41(A/N: The 11th chapter! Enjoy! There's a small warning for this chapter. Warning: Lime. If don't like small sexual acts of any kind, besides liplocking [i.e kissing on the neck or anywhere that's not on the lips, hand, or forehead, groping, fondling, etc.], please don't read. You can skip over it. And no! It won't go that far! It's a lime, not a lemon. I'll even put up a flag, so you'll know when it starts and when it ends. This way I won't have idiots reporting when they were clearly warned! There, I said it! Okay, now enjoy the chapter!
Guest review [Guest]: I appreciate the review! Glad you like the pairing. I think I have confused you with the whole Naruko/Yona thing. I would say you are overthinking the whole Naruko/Yona matter. There's one thing you should keep in mind is that Naruko is Yona. Because she's been reborn, she has a different body type. She laments the fact that she's not as... well-endowed I should say... as in her previous life. Also I think it's explained that chapter that Hak calling Yona "Naruko" is nothing more than an alias.
Guest review [Bitsy101]: Love the review! I wanted to express how unsure and insecure Yona is. After all, she has little to no experience with love and given her past... Yeah. Or does she?
Lulumo: Appreciate the review! Well, Hak did try to kiss Yona once. He only back away because Yona was so dense and naive, she thought he was checking his temperature. There have been few hints and instances Hak wants Yona to know his true feelings, but- like I said- she's so incredibly dense and naive, he stops himself. But yeah, I would say he's the type to let Yona lead the relationship, but only because he's unsure if she has feelings for him or not. After all, she's a princess and he's only servant. Throwing feelings at royalty is not something someone should do lightly. If think of the controversy that could happen. And about Naruko's kunoichi capabilities, just because she's a tactician doesn't mean she's going to stay off the field and just give out commands. I think that's a misunderstanding on your part. I never said about her keeping a safe distance. All I said was that she's weaker than her previous life and she's gonna be the strategist of the team. I said nothing about her staying out of the field. But if you misunderstood that, sorry.)
Rivals, Level up at Intimacy Five
"Mama! Mama!"
When she heard the saddened voice of a very young boy, the blonde turned her head in his direction. She was in the middle of putting on her shoes.
The young boy- who was about five-years-old- had jet-black hair and bright blue eyes. His face was round- what he inherited from her- and he had beautifully pale skin- what he inherited from his father. Not to mention, the two whisker marks that lined across each side of his cheeks, a prominent mark that indicated that- without a doubt- he was her son. He wore a black shirt and blue shorts.
"Are you...going to work?" Her son kicked an imaginary pebble. His scowl was almost a mirror image of his father in his younger days.
The blonde gave her son a wry smile, knowing he won't like her answer. "I am, Kazuki."
"But why?" Kazuki whined, brows furrowed into a displeased frown. "Why are you always working, Mama? Why can't you stay here with me, Papa, and Saki, dattebase?"
The blonde mother bent down to her child's head, placing a gentle hand on his head. "I'm gonna be home this evening, sweetie. No need to worry, dattebayo."
Kazuki pouted. "You always say that, Mama! You're the Hokage! Can't you just take the day off!"
The woman sadly shook her head. "You know I can't do that, sweetie."
"Why not? You're the leader! Everyone has to listen to you!" Tears of frustration started to swell up in the young boy's eyes.
She pulled her son into a hug, softly rubbing his back. "You know I can't do that, dattebayo. Everyone in the village is family to me. I want to do whatever I can to protect my family, Kazuki. And that includes you, your father, and your baby sister, dattebayo."
Another pair of footsteps could be heard making its way towards them. A darked man- with a sleeping, two-year-old blonde girl in his single arm- approached the mother and son duo. The man's face was strangely blurry and scribbled out.
"Kazuki, your mother has to leave to work," the man said in a stern yet soft and understanding voice.
The little boy was reluctant to look go.
The man tried a different approach. "Since your sister is sleeping, Kazuki, when to do some training?"
That got the boy beaming. "Really?! You're gonna try me, Papa? Really?!" Kazuki's eager voice sprang throughout the hallway, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement. A simple nod was enough for him to scream in joy.
The blonde woman smiled at her husband. She walked up to her husband and gave him a quick peek on the lips- ignoring the "eww!" in the background. She softly patted her sleeping daughter's- Saki's- head. "I'll see you later, _, dattebayo!"
And with that, the blonde woman left the house, leaving her husband and kids behind.
Yona woke up with a slight stir. Her violet eyes fluttered open and she sat up with a short yawn.
For some reason, she's been having that strange dream again. She's been having it for awhile now. The one where she's married with kids. She wondered was the dream a subconsciousness of her wishes? Naruko always wished to have family one day. That was her biggest desire- after becoming Hokage- to have a family, so she would never have to be lonely again. If she couldn't have a mother, then- at the very least- she wanted to be a mother. To have a loving husband and adoring kids at her side. That's all she wanted. But- sadly- that dream was taken from her.
She groggily gazed around the hut. No one was here, except for the Yoon. The boy was busy baking bread. Probably breakfast, she noted. At the yummy smell, her stomach growled, catching the boy's attention.
The red-haired princess blushed in embarrassment. "Good morning, Yoon. Where's Hak and Ik-Soo?" she asked, trying to divert Yoon's focus away from her.
"The Thunder Beast went out to fish, and the idiot priest is off praying somewhere," Yoon responded casually, blue eyes fixed at the bread that was currently being baked. "That's about all he does," he grumbled under his breath.
"Ah, I see…" Yona was too distracted by the baked goods in front of her. With a slightly rumbling and drooling mouth, she crawled over- leaning over Yoon- to stay hungrily at the basket full of bread.
Yoon could feel his annoyance rising as he felt the princess's hot breath against his neck and ear.
"Urgh!" he shouted, finally getting fed up. "If you want some so bad, just take some!" He heard a happy chirp. "Don't want on dying on me from something as stupid as starvation," he mumbled as Yona plucked a few pieces of bread from the basket and began to happily munch on them with a satisfied hum.
The pretty boy genius observed the red-haired princess eat without a care in the world. He began to notice she also seems to be happiest when food is involved. She even reached for more bread when she was done eating the ones she had!
"Hak's right. You really are a glutton," he blurted.
Yona sputtered. "Is that what Hak says about me behind my back?!" she yelled appalled. "That stupid jerk! Just wait until he gets back here! I'm gonna kick his a- butt!" She censored herself in the end. Remember, be a prim and proper lady.
Yoon rose a brow- but didn't say anything- going back to his task.
Eventually calming down, the princess glanced at the pretty boy was doing. She thought about it for awhile, and she decided- if she wasn't gonna do any Rasengan training because of her injuries- she might work on making some more ninja tools they might need such as paper bombs and smoke bombs. However, that's not the only thing she needed.
"Hey. I have a favor to ask?"
The pretty boy stopped what he was doing to shoot the redhead princess a skeptical look. "What?"
Much to his utter surprise, the princess bowed before him. "Can you please teach me how to heal and treat injuries?" she begged him.
