Chapter 3
"So what exactly do you need me to get from the markets?"
Deidara had waited just long enough. Until she'd leaned back from her mortar and pestle, one custom made of black and white granite. The only one big enough to meddle her specific mix.
Tatsuya looks at the blonde over top of her reading glasses.
This new style he has is a good look.
Still the ever present large chunk of sunny blonde that hides his left eye. But now instead of a low pony tail at the base of his neck, the locks were shorter, half up in a high tail, the rest having free movement. He'd also swapped his heavier clothes for a plainer set of close fitting, short sleeve and pants.
Though, how that much loose hair was comfortable when their main mode of transportation was flight, she would never understand.
"My list is on the entry table. If you can't find something it's fine. I just don't want to run out if I can help it." And honestly a list it was. A request for replenishment on anything and everything used so far. Not to mention a wishlist for what could be her saving grace. Everything that she could tuck away inside a scroll should the need arise.
He would probably never offer to do her shopping again.
Deidara had been positively shaken at the multiple sealing scrolls she'd dumped from the bottom of her pack this morning. A veritable smorgasboard of things.
Food and cooking supplies. Excess medical supplies that could probably run a full fledged hospital. The very few keepsakes and family history that she still owned.
All neatly organized and hidden away.
Hell, even the majority of her wardrobe. Though not that she changed styles much. A creature of habit that was always destined to be.
Perhaps her time holed away in her house after she'd been left alone was too useful? Deidara had always mentioned her fuuinjutsu being the best he'd seen. She'd scoffed. Not believing him until even now she shook him with true surprise.
No matter, she'd needed every useful skill at her disposal to hide her truths from the clan.
His promises of being back with plenty of time for dinner steals her from the undesired memories, eternally a plague behind her eyes. With a short wave he was gone. The door clicking shut in his wake.
It makes way for silence to settle across her, neither loved nor hated. Simply tolerated as for the first time in over a week she's truly alone.
It's funny really.
After her father's untimely passing she'd lived several years of almost forced solitude. The only one willing to interrupt it being the younger blonde. But now, after being attached to his hip for a full week she finds it uncomfortable.
Oh, how uncanny it was.
How easily the way ones feelings toward isolation could change.
How when it was forced upon you by those you didn't want around, such a thing was essentially welcomed. And then again, being surrounded by lives you didn't mind and even some who had wormed their ways inside.
You lived for it, craved their companionship.
That easy companionship was the root. The reminder she wasn't dead and cold yet. That she had feelings and someone she cared for and wanted to see thrive. Those little, naturally occouring bits of life enough to anchor a weary dreamer into this realm.
The smacking of the mouth hands, the slopping of clay as it shifts behind those teeth. The slight nasal whistle in his breath that suggested his nose had been broken at least once and improperly set. Even the tapping of his foot or fingertips when he would sit and contemplate.
Tatsuya had never known the artist to actually sit still.
Her vision falls back on her work, chest clenching. A life of medication only to slowly and painfully die wasn't much of a life, was it? She wasn't ready to leave Deidara though. He still needed her.
And something. Something in this world called out to her to keep going. Even if her kekkei genkai wanted her dead, something in this world didn't.
For now, that would have to be enough.
~♤♡◇♧~
Time drifts away in a peculiar manner, as it always does when she's working.
The soft scrape of the pestle lets her mind wander away as she grinds the first ingredients. Dreams of healthy warm skin and happy laughter dance in her head as muscle memory guides her. Boiling water hisses as she strains it away from the soiled, swampy chunks to be thrown away. That same murky water hissing as it splashes and blends bright powders together.
The vast majority would balk at the strange mixture. Seeing the ingredients be connective tissues of wild beasts, fangs, and furs.
A last round of dried herbs of wafting floral teases the memories of inky black hair and vibrant purple eyes that carelessly twist through gentle meadows. Dirt flakes from rare crystals, transporting her to a time where it was three with toes buried in the silt of a muddy river bank.
The sharp stinging scent of cooking flesh tears her from the reviere, nose curling in disdain. All too real nightmares screech in her head, clawing and scoring in a desperate attempt to drown her. This always was the worst part of the process.
