Chapter Thirteen
Jealousy
Hanabi – 22
Konohamaru – 23
For his birthday, she left the kunai with his mother.
She was kind, she didn't prod for further information though she seemed desperate to.
She still hadn't seen him since Moriko's celebration.
Disappointment was becoming easier and easier to brush off. It was how things had always been. And as always, her birthday came and went quietly, just as she liked it. She ignored the little voice in the back of her mind that pointed out he didn't visit her or get her a gift. But he was still in Anbu. Again, she pushed that down, too.
She busied herself with missions whenever possible, she was even prodding her father about diplomatic assignments. That had, unfortunately, triggered him to invite a group of dignitaries.
And she suddenly found herself tasked with entertaining one her age, as always.
How foolish.
But when she entered the room to greet the arriving party, scanning it for who might be closest to her age, she stopped.
He was a giant.
But clearly the youngest one there.
That couldn't be…
"Hanabi," her father beckoned her, and she tore her eyes off the man. It was only then she realized he was also looking at her.
Golden, honey eyes.
"Oh no." It came out involuntarily, just a tiny breath as she forced her feet towards her father. She parked herself next to him, clenching her jaw, hoping it would will away whatever blood was undoubtedly blotching her cheeks.
"During our travel to the Wind, you never had a chance to meet the Feudal Lady's nephew, did you?"
She wracked her brain. Feudal Lady of Wind Country, Lady Kin. She remembered she was childless and met no one her age during that trip three years ago. She shook her head. "No, I did not."
"Well, why don't you?" the woman offered kindly, gesturing to that giant body of a man. She blinked once before turning her head up to him.
Hanabi was not a short woman.
This man towered her.
"Katsumi, come."
The man approached with his shoulders held back high, smiling a bright, dazzling smile at her. She had to crane her neck to take him in.
Dark skin. Golden eyes. Broad. Tall. Split down the middle, one side of his hair was a deep shade of red, and on the other, a honey blond. It was pulled into a spiky ponytail and thick bangs framed his face. His robes were a simple black, adorned with his clan symbol.
He was…big. And…attractive.
She wasn't a prude. She could recognize when she found someone attractive and feel okay with that. Regardless, there had really only been one person out there that made her feel hot to their gaze. Until just now.
He was bowing and she was staring. Her father hissed her name and she shook her head, forcing her posture up. "A pleasure, Katsumi!" She squeaked out, bowing immediately, perhaps too deeply. "I am Hanabi Hyūga, it's—it's a pleasure to meet you—uhm, welcome to our village—"
Her father set a heavy, warning hand on her shoulder, pulling her back.
"Thank you, Lady Hanabi."
Oh no. That voice was…thick. Smooth.
"Will you please ensure Katsumi is comfortable for his stay?" She looked back at her father, whose eyes said something different.
Pull it together.
"Yes, that would be lovely," the Feudal Lady added with a beam, "perhaps Lady Hanabi would be up to showing the village off to my darling nephew?"
Hanabi went wide-eyed.
More time with this man?
Oh.
Oh no.
Konohamaru splashed cold water on his face, raising to meet his own eyes in the mirror. He watched muddy, reddish-brown drops trail down his face as it washed away the mission's fragments. He frowned as he watched a particularly red drop trail from his hairline, reaching up to brush it away. Truthfully, he wasn't sure whether it was his blood or someone else's. He tried not to think about it.
Tiredly, he pulled a rag over his face to dry and threw it in a bin in the corner, then pulled his chest plate off as he exited the restroom. His feet carried him to his locker, where he tossed the garment in and began peeling off his sleeveless top, still stuck to him with…whatever all this substance was. Sweat, mud, blood. Any combination of them. He winced as it tugged at his skin until it was finally off, and breathed a sigh of relief. Into a nearby laundry basket, it went.
He finished off by pulling on his long sleeve and jōnin flak, tightening his satchels around his hip. He peaked inside briefly before snapping it closed, catching a glimpse of his collected kunai.
He'd left the glass one at home, replacing it with the new 'fated pair' one Hanabi had left with his mother.
He resented that he'd had no time to visit her in the last few months. There were coordinated attacks around the Land of Fire that Kakashi had every available Anbu on.
He was grateful for the work but did acknowledge some burnout. He missed her. He also missed his mom, Mirai, Kurenai. Naruto and family. His mother told him he would, she had warned him. All part of the job.
But Kakashi was rotating out weeklong breaks and it was finally Konohamaru's turn, and he was honestly relieved for it, to give himself time to catch up before being sent back out for who knew how long. He'd visit his mother first, then see if Hanabi might be hanging out at the Uzumaki household.
Finally, some time to see the people he cared about, hopefully Hanabi if she wasn't out on a mission. Finally, some time to step away from the constant drama and death that plagued him in Anbu. He'd never openly concede it, but fatigue was setting in. Again, his mom warned him. Not for the faint of heart, but he never thought he was faint of heart. The fire of the Third Hokage burned within him, how could he be? He was just surprised at how much he'd miss seeing Hanabi, even in passing. Maybe it was because they were on better terms than they ever had been in the past, it seemed cruel to be apart now.
He paused for a moment with thoughts of Hanabi flashing through his mind, his finger mindlessly wandering into the breast pocket of his flak. He frowned when he realized the ribbon wasn't there and quickly turned back to the laundry bin and pulled multiple pieces of clothes out until he found the shirt. He turned it right side out and poked his tongue against his cheek when the ribbon did not reveal itself. Now, he threw the shirt to the ground and tipped the basket over to reveal all of the dirty garments within.
Huffing with frustration and flinging clothing over his shoulder, he finally saw the little flash of color under all the whites, greys, and blacks, and quickly swiped it up. He sighed a little breath of relief as he hung in front of his eyes, a small smile. He tucked it back into its spot of safety before turning to gather the clothes he had carelessly thrown about. Really, he was just glad no one had been around to witness his little frenzied episode. Honestly, he'd probably never admit how important the silly accessory meant to him, not even to Hanabi. But he clung to it like a kid to their teddy bear.
Imagine his surprise when the first thing he saw upon entering the village was her. Catching her with her arm hooked around a beast of a man's elbow.
'Catching them' used lightly of course. There was nothing…nefarious about it.
She wasn't his.
He immediately whispered jutsu to render him invisible, praying she wouldn't be able to detect him as he hopped to a nearby rooftop. He trained his formerly exhausted eyes on the pair.
