Disclaimer: I don't own the characters.
This is yaoi, guy on guy love. If anyone has a problem with that, feel free to hit the back button. I won't tell.
This is told from Neji's POV.
Respect the shortness of this tale.
Koibito: Lover
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The first time I saw you, it was raining. The wind-driven droplets cascaded from the heavens like sheets—endless, blinding sheets. With every step, there was a small splash. It was no surprise that you heard me approaching. You never were one to be startled.
I had expected a murderer. I had expected a prodigy. I had expected a life or death battle. Though I never allowed my conscious mind to make the thought clear, I had expected to walk away unscathed—if not physically, mentally. What could a common criminal do to me that hadn't already been done?
When silver clashed with crimson, I knew that I had made a mistake. I had been trained to combat the murderer and the prodigy; I hadn't been trained to fight a beautiful face. Just before you made yourself known, I had asked myself what a common criminal could do. A common criminal could do no mental damage; a common criminal, I could handle.
You were not common. You were a criminal, but nothing had ever been common about you. I knew no genjutsu had been cast—no wicked spell had been summoned to bind me. Though I knew that, I remained rooted to the spot, the rain soaking through my robes.
I thought I smelled a hint of jasmine as a soft breeze caressed my cheek. You were moving then, and I had to break the spell, if only to stay alive. I did not want that moment to end, but fate seemed to intervene. When I struck my palm outward to connect, your hand clamped down on my wrist. I could have moved, but I didn't; you could have struck, but you didn't.
Every moment I held back was a moment to question my allegiance. You had a face hardened by years of bloody battles; eyes honed for the kill. You were not so exotic. We were not so different, were we?
Your long hair was held back, like my own, but wet strands framed your face. Your features were an introduction to your crimson eyes. A beautiful prologue for a beautiful story—I hoped for an even better ending. Contemplating, I did not notice when you released your hold on my wrist. I did not notice when you touched my cheek. I didn't notice when my own hand had begun to caress your cheek.
The first time I saw you, it was fate.
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Author Rant
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I didn't work on this story alone. Two people, both dear to me, helped with the story. I was asked to keep both of their identities in the dark, but we all decided to dedicate it to Itachi and Neji. If they ever read this story, I hope the know how much went into it.
I wish them luck.
Reviews are lovely!
Ja ne.