Kikkawa Manor Posts

[Apple]

Despite the soft words that he’d spoken in reference to my own intelligence, there was a small part of me – that same nagging feeling that scratched at the back of my mind – that was fully aware of the things that I was capable of and the vast intellect that I boasted, gluttonously feasting on each pitiful little compliment and infatuated gaze that was displayed to me. And I took it in; raking through his very soul with my scissor-like grasp as he lay stranded, contently trapped within the toxic web that I’d spun, each little smile I blew towards him brought him in deeper and deeper in to the concave-like structure of the love that we’d created, and perhaps it was just this – this need to keep the both of them close that was steadily playing on my consciousness. The last seven years had been peaceful, with few outbreaks of issues within the village, and both he and our precious son had thrived along with my people. But at the same time – I found myself falling. I hadn’t imagined myself being in the situation that I was now in – listening another man other than Momochi who I had held so dear, gazing over at a son who I couldn’t bear to admit wasn’t my first. It was easy to forget, sometimes, in this painfully numb haze of happiness, all that had happened before the first shinobi war, and I hated myself for it.

I wasn’t sure how to describe my life at the moment – my life that I’d lived for the past several years. Whilst I felt blessed to be given such a beautiful son and to have someone by my side, it felt almost fake. As if everything was a dream that was slowly slipping from my weak fingers, only to reveal itself to be a falsely generated lie. Perhaps everything had become so.. normal, so content, that I had become so happy with life itself that it had steadily become almost fake. I walked these halls with my own bare feet often padding against the aged wooden floors; but how many of these movements were my own? How often had I imagined her face in my mind, driving my actions to her own whim? I hadn’t, for a long while, and it scared me. Had I truly become so .. full of bliss? Was it even possible for me to become so deeply involved in that state of being? It was intoxicating. But perhaps I needed it – the vehemence and the anger that had once run my life. Without it, I felt happy, almost overbearingly so with the unparalleled joy that being a mother and a wife brought, but at the same time, some part of my mind felt empty, undernourished, and the day where it was to be sated was to come soon – I could feel it on my breath, the soft dewy complexion of my skin and the almost unnatural shine that my eyes –

"Yuu, mommy and daddy need to discuss some adult things. Run along to your play room, and daddy we'll be there soon."

A flutter of eyelashes as I awoke from my brief trance.
My attention shifted back to him, and then to Yuuchiro as he exited the room.

However, as soon as I saw the beautiful crop of blonde hair that he bore leave the room, I kept my gaze there for a few moments, almost as if I expected something terrible to happen if I allowed my gaze to leave for merely a second. However, I then turned to look back at Kouketsu by my side, my mind questioning exactly what he was going to say. I wasn't sure what to expect, truly. Was something wrong? I searched his eyes, then; for any explanation, but I found none other than that of which was soon verbally revealed slowly. He was proposing that we left the village for a short time; to get away from the place as a family for a short retreat somewhere. And I wanted to; although the village was one of my priorities, they were my family and I was sure that it would prove nothing short of positive for our own relationships. But Kusagakure; I was possessive, perhaps all too much so, and I couldn't let it out of my grasp, even for a short while. But it wasn't just that - what would I do? I lived for the work, for the adrenaline and for the raw power that my status granted me, feeding whatever inactive ego I'd seemingly been born with. I couldn't.. imagine myself living any other life. But, with the same smile upon my face, my hand responding to Kouketsu's own and folding it slightly, bringing it closer to myself, I began to reply, my words carefully thought and well paced. "..I can't be gone for long." I spoke, although I was sure that he was aware of this; I was often away for a few days on business, but even then I'd been cautionary in leaving my village in the hands of others. In the past, it had often gone in to Kouketsu's own hands at times where I'd traveled alone elsewhere in the shinobi world. But; who would take his place? I had several concerns. "..Where do you propose we go? I'll need to confirm who will be taking care of our home when we're gone; And plans for the village gates and for the tower to compensate with not having --" I could list several factors, but instead, I finished on that point without having finished it, my smile having since become hopeless, almost as if I was recognizing just how I was responding. I didn't want to be seen as cold; nor did I want to be seen as if I didn't want to go away with the two of them if only for a short while. Although many would be surprised to know; I worried often, and it was a trait that Kouketsu himself had come to acknowledge all too well.

"..I'm sorry --"

I briefly apologized.

"..I'd like to come with you both -- I will."
"..It was just.."

I paused, taking a single breath.

"..Sudden."

