[Shinmen Akemi]

Life is a series of changes.
Plunge into the ocean.
Move with the river.
Dance with the rain.

They had talked about it time and again, sent letters about this day, but it was here~ The sun was shining, the grass was green, and the land was so much different than her own, than Yukigakure, than anywhere. Giddy and excited, it was like that first day on the grass where she’d met his summons, found butterflies in her stomach, and a warmth she never wanted to let go of.

Nohara no Kuni was the homeland of a very special friend to the young Shinmen and she was sure to find him. The Chunin Exams had been well underway and some of her students that had graduated and moved through quickly were testing them out! First exam wasn’t one she was allowed to accompany… a large use of the land needed and a lot of trust in Kusagakure to not do other countries wrong, but all seemed to go smoothly and lead into that next round!

Which allowed her into the country. Observant individuals, leaders, and supervisors now allowed to be in the country and near the genin and taking part in open festivities for the event. But the biggest attraction to her was one that would have had the eyes of many…

The familiar face of the Lord of Kusagakure, Hisakawa Yamato. A man that she had seen exiting one of the main arenas not long ago and turn down another street with what she assumed were bodyguards. Perhaps coordinators? Whoever they were, the girl took off in a light pace after them. No clear sprint, no ill intention, but clearly wanting to catch up. WHen not too far off, the girl lifted her lips and would call for him~

"Lord Hisakawa! My Lord!”

Hoping to get him to slow, to see her, and a smile brightening all the more if he’d turn around. Speeding up with blonde hair bouncing, green eyes shining, and the girl’s skin bathed in Nohara sun. Shorts barely hugging her hips, her bare belly and barely covered tits bounding with her light steps. It was one of the few places in the world where her nonsensical attire might make sense… Bikini clad nonsense teacher to come up to him, hand outstretched. Simply taking his hand, though if he’d have reached for her to she’d tug herself into his body and nestle into his chest and center. A pause. Warm and gladness in them returning together, then looking back to him with glimmering eyes!

Lord Hisakawa~ Let me spend some time with you?”

Shinmen Akemi

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Hisakawa Yamato]

Shivers

@all

Despite this being the first time he had presided over them, Yamato felt that the Chuunin Exams were going rather swimmingly. While hosting the exams always came with some security risks and concerns, the boom in the economy that came with it was always welcome. There was also the excitement of seeing the mettle of the next generation of shinobi, as well as sizing up the strength of the other nations. All in all, the young lord liked what he was seeing thus far, though he ruefully noted that he had even less time to himself these days. Being the leader of a village was strenuous enough, but the exams had a way of eating up every last one of his spare moments. Thankfully, it seemed that today brought with it a ray of happiness. The voice was surprising, it always was when he heard it, but he knew it by heart by now.

The white-haired shinobi immediately turned to face the source, his two bodyguards turning as well, though unlike him, they bore more wary expressions. Yamato immediately motioned for them to stay put, unable to stop the wide smile on his face as he helped close the distance between himself and his beloved. She was dressed in her usual attire, which typically seemed to consist of being a only a few steps away from not even being attire, but he paid it no mind. He gladly embraced the blonde, holding her and not letting go for several moments until she made a coy request. It was that question that reminded Yamato that they were being watched, and he delayed responding to Akemi to awkwardly look back at his bodyguards, waving them away with one hand. They exchanged a look, one that Yamato knew meant that he was going to have a rather uncomfortable conversation later, but he put that behind him: Akemi was here!

"Of course I'll spend time with you! I was wondering when you'd get here~ But uhm... let's find somewhere a bit more private to talk, yea?"

It wasn't particularly populated where they were standing, but it was only a matter of time before more people began flooding out of the arena. Yamato temporarily pulled himself away from Akemi as he stuffed his purple book in a pouch at his hip, eagerly taking her hand back into his before pulling her along. He would be lying to himself if he said he hadn't already lived this scenario in his head dozens of times before, devising and theorizing the perfect plan to spend time with the blonde in relative secrecy within his own village. He kept a quick pace as he continued to lead her by the hand, ducking into and past several streets before turning into a rather narrow alley, just wide enough for one person at a time, still though, he awkwardly kept her hand in his as he squeezed through.

