Chapter 21
At the Third Hokage's funeral, Ayumi didn't say a word, no matter who talked to her or what they said. Sasuke even tried to start a fight, just to hear her voice, but she refused to even open her mouth. She had tears hidden in her eyes, and only the people closest to her knew they were there. Everyone got in line to put a flower on the grave, and a silent tear ran down Ayumi's cheek as she put it down, all of her precious memories flashing before her eyes. 'I could have just let them take me…then he'd still be alive…I wouldn't have lost anyone else…only myself…'
She moved back to her spot, wiping the tear away, and looked into the dark clouds, letting the rain cool her face and wash away the remnants of her tears. She felt the tears burn her eyes, and she vowed silently, 'I'll kill Orochimaru…even if it's the last thing I do!' she felt an arm wrap around her shoulders comfortingly, and looked to her side to see Naruto. He'd been almost as quiet as she was, and was offering her a shelter from the pain and grief that was tearing at her heart like claws.
She buried her head in his shoulder, sobbing quietly. She listened to the steady beating of his heart, and thought, 'I can't lose him…he's the only refuge I have left…the only place where I can be myself…I'll protect him…from everything…just like he did for me…'