An unlikely Coincidence [private]

[Santaru Arisu]

Ataeru had been gone and out of the Lightning Country for some time now. It was honestly very nice to get back to the environment. Though this place was not really his cup of tea he found that he needed a little bit of social interaction after his many months of solitude. He was human after all. Human’s needed the interaction if to remain sain.

Ataeru looked around the Tea shop he decided to spend time in and looked down off of the second floor to where everyone was busy moving through. He saw the wanted poster board and the many shops and people moving by. He could see faces clearly and faces could probably see him clearly. He could not lie the sun was causing his eyes some issues due to the ruin he had been in for so long and the lack of light had really paled him up. That of course was why he had now taken it upon himself to tan up. A few females were thrilled when he decided to got shirtless, drink tea, and read a book outside on the second story but Ataeru needed the vitamin D. So badly he thought that he would pay the fee to rent this place out to himself.

Ataeru was not swimming in cash anymore so this was sort of like the end of his work, in-between vacation, finishing out the last bit of money he had taken with him and what he had made in small job since he had been gone. He took a bit into his meat on a stick and thought about how good this was in comparison to the animals he had hunted.

Finally he looked back at the stack of books he had collected and written in about Kinjutsu. Very few had actually started studying them but with Cloud being so open to Kinjutsu he figured he might as well start getting to know them. Though figuring out how they naturally come about was still puzzeling him on a few of those. Either way he knew it was high time he needed to return. He hoped that Kirito had not killed everyone and that Kazuhiko was still doing well without him.

Sipping his drink a bit more and closing his eyes he stretched in his chair and looked out over the crowds again. He played with his white hair that had grown out quite a bit and said, ”I do really need to cut this soon won’t I?”

[Private Top started]

 

[Aoine Shun]

Akahana Ryu
Cloud ANBU​

It had been far too long. For too long had Ryu been out of the village. Months had passed since she was told to leave for a mission. It being all rather short notice, she only had time to change clothes and head out. The objective had been to infiltrate a gang and gather as much intel as possible. Therefore, she had not used most of her shinobi skills for the last months. Besides acting like a corrupt civilian, she had gotten in thanks to her looks and somewhat decent acting. It was degrading. She hated it on most parts, yet it was a job. She would’ve finished sooner, but by becoming close to their leader she had been able to influence a few decisions of his. That had been the high point of it all, taking control without the idiot even noticing. Oh, men could be so primal at times…

*I wonder…* she trailed off in her mind, walking through the streets of the port. It was about time, she “disappeared” and went back to the village with everything she knew. Therefore, she chose the port to go back home. The bunch of idiots would think she took a boat to wherever.

Giving a sigh, the purple haired young woman proceeded to take turns in a variety of little streets, knowing that one of the gang people was still following her. However, she soon lost him (finally). Still not about to give up she was a kunoichi, Ryu had no other choice but to lose him on foot. But, even in this seemingly dull situation, she could find something to make her interested. Yes, to her surprise, it was someone she knew. The chakra signature was something she had felt before. There was no doubt.

*Ataeru?* her gaze shot up to the second floor of a tea shop she was passing by and the brown eyed Kyoujouran just stopped in her tracks, turning in the direction and just looking at him, to make sure. Well, he was bound to notice her. Ryu never was afraid to stare directly at someone. They always noticed if she wanted them to. Sooner or later, he would and she’d be sure like that. The girl had to keep her own chakra as hidden as possible for the last few months so perhaps it wouldn’t be as easy to spot her, but hey… you never knew.

Waiting a little and realizing the guy was just twirling his hair, she pouted lightly in disappointment… she actually wasn’t surprised about the action, to be honest. So, therefore, Ryu picked up a pebble, stood straight and flicked it in his direction with two fingers. Well, she didn’t wanna go too hard with it. After all, with all that compressed energy, it might just leave a hole in some wall already.

Either if he caught it or just let it smash something in the tea shop, she’d stretch her hands behind her back and would slowly continue to walk away. Ryu didn’t run after people. Besides, what if that thug would spot her again?
”Ma… whatever.” she gave out under her breath, feeling a little pissed off for no apparent reason all of a sudden. It made no sense for her to get angry. She didn’t even know exactly why she was the one getting angry, but oh well. The rage spiked for a little and so, she clenched her jaw, still continuing to walk forward slowly, dressed in what seemed to be a tight knee-length, strapless dress, black in color with a thin white ribbon ringing her below her chest. Well… she was on a mission. No comments necessary. She would probably burn that excuse for an outfit as she got home.


[Topic entered]

 

[Santaru Arisu]

Ataeru was on vacation and honestly he had been down low so long that he never would have expected an Assassin or anything to try and kill him. His guard was very lowered that only the feelings of the people around him were in his viewpoints. To be honest if he felt malicious intent he would have been startled but it was not until he heard the loud crashing of tea and a hole through a wall that he shot up and looked to see what was going on. He blinked a bit in confusion because he knew it was something small and strong.

When he turned his head he looked through the crowd. He paused for a bit in shock almost. He could not mistake those eyes…He only saw them for a moment but they lingered and he felt his heart skip a beat. She turned and he felt a rage spike from her that he ignored due to the conflux of his own emotions that he felt pouring through his heart. He shifted a little in puzzlement. Should he pursue her? She turned and it seemed like she did not even want him around but of course…Ataeru could only assume that she was the one that threw the rock. She wanted his attention.

Ataeru was a guy and he could not simply sit here and not act. Folding his shirt and then stupidly stuffing it into his bag he left some money on the table and jumped straight across the second story to the nearest rooftop and then made it down to the street level. He had actually managed to do this very lightly and barely even had anyone notice which was good for him.

He was about to dart straight into her when he stopped not even a quarter of a black away from where she was walking. Ataeru had a feeling he was getting too caught up in his emotions. Ataeru might look a little funny but he knew Ryu had tremor sense and started to tap in code gently on floor asking if it was alright for him to move closer.

