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Tobirama Senju x Reader

Genre: Fluff, drabble

Warnings: absolutely none.

A/N: Just a small drabble I wrote last night, getting sleep has been hard lately so I wrote this to pass the time. I recommend listening to "Night Trouble" by Petit Biscuit, it's what I listened to while writing this, just adds on to the feeling. Anyway, hope you enjoy :)

"...You must be their strength."

"As you are mine"

He remembered that moment, while battles still raged across the depressed lands, in the form of a small echo of the memory at the back of his head. In his dazed state it all felt like a dream still but the warmth of your body reminded him that he wasn't asleep. His calloused fingers traced down your naked spine with a light touch, not wanting to wake you up.

Brisk morning air breezed through the open window behind his back. Summer was already around the corner but the mornings still remained cold, thankfully. Tobirama couldn't bear the heat of the day. The serene moment had him relaxed yet overwhelmed at the same time. He couldn't understand why. Perhaps it was the stress of the past few weeks finally catching up to him, or his disbelief that you all have achieved something so big. The white haired Senju could only wonder at the moment.

Birds were yet to start singing outside, yet Tobirama couldn't find the relief of sleep then. When he woke up about an hour or so ago with a startled expression he couldn't bear to close his eyes again, so he turned to someone who he could seek comfort in - you. You were his everything. You have been for a long while too. His abrupt awakening didn't seem to wake you. Your breaths remained quiet and steady, eyes closed as you were turned away from him on your side. Cuddling into your pillow.

For a while he watched you, mind completely blank. From then he simply basked in the more positive memories of the two of you, basking in the joy and relief they all brought to him. Then he, carefully, reached out and started to caress your back, your warmth melting the coolness of his fingers. It was all quiet besides the quiet whistling of the breeze.

A sudden gust of cold wind blew and a shiver ran it's way up your spine, disrupting your sleep as well. It was a small stir at first, then the flutter of your eyelashes as you woke up. The cool hues of purple and blue danced across the room as the sun started to slowly rise above the horizon. The caressing on your back suddenly stops. Even if you were asleep prior to that, you could feel his gentle strokes and now when they were gone a quiet sigh was audible from you. And before you could even turn around, you felt him pull himself closer to you, wrapping his arm around your waist. Pulling you flush against him as he buried his face in your neck. Doing it all so carefully. Gently. The thin blanket fell at your hips, letting some of the wind breeze over your forms before Tobirama covered both of you again.

With a soft sigh you placed one of your hands over his hand, your warmth warming him up instantly, and moved your thumb over his while your other hand stayed cuddled under your pillow. Tenderly, his chakra connected to your own chakra network, in a way so intimate to the two of you. It always provided comfort and warmth. You let your own chakra caress over his in a solace way, slowly. Sleep still laid heavy on your eyelids, you just kept them closed while moving closer to your beloved. Settling more comfortably you felt him finally relax more. Both of you just caressing each other softly, no words spoken nor needed to understand each other.

And like that both of you soon drifted off to slumber again, Tobirama finally finding his peace of mind. Cuddled up against one another. Peaceful. Finally. Soft purples and blues soon turned into even softer yellow and orange hues, and sunlight danced over the room as the sun rose higher into the heavens.

A/N: This is pretty much my first x Reader writing, quite happy with it I gotta say.

ALRIGHT ITS MEEEE

prompt: “don’t make me punish you.”

A/N: Thanks a bunch for the request! Hope you like what I did with this👀 I certainly had fun writing it. Anyway- here we go!

Warnings: smut, 18+, minors or anyone uncomfortable- do not interact, orgasm denial?, maybe a grammar mistake or two- so scary.

Words: around 3,578

Kakashi Hatake x Fem!Reader

He warned you. Three times in fact, all in the same day. But you didn't listen to any of his words. It has been a busy week for the both of you. You didn't know what struck you that day but the moment you woke up you felt mischief creep its way into your mind. It couldn't be stopped, not that you wanted to stop it anyway. First it was a small, naughty comment you made to him while he breezed past you. It truly came out of nowhere, pulled from some dark corner of your mind, and made itself known in the beaming sun of Konoha. Middle of the markets. To say he was stunned would be an understatement. His cheeks felt warm instantly and his mouth felt dry. Yet you were met with a firm warning.

You two were not the ones to usually show any form of inappropriate behavior in public, preserving most "couple" things for privacy, so your words and lingering touches certainly threw him off track throughout the day. It stuck by him, always at the top of his head. The echo of your words on his mind, the lingering feeling of your warm hands on his already hot skin, the summer sun was definitely not making it any easier. Not to mention that you were stopping by whenever you got the chance.

His patience really started to give out when you approached him and his team at Ichiraku's - his team seated beside him while they ate away, completely immersed in their own childish talks and arguments. Kakashi looked bored as he sat there and lazily flipped through the pages of the Icha Icha that he already read. The new chapter still hasn't come out, unfortunately. With a small ghost of a smile you crept over to where he sat. He only noticed you when you placed your hands on his shoulders, leaning over to the side of his face where his own body mostly held you out of genin's sight.

"Y/N, what do you think you're doing exactly?.."

He drew out, his voice calm but his light twitch of fingers told you he wasn't really his usual self. All traces of boredom had escaped him, even his eye glimmered slightly, now that you were here.

"Just checking on my dear beloved, what else? I really noticed that you look awfully tense...perhaps you should stop by later for a cup of tea?"

You smiled at him, offering him that see through deal, your hands squeezing his shoulders as your eyes searched for the smallest of reactions. He straightened in his seat, shifting awkwardly, his sudden movement catching attention of one of his genin. Sakura looked over to you and smiled widely and greeted you with a wave of her hand. The two others also turned around to face you, at which you dropped your hands from Kakashi's shoulders slowly, engaging in small talk with his team. Nothing too of the ordinary. The genin were familiar enough with you and were comfortable with you, as you would often stop by and watch them train when you were done with your own team. You would even offer help when they really got stuck on something- so you being here, and being a little bit touchy with their Sensei, wasn't so out of the norm.

After the small talk, and after they got back into their own conversation, you lowered your head next to Kakashi′s and whispered for only him to hear.

"Perhaps we could do more than just sip away at our tea. I'd love to try out that thing you mentioned last time.."

He knew what you meant, of course. Blood rushed to his cheeks immediately and his head spun to face you, sending a glare your way which did nothing to dampen this mood you found yourself since that morning.

"Y/N. Don't make me punish you.."

He warned hastily and quietly, not really trusting his voice to say anything else but his warning was clear. With a hushed tone he made sure his words didn't catch any unwanted attention. One of your hands crept down his back, his side and then settled on his thigh, giving him a small squeeze before retreating. With a quick kiss to his cheek you were gone, getting lost in the crowd of people that swarmed the streets.

Kakashi only meant to drop by some paperwork from the Hokage later that day, but with some sweet talk he was pulled into the comforts of your house. Although he should have known this was where he would end up spending the night. The tension was thick in the room, it was obvious for the both of you, yet neither one would react or try to do something about it. As if testing both of your patience.

You sat on your couch and flipped through the small file of papers and while doing so you kept a small talk with Kakashi going. Unlike him in the moment, you weren't so bothered with the awkwardness of the conversation and the moment. This was all your doing anyway and if anything you felt a growing pride bloom in your chest at how flustered he was. Each time you would glance up at him, seeing him try to seem unfazed and unbothered, you wanted nothing more than to smirk and laugh. Oh how you loved this. 

"...are you listening to me, Y/N?"

The Copy-Nin suddenly asked, catching you "glancing" at him for a moment too long. Realizing that the conversation you were having was nothing more but some part of your little game. He huffed, part of it out of annoyance and other part of flustration. Throughout the whole day you had been teasing him. And he had warned you to stop, he hoped you would stop. He loved you, he really did, but with so much work and training with his team - he really needed his mind to focus on those tasks.

"Yes I am listening, Kakashi darling. Don't worry."

Kakashi's jaw clenched when you looked back down at the papers in your lap, as if you hadn't read them already. There was nothing quizzical lying on those sheets of paper, nothing so important that you had to try and read them all over again. Yet, he found it in him to maintain his composure. Now that the two of you were in some privacy and no one was calling either one of you away for business, he was finally able to do something about this.

With a quiet sigh he leaned back into the seat behind him, suddenly seeming as if he gave up on the small talk, his eyes remaining on your form that was right across him, only a small coffee table between the two of you. He let out a kept in sigh, his tense muscles visibly relaxing while his mind continued to race.

With the lack of words and as silence set in, some odd feeling of control started to dwindle and you were looking up at him before you could force yourself to keep your eyes on the paper. The feeling of confusion flashed in your eyes and you saw the corners of his lips curl just in the slightest. His eyes captured yours and he held your gaze without any hesitation. Well, there was no backing out now.

"Something the matter, Kakashi?"

You questioned before he could open his mouth to take lead, one brow raising in mock worry as your eyes carefully held his own stare, he was challenging you now. Finally being able to do something in retaliation to your endless teasing.

"Oh, nothing at all darling. Just thinking.."

Now, he was starting to slowly pry at your defenses. The tension suddenly shifted and you felt the knocking of defeat. Yet you wouldn't show him that he was winning. 

"What must be so important to turn your focus away from this important conversation? What's this distraction?"

You asked him again, hands now settling in your lap along with the paperwork, still holding his gaze, unyielding. You saw him shift, bringing himself forward until his elbows rested on his knees. It was silent in the room, nothing but the small crackle of swaying trees that came from an open window.

"Well, I am currently looking at that little distraction."

He responded, his gaze intense as he drew out the words slowly.

"A little, naughty kitten. I have warned you multiple times today .. and yet you would not quit your little game."

Straight to the point. You weren't sure why, but you haven't really expected him to draw it to an end so quickly. Your heart stuttered, and a playful smile pulled at your lips, proud of your little game.

"Well that's just unacceptable, isn't it? You got me here now, so why hold back?... Could it be that you're nervous? The legendary man like yourself- flustered? I can not believe it.”

You said with a warm wave of confidence, scoffing and placing the papers onto the small table before leaning onto the edge of your seat. Your face in one of your hands as the other rested on top of your thigh. Already your core ached in need, your skin warming up even as you just watched him and as the situation at hand finally started to escalate. Swallowing you maintained what little patience was left, but it seemed he was running out of it now. Kakashi was tired of this game. Within a blink of an eye he was on his feet and pushing you back onto the couch with his big hand on your chest. Both of you failing to break eye contact.

His lips crashed onto your own, only to immediately turn soft again. Your brows pinched together at his actions but you went with it reluctantly, your hands snaking around his neck and back to pull him in closer. Needing to feel him. But he didn't move, besides his kisses and nips, he only hovered above you. Seated between your legs and pressing against your core.

One of his hands snuck underneath your body and pulled at your hair, making your head tilt upwards while his other hand held your hips pinned to the cushioned couch. Kakashi wasted no time in attacking your delicate neck with kisses, occasionally nibbling at the soft skin of your neck. Each time his teeth grazed across your skin and each time he left a small mark you were left breathless, already starting to pant from the pleasure he was providing you with. Gradually his kisses started to turn hot and desperate, sucking at your tender flesh - you knew those were gonna leave marks. Kakashi's hands pawed at your breast underneath your shirt, giving you just a taste of it but not enough to satisfy you. He only stopped his actions to remove your shirt and bra, exposing all of you to him.

Having been freed shortly from his hold you propped yourself up onto your elbows before pulling at the hem of his shirt. Pulling his own shirt over his head he felt your hands feel around his abs and up, pulling him down by the back of his neck. At which he leaned back down again and kissed you, his tongue slipping over your bottom lip. When he felt as if he was done with kissing your sweet lips he started off where he left, kissing lower down your neck, nudging your head to move up slightly, then he went down to the valley of your breast. He toyed with them and didn't allow you so much as to touch him, pinning your hands with one of his own. You moaned into the empty air of the room as his tongue swirled around your nipple. Pushing your hips against his for some friction that would satisfy the desire in your abdomen but he didn't budge. Then he moved down to your stomach and then his breath ghosted over the sensitive skin of your abdomen. You were both still clothed from the waist down and all the need and tension made it hard to have the patience.

