V 6 ch 4
Yanagi's Smile
Daiya sat by the tree thinking. He was trying to push on and be strong for himself and Idai. It was hard for him to go through every day without seeing his best friend's smiling face. He closed his eyes trying to block out his memories. I cannot forget him. It is not possible. I do not… want to forget Idai.
"Hah! You're a chicken, Masaru," Ryu said as he watched the blond haired kid run from Hire. "The worst she can do is throw mud at you." Hire turned around to glare at Ryu for his comment. Ryu kept on. "If you want, I can go find a holy man to bless some water and we can throw it at her," he said yelling through his cupped hands.
Kiba started laughing. "What in the world has gotten into you, Ryu? You used to be scared of that girl not too long ago." Akamaru gruffed his comments as he lay next to Kiba's feet.
"Yeah, I know. Hire terrifies me," Ryu said as he smiled at Kiba. He laughed about it. I am only doing this for Daiya anyway. I need to be stronger for him and Takeru.
Sasuke shook his head. "I never thought I'd see the day you actually admit anything," he told Ryu. Ryu only looked at him as his smile faded. "What happened while we were away?"
Ryu kept his eyes on Sasuke. "Nothing," he said seriously. Sasuke was watching him. He knew his trainer did not believe him. Oh, no. Sasuke was waving him over. Ryu walked over to him. He stood with his back to the others behind him.
"Something happened," Sasuke said lowly. "You changed. I notice it. You cannot fool me, Ryu. I've known you longer than anyone else out here."
Ryu sighed. "If I tell you, you'll laugh. Maybe I don't want others to know how I am." He glanced at Daiya. Daiya was lost in thought. He is probably thinking about Idai.
"You changed for Daiya and Takeru. That is what it is. Ryu is taking on the responsibility of being an older brother. Yet, are you doing it because Idai left or another reason," Sasuke asked.
Ryu closed his eyes. He was nervous. Sasuke had been his trainer since he was eleven. They both knew each other very well. They were too comfortable around each other. However, Sasuke was also someone else to Ryu and he was not too sure if he wanted him to know.
"Ryu, calm down. I do not know why you get nervous when I ask you about something. You have not done anything wrong. I'm just curious to why you've matured like you have," Sasuke said.
"You promise not to judge me," Ryu asked rather nervously.
"I'm not going to judge you," Sasuke said. "I never have." He could not figure out why Ryu had difficulty confiding in him. Sasuke had to be patient with him though. Ryu had improved greatly over the past few months more than he had ever expected. Pushing the boy would make him take several steps back.
"I need them," Ryu said softly. "I need them more than they think they need me. I need Takeru's positive attitude and Daiya to keep me straight. The least I can do is try and make them smile. If I ever lost either of them, it would,-"Ryu couldn't say the rest. He feared it.
"That's the way it should be," Sasuke said softly. "It means you guys are really close. There is no shame in that. I see how they act when they are around you. They are more open and at peace. In addition, I also see how you react to them. It's terrible being your trainer and to learn that the solution I've been trying to find for you was never in my reasoning." Ryu looked at him not understanding. "The solution was my own son. I feel ignorant not having helped you or him sooner. Yet, you two found each other." Ryu's gaze softened.
"Takeru was very curious about you. He drilled me about who you were, the techniques you used, and about your personality. He was persistent. Without trying, you were helping him, Ryu. Takeru has become more open with Izumi and I. And he's even more accepting of others that are different. I can't say I'm sure on how to properly thank you."
Ryu looked away again once he glanced at his trainer. "I have a stupid request." Sasuke raised a brow. He smiled a little. "Um, would you… be my friend?"
Sasuke walked next to him. He moved his arm up and brought it around Ryu, drawing him closer. Ryu eased up as Sasuke placed his hand on the back of his head. "I've been your friend for a while, Ryu. You're just slow at realizing it."
"Do I still have to call you 'sensei'," Ryu asked in a joking manner. He felt Sasuke flick the back of his head. "I guess so," he said as he sulked.
"Daiya, get up. You can train with Yanagi," Sasuke said. He watched Daiya tense.
"I don't want to train with her, or anyone," Daiya said lowly. He crossed his arms. He felt weird as if someone had cut off one of his own limbs. Daiya was too used to training solely with Idai. That is whom he really wanted to be with. He looked up to see Yanagi crouching in front of him.
Yanagi smiled at him. "I know you don't usually train with me, but I promise I'll get you worked up." She watched Daiya stare at her with his gray eyes. "I don't have a disease, Daiya." He was looking at her as if he did not know who she was.
