Still own nothing but the ocs. Thanks Aleka!
Just a reminder, this story contains: odd sense of humor, suggested stuff, dirty mindedness, running gags and language. XD
Soka = Kiyo; Chi = Isamu; Tenzō = Yamato; Ren = Kuya; Io = Chou
Love Notes
Things were getting interesting over the next few months. Seeing Tenzō was getting harder and harder. Majority it was in passing in the hallways. Mei finally talked to Io and they decided that they wouldn't be friends anymore. Io told me they really didn't have a friendship to being with. Unfortunately Mei was still being crude to people.
I was still in my group of four or two depending on what was going on. I got to go on a mission with Chi, Io and Ren. I found out Io was very versatile in weapons. I could tell that her and Chi were getting along better. I laughed the one mission we had were Chi was fighting one rogue and another was going to attack him from behind. I missed the kunai that Io threw but saw it skim the top of Chi's head and hit the rogue.
One night
I was sitting on top of my apartment building staring at the starless sky. The moon looked beautiful. I was trying to clam my head. I pulled my knees closer to my chest and rested my head against them. It was quiet out that I could hear the crickets. I don't know what triggered it but I felt the tears sliding down my face. I felt like a wreck.
"Kiyo?"
I lifted my head slightly and saw Chou. She came over and sat next to me. I couldn't look at her. I couldn't get the tears to stop. She wrapped an arm around me and pulled me into her. It was during that movement, she saw my tears.
"Oh, Kiyo. Don't worry; you'll see Yamato soon." she whispered.
"I know, but I can't help feeling empty when he's gone."
"I know. I have a hard time when Isamu is gone, but I remind myself that he always comes home to me."
I sighed again. I was glad that Chou was becoming a good friend to me. Then I thought of something.
"How did you know I was up here?" I asked her.
"I forgot to tell you. I live on the other side of the building from you. Some times I come up here to watch the stars. I felt your chakra signature and thought I would come to say hi." she said softly.
It took me a bit to process it but it made sense. I tried to smile but the tears kept coming.
"I know why you're sad." she started. "Are you worried about Yamato forgetting?"
"Forgetting what?"
"Your birthday is tomorrow, right?"
I mentally slapped myself. I didn't even think of that.
"Yeah, it is. I didn't think of it because I really don't celebrate it and the last couple of years, I've been away on missions." I sighed. "I'm not even sure if he knows it. I never told him when it was."
"Ah. Who knows? You do have the day off tomorrow. You and Kuya don't leave for a mission until after your birthday." she smiled.
"Maybe I'll go and visit Miya tomorrow."
"You need a day off from both jobs." she huffed. "Are you trying to work yourself to the bone?"
"No?"
"Tell you what, I'll go and work for you at Miya's tomorrow. You stay home and relax." she ordered.
"Okay, but it's not easy working for Miya."
"I know, but I've been wanting to do something like what Miya does."
"If you can sew or sketch, you'll be fine."
"Careful, she might have me working for her instead of you."
"I do know that she wants to look for more help, but she's been too busy to look or ask around."
"Anyway, it's late and you should go to bed. I'll worry about Miya's tomorrow."
"Thanks Chou."
We left and headed to our apartments. I crawled into bed and fell into a sleepless sleep stained with tears.
Next day
I woke up in a soggy pillow. I could only wonder how long I had cried into it. I swapped it for a different one on my bed and pulled the covers over my head. I heard a crinkle and slowly sat up. I pulled the note off of the pillow and looked around. I didn't see anyone nor hear anyone.
Beautiful Ki
Don't cry. I'm sorry I've been gone so long from you. I heard you crying last night. I could only wonder what would make you so sad. Please try to have a good day without me. I miss you too.
T
I gave a half smile as I slowly crawled out of bed. I got as far as my doorway before I dropped to my knees. If only I had more tears to cry I would.
There were a huge vase of flowers on the kitchen table. It was full of yellow daffodils, white gardenias, yellow and blue irises, orange lilies, white lily of the valley and orange roses. Somehow, I managed to get up and walk over to the table. I picked up the note in front of the flowers.
Ki
I know you love flowers and I hope these will make you smile. Have a happy birthday.
