The Weasel and the Lotus Chapter 9, a naruto fanfic

A/N: I heard this beautiful Japanese lullaby by chance and the entire scene just sprung from there, so yes I just had to include it (hides face in shame).

Music: Back to you – Selena Gomez

A Thousand Years – Christina Perry

I don't wanna live forever – Taylor Swift

Warabe Uta - Kaguya hime no monogatari

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

CHAPTER 9

Mikoto turns back to see an astonished, wide eyed, flushed Nalina with one hand in the air and a small cake box in the other staring back at her, "W-what just happened?" Mikoto cannot hide her chuckle "Apparently he likes the taste of your cake."

They next day Team 7 decides to have an early training session before the boys' head back out to complete their training. Kakashi invites Nalina and Itachi along seeing as they always have morning training sessions to hone her skills further. Itachi is not prepared to have his alone time with her intruded on so he is already preparing reasons to decline without drawing suspicion. Right then Neji enters looking for an audience with Nalina, it is unsettling to see the teen this formal after spending so much time with him. Team 7 leaves with Kakashi stating the invitation is open if they are available later.

"Neji, are you ok? You look very troubled" Nalina is at his side before her words are cold.

Itachi grits his teeth as he realises that no amount of reasoning now will get her to continue her training this morning. He internally relents with a sigh as he returns to his breakfast.

"May we speak in private please?" Neji eyes Itachi warily and looks back at Nalina who observes his apprehension and understands his meaning straight away. She is silently hoping to avoid being alone with Itachi – her stomach doing weird flips whenever she is in close proximity to him since the cake incident - and was glad when the combined training offer was made. Neji needing her for whatever reason is an even better excuse.

"Let's go for a walk? The woods at the back are quiet and the scenery is beautiful this time of the year." She leads him away down the corridor towards her hut.

They reach the heavy wooden door leading out and Neji assists her in opening it. As they make their way over the meadow, she breaks the deafening silence "Is this about when I brought you back Neji? Are you upset I did that?" her voice growing small and her bottom lip pulled between her teeth already taking punishment, the little black mark bobbing up and down with the agitation.

"What? No! I-I'm eternally grateful to you as is my uncle and Hinata. Even the clan is pleased by my return." His face remains stoic but there is deep emotion running through his voice that she clearly feels.

"Then what troubles you? Have I done or said something to offend you? I noticed you haven't been coming by anymore and… and I actually miss you" She watches him closely and sees him swallowing hard.

"Why did you do it? Why bring me back? What happened was in service of my village and I will do it again in a heartbeat." He manages to spill out before sealing his lips again.

"I know Neji, I know…but… it was not yet your time. It happened because I came and changed the sequence of events. That in itself should be more than enough reason." Her voice dropping low as her chakra wafts around her disturbingly.

"So you know when I am supposed to die?" he asks sombrely reading more into her answer than what her words say.

The deafening silence blankets them again as they reach a tall oak with a huge trunk where its roots form a little alcove covered in soft moss. Nalina moves to sit down and makes herself comfortable with her back against the moss-covered bark, she motions for him to take a seat next to her. After he sits down on his heels opposite her she inhales deeply, blowing it out softly as she purses her lips. "I do."

"Is there something I am supposed to do before I die then?" his enquiry sincere as is his expression.

"Yes…LIVE!" Her exuberance lights up her chakra to curl in warm tones around them.

His quizzical look urges her to continue "Neji your life was stolen from you in much the same way. I made an arrangement with my Mistress to keep you safe when I came here. Your life is part of my compensation for services rendered to her."

"What!? You are here to change… everything and your payment is my life? Why? What do you get out of this?" he is both shocked and puzzled by her actions and conveys them in his questions as he tries to understand.

"Neji… yours is one of a few lives I have requested yes. Your life is not payment as such more like… my gift to you. All I want is for you to be happy, live, love, have beautiful children, grow old and change the way of the Hyuga. That is my payment, knowing you will be happy."

She motions for him to lay in her lap "May I play with your hair please? It looks so soft and my hands are itching to know how it feels" she chuckles a bit at his horrified face.

"I don't think he will like that very much" he answers a bit sullenly glancing up to the canopy overhead.

"And why would it bother him in the least? If he wants me to play with his hair all he needs to do, is ask. Now come, or will you deny me this one small request?" she pouts a little making sad puppy dog eyes at the teen before her.

In the treetops Itachi starts at her abrupt offer. She has never requested to play with his hair as she so willingly does to everybody else. The knowledge that he will have to ask her unsettles him more than he is comfortable with.

"Hn" he complies as he lays his head down to rest on her lap flipping his tied ponytail over her legs as he looks up at her.

She makes a small squealing sound and as soon as his head touches her lap her fingers find their way to his scalp.

"Nalina…why did you ask Tenten to help you?" he ventures hesitantly.

"You already know the answer Neji you just have to admit it to yourself. Hinata was just as much of a help." Nalina replies instantly while running her fingers through his silky locks.

"I know and I feel incredibly indebted to her although she acts as though it was the same as offering me a glass of water. I don't understand why she would even offer to begin with. I have been nothing but detestable to her in the past." Finishing he realises that he spoke more in this instance than any other time before. He feels his inhibitions and insecurities falling away like the iciness did the first time he met Nalina. "What are you doing to me? Why am I not hesitant to talk to you so?"

She laughs loudly still massaging his scalp in slow motions as she combs her fingers through his now untied hair. "Oh Neji, you Hyuga really do need to lighten up a bit. Tradition is wonderful and all but you can't let it interfere with living. Living is feeling, and that is exactly where Hyuga and Uchiha are the same – both think if you feel it makes you weak when it is the furthest thing from the truth. Feeling gives you strength…real strength from which power grows. The day mankind realises this fact…well…I hope I live to see that day. Love is the path to follow - Life is the road to success."

