A/N: Merry Christmas, everyone! :) I hope you all have a wonderful holiday! God bless you all!
I love you all! :) The next 'real' chapter will be up soon! (Edit 12/31/12 - Ahaha. Not soon. Sorry.)
Btws, instructions to see the pictures of the characters are on my profile :)
Enjoy!
(This chapter occurs after the events occurring in the previous chapter)
It didn't snow in Konohagakure. It was seemingly permanently summer in the village, and few mourned that fact. One of those few was Hiromi. Around this time of year, she begged and pleaded for snow, but was disappointed each time. This year would be no different, as she woke up that December morning. Or so she thought.
-:-
The second she woke up, she dashed to her window to check for snow. It was fairly chilly outside, considering it was the early hours on the morning, but there was still no sign of the white snowflakes. Hiromi sighed, resting her head on her crossed arms.
A long time ago, in a story book her parents gave her, she read that there was a mighty princess who lived in a kingdom made of snow and ice. She fell in love with the flame prince, and their love was forbidden by their parents, but eventually they united the kingdoms. Hiromi had always thought that tale was so romantic..
Ever since that day all those years ago, the blonde girl had always dreamed of seeing the swirls of frost in the air.. But unfortunately, there was never any in Konoha.
-:-
"Enter."
Hiromi strolled into the Hokage's office, her mane pulled back in a fishtail braid.
"What's going on?" She asked.
The buxom woman sat her desk, papers surrounding her, "I'm sending you on a mission to the Land of Iron."
"The Land of Iron?" the shorter woman asked, "Why there?"
"Despite the fact that the samurai occupy and take care of the Land, we've been asked personally by some natives there to keep an eye out for a large group of bandits who've been terrorizing their people."
"Why me?" Hiromi inquired.
She still wasn't very strong, despite her constant training.
Tsunade hid her smirk behind her interlocked fingers, "Someone recommended you. Said you'd be good with all the," she failed to hide her smile, "snow."
Hiromi blinked owlishly as the Hokage turned her chair around, then realization hit her.
"Snow!" She gasped dreamily, "Do you really mean it, Lady Tsunade? I really get to go?"
Tsunade smiled softly, "That's right."
The blonde chunin seemed to be numb in shock, "There's no way."
"It's true. Just don't muck it up!"
"I get to go to the Land of Iron!" The only Sato child danced across the room.
Tsunade sighed, "Alright, alright, calm down! There will be others going with you."
"Oh, umm, of course!" Hiromi smiled, "Who are they?"
"Rock Lee, Neji, Tenten, Hinata, Kiba, and Shino."
Tsunade looked up to see if the blonde girl had heard, but her door was ajar, and she could hear the call from the halls.
"I've got to pack my things!"
-:-
Mrs. and Mr. Sato stood in awe at their daughter hurling things into her bag; all of her heavy coats and a scarf her mother had knitted years ago. The blonde girl took a brief pause to twirl around her room with a childish grin before holding a huge sweater up to her form.
"What do you think, mother?" She asked, seemingly in a whole different world.
Mrs. Sato responded, flustered, "Where in the world are you going?"
Hiromi smiled, "The Land of Iron."
Her mother shared in her happiness, beginning to help pack, and Mr. Sato sat back with a small smile.
"You will need extra socks!"
"But of course! And this jacket!"
"Oh, these pants will be very fitting!"
"Yes, yes, shove it in the bag; whatever we need let me take!"
-:-
Somehow, her items had been squished into one bag, suitable for travel, though they had to slim down her carrying capacity for the first time she carried the stuffed bag she had collapsed promptly. Over her daughter's shoulders Mrs. Sato tied a considerably fashionable cloak, with some fur lining, for "extra protection against the cold winds!"
Hiromi slipped on her single pair of brown boots that fitted her tightly, though not adding to her height. She smuggled some snacks into her seemingly endless bag and then opened her door, prepared for the world.
"Have fun!" Her mother exclaimed.
"Be careful," Mr. Sato muttered, "And stay safe."
Hiromi nodded, "Thank you, you two. I really appreciate this! I'll tell you all about the trip when I come back! Bye! I love you!"
She stumbled out of her house and began her trek to the Hokage's office, all the while being stared at curiously by her neighbors.
-:-
"This group will be led by Neji," Tsunade explained thoroughly, finding it hard to ignore Hiromi's large grin, "and you'll all be staying in the Land of Iron for one week, no more, and no less."
Rock Lee saluted, "Yes, ma'am!"
"What happens if we scare of the bandits the moment we arrive?" Tenten asked.
Hiromi prayed silently they would not have to leave sooner than one week. She wished to stay for an entire month! No, a year!
