Dying Rose (P/AU)

Pale fingers gently cupped around the corpse of a flower. It was a rose that wielded petals of wilted beauty. The petals that once was soft and feathery to the touch, now threatened to crumble to dust. But Rem handled the dying flower with utmost care. Her fuschia eyes gazed upon it’s fading colors. Despite the fact that the rose no longer held it’s relaxing fragrance, or it’s beautiful color, the rose still possessed a lot of meaning to her.

It was still a gift from someone special.

A lot of time has passed since she was first given this rose. She didn’t mean for it to be so, but time was always something that seemed to slip through our fingers.

Rem had the desire to work harder. How much time has passed?

Will he be upset about her lack of appearance? Did he possibly forget about her this time?

Rem felt a tightness within her throat. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for only a moment. Withdrawing her touch from the dying rose that laid upon the table at her bedside.

~~~~~

A soft breeze ruffled the fabrics that danced along her thighs. Rem had left her home, dressed in a lovely short kimono. The fabrics possessed a light peach-pink, that complemented her bright pink hair. The kimono hugged her small frame, while the skirt almost resembled a dress as it stopped at her thighs. With wide sleeves that fell past her fingertips.

It was time for her to gather the latest info of the ninja world, and possibly pick up a mission along the way. She would simply have to wander within the village and see what the day’s gossip would be. Rem’s been shutting in long enough.

There was no lie, she was also hoping to see a familiar face during her errand.

Not even ten minutes after the thought of a certain redhead crossed her mind, Rem had a slight collision as she unknowingly walked right into a tall stranger. Her cheeks instantly grew warm with heat, and embarrassment flooded through her being. She was distracted only for a slight second, and already made a mistake. Raising her forehead from where she collided into a surprisingly, very solid abdominal. To shyly meet the face of the person.

“I - I dearly apologize for my clumsiness.”

{WC: 389}

On his way to the market was a certain red haired Uzumaki, or as most people know him, Akaboshi. The Chuunin, out doing errands, figured it had been a while since he last took some time to do anything besides going on missions. Regardless of how much he enjoyed fulfilling his duty as a Hoshigakure shinobi, he still wanted to find room to focus on something different. As he was walking the streets of his beloved village he immediately started thinking about something, or rather someone, he loved even more. His mind began to wander off to somewhere else, his head being filled with the thoughts of one special person, an image that appeared in front of him. 

It wouldn't be that hard to figure out he was thinking about Reminisce, the beautiful kunoichi he fell in love with and confessed his feelings to. It had been a while since he last saw the female Uchiha, which made him wonder what she had been up to that caused them not being able to meet for so long. Akaboshi wasn't able to think about her that long as he was brought back to reality the moment something, or someone bumped into him. A familiar warm feeling, could it be? "Apologize all you want, but I'm afraid you'll forever be clumsy." He recognized the small, pink haired woman in front of him as Reminisce, the kunoichi that had been running around inside his head for some time now. "How've you been Reminisce? You look lovely as usual in that kimono." A smile had started to form around the red haired Uzumaki's face the moment he was reunited with the female Uchiha. 

(WC: 279)

The voice that spoke was instantly recognizable, shooting a small electrifying spark through her being, just before her eyes looked up to meet the rich amber shade of his.

Rem was unmatched when it came to hiding the excitement she felt when encountering her dear friend. Because to her. . . he was more than just that.

Her bright roseate eyes glossed over with admiration when hearing his words, just before she actually realized the little tease he had just given her. Rem let out a little huff of attitude, "I only seem to be clumsy when I'm around you, Akaboshi." She remarked softly with her arms crossed.  

His next sentence brought a warmth to her chest. Complimenting her appearance as he usually did, but as always the kunoichi always appreciated his words of kindness. She felt the blossom on her chest grow.

Rem glanced down at the fabrics of her kimono. Doing a little innocent spin that allowed the skirt to flutter around her. "I'm so glad that you like it."

Her eyes then went back to meet his, as she finished her little spin. For a moment, the kunoichi allowed her eyes to wander along his own attire. Seeing him always seemed to take her breath away. He stood out more than any other shinobi within the village. She felt the rise of a blush that empowered over her.