Neji's serene expression moves to one of realisation and he tilts his head to stare into her eyes before he asks "Nalina…what happens to you when your mission is complete? When you have changed all you came to change here? Will you stay and make this your home?"

Her ministrations stills at this and she gazes off to the side "I-I…you will all be happy Neji. That is all that matters."

"Nalina…how many others can you bring back? How many others have you exchanged your life for?" He knows she will not voice her sacrifice without assistance.

She remains silent as she lifts her gaze to the canopy, following the patches of sunlight filtering through the leaves dancing around them. "Only three including you."

Itachi shifts uncomfortably in his seat when he hears the implications of what she did for the Hyuga.

"Now I understand why Uchiha-san calls you Hime. You truly are deserving of the title; he saw it all along from the start." Neji closes his eyes and sighs deeply with acknowledgement.

"Don't you start too! Please, I'm just a normal orphan girl, nothing special here. My Mistress is the special one who deserves your respect and affections." Nalina's chakra billows as her companion feels her dislike growing for his agreement with Itachi.

He smirks at her then "Funny how all extraordinary people will always insist they are nothing more than ordinary people. How often does a rose or a lotus admire its own beauty or resilience? They don't, yet that doesn't take away from their radiance and strength – just like you… Nalina-hime" he cannot stop himself as he thinks of Naruto in this moment even if his present company holds more humility he reckons.

She groans loudly at the latter making Neji laugh out loud which in turn shocks her into a fit of giggles too. They finally stand up dusting stray blades of grass and clumps of moss from their clothes and make their way back to the main house.

"Why DID you ask Tenten specifically?" He asks again hoping to receive a clear answer this time.

She sighs and stands still to look at the teen before her now "To do what I did only the purest form of love can be used…selfless, untainted, unconditional love. Your cousin Hinata possesses it in spades but the kind Tenten harbours for you? Well, let's just say it rivals Hinata's any day, I had to ask her. Hinata helped because I was already weakened by that time. I told you I'm not a good battery, remember?" with this she erupts in another fit of giggles as he eyes her warily.

'I wonder if she knew about my dreams featuring Tenten' he thinks but decides against voicing these thoughts to her as they head back through the heavy wooden door.

Itachi remains hidden in the canopy after they leave knowing he can trace her signature from this short a distance. What he overheard was intriguing him immensely. He needs to speak to the Light again… and soon.

-O-

Itachi and Nalina spars in a clearing just outside of the village for the very first time. The weather is warm and humid making the sweat pour down her back and over her brow in torrents, he notices the damp spots growing bigger making the fabric of her loose-fitting shirt stick to her body and the curly wisps usually flying around her face cling to her fast tanning skin. The clouds hang low and heavy threatening with rain but the heat that accompanies them seems to promise something entirely different. It's been three weeks since the cake incident and she is once again comfortable spending time alone with him.

"Let's take a break for now" he offers her a reprieve.

"No, let's keep going. I'm not comfortable using this staff yet and both you and Kakashi agreed, I need to be able to use at least one offensive weapon before we leave on our mission. Time is running out." She stubbornly counters as she continues to twirl the staff in her hands.

"Your progress is admirable as is your determination. However, you need to work on your stamina which will not increase if you continue to push yourself right to your very limits" his deep voice resonates through her but holds an assertiveness she cannot deny. She relents and sinks down on the soft grass right where she stands, not even trying to hide her exhaustion any more. Itachi moves past her "Follow me."

She turns to follow him with her gaze as he glides across the clearing towards the treeline opposite them, disappearing in the shadows before she even lifts herself off the ground "Waait for me!" jumping up and scrambling to where he vanished between the trees.

His small chuckle rumbles through his chest as he hears her call and then her footsteps pounding on the ground, he turns slightly waiting for her to catch up. Reaching him with her chest heaving from exertion he holds out his hand, she accepts it unconsciously allowing his cool fingers to close around hers comfortably. He leads her to a rocky outcrop surrounded by thick brush where a little spring bubbles merrily into a natural little pool no bigger than a small basin. The water is clear, cool and sweet.

Just as she gets herself comfortable there is a loud rumbling that rolls over their heads making her freeze instantly. The rolling thunder sounds right above their heads and Itachi knows a heavy rain will soon come pouring down, he doesn't see Nalina cowering in fear. As he turns towards her a lightning bolt pierces suddenly through the darkened sky overhead, forking out in eerie fingers across the heaven, with ominous thunder roaring like an angry dragon.

He finds Nalina hunkered down shivering in fear unable to move and when he kneels down to peer into her face it is frozen in terror, her eyes not even registering his presence. "Hime?" she only whimpers in response to his question. Then the rain starts to pelt down, instantly cooling the air around them. They were soaked through before he has even lifted her in his arms and begun running back to the village.

The down pour is relentless with the thunder and lightning that rolls and claps making the world seem like it is being torn in half. He glances down at the completely soaked and terrified girl now clenching her fists in his shirt as she tries to hide herself within his chest, he has never seen her so scared before and his chest tightens even more. Deciding the compound is too far to run in the rain he heads to his apartment which he had acquired a few years back. Only Shisui knows the exact location but his parents are aware of the space he has within the village close to the village centre and the Hokage tower (it was useful back when the clan was still planning the coup and still is for more personal reasons).

Once inside he makes his way to the bathroom where he leaves her, so Nalina can take a hot shower to warm up. He underestimates her fear of the storm however, he comes knocking after drying, changing and lighting a small fire in the cosy lounge for extra heat, and she is still shivering and soaked huddled in a puddle on the floor.

"Hime, you need to undress and shower to warm up", nothing…no response or acknowledgement she even hears him. The thunder from outside rumbles through his apartment and instantly sets her hair on end and chakra flaring in dark eddies around her. He draws her closer to him oblivious of drenching himself again.