Who the hell is that?
He studied the man. Konohamaru felt his stomach turn on itself when he realized he was…well, damnit, he was good-looking. And Hanabi was looking at him…with those eyes. Those eyes he swore he'd only seen when she looked at him.
High with a genuine smile, teeth showing, having to lean very far back to meet his eyes as he leaned in to tell her something.
"What the…" Konohamaru muttered, feeling that stir of jealousy. That stir of jealousy he hadn't felt in a few years now, since she reassured him she wasn't seeing anyone. Not even a stupid feudal lord's brother.
His eyes blew wide when he saw her laugh. A belly laugh. It sounded…genuine.
If he'd been tired before, he felt wired to his core now.
Konohamaru was well and truly screwed.
"So good to see you, bud!"
"Yeah, you, too, big bro." Konohamaru engaged Naruto in a short embrace before he was ushered in.
"Konohamaru!" Hinata chirped happily over the stove. He hugged the small woman as well. "Oh! Boruto is on a playdate, but Himawari's upstairs. I'll call her down."
Konohamaru smiled, a very strained smile. Honestly, he wasn't really in the mood to hang around too long now. He was here for other reasons. Hinata took off to collect Himawari, and Konohamaru couldn't stop the outburst. "Who's the tall, tan guy?"
Naruto furrowed his eyebrows at him, tilting his head as he scratched the back of his neck. "Kinda vague description."
"Has red and blond hair? Gold eyes? Black robes?" Yes, he'd studied his features very carefully before they disappeared into a store. It was almost pathetic how well he could imagine the man now. And he desperately did not want to reveal the most important bit of information.
With Hanabi!
"That's the Feudal Lady of the Wind's nephew," Hinata added as she came back downstairs, looking up at Konohamaru curiously. "His name is Katsumi. Himawari's washing up."
"Oh," Konohamaru offered, simply, desperate for more information but didn't want to come off…obvious.
"They're here with other Wind dignitaries. Father tasked my sister with escorting Katsumi around the village."
Oh shit.
"Oh, that guy." Naruto nodded, laughing. "Yeah, we ran into them earlier. Real nice guy."
"He is?" Konohamaru couldn't stop the line of questioning.
"Father says he's a business professional," Hinata added as she sat at the dining table, smiling up at him. "He seems quite articulate."
"Yeah! Funny, too. And huge, right?" Naruto looked at Hinata who giggled. "Giant beast of a guy! Couldn't believe I saw Hanabi looking all red and giggly like someone I know." He winked at his wife and Konohamaru felt absolutely nauseous as if Naruto was attacking him directly.
Just a little dizzy. He pulled a chair out from the dining table, taking a seat without being offered.
Naruto joined him, looking concerned. "You alright? Something go down with Anbu?"
He had to let the nervous laughter flow, or else he might let something else slip. Naruto widened his eyes at Konohamaru's hand balling into a fist on the table. He forced out, "no—no! Everything is great!"
"It…is?" Naruto blinked at him, but he could clearly see the frustration in his body language, probably could feel it. He was fixated on that fist.
"Y'know what, I think—uh, I think I gotta go actually!" He knew his voice was high. Unnaturally high as he shoved down every swear he knew. Ones that would make even his mother recoil. He flexed his hand out before slapping the kitchen table, then shot to his feet. In what might have sounded like a squeak to Naruto and Hinata, he bid farewell before Himawari could join them, "sorry to intrude! Goodbye!"
Nice? Articulate? Funny?
On top of all of the other things?!
Had he ever wanted to ram his fist into someone's face before for doing absolutely nothing objectively wrong?
No, no he had not.
He slowed his breathing as his feet carried him.
You're an Anbu Operative. Be rational.
He was so incredibly…dull.
A beautiful, strong, dull man.
Hanabi found herself sighing when she sat down at Ichiraku's at his behest. Ramen wasn't necessarily her favorite, but it wasn't the worst. She was just dreading describing every menu item to him.
"What does it mean for double chashu? Two slices? Or—?"
"It…it means double." She shook her head, trying her best not to sound irritated. "Double the amount that usually comes in it."
"And how does one know how much is in a normal serving?"
She looked at him with disbelief. Such strange things to become hung up on. "I—I don't know? I guess if you live here, you probably come here often enough, and figure it out—"
"Doesn't sound very good for tourism business." He tutted as he flipped the menu around. She blinked.
"Then get the regular?"
"No, no. I don't eat pork."
Hanabi suppressed the urge to groan, knowing it wasn't worth it.
"I think I'll just take the shoyu broth."
"That's…it? No noodles?" She asked, furrowing her eyebrows. He shook his head. "No toppings? Just…just the liquid?"
"Ah, and no MSG, please."
Hanabi eyes went wide as she locked them with Ayame. Ayame's lower eyelid twitched.
"Excuse me…?"
"Specially made, please, Ayame," Hanabi interjected quickly. Fortunately, this wasn't her first rodeo with stuffy nobles from other lands that had insisted on trying the Hero of the War's favorite local ramen stand, and it wasn't Ayame's, either. She lowered her eyes, gesturing towards the man with her. "This is the nephew of the Feudal Lady of the Wind, just so…you're aware."
Ayame's expression softened, though the vein in her forehead didn't quite relax. She bowed to Hanabi. "Of course, Lady Hanabi."
"And vegetable ramen for me. Extra egg." She paused, glancing at the man next to her. She tilted her head a moment before adding, for giggles "and extra MSG. Thank you, Ayame."
She caught Ayame's knowing smirk as she left them. She peered up at Katsumi, who looked at her curiously. "Have you not heard about MSG, Lady Hanabi?"
"No, no I haven't."
Oh, she had. She just wanted to hear him explain it.
"Terrible migraines," he concluded, folding his hands in his lap, "long-term damage, if medical science is to be believed."
"Oh my." Hanabi feigned ignorance, bringing her water to her lips as she eyed him. He nodded.
"Best to cut back. Now you know."
"Thank you, Katsumi."
"Always happy to help a lovely lady."
"Yes…" Hanabi pursed her lips, biting back a mocking laugh. "Yes of course."
Konohamaru felt like the weirdest guy in the world.
Here he was, spying and seething at the sight of this man at Ichiraku's.
With Hanabi.
Engaging happily in conversation. Happily!
"Who are we watching?"
