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Sharing Emotions
Chapter 7
Saryie sighed contently as she placed the last of her belongings into a newly furnished apartment assigned for her. It was great to finally be able to move out of that dusty old tent and to get to sleep on a new cozy bed instead of a cot. Saryie smiled fondly to herself as she shoved her clothes into the drawers by her bed.
Her new apartment didn't look much like the way her old one did. It was even smaller than her old apartment. The kitchen was merely a few feet from her bedroom only separated by a half wall. The bathroom was located on the other side of the room next to a big window and Saryie was lucky this time around because she was given a small balcony.
Her apartment was on the top floor of the third story building and she had a view of the Hokage Monument. The street down below was fully developed and neighboring apartments and buildings were all newly finished.
Saryie let the breeze drift in through the open window screen, breathing in the fresh air. Her apartment didn't feel like home yet, but she had no doubt she'll get used to it.
Saryie only wished some of her other belongings from her old apartment had survived. She had lost many of her team pictures from her genin days as well as her family portraits. Most of her personal items got destroyed and now her new apartment was bare and lacking that homey feel.
Saryie felt accomplished as she finished moving in to her apartment. She strode out the door not a moment later, locking up, hoping to grab an afternoon snack.
Michi and her had given Tsunade their report on Nago's mission and delivered the supplies provided by Nago to the Supplies unit. Tsunade was thankful that the mission didn't take them too long and that it wasn't a difficult task. Saryie had asked if Azumi had returned from her mission too, but Tsunade shook her head.
The trip to Suna usually took 3 days and 3 days back. Michi and Saryie should expect Azumi back in about a week at the most. That was when Tsunade had informed Saryie of the newly furnished apartments developed on Block C and that there was one set aside for her.
Saryie was ecstatic and Michi helped Saryie partially move into the apartment that night. Now today with no missions, Saryie was left to enjoy her day off.
She wondered how Sai was and hoped to spot him while she was out. Saryie did happen to spy him as she strolled around the construction site. Sai was resting beside a tree in casual attire with a book in-between his hands.
He seemed to be focused as his brows were scrunched as if he were puzzled.
Saryie was quick to dim her chakra and moved briefly behind him. With an element of surprise, Saryie covered his eyes.
"Guess who?"
"Saryie," Sai mentioned without being fazed, his tone dull.
Saryie laughed lightly as she removed her hands and plopped down beside him. "I guess I wasn't as sneaky as it seems."
Sai glanced over at her, eyeing her playful features. "No you weren't, I sensed your presence earlier," Sai mentioned as he skillfully tried to shield his book away.
"What are you reading?" Saryie questioned as her eyes caught on to his movement.
Sai hummed to himself, seeming to fuddle before showing her the cover of the book.
"Dating Tactics 101?" Saryie read as her eyes traveled back to Sai's gaze.
Sai seemed to take in her open features before resuming where he was in the book.
"Is there anything useful you came across?" Saryie asked, carefully as she smiled hesitantly at Sai.
A blank look came over Sai's features while his eyes drifted back down to the book as he listed off some of the things he had been reading.
"There is quite a few interesting topics. One was on Communication, Flirting, Body language, Affection, Intimate touching-"
Saryie coughed a bit at that with her cheeks turning slightly pink.
Sai's questioning eyes shot up to look at her, not sure if it was something he said. "Are you alright?"
"Yea," Saryie replied as she shook away her embarrassment.
"It says with any healthy relationship their needs to be open communication. That if there's something you feel, it should be addressed as soon as possible so that the other can understand," Sai spoke robotically.
"Ha, I'm fine Sai…. It's just I'm a bit shy about the touchy feely stuff in a relationship," Saryie spoke honestly.
Sai seemed to consider her words for a moment as he glanced back at his book then at her again and then down at her hands that were fidgeting at her knees.
"Does holding my hand make you uncomfortable?" Sai asked bluntly.
Saryie shook her head no as she looked away, a light blush returning to her cheeks.
"I don't mind holding your hand, Sai."
"Why do you feel shy about touching then?" Sai pressed, openly curious to understand.
Saryie looked back at Sai as she bit her lip. She slowly reached her hand out to grab Sai's. Sai accepted her hand willingly and could feel the nervousness of her touch as she squeezed his hand. Sai trained his eyes on her features taking Saryie all in.