Her form of science was terribly mad and unconventional.
Horrid, bitter, a conglomerate of madness and desperation no one should be subject to. Days and days of trial and effort. Failure after failure. Blood, sweat, and tears. Countless nights spent researching with blood shot eyes and a prayer on the back of her tounge. How many days had she spent sick as a dog and miserable?
All in a desperate attempt to give her little brother a chance at a full life.
A smooth and warm voice calls to her from the deepest recesses of her memory. A voice that makes her lungs contrict and chest ache. One that she would have gone through an eternity of hell if it meant she would have succeeded in saving him. Anything if it meant she'd saved Isonori the fate that awaited them.
The same fate that awaited every kekkei genkai holder of their mother's family before them.
If only that had been the only thing she had to worry about. That was the only saving grace, that he hadn't had to deal with this. It would live and die with her, and her alone.
It had taken so many years to make the headway she had. A rare crystal from Wind Country that, when ground, kept the relapses into bloody coughes and too little oxygen to the minimum. Even if the odd little mineral made the potion taste like four day old shinobi underwear.
She'd take only having to take it once a week for that return.
As fine dusts dissolve into the light blue liquid the suffocating odor starts. Rancid, sour. It sticks to her nose and throat. A suffocating sulfuric tang that threatens what little health she has.
Shit. Forgot the windows.
Her eyes water and burn as she stumbles up to her feet, pins and needles from sitting too long making her trip over herself. With a groan she throws the window open the second her fingers touch the ledge, shaking the aches and discomfort from her legs.
Clean, steamy air chases out the sour smell building in the room. Choking and coughing on the sharp sting that irritates the back of her throat. A shuddering inhale helps clear the ache that begins forming behind her eyes.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
"Tats. You're an idiot some days." Her eyes pinch shut, fingertips massaging her temples. With another heaving gasp of fresh air she's turning from the window, completely missing the silver haired man from last night pausing mid step on the street below.
And the curious glance he sends toward the small coughing fit.
Nose scrunched and huffing she falls back to the cushion in front of the chabudai where her equipment is spread about. A full beaker finds itself gently placed on a heating burner. Already she can hear the low bubbling as it comes to a low simmer.
This preparation isn't much of a taxing process, though it is an important one that takes some hours to complete. Another six months of time she'd purchase with doing this now. Well worth it considering she didn't know her next opportunity.
And every god out there knew her biggest fear now a days was a backslide.
The risk of being worthless, coughing up blood and tissue while Deidara would have to care for them both. The fear that they'd borh be caught because of her. That he would suffer with being unable to leave her.
She was doing this for him.
Mindless clean up comes next, heralding the end of muscle memory and a relaxed countenance. Soon she'd have to come back to reality. Soon this little reprieve would be over.
The first step back to the real world is returning everything to their scrolls while bringing the small corked glass bottles out. Watching the liquid change colors from blue to a deep royal purple is like watching the sands of an hourglass.
Seeing the silvery shimmer of the cosmic ebb and flow signals the final steps of the process.
In all honesty, despite how unpleasant the whole thing is, it's also oddly therapeutic.
The mundane, easy repetition of the whole process the perfect filler for idle hands and a mind that doesn't like to stop. Tatsuya switches off the burner as once again the awful smell becomes over powering. The telltale sign that the heating process is done.
She doesn't remove the beaker from the burner, oh no.
That was a lesson learned a few years ago.
A glass beaker shattering as she'd sat it on the cool stone counter in her homes workspace, unprepared and too shocked to react. Sharp shards had embedded in soft flesh in the aftermath, her kekkei genkai being the only saving grace. The bones in her body shifting to create a plate armor just under the surface.
That mess had taken ages to clean. The viscous dark liquid staining her skin and parts of the floors and walls. Even to this day the smell was stuck in the carpet and walls of that room. A constant reminder of just how volatile what she was doing actually is.
It really was suffocating in such a strong concentration.
Perhaps it could be made into an aresol? Surely it could incapacitate those with sensitive noses as is. Or maybe a new compound using it to create some sort of paralyzing gas?
This seems like a better train of thought over the real problems in life.