Konohamaru stumbled backward, falling flat on his bottom.
"Some Anbu you are."
"O-oh, Shikamaru." He heaved a sigh, climbing back up to the older man's disapproving stare.
"Spying? On the heiress?"
"Aah!" Konohamaru shoved his hands over Shikamaru's mouth in a completely erratic, uncharacteristic move. "Shh!"
Shikamaru tore his hands off of his mouth, glaring at him. "Troublesome. What has you acting this way, Konohamaru?"
"What are you doing here?" Konohamaru asked, frowning as he wiped the man's saliva off on his jacket.
"I could ask you the same question, but fine. I was going to visit Kurenai, but it can wait, I suppose."
"No, you should go." Konohamaru waved his hands in front of him, glancing over his shoulder to see if they were still there. They were, and that…man was leaning close toward Hanabi. He sighed as he looked back at Shikamaru. "I'm sure aunt Kurenai would like to see you, I—I'm fine, just—"
"Clearly not," he scoffed, striding the opposite way of Ichiraku's. Konohamaru gritted his teeth, glancing one last time to find them eating quietly, then took off after his uncle's student.
Konohamaru found himself in the familiarity of the Nara forests alongside Shikamaru, who was swiftly lighting a cigarette. He perked a suspicious eyebrow. Then, Shikamaru was holding it in front of him and Konohamaru leaned away from it. "I…I really shouldn't."
"One can't hurt."
Konohamaru, nerves feeling electrified and muscles tight everywhere, felt weak, mentally. So he pinched the end of the cigarette and brought it to his lips, inhaling. Then coughing. Still, he inhaled it. He wasn't sure why Shikamaru was so effortlessly convincing.
"Feudal Lady's nephew, huh?"
Konohamaru pulled the stick back to his mouth and inhaled again without responding, head feeling not just a little lighter but unpleasantly floaty.
His mother would probably murder both of them right here and now if she could see them. She always complained about Asuma's smoking habit, always made him shower and brush his teeth before he could visit.
"Big guy…Temari says he's the talk of the town."
"I heard," Konohamaru said, bitterly, and regretted it instantly when Shikamaru peered at him. He inhaled again.
"Poor Hanabi," Shikamaru tsked, lighting his own cigarette, "I don't envy her. Politicians have the tendency to be pretty self-absorbed." Konohamaru huffed unpleasantly through his nose. "Probably bored out of her mind down there. But she plays the part naturally." He remained silent, clinging to his words. "All part of that Hyūga training. Powerful, poised. I'm sure Hiashi's got her whisking him around the village under the pretense of building relations."
"They looked pretty happy down there. Not sure you should feel that bad for her," Konohamaru scoffed, looking away. He knew her fake smile. That wasn't a fake smile, at least he didn't think so. She looked happy, and he couldn't help but wonder if she was as shallow as people assumed. The thought instantly weighed him down with a sense of guilt. Another inhale.
Stupid…stupid.
"Huh." Shikamaru's voice was light with amusement that felt like a jab to the forehead. "Would've thought you had Moriko's ability to read people better than that."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Konohamaru hissed when he felt the burn of the end of the cigarette on his fingertips, dropping it to the ground. He quickly stepped on it and picked it up, shoving it in his pocket.
"Don't get so worked up, Konohamaru." He finally looked at the older man who had his eyebrows raised, lazy eyes searching his. "It's not very Sarutobi of you."
"Well, this was fun." Konohamaru slapped his hands together, sarcasm dripping. "But I should let you go to aunt Kurenai. Wash your hands before you do, though."
He heard Shikamaru snort behind him as he took off, a little grumbled, "troublesome…."
"Sun is setting. I can walk with you to your inn?" Hanabi offered as kindly as possible, hoping to avoid another awkward dinner at the compound. Katsumi looked up as if in thought.
"Hmm…doesn't the Leaf have a weapons store? I'd love to add something new to my collection."
Hanabi paused, thoughtful. "You collect weapons?"
"Yes, I try to add something from each village I visit."
She sucked in her cheeks as she willed herself not to roll her eyes. She released the suction and nodded. "Well, let's go then."
She begrudgingly let him wrap his arm around hers. When he had first done it as they exited the compound, it had made her a little shamefully giddy to keep his giant arm around hers. Unfortunately, as the day went on and he revealed his true colors, that giddiness faded to boredom, to annoyance.
Guess personality really does matter.
Spending her life with someone who bored her sounded so…dreadful.
Tenten greeted them enthusiastically, "hey Hanabi! I was just about to close up, but I can stick around for a bit."
"I'd appreciate that," Katsumi responded for her, immediately inspecting a set of shuriken. Tenten raised her eyebrows.
"No problem…?"
"Katsumi."
"Katsumi." Tenten bounced her eye over to Hanabi, who offered a mere shrug.
Then she felt a little pang of familiarity…familiar chakra. Quietly, she activated the byakugan and scanned. She squinted when she found nothing, then blinked it away.
"Wow." She shot up to find Katsumi leaning in far too close to her face. "That was interesting. Can you do it again?"
"Uh—" Hanabi stepped backward, folding her arms over her chest as she turned her face away from his probing gaze. "I shouldn't. It's…kind of frowned upon to use it without a reason."
"Was there a reason just now?"
"No—I mean, yes—" Hanabi clenched her fists, "just periodic scanning. For safety."
"Ah." He seemed content with the answer. "Next time let me know when you'll use it. I'd love to get a better look."
Something about having foreigners ask about her byakugan just didn't sit right with her. Probably because of the Hyūga's past with those who sought their eyes. Just the simplest questioning brought Hyūga unease. It was at least a little justified, she figured. Especially with a man like this.
"How much is this one?" She watched Tenten approach and inspect the weapon before giving him an offer. Hanabi held back an annoyed groan when he countered, "surely you have a discount for foreign dignitaries?"
"Huh?" Tenten looked dumbfounded and Hanabi wanted to disappear.
Despite herself, she cleared her throat. "I'll just pay for it." She stepped forward, pulling out her coin pouch. Tenten perked an eyebrow. She sighed, avoiding both of their eyes. "My treat, for…my guest."
"Ah." Katsumi's voice lightened. "Yes, that's kind of you. Though I must tell you, Ms…"
"Tenten."
"Tenten, I would strongly advise implementing a discount policy for traveling dignitaries. Help with your village reputation and so on."
