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nyandereneko) wrote2019-10-07 08:00 am
nyandereneko) wrote2019-10-07 08:00 am
Entry tags:
The Secluded Spring
Word Count: 1,797
Summary: Nova comes across Nishiki in one of his secret getaway spots one afternoon, helplessly drawn in by what she finds.
*Author’s Note*: Meant to post this way earlier, since it’s a summer specific fic, but clearly that’s not how things turned out. I’m glad to have it polished and posted, anyway, even if it’s not a proper seasonal fit.
The late summer sun bore down with a searing intensity, and Nova was grateful for the shade the forest provided as she strolled along. Shafts of sunlight broke through the dense foliage that sheltered her, dappling the ground with golden pools that she danced around, playfully trying to avoid them as one might a puddle after fresh rain. She smiled, unable to suppress the joy she felt in this moment, the happiness that radiated from her heart, her entire being in general. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this carefree, this content, and she knew she’d probably never be equipped to properly compensate all the people she owed for giving her this happiness.
She was on her way to visit one such person right now. Well, she hoped to be, considering she wasn’t exactly sure where he was. He couldn’t have strayed too far from the hamlet-- he rarely did so of his own volition, unless he was on a special errand, or some business that required him to venture beyond the outskirts of the quaint woodland settlement. But as far as she knew, nothing like that was on his agenda this afternoon. In the event that she still failed to find him, even after checking all of the usual places, she wouldn’t have many options left but to impatiently wait for his return.
He wasn’t anywhere in the hamlet as far as she’d been able to find in her search, so the next best thing would be one of the places she knew he slipped away to when he needed a break or a bit of fresh air. It wasn’t like his chiefly duties ever weighed on him all that heavily, but even someone like him appreciated the opportunity to get away from it all every now and again. Nova knew she was beyond lucky, beyond privileged to even be aware that such places existed. The fact that Nishiki saw fit to confide in her about them, and even invited her to tag along on occasion, was just another underserved honor he’d been generous enough to bestow upon her. Although she was sure she could count on his kindness without concern, she certainly didn’t want to take it for granted, and she hoped that was something he understood as well.
As she approached a break in the treeline, she peeked into the clearing beyond to find one of the secluded getaways she’d heard of, but hadn’t had the chance to glimpse until now. The moderately sized meadow tucked away in the midst of this emerald expanse of trees was brimming with vibrant flowers and feathery grass that swayed in the tranquil afternoon breeze. Every exposed inch was bathed in the sun’s blazing rays, which made the bubbling spring in the middle sparkle like a freshly polished jewel. It looked as if a flow of water just substantial enough to pass as a waterfall fed into the shimmering sapphire pool, and as Nova examined the area with more scrutiny, she realized she wasn’t aptly prepared to witness the individual currently splashing around in the middle of it.
At first glance, it was just a cute scene. A kitsune with a pelt whose shine rivaled the sun was enjoying the cooling benefits of the water, sometimes playing, sometimes just wading as he let the droplets saturate his coat. It was quite a sight to behold, considering his size and the imposing aura he exuded, although it wasn’t unbearably harsh or aloof. Nova didn’t see fit to interrupt him, but she had to stifle a noise of surprise in her hand as he traded his four legged form for a two legged one, which also happened to be much less furry, much more toned, and no less impressive or captivating as the other one.
Tossing and twisting out of reflex, the moisture he shook off danced across the water’s surface like raindrops. Nova watched as the fluffiness returned to his fur, which only seemed to gleam brighter now that it’d been cleansed of any unsightly clinging moisture. His hair and skin and smile were all radiant, and as inappropriate as she knew it was to stare, especially while hidden, she couldn’t seem to help it. It was rare to see him in such a carefree and, for lack of a better term, exposed state, although she wasn’t sure she wanted to think about it that way. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, that was the reality of the situation, and deep down she knew she was actually quite pleased about it. On top of that, everything seemed to be more or less undisturbed…so was it better for her to just retreat while she could?
She should have known things weren’t going to go that smoothly. The minute she took a step back, rustling the slightest part of the vegetation that concealed her, his ears perked up and attention turned to her with full force. She wanted to squeak and flee, but she also knew that wouldn’t be very becoming of someone of her position, and she didn’t really feel like having to explain things if he ended up questioning her about it later. She took a steadying breath, obscuring her clenched hands in the folds of her wide sleeves before stepping out to reveal herself completely.