"You'll stay anyways," Tsunade responded, "just in case they decide to reappear."
"Hurray!" The youngest and smallest of the group cheered.
"Why is she so excited?" Tenten asked.
Shino explained, "It is because Hiromi has always wished to see snow. Why you ask? Because she finds it to be romantic."
At the last word, Kiba perked up and began listening more intently, earning a nudge by Akamaru.
"Romantic?" He snorted, "It's just frozen water."
Hinata and Tenten were prepared to protest, but let their blonde friend respond.
Hiromi's cheeks turned a light pink, "Well, I, umm, just.. Never mind. Let's just go."
"You're right," Neji nodded, "Let us depart immediately."
-:-
Hiromi did not regret her furry jacket and boots. The moment the group began to near the Land of Iron, the temperature declined abruptly and they all seemed to huddle together to keep warm.
"This is not a challenge at all!" Rock Lee proclaimed, "Use the warmth of your youthful hearts to plough through this cold breeze!"
"This isn't a breeze!" Tenten roared furiously, "This is a tornado!"
Hinata shivered, "There isn't even any snow yet.."
"There will be soon!" Hiromi said, gleaming, though also sniffling, "We can make it to the inn in no time!"
"Hiromi is right," Shino mumbled, "Why, you ask? Because there is the inn in the distance."
The group increased its speed until suddenly, Hiromi's boots began to sink into the ground, crunching the dirt beneath her.
"What happened?" She muttered to herself, looking down.
The color white met her and abruptly, she squealed. The other panicked, coming to her aid, but simply hid their smiles watching as she danced through the white fluff with rosy cheeks and a big grin.
At the sound of her happy giggling, Aramark barked and dove headfirst into a large pile of snow, nearly coating everyone else in the cold substance.
Hiromi laughed angelically before laying down in the frost, throwing her arms out and making a pathetic snow angel, closing her eyes so that the incoming snowflakes would not blind her.
She got up hastily, looking at her creation before giggling like a little girl. Tenten and Hinata playfully joined in, creating a snowman, which was tackled by Akamaru. Kiba and Rock Lee began an intense snowball fight while Shino and Neji tried to gather everyone's attention once more.
Hiromi carefully began to roll up a snow ball, calling out to Tenten and Hinata.
"Come on!" She exclaimed, "Let's make a new one!"
The three girls began to roll the ball of slush until it was of a beastly size and laughed heartily as it nearly stood as tall as Hiromi as she sat beside it. Tenten and Hinata decided to make the torso while the Sato girl would make the head.
Hastily, she gathered up some snow, smoothing out with her numb hands (was her pinkie turning blue?). Hiromi cursed herself for not packing suitable gloves.
Rolling the appropriately sized snowball up to the body of the snowman, she laughed as Tenten and Hinata attempted to lift the torso onto the first beastly snowball. At this point, Shino and Neji assisted (Hiromi couldn't help but smile as Tenten refused Neji's assistance, but gave in eventually with a blush) and soon, all that was left was for Hiromi to top the snowman with his head.
"I don't think anybody can get up there!" She frowned.
Suddenly Kiba and Rock Lee appeared, snow covering them from head to toe.
"I will lift you!" Rock Lee proclaimed with an excited grin, "This is will be excellent training!"
"Are you sure?" Hiromi asked, "I'm a little heavier than I look.."
Rock Lee shook his head politely, "There is no way that I could not lift such a light person such as you, Hiromi."
"O-oh, thank you!"
In a quick movement, Rock Lee had lifted the girl above his head, holding her snow covered boots skillfully. In her arms was the heavy snowball and Hiromi plopped it upon the snowman with a sigh of relief, smoothing it with her hands.
"What about eyes?" Tenten inquired.
"And a nose?" Hinata added.
Neji shook his head, "Not right now; we can come back later."
"You mean it?!" Hiromi gasped with a smile.
The group leader nodded and Akamaru barked in happiness.
"Now, how do I get down?" Hiromi asked.
Rock Lee seemingly gripped her shoes tighter, "I am .. afraid I had not thought of that."
Shino pushed up his sunglasses, which had now been proved useless as they were nearly blown off of his face, "You could jump. You would be unharmed. Because the snow is very thick and would soften your landing."
Hiromi gulped, "O-okay.. It's kind of scary though.. Are you sure it's thick enough?"
"How about I catch you?" Kiba offered, with a wolfish grin, "If you're gunna be such a wimp."
"I'm not being a wimp! I'm considering my own safety!" Hiromi sighed before glaring at her friend, "You better catch me!"
