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tampered2006-11-11 01:18 am
medic-assistant.livejournal.com) wrote in tampered2006-11-11 01:18 am
Log; Complete
When; the past week
Rating; PG-13ish
Characters; Shizune {![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
medic_assistant} & Kabuto {snake_servant}
Summary; Kabuto and Shizune take a vacation to the beach.
Log;
Shizune looked up in awe, shading the top of her face with one hand and watching the light dapple through the trees high above. She adjusted the way her pack rested on her shoulders, moving the collar of her flak jacket out of the way as she did so. This forest was potentially dangerous, and she’d come prepared. But it really was pretty.
“It’s beautiful out here…” She murmured, taking out a canteen and taking a drink, keeping quiet in case one of those monsters everyone was talking about was nearby.
Kabuto walked along side Shizune, wearing his normal clothing, opting not to be overly cautious, despite knowing the monsters in the forest were all real. He had a similar pack on his back, filled with the necessities for their trip.
He looked at Shizune out of the corner of his eye admiring the way the morning light through the leaves played across Shizune’s features, “Beautiful.” He agreed.
“Not so bad on atmosphere, either.” She commented, turning her head to face him and smile slightly. There were birds chirping, and the soft hum of insects in the background. The forest was almost… surreal, the abundance of vegetation and greenery was that much. Shizune opened her mouth to say something else, but stopped, turning her head sharply to the left. “I thought I heard something.” She mouthed.
Kabuto stopped; listening, and then he heard it; the rustling in the underbrush that was far too big to be a human. Pulling the releases on the straps of his pack, it dropped to the ground and he pulled a kunai out of the pouch he carried. “It’s to be expected in a place like this. I didn’t think we’d get through here without a fight.”
Shizune shouldered her way out of her own pack, the flutter of long sleeves hiding the rearrangement of poison-tipped needles. She smiled still, arching one eyebrow in Kabuto’s direction. “Been a while since I’ve seen you in action.” She paused. “In the field, I mean.” Checking the kunai pouch at her thigh, she settled into a loose stance, waiting for the beast to come nearer. She could here low grunts, coming closer.
“I’m not generally an exhibitionist.” Kabuto replied casually, keeping his eyes locked to the underbrush. “But for you, I can make an exception. Watch carefully, I don’t generally give free shows.” Whatever it was, it was getting closer, probably trying to hunt them. “Honestly, though, I’d rather watch you.”
“Maybe we could take turns?” She smirked. “I’ll go first, just to set the pace and let you show how much better you are at fighting with me.” She was going to say more, but it was at that moment that the beast chose to charge forward. If she had to compare it to an animal she knew, she would have gone with a jackalope. Crossed with a bear. A rather ugly combination. But ugly or not, there were horns and rather nasty teeth. Dodging to the right, Shizune fired off a round of five needles from the holster on her arm, pausing only long enough to see them embed in the beast’s fur before running headlong up the side of the nearest tree as the monstrosity took it upon itself to try and gore her with the large rack of horns bursting from it’s skull.
Kabuto jumped back avoiding the attack as the beast charged them, letting Shizune make the first move, as she had insisted. Once her needles had imbedded themselves into the creature, he threw his own kunai at it. Rushing after the knife, he activated his scalpel technique, aiming for important muscles and using the same momentum to launch himself off the beast like a gymnast. Chakara channeled to his feet stuck him to the underside of a branch, out of the things reach.
The beast let out some sort of bellow as it plowed into the ground, muscles along the legs and chest cut along with the strong sedative in the needle poison taking their toll. The cut muscles in the chest caused the lungs to compress, cutting off the beast’s bellows into mere wheezes. It would die. Shizune glanced across the space between trees, nodding once to Kabuto.
“Nice job.” She commented. She’d turned her gaze for the briefest moment when he’d used the chakra scalpel. It had been a while since she’d seen that, and it reminded her all too vividly of the first time she’d fought him. She glanced down at her own legs, at her tendons that had been cut with that same technique. But she shook it from her mind. Things were different now, different here.
Kabuto beamed at her from his upside down perch on the tree branch. “You didn’t do so bad yourself, you know.” Launching himself off, he landed right side up on another closer to Shizune. “Now that that’s taken care of, shall we retrieve out packs and continue? I think we’re almost out of the forest by now.”
“Oh, yes.” Shizune snapped herself out of those thoughts, disengaging the chakra that held her feet to the smooth tree trunk and dropping the twenty-odd feet to the ground, landing smoothly and scooping up the pack she had discarded. She smiled, pointing towards the glimpses of shining water they could see through the trees ahead.
