forum The Ice In His Soul//One-on-one// (CLOSED)//

Started January 21, 2019 by @Toxic_Persephone group

tune

Xio bblushed lightly, smiling at Kai. She was pretty happy. “Mm, not a problem Kai. “ she told him with a laugh, shaking her head.

With his free hand, Kai took Xio’s in his, smiling down at her, “I’m still not as beautiful as you though.” He muttered.

She hummed, looking down at her feet and biting her lip. “Thank you… I try.” She smiled at him, bumping shoulders with him.

Garrett shook his head, laughing at the two of them. “Are you sure you aren’t already dating?”

“You don’t need to try, you’re beautiful as is.” He smiled and bumped her back, giving her had a squeeze.

“I’m sure, sir. I’d like to take her on a date before we settle anything.” He said, softly but still firmly.

“Awww thank you, Kai.” She smiled, returning the squeeze. At her father’s question she seemed to grow distant. She didn’t want to take it too fast. She wanted both of them to take their time. She knew how hard it was going to be for them. He, who had given up on having a relationship, and she, who had found herself unworthy of such attention and love. It was something that was sure to be rocky at first .

“You’re a good kid. That’s the way to go.” Replied Garrett, nodding his approval. Xio let out a breath she hadn’t known she had been holding. Her father seemed to like Kai. That was a good sign.

Once inside the restaurant, they were led to a table and seated. Xio grew excited over the eel sushi, something she apparently loved but couldn’t afford. Today was the one day she could order it. “I’ve been saving up for this day for ages just so I could have the eel! I love it…

Kai scanned the menu for a few moments. He hadn't had lots of Japanese food but from what he'd had he enjoyed. He was pretty much clueless to most of the things on the menu, he recognised a few but wanted to try something different, "Do you have any recommendations?"

“Sukiyaki beef! It’s amazing.” Xio drawled. “Or the grilled Salmon. Or the Squid Salads. Or the Miso! Everything marked Miso is good.” She hummed happily. Asian food was one of her favorites. But pasta ruled over them all. “And the Soba noodles are heavenly.” She bit her lip, studying the menu before settling on Sukiyaki beef. It was her favorite after all.

Garrett set his menu down, stretching out his arms as he waited for their waitress to return. “Their raspberry lemonade is good too.” He said nonchalantly, studying his broken fingers. They had given him casts for them. They were very uncomfortable to him.

Kai nodded, still looking down at the menu with a small look which was a mix between a frown and pout, one he always had when he was concentrating. It took him another moment before he decided on the grilled salmon and a water before he placed his menu down and looked to Gary.

"How'd you end up needing a cast for you fingers?" He asked, motioning to his hand.

Xio studied his face out of the corner of her eye. She really did enjoy his company and hoped that even if their date went wrong, they could still be friends. A waitress wandered over, asking for drinks and if they were ready to order. Garrett nodded, ordering his own food - a miso soup with a raspberry lemonade - before Xio took her turn and ordered her own.

Once the waitress had collected all orders and left, Garrett answered Kai’s question. “I broke them moving a few equipments.” Xio pouted. She hated seeing her father injured. He did it too often to himself. And it was happening more frequently now he was taking more and more shifts and sleeping less and less. “I take jobs around whenever I can. This one just so happened to be in the hospital. My lifting partner wasn’t paying attention and dropped the equipment too early. I caught it but it cost me my fingers.” He chuckled as if it were some funny story.

Kai frowned a little and nodded. He didn't like when anyone became injured so he did feel bad for Garrett. He nodded a little, "Well, I hope your fingers heal soon enough. If you ever need another lifting partner I'll be happy to help and prevent any other injuries."

“Again, you’re a good kid, Kai. But it would be during your school hours. Don’t worry too much about it, I’ve got Xio to take care of me.” He smiled at his daughter. She returned it. Every night since Lynette had left Xio had made dinner for herself and her father. The only time she had missed was when she had been in the hospital. “She’s a good cook. Great at making pastas. Especially lasagna.”

“Not that good. I just follow the recipe. Well, I adjust the recipe. You don’t like cream cheese in it.” She said softly. Her father nodded.

“Doesn’t mean you’re not good at it, Mari dear.” He added quickly. Xio laughed softly. Once again, she seemed brighter around this man. He gave her life and a reason to keep going. She had no mother-like figure in her life to comfort and help her. To her, a mother figure was cold and uncaring. Lynette had only cared about her cigarettes and alcohol. True she was a decent human but it didn’t change the fact she had mistreated Xiomara.

“Kai, Do you scare easy?” She asked, eyes wide. It was just a distraction from her thoughts. She was rather selfish. “The haunted house we’re going to is supposed to be spooky. They can grab you and stuff you into boxes.” She shuddered. “I might cry if I get separated.” She admitted. Xio hated scary movies and haunted houses but loved the more macabre side of life. “It’s an asylum-themed one so I think they can strap you to tables as well.”

