Drowning in Freedom

Chapter 25: The Princess and the Frog

For those who are in the USA and others, Have a great 4th of July!

AngelAmongTheStars: Thank you :) I appreciate the compliment! I am happy to hear that you liked the last chapter so much!

PrismRootStarlight: I am happy to hear that you liked the conversation that transpired between the two. And heheheh don't worry, we still have the final arc :P And it wouldn't be a fanfiction without MORE DRAMA *insert evil author laugh here*

writeratheart101: Aww thank you! I appreciate the compliment and I am happy to hear that you have liked both parts so much! Hehehe I think everyone was waiting for the build up of last chapter, and now here we are, finally in the last arc of this story! (Don't worry... there will be a happy ending... or will there be? :P)

moonlight46: Thank you! I am glad that it was realistic and not just like super into fluff. Like I wanted them to hash it out, but with all passionate relationships, that passion can manifest itself in different ways.

Amaya woke up. Happy. She did have to say, that it was a weird feeling to be sharing a bed with someone else again. Both figuratively and literally. It felt like there was no room, almost as if it was suffocating. However, on the other hand, the closeness felt good. It was warm. The feeling of claustrophobia made time stop. It made her feel like that this time, she could get things right. That things weren't going to black and white. That there was a semblance of a grayscale. Letting her eyes flutter open, her body was sore. Not just because of the intimacy that she had Kakashi had shared, but also, because she had been sleeping in the same position all night. Kakashi had his arm under Amaya's head, providing support for her neck as she curled up against his chest. Their legs were intertwined and there was a shallow rise and fall of their chests; almost as if they were in sync.

Blinking away the sleep she turned over on her back, letting blood flow back to her side again. She tried her best not to disturb Kakashi, so she just twisted her torso, so she could look out of the window. She used her fingers to brush her tendrils out of her face, knowing that she liked having her shorter hair style, but it also made her have an interesting look in the mornings. Her legs were still in between Kakashi's and she took a deep breath. She could get used to slow mornings like these. It was peaceful. Baby birds chirped outside the window, hungry for their mother to feed them. Amaya closed her eyes again and felt the cool spring breeze filter in from the window that was open. It wasn't open a lot, but it was enough to fill the room with a crisp temperature and a sweet smell.

Opening her eyes again, she turned her head. This time, away from the window, and back at Kakashi. Only to realize that the man next to her was awake too. She looked into his sleep-filled eye. He had his sharingan closed off to the world. Without saying a word, she knew that he was feeling the same way as she was. That this was nice. That he could get used to something like this too. The two just stayed there for a while, taking in the feeling and comfort that the other was there in bed, right beside them. Kakashi eventually reached over and pushed Amaya's hair out of the way, playing with it. It beckoned her to come closer to him and she placed her forehead against his. Then, she opted for a light kiss on his lips, neither caring that their breath probably smelled horrible after sleeping all night.

She backed away slightly, so she could get a good look at his features again. Curled up against his chest, Amaya couldn't help but give him a soft smile of contentment. It was contagious and Kakashi returned the gesture. Time never stopped while they were in bed, nor did it feel like it had too. They were going to go at their own pace—and that was a good thing. Through all the trials and tribulations that they went through, they didn't mind wasting away some mornings. The most important thing of life being that they enjoyed it. They only had one to live, and they intended to do just that. It would be a process, and most things weren't fixed, but right there in bed, with the light sun rays coming in with the spring air, not only was nature coming a new, but their hope was blossoming again.

Stretching as light rain pattered against the window, the kunoichi laughed, rolling over onto her stomach. She rolled so she was on Kakashi's side of the bed. His sheets cold, alerting her that he had left some time ago. She heard him leave, and the ninkin came in, keeping her company as she slept through most of the morning. Pakkun grumbled when she stretched, clearly not ready to get up for the day. The heat showers outside would hopefully cool off the unusually warm summer weather they were having. Granted, the humidity would sky rocket as well. Yawning, Amaya stretched her arms out and curled her back upwards like a cat. That is when she saw that Kakashi had left her a small note on the end table next to their bed. She had figured that he was out running errands, he would have told her the night before if he was going on a mission.