“I apologize for intruding.” And eavesdropping. She thought to herself, but that was probably better left unsaid. “I didn’t mean to startle or alarm you.”
“You didn’t,” he reassured, facing her with a delighted smile that almost knocked her off her feet. “And don’t feel like you need to stay back there lurking, either. I’d be happy to have some company.” Especially if it’s you. Another silent admission, and for once he was grateful the sun’s heat disguised his blush. “Oh, but I guess I should ask what you’re doing here, too. Did you need something?”
“Oh, no, I was just…” Looking for you. Wanting to know where you were. Wanting to make sure you were okay. None of those answers were very respectable, or more importantly less embarrassing, so she let them be. “Just exploring the area, and then I ran into you. I know you’ve mentioned a place like this before, but seeing it in person--”
“It’s great, isn’t it?” He just couldn’t seem to stop smiling, and neither of them were sure who his enthusiasm was going to overwhelm first. “So peaceful and pretty. There are a few other special places like this off the beaten path, but none of them have a spring like this, or even half as many flowers. Sometimes it’s nice to come here instead of fighting off the crowd for a space at the river, especially on hotter days.”
“It is fairly impressive,” she agreed, eyes taking in the majesty of the scenery more clearly now that she was in the middle of it. “Pleasant, almost enchanting. But I do feel bad for just showing up on you like this. I mean, if you came here for some privacy--”
“It’s never a bother if it’s you,” Nishiki assured before he could really consider what he was saying. He wasn’t about to take it back, though, and he didn’t even really regret admitting it. The stunned, flattered expression on her face that promptly turned as pink as her ribbons was more than enough to make the gamble worth it. “C’mon, you can at least put your feet in the water. I promise I won’t splash you.”
Heeding his word more out of reflex than anything, Nova approached the edge of the pool. Removing her shoes and leggings (carefully, cautiously) she seated herself per his request and let her feet dip into the water. It was cold, but not icy; not even really all that unpleasant. The temperature was a perfect compliment to the oppressive heat that hung in the air, and an even better deterrent of it than the shade the trees offered. She kicked her legs a bit, not enough to create any significant waves or disruptions in the water, watching in what she hoped was a discreet way as Nishiki took another dip and shook himself off like before.
“I guess I should have asked if you even liked water first,” he realized as he came to her side, taking a seat next to her. Any distance was proving too close for her heart to handle at this point. “Since you’re a cat and all.”
“Oh, like I haven’t heard that one before,” she playfully lamented, relieved for the distraction of conversation as she attempted to keep her ogling to a minimum. “Even some cats like water, you know? In this case I guess I happen to be one of them. But the truth is, it has nothing to do with me being a cat or not.”
“Well, I apologize for assuming then,” he offered, and she quickly shook her head.
“No, it’s really okay. I understand where you’re coming from,” she replied, taking the risk to face him directly rather than stare at his fractured reflection in the water. “I like this. The place, and getting to be here with you. Thank you for letting me join you.”
“You make it sound like I have some kind of right to banish you or something,” Nishiki laughed, placing a comforting hand on her head and subsequently deepening her blush. “You can do what you want here, be what you want. I want you to do whatever makes you happy. Whether that includes me or not.” But I can’t help hoping that it does.
Of course it includes you. “That’s quite considerate of you. How will I ever make it up to you for all you’ve done for me?”
“I’d say just being happy counts in that case, too,” he suggested, petting one of her ears in passing as he removed his hand. He didn’t want to overdo it, but a part of him also didn’t care.
“I’m happy…just being here with you,” she confessed against her better judgment, yielding to her own whim to rest her head against his bare shoulder. “Just being by your side is enough for now.”
He was sure there was more he could say, but he didn’t want to spoil the moment. Teetering on the edge of a full blown proclamation and stifled by the suffocating weight of anxiety and insecurity, neither of them felt compelled to say anything more. Sharing moments like this together was more than enough…for now. As long as it continued to bring them happiness, that was all either of them really needed or wanted. The future could wait for the time being, especially since they were fairly confident it would still manage to be full of heartfelt exchanges like this.
