#sakura incense

[lyn-ne]

Text post memes i made in regard of my college au! (But can be read as current timeline)

#project sekai #akito shinonome #kohane azusawa #an shiraishi #toya aoyagi #akikoha #rui kamishiro #nene kusanagi #ena shinonome #mizuki akiyama #mizuena #antoya #ruinene #sakura incense

[brainrot-of-a-thot]

breathe me in.

or, what they smell like, featuring: bofurin + jo togame

a/n: a request that I couldn’t say no to. I’m the type who fucking loves cologne and boys who smell good, like, it drives me feral. gimme a whiff of that good good and I’m fucking gone.

c/w: really not any warnings here, just a headcanon list for what I think the wbr boys smell like

hajime umemiya’s scent, at its core, is clean. his skin always smells like he’s just been freshly showered, even in the middle of the day. it’s hard to detect what scent of body soap he uses, but it completely wipes away the scent of body odor.

this clean-smelling trend applies to his clothes, too. you know the smell of clean clothes fresh out of the dryer, when they’re all warm and and fluffy? yeah, umemiya’s clothes always smell that way — the only thing missing is the blast of heat when you open the dryer door.

umemiya isn’t particularly fond of cologne, though he does like aftershave and deodorant. usually, he prefers to use scents that aren’t too overpowering. they’re strong enough to be detected, but not to overwhelm the nose of anyone who gets close to him. it’s one of those scents that you’ll catch a brief whiff of and immediately want to dive straight into the source to smell it more clearly.

sakura haruka doesn’t even own a pillow, don’t expect this boy to own a bottle of cologne.

but that doesn’t mean he smells bad — it’s quite the contrary. sakura is meticulous when it comes to bathing, and he does so often; that being said, the strongest scent you’ll detect from him is that of his body soap, shampoo, and laundry soap.

what makes sakura’s scent so interesting is that his shampoo actually smells flowery. you can’t scent it unless you get extremely close to him, but when you do, it’s unmistakable — it’s the scent of rose oil.

it’s unclear whether or not sakura even realizes that he uses girl shampoo, or if maybe he just doesn’t care, but either way; it’s a shocker for a boy to have that kind of scent, but it’s also pleasant. you can be close to him without feeling overwhelmed by the scent of man.

oh, and his clothes; they smell of fresh linen and contain a twist of something more fragrant — sakura definitely uses scented dryer sheets when he dries his clothes.

have no doubt, pretty boy burns incense in his room — constantly. so, suo hayato doesn’t need cologne.

the scent of his incense is embedded permanently into his clothes. even multiple thorough runs through the washer can’t take it out. suo likes to switch up what incense he burns on a monthly to bi-monthly basis, and so his scent tends to change accordingly. he’s a large fan of incense with muskier smells, such as patchouli and frankincense, though he will occasionally dabble in the lighter scents like myrrh and vanilla.

all in all, he smells good, even without cologne — thanks to his top-notch hygienic care and incense smoke.

you know that boy in middle school who just discovered how to mask his body odor after gym with a liberal spray down of axe? yeah, that boy resides inside the body of sixteen year old akihiko nirei.

baby boy has a decent skill set, but body spray moderation is not included. it’s wholesome yet exasperating at the same time — nirei doesn’t even realize that he makes people’s eyes water when he gets to close, and he acts as if the sudden sneeze fests that erupt around him are mere coincidence. his scent is so overpowering that you can smell him all the way across a large room the second he walks in.

fret not, he does learn to tone it down — but he still uses body spray that smells like it belongs on a pre-teen rather than a high schooler.

man smells fuckin’ spicy — in a good way.

a fan of brands such as dior, tom ford, valentino, and givenchy, jo togame’s got an endless supply of fancy glass bottles lined up on a wall shelf. depending on his mood, he will generally switch up between tom ford’s oud wood and givenchy’s gentleman — both of which he applies in moderation.

rather than spraying it on his clothes, togame opts to let a few drops soak into the skin of his wrists and neck — if he’s feeling extra, he may even apply some along the length of his collar bones. but for the most part, togame prefers to use the cologne as a key ingredient within a bigger recipe, so to speak.

his hair is always soft, and smells fresh and clean. it doesn’t have a particular scent, so it’s pretty clear that he doesn’t use any kind of perfumed shampoos. the scent is simply clean. this also applies to his skin, save for the parts that are soaked in cologne.

I started going fucking feral writing togame’s ngl; I just knoowww this mans loves his colognes and can distinguish them by scent alone. god he’d smell so goooood

#wind breaker #wind breaker x reader #windbreaker #windbreaker x reader #jo togame x reader #haruka sakura x reader #hajime umemiya x reader #hayato suo x reader #nirei akihiko x reader

[a-998h]

When You're Gone

@sunnysolaria requested this idea.

Tw: reader death, illness, and angst

*I'm not responsible if you ignore the trigger warnings*

(Included characters: Venti, Zhongli, Ei, Nahida, Itto, Wander, Diluc, Cyno, Xiao, Neuvillette, and Xianyun)

They thought gods couldn't get sick. You had come down with an illness. At first they thought you would pass it and get back to normal, but you seemed to get worse. All the best healers from every nation tried to help you, but it didn't work. You sepnt the last week, in pain and coughing. It hurt them, and they were hurt even more when you started to cough up blood. No one wanted you to die, yet they couldn't do anything to make you feel better. Eventually, you had succumb to your illness.

Venti

His tears are hidden

On the outside, he's the same old Venti but on the inside he is crying

A constant visitor to the shrine in Mondstadt, always with a bouquet of Calla Lillies and Snapdragons

Keeps a piece of your jewelry with him

His drinking becomes a lot worseIt's not fun for him anymore, it's a way to make the pain of your death go away

He's lost so many friends, and now he's lost you, his creator

Writes songs dedicated to you, to handle his emotions in a better way than drinking

Whenever he over drinks, he hears your voice scold him

Looks for anyone or anything that could be your second reincarnation

Your festival is celebrated with more energy, only to help the people deal with the lose of you

Your shrines become more decorated in order to make your soul feel at home

Candles are lit in order to guide you home to Mondstadt

on windy days he swears your voce can be heard on the wind

Zhongli

Silence

He avoids you grave

Not because he doesn't care, but he just can't handle it

He lost his wife, and many of his other friends during the archon war

Your young age made him think you would have a little more time

But he feels upset for being wrong

Is one of the main people in charge of the preparations for your funeral

Once your funeral ends, he visits the Liyue shrine with flowers and your favorite food

He cries, you were his grandchild and now you're gone

He shuts himself away in order to process his emotions

Once his emotions are handled, he tries to help others mourn in a healthy way

Walks through Liyue Harbor to reminisce on the memories he shared with you

He swears he can hear your voice whenever he walks past your favorite places

The day you died, people relase lanterns to guide your soul to Celestia

Ei

She cries

She lost her friends and sister, now you

Beats herself up over not making a puppet for your soul like she did for herself

If she wasn't leaving the Plane of Euthymia then, she wasn't leaving now

Stills creates a doll version of you, to have some part of you with her

Leaves sakura blossoms in the local shrine

She starts to reconsider her stop in the pursuit of eternity

She now tries to have a better connection with those close to her

Your death taught her something

Walks around Inazuma to your favorite spots

Sometimes, she swears your voice is heard by the puppet and herself in the Plane of Euthymia

Dolls of you become popular

She holds the doll of you close to her heart

Fireworks are lit to light your souls way home

She can still hear you aspirations and dreams and she wants to make them come true

Nahida

Remember how she cried when erasing everyones memories of Rukkhadevata?

Yeah, she's crying

You were a dear friend to her

She would visit you in your dreams to make you feel better

Plans a funeral in Sumeru for you

Vists your shrine every chance she gets

Talks to your resting place like you're still alive

She holds her other friends closer now

Pushes for more studying of medicine, so no one else suffers like she is

Cherishes the time she spend with you in your dreams

The hoildays about you are celebrated with an air of grief

Incense and flowers are placed on a path to lead your soul to Sumeru

Her walks through Sumeru causes her to get teary eyed

During the Sabzeruz festival she swears she sees brief flashes of your presence at the different stalls and games

Furina

Tears

Locks herself in her room to mourn

You were a best friend to her, and now your gone

Makes laws saying that no one can name an animal or other person after you

Makes your birthday a nation wide holiday in Fontaine

A botanical garden in the Court of Fontaine is created to honor your love of flowers

The funeral takes 6 days and every citizen is in mourning

She makes your favorite sweets and shares them with Neuvillette to make both of them feel better

She and Neuvillette grieve together and get closer to each other more then they already are

During walks with Neuvillette in new garden, she swears your laugh will grace her ears

Itto

In tears

He was so close to you

In you last days , he spent time with you as much as possible

The gang is worried about him

He stops his beetle fighting and the games he loved to play with you

Once he makes it half way through the stages of grief he holds onto the card he gave you

The denial stage hits him hard, and then the anger stage hits him harder

He is an emotional mess

Shinobu tries to help him through his emotions

Gets closer to the friends he has so he can feel better

Once he gets his emotions in order, he becomes even more passionate about the games you both would play together

Sometimes during intense games, he swears he hears you chering loudly for him

Wanderer

While he doesn't show outside emotions, on the inside he is a wreck

Hates everyone and everything

The anger stage of grief hits him hard

He now spends most of his time with Nahida

Holds onto any gifts you've given him over the years

He would have shut done if it weren't for Nahida

He visits every shrine of yours he can find

Leaves small offerings

Buys things he know you would have liked

Tries to hide the fact that he is in mourning

When he travels down roads alone, he can sometimes hear your jokes and he can't hep but sigh

Diluc

His emotions are... fucked up

He has already lost his father and now he's lost someone he saw as a little sibling

It was his job to protect you, and he failed

Knows he couldn't protect you from illness, but he could have made you suffer less

Would visit you wentever he could when he wasn't working

Wold give you gifts to make you feel a bit better

Would use that money of his to find the best doctors for you

Visits your shrine during his off hours

Honors you by being a better Darkknight Hero for Mondstadt

Might try and talk to Kaeya in good faith if only to say he tried for you

Sometimes, he hears you tell him to take a break and if he doesn't he'll work himself into an early grave

Cyno

Also silent

He also saw you as a little sibling

It shakes him a bit

He's supposed to be strong, and yet he wasn't strong enough to get you help

Upset at the doctors that they couldn't find a cure for you

Gets even more blood thristy

Your death breaks his heart

Everyone notices he's upset, especially Tighnari

Visits your shrine and promises to protect the others in honor

On his walks through the desert, especially at night, he hears your laughter behind him and it's bittersweet to him

Xiao

Leaves the room

He's seen his friends die and now he lost his sibling

He and Zhongli cry together over your death

He shuts himself off from everyone even more than he already does

Would light a lantern for your soul

Visits your favorite places with Zhongli

Holds your favorite plushie close

Cuddles the plushie close at night

Visits the shrine every evening with flowers

He is a bit mad a Baizhu for not helping you get better

Gets closer to Verr Goblet and Yanxiao

Goes to your burial site with Almond Tofu to feel like he's eating with you again

When he's on the balcony of Wangshu Inn, he feels you hear his arm, and your voice telling him to smile and take care of his friends

Neuvillette

Fontaine is getting weeks of rain

You were one of his grandbabies

He saw you as full of life like Furina, and now you're dead

He tries to drown himself in work to avoid coping

Enjoy's Furina's plan for a garden to honor you

Once Furina makes him cope in a healthy manner, he walks through the garden

Often sits to enjoy the silence some days

Like to reminisce over the time you two spent together

Makes laws about you and legacy

Makes sure the garden is properly upkept

No longer tries to drown himself in work, on purpose

Sometimes hears your voice and feels your presence on the bench he likes to sit at in the garden

Cries only with Furina in private

Xianyun

Shocked

By now she saw you as one of her children

She thought you were an immortal and your death ruins that

Upset that you were unable to be healed by doctors

Makes toys you would have loved

Ganyu has to keep her wraith in check

Takes walks around the mountains to clear her head

Once stable, she cries

Visits your grave to leave the flowers you love

Keeps some of your old jewlery

Keeps your old jewelry in a special box in her abode

Helps Ganyu and Shenhu mourn in health ways, and vice versa

Honors you in her work

Sometimes hears you voice on the winds at night

#genshin fanfic #cult au #sagau #creator!reader #sagau lore #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin imagines #angst #genshin angst #tw death #If you ignore trigger warnings I'm not responsible #tw: illness #remember trigger warnings are a courtesy #if you don't read trigger warnings i'm not liabel

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

New World (8)

Itachi Uchiha x Reader Fluff

Summary: The world War has met its end and Itachi has returned to his village. He questions whether he should set down his roots here when he meets a stranger. Or rather, a stranger is forced upon him by fate.