"Kakashi-"

"Easy, kitten"

You let out a heavy breath fall from your lips, watching as he turned his gaze back up to your eyes, lust swimming in his orbs. With a small huff your hands went to find their way to his hair, only to be moved away with his hand as he turned back to teasing you. Kissing the sensitive skin of your stomach and then back at your breasts, slowly sliding your pants and panties off. So agonizingly slow that you found yourself huffing and puffing in frustration while your face flushed more the longer this went on.

His slender fingers slid up and down your wet slit, spreading your wetness over his fingers as he dipped his head down again and his lips ghosted over your sensitive nub. A small smirk pulled at the corners of his mouth once he saw you gasp at the sudden contact and the feeling it brought. Feeling his pants get tighter from just watching your reactions.

"Have nothing to say now? What happened? I thought you wanted to chat about the paperwork ..the mission."

His words made your eyes open, pupils blown with lust and need but your expression was nothing short of frustrated. With yet another huff you responded by tangling one of your hands in his hair, fingers pulling at his silver strands. His fingers ceased their movements completely at that.

"Ah, ah, ah.."

You look down at him again, seeing him put some distance between himself and your needy core while his fingers remained pressed against you. The growing need in your abdomen was so hard to ignore now, you let out a quiet whine.

"Not so fast Y/N.. Tell me, what do you want?"

A pout was prominent on your lips as your eyebrows pinched together. With a plea already on it's way out of your mouth

"Kakashi please- please just get to it already."

You pleaded quietly, bucking into his hand just to feel some friction again to drown your needs. Without so much of a warning, one of his digits slid between your wet fold and into your dripping cunt, pulling a sweet groan from your throat.

"What was that?"

He asked, propped up above you now completely. Your hand now falling from his head to grip at one of his wrists now. Looking for some kind of support and an outlet to take your built up frustration on. With a whine you threw your head back, sealing your eyes shut for a moment, focusing on the darkness instead.

"Pleaseeee...just..fuck me already."

Another plea, another digit in your hole. You gasped softly, finally feeling somewhat less frustrated with his previous teasing. Yet it was so far away from what you both wanted.

"Kakashi! Come on, I'm- please Kakashi."

You continued, writhing underneath his body. Your hand let go of his wrists and with both of your hands you pulled his head in for a heated kiss. He kissed you back with the same force and passion, thrusting his fingers deeper into your core at which you gasped into his mouth.

"Kashi'- I'm begging you- please-"

Hushed and haste whispers of pleas left your mouth between the heated kisses, your hands free to caress over his broad shoulders and his back- everywhere you could reach him. The more his fingers thrusted into you, and the longer his thumb circled over your swollen nub, the more you felt the coil in your belly tighten. You were beginning to come so close to your release. So close!

Then nothing. Pulling his fingers from your core and after making a show of tasting you he buried his face in your neck as his hands resumed to feeling you all over, ignoring your sudden whine and build up of frustration.

"Agh!- Please!"

Feeling his smirking lips trace over the slowly appearing marks in your neck and breast you were left feeling empty. The coil suddenly disappearing completely.

He now only grinded into you, but you knew he wouldn't put up with this for too long either. Your fingers gripped onto his back before moving to try to push him off and he followed lead for now. Allowing you to push him into the seat and climb on top of him, your legs straddling him. It was quick work, moving only to pull his pants off in which he assisted you with.  And before long you were back in his lap, your hips pressing against his erection. He looked at you with his head tilted slightly, a ghost of a smirk playing around his lips, the lips you couldn't stop kissing now. And just like he did to you, you returned that now. Kissing down his cheek and to his neck while grinding down onto him. His calloused hands gripped at your hips and played with your clit again.

Moving one of your hands down his abs, you caressed over the more sensitive patches of skin you knew too well, before going even lower to grab hold of his dick and guide it to your entrance. You heard him gasp, ever so quietly above your ear when you pressed the tip of him into you. Pulling your head up and you stared into his eyes, unable to look away as you slid yourself down onto his cock. Kakashi was blown away, as were you, with the intensity of the moment. Both were already breathless even before you started to move.

The pace was set as you quickly started to bounce on him, his hands securing you on top of him while your hands gripped his shoulders and the back of the couch behind him. Grunts and groans were all that was heard in the room besides the sound of skin against skin. Finally you felt the coil return to your gut, it made you so desperate for the release. Making you continue to bounce on top of him with even a harder pace. The man under you moved his hips to meet your own suddenly, making you gasp loudly in surprise.

Starting to whine again your hands began to caress over him again, for a few moments before they returned to gripping the couch until your knuckles turned white. Gripping them as the pleasure was about to burst in your abdomen. Kakashi was now pushing your hips down onto him, grunting while you moaned out his name and even more pleas which were music to his ears. The rhythm at which your hips met started to fall apart, his hips stuttering in movement as your own slammed down onto him.

"I'm so close Kashi'!"

Just as you said that, he pulled out and seated you onto his lap again, huffing out a chuckle as he watched your surprised expression.

"You really thought I'd let you go off the hook so easily, didn't you?"

You were speechless, as another frown etched it's way onto your lips for tonight and before you could respond properly with all your fury, he was attacking your breasts again. His hands glided over your sides with a feather light touch before securing your hands behind your back when you started to retaliate against his actions. You couldn't help but whine and moan, pleas and protests proved to be to no avail, you were at his mercy. Slowly he inserted himself inside you again, still kissing at your neck and shoulders, but he didn't start moving until way later. Now the pace was set by him, starting off so painfully slow. Your head was a puddle now, words incoherent as he slid himself in and out of you.

Gradually he sped up his pace and carefully released your hands that returned to clutching onto him for support. The building up of your orgasm was quick to come, and now you didn't dare and couldn't form any solid words. But with the way your cunt pulsated and tightened around him, he knew you were close again. And seeing you the mess you were then, he assumed you learned your lesson now. He thrusted up into you, meeting your own hips half way and he listened to the moans coming from your beautiful lips.

You groaned out in pleasure. Battling to keep your breath in check, feeling overwhelmed with pleasure. Kakashi leaned in-between your neck and shoulder, biting down as his arms fully encircled your hips and with a final thrust you saw fireworks behind your eyelids, closing your eyes tightly as a moan was pulled from the back of your throats. Feeling Kakashi's warm mouth on your neck and the strength at which he held you there, your mind turned into even a bigger mess than before. Your head swimming with pleasure as you grinded in small circles to bring yourself down from your high. Staying still like that for a few moments, both of you catching your breaths and in each other's arms. Panting, and lazily caressing each other. Soon he brought his forehead to rest against yours, half-lidded eyes looking into your own.

"Don't.. don't you do this...teasing thing ever again.."

Your lover said finally, his head resting back against the couch. His thumbs gently massaging into your sides.

"But you liked it at the end…"

Your eyelashes fluttered as you looked up at him, your head resting in his shoulder. Smiling at him you saw him reflect the smile, hugging you closer to him, a low hum vibrating through his chest as he chuckled lowly.

Hey hey:) could you maybe write a rock lee x reader where they have a little “fight” because y/n thinks Lee’s pushing himself too hard? if not feel free to delete this! Thank you!

A/N: Hello! I've never written for Lee before so I do hope you like what I came up with. It's a bit short than what I usually do, but I certainly liked working on it.

Words: 1,168

Warning: none, not proof read.

Rock Lee x Reader

A long time has passed since your worry started to plague your mind. Some glimmer of hope ever present at the back of your mind was always stopping you from voicing your concerns even when you did try. You knew Rock Lee well, too well, so you were no stranger to how hard and how long he trained. But even his body had it's limitations.

Once you voiced your worries to his Sensei, only to be reassured that Rock Lee wasn't doing any harm to himself. The bare thought of that made you frown as you briskly walked the familiar route to the training grounds. It became a routine. After your own breakfast and morning routines you would make your way to the location you knew Rock Lee often trained at, sometimes bringing him a meal or a snack on the way. You always hoped at least for a day that you would be greeted with the news that he stayed at home to rest, but so far that was only a dream. Just like today, when you were greeted by a heavy panting boy who would just not take a minute's rest, not even to catch his breath.

He was alone there, you watched him for a moment without a word. Although your worried expression did catch some of his attention when he noticed you he only greeted you with an overly optimistic tone - wishing you a good morning.

"Lee, I brought you something! Could you please take a small break?"

You called out while you walked over to a small clearing in the grass, sitting the small box of sweet dumplings down. Lee never complained about what you brought him, if anything he always expressed his gratitude, eagerly eating whatever you did bring.

"Just a minute more, Y/N!- I can't stop now."

He huffed as he did the final set of who knows how many push-ups to an end. Sweat beaded and slid down his forehead, parts of his face were flushed from the training. A frown was present on your face the whole time you watched him, and even when he approached you. He looked as if he was gonna collapse any moment now. The moment he sat down to eat you sighed, noticing just how tired he was. Kami, was he stubborn.

"Hey Y/N, did something happen? You don't look like your usual self!- Since you arrived you've been frowning."

Lee looked at you as he stuffed a dumpling into his mouth, that smile of his ever so present. Your lips pressed into a line, brows slightly furrowing at his words before he continued-

"Come on! You should turn that frown upside down."

He grinned at you before he offered you a dumpling, offering to feed it to you but you declined.

"Lee, you really need to take things slow."

Your words caught him slightly off guard, his smile dwindling before he titled his head in confusion.

"What could you mean by that?"

You entwined your hands together in your lap, your back straightening as you inhaled.

"You are always training Lee, always. You never are taking a break unless it's for food or some little rest.. "

You began, watching as his smile completely faded once he realized this was about training.

"Don't worry, my flower, I get enough rest and food for myself. Besides, how do you expect me to improve and beat my rival if I don't train?"

You huffed, frown now clear on your face.

"Lee. Your own body has its limits, you can't expect to improve anything if you don't get the right amount of rest. At this pace you're just hurting yourself!"

You ranted, now folding your arms over your chest. You stood firm with what you believed, he was overworking himself. And you will not stand by and just watch him do that to himself.

"Y/n!-"

He exclaimed in surprise and mild offense as he swallowed the dumpling.

"No, you must listen to me! This is not good for you! In no way, shape or form am I doubting you Lee, but you are human. With this amount of training on such a basis you are only beginning to hurt yourself."

Lee looked at you, stunned for a moment before he quickly recollected his thoughts. Putting down his chopsticks he now bore the same expression as you.

"I must continue this training if I'm to beat Neji! He won't be waiting for me to improve."

"Neji is your comrade Lee! Not your rival!"

You outstretched your arms out, making the motion out of frustration. You could no longer sit down, so you picked yourself up off the dry ground.

"Everyday, every morning and even evening you come here and train your brains out! Anytime I stop by, you're always near the training grounds. This- this is not good for you!"

Lee slowly followed after you, the meal abandoned now.

"Please, Lee… "

You huffed again in frustration while he watched you, stuttering to find his words only to find nothing.

"Y/N…"

"As someone who cares very deeply for you, please- listen to me."

You pleaded with him. Hoping he'll listen. Looking up from the ground and up at him you saw him, still shocked. A feeling of guilt flooded him, but he knew he couldn't just stop his training. But he began to see what you were saying.

"Y/N, I'm sorry, but I can't just stop everything now. I've come so far, so far…"

He trailed off, not knowing how to voice his mess of a mind. You could practically see cogs turning in his head as he searched for proper words. He hated arguing with you, making you angry or sad. And now that you stood here with such concerns...he didn't know what to do.

"Please, do not be mad at me my darling...I promise you I'm not hurting myself. But if it.. if it's gonna make you feel better I can speak to Guy Sensei about my training and maybe get a better routine if mine is not as good."

He took steps towards you and placed both of his hands on your shoulders. You were still looking at him with some sadness and worry, all the built up concerning now seeping over the edges. Yet you exhaled in relief and only nodded before bringing him in for a hug. He embraced you right back, relieved.

"If this was such a concern for you, you should have told me way earlier."

Lee said as he made you lean onto him in the embrace, his arms holding you securely.

"Yeah yeah… I know.. Just don't make me worry so much, alright?"

You felt him nod.

"I hate seeing you hurt, I promise to do my best."

He once again gave you a promise and when he pulled away from the embrace he gave you his infamous thumbs up and a wide grin which made a smile return to your features.

Hellooo hon can i request pls? Can u write for tobirama a one shot where he rejects his s/o but then he sees her with another guy in the village often and starts to realize about hia feelings but its late bc she is marrying this other guy? I need some angst hahahah. Its ok if you don't want to write it! Thank you 😘

A/N: Hello anon, thank you for the request! Here's some Tobirama angst. It made me sad to write this but here we are. The things we do for angst. Hope you enjoy.

