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from the depths of my heart — chapter one

samurai!Kakashi x princess!Reader

summary: The princess of the noble Kuromiya clan, who believed she didn't need love. The Emperor's most trusted warrior, who swore never to love again. Amongst the midst of tragedy, two scarred hearts find healing in one another.

read it on AO3

chapter one: lantern lights and kind smiles

Kuromiya Daisuke, the Emperor of Japan. A man known by all and feared by his enemies. His Empress, Kuromiya Hina, the embodiment of beauty, loved by her people. Under their careful protection and undying love, a young princess by the name of (Y/N) budded and bloomed.

At the Emperor's right hand was Hatake Kakashi. He led the Imperial Army, composed of only the most courageous and mighty samurai, hand-picked by Emperor Daisuke himself. Kakashi was a quiet man, skilled and just. Rumors often passed of his mysterious past, some showed distrust towards him due to it. However, he remained loyal to the man he served, as expected of a samurai with such status.

The Imperial Palace was peaceful, until trouble began to stir in its shadows...

~ ~ ~

"Hime-sama. Hime-sama, wake up!"

Your lashes fluttered, eyes opening tiredly to find a pair of bright green ones peering into your own. Despite the remnants of sleep lingering heavy in your bones, you managed a tired smile upon seeing your young handmaid grinning above you.

"Good morning, Sakura-san..." you mumbled around a wide yawn, lifting your hand to cover your mouth. Rubbing your eyes, you sat up in bed to face the girl buzzing with enthusiasm before you. "Remind me why I must be up so early?"

Sakura giggled, tugging on your sleeve. "Don't be silly, Hime-sama!" She stood up, running off to push open the heavy decorated shoji on the other end of your bedroom. You shielded your eyes at the light that poured in through the screen as Sakura rushed back to your side and pulled you out of bed quite unceremoniously.

"Today's the Imperial Festival, duh!" As you stumbled to your feet, stretching your cramped limbs, Sakura had run off again to throw open your large closet, most likely in search of suitable clothing for tonight's celebration. The annual Imperial Festival was held in honor of the Kuromiya clan, celebrating its long reign of beloved emperors and empresses. As the princess and only heir, your attendance was compulsory. You quite enjoyed the Imperial Festival, it was one of your only chances to talk with the commoners - your people.

Wincing at your hoarse voice, you laughed as Sakura began to make your bed and lay out one of your many festive kimonos. "Sakura-san, it's still early morning. The festival's not until tonight, you know."

Sakura never looked up as she inspected your formal wear, green eyes narrowing as she counted how many creases needed to be ironed out. "But I know how long you take to get ready, Hime-sama. Come on, into the bathroom!"

You laughed once more as you allowed the pink-haired girl to pull you by the arm into your bathroom, rambling about tonight's festivities all the way.

~ ~ ~

As evening dawned on the Palace, the spacious courtyard was aglow with the lights of lanterns and the joy of the Empire as people of all status joined together to celebrate the Kuromiya reign. The formalities and Emperor Daisuke's annual speech to the gathered people had ended and the air was filled with the hum of chatter and laughter, sweet smells of various foods wafting through the cool air. A soft smile rested upon your lips as you walked slowly among the joy-filled clearing, stopping to greet most everyone who turned your way. Your parents, really just your father, disliked when you mingled with commoners, claiming you should maintain the social barrier between a princess and a commoner. But that had never stopped you from playing with villager children and laughing with merchant mothers on occasions like these, so rare yet precious.

"Um... Hime-sama," Sakura began tentatively at your side, where she'd been following you happily for most of the evening. Throughout the festival, you couldn't help but squeal internally whenever you looked at her. She really was a pretty young lady, cherry blossom hair pinned up elegantly and matching the shade of her pink kimono.

You tilted your head to the side at her nervous tone, smiling kindly. "Hmm?"

"I know I'm supposed to stay with you, but..." Sakura twisted her fingers, shifting from foot to foot. Eventually, she glanced up at you with her wide, green eyes. "Can I leave for a bit? There's someone I want to see..."

A knowing smile adorned your lips. You knew Sakura had taken a liking to a young boy from the prominent Uchiha clan and was most likely looking forward to seeing him. After all, it was also one of her only chances to meet with anyone from outside the Palace.

"Off you go, then," you told her happily, to which her eyes lit up. Leaning down, you cupped your hand to whisper in her ear. "Tell me how it goes with Sasuke, alright?"