“Race you.” She took off, taking once again to the trees, a familiar scene to her, as Konoha was covered mainly in forests. She pushed off limbs, sleeves billowing out behind her and speeding towards the beach front, trees blurring to her sides. It seemed mere moments before she broke from the trees, landing on the ground that was now sand instead of dirt.
She was speechless for a few seconds, staring out at the large, seemingly infinite expanse of water. She’s seen oceans before, but this one seemed more… beautiful. The sand was clean, almost white, and the dull lap of waves was calming to listen to. Finally, Shizune let out a long sigh.
“Wow…” Was all she could think to say.
Kabuto landed in the sand a moment behind Shizune, landing without a sound next to her. The scenery was breath taking; it had been years since he had seen a calm, devoid of civilians, beach. He had grown used to costal cities, and the rough shores other ninja villages and Orochimaru’s hideouts seemed to inhabit.
“Too bad it’s only a week; I think I could stay here for ever.” He responded, eyes locked to the blue water that seemed to stretch on for eternity. It might even do so, considering it had been created recently. A thought hit him, and a grin spread across his face. “Since it’s such a short time, maybe you should change into your bikini now?”
“I know… it’s so-“ Shizune began to respond, before she reached over to lightly slap Kabuto on the hand. Not hard, more of a playful move. “Pervert.” But she was smiling. Dropping her pack to the sand, her flak jacket followed suit.
“I expect you brought swimwear as well. I’m not going swimming alone, you know.” She pulled her shirt over her head and let it fall on top of her pack, revealing the top of the swimsuit, a dark blue bikini top. It was strapless, tying in the front.
“Considering I had to go shopping, it would certainly be inconsiderate if I had to be lonely.” Shimmying out of the thick black pants that came with the flak jacket, she kicked off her shoes in the same instant, turning back to face Kabuto, still smiling.
“Well?”
“I’m not the one with the book.” He reminded her, putting on a fake pout. “And it’s not like I haven’t seem more of you than what a swim suit would show off. So it’s not that bad.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you were expecting me to wear anything…” He looked thoughtful, as if that hadn’t occurred to him. “Luckily I did bring one, even if I didn’t think I’d need it.” He grinned at her, then dropped his pack to the ground and started to pull off his own outer clothing, eventually revealing knee length black swim trunks with teal flowers.
Once free from his excess clothing, he grabbed Shizune by the hand and began running towards the water, dragging her along behind him.
She had rolled her eyes, muttering something that looked suspiciously like ‘of course you have to wear clothes, dummy.’ at his words. But she was still smiling, and she went along with him willingly, bare feet slapping against the sand. Ducking her head, she began to laugh. This was absolutely pointless. And she loved it. It had been so long, it seemed, since she just let herself enjoy it all. And it was enjoyable. When her feet began splashing up water instead of dry sand she was still laughing, dipping her shoulders to reach down and splash Kabuto with the ocean water, shivering slightly at the temperature.
Kabuto laughed, trying to wipe the water from his glasses as he did so, then reached down and splashed Shizune back with a double handful. Goosebumps raised on his skin from the sudden change in temperature, but the water wasn’t bad at all, warmer than he had thought it would be. This was all so childish, and even then it was something he hadn’t done as a child, these kinds of activities being so far outside of the environment he was raised in, even in Konoha. He had never had let loose like this before.
Shizune shrieked, shirking away from the water. But she was soon laughing again, unable to stop smiling. Swimming, talking, laughing. Until the sun had set and they found themselves sitting on a blanket spread on the sand, staring up at the stars.
“Hey, Kabuto?” She murmured, propped up on her hands and head thrown back, staring up at the night sky. “Tell me something no one else knows.” It was a strange request, she knew, but she asked it anyway. “I’ll trade you the same.”
“…I don’t know. There really isn’t much to tell about me. I don’t remember much anything before the ANBU found me when I was little, and from then until I left I was training to be a medical ninja.” Kabuto thought about it, it was a little out of nowhere, and he honestly didn’t have much in the way of secrets. He peeled his eyes away from the stars, choosing instead to stare at Shizune, the light of night sky illuminating her features.
“Oh, come on.” Shizune wheedled, leaning over to bump his shoulder with her own. She didn’t want to admit that the only reason she’d asked was because she wanted something no one else knew, something he wouldn’t have told anyone else. In case of the worst, in case it happened, she wanted to be able to use anything, say anything that would help him believe her. “I’ll trade you, I promise.”
