#hima she could be so much more than that

[crepegosette]

and we’re back to czech posting

#baby i love you #debil: idiot #don't take the second one seriously its a joke #it's a poke at canon czech #hima she could be so much more than that #hetalia #aph czechia #aph czech republic #hws czech republic #hws czechia #hetalia czechia #hetalia czech republic #denisa horáková #my art #Hetalia fan art #hetalia fanart

[floorpancakes]

say what you want about various things but clamp were kinda cooking when they were like 'if ur not around your gay love interest for like three hours you may just simply eat shit and fall out of a window and die' 😭

#i also enjoy the inherent angst of 'your other crush is actually the death girl' even if hima is sadly not explored much #i enjoy it all as one big gay joke but i also enjoy the fuckjng crazy implications of all of this for watanukis two closest besties #i also just find it sweet that their weird kid hangouts every day kinda mitigate their shit they all cancel each other out #like the universe brought them together to get to be friends.... #im not a douwatahima truther but its very cool for those shippers too #im also not a watanuki hima crush denier i just think its funny to laugh at him being in denial of all of his feelings but that #i feel like his feelings for either of them are definitely romantic but to very different extents and natures #i also just rly heavily relate to shoving all your feelings in one direction to not have to explore the elephant in the room #i used to do that a lot #i like the idea that in a minimal drama au his feelings for hima fizzle out to be like the closest friendship like even closer than before #this is also from irl experience. i have a long sordid past of tripping over myself for crushes that become friends or vice versa LMAO #the strongest homies are the ones you wanted to date 5 years ago #i also enjoy the inherent comedy of him calljng his bestie babe and darling and his boyfriend dipshit and dumbass #anyway #i love holic so much but if there was a way they could explore the whole push n pull of having one repel friend vs one danger magnet friend #i would eat that shit up #the fanfic urge strikes yet again #this would've been a twitter post but twitter isnt letting me TWEET!!!!!!!!goddamn #what if himawari was real and she touched elon musk on the arm and he suddenly really wanted to go see the titanic #***explore even more i mean #i ran out of space #the amount of tags i use and how i use them probably gives me away as a tumblr elder #xxxholic

[ateez-himari]

NEW K-DRAMA: WHERE WE FALL

Warning: Talks of survivor's guilt, and reference to dark thoughts

[Sunshine Duo taking on Heart Wrenching Roles]

On September 29 a new Korean drama series made its way onto the big screens starring two idols from K-Pop group ATEEZ, main dancer Jeong Yunho and lead vocalist Min Himari.

When nineteen year old Aerin (Min Himari) finds herself as the sole survivor of a mysterious house fire that claimed her twin brother's (Lee Do Hyun) life due to a late practice that had kept her from going home, she can't help but to feel as though she should have died with him, as though she should have saved him. Despite countless therapists reaching out after the tragedy it seemed as though nothing or no one could pull her through this case of survivor's guilt nor help dissipate the visions of her brother appearing in her daily life all the way into insomnia inducing nightmares. Once a bright presence she begins turning to seclusion and unhealthy activities to distract herself from the overwhelming grief, much to her best friend Jae-Won's (Jeong Yunho) despair. The more he reaches out to her, the angrier Aerin begins to get with him and the further she pushes him away, her actions growing in recklessness by the day. But Jae-Won refuses to give up on her. Will he manage to save her...or will she drag him down with her when she finally falls off the deep end ?

The bandmates appeared in the magazine 'Singles Korea' in order to promote the series where they later met with an interviewer who talked with them about their experience. When asked about the difficulty of portraying a character with such a dark and complex story, Himari said "I was really nervous at first because I wasn't sure if I could convey such a complex mental health struggle so I monitored every scene very closely to make sure I had every detail down."

Much like the maknae, Yunho shared similar feelings of nervosity regarding his role by stating "Even though it wasn't my first acting project, the concept was much darker than Imitation's so I found it to be a really intimidating role. The longer filming went on though, the easier it became to sink myself into the story and my character."

(Spoiler ahead)

The pair agreed that one of the most memorable scenes was the last argument in which Aerin steps onto her apartment's balcony ledge only to be stopped by a horrified Jae-Won, leading the girl to finally break down in front of her best friend after a few moments of protest. In their opinion the key point in this part of the drama is the embrace they share, Jae-Won's hands running down Aerin's body in order to comfort her whilst she clings on to him for dear life, pulling herself as close as possible to the man who had so desperately fought to save her. "Even after the director yelled 'cut', Hima(ri) was still holding on to me and crying, that's how emotional the scene was" said Yunho. "I found this very...draining in a way because I found many similarities between our experiences so the story took me over completely. At the end I had no idea why I was crying, I just couldn't stop." Himari added.

Something that a lot of fans are most likely wondering about whilst watching the series is how everything was filmed despite their tour's grueling schedule, not to mention side activities. According to both actors this project had been in the works for quite a while now so they had filmed majority of it prior to their schedules, what little was left being filmed on days off. Himari's view on it is "Even though it was a tiring project at times I feel like it was worth every moment because it was an amazing experience. I'm also very proud of what we created and I hope the fans will enjoy it too." To this, Yunho agreed and continued with "I'm glad we got to see it through to the end and am really thankful to be given an opportunity to take on a more challenging role. I personally can't get tired of the story no matter how many times I had read and monitored it."

Finally it was noted that they also had quite the romantic tension throughout the series, one that even ended with the two of them sharing a kiss amidst their tears. The strong on screen chemistry was explained by Himari "It was slightly awkward at first to be close in such an intimate manner but I feel comfortable with him (Yunho) and we're very close in real life so we managed to work through it." They both recalled being flustered whilst reading the script and having to film this scene more than any others as they kept shying away or laughing. Yunho said "Having her on my lap was already very...strange but then when production said we had to kiss we couldn't seem to keep our composure."

Overall the hard work and emotions put into this series by its actors is sure to capture viewers' hearts to bring them into a rollercoaster of emotions. Stream 'Where We Fall' on Netflix.

#ateez 9th member #ateez au #ateez extra member #ateez female member #ateez imagines #kpop oc

[historia-vitae-magistras]

Can we hear more about your version of Ukraine? I've never heard anyone else use Lazarenko for a last name

She's borrowed chiefly from a Ukrainian friend who's no longer in the fandom, only slightly tweaked as one of the first ships I ever wrote was Hungary x Ukraine waaaaay back when but in essence, she's like most of my version of hws characters in that she's.... somewhat refurbished.

The way canon sort of equated emotion to being a weak crybaby really fucking rubs me the wrong way. The line where Hima called her fearsome and could stand her ground is much more my speed. This is fucking Ukraine we're talking about. Unlike half of her neighbours, her people are defined by their ability to hope for a better future. Where Russians and Belarusians might look permanently broken to us in the west (they may not be, time will tell), the Ukrainians are defiant, full of hope and willingness to change and embrace a better future. She is defiance itself. She has kissed and slid a knife into the ribs of every empire that dared speak her name. That name itself means borderland, and she is strong enough to endure all that word means.

I didn't choose the name Lazarenko, but I can explain why. Lazarus in the bible was raised from the dead by Christ himself. And when that name was chosen, Ukraine's continued existence seemed like a miracle, much less now. Poland draws comparisons to their experience to that of the phoenix. Katya's story is much the same, but Lazarus seemed more appropriate for her than the firebird. This is a woman who has ruled the steppe from horseback. Her patron saint burned cities to the ground, and she wields a trident on her seals. For much of her life, every breath she has taken is a resounding fuck you to those who would see her dead. She is the east's answer to Belgium in the west. She is a land where the soil is rich with the blood of all the empires who dared use her land as their battlegrounds.

Her hope is hard and fierce, and she wears it as her armour. So my Katya isn't a crier, and she keeps her affections close. But under that armour is a woman who cares so much it it might stop her heart with the intensity of it. She's had to cram it down to survive, but there is so much love in her to give, and someone has to be fucking important before she lets go of her reservations and loves them. Her people are her children, and her maternal instincts are primarily reserved for them. All the same, compassion and love run through her as crucially as the Dnieper.

#Katya || the sky and the steppe #the ask box || probis pateo

[goatboard]

I said I have no words but actually I have a lot of words, so many words

Hime's character arc is so well written and enjoyable for two main reasons (at least for me), which are that Hime growth both as Cure and as a person are parallel and something that you can clearly and slowly see develop on screen. the other factor is that Hima from the very first episode has a role to grow into, which while it's not visible to the characters themselves is clear to the viewer (especially to someone who's a magical girl liker)

Hime's role in the group is being the blue one, but when we meet her in episode she's anything BUT blue, she's whiny, selfish and the biggest coward around. from the moment you see her, you know that she's not the version she's supposed to be, but since the characters are not going to go out and break the 4th wall (+ though if they did they could use the argument that Hime is somehow actually related to Blue and that's why this is her color) we don't actually get the more typical storyline for growing into a role that's designed for you, with the character not really wanting to/not feeling good enough. Something about Hime's growth as a person being so ingrained into the meta of the series makes me so satisfied with its writing.

there's also how all of the characters around her influence Hime's perspective and behavior. I'm specifically talking about Megumi and Yuuko - mostly because they have the most different approach to helping Hime. Megumi gives Hime the push that she needs to get out of her comfort zone and feel much more confident, while Yuuko is the force that manages her momentum, helping Hime with self-reflection and understanding the perspective of others.

and the way it all crescendo's in the mid-season finale! when she actually applies all that she's learned, when she apologizes to Iona without actually having to be explained to do so. how she gives her all of her cards, literally forfeiting her chance at coming back home, because she can empathize with the pain Iona is going through, as well as understand that her actions do have consequences and, manipulated into it or not, she is the one who had opened Pandora's box

[this finale and interaction with Iona is also handled so well with Iona also being able to empathize with Hime, to understand that while, yeah, she's made mistakes, awful ones, she's been thrust into this position that she wasn't ready for in the same way Iona has.]

I actually love this season so much, especially the first part (I will admit... I'm not too crazy about the Blue/Mirage storyline); if not marketing, I'm sure Hime would be the actual main character of the series but Hime couldn't be any other color than blue.

she couldn't even go the Tsubomi route because Hime being built to grow into someone curageous, somebody that other people can lean on, somebody that can be strong for others, into her own kind of "cool" (bandori reference) is something that makes her character that much more enjoyable and satisfying

#kitxt #precure #yeah going into the tags fuck me why not #here you go my shirayuki hime rant #if you want somebody to write a long fucking post about some things in precure hit me up dude i love talking and never stoping

[nyoheadcannonsaph]

Axis Powers [expanded] Human Names ( + my reasons for them)

Here we go with the Axis countries' human names! I did some reseach, but again, as before, I believe we can agree to disagree, if you don't like my takes. Also, I'm using the last names from their male counterparts for the sake of integrity (like, if we had two Italies and the male had not-so-Italian last name that Hima invented for him, and then a female version with a more appropriate name, it would get a bit confusing, right?). I don't see them as family, but hey, they are one and the same country, we can't go too crazy with that.

Still, feel free to use any names you prefer. In this particular post there will be a lot of defense of Hima's choices, so brace yourselves. I really think he worked over the Axis characters long and thoroughly enough to make up his mind and some of his impressions were more correct than you could see it at face value.

So let's look at the names, shall we?

May the united powers of pasta, sake and wurst be with you!

Germany (West) - Nyoitsu/Doiko

Monika Beilschmidt

I don't think it's a perfect name, but it's not bad either. I originally thought of leaving Nyo!Germany as Louise/Luise, but since I don't like copying male names for female characters, even in genderbend, I opted for Monika and found some good grounds for it. It is after all a name of the mother of St Augustine, a woman mostly known for patience and determination in her prayers, which are somewhat related to Nyo!Germany's character. Furthermore, the actual meaning of the name is lost to history, but it was associated with Latin word "moneo", which translates to "advisor; I advise" and Greek "monos", meaning "one". "One advise", is kind of reflective of a line in "I am German-made" about reading each word of the manual (yes, songs are part of canon too, and I will take it as such). So ethymology-wise, it makes sense for Nyo!Germany. Weird fun fact: in 1937 there was a premiere in Stuttgart of an operetta under the title "Monika", composed by an Austrian composer. Not sure if that is related to Hima's choice, but I thought it's worth mentioning.

I also believe that in her youth (*cough* as HRE *cough*) she used other names, probably "Luise", or "Greta/Gretchen" in order not to clash with Nyo!Prussia at the time. She certainly used different aliases, as she's usually seen with her earpiece on, suggesting she works in intelligence during wartime. I can imagine her as a spy, but more of a communicator than actual secret agent. They still use aliases, don't they?

Italy (North) - Veneziano - Itako

Alice Vargas

I can hear some Italian purists coming over to say this is by no means Italian name, only italianised one. Well, yes, but let me tell you what: North Italy shares more culturally with Switzerland and Austria than it does with Southern Italy. If you happened to watch Hetafacts, you probably know some theory behind it, but if you don't, then let me put it like this: Northern Italian kingdoms were much mostly founded by barbarians "from the North"... Yeah, kind of like Papa Germania got busy with supposedly Grandpa Rome's daughter and "dot dot dot" (forgive that "Mamma mia" reference, I just had to). I mean, North Italy is still very Italian, she interited Grandpa's (or Grandma's?) Rome talent for arts and most of his (hers?) architectural wonders. But it would make sense to have a more Germanic name by origins.

Ethymology: it comes from Proto-Germanic roots, "aþala-", meaning "noble" and "haidu-", meaning "appearance; kind", and it was originally "Adeleide" - a name that young Nyo!Italy could be using, especially when living with Nyo!Austria and Nyo!HRE (I mean, you know who that actually was, but shh). Likely, during the renaissance and later times, she used different names, as I imagine she was very involved with the trade of antique sculptures and so she needed to use various aliases; she also was known to meddle in political affairs, much more than her male counterpart (especially between Turkey and Venice matters), so she used names like "Caterina", "Felicità" or "Margherita", among others. Still, around the end of 19th century, she came back to her original name, using the italianised, shorter version of it, as "Alice" ("Ah-lee-che", for all English natives, who read it as "Ah-lys"; I see you in your sleep and I'm not even Italian myself).

Italy (South) - Romana/Lovina

Chiara Vargas

First of all, that's the name Hima gave and for one of the few times I can wholeheartedly agree with his choices here. Secondly, it's the Italian form of the name "Clara", which derives from "clarus" in Latin, which in turn means "clear, bright", but also "famous, well-known". Well, that's ironic, if that's the name of Southern Italy and not the Northern one, isn't it? After all, South Italy often complains about being in the shade of her Northern sister - I think she would choose a wishful name, honestly, hoping to highlight her individuality even more. Finally, she's described by Hima as having a "strong image", which can be interpreted as "appearing to have a strong personality" - a very clear one, if I may say so.

I just love everything about this name, it suits her character and makes sense. If she ever used any other name than this one, I believe it could be "Marìa", "Giuvanna" or "Càrmina", all of which are Sicilian-Neapolitan forms of other popular Italian names (the last one is from Spanish one, "Carmen", obviously). By the way, "Ciara" is also correct spelling in the South, as far as I know, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Japan - Nichiko/Nihoko

Honda Sakura --- 本田 桜

Here I must say I can imagine "Sakura" being Nyo!Japan's human name since forever. The fact that the country takes pride in everything related to cherry blossom and the Hanami season pretty much kicks off the school year over there speaks for itself. Interestingly, Himaruya was thinking of names like "Mameko" (豆子) , meaning something like "bean" and "child" combined together, and "Ponko" (I'm not sure, how to write it in kanji, I only know a bit katakana and hiragana, so there goes what I came up with: ぽん子), which common feature is that they are both ending with "-ko" syllable, which in Japanese is associated with more feminine names (and I put the Japanese names for Nyo!Country names here, you can see the pattern there too.) So I suppose the only thing he thought about Nyo!Japan is that she's like regular Japan, but a girl. I can't come up with anything more Japanese and more iconic feminine name in this language than Sakura, so I stick with that.

If I were to comd with other names, I would go for something like "Akira" (明), which means "bright", or "Haruka" (遥), meaning "remote, distant", anything that describes more of Nyo!Japan's character.

Prussia - Germany (East) - Puroiko (?)

Maria/Luisa/Julia Beilschmidt

Okay, I know some people like to use "Maria" for 2p!Nyo!Prussia, and some of you will be confused why I didn't put "Julchen" instead of "Julia". Well, there's a good reason for both. "Maria" would likely be the name Nyo!Prussia would use as part of the Teutonic Order, and while 2p!Nyo!Prussia seems to embody that peried of Prussian history, I think it is more likely that during that time, Nyo!Prussia was acting more "feminine", you know, emobodying the more diplomatic side of the order compared to her male counterpart. Also, one of the names the Teutonic Knights used was "Marienritter", meaning literally "(St) Mary's Knights".

Upon the conversion of the order's Grand Master, Albert of Brandenburg, to Luteranism in 1525, Maria changed name to "Luisa", which was a common name in Northern and Central Germany at the time. There's a famous character she shared that name, Queen Luise of Prussia, of whom Napoleon spoke in high regards ever since meeting her in person (just so you know, she was pretty smart and badass). Finally, as she was separated from her sister, Nyo!Germany, she started to use "Julia", with the diminutive of "Julchen" ("-chen" is a form of endearment, like "small Julia" in this context) to differentiate it from more typically Slavic-sounding "Julia". It's still very popular name in Germany now, so I imagine it being the final version as for now (not like Prussia exists XD Sorry, I had to, I got Polish-Prussian heritage, so I can make that joke).

#nyotalia #hetalia #nyo italy #nyo romano #nyo prussia #nyo germany #nyo japan #human names #axis powers

[sunny-pandas]

Hi! I have a strange headcanon about Hima's future wear and a physical appearance in general. Just imagine after time skip (when she'll be 14) our little sweet sunflower will have some kind of rebellious, a-tough-girl outfit. And everyone in fandom will lost their minds, because it would be so unexpectedly for them.

Honestly? I can actually see that happening.

In fact I feel like Himawari is already halfway there tbh...

I've noticed that a lot of people have been saying that Himawari already looks older/more mature in her new Ninja outfit

But the reason why Himawari now seems more mature in people's eyes is because of the way the Colors are implemented in her new outfit.

But with Himawari's new Outfit, the White Shorts with Black Catsuit underneath feels far more mature than the Frilly Pink Tutu she previously wore

Her new outfit feels more like something that people can actually take more seriously as she's growing older

Colors can also be a really good indicator for what kind of character you trying to portray. (Ex: Hinata wears Purple/Lavender to represent Shyness and Gracefulness. Purple is also associated with Royalty)

While everyone associates YELLOW as Himawari's signature Color due to her name meaning, She is also associated with the color PINK just as much if not moreso. (And Pink, especially Bright Pink, can be considered an Immature, Child-like, Girly Color by many)

Even in the outfit she wore through most of the show up until this point has plenty of Pink in it

Meanwhile they REALLY amped up the amount of Black in her new outfit (and Black is considered to be a very Mature and/or Rebellious Color by many)

There's next to NO Pink there besides her Boots

And she's also wearing Boots, which on women can be seen as a sign of maturity compared to Shoes, BUT Himawari's Boots are still Bright Pink to show that she still retains some of her childish innocence

So I highly suspect once Himawari becomes a teenager, the Pink in her color scheme might fade away almost entirely while even more Black (which is a Mature and Rebel color) could end up becoming a much more prominent Color in her time skip outfit

#himawari uzumaki #naruto #boruto #naruhina #himawari #🌻 headcanons #🌻asks

[kyriolex]

Hello Sunny-Pandas here! Firstly, I wanted to say Thank you for the Follow! 😊 (If you're wondering why I'm on Anon it's because my Naruto account is just a Side Blog lol)

Well I looked at the newest chapter, and it seems like a problem I had with Himawari's portrayal in the Manga seems to have been subdued a bit. While I believe that panel was almost certainly put in there because of the current anime arc, it still helps

I like Himawari's motivation for wanting to be a Ninja in the Manga a lot moreso than in the Anime

But either way, I'm just happy that she's going to become a Ninja in both the Anime and the Manga... Even if the way it happens is a very different way...?

You see, there's been a lot of debate upon whether or not the Anime and the Manga are now at odds with each other. (I mean they ALWAYS have been but this is now possibly the most egregious case that they have ever done)

However, Unlike everyone else, I personally don't really see the current Anime Arc as being too contradictory to the Manga panel? At least not YET anyways.

Firstly we aren't certain how this Anime Arc will end, but I get the feeling Himawari will still remain in the Academy by the time it's over. And if she does then they could very easily just make it so that Himawari just hasn't become a Genin yet by the time she sees the conversation between Hinata and Boruto in the Manga.

Or alternatively, like I said, that panel could just be Ikemoto (or whoever's writing) giving the current Anime Arc a shout out.

I mean there's no way them having Himawari decide to be a Ninja in the Manga at the exact same time as the Anime doing aHimawari Academy Arc is just a coincidence. I refuse to believe that so. Like I HIGHLY suspect that Himawari probably wouldn't have even appeared in this Chapter if it weren't the current Anime Arc going on right now. But you know, that's just me...

But I do have wonder, what's the Anime's reasoning for skipping so far ahead to get to Himawari's Academy days, when they could've waited for the Code Arc to come to pass (or hell even put it somewhere in the middle of the Code Arc)? That Arc is more or less right around the corner in the Anime anyways. 🤔

I've actually got a theory.

I get the strong feeling that the Timeskip is coming in the Manga soon, and if it is, then the Anime rushing to show Himawari joining the Academy might make more sense at least. Because by that point Himawari will be a lot older and a full fledged Ninja

Plus Code is currently releasing an Army of discount Freeza's and starting a War on Konoha, so maybe the Anime Team thought that it would be better if they did the Hima Arc sooner as there would be no time or place for Himawari focus during or after the Code Arc? 🤔

Anyways I am REALLY sorry for this long ass rambling. I got way more caught up into the subject than I ever intended to 😅 I just have a really bad habit of getting my thoughts across, especially if it pertains to Himawari! If you take one good look at my blog, you'll immediately know that I adore that little ball of sunshine! Lol

Hi Sunny-Pandas!

You're right, I don't think the manga and anime are THAT inconsistent. Academy usually lasts a whole year, right? I doubt Kawaki will be at school that long for his mission. This may just take place later in Himawari's school days.

I definitely think her manga motivation for being a ninja is much better than her anime one. Her attitude in the manga has the "wise-beyond-her-years" vibe that I love about Himawari. The anime's reason, however, is "I think being a ninja is fun (and no one in my life has bothered to tell me otherwise because they really want the prodigy Hyuuga to fight)."

