Matters to Me

Chapter 10: Confrontation

A/n: I read over my reading list and realized how bad my fanfics are compared to their writing T-T. You should go check them out.
"Fuck. It just did.".

"Did you say something, (Y/n)?"
Your attention turned to Tsunade's sharp voice and glaring eyes. Her message was painfully clear. 'Behave yourself or suffer the consequences' was more or less her signal. Heeding her, you composed your thoughts and prepared yourself for the trouble that was coming.
"Nothing, m'lady, just glad to be here. Although, I was told I'd be meeting with Lord Kudo and his son. Where are they?".
Obviously, you knew that the other two in the room were said people, but the younger's appearance stunned you. He was hot. Even by your standards. Dark brown hair and eye (the other was covered by an eyepatch), a tall, lean figure, even his posture was attractive. He wore typical bad boy clothes- black tights and a dark green shirt with cuts in it. You couldn't believe this was the same douchebag that disturbed Sai, the same one you beat up. And the other guy in the corner? He was an older, more mature version of his son, dressed in grey and purple robes. "I don't know which one I'd rather date, the son or the dad," you thought, and then mentally smacked yourself.
"That would be us, Miss (Y/n)." the lord spoke. You had to will yourself not to flinch, the power in his voice was incredible. This, no doubt, was a man of enormous power. Cutting off your marveling, Taichi cut in. "What, you don't remember me? Maybe if I let you shove me to the ground again you'll remember," He pointed a finger to his eyepatch. "This is because of my eye hitting a rock on my way down. You're going to regret ever touching me.".
His annoying voice made you recognize the jerk instantly. You scowled at the boy, which made him smirk. "It's nice to finally put a face to a name- which you never gave me. (Y/n) (l/n), huh? Well, get ready to change it to (Y/n) Kudo.".
"..."
You stared at him for a while as the room went quiet. "What did you just say?." You finally ask, penetrating the silence. His smirk only grew wider. "To make up for your little rage kill against my comrades and to prevent war between our two nations, we're forming an alliance through marriage! Isn't that great?!".

After processing his words, you gave Taichi a piercing glare. "I'd. Rather. Die." You stated. Tsunade started coughing loudly, signaling you to shut up. Taichi started to laugh. "Aw man, you should've seen the look on your face, it was priceless!" He laughed even harder, but quickly shut up and donned a grim look when his father shot a glare at him.
"Of course, my son is only joking. We do not wish for your hand in marriage." Lord Kudo spoke. "However, we understand this whole incident was, in fact, started by Taichi, when he and his peers had a commotion with one of your ninja. We see that this occurrence might... harm Taichi's reputation, and are willing to come to a compromise.".
You understood almost immediately. "You're pardoning my actions so long as I keep quiet about your son harassing and traumatizing my friend?".
The leader only smiled. "Well, that's one way to put it. Plus, you really can't blame my son. Seeing those types of people was just a cultural shock to him. Your ninja was undercover, he should've adjusted to the background better.".
"What the hell do you mean by those types of people?".
He stared dead into your eyes. "You know exactly what I mean.". You looked down and inwardly cursed. His menacing character posed to large of a threat, even to you. Retreating to her desk, Tsunade was sweating like crazy while watching the whole exchange. She knew you, she knew how reckless you are, and was anticipating an outburst of retaliation against the lord. The other two guests were probably expecting the same, keeping their eyes on your quiet form. Thankfully, you proved them wrong.
"I apologize, Lord Kudo," You start, bowing to him. "My reckless actions against your son were unprecedented and uncalled for. I hope your son recovers in time. I wish I can attain your forgiveness-"
"Oi, shouldn't you be apologizing to me instead?" Taichi cut in. You jerked your head up and scowled at him. "I was getting there," you growled.
'Shoot, shoot, shoot, I didn't script an apology for this prick as well! What do I say?' You hurriedly thought to yourself. Luckily, Lord Akio took a hold of your shoulders and lifted you to meet his gaze (or maybe not so thankfully, cause he was starting to creep you out).