Lifting her to her feet he holds her close realising that she is not able to do anything in her current state. Grabbing two big fluffy towels he shrouds her whole frame in them and lifts her up as he carries her to his bedroom with big windows covering nearly two of the four walls. He pulls out a shirt and shorts from a drawer next to the door before heading to sit on his bed, with his back facing the beautiful views outside, cradling her in his lap. "Hime…look at me" he says softly his voice low and deep as he cups her cheek in his hand. Her gaze still remains empty and absent, her chakra a stormy mirror of the weather outside, thundering and roaring.

He is at a complete loss and unconsciously he begins to sing.

Maware maware maware yo mizu kuruma maware

Mawatte ohisan yonde koi

Tori mushi kemono kusa ki hana

Haru natsu aki fuyu tsurete koi

Maware maware maware yo mizu kuruma maware

Mawatte ohisan yonde koi

Tori mushi kemono kusa ki hana

Saite minotte chitta to te

Umarete sodatta mizu kuruma mawari

Senguri inochi ga yomigaeru

Maware megure megure yo harukana toki yo

Megutte kokoro o yobikaese

Tori mushi kemono kusa ki hana

Hito no nasake o hagukumite

Matsu to shiki kaba ima kaeri komu

As the lullaby continues Nalina starts to respond and her chakra calms down. By the end of it she is staring into his crimson gaze in wonderment "That is beautiful!" a whisper he would've missed had she not been so close.

"Hime!" he sighs in relief when she finally speaks. Just then another booming round of thunder engulfs the quiet and her chakra again becomes turbulent.

"Don't stop Itachi…please!" she begs softly as she tucks her head beneath his chin clasping his shirt in both hands.

"Hush Hime, you are safe. You just need to dry off first" he tries to comfort her while rubbing small circles on her back. Another angry fork of lightning cracks across the heavens making her jump and shiver in his hold, her chakra becoming more and more agitated. Feeling he is losing her again he begins to sing and hum once more, keeping his lips as close to her ear as possible. The calming effect it has on her is near immediate.

Eventually with him humming and keeping his eyes closed she is finally dried and dressed. They lay next to each other on his bed, him on his back holding her comfortingly. Nalina tucked under the covers with her face buried on his chest still fisting the cloth and stuffed tightly against his form, but calmed by the music that vibrates through his chest as he hums in his deep velvet timbre. The storm has died down except for the constant seeping sound of the rain as it continues to fall in sheets.

Unable to contain his curiosity anymore he stops humming and speaks softly, "Tell me why the storm scares you so much."

She slowly tilts her head to meet his burning scrutiny with a pained look of her own – "It has always been a bad omen to me. It beckons closer the worst moments in my life, nothing good ever comes from it" – she lays her head back down on his chest.

He instinctively pulls her closer, "I'll always protect you, trust me."

"And who will save you?" her unexpected question tainted with emotion.

"Do I need protection?"

She crawls up to be level with his eyes – "You need it most of all. You protect everybody but who protects the all powerful Uchiha Itachi? You are so selfless you would exchange your life and happiness for your village and family in a heartbeat, but who will bestow that same value onto you?" – her eyes are sincere and shining brightly back at him. "I want to share something with you, join me on the plain in between."

He opens his eyes and again they are next to the silver flowing river with smooth washed white and grey pebbles visible at the bottom. Nalina once more is dressed in the long flowing pale blue robe but he notices the pendant from his parents laying proudly on her chest, nestled in the etched emblem. The rock face with the alcoves have changed somewhat, there are much more of them carved out then last time. Itachi notices the sun is not quite as bright as he expected it to be and he once again catches a glimpse of the canoe with the chest drifting down the stream. "Why was your darkness here?" he asks before the thought was completely formed in his mind.

"I was scared and lost in my darkest moments, but you pulled me out" she looks up at him and her eyes shine golden like a pair of brilliant topaz. "Come see" she takes his cool hand and pulls him behind her to the wall and alcoves. She leads him to the furthest one and stops right in front of the opening. He peeks into the cave but can see nothing behind the darkness staring back.

"What is this Hime?"

She leads him through and as they pass the threshold, he sees the darkness acts more like a door, obscuring the contents from view. On the inside the light is bright and warm, they stand on wooden flooring with the furthest wall covered in mirrors. Next to the door is a lamp similar to the one found in the empty training ground in his home. There is music playing softly in the background, songs he does not recognise and pane-like windows floating around hovering just out of reach.

"This is a dancehall from back home. I would spend nearly all my free time in a place like this and Mistress would be there giving me strength always." She walks to the centre of the room and spins on her toes, a small pane floats down and images appear much like the last time he saw it. "I have always loved music, dancing just came naturally from that. I feel free and can lose myself within the story a song has to offer. Only when I came here did I realise that somehow it makes me stronger. Dancing and music bring me back to life in many ways."

She takes him from one cave to the next and he is amazed to see that every person she has met holds a special cove just for them. He is not surprised to find Naruto's place covered in orange and ramen cups. There is one for the twins and images of them flits like butterflies around his head, Aiko with her garnet Sharingan and Keiko with amber ringed soft onyx eyes stare back at him. This reminds him of his curiosity with their birth but before he can form an enquiry she answers.

"After using her essence to come to you Mistress withheld just enough. Mistress granted me a view of her face but her eyes… The last remnants of my daughter were intertwined with the healing chakra that allowed your mother to conceive. Keiko may have a little bit of her essence but she is completely your flesh and blood Itachi." He notes the feint bit of sadness in her voice but her joy while watching the twins assures him, she is happy with the results.

He spies an alcove that has just a little too much detail than the rest and turns towards it. She looks at him and he thinks he sees some embarrassment flit over her face. "You may enter alone, I'll wait here" she finally says in almost a whisper, inadvertently fingering the small pendant on her chest.

