Butterflies

"Me? I'm nobody. I'm not skilled like Uchiha-san. I am not passionate like Haruno-san. I am not smart like Nara-san. I'm not as strong as Chouji-san. I'm not as collected as Aburame-san. Or as pretty as Yamanaka-san. I'm not as confident as Inuzuka-san. If anything, I'm like Hyuuga-san, socially awkward. Oh wait, no, she's just shy. The socially awkward one is me." OC! Team 7 remix!

Chapter 51 – Chouji: I'll be here

8-8

Namiki Aya. The more I get to know you, the less certain I feel around you. I mean… I'm sharing a room with an Anbu Operative. One that I've never seen before, that I don't know. And definitely one that doesn't trust me. I'm glad he doesn't have any sharp, pointed or heavy things in his reach, because they looks he's been giving me…

But, the point is, that I've already learned that there are four other Anbus in this house, not including Kakashi. Five Anbus that were injured during the invasion, just like me. And Aya took them all in, to help them recover.

Aya didn't know any of them before the invasion – even Hikaru admits that. Aya doesn't have to care what happens to them, but she does. And I'm starting to get the impression that these Anbus, and the unfamiliar voices that keep shouting downstairs, are going to be a bit zealous guarding Aya from now on.

What's worse, though, is whenever Kakashi comes up to check on his colleagues. He takes his time talking to each of them, even if they don't say much. Then, when he gets to Hikaru, they mostly just take turns talking about what they'd do to anyone that hurts Aya in any way. They've been quite graphic too.

This time, Hikaru's talking about the unique things that genjutsu can do to you, and how he's been meaning to test this one genjutsu that he'd considered too barbaric to use on enemies.

I shiver. Something too horrible to use on someone trying to kill you, but obviously more than willing to use it on me.

"Hikaru!" Aya announces, suddenly in the room with us. "How many times have I told you not to try sitting up yet! I swear to Kami-sama, you're just begging me to refuse you your sweets and sake! What is wrong with you!?"

"Sorry, doc. I'm just trying to see something other than your ceiling, you know?" Hikaru tries, obviously knowing better than to get on Aya's bad side.

"I don't want to hear it!" She tells him plainly. "If you can try, for just one day, to not make me restart your heart, I'll arrange that you spend a few hours outside. Will that shut you up?"

"Doc, that would be awesome!"

"Then it's settled. But let me warn the both of you… if either of you tries harming Chouji… you'll find out just how combat capable I am." She almost sings, her voice joyous and cheery. Then her face morphs into what could only be considered demonic, her tone dark and holding the promise of death. "Is. That. Understood."

Both Anbus swallow painfully, nodding.

"Chouji, are you comfortable sharing your room with this man?" Aya asks. "I can make other arrangements."

"It's fine. Besides, where would you put me?"

"In my room, if it comes to that." She says glaring at the two clearly shocked shinobi.

"I don't th-"

"Kakashi." Aya's tone is sweet. Far too sweet. "I don't remember asking for an opinion on the matter. Do you?"

Kakashi-sensei swallows again. "N-no, ma'am."

"That's right. I didn't. Now, if you continue to be so bratty, I'll just have to tell daddy just what you've been doing with my poor, defenceless sister when you think no one's watching. I mean, even being messed up like you are, a civilian is no match for you, am I right?"

Ouch. That's so low I think his feet are aching from the blow. I glance at Kakashi-sensei, seeing his visible patches of skin go ghostly pale.

"Now, I hope I've made myself clear." Aya coos, smiling and batting her eyelashes at them.

"C-crystal." Kakashi manages.

8-8

It's going on midnight, but for the first time in days, sleep just won't come. I try counting the beams holding up the ceiling, I try counting backwards from a thousand – twice. Nothing seems to work. Sleep hates me right now.

"How does a runt like you land a girl like that…?" Hikaru says out of the blue.

