Somewhere Beautiful...[p]

[Miku]

What the..?! Did he just run across the water?! I knew that it was fairly easy for a shinobi to stand on top of water by using chakra to keep their balance, but Akira sprinted across the remaining distance as if it were dry land. All of my assumptions that he was a taijutsu expert was indeed correct, a man of his stature, build, and clothing—it was just all too obvious to me. My grip on Akira got tighter once we hit land. I could not understand how could he run so fast but it must have been thanks to some extensive training.

My hair blew viciously back in the zipping wind, but I had no time to fix it. My cheeks were flopping all over the place but I had to just rest on Akira’s back as he would take me to my desired location on top of the Kaminari Mountain. I could not believe how fast we reached the top, and my small flats ended up crunching on the snowy peak of the mountain. We finally made it. As I was standing by Akira’s side, my right hand would attempt to grab hold of his left hand, slipping my small fingers in between his own and locking them both in place.

”Oh, oh! Let’s get a better view from here.”

Taking a few steps forward, I had hoped that Akira would follow me so that we could both survey the land that we were on. It was strange being able to look directly at clouds, it seemed as though if I wanted to—I could lay directly on them. Of course, I knew that I could not, but it was an entirely different perspective when you are staring at a cloud face-level, instead of looking up at them from the ground. ”Akira…"

My face was in awe of the trees, the rocks, and the landscape. It seemed like a fun place to live, it was certainly more interesting than living on the island of Water. When it snowed enough here, I could probably go snowboarding or skiing. And there was probably a lot of fun adventurous stuff that I could do on the mountain itself. I could go into the forest and build a hut, or go back into the rocky terrain of the step sides of the mountain and climb it. There were multiple different regions around here which is why I wanted to visit this place first.

Standing at the edge of the mountain with Akira’s hand still in my own, I would view the drop down. ”Wow, we got up here so fast—it did not even feel like it was so high up. And yet, here we are.” I held his arm a bit closer to my own, trying to lean on his tall frame. There was a lot that I was missing out on from being trapped in Kirigakure, and thankfully Akira was helping me to explore the world and learn how to live freely like he did. I bit my lower lip in anticipation of the sudden rush that I was feeling. My emotions were at a all time high, and the current moment and everything around my felt so surreal.

Love?

[Nujabes]

Naturally, I wouldn't try ta fight her off when she wrapped our hands together. It wasn't somethin' that I was really used ta, but again, nothin' about today was the norm for either of us, I think. In fact, it was probably pretty funny lookin' at us. I was like a fuckin' hulk, and she was a little fragile girl that I was exposin' ta tha world.

"Ya, I'm pretty fast," I added. "Not like you weight much, babe. A buck-five, maybe? Maybe."

Like before, I simply followed as she pulled me to and fro; I was here for her enjoyment, so anywhere she wanted ta go was available. I wasn't going ta stop her, or try to limit her experience in the slightest. But, I figured I'd try ta do somethin' a little unsual for even me.

With a very light tug of her arm, I'd wrap her around ta face me. I wasn't nervous - not too much, anyways - but I was aimlessly scratchin' tha back of my head, and kind of fumblin' with my words at first. It took me a good handful of moments until I could actually speak to her like I had a pair between my fuckin' legs. "So, like, I'm not really used ta doin' stuff like this, so don't judge me if I do it wrong. But, I don't know, would you like-- be my girlfriend?"

Is that even how they do it anymore? "I mean, isn't that tha right way ta do it? Ask 'em out at some romantic location and wha not? Or is that like way old school."

Fuck, I think I fucked up.

[Miku]

Ehh? When Akira gently pulled me closer to face him, I was not entirely too sure what to expect. I mean, I don’t know. A bit of me honestly thought that he was going to grab me into his arms and jump off of the cliff. I mean, we were both standing at the edge and—he seemed to be a rather spontaneous person, or so I thought? I started to giggle slightly, smirking when he began to talk to me. I was not laughing at what he was saying, but rather, I was amused by my own wild imagination of us diving off into the clouds. A girl has a way with drifting away sometimes.

My face grew serious however when he started to ramble on a bit more. Judge him? What could he possibly say that could make me question his person. I listened attentively to his next few words, overly curious as to what was going through this man’s mind. The moment he had asked me to be his girlfriend, my face immediately sprung into a great big smile as I turned my head away in embarrassment. I felt like a real child that was excited for presents on Christmas. I was far too excited for something that was supposed to be pretty trivial.