T
For some reason I flipped the note over and started to laugh.
Daffodils = joy and happiness; Gardenias = secret love; yellow irises = passion; blue irises = hope and faith; orange lilies = passion; lily of the valley = sweetness; orange roses = passion.
"Lots of passion, some sweetness along with faith and hope. Possibly some joy and happiness for the secret love." I muttered.
I walked over to the kitchen and noticed a bag with a note on it: Eat me!
"That could be dirty." I muttered.
I pulled the bag open and squealed. One of my favorites: anpan. I sat down at the table and looked over the flowers as I ate. I was in awe of how beautiful they looked. I was starting to feel a little better. I headed back into my room when I was done eating. I almost walked past a package on my dresser. I smirked at the note: open me!
I slowly opened the package. It was a wooden box with carvings of different flowers. I realized the white box I had on my dresser was gone. I opened the box and found it was lined in white satin. My hair comb, necklace and rings were in there. I breathed a sigh of relief. I glanced up and saw a picture on my mirror. It was of Tenzō and I dancing when we were in Iwa. I saw a note next to the picture:
A good love is delicious because you can't get enough too soon.
I gave a small giggle at it. I walked into the bathroom and washed my face. I tied my hair in a ponytail with a white ribbon and put on a green qipao with a white sash. I went over to my jewelry box and put my necklace on and my wooden ring.
I walked out of my room and looked for my ipod. I found it on the kitchen counter with another note:
Dance is the hidden language of the soul and is a vertical expression of a horizontal desire.
I rolled in laughter when I read that one. I was starting to wonder where he came up with these. I secured my ipod to my sash and had my earphones draped over my shoulder for the moment. I rummaged around my weapons looking for a fan. I found one with a bow on it. I untied the bow and opened it up and a note fell out. The fan was beautiful white with orange roses on it. I picked up the note and smiled:
Love can be hot sometimes; this is one way to cool down.
I folded the fan up and slid it next to my ipod. I left the apartment and headed towards the dress shop. I figured I should say thanks again to Chou. I put the earphones in and started to listen to music as walked. Chou gave me a wave as I entered the store.
"Happy birthday!" she greeted.
"Thanks."
"I hope you're having a good day so far." Miya said as she joined us.
"It's been interesting." I grinned.
"How so? I want details!" Chou coaxed.
I told her of the things I found so far with the notes. I noticed her smile getting bigger. I walked around the counter and saw some things Chou was working on.
"You know Kiyo, I think we should have Chou work with us." Miyo said.
"Oh? Why is that?"
"She may not be the greatest at sketching, but she's very good at sewing."
"Really? I knew that you were thinking of getting more help."
"I do and she fits what I'm looking for. Besides, between the three of us we should be able to keep up with any demands that comes by."
"We'll try." I grinned.
Chou and I were leaning against the counter and we watched as some of the people walked by the store.
"Is that Isamu?" I asked.
"Think so, but I think he's with Kuya." she sighed.
I noticed she was blushing and she turned away quickly. I raised an eyebrow at her.
"Have you heard the saying about starring too long?" she asked.
"No?"
"I couldn't stop starting at his mouth when he spoke. I bet he knew how to kiss. Perfect kisses, ones that weren't wet and gross, but the kind that curled toes." she recited.
"Wow. Where did you hear that one?" I asked.
"I read it in a book. The Obsidian, I think it's called."
"Sounds good."
"Yeah, if you like reading about aliens."
"Interesting."
"Indeed he is." She muttered as she glanced back to watch.
"Chou, you're drooling again." I teased as I snapped my fingers in front of her.
"Sorry. Oh, this is for you."
She walked back to the table and handed me an envelope. I opened it and pulled out the note.
Ki,
I heard you took the day off of work. I hope that you're enjoying your time to yourself. Remember to enjoy everything and relax.
T
"Interesting. I wonder if he's around the village if he's leaving me notes."
"Who knows." Chou smirked.
"Did you see Tenzō?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Rriigghhtt."
You know, I hear that Ichiraku's is a good spot to be at today." she cooed at me.
"I guess some ramen would be good for lunch." I sighed.
"We'll be back Miya!" Chou called out.
"Okay, have fun you two!"