Warnings: horny babygirls

Word Count: Your girls got horny writing this. I can't remember the last time I gushed like this. ALso Every fanfic reader/writers nightmare in one chapter

MASTERLIST in bio, darlings. Tags are open (check bio)

"What the hell is this?" You whisper to yourself, standing alone in the dressing room with the most intricate Sakura painting on the paper walls, lit up by the lanterns kept in two corners. The night robe you have been given has too much flare. The fabric of the red night dress is soft to the touch and breathable. But the robe that comes over it has practically been doused in fur not letting any cold air pass through. But the reason behind your cussing has less to do with that warm robe than with the fact that your underwear is nowhere to be seen. The night dress does run down to your knees but the thought of not being in your panties and having to sleep in the enemy territory for the night makes you uncomfortable. Not to mention the constant dreadful feeling of being watched by Toge from some corner of this village. With one stretched sigh, you leave the dressing room. The bedroom awaits you with a bed decorated with the local pink rose petals and towel swans.

A little thread inside you snaps on inhaling the overpowering smell of the roses and incense. You stomp to the corner of the bed, take the white bedsheet, pull out all four corners to wrap the roses inside them and throw them outside the huge window overlooking the village before closing it shut.

Just once you want to take an easy breath on this mission. Just once. And that too seems hard to get. Especially with him around, your inner voice whispers. You do not want your thoughts to go that way, but this little devil inside you smirks and struts towards some extraordinarily shady corners in your mind. Quiet, you tell your inner voice, he makes me feel safe, shushing it as if it has spoken something outrageous. Safe enough for you to imagine yourself all over his skin. She whispers the last few words with a stressed honey-filled whisper of a moan. And with that, that image of his naked torso in the hot springs flashes in front of your eyes. Your teeth involuntarily biting down on your lips to get a hold of the reality before those outrageously defined thoughts go too far. The sliding of your bedroom door jolts you awake from your fantasy world and makes you turn around to see the familiar tall figure bow down a little to enter the room without hitting his head on the door frame.

"I brought blankets," Itachi declares with the heavy elk fur blankets looking like they weigh nothing to the man. Itachi is wearing a black fur robe which appears to be his night gown. His chest is bare and so are his ankles. His hair is loose and wet from a fresh wash and you are starting to regret having dark back alleys in your mind. The room now starts to feel small in his presence; a presence which feels positively heavy. Keeping the blankets on the bed, he moves his hand to run back those wet strands away from his face. "I feel like we should ask the village Chief to hold their...uh...ritual...ceremony...what all they call it...today-tonight. Right now." Your staggered voice is not helping your case as your eyes run up from his elbows to his arms, drawing some sketchy scenes inside your head. "Do not push yourself, Y/N-san. You need to rest." It's not your fault. It's not your fault. A voice keeps repeating that inside your head. It's the way he says your name. You do not realise when your body is flushed, sweat droplets form at your temples and the back of your neck. Itachi pauses momentarily beside the bed while you blink blankly at him. He looks at you for a second before moving again. "Let me check for any traps in the room." You nod and press yourself close to the window and out of his way. As he takes careful feline steps along the length of the room, your eyes focus on his fingers brushing against the oakwood dresser kept by the wall, your throat takes an unpreventable gulp. The source of light in this room is the oil lamps burning in the corners to give this room a pinkish hue, thanks to the Sakura theme. The only light brighter than that is the golden hues of the bonfire lit on the temple grounds across the hill. He touches the wall to discover anything unusual, his steps bringing him closer to you. His dominant hand wraps itself around the jug of alcohol to raise it closer to his face and your eyes cannot help but follow the nimble pale fingers morphing into an abstract art of popping veins down the wrist. His lips touch the jug, taking in a sip that glides down his throat. The soft golden fiery hues lighting up his features just enough in the dark are not helping your conscience in her dark alley. At all. His brows furrow momentarily, making you wonder if something is wrong with the drink. And the next second he is choking on it, his hand nearly slipping the jug and a decent bit of that alcohol spilling on his robe.

"Itachi-san! Are you okay?" You quickly grab the hand towels on the dresser behind you and dash towards him; that is what you think you do till his hand rises to make you pause right where you have been standing. Itachi coughs a bit before clearing his throat. His back straightens up and he nods. "I'm fine. The drink is...well, I've tasted better." Of course, you have. You still stand in your spot, but your hand stretches to hand him a towel. He takes it to wipe his mouth before his wet robe takes up his attention. A huge sigh leaves his lungs. "Pardon me," he declares in a low hum as his fingers undo the knot on his robe and his shoulders flex themselves to let the fabric glide off his back. Your breath is caught in your throat till you realise he is wearing white trousers underneath. Itachi folds the fabric when something catches his eye. Watching him step away from you and towards the bed sinks your heart. He stops at the edge of the bed and gets on his knees. Itachi wastes no time being on all fours and crawling just a few inches underneath the space, looking for something. On the other hand, you are glaring at his other arm that acts as his anchor, his robe between his fingers; the fingers gripping the fabric till he has found what he is looking for. And when he comes back to sit on his knees, you exhale a little, grabbing onto the window sill as your legs cross over each other and you try your best to look away from the pink-shaded abs teasing you from the distance. His hand has brought out a red cloth from underneath the bed. The cloth shines with a silken finish in his hands as he twists the fabric in one hand, wrapping it up neatly. "Don't touch this," he announces, tucking the fabric in his trouser's back pocket. "Yes, sir," you whisper without realising. And immediately regretting it. Itachi must have not heard it, for he gets up and walks past you to the other side of the room, leaving you to ravel in his natural redolence. The lone table at the other end of the room is graced by his hands on either side, curious if it can be pulled away from the wall. His arms are flexing, and so are the muscles on his back as he tries to pull the table towards him, his hips feeling the tethered force of the measle piece of furniture, forcing a low grunt to escape. Your left hand is clawing its nails into the window frame while your right thumb is being bit under your teeth with all your might. Get out of that alley, you are panting at your conscience. Please. Please. Please! The table is torn from the wall and thrown into the paper wall covering the dressing room. The remaining wood in the indents of the wall reveals two black bricks. The former assassin quickly picks one in each hand and turns to walk towards you. "Open the window," he commands in a low tone. You religiously move your hands to open the latches. Even before you are done pushing the window frames out, you feel his arms come over from behind you and throw out the bricks from either side. You turn around, calculating the proximity between you and his chest. While he is busy frowning out the window at what was possibly an attempt to poison you two, your eyes go up to land on his jaw, studying the skin, the texture, the turns; a little too well. The sound of splintering wood brings you out of the trance. Itachi's bare hands have broken the frame of the window behind you and instead of tending to the wound where a splinter has gashed through the skin of his hand, he is looking at you with the intensity of a thousand suns. Only this time you are concentrating on his wound. "You're hurt-" "I need to go," Itachi declares, taking the ripped frame with him and walking out of the door, leaving you confused. Lustful and confused.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

"You go in. I'll survey the surroundings here," Kakashi announces, disappearing into the night before Itachi can say anything about being handed the elk fur blankets. You are the only person present in the wing at this moment and he has his senses on high alert. Higher than usual. I do not trust the men here, he justifies in his internal monologue, pausing his quiet steps outside the door as he is flashed with memories of his bare chest in the hot springs. His mind has paused all the calculations now. It is purely curious now. And with that intention, he enters the room, declaring his presence. Keeping the blankets on the bed, he moves his wet hair away from his face to appear a little decent in front of you. "I feel like we should ask the village Chief to hold their...uh...ritual...ceremony...what all they call it...today-tonight. Right now." 

He can hear you. Loud and clear. But his mind is showing him his exposed arm pressing onto a thigh. He pauses. Must be some third-grade trickery by the village assassins, he thinks to himself. "Do not push yourself, Y/N-san. You need to rest." It's not your fault, he can hear the words being whispered somewhere. It's not your fault, they are echoing. With a voice too familiar to him these days. It's the way he says your name. It's you. It's your voice. And accompanied by your voice are flashes of sweat droplets running down from your temples, travelling your jaw to hurry down your neck. Itachi pauses, questioning how you are doing that. You are not, he answers the question himself and looks at you for a second to grasp any traces of Gen Jutsu around you. "Let me check for any traps in the room," he announces before moving to the nearest wall. When he brushes his fingers against the oakwood dresser, the flash comes again. This time, not as hazy as before. His fingers seem to be running over a bare abdomen, creating ripples of goosebumps. This time he can feel the skin under his fingertips and a familiar aroma in his nostrils. He moves his hand away from the table to the wall, investigating for anything out of the ordinary; that is, apart from the twisted psych attacks- if one can call them that. He can hear your heart beat faster as the distance between you closes. He pauses at the table between you two, reaching for the jug of alcohol kept on the table. The flashes come again when he raises the jug to his mouth. This time, his hand is gripping a neck, bringing it closer to him. He can smell that aroma again, this time the touch is heated and the neck is flushed. And his lips- which were reaching for the alcohol mere seconds ago- are kissing yours. When the kiss has deepened to the point of you moaning and his tongue wanting to taste your mouth, he realises the twisted reality, surprising himself into choking on the drink and spilling some onto his robe.

He hears you worry, making him raise his hand to stop you from coming any closer. "I'm fine," he coughs, apologising for his ungentlemanly behaviour. He takes the towel you offer, not able to get that image out of his mind. Itachi's instincts are riled up, his mind working ten steps ahead, ready to test the waters all the while making sure he does not cross any lines. He begs your pardon as he gets out of the wet robe. There is that aroma again. Your scent. Covering him all over. If it's the scent then there has to be- His thoughts trail off as he finally finds what he is looking for. He walks to the side of the bed and gets on his knees, to reach for the red fabric resting under the bed space. The talisman. Just when he grabs it, flashes of him gripping the silk sheets on the bed run through his mind. But that is not all. He can see his naked back clear as day, even that moles, and he can see you laying between him and the sheets looking up at him with a want. He is panting for breaths, and so are you. He can feel the drops of sweat run down his chest while he is devouring the view of your breasts glistening. Even as he comes back to sit on his knees, he can feel his hand run the length of your thighs, with your legs wrapped around his waist. The flash disappears, but the sensations remain in his mind. He seems to know what is going on but does not say. His hands work on folding the fabric and keeping it somewhere away from you. "Don't touch this," he declares as he puts the fabric in his pocket. "Yes sir," he can hear the microscopic stagger of your heated exhale in that whisper and the fog of that flash bring the sensation of a hand run over his butt. His mind curses. He does not remember the last time he cursed like this. Or that last time he felt so...filthy. But rip it in the bud, he grows internally to himself before getting up and walking to the last place that seemed suspicious- the table lodged into the wall on the other side of the room. He grabs the edges on either side to move it away from the wall, wanting the flashes to stop. To stop or else... The frustration shows externally when a grunt escapes him at the failed pull. And so it comes again.