~♤♡◇♧~
Dying, glittering sun is barely making it's way through the blinds when the bomber finally returns.
He'd found her cross legged on a cushion, feet tucked neatly underneath. Green eyes held captive by the dust and water particles mixing and floating in the light beams of a dying sun filtering into the room.
Warm oranges and reds light up the tatami floors in a brilliant display. The wisps of steam whipping around themselves in a entrancing dance, like lovers never truly destined to be one.
As soon as they get close to merging, lithe fingers trail through them. Twisting and turning to ruin their reunion once more. A perfect example of life itself.
"You good Tats?" She finally looks up to him as he closes the door behind himself. A large shopping bag is dropped at her feet as he takes the cushion next to her. A few owlish blinks at the concerned teen reorients her in the real world once more.
Part of her wonders where she had gone this time.
The other part doesn't want to admit the way her mind travels and how she becomes so lost. Drifting between existence and nothing in the darkest corners of her head, where she dared to believe there was a future still.
How she'd seen visions of her tomorrows in the copper afterglow.
"Sure am. You think we could infuse a gas into your clay to release a cloud on detonation?" The words tumble from her before she can think it over, tripping over themselves to get away from the self loathing that thrums inside.
She already has ideas. Ideas to assist him, well past the point of her being useful. Ideas that will carry him to a brighter tomorrow.
Hair-brained ones that will probably shorten her already ending life with noxious fumes and deadly chemicals. And at the very least, will probably end in her being more mentally fucked than she already is.
Good times. Good times.
Gobsmacked. Deidara's eyes are wide, mouth slightly open as he attempts to process her question. "I.. uhnn?"
"Sorry. Sorry. We'll table that for later. The mad scientist was in control." With a gentle smile she pats his shoulder. Pushing all the chaos to the back of her head with a middle finger. All to focus on the now very concerned look he gives her.
Deidara had only just started figuring out all the real ins and outs of his new abilities. And Tatsuya knew his brain didn't work likes hers did. "So. What all did you get, Otouto?" Changing subjects would have to do.
A look of pride etches itself into the lines of his face, grin widening.
The surprise she recieves is incredibly pleasant.
"Iwa has nothing on this place. I think you're gonna be happy." His bounty is tipped onto the cleaned chabudai with clacks, thumps, clicks and rattles. Unabashed glee lights his face with normally disguised youthfulness.
Before her is a treasure trove, veritable gold.
Shiny crystals and gemstones from all spectrums of the rainbow glitter in her gaze, their falls to the wood softened by animal hides, furs and feathers. Some items that she's never had a chance to work with and trial, such as pocupine quills and dried corals make her fingers itch.
"Thats the understatement of the century, my beloved little brother." Excitement wells in her like a geyser about to blow it's cap.
A ruby red mineral stone rolls in her palm, casting a beam of light this way and that as it catches the sun. It didn't matter one bit that he couldn't find a few things. A multifaceted peacock blue gem is cool to the touch, seperating everything into piles. One in brilliant emerald matches the shade of her eyes as it dissapears into a scroll.
"Hang on, I got you something else too." Her attention slides, landing on two hardback books. He's so proud, grin wide as they're pushed to her hands.
A thick tome bound in high-quality tanned leather and one of sturdy paper saturated in a rich peach.
The sharp crack of the spine as it opens feels like coming home, wafting the undertones of leather and parchment to curl around her senses. Herbal Obscure. It's value is immediately apparent, rare medicinal herbs being detailed on each page.
Benefits, dangers, appearance, even how to find them.
Impossibly useful.
The doctor is almost reverant in setting the heavy book down, gaze falling to the other. Something much more trivial, yet appreciated all the same. With a cover like this it must be fiction, a couple running to nowhere. Scribbled hearts resting all around them.
Icha Icha Paradise.
"It's part of a series, the first one. I was looking at it while picking up more clay. They said it was super popular, and women really seemed to like it. Thought it might be good to break up the flights." Nerves and uncertainty seep into his words, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.
An amused hum vibrates from the back of her throat, dragging the younger into a tight hug. He's rigid, arms slow to come up and rest along her shoulders."Thank you, for always thinking of me."
