Fall To Grace (Private)

[Kairyuu]

Enzeru had a good bit of money saved, his normal lifestyle before the collapse of Mist being quite spartan and allowing him to put money away for times of need. Still, he didn't keep it by spending it like it was burning a hole in his pocket. While he likely could afford a dinner in the Crown district, he felt that something more down to earth would be better. After all, this wasn't supposed to be a date so much as compensation for a tour. And even if it were, first dates in somewhere that high class struck him as somewhat gaudy.

He stands outside of a decent little place that someone told him wasn't too cheap or expensive, and had excellent service. A quick scope of the place confirmed what he was told, people went in, they smiled and ate, they came out grinning and full. He didn't see too many complainers, and those who did was looked upon disdainfully by the others. Somewhere that had loyal customers, then. He looks around the street for a moment, one hand absently rising to run the back of his head as he smiles and waits.

His outfit was not much different than before. A blue tunic with darker blue trim, tan pants and his boots. In truth he didn't own much beyond that as far as clothing went, but this outfit was clean, and well taken care of. His hair was combed back from his forehead, a look that he thought fit him well. Thankfully he had presence of mind not to bring his bow in the open, but in his many pockets one might find something hidden away.

His crystal blue eyes scan the street around him, wondering if she would show. It wouldn't be the first time someone stood him up if she didn't, and while she struck him as an honest woman he knew also that she was on the edge of exhaustion earlier. He looks down to the street and takes a deep breath, then straightens his stance and smiles, waiting.

 

[Hoshirei]

Kimi had run home to shower and change into some clean clothes. That was just shy of half an hour ago. She had fallen asleep standing up and had luckily avoided hitting her head as she slumped to the ground. Katsu and Kora had run into the room and smacked the water to cold. The frigid temperature jolted Kimi wake, but now she just felt more frazzled. The biggest question on her mind? How in the world was she supposed to dress for this?

She knew that they would probably be walking around the village, but she immediately shied away from wearing anything resembling a yukata. She tore through her clothes for a few minutes before finally settling on something that would work. She pulled on a red tank top, black skinny jeans, and a red and black jacket. Her shoes weren't anything special, just the standard heeled shoes some female shinobi wore. She debated about going unarmed, but decided it unwise, given her prior circumstances. A kunai pouch was attached to her thigh and her katana hung from the opposite hip. The katana looked like a fake, and each time she drew her weapon, she couldn't help but marvel at the ingeniousness of seals.

It took her another couple minutes trying to convince her girls that she would be fine on her own before giving up that notion. At almost an hour later, the Tiger Trio were headed to where she'd told Enzeru to meet her. She was certainly still tired, and it might show a bit, but the shower and frantic searching had awakened her, at least a little bit. Kimi no longer felt like she would fall on her face while trying to walk. With confidence, she held her head high and made her way toward the gates of her family compound.

The trio followed Enzeru's scent, keeping an eye out for any hazards. Once they got close enough to see him, they paused for a moment. A million thoughts a minute ran through her mind. Did Enzeru want this to be a date? Did she want this to be a date? Was he dressed like it could possibly be a date? Was she? She answered her own questions with the following: Maybe. Yes. Yes. And good heavens she hoped so.

They started again and walked toward Enzeru. Kimi's face brightened with a big smile when he waved at her. She returned the wave and had to restrain herself from running up to him. When Kimi mentally berated herself for wanting to behave so cat-like, Kashiro chuckled deep within her. She inwardly glared at the mighty spirit and he just continued chuckling.

"Hi! Sorry if I'm late. I kind of- uhm- fellasleepintheshower. But I'm here now, no harm done, right?" Oh my gosh! I sound like such a dweeb! No matter her inner conflict, her face and eyes showed only happiness for seeing her new friend.

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OOC: reminder, Italics = thoughts

 

[Kairyuu]

The tigers were noticed first, mostly because of how the people around reacted to tigers walking around the village. As his eyes fell on the white felines, a pair of legs came into his vision. Clad in black denim and ending with heels. His eyes rise up her frame, taking in the full sight of the woman as she pauses and looks at him. His azure eyes fasten onto her own, a smile blossoming on his face. He had no idea why she was hesitating over there, but as she finally begins to come closer he relaxes a little. It was hard enough to get to know someone if they were willing to let him, but if she suddenly got cold feet at the last moment he'd be left in a rather hard place in regards to getting her to agree to another date.

