EasilyAmused

Remember When? |EasilyAmused & Mysterion|

It’s important to remember that Adriana never met Robert, he was the new face in the band compared to what she grew up with and her nervousness showed as she stepped inside and shut the door behind her. Her small right hand running against the bicep of her left arm as she nearly stared down at her feet when he approached her. “I’m… Adriana…” She said softly, more to the ground than him as he approached her. The suaveness of his voice caused her face to slowly crawl red and it wasn’t until Jack’s voice echoed throughout the room that the blonde’s attention snapped up from the ground.

Jack stood behind his friend looking like a threatening tower of muscle which almost made her laugh. In fact she had to put her hand over her mouth to keep herself from cracking up as the shadow crept over the band member. “Okay.” She said behind her hand before he turned around and walked away. In case you need to ask, she did stare… she stared the entire way until he disappeared into the other room and Robert stepped into her view with a knowing smirk. A smirk which received a bashful look and an avoided gaze as a response.

Taking a seat down on one of the chairs, she placed her hands gently in her lap and tucked her ankles under the chair. Despite her lack of interaction with her parents, the CEOs instilled manners into her, and grace but her clumsiness tended to hide that little feature more often than not. The conversation was small between Robert and Adriana, simple because she looked like she was really nervous. That was until Jack finally returned and the room seemed to relax around her. Finally a face she knew.

His statement however, made her blush as she turned her gaze away. “My… friend is the stylist and she wasn’t going to let me walk away looking the way I was. My sense of style hasn’t improved since you saw me last and whenever I walk out of the house with something matching I’m praised by her.” Embarrassed that she had gone through such an intense transformation before returning to the group but she wasn’t going to leave and Crystal wasn’t going to let her return to them covered in paint.

The door opened from across the room and Adriana was on her feet. “Lex!” She called out to the young man who excited the back room.

“Little Ri- Ri!” Alexander said excitedly as the blonde jumped into his arms. To the ground, Marcus had always been the ‘big brother’ and when he left; Alexander took over the role and took it over well.

While Adriana’s reaction to Alexander was different than her reaction to Jack, it was purely and obviously a sibling thing as she began giving him a hard time for never responding to her text messages and the two rejoined the other members. The group finally began to chat, Adriana feeling more comfortable around Robert now that it was more than just them in the room and soon her laughter and smile began to fill the room.

Knock Knock, “Hello.” Crystal’s voice called out through the chatter as the door creaked open and she stepped inside. A bag over her shoulder holding all of her supplies and a star chair in her hands, “Hello everyone!” Her voice was as cheery and bright as her blue hair. “Who’s my next victim… I mean person? I already did Adriana.” With that she placed the chair down in front of the large mirror with lights and began to unpack her things.

“Yeah… we’re both drastically different.” Adriana admitted in a loud fashion as her friend shouted something like ‘love you too’, over her shoulder as she unpacked her things.

Inside the Hidden Leaf Village. |Shifter_Master & EasilyAmused|

The town talks about Kakashi in a bunch of different ways. Some knew him as dangerous, others knew him as stand-offish and a few knew him as lazy. Most knew him as the guy who just couldn’t keep track of time. But very few knew the Kakashi she was seeing. The Kakashi that honestly and genuinely cared; very few people get the opportunity to see him like this and, if she were to wager, the few that have seen it were part of the Anbu, then there was Airi.

His mention of him ‘loosing track of time’ made her giggle softly as they kicked up speed and went towards the training grounds. Viewing the students from above was a sight to behold, simply because they seemed like… well an odd team. You have Naturo pacing, Sasuke leaning up against one of the poles and Sakura looking like she was going to slam a Kunai into Naturo’s foot just to hold him still. Her blonde eyebrows rose as she looked over Kakashi’s shoulder. “Whelp… you could always use the excuse that 85% of a Chunin’s job is waiting.” She said as she turned her head to look at him. “Just don’t overdo that line okay?” A small giggle left her as he took off from the tree.

The children’s unison scream even made her flinch yet he handled it so casually that even she groaned a little matching the two annoyed Genin. Giving him a little tap, she felt his chakra slowly let go and she dropped gracefully to the ground behind the pool and stepped out, much to the surprise of the Genin. “Hello.” She said brightly with a small wave.

“OOOOHHHHH I SEE!!” Naruto began before placing one hand on his hip and point an accusatory finger at Kakashi, “You were late because you were out with your GIRLFRIEND!”

