#luchipuchi's writing

[luchicm04]

You will forever be my always

Masterlist

Summary: It's been months, and he's still obsessed.

Pairing: Tonowari/Omatikaya!Fem Reader

Word count: 4.7k

Overall warnings: teasing, hurt/comfort, implied character death, fluff, mourning, edging, eventual smut⚠️

All characters belong to Avatar, and all rights are reserved to me.

A/N: This is my second original fic. English is not my mother language so if I have many spelling mistakes, please let me know. Hope you liked it <3

posted on ao3

Tonowari had been heartbroken, years back, when his mate had died during childbirth. Both Ronal and her baby died at the same hour. The clan grieved the loss of their Tsahìk; Tsireya and Aonung grieved the loss of their mother; Tonowari grieved for his mate and lost baby. 

That was a long time ago, 4 years back. Tonowari’s grief came to a halt the moment he met you, the eldest Sully sibling, allowing your family to stay. 

“You there. Sully child,” he called out to you, waving you over. 

“Yes, Olo’eyktan. What is it?” 

He gestured for you to follow. You noticed the other Na’vi staring as you passed by. He led you inside the chieftain’s marui. There, he shut the door-like fabric and sighed. 

“Come here.” 

“Is there something wrong?” you asked. 

Not saying anything else, the Olo’eyktan closed the distance between you two. A pair of strong arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you close. Before you could speak, your lips were captured by the chief’s. 

You stood there for a moment until you snapped out of it and moved away from him. “W-what are you doing?!” 

He didn’t move, his arms still wrapped around your waist as he pulled you closer to him. He finally spoke. His tone was harsh, but not mean. More pleading than anything else. 

“Give me a chance.” 

“What do you mean? A chance...?” you questioned, bewildered and still shocked from what had happened before. 

Tonowari let one of his arms slide. The hand he had on your waist was slowly placed around your back, pulling you even closer to him before his hand started to move upward. Instinctively, your eyes closed halfway and went to look at the floor, blushing. 

“A chance at happiness. Let me make you happy.” 

“But... I don’t understand, you...” 

He stopped his hand from continuing the path it was making and sighed, trying to keep himself composed, hoping for your cooperation. Hoping for your understanding. With another movement, both his hands went to your waist again, holding you firmly. 

“Look at me, please.” 

You looked up at him hesitantly. His eyes held a lot of feelings you couldn’t decipher. 

Tonowari’s hands tightened around your waist a little bit more. A hand lifted itself to your chin, raising your head as he stared straight in your eyes. 

“Let me love you. I’ve waited and searched far and wide for someone like you. Someone who understands the grief of losing their partner, of losing someone precious to their life. I see that person in you.” 

You stared at him in surprise. “How did you know...?” 

He smiled at your confusion. It was obvious he was getting through to you. He finally spoke again, still gripping your chin to keep you looking at him. 

“A person’s eyes speak volumes. There is so much pain in yours, and I know how you feel. The only way to make it better is to allow someone to ease it for you.” 

“Tonowari, I... I don’t know if I’m ready for that,” you whispered, half scared and half anxious. 

His grip on your chin tightened. He leaned closer to you, until only mere inches separated your bodies. His hands slowly started to wander to your hips. 

“Let me make you ready.” 

You gazed at him. His gorgeous ocean-blue eyes, his splendid tattoos decorating his face... He was undeniable beautiful. The truth is that he caught your attention from the moment you saw him the day your family got here, but he always seemed so untouchable, so intimidating and serious. Not that it didn’t stop you from having sinful thoughts for several nights though. 

His hand moved further down from your hips and up to your back again as he continued to pull you towards him. Tonowari then let go of your chin, moving his other hand towards your neck with his thumb rubbing circles over your skin as his face moved closer to yours. Your breaths became heavier the moment your lips almost touched each other. 

“W-wait... what i-if someone sees us?” 

He chuckled, pulling you closer to his body. His hands traveled back to your hips again as he spoke. 

“Let them see. I am the Olo’eyktan. I can do what I want... and I want you.” 

“B-but... my parents, my siblings, your kids -” 

“Forget about them.” His grip tightened even more... to the point it almost felt like a pinch, though it may have just been his strength. “They’ll forget about it too once we are together. Once I make you mine for lifetimes to come.” 

You felt your heart would eventually burst out of your body with the speed it was beating. Suddenly, you could no longer think straight. The more you thought about Tonowari's words, the less you wanted to think at all. The amount of stress you had been subjected to for the last days had been crushing you. Your parents' expectations, the need to check on your brothers and sisters, the return of the sky people, the worry for spider, being forced out of your home and having to adapt to a new environment where its people did nothing to help you nor make you feel welcome. Even your past relationship, while sharing mutual affection, felt more like a duty to the people than a free choice. You no longer wanted to think about it. For once, you chose to be selfish. Tonowari was right there, declaring his feelings for you and after that simple proposal, your already dazed mind just snapped as you gave in and kissed him 

Tonowari was surprised when your lips pressed against his. Your kiss was passionate, hot, and most importantly, filled with emotion. This wasn’t just some innocent crush; this was a deep and meaningful need for each other. His hand slid up further, gripping your hair a little bit. His other hand slid back down, to your back again, as he pulled you closer, pressing you against his body. 

You couldn’t help that small moan that escaped from your mouth, but you no longer cared about being subtle. He had given his word that you would not be disturbed, and any rational thoughts you held on to had disappeared from your mind the second his skin touched yours. 

His hand moved to your side, where he scooped you up from your waist. His lips never left yours, the intense feeling of lust and love both being satisfied at the same time. His other hand slid down once more, and this time landed on your rear... holding you tightly against him. His breathing was heavy, but he didn’t care. He was ready to spend a lifetime of pleasure with you by his side. 

While this experience was extremely pleasurable to you, you were running out of air. He had no problem; he was Metkayina after all. They could hold on to their breaths for Eywa knows how long. However, despite having spent weeks in the clan, you were still learning. And the fact that this whole... everything had caught you by surprise didn’t help. Regretfully, you separated your lips from his and your breath came back in soft but hoarse gasps. 

He was breathing heavily as well, though not as much as you. His grip on your rear and back loosened slightly. He didn’t want to suffocate you. 

Tonowari stared at you with desire, his eyes flickering from your face to your body. He was about to say something when a knock was heard on the door. He growled low in his throat, annoyed at the interruption. 

You were equally upset, but the logical part of you told you that this was to be expected. He was the Olo’eyktan, the leader of the clan. If his people needed him, he should be always open to help in any way possible. After slightly regaining your composure, you moved away from him. “You should go see what they want. It could be something serious.” 

He nodded, his grip finally loosening fully. His face was flushed with adrenaline, and despite the fact that he was irritated at the interruption, he knew that you were right. He took a deep breath, walking over to the door and flapping it open. 

While he left to deal with whatever had happened, you silently just stood there. You began to feel a little uncomfortable with the passing minutes. He was standing right outside the door, but it still felt weird to be inside his home. Having nothing to do but wait, your eyes unintentionally began to wander around. You knew it was wrong to peek at his personal things, but you felt like it was okay. Sort of. After all, you both had been kissing just a little while ago. While looking around, you could see Tsireya and Aonung's separate pods. You imagined being part of the leader's family gave you such benefits. You also saw spears held in the walls, different tools and furnitures. Nevertheless, one object under a blanket caught your attention. A leather headpiece carved with a big seashell on its front. 

That headpiece was actually the symbol of the Tsahìk of a Metkayina clan. Tonowari had hidden it before you entered, as he didn't want you to see him as just a leader looking for a replacement, but as a man who loved and cared for you. 

After a few minutes, Tonowari eventually returned, shutting the door behind him. As he stepped inside, his eyes caught sight of you standing near his children's pods, staring at the headpiece in your hands. He slowly walked over to you. 

“Did this belong to the previous Tsahìk?” 

Tonowari’s eyes widened when you asked that. He didn’t expect you to recognize it as part of his clan’s tradition, and it was rarely used outside of ceremonies. 

With a nod, he replied with a soft tone. 

“Yes, it did. My mate, Ronal... she wore it during her time as Tsahìk. That is, until her death. Sadly, my children never had a chance to witness their mother rule as Tsahìk.” 

You hummed in understanding. It made sense for him to keep it. Ronal had been Tsahìk of the Metkayina and his mate for years. Still... 

Tonowari realized how you were staring at the headpiece, and how your eyes were still unmoving. He walked closer and picked it up, gently placing it on your head. A sign of him naming you the future Tsahìk. 

He spoke, his hands placing themselves on your hips. 

“If everything is alright with you, would you... come spend the night with me in my quarters? That is, if you wish to... become my life partner.” 

Although you had accepted Tonowari's previous offer, this was too much. Especially after spending time in his home. You suddenly realized how much you didn't belong in that picture. He had two children the same age as your brothers and sisters. He had had a loving mate who he still loved; you could see it the instant he looked at the headpiece. He had a life made up, and you weren't sure how you fit in it. “Tonowari, you can't just name me the Tsahìk of your clan. I'm only an outsider, and you already have Tsireya as Tsakarem. Besides, I haven't even finished my training.” 

Tonowari sighed softly, your rejection hitting hard. It hurt to see how you did not believe yourself to be a good match for him. He had thought that, perhaps, after all this time, you would grow to care for him and love him to the point where you would accept his office. He was wrong. 

He slowly removed the headpiece from your head, placing the ceremonial piece on its previous place. Then, he turned around, walking over to a bag hanging from the ceiling, opening it and rummaging around. 

You said nothing, hoping he didn’t take it very badly. In the best case, you could just forget about this and go back to your normal lives. Or maybe see each other without formalizing anything. At worst, you didn’t know what he would do. He was truly a gentle person but having power over a whole clan made him dangerous if he wanted to be. You just hoped your family wouldn’t get involved in this. Or find out at all. 

After a few minutes, Tonowari took out something. He walked over to you, holding out a necklace in his hand. It was carved from a seashell, with the same emblem as the headpiece, though this one looked like it was made for you. 

“This is a tradition I wish to begin. All Metkayina Olo’eyktans give a carved necklace to their intended. It is a sign of the beginning of a formal relationship. You have yet to answer, though. Will you be my mate for lifetimes to come?” 

You stared at the necklace. Ot was beautiful, shining with various sea colors that made it look like some kind of precious relic. It appeared to be the perfect size for you, too. He must have somehow figured out your measurements. “I... It’s beautiful. I thank you, truly, I do, but... are you sure you want me?” 

Tonowari nodded silently as you stared at the necklace. It was indeed the perfect length. He had studied your measurements on the few occasions he had happened to meet you at close range. 

He smiled at your gratitude, but his smile turned into a sad frown as you continued your questioning. 

“Yes, I am sure. If there was a doubt in my mind, I wouldn’t be giving you this necklace. I know that you are afraid, that you are insecure about being a proper match for me. But know this; my heart desires you.” 

You sighed, feeling like your world was about to crumble depending on what you would decide. But, in the end, you had made your choice long before this conversation. “As mine does for you.” You turned around, waiting for him to place it on you. 

He nodded again and moved to place the necklace around your neck. He was careful, not wanting to accidentally hurt you in any way. After securing it, he took you by your hips again, pulling you close to him. 

“Now that you belong to me, let us celebrate. Come,” he opened the door to his pod, leading you inside. 

Your steps started hesitant, then slowly gaining confidence. As your father would say: to hell with it. The more you thought about it, the better your choices seemed. Both of you were lonely, filled with responsibilities and under lots of stress and feelings too complicated to comprehend. This was a logical decision. There was nothing wrong with it. He was the leader of the clan, so what? You were Tsahìk- in-training, learning from your grandmother back in the forest and firstborn daughter of Toruk Makto. He was decades older than you? Well, there was not much to fix there. After being named a hunter and officially an adult, and having actively participated in the war as both a fighter and a healer, you felt mature enough. Besides, your family had begged to be allowed to stay here; becoming Tsahìk could help cement the decision. 

The moment you entered his room, he closed the door behind you. He took you by your hand, leading you closer to his bed. His other hand went to your back again, tracing your curves with his fingers. His grip was firm, but the way he handled you was gentle, as if he feared hurting you. After your body made contact with the bed, he slowly laid next to you, pulling you into his arms. 

His eyes never left you. He was watching intently you, looking to see if you were ready for this... 

You exhaled heavily, opening your eyes to look at him. To really See him, which you did. You saw his tired but shining eyes, his scars obtained after arduous battles, his tattoos symbolizing multiple feats and memories. And you felt seen by him. Your insecurities, your weaknesses, your worries. Your emotions were like a wild current, indomitable and fierce, but he was the shore, gentle and sturdy, ready to receive you and adjust to you no matter the force you inflicted. He was your wall, your support. And you were his spark, like a river that stopped his heart from drying out and filled him with new affection at the same time. Without saying anything, you reached for your braids. 

His heart skipped a beat as he saw you unbraid your hair. You were beautiful. Your silky hair was just begging to be brushed, just begging to be run through with one’s fingers. The way you moved towards him told him just how much you wanted this. He pulled you back into his embrace, pulling your head towards his to rest on his shoulder. A few moments of quiet passed as he just sat there like that, enjoying the peacefulness of the presence of your body against his. 

“I want you, Tonowari.” 

Tonowari closed his eyes as you muttered those words. Hearing them was what he had been waiting for. When the silence came right after, he pulled you even closer to him. He was your Olo’eyktan now, which meant that you belonged to him, and he belonged to you. This had been his wish for a long time, but now, he would make those wishes come true. 

“I want you too.” 

You slowly brought your kuru forward, letting the tendrils slowly interweave together with his. Right there and then, you felt it. Everything he was. Everything he had been. And everything he wished to be. With you. You closed your eyes again in pleasure, resting your head against his broad chest while your hands gripped his arms. Despite your previous experiences, this feeling could not be compared to them. The feeling of choosing and being chosen freely, without duties or expectations in the middle. It was impossibly liberating. You opened your eyes, watching through your completely dilated pupils the way he held you close and listening to his hard breathing. 

Tonowari held you close, feeling your hands grip his arms and feeling your body press gently against his. His breathing sped up, just as yours did. 

Your hands were brushing against the scars in his body, making him shiver slightly from the sensation. His muscles tensed underneath your touch, making his body move closer to yours. His breathing grew more erratic as your fingers tightened into his body. 

With a soft moan, he pulled you even closer, his hands grazing against your lower back and sliding towards your hips. 

You remained clinging to him as he took out your top and bracelets and pulled the cord holding your loincloth together. You gasped, feeling the cold air hit your now naked body. Combined with the newly made bond, everything you experienced felt multiplied by a hundred. Through it, you could see how Tonowari was looking at you, and it was turning you on too much for you to handle it. 

Just looking at your body made him want you more than he ever had before. Your curves were hypnotic as they swayed with your movements. Your hips and breasts moved like waves on the ocean. Your skin was iridescent and soft, making him want to run his hands all over it. 

He put his hands around your waist, bringing you to the edge of the bed. He slid the loincloth off, his eyes never leaving you as he did. Once he saw you fully naked in front of him, his jaw dropped. You truly were flawless. 

“Tonowari... I need you.” 

The sound of your voice was all needed to hear to snap him out of his trance. He pulled himself back to reality and gently laid you down, his gaze never straying your body. He slowly removed his garments as well. As he dropped each piece of his clothing, he stared at his body, unable to tear his eyes away from it. Finally, when he was completely naked, his eyes locked with yours.  

“Say that again.” 

“I need you.” 

Those simple three words, when spoken with such desire, made his body respond to your command instantly. In a few swift moves, he was behind you. His hands gripped your hips tightly. His body against yours, pressing against your back, his hot breath was blowing on your neck. One hand squeezed tight against one of your tights, while the other hand brushed against your back. 

“Again.” 

“I need you; I need you, Tonowari, please.” 

“You will always have me. I am yours, and you are mine. No one else can take me away from you. No one else can lay a finger on you. Not without suffering the consequences. You and your family belong to me now, and I mean that not as your leader, but as your mate. We belong to each other and all that comes with that. No one else will have you, and I would never let anyone take you away from me.” 

His words made your already rapid-beating heart quicken its pace even more. “Wherever our fates take us. I will stay by your side – be it from the forest to the sea, from the start to the end of our time, together.” 

Tonowari smiled. He was happy to know that you would stay by his side, no matter where or when. He knew that having you was the best decision of his life. 

“You are mine. Now and forever. There are no boundaries between us. We will face everything together, and I trust you whole-heartedly. Now,�� he gripped your hips tighter, if possible. “Show me just how much you need me.” 

“How would you like me to prove myself?” you asked in a seductive tone. 

“Make me feel like I’m yours. Make me feel loved. Make me want to hold onto you like I’m drowning and you’re my only saving grip. Make yourself mine. Show me how badly you want and need me. Be wild, be daring, be passionate.” 

“Very well.” You leaned to whisper in his ear. “I will make you feel loved unlike anyone ever has. I will make you mine. And we will be truly united for ages to come.” 

Tonowari's entire body tensed up as you whispered in his ear. His fingers gripped your hips even tighter. The way you spoke about making him feel, the way you spoke about making him yours, it was enough to make his body tremble in pleasure just from the words.  

"Words sound good and all, but let's see if you can back them up." 

His free hand went to your chin, and moved your face forward, his mouth meeting yours in a deeply passionate kiss. 

While the two lost yourselves in the kiss, you subtly moved your body to be on top of him, your core meeting something hard, which made you release a moan that was drown by his lips. 

He smirked at your subtle move, as he felt your soft body on top of him. He loved that you weren't shy with him, that you were willing to claim what you wanted. He loved the noise you made and quickly responded, his mouth taking over yours. He was lost in the moment, and he had no plans of stopping any time soon. 

“Will anyone else be interrupting us? Your children?” While you were willing to let it passmthe first time, you couldn’t guarantee the safety of the next person who dared to interrupt you. 

“My children will not enter without warning...” He paused to laugh at the suggestion of them just barging in, and he shook his head. They would never just walk in with something this sensitive going on. “But if they’re ever curious, I’ll inform you. A code only for you to know.” 

“Like what?” 

He gave you a mischievous smile, as he thought of a word for a code. His mind immediately went to your name, but that would be too obvious. So, he decided to use a word linked with your family and clan, one that no one outside of your family would know. 

“If they ever walk in, just say: Meyo Na'vi, yotulka.” 

“What does that stand for?” 

“It means Child of the Forest, my love. Only members of the Metkayina clan would know what that means.” 

“Mmm, I like it. And hearing it from you makes it even more special.” 

He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you onto him. Your hips were pressed tight against his, your chest pressed against his. His forehead rested onto yours, as he looked into your eyes. 

“I have something else that I'd like to say to you before we continue. Do you want to hear it?” 

“Of course.” 

He grabbed your hands and placed them on his chest, your fingers feeling his heartbeat. 

“This heart belongs to you, and only you. I pledge it to be yours and yours alone. If it stops beating, that is because I would be dead. It shall only beat fast when you are near, because it wants to be close to you. And when you touch it, it shall thump slowly for you, because you are my only desire. My only love. And nothing can ever replace you.” 

“Tonowari, I love your caring words and affectionate speeches, and Eywa knows I would do unspeakable things for you, but please. Do not make me wait any longer.” 

He chuckled at you being so impatient, and he took that as his cue to finally take control. He took hold of your hips, his hands on your thighs. And he began to move you. Slowly at first, he began to move you in a circular motion, his hips pressing against yours. The more they moved, the more the rhythm sped up, moving your bodies together in sync. 

You whined at the sensation. You had fantasized about this moment for days, but it still felt incomplete. You needed more, needed him, to complete the bond in both body and mine. And he knew it. “Tono...wari... ah.” 

The moment he heard your whine filled with desire, it was all he needed to hear. He was at your command, following every whim of your body. Every movement you made was the signal he needed to bring his movements in tune with yours. He leaned forward onto your neck, his breath hot and heavy on your skin. He bit gently on your neck, letting the sensation send chills throughout your body. 

“Ah! Please, Ma’Tono... I want you now.” 

The way you said his name sent a shiver down his spine, making him shudder in pleasure. Your body began to get him heated, making him want you even more. However, he just looked at you with a grin. You had said he spoke too much, so now he wished to tease you a little.  

“I like hearing you beg. Say it again.” 

“A-ah! Please!” 

Your desperation turned him on like no other. And he knew he'd have you screaming his name soon. 

“Still not a complete sentence. Say it again. And this time, say it like you really mean it. I want to hear it.” 

“Gah! Ma'Tonowari, I beg you. Grant me the honor of finally being able to join you, without any type of limit. Let our union be complete and we may be united until the end of our days. Let our bodies come together and the fruit of this exchange result in a new life” 

The moment you were done, he knew that the words that you felt towards him were more than just mere desire, but complete love and devotion as well. Your desire was his desire now. And it would always be that way. 

"The honor is mine to have you with me, my beloved. We are now one in flesh and in soul. This is our union. So, I command you, my love, to join with me, and let our union be perfected." 

“As you wish, my love.” And you dived in, eager to experience a future with him as your bodies became one. As your minds became one. Your love solidified in a moment, forever intertwined in a union that only they could truly understand. Their souls became one with their hearts beating in unison. And nothing would tear the bond they created. 

Vocabulary list: Marui (pods built in the giant mangrove-like trees alongside the shores and are protected from crashing waves by giant reef barriers), Tsahìk (head shaman, high priest, interpreter), Olo’eyktan (clan leader), Tsakarem (Tsahìk-in-traning), Toruk Makto (toruk rider), Kuru (neural queue)

[luchicm04]

Pride

Masterlist

Summary: When hatred and pride speak louder, even a childhood love can fall apart.

Pairing: Senju Tobirama/Fem!Uchiha, Uchiha Madara/Fem!Uchiha

Word count: 2.6k

Overall warnings: angst, bittersweet ending

All characters belong to Naruto, and all rights are reserved to the original work whose author allowed me to translate it.

A/N: The lyrics come from this song. Whoever cried, raise your hand. Please, leave your opinions and criticism in the comments.

posted on ao3

I was there, standing on top of that mountain where I could see the sunset that covered the village below with golden light. After so many battles, Konoha finally flourished in peace. 

Peace that hadn’t existed in my heart for a long time since I met her: Alexia. 

──

In the heart of the war between Senju and Uchiha, in the small moments when there was a truce, I, Tobirama, youngest son of the general of the Senju clan liked to get away from all that suffering for a while. During the day, I found a way to escape to the river, just to be able to see and hear the current that followed its path without caring about what happened on its banks. It just flowed.  

And it was there, on one of those days, that I saw a little paper boat with a yellow flower inside going down through the crystal-clear water, and then one more and another. Like the curious child that I was, I went up the river in the opposite direction of the boats, until I saw her.  

A little girl with long, black hair messed up by the wind. She was kneeling on the riverbank and placing paper boats with colorful flowers in the water one by one, while her black eyes watched them move away. Until her eyes fell on me, and we stood staring without saying anything on either side of the river. Then, she got up, smiled at me and disappeared into the forest.  

──

Without realizing it, a soft smile curved my lips as I remembered that day. How the silent meeting of two children could change so much. 

──

After that meeting, I went to the river more often, wanting to see her again. But it was weeks before I saw the little boats go down the current once again. I found her in the same place and this time, I walked over and crouched down next to her.  

“Why do you do it?” I asked.  

She looked at me with those dark orbs, smiled and responded as if it were the simplest thing in the world.  

“Because I think it’s beautiful.”  

I saw her pick up another little boat with a red flower and place it in my hand. I quickly put it in the water and saw it go away down the river. I smiled without realizing it.  

“See? It’s so pretty,” she said and looked at me again. “I’m Alexia. And you?”  

“Tobirama,” I replied, hiding my surname, because during the war it wasn’t wise to say it to strangers and apparently, she knew that as she didn’t say hers either.  

We stayed there talking for hours, without ever saying where we came from, until I heard my brother Hashirama calling me from inside the forest. I went home but not before making her promise that we would see each other again, right there.  

The months passed and as the war worsened, our meetings began to become rarer, until she never appeared again.  

──

I felt a lonely tear run down my face. Even though we were just children, the loss of my first love hurt a lot. 

But I moved on with my life, and during the following years, thanks to the war, I didn’t have much time to rummage through the past. Until... 

──

Until, at the peak of my 21 st year, I became the second-best ninja in my clan, second only to my older brother.  

Even though the years passed, and I became a man, I still had the childhood habit of going to the river.  

That day, I bent down to wash my face in the cool water, and I felt my heart speed up when I saw a little paper boat with a pink flower touch my hand.  

I ran as fast as I could, going upstream and I saw her... she was there and looked at me as if she was waiting for me.  

Her black hair, now longer, swayed in the breeze. Her body, that was once small and thin, had become beautiful and curvy. She was a woman now, but her eyes, oh those dark eyes, were still the same ones that haunted my memories.  

I approached, and the only thing I could say was her name.  

“Alexia...”  

Without knowing why, or without caring if I was going to be rejected, I kissed her. That old childhood love turned into an urgent desire to erase all that longing that I had stored deep within my being. Alexia responded to me with passion. She seemed to feel the same thing as me, and she wanted to make up for all the lost time.  

We pulled away from each other with difficulty, but the feeling of being complete surrounded us like a golden aura. We didn’t need to say anything to know that time hadn’t changed the feelings of the two children.  

We talked and kissed for hours on end, until we heard sounds coming from the forest, and before I knew it, she broke away from my embrace, looking me in the eyes and said:  

“Tobirama, I need to tell you something very important.” Her face became serious. “Meet me here tomorrow night. Please don’t miss it.”  

I nodded and let her go.  

I didn’t know that conversation would change my entire life.  

──

The night of our meeting had arrived. I managed to leave without being seen by my brother and went towards the agreed location. My hands were sweating, and my heart was racing with every step I took. I thought what I felt years ago was a child’s thing, but the closer I got, the more I knew I was madly in love with that woman. When I arrived, she was already there waiting for me, her gaze fixed on the waters of the river. She seemed sad and that made me worried.  

“Alexia, are you alright?” I asked and without waiting for an answer, I hugged her.  

Feeling her warm body pressed against mine, the kiss was inevitable. It started out soft, but when she opened the way for our tongues to mee, I could no longer resist. We made love right there, on the riverbank, listening to the water run and taking our secret with it.  

Leaning on my body, I heard her soft cry and little by little, hot tears touched my chest, making me look at her.  

“What happened? Did I hurt you?” I said with concern.  

“That’s not it,” she got up and started to dress up. “This shouldn’t have happened. Not without telling you first.”  

“Telling me what?” I started to worry even more, seeing her crying.  

“I know who you are, Tobirama Senju,” she whispered between tears, emphasizing the word ‘senju’. “And I... I am... Alexia Uchiha.”  

My heart almost stopped when I heard her say her full name. It couldn’t be true. It couldn’t... the girl I loved since I was a child, the girl I loved there, on the riverbank, was from that damn clan that had been at war with my family and friends for years. I looked at that familiar and now strange face for several moments, until she broke the deadly silence that hung on us.  

“I wanted to tell you sooner, but I was afraid,” she took a step towards me. “Say something, Tobirama.”  

“Alexia... Uchiha...” I could only repeat her name, still not believing that joke of fate.  

She got closer to me, and with her trembling hand she tried to touch me, but my body involuntarily took a step back, avoiding the contact.  

“Please, say something,” her voice was already starting to get exasperated with my silence. “Say that this doesn’t change anything. Say that you love me. Say that everything will be alright. Just say... say it and I will wait for you.”  

But I didn’t say it. Even though my heart was screaming like crazy inside my chest, I didn’t say the words that she wanted to hear. I couldn’t.  

I caught a glimpse of her beautiful eyes fading with the tears that came flooding back before she left.  

──

When I found out who that little boy was in the river, I knew I had to stay away for my safety and his. However, the war helped me maintain my decision. I was sent to another village along with other women and children who could not fight. But fate found a way to bring us together again many years later. I wanted to see him, see how he grew up and try to make possible that childish love that I always carried in my chest, despite the situation.  

An Uchiha and a Sunju. It seemed like a joke, but I didn’t care. I wanted to fight for that feeling.  

But...  

But my hope faded that night, after we made love. He ran away from my touch like running away from a venomous snake when he learned the truth. I saw the hurt in his eyes, and anger. I was willing to face everything and everyone for us, I just needed to hear him say it. But the words didn’t come.  

──

After that fateful night, I still hadn’t given up on us. Maybe he just needed some time to put his thoughts in order, maybe there was still hope. But I was wrong.  

Every day that followed, I went to the riverbank and one by one, I placed the little paper boats with flowers in the current and watched them slowly descend into the clear waters, waiting to hear his footsteps on the gravel. The long-awaited steps never came.  

And every time, I cried. But this time, I held back the tears and noticed that someone placed a coat over my shoulders and spoke to me in a soft voice.  

“Alexia, what are you doing here?” he said in a worried smile. “It’s getting cold. Let’s go before you get sick."  

I looked at him as I stood up. His long, black hair was tousled because of the wind, which I didn’t even realize was blowing strongly, and his dark eyes, so similar to mine, stood out from the strong, beautiful face that smiled at me. Madara Uchiha, the new leader of the clan. I had known him for a long time, but only at that moment did I really pay attention to him. I took one last look at the waters of the river and followed him back home.  

──

That image of Alexia waiting for me, words I didn’t say and the sadness in her eyes, the plea in her voice haunted my thoughts.  

Every day I went to the river, and I saw, day after day, the little paper boats going down the river. I knew they were for me, that she was waiting for me just behind that curve. But my pride prevented me from going there and taking her in my arms and never letting her go.  

Another little boat came down and came closer to my feet, and before I could pick it up, it sank and dissolved in the water. I didn’t know why, but that image made me cry. Nevertheless, I still didn’t go after her.  

──

A year has passed since that day, and there have never been any paper boats for me on the river again. 

Same bed, but it feels just a little bit bigger now

Our song on the radio, but it don’t sound the same

When our friends talk about you, all it does is just tear me down

‘Cause my heart breaks a little when I hear your name

It all just sounds like ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

And as the world loves to play tricks, that same year the battle between the Senju and Uchiha clans ended, beginning an alliance that led to the founding of Konoha. If I had said something, if I had waited... 

Mm, too young, too foolish to realize

That I should have bought you flowers and held your hand

Should have gave you all my hours when I had the chance

Take you to every party ‘cause all you wanted to do was dance

Now my baby’s dancing, but she’s dancing with another man

But I hadn’t said anything, I hadn’t waited, and I lost her. Now, we live in the same village, our families are no longer enemies and there is no more war. But it’s too late for us. 

My pride, my ego, my needs, and my selfish ways

Caused a good strong woman like you to walk out of my life

Now I never, never get to clean up the mess I made, oh

And that haunts me every time I close my eyes

It all just sounds like ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

I see her almost every day, but her eyes don’t look at me anymore and her smile doesn’t shine for me. Now, another man holds her hand, another man is the owner of her look and the reason for her smile. 