That said, I think we all better enjoy the Himawari academy fluff while we can before the discount Friezas destroy everything.

#Himawari #boruto chapter 72 #boruto spoilers

[goron-king-darunia]

Annon-Guy: Weekly Reminder - In regards to Alice, why do you think she's obsessed with killing Marta so much? Apart from getting Ratatosk's Core obviously. I know Richter and Decus isn't doing it for s&!#'s and giggles.

To be honest, that is a very good question. I always interpreted the particular rivalry Alice had with Marta as a combination of Alice hating Marta because she was Brute's daughter and therefore was granted special permission and special protection for a lot of things before she left the Vanguard, even though Marta herself isn't particularly strong. Alice genuinely seems to believe that might makes right or at the very least, believes that's how the world works. If you're strong, you get to do whatever you want, and if you're not strong, you either have to wedge yourself under the right hand of the strongest person you can find to either knife them in the back and steal their power or so they can swat away anything that threatens you as a coincidental side effect of them steamrolling everyone that isn't on their side. So I guess in short, I think part of it was jealousy that Marta had a lot of power in the Vanguard simply by being Brute's daughter, and not only didn't she deserve that power because Alice didn't see her as strong, but she also didn't use that power she was handed. She ran away from it. But I think part of the reason Alice is so hung up on Marta is because Alice and Richter made a deal. She knows Richter has access to the demons of Nifelheim and has a deal with them. We know from the manga that not just anyone can walk into the Ginnungagap. So she needs Richter's connections to the demons if she wants to reforge the pact she had with the demons back in Hima. We've seen the Hypnos machines get damaged in the game, and they only work due to a dwindling supply of Exspheres which get harder and harder to find because Lloyd is gathering them up. Alice doesn't want to have to rely on those machines to be powerful. So if she wants get back the power she used to have to manipulate monsters without machines from a new demon pact, she has to do what Richter wants. And a big part of Richter's plan involves Marta being dead one way or another, either because she would refuse to give up Ratatosk's core or because she physically can't and taking it from her will kill her. The problem with that is, Marta and Emil are good enough fighters as a team that they're difficult for even Alice and Decus to take down, plus they have monster allies. So imagine Alice's frustration that this girl, who she doesn't consider powerful, keeps managing to escape or fight back enough that Alice can't capture her, which is the ONE THING she needs to do in order to become more powerful. Like, imagine trying to swat a fly and the fly is so fast that you can't, or on the off chance you can get a swat in, the fly just sits there like "Oh, you tried to hit me? Let me hit you back with the same strength as a human."

Basically I think it's a combination of jealousy, frustration, and determination. Alice will do anything to gain more power. Richter has connections to power that he's willing to share if she can catch Marta, but Marta is JUST strong enough to avoid getting caught. At least not for long. So basically Alice is in a situation where someone is like "I'll give you the equivalent of a sub machine gun and 1 million dollars cash if you can swat that fly." Except the fly knows kung fu and is as big as you are. So Alice simultaneously has her pride on the line and her one major goal on the line and all of that rests on getting rid of Marta. So obviously that would make her a bit single-minded.

Of course, that's just my interpretation. We're never given a definitive textual answer that plainly spells out why Alice does what she does other than what we learn about her past. So there could always be other ways of looking at it.

#Letters from Annon Guy #Alice DotNW #DotNW #opinions

[etherbonded]

uhhh drabble of young mamakechi and her very strained relationship with her family

GENERAL CONTENT: Dysfunctional family, Attempted Guilt-tripping, Slut-Shaming, and potentially more.

" I failed you as a mother more than I thought. The baby Hima I thought raised would NEVER be as stupid as this. She was a brilliant student with exceptional grades. You were perfect, and then you had to go get pregnant out of wedlock? Do you realize how that makes you look? It makes you look like a WHORE and it makes me look like I raised you like that. "

Himari couldn't believe that this was her mother talking, the same mother that always apologized for her dad and her's constant arguments, the same woman who claimed that she'd always love her. And now here she is telling her how she makes them look bad. As if they didn't make themselves look bad already.

" God get off my back okay! He was using protection! How was I supposed to know in that the condom was faulty?! Why are you blaming me and not HIM for not checking?! Why is it my fault!! "

Himari is on the near verge of tears, how could her mother truly be saying such things? It's not her fault! None of this is!

" Don't talk to your mother that way you good for nothing slut! God I told you that you've been to soft on her Homura, you see the way she treats you? That's because she's so self entitled with how gentle you were with her. Look what's happened now because of it! "

Of course her father has to chime in and remind her mother why he hates her so much, why he hates the fact Himari isn't a sniveling little baby who won't stand up for herself. He's always hated her, he's always made it so very apparent. To think, this man was her father.

" Oh so we want to talk about self entitled? Why don't we talk about the fact you think just because you're my father you believe you're entitled to saying whatever you want to me without consequence! Let's talk about how you work mom dry but never do work yourself and how you're a lazy bum- "

" ENOUGH, that is enough Himari. Get out of my house, you've hurt this family enough, with your cruel words and your choice to keep that cursed child. Not to mention your choice to not try and marry the man, for at least then your child won't be considered lesser. He'll grow up to hate you for it. "

That's it, that's Himari's final straw. She cannot be bothered to care anymore, fuck this, and especially fuck her parents. " He may be considered lesser, but at least he won't have to deal with the shitty arguments I always did when you and this asshat did! And if he does then fine, that's his choice. Just like it's mine to choose that I don't need either of you, so I'll gladly leave your life. For, I'd rather spend my life out on the streets than live with someone who hates me and I hate back. "

Himari grabs the bags she stuffed full of things that she wanted, one of them being slung over she shoulder and the other being roughly pulled out as it's a rolling luggage container she had been given as a gift. She practically storms out of the house that had once been home and hears her father scream something incomprehensible to her anger fueled veins. She's walking off to god knows where.

And that was the last she saw of them for a long time.

#the sun who revolved around her world╰┈➤ HIMARI AKECHI #diary entries ≪•◦ drabbles ◦•≫ #( ask to tag ) #( note: she keeps goro away from the topic of her parents for this reason. she does not want to think about it. ) #( and this is why she loves goro unconditionally. her mother failed to do so and it hurt so very much. )

[kiljoius-writes]