He turns to face her, giving a slight wave for greeting. She still seemes a little awkward, and the words tumbling from her give the impression of giddiness. That could be explained by her lack of rest, however. Enzeru just smiles and shakes his head. ”No harm indeed. And though it took a little time, you look the lovelier for it.” Enzeru takes her hand and raises it, kissing her fingers before letting it go. If that weirded her out he'd simply pass it off as a common greeting from his homeland.

”So, being that you're the one who knows this area better than I, perhaps you could judge my taste in food?” He looks to the restaurant in question, motioning to the people dining happily inside. Should she not have any negative comments to make, the Kirigakurian extends his hand to take her own, escorting her into the premises and to a table.

 

[Hoshirei]

Katsu and Kora gave Enzeru a kitty smile. They liked this guy for Kimi, he brought out her no nonsense side as well as her fun-loving side. The few guys she had dated over the years only saw her as the cat-girl, someone aching for a "pet". So far, Enzeru hadn't shown any similar inclinations, and they were optimistic. They had to stifle their excitement when he kissed her hand. It was one of their clan's courting behaviors.

Kimi's cheeks reddened both at his words and his actions. She didn't hesitate to return his gesture with one of her own. She maneuvered her arm to hook around his and nuzzled his shoulder. When he gestured to the restaurant, she was a little surprised. He had chosen one of the few places in Suna that served fish and also allowed her tigers to remain with her without issue.

"Actually, you have great taste. This place has my favorite dish and I don't have to pull rank to get them to allow the twins in." She smiled brightly.

 

[Kairyuu]

Enzeru looks down to the cats, smiling himself at them. He was glad for their being here, oddly. Tigers were not the most common animals when he was growing up, but they certainly did exist in the wilds of Water country. While those were never white, the scent of them certainly brought back memories of home. It was often with sorrow that he thought of his homeland, but right now it was with a fondness.

As Kimi takes his arm and nuzzles against him, he reaches out to caress her cheek and leads her inside, his smile remaining. ”I'm glad I picked this place then. Some of the locals suggested it, and I figured it would be best to meet in a smaller place like this.” As he speaks, he opens the door for her and the twins, before entering himself and linking arms with her once more. His eyes move around the interior, noting the empty tables and the hostess even now asking how many. Indicating the group, the woman simply leads them to a table against the near wall with room for the twins to be close.

”What can I get for your drinks?” The hostess lays the menus down before them and Enzeru pulls his to him before looking to Kimi with a shrug. ”Whatever my guide suggests is good for me. I've been surviving on nothing but water for a while now.”

Only after their drinks were ordered and the woman left would he relax slightly once more and speak. ”I believe I'll have the fish you mentioned earlier. Do they have a good wine selection?” He didn't often drink wine, but with the affection given earlier he figured that this was definitely going to be a date, and he'd be damned if he did it wrong.

 

[Hoshirei]

Kimi purred softly as Enzeru stroked her cheek. She followed him into the building and smiled as she smelled the various meats cooking and she began to salivate slightly. The purple-haired young woman smiled brightly at Enzeru as he held the door open for her and the girls. Once in, the two tigers immediately went to where the owner's girls were sitting. The two young girls squealed in delight to see the tigers and had fun climbing all over the two large beasts.

Enzeru passed drink selection off to her and she thought for a moment. "I think some agave nectar in sparkling water would be lovely. We'll let you know if it isn't to our taste. Thank you for being open." The drinks were quick to come and the hostess left them on their own until she was called out to take their orders.

"I'll have the fish as well. They have a good rice wine, it pairs well with the fish. If we get any, I don't think it would be wise - at least for myself - to drink more than one glass. I'm not sure how my system would react to a lot of wine at the moment." Kimi waved the hostess over and gave the woman their order. The woman nodded and took their order to the back where the grill was after telling them that it would be about half an hour.

"So, Enzeru, what made you decide to come to Suna instead of other hidden villages?" she inquired as she sipped at her drink.