At the far end of the alley was a small, sliding door to the side, and Yamato quietly pushed it open before tugging Akemi in as well. The inside was already dimly lit, and if the blonde cared to examine the surroundings, she'd note that it was a simple, and completely empty tea shop. Well, there was one elderly man at the far end of the shop, clearly the owner of the establishment, but he was fast asleep in his chair. Yamato had obviously known this would be the case, and he took the opportunity to properly greet Akemi, pulling her into his embrace yet again and eagerly leaning in to press his lips against hers. This hadn't been the longest gap in between visits, but with his recent appointment to Kusa's leadership, it certainly had felt the longest.

Extra notes;

♥ Chou

[Shinmen Akemi]

Life is a series of changes.
Plunge into the ocean.
Move with the river.
Dance with the rain.

Truth be told, she wasn’t exactly sure what to expect with Yamato’s new position. He was the Lord of the country, how formal and official should she be? Should she be normal? Would it offend him? Questions that swam through her mind though thankfully… they had written about it a fair bit. Her curious questions about his life, the changes, and then as the exams got closer, how she should address him or what she should watch for were all things they discussed. Few things needed hidden between them when they used those pigeons as a means of communication~

The fact that he so openly welcomed her into a hug was something she adored though. The Lord of Kusagakure, Hisakawa Yamato, was still her dear friend that smiled at the mere sight of her. Nestled into him, the half bare girl hugging to him a bit more tightly after he welcomed her into his embrace. Gleaming green eventually to peer up at him though, requesting his time.

It was something that got him waving off his bodyguards pretty readily, though they didn’t look too happy. A soft giggle from the blonde and affection in looking him over. "Don’t worry, Lord Hisakawa~ I’d never let anything happen to you.” Reassurance and teasing towards his position, though definitely true in any aspect, she’d never let someone harm him if she could do anything about it…

He took off so eagerly that she couldn’t help but laugh aloud. Her hand in his, the warmth between them shared with that simple touch as he took off into the streets and alleys of his own village… A softer smile to her face, watching the man she knew so well weaving through the streets and corridors with a familiarity that usually one only had with home. He was so cute~

"Can you even do this?”

A brief question to him, laughter in her voice as she kept up with his pace and was pulled along. A thin alley even traveled through, forcing them one behind another, though forever holding his hand as long as he kept it. A final turn, one that came with a door slid open and Yamato tugging them inside. The light wasn’t overly bright and it took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust. Small, quaint, and adorable, but perhaps most of all it seemed private. A little chuckle, soft and sweet, as the girl’s green eyes turned on him again.

This was for her~ Before she could even say thanks or express any clear or sweet affection, she was wrapped up in the arms of her lover again. He felt so familiar and warm… he smelled like grass and sun! The sweet kiss and eagerness pressed into it returned all the more by the smiling girl, tugging herself a little closer and letting that contact linger. Maybe they never had to part~ A cute thought, but one not kept long. For she’d part with him and tease her face lower, nuzzling her nose and face into his neck just beneath his jaw. Warm breath against his skin as she spoke~

"It’s your village~ Hehe. It gives me goosebumps remembering that kid I played with at my Chunin Exam and knowing just how high he’s climbed~”

He was amazing, pure and simple. He was so young and bright that he shone even to the top of Kusagakure.

"I’m proud of you~ In case I never told you. Know it, Kay~?”

Quiet words, sweetly spoken and lips pressed on his throat. Hidden away in a teashop or not, that didn’t change~

Shinmen Akemi

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Hisakawa Yamato]

Shivers

@all

The fact that the pair could always simply pick up where they left off without issue never failed to fill Yamato's heart with joy, a teasing banter shared between them as they 'snuck' off to find some privacy. He laughed at her promise that she'd never let anything happen to him, though despite the light tone in her voice, he knew deep down that he could truly depend on her if the chips were down.

"Of course I can do this! Wouldn't be much point to being the Lord if I couldn't~"

Another teasing remark with a kernel of truth shot back. Being the leader of a shinobi village was rife with endless responsibilities, but at the very least it also afforded him a few freedoms as well. As the two shared a moment of respite together, Yamato could feel the stresses and weight of leadership melting away. The only thing on his mind at the moment was enjoying Akemi's closeness, parting briefly to speak.