That rigidity slips away, hold tightening on her much smaller frame. With it the shinobi is gone, leaving a pair of chosen siblings "Of course. I promised to take care of you like the finest of art."
His voice is soft, murmured just for her to hear. "Not gonna stop now."
She wouldn't be able to leave him, even if she wanted too.
"Alright, alright, yeah. That's enough sappy now." Tatsuya lets him push her away, laughing under breath at the deep hues visible on his cheeks. "You gonna check it out?"
"Of course, of course."
Pages flip easily and smoothly under practiced hands, landing on a page roughly half way through. There will be no rest for her otherwise, the artist almost bouncing in his seat. His chin comes to rest on her shoulder, looking over it to the page she'd opened-
- and slammed shut with the first paragraph read.
No way could she look him in the eyes, the words she'd read burned behind her eyelids like permanent fixtures. - Then with an eagerness she couldn't begin to describe Tristan's tounge worked along her. Elizabeth couldn't hold her moans back, unbelieving at just how good he could make her feel-
Red blisters across her face at even rethinking of the explicit novel. "I- uhh. Gosh, Thank you Dei. I'm sure I'll find some time to read it later." Far, far away from him.
Or maybe even never.
Perhaps she'll just throw it in the trash one day when he isn't looking.
Would he even care?
His face is just as red as hers, maybe worse as he puts some distance between them. "Oh. Yeah. Yeah. Of course." Her mind screams in sharp embarrassment. Dreading the figurative canyon that forms so quickly its like the world is ending.
He can't even look her direction.
Fantastic.
"Wha- What else did you get?" The lone bag still holding its contents is her scapegoat. Anything would do. Anything to get out of this awkward moment.
Her skin crawls with discomfort.
"Oh." And just like that the strangeness of the moment before is gone. Their shared focus is dumped between them, in a space a little bigger than necessary. There's no reason to bring up his distance.
Her expression morphs to surprise. Mouth slightly open and eyes wide as his turns to a lesser formed embarrassment, scarlett mellowing to salmon with a small smile. "I wanted you to teach me." As if she'd ever say no.
Scrolls upon empty scrolls. Calligraphy pens of various weights. "I'm not gonna lie. I was a little jealous at how much you brought with you. So. Please?" For the first time in years, a true belly laugh leaves her. Happiness soaking in her every pore.
With her eyes shut, she misses the fond and loving smile Deidara casts her way.
~♤♡◇♧~
Their next destination wasn't terribly far, setting out the next morning with sweet goodbyes, as well as a gift from Mitsuri and Naroki. Fresh, cooked to-go meals and a few odds and ends to help their journey. It had been surprisingly hard to not freeze under the bone crushing hug from the young woman.
Bright, sunny skies herald their exit from Yu, running the three day travel into new territory, Takigakure. The Village Hidden by the Waterfall. A straight line path through towering forests and sunny, wildflower fields that would take them into the Country of Waterfalls itself.
Tatsuya knew this was a direct decision made by Deidara, the need for her to be in better shape resting on both of their shoulders. By civillian standards she was fit, all lean muscle. But for shinobi? Barely a Chuunin, a second class ninja who would be overpowered and killed in an instant.
Weak and weighing him down.
"Keep up, Anee! You gotta be able to hold your own till I can turn 'em into art." Tounges stick out from three mouths with the tease. The blonde keeping just out of her reach for the multi day treck, knowing a physical fight wasn't completely off the table.
In theory this was reasonable, of course.
But to the doctor her little brother had just submitted her to hell. No longer was the humid heat of Yu appreciated, now suffocating and threatening her collapse as they race from its presence.
Her discomfort was palpable.
Wet strands of oceanic hair cling to the nape of her neck, face, and the tops of her shoulders.Skin that hadn't seen the light of day in years due to the harsh raised lines that snaked across it.
Tatsuya wasn't sure what was perspiration and what was the water that rested in the atmosphere. Het dark, thin t-shirt clinging to her torso and back in even darker blotches. It sat heavy on her form, weighing her down and willing her to return to Yu.
To return to safety and the offering of a home.