The way she was moving did not seem like her so he wanted to make sure that she was alright and not doing something dangerous. After all she was outside the village doing who knows what. She wanted a very indirect means of addressing she was here. As such he waited for a response but he was very much dying to get closer to her.

 

[Aoine Shun]

Akahana Ryu
Cloud ANBU​

*Oh, so he noticed?*

The thought ran through her head as she kept going slowly, the high heels snapping against the ground but getting muffled by all the other sounds on the street. Yes, she even had heels, not only a feminine dress. On top of all that, her purple hair was pulled back for once yet still falling down till about her shoulder-blades.

Indeed, Ryu could sense anything that was going on and the idea of him tapping in code made her chuckle. Not that it wasn’t thoughtful, it just… probably looked really funny and she stopped in her tracks then, turning her head back to look at him with an amused smirk curling her facial features. For unknown reasons, she felt pleased. Amused and pleased. Ataeru reminded her of her impressions of him long ago. It was strange and she would never really admit it, but she guessed the mix of amusement and pleasure would be what being similar to happy felt like. Don’t misunderstand, Ryu had been happy before, but that was usually after a battle she had won. Being the dominant, sadistic being she was, the purple haired and brown eyed busty female could find no other joy than watching something break under the pressure she created… usually.

Turning away from him, she began walking once more, only lifting her hand and lazily gesturing him to follow her, not to make too big a deal from it. Turning left at a nearby ally, she from there entered the courtyard of a few civilian buildings, completely shielded from the streets. There was nothing there but a few benches, a clothing line or two and a trash can at the back of each of the three buildings. The place smelled of something cooked in oil, noting one of the buildings probably had a diner or similar on the first floor.

Stopping, she lifted the clutch she had been carrying (yes, another girly thing she would never daily wear) and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. The busty young woman opened it with the same hand and bumped one out before taking hold of it with her lips and putting the pack back in the uselessly small bag and with her again free hand snapped her fingers. Magically, a flame appeared hovering half a centimeter above her fingers and she lit the cancer stick, taking the first drag.

”Ataeru.” she began, turning back, only now showing her more feminine appearance – the tight dress with the white ribbon, black heels, her hair pulled back and the uselessly small clutch in her hand. If he’d laugh, she’d probably chug a bench at him or something.

”What are you doing outside the village?” she asked, taking another drag before shifting her weight and putting her “clutch hand” on her hip. But really, what were the odds.

”You didn’t get thrown out for experimentin’ with the kage, ay?” she asked with a light grin, her normal accent returning slowly. Gosh, she had gotten used to talking ordinary throughout the months, but seeing this man just made her relax for some reason…

”Or did ya’ come out here to pick up chicks?” she asked, motioning to him being shirtless.

 

[Santaru Arisu]

Ataeru was following her with interested. He had not quite realized it until now but she was actually wearing clothing that would mark her as a female. If there was ever a time in which Ataeru wished he had some sort of recording device. Man if he had known she out here walking around like this he should have visited the port much sooner. Of course if he had known anything about her location he would have probably went there regardless of how she was dressed. Ataeru noticed that she was also wearing heels and that he also considered how her tremor sense worked with heels. He felt like if all of her force was focused on a point it would be amplified in a certain direction but probably not so well in other ways…

Ataeru decided that he not so much focus on the technical side of things and more focus on…

Ataeru could not help but pause a bit when Ryu looked back at him. No matter how angry or upset he was at her for just up and vanishing…which to be honest her being Anbu may have meant there was a reason. That look she gave him just caused him to melt a bit. Ataeru could feel that she was pleased and this of course caused him to smile as well. He had honestly missed the bomb shell and never really saw anything else in another.

Eventually she turned into a side street that smelled of things cooked in oil. Honestly it could be worse. She stopped once she was in the bench area and popped a stick in her mouth and started to smoke it. It was the one thing that Ataeru could honestly say he did not like about her but beyond that it really was not a big deal.

When he saw her in the female attire he thought it was honestly a very different look. It was however something that he was okay with. It was special but to be honest it was not really her and that was the major thing that mattered. He liked her when she was naturally being her. This meant she was in no way comfortable. He figured there was no way she was actually content in that.

He shifted a bit but still smiled at her and when she asked her questions which were all really the same question he rubbed the back of his head and said, ”I was honestly just filling out a new book. Its name is Gamma and it is a collection of data on Kinjutsu. I needed to leave the village to continue my research and since I was on my way back I decided to vacation a little bit. As such I removed the shirt so I can tan because I have been spending a lot of time in the darkest of places.”

Ataeru gave a chuckle when she mentioned that he was not wearing a shirt and he quickly shot over to her and picked her up by her hips and gave her a peck on her neck and said, ”Maybe now that I found one I wanted.” He pulled her in honestly not caring what the cigarette did and held her close before putting her back on the ground.

Ryu always wanted to be attached to the ground due to her bloodline but Ataeru felt like she also liked being close to him too. He looked at her and simply ask, ”What have you been up to?”

 

[Aoine Shun]

Akahana Ryu
Cloud ANBU​

The purple haired and brown eyed female complied with his actions. She was a little surprised at first, but then again, it was Ataeru. Something like that was what only Ataeru would dare to do. Also, he was probably the only one she wouldn’t try to hit for whatever the reason. For her, it was hard to explain. She probably cared. Yes, Ryu cared. She also realized that made for a mistake, but in this case, Ataeru was strong on his own – probably stronger than Ryu by quite the amount.

He made her drop her cigarette while picking her up. However, Ryu just chuckled as he kissed her neck and pulled her close, nothing but the fabric being between her chest and his. She remembered the warmth. It was a little nostalgic. Mostly, being off the ground, she remembered the heartbeat. Every living person had a different density or rhythm to it. Being a Kyoujouran, she learned to identify some people by it.

