Crimson Love
This one is sorry for taking so long to update! This chapter was very hard to write! And it is not even that long, either! Y.Yx
…and yes, this one is on a Kenshin streak again. Why, you may ask? Because this one spent two hours discussing the poor English lip synching in the anime. This one hopes it does not confuse you!
P.S.: This one cried as she was writing this chapter. It is a song-chapter for "Away From Me" by Evanescence. Also, if some text is centered during the song, please note it is intentional, as it makes it easier to read the lyrics and story in synch.
Enjoy! (Kenshin grin)
Chapter Sixteen: Away From Me
Kimimaro yawned hugely, cracking his neck. It was a nasty habit, but he didn't care. When you gotta crack your neck, you gotta crack your neck. It's just a fact.
And of course, after that, he had to crack his back, and his fingers, and his toes, and anything else that could be cracked without breaking.
"Eww… that's nasty…"
Kimimaro yelped, nearly tumbling out of his chair. "I-Ino-chan…" he stammered, blushing furiously.
Ino smiled brightly at him, standing in the doorway to his room. "The door guy let me in."
"Um… oh." Kimimaro twiddled his thumbs, starring at his hands and willing his face to go back to its natural color.
"It took me a while to convince him that I knew you from school, but he let me in eventually."
"I-I could talk to him, i-if you want… I-I could order h-him to—"
"No, that's ok, I'm sure he'll recognize me now." Ino smiled at him, sitting on the corner of his bed. "These are for you, by the way," she added, holding out a bouquet of white roses.
Kimimaro starred at them.
"I wasn't sure what color you liked, so I picked white, to match your hair." Ino smiled as he took them carefully.
"…E-E-Excuse me for a moment." Kimimaro turned away slightly and slapped himself.
Ino watched with a confused little smile as Kimimaro slapped himself repeatedly on both sides of his face. After a few long moments of silence during which Kimimaro sobbed Gai-sensei tears that Ino couldn't see because his head was turned, he turned around again.
"T-Thank you, I-Ino-chan," he said, ignoring the red hand prints on his cheeks.
"You're welcome." She gave him her "aren't-I-cute" smile, and was pleased to see that she got a better reaction from him then she ever did with Sasuke. "Is Ukon alright? I heard you both got put in the hospital…"
"H-He's coming home today, even though t-the nurses said he sh-should stay longer…" Kimimaro starred at the flowers in his hands, furious with himself for acting like a stuttering idiot.
"Is Sakura alright?"
"Sh-she's very happy that he's alright…" Damn it, damn it, damn it!
There was a long silence, during which neither spoke, and, for once in her life, Ino fumbled for words.
"Um… Kimimaro?"
"Y-Yes?"
"…Why do you like me?"
Kimimaro's entire face turned beet-red. "W-W-W-W-W-What?" he squeaked.
"Well, I mean, just two or three days after I met you for the first time, you told me you liked my eyes, and gave me a flower." She blushed lightly. "I'm not trying to be full of it, I just want to know what made you so sure, so soon."
Kimimaro took several long, deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself down from the nasty shock he'd just gotten. When his face returned to its natural color, he sat, totally silent, for a few minutes, trying to sort his thoughts.
He took a stab at trying to explain. "W-When I f-first saw you, i-in Social Studies class, I, um…" He blushed furiously while Ino had a sudden realization that Kimimaro was, indeed, in her Social Studies class. "I-I thought y-you w-were, um… v-very p-p-pretty and, um… s-smart, too… a-and I-I also t-thought y-you were v-very k-kind, as well, w-when I-I saw you i-in Gym c-class w-with H-Hinata-san…" If Kimimaro's face had been beet red before, the color it was now would probably be along the lines of "royal red" or "cherry". "S-S-S-So…. I-I guess t-that's why…" He twiddled his fingers around Hinata-style in the ribbon around the bouquet.
Ino starred at him, then at the floor, then back up at him again, feeling very guilty indeed. "I'm sorry for being so mean to you all the time," she said quietly, starring at the floor again.