Kiba walked over to Daiya. He reached down and grabbed the boy by the collar, hoisting him up. "You're going to train, kid." He started to drag Daiya to the area.
Daiya's hair spiked out. "Let go of me," he said angrily. He reached up to grasp onto Kiba's wrist. The man's grip was stronger than his was and Daiya could not get away. Kiba would not let him go until he was forced into the training area. Daiya glared at the Inuzuka man.
Yanagi started to walk towards the training area. Daiya was not moving. If he got out of the area, he would have to take Sasuke's punishment. She had seen Hire and Ryu take it a time or two. She felt someone put his hand on her shoulder. Yanagi stopped in her tracks to look up.
"You know, he's not acting like that because of you," Ryu said trying to reassure her.
"I know. It is because Idai is gone. Still, that is not an excuse to stop trying. If he gets mad at me, he'll just have to get mad," Yanagi said with a smile. She went running at Daiya. "You better run or defend yourself! I'm not easing up on you, Stormy!"
"Stormy," Masaru repeated. He tilted his head as Yanagi started to throw a few punches at Daiya. Daiya was moving his body, ducking, twisting, and sliding backwards to avoid her making contact.
"It's the color of his eyes," Ryu told Masaru. "Girls notice that sort of thing. Your eyes say more about you than body language, or your mouth."
"What do my eyes say about me," Masaru asked as he pointed to his face. Ryu was quirking a brow at him. Masaru wanted to know.
"Yours say you need to work harder," Sasuke said. Masaru sulked. "I'm only teasing – lighten up."
Hire rolled her eyes. She leaned against a tree with her arms crossed. I am on the weirdest team in Konoha. She flicked her head around as her eyes looked up at the clouds. Flocks of birds were flying south. Soon winter will be here. I cannot wait for the break. It will be too cold to train outside for a while.
"The birds are already on the move," Kiba said as Akamaru sniffed the air. "It won't be long before the leaves start to change." He wondered where Idai was. It was depressing to have his team split as it was.
"You could at least try to come at me, or something," Yanagi said rather disappointed to Daiya. "I know you're upset about Idai, but,-"she stopped. Daiya was giving her one heck of a look. Yanagi walked towards him slowly.
Daiya narrowed his eyes at her. "What do you want," he asked aggressively. She stopped in front of him. Daiya tensed. Why is she smiling at me? I want to be left alone!
"Daiya, do you hate me," she asked softly. His body language told her his guard was up. "I'm not trying to make things harder for you. I just want you to not stop doing for yourself," she said trying to explain her thoughts to him.
Daiya's gaze remained hard. He did not trust anyone fully. "Why do you care about how I act?" He stood his ground, his posture serious.
Yanagi continued to smile at him kindly. "I like you," she said blushing. "I'd hate to see you not do your best." She tried to keep herself from being embarrassed by keeping her hands still. Yanagi's heart was racing so badly she thought it was going to leap out of her chest and run away.
Daiya's gaze suddenly softened. Yanagi was as direct as he was. He blushed slightly at what she had just told him. "You… like me..? Why..?" Daiya did not understand. He and Yanagi rarely spoke.
Yanagi opened her eyes. "You're direct, strong, meaningful in what you do, serious, well poised, don't take anything from anyone, try your best, and most of the time you think of others first. You are unselfish, Daiya. I like that most about you. I am sorry for being blunt. I didn't mean to embarrass you." She heard her name being called by Masaru. "I'm coming. Well, looks like I have to go tracking now. Thanks for the training session, Daiya." She waved at him as she took off to catch up to her team.
Daiya stood on the training ground watching Yanagi disappear. He was still blushing. She likes me. He swallowed with difficulty. She likes me like… Ryu like Saori and she likes him. Daiya cocked his head. He felt funny. My heart feels weird. I am not having an attack though. Why do I feel like this? Daiya sighed slowly. It was still there.
Ryu was watching Daiya curiously. "What's wrong with him? He's standing there as if a ghost just popped up and slapped him." He turned around as he heard Sasuke smirk. "All right, now what's up with you?"
"Kind of like how the ghost scared you at the hot springs, right," Sasuke said. He smirked more. That was a good prank he had pulled.
Kiba started laughing. He had participated in getting Ryu back with Sasuke. It was worth it, too.
"Oh, shut up," Ryu said annoyed.
Daiya walked down the street with Ryu. They were meeting Takeru and Saori at the place where Saori had first treated Ryu. Saori was trying to treat everyone to keep his or her minds off Idai. Daiya was still adjusting to not having his best friend around.
