"May! May! Help me!"the sound of April's fearful screams echo in dark inside your mind. She cries for you again."May! HELP ME!"she screeches in horror. Along with her screams her faces flashes in your mind.
"SISTER!"you shoot up from the bed, alarmed breathing heavily. Your eyes dart all around the dark room, to find nothing, no one at all. Except the furniture in Kurenai's place. But no sign of April, but what you saw in your mind. It felt so real, yet you knew there was no way she was here. Still, her horrific screams echoed in your mind. Making your skin crawl, and her fear stricken eyes loomed in your mind as clear as day. She was in pain, something was causing her pain and you didn't know what it as. Her presence you could feel it, like she as right next to you. Yet it seem so distant, which ached. Your eyes well up, thinking of her and what you just experienced.
Unable to sleep, you get up from where you slumbered which was Kurenai's bed. She allowed you to sleep there, so you wouldn't have to use the couch. Her bed was bigger than the one you had back in Sunagakure. Getting out, you walk to the bathroom and splash water onto your face, reaching for a towel to dry it.
Looking into the mirror, what you saw made you jolt back in disbelief and fear. There in the mirror, was April. She looks right at you with such suffering and pain, that you cry out to her. But she didn't hear you.
"Sister! SISTER!"you call to her, your voice tightens just like your grip on the sink. You didn't know what was going on, or what was wrong. All you did know, was that your sister was calling for you. She was in pain, something was causing her pain. Though seeing her like this ached and worried you, it also gave you a slight bit of hope. That she was here, because you knew the only way you and April knew if the other one is nearby, was through mental link the two of you shared. Though you could sense others, her's was different from all the rest.
Her's had a distinctive feel, that only you knew. Like a finger print, it was different. And you could sense it, though it seem to be twisted and buried at the sametime. Making it hard to grasp, but you knew it was there. Looking at April in your mirror, you watch her slowly begin to fade away. Her look of fear pierced your soul like a sharp blade.
Reaching out a hand towards her, trying to grab her but her mirage slipped right through your finger like a phantom. There you stood looking at the mirror, that for a second, held the image of your sister. That disappeared before you eyes, leaving you standing there looking straight at it lost and confused, a reflection of yourself staring right back. Feeling your eyes beginning to well up, shutting them tightly. Whispering April's name sadly. Wiping the none existing tears, that rolled down in your mind, but not from your eyes.
Your tired eyes look up at the clear blue sky, watching the few bit of birds fly overhead, through the window of Kurenai's place. Standing, holding Miari while you feed her breakfast. It was a lovely day, clearly a day that could make anyone smile. The sun's rays lite up the sky with its own warmth, a day like this would make anyone want to be outside. But you just where not in the mood, your mind was tired from the last two days the sleepless nights that befell you.
Those last two nights, was the same thing that kept you awake throughout the whole night. Seeing April and hearing her cries. Sensing her fainted yet close presence, that lingered around you like a haunting, that didn't seem to leave you alone. Your body felt a bit fatigue, from it, from all the endless thinking on what this could mean? Where she could be? So many question came into your mind, sometimes repeating themselves over and over again. Racing through, zapping every single ounce of energy of you.
During those two nights, you would try to reach out back to April, but nothing came back to you. There was no a single trail of mental energy from her, yet she could reach you. It was just strange, it seem like someone or some thing was blocking you from getting to her, then again it could be just your mind playing tricks on you, do to your longing for her and the others back home in New York.
Remembering what Donnie told and taught you. The mind had a way of playing mirages or illusion in the mind, of our desires. Making the person believe what they craved the most, a trick that was very good. But once reality set in, the person would devastated to find it was nothing but a lie. He warned you to be careful, not to fall prey to such a trick because the results never are what the person wants.
This could be it, your mind must be playing with you. Yet, if that were to be the case, how was that you could sense her presence?
The question that plagued your mind, over and over again. A heavy sigh leaves you, you continued to stare out the window up towards the sky. Hoping by staring out into a endless view would help you to clear your mind of such.
