Okay, I know I said winter was up next, but this idea for a summer fic hit me the other day and I decided to write it down. It came out okay-ish, but not good enough to satisfy me. So the next couple of days were spent editing and editing. After a couple tries, I finally got it the way I liked, and I'm actually really happy with the way it is now. That said, I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did writing it. :D
Disclaimer: I own not Xiaolin showdown. Only my ideas.
Summer Love
A Xiaolin Showdown fanfiction
By xxFireWarriorxx
The sun is warm on my skin as the salty scent of the ocean wafts up my nose. The sand beneath me is soft, completely free of rocks and shells. From far away I can hear seagulls crying their melodious tune, and closer I can hear the waves crashing to the shore. The air is fresh and cool, a gentle breeze ruffling through my hair. And though my eyes are closed I can picture the beautiful sky, the sun painted orange as different hues of red are splashed across the canvas.
"Kimiko," I hear a familiar voice call. "It's almost five and I believe we should start packing up. Soon it will be dark, and I feel we should be back before late."
I open my eyes to stare into the innocent black orbs on Omi's face. Stretching my arms as I take in the last of the sun's rays, I turn to the water dragon and say, "Omi, Master Fung never gave a specific time he wanted us to return. Besides, he told us we had the whole day off. And I intend take advantage of that." I pause to lie back down, pushing on my sunglasses. "You guys can go on back to the temple if you're such worrywarts. I'm staying out here a little bit longer."
Omi remains silent, almost as though he's lost in thought. I crack an eye open and see his indecisive expression. It's like he's wondering if he should dissuade me, or leave me be. I hope it's the latter, for his sake as well as mine. The day had gone wonderfully, and the last thing I want is to erupt on poor Omi.
I hear the soft treading of feet upon and sand, and sense instinctively another presence.
"I'm surprised, lil' lady. Usually it's Rai who's bending the rules."
Clay walks up behind Omi and I roll my eyes. "I'm not bending the rules, guys. Master Fung never made it a rule to be home before dark. You guys are just goody two-shoes." I close my eyes and wave my hand carelessly, shooing them away. "You guys go ahead."
I can almost picture Clay shrugging his shoulders and Omi nodding to my choice as they begin to pack up our items. Not seeing Raimundo doesn't surprise me one bit. If there is work to be done, you can count on him to be the least available. Not to offend him or anything, but you have to admit, it's true.
Still, I feel my heart quicken at the thought of the Shoku Warrior. Part of me knows what an arrogant, stubborn, and lazy person he is. And yet, a bigger part of me melts in his kindness, affection, and bravery.
As much as I hate to admit it, his personality mesmerizes me. And it's not just his personality that makes me feel dizzy and weak-kneed, much to my chagrin. Every time he smiles the world simply goes round. His adorable chocolate brown hair and stunning green eyes… His incredible physique and amazing smile… Everything about him seems to pull me in. And that is what irritates me to no end.
But what bothers me the most, is that he seems not to return my feelings. Sure, he teases me and flirts like no tomorrow. But I can never discern if he really, truly, means it… or if it is simply a part of his personality.
His complexity grips at me, and refuses to let me free. Recently he's been more and more on my mind, an annoyance that I wish would leave my puzzled being.
The ripping sound of claws striking the air pull me from my thoughts as I hear the familiar phrase, "Golden Tiger Claws!" I open my eyes just in time to see the purple portal disappear into nothingness as my fellow monks begin their journey home. They beach is now all mine, and I smile at the thought. Finally, a little alone time, and on such a beautiful location no less.
I sigh in pleasure, the sand beneath my body heavenly as I roll onto my stomach and rest my head upon my arms. The warm and comforting sunshine adds to my delight, the rays gentle and enticing. The softest of all breezes blows, adding just the right amount of coolness.
Time seems not to matter as I drift into and out of consciousness. The whole moment simply engulfs me, the beauty of it all enthralling. When the sun truly begins its descent, I leave my towel, eager to watch the brilliant showcase bound to follow. With the wind billowing my hair back, I take my first step towards the gorgeous sunset.
