Hi Everybody!
Here is the next chapter in the story. Probably only three more left, maybe four :'(
Before you read the chapter, I want you all to remember that the One Shot Competition is ending this month. So on March 31st (my bdday, yay XD) competition will finish. So send in your one shots soon and remember it can be anything you want just involving Rima and your OC, have fun :D
Enjoy the chapter, I especially love the end :D
*Naruto and all the character besides Rima and the wolves belong to Masashi Kishimoto*
*Unedited*
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Rima’s p.o.v
When the ship docked in the Land of Waves, Gai-sensei had to be carried off it on a stretcher. It appeared whatever pill or adrenaline rush he’d been on, on the way to the island had worn off on the way back and he suffered heavily from seasickness. I wouldn’t say it aloud but it gave us all some peace and quiet. Well as much as you could get while being confined in a space with Naruto and the two idiot fangirls.
As it were, we were all currently making our way back to the village, my dad being forced to carry the unsteady Gai-sense who slurred some words about youth and still appeared a bit green in the face.
“You know...” Temari drawled having slowed her pace to walk along side me. Blinking from my daze I looked over to see her pursing her lips. “The Sand Village isn’t a bad place.”
“I never claimed otherwise,” I pointed out, frowning a little at her mysterious words. The others marched on ahead of us, Naruto with his hands behind his head as he kick his legs out in front of himself.
“Well, what I mean is...” She started before chewing her lip momentarily casting a dubious look towards a pink haired girl who watched us with curious eyes. “It’s better than the Leaf. We don’t have obsessive fangirls who would kill you as quick as they smile at you.”
“Lucky you,” I snorted.
“You could come with us, you know,” She blurted just then and my steps faltered. Everyone else continued on, Sakura casting us another long look as Temari came to a stop before me.
“What?”
“You could. I’ve seen the way they look at you, the way they did before the beach day. They may not show it but they’re afraid of you,” She explained softly folding her arms.
“And you’re not?” I snapped raising a brow. “Can you honestly stand before me and tell me what you saw me do, killing those people, didn’t scare you? What I almost became...”
“I’ve lived through it before,” She cut me off waving her hand towards her younger brother who silently walked beside Naruto. “Gaara, I’ve seen him in the pit of black rage.”
“I am not like Gaara. I am not a Jinchuuriki.”
“And you’re not a monster either,” She shot back frowning when I looked away, kicking a pebble. “Rima, you’re twelve, and from what I’ve been told and researched, been through some shitty stuff.”
“Your point?” I snapped scowling at the older girl now as I crossed my arms.
“My point is right now you don’t need to deal with petty girls and their crap. You need a time away from all of them and more than that you need to be happy...and,” She trailed off her face scrunching up slightly as she muttered awkwardly “...and I think you’re happy with my brother.”
I could feel the heat spreading to my cheeks as my eyes widened and my jaw slackened. Gawking at her, I couldn’t quite grip the meaning behind her words. Happy with him? “I..I don’t know what y-you mean,” I stammered out, my voice higher than normal.
Temari grinned at me, her eyes softening slightly as she patted my head. “See? Right there, that’s what I mean. You act like a proper twelve year old should, not like someone who is too old for their years, when around him.”
“Shut up,” I grumbled pushing passed her then and making my way to catch up with the others.
“You’re good for him,” She said softly but when it reached my ears I froze. Good for him? “Gaara, you have no idea what he was like before the Chunin exams. You helped him change, not just you but Naruto also. Both of you affected him for the better and well...I think you and Gaara suit each other.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I questioned not turning around as she caught up to me and slowly we began walking once more to catch up with the group.
“I’m just saying that you seem to get something good from being with Gaara, just like he does with you. Like, ugh I don’t know how to say this shit, but you’re compatible or something like that,” She groaned pressing her hand to her forehead, appearing completely awkward about the whole thing. “And don’t give me any BS about not liking him, I was there when you gave him that extremely intimate goodbye kiss.”
“Uh...” my cheeks flared red more and I fought for some words, some explanation but couldn’t come up with anything. Instead, I lapsed into silence, my cheeks puffing out with annoyance that had Temari chuckling.
“All I’m saying,” She continued after ceasing her laughter. “Is that if you want, you could come to our village with us.”
“W-what?”
“Who knows,” She shrugged. “It could be the start of a beautiful relationship then.”
“Or? If that’s the case why don’t you move to Konoha?” I quipped and she tripped over her feet. Temari sent me a disapproving look.
“Why the hell would I do that?”
“Oh? Don’t want a ‘beautiful relationship’ with anyone from there? Hm?” I quizzed smirking. “Not even an overly lazy pineapple headed Chunin?”
