Engraved in Flesh

Introductions

Aru woke up tired.

Rolling around in her bed, she thought about everything that had happened in her life so far. It's been almost a full month since Mook washed on the beach. It was almost a full month of showing him how to blend in to American society. It's been difficult, but Aru was glad that he was a fast learner. If it weren't for his eagerness to learn, she doesn't know how far they would be in helping him learn how to live in this new country. It took them a while, but Mook and Aru were able to have conversations outside of the English lessons. Sighing to herself, she finally got up and got ready for the day. After washing up and changing, Aru sat down and began brushing her hair. When she finished, she began to head to the kitchen to start her day. When she turned the corner, however, she was shocked to see that her mother was up and drinking tea. She was also not alone.

"Xena? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Mook?"

"It's suffocating in the house."

"So you left Mook by himself?"

"I never said that."

As Aru rolled her eyes and took a step back, she ran into something and nearly fell over. She suddenly felt hands on her shoulders, keeping her from falling over. Looking up over her shoulder, she blushed as she realized who it was. Mook calmly stood behind her, keeping her steady and secure. Freaking out, Aru nervously laughed and walked away from him and towards the table. As she quickly sat down, her mother opened her mouth.

"Mook, I hear you're not from here. Where are you from?"

Aru saw Mook and Xena tense up at the question. That's when she realized that she never told them that she already told her mom everything. She watched as her mother made a snarky grin, testing both Xena and Mook.

"H-He's from...uh...the south!"

"Oh? Which part?"

Aru and her mother watched in amusement as Mook frantically whispered to Xena, asking what she meant by that. After a full ten minutes of Mrs. Kim testing the two, Aru finally spoke up.

"Mama, stop teasing them already. Your stressing Xena. And look at how nervous Mook is, he looks like he'll pass out any second."

Xena and Mook stopped and turned to Aru and her mother. They watched as Aru shook her head at her mother, who happened to be losing it. They watched as the older woman shook with laughter, a big smile spread across her face.

"I'm sorry you two! I couldn't resist! I already know everything, don't worry."

Xena groaned, letting out a laugh before whining to Mrs. Kim about scaring her like that. Mook physically relaxed, feeling secure once again. He only stiffened when he saw Aru get up.

"Well, I'm going to tend to the garden."

"That's a wonderful idea! Oh! Mook, why don't you help my daughter? Xena and I have work to do inside."

Mook looked at Mrs. Kim and then at Aru, who just motioned for him to follow her outside. He agreed and bowed to Mrs. Kim before following Aru, feeling as if he didn't have much of a choice anyways. The Kim garden was much neater than Xena's there was also more room in their backyard. Aru showed him where they kept all the family tools, and the two went straight to work. Mook worked hard to not only impress Aru, but Mrs. Kim as well. If there was one thing Mook learned growing up, it's that the approval of parents are important. It didn't matter back at his village if two people were soulmates if their parents didn't approve. Mook wanted to prove his worth to them, especially the girl he was made to be with. If helping around the house with chores and tending to gardens is what will get him the approval, then he's going to work extra hard to impress them. With his confidence high, he got straight to work.

Half an hour later, Mook had a small basket of fresh produce picked and perfect. He turned to ask Aru where to put the basket, only to stop. He didn't think it was possible, but she was even more beautiful with the sun shining down on her. He watched as her face beamed with pride and concentration as she tended to her side. He never knew that being with your soulmate could make your eyes go crazy like this. She was practically glowing to him! It was only when she noticed him that he snapped out of it.

"Mook? Is there something you need?"

Mook nearly fell over when he came back to Earth. She had caught him staring at her. Unless he came up with a reason, she'll think he's a weird stalker.

"I was...going to ask you where to put the basket..."

Relieved at the nod Aru gave him, he followed the direction of her finger and gave Mrs. Kim the produce. He peeked over the corner and spotted Aru, content and perfect in every way. He didn't mind being thrown in a completely different country as long as she was there to stand by him and supported him. He realized that he didn't need to hear an "I love you," or a "let's get married." All he needed and wanted was her company.

For the first time ever, he felt whole.