*He’s acting like a kid…* she thought after getting put down by the shirtless man in front of her and straightening her dress a little before sighing lightly.

”My, my, Ataeru…” she began, looking up at him before stepping just that little closer and leaning in as if to kiss him, stopping only a millimeter from his lips. ”I guess, ya really missed me, huh?” she said with a smirk, the index finger of her free hand now trailing down his bare chest… and then she stepped back, the regular amused expression on her face. What would Ryu be, if she didn’t try to tease the guy?

He asked what she had been up to and she frowned a little, contemplating on whether she could or could not tell him but then decided to screw the rules. ”Well, if you must know, you’re looking at the civilian girlfriend of a outer village gang leader.” she gave out in a matter-of-fact manner. But, that being done, she eyed him curiously, wondering if he’d show any signs of jealousy or not.

”But now, I’m heading back. My time is up here.” She explained a little later.

”But meh… He sure was great in bed.” she trailed off in her words, only one objective in her mind – to mess with poor, loyal, loving Ataeru. Yeah… she never got accused for being too considerate.

 

[Santaru Arisu]

Ataeru used to believe that nothing could be sweeter than the sound of test tubes and pages turning in the silence of his lab, which was of course until he heard the sound of a woman chuckling when picked her up and kissed her neck. Truly the greatest things in life are not always the achievements, the break troughs, or the things that get you recognition. In all honestly sometimes it was the things like holding hands and laughing or simply watching the world turn with someone you truly enjoyed.

Ataeru had become softer since he met Ryu which he had honestly not really expected but he also felt that Ryu was also not someone who expected to find much joy in another person. Ataeru would never admit it to her and she would probably never admit it to herself but in situations like this he could feel what she felt. This made Ataeru even happier.

After setting her down she had a soft little sigh and then she had to straighten her dress. He was aware of how it moved along her body and Ataeru could not deny he had a bit of lust within him for how she looked but it was a well chained animal and one day he would experiment with it but for today just the mere joy of her being within arm’s length was more than enough for him to completely forget about it.

She moved closer to him and leaned up as if to kiss him. Which was a shame because Ataeru truly wished that she had. Maybe it was just her way of going about things but Ryu very rarely if ever actually did something outwardly affectionate. Ataeru could feel the emotions that he would normally assume would have her do this and ironically this was enough for him but he wondered what always kept her from actually doing such a thing.

He felt her hand trail down his chest and she asked if he really missed her. Honestly he hoped he would not need to answer that question. He still felt a bit hurt by her sudden disappearance. He should understand that it may happen sometimes but he could not help a tiny pain in his heart. Yes he missed her, sometimes it made it hard to work, other times work was very numbing and he could simply ignore it. To answer her yes he did indeed.

Ataeru knew that Ryu was indeed a tease and she did this to protect herself. Ryu was a little to selfish to do that for anyone else’s sake. She then mentioned how she was a civilian gang leader’s girlfriend. Well to be perfectly honest she fit that role pretty nicely. Ataeru would not really be jealous because Ryu was in no way happy or close to that person. Whether or not this was a mission he knew that when she spoke or thought of him just now there was no emotion attached to it. Empathetic had a way of knowing such things.

She then explained that she would be leaving now because he time was up. This of course made Ataeru a little happy because this meant that they could just go back together. Honestly his vacation would be nothing compared to spending a few days returning with Ryu on a boat back to Kumo.

Now no matter how much lack of affection or endearment, hearing that she slept with him, which Ataeru suspected, but even still hearing it, and Ataeru had never expected her to pure, still hearing it…cause him a pang in his chest. If you liked her it would always be near impossible not to have a feeling cross yourself of someone you deeply cared about being…well Ryu was not intimate but he knew what he was trying to say. Sleeping with someone else still sucked.

As a man to save face and to try that he was hurting a bit. He turned and slipped his shirt back on and said, ”It’s a shame really that you had him before me. If I remember I had you gasping just at removing painful points in your back.” Ataeru started to walk out of the alley way and looked back at her and smiled, ”You do not become a medical master of the human body just to know how to cure it.” He winked at her and then looked out into the busy streets.

Looking back at her he simply asked, ”Would you come back with me? I miss my house and I miss you in it with me. Also there are a lot less children there now.” It was a major selling point. Not that Ryu would change herself in front of them but at least Ataeru could have a conscience about their innocence.

 

[Aoine Shun]

Akahana Ryu
Cloud ANBU​

Her eyes narrowed just lightly at his response, making her look a little like an amused feline predator as she listened to his response. However, she could not quite get the pure satisfaction she wanted. She expected more jealousy from the guy. She didn’t really know why, but not the assumed amount made her stomach feel a little heavier. Wasn’t he the least bit mad? Even not a little? Being as hotheaded as she usually was, she couldn’t help but feel a little unsatisfied. Look at him, teasing her now. Well, this called for revenge later. Yep, she never let anything go unpunished and this would perhaps be an idea for a dull day.

However, she did find herself yet again amused by him saying there was more to just knowing how to cure a body by being a medical expert. Well, my, my, what was pure, little Ataeru saying? Had he perhaps caught up on human anatomy in many different ways at some point?

*So, he got laid while I was gone? Meh…*

The thought made her wanna laugh a little but she felt like there was a weird, heavy and sort of cold feeling behind it. The kind of feeling she got when being talked down to by someone stronger than her. She didn’t really like it, which was odd because she usually found sarcasm based joy in almost everything.

”You do remember I have a mansion in the forest, don’t ya’?” she asked, raising a brow slightly and crossing her arms below her chest. However, she realized what he meant. The reason she wasn’t replying in a more understanding manner was because of all the anger provoking thoughts of Ataeru being kind of a slut in her head.

