Chapter 2
"Are you sure we can't stop somewhere and relax for a little while?"
They'd been traveling by bird three days now. Three days Tatsuya had been without the luxuries of her normal world. Three days of being taught the ways of the outdoors by an ever doting brother. And three days of learning of the new changes to the young mans body.
But more than all of that, they were the first three days of freedom in her life. And already, that feeling was life changing.
Back on the subject of changes, the young doctor had been utterly enthralled. Tatsuya knew as well as any how a ninja could defy the entire existence of plausible science. Being a doctor who dealt with the majority of shinobi wounds at Iwa's hospital, very little surprised her anymore. And while the two fully formed mouths, with tounges, that now resided on the artists hands were fascinating. It really wasn't them that had floored her.
No. The most shocking piece of this body modification had been the largest of the three. A mouth, also with teeth and a tounge. Right over his heart. The misplaced orifice made her skin crawl, watching the teeth gnash cleanly and excitedly.
"We should keep it sealed Dei. Until we have more chance to study it." Thank whatever God who answered her, that he'd actually listened.
"If we stop we risk being caught. You sure you want that?" The question brings her back to the present. Back to the reminder that she was soaring on the back of a clay bird. That her nails were dug so harshly into it it felt like one would snap. That were this a real creature it would have thrown her to her death already.
Tatsuya had learned to not look down on day one.
"And if we don't stop now, we won't be able to once you pop up in The Bingo Book." Perhaps she shouldn't be so smarmy while at the mercy of his abilities. And perhaps the annoyed look he gives is a warning for exactly that.
A different tactic then? "C'monnn. I've never gotten to leave Iwa. Take me somewhere fun before I'm fully devoted to the life of a criminal." Guilt etches in the lines of his face. One giant flap, then another of the construct's wings before they're changing angles.
The great beast cuts through the high altitude winds with ease, dark blue strands curling around her face and neck as they are pulled from the tie. The duo had long since passed the rocky ranges of home, skimming over towering tree tops and lush fields.
"...Dei?"
"You're always the voice of reason. I know of a village you're gonna like, so we're headed there." If he sees the sparkles in her eyes, he doesn't say a word. "We've got a new mission with our freedom. I'm gonna use my art to show you the beauty of the world."
"Starting with this." His hand ensnares hers, tugging her to her feet and towards the front of the bird. The tounge of that hand swipes across the flat of her palm. The garuantee of death at this height the only reason she doesn't immediately pull away.
Tatsuya isn't sure she'd class this as 'beauty' right now.
"We've got so many places we can go, Anee. I've got so much to show you! There are masterpieces everywhere if you just give it a chance." His sunshine smile is contagious, her anchor in life.
"What city is that?"
That lone eye follows her point, locking onto a sprawling expanse shrouded in clouds of foggy moisture. "Our first stop. The once hidden village, now tourist town of Yugakure."
~♤♡◇♧~
Tatsuya couldn't believe a place like Yugakure actually existed.
When she'd told Dei she wanted to go somewhere relaxing, this wasn't what she'd expected. It had taken them a few more days of travel, stopping at regular intervals for rest. And now, donned in a surprisingly breathable haori in royal purples and blacks. She was finally getting a chance to walk through the much more welcoming gates of a new city.
A city that boasted perfectly kept cobblestone roads. With well maintained buildings in perfect rows of back and forth modern and classic architecture. One with more life than the woman thinks she's ever seen on the streets of home.
Bright smiles, warm welcomes and happy civillians. A place that seems so idyllic to a non shinobi like herself. The Village Hidden in Hot Water. Already she was in love with a whole new world.
"Yu has almost completely dismantled their shinobi forces, the only ones really left act more like a police service if I remember correctly. We should be fine here for a few days." Blonde hair was already sticking to his forehead, the once proud emblem of Iwa that he'd scratched through currently missing. The artist had stuffed it in his pack before they'd broken through the woodline just outside of town.
