Disclaimer: I only own what is mine. My OCs and Ideas.
A/N: Ok, I'm so tired and just fed up with life, I just want to have spring break, now. For school, I have three test grades that I am still waiting to have put online. And the anxiety of that is enough. Then add on extra circular stuff and homework, and one teacher declaring she no long cares who passes and who fails "because it's now February." Can I just have a break from all this yet?
So much new Iron Fist stuff since I last updated! A list of cast members got released, episode titles, episode ratings! And my favorite. An interview with Finn Jones himself! Where he teased a costume!
"I mean, who says there's going to be a costume? I mean, this is a modern… I can't say any more. Marvel's gonna kill me. There may be a costume, there may not be." -Jones
So with 40 something more days on my countdown till the show (depending on when I update this), I am totally ready! Anyway, that's enough. Get to reading the chapter. Read, Review, and most importantly; ENJOY!
Reviews:
ArtemisBAMF1218- I'm excited to plan their wedding. Man, I have no life... Anyway, I want there to be little sneak peaks and stuff, but I still want there to be some surprises and what not.
Ryu, I love Ryu. She's so cute. I can't wait to get to the part where she finds her mom and stuff. And I really want to work on her first person story, which I think will come put when I wrap up Next Generation: Anna (updating hopefully tomorrow).
I've been playing with some ideas of Danny and his work, it's fun. I mean, even if it is Danny, it had to get annoying sometimes. And he's just taking it. He's great.
Ok, so I think this chapter should be a little lighter and nicer than some of the other ones. And coming up, we got more protective and amazing, Danny, and marriage customs... I think that teases enough. Enjoy!
Chapter 9
Three long days of working and Aiko felt ready to pass out. After breakfast, every day, she went to the palace to work.
She would not see Danny before lunch, almost ever, because all his meetings were taking care of in the morning.
She had eaten lunch by herself. Always missing Danny. After lunch, she was able to work in Danny's office with him. Leaving before dinner to make it home. Train for only a little while, and pass out.
Aiko slowly paced around Danny's office with books stacked on top of her head. Three large books.
She kept her back straight and walked from one end of the room to the other.
Danny would look up, on occasion, to check on Aiko who was quite capable of caring one book on her head. But not three.
Aiko's stomach growled and the books fell.
At the loud noise, Danny jumped. His concentration broken.
Aiko looked over at him as he slouched and looked down at the papers on his desk.
"Sorry," Aiko mumbled.
"It's fine," Danny sighed. "Do not worry about it. I just spilled a little ink."
Aiko picked up the books and walked over to the couches and put them on the coffee table.
Aiko took a seat on a couch and looked over at Danny who had gotten back to his paperwork.
Aiko sighed and fell over on her side.
Seeing Ryu had become rather scarce. Ryu had begun her training. Which was mostly in the evening. Keeping her busy. The Mornings she studies and in the middle of the day and at the latest hours, she slept. As much as she would much rather be awake all night.
But without Ryu, things were quieter. That gave Aiko more time to spend with Danny. But it all felt like they were in a loop. They just didn't get far. Things just stayed as they were.
Aiko flipped over onto her back and looked over her legs at Danny who was still bent over a piece of paper.
After a moment Danny straightened up and looked over at Aiko. "Are you hungry?" He asked softly.
Aiko gave a meek nod in response.
Danny slowly stretched out his back and got up from his desk. He walked over to the couch and stood over Aiko, who was laying there.
"As customary in the outside; a young couple would eat dinner with each other, but without the presence of others," Danny said easily.
"I know what 'dating' is." Aiko frowned.
Danny smiled and held out a hand. "Well… that is not what I meant. I meant that to be an invitation. Would you care to have dinner with me?"
"When you say 'without the presence of others' that means Ryu is busy tonight, doesn't it?" Aiko smiled.
Danny smiled down at her and gave a smile. "That would be correct."
"Are you sure there is enough food?" Aiko asked.
"Of course, I've been getting advice from everyone here," Danny said pulling Aiko up to her feet.
"Your Majesty, you should have Lady Aiko over for dinner one night," Danny repeated. "If is it not too much trouble, my king, could I suggest that you spend more time with Lady Aiko? I see her around but not with you."
Danny sighed. "Danny! You should spend more time with Aiko for crying out loud!"
Aiko laughed. "Ryu?"
"Of course," Danny gave a sharp nod. "She is the boldest in her advice."
Danny held Aiko's hand in his as he led her out of the room.
Aiko let out a deep sigh.
"What?" Danny asked.
"I am not sure how I feel about all the attention. I just don't really know what my image is anymore," Aiko said softly.
"Your image?" Danny asked.
"What do people think of me?" Aiko asked.
