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Hello everyone, I am proud (and a little terrified) to present this collection of short stories to the world. Now first, let me explain how this fic will work. First off, here are the fandom I can write for:
Bleach
Fairy Tail
Gakuen Alice
Justice League
La Corda D'oro
Naruto
Ouran High School Host Club
X-Men Evolution
Young Justice
In each of the chapters/short stories, one of the characters from the fandom will be paired with the reader (that's you!) or an original character. However, instead of randomly writing stories, I've decided to write a few stories based loosely on a theme, which will change from time to time. Some themes will last at least a week while others may last for a month (this might change depending on other projects and how busy real life can get). Here are some of the themes I planned on writing about:
Anniversary
High School
Sick
Library
Kisses
Amusement Parks
Song-inspired
Christmas
Valentine’s
Movie Date
First Meetings
Quotes-inspired
Temptation
Fugitive
Clouds
Hurt
If anyone has a suggestion or two about a theme I should write about, please let me know! Also, if a certain theme in the list have caught your eye and you really think this theme represents a character really well, feel free to alert me. Oh yes, I will update this page if anything changes, so please refer to "Introduction" for any future changes. For example, I might add a new fandom or I might remove some. The same goes for themes. I think that's all I need to say for the introduction. Thanks for reading! P.S: If you read Love is [BLANK], you've probably already read all of this.P.P.S: The chapter titles will be [Theme] - [Character Name] to make searching for stories easier in the future.
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Fandom: Fairy TailTimeline: Takes place after the Battle of Fairy TailTheme: FugitiveTitle: A Journey of Favors Character: Laxus DreyarPOV: Third PersonSummary: Laxus was excommunicated from Fairy Tail and has been wandering around Fiore after the lessons he learned from the Fairy Tail members.Disclaimer: I do not own Laxus Dreyar or the Fairy Tail world ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Knock, knock. “E-excuse me?” The young woman pulled open the door and peered inside the occupied cabin. She caught sight of a blond man with his head resting on his open palms and his body hunched forward in, what she assumed, an uncomfortable position. Despite walking into the tiny compartment, it seemed as though the young man did not sense her presence. She frowned, wondering if there was anything she could do for him. He looked sick from all the swaying the train had on its three minutes-journey thus far. She approached him and then, took a few seconds staring at her palms. Raising her palms over the blond man’s hunched body, she closed her eyes and focused. Heal, she repeated in her mind. She watched as the man’s muscles visibly relaxed and he raised his head in astonishment. As their eyes met, she noticed the jagged scar across his eye. “Who are you?” He asked her bluntly, his expression a mixture of surprise and suspicious. “Oh!” She clasped her hand over her mouth, a tint of pink colouring her cheeks. She took a step back and bowed a little in respect. “I’m (f/n) … I, uh, I knocked, but you didn’t answer…so…” she glanced at the door and then turned her attention back to the blond. He nodded, still eyeing her with a curious expression. “Do you mind if I sit here?” Her expression uncertain as she voiced her question. Then, realizing the blond man’s stare, she quickly gestured with her hands, “Everywhere else is full!” “Do whatever you like.” (F/n) took a seat opposite the blond and focused her attention on the scenery passing by them. She reached out and touched the glass separating them from the outside world. She glanced at the other occupant with a look of curiosity. She wanted to talk to him, but he seemed lost in his own thoughts. Not wanting to bother him, she kept quiet and started thinking about what to have for lunch. On the other hand, the young man was astonished by the disappearance of his severe motion sickness. He sneaked a peek at the young woman sitting opposite him. She didn’t seem to have any ill intent, nor did she seem to know who he is. Laxus Dreyar had always been known as the grandson of Makarov Dreyar—a member of the Ten Wizard Saints. Laxus shook the thought from his mind and glanced at the unaware girl again. He released a sigh. No, he didn’t want anyone to join him on his journey, even if she did manage to cure his motion sickness for now. As the pair of them pondered their own thoughts, only silence filled the space between them. It took about thirty-five minutes for the train to arrive at the next station. (F/n) watched as her cabin companion left without another word. She felt a pang of sadness, but she shook her head and forced a smile onto her face. It was fine; she was fine. She rose to her feet and joined the crowd getting off the train. She looked up and saw a huge welcome sign for Hyacinth Town. She let her gaze wander at the various shops and stalls set up. She caught a whiff of freshly baked bread. A tall, plump man smiled at her as he placed bright, colourful flower bouquets in front of his