"I'm just not use to receiving physical affection," Saryie spoke softly.
Sai could partially understand then. He too was not use to receiving physical affection. It was all new to him. He never received a motherly touch when he was a child or a tender embrace from a parent. From when he was a small child it was about repetition of movement and pining the opponent down first. Occasionally he would receive a pat on the head but most acknowledgement was verbal.
He was trained to not feel, to not want. Physical affection was not something that existed to him. He could barely comprehend it. The desire to touch another's flesh, to feel their warmth, to feel their support, to feel their being. It was all new to him but he was not shy about the unknown territory. It only made him more curious.
"I can understand…" Sai spoke slowly. "If any of this bothers you, just mention so."
Saryie smiled widely at Sai, making him feel as if his mouth had gone dry.
"How about we go get some food?" Saryie suggested chipper, relishing in the feel of Sai's hand.
Sai gave her his signature smile as he agreed. He placed his book into his bag before they both stood up to leave. They headed to Naruto's favorite ramen shop, Ichiraku, and sat down to have a hot bowl of ramen to eat.
After their meal, Saryie sighed contently as Sai enjoyed his meal too but less expressively. Saryie then suggest to Sai that he come see her new apartment. Sai had agreed and when they arrived at her apartment Sai had mentioned how small it was. Saryie had only laughed at that saying she knows, but at least it was better than living in a tent. Sai could see her point as he took in his surroundings.
Sai had noted the bareness of her apartment and the standard living accommodations she had been given. Saryie had a full size bed, wooden drawer, plain wooden table with two wooden chairs, and a white tile kitchen. Sai had mentioned how the kitchen seemed cramped and that Saryie had missed a spot when she had mopped.
Saryie eyed Sai curiously and scoffed at that, giving him a funny look that he couldn't place. She wasn't angry or annoyed that was all Sai knew as he looked at her blankly, before taking a look out her balcony.
Saryie's balcony did have a great view of the mountain side but Sai wondered if that was going to remain when they kept building around Konoha. After the tour of Saryie's apartment, Saryie asked if Sai would like to train to which Sai readily agreed. Although Sai mentioned he would need to change into his ninja attire at his apartment.
Saryie understood and told Sai what training field she'll meet him at as they headed out of her apartment. Saryie parted from Sai and zoomed across the roof top buildings as she headed to the training grounds.
She stretched her body out and warmed up her muscles for combat as she waited for Sai. Sai didn't take long as he appeared soon enough ready to take her on. He was quick to charge at her in a surprise attack but Saryie sense his approach, backing away from him. She blocked his advance as he came forward trying to land a hit on her. Saryie used her legs to create distance from him as she tried to figure out his strategy. Sai was quick not to lay down a pattern as a second him came out of the shadows to attack her.
Saryie moved quickly avoiding the double attack as she had to watch her back. Saryie split herself into two, escaping as the two Sais tried to corner her. Her water clone was almost able to land a kick when Sai's blade cut right through it. Saryie was quick to draw her water blades as the clone of Sai came upon her with his weapon drawn.
The other Sai was swift to unleash his scroll drawing lions and animate them into being. He drew his hand signs quickly as Saryie slash through the clone of Sai and was soon met with raging lions.
The water from Saryie's water blades made quick work of the lions as they dispersed quickly upon the contact from the water. Saryie was surround by the lions in a circle as she sliced them one by one. She lost focus on Sai's position as she got rid of the last lion.
By the time Saryie realized Sai was missing, he had appeared behind her. He was quick to disarm her, knocking one of her water sticks out of her hands while the other he caught in his own hand by twisting her wrist behind her back for her to release.
Sai didn't hold Saryie for long, releasing his grip on her. Saryie huffed at losing as she moved away from Sai, turning around to face him. She saw his curious look emanating from his face as he examined her water stick.
Sai held the object with interest as he studied the way the stick channeled chakra. He tested the weapon with his own chakra noting the slight change in color but no water forming around the stick.
"Do you have water nature chakra?" Saryie questioned as she stepped closer.
"I have some capability of it," Sai admitted, his eyes shifting over to her.