He laughed, letting his head drop to the blanket, eyes closing. “Sorry, I’ve got nothing. But you could tell me something about yourself anyway. You know if I could think of something I’d tell you. I’m not much for secrets of my own.”
She made a face, drawing her knees up. And she wanted to cite her reasons, but at the same time, she didn’t want to bring up that issue, not now, not while they were trying to have a good time, a time when they didn’t have to be from Konoha or Sound, when they could just be themselves. Bending one leg, she idly poked him in the leg with her foot. “Then I’ll tell you something.” She murmured.
“I like kids.” She began. “Not that I mean anything by that.” Figured she’d need to add that on. No need to scare the man. “I like them because I probably can’t have any of my own. My first battle wound, before Konoha implemented their medical ninja policy.” She smiled. “It’s why I feel so protective about those kids, you know?”
Kabuto reached over and grabbed her hand, squeezing it a little. “We’ll adopt or something, raise the kid better than we were. Not just as a ninja, but as a whole.” He didn’t really mind kids so much, but he’d never thought about having any of his own. If Shizune wanted one though, he’d find a way for her.
He opened his eyes, staring back up at the stars. They were so different from the ones back home; he didn’t recognize any of them. Maybe they weren’t even stars like in their world; maybe one of those stars was their world. “As soon as we get back home, we can do anything you want to do.”
“Wha-?” She blinked, slowly smiling. Edging closer, she leaned over him, hair falling into her face. “I didn’t think you’d even thought about it.” Running one hand through his hair, she whispered. “Do you even like kids?”
He smiled at her, shrugging. “I don’t really care one way or another; I don’t not like them though.” He reached up, cupping her cheek before leaning up to kiss her chastely. “Besides, I could learn to like them if it’s what you want. How hard could it be?”
“How hard could it be?” She smiled broader, twining her fingers in his hair. “I hear raising children is actually rather difficult.” Letting out a small sigh, she inched closer, lowering herself to lie beside him, resting her head in the crook of his collarbone. “Also, it requires a lot of commitment, you know.”
Kabuto wrapped an arm around Shizune's waist, pulling her closer. "I've heard all that too, but the actual taking care of I was taught as part of my training, so it's putting up with the personality more than anything, and considering all the crazy people I put up with on a daily basis, I'm sure I can handle one hyperactive child." First being a ninja, then landing in the City; yeah, he could handle a kid. "Besides, if I'm willing to take the risks I already have for you, I think I'm committed enough for that." He was risking his neck just associating with her openly, let alone having a relationship with her.
She could help but give a small chuckle as he spoke of the crazy people he associated with. He made it sound so simple, so easy. And speaking of commitment, well... she hated to believe in anything remotely resembling the "biological clock" most women seemed to cite, but she had pretty much given up on anything resembling a family when she'd left Konoha with Tsunade-sama. Most ninja did such things early, (the job had a high fatality rate, usually), and here she was hitting thirty, and never been in a serious relationship, never had children, never settled down, and never considered quitting her job. But here Kabuto was, nonchalantly talking about raising children! And... she didn't want to imagine it, because she feared it would never happen.
"Mm, Kabuto?" She murmured, fingers idly tracing swirling patterns across his chest, eyes half-closed.
Kabuto had a feeling as to why this was all coming up now, why Shizune was talking about things so long term, and the sudden tensness that took her before she relaxed again. It was so quick that he could have imagined it, but he knew her well enough by now to know she was worrying over what loomed in the near future. He wouldn't comment on it, and for now he would put it out of mind and enjoy the moment. "Yeah?"
"..." Shizune wanted so badly to say it, to express all her worries and fears, and to just beg him, beg him, to find something, to tell her something, anything, that could help. But nothing could. And it suddenly seemed so hopeless. Dreams of the future, of long-term. "... I do love you." She finally whispered. "And I don't want you to forget me..." The last part came out choked, as she tried not to say it, but ended up doing so anyway, unable to stop herself.
Kabuto wrapped his other arm around her, pulling her as close as he could, placing a kiss atop her head. "I know, and I love you too." This was the hardest on her, too hard on her really. And it was his fault for putting her through it. It made him feel terrible about himself, but he just wanted to be with her, no matter the risk to himself. When this had all started, he hadn't considered how much it would hurt her in the end even though he would be taking Orochimaru's wrath. "No matter what happens, I know you'll find a way to make it right. You're smart, and know me better than anyone. I know you can do it."
"I'm sorry I brought it up..." She whispered hoarsely, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing, as if by never letting go, nothing bad would ever happen, as much as it felt like the blade was hanging over both their heads. "But..." She was trying not to cry, she didn't need to worry him more than she already was, after all, when she'd cried that first time she'd thought he would just break down. "... what if he kills you?"
