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 56 – Bothersome troubles

8-8

I look around the Council Chambers, finding the Shinobi Councilmen, the two elders, the Sand Trio, and some faces I don't recognize bearing Sand headbands.

"You summoned me?" I try being polite. This is not the time or place to be a brat – tempting though it may be.

"Yes, we have." Daddy begins. Everyone remembers from last time that daddy knows how to word things in a way I won't be a brat over. So he seems to have been given the role of 'negotiator'. "As you know, I just came back from Sand about their terms for surrender. Though I'm not at liberty to discuss those terms with you, there is something you've been requested for."

"Yes, daddy? I'll help if I can."

He nods seriously. "One of the suggestions that was made, is an arranged marriage between Temari and a member of one of the more prominent clansmen of Konoha. Temari and her brothers requested that you be here on their behalf."

"Oh?" That catches me of guard, but I shake off my shock and try to focus on the present. "Very well. Has anyone been put forth from Konoha?"

"… Shikamaru." Daddy eyes me carefully, knowing that if anything would get me to act up, it's this.

"… I'm not sure I understand what role I might play in this. Perhaps I just need more information?" I try to dim it down, but I'm sure daddy sees the fire in my eyes nonetheless.

"There are only three viable members of Konoha's more affluent clans. Akimichi Chouji," My breath hitches. "which Chouza refused. Inuzuka Kiba, which Temari refused. And Shikamaru." He's begging me with his eyes to calm down. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. And I think about that.

"You offer me not only half a story, but an illogical one. I will never motion for Shikamaru to be saddled with an arranged marriage, and we both know mom will never accept that." I let the options roll around in my mind, thinking about what the best move to make is. "The only thing I can come up with… is a tentative agreement."

There's some murmuring, but no one seems to want to say anything concrete.

"She hasn't refused him, but I can imagine she doesn't know him well enough to agree to a lifetime commitment. Add to that, Shikamaru's position? She knows that agreeing to this will prevent her from ever moving back to Sand, unless she can convince the Naras, Yamanakas, Akimichis and likely the Sarutobis to move to Sand with them – which isn't going to happen." I think about it some more. "What I propose is this. Put off marriage talks for the time being. Give them a chance to grow close on their own. If you need to give it a name, 'formal courtship' will do."

"I see." Daddy says, thinking about that.

"However, this leads to several critical factors as well." I say, but shrug, acting like I don't care.

"Such as?" Daddy knows, I can tell by the amused glint in his eyes.

"Should they agree to this, it'll be hard to court someone in a holding cell. The only logical option would to arrange something less… death row?" Chouza-san smirks. I think he understands where I'm going with this. "That would mean arranging a welcoming environment in which both parties may find themselves at ease in. Naturally, given the state of things, there cannot be so much freedom as to risk… unwanted incidents?"

"… What would you suggest, Aya?" The he-elder –I really need to be introduced to them– asks.

"Suggest?" I ask, thinking about that. "I could suggest many things. However, without more input from this council, and without binding agreements from Temari, Kankuro and Gaara… then I will suggest nothing."

There's murmuring again, but all I care to notice is the pride in daddy's eyes. "Very well, Aya. What do you need to know?" The she-elder asks.

"Sand delegates. What is your reasoning for demanding this from Temari?"

The three Sand delegates share an uncertain look. "… I should think that is obvious. Temari is the only daughter of our former Kazekage. As such, she is in the unique position to be…" Yeah, he finally notices that I'm glaring him into an early grave.

"I would advise you to never speak of any person in such terms." I warn him, then turn on a dime towards the stoic looking blonde. "Temari, as I've laid the terms out, would you agree to them?"

She thinks about that. "Yes. I would."

"Enough to swear on your personal honour, on your family's honour, that you will not flee from Konoha. That you will do all that you can to help rebuilt our village, to defend her should the need arise?" Everyone stiffens. Honour towards others is a fluid concept in the shinobi world. Honour for oneself and one's family, however, is worth more than life itself.

"… So long as I am given choice. That I may choose to accept or deny any suitor. Yes, I swear it on my family's, on my clan's honour." As she speaks, her shoulders are tucked back, her chest puffed out. Her eyes show the steel in her spine. She would sooner die than to go back on the words she just spoke.

