Butterflies: Solidarity
"Namiki Aya has nothing and no one. No one to come home to. No one to hold her when she cries. No reason to get out of bed, other than the nightmares. Not until her someone barges back into her life and says three words that change everything: I need you." Spin-off of Butterflies; AU. Yuri main character. Dark themes, suicidal ideation, depression, gore, and frisky nudity later on.
Warnings! This is a very real look into the depths of depression, into sexuality, and into working as an ANBU Operative. The main pairing is two OCs: Namiki Aya and Hyuuga Hitomi, both from Butterflies and The Butterfly Effect. Don't like? Don't read.
Chapter 35 – That's my girl
8-8
"Keep in mind that these genjutsus are too dangerous to practice on others with," I remind them, sitting seiza in our dojo. Team Hitomi are too busy drooling over the possibilities as I offer each a scroll detailing six B-Rank genjutsus—Icy Heatstroke, Short-Circuit, three paralysis jutsus, and Tree Bind Death.
"We will," Chiko promises taking the scroll and already rolling it open to start reading.
"Ah ah," I chide with a playful lilt. I take out three seals, meant to test if the genjutsu was cast correctly, just like the one Mi gave me. "If you cast it right, the seal glows white. If not, it glows red. It isn't mastered until you can cast it seallessly." They share a look, each grinning goofier than the next. They swear high and low that they'll make me proud, and all the good stuff.
"Now, Tsuji, Atsu. You two are still working your way up. No shame in it, but also no reason not to help you along." I off them each a scroll, detailing ten C-Rank genjutsus, along with the same seals to practice on. "These aren't pleasant to suffer through, but are less likely to kill you. Once you've mastered the water-walking skill, we can talk about you trying your hand at B-Ranks."
"We won't let you down, Aya-sama," Tsuji promises, grinning.
"You never have," I say, smiling. "Now, little wolves. You have almost no experience with genjutsus, and that's what you're here to learn. The first one I'll teach you is Soothing Touch. It's the only nice one I know, so it's not a bad idea to practice on each other. I want you to partner up. One will cast the genjutsu, the other will try to dispel it. So we're working on both for the next hour."
8-8
Eight medics in training, each doing Flying Tiger push-ups in our dojo. Sweat pours down them, like little rivers unable to deny gravity. No matter that they're tired, they refuse to stop, refuse to give up. Grunts of exertion echo off the wooden walls, feeding the swelling pride within me.
"Alright, break," I announce, lowering myself onto my feet and standing up. They're quick to follow suit. "Very good, little wolves," I praise, beaming at them.
I give them a moment to feel proud they kept up with me for the last hour and a half, before nodding to Sumi and Rieko to start handing out the scrolls—they aren't allowed to train, but they've been studying chakra theory while we were busy.
"I want all of you practicing the Diagnostic Jutsu over the coming days. I've made arrangements with Hana-nee, she'll be giving us lessons. Two hour classes, once a week. The first class will be Saturday evening. I want you each to continue studying the books in our library. If you have any questions, I'm in the library every morning from eight to ten. Come to me. I will never turn my pack away."
Reika comes to me, hugging me tight, thanking me over and over. As tired, as sweaty, as she is, she's more proud than anything. Kana and Satoko aren't any less grateful, though they are too tired to do anything but plop onto the ground and stare at the ceiling.
"Rest up until dinner. And do not forget to stretch before going to bed, and after waking up. Otherwise, you'll hate me for days." All I get is groans to show they heard me. Still, they'll either stretch, or they'll regret not listening.
With my workout handled, I walk over to momma. "How's mommy's baby doing?" Okichi is sleeping against her tummy. She'll no doubt wake up soon, and if she holds true to her habits, she'll be in a social mood again.
Momma chuckles, her eyes lighting up as her wild, black hair shivers. "Hasn't made a peep." I lean over her, spying closed eyes and an angelic sleeping face. "Why don't you go wash up? She's fine right where she is."
"Alright. Make sure you come get me if she wakes up."
8-8
There are times I question my own sanity. Sitting to my desk, in my office, staring at the impressive stack of paperwork poppa brings in for me, I find myself in just such a time. As if I don't have enough to do, enough people to train, my own training to see to.
"I've already filled them in. All I need is your signature and they can be brought to the Tower for processing."
"Thank you, poppa," I coo, beaming at him. I really need to do something nice for him—he's been a godsend when it comes to paperwork and all the crap I have zero patience for.
"Don't thank me yet," he says, his eyes hard for some reason.
"Poppa?"
"Operative Cat was just here. Hokage-sama needs a word with you." My eyes narrow. "Privately." I frown. "He's asked you to come over later for drinks, but won't say what this is about. Only asking that you and Shimura be present."
"I see."
I pick up the phone, dialling Sarutobi's number. "You have sixty seconds. Make it good," I say, pressing the receiver against my shoulder as I switch Okichi to my other breast.
"I cannot discuss details now," he says, blowing his pipe. It's two in the afternoon, and he's already smoking?
"You will, or you get nothing from me," I warn. I know this is big, it would have to be if he plans on getting Shimura and me in the same room—not that I could ever convince Mi, or anyone really, to let me attend… not that I'm interested, but still.
