A/N: The last three scenes are all the works of my editor, alwaysdoubted. I'll explain more of the behind-the-scenes with the next edition. So for now, just enjoy the scene.
Hayabusa Ninja Estate, remote part of Japan:
The sky held not a single cloud as all stood quiet on this peaceful night within the compound. Occupying its own space was the full moon, the lunar light cascading down the inhabitants. Rainfall had dampened the area earlier in the day but had quickly dried around midday. Only crickets and an occasional bird chirp could be heard throughout.
Yao sat underneath a cherry blossom in deep concentration during his meditation. Everything seemed to stand still, almost as if the world had stopped moving on its axis. His first few months being a Sennin had been anything but eventual. Why else would he be here? Aberdeen loomed as the more familiar setting for this peaceful instance. Additionally, the store couldn't run by itself, regardless of whether Jian or Guai stood in his place.
This night held added significance for the Sennin... and a special someone.
Sensing a presence before him, Yao opened his eyes and found a rather pleasing sight in his line of vision.
Kasumi, whose beauty had never waned since their first meeting, stood in her usual ninja attire with a curious expression. It wasn't lost on her that the man meditating still remained a mystery to her and the other clansmen. Ryu was just as oblivious to who Yao was. He looked like an average man to most.
But that was far from the truth.
"Evening, Kasumi." Yao unfolded his legs and got up. "What brings you here?"
A gentle smile graced the kunoichi's face. "I was looking for you. Master Ryu said he appreciated you helping us with Raidou. Also, I was wondering..." She began twiddling her thumbs. "Walk with me?"
The Sennin approached and took her hand in his. "Sure."
Walking throughout the compound, Yao and Kasumi took in the quiet pleasure of the other's company. Their trek tallied around half an hour, even running into Momiji on the way. The Dragon Shrine Maiden didn't keep them as she had plans later. Jai would be stopping by for what Momiji described as her first 'date.'
"Why exactly is she going on a date with him?" Yao inquired.
"You make it sound like Jai is a bad guy. He also helped us during that desperate time. What I don't understand is what you have against him."
"I don't detest Jai if that's what you're thinking. I just think he needed to mind his own business."
Kasumi stopped. "That's an excuse. Momiji asked him to assist, much like we did with you. And it's not like he asked to be here. So how exactly is it different?"
Yao didn't reply, his thought process interrupted by her sharp reaction. There really wasn't a reasonable explanation for why he wasn't fond of Jai. His being here was pure coincidence that not even Jai himself knew of. The man wasn't out for his own gain and did be become a trusted ally.
"All I'm asking from you as my boyfriend is to be considerate. Jai had an unfortunate dealing, as did you. So, it actually makes you both similar in a way," Kasumi elaborated.
A deep sigh left Yao. "Ok, Kasumi."
She smiled again. "See? Was that so hard?" Kasumi approached them again as they reached a makeshift bridge. "You're leaving soon, correct?"
Yao gave her a forlorn look. "Yes, I have to."
"For the store?"
"More than that. There's still a lot of things I have to learn about myself as a Sennin."
Kasumi gave a slight nod. "I understand."
He gazed at her. "You're taking this better than I thought you would."
"Because I know what it's like to have an endless goal. Just promise me this, Yao." Kasumi held his wrists. "Promise me that you won't let this become an obsession. There's more to live for than being a martial artist. Exactly what you told me about being a ninja."
Yao couldn't help but be impressed with what she was saying. Then, a cool breeze whisked through that made Kasumi's frame shiver. Noticing this, Yao put an arm around her shoulder as the pair walked back into the house. In the main room, multiple candles provided sufficient illumination. Ryu was still out on an errand and wouldn't be back for another few hours. Momiji could already be seen leaving the estate for her date.
Without being obvious, Yao quietly took in his companion's appearance. Her auburn hair hung past her shoulders, likened to that of a waterfall. Underneath the shy beauty hid the strength and willpower of many warriors. What couldn't be seen were the scars from years of mental and emotional torment from her desertion. Seemingly perfect in her imperfection, Kasumi didn't feel whole.
Until she met Yao.
"Stay with me tonight. Please," Kasumi pleaded.
It could be seen in her eyes and expression, a want as strong as the need. Yao didn't say a word while searching her mind for a devotion equal to theirs. All the other women to come and go through his life couldn't hold a candle to Kasumi's feelings.
Kasumi's lithe hand lifted to palm Yao's face, their eyes locked. An inaudible murmur left him at the mere touch of this woman, soft and delicate enough to make him flinch.
Slowly in hesitance, the two came together as they shared a kiss of longing. The contact made Kasumi's knees go weak, Yao picking up on that by keeping his arms wrapped around her slim waist.
A/N: Clearly on the shorter side, but Editor-san had a lot of personal things going on when I requested he write this scene specifically so it ended up being shorter than he wanted. After a quick discussion on that, because I thought he didn't want to do the scene at first, I essentially told him that I'm patient enough to wait for quality even if it takes a while. Glad we cleared that up. I could ask him to rewrite the scene with how he really wanted it to go, but I think despite its short length he's content with how it turned out so I won't push it.