He turns with a small nod and passes through the dark door before him. He is not sure what to expect but what greets him takes his breath away. The inside is filled with objects from his home and memories of his parents float around. He looks closer at one of Mikoto that comes down to float at eye-level with him, it's the first time Nalina woke up and saw his mother sitting on her bed. He watches another when she flings herself into his fathers' arms to give him a hug. Another when they found out they were pregnant and Nalina stares back into their faces. He realises that as much as his parents have grown fond of her, she too has grown to love and cherish them.

When he finally exits, she is sitting by the stream and he walks over to join her. "You chose to share your memories with me, thank you. But I cannot help but wonder why?" He asks not willing to contain the interest anymore.

"Because you wanted to see what they held the very first time you came here. You heard me speak with Neji, so you know what lies ahead. I am not afraid… this" – sweeping her arm toward all the many doorways – "this is my reward. You once told me you would let me take your pain away but only if I let you chase away mine. This is your proof that all of you keep my dark demons at bay" – she turns to gaze down the stream where it fades into a now distant darkness – "they cannot darken this place or taint what it means to me."

He looks at her shocked with her candour as she just answered almost all the questions he had formed in his mind over time in just one session. "And what if I still want to chase yours away, will you let me?" he leans over to tuck a stray curl behind her ear and brush his knuckles over her cheek tenderly.

She looks at him with awe lighting her eyes to new brightness "You do it daily Itachi. You shine your light and the demons cower in your presence. With you by my side I don't feel Mistress's absence as deeply, I know you are there and it makes me feel safe. I don't feel…alone." The smile she has pierces his heart and a warm feeling grows in his chest at her confession.

"In that case then, when we return from retrieving the lantern you may play with my hair" a smirk gracing his lips with the comment.

Nalina gives a small gasp "You knew? All those times you knew what I was doing?" she asks shocked by his observation.

"Yes Hime, I would not be a very good protector if I didn't know these things" he chuckles softly. He lays down on his back inhaling deeply "I feel so at peace here, sometimes I wonder if I can just enter here to unwind" he doesn't realise his words were spoken aloud.

"You are welcome to come here whenever you want, you don't need to ask me. You just can't enter the alcoves or stream." She answers easily, smiling softly down at the young man who she trusts more than anybody else. The flutter in her belly making her suddenly shy as he lazily opens his eyes to stare at her in wonder and thanks, a slight smile gracing his handsome features.

They both feel the other presence before the voice speaks, "I am pleased to see that you are getting along so well now", there is a feint chime in her voice Itachi associates with her laughter.

Nalina erupts in a fit of giggles "Mistress, you make it sound like I disliked him or something. He has proven himself more than loyal and trustworthy not only to you and Konoha…but also to me personally" – reminiscing momentarily on his sacrifice to set her at ease in his company – "I only wish I could somehow repay him."

"Hime…your trust in me is more reward than I am worthy of" his velveteen voice rumbling soothingly over her form, causing a slight shiver he perceives. "Mi'lady, if I may, will it be an opportune moment to request an audience with you please?" he closes his eyes again preferring to submerge himself in her presence to better gauge her responses.

Nalina smiles as she fades from view before he receives a response to his request, leaving him alone on the bank of the stream. The meadow erupts into life as it is covered by iris and tulip blooms of all colours from white to blue, purple, yellow and all the shades in between. Unlike last time they do not pin him down, instead they fill him with a sense of relief and complete trust.

"You have done well Weasel; I am very pleased." The voice offers soothingly.

"I am not so sure you should be Mi'lady. I may have overstepped my place with your Lotus and right now…I am lost." His internal turmoil surfacing before he can catch it.

"I know you love her; it really was inevitable. I am very happy as you will be able to gift her the life she deserves. She may however need some persuasion on her feelings for you, as you can imagine she has no experience in accepting love even if she gifts it so freely."

"How do you know that?" shocked to hear the revelation from the Light, he has not even yet dared to admit it to himself. "How am I supposed to gift her a life when you have exchanged her life for three resurrections in my world? Is she really meant to die to save my home? Is there no other way? And how am I supposed to persuade her to accept my love?" His questions now spill forth as if a floodgate is finally opened and all of it comes rushing out before he even thinks to rationalise and contemplate further.

Her chiming laugh fills the meadow allowing the flowers to rustle in its wake – "Ah Weasel, I know because I know you. You have never let yourself grown close to anybody until Nalina. You grow jealous when she becomes intimate with other people, this is just how it is when you want her all to yourself." Her explanation to his first query, even if unneeded, was clarifying to him as he fingers the building knot in his chest.

"As for the rest, that was not my intent and no…she does not need to die even if that is what she may think. She is willing to die to ensure your world is safe, that is the beauty of her love…it is unconditional to all she bestows it on. Her body in her world is her anchor there, she needs a new anchor here and her life here will be secure. You however need to find out what that is and how to enable it."

-O-

Orochimaru faces Zetsu, his face is twisted in anger and resentment as the plant-like man watches him coolly.

"You could've given me more time to escape the raid. I barely got out of there alive!" He hisses, voice dripping with contempt.

"Don't be so dramatic. Be thankful I actually bothered to alert you to their plans at all. I told you I would not have your back when your greed caught up with you." Zetsu retorts casually, keeping his eyes fixed on the snake sage.

"In that case I don't think you will appreciate the information I managed to retrieve despite the mission failure then." Reaching down his throat he extracts a scroll from his gut and dangles it teasingly in front of his partner.

"What information? The scrolls were retrieved before you could read them."

"Yes, but my little follower was wise enough to create a clone who read and duplicated the mission scroll you were after. She sent it to me using one of my summoning snakes despite being on the verge of dying. Very loyal subjects indeed." not a drop of sympathy present for the sacrifice made within his cold voice.

He tosses the scroll to Zetsu who's eyes widen a fraction in anticipation of the knowledge within his grasp. "It seems I have once again underestimated you and your ability to be useful to me."

