Thread: A Hero's Return (LadyYunaFFX2 & Kiroz's 1x1)

Xiu Zhao Xiu's own eyes glanced back to Le every now and again, using peripheral vision to check up on her. Aside from the obvious confusion and curiosity, she wasn't panicking or getting frightened around Brian -- a good sign, no doubt. Normally, the child didn't do too well with newcomers and was nervous around them. Even if only a very small beginning, it was still one all the same. And right now, it was what they all needed. Rubbing a hand gently along Le's back, her gaze went silently to the medal likely a Purple Heart or something similar enough. It made her proud and yet pained Xui. To receive medals meant the person had been severely wounded in battle and war. She couldn't overly help but feel bits of fear try to slip into her mindset. Even over the decade Brian had been gone, the nation hadn't been doing so well. In fact, things had appeared to go from bad to worse even after the 911 attack. Even now, terrorism was still quite a bit issue and concern as were things like unnecessary shootings and deaths by guns. She'd done what Xui hoped to be a damn good job raising Le, teaching her right from wrong .. but with all the negative influences, she couldn't help but worry eventually one would attempt to find it's way to her if not both of them. Now that Brian was back, it'd be all of them. While she didn't question his capabilities, her mind went back to the obvious injuries he still appeared to have? How bad was the damage? Permanent? Or would it just take a hell of while for them to heal? It was selfish, but a portion of her desperately hoped for the latter. It'd be better to know his body would recover in time than never at all. Her head nodded slowly in agreement despite feeling the urge to nod in a 'no' direction to help snap herself out of her thoughts. Yes .. food does sound good. Letting her hand trail up from against Le's back to upon her head, she gently ruffled her hair, causing the young girl to whine lightly at her. Now now, go get in more appropriate clothes to head out. Once you're done, we'll go. Alright, mommy. Giving a polite bow of her head to Brian and Xui both, she darted off and away, heading to what one could assume to be her own room. A soft sigh passed Xui's lips as she ran a hand through her hair, smiling weakly at Brian. ... Yes, we definitely need to talk later. Thankfully, she's a heavy sleeper. Right now ... Her arms gently wrapped around him, holding him close but not too tightly simultaneously. I'm just relieved you're back ... The same temptation to break down and cry almost took over Xui but she fought against it, not wanting to give Le the very wrong impressions. She leaned in, ready to try to sneak in a kiss before a young voice behind her cried out one simple word. Ready! An inward curse ran through Xui's head as she smiled and moved away reluctantly from Brian, looking back to see that Le had indeed gotten into one of her favorite skirts with a nice blouse and some comfortable shoes. Her mouth had opened, almost wondering if it seemed like a bit too much -- but she had promised when she hit ten years old that she'd begin to treat her more like an adult. Not completely, of course. But with decisions like this, she'd be more fair on the matters, only opposing if absolutely needed. Now was definitely not one of those times. That being said, a nod of approval left Xui's head. You look very nice. Alright ... let's go. Within a mere turn of her body, Xui soon caught sight of the soldiers. It made her stomach turn slightly. Even if they had assisted Brian, it was still nerve-wracking to see all the same. Then again, it hadn't overly helped out that she'd only woken up from the day one had arrived at her door and told her Brian was dead. Or so they'd all thought. Lead on then. We don't really go out often so I don't know of as many restaurants as I probably should. Xui confessed gently, inwardly chuckling. There'd never really been enough time or money to even attempt such a thing. Clearly though, things were about to change soon enough .. and hopefully remain in the 'better' spectrum for a while. She'd already had one close call in her life, she didn't know about trying to handle another. Putting herself in the middle with Brian on one side of her and Le on the other, she began steadily walking towards the van. If nothing else, tonight would definitely be one to remember. There were so many urges and temptations, physically and mentally. But in his own subtle way, Brian had all but asked for her to not yet reveal who he really was. It still pained Xui slightly .. but she'd comply for now. So long as the truth didn't remain kept away forever, that would be her only condition. And then there was another that wanted to tackle him and make up for lost time. But that would definitely come later ... and if she'd been able to wait an entire decade, Xui had confidence she could do so for a few more days if needed.