I don't own Naruto or any of the characters. I however own my sad and lonely characters that will show up with frequency.
I touched the different fabrics feeling the difference as I looked over the kimonos that the vendor had. To be honest I wasn't completely sure what I was suppose to be judging them on. I walked down further to find a knee length one that faded top to bottom from a silver to a black. There were waved woven into the bottom of it. The blue contrasted the colors of the rest of the kimono, making it really call to me. The obi was the same shade of blue and I fell in love instantly.
"That would lovely on you dearie. Why don't you try that on in the back." The old lady smiled at me and I bowed slightly as I rushed into the back to change. It was a bit odd but I liked the feeling. There was a mirror in the corner and as I finished, I looked myself over and gasp. The blue matched my eyes and really made them look as deep as the ocean. I covered my face with my hands at how happy I was from a simple article of clothing. I wasn't much for shopping in the real world but this. If this was the other girls felt when shopping then I could totally understand why they loved to go shopping. Folding my clothes I walked and and saw Kakashi reading his book waiting on me. He noticed my presents and looked over his shoulder at me. He stopped and stared as he looked me up and down but I just beamed at him.
"Perfect right?" He seemed to be a lost for words and simply nodded as I walked up the old women. She saw me and smiled wildly as she reached behind her stall and handed me a pair of shoes that went with the kimono. How did she know my shoe size?
"You look like a princess my dear. Please take that as a gift from me to you. It would be a crime to deny that kimono to its rightful owner. Just come back and get more kimonos so that I can admire your youthful beauty." She waved her hand as a blush rushed over her cheeks. I smiled widely and thanked her many times and promised to come by when I had more money and buy kimonos. She waved me off as I left with Kakashi. I waved back and kept my smile in place. I looked down at the clothes in my arms as my excitement rose. Don't get me wrong, I liked my life back in the real world but this world was amazing. Everyone was so nice and sweet that I couldn't handle it. Why would I want to go home if I could live my days like this?
Because everything is going to go from bad to worse to hell then normality. Everything is peaceful right now because it is the beginning of the series. Everyone is gonna be in pain, or hurting. Even you might get hurt or worse killed. You can't protect yourself. You are just a normal human who can't compete with ninja's or beasts. Worthless. You'll know when people will die and there is nothing you can do about it. You be here doesn't change anything except maybe add another body to the count.
I shivered as a voice played in my mind. My radiating happiness faded to a calm and sad one. Kakashi eyed me as I suddenly changed my whole demeanor. I can't stay here no matter how nice it is now. Everything changes soon and this isn't a place for me to be. I need to find a way home quick after settling into a quiet existence here.
"That kimono really looks like it was made just for you," I looked up surprised as he had his classic closed eyed smile on. I gave a soft smile and looked down at my clothes.
"Thank you. And thank you for offering to buy it. I have never had someone offer that before. Let alone the seller tell me to have it without paying. I'm not used to such kindness that it's a bit overwhelming." I felt a few tears slip from my tears as Kakashi watched me from behind his book.
"VAL!" I looked up to see Iruka running at us. He slowed as he got closer to us and looked me over with surprise. "Oh you look wonderful," he smiled at me and I smiled back as I wiped the soft tears away.
"Thank you, I found a job and I needed a kimono and Kakashi offered to get me one but the lady ended giving it to me because it looks so good on me." I laugh a little and Iruka laughs as well.
"Well she wasn't wrong. If it wasn't for your short hair I don't think I would have recognized you," He laughed and I snickered to myself as he he straightened up. "I can take her back to my place Kakashi. Thank for taking care of her." They exchanged nods as Kakashi disappeared without another word. Odd but things were different here. Iruka motioned for me to follow him and I did.
"So you had a good day then?" I looked up at him as he smiled down at me and I nodded.
"Yes, it was a very nice day." I smiled down into my old clothes.
I woke slowly, turning over on the padded mat that I slept on. Iruka had pulled it out of his storage when he had first got off from work. He would have gotten it out the first night I stayed but I collapsed on the couch and he didn't want to wake me up. I yawned loudly as I stretched my arms above my head as I sat up. I wore my old clothes while I slept to keep from wrinkling my other clothes from this world.