Yoon remained somewhat speechless and Hak- carrying a handful of fishes- arrived just in time to hear Yona's strange and unexpected request. The pretty boy turned his attention to the slightly shocked Hak. He, too, doesn't know the right response to the situation.
"I'm not asking to teach me everything about healing," Yona continued. "Just teach me how to stop infections, how to cure poisons, and to treat cuts and bruises. First aid! I need to learn first aid treatments!"
Violet orbs gazed down at the fist hands in her lap. There was a desperate and resolute expression in her eyes. "I've done some thinking for awhile. As much as I would love for a doctor or a healer to join me and Hak on our journey, we might not be able to find one. So- in the meantime- I thought maybe it wouldn't hurt to learn some medical techniques myself. That way- if me or Hak get injured- I'll know how to patch us up. Please, Yoon! Hak is very precious to me! He's a dear friend and I'd do anything to keep him alive! Anything! So please teach me how to heal! Please!"
This was something Yona has been thinking about for quite awhile. She always considered the idea of learning medicine. She had even asked her father-once upon a time- but adamantly refused her request. He probably thought that her wanting to learn the art of healing meant she wanted to go out into the battlefield. Or perhaps he was scared she might catch someone else's disease or illness. Being a healer meant that she was consistently exposed to sickness. But still! This is why Yona considers her father's overprotectiveness unbearable at times and sometimes almost reaching smothering levels.
The redhead princess lamented the fact that none of the doctors and nurses in the castle wanted to teach her about medicine, no matter how much she asked. She probably guessed that her father forbade them from teaching her because they seemed surprised when she asked- almost eager to teach her- but were reluctant when refusing her request.
She also wondered… Would it be possible for her to learn some medical ninjutsu? Early, she figured she was never good at controlling her chakra because there was just so much of it. Conversely, since her reserves are significantly less than Naruko's and she's been practicing chakra control exercises since she was a little girl, it might be easier for her to learn medical jutsu.
The only problem was how would she be able to learn? Every jutsu she learns would be self-taught through memory, and this would be no different. Except she hasn't the slightest clue how to teach herself medical jutsu because she never learned it in the first place. The only thing she has to go on is Sakura and Hinata's explanations, especially Sakura's. Sakura was also enthusiastic about learning medicine. Her former pink-haired teammate has never been so passionate about something, besides Sasuke. Even with that- with her Yin chakra- she was able to heal- like with Kakashi-sensei's eye and keeping Bushier Brow-sensei from dying when he used all Eight Gates- but her knowledge was so limited and nonexistent, she was merely just guessing and hoping the bodily structures she was healing would come out right.
Guess, she could see what happens. Plus, it's not like she was anything complex. Just enough medical jutsu to learn how to stop the bleeding and treat cuts and bruises. Maybe she should start with the basics. If only she could remember what those were.
The boys- meanwhile- were captivated by the fire burning in the princess's violet eyes. She was determined and she wouldn't take "no" for an answer. An expression that said she was willing to do anything for the people she cared about. She was steadfast in her resolve.
Yoon was looking at the princess in a new light. He thought all nobles were stuck-up jerks who cared for no one but themselves. But here she was- the princess of Kouka Kingdom no less- practically begging him to teach her how to heal. And not for her sake, but for someone else's.
Yona was different from what he thought nobles were supposed to be. She wasn't self-centered, bratty, spoiled, arrogant (Was her earlier arrogance merely just an act?), or snobby. She was rather polite, friendly, determined, strong-willed, compassionate, and very caring towards the people serving under her. She was a humble noble, he should say. She was subverting all his expectations he had about royalty, and he didn't know what to make of it. Was she the only exception to what royalty and nobles are?
Hak was busy setting the fish he caught down. He blew out a low breath. "I told you before, Princess. It's not your job to protect me. It's my job to protect you."
The princess nearly jumped startled. "Hak! When did you get back?"
"Been here awhile, Princess." He gave her a serious yet curious look. "Since when were you interested in learning about the art of healing?"
She sighed internally. "You've been here for that long?" She crossed her arms, looking away with a slightly annoyed expression. "You could have said something, you stupid stalker," she muttered under her breath. She shook her head and faced him. "I want to learn medicine because what if you get hurt again, Hak? You're a reckless moron who always manages to get yourself with every little thing you do."
Her bodyguard stared her with a deadpan look. "I think you are describing yourself, Princess."
"Urgh! Hak! Listen to me and my almighty wisdom!"
"The wisdom of a middle-aged woman? Got it!"
Yona flushed red in embarrassment and anger. "I'm not old, you jerk!" She did her best to calm herself down- ignoring the smug smirk Hak was sending her (smug bastard). "Anyway, I want to learn about medicine because one of us might get hurt again," she reasoned. "Think about it, Hak. We're going on this journey with nothing more than the shirts on our backs and the limited supplies we've brought. Just like on the northern mountains, we may be attacked again. We were lucky that we ran into Yoon, but what about next time? That incident made me realize that I need to learn about healing. Because if something happened to you- and there's nothing I could do to help- I'll never forgive myself for letting you die." She fists tightened by her sides. "I'll do anything to keep my friends alive and safe, and that includes you, Hak!"
Hak's cobalt blue eyes widened. Was it just him or did Yona look more mature in that moment? He smiled to himself. The princess was amazing! He was actually liking this side of her. The side that is always eager and excited to try something new- either for a specific purpose or out of curiosity.
Yona stared up at the ceiling as if deep in thought. "There was also something else I wanted to discuss with you, Hak."
"What is it?" he asked curiously.
"We need a name!" she announced.
"A name?" Even Yoon rose a brow at this. "A name for what?"
"A name for our team!" she answered her black-haired friend as if it was obvious. There was an excited bounce in her step. "Having a team name is very important!" She dramatically shot her pointer finger at him. "And that's your assignment for today. Think about names to call our team, and we'll discuss it tomorrow. And nothing stupid and jokes!"
The red-haired princess looked off to the side. She clapped her hands together. "Okay! Now that that's done, there's something I need to do." She went over to grab her bag. She needed to check on her supplies to make sure nothing else was lost during the fall. Plus, making any new supplies they may need wouldn't hurt either.
"Something you need to do, Princess?" Hak narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Like what?" She better not be doing anything that could get her into trouble. She's still recovering.
She self-consciously averted her gaze away from him. "Just stuff." She shot him a tight smile. "Nothing you need to worry about." She shifted her attention to Yoon. "I'll love to hear your answer later, Yoon!" And that, she hurriedly ran out the door.
The two boys watched her go.
"She is not what I expected." Yoon was to break the silence. "She's very hyper and steadfast in what she wants. You sure have your work cut for you, Thunder Beast."
"Yeah…," Hak replied- although he was a bit distracted- staring off into the direction Yona ran in. Her smile wasn't genuine. Something was bothering the princess.
Yoon observed the longing and hopeless look in Hak's eyes. He had that same look when he was waiting for days for Yona to wake up from her unconscious state. These two were complete idiots. Watching their awfully close and bickering interaction was getting annoying. He was a guy, okay? He was abhorrent to mushiness.
"You know, the princess is dense," Yoon spoke up. "She'd never know how you feel unless you tell her."