"I cannot. For this one time—"
"Thirty seconds," I drawl, shortening the timer without a care. A sigh tells me all I need to know. Good boy.
"Kakashi found something Konoha needs," he says, more cryptic than he's ever been. "Something even Danzo and you will agree needs protecting."
A private meeting, between Shimura—who houses an army illegally—and me. To protect something Konoha needs? "Something? Or someone?"
"Hnn," he noises, a smile obvious in his tone. "The meeting should take no more than twenty minutes. In my home. Tonight. I'm expecting you at seven thirty. Bring no more than two guards."
The line goes dead.
"Reika." I lay the phone down. "I need momma and Hitomi in here. Now."
8-8
Daddy, Hatake, auntie Tsume, momma, and Mi walk into my office at the stroke of eight. They all look like they've seen a ghost.
"Her name is Senju Rinka," Mi begins, her eyes begging me to help. "She turns sixteen soon."
So. We're looking at a Senju of marriageable age. He wants me to keep the vultures off her so she doesn't run for the hills. "And what did he say he wants?" I ask.
"For the Namiki clan to take her." There's a surprise.
Okichi's asleep, but I've a rather upsetting call to make. "Mi. Take her for a minute?"
She comes around the desk, scooping me up instead. She takes my seat, and eases me onto her lap so Okichi doesn't wake. I flick her nose, annoyed with her, but take my phone all the same, and dial Shimura's number—never thought I'd ever call him.
"Namiki," he answers, already knowing why this conversation has to happen. "I have no intention of harming her. Konoha needs the Senju clan to grow strong again."
"Are you calling me an idiot?"
"What is it you think I intend to do?" he cuts right to the chase.
"Do you really think I cannot predict your next move, Shimura?" Everyone looks nervous, even Mi's grip on me becomes a bit much.
"And what move can I execute without the army I once commanded?" he tries.
"Here's how this is going to play out. You are going to back off from this. And you are going to keep to your little corner, licking your wounds."
"You think me cowed," he drones.
"You aren't?" I reach into my drawer, taking out a little scroll, unfurling it in front of me. I check the numbers still glowing, finding nearly thirty. "Tell me, Shimura. Which of your agents would you like to lose first?"
"I started this conversation stating plainly that I have no plans for her." You said you wouldn't harm her—not the same thing. I run my fingers over the glowing numbers, checking current locations. Eight are outside of Konoha.
"The eight not in your base. Which of them were sent out after her?"
"None." Bullshit. "They are in Grass, trying to ascertain something of value."
"Yeah. Except they aren't. Two are in The Land of Fangs, currently engaged in combat. Two are sleeping outside the Wave Royal Palace, no doubt trying to figure out how Tazuna's running the country, and how you can use that to your advantage. Two are in Mist, no doubt trying to test the waters of their hidden village. And the last two are most curiously just leaving Konoha, moving south-east. To the Land of Hills, perhaps?"
"What is it you want, Namiki?" Ooh, so we have the team I need dead.
"You to back off. Permanently."
"Their mission is to ensure—"
"And," I channel the needed chakra into their markers, "you just lost them."
Silence. I get nothing but silence. He's checking if I'm bluffing. I check the first five, knowing it'd be one of them he keeps close—seeing as their seals aren't time-triggered.
"That is the famous Yamanaka Fuu beside you. He's using his chakra, no doubt trying to check your team via that curiously forbidden seal you put on them. The fun part, he can't. He senses nothing wrong. Now. Tell him to check the ones you know for a fact are dead, and see what he tells you."
Okichi starts to stir, her little eyes squinting. She isn't fussy, so I know this is her social time. And I'm missing that for this fuckwad.
"Very well, Namiki. You've proven your case."
"If I did, we wouldn't be having this conversation. I will tolerate be no further provocation, and there will be no further warnings." I hang up.
"Good morning, sleepy head. Did you enjoy your nap?" I ask, Shimura's stupidity already forgotten. Okichi yawns, so I tickle her chin with my finger to tease her a little. "You did? And look how everyone's here just in time for Kichi's social time. Isn't that wonderful?"
"Love?"
"That's right, Kichi. Mommy's here, and momma's here, and grandmomma's here, and grandpa's here."
"Aya?" I look up at Mi, just in time for her to steal a kiss. But that isn't enough for her. She picks me up, carrying us up into our room, where she carefully lays me on our bed. She goes and shuts the door, activating the seals to make sure we have privacy, and she activates her Byakugan to make sure of that.
When she's satisfied, she comes to the edge of our bed, and she crawls up and over me, her face hovering mere inches from mine, and her breath kissing me.
"Namiki Aya."
"Nn?" I noise, amused with her dramatics.
She runs her nose up against mine to nudge my glasses up properly so I can see her. So I can see the yearning in her eyes, the way she nervously bites her lip, how she blushes.
Is she…?
"I want to be selfish tonight." She kisses me. I frown—I hoped this was her popping the question. "I want you and Okichi for myself." She kisses me again, kissing Okichi's temple as she pulls back this time. She drops down beside me, carefully taking our daughter and laying her on her chest. Once the dancing and squirming little bundle of joy grabs onto her shirt, she tugs me to come join them.
"And I want to be selfish tomorrow night. Let's go out. Dinner and a show," she begs.