The dog-lover nodded, "Alright, alright, I will!"
Rock Lee released his death grip on Hiromi's shoes and in a very ungraceful fashion, she slipped and began her descent to the snow. In a fast, relieving motion, she was caught, with Kiba's hands hooked beneath her arms, holding her up like a little girl.
His dark, sharp eyes met her own childish blue ones and suddenly she felt very nervous, as though her face was hot and her heart was floating in her chest, the opposite of the dreadful feeling of it sinking in her stomach.
The feeling didn't stop when she was placed on the ground, for she still felt Kiba's strong eyes on herself. Why had his gaze suddenly become so heavy?
"Let's keep moving," Neji ordered, his voice piercing the kind silence.
Before she had to meet Kiba's gaze again, Hiromi rushed ahead, her heart still beating very severely.
-:-
The inn the assembly from Konoha was staying at was very humble, and homey. There was a fire going on the first floor and the owner was working the counter; a middle-aged woman with a motherly grin.
Neji had ordered two rooms, one for the boys and one for the girls. They were directly across the hall from one another in case of an emergency. The group held a small meeting in the boy's room, though the girls were itching to unpack and rest from their long journey.
Hiromi avoided looking at Kiba, for her heart was still beating unreasonably quickly, despite the fact that she had not performed any strenuous activity.
"We will all wake up at seven thirty," Neji explained, "and begin a small patrol around the general area, while others look in specific areas that are said to nest the bandits' hideout."
The meeting was dismissed shortly after a playful discussion about when certain members could eat and the girls rushed to their room.
There were two beds in total, though there was surely a cot somewhere, and a cozy fireplace in the center of the two. There were two identical drawers, and on the eastern side of the room there was a door, most likely leading to the bathroom.
Hiromi walked in and admired the shelves above the beds, decorated with girlish trinkets, including a flower pot housing a beautiful primrose.
"I don't mind sleeping on the floor," she informed her friends suddenly.
Hinata frowned, "I wouldn't want you to sleep there all week.."
"How about we trade off every day?" Tenten asked, also checking out the shelf above the opposite bed.
Hiromi smiled, "Whatever is easiest for you two, I suppose."
They settled down easily, unpacking their things with the happiest of grins, giggling and chucking about whatever they could. When every shirt was tucked away and every beauty product tossed into the bathroom, the girls set up a miniature bed on the floor, where Hiromi would that night, though the others protested.
"What time is it?" Hiromi asked, brushing Hinata's hair periodically, braiding it into crazy styles before removing it and brushing out the knots she made.
"It's about time for dinner; what should we do?" Hinata responded.
"Eat!" Tenten responded teasingly, attempting not to cut herself as she sharpened her kunai.
There was a light knock on the door and Hiromi politely called, "Just a moment!"
She dropped her brush and slid the door open with a smile. It was the boys.
"Hello!" Hiromi greeted them, "Is something wrong?"
"Our hostess has been kind enough to prepare our dinner," Neji responded, "We came to inform you all."
Tenten threw aside her weaponry and waltzed out the door with a big grin. Hinata followed suite in a meek fashion.
"I'll be down in just a moment," Hiromi smiled, "I just have one thing to do."
The group disappeared and the blonde girl strutted to the window, sighing with glee. The sun was setting, and its orange rays seemed to be crash onto the white hills of snow. She leaned closer and pressed her cheek against the cool glass before stepping away and twirling.
She took a deep breath before giggling and running out of the room.
-:-
Kotone, Aiko, and Akio were frozen. Or at least, their bodies were very, very cold. There was a special holiday occurring soon back in their homeland, and they had planned on celebrating it together, but their travels were delayed by a storm and the trio stopped at an inn, their noses red and their fingers blue.
"A room for three, please." Kotone said stiffly.
The receptionist rolled her eyes before throwing keys at the princess, and winking at Akio, who tried not to throw up.
"It's the first room on your right, sweetie," She said flirtatiously.
Akio dragged his companions away, nearly spitting in disgust at the receptionist and they reached their room in no time, highly disturbed when they realized that the room had a door to the outside, and said door was open.
"C-close the door, Akio!" Aiko shivered, "Let's get some blankets!"
"Aiko," Kotone addressed, placing her appropriately white traveling bag onto the floor, "sit at the kotatsu."
The blind girl dove at the table, wrapping her legs in the blankets and resting her head upon the table. Akio slammed the sliding door shut before entering the room's small kitchen, preparing some tea.
When he was done, he brought three cups to the table and sat beside his sister, sipping his beverage appropriately. Akio watched as Kotone slid the balcony door open a smidgen before sitting down and looking out it distantly.