Hak pretended to play dumb. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Yoon shrugged. "Suit yourself. But- just so you know- it wouldn't be that unusual for the two of you to get together. You were strong and impressive enough to become general before this whole mess started and become her bodyguard, and- right now- you're with a runaway- presumingly dead- princess. I doubt anyone would bat an eye, if you two end up together."
"It's inappropriate for me to have such feelings for the Princess."
The pretty boy rose an unconvinced eyebrow. Who was Hak trying to fool? Him or himself?
"Whatever." He was done baking bread. He went over to prepare the fishes Hak caught and turn it into soup.
Soon enough, Hak walked out the door.
"Probably going after the princess," Yoon muttered to himself, shooking his head. "Idiot."
Yona strolled through the forest surrounding the hut. Her mind was fluttering back to that dream she had. For a dream, it felt awfully real and that made it her uneasy. She was easily able to forget about it with Hak and Yoon there, but now… Not so much. Because of one factor…
The children in the dream!
Kazuki and Saki!
When she dreamt of them, a sense of longing and regret hit her. She doesn't know and she shouldn't have felt that way because she doesn't even know them. At least, that's what she would like to say, but she wasn't too convinced.
Her mind was saying she doesn't know them, but her heart- her soul- was saying another. But that couldn't be right! She doesn't remember giving birth to any children. Surely, she would have if she did. She died shortly after the Fourth War. Didn't she?
Maybe they were someone else's was another theory that entered her head. Then did they look so much...like her and his kids? She wasn't blind. The boy had her blue eyes and the girl had her sunny blonde hair. The boy even had her whisker marks- albeit two instead of three.
Yona's face flushed in embarrassment and shame when she recalled an old memory. Something Naruko and Sasuke swore an oath to never bring up again. She knew Kazuki and Saki couldn't be her past life's children because they stopped before it could get to the point, and that was the only time she remembered them ever being that intimate.
If she looked back on it, it was right around the time a festival celebrating the announcement of the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade Senju, was happening to congratulate her appointment to Hokage-ship.
~ Flashback ~
Naruko was frowning while staring at herself in the bathroom mirror. She couldn't believe Sakura and Hinata talked her into this. She was perfectly happy staying at home. She was wearing a bright orange yukata with a light blue sash and blue twinkling-like patterns decorating it. Her hair was tied into twin buns instead of her usual twintails- similar to Tenten's signature hairstyle- using the orange ribbons she always uses to tie her pigtails. Not only that, but she was also wearing… Urgh! Makeup.
It wasn't too much. Just a little mascara and foundation to bring out her eyes and cheekbones more. Sakura talked her into it. She said that she should try to look extra pretty since this was a special occasion.
Special occasion…
Hmm… Truthfully, Naruko wasn't really thrilled about going to the festival. The only reason she's going is because Sakura and Hinata (at different locations and time) insisted/begged her to. Festivals and her just never clicked. And that was because of the villagers.
For as long as she could remember, the villagers have always hated and despised her. Cold eyes staring her with contempt. Hurtful words full of malice and animosity were thrown at her everywhere she went. People avoided her like the plague. She could often hear a death/suicide threat or two in the background. And it was ten times worse during special events. At times like those, the villagers treat her like that one person who sucks out all the cheery mood, joyous laughter, and fun festivities just by being there.
Saying Naruko was uncomfortable was understatement. She was egregiously nervous. A sense of apprehensive anxiety filled her, but she did her best to quench down her fears. For her friends' sake.
Everything would be fine as long as she sticks with her friends and keeps her distance away from the villagers.
"Naruko!" She could hear Sakura's voice calling out to her in the distance. "Are you done yet? Hurry up! It's time to go!"
Naruko gave herself one last wry, reassuring smile.
Yeah, everything would be fine.
Hopefully.
Naruko stared in awe at the wonderful scenery before her. The brilliant lantern lights flashed everywhere. The delicious smell of food wafted through the air. The pleasant atmosphere was filled with the happy chatter of adults and joyful giggles of children.
"C'mon, Naruto! Everyone's already here!" Sakura waved her over to a stall where everyone- the members of Team 8 and Team 10, except their senseis- were waiting for her.
Sakura was dressed in a lime green yukata with a hot pink obi sash. It was ornamented with cute cherry blossom petals. Her short, pink hair was done up by a red hair ornament.
Hinata was dressed in a wonderfully elegant purple yukata decorated with white stars. It was tied off with a white obi. There was a white lily hairpin tied into the right side of her blue hair.
Ino wore a yukata that was a darker shade of pink than Hinata's. It had a yellow obi and yellow decorating it. She wore her usual bun- the hairstyle she kept after she cut her hair during her match with her old friend and love rival, Sakura.
None of the guys bothered to dress up, which was typical of them. They were all in their usual, casual wear.
Naruko excitedly jogged over to Hinata. "Hinata!" she chirped happily. "Wow! You look beautiful!"
Hinata blushed at the compliment and smiled shyly. "Thanks, Naruko," she complimented. "You look very pretty too."
Now it was the blonde's turn to blush awkwardly and sheepishly rub the back of her head. "Really? Uh, thanks."
Although, on the inside she knew Hinata was just being polite. She's always kind to everyone. She was aware- that among the group- she was the least prettiest of them all. Yukatas, kimonos, and dresses never really suited her. She always felt like she wasn't pretty enough to wear them.
"Whoa, Naruko," Kiba whistled. "I guess you can look like a girl."
Naruko gritted her teeth. "Shut up, Kiba!"
"What are we waiting for? Let's go!" Ino piped up excitedly, enthusiastically pumping a fist in the air. She happily strolled over to the nearest, most excitable stall- which happened to be a ball toss game- with everyone following after her.
The festival was more fun than Naruko it would be. The games were exciting, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was great. Sure, there were still quite a lot of villagers who flat out ignored her or gave her the stink eye. But- the whole time- she didn't care. She was having fun- a great time with Sakura, Hinata, and all of her friends.
Speaking of friends, where was Sasuke?
Naruko frowned. Knowing that bastard, he was probably cooped up in his house or off training alone somewhere. He did mention the other day that he didn't want to go. Of course that was when the Bastard coldly rejected Sakura after she tried asking him out.
Hmm… Naruko didn't want to go either, at first. Initially, she wondered if Sakura only invited her because she wanted to forget the pain of being humiliated and rejected. Again. Although, the two have gotten close ever since the formation of Team 7- and especially after the Chunin Exams- Naruko can't help but sometimes feel like her pink-haired teammate uses her as a coping mechanism every time she receives one of Sasuke's harsh rejections. She doesn't know whether that is really true or just her insecurities talking. Because don't girls always lay down their romantic woes to their friends? She's seen other women and girls do it to their female friends.
For a minute, that made her happy. That Sakura considered her a close enough friend to confide in, even if it was something as her unrequited love for Sasuke. Though, she wondered, did Sakura only come to her because she was the only available option? Naruto was well aware that- despite being on better terms- Sakura still sees Ino as her romantic rival.