shop. She walked nearer and breathed in the scent of the flowers. She heard a bell chiming every few seconds followed by a voice requesting people to buy their cold ice cream. (F/n) smiled at the hustle and bustle of the city and kept walking without an aim in sight. In fact, she seemed to have forgotten she was just daydreaming of lunch until her stomach growled to remind her. She made her way to a small restaurant. Meanwhile, Laxus Dreyar walked out of a merchant guild with a disgruntled expression. None of the jobs on the board were worth anything. He knew he needed to move on to the next place. Thistle City might have a better job for someone of his calibre. Just as he was walking, a familiar figure appeared in front of him, stumbling on her butt as she had tears in her eyes. A man stood towering over her. Without thinking, Laxus moved in front of her, shielding her from the stranger. Electricity crackled around his body as he glared at the man. (F/n) looked up in surprise at Laxus’ sudden appearance. She scrambled to her feet and hid behind Laxus, whispering her thanks as she peeked at the man who kicked her out of the restaurant. “Who’re ya?!” The restaurant owner shouted, the rage convulsing his facial features. “Are ya wit’ her?!” (F/n) pushed away her fear. “H-he’s not!” She stammered, shaking her head vigorously. Turning her attention to the blond, she tugged at his sleeve. “You don’t have to get involved... it was my mistake,” she told him, her voice shaking as she forced herself to be brave. This was her mess and she needed to be the one to clean it up. Laxus continued to glare at the man. “How much was it?” The owner smirked, opening his mouth to answer. “It-” “-I didn’t eat anything!” (F/n) yelled, not wanting the man to fabricate any lies about her. She had been looking to order something, but the menu did not state the prices for the food. She questioned the owner about it and the owner took one look at her and asked her to order whatever she liked. She had refused and got up to leave and that was when the owner started shouting at her. The restaurant owner took a menacing step forward, glaring at (F/n), but he did not say anything to refute her claim. “I see.” Laxus said, closing his eyes for a few seconds. Without warning, Laxus sent a bolt of lightning towards the owner and it pushed the owner back into his own restaurant, unconscious. “What a waste,” Laxus muttered under his breath before continuing his way to the train station. He paused, glancing over his shoulder at (F/n) and her surprised expression, “hurry up, before I leave you behind.” (F/n) blinked a couple of times before rushing over to the blond, “r-right!” The duo walked side by side. Laxus had his arms crossed while (F/n) had her hands clasped together as she tried to process what just happened. “I’m (F/n),” she introduced herself, wondering if he remembered that. Laxus allowed an amused smirk to appear on his lips. “I know.” “And you are?” “Laxus. Laxus Dreyar.” She beamed a smile at him. “Thank you for helping me, Laxus!” Then, she tilted her head to the side. “Why did you help me?” “Consider it payment. For the future.” The young woman nodded, suddenly remembering how they met. She glanced down at her palms and she felt a warmness in her heart as her smile widened. “I will do my best, Laxus.”
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Fandom: Naruto/ Naruto ShippudenTimeline: After the Uchiha Clan MassacreTheme: FugitiveTitle: The After-MissionCharacter: Itachi UchihaPOV: His POV /Third-PersonSummary: This takes place after Itachi took the responsibility for the Uchiha Clan Massacre and he left the Leaf Village. Disclaimer: I don't own Itachi and anything else that's Naruto-related!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The raven-haired young man stumbled across the forest, keeping his hand on a tree to balance himself. His other hand rested over his eyes. He took a couple of deep breaths and forced himself to start moving again. His attempt was thwarted when someone wrapped their arm around him to support his weight. How weak was he that he didn’t even sense the person? He glanced to the side to see someone he knew too well—someone he wished did not have to see him in such a pathetic state. The young woman kept her eyes focused in front of her, seemingly refusing to look at him. The two of them walked on in silence as the raven-haired man’s companion led the way. Soon, a small hut came into view and they walked towards it. “Go lie down,” the young woman ordered him. He stood there, eyeing her warily. She sighed. “Please, Itachi, just listen to me.” He made his way to the lone futon and proceeded to rest his aching body. Flashes of images flittered through his mind—images of what he had done the night before. Opening his onyx-colored eyes, he stared up at the ceiling in hopes of not remembering his parents and his brother. Sasuke… A small smile quirked the young woman’s lips. “He’s…. safe,” she informed him. Itachi had no idea he spoke aloud. Shaking his head, he found his heart sank with guilt. Sasuke was safe. She didn’t say he was fine. He was just safe. Closing his eyes for a few seconds, he was glad that Sasuke was safe, alive… but, not fine, maybe never ever will he be fine… He glanced over and saw