I Like it When...

An essay-like story showing Tinsel's deep affection to her soulmate, Rick. As she highlights all of his greatest strengths and his traits that make him such an icon that always captivated her heart, and Haruka Misaki's 150 years prior.
=== From Tinsel to Rick ===
thumbI like it when Rick gives that daring sneer. It sometimes may represent impulsiveness or ruthless determination, but I always liked him when he's on the prowl. I just think looking at that expression with those squinting eyes and that wide grin is just...kind of cute and sexy to look at, even when he races.
I like it when he gives me some friendly competition, on the subject of racing. He never holds back, though sometimes he would show off and give me some playful nudges to my machine. Sometimes we would train with others, but it's mostly Rick that I grew fond with. He once said that racing with me sort of reminds him of Haruka. They did race together, though they never competed against each other, unless if it has to do with the late lethal Miss Killer. Nevertheless, I always looked forward to him as we would cruise through each circuit with gusto and have fun doing it; he's an excellent competitor.
I like it when he talks about his distant past and his heritage. Rick is known to be 1/8 Japanese, though it is misleading since he seems to be more of the Brooklyn-type; in fact he was once a Bostonian. He went into cold sleep in 2523 (2051 in the alternate continuity) after that fatal chase with an insane escaped convict named Zoda. There wasn't much technology to cure him at the time, so doctors put him in cryo-hibernation for a century and a half. Needless to say, he lost his whole life then, including his late girlfriend just before he was about to propose. He was lucky he was able to adapt with the times, and found some new friends to help him go through them. Even me and Jack Levin. We were also able to put an end to his old nemesis in Port Town, and Haruka's spirit was finally at peace when Deathborn was defeated upon Captain Falcon's sacrifice. As for his heritage, he found out his native name was actually Ryu Suzaku II. His ancestors relocated to Ellis Island back at 1945, before Hiroshima was bombed. They adapted as they made a living in the US and changed their surnames to Wheeler. And during an anniversary, Rick's parents bestowed him as Ryu's descendant. There were some actions that showed his traits, like having a fetish for ramen noodles, his incredible fascination of the culture, and even training his fighting prowess with a samurai. His Japanese title does represent the Vermillion Bird and a dragon, after all. Plus, his machine, the Dragon Bird, really made sense. And I just couldn't staunch my interest in him; the more he shares his experiences, the more I want to know about him.
I like it whenever he holds me close, even if it's just a simple handhold. He practically does encourage it, whether we'd be sitting on a bench in Memory Park, or sleeping next to each other. Heck I sometimes give him some nudges. When we embrace, he feels so warm and secure whenever I'm within his arms. He also tends to feel and be like a rock, hard with all that muscle and a bit rough around the edges, but smooth as well. He also tends to be a hothead, but can be compassionate. Or, he may land himself into trouble at times, but he does have a strong sense of justice. Or he may have something in his mind and can't let go, but it's for a good reason. It just represents the perfect balance, even in his personality, like his warmness melts my ice...even when we get intimate.
I like it when he praises me on my greatest traits, whether it'd be my everlasting, unwavering love and attraction to him, my feelings, or simply my nature. He never judges me harshly and he always looks forward to spending time with me and he also listens to my hardships before finding a way to fix them. He's a very caring guy and I tend to do the same to him. I also give him some incentives like picking some things that remind me of him in a positive light, like certain songs about racing, even some surprises such as those in "Days of Thunder." He always worships me and helps me out however he can, as do I with Rick.
In closing, there are many reasons why I love Rick. Whether it'd be his actions, personality, motivation, and style. His good qualities always shine through and outweighs his flaws. He's always a joy to be around and he does make a promising mate. It is like we fill our own gaps, cover our weaknesses with our strongpoints, and seem to be the perfect mix of fire and ice; maybe sometimes opposites do attract. I can completely understand why Haruka loves him so much, and these are the main reasons why.
=== From Rick to Tinsel ===
I like it whenever Tinsel is in a good mood. You can see it both inside and outside. Like, when she smiles, her face and her eyes light up, and the latter sparkles just like a clear body of water or the comet itself. She also seems so energetic, especially when she recovered from Dark Million's thrall. Nothing seems to slow her down, and she always has such inspiration and beauty this way. It seems contagious and this is actually a pleasant sight as she tends to suffer from depression, anxiety, or any of her mental illnesses. Even when she gets giddy, it never bothers me. Actually, looking at her and in her eyes are like windows to the soul; I can see into her, how she's feeling, and who she truly is.
