Chapter 5- Ambivalent

The season was bustling, so the extra hands helped greatly, especially Yahiko being that wasn't afraid of hard work or the cold. She often sent him to retrieve firewood outback that he pre chopped a couple of months prior a courtesy that he begruddingly did due to her tone. "Akira, I may be your employee, but next time you better ask me politely or else you'll be the one 'fetching'firewood." With that she scratched the back of her head, decidingly changing her tone.

Her view of Yahiko changed. After the incident he seemed taller, broader, masculine. So much so that she'd often find herself tracing his strong back as he did his duties around the store. She'd imagine that if he continued his career as a shinobi he'd be great; but he wasn't a fighter. He was just good at it. She'd once told him that he was a great shinobi, but his response was a curt denial of being a Ninja. "Im just a regular man." He replied, eyes distant as he swept the store.

She would compensate their hard word with a paycheck and meals whenever she could, cooking specific foods that appealed to Yahikos taste since he was abnormally picky. Whereas Keisuke had a thing with eating white foods. "Its either Yahikos cooking, or mines the way I make. You choose Keisuke."She broke him out of that habit easily.

She took a bit of the soft cookie, mouth watering as she chewed the tasty treat.

It was the least she could do.

"When Keisuke was a baby..he couldn't pronounce Yahiko...there were too many syllables. So he took to Yako." His head was down. Light closed to ease whatever light sensitivity Keisuke was sure to have once he woke. "I hated it. Yako Yako...He said..my nick name like it was a constant prayer." he gave a small chuckle, shaking his head in remembrance. "My father...wasn't very understanding of it. When Keisuke was of age, he'd constantly berate the nick name. Stating that it emasculated me to be called something so childish infront of company." The soft beeping of the monitor was comforting, it meant life.

Yahiko took a deep breath in. "Dont fire me….Keisuke is only happy because of you." His voice broke at the end. "I...I cant make him happy...but you can.." His shoulders were shaking. "If i can give my brother the smallest chance of happiness. " He looked up at her, blood shot red eyes a swirl of colors as he pleaded . "I will always give it to him...even if i have to kill off every one of you enemies."

She placed the containers of food in a knapsack, throwing it over her shoulder before glancing at the time which read 7:49pm. She paused, an eerie feeling settled on her before she pushed it back hurrying to the front to give the boys dinner before leaving. Only to pause at the feel of two chakra signatures. She clenched her jaw, feeling the wave of butterflies that tickled her stomach. She stuffed it, half running to the front to meet the intruders head on. As she came through the door she met dark eyes that sent her heart into her chest.

Its him.

Yahiko was in front of the counter, countenance hostile at the two stance ready to launch if they tried anything that would place his brother or Akira in trouble. The Larger one smiled wide at Yahiko in a toothy and downright patronizing manner if you asked her.

"I told them we were closed." Yahiko whispered, eyes never leaving the nin. Violet eyes fierce and ready "My my Akira, you've hired bodyguards this time?" He laughed in his way that so irritated akira.

"You heard'em! Get to movin'!" Pipped Keisuke from behind the counter. He Held a raw potato ready to throw at a moments notice.

Akira held up a hand to appease them. "Whoa Whoa who-"

Kisame step forward. In a flash less than a second Yahiko foot was stopped short from connecting to the larger nins Head. It was the dark haired nin who had stepped in between sharktooth and her assistant manager holding his leg firmly while Sharktooth smile widen. Large sword on his back retching and moving in a frenzy.

It was the dark haired nin who spoke, "If you valued your Supervisors wants I'd advise you to think before acting." With that the smaller nin pushed my assistants foot away. And Yahiko allowed it jumping back. He cracked his knuckles with a stretch of his hands. Eyes steadfast on the larger one.

Yahiko did not like him, not one bit. Why?

"Samahada likes you. He likes you alot." The large nin again took a step forward hand on sword as Yahiko crouched ready for the next blow.

"HEY!" Every head shot to her. "Not in my damn store!" She shouted scowl set deep on her pretty features. She'd had to pay over 2000 from last time scrap and she did not have the finances to just give to broken floor boards.

The toothy smile turned into a scornful frown and he took his hand off his shifting sword. "It was a joke." He smiled. "Plus, the kid is quite lucky..Had this been a different scene i'd-."

