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Post by Im Yong Soo~! on Oct 16, 2010 17:41:04 GMT -8
Sensing a slight change in mood, the Ukrainian blonde made a noncommittal hum, allowing James the opportunity to either continue explaining or to leave matters at that. After all, there were more than a few things that Yekaterina did not quite wish to explain, and she had seen the other eye her dormant gun. ‘I would not need to worry about being dishonest if I had nothing to hide,’ she couldn’t help but reflect, before turning her gaze at the wound again.
Making a rough estimate, she glanced up again, her voice deliberately careful and comforting, “I am going to remove compress and see if bleeding has slowed, dobr- ah, okay? If it has, we can clean wound with water and begin binding you up, though you should still see doctor.”
After getting a confirming response, Katya returned her focus on James’ side, carefully easing the compress off and leaning in a bit to examine the wound. Nodding slightly when she saw that the bleeding had slowed to a tolerable rate, she laid the compress aside and offered her hand out to the other. “Vody, proshu,” she requested, looking up to see the Australian’s most likely confused expression. She giggled, giving him an apologetic smile, and corrected herself, “Water, please.”
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Post by Im Yong Soo~! on Oct 16, 2010 17:41:46 GMT -8
He debated briefly whether to just drop the matter again. After all he really did not want to reflect on what had untimately been his stupid idea. The sneaking after the captain with Lily part that was. He was still in the dark about what the hell the captain had been up too. But... Well, he probably would have to explain to her sooner or later.
Better it be sooner rather then later, right? So after handing over the water (and blinking a bit in confusion when she had asked for the water. Was that Ukrainian? It sounded interesting... And cute the way she spoke it), he spoke up.
"My captain has a habit of going off a lot on these meetings. Never tells the crew what they are. So... I kind of convinced one of my crew mates to follow him with me..." He scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile playing across his face. His eyes darting away nervously. "Um... Well the captain found us and boy did we get a lecture... But he let us tag along. Still donno what the meeting was about we had to wait outside. He got this package see? And then when we were heading back to the ship..."
He trailed off, remembering the incident all too well. Arthur would've probably been able to get away easy had it not been for he and Lily... The Australian let his shoulders slump slightly, continuing to glance away. "Well, we got attacked and had to split up."
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Post by Im Yong Soo~! on Oct 16, 2010 17:44:59 GMT -8
Katya tilted her head, listening to the other with a thoughtful look. “It is not a bad thing, wanting to watch over your Kapitan. You were trying to make sure he wasn’t in something too dangerous, tak?” Honestly, it had probably been idle curiosity, but the Ukrainian wanted to give James the benefit of the doubt, smiling a bit shyly.
She frowned a bit when he told her that he had been separated from his crew, sensing the guilt and worry that tried to hide behind his nonchalant tone. His usually smiling face was slightly drawn, the unusually thick eyebrows turned down as he worked his jaw. Katyusha decided she liked him better smiling.
The Ukrainian hummed softly, trying to bring him out of his musing, and managed a winsome smile. “Well then, Pan James, let us get you wrapped up and on your way back, tak?” She squeezed his arm, an encouraging light in her eyes. “I am sure they are waiting.”
Mind returned to her task, Yekaterina braced the other’s arm again, holding the water above the wound and running it over, wincing at the slight hiss she was sure was coming. “Meni shkoda,” she apologized, setting the water down and releasing his arm to gather up the bandages and a cotton pad. “Hold arms out, but not up—you may aggravate wound otherwise,” she explained, unrolling the packed bandage.
She set the pad and one end of the bandage over the lightly reddening wound (running the liquid over shook off some of the clotting, but not enough to make it bleed fresh again), and began winding the linen around James’ body, arms occasionally wrapping around the Australian’s chest to reach the other side. So focused on her task, Katya didn’t quite notice that she was at times practically embracing the other, brushing against him and sliding away.
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Post by Im Yong Soo~! on Oct 16, 2010 17:45:44 GMT -8
James actually couldn't help but stare at Katya. Did she honestly... He had only convinced Lily to come out of curiosity. He had never even considered Arthur was getting into anything dangerous until...
The squeezing of his arm snapped him from his thoughts. Blinking almost dumbly, he had to nod in response. Not exactly registering her thoughts until the water hit the wound. Then he was reminded of the pain, a sharp intake of air following the water as she apologized. "S'alright..." He finally muttered, though he couldn't help the pained expression from crossing his features.
Following her instructions he held his arms out carefully. Being mindful of the would. And then he could feel his cheeks begin to heat up as she began bandaging it. She was so close. Did she realize how close she was to him?