"I'm an okay cook I guess. I didn't have to cook often, and when I did I ended up burning the good anyway," He shrugged, "Denzel's the cook out of Levi, him and I so I just sat back and watched. And also I wasn't eating dinner for a while so I just… leaver learnt." He admitted, rubbing at his neck.

"I mean… I don't scare that easily. I can't decide whether being strapped to a table is kinky, or spooky. Probably both in all honesty. But don't worry, I'll stay by your side the entire time so you can just hold onto me if you get scared." He grinned at her.

“Ah trust me, I’ve had that experience.” Garrett groaned, watching as the waitress returned with their drinks. “Lynette was an awful cook. What ever good food she managed was usually doused in alcohol so only she ate it.” Xio spat out her drink mid sip at the mention of Lynette.

“Don’t talk about her, dad…” she murmured. He appologized to her quickly. The mood was heavy for a moment before Kai answered her. She beamed, giggling softly. “So you’ll be shoved in a box and strapped to a table with me?” She teased, poking at his side. Garrett seemed a little taken aback.

“Now hold up. You two don’t do anything dumb.” He frowned but the slightest hint of a smile remained in his features. He obviously was enjoying teasing them. “I don’t need grandchildren yet.”

Kai flushed red a little at his comment, though he knew it was all just in good nature and he was enjoying teasing them, "Don't worry, I don't want kids right now either. I swear we'll use protection if anything happens." He winked at Xio, grinning widely.

It was Xio’s turn to blush. She uncrossed and recrossed her legs unconsciously. Garrett burst into a rumbling laughter. “You two are so easy to tease. I’m glad to hear you would use protection, though. Keep my little Mari safe for me, Kai. Don’t break her and make her happy.” He said with a large grin. “Maybe if you do that I’d be more open to grandchildren. Of course, you’d have to ask Mari first. What do you think, Mari?” Xio hid her face, too embarrassed to respond. If anything happens… Xio hadn’t ever thought about doing that with Kai before. It made her giddy and embarrassed at the same time. She took in a deep breath, a little afraid to answer.

Luckily, she was saved by their food arriving. She sighed in relief, quickly starting on her plate. She kicked Kai under the table, biting her lip. It took her several bites to calm down. “I-I’m not saying the idea is awful to me but I’m not read for t-that yet.”

(Brb, have to walk the dog)

This time it was Kai who burst out laughing, taking a few minutes to calm down. He couldn't remember the last time he laughed so hard, "Don't worry Xio, I wouldn't do anything without your consent and I wouldn't do anything to make you uncomfortable. If you're not ready, you're not ready, as simple as that." He took a bite of his salmon with a shrug of his shoulders.

He would never, never push Xio's boundaries. If she didn't want anything like that then he'd respect that and make sure he didn't cross any lines she didn't want him too. He respected her too much but it was also just common sense not to do anything like that.

//Alright! Have fun! Haha.//

Xio glanced at him. Kai was different than Marx was. Marx would never respect her boundaries. In hindsight she had no idea why she had loved the gang leader. He was abusive. But something about him made her want to stay with him forever no matter how many times he had cut her or beat her. But here was someone entirely different than that cruel male. Kai was sitting here with her, enjoying a meal with her father and causally talking about life and love. She liked it. No, she loved it. She found herself sliding closer to Kai, murmuring a soft ‘thanks.’

Garrett smiled. Xio was finally showing some of her old self. He hoped she would come out of her shell soon. He hated seeing her so downcast. A hopeless romantic afraid of relationships never lasted very long. “Well, I’m convinced. Mari, you found the perfect guy.” He said with a hearty laugh as he started on his soup. “Marry this kid, please. I want him as a son-in-Law and you’re my only child.”

Xio blushed, choking on her food for a moment. “Dad!”

(Back!)

"I'm glad you approve of me," Kai grinned and chuckled with Garrett, taking another couple bites of his salmon, "And as much as I would love to marry your daughter, I don't think we should be thinking that far ahead. Live life everyday and take it as it comes. If we do get together and last, sure, marriage would be great but you never know. And besides, if it doesn't work with me, I have two older brothers who are single."

//Eeeyyy, welcome back to Xio being awkwardly embarrassed.//

“Mm, maybe I should get their contact info.” Garrett grinned. He was always joking about getting Xio into an arranged marriage if she didn’t pick a guy quick enough. Xio stuffed more food into her mouth. She was the same color as a tomato by now. How should she react to the two males planning her love life?! “But I would prefer you, Kai. You’re closer to her age and obviously more suited to her. I mean, I haven’t met your brothers but I’ve seen a lot here with my little girl. You’re a gentleman, And she goes on and on about you sometimes. I’ve heard her talking with her friend, Jeremy, about you.” Xio pulled her scarf over her head to hide her fuming and flustered face.

