Heart's Treasure
Chapter 19: Explanations
Sorry, this chapter took longer than expected. Please tell me what you think about.
Perspectives: Kakuzu and Snow
Kakuzu's Perspective
Snow leaned into my embrace as we kissed. Her body felt so warm against mine. She broke the kiss. It was unlike her, but when I saw the chaos in her eyes I understood.
"You don't know how to explain", I said.
"Did you expect me to? I never thought this would happen. How can I explain what was thought to be the impossible?" asked Snow.
She sat on the ground trying to give her mind time to process what was happening. I took the place next to her.
"Eiji is going to throw a fit", muttered Snow.
I cringed at the mention of his name.
"You shouldn't care what he thinks", I said.
I know the multiple reasons for why she must take Eiji into consideration. He controls such a great amount it's impossible not to take him into consideration.
"Kakuzu, you're an intelligent man you know my reasons", said Snow.
She looked over the area.
"He left", said Snow.
Her voice was a whisper. I knew she was talking about Manzo. He must have left to give us privacy.
"You'll have to stay Goemon for awhile longer", said Snow.
The disappointment was heavy in her voice. I couldn't deny I wasn't disappointed.
"I thought that", I said.
Sapphires streamed from her eyes. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder pulling her close. She nestled closely to me.
"Snow look at me", I said.
She sniffled. Snow slowly met my gaze.
"There's no reason to cry. I'm here and soon enough we'll be family again my treasure", I said.
"I can't believe this is happening", said Snow.
She started trembling. I pulled her into my lap and hugged her close.
"I'm here Snow. This isn't a dream", I said.
We both craved closeness to each to reassure ourselves this was real. I returned to Goemon the grounds keeper.
"Let's go", I said.
I helped her up. She made no attempt in hiding her pained expression. I squeezed her hand.
"It's still me", I said.
"I know. It's a lot process. My mind has hard time accepting it", said Snow.
I followed her home. I stopped, when I reached the front door.
Snow's Perspective
"I should go", said Kakuzu.
I grabbed his hand.
"I don't belong here", said Kakuzu.
That's untrue. He belongs here more than anywhere else.
"You can stay one night", I said.
"It isn't my place to stay", said Kakuzu.
"Please one night so can reassure myself, Kakuzu", I said.
"One night", said Kakuzu.
I led him to my bedroom. I locked the door and closed the curtains. I will not have anyone ruin this. He dropped his jutsu. I didn't know how to respond. We have hours till dawn we don't have to rush. I timidly touched my hand to his chest. He ran his fingers down my arm. They were cool against my skin. I stepped closer. I closed my eyes and rested my head on his strong chest. I heard breath fill and leave his lungs. One, two, three, four, five they are all there beating. Tears streamed from my eyes as I listened to them beating.
"I'm here my treasure",
I gazed into those his eyes. Their color has changed, but the feelings they show still hold true. He gently touched my cheek. I've never felt such a soft delicate touch from him.
"Don't cry",
I closed my eyes. This is too much. His warm breath caressed my lips, before we kissed. His arms wrapped around my waist; holding our bodies close together. I locked my arms around his neck bringing us closer. I pulled away first. Our foreheads touched. We separated only long enough for him to take off his shirt. My hands traveled from his broad shoulders down. I ran my fingers over every seam and muscle. He took my hands in his. Kakuzu kissed my hands.
"I'm here Snow",
I couldn't stop myself from crying. Our lips met in a brief kiss. As we moved toward the bed we shed our clothes.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Snow stood bare in front of me. Her skin was flushed a light shade of pink. She tried hiding herself from me.
"There's no reason to hide", I said.
She tender smile appeared on her gentle face. We got into bed. When our skin touched such warmth spread through my body. With her touch the cold that haunted my body left me. Her midnight blue eyes only held love. Her small hands traced the stitches along my jaw.
"I'm here", she said.