Ryu was keeping an eye on him the entire time they were away from Sasuke. Daiya had become more aggressive when forced to participate in their training. It was the opposite when he was with his friends. Daiya had become withdrawn and soft spoken around others he was familiar with. Ryu thought the boy acted as if he was in mourning. "Daiya, you've got to cheer up," he said. "You can't remain to act like this. Everyone is worried."
Daiya walked next to Ryu not really seeing the buildings or people they passed. He was lost in his own world. Nothing seemed real to him. He kept walking not answering Ryu.
Ryu sighed. He reached up to grab Daiya's arm to stop him. He defiantly was not paying attention. "At least focus on where you're going." Daiya looked up at him with a blank expression. "Please snap out of it. I know you miss him. I miss him, but we can't stop living."
"Is he still moping," Takeru asked as he caught up to them. Ryu nodded. Daiya was staring at the ground. He did not look at Takeru as he approached. Daiya's mood was taking its toll on everyone. His father was worried. His mother could not cheer him up. Onari could not get him to interact with her. He looked at Ryu for insight on the matter.
Ryu put his hand on Daiya's head and turned the boy's head so he would look at Takeru. "You're so out of it that you didn't hear him approach. What if we were on a mission? You would be dead right now. Quit moping and straighten up, Daiya," Ryu said rather angrily. He walked into the place to get a table.
Daiya averted his gaze from Takeru. He knew Ryu was right. He closed his eyes trying to regroup his thoughts. "I'm sorry, Takeru," he said softly. "I'm not trying to ignore you. I am not myself. I don't know who I am."
Takeru walked towards his brother. He tugged his arm so Daiya would look at him. "I know you feel out-of-place without Idai. It is not the same when someone is missing from our group. We have gotten closer than anyone out of the teams has, but we have to move on, or we leave each other behind. We depend on each other's survival as much as our own. I do not know if Idai will come back. I cannot say anything encouraging about his situation. We have to be strong for him. He would not want you to stand still and let everything pass you. He would want you to continue to do better – to get stronger – to pursue your goals and dreams." Takeru watched Daiya close his eyes. "Daiya, please continue to walk with us. I'm not saying you have to forget Idai."
"I know, Takeru. I have not heard a word about where he is, or what is happening. He hasn't even tried to contact me," Daiya said. He opened his eyes. He was slightly hurt by it. "I thought we were friends."
"Maybe Gai sensei doesn't want to worry anyone. We do not know what they may be facing. It is probably taking its toll on both of them. Please do not hold it against Gai sensei. He has to do what is best for Idai," Takeru said.
Daiya breathed out slowly. "I don't want to be here. I want to be left alone. I'm not in the mood to eat," he said.
"Tough. You're not going anywhere," Saori said as she showed up. She looked at Daiya sternly. "You shouldn't walk away from someone offering to treat you. I'm tired of your attitude, Daiya."
Daiya narrowed his eyes. He clenched his hands. He was not about to tolerate anyone telling him to get over it. He tensed his body. "I'm leaving," he said lowly. Just as he started to walk away, he was stopped. Someone had a hold on the collar of his vest. "Let go," he said angrily. He turned around swinging his fist.
Ryu blocked the attempted punch. He looked at Daiya with the expression of a parent. "People are trying to be around you. They want to be in your presence because they are your friends. Stop pushing them away." Ryu felt Daiya's aggression. He turned sideways to avoid another punch by Daiya's other hand. "Daiya!"
"Oh, no," Takeru said as he watched Ryu dodge another punch. Ryu still had a firm grip on Daiya's right arm. His brother side kicked at his best friend. That is when Ryu got him. Takeru tensed as Ryu's leg came up to block and his right arm came down to grab onto Daiya's leg.
"Get out of it, if you can," Ryu said with his own aggression. His strength increased as he applied more pressure to the boy's leg and arm. "It's time to grow up. You can be mad at me all you like, but do not take it on Saori or Takeru! You haven't seen me fully angry," he warned as his voice increased.
"Let go of me," Daiya said grunting in a panic. Being held against his will reminded him of what he had gone through as a child. He tried to pull out of Ryu's grasp, but he was not able to get away. He gritted his teeth as his eyes closed.
"Ryu, you're scaring him," Saori said into her boyfriend's ear. "I know you're trying to make a point with him, but he was abused by his mother, wasn't he? You're re-creating his past," she whispered.
Ryu did not ease up. "Am I striking you? Am I making a move towards you to harm you? Daiya, stop struggling!" Daiya was having an all out panic. "I am not hurting you. I am merely stopping you."
Daiya opened his eyes to look at Ryu. He lowered his head as if he were a stray dog and had been beaten. His heart was racing. His breathing was increased.