"Good morning, you are up early." I crawled out of my makeshift bed and joined Iruka at his small table. He offered me a tea and I took it happily.
"Good morning and yes, unless dead I normally wake up early. I never knew why I did but it was a habit I formed at a young age. Old habits die hard uh?" I laughed and he nodded. We both enjoyed the silence as I drank my tea and he read over the paper. It almost felt we were a family like this. I felt a blush creep onto my cheeks. I covered my cheeks as I settled down my mind. I had zero feeling for Iruka, at least in the romantic way. He was a great character and he was sweeter than I knew he was. He was like a brother at this point. I shouldn't blush so easy at that stuff. However I couldn't help it. I was easy to make blush. I pouted and I heard Iruka laugh and I looked at him.
"You look like you are arguing with yourself. You make a lot of different facial expressions," I let my head hit the table as I wanted to die. I pouted as I rested my head on the table and Iruka seemed to just laugh more at me. "Well I need to be heading out. I'm still with the Hokage today helping giving out mission. I hope Naruto doesn't come in today, he always whines about wanting harder missions. What am I going to do with that kid," Though he sounded annoyed he had a smile on his face as if he remember something.
"Have a good day, I"ll be leaving here soon as well. My job at the bookstore starts in a little while and I don't want to be late." Iruka started to get up. "Oh thank you again for letting me stay here. I hate to be a bother but you are really a lifesaver. I wish I knew of a way to repay you," I looked down into my lap as I really did feel bad for not repaying his kindness. I assaulted by a hand ruffling my hair and Iruka laughing at me.
"No problem. You've been a pleasure to have a around and not a problem at all," I glared up at him as his head rested on my head.
"I'm not a child," I puffed out my cheeks and pouted which only made him laugh more.
"How old are you anyway? I'm pretty sure you're still a kid compared to me," He teased me by poking my cheek and I snapped at his finger.
"I'm 22," I watched as he looked surprised. Did I look a lot younger or something? He looked me over and tried to see if I was lying. I didn't know how old he was but I didn't think he was THAT much older then me.
"Wow, I'm 23. You don't look that old at all. I thought you were at most 17," He scratched the back of his head and I glared at him before dropping my gaze and playing with my tea cup. He thought I was a teenager. I'd hate to be a teenager again. Did everyone think I was that young? I sulked as Iruka grabbed a few things before heading for the door.
"I'm heading out, have a great first day at work," He waved as he left. I gave a half hearted wave as I sulked more. Being a teenager was the worse ever. Thinking you knew everything even though people told you that's what everyone thinks when they are your age. I know for sure now that I know nothing about anything. I had so much to learn but for the time I was stuck here. Which made everything worse. I had to start over from scratch and learn a whole new culture.
Standing up I quickly changed and headed off to work. Don't get me wrong, this a great culture to learn and absorb but I'll never be able to return back after I leave. Or rather I wouldn't dare come back, no matter how much I missed it. I didn't belong here, I belonged in the real world, not some fanfiction world. I needed to finish my college degree and find an apartment and job. Then at some point I'd have to look for someone to spend my life with. Though I think I could live with being alone for the rest of my life. I could easily accept that if I had to. Maybe I would have to if I never found a way home. I wouldn't want to risk changing something by falling in love with even a side character. What if I do and they aren't where they are suppose to be in something goes down and then everything gets fucked up. I will not be responsible for that. I already was having an impact on people even just existing. Maybe I should move into the forest and live like a hermit. No I could deal with that. Also I had zero survival instincts. I would be dead in no time. What was the old saying? You can survive 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food? Something along those line. I would be dead within 3 hours. I sulked till I came up to the door of the book store. Pushing the horrible thoughts from my mind I smiled and walked through the door.
Shiro was already moving things around when I entered. He turned and started to say they weren't quite open yet but stopped when he looked at me. Was I really different when I wore this? Well maybe I was.
"Good morning Shiro, how are you?" I asked as I walked in further as he took a few moments to gather his thoughts.
"Good, you look very pretty. So let's see, I need to move around some book and reshelve things so why don't you stay at the front desk. Feel free to read a book while you wait for people come in. All of them have prices on the stickers so just get the money and give out change. That's all you gotta do," He smiled at me and nodded a thank you. I glanced at a few of the books around me and found a book about ninja training for beginners. It looked like it might be a school book for the littlest of kids. I smile as I walk over to the desk and sit myself on the high stool behind the desk and opened it up. I was already inthralled just by the first few sentences. I don't know how long it had been before our first customers came in but the bell on the door sounded off and I looked up to see a mid aged women with about ten children with her.
