Post by Renee on Feb 2, 2010 19:10:29 GMT -5
I've been working on this one for quite sometime. Though, it's a bit long, (7 pages on Word) ^^; But hopefully it turned out okay. 
I hope you guys like it. *glomps*
Getting into the swing of things
Summary: A birthday could sometimes be like a swing; filled with ups and downs… Niji/Infinity fluff
"Can I take this blindfold off, now?" Niji asked for what seemed like the tenth time in five minutes. This was all so strange to her, one minute she was in her room preparing for bed, the next Numbuh Infinity was leading her out of the GKND headquarters with promises of a surprise.
"Try to be a little more patient, Niji." The human boy chuckled, giving her hands a reassuring squeeze. "We're almost there."
Niji let out an exasperated sigh, "Well since I can't see where I'm going, can you at least tell me where we're going?"
"The little you know right now, the better..." He said softly, "It won't be much of a surprise if I told you what it was beforehand, now will it?" He reasoned smiling fondly at the blindfolded girl.
Niji kept quiet for a moment. "I guess not." She finally conceded. "Though, Masurao's going to be pretty annoyed with you when he finds out you snuck me out of my room past curfew."
"Intimidation won't work either I'm afraid. Sorry, Princess." Niji pouted. She had no other choice but to go along with whatever her secret boyfriend was planning.
A few minutes later, after walking up a narrow path and a small hill, Niji felt Numbuh Infinity's hands on her shoulders signaling her to stop, and not a moment too soon because her slippers were definitely not made for walking on tiny pebbles of rocks and blades of moist glass. "So does this mean that I can remove this thing from my eyes?"
Jamal nodded his head, "Yes, you can." He confirmed trying to hide the excitement from his voice. Niji slid the blindfold off of her face and tilted her head at what was attached to the tree in front of her:
A green tire which was held up with long pieces of thick rope that was tied to the strong lower branches. The Orgamian tilted an eyebrow tilting her head slightly.
"Um, that’s a tire hanging from a tree.” She said skeptically, looking at the boy beside her as if he had temporarily lost his mind? He dragged her out here for this?
Jamal breathed out a small laugh. He had anticipated this reaction, and was prepared to explain. "Well to the untrained eye this may indeed be simply 'just a tire'" He began walking toward it, “but to an earthling, like me, this is called a swing." He grabbed a steady grip on the ropes at each side.
"A… swing?" The girl echoed confused, taking a few apprehensive steps forward. "D-did you make this?" She bent down to take a closer look at it curiously.
The boy nodded, "Indeed, I did."
She took another look at this so-called swing "So, uh, how does this thing work? Does it need batteries or something?” She asked poking the rim of the rubber wheel, and was surprise when it begun to swish slightly. “What’s its purpose?”
"Ah, to know the answer to that, you must sit on it." Jamal replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Excuse me?" She asked startled.
"I mean, sit on the swing, the tire, of course." He clarified quickly.
Niji bit her lip reluctantly. "Are you absolutely, positively sure this is safe? It doesn’t look very steady, what if it falls? “She circled the swing, examining it.”I don't know about...”
"You'll be fine, trust me."
Niji looked at him through his black shades. He never gave her a reason not to trust him before so why should now be any different? She looked at the swing again. She still had no idea what this thing was supposed to do. It looked harmless. And if Jamal said it was safe…Slowly, Niji lowered herself to take a seat on the edge of the tire, she took a cautious look back at the male teenager, “L-Like this?” She asked looking down at herself, “Am I doing it right?”
Jamal's eyes looked at her warmly from beneath his shades, "You're doing just fine." He gripped the back end of the tire firmly in his hands. "Now, hold on to the ropes tight..." He instructed.
Automatically Niji's arms reached for the thick ropes. Not knowing what to expect, the Orgamian Royal shut her eyes tightly.
And then, she felt the tire being pulled back, and before the girl had time to open her eyes, the tire was pushed forward literally sweeping her off her feet and into midair. "Wh-whoa!!" She gripped the ropes tighter and pulled her feet up toward her body, "Wh-what are you doing?!" She exclaimed as the tire came swung back down.
Jamal gave the swing another large push, "You need to relax. You’re never going to fully understand, if you’re all tensed up like that." He smiled, slightly amused. "Just trust me, please?"