Tag - Chapter Eighteen

Ao3 | FFN

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

First Chapter

Chapter Eighteen

Slice

Hanabi – 24 Konohamaru – 25

~~~

Paperwork was draining. How her father did it all day, every day, rarely delegating it out, she had no idea. Her eyes felt tired and she hadn’t used her byakugan once today. Hanabi shoved it aside with a huff.

“Need a break, Lady Hanabi?”

She shot her eyes up to an older Hyūga who started gathering the paperwork. “I’m fine.”

“Why don’t you visit Lady Hinata?” they offered, and it was in kindness. She sighed.

Her clan had softened so much since the war, since her sister became wife to the Hero of the Leaf. It was nice, she had to admit. But it always rubbed her a little wrong, when they’d treat her like a child, like she wasn’t anywhere near the level of her father. She had accepted her role as heiress to her clan a long time ago, and while she had some gripes with it, she knew it’s where she’d end up, and she did take that seriously. She made the effort to project power and confidence, but it always felt like her status as a bratty girl followed her wherever she went. She supposed she’d never fought in any great wars. No one her age had.

Well, except one. Some would count Konohamaru’s battle with one of the Six Paths of Pein a win of the war. She did. When she was just a girl, the thought amazed her. She saw her dear sister, recovering painfully in a hospital room after taking on the main path for Naruto’s sake. Her love. When Eiji enthusiastically told her that Konohamaru had taken on one of the paths, she remembered feeling her stomach drop. A sickly feeling, like she was about to tell Hanabi that he was dead. But instead, he’d been the victor. Everything about the story made her admire him all the more.

As an adult, that thought was gut wrenching. She could only imagine her sweet (as annoying as he could be) nephew in the same position, he was nearly ten, close to the same age as Konohamaru at the time. She’d rather take a receiver to the chest like her sister than let Boruto try to take on an enemy like that.

Boruto…

She hadn’t seen her sweet niece and nephew in over a week. Perhaps a visit was due.

“Sure, that’d be nice.”

She pushed herself up and gave thanks to her relative before setting out for her sister’s home.

Her knock went unanswered, but she heard them. She huffed and fished out her key, unlocking the home to find Himawari a top Konohamaru’s back, fists in his hair and squealing.

“Hey! Hair pulling isn’t fair!”

She stopped to take in the scene.

Maybe ten white sheets pulled tight from every corner of the room, creating a fort. Boruto sitting on the couch, looking annoyed as he played on his handheld. Konohamaru wrestling with Himawari relentlessly kicking her little feet while he tried in vain to reach behind him to grab her.

“Big sis?”

“Op!” Konohamaru accidently knocked Himawari off of him when he shot up to his knees in front of her. Himawari groaned with frustration, but immediately tackled him back down as laughter bellowed out of him. As Himawari grabbed his scarf in some attempt to perhaps choke him, giggles fell out of her naturally and Hanabi couldn’t help the twitch of her lips.

“Help me out big sister!”

“Wha—?”

“I need your help!”

Hanabi sucked in her lips, something like silly excitement bubbling in her chest as she watched the sweet scene. Konohamaru glanced at her and winked before turning his attention back to the little girl and threw her into a pillow, not allowing her to get another hit.

“You better choose a side, big sis,” Konohamaru teased, poking his tongue out at her. Such simple actions made her weak.

Hanabi grinned, running her tongue over her top teeth. “Well of course I must choose my sweet Hima’s side.”

Himawari squealed laughter as Hanabi piled on top of them, yanking Konohamaru back by the shoulders. Hanabi couldn’t help it, Himawari’s laugh was too cute. She forced him to the ground and pinned him down, allowing Himawari to feel like she was pinning him as well on the other side, knowing he was feigning weakness. He pretended to struggle as he leaned his head, “Boruto! C’mon, not gonna help me out?!”

“Oh gods,” Boruto groaned, rolling his eyes, “you guys are soooo lame.”

“Awww, big brother Kono needs help,” Hanabi teased with a devious smirk down at him.

“Oh, you’re asking for it,” he teased back, that silly grin plastered on his face. Himawari yelped when she was thrown aside and Konohamaru shot up, instantly bringing Hanabi’s front to the ground and pinning her arms behind her. Hanabi couldn’t keep back a cackle as Himawari jumped on his back once more, clawing his neck. “Ah! Watch the nails, Hima!”

“Don’t watch the nails! Tear him up!” Hanabi called, struggling as she ripped her arms from Konohamaru’s grasp and went rolling with both him and Himawari until he was flat on his back. “Oh me, oh my! Boruto, look at your poor big bro,” she taunted, swinging her leg over his chest as Himawari pinned his arms, “guess ladies are just better, huh?”

Boruto grumbled as he threw his handheld to the side on the couch. He glared at his aunt. “I could take you.”

“You think so?” Konohamaru asked breathily, his eyes darting to Boruto. “I wouldn’t be so sure, bud. This lady beat me in the chūnin exams.”

“What?!” Boruto gasped, rising to his feet and Hanabi felt a little sense of pride in her chest. “Big bro Konohamaru, how could you lose to her?!”

“Not the smartest thing to say,” Konohamaru huffed. She glanced down at him to find him biting his lip to repress a grin as he looked at her with something like admiration. She pushed back that pestering urge to lean down and kiss it off his face. Instead, she activated her byakugan and shot her eyes to her nephew.

“You’re about to lose to two girls, babe,” she coated her words in sugar as she caught the boy before he could land a hit, pulling herself off Konohamaru to wrestle him. Himawari cackled as she joined in on the match.

-

Konohamaru scooted away as he watched the three tumble, laughing. This version of Hanabi was one of his favorites, the one that indulged her niece and nephew unashamedly. Ever since the moment Boruto was born, he adored how she was with them. He thought that might have been the moment he fell in love with her, though couldn’t be sure. He still hadn’t kept that promise to lord his status as team leader over her, but found no issue with boosting her up.

He really did admire her, after all. Boruto should, too.

He let out a taunting ‘ooooh’ when Hanabi threw the rambunctious nine-year-old to the ground.

“Konohamaru!” the boy grunted as he rubbed his head, “you asked me for help.”

“Well, this is just more entertaining,” Konohamaru justified with a smirk.

“He’s right,” Hanabi wiggled a finger in a come-hither motion, “you asked. Take me on, won’t you?”

The demand made his heart flutter. She was so damn sexy when she exuded confidence, which she normally did. But damnit, when she demanded things of him…

“Fight!” Himawari commanded, stepping away.

Boruto folded his arms, giving Konohamaru a knowing smirk. “Yeah! Yeah! Let’s see big bro and big sis go at it, huh?”

“Fight, fight, fight—” Himawari started it and Boruto joined in, both pumping their fists, and he locked eyes with Hanabi, who gave him that telling look. He sat up on his elbows and gave her a crooked smile, one hand wagging his fingers to beckon her.

Something about having her on top of him, trying to pin him was…

“Put up a fight, you idiot,” she whispered as she struggled to hold his wrists down.

Truly, he didn’t really want to put up a fight, this was way better.

“You sure you want that?” he questioned with a little mischief in his tone. She squinted at him, and he appreciated the dusting of pink on her cheeks.

She leaned in so her words would be muffled to the kids, “give me all you got, baby.”

With those words, he tore one wrist from her fingers and hooked it around her waist, shoving her to the floor. He gasped and chuckled as she immediately shoved him off, tumbling over him. He kept it in the back of his mind to keep it kid friendly, intentionally avoiding any sort of erogenous zones—but he had to tuck that away for later—wrestling with her might be enjoyable when they were alone.

As they went, he found it harder and harder to remember her niece and nephew he was supposed to be babysitting were in the room. Every little touch, no matter where, sent electricity through him. How he wanted to just cage her in and kiss that smug look off her face. Eventually, he let himself become pinned under her, earning a cheer from Himawari and an exaggerated groan from Boruto.

“Big bro, you didn’t even put up a fight!”

Hanabi climbed off of him with a victorious smirk, and he shot her a look. One that told her she’d know who was really victorious later.

“It’s like you wanted her to win!”

“Big sister is just stronger,” Himawari commented with glee, “see brother? Girls are strong, too!”

“I never said they weren’t…” Boruto grumbled. Konohamaru let out an amused puff of air.

“You two go get washed up for dinner,” Konohamaru commanded as he got to his feet, brushing himself off.

“Okay!” Himawari replied readily.

“Fine…”

As the two went up the stairs, one faster than the other, he turned to her.

“Where’s my sister and Naruto?” Hanabi questioned breathily as she readjusted her shirt. 

“Took a little night off.” He shrugged, making way to the kitchen. He chuckled when she appeared behind him, all too close in the best way possible as she pressed her cheek into his shoulder to inspect what he had pulled out. “Just something your sister left in the freezer.”

“Aw,” she whined cutely, poking his side in a way that made him have to resist a little shiver, “thought you were a master chef.”

“Who says I’m not?” he questioned playfully as he set the frozen tray on the stove. He turned to her, catching her waist with his hands, and delighting in the little gasp she offered. He smirked down at her as her hands rested on his elbows.

“Making freezer meals? Not very impressive…”

“Just making sure I do what your sister told me,” he whispered, leaning in towards her, “I should follow orders, right?”

She leaned away from him, but he knew what she was doing because her hands never left his elbows, instead tightened. She squinted up at him. “Guess you’ll just have to prove yourself to me at another time, hmm?”

He snickered, bringing his bottom lip into his teeth in amusement. He knew exactly what he wanted to say, but wanted to tease her a little longer, so he pushed her into the edge of the counter, leaning in close. “Are you asking me to cook for you?”

“Oh—” she gasped, shaking her head.

“Let’s make it a date,” he continued, unbothered, as he ghosted his lips over her cheek, leaning towards her ear, “my place, tomorrow.”

“Bold of you!” she huffed, trying to shove her palms into his chest. He chuckled, resisting the push. “Think I want to have a date with you, huh?”

“I know you do,” he snickered, pressing into her further, hands trailing to the small of her back, “but, okay, go on. Tell me no. Say it loud and proud and I’d never suggest such a thing again.”

“I—” she stuttered, and he sighed in relief against her lips connecting with his. She liked her games, that he knew. He’d indulge in every one of them if it meant having this gorgeous girl under him. He eagerly returned the kiss as her hands trailed up towards his neck, only to be cut off by a tiny voice.

“Big sister~!!”

“Off,” she commanded immediately, but he needed no further direction, instantly tearing away from her to tend to the frozen tray.

“I can’t get this sweater right!”

He watched with mild amusement as Himawari tumbled towards Hanabi with a twisted sweater. She quickly snatched it up and righted it, pulling it over the younger girls form before patting her head affectionately. “There you are, little one.” Hanabi gestured for the table before turning to him and he tilted his head at her bashful expression. “Sorry to intrude. I’ll go.”

“Hey,” he grabbed her elbow before she could take off, “you should stay.”

“Yes!” Himawari chimed in as Boruto trailed down the stairs. “Please stay!”

“Yeah,” Boruto added as he trailed down the stairs, “there’s enough, right, Konohamaru?”

“Of course,” he directed the words at the kids, meant for Hanabi.

“I’m not intruding on your fun?” she asked, peering up at him with a pouty lip. He grinned, forcing his eyes not to linger on it.

“Adding, if anything.”

“We built a fort!” Himawari exclaimed excitedly.

“I saw that,” Hanabi giggled, and he watched her indulge in Himawari’s little stories about what each ‘room’ of the fort was. It was easy to enjoy Himawari’s company.

“Lasagna?” Boruto questioned as he crouched in front of the oven, peering inside. “You know this takes a bunch of time cook, right?”

“Huh?” Konohamaru tore his gaze from the two to look at Boruto. He cinched his eyebrows. “Oh, right.”

“We should go get burgers!” Boruto exclaimed, trying to open the oven to snatch the frozen tray out.

“Ah—I dunno—” Konohamaru grabbed Boruto by the scruff of his collar to pull him back before he burned himself, “your mom—”

“We should go out,” Hanabi interjected from the living room. “That sounds nice. When’s the last time I took you two out to eat? I’ll call mama real quick.”

“Oh yeah,” Boruto fist pumped, “big sis for the win!”

“How quickly your loyalty changes,” Konohamaru folded his arms, perking an eyebrow at the boy. He shrugged.

“Burgers above all else, big bro.”

-

Hanabi hung behind Konohamaru and Boruto with Himawari and smiled as Boruto tried to bat at his hand roughing up his hair. He was getting so big, so fast, his head already reaching her chest. Already about to start at the Academy. Already going to be a little ninja, just like they had been. The thought brought her a certain nostalgia. She wondered who he’d be teamed with. Probably not Shikadai, even if they were good friends. Maybe the only other kid produced from the last team 7, Sarada. She raked her brain, wondering if Kiba had any kids. She knew Shino didn’t. Mirai was already a genin now.

“Hey! Are you even listening to me?”

“Yes, of course.” Hanabi smiled down at the little dark-haired girl. Konohamaru was right, she did end up looking just like Hinata. Lucky girl, she supposed, unsure of whether a female Naruto would really be the picture of beauty. “You were saying something about drawing?”

“Yes! I drew a picture of us!” she said, excitedly, “when we get back, I’ll show you! It’s our whole family.”

“Whole family?” Her smile widened. “Even grandpa?”

“Mhm! And you, mommy, daddy, brother, Konohamaru, aunt Sakura, Sarada! Everyone!”

“I’m in your picture, Hima?” Konohamaru called behind him with a grin. Hanabi bit her lip as she smiled at him.

“Of course!” she exclaimed, skipping forward to come to his side. She put her hand in his and Hanabi’s heart could have melted. “You’re like daddy’s brother!”

“Mmm, true,” Hanabi settled next to Himawari, letting the girl clasp her other hand in hers so both of her arms were being carried by them. “Konohamaru used to follow around your papa like a lost puppy.”

“Hey,” Konohamaru said warningly, but teasingly.

“Your pops had to put him in line plenty of times,” she continued, enjoying his flustered look. Himawari was joined in her amazed look by Boruto. “He made the most trouble.”

“You—? Big bro?” Boruto asked in shock. “You’re the biggest stiff I know!”

“People grow up, Boruto,” Konohamaru snapped and Hanabi smiled with her tongue between her teeth.

“You’re one to talk, Boruto,” Hanabi giggled, “you’re following right along his steps.”

“Pff—" Boruto waved her away.

“I want a little brother,” Himawari huffed, kicking a foot. “Or sister. I asked mommy and she said no, but daddy said maybe.”

“Wh—what?” Hanabi gasped, meeting Konohamaru’s similarly shocked eyes.

“Oh man,” Konohamaru coughed into his free hand, averting his eyes. “We should probably move this conversation to something different. Uh—besides, we’re here.”

“Yes, lets,” Hanabi breathed, feeling like she was privy to information she had no business knowing.

“What?! Daddy always wanted a little brother, too,” Himawari pouted as she was ushered into a booth next to Hanabi. “He says he’ll get one soon.”

“Eh?” Hanabi furrowed her eyebrows. Boruto rolled his eyes.

“She’s talking about big sis dating,” Boruto nodded towards Hanabi as he pushed his menu aside, “I already know what I want.”

“Care to elaborate, Boruto?” Konohamaru questioned and Hanabi kicked his shin from under the table.

“In-law?” Himawari said questioningly, “he said in-law. I don’t know what that means.”

“Alrighty!” Hanabi slapped her hands on the table, quieting everyone. “Let’s look at our menu’s, shall we?”

She avoided his eyes, because she knew exactly what they were saying.

In-law, huh?

As Hanabi helped Himawari pick out her food and they ordered, she was desperately trying to avoid his gaze and nudging his feet from hers. She gasped when he caught her foot in between his, earning a look from the two children.

“Er—this salad is just so—good—” she covered, stabbing her fork into it. For whatever reason, this place did not have chopsticks. That irked her.

“Salad’s boring,” Boruto frowned at her. “We go to a burger place and you get a salad?”

“Your constant disapproval is always welcome, dear nephew,” she mumbled as she yanked her foot from between Konohamaru’s.

“He’s right, though,” Konohamaru grinned at her, shoving his burger towards her, “here, try.”

“Ground meat shoved between bread? No thanks.” She waved it away. “Worst thing to happen to this damn village.”

“How can you hate burgers?!” Himawari asked incredulously and Hanabi flared her nostrils in annoyance.

“Y’know, I’m beginning to regret taking you guys out.”

“Aw, me, too?” Konohamaru asked, batting his eyelids at her and she bit her lips together to avoid unleashing yet another snarky comment.

“Eat,” she commanded, grabbing his wrist to force the burger to his mouth, causing a little laugh. She giggled in response as he took a bite. “Besides, if you’re all good, I’ll get you milkshakes.”

“Milkshake!” Himawari cheered while Boruto whooped in agreement.

As they finished up, Hanabi paid for their meal plus four milkshakes to go.  They walked along the busy street as the sun set and moon appeared, Himawari being carried on Boruto’s back while Hanabi and Konohamaru chatted behind them.

“Been thinking about maybe applying to be a jōnin-sensei,” he told her before taking a sip. She perked an eyebrow, nose crinkling briefly.

“So have I.”

Liar.

“Yeah?” he asked with a little surprise. “Thought you’d be busy with all the clan stuff.”

“Father still handles most of it,” she shrugged, pulling her straw between her lips. She gave him a little smirk as his eyes dropped to her lips. “I still do missions, what’s becoming a jōnin-sensei on top?”

“Hmm,” he hummed as he sipped his own, “I’d hate to have you as my sensei.”

“Oh!” she gasped, slapping his arm, “rude! I’d be a great sensei.”

“Oh, never said you wouldn’t be,” he teased, bumping his hip into hers, “but I’d be scared.”

“Hmph,” she pouted, turning away from him, “coming from the stiff, huh?”

“Stiff!” He shot Boruto a look. “Yeesh, that’s gonna stick, huh?”

She paused.

Was she signing up to be an instructor just because Konohamaru was?

She damn well was.

“Besides, you had Ebisu-sensei. If I ever knew a hardass, it was him,” she commented casually.

He snickered, “that he is. Made us all the better, though. Gotta respect the guy.”

“Except when he’s falling over himself when you did that stupid sexy jutsu,” she mumbled, rolling her eyes.

“Thought you’d forgotten about that,” he responded shyly.

“How could I?” she asked, shooting him a look as if he were an alien, “you better not teach that to Boruto!”

“Never!” He defended, shoving her shoulder with fondness. “But to be fair, the art of seduction is part of the shinobi way…” She shoved him back.

“Here,” she rammed her to-go cup into his hands, “I can’t finish it.”

“I see how you put down dango, you certainly can.” He smirked as he pushed the cup back. She shook her head. “Man up!”

“Why don’t you woman up?” she retorted, pushing it closer to his lips. “Scared to share some germs?”

“Hmm,” he hummed, his crooked smile presented. “From you? Never.”

“Oh goodness,” she huffed as he took the cup, tossing his into a nearby trashcan.

“Trying to fatten me up?” he questioned, bringing her straw into his lips. She laughed. “Make me all sluggish so you can beat me up?”

“How’d you know?” she asked, bringing her bottom lip between her teeth as she tilted her head at him. His leer made her feel hot. “It’s fun beating you up…I might like to do it more often, if I’m honest.”

“Promise?”

“Ah—” she stuttered, steering away from him. She huffed quietly, “pervert.”

“Don’t think I’m the perverted one here,” he responded in a hushed whisper, causing her to heat up. “Y’know, your sister and Naruto aren’t supposed to be back until tomorrow…”

“Stop,” she held out her hand as a signal, glaring at him. She pointed towards her niece and nephew. “Kids.”

“Mmm.” He grinned as he grasped her hand, pulling it into his chest. She panicked, glancing at Boruto and Himawari to ensure they weren’t looking. “They’re oblivious.”

“Clearly not,” she tugged her hand away, “if they’re talking about in-laws.”

“Interesting, though, isn’t it?” he questioned, releasing her hand, “becoming a Hyūga sounds awfully boring.”

“Again, rude. And who’s to say you’d become a Hyūga?”

“Who said anything about me?” She gasped quietly, realizing her own blunder. Before she could respond he continued with that knowing, teasing smile “no, no. Let’s keep this going. So what, you’d become a Sarutobi?”

“We’re not seriously discussing this.”

“I guess not.”

She puffed out her cheeks, hoping thinning them would force the blush away. She wondered if she’d ever be able to go an entire day with him without turning red.

Still, he continued, “Hanabi Sarutobi…doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it?”

“Konohamaru Hyūga doesn’t, either.”

“Konohamaru Hyūga?” They both shot up to catch Boruto’s questioning gaze, finding themselves on the porch of the Uzumaki household. “Gross.”

“That’s not what I said!” Hanabi snapped, shoving passed him to unlock the door. “Mind your business, sweetie.”

“How can I? You guys are loud,” Boruto grumbled as he followed her in.

“Listen to big sis, bud,” Konohamaru slapped his hand on Boruto’s back, who recoiled from the contact. “The things we talk about are beyond you.”

“Sure they are,” he mocked, taking off upstairs.

“Say thank you!” Konohamaru called with judgement.

Boruto groaned, “thank you!”

“You’re welcome!” Hanabi called back, smoothing a hand over Himawari’s hair. “You should get some shut eye, too, little one.”

“Can you tell me a story?” she asked, clasping her hands together. Hanabi tilted her head. “Mommy does every night. Please?”

“How can I say no?” Hanabi conceded, gesturing to the stairs. “Get changed and I’ll be there in a little bit, okay?”

“Yes!” Himawari chirped, beaming as she climbed the stairs.

Hanabi turned to find Konohamaru’s ravenous eye. She huffed in annoyance. “Knock it off. They aren’t even asleep and I need to read Himawari a story.”

“I know that,” he teased, closing in on her to trap her against the railing with his arms on either side. “Just haven’t seen you in a while, is all.”

“Perhaps that was on purpose?” she questioned, hooking one arm behind her back and pressing her palm into his chest to create at least a little distance. He slid his hand over it, mimicking his actions from so long ago, when they were young. When he stole her first kiss.

“You wound me,” he whispered, nudging her nose with his as his forehead rested against hers, “tired of me already?”

She didn’t respond, scanning his face. That endearing look only he gave her. Only for her. She had to push down the instinct to wrap herself around him and let him simply drag her away.

“I’m done!”

She pushed him away, sliding out from under him. She gasped when she felt his hand slap against her bottom, shooting him a glare, only to be met with those mischievous eyes, tongue poking out. He was becoming bolder, and she wasn’t quite sure whether she should be enthralled by it or disgusted.

She chose to let it slide as she hurried up the stairs.

“Alrighty, what do you want me to read?”

Himawari, tucked into her bed with her blanket tucked under her chin, beamed at her, “not read! Tell me a story.”

“Like, make one up?” Hanabi questioned as she sat on the edge of the bed. “I dunno…”

“You gotta have stories!” Himawari protested, “c’mon!”

“Aah…” she sighed, glancing around. She never had a way with words in this sense. “I guess…maybe…alright. Well, there was once…a princess…”

“Princess?” Himawari frowned, looking pouty. “No.”

“What?” Hanabi squinted at her little niece. Tough customer. “Okay, uhm, a ninja?”

“Okay,” she nodded readily to this. Hanabi sighed again.

“A kunoichi. And she…never knew what it was like to have friends.”

Hanabi would roll her eyes at herself if she wasn’t in front of her niece. She began recounting her own tale of loneliness, acceptance into the academy, genin to jōnin. She even warped the tale of her capture to the moon, not exactly as it went, but she had to admit, it was a pretty thrilling little story to a young girl. Himawari watched her in amazement as she trailed off, coming full circle to adulthood, not knowing exactly how to end the story.

“And she marries him, right?!” she asked excitedly, practically on her hands and knees to get in her face. Hanabi shuddered a breath. “She has to! She has to! Stories have happy endings! Even if they were sad sometimes. She marries him.”

“Yes,” she relented, gently maneuvering the girl back into the bed, “yes she does. And they grow old, happily. Now will you go to sleep?”

“Aaah~” Himawari sighed dreamily as Hanabi tucked the blankets into her sides.

“Look at you, you’re more riled up than before she told you her thrilling story.”

Hanabi froze with a hand wedged under the girl’s side at Konohamaru’s voice. How long had he been there? How embarrassing.

“You’re a really good storyteller!” Himawari chirped, breaking Hanabi from her trance. “Will you come over more nights to tell stories?”

“I-I dunno, Hima,” Hanabi breathed, leaning over to peck her head before clicking her lamp off. “Love you, sweet dreams.”

As she stood to face Konohamaru, she gave him a sour look, pushing him out of the doorway to shut the door behind her. They looked over as they heard music begin humming from Boruto’s room.

“Night Boruto!” Konohamaru called with amusement as a muffled ‘night’ was heard from the other side. He turned his attention back to her, brows raised expectantly. “Coming downstairs?” he asked, tilting his head at her. “Or you’re going to run off again. Could be either, hard to tell with you.”

“Wow.” She squinted at him, trying to brush off that boyish smile he always had, one that looked so smug right now. “You’re…something else, Konohamaru Sarutobi.”

“So are you, Hanabi Hyūga,” he retorted, gently poking her sternum with his index finger. She reached up and caught the hand before it could leave her. He glanced down at the hand then back at her, seemingly gauging her reaction. “I won’t tease you about your story. It was a good story.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, looking at him suspiciously.

He shrugged. “Not lying. I liked it. Some parts more than others, but…”

“You literally just said you wouldn’t tease.”

“Sorry, that’s it!” He defended as she dropped his hand, brushing past him to go downstairs. He quickly followed after her, stopping at the end of the stairs to watch her. She looked over her shoulder, knowing he was holding his breath to see if she would in fact leave.

But she didn’t want to leave. She never wanted to leave when she was around him. But her mind was always arguing with her heart. It was her hearts turn for a win, today. She turned the corner and proceeded into the living room, reminding her there were sheets strewn from every corner. She tapped her foot briefly, glancing behind her to find him approaching. “Oh yeah, forgot about this. Guess I can have Boruto come clean it up before bed.”

She hummed quietly before getting to her knees, crawling under one of the sheets to find little lights decorating the inside. She giggled, “it looks so nice in here. Hima’s work?”