Sakura also considered Naruko a romantic rival during their time at the Academy and when they became teammates along with Sasuke. The blonde girl figured that Sakura's initial irritation and dislike towards her stemmed from her jealousy. Naruko didn't like the pink-haired kunoichi either at first, being one of the people who bullied her in the Academy- though she was satisfied beating her black and blue in retaliation- so she'll say they were pretty even.
Though, after she made it perfectly clear that she doesn't like Sasuke in that way- and she wouldn't care in the slightest if Sakura and Sasuke started dating- Sakura seemed to warm up to her, treating her much more kindly. Although, that doesn't mean they were super close or anything like that. After all, Sakura still seemed more interested in impressing Sasuke and getting him to go out with her than being her friend.
But there's another point that needs to be made.
Sasuke has been acting a lot more weirder lately. He was colder, more distant, and irritable. His latest rejection of Sakura was especially harsh. What was his problem? The Bastard has always been a prick- an asshole- but this was on a new level.
More importantly, every time their eyes meet, his black eyes would narrow- turning into a pair of cold daggers. It's been like that ever since she's brought Granny Tsunade to the Leaf Village and after she healed him.
What the hell was his problem anyway? She brought Tsunade to save him, and that is the thanks she gets? Though- she would never admit it out loud- she was kinda worried. Sasuke was sitting at home alone while everyone in the village was celebrating the succession of the Fifth Hokage. It also irked her bit. His brooding and antisocial attitude gets on her nerves sometimes.
That's it! Naruko was gonna drag Sasuke to the festival- whether he likes it or not- so he could get over whatever the hell he's brooding about.
Sasuke- meanwhile- was sitting in his home, eating breakfast. He recently just finished training and was content in spending the rest of the night at home. He was planning to get some rest and then continue training tomorrow. He had to get stronger!
His mind flashed to Naruko. A low growl rumbled inside his throat and he gritted his teeth. He was reminded of Naruko's battle with Gaara- the Sand ninja he was powerless against.
How did the Dobe get so strong? That battle was on a scale that was off the charts! How did Naruko become that strong? How could she defeat an enemy he couldn't?
His another flashed to another awful memory of humiliating defeat. A memory that caused his blood to boil.
"You are right. Naruko is the prize the Akatsuki are after. And we will have her."
"Go away. You don't interest me at the moment."
Itachi. Those were the words Itachi spoke. His own brother- the one person Sasuke had sworn to get strong enough to kill someday- dismissed him in favor of Naruko. The question was- Why Naruko? A series of emotions overflowed Sasuke on that day- that moment.
Hatred. Pure hatred.
The sight of Itachi filled him with unbridled rage and bitter hatred. The man who was responsible for killing everyone he's ever loved- his entire clan- stood in front of him. The man he spent his entire life swearing revenge upon. He trained each and every day- day and night- for years just to kill him.
Panic and fear.
Itachi was after Naruko?! Why? Why was he after her?
A sense of horrifying dread filled him. Terrifying and tragic memories of his father, his mother, his whole clan dying by his traitorous, murderous brother's hands flashed before his eyes.
Now Itachi was after someone he cares about again?! Nothing but panic and fear bubbled within Sasuke. Itachi was trying to take all the things he loved away from him again. He was trying to take Naruko away from him!
Jealousy.
Why? Why was Itachi more interested in the Dobe than him- his own brother? Itachi barely even knows Naruko- not like he does. Or was Itachi under his nose the whole time? Spying on him and his teammates, and was just waiting for the right moment to pick them off one by one to torment him- just when Sasuke was beginning to care about people again?
Even so… Why so much interest in the Dead Last? Was Itachi also noticing Naruko's growing strength? Did he dismiss him in favor of her because he was weak?! Why? Why her? Why not him?
Sasuke would never admit it out loud, but Naruko's rapidly fast and tremendously growing strength was scaring him. The Dobe was slowly closing the gap between them, and it was freaking him out! If Naruko was able to get strong enough to be his equal- which terrified and frustrated him- what does that say about him? How could he get stronger? How could he get his revenge?
What was so special about her? She was a pathetic, worthless loser. She was a useless, dimwit who barely managed to pass the graduation test. What was so great about her? Why was Itachi interested in her? She may be the strongest female genin he knows, but she was still weaker than him. Itachi should pay attention to him- not her! After all Sasuke was the one who was gonna end his wretched life!
He could feel the stinging, bitter taste of resentment on the tip of her tongue. A pit of red-hot anger boiled with him. He charged up a Chidori and charged at Itachi in a fit of blind rage and raw jealousy.
This was it! He was gonna defeat Itachi and avenge his fallen clan! The years he spent training for- the revenge he was so badly seeking- would end right here at this very moment!
The next thing Sasuke knew, he was in a losing, one-sided beatdown he'd never forget. He was helpless, powerless. He couldn't even land a single hit on Itachi.
What was he doing wrong? He spent years training for the moment he'd take his revenge. He has spent every waking moment dreaming about this day, and it was all for naught. What the hell has he been doing all this time?! Why has Naruko gotten so much stronger and he hasn't?! What was he doing wrong?!
Sasuke brooding, dark thoughts when he heard a loud, impatient series of knocks on his door. He scolded in irritation at the entrance leading to the front door. An image of a loud, obnoxious idiot flashed in his head, knowing she's the only person in the world who would knock so annoyingly like that. He could feel her irate chakra outside his apartment. What the hell does she want?
His mood soured even more. She was the last person he wanted to see. That was the reasoning he didn't want to go to the stupid festival. He knew he wouldn't be able to control himself around her. He would be filled with nothing but anger, jealousy, and resentment. He wanted to punch her face in several places.
No, he would never admit that the loser was slowly becoming his equal. She was an obnoxious, reckless, stubborn, loudmouth idiot. He was the top student of the Academy. There was no way the Dead Last of all people was catching up to him. He must be slacking in his training. That's why he needs to redouble his efforts in his training. He needs to spend every waking moment- if not going on missions- training! Otherwise- at this rate- he'd never get his revenge!
There was still one more thing he was feeling. An emotion that was bothering him for awhile. When he realized what it was, it irritated Sasuke even more. Because it didn't make a lick of sense! The emotion that haunted him the most was...
Confusion.
Why did Naruko- of all people- appear in his Tsukuyomi-induced nightmare? Why did Itachi feel the need to torture him with Naruko's death along side the deaths of his father, his mother, and his clansmen?
Another loud series of knocks resounded, which he promptly ignored.
He could freely admit that Naruko was the only he cared about. But that was because- despite being an annoying thorn at his side- the Dobe was the only kunoichi in their age group and in the Academy who actually took her training seriously- besides the shy, blue-haired Hyuga heiress. He respected her strength and tenacity when it wasn't turned on him. She was the only who understood the pain of solitude just like him, and that's what made them stronger.
However, the implication- by Itachi's Tsukuyomi- that he was trying to hide repressed feelings for the Dobe all but aggravated Sasuke to no end. He had to wonder what delusions were conjured up in Itachi's head to make him think that he felt something special for the loser? She was gradually becoming someone he cares about, and that is what he fears most of all. Just because they kissed a couple of times, doesn't mean anything.