I spoke these words, each word spoken carefully. He knew better than any of my personality; I enjoyed rules and order amongst many other things. Allowing my free hand to brush against my forehead, I closed my eyes. Days had gone by and news of Sunagakure's position had brought back many memories, and whilst I didn't like to refer to myself as weak, nor sentimental, Sora was very much within my thoughts at the moment. It wasn't that I was stressed -- or maybe it was. As much as I had doubts about leaving the village, perhaps it was for the best, to relieve myself of the ache that had grown so steadily within my brain.

[NARRATOR]

"I know," he commented wistfully. "I just figured it would be nice to get out of the village for a bit and escape from it all. I know you worry about Yuuchiro and I, plus the village. But, I worry about you and him the most. You work too hard, Blanche." Kouketsu's tone was stern, but tinged with a hint of remorse. He wished things could be different, but knew that it never would be; she wouldn't let it. No matter how much she achieved, both for herself and her people, she always managed to find more to force on her plate -- it was never enough, and as the days seemed to grow longer and her energy became less, he couldn't help but worry about the future. "Even the Kage needs to be able to relax sometimes. The world isn't going to crumble if you take some time off to be with your family."

"I thought it would be nice to take a trip to Hi no Kuni. He's never been there," he mentioned, breaking his gaze with the woman's ring finger. "That, and I'd like to see Ashura. It's been a while, and I'd also like to introduce Yuuchiro to his brother." Though only half-related, Kouketsu saw it as disrespectful to mention the fact. They were blood, and in his eyes, that's all that mattered. "It's also been quite some time since he's seen you, and if I recall correctly, you too did quite some bonding." Stepping away from the counter and his mate, he crossed his arms and leaned against the nearest wall. "Plus, Yuuchiro has wanted to see the Valley of the End for quite some time. I promised him he could go."

And, as they both knew, daddy never broke a promise.

[Apple]

Perhaps I did work too hard, but then again, what would become of me if I didn't? I worked - and that was what I did. I couldn't imagine it any other way. I was awake from the break of dawn to usually midnight, either taking care of the village, or my family - and although I found no problem with it, I had to take Kouketsu and Yuu's own feelings in to consideration, too. But I couldn't imagine myself living any other way; I couldn't stay still for long, even the countless hours in the office sorting paperwork tended to bore me to some degree, but I felt at least ... somewhat justified by the fact that I was doing something. I couldn't just.. sit there. Maybe it was a result of having lived such a turbulent life during the first and second shinobi wars that I found it hard to just .. stop. I wasn't sure; but from all that I knew, and all that I knew I was able to do, relaxing, in its most simple form, didn't come easy. There were always things to do and people to see, what would happen if I left everything to the last minute? I didn't even want to think about it.

..Or maybe it was all just me over thinking everything.
Needless to say, I sighed - not at Kouketsu, nor at his request, just at myself.

He was saying the truth, after all.

And now, he revealed the location of which he wished to escape to, if only for a short amount of time. Hi no Kuni - the land of fire, a lushly wooded land which contained Konohagkaure, the village hidden within the leaves. As far as I knew, Kohana still ruled the place, and as far as I knew, the both of us were still on.. unexplained terms. Our villages weren't allied, and I was sure that my disliking of her and her disliking of me was clear, but we attempted to be .. civil to each other in public for the sake of our villages. We agreed to disagree, and that's how we worked together. Yuuchiro hadn't seen much of the shinobi world, and I placed that down surely to my own grasp. He was invaluable to me, and I couldn't afford to lose him. Even as he spends his days in academy I still find myself worrying, but I assumed that was natural. However; although he'd be in the capable presence of Kouketsu and I, I was still unsure about taking him to a foreign country. But - pushing past any concerns that I had, I knew that it would be good for him, especially taking in to consideration what Kouketsu said next in regards to Ashura. Placing both hands on either hip, I continued to watch him as he moved around the room after explaining that it would be nice to visit his son, too. I couldn't think of much that I wanted to do within Hi no Kuni (As, with all due respect, to be an awkward audience to the lady Hokage wasn't exactly on the top of my agenda) but, I was sure that I'd enjoy it as long as I had both Kouketsu and Yuuchiro close. The concerned expression I'd past worn had since left, making way for a small, subtle smile.

"..I'd like that."