"Just as long as I get to have the power you promised. I don't give a fuck about your opinions of me." His eyes glinting cold and dead.

"And you shall." Zetsu scans the document carefully. "Tell me, how familiar are you with Moon Country?"

-O-

Tsunade is hunched over her desk the lower part of her face hidden behind her folded hands, with the mountains of paperwork that just never seems to end stacked around her. Her eyes continually drift to the drawer where her secret stash of sake is hidden from Shizune. She indulges less and less lately but the news she just received from Jiraiya has completely shattered her resolve. She is currently waiting for him to arrive to confirm his latest intel with her.

Just as she is about to reach for the hidden drink a presence behind her indicates the arrival of her team mate "Still trying to take me by surprise you pervert?"

"Why princess…you? Never! I will wait till you graciously allow me entrance" he wears his signature smirk and eye wiggle.

"Urgh…just stop that you pervert and tell me what the hell is going on out there!" Tsunade growls her annoyed response but she is surprised by the unusual flutter that erupts in her centre from his innuendo. To occupy her hands, she reaches for the sake and two cups, pouring a drink for them both before leaning back in her chair nursing her cup in an unusually timely manner.

Jiraiya notices the change in her behaviour but chooses to ignore it for now "There is a new threat on the rise. A threat not only to Konoha but to all Hidden Villages. They call themselves the Akatsuki. I don't have much information on them now but what I could gather is that they are collecting Bijuu's. They have already captured the Five-tailed beast."

Her eyes widen at the news and she drains her cup in one gulp "It has begun already!" she exclaims with a slight grimace as the sake burns the back of her throat. She reaches for the bottle to refill but her hand stills just as her tips touch the top. "Jiraiya, where is Naruto now?" she asks abruptly realising that he is now in danger.

"He's safe. I brought him back with me to bring you this news. I still have a few things to teach him and luckily, I have some secret training places to use. But…Tsunade, I think it's time we told him the truth."

-O-

When he opens his eyes again, Nalina is sleeping peacefully using his chest as a pillow. Her face is framed with wispy blue curls and her rosy, pouting mouth is enticing to him in that very moment. He captures every single detail of her sleeping form with his Sharingan. Her long flowing locks splayed around her like a fluffy navy billowing cloud as it covers as much of him as it does her, he fingers a single lock, surprised by its softness. The flush of her cheeks and the warm honey tone of her skin. The heart shaped beauty mark nestled below the corner of her lips only enhancing her features to him.

'So how do I make you mine, Hime? How do I keep you with me always?' he asks more to himself than the sleeping woman he cradles in his arms. He inhales deeply her aroma of summer blossoms, honey and vanilla, still pungent even after she was drenched in sweat and rain earlier.

Deciding to let her rest he gently untangles himself from her hold and slips off the bed. Gathering the wet clothes and towels discarded earlier, he heads out of the bedroom to toss them in the dryer. 'Guess I'll make some lunch and perhaps some dango for us to enjoy too' he muses heading off to the kitchen.eHrHer

He is busy preparing the last of a simple meal, miso soup and rice with stir fried vegetables. The dango already prepared and set aside when Nalina enters the kitchen behind him. "You should've woken me when you returned from speaking with Mistress, Itachi-san" she says stretching herself as she speaks.

"Itachi…just Itachi" he says without turning around, still tossing the vegetables to cook them to perfection.

"Urgh…maybe I'll remember when you begin to use my real name instead" stomping her bare foot lightly and crosses her arms over her chest, pushing up her ample bosoms making them stand prominent through the sleepshirt he provided for her.

He is not prepared for the sight he receives as he turns around to transfer the cooked vegetables to the serving dish on the counter between them. His too small navy near black sleep shirt is loose and baggy on her much smaller frame as it drapes from her shoulders to mid-thigh. The shorts were just too big so she left them laying in a rumpled heap next to the bed.

Even buttoned up the neckline dips dangerously low, showcasing ample cleavage below the etched mark adorned with his clan symbol pendant. Her left shoulder is almost visible and the Yang symbol peeks out with the slightest movement. Her folded arms are pushing up her plump, unbound, well-formed breasts making them pillow over her forearms in the most provocative way.

Untied blue-black hair cascades down her back and shoulders to meet with the hem of his shirt, it swishes and sways whenever her weight shifts almost indiscernible from the shirt. The silver shock of curls falls seductively over her right shoulder where it snakes into and down the front of the shirt. The honeyed tone of her exposed muscled legs a stark contrast to the dark colour of the only piece of clothing she is currently wearing. The sight and the raging thoughts coursing through his mind wreaks havoc on his hormones. His mouth goes suddenly dry and an aching need in his groin is making standing in full view of her extremely hard for him.

"Uhmmm…Itachi? Are you ok? What's wrong?" Nalina asks oblivious to the vision she is currently making. She suddenly moves forward, hand outstretched - "Itachi? It's ok…call me whatever you wish and I'll just use your name from now on. Please, stop acting so weird…you're scari-"

"Nalina, please…" - he interrupts her from finishing and advancing – "your clothes should be dry now. Down the hall on your left is the wash room, in the dryer. Go shower and change. The food will be ready when you're done" he says closing his eyes from the enticing sight she makes before him. 'That will give me sufficient time to calm myself...I hope' he thinks to himself as the burnt in images of her keeps floating into his unconscious view.

Nalina stops with a puzzled look on her face but obeys his directions as she turns around to exit the room. Just before clearing the doorway of the kitchen, she halts without turning back, shoulders slightly slumped "I-I'm sorry if I offended you Itachi. It was not my intent."

-O-

Neji and Tenten return to their usual schedule for training after he spoke to Nalina. They catch up with all topics pertaining to the team and Neji's health, all except the one topic he spoke to Nalina about. Tenten is her usual calm and collected self as far as he can see, she never was the overly gushing kind - which is why he feels at ease with her. The questions nagging in the back of his head just not making it to the forefront or his tongue.