Warnings: none. Just pure sadness.

Words: Around 1.475

' The Fire Which Didn't Burn '

-"No. I do not love you."

Those words echoed in your mind days after his initial rejection. Over and over again until it was all you could think about. It stung your heart each time you repeated the sentence. The never ending feeling that it was something you did wrong wrecked your mind, it made work harder and rest scarce for a while. You didn't understand. You were sure he felt at least some semblance of love for you, in the end you were the one he truly did let in his company. One he could rely on for anything that he may need. Or did you read the signs that wrong? At that point it wouldn't be a surprise if it was all for business sake, seeing as you both worked together on making the village prosper and bloom.

But that was almost an whole year ago. Even more. Since then you have moved on from the heart ache. Although a few select close friends knew of your pain, you never indulged them with your gloomy moods that came and went. It was a tendency you seemed to pick up from the younger Senju and the years you spent at his side. Not letting anyone really in. Only letting them scratch the surface of it, to know enough to leave you be.

It has been a whole year since the last time Tobirama had spent proper time with you, a whole year since you both sat down to unwind and discuss things amicably. At the confession of your feelings for him he was rather cold, cooly brushing you off and trying to get back into his work. He didn't feel like it was such a big deal then, he believed that it didn't matter as long as you both still remained a good bond. But he was proven wrong. You recoiled from his reach and even disappeared from his sight. His ears seldomly heard of you anymore. It was as if you disappeared from the village all together. Even if he saw traces of your work, your signatures and reports. It was all superficial.

At first this didn't bother Tobirama much, even if he was initially worried about your lack of communication with him. The man was simply so drowned in his work to take some kind of action, to do anything to smooth things over with you again. On certain days, when work was lesser, he would indulge himself in things he did with you once. Only then feeling the effects, the weight on his shoulders due to your absence. There was no more of your reasoning voice, no more laughter, no more endless teasing when the two of you were alone, no more long nights where the two of you shared your worries and even fears. There was none of it. Only distant memories.

As stubborn as he was, he would finally come to terms that he, in the very least, missed you greatly. That he should've done something sooner. Now he felt embarrassed to even try after so long had already passed.

Tobirama had recently started to seek out information about you. Head full of things, horrible things. Were you alright now? Have you moved on?

As it turns out, yes you were alright and yes...you have moved on. You were still working as a ninja, so how you managed to keep out of his sight so much and for so long surprised the silver haired Senju. And when word reached him that you were getting married soon. He was...he didn't know how to feel, actually. You had found another man to love and share your burdens and future with. He had spotted the pair of you once in the village, walking peacefully side by side. Hand and fingers entwined together. You pressing into his side once to give him a quick hug. Him smiling down at you, a genuine, earnest smile which you reflected back just the same. It made Tobirama ill. A deep, gut wrenching feeling over took him so much that he wanted to bolt. As unlikely as that was for him.

Perhaps this was karma. You were his most trusted friend. You understood him at best and at worst times, and you dealt with him when he was being difficult. You were with him at his side even when his brother got fed up with his arrogance. The amount of times you sat at the stairs on his porch, waiting for him to cool off were countless; even your company alone was salve enough. And not to even mention your beauty, you were the rare one that really caught Tobirama's eye, like no other woman has before. And yet, he pushed you away. Perhaps this was his punishment. The maker gave him a chance, a chance to be happy and content and have someone with him and he let it fall and shatter to the floor. Tobirama could only scowl, and he found himself in a sour mood ever since.

He wouldn't admit it but his heart was aching. Was this how you too felt?

-"Tobirama!"

You exclaimed. Shock written all over your features, the basket of fruit, fish and vegetables hooked onto your elbow. Neither of you knew what to say at first. Tobirama was just as shocked as you, regretting not using his sensory abilities to sense you and turn in another direction. Now that you two ran into each other his tongue felt dry.

Your breath stopped in your throat as you searched his eyes, his face for anything that could indicate some sort of reaction. Yet the only thing you found in his scarlet gaze was yearning, and then emptiness once he collected his racing thoughts.

"Y/N. It.. it has been a while."

He spoke, clearing his throat while his heart felt as if it was going to burst out of his chest. The clothes he wore suddenly felt suffocating and scolding. A tangible tension grew between the two of you.

"Yes. It has been...How have you been doing? I surely hope you are getting some proper rest, I heard there was quite a scuffle recently."

Trying to keep the conversation average failed. A frown became prominent on his lips as he only nodded, in a almost mechanical fashion, but didn't respond to the question. You caught his gaze flickering, only for a second, down to your ring finger. Where the silver ring was. A small gem held on the top of it. And you understood, in a way.

"Oh..."

A wind breezed past the two of you, but it didn't feel comforting. It felt chilling and hot and dry all at the same time, like raking hands that clung to the both of you. If you were paying just a little more attention to the Senju, you would've seen the sadness collect in his eyes. Even if his face remained cold and unreadable. His eyes gave it all away.

The conversation ended rather awkwardly with both of you wishing each other well and saying your goodbyes. So many things were left unsaid then. It wouldn't take Tobirama long after that quick encounter to really admit it to himself that he has grown feelings for you, that he was in love. Realizing a year too late. A year he wished he could get back so he could be with you instead of that man. A year that could make it all better, for the both of you. But no matter how many sleepless nights he had, no matter how much he wished and even prayed, he couldn't take your happiness away. He couldn't even dare do such a thing, couldn't dream of it.

Sometimes you would even worm your way in his dreams, his mind visualizing a future he knew he couldn't have. A happy one with you at his side, in a house different from the one he was in now, with enough space for the both of you and even another addition. No matter how much he dreaded those dreams, he let himself drown in the comforts of them even if for a moment. Letting himself experience what could have been. The phantom touches and plush kisses that soon turned to dust in his mouth when he woke. The image of you still dancing vividly in front of his sleep hazed eyes.

Other times he even found himself crying in those dreams, angry, bitter and regretful tears. Clinging onto you in his dreams, pleading to not wake up yet to make it all better. It pained him. That he couldn't have you anymore. You were now married to someone, and that someone wasn't him.

Tobirama saw how happy you were, genuinely. And he wasn't going to take it away just because of his own mistakes.

Now it was his turn to share the pain you went through. He accepted it all. It was now his responsibility. His mistakes.

Hello! Hope you're doing well! So I saw that your requests were open so, may I request something about Kakashi's gf being pregnant but being afraid of telling him? (because he lost so many loved ones, she doesn't want to pressure him into being a father idk if that makes sense) Like she's pregnant but it's not visible yet but she as some symptoms already? Kakashi didn't really noticed until someone mentioned it?

It can be a one shot or a drabble, i'm leaving that to you. But I would like it to be fluff if you don't mind 👉🏼👈🏼

It's really specific i guess and I hope ypu don't mind! If it's bothering you in any way feel free to skip it 😊

Have a nice day/night and take care!

Warnings: pregnancy, throwing up, a hint of angst

Words: 2.406

Kakashi Hatake x Reader

The cashier held the packed groceries for Y/N to take. A polite smile ever-present on her face. "Have a wonderful day!"

She managed to smile back and take the bag into her arms. It wasn't the need for groceries that got Y/n to the store, but another item that got her mind running a few nights ago.

The realization hit her then. She didn't even have to take the test to know it was true. A gut wrenching feeling broke throughout her as she was just passing through an alley, a shortcut to Kakashi and her's shared home. Frozen in place, eyes glued to the floor, she felt the familiar sting of tears in her eyes. Vision getting cloudy and blurry.

She knew Kakashi wouldn't react in a way that would harm her, not in any way, shape or form. But it was hard to deny the fact that it was anxiety inducing, this wasn't something to be taken lightly. Neither of them were planning on kids any time soon. Not to mention the sad history of the Copy-Nin. Even in the beginning of their relationship it took time for him to finally warm up, to really be comfortable with the new intimacy. With receiving such love and care, to finally be safe to be vulnerable. To feel protected and loved and to form an attachment.

The walk home from there felt slow and the wait for the test to show the results was even worse. Nausea raked and coiled in her gut as she sat beside the toilet, having thrown up some time ago. How much time has even passed?

The woman looked forlornly up at the sink where the stick laid. The tiles were cold under her, yet she found herself glued to them, letting the coldness of them seep into her flesh and bones. But eventually she had to get up.

Fear now started to rampage in her system, mind spiraling as her nimble fingers took hold of the test. An unfamiliar haze was brought over her eyes, it made it hard to see but she soon realized that she was staring at two prominent red lines on the small window of the test. Shock. The fear suddenly gone and was replaced with a hollow feeling deep within her which felt even worse. Tears began to sting her eyes again and they came pouring out like a waterfall, in large beads and onto the sink. Cold hands gripped the edge of it for some stability as the woman hunched over it, the test abandoned as the other hand came to knuckle and wipe away the ongoing stream of tears. Silently she let herself cry it out, she couldn't bottle it up any longer. Kakashi wouldn't be home until the sun was already set, and now the sun was still high in the sky.

The woman couldn't look herself in the mirror after that. Hiding the test in her room she decided that it was best to tell her beloved the sooner the better. Hiding it from him would only prolong her fear and anxiety, and she didn't want to imagine the reaction he would have after hearing the news and how much she just waited to tell him. Not to mention it would be quite a task to hide something like this from someone like Kakashi. The evening was spent with a poor attempt to make some food, something to fill the gaping hole in her gut, something to make her feel warmth again. Filled with the vast expanse of helplessness she barely made anything in the end.

When Kakashi arrived home he was met with coldness. Something he became familiar with when Y/n wasn't in the best of moods. He padded through the hall quietly, listening for any sounds that may come, but all he heard was the sound of shuffling. Pushing the door open it unexpectedly creaked, a long cry of the old worn door caused the woman on the bed to startle. Body twisting around like an eel to meet his confused stare.

"Hey, it's just me, love.. What's the matter..?"

He felt worried immediately, he was used to sadness and gloomy moods but he wasn't used to her being so frightened. Not around him. Not on the battlefield and definitely not in the comforts of their shared house.

"Oh I didn't hear you, that's all.."

Came her reply, yet she found yourself moving into him, arms embracing around his middle in a desperate need of comfort. Kakashi didn't hesitate to return the hug, nuzzling his cheek into the side of her head for a moment. Mind running laps in an attempt to figure out what got his belovee like this, but it all came back blank.

"Kakashi I have to talk to you."

The sentence made him stiff, but he nodded and let her lead him to sit on the bed, one arm loosely wrapped around her tense shoulders.

All words that came to her died immediately on her tongue, and swallowing hard her gaze fell to the ground. Eyes threatening to spill tears again but she pushed them back.

"I…"

Y/n tried, but it all felt like bile in her mouth. Not having rest properly,the stress of missions and now this too. It was all catching up to her now. From her peripheral vision she could see the brows of the silver headed ninja furrow in confusion and worry.

"Did something happen? You're looking sickly, are you feeling ill?"

"No."

Her response came a bit too quickly, head shaking before she took a deep breath, exhaling before she looked at him. His eyes searched hers as if he could find the answer that way. Y/n felt horrible. He had gone through enough and all the attempts of telling him about it came to a halt. She couldn't do this to him, not now, he had to rest. She could tell him some time during the week, she told yourself.

"I just… it was a long day, I barely got any rest last night too. I missed you Kakashi.."

His expression suddenly lightened but it did not lose its worry and confusion. She had slept alone the last few nights before work prevented him from coming home at all, so he understood. Yet he couldn't help but feel something was amiss. A small voice at the back of his head whispering something incoherent.

"I missed you too."

He replied and pulled her into another embrace. Sighing out his worry he focused solely on caressing her, hoping that would ease the stress and worries of that day. And it seemed to work. For the rest of the night they both rested in each other's arms, leading a small talk about random things, it eased both of them and even made them forget about worries and fears. In the morning, when Kakashi was getting dressed and Y/n, watching him with sleep heavy eyelids, he came to crouch before her and kiss her on the forehead. Telling her something about how he'll leave Pakkun with her that day. Smiling when he saw you blink at him, trying to grasp at his words. In the end she only nodded and attempted to wipe away the sleep from her eyes as he left.

And as promised, Pakkun remained at her side. He would occasionally chip in to say something, and even the nin asked if she were alright, saying how something felt off now. Y/N only nodded, everything was fine.