"Is this an agreement this council can live by?" I ask, mostly to daddy, because I really don't like dealing with most of the idiots in this room.

It takes almost five minutes before the murmuring dies down. "Yes, this is an acceptable proposal." The Sand delegates say.

"Konoha would also agree with this." The she-elder says, her tone severe for some reason. She's too accustomed to having too much power.

"Very well. They I would propose the following. Have her relocated to a safe location. One which both Council and Temari can agree on. And let her and Shikamaru figure this out for themselves." I say, shrugging. I can't believe these idiots can't figure this out for themselves. Why did I need to get involved?

"I have a proposal." Crap. Shimura Danzo. "I would not agree to releasing them from custody, unless they are placed in Anbu care. As such, I would have a team to tend to Temari, and to guard her."

"Unacceptable!" Temari cries out. "I am not going anywhere and leaving my brothers to rot in a cell!" I smile. She said 'brothers'. As in, plural. So she does care for Gaara, she probably just doesn't know how to reach him anymore.

"… Pending which team is assigned to them, that is something I could agree to." Shimura-san says.

"Who would you suggest, Danzo?" Daddy asks, frowning ever so slightly.

"Wolf's team." I don't react. But… for the love of Kami-sama! Why am I always getting dragged into things!? I didn't do anything bad… lately!

There's some murmuring again.

"Dragon would have to approve. And this isn't something that can be arranged on a whim." Daddy points out. "But, it is something we can at least discuss."

"Agreed. I propose we adjourn this meeting so that arrangement can be made. Should Dragon disagree, we will reconvene to discuss further details."

8-8

Shockingly, Wolf is called to report to Dragon not an hour later. Only, not in Dragon's office, but the Hokage's office. I show up, Rabbit shadowing me. "You summoned me?"

Dragon, the two elders and Shimura-san are here. "Yes, Wolf. I'm sure you're aware of why."

"I might be. Tell me anyway?"

"The Sand Trio. I would give you and a team of your choosing a long term B-rank mission to guard them, and to facilitate not only their integration into Konoha, but a plausible relationship between Temari and Nara Shikamaru." Dragon explains. "That would mean that you be given free reign on where the trio lives, who they are allowed to interact with, and whether or not they be allowed their armaments."

So many long term missions. How interesting. And I get to pick my own team too? Dragon, you spoil me! "I would need Salamander, Penguin and Rabbit. The location will not be disclosed. And I would appreciate it if there were no… uninvited guests."

"That is agreeable. Assemble your team, collect the Sand Trio and have Salamander report in daily." Dragon demands.

"At once." And we're out.

8-8

-Hey, Naru-nii. You got a minute?-

-Yeah, sure. What's up?-

-We need more space. And the couple across the road died during the invasion. Thinking on making a bid.-

-What about the house next door? Wasn't that for sale?-

-Momochi-san already bought it. He just hasn't moved in, since he likes being close to Maki without having to telegraph that he likes being close to Maki.-

-Ah. Are you sure we can afford it? I mean, mortgages aren't cheap.-

-I'm getting A-rank pay for this thing with you and Sasuke. B-rank pay for managing the Uchiha District. And now again B-rank pay for minding Temari and her brothers.- I point out. -Even if I can't afford to outright buy the place, the mortgage won't put a dent in our plans.-

-Hmm. Good point. Well, asking for a quote on the place can't hurt. Run the numbers, see what you come up with.-

-That's the plan. I'll let you know when I know more.-

-Alright. Oh, and if those old ghouls ask again, tell them we have a solid lead. We're heading there now.-

-Will do. Stay safe, Naru-nii.-

-Always.-

8-8

We arrive at T&I's reception desk. That these people have –or need– a receptionist is just sad. "Wolf and team. Here to pick up Temari, Kankuro and Gaara for transportation." I announce. 'Takara' eyes me warily. She's probably wondering why the youngest member of our team is speaking. I don't care.

"Will you need their shackles?" She asks, her tone professional, if nothing else.

"No. So long as that seal is still on the boy, we'll be fine." I say. The woman nods, leading us down into the holding cells. The cell of the Sand Trio is opened. Only I enter.