“Who else? The girls got an eye for design,” he laughed as he kneeled down to meet her under the sheet. She looked up at him and gave him a genuine smile, admiring the way his blue eyes shimmered with the lantern’s light. He hooked his arm around her waist and she allowed herself to be pulled to the floor, him crawling on top of her. He murmured “I missed you.”

“Quit talking like that…” she whispered, turning her head to face away as he rested his elbows next to her head.

“Like what?” he questioned with mock innocence and she huffed.

“Like…you know…”

“But it’s true,” he retorted, leaning down to nudge her nose so she would face him, “I did miss you.”

She let herself be swallowed by those damn eyes. His lips ghosted over hers and she sighed into the kiss, letting him slide his hands into hers above her head, gently pinning them down. She mumbled “what if one of them comes down?”

“We’re in a fort.”

“A kids fort.”

“A fort, none the less.”

She resisted that nag in the back of her mind to swat him upside the head, instead simply giving in, letting him consume her.

She did miss his touch. What a devious plan he concocted, getting her hooked on him. On his way with intimacy.

“We don’t have to do anything,” he whispered against her lips as they pulled back, trailing his kisses over her cheek. “Really, we shouldn’t. I still like being close to you.”

“Mmm…” she conceded, turning her head to expose her neck to him as invitation. He readily accepted, and she shuddered at the feel of his tongue over her pulse point. She squeezed her interlocked fingers with his as his hips rested against hers, letting herself fully enjoy his intimate touches for as long as she could. Letting that little pool of heat bubble in her stomach. Letting herself get lost in him.

She wasn’t quite sure how long they were like that, Konohamaru leaving fluttering kisses all over her face and neck and collarbone, stopping just shy of her chest, before eventually he rolled off of her and pulled her against him, their heart beats eventually falling into sync as they fell into slumber. She knew she was risking one or both of the kids walking in on her draped over him, but she found it hard to care. She reasoned that she could justify that they had fallen asleep separate and accidently ended up in this position. Whether they’d buy it was a different story.

What she didn’t expect was for her sister and Naruto find them.

“Oi! Konohamaru!” Both were jolted awake when Konohamaru received a swift kick to the ribs from Naruto. “The hell you think you’re doing with my little sister?!”

“Aah—” Konohamaru stammered, rubbing his side and Hanabi shot to her feet.

“It’s not—it’s not anything—” Hanabi defended, pushing Naruto’s arms back to his sides, “I just came over to visit and figured I’d help him out, right? And we fell asleep and I guess somehow, well you know! People move in their sleep!”

“Right—” Konohamaru let out a haggard cough as he dragged himself to his feet. Hanabi looked at Hinata with pleading eyes.

“Yes, of course,” Hinata nodded readily and Hanabi breathed a sigh of relief. Her sister usually had her back, but this was uncharted territory for the sisters. “I’m sure it was innocent.”

“Of course it was!” Hanabi added, making a look of disgust, “Konohamaru? Come on—never, like—gross, come on—”

“Yeah, exactly,” Konohamaru shot her an annoyed look, “you’re not so hot yourself, Hanabi.” They became engaged in a glaring competition as Naruto hummed in annoyance beside them.

Naruto eyed who he considered his little brother suspiciously before relaxing, hooking his arm around Hanabi’s neck. “Fine, fine. Kids must’ve been happy to see you, Hanabi.”

“Eh, one more than the other,” Hanabi tore her eyes from Konohamaru and willed herself to seem calm, shrugging, “I took them for burgers.”

“Oh, that’s right,” Naruto rubbed the back of his neck after releasing her, “forgot you called Hinata.”

“So forgetful,” Hinata giggled as she tugged his sleeve, “we should go unpack. Could you stay for a tad longer, Konohamaru?”

“Yeah, of course,” Konohamaru breathed, hand still covering the kicked spot. They watched the couple tread up the stairs before they simultaneously turned to each other, letting out big sighs of relief. “Damn, that hurt.”

“That was too close,” she snapped, “I’m tempted to close the chakra point he kicked!”

“Hey!” Konohamaru whisper-yelled, pointing an accusing finger at her, “you were a willing participant if I’m not mistaken!”

“Not so hot?”

“Gross?”

Hanabi let out a frustrated hum, crossing her arms as she turned from him.

Too close.

-

Hanabi knocked on the door to Konohamaru’s apartment, her other hand hooked to the handle of a to-go bag full of several bowls of Ichiraku’s ramen.

She had finished up a short visit with his mom that morning when she informed her that he’d been sick for the last few days and refusing her help. So she thought she’d be kind and get him his favorite food. Soup was good for illness, after all.

When he pulled the door open for her, clad in sweatpants and a tee, face pale and big rings around his eyes, she was a little shocked. She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen him so…out of it.

“Hanabi?” he questioned, voice gravelly and eyebrows raising as he looked her over. “What’s up?”

“Uhm—” she shook her head, holding out the bag of ramen, “your mother told me you were sick, so I thought I’d get you some ramen. To help you feel better.”

“Wow,” he chuckled, gesturing to the floor, “that’s actually really sweet of you. If you put it down, I can just pick it up, don’t wanna get you sick—”

“Good gods!” Hanabi gasped as her eyes searched his apartment. It had been so clean last time she was here, but it looked like a wreck today. Tissue and cup of noodle ramen littering many different surfaces, blankets piled on his couch, laundry—it was a monstrosity. “Konohamaru! I didn’t take you for a pig.”

“Ah!” He held up his hands defensively, looking over his shoulder, “give me a break, would ya? I’m sick!”

“I’m coming in,” she shoved her way passed him, setting the bag on his dining table before she started picking up.

“Hey—wait, you’re gonna get sick now, too!”

“Someone’s has to take care of you!” she retorted without looking up, grabbing an empty grocery bag to start stuffing trash in.

“You don’t have to, though—”

“You always take care of me.” The words slipped out and she wasn’t sure she regretted it. She paused for a couple of seconds, staring at an empty ramen cup in her hand. She shook her head, depositing it into the grocery bag before continuing, “so...let someone else take care of you, for once.” She looked up at him finally, right in the eye. “Let me take care of you.”

“Ah…” he sighed, slumping into one of the chairs at his table. She quickly pulled one of the bowls out and unlidded it, shoving it in front of him before snapping a pair of chopsticks apart.

“Eat.”

“Tonkotsu? With extra chashu,” he chuckled, reluctantly accepting the utensils. “My favorite.”

“Yep,” she said nonchalantly as she went back to gathering trash and laundry, “where’s your trash can?”

“I feel pathetic, let me—” he tried to get up but she put a rough hand on his shoulder and shoved him back down.

“I said eat. I’ll find it myself.”

-

Konohamaru wasn’t quite sure what it was blooming in his chest. If he had to describe it, he might say it was something like unrelenting awe of this woman. This woman who could so easily push him away if things got too close for comfort, but could also put him in his place and take care of him. Just like he yearned to take care of others. He tried not to let people be his caretaker, but maybe once in a while from Hanabi wouldn’t be so bad.

He watched as she rummaged through cabinets until she found the trash, promptly throwing away the accumulated garbage.

The summer cold he had was hitting him hard, he had to admit. Harder than anything he’d had in the past. He was as sick as a dog, and kind of regretted having her see him this way. He knew he looked like death walking. He wasn’t the type of person to let his apartment go, but he had been sapped of energy for several days now.

She moved methodically throughout his living room and kitchen, collecting laundry and folding blankets, periodically checking on him to make sure he was eating, which he found amusing. He wasn’t quite sure how much he liked her assuming the role of mothering him, though, so he told her, “I’m a grown man, Hanabi. I know I need to eat, okay?”

“Fine,” she tsked as she grabbed a second bowl from the bag to unlid, setting it next to his nearly gone first one. He chuckled as he peered in the bag, finding at least three more in there. She was clearly taking a page from her sister and Naruto, two people who could put away ramen like no others (except maybe the Akimichi’s).

The hot soup was soothing, he had to admit. He’d been surviving on vitamin drinks and cup of noodles, ashamedly.

He was finishing his second bowl when she finished scrubbing his sink and sat across from him, eyeing the soup. “That’s all you’re eating?”

“Yes, Hanabi,” he laughed, “I appreciate it, but I can’t eat a hundred bowls like your family.”

“Huh,” she hummed, shrugging as she gathered the other three and tucked them into his fridge. “Some for later, then.”

“Thank you,” he said, sincerely as he tried to collect the paper bowls before her, but she was swift, whisking them away before he had the chance. “You got this place clean fast.”

“I kind of like it, honestly,” she said as she scraped the contents into the garbage before rinsing the bowl to recycle, “I never get to do these little chores at the compound. It’s kind of soothing, I guess.”

“I guess I can understand that,” he conceded, but not without a tease, “it is uniquely you. Weird.”

“I like that your way of thanking me is by insulting me,” she shot him a look as she crouched into a cupboard, fishing out his tea kettle.

“Not an insult!” He defended. “I’ve always been attracted to weirdos.”

“Oh my,” she sighed, rolling her eyes, “quit it.”

“Sorry,” he laughed, getting up out of the seat. He went to approach her, but felt a fairly large sneeze coming on, so he ducked away, attempting to grab a tissue before it could come. “Agh!”

“Excuse you!” she called, looking at him with concerned eyes, “here.”

He looked up through watery eyes as she offered a tissue, shoving it in his face. He sighed as he took it, feeling fairly gross that she was seeing him like this. He mumbled, “sorry.”

“For what? Sneezing?” She laughed now, and he felt her roughly grab his elbow and direct him to his bedroom. He could only smirk as she moved him any which way she wanted, pushing him down by the shoulders into the bed, then tucking his limbs under the covers. She grabbed his pillow and fluffed it before yanking his head up to put it back. She was rough with all of her movements, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Wait here.”

“I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” He called as she disappeared back into the kitchen. He let out a little sigh, reaching up to rub his eye of sleep. He had been napping before she knocked.

She returned within moments with a steaming cup of tea and set it on his nightstand, “your tea selection is abysmal, I must say,” she chided. He smiled as she reached out to press the back of her hand on his forehead, then promptly hissing at how hot it was. “You’re burning up, Konohamaru!” she frowned, rubbing her hand, “have you taken anything?”

“Not for a while,” he admitted. He watched her disappear once more into his bathroom and heard her rummaging through his medicine cabinet. So forceful. He couldn’t help but enjoy it. She returned quickly with a few pills and his water cup. He tried to push her away as she attempted to feed them to him, “I’m not a baby, Hanabi!”

“You look like one right now,” she jabbed, and he felt his sickly pale skin redden. He grabbed the pills and water cup from her and took them himself with a grumbled thanks, letting her take the water cup back. When she returned, she pushed her hand into his shoulder to force him down. “Now rest. I’ll hang out in the living room in case you need anything.”

“You’re babysitting me?” he asked with amusement as she crossed her arms. She shrugged and he bit his lip, contemplating. If she was going to stay anyway…

He looped an arm around her hips and yanked her down just as she was stepping to leave, “if you’re gonna get all sick like me, you might as well c’mere.”

“Hey!” she protested as he threw his comforter over her, trapping her underneath with him, “you’re gross!”

“I told you not to come inside,” he retorted with a smirk, pinning her against him, “but you insisted, you little brat.”

“I’m the brat?!” she gasped, shoving him in the chest. When he let out a haggard cough, her expression changed to one of panic, “oh, I’m sorry!”

“You’re sorry now?” he asked with amusement, wrapping a leg around her for added security of her wiggling form, “way too late for that, honey.”

“Oh!” she gasped and he couldn’t take his eyes off the way her cheeks could go from creamy to crimson so quickly. “You’re terrible!”

“I am,” he whispered, nuzzling his face into the hair draped over her neck, “you love it.”

“Oh, whatever,” she huffed, clearly giving in to his antics as her arms dropped around him in defeat.

He loved her for it.

“I draw the line at sick sex, though.”

“You know, you’re pretty nasty sometimes, too, Hanabi.”

-

The air was becoming cooler and cooler as fall quickly descended into winter, and yet, Hanabi was sitting right in the thick of it. Normally, she’d avoid the cold, but right now, she was sitting in front of that same lake from so many years ago, one a few kilometers out from the village, a sort of final rest stop before getting into the Leaf. It was a nice, quiet lake. During the summer, it normally had children and their families diving into it, picnics and kites flying around it. With dropping temperatures, it was peacefully silent.

Hanabi was here because it felt good on her burnt hands. She’d just returned from a mission and hadn’t felt like explaining herself to any inquiring Hyūga eyes upon returning to the compound. So she chose to stall a bit longer out here, let the cold air sooth the burns in an area people never visited this time of year.

When she felt that gentle pulse of chakra tickle her ears, she was surprised. She immediately activated her byakugan and frowned at the bright network behind her. With a sigh, she relaxed her eyes, wincing as she tucked her hands into her sleeves. His footsteps drew closer.

“Konohamaru,” she greeted without looking back.

“Hanabi,” he offered back lightly, coming to sit next to her. She struggled to smile up at him, concealing a look of pain. “Saw Moegi was back, tried to find you.”

“Stalker,” she scoffed, shaking her head. He smiled, scooting closer, clearly unaffected.

“Felt like hanging out at the lake?” he asked, casting his gaze out as the sun crept below the trees.

“I like it here.” She paused, stopping a gasp of pain that was about to come out when her nail scrapped against her palm. “I enjoy lakes and rivers. The ocean. Bodies of water, I guess.”

“But you hate the rain.” Her smile returned with that.

“I like being able to control how I interact with water.”

“Ah,” he laughed, “guess that makes sense, since you’re a water user, yeah? Gotta have control. Didn’t know you liked…bodies of water, though. Interesting.”

“Is it?” She tilted her head and he nodded, encouraging her to go on. “Rivers have pretty sounds, a soothing environment. The rocks are always smooth, and the foliage around a river is always beautiful.” Hanabi looked away, unsure of whether to continue. He nudged his knee against hers, so she decided to keep going. “Lakes are nice to swim in—if they’re warm, I mean—and sometimes there’s cute frogs and fishes. When the sun sets, they shimmer, and it’s different every time. Sometimes red, or orange, or yellow. Then when the moon comes out, they shine blue or black. It’s easy to lose yourself looking into one.”

“And the ocean?”

“Well, it’s massive. You could never swim across it. I like to run across it, when I’m there…though I haven’t, in a while…” she dipped into a frown briefly as she thought, then shook her head. “The coasts I’ve been to have soft sand that you sink into. And when I’m in the water, I enjoy letting the waves carry me. Feeling weightless, it’s…comforting, I guess.” She finally looked back up at him, blinking at his warm expression. “Sorry, I’m ranting.”

“I like it,” he spoke softly, reaching out to set a hand on her knee, probably because her hands were tucked away. “Didn’t know you had such a romantic vocabulary.”

“Romantic?” she drew her eyebrows together.

“Sounds like one of those novels Moegi’s always reading,” he smirked, “it’s nice. Your flowery language.”

“Flowery,” she laughed, shaking her head, relaxing a bit. “Maybe my sister’s had an effect on me.”

“Maybe,” he nodded, squeezing her knee, “but you’re still Hanabi, and I’m surprised you haven’t hit me for touching you in ‘public.’”

“I would if I could.” It slipped out without her permission, and suddenly, her hands felt like they were on fire. Talking had kept her mind off of it until now. He raised an eyebrow.

“Why can’t you?”

“No—nothing—”

His hand left her knee and reached for her forearm and she gasped in pain as she instinctively pulled them tighter to herself. His face contorted with frustration at her stubbornness, “Hanabi, let me see!”

With a defeated sigh, she gritted her teeth and peeled her hands up, presenting the blistered extremities. He gasped, eyes blowing wide as he nearly reached to grab them, but stopped short. “Don’t get soft on me, Sarutobi.”

“That looks bad!” he exclaimed, “why haven’t you taken care of them? Did it happen on the mission?”

“I just unwrapped them,” she huffed, gently flexing her fingers, “gave them a breather, that’s all.”

He paused, seemingly accepting that. Then he shook his head, turning his body to reach into a satchel to pull out a roll of bandages and an ointment container. “You should get them rewrapped.”

“I…” she stopped, puffing out her cheeks in embarrassment. “I’m terrible at wrapping. Moegi wrapped them.”

“I don’t mind.” She watched him uncap the ointment and then proceeded to lather it over her hands, as if it was the most natural thing in the world for him to do. He was actually great at ignoring her tiny hiss of pain threatening to escape, which…honestly surprised her. Especially when she thought of that little boy that moped over the wound in her thigh.

He always seemed so soft.

But maybe he wasn’t as soft as she thought. Maybe that little boy had grown into a full-blown adult. Maybe that little boy was far from what she originally thought. And that really wasn’t a bad thing.

It could actually be…a good thing, she thought. A team leader shouldn’t focus on the pain of his subordinates. Simply take care of them, ensure they were ready to go, no matter what. And perhaps, that part of him was shining through.

She admired it. Not because she didn’t admire him normally, she did. But she admired this part of him, too.

His grasp was delicate, she was surprised it didn’t hurt more. And soon, the ointment was seeping into the wounded skin and the cool air mixing with it was first shocking, then soothing once more. She sighed a little breath through her nose as his hands left hers. She spread her fingers so he could carefully, but quickly wrap the bandages around.

She wasn’t sure why she would be stunned to find he was so skilled at it. The wrap wasn’t tight, but wasn’t loose, it covered every centimeter of skin, and he was done within seconds. Quickly, like a shinobi should be, because as a shinobi, there was no telling how much time you had. When he reached the end of her other wrist, he gently released her hands and tucked his supply back. She held her hands up to her face, inspecting his work. She parted them to see his face looking worried behind them and sighed. “What happened? Were you attacked?”

With the few seconds she had, she debated telling the truth. She could just tell him it was confidential and that would be that, but she decided she didn’t want to lie to him. Even if it was stupid.

“Hot…hot soup…”

“Hot soup?”

Hanabi sucked in a breath, mortified that she was really admitting this. “A raccoon went sniffing around our campsite…it knocked over a hot pot full of soup.”

“Right into your hands?”

“I wasn’t thinking. I tried to catch it.”

The laughter was expected. She let out a grunt of frustration as she drew her knees to her chest and promptly buried her face in her arms. With that, his laughter subsided, and his arm wrapped around her shoulders, tugging her into him.

She mumbled, “I always screw up missions…”

“You don’t,” he replied, softly. “It happens.”

“To me.” She buried her forehead further. “I’m an idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot.” She felt him rub his hand up and down her arm. “Just a clutz.”

She groaned, shrugging at his shoulder. “What happened to your magic words of comfort?”

“This isn’t serious,” he laughed, resisting her shrug, “it was a little mistake. You didn’t ruin the mission, I’m sure your stubborn ass demanded it continue and you suffered like a fool through it to the end.”

She frowned at her knees. He was right.

“Fine,” he continued on, thumb rubbing against her shoulder. “A couple of years ago, while I was in Anbu, I forgot my food pills. We were in the middle of tundra, and I didn’t want to tell anyone I’d forgotten them.” She perked an eyebrow, finally lifting her face from her hiding spot to look at him. He was grimacing as he recalled the memory. “I ended up passing out. Had to carry me to civilization.”

She bit her lips together, a smile forming on her face. He finally turned his head to her and glared at her. She couldn’t hold it back, “idiot.”

“Yeah, thanks for that,” his hand lifted from her arm and flicked at her nose. She scrunched it up, turning away. “Can’t fight back with those hands.”

“Cruel.” She glared at him, but let the smile remain. “Sorry that happened to you.”

“Mhm,” he mumbled, resting the hand back on her shoulder, “I know I’m an idiot. Least I’m not a clutz.” She reached up to rub at her nose with the back of her fingers. He finally smirked, leaning forward, “want me to kiss it and make it better?”

She pondered a moment, then let her smile turn crooked. “Yeah, c’mere.”

“Yeah?” he asked, a little surprised.

She nodded, letting him come close enough so his lips were almost touching the point of her nose.

Once they were, she tilted her head up and bit his nose.

-

Hanabi frowned as she watched snow dust the ground outside. It didn’t snow that often in the Land of Fire, but when it did, she kind of hated it. She knew most found enjoyment in the rare sight, but she always preferred the warmth to the cold. So when it did happen, she tended to stay inside if possible.

It was one of the few times she indulged in hot chocolate, too. She was disappointed when Natsu informed her they hadn’t had an import of chocolate this month. Annoying, but she settled over her paperwork with some tea regardless. She was filling out a report after her return from a Hyūga assignment. They were in negotiations with another clan that the council was attempting to buy property from in the Leaf. To expand. For what reason, she was fuzzy on the details. She was pretty sure it was another move to help the branch families become more independent. Her father simply asked her to make the case, and she did just that.

For how unromantic she was with words, she was certainly a diplomatic wordsmith. It was tiring, though.

While she worked, a guard came knocking to let her know she had outside company. She figured it might be her sister, or Eiji or Jun, or both. But the name “Sarutobi” came and she instinctively said, “yes.”

Realizing it could have been either Konohamaru or Moriko, she stared at the door. When a large figure approached, she let a smile slip.

“Hey there, princess.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Hmm,” he hummed as the door was closed behind him, and she eyed his hands. He had what looked like steaming tea in two thermoses. “Thought you might need a breather.”

“How would you know such a thing?” She questioned as he approached, setting the thermos in front of her. Then it hit her, the waft of milk chocolate. Her eyes widened. “Hot chocolate? Where’d you get this?”

“I have my ways,” he smirked, pushing it further to her. She looked at him with awe. “And maybe my mom had a secret stash.”

“Your mother…” she whispered, smiling as she picked up the hot beverage. She allowed the aroma to fill her senses, breathing deeply. “She told you I like hot chocolate when it snows?”

“No,” he snorted, rolling his eyes and she squinted hers at him, “I just know you.”

The words made her heart skip. He knew her. “I don’t recall ever talking about it.”

“The only time I’ve seen you drink hot chocolate, it was snowing. Every single time it’s snowed.”

He paid attention. Had anyone really paid that careful attention to her before? Outside of perhaps Natsu. “That’s…very thoughtful of you, Konohamaru.”

“Am I Konohamaru today?” He perked an eyebrow with that coy smile. She bit her lip. “Alright with me.”

“What…what brings you?” she asked, resisting the urge to give a snarky retort.

“Can’t just visit a pretty lady?”

She groaned with annoyance, “keep your voice down.”

He grinned as he leaned forward, “just stating a fact.”

“Hush,” she muttered, finally bringing the edge of the thermos to her lips, taking a sip. An involuntary sigh of delight left her and she reddened at his leering gaze. “Quit looking at me like that.”

“I can’t,” he teased, though she knew it was honest. “Taking care of clan stuff?”

“Oh,” she set the cup down hurriedly, shuffling the paperwork into a pile, “yes, excuse me.”

“No rush,” he shrugged, leaning back on his hands as she tucked it into a folder. “Always so busy.”

“A little more lately,” she sighed, moving the folder to the floor to rest her elbows on the low table, “but it keeps my mind busy, so there’s that, I suppose.”

They sat in silence for a little while as they both sipped their hot beverages. Hanabi made sure to savor every sip, knowing she wouldn’t be able to indulge again for a while. They both looked out the window to watch the snow accumulate to a modest layer. “You wanna go for a walk?”

She perked an eyebrow, an amused look overtaking her expression. “Like some dog?”

He scoffed. “People enjoy walks, too, Hanabi. I know you have Eiji manipulating that mind of yours…”

“Hush,” she waved him away, “besides, I don’t like the snow. Thought you’d know that, too.”

“I do know it,” he offered, lifting off his palms to lean forward, “but you could learn to like it…if you kept warm.”

“Impossible.”

He smirked and had that little glint of mischief in his eye that she knew meant he was going to whisk her away, whether she wanted it or not. She sighed in annoyance as he got to his feet and grabbed her by the forearms, forcing her up with him. He plucked their thermoses and began marching away. “If you want the rest of this, you gotta come with me.”

His games irritated her sometimes. He knew he couldn’t drag her out by the hand—that would be too intimate a gesture in the compound, and he knew she would follow that hot chocolate out no matter what. “You little…”

“What’s that?” he called playfully as he opened the door, glancing at the guard, “just gettin’ some fresh air! Relax.”

The way he spoke to the guards around the compound was so different from when they were kids. When he was clearly, to her at least, a nervous wreck to be in their presence, even if he puffed out his chest and kept a stiff upper lip. His confidence had bloomed beyond reason. She struggled to find a reason not to enjoy it.

Begrudgingly, she grabbed a coat, following him out. He wasn’t here all the time, of course, but he had been by frequently enough to know the twists and turns of the compound. She often wondered if anyone speculated anything about them up to this point. If they had, they’d done a good job of feigning ignorance. Well, except her father and her sister. Her sister was constantly teasing her, and her father had made it abundantly clear that he knew she had a crush.

But she wondered if he knew it was way beyond a crush at this point. She tried not to think about it.

-

They ended up strolling through Senju park on their way out of the village. Watching kids have tiny snowball fights was always fun. He caught one that was about to hit Hanabi square in the face and she reeled away.

“Hey!” Konohamaru called playfully at Boruto, the suspect in question. He launched it back at him.