her approaching him. She knelt in front of him and took a deep breath. Itachi watched as she gathered her chakra towards her hands, forming a light green glow. She ran her palms over his body, stopping for a minute or two at his eyes. “Does it hurt?” She asked, her voice gentle and her features soft, but the intensity in her eyes made it clear that she was worried. At his small nod, she pressed her lips together. “I-I don’t…” She shook her head and focused her attention on trying to alleviate the pain he felt. Itachi knew that there wasn’t much she could really do for him; she was not an Uchiha and she had no idea what secrets his clan held. But a few minutes later, he felt better. Never underestimate a medic-nin, he mused. He felt her thumb brushing gently across his eyebrow. It was almost painful to see the worried expression on her face. “I’m sorry,” Itachi said, his voice hoarse. She shook her head, a sweet smile playing on her lips. “It’s fine. It was a mission, wasn’t it?” Itachi forced himself up, placing his hand on her cheek to carefully search her eyes. It was a mission—a mission to eliminate the Uchiha clan, and to prevent another war from happening. But Itachi refused to let her know; she didn’t need to know every detail. “Yes,” he answered simply and watched as her eyes flickered away from his. Then, she stood up, dusting off her shorts. She walked over to her small bag and started walking back to where Itachi sat. Taking a couple bottles of soldier pills, she handed them to him. “You’ll need this for your next mission,” then, she handed him a light stack of explosive tags, “and this,” she added a couple of shuriken and kunai to the pile, “and those.” She frowned as she stared at the pile resting on Itachi’s hands. “I feel like I’m forgetting something… oh right, wire strings!” She passed them along and offered Itachi a smile. He knew she was forcing herself to seem fine, both for his sake and for hers. Itachi returned her gesture with a tiny smile. It was better this way. She would find someone else, he reasoned. She bowed towards him, her gaze watery as she gave him a bright smile. “Please…” She paused, stopping the words he knew she wanted to say, but neither of them wanted to hear. “I will always…” Care for you were the words left unspoken between them. “I will always protect Sasuke for you.” She grabbed her belongings and walked out the door, not sparing him one last glance. A small part of Itachi wanted to stop her and tell her the truth. Maybe he wanted her sympathy. Maybe he wanted someone to stay and care. But there was nothing he could do; he had nothing to offer her. As the murderer of the Uchiha Clan, happiness would not come to him and it would not come to people close to him. He watched as she disappeared into the forest. He watched and hoped that happiness will come to her and to Sasuke. He chose to let her go, but he chose to keep a part of her. He glanced down at the silver, three-ringed necklace nestled inside the wire strings.
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Fandom: Naruto/ Naruto ShippudenTimeline: During the time-skip between both seriesTheme: FugitiveTitle: Escape from OrochimaruCharacter: Sasuke UchihaPOV: Second PersonSummary: Sasuke is sent by Orochimaru to track down and bring back a young woman who escaped from Sound VillageDisclaimer: I do not own anything but well, my writing, story idea, and character!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Run. Don’t look back. Run. Just keep running. You needed to keep running away. Time. Time was catching up to you. You jumped from tree to tree, not even looking back because if you did, the fear might just latch on to you. Your heart was racing against your chest. It was only a matter of time before he sent someone after you. Your only hope was to make it to another village to hide. You weren’t sure how long it would take you, but you didn’t have time to second guess yourself. You saw the chance to run and you did. The flashes of the horrible, horrible memories you had there… You shivered. How could anyone ever do something like this? But of course, you realized now, there are wicked people in the world—evil monsters that had no heart. Then, you heard it. Another person was jumping from tree to tree. No, no, no way in hell! You sped up, using chakra to boost your speed. The wind whipped across your hair as you kept moving. You glanced back, just for a second and caught sight of raven black hair. Shit, you cursed under your breath. You knew who was chasing you. Of course, you knew. He was the snake bastard’s favourite. It was the Sharingan user. The last member of the Uchiha Clan. You ducked down as a kunai flew above your head and you skidded to a stop. Clenching your fists together, you turned around. Sasuke Uchiha. You would think that you weren’t important enough. You shouldn’t be too important. But now, you knew otherwise. Why else would Orochimaru send the Uchiha after you? The both of you stared at each other silently. Your hand still clutching a kunai as you frowned at the older ex-Leaf ninja. You waited. A minute passed. And then another. Sasuke had his sword strapped around his waist and a blank expression on his face that gave nothing away, except for his eyes. You didn’t know what it was, but