Post by Captain Marcos de La Costa on Nov 12, 2008 18:23:41 GMT -6
~ Time Line Splice / Reposted To Correct Place ~
Kaori Hotaro: Kaori, busy little bee that she had been of late, had undoubtedly taken the time to do something special for her beloved's 31 year on this great green world. It had taken some careful maneuvering and not just a little bit of stress, but in the end she had gotten everything she needed. So making sure the children were taken care of the evening, she started out the day as if she didn't even remember what day it was, leaving the house in the morning with nothing more than her standards goodbyes and I love you(s). Later on, however, instead of returning home, a letter would be delivered to the house an hour or so after Marcos was due to arrive home. The young paige, glad to have an extra few coins in his pocket, eagerly knocked on the door to the humble cottage with a big grin on his face. Kay paid well. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: Marcos had a decent enough day as only a few new of its importance. Those few meaning his crew and his familia in Espania, as Kaori, to his knowledge had no idea today was his birthday. He had not told her for two reasons, one it never crossed his mind and two, he was already feeling old enough as it was without having to talk about it and being reminded it was another year. However, this year, part of it had been a good one to say the least. He had met Kaori, they had helped each other through friendship that only blossomed into something so much more either had anticipated. In that alone, hearts were healed and lives could once again be lived to the fullest and the best part about it was they could live them together. The Spaniard had made it home to find he was alone, thinking nothing of it really, he went on about his usual with taking a bath and dressing in fresh clean clothes. His thinking was Kaori would arrive soon with the babies and she was running late perhaps. That train of thought was interrupted with the knock to the door and he grinned. Marcos bet behind that door was a Kaori who's arms were stuffed with babies and food. The smile faded some when he saw it was the Paige instead and his head tilted."Si senor? Can I help you?" <d
Kaori Hotaro: "Ahoy, Cap'n!" bubbled the young man excitedly, executing a clumsy bow that he felt was very smart. "'Ere is a letter from Lady 'Otero!" He held up the yellow parchment sealed with red wax bearing the Griffin symbol, passing it to Marcos before rushing away. Once opened, the letter inside would be as follows: "Dearest Marcos, What a day! I have been detained at the castle far longer than I expected, and I fear I will be stuck here for dinner as well. I was hoping you'd come to join me, however. There is a project I simply can't complete without your assistance and if you could meet me in the east gardens at Blue Castle, I'd be very appreciative. Worry not, for I have already sent word to Mary Beth. Hopefully I'll see you very soon. With love, Kaori." Oddly enough, the East gardens were no longer used, being off the main courtyards and away from the most utilized parts of the castle. Nevertheless, that was where she claimed to be. Why question it? (d)
Marcos de La Costa: The yellow parchment was accepted and Marcos mumbled confusingly to the Paige. "Um.. gracias senor.." as the boy took his to his departure, leaving Marcos to stand in the door way and opening the letter. He read the words his beloved had written and brows furrowed seeing she was stuck and in need of his assistance. His mouth twisted some in deep thought for a moment before he turned, took up his coat and rapier and exited the cottage. To the barn he went, mounting Argento and riding off in the direction of Blue Castle. Once there, he dismounted and handed off the reigns to a stable boy as he asked to be directed to the east gardens. Once his direction was pointed out to him, he made his way there. He realized then, this was the place he had been only a short time ago but never knew it was the east gardens nor they were no longer used. As he began to stroll down a pathway, big brown eyes began to try and locate any sign of his beloved Kaori.<d
Kaori Hotaro: As he'd make his way through the courtyard, it would start to become dark. Not a single nightlamp was lit in this courtyard and it might appear as if Kaori had mistaken her own location. But after a bit of searching, it would be easy to see a few pinpricks of light off the beaten path. If followed, one would find a pathway that led out of the courtyard through a cobblestone pathway that was lit with a variety of paper lanterns in different fall colors: oranges, reds, yellows and browns, hanging from boughs of tall trees that likewise lit the path. In the distance, down that pathway, it was easy to see a figure in the distance standing by a metal gate, waiting patiently. Her hands were folded in front of her, concealed by the long, flowing sleeves of her kimono. Obviously, she was waiting for a guest. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: He continued to make his way through the courtyard, noticing how dark it was becoming before eyes caught the sign of glimmer in the distance. As he drew closer, the scene became clearer and he looked about to all the colored paper lanterns before eyes moved back forward and saw her, his amado. He then began to close the distance between them, each step made seem to make the grin on his face grow a lil more, though his eyes told her he was confused. "Mi amor? Que... what is this?" He asked as he continued to gaze about before dark intense orbs settled on her form once more and he leaned forward to place a kiss to her cheek. His hands rested on her arms, just below her shoulders as he gazed down at her awaiting her reply.<d