"Saame." The smaller nin spoke, tone definite. Saame she now learned, smile left quickly. "Ill be in the shower." he almost huffed, walking past the group disappearing into the back room that led inot her private quarters.

Akira blinked.

Is he really pouting?

She smiled.

"Yahiko, Keisuke...I want you two to head home now."

"You cant just ask us to lea-"

"Yahiko." Her tone was firm. "Trust me." She said in the most reassuring tone she could muster. She felt Keisukes small hand envelope hers firmly. "Ill be alright, these are my friends." She gestured to the nins. Yahikos brows furrowed, mind probably asking a series of whys and whats, but decided in the end that that was the best course of action would be to let her handle it. He trusted her. Reluctantly, he shifted from his position to something less challenging. "Keisuke.." He called to his little brother whos hand was still tightly holding onto Akiras.

She crouched meeting the boy at eye level, " Ill see you tomorrow KeiKa?" She ruffled his blond locks and kissed his cheek. He received it, but before she could pull away he was in her arms, face buried into the crook of her neck... as if it was their last hug.

Kids were so dramatic.

He ran to yahiko taking his hand, eyes warily on the nin in front of her.

Can you blame him?

She waited for them to exit, but Yahiko paused a ling minute grip never relaxing on the knob until finally he said "Dont forget to lock the door". His tone was steady, and although she only saw his back. She knew his eyes were in a swirl of color.

He opened the door, slowly pushing it to meet the cool air.

. "Wait!" Keisuke Yelled. Before running towards her and outstretching his hand. She looked down at him mouth a gap in confusion before it dawned on her. She gave him the sack homemade goods. "Ill see you tomorrow Miss. Kira!" He smiled throwing the sack over his shoulder almost loosing his footing under the weight.

As he turned to walk towards the door he stopped suddenly infront of the Dark haired nin. Gauging the ninja up and down in a childlike manner before saying.. "You smell." The nins eyebrow went up. "Keisuke!" Yahiko marched over taking the smaller boys hand before dragging him out. "Im just saying, that if hes trying to make a move on Miss Kira she likes men that smell good!" The door closed behind them, keisuke's voice audible for awhile before it went quite.

"Im sorry." Her fingers were massaging the bridge of her nose, fighting back a light blush before the nin replied. "Not at all...He was just stating an opinion..Kids often don't bite back their tongues." She gave a reluctant smile.

"Especially that one."

Her fingers lightly touched the bare skin of his back, watching the rise and fall of his chest. His pale skin contrasted her golden brown fingers that admired the smooth skin underneath her finger tips. He was lean, but his body was cut bulk in just the right way that showed his extensive training. Pecs, triceps, abs.

She'd somehow found her fingers in the groves tracing the defined muscles and light scaring that lined his body until she felt his shoulders tense from her fingers gliding over his abs. She paused, stopping herself from clearing her throat. Her hands returned to his shoulders, mumbling something that sounded like she wanted him to take a deep breath. Feeling heat rise into her cheeks at her disdain for personal space.

Her eyes went to the beep of her pulse ox, making a mental note of his oxygen levels and heart rate. His breath sounds were coarse, but overall he was up and about.

Better than last time. She took the probes out of her ears.

"Hows the medication treating you?"

She heard the audible clack of her cupboards opening and closing. Saame often spoke to himself she'd gathered as she heard the mumble of the word "Snacks" while he shifted through the spice bottles. Even from her room with the door closed she could heart the banging of dishes and complaints.

His dark eyes met hers, even. "Ive been...better."

Her eyes went to his fingernails, eyeing the dirt. "You travel alot.." She mused, noting that most people nin who camped often have dirty fingernails. "You are constantly on the move." He was quite, left thumb subtly cleaning under his left index finger when her eyes left them. " Id advise you to slow down. You're getting better, but you constantly being on the move will hinder your recovery ."

He looked towards the sound of a happy nin who'd found her snack stash, as if his directed attention would diffuse the direction of thier conversation. She sighed, fingers falling off the nins sticky back, recalling Keisukes words. She inwardly rolled her eyes. "I understand that your profession pushes you to strain, but for the sake of your health...You cannot strain in your condition. Your lungs they..."

He stood, grabbing the shirt that was neatly folded beside him to pull it on. "I was hoping that you would make me another batch. The medication you provided helped imme-."