Mm, too young, too foolish to realize

That I should have bought you flowers and held your hand

Should have gave you all my hours when I had the chance

Take you to every party ‘cause all you wanted to do was dance

Now my baby’s dancing, but she’s dancing with another man

Although it hurts

I’ll be the first to say that I was wrong

Oh, I knw I’m probably much too late

To try and apologize for my mistakes

But I just want you to know

I could see him day after day gluing together, piece by piece, Alexia’s heart, which I broke. Healing her wings, which I hurt, and giving her the love that, out of pride, I couldn’t give. 

I hope he buys you flowers, I hope he holds you hand

Give you all his hours when he has the chance

Take you to every party

‘Cause I remember how much you loved t dance

Do all the things I would have done

When I was your man

And today, I’m here, at the top of this mountain. Down there, I can hear the happy laughter and the music that rose up to me. 

It was Alexia’s wedding, my Alexia... I lost her the moment I was too weak to say I loved her. 

My life ended there, on the edge of that river. Those waters witnessed who foolish I was, how my hatred and my pride took from me the woman I loved my entire life. 

The sun had already set on the horizon and the stars were beginning to emerge in the dark blue sky. That was when I noticed someone approaching, a servant, who handed something into my hand that made my heart skip a beat. 

It was a paper boat with a white flower. My eyes clouded with the threat of tears, until I saw that there seemed to be something written on the paper. I unfolded the little boat and read the words that seemed a little shaky. 

‘Tobirama,  

I want you to know that despite what happened between us, I have no regrets. On the contrary, you will always be in my heart, as my first love. It’s a shame that it’s too late for both of us, but I wish from the bottom of my soul that you find someone, and that you don’t let your pride speak louder than your love again. Be happy.  

Alexia.’ 

As I read that, my fists clenched the paper tightly and the little flower fell apart on the floor. And I couldn’t hold it back any longer. I fell on the ground and cried, cried until my eyes had no more tears to cry. 

I cried for the lost love. I cried for the future without Alexia. I cried for the regret of not having said the words she expected to hear. And I cried even more for having my heart in pieces while my pride remained whole. 

[luchicm04]

sinking in the metkatina masterlist

Summary: (Y/n) was a marine biology researcher. She used to do various studies on Na’vis and periodically go out to the ocean with her colleagues to collect samples. However, when many scientists who sided with the RDA were kicked out and sent back to Earth... she was left alone as an oceanographer, with no one to accompany her to the open seas anymore.  It would have been nice if Jake had more allies who sympathized with him, but (Y/n) swallowed her tears. Fortunately, there were still a few people who knew how to sail a ship, so she left Hell’s Gate and headed out to sea for her investigation after a lot of deliberation.  She was just staring at the water in the vastness of the ocean... and suddenly, she was struck with dizziness, wondering ‘What am I doing here?’  That night, (Y/n) couldn’t sleep, so she tossed and turned in bed and finally came out onto the deck. The night sea of Pandora seen from the ship was as beautiful as always. It was a world worth protecting. The woman leaned against the railing, recalling that terrible and scary battlefield... and just then, a wave rocked and swayed the boat all of a sudden and she... fell into the sea. 

Pairing: Tonowari/Omatikaya!Fem Reader

Tag: #sinking in the metkayina fic

posted on ao3

Warnings: hurt/comfort, fluff, edging, smut, mature content...

All characters belong to Avatar and the ocs to the original author of these works, who allowed me to translate it.

CHAPTERS:

chapter 1

chapter 1.5

chapter 2

(WIP)

OTHER STUFF:

Playlist

(WIP)

[luchicm04]

Sinking in the Metkayina - chapter 1

Masterlist

Summary: That night, (Y/n) couldn’t sleep, so she tossed and turned in bed and finally came out onto the deck. The night sea of Pandora seen from the ship was as beautiful as always. It was a world worth protecting. The woman leaned against the railing, recalling that terrible and scary battlefield... and just then, a wave rocked and swayed the boat all of a sudden and she... fell into the sea.

Pairing: Tonowari/Omatikaya!Fem Reader

Tag: #sinking in the metkayina fic

posted on ao3

Word count: +8k

All characters belong to Avatar, and all rights are reserved to the original work whose author allowed me to translate it. I took some (a lot) of creative liberties while writing, adding a few things and changing some. This is the first time I translate a Korean fic, so I hope I did it properly😅

The premise of this story is that humans have a respiratory system adapted to Pandora’s air. It’d be so annoying and interfering otherwise, and it wouldn’t allow for deep kissing and the endless things you can do with your mouth.

Overall warnings: hurt/comfort, fluff, edging, eventual smut⚠️

(Y/n) was a marine biology researcher. She used to do various studies on Na’vis and periodically go out to the ocean with her colleagues to collect samples. However, when many scientists who sided with the RDA were kicked out and sent back to Earth... she was left alone as an oceanographer, with no one to accompany her to the open seas anymore. 

It would have been nice if Jake had more allies who sympathized with him, but (Y/n) swallowed her tears. Fortunately, there were still a few people who knew how to sail a ship, so she left Hell’s Gate and headed out to sea for her investigation after a lot of deliberation. 

She was just staring at the water in the vastness of the ocean... and suddenly, she was struck with dizziness, wondering ‘What am I doing here?’ 

That night, (Y/n) couldn’t sleep, so she tossed and turned in bed and finally came out onto the deck. The night sea of Pandora seen from the ship was as beautiful as always. It was a world worth protecting. The woman leaned against the railing, recalling that terrible and scary battlefield... and just then, a wave rocked and swayed the boat all of a sudden and she... fell into the sea. 

(Y/n), who had fallen into the water without any equipment, screamed while struggling. “Is there anyone here? Hello?!! Please, I need help!!”  

She tried to swim closer to the boat but was pushed further away by the waves. 

Even after the ship had completely disappeared from sight, (Y/n) continued to swim, but her hope was fading away. Time continued to pass, and she had no energy left because she had struggled so hard. Her lips were trembling from hypothermia, and only despair rose up in her. 

‘Am I going to die here? Not on Earth, but on a distant star a few light years away?’  

The strength slowly drained from her limbs and (Y/n) lost consciousness after hearing something that sounded like a whale’s cry. 

──

When she opened her eyes... she screamed at the sight of Na’vis looking down at her with faces full of curiosity and wariness. The Na’vi, who were startled by (Y/n)’s yell, shouted along with her, making her scratch the back of her head in embarrassment after calming down. The surroundings had started to get noisy after she had woken up. 

‘Vrrtep? ...They must be talking about me, right? This sucks... Well, at least I’m alive, which is a good thing... but it feels that I’m going to die anytime soon...’  

Na’vis began to gather, and (Y/n) flinched in fear at their piercing gazes. They looked different from those of the Omatikaya; their skin color was lighter, their arms were thicker... oh, look those muscles... wait, what was she thinking? Did she want to die by a harpoon? She was silently praying, if it came to be, for them to kill her painlessly with one blow when two Na’vis appeared through the crowd. 

Judging by the fancy and colorful ornaments, the girl was 100% sure they must be the Olo’eyktan and Tsahìk. She had to show them she had nothing but good intentions! 

(Y/n) immediately jumped up and cast the ‘I see you’ while speaking in the native language, in which she was haltingly fluent. “I have no intention of causing harm. I am a tìftiatu.” 

The Tsahìk looked up at the Olo’eyktan and they stayed silent. 

‘Good thing I learnt that word from a baby forest Na’vi... Why aren’t they saying anything? Please, let me live to see another day.’  

“Do you know why you are here?” the chief asked. 

“When I opened my eyes, I was already here.” 

“A tulkun saved you and brought you the shore.” 

“Tool... kun? Wait, a tulkun?” 

“Yes.” 

“Oh my god!!”  

‘I had the chance to see a tulkun with my own two eyes?! I didn’t even get to see a single tail fin!! I should’ve woken up, and instead I missed it! Aaaah!!!’  

(Y/n), who was mentally punishing herself while outwardly doing a one-woman show, barely came to her senses under the strange look of the Olo’eyktan, and desperately tried to appeal to herself that she was harmless by raising her frail arms and clearing her throat to speak. 

“I am not a warrior; I mean no harm. I just want to know about life in this place and the meaning of Eywa.” 

“...Why? You are one of the demons.” 

“Because not all demons want destruction.” 

“Is that so?” 

“Yes, it is.” 

‘Thanks for the lessons, forest kid.’  

The male leader spoke to the woman with a softened expression. 

“She doesn’t look dangerous.” 

“What if it is only a mere appearance?” 

“She does not possess any of the Sky People tools. Without those ‘machines’, they are no different from newborn babies.” 

Was she being compared to a baby right now? ...Well, they weren’t wrong. (Y/n) listened to their conversation feeling nervous. 

“...You are allowed to stay here.” 

‘Yes!! However, asking for them to take me all the way back to the Omatikaya... I guess that’s too much, right? I don’t think they’ll listen... I’ll just have to survive in a place with no machines or anything technological. Luckily, I know about some creatures that humans can consume.’  

“Then... where should I stay?” 

The man replied calmly. “I’ll take care of that.” 

“Tonowari!” the Tsahìk exclaimed. 

‘So, his name is Tonowari? Huh, weird...’  

“No matter how weak she is, we will have to wait and see if she is completely harmless. As Olo’eyktan, it is my responsibility to care and watch over her.” 

“...Even though you might regret it?” 

“That too is my lot to bear.” 

Ah, great... is the leader of the tribe fighting with his wife already because of her mere existence on that island? She hopes she’s not ruining their relationship. 

“O-oh, it’s okay... you don’t have to help me, I can manage by myself. Plus, couples shouldn’t fight... Ahaha...” (Y/n) said nervously. 

Both Na’vi looked at her strangely. “We are not a couple.” 

“R-really?” 

“I suppose you didn’t know that Tsahìks and Olo’eyktans are not always paired up,” the woman stated drily. 

The human was sweating profusely. “...I didn’t know...” 

‘Oh, no... Did I just insult both them and their culture at the same time?’  

“Anyway, you are my responsibility from now on. Follow me, I will show where you can stay.” 

“Y-yes, yes... thank you...” 

Leaving behind the Tsahìk, who was still looking at her as if she were an unworthy insect, (Y/n) bowed and followed after Tonowari. 

After a short walk, they arrived at the area where the maruis rested above the water. Not long after that, the man stopped in front of the one she supposed would be assigned to her. She obviously expected it to be empty, but it was spacious and had traces of daily use. What? 

No matter how you look at it, someone was already living there. When (Y/n) looked at him with a question mark on her face, Tonowari spoke as if nothing had happened. “I said you were under my responsibility. You shall be living with me for a while.” 

“...I’m a girl, though?” 

“You are a woman of the Sky People. Don’t worry, nothing unpleasant will happen to you.” 

‘Well... of course, we are from different species... but something inside me... something similar to dignity is dying!! I want to tell him that, but I can't say anything because just receiving this invitation is a huge exception and privilege...’  

(Y/n) walked to a corner and crouched down. 

“Don’t be so nervous; you can relax, I won’t do anything to you.” 

“Y-yeah, uh-huh...” 

“Please, use the space a little more widely. There is no reason for you to feel uncomfortable.” 

“T-thank you...” 

Tonowari sighed as he looked down at (Y/n), who was sitting awkwardly and not knowing what to do. 

It seemed like there was quite a long way to go. 

──

The next day  

“Is there anything you can do?” 

“Uh... fish. I know them well. Sea... algae? Seaweed? I know seaweed well too.” 

Tonowari looked down at her, curious that a Sky Person would be so interested in the sea life-forms. 

(Y/n) shrugged. “It was my job to study them. I have lots of knowledge about them.” 

“Hmm... I guess that is not necessary right now. What about hunting?” 

“Nope, nothing.” 

“I will show you how to weave a net. Follow my lead,” he said as he grabbed a few materials so he could show her the basics. “Even if it’s temporary, as long as you stay here, you have to do your share.” 

“Yes, I know.” 

“This way, the basic knot is complete. Now, you try.” 

After a few attempts and feeling she was just making a fool of herself, (Y/n) questioned the process she was taking. “...Am I doing it right?” 

“Put your right hand under the knot and pull it out to the left.” 

“Like this?” she asked after somehow managing to tangle the material even more, but not in the specified form. 

“...” 

“...Like this?” 

“...Let’s just try something else.” 

“Hey! Don’t give up on me so easily!” 

After wrestling with the cord for about two hours, (Y/n) unilaterally admitted defeat... 

“Well then, tell me how to make fabrics at least.” 

“If you can’t even weave a net, how will you be able to weave cloths?” he said pointedly. “I believe it’s best for you to follow me around for a while; look around and find something you can learn to do.” 

“...You don’t have to be so straightforward about it.” She saw how he was carefully gazing at her. “Why are you looking at me like that?” 

‘If we were friends, I would have thrown some joke like: “What’s the matter, hon? Am I that cute?” However, being in front of a 292cm (9’7”) giant Na’vi, I get so scared that I can only... squeak... Even though I’m tall for a human, I’d be like a little kid compared to Tonowari.’  

Still, seeing this, (Y/n) sighed and wondered if Tonowari would be able to teach the customs of the Na’vi... to a human. 

──

From that day on, (Y/n) followed Tonowari around and was shown all sorts of skills: how to cast and pull nets, how to manage a clam farm, how to sharpen and make spears, how to create accessories that are strong and durable even in seawater, etc. Surprisingly (or not), not a single one of them suited her. 

(Y/n)’s self-esteem, once a highly educated person, began to plummet. 

‘But I... I was a scholar capable enough to be dispatched to Pandora, so how can I be so useless? My knowledge has already been passed down through generations of Na’vis, and I have no talent for working with my hands... If I keep up like this, what are they going to do with me? What if I’m kicked out?’  

The night was getting deeper; the sound of the ocean could be heard, and (Y/n) was anxious... She crouched down and tried to come up with something. Nevertheless, no matter how much she thought about it, there was no answer. She had to prove her worth, but she couldn’t do anything... (Y/n), who had always been ahead of the curve, felt like she was nosediving with no way up. The only thing she felt she was good at the moment was sniffling. Which she started to do, little by little. 

And those sounds... Tonowari, who slept in the same room could, of course, hear them. Looking at (Y/n), who was lying down with her back turned and trying to quiet down her sniffs, he let out a small sigh and got up. 

“You can’t sleep?” 

“Y-yes... ugh... sniff...” 

“It’s been an hour.” 

“...Lie back down, I’m fine...” 

As the remains of his sleep disappeared, the Olo’eyktan awoke completely from his drowsy state. Tonowari spoke with a soothing tone as he looked at the state (Y/n) was in. 

“Every life has its own use and purpose in Eywa’s path. You, too, have your own purpose. Do not worry too much.” 

“...Do you really think so?” 

“Yes, I do.” 

Only then did (Y/n) loosen her distraught expression and turn around. Her eyes were wet from sobbing, but now she was smiling slightly. 

“You are very kind, sir.” 

“Ahem... I am responsible for you. It is only natural.” 

“But I’m a foreigner, so it must be burdensome for you, sir. Still, thank you.” 

“...Tonowari is also fine.” 

“Huh?” 

“What I mean is, you don’t have to call me sir every time. Many people call me by my name.” 

(Y/n) blinked briefly and burst into a small laugh. “You’re very kind, Tonowari.” 

“...It is late; go to bed and rest. You have many places to go to tomorrow.” 

Tonowari’s ears perked up a little as he spoke, so she found herself in a happy mood for the first time in a while. He looked very strict and serious, but he secretly had a kind side to him. He might even seem a little... cute? 

As she laid facing the ceiling, the sound of the waves, which was unusually loud, acted as a lullaby... (Y/n) fell asleep after a few minutes. 

──

(Y/n) and Tonowari searched the entire village for something to do... Clamming (too hard for a human), picking seaweed (can’t hold her breath for long, so ruled out), standing guard at the village border (barely getting by)... and finally! Finally, they found something she could do. 

Teaching children. 

(Y/n) was definitely into Pandora’s oceans, and her vocabulary was similar to the kids’ (lol) so it would be easy to teach them. 

‘I was hoping I would end up doing something with my dexterity... haha... I was a bit disappointed, but still! I was happy to be useful, and I felt flattered in front of Tonowari. He also congratulated me with a smile.’  

Of course, there was some opposition to the idea of the demon teaching their children, but after proving her knowledge was clearly useful, they decided to test it and see how it goes before making a formal decision. In order to do that, a Na’vi would be needed to watch and help out. 

And on the first day of teaching the younglings... (Y/n) was wondering who would come while Tonowari walked from afar. 

She stared confused as he approached her but was quick to greet him with the respect he deserved. “I see you, Tonowari. What brings you here...?” 

“I heard you need someone to help you.” 

“That’s true, but...” 

“You are under my responsibility, so it is right for me to take charge of that task as well.” 

“...Oh, aren’t you busy...?” 

“I have some free time to spare at the moment. Don’t worry.” 

‘Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhh- I thought we were going to do something like the neighborhood alphabet classroom, but now I have to do an observation class in front of the Olo’eyktan. Damn it!! And I’m just a researcher, not someone trained as an educator.’  

While sweating profusely, (Y/n) kept repeating to herself like a parrot that the chieftain must be busy, so... why was he here? 

The man was stubborn, so she gave up on that. The girl entered the space set up for what they would need and... there were more kids than she thought? (Y/n) raised a question mark. Could you blame her? Who could have thought so many would come knowing that they would be taught by a demon? 

The kids confidently said they had come without their parents’ knowing. The curiosity of pre-teens in their prime couldn’t be defeated, funnily enough. 

So, that was how (Y/n) started the first lesson. First, she listed the easy-to-find clams. 

“Okay, guys! Do you know what this is?” 

“Who doesn’t know that? It’s just a common clam.” 

“Right, but did you know that this clam has 300 eyes?” 

“Really????????” 

“Curious, isn’t it? Should I crack open it and check?” 

(Y/n) was trying her best to win them over... 

No matter what she did, it wouldn’t work. Pandora’s creatures were so huge... It wasn’t easy, and a female human’s energy couldn’t even come close to that of a Na’vi. 

Ah, she’d finally gotten their interest; she couldn’t just leave it like that. The woman trembled and used all her strength, but the clam was tightly shut. (Y/n)’s face was gradually turning sad until a large hand appeared from the side. 

It was Tonowari. He took the clam from her hands, which hadn’t even moved regardless of how hard she tried, and easily opened it... In 0.5 seconds... 

“Here you go.” 

“O-oh, uh... thanks.” 

“Wow~ Olo’eyktan is so cool!” 

“Thank you everyone. Now, keep focused on what (Y/n) will teach you.” 

“Okay~” 

After that thankful action, Tonowari nodded to her with a smile as if telling her to go ahead with the lesson. 

“Alright... Now that the Olo’eyktan has opened it, why don’t we take a look? Here, did you know everything in this side consists of the organs?” 

“Eww~ it’s so gross!” 

“It is, but thanks to that they know when predators ... no, tarioa- tairo-... I mean, when bad animals are coming, and they close their shells to protect themselves." 

“But why stay there instead of running away?” 

“...Well...” 

(Y/n) got caught in the moment, but Tonowari intervened from the side. 

“That is because the strong warriors of the Metkayina catch them. Nothing can escape our hands.” 

“Uh... That’s right! Warriors of the Metkayina! You too will achieve that position when you grow up. By the way, aren’t you curious about how clams eat?” 

‘Phew! Almost blew it back there.’  

A few hours later, (Y/n)’s first class ended with unexpected success. And... it seems she got herself an assistant? 

Tonowari woke her from her daydream, which was causing her soul to leak from her mouth, by tapping her. “That was impressive. There were some things I didn’t know. Did you discover them?” 

“Well... not necessarily me... but my colleagues and I made a collaboration ... how do you say this in Na’vi?” 

“Does this mean that this is the fruit of your efforts combined?” 

“Fruit? Fruition... Yes, that’s right!” 

“It seems like you’re doing well on your own. You are intelligent and talented.” 

'...The first compliment I heard since I got here!’  

(Y/n) was a little embarrassed, but she didn’t show it and replied “That’s just how I am” and shamefully left. Tonowari laughed a little at her cockiness. 

On the way to the marui, the sky and sea were covered in the sunset. The two walked slowly along the sandy beach and looked at the landscape. 

“It’s beautiful...” 

“The bottom of the sea is even more beautiful. Have you ever seen it?” 

“I’ve been there a few times. It was an unforgettable experience... Now that I think about it, I have never seen it here.” 

“The coral reefs of the Metkayina are especially famous for their beauty. Someday, I will show you how to ride an Ilu and show them to you.” 

“Really?!” 

“It would be absurd to be staying with the reef people and not seeing the reefs.” 

“Thank you, thank you! I will never forget this for as long as I live!” 

“...Because you seem to love the ocean too.” 

There was a moment of silence between them. 

“How could you not fall in love with this place?” 

“Didn’t you say that there is an ocean where you came from?” 

“Coral reefs are losing their color, animals are disappearing, and the water is tainted with dangerous substances. It can no longer be called an ocean.” 

“...That is regretful.” 

“That’s probably why I fell in love with this place so much. Living in this lively place feels like a dream.” 

He didn’t speak any more. They kept walking Tonowari, who didn’t say anything until they reached their destination, spoke quietly. 

“If there’s anything you would like to see, just tell me. I’ll help you as much as I can.” 

The image of Tonowari speaking like that remained in her mind for no reason and continued to linger in her mind until she closed her eyes and went to sleep. (Y/n) must have fallen asleep because when she woke up the soft sound of the waves, like white noise, and the voice of Tonowari in her head were mixed together and she couldn’t tell which was which. 

──

(Y/n)’s class was surprisingly booming as time went by. 

The kids who came after taking a class said it was so much fun, so those who called her ‘demon’ at first started coming one by one out of curiosity, and her crowd eventually grew... The youngsters did many things there besides learning like playing with friends and, honestly, parents were happy they didn’t have to watch over them all day (her school had become in some sort of childcare). 

It was also quite amusing to see the Olo’eyktan sitting solemnly on the sidelines and listening, then chiming in a word or two. And when (Y/n) muttered to herself something like “Oh, I don’t have this... I wish I did...”, Tonowari would quickly get up and disappear somewhere, then come back with it. 

“Where did you find this?! Tonowari, you’re the best!” 

“...You’re welcome.” 

She would spend all day teaching the kids (actually playing with them) and then in the evening, when they dispersed, she would walk along the sandy beach with Tonowari and chat. 

'At first, it was hard to talk to him because he scared me, but know that I know how considerate he is, haha, I feel I can speak with him more comfortably.’  

“The conch shell that I showed you earlier, isn’t it pretty? Should I make some jewelry with it?” 

“...Are you serious?” 

“No, even if my dexterity was ruined, it wouldn’t be to that extent...” 

“Well, I’ll make one for you instead.” 

“Wow, really? Yay !!” 

“ Yay ... Can I ask what that means?” 

“Well, it’s a great word to use when something is really good and exciting.” 

“...The Sky People’s language is really diverse.” 

“Anyway, you promised to make me one of those ornaments. I like necklaces!” 

“I see. I shall keep that in mind,” he said smiling down at her. 

And... time passed, and the day finally came when Tonowari decided to give (Y/n) a ride on an Ilu. 

Before, there had been a backlash that was summarized with: “We can’t trust the demon.” Now, through teaching, she had become close with the kids and established her own position, so things were better. 

“(Y/n)! I heard you were going to ride an Ilu today!” 

“Awesome! I’m so jealous!” 

“I’m learning to ride one too.” 

“I heard Tonowari himself would teach her.” 

“Lucky... Come back without any injuries!” 

“Do you think I will learn to ride soon too?” 

‘I always do this kind of back and forth with my students. I can’t do Tsaheylu, but the mere idea of being the first human to ever ride an Ilu makes me feel like I’m floating! I don’t think any human on Earth has ever ridden one. Especially with an Olo’eyktan teaching me directly!’  

Tonowari was barely able to calm (Y/n) down, who was almost jumping up and down with excitement, went out to the sea and called for an ilu. 

“Everybody makes that sound, but how do you do it?” 

“Like this.” He made some sounds from the back of his throat using his tongue. 

She tried to copy him to the best of her ability. “Am I doing it?” 

“...” 

That was all for the lesson on calling the Ilu. Tonowari lifted (Y/n) and placed her on one who had come near. 

“Whoa!!!!” 

“Um, let go of my hair...” 

“Sorry, sorry, you just surprised me all of a sudden...” 

(Y/n)... was quite tall for a human, and no one had ever lifted her like that since childhood. So, out of fright, she had ended up grabbing onto the hair of the Olo’eyktan for support. She let go, feeling embarrassed, and Tonowari grabbed her hand and told her how to hold it on the saddle. His larger hand, that covered (Y/n)’s whole and still had a lot of space left, folded each finger accordingly. 

She suddenly felt strange at the feeling of his hand... She thought it was because she was excited and let it go. 

“How long can you last underwater?” 

“I’ve had some training before, but... like 3 minutes?” 

“That is ridiculously weak...” 

“That... that is long?!” she affirmed offended. 

“I guess we’ll have to do a lot of practice. Anyway, hold your breath, we are going into the water now.” 

“Really? Now? Wait a minute, whoa-” 

As soon as the Ilu dived, Tonowari grabbed its queue and dived with it. 

(Y/n) barely managed to catch her breath at the timing, and as she closed her eyes tightly in a state of exclamation, she was dragged by the Ilu as it swam aimlessly. After a few seconds, she felt someone tapping her from the side, so she cautiously opened her eyes and almost opened her mouth as well to say: “Wow”. 

The scenery before her eyes was truly fantastic. Colorful aquatic creatures swimming in the clear waters and colorful coral reefs... Shoals of small fish passed by (Y/n) and Tonowari, and the Ilu played in circles among the giant seaweed. 

‘This sight will forever live in my memory,’ she thought to herself. 

Tonowari, who was caressing the Ilu, smiled slightly as he looked at her as she was absentmindedly watching everything. Seeing that she liked it so much, he thought that he should have brought her out there earlier... (Y/n), who seemed to sense his gaze, looked back and waved her hand with a bright smile. 

At that moment, Tonowari felt his heartbeat suddenly stop for a second. 

Why? Had he stayed in the water for too long? No, it wasn’t that... The man put his hand on his chest and questioned this strange throbbing sensation. 

Right then, he saw (Y/n) gesturing upwards as if she were out of breath and apologetically sent the Ilu up to the surface. 

“Phew! That was really, really fantastic! Thank you, Tonowari!” 

“...It was nothing.” 

“It was not nothing. If it weren’t for you, I would still be feared as a demon and wouldn’t have had even come close to touching one of his fins.” 

(Y/n) had been able to establish herself in the village thanks to Tonowari, so she smiled happily as she expressed her gratitude for that again. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her... 

“Today I just looked around, but next time I’ll be looking for samples for research. Will you be coming with me?” 

To this bold and valiant woman who fearlessly asked the Olo’eyktan to accompany, Tonowari could only nod... without even knowing why. 

“I don’t know what samples are, but... if you want to.” 

“Oh my? What if something weird happens?” 

“I know you wouldn’t do anything to purposely harm us.” 

“Wow... that’s touching. Why are you so kind to me?” 

“...It’s no big deal.” 

Tonowari always said that when he was embarrassed. But never the actual thing. 

──

From that day onwards, (Y/n) went out to collect samples carrying the small bag that Tonowari had made for her. The man was always by her side and would even hold things for her if they were too heavy. 

What’s more, he taught her breathing techniques so she could hold longer underwater... and the two naturally became closer. 

“I’d like to go out for a bit. Is that okay?” 

“It’s dangerous. I wouldn’t recomment it.” 

“Um... Just for a bit? There’s something at the bottom I really want to look into...” 

“I said it was dangerous.” 

“Why can’t I? I’ll just dig that up and come right back!” 

“...” 

Strangely, it became difficult for Tonowari to say no to (Y/n)’s words. 

She had become quite capable at holding her breath through continuous training (nothing compared to a Na’vi, of course) and was confident that she would be fine in deeper waters. 

The day they decided to go far away, Tonowari came with a fierce-looking spear; (Y/n) wondered if it was necessary, but she thought that he would know better. The two of them went beyond the coral reef on Ilu... but the chief was so big that it was more like holding onto its queue with her on board rather than riding it. 

Anyway, the two went down to the deep water and luckily, they quickly found what (Y/n) was looking for. The girl was carefully putting it in her bag with an excited face, when a huge shadow fell over her. 

It was a Pxazang. 

Before she could scream, Tonowari pierced his spear straight into the beast’s stomach and it shook violently, bleeding in pain. Right after, he narrowly escaped from having his arm bit off while holding onto the Ilu and (Y/n). Both continued to head down and down among the tall seaweed and coral. The predator chased after them, chewing and breaking through stone pillars like a madman despite having been stabbed. 

Tonowari gritted his teeth and held (Y/n)’s arms tightly so as not to lose her and continued to descend... And the two, barely able to hide in a place where its teeth could not reach, held their breaths and tried to calm their pounding hearts. 

Nevertheless, there was a problem... Not matter how much (Y/n) trained, she wasn’t a Na’vi and soon started to suffocate. She tried her best to hold it in, but when a gulping sound was heard, the man looked down at her... and realized the situation. Without even thinking, Tonowari lowered his head and kissed her. 

The moment (Y/n)’s eyes opened wide, he breathed life into her... while she was hardly hanging on and clinging to his body. 

How many times did she inhale and exhale like that? Finally, the human’s stomach settled down; Tonowari made a gesture, grabbed the handles of the Ilu and headed towards the surface. 

“Gasp...! Cough, cough... Ugh...”  

(Y/n), who had been holding to Tonowari’s arms, gasped and finally filled her lungs. Even though he had trouble breathing after sharing air with her, the Na’vi held her cheeks to check if she was hurt anywhere. The two looked at each other for a long time, catching their breath. 

Tonowari’s heartbeat was so loud that it could be felt in his arms... The face that habitually looked down was full of relief at barely surviving, and subsided fear at knowing she had made it... The man met (Y/n)’s eyes, which were filled with a mixture of emotions, and impulsively kissed her.  

Their pulse was thumping on their touching chests, the body head felt faint on their wet and cold skin... and yet, the tongue that was parting her lips and entering her mouth was so hot that she thought it would burn her... The chief pulled (Y/n) into his embrace and turned his head to kiss her more deeply, and this continued until the girl was out of breath and rubbing his shoulder. 

──

Four days since the incident  

Tonowari didn’t say a word about it and just treated (Y/n) as usual. Instead, they stopped going to the beach where they used to go for walks, and at night, he left the marui and went to sleep somewhere else. 

In other words, he didn’t sleep in the same place as her. 

Likewise, (Y/n) didn’t say anything about the matter, but she would sometimes look at his face as if asking for an explanation. When that happened, he would first look away and then leave the place. 

The strange atmosphere was evident even to the Na’vis in the village, and the number of children asking what had happened to the Olo’eyktan increased. 

Since they both declared it was nothing, though... what could a third party say? They just worried a little among themselves and let it go. Regardless of whatever happened between their leader and the demon, time passed, and it was time for the Tulkun to return. The Tsuraks, Ilus, Na’vis and Tulkuns all gathered together was truly a spectacular sight. 

