Treasures of Time
Chapter 3: Missions
I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far. Please if you have any suggestions leave me a private message. I will answer them as soon as possible. Thank you for reading.
Perspectives: Saizo, Hazel, and Kakuzu
Saizo's Perspective
Four past months, since I was assigned to Team Ren. We've passed the Hidden Diamond's intense training and are part of the fifty percent that made it through. Now each of us wore 120-pound leg weights, but they felt like nothing. By some miracle in this time I only seriously injured Sterling four times. Hazel and I had our thirteenth birthday.
"Is the target in sight?" asked Sensei.
"It's in sight", I said.
"I see the target", said Mika through the communicator.
"I can catch it", said Sterling through the com.
"You may proceed", said Sensei.
Sterling tackled the cat. We appeared at his side. I smiled, when the fluffy orange cat scratch and hiss at Sterling.
"Get this fucker off me!" he yelled.
The collar around its neck confirmed his identity as Mr. Fuzzums. What owner would give that pet such a horrible name. Mika couldn't stop laugh at Sterling.
"Stop laughing Mika and get this fucker off me!" growled Sterling as the cat started stomping on his head.
Ren had long since given up trying to stop Sterling from cursing.
"Help him, Saizo", said Ren.
I groaned. Why is always me that has to help him? I picked up the cat. It clung to me and started licking my face with its scratchy tongue. Mr. Fuzzums rubbed his head against my cheek. I hate cats.
"Aww, so cute", said Mika.
"This isn't cute, Mika. This is annoying", I said.
We walked to the Residence of the Guardians. The whole walk there the damn cat clung to me. We entered the assignments office. Three desks were arranged in a semi circle. Mom and Eiji sat at the middle desk with the elders sitting at the other two. Avory sat at with them counting a large amount of money. Mom nearly laughed, when she saw the large cat that was clinging to me. The whole room could hear the cat's purring.
"Looks like you've made a new friend", said Mom.
My eye twitched in anger as the cat started licking my face again.
"Someone get this over grown fluff ball off me", I growled as I tried to tug it off me.
Mika tried helping me, but was greeted a loud hiss from the cat. She backed off.
"I never took you as cat person sweetie", said Mom.
I rolled my eyes at her. That earned me her famous glare. Shit, now I'm in trouble. She would make me regret this. How much I don't know. The door open and the cat's owner came in. She was a heavyset older woman who wore too much makeup. Her powerful perfume stung at my nose. Ever since I turned thirteen my body has been changing in more ways than the average teenager. My senses were far more powerful than others.
"There's my Mr. Fuzzums!" the woman screamed.
Her high-pitched voice stung at my ears. I understand why the fur ball ran away in the first place.
"Come on boy it's time to go", said the woman as she out stretched her arms.
The cat sunk his claws sunk into my skin. It started hissing and growling as its owner tried tugging the cat off me. Finally, the cat grew flustered and bit the woman's hand. She shrieked.
"Fine you can keep the damn thing!" said the woman as she stomped out of the room.
Mom smirked.
"Saizo, I expect you take good care of your new pet. You will pay for its food and medical needs", said Mom.
I twitched. All this for rolling my eyes at her. Now I have a pet I never fucking wanted.
"Let's see what missions we have for a genin group", said Eiji as he looked at the scrolls in front of him
He tapped his fingers against the table.
"You can either babysit a visiting lord's two year old twin girls or helping a farmer clean his horses' stalls", said Eiji.
"Come on you can give us a better fucking mission than that. We are the top genin team", said Sterling.
This one of the few times I actually agreed with him. I'm so tired of these mind dulling missions.
"I hate to break this to you Sterling, but your group is the second best of genin squad. That title belongs to Team Toshi. They work extremely well together, which is something your group finds difficult", said Eiji.
"I promise their teamwork has vastly improved since they first met", said Sensei.
"I know you are trying Ren. I placed you with this difficult group, because I knew you would be the only jonin capable of making this team function together. I believe you can make their abilities bloom not only as individuals, but also as a team", said Mom.
There was a light blush on Sensei Ren's face.
"Thank you Sensei", said Ren.
"Do you think they're ready Minori? We are a bit under staffed", said Eiji.
"What do you think, Ren?" asked Mom.
"Yes, sensei I believe my students are ready", said Ren.