The storm interrupts their usual sparring session forcing them to seek shelter. Guy and Lee having long since left before the rain and lightning even begun. Tenten lives alone ever since her parents died when she was younger and her apartment is closest to their designated training grounds. It is only logical to seek refuge there.

By the time they arrive at her door however, they are both completely soaked, dripping splattering droplets of water with every step they take. Stepping out of their soggy shoes inside the door, Tenten runs to her linen cupboard and throws a towel at Neji. "You can use the bathroom first. I'll dry off in my room and shower when you're done."

It is not the first time he is in her home, in fact Team Guy regularly meets at her apartment, team building being a very big issue for Guy sensei. They have also spent a few nights here after returning back from missions late at night. He knows his way around and finds his way to her quaint bathroom quickly "Thank you Tenten. I shan't be long."

"Oh no, take your time. I should have a change of clothes here that you left behind the last time you were all here. I'll leave them on the chair outside the door for you."

He nods before disappearing into the sanctuary that is her pristine bathroom. He strips down, wringing the water from his clothes before stepping into the shower. His thoughts are in turmoil about what Nalina has said. Him knowing why and needing to admit it to himself? "I have no idea what that girl is talking about" he thinks aloud as the hot water eases the cold from his muscles.

"What were you saying Neji?" Tenten asks from the other side of the door.

"N-nothing Tenten…I didn't say a thing!" he nearly slips when she speaks a mere three feet from where he is standing. 'Guess it's a good thing I was not thinking about my dreams featuring you. Now that would've been awkward.'

In her room Tenten is hastily throwing on her usual loose-fitting tracksuit not even bothering to take the time to dry herself. "Why now? Of all the rotten luck I have to be stuck here with him…alone! Damnit Nalina! Why not just hang a flashing sign around my neck saying I'm in love with Hyuga Neji!" She grimaces at her own harsh words. "Well it's not as if she was trying to highlight it, she just needed your help to bring him back." She sighs resignedly, a single tear trailing down her face… "He's alive, that's all that matters…even if he never returns my affections." So absorbed in her mini rant is she that the flash of dark hair and white garb moving away from the crack in her bedroom door goes completely unnoticed.

Seated next to each other with a steaming cup of tea each, brewed by Neji, they watch the storm through the window they are facing. Storms has always fascinated Tenten and Neji is aware of this fact, one he intends to use to his advantage. Chancing a side glance at his team mate he sees her completely enthralled in the natural light show currently on display for their viewing pleasure.

"Tenten…why does lightning fascinate you so?" he asks almost involuntarily, catching himself just in time but deciding he really would like to know.

"Hmm? Oh right…well…what is there not to be fascinated with? I mean…look at it!" her excitement is nearly tangible in the small room.

Neji not very impressed with her answer just raises his eyebrow in response "Tenten…" as a sign for her to elaborate.

Sighing loudly Tenten turns to face him with her right leg tucked under her "I can't explain it. It's just beautiful and powerful and it's all natural. It has the power to kill you but yet it possesses a beauty you cannot deny, no matter how hard you may try." Watching his features closely she notes he still does not understand.

Her nose scrunches up as her brow furrows and she tries to formulate the words to make him understand. Suddenly making him understand this is even more important than anything else for her. She catches another fork in the sky from the corner of her eye and an idea hits her like a thousand volts at once.

"Think of your Byakugan and Gentle Fist, it is terrifying and lethally dangerous right?" She waits for him to acknowledge his understanding with a nod before she continues. "It's just another paradoxical anomaly." - her gaze shifts back to the magnificent sight before her and with every eerie tendril of lightning cracking through the clouds – "It's… subtle…graceful…beautiful…flawless…and oh so absolutely… sexy." - another adjective escapes her lips before she can stop herself. "It-it …steals my very breath away every time I watch you" she sighs finally, lost in the fantastic combination of her own thoughts and light show.

"It's what Tenten?" his deep baritone voice is low and husky as he questions his own hearing in this moment. In the moment when the lightning lights up the sky, it reflects in her big beautiful brown eyes as they are filled with wonder and amazement. His chest constricts and a knot in his gut somehow forms making him clench his fists to stop himself from reaching out to the pale dark-haired beauty sitting next to him. And then she calls him sexy. "What did you just say?"

Realising her slip up she jerks her head around to look at Neji who has moved and is now right next to her, their faces separated only by their own exhaled breaths. Finding him this close, her breath catches and she instinctively licks her lips. "I-I just mea-"

She is silenced as Neji closes the gap by capturing her lips with his own, he moves his hand to the base of her neck to support her head as he bends her even further back. Pressing his chest into her soft front while licking and teasing her bottom lip requesting entry.

His skilful tongue makes Tenten instantly weak in the knees and her mind goes blank as she reels from the warmth radiating off the handsome Hyuga pinning her to the couch with his body. She moans instinctively and he takes the chance to deepen their first kiss while massaging her nape with his fingers. Their tongues meet in a dance of seduction and dominance where Neji wins the battle but Tenten claims the war as her own hands start to roam and finds their way to his damp hair and chiselled chest.

The groan that escapes Neji both intensifies the growing feeling in his groin as well as calls forth his sanity. "Tenten, how long have you been in love with me?" Recognising the fear passing through her eyes he continues as he drops his forehead to hers. "It really actually does not matter, does it? Because I've loved you since I don't even know when. All I know is that you were my last thought when I died." His pale gaze locks with her doe wide eyes and he sees the realisation dawn in her soft, burnt umber orbs.

-O-

After eating the well-prepared meal in silence, Itachi and Nalina now each sit sipping a cup of green tea. In an effort to break the uncomfortable silence she eventually clears her throat, "Ahem…you are an exceptional cook Itachi, the meal was beautiful."

