Smoke Rings in the Dark (Reader x Various)

Journey

Why did I come back here?

No matter how much I told my feet to turn away from here, I couldn't stop myself. I knew he'd be here. I knew I made a promise, to all of them, and I had to face them. But like this? Not like this. Not beaten, bloodied, bruised, and scarred. Where did I go wrong? Why did this happen to me? What could I have done differently?

I should've drugged Ganju. Then there was Yami. The only she's dead was as she lunged I buried that damn thing to the hilt in her chest. Kenji. Kenji. He sacrificed himself for me. I have to get back to that cave, maybe he survived. I knew better, but I couldn't let his death be in vain. He deserved a burial as well, for his sacrifice, I would carry his death on my shoulders.

I kept my eyes shut, not wanting to face the outside world yet again. Haruka is somewhere in the room, reading if her mumbling to herself is any clue. Omi, Mako, and Asuma are in the store and an unknown woman. Himiko is upstairs, cooking, based on the smell that's hit my nose. I must've moved because I heard the little girl gasp and run towards me. Her hands are delicate and gentle, careful as they touch my forehead.

"Y/n-san?" Her hand lands on my shoulder now, a soft shake, "wake up," I heard the tears before I felt them on my cheek as she leaned over me, "please." I couldn't let this girl suffer any longer.

"Don't cry, Haruka," she gasped and pulled away, her shining eyes wide, "I'm alright." The smile I gave was weak, but it was all she needed to be reassured. Haruka took off towards the door and I sighed heavily.

I have to find a way to leave. I can't stay here. Once word of Ganju's death reaches Kiri, they'll come looking for me.

The door was slammed open and I jerked my head up as I began to stand from the cot, "Thank Kami!" I blinked trying to make sense of who was in front of me.

"Mako?" I croaked as I stood straight, "You've grown," my face contorted as I fought the tears away, "I'm so sorry," I couldn't help it. This sense of loss washed over me and I broke down. I missed them growing.

My self-loathing was interrupted when Mako pulled me into a hug. He was almost the same height as me now. "Why are you apologizing? You're home, just like you promised," I tensed, making Mako pull away and hold me by the shoulders, "That's all any of us wanted." The boy was becoming a man, his features more defined. Muscles growing. Voice becoming deeper. Wise beyond his years. His eyes seemed puffy, but I ignored it.

I gave him a curt nod, "I can't believe how tall you are," a touch of pink hit his cheeks as he puffed them. The hilt of a sword caught my eye, "and the sword!" I shouted, "you're carrying it." I smiled wide.

He nodded happily, dropping his arms, "I have lessons today, I'm headed there after lunch." Lessons? Sensing my confusion, he added, "Asuma found a Guardian that was willing to give me lessons a few days a week. I think he's done with me though." Mako laughed and I couldn't help but do the same.

A woman's laugh carried through the air. Mako scowled and I glanced over his shoulder and into the store. A porcelain-skinned woman was just in my line of sight. Her black hair was long, to her waist as she turned her head for a moment. Her lips were painted red, striking compared to her milky, white skin. Her eyes were golden and exotic, just like the rest of her. Her qipao was dark green, making her eyes even brighter. White and golden yellow accented her clothing. The slit was high, and her black shorts were tiny and tight. The neck was open, wide, and her boobs were on display for all.

"Who's she?" I asked without thinking.

Mako turned and stood next to me, "The medical-nin that healed you," there was a small trace of thankfulness, "I wish she would leave though." He grumbled.