The more swing swung back and forth, the less nervous the multicolored girl was becoming. She laughed at the way her heart skipped a beat when the swing was pushed forward, and giggled at the fluttery feeling her stomach felt as gravity pulled the swing back down.
"Do you think you could push it higher?" Niji asked, her voice almost daring as her hair blew in every direction in the cool night time breeze.
Jamal chuckled, happy to see that smile, that beautiful smile that sent his heart racing and melting all at the same time. "I'm sure that I could oblige." and with that he pulled the swing back farther, and pushed swing forward with all of his might. The friction sent Niji sliding into the empty gap of the tire. She squealed with girlish glee, and let go of the ropes, finally fully relaxed.
"The swing...It feels a little bit like flying in a way..." Niji commented. She wiggled her now slipper free toes. "Is that why people from Earth enjoy these swings so much?" She asked curiously.
Jamal stopped pushing the swing to explore the question, "Well...I suppose that's one reason." He said after a brief pause. "We're so bound by gravity it's always nice to feel like you're able to touch the sky if only it's for a second or two." He shrugged slightly, "But then, I think the main reason is it's because it's a simple way to have fun and enjoy oneself." He finished. Niji smiled satisfied that her question had been answered.
"So, um, why did you make this swing, again?" She ventured softly.
The human's eyes widened. "Oh, well..." He cleared his throat, "As you know...Well of course you know that your birthday is coming in less than three days."
Niji giggled lightly, "Really? Wow...I had no idea my 16th birthday was coming up so quickly! Gosh, where does the time go? “She teased causing Jamal to blush in embarrassment. He returned to pushing the tire swing.
"Y-yes, well,” He cleared his throat in an attempt to remain dignified. He knew he was starting to make a fool out of himself. “S-Since I know you're fascinated by Earth, I thought this could be an excellent way to bring a little piece of earth to you. Consider it an early birthday present."
Niji's eyes shimmered, her face beaming. "Thank you for this, Jamal..." She said with as much gratitude as she could possibly muster. She reclined in the seat so that her head was resting on the back of the tire while her legs dangled from the front. "You've made turning 16 a little easier..." She ran her fingers across the tire's bumpy edges.
Instead of pushing the swing forward when it came back down from the air, the boy in black firmly gripped the ropes, stopping the swing from moving. He then proceeded to sit on the grass beside her, "You mean, you're not looking forward to your birthday?" He asked flabbergasted.
She gave him an uncomfortable look. "Not really, no." She turned on her side so that she could face him, her expression downcast. "16th birthdays are different; at least they are for most Princesses anyway." She nodded.
He lifted his right hand, absentmindedly, giving the swing a light shove. "Different? How is it so different from all the others?"
Niji pulled herself up into a sitting position, "Well, when a Princess turns 16 that's usually when suitors come to ask her for hand in marriage." She explained with a roll over eyes. “Most Princesses I know are excited about the attention, but I know I’m going to hate it. Some of those guys are just so…Vile and full of themselves.” She said with a shudder, “It's so stupid.” She blew her bangs out of her hair in a huff.
With every word, Jamal felt his heart sink lower and lower until he was sure that it sat uncomfortably in his stomach, “O-Oh…” He mumbled in a voice that was softer than he had meant it to be. “I-I’m sorry you have to go through such an ordeal, Niji…” He said quietly, looking down at his lap. What else could he say?
Niji looked up, past the branches of the tree and up at the moon. “Sometimes being a Princess isn’t all it’s cracked up to be…” She admitted quietly, whether she was addressing the human boy beside her or just expressing that fact out loud even she did not know, and because of that, Jamal chose not to respond.
The two sat in silence for a moment, not really knowing what to say. The conversation had led them to a path that neither of them wanted to be nor did the teenagers know how to get out of.
Niji shifted her weight in the swing, giving it an extra boost so that she rocked gently from side to side. “So…” She started, “I think I’m going to be spending much of my time here, instead of at the Palace at home. It’s least likely that those guys will find me here.” She announced. “I hope that’s okay…” She sent a look his way.
Jamal granted her a kind-hearted smile, “Of course it is alright, Niji.” He nodded. “…You are my M.V.P after all.” He reminded her with a light laugh as he lifted his right hand to give the swing another gentle shove.