Her hand went to his forehead, he looked down at her, words caught in his throat "Who said i was done evaluating you? " She gently pushed him back down to sit on the bed. He looked up his eyes leaving hers again directing towards the noise of his loud friend. "You have a fever...And you need a bath" she mumbled out the last bit, her hand falling off his warm forehead.

He said nothing. However, his ears pinked at the statement as he took to staring hard at the wall. She wondered briefly if her statement embarrassed him.

She felt her nerves rise in the silence. So to combat the butterflies that were induced by the sudden silence she blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"You paitents and you're 'im fine' attitudes." she mumbled, taking the stethoscope off her shoulders placing it on the bed next to him.

She pulled her thermometer from her bag, placing a disposable covering on the tip before motioning for him to open his mouth. He obliged.

She took some steps back, pressing herself hard against the wall behind her, deciding to look over the current state of her room in an attempt to avoid the fish that swam in her belly. It was messy yes, but for her it was a needed mess.

The beeping of the thermometer sounded, telling her two things. His temperature, and how awkwardly silent the room was. So she smiled, feeling her nerves rise again as she decided to avoid eye contact. Her brows furrowed deeply as she took in the moment.

She was nervous, very nervous, and it wasnt because of the silence.

The sooner she glanced at the thermometer the sooner she forgot her personal matters.

101.02. Yup, he had a fever.

"Your fever is 101.02" She drew out the numbers, making an emphasis on the word one hundred.

The nin brought a closed fist to his lips, clearing his throat. "But you've been better hmm?" her voice was thick with annoyance.

"How long have you had this fever?" She questioned, eyes narrowing at his lack for self regard.

His posture, she noted, was impeccable. His Shoulders back, back straight, chin parallel to the ground, with his hands on his a manner that mimic a General ready to send out his men to war. She watched him waiting for a response to her words as his ears pinked.

Saame burst through the door, smile wide. "I got to buy these more often, these Skinny pops? There's like 50 calories in this."

The nin was up and walking to the door in a brisk pace, mumbling the words 'restroom. She blinked, noticing the rush of butterflies that tickled her stomach as he made his way to the restroom.

Her eyes fell on larger nin in annoyance as he munched away at her preferred midnight snack. Although she felt irritated it was accompanied with relief.

A relief that quickly turned to annoyance as the large nin munched away.

"Do you have Skinny pop money to reimburse me?" she crossed her arms, voice mimicking her face that was marked with irritation.

Saame smiled.

"I brought you a boyfriend. Isn't that enough?"

She blushed

Saame, decided that they should stay for the next couple of days due to the weather and his friend needing his next batch. She felt her patience slipping, until the dark haired nin politely asked to board for the next few days. "Because your friend asked nicely. Ill let you stay." she pointed at Kisame..

"Nice to know you haven't lost your claws kitten!" She was met with a toothy smile. She grimaced at the pet name.

The weather would be difficult for camping out, and although she did not want them in her home; they kept their promise.

So she would settle with allowing them to stay.

She was used to living on her own; having her clutter and order the way she preferred. So, to have someone invade her space left her tense. Yahiko was always walking back and forth in her home in an effort to keep it clean. His compulsive nature to keep things in order was endearing in its own right. His presence, despite his stoic disposition, was also endearing. His company... it was...endearing.

She lowered herself into the bath, taking a deep breath of the lavender scented salts she added. Yahiko took it upon himself to redo the tiling of a the bath, insisting that the look of it reminded him of a depressing birthday party. "Its something you want right? I'll do it."

She promptly declined, but Yahiko was stubborn and each day after work she found him for hours revamping her bathroom. He often worked late into the night, until she forced him to sleep on her couch while Keisuke slept in bed with her. At first she felt a ping of annoyance at his grandiose gestures , but Keisuke reassured her.

"Yahiko's always been like that. He built me my own playground when i was 4 out of cardboard and plastic cups! He said its cause i was being good in Pre-K...which was weird because I failed Pre-K."She was met with a confused Keisuke scratching his head.

Today was hard; although the cool season was usually met with slowed traffic. She was met with an unusually high number of travelling ninjas and farmers that were heading south for the weather. Today, She and Yahiko met a swarm which sent him back 30 minutes from picking up Keisuke. During that time being alone was a nightmare. So this bath was needed, despite the cool weather.