My hands committed every inch of her body to memory. I pushed into her. Our bodies rocked together. Her soft sighs and moans were music to my ears. I watched the expressions of pleasure cross her face. Our climax was quiet, but nonetheless pleasurable. I collapsed beside her and pulled her close. Snow cuddled close to me. Her head rested on my chest. Snow's fingers traced the seams on my chest.
"Snow",
She focused those brilliant eyes on me.
"I'm sorry Snow. I should have never left you and our family. If I wasn't so foolish in battle I would have been able to return to you", I said.
"I was so hurt, but I was never upset with you. I wanted to kill those who did that to you, but I had family to take into consideration. I had to move on", said Snow.
Snow was about to fall asleep, when crying could be heard over the baby monitor. She got up from bed and put on her robe. Snow returned with our youngest son in her arms. Kotaro is three and half months old and I hardly know him. Snow hushed him. She moved away her robe and let him nurse. Snow burped him. Kotaro saw no signs of wanting to go to sleep.
"Want to hold him?" asked Snow.
I nodded my head and took him in my arms.
"What is he like?" I asked.
"He's a sweet baby. Messy eater though", said Snow.
Kotaro grabbed one of the stitches along my jaw and gave it a tug. I let my threads come out. He laughed and tried grabbing them.
"He likes you", said Snow.
Soon he settled in my arms and drifted to sleep. Snow took Kotaro from my arms and placed him in bed. She returned a few minutes later. Snow huddled against me. Her head rested on my chest listening to my hearts beat.
"I missed that sound", said Snow.
I smiled. She yawned, but refused to fall asleep.
"Sleep, Snow you need it", I said.
Her eyes eventually fell asleep. I glanced at the clock should go. It was four in the morning best leave before the village wakes. I carefully moved Snow from my chest. I dressed. I heard her stir in bed. Snow was sitting up with only a bed sheet covering her body.
"Kakuzu?"
I walked to her side of bed and sat next to her.
"Go to sleep", I said.
She tugged my shirt. I leaned forward and kissed her.
"I love you my treasure",
"I love you too", said Snow.
There was a scratching at the door. I unlocked it and Bishop came in. He pounced on me and started licking my face.
"Get off me you stupid mutt", I said.
Bishop went to floor. I noticed his nails were painted pink.
"Why are my dog's nails painted pink?" I asked.
Snow smiled.
"Hazel got bored", said Snow.
I returned to Goemon the grounds keeper. Snow sighed.
"Goodbye for now", I said.
"I'm not saying it Kakuzu", said Snow.
Snow's Perspective
I put on my robe and slippers. I walked him to the door. I didn't leave the front door until he was out of sight. Spike licked my leg. I returned to reality. I closed the front door. Shower, that's what need. If Mari even catches the sent of sex on me she'll interrogate me until I gave her an answer. I got into the shower and let the hot water run over me. I made breakfast. Hazel got out of bed around eight. At the same time my front door slammed open. Hantia and Mari came in. They settled at the table. The two of them made a wonderful couple.
"You know you two can go grocery shopping and make your own breakfast right instead of mooching off me", I said.
"Now why would I do that when I can get a free meal here", said Mari.
Saizo eventually got out bed.
"Mommy you look really happy", said Saizo.
"I am", I said.
"Does your happiness have anything to do with the toy I gave you?" asked Mari.
My face went pink.
"What kind of toy did she give you, mommy?" asked Hazel.
I glared at Mari.
"Nothing special", I said.
Later in the afternoon their cousins came to visit. Hantia was chasing her siblings and cousin in game of tag. Kameko sat next to me in one of the lawn chairs.
"What has you in such a good mood? I promise I won't tell Mari", said Kameko.
"What won't you tell me?" asked Mari.
"I'm only curious about why our sister is in such a great mood", said Kameko.
"Isn't obvious. She's got laid. He must have been good", said Mari.
"Snow, please don't tell me you're having an affair you can't afford one. Not now at least", said Kameko.
"I'm not having an affair", I said.
From their expression I knew they didn't believe me.
"Don't give me that look. Besides who could I possibly have an affair with?" I asked.
"Goemon", said Kameko and Mari.