"Hello welcome to Herro's Bookstore. Anything I can assist you with today?" I smiled at the women and she looked tired already.
"Oh no, I'm letting them pick out new books for library at the orphanage," She stayed near the front as she watched the little ones run around looking for books. Her eagle eyes watching them for any sign of trouble.
"That's good. Kids sometimes get turned off from reading when horrible things happen in their lives." The lady nodded knowing all too well of what I spoke of. I watched the kids for a little but soon turned back to the book I was reading. That is until all the kids had lined up in front of me with the books they chose. One at a time they set the books on the desk. I smiled at each of them as they did so until the last person got to the front. She looked scared and nervous keeping her head down not making eye contract. "I'm sure you'll love this book,' Though I knew nothing about what she picked out, I wanted to reassure her. She froze and looked at me with wide horrified eyes. My smile fell as she just stared at me before she started to scream. I nearly fell out of my chair at the sound of crys.
"Nali what is wrong?" She kneed down to her level but the child just thrashed and screamed. Was she scared of me? Did I say something wrong? I looked at the girl terrified at what set her off. The women quickly dropped the money on the table and apologized for the girl before picking her up and leaving with the class and the books.
"What was that all about?" Hiro came out of the back glad that the noise was gone. I shook my head not sure what just happened. I didn't know what was causing her such pain. Reaching for the money, I set it in the cash register.
"A women from the an orphanage brought them in for books then when the girl saw me she started to freak out. Do I look scary or something?" Hiro shook his head and scratched the back of his head.
"How odd. All those kids parents and family were killed by ninja or the sort. They are easy to set off. Don't take it to heart," He patted my shoulder and returned to the back to work. I nodded and looked down at the book in front of me. The day passed quickly between reading and customers. I had lots of nice chats with regulars that were glad their favorite store now had a "cutie working the counter". People here were too kind. However whenever my mind wandered it thought to that child. Why couldn't I get her out of my mind?
"Val we are closed, you worked really hard today. Glad we got you working for us," He laughed and handed me money in an envelope. "Here you go, now head out and get some rest. We will see you tomorrow," I smiled at Hiro and thanked him deeply. Waving I left the store and headed back to the apartment. However my attention was caught off guard as I swore I heard the beginning of the song Dirty Night Clowns by Cry Chris Garneau. However the toon soon changed to something I didn't know. However now that song was stuck in my head.
Pick me up and hose me down
I'm sorry boys about the dirty night clowns
The Earth does bright, the things that we make
Like a model planes and cuppiecakes cakes
I can't clear the leaves from here
They're too far under the brush this year
I can't clear the leaves from here
They're too far under the brush this year
Let them be buried, buried alive
In their suits, in their ties
Trees to shade the moves that they made
In their suits, in their ties
Let them be buried, buried alive
In their suits, in their ties
You're safe here, now you're in the clear
Now we'll eat soup and apple pies
I can't clear the leaves from here
They're too far under the brush this year
I can't clear the leaves from here
They're too far under the brush this year
I will never be dirt-free
Hold me, hold me
Like a baby
La da da da da da da dumb
Da da da da dum
La da da da da da da dumb
Da da da da dum
I sang softly to myself as I knew it was a slightly odd song to be singing in public. As I hummed the end part I reached the apartment and much to my surprise there were ANBU in the front of the building whispering something. As I grew closer they noticed and silenced themselves. The masks were a lot more intimidating in person then they were in the show. I smiled at them sweetly.
"Hope you both are having a nice day," I tried to lighten the feeling that weighed on my heart. They both just nodded and watched me as I headed to Iruka's apartment. I reached it quickly and opened to find Iruka was already home. He looked surprised to see me and worried. Have I overstayed my welcome?
"Is everything ok?" I pulled my arm to my chest as I tried to keep my heart in check. It felt as it would burst from my chest. I felt something was amiss and everything was about to come tumbling down. He looked at my hand on my chest, I assumed he could hear my heart racing.