"I'm not leaving Okichi."
"Of course not. We have a proper theatre right here in the compound. Second house on the left. Their opening play is tomorrow, and I have a table reserved for us. We bring the bouncy buggy for if she's being social, and I arranged that everyone gets their own little table nearby, giving us and Okichi a cosy evening together, while our guards have tables barely a stone's throw away." I claim her lips, needing to show her how moved I am that she's taking care of us so completely.
"Not even Masashige could argue this setup is unsafe, and he's been as paranoid with you and Okichi as I have," she finishes, a little breathless from my stolen kiss.
"Thank you."
"Misato already asked Michiko to go with her. Zeitou already asked Keiko. And Kakashi-san should be back tomorrow. I'll talk to him, see if he can ask Yasu."
"Try to talk to Naruto. Have him ask Hinata. And I'll talk to Reika about her and the other pups getting a table together, where everyone can keep an eye on them."
"Already arranged. Naruto's taking the Hyuuga sisters. Mika asked Zabuza to take her, Haku, and Ao. Ensui's taking Matsumi and their little girl. Shikaku-san is taking Yoshino-san. And I have sensei and Satsuma seated nearest the play room, so they can keep an eye on Hoshie and Kenshin, so they can play to their heart's content."
I kiss her again, the warmth in my chest almost overflowing by now.
"Kakashi-san sent word. We should expect them around noon. So I have a proper escort arranged for us. And I talked to Ensui, he's already taken all the paperwork to the Tower, he put all the stubs in your drawer, where you like them."
I lay my head on her shoulder, looking at little Okichi, her vibrant violet eyes widen as she recognizes me—I'm that close to her. She starts kicking and wriggling, doing a little happy dance now that she has my full attention.
I press a kiss between delicate crimson eyebrows. "We got so lucky, Kichi. Momma takes such good care of us."
"Of course," Mi agrees, rubbing Okichi's little back. "Anything for my girls." I look up at her again, seeing only longing in her pale eyes. She yearns for me, for our baby.
The urge swells within me. I want so badly to ask her to marry me. No more indirect I'm not against it talks. No more waiting for others to bring it up. I want this woman in my life, for the rest of my life.
Laying down on her shoulder again, I drink in our little carrot top, our little miracle. "I you."
She presses a kiss to my brow, her hand tracing up and down my back. "I you."
8-8
We walk into the Tower around nine. Sarutobi needs a word with me, for some reason, and he won't discuss it over the phone.
So here I am, dressed in the Namiki uniform, my face and hair covered, with Mi at my side, holding Okichi, surrounded by our pack. Even as we pass none other than Shimura himself, all he gets is glares.
We make it to the secretary, who winces at seeing us, already motioning us in—is it how we're all in uniform, or is it the fuck-off clearly stamped on our foreheads as we glare her into an early grave? Masashige opens the door, walking in with Asako to make sure it's safe enough, before giving us an all-clear. As we enter, I sense six little wolves guarding the door to make sure we aren't disturbed.
"I have a busy day, Sarutobi. Make it good," I demand, wondering at his advisors being here as well.
"Very well. I need you to talk to the two Sound Shinobi."
"Oh, that's easy. No," I shoot him down. "I'm not solving your problems."
"All I ask, Aya-chan, is that you hear me out."
"I just did."
"So far, all they've reacted to is you. Not even Ibiki can get more out of them than that. So I propose you meet with them. See what happens."
"Momma. If you want, you can take them." She grins, walking out of the office and closing the door behind her. "I'm not interested in your games, Sarutobi. If you have something like that, talk to momma directly. Don't get me involved."
"Now, A—"
I turn, nodding to Masashige to let him know I'm ready to leave.
"My Lady." He opens the door for me, he and Asako bowing low.
"Aya, please. We need someone with your skills around here."
"The Namiki clan needs me more." I walk right back out of his office, uncaring for his angle or attempt.
Our little wolves are just as ready to take us home as they were to take us here. "Mi? I think it's time."
"As soon as we get you and Okichi home, I'll take them. All of them?"
"All of them. Four blades and a pole arm. Nectar of the kami." Our little wolves look about ready to cream their pants. Asako chief among them. "Take the women, too. They've earned no less respect."
"Goes without saying. Mind if I…?" Go nuts shopping and claim it's for the little wolves?
"That's your call. I'm fine with it." She nods, beaming.
8-8
Eleven forty-five finds me at South Gate awaiting Naruto and co. Every little wolf of our pack is here, in uniform, glowing brighter than the sun. I can't help but smile, knowing they form a perimeter around us. Sumi and Rieko are at my sides, both holding an umbrella to keep us out of the sun—not that I need it, I don't show enough skin to warrant needing shade. Okichi contently snoozes the day away, so I won't complain too much.
I'm not entirely sure why my usual morning madness was being handled by someone else—I'm not complaining, but I'm curious. Let alone not having seen hide nor hair of so much as one pup since breakfast. It's not a world-ending event, I've just gotten used to them barging into my office or stalking me at the library.
I have a feeling Mi agreed to that meeting with Sarutobi knowing I'd turn him down, and used it as an excuse to have poppa and Ensui take over my usual duties—one taking the medical questions in the library, and the other taking the errands I had planned. That left me only with seeing to Okichi and taking a nap—again, not complaining.
