Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto period.
Story Title: True Love
Chapter 16: Dreaming of a Nightmare
.: Start :.
"You are going to be one hell of a mission." Sasuke said throwing her a pen.
"I guess." Yuukie said signing her name on the form. "So this will automatically make you my guardian? And I can't go back to snow country without your permission?" She asked, feeling half hopeful and half unsure.
"Yes."
"Well you better tell that to my family tomorrow."
"Oh, I will. I'll make sure of it." Sasuke said with a mischievous glint in his eye and a smirk played on his lips. It made him look like the devil himself, only more attractive.
The next morning Yuukie woke up very early. By this time of day she would greet her mother and gave her, her medicine but today was different. Today she was not waking up in her own house and on her own bed but rather in the Uchiha's household and a very hard couch.
She scratched her head and tucked her hair behind her ears. Slowly she rose from the couch and stretched herself. The clock on the wall showed that it was still 6.30 in the morning. She should leave early before her family suspects something. But before that she should at least say thank you to Sasuke.
But before she'll do anything she must change back to her old clothes, they're dry now anyway. After changing she went into the kitchen and made a simple breakfast to say thank you to the young Uchiha. Before she left, she left a small post-it note next to the plate full of food.
After a half hour had passed by Sasuke woke up and went to the living room. "Sanada?" He called out but there was no sign of his female friend. He went to the kitchen and saw the breakfast that was made for him. "Who ever knew that a female around the house could be so convenient?" He picked up his fork and saw the note.
Yuukie was back at the doorstep of her own house. She unlocked the door and entered the gloomy residence. Without her mother the house felt so empty, her life felt empty, it was just not the same. Her family might come back to bring her to her homeland, today.
Even if she refused, it still wouldn't work, nothing would change their minds. It just wasn't fair, she wanted to make her own choices but the rules were too strict that trapped Yuukie in the hands of her own family. She half-heartedly wished that they would agree about Sasuke being her guardian and could let her or not let her go back.
Yuukie laid down on the couch, it was still early in the morning and she was still a bit drowsy so she relaxed and made herself comfortable. She stared at her old pictures on the end tables. She was so very happy when her family was whole. That was until her father died with a serious injury on the battlefield. She had cried for weeks back then but soon she got over it and continued her life. Then another curse was cast upon her. The announcement of the Suichi Family's rules and her engagement to Daisuke. And now this…
A knock on the door made her tear away from her unhappy thoughts. Now who could be visiting her at this time of hour? She made her way to the door and opened it. No one was actually there but a bouquet of roses was placed at her doorstep of her front porch. Where could this have come from? Were they meant for her? They are very pretty. She turned her head left and right trying to find who had placed the roses there but there was no sign of anyone and the streets were empty. She picked up the bouquet and went inside, closing the door behind her.
The person she was looking for was actually on the roof smirking. She never noticed just how nice he really was. A tiny hint of affection can go a long way. A pair of eyes closed slightly and the smirk played on his lips slowly turned into a small and shy smile. His eyes opened and glanced around to secure his surrounding and went back to where he had come from. (1)
Now who in the world would give her a bouquet of roses? It's in the dead of winter! They're pink roses too, a saying of 'I like you a lot' (2). They're certainly from a flower shop judging by the wrapping plastic but there's no card to be found. They smelled sweet and the thorns were cut off. Yuukie took out an empty vase from one of the cabinets and filled them with water, and then she placed the roses inside. It looked absolutely perfect! Yuukie decided to place it in her room.
"I wonder how long it will last in this cold season?" Yuukie wondered, talking to herself. It was said when someone gave you some flowers you place them in a vase and the longer it stays alive the longer your relationship with that person will be. (3)
Yuukie lit a strawberry and cream scented candle and the soothing smells filled her room. Yuukie felt so relaxed, she made her way to the bed and just wanted to lie on in for hours. The soothing smells from the scented candles and the peacefulness slowly made Yuukie fall asleep.
.: Dream/Flashback Scene :.
"I will never hurt you." A twelve-year-old Daisuke said taking hold of Yuukie's hand. "I will not let anything happen to you. I will protect you, I promise…" Daisuke trailed off pulling Yuukie in a warm hug.