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Post by Im Yong Soo~! on Oct 16, 2010 17:48:58 GMT -8
Katya resisted the urge to hum lightly as she continued unwinding the bandage about the other’s ribs, reflecting that it looked as though the boy kept very active, and ate healthfully. That was a good sign; he would probably recover quickly, especially if his crew had a good doctor. She smiled slightly, nodding in happy approval.
Katyusha tucked the bandage in front, where he could easily reach to unwind and change it later. “You may put arms down now,” she said, bracing one arm behind him and gently patting over the bandage with the other hand, “And it is looking as though you will be fine, once you get to ship.” She looked up, still smiling.
Yekaterina paused then, noticing for the first time upclose the color of his eyes. They were a bright green, and while the Ukrainian had met people with green eyes before, there was something unique about the iris in these ones in particular that struck her. For a moment, it was a flickering memory of someone else, someone smaller with lighter hair and a fouler temper, but then it was James again, in yet, more than him.
It was grassland, desert, red soil and brush. Sky blue and robin’s egg coastlines, ringed in ivory sand. Sunsets a million colors. The sounds of a thousand different animals, each with their own dangerous beauty, a testament of nature’s creative drive, mixed with the rhythmic music of the earth’s soul. It was a white smile that had never known winter, an open heart that defied sorrow, a warm hand that embraced her own…
As though waking from a dream, Katya felt the world reform around her, and the powerful feeling begin to fade. She didn’t blink, still too caught up in the moment, but the Ukrainian began to notice that she had been quiet for some time. Then she noticed how close she was.
Katya did blink then, before flushing bright red, unable to prevent a mild squeak. ‘Shcho ya roblyu?’ she asked herself suddenly, bringing her hand off his chest to cover her mouth, head tilting down, ‘Chomu ya ...? Vin duzhe molodyy!’ It was true—before, James had reminded her of her brother, but in truth he was probably closer to her sister’s age. So why was she…?
“Ah…well, should be helping you to ship now, tak?” she stuttered suddenly, her pitch just a hair higher than usual as she began trying to slide away, “Crew is waiting, and you are needing better doctor.” Katyusha tried to not think to hard about the fact that her heart was racing like a schoolgirl with a crush—really, of all the improper things…!
Shcho ya roblyu = What am I doing?
Chomu ya = Why am I
Vin duzhe molodyy = He's so young
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Post by Im Yong Soo~! on Oct 16, 2010 17:49:36 GMT -8
Hiding a small wince he lowered his arms, glancing down at the bandages before up at her with a wide grin. “Thanks a lot Katya. I’d be in a real pickle if it weren’t for you!”
He’d probably be dead, in all retrospect. Dead in an alley way, where no one would probably ever find him. That wasn’t a very appealing thought… “Donno how I could repay…”
The Australian trailed off, feeling his face suddenly heat up. He hadn’t realized how close their faces were. At least until their eyes met. Why was she staring at him like that? Did he have something on his face? Well, besides maybe some blood. He wanted to look away but…
But he couldn’t. He couldn’t help but just stare, blinking a bit dumbly. She was cute, that was the first though he had. She was very, very cute. And her eyes… Was it possible for eyes to be that blue? They reminded him of gemstones. And at the same time… They were so achingly familiar. Like he had seen them so many times in the past. But for the life of him James couldn’t remember how.
Then she looked away, snapping him out of his own thoughts. The ground was suddenly immensely interesting, James coughing a bit awkwardly before replying to her question. “Ah, um, yeah. Ship. Gotta get back to that huh?”
He stood, though nearly lost his balance. The world spun slightly, his eyebrows knitting together as he squeezed his eyes shut. Must have lost more blood then he realized. Oh was he in for a lecture.
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Post by Im Yong Soo~! on Oct 16, 2010 17:50:53 GMT -8
“Ah! C-Careful-” Katya had stood up a bit before the Australian had, and when she saw him begin to fumble, immediately came to his side, bracing his arm over her shoulders and holding him steady without thinking about it.
She blinked then, glancing up, and immediately shook her head, smiling. “Ni, ni, there is no need to be repaying—is simply right thing to do, tak?” Yekaterina blinked slightly, before turning her face away, blushing, and trying to banish the fluttering in her throat by tucking her bangs behind her ear. The blonde tried to ignore the fact that she could still smell red soil and eucalyptus.
Katyusha nodded, bending down to pick up her bag, and gestured forward, wanting to pick up her gun before heading to the docks. “Tak, we’ll be wanting to get you back there—I was only able to do rush-job, but is better than nothing.” She glanced side-long at him, still supporting with her hip and arm, and gave him a sheepish smile, tucking her chin.