To that, Airi’s face went beat red and she was quick to jump in. “Oh no! No no no, you’ve got it all wrong!” Despite her pathetic attempt to cover herself, Naruto just grinned at her.

“There’s no reason to be shy Sensei’s girlfriend.” Naruto said with a grin and a nod before tucking his hands behind his head. “You just wanna come and see how awesome I am, I get it. But I think you’re way too pretty for Kakashi-Sensi.”

After staring at Airi for some time, Sakura’s eyes began to sparkle. “Oh I know you!” An awkward laughing Airi finally looked her way, seeming almost relieved from being pulled away from the conversation with Naruto, “You’re work at Delicious Delights.”

“YOU WORK DELICIOUS DELIGHTS?! I LOVE THAT PLACE! THE TAIYAKI IS THE BEST!”

A laugh left Airi as she nodded, “Thank you, but I don’t work there… I am the owner and founder.” To that the kids’ jaw dropped as they looked at their Sensei.

“YOU’RE DATING THE OWNER OF DELICIOUS DELIGHTS?!”

And… topic brought back up again, as Airi’s face went into her hands.

Inside the Hidden Leaf Village. |Shifter_Master & EasilyAmused|

Okay I thought so but I didn't want to assume!
-laughs-

Inside the Hidden Leaf Village. |Shifter_Master & EasilyAmused|

Just need to know if you dropped Airi off on the ground, left her in the tree or is she still on his back?
-laughs-
Then I can start on my response!

Inside the Hidden Leaf Village. |Shifter_Master & EasilyAmused|

His confidence in the medics made her feel fuzzy inside. Something about choosing that path meant that she could really help people! Her first idea with the bakery was to make people smile by feeding them and now, when she decides to return, she knew she had the support of her friend. Her beaming smile said that she really appreciated his kindness towards her choice.

“You do realize that teaching Naruto how to paint properly would just mean more lucrative designs on the Hokage’s faces. Maybe some misplaced mustaches, giant kissy lips, buck-teeth; the possibilities are endless.” She couldn’t argue with the fact that it was a good idea but at the same time, it was an idea that it could be taken in the line of ‘evil’ as well. “Then again, Ana is very scary when it comes to make sure her paintings and talents are not wasted… I think between your bribery and Ana’s threatening Naruto might be able to stay on the right track.”

A small laugh left her and one more than one occasion she had stepped on her sister’s brushes, backed into a painting she was working on or threw away something that looked like it was messed up. Only to have brunette ball of fury come at her with swings and rage. Ever since then, she never got near Ana while she was painting.

Then there was his comment about helping her with any of the factors she had mentioned. Her head jerked in surprise and her gaze moved quickly to Kakashi’s face. His expression, even behind his mask, said he meant it and she felt her heart pound against her ribcage. This man’s dedication to those he cared about was commendable and admirable. Face on fire again, she buried it in the nap of his neck and shoulder while giving him a hug from behind. “Thank you.” She said softly to him.

“IS HE ALWAYS LATE! IT’S BEEN TWO HOURS?!” Naruto’s voice echoed through the forest area full of annoyance at a volume that the Village Hidden in the Sand could probably hear him.

“Sorry…” Airi said quietly as she pulled her face from him. “I didn’t mean to make you more late, especially by asking you to slow down…”

Inside the Hidden Leaf Village. |Shifter_Master & EasilyAmused|

To show she was paying attention Airi nodded and made a few noises of ‘ah’, ‘mhm’ and ‘I see’. It didn’t surprise her that he was excited about the movie and who was staring in it. He was such a sucker for those books and that side of him always made her smile. It seemed so… random that he would have such a love for books, much less be so dedicated to a series like that. But that’s what made Kakashi different and different wasn’t always a bad thing.

“So… you don’t have a plan.” Were the words that left Airi’s mouth but they were, of course, accompanied by a playful laugh. There was no doubt that he had some sort of plan but it might not be entirely thought through but that could come at another time. That was Kakashi for you, but again he was always someone she would put her faith in no matter what the situation was. She had never seen betrayal within his nature and hoped there was never a day where it would happen. Simply because he was not a ninja you should mess with… ever. But there was nothing to fear if you were a loyal member of the Leaf Village or its allies; you were safe. “Well, I look forward to seeing what you do with your interesting group of Genin who finally understood the meaning of the Bell test.” She said with an encouraging nod with a bright smile.

General surprise moved across her face when he asked that question everyone beats around the bush about. The surprise moved to a sense of knowing, a smile across her face, “If anyone was going to come out and ask me straight it would be you.” Then again it had been almost five years ago since the accident and no one had approached her with the question directly until today.

