Nope, I still don't own Naruto.
Daww, thank you so much for the reviews guys. ^^
I like The Little Mermaid 2 too, ShikaTema 3... oh and one is never too old for Disney movies, like seriously. :D
~O~
Two Worlds
Second Chapter – Wading through water.
~O~
I. I believe in magic.
I didn't dream. Feeling half conscious through the night got me a mild head ache. But it's not entirely bugging me, so it'll probably disappear later on.
Perhaps I did dream, but remembering what it's all about would only aggravate my head ache.
Tossing to the side, a sharp pain stabbed me. The air, the floor, everything felt cold and a groan escaped my lips. The attempt to make myself comfortable failed when cold water landed on my face. Grunting in discomfort, I faced the other direction and ignored the rude act furiously.
Soooo... mama resorted to a new plan in trying to get me out of bed early huh? She won't succeed. Another splash came and it went directly to my back. It is freaking cold.
"Don't do that. I will not get up and I don't care if you'll put a shower on top of me." Practically screaming, I'm not exactly a morning person. Seriously, you can't expect a person who wakes up in the afternoon to love mornings. And it will actually get worse on Mondays.
"The sun is up."
My eyes shot open at the deep yet smooth voice. I slowly turned around and the memories of a certain incident flew my mind almost instantly. Waking up to the most striking eyes is indeed a great way to start mornings.
I'm surprised at his closeness. He appeared too cautious last night. The reflection of the sun's rays made him look angelic. Enough to bewitch a mere human like me.
"You talked." I said, fearing that a wrong act would make him swim away.
"Yes."
The surge of happiness that spread over my body is overwhelming as I sat up straight, "I," I felt my nose itch, and then, "Achoo!"
I cursed my rotten luck the moment I saw the slight fright in his eyes; he also managed to get away as far as he could. Perhaps my violent sneeze is something new to him, and this made me laugh, "I sneezed. Have you done that before?"
Shaking his head, he let out a small laugh as well. His eyes glinted as he swam back to where I was. I placed my hands on the cold floor and leaned closer to him.
"What's your name?" I asked.
My heart went wild as he pushed himself to me, his face close to mine.
"Neji." He replied.
My eyes fell down to his lips, mentally scolding myself at the process. I may have completely lost control over my body. The corner of his lips tilted and he leaned even closer, our lips are about a centimeter away. I shivered when I felt his hot breath. He tilted his head to the side. And just as I was about to close the distance between us, he suddenly spoke, "Nice to meet you." And pushed away, smirking.
My face heated up at the embarrassment and swore not to fall for his tricks ever again. He seemed to be enjoying this. Always targeting my sexual desires—if I have one, I guess. Now I feel stupid.
"You didn't kiss me," I bitterly spat.
He nodded his head, still smirking.
"You're probably a virgin."
The smile disappeared from his face and was suddenly replaced by raw curiosity, "What is that?"
It's my turn to smirk as the idea dawned on me, "Never mind. You can never relate." forcing down an idiotic grin as I spoke. Ha!
"If you say so."
I figured he's not much of a talker, but it's still a wonder to me why he can communicate.
"So," I began in a hopeful tone, "friends?" I extended my hand hoping he'd accept.
Neji stared at it for a moment and eventually raised his hand, clasping mine. "Let me think about it." He didn't shake it, he just held on to it.
My whole mood brightened, "Okay."
Staring at him, I squeezed his hand not wanting to break contact. Neji still seemed to doubt me. I gave him a genuine smile, "As your friend, you can tell me anything. I will listen and I will not tell anyone. I can be your confidant."
He frowned and snatched his hand away like it got burned.
"Ne—"
"TenTen?" I froze at the high pitched voice.
"Are you planning to get up late again? Come down right away or I'll come up."
I hurriedly got up and made my way to the door.
"TenTen." I braked and swiveled, my whole attention back to Neji again. "Be back." He said in an almost demanding tone.
My heart jumped.
