-01-24 15:38 (UTC) - Expand

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