Watch out! It's plot bunny mating season where I am, and they do indeed breed like rabbits. I've already found four in my house.
This is a soulmate AU, with a twist. And angst. Lots of angst, especially near the end.
I do not own Naruto.
As long as I can remember, my world has been gray. Color is reserved for those destined for another, and demons cannot love. At least, that is what the villagers say. Their hearts are cold, and they are cut off from the world. Such blessings as soulmates are above us. The first six years of my life were in the dark. Then I met her. She was not my soulmate, but I loved her nonetheless. Unfortunately, my feelings were not returned. Then, three years later, her soulmate, a childhood friend, died. A bond cannot be formed twice, and her chance at that special bond was gone. Her color would remain, but it would be dimmed. If one loses their soulmate, their color dims. If the love is unrequited, their colors will disappear, and their world will be gray once more. I took my chance, after giving her time to grieve. I comforted her, gave her a shoulder to cry on. Then three years after we made genin, I confessed. She accepted my feelings, though hesitantly, and we were united. I knew at this point my soulmate was probably either dead, or so far away we would never meet. The next four years were spent together, through wars and peace, and over time, we truly fell in love once more. It would never be as deep as that of a soulmate, but it was love. To our lonely selves, that was all that mattered.
Then, it happened. We were walking down a street, spending our honeymoon in a faraway town, laughing as we sat down in a park. From across the path, I saw her. Color flooded my world. I had found my soulmate. Her hair was brown, her eyes were amber. Our eyes met. I deliberately turned away, but not before making sure she saw the ring on my finger. As I looked at my new wife, she asked me what was wrong. Deliberately loud, I replied it was nothing. We stood up and headed back to our hotel. Behind us on the path, I saw the girl break down crying. She had waited, but it was too long. I loved my wife, and I would not leave her for anyone, soulmate or not. I never learned her name, but her face never left my mind. I locked it away, and it did not bother me anymore. For the first time in my life, I truly set my eyes upon my wife. She had long and beautiful pink hair. Her eyes were the deepest green I had seen yet that day. Her skin was pale and delicate looking, yet I knew it was not, for she was the strongest woman I knew. She saw the way I was watching, and knew what had happened. She asked me if I was ok, and that if I wanted to see the girl in the park again, she would understand. Smiling, I replied that the girl may have been my destined soulmate, but you were my chosen soulmate and bride. We may have been destined for each other, but I love you. She smiled in relief, and kissed me on the lips. We left for our home village the next day. The girl was at the gates. She looked at me with pleading eyes, begging me to stay. I turned away, and kissed my wife on the cheek, never looking back.
Seventy years later, I looked at my wife's grave. I was dying too, and I knew it. I still did not regret my decisions that day. My wife and I had five children, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the way. Smiling, I said goodbye to her, knowing I would greet her again soon.
Two weeks later I passed away, meeting my beautiful wife at the gates.
Yeah… I have no excuse. The plot bunny jumped me. There are still the other three lurking around, and I really can't let my guard down. Yes, I know it's depressing. Yes, I know I should be working on WAHTCS, but this bunny really hated me.
Well, see ya next time!
Setsuna Eien