"That's alright, (Y/n), you've made yourself clear." He affirmed, and suddenly grabbed ahold of your chin. Tsunade tensed up, and even Taichi watched curiously as he tilted your face from one side to the other, intently studying you. "Your complexion... say, you wouldn't happen to be from my land, would you? I was told you only lived in the Rice Paddies for a year, yet you hold physical traits of our country.".
"That makes sense, since my father is from there.". You reply, releasing your chin from his grip. He looked intrigued. "Is that so? Yet you were raised in a small village in the Land Of Fire."
"I see you've done your research on me, Akio-sama," You harshly stated, making even Akio look surprised. "For your information, my mother was from said village, which is why I was raised there. And as for my father- well, I've never met the man.".
"I see..." He murmured, then spoke up. His tone seemed more friendly than before. "Oh, never mind me then! Just interesting, that's all. Very well, Hokage-sama, I consider our work here done, I'm sure our liaison can sort out the rest.". The blonde let out a relieved sigh. "Of course, Lord Kudo, I wish you a safe trip back. In fact, why doesn't (Y/n) escort you out of the building?".
You glowered at her, but to no avail. Taichi took the liberty of looping his arm around yours. It took you all of hour willpower not to smack it away. "Very well then. (Y/n), lead the way.". The lord told you, and you walked out of the office hand in hand with the other asshole in the room.

Walking through the halls, everyone was bound to stare, what with your supposed enemy clasping arms with you. With the addition of his father and 2 bodyguards watching from behind. You paid no heed to them, that is until your eyes locked with Genma. You two never exchanged words but maintained a whole conversation between your eyes and small hand signals.
"Dang, (Y/n), you sure moved on quick."
"Shut up, Genma, I'm obviously being held hostage here.".
"Wait, seriously?"
"No... well sorta.".
"Do I need to -also- go assassin on this dude?"
Your face was ripped away from Genma's gaze before you could respond. You found yourself face to face with a certain prick. "You should keep your eyes on me, dear," Taichi said, causing Genma to loudly cough. You pried away, releasing yourself from him and continued ahead, fervently trying to stop blushing. Taichi, amused, rejoined his father.
As your group was nearing the exit, something popped in your head. "Heh," you laughed under your breath and slowed your pace.
"You know, I've been thinking about what you said, about my friend blending into the area. He actually was perfectly blended in. After all, the two parties met outside of a gay prostitution bar. According to your own son, he was dressed like any twink you'd see around there. This brings my attention to the true reason why you'd like to cover this affair up.".
"..."
Everyone stopped, including the bodyguards. There were no other people in your surroundings, yet their eyes were farting around in case anyone was hearing your confrontation.
"So tell me, my lord, what exactly was your son doing outside of a gay bar?".
Stillness filled the air, you could cut the tension with a knife. Although they were behind you, you could feel the Kudo's eyes dig into your back. You were sure whatever friendliness the lord had shown earlier was revoked now, due to your bold acquisition. You held your breath. It was only now hitting you: you were making some powerful enemies you could have avoided. The silence was so piercing, you were beginning to wish you had t said anything.
Sai's face flashed through your mind. Your cause, your motive for all of this. The one thing that's pushed you this far. He was the only reason why you even dared to display all of this confidence. Getting vengeance against the person who made him unhappy was all that mattered, even if your hands were tied so tightly.
Remembering all of this, you willed yourself to speak up once again.
"Is everything alright, my lord? I believe I asked you a question."
This time, he responded, and harshly. "I think it is time for us to go. There is the exit, and we can walk ourselves out. Thank you, (Y/n), for seeing us out.".
You watched in dismay as they walked out the door, Taichi glancing at you as we walked past. 'Tch, he avoided the question,' You thought. 'But no doubt, he just unwillingly confirmed it. Now, what do I do now? Where do I go from here?'.
You pondered this a bit, staring out the doorway at the Kudos getting in a carriage and driving away. You sighed.
"I need a drink.".
(1632 words)