[Log] Aang and Kurenai

[crimsonkure]

What: Meeting Appa
Who: Aang and Kurenai
When: Wednesday afternoon
Where: Dog shelter
Rating: PG
Open/Closed To: Aang

Comments

[bendible]

Aang was walking on air. He could hardly believe his luck -- a new place to live! That he could afford! That would let him keep Appa! He couldn't imagine that Kurenai would say no to the large Akita -- Appa was the best dog in the entire world.

And they'd be together again. No more stealing moments at the shelter. No more hoping and not hoping that he'd be adopted, wishing that the dog would accept a new family while being terrified of losing him. They'd be a family again.

Aang saw Kurenai standing by the shelter door, Aang waved excitedly and ran over.

"You ready to meet Appa?" he asked, too pumped to remember greetings.

[crimsonkure]

Kurenai had been lost in her own thoughts regarding the situation and as such was surprised when Aang approached. Jumping slightly, she smiled at Aang and nodded in answer to his question.

"Definitely, and I'd also love to hear a little more about how you met Appa if you don't mind. I must admit, it seems really lucky of me to have found a college student who seems to know of a perfect dog to adopt."

Kurenai could see how excited Aang was and it made her more excited as well, reminding her how fun and valuable having a dog could be.

"Lead the way, and hopefully if all goes well we'll be able to adopt your friend." She didn't mind the lack of greetings, in fact it only endeared him to her more.

[bendible]

How he met Appa? Aang chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck and searching desperately for a believable lie.

He could tell her the truth -- that he was the only surviving member of a gang and Appa had been his guardian and constant companion since he was small -- but he didn't think that would go over too well. Normal people didn't like gang members. The few normal people he had heard talk about the slaughter of his family had all said: "Good riddance to bad rubbish." Never mind that they had only been movie and software pirates, hurting nobody except the mega-rich corporations that controlled everything. Gangs were gangs, and the sooner they were all gone, the better.

Aang wasn't about to risk his new friend, new home, and tenuous safety on the truth.

"Ahaha, I come here a lot." Truth. "Appa and I met and kinda just...clicked." Truth.

Man. Manipulating the truth was exhausting.

[crimsonkure]

Keeping a pleasant smile on her face Kurenai noticed the subtle clues that Aang was about to lie to her. She chose not to question it.

She got the feeling there was something in his past that he didn't like talking about, but Kurenai was used to such things. Everyone had their demons and she was certain that if she could survive counseling Sasuke after what had happened to his family she wouldn't judge Aang and his situation. However, most people were less willing to be sympathetic or understanding, so she let his lie slide.

Kurenai hoped one day he could trust her, but until then they'd take it day by day.

"Sounds like you really love animals." She smiled. "I'm sure he's an excellent dog, and I hope I can click with him just as easily."

She gestured for him to lead the way, more intrigued by Aang and his story than she was before.