“It has been a thought actually.” She began, “More and more recently come to think of it. The bakery can practically run itself with a few supply gatherings here and there. And I do miss traveling along with teaching Genin but… I’m thinking if I return I should become a Medical-Nin. I owe my life to the skills of the medical-nin and I want to repay the favor by helping people who get injured.” Her small head rose and fell with a nod. “I learned I was kind of… a bit… maybe a little reckless back in those days. I do feel like if I dedicate most of my time I can return to the shape I was in before, or at least close; but with a different path. There’s just…”

Again with the pausing, her voice trailing off once more, “A lot of factors right now will make beginning my training once again difficult.” Her gaze moved forward as they went through the treetops. “Thanks for letting me watch you train though.” A bright smile showing her straight white teeth pulled across her face, “Maybe I’ll pick up some tips by watching. I may be out of practice but it is like riding a bicycle.” She was confident she could get back on the Ninja bike when… when things weren’t so difficult.

“Airi, your mother and I have promised your hand to Might guy. We think he would be a really good match for you. There would be no need for you to return to being a Ninja with a ninja as a husband.” Her father’s words rang in her ears, the man didn’t understand his daughter’s desire to be a ninja but… that was okay, he was doing what he thought was best for his daughter and she could not fault him for that. It just… made her sad it wasn’t discussed with her first.

"The next time I see Ana, I can ask her about giving Naruto painting lessons if you'd like. She's not been in the best of moods lately but maybe having a student as spunky as Naruto would bright her up."

Inside the Hidden Leaf Village. |Shifter_Master & EasilyAmused|

Airi huffed in a bit of disappointment. “The one time I got you sick… the one time and you will not try any of my other food? It’s been years since I cooked for you!” Her voice was playfully persistent as she poked gently at his chest with her finger. Fresh from the hospital and ‘retired’ from being a Chunin, she invited Kakashi over for lunch which she attempted to make along with some homemade biscuits. The biscuits were a hit but the other food was a hit to his stomach and he locked himself in her bathroom for a good hour vomiting. After that he stumbled out, thanked her for the meal than offered to take her out to lunch next time. Since then he’s ate her baked goods but never touched her food again. Boy she’d make a horrible wife if she hadn’t been practicing…

A wife… The phrase echoed in her mind and her small hands gripped onto the vest across Kakashi’s chest. “Kakashi…” She began softly, in a whisper to his ear, “Do you think…” Oh she had so many questions she wanted to ask the man she was on the back of but… her nerves got the best of her and she buried her face into the nape of his neck and shoulder. “You can slow down a bit?” Her face was boiling hot, she couldn’t ask him those questions, that wouldn’t be a good idea. At least not yet…

Feeling her face calm down a little she pulled it from the nap of his neck and gave a smile as her hands loosened their grip on his jacket. “I’m surprised you haven’t finished that book already. You must really be slacking.” Her voice was slightly teasing as she gave him a grin. “Did you hear? They’re making the first book of the series into a movie.”

Her voice was teasing and playful as she informed him of that and her playfulness returned. Why would she suddenly get shy like this? Where would her mind go? And why couldn’t she make herself talk to him about certain topics? Instead she made herself change the topic and mask it with humor before she addressed him with another question, “Are you doing a structured training plan or are you going to wing it? Group exercises or personal growth training? You know, things like that.” If there was one thing she was looking forward to as a Chunin it was the ability to teach people the art of being a Ninja and yet… she didn’t even have time to get her own Genin to train so she, theoretically was living vicariously through Kakashi by asking him questions and asking to observe him. But those dreams… they were gone now.

Inside the Hidden Leaf Village. |Shifter_Master & EasilyAmused|

As his paced ease she relaxed a little against his back. It was like lying on a giant pillow of muscle and it was at that moment that she realized just how small she was compared to him. That and it wouldn’t surprise her if she looked like a small dog barking at a large dog. Except he doesn’t bite back - - why? Fear? Nah, he wasn’t scared of her. Annoyance? Maybe it wasn’t worth arguing about. Or maybe it was because that’s just how Airi is and how she’d like to try to keep him on the straight and narrow. But you never quite realize how small you truly are until your toe to toe or, in this case, back to chest with someone.

Her small arms hung gently against the front of his chest as he climbed through the window and started towards the exact direction she thought the Genin would be at. Most of the time Kakashi was rather unpredictable but… sometimes you just, well, know.

