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 61 – Chouji: The more things change
8-8
Staring at the ceiling. The room is dark, not surprising seeing as it's going on midnight. I should be tired. I'm not. All I can think about is how different life is these days.
Three months ago, I was worried about a girl. A gorgeous girl, don't get me wrong, but still just a girl. Now I wonder how mom's managing with all the groceries – she'd gotten used to me carrying the bags for her. Now I wonder if the contract with those oyster farmers got finalized – it was my idea, considering the nutritional value of oysters, along with the prospect of finding a pearl now and again. Now I wonder if Shika's taking enough time to rest – he always seems worn out when I see him. Same for Ino, but she'd always been the most motivated of us.
Now, I keep thinking of ways to help my team –to help Aya– to slow down a bit, to enjoy the sunshine.
I remember the look on Shika's face when I asked him to take it easy for the afternoon. He initially turned me down, but when I told him that training yourself into a rut is 'too troublesome for words'… I thought he was going to pass out from shock.
Oh, how different life has become.
8-8
"Good morning, sunshine." Kakashi-sensei announces, obviously in a good mood. I rinse out the last of the conditioner before I turn to him.
"Mornin'. You still wearing that mask?" I ask, wondering why it's the only thing he's wearing. I thought it was attached to his shirt, but it could just as easily be a genjutsu.
"Why, or course. Why wouldn't I?" He teases. I shrug. It's none of my business.
I finish washing up, carefully easing into the tub for my morning soak. It's not five minutes later that uncle Shikaku, Haruki and Zabuza join us. Zabuza… is also wearing a mask, just like Kakashi-sensei. I shake my head, not trying to understand.
"Mornin', guys." I greet them.
"Hey, look who's gotten himself into the tub." Uncle teases, smirking. I shrug; this isn't the first time I was allowed in here by myself. "Hey, listen. I need a favour, Chouji."
"Nn?" Uncle needs a favour from me?
"Aya's been worked up about something and she isn't talking to anyone about it. I want you to talk to her." He explains, already washing down.
"She won't talk to auntie or Naruto?" I ask confused. If Aya won't talk to those two about something, there's no hope for me.
"They won't tell me if she did." He explains seriously. "Please?"
"I'll talk to her after breakfast."
8-8
"Hey, doc?" I begin, wondering how to even broach this. "Can I talk to you? Privately?"
"Is everything okay?" She asks, her eyes already filled with worry.
"That's what I want to talk to you about, but it's…" I trail off, rubbing the back of my neck, worried. She nods, understanding. She helps me to stand up, asking me to follow her into her office. I blink. I don't think I've ever been in her office before.
I enter, sitting on the couch as she asks. She closes the door and for some reason I hear a funny buzzing in my ear for a second. "What just happened?"
"Oh, sorry. I activated two seals. One to seal the door so no one can enter, the other to make sure this conversation stays private." She explains, walking over and sitting on the couch beside me. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"That's… kind of what I'd like to know." I begin, scrunching up my face as I think about that. "Uncle Shikaku says something's been bugging you, but you won't talk to him about it. He also says Naruto and auntie Yoshino won't say if they'd already talked to you? I'm not sure if there's something you'd tell me you wouldn't tell them, but… if there's something I can help you with…?"
She smiles, but she's also making a face like she wants to call me a cutie, or something. I think she appreciates me caring about her, but doesn't want me to worry – if I'm reading her right. "Mom and Naru-nii did talk to me already, but the thing that's bugging me isn't something I want daddy to hear about any time soon." She explains, making that face again. "Thank you for caring though. That… means a lot to me."
"Aya…?"
"I'm fine. I promise." She assures me, rubbing my thigh and smiling a bit brighter. "I'm just worried about… someone, and wondering why they aren't telling me something that I know is going on." She says vaguely.
"Alright." I nod, accepting her explanation. "But you're okay?"
"Don't I look okay?" She asks, rolling her eyes at me playfully.
"You look great, but looks can be deceiving. And I know you have a habit of bottling up things that bug you." I say, taking her hand into mine. "If something's bugging you, I promise not even uncle Inoichi will get it out of me."
"Daddy's already sent the bloodhounds to sniff out my mood. If you know anything revealing, he'll figure out a way to get it out of you. That's why I didn't even tell them." She explains, intertwining our fingers. I shrug; she has a point.
"That's fine. But I'm not just talking about this one thing." I clarify. "I mean… if you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you."
"… Thanks." She says, obviously meaning it.
"So, other than that one thing your dad is obviously not supposed to catch wind of. Is there something bothering you? Something you need to get off your chest? Or something you just feel like talking about?"
"Lots of things." She admits, her eyes downcast.
I tug her so she'll lean into me, then I wrap an arm around her. "I've got time."