"Even if he kills me," his voice was just a whisper, "the City will bring me back, and we'll still have a chance to make it right. You'll still be a live, and that's what's important. No matter what, no matter how things turn out; run, hide and keep yourself safe. That's all I need, to know you're safe somewhere." Kabuto didn't know how to make her understand that he didn't care what happened to himself. He would willingly suffer any torture Orochimaru chose to put him through, if it would keep her safe, because she was the first and only thing to ever matter to him.
"But..." She covered her eyes with one hand, squeezing her eyes shut to prevent the tears from coming. Not now. Not now. "What if you don't believe me?" She knew, she knew what he meant, since she still remembered everything from that curse day, the one that had finally brought them together. But she didn't quite want to believe that she was the only thing, the first thing that had mattered, because that meant if he forgot her... he would have nothing.
"You'll find a way." Was all he could think to say, and he was sure she would, he believed in her like he never had himself. He stroked her hair, trying to calm her, and more so himself. He wouldn't be able to keep his own tears back, his own worries in check if she wasn't strong too.
"I'm sorry" She murmured into his chest, the words barely audible. She took a few moments, blinking back tears, and finally gave a small smile, though it was hiding her worry quite... badly. "Mood killer, huh?" Shizune asked, giving a nervous laugh.
Kabuto smiled back at her, "Just a little." Then he bent his neck to kiss her, long and slow, trying to communicate all of his love for her with that one action. "But we have the rest of the week to not worry, and that's what we are going to do, that's why we came here. So, when the sun comes up, we are going to forget all of that, everything that has been weighing down on us, and have fun." He planned on making sure they had fun, in all sorts of interesting ways.
"Mmmm~" Shizune craned to deepen the kiss, loathe to let him go. But, there was breathing to be done. She nestled closer, listening and her smile slowly returning. "So what to do until sunrise?" She asked, leg slowly slinking over his own. Okay... so maybe it wasn't that much of a mood killer. She supposed Anko might have been right. She was way too inhibited in her earlier years.
Kabuto's mood tood a turn for the better with Shizune's reaction, and he let the kiss deepen into something very passionate. Using the advantage of already having a good hold on her with both arms around her, he flipped her onto her back so that he was leaning over her. "Hmm, what to do indeed? I think I may have a few ideas, but they're still in th works. Any suggestions?"
"Oh, I don't know..." Her voice was husky, low. "Do I have any ideas?" She repeated. "Since I am the one with the book?" She smiled coyly, thoughtful, until she finally spoke. "I think we should just lay back and sleep." She managed to keep a straight face for about seven seconds.
He laughed at her "suggestion", kissing her again. "Yeah right, just lay down and go to sleep when there are so many more interesting things we could do to occupy our time...." He trailed off, putting on a mock serious face. "Though, if you insist, I guess I can't really argue."
“Interesting things, you say?" She strained a little against his hold on her arms, but in physical strength it was not really a contest between them. "I do believe you might have to elaborate?" A hint of a smirk came to her face as she slowly moved one of her bare feet up the inside of his leg.
Kabuto didn't let Shizune get the upper hand, and he wouldn't for a while. Since it wasn't fun like this all the time, just most of it. Shizune had shown him that with that book of hers, and he knew for a fact that she had done some more reading lately, he planned to find out just what she had learned by the time the sun rose.
Hours later, the first rays of light from the rising sun where what woke Kabuto to their next day on the beach. He wasn't ready to get up just yet though, he hadn't been asleep for very long. He pulled the edge of the spare blanket up over his head, snuggling closer to Shizune, hoping she wasn't getting up any time soon either.
It was the movement that woke her, her first action to stretch out her arms over her head and yawn. Blinking slowly to clear the sleep from her eyes, she rolled over onto her side to face Kabuto, smiling softly and reaching out to twine her fingers with his own. "Good morning." She mouthed, not wanting to make noise, the sound of the dull waves and a few gulls was... strange, to her, and she was listening.
Giving up on returning to sleep, he smiled back at her, mouthing good morining back since they were being so quiet. This place was so very peaceful, in a fragile sort of way. He found that he liked it a lot, and wished it could stay like this.
She didn’t say anything, simply smiling. Sitting up, she propped herself up on her elbows, staring out at the ocean, and the light of the new sun playing across the water. It was simply breathtaking, the color spreading out over the pre-dawn, washing the world in day. And as she squeezed his hand gently, Shizune had to blink back the tears from the night before.