I like it when she wants to be close, especially whenever she snuggles. I...miss that loving, secure, and warming feeling even when I was with Haruka. There's always someone loving close by and sometimes I feel discomfort when she's afar and I won't have that kind of contact. It really hurt me knowing I won't see my beloved Haruka again...until my new love, Tinsel, came to be. She and I both love this close contact, whether it'd be a handhold, a hug, kiss, snuggle, or even when we grow intimate; I even invite her over to do so a lot. It's so soothing for the both of us.
I like it when she's willing to spend time with me. Just as Haruka used to do. Much like her, Tinsel's company gives me support, comfort, and encouragement to keep on living. She was the one who healed my deep wounds, and Haruka herself also said she's the one for me. And she was right. Whether it'd be racing, bounty hunting when I don't worry so much of her welfare, or just simply living together, she's the anchor for me whenever I go astray, even when we're apart. A perfect example was when she was still with me as she and Haruka spoke in my mind to stop me before I gave in to Princia's charm. She has saved me on several occasions, even after I had that near-death experience while I was suffocating thanks to the Skull's black magic as Miss Killer attempted to destroy me, or enduring Dark Million's thrall. Even with those intimate moments, whenever she's with me, she always makes me feel complete. It's always a relief that there's someone who watches out for me both living and dead.
I like it whenever she seems to be the voice of reason. Like a second voice or a conscience to me. Whenever I seem to be at wit's end or if I'm about to pounce on someone, Tinsel's the one who would help me restrain myself. She was the ice for my fiery persona, and vice versa. She's more of an introvert hence more cautious, where I'm the extrovert, so our opposites seem to benefit us. She even taught me the basics of F-Zero racing as she trains me, she helps me identify an enemy, like a new criminal/opponent, and always gives me sound advice without seeming so judgmental or overbearing. Like Jody or sometimes the late Dr. Clash. She has my back no matter how tense I am or the situation is. Like Haruka, she enters my mind and I'd either hear her words and/or see her face, reminding me she's always there for me; to catch me when I should fall. We are the personifications of the Ryu Suzaku (Vermillion Dragon Bird) and the Genbu (Black Tortoise), after all.
I like it when she sings and dances for me, as she likes it when I should try to sing for her (but I don't have a good voice) and play for her on the taiko and exotic drums from Giant. She seems to be so passionate if she should pick a song/auto-racing flick/any 150-year-old race for me, or if she wants to demonstrate how much we love each other. She always tends to sing from the heart, even though she sometimes goes slightly off key. And while she's not a professional, she does dance very well; even while wearing that sensuous, organic Black Tortoise dress. Like her eyes and the comet, she tends to sparkle with every moment and movement, and I can feel it, the passion, as much as her giving it. Whatever she does, even while racing, she always tends to think a lot about me and uses her heart. From what I'd heard in one of Falcon's interviews, it's all that matters, even as a key for racing.
Those are the traits of my new beloved, Tinsel Steelus Wheeler. My light in the darkness as I am hers. My kindred friend and life partner shall always be my inspiration and significant other. The one who's willing to share her heart, love, and soul with me. My chosen who has helped heal my deep wounds and angsts from the past. My comfort that shall last thru the tests of time, even if it should for another 150 years if we shall be in cold sleep together, or even for all eternity. Tinsel, I am forever grateful that you're truly the woman for me, and this, and our rings, proves our inseparable bond. I love you, now and always, Tinsel.
== Trivia ==
* These were based on the segment during Robin William's comedy, License to Wed, in which couples must fill in the sentence describing what they love about their significant other. While the original segment may just be about sex, Ikran wanted to unveil the couple's true strengths for each other in an essay-esque fashion.
* There was a reference to the 1990 racing flick, Days of Thunder.
* There were also references on how Rick embraces his Japanese heritage, from his ancestor, Ryu Suzaku in Ryu's Immigration. There were some tie-ins to other fics such as Ending it All, Vulnerability of a Hero, The Samurai Returns, Tinsel's Trial, An Action Point for Valentine's, and The Power of the Falcon.
* Both Rick and Tinsel respectively represent the Asian gods of the Ryu Suzaku and the Genbu (Vermillion (Dragon) Bird and the Back Tortoise/Dark Warrior).One was born in the summer, July 28, and the other was born in winter, January 31. In fact, Rick's Booster Fire emits fire, while Tinsel's emits ice! And their bond always tends to thaw Tinsel's icy heart, and soothe Rick's fiery spirit. Their duo technique is named Fire and Ice.
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