"No reason to make my status known yet."
"So it really is a tourist trap? Does all this fog have something to do with it's attraction?" Her pack feels heavy over shoulder, gaze bouncing everywhere except to land on her traveling partner.
A bark of laughter draws her back. "For someone so smart you're so dumb sometimes." His eyes roll at the bright pink of her tounge sticking out. "This place is famous for the hotsprings. We'll have to find one you can use."
The taught flesh along her spine puckers and burns at the reminder.
"We'll also get supplies here, there was a really good market last time I came through on a mission." He's so quick to reorient her thoughts for her, as if able to read whats written in her head like a neon sign.
"So, an inn first then go explore? Yeah. That sounds good." Her voice fades away as the main of the city comes fully into view.
Steam tickles her nose, filling it with a heavy mixture of sulfer, salts and herbs. Its fitting for such a lively community, leagues away from the dour and stale earth that permeates Iwa.
The clean feeling it holds is a revelation that makes her want to stay forever. Soothing and easy on constantly irritated lungs. How long? How long had it been since the woman was able to take in a full breath of air without a catch. Without it causing a coughing fit so horrid red would stain her hand.
Maybe she didn't need to go on this journey afterall.
In fact, as her gaze wanders across the brightly colored banners and artisan designed buildings, something in this quaint city is telling her to stay. Something in these decorated looming buildings and calling vendors felt like it wanted her here.
That was one hell of a novel ideal. There had only been two people that gave her that, never mind an entire village.
"Buy one get one yakitori sticks!" "Fresh Udon! Made to order." "We have a special on kunai! Come get all your outdoor needs here!" Her head feels like its spinning, tilted on axis at the constant over stimulation presented.
She presses herself to the youngers shoulder, tucking and making herself even smaller than she is. "Is it always like this?" At first she wondered if he'd even heard, her whispered words swallowed by the crowd.
It was sensory over load, the calming scents of lavender and mints swept away by the savory aromas of bbq and teriyaki. Only to be smothered by the harsh sting of salts and sulfur as their leisurely pace takes them further.
Weight settles against her shoulders in a way that brings comfort. "Just about. Don't stray too far, alright? I know how bad your sense of direction is." A snort ripples through her, heat bringing color to otherwise pale cheeks.
"Thats putting it midly." The chatter of restaurant and bar patrons filters in one ear and out the other. Too much and too loud to ever hope to follow. She barely notices the way his arm drops.
Curious eyes meet her starry ones as they pass.
And its no wonder, the duo stick out like a sore thumb in her opinion. A strangely colored woman oogling everything around while the brightly dressed blonde drags her this way and that.
Compared to the locals, swathed in dark and nuetral tones they probably look like aliens.
"Damn. Never seen someone like you around here. Looking for a fun time, pretty thing?" Tatsuya can't stop the whole body flinch as a heavy hand falls on her shoulder. The obvious burn of sake on unkempt breath curls and clings to her senses.
Wide emerald eyes fall on a man taller and wider than herself, stringy black hair in a loose tie at the nape of his neck. Sweat stained clothes and graying stubble along his cheeks suggest he's just off work, uncaring in his appearance.
Panic bubbles in her gut at the leering expression that awaits her. "N-no. Just passing through." Her gaze darts this way and that, crowds of men and women blurring with the speed. The bright blue of her brother's clothing has dissapeared.
A stone lodges in her chest. It's so hard to breathe.
The stranger doesn't budge with the shake of her shoulder, nor the tremor in her voice. "If that's so you should join me and my friends. We've got a table at the best bar in town. We can show you everything Yu has to offer." Bright red, angry warnings flash in her mind.
A hand seals around her wrist without a chance to say no once more. A tiny whimper escapes her throat, lurching in the mans grip. Oh, Deidara was going to be furious. Hadn't he just told her not to stray?
And like an idiot she goes and looses him.