Summary: Nova comes across Nishiki in one of his secret getaway spots one afternoon, helplessly drawn in by what she finds.
*Author’s Note*: Meant to post this way earlier, since it’s a summer specific fic, but clearly that’s not how things turned out. I’m glad to have it polished and posted, anyway, even if it’s not a proper seasonal fit.
_____
The late summer sun bore down with a searing intensity, and Nova was grateful for the shade the forest provided as she strolled along. Shafts of sunlight broke through the dense foliage that sheltered her, dappling the ground with golden pools that she danced around, playfully trying to avoid them as one might a puddle after fresh rain. She smiled, unable to suppress the joy she felt in this moment, the happiness that radiated from her heart, her entire being in general. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this carefree, this content, and she knew she’d probably never be equipped to properly compensate all the people she owed for giving her this happiness.
She was on her way to visit one such person right now. Well, she hoped to be, considering she wasn’t exactly sure where he was. He couldn’t have strayed too far from the hamlet-- he rarely did so of his own volition, unless he was on a special errand, or some business that required him to venture beyond the outskirts of the quaint woodland settlement. But as far as she knew, nothing like that was on his agenda this afternoon. In the event that she still failed to find him, even after checking all of the usual places, she wouldn’t have many options left but to impatiently wait for his return.
He wasn’t anywhere in the hamlet as far as she’d been able to find in her search, so the next best thing would be one of the places she knew he slipped away to when he needed a break or a bit of fresh air. It wasn’t like his chiefly duties ever weighed on him all that heavily, but even someone like him appreciated the opportunity to get away from it all every now and again. Nova knew she was beyond lucky, beyond privileged to even be aware that such places existed. The fact that Nishiki saw fit to confide in her about them, and even invited her to tag along on occasion, was just another underserved honor he’d been generous enough to bestow upon her. Although she was sure she could count on his kindness without concern, she certainly didn’t want to take it for granted, and she hoped that was something he understood as well.
As she approached a break in the treeline, she peeked into the clearing beyond to find one of the secluded getaways she’d heard of, but hadn’t had the chance to glimpse until now. The moderately sized meadow tucked away in the midst of this emerald expanse of trees was brimming with vibrant flowers and feathery grass that swayed in the tranquil afternoon breeze. Every exposed inch was bathed in the sun’s blazing rays, which made the bubbling spring in the middle sparkle like a freshly polished jewel. It looked as if a flow of water just substantial enough to pass as a waterfall fed into the shimmering sapphire pool, and as Nova examined the area with more scrutiny, she realized she wasn’t aptly prepared to witness the individual currently splashing around in the middle of it.
At first glance, it was just a cute scene. A kitsune with a pelt whose shine rivaled the sun was enjoying the cooling benefits of the water, sometimes playing, sometimes just wading as he let the droplets saturate his coat. It was quite a sight to behold, considering his size and the imposing aura he exuded, although it wasn’t unbearably harsh or aloof. Nova didn’t see fit to interrupt him, but she had to stifle a noise of surprise in her hand as he traded his four legged form for a two legged one, which also happened to be much less furry, much more toned, and no less impressive or captivating as the other one.
Tossing and twisting out of reflex, the moisture he shook off danced across the water’s surface like raindrops. Nova watched as the fluffiness returned to his fur, which only seemed to gleam brighter now that it’d been cleansed of any unsightly clinging moisture. His hair and skin and smile were all radiant, and as inappropriate as she knew it was to stare, especially while hidden, she couldn’t seem to help it. It was rare to see him in such a carefree and, for lack of a better term, exposed state, although she wasn’t sure she wanted to think about it that way. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, that was the reality of the situation, and deep down she knew she was actually quite pleased about it. On top of that, everything seemed to be more or less undisturbed…so was it better for her to just retreat while she could?
She should have known things weren’t going to go that smoothly. The minute she took a step back, rustling the slightest part of the vegetation that concealed her, his ears perked up and attention turned to her with full force. She wanted to squeak and flee, but she also knew that wouldn’t be very becoming of someone of her position, and she didn’t really feel like having to explain things if he ended up questioning her about it later. She took a steadying breath, obscuring her clenched hands in the folds of her wide sleeves before stepping out to reveal herself completely.