This time you are on the table, your legs wrapped around his waist and your nails digging into his back. His flawless butt is exposed to the room as it jiggles with him sloppily rutting into you with the familiar grunts, bringing periodic coarse moans out of you. Please. He hears your voice. And he can see your face. He can see your body moving every time he pushes into you. Your eyes are tearing up. Your mouth is open wide at the edge of pleasure. Please, you beg again, this time urgently. Itachi feels his pace rush as if his body is running on your commands. Please! That moan of yours is turning into a growl as your head falls back at the peak of your climax. And before he can reach his, the table is torn away from the wall to be thrown away, bringing him back to his reality. And there they are, resting in the nook hidden in the wall- black brick-shaped gemstones. They are still hot when Itachi grabs them and orders you to open the window. Just as your hands have pushed the panes away, he throws the stones out, down the hill. He only breathes once he has heard them crash into pieces against the rocks underneath, resting one hand on the window frame. But they come again. This time with the touch of your fingers on his jaw, lazily running down his neck before he feels your teeth dig into his skin right where his jaw meets his neck. He snaps. At least that is what he thinks he did. It is the window frame that has been snapped instead. And all he can do is look at you; your eyes with no unadulterated intentions behind them as they worry about the blood that is not yours. "I need to go." He knows if he stays a second longer, he might do something there will be no coming back from. Rushing out the door bare-chested, he is already running into Kakashi in the corridor. For the first time in his life, Itachi seems the situation- that heavily involves him- requires an explanation.  "There's-" "Geisha's Opals inside? From the smell I could guess there were two stones." Kakashi seems to have figured it out. "I waking the chief up to prepare the ritual." Itachi nods. He wants to say something more but all he can do is inhale a lungful. "She doesn't realise her thoughts are more graphic than the latest volume of my favourite Icha Icha Paradise novels," Kakashi exhales, visibly tired. "You could see them-" "The burned Opals along with a rose incense are powerful aphrodisiacs," Kakashi explains with his hands as if he was having a casual conversation with his colleague, "combine that with her empath skills, she created an atomic flash of...well..." he gestures vaguely at everything and then at Itachi. "Dress up, let's just get this over with," Kakashi admits before disappearing into the night again, leaving Itachi to make peace with the fact that the Konoha village's Silver Fang saw everything. Every. Single. Flash.

#itachi uchiha #itachi x reader #itachi x oc #itachi x you #itachi smut #itachi uchiha x reader #itachi fluff #Maladaptive Ninja

[sasusakucoded]

When Sakura and Sarada go on a trip and leave the house for a couple of days, Sakura makes sure that everything has been checked to avoid accidents. She also ensures that they have a parepared itinerary.

Sakura: Dear, did you unplug everything in your room?

Sarada: Yes, Mama.

Sakura: *checks the stove if it's turned off* Okay.. *checks the fridge door if it's really closed*

Sarada: *watches her*

Sakura: *double checks if the faucet is not leaking* Okay, good. Let's go?

Sarada: Yeah!

Sakura: *double locks the door; tries to turn the doorknob*

Sarada: Mama, where do we go from here?

Sakura: We'll take the train and walk to our hotel.

Sarada: *nods* Do you know the way to the hotel? I can find it on the map if you want.

Sakura: No need, dear. I studied it last night. *smiles*

Sarada: Awesome, let's go! *smiles*

---

When the two travel with Sasuke, it's a different story though.

Sarada: *watches her Mama and Papa*

Sakura: *finishes ironing the vest; leaves to hang it*

Sasuke: *unplugs the iron*

|||

Sakura: *takes the kettle off the stove; leaves it as is*

Sarada: Mama—

Sasuke: *turns off the stove*

|||

Sakura: *gets containers from the overhead cupboard*

Sarada: *about to get up to close them*

Sasuke: *closes the cupboard doors*

|||

Sakura: *washes the containers in the sink; leaves the faucet open*

Sarada: *sighs; walks to the sink*

Sasuke: *turns it off*

|||

Sakura: *lights incense sticks and scented candles around the house*

Sasuke: *puts them out before they leave*

Sarada: /thinks/ Oh, I almost forgot about them.

|||

Sakura: Are you excited? We haven't been to that prefecture before.

Sarada: Yes! I can't wait! Can I see our itinerary please?

Sakura: Oh.. I— I didn't make one dear.. I only have the details to our lodge.

Sasuke: *makes a mental note to create an itinerary*

|||

Sarada: *goes out*

Sakura: *goes out; continues walking with Sarada*

Sarada: Wait, Mama. Papa is still.. *looks back*

Sasuke: *double locks their door*

Sakura: Don't worry about your Papa. He walks so fast. He'll catch up— *Sasuke is beside them* See?

Sasuke: Hn.

---

Sasuke: I'll just go to the concierge and ask about the place.

Sakura: Sure, Anata. Thank you!

Sasuke: *takes his cloak and leaves*

Sarada: Mama.. I don't know if you're tired or what.. But I noticed that you were being so careless this morning.. Are you okay?

Sakura: Oh. *giggles* Yeah! I'm definitely okay.

Sarada: Then why did you forget half of the things you used to do?

Sakura: Ah.. Because your Papa is here..

Sarada: Huh?

Sakura: When your Papa is around, I don't have to worry about anything. He's there to make sure that everything is in order. *chuckles*

Sarada: Really?

Sakura: Maybe you didn't notice before because we only call you when it's time to go.. But we've always been doing that.

Sarada: Come to think of it, it did look normal to Papa.

Sakura: Yes and he likes it too! Taking care of us.. Taking care of the house.. *giggles*

Sarada: *smiles* Then that's great! You both get to enjoy the trip better!

Sakura: Yes! Just like now.. He's asking around about the place. When he's back, he'll have a list of places to visit, how to get there, and what to buy.

Sarada: *nods* I can't wait to roam around!

---

Sasuke: *goes to the side of the road, so his girls are safe from the vehicles*

Sakura: Let's visit that shop! *points at the cute shop in the left side of the road*

Sarada: Yes, Mama!

Sasuke: /thinks/ So, from the lodge, we went straight then right. Now we're going to the left side. There's this big gate, which is hard to miss when we go back.

Sarada: *pulls his sleeve gently* Papa! Can we also buy souvenirs for my friends?

Sasuke: *smiles* Of course. The souvenir shop is a bit farther but we'll also go there.

Sarada: Yay! Thanks, Papa!

#sasusaku #sasusaku headcanon #ss headcanon #uchihas #sasusakusara #sscoded no 284

[hellcifrogs]

Do you have any thoughts about how the JunkoAU characters smell? Not all ofc, but is there any of them you look at and your imagination just kicks in?

For example Violet looks like as a person who uses cotton candy parfume.

Ooh I am not good with smells. I don't know my brain doesn't even go there...

I'm gonna go with all Sakura and Ino based ones smell like flowers. Hinata ones smell like soap. All Hyuugas smell like soap and green tea.

Domin and Wei (Karin based) have strong sharp(?) secnt, Inuzukas and Uchihas smell like... nature? My god I don't even know how to describe scents?! Vocabulary issue here, but you know like wood, rain, freshily cut grass, those kind of scents.

Dante and Suzuyasu smell like a mix of coffee and cleaning products (hospital smell), but Suzu has a hint of seafood for some reason. Adeleine smells like old books. I think the Akimichis should also smell like spiced and stuff.

Suna characters have smells like wood, dry leaves, thick fabrics. Incense. But that's more from the place than the people, idk if that counts. Dei smells like smoke and Nanako like candy.

#It's a me thing that I've always hated strong scents... #even hair products are a pain for me to find any that doesn't bother me #ask ffrogs #but i tried #some of them #perfume=headache to me so that's what I mean by sharp

[luckycharming]

Die A Little Bit (Live A Little More)

“You shouldn’t be here.” Sakura startled, mint green eyes wide with alarm. Heart thumping incessantly against her ribs, adrenaline bleeding in her veins, a screamed birthing and dying at the back of her throat. The derisive snort that echoed throughout the otherwise silent prison cell made her cheeks blush hotly in embarrassment, and she stomped out the burning feelings of anger. She really shouldn’t be down here, and she couldn’t afford to get caught.

And yet, the potential danger of getting caught did not elicit fear or anxiety. All Sakura could feel was an overwhelming wave of both compassion and sorrow. Compassion, because regardless of everything this man has done, she loved him and her heart could not and would not be swayed, and sorrow because of all the tragedy and manipulation and anguish and grief that led him astray and carried his steps until they led him here. Here, being locked away in Konoha’s prison, thrown away like yesterday’s trash. He really was the last living Uchiha, and the thought made Sakura’s eyes sting with tears.

“Don’t tell me you’re crying. And for me of all people? I’m touched.” At least Sasuke’s disdain was a constant that went unchanged. Even bound and chained away, eyes covered with a blindfold inked to the brim with seals that prevented him for using his family’s famed kekkei genkai, normally lithe and muscular frame looking gaunt in a way that made concern thrum through Sakura’s chest, covered in grime and filth and blood?, Sasuke Uchiha radiated an elegance and regality few people could emulate.

He was proud, but Sakura’s keen eyes could tell he was hurting, and she couldn’t stand it, which is what led her here. Naruto, thank gods, was acting as a distraction for her. She only had an hour, and Naruto warned her that she needed to be gone before the Anbu did their routine checkups. He was just as incensed as her, if not more so, and together, they begged and pleaded for Tsunade to let Sasuke go, but the buxom blonde would not be swayed. Sakura adored her teacher, and loved her like a mother, but she did not like how cold she was being. Did she not understand Sasuke’s mindset? Did she not experience grief and injustice from the very system that took away everything from her, only to call her back when they needed her assets again?

If Kakashi were Hokage, he would surely be moved to throw Sasuke a bone, and she and Naruto came to the silent realization that Tsunade must’ve known that and held onto the Hokage hat longer to prevent that. Naruto told her it was a lot of politics involved, and they that they really were leaning towards execution.

Tears dripped down her face without her permission, and she angrily wiped them away. She had no time for tears. She was so tired of crying and being useless. If she had half of Kakashi’s tact or Naruto’s bravery and willpower, she would do something more than slip inside the prison cells and see Sasuke. Wasn’t she trained by the greatest kunoichi alive? And yet she couldn’t muster up half of that monstrous strength to do anything more than sit with him and offer him what? Love? Comfort? Companionship? Since when has Sasuke wanted any of that from anyone, let alone her?

“Sakura.” Her head jerked up, pink locks of hair swirling like sakura petals in a lazily spring breeze, and when would this man relinquish the hold he had on her heart. When would she let him? Even beaten down, frail, and bloodied, he was still so beautiful, so impossibly handsome that she felt her heartbeat running away the longer she looked at him. The wounds from his betrayal stung still, bled faintly, but if she found out her whole clan got slaughtered, that the culprit was her own brother, who was manipulated by the powers that be to carry out such a heinous crime, what would she do?

And then to be paraded around as the Uchiha Prince, groomed for a greatness and destiny he did not consent to? To know that the leader of their village not only knew this, but ordained it and covered it up? She would be beyond angry, and that was putting it lightly. It made her previous comments and behavior toward him all the more childish and embarrassing. How could she not know her teammates were suffering so? Two orphans, children of a prophecy that has led to countless bloodshed and ruin. One held the strongest tailed beast alive sealed within him and ostracized because of it.

“I never wanted any of this for my son, but I had no choice but to do it. His mother was dying and the Kyubi would’ve killed us all within a few years time.”

“What do you mean?”

“Even if we killed him, it would’ve been temporary. He would’ve come back within five years, and without a vessel…” Minato’s voice trailed off, and the threat that hung in the air was ominous. Sakura shivered at the implications his words had. They would’ve been fucked, to put it politely.

“And now he hates me.” Sakura’s body moved before she knew it and her hand gripped his shoulder, green eyes gleaming with understanding.

“He doesn’t. He’s angry and very hurt, but he loves you dearly. Of that much, I know. I’ll talk to him for you, and convince him to speak to you.” And those eyes, bluer than even Naruto’s, shone with relief and happiness.

“My son is lucky to have a dear friend like you. And I’m sure Fugaku’s youngest will warm up to you soon enough. There’s a lot of turbulence and darkness brimming in that young man’s heart. If I hadn’t of died, I would’ve made sure his clan wouldn’t have been vilified and murdered. What was Hiruzen thinking?!” And Sakura couldn’t answer that because nobody understood what went on in the Third Hokage’s head when he came to such an erroneous conclusion. Was genocide really the answer to the Uchiha problem, and why were a whole group of people considered a problem to eradicate in the first place? Were they all were that expendable?

“I’m not used to you being so quiet. You and Naruto could never shut up long enough to hear myself think, and yet all I can hear all not only my thoughts, but yours. I don’t know how you managed to sneak your way inside somewhere so heavily sealed and guarded, but I know you must be on some kind of time limit, and here you are, squandering it by sitting in silence ruminating on things that will do you no good.”