"… I dunno." She sighs, snuggling into my embrace. "Just, worrying about Tsu, if she's coping with her grief or if she's using me as a shield to not have to. And this whole thing with the Sand Trio, I still haven't talked to them about it to settle things once and for all. And I keep worrying that mom and Yasu-nee are taking on more than they can handle, but I'm not around enough to help them right now. And I keep wondering why Hitomi is so willing to give up her family life to guard me. I mean, even before being officially posted here to shadow me, she was still shadowing me. Doesn't she miss her family? I mean, I know things are a bit… strained in the Hyuuga clan, with the whole main branch versus cadet branch thing, but… I just can't figure out why she's never once even hinted at being homesick, you know?"
I don't interrupt her. I just make a listening sound now and again to let her know I'm still following. How does she keep so much bottled up? I mean, I'd explode if I was worried about half of that stuff!
"Is there anything I can help you with? Maybe I can try helping in the kitchen? I'm used to it at home, and it isn't more than I can handle?" I offer. Even if I can ease just one of her worries, I'd feel better.
"I'm a worrier, Chou-chan. If you take away one, I'll find another." She says, smiling. "Thank you for listening though."
"Hmm… what if we schedule a daily session like this then? I'd like to think I'm a decent listener." I offer. "I mean, think about it. Three birds with one stone. You get it off your chest, I feel like I'm doing something to help, and you don't have to worry about me overdoing it because you'll be right next to me the whole time. Win-win-win."
She smiles, her eyes twinkling. "Deal." We share a brief kiss – far too short, but sweet nonetheless. "But I need to get going. Maybe we can… talk again tonight?"
"I look forward to it."
8-8
I can't believe today's Aya's second day as Hokage-sama's secretary. I mean, I'd never thought Aya'd be the desk job type. Still, I'm grateful. If she's here in the village, I don't have to worry about her being out there somewhere taking on another rogue shinobi. I think her team has brought in more rogues than all other teams combined – whether alive, dead, or just a head is irrelevant.
I keep thinking about that announcement last night though. About how she bought the house across the street. I can't say I'm too surprised, her team's taken more missions that I'm comfortable with. I… don't know what it is, but that girl just scares me sometimes.
Before it used to be because I was afraid she'd skin me alive. Now, I'm more scared for her than of her. I mean, what if she runs into the wrong rogue and gets hurt, or…
I shake off that thought.
I still feel horrible that she ended up being the one to find me during the invasion. Katsuo and I were closer to her place than anywhere else, and I know the security here would keep him safe. I'm glad I was able to save him, of course. That Sound guy kind of came out of nowhere, but…
How would I feel if it were the other way around? If I was the one to find Aya face down in the dirt with a sword sticking out of her back?
I tremble.
I don't think I could keep my sanity intact. Aya's a medic, she was able to save me then, and I don't doubt she'd save me again if something similar were to happen. What could I do? Drag her to the hospital while under fire?
I need to learn some defensive jutsus. Only, I don't even know what element I am. Hmm. I think it's time I start with some simple, innocent, well placed questions.
8-8
"Hey auntie, you got a minute?" I ask, walking into the kitchen. I'm not surprised that auntie and Yasu-san are already busy cooking lunch – no doubt they want something ready in case Aya comes home early.
"Sure. You mind chopping some veggies while you're here?" She asks. I nod, wondering at the big kitchen they have. I mean, there's even a breakfast table with four chairs!
I wash my hands, before sitting down to the table. Auntie already placed the knife, radishes, and cutting board here for me. "I was thinking about my training." I admit, already cutting the radishes the way mom showed me. "Nothing immediate. And I know Aya'd want to green light me before I even try." I add quickly, hoping to not get her defensive.
"Alright." She nods, no longer waving her knife at me. "What were you thinking about?"
"The invasion, to be honest. If I'd known a few defensive jutsus, I might not be in the state I'm in, you know?" I offer.
"Nn. Thinking ahead, I see." Auntie nods, approving. "Well, the best thing you could do is check your primary element. If it's earth like your father's, then you should be able to learn quite a few defensive jutsus. If it's water, you should be fine as well. If not, you could always ask Aya to teach you sound release. She has some amazing defensive techniques, and I'm sure she'd happily teach them to you."
"Nn. That sounds like a good place to start. You know how I can test my primary element?" I ask, seeing her bristle. "Again, auntie, I'm gathering intel. I wouldn't dare try something before Aya green lights me for training."
"Hnn. You'd best remember that! If she, or anyone, catches wind of you training, Chouji…! She has enough going on right now! I do not want you adding another worry to her plate!" Auntie warns.
"I know, that's why I'm gathering information. I want to be able to start reading up on the trainings I could try," I make sure to pause, to not give auntie the chance to confuse what I'm saying. "now that I have the time, so that when Aya says I'm fit to start training, I'll know where I can start." I explain carefully. "Besides, it isn't like I don't already know how much she's worrying about everyone and everything. I don't have it in me to make her worry more."