“Shut up brat!” She hissed, her hand sailing out and smashing against the back of my head with such force that it caused me to trip and sprawl out on my stomach on the path. She cackled then, her hand covering her mouth as she gawked down at me.
“Oh! So close!” She cheered pointing to the pile of some animals dump that was situated next to my head.
Eyes widening I scrambled to my feet and jumped away from it, sending her a dark scowl before something caught my eye in the trees. Pausing, I frowned at it, almost believing I saw the outline of a figure watching us.
“Rima?” Temari called out from where she’d walked ahead of me. Looking to her I noticed that she was waving back to me. “Come on!”
“I’ll catch up!” I answered and when she slowed as if to linger with me, I shook my head and made a weird fidgeting move. “I need to pee!”
“Oh…ew, you’re on your own,” She shot back, her nose scrunching up before she jogged on to catch up with the others.
“Not like I was asking you to wipe my ass!” I shouted loudly at her retreating back. It resulted in more than just her turning around to give me weird/disgusted looks. Sticking out my tongue at them I wandered into the underbrush next to the path.
I delved deeper into the forest that surrounded us and either side. My eyes constantly flickered from side to side, searching for mysterious figure I’d spotted earlier. Though try as I might, I couldn’t sense any presence nearby, save for the group. There was no stranger around. But I was certain I’d seen one.
Huffing in annoyance, I paused and looked around in a circle. “Must have been imagining it,” I grumbled, running a hand through my hair. Shrugging in dejection, I twisted on my heel, ready to walk back to the others when something caught my attention.
There pinned to the trunk of a tree facing the way I’d been walking was a piece of paper. Frowning, I glanced about before drawing closer.
My fingers glided over the kunai that pierced the paper and when I yanked it back, I watched the paper flutter to the ground. It was accompanied by something else.
Kneeling, I lifted the paper and turned it over. In neatly scrawled writing, it read ‘Want to find out the truth about the Dark Prince, hm?’
Dark Prince? I wondered my mind drawing blank on any possibilities as to who it might be until my eyes fell to the other material that joined the paper.
The background was black and glaring up at me was the shape of a red cloud. Instantly, I tensed, my right hand sliding towards my sword as I glanced around me. But no attack came. Instead, I was only greeted to thick silence.
Dark Prince…Itachi?
“The truth? They’d…they’d tell me the truth…” I mumbled, my voice trailing off into nothing as I held both the paper and the piece of the cloak between my fingers.
Don’t. Don’t even think it, brat, Takaya barked in my head and I gasped hunching over against the pain that radiated between my eyes. That is a clear trap. Drop them and leave!
Shaking my head, I stood clenching the materials between my fingers as my other hand held the kunai. A piece of me wanted to listen to him, knowing that he was right. They were just baiting me. Though, why?
What had I done to encourage the attention of the Akatsuki?
Against the wishes of Takaya, I pocketed the paper, cloak and kunai. Dashing from the forest, I jumped back onto the path and ran to catch up to the others. They had walked a far bit ahead of me and I jogged to fall into step with Temari.
“Took you long enough,” She snorted giving me a wicked look. “I thought you’d-.”
“Don’t even finish that,” I warned, glowering back at her.
“What?” She grinned, before chuckling at me and looking away. “Tsk, you’re no fun.”
Soon our group came to a halt and was about to be disbanded. We stood around in an awkward semi-circle as we said goodbye. I watched with a smile as Naruto strode up to Gaara and boldly held his hand out for a shake.
Smirking I mimicked him and faced Temari, giving her the same wide smile Naruto shot at Gaara. She looked to the Blob, then blinked at me before shuddering, “Bleach your hair or something and you’d be his twin.”
“That’s the point,” I sniggered slinging an arm around a confused blonde’s shoulders only for him to grin at me happily.
“The offer still stands,” Temari said earning confused looks from everyone, especially her siblings.
“Thanks Temari, really,” I replied, my smile softening as I peeked at Naruto to see him frowning at me. “But I got to stay with this fool, so he doesn’t kill himself by accident.”
“Rima!” Naruto complained moving away from me to pout.
“As you wish, but remember it will always be there,” She answered waving at me before turning and walking off. Kankuro smirked and saluted us before trailing after her, leaving only Gaara.
“Um…” I began only to fall silence as there was a forced cough from behind us. Looking over my shoulder, I felt my cheeks burn up as the others were all standing there watching us.
My eyes flickered from Ino and Sakura who were smirking at the two of us, to Neji and Kiba who looked like they couldn’t give a shit, to Gai who lazily gave me the thumbs up – still recovering from seasickness. My gaze slide over Tenten who was whispering something to a blushing Hinata to land on my Father who had his Sharingan eye revealed and both narrowed at Gaara.