"It's obvious he wants to be more than just a friend", said Mari.
"I don't want to talk about this anymore", I said.
The day moved by slowly for me, but for my family it seemed to pass quickly. Night finally came. The twins were tucked into bed and the house was quiet. I stared at the divorce papers in front of me.
"Are you going to sign those?" asked Dad as he took a seat next to me.
"Not yet", I said.
"I don't see why not. He forced you into a marriage. You should feel no guilt in ending it", said Dad.
"Yet I do", I said.
"You're to kind for your own good Snow. Put yourself first", said Dad.
"I don't have that luxury any more. I have a family and village to put before myself", I said.
"The price of being a Guardian", said Dad.
I have much on my mind. Most of the shinobi of the village were sent to fight leaving the village vulnerable. The people were worried and keeping them at ease is a constant job. But this is my job. Quitting isn't an option.
"You should tell Kameko. She's not only your sister, but your advisor", said Dad.
"I know",
"You know many would kill to have your position", said Dad.
"They wouldn't last a week in my shoes", I said.
"You should get some rest. Oh, and thank you for not being too loud last night", said Dad.
My face went hot.
"There's no reason for you to be embarrassed. Your mother and I could barely keep our hands off each other", said Dad.
I cringed. Now I know how my children He smirked and left. As I walked to my room I checked on each of children. I got into bed. Soon it won't be so lonely. I stared at the ceiling. I somehow managed to fall asleep. I got Hazel and Saizo ready for school. It was my turn to take them. Betty came to watch Kotaro and Rose.
"Do you have everything?" I asked as I handed them their backpacks.
"Yes", said the twins.
"Hana, do you everything?" I asked.
"Yes, Aunt Minori", she answered.
"Mommy?"
"Yes Hazel",
"Where's Kotori?" she asked.
"He's with Eiji", I said.
"And where's Eiji?" asked Saizo.
"There's war coming up. He's with our allies fighting to protect us all", I said.
Both Hazel and Saizo tensed.
"Are we safe?" asked Hazel.
I kneeled down so I was at the same eye level with them.
"I won't allow anything or anyone hurt you three or the village", I said.
"Who protects you, Mommy?" asked Hazel.
"Aunt Minori is the most powerful ninja of the village. She can protect herself", said Hana.
"Are you really that strong Mommy?" asked Hazel.
"Yes, now go you'll be late for class", I said.
Before I could leave Hazel hugged me tightly.
"Please don't get hurt again", she said.
"I will try my best not to. Now go to class", I said.
When I got to the office it seemed more chaotic than normal, which I didn't think possible till now. A random worker ran into me at full speed nearly knocking me over.
"Sorry",
"It's alright", I said.
As soon as I entered my office I saw Kameko. She looked extremely stressed.
"Kameko, what happened?" I asked.
"We need a keeper of the funds died of a heart attack. It happened at the worse time. Do you know how much a war cost?" said Kameko.
She only came out of her haze of stress, when she saw me close the doors to my office. The doors of this room only close, when conversation serous.
"You're having an affair aren't you", said Kameko.
"Sort of", I said.
"Snow, you're either are or aren't", said Kameko.
"It's complicated", I said.
Kameko looked horrible. I gave her a hug. I took her hand and lead her to bookshelf. I pulled one of the books and the shelf moved the side. She followed me up the stairway.
"Why did you bring me here, Snow?" asked Kameko.
"You need rest", I said.
She got into Eiji's bed.
"Can you at least tell me who it is?" asked Kameko.
"Heh, you wouldn't believe me if I told you", I said.
How do you tell someone you're cheating on your present husband with your late husband without someone thinking your crazy? I cringed. Cheating makes it sound so much worse. I went back to the office. The bookshelf slid back in place behind me.
"You look guilty", said Dad.
"Where are Michi and Kin?" I asked.
"Taking patrols", said Dad.
"Why did you send them to do that?" I asked.
"To talk to you", said Dad.
"Why?" I asked.
"Guilt isn't a good thing to carry in such a heavy load", said Dad.