"Temari. Kankuro. Gaara." I begin. The three of them eye me, wondering what's going on. "You will follow me." I motion them out of the cell. I have them line up against the wall, and 'Takara' undoes their cuffs, shackles, and whatever else these three were locked down with. The Sand Trio look relieved.

After 'Takara' takes that crap with her, I address my charges once again. "I am Wolf. With me are Salamander, Penguin and Rabbit." I thumb towards each of them as I call their codename. "You three are in our care until further notice."

"I understand. I assure you, we will not make your jobs difficult." Temari says, bowing politely – from the hip. I look to Rabbit, finding that she's looking to me as well.

I tilt my head to one side. "Time will tell, right?" Temari stiffens, obviously upset that I doubt her words. "We're heading out. You three will follow me."

I lead them down the hall, Salamander to my right, Penguin and Rabbit taking up the rear. I don't pay too much attention to the Trio, mostly I'm just making sure they aren't thinking something stupid. And making sure they see that. I love messing with people sometimes.

Once we make it to the stairs, I turn to the Trio and smile – not that they can see it. "Sorry that we're taking the slow route." I'd arranged with the team that they'd watch from the shadows and I'd stick with our charges to guide them. They each have a charge to monitor, but it's mostly just for show. I know these three will do nothing bothersome.

8-8

We don't stop anywhere, and I take the quietest route, but it still takes a good half hour before we arrive in the quiet little street I live on. Once we're at the gate, our three shadows reappear and I open the gate so we can enter.

The kids are all training in the front yard, but they stop when they see us in uniform leading three unknowns into our den. I close the gate, nod to them and lead our three charges inside.

I lead them into the visitors' sitting room, motioning for them to have a seat. I'm not too surprised that they each seat in seiza, lined up by age. I sit down across from them, Rabbit sitting down with me.

"Welcome. The three of you will be staying here, in my home, in my den, until other arrangements can be made. I don't know when, and frankly it doesn't matter. The point is, you will be among my pack. That means that I need each of you to take three vows. Deny this, and I'll keep you in a hole under the earth until I need you for something." I say, my tone severe, unbending.

Only Gaara doesn't swallow hard.

"The first is that you will not harm anyone without my express permission. We are your guards, so there will be no need for any of you to fight. Do you vow this on your personal and family honour?"

"I do." They answer as one, bowing their heads reverently.

"The second is that you will not reveal any information you gleam here. Not of who comes here, not of who stays here, and certainly not the identities of any Anbu Operative you happen across. Do you vow this on your personal and family honour?"

"I do." They once again answer as one, bowing their heads reverently.

"The last is that you will not fight me, verbally or otherwise. If you disagree on something, you will ask for an audience with me and we will discuss the matter privately and calmly. Do you vow this on your personal and family honour?"

"I do."

I take off my mask, stowing it in my vest like I usually would. The three of them are clearly shocked. "Hi." I tease. "You understand now why the council trusts 'Wolf' to guard you?"

They don't answer for a while. Too shocked. "A-aya?" And that's the only thing Temari can manage, after almost a minute of silence.

"Yes, Temari?" I smirk, enjoying their reaction.

"You're…? Seriously!?"

"Is it really so hard to believe?" I wonder, a teasing smile on my face. "Salamander, Rabbit, Penguin. I'll take watch. You three go inform mom and daddy that we're here waiting for them."

"Aya." Rabbit looks uncertain, but the other two leave without a word.

"Yes, Rabbit?" I turn to her, honestly wonder what the problem is. "I trust that they will honour their word, but if you are really worried, you outrank me."

"… Actually, this is your mission. You're calling the shots."

"I know. But it might make you feel better if I don't care about that." I tease, but I'm quick to focus on more serious matters. "I trust you, Rabbit. If your gut tells you there's something to worry about, then please stay by my side."

8-8

It's almost an hour later that daddy, mom and Shika-nii join us. Yasu-nee brings in some snacks and some tea, but as she's turning to leave, daddy asks her to call Katsuo and Sakiko so they can join us. We quietly munch on the snacks until Yasu-nee and Sakiko join us.