Y/N missed going on missions but ever since she started feeling so ill, she was given several days off, not that she had any choice but to accept as even Kakashi was fussing that she couldn't fight in such a condition.

In the middle of the day the nausea returned. Y/N have just eaten freshly prepared lunch and it all came back up soon after. Toppled over the toilet seat she took in a mouthful of air when she finally felt her gut settle down. Pakkun sat at the door to the bathroom, worried look plastered on his canine face.

"Hey, you should really go and visit a medic. This has been going on for a while, it can't be any good."

She heard him say through buzzing ears, a static feeling coursing through her as an after effects of having thrown up. Pushing herself away she stood on shaky legs, feeling a tad bit better but awfully tired. Only a nod came in response to his words before she padded into the living room to sit down only to end up passing away on the couch. Head feeling heavier and heavier until she felt the plush material of the couch press against the side of her face. Hands curled around a pillow she placed over her stomach, some semblance of comfort and warmth coming from it.

Meanwhile Pakkun slowly waltzed into the bedroom, hoping to find a blanket he could drag back to Y/N. Taking the corner of the folded blanket in his maw he moved back, paws pushing into the slippery surface of the polished wood. Groaning he forcefully pulled, the blanket now flying out from under the rest of the folded sheets, making Pakkun fly back and hit the work desk. If it weren't for the clank of something falling from the top drawer, the ninken would've ignored it. But the item that fell at his paws even made him stop in his tracks. His ears pinned back in surprise. It fit like a puzzle piece, the girl's weird illness finally made sense. He figured Kakashi didn't know, otherwise he would've said something along the lines of that his partner was pregnant.

Nonetheless, Pakkun figured out why that was the case too, he knew Y/N well enough, but seeing how things were going he decided to tell Kakashi on his own. To spare her some of the stress of it all. Before he took his leave he did manage to drape the soft blanket over the woman's figure, having had to jump on the couch and do quite some pulling to get it over her all while staying silent.

Pakkun found Kakashi just when he was heading home, in one of the paths between two houses that he called a shortcut. Abruptly halting the ninken panted, his gaze narrowing at Kakashi's figure.

"Hey boss. I have something to tell you."

Pakkun started, perched up on one of the roof ledges where he stared down at Kakashi who didn't quite expect him to see him there. Exposed eye widened at the sight of him, the worst coming to his mind.

"What are you- is Y/N alright?"

The silver head blurted out before he could think of anything else, hands falling out of his pockets. Kakashi already felt a small tightness in his chest, anxiety creeping up on him.

"Y/N is just fine, but why I'm here does concern her."

Pakkun responded as he made his way down from the roof, hopping from ledge to window and window and to the ground. Now standing in front of Kakashi he huffed and looked up at him.

"You really should look into bigger homes, you're gonna get a small addition soon."

At that Kakashi looked at him, guffawed. Silence followed soon after Pakkun spoke, Kakashi at loss of words as he still tried to make out the riddle the sentence represented. "What..are you saying?"

Kakashi looked at Pakkun quizzically, even as the puzzle pieces slowly fell in his head as well, he was still slow to fully process the information.

"Y/n is with a child, Kakashi."

---------

When you woke the next time the sun had already been setting, only the small arch of the sun was visible on the horizon. The sky painted in warm and vibrant colors of orange and red. Your head swam with the unconscious, still not grasping the sensation of being awake yet. Eyes blinking lazily at the bedroom window. Wait…

Finally breathing in you felt the blanket tucked around you. Yet Kakashi was not there with you. A small sense of panic grasped you as you sat up, looking around. Sleep hazed mind sent you into a frantic state and almost instantly you found yourself searching for the pregnancy stick where you hid it. It wasn't there. It was not there. Pushing books and papers aside you still couldn't find it. It was not there.

"Y/n."

Kakashi's voice rang out and you turned around. He wasn't wearing his uniform, nor his mask. A simple gray shirt clung to his figure along with some black sweatpants. He held the door open with his hand, a small hint of worry was present on his face. His lips pressed together in a thin line before he approached you and pulled you into himself. You now knew that he knew. A shaky breath escaped you as you still waited for him to speak up first but that never came. He just held you there, caressing up and down your back.

"Kakashi… "

You started but your voice soon trailed off.

"I know. Pakkun told me today." He stated simply, nose brushing against your hair and inhaling your scent.

"Oh… I was planning on telling you myself.. I just didn't...I didn't know how to tell you last night.. I'm sorry."

You felt him nod against you, humming in response. And to your surprise, you felt him smile.

"It's alright. I'm not angry… It is a bit surprising but I could never be angry at you, not for this.. Please do not feel afraid anymore, it's alright."

Kakashi reassured, pulling away just enough to move his hands to cup the sides of your face. Looking into your eyes he saw the anxiety you held melt away, his own anxiety disappearing as well. He felt nothing but pure love for you. He wouldn't like anyone else to start a family with but you.

His thumb brushed over your cheekbone and then he leaned in and pressed his lips to your temple, holding you like that for a moment before he pulled away. A smile pulled at the corners of his lips, a smile you soon mirrored when you saw it. Leaning down slowly he pulled you into a kiss, you meeting him half way and smiling into the kiss.

Finally, it's time to properly introduce Kaliyah's story on here! There are two more parts coming since this is a quite wordy file. I am planning on posting the story on Ao3 as well, but until I get an account on there that's just an idea for now.

Either way, I really hope you like the first part. The second one should come out in a few days, I just have to go over the grammar mistakes and fix some parts again. :)

Kaliyah | Part One

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⊱𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟.⊰

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Prologue

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This world wasn't always so quiet and petty.

Years and years ago while other clans fled

to claim victories and land, one particular clan basked in the brighter sides of living. While the

rest of the clans made stories and sang songs of great battles fought, this clan would always remain apart and would be the highlight of those tales. Scarcely seen in open battle but horribly fierce, they were the Free Ones, the Noble. Never swearing fealty to anyone besides themselves and their Clan, protecting their freedom and safety at any cost necessary. Their resilience was always an admirable trait.

And their alliance was things clans prayed for and cherished, for their allies were treated as their own kin and were under great protection.

The Sen-Ryokō were once separated into three branches, with no significant differences between them but they still segregated themselves into those three, small families. It wasn't until the time of need that the three branches united into one big Clan. The reason being the awful war itself with the neighboring clans. Seeing as they were parted from each other and so small, the enemies saw an easy target and easy-win battle. But they wouldn't be so easily swayed and the battles their enemies sought would not be pleasant. The Clan laid on fertile soil, windswept hills on one side, barely any high growing plants, and high, mountain giants close on the south side. The place was prosperous in every way possible so it was no wonder they were always made targets of.

Although few in number, the Sen-Ryoko were cunning and witty people, a trait that would go to define them; they led the foes into a trap in the mountains where they met them with an onslaught of attacks and lastly, burying them all under a heavy rain of rock slides to seal their fates. From that point onward, the clan resumed their normal flow of things returning to the ruined hills and fields, rebuilding their lives once more. Besides their wits, they were known as great travelers and merchants, information gatherers and trackers.

But the great tales of old speak of another admirable fact about them. Mastering the beasts no other could. While a horse grants one the dominion over land, a ship over sea… a dragon grants the sky, and everything underneath it. The few Sen-Ryokō that did have a dragon as their summon held a special bond to the flying creatures, inseparable from the moment they fulfilled the contract. The history is vague about how they formed the contract, seeing as this kind of contract differs slightly from the regular ones. As well as history itself is everywhere due to their constant travels, each story speaks of it's own way.

A dragon may leave their summoner whenever they please for whatever reason they see fit; the dragon will not serve the ones with the ill of heart, nor the one thirsty for power and its wealth. A dragon grows alongside their summoner, they essentially feed off of each other's chakra and grow stronger in turn. Just as the clan members themselves, their dragons were as fierce, resistant and free. No one dared to step in their way once they heard of such great beasts siding with the small clan "clan under the mountains". As times did pass however, with dragons being less and less common and fewer in number, their legendary stories and victories now became myths. Instead of dragons, others framed Sen-Ryokō as liars, calling their dragons nothing but overgrown birds.

And finally, when the last dragon took its final rest, the Sen-Ryokō was occupied and sent scattering, separating once again with many killed in battle. The dragons that once stood firm at their sides were now seen as nothing but myths and legends, after the last dragon died unexpectedly and left them for fate to take them, the dragon tales became something to be frowned upon. Many still harboured the love for the great beasts, trusting that their powerful spirits remained with them. But one was for sure. The glory days of the Sen-Ryokō...and the dawn of Dragons was no more..

Childhood

Hundred years later, in the midst of the Warring States, the birth of a child brought some light into the family. Being born second in her fathers second marriage, Kaliyah Genji was the highlight to her parents for the years to come. Her father's prior marriage was quick to fall apart with the death of his first wife, their son now living with Kaliyah's grandmother and only two years her senior. Kaliyah didn't see much of him in her youth, only on more special occasions that required both of them to be there or on the training fields where they'd play swords. The early memories of him are vague but Kaliyah remembers Botan being very short on patience and quick to throw a tantrum, but still he knew how to be polite when he had to be. Towards her he was quite resentful, especially when their father chose to take her under his wing and introduce her to the family business and affairs, thus leaving Botan aside.

In her early years Kaliyah was known to be quite an adventurous kid, she would often roam the fields and young woods around the compound despite the dangers of war which she was yet to understand. It wasn't rare for her to bring home things found on the road; plants, old coins, rocks, bones, and many things alike were a part of her trinket collections. On some occasions she would also bring injured animals, mostly birds, that she would try and tend to. Unfortunately these animals would often die, having been already at the brink of death when she found them and beyond the reach of healing, and their deaths did hold weight over the girl who would later bury them in the place she found them, rocks and pebbles adorning their graves. Due to this she was generally thought of as a gentle soul, sensitive even at times; and would later also prove to be lacking in medical ninjutsu. Some would admire this kind trait and others would frown upon it, mainly her father who described it as being weak and overly emotional, and there was no space for such strong emotions here.

Three, almost four, years after her birth, the Genji family got another addition. Little Utiss. Kaliyah was indifferent to her younger sibling in the beginning, due to duties at hand she didn't get much time to spare for her sister, but they would often take walks together and Kaliyah would tutor Utiss when she could, still giving her best at being a good older sister. Be it teaching her about the history of the clans or more important things that can occur in everyday life. The younger sister was open to these teachings, a slow but a good learner, although sometimes not valuing some things as much as she should have. Upon introducing her to their older brother, Botan would take quite a dislikement to Utiss and she would reflect that right back at him.

Kaliyah and her father would soon start to spend more and more time together, a butterfly effect taking place when Kaliyah merely helped her father out on a small errand that essentially saved his life and warned him of approaching enemies, to become one of his apprentices on the field.

Kaliyah took to her father's lessons like duck to water, learning swiftly with time and was starting to take her fathers side more and more often. Due to the raging wars and due to her fathers status, Kaliyah was soon starting to become a target for the Clan's foes, seeing as she was very young and vulnerable like any other child. Atsuko, Kaliyah's mother, was growing worried by the day for both of her children. With the situation at home being bad as it was, she complained to her husband, Hachirou, urging him to do something, anything, to protect their children. Hachirou soon took off to travel across the lands for a meeting with another clan in hopes of making allies after the heated argument. This left eight year old Kaliyah with her mother and four year old Utiss, with her fathers mother there to watch over them.

The old Nan did nothing but disrupt them whenever possible, mainly aiming her abuse and accusations at her mother. Kaliyah did try to stand between them more often than not, but it was always to no avail as the nan would resolve to physical violence to get her out of the way. This led Kaliyah to just flee from the house during those times, ashamed to raise her own hand against an elder, usually taking Utiss with her as well to save her from the vulgarity of the situation. It was only once later in the years when Kaliyah actually raised her hand against the old woman and that was when Utiss had gotten physically harmed by her. Her mother would go on to reveal the reason of the old nans hate, the simple reason being that the two clans they were from did not get along well in the past. Specifically referring to a battle between the Sen-Ryokō and the Genji hundred years ago. Even if Atsuko loved her husband greatly she knew her marriage to him was nothing but a treaty offer so that the Genji stop their hunting and attacks on the Sen-Ryokō.