“I’ll ask again: why are you here, Sakura?” Thinking of everything up until now, all the injustice and murder and war and violence, feeling so fucking helpless and useless and unable to make a meaningful impact no matter how valiantly she tried because fear and insecurity continued to grip her in a chokehold, Sakura snapped.

Her hands were reaching for his blindfold, and she broke his seals in mere minutes, her intelligence and tenure as Tsunade’s student paying off. Startled black eyes greeted her, and if things weren’t so dire, if what she was about to do wasn’t so insane, she’d be smug, usher a haughty laugh of her own. See? I am useful. I can get shit done. I don’t need you or Naruto coming to my rescue all the time. I am as good as the two of you. You don’t have to leave me behind because I can keep up with you.

She used that brute strength of hers to break the chains that shackled themselves to him, and when his body inevitably slumped forward, Sakura caught him in her arms, cradling him close to her chest, letting his cheek rest against the swell of her breast.

He took several shuddering breaths, his body trembling from the emotions washing over him, no doubt, and Sakura said nothing, opting to simply hold him and lend him her strength for the time being.

“What are you doing? Why did you… do you not know what will happen to you for not only coming here, but freeing me as well?”

“I don’t care,” was Sakura’s quick retort.

“Well, I do!” was Sasuke’s even quicker response, and his tone was as fiery as the temper his clan was famous for. Sakura flinched despite herself, and Sasuke’s eyes softened. He pressed their foreheads together, and Sakura was not immune to the effect it had on her, face heating up in a soft blush a few shades lighter than her hair.

“Sakura,” he began, tone considerably softer, and where was this energy, this tenderness when she so desperately craved it?, “if you do this, not only will the brand you a traitor as well, but they’ll kill you too. Maybe not, since you have that Senju on your side, but this will not be a good look for you. You and Naruto have bright futures ahead of you. I don’t. This is the end of the line for me, and at least I can die happy knowing that I avenged my clan.”

“And don’t we get a say in anything?! Just because you threw us to the side for you lofty goals for revenge and revolution doesn’t mean we still don’t care about you! What about Naruto, huh? He went through hell and back to save you, and you’re just gonna accept death? What about Kakashi-sensei? Didn’t he take you under his wing? Didn’t he share his very own jutsu with you? Didn’t he try to keep you off that path because he knew this is how it would end?” At that, Sasuke couldn’t help but flinch, head hanging down in shame.

Gloved hands cupped his face and guided his gaze to hers.

“And what about me? Have I not given you all the love I had? My love, my loyalty, my strength, my heart?”

“I didn’t ask for any of that from any of you,” Sasuke feebly denied, but his eyes were telling an entirely different story.

“And you didn’t have to because we all love you. Our team was a toxic disaster and truthfully, we all have room to grow, but at the same time, I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather be teammates with or taught under. I love you all so much, and I just want you to be happy, Sasuke.”

“I can’t be happy in a village that orchestrated my clan’s death and used my brother as the scapegoat. This system is flawed and made to set all of us up for failure. Us ninja are just tools and fodder for those in power who’d rather sacrifice the youth and those who dare to stand up to them instead of fixing the problem from the source,” Sasuke spat, frame trembling with obvious anger.

“Then let’s burn it down, figuratively, and usher in some actual change.” She helped him up and ushered him on her back so she could carry him that way, and she could feel the embarrassment and indignation coming off him in waves, but he didn’t protest. She’d carry him in her arms, but needed her arms free and she was almost positive he would’ve fought her back if she tried that. Hell, he probably would’ve bitten her.

“What do you-?”

“C’mon, Forehead! Hinata and I aren’t getting any younger! Do you know how hard it to focus while you two are confessing your dying love to each other?” Ino’s indignant tone broke whatever moment they were having, and they both blushed, Sasuke hiding his against the skin of the back of her neck, and Sakura hiding hers behind her naturally rosy hair.

“Fuck you, Ino-Pig! I had to convince him to cooperate!”

“You spent more than half the time just staring at him! You could’ve just fucked him, if that’s all you were gonna do! Or at least be a good friend and let me help or something, but you got so touchy when I suggested it, and I wasn’t about to get punched. I’m too pretty to be walking around with a bruised face.” She and Sasuke blushed hotly all over again, and Hinata breaking the jail cell open was a welcome distraction from whatever bullshit Ino was saying.

Lavender eyes peered at the both of them in silent amusement before ushering them outside, Ino leading the front, her and Sasuke in the middle, and Hinata in the rear.

“Temari and Tenten are waiting for us,” she murmured to her, her voice soft and melodious like chiming bells. “Shikamaru and Neji are keeping the guards at bay, and Lee, Shino, and Kiba are with Naruto. They all should be on their way to where we agreed to meet up,” Hinata explained, Byagukan activated and ready to use. Sakura smiled in relief, heart brimming with joy. Meanwhile, Sasuke could only take all of this in silently, annoyed that happiness was blossoming in a heart he thought long dead. They were all crazy and none of this was bound to go over well, but still, his treacherous heart beats with hope.

#sasusaku #sasuke x sakura #sakura haruno #sasuke uchiha #light angst #angst with a happy ending #corrupt government #post war #angst #hurt/comfort #feels #grief #coping with grief #ptsd #trauma #prisoner of war #redemption #hope #my writing #my fic #my story #naruto fanfiction #naruto uzumaki #tsunade senju #kakashi hatake #ino yamanaka #hinata hyuga #implied inosaku #implied sasuino #implied sasusakuino

[michiviv]

ii - intrigued

↳ in which a young (l/n) (y/n) starts shadowing the school nurse and meets the star libero. © Haikyū!! Furudate Haruichi © michiviv / suunnysyde

m. list - wattpad words: 1.8k divider by: cafekitsune

as the gentle rays of the morning sun illuminated my bedroom, i stirred from my slumber, the soft hum of the city outside gradually replacing the quiet of the night. i yawned and stretched, feeling the warmth of my blankets cocooning me, making it difficult to leave the comfort of my bed.

it's been a few weeks since my first (official) encounter with yaku, it became a comfortable routine of seeing him every day, yet it never failed to surprise me how many bruises and nicks he could get in a week. although, that in of itself was admirable.

"good morning, Nyx," came a cheerful voice from the doorway. it was my mother, a vibrant woman whose smile could light up a room. she carried a tray with a steaming bowl of miso soup, fresh slices of melon, and a cup of green tea.

"morning, mom," i replied, smiling gratefully as i accepted the tray. this was a familiar morning ritual - my mother always made sure i started the day with a nutritious breakfast.

as i savored the delicious flavors of the miso soup and sweet melon, my younger sister, sakura, burst into the room, her energy infectious. "Nyx, Nyx, can i have some of your melon?" she asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

i chuckled and scooped a small piece onto a spoon for her. "of course, but only if you promise to eat your breakfast too," i said, playfully ruffling her hair.

after breakfast, i changed into my uniform and commenced my morning routine, doing my skincare, brushing my teeth, and making sure my hair looked good for the day.

i made my way to the family shrine tucked in a serene corner of our garden. it was a tradition passed down through generations - a moment of reverence and gratitude to start the day. with a small offering of fresh flowers and incense, i bowed my head in silent prayer, expressing my appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon us.

as i left the shrine, a tranquil sense of peace washed over me. the morning air was crisp, and the gentle breeze played with the leaves of the cherry blossom tree that stood proudly in our garden.

with my school bag slung over my shoulder, i set off toward nekoma high school. the streets were alive with the energy of the morning rush. i reveled in the simple beauty of everyday life, the laughter of children on their way to school, the cheerful greetings of neighbors, and the sight of familiar faces.

"Nyx!" kuroo called, stopping in his tracks to wait for me, "good morning, did you sleep well?"

"morning, kuro. i slept well, and you?"

"it was okay, i stayed up doing the math homework. how did you find it? were you able to finish it?"

"i couldn't do the last one, could you explain it to me later?"

"of course, let's go to the classroom and ill explain it to you there."

as kuroo and i chatted about the morning's homework, we walked side by side through the school gates, the bustling atmosphere of nekoma high school enveloping us. the school grounds were abuzz with students hurrying to their classes, catching up with friends, and engaging in the daily rituals that had become the rhythm of our lives.

as we reached our classroom, kuroo took a seat at his desk, ready to dive into the intricacies of the math problem that had stumped me. but just as he began to explain, a notification chimed on my phone, reminding me of my afternoon duties in the infirmary.

"oh, i almost forgot," i said with a hint of excitement in my voice. "i have my shadowing session with mrs. takahashi this afternoon. you know, the school nurse i've been telling you about."

kuroo's eyes lit up with curiosity. "oh, right! how's that been going? have you learned anything interesting?"

i nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. "it's been incredible, kuroo. i've been organizing medical supplies, assisting with basic first aid, and learning so much about patient care. it's such a fulfilling experience."

"that's awesome," kuroo replied, genuinely pleased for me. "you're really making a difference, (l/n). mrs. takahashi is lucky to have you."

the school day flowed by smoothly, each class offering its own unique challenges and joys. when the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, i bid kuroo and yaku farewell as i made my way to the infirmary.

as i entered, mrs. takahashi greeted me with a warm smile, and i felt a surge of anticipation for another afternoon of learning and making a difference in the lives of others.

the day transitioned from the liveliness of the school corridors to the quiet haven of the infirmary, i couldn't help but feel grateful for the diverse experiences that filled my life. as the warm rays of the afternoon sun started to pour into the infirmary window, mrs. takahashi took her leave and left me to take care of any staggering patients.

while organizing the medical equipment, my mind drew back to yaku and his colorful array of bruises. i wondered if he was at it again, giving it his all in practice and gaining a bunch of new bruises. as if on cue, the faint sound of footsteps echoed through the infirmary, announcing yaku's arrival. i turned to see him approaching with a sheepish smile, his sandy blonde hair slightly tousled, and his eyes tired but determined. "hey, yaku."

"hey, (l/n)." he greeted, "i come bearing more battle scars. mind fixing me up?"

i laughed a little, and nodded, "of course not. take a seat, and let me see what you've brought this time," i replied warmly, motioning for him to sit down.

as i carefully tended to his bruises, she couldn't help but ask, "don't you ever get tired of getting hurt, yaku? i mean, isn't it exhausting to play with all these bruises?"

yaku's smile softened, and he met my gaze with unwavering determination. "i'll admit, it can be tough sometimes, but i can't imagine not playing volleyball. it's my passion, and these bruises are just part of the package."

i admired his dedication, feeling a growing curiosity about the sport that seemed to consume him. "it must be something special if it drives you to keep going, despite the pain," she mused, her eyes reflecting genuine intrigue.

"it is," yaku replied, his voice holding a touch of reverence. "volleyball is like a rhythm, a dance of teamwork and precision. being the libero, i'm the first line of defense, and i wouldn't trade that role for anything."

i nodded, pondering a little on my words before speaking again, "could you tell me more about being a libero? i don't know much about the sport, but i'd love to know more about the role you play in the team."

i could see as yaku's eyes lit up at my interest and willingness to learn about the sport and perhaps more importantly his position, he licked his lips and leaned back against the chair, preparing to explain. . "being the libero is all about defense," he began, a faint smile playing on his lips. "i'm like the team's guardian, the one responsible for receiving the opponent's powerful spikes and setting up our attackers for a counter-attack."

"i get to see the game from a different perspective, anticipating the moves of our opponents and making quick decisions to keep the ball in play."

i couldn't help but be captivated by his passion as he spoke about volleyball. the way he described the intricacies of the game made her realize that it was more than just a sport to him - it was a way of life.

"does it ever get overwhelming?" she inquired, concerned about the toll the intense matches might take on him.

yaku paused for a moment as if contemplating his answer. "it can be tough, especially during tough matches or long tournaments," he admitted. "but when i step onto that court, all the pressure and exhaustion fade away. it's like i'm in my element, and nothing else matters."

"i can see why you're so passionate about it," i remarked

"but you know," yaku continued, his tone softening, "as much as i love volleyball, there are moments when it's tough, physically and mentally. i wonder if i'm doing enough, if i'm good enough to meet the expectations."

his vulnerability touched me deeply, and i placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "yaku, you are more than enough. your dedication, your spirit, it's what makes you a great libero. even when things get tough, remember that you have a whole team supporting you, just like i'm here supporting you in the infirmary." i reassured him, leaving yaku reclining on one of the examination beds with an ice pack pressed against his latest bruise and beginning to moved away from him to continue organizing and cleaning up, he started to speak again.

