[PP/F8] Hanging by a Moment

[Kityuisa 0]

The sleep that Kityuisa endured was soft. Light even, the usual nightmares she had about her past not being flashed through her mind. Kityuisa was grateful with the relaxation and safety she felt. Something that she really did need. Rather than having a nightmare, with blood stained hands. Kityuisa was dreaming of a beautiful oasis. Hikoru was in her dream. They stood at the top of a giant hill. A vast amount of trees taking shape before her very own eyes. They were holding hands, just gazing at the beautiful landscape before them. A volcano in the distance, ridges and rocks protruding through the surface of the earth. A giant log of a fallen tree, everything was breath taking. Hikoru and Kityuisa were just standing, gazing. Kityuisa's dream got interrupted by her body waking up as Hikoru began to squeeze her tightly. She let out a small gasp of air, as he squeeze. His facial expression was filled with fear. He had turned himself, to wrap himself around her. Kityuisa was fine with this, her face blushing as she stared at his face. The torment he was in, and the orb of sweat that was moving down his forehead. Everything was clear to Kityuisa that Hikoru was in the midst of a nightmare.

She lifted her arm, the one that she was able to move freely. The one arm that wasn't trapped by Hikoru's grip on her. She touched her fingers lightly to his face, before moving it backwards towards his hair. She began to play with the strands delicately. Hikoru was once again relaxed, his body pressing up against Kityuisa's. Kityuisa murmured softly, "Hiko..." She did not want to scare him, so she would continue to murmur things to him, in hopes to wake him up.

[Hikoru 0]

Hikorus mind was an avalanche of emotions from his nightmare. Rohk stood over him with beady eyes, the eagle creature cawing into the night time sky. Hikoru couldn't make out anything else from around him. Nobody's screams were audible, nor was he able to say anything. As he bird creature towered over him in size, it let out a piercing cry, and started to flap it's wings violently, causing a great turbulence of wind to be launched directly at Hikoru. He was able to hold his ground, but he could not fight against it. Soon everything visually became nothing but a wall of wind, and he couldn't hear anything but the roaring of the winds around him. He covered his ears to try and block it out, but it was almost ineffective. He did his best to scream, but his throat was closed, nothing would come out.

"Hiko..." He would hear behind him. Hikoru turned to see Kityuisa standing, blonde hair and piercing eyes that eased him into a safer sense of being. Soon the winds died down, and it was just her and him in a giant birds nest. He soon felt his conciousness coming back to reality and awoke from the nightmare.

As he woke up, his eyes would find Kityuisa very, very close to his face, and playing with a few strands of his hair. He felt his whole face brighten a deep tomato red, and by instinct he retreated into the shadows. He almost backflipped into the midst of the foliage around him, disappearing from sight and becoming one with nature. He climbed a nearby tree, and held onto what little breaths of air that he could, doing his best to try and remain calm. He didn't mean to disappear, but the shock of the dream and then being so close... It was hard for the Master of Shadows. He tried to speak, but his mind wouldn't let his mouth work or function, other than to take deep breaths to calm his racing heart. However, in the heat of the moment, he would fail to notice that his goggles were missing, and laying on the ground where he had been resting.

Hikoru used Vanish. It's super effective! ID: 122280 LD: 13+7 = 20 Stealth Rating

[Kityuisa 0]

As soon as Kityuisa had managed to wake up Hikoru he instantly melted into the ground. Her mouth dropped, her facial expression contorting. Did I do something wrong... Kityuisa sat there for a few moments, unable to process what had just happened. She was unable to move. Kityuisa glanced down to where Hikoru had been laying down. His goggles sitting there perfectly. She reached forward, picking them up.. Her eyes glanced towards the trees, That's where someone like him would hide? Or would he hide by the water... Her gaze glanced backwards. She was lost. "Hey um.. Hikoru... I didn't mean to scare you. You left your goggles laying on the grass.... I also made you... T-this f-flower crown..." Kityuisa stuttered the last bit, picking up the flower crown. It was a bit crushed, which crushed her soul. Her eyes filled with pain, and she sat there, unable to talk or move anymore... With one hand she held the goggles, the other she held the crown.