"I um... wouldn't call it my village... but thank you anyway, that means a lot to me."

He pulled the woman in close once more, humming contentedly for a few moments before the sound of a single snore startled him. The elderly man who ran the tea shop seemed to stir in his sleep but ultimately remained in his slumber. He suppressed a giggle as he pressed a single finger to his lips, playfully shushing Akemi while taking up her hand and leading her back outside.

"Are you hungry? Do you want to grab something to eat first? I know the perfect ramen place that isn't too far from here~ Or we could go see some flowers first? The Nakahara clan of Kusagakure has splendid arrangements this time of year~"

Yamato had the feeling that Akemi would be happy to do just about any activity as long as they could do it together, but he also knew that the blonde had quite the formidable appetite.

Extra notes;

♥ Chou

[Shinmen Akemi]

Life is a series of changes.
Plunge into the ocean.
Move with the river.
Dance with the rain.

The freedom of the young man was gladly enjoyed, that he could be the all powerful Leader of Kusagakure and drag another village’s girl around like a haphazard child had her heart fluttering with amusement. Like playing tag with his seal book, or shoving chocolate in his mouth, the two might have ever been growing older and more mature, but their relationship was light hearted, fun, serious, deep, and happy~

He was the light of her world! And she could be his~ So it was easy to sink into an embrace and hug him tight, giddy at finally being able to see him again. Praise was worth every breath and she’d giggle when he’d take some of the ‘ownership’ away from his position. Not ‘his’ village. And while perhaps true, it was still cute and funny that he didn’t let such things go to his head. Yamato had always been that sort of person and she cherished him.

Nestling into his hold was warm and comfortable, Akemi equally able to just hold onto him as he did to her, lingering with one another and just letting a few moments pass them by. The snore didn’t get her quite as bad, but a snicker would come all the same from her companion seemingly caught off guard. Smiles on both sides and her hand easily taken, she’d follow him anywhere.

He’d ask a hard question once they were back outside. Flowers or food?? An audible hum to be given as she thought, squeezing his hand lightly and leaning into him. A little extra weight even let into that lean, as if she might actually fall over into him if he wouldnt’ support her. But a chuckle soon after with glimmering eyes looking to him.

"I’m always hungry~ But I’m excited to see more! And you know how I buy food, hehe~ I don’t wanna weigh us down right from the start!”

Giggling and keeping near him, decision was made! Food definitely wasn’t passed up forever… but if she wanted to look around freely maybe she shouldnt’ have boxes of food for when her eyes were too big for her stomach…

Shinmen Akemi

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Hisakawa Yamato]

Shivers

@all

With his hand in hers, Yamato happily took his beloved out onto the streets of the village he found himself leading these days. He considered for a moment how wise it might be to go marching around intertwined with what was technically an enemy shinobi, but those thoughts were quickly pushed out of his mind by Akemi's playful push against him. His eyebrows raised expectantly as she pondered the question he posed, laughing at her response and happily bumping back against her as they walked. Yamato's grip remained firm around her hand, but he toyed with their physical connection, swinging their clasped hands with exaggerated movements back and forth.

"Don't worry, there'll be plenty of things to try and eat, but I guess you're right. Let's just play it by ear!"

And with that statement Yamato could feel his hand reflexively give Akemi's another squeeze, somewhat surprising himself as he realized he had unintentionally concluded one of the things he enjoyed most about the blonde's presence in his life. She was always there for her, and in her company he never needed to worry. He was free from heavy expectations and duty and other ideals, and he could simply just be his own carefree self.

As promised, Yamato led the two towards the sections of the village that were currently dedicated to the Nakahara's clan's various business ventures, primarily their floral arrangements. The exams were absolutely great for business, and despite it being rather cold this time of year, there were certain flowers that thrived in this season. He took his time in examining the various arrangements, always pausing to see if Akemi had a particularly positive reaction to any of them. They certainly had plenty of time to spend together while the exams were taking place, but he did want to be ready to give her something to take home when it was time to part.

"Poinsettias are really amazing! Though they're not the only beautiful thing that comes from a cold place~"

Yamato leaned over as he said that, planting a quick peck on Akemi's cheek before hastily turning away to both hide his immediate embarrassment and to pull them along to the next floral arrangement.