"This is a low c-ranked mission prove yourself on this and we might consider this team for difficult requests. Your sensei will explain the details", said Mom.
"You'll be leaving tomorrow", said Eiji.
"What do you three say to Lady Minori and Lord Eiji?" said Sensei.
"Thank you", said the three of us.
The doors of the assignments office opened again. I laughed, when I saw Hazel and her teammates coated in mud.
"Shut it!" she growled.
"I didn't even say anything", I said.
Hazel's Perspective
Saizo snickered, when he saw me. I smirked, when I saw the large orange cat clinging to my brother.
"What with the cat?" I asked.
He frowned, when I mentioned the fur ball latched to him.
"Mom's idea of punishment", said Saizo.
It hissed at me. Mom could be extremely creative in punishment.
"Doesn't seem that friendly", I said.
"If only that were true", he said before leaving.
"How was your mission?" asked Mom.
"We had to chase pigs in two feet of mud. The only good thing were the cute piglets", said Felix.
I had mud everywhere and couldn't wait to get home. A nice hot shower would be wonderful.
"That's a wonderful talent you have Felix always looking on the bright side. It will do you good", said Mom.
"Lady Minori, these missions are too easy can we please get something more challenging", said Felix.
"That would be nice", I said.
"Your brother's team had the same request. Toshi, do you think your team is ready for a higher ranking mission?" asked Mom.
He nodded his head. I couldn't help smiling. Finally a chance to get out of this village!
"A c-ranked mission thank you sensei", said Toshi.
"What is it?" asked Felix as he jumped up and down.
His eyes were focused on the scroll. He was tugging Felix arm.
"What is it sensei!" said Felix.
Sensei smiled.
"You'll find out in the morning", he said.
"That's no fair", whined Felix.
"Look at it this way you'll have a wonderful surprise tomorrow", said Toshi.
"Yeah", said Felix.
"Hazel",
"Yes, mom?"
"Don't drag too much mud into the house", said Mom.
"I'll try", I said.
I caught up to Saizo on the walk home. He should have been home by now. He'd managed to get cat off of him. It was trotting along side him. The cat was the same size as a mid sized dog.
"What's his name?" I asked.
"Copper", said Saizo.
He gave an approving purr at his new name.
"You like him", I said.
"I don't", said Saizo.
"Sure you don't", I said.
"You're wrong. Do you know how much it costs to care for this pest? There are vet bills, the groomers, and food. The only break I caught with creature is that he's out door trained", said Saizo.
We walked silently for a bit. He looked over me closely.
"What's wrong, Hazel?" asked Saizo.
Most of the time Saizo didn't bother with reading people. He only does it, when he see an advantage.
"I'm not your target don't analyze me", I said.
"You're my twin. I know you", said Saizo.
My eyes focused on the ground. I don't want to talk about this with him. I want to talk with Mom she understands me. I can tell her anything and she wouldn't judge. Saizo isn't the sensitive type.
"Does it have anything to do with the giant you have a crush on?" asked Saizo.
My face went hot. How did he know? I only told mom. Is it that obvious?
"Please don't faint. I hate it when girls faint", said Saizo.
"I'm not going to faint dumbass", I said.
I hoped the insult what would trigger his anger, but he brushed it off, which was extremely unnatural for him.
"You're going to have to try harder than that. You are losing that irritating talent of annoying me, sis", said Saizo.
"You've gotten to used to Sterling", I said.
"You don't have to tell me that. You can tell me. You know I'm not one to tell secrets especially yours, Hazel", said Saizo.
That was something I was sure of. Saizo is a great secret keeper. The only person who has the talent of prying information out of him is Mom.
"I was honest with Kuro and he needs time to accept it. I'm not sure how much time it will take", I said.
"He's stubborn give him time", said Saizo.
"You sound like mom", I said.
"Don't say that", said Saizo.
"Ashamed you have a sensitive side?" I teased.
He rolled his eyes.
"How did you know?" I asked.
"Just a feeling", said Saizo.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Finally home! Three fucking weeks negotiating with the Hidden Sand Village about the amount their payments. They've been short on multiple times. The Gaara brat knows nothing of financing. I had to drag Mari out of there. She didn't want to leave heat. I hate the constant heat and dryness of the desert. And all the sand is agitating it gets everywhere. Bishop pounced on me knocking to the floor. He licked my face.
