As Lovers Go
Written by: Watch-The-Rain
Very Important Author's Note: I thought I would give you guys the ups in this fic. Serenity has changed both her daughter's and her name to protect themselves from the Mist. Serenity's fake name is Ikuko and Serena's is Usako. Another thing, no one knows Serena exist, except for The Legendary Three, Sandaime and Kakashi, and a few others, like the nurses at the hospital. No one knows that the present Hokage has a daughter, but they all know about his "wife", who happens to be Serenity "Ikuko".
"Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up."
- James Baldwin
-AbC-
((FaDe iN))
Down.
"810."
Up.
Down.
"811."
Up.
Down.
"812." A 13 years old Kakashi grunted.
"Kaka-chan, how much longer do I have to stay on your back?" A small five years old girl asked, as her arms began to tire around Kakashi's neck.
Without a pause, or even a glance, he answered, "When I reach 1,000, Small Lady."
"And when will that be?"
Kakashi then stopped, as he was becoming quite annoyed with her questions. He did not know what he had done to have to endure this kind of punishment, but then again, it had to be done when the girl's parents were away for missions. Yes, it was his job to babysit the 'Princess of Konoha' when no one else could.
Suddenly, he stood up, making the young girl yelp in pain when she hit the ground.
"You could have at least warned me before you did that." The small girl whined, as she rubbed her bottom from the soreness, but the only response she received was a grunt.
If it was anyone else, Usako would have probably cried, thinking that person didn't like her or want to be near her, but when it came to Kaka-chan, she never took his coldness seriously, especially when he was practically her only friend. The only person in Konoha who knew her existence, except for the Legendary Three, Sandaime, and of course her parents.
"Kaka-chan, is it time for lunch now?" She asked, as she lifted herself off the ground and lightly dusted herself off.
"Ramen, Small Lady?" was all he asked, as he turned around and began to walk towards the village; not bothering to know her reply.
((FaDe OUt))
-AbC-
((FaDe iN))
"Hello, Kakashi. Are you here for Arashi-chan?" Ikuko asked the young boy, who stood lazily in front of her door.
"Hai."
"He went off with Jiraiya-sama to spar. If you want, you could come in and have lunch with Small Lady and I, while you wait." She asked, still smiling so brightly.
'How does she do that? Always smiling.' Kakashi thought, 'I wonder if her cheeks ever hurt.' Hearing her offer him food while he waited for his sensei, he nodded with a bored look, as he walked in.
"Take a seat by the table, while I wake my daughter up." Ikuko instructed, as she placed an extra plate on the table for him. Seeing his surprised look, she continued, "Usako never was a morning person. Jiraiya-sama tried waking her up really early once and he ended up with a huge bump on his head and a cranky Usako." Chuckling at the memory, she began to walk upstairs for her daughter.
Now that he was alone, he took his time to look around the house. This house looked nothing compared to what he thought his Sensei would live in, but everything in the house was clean and very girly.
'If this is what you have to live in when you get married, than no thanks.' He thought, before he finally stopped in front of a large portrait of his sensei, his wife Ikuko and their daughter Usako.
'Now I see where Usako's smile comes from.' He thought, as he was comparing both mother and daughter.
After eyeing the portrait for a while, his head snapped to the side, when he heard footsteps coming from the stairs. Hearing this, he went back to his seat by the table.
Just as he sat down, Ikuko and Usako came walking down the stairs towards him.
"Hi, Kaka-chan!" Usako yelled, waving her hands in a wild fashion.
Ikuko said nothing, but was still smiling, especially at her daughters antics.
"You don't have to yell, Small Lady. We are in the same room after all." Kakashi told her, with a bored tone.
Usako then blushed, "Sorry, Kaka-chan. I guess I'm just very happy to see you."
((FaDe OUt))
-AbC-
((FaDe iN))
"Small Lady! Where are you?" Kakashi yelled out in panic, as he ran from tree to tree, hoping to find the blonde girl. After a long while of searching and finding no signs of the little blonde odangos, he finally stops with a sigh. It was getting really late, and the moon was shining so brightly.
He sighed, knowing it was his words, which made Usako run away.
(((FLaSh BaCk)))
Jiraiya and Kakashi sat on the couch in the living room of the Hokage's home.
"You seem to be very close to my little Princess." Jiraiya commented towards the silent boy, but when he heard him grunt, the old man continued, "She always talks about you. Actually, she never stops..."
Kakashi just sat there, listening to Jiraiya's words of how Usako seems to have a special affection for him than she does for anyone else she knows, beside her parents.
Finally, Kakashi couldn't take it anymore. "I don't know what you're trying to get at, Jiraiya-sama."
"I think you do." Jiraiya simply said, as he gave him a secretive smile.
"If you think I feel the same for, Small Lady, then you're wrong." Kakashi told him, with a glare. He was expecting the smile to wipe off his face, but instead, that smile grew.
"Then why are you here? I don't think you have to look out for her today."