She wanted it to stay like this. And she knew it wouldn't.
Rating; PG-13ish
Characters; Shizune {
medic_assistant} & Kabuto {snake_servant}Summary; Kabuto and Shizune take a vacation to the beach.
Log;
Shizune looked up in awe, shading the top of her face with one hand and watching the light dapple through the trees high above. She adjusted the way her pack rested on her shoulders, moving the collar of her flak jacket out of the way as she did so. This forest was potentially dangerous, and she’d come prepared. But it really was pretty.
“It’s beautiful out here…” She murmured, taking out a canteen and taking a drink, keeping quiet in case one of those monsters everyone was talking about was nearby.
Kabuto walked along side Shizune, wearing his normal clothing, opting not to be overly cautious, despite knowing the monsters in the forest were all real. He had a similar pack on his back, filled with the necessities for their trip.
He looked at Shizune out of the corner of his eye admiring the way the morning light through the leaves played across Shizune’s features, “Beautiful.” He agreed.
“Not so bad on atmosphere, either.” She commented, turning her head to face him and smile slightly. There were birds chirping, and the soft hum of insects in the background. The forest was almost… surreal, the abundance of vegetation and greenery was that much. Shizune opened her mouth to say something else, but stopped, turning her head sharply to the left. “I thought I heard something.” She mouthed.
Kabuto stopped; listening, and then he heard it; the rustling in the underbrush that was far too big to be a human. Pulling the releases on the straps of his pack, it dropped to the ground and he pulled a kunai out of the pouch he carried. “It’s to be expected in a place like this. I didn’t think we’d get through here without a fight.”
Shizune shouldered her way out of her own pack, the flutter of long sleeves hiding the rearrangement of poison-tipped needles. She smiled still, arching one eyebrow in Kabuto’s direction. “Been a while since I’ve seen you in action.” She paused. “In the field, I mean.” Checking the kunai pouch at her thigh, she settled into a loose stance, waiting for the beast to come nearer. She could here low grunts, coming closer.
“I’m not generally an exhibitionist.” Kabuto replied casually, keeping his eyes locked to the underbrush. “But for you, I can make an exception. Watch carefully, I don’t generally give free shows.” Whatever it was, it was getting closer, probably trying to hunt them. “Honestly, though, I’d rather watch you.”
“Maybe we could take turns?” She smirked. “I’ll go first, just to set the pace and let you show how much better you are at fighting with me.” She was going to say more, but it was at that moment that the beast chose to charge forward. If she had to compare it to an animal she knew, she would have gone with a jackalope. Crossed with a bear. A rather ugly combination. But ugly or not, there were horns and rather nasty teeth. Dodging to the right, Shizune fired off a round of five needles from the holster on her arm, pausing only long enough to see them embed in the beast’s fur before running headlong up the side of the nearest tree as the monstrosity took it upon itself to try and gore her with the large rack of horns bursting from it’s skull.
Kabuto jumped back avoiding the attack as the beast charged them, letting Shizune make the first move, as she had insisted. Once her needles had imbedded themselves into the creature, he threw his own kunai at it. Rushing after the knife, he activated his scalpel technique, aiming for important muscles and using the same momentum to launch himself off the beast like a gymnast. Chakara channeled to his feet stuck him to the underside of a branch, out of the things reach.
The beast let out some sort of bellow as it plowed into the ground, muscles along the legs and chest cut along with the strong sedative in the needle poison taking their toll. The cut muscles in the chest caused the lungs to compress, cutting off the beast’s bellows into mere wheezes. It would die. Shizune glanced across the space between trees, nodding once to Kabuto.
“Nice job.” She commented. She’d turned her gaze for the briefest moment when he’d used the chakra scalpel. It had been a while since she’d seen that, and it reminded her all too vividly of the first time she’d fought him. She glanced down at her own legs, at her tendons that had been cut with that same technique. But she shook it from her mind. Things were different now, different here.
Kabuto beamed at her from his upside down perch on the tree branch. “You didn’t do so bad yourself, you know.” Launching himself off, he landed right side up on another closer to Shizune. “Now that that’s taken care of, shall we retrieve out packs and continue? I think we’re almost out of the forest by now.”
“Oh, yes.” Shizune snapped herself out of those thoughts, disengaging the chakra that held her feet to the smooth tree trunk and dropping the twenty-odd feet to the ground, landing smoothly and scooping up the pack she had discarded. She smiled, pointing towards the glimpses of shining water they could see through the trees ahead.