"You got me there." I admit. What's the point of denying it? Girls like Aya, those one in a billion girls, they don't fall for shmucks like me. "If you figure it out, let me know?"

"I'm being serious." Hikaru sounds annoyed.

"So am I." I counter. "I don't know what I did to catch her eye. And I certainly don't deserve her."

He snorts. "Got that right."

"But… she loves me." I say, wondering about that for the umpteenth time. "By some miracle, she doesn't just care about me, she loves me." I shake my head, trying to make sense out of nonsense.

"Tell me something I don't know." Hikaru says, his tone sour. "Did you know that she sleeps in your bed most nights?"

Hmm, maybe that's why I can't sleep? I've subconsciously gotten used to having her here? "No."

"Did you know that she talks in her sleep? That she's been mumbling 'Akimichi Aya' every night since I woke up?"

Akimichi Aya… And here I thought she'd demand I take her name. "No." I probably sound too amused for his liking, because he growls.

"You… you best pray you don't ever make that girl cry."

I'm the one that snorts this time. "Sorry, Hikaru, but you'll have to get in line. I think uncle Shikaku has front row for that. And I think Zabuza and Kakashi are close seconds."

"Boy, you have no idea, do you." That isn't a question. "Everyone that worked with her mother would happily kill you if you break her heart. And a lot of still active Anbu Operatives worked with her mother."

"Yeah, and the doctors at the hospital that worked with her father wouldn't even try to save my life. I know that. Then there's her godmother, I've yet to hear about who her godfather is, but I'm sure that if he's alive he'll be every bit as bad. And auntie Yoshino…" I shiver. "Have you ever seen an upset Nara?"

"You know… and yet you risk it?" He asks, curious.

"… Yeah." I think about that. "You know that kid I came in here with? He's an orphan. His parents moved here a few years ago, looking for a better life, but got blindsided during a scuffle with a spy trying to make a break for it."

"You're point?" He doesn't sound impressed.

"When I met him, he was busy pickpocketing. He got caught by the wrong kind of people." I explain seriously. "All I could think at the time was how easily that could have been Aya, or Naruto. How similar their stories were, because of how messed up the system is towards orphans."

I frown, remembering how the mercenary Katsuo was targeting picked him up by his arm, ready to snap the boy's neck on the spot.

"I ended up taking him to the police myself, to make sure he arrived in one piece, but… the police just gave him a fine and sent him on his way. A fine! Someone is struggling to survive and you punish them by charging them for what they're forced to do in order to survive."

"A point. Do you have one?" Hikaru asks, annoyed.

Honestly no. I'm mostly just trying to kill some time, hoping that I pass out. "Did you know that Aya took him in? That she paid that fine herself? That she's been taking care of him just like she's been taking care of us? That she wrote him into the academy and is paying his tuition?" I think about that some more. "How does someone like that fall for someone like me?"

As usual, the answers don't come.

The door slides open, but I can't see who's there. "Can't sleep?" Aya asks, worry in her tone.

"Yeah, sorry."

"Don't be. I've gotten used to curling up in your bed." She admits, suddenly by my bedside. I look up at her, wondering why there are smudges under her eyes, like she hasn't been sleeping well.

"You alright?" I ask, cupping her cheek.

"Yeah. Just tired."

"Did she make it?" Hikaru asks, but I'm not sure I understand what's going on. Did something happen?

"It was a close call, but yes. Hana's staying with her to make sure she doesn't slip away." Aya crawls into my bed, curling up with her head on my arm. She sighs, worn out and frustrated. "Wake me if anything happens?" I nod, unsure I'll even be awake for it myself.

Her breathing evens out almost immediately.

"Hey, Hikaru. What's the trick to make my toe wiggle?" I ask.

"You make it." He tells me, his tone serious. "Focus on one of your toes so hard that your body will force itself to make a connection."

