I'm sorry for little delay in updating... I was kind of busy with my work :)
Chapter twenty-first: Home
Himitsu stood in the Stellar port and with sad eyes she watched her only hope which sailed away on the sea. The boat which brought them on the island was already on the way back.
She turned back and locked her eyes with Tobirama's. I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! She frowned. Senju just rolled his eyes and turned to his students. "Mayonaka mansion is about half an hour of walking, so let's keep going." Konoha shinobi nodded and started to walk. Himitsu stood still on her place, motionless.
Young princess stood in awe with her mouth ajar. Was he serious? Just half an hour? Home? I'll be home in half an hour? There, huh- Never! No way! Am not going anywhere! She began to slightly shook with her head. Tobirama stopped and turned to face her.
"You just make it worse-" He said calmly. "Start moving, hime-" Himitsu shook her head, Tobirama sighed. "Please-"
"No." Princess whispered. She folded her arms on her chest.
"You don't want me to carry you there, do you?" Senju raised an eyebrow, quite amused by this idea.
Himitsu suddenly widened her eyes, her lips created big smile when she hapilly annouced. "I got it!" She rushed toward Tobirama and stopped just an inch in front of him. She grabbed his white fur into her fists. The tall shinobi eyed her suspiciously. "My father will pay you for this mission, right?" She asked with narrowed eyes and Senju nodded. "So if I'll offer you double money than my father did you will work for me, right?" Princess smiled mischievously.
"You don't have any money-" Tobirama stated dryly, Himitsu paled.
"Ah- that's true, but...I- I think I am useful for Konoha." She smiled.
"Ho? Really?" Tobirama chuckled. "And how?"
"Well, for example ..." Princess eagerly began to rummage in her mind, but that was unfortunately empty. Then she thought of something. "Aha!" She cried out and raised her finger. "I helped you find the mercenary ninja hidden in the village. Say that I was not helpful back then!"
"Oh-" Tobirama just rolled his eyes. "You mean, when you were looking for yourself and you've been hurt and I had to save you?"
Himitsu blushed. She pursed her lips and turned her head sharply to the side. Seriously must Tobirama go so into detail? "Or you could work with clogged toilets?" Senju shinobi continued, princess's cheeks turned into a dark red. "Or would you like to acompany the men to the hot springs and risk heavy bleeding of your royal nose?" Oh, sure, Tobirama was a great stickler for details!
"Okay, okay, that's enough-" Himitsu raised her hand to silence him. "Just for your information ... the bleeding, it was just a coincidence-"
"Well, of course-" Tobirama sighed and patted young princess's head. "Or you could drink in the evenings with my brother and Madara, right? Also quite useful ..."
"What kind of princess the hell you are?"
Himitsu turned when she heard Hiruzen's voice. A young boy holding his stomach and his face was red. Mayonaka thought it was caused by his seasickness, but when Sarutobi burst into scary laughter, it was immediately clear to her why the young ninja strangely choked. Koharu had slightly rosy cheeks and looked away to the ground and Homura ... well, he probably didn't hear the whole conversation, he looked pretty out of the place, as always ...
And the bastard Tobirama! He tried to keep his classic deadpan, but the corners of his mouth mercilessly twisted and formed a mischievous smile.
"You-!" Himitsu growled. "I hate you!"
Tobirama frowned slightly and leaned closer to her ear. "Strange-" He whispered sensually. "A moment ago it seemed that you love me-"
Princess jerked her head, her face already replaced almost all shades of red. "You moron!" She hissed, embarrassed. "I just played that, okay!"
"Oh? So you got my recognition-" Tobirama smiled. "You're a great actress. It was really compelling-"
"It doesn't matter what you say ..." Himitsu pursed lips, crossed her arms over her chest and closed her eyes. "I'm not gonna move from this place!"
Tobirama sighed. As a small child, he thought. With a satisfied smile walked up to her and grabbed her arm. "Then you leave me no choice, hime -"
"Yeah?" She grimaced. "What do you want to do? You'll use your jutsu and splash me to the mansion?" She was quite amused.
The last thing she heard before she was yanked off of her feet was his dark chuckle.