He starred at her in shock for a full ten minutes before she spoke again.
"It's just that, I've always liked Sasuke-kun, so if other guys liked me, I would always push them away… so I'm so—"
"Y-You don't have to apologize!" Kimimaro blurted out, eyes wide, slightly bewildered by her statements. "I-I mean… um…" He starred at the flowers again when she looked up at him. "I-I don't really… mind i-if you like Uchiha… I'd l-like for you to be happy, s-so, if being with Uchiha makes you h-happy, then I-I guess I'm happy… Um…" He gulped. "J-Just… c-c-can we b-be… friends?" He looked up at her shyly.
"Of course!" she said with a broad smile.
His olive-colored eyes widened to the point where she could see the whites all around, and his cheeks flushed. "R-R-Really?"
She nodded, her smile brightening. "Sure!" She stood up, smoothing out the wrinkles in her skirt. "I have to go back to the shop now, ok?"
"Um, o-ok, d-do you want me t-to show you out?"
She shook her head. "No, I remember the way. But!" She smirked at him. "As soon as you're well enough, you and I are going to hang out, alright? I'm not taking 'no' for an answer!"
(Inside Kimimaro's Head)
HALLELUJAH!
(Outside Kimimaro's Head)
"T-T-T-T-T-That w-w-would b-b-b—"
"Nice?" she finished, smirking at him.
He nodded vigorously.
Ino smiled as she walked out of his room and down the hall, pleased with herself that she had made him that happy, that easily.
Once he was sure Ino had left the house, Kimimaro jumped nearly five feet in the air, screaming at the top of his lungs.
(Hyuuga Estate place)
"Hi, Gaara!" Shizuka chirped from where she was curled into a ball next to Neji on the couch, watching a random movie.
"…"
"Oh, yeah, I brought you something!" she said, suddenly remembering as she started searching her pockets. "…Er."
Neji raised an eyebrow as she got up to pat her pockets and clothes.
"Ah—!" She frowned, looking around. "I must have dropped them when I fell on the ground. I'll be right back."
"Dropped what?" Neji asked curiously.
"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise," she said with a smirk before disappearing out the door.
"…It better not be buffalo wing coupons again," Gaara said in a deadly voice, settling himself in the over-stuffed chair.
"You don't like them?"
Gaara gave him a look that read "ultimate hatred".
"…Ah. How long has she been giving them to you?"
"Since I was five."
"Yeah, I'd get sick of them by then, too."
"I'm not sick of them," Gaara muttered. "Poultry is evil, that's all."
"I don't have anything against birds, so I can't really comment on that comment." (I didn't realize until after I wrote this chapter out, that this comment of his is kind of funny if you think about his fetish with birds)
Meanwhile, outside, Shizuka was digging through the snow by the driveway, utterly pissed off at herself. "Dammit, I swear I put those tickets in my pocket!" she said angrily, throwing snow over her shoulder as she dug, looking for the slips of paper. "If I don't find them, I swear, heads are going to r—"
"Talking to one's self unintentionally is considered dangerous."
She whipped around, her guard instantly going up. Itachi smirked at her, leaning against the lamp post at the end of the driveway. In one hand, he had a cigarette; in the other he held the three tickets she was so determinedly trying to find, in an almost taunting manner.
"Hello, love," he said with the familiar smirk.
She just glared, although she shivered unconsciously, and it wasn't from the snow.
"Looking for these?" He waved the tickets around.
"Durr," she said coolly. "Give 'em."
"I will, love, I will." He smirked, pushing himself off the lamp post and taking a few steps towards her. "But first…"
She gulped as he closed the distance between them, his face barely an inch away from hers.
"…You'll go on another rendezvous with me." His smirk widened as he put a finger under her chin.
She glared, knocking the cigarette out of his hand, which was the hand of the finger under her chin. "Not a chance in hell, asshole. Your dates suck worse then your bribes."
Itachi frowned, lashing out, his hand connecting with the side of her face.