"Daiya, don't lower your head. You are not beneath anyone here. I am not trying to break your spirit. I'm trying to stop you from unleashing your anger on those that don't deserve it," Ryu said. "If I let you go, you have to go in and sit with us. It is rude to act like this to Saori, or anyone who is trying to be close to you. It is a slap in the face! Do you understand me?"
Daiya weighed out his options. He knew Ryu could not hold him forever. Takeru and Saori were both watching him. Daiya's eyes softened. His aggression was leaving him. Now he was ashamed. Saori was worried. Takeru was fearful. He saw it all in their eyes.
Ryu kept his eyes on Daiya. The boy was easing up because it was finally registering what the consequences were. It was wrong to lash out at them. Ryu was not trying to be mean to his friend. He was trying to open his eyes. "Are you going to behave," he asked with his voice calm and rational.
Daiya's stormy gray eyes looked at Ryu. "Y-Yes," he said softly. Ryu let him go. Daiya remained still. He could have run, but he stayed. Ryu took a step towards him. He shot back watching Ryu alerted by him. Ryu had never been strict with him before.
"Daiya, I'm not going to hurt you," Ryu said gently. He could tell the thread between them was strained. Ryu had misplaced his friend's trust in him. It was hard to get it, but easy enough to lose. Ryu lifted his arm and held out his hand to Daiya. The other boy looked at it as if it were something foreign to him.
"Daiya, please don't push Ryu away," Saori said. She watched as Daiya moved towards the small restaurant, away from Ryu. Daiya went in because he had to, not because he wanted. Saori looked back at Ryu. Ryu lowered his hand. He lowered his head, too as he closed his eyes and sighed. "Ryu..?"
Takeru felt bad. Daiya had rejected Ryu. He felt like it was his fault somehow. He knew his brother was hurting – that he was angry and sad all at once.
Ryu shook his head. "It's fine," he said gently. "I can't force him to do anything. It is wrong. I know I lost. He resents me and it's fine." Ryu went into the establishment. He sat away from Daiya. Saori sat in front of Daiya beside Ryu. Takeru sat beside his brother.
"This isn't going as well as I had planned," Saori said looking at the table. Everyone was in a bad mood. She felt Ryu grab her hand and interlace his fingers with hers. He was rubbing his thumb on the back of her hand. She glanced at Ryu. He was staring at the table his eyes sad.
Daiya would not look at anyone. He was staring at the wall. Everyone was so upset with his or her situation. Takeru was taking everyone to heart. If I were stronger, they would not be like this. I could make them forget their problems. Daiya would not be focused so much on Idai. Ryu would not be hurt and Saori would not feel offended. I could make them happy.
The woman came by to get their orders. Saori really did not want anything, but she had to make an effort to move on. She ordered four teas and a plate of sweet dumplings. Saori sulked. "Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to invite them," she said softly.
"Invite who," Takeru asked. Just as he asked, three others showed up. He turned his head to see Eiyu, Yanagi, Onari, and Kandai.
"You guys look as if someone has robbed you," Eiyu said as he looked at his or her faces. He sat down beside Saori.
"What has you guys so bummed out," Yanagi said as she sat next to Takeru. She could tell something was wrong. Ryu looked sad. No one was speaking, either. Kandai sat down beside his twin as Onari sat on the other side of Daiya.
"It's a long story," Saori said quietly. The woman showed up with their tea and sweet dumplings. "I'm sorry. I did not order for you guys. I didn't know what you wanted to drink."
"Yanagi can have my tea. I don't want it," Ryu said as he pushed it towards her. He put his elbow on the table, his chin on his hand and continued to look away. The way Daiya had acted towards him really got to him.
"Kandai and I will have coffee. Onari, no coffee for you. You're active enough," Eiyu said. Kandai laughed. "She can have milk."
Onari tilted her head. "Onari want tea like Takeru and Daiya," she said pointing at their cups. Eiyu shook his head at her. "Onari want tea, Eiyu," she said with defiance.
Daiya placed his hand on Onari's head to calm her. "No, tea," he said softly. "It has caffeine in it. You need more energy like Ryu needs more feathers." Ryu glanced at him. Daiya was trying to make amends for how he had acted. "I'm sorry I'm an ass, Ryu," he said even softer.
"At least you admit it," Ryu said watching Daiya look at him. "I wasn't trying to hurt you – only make you understand."
"I know that now," Daiya said as he watched Onari focus on the dumplings. She went for them and he grabbed her hands the second she crammed one into her mouth. "No, Onari. Only take one! You're going to choke," he said trying to pry the other dumplings out of her hands.