 

[Kairyuu]

The purr was noticed, and it made his smile grow. So far things were going great in regards to this woman. While his time in Sand was having some massive pitfalls in regards to the leadership, at the very least he was enjoying himself and spending some time with someone worth being around. It was saying something that after spending more than a year in a frozen hell full of demons and other things that wanted to kill him for not being dead already, he was now spending a night out with a lovely woman and as relaxed as he could be. He never was one hundred percent relaxed, but tonight he was definitely calmer than he had been since Mist's fall.

Agave nectar?” He had no idea what that was, but could guess for the sparkling water part. And then she thanked the woman, who left to get their drinks. Enzeru looks down at his own, the water what he expected, a simple carbonated water drink. He lifts the glass to her in a toast, ”To good company.” and after touching them, takes a sip of the liquid inside. It was cloying, but not unpleasantly so.

”Well, this is delicious. Not as sweet as present company, however.” His blue eyes rise to meet her own and he smiles again. As Kimi ordered, he studied her features. His eye was keener than many, and he usually picked up on subtleties of people based on things most didn't notice. He tended to be a good judge of people. So far he wasn't seeing anything here he didn't like.

”That's a bit of a story. When my home was frozen over by the freak winter, it did more than simply ice things up. Demons and....other things invaded from somewhere within the village. I've been keeping vigil at the old gates to warn people from entering. Few who arrive listen, but so far I have managed to save a few dozen souls from the pain that could have encountered in there. I occasionally found a passing ship on the edges of the ice to ride to Soon's Haven for supplies, it's impossible to forage in the country itself.”

“My last trip, the talk of the town was about the attack. I realized that my skills could be put to better use here, saving and helping the most people, than in a dead homeland that no one visited any longer. So I showed up at the gates, got let in...and began helping. At the moment only one person has given me any real direction on how to go about things, but I'm sure the leadership of your home will find me to be an asset in time.”

He takes another sip of his drink before smiling once more to her. ”Besides, if I had gone to one of the other villages I wouldn't have met anyone half as lovely as you have been so far.”

 

[Hoshirei]

Kimi watched Enzeru's face as he tried the agave nectar for apparently the first time. She sipped at her own and her purple eyes closed as a refreshed feeling came over her mind. She always loved the taste of the cloying nectar after a trip out into the diamond sands, under her own power or not.

"I'm glad you like it. It's one of my favorite after-desert treats. She smiled at him as she continued to sip at her drink.

She listened as he told her about how he came to Suna. It touched her that Enzeru was the type to drop what he was doing and come to someone's aid. His complement to her made her cheeks flush a bit.

"Well then, I would hope the view is as good as the company," she said and gave him a slightly saucy wink.

The waitress placed their food in front of them and wished them a pleasant meal. Kimi picked up her chopsticks lightning fast and snagged up a piece of the fish. As she chewed, she nearly moaned at the deliciousness.

"Do you have a favorite dish, Enzeru?"

 

[Kairyuu]

He could see why this would be good after a trip into the sands. It was water, first off. But the flavor lended to aiding the body, not erasing fatigue but making it harder to notice perhaps. It could certainly take a load off one's mind and diminish the weariness of the body. He takes another sip before setting the glass down and smiling at the woman as she blushed at his words.

”The view is just as pleasant. I would say better but alas, both are so enjoyable that I cannot choose.” He leans back as the food is set down, then blinks in amazement as his dinner date moves with a speed he didn't think her tired body could give to eat a piece of fish and have a look of bliss come over her at the taste. For his part, Enzeru simply ate methodically, but not slowly. The fish was definitely good, the right spicing to give it a unique flavor from just 'fish.'

That's a hard one, actually. Mist was inside of the culdera of an inactive volcano, based on islands in a lake, surrounded by ocean. So fish is more of a staple than a special thing there. Birds are somewhat rarer, but not so much. For all their rareness, however, I wasn't overly fond of beef or pork...I'd have to say chicken. Grill it up with the right herbs, add some spiced rice and a little bit of soup and you have a good, easy meal.” He shrugs, then thinks for a moment more. ”I also like pancakes. I'm guessing yours is...fish?”

