An idea for an angsty one-shot really does seem to come weekly. I'd say that's a good schedule to stick to, but… by this point we all know I can't stick to schedules. So, I figured I'd just write out the ones I deem as good enough.
I don't usually write crossover fics though, so while this is only a one-shot, it is also sort of a new experience for me.
For the sake of this being so short and the whole crossover thing not being the main focus of this fic… Let's just go ahead and pretend that the Sohma family exists in the Narutoverse for this one.
There are no real spoilers here… It takes place after the Chunin Exam arc. The only thing you may be unfamiliar with is Kureno if you haven't read the manga for Fruits Basket. And, to be honest, you can wikipedia him to get enough information to understand this connection.
Clipped Wings
The breeze is soft on my skin. The sun is shining, and the streets of Konoha are as bustling and cheerful as ever. Things are finally starting to calm down after the Chunin Exam fiasco.
Missions have been postponed. The Hyuga's daily training schedules have been cancelled so there are as many people available to help restore the village to its former glory as possible. I am free to walk around… help out wherever I feel I'm most needed.
So why do I still feel so trapped?
I pass row after row of battered, damaged buildings. But it's not the horror of the destruction or the internal pain at seeing the grieving faces of those who are mourning someone lost in the battle that makes me stop.
I spot a man sitting on a bench. He has pale skin, burgundy hair, and dark eyes that are shielded from the sunlight. He is older than I am- early twenties if I'd have to guess. He is not a fellow shinobi, and I don't recognize him. There is nothing particularly remarkable about this man. Yet I have to stop when I see him.
He smiles up at me from where he's sitting, and his greeting is polite. "Good morning. How are you?"
But the smile doesn't reach his eyes.
"I'm fine, thank you," I respond. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"No, but I appreciate the offer." He laughs lightly; another cheerful action that he doesn't seem to genuinely feel. "I don't know what possessed me to wander around the village like this… I have so little free time. When I do have time to spare, I don't seem to know what to do with myself."
He rises, our meeting over. "Thank you for your service. And good luck."
I return the sentiment, but he doesn't ask what I'm wishing him good luck with. I gingerly touch a hand to my head protector as he walks away.
The imminent threat of being cursed may have passed, but the mark will always remain.
I know, now, why I stopped for that man. He and I share the same eyes.
I can recognize the look of a bird who has escaped from his cage only to discover that his wings have been clipped.
Review please!
I don't own Naruto or Fruits Basket.
I don't know why, but I've been in a present tense sort of mood lately…