Saryie smiled, lightening up her face as Sai passed back her water stick.
"It is a curious weapon," Sai mentioned, his face blank. "Where did you acquire it?"
Saryie let out a hesitant laugh as she went to pick up her other water stick and placing them into her pouch at her hip.
"It's another long story…. If you have time for it."
"I have no other obligations," Sai stated, noting the shift of her eyes away from him and her slack posture.
Saryie purse her lips in thought. "I can tell you later if you want after we get back and have showered."
Sai nodded as Saryie got into a defensive position once more.
They sparred until the sun went down and afterward went to their respected homes to shower. Sai soon met Saryie later at her apartment and they sat on Saryie's apartment's rooftop above her balcony. Sai had his regular civilian clothes on while Saryie wore spandex shorts and a loose t-shirt.
Saryie's hair was down and blew casually in the wind. Saryie cleared her throat, knowing Sai was here to hear her story about the origin of her water chakra sticks.
"Well it started with a mission to the Land of Rivers. My team and I were still genin. I had barely turned 14 and we were going to go on our first C rank mission assigned by Lady Tsunade. It was kind of after my whole ordeal from the mission I got the scar on my leg from," Saryie voiced hesitantly and let out a light chuckle as her scarred leg twitched as she continued.
"My sensei didn't think I was ready for the mission, but Tsunade took a leap of faith because of my determination to go. It was supposed to be a simple escort mission. A clan from the Land of Rivers wanted to uproot and start a new life in the Land of Fire.
"The clan we were to escort was the Kohaku's. They were known in the Land of Rivers for their fine craftsmanship for unique ninja tools, but also for selling other clan's secrets. They were supposedly under new leadership when the mission request had come across Lady Tsunade's desk." Saryie took a deep breath as she looked up to the night sky, her mind traveling back to that time.
"Tsunade was still a relatively new Hokage and she assigned a team of seven to the assignment. She thought this mission would be a good experience for my team and we were joined by Genma, Kotetsu, and Izumo.
"It seemed to be a really simple mission on the surface, we were to guard 30 members of the Kohaku clan to the Land of Fire. From there they were going to settle in a village by the border of Rain Country. So initially I was excited to go out and accomplish this mission." Saryie smiled sweetly at the memory of her younger self and Sai watched her every move, listening intently.
"We met with the Kohaku clan in the Land of Rivers. There the team was split with me and Iroha traveling in the back of group with Kotetsu with Michi to the right and Izumo with Azumi to the left as Genma was in front.
"The trip was long and terribly boring, since we had to move at a snail's pace because of all the carts and supplies the Kohaku clan was traveling with. I was very impatient with the progress and was very vocal about it.
"There was… this kid there… he was traveling at the back of the Kohaku group and he was around the same age as me… maybe a bit older. His name was Yoshiro and he was traveling with his grandma, one of the elders of the Kohaku clan. Her name was Kana. Yoshiro was quiet and use to stare at me with these big brown eyes.
"Naturally, I didn't understand why he was looking at me like that and I called him out on it and he shied away," Saryie laughed briefly, her voice overly calm. "We didn't start talking until after a few nights when we took breaks from traveling during the day. It was during that time, I still suffered from the uneasiness at having my mind invaded from the previous mission.
"I bonded with Yoshiro's grandma and him as we sat by the fire during the nights I had trouble sleeping, just chatting with them. I felt close to them. His grandma gave me the comfort I wish I could have gotten from my own mother. I had asked what happened to Yoshiro's parents one time…
"His grandma had told me they had died fighting a losing battle. That their uprooting to the Land of Fire will help bring stability and a fresh start for their clan. That it will take them away from the prosecution they have felt from villages in the Land of Rivers.
"Yoshiro didn't seem too happy with the move to the Land of Fire; he was resentful of the Land of Rivers. He felt no place was his home. The Kohaku clan was known to be nomads in the Land of Rivers. They moved one place to the next.
"On the eighth day of travel, we were attacked. Iroha barely had time to warn us as enemy ninja from the Land of Rivers came at us. They were after members of the Kohaku clan for the secrets that they may know and weapons that they possessed.