I glared at him. I don't need a lecture right now. I have enough my mind right. I chose to ignore him. My focus went to the large stack of paperwork in front of me.
"Don't ignore me young lady!" growled Dad. .
"Aren't I a little old for that", I said.
I didn't even spare glance at him.
"Don't ignore me!" growled Dad.
"Why should I pay attention?! You only going to tell me what already know", I said.
"Why do you have to be so damn stubborn?!" yelled Dad.
"I got that from you dumbass!" I screamed.
My eye twitched. I'm in no mood for this. I groaned as horrible heartburn took over. I cringed. Dad was instantly by my side.
"Are you alright kitten?" asked Dad.
"Yes, only heartburn", I said.
He kneeled down so he could get a better look at me. Dad ran his fingers through my hair. A thick strand of my hair fell out.
"How long has this been going on?" asked Dad.
"Ever since Eiji left. The weight of running a country and carrying for a family is having effect", I said.
"Eiji will be back in a few months then you won't have to carry such a weight. You should take a break", said Dad.
"I can't. Please don't tempt me", I said.
A few hours later Kameko finally came out of her slumber.
"Did you drug me?" asked Kameko.
"Yes, you needed it. You're more stressed than I am. Besides I only gave you a small fraction of what it takes to put me asleep", I said.
"You would have been knocked out for days if she gave you the full dose", said Mari as she came in from the window.
I glared at the mud she tracked in.
"You know there's these wonderful things called doors, Mari", I said.
"You've grown boring in your age", she said.
"I'm as old you", I said.
"She has point", said Hantia.
"Some girlfriend you are. I thought you would agree with me", said Mari.
"Yes, I'm your lover, but that doesn't mean I have to agree with you", said Hantia.
"I have work to do. Have your lovers' quarrel somewhere else", I said.
Mari smirked. I groaned I know that smirk.
"That reminds who was the lover quarreled in bed with last night?" asked Mari.
My face turned pink.
"My love life is my own. If there's someone I'll keep him or her secret until the time is right", I said.
"So you admit you have a lover", said Mari.
"I admitted nothing. Now return to your duties before I lose my temper. You don't want to put me in fowl mood", I said.
"I get. I'll leave", said Mari.
Mari and Hantia left.
"I would say you were in fowl mood before she came in here", said Kameko.
"I need to introduce you to someone", I said.
"Who?" she asked.
"The person I'm having the supposed affair with", I said.
Kameko twitched, but quickly regained her composure.
"When?" asked Kameko.
"Either now if we take Mari's paths or at nightfall", I said.
"Best do it now. Going at nightfall will raise suspicion", said Kameko.
I nodded my head. She followed me out window.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Two set of footsteps walk into the tomb.
"Why did you drag me here? You could just told me it was Goemon?" asked Kameko.
"There's more to it than that", said Snow.
I made myself known. Snow smiled. It was wonderfully warm and loving.
"Why did you bring her here?" I asked as I leaned against the wall.
"Be nice", said Snow.
She still hadn't answered my question.
"I need you to reveal yourself", she said.
The way Snow said that made it sound the like the simplest request.
"You can trust Kameko. I need her to know", said Snow.
I shook my head.
"I can't handle the stress running a country and carrying for a family with keeping this secret. The stress I'm under is already effecting my body", said Snow.
I quickly looked over her body. Everything seems all right. She might have lost some weight.
"Look", said Snow as she her hand through her hair a thick strand of it fell to the floor.
My eyes widened.
"Fine Snow I'll do it", I said.
She gave a small smile. I released my jutsu exposing my true identity. Kameko's eyes went wide.
"How how is this possible? I thought he died on a mission", said Kameko.
"I did. By all reason I should be dead", I said.
"Yet you're here. Snow what did you do this is unnatural", said Kameko.
Snow's hurt was apparent.
"This wasn't her doing. Don't blame her for bringing me back", I said.
"Then how did you come back?" asked Kameko.
"Kabuto Yakushi brought me back from the dead using a reincarnation jutsu", I said.