It was so frustrating and regrettable that she didn’t have a camera on her... (Y/n) went into the water to capture it all with both her eyes. And she also witnessed Tonowari going over to his spirit brother. The man kept moving his hands in front of the Tulkun, as if he had much to say. Meanwhile, (Y/n) stood alone observing everything. 

That night, the village held a small festival. 

It was a celebration due to the return of their spirit brothers and sisters and, naturally, a table of alcohol was prepared. She was sitting there, asking about the ingredients and thinking, “I can take this.” The Olo’eyktan and Tsahìk were at the top, and after a few words from Tonowari, everyone joined in and drank. 

(Y/n), who had completely melted into the village teacher, had a few drinks and her face turned gradually red and started hiccuping while the other Na’vi teased her. As Tonowari saw her living effortlessly in the village without him, his feelings became complicated. It wasn’t something that should have become complicated; it was a good thing, but he couldn’t understand why his heart was like that. 

Because of his compromised mind, the man kept drinking and got so drunk that anyone would worry of they saw him. Eventually, Tonowari nodded at the advice that it would be better to stop drinking and go inside to rest, and staggered slightly as he headed towards his marui. He would have normally gone somewhere else, but he was too drunk to consider that. 

Leaving behind all that noise, he entered and laid down in his usual space... He closed his eyes dizzily, but then he heard footsteps, so he looked up and when he blinked... he saw (Y/n)’s face, red from drunkenness. 

“Tonowari! I f- hic! finally see your face...” 

“...If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll leave.” 

“Who says I’m uncomfortable?” 

And then, she sat down in front of him! 

Actually, he realized, she had even brought a bottle of alcohol with her; she finally started gulping it down. He thought he should stop her, so he tried to get up. 

“Why did you kiss me back then?” 

He stayed silent for a moment. “...I don’t know what you’re talking about. You seem very drunk, so I think it’s best if you go lie down now...” 

“Why did you kiss me?” 

“It’s late. You should-” 

“What, do you think I’m stupid? I laugh all the time, so it’s easy, right?” 

“...You have never been easy.” 

“I’m not easy, so you’ll just pretend like nothing happened? Is that what you do?” 

“...I’m sorry. I apologize. Because of my lack of virtue, I forced myself to do something that you didn’t want...” 

“When did I ever say I didn’t want it?” 

“...?” 

“Why do you think and decide on your own without even listening to me?” 

Tonowari felt as if his lips were drying up... He moistened them and bit them carefully. 

“...Then, what decision would you like to make?” 

(Y/n) stared at him for a moment, then walked closer and wrapped her arms around his neck as she dat on the floor. 

“Kiss me. Give it a try first and then decide.” 

[[[The following content will be updated separately as an explicit post]]]  

The next day, she woke to the sound of the morning waves as usual, suffering from a horrendous hangover. The girl tried getting up, but she felt like she had been hit to a breaking point and something was holding her tightly, so she couldn’t move. What was that? She opened her eyes and there were a pair of arms in front of her. 

Tonowari was hugging (Y/n) in her torn clothes. 

‘You’re crazy, (Y/n)! Crazy!! Because you had no one to sleep with, you laid with the Olo’eyktan...?!!! He’s not even a person. What should I do? Ah, I feel like I’m gonna die...'  

Memories of last night flashed before her eyes like a panorama... She barely managed to swallow her screams. 

‘But... strangely, I don’t regret it... It was a really odd sensation. It felt like the knot that needed to be tied was finally put together.’  

On the other hand... there was no door there, which meant the place gave up any kind of privacy; anyone could have seen them, so she groaned and tried to get out, but... her arms were too heavy, and she couldn’t move. (Y/n) struggled for a while but gave up after exhausting all her strength. Moreover, her whole body hurt like she’d been beaten, especially her lower half. If it had been that bad in one night... She would’ve died if they had been at it for longer. 

“...Excuse me? Tonowari? Hey...” The girl timidly patted Tonowari’s broad chest. A couple of times. Then several. She wondered how many times she ended up doing that. Her arms were starting to hurt, and at that moment, the man stirred. 

And his open eyes were met with (Y/n)’s on his arms. 

1... 2... 3... 

“...!!! I’m so sorry!!! I will be punished for my sins...!!!” 

“Shh! Shush...! The other Na’vis will hear us...!” 

“Uh, I apologize...” 

“Well... First if all, do you have anything to cover my body with? My clothes are all torn...” 

“...I apologize for that as well...” 

The woman placed the fabric that Tonowari gave her around her body like a wrap dress. And then the two were forced to face reality. 

The bite marks and handprints left all over her body... he wanted to die. 

Tonowari had never felt so small in his entire life. He had spent the night with a drunk and it didn’t even seem like he had been gentle. He managed to open his mouth with the determination he had left, unsure on what to say next. 

“No, I mean... I did it because I like you... but...” 

He raised his head. “Did you say, you did it because you like me?” 

“If I didn’t like you, I would have said no, wouldn’t I?” 

The Na’vi was just staring blankly at (Y/n), opening and closing his mouth several times. 

“Um... I guess... that makes us... lovers? Something like that?” 

As soon as she said those words, she felt Tonowari hugging her right away. 

“...Are you sure you want me?” 

“I don’t think that’s something you say when we’re hugging each other practically naked and have already had intercourse... I meant it.” 

“I shall be a good mate for you. Definitely...” 

“Okay, wait a minute, I can’t breathe...! I need air...!” 

After holding her tightly for a long time, (Y/n) was finally released. She was still held in his arms, although lighter this time. It seems the one who self-appointed as her new mate had no intention of letting go anytime soon. 

That was how Tonowari and her started dating... Of course, it was a secret relationship; (Y/n) had preferred it like that, because she didn’t know how the Na’vis of the village would react. 

“Hmm, hey... Tonowari?” 

“Yes, I’m listening.” 

“Other than my face... could you please look at this fish?” 

“If you want me to.” 

The children gasped and looked back and forth between the two. Was he planning on hiding this from the people or not? He was driving her crazy... One could imagine the answer knowing that instead of that fish’s gills, he was gazing at her honey-dripping eyes. 

“(Y/n)... with the Olo’eyktan... by any chance...” 

“Huh?! No, I’m not!” 

“I think you’re right...” 

“They’re so affectionate with each other, aren’t they? Hahaha...” 

“It’s not like that...” 

“Right, right...” 

Well, she let it slide for now. The kids left with such faces... She rubbed her throbbing forehead, but Tonowari came up to her and grabbed her hand, saying there were no children around anymore. 

‘Now he wants to hold hands?! I actually want to, but whenever I see him smiling and saying that it’s okay, I feel weak again... Then again, what do the kids know? Ha... it’s alright I guess.’  

──

The next day  

A certain Na’vi called out to (Y/n), saying she had something to tell her, so she followed after the sea woman. Did they know each other? No matter how much she looked into it, she was a villager that had never spoken to her before... and right now, she just stared at (Y/n) without saying anything, with red eyes. 

“What did you want to say to me?” 

“...The Olo’eyktan! What’s so good about a demon like you?!” 

Huh...? She looked up and tears were falling like raindrops from the woman’s eyes. The human girl felt flustered and tried to calm her down. “Oh, no, don’t cry...” 

“Just like you! You can’t hunt! You can’t even weave a net! What’s the point of being twice as tall as you are?” 

“No... please, stop crying.” 

While rummaging through her inventory, (Y/n) held out a piece of cloth she had knitted for practice and told her to wipe her tears. The nameless Na’vi that was crying continuously stared at her and then caught her hand with her own. 

“Make Tonowari happy! Otherwise, I won’t forgive you!” 

“That’s not... I...” 

“I will remember that!” 

“No...” 

And she disappeared, shedding tears... Leaving her behind with her mind echoing ‘When did it start to be rumored that we were dating?!’ 

But (Y/n)... She wouldn’t give up on their love affair. 

When there were just the two of them, Tonowari immediately picked her up, pressed their foreheads together, kissed her and whispered words of affection. However, he tried hard to remain cold from the outside, no matter how in love his eyes looked. 

As time progressed, he continued to stand close to her with his huge size, like a bear that got wet under the rain, unintentionally making it hard for them to pretend nothing was going on. 

“(Y/n)...” 

“Eh?” 

“Olo’eyktan, you should at least try to pretend...” 

“I’m sorry, I can’t assist you. I’m in a very important duty.” 

“You’re just standing there...” 

“It is called surveillance.” 

Tonowari looked at the children who were doing their best in their lessons while keeping blank faces. 

“(Y/n), I...” 

“I’m in class.” 

“Just a little bit...” 

“I told you, I’m in class.” 

Now, (Y/n) seemed to have forgotten that the other person was the Olo’eyktan. Tonowari raised his figurative eyebrow amusedly, but he stood there until the end of class. As soon as the kids started to leave, he quietly came and grabbed her hand. 

“No, they’re still outside.” 

“...Can’t I kiss you just once?” 

“I’ll kiss you when we get to the marui.” 

“Is it not possible right now?” 

She glared at him, feeling like she’d lost again, and stood on her tiptoes. “...Just one.” 

Tonowari bowed his head as if he’d been waiting for that moment and kissed her deeply. It was supposed to be a small one, but he intertwined their tongues, and before she knew it, she was receiving a sticky and lewd kiss from the hungry man. 

After it ended and they broke apart, (Y/n) wiped her mouth and said, “Don’t do this when we’re outside...”, but found a Na’vi with their mouth open behind Tonowari. 'Uh-oh.'

“...!!!! Oh no, it’s not what you think...!” 

“Mom! Moooom!!!” 

“No!!!!!!!” 

In the end, they abandoned their secret relationship that day. 

──

She was forced to give up on Tonowari by issuing a ‘restraining order’ against him. 

Even if it had to be revealed, she wanted to do it properly and by herself, but they had been caught kissing in an open space, so she was left in shame. (Y/n) felt like a dog, being told to stay at least ten steps away... Instead, it was Tonowari who chased after her like a fanboy. 

He followed her around so pitifully... No wonder the Na’vis of the village had found out about it. (They all knew from before; they just chose to ignore it.) 

“No! It’s different when you get caught at a crucial moment and get exposed!” 

“Well... we already knew...” 

“You could have at least pretended!” 

“It was too obvious...” 

Even after finishing her work for the day and going into the marui, (Y/n) sat away since the order had not been lifted. Tonowari’s ears drooped and he watched her closely... He couldn’t bring himself to get close, so he looked at her with a pouty expression, but she tried to ignore him. 

“(Y/n)...” 

“Are you going to ask me to hug you again? You know we can’t.” She tried to avoid his prying eyes. 

“It has already been three days...” 

“Can’t you even hold back for three days?” 

“Can you?” 

“...” 

“If I cannot control myself... can you?” 

“Not being able to control ourselves is the reason we ended up like this!” 

He did not give up. “Do you not... hate that it has come to this?” 

“...No, that’s not it...” 

“We confirmed out feelings for each other, so I can’t understand why we must stay apart...” 

The girl bit her lip, willing her spirit not to yield. 

“(Y/n), I...” 

“ Okay, to hell with it. Get over here.” 

“...!!!!” 

And Tonowari ran towards her like a puppy with its tail on fire and sat down right next to her. 

After leaning slightly on her small body and smiling happily, (Y/n) couldn’t help but smile as well. And fit into those big arms and be hugged. The man enjoyed her body temperature and smell for a long time, rubbing his face against it. They kept whispering to each other until the sunset spread into the night. 

From then on, Tonowari, who had been gifted with a big body, would not think twice before carrying the girl in his arms and walk around all day. He would take strolls around the village like that and would hide his face in embarrassment, thinking that other Na’vis might see them, but if there was no one around, he would sneak a kiss on (Y/n)’s temple. 

At such happy times, a happy smile could be seen on the man’s face. 

Even the shy (Y/n) would have no choice but to wrap her arms around his neck and lean on him with a tingling in her heart. If she did it correctly, she’d feel the strong arms and familiar shoulders, and the heartbeat on his chest. Even though they had been together for quite some time, she found it cute that his heart would still beat fast and loud. 

Every day, the couple walked along the beach holding hands or spent time with the young Na’vis, who were just starting to learn how to weave nets. When dusk approached, the girl ran to Tonowari, who would come to pick her up and hug her. She also ended up meeting his spirit brother. 

“The day the Tulkuns came back... what did you talk about?” 

“Perhaps I have found someone who I can love.” 

──

One day, as the two of them grew more in love day by day, Tonowari went out hunting with the village warriors, and (Y/n) was walking alone through the marui bridges. 

However, something wasn’t right... it wasn’t usually that noisy, so she looked around and went to the shore, where something familiar caught her eye. 

It was an Ikran. 

Normal – Na'vi Italics – English

Vocabulary list: vrrtep (demon), olo’eyktan (clan leader), tsahìk (head shaman, high priest, interpreter), tìftiatu (researcher), marui (pods built in the giant mangrove-like trees alongside the shores and are protected from crashing waves by giant reef barriers), tarnioang (predator), tsaheylu (bond, neural connection), pxazang (akula), tsurak (skimwing), ikran (mountain banshee)

[luchicm04]

lost in the forest masterlist

Summary: At first Karen thought she got lost walking a beautiful path during a tour she had signed up for long ago. Being a department leader, whose vacations were difficult to get. However, one detour... one bad turn or who knows what happened made her end up surrounded by a group of dangerous men. The good part is that they aren’t members of any gangs or known group, but ending up kidnapped and forced to live among strangers wasn’t the way she thought her ecotourism would end, much less discovering that they are shinobis. How did she end up in some sort of feudal Japan? What are shinobis and clans? It seems familiar but... from where? She had heard those words before. Uchiha and Senju...

Pairing: Senju Tobirama/Original Female Character

Tag: #lost in the forest fic

posted on ao3

Warnings: canon-typical violence, mature language, adult content, found family, time skips, fluff, angst, character death, implied rape, kidnapping, suicidal thoughts, sexism, PTSD, manipulation, cultural shock, tags to be added

All characters belong to Naruto and the ocs to the original author of this work, who allowed me to translate it.

CHAPTERS:

part one

part two

part three

part four

part five

part six

part seven

part eight

part nine

part ten

part eleven

part twelve

part thirteen

part fourteen

part fifteen

part sixteen

part seventeen

part eighteen

part nineteen

part twenty

part twenty-one

part twenty-two

part twenty-three

part twenty-four

part twenty-five

part twenty-six

part twenty-seven

part twenty-eight

part twenty-nine

part thirty

part thirty-one

part thirty-two

part thirty-three

part thirty-four

part thirty-five

part thirty-six

part thirty-seven

part thirty-eight

part thirty-nine

part forty

part forty-one (WIP)

OTHER STUFF

Cover art

Memes

AI generated art

AI generated art pt. 2

Playlist

[luchicm04]

Sinking in the Metkayina - chapter 2

Masterlist

Summary: Tonowari is obsessed. The atmosphere is completely opposite to the first chapter. For those who want to preserve the impressions from Chapter 1, I recommend not reading.

Pairing: Tonowari/Omatikaya!Fem Reader

Tag: #sinking in the metkayina fic

posted on ao3

Word count: +6k

All characters belong to Avatar, and all rights are reserved to the original work whose author allowed me to translate it.

Overall warnings: hurt/comfort, fluff, obsessive behavior⚠️

“Hey!!! Excuse me, are you part of the Omatikaya?”

“No. I’m from the Tawkami clan.”

“Well, can you stop by the Omatikaya then?”

“It is on the way, but…”

“Thank goodness...! Please, tell the Olo’eyktan of the Omatikaya that (Y/n) is alive and is now living with the Metkayina!”

Because she was happily living with Tonowari, she hadn’t thought about Jake or the humans who probably considered her dead… When she first got to the island, the human knew she would be rejected if she asked to pass on the news, and after that, she was busy collecting research samples in the ocean that she loved, so she forgot about it…

‘How could I forget just like that?’

Back at the base, she’ll have access to the conveniences and familiarity of civilization and research equipment.

After living for so long in tribal society using only the things permitted, she was so happy thinking about going back… She could examine the things she had collected there under a microscope and run them through all sorts of testing machines!!

Of course, there was the issue of the relationship with Tonowari, but she thought that she could just give him communication devices and talk to him every day. She thought that she would stay at the base for a while, and then move the necessary things and go back and forth between the Omatikaya and Metkayina.

(Y/n) believed that Tonowari would understand all of that.

Because he was an understanding man.

──

The human helicopter arrived earlier than expected; the Tawkami Na’vi must have quickly delivered the message.

(Y/n) barely managed to stop the tribesmen from attacking it, agitated by the landing of an unfamiliar mechanism, and shouted in joy at the man who had gotten off of it.

“Ralph!”

“(Y/n)! You’re alive!”

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily. It’s been so long...”

As soon as Ralph stepped on the sand, he ran to hug his colleague who he thought had passed away and cried tears of happiness. (Y/n), who was hugging him back, also shed tears. After being shipwrecked and lost for months, only then did she realize she had made it. She had survived.

“Have you been here this whole time?”

“Yeah, I forgot to try and contact you… Sorry.”

“It’s okay, I’m just grateful that you did now. Come on, let’s go back.”

The girl felt as if she had been slapped back to reality. “Huh?”

“Everyone’s waiting. Is your drinking capacity still intact?”

“Of course! ...Um, but…”

She hadn’t finished organizing everything yet. She hadn’t even said goodbye yet… But before she could utter a single word, a hand roughly pulled (Y/n), who had stayed still hesitantly, away from Ralph.

Tonowari spoke with a severe face, holding (Y/n)’s arm so tightly she almost fell on her knees. “What do you mean go back?” he questioned, having managed to overhear their conversation and remembering the few English words he had learned through the girl.

“Oh, right… I see you. My name is Ralph. I’m (Y/n)’s workmate.”

“I asked what did you mean with ‘go back’.”

“We are currently on war against our enemies alongside the Omatikaya. Didn’t (Y/n) say that she came from there?” Ralph explained, a bit cautiously.

“It doesn’t matter. The Metkayina is with whom (Y/n) is staying right now, and she won’t be going back.”

(Y/n) looked up at him in surprise. “Tonowari, what are you talking about…! Ralph, I’m sorry, I haven’t talked to the Na’vis here yet...”

“If we talk about this, will anything change?” The man continued to gaze intently at her.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you in advance, but… all my foundations are in the forest; I have to go back.”

“Are you leaving me?”

Ralph, sensing something was wrong judging by Tonowari’s frighteningly hardened expression, looked at (Y/n) with a face that demanded an explanation.

“I think you’re too worked up, let’s go inside and talk. Ralph, I’m sorry, but I can’t go back today. Can you return in three days?”

“Don’t come. She won’t leave.”

“Tonowari…! I’ll explain properly, Ralph, just go!”

“(Y/n), are you alright?”

“Yes, just go now!”

The human male got back on the helicopter, seeing that something was seriously wrong with his friend but couldn’t do anything about it. All he could do was shout, “I’ll be back in three days!”

When (Y/n) saw the helicopter take off, she looked around. Even though they didn’t know the details of the what was discussed, the observing people could tell that the human girl had been about to leave, and the young Na’vis were looking at her with hurt eyes.

“Guys, I didn’t mean to leave just like th- Ow! Tonowari…!”

While normally his heart would tremble even when (Y/n) pretended to be sick, the chief gripper her arm, almost dragging her and headed towards their shared marui.

“You need to explain yourself.”

“It hurts…!”

As soon as they arrived, Tonowari threw her arm away and spoke.

“Now tell me, what did you plan on doing?”

“This is a misunderstanding, Tonowari… It wasn’t my intention to leave you all like that.”

“How can I believe you?” he asked more softly with a deep voice.

“I was just planning to go back and rest for a bit, then come back and spend some time going back and forth between the two locations.”

“Without saying a word to anyone?”

“Tonowari, listen. I was going to go and come back, really.”

“I already asked, how can I believe you?”

“...Believe it or not, I’m going. Ralph is coming back in three days.”

Tonowari’s face, devoid of a single smile, was eerily frozen. “You’re going with that man? Leaving me behind?”

(Y/n) was starting to get a little scared. However, she thought it was a process that they had to go through anyway, so she continued to speak firmly.

“Ralph is just a co-worker. He’s just like any of my collagues.”

“...Ha. There are other men too?”

“What the hell does that have to do with…?”

“Alright, that’s the end of the story. You will stay here, and tell your ‘colleagues’ the same thing.”

“Tonowari!”

“Do not test my patience any longer.”

‘Well, what if I try it, huh?’

At this point, (Y/n) was pissed. She had explained it several times; why didn’t he listen? Didn’t she say she’d be coming back?? The girl sat down and started packing her things as if she was protesting.

“(Y/n),” he uttered her name in a chilling tone.

“I don’t want to talk right now.”

“(Y/n), I warned you.”

“Well then, what are you going to do?” she asked challengingly without turning back or stopping what she was doing.

Tonowari, who had been quietly looking down at (Y/n) with his mouth shut, roughly grabbed her arm and pulled her up… and threw her over his shoulder.

In an instant, her eye level rose to nearly 3 meters, and Tonowari headed towards the sea without even caring whether his hold was being harsh or not.

“Where are you going? Let go of me! Tonowari!”

As soon as he jumped into the sea with his head held high, (Y/n) froze when she saw his Skimwing approaching him as if it had been waiting for him. They were usually dangerous and she wasn’t even allowed to go near one, so it made no sense to put her in such a dangerous position. Regardless, Tonowari, who had gotten used to her trashing and made Tsaheylu with it, crossed through the water and headed somewhere unknown to her.

The place he took (Y/n), who was frightened and with no further intention of rebelling further, was… a small rocky island with rough waves crashing against it.

Tonowari reached the coastal cave there and laid (Y/n) down, exhausted from hear.

“This place has strong currents and brutal waves. You can’t possibly get close unless you have a Tsurak. Of course, you can’t get out of it either.”

“Are you out of your mind?!”

“There is a freshwater lake, so you will have a place to drink and wash. I will bring you food.”

“Tonowari! Are you hearing yourself right now?”

“I shall come twice a day.”

(Y/n), who was grasping for breath on the cave floor, suddenly got up and tried to fight against Tonowari, but she was easily subdued… The girl felt so wronged that she almost cried. She tried to escape from Tonowari’s hands and yelled almost in tears.

“W-why? Why are you doing this to me?”

“Because you are my mate.”

Tonowari’s eyes possessed an unreadable light as he said those words, and (Y/n) felt at a loss for words.

“I’ll be back in the evening, so cool your head and rest.”

The man let go of her arm and walked back to the beach, then rode off on his Skimwing without looking back.

Only a dazed (Y/n) remained on the rocky island.

──

(Y/n), who was crouching blankly in the cave, didn’t even know how much time had passed. All she could perceive was the wind blowing, the waves crashing, and the sky getting dark.

When Tonowari arrived, it was evening, as anticipated, with the sun setting.

He put down some fruits and other foods that (Y/n) liked and usually ate, and spoke, “I brought you something to eat.”

“I won’t.”

“You must in order to survive.”

“Then let me go.”

“That is not possible.”

(Y/n) chuckled.

“You won’t let me go back, you dragged me here and you confined me. What’s next?”

“Please, at least eat something.”

“And if I don’t? Will you force me?”

“No. I would never use violence on you.”

“You know, that’s really funny… I’m not eating, so take the food back. Or throw it away.”

After saying those words, Tonowari stared at (Y/n) with his mouth shot for a long time. He picked up a fruit, took a bite, and came closer. (Y/n) noticed what he was trying to do and struck his cheek with all her might, but his neck didn’t even turn… It looked like he was going to kiss her.

Blood was flowing from Tonowari’s mouth after their lips were glued together for a few seconds and then pulled away… The girl had bit his lip.

His finger touched his bruised lip and he looked at it with slight anger. “Nothing good will come from this.”

“If you know it won’t get any better, why are you doing this?”

“You don’t understand.”

“If it was going to be like this, why did you treat me so well?”

“(Y/n)-”

“Why did you make the people think you are a good mate, a good Na’vi?!”

Tears fell from (Y/n)’s eyes. Betrayal, sadness and resentment was all she could feel, but also a little bit of a desire to still believe… a faint hope that if she told him, he would listen.

“It’s not too late. Let me go.”

“...I love you.”

“Take me back, please...”

“I love you.”

“Please, don’t let me hate you…”

Tonowari just hugged her without even wiping the blood flowing from his mouth. (Y/n) was crying in hopelessness in his arms and beating his chest, asking how this could be called love… The hand that stroke (Y/n)’s back was as affectionate as ever, and that made (Y/n) fall into despair even more.

──

Tonowari came to see (Y/n) twice a day, as promised. Each time, the human didn’t open her mouth nor looked at him, but he paid no attention to it and continued to talk about the day’s events as if nothing had happened.

“Today I helped the children ride an Ilu for the first time. It made me happy… reminded me of my memories with you. I hope we get to do that soon.”

“The whole village is busy because it’s clam digging season.”

“The Tulkuns have created a new song and it’s so beautiful. I wish to listen to it together later...”

Every time the word ‘together’ came out, (Y/n) would snicker in amazement. It had been only a few days that they did everything together, but now it was a word that felt so distant.

On the sixth day that Tonowari came, the girl had a gut feeling that he had met Ralph again when she saw his mouth clenched even tighter than usual.

“That man came. I told him to go back because you wouldn’t be leaving.”

“...Are you satisfied now?”

“He said he’d be back again to keep looking for you. I can’t be at peace until then.”

“When will it be enough for you?”

“Until you become my mate completely.”

“Then, you’re screwed; you’ll never be satisfied in your life.”

“Don’t say that.”

“I used to be your mate, you know? You were the one who doubted me and ruined things.”

“That happened when you tried to leave without saying a word.”

“...Okay, talking any further will get us nowhere.”

Tonowari looked at (Y/n)’s back, who had turned around as if there was no point in arguing any longer, with eyes full of all kinds of emotions.

(Y/n) felt those gazes but ignored them and bit her lips tightly… She had no idea where it went wrong and whether they could turn this relationship around.

‘I wonder if I’ll ever get out of here…’

──

The girl didn’t bother to keep track of the number of days that passed from then on. She didn’t even count the amount of times Tonowari would visit her without fail, because she feared she’d go crazy if she realized she had been locked away alone that much time.

As always, the Na’vi got up, whispering his unanswered love and spoke caressing her face, which had become pale due to not eating properly (although much of what she ate, she had thrown up). “I’ll be leaving now for today. I shall be back tomorrow morning, so make sure you eat something before then.”

“...”

“I love you.”

(Y/n), as always, sat still without seeing him off. Soon, she heard the Skimwing’s wings flapping, meaning she had been left alone again.

‘How long has it been…’

As she stood blankly for a long time, (Y/n) realized that the sound could be heard once more, although faintly.

‘He said he’d come in the morning… Why is he back again?’

The human was not happy either way, so she sat there with her back to the sea.

“(Y/n), (Y/n)! Are you there?!”

Until she heard a woman’s voice.

“...Maunan?”

It was the Tsahìk of the Maetkayina.

As soon as she heard that voice, (Y/n) jumped up and ran out.

‘Please, please…’

It was Maunan, who jumped down after her Skimwing landed. When she saw the taller woman’s face, (Y/n) burst into tears and cried loudly.

“Maunan!!!”

“Eywa… Have you been here the whole time?”

“Yes, here… c-continuously… ugh...”

“The people were very worried.”

Maunan, seeing her haggard complexion, wiped her tears and did her best to comfort her.

“How did it come to this…?”

“Y-you came to save me? Can I leave now?”

The Na’vi looked at her pitifully, imagining how strong her desire was to be back at her home in the jungle. “No, not yet. There’s a limit to how far you can go with a Skimwing. There is an Ikran rider who is leaving for the forest soon. I’ll tell him to spread the news about what happened, so hold on here for three days.”

“Three days...”

“I believe three days will be enough for the Sky People to hear about it and come back. Is that alright with you?”

“Yes, I can handle it… Thank you… Thank you…”

“No need for that. It’s my fault for not stopping the situation in time.”

After soothing (Y/n), who was sobbing in relief that she would finally escape, Maunan said that she would be going and advised her not let herself be caught by Tonowari. Only after seeing the human nodding with a tearful face did she take off on her mount.

(Y/n) was left alone on the rocky island again, but she was no longer distressed.

‘Three days… I must hold out until then.’

(Y/n) started putting into her mouth the food that Tonowari had left behind, which she had never even looked at unless she was really close to dying… Up until then, she had not experienced any flavor when she ate, but for the first time in weeks since she had been trapped there, she could taste the sweetness of the fruit. After gulping down the water, she felt much more energetic.

The next morning, Tonowari, who brought food as usual, saw for the first time that (Y/n) had emptied the food.

“Will you be eating now?”

“...Yes...”

“Good. I was worried about you…” Tonowari said caressing her cheek, whose complexion had improved. And, again, for the first time, (Y/n) did not slap his hand away.

How long had it been since (Y/n) accepted Tonowari’s touch instead of rejecting it…? The man felt as if the two of them had gone back to how it used to be in the past, even if it was only for a moment. At that time, everything was happiness. (Y/n) loved him as if she would stay by his side forever, and with that alone, Tonowari felt like he had the whole world.

And now… although it had gotten better, he could still see her gaunt face and listless appearance. Tonowari suddenly felt a surge of emotion… How had it ended up like this? ...He had been happier than anyone else, but the feeling of having ruined it with his own hands struck his hands.

“...I’ll be going now.”

In the end, Tonowari couldn’t stay long that day and ran away from the rocky island… (Y/n) still didn’t see him off, but she watched his back as he rode off on his Skimwing for a long time.

──

Two days left

The next day, (Y/n) ate all the food Tonowari had brought, and some color returned to her pale face. After finishing all the clams that she especially liked, he was once again caught up in that inexplicable feeling as he watched (Y/n) resting as if she was full.

The girl blushed and said, “If you grill the clams next time, let’s eat them together.”

He vividly remembered (Y/n)’s first day of class, when he had felt sorry for her and had tried so hard to help her out due to her not even being able to open the clams.

Now that he thought about it, Tonowari may have started paying special attention to (Y/n) since that moment. Did he know back then that this would happen? If he had known… would he still have opened that clam?

Tonowari was overcome with all sorts of emotions as he looked at (Y/n)’s body, which had always been small, but now it somehow seemed even smaller… He remembered the memory of him hugging her small frame, kissing her and smiling. He also remembered the face that pretended not to have anything going on with him and kissed him briefly when no one was looking, and the voice that whispered that she loved him.

He felt like he had ruined it all.

Looking at (Y/n)’s expressionless face, Tonowari asked impulsively, “Can I hug you just this once?”

The human turned her head at those words and stared at him for a while without saying anything before answering quietly.

“...Alright.”

As always, Tonowari lowered his body, met her gaze, and hugged her affectionately. (Y/n) did not avoid him.