“My hero,” she teased, and he grinned down at her. “I’m not playing, Boruto! I don’t like the cold.”

“Laaaame,” he yelled just as he was pegged by a stray snowball courtesy of Shikadai.

Konohamaru led her out of the gates until they were far enough from the village that no prying eyes could make them out, then quickly scooped her into a hug.

“Hey!” she gasped against his chest and it made him tingle. Everything about her made him tingle in the best ways. Young him was onto something when he found himself craving that tingle when she swatted at his hands as he playfully nudged her—any excuse to touch her, if she’d let him.

“Aaah you’re so cold,” he teased, pulling open his coat to envelope her against him.

“And you’re excruciatingly hot!” she whined, wiggling against him. His grip was unrelenting.

He blushed at the unintentional turn of phrase. “Think I’m hot, huh?”

“Oh shut up, you know what I meant—”

“Aww, thank you,” he continued the tease, swaying with her struggling against him, “and you’re unbelievably sexy.”

“Konohamaru!” she huffed as he dragged her up to a tree, leaping so they’d come to rest on a thick branch. “We’re not that far from the village, someone could still see—”

“That’s why we’re up here,” he retorted as he fell on his bottom with her still struggling against him. All of the ways she moved drove him crazy. “So how about you shut up?”

“Gods!” she complained as she tore from his grasp finally, “you’re too confident for your own good, I swear!”

“Is that so bad?” he asked, smirking at her. She huffed in annoyance as she turned her back to him, and he took his chance to drag her back down, this time with her back against his front. He was pleased when she gave a defeated sigh, letting him wrap her up against him, him shoving her thermos into her hands. “See? Told you you’d like it if you were warm.”

“Who said I like it?” she hissed back, folding her arms over his as he nestled her between his crossed legs.

“You’re telling me this isn’t beautiful?”

When she paused, he craned his neck to see her reaction. Her eyes scanned the white forest as she pulled the thermos to her lips. Konoha trees never seemed to lose their foliage.

“Well, maybe,” she conceded, resting her head against his chest. “You are ridiculously warm, though.”

“That’s the will of fire, baby,” he whispered against her ear, chuckling as she shuddered against him. “Guess you don’t have it.”

“That’s a mean thing to say,” she grumbled, tilting her head so it would knock his back.

“I’m kidding,” he laughed, nuzzling against her neck despite it, “you have more fire than anyone I know.”

“Hmmm…” she hummed, accepting this compliment.

He smiled, tightening his hold on her as he rested his chin on top of her head. He was just glad she was finally giving in to happiness. He knew he was hard to shake off, even she had to have her limits. Seemed he was getting close to it. When she turned her head to plant a chocolate-lipped kiss on his cheek, he knew he was getting close.

There was hope, after all.

#naruto #konohana #konohamaru x hanabi #konohamaru sarutobi #hanabi hyuuga #hyuuga hanabi #sarutobi konohamaru #hanakono #naruto fanfic #naruto fanfiction #konohana fanfic #my fic #Tag #hanabi hyuga #hyuga hanabi

[purple-cyanide]

Puer du Noir #2: Class (2/2)

From here, we all split into groups of 2-3, there were only 11 of us left. I ended up in a group with none other than the loudest person in the class, Himae Ori. As we all started looking for a way out, we heard an eerie voice come over the intercom.

“Seventeen down, only eleven left! Who will be next? Who will be next?” His voice pierced us with a calmness that only confirmed how psychotic he was. “Place your bets everyone! My money is on Ori and Yushani personally. Or will it be Touko’s group? Anyone care to volunteer?”

“Wh-wh-what??” Ori exclaimed “I don’t wanna die, I don’t wanna die, I don’t wanna die!” She ran out from where we were hiding and BAM. She hit the floor with a thud.

How could he know where we were? How did he know that we were in groups? Why is he picking me out of everyone? He walked out in front of me and I knew he would find me.

“Come out come out, wherever you are! Awe Yushani… Why are you ignoring me?” I tried to stay silent but I couldn’t hold in a single whimper. Lucky for me, someone else was also hiding with me.

“I’m not going down without a fight!” Touko and her group charged him, but they were too slow, much too slow. Some of them couldn’t even get up off the ground before they were back on it. With three more down, there were only seven people left. I was alone, and scared but I couldn't stay where I was. I waited for him to leave so I could try to find a phone. I know that Mrs. Sakahi kept the ones that she confiscated in her drawer that was locked. Which meant I had to do the unthinkable, I had to search her corpse for the key to her drawer.

Two more shots rang out through the halls. I was at the start of the hallway. Three more shots. Halfway down the hall. Two more shots. I was in the room, but was it worth it? I was the only person left, and I knew that one of the groups was near our classroom. What if he was here? Nearby maybe?

He was here, only about 10 feet behind me.

Chick. The gun was empty.

“Huh, I thought that I would’ve had enough. That's fine, I still have this” He pulled out his knife and wiped the blade clean. He ran at me, I turned to run into the classroom but I wasn’t fast enough. I felt the cool steel knife pierce my back, I coughed out blood and collapsed in a pool of blood. Who’s blood is this? I could feel my life drain, surrounded by the bodies of my classmates I could hear something.

Stab… “AGH!”

Tsugoshika collapsed beside me, a shocked look on his face. His knife sticking out of the top of his head. Did he kill himself?

As I lay dying, I could see something standing above him. Something dark, and wrong. It was an evil that was incomprehensible by humans, whatever it was had seeped into his body and forced him to do this, then killed him afterward. It turned to me, then in a swift motion lifted me up and enveloped me. It was trying to possess me, steal my brain and control my body. I tried to resist it but it was no use. I came to in the hospital, surrounded by my family. But it wasn’t me, it was whatever had killed Tsugoshika.

#horror #tw death #tw violence #short story

[the-letter-horror-lover]

BORUTO ALTER: Last Shinobi by SongofVedas

Anime » Naruto Rated: T, English, Adventure & Fantasy, Naruto U., Sasuke U., Boruto U., Sarada U., Words: 112k+, Favs: 48, Follows: 49, Published: Dec 2, 2020 Updated: Jul 19

21Chapter 2: DEPARTURE: AN A-RANK MISSION!

BORUTO ALTER: CHAPTER 1

FIVE YEARS BEFORE THE BATTLE WITH ISSHIKI

Wind.

It blew through Boruto's hair, tousling it across his forehead as he ran ahead. He stopped, inhaling deeply while raising his hands into a ready position. He began striking rapidly, aiming pointed fingers at the joints of an invisible enemy.

He-

Boruto turned on his heels in surprise, sensing someone behind him.

He sighed.

"I'm not sure why you're so obsessed with sneaking up on teammates like that, Sarada". Boruto glowered.

Sarada chuckled, moving a strand of dark purple hair away from her mouth.

"I would barely call that sneaking- I was almost stomping."

Boruto tch'd as she walked past him, continuing.

"And you looked so at peace, so in the moment. Why are you even training? I thought you didn't want to take the exams."

Boruto scoffed.

"I don't. But that's no reason to be complacent."

Sarada turned to look at him then, making a face.

"So scary."

"Why are you here?" Boruto frowned. He didn't like being interrupted.

Sarada danced around Boruto, poking his head as he swiped at her.

"You oughta spend more time in the village.."

Sarada smiled, but her tone grew slightly serious.

"People are constantly worried about you. I never know what to say when they ask."

Boruto paused.

"People." He said dryly.

"My dad." Boruto finished, looking past Sarada. In the distance, he could see Konoha's great walls curving above green trees.

"Yup! Others too. Even Ma."

Sarada's face grew stern.

Boruto blushed, looking away from her.

"People care about you. Don't distance yourself so much." She said, smiling at the end of it.

"Hmph." Boruto offered her a half hearted grin. Then, he sighed in defeat.

"Fine."

He raised an eyebrow as Sarada chuckled curtly.

"But there is a reason you're here, right?"

Sarada explained on the way. They sped through Konoha's massive and curling trees, a blur of green and orange passing Boruto's gaze.

Despite the war being won, the world was not at peace.

Thousands of shinobi were now disenfranchised. Especially shinobi from lesser, smaller nations. Even the lands around Konoha were no exception.

In the absence of conflict, these rogue shinobi created it.

Sarada's gaze darkened.

"Mitsuki is already at the Hokage's office-with Konohamaru-sensei. Hima-Chan's team is there too."

Boruto perked up as Konoha raced ever closer in the distance.

A joint mission? He thought.

This wasn't ordinary.

"What's going on?"

Sarada's eyes narrowed behind her oval glasses.

"It'll be better for you to hear it from him."

They arrived into Konoha with little fanfare. It was still midday- there were barely any people in the streets. The faces of the previous Hokage loomed in the far distance. Boruto saw them- as he did everyday.

Of course he respected the others- Especially lady Tsunade. But as always, his eyes were drawn to the faces of Minato, and of course, his own father.

As they jumped building to building towards the high tower of the Hokage's office, Boruto curled his hand into a tight fist.

Their destiny is not my own.

Boruto and Sarada rushed through the building's curving halls. They met two jonin guards who were posted at the Hokage's office.

Sarada glanced over to Boruto.

"Are you rea-"

A loud shout and a crash was heard from within the office.

The two guards rushed into the room, Boruto and Sarada in tow.

The scene was quite the surprise.

Himawari was bellowing as she jumped in the air.

She had spiky blonde hair like Naruto, but the texture and shape of it favored Minato more than either of Boruto's parents- she even bore the same jaw length bangs and slanted eyes that Minato did.

She was dressed in flared black slacks, with a sleeveless black tunic that covered a fishnet undershirt. Her headband was worn around her neck, tied onto a scarf that flowed behind her every movement like a tail.

"Finally! An A-rank mission!" Himawari shouted in delight. Boruto moved past her, eyeing Naruto as the Hokage held his head with a bandaged hand.

"Hima.." Naruto began, before he noticed Boruto.

His eyes widened in surprise- it wasn't often that he saw both of his children in the same day- let alone room.

"I see Sarada found you, Boruto." Naruto said with a tired smile.

Boruto nodded brusquely- he looked about the office.

Aside from Hima, there was Hanabi, and Hima's teammates- Iwabe Yotsuki and Hijikata Hyuga.

The four of them formed Team 11.

Boruto bowed to Hanabi, then glared at Naruto as he folded his arms.

"Where's Mitsuki and Konohamaru?" He asked.

"They're preparing the teams for what I'm about to tell you. As you heard, this will be an A-rank mission."

Boruto's eyes narrowed.

Naruto- his voice was serious- it lacked the jovial, goofy inflection that Boruto had grown up with.

It was then Boruto saw pictures on Naruto's desk.

Two Konoha shinobi.

Naruto caught Boruto's gaze.

"Itama Manjirō and Toshizo Hatamoto. The village proper doesn't know yet.. but they were killed while on patrol last night. Their bodies were found this morning."

Despite himself, Boruto shuddered.

The unrest of the world had finally reached inside Konoha's borders.

"Killed? To kill two jonin without detection-" Boruto's brows furrowed.

It was Himawari's teammate, Hijikata who spoke next.

"And how did they get past the barrier team?" Hijikata asked.

Hanabi answered.

"Whoever did this had intimate knowledge of Konoha." She said steely, nodding at Naruto.

The Hokage returned the motion.

"After the murders, Sai reported multiple scrolls and files stolen- ones pertaining to summoning and sealing jutsu. During the theft, a banister was cut, leaving grooved marks on the wood. We were able to match the cut with kunai produced in the Land of Rivers." Naruto said, rising to his full height.

He turned away from them all, overlooking the village that waited silently outside.

Then, with piercing blue eyes, Naruto turned and looked each of them in the eye before settling on Boruto's frown.

"You genin are among the most talented in the village. Due to what just happened, we can't afford to let more than two Jonin leave to investigate the Land of Rivers. That is why I have selected each of your teams specifically."

"Do you think the Land of Rivers is.. preparing for war?" Iwabe asked.

Naruto settled back into his seat.

"We're not sure. That's why I'm sending two teams to investigate the border and see if anything can be ascertained there. These are not typical rogue ninja- that I'm confident of."

Himawari laughed darkly.

"I wouldn't want them to be regular shinobi. I've been waiting to use my Byakugan-" Himawari boasted with a wild grin.

Hanabi frowned.

"This is serious, Hima." She scolded.

"Hanabi is right. Things are getting dangerous, just like when I was your age." Naruto began, coming around the table. He towered over Boruto and Himawari, placing his hands on both of their heads.

"These shinobi- they're dangerous. It won't be like the sparring matches you've had here. They will kill you without a second thought."

Naruto leaned down then, between the two of his children.

"I want you guys- all of you- to be careful. I thought.. I could protect you from danger like this. When I found that I couldn't, I thought I could at least keep it away from your homes."

Everyone, even Hima, was silent as Naruto's gaze seemed to melt past them. After a moment, he smiled weakly as he jumped to his full height.

"The Land of Rivers grants Konoha military access- but be sure not to enter their lands detected.. if necessary. If they are in fact behind this, they can't be alerted to our presence."

Naruto smiled.

"Good luck, everyone." He beamed.

"Hanabi," Naruto motioned.

Hanabi nodded.

"Iwabe, Hijikata.. Sarada. let's go meet Konohmaru."

Iwabe scoffed.

"Yeah, sure." Iwabe said as he brushed by Boruto.

"Of course, Lady Hanabi." Hijikata pressed his palms together, bowing at Naruto and the others before following his sensei and Iwabe.

Sarada waved at Boruto and Himawari, before bowing politely towards Naruto.

"See ya at the gate!" She said happily.

As team 11 and Sarada rounded out of the room, Himawari spun to follow them.

"Wait, Hima." Naruto called.

Boruto looked back at his sister as she sulked towards them.

"Boruto, Himawari. I didn't want to say this in front of your friends.. but there's another reason your teams were chosen."

Naruto paused.

"We're not sure how many people we can trust from within the village. Only a few clans know of what happened- and even then, that information is restricted to their leaders." Naruto sighed, smiling.

"Of course, we can only keep this secret for so long. Just.. be aware of what you say, and to who, from now on." Naruto said.

Himawari frowned.

"So I can't trust my team? Iwabe and Hijitaka-" Himawari began.

Naruto offered a closed-eye grin to his daughter.

"Of course you can trust them! I'm just.. asking you guys to be careful. Your mom would kill me if anything happened to either of you, ya know?" Naruto chuckled, scratching the back of his head.

"And Boruto.."

Boruto looked away, crossing his arms.

"I didn't want to embarrass you... but you need to make sure you have your headband on when you enter the Hokage's office. Iwabe noticed."

Boruto tightened his jaws.

"Iwabe, huh?" Boruto hissed.

"We're going on a mission like this, and you're worried about Iwabe?" Boruto's voice was barely above a whisper.

He felt it again- the anger. The anger he felt when Naruto was away for days- when he would spend weeks without saying more than a few parting words.

Again, Naruto was putting the village ahead of-

Me?

Boruto paused.

"Iwabe.. He feels like an outsider. He lived in Kumogakure with his father for most of his life. When he sees you- his peer and the Hokage's son, getting away with not following the rules..."

Naruto placed his hand on Boruto's shoulder.

"Please-"

Himawari nudged Boruto, glaring at him before smiling at Naruto.

"He'll listen, da- er, lord Hokage." Himawari bowed her head slightly.

Naruto smiled, then nodded at the both of them.

"I've held you both up long enough. Good luck. Be sure to listen to Konohamaru and Hanabi." Naruto said, staring pointedly at Himawari.

Boruto sighed, reaching into his back pocket.

He felt the weight of his headband as his fingers curled across the cold, alien metal.

Konoha.

Boruto tied the headband around his head, blonde bangs parting as blue-silver eyes glared at the Hokage.

"Let's go, Boruto!" Himawari roared, fist in the air.

As Boruto's sister raced out the door, Boruto paused- giving his dad a sideways glare.

"Cya around, Hokage." Boruto's eyebrows furrowed, but a cynical smile was on his face.

Naruto grinned as Boruto's footsteps echoed down the hall, chasing Himawari.

the Hokage exhaled heavily.

"Sheesh.." Naruto said, crashing a cheek in a waiting palm.

"You were right, Hinata. He really does take after him." Naruto said almost wistfully.

"It was almost as if I was back in the Chunin exams.." Naruto's thoughts paused over Neji.

Then, like always, Jiraiya's face surfaced within Naruto's subconscious.

Despite the wave of sadness he felt, Naruto smiled.

I hope I'm doing the right thing. I miss you now- more than ever.

3: CLASH! ADVANCE OF THE MISSING-NIN

BORUTO ALTER: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS

CHAPTER 2: CLASH! ADVANCE OF THE MISSING-NIN!

Konoha's main gate loomed above Boruto's head. The wind was blowing again, making his headband seem colder than it already was.

A dirt road stretched for miles and miles ahead- leading all who travel upon it from the relative safety of Konoha to a world growing more and more dangerous each passing day.

"Boruto,"

Konohamaru's voice broke Boruto's trance. He looked up to see Sensei standing beside Mitsuki and Sarada.

Mitsuki pounced upon Boruto, inches away from Boruto's face in unnatural seconds.

"Are you alright?" Mitsuki asked, staring ahead blankly.

Boruto pushed Mitsuki away as he joined his team.

"Yeah- sorry." Boruto said.

Konohmaru nodded.

"As the Hokage said, we're going to the Land of Rivers. According to the intel gathered, the rogue shinobi left Konoha undetected. However- "

Konohamaru's eyes passed over each member of his team.

"There were tracks found here, at the main gate, and at the southern gate. That means there may have been two groups, or it's meant to throw us off track. In any case, both tracks are in directions that could lead to the land of Rivers, amongst other villages."

"What if they're attempting to frame the land of Rivers? The cut made by the kunai. It could've been deliberate." Mitsuki said neutrally.

Konohamaru nodded in agreement.

"That was something we discussed. It's definitely a possibility- however, with the other circumstantial evidence.. it's the only lead we have for now." Konohamaru turned away from his team, facing the road.

"Team 11 is leaving from the southern gate. They'll take the southern paths to the Land of Rivers, we'll take the northern route. Then, we'll meet at Chofu village- equal distance from both paths, and some miles away from the border."

Sarada threw a fist into a waiting palm.

"All right!" Her dark eyes darted for Konohamaru.

"We shouldn't let Himawari and the others get ahead of us!" Sarada said as she pushed up her glasses.

As they started running down the path, Konohamaru spoke with his back turned towards his team, leading them through a forest that quickly swallowed them.

Rays of light from a setting sun painted his flak jacket in hues of bright warm tones.

"So, what we know is that these shinobi were able to enter the village undetected.. kill two jonin, and leave similarly hidden." Konohamaru spoke swiftly, his eyes taking in all of their surroundings.

"They were able to leave unnoticed, but left tracks at two gates." Mitsuki added.

As he ran beside Boruto, he smiled.

"What if they didn't leave on foot?" Mitsuki stated.

Sarada nodded, taking up space at Boruto's exposed flank as they sprinted.

"Mitsuki's onto something Sensei- What if they didn't go in either direction?" She said.

Konohamaru set his gaze sternly ahead.

"That's why Hanabi took the southern path. Both teams will circle the area- that way we can cover more ground. Regardless of how they're traveling.. there's no way they can be more than 100 miles away. Not unless they're the Hokage."

Konohamaru sped up, vigor in his voice.

"We'll get to the bottom of this. That's what we've trained for."

Sarada chuckled.

"Right!"

Boruto was silent as he moved. Sarada and Mitsuki brought up good points- something wasn't adding up. The rogue shinobi getting past the perimeter.. their murders. And now, the evidence they left behind.

Worry began to claw at Boruto's throat.

Is this mission.. doomed from the start?

HE STOOD EERILY STILL.

Tattered robes, black and dark brown, waved in the wind. Ahead, the sun was minutes from setting, painting the sky in beautiful shades of red and orange.

Silver hair traveled down his back, while sharp bangs dressed his high cheekbones. He had no eyes- instead, forever open pupils were drawn over empty sockets, staring ahead at nothing at all.

His mouth was a thin, barely discernible line against a sea of marble white skin.

His name was Han Sifu.

Han's ears twitched as his senses alerted him to footsteps coming from behind.

He recognized them as the members of his group.

Beside Han, the presence of a sleeping man could be felt.

The man was a fellow Outer and wanted missing-nin, Kamimura Goro. Han could feel Kamimura's chakra levels- tsking silently to himself upon seeing that Kamimura still wasn't fully recovered.

We don't have time for this.

Lord Deepa's plan.. it hinged on Kamimura's special jutsu. Kamimura had told them he was able to use it three times a day.. but as it turned out, he could only use it twice.

And the second time, he could only travel half the distance he had originally.

Han Sifu smiled.

If they somehow survived, Lord Deepa would gift Han with Kamimura's head- Han was sure of it. This sort of failure is exactly the pretense Deepa loved to utilize- in order to justify his killings.

A voice broke his musings.

"They're moving. Two teams."

Han turned. He sensed the presence of three other men- Nire Tokujiro, Mitchisune Shichi, and Yoshika Ito.

All of them Outers, all of them assigned to Lord Deepa as his Lower Guard. It was their duty to fulfill Lord Deepa's wishes- and if they did, he would sponsor them entry into the coveted circle of Higher Guards, then..

Inners.

"What should we do, Han?" The voice spoke again.

Han turned his head towards the speaker, Nire.

"Kamimura isn't ready yet." Han said, his voice soft and well humored.

"If they're sending two teams, that probably means they're canvassing the entire valley. This is their land." Han Sifu smiled.

"They'll find us within a few hours."

"But- I can sense them, vaguely. My sensory jutsu is best out of all the outers-" Nire protested.

Han Sifu giggled, covering his mouth with a ripped sleeve.

"These are Konoha shinobi. Your sensory skills will be useless if we aren't fast enough to escape them."

"Then.." Nire began.

Han interrupted him.

"If there's two teams.. then the best course is to mirror our attackers." Han grinned, painted eyes staring ahead with inhuman focus.

"Nire- you and Mitchisune will stay behind. Yoshika, you and I will take turns carrying Kamimura until we reach Shota and the rest of Lord Victor's Lower Guard."

Han could feel fear build up within Nire.

"S-stay behind?" Nire said, voice shaking.

Han nodded, a thin smile on his pale face.

"Not just that. You'll use your sensory skill to hunt them. Your mission now.. is to delay our pursuers. Mitchisune- I'm sure you agree."

Han felt Mitchisune's chakra flare up in excited bloodlust.

"Of course." He said politely.

"Hmph." Han chuckled.

"Yoshika-"

"Ugh- yeah. I knew you were gonna tell me to carry em first-" Yoshika complained.

As Yoshika gathered up Kamimura, Han gave one more instruction.

"You are to delay them- killing them would be ideal. Focus on hindering their movement. Even though there's two groups.. one must be closer, correct?" Han asked.

"Yes- one is much closer. In the north, like us."

Then the other group took the false lead.

"If you catch them by surprise, even you may find success. Now go." Han commanded.

Without another word, he felt the presences of Nire and Mitchisune vanish.

"Alright-I think he's steady." Yoshika said to the left of Han's hearing.

"You're definitely carrying him in the morning." Yoshika whined.

As Han and Yoshika took the trees before them, Han reached into his ruined haori. Producing a stolen scroll, he ran his fingers over the bone script that covered ancient parchment.

Uzumaki death god jutsu..

Han used his chakra to sense the area ahead, Yoshika close behind. As they moved, he gripped their precious cargo tightly between thin fingers.

What could Lord Deepa want with something like this...?

4: INHUMAN STRENGTH! BORUTO'S BATTLEFIELD

BORUTO ALTER: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS

CHAPTER 3: INHUMAN STRENGTH? BORUTO'S BATTLEFIELD

Night.

A fire crackled before the young Shinobi. They were gathered around one side as Konohamaru sat on the other. They sat upon logs within the forests that were mixed between Konoha's and the land of Rivers.

Konohamaru had put up a barrier jutsu- it was weak, however it did hid the light of the fire. Still, Boruto felt unease creeping around his shoulders.

Almost as if on cue, Konohamaru looked at Boruto, offering a friendly smile.

"How are you all feeling?" He said, eyes pausing on Boruto's teammates as well.

Sarada was the first to answer.

Visibly annoyed, she pushed up her glasses before speaking.

"I think we're wasting time resting, Sensei." Sarada answered.

"Whoever did this to the village.. we need to catch them as quickly as possible. What if they escape?" Sarada furrowed her brows.

"Don't be so eager to rush into things, Sarada." Konohamaru cautioned.

"Lord Seventh was right when he said that these guys aren't regular Shinobi. We're here to gather intel- clues. Our ninja way.. it's not always about fighting." Konohamaru chuckled.

"I know you want to prove yourself. You'll have your chance. You all will." Konohamaru said with a heavy sigh. Boruto raised his eyebrows-

Sensei looked sad for a moment, as if he regretted what he just said. However, in seconds he was smiling again.

"I'm going to scout the immediate perimeter before checking in with Hanabi. Both of our teams should reach Chofu by the end of the day tomorrow." Konohamaru rose to his feet with a quiet grunt.

"Stay here. I'll be right back." Konohamaru formed a jutsu sign, then vanished in the night with a sharp hiss of air.

"He doesn't understand." Sarada whispered.

Boruto looked over to his teammate. She was staring at her gloved hands, slowly stretching out fingers before closing them into a fist.

"What do you mean, Sarada?" Mitsuki asked, fire illuminating a socially inappropriate smile.

Sarada's dark eyes glanced over to the pale-skinned youth.

"Uchiha.." she said.

Boruto remained silent. Sarada was usually happy- bordering on annoying. Now she was..

"That name.. my clan. It's a curse." Sarada began.

"We all learned about Madara at the academy. I know what he did- what Obito did. Despite their crimes.. they were my family. My dad.. he decided to go running off as opposed to facing the village. Mom says he's on an important mission.." Sarada looked away from Mitsuki then, staring into the fire with hollow eyes.

"I can tell how the village looks at me. How they address me. When they see the Uchiha crest on my back.. deep down, they see a spawn of something.. something evil." Sarada offered a bitter grin.

"I'm sorry. I'm being stupid."

Mitsuki returned Sarada's smile.

"It's not stupid. People treat me with suspicion, too!" Mitsuki beamed.

Boruto stretched his hands closer to the fire.

