Heart's Treasure
Chapter 8: Hurt
Thanks for the review Chico. I hope everyone has a wonderful Halloween. Thanks for reading.
Perspectives: Snow and Kakuzu.
Snow's Perspective
I was on verge of a complete mental break down. My first-born child is missing. Kotori left to tell Eiji. I was shaking uncontrollably. Kameko led me to the couch. Hazel sensed something was wrong. She got up on the couch with me and hugged me.
"What's wrong mommy?" asked Hazel.
I pushed down my feelings for the sake of my daughter.
"I'm fine", I said.
"No you're not. What's wrong? Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?" asked Hazel.
"You can go with Ren", I said.
"But I wanna help", said Hazel.
"You'll help by going with her", I said.
"Are you sure?" asked Hazel.
"Yes now go", I said.
"Do you want me to take Rose with us?" asked Ren.
I nodded my head. The three of them left. Emeralds fell from eyes. One of my babies is missing.
"Shh, Snow he probably just ran off", said Kameko.
Since only close family was here she could call me by my real name.
"It's so unlike him though", I said.
When Hazel feels stressed, scared, or angry she runs off and hides. But I can always find her. Her favorite hiding place are under a bed or in a closet. No matter how angry he's gotten Saizo has never ran away.
"What if he didn't runaway?" I asked.
"You can't think that way", said Kameko.
My mind was in a jumble of emotions and could barely focus. Eiji arrived at the house thirty minutes later. He hugged me. I shuttered against him.
"We will find him. I have my best men looking for him", said Eiji.
Where is he? Who would want to take him? He's an innocent child. Why would anyone want to hurt him?
Kakuzu's Perspective
Today is one of my very rare visits into the village. Something is wrong. The ninja of the village were unusually tense and weren't at their normal postings. What caused this changed? If it had anything to do with me I would be imprisoned. I'm not risking staying in the center of this village. I returned to the seclusion of the graveyard.
I put away the few groceries I bought. Because of the jutsu I'm cursed with I rarely ate much not even every day. It is challenge to remember to eat or drink. My body had no cravings for. I still possessed bodily functions. My body doesn't respond to heat or cold. It was very difficult to feel pain. When I did feel it the pain was only dull stinging that can easily be ignored. I forced myself to eat an apple and went to check on the tomb. I have to check it every morning and night to make sure nothing was missing. A tomb full of rare jewels of high value is bound to attract grave robbers. I've already turned in five this month. The tomb is incredibly large.
As I walked toward the end of the tomb I sensed a presence. Great, that's just what I need right a grave robber. If he caused any damage it will put even more work on me. I would have to file report with Eiji's office for funding to repair the damage. I hate being forced to talk to that man who so eagerly courts my wife. I unclenched my fists. I have to work there's no point in getting angry. Caring for the one largest graveyards is an endless task. As I moved closer to the presence I heard crying. It wasn't a thief. It was my son. He was crying. I've never seen him so upset before.
"GO AWAY!" he yelled.
I caught the diamond kunai he threw at me. He was hiding his hurt with anger. There was obvious confusion in his eyes. What is causing him to act out like this?
"Saizo"
"Go away", said Saizo.
His voice lost its strength. I walked over to him and sat down next to him. He sniffled. Saizo wiped his tears away with the sleeve of shirt.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
This is no place for child living or dead. He didn't answer.
"Does your mom know you are here?" I asked.
He shook his head.
"She's probably worried sick about you", I said.
"I don't care", said Saizo.
"Why don't you care?" I asked.
"That's none of your business", said Saizo.
He doesn't know just how much this is my business.
"Do you know where you are?" I asked.
"My family's graveyard", said Saizo.
"And who am I?" I asked.
"The grounds keeper. What does that have to do with anything?" asked Saizo
"That means everything that happens in this graveyard is my business. So why are you here?" I asked.
"We are under so it doesn't count", said Saizo.
"Under is still in. Tell me why you are here?" I asked.
"Hiding from my mommy", said Saizo.
"And why are you hiding from her? She's such a nice woman", I said.
"Because", said Saizo.
"That's not a real answer Saizo. She loves you more than you could ever know", I said.
"How do you know?" asked Saizo.
"She's your mother, Saizo. It's her job to love you. Why are you so upset with her?" I asked.
"She cheated on my dad", said Saizo.
I have no idea how to explain this to him. How do you tell a five year old his mother has moved on from his dad? He looked up at me with those sad midnight blue eyes. I hate it when his mother looked at me like that. It's such a painful expression.
"She doesn't even love him anymore", said Saizo.