"We are too old for you to this you stupid mutt", I said.
He barked in my face. I shoved him off of me and took a seat on the porch swing. I loved the feel of the cold against my skin. Bishop rested his head on my leg. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the cold breeze.
"Hey dad",
My eyes opened. I smirked, when I saw my daughter cover in mud and my son cover in orange fur. There was a large cat rubbing against Saizo's legs.
"Hey, dad glad you're back", said Hazel before running into the house.
"What's with cat?" I asked.
"Mom's punishment for rolling my eyes at her. I take care this beast. He's going to cost so much", said Saizo.
I gave quiet laugh. That's my Snow.
"She's a clever woman. I bet you'll never roll your eyes at her again", I said.
"Too clever", grumbled Saizo.
"You don't know the half of it", I said.
"I don't know how you can handle this weather with such ease. It's almost inhuman", said Saizo.
I tensed.
"I thought old men were supposed to hate the cold", mocked Saizo.
"I'm young enough to beat you in any fight", I said.
I went inside.
"Saizo, remind your sister not to use up all the hot water", I said.
"What's the point she'll do it whether I tell her to or not", said Saizo.
"Do it anyway", I said.
I yawned. I can actually have a peaceful nap here. Mari refused to let me have that privilege. I nearly snapped her neck twice. I fell asleep on couch. When my eyes opened, a pair of orange copper eyes were staring into mine.
"Get off me before I kill you", I said.
It licked my face then jumped off my chest.
"Dad",
"Yes",
"Can you train with me?" asked Saizo.
"Sure",
I wasn't going to brush off a chance to spend time with my son. He so rarely wants to spend time with me.
"Oh, and Mika is coming", he said.
The young girl with lavender hair waited outside.
"Both of you know I won't go easy on either you. The only way you stand a chance against me is to attack as if you want to kill me", I said.
They both nodded their heads. We went to the back yard.
"Not that mind helping you train, but why isn't your sensei doing this with you?" I asked.
"She has to make a plan for the mission", said Saizo.
"I don't think that the only reason. She has a date with Ryuu", said Mika.
She shouldn't put her love life before her students. I shook my head. Did I really think that? If Snow did that we wouldn't have our family.
"Dad, you okay?" asked Saizo.
"I'm fine caught in a thought that's all", I said.
I took out the small ledger from my pocket and started looking over the numbers.
"Dad",
I looked up from its pages.
"Go a head. I won't need both hands for this", I said.
We trained for hours. I admired the kids's determination. I'd successfully blocked all of their attack with one arm. Both of them were breathing heavily. They were covered in scratches. The two of this would be feeling this tomorrow. The two of them worked together well. Saizo managed to singe my shirt. Mika was able to make a small rip in my pants. It was impressive considering they were only genin.
"We are done for today", I said as put away my ledger.
They nodded their heads in agreement.
"Mika, feel free to join us for dinner. My wife loves a full house", I said.
"Thank you", she said.
The house smelled of ramen. Dinner went by smoothly something felt off though. Eventually all the children went bed. Snow gave a yawned.
"You're stressed my treasure", I said.
"Part of being a guardian", said Snow.
She pulled a bottle of whiskey from the top shelf and poured herself a glass. This has become a habit of hers. On her most stressful nights she would find somewhere private and drink a whole bottle of whiskey on her own. Confronting her about this could lead a very violent reaction. Both Manzo and I have experienced the painful consequences of confronting her about it.
"Don't stare at me like that Kuzu. I have a feeling its going to be a rough night", she said.
I pulled her close. She was trembling.
"Snow",
I took the glass from her hand and placed it on the counter. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close to my chest. I ran my fingers through her soft hair.
"All five", she murmured.
"I'm here. I'll never scare you like that again", I said.
"Promise", she whispered.
"I promise", I said.
I picked her up. Snow fell into a trance like state. This will be a rough night.
"Dad?"
It was Hazel.
"Is mom okay?" she asked.
"She's tired", I said.
"I'm not a kid", said Hazel.
"You and I have very different definitions of what a kid is", I said.
"I know there's something wrong with mom", said Hazel.
This wasn't the time for this conversation, but Snow would probably never want to have it with them. They should know. Over the years she has had incidents of a mental break down. By some miracle the kids saw very little of it. When they did, they were too young to understand.