his eyes were not only cold… And then it hit you. Sasuke Uchiha was looking at you in pity. Pity. A god-forsaken emotion that meant nothing in the long run. You glared, holding your breath as you waited to see what the Uchiha will do. Running away now would not do you any good. There was no way in hell you would turn your back toward an enemy and give him the opportunity to strike you down easily. The Uchiha narrowed his eyes and unsheathed his sword. You refused to show any fear, but that didn’t mean anything to your own body. Reluctantly, you took a step back, bringing your kunai closer to yourself. “I’m not-” The very next instant, you heard metal clashing together and the Uchiha right in front of you. Your eyes were glued on his back as he glanced back at you with the same blank expression, though it felt like he was amused by your reaction. He pushed back the ninja that attempted to attack you. The Uchiha…protected you? You blinked as he made quick work in killing the ninja that had the Sound forehead protector. “…why?” You asked, before you could stop yourself. Sasuke Uchiha sheathed his sword, his back still facing you. “Go.” You froze. He was letting you go…? Was this a trap? “I don’t und-” But you stopped, your mouth dry as you felt more chakra signatures coming your way. “Go, idiot.” The Uchiha repeated himself. You bit your bottom lip. You turned on your heels, ready to jump up to the trees to leave. You glanced back, one final time, taking in the Uchiha’s form, and the “thank you” that left your lips were far more sincere than anything else Sasuke Uchiha had heard in a long time. There was a smirk on Sasuke’s face as he shifted his weight and unsheathed his sword once more.
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Fandom: Fairy TailTimeline: Pre-canon and during canonTheme: FugitiveTitle: The Celestial Spirit’s RedemptionCharacter: Loke/LeoPOV: Third PersonSummary: Zeta wanted more than anything to save Leo from his fate and from his exile after the Karen debacle. Unfortunately, as a silver key celestial spirit, there didn’t seem much she could do…----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“Please, Celestial Spirit King!” The golden blonde woman pleaded, wrapping her arms around the pink-haired woman in white cotton clothes. “Leo did nothing wrong! He protected Aries from that…that monster.”The blonde felt Aries’ fear as the pink-haired woman shivered in her arms. If that Blue Pegasus mage wasn’t killed on a job…. she would have- The moustached King of the Celestial Spirit world frowned and held his hand up. “There is nothing I can do, dear friend. The law is the law.”“But-!” “Enough, Zeta,” the Celestial Spirit King warned, closing his eyes. “You must not interfere in this matter.”The blonde spirit clenched her fists and nodded. She turned her attention to the crying woman in her arms. “Come on, Aries, let’s just go.” Zeta urged her fellow spirit up and left the Celestial Spirit King behind. The law is the law…but how can such a law exist if all it has done was cause harm? She refused to believe in such a law and stubbornly held on to hope that Leo would survive—that her brother will find his way back to her.He had saved her. The image of her brother in his smart casual appearance and translucent shades flitted across her mind. She wanted nothing more than to return the favour. She wanted to save him as he had done in the past. And she will. The young girl blinked. It was so very, very bright, she thought. Full of…stars. She blinked again. Stars. The word just popped up in her mind as she found herself drawn to the twinkling night sky. Where am I? She wondered.“Welcome to the Celestial Spirit World!”The young girl stumbled back before turning around to see a young boy with unruly light brown hair. He had a huge grin on his face as he squatted down to her level. He held out his right hand towards her. The young girl blinked and stared and frowned. Her ever-changing expressions caused the older child to chuckle.“My name’s Leo!” He introduced himself, “and I am the leader of the Zodiac Keys!” The young girl poked at his right hand, looking utterly confused. “Why are you giving me your hand and what do you mean by Zodiac Keys?”Leo chuckled again. A soft smile appeared on his face as he took in her pouting face. He was immediately reminded of Aries and her cute, childlike mannerisms. Yes, this new celestial spirit definitely seemed as naïve and curious as Aries, but that was where the similarities ended. There was something about her that seemed…. different. Leo wasn’t sure what it was yet though. Either way, Leo knew he needed to be careful, lest he scare the girl off. This was, surprisingly, the first time he had been in charge of welcoming a new celestial spirit; it had always been Capricorn’s or Aries’ or even Virgo’s role, but no matter, he wanted to do this right.He raised his right hand to gently pat the girl on her head. “I was hoping, princess, to pull you to your feet.”“P-princess…?” Her cheeks flushed pink and she refused to meet his gaze, finding her bare feet far more interesting. She smoothed the front of her peach-coloured dress and tugged a loose strand of her hair behind her ear in an attempt to seem presentable. “I’m not a princess… My name’s Zeta.”Leo grinned, taking note of how her name suited the girl, “well, Princess Zeta, your hand.” Gently, he took her hand in his and pulled her to her feet.