We chatted along the way to Ichiraku's. Chou bounded in ahead of me. I smiled as I saw Teuchi nodding to Chou. I sat down next to her and waited for our food. Teuchi came out and handed us our food. I gave him a questioning look as I saw a note on my bowl. He shrugged his shoulders and walked away. I pulled the note off and smiled.
One cannot think well, love well, and sleep well, if one has not dined well.
I picked up my chopstick and glanced at Chou. She had this huge goofy grin on her face.
"What?" I asked.
I felt some arms wrap around my waist and kisses on the back of my neck. I closed my eyes as I shivered and almost melted.
"Beautiful Ki." he whispered in my ear.
"Oh Tenzō." I muttered.
"You alright Kiyo?" Chou asked.
"Hm?"
I opened my eyes and saw Chou trying to suppress a laugh. I looked around and didn't see anyone else.
"Where did he go?" I asked.
"I have no clue what you're talking about."
I gave a long sigh as I turned my attention back to my food.
Hours later
I spent most of the afternoon walking around the village. I stopped by a candy shop and picked up some chocolates. I realized it was getting late when the sun started to set. I slowly turned to walk back home. I was about to reach for the door…
"Not yet." I heard.
He tied a blindfold around my head and wrapped his arms around me before we disappeared. I heard him chuckle as we appeared in what I assumed was his yard. I heard the leaves rusting in the breeze. He kissed my cheek as he took my hand, leading me somewhere. We stopped at one point and he turned me away from him. I smiled as I heard him grumble about tying a knot in the blindfold, because he was trying to untie it.
"Open your eyes."
He stepped away from me as I slowly opened my eyes and looked around the dark yard. I noticed a table and chairs under a maple tree.
"Wow." I whispered as the tree lit up with lights.
Tenzō took my hand and escorted me over to the table. I giggled as he pulled out a chair for me. We sat down and we started to talk about they day while we ate. It wasn't often when we had sushi together. I would have my fun trying to steal pieces off of his plate. At one point he got up and collected the dishes to bring inside. I almost fell off of my chair as I watched him walk away. I felt like a schoolgirl with their crush.
Tenzō came back out caring something in his hands. I saw something flickering. As he got closer it turned out to be a mini cake with one candle in it.
"Happy Birthday, Kiyo." he said as he set the cake down in between us.
"You know that you didn't …" I started.
"I know, but I haven't seen you in a while and I thought it would be fun to celebrate." he grinned.
"What flavor?"
"Chocolate maple walnut."
"Sounds exotic."
I lean forwards and blew out the candle. Tenzō handed me a fork and we dug into the desert. The cake was so good that we couldn't finish it. Tenzō got up and walked around the table to me. He offered his hand with a mischievous grin on his face. I gave in and took his hand.
He reached for my ipod and handed me an earpiece. I watched him as he looked for a song. I put in the other earpiece as he pulled me closer. I listened to the song. I wasn't sure if I should melt or cry when I heard the words of the song. It didn't help that Tenzō was softly singing to me as we swayed with the music.
"Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for. You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for. You know it's true, everything I do, I do it for you."
After the song ended, he gave me a squeeze and took my ipod and earphones. He tucked them into his pocket.
"It's late, we should turn in." he said.
I gave a long sigh as I took a step away from him. Next thing I knew, Tenzō had picked me up and tossed me over his shoulder.
"Tenzō!" I whined. "Hey!"
"One, two, three…" he started.
"No birthday spankings!"
"Aaww, come on. You have such a nice ass."
I tried to squirm out of his grip as he carried me into his house, but he wouldn't let go.
Next day
I woke up to someone knocking on the door.
Crash!
I got tangled in the sheets and fell out of bed.
"Ki, are you alright?" Tenzō called out.
The door popped open and I saw Tenzō trying not to laugh. He knelt down and helped me up.
"Who's here?" I whispered.
"Aimi, Amon and Avis."
I straighten out my nightshirt and followed him out to the kitchen. I saw the three anbus and they jumped a bit seeing me. Aimi and Avis are twins and I heard they looked alike, but yet different. I have yet to see them without their masks. Amon is supposedly related to the twins.
"We didn't know you had company!" Avis yelped.