”I’ll go with ya… but take ya’ shirt off again, Ata.” she answered while glancing back in a manner which would urge him not to go out on the street yet.

”It doesn’t seem anyone’s lookin’, so it’ll be ok.” she explained, reaching up behind her head with her free hand and pulling out the comb in her hair, making it fall down around her face as she was used to. Then she’d put the comb in her clutch and would proceed to ruffle her hair a little. The purple haired woman turned in the direction of the clothing lines and walked forward only to snatch a pair of cargo shorts hanging there. Putting the clutch on the nearest bench, she pulled down her dress, for a moment standing there only in her lingerie consisting of laced, black pieces (the bra being strapless due to the sleeveless dress) and then she pulled on the pair of cargo shorts. A little baggy, but they would work. Turning back to look at Ataeru over her shoulder, she lazily extended one arm with the words ”Your shirt?”

See, the idea was to change her appearance so in case they walk out she would have a much bigger chance to avoid getting spotted by some fake ex-boyfriend thug. She couldn’t really change the heels, but that wouldn’t be the worst thing.

 

[Santaru Arisu]

Ataeru got his own sense of satisfaction from the fact that she was not quite as satisfied by what he said. She was trying to play with him and Ataeru was not quite as easy of a toy as she was probably used to. Ataeru was not simply going to be pushed around by her and at the same time he enjoyed playing the game back over into his favor. That was sort of the benefit of being able to sense the emotions of those around him. You were able to keep a one up on most of the interaction that you had with people.

She seemed amused by his comment of being medical. The only issue however with that was Ataeru had no idea that Ryu had taken it the way that she did and as such you now found the problem with sensing emotions. There was almost no way that he would be able to figure it out. He had been working on a jutsu to help with that but for now it was still too far in the progression stage to actually be field ready.

She mentioned that she had a mansion in the forest and with that Ataeru knew exactly that she was avoiding more of his comments. She normally did it when it came to something about commitment or actually liking him but it was beyond him why she was doing it now.

The second that she grabbed the clothing off the rack was when Ataeru immediately opened a scroll and turned his back to her. Summoning the shirt he could hear her removing her clothing and Ataeru must admit that while he had seen a woman naked it was never while not in deep pain, destroyed in some fashion, or sick. He wanted to keep his first female nude experience, with intimacy, to a better intimate setting. When she asked for his shirt he tossed it behind him. As it was in the air and when it would eventually land somewhere close to her provided she did not catch it, which he figured she would, he said, ”Sorry it has not been washed I was planning on doing laundry soon but then decided I would not have a shirt on long enough to care but I figure you are okay with a little dirty.”

Ataeru waited until Ryu would come out into the street. He was not about to look back and sneak a peek. Once again not his thing. He grew a little defensive though making sure no one was really looking into the ally either. Sure he could not stop her from sleeping around but he could stop random people from seeing her now.

When she would come out and join him he figured they begin walking to the ports and get out of here before someone recognized her.

 

[Aoine Shun]

Akahana Ryu
Cloud ANBU​

In all honestly, his explanation did seem a little awkward as she found him just tossing the shirt her direction and she didn’t catch it. Taking the few steps left to reach it, she quickly pulled it on, just happy it didn’t fall in the puddle and really, his words had made her laugh. Gosh, for a moment there he made it sound like she didn’t particularly like bathing or something but Ryu assumed he didn’t mean it like that. She just found it true in some aspects and mostly amusing sounding. It did seem to lift her spirits a little.

Turning back to take her clutch and throw the dress over the clothing line, she stopped, uncertain if the change in Ataeru’s heartbeat had been just something she imagined or real. Slowly, she turned back to see and yes, she was certain. Yet why get nervous while looking at a street. Was he afraid someone would peek on her? That would also explain him showing his back instead of following basic instincts. There, for a moment she was worried a little he was not interested in her in a physical way of any kind, but well, seeing him from that aspect she felt slight warmth seeping through her veins. Also, she had forgotten for a second that she was indeed Ryu and not finding her hot was impossible for most men and women, she assumed.

Sliding the clutch in the back pocket of her newly acquired shorts, she pulled the shirt down over them and then pulled her hair out of the shirt before walking over to Ataeru. It was unclear as to why, but she felt kind of warm and fuzzy on the inside, also she could remember all the time spent with the guy before which was probably why she felt her facial features bend into a genuine, kind smile – probably the only one since she was still a five year old in the village of Rain and learning to play poker with the thugs working for her dad. Alas, Ataeru would not see it. She didn’t want him to. It was probably a defense mechanism. The girl didn’t want anyone to see her any sort weak. To a shinobi, showing affection could mean just that.

However, the purple haired and brown eyed girl did reach out and pull on his arm before leaning up and kissing him for the first time since they had met. Yep, a genuine kiss. Now who said Ryu couldn’t be affectionate? Well, it would probably not happen again till about half a year later or something, but still.

Withdrawing, the girl walked by and rejoined the street. ”Well then, we better get goin’.”

 

[Santaru Arisu]

Ataeru for once was not particularly focused on Ryu. He instead was scanning the crowd’s emotions to see if he sensed anyone with arousal. This was more of his way of making sure that he had accomplished his goal. So far though it seemed like he had managed himself well enough to prevent seeing eyes which was something he was proud of.

When he naturally thought she was finished. Ataeru started to relax again. He did not really want to stop focusing on her but he had wanted her to have privacy. An interesting thing happened. He turned around and right when he was about to start feeling her emotions again she popped up on him and kissed him. If Ataeru had ever not been able to form any sort of thought or ever been in a paralysis jutsu this one was the strongest. For Ataeru it felt like a long time. Everything pretty much stopped for him. He could feel her mental warmth.

