A/N: Hello and welcome to another installment of Home! My apologies for taking so long to update, I have a laundry list of excuses! Follows, favorites, and reviews make me the happiest camper :) I review my chapters at least twice for spelling/grammatical errors, but I am unbeta'd. Thanks for reading!
X Naruto X
I lifted my head from the rubble groggily, the sounds of metal colliding rousing me back to consciousness. When my eyes came into focus, I made out the image of the twins' weapons locked in a stalemate. Sai and Sakura were coming around, both having been dealt vicious assaults by our former comrade. Yamato was crouched beside our medical nin, brows furrowed with mild concern before relief flooded him as her eyes peeled open. When I turned my head to pay mind to the current fray, neither ravenette seemed fatigued, but both carried a look of determination. The Uchiha had their visual prowess activated and locked onto their adversary, twelve tomoe between the pair of them.
"If you'd come with me, you wouldn't be as weak as you are now," Sasuke taunted her, increasing the pressure behind his blade to push her further away, "you'd know true power and you could even help me avenge our clan. You don't have enough hatred yet."
"I don't need hatred to know I can kick your ass," she snarled fiercely. With a grunt of effort, Akuri shoved him back with her kunai and her left fist swung around to solidly connect with her twin's jaw. The impact of the strike was enough to make Sasuke recoil in the slightest, stepping back unevenly. "I know what true pain is, big brother. What you feel pales in comparison. Stop being so foolish and come home."
Sasuke's expression wrinkled with anger and annoyance, fingers tightening on the handle of his sword. He launched at the smaller twin, weapon poised to deliver a potentially fatal blow. From where I lay, I could see her Mangekyo phasing into where her three tomoe had been. Akuri was out of sight faster than I could see, the older twin's blade buried halfway in a large piece of what had once been a ceiling.
"How..?" Sasuke's eyes were wide with surprise, the muscles of his arm tensing as he removed his weapon from the rubble.
"You've never been on my level," Akuri sneered, her voice seemingly coming from everywhere at once. "And now I've left you in the dust, brother. You'll never beat Itachi if you can't even keep up with me."
Sasuke flew forward nearly a dozen feet as his twin delivered a swift and powerful kick between his shoulder blades. The rogue twisted himself in the air, fingers forming several signs before he expelled a massive fiery orb in the direction her voice rebounded from. The flames scorched the shambles and ground of the area, but Akuri clicked her tongue from another area.
"I thought you'd be able to see everything with those eyes," she continued, "but, it seems that my eyes are still better. How are you supposed to kill what you can't see, brother?"
Sasuke lashed out with a barrage of kunai, the small blades rebounding from several of the larger rubble pieces. I could tell he was frustrated, as any shinobi would be against an enemy with unknown powers. The middle Uchiha's crimson glories darted about their own laying field, desperate to locate Akuri.
"How did you get the Mangekyo? It's said that this gift is only received for killing your closest friend," Sasuke wondered finally, remaining alert for signs of his twin.
"I lost my child," Akuri intoned as she materialized behind him, visible tracks of deep red streaming from her waterlines. Her small hands began forming unfamiliar signs even faster than her twin had, none I'd ever seen from her arsenal before. "Fire style: Sun Prism."
Rays of light from the sun bent and met in an octagonal formation around the older twin, the beams instantaneously changing to glowing ropes. Before Sasuke could register what was occurring, the bindings of light immediately closed around their target. The rogue shinobi was now trapped and careening toward the destroyed earth below in his illuminated snare, Akuri darting forward to rescue her sibling from a disastrous landing. The moment they were safely landed, the younger twin dropped to her knees and cupped her left eye.
"Akuri!" I warned, my legs feeling like they were made of stone as I tried to reach her before the approaching Kabuto.
My call to her had been in vain, her head snapping up to catch a quick glimpse of her attacker before she evasively rolled to the left. Blood was streaming down the left side of her face, accenting the fierce expression she sported. Despite the pain it had to have caused, she used the prowess again to dissipate from her place. My eyes darted about to locate her and my heart sunk at the sight of her constrained by the neck of her twin's master.