Kakashi stood up, and looked at Jiraiya with a look of boredom. "She's nothing, but some girl I'm forced to take care of. If I had it my way, I wouldn't even be here right now."
Hearing a gasp, Kakashi and Jiraiya sharply turned to find Usako by the door.
"Fine! I don't want to be your friend either!" Usako choked out, before she ran out the house to who knows where.
(((EnD FLaSh BaCk)))
He went home right after that incident, but when he stopped by to apologies later that night, he found Ikuko-san crying, telling him that Usako hasn't come home yet. Jiraiya-sama and Arashi-sensei were still out looking for her, but they have yet to find anything. He felt so responsible; he decided to help look for her too. That was how he ended up where he was now.
With the thought of wanting to give up and go home to sleep, he heard something not so far away. 'Crying?' He thought, as he stood up and followed the noise. 'Please tell me Usako is here.'
And she was.
It was a sight to see. Usako sat back against a large Willow Tree, with her knees closed to her chest. One arm held her legs in place, as her other arm was busy wiping the tears from her face. For a more dramatic effect, the Willow Tree's leaves seemed to be swept towards one direction with the help of the warm winds.
"Small Lady?" Kakashi softly whispered, not wanting to make Usako run away again.
Usako looked up when she heard someone softly called out for her. She was hoping it was her daddy or maybe Ojisan (Jiraiya), but instead she saw the last person she wanted to see.
"Go away, Kakashi!" She said roughly to him, as she turned away, not wanting to face him with tears still streaming down her face.
Because she turned away from him, she didn't see the hurt look that appeared on his face. Then again, it has always been hard to tell how he was feeling with that stupid mask covering his face all the time.
'Why does it feel as if I just got stabbed in the heart? Was it because she called me Kakashi instead of her usual, Kaka-chan?' Kakashi thought, but then shook his thoughts away, 'No, that can't be it. She's only a little girl.'
Slowly, Kakashi went to sit next to Usako, only to find her move away a bit. "C'mon, Small Lady, stop acting like some little girl." Kakashi blurted out, but soon regret when Usako turned to glare at him.
"For your information, I am a little girl. I'm so very sorry to disappoint you."
"I'm sorry." He quickly said.
Usako looked up at him in surprised, "Did you just... apologies?"
Kakashi then found a happy Usako close to his face; with both nose almost touching. This was the first time a girl had ever tried to get so close to him before. Kakashi stared right into her smiling blue eyes and was surprised to find a young woman instead of a little girl he would always have to babysit. Oh, and how right he was, after all she had lived another life long ago. Of course, he didn't know that.
For a moment, Usako was quite surprised herself. She didn't know what made her get so close to the boy in front of her, but in a way, she was glad. It made her feel so tingly and warm inside just to be near him.
For the first time, Kakashi felt the same.
When Usako realized they have been staring into each other's eyes for quite some, she blushed and shyly turned away from his intense gaze.
Not knowing what made him do what he did, he felt his arms wrap around the blonde odangos and held her close to his own body.
Usako was very surprised at first, but then she snuggled up closer, enjoying his warmth. With a small yawn, she mumbled, "Kaka-chan, I'm very glad we're friends." before falling into a deep sleep.
With a small smile, Kakashi soon found himself fast asleep.
And that was how Jiraiya and Arashi found them.
((FaDe OUt))
-AbC-
((FaDe iN))
"Do you think we'll be friends forever?" Usako asked, as they both sat shoulder to shoulder against their Willow Tree, watching the full moon.
Kakashi didn't bother to look at the little girl beside him, as he responds in a dull voice, "There's no such thing as forever."
Usako then pout to herself, not wanting to look at the young boy beside her in fear that she might cry in front of him. He always told her, he never liked a girl who cries.
"If not forever, then for how long?" She asked softly.
When he didn't answer, she asked him a different question. "How long will you be gone for the mission?"
"Don't know."
She then pull up her knees towards her chest, and closed her eyes, before she whispered, "Don't forget me, ok?"
With that, they both sat in silence, until Tsunade came to take Usako home.
"Usako! Time for bed!" the woman yelled, standing by another tree many feet away.
Usako sighed, not wanting to go just yet, but she had no choice. She turned to Kakashi and gave him a weak smile. "Bai-bai, Kaka-chan."
Not bothering to wait for Kakashi to do the same, she ran towards Tsunade and grabbed her hand before they walked away.
Kakashi watched her leave and when she was finally gone, he looked back towards the moon one last time, before he went back home.
((FaDe OUt))
-AbC-
((FaDe iN))
Same night from the last scene:
"Daddy?"
"Yes?" He replied, as he was beginning to tuck her in bed.
"Mommy is going to have a baby, right?" She asked, as her head was the only thing peaking from underneath her blanket.
"Yes, Serena." He told her softly, trying to memorize the sight before him.
"I hope it will be a baby girl. I have always wanted a little sister."
"Really? I have always thought of having a boy next."