Outside of Kurenai's place, some approaches it reaching out a fist they knock on the door. Inside you hear it, though there was no voice with the knock. You answer it anyway. Opening the door, surprised at who stood there. A tired happy smile appears on your lips, greeting them.
They return the smile."Hello, May."Hinata smiles at you, she looks down at Miari greeting the infant.
"Please, come in."you tell her, stepping aside to allow her in. She thanks you and lets herself in, you shut the door behind her."This is a most wonderful surprise. Please, sit down."you offer a place on the couch, she thanks you and takes a seat which you follow and take one right next to her."I was not expecting you back, for some time. How was your mission?"
"It was good."she tells you."How has everything been here? Ko told me, that you are watching Kurenai Sensei's daughter. I came in last night, sorry I didn't stop by."
You smile at her with no hard feelings."It is alright, you must have been tired from your mission. What did you do on it?"
Hinata stops herself from saying anything. She looks at you, seeing the eagerness in your eyes. Wanting to hear what she did. Though she wanted to tell you, but she knew she couldn't.
"We just had to help, catch a rogue shinobi, that was terrorizing a village."she lies.
"Did you catch them?"
She nods her head."Yes, we did. How have things been with Miari?"she turns her attention to the infant holding out her pointer finger, Miari looks at it reaching out a hand to grasp it. The Hyuga smiles lightly at her, allowing the little one to tug on it with all her strength. "...Has everything been alright?"Hinata turns her gaze upon you.
She noticed the effect her question had upon you. They drop heavily just a bit, even if you forced yourself to smile."Everything has been alright. In fact..."you give her Miari to hold."Please hold her for me, I must show you something."
Excusing yourself from the couch you leave into Kurenai's room, and return in just a few seconds with the gift you had received. Opening the lid you show her the brooch, she looks at it stunned at the sight of it. Gasping at the item."..."
"I was just as surprised, as you are."you tell her, taking your seat back. Keeping your eyes still upon the brooch, you take it out of its box and place it in your hair."It is a very nice gesture, a lovely one. Though I am not aware of wh-"
A pounding knock came to the door, along with a boastful loud voice."MAY! HEY MAY!"Naruto calls for you, hearing his voice Hinata stiffs up nervously. Turning red just a bit, she begins to shake just a bit.
"Naruto..."you look to the door surprised. You get up and answer the door. Opening it, though before you could all the way. He just barges his way in."Naruto?"
Hearing you, he turns around to you quickly. Startling you just a bit, he gives you an intense serious, yet comical look. Which you return with a baffled one."Something's not right..."before you could say anything, he grabs hold of your wrist tightly and yanks your out the door.
Hinata realizing what just happened, quickly stands up alarmed."N-Naruto."she protest, holding Miari in her arms safely she hurries after the two of you, shutting the door behind her.
Down the streets of the village, Naurto dragged you against your own will. He didn't tell you why, he just came and took you, though you question why and what he was doing. He didn't tell you, all you heard was him rummaging on, as if he was frustrated about something. His grip on you was tight, you had tried to wiggle out. But it seem to become tighter when you did. So you just left it alone, also not wanting to hurt him either from your own strength.
Others saw the two of you, eyes stared upon the blonde dragging you and ranting on for no reason. You became slightly embarrassed because of it, keeping your eyes down to avoid their looks. Not to far, Hinata still followed the two of you, her heart racing not just because Naruto was in her presence, but because wanted to know what it was that compelled him to just come in like and in some sort of sense kidnap you.
With her eyes activated she was able to trail the both of you. While also keeping Miari close to her, just a couple feet ahead she saw Naruto pull you into a place. Relaxing her eyes, she speeds up her pace.
Naruto makes you sit down right next to him, he would not take no for an answer. Doing as he says, and sit down next to him the both of you sat at the bar. Naruto looks to the people behind it, holding up the number two.