Upon asking more about the Sen-Ryokō her mother always shushed her, saying it was for the best if their cultures remained unknown to her, for her safety. Stubbornly Kaliyah pushed to know something. What was so important, what happened that was so great that pushed the Genji to despise the other? Why was it so dangerous for her to know more about her heritage? Her mother revealed only a handful of things, coating them with evil words and tone in hopes to make Kaliyah hate the Sen-Ryokō as well, maybe then she would stop asking about them. Atsuko told her daughter just how awful they were, using their beasts to inflict fear into others and how they carried many into death over their steep cliffs. It all sounded the same like the horrific stories of her grandmother. Old Nan was right, her mother told her, for the hostility she showed them. The Nan's ancestors and friends were all burned to ash and killed just because of the Sen-Ryokō. Atsuko was on the verge of tears with each lie she made up, with each hint of surprise that came to her daughter's face. And at the end, she sealed the conversation with a hint of threat, Kaliyah must never know of them. Hoping to shield her that way. Her mother tried to remain compassionate and sweet to her child, but after all the neglect she has shown to her curiosity and spare time and all the things she said, she wasn't overly surprised when Kaliyah began to withdraw slowly.

This hostility didn't stop even after her father's return. The nan stayed and continued on with her abuse, feeding her hatred for the Sen-Ryokō and letting her hostility onto the three. The two sisters weren't even safe in their own rooms at night, at which they would start to spend the nights with their mother. When confronted about it, the nan would simply shrug it off, not even attempting to deny her actions in the end. But Hachirou still did nothing, having been raised with the same beliefs of the Clans by her when he was young, although he did not harbour the hate into his adulthood. And no matter how much he promised that he loved Atsuko, he wouldn't go against his mother. He let her stay at their home. Even Utiss would mumble a word of complaint from time to time, frustrated and scared.

With the growing and never ending hostility at home, Kaliyah spent more and more time outdoors. At the time, the rumors her grandmother had started to spread didn't hit popularity yet. Kaliyah wasn't a person of any high status then. Yes she may have been a daughter of a powerful shinobi, but the rumors spread around flew over people's heads, for they saw Kaliyah as nothing but gentle and kind and incapable of any evil. The little girl grew closer to the community and the people around her. Making friends with anyone she found of interest, just as long as she didn't have to go home. Kaliyah would often stay late outside, sitting at a corner of the road where an old man Haru would sit and tell stories to neighboring kids from time to time. He would often speak of the long summers and his many adventures, the troubles he got in his youth and many beasts that he encountered on his road. Even in his old age he was quite active, but easily exhausted.

He would often give sweets to Kaliyah and the other kids. The stories he told were a stark contrast to the evil, presumably true, tales the Old Nan would tell her, which would often strike anxiety in her. It wasn't rare that she would find herself in a situation where she would be paranoid, imagining one of the great beasts or evil people stalking her from their hiding. The Old Nan would even use these stories to get Kaliyah to do certain things. Even Botan used these stories to his advantage on a few occasions. The old stories of Haru were encouraging, filled with some great advice if one just listened well, and in comparison to fairytales of the Old Nan, Kaliyah believed these to be the real stories and would soon start to feel a bit at ease, no trusting in the old folk tales any longer. It would get her in trouble as she would stay out late but she did not feel guilty, her mother understood that too.

The more she spent outside, the more she got closer to the people and in turn learned of everyone's struggles. So much death and violence was raging, haunting the people of the town. It greatly saddened and scared Kaliyah, filling her with some sense of dread and helplessness. She was still a young girl, she couldn't do anything but watch for the time being, feeling ashamed at times if she were to bring it up to her father as he already expressed his thoughts on her desire to help the ones she clearly couldn't.

On one of her first travels with her father-mentor, she witnessed first hand the expanse all the violence went to, just how many suffered in these wars. It was a journey to a neighboring Kamada clan with which her father had to make amends due to previous miscommunications that ended in a short lived battle. The clan's leader, and elder, wasn't so keen on smoothing over the bridges they burned with the Genji, being very clear with what he thought of Hachirous rule over his people and how he led them blindly. How he believed the Genji were conspiring to steal his lands and slowly push his clan into extinction. Word soon reached them that they were preparing for another rebellion against them now that Hachirou and one of his heirs were on their lands, wanting to reclaim all that they were supposedly robbed off in the past by the Genji. With their great ninken and many people gathered up, it was clear to Hachirou that there was no diplomatic solution. He showed Kaliyah for the first time how things are not always nice, how she can't help everyone and how she must be careful with these kinds of people, who she can and can't trust.

The opposing clan's rising rebellion was quickly snuffed out with the leader losing his life before the young girl. Anyone else who remained alive was sent into exile with their land now belonging to the Genji, and the wars between other clans still raged wild. No one was doing much to stop them either, everyone waging their own battles and caring only about their own greed and safety. It only pushed Kaliyah more to pursue the ranks that her fathers business could grant her, to try and help out in any way she could, although now she had a different outlook on life. Thinking that when she became of proper rank and age, she could help bring some protection to the people at the very least. Her work doubled and now she barely spent time at home; guilt would chase her for that, knowing her sister and mother were under relentless abuse from the old nan. If possible, she would visit them through the day, but later with her mothers growing distress Kaliyah stopped her daily visits. Even her own mother started to shame her for certain things, saying how she was becoming just like her father in her eyes, and would now only cling onto Utiss, not letting her out of her sight.

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

_______

New Hope

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Her mother's growing neglect and her father's emotional absence did weigh Kaliyah down for a period of time, but with the growing duties and tasks as well as many travels she was sent on, she pushed it all to the back of her mind. The choices taken and all the work did harden Kaliyah's heart. Towards the fourth year of being under her fathers guidance and having witnessed many other clans and battlefields, Kaliyah was slowly starting to become a target for her fathers foes. Seeing that she was vulnerable but very knowledgeable, she was the weak link.

Hachirou was no fool either and now especially seeing how much knowledge ended up reaching Kaliyah and just how many secrets too, he took action to lend some protection over his first daughter. He had grown hope in her skill and knowledge and his love for her still grew stronger in his heart. A man named Iwao became her guard, and sensei in the art of taijutsu and ninjutsu. No one knew much of Iwao or how he came to be, when he came first into their village and compound he was the greatest talk among the common folk, and he would soon go to impress many as well as he took the mantle of protecting the head of the clan. He first served Botan and his mother, after the mothers death and upon Hachirous order, Iwao stepped aside. He was a gruff man, quiet but also very careful when it came to taking care of young Kaliyah. The only issue being that now, with rising threats, Kaliyah had almost no privacy and always had him behind her shoulder, watching over her like a hawk.

In his teachings he was quick and stern but knew how to lend his assistance if his student was falling behind on certain lessons. Iwao knew her limits and would ever so often push at them in ways that wouldn't result in harm but rather provoke success. A man of few words but many actions, the sensei-student duo would start to bond over time, even if it still remained at the superficial level they grew to trust each other. Iwao taught Kaliyah the ways of the blade, soon after he would find out her expertise with the Wind release. She was showing great potential in both taijutsu and ninjutsu as well as strategy and planning. Showing great traits of a natural born leader she would be quick to accelerate in her studies and training.

The jutsus that Kaliyah learned would greatly come to overpower Iwaos lighting release, but would cancel out in his fire releases in which Kaliyah would have to find other ways to claim victory over her sensei. In the first year Iwao had to enforce many rules and shrink their field in which they fought due to the constant dodging on Kaliyah's half. She moved like the wind itself, very quick on her feet and agile like an eel. But soon later she would become more confident in these skills and take a great liking to the martial arts. Now it was always a game of push and pull until either one yielded or won.

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________

The Senju

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

As she approached the years before her teens, Kaliyah was officially sent on an assignment of her own, the journey would take long. The task at hand being to deliver a message to the clan head of the infamous Senju Clan. The letter contained the handwriting of her father, sealed with the sigil of the Genji clan. It was given into Kaliyahs hands to protect and deliver, although a copy was secretly given to Iwao in the worst case scenario. The two travelled on their own, as two people could travel just as fast as one, and it would be much easier to move undetected through the lands. Most of their journey was on horseback. Kaliyah was ecstatic, optimistic for a good portion of the way, Iwao noted, but he also noted her will and great composure. Something he also saw once in Hachirou and Botan years ago. The journey took a turn when they were almost assassinated by ninja of an unknown Clan. The assailants wore no sigils or anything that would define and give away where they could have come from. Kaliyah was the first one to take notice of the enemy chakra, a surprise to Iwao who believed that Kaliyah didn't have any sensory abilities at all. Thanks to the collaborative jutsu of Iwao's strong fire release and Kaliyah's wind release did they defeat the enemy. The scuffle did leave Iwao injured, a kunai having sliced at his leg and right forearm, meanwhile Kaliyah was able to dodge most of the attacks and only get away with scuffs and bruises from when she was thrown off her horse.

Still they managed to make their way to the Senju compound unbothered by any other attacks. For the rest of their journey Iwao had started to ramble to Kaliyah about the Senju, and their ties with the Genji. He told her of how Hachirous' father had done a great deed once, helped the Senju with reclaiming a part of their land and even saved the head of the clan from certain death in one of the battles. Upon their arrival, Iwao let the young girl lead the conversation, relying his trust in her and making this a test of everything she had learned already. She held her own adroitly. His figure would loom over hers even on horseback, watching her with careful onyx eyes that hid pride behind a curtain of coolness and professionalism. The meeting was quick, although what Hachirou had asked of Butsuma Senju had to be considered before a decision was made, so their stay was prolonged. Genji wasn't the most active ally of the Senju but they have never disappointed or given any doubt, collaborating with them on several occasions for a shared goal. While they stayed, Iwao's wounds did fester suddenly and feverishly. The kunai that inflicted the wounds turned out to be coated in strong poison. The Senju were generous enough to lend him medical aid, and offer them both a safe place to stay. Iwao would often talk in his dazed state, mumbling under his breath or even leading a full conversation with someone unseen in the room when his fever was at its peak. Now, without her trusted sensei she was trusted to lead all affairs on her own accord. Being in a lands new to her and at risk of attack, she would be quite strained.

Thankfully by the end of the week, Iwao did make a full recovery from the poison and his wounds. Thanking the Senju leader profusely, the duo finally took their leave with a Senju medic accompanying them on their journey back. The medical nin was planned to stay in their compound and take a few students to teach them medical ninjutsu, as the Genji only had one good medic in their clan left. Kaliyah was happy to speak to the medic on their way back, asking about the many scrolls she brought with her and listening intently on what she had to say. Kaliyah felt a lot more comfortable outside her own clan's territories, being much more social too. Hachirou, upon hearing his daughters report, was happy with the newly secured bond between the Senju and the Genji, as well as the medical-nin that was sent to aid them. It was the first time Kaliyah saw her father be genuinely happy with her doings. The teaching of new medics started immediately the following month.

But what else awaited her at her clan was the sudden spread of vile rumors about her, where this time the people believed them. What her father gave her with his happiness and compliments, the demeanor of the rest made for negativity and that overshadowed the positive mood of the young girl. The other children she used to play with would now be pulled away by their parents whenever they saw Kaliyah coming. And the older folk she used to talk to never seemed interested in starting a conversation with her anymore. It confused Kaliyah more than anything, what kind of thing was told about her that made even the old man Haru spend less time telling stories and avoiding contact with her. The mystery of this would be revealed by no other than her younger sister, who also was going to partake in studying the medical-ninjutsu, that the rumor was started by the Old Nan and possibly spread by Botan as well.

It was told that she brought shame to the clan on their latest journey, how she ruined every tie with the allies they had beforehand, who in truth were lost to the opposing clans' treachery and greed and on her fathers command, not hers. She didn't even have that sort of power and rank yet. These were not even the worst of it all, as Kaliyah knew them to be lies. What really struck Kaliyah was the supposed rumor that her own father was planning on resigning her and planning to betroth her to someone unknown to her, to strengthen a bond with yet another clan. That would mean effectively getting rid of her from his work and removing her free will. Like a salt on the wound and what Kaliyah took to be true, Hachirou made her take a break from her duties, commanding her to instead return to her own hobbies and whatever she would have liked. A break that would last for an unknown period of time; Kaliyah was certain this was the end of things for her.