I guess in a way, I did not really anticipate being so head-over-heels for this man. I really liked him, and he apparently really liked me as well. I was not sure how far our relationship would go, but if he was really serious, then there was only one appropriate response for me to make. ”Of course, Akira. I mean, if we had a picnic up here…it’d be perfect, but you did fine though considering this isn’t your thing. I nudged Akira’s leg with my knee, teasing him about actually having a more sensitive, gentleman side. The truth was, I respected him more for it. Every girl wants to have a guy with an edge, a bad boy with a deep heart for his girl. If he could remain loyal, I thought this might actually work. I still had my doubts at times, but it was natural for a girl to worry about everything the moment the relationship is defined.

”So, about that kiss?”

My eyebrows arched up higher, once again teasing him to see how he responded. It was probably a terrible thing to do, considering most guys hated subtle mind games—but if he could handle my small remarks, then I should be able to handle his own, right? I was trying to remove any awkward moments between us that could possibly be there. If we were going to be dating, we had to be 110% comfortable with each other, flaws and all. My facial expression was laughing, but I did not move an inch closer to his. I did not intend on making a move first, but I did want to see if he would feel uncomfortable with my joke.

”Oh, Akira! It’s starting to snow.”

It was so weird how now out of all times, it would begin to snow. But the white flakes continued to fall down from the sky and cover the land. I loved being around the snow, it just felt so pure and beautiful, kind of like myself in a way I guess. I always pictured myself being a snow ninja, but sadly my parents moved to Mist. If I had the ability to manipulate ice and possibly create snow that would be so cool! But alas, I could only use water jutsu and some other random things.

[Nujabes]

I was pretty relieved when she said yes. I mean, I probably wouldn't have done some shit like this for a long, long time had she rejected me. It wasn't that I couldn't handle it well, it' just that no guy really wants ta hear that kind of shit, y'know? But, apparently, I didn't have ta worry about it. I had my broad right here with me.

I'm not sure if I was just that caught up in her, or if years of weed smokin' had left too many of my brain cells fried, but I hadn't noticed that it was snowin' until she said somethin'. It seemed almost too romantically dramatic for somethin' like that ta happen a few moments after we became a couple, but I wasn't goin' ta argue with it. I was wanderin' into unknown territory, so any lil' bit of help was better than nothin'.

I tightened my grip on her hand, turnin' my loose hold into a frim, sensual grasp. The entire time we'd been talkin', even when I was fidgeting with my hair like a lil' girl, I'd never taken my eyes off of her. I was entirely serious, and as long as she'd be by my side, I'd be faithful ta her.

With my free hand, I gently cradled the side of her face in the crescent of my palm. I leaned down, slowly inching my face closer to hers, until at last our lips would touch if she allowed it. And despite bein' our first, I wouldn't be holdin' back a single drop of the passion and want I had for this girl. It'd be a deep and powerful kiss; the kind of shit ya see in the fuckin' movies.

Trust me, she'd never have to worry about makin' the first moves with me.

[Miku]

He’s going for it… My eyes were fixated on his own, studying his moments carefully. I was a bit nervous, quite concerned about our future together, but now was not the time to be stressing about unseen moments. Right now I had to focus on the present, and that was our new found relationship between Akira and me. His hands, firm yet inviting gripped my face as he began to lean in towards me. His tall, muscular frame that normally towered over me began to diminish in stature. I was not sure how I would react, but for the moment I felt completely paralyzed.

My soft, luscious lips pressed against his lips. I could not help the sensation that was creeping along my spine, sending me shivers as I felt the force behind the kiss. I seriously believed that he loved me, and I loved him too. I would wrap my arms around his body, my arms extending around his neck and holding myself steady against his body. I did not want this moment to end, and though I had originally appeared to be prude, that appearance would clearly diminish. I wanted him so badly and it was obvious.

Between our kiss, I would whisper quietly under my breath his name. ”Akira…” I’d pause away from kissing him, to kiss his neck, his cheek, and then back to his lips. I would not be able to contain myself, despite the fact that I probably should. I wanted all of him. ”Akira.” My voice sounded more booming than before. I kissed him more irregularly, kissing him harder and then softer, biting his lips at intervals as well. My grip on his body was tighter than before, almost squeezing his very soul from him and forcing it into me. Of course, someone with his muscular build probably would not feel any pain from my hug, but I was using all of my force to pull him closer.

”I. I… Akira!”

[Nujabes]

See? All anyone really needs is a lil' push ta get their gears movin', and tha rest usually just falls into place. It was a passionate kiss, but now Miku seemed to be takin' control and practically rapin' my face and neck. Don't get me wrong - I was definitely enjoyin' it, but I'm just usin' my beautiful babe as an example. Not more than a couple of hours ago, she was lurkin' somewhere in Mizu no Kuni. Now? Now, we were sittin' pretty on top of a mountain in Kaminari and makin' out like we were some hot high school couple.