The tan young man tapped on the table and waited until the princess gave him her attention.
Is something wrong? He signaled.
"No," she said softly, "If you are cold, I will shut the door."
Do as you please, milady.
Amaterasu slid the door shut before sauntering to the wall and leaning on it. She let her head fall back and rest upon the rough surface, listening silently to the sounds of the winds howling and Akio drinking his tea. Aiko had fallen asleep.
There was the sound of the guests next door, and Kotone could not ignore how obnoxious they were.
"Milady," Aiko mumbled, "Shall I get out the futons?"
The damsel nodded, "Akio, please do set them up. We will need plenty of rest in order for us to travel tomorrow."
Politely, the foreign male nodded, obediently standing and doing as he was told. Kotone closed her eyes and waited, still hearing the clamor occurring in the room next door. Aiko and Akio would never get to sleep if those hooligans were to continue..
The woman's milky eyes flew open and she gripped her sword sheath. Akio and Aiko awoke and jumped up, dropping whatever they were previously doing.
"What is the matter, milady?" Aiko inquired.
Amaterasu did not answer, seemingly flying to the door and sliding the entry open before disappearing, like a ghost. Aiko and Akio took note that the neighbors had become deathly silent. They rushed after their leader.
Kotone stood at the door of the room next door and slung it open, drawing her katana, holding it tightly with both hands, and her stare suddenly became as it used to be; cold and heartless.
Aiko and Akio appeared behind her, wielding their own curved knives, prepared to kill whoever their leader pleased. The three members in the room also stood, their weapons half-way drawn. Their leader sat calmly, leaning against the wall they shared with the foreign trio.
"Kotone," he addressed coolly.
The woman did not lower her sword, simply deadpanning a single word.
"Sasuke."
-:-
The feast the hostess (Auntie is what she preferred to be called) made was simply divine, and Hiromi felt like a blimp after letting herself go and eating a large quantity of everything. She patted her bloated belly with a satisfied sigh. The blonde chunin felt like a complete pig compared to Hinata, who simply nibbled on a few things.
"I suppose it's time for us to get some rest," Neji announced, "We will all need as much energy as possible tomorrow."
Shino had headed up to sleep a little while ago, while Rock Lee and Kiba were still at it, eating and drinking (there was no alcohol, mind you). Tenten scolded them properly after Neji's announcement and soon everyone was heading to bed.
"Aren't you coming, Hiromi?" asked Hinata, who rubbed her silvery eyes sleepily.
The fair-haired maiden shook her head, "No, I'm going to help our hostess clean up; besides, I'm not very tired!"
No one argued with her and stumbled to their proper rooms, surely collapsing upon their beds in exhaustion.
"You really don't have to help me, dearie!" Auntie laughed heartily, "You should get some rest!"
Hiromi smiled sweetly, "There's no way I could possibly leave you with all these dishes!"
Leaving no place for an argument, they began to clean. Hiromi scrubbed intensely at the filthy dishes while the hostess began to wash the table cloth. The golden-haired miss hummed a tune as she scoured the tableware, and when she was done, she asked for more work.
"Why it's nearly tomorrow, lassie!" Auntie cried, "You mustn't work yourself too hard!"
"How about just one more thing before I go to sleep?" Hiromi persisted.
The landlady shook her head with a grin before responding, "Well, there is one more thing you could do."
"And that is?"
Auntie held up a few yards of garland, its festive smell hitting Hiromi like a tidal wave, decorated with white lights.
"My friend from the west sent me this," she explained, "but I haven't gotten a moment's rest to decorate the inn with it; with a youngster like you around, perhaps now is the time for me to decorate."
Hiromi gladly took the swag (that's another name for garland, so I just had to use it) and immediately set to work, hanging the jolly festoon on the railings and everywhere else.
When she finished, she felt drowsy, and reported to Auntie.
"I've finished," she announced, "and now I think I'll go off to bed."
The innkeeper suddenly jumped up, "Just one last thing, if you don't mind! It's very little, so I nearly forgot it."
"But of course," Hiromi smiled, "what is it?"
The middle-aged woman reached down into the bag beside her before yanking out a twig-like plant. It had a red ribbon tied to it and was lightly covered with white berries. Its spiny leaves seemed extremely festive and appropriate.
"This is mistletoe. It's said that if you are underneath it with someone, you must kiss them or else a Saint from the west will put a curse on you! Or something of the sort."
The younger lass nodded, receiving the mistletoe.
"Old age is catching up to me and I can't seem to be able to hang it up anywhere; could you perhaps do it for me?"
The hostess pointed to an archway a ways away, near the entrance. It seemed low enough from over where they stood.