Though I'm also curious as all hell why we bothered to be on time—Hatake will never show up here on the stroke of twelve. Still, we already have the form to pre-clear Senju. And Reika teamed up with poppa to have all the pups at home playing—though I don't doubt they'll be getting ready for lunch about now.
So mostly I'm here, waiting in the shade, watching Mi and her team just outside the gate. "You both ordered your own blades?" I ask, hoping to strum up some kind of conversation. Waiting is kind of boring like this.
"We have, Milady," Sumi answers, a sense of awe deeper than I can imagine in her tone. "We cannot thank you enough."
"You don't have to," I assure her. I'm not sure if they notice or not, but the Hayashi sisters take a subtle step closer to me, close enough that I feel their warmth . I smile, rubbing Okichi's little back. "Have you already made appointments for checkups?"
"Doctor Inuzuka comes by once a week for us. And your honourable father keeps a proper dossier of all the clan, milady. I assure you, every wolf, little wolf, and pup is being tended to," Rieko says, every bit as awed as her sister was a moment ago.
"Good. And you are, of course, getting all supplements needed?"
"We are. And Lady Yasu arranges meals that cater to our cravings," comes the most comforting assurance yet. I beam, grateful Yasu-nee is so diligent in taking care of our pack. "We've made reservations at the Namiki theatre as well, Milady. I've never been to a play before."
"I hope you enjoy it, then." They both take another little step towards me, their katana and wakizashi worn proudly on their left hip, ready to defend me to their last breath—not that I'll give them the chance.
Hatake's scent reaches me first. He purposely didn't wash-down with his scent removing soap—he wants us to know he's coming, and that he doesn't smell of distress. Not that he'd likely get distressed even if he were surrounded by enemies.
Mi turns to me, smiling and nodding. Her veins bulge to show she activates her Byakugan, no doubt wanting visual confirmation on something. It's not ten minutes later that the group comes into view.
Pinky stands out like an eyesore—as bad as blondie himself. Uchiha is every bit the stoic asshole, though he seems extra asshole-ish, given he escorts a Senju. Hatake is just as laconic as ever, but there's a sense of pride in his sole visible eye that definitely isn't usually there.
It's the second tallest. They say she turns sixteen soon, but she strikes me as just over fourteen. Her curly brown hair is tied into a ponytail, even now reaching past her shoulder blades. And the miko outfit… I'm not sure what to make of that. Mi and her team walk up to her, inclining their heads respectfully.
Rinka's pink eyes show a long-borne annoyance with this treatment, as her hands are waved to show it really isn't needed. Mi says something, motioning for Rinka to come with her. They walk together, the three junior members of Team Hitomi taking up Rinka's flanks, as they walk to the security checkpoint. Team Hatake, of course, just show their faces and walk through, waving Senju off as they head for the tower to report in…
Other than Naruto, of course. Blondie comes, straight to me, nodding to my guards as he ppasses, and kissing Okichi's temple. "I've got so much good news. But I can't now."
"You know where to find me," I say, narrowing my eyes. He's given me a verbal report on every mission to date, so him pointing it out this time. It's… odd—and that means something's different.
Haruno comes to me, for some reason. "Namiki-san? May I pass by later to see Rinka?" My eyebrows almost disappear into my hairline, but it's a fair request.
"Alright." Fuck if I understand how those two ended up being friends. Haruno thanks me, beaming. She and her team disappear with a body flicker—I didn't know pinkie learned it.
"We've already pre-cleared you. Though there is still a mandatory interview at T&I, I assure you, it is only a formality, and we can make arrangements that someone you feel comfortable with can be there with you." Mi tugs at my attention again, so I shake off the mindjob I just got.
"Than… thank you," Rinka says, her voice light and airy. Her gait is as effeminate as her lilt—trained into her, no doubt.
"Think nothing of it. Please, if you could just fill in your name?" Mi is quite eloquent in these situations. I feel a warmth growing in my chest, loving this side of her—and appreciating how deeply I truly affect her, since I usually turn her brains into puree and her confidence into shambles. "Perfect. Please, this way." She motions Rinka our way.
"Senju Rinka, please meet my girlfriend, Namiki Aya, and the head of our clan. I assure you, as long as you do not present yourself as a threat, our little wolves will never harm you."
"Pl… pleased to meet your acquaintance, Lady Namiki." Now that she's closer, her tanned skin is far more noticeable—though righting my glasses helps, too. Her hands are callused, as if she works hard with them, though they are in all the wrong places compared to swordsmen.
I roll my eyes. "I'm not that kind of girl. Just Namiki is fine." She nods, unsure what to make of me just yet. "There will be plenty of time for introductions later. For now, you have an appointment with uncle Inoichi," I remind her, turning to show her the way. "Come."
Mi comes instead, easing in front of me and taking me into her arms. "It's alright, love. You guys head home. I'll bring her by as soon as she gets out." She pulls back, leaning in for a kiss—her boastful little smirk telling me she knows I won't turn her down.
"Alright." Our lips meet briefly, before she leans down further and kisses the wild locks of ruby hair. "Masashige. Could you and Asako go with her?"
"I'd rather they stay with you. I already have my team."