"what made you decide to pursue nursing?"

For a moment, I hesitated, unsure of how much to share. But something in Yaku's eyes made me feel comfortable opening up to him. "Well, it all started with my fascination for healing and caring for others," I began, my voice gaining confidence. "I've always been drawn to the idea of making a difference in people's lives, of being there for them in their times of need."

yaku nodded attentively, his gaze locked on mine, encouraging me to continue.

"i remember watching my mother, who is a nurse as well, and being inspired by her dedication and compassion. seeing how much she positively impacted the lives of others made me realize that nursing was my calling too."

as i spoke, i noticed a subtle change in yaku's expression, as if he was seeing a new side of me. his curiosity and genuine interest in my dreams made me feel comfortable sharing more.

"i want to be there for people during their most vulnerable moments, to provide comfort and care, and to help them heal both physically and emotionally," i continued, my voice softening with conviction. "i believe that nursing is not just a profession; it's a privilege to be a part of someone's journey to recovery and wellness."

yaku's eyes held a mixture of admiration and understanding. "that's amazing, (l/n)," he said, his voice sincere. "you have such a kind and caring heart. anyone would be lucky to have you as their nurse."

a warm blush spread across my cheeks at his compliment, and i couldn't help but feel grateful for yaku's unwavering support. his presence was like a gentle anchor, giving me the confidence to open up about my dreams and aspirations.

"thank you, yaku," i replied, my voice tinged with gratitude. "it means a lot to me that you're interested in knowing about my dreams."

at that moment, amidst the hushed atmosphere of the infirmary, i realized that our connection went beyond being classmates or acquaintances. yaku had become someone i could confide in, someone who understood the essence of my dreams and aspirations, just as i understood his.

#yaku #yaku morisuke #yaku x reader #morisuke yaku #yaku morisuke x reader #morisuke x reader #nekoma #nekoma x reader #kuroo #kuroo testuro #hq #hq x reader #hq fluff #haikyū!! #haikyuu #haikyuu x reader #haikyu #haikyu x reader #haikyuu fluff #x you fluff #x reader #x you #fluff #x y/n #haikyuu x you #haikyuu x y/n #yaku x you

[doctornemesis]

So, I stayed up until after midnight because I decided 30 pages wasn't that much in my hyper-fixated state. I have no regrets because this little gem is one of the last scenes of the entire novel:

"I'm heading out. I got a present for Master Iruka," Sarada said, holding up a cherry pink paper bag. Strawberry daifuku from Tami Traditional sweets in the Old City. They were widely known to be extraordinary and quickly sold out, so they were hard to get a hold of, a rare treat.  "Oh right, you're doing a home stay at Master Iruka's, right?" Kakashi said.   '"Yeah!" Sarada nodded happily. "Cuz mom and dad are away on a long mission. Master Iruka's an amazing cook. He's teaching me all kinds of stuff. It's loads of fun." "Ohh. He is pretty skilled."  Iruka was a longtime bachelor like Kakashi, but unlike Kakashi, who paid little attention to his personal life to start with, Iruka kept a neat home. In contrast with the desk of the Sixth Hokage, which was always covered with scattered papers and documents, the principal's office at the Academy was famously neat and tidy. 

I love the idea of Sakura and Sasuke trusting Iruka enough to look aftertheir daughter while they're out on extended missions. I'm sure the other rookies do the same with their children, especially Naruto and Hinata. But besides that, Kakashi's been thinking about Iruka A LOT through this novel.

He describes how he felt when his father died, and how Minato helped him through that. He thinks about Obito and if he's made him proud. But he thinks of Iruka in his present.

The justu's he taught him, the advice he gave to him when he couldn't sleep, how he helped him draft the Capture No-Kill policy, everything. Then, when he's finally home after 20 days of traveling, he runs into the kids, and there's another reminder of Iruka's presence in his life. He compares and contrasts their personalities, but he favors Iruka's assets rather than dismisses them. He's spent enough time with Iruka to the point he knows how well he cooks now, how neat his home and office is.

He's been in those spaces more than once. It's obvious that the two are well-acquainted with one another at this point. With this information, it makes total sense that Iruka would know Kakashi's alternate personality, Sukea. But more than that, it makes sense that Kakashi would be comfortable enough to reveal his face to him. He refers to them each as bachelors, but then lists the amount of domestic duties Iruka enjoys.

It honestly sounds like old gay lingo except it's the shinobi version. He went through hell on that mission, but he didn't kill a single person. No one died, and Iruka gave him the tools needed in order to accomplish that.

Of course, that doesn't mean Kakashi's gentle about it, but he keeps what Iruka taught him in the forefront of his mind at all times, even when he's incredibly incensed.

#the doctor is in #kakairu #kkir #kakashi x iruka #nart

[lyn-ne]

I think they would get matching tattoos when they turn 18

transparents under the cut!

#also Toya and an have matching rings cause I said so #project sekai #vivid bad squad #akito shinonome #kohane azusawa #an shiraishi #toya aoyagi #azusawa kohane #shinonome akito #shiraishi an #aoyagi toya #aoyagi touya #touya aoyagi #pjsekai #lyn-ne’s art #sakura incense

[a-ghost-that-writes]

Another Neji x Sakura One-Shot

For: @narutorarepaireventhub and Neji x Sakura Weekend

Prompt: The Caged Bird Uncaged For The Blossom

Sometimes, it's the little things in life that bring the most joy. For Sakura? It was here, right now. She was in bed with her husband of 2 years Neji Hyuuga. They were expecting their first child.

She was just basking in the moment of the morning. The sunlight illuminating their bedroom. The incense had stopped burning hours ago but the smell still lingered in the room. She looked at her husband, still fast asleep with his arm around her.

She smiled fondly, brushing some of the strands of hair from his face. The scar from when she removed the caged bird seal still lingered on his forehead, but neither of them minded it. The idea that the two were going to be parents in nine months, made her blush all over again with delight.

To think, so much has happened in her life. She thought it was going to be one way but it ended up like this... She wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

#Naruto fanfiction #Naruto oneshot #Neji x Sakura #NejiSaku

[nonnieapple]

⛈ ☂️ Peach Pit, 1- A Hanging Branch In A Garden's Home☂️ ⛈

• (Akura-ou x g/n reader x Tomoe)  • r a t i n g: m a t u r e • 2 0 1 0 w o r d s  •  p o s t e d 24.12.2023    🌧  navigation 🍑 next chapter • s u m m a r y: you're a peaceful farmer in the mountains during the sengoku period. someone starts stealing your peaches, and the thief turns out to be a chaotic oni, and the events that ensue flip your life upside down. TW: St abbing described vaguely, de ath.

 

You tapped your foot so hard your floor creaked. You dearly wished it would break so you'd have something to do as you waited by the window like a lonesome dog. 

  The sun lowered gently over mountains cascading with vivid greenery, no houses in sight, only your farm, your plum trees, sakura trees among other plants, and your peach trees. They were in bloom and many delicate pink flowers had already turned into peaches. 

  You stared at the empty spots where the peaches would've been and at your empty basket. Some peaches remained on the tree, plump and fresh. 

  You frowned. You hummed deeply. You heard a crack. You leaned down to the floorboards which had finally burst. You laughed lowly. 

  As twilight colored the sky with deep purple streaks, you patched up the floor. Your legs and ass numbed as you sat there, scrunched up. You scrutinized the floor. God awful. It would have to do. 

  You rushed to the window. 

  The moon rose, switching shifts with the red sun. You inhaled the stuffy air of your house, incense, and wood. You lit a lamp with a shaky hand. As much as you didn't want to light it, you wanted to see.

  Your eyes felt dry, and you slumped near the window. Maybe just a nap... 

  There was a little flash of light, flickering over your eye. You groaned. 

  "Five more minutes, Mom..." You rasped. Your eyes snapped open. Idiot, you lived alone in the woods! 

  You squinted through the twilight light- lack thereof, truly. Was that a hallucination? That wouldn't have been out of the ordinary. You glazed your eyes over your house. The floorboards were still a mess. Ink and paper were on your table. A half-eaten piece of bread. All was in order. The bell over your door was silent as a  grave. 

  You fixed your kosode, right side wrapped over left as always, the silky fabric like white moonlight. You checked your hip for your dagger. It was firmly planted there. 

  You exited your house. 

  The bell rang, and your various charms against evil and spirits rattled, hanging from almost every crevice of the exterior of your house. You closed the door. 

  Many of the peaches were missing. 

  It was like a fucked up version of fishing but on land. And what you found, you weren't going to eat. But you might have had to kill it. 

  You breathed in fresh air. 

  You stopped breathing suddenly. Unbridled fear spread through you like blood through snow. You whipped around. 

  You couldn't hear a thing over your heartbeat and ringing in your ears. You reached for your dagger. Your eyes widened. Warm air emanated from your right. 

  You spun around, striking the person. 

  Person wasn't the right word. Neither was striking. Though he was. 

  Before you stood someone inhumanly beautiful. His mischievous eyes, seemingly lined by charcoal, his black lips stretching over shark teeth, long pointed ears, and ivory horns jutting out from his crimson hair betrayed his spirit nature in no time. 

  Your mouth was slightly agape. 

  His arm, clad in a coat of feathers and leather far too pristine, stopped your dagger inches away from his chest. He needed to put in little effort to stop you, no matter how much you pushed. 

  He wore a mesh shirt. You could've made a joke about how he was a fish due to the net, yet you were too preoccupied with his boots. The only thing that was stained on him, stained with something dark. 

  He had no weapons. How odd. 

  Your eyes shot to his hand. He had black claws sharper than his razor teeth. That explained things. 

  You met his eyes. You squinted through the shadows. No need, for his eyes shone like fire. 

  "Peach thief!" You spat, stepping back and aiming the dagger at where his heart could've been. 

  He laughed deeply, inclining his head towards you. Sanguine strands spilled over his shoulders. His earrings sparkled. 

  "I didn't know a human lived here," He said, more so to himself. He leaned forward, chest pressed against the tip of the dagger. As a bead of blood fell, he smiled, staring at you. 

  "You must be some crazy hermit to live in the forest," His voice was smooth and sweet. 

    You frowned. 

    "Get off my property." You blinked at him. 

  The corners of his lips dipped. 

  "And never take my peaches again." You twisted the knife. It seemed to annoy him rather than hurt him. If he was so unbothered by pain, he must've been some sort of special yokai. As much as one part of you was curious, the other wanted to sleep... without a red-headed peach-snatcher in your yard. 

  "I can take whatever I want." He practically skewered himself on the knife as his face neared yours. 

  "Then take this-" 

  You thrust the dagger into his chest, twisting, and pulling it out. He stared at his chest in bewilderment. You watched as his skin healed over in seconds. Your arm trembled with fear. 

  He pulled at his mesh shirt. 

  "Human! You ruined my favorite shirt!" He barked. 

  You pointed to the trees with the bloody dagger. You now noticed the messy claw marks on the bark.

  "Oni, you ravaged my trees!" You barked back. 

  "Oni?! I'm the great Akura-ou!" He gloated, placing a hand on his chest. 

  It was now almost fully dark, and the scene must've been ridiculous. 

  "I could burn your farm to the ground, and you with it," He remarked flippantly. You hummed, gesturing to the area. 

  "And yet you didn't. All talk and no action. How pitiful." You sighed, getting bored. You'd heard that name once, didn't you? Hell knows, there were more yokai out there than stars in the sky. 

  "You're pitiful! In fact-" 

  You squealed as you were lifted, dropping your dagger as Akura-ou held you under your arms, holding you like a child. Your face burned as his nails dug into your sides. You gripped his forearms. 

  "Put me down!" You yelled, squirming. 

  "No! You're coming with me, crazy human," He snarled, tucking you under his arm. He picked up a peach and bit into it. You groaned, hanging your head. 

  "Put me down, you're hurting my ribs," You complained through grit teeth. 

  "Don't care." He bit into the peach. 

  "I'll bite you if you don't!"

  He chortled and you felt his voice resonate through you. 

  "Good luck chewing through the leather." 