I'd only seen Ashura one or two times, and both meetings had been quite a long time ago. Seeing as how he'd been brought up away from his mother and father I hadn't been sure exactly what to expect from him, but he'd proved to be a charming young boy, and all that Kouketsu himself had promised of him. Of course; I wasn't close enough to him as to be able to call him one of my own, but we'd gotten along, and that was more than I could ask for. But it wasn't just about myself - I agreed that it would be good for Kouketsu to be able to see his son, and it would be good for Yuuchiro to meet his half-brother. Personally, I'd met my own older brother hours after my birth, and although I couldn't remember the memory, I'd always been told that I'd gazed at him with strangely open blue eyes, almost as if he'd been the most interesting thing I'd seen all day. Ever since that day, Ue had become my own hero, someone to be aspire to be - perhaps the same would happen to Yuu. We'd always told him that he'd had one, but he'd always been too young to understand, nor to even take anything away from their meeting. Now at seven years of age, he could think for himself, and the memory of his older brother wouldn't fade away with time. Of course, I was unsure how he or Ashura would take to finally meeting eachother, but I could only assume that it would be positive for the both of them. "We'll go." I finally spoke, crossing my arms before me as I held the same softly content expession. "..On the terms that you don't notify her..." I spoke playfully, although, partly serious. I was referring to Kohana - and I was sure Kouketsu was completely aware of that. Of course, I admitted that perhaps, to see Ashura, she would find out given that he was a jounin of the village, but I didn't exactly want to see her, and I was sure that she didn't exactly want to see me. "..But promise me, Kouketsu - don't let Yuu out of your sight, not for even one moment." I spoke, although I was aware that I too would be with the both of them during this time. It was just useful to have another pair of eyes - especially given the energy that the boy had, always exploring and running about. I could only imagine the look on his face and his response when met with an entire new country to have adventures in. "..I don't know what I'd do if we were to lose him out there.." I sighed the words, almost as if expecting the worst to happen to him should he leave our combined gaze. Of course, he was elsewhere in the manor right now, and I wasn't exactly sure where. Even that irked me as I always hoped to have the beautiful golden-haired boy clinging to my side, but I had to allow him space.

Approaching him as he leaned against the wall, I softly dropped a single peck on the bridge of his nose, before moving backwards a single step.

"I'm sure he'll enjoy it."

"..As will I."

I gently spoke, that same silent smile on my face, despite the concerns I'd had. Looking at him with the same baby blue eyes that our son and I shared, I awaited his response.

[NARRATOR]

"I'll make sure that she doesn't know," he replied as she gently kissed his nose. Kouketsu didn't doubt the fact that Ashura would respect his father's request of privacy. Somehow, despite their lack of time together, the boy managed to value his father over the village and Kages that raised him. It baffled the older Uchiha how one so young could possess a mind so truly open, and see the good in his father's actions; whereas many painted the legend a tyrant of power and oppressor of the people, Ashura dispelled the lies, rumors, and accusations to find reason and understanding beneath it. No matter how deeply hidden or how well Kouketsu masked it, his first born always saw through it.

Rolling his shoulders, cracking several bones, he massaged his neck. "But, you know me better than that, Blanche. Yuuchiro won't take a single step without me knowing about it." A knowing smile spread across his face. When the boy was born, he could remember how much they joked (quite seriously, though) how Blanche would be the obsessive parent. Yet, it had been Kouketsu that shadowed his son's every movement. From short walks to the academy, to even ensuring his day at school went well, the man was never more than a quick, intervening sprint away. He, himself, only very recently began to relax -- namely, when he realized his son's natural skill.

Letting his arm fall back to its side, he stepped forward. Both of his hands found her hips, and he pulled her closer. "We'll have a wonderful time," he murmured, leaning forward until their foreheads met. He stole a kiss, deep and passionate; the kind they shared back when their hungers were ravenous and only the heat between them was the sole benefactor of their nurturing care. He lingered upon the taste of her lips for a handful of moments, before pulling back just enough to speak.

"I'm going to start preparing dinner shortly," he explained. "What would you like tonight?"