Niji returned his laugh with one of her own, “And what does M.V.P stand for again?” She asked, grinning.
He leaned forward to cup her freckled cheek into his hand. “It stands for my Most Valuable Person. In other words, the one I treasure most.” He caressed her cheek with his thumb. Niji closed her eyes and leaned into his touch with a blush.
“I like hearing you say that.” She admitted quietly. She lifted her different colored orbs to gaze into his dark brown eyes. “It makes me feel… special.”
“I shouldn’t have to tell you that to make you feel special, Princess Niji.” He hushed. “You are special all on your own.” He placed a light kiss on her forehead.
Niji’s heart fluttered lightly in her chest, and ducked her head between her shoulders to hide her bashfulness. “W-we should probably head back now. Masurao might be looking for me.” She uttered, her eyes drifted upward toward the night time sky.
Jamal nodded, picking himself up off the grass, “Right. I wouldn’t want him beating me up for attempted kidnapping.” He rubbed the back of his neck wearily. “I don’t think he’s too fond of me…”
Niji giggled lightly, “It’s not that he doesn’t like you, Jamal.” She placed a hand on his shoulder while the other hand covered her mouth to suppress a yawn. “He just doesn’t trust you, that’s all. He’s like that with every guy who comes within two feet of me, so don’t take it too personally.” She said floating ahead of him.
Though he knew she was only trying, Niji’s explanation did not make him feel one iota better about his current problem. In fact, it only made him more cautious. “So, you don’t feel intimidated by him, at all?” He asked raising an eyebrow. His thoughts drifting to the intense green glare he would receive upon their return and it was something he was definitely not looking forward too.
Niji shook her head, releasing a tired, almost drunken giggle, “Of course I don’t.” She said as if she found the whole idea ridiculous. “Masurao’s been around so long, he’s become one of my best friends.” She said, smiling in fond thought of her guard. “I’d like to hope he feels the same about me.” She turned to look back at the lonely swing briefly. “Are you sure we should just leave it there? Someone might try to steal it.” She worried.
Jamal patted the girl’s shoulder comfortingly. “I assure Niji that the swing will be fine where it is. If you like, we could come back tomorrow…”
“And you’ll give me another push?” She asked hopefully.
The human nodded. “Yes, I will give you as many pushes on the swing as you like.” He bowed. “You have my word.”
Niji gave an excited look at the swing. For something so simple, her handmade swing so much joy.
The walk home was a pleasant one, with talks of plans with the others for her birthday, the new found excitement she had for turning sixteen, among other things. Neither teen wanted the night to end…
But unfortunately all great things had to come to an end, especially when they found a very irritated guard standing outside the headquarters front door.
Niji cleared her throat before speaking up first. “Hi, Masurao.” She greeted with an almost too innocent smile plastered on her face. “It’s such a nice night tonight isn’t it?” She asked placing her hands behind her back.
Masurao suppressed the urge to roll his eyes and lifted a single brow, “It’s an hour past your curfew Princess Niji.” He informed her nodding toward the clock. “And if memory serves, the last time I checked you were preparing for bed.” The guard threw an accusing look toward the earthling male, who quickly averted his eyes.
Niji blinked twice in realization of that, and laughed nervously. “Y-you know, I was just about to do that.” She piped before turning to Jamal and taking his hand to shake it. “Thank you Numbuh Infinity, I had such a fun time tonight.” She smiled tiredly. “That earth swing is absolutely amazing, it truly is!” She then dropped his hand and floated forward to bid her protective guard to a goodnight with her usual peck to his temple and a gentle pat on the head. “Goodnight Masi.” She waved quickly flying inside, humming the “Happy Birthday” song as she went.
Masurao watched her turn the corner with a slightly baffled but mostly suspicious expression on his face, an expression of which he turned on the last person in the vicinity. He narrowed his eyes at the human. “…What was that all about?” He jerked his thumb in the direction Niji headed off to. “And what exactly is an earth swing?”
Numbuh Infinity glanced away feeling immensely uncomfortable and awkward under the bodyguard’s intense stare. “I…” He began, once he cleared his throat. “I-I’m sure it’s just that she’s very excited for her birthday.” He answered as calm as he could possibly be under these circumstances. He was aware that he had only answered one of the blue wolf’s questions and before the guard had the chance to call him out on it; Jamal gave him a quick nod before entering the base leaving Masurao with more questions than he had answers.