Saori blinked. "What is it with her and food?" Daiya could not get Onari to let go.
"She was starved where she comes from," Takeru said. "Onari, you have to share. No one is going to stop you from getting one."
Kandai reached forward to grab onto Onari's wrists. Eiyu had the girl's other wrist. Daiya had her by the waist. Onari still had food in her mouth. She was fighting them hard. "Onari, you can have it, but we get some, too," Kandai said.
Yanagi was watching Daiya intently. He was trying to keep his sister away from the plate of dumplings. She had her hand absentmindedly grabbing her shirt. Yanagi's heart was beating funny again – like the day she had confessed her feelings to him. Daiya was a caring person – he hid it. Yanagi smiled a little.
Ryu reached over to move the plate far away from Onari. He got up. He walked over to her and took the dumpling out of her mouth. Onari was looking at him as if she was about to cry. It was apparent that she had been a scrounger. "I'm not taking it away. You have to be fair, Onari. There is enough for everyone. If you want more, I will get you more. Let everyone else have one." She was watching him. "Share, Onari. They're not going to take it away."
"Onari hungry," Onari said softly to Ryu. "Onari stomach hurt." She felt Daiya release her waist.
Ryu crouched beside her. "I know you're hungry. You have been training all day with Mr. Hyuga, but it is not fair to everyone else if they do not get any. Give the ones you have to someone else."
"Onari hungry," Onari said again, her voice cracking. She wanted to eat. "Onari want food," she said trying to make him understand.
"That's not what it is, Ryu," Yanagi said. "She doesn't think there is enough for her. Didn't you guys say she can't read? She does not know how many dumplings are on the plate. I have an idea. We'll show her." Yanagi put a dumpling into her mouth. "See? If she sees us with one, she'll learn there are some left over," she said muffled.
Takeru stuck one in his mouth, also. "Onari, see?" She turned her head to look at him. He opened Daiya's mouth and shoved one in. "Daiya has one, too."
"Onari, I have one," Saori said as she stuck a dumpling in her mouth. "All right twins, open up." She jammed a dumpling into Kandai and Eiyu's mouth. "There is still some on the plate."
Onari looked around the table. Everyone had a dumpling. There were still some on the plate. The only one, who did not have one, was Ryu. Kandai and Eiyu let her go. Onari moved her hand to Ryu. She offered him a dumpling.
"See? I told you guys she'd figure it out if we showed her," Yanagi said. "Ryu, take it. She noticed you do not have one. She's trying to give it to you."
"Sadly, I don't want it, but I'll take it," Ryu said holding his hand out. He was not accustomed to eating in front of everyone. He sat back down. "Nice job, Yanagi. You figured her out. Amazing since the ones that live with her weren't able to catch on."
"Shut up, Ryu," Daiya said. He scowled. Onari had a whole dumpling in her mouth trying to chew it all at once. "Onari, you're going to choke!"
Onari's hands went up. She could not get the food to go down her throat. It was stuck. She tried to cough. It was not budging. Daiya hit her on the back several times, but it did not do any good. "Spit it out," he told her. Onari shook her head. She did not understand. "Dammit," he swore. He turned her head towards him and snatched the glass of milk off the tray as the woman came by with more drinks. He forced Onari's mouth to open and poured the milk down her throat. "Swallow!"
"Oh, my. Is she all right," the serving woman asked. The woman watched as the girl coughed and choked. The boy beside her was hitting her on the back hard. The woman passed out the remaining drinks. "I'll get her some more milk." She left the table.
Onari coughed her head off while Daiya hit her back. Her throat hurt. Her new brother was watching her to make sure she was okay. Tears were coming out of her eyes as she kept coughing. Onari wiped her eyes with her under shirt.
"Here, Onari," Daiya said as the woman placed another cup on the table. He grabbed it and made her drink it. Onari lowered her head. She was embarrassed. Daiya put his arm around her. He pressed her head to his chest and shielded her. She was still coughing, but not badly.
"I wish I would have thought about how she would react," Saori said sighing. "I blame myself." She was glad Daiya had become Onari's brother beforehand.
"You couldn't have known Saori. Blaming yourself doesn't do any good," Kandai said. "Onari eats at our house, but we're off training with our teams when she's there. She's not threatened by us."
"I don't understand. How come Onari is like that, but Daiya isn't," Yanagi whispered to Ryu. Both of them had been on their own at young ages.
"Because Daiya was found days after he was alone," Ryu said very lowly so Daiya could not hear them. "Onari was on her own for about three years. There is a huge difference. When they are at home, Onari is given her share. She does not feel the need to have to fight for dominance. She's still learning."