“It has been a while since we talked huh?” Her voice filled with a hint of thoughtfulness as she thought back to the past few months since they had gotten a chance to speak. “Let’s see… I’ve created a couple new recipes including new mixtures for curry. I’m hoping to get those into a kare pan here soon and have some taste testing done. The store’s still popular, almost popular enough that I could let the employees run it so I think I’ll need to take a vacation soon. Maybe somewhere warmer with some sun, I’m starting to get a bit pale, if I keep going people will think I’m a ghost!”

A gentle laugh left her as she thought more, should she tell him? “Mom and dad are obsessed with trying to get grandchildren and Ana’s become a rather popular painter around town.” Maybe their obsession is why they were okay with saying Guy could have her hand in marriage without actually asking her. But then again… Guy wasn’t bad but he just wasn’t… “How about you?”

Remember When? |EasilyAmused & Mysterion|

The praise for her work made Adriana beam at Elizabeth but being cut short from ‘hey you’re great’ to ‘leave’ caused that bright smile of hers to drop almost instantly. “Oh okay, I see I’ll just be g…”

Her statement was cut off by Jack’s sudden interjection. And not just any interjection; this was interjection that caused him to be upset and annoyed by Elizabeth and to this; Adriana gripped her supplies to her chest and listened to the conversation. When he called her the ‘manager’ she actually laughed aloud causing all the attention to be pulled to her. At that she closed her mouth tightly and muttered something like ‘I just made the posters’ before suddenly finding Elizabeth apologizing to her.

The blonde shook her head furiously, “Oh no it’s… it’s okay…” She attempted to say before Robert approached her. Again, a person she didn’t know outside of what the press made out of him; with his large hand on her shoulder she felt tiny and insignificant as she stared up at him. Holy shit he really was the guy from the band! “You… you can call me Adriana.” She said in a small voice to Robert as he turned to follow Elizabeth and the rest of the band did so as well.

This was finally a moment where she could breathe and a long breath of air left her lungs as she loosed the death grip she had taken on her supplies. Too many people! Too many people!! Her attention was jerked away – followed by her entire body as Jack snatched her free hand and started pulling her away from the stage to follow the others. “Jack it’s okay. Really! I visit your mom and sister all the time and they keep me up-to-date with what you have going on so I’ve known a lot. Jack just---Slow down—you’re going to rip my arm off!” While she attempted to hold a serious tone, her voice was laughing. A laugh she had never done around her other friends because only Jack could make her laugh by doing such, well silly things. “You’ve been busy I get it! Plus you’re doing a lot of charity work as well as your performances it is not the least bit surprising that you have trouble keeping in touch with us ‘little people’.”

Her voice was playful and kind and just before they hit the dressing rooms she gave him a small pull, the first resistances he had received since they started walking. “Jack, I have to drop off this stuff, it isn’t mine. That and I’d like to try to get some of this paint out of my hair before it dries. I’ll get my stuff situated and meet you at the dressing rooms okay?” When he finally let her go, she proceeded to do the things she needed to accomplish. Except when she was about to lean her head over the sink to clean out her hair, a voice came across the corner.

“There you are!” Crystal’s voice rang in her direction and Adriana turned to see her bleach blonde haired friend with blue highlights standing in the doorway in a pair of short shorts and a black Lords of Captivating Hearts t-shirt. Crystal was practically a walking billboard of her own talents as her makeup was flawless, her hair was perfect and her skin looked incredible. Then there was Adriana who was covered in paint. “Oh my god… what did you do to yourself?” After her statement she held up her hand quickly, “Never mind, don’t tell me. Just come with me.” With that she grabbed her friend and drug her out of the storage room and pushed her down in her styling chair. “I’m not letting you walk out looking like this, and the BAND is here! You can’t be walking around in paint clothes!”

“But but but!” Adriana desperately tried to protest but it was too late, her friend and begun her work. Thirty minutes and some arguing later Crystal announced she was complete and pushed Adriana towards the dressing rooms. Crystal knew that Adriana was friends with Jack but that didn’t mean she was going to let her friend look like rubbish while meeting up with an old dear person!

So there was Adriana, her blonde hair cleaned and curled in a knee length blue sundress with white daisies on it and a white soft little throw over her shoulders. Taking in a deep breath she knocked on the door to the band’s dressing room. Did they have groupies in there? Was it just the band? Were they getting dressed and ready to head out to get styled? Was it just Jack? Her heart pounded in her chest as she heard a call to come in and slowly opened the door. “It’s me…” Yes, that was her first sentence…