  You chomped to no avail. You didn't give up, pushing into his ribs and thrashing around. He released an agitated "UGH" and hauled you up in front of him using one arm, positioned under your backside. Your heart fluttered. You looked down at him. He bit into the last piece of the peach, with the peach pit.

  "Break a tooth," You whispered with half-lidded eyes. 

  He crushed the peach pit and swallowed it. You stared at him, pulling his horn, at which he stuck out his tongue. 

  ...

  Truly, a monster. 

  Fog enclosed you. You shut your eyes. 

  When you opened them once more, you were met with a different world, a world that you guessed was... the other side. Your heart hastened, your limbs cold from shock as you looked around. 

  The air didn't move, there was no wind, no smells. The air was as dry as could be, and it stung your nose and eyes.

  "Scared?" He whispered into your ear. You shuddered. 

  "You wish." You whispered, pulling away. He dropped you harshly. You gasped as you barely caught yourself before you were about to eat shit. 

  Akura ou walked away with his long legs, forgetting about you. You ran after him. 

  "Thief! Why'd you bring me here?!" 

  He grabbed your wrist, pulling you along. His nails dug into your wrist like thorns, hand suspiciously soft. Around you scattered ugly spirits of every shape and size, one-eyed, gaunt, faces like abhorrent driftwood. 

  None looked at you, none dared, the few unable to control themself glaring only at your rude companion. 

  He stopped at a shabby stall with a yokai behind it. Akura ou leaned on the counter, the other yokai cowering.

  "Give me all you've got, or you're dead." He smiled, eyes dark and posture slack, grip on your wrist unwavering. You looked from him to the seller to the red and black sky. You had nowhere to run. The guy was your only definite way out. 

  You hoped the lamp you lit in your house wouldn't burn it down. That would be much dumber than a fabulous chicken burning it down after you insulted his peach-stealing practices. 

  The yokai stayed silent. Akura ou swiped his claws, and you heard a thump. 

  Your heart sunk. 

  Though he seemed happy. He pulled you away to an alleyway and ended up near a town square with a tower. 

  "See that?" He pointed to it, leaning down to you. He made a sweeping motion, and a whirlwind passed through the buildings, the tower collapsing. You stood motionless. 

  "Wasn't that fun!" He laughed, hugging your shoulders. You grumbled. 

  "I've seen better." You turned to him with a sharp look. He glared at you owlishly. 

  "Suit yourself, but I'm not bored yet." He huffed. 

  After much walking, and your eyelids getting heavier and heavier, you were stopped by a group of demons. They looked brutish, stained with blood, and armed. You scoffed. 

  "Master Akura ou! It's so great to see you here," Stammered a small, furry yokai with boar teeth. 

  The critters kept praising him, and no matter how many times he told them to shut up or move, they wouldn't budge. 

  He grasped the head of one with his hand, crushing his head with ease. His boots were splattered with dark blobs.

  Akura turned his head to you. 

  "I could've done that any time, human. How's that for action?" He whispered, smiling. 

  The creatures ran. Your eyes could barely focus on his stupidly pretty and horrific face, that too-wide smile and unsettling eyes. 

  You threw roasted soybeans at Akura's face. He hissed, recoiling. 

  "Have your damned peaches, just get me out of this hellhole!" You yelled. 

  "Where'd you get that?!" He clutched his face, eyebrow twitching. You pulled a small sachet from your kosode. He knocked it to the ground and you couldn't be bothered to do a thing. 

  He grabbed you roughly, leaving deep marks on your hip, distracting you from the pain in your legs. 

  Everything was shrouded in fog, and when it cleared up, you were back to your farm. You would've collapsed if not for Akura's death grip on you. He gave you an unnecessary squeeze and held you for a tad too long before letting go. You caught your breath, leaning on your knees. 

  "Take as many peaches as you like. But be careful." You stood up with a crack, steeling your nerves and attempting to spot your dagger. It was too dark to see. At least your house wasn't on fire, eh?

  He crossed his arms. 

  "Why?" 

  "Because if you destroy the trees, there won't be any more peaches." 

  He tilted his head. You practically saw the thoughts play out in his head as he pondered. 

  "I don't promise a thing." He shrugged, disappearing. 

  You stood there like a fool, with holes in your clothes and glassy eyes. 

  You gave up on the dagger, shuffling to your house. The lamp was off, the floorboards were messed up. You released a dramatic sigh, standing in front of a window as you took off your clothes, changing into something else and cleaning the scrapes on your hip. 

  You lied down in your bed with an uneasy feeling. 

  You wouldn't let Akura ou take your peaches. Why would an oni need peaches? Why were you asking after what you'd just seen in the past hour? Why were you gripping the sheets? You closed your eyes. 

  Tap tap. 

  A flash of light and a pair of eyes. 

  You shot up in panic. The window was empty, as well as your room. You panted, lying back down. 

#akura-ou x reader #tomoe x reader #akura ou/reader #akura-ou x reader x tomoe #kamisama hajimemashita #w r i t i n g #☂️ #k a m i s a m a k i s s

[sukunasun]

please give us kamo thoughts 🙇🏻‍♂️

noritoshi has worn hands you think. calloused skin by the folds of his fingers and over the pad of his thumb. hardened, weathered, more often than not the swelling and tenderness in his joints start acting up. opening and closing large hands and feeling them creak, loosen, seeing his skin pulling tight over knuckles as he cracks each one slowly, staccato pops ringing, then all at once when flexing them outwards, pushing, straining. usually so deft from years worth of training, now nimble and careful, rid of chalk and bandages and wounds when he traces them over your face, admiring you under a dreamlike gaze, dazed and in awe.

“i cannot fall behind,” he whispers, self assured, but the words are tinged with uncertainty. as always, he needs to remind you of the consequences, prompting, nudging him. you giving it all up for this man and choosing the unconventional route of being his secret. one that he can barely keep up with. buries it deep down along with thoughts of returning home and seeing his mother, a light at the end of the tunnel he blocks out.

which isn't anything new because noritoshi comes and goes, never able to keep you away for long, he's left you more times than one needs to—in the corner of alleyways, in between shoots of bamboo and under falling petals of sakura trees—he doesn't risk showing your love to the world, sticking it to clan politics and what not, making a statement and hoping the impact reverberates because his love for you isn’t an act of rebellion.

still he clings. letting it play out as long as he can have you. he’ll put up facades and carry out duties later on. just not when he’s resting in your lap, head tucked and warm between your thighs. you think of how he comes apart now when not too long ago, he only regarded so very few (none, really) to be worthy of seeing him this way; like a sleeping child, allowing your fingers to brush against his tired eyes, silken hair unbound. peaceful, youthful, and no longer the man he’s forced to grow into, not a bastard or an heir who's still unaware that he will never be chosen, but a noritoshi draped in moonlight and smelling of incense. perfumed prince tasting of plums and tea.

his lips are highlighted only by the night sky but you see them clearly, leaning forward to meet them in slow, languid, pecks. your heart wrenching as you long to have him for yourself.

eagerly then, he pins you atop tatami mats, the faintest hint of fragrance filling the space between you as he swiftly pulls at your robe. revealing shoulders and a neck unmarked, untouched, and he longs for it; the image of you dressed in ceremonial flowers, clothed in white and gold, his vows pressed against the jugular, whispered in confidence but the meaning grows tenfold.

he’s tugging and chasing after your lips, wanting more, wanting to never stop, if only the circumstances were different. “forgive me,” he grits past clenched teeth, like he’s choking for air, tears clumping dark lashes. but you shush him, only living in the moment and avoiding the imminent heartbreak that lies ahead. 

and in the morning, behind fusuma panels, the sound of whispered voices and affirming grunts are muffled, spurring him on. they have his back he believes, breaths held and kept in puffed chests. awaiting release the moment he cuts all ties with you. now officially, before an audience, under the guise of privacy and seclusion, his lips betray him first, "this cannot continue–" he says. clipped and void of any sympathy. he renounces you, releases you from his side.

he's convinced his feelings won't linger and neither does the taste of salty tears on his tongue when he kisses you. one last time, two times, albeit, he's starting to lose that fight against his inner voice again. assuring and true, screaming out for you, pulling at his desires and bubbling up his chest in the form of three words he can't say, your name he never utters, no endearments, no sweet nothings.

you dared to move closer then, reaching for navy blue robes, a sullen face, beautiful but weary, before flinching back when he aims his weapon at you. a bowstring pulled taut, stretching thin, shivering and snapping under the weight of agile fingers now inept and clumsy. the prick of an arrow doesn't sting as much as his rejection. slicing a gash across your cheek.

he’s unable to reach out and heal, holding himself back, but in an act of ...guilt? remorse? he seals that wound close, the tiniest drop of blood fizzling out.

it's a long time before you're truly alone with him. years pass and the echoes of shibuya ring louder than ever, yet in the midst of forest trees and a running river, it feels like this place has been untouched by time or sorcery.

the man in full black slouches where he stands, hip protruding to the side. posture imperfect, an invisible line starting from the spikes of freshly cut hair lazily winds down to his feet staying rooted to the ground. they're covered in a pair of new sneakers, flat soles with no laces.

slip ons were never your thing but you suppose it would attract someone like him. conveniently, two fingers tuck at the back as his heel jams its way in, followed by rhythmic taps at the toe, his foot settles into the space. those two fingers then slowly but surely inch their way towards his quiver slung low on the other hip. feeling around perfectly carved shafts of yadake and the feathers of his prey. "you're not very good at hiding," he speaks. you're unsure if it was meant for you.

aiming, his shoulders square, that same line now curving upright, bowstring pulled back with purpose, fingers criss-crossing into the fibres. his eyes still trailing after an unnamed bird that squabbles and starts to flap its wings.

the arrow releases and cuts through the air, swift and puncturing through skin like a bullet through glass. muscle splitting, bones splintering, and finally, surely, it settles deep into bark. the last squak dimming and getting lost among a thicket of branches and leaves as blood pools and seeps into the grooves.

if this were any other occasion, he’d berate himself for it, how messy and gruesome. it’s definitely not the best way to hunt but in this instance when it’s more symbolic than anything, he remembers he’s not a kamo anymore, and thus, shouldn't kill like one.

and while transfixed, you hear his voice again, louder this time, "reveal yourself and i'll spare your life, at least for now while i'm generous," made of deep rumbling tones reminiscent of approaching thunder, crackling through night, so loud the critters scoot away, rushing into the bushes.

it is then that he sees you peeping out from behind the shadows. same worn hands forgoing bow and arrow for the shape of your face, thumbs caressing, fingers brushing through wisping hair. blood reaches the very tips of his ears, traversing beneath pale, cold skin, seeping over cheekbones and down his neck, red hot and blushing pink. how does he begin, with foreheads meeting and chests pounding to an erratic beat. he’s excited, he’s guilty, he’s hungry for more than just the flesh of forest birds but the blood on your lips when he crashes into you, kissing you like his life depends on it. and he bleeds too of course, whines in pain when his heart can't take it, spilling out in unrehearsed verses of 'i'm sorry's, harmonizing pleas alongside chirping cicadas and crickets. even without a technique you do the same as he did for you. sealing a wound shut with more than the mere flick of the wrist but a wholehearted embrace, out in the open among life, death, and all the other things.

#just a quick one before i go into full blown geto suguru is the only man to exist mode #in other words toshi is just my on again off again boyfriend who has a weird family #i swear im better at writing archery scenes but i cant get the words out coz he's been occupying my every thought #was gonna write something abt losing your virginity and tie it all together with blood of the covenant analogies #but my brain is taking the day off #...these kyoto dudes are starting to get to me i used to think todo was annoying and toshi was a snob #look where we r now.... #ask #anon #sunpiece #jujutsu kaisen #jjk fic #noritoshi kamo #jjk noritoshi #noritoshi x reader

[beewolfwrites]

Olive Branch: Chapter Eight - Family

(Itasaku, Successful Coup AU) You can find the previous chapters on my masterlist at the top of my account page.

I have another chapter here. I'm trying to be better with updates :)

I hope you enjoy it <3

________________________________

Leaving Sakura wrapped up in bedsheets and sleeping soundly, Itachi wandered through her apartment. Out of courtesy, he switched off the lamps in the living room and straightened the cushions on her couch. It was surreal that one day, he would marry this woman. All he knew of her was what his baby brother had told him. But within the last week, he felt that Sakura had become less of an acquaintance and more of… what?