As if the slowed time suddenly rushed past she withdrew herself and walked into the street. This was the moment when Ataeru actually felt genuinely sad. Not the normal weepy sad. It was a tugging downward pull that said that he really just wanted that. He looked at her with not so much shock as bewilderment. He just had no clue…there were not even words…

He walked out into the street. He looked at her…as in really looking at her. Almost as if there really was nothing left here but her. He reached out and took her hand in his. He rubbed his thumb over the backside of her hand and gently placed a kiss on it. Before looking back at her and just holding her hand. He smiled and simply said, ”Thank you.”

It was all the apology he would ever need from her. That one innocently perfect kiss she gave him.

He walked with her and started to head to the port. Once there they would find a boat and be gone to Kumo. Ataeru had a nice small smile on his face as he held her hand.

 

[Aoine Shun]

Akahana Ryu
Cloud ANBU​

Ryu was a stubborn person but she was not stupid. The girl knew she had feelings for Ataeru, she knew he could feel what she felt in every sense so there was no need to awkwardly try to hide it all. However, she did have her pride. She had her pride and goals she wished to reach. One of the biggest goals being not getting screwed over by anything. Therefore, realizing he knew and she knew, she had to figure someone else would know as well, sooner or later. This could reflect on her badly in many ways. Not only could she lose the amount of fear some had in regards to her, but she could lose her image. In case anyone figured she was soft, she’d lose her pull and anything that she could threaten other to keep quiet would be in danger. She had done a lot of stuff in Kumogakure even while Koumyou was still Raikage. There was no way she’d get killed off or imprisoned only because of some relationship. No matter what it meant, her whole being had to come first. There wouldn’t be anyone to make her step down from her views. No one. Not even someone as genuinely nice as Ataeru. She was certain at the time.

”Hm?” she only gave out, raising a brow as he watched her after taking her hand. There he went again, seeming all head over heels for her. Well, not that it was not a nice feeling. It was and she could also feel an ego boost at that… and a slight turn on, but he already knew she liked him in a physical manner (probably was the first reason she agreed communicating with him). But there he went, acting like a newly found puppy. Ryu didn’t really like sharing her stuff so she would perhaps kill anyone who dared steal his attention away, but she also glanced away, thinking that perhaps, this was just too suspicious, her grip on his hand tightening just a little. This in her mind wouldn’t end well if public. No way. In the end one of them would end up dead. Perhaps Ryu since she was weaker or Ataeru if the idiot went and tried to act hero at some point.

Pulling her hand away, she looked up at the now only a little taller guy (thanks to the heels). ”Jeez, Ata, don’t have to cling on me.” she sighed in a sort of sarcastic manner. ”After all, there are much, much more fun ways to keep physical contact, ya’ know.” she gave out in a suggestive tone, looking back at him curiously, waiting for the reaction and if perhaps he realized what she meant.

It wouldn’t take long until they were to the port. She assumed nothing had changed from when she came to the place and soon there should be a boat. Besides, she hadn’t been outside a commotion for so long, she couldn’t really imagine a better feeling than returning to the secluded location which was the mansion in Kumo’s forest… after taking the most of the trip back in her own way, she looked forward to the thought of training… in silence… nothing but the bugs in the ground and some animals roaming the radius. She also missed her butler(well, kinda… he never asked questions). Of course, those were the things she would never say aloud. Ever.

”You think about the moment, you’ll ask this shirt back, Ata.” she gave with a devious wink in his direction. Yet another defense mechanism. Believing that she could only portray physical fantasies made it much, much, much easier for Ryu not to get attached. That one moment when she would get objectified was everything she’d need to get free from any commitment… so it got even weirder for her because she had never had this long of a period with just teasing someone. In a sense, it would be sort of a pity if after she finally got her way, he’d change just like everyone always did. Then again, who knew, right? Ryu couldn’t read emotions like Ataeru. Best case, she could tell when he was agitated, mad, lying or scared by his heartbeat.

 

[Santaru Arisu]

Holding Ryu’s hand is a very different experience than that of someone else’s. Her hand is very hard to the touch. It had a sturdiness that Ataeru found attractive. Ryu would almost never break and this was something Ataeru felt like he needed. In the shinobi world you needed strength and Ryu had a ton of it. Not necessarily in the pure raw power department but she had it mentally and that was very much a key. The only issue was that much like her bloodline she was also hard and stubborn like a rock. Ataeru would have to be a river if he was ever planning on getting her the least bit smooth. Ataeru could see there was a bit of a change but maybe he would never get her to be completely accepting of this.

He could feel a boost in her ego which caused him to be happy. He enjoyed making her feel wanted and appreciated. He could never understand why some men want to bring their women down or whatever. How did that make them any better? This was definitely the better side of the coin.

She seemed happy and tightened her hand but then she looked away, almost looked worried, and then she pulled her hand away before he would even have a chance to walk down a street with her. Ataeru inwardly sighed but just gave a small smile to her. She mentioned that Ataeru did not have to cling to her, though he really wanted to. Then quickly after she made a suggestive comment about how there are better ways to keep physical contact. This might surprise her but she actually just kind of turned him off with that. He felt a little cold and started to walk with her down towards the port. All he could really think to say was. ”While I am certain losing my virginity would be fun, I believe there are fields in which you have never ventured that I find more fruitful and fulfilling currently.”

Yes it was a bit of a turn down to sex. Rather Ataeru hoped that she would pick up on the fact that he once again wanted a relationship. Ataeru was bound and determined to not just be another one of her few times and dropped. If she wanted the milk, she would at least have to consider buying the cow and treat it nice before it would put out. Ataeru kind of chuckled to himself at this. Normally you would think the girl would be cow.

As they walked they made it to the harbor and when Ataeru saw the boats he went to a guy who sold boat tickets and said, ”I need a boat back to Kumogakure.” The man said that there were a few tickets left to a town close to it. Ataeru nodded and paid for his ticket.