Hanabi hurriedly deposited the money onto the counter. "Right, well, thank you Tenten. See you!"
"Uh—yeah—" Tenten eyed her suspiciously as she quickly escorted the giant man out of the store.
Giant snobby man.
Now he was starting to feel like a true creep.
He was on yet another rooftop, camouflaged, watching Hanabi escort that man to an inn.
He watched as the man grasped her hands and gestured inside the inn.
It took a very strong amount of willpower not to hop down and start a fight.
But she held up a hand and shook her head. He breathed a sigh of relief. The man seemingly nodded back, and then he dipped down—he kissed her.
Konohamaru's vision went blurry before he could see where he kissed her.
Cheek?! Forehead?! Nose?! MOUTH?!
He punched the air because he couldn't punch anything else. He'd destroy an entire building with the amount of rage he had pent up before, and now this. He'd certainly destroy that guy if given the chance.
He also had to shove down an angry outburst, the overwhelming need to tell him to back off, ask her what the hell she was doing, call them out—anything.
When his head cleared, they were gone. He was on top of a rooftop across an inn, punching the air with camouflage jutsu on, like a maniac. He wasn't sure the last time he'd felt this pure, unadulterated rage. It must've been at least ten years since his battle with Pein. Perhaps then. But this was a different kind of rage.
And here he was. Konohamaru Sarutobi. Worked into a frenzy over the idea that Hanabi was being swept off her feet by some pompous dignitary.
One that was good-looking.
Gods, he must've been shallow, too.
He tried to replay Shikamaru's words in his head.
Without really realizing it, he had trekked away and found himself in front of Udon's apartment, already knocking. Within moments, Udon answered. "Hey man, what's up?"
"Spar?"
"Now?" Udon peered out from the door. There wasn't much sunlight left. "Everything okay?"
"Just…gotta get some energy out, y'know?"
"Yeah, alright." Udon shrugged, turning away from him to disappear back into the apartment. Konohamaru sucked in a shaky breath as he waited, soon rejoined and they took off. "Thought with your crazy shifts in Anbu you'd be exhausted."
Konohamaru shrugged, unable to answer. He had been extremely tired when he started his weeklong break earlier. But now he was buzzing with energy. Unresolved emotions.
He briefly wondered if this was healthy.
Surely it was. Jealousy is a normal emotion. His mother told him a story about Asuma nearly slitting a man's throat when he found him getting too touchy with Kurenai as chūnin.
Maybe that was an overreaction, but when you're in love…
In love?
Udon had been talking the entire way there about a group of genin he was instructing, and Konohamaru only caught bits and pieces.
"Don't hold back, okay?"
Udon cocked his eyebrow. "Really got something you need to work out, huh?"
"You could say that."
"Alright, bring it."
The next morning, Hanabi tried to sneak out.
She was unsuccessful, of course. Sneaking out of a shinobi home…much less the Hyūga compound? That's a silly thought.
But it was the Feudal Lady who had caught her.
Feigning sweetness, Hanabi approached her before she could inevitably call her over. "Lady Kin, how are you finding our village?"
"Oh it's just charming." She smiled, beckoning her to sit. "How are you finding my nephew?"
Hanabi sat, but not without hesitancy. "He is…he seems to be quite business savvy?" It was all she could come up with.
"And handsome?"
Her nose twitched. "Yes, he is a good-looking man."
"The girls in Suna fall over themselves for him," she said dreamily, looking upwards. "Noble Suna blood from his father's side, noble shinobi blood from his mother's side."
Shinobi?
"He is a shinobi?"
"Oh, no," she said with a laugh, waving her away, "his elder brother is. He is meant for political life. Just like you, correct?"
"Uhm—" Hanabi stopped the urge to correct too harshly. "Well, not quite. I am a shinobi."
"Oh, of course." She smiled tightly. "For fun, I'm sure."
"Fun?"
Hanabi's mind flashed to the lifeless bodies that surrounded her after her jōnin test mission.
"Yes, why else? It's not as if your family is in need of the money. I suppose it also pads out your credentials. You have quite an impressive life, Lady Hanabi."
She had to change the subject. She was getting irritated. For fun? No, maybe her ten-year-old self thought it was for fun in the way it allowed her the experiences of most other children of the Leaf, but she was quickly met with the realization that none of this was for fun. And she accepted that, embraced it. Made it part of her identity. She was a protector of her village, her people, not just some silly child having fun. No, if she didn't change the subject, she'd say something she'd surely regret. "Perhaps I should seek your nephew out at the inn and resume our tour."
"How thoughtful." Her voice didn't seem as sweet as before. "Yes, perhaps you should. He seems fond of you, and you of him, I assume."
Hanabi didn't respond, hoping to cut this interaction off now.
"Excuse me." They both looked up to find Tadashi looming over them. "Lady Kin, I apologize. Lady Hanabi is being requested by Lord Hiashi."
"Of course," the woman responded, standing. "We'll see each other tonight, I presume? At the meeting?"
"Yes." Hanabi joined her and bowed, resisting any snarky comments. "See you tonight."
Hanabi quickly followed after Tadashi who stopped short in the hallway, turning to her. "Have a breather, Lady Hanabi."
She looked up at him questioningly. He did not look at her, simply stood next to her, and she let a little smile pull her lips up.
"You seem on edge, sweetie."
"Huh?" Konohamaru looked up from a report he had been working on at his mother's dining room table.
He found it hard to be alone with his thoughts right now, so he'd been bugging everyone around him for the past two days, rarely alone in his own apartment. He'd been at his mother's house for hours now, and until now, she hadn't questioned it. He'd been staring down at his paperwork without moving for too long because he couldn't focus on it.
"You seem on edge," she repeated, leaning against the kitchen sink with a mug of tea, "you seem on—"
"I heard the first time." Konohamaru held up a hand, sighing. "Sorry. A lot on my mind."
"Is that why you're here?" Moriko perked a brow. "So you can think of other things?"
He puffed his cheeks briefly, wondering how he was so easy to read. Exhaling, he responded, "I guess."
"Would you like to talk about it? Is it a girl?"
"What? No," he replied too readily. Her knowing smirk made him shrink in like a teenager. "I'm not a kid, ma. Not looking for dating advice from my mother."
"You know, I met your father while we served."
To this, he shrugged. "I remember."
"Not the best way to forge a relationship." She laughed quietly as she took a sip of tea. "I actually pushed him away quite often."