"Why do you see me as someone? Why am I any different? What is my purpose to you?" She asked, staring blankly at his face.
"Someone I can love. To be held in my arms on a cold night, to make me smile. And when I have gained that love in return, then will I be satisfied. Then will I know the true meaning of happiness… Don't let the flames die out on me Yuukie. You and I aren't much different."
"You're a nobleman, Daisuke. My family is only middle-class." Yuukie corrected him. "I will not be able to keep up to your standards. Your family will never allow it. We are different… I must return to my duties." She said pulling away. "We really should stop meeting late at night." (4)
A week went by and a ceremony was held at the Takeshi household. The whole Suichi family was announced to be part of the Royal Police Force under the commands of the Takeshi family. Yuukie went speechless; Daisuke went that far just so they could be together. For now they were only friends but he wanted them to be more than that. Their marriage was assigned but was not really spoken of. Yuukie wasn't getting her hopes up with the marriage because someday Daisuke would meet someone else.
In the great hall of the Takeshi mansion, Yuukie's uncle was made the Takeshi's right hand man. She could see the happy smile of her family all around her, even her mother was happy. Yuukie saw Daisuke smiling behind his father but somehow that smile faded when Yuukie had looked away. She went out of the room and headed for the front gates. Daisuke followed suit, trying to catch up with her.
"Yuukie, wait!" He called out but Yuukie had pretended not to hear him so she kept on walking. "Wait up! Where are you going?" He grabbed her arm, stopping her.
"I wish to go home. Now if you would just let me go…"
"No!" He yelled firmly taking hold of Yuukie's hands. "I'm not letting you go! Never! I wish to be with you always! You'll become my bride and when it's my turn to take the over you will be at my side, supporting me! I won't let you go! I…" Daisuke bit his lip, released Yuukie's hands and muttered an apology. He stared at his feet as though embarrassed at what he said.
Yuukie slowly turned around and went her way. Soon when she was on the road a sound of horseshoes prancing through the snow was heard and Yuukie stepped aside so it could pass but the carriage stopped next to her.
A coachman greeted her. "My Lady you shouldn't be out her in the cold, please come in."
"You must have mistaken me for someone else, sir. I'd better be on my way." She gave him a smile and started to walk again.
"You are Lady Yuukie aren't you?" The coachman asked.
Yuukie stopped once again and turned back at him. "As I've said you must have mistaken me for someone else. My name is just Yuukie." Yet again she gave the man a small smile to forgive his mistake.
"Then it is you Lady Yuukie! Come in! Master Daisuke requested us to bring you back to your household." He said opening the door to the coach.
Yuukie stepped inside and sat down on the seat. As the coach began to move Yuukie wondered to herself on what was going on. "He made me a Lady? (5) I think he made my whole family noble." She gazed at the clouds. " Me, a bride? This is like a dream but…" The carriage came to a stop and the door was opened for her. A footman came out to take her hand on the steps. Yuukie gave a nod of gratitude and they all bowed before her.
A few hours later her whole family had returned to the Suichi household. Yuukie immediately went out of her room to greet them. Carriages stopped at the front of the household and more footmen dressed as the ones who dropped Yuukie off came out and helped each one of them descend the steps.
"And where were you Yuukie?" Asked her uncle. "Why were you not there to enjoy the celebration?"
"I went home uncle, I really wasn't feeling well." She lied, reminding herself to bite her tongue later on for lying.
"Is that so? Well go and take a hot bath and dress up, we're invited for dinner with the Takeshi's. Try to at least look pleasant, don't mess this up for us."
"What's going on? If you're so afraid that I would mess up, why do you have to bring me along? I wouldn't want to come anyway."
"The whole family is invited especially you, now go." He barked.
When Yuukie was all fixed up, she joined her family in the living room. She wore a white shawl under a white blue kimono. Her hair was long at that time so she let it be as it is. The whole family waited at the main hall for her uncle and when they were ready, they've set off in carriages. When they're reached the restaurants, the doors were opened for them and they descended the steps and entered the restaurant. Yuukie and her cousin Mizuiro lingered back.