We line up according to 'importance'. Daddy furthest to the left. Then mom. Shika-nii comes next – because he's the Nara heir. Then Yasu-nee, myself, Katsuo and Sakiko. I do my best to subtly nudge them and use Sound Release: Whispering Winds to tell them what protocol expects of them.

Once everything is set, daddy begins. "I understand that this situation is a little… unorthodox. Please, allow me to introduce everyone. I am Nara Shikaku. This is my wife Yoshino and our son Shikamaru. Then we have the Namikis, Yasu, Aya, Katsuo and Sakiko. Though we are not related by blood, I assure you the Namikis are just as much my children as Shikamaru is."

"I understand, I think. I am Temari. These are my little brothers Kankuro and Gaara." She says, being every bit as polite as daddy.

"An honour to meet all three of you in a more… relaxed environment." Daddy teases lightly. "Please, if you would. I would like to know your family name?"

"Kazekage." Temari says, almost shrugging. I roll my eyes. That must be a hoot to do introductions in Sand. "We tend to not tell people. The questions have gotten… boring."

"I… can only imagine." Daddy says, a smile in his tone. "Now, onto more pressing matters. Temari, as per the agreement, you and Shikamaru will be dat-"

Mom bristles. "I believe the agreement was that they would take time to get to know one another… and THEN consider dating."

"Troublesome. Yoshi-chan, that's what I was trying to say. I just organized my words differently." Daddy placates. I see him rubbing her lower back to help her calm down. "Now, for the time being we will be living in the same house. That means you have to put up with my fiery wife. And trust me, she isn't afraid to let you know exactly what she thinks."

"I hope we can get along well." Temari says, bowing politely to mom. I smirk. Temari, that depends entirely on you.

"I'm sure we'll get along fine, Temari-chan." Mom says, smiling warmly. "While we're on the subject. You three should know that I'm likely to mother each of you."

The Sand Trio stiffen, unsure how to respond to that.

"I'm not trying to take the place of your mother, nor am I saying you should call me mom. I'm just telling you how I am." Mom explains calmly. "I'm sure you'll notice in time just how close-knit we are."

"Nn. It's… actually been pretty obvious, Nara-sama." Temari says, smiling a bit.

"Please, call me Yoshino. Calling me by my family name could refer to practically anyone."

"Nn. That goes for me as well." Daddy agrees. "We might not know how things will develop between you and Shikamaru, but the point stands that we're living under the same roof."

Then the room goes quiet. Everyone obviously expects Shika-nii to say something. "Troublesome. At least it's not an outright engagement."

"Shi. Ka. Nii~iiii…" I drawl in warning.

Shika-nii winces. He knows that mom would get on his case if I didn't do so first. "… Sorry, Imouto-chan." He turns his attention to Temari. "You already know me. Please don't expect me to be all formal or any of that crap. It's too troublesome."

"… Alright. Maybe we should… start by ruining the formal mood?" Temari suggest, easing her backside off her legs and sitting a bit more comfortably. "I mean… it's tiring to have to be so proper all the time." She looks away, a bit embarrassed at admitting that.

Katsuo snorts. "I hear that! Hey, Aya-nee, can we go play? Sitting here and listening to everyone talk is sooo booooooring!"

"Daddy?" I direct the question to the right person.

"That's fine. Make sure you Sakiko don't end up getting into another fight though." I snort. Yeah, like that'll happen.

8-8

After a more than bothersome meeting, I drag Gaara with me to introduce him to everyone. He… isn't quite sure how to react to anyone. I don't think I want to know why he gets more and more shy as each new face smiles and introduces themselves.

By daddy's suggestion, the Sand Trio have taken off their headbands and stowed them for now. So, no one that didn't already know who they were think they're anything but guests in our home. Though, to be fair, almost everyone knows who they are and they still smile during the introduction.

"Ooh, Gaara, come upstairs with me. There are still a few people you need to meet!" I say, already dragging him towards the stairs. As to be expected, all eight of my patients are in the 'gym' working out. They stop long enough to introduce themselves to Gaara, but start back as soon as they're done.

"Sorry about them. They're just happy to be training again." I explain, smiling at the idiots that have grown on me. "Chouji-kun, really. You shouldn't try eating while on a treadmill."

"Aw, come on, doc! I'm working out. So I get hungry easily!" He tries. I roll my eyes at him. At least he slowed it down to a relaxed walk.