"Two please."he tells them, the person looks at Naruto then to you confused, yet lost too. They though comply with what the demanding shinobi told them. It didn't take them long to prepare it, and in just a few minutes two bowls of hot steaming ramen sat in front of you and Naruto. He picks up some chopsticks, and breaks them apart and begins to eat.
This eerie stiff silence between the two of you, made you slightly uneasy. You didn't know what he thinking or why his behavior was this way. It felt like you were walking on thin ice, looking to Teuchi and Ayame. They look at you with the same confusion and Naruto, who slurped his noodles in a what seem like anger or irritation. It was hard to tell.
Turning back to the raman you look at dish, seeing your reflect cast back on you."I didn't bring you here to just stare at yourself."Naruto tells you, making you jump just a bit. Due to the tone of his voice, it was not cheerful and joyous. No, it was the opposite of that, it was serious and tight as his closed eyes. But it was how smoothly it came out."So eat."he demands you to do, hesitantly you comply reaching for some chopsticks. Breaking them apart nervously, that one fell into the broth of the noodles.
You left it there, not sure if you should take it out or not. Looking to Naruto to see what he might say or do. But he remained calm and still. Eating his food, blowing on his noodles. Your eyes look at Teuchi asking him non-verbally what you should do. But he didn't know, leaving you to figure it out on your own. Thinking of the most logic thing you could think of, and take it out. Just as you, Naruto slams his fist down on the counter, startling all three of you.
His brow still remained tight, he opens his eyes. That flashed with anger, more of a disappointing anger. One that made you, look away shamefully. For what, you didn't know. It was just the burning look he gave you, like a father or family member who was scolding a youngster. His look was heavy, that your body began to tremble on its own. Cowering just a bit, you kept your eyes downcast from him.
As if you were waiting for him to reprimand you, like a child. Naruto kept his gaze upon you, it remained hard. Though slowly it began to soften, sympathetically. He sighs heavily, calming himself down. Raising a hand, he places it upon your shoulder, stopping you from trembling. Making you look up at him, with doe like eyes.
Back with Hinata she finally managed to reach Ichiraku Ramen, the place Naruto took you to. Flustered, not from running but because she was about to step in here and be in Naruto's presence. Her feelings started to build up, ready to explode. Her mind began to race over all the different possibilities that could happen she walked in. Or what she should say, and how she should say it. What Naruto's reaction would be when saw her. Just these thoughts added more heated blush to cheeks.
She could hear her heart beating ten times faster than before, her legs started to shake. Arms became slightly limber, but she stopped that due to Miari being in her arms. Whom she clinches close to her, for comfort. Swallowing hard, Hinata gets ready to go in. Stopping, when she hears Naruto talking to you. She then understood why he did what he did. A sense of relief comes to her, listening to the words she couldn't bring herself to tell you, but Naruto did.
His voice was concerned and stern with you. Peeping around the corner, she looks at the two of you sitting there. She marveled at Naruto, the way he was in a sense chastising. He was not doing it to belittle you, just so you could see it and understand. Smiling to herself, glad someone said something to you. She could see Naruto's words where resonating in you, the way your eyes filled with understanding and guilt. They stayed solely upon Naruto, taking in everything he said. A few times his voice rose, but then dropped softly.
Holding Miari, Hinata knew she didn't need to be here. Looking down at the infant she smiles at her and returns back to Kurenai's place.
After your time and Naruto's talk to you. You headed back to Kurenai's place, were Hinata was tending to Miari for you. She asked you how it was with Naruto, it took you a few seconds to tell her. But you told her it was alright, and his words left a mark upon you. Making you understanding something much more clearer.
You look at her, with a concealing look of apology. Opening your mouth, you get ready to tell her something when another knock came to the door. This time it was loud, more a calmer one. Getting up, you go to answer it. To find Ino and Sakura there. This was a surprise to you, they come in though Ino barged her way in, while Sakura was more humble about it.