“Oh for Kami’s sake, come on,” Kurenai-sensei groaned and ushered everyone away from us.
She had to physically push Kakashi down the path, even going so far as to look at Asuma for help while Ino and Sakura both latched onto the Sasuke’s arms when he lingered behind, eyeing us both up with those stupid Uchiha’s eyes.
They dragged him off, both of them bickering on who could be alone with him while he turned his head to scowl at us.
“Goodbye Rima,” Gaara said softly dragging my eyes back to him and I blinked.
“Uh..yeah, I guess this is goodbye…again,” I mumbled scratching the back of my neck while glancing away.
As my eyes focused on the ground, a hand moved into my vision and I frowned at it before peeking back up at him. Gnawing my lower lip, I moved my hand to his and as we shook, I felt a little disappointment flood through me.
“I hope we can work together soon,” He added and I nodded, smiling at him before tugging on my hand as I tried to turn.
There was some resistance though and when I glanced back to see what was going on, I suddenly felt something press against my cheek. I blushed darkly as Gaara eased back and nodded to me with a small, barely there, smile before leaving.
Did he just-?
*M*
Sometime after Gaara and his siblings had separate from us, and we had chosen a somewhat safe area to camp for the night, Sasuke and I were given the mission on scouting around the area. Or at least that’s what I think we were supposed to do, but he’s looking a bits of wood on the ground.
“You ok there?” I drawled out leaning against a tree truck as he bent over and picked up a stick.
“Get to work,” He retorted sending me a scowl and I blinked.
“We’re supposed to look around and make sure this place is ok is all.”
“You really are an idiot,” He huffed tossing a stick at me. It landed harmlessly, and rather pathetically on the grass between us. “We’re supposed to collect firewood.”
“One, I’m not the idiot. We’re in a fricking forest, there are trees by the camp with dry wood,” I snorted shaking my head before casting a look to the twig between us. “And two, you are so weak. Couldn’t even get that to hit me?”
“Hit you? Watch it or I will hit you,” He snapped and I chuckled.
“Suure you could, Sas-gay.”
His scowl darkened as a bright idea clicked into my head and I grinned. Glancing around I noticed that we were alone while at the same time I felt a familiar chakra coming towards us. My gaze swivelled back to a now unsure Sasuke as I pushed away from the tree.
“Sha la la la la, my oh my, look like the boy too shy,” I sang softly, my grin widening more as his eyes sparked with irritation. “Ain’t gonna kiss the one.”
“Rima,” He grounded out as I took another step closer feeling the approaching presence getting closer and closer. “Shut up.”
Me being the annoying girl I am, continued. “Sha la la la la, ain’t that sad, it’s such a shame, too bad. You’re gonna miss the one.”
“Rima,” He hissed closing the space between us and grabbing my arm roughly. “I said-!”
Just then there was a slight rustle of the leave, signalling the arrival of the new presence and I grinned, my eyes darting behind his shoulder, seeing the person pause at our position.
Smirking as Sasuke glanced back, I brutally shoved him forward, exclaiming loudly, “Sha la la la la, don’t be scare. You better be prepared, go on and kiss the blob!”
Silence fell over us after the two boys collided and landed in a heap on the grass. Sasuke was on top of Naruto and I expected them to start cursing but there was nothing. Frowning a little, and wondering if I’d knocked them both out, I wandered closer to see a rather intriguing sight.
“Wow, that song really works, huh?” I snickered as the two boys jerked away from their previous lip locking session. “How many times is it now? Three? Four? Why not just make it official?”
“Rima,” Sasuke growled, rising to his feet as his black eyes swirled to the Sharingan. Meanwhile, next to him Naruto had curled up and was gagging as if he wanted to throw up a lung.
“Now now, Sasuke, that’s a little excessive, don’t you think?” I began holding my hands up in an ‘I surrender’ motion. “I was only helping you get along with your boyfriend.”
“What the hell Rima?!” Naruto suddenly exclaimed jumping to his feet and whirling to face me. “Why did you do that?!”
Glancing between the two heated, rage filled almost, expression on their faces I was faced with a dilemma. After a moment, I shrugged and thought, well in for a penny in for a pound. Opening my mouth another verse of the song left me, “Sha la la la la, don’t stop now! Don’t try to hide it how, you wanna kiss the boy!”
“Rima!”
“I’m going to kill you!”
You’re screwed now, brat.
The two of them lunged towards me, kunai’s flashing in their hands and I gulped. Diving between them, I let out a scream and began to race back towards the camp. Maybe that wasn’t the smartest idea, but I couldn’t help but tease them even as they chased me.