Later one late evening, Kaliyah retreated into the woods she didn't visit for the more than four years she had been made an apprentice. An old cottage house that stood under a great canopy of tall and old trees still remained there, enveloped by pale ivies and great shrubs that climbed all the way to the roof and grew even on the inside. It was a remote place, quiet and very far away from the center clan grounds, far away from the jests and rumors. It was the place where she managed to nurture a cherry tree on the side of the house that now grew far above her head, the branches filled with unopened blossoms. She hid in one of the rooms that was engulfed in darkness, sunlight unable to come through the thick ivy. Iwao had managed to find her the next evening, when she had let out her sorrows into the night. When all misery evaporated, leaving behind a lack of any sensation.

"Little bird.." Iwao called to her, for a moment afraid when he noticed her unmoving figure in the dark. Kaliyah did not respond to him, having no strength to voice any of her thoughts. Instead her glossed eyes found his, before she averted her eyes and only padded her way onto the porch of the little house where the two sat down, knowing Iwao wouldn't let go of this that easily. Kaliyah didn't want him schooling her, she hated being looked down on in any way, and at first sense of it when he spoke her expression turned sour, anger churning in her, but she didn't act on it in the end.

No matter how much her frown dug itself into her features, no matter how much Iwao spoke to her. She grit her teeth and remained silent. In the end her sensei ended up talking about an old story, a story from his childhood. Surprisingly so, it definitely took Kaliyah off guard seeing how he rarely spoke of himself in the past. He was the greatest mystery. He told her of how terrible he was as a child in terms of temper, an orphan boy in a small clan that could hardly tolerate him at times. He made mistakes of trusting certain people, who spread horrible rumors about him which turned him quite resentful. Even going as far as considering taking some sort of revenge for making the whole village hate him. He was just as adventurous as she was,he told her, often traveling way beyond the borders and into the wilderness on his own. That was until the absolute destruction of the place he called home. He returned to the sounds of thunder and screams of agony with the whole village set ablaze. From there he became very vague, he was taken by someone but he managed to escape and started to jump town to town in search of hope. And he found hope when he met her father.

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______

Calm before the storm

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

The state of the small but growing Clan was starting to worsen. Many more fell victim of the ways of war and many more were injured on the battlefield. Once a powerful and noble clan now became a vulnerable target. They started to fight day and night, pushing the enemies off their grounds and trying to keep them away; there was no more diplomacy. Hachirou was now all about the battles, violence, and even he attended the many battles around his home. Atsuko was now always in her room, often with Utiss when her daughter was free of studies. The tangible tension in the household was now at its peak. There was no more trust and no more kindness that once was there. No more love. Only hatred and suspicions.

Kaliyah still remained quiet, her voice of reason overthrown by her father's sudden evil and his siding with his mother. The young girl opted to sneak away and spend her nights in that cottage after everyone else fell into slumber. That is also where she would often meet with her sensei who tried making the times easier for her by bringing paper made birds or pulling the tricks in sparring that she once found amusing and laughable. Iwao himself was growing uneasy with the familial situation, having raised Botan in the same fashion he did Kaliyah until he was made to step back from active duty. Only Botan took on a more damaging nature as he grew. Iwao understood what Kaliyah represented to Botan, it was unmistakable. To Botan she was nothing but a threat and a rival. Seeing just how much Kaliyah naturally did better at the business their father gave them, how much more thoughtful she was and eager to help; it was only a matter of time until Botan stood against her.

A sudden illness struck her father and got him bedridden. It was during his time at a battlefield far from their home and by the time they got him to a proper medic he was already slipping past their fingers. The medic did as much as she could, Utiss helping her make remedies in hopes of improving her fathers help but in the end they were only able to stabilize him. A forbidden jutsu was the thing that caused the harm. It clung to the chakra networks and successfully muted it, and asides from that it affected the blood cells and made any of the body's effort to cure the fever a failure. It took a few days for him to finally come to consciousness and when he did he called for Kaliyah again, much to her relief.

Quickly jumping back into the waters she followed her fathers commands, with Iwao at her side. The lies were still spreading around like wildfire again and her status and motives as half Sen-Ryoko were questioned by many. Some directly giving offense to the girl. It took half a month for the jutsu to carry her father into his grave. All while she and Botan sat by his sides in shifts avoiding each other whenever possible. Just days before he fell unconscious again, in what most guessed to be his final time, Hachirou wrote a letter, stating that he names Kaliyah of the Clan Genji the head of the Clan and the heiress. This was shattering to Botan, who nurtured nothing but hate for Kaliyah, her mother and her sister for the past year. So much to the point of hate being his fuel. He was the rightful heir, he had the right, he was not some half bred child who had other clans blood. The news absolutely enraged him. And at the advice of the old nan, he decided to go through his plan of killing the threats.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

______

The Exile

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Iwao, who still moved between the heirs of Hachirou, overheard this conversation. He never believed he would take it this far, never. Iwao hurried to the mother who was still grieving, and her two daughters trying to comfort her. He practically busted the door down, commanding them to pack the necessities and to follow him. Atsuko, even in her deep grief understood, and struck with great fear for her children's safety she was quick to move. Meanwhile Kaliyah stood in the main room of the house, questioning Iwao-sensei. The light of the half crescent moon shone through the large windows, and then it turned to dancing flames of fires set around the house. Realizing how little time they had, Iwao pushed Kaliyah to start running, Utiss and her mother waiting by the back door. It was only a matter of time before the ninja themselves arrived at the location. Iwao ran behind them while Atsuko took the lead, pushing their way through the great thicket of woods that swallowed them whole.

Grass almost reaching up to Iwaos hips, Utiss being completely swallowed by the green. The approaching steps of the ones after them were swiftly approaching, they made no attempt at staying quiet, each branch the scaled and each step they took was marked by an audible crunch or a hollow creaking sound. They made their way into an open cave, an old mine whose tunnels lead to open fields and a certain escape. Iwao suddenly stopped when they reached the middle of the tunnel's path. He told them to go, to flee. All three of them stopped, hoping Kaliyah would be first to argue. Iwao was surprised to hear Atsuko's voice disagreeing with him. Leaving her two daughters she took long and swift strides until she stood before him, the flame of the torch he held illuminating her determined but distressed gaze.

Labored breath, her expression formed in one of sadness now. Iwao stood quiet, listening to the thundering pursuit of the team sent after them, if not half the Clan too. Turning to look at her children the woman smiled, in what felt like years, after so long of misery in the home she was genuinely smiling at them. Iwao tried to reason with her then, trying to argue how her children needed their mother but his arguments cancelled out. Utiss first ran into her mothers embrace, tears streaming like waterfalls, beginning her to come with them. "No one has to die." Meanwhile Kaliyah stood before her mother, glossy eyes and a solemn look. Iwao, at loss of arguments and lack of time, snatched Utiss by the arm and started running again, flying past Kaliyah who soon followed after saying her own goodbye to her mother, a simple vocalized goodbye to her mothers apology. A single tear rolled down Kaliyah's cheek before she turned around and disappeared into the darkness of the humid cave. Last thing she really saw was her mother weaving signs, a thick dirt wall rising from the ground and blocking her own escape to the other side. Despite her lack of practice and years of being a housewife, her wits were still as sharp in her last moments as they were in her youth. Using the cloak of the darkness as her main shield and using what she knew of taijutsu and ninjutsu to buy any time she could for the escape of her two daughters.

Days would go by since then with great tension between the trio, Utiss being the most affected by her mothers death. They barely stopped for rest or even food and water, all three of them were growing tired by the hour. Encouraging the girls to keep going, Iwao led them further away into the wilderness of the lands that remained unclaimed. It wasn't until Utiss had fallen unconscious that they were forced to stop, taking shelter in the tall tree trunks, far from anyone's reach and prying eyes. They rested there for a period of time, waking up to a fire at the trees twisted roots and Iwao-sensei at its side. The smell of smoke and cooking meat woke them both up.

Iwao told Kaliyah that he was uncertain where they had to go, the Sen-Ryoko clan was their only option if they planned on reaching any form of safety. But Iwao scarcely knew of their location and now with the lack of whispers and news bringers, they had to really work to find their way around safely. Kaliyahs skill at travel came naturally to her, enhanced by her previous knowledge and previous travelling. Now they were at an all time risk of being killed, be it by their pursuers or by another clan whose territory they may stumble upon even if they were careful with where they headed.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

_____

The Kyofū

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Months after their initial escape they have made their way closer and closer to the shores and the sea. They had come across many small cities where they ended up finding more food and other supplies. Both Kaliyah and Utiss underwent a more subtle form of training from Iwao, focused primarily on the art of stealth and staying undetected. During this time, physical training was put off so as to not draw attention to themselves. Utiss, who was quite unsatisfied and stubborn to these techniques in the start, did well in the lessons, even succeeding past Kaliyah in certain aspects. Where Kaliyah was more prone to clumsiness, Utiss was quick to act and smooth things over, quick witted.

They stayed near the many rivers that lead to the sea for a while longer, resting and smoothing their skills. They were getting comfortable until one day a group of mercenaries recognized Iwao. They became surrounded and even if all three of them somehow worked together, they were at a great disadvantage and any attempt at fighting would ultimately fail. Kaliyah would have taken up a sword still, pushing her sister behind her. The leader of the small group of mercenaries revealed to seemingly hold quite a grudge against Iwao, spitting hateful and quite rude comments to which Iwao stayed quiet and confused, but in the end the man surprisingly laughed. All past comments now left in the dust, all made of sarcasm that the two sisters could barely grasp. Much to all of their surprise. Iwao soon followed in on his laugh. The two would hug, greeting each other with the title of "brothers of war". The tangible tension suddenly disappeared from the air and Iwao would go on to explain their situation briefly, going as far as to ask for the mercenary leaders - Tsuyoshi- for their aid.

Tsuyoshi agreed, although he freely expressed his distaste for their plan to reach the other clan, saying how they should have just forgotten about it all and started a new life, mentioning how dangerous it all was, including the clan themselves. Later he would even mention the great serpents and eagles they possessed, stories carried from ear to ear between people,, confessing that it was his least liked place to go. They packed their scattered things and started their journey with the group as early as sunbreak. The travel was tough now, having to keep up with the ever changing schedule and fast moving pace of the group that was named The Kyōfū. Due to the situation of the three, the journey to the great plains north-west took even longer. Having to do a full detour across the desert. During their travels Kaliyah would hardly let Utiss alone, even if she was in the company of Iwao who she grew suspicious of. She couldn't understand how he could trust them. Her image of them soured even more when Tsuyoshi criticized her for not standing up properly against Botan when she had the time. It greatly frustrated her, his way of thinking and way of doing things. His way of thinking was so simple. But if they were to reach the Sen-Ryokō, she had to have patience, which by that point was starting to dwindle.

Finally, after almost a month of travel they reached their destination. The sand and rock which they got used to travelling through turned to green and lush grass, hills and mountains would start to surround them, loom over them and Kaliyah was certain that sometimes the tall giants of mountains had eyes of their own. The mercenaries made camp in the great roots of what they called the Mother Mountain. The trio was almost free to go, with Tsuyoshi constantly warning his old friend about the supposed nature of the people they were trying to find. He told so many tales and alleged truths it made Kaliyahs head spin with the numerous possibilities. Her mind was oftentimes going to the ideas of dragons, in which case they stood no chance against them if it came to the worst of the worst. All their attempts would have been in vain. The tales her mother told her all now resurfaced as well as the tales of the Old Nan, ingrained in her head till the end of days. It made Kaliyah fearful to the bone, but now with having to take care of Utiss and remain strong, and with how often she got criticized for such things, she remained quiet and completely closed with her emotions. Withdrawn completely within herself. She was becoming homesick for the place that didn't exist.

The place she was born in was no longer her home, and the Sen-Ryokō didn't seem so great and friendly anymore. Utiss showed her gratitude for the group's aid by giving them medical treatment and advice for any future incidents, getting to know the people of the small group through that interaction. Utiss still continued on with the techniques Iwao taught them, subtly pushing each of them to tell her more. Despite her older sister's disagreement, Utiss still went out of her way to collect intel and soon after became friendly with the others. She showed hesitation when it was time to part with the Kyofu, while Kaliyah was happy they were once again alone, even with the risks it all brought. There was no backing down. The trio would quickly come across and once again be cornered by someone, this time Iwao recognized their sigil, their symbol. In their quick quarrel the four of the foes worked as one, it was quick to catch them, but at the moment of Iwao's realization and confession they were hesitant and suspicious of the three. The three could have been a part of a greater plan. So instead of the nice treatment they were practically taken hostage and brought before the Clan leader and elder. Iwao, despite his usual, diplomatic self, after the tough journeys and almost no sleep, pleaded with the man to give the girls the safety. It took a long conversation between him and the leader before the girls were brought in as well to speak. Kaliyah spoke the most, with Utiss chipping in every so often to vouch for her sister and Iwao-sensei.