"Relax Avis, she won't bite unless you provoke her." Tenzō joked.
"Are you the fire cat?" Aimi asked as she tilted her head.
"Maybe." I said.
We heard another knock and Tenzō went to answer it.
"Morning Tenzō." Ren greeted. "Ah, I figured she would be here."
He entered the kitchen and saw Avis, Amon and Aimi.
"Tenzō, I thought the party was yesterday?" Ren asked.
"It was." he grinned.
"Ki?" Ren asked.
"Not what you think." I snorted.
"Good, then go and get ready."
I groaned as I walked into the bedroom. I looked around and saw my gear. It was one of the few times I was glad that Tenzō brought my stuff over without me knowing. I quickly changed and headed back out to the kitchen. I leaned over and kissed Tenzō's cheek.
"Thank you." I whispered.
"No problem." he grinned.
He handed me a paper bag and winked at me. I put my mask on my head and opened the bag.
"Ah, you know me so well." I smiled. "I'll see you later. It was good to see you all, Amon, Aimi and Avis."
I grabbed my gear and followed Ren out as we headed out on our mission.
"So, what's in the bag?"
"Breakfast." I said.
I pulled out the anpan and started to munch.
"What's with the triple A's?" I asked.
"It's a special mission." he said.
"I figured that much. The beautiful hidden bird, is what I have heard them being called."
"That's an interesting group name."
"They're an interesting group."
"Let's get this mission over with." he said.
Week later
I followed Ren in the halls after we turned in our reports. We ran into Io and she was excited about the next village festivities. She joined us as we walked.
"Aaww, come on. I know you would like to."
We turned the corner and saw that Mei was leaning into Tenzō. Immediately, Io and Ren held me back as we watched.
"Mei, the answer is still no. Now go and leave me be." he said.
"But Tenzō… wouldn't you rather have someone with more curves?"
"I'd rather have someone who makes me laugh."
"Mei, don't you have someone else to play with?" Aimi said as she walked by them.
"Are you suggesting Avis then?" Mei cooed back.
"You don't meet his expectations, so it would be just a waste."
Ren, Io and I tried to stifle our laughs.
"I can get any guy I want." Mei growled.
"Good luck trying to find one to meet your kinky preferences." Aimi said coldly.
"Why you little…"
Before Mei could lunge at Aimi, I shoved Mei into the wall and Io held a kunai to her neck.
"Remember Mei, it's not lady like to loose your temper." Io cooed in her ear.
"Besides, why don't you give your attention to the ones who ogle over you?" I mocked.
I motioned to a small group of guys watching us from down the hall. Mei shoved us away and walked in the opposite direction.
"I would be amazed if there is a guy out there who can tame her." Aimi snorted.
"Only time will tell." Ren chuckled.
Tenzō grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him. He waved an envelope in front of me. I snatched it away and opened it.
Kiyo and Yamato Seina,
We would be honored by your presence to our Snowflakes celebration. You may bring up to four bodyguards. We look forward to receiving your favorable answer and seeing you soon.
Mifune, Land of Iron
"Mifune? That means this is more of politics than anything else." I said.
"The dinner and dance is a cover for the political talks." Tenzō said.
"So who is all going then?"
Tenzō opened up a scroll and showed me the names. Tenzō, me, Io, Amon, Ren and Aimi were listed, along with the mission details. He rolled it up and tossed the scroll to Ren.
"I don't think this kind of adventure gets old." Ren said as he passed the scroll to Io.
Io sighed as she handed it to Aimi. Amon joined the group and Aimi handed him the scroll.
"This should be fun." Amon said. "Something different."
"He's in for a surprise." I whispered to Tenzō.
"Him and Aimi. I'm supposed to participate in the political talks."
"Oh, joy."
"Ren and Amon will be accompanying me to the talks. You and the girls get to relax and enjoy the trip."
"I guess we'll see what happens then."
The one quote is a passage from the Obsidian, I found on a quote website.
Song is: (Everything I do) I do it for you by Bryan Adams. (one of my favorites)
What's your favorite song? (it doesn't have to be a love song either.)
For those who love to read and don't want to log in, I've changed the setting to allow anonymous reviews now. :)
Please review!