Breaking his silence, he moved from his log down to the forest floor, using his former seat to recline against.

"Konohamaru sensei is a Sarutobi. He wouldn't understand."

Boruto smirked.

"He's destined to become Hokage after my dad, I bet. He thinks about the village so much.. he probably doesn't even realize you're an Uchiha half of the time."

Sarada laughed.

"I guess I have to thank him for that." She said.

Mitsuki suddenly perked up.

"Something-"

Boruto sensed it too.

No way-

An explosion rattled the ground some meters away, lighting up the forest in darkness. They all jumped to their feet, each one pulling out a kunai.

Boruto spread his senses around him- he was no sensory ninja, but the heightened awareness would help in a pitched, close quarters battle.

An ambush?

Another explosion shook the earth. Fire spouted high into the sky-

"That's Sensei's jutsu-" Mitsuki said coolly.

Sarada nodded her head forward.

"He's signaling us."

Boruto turned his head to face her while simultaneously scanning the trees around them with blue-silver eyes.

"To help him?" Boruto asked.

"No- if I were Sensei.. I'd want us to go find Hanabi's team. It seemed like he was pointing the flames towards the south."

Boruto gritted his teeth.

"That doesn't seem right. We should help-"

Mitsuki placed his hand on Boruto's shoulder as Boruto turned to run.

"Sarada's right. We'd only get in the way. Konohamaru might even lead his attacker to Hanabi."

Boruto ground his sandals into the dirt.

I can't just abandon Konohamaru!

Boruto felt the heat-

then he heard the whistle of it moving through the air.

For a split second, Boruto saw himself, Sarada, and Mitsuki. He could see all around them- the trees, the branches. He saw a needle of water zipping for his neck almost as if it was in slow motion. Boruto craned his head backwards-

Time sped up again.

Boruto's head turned to follow the jutsu as it crashed into the tree trunks to the left of him, splintering several with loud thuds as it cut through bark.

What powerful force.. this isn't just water style!

"Boruto!" Mitsuki screamed, pulling Boruto backwards as more bullets of compressed, steaming water smoked across the cold air.

Crashes echoed throughout the forest. The trio of genin stood back to back-

"Just a couple of kids..?"

A figure pounced down before them.

He rose, illuminated by the nighttime moon.

The man was young, maybe in his early twenties, if not younger. However, seven lines of zig-zagging scars crossed his face, traveling from his forehead down to a square jaw.

He had light brown hair, and wore a black tunic that exposed his stomach. Upon his belly, sealing jutsu was carved. His legs were wrapped in onyx bandages down to his ankles. His arms and hands were unclothed, and they too bore sealing jutsu that spread over his skin like ornate tattoos.

"Who-" Boruto began.

The man frowned, advancing immediately as he wove hand signs.

"Vapor style: Corroding mist!" The man opened his mouth- fog shouted outwards from between white teeth.

The genin separated, jumping in the air as the man's jutsu hissed in the howling wind.

"Don't let it touch you!" Sarada warned.

Boruto nodded silently, flipping himself over in the air as he landed on a branch behind their attacker.

Vapor style.. does he know two chakra natures?

Wait-

The air beside Boruto shifted as his eyes widened in the night.

"I should've had Mitchisune switch with me.." the man said. He was behind Boruto-

Dozens of white snakes sprouted from the ground below them, climbing up the tree with incredible speed. The man leapt away from Boruto's branch, lightened by the moon while hanging in midair.

Sarada ran on the forest floor towards him. Her hands clasped together jutsu signs with trained efficiency.

"Fire style: Fireball jutsu!" She roared. Sarada stopped, sliding on leaves and dirt as she threw her head forward, belching fire from an open mouth.

Sarada's orb of flame rolled over the ground, growing larger as it traveled.

"Ha!" The man grunted as he landed on the forest floor.

"Water Style: water wall!" The man hissed. A wall of water sprouted from nothing, absorbing Sarada's jutsu behind a simmering and hazy shield of liquid and fog.

Mitsuki took the man's place behind Boruto, then leapt to Boruto's side.

"Careful, Boruto." He warned with a neutral grin.

Boruto and Mitsuki pounced in unison. Boruto went for the man's left, and Mitsuki went for his right.

The man spun, meeting Boruto's kunai with his own. He threw Boruto off balance, using Boruto's smaller frame against him. The man kicked Boruto into a tree as he turned towards Mitsuki.

Mitsuki released more snakes from his sleeves- forcing the man backwards. The man leapt into the air, chakra forming around him.

"Boil release: Water scythe.."

The man's jutsu formed about his ears-

Two swirling crescents of steaming water formed out of thin air, hurtling towards Mitsuki. Mitsuki gathered a shield of snakes around him as the man's jutsu came crashing down.

"Mitsuki!" Boruto yelled. He rose to his feet, pain bellowing on the left side of his stomach. He grimaced.

That kick... did he already break one of my ribs?

Boruto ignored the pain. He tasted blood in his mouth as he ran into the fog that had formed around Mitsuki.

Sarada joined up beside him, separating as they came across the man's silhouette.

Good, we'll surround him, then-

Suddenly, four identical attackers leapt from the fog-

Boruto clapped his hands together.

"Wind Release: multiple gale palm!" Releasing his hands, Boruto spread them out to either side of his body. A surge of wind exploded from Boruto, pushing the fog back as three of the man's doppelgängers exploded into white mist.

Boruto's eyes settled on the man as the rogue shinobi was thrown backward.

Then you're-

He and Sarada pressed their attack. Sarada jumped backwards, Boruto stabbing for the man's chest with a kunai. Sarada leapt over Boruto, landing behind the rogue shinobi while Mitsuki slid to the man's right.

With Boruto pushing the shinobi backwards, Sarada and Mitsuki attacked with their own kunai-

A surge of chakra escaped from the man as he folded his hands together into a Jutsu sign.

"Summoning Jutsu: Divine River!"

A swirling, snakelike spout of water curled around the rogue, protecting him as Boruto and the others were thrown backwards.

Boruto rose to his feet, panting. The pain in his stomach was unbearable. He looked over to Sarada and Mitsuki as they rose- both had been thrown a few feet away.

The man himself stood with one hand on his hip, while water swirled a constant circle around his feet.

Boruto noticed that the man's right arm no longer was covered in tattoos.

"This guy.. he's strong." Boruto said aloud to his team.

Sarada joined Boruto. Her dark eyes were narrowed behind dirtied glasses.

"We'll fight defensively now. No more direct attacks." Sarada commanded. Mitsuki stood at Boruto's left.

"We'll have to use Lighting Style." He added.

Boruto tsk'd.

"Lighting style.. we'll run out of chakra quickly."

Boruto narrowed his own eyes, blonde hair crossing bright pupils.

"We'll have to end it in five, no, four moves."

He smiled darkly.

"We're dead otherwise."

The man raised his hands, then clapped them together.

"Now..!" Sarada yelled.

At the same moment, the rogue shinobi's water slithered forward with uncanny speed. It rose in the air, sharpening itself into a funnellike point, and then crashed downward for the group of genin.

Mitsuki leapt out of the clearing and deeper into the forest. Elongating his arms, he grabbed Boruto and Sarada, pulling them between trees as the water turned up dirt and rock.

Sarada panted.

"He's.. This strength.."

Mitsuki nodded.

"We may all be in danger- even Konohamaru Sensei."

Boruto's breathing grew even more haggard. He held his stomach-

This pain! I'm..

Afraid?

"It's no use hiding.."

From behind?!

Tendrils of water sprouted from the trees above. They stabbed for Boruto and his team-

They narrowly evaded the lethal streams. Boruto winced at the sound of water puncturing wood inches away from his face.

This...!

Suddenly, the man fell from the trees-

He quickly recovered, leaping to his feet as he bounced backward, past Boruto and back into the clearing.

What..? Was he-

"You okay, Boruto?" Himawari jumped before her brother, blonde hair crossing her wide forehead.

She looked every bit like Minato, bearing the same, stern face and sharp eyes that their grandfather's stone likeness held for decades.

Iwabe and Hijitaka joined Himawari.

"Boruto- you're!" Hijitaka's white eyes widened in concern.

Boruto raised his hand, grimacing.

"Don't worry about me right now. We need to focus on him." Boruto glared ahead at the rogue shinobi.

The man was cautious- he hadn't moved from his position yet. Despite his strength, he was now on the defensive.

"Is this guy.. the one who attacked the village?" Iwabe asked. He carried two katana, one in each hand. A single lock of black hair escaped a tight, red cap and fell over brown skin.

"We're not sure yet. It doesn't matter- all that matters is taking him down." Boruto said.

Hijitaka nodded in silent agreement.

Himawari's stern expression grew wicked as she bore an evil smile. Signing her hands together, she closed her eyes.

"Byakugan!" She said, veins bulging at the corners of her eyes as they opened. Her blonde jaw-length bangs parted as chakra exuded in response. Her once blue eyes were now white and featureless, like Hijitaka's.

The Byakugan.

Unlike pure blooded Hyuga, Boruto and Himawari weren't born with the dojutsu. However, about a year ago Himawari awakened it in a fit of rage while training, much to their mother's surprise.

Boruto felt a different kind of pain then.

Jealousy...?

"More kids huh?" The man cocked his head to the side. He weaved fingers together, before slowly raising them before his face.

Boruto felt chakra begin to heavy in the air about them.

Even with Hima and the others here.. will we be able to beat this guy?

Boruto didn't have to ask where Hanabi was. She was no doubt going for Konohamaru. Which meant-

For now, we're all alone.

4: HIMAWARI OF THE CRUEL FIST!

BORUTO ALTER: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS

CHAPTER FOUR: HIMAWARI- MASTER OF THE CRUEL FIST!

THE ROGUE SHINOBI stood motionless. Around him, a snaking spout of shimmering water circled. Himawari focused her Byakugan-

What?

"Hijitaka" she began, turning halfways to her teammate. He nodded. "You noticed too?" Hijitaka whispered.

"What is it?" Mitsuki said, looming over them all. His eyes glowed from a branch in the trees above.

"Our Byakugan.. We can't see anything beyond this immediate area. I'd estimate ten to twenty meters.." Himawari said with a grimace.

Himawari looked down at Boruto, who was beginning to stand.

"If you can't move.." She began.

Boruto glared at her darkly.

"We take care of this guy first. I'm not-" A trail of blood fell from Boruto's mouth as it contorted into a pained grin.

"Falling behind.." He rasped.

Iwabe clinked his swords together, scoffing. "Just don't get in our way."

Himawari fell silent. She narrowed her eyes, analyzing the chakra coming from the man. The missing-nin was still releasing more and more.. however, he performed no jutsu.

Boruto rose to his full height. He breathed in loud, raspy gasps while two trails of blood fled from the corners of his mouth. Himawari could see that Boruto was using his chakra to move a wounded body. It would allow him to be mobile, but Himawari estimated Boruto could only use maybe three jutsu in this state before collapsing from exhaustion- or worse.

Himawari's byakugan focused again on the missing nin. Still, he made no movement.

"Sarada-" Himawari began. She was annoyed-

Asking a rival for advice... Tch!

Himawari stilled shaking fists, pulling a kunai from her black sleeve. The kunai was fashioned in the same design as her grandfather's famous weapon, but they were used for a much more violent purpose. Himawari glanced over to Sarada.

"I'm thinkin' Hijikata and I pounce first. I'm not sure about this strange jutsu, but we still have the most visual awareness. It'll be easier for either of you to land a killing blow.. once we've made an opening."

Sarada nodded. She spoke barely above a whisper.

"Then Boruto and I can join your attack once you've created an opening. Mitsuki and Iwabe.. out of us, they're the most skilled at raiton. They'll infuse chakra as we strike, then deliver the finishing blow."

Himawari grinned.

"Hijikata.. let me be the first." Himawari stepped forward. Blonde bangs swept across white eyes. Her mouth was contorted into a sardonic, violent grin. She leapt into battle.

NIRE TOKUJIRO scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. He had expected all of the children to attack at once- but only one girl stepped forward from the belt of trees before him.

The moon shone brilliantly, revealing the girl's eerie white eyes. On her face, a quiet grin waited between sharply pointed features. Byakugan huh.. Smart, sending her fi-

Nire's thoughts evaporated.

The girl was gone.

There!?

Nire jumped backwards, brown hair flying across his face as the blonde girl splintered into view, leaping from the trees to Nire's left.

She's fast- I wasn't prepared for this speed!

The byakugan girl closed the distance between them in terrifying seconds.

Nire clapped his hands together, directing his stream of water to stab itself outwards as a defensive spear.

The girl easily sidestepped the strike- Nire grimaced sternly. He wrapped his index finger with his right hand. The water broke into a splaying ball of needles that cut into the air. The girl leapt backwards, turning about across a sea of nighttime stars. She signed her hands together. A shadow clone exploded into existence beside the girl.

The girl's clone pulled her to the right with both hands, allowing her to evade divine water's pointed claws. The clone continued. With a circling arc, it threw the girl as if she were a kunai before vanishing into a plume of smoke.

Now!

"Hah!" Nire shouted. He released both hands. His water exploded in a shower of superheated spears. The girl's body was instantly punctured.

Blood spurted from a grinning mouth-

What..? What is this.. Nire thought.

The missing nin began to turn his head behind him.

This.. killing intent?!

Nire's sensory jutsu exploded. He spun on his heels as the girl's Byakugan bore into his own eyes. Her kunai was right beside his neck-

Nire lifted his foot, kicking the girl's legs aside. She instantly recovered on her free hand. She threw the kunai for Nire's forehead. Nire spun to the left, the girl's kunai harmlessly hurtling above. He righted himself, clapping his hands together as his jutsu reformed.

"Water Style: Spouting Sword!" Nire bellowed. The water formed into a facsimile of a blade, sharpened by spinning water edged by boiling vapor. The girl had no chance to evade. Nire's attack tore through her torso-

Nire almost swore. The girl's body erupted in white smoke.

Another clone?!

The air popped.

The kunai- she used transformation!

Nire turned just as the girl's open hand, contorted into a clawed weapon, struck him squarely in the chest. Nire coughed up blood, staggering backward. It was then he heard another pair of footsteps running behind him. The others-

Nire kicked himself into a spinning turn. His eyes caught sight of a pale boy running for him. The boy bore the byakugan as well, with grey-black hair adorned in multicolored feathers.

The missing nin felt his chakra points beginning to close.

He stepped for-

Nire's heart THUMPED in excruciating pain. Blood poured freely from his mouth as he fell to one knee.

That girl.. she did more than block my chakra..!

Hm.

Another voice spoke within Nire's consciousness. It came from within the seal. The voice was womanlike, almost carefree. It chuckled as it spoke.

I suppose that's it for you, Nire Tokujiro.

Lady O-Otogane Gamou..! Nire responded within himself.

His vision steadily grew black as Otogane's chakra began to curl from the seal cut onto the flesh of his stomach.

This way.. you will fulfill Jigen's will..

Nire felt tears fall from his cheeks. Not this. Anything but this.

He threw his head backwards, an unholy and eerie scream erupting from his lips.

"Otogane-sama! Please! I can still-!" He begged.

Nire lurched forward on all fours, vomiting blood as his wounds healed. Vile chakra grew from him, cracking open his skin. Rivers of blood leaked from his rent flesh. Nire's mouth elongated, hardening into a hook-shaped beak. His muscles expanded, growing larger as his veins glowed and bulged. His pupils widened, before becoming multiple concentric circles that covered his entire sclera.

Nire felt his consciousness fade away as he stepped forward.

NEXT CHAPTER: SAVE US, SENSEI! KONOHAMARU'S STRONGEST JUTSU!

6: KONOHAMARU'S STRONGEST JUTSU!

BORUTO ALTER: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS

CHAPTER FIVE: SAVE US SENSEI! KONOHAMARU'S STRONGEST JUTSU!

HIS ENEMY laughed loudly. Smoke rose from a small crater, masking Konohamaru's foe in dusky fog.

Still, Konohamaru could see the pointed spikes of the man's hair, and the wide frame of his body. Further behind the man, burning trees crumbled to wavering grass below. random circles of exploded earth pocked the ground.

All of this the work of the man's volatile jutsu.

I can sense there's some sort of barrier around us now.

He couldn't sense the others, his students. He at least knew they heeded his message to flee for the south. Hopefully, they met up with Hanabi's team.

It was simple.

All Konohamaru had to do was defeat this rogue nin.

The man waved the smoke away. He had gray skin and a sunken, skeletal-like nose. His hair was bright blonde, frayed and pointed like a star. His piercing blue eyes violently twinkled, appraising Konohamaru.

As the man stepped from the crater, he bore a flashy white smile.

"You're quite fast, Konoha-nin!" The man complimented happily.

He flexed his hands while crossing his arms.

"You must be.. a jonin!"

It's coming!

Konohamaru threw himself into the air with a kick. The ground below him exploded in dozens of miniature bombs. He rose from the smoky ash, dashing backwards into the adjoining wood.

He leapt from tree to tree-

A hand sprouted from above Konohamaru. His eyes widened as vision exploded in light.

Konohamaru's body burned, before rolling to the ground as a charred log.

Konohamaru himself peered at the man from a branching perch hidden in the trees.

"I know you're there, Konoha-nin. But.. let's talk a bit."

The man grinned before sitting down.

#boruto fanfiction

[emf005]

I'm Trying

Here is my weekly post! I hope you guys enjoy, this is a personal fave of mine. Please let me know what you think of it! I love to get feedback!

Marauders Era

Sirius Black x Fem! Reader, Remus x Twin sister! Reader. Marauders x Reader

Warnings: Swearing, mini make out sesh, sort of self harm, fear

You stole a piece of chocolate from your stash. You always had a secret stash in case you brother, Remus, ever ran out before the full moon. But you also had a bit of a sweet tooth yourself. Well, you could call it more than that actually. See, while your brother was a full werewolf, you were about half, but he didn’t know that. If he knew that he would actually lose it. The only person who knew was Lily, and she had found out by accident.

So, while your brother would always turn into a werewolf on full moons, you only sometimes did. You also got mood swings to the max. But no one ever questioned it because they assumed it was just girl stuff. And the four boys you hung out with, no matter how close you were, didn’t really want to strike up a conversation about that. Ever.

You see, your turning started your second year at Hogwarts. You woke in the forbidden Forest feeling like you had been hit with a ten ton bus. You put two and two together and started to ask Lily’s friend, Severus, if he could brew you a potion in secret. So I guess you could say two people knew. But it wasn’t like Severus would tell on you. You were always nicer to him than your friends were and he seemed to appreciate that. So, he always made you a potion while slughorn made Remus his.

James often asked why you never joined them. While your brother couldn;t become an animagus, you could for some odd reason. You turned into a small black and white ferret, while your brother couldn;t change at all. You felt bad, it was your fault he was like this, and despite his countless times he had told you it wasn’t your fault you both knew it was. But everytime James would ask Remus would answer for you.

“I don;t want her out there. I’m her brother. It's my job to protect her. I wouldn;t be able to live with myself if I accidentally did something to her.” You always clenched your jaw at his response. He still saw you as a little kid, despite being his twin. You couldn’t stand it!

You never thought anyone noticed these secret feelings you held against your brother. Oh how you were wrong. Sirius Black always noticed when Remus would say something to upset you. And he was always the one there for you. See, despite his liking for it, he had caught feelings for you. He thought he could trample them by asking out every girl in the school, but that only seemed to make his want for you grow. But he never said anything. You were his best friend’s twin sister. It was just wrong, no matter how strongly he felt for you.

The full moon was coming up again soon, and you ran down the hall to see your brother and friends waiting for you. Remus looking in his bag frantically.

“Hey, guys!” You smiled with fake cheer. You felt awful today, but you couldn;t let anyone see that. They might grow suspicious of your secret. “What's wrong, Rem?”

“He didn’t restock his backpack again with chocolate.” Peter squeaked. Remus threw him a dirty glance before rooting through his bag again. You internally groaned. You always had a stash in your bag, and you really needed it today. But, you were his sister. Sacrifices must be made. You slung your bag around and grabbed your whole stash and filled his bag with it. You even let him finish the one you had been munching on, much to your disappointment.

“Thank you, Y/N/N,” he said, stuffing the chocolate bar in his mouth. You just smiled at him and put your head down and clutched your messenger bag harder. White knuckling the strap. God, you wanted to rip the chocolate out of his mouth and just eat it. But no. You were a fucking good sister. And a fucking good sister you would stay.

Classes were a pain all day, especially with the smell of chocolate enveloping you every time Remus would open a new package. You had broken four quills by lunch and they were all joking about it.

You all headed out of your final class and down to the great hall, like you normally did. BUt Remus seemed to be in an even worse mode. You were glad he had the chocolate, he might’ve actually murdered someone. You, on the other hand, were so close to murder, but you had to keep that damn smile on and your shirt pulled up high onto your shoulder tightly, despite the heat. That's where Greyback had gotten you. Just a nip on the shoulder before remus thought it was a good idea to attempt to hit him with a chair. Key word, attempt.

Remus was on the end of the line bsides you. Some slytherin accidently knocked into him and he let out a growl as he kept walking and talking to the Huffelpuff. Here we go.

“You got a problem?” He whipped around, staring at the boy clad in green robes. The boy looked at him confused. You recognize him. Your year, Jacob Jemesky. One of the cutest boys in your year. I mean, his eyes alone were perfect enough.

“I’m sorry?” He asked. You put a hand on Remus’s shoulder.

“Rem,” but he shook you off and walked up to the boy.

“I said, you got a problem, Snake?”Your eyes widened and you became red faced. You walked over to him and pulled him away from the Slytherin, shoving him to SIrius and James who held him back and tried to get hima away from the situation.

“I am so sorry about that, Jacob, right?” You nodded a smile on his lips.

“Yeah. And no worries. Your, Y/N, right?” You blushed slightly.

“Yeah. Its nice to finally meet you. We’ve shared a few classes I think.” He nodded before his eyes flashing back to your brother.

“Is he alright? I really didn’t mean to-”

“He’s fine. Trust me. He just gets moody from here and there. I think its like a twin thing between me and him, knowing when one is going to have a bad day and all.” He nodded.

“Well, I have to get going, but I’ll see you around, Y/N.” He waved and started to leave.

“See you around!” You waved back. Your smile dropped as soon as he turned the corner. You took a few deep breaths and walked over to your brother who was still trying to get out of James and Siris’ grips. “You two can let go now.” The boys did as you said but were ready to grab him at any second.

“What the hell was that for, Y/N?” He shouted at you, making your back straighten, ready to take it all. He just had to yell at someone sometimes, and the majority of the time it was you.

“He didn’t do it on purpose, Rem. You know that. You just need to calm down for a second, ok?”

“Calm down? I am calm!” James went to say something but you just shook your head at him. You weren’t going to let them take any of this heat.

“Rem, you're really not. Please just-”

“Don;t tell me what to do, Y/N! I am sick of you trying to constantly manage every little thing that I do. You can’t even begin to understand what I go through! You have no right to tell me to calm down. Or to tell me what I am and what I’m not. You know why? Because I am a fucking werewolf becuase of you,” every bit of air was sucked out of the empty corridor. Luckily empty. But he didn’t stop there. “I took that bite for you! We both know it was your fault! You were too naive to even think for a second that it wasn;t smart to go outside that early in the morning when the moon was still out! It was all yoru fucking fault! So don;t tell me what to do, or how to feel or any of that, because this is all happening because of you!”

You stood frozen as his breath calmed. You had tears slipping down your cheeks which was a strange sight for everyone in your friend group. Yo never cried. But hearing Remus admit that it was your fault, you couldn’t handle it anymore. The dam just broke. You swallowed, trying to get the lump in your throat away.

“Are you better, Remus?” He just stared at you, his eyes turning from rage to fear as he heard what he had said and how you referred to him as Remus and not Rem or bro or some stupid nickname you had given him. You smiled sadly and wiped a tear away. “I’m glad. I’m glad that finally admitting the truth makes you feel better.” You turned and started to walk down the hall only to stop and look over your shoulder. “You know. I just have to say this because I have for a while now. I have always tried my best to be there for you. Always tried to be patient. Always tried to take care of you when you wouldn’t let me do more. And also, I’m not the bloody moron who hit Fenrir Greyback with a chair and didn’t have the arm strength for it and ended up falling out a window!” You spit at him before walking down the hallway, tears streaming down your face at this point.

Remus opened his mouth to call after you, but he saw Sirius bolting after you instead. He had fucked up majorly. He knew it. James took him by the shoulder and directed him towards the Great Hall. James being the only one who knew of Sirius’ crush on you and knowing that Sirius would be able to calm you down better than any of them. And if he couldn’t, then Remus had just gotten himself into a deep deep deep hole.

You sat in the small alcove you had found your first year. It was in a secluded part of the courtyard, only your lily and Sirius knew about it. Which sucked because they knew exactly where to look for you.

Your head was in your knees and silent tears continued to pour down your face and on your knees. You didn’t know what to do. Didn’t know how to feel. You just didn’t know.

“Y/N?” You looked up to see Sirius standing by the entrance of the alcove. He had pushed aside the vines that hid you from view and was watching you, waiting to see what you would do. You sat up quickly and brushed the tears aside, smiling at him.

“Hey, Sirius,” your voice cracked and you cringed. He gave you a small pitiful smile and made you move over so he was sitting next to you. “Is he ok?”