"I'll tell as soon as I get her settled", I said.
I stayed with her until she fell asleep.
"Bishop",
The dog jumped into the bed. His eyes were focused on my wife. I patted his head.
"Good dog", I said before leaving.
Hazel's Perspective
"Hazel, why are you up this late?" asked Saizo.
"You'll want to stay up for this", I said.
"Why? We both have missions tomorrow", said Saizo.
"Dad is finally going to tell us what's wrong with mom", I said.
Dad sighed, when he saw the both of us sitting on the couch in the living room. He sat down in the chair across from us. There was an uneasy expression on his face.
"Let me start off with saying there's nothing wrong with your mom considering all she's been through. I chose to I will refuse to answer your questions", said Dad.
"Why?" asked Saizo.
"Some questions aren't for me to answer", said Dad.
"What does she have?" asked Saizo.
"Will it be passed down to us?" I asked.
"What your mother has isn't biological. I would say it's environmental. It's called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Do you two know what that is?" asked Dad.
I spent a large amounts of time in the hospital, because of my volunteering at the hospital as a candy striper. I've over heard some of the doctors who worked in the mental ward speaking of them.
"It's a mental disorder that is common in people who have suffered through traumatic events in their life. They suffer through night terrors, flashbacks where the can suffer physical or mental pain they underwent during the event they flashed back to, anxiety, and insomnia amongst other things", said Dad.
"Then why don't more ninjas suffer through it?" I asked.
"They've been trained against it, but you must remember your mother wasn't always a shinobi. She was a slave who suffered many horrible things", said Dad.
"Can you give us an example?" I asked.
"When she was your age her master wanted to breed her so he could have more people with her abilities. She was given a lashing at least once a week. The worst thing he did to her was kill your mom's first love in front of her", said Dad.
How could a person be so cruel? I never knew Mom had a lover before dad. He flinched, when he figured out he had given away too much. Both Saizo and I knew Dad wouldn't answer questions about mom's first love.
"What was she like when you first met her?" asked Saizo.
Dad smiled.
"She was a shy little thing extremely timid and terrified she might do something to upset the others or me", said Dad.
"That can't be true", I said.
"I find difficult to believe myself sometimes", said Dad.
He got up from the couch, which meant he was done with this conversation.
"I trust you two won't mention this to your mother or your siblings", said Dad as he went this room.
I didn't know what to think. Saizo seemed to accept it and didn't want to question it. But my curiosity was raised. I went outside. I jumped when heard someone move.
"What are you up to at this late hour Hazel?" asked Grandpa.
"You shouldn't lurk like that", I said.
"Heh, force of habit. You are curious about your mother aren't you", said Grandpa.
I nodded my head.
"I suggest you leave your mother's past alone. You aren't ready for all the stories it has to hold", said Grandpa.
"How can you not expect me to be curious now?" I asked.
"Curiosity is a good thing, but when it comes to your mom it's best to wait until she's ready or you'll bring upon something neither of you are ready for. All have to know about your mom Hazel is she's a strong woman who would do anything for you and your siblings. You have no idea how many times she's done just that", said Grandpa.
"Okay gramps", I said.
He's right. I went back to my room. I need sleep I have a mission tomorrow. I wonder what it will be. I woke up early in the morning and packed up my gear. Mom was already up. She looked tired. It might have been the night terrors. There was a large mug of coffee in her hands. Mom gave a weak smile. She already made breakfast. I couldn't help staring at her.
"What is it?" asked Mom.
"Nothing", I said.
She gave me an odd look. I sat down at the counter and ate.
"Are you excited for your mission?" asked Mom.
"Yes", I said.
"Hazel",
The seriousness in her voice caught me off guard.
"Be careful", said Mom.
I got up from my seat and hugged her tightly. Her fingers went through my hair.
"I love you Hazel never forget that", said Mom.
"I won't. I promise", I said.
"You should get going or you'll be late", said Mom.
"I love you mom", I said before ran out the door.
I met my team at the front gates. An old bearded man with beaten hands and his young apprentice stood with them.
"Now that my team is here. These three young ninjas are my students Kuro, Felix, and Hazel", said Sensei.
"My name is Jin and this is my apprentice Brin", said the old man.