“Thank you… Mister Leo,” Zeta smiled up at the older celestial spirit.The leader of the Zodiacs felt goosebumps crawl up his arms and he shivered. How is it that the girl managed to warm his heart and break his heart at the same time? He placed his hand on her head, giving her a sheepish smile. “Why don’t you call me your older brother?” The young blonde tilted her head. “Older…. brother? Why?” Leo cleared his throat and flashed her a reassuring smile. “Because I’m going to be right here, protecting you whenever you need your cool and strong older brother.” And to protect her smile, he decided, as the girl’s face lit up brightly. Zeta held up her pinky. “Okay! Then I’ll protect you too, promise!” Despite the promise Zeta had made with Leo, she had no idea what the future would have brought. Years and years had passed. Celestial spirits had an almost immortal lifespan, which meant most of Zeta’s dearest friends and family had been forced to serve horrible mages. Even Crux had no answer for Zeta as she scoured the Celestial World for a way to save Leo from his exile—to save him from fading out of existence. Something to dismantle this age-old law.And yet, years and years passed in the human world.Nothing changed.Leo was growing weaker. And weaker. And weaker still.Until one Lucy Heartfilia entered the picture… Zeta covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes glistening as she watched the shimmering lights start to disappear. The figure that appeared looked beyond tired with a genuine smile on his lips. His spiky light brown hair and his eyes locked onto hers.The leader of the Zodiacs has returned.Zeta ran towards the older man and tackled him to the ground. Leo chuckled, wrapping his arms around the crying woman.“Welcome home, nii-chan.”Leo tightened his grip. “It’s good to be back.”
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Fandom: Naruto/Naruto ShippudenTimeline: During the scene where Karui and Omoi of Cloud tried to interrogate Naruto for information on Sasuke (Season 10 Episode 198: Five Kage Summit’s Eve)Theme: HurtTitle: Protecting an IdiotCharacter: Naruto UzumakiPOV: Second PersonSummary: Naruto's attempts at protecting Sasuke goes awry again...---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Lay one more hand on him and you’re dead,” you threatened, knocking the female Cloud ninja away from Naruto, who was laying on the ground with his face starting to swell from the punches he took. You glanced at him, giving him a levelled stare. “F/n…” Naruto muttered under his breath and slowly started to push himself off the ground. He took a step towards you, but you turned your back towards him. There were two of them—two Cloud ninjas. They were angry. And worried. And concerned. And thirsting for revenge against Sasuke Uchiha. You narrowed your eyes. That didn’t mean Naruto had to get hurt for this. That stupid, stupid, heroic dumbass. You stood in front of Naruto, glaring angrily with a kunai out. The male ninja chewed on his lollipop. You saw his eyes looking from you to Naruto to his own teammate and back to you. It didn’t look like he was planning on attacking you or Naruto from his deep sigh, but it didn’t mean you were about to let your guard down. You glanced over at the female ninja, glaring right back at her fierce look. “You!” The red-haired Cloud kunoichi growled, striding closer with her fists clenched. “Enough of this,” you told her, speaking in an even and calm tone, though Naruto could tell just how angry you truly are. He placed a comforting hand on your shoulder, but that didn’t do anything—not at that moment. You took a deep breath. “I am truly sorry for what happened to your master, but Naruto will never give Sasuke up so you might as well stop.” You stated, a note of finality in your words. “But if you refuse to, you will be losing your life.” The other Cloud ninja placed his hand on his teammate’s shoulder. He took out his lollipop and nodded. “I see. You’re the Poison Mistress of Leaf.” “Huh?! What does that have to do with anything, Omoi?!” The female ninja turned her glare toward her teammate. “She poisoned you, Karui. And if you attack, she’ll release the poison. And if she releases the poison, you’re going to die. And if you die, I have to explain to Samui. And then Samui will not be happy. And-” You watched as Omoi didn’t get to finish his…rather creative explanation as he got punched by Karui. If it weren’t for the fact that the girl was beating Naruto up, you might have laughed at the… comedic duo from Cloud. Unfortunately, you still refused to let loose, not until the threat has been eliminated. As the two Cloud ninjas were arguing with each other, you watched as a blonde woman arrive with a cool expression—although for a split second, you thought a look of exasperation crossed her face. “Omoi, Karui,” the blonde woman called. “How goes the intel gathering?” Both of them looked startled. Omoi took a step toward the newcomer. “Captain Samui! Never mind that! We’ve learned that Lord Killer Bee may be alive! Let’s go save him!” You gave the blonde girl a nod which she returned. “Samui,” you greeted. “L/n. Thank you