Ataeru moved out of the way so that Ryu could go forward and get her ticket. He wondered if she was expecting him to pay for the tickets or not. They were not together though so he decided that they could still pay for things separately.

Looking over at the boat it was neither small nor large. Honestly it felt just fine for Ataeru. An average thing was sometimes very special.

 

[Aoine Shun]

And once again, it was proven that the girl was in the wrong about Ateru. She did it subconsciously with him, every time. The purple haired ANBU comforted herself with the reassurance someone always tried or would eventually try to cross her so she wanted to press on the boundaries whenever she got the chance. She thought that perhaps, if encountering something one really might want, they would just spit out what they really wanted. Well, that or fear of death did the trick quite nicely. She didn’t think she’d be able to make Ataeru fear for his life in any way, really. She assumed he was stronger than her and better at a variety of jutsu in comparison. Yet, she doubted his Taijutsu would be as good as hers. Then again, even if two people were to agree to use only Tai, when one felt they were in danger, they did whatever was necessary to survive. In that case, she would lose either way, even if cheating. Then again… Ryu didn’t like to think of it as cheating – more like “taking the given chances at a time”. Base point – she couldn’t beat him up to find out so she tried to taunt him into giving into lust (many times) so she’d be able to see he was no different from your basic male. And that would also prove that if she were dumb enough to actually trust him enough to be in a relationship, he’d probably end up cheating on her. Simple as that. Ryu logic.

*For the love of…* She was somehow surprised he actually said out loud he was a virgin. Didn’t men avoid that subject after the age of fourteen? Well, usually? Looked like this one had close to no uncomfortable subjects. Quite something. As far as Ryu knew, men of power (a very good example was her just finished mission) were usually self-conscious about a variety of things. Looking up at Ataeru and tilting her head a little, a thoughtful frown on her face, she couldn’t help but try to remember anything too specific Ataeru had ever shown self-conscious signs about. She couldn’t remember almost anything like that. Right… to her, he looked like this tall, handsome figure with obviously no problems whatsoever. Always on top of things, more or less in control of situations and trying to be annoyingly kind to a lot of people. She was starting to think it was a mask. At first she was certain it had to be. Nobody could seem that well off, even with his (at times disturbing) research. There seemed to be nothing that could break the guy. She doubted he’d be too broken if one of his projects even died. Well, sad of course, him being an empath… Perhaps if he got tied to a dying person, he’d be able to get weakened, but on honest terms… there was nothing. There was nothing and she did find herself getting jealous of it. Ryu didn’t deny herself stuff like hatred or jealousy… or lust for that matter, she just savored it. And for some reason, she felt a little proud. For reasons unknown or never to be admitted to herself.

As they got right to the port, she didn’t really mind getting her own ticket… well, she figured he’d want to buy hers. After all, if the guy had not noticed, he was the only one she acted any way of nice-ish to. Unless the mission said so, she was pretty much a supper bitch to anyone else out there. If not straight to their face, she certainly thought so and was prevented by some circumstance to say it loud. If Ataeru had really noticed that, he might assume she was lenient about the whole relationship thing. Ryu wouldn’t really ever say things like “Let’s be together! I promise to be a good wife and have triplets!” (exaggeration but still…) nor would she drop hints or ask someone out on a date. It was all a matter of consistency. The brown eyed, busty young woman gave hints. Usually physical hints and in Ataeru’s case emotional ones which he should be able to get, right? Well… she never said she was good at any of the pink-ish stuff in the first place, unless ordered to.

Getting her own ticket, she walked a bit away from the box office and looked back at Ataeru.
”Ataeru… in all honesty, what do ya want from me?” Simple, stern tone. There was no messing around in the question. If he’d tell her, perhaps she could explain something so it’d get through that head of his.

 

[Santaru Arisu]

Ryu seemed to be deep in thought. Emotions were not crossing her so Ataeru was unsure of what it was she would be thinking about. In all honesty she thought a lot more than someone who normally fits her description does. You would always think she would take a violent approach to everything. Yet never once had she actually even challenged him to a fight. Ataeru thought about the one time Ryu did see Ataeru fight and realized he summoned a bunch of zombie skeleton ninja’s to fight for them. Yea that would probably make her hesitant to fight. Ataeru yawned but it was not something he normally did. Honestly he was pretty tired but the vacationing was really helping him revitalize.

He stretched a bit as she went up to get her ticket. He sort of gave her a curious look right before she went up to the ticket booth. She was surprised about something but he felt like it had nothing to do with him not buying her a ticket. He always wondered why people felt certain things when they did.

Eventually she walked away from the booth and Ataeru gave her a curious look when she simply looked back at him and ask him what he wanted of her. Ataeru had honestly not expected this question of her and she was quite serious about it. As they were walking towards their boat Ataeru honestly needed to think about this. Every word could actually matter in this sense. He was unsure if this was something that was even supposed to be talked about. Do people usually ask this? He was honestly very unsure.

”Ryu, how I am supposed to answer that? I mean really?” He put a hand up to his face and tried to think of a better means than that. It was honestly a difficult question. ”Honestly. I probably just want you to be happy and I guess if I had to be selfish I do not want to end up just another guy you slept with and left. This is my first relationship after all. I’m not sure how it is supposed to work and I do not even have my teenage years to refer back to because I was in the coma for ten years. I mean mentally I am seventeen in a twenty-seven year old body. I avoid positions of power so I can do what I want to do. I guess my only real return is what do you want from me?”

That was really the only way he could articulate himself.

 

[Aoine Shun]

Akahana Ryu
Cloud ANBU​

Ryu formed a light scowl and pushed her lower lip out as he took time to contemplate his answer. This was probably the moment where she mocked something along the lines of “so much research and you don’t know that?” in her mind, all the way through holding her pout. She even made a light, fast sigh with it, making her look like some offended puppy or something.