She blinked, eyes wide, reaching up to feel the slap mark.
"I've had enough of your insults," he growled. "It's pissing me off now. You shut up before you get more then a little slap."
A 'little' slap? Shizuka chewed her lip; she'd never really been slapped before, but she hadn't thought it'd hurt that much. Maybe he was just strong.
However, despite his threats, she just glared at him and stood up, forgetting about the tickets (even though they were tickets her dad had bought her, to a pro soccer game) as she turned towards the house.
"Hey!" He stood up, grabbing her arm and pulling her back roughly. "Did I say you could leave?"
"Fuck off," she snapped, spitting at him.
Itachi got a maniacal look in his eyes, drawing his fist back and punching her. "What did I say about insulting me?" he growled, drawing his fist back. She flinched, trying to get away. "Oh, no you're not," he snapped, dragging her towards his car.
Her eyes widened. "NEJI—Mmph!" Her scream was cut off as he clapped a hand over her mouth.
"One more word and I'll strangle you," he growled, throwing her in the back seat of the car.
It seemed that, as soon as she touched the seat, everything grew dark. Dark and cold.
(-oOo-)
"Wonder what's taking her so long," Neji mused, flipping channels now that the movie was over and they had nothing to watch.
"She's probably forgotten all about what she was bringing us, and is making a snowman," Gaara said carelessly.
"Yeah, that sounds like her," Neji said with a laugh, finding a soccer game somehow. "Oh, good, something worth watching…"
(-oOo-)
"You know you can stay in the hospital longer," Sakura pointed out, helping Ukon out off Sakkon's car.
"Hell, no," he said coolly, rolling his eyes. "I'm fine. Besides, I hate hospitals."
"So do I, but if I'd just gotten into a car crash, I'd want to make sure I was all better before I left." She offered him a small smile, which he returned as they went into the house, Sakkon following with Ukon's stuff they'd brought him during his stay at the hospital.
"Hello, Orochimaru-sama," Ukon said, somewhat curious as to why his boss would be waiting for him inside the door.
"A word, Ukon," Orochimaru said coolly, turning on his heel and going down the hall.
Ukon and Sakura looked at each other. "What could she have done now?" he asked in a long suffering voice as he leaned up off of Sakura and followed Orochimaru.
Sakura gulped, following him slowly, so he wouldn't notice. Please tell me Shizuka isn't in trouble again, she thought, fear creeping over her again. Please…
Sakura came to a stop just outside the door where Orochimaru and Ukon usually went. She had no sooner arrived when she heard a hit connect. Her eyes widened.
I hold my breath as this life starts to take its toll
"You didn't tell me she had another boyfriend!" Orochimaru shouted, punching Ukon in the ribs. "Didn't you think I'd want to know that!"
"I-I thought she would tell you, Orochimaru-s—"
I hide behind a smile as this perfect plan unfolds
"Don't give me that bullshit!" Orochimaru shouted, bringing his fist down on the top of Ukon's head; the younger boy crumpled almost instantly, and the kicking began.
But oh, God, I feel I've been lied to
He just got out of the hospital! Sakura screamed inside, clenching and unclenching her fists.
Lost all faith in the things I have achieved
I won't let you hurt him anymore!
And I
Ukon had a split second to register the sound of the door open and something light throwing themselves over him, before the pain stopped… For him, anyway.
Looking up, his eyes widened.
I've woken now to find myself
Sakura scrunched her eyes up, chewing her lip as Orochimaru's heel dug into her back repeatedly; he hadn't registered that she was laying over Ukon.
In the shadows of all I have created
It was more pain then she'd ever experienced since her birth. She wanted to run away… she was scared to death… but she didn't dare move.
I'm longing to be lost in you
She had to protect him.
Away from this place I have made
Ukon starred up at her. "Sa… Sakura…"
Won't you take me away from me
(-oOo-)
Shizuka tried to scream against the stabbing pain as Itachi kissed her roughly, biting down on her lips to keep her silent.