[Hikoru 0]

Hikoru watched from the tree as Kityuisa spoke to him aloud, talking and holding an item that she had made with her hands. His goggles had fallen, and he had just realized and been a fool. A part of him wanted to reach for the goggles immediately, but another part of him knew to wait and read the situation. He had immediately disappeared after having an intimate moment without even knowing it. He looked at her with eyes full of regret as he saw how her eyes looked. He leaned forward to see what was in her hands. It was some sort of... hat, made of flowers and petals... It looked amazing, but it looked crushed. He realized that, in his reactions, had crushed it a little with his hand. He felt awful, and he felt a small pit in his stomach as he realized that he had messed up. He had to make it right. He got down quietly, then, using his <<Charge>> Skill, made his way over to where her hand held the crown. He got down to her level and took her hand, placing the crown on his head with her hand, while also coming close to her, grabbing the back of her head gently and leaning her forwards so their foreheads touched. He saw the pain in her eyes, and his eyes spoke the same thing. Turmoil, regret, pain. It's all he felt for what he did.

"I'm sorry..." He spoke softly, closing his eyes and wearing the crown, just holding this pose for a moment as to try and calm her down. [Pose here, except hand on back of her head, and arm with crown in it on top of Hik's head]

[Kityuisa 0]

Hikoru reappeared out of nowhere, lifting the crushed flower crown out of her hand. As Hikoru did so, he latched his hand to behind her head. Kityuisa felt her other hand grow weak, the goggles falling out of her hands and onto the floor. They landed gently, and no harm was done to them, but Kityuisa's attention wasn't on the goggles. Her attention was on the Hikoru as he drew her face close to his. Their foreheads touching, their breath mixing in the air that kept their faces apart as Hikoru closed his eyes. Kityuisa couldn't help but feel a deep crimson blush crossing her face. 

Her sadness washing out as pure nervousness and happiness filled her entire body and soul. Kityuisa faintly heard Hikoru tell her he was sorry, but it was barely audible over the pounding of her heart. Kityuisa felt close to Hikoru at this moment in time, their touch intimate yet at the same time, innocent. Kityuisa knew what she wanted to say, and just knowing what she wanted to say caused her heart to pound that much harder, that much faster. 

Kityuisa closed her eyes, relishing in the moment for a second. Without moving her forehead away from Hikoru's she whispered, "Hiko.. i have something I want to say."

[Hikoru 0]

Hikoru listened quietly to Kit and his own steady breathing. While Kit's started slow, he realized that the girl's heart rate was increasing, as he breathing increased. He opened his eyes slowly, and saw that she was a deep red on her face. He realized what was happening, and he felt a blush appear on his face as well. But for some reason, he enjoyed the feeling, and even though almost every part of him wanted to move away, a small, very small piece told him to stay, and he listened to that instead of his own mind, going by what his heart wanted. He felt a wave of peace come over his mind, and the last of the nightmarish thoughts had left his mind, and he now only lived in the moment. He sighed and closed his eyes again, only opening then until after Kit started speaking. He heard her whisper something quietly to him, and he listened to hear, and with a blush, he looked at her quietly. 

"Yes?..."

[Kityuisa 0]

Kityuisa now opened her eyes, catching sight of Hikoru looking at her. Her face turning even redder if that was even possible at this point. Kityuisa took a very deep breath. She couldn't help but wonder what the extent of Hikoru's thoughts were... "I understand if you don't feel the same.. but.." Kityuisa couldn't keep her heart from pounding even faster, she was sure that Hikoru would be able to hear it. Her heartbeat loudly in her ears as she focused in the moment at hand. Her body lightly shaking before she got control of it. And now.. Everything, moving in slow motion for her. Her body moving at a normal pace. She now lifted one arm, wrapping it around Hikoru's back, the other reaching for his cheek. Her flustered expression lining her face, she was unable to stop what she had began. Kityuisa took one more breath before pulling Hikoru's body close to hers. For, even though their foreheads had been touching their bodies hadn't. 

Kityuisa felt the nerves coursing through her body, just as she has this entire time. But despite all of that, now that she was wanting to express how she felt her confidence began to flow through her veins. Kityuisa took control of the situation. Her thoughts running a million miles an hour now that their bodies were pressed together. What will he think... Am I wrong for feeling this way? Those were only some of the thoughts running in her mind.

However as she pulled his face closer to her own, she pressed her lips on his.