"You may have been a better body after all," Orochimaru nearly purred, cagey serpent tongue tasting the stripe of ruby on her cheek. "Even more like Itachi than your big brother, it seems."
"Get your hands off of her!" I roared from below, every last cell of my body starting to catch fire. "Let her go!"
"Do as he says," Sasuke barked, catching myself and all that were present off guard. "Let her go."
When I looked over at the bound rogue, my throat got tight and my heart gave a squeeze. His Sharingan had faded away to their usually unreadable onyx, but they were full of hurt and of love. The sight was drastically different from the start of our encounter.
"Or what, Sasuke? What will you do?" The Sannin taunted, neck tightening on his prey just hard enough to force a wheeze from her. Sasuke flinched at the sound before steeling his emotions, looking solemnly up at Orochimaru.
"I won't be your vessel if you don't let her go."
X (the massacre II, Akuri's POV)
"Itachi, just promise me this," Fugaku paused in his request to be sure his eldest had heard him, "take care of the twins."
"...I will."
I held my breath, wishing it would also calm the hammering in my chest as I watched the scene before me unfold. My mother's dark eyes were trained on me as I hid in their spacious closet, those black irises pouring love into her stare. It was when my father took her hand and squeezed that I knew what was to come.
"Do not fear." His sentiment settled me slightly, but I remained silent and listened. "This is the path you have chosen. Compared to you, our pain will be over in an instant."
Itachi trembled where he stood, congealing clumps of blood dripping from his stained blade. In the faint light of the moon, I could see tears pricking the corners of his vermillion eyes.
"Even if our philosophies differ, I am proud of you. You are truly a kind child."
As Itachi's quivering hand brought his katana down, I burst from my place in the closet.
"Big brother, no!" I cried, "please don't do this!"
My pleas came much too late, the sound of sliced flesh and their bodies falling came in an instant. I dropped down before him and our parents, my hands fisting in my father's shirt. The warmth that radiated from the material was fading, my wails of anguish seemingly accelerating the process. A floorboard creaking brought me to my senses, scrambling to get back from the bodies and face Itachi. His brows were raised in interest for a brief moment before they fell to rest neutrally, arm lifting to deliver a fatal strike.
"Sis!" Sasuke's yelp startled me more than his small hands hauling me to my feet, our brother's blade stuck in the wooden floor where I'd been previously.
Side by side, we faced the ANBU that struck down our parents; shaking like the littlest leaves in a gale, tears streaming down our cheeks like tiny tributaries. Sasuke was the first to charge, fists balled and eyes determined as he gave a battle cry. The motion crept by slowly and I took it as an advantage, darting forward to attempt to hold back Itachi's arm to give Sasuke a chance to strike. We'd been too slow, Itachi's closed fists crushing into our middles and effectively knocking the wind from our lungs.
"Wh-why, Itachi?" Sasuke wheezed, "why did you do this?"
We scrambled backwards weakly as he knelt down, piercing Mangekyo eyes seeing straight through to our souls. Sasuke snatched up my hand and drug me toward the door, wrenching it open to start running for our very lives. The nightmare outside of our home shocked me into gear and I stumbled over a soft patch of dirt, falling to my hands and knees where I retched.
"A-Auntie..?" Sasuke's frightened voice pulled my attention to where he stood, less than fifteen feet in front of me. "Uncle?!"
"It's only the three of us left," Itachi's dark comment was nearer than either of us had thought, the oldest survivor landing between the two of us.
"Wh-why did you do this, big brother?" I whimpered, inching back from him.
"To test my abilities," he answered cooly, fixing his gaze on my own.
"Why haven't you killed us?" Sasuke meekly asked, visibly trying to reach my side.
"You and Akuri may be the only others who can wield the Mangekyo," Itachi continued his level tone before a sinister lilt took over. "But you'll have to take the life of your closest friend, just like I did."
"Y-you killed Shisui.." I surmised, feeling bile rise up my throat again.
"Let me show you," he offered, sparing a glance toward Sasuke.