A friend? Not quite. She is something different entirely.

He couldn't place it. His budding relationship with Sakura was unlike his relationships with Shisui or Izumi. It couldn't be put into words because it was ever changing. One minute she was merely an acquaintance, and the next, she had stepped into his memories.

He had never imagined marrying anybody other than Izumi, even though he knew that marriage was expected of him. Although he had initially approached Sakura with business in mind rather than pleasure, standing in her apartment, he found himself wanting to learn more about this woman.

For the most part, her apartment was neglected. Dishes had been left in the sink and the surfaces needed dusting. A lot of dusting. Itachi picked up a framed photograph and wiped away the layer of dust coating the glass. It was a picture of a woman with brown hair twisted into a tight bun. She was cradling a young girl on her knee, and they were both dressed in traditional kimono. Itachi recognised Sakura instantly by her hair and large green eyes. The woman, however, looked very different. 

Her mother? 

It was unusual that such treasured photographs were covered in dust. But judging by the meticulously placed ornaments and the tidy stack of books on the coffee table, Sakura was not a messy person by nature. The state of her home could be explained by her lack of free time. Sasuke had often complained that Sakura was being worked into the ground.

Itachi understood this well; his own surroundings suffered whenever he was away on missions. It wasn't unusual for him to return home to find a thin coat of dust over his bed. However, it was extremely unlikely that Sakura had been on a mission recently. After her tutelage with Tsunade was discovered, Sakura’s missions were capped. The only missions she received now were usually medical in nature, and should she leave the village, she would be accompanied by a trusted member of Anbu. Even in these cases, Sakura's missions were usually of little import. His father didn't trust her with anything high-ranking.

It's a shame that her abilities have not been put to better use.

As Itachi silently explored her home, he wondered how much it truly bothered her. He had yet to see her complain about being tied to the village, but she probably hid her frustration from her friends. They were already frustrated enough about the situation. In fact, Itachi distinctly remembered one evening in which Sasuke returned home fuming and had refused to eat with their father present. As far as Itachi recalled, Sasuke had not spoken to Fugaku for the two months following, and the tension between the two sparked all sorts of rumours within the Uchiha clan.

Foolish little brother… Father is too far gone to see sense. 

Itachi thought he'd seen every room in Sakura’s apartment when he noticed a door in the corner of the living room. It was hidden in the shadows, and at first, he assumed that it was merely a cupboard. The door was no taller than four feet, and both the door and handle was painted white to blend into the wall. It was only when he picked up on the sharp scent of incense that he decided to investigate.

He had an inkling of what was behind the door, and he knew he should walk away out of respect for Sakura's privacy. But some strange part of him felt that she owed him a glimpse into her own past. She had borne witness to some of his most personal memories, and was it so selfish that she should return the favour? 

He took the handle and opened it.

His suspicions were correct, and he felt a weight tug at his chest.

The shrine was small but well decorated. Half-melted candles were arranged around two photographs. The resemblance Sakura shared with each was incredible — her mother's eyes and mouth, and her father's nose and cheekbones. The two pictures were copies of the regulatory photographs that all villagers are requested to have taken as part of their official paperwork. Itachi had a distinctly uncomfortable feeling that any other photographs had been destroyed in the coup. That could only mean… 

That other woman, she must be an aunt. 

In front of the photographs, Sakura had set up an assortment of objects, including a single wedding ring, a piece of a broken teacup, a hairbrush entangled with blonde hair, and a charred notebook.

At this point, Itachi knew that he had overstepped a boundary. He closed the cupboard door, and without a backward glance, left through the open window.

______________________________________

‘What do you mean my shift is covered?’

Sakura was barely lucid, clutching the phone with one hand as she pulled on her vest with the other. After sleeping through her alarm — and waking up with a splitting headache half an hour later than usual — she had called the hospital in a panic to explain that she would be running late. However, it looked as though she needn’t have bothered. There was a rustle on the other line as Tajima Ikue, the hospital receptionist, filtered through sheets of paper.

‘We received a message this morning stating that Haruno-Sensei is to have today off,’ Ikue replied smoothly. ‘I don't know the specifics of who sent the order, but I’m looking at the rota right now and Hiroshi-sensei is covering your shift instead.’

Sakura had an inkling as to who had organised this, and she made a mental note to treat him to some premium dango as a thank you gift. 

‘I see. Thanks for letting me know, Ikue-san,’ Sakura said.

‘You're welcome,’ Ikue replied, ‘I'll see you tomorrow, Haruno-sensei.’

Putting the phone down, Sakura crawled back into her bed with relief. She rubbed at her temple, idly sending chakra to soothe her headache. Itachi’s Tsukuyomi had taken its toll on her. If Sakura hadn't been a medic, the after effects would probably have been far worse. And yet, she felt as though she were suspended underwater. The pain above her temple had been reduced to a dull throb, and her joints and muscles were weak and sore.

But this wasn't going to stop her from making the best of her time off. Yes, Itachi had given her this day to rest. However, it was because of her work that she barely had time to spend with her teammates. There was no need to spar or train with them; she was just happy to enjoy their company for a while. 

And so, later that morning, Sakura left her apartment and located the familiar warmth of Kakashi's chakra. She found him on the very bridge that had served as their meeting spot as genin. His nose was buried in a copy of Make out Tactics, and he showed no acknowledgement of her presence.

‘Well this is surprising,’ he said at last, glancing her way as she leant against the railings beside him. ‘Aren't you usually at the hospital by now?’

‘Not today,’ she grinned. ‘I've been given a day off.’

His eye crinkled. ‘I'm glad. You're always overworked. A breather will be good for you.’ With one glance at her clothes, he added, ‘I'm guessing you're not here to train.’

‘I'm kind of supposed to be resting today.’

‘Oh? What happened this time?’

She laughed nervously. ‘Just overuse of chakra again,’ she lied. ‘You know me.’

Kakashi hummed in mock disapproval, although Sakura could sense the genuine concern under his facade. ‘What use is a medic who collapses from exhaustion?’

She brushed him off with a gentle smile. ‘You worry about me too much Kakashi-sensei. I can handle myself.’

‘I'm sure you can Sakura, but that doesn't change the fact that—‘ He paused, then sighed. ‘Naruto and Sasuke have sensed your chakra. They'll be here soon.’

Within less than a minute, Naruto and Sasuke appeared in the distance. Sakura almost giggled at the sight of them strolling casually, as though she hadn't sensed their chakra signatures racing through the village only seconds prior.

‘Sakura-chan!’ Naruto waved.

Sasuke followed close behind, smiling faintly in amusement.

‘Shocked to see me?’ she teased.

Naruto sheepishly scratched the back of his head. ‘Sort of. When I saw you with Kakashi-sensei just now, I thought you were a ghost.’

Sakura lightly slapped him across the head, causing Sasuke to smirk. ‘You saw me a couple of days ago. We even ate ramen together. How could you forget?’

‘You know what the idiot's like,’ Sasuke said. ‘He can't even remember what he had for breakfast this morning.’

‘Oi!’ Naruto shook his fist. ‘You bet your ass I can remember. It was cup ramen, curry flavour too!’

Sakura wrinkled her nose. ‘Ramen for breakfast?’

‘Yep, you should try it some time Sakura-chan. It tastes way better in the morning.’

Sasuke shrugged, nonchalant.  ‘I don't know why you're so surprised, Sakura.’ 

He's not wrong. What else did I expect?

‘I know, I shouldn't be so surprised.’ She turned to Naruto. ‘You realise you're a walking heart-attack waiting to happen, right? You’ll be the first ninja to die from excess sodium.’

Naruto opened his mouth to protest, however the moment was lost as Kakashi tucked his book back into his pouch and clapped his hands. 

‘Well then,’ Kakashi said, smiling beneath his mask. ‘It's great to have the entire team here, especially since I know how hard it is for you to get away from the hospital, Sakura. Obviously, since you mentioned that you're supposed to be resting, you won't be training with us today—‘

‘Hold on,’ Naruto cut in. ‘How come Sakura-chan is resting?’ 

His large blue eyes were fixated on her with worry, whereas Sasuke eyed her knowingly.

‘You've exhausted your chakra again.’

She sighed deeply. Heaven knows she hated lying to her teammates. ‘Kind of. That's why I've been given the day off. I have to rest up before going back to work tomorrow.’

Naruto sulked, pouting like a toddler. ‘It's not fair. What do you even do that takes so much time anyway?’

Sakura wished she was better at lying. A moment’s hesitation could easily give her away. Her work creating antidotes to airborne poisons was confidential, and no matter how much she trusted her team with all her heart, she was under a strict oath not to speak about her current projects. If word escaped that Konoha had developed antidotes to suspected airborne poisons, enemy villages would keep adapting their poisons, rendering Sakura's hard work useless.

And so, unable to speak the truth, Sakura settled for a slightly curved version of it. 

‘I heal people,’ she said. ‘You know that already, Naruto. What else do medics do?’

Although Naruto seemed to be placated with her answer, she was painfully aware that Kakashi was eyeing her stonily. Perhaps he knew what her work truly entailed. Even if he did, he would never talk about it. That was just the kind of man Kakashi was.

‘If that's the case,’ Naruto exclaimed, ‘then when I become Hokage, you'll never have to work this hard again Sakura-chan. At least not enough to drain your chakra.’

At this, Sakura's heart sank. Despite her agreement with Itachi, she knew that it would be a long time before Naruto would even be considered a viable candidate for the title. There were just too many hurdles. The biggest being that the political wrongs of the village needed to be set right.

‘Hn. The Hokage title is reserved for the Uchiha, Idiot.’

And just like that, the air seemed thinner. 

Sakura bit her tongue to keep from saying anything. Sasuke was surprisingly unlike the rest of his clan; he was unaffected by the Curse of Hatred that was rumoured to run in his family. But there would always be a bridge that Sasuke failed to cross regarding the brutal reality of his clan. 

Sakura recalled Itachi's memories vividly. The Uchiha children had taken shelter beneath the Naka Shrine, blind and deaf to the chaos above. It hadn't taken much effort to convince a group of children that their clan was superior to others. Sasuke had never stumbled across the charred remains of bodies. He had never ran barefoot through the streets as buildings burned around him. He had never experienced the horrors that stripped Naruto of his independence, Kakashi of his Sharingan, and Sakura of her parents. 

She was grateful when Kakashi swiftly began the morning training. Whilst his expression was concealed behind his mask, Sakura knew that he had also felt the unmistakable tension in the air.

________________________________________

Itachi knocked on the door to his father's office, however it wasn’t truly necessary. Fugaku recognised his son's chakra signature instantly.

‘Come in, Itachi.’

Itachi stepped inside and bowed stiffly. His father did not look up. ’You requested my presence.’

‘I did, yes.’ 

Fugaku rooted through his desk drawer before pulling out a mission scroll. He pushed it across the desk, where Itachi took it and lazily surveyed its contents. 

‘An infiltration mission.’

‘There has been an increase in the number of Kiri nin found along the border,’ Fugaku explained. ‘A team of Anbu ran into a group of them recently. They claimed that they were on a mission escorting a client, but we had a sensory-type amongst our squad, and there was no client seen or sensed in the area. I'm sure you’ve already read the reports.’

Itachi nodded. He had read over the details several times, perplexed by the situation. The Kiri nin had simply stated that they were on an escort mission, refusing to speak further. Any finer details were confidential and Konoha Anbu had no right to demand such information from another hidden village.

‘Normally, I would avoid sending you on a mission like this,’ Fugaku continued, folding his arms. ‘You are one of my strongest shinobi, and you are also my son and heir. If the Mizukage is indeed sending agents to potentially infiltrate Konoha, I would prefer to keep my strongest men here, should worst come to worst.’

It did not escape Itachi's notice that in his father's list of importance, Itachi's strength as a ninja took higher priority than their blood relation. But he said nothing on the matter.

‘There are very few people I trust with this mission,’ Fugaku said. ‘The villagers of Kirigakure have been suspicious of strangers for a long time, especially considering their bloody history. In order to complete this mission successfully, I need two ninja with high stealth and the ability to extract information without drawing attention.’