"Just be sure to be careful, okay?" I try, hoping I don't have to put him back together again. It just… hurts to see him hurt.

"I will be. I promise." He says, smiling at me, even as he takes another bite of his dango – obviously Mitarashi-san bugged Yasu-nee for her favourite today.

I shrug, wondering what there is to add. Nothing, I decide, so I drag Gaara out and towards my bedroom. I knock, knowing this is where I'll end up finding the group I've been missing. My bedroom has the only floor to ceiling mirrors in the house. So I don't doubt this is where Minori dragged her charges.

"Girls? It's me. Is everyone decent?"

"Yeah, come on in Aya!" Minori announces. I open the door, peeking in just in case. Yes, everyone really is decent. "Why are you being so cautious?"

"Because I have Gaara with me, and I wanted to introduce you girls to him." I explain. I grab Gaara, tugging him along. "Gaara, these are Karin, Minori, Fuu and… good Kami… what have you done with Hanabi!"

"… I told you this was stupid!" Hanabi complains, blushing furiously.

"Stupid? Hanabi you look gorgeous!" They got her into one of Minori's furisode kimonos – an Uzumaki red one. "Oh my Kami… I think I'm gonna cry. Someone please tell me you took a picture of our adorable little Hanabi-chan!"

"She's been refusing to pose for us." Karin says, pouting at her.

"Because I look stupid!" Hanabi tries again.

"Hanabi, would I lie to you?" I ask her seriously. She thinks about that before shaking her head, no. "No, I wouldn't. This might not be something you're accustomed to wearing, but you look beautiful." I tell her cupping her cheeks so she's all but forced to look me in the eyes.

"Really?"

"Really." I assure her. "Now come on. Everyone, Gaara. Gaara, everyone."

"Ah, Gaara… I was wondering if I was ever going to meet you." Fuu says, being the first to walk up to him. "Fuu, of the Seven-tails." She sticks out her fist for a fist bump.

Gaara, however, is about ready to pass out from shock. "They know?"

"Huh? Uh, well, yeah? I told them, so I assume they still remember." Fuu teases, smiling brightly.

"G-gaara, of the One-Tail." He manages, bumping fists with her.

"Ehh! Geez, Aya, you got another one in the house? How did you manage that!" Minori's had a… fascination for jinchuurikis ever since she found out about Naru-nii. I'm not sure if it's normal or not, but Asami figures it has something to do with an admiration for the level of Sealing needed to maintain a prison for something as strong as a tailed-beast.

"Well, you know…" I say, making a vague hand gesture. They all roll their eyes. "Gaara's siblings are downstairs as well. Maybe you girls should go introduce yourselves?" They nod, and Fuu takes Gaara by the arm, leading her fellow jinchuuriki downstairs. Hanabi is the still there checking herself out in the mirror.

"Do I really look cute in this?" She asks, likely wondering if my opinion will change now that we're alone.

"You do." I assure her, walking towards and hugging her around her shoulders – to not mess up the fancy knot in her obi. "If you're feeling up to it, why don't you come downstairs and see what everyone thinks?" I scoop out the hairs that are caught in one of the kimono layers, gently tugging them free.

"I dunno… I feel so girly wearing this." I says, still trying to decide if she likes it.

"How about if I put on a kimono and join you? Then you're not the only one wearing one?" I offer.

"Would you? I'd feel like an idiot if I were the only one." She says, gratitude in her eyes.

"Of course. I'll even let you pick out which one." I say, moving to close my door so I can change in peace. "And Rabbit, really, I don't mind you shadowing me while we're home, but can you at least take off the mask?"

8-8

It's almost a half hour later when we make our way downstairs. Not because I take that long to get dressed – usually only my makeup takes that long, but that isn't the reason this time. It takes us so long, because the girls all came back up to see what was taking Hanabi and I so long, and they each decide to put on a kimono as well. Fuu ends up borrowing one of mine – not that I mind. I'm mostly just surprised that it fits her so well.

So, Hanabi, Hinata, Minori, Karin, Fuu, Moegi, Sakiko and I, all of us dolled up like we're ready for a night on the town –if missing makeup– we make our way downstairs. First the gym's occupants stop what they're doing, complimenting us on how beautiful we all look. We thank them, politely excusing ourselves and actually go down the stairs.