Looking out at the window, you see the sun had began to transform into a sunset. Looking back at them, wondering why they were here. When they should be back at the lab, asking them. To get your answer in a way you where not expecting. Ino orders you to get ready, and to bring Miari with you. Giving you only five minutes, her dominating aura made you listen to what she order you to do. Quickly you gather Miari's diaper bag, and fix yourself up like Ino told you. Keeping the brooch in your hair. With her approving she pushes you out, telling Hinata and Sakura to follow.
The two girls realized they had no choice, laughing they follow Ino. With Miari in your arms, protectively holding her, allowing Ino to take you where you wanted you to go. Afraid of what might happen if you decided against it. In just a few minutes the two of you arrive at the village's Dango shop.
Ino announces her presence, as if she was meeting others. Which she was."HEY! We're HERE!"Ino yells, the second you step in with her, her arm around shoulder, pulling you with her."AND LOOK WHO I BROUGHT!"she announces your presence.
Looking finding everyone there, even Naruto. All eyes turn to you, they raise their cups welcoming you cheerfully."MAY!"most of them greet you.
This was a surprise, you were not expecting this at all. But none the less it made you happy, Lee gets up and is the first one to hug you. If Shikamaru didn't use his jutsu, there was a chance that would have crushed poor Miari.
"Down."the lazy shinobi tells him. Shikamaru looks at you with usual board expression, he gestures for you take a seat, which you do. Finding an opening one right by Neji and Tenten. Ino comes and sits across from you. Hinata and Sakura join taking their seats, once you where seated. Shikamaru lets Lee go, the energetic young man takes his spot by Naruto and Choji.
"What a surprise."you tell them."I was not expecting this at all."
"It only made sense to do it this way."Sakura tells you smiling."Telling you up front, would most likely led to you denying the invite. So a surprise seems to work with you."
"Yeah,"Ino agrees."For some reason surprises work on you well. Because you never see them coming or time to figure out how to react to it."She gives you a cheeky sly smile.
"Plus, we haven't seen you in what seems like forever."Tenten tells you.
"Yeah, every since you came here."Choji throws in, while looking at the menu drooling a bit.
Lee speaks next."Yes, though we have been on missions. There has been very little sighting of you. The last time we all came together, your presence was not presented. It did not seem right."
"Plus, you acknowledge us."Shino tells you.
"Geez, really.."Kiba looks at his friend shaking his head. He turns to you with a smile."But Lee's right, when you didn't come it wasn't the same."
"All that work you put in.."Hinata speaks."We just wanted you to take a break."
"You work very diligently."Neji compliments you. You look at him, surprised and touched by his words. You look away gushing from what everyone said. Remembering what Naruto, now clearly was making sense.
"...Thank you."you tell them quietly, but it was enough for them to hear it."I did not mean to cause such worry."you apologize looking around at everyone, giving them your actual real smile. That made them all smile.
"There we go."Shikamaru points out to you."Your actual smile. Took you long enough."he complains with a smirk.
From his words, you slowly begin to laugh just a tiny bit. Quickly you cover your mouth to hide your laughter. But it came anyway, erupting from you something you had been trying to contain. But there was no use, switching from chuckling to laughing. They let you have your moment, even Miari joins in with your joyous state. Smiling while you laughed.
For some reason, they saw color and life brought back to you. All the stress that seem to weigh on you was slowly starting to melt or at least not be an issue at this point.
This laugh, it felt so good. It wasn't going to stop, your energy slowly started to glow around you just a bit. It flickered like a light bulb on an off. You didn't notice, but they did. They look at each other content and happy. Slowly your laughter begin to stop and you regain yourself. Your sweet bright self.
Setting yourself straight, you look down at the menu opening it."Shall we order?"You hold the menu up for Miari to see letting her pick out what you should choose.
