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Arranged marriages were common between clans. So common that the day Y/N was announced to be betrothed to one of the Zenin, it was almost expected. Ensuring the clan's security had always been a priority in the face of the trivial comfort of those who compose it.
"I'll get going"
Y/N shifted on the futon, turning to the muscular form getting ready to leave. His spikey black hair was covering his back as he put on his kimono. She hummed to acknowledge his announcement, her eyes following his every movement. Just as he was about to reach the entrance, the thought that had been running in her head the day before came up "Jinichi" she called, the first name still foreigner on her tongue.
The man simply glanced over his shoulders, letting her know he was listening.
She sat up, taking care of pulling with her the sheet to cover her body -though, after weeks of sharing nights as she was expected to, there was nothing he didn't see or touch from her delicate figure. Y/N hesitated before asking "Is it okay if I go visit my siblings?"
Jinichi wasn't the type of husband to wish control over his wife. However, he was a Zenin. Growing up around them, Y/N was aware of their opinion on women. Asking permission would permit the newly married woman to avoid any repercussion. She was just slightly homesick, nothing to put their relationship in line.
"Do whatever you want" he growled, closing the door behind him without another word.
Involuntary, her lips curled up at his statement. She might never have a proper relationship but what Jinichi offered was enough to fulfill the poor desire, Y/N had for her life.
Love wasn't shared but neither was hatred. At least, not with him.
Many were warning her about the man, describing what kind of nightmare awaited her at the Zenin's household. A nightmare, it resembled indeed. But it wasn't because of her husband. No.
Another Zenin took care of that.
•••
Chatting with her assigned maid, Y/N was reaching the exit of the residence when she noticed the woman accompanying her tense up. Looking up, she was met with a sight that made her rolled her eyes with a huff.
"Leave" he ordered the maid who immediately complied, too scared to even hesitate.
Y/N glanced behind her, making sure she left before acknowledging his presence "Naoya"
Bumping into her had become a habit of his. He made sure their road would cross at least once per day.
"Good morning, Y/N" he gazed at her face as he awaited a response with his usual smirk.
Respecting her husband and the head of the family was one thing. And as much the cocky man believed he was the true heir of the Family, it didn't change the fact that she had no obligation to show him respect -not like it would bother her husband.
Ignoring him, Y/N was about to walk past him but his hand on her wrist decided otherwise. He tapped his tongue and reprimanded "Where are you going like that?"
"None of your business"
"Actually you owe me-"
"I owe you nothing. I didn't end up here through you"
Her words ignited something in him and he pulled her into a nearby room.
Naoya didn't remember ever meeting Y/N. She had just always been there. As their clan used to be close, whether it was during his training or at lunch, she would always be there. It had been to a point wherein the morning, the sight of her lazy smile waiting for him had become part of the scenery.
His younger self didn't give it any of his attention. That was until the conflict.
The years the both of them turned thirteen, was the same year the relation between their clans blew to smithereens. Overnight, Naoya had been stolen from her presence. We realize the importance of a person in our life, only when we lose it. That situation never made more sense when he kept glancing behind him, expecting for the girl to reappear.
As years passed, the boy became a man and that girl was put away with what he thought was insignificant memories.
When reconciliation through marriage between the clans was announced at a meeting, a scoff was his only reaction. Naoya didn't believe reconciliation was needed with such a weak family and was categorical about refusing to let one of them borrowed his name.
A statement resulting in him biting his lips when he attending the wedding with the attention of mocking the bride only to be met with that lazy smile.
"What are you doing?" Y/N demanded, failing at pulling her wrist from his grip.
"I didn't get an answer" He smiled at her glare.
If she was going to be a part of the Zenin's scenery, it should have been with her following him as always. She was his to be.
"I already gave it to my husband"
"Your husband..." he took his other hand and pushed her hair past her ear to reveal the trail of marks following the curves of her ear. "Seems like you're enjoying your married life"
Y/N huffed and pried his hand away, freeing her wrist in the process. She didn't understand his displays of jealousy. Naoya didn't wish for her to become his wife, he never did. "I have places to be" she tried to subtly back away but he wasn't having it.
"I don't think you understand" his hands were now on her shoulders, leading her for her back to be pressed against the wall. "That married life is only ephemeral" his touch slipped along her curve to reach her waist.
"I said I have places to be" she reiterated, jaw clenched tightly "So get your hands off me"
His grip only got tighter as he whispered the same words that had been haunting her since their first meeting since the wedding "You're mine"
Y/N put her hands on his wrist, sharing her anger as she tightened her hold "Stop speaking nonsense. We both know you don't love me. You just-"
The hierarchy of power was clear as Naoya ignored her grip and went to cup her cheeks. "I don't, you're right"
"You just want my freedom!" Y/N was now shouting, frustration getting the best of her.
"Not necessarily. I just want you back in your place..." He let his forehead fall against hers and bored his sharp eyes into hers "at my scenery"
"That's what it mea-"
Before another cry could go past her lips, Naoya jumped away barely avoiding the hit. He sighed at the interruption and threw a smirk at his attacker "I hope you have a good reason for barging in"
Y/N felt her body being pressed into a familiar scent "Jinichi..." she murmured. Her husband didn't waste a second and pulled her out of the room, ordering a maid to bring his wife back to their room.
Taking one last glance at the room that was about to get destroyed, Y/N was met with a smirking Naoya, his eyes were dark as he snickered "Don't worry. I won't be long"