"Of course. Then I'm afraid I must go to sleep!" Hiromi giggled.
She rushed over to the archway, eager to get her final job done when she realized she had underestimated the height of the doorway. Hiromi jumped up and reached with all her strength, but could not reach it. She was glad no one could see her..
"What are you doing..?"
The blonde flew feet into the air, dropping the mistletoe and covering her mouth so that she did not shriek and wake the entire inn.
She turned and tried not to strike out at Kiba, who rubbed at his dark eyes groggily. Hiromi noted that his white T-shirt was see-through. She tried not to let her eyes stray from his face.
"I'm hanging up some mistletoe for our hostess," she informed him politely, retrieving the twig, "but I can't reach the archway."
"I'll do it, if you want." Kiba offered, his grogginess fading.
She gave him the plant and watched as he stretched his body to reach the doorway. His shirt rode up a bit, revealing some of his toned stomach. Hiromi turned as red as a tomato.
"Ahh, I think it's too tall for me, too," he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Hmm, thanks anyways," Hiromi sighed.
The dog-lover turned to the direction of the kitchen before snapping back around, "Wait! I can lift you."
Remembering earlier, Hiromi shook her head hurriedly.
Kiba frowned, raising a brow, "Oh, come on. It's not that high and you won't have to jump!"
Before she could refuse, the fair-haired maiden was lifted into the air, until she sat stiffly on Kiba's shoulder, his hands firmly gripping her waist to keep her from falling.
"A-ah, a-a-are you sure I-I'm not too heavy?" She stammered.
"Of course not! Now hurry up."
The girl fumbled with the mistletoe for what seemed like hours before she reached up and hung it simply on the nail that was already conveniently hammered into the arch. It swayed, seemingly mocking her with its glowing red bow.
"A-all done."
In a slow action, Hiromi was lowered from Kiba's shoulder and she felt her cold feet meet the hard wood floor, making no sound at all. When she found herself completely on the ground, she noted that Kiba's hands had not strayed from her waist, and that his piercing gaze was at her again, just like before.
To Hiromi's dismay, Auntie strolled by, admiring the mistletoe.
"Ah, how perfect! Oh my. Seems as though you've been trapped underneath the mistletoe!"
Kiba and Hiromi broke each other's gazes, looking up to find the twig still swaying, teasingly hanging directly above them. Her heart seemed to float in her chest, and the feeling of fluttering in her stomach made her clutch Kiba's upper arm.
"Mistletoe?" He inquired, eyes still studying the white berries.
Auntie nodded, "It's a gift from my friend in the west. You're supposed to kiss whoever is underneath it with you. Or else you'll be cursed."
The Inuzuka young man let his eyes fall back down to his crush. The lights were all off save for the candles, and the flame light seemed to make the sea blue eyes glow magnificently and her blonde hair was golden. He tried not to smile at her flushed cheeks.
He wasn't as afraid of ghosts and curses as he was missed opportunities. Leaning down a bit, he advanced towards her lips.
Her face was warm. So very, very warm. Hiromi's heart was flying away and her stomach did flips, no longer simply the fluttering of butterflies. Kiba's intense gaze was confusing and dreamy and she was scared but she was excited and she felt like she should close her eyes but she wanted to watch him forever and his hands on her waist seemed to get a little tighter and she didn't really understand what was going on and the flame from the candles were in Kiba's eyes and she didn't know what to do so her eyes fluttered closed and the darkness of her eyelids seemed to make her more paranoid and anxious and oh God what was Auntie still doing here.
The whole world seemed to be moving too quickly, unlike in movies where everything is in slow motion, but the only thing moving slow was Kiba, and Hiromi wanted this to happen so she hesitantly stood on her tip toes and leaned closer to him. What was she doing?! Her brain yelled at her and her heart screamed 'Yes!' and her stomach was just as confused as she was.
In a simple, too soon, yet too slow moment, she felt Kiba's warm, somewhat chapped lips embrace her own for a single second, the chaste kiss teasingly opening Hiromi's azure eyes, which met Kiba's penetrating gape. Auntie seemed to take note of the intimate moment and disappear, hastily murmuring about a pie in the oven, which was a complete lie.
Hurriedly, the two ninja released each other.
"G-g-g-g-g-g-good night!" Hiromi sputtered.
In a swift movement, she ran past Kiba and bolted up the stairs, hurling herself into her room before closing the door beside her. She had never run so fast in her life. She dove for her makeshift futon on the floor and curled up like a little creature, trying to calm her breathing. Her mind swam in an ocean of confusion, not even taking in the fact that Hinata and Tenten had been woken by Hiromi's racket, and were looking at her with worried eyes. Hiromi had buried herself underneath her blanket.
