I am very sorry for the double email notifaction .'' But I forgot to type somethings and a little explaination for such a late update..
What can I say? Long story short. Reasons for long wait = Youmacon + cosplays + tests + grades + birthdays + family issues + my saved part of this chapter was somehow GONE, and I had to retype it :/ Not exactly pleasant, but I have this much so far.. Please expect the next chapters to be faster and on pace again.
So for reviews, thank you for everyone that took time and reviewed this, it was motivation to push me to write when I had time. To Duchessa, I am more than happy to have help from you :DD However I'm not very familiar with the Beta system and how it works, so if you could explain to me a little more I would definetely love to consider it.
Not much SasuNaru in this chapter, ShinoKiba and Haku shows a little more.. Defintitely more next chapter. I really tried to edit this, except I gave up on the second paragraph, I am so tired everyday and too much distraction when I write..
Either way, I hope you enjoy this chapter and look forward to the next one.
"How did you find me?"
"You heart called out to me."
Kiba always can find Shino when he wants to.
He doesn't follow a scent, because often he can't pick up Shino's scent, for whatever odd reason, as it's well known that his sense of smell was very strong. He doesn't have to call out his name, because it's unlikely Shino will hear anyways. He doesn't meet up with him, because he will end up with him, somehow, either way. Whether it's just walking down a path and there Shino was, or his feet are just urged to go Aburame's mansion.
The day is drenched with sunshine, making one's mind drowsy and one's body sluggish. Kiba sat down at one of the stone benches in the park-gardens, watching the fishes in the pond swimming around, feeling like jumping in and join them. Akamaru lay quietly on his lap, whimpering every so often, tongue stuck out by the heat. Kiba felt like his head was dizzy. The sun was warm. He felt like sleeping, to lean on something cool and firm.
The past days he has learned of many, many things. Like filling up a bottle, the information gone over the top. Too much to digest properly, to go through his head. He felt dizzy staring up the sun. Too bright.
It's these times when he needs that person by his side, the person he can speak to without thinking, without processing what's going to say next. Just speaking from his heart without the fear of being judged or secrets to be spilled.
And almost always, here Shino was, walking silently towards him, only to be noticed when he sits down next to him, their fingers brush against each other's. He is not a bit surprised, and didn't even look up to see if it is him.
"Shino..." He murmured softly, head laying on Shino's shoulder, voice a little whining. "Where have you been?"
"Family affairs." Shino's low, deep voice spoke, the same odd yet comforting quality that Kiba was so familiar with.
"Thank the heavens you're back." Kiba sat up and shook his head wildly. "There's been so, so much..."
Shino nodded, a silent approval of promises.
* = * = * = * Change of scene = * = * = *
Haku had a dream.
In the dream there were snow falling in a far, far-away land. Everything was covered and overtaken by the whiteness, droplets of delicate snowflakes. One fell into his palm, a cool sprinkle feeling spread through the skin. He looked up to the sky, the droplets of white falling. They called out to him. They called, Haku, Haku.
He rubbed his eyes. Such a gentle dreamland. If he were to tell this to Zabuza-sama, surely he will sneer in contempt, telling him to drop such childish thoughts.
The thought of that name made an unconscious curve on his lips. He looked up, seeing the sun settling down. Twilight approaches, meaning that he shall deliver dinner soon. He could only take such a rest with the visitor here today.
He watches his assignment from the tree he rests in, the leaves hiding his body. He sees the blond boy looking out the window, eyes dazed, lips parted. Deep in thought, perhaps.
Haku put on his mask. It was time to move, and he had to be in haste.
In between the trees and roof of buildings he moved unnoticed, unseen. An assassin's training included very much of stealth, Zabuza-sama told him. His master trained him from a young age, as a boy with potential, his talents bloomed fast. Everyone knows Zabuza, the great assassin. One shall be chilled with fear to hear his name. If his target was you, death is surely on the path of your dreadful fate. Only few knew too of Zabuza's useful disciple - Haku. Even fewer has seen his face, but they all knew his skills. It was to be feared, to be said to overcome the master. He has also a special touch in poison, which was something his master did not have. It through the family tradition bloodline.
Haku has been assigned to guard this boy by his master. Zabuza told him it was a simple job, however, the dealer appointed him specifically. Which would triple the price, of course, but the dealer was willing to pay it.