Kaori Hotaro: Her grin only broadened until he finally reached her. Just beyond her the path continued through the gate, the lanterns rounding a bend. Kaori lifted to receive the kiss right before answering his question. "It's a cho no yu." Her arm swept outward to indicate the path, leading him along it and offering little else. She did not stop until she reached a stone basin filled with clear water. There, she proceeded to use the water to clean her hands and lips, her eyes sliding toward him to see if he'd follow suit. Tonight she was dressed in one of her kimono, this one depicting a heavily wooded area with long dark trunks and fall-colored leaves. Her obi was the same brown color of the bark of the trees on her kimono. The obi was tied perfectly and her long hair was swept up in an intricate hairdo, decorated with pieces of polished coral. She hadn't applied all the dramatic makeup because, frankly, tonight she didn't want to feel like The Geisha. The Geisha had a lot of fun lately, and Kay was content to let her sleep for a good long while after the last debacle. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: His grin would grow even more at seeing hers. "A cho no yu?" He asked as his eyes moved to where her arm swept toward when indicating the path. He followed her as she lead him and did just as she when it came to the basin of water. All the while his eyes never left her form, carefully watching all she did as so he to would know what he was to do. Marcos took note of the attire she wore and the fact that tonight, she had gone without the makeup. He wondered why, as he had seen her dressed fully and with makeup, knowing it meant something very special. However, he'd not ask about it tonight, thinking there was a perfectly good explanation for going without and he was content with it simply because he knew she did things with reason. <d
Kaori Hotaro: She was glad to see he followed suit without question. When they started walking again, she said, "Well, I hope you don't mind too much, but I arranged for us to be quite alone this evening. If you think it would be more fun with guests, we'll plan another. This is how we celebrated special days in Engakuji," she said, giving him a pointed look. In the distance, they were closing in on a structure that appeared to be a gazebo, but paper walls had been set all along the gaps, closing it in. The inside was lit and the aroma of roasted turkey and typical western foods was drifting down the path. Kay had wanted to make a traditional Nihonnin meal, but when she found out raccoons were not typically served in the western world, she decided to be safer than sorry. At the entrance Kaori paused and looked up at him. A door was placed there, though it was oddly short. They'd both (yes, even Kaori!) have to stoop to go through it. "Happy birthday, Marcos," she said softly, that smile she wore only for him shining up at him. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: With her reply, he began to shake his head and the look on his face was answer enough. It looked as if he were saying: What.. are you kidding me? He smiled though and did say. "No, quite and alone es muy bueno..." He paused though and gave a smug look, sort of bobbed his head and glanced elsewhere seeing he was busted. Knowing full well what she meant by special days, and suddenly looked like a kid who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar with her pointed look. He said nothing though and let his eyes take in more of what was coming. He saw the structure, the paper thin walls and paused when she did when they reached it. When she stooped to enter, he followed, taking a hint that now was time to sit 'indian style'. At her wishing him a happy birthday, he smiled. "Mucho gracia mi amor... this is eh.. muy special and means even more being I am sharing it with you." Tonight, it looked like there would be plenty of surprises to come. <d