I watch as the sun dips lower and lower, slowly melting into the ocean. Right then it seems almost as though there is no boundary between earth and the sky. With the sun halfway below the waves, the ocean itself begins to take on a calming pink glow. As the light reflects off its innumerable waves, the water glistens and shines like gems. The whole scene is beautiful to behold, and as the ocean laps at my feet, I feel a sense of serenity I didn't think possible. With nature's beauty just before my eyes, I feel lucky to have experienced something so amazing. Something I could never have imagined. And something that will be with me forever.
A sudden breeze blows, and involuntarily I feel a shiver cascade down my arms. But the wind feels almost human… caressing my skin…
My heart speeds up as my skin tingles with delight. I know instantly the presence, and a smile graces my face.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" I ask aloud.
The sun is almost gone now, the sky slowly turning dark. Soon it'll disappear, and I'll never see the exact image again.
Another breeze blows, and I shiver against the sudden cold. A warmth soon suddenly engulfs my body though and I realize that a robe had been placed across my shoulders. As the wind warrior materializes before me, my heart skips a beat at his adorable appearance. He stands close… almost to close for me to breathe properly. I feel my cheeks flaring up and turn away in embarrassment.
We stare out at the ocean, neither making a sound. A couple minutes pass and I realize how uncharacteristic Raimundo is right now. Usually he's playing around, cracking jokes and having fun. Now though, he is quiet. But when I say quiet, I don't mean it in a bad way. With the sun setting before us, silence fit the mood. It's as though if the quiet breaks the spell would too, and then the beautiful moment would pass and be gone forever.
The last inkling of the orange orb finally disappears into the ocean, and the light is gone momentarily as the moon comes to life and the stars begin to blink. The wind picks up, and I pull Raimundo's robe closer. Staring up into his face, I realize just how much I truly like him. And that moment we just shared together… left me yearning for his company.
"Why'd you stay behind?" I eventually ask as I turn away from the ocean.
Raimundo shrugs, his green eyes piercing into mine. "I'm not really sure. When Clay and Omi told me it was time to leave, I didn't really want to. Then they said you weren't leaving with them either so I figured I'd stay as well. I surfed a bit more before deciding to check on you. You weren't at your towel, and then I saw you at the water's edge." He smiles, the slightest twinkle visible in his eye. "And I certainly am glad I did. That moment was breathtaking."
A sudden pang of disappointment hits me as his words sink in. Perhaps I am being too literal, but he did say "the moment was breathtaking." Was he speaking of the only the sunset… or was he hinting that he had enjoyed my company?
I push my thoughts away, determined not to be distracted by such matters. I begin to walk along the shore, the sand cool beneath my feet. Raimundo falls into step with me, and I can't help but feel the disappointment instantly melting away. With him beside me, I feel safe and protected.
It is truly dark now, and the ocean turns a beautiful silver sheen. Waves ripple gently in the breeze and stars above twinkle, shining like diamonds. I feel Raimundo step closer, and my breath catches in my throat. Next thing I know, his arm is around me.
I feel giddy with happiness, and with a sudden burst of courage, I rest my head upon his shoulder. He doesn't mind, and I lean against him, his body giving warmth to mine. Our hands intertwine, and I sigh in content.
The feeling feels right. So natural, like it was meant to happen.
The sand is cool, soft and inviting. The occasional wave laps against our feet, almost in a specific rhythm. The night awakens as crickets chirp and fireflies flutter, their luminescent bulbs brightening the sky. I turn to face the ocean, where heaven meets earth. The sight is truly breathtaking, and with Raimundo beside me, the scene is ten times better.
"Kimiko," he finally whispers, his breath hot on my face.
My heart skips a beat, and I look into his irresistible emerald eyes. His hair is ruffled, windswept and adorable. Then his hands on are my cheeks, and I can barely breathe.
He strokes my cheeks, and my breath comes out in a happy sigh. His hands are cool, and my cheeks are warm.