"I have a bad feeling about this. Why do we have to go out for dinner? Invited by the Takeshi Family no less. Did they tell you anything about this?" Yuukie said biting her lip nervously. 'What are you up to Daisuke?' Her mind asked.
"No they didn't. And why are you so afraid of that family anyway? I thought you and Daisuke are friends?"
"We are but I think he wants us to go more than that. I don't feel comfortable about it. How could he even think that I would think of him that way?"
"You should be grateful! He likes you! I mean your marriage was arranged." Mizuiro said in a matter-of-factly tone.
"I know that but it wasn't made official. I just can't… He's like a brother to me."
"Oh come on Yuukie. You're lucky to have someone like him! And you're just like this because you've never been treated like this before. Being adored and even loved. I know you've been treated coldly but you should have a go with him, he's nice." Mizuiro urged.
"I know because you find him very attractive."
"I do not! He is kind of cute but not in a very attractive way that would make me feel like an…"
"Idiot." Yuukie said, continuing her sentence. "You do that every time you see him. You will go like 'Oh hi, Daisuke! Nice weather we're having!' even though the weather hasn't changed at all! We are in Snow Country!" Mizuiro felt offended and hit Yuukie's arm playfully.
"Oh, so I like him! What's the big deal? He wouldn't return his affections to me, he likes you after all." Mizuiro said sadly, looking at the cold snowy ground.
"Are you mad at me?" Yuukie asked, sounding a bit worried that her only friend would be angry with her.
"No. Why would you think of something like that? I'm your friend, your best friend right?"
"Of course we are! I was just worried that you were angry with me. I mean, you like him and he only likes me. I thought maybe you would hold a grudge against me or something. As though I'm interference, if I were out of the way, you would catch his heart hands down."
"Nonsense! Come on Yuukie, our friendship will never be broken by some guy! Like I said, we're friends!" She said putting an arm around Yuukie's shoulder.
"Best friends!" Yuukie corrected her.
"Girls! Don't dawdle! It's freezing out there! Come on inside, before Master Daisuke comes!" Called their nanny, poking her head from the restaurant door.
The girls burst out laughing. "Let's go Mizuiro! Before Nanny drags us in!" Their Nanny who felt insulted huffed away.
When both of them had entered, the Takeshi family had just arrived outside. The doors were opened for them and they made their way to their private room. Daisuke lagged behind and called Yuukie to sit with them, giving her one of his charming smiles. Yuukie just shook her head to turn down the offer and looked away from him. She sat to Mizuiro and started to chat.
The empty seat next to her was taken and someone took held of her hand. "What is it?" She asked.
"Come and sit with me. This dinner is especially for you after all."
"It's okay, I don't have to be treated specially. Besides, I'm fine sitting here with Mizuiro."
"She can sit with us if that makes you feel comfortable." Daisuke suggested, knowing that she would agree to the whole thing since she wanted her cousin to be happy and the only way for her to be happy is by letting the said Daisuke-crazy cousin to sit with them too.
"I don't know…" Yuukie said slowly looking at Mizuiro, who in fact looked happy and delighted. Her uncle gave a fake cough and looked sternly at her. "Okay, thank you for you offer, Daisuke." She said, smiling sweetly at him, which was infact hiding a very tiny yet still visible hint of annoyance.
Daisuke smiled at the answer that he was given. He took her hand and brought her to the VIP room. Mizuiro followed suit looking delighted and followed them as though she was a spoilt puppy following its very rich master.
"You look very exquisite tonight." Daisuke complimented, putting an arm around her waist totally ignoring the fact that her cousin was right behind them.
Yuukie felt uncomfortable to the touch so she pulled away slowly from the grip. "Thanks Daisuke, but if you don't mind, please don't touch me with such intentions." She pulled away from his grip.
"My apologies, Lady Yuukie." He said mentioning her newly given title with a teasing tone.
"And if you don't mind, don't call me that either. I wasn't born with that title you know, you were the one giving it to me."
"And do you not like it? Now we're equal, aren't we?"
"No." She said a little too quickly. "Excuse my rudeness Daisuke but I think otherwise." She plastered a smile on her face.