When my twin fell to his knees, clutching his head and screaming, I began to sob and make a break for Sasuke. Itachi grabbed my arm firmly to root me in place before his other hand clutches chin and forced my face in the direction of his own, the three-pronged design seeming to spin as I fell into it's influence. All I could do was scream at the monstrosity I was trapped in.
X Naruto X
The days following Sasuke's escape were besmirched with vexation, both Akuri and myself struggling with the burden of failure. I had felt nearly powerless in the face of my closest friend and most deadly rival, his junior twin having been tasked with the majority of battleground footwork. She'd made a full recovery after three nights of deep sleep and a few nutritious meals that Sakura had delivered. Her friendship with my partner was the most heartwarming and wholesome thing I'd seen from the medical kunoichi, her typical attitude rather brash and sometimes bordering violence when I tended to be in her presence without Akuri. We were relaxing together in our bed on the afternoon of our fourth day of rest, blankets rucked about and various body parts sticking out while enjoying the sunshine that filtered through the blinds.
"What do you think about visiting a couples' hot spring?" Akuri asked, her cheek pillowed against my shoulder and one of the few pillows we had. "We don't spend our money frivolously, it wouldn't be breaking the bank to truly unwind for a day. I can also include the dinner service, I know you enjoy the fancy meals here and there."
I sighed in content at the thought, wriggling up closer to nuzzle into the messy bun at the crown of her head, pressing our sun and blanket-warmed bodies together. We didn't spend enough time just basking in one another, simply taking in the feelings or smells we'd been robbed of for the better part of three years. A stirring part of me was certain of that, my eyes roving the expanse of her toned shoulders and side.
"We can dirty the sheets at the resort if we get packed and ready right now," she suggested, dampening the coals of desire that had only just begun to spark. "I can drop off a quick notice to Sakura and we'll be there by about four if we phase."
As much as I didn't want her to be overusing her kekkei genkai, the small handful of abilities she'd learned had proven invaluable. Akuri could manipulate the cells of her body to fade out of sight and reappear in almost any location she chose, as well as detect the molecular dispersion of targeted subjects and alter the atoms with sound waves. It was a spectacle to see and useful to no end. It took a moment of deliberation, trying to quickly ascertain what I could deem worthy of the cost of these magnificent powers.
"Only for the journey there," I relented after a brief pause, "is there anything you need me to pick up before we go? You can pack a bag for us and I'll bring the other one with me to use at the market and later as a souvenir pack."
"Pick yourself out a nicer outfit for dinner," she suggested with a smile, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed. My view did not disappoint, the Uchiha's fair skin pulled taught over the hardened muscle as she stretched her arms high above her head. "I'll get to packing our overnight bag, you should probably get dressed if you're heading to the market."
"Even though I kind of would rather stay here in the nude with you all day long?" I asked, leaning forward to paw at a healthy handful of her bare behind. "You look really good without clothes on, you know?"
Akuri chuckled and rolled her eyes, walking over to the dresser to fish out a comfortable ensemble for the day. She chose an indigo dress that hugged her curves and buttoned up in front with petite Uchiha fan adorning the back, forgoing any wrappings or fishnet to instead allow her shoulders and clavicles to enjoy the sunshine. I followed her lead and rose from my place, pulling on clean undergarments before donning my favored orange and black set, glancing at my forehead protector before I tied it into place as well. When we were both clothed, we entered the bathroom to brush our teeth and tend to our hair. The once-tangled and tousled from sleep mane became orderly and shiny all the way down to her rump, where she tied it in a loose elastic. I returned my toothbrush to it's receptacle and wrapped my arms around her from behind, leaning in to drop small kisses along her soft looking trapezius as her hands curled around my wrists.
"I haven't seen you in this one before," I murmured, "it looks good, I won't be gone for long, I can promise you that. Should we meet at the gate or here?"
"I get the feeling that if we meet here, it may take us even longer to leave," she predicted, leaning into my embrace for a brief moment, "get going, I'll wait for you at the gate. That should give you plenty of time."