"You're so beautiful, Kimi," he says, gazing into my eyes.
My heart flutters, and I feel like my soul is soaring.
Then his lips are on mine, and my chest swells with joy. I pull him in closer, our bodies against each other. His lips are soft, and I bury my fingers into his hair. His are still cupping my face, but they soon move to my waist where he pulls me in even closer.
When we finally break away, I am unable to contain my happiness.
"Rai," I whisper. "When did you start liking me?"
"First day," he admits, gazing at me longingly. He has a gentleness about him that I had never noticed before. And it made me want to kiss him all over again.
"And you?" he inquires, still staring at me.
"Same," I smile, before leaning in to place my lips on his again.
A sudden wind blows, and I feel my hair being whipped about me wildly. But I don't care as I wrap my arms around Raimundo. But then a wave crashes next to us, sending spray in every direction.
The kiss is broken as I squeal in laughter, the ocean water soaking through my skirt and shirt. It had become late, and the waves are as big as ever. The tide had also begun to rise, and I can feel the water rising halfway to my knees.
"Aw, Kimi, you're not scared over a bit of water, are you?" Rai teases, his hand combing through my hair.
"For the record, no," I retort. "I just don't want to get wet."
Raimundo's eyes take on a sudden mischievous look and I suddenly get a feeling of dread in my stomach. He leans in, arms around me. And suddenly I know what he is going to do.
"You wouldn't," I breathe.
He laughs. "I would."
What happens next is almost a blur. One moment my feet are firmly planted on the ground, and the next Raimundo is carrying me (bridal style) into the ocean.
"Raimundo!" I shriek, not believing this is happening. "Put me down! Put me down right now! Do you realize how cold the ocean is? RAI!"
He pays no heed, a typical response that I had expected.
He takes a flying leap, and the water hits us full force. I gasp as the coldness engulfs my body, soaking my clothes to the skin. As I break through the surface, I see Raimundo, laughing like no tomorrow. And suddenly, I can't suppress my urge to retaliate.
I grin and launch myself at him, pushing him under. He replies quickly and twists out to the way, grabbing my wrists playfully as he pulls me over his shoulder. Then I am under again, but my hand is still in his. I drag him down as well, and there we continue, a playful banter with neither side admitting defeat.
I finally drag myself to the shore, collapsing onto the sand in laughter. I lie there, staring up into the myriad of diamonds as Raimundo pulls himself up next to me. The giggles begin again, and Raimundo grins at me, his lop-sided smile sending my heart into another flurry of emotions.
He lies down as well, and I roll over to look into his face.
His hair is wet and tangled, but he still manages to look wonderfully cute. I smile and roll onto him, my body pressed on top of his.
"It's late," I say, my eyes twinkling with merriment.
Raimundo raises a questioning eyebrow. "Are you bringing Master Fung into this?"
I smile and stroke his cheek. "What do you think, Rai?"
"Don't even begin," he warns, playing with my hair.
"It's true though," I reply, laughing. "He'll throw a fit when we finally drag our sorry butts back to the temple."
"Maybe we won't then," Rai grins. "Maybe we should spend the night right hear, counting the stars."
I punch him in the shoulder, unable to resist giggling. "Yeah, sure. A genius plan you got there."
Raimundo's only response was another kiss on my lips.
"Don't talk," he says when we finally break apart.
But I wasn't about to. I trace his lips before kissing them again, my heart melting into his.
Because he is right. There is no need for words.
Author's Note:
My first idea of a raikim oneshot for summer was actually begun a year ago right after I posted the fall version. It was cute, funny, and sarcastic, much the way I'd envisioned my summer one to be. I didn't like the way it was going though, and so into the trash it went. Almost a year later and here I am trying it again, and I have to say, I'm satisfied with the way it turned out. It was a lot more serious than I intended, and different from my usual sarcastic/humorous tone. I think in the end though, it all works out. But of course, that's only one opinion.
Please give me your honest feedback. This is honestly a new direction for me, so I'd love to know what you think!
Lots of hearts,
xxFireWarriorxx