──

One day left

Tonowari, who had left the rocky island as if he was running away that day, recalled the fond feelings and memories that had welled up the moment he hugged (Y/n). Those whirlwind emotions didn’t go away even after lying down on the floor of his marui, so he couldn’t fall asleep and kept tossing and turning. The nights he had spent with (Y/n) were not like that at all.

Her body would lie down and fit perfectly into his arms, whispering “Good night, Tonowari.” and she’d finally close her eyes. When he opened his eyes in the morning, (Y/n)’s round eyes and the mischievous voice that teased him for being sleepy would be the first thing he’d see.

It was Tonowari who ruined it all.

Not (Y/n).

Tonowari got up and washed his face dry, going over his mother’s words on his head.

“Tomorrow, bring (Y/n) back and… apologize.”

He couldn’t help it.

Because Tonowari loved (Y/n) too much to give up her affectionate whispers and touches.

──

The third day came and (Y/n) opened her eyes. Even though it was just dawn, the girl was biting her fingernails nervously… She sat down and swayed her legs, then jumped up and ran to the beach, narrowing her eyes and searching the distant sky.

He’d come… He said he would… He had to get her out of there.

Before Tonowari arrived…

How long did she wait like that…? Who knows, because soon enough, she started hearing the familiar sound of a propeller from afar.

It was a helicopter! It was there to pick her up!

(Y/n) was so happy that she jumped up and down in place, screaming “H-here! I’m over here!!”

“(Y/n)! Oh my god, are you okay?!”

“Ralph…! Oh, God, thank you…”

Her eyes welled up with tears as she heard the English words… Ralph’s expression of shock at her appearance, which seemed to have almost lost half its life, was vivid.

“Let’s go. Quickly, we have to leave before that crazy guy gets here!”

The island was too small and uneven for a helicopter to land on, so Ralph reached out from the cabin of the vehicle that was a short distance from the ground. Right when she was about to grab his hand, (Y/n) hesitated for a moment.

‘If I leave now… it will be the end of me with Tonowari. Our relationship will be over, just like that.’

Despite all that catastrophe, the thought of it made the blood drain from her fingertips.

“Ralph, I…”

“(Y/n)!!!”

The sound of a Skimwing’s wings flapping was heard along with that scream.

As soon as he had seen the Sky People’s machine that he had already witnessed once, Tonowari understood the situation flew towards them at a fast speed, his face turning pale.

“(Y/n), I was wrong! Please, please don’t leave!”

A desperate cry… Tonowari was pleading, yelling as if pouring out everything inside him.

“Shit, he’s already here… Get in, (Y/n)!”

“I… Wait, I...”

“If we wait any longer, it’ll be too late!”

The man grabbed (Y/n)’s hesitating hand and pulled with all his might, and (Y/n) was put on the chopper’s back. It would have been right to leave without even looking back, but the girl couldn’t take her eyes off Tonowari even after getting on the helicopter.

“(Y/n), please, please…!! I was wrong, please! Please, just stay…!!”

The pilot, after confirming that his companion was safely on board, took off straight upward. Their ride, which had risen to a point beyond the reach of the Skimwing, took off towards the forest at an incomparable speed.

“(Y/n)!!!”

Leaving behind Tonowari’s desperate cries.

Ralph looked anxiously at the strangely quiet (Y/n) behind him after having saved her in the nick of time while they headed back to the jungle.

“Are… are you alright?”

“...Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you for saving me.”

This was the right thing.

It was right to cut off that kind of relationship.

For Tonowari’s sake, and for hers.

(Y/n) kept looking back without saying a word… After flying like that for a few hours, when they arrived at the forest, the humans who had been waiting hugged her and welcomed her with tears in their eyes.

“(Y/n)! God, look at your face…! Are you okay?”

“We’re so sorry, we should have looked for you more...”

“Get in, quickly. You need to eat something warm and rest.”

She went inside and drank warm coca with marshmallows floating on top for an unknown amount of time, and then went through a health checkup just in case. Except for a slight malnutrition caused by skipping meals, everything was fine, so her colleagues breathed out a sigh of relief.

“The body is not the problem, it’s the mind...”

“Shh, be quiet.”

“Why? Did I say something wrong?”

“Just… pay attention…!”

It was already known by everyone that she had been in a relationship with Tonowari, as it had been declared by Maunan… and being imprisoned by such a lover was not an experience that could be easily overlooked. Since none of the remaining humans had majored in counseling or anything like that, they all just gave her their best wishes and let her rest in peace.

(Y/n) came into her room, saying she wanted to be alone, and swept the desk she had not seen in a long time with her hand. There was no dust, as if it had been cleaned in advance. She still didn’t feel like she was back.

The girl laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling. The mattress was soft, fluffy and comfortable; unrivalled to the hammock or floor of the open-plan marui. Suddenly, as she was just laying there, she felt that the bed was too cold. Was it because there was no large body that hugged her warmly? Although she had slept alone the whole time she had been on that island, the empty space felt alien, as if they he had been with her the day before.

‘No, Tonowari is a bad man who pressured me, trapped me on that island, and then shamelessly forced me not to leave.

Whether he was kind or not.

Whether he gave me a warm hug or not.

Whether he whispered that he loved me or not.’

(Y/n) knew it was nonsense, but… she wanted to see Tonowari.

She hated it so much, but was it because she realized she could never see him again? Memories of Tonowari continued to come to her mind without stopping. When he first gave her a ride, when he made her a necklace out of pretty conch shells, when he made her laugh with the kids and told her stories about shells… All her good memories were with Tonowari.

That night, the only thing that could be heard from (Y/n)’s room was the sound of sobbing and crying nonstop.

Meanwhile, the humans were not over their worries… because… Tonowari knew that (Y/n) was residing with the Omatikaya and even more so, he was the Olo’eyktan of a clan… Jake had to maintain the best possible relationship with the other tribes or, in the worst-case scenario, there would be an armed conflict.

Her friends asked Jake what he was going to do, and the former avatar decided to stick to his stance of protecting (Y/n).

“If it weren’t for (Y/n) during the war, half of us would have died. (Y/n) is like you, a member of my tribe. I survived and became the leader, but I won’t abandon my people like old shoes. Instead, we should avoid conflict as much as possible… and we should also prevent (Y/n) and Tonowari from seeing each other.”

He thought everything would be okay once the war was over, but he put his hand on his forehead, troubled by another matter.

“That Olo’eyktan… should be here by now?”

“It’s a matter of time.”

“...Even if he does something, don’t tell (Y/n).”

“Of course.”

Jake was half prepared for war, half prepared for diplomacy. He’d go with other Na’vis armed with weapons and try his best to avoid conflict, but if things went unexpectedly… While tension hung over the entire base, (Y/n) just cried in her room or slept like she was dead. She didn’t want to do anything else; she didn’t have the energy for it.

Unfortunately for the humans, time flew by… and finally, a radio message came from a tribesman who was scouting on an Ikran.

“A sea Na’vi has been spotted. He is believed to be the Olo’eyktan of the Metkayina, riding a Pa’li.”

“Hmm… How many people are with him?”

“That’s… the strange thing.”

“Strange?”

“He is alone.”

Alone? The humans who heard the radio were muttering. So, that meant he didn’t plan on using force, right? That was good… Nevertheless, why come alone? What was he thinking?

“Ha… I’ll go over there and talk to him first; don’t let (Y/n) know. It’s best if you distract her so she can’t come out at all.”

“Should be easy enough. She just cries in her room and doesn’t go out anyway.”

──

“I see you, Tonowari.”

“I see you, JakeSully.”

Jake’s palms were slightly sweaty as he faced Tonowari. The Na’vi, who was nearly 3 meters tall and had a body that would make it difficult to predict the outcome if they fought, was looking down at him.

“I will not take much of your time. Allow me to talk to (Y/n).”

“That won’t be possible. You know why.”

“I’m not here to do any harm. I just want to talk, that’s all.”

“(Y/n) won’t want to see you.”

“...I know.”

“Then you know why I have no choice but to refuse your request.”

“Just let me talk to her. The consequences will be on me.”

──

“...Jane? What are you doing at the door?”

“Huh? Oh, I… I was just looking at something.”

“I’m going out. Can you please step aside?”

“E-eh? Ahaha… Shouldn’t you sleep a little more?”

“No, I already slept for some time… I wanted to go get some fresh air.”

“The weather outside is not that great today~ Just stay in your room!”

“…? It seemed okay when I looked through the window?”

“It’s hot and humid and not pleasant...!”

The girl stared oddly at her colleague.

“What’s wrong? It looks as if you’re trying to keep me from going out.”

“Huh? O-oh, uh… No~ No, it’s just that...”

“Is there any reason why I shouldn’t go out?”

“W-what? Of course not, why would there be? Ahaha~”

“…..”

“Ahahaha...”

“Is Tonowari here?”

It was something like an intuition that even (Y/n) couldn’t explain. An instinctive inkling that Tonowari had come to see here.

“Eh? What… What are you talking about? Why would that Na’vi be here?”

“Tonowari is here, isn’t here?”

“That’s not it- (Y/n)! (Y/n), where are you going, (Y/n)!!”

She pushed past Jane and hurried down the hallway. While she was running, (Y/n) felt several hands trying to get a hold of her saying “Hey! Grab her! Don’t let her out!”. She didn’t know where the strength came from, but she shook the all off and pushed the door open with all her might and got out.

She squinted for a moment under the dazzling sunlight, then opened her eyes and looked at the spot where Tonowari was standing still. Jake made a face of defeat and gestured to his friends next to him.

“Take her back in, hurry!”

“No, let me talk to him.”

“...(Y/n)?”

“It was me who got tied up in this mess, so it’s me who has to do it, not you.”

“...I’ll be watching from the side, just in case.”

“Thanks, Jake.”

And so, (Y/n) stood in front of Tonowari for the first time in a long time.

“...(Y/n).”

“Long time no see, Tonowari.”

“...I have a lot to say.”

“Try me.”

The man fell to his knees. Jake looked back and forth between them in confusion.

“...I’m sorry. It was all my fault, and I dare not ask for forgiveness. I… I apologize for everything.”

“What do you want?”

“Just let me stay by your side.”

“Are you asking me to go back?”

“No, I shall stay with you.”

“...You’re going to stay in the forest?”

“If you permit me.”

“You- you are Olo’eyktan.”

“I’ll leave everything behind. The sea has no meaning to em without you.”

(Y/n) bit her lip and looked at Tonowari.

“If that’s the case, why did you do it?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Do you know how brazen you’re being right now?”

“It’s all my fault.”

“After locking me up, you think you can fix everything with a few words?”

“The morning you left, I was going to give up everything and take you out.”

“Are you expecting me to believe that?”

“You don’t have to believe it, just… know that it’s the truth.”

“...What are you going to do from now on?”

“I will atone for my sins by your side. You don’t have to love me, and you can hit me if you wish.”

“You want me to stay by your side? Even in the end, you only think about your own good.”

“...I’m sorry.”

The human looked at the sky for a moment. It was as clear as the day (Y/n) escaped from the island, and there before her was her captor kneeling, waiting for his punishment.

What did she want to do? The woman shut her mouth and stared at Tonowari.

‘Kiss me. Give it a try first and then decide.’

──

“(Y/n), are you sure about this? Really sure?”

“I told you, I really am. And don’t you remember what my major is? It makes it more convenient to love by the sea.”

“If it was going to end up like this… why did we make such a fuss about it?”

“If anything happens, be sure to contact me, okay? Charge your communication equipment frequently, and hide it somewhere Tonowari doesn’t know about.”

“Ralph will come to see me anyway. It’s okay.”

(Y/n)’s colleagues were worried about her as she prepared to leave with a bundle of luggage loaded onto the helicopter. She tried to reassure them one by one, as she didn’t want them to be so concerned. However, a large, distracting sea Na’vi kept hovering around her, unable to sit still.

“Just come and hold my hand. Don’t worry about what others think.”

“Okay…?”

They all must have been glaring at Tonowari, who they didn’t and couldn’t trust. Ralph, who had decided to go to the Metkayina regularly to check on her while delivering goods, said “I’ll keep a close eye on her.”

“Don’t worry, I’m going to be fine.”

“Yeah, that didn’t turn out so well last time,” he said and then prepared for takeoff as soon as Tonowari got into the helicopter.

The Na’vi silently held (Y/n)’s hand, who was sitting next to him, and then carefully brought it to his mouth with anxious eyes, as if he was about to press his lips against it. (Y/n) just smiled while looking at him.

After taking them to the reef clan, unpacking her luggage and reassuring Ralph, who kept gazing at Tonowari with a distrustful look, he spoke one last time with her alone.

“Even if nothing happens, please contact me every day, okay?”

──

(Y/n) sat down comfortably, but Tonowari couldn’t help but fidget and look around.

“Sit down, this is your home.”

“...Our home.”

She looked around the marui… It felt strange, because nothing had really changed since then.

“I brought some decorations, so I’ll put it over there.”

“Do whatever you want.”

“I’ll keep the experimental equipment here. Don’t touch it.”

“I understand.”

While she unpacked, (Y/n) suddenly let out a deep breath. Tonowari seemed to hesitate before asking.

“Do you regret it?”

“You?”

“I regret many things… but I don’t regret being by your side.”

“That’s fine, then.”

When she approached Tonowari and opened her arms as if asking for a hug, he wavered for a moment and then embraced her in a familiar way.

“Listen to me carefully. If you do something like that in the future, I really won’t ever forgive you.”

“That will never happen again.”

“And be sure to thank Maunan. She saved me.”

“Of course.”

Only then did (Y/n) actually hug Tonowari’s neck and gave him a light kiss.

“Now, let’s get back to bedecking our home.”

“...Yes, our home.”

(Y/n) acted awkward for a while and didn’t express their love as freely as before. The experience had clearly left scars, and (Y/n) sometimes woke up from her sleep and looked around to see if she was back on that rocky island. Each time, she was comforted by the warmth that embraced her and gave her solace.

(Y/n) thought that was enough.

Normal – Na'vi

Italics – English

Vocabulary list: olo’eyktan (clan leader), marui (pods built in the giant mangrove-like trees alongside the shores and are protected from crashing waves by giant reef barriers), tsaheylu (bond, neural connection), tsurak (skimwing), tsahìk (head shaman, high priest, interpreter), ikran (mountain banshee), pa’li (direhorse)

[luchicm04]

|Tonowari x Jake| ft. Aonung

Masterlist

Summary: You are mine, Ma’Jake. Forget them. Forget everybody and focus on me.

Pairing: Jake Sully/Tonowari

Word count: 3.7k

Overall warnings: yandere, rape/non-con elements, sexual content, dirty talk, angst, character death, extreme violence, mature language, death of minors⚠️🔞

All characters belong to Avatar, and all rights are reserved to the original work whose author allowed me to translate it.

A/N: Before reading this story, everyone needs to throw the gentle fish man out of their heads first. Hope you like it <3

posted on ao3

Beautiful. 

The only thing that could describe the rider of the last shadow is beautiful. 

Jake Sully, the ex Olo’eyktan of the Omatikaya clan and the former great warrior Toruk Makto, stood before him. Those two beautiful, thin arms held his ‘despicable’ little daughter and did not let go. 

Oh- 

Great Mother- 

Have you sent me a gorgeous gift? 

“We welcome you as our brothers and sisters.” 

His mouth spoke in words. His voice was calm and not displeased, but his mind was more ‘excited’ than anyone else’s. 

“Thank you so much, Olo’eyktan.” 

That smile... so lovely. 

“My pleasure.” 

I don’t like your family at all. 

What should I do? 

What do I have to do to make you mine? 

──

When the light disappeared after a solar eclipse, it was time to go to bed. Jake put his arms around his young wife’s waist, and she hugged him again. Not far away were the bodies of growing children lying in each other’s arms. 

It looked like a warm family that is too difficult to separate. 

Sea-colored eyes looked at the image through the darkness. The heat of anger flickered everywhere. His elegant strakes and palms were now stained with bright red drops of blood from something the ‘past him’ loved. 

However, to possess that man... even if the entire tribe was to be exterminated, he would accept it. 

──

The dawn returned to the wide sky. A loud noise woke the Sully family from their slumber. 

Neteyam was the first to be alarmed. He pushed Lo’ak’s legs that were resting on his chest and ran to look outside of the marui. 

The Metkayina people were running around. Whether the warriors were on land or in the water, they all had angry expressions. 

A thin arm grabbed a marine one. “What happened?” he asked in a puzzled voice. 

“The Tsahìk was killed last night. We are looking for the perpetrators.” 

The bad news that greeted the new household made the newly awakened Jake frown. He was so afraid that his family would be labeled as cursed. 

“What did the Olo’eyktan say?” the former clan leader asked severely. That made the ears of the young reef boy the same age as Lo’ak automatically droop. 

“He is very angry because our Tsahìk had just become pregnant.” 

“Take me there.” 

Neytiri approached and grabbed his shoulder. Her fierce face was full of worry. Jake turned to look at his young mate and gave her a smile that softened her a little. 

──

The Olo’eyktan’s marui stood from a distance. She immediatelly realized that a tragedy had occurred, because the water beneath the marui was filled with blood and the cries of the tribe’s children. 

“Please, let us through.” 

Ma’Jake pushed his way through the crowd and entered the big space before covering his nose with his hand. The smell of blood was so strong that he almost vomited. 

“Oh mother... How did this happen?” 

The youngest cried a river of tears, hugging her mother’s body with her chest open to reveal her ribs and her heart. One side of her face had a stab wound that went all the way to the back of her head. 

“Oh, Eywa... Children, go out.” 

“But mom.” 

“Neteyam, take you younger siblings.” 

Because the scene in front of her was too horrible. Neytiri wanted to protect her children from it. She couldn’t let them see these things. The eldest knew this well and he took his younger brothers and sisters from the circle of warriors. 

──

Jake’s amber eyes occasionally glanced at the Olo’eyktan of the Metkayina. His fierce and gentle face was filled with tears. 

His eyes were red and glowing with anger and looked terrifying. But those fierce eyes turned to look at him as if they knew they were being watched. 

Jake felt his strength slip away in fear. 

That face... no longer matched the gentleness he had seen before. 

Probably devastated because his partner and future child were murdered. If it were him, he would hunt down the culprits until he had gone all over the planet, from top to bottom. 

Tonowari looked unbearably pitiful. Losing your wife and baby this way must be so difficult to accept. 

Jake looked away from him and looked closely at Ronal’s soulless body. He should be useful at times like this. Use his knowledge to find out the truth. 

...But why was the Olo’eyktan’s oldest acting like that? 

His gaze was empty. 

But from the bloodshot edges of his eyes, Jake knew that he had been crying recently. 

Aonung did not have a distressed expression like his younger sister, Tsireya. Instead, he had a blank expression above all, like a lifeless doll. 

Maybe that boy knew something that he couldn’t tell anyone. 

The eyes of that kid looked at Tonowari with a futy that was difficult to explain. 

What had happened last night? 

──

Several weeks had passed and the search for the culprit had still not been resolved. Jake tried his best to find a way to help, but all he had achieved was failure. 

They could not find the criminal’s weapons. There were no traces of an escape. All Ilu and Tsurak were present. 

It was just a small tribe, but why hadn’t anyone noticed anything? 

“Or perhaps she committed suicide?” 

“If she had done that, the examination of the body would have said so.” 

The options were expressed seriously. Hopes for revenge had been reduced to almost zero. Jake held his head in frustration. During that period, he almost never returned to lie down and rest. 

“Toruk Makto, you should go rest.” 

“Don’t call me by my previous title.” 

“I should not... but should know how valuable this position is.” 

It was a fact that Jake couldn’t deny, but he could not go back and rest while he let these warriors hunt down the Tsahìk’s assassins. 

“There will be a solar eclipse. Today, we will have to sleep outside the tribe,” someone said, and Jake agreed. The darker the sky, the better his eyes will work. If anyone were to try anything at that time, he would be the first to see it. 

“Then-” 

“Toruk Makto!!” 

“Is there something wrong? You’re running out of breath.” 

It was Rotxo, a reef boy and close friend of the chief’s son. He came running towards him, looking so worried he seemed out of place. 

“Your mate-” 

He didn’t wait for the other Na’vi to finish his sentence. Jake ran away. His heart contracted... he was so afraid that his beloved wife was in a condition no different from Ronal’s. 

──

Great Mother, please... don’t let that happen to my family. 

The sound of sobs and prayers in his head never stopped. His slender legs moved forward as fast as they could. 

Jake felt so bad that he burst into tears. Neytiri was the woman he loved most in his life. 

The marui!! 

“Neytiri!!!” 

“Ah! Dad is back!! I really missed you!” 

His little daughter’s body rushed forward, and he hugged her longingly. 

Jake panted heavily... His heart trembled and he nearly fell to his feet. 

“Is there something wrong, Ma’Jake? Your face is pale and you’re shaking.” 

She approached with a worried expression on her face. A small four-fingered hand caressed him with the greatest delicacy. 

“Are you alright?” 

“I’m fine... just a little dizzy from the search.” 

Relief flooded in until the tall, thin figure fell to his knees on the ground. With a deep voice, he thanked Eywa for continuing to protect his family. 

“Come.” 

“I... Neytiri, I love you.” 

“I know, my love. Did you run to tell me this?” her caring voice spoke softly before thin lips placed a soft kiss on his temple. 

“Dad, are you crying? Neteyam!! Dad is crying! Quickly, come and see!!” 

The mischievous middle child of the house leaned in to look as he heard the commotion before shouting and calling for his older brother, who was swimming with Kiri, to hurry up and come see the strange picture. 

──

“Neytiri... don’t leave me.” 

“Why would I leave you, Jake? Are we not partners?” 

She hugged him in the midst of the children's laughter. With those surroundings... at that moment, he was the happiest man in the world. 

──

“Is your lover still beautiful?” 

The question was asked... when someone’s ‘head’ rested in front of him. 

A familiar face with thin lips he once held. 

... 

Neytiri... 

“What have you done?! Tonowari!!!” the man screamed between tears. In the middle of the darkness in the Olo’eyktan’s marui, two lives collided with each other as if no one would give in. 

Nevertheless, Jake was so furious that his eyes were bloodshot. Unlike the sea Na’vi, who smiled without a care as he dealt with the force that was pressing him against the surface of the marui. 

“Bastard!!” 

His thin lips let out all sorts of curses. Five fingers squeezed the Olo’eyktan’s throat, wanting to take his life. 

“Ma’Jake... when you get angry, you become so beautiful. Are you not happy that the shameless demon disappeared like this?” 

“Neytiri, she was my wife!! Why did you do that...” 

At that moment, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Jake had lost his mind. Many tears filled his eyes. 

He repeatedly questioned the Na’vi below him for answers. But only a disgusting laugh was heard. His palm rubbed and gripped his tight, while the more fragile body rested on the lower part of his abdomen. 

“Ma’Jake, ah Ma’Jake, from now on you will be mine.” 

Tonowari shouted his name sweetly while two hands caressed his waist and lowered towards the end of the rope that held his loincloth. 

“You pervert! I’ll kill-!!” 

As if he had suddenly lost consciousness, Jake looked at the pair of hands with such panic that he accidentally freed his palm from the thick words, giving the stronger Tonowari the opportunity to take control of the situation. 

“Tonowa-!” 

“Ma paskalin... Look at you. Who dares to make you cry?” the senior man said with a sneer. His face lit up with a terrifying smile. He was filled with a passion that was more than Jake could imagine. 

“I killed both Ronal and your mate... so that the two of us would be a perfect bonded couple.” 

“Let go!!!” Jake barked through his teeth, fighting back tears. At that moment, he was angry and scared. 

“Ma yawntu, ma Eywa ... ah-” a faint whisper murmured in his ear. The forest man turned away from those hot breaths in disgust. 

But when he opened his eyes again... 

Instead, he came to face with the lifeless eyes of the woman holding his heart. 

Both he and Neytiri looked at each other. Even if he is the one crying. 

She died leaving only her head. As for him, he was being sexually abused before her lifeless eyes. 

“Please, I beg you.” 

The sobs did not stop Tonowari. The force of the bite on his throat and the wetness of the tip of his tongue made Jake feel like he wanted to die right now. 

“Neytiri...” 

Suddenly... 

Just by saying her name with his mouth. 

All action stopped. 

“Do not mention her name in front of me. Otherwise, I will cut out your tongue.” 

How did those terrible threats come from the mouth of the generous Olo’eyktan of the Metkayina? 

Jake bared his teeth, his growl as hoarse as anything. 

He did not have enough strength left to resist any longer. 

──

The forest man groaned in unbearable agony. Shame was imprinted on his body again and again. 

The tips of his long nails scratched furiously all over Tonowari’s body. But it always returned immediately. 

His dry eyes were empty. Thick lips kissed his entire body. 

... 

The reflection of two Na’vis making love appeared in the lovely amber eyes of a woman who had only her head left. 

A drop of water from the side of the woven ceiling fell to the edge of her eyes and flowed down, as if she were crying for what had happened. 

Tonowari smiled. 

Did you see, Neytiri? He is mine. 

Not yours. 

──

When he woke up, Jake prayed that it was all just a dream. However, his wounded body always reminded him. 

Defenseless in this marui, only the figures of Aonung and Tonowari entered and left. 

That boy always brought him a tray of food at every meal, and he was the only one who healed the wounds on his body with a face of constant sadness. 

“My kids... Where are they?” 

Jake didn’t know how many times he had asked that question. But no answer ever came from the Olo’eyktan’s mouth. 

“...” 

“Aonung, please... are they safe?” Jake pleaded to the young man through tears. If he had not been chained, he would have run looking for his children, going over the entire island. 

“...They are safe. They’re staying with Tsireya.” 

The blue eyes strayed, not daring to respond to a foreign Na’vi who was no different from a prisoner at that time. 

“Really? Tonowari didn’t do anything to them, right?” Hearing this, the father felt somewhat satisfied, but he couldn’t help but be worried. 

“...” 

“Aonung?” 

“Yes.” 

When he finished, that figure immediately stood up and disappeared. Jake didn’t dare stop him, as a terrible feeling began to consume him. 

Was what Aonung said true or false? Were his children really safe, or was it just word of mouth? 

Those fragrant meals at that moment were absolutely disgusting to him. 

He could no longer swallow them comfortably like before. 

Neytiri’s face haunted him every time he moved. 

Jake hugged himself tightly. Saying that everything would be alright... although what he feared most in his life had already happened. 

He had lost Neytiri... 

The children themselves did not know of their fate. Nor did he know theirs. 

“Why don’t you eat? Tsireya would be very sad if she found out about this.” 

Jake let out a violent growl. The closer that large silhouette got, the more whistles he emitted non-stop. 

The tip of his big tail moved gently; his beauty again showing a cute behavior. 

“Get out!!” 

“Ma paysyul... this is my marui and yours too. No matter how much you wish to chase me out, I won’t go.” 

Tonowari knelt in front of him. He brought the wrist of his slender arm closer to him. Jake was surprised and trembled, trying to escape the embrace of this demon from hell. 

“Let go of me! You bastard!!!” 

The sea Na’vi smiled gently, leaving passionate kisses along the beautiful temple. One hand left his narrow waist to move and hold a long braid that reached past his hips. 

“We both are now a couple. It’s really like destiny.” 

‘A destiny I made,’ the voice in the Olo’eyktan’s head resonated. 

He clung to Jake tightly, possessive. The first time they made love wasn’t very good. The next, he hoped the gorgeous Na’vi would be more cooperative. 

“Tsaheylu with me-” 

“No!!!” his pleasant voice said in a harsh tone of denial. The fight became heavier little by little. But that was not enough to free himself from this strong bondage. 

“Being stubborn is useless, Ma’Jake... because you have been mine from the moment you set foot in Awa’atlu.” 

The light-colored eyes flashed with fear. That Jake himself hadn’t been able to realize it... 

His slim body was pressed so that he was lying on the ground of the marui. His two arms were pinned by a single hand of the Olo’eyktan . The terrifying smile of the Na’vi above made Jake’s whole body shiver. 

His fierce face leaned down and left a mark on the crook of his neck. Jake wrinkled his neck to escape but didn’t succeed. By the time he realized what was happening, it was too late. 

Repressed feelings. 

Passion turning into madness. 

Too much love to understand. 

The biggest hatred you can imagine. 

Jealousy towards Neytiri. 

And the satisfaction of having managed to kill her. 

They slowly flowed into his body. Jake had tears streaming down his face. He looked into those happy eyes. 

We are together now. 

He had been forced... It was done. 

“Is your grief that great, Jake?” 

Tonowari’s black pupils were wide, almost completely covering his ocean blue eyes. Deep down, Jake hoped that the other would take pity and let him go after knowing all his feelings. 

But not at all... Tonowari laughed again. 

He laughed... 

And smiled. 

So euphoric that he was shaking... ecstatic with the karma he had just committed. 

“I hate you...” 

“Yes, I know... I know you hate me.” 

For an instant, those eyes flickered... but it only lasted a moment before disappearing. Nobody noticed, not even himself. 

──

Day after day, everything passed slowly. 

Jake was drowning in sadness... he couldn’t know what was happening on the outside at all. 

There were some Metkayina children passing by the marui, but they didn’t care at all about the chained figure of the former Toruk Makto. 

... 

He looked across the water balcony... into the distance. 

He saw a reef Na’vi feeding the Ilu in the area. 

Jake was desperate to escape. Because no matter how much he made the sounds, they acted like they didn’t care. 

He didn’t know what had happened... but it was too abnormal. 

The remains of minced meat were thrown into the water. The Ilu swam and ate it... 

Jake continued to look like that, not moving. 

Until finally, what brought him out of his trance was the familiar sound of the placing of a tray. 

Aonung gave him medicine and food. 

Suddenly... 

“...” 

His fin was gripped tightly, and even when the young boy moved away from him, he could not free himself from the five-fingered palm. 

“My kids... I want to see them.” 

Every time they met, that plea was made. 

Aonung’s breathing hitched when he saw those amber eyes... sad, as if he were about to break. 

Why had his father done so much? 

He killed his mother... he killed the beloved mate of the former Toruk Makto and... 

“Aonung! Please, I beg you.” 

In the end, he couldn’t bear this horrid feeling. The young man’s mouth opened as if he was about to say something. 

However, the figure of the Olo’eyktan appeared before them both. 

Those fierce and dangerous eyes made Jake immediately let go of Aonung’s arm. 

“What were you talking about, Aonung?” he questioned with a kind smile but with some hidden meaning. The future Olo’eyktan was feeling as if he were being pressed to the brink of oblivion. 

“Nothing, father... J- Sa'nok was asking about his children.” 

Tonowari was very satisfied with the way Aonung referred to him. So, this time, he wouldn’t mind if his eldest child got involved with his Jake. 

“You may go now.” 

The boy nodded and after the tall and slender figure exited the marui, his eyes looked at Jake with mixed feelings. 

“Children? Your children?” 

The sea Na’vi stopped in front of Jake’s helpless body. He dropped down and hugged his body without resistance. 

“Tonowari... where are my kids?” his weak voice asked through tears. At that moment, he didn't have enough strength to resist any longer. 

“They are fine... they are happy with Neytiri.” 