Eiyu grabbed a dumpling. He started to break it into small pieces for Onari. It would prevent her from stuffing the entire thing in her mouth. He slid it to her on a smaller plate. "Here, Onari. Eat the pieces that are there. If you want more, I'll break up another one for you."
"It's okay. No one is mad at you," Daiya said as he reassured her. Onari would not look at anyone. She hid her face on Daiya's chest. He put his other arm around her. "She's embarrassed," he told them.
"It's not her fault. Not really, anyway. She doesn't know any better," Yanagi said.
"Still, she's quite the character," Saori said as she drank her tea.
"You told Daiya how you felt? When did this happen," Saori asked. She threw two kunai at the large wooden pole used for target practice. Yanagi was sitting behind her leaning against the tree.
Yanagi glanced at Saori before looking up at the trees. "A few days ago. I shocked him pretty badly," Yanagi said with a soft laugh. She became quiet.
Saori turned around to look at the normally happy, positive pink-haired girl. "Did he… reject you?" Yanagi shook her head. "So what happened?" She was afraid to ask.
"Nothing. I was called away to go tracking with Kiba sensei. I told Daiya when we were training. It was bad timing," Yanagi said trying to blow it off.
"Don't assume it was," Ryu said from his branch. "You didn't see the look on his face after you left." He laughed.
"Ryu, don't tease her. It is not fair to her. If you have some insight, give it," Saori said annoyed as she threw the kunai again. They plunked into the wood.
"All right, I'm sorry. When you left, Yanagi, Daiya was shocked. He stood out there for a while until Sasuke sensei had to go get him. Daiya has never had anyone like him before. Me either, for the most part. He has also never had friends. Therefore, your timing was not bad. Since you told him, he has been acting differently. He is more soft spoken and he seems less threatening – unless he's forced to do something."
"But he doesn't like me. Daiya is well guarded with his emotions. I like that about him though. It gives him a stronger sense of character. I do not mind that he does not like me. I had to tell him because he looked like he needed to know," Yanagi said. It was hard to explain her reasoning to others.
"He's not as well-guarded as you may think. He does have periods when he erupts with whatever is bothering him. Again, that probably plays into how he was treated as a child," Ryu said.
"I wish Daiya's mother was alive," Saori said calmly. Yanagi and Ryu both looked at her. "I'd string that hag up and use python hold on her – slowly." Idai had seen the scars on Daiya's body. He had confessed to Saori a long time ago about it. It infuriated her.
"What… did his mother do to him," Yanagi asked. Saori gave her a sad expression. "Is it that awful?"
Saori sighed. "I'm not at liberty to say. Daiya does not want his past known. I have to respect him enough to let him tell you. I know because Idai had found out. He told me only because he needed advice on how to approach Daiya. All I can say is this: Daiya has to be coaxed. He is heavily guarded due to how he was 'raised'."
"How can… a mother treat her child that way? You're supposed to love your children because they're part of you," Yanagi said very softly. She caught on to what Saori was referring to. Her father loved her to death. Moreover, her mother adored her. Her heart felt odd. She was sad for Daiya.
"Some parents don't ever realize that," Ryu said. "They view their offspring as abominations and want to get rid of them. It's sad and I'd rather do away with this subject," he said closing his eyes. He knew he would never treat his own children that way.
"Ryu's right. We should talk about something else," Saori said. She did not like to think about Daiya being tortured by his mother. It was very sad. Saori turned away from Yanagi and Ryu. She closed her eyes.
Ryu came off the tree. He could tell when something was bothering Saori. She turned away to hide her feelings most of the time. Daiya was their friend. Ryu was closer to him than Saori was. Ryu wrapped his arms around her. Saori gasped not expecting him to embrace her. "It's alright. It's just me," he whispered.
Saori let him hold her. "I'm sorry you guys," she said putting her hand over her mouth. "I don't know what Daiya's mother did. Not fully. I only know that he carries many scars on his body from being around her. I can only imagine what cruelty she displayed on him."
Yanagi's eyes widened with shock. Daiya had scars? She stood up slowly. The trees rustled overhead. Her tears blinded Yanagi's vision. Daiya was resentful, angry, untrusting – and hurt. She looked at Ryu and Saori. They had something special together. She wanted to know what that was like. Yanagi wanted to see Daiya smile. She wanted to let him know things would get better. Yanagi had to find Daiya.