I roll my eyes—she has something planned for me. "How about we bring her home, and call uncle to have the interview held there. She looks like she's tired, and it's lunch time."
"Hmm? That makes sense. What do you think, Rinka?"
8-8
"From right to left, they are—"
"Left to right," Mi corrects. If I wasn't holding a sleeping child, I'd swat her.
"Moving on. They are Senju Hashirama, the First. Senju Tobirama, the Second. Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third and reigning. And Namikaze Minato, the Fourth."
"So that's why…"
"Senju has been synonymous with Konoha since our founding. Which is true for a few clans and families. Including the Uchiha clan. It's probably why that ass is being even more of an ass than usual."
"So that's it. Huh, I thought he was just insufferable."
"He is." She giggles, covering her mouth with her hand. "Anyway. Somewhat more interesting for you to know. The Senju clan and the Uzumaki clan are related. Just as the Uzumaki clan is related to the Namikis, the Hatakes, and the Inuzukas."
"So we're related?"
"I don't know," I admit. "And it's not that interesting for me. Most of my clansmen don't share my blood, but they are my family all the same."
"Is that so…" We continue through the streets, our little wolves carefully carving us a path. "So why don't you want anyone near your daughter?" She no doubt wants to know why Masashige and Asako are between her and Rieko, keeping her well away from Okichi and me.
"To protect them," I explain. "Namikis are wolves. And just as you shouldn't get close to a wolf pup, you shouldn't get close to a Namiki pup. It won't end well."
"It's the same for Hatakes and Inuzukas?" She's not from here. If her cluelessness wasn't enough, her chakra smells too much of rolling hills and windswept the valleys.
"Yes. We may honour our shared heritage differently, but we're one family." We're passing close to the marketplace, so it gets a bit loud. Rinka closes in on herself with all the noise—she clearly hates it, though I can't figure out why.
It isn't a minute later that we're in the loudest part. Okichi starts to stir, already getting fussy. I shift her, carefully setting her against my chest, and try rocking her back to sleep. She doesn't seem to like much noise, but I can't say I'm surprised. Our den is usually quiet—no matter how busy it gets, not even the pups like loud noises.
Crying. I hear crying. I look to Asako, who dashes off towards the sound. Our group stops, though Rinka isn't too happy about stopping this close to the loudest of the noise. It's a few minutes later that my little wolf comes back with a boy barely half her height. His short brown hair sways with each nervous step, and his mournful brown eyes are glued to the pavement.
"My Lady, this is Katsuo. He ran away from the orphanage a week ago."
I nod, understanding that better than most. "How old are you, Katsuo?"
"Six… I'm six, milady." I know the tone well. He speaks as if life had its way with him, like starving in the streets, unknown and unloved, isn't that bad compared to being fed by ungrateful assholes who blame you for everything.
I snort, unamused. He's about the same age I was when I went to Daifu's—or was it the same age I got kicked out—and I hated it there. Granted, I hated it everywhere, but…
"Well, come on then. We're going to have lunch." He looks up at me, his watery eyes wide with disbelief. "What? Are you saying you're not hungry?"
His stomach answers for him, loudly grumbling and whining to show just hungry he is. He wraps his arms around his middle, his face aflame from embarrassment.
"See. You're hungry. Now let's go."
8-8
"Aya-nee!" "O'nee-sama!" "Milady!" All the pups are at the entrance to greet us. All of them. I turn to Mi, cocking an eyebrow.
"What? They were working on a surprise." I roll my eyes at the non-sequitor. The Hyuuga guards bow low to us—I'm not sure why we still have Hyuuga guards here, but I'm also not trying to figure it out—closing the gate and our little wolves re-engage the security system.
Our pups come rushing, each begging to give Okichi a kiss—only little Ki-chan is missing, he's with momma or poppa, I don't doubt. Once everyone's satisfied—Hoshie decided, as her auntie, she has the right to give her at least three kisses more than the others—I'm escorted into the second house on the… the…
Damn it! I'm holding Okichi, so I can't look at my hands. I assume left, simply because Mi told me the theatre is the second on the left. As we enter, the scent of the whole pack fills my senses. The Yamanakas, the Naras, the Sarutobis, the Akimichis, the Namikis, the Uzumakis, the Yukis. Even the geishas and the servants are all here.
Entering through the front gate, the garden I expected is missing—brilliant time to notice, idiot. In its place is a welcome hall grand enough to hold the whole clan, just this one room. Reika ushers us over to one side, where Mi helps me out of my shinobi sandals and Reika trades them for simple house slippers. I don't bother complaining about being able to do any of that myself—they won't listen, and they'll just argue I'm holding Okichi, so there.
All I do is roll my eyes and shake my head.
"None of that, love. You deserve to get spoiled sometimes," Mi argues, leaning in and kissing my neck. All I can do is sigh. "Are you trying to say I shouldn't spoil you?"
"I haven't said a word."
"Uh huh. Come on." She carefully scoops Okichi out of my arms—baby offers a sniffled sigh, before settling back down, no doubt having recognized Mi's scent. Like nothing's the matter, Mi offers me her elbow, intent on escorting me to our destination. I carefully hug her arm, making sure I'm not pulling her off balance—nothing is worth risking dropping Okichi.