Rem quickly attempted to glance towards her feet. It was always so odd how the kunoichi would feel so confident on any other situation, yet sometimes she was a total klutz when she was alone around him. They haven't been able to discuss much after the confession. "I haven't really been up to much honestly, but what about you Akaboshi?"

{WC: 289} {WC after event double: 578}
{TWC: 967}
{Day 1 login}

"You are as cute as you are clumsy" he would tease the pink haired kunoichi even further. No matter how hard she tried to hide her embarrassment, Reminisce wouldn't be able to fool Akaboshi. The red haired Uzumaki looked deeply into her eyes as he had already done so many times. The redhead then took a moment to scan the view in front of him, from all the way up back to all the way down. It truly was a magnificent sight, one he could not hide enjoying as a slight blush had appeared on his face, followed by a smile which was easily to notice.

He listened as she spoke, it seemed the pink haired kunoichi hadn't done much lately. Perhaps she was troubled or had something else bothering her. "I hope there is nothing too serious keeping you from doing what you want?" In case there was, Akaboshi would make sure to lend her his help. Considering how important she was to him it only made sense for the redhead to do anything in his power in order to make her happy. But for now he simply decided to keep the conversation going lest he wanted Reminisce to start and feel uncomfortable by the silence. "Oh, same old. I have been doing quite a lot of missions lately. Got to know some new people, promising ones that is. I even met with the Hogokage, imagine that." As he was done talking and finished answering her question, the red haired Uzumaki smiled once more.  

(WC: 255, TWC: 534)

Rem was completely awed by the events that Akaboshi had already encountered. She could tell that he had definitely been busy lately.

She desired to busy herself as well.

The pink haired kunoichi had noticed a slight shade of red that flushed the fiery Uzumaki's cheeks, as she noticed his eyes looking her through.

This sent a warm energy that blossomed throughout her chest.

As well as caused her to want to squeak like a mouse in shyness.

He really did bring it a whole different side of her. Akaboshi surely was her vulnerability.

Rem couldn't help but feel the desire to move closer to the red haired shinobi, but still she stood where she was. Remembering the things he said as he confessed to her a while back.

How close was she allowed to be with him?

"I can't tell if I should feel complimented. or insulted by that comment," Reminisce  teased back at him after being called cute and clumsy in the same sentence, then following with a playful giggle.

She hesitated for a moment, before proceeding to step forward closer to him. Briefly taking a hold of his shirt with a soft grip. before glancing up at Akaboshi.

"There's nothing serious, Akaboshi, but I was wondering . . . would you mind helping me train?"

Her question was spoken softly. Hoping that she wouldn't be a burden of his time.

"At least if you are ever free. I would dearly appreciate it." Akaboshi was one of the few she trusted enough. One of the few that knew she was an Uchiha.

He would be the one that knew her best, and possibly be the worst opponent against her.
{WC: 278}  {WC after event double: 556}
{TWC: 1,523}

{3rd Login Claim}

The red haired Uzumaki got a little nervous when the kunoichi decided to softly pull his shirt before coming closer. What did she plan on doing? Was she going in for a kiss? Was she about to whisper something in his ear? All kind of different thoughts were going on inside his head before finally finding out what it was about. To say Akaboshi was surprised when Reminisce asked him to help her train would be an understatement. After all, it had been a while since the last time the two of them had done any training together. Probably back when they were both still members of the Queensguard. 

Akaboshi noticed she was serious, which caused him not to take her request lightly. "I made a promise to always look out for you, so I would love to help you train" the redhead said with a genuine and soft smile on his face. The Chuunin of Hoshigakure knew all too well he wouldn't be able to deny anything Reminisce asked, but he intended to take her training seriously. Although he wanted to protect her, he also wanted her to be able to hold her own whenever a situation arises. He wasn't all too sure what he could teach her, but perhaps that was exactly what she needed. The Uzumaki was aware of her heritage and clan, so maybe she needed some help with developing her bloodline even further than it already had. "Why don't you lead the way? We can't really train here with all of these people around, can we?" Yet again he would smile, motioning he would follow her as soon as she made her way to the Training Grounds. 