Crawling through this world as disease flows through my veins
"Shut up," he growled deep in the throat, stabbing even farther inside her.
I look into myself, but my own heart has been changed
She sobbed, struggling weakly against his rough grip on her wrists. Neji…!
I can't go on like this
"It… it's true I like the attention and everything... But… he's never been there for me… like you have… You're so much more to me then he ever was…"
I loathe all I've become
Neji!
I've woken now to find myself
(-oOo-)
"Move, idiot!" Ukon shouted, trying to push her off him, but couldn't, with one arm in a sling. "You wanna get hurt?"
In the shadows of all I have created
She shook her head, gritting her teeth as Orochimaru continued to kick her. "I… won't let him… hurt you anymore."
I'm longing to be lost in you
Orochimaru realized, just before Sakura was going to pass out from the pain, that it was she, and not Ukon, whom he was kicking. When he realized it, he stopped, setting his foot down.
"Idiot girl."
Away from this place I have made
Ukon starred down at Sakura, his eyes cast in shadows.
"Can you at least let me know when you're in trouble so I can take care of you?"
Won't you take me away from me
Sakura…
(-oOo-)
"Get dressed," Itachi said coldly, throwing Shizuka's clothes at her.
Lost in a dying world I reach for something more
She trembled unconsciously as she slowly pulled her clothes on. He did the same, pulling on his pants, completely avoiding having to look at her, like she was some kind of disgusting creature.
I have grown so weary of this lie I live
Only one thought went through her mind as she slowly, somehow, got out of the car:
He stole from me…
(-oOo-)
Somehow, even with one arm in a sling, Ukon managed to carry Sakura to his room. She'd passed out from the pain a moment after Orochimaru had left.
I've woken now to find myself
It's all my fault, he thought, laying her gently on his bed and going to his desk to get his arnica.
In the shadows of all I have created
I brought this on you, he thought, his eyes burning as he took two arnica from the box and went back over to his bed.
I'm longing to be lost in you
I just… wanted to think that I was needed… I wanted to protect Sakkon… and Sakura, as w— He was distracted from his thoughts by the sound of her stirring. He looked down at her as her light green eyes fluttered open.
Away from this place I have made
He was distracted from his thoughts by the sound of her stirring. He looked down at her as her light green eyes fluttered open. Her lips parted into a small smile.
"You're alright…"
Won't you take me away from me
"…You stupid bitch," he muttered; he didn't mean it to sound mean or anything; it was just the first thing that came to mind.
There was a long silence as he pushed the arnica in her mouth. She chewed it slowly, starring up at the ceiling.
"Why did you have to get in the way?" he asked finally, starring down at the floor as he knelt next to the bed, his eyes in the shadow of his brow. "You… you could have been seriously injured… I'm used to it now… I could have handled it… but…"
Sakura watched him out of the corner of her eye, knowing he wasn't finished. The pain in his voice was obvious, but the pain didn't come from the scars and bruises on his body, but from something more internal, that she couldn't see. She wanted to hug him, but knew he wouldn't accept it until he had said what he wanted to say.
"I… I can't stand to have you… see me hurt," he said, after another silence, his eyes still cast down. "But… seeing you hurt like this… because you were protecting me…" He clenched his jaw, balling his good hand into a fist. "…It makes me want to die!"
"If you died," she said softly, bringing him back, "where would that leave Sakkon?"
He starred at the floor, eyes wide, mouth hanging open slightly.
"If you died," she continued, turning her head to look at him, "where would that leave me?"
Ukon was silent for a very long time, starring at the floor. That's right… I'm not just living for myself anymore…
Flashback
"I didn't want to leave her, so she made me make her a promise…"
"To protect Sakkon."
End flashback
Flashback
"You have to live, Ukon-chan… promise me, you'll protect Sakkon in my stead… promise Mommy, alright?"
End flashback
Flashback
"I'm the older twin, and I promised her I would take care of him."
"You promised who?"