The End
I hope you guys like it. *glomps* Getting into the swing of things
Summary: A birthday could sometimes be like a swing; filled with ups and downs… Niji/Infinity fluff
"Can I take this blindfold off, now?" Niji asked for what seemed like the tenth time in five minutes. This was all so strange to her, one minute she was in her room preparing for bed, the next Numbuh Infinity was leading her out of the GKND headquarters with promises of a surprise.
"Try to be a little more patient, Niji." The human boy chuckled, giving her hands a reassuring squeeze. "We're almost there."
Niji let out an exasperated sigh, "Well since I can't see where I'm going, can you at least tell me where we're going?"
"The little you know right now, the better..." He said softly, "It won't be much of a surprise if I told you what it was beforehand, now will it?" He reasoned smiling fondly at the blindfolded girl.
Niji kept quiet for a moment. "I guess not." She finally conceded. "Though, Masurao's going to be pretty annoyed with you when he finds out you snuck me out of my room past curfew."
"Intimidation won't work either I'm afraid. Sorry, Princess." Niji pouted. She had no other choice but to go along with whatever her secret boyfriend was planning.
A few minutes later, after walking up a narrow path and a small hill, Niji felt Numbuh Infinity's hands on her shoulders signaling her to stop, and not a moment too soon because her slippers were definitely not made for walking on tiny pebbles of rocks and blades of moist glass. "So does this mean that I can remove this thing from my eyes?"
Jamal nodded his head, "Yes, you can." He confirmed trying to hide the excitement from his voice. Niji slid the blindfold off of her face and tilted her head at what was attached to the tree in front of her:
A green tire which was held up with long pieces of thick rope that was tied to the strong lower branches. The Orgamian tilted an eyebrow tilting her head slightly.
"Um, that’s a tire hanging from a tree.” She said skeptically, looking at the boy beside her as if he had temporarily lost his mind? He dragged her out here for this?
Jamal breathed out a small laugh. He had anticipated this reaction, and was prepared to explain. "Well to the untrained eye this may indeed be simply 'just a tire'" He began walking toward it, “but to an earthling, like me, this is called a swing." He grabbed a steady grip on the ropes at each side.
"A… swing?" The girl echoed confused, taking a few apprehensive steps forward. "D-did you make this?" She bent down to take a closer look at it curiously.
The boy nodded, "Indeed, I did."
She took another look at this so-called swing "So, uh, how does this thing work? Does it need batteries or something?” She asked poking the rim of the rubber wheel, and was surprise when it begun to swish slightly. “What’s its purpose?”
"Ah, to know the answer to that, you must sit on it." Jamal replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Excuse me?" She asked startled.
"I mean, sit on the swing, the tire, of course." He clarified quickly.
Niji bit her lip reluctantly. "Are you absolutely, positively sure this is safe? It doesn’t look very steady, what if it falls? “She circled the swing, examining it.”I don't know about...”
"You'll be fine, trust me."
Niji looked at him through his black shades. He never gave her a reason not to trust him before so why should now be any different? She looked at the swing again. She still had no idea what this thing was supposed to do. It looked harmless. And if Jamal said it was safe…Slowly, Niji lowered herself to take a seat on the edge of the tire, she took a cautious look back at the male teenager, “L-Like this?” She asked looking down at herself, “Am I doing it right?”
Jamal's eyes looked at her warmly from beneath his shades, "You're doing just fine." He gripped the back end of the tire firmly in his hands. "Now, hold on to the ropes tight..." He instructed.
Automatically Niji's arms reached for the thick ropes. Not knowing what to expect, the Orgamian Royal shut her eyes tightly.
And then, she felt the tire being pulled back, and before the girl had time to open her eyes, the tire was pushed forward literally sweeping her off her feet and into midair. "Wh-whoa!!" She gripped the ropes tighter and pulled her feet up toward her body, "Wh-what are you doing?!" She exclaimed as the tire came swung back down.
Jamal gave the swing another large push, "You need to relax. You’re never going to fully understand, if you’re all tensed up like that." He smiled, slightly amused. "Just trust me, please?"