She had expected him to know. She sure as hell didn’t, so he would, right? Honestly, he had done too little thinking for being someone generally nice and conservative, didn’t he? Where were the golden words of wisdom and all the life lessons ringed into series of adventures that he was supposed to tell? Really, if Ryu didn’t like something it was not understanding something and not being in control. Right that moment, she experienced both of those things.

The busty Kyoujouran, still walking besides him couldn’t help but keep the slight scowl. Even when he was supposed to get annoyed by her he acted all nice and tried to explain stuff. See? This was probably what made her so god damned scared. Indeed, she suddenly knew that was the base of every action she had taken in reference to Ataeru. Fear. And she couldn’t help but feel her heart sink as he asked what she wanted from him and she just looked to the other side, as if spotting some kind of new species in the water.

”How… “ she almost let out a question with a long, long trail of cuss words but for the moment felt a little flustered, so all those nice things stayed unaudiable and under her breath. She didn’t look back at him yet. The reason being she had blushed. Her heart was acting like a dumbass in her opinion. He just had to be all nice and fuzzy when he could’ve just said “relationship, yo”, but no – Ataeru had to make it about him genuinely liking her and wanting to be with her. Ryu was not used to this feeling. Her insides felt warm. Actually, she could swear her body had heated up just now or maybe the air around her just got colder. Whichever it was, she tried to press it down. To think if anyone saw something like that.

Beating the stupid mushy feeling down her throat with an imaginary bat in her mind, she took a deep breath and turned to face the boat yet again as if the whole flushing red situation had not happened at all.

”If you ever… ever even think about crossing me in any way possible I will drive my hand through you, Ata.” she said, glancing at him at a little. Could she had said that she just valued loyalty and was ok with trying to make stuff work however she could? Well, yes, probably. Why go through all this instead of something that could actually sound nice for a change? That was just the way of the Ryu. She would never say stuff like “love” or “in a happy relationship” or “hug me” for that matter. She just didn’t do it. No. He had to catch the hint. If he could feel what she felt, he probably would.

And thus, they got to the boat…

 

[Santaru Arisu]

Ataeru had felt it when he started speaking. It was brief he thought but he knew that Ryu was a little bit scared. Ataeru was dumb but until then he had not really thought about the way things were between them. What could he really do for her to be assuring. She had never been in a real relationship either had she? Ataeru had never really thought about it but he supposed that he too would be dealing with some firsts as well for her. He had been a tad bit foolish to think that maybe she had been in love once but blocked it out. She was also Anbu. She was supposed to not get attached to someone. This is why Ataeru hated some of the aspects of the Anbu. It however was also more than the Anbu. Ryu kept herself alone in a forest house. She generally tried to avoid people and she was so abrasive. Ataeru was already closer to her than she let on but she also did not want him there? Hell Ataeru did not know. That was also not really the point either now was it.

Ryu looking away from him caused him to focus more on her feelings and they were very pleasant but at the same time this sort of thing caused her problems. Ataeru could not exactly tell if what she had said was the right thing. In fact the emotional sensing sometimes actually got in the way. He was never one hundred percent sure why someone was feeling what they were feeling. He was good at it but he was defiantly not perfect.

She almost snapped at him saying that if he ever crossed her she would punch a hole right through him. It was an awkward moment but then she started to walk up onto the boat and Ataeru chuckled almost a little too loud and he felt really happy. ”If I ever cross you you’ll have to wait in line after I kill myself.” He followed her up the walkway and watched her hips as she went up and considered a few things privately till they made it up onto the boat. Looking around it had a few people who were traveling and stuff.

It technically had three floors. The main one here for watching the waves and he guessed tanning. The down part was more engine room and stuff and the upper floor was captain’s room and of course the bed rooms. Ataeru had not really thought about it but because they gave up their tickets at different buying times he would have a different room than her. This thought had not crossed his mind.

”You know what is interesting. I never have felt safer than when I near you Ryu. Not just in a mental sense. Our fighting style’s actually protect each other’s weaknesses.” Honestly in a lot of ways they were very different. In many ways.

”Worst case when you really think you hate me you can just remember I am an asset. You can repeat in your mind, he can summon the undead and give curse seals. Master of Ninjutsu. You can swear you only keep me around for what use I am to you.” He chuckled a bit and looked at her waiting and he also seemed as if he was ready for something. She might be confused but if she was…

 

[Aoine Shun]

*As if he’d get off that easy…* she thought at the idea of him getting to suicide in case of betrayal. No, no, no, Ryu had more creative ways than instant, self-caused death.

Finally getting on the boat which would take the both back to Kumogakure, she glanced around. Thankfully it wasn’t too crowded. She didn’t feel she’d be able to keep a hold of a lot of that pent up anger she had stored during her mission. Seriously, the guy looked ok but he was such an idiot. She did most of his evil plotting without him noticing it so she could have something meaningful to report back. That way, she’d become more valuable as an asset. Yes, while it seemed wrong, it was how things worked out just fine. No one would ever find out anyway. After all, being the daughter of a mob boss, she had to keep the family business going in some shape or form, right?

Honestly, she also noticed the row of bed rooms but the fact they might share a different room didn’t concern her that much. She figured there was nothing stopping her for just ignoring the designated room rules or breaking down a wall or two if the need occurred. She was more hoping there would not be anything too obnoxious on this positive looking boat.

”Oh, shut up, will ya?” she growled back at him with a scowl now gracing her facial features. She even gave a glare with that. So, he thought that now, just because she complied with the idea of them being together, he could just pick on her for it. As if she would have to swear to anyone. Ryu took crap from no one and to keep her reputation as just that, she didn’t need to get known for some epic love story, this was true. However, she would not let herself get picked on because of her wish to keep it under wraps.