Extra notes;

♥ Chou

[Shinmen Akemi]

Life is a series of changes.
Plunge into the ocean.
Move with the river.
Dance with the rain.

Laughing at her! How rude! Except in no way would the blonde be regretful of a smile she put on his face. The two connected at the hands, teasing and bumping into one another, and even plans set out! Akemi loved loved loved to eat! But then they’d have all those leftovers to deal with rather than run around flowers and fully enjoy them! It was something he seemed to agree with and started swinging her hand with extra enthusiasm. A light giggle and a little footwork, the blonde would have spun and tucked beneath his hold, her hand still in his as if he had purposefully spun her, and drawing in close to him until the end of that turn. A peck on the cheek! Then giggling as she spun herself out and reset their position.

"You bet we’re gonna try everything Nohara has to offer! I can’t waste a minute!”

Excited grin to her face, a squeeze firmly back to him. There was plenty to eat, plenty to see, and plenty to truthfully enjoy. Warmer gaze settling on him with that thought, very honestly happy they got to spend at least a little time together.

Flowers were gone after though, a wide expanse of floral arrangements that spanned over so much space… "Did one of the clans really grow all of these?” A little awe and giddiness,her eyes flickering across all the colors and shapes. It was amazing! Looking at plant after plant looked at, arrangements galore with beautiful visions all around.

Yamato pulling her out of that focus though, catching her by surprise as she realized he was suddenly closer. But before her green eyes could snap over to him he was already diving in for a quick kiss. A smile to her lips, finally getting her eyes on him only to see him pull away. A giggle and a soft squeeze of her hand, he tugged her along and she didn’t say a word to her poor embarrassed Yamato.

Until something caught her eye.

"Oh! What’s this!?”

Immediately tugging him a little off course, the girl meaning to shift him to follow after her towards something she noticed and wanted to look at!

"It’s really pretty,the dual colors and all. But most of all!”

She had been looking at the flower, closely inspecting it with free hand lightly caressing over the petals. All to suddenly shift, straightening up and tugging him to her to return his earlier gesture, though aiming for his lips in her quick peck! Before giggling and returning to that flower.

"It reminds me of you…”

SPOILER: Click to show

Lisianthus

Shinmen Akemi

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Hisakawa Yamato]

Shivers

@all

Yamato happily nodded at Akemi's declaration, a somewhat bittersweet sentiment knowing that as much as there was to see and do, their time together was always limited: an unfortunate reality of their uncooperative nations and villages. But there was no time nor reason to dwell on those thoughts. Akemi was here, now, spinning happily in his arms and partaking in this experience with him.

The flowers definitely seemed to catch Akemi's attention, though she did seem to be in awe that it was a single clan that had put this much effort into the floral arrangements.

"Yup! That's actually how they choose their clan's leader biennially. But even when they're not competing to be on the council they host floral competitions, just for fun!"

While Yamato had already distanced himself from the idea of being solely responsible for the accomplishments of his village, he did ironically take pride in the philosophy of some of the clans under his jurisdiction. The Nakahara were an example of a people who pursued something in life that didn't focus primarily on war and battle. As he sheepishly continued to gauge Akemi's enjoyment after his bold kiss, she made it abundantly clear when something caught her attention, pulling the white-haired man to a specific white and purple flower.

His full attention was on the flower, of course, so it came as a welcome surprise when Akemi returned his earlier show of affection, tugging him close to give him a quick peck aimed for his lips. Pink continued to flood his cheeks as he tried to keep his gaze towards the flower, realizing that Akemi had followed up with a rather sweet observation. He had long since toned down how much purple he wore in his outfit, but there were still a few flourishes here and there, most notably on the inside of his cloak. Yamato took the compliment with a bashful grin, not trusting himself to respond to it verbally without stumbling over his words but gladly giving Akemi a playful nudge.

Yamato would continue to pull the blonde along this flowery area for as long as Akemi would like, but eventually he'd push for a change of scenery. Still amidst the most populated section of the village, Yamato led Akemi into a more food-centric area. They weren't surrounded by restaurants and street food stalls though, but strolled through what was more along the lines of a farmer's market. During the cold season, however, it wasn't fresh fruits and vegetables that were up for purchase, but more artisinal goods: things like jams, cheeses, and wines.

