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Warning: Sasuke undergoes an emotional and personality shock. You have been warned. :P
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto characters only the plot of the story
The Revival of The Clan
Chapter 26
~New Start~
Sasuke was taking me somewhere… I didn't know where…
He never let go of my hand. We were walking steadily, not too fast,not too slow. Sasuke obviously knew the way, but still it was a mystery to me...for now.
"Don't worry. We are close." he reassured me on the way. I nodded in agreement and continued to follow Sasuke in the numerous streets of the village. And then I noticed.
That familiar street...it can't be…
"Sasuke…where are we going? Why is it always you dragging me to places, I wonder."
"Didn't I tell you that you will see? You know I ha…"
"Hate to repeat yourself…I know…" I interrupted him.
"Hn..."
"You know, I once promised myself that I will hit you the next time you say 'hn'"
"And?" He looked at me questioningly, challengingly, his lips curved in a small smirk.
"It depends on your behavior, I guess…" I raised an eyebrow.
"Hn. That sassy nature again…"
"Is it that bad? Don't you like it? You told me yourself to take some more active and 'rebellious' traits a while ago." I asked teasingly.
It's true: He often told me I should not be that shy. Sasuke even blamed that fact on Hinata and our friendship. I certainly did not want Hinata to be blamed for my timid personality, so I often tried to improve, taking into consideration some of Ino's advices.
Anyhow, I was kind of puzzled by Sasuke's statement that time. It's not like he was acting very normal in the first place. After a lot of consideration I concluded that he might actually want me to strengthen emotionally as well. He most of the time-if not always- seemed unaffected by sentiments, no matter what kind. The only exception was when we spent time together. And yet, he was never that open. I guess we both tried to move one more step and learn to embrace all those feelings we tried to lock away all those years now.
"Hm. I do. That's the problem." He stated whirling his face in the front. My cheeks gained a deep shade of red.
"I like that too. Be careful!" He teased turning his eyes on me, but only his eyes. Did he just say he liked my blush? That made me flush even more.
After a while, while the moon was standing above us lighting our steps in the dark night, he stopped.
That road…that part of the village…
"You know where we are, right Aelia?"
"I do. Why are we here?"
"It's right here. It is dark though. Hopefully you can see it…"
"Where is it?" I asked in evident puzzlement.
"Look to your left."
I immediately obliged to Sasuke's request and I certainly do not regret it. I gaped. I was awestruck, stupefied.
It was truly amazing…and it was even more beautiful given the place where it stood. Because what I was looking at was a beautiful well-built house, that looked all too familiar and we were standing where the Uchiha Compound once stood.
"Sasuke...I can't believe it! This is so much like-"
"...My old home. It is. It is exactly like it actually. I thought of rebuilding the one you lived with your mother but it wouldn't fulfill the purpose which I want it for."
I was even more confused now. His words did not make any sense to me.
"What do you mean? When was it made?"
"Just recently." he answered. "Me and the other idiots spent the last few days preparing the inside. The damn dobe was so annoying."
"This is wonderful…honestly…" My amazement was evident. I could not avert my eyes from the building.
"Hn. Good then." his lips formed a smile, just a tiny one though.
"I always admired your house, Sasuke. I passed from here only a couple of times when I was little. I remember I wished I would live in such a house. Not only because of the lavish building, but also because it was the house of the Uchihas, the Uchiha Clan's leader actually. Because it was your father's house, Fugaku and the house where you lived Sasuke…Now I understand why I liked it."
He gave me another smile, not a smirk but a real honest smile. I was delighted. He was so so beautiful.
"It was made exactly like my old one. To remind me of my Clan, the proud Uchiha Clan like my brother wanted me to remember it. To be reminded about my family, my father, my mother and my dear brother."
"I understand." I told him while brushing his left hand, the one he was holding me with.
"Aelia, I don't know if that sounds too rushing or odd to you, but hear me explain first." I nodded.