“Race you.” She took off, taking once again to the trees, a familiar scene to her, as Konoha was covered mainly in forests. She pushed off limbs, sleeves billowing out behind her and speeding towards the beach front, trees blurring to her sides. It seemed mere moments before she broke from the trees, landing on the ground that was now sand instead of dirt.
She was speechless for a few seconds, staring out at the large, seemingly infinite expanse of water. She’s seen oceans before, but this one seemed more… beautiful. The sand was clean, almost white, and the dull lap of waves was calming to listen to. Finally, Shizune let out a long sigh.
“Wow…” Was all she could think to say.
Kabuto landed in the sand a moment behind Shizune, landing without a sound next to her. The scenery was breath taking; it had been years since he had seen a calm, devoid of civilians, beach. He had grown used to costal cities, and the rough shores other ninja villages and Orochimaru’s hideouts seemed to inhabit.
“Too bad it’s only a week; I think I could stay here for ever.” He responded, eyes locked to the blue water that seemed to stretch on for eternity. It might even do so, considering it had been created recently. A thought hit him, and a grin spread across his face. “Since it’s such a short time, maybe you should change into your bikini now?”
“I know… it’s so-“ Shizune began to respond, before she reached over to lightly slap Kabuto on the hand. Not hard, more of a playful move. “Pervert.” But she was smiling. Dropping her pack to the sand, her flak jacket followed suit.
“I expect you brought swimwear as well. I’m not going swimming alone, you know.” She pulled her shirt over her head and let it fall on top of her pack, revealing the top of the swimsuit, a dark blue bikini top. It was strapless, tying in the front.
“Considering I had to go shopping, it would certainly be inconsiderate if I had to be lonely.” Shimmying out of the thick black pants that came with the flak jacket, she kicked off her shoes in the same instant, turning back to face Kabuto, still smiling.
“Well?”
“I’m not the one with the book.” He reminded her, putting on a fake pout. “And it’s not like I haven’t seem more of you than what a swim suit would show off. So it’s not that bad.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you were expecting me to wear anything…” He looked thoughtful, as if that hadn’t occurred to him. “Luckily I did bring one, even if I didn’t think I’d need it.” He grinned at her, then dropped his pack to the ground and started to pull off his own outer clothing, eventually revealing knee length black swim trunks with teal flowers.
Once free from his excess clothing, he grabbed Shizune by the hand and began running towards the water, dragging her along behind him.
She had rolled her eyes, muttering something that looked suspiciously like ‘of course you have to wear clothes, dummy.’ at his words. But she was still smiling, and she went along with him willingly, bare feet slapping against the sand. Ducking her head, she began to laugh. This was absolutely pointless. And she loved it. It had been so long, it seemed, since she just let herself enjoy it all. And it was enjoyable. When her feet began splashing up water instead of dry sand she was still laughing, dipping her shoulders to reach down and splash Kabuto with the ocean water, shivering slightly at the temperature.
Kabuto laughed, trying to wipe the water from his glasses as he did so, then reached down and splashed Shizune back with a double handful. Goosebumps raised on his skin from the sudden change in temperature, but the water wasn’t bad at all, warmer than he had thought it would be. This was all so childish, and even then it was something he hadn’t done as a child, these kinds of activities being so far outside of the environment he was raised in, even in Konoha. He had never had let loose like this before.
Shizune shrieked, shirking away from the water. But she was soon laughing again, unable to stop smiling. Swimming, talking, laughing. Until the sun had set and they found themselves sitting on a blanket spread on the sand, staring up at the stars.
“Hey, Kabuto?” She murmured, propped up on her hands and head thrown back, staring up at the night sky. “Tell me something no one else knows.” It was a strange request, she knew, but she asked it anyway. “I’ll trade you the same.”
“…I don’t know. There really isn’t much to tell about me. I don’t remember much anything before the ANBU found me when I was little, and from then until I left I was training to be a medical ninja.” Kabuto thought about it, it was a little out of nowhere, and he honestly didn’t have much in the way of secrets. He peeled his eyes away from the stars, choosing instead to stare at Shizune, the light of night sky illuminating her features.
“Oh, come on.” Shizune wheedled, leaning over to bump his shoulder with her own. She didn’t want to admit that the only reason she’d asked was because she wanted something no one else knew, something he wouldn’t have told anyone else. In case of the worst, in case it happened, she wanted to be able to use anything, say anything that would help him believe her. “I’ll trade you, I promise.”
He laughed, letting his head drop to the blanket, eyes closing. “Sorry, I’ve got nothing. But you could tell me something about yourself anyway. You know if I could think of something I’d tell you. I’m not much for secrets of my own.”