[Hikoru 0]

Hikoru listened as Kit spoke softly to him, saying she didn't know if he felt the same way. Confusion washed over his face as he thought. What did she mean? He was unsure, and he felt like he should have. He was about to speak, when Kit pulled them close, to the point where their bodies were touching. Hikoru felt his whole face blush as he could feel her heartbeat against his chest, her eyes looking with fear, but bravery all at the same time. Hikoru was unsure of what to do, and sat frozen, completely unprepared for what would happen next. After a moment of awkward silence between the two, Hikoru opened his mouth to speak when her lips met his. At first, he was completely startled by it and almost pulled away. But soon, he realized what this meant, and he felt everything melt away. Hik wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her with him as he leaned back into the grass, herself now laying across his chest as they continued to kiss, enjoying the moment.

And for the first time in a long time, Hikoru felt safe.

[Kityuisa 0]

At first, Hikoru seemed to have frozen in place. Kityuisa was instantly filled with doubt. But those very emotions were blurred and drowned into ecstasy as Hikoru began to kiss her back. In a few elegant motions, Hikoru pulled Kityuisa down onto the grass with him, her body now position above Hikoru. Their lips moving in sync as she kissed him. All of Kityuisa's thoughts melted into one. He feels the same way... Kityuisa drew her lips away from him, her body now hovering above his. The pure and utter joy filling her eyes as a few tears escaped from her eyes. She was glancing at Hikoru with so much affection, it seemed to overfill her body. She moved her hand that had found it's way entangled in his hair, to his cheek. 

She gently rubbed her thumb her voice speaking gently, unlike how she usually talks "I'm so happy..." Her hair sprawled downwards, pooling at his chest before she pulled herself in closer to Hikoru once again. She was unable to find words to explain everything. She was never good with words when it came to her intimate emotions. Kityuisa rested her head on Hikoru's shoulder, her face turned inwards towards his cheek as the hand that had been holding his face moved to the side. If it was up to Kityuisa she wouldn't want to move, she felt safe with Hikoru. Safer than she had felt in a long time. She nuzzled her face closer to Hikoru's neck/cheek as the feelings of their kiss lingered on her slightly parted lips.

[Hikoru 0]

Hikoru kissed her quietly, enjoying the moment as their lips moved as one, and he wouldn't say it aloud, but he was upset that she pulled away, he wanted to continue what he felt, he wanted to continue what they had started. But as she held herself up a bit, she held a hand to his cheek and rubbed softly, exclaiming in but a few words how happy she was. He couldn't find the words, so he just quietly smiled as she leaned down to his side, her face nuzzled into his neck and his breathing relaxed. He took his free hand and started to slowly stroke her hair, intertwining it in his fingers and making small patterns with the hair, letting it fall back into the waves of the blonde sea below it before picking up another strand and playing with it again, repeating this endless cycle as he felt her breathing slow. He was surprised that she had felt this way and held it back for so long. She wasn't one to keep secrets well, he could tell that much. He now knew what Aru meant earlier when he spoke to him but a few words.

"Have a good time, and you be on your best behavior." His young apprentice told him. He felt it as a joke between the two of them, but now Hikoru knew what he meant.

And he was unsure if he could keep that promise.

[Kityuisa 0]

As soon as Hikoru began to run his fingers through her hair, she felt chills run down her spine. Her arms once again got goosebumps. Kityuisa felt so much peace in this very moment. The sound of the birds chirping, the scent of the flowers on the slight breeze.. As Kityuisa was nuzzled into Hikoru's neck she could catch a whiff of the way that he smelled. The smell had replaced her previous favorite smell... 

Kityuisa smiled against his neck, before giving it a small kiss. "Tell me Hiko..." She drew her body back above his, "You really feel the same way that I do?" She made eye contact, feeling herself get lost in his beautiful, yet deep eyes. The deep crimson that had lined her face, had lessened to a simple light pink. Kityuisa glanced down from his eyes to his lips. She had indeed pulled away, not wanting to get too lost out in the middle of the forest. 

[Hikoru 0]

Hikoru sat in the moment quietly stroking Kityuisa's hair quietly, enjoying the serenity of it all. The birds were singing, the flowers were blooming, and the two of them were as red as tomatoes. Although they both had calmed down, the red on their faces was still visible, but had faded slightly. Hikoru felt a kiss on his cheek, and a shudder went down his spine. He ignored the thought of kissing back as she leaned back as to see his face, staring into each others eyes. She asked if she felt the same way about him, wanting to re-assure herself. He just smiled and sat up slowly, letting her still sit on his lap as he leaned in and kissed her forehead quietly, smiling as he pulled away. 