"People here think that you are a blessing to me. As if this was not my idea. And they think you will bring some life to the palace," Danny smiled. "Getting me out of my office, just being here and lightening things up."
Aiko looked down at her dress and her feet. "Thank you." She smiled.
"But that is not my opinion," Danny said easily. "So why are you thanking me?"
Aiko felt her face blush. "Sorry. I just…"
Danny laughed some.
"What do you think of me?" Aiko asked looking back down.
Danny leaned down and surprised her with a peck on the check. "You are perfect." He whispered to her sweetly.
Chills went to Aiko's spine. The thought returned. Was Danny looking for her approval as well?
Aiko looked over at Danny. They were walking normally. Their hands still folded.
Aiko looked up at Danny who stood about a head taller than her. She would get him later.
Danny led her down some stairs.
Aiko followed him past the kitchen, the smell inside made Aiko even hungrier.
Danny led her into the dining room, which had one long table. Danny walked over and took the seat that was clearly his. The head of the table.
Aiko stood there for a moment, before deciding to sit on his right hand's side.
It was quiet for a movement before a young serving girl rushed out.
"You're early!" She exclaimed as she quickly started to pour a drink for Danny.
Steam rose up from the glass as the dark tea was poured.
Aiko took in a deep breath through her nose. It smelled wonderful and strong.
The young girl placed another cup before Aiko and started to pour the drink.
"This tea is called Da Hong Pao. It is an oolong tea from I believe it to be than Fujian Province and the Jiangxi Province." She went on. "It was recently harvested in the city of Komorebi, not far from here."
She finished and straightened up. "Um… dinner will not be ready for a little while longer. We did not expect you to be this early… nor did we expect you to have company." She shot a nervous glance at Aiko, who smiled. "Will Lady Rhynisha be joining you for dinner, this evening?"
"It's quite alright. I am not busy tonight so do not feel rushed." Danny said easily. "And she will not be joining us."
"Thank you, my king," She bowed and rushed off.
"So… how does dinner normally go?" Aiko asked.
"Someone either comes to my office and tells me that dinner is ready or Ryu drags me out of my office. And then I come down here and work while I eat, or do some reading for pleasure. Just to relax," Danny smiled.
"And the tea? Da Hong Pao is really expensive," Aiko mused, "I guess I should expect that it would be served in the palace."
"I've come to appreciate the food here. I get to try a lot of new things I have never had before. And the tea is just one example. I like it," Danny smiled. He reached over and picked up his cup.
Aiko also took hers and breathed in the floral smell. "Isn't this usually saved for honored guests?"
"Well… it is a good thing we have one then," Danny held the cup toward Aiko and gave his head a little tilt.
Aiko felt her face get red-hot.
"Thank you, Danny." She looked down at her cup. She held it in both hands.
She looked back over at Danny and he carefully took a drink.
Aiko followed. The tea was fairly decent.
She put her cup down and looked over at Danny. "You know… for some reason. Ryu is one person and Lady Rhynisha is someone else. Her name is elegant and all. But it doesn't suit her like 'Ryu' does. It has a tomboy kick to it."
Danny gave a nod. "How about my name?"
Aiko smiled and thought for a moment. "Either way suits you, Danny. But to me, you are Danny. When you are addressed as Daniel, you are still you in my mind. Just, maybe, wearing some official robes," Aiko laughed.
"Do you like the tea?" Danny asked.
"It's fine. I guess I do not have the taste for it," Aiko shrugged.
Danny gave a nod. "If you want a certain type all you have to do is ask."
"I would not feel comfortable doing that." Aiko sighed. She looked down at her hands.
Then the thought crossed her mind. "So… um… Danny… I asked you earlier and all you said was that I was perfect… what do you think of me?"
It was quiet for a while.
"You need approval?" Danny asked softly.
Aiko nodded. She looked down at the table.
"I don't get that about girls," Danny said absent-mindedly.
"What?" Aiko snapped.
"Why do you need my approval? Are you not happy without it?" Danny asked.
"Danny…" Aiko said defensively.
"What exactly do you want me to say?" Danny asked. "I told you that you are perfect. Am I not allowed to think that?"
"Well… what about me is perfect?" Aiko asked.
"You are beautiful, to begin with," Danny smiled at her. "You are kind-hearted. You and I have a long history and that has resulted in trust. I trust you with my life. And I honestly hope that you trust me with yours."
"I do trust you…" Aiko began.
"Alright. You are a strong and independent person. And I would not want a queen who was unable to handle herself. And most importantly, you are my betrothed." Danny finished.
"So… being your betrothed makes me perfect?" Aiko asked.
Danny nodded. "Among other things."
Aiko sighed. "Thank you."
There was a brushing noise as the curtains were pushed aside that lead to the kitchen.