Through large double doors, into a grand hall, Mi doesn't slow for a moment. The stage to one side—right or left, too frazzled to hazard a guess—stands majestically over the open floor covered with tatami mats with row after row of round tables and contoured couches fit for eight. Each row rises three steps above the row nearer the stage. But Mi ignores all of that. Instead, she ushers me further up and to the back, where momma, poppa, mom, daddy, Hoshie, Sakiko, Kenshin, Yasu-nee, Eimi, Tsuji, Atsu, Kana, and Satoko await us. Hoshie and Sakiko are both out of breath, no doubt having raced up here.
This table is larger, fit for a group of twenty with space for more, and no one has their back to the stage. I sniff—or sniffle—trying to take in everyone here. I can't . My brain's fried, so all I can do is offer a watery smile as Mi, Okichi, and I join our group.
Masashige and his family have a table right in front of us. Asako and little Shoutetsu wave to us, before Kasumi gets on their case to sit down properly. Rieko, Sumi, and their husbands have a table to one side of us. Ensui and his family have a table to the other—Michiko and Zeitou sit with them, no wonder they ran off the second we got through the gate.
Let alone the dozens of little wolves with their families seated within a stone's throw from us.
I should ask Mi. I should demand how long she'd been keeping this from me—not that she didn't tell me last night. I was more expecting a sitting room with pillows, not an new fucking building!
Reika takes her seat beside me, unsealing the bouncy buggy and shimmying it over to us. Mi and I work together, setting Okichi into the little seat and carefully strapping her in.
"Mmmmmmm," comes the predictable complaint. Grumpy little violet eyes squint open, accusing us of waking her up. No matter that we tuck her in, no matter that she's warm and surrounded by her pack, that Mi and I each take her tiny little hands and kiss them. She likes our warmth a million times more than she likes her blanket.
So I sing for her. I don't care which song, just the first that comes to mind. I sing steady and clear, kissing her hands and brow every time I pause. Hoshie and Sakiko hum a soft melody to help, and poppa soon joins in.
Reika unseals her shamisen, softly plucking the strings to offer our impromptu performance what it was missing. Our little humming birds tap a beat against the table, our missing percussions are missing no longer.
A mighty yawn escapes Okichi, her eyelids growing heavy once again.
"And can you feel, the love tonight. It is where we are," I continue singing, keeping my voice as soothing as I can. It's but a moment later that soft snores fill my world. She's asleep. She's asleep, and I didn't have to hold her to do it. Baby steps, Aya, baby steps.
"Hello, there. You must be Rinka-chan," mom greets, motioning for her to join us—on the other side of the table. "And… okay, you I don't know."
"His name is Katsuo, you see," I sing, trying to keep to the same rhythm so Okichi can fall into a deep slumber. She still has an hour before her next feeding, so why not let her nap if she's tired.
"O…kay. Well, Katsuo-chan, come on. We don't bite." I smile, shaking my head even as I continue singing for Okichi.
"I didn't know you could sing." I'm not sure what to make of Rinka, or the awe so obviously on display. Everyone can sing, some better than others, but how she said it suggests I sing well—not that I believe her.
"She still tries convincing people she can't. That's why she only sings if she's drunk, or is lulling Okichi to sleep." I roll my eyes, refusing to take mom's bait. "Or if she and Hitomi are in a flirty mood. I swear, Hitomi gets away with murder when it comes to her."
As if she wants to prove her case, Mi pulls down my mask and peels back my hood. She makes sure to arrange them so I won't complain too much, before tugging me into her warmth, idly loosening my braid, and combing her fingers through my hair.
I sigh, letting go of the chaotic morning now officially behind me. Curiously, Okichi does much the same. Leaning into Mi a little more, my singing slows and stops. Reika keeps plucking the strings, though, so Okichi doesn't complain.
She just lays there, motionless, her eyes closed. Her bright red hair is sticks up in every direction, no matter how often I brush it—and there isn't enough to put it into any style. Her little yellow outfit with frolicking grey wolves and dizzied pink butterflies brings a smile to my eyes—I love seeing her in this onesie.
"Love?" Mi murmurs so soft I wonder if anyone but me can hear her.
"Mm?" A yearning gnaws at me, one that grates on me a little more every time Mi offers me every little thing Okichi and I need or want.
"Tetsuhiko. He arrives tomorrow evening."
"I know," I complain, not looking forward to it. I mean, he's a blast to have around, but that means the Three Wolves contingent isn't far behind, and then the meetings, and meeting another daimyo, and the new Mizukage, and a whole lot of crap that may well include not having my baby near me at all times.
"I'm coming. I'm bringing my team with me."
"I know." I try to sound upbeat, knowing Mi will keep us safe and will take care of our every need while she's at it. But…
"I made arrangements already. Sensei is coming to every meeting, as are Ensui, Keiko, and Misato. Masashige will have six little wolves nearby as well. The second you want to leave, you'll have a proper escort to take you home. No explanations, no hassle. You just pick up and go. Agreed?"
I claim her lips, my kiss as steamy as it is needy. She unties my forehead protector, a little thud telling me it winds up on the table. She unzips my flak jacket as well, slipping it down my arms. A moan escapes me, liking how comfortable she is with stripping me wherever and whenever she damn well pleases.