Daiya breathed out slowly. He looked at the metal rod lodged in the ground. It was a fair distance away from where he stood. He was attempting to see how far he could issue his lightening jutsus. The rods he used helped keep an opponent at a distance. A longer range meant he could attack farther. "Alright," he said lowly.
Daiya started to build his chakra. His hair spiked on all ends, his arms tensing as he stood firmly eying the rod. The electrical currents he harnessed inside his body were surging. Daiya put his arms out as they tensed greatly.
Yanagi Lee stood far away from him, watching. She did not mean to catch him training. If she surprised him in any way, he could turn around and accidentally electrocute her. The electrical currents were staring to pop around Daiya's form as he continued to build his chakra. He was pushing himself.
"Lightening storm," Daiya yelled as he unleashed his chakra. Lightening started to pop around his body violently. He was becoming a human lightening rod. Daiya clenched his teeth as he grunted. Come on! He closed his eyes focusing. The lightening started to pop further away, but it was nowhere near the rod he was trying to hit. He breathed hard as he tried to keep it going.
Yanagi was crouched low to the ground covering her ears. Daiya's lightening attacks were frightening. The noises scared her more than anything did. Light flashed around her. She could feel the earth trembling with each pop to the ground. Yanagi screamed afraid it was going to hit her.
Daiya's chakra was running out. He was building up his chakra fairly normal for a kid who had an unpredictable heart rhythm. He had to let it go or overload again. Daiya severed the electrical currents quickly. He breathed hard. He turned his head quickly once he heard Yanagi screaming. As the electrical currents died, she stopped. Her body was lightly shaking. "Yanagi, what the hell are you doing here," he said angrily at her ignorance.
Yanagi raised her head, her hands still covering her ears. Daiya was mad. "I'm sorry," she said as she looked at his stern gaze. "I was… looking for you. I didn't mean to be in the way."
"You weren't in the way. If you had come upon me and I didn't know you were there, I could have electrocuted you!" Daiya turned around fully. His shoulders were stiff. "Why were you looking for me? What do you want?"
Yanagi stood up. Daiya's mood did not frighten her. She knew why he was the way he came off. His harsh voice and defiant nature were to protect him. "I… I just… want to,-"Yanagi broke off. She started to walk towards him. Saori said Daiya had to be coaxed. He was watching her intently.
"You want to what? You cannot train with me. I have to train alone. You're not even on my team," he said. She was coming closer. Daiya watched Yanagi's arms come up. "What, Yanagi?" He tensed more. "Why are you coming over here," he said rather alarmed.
Yanagi started to cry. She could not help it. Daiya was afraid of her. He could hurt her if he chose to, but he did not realize it. "I just… want t-to…,-"Yanagi tried to say it – to make him aware. Daiya's eyes were wide. She had to chance it. Yanagi leapt for him. H gasped hard. She heard the sparks emit. Once her arms were wrapped around him, they suddenly died. "I… wanted to thank you for saving me from Hire. I didn't properly thank you." She held on to him.
Daiya stood stiffly. Yanagi was hugging him and crying. "Why… did you chance me… hurting you," he said softly. This girl was unusual. He did not reject her holding him. Daiya was used to his sister touching him now.
"I told you before, I like you," Yanagi said as she moved her body back in order to smile at him. He was watching her, but not harshly. Yanagi kept her arms around him. She closed her eyes, continuing to smile at him. "You have a very beautiful soul, Daiya."
Daiya felt funny. Yanagi had risked getting hurt to hug him. He looked at her differently. She was trying to get closet o him. Ryu had had a talk with him about that earlier. He lifted his hand and touched Yanagi's cheek delicately. Yanagi blushed. "I don't understand you," he said gently. Daiya moved his thumb to caress her cheek. His eyes were softened. Yanagi was slightly leaning into his hand. "But I… want to."
Yanagi's eyes went wide. Daiya wanted to understand her. She smiled at him tenderly.
"This is the quietest I've ever seen you," Daiya said. He leaned towards her. Yanagi was watching him, but not with a stern gaze. Daiya did not know if it was right. He did not know if he was supposed to, but he had to. Daiya felt his heart jumping around as his lips was exposed to Yanagi's. He closed his eyes feeling her soft lips peck him back. He was not afraid of her.
Yanagi opened her eyes. She was right. Daiya did have a beautiful soul under his rough exterior. Her heart was lightly flopping around in her chest. He seemed to be more at ease with her now. "Daiya, can I… kiss you again?" He leaned towards her. Yanagi kissed him tenderly as her hand came up to rest on his chest. She liked Daiya even more now.
Daiya did not know why, but he felt warm across his chest. He looked at her with half lidded eyes. She was looking back at him the same way. He was so close to her that he could see the different shades of gray in her eyes. Daiya's breathing was increased, but it was because he was nervous.
