Achoo! (hanazo)
It was a rainy day. Hanabi, Kagura and Hayabusa were training in the clearing in the forest. At first they didn’t mind the rain. After all, they had fought under worse conditions. When the rain became heavier and Kagura felt cold, they took shelter in a nearby hut. Years ago, Hanabi and Hayabusa found it by chance while running around in the forest.
first they came there when they were tired, but then they often visit it. Although it was not a problem in spring and summer, the ruined parts started to cause problems in winter. They repaired it as best they could. It wasn’t perfect or fancy but it was theirs.
Hanabi was mad when Hayabusa first brought Kagura. How could he bring her to their hidden spot? Hayabusa thought Hanabi was exaggerating. “How could he bring her to our place?!” Hanabi said. Hayabusa said, “It belonged to two of us, now it belongs to three of us. Besides, Kagura is our friend, your jealousy is unfounded.” He said. This made her even more angry, and for a while she started to mistreat Kagura and ignore Hayabusa.
Seeing that Kagura was friendly and nice to her despite her behavior, Hanabi warmed up and they became best friends. Meanwhile, she also made amends with Hayabusa. When Kagura received approval from Hanabi, she started making changes and additions to the hut. She even made a small flower bed. With that it was their second home.
On that rainy day, while sitting on the chairs that Kagura brought, Hanabi was drinking tea and Kagura was eating snacks. Hayabusa was inside preparing the blankets. Hanabi sneezed while chatting with her. She probably was going to be sick. Hearing her friend's sneeze, Kagura paused.
“Achoo!”
“Are you okay Hanabi?”
“I’m fine Kagura.”
“I think you’re gonna be sick. Come inside I got blankets.”
“Thank you, Hayabusa.”
Girls went inside and got under the blankets to warm themselves. Hayabusa came to them with a tray and 3 glasses of tea. While the three of them were drinking their tea silently, girls noticed something strange about their friend. He was sitting closer to them and his expression was more serious. This made Kagura nervous. But somehow Hanabi was calm. It was like she knew what was going on.
“Hayabusa, what's wrong?”
"There is no problem."
“I felt someone's presence ever since we arrived at the hut. I think Hayabusa felt it too.”
“…”
“Are we in danger?”
“I haven't felt that person for a while so probably no.”
“Still shouldn’t let our guard down.”
"I agree."
Tired of sitting in silence, Kagura began to speak. Her friends' voices sounded like a lullaby to Hanabi’s ears. She soon fell asleep. Hearing the her quiet snoring, Kagura giggled and laid down next to her. The watch was left to Hayabusa, and he wasn't complaining about it. The peaceful faces of his best friend and the girl he liked were worth the sleeplessness.
Besides he didn't think he could sleep. The person watching them could have been 'he'. He had to be ready for a surprise attack, he couldn't handle losing anyone else. Hayabusa didn't even blink that night. Luckily nothing happened. When the weather got colder Kagura hugged the nearest source of heat, Hanabi. Hanabi was startled by the sudden cold touch, looked at the girl and went back to sleep.
---
Hanzo was startled by Hanabi's sneeze. He didn't think she would be affected by the rain, she was a ninja after all. He was hiding among trees, watching the three of them. He was jealous of Kagura and Hayabusa. Especially Hayabusa. He wishes she would love him instead of Hayabusa. He wanted to train together with her on a rainy day, brew tea for her, and sleep hugging her under the blanket.
He wanted to chat with her instead of Kagura, live in the same place, visit fairs together. At least he wanted to be her friend. But he knew he couldn't do this. Not yet.
He knew that Hayabusa was watching him, but leaving now might be suspicious so he stayed. He walked away when they go inside. He hoped she wouldn’t be sick. She couldn't dodge his attacks while she was sick.
He imagined the hatred in her eyes when they fought. He wanted the her feel some emotion towards him, even if it was hatred. He wanted to turn that hatred into love. He wanted Hanabi. He wanted his Scarlet Flower. He wanted her to be his. He wanted to be hers.
---