"My ...mother... before she died..."
End flashback
Flashback
"That's why… That's why I'm willing to do anything to make sure that he'll be alright."
End flashback
Flashback
"Thank you."
"For what?" I didn't do anything…
"For being there. For taking care of me when I was hurt. I've never been able to tell anyone this stuff, and I'm glad it's you I can tell."
End flashback
I don't want her to be in all this drama and danger anymore… he thought, his heart wrenching. But… her being safe means… I have to be alone again… "I… put you in danger," he began softly, clenching his eyes shut.
"I put myself in danger. I'm not letting him hurt you anymore."
Ukon was pulled out of his memories by Sakura's fingers under his chin, pulling him up to face her. She was smiling kindly at him, in a soft, understand way. She didn't say anything, just smiled. He gave a small, barely-heard sob, climbing up onto the bed to lay next to her, his head on her shoulder; he felt her stroking his hair gently as tears trickled, unchecked, down his cheeks.
I can't help it, he sobbed inwardly, burying his face into her neck. I can't let her go… There's no one I love as much as her…
"I love you," he whispered softly, choking slightly on his own tears. "It hurts…"
"I know. I love you, too," she said with another smile, kissing his forehead.
Just got one thing to say, in case this one traumatized you: this fic was rated R for a reason.
Dragonman180: Lol! Your review had this one rolling around (well not really, since this one was in her computer chair) for quite some time! Hanabi is this one's little sadistic comedy, that she is. This one hopes that this chapter answered your question about the ItaShiz pairing…
RLN and IHN: This one thinks that Shizuka makes puppy-dog eyes with very nice, glittery, sparkly lenses, that she does. This one checked out your high school fan fic, that she did! This one shall read the second chapter as soon as her work load lightens up, no da.
DreamAnimeKitten: This one had a most disturbing mental picture when she read "pedestrian ninjas", That she did. This one is pleased you enjoyed the chapter.
Hinata's Biggest Fanboy: Sakkon did not think of the accident, and neither did this one. (Kenshin face) This one would like very much to see that movie!
Kie-san: KYAAH! NEJI PLUSHIE! This one thinks you should say "blow job" just to see their ears light on fire. Oro? Anti-climatic? This one is confused… oh well. This one did not know what a "save" was, either… -.-' O.o This one's responses are getting rather small compared to your reviews… oh well. (Kenshin grin)
Riyo Shiban: O.o Oh, this one thought you were misspelling '-kun'. But why do you keep saying "REVIEW"? Are you attempting to get this one to read a fan fic of yours? O.o?
Flaming Sakura: This one has not gotten any flames for this story (yay!) but this one did get two for another fan fic. But this one is over it. (Kenshin grin) This one is pleased you kept your word! You don't need to read Apprentice, this one just has a habit of advertising her fan fics all the time. This one hopes you enjoy this chapter, too!
Crazytreeotaku: Do you know KNK in real life, or something to that tune? This one is jealous! Y.Y Oh well. This one talks to her all the time anyway. This one loves her Gaara scenes, that she does! (Kenshin grin)
Meggido the Relic Hunter: You will upgrade it to uber when there are 20 chapters? Oro? This one was almost offended, but is not anymore! If Itachi and Hanabi met, this one thinks that a trip to Mars would be in order.
Andrea: This one is pleased she made you happy! (Kenshin grin) THIS ONE HATES SASUKE WITH A FIERY PASSION NOT FITTING OF A RUROUNI AUTHORESS! (growl) Anyway. This one was pleased with their confessions, as well, and would cut off an arm to gain access to Neji's hair! While Neji's mom is not a major character, this one likes putting scenes with her in the fic, so you can expect to see her! This one took so long to update… gomen.
Ginka, Jazzy Uchiha, AznNarutoGrl-91, xl-twisted-lx, kingofundrwrld: Thank you for your reviews! They made this one's day, but… this one can not comment on reviews that are too short for her to take anything from, or when the style of writing is not comprehendible. Sorry!