Konohamaru was quiet now.
"He was head over heels for me, but I thought it was just because of your grandfather. I told him he was in love with the Hokage." He blinked up at her, wide-eyed. "Not me."
He squinted, unsure of how to feel about that. "Weird, mom."
"Is it?" she questioned with a shrug, then set the cup down. "He had to work very hard to convince me to let him sweep me off my feet."
"Romantic," he scoffed, darting his eyes to the side, wishing she'd go back to her crossword puzzle.
"It is, isn't it?" She laughed. "Love takes quite a bit of work."
He huffed agitatedly, rubbing his forehead. "Alright, why are you assuming this is a romance-based issue I'm having?" He flipped his paperwork so it would be hidden before standing up. "What, you think I'm having a fling with someone in Anbu?"
"Wouldn't surprise me."
Scandalized, "mom!"
"What?!" she defended, folding her arms. "If you can't even talk about it with your mother, I'm not so sure you're mature enough to handle such relations, Kono."
Konohamaru sucked in a frustrated sigh, shaking his head as he responded tautly, "alright, I think I've had enough of this."
"Oh shoo, you." She waved him away as he collected the report, tucking it under his arm.
"Love you." He gave her a quick peck on the top of her head before swiftly making his exit.
It should come as no surprise at this point that he'd catch Hanabi walking alongside that…that man.
As if the word 'man' was a slur, now.
Man.
But this time, he didn't hide himself. He parked himself up against a nearby building and folded his arms, staring intently at the nauseating couple, fixed mostly on Hanabi. He focused chakra in his limbs without expelling it, purposefully making his network brighter and easier for a Hyūga's eyes to detect. Her eyes. In turn, she stopped and he had to smirk with some satisfaction. Even with someone else, she was still sensing his chakra. When he saw the veins in her eyes appear briefly before disappearing, his guts bubbled. She knew.
He waited for her to turn to look at him, and when she did, he held her gaze. She looked like a kid caught sneaking out, eyes blowing wide at him. His glare was unrelenting, and she looked up at the man she was with before setting her eyes back on him. He ignored the man's attention now focused on him.
Quickly, she tried to usher the man away, but he was feeling bold. Foolishly bold.
"Hey, Hanabi!" he yelled, letting his features lessen to something more recognizable, waving. She froze, and he saw the look on her face.
It told him she was telling him to stop, now. But he wouldn't. Couldn't.
"Hey!" he repeated as he jogged up to them, purposefully ignoring her companion. He decided to lay it on thick. "I missed you." She raised her eyebrows at him, but he was content holding her gaze instead of him holding it. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her off her feet into a hug, a conceited look on his face as she instinctively hooked her arms around his neck. His smug expression looked nearly shit-eating as Katsumi squinted at them, a look of annoyance taking over his face. He set her back down, looking her over as her mouth dropped open into an 'o'. His hands pulled from back to rest on her waist and he wished he could point out that her palms lingered on his chest far too long than was simply friendly. "I was looking for you—your sister said you were busy with some stuffy dignitaries or something?"
"Konohamaru," she seethed, lifting her wide, angry eyes up to his as she snaked her hands away from him, and he relented, pulling his hands back to rest in his pants pockets.
"Stuffy dignitaries?" Katsumi cut in, sounding like he was forcing amusement over the irritation. "I assume that's me?"
"Oh, is it?" Konohamaru feigned surprise, looking up at the man. He held out his hand for him. "Konohamaru Sarutobi. Grandson of the Third Hokage." He didn't often throw that title around, he never wanted to seem arrogant. But he had something to prove. He wasn't just some guy. Some man.
The man's eyed dropped to the hand before taking it. Konohamaru put every bit of strength and control into it, clearly with something to establish. He cleared his throat. "Katsumi Yamazaki. Nephew of the Feudal Lady of the Wind."
Their grip held on for far too long, he knew, but he wasn't going to be the one who relented.
"Great! Now that we're all acquainted, I actually have to get to a meeting—" Hanabi tried to sneak away while they played their game of chicken, but Katsumi quickly retracted his hand from Konohamaru's hold.
He felt satisfied with that.
"I'll be joining you," Katsumi added without pause, "pleasure, Konomaru."
Before he could speak, she cut in. "Konohamaru," Hanabi corrected. Katsumi looked at her questioningly. "His name is Konohamaru." Silence hung over the trio for far too long, Konohamaru looking at Hanabi expectantly as she glared at her own feet. She lifted her eyes, but not to him, and he wished she'd look at him. Instead, she continued, "aah—shall we?"
"Yes," Katsumi agreed, apparently ignoring the correction.
"See you soon," Konohamaru whispered, squinting at her. As they trailed away, she looked over her shoulder at him with cinched eyebrows, eyes huge as if to say 'calm down.'
Damn her.
She would murder him the next time she saw him alone.
How the hell could he think that was appropriate? He called him a stuffy dignitary right in front of him!
Of course, that's something she'd call him in her head, and even to Konohamaru. But never in front of them! How idiotic did he have to be? What was he playing at?
"That Sarutobi—he's a friend of yours."
It wasn't a question, so she didn't respond.
"Seemed a little erratic."
She flared her nostrils, the urge to defend entirely too natural. "He's just busy. We don't see each other often."
"That's good."
She looked up at him, but he didn't return the glance. She gritted her teeth.
She truly regretted sniffing around for more work. How foolish.
The meeting itself was a boring blur. She hardly paid attention. All she could think of were Konohamaru's eyes on hers, those sharp, ocean-blue eyes that read her like a damn book. Told her he didn't approve without saying it aloud. Told her he was upset with her. Told her she wouldn't get away with it so easily. Whatever it was.
He looked like a damn predator, standing there leering at them. She felt his chakra flare close to her and it paralyzed her momentarily. She knew where he was instantly, and he wanted her to know it, too. She could tell by the way it felt as if someone was summoning some sort of attack, it put her senses on alert. But it was just him, leering at them, with chakra spiking through his body. It was clear as day, and the way he did it so unashamedly…
Did it excite her?
Oh gods…
And the way he swept her off her feet, like he was laying some sort of claim.
"I think that's great progress."
She was snapped from her thoughts as the meeting wound down.
"Please, let's retire to the dining room for drinks."
"Sounds wonderful."
Hanabi sighed. She wished she could just say she was tired and go to her room. That didn't work anymore. She was a whole adult, expected to see these things through.