Upon a long and thorough conversation between Iwao, Kaliyah and the clan leader, they were allowed to stay under strict supervision until they proved themselves to be true. The old man was greatly saddened by the death of his only child, regretful of his choice of sending her away, yet it was too late to grieve now. He had taken a liking to the two sisters quite quickly after, seeing a lot of their mother in them and seeing as they were nothing but children he felt sympathy for their situation. Kaliyah and Utiss, despite Iwao's worries, were pulled away by a pair of clan members, two older women who made sure the sisters were well fed and got a new change of clothes. While Utiss quite enjoyed the attention and the warmth the women brought with them, the affection they tried to show in hopes of bringing comfort; Kaliyah was very unsure. Mind still plagued with worries and many things alike. Remembering the things her mother had told her about the Clan, all the things she heard about the Sen-Ryokō, she didn't want anything more but to be left alone. She had started to dream about going back to the cottage and being at peace.

The following days were spent with their trials, from things as blunt as combat experience to more subtle things where members of the clan were sent to subtly interrogate the three. It quite some time until the clan decided they were worthy enough of their trust and would finally start to treat them nicely. Upon request, Kaliyah met with the clan leader, her grandfather. He told her that the word brought the Genji were quite weak, but that Botan was nowhere near nice when it came of the Sen-Ryokō people that were left behind. He asked of her to tell him everything as his plan was to infiltrate and take the people back, perhaps even attack, even he was unclear about his plan. Kaliyah was opposed to the idea of going back, it was not worth the trouble and risking even more lives as well as her own. She came off as quite selfish in their discussion, but with nagging from Utiss and Iwao, she succumbed to their request. It was true, she didn't want to do anything but stay far away from the Genji grounds, but she couldn't deny the guilt that ate away at her when she tried declining to help them. And as the second oldest, and only heir of the Sen-Ryokō, she was forced to care and accept. So many people were sent under Botan controlling claws, and so many were suffering each day. It was an internal battle Kaliyah had to fight. In the end, Utiss and the other two won the discussion, which resulted in Kaliyah starting her training once again and harder than ever before. Technically, as she was the only child of the clan head, and the oldest, she was to become its leader one day. But due to her young age, she was not officially rewarded with that title. Iwao would become her best advisor and the holder of the said title.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

_____

The Old Lair

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

It did not take long for Botan to send people south for their heads. The small team that infiltrated the borders were quickly noticed however; few border guards lost their lives in the process of their swift attacks. Their main goal was to find the sisters, and they didn't take a break, they barely spared anyone else their time even when the alarms were sent out. By the time the team reached the location of the younger sibling, the news of the intruders had already spread around like wildfire and both Kaliyah and Iwao were already at the location as well. The moment before the blades crashed felt overwhelming, seeing the faces of the ones that were in their pursuit that night, the ones who killed her mother too no doubt; Kaliyah felt sad, then angry, almost revenge thirsty. She has never felt that amount of anger before, that amount of grief turned to rage. While Utiss fled to safety behind them through the maze of the forests, Kaliyah and Iwao along with several others ruthlessly fought against the intruders. Iwao yelled over the noise and the ruckuss at Kaliyah who was slowly losing herself in the battle, not sparing a single blow, not pulling any of her strikes back. She could barely hear him, or she chose not to hear him, she didn't know for sure, she could hardly feel the pain when the enemy's blade made contact with her flesh. But once she saw that the battle had to be wrapped up quickly, as their fighting was damaging things around them, Kaliyah took it a step further, almost forgetting all things she had learned and instead distracted half of the group, pushing them into chasing her. The chase was long and swift, with Kaliyah leading them through the great plains of the mountains, far beyond the borders. It was then when the effects of the blood loss began to weigh her down. The winds were wild that night, rising great dirt and sand storms around them and almost knocking them all over certain cliffs.

Once she reached the higher points of the mountain she turned around in order to face them, they were out in the open now, she noticed finally. Moon shone down upon them and the smooth stone while the raging wind continued to blow. Steel crashed against steel, sending sparks flying all around into their faces. The young heiress didn't back down, but she was now weak despite her stubbornness. Even with all the anger and the will she held, she couldn't defeat them like this. Gathering all strength she could and with the help of her chakra, she jumped high into the sky before weaving the signs of her wind jutsu. Sending a quick but powerful wave of winds that sliced into her enemies and the floor like it was nothing. As she began to fall back to the floor the ground under her suddenly cracked. Two of the men that survived her attack suddenly got up and charged at her, tackling her to the ground and thus making the ground completely shatter underneath them. They fell into the dark abyss, the half crescent moon only giving them some semblance of light.

Kaliyah used the winds to her advantage and cushioned her fall by the slightest, while the other two had caught onto the ledges they could grasp. She was now completely cornered, in the complete darkness she could tell that there was no way out. The enemies loomed over her, she was certain this would be her end. She was almost out of chakra and the previous anger was washing off, leaving all the pain and soreness behind. The two above her started to chip in comments through gritted teeth, words like venom as they slowly dropped from one ledge to the other, carefully making their way down. Kaliyah gathered herself, gripping her sword in her hand as graciously as she could. Blood stained the ground. A small breeze was blowing in the small cavern, something Kaliyah didn't understand. The warmth of it was a great contrast to the freezing winds of the mountain peaks. Kaliyah focused on the two ahead, placing the blade close to her face, a short moment to admire the fine blue sheen over the cool steel. Just when the two charged she stepped into the darkness and dodged the kunais one of them sent her way. Just as she appeared once again in their field of vision, something bigger stepped behind her.

The horrified looks of the enemies faces alone made Kaliyah's blood run cold. The small rumble of the ground and the warm breeze returned at a bigger scale and just in the last second Kaliyah dodged behind a great rock when a stream of hot fire lightened up the cavern. The fires licked at everything, warming up the stone where the young girl hid but she didn't step away until the flames stopped and the screams of anguish subsided. Panting and drained of all energy, her mind was hazy and going wild with the situation, attempting to wrap her head around it. Daring to pop her head out from behind the rock she was met with big green eyes illuminated by the dying flames, teeth sharp as daggers and white whiskers resembling snakes. The snarl of the great beast was slowly fading, and when its burning gaze met Kaliyahs the beast let out a guttural growl.

A dragon stood before her. Scaring her from her hiding she was pushed to stand directly under the moon's glow while the only thing she saw of the beast was the glowing eyes and the illuminated maw it possessed. The beast sniffed at the air, at her scent, the moment felt as if it lasted so much longer, each second felt dragged on to the end. Suddenly, it spoke. "Go." It was enough to snap Kaliyah out of her dazed state, seeing the horrible beast retreat into the darkness and she no longer felt frozen. Her feet were quick to move and find her footing as she scaled the steep walls of the cavern, without a thought she climbed out and made her way down the mountain. Next time she woke, she got quite a bit of scolding from Iwao, scolding her for her actions.

But night after night, her dreams were filled with the scene when the dragon stood in front of her. Sometimes the dragon in her dreams would burn her to ash, and in others he'd simply stare from the darkness. Kaliyah would begin to question if she was just dreaming of dragons and thinking that perhaps she didn't actually see one. Whatever the truth was, it bothered Kaliyah and when duties gave her time off she ventured into the village in hopes for answers. Over time of their initial exile and time in the foreign lands, Kaliyah became completely withdrawn and secretive, her social skills were no longer the best and polished. She became blunt, asking some of the older people of the clan about stories of the flying beasts. It was a bit upsetting, seeing how some of them reacted, sour reactions, but most of them were more than willing to tell her. The last great dragon of the clan had died almost 200 years ago, and it cost them almost everything. Before that, dragons were highly valued among the clansmen, the people a dragon chose to work with were treated with utmost respect and were the guardians of the Clan. The dragons and their masters were seen as the force to be reckoned with, nothing could get past them. The kin of the great beasts was slowly thinning out, not that there were too many to begin with, but when it came to the last known dragon it became a sad story.

The last of their kind, the honorable beast, burned his master to ashes unexpectedly, along with the many that closely worked with the woman. They were left alone and hearing their great loss many other clans came to claim the fertile lands for their own. They were defenseless. No one was there to protect them after their own guardians left them in the dust and the dragon they once looked up to disappeared, dead they said. But now Kaliyah knew it to be a lie, she had just seen a dragon! The dragons were not dead, the one she encountered was a youngling, still small. While the great beast that betrayed them was described as a looming giant. A lot about the dragons was shrouded with biased opinions and the information was very vague so a lot was left up to Kaliyah to find out. The time would prove for it to be a hard task to gather intel, this would take time. With that taking up too much time, time that she could otherwise spend more productively, she decided on an additional approach.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Here For You

Tobirama x F. Reader

Genre: angst to fluff

Word count: 3,639

Warnings: nightmares, description of gore

"-They should be headed north now" Y/N spoke to the old woman that sat at the dining table who nodded in relief, head heavy and limbs aching but they all were now safe. The walls were gray and cracked from years of neglect, and the small clans house seemed to be moving in the breeze like thin branches of the oak tree that stood outside. It wasn't until a hoard was heard approaching, surrounding the perimeter of the house. Swords hissing as they were pulled out of their sheaths. Y/n stood frozen for a moment in front of the open door, watching the leader approaching, shrouded in darkness of the upcoming night, the shadows making his expression all the more sinister. Before long Y/n flung forward and slammed the door shut with all force in her body. The house spun and twisted, grotesque imagery surfacing from the walls that now felt like paper. Thin and rough faces screamed at her from behind the walls that framed their features. Mouths wide open, moaning and groaning. Then it all started to spiral out of control. The banging, screaming and shouting and pleading. All of it rang so far it reached the heavens above but no one came to their aid.

Realization came when they were all captured and forced to kneel before the enemy team- she had led her own team out of one certain death and into a slaughterhouse. She had let them all down, she failed them. Desperation and fear tugged and squeezed at her lungs and throat like a giant's hand. It felt as if each muscle was strained and simultaneously crushed as her captors seized her on each side by the arms. Watching her friends die by the blade. They were made to stand in front of her and then, with one swift stroke the sword was pushed through their jugular, making blood run freely into their throat, mouth and lungs. The blade was drenched to the hilt. Splatter of their blood stained Y/n's pale and cold cheeks, eyes wide with terror. She struggled to escape the hold but to no avail, all her power had been drained right out of her and wounds littered her body and made any attempt to move futile. Pain coursed through her body like a fire set ablaze to run wild.

But none of it could compare to the pain in her heart and mind. None of it came close. She wanted to shout and scream, to struggle and fight but that proverbial hand held her hostage until half of her team had been slaughtered. The bodies fell, continued to twitch and continued to be mutilated even after they had already died. Blood oozed and coated the ground, slowly slithering towards where she sat like a snake, before forming into a puddle around her. Guts laid scattered across the yard all around her, bringing a rancid stench to billow and blow all around. Adrenaline still coursed through her and finally it was her turn to stand and come before the bodies. They made her look at them, all their pale faces. Twisted and cut up, stained and blotched with blood of their own. Missing limbs were thrown onto the pile of death; whose, she didn't even know anymore. Smell of metal and decomposition was enough to make her insides twist in on each other and make her want to disappear. And she broke free, desperately clawing to escape, and behind her stood all the dead comrades, dark silhouettes with gaping white eyes and hanging mouths. Furthermore twisted and wrecked. It stopped Y/n from going further, fear seeping into her bones just as much as shame. She betrayed them- she failed them.

From the back she was dragged to the pile of death, her body twitching and pulling and struggling but none of it worked. Cries resonated through the trees in an echo, high pitched screams of despair. The long sword was slicked with blood, blade dull from cutting through so much flesh. The leader chuckled menacingly, but there was no sign of a smirk or even a mouth on his face which a shadow resided on. Black mass settled in the place where his eyes were, and for all Y/n knew he could have no mouth at all. He spoke- however she didn't hear his words, as if her head was pushed under in a bucket of water. She couldn't breathe nor decipher his words. The invisible giant's hand was squeezing more now, she could feel herself turning blue. Screams started again, picking up volume and intensity until it was all she could hear, ringing through her ears. It made her want to vomit.