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Personal note: no more stupid questions! Himitsu thought while she stared dully at Tobirama's feet. Hang over his shoulder like that was pretty humiliating, but on the other hand, her feet will not hurt. His problem, just carry me, I hope that your back will hurt!
"Don't worry-" She heard his voice, amused. "I carried you like that once, remember?"
"Yes..." She muttered.
"You're as light as a feather." He added quietly.
Why are you doing this? You can't even imagine what suffering is to live there with those fake people. I was happy in Konoha, I felt at home there. So why? Why can't I decide for myself?... ... Hey, I wonder what you think of me?
For a moment she stopped and waited if Senju will answer something ... nothing.
I ... I ... from the very first day you came to us in the tea house, I couldn't take my eyes off you. I'm still watching you, you're so ... so perfect ... and I ... I like you ...
No answer ... at least not from Tobirama.
"I am honored, hime-chan..." said a sheepish voice of Sarutobi Hiruzen, who suddenly appeared behind Tobirama's back. He bent down to catch Himitsu's eyes. "But don't you think that I'm too young for you?"
"Whaaat!" Princess gasped and jerked with her whole body, Tobirama was forced to put her back on her feet. "I'm... I'm sorry ..." She smiled at the young boy, her face would be now probably blushing, but due to the travel upside down, it was not even visible, because her whole face was completely red. "It's not...you- he-he-he-"
Hiruzen looked at her, frowning, from head to toe. "Hmm ... I'm a ninja young lady!" He said proudly. "So you can't trick me! Just so you know, I'm flattered, but I can't reciprocate your feelings."
Himitsu mentally slapped her forehead. "Well ... well, fine...he-he-he-"
"And little advice for you-" Sarutobi added. "If you want to find a boyfriend, stop laughing like an idiot."
"Ha!" Princess's body dominated nervous shock when her ears heard Hiruzen's advice. Her face paled. "Ha-hai-" She said through clenched teeth. I'm an idiot! I climbed into the wrong head! Her inner self desperately fell to her knees, slammed her fist into the ground.
"Your love confession must wait-" Tobirama broke the awkward silence. "We're here."
What! Princess turned her back on them and with horrified eyes she watched rich gardens that surrounded big Mayonaka mansion. "No way! It can't be!"
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In a few minutes they reached the main gate. Two guards walked in front of the group from Konoha with lazy steps. "Who are you?" One of them asked bluntly.
"We have a circus! Street comedians?!" Himitsu blurted out with a bright smile, showing her teeth.
"What the-" Sarutobi jerked his head, while Koharu just paled. Homura was...out...as always, seriously, princess thought, is he alive?
"We're shinobi from Konoha." Tobirama annouced with strong voice. "We brought princess Himitsu back."
Mayonaka princess pouted. "Perfectionist!" She hissed under her breath.
The two guards exchanged puzzled looks. One of them shrugged and stepped back. "So be it." He said and opened the gate. Shinobi along with the princess headed to the mansion. Himitsu looked around the familiar place. Gardens had not changed. Everything looked exactly as she left. Only one thing was different. In the middle of the garden stood a memorial stone, which was ...empty. No flowers. When Himitsu still lived there, she brought every day fresh flowers. Her father, it seems, was too busy to bring his sons some flowers.
Tobirama noticed that her eyes fell. She looked so sad or is she really just an excellent actress? When his ruby eyes followed her gaze he saw the monument. He managed read the names on it, but before he could ask a question princess froze and stopped.
All four ninjas also stopped when they noticed the approaching woman with raven hair pinned up in a bun. Mayonaka Unmei, Himitsu's mother.
Tobirama noticed that the young princess took a step to the rear. Unmei stopped directly in front of them and looked at her daughter from head to toe with narrowed eyes. After a moment of silence older woman snorted and turned towards Tobirama. "Welcome!" Announced cheerfully with a polite smile. "You must be tired, come this way, please." She held out her hand and invited them inside.
"Thank you-" Tobirama said simply, without any unnecessary emotions. "Is your husband present?"
"Tori?" Unmei waved her hand. "Yes he's inside, so come on, come ..." She put her hand on the Senju's back and tried to shove him toward the door. Tobirama obeyed and went with the older lady in the house, leaving Himitsu wide-eyed and open-mouthed. The young princess clenched her fists.