Kaori Hotaro: Inside the room there was a variety of decorations, mostly fall flowers, lining the rooms, though there were shaded candles and berried fines lining the room, as well. There was a low table and tatami mats for them, and Kay quickly knelt upon hers to show Marcos the proper way to seat himself at the table. "Now don't look so sheepish," she said, grinning as she set to work putting slices of turkey onto his plate. She was the hostess, after all. With themeat there was also squash, sweet potatoes and bread. Before putting each on his plate, she would look at him as if to ask if he was interested or not, only giving him what he wished for. To drink, oddly enough, there was only water and sake. While Kay had to deviate from being 100% traditional, she was being as traditional as possible. "I know you didn't want me to go making a big deal out of it." She chuckled lightly before saying, "Just as you had to know you'd be discovered and I would definitely make a big deal out of it." As things stood, it was clear just by the setting that she had, in fact, put a lot of work into this. She was very self-sufficient, and after procuring the resources, she had insisted on doing it mostly herself. The only thing she did was let the castle cooks prepare their meal. Everything else? That was all Kaori. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: Once inside and after sitting the way he had only for a few moments, he saw where he was wrong and quickly corrected himself. He moved so that both legs were under him now and gazed about as she knelt on her mat. He took careful notice to all the small details like the fall flowers and berried vines lining the room. The candles, the food that had been prepared and the drinks as well. When she spoke, he chuckled and smiled with a nod. "Si... you know me muy bien mi amor, muy bien."As she offered to him each dish, he nodded to them all. He wanted a lil bit of everything that she was kind enough to have prepared. Besides, he was a worldly man, traditional or not, he would have ate it. He was a very open minded man and was one to give anything a try once. "It all looks y smells muy bueno." He commented as he gave a look over his dish. Sake was going to be something new for him... wonder what the effects would be and how bad? <d (lol)
Kaori Hotaro: She grinned, pleased by how everything was looking so far. After his plate was readied, she set to work on her own. She quietly ate, speaking between bites. "The point of a cha no yu is to come and for..." she whispered a few words in Nihongo, her hands gesturing as she looked for the right words. She suddenly perked and said, "Spiritual refreshment." She smiled as if pleased. The four main aspects are harmony - with ourselves and nature -, respect for others, tranquility and purity of our hearts and minds." She leaned forward and lowered her voice as if afraid someone important might be listening in. "In order to host a cha no yu, you had to have deep spiritual sensibilities. I seriously faked it," with a little crinkle of her nose and a wink. She picked up the cup of sake, making sure the hot beverage was cool enough for her to sip before taking a few swallows. Hopefully the sake wouldn't affect him too badly. It was just wine... made out of rice. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: Marcos wouldn't begin eating until he saw Kaori fix her own plate and began to enjoy it. He listened as she spoke, telling him the meaning of what a cha no yu was and its symbolism. He nodded with each definition she gave, understanding it and yet was only intrigued that much more. When she leaned forward, he did the same, and when she laughed, he would also. "Mi Kaori... you are full of surprises..si... this is only one of the reasons I fell in love with you. The others... it could take a muy long time to list them all. But, for starters, you are muy smart...beautiful inside y out, y... selfishless...si." He would take up his sake and sip it just as she had, learning by example. No wonder he was always paying close attention to things both as a boy and now a man. Knowledge could not only be had by listening, but watching and remembering as well. The sake was truly a different taste, but one he liked.<d
Kaori Hotaro: "Everything beautiful about me, Marcos, is because of you." She was glad he had never met the Kaori she had been for a while. The one that was scared, lonely and hopeless. She was glad he didn't know her when she'd look in the mirror and cry at the sight of herself, disgusted with what she thought she was becoming. She was glad he had changed it before it consumed her. She watched him closely as he sipped the sake, a grin on her lips. It was strong, but surely her big, strong Captain of the seas could handle any drink Kaori could knock back, right? Of course! As the meal carried on and plates were emptied, she asked, "Would you like more? You have to save room for dessert." She wasn't really sure if he'd like Japanese desserts (the kitchen was impressed, their brows lifted as she had made the pastry), so made sure to have a birthday cake prepared, too. Better safe than sorry. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: "No no mi amado... you already possessed it all. Me.. perhaps I only eh.... enhanced it?" He replied with a smile. Where she was glad he did not see her for what she once was, he to was glad she did not know him when he was a bitter and self absorbed man. Cold and lonely only to snap and take ill tones with people for no real reason. He was a scorned and unhappy man, but now, not a trace of that remained. As he sipped the sake, it was clear it was much stronger than he was use to. Marcos would take as much of what he could for as long as he could, though... if he ended up a drunken mess, surly Kaori would understand. Besides, no one could drink alcohol and it have no effects what so ever, right? He gave a shake of head with the offer of more food. At her mention of dessert, he lifted his gaze to her and gave a smirk. Lowering his cup, he responded. "Mi amor... the dessert I am thinking to have, I could enjoy all night." Marcos even went so far as giving her wink as that smirk tried to shift into an innocent smile.<d