Run. Rest. Run. Eat. Rest. Repeat on and on as the sun rose and fell. Rose and fell again.
Her lungs burned. Every muscle in her body screamed in protest. There was no relief, no respite in sight. Every inhale tickled in the back of her throat, threatening with every exhale.
Dappled sunlight dances between herself and the blonde. "How do you ever hope to keep up with me? You're so slow Tats!"
And this was the dangerous game he would play every day.
Goading and teasing her endlessly with anything and everything he could think of. Miniature explosions would go off, preventing her from even the tiniest bit of rest until he said so. Little comments that would irritate and drive her to close the gap between them, just for him to dance away once more. It had always and apparently will always work against her.
"Just a little more!" "Whoops! Almost got me that time." "Gotta be quicker than that!"
Gods she wanted to wring his little neck. If only she wasn't completely jello by the time he'd called their travel each and every night.
He knew she didn't have the energy to fight back as he dotingly patted her head. Knew there was no strength as he guided her towards a felled log that would make the perfect seat. "Don't you worry." Smug. Smug. Smug.
"I'll take care of our camp for the night while you rest those tired civvy legs." He'd barely dodged the ivory spike that lodged into the tree next to him. Blonde strands trapped and fluttering in the muted wind.
His laughter followed him through the trees as he set off, leaving her to soak in some of the last embers of sunlight. The night sky would take over soon, bringing a chill and twinkling, bright silver that was hidden by the thick tree branches above.
For a brief moment she considered coming back to star gaze in the fall. Lieing beneath these ancient canopies in Autumn must surely be a sight to behold.
As if she would make it that long.
Feeling returns slowly to her legs thanks to a constant effort at working cramps from her calves and thighs. An endless scape of knots and angry muscles no matter where her hands land.
With any luck she'll regain the ability to walk before the small pond nearby was too cold. It was a discovery made on the first night, these little pools turned ice cold once night set on the heavily forested country. Though to be able to wash the sticky stain of sweat and salt from her form was more than worth it.
It was no hot spring, but it would do.
Already, the dreamer wished for days spent livingly comfortably in the peaceful city. Begging the world to give her the relief she'd once found. The heavy catch in her lungs and the sharp sting in her chest acting up even worse the further they drew away. As if there was something in that city that was keeping it at bay.
Just another thing to deal with.
~♤♡◇♧~
Yet again, she's amazed by somewhere new.
Would every place they go to be so radically different than the one before it? Would these adventures around the world ever actually get boring?
Takigakure was nothing like the other cities. Where as Iwa was cold and hard, and Yu was relaxing and inviting. Taki was rejuvenating and yet...
Unwelcoming.
She didn't get it.
How could somewhere so stunning be so...
So distant?
Taki was less village, and more living tree houses. A complete juxtaposition between natural and man made. Tatsuya wasn't sure where the forest had ended and the village had started. Ancient tree trunks giving way to suddenly offer them a high wall and gate.
Dark, stern gazes watched their every move, even after being allowed entry to the tree dwelling city. Her licensing recieving the highest of scrutiny before being allowed through. "There better not be any trouble with you two. And don't plan to stay long."
The way her identification had been roughly shoved back into her hands was wholly unnecessary.
It seemed Deidara was still able to fly under the radar, Hitate-ate hidden deep within the confines of his bag. That was a blessing at least. He'dalready warned her that once his face appeared in the book, he wouldn't be able to just walk into a city.
She can hear the roar of the villages namesake from the main path, following it deep within the green scape. The place is simply beautiful, wrapped so tightly within nature that theres no telling where it ends and civilization begins.
Narrow roads of crunching dirt and stone lead them past towering trees and built in structures. This lands homes blending in perfectly and hidden from the elements by the great canopy boughs above. Feet thump steadily over bright crimson painted planks of a raised bridge.
Emerald eyes glitter, reflected back in the rushing river underneath. Beady eyes of small fish stare back before slicing through the rough waters and dissapearing. Waterfowl that ride the waves making a fuss at her stares before they too move on with their lives.
Wildlife called from all around her, songs and sharp yells from birds large and small alike. There's the caw of a crow, and the haphazard choices of the mockingbird that mix with species she's never seen or heard before.