"My word! Girls, you look simply adorable!" Akari-san gushes. She just happened to be heading into the kitchen for something, and spots the eight of us slowly making our way down. Akari-san spots Karin, and just melts. "Heavens, daughter, you look…" Words fail her, but the adoration in her eyes says more than words ever could.

"Akari-san, what's…?" Mom comes into the hall to find out why Akari-san's saying these things. "Wow." Mom eyes each of us in turn. "I didn't know Daimyo-sama was coming to dinner! Is there some occasion I forgot about?"

"No, mom." I assure her. "The girls talked Hanabi into trying on a kimono, but she felt a bit self conscious. So I offered to put one on as well, so she sticks out less, and… well…"

"That was very sweet of you, baby." Mom hugs me, kissing me a few times on my brow. "But… no, no, no. This just won't do! We can't have you girls walking around looking this good and not wearing makeup! Come, upstairs! And no, Aya, you're being nearsighted and it taking too long is no excuse! I'll help you."

8-8

So, after all the trouble of getting downstairs –climbing stairs in a constricting kimono that makes you take much smaller steps is NOT fun!– we get to go right back up so mom can feel satisfied we look our very best. Akari-san refuses to be left out this time, so she joins us as well.

It turns out that Yasu-nee heard everything from in the kitchen, so she comes up to join us as well. She decides it would be just adorable to have a dressy evening for no reason, so she grabs one of her kimonos as well. Akari-san and mom end up feeling left out, so they beg Yasu-nee to borrow a kimono from her as well.

We're all in my room, doing our makeup –mom really is helping me with mine, so it won't take forever– when I hear a knock on the door. Minori goes to see who it is.

"Oh, Temari-san! Come on in." She invites the blonde in.

"Why is everyone getting all dressed up?" Temari asks, confused.

"No reason." Minori says, shrugging. "It started out as just getting Hanabi to try one, and… well, we haven't really had a reason to get all dolled up, lately. So…"

"I see. You all look… beautiful." Temari says. I think she's feeling left out.

"Hey, Temari… sorry to bug you with this… but could you maybe go downstairs and bug Haku about joining us? And Maki too? I'd hate to think how they might feel if we don't offer." I say, meaning it. "Then maybe you can borrow one of Haku's kimonos as well?"

"That's a lovely idea, sweetie!" Yasu-nee coos. "Yes, I'm sure my kimonos would fit Maki quite well."

"At this rate, we'll end up going out just for the sake of going out!" Minori teases.

8-8

Another forty-five minutes later, and it turns out that we manage to rope Hana, Hitomi and Aomaru into wearing kimonos as well – it's not like it's even the first time I've seen Ao-chan in a girl's kimono after all.

We make our way downstairs, after once again getting a round of compliments from those STILL in the gym working out. Chouji decides he's had enough of a workout, so I help him down the stairs so he can join us. We pile into the family sitting room, just in time for the doorbell to ring.

At the gate is none other than Tsume –no mask, so it's Tsume– and Kuromaru. After I confirm it's her, I let them in… just in time for Hyuuga-sama to stroll up with his usual shadow.

"Good evening, Namiki-san. Would it be alright if I were to visit my daughters?" He actually asks this time. I sniff the air one extra time, just to make sure it's actually him. Yeah, it's him… weird. But fine.

I let hi… JEEZ! Everyone's coming over around the same time! I think our constantly accepting unexpected dinner guests is getting us the wrong sort of attention! Chouza-san and Remi-san, Inoichi-san and Mariko-san and Ino… "I'm starting to think I should tell people we ran out of sake." I tease, letting them all in.

"Wow, Aya-chan! What's the occasion?" Ino asks, seeing how I'm all dolled up.

"Nothing, really. We all just felt like it. You can borrow one of my kimonos if you feel like joining us." I offer. "Mom won't allow you to not put on some makeup though, so be warned."

"That sounds like Yoshi-chan, alright. And Aya, dear, you look lovely." Remi-san compliments me. I blush, pleased.

"Thank you. Chouji's in the family sitting room. I'm sure he'll be thrilled you guys came."