Jake’s mind was pounding, struggling to form those words. 

Tonowari squeezed his body with his full hands and sat him on his lap. He spread his lips and kissed all over his neck. 

“What did you say?” 

“I sent them to live with their mother. You won’t have to worry about them anymore,” he responded casually in a low voice. Like he was talking about general matters. 

“Tonowari... do you know what you’ve done?” 

Tears that he thought would never flow again were now streaming all over his face. The smaller palms struck the robust body fiercely. 

Jake’s brain stopped, and he couldn’t think of anything... Don’t tell me Aonung has always avoided talking about his kids because of that. 

“I know. I know it very well.” 

“My sons. My daughters. How could you do this? They were just... kids.” 

Jake’s words began to blend together until he could barely make out his voice. While those sobs sounded, Tonowari simply comforted the man in his arms with a perverted smile. 

“Ma yawne, don’t cry. We can make your kids again at any time.” 

“No... no, no, stop talking.” 

“Come, Jake... From now on, you’re mine. Forget everything related to your old family.” 

“Tonowari... I’m begging you, please stop,” Jake pleaded through tears, using the last of his strength to try to escape from the man’s grip. 

He had lost everything... 

Everything... 

Nothing remained... 

Oh... Great Mother, Eywa- 

Wasn’t that the family you gave me? Why did happiness last so little? 

──

Hoping to get his family away from danger... he ended up sending them to their deaths. 

He can’t go back and fix anything... 

A loss that Jake cannot know about. His suffering would go beyond words. 

Every memory was in Tonowari’s head from the beginning. 

Cruel and immoral is an understatement. 

Perverse as a beast is not the right expression. 

Of what malevolent praise is this Olo’eyktan worthy? 

──

She was ambushed with great force to prevent the hunter from being able to defend herself in time. 

When that body lost its rhythm, the edge of a spear killed her with a single cut. 

- That’s how Neytiri died. 

──

Kidnapped at dusk, they tied his arms, blindfolded him and released his body outside the reef. 

The screams of the silhouette fighting to survive while being torn apart by a Pxazang echoed in immensity. 

The sea turned bright red one night that no one knew about. 

- That’s how Lo’ak died. 

──

They beat her with a stone and crushed her body while she was still alive, repeatedly until the flesh turned pulpy. Not even the bones were visible. 

It was mixed with fish scraps and distributed among the Ilu of the tribe so they could eat it. 

- That’s how Kiri died. 

──

Both his arms were amputated before tying his leg with a rope to a large rock. 

A bloody body that was still breathing and abandoned in the water not far from the village. 

Numerous air bubbles appeared and filled the surface of the blood-red water, before everything went silent. 

- That’s how Neteyam died. 

──

They gagged her, skinned her alive and rubbed salt all over her body. 

Some pieces of meat were cut to draw blood and attract animals to graze on her. 

The screams of unbearable agony only lasted a few minutes before disappearing. 

- That’s how Tuktirey died. 

──

If this is a dream... 

Jake Sully will probably never wake up from his nightmare ever again. 

THE END 

Vocabulary list: Pxazang ('Akula', ferocious Pandoran ocean animal that roams the reefs of the Eastern Sea), Ilu (large plesiosaurlike sea creature), Tsurak ('Skimwing', creature inhabiting the tropical oceans), Tulkun (large, intelligent marine species), Paskalin (sweet berry, 'term of endearment'), Yawne (beloved), Yawntu (loved one), Paysyul (water lily), Muntxatan (husband, male spouse), Sa’nok (mother), Tsaheylu ('bond', neural connection), Tsahìk (head shaman, high priest, interpreter), Olo’eyktan (clan leader)

Part 2

[luchicm04]

lost in the forest - part 38

Masterlist

Summary: Out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Pairing: Senju Tobirama/Original Female Character

Tag: #lost in the forest fic

posted on ao3

Word Count: +5k

Overall warnings: canon-typical violence, adult content, time skips, angst

The office will never feel the same. Discomfort was weighting on her back at the direct gaze of the Senju clan leader; becoming aware of that extra sparkle in his eyes that she previously misinterpreted as friendly is unsettling now noticing the small details that would easily go over her head without her realizing it.  

Karen was not the most observant. When it came to romantic matters or suitors, she was the most ignorant of all faced with the possibility of diverting from her profession, family and other plans to spend time on things she thought were unnecessary.  

Besides, no one had had the courage to make her see her own luck. Now, she can only sigh... The girl listens and puts any annoying thought in the back of her conscience to concentrate on the real problem, which took her out of that hasty vacation and threw her back to face what she was so agilely ignoring.  

Hashirama looks at her... Tobirama stands by her side, while Izuna and Madara calmly state their point of view.  

The tension of the political situation favors disregarding the discreet attention of the newlywed man, while Mito prefers to focus on the speaker.  

“So, you’re telling me... that you fought over an issue regarding... eyes?” the woman can’t help but mention casually with a frustrated tone of what she thinks is stupid. Judging by the tight expressions on the faces of the two Uchihas, she realizes she has touched a delicate nerve.  

Shinobi pride is hard to deal with when she's still oblivious to additional stuff such as clans, techniques, and the like.  

It has never been of her business.  

“It’s not just eyes,” Madara repeats with a firm frown, crossing his arms indignantly at her summary. “It’s a Doujutsu.”  

“It is a Kekkei Genkai; a family technique that both Uchihas and Hyūgas possess,” Tobirama explains, doesn’t whisper, the point where the oldest Uchiha is going with his offended gesture. Karen resists the urge to roll her eyes... No one has bothered to tell her about things so natural to them, like chakra or their magic.  

Which makes her give her future husband a different look, one that indicates that she needs a better explanation if she is going to expose herself to more of those atypical qualities of their world. She sighs and faces those involved with the problem. “There weren’t any issues when the contract was put on the table,” Karen comments without being intimidated by the heavy feeling that is beginning to flood the room.  

She has already become accustomed to it and must make her point clear about all this.  

It was her job! ...This whole thing was almost confirmed and thrown overboard because of... eyes?! It’s absurd, at least from her point of view.  

“I know,” Hashirama calmly adds with a professional tone, sitting behind the desk right in the middle of the office that is set up as a neutral place. Things are going to change... there are plans for the future, but the premise is to fix the conflict. “Kekkei Genkai and private techniques of each clan are a matter apart from the alliance. The initial conflict took place when Izuna commented on the Byakugan.”  

“My question was valid,” Izuna states with his hard tone.  

“You told them to refrain from spying through the walls,” the eldest Senju snorts, tired of going around in circles.  

“It’s natural that he would do it. You know what that technique is based on, you have faced them,” Madara defends his brother, making clear a point that they have been discussing for a while based on the tone and look of both clan leaders.  

Karen wonders if perhaps talking about this conflict, the use of those Kekkei... whatever-they’re-called will be limited only to helping with missions and internal training in each compound.  

She had considered this before and mentioned it in their first negotiations, but pride is a delicate thing and knowing the Hyūgas and their pompous attitude, perhaps they didn’t take it as well as the Uchiha did, which might be a problem that may have exploded before their forced coexistence.  

“What do you think?” Tobirama questions, watching her in silence. Hashirama and Madara are discussing in their own way what happened in front of Izuna, outraged by being called a stupid brat by a Hyūga who apparently took his comment personally.  

“It’s just... it will be difficult to talk to the Hyūgas,” she sighs thoughtfully. “Unless, of course, I ask for a favor from the Daimyo... he himself recommended them.”  

“Must you talk to him?” The second Senju can be heard flat, but there are tints that make him turn with a soft arch. “Really?”  

“Yes...” the girl sighs, tapping her chin a little with a different perspective.  

“The Hyūga aren’t needed if we’re already here,” Izuna snaps from his spot, apparently paying attention to what she was thinking of doing.  

Karen is not intimidated by those red eyes that surround her. The younger Senju is like a statue at her side, not wanting to turn this into something complicated. “They are if it is possible to have the favor of the Daimyo, the lands and more missions from nobles. It is what we had agreed on, not only with the Hyūgas, but with each clan...” Her eyes look at Izuna to end on Madara. “I know that both sides are proud of your techniques, and it was rude to say that.”  

“It wasn’t rude... it’s just reality,” Izuna defends himself.  

“That’s how you see it, Izuna-san, but the issue here is politics, pride and the fact that this pact is wavering due to a few doubts and words,” the woman accepts, clearly tired of such a long trip and being rushed into this meeting. “I will have to speak again with Shinji-sama, then contact the Hyūga leader to see the details.”  

“You don’t have to contact them. Izuna is right; they could spy on us anytime,” Madara clarifies harshly.  

“I know it’s a valid doubt. Even now, there are still Senjus and Uchihas who find it difficult to leave aside the path of blood.” Karen remembers what she has experienced since they moved. “But the point here is that it is the future that is at stake. And you have worked together in spite of looking over your shoulder every time.”  

“It’s not the same,” Izuna complains.  

“Of course it is... What if, instead of a Hyūga being questioned about his spying ability, it had been the other way around?” Karen follows the conversation naturally. “What if they had mentioned something about your techniques or capabilities? ...Wouldn’t you feel upset?”  

“They are the ones who came to make a pact, not us,” Madara adds.  

The woman is firm. “Thay came because the Daimyo suggested it and because he sees the future in making peace.”  

“It’s true, Madara,” Hashirama interrupts what would be a debate between both people. Madara growls but remains silent. “We can’t let this overwhelm us and leave unresolved what would mark our dream forever.”  

“I won’t apologize,” Izuna lashes out. “I didn’t tell any lies.”  

“I know you didn’t,” Karen rolls her eyes. “But that’s not something you say directly, Izuna-san. If they join, they will have to work with us, side by side. It’s foolish to think otherwise. If I try hard and they join us in the end, I expect more from you as proud Uchihas.”  

“It’s not the same,” he repeats.  

“Not for you... but you will work together.”  

“Preferably not,” Madara complains. “We have a Doujutsu, and although ours is better, I prefer to keep myself and my people out of working with them.”  

“Madara... That will be impossible if the dream is fully completed. You will have to work, adapt to the needs and use them in favor of the village.” Karen sees the point in her own argument. It is stupid to think that due to stubbornness and magic powers, she will stay away from this contact without knowing how volatile the future is.  

Because she knows it will grow... they will have to adapt and work together.  

“I’d rather work with a Nara... or one of the other two... but not a Hyūga,” Madara frowns.  

“Then I will cross that bridge,” the woman cuts off any long discussions to look at Hashirama. “I will speak with Hyūga-san myself and then I will speak with Shinji-sama.”  

“Will you go?” The elder Senju sounds worried.  

“This is delicate, and it must be arranged personally,” the girl accepts firmly. “And if you can’t go, the best option is me, who has been taking care of these matters since Hashirama sent the proposal.”  

“I can go. I have time.” He looks a bit uncomfortable sending her. She wonders why. “I can still contact Shinji-sama.”  

“No, I have to see him myself since you have things to do, don’t you?” she arches her eyebrow. “I know that the Nara leader will come with the other two in the next few days to see the land.”  

“Did Tobi tell you?” Hashirama frowns, ignoring the gaze of those present.  

“I told her,” the second Senju admits.  

“I see.” The older one remains thoughtful. Madara gives him a petulant gesture that makes him save any comments for afterwards. “Alright. Just... don’t go alone.”  

“I shall go with her,” Tobirama adds casually. Karen doesn’t see anything wrong with it, turning to look at Izuna.  

“No... I won’t go,” Izuna frowns.  

“You caused the problem,” the girl accepts firmly.  

“No, he won’t go. He won’t apologize for something that is obvious.”  

“Madara-san, it’s an issue that he must solve. You know why; I explained the point before and postponing it doesn’t mean that I’ve forgotten it. He threw my work away... so many days of negotiations and dealings,” the woman frowns as well with no lies in her mouth. “So, it’s his payment for wasting our work.”  

Izuna opens his mouth and closes it several times.  

“He has to take responsibility for his ineptitude and learn more about what it means to be a diplomat.” Karen will not let go so easily of the proper payment for this support that she did not ask for. Madara stays thoughtful for a little longer, analyzing each point.  

“Fine... but he won’t apologize.”  

“Ni-san!” Izuna complains about the crazy idea that has been declared.  

“You made your point, but it’s true. Karen gave a lot for this job. It’s the least you should do besides learning from this,” the eldest Uchiha states, perhaps understanding in a very shinobi way what she said. She doesn’t care. Karen is firm in her position and accepts the help even if it’s not in the way she expects.  

“Fine,” reluctantly, the youngest of the infamous Uchiha sighs with dignity. “However, I won’t say anything... nor will I enter the Hyūga compound... now will I regret what I said. The bastards are idiots with a stick up their ass.”  

“Not so different from you,” Tobirama adds with a lopsided smile.  

“Only from me?” Izuna mockes, taking a tentative step forward. There is silence and if it weren’t for the civilian getting in the middle, it would be a long discussion.  

“I’d rather go home, grab some things and leave... okay?” Karen says, taking the initiative to leave at that moment because of the rush.  

“Alright.” Tobirama gestures towards Hashirama.  

“Okay... the sooner you fix this, the better.” Hashirama looks from afar. “And Karen... sorry for making you come like this.”  

Karen thought she couldn’t treat him naturally, but she answered easily with a soft smile. “Oh... no problem. I guess the work doesn’t do itself, right?”  

“Still, I’m glad you came... and to see you.”  

“Hashirama,” Tobirama scolds from his spot. The elder Senju is firm in what he said and although Karen blinked in understanding, maybe there was something hidden in those words. She ignores them, it is preferable, but she notices Madara’s frustration and Izuna’s morbid curiosity.  

“Well... I’ll go visit Mito-san later.” Karen bids farewell turning around without paying attention to what they say behind her back. She walks in the middle of both compounds without talking to Tobirama, who keeps watching her. “Don’t say anything.”  

“I said nothing.”  

“Just in case,” Karen says. “I’ll go home... will you tell Izuna-san?”  

“I will talk with him.”  

“Good... you don’t have to escort me,” she sighs, tired of all this and how her day of relaxation was lost because of what she will face. She doesn’t like the idea of talking to Shinji... or Hyūga Hiroshi, but there’s no other choice... the payment for something that was not in her hands.  

She doesn’t complain and keeps going. At least she doesn’t have to deal with Hashirama now.  

──

Kaori looks at her with those eyes that search for news, she notices it... and wisely ignores it because of the urgency of her mission to recover the contract with the Hyūga clan. She may be a civilian, but Karen understands the weight of going personally to negotiate the commercial agreement that already existed, to convince them that it is still standing and that it will not turn into something else.  

The last thing she wants is to return to those days of chaos where war was present.  

“Here is your suitcase,” the assistant says, delivering the requested item to the edge of the door with clarity and stealth. And old woman capable of grasping things with so little. “Young Tobirama-sama must have been very sweet,” she sighs with a soft gesture to look at her. “You should not try too hard... alright?”  

Karen understands what is not said, but she does not take her out of her error to smile. “I prefer not to talk about it.”  

“Oh... well, if you need any tea...”  

“It’s fine,” she clarifies before Kaori finishes explaining the benefits of that tea, which she surely won’t like... but she doesn’t have the heart to reject it either. “Is something wrong?”  

“Well, I understand that you will wait until you get married, only... maybe I would expect a surprise,” the woman states, keeping quiet about something that she may not mention out loud, such as her age or fertile period, which they clearly avoid. Karen is not very adept at remembering that this could be difficult considering the time they live in.  

“Uh... I don’t think so,” she blinks in understanding, deciding not to comment on her insecurities since she supposes the pressure of a son is noticeable even though they don’t have any of that activity with Tobirama. She blushes slightly... she can’t help it at the old woman’s casual idea of having something about it soon.  

She sighs painfully.  

“Well, I will have the tea ready in a second.” Kaori disappears, leaving her alone. The civilian doesn’t want to imagine what is going through the head of said old woman and then huffs.  

“Ready?” Tobirama appears behind her, her heart only skipping a beat at the habit she had to ingrain from living among shinobi. She looks at him without surprise and snorts indignantly.  

Obviously, this man is oblivious to the old woman’s conversations.  

“You are ready... are you not?” the albino man presses easily.  

“Kaori-san wants me to have some tea,” Karen explains casually. “So as not to have any surprises before the wedding.” If it weren’t for the fact that the man is indifferent and quite controlled, it would have been fun to see some kind of embarrassed reaction. “Although I’m sure she’s dying to be a grandmother.”  

Tobirama coughs a little more. “Kaori-san has always seen us... I guess it is normal.”  

“You know she’ll be expecting something, right?”  

“I will not do anything you do not want.”  

“I know you won’t...” The girl does see how to solve this problem. She also doesn’t know if they are compatible in that way considering her lack of that magic system that both Tobirama and Hashirama once explained to her. She scratches the back of her neck, seeing the old woman look at them both with a certain joy. “Thanks, Kaori-san.”  

“Oh, it is a little hot,” Kaori clarifies and warns her before sipping. “Tobirama-sama.”  

“Kaori-san,” the man greets, watching her gently sip her drink. He is silently pressing her but falls silent to drink from his cup.  

“Would you like something quick to take with you?” the lady asks helpfully.  

“No, we still have our travel rations with us,” Tobirama explains calmly, as professional as he usually is and oblivious to the careful gaze of the older person among them. Karen is slightly amused by how awkward the atmosphere becomes in seconds.  

Although it’s her imagination... isn’t it?  

“Thanks for the tea.” Karen just hands the cup over to look at her fiancé. “I’m ready.”  

“Good. We will be seeing Izuna at the exit of the compound.”  

“Did he give you any problems?”  

“He is an idiot,” the albino states to look at Kaori. “Farewell.”  

“Of course, I will wait for you. And I hope you can get there safely,” the old woman says goodbye with a casual wave. Both Tobirama and her calmly leave the house quietly. Karen wonders why he's taking so long to take her and go quickly to the meeting point.  

But maybe, just maybe, he did find what the old woman had implied uncomfortable in some harsher way.  

A complicated issue to resolve when it is a facade. The civilian simply sighs and remains silent. “I was serious about it... I will not ask you for something you do not want,” the shinobi clarifies, almost guessing her thoughts.  

“You won’t, but you know... your society asks for a lot,” the girl says calmly. “Considering my age.”  

The albino doesn’t say anything else. “I do not want children?”  

“No?”  

“No... It is enough with the ones Hashirama will have.”  

Karen would like to ask what exactly he means, understand these words exactly, but she just stays thoughtful for a while. “I... I wanted to, for some time.”  

“...”  

“But... my world, there were too many people... and too many problems because of the excess of people,” she explains remembering the problems of her birthplace. “It got to a point where I stopped looking... and waiting for the answer to my desire to come to me... However, my life was so fast... it was difficult to stop and see what I was doing.”  

“...”  

“But I guess that can wait. I don’t want to deal with this right now.”  

“So...” Tobirama looks at her strangely, as if this wasn’t what he planned from the beginning.  

“Let’s not think about it for now.” Karen cuts off any extra question or comment that could be rooted in this uneasy topic. Children, the future and those things are complicated when she is far from home, from her life, ordinary and without political issues involved.  

Tobirama accepts this, only remaining quiet until reaching the spot where Izuna looks between them with a suspicious expression. He falls silent and doesn’t comment anything ironic or sarcastic so as to focus on fixing their problems.  

To go and discuss the subject with the Daimyo and then with the Hyūgas.  

It is for the best.  

For now.  

──

The journey is as long as she remembers. The river running beneath her feet is evidence of the change of course she recalls from that trip she made before. Of course, now she is not escorted by Hashirama or Madara in the matter. She sighs... so many things she has been thinking about lately that simply do not let her enjoy the landscape.  

“Are you done?” She hears Tobirama’s voice hidden in the valley, telling her he’s watching out for her, but without looking at her. She supposes it’s a mania she hadn’t noticed in the guy, since she hadn’t traveled with him.  

“I’m done,” she says before taking a last dip in the clear river to clean off any dirt left. There are some hours left until they reach the large civilian compound, so she has to take her valuable time to get ready, going out barefoot to grab a towel and begin to dry herself.  

Karen gets changed quickly, full of adrenaline with the anxiety of being attacked.  

They haven’t been, but both Tobirama and Izuna don’t let their guard down, their paranoid anxiety giving off a bit. She watches the noise of nature softly, taking her own dry clothes to put them on cautiously.  

“Ready?”  

“Yeah... all that’s missing is the main yukata,” she clarifies just as she sees the man emerge from some trees in the background, who looks at her and arches his eyebrow in annoyance. “It’s just the main yukata.” She can guess the reason for his irritation.  

“You must be careful... you are in your underwear.”  

“It’s a thick yukata, not underwear,” the girl states, beginning to follow her own routine.  

Tobirama doesn’t leave the subject aside, turning to look the other way with no gesture on his face. “You have been with us for years. You know what I mean.”  

Karen doesn’t comment anything to finish adjusting it. She lifts her hair in a light but elegant hairstyle that Mikami taught her before; each part and each step is complex in its own way to end in a light makeup. Timing is important when she knows the Daimyo waits before going with the Hyūga.  

She only hopes the man is not insufferable... but she supposes she can deal with him in her own way, considering that she will soon be getting married and that on the engagement day he wasn’t so insistent, even though he wanted her to drink with him. She doesn’t like the man, but she figures she can use this benefit to the village’s advantage.  

What’s more, she hopes also that the Hyūga won’t be so upset and agree to have a meeting with them. Thanks to the Daimyo’s intervention, of course.  

“Okay.” The woman turns to face the man who looks at her for a long time. “Did I miss something?”  

“No... you did not miss anything,” he snorts, washing away any discomfort and taking her gently. “Izuna has gone ahead.”  

“He didn’t wait for us? You should have told me to hurry up,” Karen complains, not at all bothered by the way she was carried. At least she no longer feels like a sack of potatoes like she used to. Tobirama rolls his eyes without any further comment.  

Just jumping and making this faster for the simple civilian who, despite the time, never gets used to this.  

──

Shinji shows a twisted smile, almost amused to see them present at that meeting that he agreed to have despite not giving advance notice. He looks at her for a long time... it makes her tense, but she doesn’t comment anything just as many of his assistants depart from the main room to leave them alone.  

The samurai guards at the gate remain silent as he lets out a light laugh.  

“You know... Hiroshi-san was so upset it was funny,” the leader states shamelessly with clear fascination for the comment, making the only woman sitting between the two men in a perfect seiza bow her head. “He is usually too quiet, like all Hyūga... He was too vocal in his complaint. Uchiha-san, you did a number on him.”  

Izuna doesn’t answer. Karen sees that despite his stubbornness and lack of diplomacy, he knows that responding reluctantly to a leader like Shinji would be bad for politics, so he simply sighs. “It was not my intention,” he says through gritted teeth.  

But Karen won’t point that out.  

“So that is why you got my dear Saucedo-san... involved,” he comments petulantly and saccharinely, looking at her with a mischievous gleam. The Daimyo doesn’t drop the subject, but at least he no longer insists that she join the harem, knowing that the man at her right side took away her virtue.  

Ironic... Tobirama is silent but looks haughtier for some reason.  

“It was not my intention,” the Uchiha repeats, keeping his irritation to himself.  

“It never is,” the leader accepts calmly. “Tell me, Saucedo-san... are you willing to deal with this?”  

“That is why I came,” the woman explains. “I was the one who carried out the pact with Hashirama, and I am the only one available of the two.”  

“Oh, well... it is a shame that this has postponed Senju-san's honeymoon,” Shinji says, assuming things that have not been touched, like the honeymoon of said leader. One that she took, but she silences herself letting the man’s imagination fly slightly. “I imagine that is the reason.”  

“Something like that,” she comments clearly taking the lead in this meeting. “He has been reviewing other possible alliances.”  

“I heard about it, and I love the idea. Now, the Hyūgas... I can call them to meet with you in the main courtyard.”  

“You would do that?”  

“Of course, dear... I like the idea of being useful to you in this.” Shinji winked cheekily, making a sign for one of the guards to come closer, whispering things that made him tense up and smile just as amused. “We could still have tea... if you do not mind waiting.”  

“Alright.” She stands up with the other two boys.  

“It is fine if she comes alone, Senju-san... Uchiha-san, you can wait here,” he declares, stopping any advances from his guards.  

“I apologize, sir. My fiancée cannot be alone for so long,” Tobirama casually comments before the amusement of said noble who chuckles freely.  

“Do not worry... my intentions are not romantic. Although I keep insisting that it could have been better if she entered my harem, I won’t force her into anything,” the man clarifies, not at all offended by such a comment, though Karen swears she saw the guard move. “Nevertheless, it amuses me to see that you protect her... for a shinobi, your heart is clear.”  

Tobirama doesn’t say anything but looks at her lightly.  

“It will be alright; I just want to clarify some political points. I know from a very good source that I could help in such matters.” Shinji does not hide his intention to look at her. “If you do not mind being alone with me.”  

“No, it is okay. I trust it is just for work purposes,” Karen comments formally. The shinobi sighed lightly.  

The man takes the first step. “I am glad to hear that. So, I wish we could talk about this... more in person.”  

“Alright.” Karen looks at the men. “I will be back in a moment.”  

Tobirama doesn’t look placid, but he accepts the silent order to stay back as she is escorted to a spot amongst the beautiful garden she remembers. There are several samurai deployed throughout this enclosure coincidentally, and she sighs noticing the man’s seriousness.  

He gives her a smile. “I really had never seen the infamous White Assassin so in love... I still cannot believe it, and I attended your engagement and Senju-san's wedding,” the man laughs sitting on the other side of that prepared table while she gently takes the other, being helped by said leader.  

“He is kind... and loving,” she says, not wanting to lose the thread of the comment. “However, I do not think I was separated from my fiancé just to criticize his character.”  

“I like how direct you are.”  

“Thank you.”  

“You are welcome.” Shinji sighs to put on a serious face when the tea is already served, and the aroma of the desserts is light. “An assassination attempt has been made in my heir,” he says as if it were nothing abnormal, which makes her blink naturally at the man. “I know this has nothing to do with you, but I have suspicions that the neighboring country has broken our agreement by supporting an internal revolt.”  

Karen sees the point. “Then... you need me to see some kind of solution without going to war.”  

“Of course,” he chuckles. “I am glad you have the ability to see with so little. I would like for us to look for a solution that favors my position and destroys whoever is behind it.”  

“Even if they belong to your family or harem?”  

“Your doubts are normal. Usually, there are always these kinds of movements to take power,” he laughs as if were such a funny and twisted story that it doesn’t surprise him. Deep down, maybe he also did the same to take this position over his other brothers.  

Ones that she doesn’t know and doesn’t actually care much about, but she assumes that this is a normal occurrence.  

“However, they have requested foreign support... a very disturbing one,” Shinji accepts, looking at her. “And I need to have everything in my favor.”  

“Well, it will be complicated considering the little information.”  

“That I why I will hire your guards.”  

“...Will you?”  

“The Hyūga clan will respond as soon as I send the message. If you help me with this... in the most subtle way, I will do my best to ensure that there is no negative response from them.”  

“So, you do not want them to find out that you hired shinobis.”  

“No... I will take advantage of the fact that you came for a political issue. I know that they are both good at their job.”  

“Yes.”  

“Then...” He shrugs. “As for you, I will put you in some civil meetings which will justify why you are here.”  

“I will be a facade for your real request.”  

“Precisely.”  

“Alright,” Karen accepts, beginning to talk about the details of this special mission, the political issues and other things that they were able to exchange, surprising her with the confidence that said leader has in her to reveal such sensitive matters such as the attempted murder or the coup d’état.  

Although Tobirama didn’t like the idea of leaving her behind, it was for the best. He left shadow clones as backup and cover for his real work.  

Karen just hopes it turns out well.  

A/N: Okay, a short one to say present! As you will see, another political plot will come, where Karen will be involved only for the pleasure of existing (poor thing) Will they fix the situation with the Hyūgas? Will the Daimyo resolve his coup d’état?

She hopes so.

Author-chan out!

PS. Thanks for your likes and comments.

[luchicm04]

Naruto Masterlist

SENJU TOBIRAMA

Teacher's Pet: That wasn’t the kind of relationship they should have, no. He shouldn’t look at her that way, nor should she allow the blush to spread across her pale face every time their eyes met. She was the student; he was the teacher. This was the only relationship they should have. They should, but in practice, it wasn’t like that.

one-shot; angst, smut, fluff

Pride: When hatred and pride speak louder, even a childhood love can fall apart.

one-shot; angst, bittersweet

Lost in the forest: How did she end up in some sort of feudal Japan? What are shinobis and clans? It seems familiar but... from where?

series; angst, mature

Shadow Clone: Everytime I look at him, I feel obligated to admire him. Every part of him. His harmonious face, the red marks, his hair... He is odd and frightening, but very beautiful.

one-shot; fluff, smut

Eyes have a language of their own: Not every story is what it seems. Not every villain is evil. Not every hero is kind. Sometimes two eyes aren’t enough to uncover the truth, but once in a while, a simple glimpse is all that’s needed.

one-shot; angst, bittersweet

UCHIHA MADARA

Pride: When hatred and pride speak louder, even a childhood love can fall apart.

one-shot; angst, bittersweet

HYUUGA HINATA

Teacher's Pet: That wasn’t the kind of relationship they should have, no. He shouldn’t look at her that way, nor should she allow the blush to spread across her pale face every time their eyes met. She was the student; he was the teacher. This was the only relationship they should have. They should, but in practice, it wasn’t like that.

one-shot; bittersweet, angst

UCHIHA HIKARI/NANASHI

Eyes have a language of their own: Not every story is what it seems. Not every villain is evil. Not every hero is kind. Sometimes two eyes aren’t enough to uncover the truth, but once in a while, a simple glimpse is all that’s needed.

one-shot; angst, bittersweet

[...]

(Full Masterlist Here)

[luchicm04]

lost in the forest - part 39

Masterlist

Summary: The cat is out of the bag.

Pairing: Senju Tobirama/Original Female Character

Tag: #lost in the forest fic

posted on ao3

Word Count: 3.7k

Overall warnings: canon-typical violence, adult content, time skips, angst

A spectacular view is what greets her during that cool night in the middle of a large garden that gives her false tranquility and a deceptive view; sipping part of her hot drink sitting in a perfect seiza under the nearest tree is the only thing that calms her, away from the sight of the maids. 

Karen has been forced to complain at this point under the Daimyo’s agreement, apparently to keep up the appearance of his true objective after her excuse of presenting various shinobi topics of a possible village that he did not know Hashirama was thinking about and that according to the formal addition of the Nara clan and the two extra allies, firm foundations could be laid for a ninja community. 

Scandalous according to the rest of the nobles who see this as stupid while others see the usefulness of being able to hire better shinobi with so few processes. The Hyūga will show up the next day due to the initiative of this supposed village... at least it will give her more chances to get their attention again and deal with what Izuna told them. 

“You know you should not be in the middle of the garden at night.” Tobirama doesn’t scare her. The girl has gotten used to him coming and going as he pleases in these two days, although she knows he’s not the real one. He looks naturally similar... a doubt that she always carries since she learned about shadow clones. 