"Oh, umm… What was it again? Mizuiro? Ah, why don't you sit there?" Said Daisuke, pointing to a seat on the far way table.
"I would like you to treat her with equal value as you would to me Daisuke." Yuukie said.
"I do but the both of us were reserved in one table."
"Can she just drag up a chair?"
"No. It's okay Yuukie, I mean it was reserved for the both of you." She said turning away sadly.
"No, wait!" Yuukie stopped her by grabbing her arm. Mizuiro looked pleadingly at her, telling her to ask Daisuke if she could sit near them. "Daisuke, I insist her to sit with us." Yuukie said, as though she could read the expression Mizuiro gave her.
"Fine. Sit at the table next to us."
Mizuiro yelped with joy. "Thank you, Daisuke." She said hurriedly taking her seat.
"Yeah, whatever. Now, what were we talking about again, Yuukie?" He said ignoring the thanks.
Yuukie couldn't believe it; he just dissed her best friend. Yuukie didn't get to say anything because she was dragged to the table. Daisuke pulled a seat for her and she sat down. Daisuke took his seat and pulled his chair closer to Yuukie's.
"Why did you do that?" Yuukie asked, taking a glance at her cousin who was totally okay with the whole situation.
"Do what?" He asked, acting as though he was an innocent little cherub.
"Ignored Mizuiro?" She said backing her cousin up.
"I didn't ignore her." He retorted.
"Yes, you did! Listen Daisuke, if you don't treat her equally or do or say anything to offend me or my family, I will sit with Mizuiro."
"Fine but won't your uncle be a bit disappointed with you?"
"Don't you twist my words. I like you Daisuke, but I don't want you to hurt anyone." Her voice and eyes pleaded.
"You know that I would never do that. I won't do anything to make you hate me." He said giving her a reassuring smile and caressed the knuckles of her hand gently.
"Then just drop the act and make everything the way it was before. Let me be just be a normal middleclass girl. Stop it with all the impressions, just forget all about me." She complained, pulling her hand away.
"But that's just it, I can't! I love you. Don't you? I mean, I can't get over you even if I tried. There's just something about you that I can't get enough of." He said taking hold of her hand again but this time he intertwined their fingers.
"Just stop it!" She half yelled, pulling her hand away. "Please." She pleaded, her eyes so close to crying.
"But Yuukie…"
"Attention everyone." Takeda Takeshi said, hitting a champagne class with a spoon. "Before the feast start, I would like to make a toast. To the newly engaged couple, my son Daisuke and Sanada Yuukie."
"To Daisuke and Yuukie!" Everyone said, holding up his or her glasses, making a toast.
Daisuke joined in and drunk his champagne and flashed a bright smile to his newly found fiancée. Yuukie, on the other hand was stunned at the news but no one could blame her. Sure, they 'said' that she was going to be engaged with Daisuke a long time ago but it was never made official! She just gaped at the crowd but woke up from her daze when Daisuke kissed her cheek, in public! Now that was the last straw.
Yuukie stood up, threw her napkin at Daisuke's face and stormed out of the restaurant. Both families called her back but she was already out on the streets. She kept on walking and was yelling at him through her thoughts. How could he do that to her! Great, just great a legal bond between him and her! Who ever knew that this silly banquet was for their engagement! She should have seen it before! No wonder Daisuke was acting all sneaky! Urgh! How she wanted to…
Wait a second… What did she just do! Did she just:-
Threw a napkin at Daisuke's face
Stormed out of the restaurant
Ignored both families out of anger
Yup, that was exactly what happened.
She rubbed her temples and sighed. How could she have been so stupid? She should go back, but she made such a big fuss about everything and… Uh oh, she must have been really angry that she didn't realise where she was going. This is bad. It's freezing cold and there's nobody to turn to for help.
"Hey girlie, what are you doing out in the street? Need some help?" A gruff voice was heard from an alley.
"I was wondering if there's a very fancy restaurant nearby." Yuukie asked.
"I ain't know nothi'n! Now come e're!"
"That really isn't necessary is it?" She said turning around and started to run. Not long after that she fell face flat on the ground. Her heal broke. Great, those were her best pair too. Her arm was yanked and she was lifted from the ground. "Hey, let me go!"