"Thank you, but Okaa-san deserves all the praise." he says watching her intensely.

She instinctively begins to giggle "I can see her drilling you in the kitchen though" her eyes glinting with the silly vision. "But yes, Mikoto is truly gifted. I suspect you have inherited more than just her culinary prowess too, am I wrong?"

Cocking his head to the side he looks at her curiously "What do you mean?"

"Well, you both have an affinity towards exceptional genjutsu right? And I am sure your fighting styles are very similar too. Both of you possess this almost unnatural grace that can only logically flow through to your fighting" she explains easily.

He eyes her warily for her observations, not even aware she noted such subtleties. Feeling a bit uncomfortable with this topic he decides to distract her with some sweets. "Before judging my cooking skills you have to try my dango. I promise Okaa-san's is far more superior" pulling the plate of pink, white and green dango closer.

He takes a stick, before she can reach out to help herself "I believe I still need to feed you some sweets." He watches the bewilderment as it shadows over her features but just then she licks her lips on reflex. He watches her greedily eye the treat in his hands and his whimsical countenance takes over as he pops the first sticky ball off the skewer. "Fair's fair Hime, you need to eat it from my fingers."

She stares into his eyes flustered by the deja-vu of the situation but her sweet tooth already won as she leans in, dropping her gaze to the treat floating within reach. She opens her mouth and instinctively she curls her tongue around the round shape before pulling it into her cavern. Closing her eyes to relish the taste as it explodes on her tastebuds, she hums in appreciation.

Itachi watches eagerly as she draws closer, he fights the urge to have her seated in his lap as he feeds her his favourite sweets. He marvels at the look on her face as she snatches the ball from his fingers with her tongue and teeth, lightly grazing the inside of his digit with her pink appendage, successfully shooting an electric pulse down his spine and making his fingers tingle. He wickedly wonders what being kissed with those lips would feel like.

"Hmmm, wow! That is …wow!" giggling uncontrollably she tries to grab the stick from him.

"Oh no you don't!" he chuckles as he pulls it away just in time. "I take it you like it?" he asks, smirking as she lightly pouts in response and nods her head. "As do I" popping the second ball in his mouth from the stick and licking the digits clean that held the first one for her.

She tilts her head to the side and a smile forms on her lips before she reaches to the plate for a stick of her own. She continues to watch him with a growing curiosity clear to read in her expression as she begins to pick off the balls with her teeth.

"Just ask Hime" sighing as he finishes the last ball and places the empty skewer on the napkin in front of him.

"I-I'm just wondering if…if you have your mother's eyes too." Chewing and finishing her treat greedily.

"Well… she does possess the Sharingan too if that is what you mean."

"Not the Sharingan…your normal eyes." Slowly rising from her seat to move closer to him, coming to a halt right beside his chair. "Can I…can I see them please?"

"Are you sure Hime?" he looks up at her to better read her face as he asks "I know they remind you…of him." The feint colour that flushes her face or the way her bottom lip is receiving punishment not missed by him.

"I'm sure Itachi. I'm ready." Her determination and conviction clear in both her eyes and aura.

"Very well then" he acquiescence while turning to face her completely. He plants his feet firmly on the ground with his hands resting on his knees, not once reverting his gaze from her face as she stands just within arm's reach of him and her bottom lip now bruised and angry.

The tension in her core is frightening to her but she fights it down with sheer will alone 'I have to get over this. They are not the same…he is not the same. He will never hurt me. I. Can. Trust. Him.' Her thoughts and mantra to herself as she wrings her hands and digs her nails into the flesh of her palm making small crimson crescent shapes.

He watches her closely and begins to pull his chakra flow back from his eyes, allowing the red to bleed back to his usual dark cast – the first time she will see them in over a year and a half.

She watches as his eyes so very slowly begin to morph, the beautiful crimson she is accustomed to receding, making way for the dark black depths that calls forth her demons. By the time the last of the blood red abates, she has stopped breathing without thinking. Unable to gasp her eyes widen and she suddenly stumbles forward.

He catches her on reflex pulling her into his lap, "Breath Hime, breath…" he coos. The pride he feels for her because of her courage is immeasurable and he does not wish to take anything away from this small victory. He is one step closer to making her his.

Her breathing is ragged and uneven, her knees suddenly having failed her and right now she is shivering in anticipation as she waits for the demons to jump forth and tear away at her sanity. Not shifting her gaze from the onyx depths for a moment she feels herself beginning to drown.

"Look at me Hime. Look past the colour of my eyes and see me… please" the deep timbre of his voice soothes her frazzled nerves, his plea reaching her heart.

As she continues to ogle, she begins to notice the dark blue flecks that randomly speckle his irises. It affords them a whole new dimension, one she failed to notice before. The realisation is like veils being lifted from her eyes…they are nothing alike. Pulling back a bit she takes in his whole profile, "You…you are…so…so… beautiful."

-O-

Naruto is sitting at the kitchen counter eating Mikoto's infamous onigiri. 'Sasuke and Sakura would be so jealous' he schemes while grinning wildly making the whisker marks on his face become more prominent. The twins are sleeping soundly after he spent the better half of the morning playing with them, he loves them so much even if they are not his own Otouto's he still loves them…all of them.

Sakura has advanced so much in this year of mentor training that she is currently working in the hospital and promised to have dinner with him at Ichirako's later. He can't wait to see her again and hear of all she has accomplished so far. He is sure Sasuke has advanced substantially, he will have to work twice as hard to catch up.

"So Naruto-chan how is your training going? I hope that Jiraiya-sama is not exposing you to his …colourful pass-times" Mikoto asks worriedly. She thinks he has lost some weight and wonders if he is eating well at least. "I hope you eat more than just instant ramen when you are traveling. A growing and training young man like yourself needs to keep up their strength" she fusses.