for your assistance.” “Of course.” You had met Samui before you made your way here. You had felt a change in Naruto’s chakra signature and left Samui with Shizune. Hence, you did know what the Cloud ninjas were doing in Leaf and you knew why Naruto was being an idiot. You stopped yourself from frowning as you kept your attention trained on the trio from Cloud. The younger female had already relaxed now and didn’t look like she would continue attacking Naruto so you allowed some of the tension to leave you, but kept your kunai out. Naruto stepped out from behind you. “T-take me with you. I want to help you guys save your Jinchuriki,” he pleaded, his voice a little breathless, probably from being a punching bag. “And I…have something I want to discuss with the Raikage.” “We don’t know enough about you,” Samui responded, placing her hand on her hip. “And with Lord Raikage on the road under minimal guard, there’s no way I can have you meet him. Karui, Omoi, let’s go!” You watched as the three of them left. Once they did, you finally kept your kunai and turned to face Naruto. You scanned his every injury, most of them on his face. His right eye was starting to swell. Even from a distance, you knew he had a few broken ribs. You didn’t care how the nine-tailed fox had accelerated Naruto’s healing mechanism; you refused to let his bruises and cuts heal on its own. “Sit.” “F/n … I-” You sighed. “Just sit, Naruto.” He sat on the grass with his legs straightened out in front of him, as though he just woke up from a futon. You kneeled down and started checking his injuries. The thing about being good with poisons meant that you were really good with medical techniques as well. Your hand glowed green as you began healing the reckless blond. You bit your bottom lip. “Why?” “I’m sorry, F/n …” Naruto mumbled. “Stop apologizing when you don’t mean it!” You exclaimed, glaring at him. Your hand was shaking as it hovers above Naruto’s face. He met your gaze, looking every bit like a wounded puppy. “Stop thinking you have to do everything on your own! Stop getting hurt for Sasuke! Just-!” You froze as you felt warm arms wrapped around you. “Thanks, F/n, for crying for me.” It took you a while to realize that you were actually crying. You took a deep breath and buried your face at the crook of his neck. Wrapping your arms around his back, you took in the smell of metallic blood and sweat. You knew the kind of person that Naruto was a long time ago and yet, you had already chosen to stand beside him. The reckless idiot needed all the help he can get, after all. “I’m going with you,” you declared. His arms tightened around you, and you knew how much he disapproved of that decision, but nothing he said would have changed your mind. You knew that no matter what you do, he was bound to get hurt anyway, but at least, you could try to lessen the pain.
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Fandom: NarutoTimeline: Alternate Universe, kind ofTheme: FireworksTitle: A New PerspectiveCharacter: Naruto UzumakiPOV: Third PersonSummary: Fireworks are pretty, even to a “monster”Disclaimer: I really don't own anything except for my character and the story!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The nine-tailed demon fox, as most people would have called the blond child with bright blue eyes. No, that was not right. They called him a monster. Absentmindedly, the female ninja aimed a kunai and threw it. She watched as it sunk deep into the ground in front of a now-terrified man. Silently, she jumped down from the tree she was hiding in and made her presence known to the man, holding another kunai in her hand. “A-ANBU…!!” The man shuffled back, holding his hands out and dropping the stick he held in his hands. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I-I,” he stuttered before he ran off into the dark. It didn’t matter to the Leaf ninja if the man had stayed or had left. It didn’t matter what others thought of the blond child she was tasked with protecting by the Third Hokage. She jumped back and hid herself in the shadows of the trees. That was attempt number seven since she started watching over the blond child: Naruto Uzumaki. It was unfortunate, she thought, for a child to have such threats made against his life. Although, he had no idea of it all. She peered into the window of the boy’s apartment and watched as he slept in blissful ignorance. Snap. The ninja heard a twig break. Attempt number eight. “You’re allowed to have days off, Tiger,” the raspy voice of the Third commented, a genial smile on his face. The female ninja shook her head. The old man sighed, before inhaling his pipe and letting out a couple puffs of smoke. “I’m ordering you to take a day off tomorrow, Tiger. Naruto will be just fine without your protection.” Tiger twitched. “Hokage-sama, if-” “You know what day it is tomorrow, Tiger.” Tiger barely stopped herself from sighing. “I do know. That’s all the more reason to-” “Rhino will watch over the boy.” The female ninja nodded stiffly. “Of course, Hokage-sama. Please excuse me.” She got home and peeled off the mask that kept her identity hidden, revealing her stormy grey eyes. Sighing to herself as she sank her aching body into the tub of warm water, she closed her eyes. She had no idea why the Third