Kaori Hotaro: As she watched him, she could see he was tackling his sake like a pro. She decided she better jump into the tea now before they got too carried away with the spirits, This was, after all, a tea ceremony. Normally the whole tea making process was a huge part of the evening, involving a lot of observation. This, however, was not Nihon. She decided to prepare the tea while he sampled the dorayaki cakes she had made. With his words, she smirked. The night was young and so were they. "Well, we're going to have to sample the dessert you'd like to order a bit later," she said as she stood, gesturing for him to remain seated as she cleared away their dirty plates and brought over two covered platters. She also moved a tea set in front of her so she could prepare the tea. Lifting the cover off both trays there would be a traditional birthday cake compliments of Blue Castle's culinary masters. Under the second? "Dorayaki," Kay said, looking at him. "Umm, it pretty much is what it looks like. Sweeter, though." What it looked like? Two pancakes with a dark paste spread between them. It was a bean paste made by sweet azuki beans... and it tasted better than it sounded so she hoped he'd at least try it as she set to work fetching the hot water and setting some fragrant tea leaves to steep. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: Like a pro... for now. Brown hues of dark intensity lifted as he watched her move and shift about. Taking away their dirty plates and setting before them two platters. He chuckled at her reply and only nodded as he continued to watch her as she then placed a tea set before them. His head tilted s lightly with curiosity as he saw what was clearly a birthday cake but then the other that looked like pancakes. At her pronunciation of the second he tried to repeat it as well. "Dora- ya-ki" Brows furrowed in thought as she explained what they were and he smiled a lil when mentioned it was sweeter. He moved to the less traditional cake, taking up some of the dorayaki first. As he chewed and let the flavors settle on his palette, he nodded as he watched her with the tea. This dorayaki was pretty good! In fact, his thoughts were how he hated the traditional birthday cake would go to waste. Well, maybe not complete waste, he was sure that their were some kids somewhere that could enjoy it.<d
Kaori Hotaro: Even though she was carefully preparing their tea, she was watching him eat his dorayaki. She grinned, glad to see he seemed to be enjoying it. Most people wouldn't give it a bloody chance. Then again, most people weren't Marcos. Grinning proudly, she indicated the pot before her. "This is gyokuro. It means pearl dew. It's..." she hesitated before nodding. "Very good tea. Very good tea." She had meant to call it expensive, but really? That would be evident in the taste. It was the best of what Nihon had to offer and could not be found in any shops in the west. How had Kaori procured it? Very bloody carefully, that's how. But she had it. She decided to enjoy one of the doryaki cakes herself, giving the tea just enough time to steep before pouring two cups. The tea was very fragrant, the aroma nearly intoxicating. Upon the first sip, however, the taster would find the taste very gentle and sublime. Of all the green tea Kaori had in her life, this was the best. She only hoped Marcos enjoyed it. Hell, even if he didn't, they had a whole lot more sake, so bottoms up. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: Enjoying the dorayaki he was indeed. It was very good, so much so, he had to have a second it seemed. Marcos didn't mind trying new things, especially when it came to Kaori and her culture. What better way to learn about someone than trying things from their homelands and understanding their traditions? Marcos had tried some strange things in his past on his travels but this was great. This was one of the best, in fact... the best period, besides his own culture of course. He looked to her when she spoke about the tea and nodded, watched her enjoy her own dorayaki cake as so the tea could steep. When she poured both cups, he did notice the aroma that now filled their lil enclosure. He began to look about and then it dawned on him. "That fragrance... is that the tea?" He asked as he picked up his cup and lifted it to his nose. The aroma was indeed very intoxicating, more so since he lifted it to his nose but it was in a most pleasant way. He then pursed his lips and sipped at it, letting his tongue slip out and run over his lips. After a moment, he nodded, a very impressed look on his face. "This is... muy bueno.. muy eh... defined?" Wondering if that was the right word he was looking for. "Eh.. no.. distinctive...perhaps." He said in hopes he had corrected himself. <d