"You don't have to tell me that." I said with a smile and slowly peeked out.
When I felt that no one's around, I stepped out and quietly turned to the corner only to be met by Cara's grey eyes.
"Mommy." I exclaimed in surprise.
"What do you think you're doing, TenTen?"
"Waking up early." My reply came out defensive.
She frowned undaunted and opened her hand in front of me, "Hand in the spare key."
"To what?"
"TenTen." She said in a warning tone.
I avoided her gaze and walked past her.
"I hope you know what you are doing young lady, so don't come to me crying." She said in a stern voice, though I'm sure there's a hint of sadness in it.
"I really don't now what you are talking about, mommy."
Guilt rose up from down at the bottom of my soul as I ignored Cara and went straight to the living room where my mama's soft singing echoed.
~O~
"Oh dear, what a surprise" mama smiled, taking a seat beside me on the couch.
"Well, I've been thinking about being eighteen and stuff…"
"That's lovely." She automatically cheered up and gave me a loving hug, "I'm glad you finally found that turning point in your life, TenTen."
"Yeah, mama." I gave her a small smile.
All of a sudden she extended her arms and held me at a distance, "You haven't been sneaking around the house, have you?"
"No. Why?" I can't believe it. They're really hiding him.
"Ah! Nothing of course," She laughed—obviously faking it—and fixed her blouse. "You're papa just got home last night. I know it would be lovely to have some family bonding, but unfortunately, we have a meeting to attend—a very important one."
"It's alright, mama. I'll be fine." The thought of them leaving excited me.
"Okay, dear." Mama gave me a sweet smile as she bid me goodbye and left.
Cara came in soon after bringing my breakfast. I quickly grabbed the remote control and turned on the television at max volume. She slowly placed the tray on the mahogany table in front of me, giving me a steady gaze. She opened her mouth to speak, but then decided not to and left.
I heaved a tired sigh and started eating my food. With Cara acting so cold toward me, I felt kinda lonely. I know she's mad, but I am completely fine so she doesn't need to worry. I flopped on the couch and let my mind wander. My heart raced at the thought of me finally finding love.
~O~
II. Beautiful things.
It was noon when I went back to the pool. I caught Neji sitting on the edge gazing at the sea outside, and then slowly turned his attention to me.
"Hey," I started, "how are you?"
"Alright." He answered giving me a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
My coral sundress flowed with the light wind from the windows as I went to him.
"Here." Crouching, I presented him an apple. "This is an apple."
Neji's lips turned into an amused smile as he took hold of it. "I know what it looks like." He stated in a calm tone examining the fruit.
I bit my lip and sat right beside him, "But… do you know what it tastes like?"
He frowned and placed the apple in my hands. "No."
"Then try it."
"No." He replied, his annoyance showing.
"Come on." I insisted, pushing it back to him, "Take a bite." I want him to know. I want to show him a glimpse of my world… to tell him that he can enjoy it too. And this simple tasting would be the start.
Neji wouldn't take it, so I held it up to his mouth. This made him look from the fruit to me then back again.
"Please?"
He held my wrist with his one hand while the other covered my hand that was holding the apple. Slowly he took a bite, almost closing his eyes. I swear it made me wish he's biting something else, but I won't go there.
My eyes sparked when I asked him if he liked it, but he denied it right away. Then I scowled and ate it myself.
~O~
"Your hair," Neji said.
"What about it?" If he wants to start a conversation, he should've went to something like 'your eyes' or 'you're beautiful' or say my name sexily, or 'I'm glad you're here'. Seriously people always start with my hair.
"It is strange." My jaw dropped. And not in an 'I'm in awe' way, but in a 'how could you' way.
My hand went up to my buns and looked at him weirdly, "You mean my hairstyle?" What he said was almost offensive.
"Is that what you call it?"
"Yeah."
He reached up and innocently ran his fingers through his hair. How could I stay mad at him for long?
"Yours is beautiful." I commented.