“Naruto-bro! You can’t blame your sister for helping with your love life! I mean, you two are destiny!”
“Rima get back here so I can kill you!” my loving brother hollered at me as a kunai embedded itself in the ground where I’d been a moment ago. From my new perch in the trees, I frowned at the Uchiha.
“Sasuke, stop being a prissy brat and just admit you’re happy you got a kiss from Naruto!”
“Like hell!” He snarled from behind me and I spun, around the branch, my eyes widening as the chidori slashed through the wood almost connecting with me before I started running again.
The brat’s serious, Takaya mused, his voice rather interested in our actions now.
“Got you!” Naruto screamed and I stilled. My hand wrapped around the throat of his clone and I tossed it at the approaching Sasuke.
“Here, another one for you!” I teased while easily flipping over the real Naruto and pushing him into Sasuke as he stood up. The two once again fell into a heap and this time I skipped closer and around them as they struggled to stand up, pushing against each other.
“Sasuke and Naruto, up a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” Singing as I moved, I laughed and dodged away from their attacks. That is, until Naruto suddenly took a page from my book and shoved Sasuke right at me.
The Uchiha collided with me and the force caused me to trip. On instinct, I grabbed onto something to steady myself, which of course was Sasuke. Meaning, he fell on top of me. We ended up in pretty much the same position as they had been in before and I gawked up at the Uchiha as he glowered down at me.
“Naruto! How can you just stand by and watch your boyfriend try to cheat on you?!” I exclaimed, false tears welling in my eyes as Sasuke pulled back a fist. Probably to punch me with. But the idiot forgot that I wasn’t pinned down and instead, he was sent sailing back and once again, collided with Naruto.
“See?! You two keep connecting so strongly, it is meant to be! Though…I believe that position is a little too mature for you. Tsk, I never thought you would take tips from Kakashi’s perverted books, Sasuke.”
Cackling I set into another run, as with loud threats the two chased after me once more. I was leading them in circles around the camp before darting towards the centre where the others were huddled together in confusion.
“Daddy!” I wailed as I entered the camp and immediately everyone was set on edge. Probably assuming there was an attack. I mean, I must have looked like I’d been in a proper fight. I could feel leaves and bits of the branch in my hair and my clothes was ruffled from dodging attacks.
“What’s wrong?” Kakashi questioned, his eye widening in concern as I launched myself into his arms. He caught me midair and stared down at me as I clung to him. That really should have been clue number one for him. Well maybe number two, number one would be me calling him ‘daddy’. When have I ever ran to his arms?
“They are so mean! They want to kill me!” I cried as the others looked around uneasily.
“Who?” Kiba questioned but before I could answer Naruto and Sasuke broke through and skidded to a halt. Their eyes gleamed with hate as they glowered at me.
“Rima you are dead,” Sasuke threatened and I had to roll my eyes when I heard to swooning sighs from two certain idiots.
“Daddy save me!”
“Nope,” He answered bluntly and suddenly I was on the ground. I gawked at my father as he backed away from me, hands held up and he shook his head. “You obviously did something to deserve it.”
“I did not! I just made them realise….wait a frigging minute,” I drawled turning and standing. “What took you two so long to get here? Did you try that position?”
“What position?” Shikamaru questioned and I grinned, my eyes no doubt gleaming with evil intent as I turned to tell him.
“Nothing!” Naruto screamed as arms instantly locked around my neck and I gagged. Tilting my head slightly I scowled at the Uchiha who glared back while Naruto pressed his hand tightly against my mouth and I tried to speak, a muffled mumble sound leaving me.
“Just what’s going on here?” Sakura snapped, her eyes narrowing on me. Once again my eyes flew to the sky, knowing that she was secretly desiring to be held by Sasuke like this. You know, I’d like to see it to. Him tightening his arm, more and more and the oxygen leaving her as she slowly…
“Nothing, nothing at all,” Naruto assured as Sasuke piped up, “We just need to have a chat with Rima.”
Kiba laughed at the way my eyes widened, this time in fear. A chat? There was no way these two wanted just a ‘chat’. They were going to murder me! Tie me up and leave me there! No! I cannot die like this! Not at the hands of the blob and his weird haired lover!
Naruto screeched as my tongue ran over his palm and jumped away from me. Even though I knew my father would not interfere, I still had a trump card up my sleeve.
“Uncle, save me please!” I begged, letting tears well in my eyes as I gave him my best pleading look.
Instantly he caved and as he jumped forward he exclaimed, “Uncle Gai will save you, my Rima-ima!”
And all that could be heard as he lunged towards us, a mass of green blocking the sun from our sights was Sasuke and I chorusing, “Shit,” as I realised my mistake.