She made a face, drawing her knees up. And she wanted to cite her reasons, but at the same time, she didn’t want to bring up that issue, not now, not while they were trying to have a good time, a time when they didn’t have to be from Konoha or Sound, when they could just be themselves. Bending one leg, she idly poked him in the leg with her foot. “Then I’ll tell you something.” She murmured.
“I like kids.” She began. “Not that I mean anything by that.” Figured she’d need to add that on. No need to scare the man. “I like them because I probably can’t have any of my own. My first battle wound, before Konoha implemented their medical ninja policy.” She smiled. “It’s why I feel so protective about those kids, you know?”
Kabuto reached over and grabbed her hand, squeezing it a little. “We’ll adopt or something, raise the kid better than we were. Not just as a ninja, but as a whole.” He didn’t really mind kids so much, but he’d never thought about having any of his own. If Shizune wanted one though, he’d find a way for her.
He opened his eyes, staring back up at the stars. They were so different from the ones back home; he didn’t recognize any of them. Maybe they weren’t even stars like in their world; maybe one of those stars was their world. “As soon as we get back home, we can do anything you want to do.”
“Wha-?” She blinked, slowly smiling. Edging closer, she leaned over him, hair falling into her face. “I didn’t think you’d even thought about it.” Running one hand through his hair, she whispered. “Do you even like kids?”
He smiled at her, shrugging. “I don’t really care one way or another; I don’t not like them though.” He reached up, cupping her cheek before leaning up to kiss her chastely. “Besides, I could learn to like them if it’s what you want. How hard could it be?”
“How hard could it be?” She smiled broader, twining her fingers in his hair. “I hear raising children is actually rather difficult.” Letting out a small sigh, she inched closer, lowering herself to lie beside him, resting her head in the crook of his collarbone. “Also, it requires a lot of commitment, you know.”
Kabuto wrapped an arm around Shizune's waist, pulling her closer. "I've heard all that too, but the actual taking care of I was taught as part of my training, so it's putting up with the personality more than anything, and considering all the crazy people I put up with on a daily basis, I'm sure I can handle one hyperactive child." First being a ninja, then landing in the City; yeah, he could handle a kid. "Besides, if I'm willing to take the risks I already have for you, I think I'm committed enough for that." He was risking his neck just associating with her openly, let alone having a relationship with her.
She could help but give a small chuckle as he spoke of the crazy people he associated with. He made it sound so simple, so easy. And speaking of commitment, well... she hated to believe in anything remotely resembling the "biological clock" most women seemed to cite, but she had pretty much given up on anything resembling a family when she'd left Konoha with Tsunade-sama. Most ninja did such things early, (the job had a high fatality rate, usually), and here she was hitting thirty, and never been in a serious relationship, never had children, never settled down, and never considered quitting her job. But here Kabuto was, nonchalantly talking about raising children! And... she didn't want to imagine it, because she feared it would never happen.
"Mm, Kabuto?" She murmured, fingers idly tracing swirling patterns across his chest, eyes half-closed.
Kabuto had a feeling as to why this was all coming up now, why Shizune was talking about things so long term, and the sudden tensness that took her before she relaxed again. It was so quick that he could have imagined it, but he knew her well enough by now to know she was worrying over what loomed in the near future. He wouldn't comment on it, and for now he would put it out of mind and enjoy the moment. "Yeah?"
"..." Shizune wanted so badly to say it, to express all her worries and fears, and to just beg him, beg him, to find something, to tell her something, anything, that could help. But nothing could. And it suddenly seemed so hopeless. Dreams of the future, of long-term. "... I do love you." She finally whispered. "And I don't want you to forget me..." The last part came out choked, as she tried not to say it, but ended up doing so anyway, unable to stop herself.
Kabuto wrapped his other arm around her, pulling her as close as he could, placing a kiss atop her head. "I know, and I love you too." This was the hardest on her, too hard on her really. And it was his fault for putting her through it. It made him feel terrible about himself, but he just wanted to be with her, no matter the risk to himself. When this had all started, he hadn't considered how much it would hurt her in the end even though he would be taking Orochimaru's wrath. "No matter what happens, I know you'll find a way to make it right. You're smart, and know me better than anyone. I know you can do it."
"I'm sorry I brought it up..." She whispered hoarsely, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing, as if by never letting go, nothing bad would ever happen, as much as it felt like the blade was hanging over both their heads. "But..." She was trying not to cry, she didn't need to worry him more than she already was, after all, when she'd cried that first time she'd thought he would just break down. "... what if he kills you?"