Well, if sleep won't come, I should at least try to make use of the time I'm awake. It's a bit hard to focus on my toe when I could focus on Aya instead, but… this is for her. If she's giving this her all, then there's no way I won't do the same.

8-8

"Hey, Chouji." Shika greets me, walking into the room. I put my finger against my lips to tell him to keep it down. Aya's still sleeping. He smiles, fixing the sheet to make sure she isn't cold. "So this is where she's been hiding." He sounds amused.

"She came in sometime around midnight." I say, worried. She's been pushing herself so hard, trying to care for some pretty intensive patients.

"Well, things should be easier on her now. Tsume just arrived with two medics and two medics in training." Shika says, hooking a few stray strands behind Aya's ear. "Let her know when she wakes up?"

"Nn." I nod, regretting it instantly. Aya's stirring, grumbling and saying something about stupid ferrets.

Her eyes flutter, but she seems to be refusing to wake up. I smile, amused with the annoyance clearly announced on her face.

"Shh, go back to sleep." I whisper, kissing her forehead. She nods, liking that idea. Her breathing evens out again.

"Breakfast is ready. Maki and Hitomi will bring up for you guys, but mom wanted me to check where Imouto-chan was hiding."

"Hey, is mom here?" I ask. Shika nods, questions in her eyes. "You mind letting her know that I got all ten of my toes to wiggle?"

"Careful, Chouji. If you end up being one of the stubborn ones, she's going to blame it on your roommate." Shika teases, smirking. He might be smirking, but there's laughter in his eyes. He's happy.

"I'll gladly take the blame." Hikaru announces, puffing out his chest.

8-8

That afternoon, Aya organized the troops, 'dragging' all six patients down the stairs and outside into the back yard. It's been forever since I've been able to just 'sit' here and enjoy the sunlight. None of us are allowed to sit up yet, but Yasu-san arranged that we all have hats to make sure we aren't troubled by the sun.

Hikaru is enjoying his sake with Kakashi-sensei and Zabuza-san. Chinatsu is smoking her cigarettes with Asuma-sensei, who was dragged here by Kurenai-sensei to get him out of the house – and into someone else's it seems. Kanon, the only other female patient, is on her third helping of dumplings. Rokurou is busy throwing kunai at a target Anko-san set up for him. Shouta is trying to flirt with Hitomi, but Aya gave him a dirty look and he shut up quickly. And Akio is busy stretching his legs manually – using his hands.

I smile, seeing other patients with similar problems, all handling it in their own way.

"Oi, Chouji! Look at you, sprawled off and cloud watching without us." Ino teases. She and Shika make their way over to us, bearing snacks.

"Hey, don't blame me if you guys are slow." I tease right back.

"Hold on, let me help." Aya says, suddenly at my side. She carefully leans me onto my side, setting something under me and leans me back. I find myself propped up a bit – not much, but enough to eat my dumplings without worrying about choking on them.

Aya fixes my hat for me, angling it just right so I can still watch the sky without getting the sun in my eyes. "You joining us?" I ask, hoping.

"For a little while, yeah. I need to trai-"

"Aya. You've been training yourself into a rut. Please, just take the afternoon off and spend some time with me?" I beg. She looks like she wants to argue with me, but I beg her with my eyes. She nods a moment later.

"Aya, sweetie, you finally taking a break?" Yasu-san asks from somewhere near the house – I can't see her or the house, so I can only guess. "Good. I brought you some ~ice cream~!" I smile, glad Yasu-san is getting on her case to rest sometimes too.

"Yasu-nee, I love you, you know that?" Aya beams, accepting her chocolate ice cream with a goofy grin. I feel everyone's mood lighten at hearing the joy in Aya's tone. Without missing a beat, Aya snuggles up with me, laying her head against my chest, and starts on her ice cream before it melts.

I can just barely make out the subtle glances of the other patients, but I feel more eyes on us than just them. The out of uniform shinobi that I've heard over the past days, all of them are making their way out here to join us, bring snacks, junk food, more sake and a few new packs of cigarettes for the two Sarutobis.