Kaori Hotaro: She grinned, nodding. "Distinctive works. Were you thinking of refined, perhaps?" It was a very elegant tea, and she was glad he recognized that. In the past, it hadn't been quite so appreciated. Gads, her last cha no yu had been an utter disaster, unappreciated and marred with uncomfortable news. This, however, was going over much more nicely. As they drank their tea she looked around at her handiwork. It was worth it, she hoped. She had wanted to give Marcos a unique birthday, quiet and alone. It was, after all, the first birthday they had shared together. The next one could be the huge blowout party. She only hoped everything was acceptable thus far. There was a bit more to reveal, but she remained quiet a bit longer to let him enjoy his tea. Once his cup was emptied, she'd ask, "Would you like some more?" curiously. After food and beverage, what was left but birthday presents? (d)
Marcos de La Costa: "Si.." He nodded, as he realized he was still trying to learn some of the more difficult words of the common language. It was hard at times to remember what words meant what and how to say them, others not so much. Marcos continued to enjoy the tea until it was no more and Kaori spoke. When she offered more tea, he nodded and handed her his cup. "Por favor..." He said as he was coming to the realization of the trouble she had gone through in doing all of this. He sat there and stared at her, slowly, inch by inch a smile creased his lips. His head tilted and he was lost in her. "Mi amor... you do to mucho.." He quietly said. "But.. I am muy agradecido y apreciativo de ello." (thankful and appreciative of it.) He then began to maneuver about until he came to sit beside her, not so traditionally and leaned over to place a kiss to her cheek again before letting a hand lift and smooth back a rogue lock of her hair that framed her face.<d
Kaori Hotaro: She poured his tea for him, shaking her head with his words. She didn't do too much. She'd do twice as much if she were more clever. She had been fretting earlier that day about whether or not she had done enough. In the end she had decided it would just have to do. She hoped the next year she could think of something grander. She smiled as he kissed her cheeks, her eyes closing as he tucked that lock of hair that had escaped back. Sighing, she said, "It looks like more than it really was. I hope you like it." After a moment she reached under the table and pulled a box out. The box, however, was unusual that mounted on top, again, folded out of paper, was a humming bird sipping nectar from an obliging flower. "My gift is rather dull, I think Caliban and Carrine's is far more attractive." She knew she'd have to read them to him once the top of the box was removed. For some reason she felt her gift could have been better, but really? She had a hard enough time getting these as it was. She could only thank God Loreil possessed such a busy harbor with as many ships sailing to exotic lands as there were. She had lucked out on these as they were, and she should just appreciate it. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: Marcos let the back of his hand linger along the line of her jaw before she began to reach under the table. She pulled something out from under it and as he was about to comment on her hoping he had enjoyed tonight and all she had done for him. Though, that comment never came as he smiled at the intricate box and paper. "Mi amor, your gifts are never dull... you are mi gift." He said as he gently accepted it from her. He looked it over, wondering how he should open it without destroying it. A glance was given before he would figure out a way.<d
Kaori Hotaro: As it was, the top of the box simply lifted off instead of folding back. Once the top was removed, two rings were revealed. The first was two tone, silver inlaid with gold with a number of foreign characters raised. The second was far simpler, silver with one character etched in. The second one was the one her eyes strayed on, though she indicated the first. Neither were small enough to fit his ring finger. She had been sensible of what that might represent so purchased rings large enough for his index or middle finger. "This one is from me. It reads, 'I love you forever.' It's terribly droll, I know," she said, her cheeks tinging pink. She wished she could have found more profound words, but it was what it as. The next, she quietly said, "This one is from Cal and Carri. It reads, "Oto-san." She wet her lips, knowing she should probably translate it, but hesitating. This one, she feared, may have been a bit bold. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: Once the top had been removed, he would see the rings and grin. There was an amused look in his eyes, he was thinking to himself that this was a sign. A sign that confirmed what he had been thinking recently. Both rings were taken from the box and the box set aside. He smiled and nodded as she explained the first and leaned over to place a peak to her lips. "No no mi amor... the truth is not droll at all. It is what it is...si?" He said as he then eyed the second one. His head tilted and his eyes cut to her with a smirk. "Oto-san... es... padre?" He asked, thinking that she said nothing because she was concerned. Where she was worried, she shouldn't have been as he smiled.<d