“He will be,” you sighed and rubbed your hands over your face.

“I shouldn’t have stormed off. Or said any of that,” Sirius frowned.

“You know Moony is my best friend, but he started that argument.”

“Yeah but with the full moon coming up… he’s just on edge, and I know that. And he was right, I just didn’t expect him to say it like that. I over reacted.”

“You were just helping out a Slytherin, who you obviously like,” he hit your shoulder and you laughed, you felt your shirt fall down a bit off your shoulder but didn;t go to move it.

“I just find him attractive. That was the first time I've talked to him.” Sirius smiled through his pain and laughed with you. His eyes fell to your shoulder for a moment and he froze.

“Y/N/N, what happened?” He questioned looking at the small mark that the werewolf had left all those years ago. Your eyes widened and you quickly pulled your sleeve back up and cleared your throat standing.

“No-nothing. Um… I-I have to-to… uh.. To go. I’ll-I’ll see you, Sirius. Thank you,” you scurried out of alcove and dashed through the halls. You knew you couldn’t avoid him for long. I mean, the four of them had the marauders map, they would find you anywhere you went. You walked into the Great Hall, thankful to see Lily sitting by James. “Lily!” She looked over at you and her smile fell when she saw the state you were in. She excused herself and came running up to you, leading you out the Hall and to your room.

“Are you ok? James told me the blow out-”

“Sirius saw the scar,” you interrupted her. She froze.

“Does he know?” You shook your head.

“No. But I know he’s going to question me as soon as I’m alone. I just didn't want that to happen.”

“Not yet, you mean.”

“Ever.” She sighed, but didn’t push the subject. She was adamant that you should tell the boys about your… condition. You were adamant that you keep it to yourself, forever.. The fights between you and your twin would get worse, and you couldn’t let that happen.

Sirius walked into the Great Hall, scanning the Gryffindor table for you, he came up empty. He sat down, but kept searching the hall and glancing at the doors every now and then.

“What wrong, Mate?” James asked, taking a bite of his sandwich. Even Remus was eating, slowly, but eating.

“Nothing,” he mumbled and took a banana from the table. If you acted like that around him when he saw that scar, he could only imagine you didn’t want anyone else knowing about it. “Do you have the map?” James nodded and handed over the map from his pocket.

Quickly, Sirius unfolded it and searched for your name. You were in the girls dormitory with Lily. His leg started to bounce while he considered going after you. He could always ask Lily if he could have a second with you. He just wanted to make sure you were alright. You seemed really upset when you stormed out.

Had you always worn long sleeves of some sort?

He handed the map back to James before standing up and heading towards the Gryffindor dorms. Maybe he could lure you out with some chocolate. He knew you were addicted to the stuff, practically eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but you always gave your stash to your brother. Some days he wished you wouldn’t. Just because he noticed how you would stiffen at the smell of it, or when you heard a wrapper from your stash being un-did. He knew Remus needed it, but it seemed like you sometimes needed it just as much as he did.

He bumped into LIly in the common room, he opened his mouth but she held up a hand to silence him.

“Listen, I know you want to check on her. But she isn’t in the best state right now. Especially if you are going to be questioning her about what you saw.”

“I just want to make sure she’s alright. I won’t question her about it.” Lily bit her lip and thought about it for a moment before shaking her head. You had given the last of your chocolate stash to Remus the other day and were in desperate need. But she didn’t want to leave you alone with Sirius in the dorm. He knew how to get into the girl’s dormitory, no shock there, but seldom did it. And normally only did it to bug the hell out of you.

“I’m sorry. It really isn’t the best decision. I have to run out and get her more chocolate from the kitchens, the house elves keep a stash for her down there. Please, don’t go in.”

“I can grab some from Remus’ stash,” he offered. But she shook her head.

“Where do you think the rest of her stash went?” Lily smiled and left. Sirius sat down on one of the couches, his leg bouncing aggressively again. He knew he shouldn’t go into your dorm room. He really shouldn’t. But, the thing is, that only made him want to more.

“Lily?” He heard your voice and looked up and saw you on the staircase, looking worse for wear. Your eyes met his and you froze, visibly freezing.

“Hey,” he scrambled to his feet, but didn’t move towards you.

“H-Hey,” you stuttered, your eyes still locked on him.

“I-uh,” he cleared his throat awkwardly. Why wasn;t he good at being sincere like this? “I came to check on you. See if you were alright.” You eyed him cautiously.

“Uh. Yeah. I-I’m fine.I-uh-well, I can’t exactly explain-” He shook his head.

“You don’t have to.”

“Yeah, but I should. It was rude. And I still haven’t apologized to Rem,” you sighed and sat down on the stair, putting your head in your hands again. He slowly walked over and sat next to you, not talking. He just put his arm around your shoulders. You turned your head into him and he rested his chin on your head.

“You ok?” You let out a breathy laugh. And shook your head.

“Not really.”You heard the clock chime and knew Lily had gone to class and purposefully left you with Sirius, knowing of your… fondness... of him. Damn, you really needed chocolate. “Don’t you have to get to class?” He chuckled.

“When have I ever been on time?” You laughed, knowing how true his statement was. Only when he walked with you was he ever early or on time. Unless it was for transfigurations. He would stand outside the door until class was five minutes in before walking in dramatically, interrupting the entire class, and taking a seat next to you. Mcgonagall would huff in annoyance, but you knew she didn’t hate it. You also knew she knew what he didn everyday and never made any course of action to change it.

“Good point. But we are supposed to have transfiguration now. Don't you think Mcgonagall will miss you?”

“I bet she wouldn’t know what to do without me.”

Meanwhile in transfiguration:

“Ok, Black will be walking through the doors in three, two, one,” Mcgonagall kept talking but looked at the doors and waited for them to bang open with Sirius. Nothing happened. She began to sweat. “Where is he? What is he getting himself into? Did he die? Did someone else accidentally die and he is hiding the body?”

Back to the common room:

“Besides, I think you need a friend right now.” You smiled and nodded. “And chocolate.”

“Did I just get compared to chocolate?” He joked.

“You should be honored. I think very highly of chocolate. In my opinion it's better than christmas.” He laughed.

“Really?”

“Yeah. Christmas comes once a year, chocolate is a year long thing.” he laughed again, and you smiled, proud that you could make him laugh like that. Then your smile faded as you thought if his girlfriend made him laugh like that.

It's not like you would ever date him. You might have a crush on him, but you not only had to keep your secret a secret, but he was also your twin brother’s friend. You couldn’t do that.

“We better get to class.” you lifted your self off him, both of you immediately missing the other person’s body heat. “Mcgongall probably thinks you killed someone.” he gave you a small smile as you ran up to your room to grab your bag. He grabbed his from the couch where he had set it. He slung it over his shoulder and you came running down the stairs, skipping the last four. “Ready?” You asked, your normal smile on your face. He smirked.

“Talking to me for a few minutes put that smile on your face?” He teased as you made your way out of the portal.

“No, I found a few bars of chocolate under my bed.” You said happily, pulling two bars out of your pocket. He rolled his eyes as you opened one and handed it to him. He stared at it for a moment before taking it.

“You don’t want it?”

“I might’ve found four and ate two while coming down the stairs.” He laughed and took a bite of his. You unwrapped yours and started eating away at it. You two made your way into Mcgonagall’s class, Sirius banging the door open.

“Minnie! Did you miss me?” He shouted. You shook your head and laughed as Mcgonagall just stared daggers at him. The class erupted into laughter, but stifled it at one glare from the professor.

“Mr. Black. How kind of you to join us. Same goes for you as well, Miss. Lupin,” her gaze was less harsh on you, but you still blushed and put your head down. You two slid into your seats and began to take notes. Luckily it had been a review day. And Sirius was a master at transfigurations, so he would help you after class since it, ironically, wasn’t your best subject(And by that I mean you were still a crazy master, just not your best class).

You two spent the lesson showing the other students up as you easily changed everything and answered questions correctly. Lily was even struggling a bit at the rate you and Sirius were commenting. Of course, yours were more sincere than Sirius’ sarcastic answers (that were always correct in some sense) but you two still ruled the lesson.

You all left the lesson, you headed down to the dungeons for potions with Remus and James while Peter, Sirius and Lily went to divinations. It was a tense silence, you walking ahead of the boys with your head down and your books pressed against your chest. James joined you in front which you were grateful for, but you knew he was trying to get you to talk to Remus. You just needed a little while, and you told him as much. He just nodded and continued walking with you to potions. You sat towards the back of the class and left Remus and James to sit in your usual spots. Someone sat besides you and you were about to ask them to move when you noticed it was Jacob.

“Hey!” You smiled kindly at the slytherin sitting beside you.

“Hi. I forgot we shared this class. You don’t mind if I?” You shook your head.

“No, of course not.” He smiled.

“You're normally sitting next to Lupin and Potter, right?”

“Yeah. Remus is my twin and we kind of just got the same group of friends. Surprising, right?" You chuckled and he chuckled with you. Slughorn began to teach and the two of you went to work on the assignment together. It wasn't a hard potion today. At least for you it wasn’t. Potions was your best class, although Slughorn was a terrible teacher. Well, it actually wasn't your best subject. That was defense against the dark arts. Potions was a close second.

"Alright class, for your next assignment you will be working with the person at your table for. You will be brewing and writing on a potion I will randomly select for each of you," you looked over at Jacob with a smile.

"Looks like we're partners," you beamed. He smiled back excitedly.

"Looks like it, Lupin. I'll start cleaning up, why don't you go up and get our assignment?" He suggested. You nodded and headed to the front, meeting James on the way.

"You and Jacob?"

"Yeah. He's pretty good at it, so whatever potion we get should be a piece of cake." You smiled up at him. He only offered you a small one in return, making you falter in confusion.

What was that about?

He went back to his table with your brother and you walked up to Slughorn.

"Ah, miss. Lupin! I was surprised to see you not with your brother."

"We had a bit of a disagreement earlier. I'm Jacobs' partner. What potion would you like us to complete?" He looked at you for a moment before his face lit up with an idea.

"How about amortentia? Yes, that would suit you two nicely,” he declared. You rolled your eyes. That was the cheesiest potion he could have given you.

“Sounds great, professor! I’ll tell Jacob and we’ll get to work on it right away,” you turned and sulked back to your table. He noticed the look on your face.

“What did he give us?”

“Amortentia.” Jacob rolled his eyes.

“Honestly? How many times has he given that out to students, can’t he be the least bit more creative?” You chuckled and grabbed your bag from the back of your chair and clung it over your shoulder before gathering your notebook.

“I completely agree. So, how about we meet in the library tomorrow to start on the paper and divy up the work?”

“Sounds good to me!” He smiled as you two walked out of the classroom, chatting a bit more as you left. You were so caught up in your conversation with Jacob you missed a black haired boy waiting for the three of you. He was leaning up against the wall, as he normally did, with his hands in his pockets and his bag by his one foot. The sight of you walking out with Jacob made him freeze and just stop breathing all together.

James and Remus followed the two of you out a few seconds later, not paying any attention to what was going on with you as you laughed at something he had said. You were just standing in the middle of the hallway. What was that about?

“Sirius!” He snapped out of his trance when James’ voice cut through the air.

“Mmh?” He looked at Remus and James, who both had a worried look on their faces.

“You ok? You zoned out for about four minutes straight.”

“Yeah, I’m fine. What’s your sister doing hanging out with that Slytherin you told to piss off earlier?” Remus whipped around and stared at you as you laughed again, his eyes narrowing dangerously at the Slytherin boy. He was the reason you two were fighting in the first place. That was a lie and Remus knew it, but that didn’t mean he had to admit it.

”She’s partnered with him for the project,” James clarified, causing both Sirius and Remus to look at him.

“He sat beside her,” Remus practically growled, tossing another glance as you waved goodbye to him and he did the same.

“What did you expect when she didn’t want to sit by us? He obviously took a liking to her earlier in the hall.”

“Why didn’t she sit by you?” Sirius asked. “You two didn’t make up yet?” Remus grumbled something that no one could hear, but they didn’t really care. You started walking over, ignoring your brother’s presence all together.

“Hey, Sirius. Hey James. Ready to head to dinner?” It was quiet for a few seconds, Remus just staring at you.

“Yeah,” James finally broke the silence. “Lets-uh-let's get to dinner. Quickly.” He took you by your shoulder and started to rush you to the dining hall.

Nothing improved over the week. The full moon was coming closer, making both you and Remus even more on edge. The two of you had attempted to make up, but that just resulted in another, bigger, blow out. James and Peter had to hold Remus back as Sirius and Lily had to hold you back. Both of you were about to pumble each other. You finally threw a very nasty statement at him before storming up to your common room. In your defense he deserved it.

You started to distance yourself from all the Marauders, even Lily in some ways as you focused on your studies. You met Jacob in the library every day to work on your potion’s assignment, which seemed to get Sirius and Remus both in a twist, though one was better at hiding it than the other. That was when the third blow up happened. The day of the full moon.

“I can’t believe you are hanging around that Slytherin.” Remus spit out to you as you were all sitting in the common room before lunch. It was Saturday and none of you felt much like going outside since you would be out all night.

“Excuse me?” You asked with raised eyebrows, putting the book you were studying out of down.

“You heard me.”

“I did, and since when have you cared? Not like you've been in my life much,” you spat. He clenched his jaw and stared at you, all of your friends ready to jump in case you got into another fight.

“Since it's a blasted Sytherin.”

“That's not even a fair judgment. Have you ever even talked to him?”

“Why would I? A pretty boy pure blood who comes from a rich family?” he scoffed. “Sounds like a fun time.” You bristled.

“You just described Sirius!” You yelled. You turned to Sirius. “No offense, of course,” he held up his hands.

“You called me pretty, I’m happy.” You rolled your eyes at him, not helping the butterflies in your stomach when he said that.

“Yeah, but he isn’t a Slytherin!”

“You're condemning all Slytherins to being evil now?”

“Aren’t they?” you were both on your feet now, causing everyone else to join you.

“No you ignoramus! And if you could see two inches past your fucking nose, then you would know that!”

“Name one person other than your precious boyfriend!”

“Slughorn!”

“Bet you can;t do it again.” He challenged. You sneered.

“Snape!” He laughed.

“Really? Him? You decide that he is not evil? Have you seen him?”

“Have you looked in the mirror much? You aren’t the model yourself!” He sneered.

“How about you?”

“What about me?:”

“You look as bad as I do, dare I say worse! And your chocolate consumption has become twenty times it normally is! Now you are hanging around a Slytherin and constantly fighting with me!”

“Me-” you laughed harshly and dramatically. Making it sound almost hysterical and mad. “Your the one who picks the fucking fight everytime!”

“Becuase you make stupid descions!”

“Like hitting a beast in the back with a chair from the top of a two story house?”

“Y/N,” Lily warned from beside you.

“To only save your arse from becoming what I am!”

“Yeah, well, bang up job, Remus Lupin! A for effort I suppose!”

“And what is that supposed to mean?”

“Silencio!” Lily yelled, pointing her wand at you. You yelled a string of curses at her and your brother before storming out of the common area. She shot Remus a glare, something that didn’t happen often.

“You know, she’s going to Hogsmead with him next weekend. I suggest you get your act together before then and actually support something your sister is doing before you remove her from your life completely,” she hissed and chased after you. All the boys were frozen from, not only Lily’s scolding, but the fact that you were going to Hogsmead with him. Sirius felt ill and just stood in place, frozen.

“Great,” James mumbled. “They’re both broken now. At least we are ok, Peter,” He looked over to where Peter had been standing. Now the boy was passed out on the ground. James sighed and shook his head. “Never mind.”

Lily found you in your normal spot, silently crying to yourself. She removed the spell and your sobs were so loud she almost silenced you again. She sat down besides you, but you made no move to put your head on her shoulder like you normally did.

She knew you didn’t want to talk to her right now. She knew it was Sirius that you wanted to speak to, but you had just announced that you were going to Hogsmead with Jacob. Sirius was trying to get over that fact.

“We should probably go meet Sev,” she murmured in your ear. “The potion will make you feel better.” You just shook your head and tried to catch your breath.

“I-I’m fine. I just… I just need a minute.”

“You are going to hate me for saying this, but you need to make up with your brother and tell Sirius how you feel. You made it seem like you and Jacob were going on a date when you know that's not what's happening.” She scolded. You nodded your head, not being able to catch your breath from how hot you were, especially with all the clothes you had on.

“Can-can you help me get the jacket off? Please?” She nodded and started to pull at the sleeve, revealing an arm full of scars. You pulled the other sleeve off, prevailing a second arm full of scars. Your breathing slowed and you were finally able to catch your breath.

You quickly wiped the tears from your eyes.

“I didn’t let anything slip. They-they don;t know anything, right?”

“I almost let you. But that wasn’t the right way to do it.” You nodded gratefully, tracing some of the scars on your arm. You were more on edge today, but, for once, you don;t think chocolate would help. But that was only because of Remus’ comment earlier.

“We should probably get your potion from Sev. I have a feeling tonight's going to be one of your… worse… ones.” You nodded, feeling it too. This wasn;t just going to be an irritating night, this was going to be a full on transformation.

“I’ll have to tie myself down in the Room of Requirement tonight,” you nodded, agreeing.

“I don’t see why you tie yourself down. You take the potion.”

“What if it doesn’t work one night? You are going to have a second werewolf around and on the grounds. It's better if I just tie myself up and be prepared.” She sighed, knowing you wouldn’t see reason in this.

“Will you at least let me be in there with you?”

“Merlin, Lily! No! Are you mad?”

“Remus at least has-”

“And Remus is a normal werewolf. I am not. Something could go wrong at any moment and I am not letting anyone get remotely close to me. You know that!”

“I’m just saying-”

“No!” her eyes widened as you snapped at her. “It's not happening, so stop asking,” you stood up and walked out of the alcove in a huff, leaving her slightly stunned, your jacket sitting where you had once occupied. She thought about going after you and giving it back, but maybe this was what you needed. Someone else to know your secret.

You realized too late that you had forgotten your jacket and turned around to get it when you heard Sirius.

“Y/N! Wait a minute!” You froze before bolting in the direction towards the alcove you knew your jacket would be in. “Y/N!” He called after you again, his voice getting closer. You pushed yourself to run faster, only making you trip over your feet in the process and tumble to the ground with a cry. You were so close to your jacket. But Sirius caught up and froze when he saw your arms. His mouth opened and closed quickly.

You grabbed him and shoved him into an empty classroom, locking the door behind you and turning back to him. He was still staring at your arms and you sighed in frustration, letting a long string of profanities fall from your lips and you paced the room, pulling the skin from your lips, trying to figure out what to do.

You could obliviate him. Of course, that wasn’t the best course of action. You really didn’t want to obliviate your best friend. While you were thinking he came back to his senses.

“Y/N?”

“Mh?” You hummed, still thinking about what to do. He grabbed you and turned you towards him.

“Y/N.”

“Yeah?” His eyes scanned your arms.

“What happened?” You bit your lip and continued to pull it apart with your teeth. WHat could you tell him? “Y/N?”

“You're gonna kill me,” you mumbled and closed your eyes moving away from him and running your hand over your face.

“I-I won’t. Just-”

“I can’t, Sirius. I can’t tell you.” You looked back towards him with nothing but sorrow in your eyes. “I’m sorry. I just can’t tell you.” Then the pieces fit together. Your mood swings during the full moons, you always carrying chocolate and your ears always perking when you heard the wrapper. The way you “just knew” when someone was close by or something was headed your way.

“Please don’t tell me-”

“Please don’t worry about it,” you begged.

“I am staring at your scared arms. How am I not supposed to worry about it?” He raised his voice. It wasn’t a yell, but it still made you flinch. He noticed and lowered his voice again. “Y/N, I need you to tell me the truth here,” you looked down and he walked closer to you. Careful steps. Very careful steps. “That night Remus got turned into a werewolf, did he-” you nodded. Tears welling in your eyes. “But you can transform into an animagus.” You swallowed the lump in your throat.

“I’m not a full one. I get testy around the full moon, but don’t always turn. And I carry the chocolate for Remus, mostly.” He shook his head.

“Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

“Because Remus has it ten times worse than me. Please don’t tell him,” you begged.

“Don’t tell him? How am I supposed to not tell him?”

“By keeping your mouth shut?” You attempted the joke, but he just shook his head at you. “Please. I am begging you, Sirius. I really need to meet Sev and I need my jacket an-”

“Snape?” You looked away and bit your lip. “Why do you…”

“He’s the best one at potions in our year. He was the only one who can, well, you know.”

“That's why you protected him when Remus said that stuff about Slytherins.”

“He’s helped me out since second year. And with all the turmoil happening between me and everyone, tonights going to be bad. I really need to get the potion off him. Like now. Please, I will tell you everything later, just please let me go and please don’t tell Remus.” His leg bounced as he stared at you from the table he sat down at. He shrugged off his own jacket and threw it over your shoulders.

“Get your potion. I expect everything to be explained tomorrow and I will not tell your brother, yet.” You smiled and hugged him, throwing your arms around his neck.

“Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you.” You mumbled into his neck as he hugged you back.

“Yeah yeah. Just be careful, ok?” he set you firmly on the ground again. “Promise me.” You nodded and slid your hands through the arm holes of his jacket. It was far too big for you, but you didn’t really care. First off because it was hiding your scars. Second off, you had Sirius Black’s jacket on, and that may or may not have made your heart beat out of your chest. And then if you add the way he was looking at you on top of that, you were dead.

“I promise. Thank you, Sirius. You are a life saviour.” You left the room and he stood staring at that door, cursing himself and needed to find Lily, pronto.

“Evans!” He yelled into the great hall where the red head was sitting. She looked over at him with an eye roll, but then noticed his serious expression. Which was, ironically, something he rarely had on his face. She stood up and scurried over to him and he pulled her out of the great hall. “You knew, didn;t you? About Y/N.” She shrugged, guilty.

“She made me swear to secrecy. Do you know where she went? She got mad at me and stomped off without her jacket. I’m assuming you-”

“Saw her hundreds of scars? Yes.”

“She showed you all of them” She creased her eyebrows and his eyes narrowed.

“All? Where is all?” Lily swallowed.

“Everywhere?” His eyes flickered down the hall, almost as if he were looking for you.

“Why does she have more than Remus?”

“Her body heals differently and she didn’t have the ointment he gets from the hospital wing, despite my persistent begging for her to get it.”

“Does her boyfriend know about this?”

“Her what?”

“Jacob. The Slytherin.”

“Sirius, they aren’t dating.”

“But he’s taking her to Hogsmead.”

“To help him pick out a gift for his little sister’s birthday. I said that in the heat of the moment. She was pissed at Remus. Please, don’t make her feel worse about keeping this a secret. And no, she just met him a week ago. She’s known Remus since she was born and you since everywhere in between.” Sirius looked down the hall again before back at Lily.

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Do not tell Remus until after the full moon tonight. They are both on edge and it's not going to be a pretty fight.” Sirius nodded, recalling how badly he had wanted to yell at her for not telling them about this.

“Anything else?”

“Go easy on her. It had to of taken a lot of guts not to obliviate you on the spot.” Sirius nodded, knowing she had contemplated it for a split second.

“Yeah, ok. I can do that.”

“Thank you, Sirius. You're a good friend.” He scoffed.

“Tell that to Mooney when he’s beating the daylights out of me.” Lily put a hand on his shoulder before disappearing back into the Great Hall. “He’s gonna kill me for this,” Sirius mumbled before following her into the hall.

You had just finished tying the ropes onto your arms. They were charmed so no matter what tugged at them they would hold you in place until the full moon was over. You had tied them extra tight tonight for precaution. Lily walked in with her arms full of chocolate and some other food for before and after the full moon.

“Do you have to tie them so tight?”

“Yes,” You grunted as you pulled one more time to triple check if they were tight enough.

“Sirius pulled me aside today,” she hummed slightly and took a seat in front of you on the floor. You glanced at his jacket.

“Speaking of,” you said before she could say anything. “Can you return his jacket? I don’t want it to get ruined or anything and I didn’t see him before I came here.”