But, I wasn't about to be outdone by a girl. I matched the fervor she put into our little make out session, kissing her just as hungrily as she was me. With both hands free now, I even took a little initiative ta cop a feel here and there, squeezin' firm but carefully as I erased all and any space that might've been between us.

I was definitely gettin' used to how often and frequent she was callin' my name, even if it wasn't in the midst of some hot and steamy sex. It was kind of cute, y'know? It was like her own little personal signature when we talked and what not. I'd never seen anythin' like it before, so maybe that's why I was so-- okay with it? Besides, she had a really nice fuckin' voice.

Now, I wasn't entirely sure what she wanted, but I could sort've imagine. We were makin' out in the snow; she was pressin' all up on me and I pressin' on her; she seemed kind of new to this while I was not. I mean, I probably could've worked a lil' somethin'-somethin' out, but. . . I didn't want that. Not unless she was sure.

"You've got all tha time you need ta decide what you want, babe." I spoke in broken segments between our kissing, but I figured she should know I wasn't in any real sort've rush. I didn't plan on lettin' her leave my side for quite some time, anyways. "It's not like I'm goin' anywhere."

[Miku]

’It’s not like I’m going anywhere.’ His words continued to repeat itself in my mind, constantly replaying over and over again. Here was here to stay. I would pull away from him to study his face. I wanted to capture his feelings at this very moment that made me feel so in bliss. I hated telling people I loved them, especially when I just met them, so I held back my tongue and then began to stare absentmindedly at the ground. I was not sure what would happen next between us, but it was obvious that I did not intend for us to continue any further—at least not sexually.

I was a girl that took things slow, and he both knew that and respected that. I wanted to figure out what would happen to us two, living wise. I mean, we were both from two completely different places. And he would not be wanted in Mist with me, and going back to Leaf would not really be the best option for us. ”So uh. After we leave here, I guess I should go back to the Mist. But what about you?” How did I know that I would even see him again?

And how often would I see him, for that matter? I was not sure how him and I were going to be dating each other with all of these other factors in the way, but I suppose that he would figure all of that out. I was still very loyal to Mist, and I just could not find it in myself to break away. However, I did not want Akira to leave me. If he did, then our entire meeting was basically pointless. I learned that I needed to get out more and explore the world, but I really wanted us to stay together. I don’t know. ”I..don’t know how we are going to stay together? But, I don’t want you to leave me..We have to make this work some how.”

[Nujabes]

"Eh, it won't be that hard, babe." I pulled away from her slightly, walkin' the edge mountain's peak. I kicked up some snow here and there, lettin' my gaze drift from the sun barely looming above us, and her. "I mean, I ain't really got a place ta call home. So, maybe I could just stay in Mizu?"

I was scratchin' my head again, hopin' she'd have a bit of input on it. I didn't want to just presume I was welcomed. "I won't be able to live with ya in tha village; but I'll be around. Ya know, I can find a cottage or somethin'."

I paused, but clearly wasn't finished. "Or I can just visit regularly - ain't like it's a long run or anythin'." I smiled sheepishly.

[Miku]

’Home.’ I realized that he was completely serious about not going back to Konohagakure. I honestly did not have much left for me in Mist besides my rank, and even that was irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Although I was more than happy to be with Akira, I wanted to also finally go off and utilize my rank for some sort of importance. I wanted to get stronger like him!

He was so sure of himself, so confident in his ability. I hated feeling inferior, weaker by eons. I felt like there was a drift between us that his duty was to always protect me and be by my side. But the truth was, I wanted to be even stronger than him. I knew that would be impossible, but maybe it wasn’t? I mean…I was a really strong kunoichi, and with practice, I could at least match his abilities.

“It doesn’t matter to me where you live as long as I know where it is at.” I was a bit worried about losing him due to our distance, but he told me several options that he could possibly due in order to prevent that, so I had to just trust his judgment. ” I’m probably going to take an absence of leave soon anyways to go do some training elsewhere.” My voice sort of trailed off, noticing the snow slowing down and the sky clearing up.

”I want to get stronger...” I was speaking out loud but, I did not really have any other plans going on for me besides my current ambition. ”Akira, what are you plans next?” Him being a free-spirit, I wanted to know what he was planning on doing after our date. It was obvious that I had no real plan of significance, and I did not really know if he did either, so… Mist would have no qualms with me leaving the village seeing as I was a Chuunin, but I wanted to know what Akira would be planning to do for the next few days.

[Nujabes]

"You'll always know where I'm at, and better yet how to reach me." I had no intetnions on tryin' to hide from her, or stay away from lengthy amounts of time. I actually wanted to be with her; it was exciting and pretty new to me. I didn't see a reason turn to back into who I was - things were goin' pretty fuckin' swell.

Honestly, I wasn't sure what my plans were. It was part of bein' a free spirit; I just let the winds carry me from place to place, and dealt with what I found when I arrived.