“I-In fact, that is probably good question: what is your ship? Sea or sky?;;”
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Post by Im Yong Soo~! on Oct 16, 2010 17:51:26 GMT -8
"Thanks." The sheepish smile had returned, his gratefulness obvious in his voice. Really, if it hadn't been for Katya... Shaking his head he glanced at her. "Even still. I gotta do something to repay you. Not everyone'd stop to help a bleeding guy."
Most would have passed right by him. Probably because they would've been too afraid to help. Trying not to rely too heavily on her support he nodded. Walking with her so that she could pick up her gun. Taking a moment to register her question, he couldn't help but shift slightly.
Well, that could lead to a pickle. After all, a good number of sky pirates and sea pirates didn't get along. But Katya didn't seem like she would hold him being a member of a sea crew against him, if she was a member of the sky. So, pushing any worries aside he smiled proudly at her. "Sea. 'm a member of the Grim pirates! You?'
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Post by starshasestra on Oct 21, 2010 18:49:05 GMT -8
Katya giggled slightly, shaking her head as she slung the gun-case to her shoulder, ignoring the skrill of back-pain lacing up her spine. “I cannot help but help others in need. I do not need pay.” She glanced up, nibbling her lip, and amended, “But, if you will lose sleep otherwise, I will not be stopping you.”
The Ukrainian tilted her head at the information, smiling. “Ah, I have always wanted to visit the sea. I am Sky, myself. Imperial Eagle.” She pointed down the alley, not adding more to that and gingerly stepping out with him. “Docks are this way, I think.”
The town seemed to have cooled slightly, for which Katya was unceasingly grateful—it was hard enough carrying her groceries, gun, and James without having the sun bake her. There seemed to be less people around, too, which meant less staring, for which she was also quite thankful. The blonde ambled along the walk, slowing occasionally to allow James to catch his breath, but never quite pausing. She figured if he wanted to stop, he would say.
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Post by Australia on Oct 25, 2010 17:32:20 GMT -8
James couldn't help but feel guilty as he glanced at her. She had enough to carry with her gun-case and groceries, his added weight most likely was really not helping. Though, as much as he wanted to just tell her he was fine without her support, he was sure he'd topple over the moment she stopped supporting him. James hated looking, and feeling, so weak.
"How about sometime then I treat you to dinner, or something?" He asked, not thinking anything of his words or how they could be interpreted.
"You don't seem like a pirate, no offense. You're too kind. Especially to be a Sky pirate!" He grinned at her, remembering hearing stories about the Imperial Eagle. Looking from her to straight ahead he tried to focus on the fact the docks were getting closer and closer. It was getting hard to breath, and his side ached, but they were almost there. No use stopping. Plus, once he reached the ship he could collapse and rest. They just had to reach the ship.
God he hoped the others were alright.
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Post by starshasestra on Nov 1, 2010 15:11:10 GMT -8
Katya turned to James, blue eyes widening as a mild flush crossed her face. “D-Dinner?”
She immediately tried to quash the girlish fluttering her heart gave at the potential hope of seeing the Australian again. Really, the proper thing to do was to let him down, gentle but firm—in yet, Katyusha couldn’t quite bring herself to say “no.” The Ukrainian nibbled her lip, speculating, before turning her gaze back toward the approaching docks.
“Ah, I am not sure how long Kapitan will be in town, but…” she glanced at the brunet, smiling slightly. “I have to admit, a meal I am not cooking does sound nice.”
The blonde smiled even more at the compliment, bobbing her head in thanks. “Sky people, I find, tend to be like every other kind of people—at least the ones I am knowing—but I am grateful to hear you say so nonetheless.” As much as she liked the Kapitan and his crew, Katya couldn’t but think it reassuring to hear that she did not yet resemble the dubious title of “pirate”—ship cook was a great deal easier for her conscience to swallow.
Yekaterina looked up to find that they were, at last, at the shipyard. She looked around, sighing in slight relief—as much as she was enjoying her time off the ship, the Slavic beauty was more than happy to set everything in her kitchen before retreating to her cabin to lay down to rest for a while. More than that, though, Katya wanted to get James back on his ship where he could be tended. “Do you see ship from here, Pan James?” she inquired, shifting her arm to stabilize her support on him.
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Post by Australia on Nov 27, 2010 22:31:48 GMT -8
It was only when he stammered that he realized how his words could be taken. His face flushed. Oh no, she didn't think he was asking her out, was she!? Because he wasn't! He totally - Okay, maybe part of him did want to ask her out. Actually, a pretty big part of him wanted to ask her out. The realization made his cheeks warm again, and the ground was suddenly very interesting.
But she didn't turn it down. A grin wormed itself across his face. She didn't say no. "You the cook of your ship? Honestly, thought you were the doctor from the way you patched me up!"