"You will be back when the baby comes, right?" Serena asked, with her eyes now wide with hope. She didn't really like thinking the baby will be a boy, since her heart was very much set on a girl.
"Yes, Serena."
"Will you miss me very much, Daddy?" She now asked, with a teasing smile.
Arashi chuckled, and ruffled her hair a bit. "There is nothing in the world I could miss more." Then paused, "Well, except for your Mother, of course."
Serena then giggled, "It's alright, Daddy. I won't tell her you will miss me more."
Arashi laughed some more, before giving her a kiss on her forehead. "Oh, I almost forgot!" He exclaimed, as he pulled something from his pocket in excitement.
Serena sat up, and was just as excited as her father. "You got me a present?"
"Well, I know how upset you were when I told you I wouldn't be able to come back for your 6th birthday. So, I thought I would give you your present a bit early."
Serena quickly took the beautifully wrapped present, and ripped it open. Then her eyes grew wide in awe, as she opened a pink and white case.
"Do you like it?"
Serena beamed at her father. "Do I like it? Of course I do!" She yelled, as she jumped into her father's arms.
When Arashi pulled away, he took the box and pulled out a gold necklace that held a beautiful pendent of a small leaf. It was a green gem and behind it was a gold plate that said, 'To Serena, Princess of Konoha. Love, Dad.' He then clasped it around his daughter's neck and said, "I hope you will love this village as I have and protect it with all your strength."
Serena smiled and hugged her father one last time, "I will always love the Leaf, Daddy, and as long as I have the strength, I will protect it."
Then when she pulled away, she bent over to take something from under her bed. When she sat back on her bed, she handed a wrapped gift to her father. "This is for Kaka-chan, for his special day tomorrow. I know how much he has wanted to become a jounin like you."
Arashi smiled as he took the present from Serena. With one last kiss, they said their good-nights.
Serena watched her daddy walk towards the door, but stopped him before he could walk out. "Daddy, don't forget to water Mr. Ukki."
"I won't."
"And Daddy?"
Arashi stopped by the door, and turned back to his only daughter. "Yes, Serena?"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
-AbC-
Arashi silently walked into his room, expecting his wife to be asleep, but before he could reach the bed the lights were turned on.
He looked at his pregnant wife in surprised. "You should be asleep."
She pouts and whined, "But I'm not sleepy." She then noticed Arashi placed something on the table beside his side of the bed. "What's that?" Serenity asked, eyeing the package.
"That's for Kakashi, from Serena."
"Aw, that is so sweet. My little Moonbeam's first crush on a boy." Serenity cooed over the kid's relationship. When Arashi said nothing, she continued. "She's growing up so fast. Next thing you know, boys will be lined up outside our door, asking for our daughter's hand."
Just thinking about what his wife was just saying, he suddenly choked on his own saliva. Coughing like a madman, Serenity patted his back lovingly. "Don't ever say that! No boy will ever be good enough for my daughter!" He exclaimed with a huff.
After a slight pause, Serenity looked at Arashi with a wanting look. "You know what?"
"What?" Arashi said bitterly, as he turned to look at his wife beside him.
With a seductive look, she began to trail her hand on his chest, and moved a bit closer that they were nose to nose. "You're very sexy when you're acting like a jealous daddy."
Arashi's face softens and he began to grin. "Oh yeah?"
Moving her own chest closer to his, she whispered back, "Yeah."
Arashi then grabbed her by the waist, and with a squeal she was thrown on top of him.
((Got to love those Hormones:grin:))
-AbC-
((AN 06/07/06)) PS: Serenity is probably 4 to 5 months pregnant! Just for those who are wondering. And each scene is different... None of them were all in one day, in case you're wondering... Well, except for the last three scenes... :)
Teaser: Usako bit her lip with worry. "Aren't you happy to see me, Kaka-chan" She asked softly, as she felt her right hand move to gently touch his bandaged eye, but was stung when Kakashi slapped her hand away harshly.
-AbC-
Cause
I'll still be loving you
Through the sadness
And the madness
here
And I'll always be with you
In the distance
That has
taken you
From me
Plumb - Taken
-AbC-
-Four to Five Months Later (Exactly October 10)-
Orochimaru stood in the distance, away from the Leaf Village, as the Nine Tailed Fox Demon began to breach through their walls. A small evil smile played on his lips, as he was imagining the expression on the Hokage's, and the other two Sennins' face when they see the present he brought them.
Looking back, he signaled to his other nins to get ready. If anyone messes up his plans to kidnap the Princess, there will be a price to pay. For too long, he had sat around, planning for this night; even risked his life to lead the demon this way. He knew after all that careful planning and patience, tonight, was going to be his night.
-AbC-
"You sure my mommy's going to like this, Jiraiya ji-san?" Serena asks, as she was shoving a bouquet of white roses towards his face.
Serena has been asking him that same question for almost 30 minutes and he didn't feel like going back to the flower shop again. It was tiring enough waiting for his princess to find the right outfit to wear for when she would meet the little baby.