The more swing swung back and forth, the less nervous the multicolored girl was becoming. She laughed at the way her heart skipped a beat when the swing was pushed forward, and giggled at the fluttery feeling her stomach felt as gravity pulled the swing back down.
"Do you think you could push it higher?" Niji asked, her voice almost daring as her hair blew in every direction in the cool night time breeze.
Jamal chuckled, happy to see that smile, that beautiful smile that sent his heart racing and melting all at the same time. "I'm sure that I could oblige." and with that he pulled the swing back farther, and pushed swing forward with all of his might. The friction sent Niji sliding into the empty gap of the tire. She squealed with girlish glee, and let go of the ropes, finally fully relaxed.
"The swing...It feels a little bit like flying in a way..." Niji commented. She wiggled her now slipper free toes. "Is that why people from Earth enjoy these swings so much?" She asked curiously.
Jamal stopped pushing the swing to explore the question, "Well...I suppose that's one reason." He said after a brief pause. "We're so bound by gravity it's always nice to feel like you're able to touch the sky if only it's for a second or two." He shrugged slightly, "But then, I think the main reason is it's because it's a simple way to have fun and enjoy oneself." He finished. Niji smiled satisfied that her question had been answered.
"So, um, why did you make this swing, again?" She ventured softly.
The human's eyes widened. "Oh, well..." He cleared his throat, "As you know...Well of course you know that your birthday is coming in less than three days."
Niji giggled lightly, "Really? Wow...I had no idea my 16th birthday was coming up so quickly! Gosh, where does the time go? “She teased causing Jamal to blush in embarrassment. He returned to pushing the tire swing.
"Y-yes, well,” He cleared his throat in an attempt to remain dignified. He knew he was starting to make a fool out of himself. “S-Since I know you're fascinated by Earth, I thought this could be an excellent way to bring a little piece of earth to you. Consider it an early birthday present."
Niji's eyes shimmered, her face beaming. "Thank you for this, Jamal..." She said with as much gratitude as she could possibly muster. She reclined in the seat so that her head was resting on the back of the tire while her legs dangled from the front. "You've made turning 16 a little easier..." She ran her fingers across the tire's bumpy edges.
Instead of pushing the swing forward when it came back down from the air, the boy in black firmly gripped the ropes, stopping the swing from moving. He then proceeded to sit on the grass beside her, "You mean, you're not looking forward to your birthday?" He asked flabbergasted.
She gave him an uncomfortable look. "Not really, no." She turned on her side so that she could face him, her expression downcast. "16th birthdays are different; at least they are for most Princesses anyway." She nodded.
He lifted his right hand, absentmindedly, giving the swing a light shove. "Different? How is it so different from all the others?"
Niji pulled herself up into a sitting position, "Well, when a Princess turns 16 that's usually when suitors come to ask her for hand in marriage." She explained with a roll over eyes. “Most Princesses I know are excited about the attention, but I know I’m going to hate it. Some of those guys are just so…Vile and full of themselves.” She said with a shudder, “It's so stupid.” She blew her bangs out of her hair in a huff.
With every word, Jamal felt his heart sink lower and lower until he was sure that it sat uncomfortably in his stomach, “O-Oh…” He mumbled in a voice that was softer than he had meant it to be. “I-I’m sorry you have to go through such an ordeal, Niji…” He said quietly, looking down at his lap. What else could he say?
Niji looked up, past the branches of the tree and up at the moon. “Sometimes being a Princess isn’t all it’s cracked up to be…” She admitted quietly, whether she was addressing the human boy beside her or just expressing that fact out loud even she did not know, and because of that, Jamal chose not to respond.
The two sat in silence for a moment, not really knowing what to say. The conversation had led them to a path that neither of them wanted to be nor did the teenagers know how to get out of.
Niji shifted her weight in the swing, giving it an extra boost so that she rocked gently from side to side. “So…” She started, “I think I’m going to be spending much of my time here, instead of at the Palace at home. It’s least likely that those guys will find me here.” She announced. “I hope that’s okay…” She sent a look his way.
Jamal granted her a kind-hearted smile, “Of course it is alright, Niji.” He nodded. “…You are my M.V.P after all.” He reminded her with a light laugh as he lifted his right hand to give the swing another gentle shove.
Niji returned his laugh with one of her own, “And what does M.V.P stand for again?” She asked, grinning.