A poof tells me they get sealed, but I can't bring myself to care. All I care for is that Okichi sleeps, and that Mi's warm, callused hands sneak under my shirt and up my lower back, grabbing my naked flesh as she pulls me deeper into her.
I find myself straddling her lap, my arms around her shoulders and my fingers in her hair. I don't know how, I don't care. I'm good right here, with her fingers massaging any and every bit of me they touch, moulding me like I'm putty in her hands.
"You know. It'd be nice if you did that to me sometimes," momma complains. I hear nervous laughter, but I'm too busy enjoying Mi and our moment to care whose it is.
"You'd have me naked in the ladies room in less than a minute," poppa snipes.
"And that's wrong, because…?"
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"I'm not saying I don't want to hold her. I'm saying I don't want to get you started. You're already on a baby-binge, and every time you smell the pair of us together, I end up on my back," poppa complains. I giggle, loving how they are sometimes.
"You're both in the same space. So holding her isn't going to add much," momma argues. I just shake my head, walking over to the swing and plopping onto it. I wonder at it being so wide—fit for two adults, not so much children as the rest of the playground is set up. "And for the record. It'd be nice if you threw me on the bed and stripped me down."
"It'd also be nice if you didn't wake me up at two in the morning, with your hand in my pants."
"For your information, most guys would kill for a wife like me."
"True. Now stop fretting. Your ovulation starts tomorrow." There's a spike in momma's scent. Obviously she's looking forward to putting in the effort to get pregnant. At least I know where I get it from. "And just so you know, I've made arrangements with Kana. She's minding the kids tonight, all day tomorrow. And Satoko takes over tomorrow night."
"You mean…?"
"I told you not to agree to joining Aya for those meetings."
"It's alright, momma!" I call out, my grin more than obvious. "Mi arranged more than enough backup. Get your groove on!"
Poppa takes Okichi from her, holding her carefully against his chest. Momma just melts, obviously enjoying seeing her husband holding a baby—her being their granddaughter only adds to the emotional value, I don't doubt. "Now, will you please start taking your prenatal supplements? You're supposed to start three months before you even plan on getting pregnant, you know."
Instead of answering, she kisses his neck—more like suckling on it, intent on leaving her mark for all the world to see.
"Hey," Mi calls out from behind me. She sits beside me, facing the other way so I can see her face. "I've been thinking."
"Mm?"
Her cheeks are suddenly aflame, but she meets my curious gaze all the same. "Okichi is eventually going to need a little brother or sister. And it's unhealthy for you to get pregnant so soon," she begins, her arm snaking around my middle.
I bite my lip, trying to mask the glowing smile I feel coming.
"So, I've been talking to a few medics I know, discussing the options."
"Sperm donors?"
"Other than a one night stand, artificial insemination is the only option."
"I'm not sharing you," I tell her explicitly, a growl in my tone. "Ever."
"Ditto," she soothes, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "But, I want our babies to share their heritage. So I've been weighing possible donors that might be up for multiple contributions."
"Tsuji and Atsu," I murmur, knowing she would choose them for their elemental parallels to the Namikis.
"Mm. They've agreed, even going so far as to offer signing a contract that they would hold no parental rights to our babies."
"No need. This is all in-house, so it's no one's concern but ours." She nods, agreeing with me. Another reason she likely approached our clansmen first.
"I was… wondering…?"
Her eyes, the yearning of her heart worn on her sleeve.
"I know it's too soon. I know it'll take convincing Yoshino-san."
My breath hitches, taking my heart rate with it. "Yes, Mi?"
"I want you, Aya."
I smile, my eyes twinkling just for her as I cup her cheek. "I'm already yours."
"Forever."
Tears spill down my cheeks.
"I've been wracking my brain, trying to figure out the perfect moment." Ask me, Hitomi. Ask me! You know the answer's yes. "I mean, ever since you started cooking for me. The day you made okonomiyaki for me… oh, gods, it slipped out, but I was hoping you'd say yes anyway."
Ask me. Ask me. Please, just say the words.
"I mean. I know we haven't been dating long. And I still have so much training to do, and so much to learn. Let alone us starting the rehabilitation centre, and getting those apartments fixed up and rented out and…" She's rambling again.
I kiss her, effectively shutting her up. As I pull back, her eyes are every bit as teary as mine. She's so afraid, afraid I'll tell her no, afraid I'll say I'm not ready. So let's loosen that fear one knot at a time.
"Poppa's been helping me with the paperwork. All apartments in Ryuuhou and Konoha have been officially registered to be rented. Ensui selected a team of handymen in the clan, and has been repairing and nicing up everything they can, only hiring when it's outside their skillset. The daycare officially opens next week. I already have the house set up, and the last touches are scheduled to take place tomorrow. We've already passed inspection, and we have twenty-six children pre-registered, including the expectant mothers of our allies."
"Esnui told me," she murmurs, nodding. The gentle action sends a pair of tears cascading down. I gently cup her other cheek, thumbing away the moisture and emotions spilling down.
"I've made arrangements for our people to take specialized courses. Most here in Konoha, but some in Ryuuhou as well. They'll be running the gambit from architect to electrician to carpenter to plumber to central heating technician to blacksmith to chef. We even have two I've petitioned uncle Inoichi to train in psychotherapy."