The long and sharp call of a hawk, similar to the ones back home, yet higher pitched silences each of the others. A beat, then another, before life bursts in this little haven once more.
All the while, the shrub line that presses close to their knees shakes and shuffles with movement.
Could that be village children? Playing and practicing future skills to their hearts content?
Or more of the native wildlife? Iwa was sparse, barren. Hard to survive in. The steep cliff faces and rocky terrain not suitable for much but the hardiest of creatures.
But here? Here they should be overflowing with animals of all shapes and sizes.
Foxes, raccoons, rabbits. Even lizards and snakes. More than likely a fair share of insects too. According to her readings, all these things would be in abundance here, right?
Tatsuya had always been curious to know what they would feel like. The way plush fur felt under hand as she worked it would surely feel different on something living. Softer, more real. Wouldn't it?
The human body did.
Warmth encases her always chilled hand, pulling gently to stop her from entering the bushes. "How about we don't get accidentally seperated in every village, hmm?" Mirth and amusement sparkle in his visible eye.
Rosy dust crests her cheeks, laughing it off. His direction is taken willingly, back toward the path and away from the depths of overgrown woods.
Neither one notices the angry shuffle of the shrubs.
Despite the way the village center opens up in a bright and lively manner, that feeling of being unwelcome returns ten fold. Eyes from every direction take in their every move. Each conversation they pass shushing only to pick back up in whispers. Even the kids, slowing in their runs and stalling with a ball to watch the duo curiously.
She feels ostracized.
Just like back home.
Her gaze turns back to Deidara, shoulders tensing as she notices the hard set of his jaw. "Otouto? What's going on?" The doctor sounds meek to her own ears.
"Not sure. But whatever it is, they're not fond of visitors. I don't think we should stay long." She can barely hear him, so under his breath the words are. Reassurance comes from the heat of his palm seeping through her shirt, resting on her shoulder to anchor them together.
So much for getting an inn.
Her teeth scrape on her lower lip, pulling at the tender flesh. "Think we can get a bite for lunch before we go?" The civillian in her was desperate for real food. Not supplements. Not fish from the river. Something not lacking in flavor out of necessity.
Something cooked by hands other than hers.
"So long as it's fast. I have a bad feeling." Though as he mentions it, so does she. The sharper than average stare she can feel on her back, the way her skin prickles and pulls under the heated gaze.
A flash of green that almost blends too perfectly with the landscape and it's gone.
Why did that make the stone in her gut feel even heavier?
The siblings move in tandem, Tatsuya ducking under a well crafted, richly colored Nobori as Deidara lifts it. The dark blue fabric falls once more as they step up to a set of barstools. Her mouth waters at the heady scents of savory broths and cooked meats.
"Ah? Welcome, young travellers. Haven't seen to many of you lately. Have you traveled far?" The man she assumes is the chef and owner greets them. It's like whiplash, the sharp change in behavior between those suspicious outside and his relaxed countenance.
"We had an easy trip from Yu, in Hot Water Country. My sisters had this trip planned for a while." Her shoulders ease from the easy lie Deidara gives. "Is there a reason there hasn't been many visitors lately?"
Only to tense once more at grimaced smile that points their way, laugh lines and wrinkles arcing and twisting in a way that makes it much more unwelcome. "Can't say I'm surprised news hasn't reached there. This lot of ninjas always were more secretive than the other villages."
Her attention slides to a younger man with similar features to the owner before returning to their unaware informant. Glass and utensils clink in her periphery. No judgement from him unlike those a few seats down.
"There's been several attempts made by Iwa to infiltrate these walls. Word on the street is they're planning on invading soon." Her stomach drops just as the fresh noodles do, sizzling and steaming in a hearty broth that under normal circumstances would have her ravenous.
"There were these great big explosions a while back that even we felt. They've been panicked ever since. Got these people looking at everyone like they're the enemy." Twin bowls of dark ceramic are filled and set before them as if he hadn't just told them of a nightmare.
Oh. Shit.
Was this all because of them? This scrutiny and mistrust wasn't possibly the result of a chain reaction caused by Deidara's explosions and their bid for freedom. Was it?