She wants to claw and tear at the man, rip at the dirty bandages that cover his hand and wrist. To scream and cry at the obvious way he plans to take advantage. To hide away from the pain that will surely come from this.
So why can't she?
Why does she feel so trapped? Locked inside the cage of her own body. Her muscles frozen solid and unwilling to budge. The power her being weilds unable to heed her call and come to her rescue.
Why does she feel like she's drowning?
"I'd appreciate it if you'd unhand my sister." A voice she normally knows for its carefree quality, now stone cold and threatening. "If you don't, you'll have a front row seat to some of my favorite master pieces."
As her gaze ping pongs between them theres an obvious shift, the aura of menace the artist puts out enough to make even her wilt. "Right. Of course. Sorry to bother you two."
As one man releases her, another grabs her up.
"Lets go." He's sharp, bristling like a porcupine. And rushed, moving them into a quieter section of town with a practiced speed that leaves her tripping over foot. It's the first in a long time she feels like she's dissapointed the younger.
"Dei." Gasp. "Otouto." Gasp. "I'm- I'm sorry." Tatsuya feels ridiculous, pathetic even, slamming into his back as his stride comes to a halt. Her skin crawls from the unwanted touch of a stranger. The otherside stings, purple forming under the digits that circle it.
"No." With a weary sigh that makes him sound the elder. "I knew better, I'm sorry." She can almost watch the tension roll out of his shoulders, loosening in the low din of an empty sidewalk. "We're gonna work on that though. I won't always be by your side."
Thats not a time she'd like to consider.
~♤♡◇♧~
"Help! Help, please! I need a medic! Someone!" High pitched, distraught, and panicked. Tones and inflections of fear that Tatsuya has heard many times before. A shreiking call of pain and terror that cuts through the air with a suddenness.
All coming from the inn they were heading straight for.
Sky blue and forest green meet, able to decide a course of action without a word. In a way only two as close as them could.
Deidara rushes off in a jog before her, dipping through a classic wood and paper door. The sharp curse that follows him has her picking up her pace.
Quaint. Classic. Homely.
Her field of vision slides over classic plank walls and green-beige tatami mat floors. The beautiful paintings and artfully placed vases of fresh flowers couldn't hold her attention for long. Nor the little reception desk tucked in the corner.
What did ensnare her focus, however, was the drip trail of blood that appeared from a still swinging set of doors. Traced toward the small sitting area.
Its the type of scene she hates to see.
A curtain of firey red hair blocks the majority of the details. A young woman, no older than Deidara, had her entire weight resting on the chest of an older man. A once white coat was stained dark with the life essence.
The mans blood seemed to stain everything in the vicinity.
Soft words don't reach the crying woman, despite the efforts of the blonde. "Theres a doctor coming, just hang on. She'll help your father. Don't worry."
As Tatsuya takes a step forward she has to admit. Its a level of injury she's rarely seen in a civillian. "I'm Dr. Tatsuya Ginhari, and I would say good afternoon if it still was one."
Her humor always falls flat in these times.
Every touch is exceedingly gentle, pushing blood stained hands away. Deidara is right there, quick to snag the young woman and push her away.
Not the worst injury, nor the best. But one that would absolutely be fatal without intervention.
"This is quite the mess. What happened here?" Her doctors tone is cool, almost unwelcoming. A no nonsense touch she'd learned of years of wrangling injured shinobi. As her weight replaces the pressure needed to help stem the blood. The injured mans groan is withered and weak.
Honestly, how the man is alive is a mystery even to her.
Dark ichor seeps into the knees of her pants as she kneels over him. Tatsuya's ginger as she moves the wet weighted material to reveal a deep stab wound, easily two inches in length.
"Please help my father! It was one of his knives, he had an accident." Panic bites at every word she hears. Followed by her brother attempting to sooth the young woman once more. The doctor doesn't say a word as dark blue eyebrows crawl to her hair line.