He had expected more difficulty. The boy's first escape was mere pathetic, though his punches were thrown directly and the strength was enough. A glowing potential to be discovered. However, this blond boy, whose name he came to know as Naruto Uzamaki, did not even try for another. Surely Haku intimidated him, but by many days of observation, he was sure if the boy wanted it hard enough, he would never stop trying. He had a fairly clear picture of the cause and reasons, considering that he's been the observer throughout all times and is aware of the motive of his dealer. However, it was not part of his job to consider such petty things.
Haku felt much more flexible with a good rest. Even if the boy seemed to have no attempts of escape, he must not let his guard down. His jobs were always done in perfection. Never once has he failed Zabuza-sama's orders or expectations.
The grand kitchen was in view. Servants and cooks going in and out of the kitchen, busy preparing for the Emperor's dinner. There was a Taijian to do the poison testing before the food was sent to the royal families. However, the job was not dangerous, as no assassin ordered to kill an aristocracy would be ignorant enough to put poison in before the food even left the kitchen. Thus, this is one of the most easy-handled jobs within the palace, and the tacky looking Taijian was definitely enjoying the food only served to the highest of highest.
Plates were carrying out in basket, served fresh and warm. The dishes were delicately made, judged in taste, smell, color and texture. Vivid to the eye, appetizing smell, the food cooked in its best sensational state, the taste pleases the palette. The art of cooking was indeed carefully handled. The Emperor's meal was made of the most expensive and nutritious things there was to offer in the country. It was such an unnecessary luxury, Haku thought to himself. No sign of people's hunger reached within the walls of this extravagant palace.
How corrupted. He wrinkled his nose.
Though the current Emperor wasn't exactly a tyrant or a bad ruler, it is the whole concept of loyalties and the peasants. But social class was always divided clearly and stood firm.
Such thoughts cast aside. He was to pick up a readied-basket by the kitchen window, which was a fairly easy task. He approached by the walls silently; hearing voices, detecting the people's directions in which they look to, and snatched the second attention was away from the basket.
He returned to the isolated mansion, jumping off the walls. His steps were silent. He took some food from the basket for himself and left the rest there. As he leaves a rock is aimed for the door, making a small knock. The blond boy was alerted and came out, seeing the food on the floor, looking around. Haku merely watched him. This time, however, there was a certain determination on the boy's face.
"I know you're here somewhere!" The boy yelled, eyebrows rose. "I don't see why showing your face to me interfere with your work in any ways! Do you understand how strange it is to being guarded day and night by a person you don't even know the face of?" The boy stopped abruptly. An unpleasant memory stirs, making a connection to something else. He was touched by a man that he did not the face or the name of.
His fist tightens, biting on his lips. He bent down and picked up the basket. Haku watched this in a slight amusement. The boy turned around, but before he did he yelled out again:
"Since you didn't even tell me your name last time, I will name you myself!" He paused, thought up few profane names, remembering again that white piece of paper falling down from the sky. "Haku. Your name is Haku."
Before Naruto could turn away, he felt his wrist being grabbed. It was only when Haku's feet hit the solid ground did Haku realized he had just made an impulsive decision.
Perhaps it was just his name being called out, an normal response. Only few knew of his true name, after all.
Naruto's big azure blue eyes stared at Haku for a few moments. The color reminded Haku of a morning clear sky. The expression on the boy's face turn to a little smirk.
"What, did you not like your name?"
The boy's hand reached up for his mask, however it was stopped quickly in attempt.
"No," Haku said quietly. "That is my real name."
Naruto did not expect such a response, but quickly regained his voice.
"Well I told you my name and showed you my face. Isn't it about time you me yours?"
"Perhaps at another time, if fate calls." Haku jumped back, giving the a distance between him and the boy.
"Don't leave yet you coward!" Naruto calls out. "Why did you show up?"
"I find the time now.. Appropriate." Haku said finally, thinking of that man's earlier visit yesterday. "The key man has already shown up, hasn't he?"
By that he thought he had said enough, and jumped out of view. He can hear Naruto still yelling out things, but his voice fades as sun makes its way down below the horizon.
* = * = * scene change * = * = * = *
"...I didn't know what to feel when Naruto told me what happened to him."
Kiba looked up, staring at the clouds, dyed by orange and red, the colors disperse on the high ends of the sky. He blinked a few times, dazzled by these bright colors. Some shades of it reminded him of Naruto's blond hair, almost seeing the blond head down, eyes saddened and clouded, shadowed and darkened. An expression that you would never expect from Naruto, so wronged and pained.