She sighed sinking into the hot water until it covered the top of her nose. "There back"she mumbled pensively, bubbles coming up and popping at the phrase. This time, the dark haired nin made it a point for her to have her bed.

He started, "Regardless of the current state of my health I-"She snuffed him. "Lets get one thing straight. I gave you my bed yes, but its not gonna be a constant thing because im not that nice." She was met with a throaty laugh from the larger nin. "Kitten scratches i see." She rolled her eyes at the pet name.

Akira was happy to keep her bed.

And although her response was less than polite she received a small smile from him.

It was then for the first time she truly wondered who he was.

she eyed the roof tracing the cream filled cracks that held the intricate beige tile that Yahiko has picked out. Insisting that a woman should be able to bath in peace without bad decor.

It was then she wondered his name, yes. She could easily ask, but her confidence in his response was not strong. He could very well lie. Saame could very well be a code name. He could've very well said Saame to throw her off their tracts of finding out who they really are.

This was not wise.

In a world of shinobi that often took and plotted; trust was something that waned quickly or can never established. So to have a stranger and possibly an enemy sleep under the same roof? It was her brother East that rang in her head clear as day. "You sure are stoopid!"

She rolled her eyes at her brothers imaginary words.

She was a commodity. She surmised. If she were killed then the he would lose his free insurance. Also, his prognosis would...is growing worse. So she would have to constantly modify and change his regiment to help keep him stable.

Good.

That was the insurance to keep her alive, until they decided they didn't need her anymore. She lowered her self in the water mind quite ...but his eyes are so gentle...

She felt goosebumps raise, and lifted her her self eyes to the locked door, ears intent on the loud laughter that sounded outside the door.

Then to frosted window above the bath;She was quite ears trained on the outside world for a minute before smirking at the thought of fighting an intruder while naked, but luckily it was the wind.

"Sooo you guys are gonna invade her house and eat all of Miss. Akira's food?" Keisuke stated matter of factly.

The day had passed, Keisuke insisted on staying a bit longer to, "see what they're like."Yahiko did not protest. Leaving Akira was a difficult matter that he swallowed. He was a protector, and Akira was...His eyes met hers and she smiled before turning back to the stove switching it off

She needed to be protect, especially due to her reckless past. That night he'd slept less than an hour, mind racing at the thought of an injured Akira...or worse. So he visited her, late that night to ensure she was alright. His violet eyes found the floor and traced the lines of the wood planks.

She was bathing, using the salts he had purchased for her.

She was ok.

Kisame rolled his eyes. Taking off his clock to place it on Akiras sofa. He leaned back into the comfortable chair and crossed his arms "Kid, this is grown up stuff.

"Whats so grown up about food?"

"Its sustenance for your body." He leaned forward still larger then the child although he sat slouched over in the couch

" sussanance? Is that even a word?!"

"Sustenance, its nutrition from food."

"Why is that only for grown ups!"

"Keisuke." Yahiko reprimanded. "But im only asking why sussanace is for grown ups!" Keisuke pouted at his brother curt use of his name. Yahiko sighed.

Akira...why the hell these guys?''

The taller one, the shark tooth one that spoke too freely to Akira….he did not much like him..but…

"Miss. Akira!" Yelled Keisuke, oblivious to his volume. "Can you cut my hair?" Akira turned, "Can you cut my hair 'please'. Manners Keisuke." Keisuke smiled toothy. "Also, long hair on guys is cute." she finished. Keisuke's head tilted to the side, eyeing the dark haired nin that sat at the table. Saame commented. "Oh, so now we know your weakness. Soft men with long hair. Why am i not surprised." He laughed harshly, and Keisuke unbeknownst to the meaning behind the comment followed suit.

Yahikos hooded violet eyes glanced over to the sword that was posted against the wall, seeing it twitch at his glance. Samehada. He was Kisame of the Mist. His eyes fell back to the Mist Nin as he interact with his younger brother. The stories of the Monster of the Hidden Mist was known very well in the waterfall village. He was a murderer that would easily kill man, woman and child on a whim; even stooping as low as to kill his own comrades in pursuit of power...or so that's what they say. But, he knew more than anyone how gossip could mare an innocent man beyond recognition or raise them above gods.

"So, then why don't you eat the broccoli on ya plate if its supposed to give you sussanance?!""

""Because I don't need to kid. I've already got the nutrients i need."