"If I didn't, would you really think that I would let any of this happen?" He said with a chuckle. "Yes, yes I do." He spoke quietly, giving her a re-assuring smile. He sighed and stroked a part of her hair, playing with the ends of them quietly and making patterns once again.

[Kityuisa 0]

Kityuisa closed her eyes as Hikoru sat up and kissed her forehead, relishing in the sweet and precious feeling. The calm words of Hikoru made Kityuisa feel very confident in herself, fair enough was what she thought as she reopened her eyes slowly. As Hikoru began to stroke her hair again she let out a small noise, happiness dawning across her body like the sun rising in the sky. Sitting on his lap, she adjusted her position so one leg was on either side. Her eyes twinkled as she wrapped her arms around Hikoru's neck. 

Kityuisa put her face closer to Hikoru's, "I like the way your lips feel against mine." She then proceeded to continue to lean her face in, her eyes fluttering closed. Her lips pressed once more against Hikoru's. Ever since she had pulled away earlier, Kityuisa had been wanting to share another moment with Hikoru. So she took this very chance to steal another kiss, call her greedy. She had the mindset to take what she wanted. Hikoru was the one person she wanted most in the world, and she would do anything to never lose him.

[Hikoru 0]

Hikoru smiled slowly as Kityuisa seemed to enjoy the moment that they were having. He had to admit, he didn't except anything like this today, but he was happy that it happened. He chuckled lightly as she gave a small sound as he played with her hair, and enjoyed the closeness with each other. As she adjusted her position and pulled closer, exclaiming that she enjoyed how his lips felt against hers, and he only smiled slyly. 

"I think they enjoyed it too." he spoke with a small, rumbling laugh that was far lower than how he usually laughed. They joined together once more in a romantic kiss, and he held onto her tightly, not wanting to let go. He hadn't had one of these moments since... Vale. His heart still ached for the woman, but he knew that she was gone, and he had accepted it. And now, he was ready to move on, and Kit was the person that made him happy. Although she wasn't here, he was sure the woman would have been happy that he had found love somewhere else.

[Kityuisa 0]

The kiss that the two shared was deep and connected them in more ways that one. Kityuisa felt closer to the very man she was sharing this experience with as the world around her fell away. Her mind filling with thoughts of him. The way he tasted, the way he felt, the way he kissed her back. It was all lighting a fire across her entire body. As they continued their kiss, moments passed before Kityuisa had to draw away for a breath. This kiss, lasting much longer than the first. Their lips moving together as one. Mixing together like two puzzle pieces that connected perfectly to reveal a beautiful moment. Her left hand reached up, tangling in his hair. She lightly pushed him backwards. His back once again landing on the soft grass below them. Kityuisa followed him down, so they were once again laying down. Kityuisa on top of Hikoru.

If anyone else were with the two, then none of this would have happened. 

[Hikoru 0]

Hikoru continued to kiss quietly, the movements and everything all around him blocked out, only enjoying just this moment. He felt himself wanting more, but he knew that now was not the time, nor the place. He let out a small mental sigh as he felt himself now laying on the ground. He let it happen as the kiss continued for a few moments longer, then he slowly, and hesitantly, pulled away. "Not that I want to stop..." He spoke with a smile. "But I do believe there are better, and more beautiful places to explore... Besides, I don't like being so... exposed, in the wilderness." He said with a chuckle. "We could go to the hot springs on my floor if you'd like, unless you have any better ideas." He spoke quietly, kissing Kityuisa's neck tenderly as he slowly sat up, taking her into his arms and picking her up bridal style quietly. A wind picking up and blowing the leftover grass from his hair, but the flower crown still staying securely on his head.

[Kityuisa 0]

And just like that, their special moment was ending. As Hikoru pulled away, Kityuisa puffed her cheeks. Hikoru then went on to explain that he didn't want to stop, just that the two were exposed. Hikoru mentioned the hot springs, causing her to stick out her tongue and wink at him, "Oh~ So now you wanna bathe together?" She couldn't hold back her laughter as she clutched her stomach in a fit of giggles. 