declined her request to watch over the blond child. It wasn’t like it was a tough job. Compared to what the other ANBU had been tasked with, she had it pretty easy. Then again, maybe the Third wanted her to… heaven forbid, to behave like a woman her age. She sighed again as she thought about the event happening tomorrow. It was time for the Leaf Village’s annual Fireworks Festival, which seemed counterintuitive, when loud noises tended to be attributed to an attack on the village. It didn’t matter though, as the Leaf villagers always found this time to be a time for celebration. Perhaps, it was a way to boost morale—not that she would have any ideas on boosting morale. Either way, thanks to the Hokage, she needed to find someone to go with her to the festival… She pushed her way through the crowd, pressing her lips into a thin line. Now where were they? She swore under her breath, silently hoping there were no kids around to hear her. Kurenai Yuuhi and Asuma Sarutobi must have went off on a little date and abandoned her while she was getting dango for Anko Mitarashi. She frowned. And where did Anko go anyway? She made her way to the side and away from the dangers of getting swept away by the crowd. Scanning the area, she didn’t see anyone resembling her friends. Instead, she saw someone she had not expected to see. She watched as the blond boy continued crying, rubbing his eyes in a rough manner. Silently, she made her way to the boy. She stooped low and awkwardly started to pat his head with her dango-free hand while looking towards the ground. “There…there…?” Her voice came out, uncertain and hesitant. Naruto blinked upwards at the brunette in front of him. She had a tinge of pink dusting her cheeks and her brows were furrowed together. He blinked again. This person was touching him. “Do you…” the woman cleared her throat and thrusted the dango at Naruto’s face. “Do you want this…?” She asked, her gaze staring at the crowd that kept moving past them in waves. Are you talking to me…? Naruto wanted to ask, but he didn’t want to scare her away. Instead, he just stared at her, watching as a range of expressions flitted across her face. The woman shrugged and took a bite of one of the dango and chewed slowly before swallowing. “See, it’s not poisoned.” In that exact moment, Naruto’s stomach growled and the young blond flushed pink. He glanced uncertainly at the woman, waiting as a few seconds passed without her running away from him. Instead of running, his eyes widened as he caught a smirk appear on her face. She grabbed his clenched fist and placed the dango stick into his now relaxed hand. She stood up and leaned against the wall but kept her eyes on him. Naruto took a tentative bite and his expression lit up. That was good—really, really good. He took another bite, and then another, and then another, until all five dango were safely in his stomach. He licked his lips. A giggle escaped the woman’s mouth and Naruto turned to see a warm smile on her face. “That good, huh?” Naruto nodded, scratching his whiskered flushed cheek with a sheepish smile on his face. “I’m glad…” Then, she tilted her head. “So, mind telling me why you were crying just now?” Naruto looked at his dirty feet. This woman touched him and gave him sweets and smiled at him. If he told her he was a monster, would she run away? Would she stop smiling? Would she hate him…. like everyone else? Would she? His heart clenched in his chest and his lips quivered. He didn’t want that. A soft hand patted his head and he looked up to see the woman looking at him with such a gentle expression. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” “I-I… I want to see the fireworks, but they won’t let me!” The memory of the villagers glaring at him with anger and disgust. He shivered. “I-I-I just…” The woman looked thoughtful for a moment before she squatted down. “Okay then, get on.” Naruto was beyond confused. He blinked at her and furrowed his brows. “Huh?” “Get on my back,” she replied, her words slow and easy. “You want to see the fireworks, right?” It took a few seconds before her words registered in his mind. But once it did, Naruto wasted no time in doing what she said. She stood up. “Now hold on tight!” she warned as she waited for him to wrap his arms around her neck. As soon as she felt he was secured, she ran and jumped up to the roof of a nearby building. She kept running and moving towards the highest building in the Leaf Village. Once they were there, she lowered Naruto and waited as the timid boy became suddenly very excited. He looked down to see the crowd of villagers stuck on the ground like sardines. He grinned at the thought of getting a better view of the fireworks. The woman watched as Naruto’s face was bathed in an array of colours as the fireworks shot into the sky and burst into red, green, blue, yellow, and more. She smiled as the boy’s mouth was open and he started pointing and gesturing wildly at the fireworks. She could see the words appearing from his lips, though the words themselves were drowned out by the loud cheers of the crowd below and the loud popping sound of the fireworks. See, she thought to herself as she kept a hand on Naruto to ensure he wouldn’t fall off the roof in his excitement, even “monsters” love fireworks.