She was getting pretty tired of Katsumi hooking his arm into hers, though.
He pulled a chair out for her and she accepted it. He parked himself next to her.
Then he droned on about business. Business in the Wind. Business in the Fire. Business, business, business.
And she wanted to ram her head into the table.
One more day.
That's it.
One more day.
One more day, Hinata told him.
Did her words twinge with sympathy? He wasn't sure. She always sounded compassionately soft when she spoke, so it was hard to tell. He brushed off the thought.
Three out of his seven days off, and she was barred from him.
Normally, that wouldn't bother him. They were shinobi, they had responsibilities. There were always times when he had time off and she was out on missions. Disappointing, but such was life for them.
But for it to be so she could be courted around by some meathead politician seemed cruel.
How did she do this to him?
He had to remind himself of all the things he was working towards.
Anbu. Mastering sage mode. Jōnin instructing. Hokage.
It wasn't all about Hanabi. It couldn't be.
So why did he find it so hard to focus on all of those other things?
"I haven't seen you smile once since you've been on break," Moegi pointed out over barbeque that evening, eyeing him suspiciously. He'd offered to take her out for lunch that day, hoping her stories of her bratty genin could occupy his mind. But like everyone else, she was sensing his poor attitude and laser-focused on it, even if he really wished she wouldn't. She softened just so, thoughtfully asking, "something happen with Anbu?"
The snarky tone couldn't be helped. "Everyone keeps asking that. No, nothing with Anbu."
At this point, he should have just lied and said it was something with Anbu. People were less likely to grill him that way.
"Then what is it? Why are you moping? It's depressing."
"You're a true comfort, Moegi."
"Udon said you beat the figurative and literal snot out of him the other day."
"I liked it when Udon was quieter."
"And so snarky!" Moegi leaned away from him, glaring. "You'd think you were always so naturally catty. The Konohamaru I know stumbles over his lame attempts at insults."
"Sorry, I'll try harder to be shittier."
The words were falling out of him involuntarily. He avoided her angry glare as she slapped her chopsticks down. "Okay, what the hell? Something is definitely wrong. What, did you hook up with a girl and she didn't call you back or something?"
Wordlessly, Konohamaru pulled out his coin poach and started fishing out cash. Moegi glared at the money as he laid it out and got up, leaving the restaurant.
Maybe he was mistaken. Maybe he should have just stayed at home.
Hanabi let out a long sigh of relief, waving happily to the Wind entourage as they parted ways down the trail out of the village.
Finally, she could relax.
But first, she had to take a long bath. Wash the smell of that arrogant man off of her. That last day, he had become far too touchy for comfort. She was able to redirect all of his advances, but he was really pushing her.
She relented to one last polite kiss on the cheek. She felt dirty when he turned his cheek towards her expectantly, and she begrudgingly left the most unromantic, tight-lipped kiss on it. It was only when she was safely in her room she relaxed, wiping her lips with her sleeve aggressively. She requested her caretakers leave her be for the night so she could process the events.
She already knew she was going to have to make more demands of her father.
I will not be set up with that man.
She took her time with her bath that night to carefully scrub every inch of her skin. Perhaps too much, as some of it started to turn red with her efforts. But she found she couldn't ease up, as it was bringing her some sort of comfort to rub off all of the dead skin that made contact with Katsumi.
Her caretakers would be screeching at her for her actions.
After an hour, she emerged, feeling fresher.
At her vanity in a thin bathrobe, she combed out her hair and swung it over her shoulder. Then she began a skincare routine she didn't follow most nights, but decided to, tonight. Just to make sure the smell of him was completely off of her.
Just as she finished lathering her arms and hands with lotion, she felt it—his chakra. She activated her byakugan, finding him leaping into her balcony. Quickly, she raced to it to yank the curtains open, revealing him about to knock on the glass.
He froze with his fist up, staring down at her with an angry scowl that really didn't suit him.
Maybe she'd regret it, but she unlocked the door and held it open for him. She was still pissed about how he acted the other day, and decided now was a good time to lay into him.
"What the hell are you doing, Konohamaru?" she hissed, shoving the door closed behind him and giving him her angriest scowl. His lips pressed into a thin line as he clearly searched her face with his eyes.
Then he asked back, "what the hell are you doing, Hanabi? Didn't think you were into meatheads."
Her eyes blew wide. No, it was her who should be questioning him! "How dare you?! It's none of your business!"
He scoffed, rolling his eyes. She leaned away from him—the audacity! "Yeah, I guess it isn't. Sorry for being concerned about you. You always said you weren't into politicians."
"And I'm not," she snapped, hands on her hips. It was true!
"Then why were you hanging all over that guy?"
"Hanging all over?!" she asked disbelievingly. "What, were you watching me?"
"N—no—" His stutter gave him away and her mouth dropped open. "I wasn't following you or anything—"
Oh! He definitely was!
"—you guys were just flaunting around the village!" Her mouth fell completely open now. "Hard not to see when you're so obvious, smiling and giggling like a schoolgirl, honestly, it was disgusting."
Now he was pushing it.
"The hell?!" She nearly let her voice go beyond a whisper with how much she was fuming now. Time to let loose, hit him where it could hurt. "I'm disgusting?! I'm not the one who sleeps with every girl who comes calling!"
"What?" He stepped back, eyebrows furrowing. "That's not—that's not true a-and besides! This isn't about me! At least I'm not pretending to be something I'm not—acting all humble when really you're just—you're just—" Her eyes blew wide at the impending accusation and something inside of her broke.
"I'm just what?! Go ahead, say it! I'm just some spoiled princess, right? A weak little girl? The arrogant heiress that no one could ever really like outside of equally arrogant lords. That's what you want to say, so just say it!"
"No!" he nearly shouted, his voice way too loud but still attempting a whisper, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't want to say any of that!"
"Liar," she scoffed, stepping towards him. "C'mon Honorable Grandson, I know you're dying to tell me off. It's what everyone else says about me, why not you?!"
"I do not think that." He fixed his gaze on her, head lowering. "But maybe I don't know you as well as I thought. I just thought you were better than that, weren't the type to let yourself get carried away by some jerk like that man."
"You're a jerk!" she whisper-yelled, eyebrows creasing downward until they connected. She couldn't believe he was doing this—here and now of all places and times. And to insult her on top of it all. "How dare you come here to lecture me like I'm your daughter or something!"