"Thank you." He smiled politely.
"You know," I said as an idea struck me, "I can do something about it."
Before he answered, I was already at his back, running my hands through the thick shiny locks.
"Look." I secured it with elastic and tossed his now braided hair over his shoulders.
"Do you like it?"
"No."
"Aww man, you are very hard to please."
He shrugged and went back into the water.
~O~
I've stayed here for almost two hours and all he ever did was being rude to me. His words and expression showed disinterest and he hated everything! Yet somehow, it's not enough to drive me away. It makes me want to do something about it instead. I know he's not doing this on purpose, it's just who he is. But I really do hope he could be nicer.
"Do you want me to leave?" I asked in a bored tone.
"Stay." And he's growing more and more demanding.
"I'm bored, do some tricks."
He stopped swimming and glared at me, "What tricks?"
"I dunno," I shrugged, "jump in the air, flip your tail, do some cool moves."
"No."
"Whatever." I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms.
He flipped his tail and sent a huge amount of water in my direction—drenching me.
"How could you?" I gasped.
"Come here." Neji smirked, extending his hand.
"I…" For real?
"You don't want to?" The disappointment in his face caused me to panic.
"I don't know how to swim." I replied. Memories of me in swim class flooded my mind instantly. It's like it was just yesterday when I drowned at the school's fifty meter pool. But who am I to complain, Sasuke saved me. I was convinced I can finally die happy that time when I felt his mouth on me.
"Why? You live near the sea."
Then again, he stood nothing compared to Neji's blinding beauty.
"I never went out." I admitted shyly.
"Then let me teach you." He smiled.
"You have a tail…"
"Isn't that better?"
"Well…"
Neji disappeared and suddenly a hand clasped my ankle, pulling me down to the pool.
"Aaarggh!" I yelped.
Splashing my arms, I struggled to survive. I no longer care at the amount of water I drank as I tried to get some air. Then strong arms held my waist, steadying me. Neji pulled me close, and I gazed up at his face.
"I'm sorry." He said.
It took some time before I calmed a bit.
I reached up and touched his forehead; the green mark has always intrigued me. Is he a prince? But it seemed like he's not proud of it.
"What is this?" I want to know more about him. "Won't you tell me?"
He briefly closed his eyes and buried his face in the crook of my neck.
It must be something he doesn't want to talk about. Now I'm at a lost for any comforting words.
"You'll be okay..."
Whispering in his ear, holding him gently, I know this is the only thing I can do.
"No." Neji said. Same word, but the emotion behind it is almost heart breaking.
"You will be." And he held me even tighter.
~O~
I. When it rains.
I was surprised when she talked in her sleep. It was some person named Ino. Whoever that is, they do not seem to be friends.
Now that I have relaxed a little, this four corner room turned out to be alright. It is dark at night because of the heavy colored walls, but when the sun peaks through the glass windows it gave the room a different glow.
For a while, watching her sleep rather awkwardly brought me a little joy. There is no other way to put it; I was enjoying the moment indeed. It is interesting to know how humans sleep. They talk. However, it took her too long to wake up and now the feeling changed to irritation. I feel the slightest bit ignored and forgotten. Perhaps it is wrong for me to assume I piqued her interest.
I splashed water in her direction. I was hoping she would sit up and apologize, but she only spun her back to me. Which made me repeat the act.
"Don't do that. I will not get up and I don't care if you'll put a shower on top of me."
The volume of her voice was alarming. It is a beautiful day, but she started it wrong. I swam closer to where she was and rested my arms on the tiled floor.
"The sun is up." I pointed out. She stiffened and slowly turned her head to my direction.
My eyes longed for her expression. It would be bad if she had an annoyed one.
"You talked." She croaked, eyes wary.
"Yes."
She sat up and her face brightened, "I," she paused...
"Achoo!"
I swam back.
She let out a weird sound from her nose… Is that how mornings are greeted here?