The same young girl came out and placed a bowl in front of each. "It will still be a little longer, my apologies."
"It's fine," Danny said with a curt nod in her direction once she was standing upright.
She nodded and walked off again.
"So… who is that?" Aiko asked picking up a spoon.
Danny smiled at Aiko. "That is Taslima. You'll very likely see a lot of her. She runs around doing all sorts of chores around here. She is young, however. Thirteen or fourteen."
"Young," Aiko agreed.
"She is skilled. She does my laundry and cleans up in my room. And also Ryu's," Danny said easily. "The council finds it odd I do not have personal servants to handle things for me. But honestly, I am so used to doing things myself. They asked me if you would need someone to attend your needs." Danny said drinking more soup.
"Once more, it makes me very uncomfortable at the thought. But I will consider it," Aiko mumbled.
"If you do not want her to help you personally, Ryu is thinking about it," Danny commented.
"She is a person. Not a thing." Aiko corrected quietly.
"I understand that. But this is securing her work. Most young girls start off in the kitchen until they have found specific work." Danny sighed. "She is Ryu's first friend."
"Really?" Aiko asked.
Danny nodded. "I've pardoned her from missing work on a few occasions because she was with Ryu, exploring the city or just being young and goofing off. I really think Ryu should do it."
"And she is a plain old human?" Aiko asked.
"No magic in her, much a contrast to Ryu," Danny commented.
The curtains made noise once more and Aiko looked over to see Taslima reenter. She carried a tray in her hands.
She walked over and placed it down on the table. Placing a plate before Danny and then before Aiko.
On the table, in the middle, she placed a bowl of plain rice and other side dishes.
Aiko's eyes widened at the food. It was all very well presented.
Taslima walked back into the kitchen and came out, filling each cup. "Will there be anything else for either of you?" She asked softly.
"No, it is all wonderful," Danny said easily picking up his chopsticks.
Aiko just nodded her head in agreement. "That is all."
Taslima bowed and walked off.
"Do not make yourself sick." Danny warned as Aiko had begun to help herself.
"I have better manners than you do," Aiko said quickly.
"You are a strange one, Aiko, switching from quiet to snappy in a moment's notice." Danny laughed.
"I don't do that!" Aiko said indignantly. The remark had good and joking intentions from Danny but had not been received that way.
"Aiko. I love you. Calm down." Danny instructed.
"What was that comment then?" Aiko asked sharply.
Danny took in a breath. "You are calm and collected on the outside. Timid and shy, people around here think of you that way. But I know you, and when it is just us, you are yourself and more opened. You and I both share the need to do this. Act properly in court and in meetings… but be able to relax and be ourselves around each other."
Aiko looked down at her plate and gently picked up a dumpling and put it in her mouth.
They ate in silence for a while.
Aiko had to admit that the food was perfect. Everything was well cooked and presented. And tasted wonderful.
"Hey… Danny?" Aiko asked.
"Yes, Aiko?" Danny replied gently.
"So… um… I know I asked you what you thought of me and all. And I also think that you are wonderful," Aiko smiled weakly.
"Thank you," Danny smiled.
Aiko had to smile to herself. She easily helped herself to more food.
"Oh, Aiko? So, you know that to get married how our zodiac signs must be correctly aligned correctly?" Danny asked.
"Of course," Aiko nodded.
"It is recommended that we have our signs looked at, or have someone read the stars… or something like that… so we can go ahead and set a date." Danny sighed. "Once more, a clueless side of me."
"I understand it. You are the year of the Rat right?" Aiko asked.
"Yes." Danny nodded.
"I'm an Ox." Aiko smiled. "It would be funny if you were a Dragon. Is Ryu a Dragon?"
"No, she is a Snake," Danny commented. "But you know it suits her personality."
"Of course," Aiko nodded. "When are we going to do that?" Aiko asked.
"Maybe tomorrow?" Danny suggested. "We can go ahead and get it done."
"Who would do it for us?" Aiko asked. "Do you have ideas?"
"Yes, you know the Ancient One of K'un-Lun?" Danny asked.
Aiko thought for a moment. "I think so…"
"The record keeper who lives in the monastery. I used to have lessons with him. He is older than your father." Danny joked.
"A very small number are that old," Aiko sighed. "I guess he would know the immortal marriage customs."
"I would guess. You've never actually met him, correct?" Danny asked.
"No," Aiko shook her head.
"I must warn you, he is very odd," Danny sighed. "I was going to ask him to teach Ryu. In some subjects, like he did me when I was young."
Aiko smiled and gave a nod. "And he is good with all this kind of stuff?"
"Yes," Danny nodded, "should be."
They ate dinner in quiet for the rest of the meal. Not much to talk about.
Aiko's mind was racing trying to remember all the things that went into knowing if they were a compatible match.
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