Kaori Hotaro: Her eyes cut to the side as she quietly said, "Padre, si." As she blinked her eyes slid back toward him to gauge his reaction. She managed a relieved smile of her own. Poor girl was getting nervous again, her words rushing out of her mouth. She always talked too much when she was nervous. "Now, don't think you need to wear them all the time or both at the same time or anything like that. I mean, I know rings are uncomfortable sometimes and there are two rings here and no one would expect you to have to suddenly start wearing two rings. I just thought it would be nice to get you something with writing in my language that was meaningful..." Realizing she was rambling she trailed off, fidgeting a bit. Forcing hre hands to stay still, she quietly added, "Feliz cumpleanos." (d)
Marcos de La Costa: He could see a wash of relief come over her face and smiled a little more. When she began to speak, he noticed it was a lil faster and was definitely rambling. He chuckled and gave a shake of his head as he slipped her ring onto his right hand on the middle finger. The ring from the babies he put on his middle finger of his left hand. As soon as she trailed off and wished him a happy birthday, he leaned in a kissed her deeply before pulling away and grinning. "Mucho gracias mi amor.. this has been muy bueno, but eh.. I have a favor to ask... " he said before he paused. "It es muy importante that you listen muy closely and then give me your answer... si?" He asked as a hand slipped beneath his coat and into the pocket within. He pulled out a pink velvet covered box and looked to her. "For many months now, we have been together. Since the first time I laid eyes on you... you captured me. I was unsure... scared..si... but.. as we talked and spent time together, I was not afraid. Where you have given me two rings that mean love from you and the babies, I am giving you one that represents my love for you and them... should you accept." He cleared his throat then and glanced down to the box, opening it for her. "Kaori Hotaro... will you marry me?" <d
Kaori Hotaro: She smiled as both rings were set on his fingers, her nervousness fading a bit. Well, he'd not put them on if he didn't like them, would he? She was only too happy to return the kiss, her eyes moving downward with a little grin as he had a favor to ask. Was it that she shut up and stop rambling like a moron? Of course it was. And he was pulling out something to gag her with so he'd not have to put up with her idiocy. The thought crossed her mind and she nearly giggled, though her head canted when she saw the small velvet box. That wasn't a gag... The grin slowly faded as he spoke, the nervousness returning. Her chest started to rise and fall with difficult breaths as her eyes focused on the box with a bit of fear. Surely there was no engagement ring in that box! Surely not. There couldn't be. But there had to be because she'd be crushed if she was misunderstanding what he was saying. Then the question was asked and time seemed to stop. The box was opened and there was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. Her mouth opened as if to speak, but no sound would come out. She felt like she couldn't move, couldn't breathe, couldn't speak... If she did, would she wake from the dream? Her breath hitched and at last she quietly said, "Yes." The word only barely escaped, but it did. And she was still awake. She was confused as this was his birthday... but she was only too happy to be confused with that ring on her finger. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: His eyes lifted slowly from the box to her, swallowing a lump that was forming in the back of his throat. Where he appeared just as calm and collective on the outside, inside he was a ball of knotted nerves as he awaited her answer. Silence... there was nothing what seemed like forever... she was hesitating. Was this good or bad? He began to worry and then question himself if he should have waited or if he had done something wrong. Kaori began to look as if she were about to faint and concern crossed his face. Then, her mouth opened, but nothing came, this had him tilting his head and licking his lips. Just when he was about to say something to encourage more than silence, he heard the faint yes. Some relief came, but still more remained.. that yes sounded unsure perhaps? He dipped his head, looking to her eyes then glancing to her hand he was now taking and slipping the ring on the proper finger. "Si?" He asked as his brows lifted in question.<d
