Post by Ren Fei-Long on Oct 3, 2013 2:00:32 GMT -5
| Ren hated to feel so weak against her own emotions and even more so against the touch of Rico's hand, sinking into comfort as his fingers traced over the long strands of black hair. What she wouldn't have traded to have been able to remain in that momentary bliss, the warmth and ease that it seemed to bring that was almost foreign for someone like the princess. He reassured her that was no need for an apology, though the flush was still hard to hide as the man's hand slid up back. It must have dawned on the princess just how romantic this image must have looked as there was no force on earth that could have hidden the scarlet color on her face. Even so, Ren didn't have the heart or desire to push him away, despite knowing there would be hell to pay if anyone saw them in such a position. For the briefest of moments, she actually allowed her mind to wonder, to ponder the possibilities that she'd long since believed buried in the realm of the unthinkable. The problem was that Rico was correct in one sense, no amount of lying to herself was ever going to stop Ren from wanting what was one of the most natural emotions for any person. She could bury it behind a mask and hide it under the banner of duty, but love and the desire to seek out companionship was something that could not be cast aside so easily. Unfortunately, what Rico did next made thinking about the consequences, or anything for that matter, next to impossible as his hand nudged her chin upward and she once more caught a glimpse of his face. For a moment, all Ren could do was stare up at the man with her brown eye in a mix of disbelief and amazement. Sure, she'd heard what he said, that much was obvious, because even her ears were suddenly dyed a bright shade of red in flush. However, it was the matter of comprehending that seemed to cause Ren the greatest distress. 'He...likes me?...' The thought seemed to bounce around in the back of her mind until he suddenly leaned in and his lips brushed against her cheek. It took a few seconds to remember that she was capable of breathing as her mind went blank and she stood there in disbelief. What was she suppose to say? How was she suppose to react?! No one had ever said such, or at least, none that Ren had genuinely liked or believed were sincere in such actions. Nevertheless, it was difficult to think as her heart pounded rapidly in her ears as she tried to maintain her composure. "I-I-" Ren started to stammer, trying to get her mouth function together with her brain and failing miserably as she began to shake a bit in nervousness. "I-I L-l-l-like you, too." She finally managed to spit out, though her voice never raised and remained somewhat soft, though no sooner had the confession come, then Ren's head dropped in an almost shameful, but sheepish manner. Clearly, what Rico had managed to pry from the princess was something she rarely did, which was to admit that she approved of someone as an equal. Although, there was more to the confession than that, but Rico would no doubt get the general idea. "I-I don't have many friends or people I can trust in my current position, but... i-it's a great burden off my shoulders to know that the Fire Nation is protected by someone like you and that I will have someone at my side, should I need them." The princess admitted quietly, moving to rest her head on his chest for a final moment, before finally moving to pull away slowly. It was obvious that she was hesitant to do so, but even Ren knew that staying that way could only bring trouble. Besides, she needed some space to breath, as despite her more composed answer, her head still continued to swim wildly with the realization that she had previously been wrapped up in man's arms in such a loving manner. Even worse, that he had kissed her! Suddenly, Ren began to regret ever reading those cheesy romance novels as a kid, as the realization of how close their lips had been and what Rico could have done hit her hard. Although, it was probably fortunate that he had shown some restraint, as Ren doubted she could have preventing herself from passing out or fainting had he kissed her lips rather than her cheek. Although, secretly the princess would have been lying to say that there wasn't a small part of her that for the briefest of moments felt some regret that Rico had not been bold enough to ignore protocol and her position, if just this once. |
LAIKA OF GS!