Extra notes;

♥ Chou

[Shinmen Akemi]

Life is a series of changes.
Plunge into the ocean.
Move with the river.
Dance with the rain.

"That’s so cool..”

They continually hosted floral competitions throughout the year? That had to make Kusagakure constantly beautiful… it kept a joyous grin to the girl’s lips, impossible to not be overjoyed by such an idea! Things were so different between other nations and other clans, it was fantastic and gave her just that much more to marvel in and teach her kids!

A flower though, one that caught her attention for its woven colors and beautiful pattern. It was clear to her own mind who this reminded her of, absolutely stunning with paleness mixed with the color of royalty so modestly adorning it… A kiss to that precious one it reminded her of, quick and light, but determined to give just that bit of affection to the young man that was showing her his life~

He didn’t answer, but the nudge to the girl had her giggling, both hands moving to wrap around his arm and hug tightly to him, resting her head against him. "Lisianthus. I’ll have to remember that before I leave~” Maybe she could grow them in Amegakure? Maybe they couldn’t take rain? She’d have to ask, but it was pretty and she was definitely going to take at least one home with her! More to see though, and food was coming up! Obviously she had to save carrying room <3

The flowers were lingered among for a while. Time and again tugging him to another flower that might catch her eye and even asking about the flower she had been so interested in earlier from one of those clan members tending to the area. A nice little time to enjoy the place Yamato had grown up in and now lead~

He then leading her off towards food! Or mostly. Not a typical Farmer’s Market by any means, not the fresh fruit and foods thrown around that she would have imagined. But still great! Not things grown, but things made by the hands of those around them that had her squeezing the arm of the young man and grinning up happily.

"You have to help me try everything, right~?”

Tugging him with her, jams and jarred good to catch her eye first due to closeness but also the cuteness of those jars themselves…

"Let’s get some to eat nowww~”

A playful whine, definitely hungry now that they were there though… and sugar hit the spot!

Shinmen Akemi

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Hisakawa Yamato]

Shivers

@all

"It's more than cool! It's something I aspire towards myself... or at least I'd like to. A meritocracy, but not merit based in force or might... but ability to care and nurture."

It was wistful thinking, in a world as full as conflict as this, but just because something was eternally beyond the horizon didn't mean it wasn't worth chasing. Yamato could immediately feel as Akemi's energy changed when they entered a more food filled area. He let out an unbridled laugh as the blonde demanded to try a bit of everything, to which he readily agreed.

"Of course! I'll make sure we get a bit of everything later but if you want to eat something now..."

It took the young man only a moment to orient himself in the right direction, swiftly pulling Akemi along away from the marketplace and into an area populated by more restaurants and stalls. He already knew which stall he wanted to go to, and expertly weaved through the crowds of people. When the two arrived at their destination, Yamato happily revealed that they were in a breakfast establishment, his favorite even! A fact that was established as the owner of the stall immediately recognized the white-haired man.

"Ah! Lord Yamato, I wondered if you'd be stopping by today. And who's this?"

The perceptive cook noticed their interlocked hands as soon as they had entered, which as usual sent a shock of red into Yamato's cheeks.

"Oh! Yes this is Akemi she's... very special to me."

There was a mixture of sheepishness and pride in his voice as he introduced the blonde, a slight twinge of uncertainty in his mind as he considered how wise it was to be open about this particular relationship but... he did turst the owner. Looking up at a menu that hung over the bar would reveal an assortment of breakfast specific foods including both sweet and savory options.

"I'll have some tea to start! And whatever Akemi would like as well."

Extra notes;

♥ Chou

[Shinmen Akemi]

Life is a series of changes.
Plunge into the ocean.
Move with the river.
Dance with the rain.

Ah she could have snagged him all over again and fluttered kisses all over his face. He was so cute! It was an idea she quite liked as well, the young woman giving his hand a squeeze and a smile lighting her face rather than her physically attacking him~ Sweet approval for his ideas, but not without a little tease of her own. Half tease… for Akemi had dreams too! And they not all revolved around her classroom or holding hands with a hot grass shinobi~

"Maybe if we work a little harder me and you can have a little more to care and nurture ourselves.”