"So then if Im growing, why cant i know about sussanance?!"Keisuke asked, his gesture grandiose only to emphasize his childlike nature. That was one thing he loved about children. They could always be themselves.

His eyes glanced over to Akira who was wiping down the counter of her kitchen; his eyes on her longer than he intended. Lately, he's unable to take his attention off the girl. Often finding his eyes lingering on her time and time again. She was pretty yes, but...it was more than that; a type of more that he couldn't quite place his finger on.

Shaking her from his thoughts he decidedly rested his eyes on the dark haired nin that sat at akiras small table. He was finishing up a chicken broth that Akira had made for him, as he was sickly from what Akira said. He was unfamiliar to Yahiko. He was calm, collected and polite; never overstepping and pensive...but there was something about him...something.. that didn't quite fit his description.

Akiras soft humming pulled Yahikos eyes off the Nin. She was often caught singing that song in the shop once the end of the day was nearing, the same tune over and over until the next song caught in the web of her mind, and Yahiko would graciously listen to the gentle melody that her voice carried. He often wondered how someone so temperamental could be so gentle in one sweep, but he saw that in her. Since the first day he met her.

Kira… He was confused, confused constantly in his interactions with the ex cloud nin, confused in the assortment of things that came into play day in and day out during his employment at Herbal Remadeez.

So much so that he wondered why he decided to come here of all places. It was a stupid move on his part...but Keisuke...Keisuke was happy.

He tore his eyes off her, feeling the Dark haired nins eye on him.

So he met his gaze.

Yahiko, was not one to challenge people needlessly, but something about this one..this man…

"You feeling better?"Akira was beside him, and Yahiko saw the shift in his eyes as he peered upto meet Akiras. His eyes were kind...they were gentle.

Akira smiled at him, placing a hand on his shoulder before he thanked her and offering to wash the dishes. Her eyes went wide for a moment and her smile deepened in her eyes.

"Yako"

There was a look...a look that made the pit of Yahikos stomach turn.

""Yako?"Keisuke stood on his right, pinching his nose as to draw his attention. He promptly slapped Keisuke's hand away. "The dead is living! Hallelujah!"" Keisuke Flung his arms in the air at having his brothers attention. He felt his deposition harden and wanted nothing more but to go home. "You ready to head out Keika?" Keisuke raised an eyebrow at the strange question. He bit the inside of his cheek and was grateful when the little boy shrugged his shoulders and nodded.

"Bye Shark tooth! Bye other guy!"Keisuke waved happily.

"Yea yea Kid."" Kisame waved a nonchalant hand at his little brother.

"I better see you eating all your food since sussance is so important to you." Keisuke pointed at the Mist nin in a manner that mimicked a parent. Saame met his statement with a smile.

"Goodnight."was heard from the Dark haired nin, whom just finished washing the dishes.

Akira walked them out the the back door. Handing them a sack with the containers of food.

" …" Akira looked up at him, dark eyes tired from the long day. Yahiko paused, looking down at her clasped hands eyeing the chipped polish that was a vermilion red. She hadn't been feeling well today; something Yahiko picked up earlier. Her brows were constantly furrowed with smiles that didn't quite meet her eyes when greeting the customers. Time, proximity and a careful eye was all it took to see a person. So he saw her.

She was sad.

He didn't know why. He wouldn't ask why, but if he had the strength he would take her hands into his and ask her if she needed him. And he would stay...for as long as she needed him.

"Bye Miss. Akira!"Keisuke hugged her, breaking Yahiko out of his thought. she hugged back smiling at his warm gester. She was always like this, despite her mood. She was Akira.. He then at that moment wished he was bit more like Keisuke. Bold, Brash, unashamed. IF i were more like Keisuke…..then…

Ï could tell her the truth.

"Yes Kiko?" His Magenta me her Dark brown, he felt himself pause searching her deep brown that was laced with something that muddled the bright of her purple wandered to the dark haired nin that still sat at the table, joining in on his friend who took to watching a show that Akira was fond of.

His eyes stayed on him feeling his heart harden.

"Goodnight Miss. Akira."

She looked down at Keisuke, then out towards the cold night, her brown eyes resting back on him once more. "Good night Yahiko.."

Her smile fell.

AN:

Hello,

Thank you for following Solace! I truly appreciate you all who's taken the time to read it.