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Fandom: Naruto/ Naruto: Shippuden Timeline: N/ATheme: CloudsTitle: Troublesome WomenCharacter: Shikamaru NaraPOV: Third PersonSummary: Shikamaru, cloud watching, and contemplating— three things that may or may not go together.Disclaimer: I do not own anything but my character!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shikamaru wouldn’t say that he had much experience with women. It was true, though, that he knows quite a few women in his life—not voluntarily; it was just the way that life happened. He opened one eye to squint at the clouds above. A loud yawn escaped his lips as he rolled onto his side. His mom, for one, was a woman he knew. She gave birth to him and nagged him for most of his childhood. A smirk appeared on his face. She was still nagging him now. Shikamaru had no idea how his father put up with it. But Shikamaru knew just how strong his mother truly is. He was, he realized, surrounded by strong women, and mostly troublesome women. Much like his mother, Ino Yamanaka, his teammate, constantly nagged at him—over and over and over again. Stop being lazy!! Shikamaru could just picture Ino’s shrill voice shouting in his ears as she grabbed a fistful of his shirt and started shaking him like a ragdoll. He shivered. For all her faults, Shikamaru knew just how…weird it would be without Ino in his life. Team 10 would not be the same without the blonde haired, Sasuke-obsessed woman. Speaking of Sasuke-obsessed women, Shikamaru was neither blind nor dense. He knew many girls had a crush on the Uchiha. He glanced up, noticing a cloud that looked oddly like the Uchiha clan symbol. Letting out another loud yawn as he stretched, he remembered how Sakura Haruno had begged for the safe return of the Uchiha. Shikamaru didn’t understand it, at all. The Uchiha had chosen to leave the village; he had chosen to betray everyone. And yet, Shikamaru knew that Sakura was not a weakling. Her skills as a medical ninja was well-known, and so was her frightening temper and monstrous strength—both of which were even more troublesome than Ino. Shikamaru shuddered at the thought of having Sakura as his teammate. It was something best left unexplored. Shikamaru didn’t mind Hinata Hyuuga though. She was quiet and not as troublesome, except around Naruto. The oblivious blond had no idea how the Hyuuga felt about him. Shikamaru, on the other hand, noticed it but it was far too troublesome for him to do anything about it. He figured everything will work out, eventually. Speaking of not so troublesome women, Shikamaru barely had any experience with TenTen from Team Gai. Just thinking about Team Gai, consisting of Neji Hyuuga, TenTen, and Rock Lee, made Shikamaru tired. He didn’t even want to imagine how rough it must be for TenTen to have such…an energetic teacher and teammate. Thinking about TenTen reminded Shikamaru of the Sand ninja, Temari and her straightforward attitude. Shikamaru respected the wind-style ninja and her prowess on the battlefield. Then again, she was the daughter of the Kazekage. It made sense that she had to be strong. Shikamaru knew from the beginning that he would have lost to Temari in that fight back in the Chuunin Exam. He respected that. Shikamaru scratched his cheek. The sun was still shining brightly in the sky. It was a good thing he found the perfect shade for his nap. He yawned again. If there was one thing he learned from his mother, it was that women were strong…and troublesome. The most troublesome woman of all, in Shikamaru’s opinion, was (F/n). She was always excited about something. She was always ready for a fight. She was surprisingly quiet too, whenever she moved. If it weren’t for her penchant for shouting, she might have made a really good ANBU. The worst thing that she loved to do was leave all of the paperwork for him to finish. It was like the mere mention of paperwork would make (F/n) disappear faster than Leaf’s Yellow Flash. But she was kind. She always protected the people around her. Shikamaru noticed, even if others didn’t. A small smile appeared on his lips. In a lot of way, (F/n) reminded him of a deer. “Shikamaru!!” A voice called out before Shikamaru felt the full force of being tackled. Shikamaru looked up, suppressing his smile. “There you are, Shika!” “(F/n),” Shikamaru greeted, rolling his eyes. “So troublesome.” The younger woman grinned. “Oh really…? Are you sure about that?” (F/n) leaned closer, resting her head on Shikamaru’s chest. “Hey, doesn’t that cloud remind you of a deer?” Shikamaru chuckled. He didn’t bother telling her that she reminded him of a deer. She didn’t need to know that—not until she officially joined the Nara clan.