In the past two months, the two had fallen into a simple rhythm. Amaya had started to train more and more, trying to get back on her feet, trying never to push herself too hard. She was still in the process of regaining her strength. For the most part, Mizuchi had kept quiet. Here and there, the two would communicate, but it seemed as if their connection had weakened given that she had been severely injured. Plus, he had nothing threatening to say to her, he could tell that she was happy and living the life that she wanted to live. However, something was just unusual about it all. She could feel their connection, but for whatever reason, it was like Mizuchi was still protecting her from something and he was using all his strength to make sure that she was okay. That she would have the strength for whatever was coming next, with, or without him. It still gave her an apprehensive feeling, especially since she started hearing from him less and less over this past month. Nevertheless, even though Mizuchi would mostly come out to harass her when she was training, she could still enjoy her mornings with peace and quiet. Reading the note, Amaya quickly scanned over Kakashi's messy handwriting.

It just told her want she had already thought. He was out running errands, but with who, that was the surprise. Apparently, Shikamaru wanted to meet up, same with Kurenai. Maybe it was because Kurenai was getting closer and closer to her due date and Shikamaru was starting to feel uneasy about his Godfather role. She knew that Kakashi could try and help ease both of their worries, or at least, try to. Finally, Amaya pushed away the covers, disturbing the ninken as they groaned at her. At least she didn't have to feel bad about being lazy and sleeping in. These dogs, as ferocious as they were, could be laid back house pets if they really tried.

Opting to push her hair back, gathering it into a low ponytail, Amaya put on the rest of her clothes. Black leggings and a form fitting t-shirt was the route she decided to take. She had a feeling that the clouds weren't going to dissipate any time soon. However, when a knock came to the front door, it took the kunoichi out of her thoughts, and wondered who could be outside. She knew that most everyone knew that she lived at the Hatake manner, and most tried to avoid the area, worried that she may do something. But, her neighbors seemed pleasant enough and when she went out to the shops with Kakashi, some were hesitant, but they weren't cruel to her. They had their guard up, rightfully so, but they treated her as if she was a tourist who they have never seen before.

Stretching with her arms up above her head, Amaya yawned and cracked her neck from side to side. She squeezed her eyes closed with the yawn, and when she opened them, she cursed herself. Through the window, she could clearly see an eagle circling above. She had plans to take it easy today, maybe slack off on her training if Mizuchi didn't catch on, but it didn't look like that was going to be the case. Sniffing the air, Amaya could also smell, and sense, that the rain showers were starting to clear up. Her previous assumption that the day would remain cloudy also seemed to be parting, and indeed a heat rain was all this was. She knew that she could probably ignore the summoning, but then again, her presence hadn't been requested in a long time.

Not even that, but Tsunade herself was asking Amaya to humor her. Licking her lips, the kunoichi hoped that it would be good news, but she knew better than to think or to hope for that. She had her time where the world let her have peace and quiet, remember what happiness felt like. However, this reality of a world was starting to crash against her imaginary one that she constructed. She knew that something had to disrupt the feeling sometime or another.

The kunoichi placed her headband on the top of her hair, keeping the tendrils and runaways from getting into her face, even though most of her hair was already pulled back. Tying it tight so it wouldn't fall off, she left the room, patting Pakkun on the head before she left. Quickly, she grabbed an apple from the fruit basket sitting on the table and shoved it in her mouth before she ran outside. She pushed her feet into the ground and then jumped up to the tree branches that made a forest-like appearance throughout the whole city. She ran and jumped from branch to branch, eating her apple and all the while, trying to think of what Tsunade wanted her for.

Kakashi ran his hand through his hair and picked at his cuticles. He was beyond nervous, and he didn't even know if this was the right thing to do.

"Are you guys sure about this?" Kakashi asked, hesitancy clearly written in his voice.