The benefits it would bring to her workload if she could do three more... Why don’t they use it to make the paperwork more enjoyable?, she questions mentally, blinking at the man. “I didn’t want to be inside,” the woman states, coming out of her daydream to answer her future husband just for the pleasure of it. 

Plus, he gives her a ‘don’t get too sidetracked’, typical of a paranoic shinobi. 

“Mmm... Are they bothering you again?” He is serious in his point. The bitter shinobi is aware of the problems that the faithful assistants of the Daimyo’s main wife have caused because of the spreading rumors about her as the possible lover of the infamous man. 

Something that has not been clarified and is in Shinji’s interest; the wretched leader gives her more attention so that they focus on the fact that she is a ‘lover’ than on the facade of his true plan in the shadows. 

“Not much. They’ve distanced themselves since Shinji-sama called them out,” she shrugs, unaware that she has had to change maids too many times in these two days to remember them, and that they all happen to be sent by that lady. 

Karen assumes it’s a plot that, if it weren’t for the Daimyo’s protection, it would be difficult to deal with... Living among women is very hard. 

“I am glad to hear that. Just tell me if something happens...” 

“I’ll tell you,” the woman rolls her eyes at her fiancé’s exaggeration. “By the way... will you be done soon?” She changes her last words subtly to English at the thought of being overheard by any of the people around. She doesn’t have guards as such, but there are helpers and the garden, although huge, could have listeners. 

Karen had never felt so unsafe... and she hadn’t even lived in a safe country per se. 

Ironic. 

“I do not know,” the man admits, sticking with the foreign language causally. 

The woman frowns at this comment. “You don’t know, or you don’t want to tell me?” 

“...” Tobirama stands like a statue at her side. 

“...It’d be good if you consider sharing stuff with me once in a while, you know? It’s annoying to be oblivious to everything that happens with my escorts.” Irritated, she takes a sip of her drink without losing the rhythm and elegance forced in her bones; her native language flows naturally and quite casually. 

He just snorts without showing anything on his face, but she can almost see the glint in his eyes that she ignores. “It is a shinobi matter. I do not think it is of your interest.” 

“You are my companions... sometimes I feel alone about that, though,” she growls unwillingly remembering how much it frustrates her that they don’t confide in her. “I’m not asking for secrets... just something, like... it's going well, we’re almost done, or it’ll take a little longer.” 

The albino looks at her. “It has taken a while...” 

“Do you think you’ll be back tomorrow?” 

“No.” 

“Uh... did it get complicated?” 

“A bit,” the shinobi comments critically and reluctantly. 

She shrugs, less annoyed by such a brief summary of his daily life. “Okay.” 

“Are you worried?” 

“Of course. You are my comrades.” 

The albino doesn’t say anything else. “If the clone explodes... that will mean something is happening,” the man simply admits. 

“Explode?” Karen blinks hard imagining the worst-case scenario. She stays quiet to sigh, leaving her with the doubt in her mind. 

“Hashirama has sent a report,” he comments returning to the local language, changing the subject without answering her. He could have at least given her some clues as to what exactly he means by explode, she thought to herself; she supposes it’s not the same for someone who hasn’t seen action movies. 

The girl sighs and sips her tea, remaining spontaneous at the mention of the clan leader. “Did he?” 

“The Nara, Akimichi and Yamanaka have begun to settle down.” 

“So soon?!” She frowns at the urgency of this. Only yesterday she was informed of the confirmation of said clans’ move and the blatant use of the possible village in the meeting with the nobles in front of the Daimyo. A hot topic she has been weighing since she read this in a letter the day before. 

“We are shinobis,” the man reminded with no kindness as if it were the most obvious answer. 

“Uh... I know, but it seems too soon considering how long it took the Uchiha and Senju to do so.” 

“They left that same day to see the area,” Tobirama recalls at that casual point in the story before settling into the new land. 

The construction and every problem they went through for the adaptation; even now, it is something difficult to overcome. 

“Besides, the Nara clan is a natural strategist. They see the usefulness of moving as soon as possible,” the albino continues his explanation lightly. 

“Yes, Hashirama told me when we saw the contract.” 

“Hm.” 

“Well... I suppose when we get back, we’ll see progress.” She feels excited about some kind of change around her and meeting new people who, although shinobi, she is curious to contact. Plus, the dealings with the leaders of those clans were mostly carried out by Hashirama himself. 

She has never seen them face to face. 

As if guessing her emotion, Tobirama adds with no casualness in his tone, “They are shinobi. You do not have to trust them easily.” 

“I know they are shinobi, just... the more people around, the more different perspectives there are,” the woman admits with an audible pout. “What are they like?” She’d rather ask now before being surprised by things that are so normal for them, like when she first saw Madara’s red eyes or Hashirama’s wood. 

Even the red eyes and white hair of her fiancé were once to be feared, in those days of dark adaptation... when she was somewhat foolish. 

“...” Tobirama blinks hard. 

“Come on... do they have blue hair? ...Or striking purple?” She remembers the colorful hues of some characters that her sister was a fan of, about that story whose name she doesn’t remember well. Knights of the... something. The man rolls his eyes. 

“Not here,” he states not being subtle, just when one of the maids has the courage to interrupt their conversation. She looks pale, a little distraught; although she had noticed before the line between shinobi and civilians, it is so noticeable now how terrified they are of Tobirama. 

She sighs and casually stands up, being helped by the shinobi who shoots out his hand to support her up. “Thank you,” she calmly accepts, watching the girl fidget on her spot. “Do you need something, Shumire-san?” she asks, recalling the name of said helper. Or is it Tanako? 

“I-I am Akane, ma’am?” the maid corrects bowing her head mannerly, not avoiding glacing at her fiancé who snorts to give an ‘I’ll be around’ gesture that Karen doesn’t question. Both he and Izuna remain hidden, taking advantage of their fame to not socialize or deal with simple civilians. 

“Oh, pardon my mistake,” the woman says belatedly, taking a step forward and ignoring the girl¡s tension and her squeal of surprise at her friend’s disappearance. It’s been a while since she saw that reaction, although she doesn’t remember very well if she got just as scared. 

Those days were hollow, so she just tries to forget... she has no desire to deal with this shock. 

Because she hasn’t dealt with this many civilians before... not for a long time. 

──

The meeting of the nobles is early; they gather at 9 sharp in a fairly large room at the end of the hall where she is staying. Karen walks with her head held high despite the evil looks of various high-born men who whisper, not at all pleased, giving her dramatic and lustful glances that she tries to ignore. 

No one makes physical contact, nor has anyone attempted to approach her since the Daimyo casually mentioned her engagement to the infamous white assassin, a respectable whinobi whose fame, although bloody, caused her to be taken seriously. 

It’s not like he asked Tobirama to kill whoever bothered her... However, Shinji was casual in subtly stating that he would do it, including his sufficiently irritated wife. 

A threat as firm as his position within the council, despite the coup that is surely brewing under the shadow of some hypocritical ally. Still, Karen sits right next to the imposing man who smiles softly at her with a “good morning”. 

“Good morning.” The only woman in the meeting responds to the Daimyo and then looks at the rest of the chamber, who twist their mouths at her normal greeting. “Where I come from, it is polite to greet back,” she says with disappointment without paying attention to the bitterness of the other men, of which very few speak back. 

They are surely the ones who have a better perception of her... other than the simple whore who rose by means of her body. 

Scandal. 

“Do not worry, they have manners... they are just not in the mood today,” Shinji mocks with a solid look at the others, who tense up at the not-so-firm threat of a leader capable of executing if he deems it prudent. 

The girl has heard it from the few assistants who come close; how infamous he can be even though he has only shown her a diplomatic and mischievous side, but she has learned these days that not for nothing he is the leader of this country. 

“I imagine,” Karen agrees to look at the scrolls on her desk, thus beginning the easy meeting between political, economic, diplomatic and social issues that she easily maneuvers through with the little she has learned, standing out as always for her way of handling the topic that is only managed by men. 

A foolishness of Shinji... to keep the cover of his goal of keeping her with him. 

And not to unravel what is hidden under their noses... 

──

Toshiba is the second cousin of the current leader. A shy boy who gives her blushing glances when he tries to approach her about complicated matters they addressed at the meeting. Shinji gives him a careful gesture... she sees that in his eyes he always reflects confidence from some story they both share from the past. 

Very few receive that type of look from him, even though he works alongside one of his half-brothers, one who survived a purge years ago, just when he was promoted to Daimyo; a family/political drama that she knows about briefly, without detail since she is a foreigner. 

“I-I...” the boy tries with slight hesitation just as he stops her at the exit with several scrolls in hand and a series of exaggerated motions that a child of his age should not have, much less in the nest of vipers that is this place. 

“You can speak naturally,” the civilian doesn’t scold him but comments while standing up to her full height despite the difference in centimeters. 

He blinks for a few seconds in amusement, putting aside his shy appearance a little, which makes her arch her eyebrow at this brief shadow that he shows. “W-well, I wanted to know about the financial topic you mentioned... Does it have to do with the economy?” 

“It does,” the woman accepts. Ehen the subject was introduced in the meeting, some were fascinated because of the ease with which she explained it and presented the benefits within the process that is carried out among civilians. Others dismissed it when they saw the example in the shinobi village... Something that she is sure she can share, and it is not off-limits. 

Just like diplomacy and shinobi stuff, finance is naturally exposed when there’s an economy, so there’s no secret to it. 

“So... if finances are managed by farmers, merchants and the soldiers themselves... can stability be achieved?” 

“Of course. As long as there is no external issue that harms it,” Karen states with ease, keeping her hands hidden under the large sleeves of her elegant yukata, one that she brought by chance that was mysteriously supplied to her. 

She is sure Tobirama is aware of the deficiency of her clothing, something he has begun to realize in light of her own role as a cover... The man is remarkably efficient. 

A positive thing for the woman who smiles at the look of the person who questions her. “You know, Toshiba-san, you do not have to doubt too much and ask ahead. I am just a servant of this advice,” she clarifies before her position which, although subtle, stays intact. 

“I-I... Well, I know you possess a lot of knowledge. I would like to debate some terms.” The man stands firm, his eyes showing a rare flame that is reflected in his docile appearance. 

“I do not think so, Toshiba-kun.” Shinji squeezes his shoulder at the highly motivated younger relative. “Her fiancé is very jealous of having his wife with a man... in her room.” 

“I did not say in her room!” The blushing cousin raises his hands, throwing away part of the scrolls due to such a mischievous comment from said leader. She understands that there is an etiquette that she must maintain as a noble lady, so she bows. 

“I apologize, but I do not think it is possible to meet with you, Toshiba-san. And, Shinji-sama, do not bother your relative with threats of that kind,” the woman sighs elegantly, arching her eyebrow at the leader who approached from where he was arguing with some guards regarding security. 

A flourishing topic due to the raids that are beginning to take place. 

“Oh, not at all... I just do not want my adorable cousin to end up missing,” the Daimyo shrugs. “Because I will not get you involved if Tobirama-san defends your virtue.” 

Karen wants to hit herself in the face for such a shameless comment. It is obvious that he lost her decency a few days ago when he started talking freely, but it is her fault for giving him that confidence in exchange for his favor towards the possible shinobi village, causing a laugh to come out of the amused leader. 

She doesn’t want to get too involved, so she bows to say goodbye at the initiative of doubts on the part of her benefactor’s relative. She sighs... unaware that she has caught the attention of those shadows and whose leader was closer than she expected... noticing from afar how the eyes of Shinji’s half-brother were looking at her. 

Coincidence? She doesn’t know... It’s better to remain oblivious and innocent of knowing that something is going on under the darkness of this brilliant country. 

Karen thinks positive. 

──

Her heart was in an uproar just as she had been talking casually to Tobirama that night and he had dramatically exploded into a smoke bomb that made her cough loudly with terror in her eyes from remembering her fiancé’s words. 

‘If the clone explodes... that will mean something is happening.’ 

Which makes her get up just in time to look around at that door that opens onto the beautiful view of the garden. She feels attentive; her heart is still racing even though minutes have passed since her partner’s clone disappeared. She has a lump in her chest at the sight of nothing happening. 

Nevertheless, she has a presentiment... just as the door is opened. 

“Akane-san?” she questions when she sees a woman speeding through the door. Her clothes are somewhat disheveled and her frightened eyes search for her. “What’s going-” She doesn’t finish asking when a warm blood stain crosses her face. 

She stays in shock, standing in the middle of the room, wiping her face of the crimson color of the young girl who falls headlong like a sack of potatoes. “Well... I am glad to see you here,” someone calls just as they come out from behind the back of the body of the girl who she had previously seen alive. 

“Toshiba?” There are no suffixes. Karen looks still without completely thinking about what she has just witnessed... She saw someone die for the first time! And the knot in her stomach falls so hard that it makes her blink more times to recover. It is so different from what happened in the Senju compound when they tried to invade them. 

“Ho... I see you remember my name.” Infamous and without any signs of his typical kindness, the boy takes her chin with a half-smile. When did it come to this? Why is she surrounded by samurai and shinobi? Where did they come from? 

She has so many questions... but they are all stuck in the shock that remains unwashed... She saw someone die! Her mind is in chaos. 

“I think now... you are the shy one,” the Daimyo’s cousin mocks quicky, caressing her cheek without subtlety. “Tell me... do you prefer your life to your position?” 

“What do you mean?” Karen comes out of her stupor, hitting the hand of the one who shamelessly mocks her despite being pointed at with a kunai. Her gaze is fixed, angry... pissed off! “WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!” 

“Wow... now, you are the woman who surprised me. Answer me this... Is it true that if I kill you, that shinobi will come?” The Daimyo’s relative laughs. “It has been problematic dealing with them...” He looks at his nails, giving the silent order to arrest her. 

The girl feels the samurai at her side tighten his grip on her waist as the kunai is replaced by a katana that pierces her neck just inches away from cutting it. She gulps, sweating coldly; she is now sure they are not planning on selling her... 

Karen doesn’t say anything. Toshiba just cackles. 

“I suppose your stupidity is because of the idea that you will be saved... but, you know, you should not trust the shinobi. They are treacherous and sell themselves for the higher bidder,” the insolent man points out to those around him. Ninja who show nothing on their faces with various clothes and appearances that seem exotic. 

Although she is sure they are not Uchiha, Uzumaki or Senju. 

“What do you think?” He has the nerve to run his index finger across her cheek again and end up on her cleavage. “Will he come?” he chuckles just to look beyond her clothes where her chest rests unsettled. “It is a shame that you have already been defiled by one, but I will not get bored if I have fun with you... right?” 

If it weren’t for the fact that the atmosphere became tense in seconds with an essence and the thunder of the ground for a few seconds, it would be another story. However, she takes advantage of the carelessness to do something crazy with the little training she might have had. Karen feels a cut on her neck... the scream of Toshiba from behind ordering her to be caught. 

But the followers don't catch her... Something stops them just as the building that had previously housed her explodes behind her, falling directly into something warm... She gets scared, tries to flee but the stranger takes her by the arms with a firm gesture. “Calm down,” he orders with a hoarse voice that she didn’t think she would feel so much relief upon hearing. 

The girl opens her eyes and stops kicking to see those red eyes that, although tired and beaten, give her the best flat gesture that makes her almost cry. She hugs him... she doesn’t avoid doing it when she thought the worst as it happened in a short time. “There is no time for this.” As always, breaking the moment, the man sighs to take her and jump away of what would be several kunai. 

“Hey asshole! I know you’re relieved to see her, but it would be nice if you could help me!” Izuna shouts from somewhere in the beautiful courtyard just to feel the pull in the air. There’s wind... She tries not to scream because of the speed with which they move in complicated movements that would be difficult to describe as she can’t see but imagines by the many unexpected turns. 

She wants to throw up. 

“Karen... close your eyes and bear with it,” Tobirama orders to cling to her form. She doesn’t complain about his tone, much less the way he grabs her, because she knows it’s not the best time to ask stupid questions... The woman swallows hard. 

“Y-yes,” she encourages herself to say to do what was indicated seconds apart since this is not the best experience, and no roller coaster compares to this. 

For a civilian... being in the middle of a battle is not the most essential thing, nor the historical value of witnessing a coup d’état of this magnitude. 

A/N: As you can see, this has already exploded; a very difficult thing to guess when they believed the real ringleader was someone else. At least Tobirama arrived in time given how annoying his fiancée is by calling the attention of the leader of the coup... Ironic, since she is a simple civilian, but her political courage and good head are notable. 

Izuna, on the other hand, will have plenty of material to blackmail the infamous white assassin... something he will not waste judging by the desperate way he never thought he would see his former rival. Especially when they noticed that the coup d’état had exploded right in the Daimyo’s main building. 

But what happened? Where is the Daimyo? Will they win? I don’t know... we’ll see in the next chapter. 

Thank you for your likes and comments. 

Author-chan out! 

[luchicm04]

Snippet:

“If it was going to be like this, why did you treat me so well?”

“(Y/n)-”

“Why did you make the people think you are a good mate, a good Na’vi?!”

Tears fell from (Y/n)’s eyes. Betrayal, sadness and resentment was all she could feel, but also a little bit of a desire to still believe… a faint hope that if she told him, he would listen.

“It’s not too late. Let me go.”

“...I love you.”

“Take me back, please...”

“I love you.”

“Please, don’t let me hate you…”

[luchicm04]

lost in the forest - part 33

Masterlist

Summary: A glimpse of how the other characters see what is happening and what they think about it.

Pairing: Senju Tobirama/Original Female Character

Tag: #lost in the forest fic

posted on ao3

Word Count: 3.1k

Sorry for the delay!! I've been real busy with school and my personal life. Also, I've been uploading a lot of stuff to my recent tumblr account if you want to check it out. Anyway, thanks for reading and please like/reblog :3

Overall warnings: canon-typical violence, adult content, time skips, angst

The engagement has not made his routine change significantly; his work is ordinary between bureaucracy, processes and numbers that have long been entrusted to him, leaving aside the classified and shinobi matters. Hashirama is a person who has been able to give a start to that woman.  

At first it was curiosity, then dept for the treatment they gave her when she was just an unexpected traveler from such a faraway place. Karen is not ordinary... not like the other kunoichis, much less like the civilian women he has dealt with.  

She is noble without being too noble, organized, intelligent and attentive.  

With her common terrors... with her way of overcoming things.  

He has been watching her since she arrived... and he can’t help but feel that his heart is tightening with an emotion that he keeps deep inside his heart from the eyes of inexperienced people... from her. But not from Madara, who arches his eyebrow in amusement at him in his sullen way, observing him carefully after a meeting.  

Karen had left with an attentive Tobirama, willing to continue with her own work and review the agreements that he had asked her to give them a new perspective. The Hyūga was trying to join with certain conditions, and both the Nara clan and its allies had also begun to seek the benefits of this alliance.  

But that was the least of his worries. “Don’t say anything.”  

“For the Sage’s sake... you are stupidly obvious,” Madara rolls his eyes crossing his arms, sitting there in his office with a sadistic look, having fun at the expense of his feelings.  

He doesn’t blame him... but this just makes him huff.  

“...��� Hashirama does not give him any comments.  

“Tell me, are you really not going to do anything?”  

“No.”  

“Tobirama sees your intentions.”  

“They are not bad.”  

“I know, but seriously... friend?” he mocks with a light laugh. “Even Izuna told me about the engagement. For a moment he thought that you...”  

“I will not leave Mito.”  

“I know, but...” he snorts slightly. “It wouldn’t be not rare for you to have... lovers.”  

“My father never had children outside of his marriage with my mother.”  

“Yes, but nobles usually do it.”  

“As you said, nobles. We are shinobis... there is no point in overthinking things.”  

“Mmm... you’re an idiot.”  

“I’m not.”  

“However, I won’t judge you if it benefits my clan. The alliance with the Uzumaki will give strength to our bases, with your marriage.”  

“Mmmm...”  

“That’s why you haven’t left her, right?”  

“Madara... don’t go there.” He gets a little depressed seeing how his friend knows him so well. “Tobi... he promised to protect her.”  

“Are you satisfied with that?”  

“That’s enough for me.”  

“If you say so,” Madara shrugs. “As long as she marries into our clans, that’s fine. Karen-san has shown to have a good head, even though she is a civilian... with interesting concepts.”  

“I told you.”  

“Izuna feels that she is too unrealistic, and the council is still upset about adding her in external consultancies.” He said the last part awkwardly given how new the word is in the vocabulary of the passionate clan. “But her points have denoted the capital leak.”  

“Yes.” He is proud of those optimistic comments.  

“I hate you for marrying her into your clan... I’d rather have her within mine.”  

“Madara.”  

“What? I’m not lying. Your move in front of the Daimyo to promise her to your brother was smart. If I had been faster... I assure you, Izuna wouldn’t let anything hurt her.”  

“...” Hashirama frowns, not being able to Karen marrying into another clan other than his own.  

“But that’s not the point,” the man with wild hair raises his hands with an amused laugh. “If something happens...”  

“You already said that.”  

“It’s just an idle comment,” the cheeky Uchiha accepts, proceeding to focus on reviewing some missions requested for them to work together.  

Tobirama and Izuna will soon go on another mission. Hashirama is sure he could handle it for now, until someone else is able to cope with the hatred that still lingers.  

Teamwork is difficult... but he believes in a future where they will be able to cooperate.  

He smiles. Hashirama sees that this dream is so notorious... and if it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t have achieved it in the best way. His friend is now his ally, formerly his enemy... he laughs internally.  

And even if he can’t marry her... having her working by his side is not so bad, even if it hurts his heart... even if he wanted more, he wouldn’t do anything... because he is faithful to his word and Mito deserves his respect.  

She has waited so long for him.  

He knows.  

She loves him.  

Although he... doesn’t know how to feel about it.  

──

Tobirama accompanies her. Many of the clan whisper, but do not have the courage to point out anything even though the engagement was long awaited by so many. Him, not so much, taking care of everything since Karen is not usually very observant in details outside of regular work.  

She is incredibly intelligent and organized, but when it comes to things like the engagement and surely the wedding, she is not so excited about carrying it out... and in some ways, it bothers him.  

But he won’t say anything.  

“You know you don’t have to come with me.” Karen brings him out of his thoughts with her light voice and a snort worthy of someone tired of his presence. That tone irritates him, but he only raises his eyebrow. “The garden is not that far away. And Kaori just needs some tomatoes and vegetables.”  

“I have time.”  

The civilian rolls her eyes. “By the way, Mito-san mentioned that the fabric is finally ready.”  

“Mmmm...”  

“She said Mrs. Kyoko will be excited by the quality and softness it possesses.”  

“The yukata... is important.”  

“I know,” the woman shrugs. “At least it will be comfortable.”  

“You could have more of that fabric. I shall tell them to make everyday clothes for you.”  

“There’s no need.”  

“...” Tobirama doesn’t say anything. He will ask for extra clothes for the girl anyway... even though she is modest, it is normal for her to want more yukatas.  

“Tobirama, I’m serious.”  

“We have a lot of fabric.”  

“Will you also get more for you?” she asks, looking at him from top to bottom. The shinobi is unfazed because his standard clothing is all black. He is only missing his usual armor, which he has begun to stop using within the compound and the alliance region.  

Of course, he is still waiting to be attacked by some Uchiha, but the few he has seen outside their area only look at him with slight tones of revenge that they do not dare to carry out due to the value of the contract with their clan leader.  

He still hasn’t gotten very used to this peace.  

However, his brother has managed to make the change.  

“I am fine like this,” he replies with a dry tone.  

“Seriously... won’t you be wearing more comfortable clothes at home?” the woman questions his appearance with an incredulous tone. Tobirama remains thoughtful at the mention of ‘home’ but keeps it to himself.  

“I do not need it.”  

“Well... if you buy me more, you will also make matching ones for yourself,” the girl states easily. “If not, then... I won’t accept the new yukatas.”  

“That is not something you can decide.”  

“Come on... You have decided everything about the house, the wedding and engagement date... at least let me have a say in your clothes.” Her tone is irritated, but he sees that the woman stores much of the bitterness that she wants to let out.  

Sometimes Tobirama wonders when he stopped wanting to dissect the girl and became so accustomed to her presence that he began to read her very well, and what her life must have been like before reaching this point.  

Nevertheless, he won’t ask. It’s not his business, even when he sees her so sad...  

It bothers him.  

“Do what you want,” he bites bitterly.  

“Yes!” she applauds amused, starting to plan to visit Kyoko together. He rolls his eyes. He is not interested in being part of her own agenda, but he allows himself to be dragged... at least to the garden, where many greet them.  

He feels comfortable. People no longer treat her badly, not even as a foreigner, so he leaves her after a while of making sure that things will go well.  

He doesn’t know how, but he always ends up getting involved in things that should interest him little.  

Whatever... Tobirama decided to go back.  

Being added to a mission with that stupid Izuna wasn’t strange. The strange thing was that he didn’t want to leave.  

At least, he hopes to finish before his brother’s wedding.  

He wants to be on time.  

──

Kaori was the caretaker of the boys of the main line, from the time Butsuma was in charge until his eldest son rose imposingly as the undisputed leader of the clan. Such a strong man...  

She is so proud of him... almost like his mother would have been.  

Unfortunately, Rukia didn’t live long after the birth of her last child.  

“Kaori-san?” someone calls, taking her out of her thoughts, which makes her blink to focus on that civilian that she has welcomed as her new charge at the request of her adorable leader and his brother.  

“Oh, good morning,” she greets with a soft smile.  

“Is there something wrong?”  

“Nothing is wrong, Karen-san,” the old woman assures with a motherly smile. “Have you already had your measurements taken?”  

“Yes. Thank goodness Kyoko-san knows Tobirama’s,” she laughs amused by some strange memory that she surely had with the man. Who would have thought that she would be so attentive to send him to prepare matching yukatas.  

Although she is not sure that Tobirama is comfortable with it, because she knows how stubborn he is and how used he is to being in his war clothing. At least he has stopped using the armor as he always did.  

A pleasant change that she suspects the civilian has a lot to do with.  

“Yes, I am sure he would not go on his own.”  

“I know.”  

“By the way, how did you convince him?” she asks curiously with a gesture to the civilian who continues her way to the kitchen. Soon it would be time to eat, so they both usually spend time in that place.  

It is larger than in the previous house and surely Hashirama’s brother prepared it knowing his future wife’s quirks... cute from her point of view.  

“Oh, that’s not a strange story,” the girl says with a simple laugh. At least she has left that depression about missing her family... one that she tried hard to hide, but this old woman has years of experience as a nanny and a capable kunoichi.  

She is easy to read.  

“It is not?” she encourages her curiosity to be calmed.  

“Well, he said he would make me yukatas.”  

“Oh really?”  

“Yes. I told him no, unless he made some for himself.”  

The olw woman laughs amusedly, conforming something she has been thinking for a while. “Oh... that would have not worked before.”  

“No?”  

“No. He is very obstinate.”  

“I’ve noticed it.”  

“At least he listened to you.”  

“Yeah. Also, the Daimyo and Mito have brought a lot of fabric. I’m thinking about making yukatas for Matsuo, Mikami and you, too.”  

“Not at all. That would be a waste for the bride and groom, so keep the fabric to yourselves.”  

“Uh?”  

“It is a tradition that what is given is for the use of the family... which I hope grows soon,” she says, imagining small children around the beautiful patio that has been arranged for the civilian.  

Her maternal and grandmotherly instincts are thrilled, so much so that she ignores the woman’s tension over such a comment.  

Excited for the future...  

Butsuma and Rukia would be proud of this... She prefers to think so.  

──

Mikami owes her so much despite their sullen beginning. Teaching etiquette classes, she became her appreciated and valued person... like a sister who is willing to protect her from everything that could hurt her.  

Even if she doesn’t realize that she is supporting her, she will have her back.  

So, she did not avoid looking with slight doubt at the woman with a sad expression on the edge of the river that runs so close. It is not strange to find her here thinking. Kaori lets her be despite the dangers around.  

Despite the years, the trauma makes her doubt anyone of the opposite gender.  

“You should not be alone,” she scolds lightly, starting to walk towards the rock which is being occupied by the civilian. She blinks in recognition.  

“Uh... Kaori-san told me it was fine.”  

“I know, but you have to be careful. Not everyone is like Hashirama-sama and the others.”  

“You almost sound like Tobirama.”  

“Do I?”  

“He told me the same thing... but with more jabs,” she laughs carefully, as clear as she usually is, and strong in her own way that makes her proud.  

“Mph... He will be your husband. It is normal that he cares for you.”  

“Yeah.” She seems indifferent to the marriage.  

“Now that Kaori-san is not here, you know you can tell me what really worries you,” she points out because her engagement is so strange, considering their previous interactions and how she is.  

Although she is oblivious to the feelings of her leader’s brother, she knows her friend is oblivious to love.  

She never saw her fall in love with anyone even though the council was persistent in caging her. That it was Tobirama who managed to do it is not abnormal, considering their work together, but it still seems weird and sudden.  

No matter how many years have passed since he met her... there is still something missing.  

“What are you talking about?”  

“Your marriage,” the kunoichi states directly. “And the appearance of the Daimyo.”  

“Uh...”  

“It has something to do with it, right?”  

“...” Karen looks at the sky from a distance. The noise of the river is relaxing while the forest dances to the sound of that soft summer air. “I... I don’t know what to tell you.”  

“The truth.”  

“I can¡t.”  

“...”  

“That’s the only thing I can tell you. Hashirama assured me that it was better if only a few people knew.”  

“I see.” She sees the tension in the girl’s gesture... and even with those little words, she understands what this is about. A false engagement? A lie? She may not notice it, but she knows that Tobirama... might not be indifferent to it.  

For a moment, though, she thought that Hashirama would break his engagement with the princess of Uzu for the civilian.  

Perhaps she imagined it.  

“By the way... Matsuo-kun?”  

“He is now beginning to train his chakra system.” Bitterly, she wrinkles her nose at the treatment of that man’s family towards her son.  

Karen doesn’t say anything.  

“I am working on it. It is not that bad,” she tries to convince her friend when she noticed her annoyance. Her ways are still unusual in her eyes, but not odd within the clan.  

Even if he was punished... seeing her son reminds her of Ryu’s sin.  

“I’m sorry I reminded you of something so sad.”  

“Do not worry... it is something I have to overcome, right?”  

“...”  

“For Matsuo,” the kunoichi accepts with a laugh to sit next to her. The river is not such a bad place to relax and rethink what she will do next since soon, together with other women, they will begin working on missions paired with the Uchiha clan.  

She is scared... she wants revenge... but she left that behind a long time ago to carve a path without war for her little one.  

He does not deserve to grow up in fear of dying so young, like her brothers... like her cousins... like her parents.  

A world of peace that her friend has achieved together with her leaders, a dream she never thought she could have and hold on to... getting rid of the bitterness of working with her former enemies.  

For their happiness.  

──

Around the patio, Karen looks at the girl who is on the verge of collapse. Mito is such an expressive woman that since she declared that they will be something akin to sisters, she became highly eloquent, making her laugh as their integration becomes natural.  