"Of course, Princess." said Jiraiya, "I remember your mom telling me how much she loved white roses."
"But what if she doesn't like them? Then what am I going to do?" Serena continued. She was wearing a pretty ruffled pink blouse which had a little white bunny on it, along with a short pink skirt.
Serena and Jiraiya were walking down a hall somewhere in the hospital. They were on their way to see her mother, since she had just recently given birth, and was now resting from exhaustion.
"Trust me. I know women. They're my specialty." Jiraiya grinned at the little girl beside him, still trying to convince her that her roses were fine.
Serena gave him a disbelieving look. "If you're so great with women, why does Tsunade ba-san hit you every time you try to whisper things in her ear?"
Turning red from embarrassment, he coughed slightly and laughed, "That's because Tsunade ba-san is a really OLD woman."
Serena still didn't believe him, but said nothing as she stopped in front of the door of her mother's room. "Will you be coming in with me Jiraiya ji-san?"
Jiraiya shook his head. "I have to go help your dad. Make sure to stay in the building, ok?"
Before Serena could ask why, he was gone. Serena pouted, she never liked it when they go poof like that. It was really irritating, and she was also convinced the smoke was bad for her lungs.
-AbC-
'Why, Puu? Why must I lose my children now? Destiny has taken my first child, now they wish to take everything I have left away from me! Why does it seem Destiny wish for me no happiness?' Serenity thought, as she lay on the hospital bed, looking out towards the full whiteness of the moon; thinking of what is to come.
"Because it is time, my Queen." said another voice. It was clearly Pluto's voice. No one could sound as wise as her.
Serenity sighed to herself as she rubbed her silver crystal that hung from her neck, between her slender finger and thumb. 'By the power of the moon, give me strength for what I must do.'
Contemplating silently to herself, she heard the door slowly creak open.
"Mama?" Serena's small voice called out softly, before she came into view from behind the door.
"Hello, my little Moonbeam." Serenity greeted with a soft, tired cheery smile.
Serena's usual cheerful face was twisted up in concern, which made Serenity think some more to herself, 'Do you feel it too, my princess? Can you feel the darkness that will soon fill your pure heart? Do you know I will no longer live to protect you from this darkness? Just as I have been doing so all your life?'
Serena noticed her mother looked very tired, and very worried about something. Maybe she's just worried about all the fighting that is going on outside. "Are you alright, Mama? Jiraiya ji-san told me you were really tired."
"Oh yes. I do feel very tired my little Moonbeam." Serenity replied, as she noticed the white roses hiding behind Serena. "Are those flowers for me?"
Serena's concerned little face suddenly glowed as she happily bounced herself onto the bed her mother was occupying and handed her the dozen white roses. "I hope you like it, Mama. Jiraiya ji-san helped me pick them out for you."
"This is very sweet." Serenity cooed, sniffing off the scent from the beautiful white roses. "Thank you, my little Moonbeam and make sure to give my thanks to Jiraiya ji-san too, alright?"
Serenity then placed the roses on the table beside her and gathered her little girl into her arms. Serena snuggled in as close as she could, resting her head on her mother's soft chest; listening to the beat of her heart. Serenity buried her nose into Serena's blonde odango curls, taking in the scent of vanilla.
((FLaShBaCk))
Serena watched her mom from her parents' bed with admiration.
Serenity sat in front of her vanity table, getting herself ready and pretty for tonight's dinner with her husband. Once she was finished prepping herself up, she gracefully jumped onto her bed, surprising Serena, and began to tickle her.
"EEeeeekk!" Squealed Serena, who was three years old then. "I give up!"
Serenity stopped, and looked down at her daughter beneath her with love.
"Mama? Do you think I will be bootiful like you, when I'm all gouwn up?"
Serenity gave Serena a soft, proud smile as she sat up and placed Serena on her lap. "You're becoming more beautiful as each day pass, my little Moonbeam. I wouldn't be surprised if you were to be just as beautiful as the moon Goddess herself or maybe more so, when you become a young lady." Serenity then had a picture of Arashi-chan fighting off teenage boys from his only little girl. She giggled to herself, and then saw Serena giving her a curious glance. "Someday, boys will line up by our door, and your father will become very jealous as they try to take your attention from him."
Serena gave her a wide smile, showing off the gap where her two front teeth should be, which she lost just recently. "Mama, you smell vewy pwetty. What is it?"
"It's called Vanilla Lace. Do you like?"
"Oh, vewy much!" Serena jumped a bit with excitement. "I'm gonna smell just like you, Mama. And when I get all gouwn up, I'm gonna be just as pwetty."
"I'm sure you will, Moonbeam." Serenity answered with pride, as she fixed up Serena's odangos, which now had a little stream of blonde curls that barely touched her ears.