"Yes, I am positive that this is the right one, she will love it," Kurenai smiled, trying to give Kakashi some positive reinforcement as she rubbed soothing circles over her expanding belly.

"I mean, we haven't even talked about this and—"

"No offense, but the two of you aren't getting any younger," Shikamaru yawned as he leaned up against the wall, waiting for Kurenai and Kakashi.

The chunin acted like he didn't want to be here, that it was a drag to watch this process. However, in all actuality, it interested him. He noted it for the future, imagines of a certain sandy blonde from the sand village floating around in his mind. Plus, it gave him an insight of the nervous wreck his sensei had to be in when he was in the same position. He chalked it up to every man having to go through a nervous break down of sorts just to ask a silly question, that wasn't so silly after all.

On the other side, Kakashi ignored Shikamaru's comment and turned to Kurenai who was seated next to him at the counter. His mouth was dry and he tried to swallow, just feeling like his spit was getting caught in his throat. He wanted this, he really did. No one was forcing him into anything, and yet, here he was, nervous but excited as hell. These past two months had been bliss with Amaya next to him, by his side He forgot how nice it was to wake up next to someone, even though most mornings he had no feeling in his arm since a certain blue-haired kunoichi liked to use it as a pillow. But, he knew that he would give up the feeling in his arms, hell, he would give u his life, just to spend these moments with his girl by his side.

"Kurenai, I can't except this… especially when I know it is what Asuma was planning on giving you."

"Kakashi, it is my gift to you. It shouldn't have to go to waste."

"But are you sure that you are okay with this?"

"Kakashi-sensei, she already said yes. I owe Amaya my life, and I wouldn't let you do something stupid to mess it up the rest of hers, so I agree with Kurenai on this one."

"Agree to what?"

"That something like this shouldn't go to waste. Kurenai never received it, she found it in Asuma's belongings—"

"And it didn't feel right keeping something that was never given to me in the first place," Kurenai softly spoke and placed her hand on top of Kakashi's, "I also think that when Amaya learns that it is something that was once Asuma's, that he took care of it, that not only will she think of you every time she sees it, but she will be reminded of him, and all the other friends she has who were always there for her."

Kakashi nodded his head, overcome with emotion. He didn't trust his ability to speak. Kurenai seemed to understand and she just gentle rubbed the back of his hand with her thumb. Kakashi knew that it was a rough time for everyone when Amaya was gone, but now, he realized that the support network the two shared with their mutual friends was as strong as ever. Even with Asuma missing, it seemed as if everyone had their back and wanted the two of them to be happy. That they were rooting for Kakashi and Amaya to end up together in the long run.

"This is on the same topic as to what Asuma wanted to talk to you that day you were in the hospital before us students and Kurenai showed up. I think that I was the first person to catch onto his plans, and that is why he had me usher everyone out."

"What do you mean? How would you know what Asuma came to talk to me about?"

Shikamaru pushed himself away from the wall and scratched the back of his neck, not used to being a part of such emotional conversations. Especially when the subject matter was still raw.

"He first came to me asking if I thought it was a good idea to go through with his plan. Since I caught on to what he wanted to do, I guess that I was the first person he ever spoke to about it. That is how I know why he was there and what he was going to ask you. Asuma was going to ask you to be the best man at his wedding once he proposed to Kurenai."

Stillness filled the room. Again, Kakashi was at a loss for words. Even in death, it seemed as if his friends kept surprising him. He never realized how close he was to Asuma, or what Asuma truly felt about him until now. Kakashi always knew that the two were good friends, going through the academy together, but this, this was a whole other level. He was sure that Asuma would have gotten someone else for the job, but the more Kakashi thought about it, the more he knew that Shikamaru was telling the truth. It all made sense now. The reason why Asuma didn't want to ask in front of Kurenai, because he hadn't even proposed to her yet. Kakashi was about to open his mouth, but he was cut off by a voice appearing on the other end of the counter.

"Well, Sir, whoever the lady is, I think that she is going to be happy with this one," The salesman grinned from ear to ear and placed the object on the black mat in front of Kakashi and Kurenai.