She doesn’t know what to feel, because she doesn’t know what to feel about her upcoming wedding either.  

But that’s the least of it.  

“Come on, Mito-san. Everything will be alright.”  

“I... my brother and father have not arrived!” the redhead exclaims. Koari easily brings some tea to chuckle amused and disappear on the spot.  

“They will be arriving soon, no?”  

“Well, yes,” she huffs. “But Tobirama is also missing. That idiotic Hashirama sent him on a mission.”  

“It was necessary.”  

Mito frowns to mutter other things under her breath.  

“Come, sit and have some tea,” she says while sipping another bit of her drink. Things have been so calm and with tentative alliances coming... life isn’t so bad.  

She reflexes lightly with the weight of the marriage beginning to take root in her conscience. With Tobirama’s words that day... it is more enjoyable, although she still feels the sadness of remembering her family.  

More so considering her next birthday...  

Mito still remains her elegant self, taking a sip of the hot drink. “I cannot get enough of this tea.”  

“It’s good. Madara-san brought it the last time he came.”  

“Does Madara-san visit you?”  

“Not much. Only when he is passing by or when he leaves a meeting, really.”  

“Oh...”  

“Why?”  

“Well, you will marry Tobirama.”  

“Yes,” she blinks without understanding what the problem was.  

“You are a civilian.”  

“Uh-huh.”  

“Wow... it shows that you do not see the issue in this.”  

“There is nothing wrong in that.”  

“Maybe not where you come from,” Mito giggles amused. “You are engaged. Having a friendship with someone like Madara...”  

“I see.” Karen reflects on the comment logically, taking into account the culture in which she is participating. “He is a good friend.”  

“I know that they extended protection to you as a clan,” Mito admits. “I must say that I did not expect that from the Uchiha.”  

“Really?”  

“Yes. They have almost adopted you.”  

“...Tobirama didn’t explain it to me like that.”  

“Well... he will probably tell you another way,” the woman says amused. “For a civilian, you have many alliances.”  

Karen doesn’t reply anything. She looks at the stars a little more without thinking enough about things... it’s for the best.  

For now, she will remain expectant about what comes from the future... an uncertain one.  

A/N: An external chapter with different points of view. I hope you enjoy it. Hashirama’s wedding will be here soon, an awaited event along with other things.

As you can see, many have different opinions regarding Karen. Some are better than others, but no one is willing to let her go any time soon, and she doesn’t realize it.

What will happen? Will Karen notice? Will Hashirama do something? Will Tobirama clarify his strange feelings, or will he continue to deny it? Although I’m sure he hasn’t even realized it... because of how annoying it is to accept something he doesn’t want and he never thought he would have, even though he was forced to go along with this engagement.

Covering him with his duty to this peace that his brother has worked so hard for... There’s no one more blind than he who refuses to see, isn’t that right?

Thanks for your comments.

Author-chan out! 

[luchicm04]

"Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between."

-Maya Angelou

[luchicm04]

lost in the forest - part 35

Masterlist

Summary: It's often the smallest mistake that ends up causing the greatest regret.

Pairing: Senju Tobirama/Original Female Character

Tag: #lost in the forest fic

posted on ao3

Word Count: +4k

I finally finished my final exams (if I pass all of them) so now I should have more free time to write. Thanks for

Overall warnings: canon-typical violence, adult content, time skips, angst

The wedding will take place on a huge patio right in the middle of the compound. The standing decorations are so different from every event she has witnessed so far with her busy schedule.  

Karen has to admit that things are noticeably over the top. There are white flowers everywhere with large matching lamps, along with a forum in the background among various chairs.  

Traditional, like everything in this culture.  

“Wow... they really applied themselves,” she comments as she carries a pot with similar flowers in pale colors whose meanings in this reality indicate prosperity and a good future for the couple.  

Kaori looks just as ecstatic, so focused on everything going well that she smiles sideways.  

“Yes... This is the first wedding. It is not every day that the clan leader does not get married.”  

“Well, yes,” the civilian laughs at the point given by the old woman. The flowers are placed right in the middle of the forum. “Is there going to be some kind of priest?”  

“Oh... well, we shinobi do not have religion, but for these events the priest of the temple was already brought by escorts,” the old woman explains.”  

“Escorts?”  

“Yes. Young Tobirama-sama was among them. He will not take long to arrive so do not worry,” she laughs amused, hitting her shoulders. Her hands hurt from the effort, but she doesn’t complain.  

She is used to hard work... especially when working in the garden.  

Karen keeps up.  

“Ka-ne!” Someone hugs her on the knees. Little Matsuo greets her with a wide, adorable smile that melts her, even if he shortens her name due to the lack of pronunciation of the ‘r’.  

“Oh, little one... you should not do that. You could make her fall,” the old woman scolds, noticing her loss of balance. From the mockery of the other children who accompany him, she assumes he’s playing with a group his age.  

“Don’t worry, Kaori-san. I didn’t fall.”  

“You are a civilian, not a kunoichi like the others,” the old woman frowns now looking at her and then at the child. “So, consider it, Matsuo-kun.”  

“Y-yes.” He looks embarrassed, with a gesture worthy of someone who is taking on a tough mission.  

Being a civilian on these occasions is annoying... they treat her as if she was going to break.  

“I’ll be fine,” the woman says ruffling the boy’s hair. “Your Oka-san?”  

“She is... with Oba-san,” the boy blinks twice. “She... why is she so sad?”  

“MMMmm...” Karen sees that her friend has reached the peak of her traumas. Even she couldn’t sleep the night before just remembering that it would be full of drunk people.  

Tobirama gave her a list of warnings that she made sure she didn’t forget.  

“She... just needs time,” the civilian assures, squeezing his shoulders. “That’s why you have to help her feel better... by being good.”  

“Uh...”  

“What else is happening?” the older woman tilts her head, seeing that something else is bothering the child.  

“She... does not want me?”  

“She loves you. Why do you say that?” she questions because Mikami was always firm in her love for her son, despite his conception.  

“She... was talking... yelling at Oba-san... about... Ryu... and me.” He blinks innocently. She assumes that the tension in the family has come to a high point as a result of the post-traumatic stress that the weight of the event and so many redheads around entail.  

“She’s just tired... but she wouldn’t say anything bad about you.”  

“Uh...”  

“When she gets better and you get older, maybe she will talk to you about it.”  

“Karen-san,” the old woman warns with an audible sigh next to her. She had remained on the sidelines for some time but there are still things about the culture that they are willing to hide. The child blinks between the two. “Go finish helping the northern area, Matsuo-kun,” she orders drily.  

“What did I say?” she asks just when it is certain that the kid is gone. The civilian sometimes does not understand the hindrances, like when Madara’s visits are at her house... something that the old woman points out when there are no men at home.  

An overreaction from her point of view, because it’s just work and the old lady is accompanying her, isn’t she?  

“You should not tell him that. Mikami-san... she should not say anything.”  

“But... the kid will eventually find out. It’s better if it comes from her.”  

“His family... is important for the development of the child according to the traditions of the family,” the old woman explains firmly, speaking about a topic that was putting off the truth.  

“Kaori-san, that’s something Mikami should think about.” Karen is firm in her point of view. “The boy is aware of things, and that man’s family should not demand anything else of what they have already taken from her... he raped her.”  

“Do not say that,” the old woman shushes. “Sometimes, your type of thinking is so complex,” she snorts indignantly to start walking. “I hope that will be fixed just when you marry into the clan.”  

“I don’t think so,” the girl assures, not caring if she’s spoiling her companion's existence. Outside of her traditionalist thoughts, she is a good person.  

She just puts a lot of effort into making her do things she’s already starting to take on.  

Like marrying her off, for example, although that was more of a matter of Hashirama and political pressures.  

──

She has heard that Mito faced large numbers of men in certain jobs, that she sometimes leads important meetings with her father as one of the few women who hold an active position in bureaucratic society.  

However, she can’t help but laugh when she sees her in a nervous state when she goes to see how she was before the wedding started.  

She is looking in the mirror, standing there with large headdresses matching her beautiful braided red hair and a completely white yukata with luxurious embroidery. She had seen it hanging since it was finished, but seeing it put on, Karen notices that the curves lift it up.  

She chuckles as she enters. “Mito-san, don’t be so nervous,” she says standing behind the woman who doesn’t take her eyes off her reflection.  

“I am not.”  

“You are.”  

“Alright, yes,” the redhead sighs, turning to face her. “I... what if he does not love me?” she questions harshly as if she knew her answers.  

“He does,” she shrugs because she knows the man is in love with someone, and smiles seeing her friend’s surprise. “Just be confident.” Completely misinterpreting the romantic interest of said leader in favor of his fiancée.  

Wrong... but she doesn’t push herself in observing.  

“But...” She looks at her reflection again. “I... I am afraid it is not true.”  

“Why do you say that?” Karen asks, not knowing that she was moved by her security. It wasn’t that bad last night.  

“I talked to him...”  

“Oh...” She doesn’t say anything, because she wasn't aware of that part.  

“He said...” she sighs longingly. “That he would try to do everything in his power to make sure I am happy.”  

Karen resisted the urge to slap herself in the face just for the stupidity of a groom saying those things hours before his wedding. What was going through the leader’s mind? Was the nerve messing with him? She doesn’t know because she hasn’t seen him, which makes her question his logic.  

“What...” she stops talking to look at her. “You... have you ever fallen in love?” she questions, remembering what exactly the happy boyfriend said to her days before.  

“No,” she quickly answers. “I never took an interest in that.”  

“But now you are getting married,” she frowns doubtfully at her prompt response. Her mistake... so she sighs to take the hand of the person staring at her.  

“Not until I met Tobi,” she laughs at the blatant lie with a certainty of being faithful to what she is saying. “It can seem foolish, something that came out of nowhere... when I wasn’t looking for it.”  

“Oh...”  

“It was never my goal. As I told you before, it just happened.”  

Mito looks at her for a long time. “What if... Hashirama is in love?”  

“...”  

“Not with me.” After a slight silence, the redhead releases her to gaze at her. “Would you... do something against me?”  

“What do you mean?”  

“I told you before... about the danger that you represent,” she then accepted with confidence in a tone different from the friendly one she had used until now, more similar to that first meeting.  

Where she was clear with her comments.  

“You are my friend.” She tries not to feel offended by such an argument. “One of my closest ones here.”  

“Mph...” she snorts ironically. “He... I do not know...” She keeps some comments to herself, searching for something in her eyes. “I guess nothing has changed since then,” she mocks.  

“Huh?”  

“For being older... sometimes, I do not understand how you work, from what I see.”  

“Don’t doubt your fiancé... not now.”  

“I know you told me so... only now I do not know what to think.”  

“...”  

“I... I will be a Senju...” she states with a fire in her eyes. “I will love him... with all my heart.” She looks into her eyes. “Come what may,” she says with a double tone that is not usually understood by the civilian, who smiles.  

“That’s the best thing you’ve said so far.” She tries to lighten the atmosphere with said comment. The woman laughs to see how her assistants begin to enter to put the finishing touches, while she leaves to finish putting on her yukata.  

With a strange feeling about it.  

What exactly did Mito mean?  

──

The yukata is so different from that of her own event. It is more subtle and modest in soft tones that enhance its foreign features, paired with simple headdresses that do not stand out too much, so as not to overshadow the bride.  

“Wow... you look good,” someone calls just as she steps out. Seeing Madara all dressed up is notable, being a special guest as a friend of the groom.  

“Thank you... you combed your hair.”  

“So early and yet so aggressive.”  

“I’m not aggressive,” the girl complains about his out of place comment, but it was noticeable and the first thing that came to her mind when she saw that always wild mane of hair a little more subdued, as she walks towards the exit. Her escort has not come so she assumes Tobirama will be a little late.  

Considering his mission to bring the priest, it makes sense.  

“Perhaps,” the man makes way with his biting accent.  

“So?”  

“Well... so direct.”  

“You are not.”  

“A little,” the man mocks without losing his sarcastic rhythm to continue along the way. “I just wanted to know if you wanted to give words of support to the groom... he’s nervous.”  

“Uh?” She blinks at the comment.  

“What?”  

“It’s nothing. I just didn’t think you were really worried about him... it’s adorable.”  

“I’m not worried about him?”  

“Really?”  

“Forget it,” the Uchiha complains with a bitter look. His steps are soft considering the one who walks slower than any of the trained shinobi in that place.  

He does that sometimes, when he has things to ask about reports and things like that, which tells her how important this is.  

“I’ll go see him...”  

“Will you?”  

“Yes. How nervous is he?”  

“...You will find out,” the man shrugs with a hidden tone.  

“What are you planning?”  

“I’m not planning anything,” he assures.  

“You silence tells me otherwise,” she tilts her head. “I hope you don’t ruin your friend’s wedding.”  

“I won’t ruin it...” He whispers that last part in a very shinobi way that she doesn’t hear well, which makes her frown. “I just know that he’s too stupid to take what he wants.”  

“He’s not stupid, he just sees the logic,” she shrugs. “Love is that complicated.”  

“Mph... that’s nonsense.”  

“I don’t think so.”  

“Of course... tell that to the idiot.”  

“Uh?”  

“Don’t ask. You know, I don’t know how to measure your intelligence sometimes.”  

“So I’ve been told,” she says, not at all offended and accustomed to the bitter man’s direct way of speaking. “However, you’re not here to give me compliments, but to ask me for help. Do you want me to bring him something?”  

“...Like what?”  

“Water to help calm him down or tea.”  

“Nah, your presence is enough to make him see his...” he sighs. “The bastard is very idiotic. Seriously, I don’t know how he doesn’t dare.”  

“Madara-san, you are saying strange things.”  

“No, I’m just desperate that he’s such a moron.” The Uchiha looks at her. “But I hope this clarifies his ideas,” he shrugs walking among the people who begin to take their places. Karen sighs... “Won’t you becoming with me?”  

“No,” the Uchiha accepts cheekily, standing at the beginning of the hallway that she knows well leads to the Senju’s office. One that Tobirama usually uses since the former sometimes works in the neutral office.  

“Seriously, I know you’re onto something,” she frowns at the shameless laughter of the infamous Uchiha leader. There is no one there since many of the guards or assistants are outside receiving the different guests. Same with the Uzumaki. They are all anxiously awaiting the beginning... the confirmation of their pact.  

She walks a little more, approaching the door. “Hashirama?” she hesitantly questions standing at the edge of the door. She hears a thud inside that sets the alarm to enter. “Hashirama?!” she blinks, seeing the man blinking at her with a strange surprise in his eyes.  

It is fortunate that he is dressed up, although she sees that the final yukata is almost in place.  

“Wow... Madara-san told me you were nervous, but I wasn’t expecting this,” Karen accepts, carelessly approaching to help him, but the man was already up as soon as she closed the distance.  

“That idiot,” he growls reluctantly to look at her. “I... you shouldn’t be here.”  

“I know, but he assured you that you were anxious, and he wasn’t lying. You still haven’t finished getting ready!”  

“I only need the last yukata,” the man laughs with a tension in his shoulders.  

“I know, I’m underestimating your shinobi skills,” the woman mocks. “But you know... this is your day, your wedding!”  

Hashirama doesn’t say anything. He purses his lips, turning to take the yukata and arrange it to his shape in the blink of an eye. “Ready!”  

“Show-off,” she complains, as it took hours for her to get ready, and her makeup was more moderated this time. The man’s amused laugh resonates after days of not hearing it.  

That makes her blink twice as a phantom tensions in his shoulders disappears.  

“What?” the man asks before her gaze.  

“It’s been a long time since I heard you laugh like that,” the woman states. “You know... everything will be alright, seriously.” She approaches him, hitting his chest with confidence. She sees those eyes analyzing her.  

“I... I’m not nervous about the wedding?”  

“No?”  

“No,” he accepts easily. “I’m just... doing it out of my duty.”  

“Don’t say it like that. Mito-san loves you,” the woman complains, sighing and watching how the man has the nerve to caress her cheek slowly. “Hashirama? ...You shouldn’t do that,” she hits his hand easily.  

Although it does not move since her strength is zero next to his... the sensations are disturbing and uncomfortable. “Hashirama?” she insists due to the man’s little interest in walking away after such a strange move.  

She may be over 30, but she wasn’t expecting this.  

Not from a young shinobi.  

“I... will always regret it.”  

“Don’t say that...” She feels bad for Mito at the harsh words of the confused groom.  

Karen attributes his wrong behavior to the pressure of the wedding.  

“I’m saying it to you,” the leader chuckles, happy that she didn’t walk away. Karen frowns wanting to question such an attitude. However, she freezes just when the male hand stops on her cheek and his thumb traces her lips delicately, feeling their heat... She steps away scared with her alarmed thoughts.  

Karen doesn’t blush but she stands there, not knowing how exactly she should react.  

It’s easy to take her distance when the man is so distracted in his actions, looking at that hand with a pitiful smile for whatever thought is passing through his mind.  

“I have never seen you so nervous,” the man says with a light mockery to smile cheekily. She blinks processing the so out of place comment, as if it were coming from someone who’s playing a bad and practical joke on her.  

She wasn’t aware of such a strange sense of humor.  

Karen feels her fury increase by that demonstration. Nevertheless, she stops from saying anything when the man kisses the thumb that was previously touching her lips. She does nothing... she remains frozen for what is not said.  

Blinking hard at who continues to admire her.  

“Don’t worry... I’ll never do anything to harm you,” the man assures her given her uncomfortable face and tense silence. He approaches but she takes a step back for safety and dignity.  

She keeps her distance from him in case he does anything else... for her friend! For himself!  

“I won’t ask you to treat me the same either.”  

“Hashirama... What’s going on in your head?” she questions with a harsh, reprimanding tone.  

“Everything... and nothing.” He looks sadder than before, which makes her feel sorry for a few light seconds and it’s reflected on the woman’s face for such words expressed by the man.  

There is silence. The people outside the premises are oblivious to what is happening inside that room, where Karen wants to ignore and pretend that this did not happen.  

And this weakness in friendship that the civilian has is taken advantage of by the shinobi, who dared to make use of his speed and appear in the blink of an eye right in front of her.  

He grabs her face and carelessly presses his lips against hers in a matter of seconds. Karen feels scared... alarmed by such an action from the always noble man, whose friendship helped her survive all this time.  

She never expected this. She wants to move away just when the offending tongue searches for something in hers, expanding a feeling she had never experienced before. Biting him was a firm idea in her head, but she stops just when he releases her, eager for more. His breathing is light, and he doesn’t walk away with her face still in his rough hands.  

She feels the callus... the warmth that once comforted her transforming into absolute confusion, wanting to get out of his grip without any success despite those confused seconds.  

Karen uses her hands as an obstacle that is ignored when another kiss is delivered, passionate and disturbing. She closes her eyes out of inertia at how suffocating it’s starting to get... it lengthens pitifully until it ends in a soft movement.  

Those bright eyes reflect her... and Karen just remains silent with the palpable wetness of their exchange. He cleans her, his fingers passing beneath her lips carelessly.  

“I will never do anything to hurt you... I apologize for that; I just needed it to endure what is coming.”  

“Hashirama... You...?”  

“What are you doing?” someone knocks on the door. Seeing Tobirama was something she didn’t expect to see, with a gesture of salvation. The man was already next to her, carefully pushing her away. “Hashirama!” he warns dangerously.  

“It’s alright... I... I’m sorry about that.”  

“You...” The albino frowns.  

“It’s time to go... I think Mito is waiting for me, right?” The man laughs lightly, putting on a happy mask just when she saw the frustration, the sadness being blatant at the fact of not being able to take what he wants.  

Was this what Madara was referring to?  

“Karen?” Tobirama takes her out of her thoughts. He sees her lost and doesn’t know how to react... because she sees her anger in those red eyes with something else that she now doesn’t bother wanting to express.  

“He...” she tries to say but she just wants to cry.  

“You are an idiot,” he sighs, noticing his mistake, uncomfortable with her reaction in spite of having already seen her shed tears before.  

“I... I didn’t think...” She feels so sad about this... something that was easy to see, being thrown like that in her face without a care.  

“It is not your fault,” he sighs without leaving her side, still dirty... even with his ninja uniform and blue armor, his face reflects all the frustration and emotions that he would not normally express.2  

Karen just hugs him; her only lifesaver in the sea of emotions that she didn’t know how to express. She had never experienced this... that is why she avoided love! Because it is so complicated, confusing and it takes away your sense of security.  

Will she be able to look at Mito’s now? How will she work with Hashirama? “Y-you knew,” she accuses just to get away from the albino man who sighs, not feeling guilty. “YOU KNEW!”  

“You were the only one who didn’t,” someone says from the background. Madara watches firmly.  

“This is your fault.” Tobirama now shows part of his irritation to whom he gives a half-hearted smile.  

“You know why I did it.”  

“You had no right.”  

“It was his decision, Tobirama,” the Uchiha carelessly accepts and looks at her. “But I see... that this is more complicated than I expected...” He sighs disappointedly and leaves, not feeling any remorse for what he did.  

Karen feels so stupid. She covers her face, not wanting to go outside, but she is carried by a bitter Tobirama. “...?”  

“You need to have your makeup fixed.” The albino takes her out quickly, squeezing her into his armor. It’s been a long time since she was carried like this. She sighs, trying to act normal when Kaori sees her.  

“What happened?!” She looks at her with accusation. “It took me so long to put on your makeup!”  

“She looked pretty,” Tobirama explains carelessly, making the old woman look at them with different eyes. Karen would turn around in surprise if she weren’t so bitter about what happened. Many are no longer in the house; people begin to walk away, gathering where the wedding will take place.  

She doesn’t want to go, but she sees that the albino will wait for her until she finishes doing her things because his presence is important due to the political wight, especially with the last-minute arrival of the Daimyo.  

Kaori looks excited about her non-existent grandchildren as she quickly fixes her makeup. She stays quiet, like a robot, not knowing what to express about this whole matter.  

Worse than a bad meeting, than a bad project... than her confrontation with the council.  

She closes her eyes so that her eye shadows can be adjusted. Her thinking is chaotic as she clings to the hand of a silent Tobirama. What should she do with what she found out? What did Hashirama gain by putting her in this predicament?  

Seeing him get married wasn’t painful... but knowing that Mito wasn’t loved was.  

This is not what her friend expected. She purses her lips, remembering her nervousness. She already suspected it... but how did she not notice?  

“Do not think too much about it.”  

“Easy for you to say,” she bites angrily at who remains at her side. Both of them are at the front, speaking in whispers that she is sure are not being heard.  

“Just leave it.”  

“Mph...” She would like to say more things, but she just stays silent. She looks into the distance, not focusing on this whole event and hoping this is just a phase. Her heart hasn’t shaken her... but her concern about losing a good friend has.  

Hashirama... he deserved to be happy, but not with her.  

She doesn’t love him.  

A/N: As you will see, it will be difficult for Karen to pretend that everything is normal now that Hashirama realized that he was not loved by her. He does not want to force her, nor does he want to force her to respond to his feelings when he was never clear.

It was more of a desperate outburst of his own heart that made Hashirama decide to steal a kiss from her, clarifying that now... his heart had no owner. He was hurt and he is sure he will make Madara’s life miserable for this... but it served to continue with the original plan, with a warm sensation on his lips that gave him even more anxiety.

Tobirama knew about it, and even if he felt irritated, he didn’t say anything else when he saw her so affected. His brother is usually considerate, but he sees that he underestimated the love he has for her. He didn’t like seeing her like that... so he acted like her shadow all night, warmer than before. This had been the reason why he didn’t want them to see each other. Especially alone.

Madara, on the other hand, wanted his friend to stop being so idiotic, but he didn’t count on Karen not loving him. It’s hard to know what that woman is thinking... she’s not like the others.

Earning the hatred of both Senjus.

Mito knows that something happened, but she keeps quiet. It’s her day... and she should be happy.

Thanks for everything.

Author-chan out! 

[luchicm04]

Proof

Masterlist

Summary: What starts as a sensual reunion ends in an erotic scene.

Pairing: Jake Sully/Tonowari

Word count: 1.7k

Overall warnings: sexual content, dirty talk, mature language, alternate universe-modern au, daddy kink, choking kink, nipple play, breeding king, fluff, a/b/o dynamics, dom/sub, love bites, teasing, possessive behavior⚠️🔞

All characters belong to Avatar, and all rights are reserved to the original work whose author allowed me to translate it.

A/N: Au:Modern,Omegaverse,Jake is the shop's madam. Hope you like it <3

Request by @TOFUCHAN2003: Please, could you do a daddy fish and a bottom kitty. Tonojake but set in 'that' environment🥺✨🙏

posted on ao3

Once again, the paradise known as Pandora had been invaded. 

The scent of the establishment’s perfume was masked by pheromones reminiscent of a sandy beach. 

Tonowari's smell. 

The most influential person in those waters. 

The entire place almost panicked when he entered. Employees who knew their duties well were quick to prepare the welcome for him as best as possible before following him. 

They wondered in their hearts, but the young men never dared to ask anything. 

They knew that Tonowari and Jake knew each other from before. However, no one knew exactly what kind of relationship they had. There was only a rumor that that powerful man came to visit Pandora’s Omega every seven days. 

He sat on the best couch in the most private area. Furthermore, a delicious liquor was brought and placed in front of the tall figure less than five minutes after his entry. 

No need to say much- 

After a few sips of the amber-colored beverage, the curtain was lifted by the palm of the awaited figure. 

The body under the seductive outfit approached without haste. His long hair hung loose behind him. He curled up next to the exposed blue collar. The black dress had a slit on the side, showing off his slim legs with every step he took. It paired well with the high heels of the same color. 

“Ma’Jake,” he said in a deep voice. A hand reached out and he waited to take the beautiful man’s hand. He lifted it up to hold his smaller body towards him. 

Madame Pandora yielded to the touch. 

He lowered himself and sat on the big man, supporting his body against the strong torso. He lifted his legs and crossed them until his already short dress rose up even higher. 

“Daddy.” 

With one hand around the other’s neck, he used the tip of the finger in his other hand to run it along the collar of his shirt. Staying deceptively snuggling closer like a cat seeking warmth. 

Tonowari caressed Jake’s leg. He lifted his head slightly so that the lady of the place could more easily inhale his scent. 

Not many people knew it, but that kitten who was fierce in the eyes of others enjoyed the fresh scent of that sea man. 

Jake loved it. 

Tonowari’s smell was completely different from that of the Omaticaya in the forest, but it was one of the aromas that calmed him the most. It was a soft aroma that mixed with the turmoil, like ocean waves hitting the seashore. 

“We haven’t seen each other for a long time. Did you go there to be naughty?” 

The palms started to get shameless. He slipped them under the one-piece garment. 

Touching the thin panties that were Jake’s last line of defense. 

“I work every day. Where could I find the time to be naughty?” 

A loud moan came out from his throat. He moved his body slightly so that his large hands could roam more easily. His face was still rubbing against him like a cat drunk from the smell of catnip. 

“Really?” 

It was a possessive question, but the tone was the opposite. Jake liked the smell of him though. Nevertheless, Tonowari knew that he could not dominate the beauty before him. 

Jake was like a cat. 

He would beg whenever he wanted something and would retreat as soon as he crossed the line. 

How could he allow a cat slave like him to play with him like that? 

“Would you like to prove it to me?” 

──

Jake was restless. 

His arms were trembling and his legs were weak, almost completely numb. Amber eyes seemed to wander. They lost focus several times before being pulled back by a surge of emotion. 

If anyone saw, they wouldn’t believe that thas was the face of the madame who reigned over heaven. 

The hair was tucked behind his ear gently, unlike the force of the fingers below. His slender forearm could only hug the other person’s neck tightly, burying his face into the crook of his pale neck. Whispering loudly, not far from his ear. 

“Tono- wari...” his voice trailed off. His hips kept trying to retreat as the thrusts continued, grinding into the bottom of the person below. 

The big man responded, a strong hand moving down and firmly holding his waist. 

“What do you say, boy?” he responded, stabbing his fingers with a harder stroke than the ones before. 

Jake’s legs tried to shrink together. His back channel tightly entrapped the foreign object. The clear liquid that was released by the Omega mixed with the lubricant that was used at the beginning. It was dripping down and coating his thighs. 

“Slow- slow down... ah!” Jake begged; his prostate having been bullied for quite some time. Even if it was flickered, when he was almost at the limit, the person in front of him pretended to stop his fingers. 

Tonowari was a gentle person. But when it was just the two of them together, Jake felt how he completely threw away all that tenderness. 

Daddy liked to tease and be aggressive. 

His outfit was lifted high, but because of the smoothness of the fabric, it fell to his stomach. And the other person didn’t seem to like it very much. 

The taller figure helped Jake to stand up. The long fingers stopped as his emotions were soaring, causing his beautiful face to wrinkle with desire. 

“Why-” 

Before he could finish his sentence, a strong hand pulled up the fabric of his short dress and brought it up to his lips. 

“Hold it,” his stern voice said. Fingers pressed the fabric against his mouth. Light blue eyes looked up at Jake. Instead, they made him feel like he was being watched by a large predator. 

Like a giant shark. 

Even though he knew that they probably wouldn’t eat a whole live human being, his heart could not shake off the fear. 

The Alpha scent he liked had changed. There was no gentleness anymore. There was only a strong smell that made him want to obey everything he was ordered. 

His lips parted as he caught on, exposing his chest and narrow waist to the eyes of the older man. 

Tonowari stuck out his tongue and licked his dry lips. The kitten’s body was stil as smooth and beautiful as when they had met before. It was good evidence that Jake really hadn't gone anywhere. 

“I’m actually surprised. You haven't gone shaking your ass for anyone else yet? Are you addicted to Daddy?” Tonowari said chuckling while his tight chest plate moved up and down. The nipples on his breasts stood tall with the arousal, attracting his eyes more than anything. He leaned in. He flicked the tip of his tongue in greeting before beginning to cup his lips against the hard clit. 

“Still as sweet as before... I really want to find out what the taste will be like when you’re pregnant. Would you like to know?” 

Despite asking for his opinion, he didn’t want an answer. The hand that once held itself was not easily stopped. It began to move in and out rhythmically again. His other hand kept a tight grip on Jake’s waist, preventing the aroused person from moving away. 

Jake was aware of all those words, but he couldn’t gather himself enough to reply. 

A hot tongue swirled around his tip, using force to suck on it until a wet sound was heard throughout the area as he used his teeth to graze it gently, alternating on both sides. It was not just the prominent bulge that was bullied. He also took to biting and sucking, leaving rose-colored marks all over. 

Jake felt like he was hyperventilating. He was being invaded on both ends. Tonowari wasn't just thrusting his finger into his clit, but also doing it until it hit his deepest walls. He moved in and out without forgetting to emphasize on the prostate. At the front, it was even worse. He could hardly stay silent; he could only bend back to the force of the suction of those lips. The sea man’s tongue loved to caress his nipples, pretending to circle around and then biting them as if he wanted to pull them out and eat them. 