“I apologize for intruding.” And eavesdropping. She thought to herself, but that was probably better left unsaid. “I didn’t mean to startle or alarm you.”
“You didn’t,” he reassured, facing her with a delighted smile that almost knocked her off her feet. “And don’t feel like you need to stay back there lurking, either. I’d be happy to have some company.” Especially if it’s you. Another silent admission, and for once he was grateful the sun’s heat disguised his blush. “Oh, but I guess I should ask what you’re doing here, too. Did you need something?”
“Oh, no, I was just…” Looking for you. Wanting to know where you were. Wanting to make sure you were okay. None of those answers were very respectable, or more importantly less embarrassing, so she let them be. “Just exploring the area, and then I ran into you. I know you’ve mentioned a place like this before, but seeing it in person--”
“It’s great, isn’t it?” He just couldn’t seem to stop smiling, and neither of them were sure who his enthusiasm was going to overwhelm first. “So peaceful and pretty. There are a few other special places like this off the beaten path, but none of them have a spring like this, or even half as many flowers. Sometimes it’s nice to come here instead of fighting off the crowd for a space at the river, especially on hotter days.”
“It is fairly impressive,” she agreed, eyes taking in the majesty of the scenery more clearly now that she was in the middle of it. “Pleasant, almost enchanting. But I do feel bad for just showing up on you like this. I mean, if you came here for some privacy--”
“It’s never a bother if it’s you,” Nishiki assured before he could really consider what he was saying. He wasn’t about to take it back, though, and he didn’t even really regret admitting it. The stunned, flattered expression on her face that promptly turned as pink as her ribbons was more than enough to make the gamble worth it. “C’mon, you can at least put your feet in the water. I promise I won’t splash you.”
Heeding his word more out of reflex than anything, Nova approached the edge of the pool. Removing her shoes and leggings (carefully, cautiously) she seated herself per his request and let her feet dip into the water. It was cold, but not icy; not even really all that unpleasant. The temperature was a perfect compliment to the oppressive heat that hung in the air, and an even better deterrent of it than the shade the trees offered. She kicked her legs a bit, not enough to create any significant waves or disruptions in the water, watching in what she hoped was a discreet way as Nishiki took another dip and shook himself off like before.
“I guess I should have asked if you even liked water first,” he realized as he came to her side, taking a seat next to her. Any distance was proving too close for her heart to handle at this point. “Since you’re a cat and all.”
“Oh, like I haven’t heard that one before,” she playfully lamented, relieved for the distraction of conversation as she attempted to keep her ogling to a minimum. “Even some cats like water, you know? In this case I guess I happen to be one of them. But the truth is, it has nothing to do with me being a cat or not.”
“Well, I apologize for assuming then,” he offered, and she quickly shook her head.
“No, it’s really okay. I understand where you’re coming from,” she replied, taking the risk to face him directly rather than stare at his fractured reflection in the water. “I like this. The place, and getting to be here with you. Thank you for letting me join you.”
“You make it sound like I have some kind of right to banish you or something,” Nishiki laughed, placing a comforting hand on her head and subsequently deepening her blush. “You can do what you want here, be what you want. I want you to do whatever makes you happy. Whether that includes me or not.” But I can’t help hoping that it does.
Of course it includes you. “That’s quite considerate of you. How will I ever make it up to you for all you’ve done for me?”
“I’d say just being happy counts in that case, too,” he suggested, petting one of her ears in passing as he removed his hand. He didn’t want to overdo it, but a part of him also didn’t care.
“I’m happy…just being here with you,” she confessed against her better judgment, yielding to her own whim to rest her head against his bare shoulder. “Just being by your side is enough for now.”
He was sure there was more he could say, but he didn’t want to spoil the moment. Teetering on the edge of a full blown proclamation and stifled by the suffocating weight of anxiety and insecurity, neither of them felt compelled to say anything more. Sharing moments like this together was more than enough…for now. As long as it continued to bring them happiness, that was all either of them really needed or wanted. The future could wait for the time being, especially since they were fairly confident it would still manage to be full of heartfelt exchanges like this.
no subject
Secondly, I love how your and his thoughts are woven into the story. It was all really adorable <3