"And Mama? Tell daddy not to worry about boys lining up for me, 'cause he's the only boy I truly love." Serenity laughed at this, knowing full well Arashi will fall second best on her boys list, when she finds the right one to spend the rest her life with.
"Serenity! We better hurry, before they stop giving that half off specials on those ramen I love so much!" They heard Arashi yell, from downstairs.
"How romantic!" Serenity sarcastically said to no one in particular; before she muttered under her breathe. "And here I was thinking we were going somewhere nice and pleasant this time."
Serenity gave a quick kiss on Serena's cheek and said, "Be good to Jiraiya ji-san, ok? And if he tries to bring any woman into this house, tell him that I will be very angry and burn those magazines he loves so much." With that, Serenity dashed out of the room, not wanting to miss those specials Arashi has been waiting for all day.
Serena then stumbled out of the bed, and climbed on the chair in front of the vanity table. Just as she grabbed a bottle of that Vanilla Lace perfume, Serenity came back to the room to grab a sweater, but stopped by the door to silently watch her little girl.
After Serena sprayed some of the perfume on her, she looked back at the mirror and smiled. "Hello, I'm Miss Kazama Sewenity and I'm going to be vewy pwetty like my Mama."
When Serena started to play around with other accessories on the table, Serenity decided she didn't really need that sweater, since she didn't want to interrupt Serena's play time. So she quickly left to her husband, who was waiting impatiently by the door.
((EnD FLaShBaCk))
"When will I meet my little sister?"
Serenity ran her hands through the Serena's curls from one of her odangos that now reached her chin. "You have a baby brother, Moonbeam. I hope you are not disappointed."
Serena frowned a little, thinking quietly to herself before answering, "I am a bit disappointed. I really wanted a sister who I can play dress up with, but I guess having a baby brother is alright. And no matter what, I'm going to love him just as much as I love you and daddy, and protect him from all the bad things out there. Just like I promised daddy that I would protect this village with all my heart."
"I'm glad. He's going to need you very much in the future."
"In the future? Why, Mama?" Serena asked, now looking at her mother's sad eyes.
"I can't say now, my little Moonbeam. But you will know when you grow older."
Serena bit her lip, "Mama? Why do you look so sad?"
Serenity ran her finger down her daughter's smooth cheek. "Serena, I want you to know that no matter what, I love you very much and I will always be there for you, even if it has to be in your dreams."
Serena looked at her mother in confusion, but then thought she was probably just very tired, and decided to play along. "I know, Mama. I love you very much. You and daddy. And in my dreams we'll have picnics. You, daddy and me, even my new little brother, Naruto. We'll play and eat and laugh until I wake up, right?"
Serenity gave Serena a watery smile. "Naruto, huh?"
"You like it? It just popped in my head and I knew right away I have to name my new little brother, Naruto."
"I like it." Serenity said, thinking how the name seems to fit just right. "Naruto it is."
Serena smiled at her mother and gave her a quick kiss on her cheek. "I have to go now, Mama. Tsunade ba-san told me Kaka-chan is resting in one of the rooms here and I really want to visit him and tell him about my new baby brother!"
"Visit your brother first, Serena. I am sure he wouldn't mind meeting his older sister."
"Hai!"
Just as Serena was about to run out of the room, Serenity pulled Serena back into her arms. "Don't forget that you're my world and make sure to tell Naruto that I also love him very much and that I'm sorry for everything."
Serena looked at her mother with worry, but then brushed it off and laughed. "Mama, you're acting silly." Then she rushed off, waving her mother good-bye, not knowing that it would be her last.
-AbC-
Serena was humming to herself as she walked towards the reception desk. On her way there, she noticed how everyone seems a little tense and scared. Then again, they were in a hospital which tends to make some people feel that way. So she did her best to think nothing of it. Her goal at that moment was to find out where Kakashi and her little brother might be staying. When she finally found one of the nurses to help her, she rushed towards baby Naruto's room first.
After running through the halls she made a quick turn into one of the rooms and into another person.
"Usako, you know better than to be running around alone. Where is that baka? I thought I told him to watch you."
Serena looked up to find Tsunade ba-san with that stern look on her face. "Jiraiya ji-san told me that he had to go help with daddy and I promised mommy that I would visit my new baby brother. I named him Naruto you know. "
Tsunade's face softens. "Let me show you which baby you're looking for and then I'll have to go help with more patients. Stay here until I can get a nurse for you. Do you understand? You can't be wondering alone at this time." When Serena agreed, she took her small hand in hers' and brought her to the crib that belonged to her little brother.
After passing so many quiet, sleeping babies, Serena found herself next to a crib that held a crying baby inside.
"This is your little baby brother." Tsunade introduced, as she pulled up a chair for Serena to stand on. Serena was too short to be looking over any cribs.
Serena looked over the blonde fuzz and wrinkled her nose in distaste. "He sure is loud."
"Yes he is. Just like one man we know." Tsunade grumbled to herself. Of course, it was Jiraiya she was talking of. "Well, I can't stay any longer. Remember what I said, Usako. Stay here until I can get a nurse over here."