I shrugged. "I'm not really sure, hon'. I mean, I'mma make sure that you get home alright, but then I'm probably just goin' ta try and find a place. After that, who knows?"

I found myself liking the fact she wanted to get stronger, ta perhaps even throw me on my ass. I really liked the thought of bein' an equal with her, rather than a superior. I figured it'd bond us better, an erase any over-the-top admiration either of us might've had for each other.

"Like I've said, you're the one with the big stuff goin' on in your life." I smiled. "I'm willin' ta work around your schedule, babe."

[Miku]

My rosy cheeks began to puff up as I began smiling listening to Akira speak. It was as if he knew exactly what to say to make me feel at ease. I was not one to normally lose sight of focus, but for once I was not exactly sure what to do or say in this particular situation. I started to breathe more erratically in attempts to get my heart beating faster. If I did not know better, I would have thought that my heart had stopped beating ever since we kissed.

It was silly but I did not expect to be completely out of my comfort zone. And yet somehow, I felt completely fine with it all. I decided that while Akira would be off taking care of his own chores, I would use that time to complete a few missions around the village and train up a bit. I decided that it was best that I only took missions outside of the village, that way he could find me even easier if need be.

”Okay, I’ll try to stay in the Water Country and train there then, that way you can find me easier when you need to.” I felt a bit odd that he was so kind to me, even trying to work with my own priorities, but I suppose that he really did care about me. ”Akira, thanks so much.’ I did not know what else to say, but I sincerely meant it. I could never thank him for all that he was doing for me.

I loved him so much and looked forward to spending more time with him in the future. My hand nipped at his own, wanting to feel his comfort now. I wanted him to embrace me again; I wanted him to stay with me. I knew he was not leaving me, and I knew that we were going to stay together for a while, but at this very moment, I wanted us to remain here forever. "Akira, kiss me again—please."

If only I could control time…then maybe...

[Nujabes]

I wasn't gonna deny her somethin' that she clearly wanted. I mean, we were a couple so we could kiss as much as either of us wanted, right? Ah well, who cares if it wasn't allowed? We were at one of the highest points in tha world right now, just she and I. We could do whatever tha fuck we wanted and there wasn't shit anyone could say to us.

Again, I embraced her; however, this time I didn't slouch. Instead, I just plucked her from the snow with both arms snakin' around her back, pullin' her into the air, into my chest, so that our lips could gently press into each other.

And just like before, a tender and very hesitant kiss would turn into a very passionate and deep one. I wasn't tryin' ta smother her or anythin', but she was a pretty good kisser. It was definitely a talent, which I didn't find surprisin' considerin' she wasn't puttin' out anythin' else.

I pulled away for only a moment, my sheepish smile back in place. "Ya' never have to ask me ta kiss ya, beautiful. Just pull me down and take one, next time."

[Miku]

I did not expect for him to pick me up off of the ground. My legs would wrap around his stomach and lock at his back. I enjoyed feeling his lips pressed against my own, the passion between us continually reigniting my love for him. I could not help but feel absolutely lifted by his every touch, and I could not wait for us to get back together after we both separated when we returned to Water. ”Yeah.”

I was growing weary in his arms, tired from a long day of just mental overdrive. I would rest my head upon his right shoulder and lay there tiredly, not wanting to move from his hold. ”I’m tired, Akira.” I was not sure if he was going to reposition me back onto his back, or if he was able to carry me back to Water like so, but I was definitely drained of my energy. I needed time to rest and regain my strength.

[Nujabes]

We had done a lot today, hadn't we? I definitely didn't blame her, and if she was big enough ta hold me, I probably would've tried to curl up in her arms. But alas, a man's job is never done! Tha run down the mountain seemed a lot longer than tha run up, but it really was all tha same ta me. I was just a lil' too fast for it ta really make a difference.

"Take a nap," I urged. Shufflin' an arm under her legs, I'd carry her home. I was already skippin' down some of the rocks on tha mountain's side, makin' sure ta keep my pace casual. "We'll be there before ya know it."

[Miku]

I felt like a baby being nurtured under Akira’s care, but he did not seem to mind it at all in the very least. I mean, when I was fully rested when we met again, it would be all worth it so it just took some time to build up our relationship. I would close my eyes and start to drift off to sleep as I felt him thumping side to side as his legs dashed back down the mountain. I was actually pretty pleased with his stamina, I mean; it made for traveling so much easier. If I had been with anyone else, this whole ordeal would have taken forever. Though I was now sleeping in his arms, I would sleep talk occasionally muttering inaudible words. On a closer inspection, it sounded as though I was saying, ”A..kira.” Faintly, I was still thinking about him—even when I was sleeping.