Kakashi picked the ring up and inspected the work. Kurenai was nice enough to provide him the engagement ring that Asuma was going to give to her. Kurenai insisted on going with Kakashi to get the stones changed out to something that better suited Amaya. On the white gold band sat a small sapphire in the middle surrounded by two smaller white diamonds on either side. Kakashi knew that he could just propose with nothing, give Amaya a simple gold band, but something inside of him wanted to do something more. Amaya would hopefully wear this ring for the rest of her life if she chose to say yes.

"Not to overstep, but Kakashi, you do know what is pending for Amaya to be pardoned, right?"

"I am aware, Shikamaru. Yamato told me when he heard the details. However, this is more than that, I have been thinking about doing this for some time now."

"You know, once you propose, you could argue that the two of you getting married, her taking on the Hatake name, it would enough to prove that she is loyal to the village, and its people."

"Yes… Thank you Shikamaru," Kakashi said, letting the idea fester in his head.

Kakashi nodded his head at the salesclerk and with that, he got up and started to pay, seeing most of the money in his wallet vanish as the man placed the ring into a simple black box. It was true, with this action, with this ring, truly, all of Amaya's and Kakashi's problems would be solved. For the first time that afternoon, his feeling of nervousness faded, and it was replaced with hope. Hope for the future, hope that all will go well, but most importantly, hope that Amaya would be with him for the rest of his life.

Silent tears streamed down Amaya's face as she tried to rub soothing circles on Tsuande's back as she sobbed. Shizune was the one who had summoned Amaya, and for that, she was thankful for. Shizune hand her hand placed on Tsunade's back as well, trying to provide comfort as all three women sat on the floor. Amaya rocked the two of them back and forth as Tsunade tried to get a hold of herself.

"I never even got the chance to tell him!" Tsunade yelled.

Amaya hushed Tsunade and kissed her forehead, "tell him what?"

"We just didn't do that shit, I mean, I always knew that he liked me. Hell, I liked him too even though he was a pain in my ass. I just didn't realize it until it was too late…"

"Realize what?" Shizune asked, trying to get Tsunade to calm down with conversation.

The question, weirdly enough, almost had a sobering affect on the Hokage. This only eluded to what Amaya hoped wasn't the case. She knew what this was like, and she knew that he was never going to come back from this.

"Realized that I loved him. Jiraiya and I, we are—were best friends—"

"Tsuande-sama, you don't know that he won't come back—"

"Like hell, Shizune!" Tsuande screamed at her friend and then Amaya butted in.

"Tsunade-sama, she is right, you never know—"

"Don't sugar coat this for me, Amaya. You should know better than anyone that Jiraiya isn't going to be coming back from this one. Look at you after you fought the immortal duo, and here Jiraiya is about to go seek out and try to get intelligence on the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain. God, even his name… I just know, I know that this isn't going to be good. Here I am, making a mess of things. How could I send out not only one friend, but two to the battle field knowing damn well they aren't coming back? What kind of Hokage am I—"

Amaya slapped Tsunade, catching both the blonde and Shizune off guard. However, it did the trick and Tsunade stopped rambling.

"You listen to me. What happens, will happen. None of it is your fault. You let Jiraiya make his own decision. You asked him if this is what he wanted to do, and he could have said no. You gave the man an out. I know you, Tsunade, and I know that you wouldn't force Jiraiya to do something that he didn't want to do. You two share a common love for this village and just want what is best for it. Jiraiya knows better than anyone that this will hep save the next generation of Konoha. And, he knows how you feel. Bonds between teammates and friends are sometimes stronger than those of what lovers share. He knows that you love him without ever having to say it."

Tsunade didn't have anything else to say to Amaya's words, and it seemed as if she had calmed down somewhat. Granted, the actions had riled up both Shizune and Amaya, and both women felt drained. Nevertheless, Amaya knew. She knew that this was just merely the beginning of the wrath of Pain that was going to be brought to Konoha.