"Everything is fine. Have you ever lied to me Val?" He looked really hurt as the agony ran though my heart as he watched me carefully. I opened my mouth to say something but it was in vain. Nothing came out as I closed my mouth and tried to think of someway to explain. There was no way to explain that I was from an alternate universe where this is all a cartoon show. I nibbled on my lip and I heard him sigh and run his hand through his hair.
"Ill grab my things, I'm sorry to have intruded," My voice was barely over a whisper as I slowly moved to grab my clothes from my world and headed toward the door.
"Are you a ninja? Did you kill that girls family? Were you just using me?" He yelled and I jumped ten feet in the air as I turned around wide eyed as I leaned against a wall. I stared at him as a few tears threatened to fall in the corners of his eyes as he waited for an answer from me.
"What? No. I have never seen that young girl before and I assure you I am not a ninja. I'm just a regular person trying to survive in this world by myself." I spoke as I looked at him dead in the eye then dropping my gaze to the floor. The room filled the most suffocating silence I had ever felt in my entire life. I forced myself off the wall and opened the door slowly. "I never used you. You were so kind to take me in and give me shelter. I'm nothing but grateful for what you've done for me. I'm glad I got to meet you and I am very sorry," I closed the door behind me as silent tears slid slowly down my cheeks. Stinging my cheeks as the air cut through my now cold skin. I shivered and walked toward the bookstore. There was a cheap Inn near by where I could stay while I build up money for an apartment.
I sniffled as I walked through the entrance. The girl at the counter looked worried for me but I gave her weak smile as I walked up. "I'm going to need a room." She simply nodded and asked for payment as we exchanged the bills for the key. I thanked her and headed toward my room. It was small with a mat instead of a bed. I wasn't complaining. I didn't need much and for the price that they let people stay here for, this was perfect. Setting down my clothes I changed quickly so not to dirty my kimono. Walking over to the window to close it I noticed a figure sitting on the roof of building near by. However it was gone as quickly as I saw it. Was I being followed by the ANBU? I remember what Iruka asked me. Was I ninja, did I kill those girls parents. Is that what happened. She thought I was her parents killers and the lady in fear that I was, told the higher ups. She must have told the Hokage and since Iruka is working with him at the moment he must have knew it was me somehow.
Walking into the tiny bathroom, I thanked the heavens as the bath gleamed at me. I adore soaking in baths and this would make me so much happier while I stayed here. Turning on the water I waited as it heated up and I looked myself in the mirror. My face had small tear stains on either side of my cheeks. I grabbed a cloth and wiped my face before snuggling into the warm water. Sighing I watched the steam flow through the bathroom. I had left the bathroom door open just a crack out of habit and I swore a shadow moved. But to be honest it was most likely the ANBU who now thought I was a killer. There was nothing I could do to stop them or even attempt to make them think I wasn't a bad person. "Please just leave me alone. I just want to go home someday," I whispered to myself as I needed the comforting. Blowing bubbles in the water I tried to relax and pretend I was at home in my own bath.
With some effort it worked. I blocked out the world and just relaxed. If I didn't think about it, it was exactly the same. A small smile graced my lips and I let my mind wonder to simple things. I needed to plat this season on league of legends and there's overwatch I need to rank up in. So much to do so little time. I needed work extra hours next week to pay bills. Then I had a paper due on Tuesday. I stop my train of thought and sigh. The more I thought of home the more I knew I wasn't really there. What if I got stuck here for the rest of my life? I can't think of that right now, nothing good will come of it except making me even more upset.
Getting out of the bath I wrapped a towel around me and drained the water. Opening the door to the living area, nothing was out of place. What did I expect? That I was cool enough to notice them move or touched something? Looking out the window, I shut the curtain and crawled onto my mat still in my towel. Everything will work out. Hopefully. Closing my eyes I willed myself to go to sleep for work tomorrow. If I still had a job. I shivered and tried to blank my mind.
[[Thank you for reading! I'm having fun with this. Trying to make this a slow burn but not a bad slow burns haha. People who say slow burn makes me think that i'll be 300k words before you anything interesting. Nah fuck that no one would wait that long. Natural but not being a nun xD Anyway would love to hear your thoughts on this matter. Have a lovely day!]]