Serena nodded, not really listening or looking at her as she looked at the baby some more. Thinking Serena understood Tsunade left the room, leaving her and Naruto alone.
"You know, I didn't think I would like you at first – with you crying and boogers spilling off your nose, but after getting a better look at you, I think I'm getting to like you. You kind of look like me, minus the boogers. Everyone else says I look a lot like daddy. So if I say you look like me, then you must look like daddy too. Yes, I think I'm right."
Naruto finally stopped crying to look up at Serena.
Serena smiled, "Now that you stopped crying, we should introduce ourselves. It is, after all, the polite thing to do." Serena stuck out her arm, "I'm your big sister Serena, but everyone calls me Usako. I'm not sure why though." When Naruto didn't move to shake her hand she giggled, forgetting that babies don't shake hands because their arms were too small, along with everything else. "Sorry, I forgot babies can't do much. So I'll talk for you then."
Serena looked around the nursery to find any nurses nearby, and there was none, so she carefully climbed over the railing of the crib to get closer to Naruto. "Sorry if I'm taking up a lot of space, since this is a tight fit, but I wasn't feeling com… comfort-able standing on the other side."
Naruto continued to stare at her with wide blue eyes, watching her pull her knees towards her chest and cramming herself into the small corner, not wanting to squish him. Serena smiled at him, as he just laid on his back, craning his neck to stare at her.
"Oh! Before I forget, you have to know your name. If you don't, you won't be able to introduce yourself when you get older, and that would be rude. So I hope you like it. Your name is Naruto. Nice, huh? Yeah, I thought so too."
Serena came closer to him and noticed his neck must be very uncomfortable, since he was trying to look at her on his back. So she slowly placed half his body on her lap. "You sure are one heavy baby."
Suddenly, Serena felt a painful tug at her heart. "I don't know why, but I feel as if this is going to be the last time I'm ever going to see you baby. I know that's silly, because we do share the same parents and we'll be living in the same house, but… Just in case, I'd like for you to know – but then again we did just met."
Serena brushed his fuzzy hair to one side, "But you should know before I go see Kaka-chan, since you never know, I might never see you again. So even though we just met, I do love you. At the bottom of my heart - wherever that is. Mommy and daddy too. I'll do my best to be a good sister. I'll even change your diapers and all that disgusting stuff." Serena paused, wrinkling her nose at the possible smell of dirty diapers. "Yeah, I know. I must love you a lot."
Naruto was whimpering now. She didn't know if he was sad because he understood the words that were coming from her mouth, or if it was because he was in an uncomfortable position, but either way, she pretended he understood every word of it. "You must love me too, since you seem so very sad at the thought of never seeing me again. But don't you worry; I know we'll meet in each other's dreams. We'll do it every night and we should bring ice cream every time, but try to make sure mommy doesn't know. She doesn't like me eating in my dreams. She said it might give me a tummy ache."
"Usako, are you in here?"
Serena placed the baby back to where he was originally. "It's time for me to go baby Naruto. Um, I should also give you something since it is your birthday." Serena looked all around herself, hoping to find something she can give him. "I'll give you this." She took off the bracelet her mom gave her since she was a baby.
"It's just a gold plated bracelet with my name on it. But you can't really tell, because it's a bit scratched up. So, happy birthday!"
"There you are, Usako, and what are you doing in there? You could hurt the baby." The nurse lifted her off the crib and back to the ground.
"Sorry! Can we go see Kaka-chan now?"
-AbC-
"Kakashi?"
Kakashi, who was sitting on a hospital bed, had his head down, but when he heard his name he looked up to find Usako, standing by the door.
Not sure whether or not she should enter the room, she stayed put, fidgeting with the hem of her pink skirt. "H-hi, Kaka-chan."
Kakashi didn't say anything, except stare at his visitor.
So, Usako took her time to observe her friend. A friend, of which, she had not seen for the past four months now. He looked a bit beat up, if it weren't for all the bandages wrapped around his body. It was practically all he had on except for a pair of pants and his mask, and for some weird reason he also had a bandage over his left eye.
Just looking at him made her bottom lip quiver, but she stopped it before it even happen. She had to look strong. She wanted him to like her very much. So she swallowed her tears, and slowly made her way until she stood between his legs. She looked up at his face, to find a painfully sad black eye looking back at her own ocean blue eyes.
She gave him a small sad smile, remembering Jiraiya ji-san told her that Kakashi had a really tough time on his mission and so he was a bit out of it. Although the real truth was, his two closest friends and teammates were now gone - forever. Even though she didn't know what had really happened, she knew that it was best not to remind him of what ever had happen. She had to make their conversation light, even if it was a bit one sided right now.
She then noticed a silver plated bracelet on his wrist and smiled a huge smile that would usually brighten up a room, but it seems like it wasn't working in that room. "I see that you're wearing my bracelet. You like it?"