That isn't true. Snow visits my grave at least once a week.
"She loves your dad", I said.
"If she still loved him she wouldn't have been kissing Eiji", said Saizo.
I sighed.
"Do you know your mother visits your dad's grave at least twice a week?" I asked.
"She does? I never see her go", said Saizo.
"She does even though the walk isn't comfortable for her. Your mom sits on bench next to his grave. Sometimes she will sit there for hours", I said.
"Doing what?" asked Saizo.
"Sometimes she just sits there other times she tells him about his day", I said.
He pulled a pair of dice out of his pocket and started rolling them around in his hand. I knew he was trying to figure things out. I didn't interrupt him. Being interrupted makes a person, so easily lose their train of thought.
"Why does she do that?" asked Saizo.
"She wouldn't visit your dad's grave if she didn't love him", I said.
Saizo nodded his head.
"You have to go home", I said.
"Can I stay a little longer?" asked Saizo.
"Why would you want to stay in a tomb with a grounds keeper?" I asked.
"You remind me of my daddy. I think you and him would be friends. He didn't have too many of those", said Saizo.
"Thank you for the compliment, but I think there's another reason you don't want to leave", I said.
"She's going to be so angry. I don't like it when she gets upset. Even worse she says she's disappointed in me", said Saizo.
I chuckled.
"That's not funny", said Saizo.
"I felt the same way when my mother and father told me that", I said.
"You were scared of disappointing your mommy too?" asked Saizo.
I nodded my head.
"It's only going to get worse the longer you avoid her. And I don't think she'll be as angry as you think", I said.
"Can you come with me?" asked Saizo.
I nodded my head. I know he's still upset, but he's better than before. He followed me out of the tomb. I saw Snow walking toward us. She was stressed. Pure relief took over her when she him.
"She doesn't look angry", said Saizo.
My son relaxed.
"I told you", I said.
I know how terrifying his mother can be when she's angry. But he has nothing to fear from his mom. An angry expression appeared on his face, when he saw Eiji.
Snow's Perspective
I ran over to Saizo.
"I was so worried about you Saizo. Don't you ever scare me like that again",
"Why did you bring him?" asked Saizo as pointed to Eiji.
"He offered to help", I said.
"No, you only wanted to boyfriend near", said Saizo.
I jumped back avoiding a massive amount of diamond blades shot out from the ground. The blades formed a barrier around my son separating me from him. It was amazing how much power he has even though he's only five years old. My son is hurting and isn't allowing me to comfort him.
"Eiji leave!",
He left without complaint. I sat down besides the barrier Saizo made. I heard him crying from inside. He must have seen me kissing Eiji this morning. That explains his reaction. I waited for him to stop crying.
"Can I come in?" I asked.
He sniffled. The diamond blades moved as I walked toward him. When I reached him I saw he was curled up in a ball. I pulled him close and he huddled close. He looked up at me trying to figure out what he wanted to say.
"Saizo I'm sorry", I said.
"Huh",
"I should have told you about Eiji. And waited until you and your sister were more ready", I said.
"I miss daddy", said Saizo.
"I know honey. I miss him too", I said.
Saizo cuddled closer to me. I let cry as much as he needed to. It's good for him to let out all this grief. Who knows how long he's bottled up all this sadness? After awhile his breathing calmed and the diamond blades around us returned the earth. Saizo got to his feet. Goemon helped me up from the ground. When I looked around and saw some of the heads stones were destroyed. Goemon sighed when he saw all the extra work he had to do.
"Saizo"
"I'm sorry for making a mess", said Saizo.
Saizo was heavily leaning into me. Using that much chakra really tuckered him out. I ran my hands through his hair. He yawned loudly.
"I'm sorry about this", I said.
"It's all right he's working through his problems", said Goemon.
"Thanks for understanding", I said.
Saizo was too tired to wake up.
"Can I ask a favor?" I asked.
He nodded his head.
"I can't carry him will you help me take him back home?" I asked.
"Of course", said Goemon.
Saizo reached his arms out toward Goemon. He wrapped his arms tightly around Goemon's neck. He quickly fell asleep in his embrace. I led Goemon to Saizo to his bedroom. He set him down on the bed. Goemon pulled the blankets over Saizo. Hazel took her nap. I heard the door to Saizo's room open.
"Mommy"
He walked over to me and sat down on the couch next to me. Saizo leaned against my side.
"I'm sorry for scaring you", said Saizo.
"I forgive you Saizo. Promise you'll never do something like that again", I said.
"I promise ", said Saizo.