Auntie studies me for a long moment, as does Yasu-san. "I'll arrange something to test your element. In the meantime, you can ask Hinata about sound release, and maybe some medical jutsu training if you interested. It never hurts to know something about that. And wasn't your father talking about you learning a weapon? There's an entire collection lying around here that Aya would gladly share with you if you ask."
"Nn. Thanks auntie. Now I've got plenty to work with." I think about that. "Do you think dad's coming over again tonight? I'd like to ask him a few questions as well."
"He's here almost every night, so it wouldn't surprise me. He hasn't mentioned not coming, at any rate." She says, thinking about that. "You could always ask your mom if you want to be sure. She should be here soon."
The doorbell rings. "That's must be her. Naruto-ku~uuuuun!" Yasu-san calls out. "Someone's at the door!"
"I already sent two clones, Yasu-nee. It's Remi-san." He answers, sounding like he's in the family sitting room. "Oh, by the way, Chouji." And now Naruto's right behind me.
"Dude! I'm using a knife. Please don't do that." I warn him.
"Sorry, sorry. Listen. I'm going into town in a bit anyway. I can get that thing Yoshino-sensei was talking about. But, then you gotta swear over instant ramen you won't give sis a reason to worry. That this is just for reading purposes for future trainings." He demands. He isn't joking either. Naruto's made me swear over a carton of instant ramen a few times by now.
"Deal. You have one on you?" I ask, smirking. Of course he does. So I go through it, swearing on his sacred ramen that I'm not going to do anything but read and do research.
And just in time for mom to come in with two Naruto clones, each of them carrying bags. "Hey, mom? Why don't you ever seal any of that stuff away?" I ask.
"Because this is a great workout, of course." She says, kissing my brow. "Thank you for helping while I was out."
"No prob. I kinda wanted to ask auntie some questions about training anyway, so it's not like helping is a big deal. Hey, mom, you're an earth release user as well right?"
"Nn. Earth release is almost always the primary element of Akimichi clansmen. Fire is usually the secondary, but we have a few lightning here and there." She explains, already moving to put the food away.
"Hmm. Thanks, then I'm almost certainly an earth release user." I say, happy about that. Aya's also an earth, so I might be able to ask her for some tips and whatnot.
"Probably, but we've had other primaries in the past, and I don't doubt we'll get more in the future. Checking is always smart." She says, smiling. "Thinking about asking a certain someone for some tips?"
"Actually, yeah I am. Aya would certainly know some good defensive earth jutsus. And she'd gladly teach me a few." I admit.
"Oh, just look at my little man. Still in recovery, but already planning what he wants to focus on when he's ready." Mom gushes. "You just make sure Aya approves before you try anything though. I'm sure she has more than enough going on, and we don't want her worrying about you now, too."
"Naruto already made me swear on ramen." I tell her. "And auntie was to the point of not telling me anything for that same reason. Trust me, I'm just trying to figure out what I need to read up on while recovering."
"Good. I don't think I want to ever see that look on her face… when she woke up next to you that day. Not again." Mom is halfway to tears. "Not that I was any better, mind you."
"I know, mom. That's why I want to focus on some defensive jutsus. So there won't be a next time. And…" I try to shake off my weird mood. "And I want to make sure I'll be able to keep Aya safe, if she ever needs me to, you know?"
"That's my Chou-chan for you. Kami, I can't wait to see the cute little munchkins you and Aya give us." I blush, refusing to comment on that. "Oh, Yoshi-chan, don't lie. The second those two get married, you'll be the first one asking about grandkids. We both know I'm not alone in this."
"Oi, oi. Have you thought about Sealing jutsus? That's something you can work on while still recovering, 'ttebayo!"
8-8
This is more like it. This is something I can deal with. Naruto came through for me big time; I'm earth. He'd also given me some simple exercises to start me out on Sealing. He says I need to practice it until my calligraphy is absolutely perfect.
Mom gave dad the heads up, so he's bringing me some scrolls on earth jutsu to explain how to unlock and hone it.
Hinata also suggested a few books to get me started on medical theory, and a scroll on sound release as well.
This is what I need. Now I can prepare, get a head start when Aya says I can start training again. And this way, I can show her that I'm really trying to be the type of man she needs – not the primary objective, but certainly worth noting.
Shika's teaching me shogi as well, to help sharpen my tactics and analytical skills. It'll probably take me a few years to get the hang of all of this, but…
Aya's worth it. And so am I.
8-8
End Chapter 61
8-8
A/N: Good news people! I'd considered putting the next chapter here, and using Chouji's PoV to do Tsunade's ascension to Hokage. It's not in the next chapter either, I'm afraid, so I'll just have to work that into the chapter after. Why is that good news?