"I'm not going to hurt you," Yanagi said with her charming smile. "I just want to be close to you." Daiya moved closer to her again, kissing her more intensely and deeper. Yanagi blushed insanely. She kissed him back with the same amount of force, her hand moving to interlace her fingers with his. She squeezed his hand as she continued to kiss him.
Daiya felt Yanagi's fingers touch his. He squeezed her hand. The girl in front of him was a bowl of sunshine on a cloudy day. He moved the hand on her cheek to the back of her head to bring her closer. Daiya kissed her harder. He wanted to feel her against him so badly.
Yanagi did not mind the forceful kissing. She knew Daiya did not know how else to be. He had never kissed anyone before. She was his first. Her entire being was calling out to him and his was answering her. Soon Daiya got a hold of himself and parted the kiss. She looked up into his stormy eyes. "So… you like me, huh?"
Daiya kissed her forehead. "Yeah," he said rather softly. He put his arms around her to bring her closer to his chest. Daiya felt the need to protect her. Yanagi was in love with him. He felt it through every aspect of her being.
"You could have just told me," Yanagi said as she laid her cheek on his chest. Daiya pressed her harder to him. She sighed contently. He was a bit forceful wit her in his actions – yet, Yanagi did not hold that against him.
"I don't know how to… express myself with words like that," Daiya admitted. He was more of an action type. Actions spoke louder than words. The way he felt about her had to be expressed physically. Words would not mean as much to him.
Yanagi looked up at him. She thought Daiya was so handsome. She loved his messy hair and emotionless face. It left a certain mystery about him. He caught her checking him out and tilted his head at her. "You're really handsome," she said explaining her staring.
Daiya did not think he was attractive at all. Then again, he did not think of himself in those sorts of ways. "I don't understand how you came to that conclusion."
Yanagi cupped his face in her hands. She laughed a little. "I admit that I'm average. You, however, are not. You are very handsome and you have the most beautiful eyes. You are exotic to me because you are a foreigner. It makes my heart flop around in my chest."
Daiya lightly ran his fingers across her delicate lips. She was very blunt. He found that to be an attractive commodity. Most of the girls he knew were shy, aggressive, or dominant in character. Yanagi was none of these. "You're very beautiful, Yanagi. Your smile draws me to you. And because of that,-"he paused as he leaned towards her again. "I need to feel you." Daiya kissed her again.
Yanagi gasped slightly but she kept kissing him back. Daiya was highly attracted to her. She kept her hand son his face as he kissed her deeper. Yanagi guided her tongue across his lips to see how he would react. He gasped, but slowly opened his mouth. Yanagi felt his tongue against hers and she blushed harder.
They kissed each other until they both became breathless. Yanagi and Daiya looked at each other with their cheeks flustered. Yanagi kissed him beside his mouth. "I know this is too soon and you aren't going to understand what I want to say. You do not have to say anything. I need to say it, or my heart is going to explode." She watched him keep his gaze on her. "I love you, Daiya."
Daiya closed his eyes pressing his forehead against hers. Yanagi meant what she said. He felt it in her touch, in her kiss, saw it in her smile. She cared about him more than anything. "Yanagi, w-will you stay with me? Pl-Please," he asked. He had to keep everyone he cherished close.
Yanagi took Daiya's hand and placed it over her heart. "It needs to go to you. It has been yours for a while. I want to… be yours and yours only," she said softly.
Daiya really could not help how he was feeling. Yanagi was the first girl to feel that way about him. He kissed her several times all over her face. The gesture she made was important to him. He cautiously grabbed her hand and slipped it through the collar of his vest – to his heart. He wanted her to know that he was not hollow – to let her feel his heart beating wildly in his chest.
Yanagi felt Daiya's heart through his bandages. She had no idea he completely wrapped himself. She thought only his arms and legs were protected. In his own way, Daiya was giving himself to her. She kissed him tenderly on the lips.
The area around them was getting dark. Crickets were chirping. It was twilight –the most romantic time of the day. A few lightening bugs flashed around the woods. Daiya nuzzled his nose against her cheek. "Do you want to look at the stars with me," he asked softly. Daiya loved astronomy. He always wondered what was above them.
Yanagi nodded. He was inviting her to do something he enjoyed. She felt herself being picked up. Yanagi looked down at him. He was carrying her. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he jumped into one of the trees to get a better view of the stars. As she leaned her back against his chest, with his arms around her waist, Yanagi smiled adoringly. Daiya has a wonderful soul.