He leaned forward to cup her freckled cheek into his hand. “It stands for my Most Valuable Person. In other words, the one I treasure most.” He caressed her cheek with his thumb. Niji closed her eyes and leaned into his touch with a blush.
“I like hearing you say that.” She admitted quietly. She lifted her different colored orbs to gaze into his dark brown eyes. “It makes me feel… special.”
“I shouldn’t have to tell you that to make you feel special, Princess Niji.” He hushed. “You are special all on your own.” He placed a light kiss on her forehead.
Niji’s heart fluttered lightly in her chest, and ducked her head between her shoulders to hide her bashfulness. “W-we should probably head back now. Masurao might be looking for me.” She uttered, her eyes drifted upward toward the night time sky.
Jamal nodded, picking himself up off the grass, “Right. I wouldn’t want him beating me up for attempted kidnapping.” He rubbed the back of his neck wearily. “I don’t think he’s too fond of me…”
Niji giggled lightly, “It’s not that he doesn’t like you, Jamal.” She placed a hand on his shoulder while the other hand covered her mouth to suppress a yawn. “He just doesn’t trust you, that’s all. He’s like that with every guy who comes within two feet of me, so don’t take it too personally.” She said floating ahead of him.
Though he knew she was only trying, Niji’s explanation did not make him feel one iota better about his current problem. In fact, it only made him more cautious. “So, you don’t feel intimidated by him, at all?” He asked raising an eyebrow. His thoughts drifting to the intense green glare he would receive upon their return and it was something he was definitely not looking forward too.
Niji shook her head, releasing a tired, almost drunken giggle, “Of course I don’t.” She said as if she found the whole idea ridiculous. “Masurao’s been around so long, he’s become one of my best friends.” She said, smiling in fond thought of her guard. “I’d like to hope he feels the same about me.” She turned to look back at the lonely swing briefly. “Are you sure we should just leave it there? Someone might try to steal it.” She worried.
Jamal patted the girl’s shoulder comfortingly. “I assure Niji that the swing will be fine where it is. If you like, we could come back tomorrow…”
“And you’ll give me another push?” She asked hopefully.
The human nodded. “Yes, I will give you as many pushes on the swing as you like.” He bowed. “You have my word.”
Niji gave an excited look at the swing. For something so simple, her handmade swing so much joy.
The walk home was a pleasant one, with talks of plans with the others for her birthday, the new found excitement she had for turning sixteen, among other things. Neither teen wanted the night to end…
But unfortunately all great things had to come to an end, especially when they found a very irritated guard standing outside the headquarters front door.
Niji cleared her throat before speaking up first. “Hi, Masurao.” She greeted with an almost too innocent smile plastered on her face. “It’s such a nice night tonight isn’t it?” She asked placing her hands behind her back.
Masurao suppressed the urge to roll his eyes and lifted a single brow, “It’s an hour past your curfew Princess Niji.” He informed her nodding toward the clock. “And if memory serves, the last time I checked you were preparing for bed.” The guard threw an accusing look toward the earthling male, who quickly averted his eyes.
Niji blinked twice in realization of that, and laughed nervously. “Y-you know, I was just about to do that.” She piped before turning to Jamal and taking his hand to shake it. “Thank you Numbuh Infinity, I had such a fun time tonight.” She smiled tiredly. “That earth swing is absolutely amazing, it truly is!” She then dropped his hand and floated forward to bid her protective guard to a goodnight with her usual peck to his temple and a gentle pat on the head. “Goodnight Masi.” She waved quickly flying inside, humming the “Happy Birthday” song as she went.
Masurao watched her turn the corner with a slightly baffled but mostly suspicious expression on his face, an expression of which he turned on the last person in the vicinity. He narrowed his eyes at the human. “…What was that all about?” He jerked his thumb in the direction Niji headed off to. “And what exactly is an earth swing?”
Numbuh Infinity glanced away feeling immensely uncomfortable and awkward under the bodyguard’s intense stare. “I…” He began, once he cleared his throat. “I-I’m sure it’s just that she’s very excited for her birthday.” He answered as calm as he could possibly be under these circumstances. He was aware that he had only answered one of the blue wolf’s questions and before the guard had the chance to call him out on it; Jamal gave him a quick nod before entering the base leaving Masurao with more questions than he had answers.
The End