8-8

Dinner is turning into an affair, once again. One big, confuffle of talking and teasing and laughing and joy… oh so much joy. Remi-san and Mariko-san refuse to let any of us help them in the kitchen, given that they are basically the only two not wearing kimonos. While they're busy cooking, Katsuo starts teasing Sakiko and I about us looking like geisha.

That gives Shika-nii the idea that maybe we are, so he asks me to play a song on my flute again – it's been forever since he's heard me play, he argues. Hinata disagrees with him though.

"I think Aya-chan should sing. I'll play the flute. Maybe Hanabi-chan can play her guitar?" Hina-nee suggests.

"I'll do the drums!" Saki offers. She's pretty good at keeping a beat, so I know she'll keep up just fine.

"… fine!" I give in, already tired of all the begging eyes and pouty lips. "Which song though?"

"Otsuka Ai – Daisuki Da Yo." Hinata demands. My blush is immediate. My eyes flick towards Chouji, seeing him blushing as well… I sigh.

"Fine." I cave. Mom's gushing already, and I can see every kimono wearing, dolled up (pseudo) female making themselves comfortable for tonight's 'concert'. I can already tell this won't end at just one song. Especially since the sake is already getting poured, and Yua is already helping the remaining patients down the stairs.

Even though the original song is written to go with a piano piece, Hanabi does her best to strum up a slow melody for me that's very similar. Hinata chimes in with an almost lazy, dreamy counterpoint. And Sakiko is tapping the top and side of the table, giving me a decent rhythm to work with. I blush, knowing that it's now or never – and they'll never let me live it down if I opt for 'never'.

It seems a waste
To reminisce about you
Because I want to make you mine and mine alone.
I don't really wanna remember you
I mean, it's embarrassing
Grinning to myself.
Even though you were late coming home
Tired from a late night
You picked me up in your arms
Even in my dreams, I knew it.

I miss you so
I couldn't feel any more helpless
I miss you so
I'll always love you.

Did you know,
What I wished for
That night
When we went for a drive?
Did you know,
That I saw our happiness
In the sky we looked up at together?
You took this one 'me' laying there
Made her beautiful and were always there for me.
I miss you so
I don't wanna be any further away from you
I miss you so
I'll always love you.

I miss you so
I couldn't feel anymore helpless
I miss you so
I'll always love you.

I will always, always and forever
I will always love you. La la la.

As I'm humming the last part, my eyes close and really just getting lost in the song, I hear a loud round of applause. Everyone seems to enjoy my singing, not that I'll ever understand why – I always sound so nasal.

My eyes open, and I take in Chouji's dreamy look. Like he feels I was singing just for him. I blush deeply, unsure if I was or not.

"There! I sang for the jury. Can we please-"

"Aw, come on, Aya! You can't just leave us hanging like that! You guys are amazing! And Ino didn't hear you sing!" Minori argues. I roll my eyes, knowing it'd end up like this.

"I'm going to start charging you people an entrance fee or something." I complain. "Fine. What's the next labour of love?"

"I say we go for Butterfly, from Mariah Carey!" Minori tries. I give her a dirty look. "Aw, come on, you love Butterfly! And I've heard you singing it when you think no one's listening!

"And the clue of 'no one listening' wasn't enough?" I complain.

"Aya-cha~aaaaaan, don't be like that. Come on, you know you love me enough to sing this song for me!" Minori just isn't giving up. "Ple~eeeeeeeeeeeeeease." Puppy eyes? Isn't it too early for the puppy eyes?

I sigh. "Fine, but then you're singing the next song!" I'm going to end up being the only one singing. I just know it. And that Yasu-nee's enjoying herself isn't helping! She's going to be the next 'winning argument' that gets me to sing 'just one more song'. I'm such a softie.

8-8

End Chapter 56

8-8

A/N: I really hope I didn't overstate the fluff in this. I wanted the last few scenes to be more of a 'coming down from a tense high' for everyone. And to really show just how different, but how similar, Aya is compared to, say, the first ten chapters?

I might slow down a bit with updates though. I'm really under the weather right now. I'm getting better, but this stomach ache just won't leave me alone; it's driving me nuts!