“Nooooo. Don’t tell Kai thaaat!” She squeaked out. It gave him more of a chance to tease her. Her flower crown was knocked off center as she pulled the scarf more over her head. She was dying of heat.

(Lmao, me in real life XD)

Kai chuckled, and gently removed the scarf from Xio's face and adjusted her flower crown back to where it was before, "Don't hide your beautiful face Xio, it's not fair to obstruct my view of it," He smiled softly at her, "And I'm glad you talk about me, it means I made a good impression and I'm doing all the right things, I hope, anyway."

//Saaaammmee -except I have no love life lol//

Xio’s mouth opened and closed. She had no idea how to reply. Had she felt this way before with the other guys she had dated? She didn’t think so. This was special. She kind of liked it and the way it felt. “Y-you’re doing everything right,” she told him firmly. “But geez you two…” she shook her head, suddenly giggling uncontrollably. She was so embarrassed all she could do was laugh.

Garrett watched happily. He had no idea why these two thought they might not work out. He saw a relationship perfect for them. They’d last a long time. “Alright, Alright you two. No more flirting. Finish up so we can make it on time.” He said with a sigh. He had already finished.

//lowkey can see Xio and Kai getting locked in a small space together at the haunted house fam.//

(Lol, me and my girlfriend are two of the most awkward people ever it's not even funny)

"What! We're just having fun and teasing. Which, by the way it's easy to tease you but cute too." He chuckled and looked to Gary, giving him a two fingered salute, "Yes sir, no more flirting, got it." He grinned and went back to eating. Luckily there wasn't much left so he finished it quickly.

(Honestly same)

//Ahaha. I’m just awkward in general.//

Xio felt her head spin and her heart leap. She was so easy to tease. She was both an author and completely gullible. Not only could she believe situations, she could see them play out in her head. That made for a few graphic scenes at times. “You’re so mean.” She joked, kicking him once again.

Garrett laughed softly, watching as the two continued eating. Xio finished last. She was having a hard time processing everything. Kai had just admitted to flirting with her, which she kinda already picked up on, but did he mean it? She found herself praying he did.

Soon, the three were heading back out, their meal paid for and finished. Xio had gotten her sushi and had eaten it happily, offering some to Kai. Her father hated fish so she tried to avoid asking him. “I’m so full.” She whined, leaning against Kai teasingly.

Kai held his hands up in defense, "I know I know. Sorry, I'll try not to tease you so much in the future. Cross my heart and hope to die." He made a criss-cross over his heart then slung an arm around Xio, "You shouldn't have eaten so much then. Don't complain about how full you are when you could have stopped eating at anytime." He flicked her nose playfully.

“You get so… attractive though… it’s like you know how to use my weaknesses against me.” She complained. She couldn’t decide what was better: suffering for a little to see him act a certain way, or be able to remain cool around him. Xio hummed happily at his words, laughing softly when he flicked her nose. “But you don’t understand, my food was enchanted so it was so good I couldn’t stop.” She joked, finding his hand and slipping her own into his.

“Look forwards to that date Xio, he’s a keeper.” Garrett called over his shoulder, climbing into the car and starting it up.

Kai gave her hand a squeeze resting his chin a top her head for a moment, "As much as I hate to say it, I don't think your food was enchanted. Magic doesn't exist." He smirked and gave her a wink, knowing fine well it was a lie, "I'm glad you like me Gary! I like you too!" He called back.

“Aww. But if it did exist you better believe I’m going to keep it in my life for as long as I can.” She told him slyly, planting a teasing kiss to his jawline. She knew that was going far but she wanted to give him payback for flustering her earlier.

Garrett nodded, smirking. Xio rolled her eyes. She knew they’d get along. Her father had really taken a liking to him. “That’s good.” Gary said softly, laughing.

Kyle's eyes lit up with happiness and he kissed the top of her head back, "I'd do the same. Only the magic that I love comes in a different form," He leaned down to whisper, "And that's you." He smiled softly at her.

She grinned like an idiot, hiding her face with her hand. Hell this kid was perfect. He knew how to make words sound better. “You’re making me blush…” she mumbled, resting her head against his shoulder and humming softly. She could once again smell his vanilla fragrance. It drove her crazy to sit silently and notice all of the little things that attracted her to him. She almost couldn’t bare it. Was it a sin that she wanted to bury her face in the crook of his neck and be held in his arms?

Kai chuckled, twirling a strand of hair around his finger, “Good, that was part of the point of telling you. The other was just because I could and I mean it.” He smiled softly down at her, even though in the position they were in she couldn’t see it.