The old witch! How dare she ignore me like that and touching my Tobirama! Haha! No no no no no! She's playing with fire!
Himitsu with an angry expression headed home.
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The young princess picked up her pace and for a moment she found herself in the main hall. "Hey, could you wait for me-" She whined when she finally caught up with her companions. Her breath stopped in her throat when she found herself face to face with her father. Mayonaka Tori mercilessly viewed her with a deep frown on his face.
"You look awkward-" He spat contemptuously, then turned to Tobirama. "Good job. Here you can relax and go back to your village when you'll ready."
"Wait-" Himitsu blurted. "Why did you want me back-" Her face stung painfully when the rub of her father's hand met her face and sent her to the ground. Koharu covered her mouth and Tobirama froze. Homura just stared blankly at the kneeling princess. Sarutobi squeezed his fists and his brow furrowed.
"How dare you!" Tori snapped on his terrified daughter and again raised his hand against her.
Himitsu instinctively covered her face with her hands. Nothing happened, no strike ... nothing. Slowly she uncovered her face and gasped when she saw that the young ninja holding tightly the hand of her father. "Hiruzen-" she whispered.
"This is how you welcome your missing daughter?" Sarutobi growled through clenched teeth.
"Saru-" Tobirama put his hand on the young boy's shoulder. "Calm down."
Hiruzen allowed his tense body to relaxe and released Tori's hand. Himitsu's father turned and without a word, or view, left the main hall. Mayonaka Unmei stood quietly, her hands folded in her lap and her face held a fake smile. "I'll call Shioko-" She said quietly. "She'll take care of you." Then she turned to her kneeling daughter. "You-" She frowned. "How many times must I tell you to not bother your father?! You always keep him annoyed! Go to your room and do something about yourself! You're such a disgrace!" With the venomous expression she left.
In the hallway was an awkward silence. Himitsu rubbed her reddened face, she felt like she's been set on fire. No one dared to speak, it was hard to find the words. The silence, however, was interrupted by blue-haired woman. "Hime-sama." Hanto Shioko bowed respectfully. "Welcome back. May I help you?"
Such a fake woman you are, ne, Shioko- just like mother...
"Take them to the dining room and prepare them something to eat-" Himitsu said emotionally, her eyes staring into space.
"Of course-" Shioko bowed again. "This way please ..." Koharu and Homura nervously followed her. Tobirama and Hiruzen remained stood silent.
"Hime nee-chan, you're all right?" Sarutobi squatted down.
Himitsu looked up and her eyes softened. "Yes-" she said quietly, on her lips appeared a fleeting smile. "Thank you." Hiruzen nodded and ran for his friends.
Princess stared at the ground, when suddenly in front of her appeared Tobirama's arm. Himitsu frowned and refused his help, she got up only with her own help. Her black eyes stared into his ruby's, her cute face embellished her furrowed brow.
"It's your fault that I'm back-" She began. Tobirama captured the anger in her voice. "I hate you, I hate you and I never want to see you again-!" Hot tears began to trickle down her reddened face.
"From the very first day you saw me, you couldn't take your eyes of me... you said." Senju said quietly. "I heard you back then-"
"You did, huh-" She chuckled. "I didn't said that, I just thought it and I was wrong. You're worse than Madara." She wiped her tears with her sleeve.
"Madara?" Tobirama narrowed his eyes and folded his arms over his armored chest.
"Yes." Princess nodded. "Madara knew it and didn't say anything to anyone. And you? You're heartless, you have no mercy, you're cold like ice!" In vain she constantly wiping the tears, they just won't stop. "I want you to leave, get out and never come back!" Her voice grew louder. "Now get out! Get out!"
"You want me to leave?" Tobirama asked slowly with caution in his voice, carefully eyed her.
"Yes I do!" Himitsu sobbed. "Your mission is fulfilled, so go!"
"As you wish -" Senju nodded and slowly began to leave. Princess gasped when she watched his back as he slowly but surely walking away. She put her face in her hands and began to cry uncontrollably, alone, without anyone who could offer her the support. The main hall of Mayonaka mansion echoed only a heartrending cry ...
Don't worry this is not the end of this story...
So please R'n'R what ya think so far... :)))
Till the next chappie...see ya!