Brin seemed only a few years older than me. He had dark brown hair and light green eyes. His arms were wrapped in bandages. Brin's clothes were covered in marble dust.
"Our mission is to take them home", said Sensei.
"Where's home?" asked Felix.
"The Hidden Stone Village", said Brin.
"The Hidden Stone?" asked Kuro.
"Yes", said Sensei.
"Trust me we aren't happy about being guarded by the Hidden Diamond's runt ninjas", said Brin.
I forced myself not to scowl. Jin smacked his apprentice on the back of he head.
"There's no need to be rude. Peace between our two villages is a good thing", said Jin.
"I couldn't agree more", said Sensei.
"We haven't done missions involving them for nearly a hundred years", I said.
"That changes now", said Sensei.
"Which route are we taking?" I asked.
"We are going through Stone Forest", said Sensei.
"That's the most dangerous route why take it?" I asked.
"My best guess is the Hidden Stone want to test us. They want to see just how far our new found friendship goes", said Sensei.
Saizo's Perspective
I walked into the kitchen. Breakfast was already made and it smelled good. Mom and grandpa were sitting at the counter. I couldn't help staring at her. It doesn't look like anything was wrong with her. Grandpa gave me a warning glare when he saw me staring at mom.
"Saizo, you have fifteen minutes until you have to meet with your team", said Mom.
"I know", I said.
I took a waffle from the plate.
"Bye mom", I said as I ran out the door.
She grabbed me by the arm.
"You don't get to leave that easily pumpkin", said Mom.
I hate it when she calls me that. Sometimes I think she just does it to spite me.
"I have to go", I said.
She pulled me into a tight hug and kissed me on the forehead.
"I love you", said Mom.
"I love you too mom. Now let go", I said.
She let go of me and I ran out the door. Mika and Ren were already waiting there. Sterling arrived a few minutes after me.
"What's our mission?" I asked.
"A group of bandits have taken have take root in the mountains in the Land of Fangs. Our mission is to clear them out", said Sensei.
"That's a c-ranked mission. I thought it would be more difficult", said Mika.
"Lady Minori did say it was a low difficulty c-ranked mission", said Sensei.
"I'm surprised they're give the mission to us. Wouldn't it be easier to ask the Hidden Star or the Hidden Sand for this?" I asked.
"That is true. But the Land of Fangs wants to show their loyalty to our village. Besides this long travel will be the perfect opportunity to train your speed and stamina", said Sensei.
"In other words we are running the whole fucking way there", whined Sterling.
"Yes, but before we go I have your new leg weights", said Sensei.
I groaned. They were at least fifty pounds heavier than the ones we wore before. We took off in a full run. After three days we made it to the Land of Fangs. Our legs were killing us. I have no idea how sensei was perfectly fine. I guess mom put her through this kind of intense training. Sensei was nice enough to heal our aching muscles so we could actually walk. We walked into the house of the daimyo of the Land of Fangs. A servant led us to his room. The Fang Daimyo was an older man. He had a square head. His hair and goatee were white. The man was stressed and that much was obvious. Something seemed off of about him I just couldn't place what.
"Thank you for coming. I hope your group is able to handle our problem. Are these children capable of taking on such a task?" he asked.
I put my hand over Sterling mouth before he could insult our client. Even though the old man deserved whatever Sterling had to say about us. I glared at twit, when he started licking my hand. I jabbed him in the ribs. He groaned.
"I assure my students a perfectly capable of defending themselves against such a simple foe. Do you have any idea where they are hiding?" asked said Sensei.
"Yes, in the center of the Valley of Fangs", said the Daimyo.
"Come on you three", said Sensei.
We followed her out of the daimyo's house. As we left his presence Sterling tried attacking me. I easily caught his fist.
"Your attacks are too predictable", I said.
"Why the hell did you not let me talk?" he growled.
"Because you would have done something to piss off our client, which means I wouldn't have gotten paid. We don't have to like the man", I said.
"He fucking disrespected us how can you be so okay with that", said Sterling.
"He's right Sterling. As ninja we are loyal to our clients we can't refuse to follow through with a mission because we don't like our client. It doesn't work that way", said Sensei.
"Something was off about that man", said Mika.
"Yes, he was far too tense. I want you to be on your toes. I have a bad feeling about this", said Sensei.