They pestered her for what felt like hours before returning to their beds, not hearing the constant mumbling of their friend.
"He kissed me," She whispered to herself, "he hissed me."
-:-
Sasuke and Kotone exchanged dead looks for a long while. Their comrades seemed to be judging one another in silence until a redheaded woman who was scantily clad threw herself over the former Konoha ninja.
"Sasuke-kun~!" She whimpered, "Who is this woman?"
The Uchiha responded nonchalantly, "No one important."
Amaterasu gripped her katana tighter.
"You take that back, scum!" Aiko growled, "Our queen will not be insulted by your stupidity!"
Akio seemed to put himself vaguely in front of his object of interest, holding up his curved knife, like the skilled assassin he was.
"Lower your weapons. This," Kotone motioned with a wave towards Sasuke, "is the remnants of an old .. Acquaintance."
Sasuke glared at her with intensity upon the last word but did not make a move towards her. Aiko and Akio hesitantly sheathed their knives, still wary of the other three, one holding a gigantic blade.
"Eh?" The wielder of said blade smirked, his sharp teeth not very menacing, "You never said that you had friends, Sasuke."
The white-haired villain strolled forward, eyeing Kotone from her head to her toes. She remained stoic to his goggling but blocked Aiko from his view when he seemed to catch sight of her. Akio glared at him piercingly. The foreign boy seemed to choke out a broken growl.
"I see you've recruited some slaves," Sasuke said coldly.
Aiko hissed at him, "We're not slaves! We're Akivi from the Azuma no Sabaku! Though you must be so unsophisticated that you don't know about our civilization."
"Aiko, Akio. Go back to our room."
The twins silenced, and immediately obeyed, though Akio wrote a message on Kotone's arm, causing another glare from Sasuke.
We will listen closely, He gesticulated, at any sign of danger, tap on the wall and we will come.
When the foreigners disappeared, the lone Uchiha seemed to motion for his comrades to dissipate as well. The redheaded girl refused but eventually was forced out by the vicious, infamous scowl of Sasuke. When it was just him and his prey, the impassive female in his presence sat at the table, Sasuke following suite.
They sat in silence, scrutinizing one another with their stoical gazes. The taciturnity was numbing.
"I'm not going back." Sasuke suddenly verbalized.
Kotone looked straight into his coal-colored eyes, "I never asked you."
"Isn't that why you're here?" The Uchiha uttered frostily, "To force me to go back?"
"I don't care what you do."
"Yes, you do."
"And how do you know that?"
"Because you're here."
Amaterasu frowned slightly, "My appearance here is only a coincidence. The Akivi and I are simply passing by on the way to return to our homeland."
"I suppose that means that Konohagakure has .. not welcomed you," Sasuke replied.
"That's not true."
"They kicked you out, didn't they?"
Amaterasu held her tongue, her gaze and body language indifferent.
The Uchiha continued, "Join me."
The sliding door leading to the balcony suddenly shifted and the redheaded woman from earlier burst in, her face red with fury.
"W-w-w-what are you talking about, Sasuke?! This (curse.) can't come with us! Her chakra is .."
"What?" The sword-wielder poked his head in, "She's coming with us? And her friends?"
".. Yes. She is."
-:-
The week had rushed by in such a way that Hiromi believed it do be a dream. The group of ninja had already taken out the bandit leader, and a majority of his followers, so now as their final day in the Land of Iron, they did community work, fixing houses and gathering dry wood to burn.
Tenten and Hinata still worried about their sweet friend, but did not pry. The single Sato girl did not even try to avoid Kiba, but simply acted as though their brief peck had never happened. Her laugh, though, was nervous, and she could not meet the Inuzuka's eye.
"We should start packing up our things," Neji announced, "So let us head back to the inn."
Hiromi eyed her two wrapped presents with a grin as she slowly packed up her things. She had free time on her hands, considering the group wiped out the bandits on day two, so she had made and purchased gifts for her parents. For her mother, she found two snowflake earrings at a nearby store and knitted a small snowman, complete with arms, a face, and a scarf. Mr. Sato would receive a knitted scarf that Hiromi, Tenten and Hinata made, along with a red and green bracelet complete with 'manly' wooden decorations.
"Ah, is this yours or mine, Hiromi?" Tenten inquired, holding up a bright pink bra.
Hiromi examined it thoroughly, "I'm not sure.. I do believe I'm a little smaller than you, though, Tenten."
She began to look for the size when suddenly the door swung open and the boys entered, halting halfway through the door at the sight of their innocent blonde friend holding a pink undergarment.