That was one hell of a knife.
Her kekkei genkai activates, power welling inside of her as bones shift to her will. Sleek ivory slides from the edge of her palm, fingers wrapping around it to beging her work. Damn, it's deep.
The thin bone blade in her hand rips the clothing away cleanly, giving her better access. Another pained groan fills the air as she inspects the offending wound. Is that a piece of rice? Tsk.
Because of course, the knife was a dirty one.
The doctor shifts her weight, snagging the strap of her discarded pack and dragging it close.
"I'm sorry Sir. I need to flush the wound and clean it first. I can't go leaving rice inside you, now can I?" The blue haired woman keeps her tone low and calm, willing him silently to be still.
A field medic she was not.
At least it would seem luck was on her side this time around.
Her right palm never let's up the pressure, worried at how his breathing had gotten slower and shallower. Her left shifts through the small front pocket of her bag, fishing fot a small sealed bag.
With a shove the pack moves out of the way, the smaller bag worked open with a practised ease. Confident movements fish a small bottle and sealed pouch of needle and wire. Tools of her trade that would save this fathers life.
With a steadying huff, she begins.
Just as soon as her hand is off the slice, the flush is being pushed into it. A pained yell comes from the older man, his wrinkled skin tensing and flinching. Too tired to actually move
Her teeth grind in sympathy as his whimpers and whines continue. Even as she uses a small amount of chakra to pull the last of the medicinal wash from the damaged flesh.
It feels like forever to her until finally, she can pull that tell-tale dusty green energy to her hands and apply it.
Tatsuya wills her chakra into the ragged opening, working and finding the deepest points to start on. The phantom feelings of tissue and muscle weaving and repairing whispers against her fingers as she pushes.
Leaning into the power is second nature, steady and streaming.
The discomfort in her stomach unknots itself as her patients gasping subsides into a steady rise and stretch of his torso. Though he still isn't out of the woods, this she knows. She pushes more of her chakra in, reworking and repairing the most extreme parts of the damage.
By the time its sealed enough for her to lean back, theres no idea in her head of what time it may be.
A heavy sigh falls from her lips, a small smile stretching as she cracks her neck and returns to work. Threading the needle smooth as ever and setting a strong knot. Theres no fight left in her patient, barely flinching as she begins. It takes her no time flat before she's tying off the other end of the sutures, a quick snip and she's breathing a sigh of relief.
As she gently and so slowly peels his shoulders up off the floor her attention moves to the young red head and her brother. "Miss. Your father will be just fine. How about we get him cleaned up and to bed, shall we?" Her smile brightens as the younger woman scampers over, clinging to the father as Deidara follows.
Slowly, the group moves the inn owner to his bed. His daughter, Mitsuri she'd learned, handling cleaning and getting him changed. A sweet woman who immediately took to calling her Big Sis.
A title she always took proudly, no matter what voice called it out.
Naroki, the man she'd patched up, had been eternally grateful. How he had even bounced back fast enough to offer her their room for the night she didn't know. Either a one off or a medical mystery, one that she didn't need to answer.
Even if a piece of her was outrageously curious.
"Is- is there anything else you need Big Sis?" She was in fact Deidaras age, not even old enough to drink yet. Tatsuya couldn't tell if the tremor in Mitsuris voice was the adrenaline still coursing through her or something else.
"Yes. One more thing. Is there a more private hotspring that allows for scars and tattoos?" Green eyes catch and hold her dark brown. Mutsuri gulps, gaze moving to Deidara who looks beyond infatuated. She'd have to tease his apparent red head preference later.
"Yes, there is one..."
~♤♡◇♧~
A deep groan leaves her, cutting through the still summer air.
With a deep breath the smell of sulfur fills her nose, as if submerging her completely. Every ounce of tension and tightness leaving as she sinks into the steaming water.