He laughed sheepishly, lifting his gaze again. The familiar sight of the docks brought relief to him, but also a wave of nervousness. James tried to push all that aside, listening to Katya continue to speak instead. Nodding his head at what she said. He didn't say another word, focused instead on trying to keep moving and ignoring the light-headedness.
He couldn't wait to lay down... He really hoped any punishment Arthur had for him for today's events would wait for another day.
When she prompted him with a question, he turned his head. Blinking a bit dazedly he turned his head to look again at the ships around them. Scanning the different ships he frowned looking around. For a brief moment he worried they had left him behind. But then the familiar flag of the Grim caught his eye. A grin became plastered on his face, renewed energy coursing through him. Nodding he pointed to it, looking at Katya. "Yup! There it is!"
Thank God it wasn't too much further.
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Post by starshasestra on Dec 7, 2010 12:45:25 GMT -8
Katya giggled slightly, shaking her head at his first assumption. “Ah, I am afraid not—it is just that you learn some things, growing up on farm, tak? And then joining crew.” Indeed, a surprising amount of her experiences managing the crops and animals came into good use in her current occupation—at the very least, no one on the Imperial Eagle complained when she prepared more than a few wholesome meals from scratch, or helped pack a large bundle into a small space.
At any rate, the muscles she earned from farmwork certainly came into use now—as weary as the Slavic woman was under her current burden, it was doubtful she would manage even half the distance without the learnt sturdiness. She glanced at James and waited for him to spot his ship. Once he did, Katya smiled, liking the renewal of energy to his features even as she took a precautionary shift in her grip, keeping him steady against her. “That is good! Is not so far now.”
Yekaterina began a brisk walk, having the feeling that James would prefer to get on board as soon as possible, and took a good look at the ship as they approached. It was an impressive vessel, certainly—indeed, closer to what the Ukrainian was used to imagining with the word ‘ship’ than her own—and had a sense of adventure cloaked about it. The Grim on the flag certainly commanded a respectful shudder, and made Katyusha curious as to what nature of Kapitan chose such a beast.
Once they were within the ships shadow, Katya slowly eased James up against a thick pole in the dock, making sure he was able to support himself before withdrawing. “I would join you aboard, Pan James, but, it may raise a few too many questions, tak?” She gave a wispy little smile, tucking her hair back nervously and trying to think of a way to linger just a little bit longer without aggravating James’ injury.
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Post by Australia on Dec 11, 2010 20:22:28 GMT -8
"You grew up on a farm? Th-That's really cool!" His eyes lit up with an almost childish glint as he imagined what that had to be like. Well, mostly he thought of the farm animals she had to have been raised around.
When they had neared the Grim he couldn't help but relief a sigh of relief; leaning against the thick pole that she set him up against. For a moment he swayed, and for a moment he thought he would fall over. But he managed to steady himself giving her another grateful grin. Then he nodded to her words. Ah, yes that would probably raise a lot of questions. And as much as he hated to admit it, maybe get the Ukrainian woman in trouble. If Arthur was in one of his pissed off and paranoid moods...
Smiling still at her, he pushed himself into a proper standing position. "Yeah... Probably, and I don't wanna keep you from your ship any longer. I mean, you probably wanna put those down."
He gestured to the groceries sheepishly. If he had the strength he would offer to help her carry them, but as it was. "Next time we meet though, I'll take you out for the 'thank you' dinner, if that's okay."
And he could feel his cheeks burn, looking off to the side and rubbing the side of his nose with his thumb. "An-And thanks... Thanks a lot."
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Post by starshasestra on Dec 19, 2010 10:38:31 GMT -8
Katya giggled gently at the enthusiastic response, flushing lightly. “Spasybi.” True, it was something of the norm where she grew up, but if James took her rural upbringing as something especially noteworthy, well, Yekaterina wasn’t about to argue.
She looked to her shoes, nibbling her lip and shuffling, ignoring the mild strain of holding the groceries and listening to the tide come in. “T-Tak, I would…” she answered, leaving unspoken that she would much rather stay. After all, she knew it wasn’t proper for a grown woman her age to be fawning like this. Especially with a man that was as young as James. Not that she knew exactly how young he was…
Katyusha quickly disavowed herself of those thoughts. They could only lead to trouble. She looked up again as he mentioned the promised dinner, blushing slightly but nodding. “Is okay,” she reassured him, smiling a bit more. “I hope you will be feeling better by then.”
At his final thanks, her smile warmed even more. The unbidden reflection that the Australian looked so cute when he was sheepish passed unguarded, and Katya nodded happily. “You are welcome, Pan James. Until we meet again, tak?” The Ukrainian raised one hand to wave, before slowly turning back to the docks, pacing her way back to where the Imperial Eagle was anchored at the air-lifts. For all her weariness, there was a definite bounce to her step.
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