"Even if he kills me," his voice was just a whisper, "the City will bring me back, and we'll still have a chance to make it right. You'll still be a live, and that's what's important. No matter what, no matter how things turn out; run, hide and keep yourself safe. That's all I need, to know you're safe somewhere." Kabuto didn't know how to make her understand that he didn't care what happened to himself. He would willingly suffer any torture Orochimaru chose to put him through, if it would keep her safe, because she was the first and only thing to ever matter to him.
"But..." She covered her eyes with one hand, squeezing her eyes shut to prevent the tears from coming. Not now. Not now. "What if you don't believe me?" She knew, she knew what he meant, since she still remembered everything from that curse day, the one that had finally brought them together. But she didn't quite want to believe that she was the only thing, the first thing that had mattered, because that meant if he forgot her... he would have nothing.
"You'll find a way." Was all he could think to say, and he was sure she would, he believed in her like he never had himself. He stroked her hair, trying to calm her, and more so himself. He wouldn't be able to keep his own tears back, his own worries in check if she wasn't strong too.
"I'm sorry" She murmured into his chest, the words barely audible. She took a few moments, blinking back tears, and finally gave a small smile, though it was hiding her worry quite... badly. "Mood killer, huh?" Shizune asked, giving a nervous laugh.
Kabuto smiled back at her, "Just a little." Then he bent his neck to kiss her, long and slow, trying to communicate all of his love for her with that one action. "But we have the rest of the week to not worry, and that's what we are going to do, that's why we came here. So, when the sun comes up, we are going to forget all of that, everything that has been weighing down on us, and have fun." He planned on making sure they had fun, in all sorts of interesting ways.
"Mmmm~" Shizune craned to deepen the kiss, loathe to let him go. But, there was breathing to be done. She nestled closer, listening and her smile slowly returning. "So what to do until sunrise?" She asked, leg slowly slinking over his own. Okay... so maybe it wasn't that much of a mood killer. She supposed Anko might have been right. She was way too inhibited in her earlier years.
Kabuto's mood tood a turn for the better with Shizune's reaction, and he let the kiss deepen into something very passionate. Using the advantage of already having a good hold on her with both arms around her, he flipped her onto her back so that he was leaning over her. "Hmm, what to do indeed? I think I may have a few ideas, but they're still in th works. Any suggestions?"
"Oh, I don't know..." Her voice was husky, low. "Do I have any ideas?" She repeated. "Since I am the one with the book?" She smiled coyly, thoughtful, until she finally spoke. "I think we should just lay back and sleep." She managed to keep a straight face for about seven seconds.
He laughed at her "suggestion", kissing her again. "Yeah right, just lay down and go to sleep when there are so many more interesting things we could do to occupy our time...." He trailed off, putting on a mock serious face. "Though, if you insist, I guess I can't really argue."
“Interesting things, you say?" She strained a little against his hold on her arms, but in physical strength it was not really a contest between them. "I do believe you might have to elaborate?" A hint of a smirk came to her face as she slowly moved one of her bare feet up the inside of his leg.
Kabuto didn't let Shizune get the upper hand, and he wouldn't for a while. Since it wasn't fun like this all the time, just most of it. Shizune had shown him that with that book of hers, and he knew for a fact that she had done some more reading lately, he planned to find out just what she had learned by the time the sun rose.
Hours later, the first rays of light from the rising sun where what woke Kabuto to their next day on the beach. He wasn't ready to get up just yet though, he hadn't been asleep for very long. He pulled the edge of the spare blanket up over his head, snuggling closer to Shizune, hoping she wasn't getting up any time soon either.
It was the movement that woke her, her first action to stretch out her arms over her head and yawn. Blinking slowly to clear the sleep from her eyes, she rolled over onto her side to face Kabuto, smiling softly and reaching out to twine her fingers with his own. "Good morning." She mouthed, not wanting to make noise, the sound of the dull waves and a few gulls was... strange, to her, and she was listening.
Giving up on returning to sleep, he smiled back at her, mouthing good morining back since they were being so quiet. This place was so very peaceful, in a fragile sort of way. He found that he liked it a lot, and wished it could stay like this.
She didn’t say anything, simply smiling. Sitting up, she propped herself up on her elbows, staring out at the ocean, and the light of the new sun playing across the water. It was simply breathtaking, the color spreading out over the pre-dawn, washing the world in day. And as she squeezed his hand gently, Shizune had to blink back the tears from the night before.
She wanted it to stay like this. And she knew it wouldn't.