"I sneezed. Have you done that before?" She laughed.
Sneezed? I shook my head and laughed as well. Her laugh is contagious.
I went back to my old position gazing up at her as she leaned down.
"What's your name?" She asked.
Oh...?
I pushed myself up, close to her face, "Neji."
Her eyes fell on my lips again. I cannot help but tease her a little bit more than the last time. I have been praised for the beauty I posses, well that is how mermaids put it. I find it detestable. But if it works for this human, then maybe it is not much of a bother at all. I leaned in closer and closer, I can feel her anticipation for a kiss that will never happen. I am not that generous enough to give you such luck.
When our lips are just a breath away, I crashed the moment.
"Nice to meet you."
Her face fell. A smile tugged on my lips and I showed it as I pulled away.
"You didn't kiss me."
I nodded.
"You're probably a virgin." She stated heavily.
Virgin? I frowned and hoped she would elaborate, which she did not. "What is that?"
She smirked, "Never mind. You can never relate." She looked like she was about to burst into laughter.
"If you say so."
Maybe I should apologize for my ignorance. Some words and things are completely unknown to me. But I always have an open mind, I am willing to know.
"So… friends?" She said, extending her hand.
What am I supposed to do?
I reached for it and held it. "Let me think about it."
She's so slow. Can she not see that we already are?
"Okay." Her smile shone like the sun.
Her hold on my hand tightened, "As your friend, you can tell me anything. I will listen and I will not tell anyone. I can be your confidant."
It sounds so tempting, but why does she even care if I have something to say? She is so deceiving. I should not get carried away.
I snatched my hand away. I am this close to telling her all my worries. Pfft, like there is something she can do about it.
"Ne—"
I held my breath waiting for her to say my name, but she got cut of with what seemed to be her mother's voice.
"TenTen?"
"Are you planning to get up late again? Come down right away or I'll come up."
Ah, so she always wakes up late. Now I understand her reaction at my wake up call.
She suddenly got up.
Wait. "TenTen." She stopped instantly and turned to look at me. I was taken by surprise at the sudden response in her action, "Be back."
"You don't have to tell me that." She gave me a reassuring smile and slowly went out.
When the door closed, my current situation hit me again. I am trapped here.
I sat on the tiled surface, moving my tail in the water. It smells and feels different. It is like some chemical is mixed with it and it makes me sick.
I gazed back at the windows. It is a beautiful scene to look at. I never really appreciated how the sea looks like under the scorching heat of the sun, nor the feeling of it. I admit, I have been in the surface countless of times. But I enjoyed it more when it rains. There is a different feeling that comes along with it. The cold droplets of water that fell on my head and the warm waters surrounding my body…it was indeed something I would like to experience over and over again. It is unfortunate how it rarely rains here.
It felt bad lying to everyone. It felt really bad.
My hands fingered the pearls hanging around my neck again. This act, I have been doing it more often these days. I really do not want to let go of these. In our kingdom, whenever a merman marries, he would give his pearl necklace to his wife. So, when you are no longer wearing one, it means you are deeply committed. The strangest form of slavery I could ever think of. In my situation, the royals are snatching it from my neck by force, rather than me giving it willingly to Ani. Like that would ever happen.
Come back quickly, TenTen…
The door opened and I quickly spun my head, "TenTen?"
It was the older woman from last night. She looked so calm with a tray in her hand, but her eyes spoke with fury.
I spun around, feeling ashamed. They probably did not know TenTen came in here and I obviously gave it away with my hopeful tone.
"I already know." The woman said in a quite voice. She placed the tray on the floor. "Here's some food."
I continued to ignore her.
"It's too late to be pretending you're mute."
She knelt beside me and placed a hand on my shoulder, "Please, don't take it too far. I don't want you to mar her life. We both know you will have to go."
"Shouldn't you be telling that to her instead?" I spat.
She frowned and withdrew her hand.
My eyes fell down to her neck, something peeked out from her clothes. Then upon realization, "Those pearls…" I whispered.