He said nothing, as he kept his gaze on his blonde odangos.
Usako bit her lip with worry. "Aren't you happy to see me, Kaka-chan?" She asked softly, as she felt her right hand move to gently touch his bandaged eye, but was stung when Kakashi slapped her hand away harshly.
Usako staggered back a bit in surprise, "Ka - "
"Shut up!" Kakashi yelled, now breathing harshly. He gripped the bed sheet he was sitting on tightly and continued, "Go away and leave me alone!"
When Kakashi noticed Usako made no move to leave, he ripped off the bracelet and through it at her. "Go!"
Shaking in fear, Usako ran out of the room.
Shaking a bit himself, Kakashi still sat there, staring at his hands; watching his own tears drip onto them.
-AbC-
Serena ran out from his room in tears. After running past a few doors, she finally stopped and leaned against a wall.
"Serena-hime?"
Serena looked up from where she was sitting to find her obasan staring down at her worriedly.
"Are you ok, princess?" Tsunade asked, kneeling in front of her little niece. She may not have been as close to her as Jiraiya has been through all these years, doesn't mean they haven't talked at all. Serena has always came running to her when she wanted to just talk about flowers and when she had the need to help her out in the hospital. That was what Tsunade loved about Serena; her pure love for helping others in need.
Just seeing Serena all heart broken sent her mind flying back to the past.
((FLaShBaCk))
"Owo ji-san!" Two years old Serena yelled in tears, as she ripped herself from her father's arm and started to run towards her favorite uncle. He was being lead by a few Anbu teams out of the village, of what seems to be forever. "Owo ji-san!"
Arashi quickly wrapped his arms around his daughter, securely this time. The Third Hokage, Tsunade, Jiraiya and Serenity were also there, watching Serena's heart be torn in two.
"Why are you making him go!" Serena yelled at the old man she had known as, Sarutobi jii-san (grandfather).
It seems that every step Orochimaru would make as he walked farther and farther from the gates, Serena would cry even harder. Once Orochimaru was gone from her view, she stopped crying and looked angrily at everyone around her. "I hate you!" She yelled, as she pulled herself out of her father's arms once again, and ran back home.
(FLaShBaCk))
That was the first and the last time she had ever said those three hateful words. She can still remember the feeling of lost when Serena said them. Not the feeling of losing Orochimaru, but the feeling of losing a part of Serena forever; a part of her trust and maybe even her love.
That was all Orochimaru's fault. He could have left the village in silence, without any Anbu assistants. He should have left the night Sarutobi sensei found him making illegal seals, but no. He didn't even try to make a run for it, because he knew Sarutobi sensei had a soft side for him and that he would probably have him be escorted away from the village. He probably took this to his advantage to have Serena distant herself from them a bit.
No one understood the relationship those two had. Maybe he was actually kind to her when they were alone, but Jiraiya and Tsunade couldn't be so sure of that. It was really hard to believe a slimy thing like that, being nice to a child. Yet they never questioned him, because he made Serena happy and they would have done anything to make her happy.
Suddenly a rush of more injured people, were being wheeled into rooms. Everyone was in panic. You could even hear people mutter about how the village will soon fall if they don't do anything soon.
Noticing the change of their surrounding, Tsunade hurriedly placed Serena into an empty room and told her to sit and to not move anywhere. "Don't go off with anyone unless it's me, Jiraiya ji-san or your parents understand? I promise I'll come back for you when everything calms down."
Serena said nothing, but nod, as she watched Tsunade leave her in the room. She was scared being all by herself, not knowing why everyone looked so scared themselves.
Serena moved to look out the window to find ninja's trying hard to fight off a fox demon. Her eyes grew wide like saucers, knowing full well her daddy and Jiraiya ji-san was out there too. Tears began to fall from her eyes as she thought about all the things that could happen if the fox demon won and she didn't want that to happen.
Just then, a nurse walked into the room; smiling at Serena and offering her hand.
"C'mon, sweetheart. You're mother is very worried. She wants to see you right now."
Serena shook her head, "No, you're lying. Tsunade ba-san told me I'm not supposed to leave the room with anyone, but her."
The nurse then looked at her with an evil smirk. "I see. Well, I guess there's no easy way, but to do this then."
Serena looked at her in confusion, before everything around her became dark.
-AbC-
"Serenity..."
Serenity didn't turn when she heard her name. She knew who it was, and she knew why he was there. Not wanting to think about it, she brushed her finger softly against Naruto's cheek, wanting to memorize as much as could at that moment. "Uzumaki Naruto." She whispered softly.
"So you decided to give him my mother's last name?" Arashi asked, as he slowly moved into the nursery to stand next to his wife, and stare at his son. "Who named him Naruto?"
"Serena did."
Arashi nodded, as he gently rubbed his son's tiny fist. "He's perfect, and look at his tiny fist. He's going to be a strong ninja when he grows up." Arashi knew he had to hurry and take the baby away; it was the only way to save the village, but he couldn't. Not now. He wouldn't be able to explain it to Serenity.