Everyone agrees, picking up their menu and picks what they wanted. The rest of your time with them was wonderful, everyone was able to catch up. Though Sakura and Ino did not disclose any information from the lab nor did anyone else about the missions involving that. Still it was nice, Mirai was well behaved the whole time, a couple of times her hands found their way to Neji's hair tugging on it. Much to his carnage and irritation, but to everyone else laughing expense. You would have to untangle Miari's hold on him. Other than that, the time was well spent. That is until Ino points out your brooch to everyone.
And being Ino she makes it a big deal, saying so many unbelievable things, pretty much fornicating it. Which charged up Lee and Naruto demanding to know who it was from? And how they managed to get into your room? They looked out for blood, they kept demanding names, which you where not able to give them. They where hushed by Tenten and Sakura.
The two came to your defense stating it was not a big deal, and it was good thing. Even going as far as to threaten the boys should they keep this up. They quickly go quiet. You did express though, your desire to find out who gave it to you and properly thank them. Because the gift really made your time much easier.
Looking at the time, you didn't want to keep Miari out to late, because she had now fallen asleep in your arms. Which was you cue to leave, getting up thanking everyone. You dismiss yourself to take the little one back home, though before doing so. Lee invites you to come with him to watch him train. Stating Guy sensei would be happy to see you. Which you agreed to do. Saying you byes, you leave them with Miari. A few minutes after you left, everyone else does.
You reach Kurenai's place, finding a note you read it. It was Kurenai, telling you the mission was taking a bit longer. Which you didn't mind, fumbling for the keys you, which ended up with you dropping the diaper bag. With Miari in your arm, and the keys in the other you use your powers to lift the stopping when someone grabs it for you.
"Here."Neji holds it out to you. Seeing him here surprised you, but you gratefully take it. You get the door open, and go inside. You invite him in, while you go and get Miari ready for bed. It took you just two minutes, you lay her down in the crib gently. Looking at her sleeping peacefully, you go back to Neji. He hands you the diaper bag.
"Thank you."you tell him, setting it down on the couch. You give him a smile, the Hyuga stands there. There was silence between the two of you, he looks at the brooch in your hair. Then to you, noticing his look at your brooch. Made you touch it."I do hope to thank the one who gave me such a gift."You tell him with a soft sigh."It was very thoughtful, truly it was. I wish to wonder though, why they gave it to me."
"Do they need a reason?"Neji bluntly asked.
You look at him, his question was pretty direct."...Surely there must be a reason, one does not really give a gift such as this. Without some sort of reasoning."
Neji looks at the brooch, then back to you. He could see clearly, you were not following what he meant with his question or the fact such oblivious reasons where dense to you. He knew it wasn't because you were stupid, you were just oblivious. It seem someone needed to spell it out for you, in order for you to understand it.
You kept you smile up, even if you where tired. Neji steps closer to you, making you look up at him. The look he had, caused your smile to slowly fade away, replaced with confusion. You look up at him, in his eyes as he stared down into your with such longingly intensity. His read to you, that he wanted to tell you something. The same you had seen a few times with Gaara and maybe once with Suigestu. A look you didn't seem to fully understand, unless someone told you or explained it.
So you waited patiently for Neji to tell you, because he could see you where at lost and trying to figure out what his eyes were telling you. Though to others it was plainly obvious, but not to you. He moves in closer, staring down at you. He leans in more, which for some reason caused your heart to rapidly beat fast. It was strange, yet you became nervous for some reason. Neji kept leaning in, stopping right above your forehead.
You felt him stop, but you also felt something else from him. It was warm and something you had seen in movies back home. Not to mention something you had done as a friendly gesture to Gaara a few times. This was just like it, though it seem a bit different than a friendly gesture. It remained upon your forehead, it was both delicate and heavy. Offering comfort and security. Neji kept himself like that for a few more seconds before he released it. He stood back up fully, he turns around wishing you a good evening and without another word leaves. Shutting the door behind him.
Left there stun and slightly confused. You bring your hand up and gentle place it where Neji left his mark, no not a mark. Where he kissed you upon your forehead.