She looked up and immediately squealed, "Get out!"
She tried not to let her eyes linger on Kiba's face, which was the reddest of them all.
-:-
Kotone eyed Sasuke, while his teammates seemed to talk amongst themselves.
"You are not the one to make my decisions for me," she spoke.
The Uchiha frowned, "You used to always do as you were told.."
"I suppose you do not know what happened to me, considering you abandoned the village for Orochimaru."
Sasuke glared.
"I was killed."
"Hmm."
No further detail was given on the subject as the sword-wielder (Suigetsu, Kotone discovered) reappeared.
"If she's joining us, can we also have her friend?" He asked with a selfish smirk.
Amaterasu glared at him, though her anger was not apparent, "If you lay your eyes on her again, I will cut your throat."
In a harsh engagement, Sasuke drew his sword and pinned Kotone to the wall, his sword near her, but not to the point of a threat. She recalled Akio and Aiko but realized they were at the opposite wall.
"There's something about you," The avenger said aloofly, "and I dislike it. If you say no, I will leave you be."
"No."
Kotone could feel his breath near her, and he seemed to tower over her, leaning into her. He was all around her, and she felt like she was suffocating. This was not the Sasuke Uchiha she used to know.
"Do you still wish to battle me?" She asked formally.
Her voice was soft. Sasuke hid his grimace. He hated it.
"You are not the person you were once before," He responded icily, withdrawing from his prey (yes, that it what she was now. His prey) slightly, "You aren't the one I had such a burning hatred for."
He leaned in and his mouth was near her ear. She felt very.. Cornered.
"You're different. I'll find out why and have you join me."
"I'd like to see you try," Kotone said, and with that, she left him, sliding the door politely behind herself after saying melodiously, "Good night."
He definitely hated her. Definitely.
-:-
Aiko and Akio greeted their leader when she returned, ensuring she had no wounds before escorting her to her futon.
"We must do something to stop him," Aiko hissed, "There's something in him that's dark and just simply evil."
She's right, Akio agreed, We need to delay him and his team before they hurt innocent people.
"What can we do?" Kotone deadpanned, "He's become more powerful than I, and I'm afraid his previous fascination, or 'hatred' he calls it, has carried on after these years later."
"They must have something we can steal.." Aiko sighed.
Akio suddenly jumped.
Sasuke Uchiha's sword. His weapon. We can take it.
"Brilliant!" Aiko cheered.
Kotone chewed the inside of her cheek, "How will we be able to take that from him? I'm positive he has become very.. Observant over the years."
Aiko and Akio seemed to be amused by her words.
"We are Akivi, milady," Aiko explained, "There is nothing we cannot steal."
-:-
Sasuke awoke the next morning feeling.. Strange. His encounter with Kotone was a blast from the past and he felt a bit unsure about his own feelings about her. She had changed considerably, gaining feelings, and he seemed to have done the opposite, dropping his emotions as the years continued. Something about her made him want to be a little.. Gentler.
"S-s-sasuke-kun!"
Perhaps.. He should kill her? No, no. The experience in her eyes explained that she no longer would go easy on anyone, that her skill surely met his own.
"AH! SASUKE!"
The Uchiha sat up and looked at his annoying subordinate and his eyes widened a tad. Suigetsu looked traumatized, and angry. Karin seemed to be seething. Juugo was silent, as per usual. As Sasuke looked around, he suddenly became angry, yet well-matched as well.
Everything but the futons they slept on and the clothes they wore were gone. Sasuke's weapon, Suigetsu's sword, Kaarin's glasses even, and everything else they didn't have on their person, including their shoes.
"They took my sword!" Suigetsu growled.
"My glasses are gone!"
Juugo pressed his ear against the wall connecting to Kotone's room. He turned to Sasuke.
"They're gone."
"WHAT?!" Karin and Suigetsu yelled.
"But we can catch them. They aren't far."
"LET'S GO!" Suigetsu and Karin bolted out of room and into the snowy outdoors.
Well met, Kotone Kimiko, Sasuke thought to himself, striding out of the inn, his bare feet meeting the agonizingly cold snow, well met.
-:-
They had originally planned on running away to their homeland during the night. After the trio robbed the criminals blind, they bolted out into the night, but were met with the aftermaths of the storm; snow. Kotone and the Akivi had never seen it before, due to living in a desert nearly all of their lives, and their escape was delayed as they played with the white frost. Amaterasu nearly disappeared in it, her pale features matching the slush.
"Milady," Aiko suddenly spoke, "They're going to catch up to us soon."