”Just… don’t yap to everyone about it.” she added, turning her gaze away from him and one could swear there was a mental stream of steam exiting her head. To think, he’d even get the courage to say something like that. The nerve. Obviously, he didn’t have to fear her a lot, but this amount of non-fear was new to her. Where was the keeping quiet in opposed to getting punched? Gone. Well, she’d probably get used to it or would find some way to teach Ataeru a lesson.

Unknown to the two, someone had spotted them. And that someone was making her way over to the couple, soon to notify of her arrival.

”Oh, my!” came a feminine, sweet voice from a red head who had just “accidentally bumped into” Ataeru and now looked up at the taller man, before stumbling a little.

”I’m so sorry. It’s just that it seems I’ve sprained my ankle and can’t really maneuver as well as I should.” the basically half naked woman gave out in an apologetic manner, the light embarrassment showing in a light blush on her face.

”You being such a strong, handsome man… would you mind helping me up to my room?” she asked, leaning forward, even more exposing her cleavage, being dressed in a pair of tight, white shorts and a bikini top. ”I’m sure, your sister won’t mind.”

Ryu just scowled at the idea lightly, but glanced up at Ataeru. While she would feel the need to snap back, she was actually more interested in what Ataeru would do. His choice would determine just how drastic measures she’d take.

 

[Santaru Arisu]

A scowl and a glare, seriously what is up with her? It was almost like she was bi-polar with the way she was. She barely even complied with them being together and now she was in a bad mood all over again. Ataeru wondered if this was how it was always going to be. He figured it was not because of sex because she had just been having really good sex with a guy. It clearly must be what he said but it did not sound bad to him. He was merely stating that in all honesty what could really show up and beat them in a fight? Ataeru was very confident in his battle ability and Ryu was very good too.

Ataeru decided to respect her wishes and leave their relationship on the down low. Ataeru knew though that it could not remain that way forever but for now he was content enough to just have her be with him. Though he would want to hear it in words at some point. ”Okay, okay. I respect your wishes and will not tell anyone we are together.” He shrugged a little but he meant it. He wanted Ryu to be happy and if this was how it would make her feel better then that was the way things would be.

Ataeru was somewhat deep in thought until he got run into by a girl in a swimsuit. Honestly he felt like it was his fault since he was too focused on Ryu and thinking but he was also surprised that he did not naturally just avoid her. The girl was about Ryu’s height but defiantly more fragile. She was a red head and basically not wearing, she also had a small blush on her.

The second she leaned forward, with a sprained ankle Ataeru quickly looked down and thought that there really was no damage. Twice he got complimented and glanced Ataeru Ryu and just shrugged. ”Well yes I am both of those things and you are very pretty as well.” Ataeru immediately picked her up. She was pretty light and her skin was warm from the sun. Ataeru immediately walked over to a nearby chair and laid her down on it. She would probably be confused. He looked up at her while he reached into his bag and said, ”Good thing I am also one of the best doctors in Kumogakure.” He pulled out a scroll and puffed up some bandages and moved her ankle around. He figured there was nothing really wrong but he decided to play along. He wrapped her ankle and wrote on a piece of paper a prescription and handed her four small pills. ”Take those if you are feeling pain. Also if you do not want to really be in pain I would probably try chatting up someone else.” Ataeru lifted up his hands and air quoted. ”My sister may cause you issues if you continue where you are going. I am sorry but I will decline your bed chambers.”

Ataeru stood up and gave her a very warm smile and pushed some of this urgency but good feelings towards her so she would feel nice and hopefully she took him up on that.

Looking over at Ryu he merely asked. ”So my lovely sister where are we going again?” Ataeru put a bit of playfulness into that and really looked at Ryu. He could have sworn they did not look that much alike but now he started to wonder about it.

 

[Aoine Shun]

Ryu vent through a variety of emotions as she watched Ataeru’s contact with the girl. She felt like it was funny how modest he was not about his looks. As he complimented her, she just felt a downfall, because in her opinion – no redhead could ever look good. As he picked her up she felt a little annoyed, mostly because the redhead began giggling like Christmas had just come earlier this year. Ryu felt herself get angrier by the second at that moment, just eyeing the two, wishing he’d drop her already or something. However she stood by and watched. Yep, she’d see how this ended first. Only then she’d perhaps do something about it.

The busty, purple haired woman watched as Ataeru went through with the medical side of the request and basically shot her down. Indeed, that was a nice feeling. She felt satisfied. More about the face the redhead was making in return – a bit angry and confused. Ryu could see the redhead huffing a little as she calmly walked over right in time for Ataeru’s question.

Giving a light smile at him and then looking at the other girl she let out the words ”Who knows…” and shrugged lightly before walking calmly behind the chair the girl sat in, not really looking straight at her, but she soon did stop. Stretching her back a little, she turned in the direction of the chair.

”Well, …” She began before Ryu pulled her leg back, pushing a good part of her chakra into it before giving a heartfelt kick to the back of the chair which resulted in the piece of furniture (along with the redhead) going over-board. She couldn’t even tell if the girl would land in the water somewhere or if she’d reach land, but she just felt unexplainable joy when kicking her off the boat. The scream of hers was masked by a large, massive, monotone signal the boat gave out in order to tell all the passengers they were setting off.

After watching the redhead became boring to Ryu, she just glanced back at Ataeru and finished what she started saying: ”you said you wanted to tan, right?”. Adding that in a light, matter-o-fact tone, she walked forward to the front of the deck where there were lines of sunbathing chairs out in the open and a bar which was hidden from sunlight. Walking over to one of the chairs, she yanked her shirt off and just flopped down into one. Well, she might as well try to tan since Ataeru was not making a move on her anytime soon and the obnoxious redhead had probably died on impact with land or water. Everything seemed like it was falling into place yet again, yes.