The woman quickly placed her hand over it then she stood up and avoided my stare.
"Wait." I said, but she continued to leave.
~O~
II. Surprising yet pleasant feelings.
The conversation I had with the older woman did not leave my mind.
The door clicked.
"Hey, how are you?" I was relieved that it was finally TenTen.
"Alright." Trying to hide my confusion, I gave her a fake smile.
She was wearing a lovely dress.
"Here." She went beside me and showed me a bright red object, "This is an apple."
I almost laughed as I picked it up from her small hand, "I know what it looks like."
"But… do you know what it tastes like?"
I retuned the fruit to her. The food her grandmother offered tastes bad enough, "No."
"Then try it."
"No."
"Come on." She practically shoved it back.
"Take a bite."
She held it up to my mouth.
"Please?"
I held her hand with both my hands and slowly took a bite. It was crunchy with a sharp taste, making me want to spit it out. But I cannot do that in front of her. After all, she did bring that for me.
"Do you like it?" She asked and leaned closer, her eyes big with curiosity and excitement. It disappeared from her face though when I told her I don't.
"But how can you not?" She scowled and finished the fruit, facing the other way.
My attention went to her hair. Last night it looked burned, now it is short and weird.
"Your hair,"
"What about it?" She snapped.
"It is strange." I have never seen mermaids wearing their hair that way.
She raised an eyebrow and touched the bumps of hair on each side of her head. I am not sure what it is.
"You mean my hairstyle?"
"Is that what you call it?" So that is called a hairstyle.
"Yeah."
This made me check my own hair, it is just plain.
"Yours is beautiful."
"Thank you." I felt my face heat up at her compliment.
She suggested doing my hair and before I can even reply, she was already running her hands through it, tugging it.
When she's done she tossed it over my shoulder. And I was amazed. It looked like a rope. I am sure it would be easier to swim like this.
"Do you like it?" She asked.
I decided to tease her, so I answered a brief 'no'.
"Aww man, you are very hard to please." She pouted.
I shrugged, and tried it out in the water.
~O~
"Do you want me to leave?"
"Stay." I do not want her to leave, for all the selfish reasons; I want her to stay here—with me.
"I'm bored, do some tricks."
I could not believe what I just heard. "What tricks?"
"I dunno," she shrugged, "jump in the air, flip your tail, do some cool moves."
"No."
What does she take me for…a dolphin?
"Whatever." She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms with a pout.
I hated when she shows disinterest. With that I splashed her some water and she almost screamed.
"How could you?"
"Come here." I smirked, extending my hand to her. I want to feel her.
"I…" The hesitation in her eyes made me sad.
"You don't want to?"
"I don't know how to swim."
"Why? You live near the sea." I thought for sure swimming is one of her past times.
"I never went out."
"Then let me teach you." Just come to me…
"You have a tail…"
"Isn't that better?" Come on, TenTen…
"Well…"
I may not have the freedom I wanted back home, but I will surely have my way with you.
Swimming down, I grabbed her into the water by her ankle.
"Aaarggh!"
I let go of her only to see her frantically gasping for air, splashing around in panic. Then I took hold of her body and pulled her in, attempting to calm her.
"I'm sorry." It was clearly wrong for me to do such a thing.
Her heartbeat stilled after sometime, and she finally relaxed. She gazed up at me and gently traced my forehead. Not there. I thought sourly. It was never a comfortable thing for me to talk about.
"What is this?" She asked, "Won't you tell me?"
I feel vulnerable.
I bit my lip and hid my face in her neck, taking in her scent. Her arms went around my neck, holding me very gently.
"You'll be okay..." She whispered softly. And I lost it.
"No." My voice cracked. I hate this. I hate how it feels so right. I hate that I do not want to let go.
"You will be." TenTen said. She sounded so certain.
I held her tighter and then my tears just fell.
~O~
Thank you for reading. :)