Maki joins us as well, but Yasu-san looks like she wants to head back inside. "Yasu-chan?" Kakashi-sensei calls to her. I see her turning to him from the corner of my eye. "I think you could use some fresh air too, you know." He pats the grass beside him.

"I really can't. I need to start on lunch you know." She tries begging off.

"We'll pick something up, Yasu. Really. You can't order your little sister to take it easy, if you yourself refuse to." Hitomi-san counters. I smile, liking how everyone tries to take care of Yasu-san the same way she takes care of everyone.

"I agree, Yasu-chan. You should try to relax a little. Otherwise you'll make me want to come inside and try to cook just so you won't have to." Kakashi-sensei says. Judging from how everyone tenses, I'd say that's more of a threat. Still, not my problem.

"Kashi-chan… you wouldn't dare try cooking again." Yasu-san sounds worried.

"Not if you're out here to keep an eye on me, I wouldn't." He bargains. I like how Yasu-san turns to Aya for help, but Aya's too busy enjoying her ice cream to even notice; or care.

"Oi, Yasu-san. Give it up already. You've been in that kitchen more than anywhere else in the house." Fuu teases, making her way over with some of the others. Kami-sama, this house is packed lately.

"Yeah, I mean, it's not like you of all people don't deserve a day off." Hmm, the new redhead… Karin? Yes, I think her name was Karin.

"Oi, it's not like we don't appreciate everything you do for us, you know. We just want you to relax a little too." Okay… I know this voice. Minori! Wow, it seems everyone is coming to join us.

"What about you, Asami-chan? What do you think?" Yasu-san asks. I turn, seeing the sullen looking Asami-san, trying to smile as brightly as she can. No one's buying it.

"Honestly, I just feel like take out. I wouldn't mind coming with you, Hitomi-san?" Asami tries. I think she just wants to get out of the house a bit. She's been holed up in her room for days, as far as I know.

"Well, I feel like some barbecue." Auntie Yoshino joins the fray. I try not to laugh – I don't think Aya would like having to balance her ice cream through that.

"That's a good idea, Yoshi-chan. I could order ahead to make sure everything's ready." Mom? Wow, everyone really is coming out here to join us.

I kind of zone out, not really caring too much either way. It seems Yasu-san's given up on trying to get away, and seeing as the discussion is no longer about whether or nor to order, but what… well, I'm not too surprised when Yasu-san plops onto the grass next to Kakashi-sensei.

"Oi, I don't care what we order. So long as it goes with sake." Zabuza says, helping Maki to sit down comfortably on the ground. "I'll tell you what. Haku can have my vote. Whatever she feels like eating is fine with me."

I shake my head, turning all of my attention to the brunette still digging into her ice cream without a care. She's slowing down though, and her eyes are getting heavy. She's probably still really tired.

I grab the tub, just as it's about to slip out of her grip. She doesn't even notice. "Mom?" I call. Mom comes over taking the tub of ice cream and the spoon, probably taking it back in to kitchen before the ice cream melts. "Thank you."

With nothing I'd rather do more, I hold Aya close to me, letting her snuggle all she wants. I pointedly ignore the 'aww's and the gushing from the female population out here though.

Aya doesn't seem to like the noise, so she straddles me, burying her face in my chest. I just shake my head, amused with her. Fast asleep, and still trying to get me killed.

"If any of you so much as thinks of waking my daughter… you will be dealing with me." Auntie warns, her tone dangerous. I look over, seeing her glaring at some of the new faces. Anko-san seems to agree, cracking her knuckles menacingly. I shrug. No one's stupid enough to touch me with Aya sleeping this close to me – she gets cranky if someone wakes her up when she's tired.

8-8

End Chapter 51

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A/N: Wow, I'm really spoiling you guys today... I need to work on that.