"Then he how did he come under your care?" asked Kameko.
"I made a deal with the devil", said Snow.
"What price did you pay Snow?" asked Kameko.
"A price that wouldn't put the village or my family in danger", said Snow.
I hate when she's vague. I've been curious of what price she paid for me. I don't remember much of that night. What price did you pay to get me? Knowing her she would do everything she could to protect and keep her family one, even if it meant harming herself in the process.
"Snow, what did you trade for me?" I asked.
She sighed.
"He wanted my blood, hair, and one of my eggs", said Snow.
Eggs? How did? I don't even want to know how.
"Don't stare at me with that dumb look. I had some frozen at the hospital", said Snow.
I flinched. Why on earth would she do something like that? She would have no reason at all to do something that. Snow is fertile. Why?
"I'm not going to say anything about you giving Kabuto that. It was yours to do what you want with. I can't be upset with you not matter how much I want to be. Because I would do anything to get Taro back if anything were to happen him", said Kameko.
The stress was apparent on both their faces.
"Can I trust you two to keep you hands off each other? If anyone were to discover whatever this is it would be a public affairs nightmare", said Kameko as she left.
She left. Leaving me alone with Snow. Now I saw so much clearer. Her body was tired. She tensed when I touched her cheek. Snow quickly relaxed. She sighed.
"I have to go", said Snow.
"Why?" I asked.
"The elders are going to throw a fit if I'm gone too long. I only get visit here an hour", said Snow.
She got up.
"It hasn't been an hour", I said.
"Come on Kuzu I have to eat. Ramen sounds good", said Snow.
She gave me a smile. It made her almost look carefree. She kissed me on the lips. With that she left.
Snow's Perspective
I felt someone nudge me wake. I didn't bother opening my eyes.
"Minori sleeping on the job is unlike you",
My eyes shot open. I stood in front of my desk.
"About time you got here", I growled.
"I was only gone three month. You've taken great care of the village", said Eiji.
"Kameko get in here!" I yelled.
She emerged from a pile of scrolls and papers. Kameko rubbed her eyes and slowly got up from bed paperwork. She gave a quick glance at Eiji, and then her attention went to the file cabinet. She opened it and took out a vanilla folder. Kameko placed it front of me.
"This plan should work", said Kameko.
Eiji gave us a curious look.
"It's best to get this over with a quickly as possible", said Kameko.
I nodded my head in agreement.
"Follow us", I said.
Eiji followed us to cemetery and into the tomb.
"Why did you bring me here?" he asked.
"Save your question for later. You'll have many once see this", I said.
He followed me deeper and deeper in the tomb.
"So he's finally here. Took him long enough", said Kakuzu.
He hadn't dropped his transformation jutsu yet.
"Kameko",
She took the clue and left. If things went bad she could lose much more than I.
"Reveal yourself", I said.
Kakuzu released his jutsu. Eiji didn't even flinch. Both their overwhelming urge to attack each other outweighed Eiji's shock. The tension between the two of them was unreal.
"Will you idiots stop glaring at each other and talk", I growled.
They both ignored completely ignored me. Pointless male aggression; they won't talk until they first get a chance to beat each other to a pulp. Best to get this part over with. If they don't get this over with now it will happen at a more inconvenient time. I grabbed both of them by the wrist and transported us to Forgotten Village Quarry.
"Why did you bring us here?" asked Kakuzu.
"You both have a temper. It's best for everyone if you two get this out now", I said.
"You're actually encouraging us to fight", said Eiji.
"Kakuzu is already dead so can't kill him and you're immortal. I don't see the harm in it", I said.
That was all the permission they needed. They attack each other at full force. This is going to be awhile. The two of them are almost equally matched. After two hours they finally finished.
"Now are you two ready to be civil?" I asked.
I took their silence as a yes. I threw each of them a file on the plan. I've already gone over the plan's details with Kameko.
"We will start in two days", I said.
"Why two days?" asked Kakuzu.
"I need rest and so do the both of you", I said.