 

[Hoshirei]

She hadn't even noticed how fast she had snagged the piece of fish until he mentioned that he guessed her favorite food was fish. She swallowed her second piece and gave him a sheepish smile. "Yeah, I really like fish. I'm not sure if it's entirely a special treat thing, or a clan thing, or a me thing. Fish has always been a huge treat for me."

"I'm not sure what I would do without canned fish. It's a really special treat when I get fresh fish. It's part of why I used to like Soon's Haven. Not sure if I should even think about going there for quite awhile, and even then only in henge." She grimaced slightly and nibbled on a bit of the buttered rice that came with their meals. After a few moments of silence, she spoke once more.

"I know you probably have questions. You're more than welcome to ask them."

 

[Kairyuu]

He just smiles at her as she realizes what she'd done. So for her it was indeed fish. Enzeru could well guess why, considering the twins resting nearby and her clan heritage and the fact this beautiful woman before him may well be part cat for all her mannerisms so far. At her mention of Soon's Haven and reluctance to go there, the tale she told her leader earlier comes to mind once more and his eyes seem to take on a soft blue glow.

”I can think of dozens to ask, but few that are actually worth asking.” Enzeru takes another bite of his fish as he thinks on questions for a moment, finally setting his chopsticks down and looking up at the woman before him. She was his first meaningful contact with the fairer sex since his village fell, and he knew one thing he definitely intended to ask.

”Are you enjoying this night so far?” Even should she decide not to go out with him again, he at least wanted to know his manner and personality hadn't shifted so harshly due to his time as a silent guardian of a dead land that he couldn't make a woman feel appreciated when she was.

”And on a less desperate note, are the twins household companions or did you earn their affection some other way?”

 

[Hoshirei]

Kimi noted that Enzeru's eyes glowed softly once again and made a mental note to ask him about that later. Her eating speed slowed dramatically as she endeavored to end her meal around the same time as he did. When he asked if she was enjoying the night, Kimi smiled.

"I am quite enjoying myself. Meeting you and being back in the village, what could possibly be better than that?" She took a sip of her drink and noticed that it needed a refill. She waved the waitress over and her glass was refilled with normal water. The young lady placed a pitcher full of ice water on their table and retreated once more.

"Katsu and Kora are sort of household companions. They are my fighting companions as well as my day to day companions. I'm the only one in the clan that has white tigers. It's been that way since Kashiro attached himself to our family," she yawned softly.

 

[Kairyuu]

Her slowing down was noticed, but he didn't change his own mannerisms over it. If she wanted to match his speed more it would be rude to make that harder for her. Instead he went on at the same pace as before, the food vanishing quickly enough before him as it was. He drains his drink, raising it in time with her doing so for a refill, and smiling as the pitcher was placed before them, filling his own.

”Well, I'm sure being back home is always a bonus. I'm glad that you count meeting me in that list.” The hunter takes a sip of his water and looks to the plate before him. It still had some fish on it, but he was content with what he'd had already. He looks to Kimi with a smile, using hand motions to ask if he could give the remaining fish to the twins if she didn't want it.

”Beautiful companions fit you. I must say, when I first saw them I wasn't sure what to expect, but they appear to be better company than most humans I've met in my time. It must be something amazing, to have a constant companion like that.” He smiles ruefully at his own words. He'd spent his entire life alone, after all. ”Dessert? If not, then let me pay and perhaps...a walk? I'd love to have the tour, as it were.”

 

[Hoshirei]

Even though she was rather tired, Kimi kept smiling at Enzeru. She really did count meeting him on her list. He finished eating and she couldn't help but notice that he still had some fish left on his plate. When he gestured to her twins, Kimi felt her heart melt a bit. She softly chuffed her question and they chuffed back happily before padding over to sit beside the table.

"Go ahead, they are really gentle if you want to hand or chopstick feed them. Despite the large teeth, they aren't nearly as scary as they could be." Katsu gave Kimi a slightly offended look and Kimi couldn't help but laugh. She pet Katsu on the head, chuffing softly a reminder just how much the two large cats meant to her.

"I still remember when these two first met a friend's companion. The poor fennec fox was almost terrified of them. Something about huge cats that could eat him," she chuckled softly and passed a piece of her extra fish to Katsu's mouth.