Small bubbles and waves push from the area as she dips in to her chin. Tilting back to rest dry hair against the rock rim of the pool. Every ounce of ever present tension slipping away as if sand through her fingers.
A cool wind ruffles dark blue bangs, adding a sigh to the chorus of the quiet night. Yes, if she ever gets to have a real home again after this she's either having her own built or living near one.
How dare her father keep her from something so heavenly.
I could live here. I'm a civilian doctor afterall, it wouldn't be that hard to change my last name. Could even just avoid going by one.
A slight splash and the water rippling against her skin alerts Tatsuya to another in the pool. That had to be Deidara, even if he was being unusually quite. Mitsuri had told her this was the least used hot spring, and at this late it should be empty.
Shouldn't it?
Was he just being considerate of her? Letting her zone out and just exist? He had always been so caring towards her. A soft hum vibrates in her throat, an almost silent question to her little brother.
"The fuck is a pretty thing like you doing in this spring?" The deep baritone voice doesn't have a chance to actually finish it's question over her sharp shriek.
Twisting to hide herself under the opaque water feels pointless, gripping at the most private of areas. Green orbs shoot open, bouncing and searching around the pool until they land on a wide figure at the other end. One thats leaning in and moving closer with easy movements.
He had to have been hidden by the thick clouds when she walked in.
"Anee?! What's wrong- Hey! Are you bothering my sister, un??" Her heart pounds as she shifts further away from the unknown, towards Deidara who'd came racing out of the men's changing room at her cry. Golden hair was loose around his shoulders, towel bunched haphazardly at his waist.
Nope. Nevermind. Hot springs were not an option for her apparently.
The blonde slides into the water next to her, pushing to stand just before her. His chest puffed towards the larger man with a glare she hasn't quiet seen on his face before.
No little brother.
Just a ninja.
Ready to protect and defend with his strength.
He's tense, wildly tense compared to even how he's been out on the road. Discomfort skitters down her spine, almost like she can feel the phantom burn of hands on her body again.
Not now. Please not now. Go away.
"Ahhha? The fuck? Chill pipsqueak. I was just asking the jumpy bitch a fucking question. Shit." Despite the mans cursing, she's never heard a voice like his.
Smooth. Relaxed. Confident.
Like the heady rumble of thunder that signals an oncoming storm.
A voice that a tiny part of her wants more of.
The rest of her just wants to avoid the being that wields it.
A shiver rolls across her skin as a heavy wind blows through the air, pushing the clouds from between them. if at all possible, Tatsuya sinks further into the warm waters.
She can't help it as her eyes rake over the now visible person.
The man who surprised her is tall. More than a head over both herself and Deidara easily, with slicked silver hair pushed away from his face. A strong jaw and a lopsided easy smirk on his lips. He's well built too, obviously a shinobi as the muscles under his skin coil and bunch. A strange pendant hangs from rosary beads suspended at his chest, shifting as he moves closer towards them.
Half lidded, bright eyes consider the siblings.
"Who the hell do you think you are?! I'll turn you into art for calling my sister names!" His smirk grows wild, eyes glinting in a way that sends a bolt of worry and slight fear through her nervous system. Like she can see the writing on the wall and no one else can.
A pale hand rests on the tanned arm before her, pulling ever so slightly. This will get ugly if it's not diffused.
Fast.
"Dei. I'm fine. I just didn't know someone else was here." Why must she always sound so timid? Her voice nothing more than a whisper on the wind. Still, the blonde doesn't back down. His glare actually hardens further.
Tatsuya's voice raises with her next statement, directed to the man watching them like a predator. Her gaze barely lifts from the bubbling surface. "I apologize for my outburst. I hope it's alright we enjoy this spring with you. It's actually my first time getting to."
It takes every ounce of false bravado for the woman to step out from her protection, flashing a small smile across the pool. All her body wants to do is wilt under his piercing stare. Wants to turn tail and run.
Except that would require turning her back on him.
