Small gifts
For dear Starlight Saint Lu, who was so kind to dedicate a very lovely Aiolos x Seika fanfiction to me. n.n And with whom I enjoy immensely enjoy talking about Saint Seiya.
Seika's heart pounded as she walked into the Sagittarius temple. Despite her resolve.
She couldn't help the nervousness. After all, what she was about to do was somewhat crazy. At least for her. Then again, she may be quiet and rather timid, but she was no coward. And it wasn't like anyone was going to rip her head off.
,Come on, Seika! Focus! You can do it!'
Still… she had never done what she was about to do before. That may be the reason she was more nervous than she expected. Plus, the mere thought of him made her heart beat faster.
She had never felt like this before. But it was a good feeling. And though it was new to her, she knew exactly what it was.
In the end, it had taken all her courage to decide to do what she was about to do. Why, though, was still a mistery to her. After all, she was not afraid, just terribly nervous.
For a moment, Seika wondered what her little brother Seiya would say if he knew what she was up to. That brought a smile to her lips. He might have gotten a hunch that she was planning something, even though she had asked him as casually as possible if he knew wether a certain someone was in his temple. However, the Pegasus Saint had made no comment, so he probably didn't know entirely what was going on.
At any rate, he said he had visited the Ninth House an hour before and that its guardian was at home. Now Seika followed the torch-lit hallways. A servent she met directed her to one of the temple's side entrances. Seika thanked her and hurried into the direction she had been shown. Finally, she reached an open doorway which led outside.
And there he was.
The late afternoon sun glinted off a bronze skin and droplets of sweat. His movements were powerful and elegant as he kicked and punched imanigary foes. It strenghtened Seika's impression that he was like one of those beautiful, Greek statues. A god, or a hero of old.
Aiolos. Gold Saint of Sagittarius.
For a moment, Seika just stood and watched him training. She was so captivated by the strenght and elegance of his attacks that she only barely noticed that he was not wearing any shirt. Right now, that was kinda secondary anyways. She was happy to simply watch him.
Then he finished a series of movements, kept the stance – and his eyes met hers. The smile he gave her seemed to send a lightingbolt through Seika, and her cheeks seemed to catch fire. Suddenly, her nervousness was stronger than before.
„Well, hello there, miss Seika." The Gold Saint grabbed a towel that lay on a nearby rock. With it, he whiped away the sweat that ran down his forehead.
„H-hello, Aiolos-san…"
„What brings you here on this fine day?"
„I… I…"
„You know what?" Seika almost jumped when she felt Aiolos' hand on her shoulder. She hadn't noticed him approach, and was suddenly highly aware of his closeness. Plus, he wasn't supposed to see what she was hiding something behind her back. „I have to refresh myself and am going to hop under the shower for a moment. Why don't you take your time and gather your thoughts until then?"
During the time she had known him, the young Japanese had learned that Aiolos was a highly considerate and kind-hearted man. Two qualities that had drawn her to him very quickly. And right now, he had proven the image she had of him right once more.
Only then did the words he had just said sunk in.
Heat rushed to Seika's cheeks when unbidden images rose to her mind. Desperately, she tried to regain control and refocus on her purpose.
„No! I mean… uhm…" She took a deep breath. „In that case… Aiolos-san… guess you don't celebrate Valentine's Day here at Sanctuary… but… today is February 14th… and… would you accept this?"
And she handed him the gift, holding the breath while awaiting his reaction.
For a second, the Sagittarius Saint was surprised. The smile he gave her then was so full of sincere joy and gratitude, that it made Seika all fuzzy and warm inside. Indeed, she herself felt happier than if she had receiveda gift herself – as crazy as that seemed.
„We actually don't celebrate Valentine's Day here", Aiolos said. „But I gratefully accept this gift."
Then he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
Seika's cheeks were ablaze instantly. The gesture had come completely unexpected. They weren't officially together or dating, after all. The idea of giving Aiolos a present for Valentine's Day had been sort of a last minute idea. Also, she had always admired him from afar, too shy to approach him. Nor did she imagine that he could harbor feelings for her. But… one didn't kiss strangers, or almost strangers, simply on the cheek, did one?
Could it be… that this incredibly strong warrior actually returned her feelings?
„Uhm… Seika-san. Not to sound rude, but is there a reason why this couldn't wait until after I refreshed myself?"
The young Japanese woman was more than happy for something else to focus on.
„M-maybe. P-please open it… then you'll understand what I mean."