I let Saizo sleep most of the day away. I only woke him up once when it was time for dinner. He stumbled toward dinner the table and ate his meal. The poor thing used up far more chakra than ever before. As soon as he finished he stumbled back to his room and collapsed into bed. Hazel followed soon after him. It was Eiji. Guilt hit me strong. Maybe I moved on too quickly. I walked back to the couch and Eiji followed. He sat down next to me and wrapped his arm around me. This isn't right. I tried to push away the feeling, but it wouldn't leave me.
"What was Saizo's fit about?" asked Eiji.
"He saw us Eiji", I said.
"How much of us?" asked Eiji.
"He saw us kissing Eiji", I said.
"He had that much of reaction by just seeing us kiss?" asked Eiji.
"He has his father's temper. Both my children had a very strong connection with their father. Kakuzu was a great dad", I said.
"That's obvious in how much your children love him", said Eiji.
"We have to take it much slower. I have to make sure my children are settled and okay with the idea. This is a major interruption", I said.
"This means nothing good for our relationship", said Eiji.
"Can you blame me? My children aren't ready for this", I said.
"I understand, but that doesn't mean it any less saddening", said Eiji.
"My children need time", I said.
"You are welcome to my bed any night for any reason", said Eiji.
"Thanks but I don't think I can do that any time soon. I can't risk hurting my children by seeing you no matter how wonderful it is being with you", I said.
"Why are you making yourself suffer?" asked Eiji.
"Seeing my children's pain is more painful than my own suffering", I said.
He tried kissing me, but I turned away. The look pain in his eyes was so obvious.
"I'm sorry", I said.
"If I were you I couldn't deny that I wouldn't do the same", said Eiji.
I kissed him on the cheek.
"Eiji I'm so sorry", I said.
Sapphires fell from my eyes. He cupped my face in his hands. We were so close our foreheads touched.
"Why do you willingly cause yourself such pain?" asked Eiji.
"You know my reason please go", I said.
"Are you sure?" asked Eiji
"You are only causing me more pain by staying. Please go", I said.
He placed a gently kiss on my forehead.
"I love you Snow", said Eiji.
He left. It felt like a wonderful warmth was stolen from me. I walked into my bedroom. I wouldn't feel this way if I didn't hold some love for him. Spike followed me. He barked wanting me to lift him into bed. I couldn't bend over to pick him up.
"Sorry boy not today", I said.
I threw a pillow on the floor, so he could use it at the bed. I got into bed. Sapphires fell from eyes. I cried into my pillow until my mind fell into a dream world.
Snow's Dream
My eyes opened, when I felt someone get out of bed. I saw Kakuzu getting dressed.
"Kuzu?"
He sat down on the edge of our bed. He caressed my cheek. I held his hand there with mine. Kakuzu pulled his hand away from me. And continued to dress.
"Do you have to go?" I asked.
"I'm protector of the funds. I have to go", said Kakuzu.
"Please don't go!" I begged.
I was on the brink of tears. He sat down in bed with me again and pulled me close. Kakuzu placed a kissed on my lips.
"What's wrong? Are you having contractions?" asked Kakuzu.
I shook my head. He put his hand on my stomach.
"Please stay Kuzu. I need you here with me", I said.
He put down his things.
"I'll stay with you", he said.
I rested my head on his strong chest. He's with me. We are safe and together.
"I love you", said Kakuzu.
"MOMMY!"
My eyes opened. I forgot it's a long weekend. It was Hazel.
"You need to make breakfast", said Hazel.
"Okay honey, but let me dressed first", I said.
"Okay", said Hazel.
She ran out of the room followed by Spike. It felt so real. I wish it didn't come to an end so quickly.
Kakuzu's Perspective
I woke from one of the best dream I've had for a long time. I stared at the ceiling of my shack I got out of my cot. It was far too early in the morning. There was a scratching sound at the door of my shack. I opened it. A giant dog with wiry black fur sat in front of my door.
"Go away you stupid mutt", I growled.
The dog barked then pushed passed me. Stupid mutt. I walked over to the dog. When I went grab it by the scruff it licked my hand. I scratched behind his ear. Having a dog would help ease suspicion. A man with a dog is better is less odd than a man traveling alone. Days went by and Snow hadn't made her weekly visit yet. That visit is the highlight of my week.
I smiled when I saw her walking up the path to my grave in the late afternoon. She sat down on the bench. I frowned when I saw something is wrong. The sadness in her eyes is too apparent. She hasn't looked this way for a while something had happened to upset. Saizo running away wasn't the cause. Whatever the reason she needs space. My annoying mutt of a dog had other ideas. At least this gives me a reason to speak with her.
