The Reason for Hesitation
Sometimes he wondered why he stopped.
He had every right. He had the power. Everything was perfect. He could do it. His shinobi training urged him to do it.
And yet he didn't.
He could already hear them scorning his decision. He knew that they would be disappointed with his apparent lack of resolve—disappointed with his hesitation.
He tightened his grip on the blade.
This ninja, he had tried to kill him; and not only him, but his friends as well. Now the shinobi was at his mercy. The black eyes of his enemy challenged him to do it. It would not be murder. It was self-defense. He had every reason to obliterate this threat. He could not take the ninja hostage; it just was not plausible.
What was he doing?
Yes, every logical thought told him to proceed with the mission. Yes, his own teacher urged him to. His instincts, however, warned him against this action. This was a man's life he was bargaining with. For good or ill, he would not become a murderer.
They asked him why he had stopped. He knew why; he just didn't say.
The answer was simple. He didn't want the stain of that man's blood on his hands. He didn't dare imagine the pain in her glance if he were to kill so easily. He knew that, in doing so, he would lose the ability to hold her. To him, she was perfect. To him, she was everything. He couldn't tarnish her with his bloodied hands.
And that was why he stopped then. And that is why he stops now.
A/N: so...what couple did you see this story as? review!