Whatever attraction Sasuke felt for Naruko- real or imagined- needed to be buried and repressed in the deepest recesses of his heart. It was a weakness he couldn't afford to indulge himself in. It was fatal and emotions like that would only hinder him and get in the way of his revenge.
Naruko brings out the feelings that Sasuke doesn't like feeling.
Booming knocks thundered.
Sasuke gritted his teeth hard, and clenched his fists tightly. Doesn't the loser just give up and go home? He's not in the mood!
Sasuke stomped to his front door, an angry scowl plastered on his countenance. She really does get on his nerves. And she doesn't even have to try!
He forcefully yanked the door open and was met with a pissed off blonde.
He immediately noted her attire. He never thought he would see the Dobe in a yukata instead of the usual boyish clothes she wears. The yukata was still the same hideous color of orange she loved so much. But, strangely though, it looked nice on her. There was just something about her being dressed in one that was… enthralling yet disturbing. It really captured the growing feminine curves- she usually keeps hidden under baggy clothes- quite nicely. Puberty was doing her favor.
Although, unfortunately, Naruko was far from attractive.
Her accursed, sunshine blonde mane of a hair was done up in twin, elegant buns. Her once messy, sloppy pigtails were gone for a more… proper and appropriate look for the festival she so obviously just came back from. They were tied using her (she needs to get a better color) signature orange ribbons.
And is that…? Is that makeup?! Since when did the idiot wear makeup?
The light mascara really brought out her eyes. The blue of her eyes sparkled like sunset rays against the ocean's waters. Her eyes were annoyingly hypnotic before, but now they were irritatingly captivating- even if they were now murky with anger and annoyance. Her long eyelashes were more pronounced.
The little bit of foundation (those makeup powder things were called that, right?) she used highlighted her cheekbones and whisker marks. She was still in the midst of puberty, so there was still some baby fat. Bizarrely, there was just something about her round face, high cheekbones, angular nose, long lashes, and blue eyes that were just… just… so aggravatingly captivating.
Why was his face burning?
He has never seen Naruko like this! Who knew she could clean up so nicely? Or did she lose some sorta bet?
By god, she was… She was… actually… a girl!
In all the years he has known her, he has never seen her so… girlish-looking before.
The ignored thought of "beautiful" on the tip of his tongue, letting his irritation take the forefront, and instead demanded, "What are you doing here, Usuratonkachi?" He was one to respect a person's strengths. Not their looks.
She sported an angry frown, glaring at him. "I've been here waiting for hours, Bastard? When someone knocks, you are supposed to answer the damn door!"
He scowled at her- repressing those unwanted thoughts- returning her glare with one of his own. "What do you want, idiot?" he asked annoyed.
Naruko crossed her arms- resisting the urge to say something rude and snappy- and shook her head. "I came here to check on you, Teme, since you didn't go to the festival and all. Thought you'd be lonely, so I came."
Sasuke scoffed at the ridiculous notion. "Hn, I don't get lonely, you loser."
"Uh-huh," she responded unconvinced. "I brought you some fried rice and yakisoba from the festival." She shoved herself inside her Uchiha teammate's apartment.
The raven-haired boy twitched a highly annoyed brow. "Since when did I say you could come in?" he growled, fists clenched her side.
She rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You wouldn't have let me in, if I asked you politely."
A low, deep rumbling noise resounding in his throat. He was now clenching his fists so tightly, his knuckles were now turning white. This is exactly why this blonde idiot aggravates and pisses him off in so many ways. For fuck's sake, this isn't her house! It's his! Granted, this wasn't the first time she barged into his house.
But that doesn't mean she could come in and out whenever she fucking wanted, dammit! It took all his willpower and mental restraints not to clock her in the jaw.
The blonde giddy waved the packaged boxes of food in front with that stupidly, blindingly bright smile on her face. "C'mon! Let's eat!"
He watched as she excitedly skipped over to his dining table. That bubbly, hyperactive idiot…! Just when he wanted to spend some time alone away from Team 7- away from her- here she is again- the annoying, little nuisance- irritatingly barging into his life as usual.
"Hurry up, Bastard!"
It's official… Naruko Uzumaki drives Sasuke Uchiha crazy!
"So why didn't you come to the festival?" Naruko asked curiously, chewing on a mouth full of rice.
"Hn." Sasuke opted to just ignore his female, blonde teammate. He ate his rice in a much more diligent and respectable manner compared to his messy dinner guest, if he could even call her that.
"I know you didn't want to go on a date with Sakura," she continued, "but you could have come with us as friends. Team 8 and Team 10 were there too! It was really fun with everyone there!"
Sasuke vaguely listened to Naruko ramble on and on about her enjoyment at the festival. In his opinion, the ball toss game they did was pretty predictable. They were shinobi, so of course they were gonna score most of the prizes. The game felt like it was built more for civilians than ninjas.
Next up was the goldfish scoop. He snorted when the Dobe couldn't scoop up a single goldfish. With each scoop she broke she became more and more frustrated. What does the clumsy idiot think would happen when getting all impatient and frustrated like that?
He ignored and repressed his tempting emotions when she gleefully told him how Kiba won Hinata a cute, little teddy bear wearing a red bow at the ring toss. He observed her blue eyes twinkle with giddiness as she idiotically mushed over the fact of how shy and happy the Hyuga heiress looked when Dog Breath gave her that bear.
After they decided to take a break from all the games to enjoy the food stalls, Naruko broke away from the group- saying she had something to do- and now here she is.
"You should have come with us!" she exclaimed. "You were missing out!"
"Hn." He couldn't care less. Training was more important.
"It felt kinda empty not having the whole gang together," she sighed, "like in the Chunin Exams."
"Hn."
"Hey, Bastard!" she shouted angrily. "Aren't you even listening?"
"Hn."
"Urgh! What's with you? Why have you been so moody lately?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "You've been in a bad mood ever since Orochimaru's attack on the Leaf."
She's been aware of his emotions for that long. Gotta give her credit for being observant. He should have known. They have always been able to understand each ever since they were little. They understood each other on a level no one else did.
"What's been going on with you lately?"
Sasuke scowled. "That's none of your business." His mind flashed back to his moments of weakness and helplessness- when he couldn't do shit to Gaara or Itachi.
She returned his displeased scowl with a vexed frown of her own. "You are such an ass, Teme!" she yelled, her blue eyes ablaze with anger. "I came here because I was worried about you! Especially since you didn't come to the festival!"
"I never asked you to come check up on me, idiot! I don't need a damn babysitter! Learn how to mind your own business!"
Naruko jumped up from her chair, causing it to crash roughly to the ground. Her blue orbs were a swirling vortex of rage and frustration. Her food was all but forgotten. "If this is how I'm treated, I shouldn't have bothered coming! You no good bastard!"
Sasuke angrily sprung from his own seat. His own dark eyes were filled with fury and indignation. "Instead of coming here and being a nuisance, you should be learning what it means to actually think, Usuratonkachi! After all you're the reckless idiot who likes to run in head first into any danger you see!"