"The surprise attack was sudden and as Iroha went to disable two of the enemy ninja with gentle fist, I saw another leap out. The ninja was about to attack Yoshiro and I was quick enough to stand in front of him and protect him.
"Before that ninja could get their hands on me though, Iroha was already taking care of him with gentle fist. I gathered Yoshiro and Kana and escorted them back to the others of their clan as me, Michi, and Azumi protected them as Genma, Iroha, Kotetsu, Izumo fought the enemies with help from some of the other Kohaku members.
"After the assault was over and the enemy retreated, Kana was grateful to me for protecting her only grandson. As the leaders of the Kohaku clan bickered about the attack, Kana was worried about the other member's wellbeing. My sensei on the other hand was persistent about knowing the reasoning behind the enemy's attack.
"The mission was stated as a simple C rank mission, they weren't supposed to face combat from another Hidden Village. It would have been ranked a B mission otherwise. Iroha wanted to know why the Land of Rivers was pursuing the Kohaku clan when they had claimed they had a made a peaceful agreement with them.
"It was all over my head at the time, but apparently… the Land of Rivers had agreed to let the Kohaku clan leave if they had left behind all of their one-of-a-kind handmade weapons. The ones that had been in their clan for generations. Well as it turns out…" Saryie paused, grimacing slightly, "they didn't give all their special weapons away.
"They had tried to sneak off with some of them and as Genma sent word to Lady Tsunade about the situation, the leaders of the Kohaku clan argued with us. It wasn't until Kana spoke up that a decision was reached. Kana wanted a fresh start for the clan. She said it was important for them to turn away from their old way of living to start a new life.
"She wanted their clan to thrive and not dwindle by number every year because of the untrusted the clan received from outsiders. She wanted Yoshiro to grow up safe and not be sucked into the life of bad business. With that, she had displayed the clan's hidden stash of weapons that was in one of the crates they carried.
"Kana then pulled out these two ordinary looking sticks to me at the time and handed them over to me. There was a gentle smile on her face as she proclaimed that this was a sign of their clan's good faith with the Leaf. She stated the other weapons would be given back to the Land of Rivers to which many of the Kohaku leaders grumbled about, but Kana had final say since she was the eldest.
"When the enemy ninja returned, Iroha had settled things with Kana beside him. They gave the River ninja the Kohaku clan's weapons and in return they let us escort the Kohaku clan to the Land of Fire. On the journey to the village in the Land of Fire, Kana explained to me how to use the water sticks.
"Yoshiro wasn't very pleased as I tried to practice channeling chakra through them. He was annoyed as I tried to learn how to use them and he told me how he could do it better. He soon helped me learn as he got over his resentment. When we finally got the Kohaku clan to their new village, I was able to form water on the chakra sticks and was so happy about my progress.
"We had to say goodbye to the Kohaku clan after that and that was it… I haven't seen Yoshiro since…" Saryie trailed off deep in thought. She could still picture Yoshiro's young face with his wolfish dark hair hanging down on the side of his face and the odd s-shape scar on his right cheek.
"So your weapon came from the Land of Rivers?" Sai clarified.
Saryie smiled, turing to look at him. "Yup."
"That is rather fascinating. It explains why I haven't seen anything much like it before. The Land of Rivers is full of wetlands, marshes, and misguided paths. Many outsiders don't get very far in and aren't able to find their way out."
"Yea, it was quite spooky there and muddy. Not much of a lovely place," Saryie commented, in a lighthearted mood.
"Thank you for sharing your story," Sai spoke, honestly as he searched her face. He really did enjoy hearing the way she told her own stories. He liked the sound of her mellow voice and how the pitch of her voice would go up when she smiled or laughed. It was hard for him not to pay attention.
Saryie smiled at him and under the starry night, Sai couldn't help but think nothing ever looked so tranquil than her sitting there smiling over at him. He leaned forward in that moment and captured her lips with his. Saryie's eyes widened, but immediately accepted the kiss as she leaned forward into him.
She placed a hand on his cheek and the other at his shoulder as one of his hands moved to her waist. They took the kiss slowly, enjoying the feel of one another's lips wanting to relish in the moment as long as possible.
Aweeeeee so cute. Right?!
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Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. I do own Saryie, Michi, and Azumi