Kaori Hotaro: She was still trying to breathe properly. He looked nervous now, too, but she was a mess. It wasn't until she felt the cool metal of the ring against her finger that she found her voice again. "Hai. Si. I mean, yes! Yes," she said with resolution before her breath hitched once more, half with laughter and half with tears. "Of course," she whispered, looking at the ring he had placed on her finger with disbelief. Finally looking away from it, she leaned forward to kiss him, letting it linger. Just as it ended she kissed him once more... twice more... before finally hugging him tightly. "This is your birthday," she said tearfully. She felt guilty for accepting a gift on his birthday, but how could she not? Yes, she accepted it, but she felt like a bully for accepting those most beautiful gift in the world on what was supposed to be his special day. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: Finally relief would flood him as she gave her answer again... and again... and yet again. His smile was wide and his hand lifted to wipe away the tears that began to race down her cheek. Both his hands were now holding hers with that ring upon a delicate finger. She leaned forward and kissed him not once, not twice , not even three times but four! He chuckled then as the weight lifted from his chest and he could suddenly breath easier. She hugged him and Marcos wasted no time in wrapping his arms about her. "Si, it is mi birthday and you have just given me the best gift." He said in reply as his lips pressed to her ear. He would hold her for a moment before pulling back and giving an explanation for his reason as to why today, knowing she'd ask. "I chose today for dos reasons...uno... to be less suspicious, dos as so it gave a better reason for this day and three... to give me reason to look forward to it in years to come." In truth, he had dreaded his birthdays since he and Esperenza had parted. What better way to rid a bad occasion with a reason to look forward to it next time? His reason for dreading them? Because after her, he thought to himself he would never find another love and become some old man with no legacy to leave behind. Now, things looked much better.<d
Kaori Hotaro: She was beaming at him with his words. Her eyes closed and she thought back to that first, innocent kiss months before. It felt like so long ago, yet their relationship still felt so new and so fresh. It was odd how it could be both, yet there it was. When she opened her eyes she quietly said, "If this is what you want for your birthday, then, it is yours." Her thumb idly played with the new ring on her left hand as her eyes strayed to it. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever worn. And she would never be more proud of any piece of jewelry save one. Her eyes remained on it as her smile faded. "I love you," she said, her eyes moving back to his. When she said it, her voice was filled with emotion, her eyes sparkled with a fresh sheen of tears as she spoke. "I never... I never knew. I mean, I didn't know that love could feel like this. I didn't know what it even meant. I really do love you. So much its almost frightening. But its wonderful. Thank you." She wasn't rambling now. She was so full of joy and so full of things to say she felt as if she'd never have the right words. (d)
Marcos de La Costa: To see her glow and beam like this was priceless. It was strange to think that not but 6 months ago, they had met and 5 months ago they had taken it to the next level. "It es.. si... muy mucho." He replied back quietly as he sat and stared at her. Funny thing was, there wasn't a diamond in the world that could outshine her beauty when she was this happy and beaming like she was now. At her words of endearment, he smiled more and nodded. He could tell she was nearly choking on the emotion and in all honesty, so was he. Marcos however was capable of playing it off or hiding it better maybe.
"Si...Concuerdo... Nor I... not until you...and it is I who should be thanking you mi amor. You have changed my life and all for the better." Marcos then pulled her into him, hugging her tight and kissing her temple before fingers lifted her chin and directed her to look to him. Those deep, dark and intense eyes stared down into hers. "I love you Kaori...por favor... nunca olvidese ni dude eso" (never forget or doubt that) Then he pressed his lips to hers for a deep passionate and heartfelt kiss.<d
Kaori Hotaro: She swallowed hard and refrained from blinking until she was confident she could do so without blubbering like a baby. And in truth, his words might have inspired her to start crying all over again. But all it took to put a stopper on more tears was a kiss. She simply sank into it, her body leaning into his, melding against him. They always seemed to fit together so perfectly. The last thing she could imagine was ever doubting his love for her. It was the one thing she had utmost confidence in when everything else in the world seemed so uncertain. She was confident this was easily the happiest night of her life. (d)