A wink in play and little giggle, but distracted all too quickly. There was so much to look at and see in that wonderful village of his. Especially food. The young woman had a strong weakness, one that just so happened to be her sweet tooth. And just before her a plethora of jarred goods that no doubt were sweet and heavenly, not to mention cute, were displayed before her. Eagerness and energy in her, laughter from her lover, and all the pleasant atmosphere in the world had her on cloud nine.

And he led the way. Yamato no doubt had grown clever enough to realize that if Akemi was left with the decision making, they’d have a hefty amount of goods to carry in very little time… She was all too happy to eye things up as they move though, her hand still in his and not about to let go even if she saw some other really adorable stuff.

Tugged to his side and at a specifically place, Akemi glancing at Yamato once she realized the owner immediately called him by name. Lord wasn’t so rare, she was sure. That’s who he was! But to wonder if he was coming? Yamato either made this as a date or he came a lot! Giggling at the thought that he brought her somewhere special, then looking back to the owner with a bright smile and other hand lifted in a wave.

"Nice to meet you! Food is my weakness and this is the place he beelined to when I said I was hungry~ So you must be special too!”

A joyous tone to her voice and confidence brimming, though a glance to the man she was connected to and a faint leaning into him, her body closer, shoulder to him, and then a soft bump of her hip. Yamato and Akemi were definitely special to one another…

But… What to get! Her eyes traveled over the menu and only made her hungrier! So many things looked good! Ah.. what had he said? A tilt of her head to look to Yamato and try to run over what he had said again…. What…? Oh!

"I’ll try what he gets too! And… maybe some more sugar to add~”

Choice made to start at least, her eyes back up on the menu. Well, at least mostly. Watching to see the owner take his attention off them eventually and then a quiet whisper to her companion.

"Need to sweet it up, unless you’re gonna do it for me~”

Her free hand having already been lifted, a slender finger of the blonde teased over her lips to softly outline the tender touch of her skin. Tease him! And green eyes only flickering to him briefly as her smirk widened for just a fraction of a second.

She was looking at a menu!

Shinmen Akemi

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Hisakawa Yamato]

Shivers

@all

Ducking into a more closed establishment had Yamato feeling a bit of relief, removing some wariness that he didn't realize he had been harboring until it was gone. Akemi had been a wonderful distraction from his duties, but being in a more private space helped even more. That same privacy seemed to affect even Akemi, the blonde woman growing bolder with her teasing and flirtatious remarks. More to care and nurture ourselves? What did that mean? The interaction with Akemi was enough to fill Yamato with happiness, but he found himself flustered at the same time as he just wasn't sure if he got her meaning exactly.

Seeing both the owner of the stall and Akemi meeting and introducing themselves to each other filled him with another strange emotion, what was the phrase, world's collide? But he concluded that it was a positive feeling, and focused on getting a tasty meal. Only for it to immediately lead to a dilemma! While Yamato did enjoy all sorts of sweet foods, at this establishment his go to meal was more on the savory side. If Akemi wanted to try whatever he got as well, then it was imperative that he also get something that was sweet!

"I'll have the uhm... I'll have a loaded omelette, an order of miso soup, some of your signature flatcakes, and a few bagels as well!"

It was a strange order for sure, but a nice spread to give Akemi multiple things to try. The chef nodded and got to work, giving the blonde an opportunity to tease him yet again. Her whispered words put a full on blush on Yamato's face, her goal of visually abashing him made all the more easier by his pale complexion. His eyes looked to see if the chef was looking their way before he leaned closer to return the whisper.

"As Lord I'm sure I can oblige that request~"

He quickly pulled away however, noting some movement from behind the counter. The stall owner brought over the tea that Yamato had requested, along with a cup for Akemi and the sugar that she was weak too. It didn't seem that the man had caught onto their antics and simply smiled before returning to complete the rest of their order. The white-haired shinobi waited until he felt the coast was clear yet again, quickly sneaking yet another quick peck on her cheek before returning to his normal place, pretending nothing had just occurred despite the lingering color in his cheeks.

Extra notes;

♥ Chou