Curiosity flashed in those deep, dark-green eyes. „Well, if you give me permission…"
Carefully, he worked at the dark blue wrapping , which Seika had decorated with a beautiful ribbon. To light came a dark violet piece of clothing, It was decorated with a simple, yet elegant pattern in a beautiful silver. Aiolos put the wrapping paper onto a nearby stone and unfolded it.
Seika bit her lips. Was he going to like it? This question was the biggest source of her nervousness. Luckily, she didn't have to wait long.
„It's beautiful." Aiolos smiled at her. The honesty in his voice made Seika's heart leap with joy. He actually like it! Bulls-eye, as her brother would say.
„It is what you call a yukata in nippon, isn't it?", he continued.
„That's right!"
Seika was thoroughly impressed he had recognised what her gift was. Not many foreigners were interested enough in traditional Japanese clothing to know what a yukata was.
,You truly are amazing, Aiolos-san.'
His smile turned to a small grin. „Now I understand. You would like me to try it on after I washed myself."
„W-well… I didn't plan on it… I didn't know you were training until your servant told me. But… but if you don't mind… I am very curious how it will look on you."
„I don't mind at all." With a soft laugh, Aiolos picked up the paper. „In fact, this yukata looks very comfortable. I'm looking forward to trying it on. Come with me, I will show you where you can wait in the meantime."
Almost giddy, Seika followed him back inside. Aiolos brought her to what seemed a living room of sorts. A round, wooden table stood in its center, matching chairs around it. A cuple of book-shelves stood at the walls, and several, comfortable looking arm-chairs were spread across the room.
„Please take a seat", Aiolos said with an inviting gesture. „If you are thirsty, I'll have a servant bring you something to drink."
„Yes, please. I'd like to have some water."
„Good. See you in a moment, then." With a wink and a smile, Aiolos left.
Still flustered, Seika sat down and took a few deep breaths. It had gone better than she had expected. And… Aiolos seemed to like her a lot, too. That thought thought sent a swarm of butterflies dancing in her belly.
A young woman came and brought Seika a glass of water, just like promised. She thanked the servant and took a sip. All the while, her thoughts kept revolving around a certain, brown-haired Sagittarian. Those emotions he made her feel… nobody had woken those in her before.
And Seika liked it.
Much sooner than anticipated, Aiolos returned. Seika felt as if she had just sat down a minute ago. But after taking another sip of water, Aiolos already came strolling into the room.
Wearing her yukata.
Apparently, she had hit the color perfectly. It fit well with his dark hair and forest green eyes. Not too bright, not too dark. The yukata itself looked absolutely nice on him. Asian clothing did not always fit well with westeners, in terms of looks. But Aiolos pulled off the yukata perfectly.
„I was right", he said, smiling, as he came towards her. „It is pretty comfortable to wear."
„I… I'm glad to hear it."
He leaned over and kissed her gently on the forehead. „Arigato, Seika-san."
Hearing her mother tongue from his mouth made another ball of warmth grow in her belly.
„Parakaló, kyrios Aiolos."
The light that lit in his eyes was more than enough of a reward for Seika's troubles of learning Greek. She would have done it anyways, since her brother was a Saint of the Greek goddess Athena. But her meeting Aiolos had given her determination a lot more fuel. She had been waiting giddily like a little girl fort he chance to surprise him.
His smile was as resplendand as ever.
„I may not have a present ready for you", he explained. „But your kind gift shall not go unpaid.
Come. I'd like to show you something in return."
Curiosity welled up in Seika. It must be a very special place for Aiolos to offer showing it to her like this. And if he wanted to give her something little in return for her gift, who was she to deny it. He was, after all, someone who cared for others.
„With pleasure, Aiolos-san."
„Let's go, then."
Aiolos offered her his arm, and Seika gladly took it. Together, they left the Ninth House.
Outside, the shadows had grown very long, and the surrounding rocks were tinted orange by the setting sun. The sky had turned a darker, more velvety blue than before.
On their way, they made pleasant small talk with those Gold Saints they encountered. Aiolos' younger brother, Aiolia, had a mischievous glint in his eyes when he saw them enter his temple.
„Hey, how are the two of you? Adelphos?"
„We're fine", Aiolos grinned back, bumping arms with his brother. „We're heading out for a little walk."
The Leo Saint suddenly frowned and looked his brother up and down. „What's this you're wearing, adelphos? It… looks great on you."
„A gift from Seika-san here. It's called a yukata – and it's mighty comfortable."
Seika felt her checks grow warm again and lowered her head, glad that the two brothers immersed themselves in a brief, amiable chat. After about two minutes, Aiolos and Seika continued on their way.
Once out of the twelve temples, they walked through the rough, yet somehow beautiful scenery of the Athenian mountains. The air was warm and humid, but to an extent where it was still bearable. Now, as evening was breaking, it cooled even a little.