Kora, on the other hand, was patiently waiting for Enzeru to hand her a piece of fish. Her sapphire eyes sparkled as she gave him the patented "kitty eyes". Kimi smiled softly as Kora placed a large paw on the bench beside Enzeru's leg, mimicking the begging cat.

 

[Kairyuu]

He smile was proving infectous. Enzeru couldn't remember the last time he had a night like this, just letting go of his worries and focusing on someone else. Time spend in his old home almost made him into his mask, and that would have been a fate worse than most. His ice blue eyes turn as the felines make their way closer, obviously wanting their fish. Enzeru gives a chuckle and is about to toss a piece down when Kimi explains that he can feed them directly.

His chopsticks quickly separate pieces of the fish and soon he's handing those pieces down to Kora as she begs him like a house cat and Kimi feeds the other, explaining their natures. ”It's all in the atmosphere. No animal is born vicious. They become what their companions make them. In the wild, it's a cycle of necessity. You kill, you eat, you live. But when they have someone like you to lean on, it becomes less of a need.”

Enzeru finishes feeding pieces of his fish to Kora and looks up at Kimi's purple eyes, smiling wide. ”I'm pretty sure they would agree with me that you're a big reason they're more gentle than others would credit them. And smarter, I'd reckon.”

 

[Hoshirei]

A smile brightened her face as they fed the two tiger twins. His compliment only caused it to brighten further.

"I did raise them from kittenhood. As soon as they could survive away from their mother, she and I raised them together. Kisa, my dad's panther, helped as well. They've been with me since before I began learning at the academy."

Kora came over to Kimi's side once there was no more fish to be had. They sat side by side, sitting tall and their matching blue eyes almost radiating power. Kimi looked at her girls for a few moments, just smiling. She then leaned over and petted their heads and scritched under their chins. They both chuffed a bit and moved over to line up with Enzeru's side of the table. They looked at Enzeru expectantly, sitting stalk-still and looking ever so regal.

"They seem to have taken a liking to you. They have quite the sense of character. It's very innate within them. That sense transfers over to me some because of our bond and my heritage, but theirs is much better." She took her eyes off the twins and looked up, hoping to catch Enzeru's brilliant eyes. "Are you ready to walk back to the compound? While it is unfortunate, I think we will have to put the tour off until we've both gotten a good night's rest."

 

[Kairyuu]

Enzeru watches the cats eat, each piece of fish vanishing off the utensils before he can even get it all the way to them. He gives a chuckle at this, knowing how felines are with fish. For a brief moment he recalls his first run in with a cat, when it came charging into his home, attacking his mom. But that was nothing like these before him. That poor thing had been driven to starvation and hunted by several men beforehand, it was merely defending itself by what it saw as predators coming for it. The twins, however, were far from that poor thing.

”It must be nice to have such companionship. Friends are a valuable gift in this world.” His words seem tinged somewhat by sadness. Enzeru lived a mostl solitary life back in Kirigakure. He worked, he slept, he worked, he slept. There were no companions. Any he made before joining were long gone after he returned from the Storm prisons.

”I'm glad they, and you, find me a fitting person of character.” He turns to look into her eyes, his own crystal blue orbs smiling softly. ”I think it best. You certainly gave a scare earlier when you fell.” Enzeru motions for the check, quickly paying for them both as well as a generous, but not obscene, tip.

He then rises, holding a hand out for her. ”If I might be somewhat forward, I would enjoy the walk back much more with you near to me.” He thought of their entrance, their arms entwined and her nuzzling against him. Companionship was a rare commodity. He felt it was time he gave himself leave to have such a thing.

 

[Hoshirei]

Kimi took Enzeru's hand and smiled as she stood. She tucked her hand in the bend of his arm and slid as close as walking would allow. A small tug would get the four of them moving back toward her family's compound. Every now and again she would unconsciously rub her cheek on his shoulder. Being near this man was so different than others. It was almost like his chakra purred back as hers lapped at his.

Eventually they would arrive at the compound, to the main house, and finally she would show him to his bedroom. In a moment of boldness, she would lay a kiss upon his cheek before almost fleeing to her own room. She stayed awake for a few moments just smiling up at her ceiling. Katsu and Kora joined her in the bed and kept her warm through the night.

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