"Kinda skinny for a rich girl. Your family might pay a hefty sum for you but before that, why don't you and me have a little fun."
"What? No!" She yelled, disgusted. "Let go of me! I said…!"
Before Yuukie could say another word. The ruffian was knocked to the ground and she was held by a pair of strong arms. "Daisuke? But what? How? How did you find me?"
"I was good thing that I did, now go and run! I'll take care of him." He said putting her down.
"I can't, I think I twisted my ankle."
"Girls and high heals." Daisuke heaved a sigh. "Just stay out of trouble." He said cracking his knuckles. "As for you, how dare you touch her! Yuukie close your eyes." He said as he took out a pair of gloves. It started to glow with black fire.
"Daisuke, what are you…?" It was as though there was another whole Daisuke standing right in front of her. His face had a murderous intention and his eyes were flashing dangerously at the thug.
Daisuke hit the brute hard on the stomach and just for a second the ruffian just stood there but that wasn't until he shouted and was blown into pieces.
Yuukie shrieked, there was blood everywhere. It stained her clothes, Daisuke was covered in it and she was too. All around her was the red sticky substance. Few pieces of meat and other body parts were splattered here and there with a few bone fragments as well. She looked horrified and was finding it hard to breathe.
She took a glance at Daisuke who was just standing there. He turned around and glared at her. Drenched in blood, the scene terrified her. She started to cry and was shaking her head in disbelief.
"That will teach you a lesson, bastard. Nobody escapes from my Devil's Hands." (6)
"Daisuke…" Came Yuukie's muffled voice. She slowly made her way to Daisuke's side, dragging her body that had suddenly went limp from the scene. "Daisuke…" She called out again.
"Are you alright?" He asked, as he snapped back from the sound of her voice, concern written all over his face as he held her. "I'm so sorry that you had to see that. Do you hate me?" He asked.
Yuukie just shook her head. She hugged him, sobbing onto his blood soaked shirt. "If you hadn't come… I would have…"
"Don't talk about it anymore. I did say that I would protect you no matter what, didn't I? I love you so much you know that?"
"I'm sorry if I keep pushing you away. It's just that…"
Daisuke silenced her and tried to clean the blood of her face. "It's okay, I understand…"
Both of them reached the restaurant, Yuukie limping and leaning on Daisuke. Both drenched in blood from the scene and shivering from the cold. When they entered the restaurant, both families were in shock. Parents and elders from both families started asking if they were okay.
"We're fine everyone. Just need to sit." Daisuke said breathlessly.
"Daisuke, honey! What happened?" Akita asked her son. "Why are the both of you covered in blood?"
"A long story mother, I'll explain the whole thing to you later. Someone tried to hurt Yuukie and I tried to stop him, but we're all fine. Just a bit messy."
"You!" Akita yelled, pointing a bony finger at Yuukie. "This all happened because of you! You did this, you worthless piece of garbage! My son's life was at stake!"
"No! I…"
"Don't give me your excuses! You're going to be the death to all of us!" She said slapping Yuukie's face. Yuukie fell to the ground, hitting her head hard.
"Mother!" Daisuke half yelled but he didn't dare stand up to her.
"Takashi, what should we do?" Hana asked her brother.
"Nothing. But I think she got what she deserved."
Akita stuck up her nose and strutted away. "That's what you get you cursed girl, you're the cause of everything bad that has happened to us!" Those were the last words Yuukie had heard before her whole world went black.
.: End Dream/Flashback Scene :.
Yuukie woke abruptly from her bed and her whole body was shaking. It took her a while to realise where she was and what she was doing. She hugged her knees and after a while she stood up to get a hot shower.
After she got out, she dried herself off and got dressed. While she was drying her hair with a towel, the door bell rung. Maybe the person can wait her hair is still wet! But the guest was rather impatient so the doorbell rung a few more times. Yuukie, who was still in the middle of drying her hair sighed and quickly went down the stairs to answer the doorbell.
"Oh, Sasuke-san, it's uhh… you." Yuukie said opening the door slightly.
"May I come in?" Asked the older teen.