Akuri turned in my hold and rose up on her toes, planting a loving kiss on my lips before she backed away from my arms to begin collecting our toiletries. I took that as my cue, giving her a bright grin before I slipped into my shoes to leave. With the door closed behind me, I began to traverse the streets of the village toward the village outfitter. The scent of ramen in the air tempted me sorely as I passed Ichiraku, my eyes fixated on the sign as I walked forward. My motion came to a halt as I collided with a passerby, a noise of surprise escaping me as my eyes were met with an eerie, pupil-less lavender and a flaming red complexion.
"N-Naruto, oh," Hinata twittered nervously, "I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going.."
"No need to be sorry, neither was I," I was quick to assure, smiling at my former classmate, "I haven't seen much of you since I've been back, how have you been?"
"I've been well," she conversed shortly, her face still brimming with a ruby blush, "busy with missions, I've been sticking to my training also. H-how about you, Naruto?"
"I've been busy too, working a few higher ranked missions and gathering more intel on Sasuke," I boasted proudly, "I've been perfecting a few new jutsu, too. I'd like to show them off, it'd be awesome to show you if we were ever assigned together, Hinata."
"I-I'd like that, Naruto.." her meek voice seemed to waver even further and I noticed her wobbling knees. Before her unsure legs could buckle, I snatched her from her feet to ensure she wouldn't hurt herself and my skin tingled the moment her arms came around my shoulders reflexively.
"You don't look well, let me sit you down in the shade," I offered, carrying the Hyuuga heiress to a nearby bench that was shaded from the sun before I settled her into a seated position. "Are you alright?"
"J-just fine, thank you," she attempted to assure, waving her hand dismissively. Hinata looked and felt much different than I ever remembered, her body resembling that of a woman's but without the firm musculature that an anbu like Akuri carried. Her eyes held a timid kindness, untainted by the cruelties that life had to offer and the sight of her gave me a small joy I hadn't expected. Her dark hair was straight and shiny, a good bit shorter than my partner's raven tresses, though I felt the urge to touch it.
"Get some rest, I've got to get going," I suggested kindly, smiling at my fellow shinobi, "I really enjoyed seeing you, I hope we run into each other again soon. Later, Hinata."
I turned to leave, waving a hand at her as I continued onward toward the clothing store I hoped would have what I was looking for. Escaping from the encounter did nothing to change how fixated on Hinata my mind seemed to be, despite how badly I wanted to expel her from my wonderings. My intention of this venture had been to purchase newer formal clothes for a romantic and relaxing dinner with my girlfriend, accompanied by a hot spring soak and a comfortable bed. I shook my head as though to clear it, entering the establishment and begin browsing the selection. The garment that caught my eye first was a black kimono ensemble with an orange obi, the price tag a reasonable amount when I'd found it.
"Find something we like?" The elderly shop keep buzzed, shuffling nearer to inspect my find. "That's a great choice for a strong young man like yourself."
"I wanted to have something a little nicer to have dinner in," I admitted, smiling kindly at the older gentleman. I noticed the simple gold band of cold on his left ring finger and felt compelled to inquire. "Are you married?"
"I was for nearly forty years," he divulged, raising his left hand to stroke the soft and probably warm yellow metal with a tenderness in his faded brown eyes, "my wife died four years ago, I can't bear to take this ring off, even now. Why do you ask?"
"Did you ever...I don't know, stray? Were you ever interested in other women, even though you have one waiting for you at home?" I wondered outright, hoping to whatever Gods there might have been that this elder understood the confidence that was expected between men. "How did you guys stay happy for so long?"
"Of course, my eyes were quite sharp for a long time," he teased with a snort, "I loved looking at all of the young and beautiful women. But I didn't do it often and never in front of my wife. I respected her more than any other woman, aside from my mother, that is."
"I respect her, don't get me wrong. But sometimes it's hard to be with her," I admitted, "life isn't kind, and I know that. But she's a lot different than she used to be, which I also expected. She's...a bit darker and she can be hostile when provoked too much. She's lost some things in her life, I guess I'm wondering if she'll ever be whole again."