"I'm sorry about that", I said.
"It's alright", said Snow.
She seemed to enjoy the dog's presence.
"Is this your dog?" asked Snow.
I nodded my head.
"May I sit with you?" I asked.
"When are you going to learn you don't have to ask?" asked Snow.
I shrugged my shoulders and sat down next to her.
"What's his name?" asked Snow.
"Bishop"
He rested his head on her lap. She ran her fingers through his fur.
"I didn't think of you as dog person", said Snow.
"It's not that I'm not a dog person. I don't want to pay for one especially one this big. But it's better with him around", I said.
"He takes away loneliness", said Snow.
I nodded my head. She's right. The last few days with him by my side help ease the pain of loneliness.
"You are sad again", I said.
"I've always been sad. It's only more apparent now", said Snow.
"Why?" I asked.
"A comfort was taken away nothing I can't adjust to", said Snow.
She started crying. I gave gently squeezed her hand. Our fingers interwove.
"I have to go", said Snow.
Snow's Perspective
I forced myself from the bench. I went home. Months went by. Now I'm 37 weeks pregnant. I held Rose in my arms. The front door of my house opened. It was Taro.
"Uncle Taro!" yelled Hazel.
She ran toward and Saizo. They were both eyeing the pink box he held.
"This isn't for you two", said Taro.
"Than who's it for?" asked Saizo.
"It's for your mom. I know she's being craving something sweet", said Taro.
"You're early", I said as I took the box in my free hand while balancing Rose in my arm.
"I thought that would be better", said Taro.
"You better get going", I said.
He took Rose from my arms. She started struggling.
"Mama"
My eyes went wide. I was hoping by the time she said her first words she would be with her real mother. I wonder how she is. I'm not even sure if she's alive or not. If she heard her daughter calling someone else mama it would break Konan's heart. I kissed her on the forehead.
"Most mothers are more impressed when their baby says their first words", said Taro.
"Hazel Saizo go outside and wait for your uncle", I said.
Hazel ran out door and running around in the front yard with Spike.
"Why?" asked Saizo.
I thought his why phase would be over by now, but he always questions.
"Because I want to have a private conversation with your uncle", I said.
"How did you feel when Ren first called you dad?" I asked.
"Happy that she accepted me as part of her family. You looked sad when Rose called you mama. Why is that?" asked Taro.
"I love her like daughter, but she isn't mine. The title of being her mom doesn't belong to me", I said.
"Than who does she belong to?" asked Taro.
"She's my sister's. She gave me Rose to protect her and raise her like his own", I said.
"I guess your talking about your adoptive sister", said Taro.
"I have no idea where she is or if she's even alive. But I promised her I would take of Rose like she's mine", I said.
"You haven't broken your promise Snow", said Taro.
"You should go Taro they will get impatient if you don't", I said.
He left with Rose in his arms. My mind wanted to wander to my adoptive family, but I forced my focus from it. If I stayed on that thought it brought sadness. My children were enjoying their summer break. But it left me with far too much free time for my like and the heat wasn't pleasant. I've hardly seen Eiji in this time. I miss him. There was another knock at my door. I couldn't get up from the couch.
"Come in", I said.
The door opened. It was Eiji. He smiled at me.
"You are glowing", said Eiji.
"Those aren't the words I would use to describe myself", I said.
I saw Kameko and Mari stood outside. What are they doing here?
"What's going on?" I asked.
"There's a meeting you have to go to", said Eiji.
"What kind of meeting requires 37 week pregnant woman?" I asked.
"A kind of meeting that requires the most powerful members of out family", said Eiji.
"You are going to have to tell me more than that to convince me to leave this house", I said.
"You have to come with me", said Eiji.
"You're wrong there", I said.
"It's with the first family", said Eiji.
"You expect me to go to a meeting with our enemies. When I'm going to give birth any day now", I said.
"Yes",
"No way in hell am I going", I said.
"You risk the lives everyone in this village if you don't", said Eiji.
"Fine you're going to have to help me up", I said.
Eiji pulled me up from the couch. I walked to my room.
"Where are you going?" asked Eiji.
"Do you really want me going to this meeting in sweat pants and a baggy shirt?" I asked.
I walked to my room and grabbed one of the few dresses that still managed to fit me. It was black with small white dots. I put my hair in a messy bun and then walked out to meet Eiji.
"Ready to go?" asked Eiji.
Author's Notes
Just if anyone curious Bishop is an Irish Wolfhound.