A tiny tear slip from beneath one of Serenity's eyelashes and fell on the baby's chest. "Will you be taking him now?"
Arashi turned away from the baby to Serenity, who still kept her gaze at her son. Arashi nodded silently. She knew and she understood. It must be done.
Naruto gently opened his bright blue eyes towards his mother and yawned. Serenity smiled at how cute he looked when he brought his little fist to his mouth to cover that yawn. 'Your yawn, Naruto... so much like your daddy.' She rubbed her hand gently on his forehead, that showed the sign of the Crescent Moon. She then leaned into the crib and whispered softly in his ear; soft enough so that Arashi couldn't hear. "Please don't hate your mommy and daddy for what we must do, little Naruto. We love you so very much. You mean the world to the both of us. Be good, and don't cause too much trouble. And if it seems the world is against you, try and remember you have parents and an older sister who loves you and would give up everything for you."
Serenity gave her little baby one last look before she turned away, not wanting to watch Arashi take their only son to save the village. When Serenity heard the nursery door slam shut, she finally collapsed, weeping for all her lost.
-AbC-
Tsunade rushed into the nursery, wondering why Serenity would be calling her so urgently. When she arrived, she saw Serenity, looking into an empty basket. The very same basket, Naruto occupied 15 minutes ago. When Tsunade noticed the basket was empty, she was about to panic until Serenity's soothing voice interrupted.
"Tsunade-sama, I know you're very busy with other patients, but I really need to speak to you about something important."
Tsunade nodded slowly, and waited patiently for the words that needed to be said. Once Serenity started to speak once again, everything came out at the poor woman so quickly. Tsunade was almost at a lost. The Moon Kingdom? A crystal? All this sounded like something you would read out of children's books. All this couldn't be real. Then something else hit her. A word that spilled from Serenity's soft spoken mouth - destiny.
"What Destiny?"
Serenity gave her a sad smile. "I must tell you this quickly, before Arashi starts the seal. So listen carefully."
-AbC-
"Are you sure this is the only way?" Jiraiya asked, as he nervously stood next to his former student and stared down at the little boy who had the same eyes with the man beside him.
"It's the only way, Jiraiya-sensei."
"It can't be. Doing this could take your life and with the condition you're in, I doubt you could complete the first part of the seal."
Arashi looked down at the boy before him and thought of his wife and his daughter. They were smiling at him. So was little Naruto. This has to work; their children's life depended on this seal. "I know what's going to happen, and I accept this with open arms. Besides, I won't be the only one putting all my chakra into this."
Jiraiya looked at him with disbelief, "I can't believe you asked this from her."
"I didn't ask her," Arashi snapped at his former sensei. He would never ask for something so great. Doing this seal meant giving your all - your life. "She knew before I even said anything. She understood and accepted this. This is what we both need to do."
Jiraiya said nothing after, for he knew nothing he said would change his student's mind. So he stepped back, and prayed.
-AbC-
"Ah!" Serenity yelled in surprised; stumbling back, as she clutched her chest. It was now starting.
Tsunade quickly took Serenity's arm and lead her to an empty bed. "We can't let this happen!" Tsunade didn't want to accept this Destiny. Accepting this would bring death to two people she cared deeply for and taking away a little girl she thought of as her own.
Serenity pulled off her necklace and placed it in Tsunade's hand. "It has already begun."
Tsunade can clearly see not only the physical pain, but the emotional pain swirling in her now grayish blue eyes. Serenity was beginning to change back to her old former self; back to her long white odangos and pale skin.
"Make sure Serena gets this crystal and when she is old enough to understand, you will know what to do."
"How will I know?" Tsunade asked in panic, as she watched Serenity be surrounded by a silver glow.
Serenity's breathing became short and shallow, and was starting to feel very cold. She gave Tsunade one last sad smile and whispered softly, hoping Tsunade can hear; "Did you know that I love you all. My family..."
And she did. Tsunade heard and she cried as she watched Serenity leave the world.
-AbC-
Once they finally got what they came for, they left as quickly as they came. Orochimaru didn't want to waste any more time and didn't want to risk her being taken away from him again. He needed her, just as she needed him. She may not need him now, but she will soon. When she is old enough to understand the power she held on the palm of her hand. She was his key to his immortality.
'Five years... Took me five years to finally have you in my grasp, Princess.' A snake like man said, chuckling as he watched the blonde child sleep in his arms. Brushing strands of hair away from her face, he saw that crescent shaped moon on her forehead, glowing just as brightly as it did the first time he held her. 'Soon, that power you hold on that small, fragile body of yours, will be mine.'
Please review!
As you have noticed, I changed a bit of stuff and added a chunk of other stuff. So if you want, and I know you want to. Go read everything over. : (06/15/06)
TeaSeR: (Chapter 7: Away) It hurts, you know? To not know who you really are, but only know what you were told.