Her body received a massive amount of chills as Hikoru kissed her neck. Her lips parted, and she let out a little "squeal". My neck is so sensitive.. She was then scooped up bridal style, in which Kityuisa gleefully wrapped her arms around his neck. "Well.. I have an idea. I recently obtained a house on floor twenty-four. It's on a private beach in Raitoburū Bay. If you want to go, we can go swimming and chill at my place. It's only fair since I got to see your house! I can even give you a private tour."

[Hikoru 0]

Hikoru felt a blush at Kit teased him about wanting to bathe together. He avoided eye contact as she laughed loudly. He ended it with a kiss and she gave off a cute and peculiar sound. He smiled and decided to leave it alone for now, then continued to pick her up as she eagerly wrapped her arms around his neck. She then said she had a home on Floor 24, and he blinked in surprise. "Really? Wow, you must have gained col quickly..." He muttered under his breath. She offered a private tour and a time to swim on the beach and enjoy the water, and he nodded.

"Sounds like a great idea. Let's be off then." He said, taking her into one arm and quickly opening his UI, setting a marker for this floors teleporter and making his way there, carrying her quietly as they went, humming a small tune as the town soon appeared in sight, walking over and avoiding the eye contact of multiple players and NPC's, he went to the giant teleporter and spoke aloud. "Teleport, Floor 24." He spoke. Then the pixels appeared in his sight, and a few seconds later he was onto Floor 24, Kityuisa still in hand if she had said the command with him. He then set her down, but held onto her hand. "Come, show me the way to your home."

[Kityuisa 0]

Kityuisa simply nodded her head when Hikoru made his comment about her collecting col quickly. I've also leveled a LOT since we last saw each other. She bit her tongue, not speaking it. She wanted to surprise him when she reached level fifty. Which was still a long ways away. Up until then, she didn't want him to know her progress. I guess I really do seek his approval. Kityuisa clung to Hikoru as they made their way to this floor's teleporter. She spoke at the same time as Hikoru, "Teleport, Floor 24." She appeared on floor twenty-four, still in Hikoru's arms. He set her down gently, grasping hold of her hand. Kityuisa grinned before beginning to walk towards the bay. Floor twenty-four was always so stunning, every single time that she got here. The expansive waters bringing the scent of salt and ocean water to her nose. I love the beach. She stretched a bit, drawing Hikoru's hand along with her own up above her head. Then she let it fall back down. 

Kityuisa continued to walk towards her home, "I love my home. Ever since I was little, I loved the beach. I never got to go very often. So when I saw this house, I instantly wanted it. The ocean waters are free from most dangerous marine life that the beaches back home have. It's all just friendly fishies if we glance under the waves." Kityuisa grinned seeing her home coming into view. (House).

Kityuisa then brought Hikoru to the door. She opened it gently. Her black cat was waiting to the left of the door, and as soon as Tanine Willowflame saw Kityuisa's she let out a loud meow. Instantly padding over to her and rubbing her head against her leg. Kityuisa bent down, letting go of Hikoru's hand and scooped up her familiar. "This is Tanine Willowflame, but I everyone calls her Willow. She's my familiar." She grinned cheekily. Offering her cat out to Hikoru to pet or hold, whichever one he wanted to, if any. Tanine Willowflame let out a gentle purr, her beady blue eyes glancing Hikoru up and down. Her head turned to Kityuisa, and she let out a meow as if to say, He's a looker. Kityuisa swore that her cat blinked before turning her black head back to Hikoru. She held out her paw giving off a vibrating purr. 

[Hikoru 0]

Hikoru followed Kityuisa quietly, holding onto her lightly and letting her lead. Smiling as she seemed to enjoy the smell of the beach. While he would admit, the smell of he sea salt was pleasant, he missed the smell of the woods that him and his brother used to explore more than anything. It was a nostalgic smell that he had yet to find in his time here in Aincrad, and he craved a floor with the smell if but for a moment. He saw Kit's house come into view and he stood in awe. The house was beautiful, and he had suddenly wished he had a house on this floor. He walked in as he heard a meow, and looked down to see a cute cat. She held it out to him, and he took the cat awkwardly, feeling the cat purr against him and he scratched under it's chin.

"Well aren't you adorable." He said with a small chuckle. He looked at Kit. "I'd say let's have a play date. But uh... Rolland doesn't do well with other familiars... A story for another time." he spoke quietly, clicking his tongue at the small kitten and continuing to pet quietly, enjoying the feeling of such a soft familiar in his arms.