The emotion she finds in a lone blue eye does nothing to quell her worries. Only amplifing it if anything. He'd told her from the beginning, it was only a matter of time.
Iwa would absolutely send squads of ninja out for them once they'd figured out what happened and regrouped.
Once exictable steam of wafting pork and veggies now feels sour in her nose. "As I said, this village has always been close knit and tight lipped. Might I recommend you moving on quick?"
Coin clinks and rattles in hand, passed over to complete the transaction. "They won't bother two young pups like yourselves much, but they aren't gonna be accommodating either. Even regular villagers have been getting side-eyed strangely as of late."
"Of course, thank you for the advice. And for this delicious food." The chopsticks feel incredibly heavy in hand, all smooth wood and well made edges.
A testimate to this lands wood-working ability.
The burst of flavor on her tounge is wholly welcome, only bittered by the dangerous reality of the situation. "We're gonna have to make for Grass Country right away." The artist whispers in her ear, the ghost of air making her shiver.
"I can't get us on a bird in these thick trees. Not without a giant scene."
And a scene she did not want.
Not with how many already watched them. They didn't need any more.
"No. You're right. Lets eat quick and get on the move. You did say it would be a risk to come back this close." Nevermind the fear that skittered up her spine at the idea there were Iwa members in those thick woods. Waiting for them.
But it really is a shame they can't stay.
This particular food stall owner had been so generous, offering them such vital information for nothing but the cost of their meal. A meal that had Tatsuya wishing she could take more with her.
The delightful crunch of panko breading on seared squash and cucumber. The fatty bits of pork belly mixed with melt in your mouth meat. A broth thick and savory of blended spices, herbs and salts. Perfectly thick noodles that lacked the awful doughy taste that was oh so common in Iwa.
There's something to be said as she doesn't jump when the artists hand clasps her elbow, the tounge in his palm animatedly licking over her skin. She'd probably gotten way too used to that, way too fast. Her stool scrapes as the duo stand, the blonde quickly making his way for the exit.
"Thank you, for the wonderful meal. One of the best ramens I've had!" She would shower the gentleman in compliments if she could. Would make this a regular meal if they could stay.
Hearty laughter follows her out the nobori. "Then if you ever get the chance, visit Ichiraku in Konoha! I swear that old man puts my work to shame. Travel safe kids!" Silently, she promises to try to follow that advice as the nobori once again seals across the doorway.
There's no point in trying the markets, words of wisdom still rolling in their heads. Though there is something much more palpable and ominous in the winds as it fluffs and plays with her hair. A vicious warning that claws and carves itself into her.
The duo are given as wide of berth as possible along the main street of Taki, their exit to safety. They're eyed warily and with heavy suspicion as Deidara tugs her off to a side street. This residential district is just as beautiful as the main, unfurling into what should be a sign of happy homes.
Idyllic.
The scared looks from children as they clutch their toys is anything but.
Instead it's a scathing reminder of exactly just what this life had to offer. False fantasies and happy dreams that would burn to ash and only leave empty shells once it was done with you.
Her tounge sits leaden and heavy behind her teeth, unwilling and unable to voice her thoughts. The artist seems to be the same, taking a step closer as his hand finds home in the clay carrying pouch on his side.
A darting flash of gold drags her eyes away from the prize, away from the Torii gate that signals their escape. A flash of color that screams through her head and squeezes the life from her lungs at the only thing her mind can conjure as the owner.
The steady brush of two fingers against the inside of her wrist pries her from the jaws of terror. Reorients her to the distrusting gazes that still follow them. Prepares her for the pause just inside those gates by a similar pair as them, man and woman with arms crossed.
Trouble screeches in her head. Warning bells ring like a fire alarm, daunting and anxious. Eager adrenaline floods her veins, arms and legs tensing for the worst.
The dark haired woman of the pair holds open a book, the Bingo Book name glaring brightly at her in red from the cover. And suddenly, it feels like every breath could be her last. "Aue. You're the two that Iwa are looking for. Nuke-nin Deidara and Ginhari Tatsuya."
Oh. Shit.
Was that becoming her new catch phrase?