There was a spark of fire dancing from both of them. A fire that burned passionately and refused yield to the burning intensity of the other. A raging fire that was getting ready to overtake and smolder the other. Their faces were leaning dangerously close to one another.
"Asshole!"
"Dead Last!"
"Stuck up prick!"
"Dimwitted idiot!"
With every insult, their faces seemed to have drawn closer and closer like two attracted magnets. A fierce spark blasted between their glaring eyes.
"Self-absorbed piece of shit!"
"Annoying simpleton!"
"Arrogant bastard!"
"Pathetic loser!"
Next thing both young preteens knew- hands roughly grabbing the others' collars- their lips were crashing into each other in a fierce kiss.
{Lime}
Sasuke wondered who was the first to make a move? Him or Naruko?
It didn't matter. He wasn't willing to let go. He knew this would happen. That he would be swept in Naruko's tempting storm. A temptation he would never be able escape or resist for long. And he was a young man- in the thralls of puberty- weak to just this girl and temptation.
Naruko Uzumaki drives him crazy!
Their lips were locked in a bruising kiss, attacking each other fiercely.
Naruko could feel Sasuke's hands tugging her forward. The table was getting in the way. She crawled over the table, the raven-haired boy pulling her, their food completely forgotten.
It wasn't enough. It was never enough when it came to her. He pulled the blonde-haired girl forward until she was sitting on the edge of the table and he was practically half-straddling her by placing himself between her legs.
They were basically attacking each other, eager to not let go. Naruko groaned in disappointment when the kiss ended.
They were both panting, faces deeply flushed.
"You are such a worthless idiot," Sasuke mumbled heatedly.
Naruko growled in anger and barely had time to respond before Sasuke's lips were on hers in a more tender and gentle kiss than the first time.
Naruko wondered how it got to this point? All she wanted was to check up on the sulking bastard. Now she wrapped up in his fiery embrace, and was too weak to let go. Was it the Nine Tailed Fox that was making her this susceptible to Sasuke's touches? Or was it damn teenage hormones?
Sasuke Uchiha… He was her friend. He was her rival. And yet he was doing this to her. He was the only one who could get her worked up like this. He was the only one- the only boy- who could make her so angry, frustrated, and excited all in one go. The stupid, arrogant bastard.
How could he make her feel so… so… good? How could he do this to her? Damn him!
She practically melted into the kiss, her hands gripping the back of the Uchiha's roughly soft, raven hair. She could feel Sasuke's hand trail up the back of her head as he deepened the kiss.
The kiss became more heated and passionate as time passed. The two young ninjas completely lost in each other- their surroundings completely forgotten.
Naruko gasped slightly when she unexpectedly felt Sasuke's wet appendage brush against her bottom lip. She hesitated to let him access. Growling, he harshly bit her lip, causing her to moan in slight pain. Using this opportunity, he forcefully thrusted his tongue inside her mouth.
It was intense, passionate, wild, and rough. He brushed his tongue against her canines, the roof of her mouth, every nook and cranny he could think of. He could taste the fried rice and yakisoba she was eating, but never got to finish. It just made this more hellishly intoxicating. Damn her!
Naruko moaned when she felt her tongue being brushed against Sasuke's. She could feel him smirk triumphantly against her mouth while he let out the possessive growl. They soon began a heated battle of dominance. The battle was like any other fight. Competitive, aggressive, violent and boldly sensual. Neither one of them was willing to give in, releasing their pent up carnal desires.
Their hands weren't idle either as they became more frisky. They were caressing every spot of each other's bodies they could get their hands on. It was starting to get too hot in here. Who turned up the heat?
Sasuke restlessly brushed Naruko's yukata aside- causing the sleeves to fall apart- freeing her upper body. She tugged on the bottom of his shirt. He backed away from the table a bit without breaking the kiss. He helped her take his shirt off, leaving both their upper bodies nude. They shivered slightly when the cool air touched their bare skins. He carelessly threw his shirt in a random direction. He could faintly hear it smack against a dining chair, but he didn't care.
Naruko's breath hitched when she felt calloused hands brush across her right breast. Her reaction was instantaneously. She moaned loudly, sparks of pleasure jolted inside her body. Loving the reaction when he accidentally touched her sensitive area, Sasuke became more bold- wanting to hear more of her intoxicating and delicious moans- groped and caressed her underdeveloped bosom. Her mounds weren't big, but they were far from being small. He wondered how big they would get as she gets older. Puberty really is doing her a favor!
Not enough!
Sasuke finally broke the kiss. A trail of saliva connected between them. He noted the aroused blush across her face and her blue eyes were darkened with hooded desire, amorous attraction, and impatient want. He smirked, despite possibly having the same look on his face.
Not enough! It's never enough! He wanted to possess every part of her! He wanted to devour her!
With a low growl, he gripped her waist- pulling her closer to the edge of the table- before fiercely attacking her neck. Naruko could only gasp and sigh softly as she was being assaulted. Her hands were trailing across his lean and muscular back. She felt his muscles ripple under her fingertips, feeling the scarred and marred skin from years of training.
"Y-You perverted bastard!" Naruko groaned enticingly in pleasure when Sasuke nipped on the sensitive spot on her neck, but feeling annoyed that he- of all people- could make her feel so much ecstasy and delight.
Taking pride that he could reduce this fearsome kunoichi into a pile of pleasure and mush, Sasuke mercilessly sucked on the spot that drawed such pleasured moans from her.
"You're one to talk, loser," he mumbled against her soft skin. With every heavy breath she took, he could feel her melons press up against his chest, slightly groaning at the gratifying sensation. "You are the one who keeps grabbing me so tightly as if you don't want to let go."
"Just shut up…!" she cried.
Sasuke's calloused hands gently moved around her soft, unblemished skin (how she does not have a single scar on her skin is beyond him). When he reached her breasts, he eagerly and roughly palmed the supple flesh.
Naruko's wanton moans grew louder when Sasuke's fingers played with her hardened, rosy pink buds and his hands kneaded her boobs while he was nibbling her ear.
Sasuke's trailed kisses down her upper body until he reaches her left bust. He sucked on it greedily, earning him an enticing moan from the blonde girl. His right hand continued to fondle and knead her right bosom while his fingers played and pinched her aroused nipple.
The blonde-haired girl roughly grabbed and tugged at his raven hair- inadvertently pulling him closer- as she could strangely feel her lower half beginning to melt. It felt strange and arousing. She never felt this good before.
But… It wasn't fair! The Bastard's always been so unfair! Her intense rivalry with him and stubborn competitiveness was mentally encouraging her not to lose- although, not really knowing what exactly she was losing.
She aggressively pushed him away, startling him. "My turn," she purred. She didn't give him time to regain his composure when she suddenly gave his neck and ear the same treatment he was giving her.
The blonde smiled- quite pleased with herself- when she heard the raven-haired Uchiha grunt, indicating how much he was enjoying the sensation. Her fingers were trailing patterns around his chiseled chest.
Naruko kissed and sucked the spot of Sasuke's neck that caused him to shutter. Was it just him or was his pants becoming tighter? Should he take them off? Maybe yeah. Or else it would become increasingly uncomfortable around his crotch.