"Oh, yes, of course. Please excuse my rudeness." She said opening the door a bit wider. When Sasuke had stepped inside, Yuukie hesitantly asked, "For what have you come to my home, Sasuke-san?"
"Were you in the middle of something?" Sasuke asked.
"No, not at all. What made you think that?"
"Your hair. The towel is kind of tangled with your hair. (7)" He said pointing at the wet fabric.
"Oh." Was the only thing that escaped Yuukie's lips before her face was turned to a light shade of pink. She tugged at the towel.
"It would be wise not to pull on it, that is of course if you want a bald patch on your head."
"Why don't I just dry off first and you can wait in the living room."
"To answer your question, Sanada. I wanted to have a little chat with you, that's all. Hurry up, I don't have that much of a time and this little chat might concern the whole 15 years of your life."
.: End :.
A/n: Long chapter eh? Took me a while. I typed this chapter to take my mind off of studying. (Don't tell my parents!) I really hope you guys liked this chapter. Sorry for all the confused moments folks! But I think the story is piecing up nicely, and it's starting to clear up a bit. If you have any questions about what you didn't understand in the story, just ask away!
As for the NaruHina fans out there I am glad to announce that the moment that you've all been waiting for is finally here! Some NaruHina moments will either appear on the next chapter or the one after that or even both! Sorry for the long wait!
Okay, the usual drill… I'm sorry if there were any spelling or grammar mistakes made in this fic. I apologise deeply if there were OOCness in the characters. If there were I will admit that I did do it to spice up the story a bit. (Hope you don't mind)
Oh no, I'm not going to tell you who it is. All I can say is that this person sorta kinda likes her and it's not an OC. He appeared quite a few times on the fic already. I wonder who can guess this character correctly? (1)
I hope I got that flower language right. Yellow is for friendship. Pink is for a crush and Red is for love. Right? (2)
I made that up because it sounds so romantic! (3)
They are so sneaky and bad! Going out at night! Well anyway it was Daisuke's idea. This period was before they were together. At this age, Yuukie only liked him as a friend. (4)
I don't mean lady as in 'lady' but as in Lady as in a woman with a title. Just so you guys won't get confused. This title was given to her because Daisuke's family is connected with the Royal Family and upon being a noble knight to serve the Royal Family; they are given the title 'Lord'. Actually, in marriage only the person being wed may get the title but in this case, the whole Suichi family is given to the title because of some agreement. It'll be revealed in later chapter. (5)
The devil's hand technique isn't only one technique but one with a few more skills. I'll explain it more as the chapters go by. (6)
I hate it when that happens! I kinda got that idea when I answered the door with the towel still tangled with my hair! (7)
…
Hey guys! Thanks a whole lot for reviewing! I'm glad that you all liked the story so far. I know the first few chapters were kind of childish sloppy writing. (I read back the past chapters and couldn't believe how my style of writing was before) But now I guess it's not that sloppy anymore… Sorry for the long update! It's still exam week but since I love you guys so much I decided to update at least one chapter! And don't worry, the holidays are coming up and I'll be able to update the next few chapters!
I noticed that my story is really growing! I got over 3000 hits and that totally rocked my world! Thanks guys! I'm just wondering… Where are my old loyal reviewers? Waaah, I think they abandoned me from my long absence.
Attention NaruHina fans! I've been meaning to give a special chapter to you guys! Like I promised, right? Just one thing… I need you guys to review! .: Laughs evilly:. I get what I want and you get what you want!
Other readers out there I need you to review too! I need your comments and constructive criticism to help me make my stories and chapters better so you play an important part too because I need you to tell me what you guys think, okay? Also, if you get confused in any way please ask! I'll gladly explain in great detail what you're confused with.
Oh yeah this chapter is especially for my loyal and loving reviewers! But I'm not saying that it's not for other new reviews either! This is just something to appreciate these people for their loyalties and comments/criticism.
Lastly, thank you again for the support and comments/criticism you have given me! Also thanks to the people who have dubbed me as their 'idol writer'. I kind of feel embarrassed about that… but thanks anyway I highly appreciate it! Love you guys to bits!
Once you've read everything… Please push the review button for the expressway to a new chapter. Thank you!
Neogem…