The sword rose up. The blood riding down the length of the blade before it was sent flying through the air-

She woke with a startle, a small flinch throughout her entire body. The screams of her dreams now replaced by the hooting of an owl far away, the gentle but cold draft came through the open window and left gooseflesh in its wake. For a while the woman failed to move, believing if she moved or even closed her eyes she would be back at the pile of dead bodies. All senses slowly returned to her as the drunkenness of being asleep washed away. Taking deep breaths she felt her heart still racing, moving her hand to settle over the left side of her chest, feeling a fine sheen of cold sweat over her flaming skin.

Suddenly, tears sprouted in her eyes, stinging and clawing their way out before they freely slid down her flushed cheeks. Silently the few tears fell before she gathered the strength to sit up and push the covers off of her, sliding her body to the edge of the bed until her legs bent and reached the floor. Another moment of pause. Y/n felt her head swimming, still not fully recovered from the horrors her subconscious conjured. Finally Kaliyah stood on her legs that felt unsteady, tiptoeing around her still-sleeping husband. The halls were still dark, cold with the dawn slowly approaching and breaching the darkness. Only enough for her to see where she was stepping. Nimble fingers curled around the door to the front porch, gently tugging the door to open and only enough for her body to slip through before closing them again.

The cold immediately clung onto her, making her fold her arms over her chest in a self hug, attempting to contain the warmth she dragged from her bed. She took a few steps before she stopped at the top of the small steps which lead to a garden, a small paved path leading elsewhere, to the exit from the house yard. Looking up at the sky she saw the morning blue color paint the sky, with pale golden hues shining through the few scattered clouds that passed overhead. The night before she remembered the sky was littered with so many shiny specks of light, glowing bright on the canvas of dark navy blue. Not a cloud in sight and with the moon looking down onto them all- she only wondered what she did for the moon to let such horrific imagery pollute her sleep.

Coming to sit down onto the steps she let the cold seep into her muscle and bones. Feeling the rough and coarse texture of the wood beneath her, and next to her when she leaned onto a pillar which she sat next to. The cold grounded her there, bringing her back to reality. Wind brushed through her hair gently, like invisible hands, soothing her wrecked nerves and bringing comfort. Her line of vision then moved down, to the garden below. Remembering the time she and Tobirama were working on those gardens; planting the shrubs and rose bushes as well as many other kinds of flowers. All of what they planted grew swiftly, it all came to a full fruition as now a great cherry tree brough shade to the yard and rose bushes decorated the space next to the fences in full blossom. Red and pale pink, some even white in color. Large petals that would come to form a blanket over the grass once fall came in place.

In the bedroom, Tobirama stirred when she left, having already been half-awake when she too, woke. Believing she were only up for refreshment he didn't give much thought or effort in focusing on that - he didn't hear the small sniffle through his sleep dazed head. But as he didnt hear the faint sound of running water, or her footsteps retreating, his brows knit together and his mind worked on pushing the sleep away. The spot she once laid in was now cold. Pushing himself to sit he looked over to the spot, crinkled covers and sheets, and faint dark spots across the pillowcase. It didn't take a genius in Tobirama to understand what was happening. Nights like these were rare, but certainly nothing new to either him or his beloved.

Infusing his chakra he spread his sensory field throughout the house, slowly pelting over the areas. As he didn't find her in the house his heart leapt into his throat, before finally he sensed her on the porch. He was already moving out of the bedroom by that moment, sensing how her own chakra twisted and turned as if trying to find an offending thorn in the system. Tobirama creaked the door open, pausing for a moment when he saw her curled up figure on the steps. A frown tugged at the corners of his lips as his stare sat at the back of her head, then he was moving again, resuming his original slow and careful pace. He came up beside her, looking down at her and when she finally took note of his presence her eyes moved to meet his eyes.

Scarlet irises glared down at her with such softness and concern in them.

In a form of shame, guilty of waking him up, she cast her look down, bowing her head before returning her gaze to the garden that now looked too much like the yard from her dreams. Tobirama noticed the churn of emotion, eyes barely leaving her expression, only for a moment to follow her line of sight. The Senju sighed, watching the leaves sway in the early morning breeze.

He came to sit at her side, moving one arm to wrap around her shoulders slowly, and bring her closer into his warmth. It radiated off of him in waves, while her own warmth had worn off in the first few moments of sitting on the cold porch. She simply leaned into him, closing her eyes for a long moment, fighting off the frown and the images behind the curtains of her eyelids. Tobirama was at a loss of words, knowing how much physical affection meant for her comfort after such a dream - he didn't want to disturb this little peace he had provided then. It started to build up slowly. First with his arm wrapping around her, then when he added his other hand to stroke through her hair, tracing circles and moving through her locks.

Soon enough Y/n was completely engulfed by his embrace. Her own arms held around his torso, hanging on tight as a few stray tears ran down her cheeks.

"Y/n.." spoke Tobirama. His voice wasn't his usual baritone one, but instead it was so much more quiet, it was much softer, warm with care and love he carried for the woman in his arms. She swallowed the lump in her throat and lifted her head up, enough to meet his eyes once more. Puffy red skin surrounded her beautiful eyes, another tear taking shape already.

Tobirama exhaled through his nose, one of his open palms moving to cup her cheeks. His thumb moved back and forth with such care that it seemed as if he feared he would break her. His calloused hand held her like that, prompting her to move back slightly and let him just hold her and take a better look. His touch alone made warmth blossom over her cold skin, sending her blood circulating as her heart picked up pace.

His thumb caressed her cheek more, wiping away the tears that slid down. Before long his other hand detached itself from her waist and came to rest at the other side of her face; her own hands coming to wrap around his wrists, closing her eyes and basking in the pure solace she found in his hold. Her wet lashes touched her cheeks, fluttering ever so slightly and Tobirama watched, tilting his head to the side before leaning in. Pressing his lips against the crown of her head and holding himself there for a moment. Once he pulled away he searched for her eyes again, only to find them still closed. But the tiniest signs of a smile painted her features, it felt like color and warmth was seeping back into her.

Tobirama raised a brow when Y/n chuckled suddenly, burying her face in his open palms and hiding her abashed expression.

"What- Y/n?" Tobirama wanted to ask what was happening, confused at the sudden change of moods but he bid himself to stay quiet, a chuckle of his own interrupting his flow of thoughts. "What is it?" he opted to ask, searching for her eyes like that would give him an answer to his question.

"It's nothing, nothing at all." she responded, avoiding his gaze at first, but as the silence dragged on she was forced to look up and get captured in the eyes she loved so much.

"Well.... it's just you. You have this ability to be so sweet, and without uttering a single word." she explained herself, soft tone of voice carrying her words like a feather carried by the wind. Her voice was always a lullaby, a song, a melody to Tobirama's ears; her nimble fingers curled around his hands and brought them down from her face. And now her voice was still something so beautiful, now was no exception, and his smile was urged to spread further more at her words. And she continued- "And who would think a man so grumpy, such as yourself, would be comforting his beloved on a cold morning because of a bad dream-"

Tobirama shook his head at that, smile still ever-present on his lips.

"You have to learn to share your burdens with me, and not to hide them away and try to change the subject" he began, placing another chaste kiss on her forehead, at which she still leaned into. The troubles of her dreams would not be easily forgotten, especially not with a simple remark as she had just made. Still, Tobirama knew the limits, if he so much as saw a hint of hesitation he would stop his prying. But he knew the importance of sharing things such as these. Everyone has their limits and he would rather avoid what comes after the said limits have been surpassed. He himself suffered nightmares of his own, so he was no stranger to the heaviness they brought onto oneself.

"Let's get back inside first." He offered, said, as she stood up with one of her hands in his, bringing her up with him. She only nodded, looking at the garden for the final time before turning around with him. She moved languidly, moving into Tobirama in a subtle asking for his warmth again, which he immediately shared. Pulling her into his side once more, his arm draped around her waist as he led them both inside into the vast living room space. Morning was now quick approaching, and it would be no time until both of them had to leave for their own business. Tobirama wished they spend that time in peace and comfort.

The white haired Senju sat her down on the plush pillows at the table, guiding her carefully and gently, a hand on her shoulder before it retreated so he could stand up.

"I'll make us some tea." he announced, earning a guffawed look from his lover. With her neck craned slightly her eyes set upon his face she was met with the most gentle smile. Then he was off, disappearing into the kitchen ahead. From where she sat she could see him move about, fetching whatever he needed from the shelves.

The air was filled with gentle clicks of porcelain cups and soon the water boiling. Steam swirled in and slithered against the walls; white, thin and wispy. It moved like a snake, before being sucked out through a window that Tobirama opened, disturbing the dance of the steam. A subtle smell of mint and chamomile wafted in the air when the dry tea leaves were dropped into the boiling water, painting it a shade of honey yellow tinted with a deep green. The cool air still circulated throughout the home, now no longer as intruding as it was on the front porch but rather comforting when it began to mix with the heat inside.

Once the tea had been sat in front of the woman, her nimble fingers came to wrap around the small cup to lift it up to her lips. She paused, letting the smell come up to her nostrils before exhaling with a smile. Eyes came to close as she basked in the comforts of it. Tobirama sat beside her, nursing his own cup of tea, carefully as to not burn himself. The hot liquid was a salvation, it brought her to an ease instantly and gave her the relief of an empty mind. She had finally felt her heart settle back in her chest, the hum of her natural heartbeat returning. Even as they drank in silence, Y/n could feel the gaze of her husband as he looked over her features ,observing her every now and then, looking for any further signs of distress. And when he failed to find it he went back into his own mind, back to his own tea in hand. The silence went on undisturbed until the cups had been emptied completely. The sun now higher over the mountain that shielded the growing village.

Y/n took the utensils and the cups on the tray again, and disappeared in the kitchen to clean them. The water from the sink poured out cold and it splashed across her hands. It made her throat bob with a pang of anxiety that came out of the blue. Blood of her comrades, cold in her hellish dream. Yet she didn't stop, the thoughts only made her haste her task, and swiftly after she had been drying off the cups and placing them back on their shelves. The wave of disquiet went away, like it was never there in the first place. And Y/n went to retreat into the bedroom to change out of her own sleep clothes.

Tobirama was already inside, pulling over his work clothes just as she stepped in. He would have to take his leave very soon; it brought a sad smile to paint her features. She wished they could prolong their tranquil mornings.

Coming towards him he turned around in time for her to snake her arms around him, pressing her head against his shoulder. His arms came to envelope her, his warmth spreading across her entire body now, and his head came to lean against her. Her breath was gentle as she listened to his heart beat steadily.

"If.. if it would be of help, you could always tell me about your dreams. Don't hide yourself away from me.." said the gentle but gravelly voice of Tobirama; he treaded carefully, unsure of how exactly to word his thoughts. It was plagued with concern, he wanted nothing but to make dreams like this never happen again.

The woman in his arms nodded, eyes closed as she enjoyed the comforts of his embrace. Her hands went loose around his waist now, as tranquility overcame her once again.

"I know... I'm not hiding anything" she replied softly, nudging his head ever so slightly as to poke his neck with her nose. "It could have been worse.. but I promise to tell you when you get back, we don't want you running late" a sharp smile tugged at the corners of her lips and Tobirama seemed to feel it, as a smile of his own crept up his features.

"No, we don't want that '' he agreed, placing a quick kiss on top of her head, rubbing her back before he pulled away to gather his things.

Tobirama walked out to the front porch, his wife right behind him to say their goodbyes. He was going on a mission that day, and the night before both of them shared their time by cleaning off his armor, chatting. Now, Y/n took one more look at his armor, her fingers making a quick brush through his furred collar.

"Now you're all ready to go. Be sure to stay safe, don't be reckless" Tobirama huffed out a chuckle at her words, turning to face her fully with mirth in his eyes. She gleamed at him innocently, grinning before he brought her into a kiss. A quick one for their farewell, a silent promise of return lingering on his lips.

"I will, and you take care of yourself. '' And off he went, striding underneath the long and dark branches, and out of the yard. Fallen leaves blew and flew in the wind, as if following after him in their own silent good-luck bidding. A crow flew overhead, cawing while doing so before disappearing in the far horizon of blue.

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My Ao3