A load moan resonated as Jake tried to hold on tight to the black cloth. He wanted to stop the sounds that kept escaping his lips, but his last thought of whether someone would come and see him in this state drifted away bracuse of the words of the other man. 

“Oh, Jake. Do you know how hot you are?” 

What had happened? He couldn’t remember. All the fingers pulled out at once. A sudden rush descended on him. The love hole that had not closed properly squeezed the air rhythmically as if it was yearning for something more. 

His body was turned around. The back of his neck was grabbed and kissed. The breath that could not be filled into his lungs was stolen. Hot tongues entwined together. They exchanged drops of saliva until he couldn’t take it any longer. Sharp nails dug into the arms around his waist. His eyes were glassy from the lack of air. His slender legs flapped back and forth, trying to escape from the other’s embrace. 

Jake thought he had died- he really almost died. 

Tonowari parted his lips at the last moment to watch him deteriorate. His eyes were blurry and unfocused; they could only stare aimlessly ahead, with his lips spread wide and his hot tongue out. He struggled for air until his face was covered with drool. His whole body trembled. The legs that had been straddling him fell to the sofa. If he hadn’t got hold of his arms, he would have dropped on the ground. 

Jake didn’t even realize when his core stiffened and released the cloudy liquid. His back was still bent. Whether it was the lower part or the upper part, they were both limp. 

The forest Na’vi’s face was lifted. The fingers lightly traced across his lips, wiping away the saliva stains around him before inserting the index and middle into the warm cavity. 

“Come to your senses. Daddy hasn’t put it inside you yet. If you’re going to die, it'll be with Daddy’s juice in you, little one.” 

[luchicm04]

lost in the forest - part 34

Masterlist

Summary: Between celebrations and work, the feelings of two people grow stronger.

Pairing: Senju Tobirama/Original Female Character

Tag: #lost in the forest fic

posted on ao3

Word Count: 5.4k

WE FINALLY REACHED 100K WORDS!!

Overall warnings: canon-typical violence, adult content, time skips, angst

A wedding is so different from an engagement. She realizes this when she sees the rush, chaos and nerves of many of the members of that renowned clan. Karen noticed it just that morning when many redheads in different shades began to arrive. She tries not to get nervous, remembering what happened the last time they were visiting.  

She does not want to embitter the emotion that is beginning to flood people.  

Plus, she knows she’s not the only one, although Mikami hasn’t said anything... it’s a difficult stage that they both have to overcome in their own way. She gulps thickly, scratching her neck; the phantom sensation of that pain begins to make hee anxious.  

She sighs again and again clinging to the scrolls in her hands, stopping just as the council leaves the room where Hashirama is. “Good morning,” she greets as etiquette dictates with a solemn and careful touch.  

They are not her favorite people, but they must learn to coexist.  

“Mmmm...” Tobirama has been the coldest since then, although there is a glow of recognition that almost goes unnoticed since the time of the attack.  

He’s not the only one.  

“Good morning, Karen-san,” Jenshi replies on behalf of the four surviving councilors. “Meeting?”  

“Yes,” the girl says with a flat face.  

“What about?” Hantaro is the one who questions with dignity and a harsh tone. She blinks at him.  

“A few points to review of some contracts.”  

“As always, I imagine you are behind this madness,” Komura accepts with a wrinkle of the nose. The other three remain silent with slight airs of annoyance. It’s the same as when the Uchiha clan thing happened; the talks with the Hyūga and the attempts with the Nara along with two other external clans have them on the verge of collapse.  

They are old and although it is difficult to admit, change is not pleasant... especially when you turn enemies into neighbors and allies.  

It’s complicated. There is still blood and although people no longer say anything, they remember... She knows it and Karen tends to notice it sometimes.  

“Karen?” someone calls from inside. Hashirama leans over the edge of that traditional door with a harsh gesture to the four elders. They remain dignified without any extra comments.  

“We shall be taking our leave. Remember our words, Hashirama-sama.” Hantaro gives his word to leave without commenting on anything else on the matter. Karen stands still for a few seconds to release a long sigh.  

“Difficult?” the girl mocks entering the meeting room, a traditional one and larger than the one they had in the old house. The furniture is notable, the new smell is almost erased from so much use in recent days, and after a few days from the move, every part of the place still feels new.  

Just like back home... Karen can’t help but smile internally about it.  

“Somewhat,” the man accepts with a slight snort. “Did you check them?”  

“Yeah. Both the Hyuga and Nara have interesting enchange proposals,” the girl relays firmly. “Though there are shinobi terms that I suppose you also noticed.”  

“Yes.”  

“I see.” Karen stays still in front of that huge desk. Hashirama does the same and it no longer bothers her... although he looks at her with a strangeness and longing that she prefers to ignore. “I don’t understand why you asked me to check them, especially since you are shinobi.”  

“They, like us, have people who are not shinobi in essence. I would like them to consider ‘civilian’ missions, although they are not so required, so they can adapt them by joining us in the future.”  

“Oh...” Karen sees the point of why she reviews the notes. “They don’t mention any of that.”  

“No, it’s something I’ll be proposing.”  

“It would be nice if you considered it, along with first aid training.”  

“The Naras do not see that viable, considering their techniques.”  

“Really?”  

“Yes,” the man says mysteriously, leaning against the desk with a light and serious face.  

“What is it?” the woman decides to ask, noticing that the topic of the clans that will possibly be joining does not excite him.  

“N-nothing.”  

“Hashirama, you haven’t jumped with excitement at this,” Karen points out the obvious, moving the scrolls in her hand to focus on what she wants to say. “I know I’m a civilian, but I see that you’re worried about something.”  

“It’s nothing.”  

“Is it the wedding?”  

“No. Kaori-san and Mito... they have everything in order already.”  

“Tobirama?”  

“He will return tonight.”  

“Then?” the girl asks with a serious face.  

“Does it worry you?”  

“You are my first friend... the only one who would treat me decently back then,” she accepts with a slight honest touch, reminding herself of everything she has experienced in this world. Of course, she does not forget that he almost never appeared in that prison, previously her home, but Karen feels this person was always sincere with her.  

In a way she now knows a shinobi shouldn’t be.  

Hashirama looks at her for a long time. “Have you ever fallen in love?” he asks in a clear tone, looking at her while seeking something in her eyes. “I know I engaged you to Tobi...”  

“Uh... why do you ask?”  

“...” The leader of the Senju clan sighs without mentioning anything else. The silence is so uncomfortable that it makes her want to leave this strange atmosphere.  

“I... never,” she shrugs. “It was always a waste of time to me, to my work and family.”  

“Mph... I don’t know why that doesn’t seem strange coming from you.”  

“I don’t know if I should feel offended by that,” the girl rolls her eyes.  

“Hasn’t there been someone... that has... loved you?”  

“I don’t know. I never showed enough interest in that,” Karen says, disturbed by such a conversation subject. Hashirama doesn’t usually ask about personal stuff, just like Tobirama. Both keep out the topic of her family, interests and so on.  

“I see.” Hashirama approaches her. Karen trusts the man who stands a few centimeters away.  

“You know you don’t have to be nervous about the wedding, right?” the civilian blinks with a comfortable smile at the man. She doesn’t feel any worries about this approach, but his eyes shine strangely because of her question. “I’m sure Mito is the right one for you, and for the clan,” she adds slowly.  

“...” The leader snorts lightly and takes a strand of her hair to play with, with an air that she interprets as friendly. Karen wants to hit his hand but stays still without bothering to get out of his grip, attributing these oddities to nervousness and without seeing the wrong in the actions.  

Things that are still not important in her eyes.  

“Hashirama?” Madara interrupts with a slight arch between the two.  

“Good morning, Madara-san,” Karen greets, not paying attention to the approach and strange behavior of her partner who walks away sadly.  

“Am I interrupting something?” the newcomer questions.  

“No, your friend is just very nervous,” the civilian says carelessly, handing the scrolls to the blushing Senju leader. “Review them. I made some notes to take into account for the clans.”  

“S-sure.”  

“Good,” the girl accepts to look at the Uchiha, who stares suspiciously. “Is there something wrong?”  

“That’s the same thing I’m wondering,” the one with disheveled hair says with a double tone.  

“Huh?”  

“It’s better if you go, Karen. I’ll check them and let you know,” the Senju leader states, taking her out and directing her to the door with a shy face. She simply shrugs not minding what happened, nor with enthusiasm to decipher it because it is one of those things that are better left hidden from her understanding.  

She is deceiving herself... she notices it but remains silent.  

It’s not for the best... at least she left the house without any kind of impediment. She sighs, remembering the newly arrived redheads being escorted to the back of the house where they will be housed.  

The wedding will soon be here.  

──

Mito is a nervous wreck as the hours begin to end the day. She doesn’t laugh because she is euphoric, giving another check to her clothes, yukata and other things that make her growing anxiety noticeable. She knows this is so different for each bride, so she sighs, entering what is her house and the place where the bride is staying.  

Something about being her best friend, which she didn’t know she was classified as.  

Karen didn’t even bother.  

“How long has she been like this?” the civilian questions Kaori who sighs, watching the girl take another turn around the room where her things are located. The noice is notable when Mito mutters a list with her face focused on each spot in that room.  

Her red hair is a mess, and the movement of her mouth is feverish.  

She’s never seen a bride like that... or maybe it’s because she’s a shinobi.  

She does not know.  

“For a while now.”  

“You better bring some tea... a relaxing one,” the civilian clearly agrees with the old woman, who blinks.  

“Yes?”  

“She needs it. Otherwise, I’m sure she won’t sleep, and it will be chaos.”  

“But...”  

“I know you are shinobis; it is not the same with a civilian... but Mito-san will get more anxious, and that is difficult to hide with makeup. She must sleep and rest.”  

“I see,” the assistant accepts calmly, turning on her heels. Mikami is nowhere to be found and that is for the better. It is not the best time, so she remains silent and faces the euphoric kunoichi.  

“Mito-san?” She takes a step forward. She doesn’t look at her for a while, walking to where her ribbons rest. “Mito-san?” she calls a second time. “MITO-SAN?!” she shouts just as she is ignored for a longer time. The fine lady stops dead blinking, finally noticing her.  

“Karen...” She chuckles sadly. “I apologize, I did not hear you.”  

“I noticed,” she accepts with the strangeness of her having lowered her guard. For a kunoichi, she has many dangerous manias, which she sees she controls with finesse. “You should rest.”  

“But I still...”  

“Everything’s ready.”  

“But...”  

“Yesterday, you put the ribbons in that silver box. The headdress is in the gray one in the back next to the dresser, along with the yukata,” the civilian recalls calmly. Mito blushes easily.  

“I am sorry... for that.”  

“Don’t worry. It’s normal for a bride-to-be.”  

“Surely Hashirama is not currently like this, right?”  

“He’s nervous,” Karen agrees, remembering his strange attitude this morning.  

“Really?”  

“Yes,” the civilian laughs calmly, sitting in a lotus position at the edge of the room. There are many things lying around that she knows will be used tomorrow. “By the way, where are your assistants?”  

“They will arrive tomorrow.”  

“On time.”  

“Y-yes.” Mito sighs, forcing herself to sit down just when Kaori brings some tea. “Along with my brother and Oto-san.”  

“Oh, I thought they would come on the wedding day.”  

“No. They want to talk to Hashirama about political matters.”  

“I see.”  

“Yes.” Mito takes a sip of her drink. “Relaxing?”  

“You need to rest and sleep,” Karen states without the guilt of ordering this. “For the bride, it is important to have eight hours of beauty sleep considering that you will be the star of the event.”  

Mito laughs lightly. “Thank you... for being my support.”  

Karen blinks at that comment. “Don’t mention it. Besides, one of the two has to be the sensitive one.”  

“I am a trained kunoichi. This is embarrassing,” the redhead says.  

“Even if you are the most trained and strongest one, you are still the future bride. It’s normal to be nervous.”  

“Yes,” the Uzumaki accepts. “I... I have waited for this for a long time,” she states again with a light tone, looking at the hanging yukata... so fine and elegant, with light tones and expensive embroidery. “And soon... I shall be a Senju.”  

Karen doesn’t say anything because she remembers very well what they have talked about since she arrived and in that first meeting. Her entire world is Hashirama... and deep inside, she thinks that her world is so small. She doesn’t judge her; she knows she loves the Senju leader and it’s noticeable.  

She is happy for both of them, and hopes they are happy.  

“Oh...” Mito blushes as she remembers something to herself that makes her raise her eyebrow. “I had not thought about the wedding night,” she comments, making her laugh.  

“Well, maybe we can have a sleepover. Like a bachelorette party.”  

“Bachelo... what?” The woman blinks with an innocent gesture at her comment. Karen laughs. She sees that this will be complicated to explain and prepare for tonight; she just needs help from Mikami... and Kaori. She’s sure they will need to help her.  

──

She is leaning against the railing of the house. The noise inside consists of embarrassing talks of women exchanging tips on how to please their future husband. Both Touka and Kaori are versed in the art of flirting and courtship that it has made the interaction so lively... although Mito is still blushing about the whole thing.  

Leaving aside resting for today.  

She didn’t think that such an infamous woman would be oblivious to what she will have to do to ‘fulfill’ her duty. Plus, this is not well regarded by people outside her small circle of friends. She giggles... this is what bachelorette parties are for.  

To clarify doubts and exchange things that may be useful for the future bride.  

It was embarrassing at first, considering the traditionalist culture, but it was brought to fruition by the other ladies. She laughs, feeling dizzy from the little sake she has ingested, which is what brought her to go out for air. Bad idea.  

Karen feels that her world is moving, causing her to feel vertigo and even looking at the ground... it continues to wobble.  

How coarse.  

“You should not be out here,” someone calls from her side. She smells a little of antiseptic, which makes her snort slightly. Sighing, she tries to lift her face, but it only makes her dizzier. “Did you drink?”  

“No?”  

“Karen.”  

“Uh... just a little, Tobirama,” she laughs amused at the man with a harsh gesture, making her frown slightly. “Don’t look so angry, I’m fine.”  

“Why are you drunk, then?”  

“I’m not... just dizzy,” she explains calmly while the man doesn’t take his hands off her arms, sighing. “Welcome home?” She doesn’t know what else to say when the silence becomes long. If she had her mind clear and not focusing on not vomiting, she would question more things... like his presence there and why he is looking at her that way.  

“... So careless.”  

“It’s not that big of a deal... plus, I haven’t left the house.”  

“Did you not learn from last time?”  

“Tobirama...” she sighs, wanting to free herself from his sudden grip. “I’ll be fine, I just... needed air.”  

“You must go to sleep.”  

“I can’t... I have visitors,” she clarifies upon hearing the laughter of the most shameless woman in that small group.  

“It is not a request.”  

“You can’t just order me around, you know?” the woman complains, but getting out of his grip is difficult. “Can you let me go?”  

“No.”  

“Tobirama...” The woman frowns, but it is the man who sighs somehow in his dignified bearing. He releases her and she takes a few steps back... being caught by said shinobi before falling in her butt. “Uh...” She feels she is being carried carefully after such a painful action.  

“Idiot.”  

“Rude...” she growls reluctantly, leaning back when she feels the heat and feeling angry at being treated like a child, but she feels like she will throw up if she keeps fighting. She is drunk, but she still has a little sense... she is not a stubborn drunkard.  

That’s good.  

“You haven’t bathed,” she complains when she smells the body of the person carrying her. She closes her eyes, a slight hiccup coming out of her mouth while the sound of the girls can still be heard. Haven’t they moved? ...perhaps not.  

“...” Tobirama as always ignores her comments.  

“Tobirama-sama?” someone calls. Karen would like to open her eyes, but she just sighs without the desire to face whoever is watching such a sorry scene.  

“I will take her to bed.”  

“A-alright.” That was Mikami’s voice.  

Tobirama doesn’t say anything as he keeps walking firmly. She doesn’t hear his steps... she never does, so the silence lulls the girl a little more, until she feels her bed easily.  

“Thank you,” she says, oblivious to the type of look she is being subjected to. Karen turns around to grab a small sheet nearby. The shinobi surely gave it to her, but she ripped it out of his hands. She’s cold, she’s dizzy and her eyes burn.  

Like that time... but two degrees less painful.  

The man just stands there. She doesn’t know if he’s going to stay, but Karen doesn’t know much about anything anymore.  

Sleepy.  

──

She wakes up the next day with a slight headache and an anxiety for a fresh glass of water. She sighs... she begins walking barefoot, not caring about changing her clothes, when she hears a noise, turning to notice an absent Mikami.  

“Uh...” Karen comments right in the hallway. “I’m sorry I didn’t stay until the end,” she says casually with a gesture worthy of someone with a hangover. Her friend laughs.  

“Do not worry. You were in good hands,” the woman accepts firmly as they both begin their walk towards the kitchen.  

“Mito-san and the others?”  

“Touka is still asleep. Mito-sama came out to greet her father and brother.”  

“Right, I forgot about the reception.”  

“You do not have to worry about it. Mito-san understands that you were not in very good conditions,” her friend laughs amused with a mischievous touch.  

“Did I miss something?”  

“No... nothing.”  

“It feels like I did,” she complains as she enters the kitchen without noticing the way her friend looks at her.  

“You know, despite it being a complicated matter... your wedding with Tobirama-sama...” Mikami states as if she was not talking about something curious so early in the morning while preparing some strong tea... that special one that only shinobi know of for hangovers and she learnt about that celebration day with the Uchiha clan. “He takes care of you.”  

Karen doesn’t say anything, reminding herself of the night before. “He’s always been like that.”  

“Really?”  

“Yeah. He thinks I can’t help myself,” she complains, remembering the comments he said. “That I’m stupid.”  

“Uh...” Mikami blinks. “Does he say that?”  

“Yes,” she shrugs. “It’s annoying... but I think I’m the same,” she laughs amusedly to herself, taking another sip of that drink that is a pleasant invention. It would be a success in her world, being so effective in quenching thirst and headache. At least it would be functional on this busy day.  

Mikami laughs. “No one would believe that about the infamous Uchiha Killer.”  

“...” Karen blinks at the nickname.  

“That was his nickname during the war, before peace,” the kunoichi in front of her explains. “Do not tell him I told you.”  

“...Don’t worry,” she shrugs. “Mito-san... how did she like it last night?”  

“It was fun,” her friend accepts. “I did not think we could do that.”  

“Where I come from it is common, although it is celebrated differently.” Karen remembers the few bachelorettes she went to in the past; all animated, with lottery and those spicy activities typical of those events. Not so scandalous as to bring a stripper, but rather a pleasant routine with friends.  

To say goodbye to being single.  

“I am glad you suggested it,” the kunoichi laughs. “Mito-sama was very anxious, especially about the topic of the wedding night.”  

“I noticed.”  

“It is a taboo... fur us to talk about what is expected that night.”  

“...” Karen doesn’t say anything.  

“What we know are things we learned from the elderly... for ‘that’ type of missions,” she states with a clear and dignified tone. “Not to do it... with our partners.”  

“It’s complicated I guess... considering the cultural difference,” Karen says. “But it is important to help the future bride cope with her tension. And what better than with friends?” she chuckles amused at her position.  

Mikami laughs just as happily and less tense considering the time that is approaching and the memories that are being relived, focusing on day-to-day conversations and how the workload is increasing. But that will end just when the wedding passes.  

She hopes so.  

──

Uzumaki Aoki laughs just as she arrives at the meeting room. She can see Madara standing in the background along with Hashirama talking to a serious, newly arrived leader. Uzumaki Ashina is remarkable, which tells her not to interrupt whatever they are talking about.  

She only came in because the council told her that they were expecting her.  

“Oh, my dear... prettier with every day.” Cheeky as he usually is, the man gives her a light wink, looking enthusiastic as always and giving a soft gesture in her direction.  

“Aoki-san,” she greets firmly with a slight bow.  

“Leave the –san. I have already told you in my letters,” the boy assures, letting her pass and sit next to him. “By the way, did you like the last gift I gave you?”  

“Your family sent me many.”  

“Well... I apologize for not being present on your engagement.”  

“Not at all. I know you are an important person in Uzu.”  

“Nah, still,” the boy calmly assures.  

“Karen?” Tobirama questions, entering with a harsh gesture to the one who laughs amusedly next to her. Aoki gives a cheeky wave with a perpetual smile without bothering to leave her side. “Let us talk.”  

Karen sighs. It’s surely something about what happened last night. She doesn’t remember much so she doesn’t hesitate to get up. Besides, they have things to check about her new yukatas and the earrings that Kaori claims they must already see. Their wedding with be two months after Hashirama’s.  

So, there are many things to prepare.  

And they haven’t spoken about it because he was on a mission.  

“Wow Tobirama... who would say that you are... protective,” the Uzumaki mocks.  

“Do not be a nuisance, Aoki.”  

“So serious,” he pouts. “Karen-san, if you need help, don’t hesitate to ask,” he says with a serious tone, giving a warning gesture that she didn’t completely ignore.  

“Aoki,” the albino warns.  

The Uzumaki laughs shamelessly to turn around and walk to where the other three leaders were looking with varying degrees of strangeness. Karen sighs and frowns at the shinobi.  

“What was that for?”  

Tobirama, as always, doesn’t say anything and walks outside. She sees Izuna enter with a mocking gesture at who stays on the sidelines of the political issues discussed inside. “Do not say anything,” he growls at him, who lets out a satirical laugh.  

They are both strangers in their relationship, but at least she sees that there is a tentative friendship based on sarcasm and bad comments.  

One that she had already noticed but is glad it didn’t break during the course.  

“Tobirama?” she questions when she is taken out of the room. She huffs because she is sure they needed her for something, which makes her cross her arms with a serious gesture.  

“Last night... you drank too much.”  

“No?”  

“...” The albino arches his eyebrow, not at all surprised.  

“I will not discuss something that I made clear last night.”  

“Do you remember?”  

“A little... fuzzy, but yes.”  

“Mph...”  

“By the way, where were you going so late?”  

“To check on the wedding.”  

“Oh... Kaori-san told me that we need to take final measurements and adjustments last week.”  

“I see.”  

“Also, the food...”  

“I will see to it with her.”  

“Yes,” she sighs, looking at the tall shinobi. “What?”  

Tobirama snorts. “I do not know if you are an idiot or just pretending.”  

“What’s that about?”  

“Nothing,” the man’s face does not express any discomfort, but it gives him an air of irritation.  

“How did your mission go?”  

“It does not bother you.”  

“We are going to be associates.”  

“...” Tobirama frowns at the nickname he doesn’t like, but he doesn't care to correct it.  

“I will be your wife. At least put some consideration in your words.”  

“I will not tell you anything.”  

“At least a ‘good’, ‘more or less’, ‘bad’...” she shrugs. “We will be husband and wife. I already don’t ask for too much because you are very reluctant to share something with me,” she complains.  

“It is a bother.”  

“Maybe, but you’ll be stuck with me during this time,” she admits with a solemn gesture and a contrary feeling, because saying it out loud is uncomfortable. She didn’t think she’d feel that way, but it’s better to clarify this now that there’s a chance. “It would be nice to be friends...”  

“...” Tobirama frowns irritated, which surpriseds her.  

“Is there something wrong?” The people around her are acting weird, and Karen just asks directly because she feels like she’s missing something.  

“No, nothing.”  

“Mmmmm... Tobirama.”  

“I will not talk to you about it.”  

“You have to talk,” Karen presses her lips, but it is her partner’s gesture that makes her snort. “Fine, whenever you want.”  

“Karen?” Tobirama stops her escape before letting out a long sigh to walk next to her. The civilian does not say anything but continues with her bad mood for a little while before re-entering. Saying that her fiancé did not leave her side is strange.  

For the entire meeting, he was her shadow.  

Karen really... didn’t know how to interpret it.  

Progress? She doesn’t know.  

──

He is protective, she notices as the days go by and the work increases. The Hyuga clan has agreed to the terms and will begin visiting them a week after Hashirama’s wedding, so she is working with a shadow next to her sitting on the edge of the patio with a concentrated gesture.  

They both don’t speak to each other, working on their own thing.  

“Karen,” the shinobi says harshly.  

“Hmm?”  

“Did you review the entry numbers?”  

“Yes, I just finished them,” she points to a scroll next to her.  

“I will take them.”  

“I can do it...”  

The shinobi, as always, does not listen to her.  

“I also have to take Madara-san's report.”  

“I will take them.”  

“I’ll go,” the girl sighs, looking at them with a firm arch. “What is it?” She is direct.  

“Nothing.”  

“You have been like my shadow, and I am sure you would prevent me from leaving the house.”  

“The wedding is tomorrow.”  

“I know.”  

“Hashirama needs to deliver this quickly for his days off.”  

“Oh...” Karen sees the logic. “Well... then, I’ll go alone with Madara-san.”  

“I will also deliver it.”  

“You have enough work for you to be doing this. I’ll hand over those at the Uchihas.”  

“Karen.”  

“Tobirama.”  

“Mmmm...” The man frowns.  

“I am no longer your prisoner,” she reminds the person who purses his lips with a harsh gesture.  

“Do what you want...”  

“Good,” she easily accepts, not guilty of using that mistake to her advantage, getting up just to take said scrolls and go discuss the points still pending with Madara.  

“Are you going now?”  

“Yeah.”  

“Were you not working?”  

“I can leave it for now. This is actually urgent,” she says with a quick shrug. “And since you will help me deliver Hashirama’s stuff, it is better that I at least finish this and focus on the rest, right?”  

Tobirama does not frown, but she can see a slight wrinkle between his eyebrows. “Mph...” He ignores her to concentrate on his own work. She sighs because she does not know what strange thoughts are going through his mind. It was better to continue with her things.  

And to finish on time. At least he didn’t offer to take her... because she’s sure he has too much work.  

A point in her favor.  

──

The Uchiha compound has a different air to the Senju clan. Its houses are made of wood with a more rustic, traditional touch than the ones presented by her usual home. Elegant in its own way. It is usually silent with several children staring at her shamelessly.  

“Karen-san,” someone calls behind her. Izuna, her usual companion within the walls, gives her a formal greeting.  

“Good morning.”  

“The idiot?” he questions, not seeing the usual shadow around her.  

“He has a lot of work,” she shrugs.  

“Oh...” The Uchiha laughs amused. “Are you coming to see my brother?”  

“Yes, I’m just here to deliver this.”  

“Right now, he is in a meeting in the neutral building,” Izuna states with a soft gesture. “Didn’t the guards tell you?”  

“No.”  

“Mmmm...” Izuna looks upset. “If you want, I’ll hand them over.”  

“Oh, I wanted to explain some things to him.”  

“If he needs something, he will look for you.”  

“You sure?”  

“Yes.”  

“I see.” She shrugs at how easily this task is solved. Izuna only gives her a light look. “What is it?”  

“Emmmm... he hasn’t talked to you?”  

“He?”  

“Hashirama.”  

“No? ...I haven’t seen him since the leaders of the Uzumaki clan arrived.”  

“I see.”  

“Did something happen?”  

“Nothing happened,” the infamous Uchiha laughs, hiding his interest to turn on his heels and direct her to the exit. “The idiot?”  

“No.”  

“I see.”  

“...Izuna-san?”  

“I imagine that you are only limited to going to the neutral building, right?”  

“Uh... well, they’ve had a lot of work and Tobirama says they need everything urgently.”  

Izuna chuckles amused. “Those morons.”  

“?”  

“Nah, don’t worry... I think things are tense because of the wedding.”  

“Yes, everyone is nervous.”  

“Uh-huh,” the man agrees to stop at the door. “You better go to the Senju clan. We don’t want your boyfriend to get angry.”  

Karen does not say anything to the tone used. She walks a little further to stop right on the cobblestone path that leads to the neutral office. The one in which both leaders work hard and that she is sure, now that more clans will be added, will be needing to increase the number of its floors.  

She sighs... she doesn’t know what to think about all this attitude, but she stays silent. She doesn’t want to figure it out. Maybe it’s a shinobi matter that they don’t want to share, right?  

──

It is at dawn that she feels someone enter her bedroom. She sighs in alarm just to see an absent shadow at the edge of her room. “Tobirama?” she asks, recognizing him even in the shadows of her room illuminated by the full moon.  

He doesn’t say anything. “Did I wake you up?”  

“Uh... yes,” she accepts with a long yawn. “What are you doing here?”  

“...Sleep,” he deflects her question with a firm order.  

Karen looks at him with strangeness and a solemn arch. “Tobirama.”  

“Everything is alright,” the man assures, leaning against the edge of her room with an indifferent look, as if he were the guardian of something far from her understanding.  

“This whole week you’ve been acting strange, you know?” she says, taking note of what he has been doing during this time.  

“...”  

“It would be nice if you trusted me... even if it’s just that.”  

“It is not something that concerns you.”  

She snorts indignantly at his attitude. “Are you running away from someone?”  

“No.”  

“Kaori-san told me that you changed many things about the wedding.”  

The albino looks at her. “Just some things.”  

Karen sighs without turning to look away. “Are we under attack?”  

“No.”  

“Tobirama.”  

“Just sleep...”  

“You’re in my room... you came in at midnight... do you think I’ll let it slide?”  

“Do not ask.”  

“Shinobi stuff?”  

“Yes.”  

“Mmmmm...” Karen doesn’t believe him, but she sees that the man is an iceberg trained not to share any of his information. “Well... I’ll pretend that I believe you,” she comments while yawning.  

“...” Tobirama doesn’t say anything. However, he remains in his position expectantly. Karen did not know what time she fell asleep, unaware that there was an argument shortly after outside her house. Hashirama was sad... upset by what his heart may feel and Tobirama was there as a guardian, to ensure that he did not do something stupid whereas the focus of attention was just asleep, without paying attention to his interests.  

One thing that can be misunderstood... or not?  

And so, the awaited day arrived outside of the personal feelings of those involved, of the unusual tensions of a confused groom, while the woman causing his confusion... is completely oblivious to any hint that she could perceive or small actions that could be confused with an interest beyond friendship.  

The wedding took place... and with it comes change.  

A/N: A chapter before the wedding!! As you saw, our OC is oblivious to anything because she is very good at playing blind and not paying attention to certain interests. She may be older, but there are issues that are complicated for the civilian to deal with... Love being one of them.

And she is shameless about it. Tobirama is a guardian and has seen his brother’s interest and the confusion that grows with the approach of the wedding... not being noticed by Karen, but by those closest to him (Izuna and Madara). The latter would have mocked him if Hashirama wasn’t so volatile (something he hadn’t seen in his always boisterous friend.) Plus, he gave scandalous suggestions to the Senju about it (how to run away and not exactly with his official fiancée).

Tobirama is the voice of reason in this, so he just stands firm by his fiancée’s side, guarding his real interest and what is beginning to become stronger in his heart... grateful that the woman is oblivous to everything that is happening. Not because she is stupid, but because of her own interest in things outside of romance and that his brother is loyal to the affairs of the village and what it would cause if he broke up with Mito.

The self-sacrifice that means for the leader of the clan, even if his heart is in the way, without fully declaring himself... Hashirama is in love, but not with Mito :s

Karen just doesn’t want to look any further.

Thanks for your comments.

Author-chan out!