"There is a reason why I have made the decision to build this one. Tsunade agreed to it wholeheartedly of course." He took a deep breath murmuring 'What the hell is wrong with me now...'. I raised an eyebrow at this words. After some seconds that seem like eternity he spoke again.
"It has always been my wish to revive the Uchiha Clan, you know that... Now, I think I can achieve this dream, the only dream of mine that can't bring suffering unlike my wish and obsession with vengeance. I know that now."
His eyes wondered somewhere. I couldn't pinpoint where. Maybe in his past, maybe in the present, or the promising future. All I knew is that Sasuke's eyes did not depict desperation anymore. That's definitely a good thing.
"But in order to make that wish come true I need help." He continued, but paused again for a moment. Did Uchiha Sasuke just admitted he needs held over something? That's definitely a first.
I felt like I forgot how to breathe. Having my heart beating, my lungs moving...it was utterly unfamiliar now. Living made no sense to me anymore. My eyes were locked on his, like they were trapped, simply caged on an onyx crystal prison and a mesmerizing one.
"For starters, I requested to build this house to remind me of my clan as I already told you. However, there is another reason, far more important, that I wished to make all this preparations." I froze completely now, my breath hasn't returned yet.
"Aelia…I want this to be our home, our house… I want to start my Clan anew with you!" he stated with a new decisiveness. "I-I love...I love you Uchiha Aelia, I want to live my entire life with you by my side. That's why I consider this a gift for you as well. It's essential in order to make my proposal."
Sasuke hesitated for a second. I was aware that this was probably a huge ordeal for him. It was a completely different side of Sasuke, that until now was dug deep into his soul.
This Sasuke had feelings, had a tender side and most of all he had the ability to love again, after all this years of discarding that precious emotion. I understood how he felt. I was more or less the same. I knew it was so much difficult. That's why I appreciate his words and gesture more than I could ever explain to him, or to anyone else. I just could not find any words to deserve this Sasuke now imperiously standing in front of me.
He held my two hands tenderly and faced me now completely turning his entire body towards me. Sasuke's eyes were exploring mine for some seconds. His obsidian orbs captured and claimed my eyes, the one familiar hazel brown and the other onyx, just like his; my jewel, my precious diamond, Sasuke's very own eye.
Shortly, he carefully took something out of his pocket. I couldn't see clearly what it was, but is seemed to glimmer a little.
"Uchiha Aelia..." He continued while showing me the single artifact he held. It was a pendant, but not just any pendant. With a closer look I realized it had the Uchiha Clan crest curved on it. I think I was starting to hyperventilate, because I actually was familiar with the tradition this pendant held.
It was common in the Uchihas to give pendants with the crest of the Clan to the ones they loved. Rings were not that appealing for any Uchiha. I had read about that a long time ago, when I was obsessed with learning the Uchiha's traditions and customs. This pendant meant so many things; things that our words could never describe. It was an effective way to make your feelings clear. I gawked, just looking at the beautiful gift, mutely for I had no words to express my internal turmoil now.
Sasuke gently offered me the pendant, ready to place it on my neck.
"Aelia Uchiha, do you want to be my mate, my wife, my companion? Do you want to start a new life with me? Do you want to revive the Uchiha Clan with me?"
Our eyes never averted. They were practically still locked, captured, glued, mesmerized by another. I could almost feel his uneasiness. I knew for a fact that this was one of the most difficult things Sasuke ever did. He was not familiar with that kind of gestures. I wasn't either. Not only he offered me a huge gift and confessed his love but he actually...proposed. My eyes were watery and soon sweet tears started cascading down from them. I could almost taste the salty drops on my mouth. I was….
"Yes!" I almost yelled. "Yes, Uchiha Sasuke. I want to be with you forever. I want you to be next to me forever. I want a life with you. I want to revive our deceased clan with you. I love you…" I finally said. He gently placed the pendant on my neck, carefully and softly. He stared at the pendant for a moment and then his lips met mine once again.
"Thank you, Aelia...Thank you..." he whispered
"No, Sasuke. It's me the one who should be thankful." I retorted. "You gave me life…You gave me a life to live; you made me learn to love. I thank you for everything. For saving me both physically and mentally. You are my hero! I love you...and I am so honored to be by your side, not to mention your wife. Thank you…" I whispered.