"I know," she murmurs, the yearning in her eyes only growing stronger.
"We even have another farm, just outside of Konoha. I've been talking to auntie Mariko about what we can grow there, and what farm animals we could buy. It would lower our cost of living considerably if we grow our own food, after all."
She smiles, more tears falling down.
"I've had plans drawn up for a sizable greenhouse. We'll be growing our own chocolate." She laughs, uncaring that more tears fall for her efforts. "I've even been talking to uncle Chouza about his restaurants ordering ingredients from us, if we can assure the numbers and quality he needs."
She nods, no doubt already knowing all of this.
"We take care of each other," I remind her. "We're already partners in this, in all of this." I look towards poppa, who's carefully rocking Okichi—she's obviously awake, but she isn't crying.
"I'm sorry. I meant for this to go completely different," she complains. "I—"
"Namiki Hitomi," I soothe, cutting her off, knowing she'll just start rambling again. I peer into her white, almost featureless eyes. Eyes that anyone else would find scary, unnerving. Eyes that only ever smile when she looks at me. "Will you marry me?"
"That's my line!" she complains, her eyes going wide as dinner plates as she registers what I asked. "You…?"
"I've been trying to figure out ways to show you. Ways to let you know that I'm not just going through the motions." I look back to Okichi, hearing her grumbled cries that tell me she's upset but she's being coddled just right to keep her from throwing a tantrum. "The night Okichi was born was the last straw for me. How you so easily accepted her into your life, how you demanded to be registered as the father. How you've been going out of your way at every turn to help with everything."
"Love, are you…?"
"The air smells of rain. The rainy season starts tonight," I say, turning back to her. The sky is practically cloudless, but I've never been wrong about this. She narrows her eyes, trying to make sense of me. "That means I'm not bringing Okichi out of the house unless I can't help it. So… would you rather say that your girlfriend couldn't come because she's home minding our baby? Or does saying your fiancée sound more appealing?"
She pulls away from me, walking off. I can't breathe. That is what she wanted to ask, right? Why would she walk away?
She comes back into view, having circled around. She pulls out a little box from only the gods know where. And she drops to one knee. I wipe away the stupid tears. Of course. She's a traditionalist. She needs to do this the right way or it doesn't count, not to her.
She opens the box, revealing a simple golden ring with an understated diamond jutting out. Tears fall. It isn't a perfect moment. She screwed up a dozen times already, and that's not even counting the previous attempts she backed away from—the theatre just now, and last night when she stole me away after Shimura's call, being the two easier to spot. The jagged edges she feared she'd slip and fall onto. The pitfalls she didn't realise I've been working my ass off to cover before either of us falls into one of them.
From the moment you barged back into my life, Hitomi. You've done all you can do be there for me. From begging me to go back to counselling, to buying those cookbooks, to buying more dishes and pots than I've ever needed. You started a chain reaction that changed me forever, and you were too busy trying to save me to care.
You didn't anticipate people fearing what an Anbu Op in my life would do, especially when coupled with me taking out a chuunin, which opened the door to my not caring about taking out a jounin. And when the heat got too much in Konoha, you stole me away. You trained me to get stronger than I ever thought I would be. You helped me perfect my every genjutsu, taught me the basics for medical jutsu.
And the teahouse in Saimogo, where you brought me back to life. How you doted on me that whole day, how you stole my first kiss that night—as ineptly as everything else you try the first time. How you spent those days helping me to get all the money I'd need, all the weapons I could want, and even helped me to save Naruto—that stubborn ass.
If just one crucial moment was denied us, we both would have deprived ourselves of this moment. We're a statistical impossibility. Knowing that makes this all the more precious—something a 'perfect' moment could never live up to.
"Namiki Aya. Will you marry me?" I nod, not bothering to fight the tears.
"It's about time you took responsibility," I tease. "Yes, Mi. A thousand times yes." I nod again, more emphatically this time. I don't even bother with the tears, or how my hands shake as she extracts the ring and slips it onto my ring finger. It fits, with a little room in case I get bloated. "I finally have a way to tell right from left."
She laughs, standing up and scooping me up in one go—who cares what happens to the box. Her lips meet mine.
"Ahh! Uhh! Ahh! Uhh! Ahh!"
Shit. I'm already leaking, my body craving nothing more than to tend to Okichi's needs. "Come on, love. Let's get you two inside," Mi says, already walking us towards poppa.
I pull myself up, murmuring into her ear, "I you."
"I love you, Aya." Fuck. Perfect is overrated.
"I love you, Hitomi." I hope she can make that out through the sobs that came out of nowhere.
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End Chapter 35
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A/N: The original plan ended Solidarity right here. But I was rereading Zeraslam6's story, and a thought hit me with her OC Senju Rinka, who I use with permission. And well, a very different plan formed in my mind. Not that I ever get enough reviews to warrant it, mind you -_-
So anyway. I have four more ideas I want to work out, and a cute fluff-bunny of a plot point that I can't help but want to write. How ever many chapters that takes, that takes.
Happy holidays to one and all. And I hope to have a few specials coming out, but frankly I would get your hopes up. Enjoy ^_^