Chapter IV
Mornings are best met with silence. Except when you are in a cave. The echoes come like the banging of a drum. It sounds good until you realize it is not something that you need. Assuming that a warning had been given would have been enough reason to be startled into waking but snoring was a new one.
The woman was a snorer. And though he was never one to pay attention to others habits while sleeping the fact that he was fully rested when he woke up that morning was a surprise.
She was wrapped under the blanket and snuggling close to the receding fire pit. The warmth making her body relax.
He could see her freckles under the sunlight running across her nose and cheeks. It was different from what he usually saw in Konoha.
As he wipes off the dirt from his clothes he looks to the mouth of the cave and sighs. It was time to continue the journey back home.
But first...
Her scream echoed through the cavern walls as water splashed over her body. Her dark hair and clothes drenched.
"Morning." He said, ignoring the heated glare coming from the woman.
She growled in response. Throwing the blanket off her body. "That wasn't necessary."
He doesn't say anything. Just moves to reseal the soaked blanket into the scroll and placing it in his pouch.
The cries of the sparrows passed the trees and entered his ears. A welcome song of peace despite the laughter he feels when he looks at the woman he had unintentionally drenched.
He knew it was childish in behavior but it was hard pranking when alone.
He looked toward the horizon and smiled at the golden glow. Accepting the warmth given even if it was for a moment. He did not want to miss anything by leaving her but he could feel the anger leaking from her body as she rung out her shirt and hair.
The scent of honeysuckle was subtle on her skin. Though her natural scent was hidden deep under the sweat, dirt and grime of nature was something he had yet to identify. It was mysterious and sweet. Unique. Yet holding itself at bay.
Soft like a flower budding for the first time. And hauntingly enchanting.
Never more than what it should be.
Yet when he found himself among the trees and the welcoming sounds of nature after they left the cave he never thought that she would try to retaliate.
It was calm and deceptive. Intentional yet filled with an unsettling sense of foreboding.
His senses knew something was heading his way. As a ninja, he learned to never be too comfortable with a stranger and to never allow his senses to be overwhelmed with what the eyes have seen.
It was a statement more than a precaution. But it helped him understand the need for knowledge and observation. As most were rooted in fear.
So, when honey fell onto his silver hair from the nest of bees above and the laughter came like a bell chime. He knew that they would get along in the best way.
If he didn't kill her for ruining his hair.