[Apple]

His promise to keep word of their retreat away from the knowledge of Kohana was something that I appreciated, perhaps not for my own sake, but that of Yuu, too. "..Thank you." I grinned, my simple request having been fulfilled. Whilst she was aware of the child's existence, she'd always been so .. prying, almost as if she expected me to confess to her everything that had happened, almost as if she thought that she could even make me slip a few words from my mouth if requested. Naturally, I'd told her nothing, and I planned on keeping it that way. Despite the fact that she'd ruled during the time that Ashura was merely a child within the village and the fact that she had accepted him, I'd always been wary of her standing where sweet Yuuchiro came in to the matter, and her opinion of Kouketsu in general. She hadn't told me exactly that she disapproved of it, but during our meetings, it was easy to tell. I could even recall her laugh, and it brought a grimace to my face. Taking such thoughts away from my mind, I instinctively moved my gaze first to the empty chair that Yuuchiro had claimed as his own, almost as if I expected him to be there. Of course, he'd long since scampered away elsewhere in the manor, but looking over to that chair was something that I often did, just in the offchance that he'd returned. But, with nothing to see, I instead switched back to Kouketsu, of whom had begun to speak, although I was distracted slightly by the sound of his bones cracking harmlessly; being a medical practitioner, I'd, of course, come to understand such sounds, but it didn't mean that I was exactly fond of it. However, I put up with it. Moving slightly away after our soft embrace and his single kiss, I crossed my arms once more, just..

..watching him.

"..Just, remember to let me know when you plan on going on this.." I paused. "..Leave, so that I can arrange for the council to oversee the village." Of course - if I had things my way, I'd still remain the sole figure of power within the village. Whilst I was, granted, the overseer of everything, since having had Yuu, I'd been convinced by his father to part some amount of my power to a village council who helped run the place. Granted, I wasn't too happy with this as I much preferred to have everything contained within my grasp, but in situations like those that we'd face if we were to leave even for a short amount of time, it proved useful. It wasn't as if I didn't trust other people to do my job -- or.. it probably was, actually. Brushing back endless blonde waves from the sides of my face, his own point of conversation changed to that of dinner and what I wanted.

Shrugging softly, heels began to click against the floor as I moved towards where Yuuchiro had sat, sitting down in the chair as I began to arrange the various coloring pencils and crayons that were scattered across the tabletop. "..I'm not sure -- I think Yuuchiro spoke something about wanting some spicy chicken dish -- one that you'd made a few days ago? With.. onions?" I smiled softly, almost as if laughing at some kind of joke that played solely within my own mind. "..He ..wasn't exactly thorough with explaining what it was." I explained, although, I assumed that Kouketsu would know more than I about what he cooked. I could briefly recall a chicken dish, but I'd worked late that night, and I'd been unable to savor it. In the past, I'd been the woman who had killed during the second shinobi war out of pure self indulgence - and yet, here I was, smiling at the scatterbrained nature of the young boy of whom I wouldn't have even dreamt of having back in those days. Although; the same could be said for Kouketsu, too. It seemed that our little prince had changed the both of us in unthinkable ways, and whilst I could feel myself returning to that same stoic, irritable person when not in their presence, coming back home ... felt good. It was strange, really - to think that if the black-haired uchiha hadn't interrupted the kage summit several years ago, then I'd surely be still within the compound, surely going out of my mind. Of course - I still felt as if I was falling, but, it was in a completely different context. Or, it felt like that, anyway. The almost silly smile on my face remained as I tidied up the pictures that he'd made, making them in to a neat pile as I placed the coloring items next to them.

"..I don't mind what we have - I'm just glad to be able to come back in time tonight."

"..I'll try and get home earlier tomorrow, too."

"It's just so.. hard to keep up with all of the problems in the other villages."

I confessed, my arms again crossed as I leaned in the wooden chair, looking over at him.

But, on a more positive note, I figured that cooking wouldn't take too long, and hopefully shortly thereafter the three of us would be united once more.

[NARRATOR]

"I know exactly which one you're talking about," Kouketsu said wistfully, nodding as he stepped away. Already, he busied himself with opening cabinets, grabbing pans and spices. "As for the vacation, it won't be any time incredibly soon. You'll have plenty of time to get things in order for when we're gone -- the village, I mean." Simply elated at the fact she managed to make time for something many could, and certainly would, find trivial, he saw no reason to rush it. All things that resembled perfection took time, and wanting this "get away" to be nothing short of just that, he intended to ensure all of their corners were squared away.

"As for the other villages, those aren't our problems to deal with." He'd kept his ear to the wind and knew very well of the problems she spoke of. The state of the world was-- questionable, to say the least. However, as true with all things, there would always be problems. If not now, then later; if neither, then before. "You'll run yourself into the grave if you try to fix everything."

Triumphantly, he gestured to their manor. "Your village is doing well. You have a wonderful home, a beautiful son, a husband that loves you and a flourishing village that believes in you. What more could you ask for, Blanche?" Opening their fridge, he began to rummage around for the chicken he'd taken out to thaw.