“You didn;t see him because you didn’t want to. You can’t avoid him or telling our friends about this.”

“Yeah, but I can put it off for as long as possible.” She shook her head at you.

“You are unbelievable.”

“Yep. Can you pass some chocolate over please.” She started to grab it but you changed your mind. “Actually, just hand me the grapes.” She paused and looked up at you.

“Is this about what Remus said?” You looked away from her. “Y/N/N. Is this about what Remus said?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“He didn’t mean-”

“Yeah he did. My brother may be a lot of things, but a liar isn’t one of them. Especially during a full moon.”

“Well, I’m sure he didn’t mean it the way it came out.”

“I’m pretty sure he did.” She just shook her head and handed you the chocolate which you reluctantly (not really) took and began to devour.

“You should get out of here, Lily. It’ll be starting in a little.”

“You took the potion?” You nodded and gestured to an empty vile a few feet away from you. She picked it up and gathered Sirius’s coat. “Are you sure you’ll be ok?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Thanks again, Lily. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow, Y/N.” And then she left, leaving you to munch on chocolate in the deafening silence. Counting the seconds until it would begin.

Lily stepped through the doors and back into the hallway, she looked at Sirius who was leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets.

“I’m going to murder Remus later,” she grumbled and walked down the hall. Sirius jogged after her.

“Why?”

“Here’s your jacket. You know that comment he made about her eating a lot of chocolate?” Sirius took his jacket back and nodded. “She took it to heart and doesn’t want to eat it any more. Well, as much as she normally does. And it makes her feel as close to as hundred percent as she can get around this time.” Sirius frowned. “You know, she cares so much about Remus, and I really don’t think he gets that,” Lily shook her head.

“I think you may be right,” Sirius mumbled and looked back down the hallway the two of them had just come from.

You woke on the floor in the Room. The floor was ice cold and your clothes were in shreds and were hanging onto your body loosely. You were bleeding here and there and sat back, rubbing the back of your neck you groan. You could see the sun was rising from the window the room always provided you.

You glanced at the pile of chocolate and went to get it before you untied yourself but stopped. No. You didn’t need anything right now. You’d be fine.

You undid the rope on your arms and legs. You held your wrists carefully, they were bruised and splattered with dry blood from you tugging at them and flinched every time you ran your hand over an open cut.

Shaking yourself, you stood up and grabbed a fresh set of clothes and your “Journal”. After every full moon you would write down what you remembered, just to get it out of your head. You never talked about it, like your brother did. He really didn;t have to, but you knew that he always needed to get it out to. So instead of making his friends hear it since they were already there with him, he told you.

You quickly rinsed the blood off yourself to the best of your ability until you could take a shower, and tossed on a pair of oversized sweatpants and a tank top with a jacket. The room had provided you with a couch, which you gratefully took with a book, your journal, and some of the non-chocolate food Lily had brought with her yesterday. It would be a while until you would be mentaly fine enough to leave.

Remus was in the medical wing sleeping, three of the four boys asleep in the uncomfortable chairs that surrounded his bed, as usual. Madame Pomfrey had been up and had been ready to tend to Remus’ wounds as usual and had left him and the boys to sleep. James and Peter found it easy to slip into sleep for the rest of the morning, but Sirius found it harder than normal, and he knew it was because of you.

After his ninth attempt to fall asleep he rose and left the room, a silent nod to the healer sitting at her cabinet and writing something, before he left through the doors and quickly made his way to the Room of Requirement.

No one was up yet, he didn’t even know if you were. But he knew no one should have to go through that alone, which you obviously had been doing since second year. It just didn’t sit right with him. He stopped at the wall leading to the Room of Requirement and waited for doors to form. Which they did. He opened the door quietly and stepped in to see you on the couch you looked up, expecting Lily.

“Sirius?”

“Hey.”

“How’d you know where I was?”

“Lily.”

“Right. Well, shouldn’t you be asleep in the hospital wing then?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” He shrugged and sat on the couch you were occupying. “Studying?” You shrugged and moved some of your notes, still not emotionally or mentaly stable enough to deal with people. But because it was him, and your emotions were still in a knot of confusion, you let him stay.

Did your heart always beat this fast when he was this close?

“Did you get your jacket back?” You picked up a piece of chocolate. “Chocolate?” He grabbed the bar and opened it.

“Yeah, Lily gave it back to me yesterday. I was a little disappointed not to see you before the full moon.” You shrugged and ate a strawberry, eyeing Sirius’s chocolate with want, but resisted opening your own.

“I took the potion and rushed in here to get ready,” you motioned to the ropes on the ground; you hadn’t had the energy to clean it up yet.

“Ropes?” His gaze flickered between you, the ropes and your hands, which you were playing with nervously. “You… tie yourself down?” He looked almost horrified.

“Yeah,” you looked at the wall. “Precautions. I don’t take them lightly.” He didn’t know what to say to that. He knew Remus was cautions about this but tying yourself up like that while you went through the agony of transforming?

“Let me see your hands,” he reached out to you, but the motion only made you bring them into yourself. You got shit from Lily when she saw them, you didn’t need that twice. “Y/N, please.” You swallowed and handed them to him. His leg started to bounce at the new, red marks on your wrists.

“It-it's really fine.” you tried to pull them back, but he didn’t let you. He didn’t look up at you and you waited for him to start yelling. Lily always did.

“How bad does it hurt?” You were shocked by the amount of kindness in his voice. You swallowed.

“Uh-not terribly. I mean, my wrists are kind of used to getting torn up like this, so I mean…” You bit your lip and tried to peel the layers off. “I mean, I guess it kind of stings. ANd my back kind aches, but uh… its.. Uh.. fine.”

“Why don’t you go to the hospital wing?”

“Because you guys and Remus are there. If I showed up every full moon when you were all there, it would be a bit suspicious, don’t ya think?”

“Yes, but you’re injured.” You shrugged sadly.

“I've had worse than a few rope burns. I mean, you’ve seen my arms.”

“And Lily said that's not even close to the end of your scars,” you flinched slightly. Which was he talking about? Mentaly or physically?

You knew this wasn;t the moment to be exactly thinking it, but damn when he wanted to he could literally be so gentle and it made you want to burst.

“Yeah. Before the potion and figuring out the rope charm it was pretty bumpy. I mean, it's still not exactly smooth sailing, but- I’m rambling now,” you shook your head and pulled your hands away from him, tucking your hands into your sleeves.

“Have you eaten any chocolate yet?” He asked, rising and making his way to the pile on the floor.

“I haven’t really felt like it,” you shrugged, not even attempting to make the lie seem real. He rolled his eyes and started rifling through the bars.

“Liar.” He grabbed one and tossed it to you. “Here. Eat this, you’ll feel better.”

“I’m fine, Sirius. Really.” You poked at the bar a few times, contemplating taking it. “You look exhausted though. You were out with my brother all night, you should get some sleep.”

“So should you.” You rolled your eyes and looked back down at the potions book in your hands.

“I have to study for this potions assignment with Jacob. I’ve been too distracted with this past full moon.”

“Yes I can see how turning into a werewolf would be distracting,” he scoffed and took the book from your hands.

“Sirius,” you whined.

“What potion did you even get?” His face fell a bit when he noticed the love potion on the page. The majority of the students who did this potion together ended up together.

“It's easy, but a lot of information,” you sighed and grabbed the book back. “I mean, not easy easy. But its,” you shook your head. “Never mind. Forget it,” you sighed and ran your hands over your face.

“Who do you think you're gonna smell?” He asked, leaning back casually, even though he hated himself for asking.

“Probably no none. And the person I hope I smell, well I doubt they'd even consider me,” you rolled your eyes. “I’ll probably smell chocolate and lavender. Or something like that.” But in your head you weren;t thinking about chocolate and lavender. Ok, that was a lie. You were thinking about chocolate, it was right in front of you and your sensitive sense of smell was amplifying it. But you were really expecting to smell was the boy sitting next to you. And you knew you wouldn’t mix his scent with anyone else's.

“Heh. They’d be crazy not to, love.” You blushed but buried your head into your book further. He looked over at you and bounced his leg a few more times.

“You should probably get back to Rem. I’ll probably follow you a bit later to check in on him and give him some chocolate.” He frowned.

“Shouldn;t you be eating all this?”

“I only normally eat a few pieces and give the rest to him. He has it worse than me.” You shrugged. “He deserves it more.”

“And aren’t you supposed to be mad at him?” You shrugged again.

“How my full moons go are based on my emotions. It's better to make up with him. Make everything go back to normal, like it normally does when we get into an argument.”

“Ok, but it wasn;t fair the way he treated you. I know he was on edge, but-”

“Sirius, it's fine. Really. We were both just on edge. And it was fair. I mean, not the Slytherin comments, but the rest of it was.”

“Will you at least eat something before you go? Or get some sleep?”

“I slept plenty after my transformation and I ate lots.”

“Chocolate,” He said exasperatedly. “Eat some chocolate.” You took the bar of chocolate he had given you and took a bite out of it.

“Never thought someone would have to make me eat chocolate.”

“Never thought I’d have to make you,” you frowned, thinking back to your twin's comment.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you would just eat it without even thinking. Ever since Remus made that comment-”

“Rightfully said,” you hummed cutting him off. He sighed and took your book again, kneeling in front of you.

“Why do you care so much about what he says? Especially when he’s not himself?”

“Because I need to make him feel happier. He’s like this because of me. Because of my mistake to want to see the stars he’s in pain.”

“And so are you. Why do you keep torturing yourself?”

“I’m not. I just… I don’t know. God I’m such a mess afterwards,” you groaned, tears pricking your eyes.

“Yeah, well, that's expected,” he smirked and it made you give hima laugh-sob in reply. “Here,” he urged, handing you the half finished chocolate bar. You took a desperate few bites out of it and let the tears fall. He wiped them away quickly and let his hand fall on your knee. “Better?” you nodded and wiped your face to rid it of any chocolate.

“Yeah, sor-”

“Don’t apologize. You should sleep. You look absolutely horrid,” you laughed pitifully and nodded, finally admitting to your exhaustion.

“Yeah, ok. You might be right.”

“Might be? I’m always right.” You laughed again and went to stand up.

“Yeah yeah. Alright. You're always right. I’ll sleep after I make sure Remus is alright.” You promised.

He wanted to argue but knew he wouldn’t win.

“Alright. Come on. Then I’m taking you straight to the dorm room.”

“I have to clean up first. Go ahead, I’ll follow.” He shook his head.

“I’ll come back later and do it.”

“Sirius-”

“No arguing. Come on,” he dragged you out of the room. You visited your brother who was still asleep. James and Peter were up and waiting for Remus to wake up. Once you saw him Sirius dragged you out and to your dorm room forcing you to go to sleep or he would make you eat chocolate until you turned into it. You gladly fell into a dreamless sleep, unknowing of him wrapping your wrists since you were such a heavy sleeper.

You woke up on Monday when Lily shook you awake for class. You could tell she felt bad about it, but you assured her it was fine. You noticed your hands were wrapped and wondered who had done it. That's when you noticed your stomach growling. Quickly you got dressed and shoved chocolate into your bag for Remus and ran down to the Great Hall where everyone already was. You took your usual seat in between Remus and Sirius.

“Hey!” You said cheerfully and grabbed some food and put it on your plate. “Rem, could you pass me the chocolate chip muffins please?” He did so as if nothing was wrong and even bumped your shoulder with his. Sirius just watched, not understanding how your three huge fights could so easily turn back to this. All your classes went as usual, even lunch went well.

Then it was time for potions. You walked in with James and Remus but had to make your way to Jacob instead of sitting with them. You had decided it would be fair to split the research and then have him write the essay while you made the potion.

“Hey Jacob!” You smiled brightly at the Slytherin.

“Hello, Y/N. You have your half of the research?” You nodded and handed him your papers. Excellent. Should we get started then?”

“Sounds good to me! Who do you think you’ll smell?” He glanced over at a hufflepuff with bright red hair across the room.

“I hope I know who.” You smiled. “You?” You blushed.

“I wish. I mean, I have an idea, but they’ll never like me back, especially now.” He shook his head.

“You're super cool, Y/N/N. They’d be insane not to.”

“Thanks, Jacob. Let's get to it then?”

“Lets!” For the rest of class the two of you worked, quietly chatting occasionally as you finished the project together. You heard an explosion and glanced up and Remus and James who were just staring at their cauldron. James obviously being the one who added the wrong ingredient. You snorted and went back to your own potion mixing it together carefully, the brew being the perfect shade of pink. He sat up in his seat and looked at you wide eyed. “It's finished?”

You smiled. “You smell it already? It still has a few hours of brewing.” He nodded. He looked over to the hufflepuff boy.

“Yeah. I can smell it. You?” You swallowed and took a whiff.

Gasoline, smoke, cinnamon apples and chocolate. God that was it. That was him.

“Yeah,” you sighed. “Yeah I smell it.” Slughorn came over and looked into the cauldron.

“My my, looks like you two are finished already! Is your essay finished as well?” You looked over at Jacob who wrote a few more things down and handed it to Slughorn who skimmed it, seeming to be happy with it. “Splendid splendid. Well done you two. You can be finished for today. As a matter of fact, everyone is dismissed if you feel like you are finished. We will be continuing this tomorrow and then they will be due the next day.” The class erupted into chatter and the Hufflepuff boy came over, Jacob held his breath as he stopped in front of him smelling the air. He looked over at him, lust blown eyes.

He bit his lip and sauntered out of the room with a swing to his hips, glancing back at him before leaving the door. You chuckled as he just stared, gawking.

“Go get him, Lover boy!” He grinned at you and ran out of the room after the Hufflepuff. You cleaned up as the room emptied. You told Remus and James to go on without you to lunch. You would be there for a few minutes.

You continued to clean up the station, not bothering to stop smelling your potion, the scent put you at ease. It always did. And you really needed to be at ease right then.

You walked back over to your workbench to see Sirius entering the room.

“Hey, Sirius!” You smiled and he smiled back before stopping, smelling the air. He looked at the potion, swallowed and then back at you. You frowned and went back to cleaning up, making sure not to look at him. But you couldn’t help but wonder who he was smelling. It was clearly not you.

He began to help you clean up and the air was suddenly tense between you. And you just couldn’t take it anymore.

“So, who do you smell?” You asked, jumping onto the work table and cocking your head at him. He shrugged. “Come on, I want to know. As your best friend, I have a right to know.” He hummed in response and inclined his head.

“Just like how I had a right to know your secret?” You looked away.

“I said I was sorry. I just, I was scared if it got out that Remus would find out. I just didn’t want Remus to know that he got turned and I got turned. I would have much rather it been me and only me rather than the both of us.”

“I would've rather it be neither of you,” you smiled up at him.

“Yeah, same. So who do you smell?”

“Why don;t you tell me?” he countered and you chewed your lip. “Come on, just tell me,” he got closer to you, smiling as he glanced up at him. You have no idea where the rush of courage came from. But it came.

“You,” you shrugged, he went wide eyed and stepped back, coughing.

“M-me?” You shrugged, playing it off.

“You,” he smirked at you, composing himself again.

“And what exactly do I smell like?” He asked, placing a hand on either side of your body. You thought about it for a moment, but you knew. Even without him right in front of you and the potion right beside you, you knew.

“Gasoline and smoke from that motorcycle you always work on, Cinnamon and apples because though you’d never admit it they are your favorite, and chocolate because you're always around me or Rem.” he stared at you. You narrowed your eyes at him. “Who do you smell?” It took him a moment to find his voice, and each second he took you waited in agony. What if you just confessed to your best friend and he didn’t like you back. But he smiled after a moment.

“You,” he replied simply, making your eyes go wide. You had been hoping, but it was actually the last thing you had expected to hear.

“An-and what exactly do I smell like?”

“Lavender, from that motorizer you always wear before you go to sleep, chocolate because you practically survive on the stuff- which is adorable-, and ink because you are constantly spilling it all over the place,” as he spoke his voice had gotten lower and lower, and with his voice his gaze also dropped. It dropped all the way down to your lips which you were playing with.

“Wo-wow,” you stuttered out, not knowing how to react. WHat do you do? You were panicking. And before you could say anything or do anything, his lips were on yours and he was standing in between your legs. His mouth was warm on yours and you wrapped your arms around his neck bringing him closer as he brought his hands to your hips to bring you closer. But then a familiar thought rang through your head.

You don’t deserve this…

“Sirius, wait,” you pulled away and he leaned away from you, his hands still on your hips, he looked at you curiously.

“What's wrong?”

“I-I don’t deserve this. I-I can’t put you through this.” He scrunched his eyebrows together.

“What do you mean?” You buried your head in your hands and shook your head. Headache was approaching and you needed your chocolate. After the full moon was never as bad as before, but that didn’t mean you didn’t have your share of problems.

Sirius seemed to sense your need for chocolate because he dove into your bag and pulled out a piece, unwrapping it for you. He handed it to you and you took it gratefully.

“Can you explain what you meant?”

“You deserve better than me. I mean. You're you. And who am I? I’m a weirdo screw up who got her brother bitten by a werewolf.”

“No,” he pulled your face back up to his and looked at you. “You are perfect. I have had a crush on you since second year. And I’ll be damned if I let your insecurities get in the way of me taking care of you.”

“But-”

He shoved the chocolate back into your mouth, shaking his head.

“Do you like me?” you nodded as you chewed the chocolate. He smiled and pecked your lips, your mouth still full of chocolate. “That's all that matters to me. I think we have a few things to tell your brother now though,” you frowned and nodded sadly. You didn’t want to, you really didn’t. He kissed you again and you brought him in closer. You still felt guilty, and you knew you always would. You couldn’t change that. But you could try for him. You could be the best for him. Because the boy standing in front of you, wiping excess chocolate from his own mouth, he was everything you had ever wanted.

And you would be everything he ever wanted in return.

#sirius x reader #sirius x you #sirius black #sirius x y/n #Lupin reader #remus x you #mauraders x reader #mauraders #hq angst #hp fluff #fluff and angst

[captnjacksparrow]

hi, i already know you don’t watch boruto fillers. BUT i want to know if you watched the episode where naruto and himawari spend time together, which btw is based off “Naruto Shinden: Family Day” . In this ask i just want to rant about it and then know your opinion. i noticed a a few differences, which are:

1. in the anime, when naruto goes home, he sees boruto leaving the house and tries to talk to him, basically asking him what they could do on this “family day” but boruto turns him down and tells him that hima has been waiting. naruto wishes boruto a nice day, to which boruto doesn’t reply at all and naruto is all sad. whereas in the novel, when naruto goes home, boruto is sleeping in his room, he just enters the house and sees himawari. so was it really necessary to include in the anime such a tense moment between the two, to make boruto a brat and make his dad sad again?

2. in the novel hima tells naruto that she wants the kuraa-ma toy, but naruto is too tired, and insits that he will buy it for her later, bc he needs sleep, which she can’t accept, and acts like a spoiled kid, and that she wants the toy NOW!!! and they are basically kind of arguing, hima screams and and tells him “you never keep your promises”. whereas in the anime, i would say the moment is much more wholesome. himawari tells naruto what kind of toy she wants, and naruto promises he will buy it for her after he takes a nap, and himawari understands the situation, telling her dad to go get some rest. but suddenly naruto notices that on the poster is written that this toy is limited edition, so he changes his mind and they go together in town.

and another thing!! so in (1) i mentioned that hima told naruto how he never keeps his promises. could you imagine that??????? our boy naruto, never keeping his promises. what have they done to him??????? the same boy that was always “i never go back on my word, because thats my ninja way” the same boy that always, and i repeat, always kept his promises. just…wtf???

I just got to watch these episodes very recently.. Anon...

Was it really necessary to include in the anime such a tense moment between the two, to make boruto a brat and make his dad sad again?

I somehow feel like Novels always don't get the characterization right... There's always some inconsistencies where Character goes totally OOC... Say, Sasuke Retsuden....

I understand that in the Novel, that scene was better... But the purpose of Boruto Anime is to make Boruto likes/adores/admires Sasuke more than his own dad. And that's why I think the Anime went that way.

Plus, Boruto is really an annoying Brat... Isn't he? So, it's totally not OOC I guess... It is also very evident from the way he was frustrated after getting Naruto's face in that Gaming Cards... It's also another way to show that Boruto is not realizing the value of Naruto and some day he might regret it deeply.

In novels, Hima screams and and tells him “you never keep your promises”.

Again... Another OOC from Novel's part... I particularly don't have any liking towards this girl.. But I know for a fact that she is not a Spoiled Kid in the Manga instead She is very docile. I can totally see Boruto screaming, "You never keep your promises" towards Naruto... But not Himawari... Glad that Anime changed this and made her more understanding.

imagine that??????? our boy naruto, never keeping his promises. what have they done to him??????? the same boy that was always “i never go back on my word, because thats my ninja way” the same boy that always, and i repeat, always kept his promises. just…wtf???

Well... Kishimoto made him into someone who don't keep his promise in the Boruto movie itself... By making him miss Himawari's Birthday... And also by not receiving Home-made Bento prepared by his lovely wife from Boruto in Gaiden.

I think Naruto is like this only towards his own Family... When it comes to other people though, Naruto keeps his words without fail. I think it's intentional from Kishimoto's side which shows his distaste towards this ship.

#antihinata #anti hinata

[maelerie]

do belgium! 💛

I will! Thank you for sending me my number 1 character Fizzy 💛 [From this ask game]

favorite thing about them: She looks super cute and is really kind.

least favorite thing about them: There’s not much else (canon-wise) than that. Which is fine for Hima, seeing as she’s just a side character, but I wish she had more of a personality. Any personality, really.

favorite line: “He’d probably even try to sell the weeds he finds down there.” (she says about her brother, Netherlands, after he explains how he sold all his tullip bulbs to other nations with sales talk like “this one is super rare” when they were left unsold in his own borders because they were plain, old, simple tullip bulbs.)

brOTP: Netherlands and Luxembourg (being her actual brothers) + Romano and Hungary as her best friends/gossip partners/confidants/etc...

OTP: EngBel (💚) and SpaBel (❤️)

nOTP: LuxBel (I was going to put NedBel here too, but I have this headcanon that there might’ve been something more between them once or twice in their long long lives... Lux came along a lot later and both Bel and Ned raised him so I can only see them being actual brother and sister to him.)

random headcanon: Belgium was the one who had the natural gift for trade, making her one of the most wealthiest countries in medieval Europe. Netherlands watched and learned. As did Luxembourg in later centuries. Even now I headcanon Belgium being the one with the most inovating ideas when it comes to her, the BeNeLux and even Europe’s economy.

unpopular opinion: I don’t like the blind devotion (clearly depicted as such by Hima) she has towards Netherlands. There is so much history between them, and a lot of it is bad. I love that one BeNeLux episode we got (with buff!Belgium my beloved) but this most likely takes place during either the Eighty Years War or the Thirty Years War and the way she talks to Lux about “big brother who’s working hard, let’s have faith in him” is just so... Huh??? Even if Bel (and Lux) didn’t have much say in it since she belonged to Spain, she and Ned were enemies??? He blockaded her most important harbor for CENTURIES, making her become poor, starving, practically destitute,... How in the world would she still be “aww big brother is such a good guy”??? And I know, I know, it’s a silly anime, mostly meant to be fun and light, but asfghgsfaghgs just let me rant :’)

song i associate with them: ‘Red’ by Thomas Bergersen (it’s a beautiful instrumental piece that starts slow but then it becomes alive, vivid, euphoric even and it makes me think of Belgium because I do believe that even after all she’s been through, she stays positive, warm and kind) and also ‘Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land’ by Marina (especially this part of the lyrics: “I am the observer, I'm a witness of life; I live in the space between the stars and the sky; What's your purpose, why were you put on Earth?; You could be lost but you belong to the world“)

favorite picture of them:

#hetalia #hws belgium #hetalia headcanons #aph belgium #not really my fav picture but it’s too hilarious not to pick this one #ask games #mae collects