The old man hummed thoughtfully and stroked the tuft of hair at his chin that seemed to be grown for just such a use, thinned lips curling up as as pondered the question. He pattered off for a moment, but returned with a silver chain loosely draped over his wrinkled and spotted fingers. When he came near enough, he revealed a small purple stone that was shaped like a small glittering pear. The attendant held it out in offering, the gem surprisingly heavy as it and it's silver links fell into my palm after I stretched it out to him.
"A gift, for her. Amethysts are said to bring peace of mind to their wearers," he explained, "and sparkling presents for the apple of your eye will surely charm her. Purchase the kimono and I'll consider the necklace a free addition."
"Thanks, old man," I expressed with glee, "she's sure to love this, it's going to look so pretty on her. I'll take them both, how much do I owe you?"
The unnamed man snatched the outfit from it's place and hobbled over to the counter to begin wrapping it up, reaching down to his left to pull out a small box. He held out his hand in a silent order to relinquish the necklace to him, the gentleman placing it on a small cotton pad before closing it away in the cardboard container. To finish the gift's ensemble, he tied a small red bow around it in a laced pattern.
"Twenty-five hundred yen," he informed brightly, an empty palm thrust forward to receive the expected tender.
Without hesitation, I paid the vendor and accepted the wrapped parcels to insert them into their respective compartments of my pouch. After I'd waved goodbye to the old man, I began sprinting toward the front gates of Konoha and toward my partner. At the sight of her seated at a small tea stall, I began to slow my approach to catch a glimpse of her without being seen. Small slashed of deep blue reflected off of the crown of her combed hair, sunlight refracting from her eyes as she looked down at the remainder of her tea mug. My heart swelled with the remembrance of the elder's words and my own resolve, my pace quickening to reach her that much faster.
"Hey," I greeted once I'd appeared on her radar, beaming as she lit up when I'd become immediately visible. "You sure do look pretty in that dress, Akuri."
"I'll be even prettier after a hot soak and a good meal," she replied, downing her tea before leaving the mug on the countertop as she stood and came to take my hand. "Ready to go?"
Before my nod could finish, my entire form tingled and at once felt numb. The sensation lasted for what felt like days and I could no longer feel Akuri's strong fingers curled around mine, my eyes seemingly as useless as the other four senses as our molecules travelled through space at an alarming rate. When it all stopped, the ground below felt wobbly and my stomach churned, eyes squinting at the sudden brightness of the world and fingers tightening on those of my partner.
"I'm never going to get used to that," I admitted groggily, looking over to watch the Uchiha dab at her right eye with a small cloth she carried on her. "Let's really not make a habit of this, eh?"
"I don't plan on it, honestly," she promised, shaking her head as though to clear it, "now, then. Let's go for a soak."
We checked in and stowed out bags in the pristine, rented room before changing into the white robes they offered their patrons along with the soft slippers. I'd watched Akuri while she changed, studying the plains of muscle and the utterly kissable skin covering her entire form. The whole while, I'd wondered why Hinata had ever looked desirable to me in the first place. Her body showed no signs of hardship or countless hours of training and battling, her prowess no where near as developed as the Uchiha's. Any stirring in my nether region was held off as I followed my dainty-looking partner to a separate check-in desk, the clerk benevolently guiding us to a closed off room that revealed a privately carved out hot spring.
"Oh wow," I uttered in awe, looking at the seats intricately dug into the rocks surrounding the spring. "Would you just look at this, it's gorgeous!"
"Right?" Akuri agreed succinctly, waving her goodbyes to the attendant and awaiting their departure prior to dropping the robe in a cotton heap at her feet. "I'm getting in."
While I fiddled with the ties of my robe, I viewed my mate toeing into the steamy pool at the small step. She moaned softly as the hot water rushed her feet and shins while she slowly sunk into the small pool, the rest of her becoming dewy and succulent in the heat of the space. The anbu untied her loose and low pony in favor of a wild bun on the top of her head, turning away from me as she maintained her locks. A small droplet of sweat from the middle of her back began to race down, the small liquid bead reaching the cleft between her cheeks and making my mouth water. I wanted a taste of her.
"Aren't you going to join me..?" The lilt in her question told me she was ready to be bitten and had a very good idea of what she was doing to me.