I didn't like the path we were taking. It was dangerous and left us at an extreme strategic disadvantage. The path was narrow and tall bunched together hills could give an enemy the upper ground. There was plenty of room for them to hide. At that moment ten bandits dressed in black jumped down from the hills and surrounded us. Their clothes were ragged and unclean. These bandits are of no real threat. They were probably once villagers, but got down on their luck and turned to this life style.
"I'll take these ten you three", said Sensei.
I didn't dare use any of my jutsu. The fighting quarters were too small and I risked injuring one of teammates. The good thing about that is I get to use my favorite battle style. I love taijutsu. It went by in seconds. The only damaged to me from my own teammate. I caught Sterling's spear before it could make impact with my skin.
"You are such a fucking idiot!" I yelled.
"Its not my fault your as fast as a fucking slug!" screamed Sterling.
I punched him with all my strength. His jaw shattered and he went flying into one of the hills. I'm going to kill the annoying bastard. Before I could get to him sensei threw me into a hill. My skin turned to diamond protecting me from the impact. I slowly sat up. Sensei was healing Sterling and Mika was watching her closely. She already has the basic understandings of medical ninjutsu. As soon as Sterling was healed we charged at each other. Before we could attack each other sensei slammed each other together.
"What the fuck sensei?!" growled Sterling.
"You will transport these ten to the local jail while Mika and I scout out the land", said Sensei.
"Why?" I asked.
"You two are proving to be more of a hassle than a benefit. Your fighting could prove dangerous to the rest of the team, so the both of you will be left behind", said Sensei.
"That isn't fair", I said.
"Life isn't fair", said Sensei.
"You're being a bitch!" yelled Sterling.
She flicked him on the fore head.
"Come on Mika", said Sensei.
They ran off and soon they were out of sight. I started tying the bandits' wrists.
"We really pissed them off this time", I said.
"She over reacted", said Sterling.
Nine of the prisoners could walk, but one was too badly injured.
"You attacked him you carry", I said.
"That one yours dumbass", said Sterling.
"He's bleeding I used no tools so he isn't mine you carry him", I said.
"Will one of you please just fucking carry him?" asked one of the bandits.
We both glared at him. Sterling ended up carrying the injured bandit. We checked them into the jail. Before I filled out the paper work I made sure none of them had a bounty on them. One did but it was only a few hundred, so it held no interest to me. Sterling I settled into the room the Fang daimyo gave us. Soon night came and I was on edge.
"They should have been back by now", said Sterling.
"I don't like this", I said.
"Neither do I", said Sterling
Hazel's Perspective
The travel was slow, since the Jin was so old. We'd made it to the entrance of the Stone Forest. The old man sat and the others sat by the fire. Brin wandered off. Sensei looked at him. I knew he wanted me to watch Brin. I kept my distance. I traveled through the trees. He seemed to have no idea I was watching. The air was cold, but he seemed unaffected by it. Where is he going? The air grew warmer and filled with steam. My eyes widened, when I saw him start stripping. Who knew under all those clothes he had a body like that. I turned away when he took off his pants. I felt like a pervert watching him like this, but I couldn't leave him unguarded. He eventually got out of the water. I turned away as he put his pants on.
"You can come down from the tree sweet heart", said Brin.
I jumped down from the tree I was hiding in.
"How did you know?" I asked.
"I knew your sensei would send someone to watch me. I hoped it would be you. You're much nicer to look at than your teammates", said Brin.
Is he actually flirting with me? People only flirt with me so they might have a chance at the title connected to my name. I backed up as he came closer. I stopped, when my back hit the tree. He put one of his hands on the tree and leaned closer to me. He's so close.
"I can't tell if you are blushing from the heat or from me", said Brin.
I didn't know how to answer. His fingers caressed my cheek.
"You're a beautiful and deadly girl Hazel. I don't why your teammate can't see that", said Brin.
"Who?" I asked.
"I think the giant that goes by the name Kuro. He might not have noticed your glances, but I did. He doesn't seem to like you all that much", he said.
I frowned.
"How long are you going to wait for him?" asked Brin.
"Then who do you suggest I wait for then?" I asked.
"In a few weeks I'll be finished my apprenticeship then I'm all yours. So what's your choice him or me", said before he brushed his lips against mine.