"Or something!"
"What is that supposed to mean?!"
"I have no freakin' idea." She scrunched up her forehead at the admittance. His voice lowered as he dropped his hands to his sides as a show of defeat. "Honestly, Hanabi. I have no clue. I'm at a loss for whatever it is that I'm feeling right now."
Jealousy?
She stopped to look him over. His previously angry stance softened to a defeated one and his eyes trailed from hers. She mimicked him, relaxing. "I don't like that guy, Konohamaru. At all."
He stiffened at her confession but didn't look at her. She frowned, stepping slightly closer.
"He was so, so…incredibly boring. There was nothing there…I did not like him."
With a slight tremble in his voice, he looked up with those mooning eyes and asked, "really?"
"Yes!" She sighed exasperatedly. "Yes, yes you idiot! Of course, I don't! He was arrogant and dull and I hated the way he touched me—so yes, really! You damn idiot—!"
He wasn't quite sure what possessed him to scoop her up and smash his lips onto hers, but he didn't really care to think about it. Every instinct forced him to her, he had no real mental input on this decision. At this point, she had just said all he needed to quell his every worry, and something primal in his brain told him to take her. Leave some sort of impression.
He was better than that man, and she'd know it.
She hardly squirmed this time, a little at first when his arms forced their way around her waist and back, pulling her harshly into his chest. In just as quick a movement, one hand shoved into her hair to grab the back of her head and force her into the kiss.
Was it too aggressive? Probably.
But she returned him within seconds. Her arms which had momentarily pressed against his chest wound around his neck and now they were well and truly locked in a passionate kiss. Really, it was one that he'd been dying to have for far too long. He was surprised to find her meeting his fervent pace equally. It emboldened him, and he found himself pushing her backward until she was up against her vanity. In one move, he had her lifted and seated on it, and she urgently wrapped her legs around his hips.
With all of the confidence this world could give him in this specific moment, he tugged on her hair to force her head back further, and her lips parted. Voluntarily or involuntarily, he wasn't sure and didn't care, immediately swiping his tongue between them. Then she opened a little more, and he had the slick feel of her tongue against his. Something new between the two of them that made his head spin like he was that teenager once more, taking her mouth with his.
If he was a more level-headed man, he would've noticed immediately that she was in bathrobes. But his mind was too clouded, and he only realized it when she was hooked around him, and her robes started to part. He was too busy to really register any of it, his entire attention was on her tongue, her lips, her mouth, and every inch of it and how it responded so perfectly to his. And every sound that escaped it. And then, the way her nails scraped against his neck—something he never realized he needed to feel from her.
The hand that wasn't gripping the back of her head slid over her waist and dug his fingers into it, a faint whisper in the back of his clouded brain telling him to reel it in. He pushed it back, enjoying a few more moments passing and he could finally focus on his other senses. The way her ankles dug into his lower back. The way her thighs felt smooth and plush against his hips. The way she was holding him in the same death grip he was holding her, the overwhelming need to never let go.
Daring further, he pulled his lips from hers and had to ignore the gasp that escaped her when he did. He pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth, and when she made no objection, he kept going until he reached her neck and began leaving far too harsh kisses there. The way she leaned her head to the side to allow him access made his already fuzzy mind go haywire and it took every inch of willpower not to suck on the smooth flesh there.
Then he was close to becoming undone when he heard something he'd never heard from Hanabi before. A breathy…lustful moan. And that's when he pulled himself from her completely. It took everything he had to control his hormonal brain, clinging to any shred of chivalry as he clamped his eyes shut while attempting to pull her robe back together over her exposed chest, then stumbled back to turn away.
"Kono—?"
"I—goddamnit—" He put his hands on his knees as he leaned over, inhaling noisy breaths through his nose. He sucked in a sharp breath as if the oxygen available to him was difficult to inhale. "I—damnit, I'm sorry, Hanabi."
"Wh—why?"
"Why?!" he choked out without looking at her. "For—for that—for all of it, I didn't mean—"
His heart dropped when they heard a knock at her door. He felt her grab his wrist and practically drag him back to the balcony, pushing him out and swiftly locking the door, then she disappeared behind the curtains. Without any time to think, he didn't waste another second before leaping away. The timing couldn't have been any better, or maybe any worse as he raced home, sporting an erection.
She'd never been kissed like that before.
It was so incredibly different from the kisses she'd shared with him before. Clumsy, quick, awkward—sometimes passionate. But never that long, never that urgent, never gone that far.
When he pulled away, she immediately felt empty. She had to pull herself back when she felt the urge to go back to him, pull him back into that kiss, keep it going for as long as possible. The knock at her door swiftly ended any possibility of that happening, and they worked in unison to get him out, and that was that.
Whatever it was.
She'd never felt so angry about having someone bring her tea before. Such a simple gesture that forced everything to go wrong.
He was jealous.
Not just jealous, angry with her. As if she'd done him wrong by entertaining another romantic interest. Like he was a betrayed lover.
Was he? Was she betraying him?
No…we've never been…anything.
Now she sat on her bed, brushing her lips with her fingertips. Trailing down her neck, she suddenly remembered how rough his kissing was against it. She got up and sat in front of her vanity to look at herself. She let out a sigh of relief upon inspection, revealing no lasting marks. She was a little red from her cheeks to her collarbone, but otherwise, no sign of what had transpired.
Kissing on the neck—also not something she'd ever engaged in. When his lips moved to the corner of her mouth, her heart felt like it skipped a beat. Though he seemed unsure, he proceeded on, and it drew something out of her that she hadn't really realized was there as she carelessly let her robes slowly untangle to the dangerous point of coming undone completely. Heat coiling in her stomach, her entire body tingling, and an involuntary moan from her lips right into his ear. Then he broke away and she was left confused and yearning for more.
The next morning, she woke up still confused, unsure of herself….unsure of him, them, and what all had transpired so far.
She wondered if she should seek him out or wait for him to come to her.
She chose the latter, predictably, instead taking the day to visit Eiji and Jun.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, they had moved in together over the last year. Thankfully, she was feeling less and less like a third wheel as they became comfortable with their relationship and exited the honeymoon phase. She found herself spending the night in their home fairly often lately.
"Hey, lovebird!" Eiji greeted her enthusiastically, ushering her in as Hanabi grimaced.
"Why are you calling me that?"