The Uchiha impatiently fumbled with his white shorts as he sighed when she reached his ear, eagerly and pleasurably sucking on his earlobe. He managed to finally remove his pants- leaving him in only his boxers- and tossing them aside unceremoniously.
The two young ninjas were completely lost in each other's tender yet fierce embrace. The months of pent up stress, anxiety, and frustrations from everything that has happened (the Chunin Exams... Orochimaru… Itachi...) were all being melted away as they relieved themselves with one another, and possibly because they are the only ones who can understand each other on an emotional level.
The blonde pulled her teammate/rival into another passionate kiss, hungrily making out with him again. He was more than happy to return the heated and aggressive kiss with equal vigor.
Between the two, young teens, nothing mattered. They just wanted to relieve the sudden, intense heat they were feeling. The more they continued, the more hungry, needy, and aroused they became. They desperately craved more. Their yearning and restless hands gently yet urgently making their way south.
Further…
Further…
They shivered in anticipation. Their hot, passionate makeout session not relenting one bit as they moaned lustfully into each other's mouths. In fact, just becoming more aggressive and intense.
A little further…
Almost there...
The sound of fireworks boomed outside.
{Lime End}
The booming sound of the fireworks snapped Naruko and Sasuke back to their senses- to reality. When they both realized the messy state they were in, their eyes widened and they let out a silent, almost horrified scream. The blonde girl hurriedly scrambled away on the table, ignoring the noisy creaks she was causing it. The raven-haired boy- for his part- quickly backed away, desperate to put some distance between the two of them.
Wh-Wh-What just happened?!
Th-They were lost and enthralled in the moment, they completely forgotten their fucking senses.
The heated arousal in the air was now filled with regretful shame.
Sasuke almost smacked himself. Why can't he ever control himself around Naruko? This is why she drives him crazy! She brings out parts of him that he just wanted to keep repressed, or else they would get in the way of his revenge.
He took note of Naruko's form as half-laid on the other side of the table. Her flushed, embarrassed, and bewildered face. Her now slightly messy and ruffled up blonde hair. Her bruised and somewhat swollen pink lips. And lastly, the kiss and teeth marks on her exposed and naked upper body that was more than likely going to leave some hickeys on her neck and mounds.
The raven-haired Uchiha ran a frustrated and confused hand through his hair. His feelings for the annoying blonde was all over the place. What does Naruko mean to him? He had always wondered that himself. She was an annoying, obnoxious, good-for-nothing idiot. Yet, he can't deny that she was the only girl he had ever respected. She was the only girl who could remotely equal him in battle and combat. She was the only girl he would even consider that he cared for to some degree (of course, he does care a bit about Kakashi and Sakura, but not to the extent of Naruko). And she was the only girl who he would daresay- in a tiny, tiny recess in the back of his mind- looked this… beautiful.
He turned away out of frustration and embarrassment to hide the slight blush growing on his face. Damn! He could never control himself in Naruko's presence! This is why he didn't want to see her tonight. This is how they are always fighting. And this… unfortunate incident made him realize that he gets some sort of sexual gratification from all their constant fights.
Naruko- for her part- was shaking with shame and regret with herself. How could she be so close to doing that with her rival?! She frantically redressed her yukata while Sasuke gathered his discarded clothes.
Sasuke was left in nothing but his boxers. Knowing that it had gotten that far, the blonde girl's face heated up. She could clearly examine his pale, lean, muscular physique. The years of training really did provide him with an amazingly well-built body. His back was lingered with light scratch marks and finger indentations- probably from clenching onto him so tightly. His neck was somewhat littered with kiss marks, making her terrified of the possibility of a hickey.
The Bastard always had a way of making her so overcome with emotion. Whether it would anger, happiness, or sadness, it didn't matter. It doesn't take much work on his part to make her feel that way. The way he could unintentionally manipulate her feelings was like a rollercoaster of the odd sensation of butterflies in her stomach. She didn't understand why or how Sasuke could draw this out of her.
She couldn't deny what happened was so passionate… so intense… that it caused her mind and body to turn into complete mush. However, that doesn't excuse it. Because- deep down- she knew that wasn't the only reason.
Naruko recalled the sex education classes she had in the Academy. She was a kunoichi, so she was made aware of the benefits and consequences of lust-driven desire for sex. And that was just it. That was what freaked her out the most, no matter how much her brain wanted to desperately deny what happened. She was so close to committing such an indecent act with Sasuke!
A strong sense of nausea bubbled up in the pit of her stomach. If it hadn't been for the fireworks killing the mood, that what was undoubtedly would've happened. Making love?! With Sasuke?!
She couldn't deny how good-looking Sasuke is, but still… She wasn't attracted to him!
She waveringly drifted her blue gaze at the pile of their unfinished food scattered around the left side of the table. She fought down the warmth she was suddenly feeling on her face. She desperately tried not to reimage how intense and wild their… session was to leave the table in such a messy state.
The air around the two young preteens was tense and awkward. Neither of them knew what to say to diffuse the uncomfortable situation. They were both reeling from the huge mistake they almost made.
Even if- on some level- they were using each other for comfort and relieving stress… Then what? They were understandably horrified of what would've happened, if they weren't interrupted and went all the way. If they did… Then Naruko could've gotten pre-pre-preg…
She could've gotten pregnant!
Could a thirteen-year-old girl get pregnant? Didn't matter. The fireworks saved them from an utter disaster, which they would both be eternally thankful for.
They were too young. They weren't ready for a baby. They didn't want to think about it, but they both knew they weren't ready for the trails and consequences of raising a baby, nor were they even remotely stable enough to take care of.
Sasuke was still recovering from the incident with Itachi a few weeks back. The nightmare of reliving the night his clan was slaughtered still haunts him. It was an opened scar that won't ever go away. And the nightmare would keep on haunting him until he kills that bastard!
He had spent days, months, possibly years stressing over that horrific and traumatic night. The pain in his heart would never go away. What worse was the looks of pity he received from the villagers after the aftermath and word got out that every Uchiha was killed, except for one- a very young boy.
What truly disgusted him more was the attention, admiration, and obsessive advances he was greeted with from girls and women alike. He was well aware that he was popular with girls before, but his popularity seemed to have increased after his clan's deaths. It infuriated him because it was like a slap to the face and added salt to the wound. It was like they were praising him for being the last member of his deceased clan. It was revolting! They were delusional sickos, if they were enamored by good-looking (he is good-looking) guys with traumatic backstories!
A part of him completely understood they were only thinking of themselves. Guess, the prospect of being the new Uchiha matriarch and being the ancestor of the future generations of Uchiha was so tantalizing they could almost taste it. Sakura- for instance- practically dreamed and lived off the possibility of one day being Mrs. Uchiha, which was never gonna happen by the way. For god's sake, her entire introduction was about imagining herself as a member of an Uchiha through marriage. That was the second reason why he dreaded having a fangirl on his team. Sakura's only saving grace is that she is trying to dial back her fangirlism for more appropriate times (when they aren't on missions or training).