He was not saying Naruto was invincible, no, not at all. The boy was easily scared of tiny things, but always forgiving and cheered up as the sun shines each day, brightening up the hollow hearts. He remember that time when he pushed Naruto into the pond. A boy's childish little joke, a good laugh. Naruto almost drowned. He remember himself being sad for days, scared to be scolded and hated, scared to be no longer called friends. He came to Naruto's door that day with his parents, bringing gifts and an sincere apology. He almost wanted to turn around and run, but his mother pushed him forward to knock the door. Naruto opens the door, his heart almost skips a beat by the boy's glum expression. The blond boy pushed him down to the ground, the two of them wrestling. The blond boy got on top of him, and he remembered his shock by Naruto's action. He was ready for a punch, for any blame he deserved. He shut his eyes tightly and clenched his jaw. What came was not a hit but a little pinch on the face. He opened his eyes, and he sees Naruto's wide smile, the sunlight above him, a shine from heavens shone, as relief fill his heart.
Forgiving was not easy, but it was made easier for Naruto with his heart filled kindness. Moving on was not easy, but it was made easier for Naruto with his soul aglow from simple happiness.
And seeing one of his closest, cheerful friend fell to silence and fear overshadowed the boy's eyes made his heart drop.
"It was scary, Shino." Kiba said quietly. "You would never see Naruto like that. He was almost trembling from just recalling what happened."
"You can imagine it must've been hard." Shino said.
"He was... violated by a man..." Kiba's shoulder shook. Shino held him still. Firm hands.
"I always used to make fun of him..." Kiba's voice was slightly shaky. "I used to say he looked like Duanxiu... I laughed at him when he went to see Sakura... And now he..."
His hand covered his mouth, as if almost feeling sick.
"It's not your fault." Shino said to him. Reassuring, calm voice.
"All I could do is not hurt him anymore..." Kiba said, his head bowed. "Pretend like it was nothing. To accept it as it is. It's not going to be the same anymore, is it?" He asked with desperateness left in his tone.
"Not one thing shall remain eternally the same." Shino simply said. "Or is it that you simply find the idea of two men making love disgusting?" A little strangeness as Shino asked this, but Kiba did not notice.
"That's not making love, he raped him!" Kiba yelled. "He fucking took his virginity and hurt him! He couldn't walk for weeks! His arms are bruised and filled with cuts! His feelings! His pride! His soul! He tainted him like a piece of-"
"Kiba."
He held him. Not very tight, just gentle. Enough to calm down the boy's anger and hide his tears.
"Goddamn it, Shino..." Kiba held a fistful of Shino's robe. Shino felt a hot tear through the clothing. Akamaru whimpers gently. "Why? Why?"
Who will be there to heed my tears?
You.
* = * = * Scene cut * = * = * = *
Shikamaru Nara watches the candle on the table flickering, the light dimming every so often. His moss dark brown hair was down to his shoulders, sitting on the edge of his bed, feeling a little chill of the night wind coming through windows.
Tomorrow morning he will have to wake up early again, pick up Naruto's breakfast and then he's off for the rest of the day, for Naruto is invited on a trip with the Tai Zi. He would rather enjoy his day off than anything else, but the thought of Naruto going somewhere deep probably within the bamboo forest was... Well, the best way he can put it was disgruntling.
He messed with his hair, a little rough, messy like always. There he remembered the sensation of Neji's hair, smooth and neat, the touch almost felt like silk itself.
Shikamaru was a little dazed by the memories. The image of Neji sleeping on his lap seemed something very far away, though it was just on this day that it happened. He remember the peacefulness that lingered on the man's face, so unguarded. Neji's sleep face reminded him of an innocent child, lips parted, eyes gently shut. He remember the words he spoken to him, without deceptions or lies, as if a soul of Neji was exposed to him. The white eyes so pure and unclouded, without a doubt or mundane. His whole impression of Neji drasticially changed, from that cold beauty's face hides something tender, something untouched.
Throughout the day he finds himself looking over to the hills, green with wild flowers, wondering if Neji would be there tomorrow, staring up to the sky in solitude.
Maybe tomorrow, he thought to himself as he lay on the pillow, sleepy eyes half open, listening to the quiet, rustle sound of leaves.