Itachi raised an eyebrow. ‘Surely there are Anbu operatives more suited to the job?’

‘The Anbu are needed here,’ Fugaku insisted. ‘They are to guard the village walls. I have said this already, Itachi.’ His voice lowered to a murmur, and Itachi could no longer be sure whether Fugaku was talking to his son, or to himself. ‘Naturally, Yamanaka Inoichi would be perfect for something like this. His information gathering abilities are some of the finest I've seen. But I want this mission to be carried out by loyal shinobi I can trust.’

There was an unmistakable venom behind those words. Itachi hadn't forgotten the incident many years ago in which the Yamanaka, Nara and Akimichi clans united to strike a rebellion, the result of which had included several further losses, including Yamanaka Inoichi's arm. From that point on, a curfew and lockdown on all inter-clan mingling was ensued as a means of preventing further conspiracy. The trio of clans had made a formidable enemy, and had it not been for an agent collecting information from the inside, the Uchiha clan would have fallen easily.

Information is the most valuable weapon of all.

‘There’s another matter to consider,’ Fugaku said, snapping Itachi out of his thoughts. ‘I would also like your recommendation for a suitable partner on this mission.’

Whilst the mission could technically be achieved by one ninja working solo, two nin working together maximised the volume of information gathered, while still being inconspicuous enough not to rouse attention. From the moment Itachi laid eyes on the mission slip, he knew that this was an opportunity he couldn’t let slide.

‘I have someone in mind,’ he replied. ‘I have reason to believe that Haruno Sakura would be an asset on this mission.’

Fugaku's expression instantly darkened. 

‘As you know,’ Itachi said, ‘her chakra control is flawless. She would be able to conceal her kunoichi background without error. And should the mission fail, the combination of her medical skills and field strength would boost our chances of us both returning in one piece.’

Fugaku looked far from impressed. If anything, his lip curled in disgust. ‘As I said, I want somebody I can trust.’

‘You trust me,’ Itachi interjected. ‘And I can assure you that I’d keep watch over her at all times.’

His father was practically seething at the suggestion of Sakura on such an important mission. But after a moment's thought, Fugaku gave Itachi a reluctant nod.

‘I don't like this, but I trust your judgement, Itachi. Do not let me down.’

With that, Itachi bowed and left the office. As far as he knew, Sakura's last mission had involved gathering medicinal herbs from a rural village at the border between Fire and Wind country. Whilst it would have been a peaceful mission, he suspected that deep down Sakura missed taking on something high-ranked. She was sure to be thrilled about their mission together, and the simple thought of Sakura's excitement left Itachi smiling.

__________________________________________

It hadn’t taken long for a Team Seven training session to turn into an all-out brawl between Sasuke and Naruto over who could punch holes in the most trees. Sakura would have happily put them both in their place, if not for her “chakra exhaustion”, and wisely chose to stay well away from the destruction. 

She had left them bickering over their scores, slipping away from the training grounds without either of them noticing. As much as she wished to stay and kick some sense into her idiotic teammates, Sakura had something else in mind. She wanted to pay Ino a visit. A proper visit this time. She had several hours before curfew, and she knew that the pig would be dying to gossip and chat freely without the clock ticking over their heads.

The two shinobi guarding the gates of the Yamanaka compound were different than last time. In fact, Sakura recognised one of them as Uchiha Tomoharu – a chunin only a couple of years younger than her and innocently swept up in his clan’s powerful grip. She had once saved after a botched mission. His team had carried him into the hospital, his leg slashed in several places and clearly septic. If not for Sakura’s team working on him all through the night, Tomoharu wouldn't have made it. Although Sakura had always made it clear that his teammates were the real heroes, Tomoharu never failed to show his gratitude towards her.

As she approached the gates, Tomoharu flashed her a boyish grin.

‘The gods must be rewarding me,’ he said. ‘It's been a long day and I didn't think I would be lucky enough to run into you, Sakura-sensei.’

She smiled automatically. Tomoharu was just like that; the warmth he radiated as a person made it impossible to place him alongside his relatives. In fact, now that Sakura thought about it, there was something about Tomoharu’s sunny nature that struck her as familiar. 

He’s so much like Shisui…  

Her heart ached at the memory of Shisui’s fate. 

‘Believe me,’ she said, ‘if anyone’s lucky here, it’s me. How have you been Tomoharu-kun?’

‘Sama.’ The other guard's steely voice cut through. He was glaring at Sakura. ‘You may refer to him as “Uchiha-sama” and nothing less.’

Tomoharu shifted uncomfortably, looking at his prickly partner with uncertainty. It was clear that he wanted to stand up for her, but didn’t want to make things worse. Sakura, however, was used to the Uchiha ruining her day. It felt so backwards, being forced to call Tomoharu by a name that he didn’t like. But it was the world they lived in. 

‘I guess we'll have to catch up some other day,’ Tomoharu muttered. This time, his smile was forced.

‘I suppose so,’ she said. ‘Perhaps when you’re not on duty.’

He nodded, and his mannerisms shifted, taking on an air of formality. ‘In that case, you may proceed, Sakura-sensei.’

Sakura bowed and walked through the web of chakra. It was strange watching Tomoharu's personality warp as he embraced his role as a guard. It was also so, so wrong. He was twenty. A chunin. He should have been out, having the time of his life on missions, not stuck on guard duty.

At least he actually reached his twentieth birthday. Shisui and Izumi weren't so lucky.

The thought weighed heavily on her mind as she strolled past rows of houses. Things hadn't changed at all. Whether it was Shisui, Itachi, Izumi, Tomoharu or even herself, children had always been forced to grow up a little too fast.

Don't think about it. It's your day off.

The voice in the back of her mind was right. This day was a gift. Dwelling on the cruel realities of life would only bring her sadness. 

She ploughed on through the Yamanaka district until she came to Ino's door. Unfortunately, it was Ino's mother who answered, inspecting Sakura shrewdly before explaining that Ino was out training. Sakura thanked her, and hoping not to drag out the tension any further, headed in the direction of the Yamanaka training fields. 

There was something about the training fields that soothed Sakura. While the main area had been cleared of any wilderness for ease, the grounds themselves were situated in a large meadow. Around the perimeter, the grass was sweet with wildflowers — flowers that many years ago, Sakura and Ino had strung together to make necklaces and fairy crowns.

‘Pig!’ Sakura called. Shin-deep in wavy grass and buttercups, she peered through the foliage. ‘It's me! I heard you were out here!’

Somewhere in the trees there was a snap of twigs, and Seconds later, a purple blur hopped down from a branch. Ino looked exhausted, her hair sticking to her face and her clothes brushed with soil. 

‘Hey Forehead.’ Ino predictably cornered her in a tight hug. ‘It’s funny, I was just thinking of taking a breather.’

The two sat down against the trunk of a large oak. Ino sipped at a water bottle and with one wrist, wiped the sweat from her forehead. Sakura closed her eyes and leant her head back against the bark. The afternoon sun warmed the exposed skin of her arms and legs, and Sakura could have easily fallen asleep right then and there.

‘So Itachi, huh?’

Oh no…

Sakura tensed, cracking her eyes open just enough to see Ino's sneaky smile. 

‘What about him?’ She asked, trying to brush off her nerves. ‘You know you can’t just go around calling him by his first name, what if somebody heard you? Plus, it’s rude.’

Ino hissed, and flicked Sakura’s upper arm. ’Don't play dumb with me, Forehead. I saw you together.’

’You saw us?’

‘Of course I did. You were out eating dango with that fine hunk of man meat.’

Sakura's stomach churned. The last time they spoke, she hadn’t mentioned anything about Itachi that could give his identity away. Likewise, Ino wasn’t as stupid as she sometimes acted. She could put two and two together. But more importantly, had she overheard their conversation at the dango shop? How much did she know?

There’s no way I can get Ino involved in this, Sakura thought, trying not to grimace.

‘So Forehead,’ Ino said. ‘Care to explain what you were doing dining out with the Hokage's right-hand man?’

Sakura could only hope that Ino would drop the subject. Who was she kidding? Of course Ino wouldn’t drop it. 

‘It was nothing. He was asking about a project I'm working on at the moment, you know, at the hospital.’

‘Yeah, sure he was,’ Ino snorted. ‘Don't lie to me, Sakura. I know you. Other people probably can't tell, but whenever you're talking about work you go all rigid and professional… kind of like a cardboard cut-out. Anyway, I know you weren't talking about work. You were way too relaxed for that.’

‘It really was nothing, Ino.’

‘Sakura I told you not to lie to me.’ Ino sat up on her knees, facing Sakura fully until it became impossible to ignore her. Her voice was barely above a whisper. ‘Last time, you said someone was asking you to choose between yourself and the greater good or whatever it was.’ 

Sakura opened her mouth to tell her that back then she had been speaking hypothetically, but Ino raised a finger to cut her off. 

‘Sakura, tell me straight. Is Uchiha Itachi blackmailing you or something?’

‘What? No!’

‘Then why the hell is he asking you such weird stuff about the greater good? Be honest with me. I don’t trust him, he’s one of them.’

Sakura's heart fluttered nervously. She was aching to confide in somebody; all of these secrets about Konoha’s past left her feeling like an unexploded mine. But she couldn't drag Ino into this. It was far too political. The fewer people knew about Itachi's plan to usurp his father right from under his feet, the better.

‘I… I can’t, Ino-pig,’ she answered. ‘I just can't risk it.’ 

I can’t risk anything happening to you. 

Sakura thought Ino would be mad, irritated that Sakura could harbour so many unshed secrets. But much to Sakura's relief, her best friend just gave her a weary smile.

‘Sure, Forehead. I understand. But whatever you've gotten yourself into, if it becomes too much to deal with, you can always let me in.’

Ino… Thank you. 

At times like these, Ino was the sister Sakura never had. It wasn't that she didn't trust Ino. But rather, she felt that if she spoke about it out loud – without Itachi's reassuring presence – the information would somehow be leaked and he would lose his advantage against his father. If word got out that Itachi was working against his clan, he would be stripped of all power, no longer in line for the position of Hokage.

The butterflies in Sakura's chest had begun to ebb away, and with a tired smile, she slid down the tree trunk and rested her head against her best friend’s shoulder. 

‘What would I do without you, Ino?’

‘Oh, you’d be hopeless without me, obviously,’ Ino scoffed. ‘But if that damn Uchiha causes any problems, just let me know and I'll pulverise him. It doesn’t matter how attractive he is.’

Sakura laughed dryly. ’That’s Sasuke-kun’s brother, you know. Stop making things weird.’

‘You can’t deny it. Even if he’s the enemy, he’s got the face of Adonis.’ Ino paused, humming pleasantly. ‘Not to mention that beautiful body.’

Sakura elbowed her in the ribs. ‘Stop! I don’t want to think about him that way.’

‘Too late, you’re already thinking about him.’ 

‘Shut up, Pig!’ 

There was still time before curfew, so for now, she could enjoy the quiet of the meadow. The sweetness of flowers lingered in the air, and above the canopy, swallows flocked in lines. With her head resting against Ino’s shoulder, the two simply enjoying the silence of the other’s company, Sakura realised that her headache had finally subsided. But more than that, she finally understood why she wished to stand by Itachi’s side. 

I want to fight for this moment right here. I want to fight for my family. 

#itasaku #itasaku fanfiction #itachi x sakura

[theshoegirldiaries]

#Scentoftheday round-up from last week, clockwise from top row left; Gucci Bloom EDP worn with Bloom Intense EDP, Anna Sui Sundae Violet Vibe EDT, Dolce & Gabbana Devotion EDP, Christian Dior Dune EDT, Christian Dior Sakura EDP (La Collection Privee), Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia EDP and Carolina Herrera Gold Incense EDP (Herrera Confidential).

#anna sui #gucci #carolina herrera #dior #christian dior #estee lauder #dolce & gabbana #perfume #fragrance #dolcegabbana #dolce and gabbana #bbloggers #beauty #pink haired princess

[haropro-confessions]

Sakura is pretty to me but in a creepy witch like way. She looks like she would smell like smokey incense and sage. I think it’s her hair when she performs and makeup choices (strong eyebrows, red lip) more than her atmosphere.

#Oda Sakura