We continued to kiss more and more intensely. Although, I was just content when being in his arms. That was enough to make me blissful. I did not need anything else.
My life lately has been a fairytale. I couldn't help but wonder once again if I actually deserved all that happiness.
Did I deserve Uchiha Sasuke, the one who made thousands of hearts to itch and break just by breathing around them?
Maybe that wasn't real love, or so I came to understand. My love was pure and real. I really loved Sasuke. Stunningly, he seemed to respond to my own feelings. He seemed to care; not only care, but he looked like I held an important role in his life anymore.
Sasuke never tried to show it. He was always cold and secretive. That very same man now proposed me. He even gave me that pendant.
Maybe it was destiny that brought me here; maybe it was destiny that the Council chose to reveal my identity.
Maybe it was destiny that the Hokage placed me on Team Seven.
Maybe it was destiny that I fell in love with him so badly…who…me...the one with no emotions, the wreck of a woman.
Maybe that was fate, maybe that was love.
Either way my life could never be happier...
.:Bonus:.
The kind woman was silent. She was resting on the soft auburn armchair looking more blissful than ever. The silver colors of the moon were gently caressing the room, the woman and the little thing she had placed in her arms. Nothing was more important than the little baby, now resting, snuggling on her chest. This so tiny and beautiful creature, with those big and sweet maroon eyes, like warm -almost burning- crystals was now her entire world. The infant's hair looked like they are going to be brown, like her mother's. The little person resembled her mother already.
"My little angel…you are safe..." Ayame whispered to the little one. The tiny baby frowned, but she did not cry. Why would she? She was safe and had gained her mother's unconditional love already.
"Ayame…" A gentle voice called from behind, gently approaching the two.
A human figure slowly and hesitantly appeared from the shadows. Finally the man stepped into the room and when he passed the door-frame the moonlight was able to lighten his beautiful features and give his creamy complexion a silver ethereal glow.
"Yakumi…" Ayame's response hid genuine anticipation, love but most of all gratitude. Gratitude for he was the one that gave her this unrivaled and amazing gift she was now touching gently. "Yakumi, come to see your daughter."
The man proceeded gingerly, timidly. It was really late at night and Yakumi secretly left the Uchiha Compound to meet the most lovable females in his life: his love, Ayame and his newborn daughter.
The Uchiha stepped closer to the mother and her child still hesitant. It was difficult to perceive that he was a parent. He was a father. He had a daughter and a beautiful one, a small but mesmerizing human being.
Slowly and gently Ayame gave the little baby to Yakumi. The man carefully and tenderly put the tiny creature in his arms and inhaled, trying to savor the precious moment. She was so small and so beautiful. She wasn't just a baby. She was something more than a miracle, she was the fruit of their forbidden love.
The baby started moving slightly, stirring a little inside her warm blankets and now in her father's arms. She was too young to be able to move freely and even react properly. Yet, her eyes were glimmering like she was a bright young woman. She seemed clever and somehow magical. Those pretty crystal eyes, igniting flames of love and devotion for the two lovers, meant everything to Yakumi and Ayame. She was their treasure, their baby, their daughter. She was the more important thing in their lives.
"She is so beautiful…" Yakumi mumbled in a low voice. Ayame smiled like that was everything for her…the love of the two people in front of her. How much she wished she could finally cherish and savor the moment and capture the picture of her 'family', burning it forever and irrevocably in her mind.
"Yes. And she is ours, Yakumi…" Ayame added, her eyes locked on the tiny baby now, moving a single finger above the infant to gain her attention.
"Ayame, I am so sorry I wasn't there during labor..." The Uchiha honestly apologized. He felt horrible for not being able to stand on their side. But, it was a secret…No one can know about this little miracle.
"It's ok. You had reasons not to be there." The kind woman softly responded. She was sad, but none of them had a choice. She understood their predicament. She finally came in terms with the concept of being alone. This will be her life from now on: struggling to raise her daughter, keeping secrets away from the cruel world.
