Disclaimer. Even if I owned Naruto, I wouldn't tell you. ;P
A|N- Many thanks to everyone who fav'ed, followed and reviewed this story…
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Sakura shifted, trying to settle more comfortably into the saddle despite her sleeping limbs. It drew a slight noise of irritation from her cowl-covered travelling partner. She glared at the man before her. They had been travelling for days together. He never spoke beyond the requisite enquiries for sleeping arrangements and potty breaks.
For the past week, they camped in meadows when the shadows lengthened. He would lead the midnight black Saddlebred to a stream along with her. She was surprised to find that he was unfailingly thoughtful as he helped her mount or dismount. He gathered firewood, hunted game and cooked stews that were delicious despite its crude preparation.
During the nights, he sat with his back to her and his sword cradled against his shoulder as the fire crackled between them. She guessed that was how he slept too because she didn't see him relax from that pose even when she woke in the morning. Somehow, he always knew when she woke. She would open her eyes and as soon as her eyes focused on his back- he prickled slightly, murmured a greeting and started preparations for breaking camp.
Sakura had no complaints against him but she was a vivacious person who never had to endure a moment of silence in her life and the oppressive silence of the forest only managed to grate on her nerves. Whenever she tried to lure her silent companion into conversation, she found herself gently but firmly rebuffed.
She huffed silently.
"Our journey ends on the morrow Priestess. It would be prudent for us to rest in preparation for the last leg." He spoke in a smooth, urbane voice that was a perfect compliment to his northern accent.
"The sun has yet to climb mid-way," she replied "certainly we can travel a bit closer."
"It would be unwise to do so Priestess."
That was the second reason why he annoyed her. He never explained himself after making cryptic remarks like the one that he just made besides telling her it was 'unwise' or 'imprudent'. That never stopped her from trying though
"It would be unwise because…" she trailed off questioningly.
"Because it is not prudent"
Scraping the barrel bottom of her patience, she turned towards the stream that Chiaki was turning to. Surprisingly for her, Chiaki proved to be an excellent companion. She listened to her and never interrupted. Sakura patted the sleek mane of ebony and received a nuzzle in return.
Chiaki had turned into her travel companion, blanket and cuddle-toy all into one.
She turned and found an empty clearing. Her companion had gone hunting as was his wont. She shrugged and returned to Chiaki and frolicking in the stream as was hers. She often used the time he left to bathe and clean up as much as she could; completely unwary of the red eyes that followed her movements from the bushes today.
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Evil Cliffie. I know… I'll have the next chapter up ASAP.
-As always your thoughts opinions and comments are always welcome.
-Aurora