Somewhere along the way, Aiolos' hand suddenly found her's. To Seika's own surprise and pride, she didn't even flich, nor falter. It just felt… so natural. And his warm, big and strong hand on hers gave her a feeling of protectiveness that calmed her more than she expected.
At some point, they left the man path. Aiolos led her on a small, partly hidden trail that led upwards. A rivulet made its way between the rocks, and a bird's beautiful voice rang through the air. Neither of them said anything, as if on a silent agreement not to disturb the serenity of the moment.
Eventually, the rocks gave way, and Seika stopped in her tracks when she saw what lay in the light of the evening sun.
It was a small, crystal clear pond, its water shimmering and glittering. It was filled by a small rivulet that came splashing down over a large boulder. At its edge stood a single tree in full blossom, pale violet blossoms swaying in the gentle wind. Around the pond, grass was growing, a speck of green among the rocks. It was the pure opposite of the rough terrain surrounding it, such a contrast to the rough boulders and mountains that it had a pristine air about it. A sense of peace and quiet in a world of battles.
„This… this is beautiful, Aiolos", Seika whispered, let go of his hand and knelt down next to the pond. The water was so clear that she could see every little stone at the bottom. When she tentatively dipped a hand into it, it was refreshingly cool.
„It's my secret favourite place in all of Sanctuary", Aiolos told her and stepped to her side. „I found it by chance when I was but a little boy, training to become a Saint. Only three other people know about it."
Those words made Seika realise what it meant that he had brought her here. And she felt more than recompensated for her gift. And not only that.
„I am honored", she gave voice to her sentiments. „Thank you so, so much for bringing me here. This place is marvellous. I won't tell anyone of it unless you want me to."
„I'm glad you like it."
Aiolos sat down against the tree. Seika stood and joined him. For many minutes, they sat in amiable silence, enjoying the calmness of the place. The sun sank lower and lower. As the sky turned a velvety blue, star after stark blinked to live. Seika was filled by a peace she had not experienced in a very long time – if ever. And the Sagittarius Saint's powerful presence next to her had a soothing warm to it.
„Do you see those three stars?", Aiolos suddenly said and pointed at the sky. „Those which are in a straight line?"
She quickly found them. „Yes."
„Now, imagine that an x spreads from them. Four bright stars; there, there, there and there."
Again he pointed, and after a few moments, Seika saw it.
He turned to her, a smile on his lips that made her heart melt. „That's the constellation Orion."
From that, the most pleasant conversation of Seika's life ensued. Aiolos taught her a handful of constellations, until Seika could find them no problem. He also told her many Greek legens, especially those who provided the background for the constellations. He made it sound like a world of magic and wonder. Then they talked about tons of other things, even some more private things from their lives. They talked as if they had known each other for ages. Seika felt as if in a dream. It was nicer than any gift Aiolos might have given her.
All the while, the stars blinked above.
At some point, the conversation came to a pause, in which they simply sat and enjoyed each other's presence. Suddenly, Seika noticed the Sagittarius Saint observing her. In a way that sent pleasant shivers down her spine. And for some reason, she was not surprised when his hand laid down on hers. It was a hand with blisters, a good hand, proof of the hard-working warrior that Aiolos was. It was also a warm hand, soothing, encouraging, protective. Like the entire man.
„I love you, Seika."
At those words, her heart actually skipped a beat. For a moment, Seika thought she had misheard. But then his surprisingly soft, warm lips gently pressed onto hers. And she knew she wasn't dreaming.
It was a moment full of magic, more so than the entire day had already been. A moment she wanted never to end. Aiolos' scent rose to her nose, a mix of citrus fruits and something else. A lovely scent, fitting him so well. He was… simply perfect.
Seika closed her eyes, submerged herself into the kiss. Reveled in the joy that flooded her body. Because this kiss confirmed what she had not dared to hope: This strong, incredible man returned her feelings.
She could barely believe it.
When they broke the kiss, Seika gazed into those green orbs that were his eyes.
„I love you too, Aiolos."
Instead of a response, Aiolos wrapped his strong arms around her. It was more than enough. Seika closed her eyes, leaned against the Sagittarius Saint's broad chest and let the warmth that sprung from several sources wash over her. She felt happier than ever. Complete.
Enveloped by Aiolos' powerful, protective aura, the stars glittering above, Seika cuddled closer to his chest – and was soon fast asleep, despite herself.
The Sagittarian didn't mind. When he heard her regular breathing, he chuckled and glanced at the sky – a happy smile on his face.