"I suppose we should keep moving," Kotone responded, "But this.. 'snow' is so very intriguing."
Milady, Akio gestured, I'm positive we will see it again. Now let us retreat.
The trio continued, with Akio carrying the large sack of stolen merchandise, though he held the redheaded woman's glasses in his mouth (through his mask) in hopes of not breaking them. Aiko swung the large sword around haphazardly.
Before long, they were facing an angry redhead.
"YOU!" She shouted, "GIVE US BACK OUR THINGS!"
Akio pulled down his mask, and Karin watched with confusion. He was quite handsome.. But not like Sasuke! She turned red with fury when she realized he stuck out his tongue at her and bolted off in a separate direction, causing the ginger beast to follow him. He left his bag of merchandise with Kotone and Aiko.
Soon the other one caught up, his sharp teeth waiting to take a chunk out of Aiko.
"Why, hello there," he began, but then stopped upon seeing the attractive woman with his weapon.
"Idiot~!" She sang before running away, causing Kotone to nearly go after her, but stopped, realizing the big smile on Aiko's face.
The twins were having fun. The princess leaned on their bag of stolen articles. She would wait until they were done. Unless..
A calm Uchiha appeared, his expression neither angry nor amused.
Now it was time for her fun, she supposed.
-:-
A young Sasuke watched as his parents interacted, their movements stiff yet kind. When his father disappeared, the little Uchiha appeared before his mother.
"Why do you love father?" He asked bluntly.
The woman tucked a strand of midnight hair behind her hair before smiling, "Well, you see Sasuke, everyone is simply half a person."
The little boy gasped, "Only half?"
"Mmhmm," his mother nodded, "only half. What do you think that means?"
"You're broken!" Sasuke responded.
"Ahaha! That's right!," The brunette laughed, "It means that you're one broken into two. So, I love your father because he is my other only half. My perfect fit!"
-:-
Amaterasu watched as the last of Sasuke's henchman stood a while back, giving his leader appropriate space. The Uchiha sent one single glance to the bag before meeting her gaze.
"Do you think this is funny?"
".. Yes."
The boy with black hair similar to a raven was confused. She thought it was funny? But.. she didn't have emotions.. Right?
Why did she make him so angry?!
Sasuke approached the girl, hoping to make her shining light look smaller. He failed and pinned her up against a pine tree, not caring when snow fell heavily to the ground from the force he used to peg her.
He wasn't sure what he wanted to say, but he just glared into her eyes. Then, she looked to the sack of (most likely) his possesions and turned back to him.
"You can take your things back. We just wished to delay you slightly."
Suddenly, above their heads, Suigetsu and Aiko appeared, still playing a game of cat and mouse. Sasuke noted how Kotone's expression softened.
"Though, I've never seen them this happy."
Sasuke turned away, snatching the bag of his things.
"Stay out of my way for now on, unless you want to get hurt," he deadpanned.
Kotone watched him as he began to walk away. She could not imagine how angry Naruto would be if she did not say something about returning to Konoha. Stepping forward, she snatched the Uchiha's wrist. He was cold.
"You should.. visit."
Telling him to come back would go against what she said earlier, that she was not here to convince Sasuke to return.
He felt her icy grip on his wrist and realized just how snugly her hand fit. In the back of his mind, the criminal felt like he should grab her hand and run off, forcing her to join him. Her power was great, and her skills were notable; he would've liked having her by his side in battle.
"Well, you see Sasuke, everyone is simply half a person."
The Uchiha snaked his hand into hers and felt her stiffen. Her hand was not small, nor big, but seemingly just the right size to fit nicely in his own hand.
In a quick motion, he slapped her arm away and snarled. What was he thinking? She wasn't worth his time.
"Don't follow me, and stay away unless you want to get hurt."
"It means that you're one broken into two."
Sasuke stole a glance behind him, noting how the pale damsel seemingly blended into the snow. If people were colors, she would be white, and he would be black. Yin and Yang.
"So, I love your father because he is my other only half."
Constantly fighting, yet mixing.. thoroughly.
"My perfect fit!"
-:-
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A/N: Bad ending is bad XD I'm sorry for such a bad special, but I got really into it and I don't have a BETA reader so there are probably a lot of mistakes :c I'm really sorry. Anyways. Sorry.
Thanks to..
[Reviewers]
(ShadowBloodNinja) - I am glad we are PMing :) Though I will still thank you here c: Thank you very much v.v Ah, I've thrown some bad tantrums. Dads are just.. stupid sometimes :3 but one day he will learn; I'm sure. It's Christmas Day.. and our Christmas Tree isn't even fully decorated XD
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