Something that her every instinct is screaming not to do.
He stares them down a moment longer before shrugging and falling back into the pool with a splash, retaking his original seat. Stretched and languid, obvious in the way his body read that he knows he has control here.
"S'not like I own the place. I don't give a shit. So long as your little guard puppy stops fucking barking at me." The air around him shifts, attitude changing from deadly into something uncaring.
Lies. The voices in her head scream.
Even so, theres no movement to suggest otherwise.
Tatsu releases a small breath she didn't realize she was holding.
Deidara doesn't move as she pulls on him, he's almost bristling still glaring at the now seated man. "Hey. It's okay. Let's just relax for a little while. I want to give Mitsuri time to clean up before we go back."
It's really not 'okay'. But who is she to say otherwise right now?
At first she doesn't think Dei even heard her, taking a long moment before he deflates slightly. His nod gives her encouragement, moving to sit at the furthest point of the soaking pool. The dark haired woman's shoulder sag with relief, moving next to him and scooping the hair off his shoulders before it hits the water.
A grunt leaves the blondes throat at her actions, pink tinging his cheeks in obvious embarrassment. "Relax. There's no way this water is good for your hair. I'm just helping in the long run."
Again he doesn't respond, but allows her to do as she pleases. She wants to squirm, wants this uncomfortable tension in the air to dissapate. Instead, like the mouse she is, she twists the golden strands up into a bun and pinning it in place before taking a seat.
Deidara is tense as her shoulder rests against his, lacing their fingers together under the water to ground herself. A reaffirming squeeze comes from him as if saying Im here, I've got you. She hides her grimace at the mouth on his palm licking hers by letting her head fall back again.
So much for relaxing.
Minutes pass, falling away like sand in an hourglass, or tides of the ocean pressing to shore. At some point during their soak Tatsuya had let go, stretching away from her safety net.
The quiet was almost oppressive. The occasional gust of wind, and the bubbling of the springs all that was keeping the silence at bay.
Heavy.
Thankfully her heart had quelled sometime ago, thumping calm but heavy in her chest. Green eyes slide shut as the heated water finally forces her to relax. Darkness seems to be what she needs, mind wandering and exploring itself as time continues to march by.
"Miss Tatsuya? Noroki sent this over. He hopes you enjoy his gift." The soft voice stirs her from the reviere, eyes cracking open to meet the attendant who'd greeted her apon arrival.
An older blonde woman, with weight and smile lines that suggest to a happy lifestyle. She was slightly bent at the waist, her yukata sleeves slid up to her elbows as she held out a small high-sided tray.
More respect and propriety given to her than ever in Iwa.
It's not hard to turn in place, only having to tamp down the discontent at being interrupted and then having to reveal her shoulders. Wether or not the stranger in the pool could see them.
There's a faint splash, accompanied by the sound of drops falling from her arms back to the main body as she reaches out to accept the gift. "Oh, I will have to give him my thanks. And thank you, for bringing it out to me."
Her fingers barely miss the attendants as she takes the offering, bringing it down to peer inside. A small bottle of cool sake sits inside, condensation rapidly forming on the white ceramic. A thin blue eyebrow rises at the sight of three sake cups inside.
Was she really expected to share with a stranger?
"Ah, it is the least I could do after what you did for Noroki. When you're done just leave it in the changing room, please?" The fair haired woman gives her no more time for questions.
A deep bow before taking two steps back and turning to the front of the gates. Tatsuya returns to her previous position, pleased as the tray meets and floats upon the water.
It was the little things in life after all.
Drinking in mixed company could be considered the bane of ones existence in her case. The fear of showing her ass around others beaten into her countless times. But would it be worse to snub the thanks given to her?
Even as she pauses with those thoughts she can smell the bright floral and sweet scent of the liquor.