Naruko reflected on it. She felt nothing but sorrow and regret. Not just because she almost had her first time- and not just because it was with her rival (though that was part of the reason)- but because it was someone she didn't love! It might sound cliche, but Naruko was like any other girl. Meaning she wanted to give her virginity to the man she loved and would eventually marry one day when she's older.
She slumped at that. But would ever find someone who loves her? She bit her bottom lip, trying to not think about how the villagers mistreated and ostracized her. There's no way. No one would ever love her. And saying someone might one day, is just wishful thinking. Especially after finding out she hosts the Kyuubi inside- or if her partner ever found out.
Blue orbs and black eyes glanced at each tentatively before quickly turning away. Maybe there was an emotional reasoning why this happened. After all no one understands Sasuke better than Naruko, and no one understands Naruko better than Sasuke.
When they need someone to talk to, they look for each other.
When they need comfort, they look for each other.
When they need- no- craving some sort of affection, they look for each other.
There was no one in the village that truly cared about two, lonely orphans as much as they did for each other.
They were Naruko and Sasuke.
Sasuke and Naruko.
Maybe that's what drove them to one another. The comfort and emotional support- despite how much they wanted to deny it- they provided for each other was undeniable. It was almost as if this moment was inevitable.
"Um, can we not talk about this?"
Naruko was finally able to awkwardly speak the words they were both thinking, but were too hesitant to say out loud. What would they say if people found out they almost did the deed?
Not only that, but they truly just wanted to forget this ever happened. They would die from shame, embarrassment, and humiliation. What was more embarrassing than almost screwing with one's rival.
They weren't attracted to each other, and- if anyone thinks they were- they needed to get their heads examined. Why on earth did this happen? They needed better control.
It was for the best if they put this incident behind them. All they needed to do was hide the evidence of tonight's events.
That's all they needed to do.
Hopefully they can.
"Who do you want to spend your final moments with?"
"Naruko."
"Sasuke."
~ End of Flashback ~
It was about three weeks after that that Sasuke defected.
There was no denying that was what happened. So why did the dream where she had two children feel so real? As if she was reliving the past? Her sexual experience with Sasuke was the only experience they ever had, and they stopped themselves from going too far.
Yona sighed, shaking her head. No use dwelling on the past. Especially what did or didn't happen. That dream was getting to her head. She knew better than to let her feelings and emotions be controlled by a silly dream.
She figured she had walked far enough when she came to the waterfall. She took a seat, taking in the nice view it provided. Another sighed escaped her.
"You've been sighing a lot. Is there something on your mind?"
The red-haired princess did her best not to become startled at the unexpected voice. She turned her violet gaze to see Ik-Soo strolling closer to her. When the priest began to trip over his own two feet, she quickly ran up to catch him out of reflex.
"Are you okay, Ik-Soo?" she asked.
"Yes, I appreciate your help, Princess Yona," Ik-Soo spoke with gratitude.
They both took a seat near the cliff overlooking the waterfall.
"What's got you so down?" the priest asked in genuine concern.
"Is it that obvious?" she smiled sadly. She sullenly drifted her violet orbs to water. There was a moment of silence- just listening to the gently roaring sound of rushing water.
"I won't say everything that has just now sunk in," Yona started, "but I'm wondering if I made the right decisions."
She let out a breathy sigh. "I had a dream." She was grateful for the blonde priest's silence, meaning that he was just content with listening and knowing not to interrupt her as she gathered her thoughts and words.
"I've been thinking a lot about Father recently," she uttered solemnly. There was a look of wistful regret in her violet orbs. "It made me realize that I never really spend much time with Father. Not as much time as I should have. Just now, I started to discern the fact that I've been so focused on the past that I've neglected the present. If I had, then maybe I could've prevented Father's death, detected Soo-Won's betrayal sooner, and Hak wouldn't have to be a fugitive. Now I'm filled with nothing but emptiness and regret."
Yona wondered why she was lamenting all this to Ik-Soo of all people? Even though he seems like a nice priest, that doesn't excuse the fact that she barely knows him. Maybe since the guy apparently knows most- if not all- of her past just by "examining" her, there wasn't any need to restrict herself like how she's been doing at the castle. It was… refreshing… to truly just be herself without limitations and express her sincerest thoughts.
"None of that is your fault, Princess Yona. We're only humans. We can not predict what would or would not happen. Only the Gods can tell. There was no guarantee that- even if you had noticed sooner- it wouldn't happen anyway," Ik-Soo advised sagely. "All we can simply do is to do the best we can, and learn from our mistakes for future reference."
The red-haired princess nodded her head slightly in agreement. "You know, it feels like I haven't cried once for Father," she admitted with a hint of remorse in her voice. She did cry- only once- but it was more from tearfully nostalgic moments of the past- the life she once had- left behind rather than her father's death.
"'Never show your tears, no matter what'. 'Never show weakness'. These are just basic… theories," she decided to say for "shinobi rules". "Those are the rules taught to children to emotionally prepare them for the worst. We take psychological classes in order to enable us to have better control of our emotions. We learn from a very young age to separate personal feelings from doing what's needed."
She absentmindedly prodded her fingers on the earthy ground, drawing imaginary circles. "Sometimes I used to wonder why that is. Who would put up strict rules that were designed to 'kill one's emotions'? We are not emotionless tools, no matter how some wish that were the case. We are only human. We have thoughts. We have feelings. I used to get so angry about that, but I've come to a compromise of sorts when understanding the reasonings of such illogical and ridiculous rule sets. I realized the reason for it is that we won't be controlled and manipulated by our emotions."
She thought back to Sasuke and how Orochimaru and Obito were able to manipulate him by using his hatred and thirst for revenge against him. After all the whole cycle of hatred was people using and being used by their deep sadness and hatred. Her papa told her that once. Ninjas controlled by their hatred would undoubtedly be used.
"There's no better way of exploiting someone than controlling and using their emotions against them. So I won't cry. Not yet anyway. I can't think about crying until I do what is needed of me first."
Yona let out a somewhat appreciative smile. "Thank you for listening to my troubles, Ik-Soo."
Ik-Soo shook his head. "It's no trouble at all, Princess Yona. I can tell by your expression that those thoughts have been plaguing you for a long time. It must not have been easy for you to accept your death and adjust to life here. It's hard to get rid of traditions and practices that've been ingrained into your very soul."
She nodded, feeling at ease because she finally had someone who remotely understands. But now that her secret was out, she wouldn't have to hide this side of her from Hak anymore.
"Can I ask something of you?" Ik-Soo suddenly asked in a serious tone. "Can you do me a favor?"
Yona blinked in confusion. "A favor? What?"
"Do you think you can bring Yoon along with you on your journey?"
(A/N: That's it! The end of chapter 11! Was it enjoyable? Though, I do have one concern. How was the lime scene? Was it too much? Should I change the rating of the story because of it? I thought about it, but decided not to because it's not like they actually had sex. And I did give a warning. But if readers still believe the rating should be changed because they think the content of the lime is too explicit, then I'll change it. Better safe than sorry.
After all that, please leave any comments or questions in a review, and thanks for reading!)