"I saw you with that giant hunk of a man!" she teased, pushing her shoulder. "You looked soooo happy."
"I did?" she questioned honestly as they found themselves in the living room.
"Hello, Hanabi!" Jun called from the kitchen, for which she returned the greeting, settling on the floor.
"You couldn't stop smiling," Eiji pointed out, sitting across from her with her legs crossed. Hanabi set her hands on top of Yorimaru's giant head as he came to rest in her lap. "Laughing, letting him get all close and personal. It was gross!"
"Hey!" Hanabi furrowed her eyebrows, balling her hand into a fist in Yorimaru's fur. Damn, she was way too convincing if she was hearing the exact same sentiment from Eiji that Konohamaru had expressed. "I'll have you know I was not happy!" Eiji tilted her head at her curiously, looking unconvinced. "I wasn't! I'm a diplomat, Eiji. I can be very convincing when I need to be."
"So you're telling me you weren't giddy to be hanging off that dumbbell for an arm?" Eiji asked with crossed arms, leaning back, "I don't believe it."
"He was boring." She shrugged, slumping over Yorimaru to lay on him as he cuddled into her lap. "And honestly, off-putting."
"Ah," Eiji finally conceded, "handsome, strong, no brain?"
"I mean, he didn't seem completely stupid." She looked up in thought. "But he's too political and business based. We had nothing in common. And he was rude—rude in that way that he doesn't even seem to realize it, you know? Just left a bad taste in my mouth."
"Literally?"
"No! Gods, Eiji," Hanabi grumbled. "I didn't come here to be grilled on this!"
Jun stepped into the living room with a bowl of edamame, set on the low table between them as he added, "yes, Eiji. Ease up, a bit."
"Eh." Eiji shrugged, grabbing a pod. "Fine. I've been dying to ask about him so I was excited is all!"
"You have?"
"Everyone has," Jun pointed out, tilting his head at her. "I won't push you for information, Hanabi, but…yes, it tends to stir up conversation when the Hyūga heiress is seen around the village with…"
"A big hunky man!"
"Uhm, yes." Jun nodded as Eiji rested her head on his shoulder.
"Don't be jealous." Eiji jabbed his side and he recoiled, rubbing the spot. Hanabi couldn't keep back a smile, a little envious of their easy interactions.
Jealous…
"I guess," Hanabi sighed, running her hand up and down Yorimaru's furry back. "Konohamaru basically assaulted him."
"Oooh." Eiji's eyes went wide with excitement as she leaned forward, leaving Jun's embrace. "Tell me. Tell us. Tell us! Tell us!" she began chanting, her mischievous look intensifying. "Try to beat him up? Claim his woman?!"
"Claim his woman?!" Hanabi repeated incredulously, Yorimaru whining as she pushed off to sit back up straight. "How dare you! I'm not some object to be claimed! And—and by Konohamaru—that's just—"
"Stop being dumb." Eiji rolled her eyes, leaning back down to cross her arms disapprovingly. "Don't act like—"
"Moegi mentioned Konohamaru had been on edge," Jun interjected to keep Eiji from continuing. "She came in with one of her students to the hospital yesterday. Said he seemed out of it."
"Oh?" Hanabi asked, trying not to sound too curious.
"Because he was jealous." Eiji cackled, clutching her stomach. Yorimaru growled quietly under Hanabi and Eiji shot the dog a look. "Don't lecture me!"
"Alright, alright." Hanabi patted Yorimaru's head, attempting to redirect the conversation now. "Enough about me. Tell me what you guys've been up to."
Maybe it wasn't healthy.
It was the only way he could reason what was going on inside of him. Some sort of unhealthy…obsession, like that girl he briefly dated told him. Feeling like he had some sort of claim on her, and to see her entertaining and being entertained by another person, another man…broke something inside of him. It was different from her 16th birthday when some idiotic politician's son or brother or whatever was hanging around her and her friends. Sure, it bothered him then. It bothered him enough to try to keep his distance from her. But at least he could accept it, had prepared himself for it. That it would always be that way.
But this time…the anger, the flurry of emotion, the way he could barely control himself when he swept her up into an all to forceful, impassioned kiss in her own room. So close to just…losing it. Losing it without caring. It was a primal side of himself he really hadn't become acquainted with. He'd been intimate with women, he wasn't a stranger to these things. But with Hanabi, it was so different. The need he felt for her was foreign to him, and he only realized it was there when the possibility of her being lost to him was made evident.
"Gods…" he whispered to himself, sitting up in his bed and staring down at his hands, "when did I get like this?"
And he wasn't exactly subtle, that was for sure. Everyone he talked to since he returned could see his agitated state. Whether they could tell what was bothering him was a different story, but he was just so obvious with his mood, apparently. He even had Shikamaru on his back!
Anbu. Training in Sage Mode. Instructing. Hokage.
These were the things that should be occupying his mind. But Hanabi snuck in, far too often.
He hated to consider it, but he was really starting to think he needed to step away from her.
Put distance between them. More than they had before. Way more.
Allowing himself to spiral like this couldn't be healthy, it just couldn't.
If it were more normal circumstances, where he could formally ask her to date him, be public with a relationship, be accepted—then maybe. But none of those things were in their cards. Anytime they got too close, she withdrew, and so did he. There was nothing normal about what they were doing together. Playing this game that would throw his emotions in flux—on top of the world one moment, sunk straight down the other.
So when the fourth day of what should have been his week-long break rolled around, he went to Kakashi and requested to be put back on missions early. He claimed he'd had enough rest and was itching to get back out.
And it wasn't a lie. But the reason was probably different than Kakashi might have guessed.
He needed to occupy his time with other things. A busy mind didn't get into trouble. A busy mind didn't have time for jealousy.
normal circumstances, where he could formally ask her to date him, be public with a relationship, be accepted—then maybe. But none of those things were in their cards. Anytime they got too close, she withdrew, and so did he. There was nothing normal about what they were doing together. Playing this game that would throw his emotions in flux—on top of the world one moment, sunk straight down the other.
So when the fourth day of what should have been his week-long break rolled around, he went to Kakashi and requested to be put back on missions early. He claimed he'd had enough rest and was itching to get back out.
And it wasn't a lie. But the reason was probably different than Kakashi might have guessed.
He needed to occupy his time with other things. A busy mind didn't get into trouble. A busy mind didn't have time for jealousy.