"I am really sorry, my love." He said again placing a gentle kiss on the woman's lips.
The secret couple tried to admire the spectacle in front of them. A real baby…and they both were so young. They knew that it would be hard. The woman specifically knew that she had to shoulder the burden. Ayame didn't mind though. She was her daughter and she loved her with all her power of mind, heart and soul.
"What should we name her?" The man asked after some silent moments.
"I don't know yet…I haven't decided." Ayame sincerely answered sceptically. "But, I was thinking maybe something that has to do with light. I want her to be the light that destroys the darkness, even in people's hearts." The man nodded at her words.
"I agree. So, Hikari(=Light)?" The man suggested.
"Hm, not really…I want something more unique." Ayame replied. Yakumi thought it over once more.
"How about Akemi(=bright and beautiful)?"
"It sounds nice, but I am not entirely satisfied…" Ayame responded again.
"Then Megumi(= blessing, kindness), Sachiko(=child of happiness)?" Ayame nodded no once again.
"I want something more unique, Yakumi. She will be hidden enough as it is. I want her name to shine. I want something unheard of…" Ayame explained with a soft whisper, careful enough not to wake the -now soundly sleeping- little baby up. She seemed to enjoy her sleep in her father's arms.
"Hm…the last thing I can think of is Yoko (=sun child), but it's not that unique." Ayame made sure to show her lover that the name Yoko was not of her liking, not in the least bit.
The two shinobi contemplated for a long time. What name should the child have? More names came into consideration but none was satisfying for both of them. After what seemed like eternity…
"I think I thought of something…" a gentle voice said.
"Tell me Ayame…"
"Aelia.." The woman stated.
"Aelia you say? This is so unique. I never heard a name like that…"Yakumi commented.
"Yeah I know. It's not Japanese."
"I realized that sweetie." Yakumi teased.
"Aelia…I have read somewhere that it means the one with the light."
"I think it's a beautiful name."
"Yes. Just look, Aelia means the one who has the light, but that name also resembles the word aen for the first part, so it also means eternal. Think of it...eternal light. It could also be pronounced as Aeria *, so it has something to do with air, which is my favorite element." Ayame explained happily.
"I love that name, honey, even though it is so unique." Ayame smiled at Yakumi's words.
"So...Aelia it is?" Ayame asked.
"Aelia, yes. Happy birthday my sweet Aelia." Yakumi murmured and both shinobi placed gentle kisses on the beautiful infant.
Aelia's tiny lips formed something close to a smile. The baby was blissful, she was utterly happy. She felt safe...
Author's note: This chapter was sweet right? Do you think the bonus was a bad idea? I thought it was nice to put Aelia's parents and naming here. It's a new start for Sasuke and Aelia and I wanted to also show another start( prior to the one we witnessed at first). The start of Aelia's life. I promise we will see more about the two lovers in the future...
I know that Sasuke looks a little (ok..a lot...) OOC, but do you think it's too bad? (Damn you Sasuke and your coldness! :P) I honestly hope you liked it. Please tell me what you think of Sasuke's and Aelia's interaction, ok? About the pendant...I wanted something more original than a ring. I thought that a pendant is more Uchiha like...maybe it isn't...it just came to me. Anyway, please share your thoughts with me, ne?
*About the name: I have already explained that it means the one who bears the light in Homer's dialect. Ae though can be easily considered a part of the word aeon, which means century or eternal. Also, about Ayame's explanation. I know that some Japanese people do not use the letter l at all. If you have watched Death Note(L or R) or One Piece(Luffy or Ruffy..) you probably understand what I mean. So Aelia can be pronounced Aeria, right? Aeria means the one with the air, like the lady of Air or something similar. So there you have it...
For the Japanese names Yakumi suggested, I used a site with Japanese names so don't blame me if they are not right. :P Ok.. I do apologize if they are incorrect. *bow apologetically*
Please do not forget to review! You want to see more Sasuke x Aelia, right?