Naruto tries to smile but his cheeks are currently too stuffed with the delicious onigiri to respond. He chews and swallows first before he answers (he remembers how Mikoto used to scold him for failing to do so when he was younger) "Oba-chan, you don't need to worry about me. Ero-sennin takes very good care of me. Besides, I think he is too scared of Baa-chan so he makes sure to keep his 'colourful pass-times'" – with a knowing wink – "very private" he laughs heartily recalling how his mentor creeps away to do his 'research'.

Mikoto eyes him suspiciously but knows he will never lie to her, prank yes, … but never lie. "I should hope so! That man, really. Sometimes I wonder if he is a good influence to any young, impressionable mind" she tsks lightly shaking her head but smiles lovingly at the blonde munching happily before her. She can't even imagine her life without the rest of Team 7 anymore, they are as close to her heart as her own children.

"Aww Oba-chan, he's actually really cool you know. He's teaching me this cool new jutsu, it's really difficult but I'll crack it soon and then I'll show you ne? And he can use sage mode too, that's super cool. I wanna learn how to do that too but Ero-sennin says it takes years and years of hard work but I don't mind you know. I am gonna become the strongest so I can become Hokage and protect the whole village including you guys, believe it." His smile is bright and blinding forcing his eyes into slits, making him look so much like the little boy who came bounding into her heart a few years earlier.

"You will be an amazing Hokage Naruto-chan. I can feel it" – she reaches over to stroke his cheek and wipe away a grain of rice stuck to the corner of his mouth – "and you will become the most powerful shinobi too. Just...never change, ok?" His warm and open heart in her opinion his most precious asset.

"But Oba-chan…I'm gonna have to change" – his brow suddenly creased deep and his brilliant blue eyes sincere then – "I'm growing up and to become Hokage I have to change. I can't expect to protect the whole village if I'm still stuck being a silly, pranking goofball, you know."

She sees he is serious which for him is not very common, people may think him dumb but she knows he has a wisdom behind that beautiful blue gaze that comes from a very harsh childhood. His innocence was never tainted by some miracle and for this her heart is thankful. She chuckles lightly as she ruffles his hair fondly, "Naruto-chan, I mean never change who you are. Always remain your glorious bright self…everything else will happen as it should."

Just then Fugaku enters the kitchen back from the Hokage tower, a bit surprised to find Naruto seated at the kitchen table. "Naruto…the Hokage is looking everywhere for you and you're here eating." His voice a little edgier than intended but it got the boy up and running off, but not before turning back to snag two more onigiri to take with him.

"See ya Oba-chan, Fugaku-sama…thanks for the food! Kiss the girls for me when they wake, ne?" Dashing out by the door with his greeting and thanks thrown over his shoulder.

By the time the door clicks closed Fugaku is shaking his head and chuckling fondly. He will never admit it but that boy is one of a kind.

By the time Naruto comes barrelling through the door in the Hokage's office, she and Jiraiya have finished off the second bottle of sake already. "Naruto! You really should learn to knock and wait for me to grant you entrance BEFORE you run down my door, you know. Just because we're distant relatives doesn't mean you get special treatment." She growls at him with a twinkle in her eyes, he really does remind her of Nawaki.

"Aww Baa-chan…sorry…" rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish look in his eyes. Then he remembers why came, "Fugaku-sama said you were looking for me, it sounded important."

The two Sannin glance at each other before they turn their gazes towards him. Tsunade is the first to speak "It is Naruto. There…is something you need to know. Something that will shine clarity on a lot of things in your childhood."

He looks at her with confusion clear in his blue orbs, he knows whatever is to follow is paramount "O-okay. Well…just spit it out then." Trying to hide his apprehension with nonchalance he moves to sit on the couch against the wall in the office.

"Well, you know how you have so much energy and how you heal much faster than most shinobi right?" She watches as he nods his head vigorously while his signature grin is plastered on his face.

"Yeah, coz I'm so awesome!"

She chuckles slightly and Jiraiya rubs his chin at the response before she continues, "Well…actually it has more to do with you having the Nine Tailed Fox sealed within you. You are a Jinchuriki, Naruto. The Fox Demon's Vessel since birth." Unable to draw out the suspense she just blurts it out to be able to address all his questions thereafter. "But, Naruto we still care for you…we just need you to be aware because your seal may be weakened by strenuous training and…and" looking over to Jiraiya for strength and he catches he eyes before he finishes her sentence.

"And there is a threat out there who is collecting the tailed beasts. You can very well be their next target, so we need to be even more careful and alert. If they manage to capture you and extract your demon, you die Naruto." Even if he is a writer, he prefers to not mince words in situations such as these and his time with Naruto has shown him exactly how capable he really is of taking such news.

For this entire dialogue Naruto sits uncharacteristically still, absorbing the information being offered. He has a small wistful smile on his face and looks miles away in thought. Noticing they both have fallen silent, probably waiting for his response he lifts his head, "I-I always…always had a feeling I'm special somehow. And when Sasuke fell taking a hit meant for me, I felt this …this power take over. I just thought it was adrenaline or something, you know? That kid, Haku…we are more alike than I actually thought, I guess." He stands up, the look in his eyes pained by his warring emotions.

"NO, Naruto. You are nothing alike!" Tsunade slams her hand down on her desk, jerking his attention back to them in the present.

He focusses on her and his smile grows slightly, as if he just heard a funny story. "We are Baa-chan. We are both weapons, only difference is he was born with his abilities and chose to be one for Zabuza and I? I-I was made one by the very village I love so dearly. Worst thing about that is they did it before I could even speak for myself and then…then they hated me for it. At least now I get why they all treat me differently. And to think…my best friend in the worlds' family are the people who can supposedly control this demon inside me. Very convenient right?" He doesn't wait to hear the response as he turns and runs from the room.