Tan fingers are reaching in from her peripheral, earning a sharp smack. "I don't think so, Dei." She all but hisses, glaring into the blue eyes of the culprit. "You're still underage and I am not taking that chance tonight." Her stance doesn't budge even as his lips pull into a pout.
A piercing bark of laughter comes from the other side of the pool.
Her muscles draw taught at the tell tale splashes of the silver haired man moving again. Viridian orbs watch as he slowly moves across the pool. "Old man Noroki, eh? Whatdya do to get that fucker sending you sake? He gets the best shit from Rice Country."
The man cracks a crooked smile at how warily she watches him, even as he sits back down. Closer but still not within reaching distance. "What? I don't fucking bite, unless you want me too." Svelt tones that curl around her overheated head.
Huh?
Deidara's strangled groan suggests something there flew straight over her head. Just like so many times before.
"So? Howd'ya get Noroki off his sake?"
"If you really gotta know, she healed him. Accidental knife wound." Did Deidara drop his voice a few octaves? What on earth was he trying to do?
She was going to get whiplash at this rate.
"Haa. Always told that old ass that karma was gonna fucking bite him." Wow this guys an ass. Wait. How does she still not have a name to go with this man? Surely he's heard both hers and her brothers by now.
A realizationthat she hates yet has no way to fight.
Tatsuya chews her lip, making the split second decision to pour a cup and hold it out to him.
An olive branch.
The elders of her clan would have bent her over for the fool she'd made of herself earlier, and the years of their teaching wouldn't let it lie till rectified. Deidara never had, and never would understand the toll that had been taken from her.
Ignoring yet another odd noise from the blonde to her left she leans further toward the silverette. It sounded like he would enjoy the drink, afterall.
"Would you join me, then? I certainly don't need all of it." Her gaze stays low as she hears his movements, shifting his own body weight towards her for the offered ceramic. The smallest brush of his fingers slide over hers, a small whimper in the back of her throat at the contact.
The small saucer is taken from her, almost as if she is just as breakable, allowing her to draw back. "Ahh, don't fucking mind if I do. As long as you toast with me." That draws her green eyes to bounce back up, widening slightly at his request. She nods, unable to speak as her tounge feels like lead.
Thank every diety out there that is seems Deidara, too, can't seem to speak.
With a small tremor in her hands she pours her own glass. A hand taps her leg from the left, Deidara checking in that she's okay. With a firm nod and small smile she shifts away from him across the seat ledge. Closer to the man who seems to be more a predator than anyone she's met before.
As she turns to the unknown with her cup lifted he's resting one elbow on the dry stone. Cheek pressed against the knuckles. Perfectly comfortable and at home. Like he knows she's uncomfortable, and is having a blast doing this to her.
Finally, she catches his eyes.
A vivid orchid pink, unlike any she'd ever seen before. Bright, glittering and beautiful.
He was like no one she'd ever seen before. Her stomach curls in an odd fashion. Something she'd never felt before as his glass clinks against hers.
Why did it feel so good?
"Kanpai!" Her tounge unstick itself, the politeness ingrained in her forcing the cheer through her teeth in time with his. The sake inside the saucers swish in time with the pool around them.
As she takes her first sip his is thrown back, placing the cup on the floating disc as he stands before her. "Ah! Yeah. That old ass really knows how to pick fucking sake. 'm gonna fucking melt if I stay any longer though." Heat blisters her cheeks at the blatant display of his abs in her face, a full smile splits his at her expression.
With a simple wave he pulls himself from the pool, walking back into the changing room without a glance. Good thing too. If he had, he'd have caught her staring at the planes and lines of his back as he walked. Several emotions flew through her as soon as he was gone. Relief, exhaustion, and something else she couldn't quite name.
"What the hell was that?" Blue eyes are already staring her down as she meets them. A half assed shrug, and the third cup filled before it's offered to the young man.
Suddenly too tired to deal with anything else. Even the curious judgement thats directed at her.
"I have no fucking clue. But I think you need this as much as I do right now."