Sakura's cheeks pinked slightly, but she giggled and nodded before skipping off with a wave. "Thank you!"

You chuckled and waved back before making your way in the opposite direction, winding through the crowd to a quiet spot under a wisteria tree near the end of the clearing. As you did, you admired the scenic night. This courtyard, almost always empty aside from the guards standing stationary at the door, was so full of life for just a special few hours.

Unfortunately, being lost among your own thoughts in a dark and crowded place wasn't exactly a good combination and you ended up tripping over your own feet. Everything seemed to slow as the ground rose up towards you and you internally cursed yourself for being so clumsy, for embarrassing yourself in front of such a crowd - that is, until a firm hand caught your arm. Time suddenly resumed as normal as you were yanked back to reality.

"You should be more careful, My Lady."

As you stumbled to find your footing, you recognised the smooth voice of whoever had caught you as Hatake Kakashi, your father's right-hand samurai and the leader of the army. His taller frame towered above you as he helped you to your feet, and you stepped back to drop into a hurried bow.

"My apologies, Hatake-san. Thank you." Unlike the other samurai you often saw standing guard around the palace, Kakashi had never intimidated you even with his powerful position. Your interactions were limited, and your relationship had never breached the barriers of my father's bodyguard, but he'd been friendly the few times you'd spoken to him. Despite never having seen his face you'd always thought he had kind eyes, which was nice. Now, he dipped his head in respect.

"I'm just doing my job." Kakashi raised his head, dark eyes curving up in that kindly way they did. The lights of the many hanging lanterns caught his silvery hair and made it sparkle like the reflection of stars dancing on water. His hair looked soft, and you had a sudden impulse to touch it... no. Quickly shooing the thought away, you thanked him again.

"I hope you are enjoying the festivities?" He questioned, taking a casual step closer.

You'd never really seen Kakashi up close before, and now you only just noticed the thin scar that ran over his left eye and disappeared under his mask. Many if not all of the samurai had scars, so it wasn't unusual, just a detail you'd never picked up on before. While he was indeed tall, he wasn't as burly as most of his army and you supposed that contributed to the non-threatening aura he had about him. Of course, you'd heard of his strength and skill, suddenly wondering what he was like in battle before his voice interrupted your thoughts.

"My Lady?"

You blinked, a warmth creeping up your neck as you realized you must've been staring. Dipping your head bashfully, you apologized once more. "Sorry... I was lost in thought."

And to your surprise, Kakashi laughed. Your head raised at the unexpected response, eyes widening ever so slightly. His laugh was light but deep, quiet, and the nicest sound you'd ever heard. While it made your heartbeat quicken inexplicably, the feeling wasn't unwelcome.

Kakashi’s chuckles died down, as did the fluttering of your heart. Why did just his laugh have such an effect on you? You barely knew the man, and your relationship was strictly formal. Clearing your throat with an attempt to regain your composure, hands clasped behind your back as you answered his previous question.

“I am enjoying the festival, thank you. I hope you are as well, even with your duties?” Formality regained, you smiled politely. Kakashi nodded, charcoal-colored eyes roving across the clearing attentively as he spoke.

“It is nice, despite being on guard. I like seeing the Empire united and at peace, it reminds me of what I’m fighting for. It’s motivating, in a way.” His gaze slid back to you, eyes curving up in a smile once more.

You hummed in understanding. Of course, you would never have to fight to protect the Empire, rather you were the one being protected. However, as the future Empress, you enjoyed forming bonds with the people you would one day call your subjects - something your father didn't seem to understand.

"I do love nights like these, as well," you continued happily, gazing off into the lit clearing and letting the gentle breeze cool your face. "If I'm going to be Empress, I should at least get to know the commoners, right? How am I going to rule an empire I don't know?"

Kakashi nodded again, a smile faintly visible beneath his mask. "I can sympathize. I know Kuromiya-sama doesn't like mingling with commoners, and neither does he like it when you do. But I do believe, personally, you should be allowed to get out and explore the Empire more. It will be yours one day, after all."

You blinked, surprised. While you'd never truly known Kakashi, this side of him was unexpected, much less so that he'd agree with your views. A grateful smile tugged at your lips. "You think?"

"I do. You want to get out more, right?" Kakashi stepped closer, leaning down to whisper so close that you could nearly feel his breath against your skin through his mask. As he spoke in your ear, you shuddered, but certainly not out of discomfort.

"Come to the west wing balcony, tomorrow at sundown. I'll be there." Kakashi straightened, those kind eyes smiling at you one last time before he bowed his head, turned, and lifted his hand in farewell.

"Enjoy the rest of your night, My Lady."

And with that, he was gone.

~ ~ ~

"Hime-samaaa! Guess what!"

A towel wrapped around your freshly washed hair, you'd relaxed into the low frame of your plush bed with a sigh before a whirl of pink came tumbling into your quarters.

There goes any chance of relaxing, you thought wryly as you sat up in bed, patting the mattress beside you as an invitation for Sakura to sit. "What is it, Sakura-san?"

Sakura bounced onto your bed, grabbing at the sleeve of the thin yukata draped around your body. Her green eyes were wider than usual, and she was practically humming with excitement as she shook your arm.

"Sasuke-kun was with me the whole night! He even smiled at me! Just a tiny little one, but he smiled!" your handmaid squealed, burying her face in your shoulder as her feet kicked the mattress behind her.

You laughed, laying a hand on her head and trying not to wince at her high-pitched tone. "That's wonderful, I'm happy for you. It was just you and him?"

Sakura pulled away from your arm, cheeks flushed and a smile still stretching her cheeks, but she shook her head. "Sadly no, but we still had fun. Ino-chan was with us, and that weird Hinata girl from the Hyuga clan. She barely talked. Oh, and that blonde Uzumaki boy. He's so annoying, Hime-sama! He kept trying to hold my hand!" she enunciated her words with a shudder as she settled back onto the pillows beside you.

You shook your head in amusement. "Maybe give him a chance, Sakura. He seems sweet."

The pink-haired girl shook her head stubbornly, arms folding over her chest. "No way. He's not Sasuke-kun." Sakura turned to face you, a mischievous grin suddenly taking over her soft features. "What about you, Hime-sama? Is there anyone you like?"

Her question took you by surprise. You chuckled as she snuggled closer to your side, listening attentively for your answer.

"There isn't," you answered eventually with a smile. "I don't believe I need a man in my life to be happy. Besides, as the heir I'll most likely be arranged into a marriage one day."

Clearly not satisfied with your answer, Sakura pouted for a moment before her face lit up.

"You know... I did see you talking to Hatake-sama earlier, and you two looked awfully friendly with each other. Is there anything going on there that I should know about? Hmm?' Sakura's eyebrows wiggled suggestively as she rested her chin on your shoulder.

With a playful roll of your eyes, you flicked Sakura's admittedly wide forehead in half-hearted admonishment. "Don't be silly. He's just my father's bodyguard, and he was being nice, that's all."

Perhaps that wasn't all, and perhaps your stomach had been tickled with unexplainable butterflies when you replayed the memory of Kakashi's laugh in your head, but there was a formal barrier that needed to be upheld between the two of you. Even though he'd invited you to meet him at sundown for reasons you still weren't sure of...

Sakura rolled her emerald eyes back at you. "Sureee. So why was he whispering in your ear again?"

"He was- wait a minute, Sakura-san. Were you spying on us?"

At the accusation, she gaped and leaned away from you. Clasping at her chest in mock offense, she turned her head away pointedly. "I would never. I just happened to see you!"

"Sure." You jabbed at Sakura's ribs, earning a squeak and giggle from the younger girl. "That's enough boy talk for one night. Off to bed with you."

She pouted, but scooted off your bed and headed for the large double doors at the end of the room. Before leaving, she turned and grinned again. "Make sure you stay in your room, Hime-sama. No sneaking out..."

You scoffed indignantly. "I don't know what you mean. Where else would I be?"

"I think you know exactly what I mean, Hime-sama. Goodnight!" With a last cheeky stick-out of her tongue, Sakura slid out of your room, bright pink yukata flowing after her.

A sigh left your lips as you finally lay down, enjoying the quiet of the night. The evening's events had been fun yet tiring, and your previously aching bones much appreciated the warm bath you'd run yourself after the festival. Sinking into your plush bed, covers curled around you like a protective cocoon, your earlier interaction with Kakashi kept drifting back into your thoughts.

He's just another of the many men who work for my father, you told yourself. Nothing more.

And you kept repeating in your mind like a mantra as you drifted off to sleep thinking about a certain samurai's warm smile.

#okay I absolutely loved this #and I think that if u read it you would too #ff #kakashi x reader

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