(WC: 282, TWC: 816)

With how close the two shinobi was now standing together, the darling Reminisce couldn't help but feel a flicker of desire. It was obv to her that being around the red haired Akaboshi lit a fire within her.

And being closer only made the fire grow wilder.

With her hand tugging at his shirt, she had the thoughts of how comfortable it would feel to be embraced within his arms.

Akaboshi accepted her request to train together.

She felt a wave of relief. It meant a lot to her that he was willing to help her so much.

Even the way he worded it, made her feel so special. The fact that he felt obligated to protect Reminisce, while in turn she wanted to become strong enough to protect him as well if he ever needed it.

She wanted to hopefully become his strength in the future. That is one of the few things she desired to work towards.

Reminisce returned the smile, her face lighting up softly with a glow. "I very much appreciate you Akaboshi. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Akaboshi gave her the freedom to lead the way into the direction of the training grounds.

She felt a stem of excitment bubbling within her. Today was going to give her plenty of time to spend with her dear friend.

And hopefully she grows stronger and makes some progress in turn.

Reminisce took advantage of this opportunity to lead, softly tugging the red haired shinobi by the arm into the direction of the training grounds. Where they would arrive in no time.

"I owe you dearly. . . " The pink haired kunoichi spoke softly beneath her breath to be unheard.

{WC: 285}  {WC after event double: 570}
{TWC: 2,093}

{Login 7}

Allowing Reminisce to take the lead, Akaboshi would be following behind the pink haired kunoichi as she kept tugging his arm, almost as if he didn't know the way to the Training Grounds. She probably wasn't aware of how cute it made her look, her charm she naturally possessed. If it were up to him, he wouldn't mind if their walk lasted an eternity as long as it meant the two of them could be together, but unfortunately they had arrived to their location in no time. To his relief he noticed not many people were around, which would allow the two of them to use almost all of the space.

The Uzumaki took a brief moment to look around, taking in his surroundings before speaking up. "So, what did you have in mind? Anything special you're looking to learn?" How much he would love to be able to read her thoughts, that would be a skill he hadn't mastered yet, so in order to begin their training Akaboshi needed to know what exactly it was Reminisce wanted to learn or practice. Anything elemental, like ninjutsu? Or perhaps she preferred working on her puppets. If it wasn't any of those two, the redhead figured it could be that she wanted to improve and grow accustomed to her dojutsu, the Sharingan. 

As an Uchiha, it wouldn't be that out of the ordinary if the pink haired kunoichi wanted to develop her kekkei genkai even further than she already had. "Don't be shy, I'm here to help" he'd say with a gentle smile while still holding her tight. 

(WC: 266, TWC: 1082)

One of the things that Reminice commonly noticed about her dear friend Akaboshi, was the difference in his height compared to her's.

It made all the more intimidating, yet in an exciting way. She also found a sense of safeness about it when she was around him.

Knowing full well that he stood as a fearful lion, while she seemed more like a delicate kitten.

They arrived at the location of the training grounds. Her eyes took in the information that the two was basically the only ones there.

On the inside, the kunoichi felt the urge to just spend the rest of their afternoon catching up with each other, and exploring their feelings into more depths.

But she knew that growing stronger and depending on his help was more responsible at this given moment. He has given her this chance.

Plus the thought of facing off this red haired lion, was almost behind exhilarating to her.


Reminisce moved into position, eight feet across from Akaboshi. Her eyes gazing up into his as he gave her a question.

"Nothing really special. . . but. . . could you help me get faster?"

When Reminisce spoke, she didn't plainly mean faster as in running. But more so in speed overall. Uchiha was known for their reaction time thanks to the dojutsu.

If she wanted to be a true puppet master, she would need to be quick with her eyes and fast with reaction. Simply coming up with a solution to any instant situation.

For a brief moment the pink haired kunoichi couldn't help but wonder if Akaboshi ever saw her as weak. How weak would he determine her as of right now?

She knew he could easily best her, but she also trusted him.

Reminisce took a final glance around the training grounds, before allowing her eyelids to fall in a simple relaxed stance.

Inhaling. . . exhaling

Then opening her eyes to reveal her activation of the two tomoe Sharingan.

{WC: 325}  {WC after event double: 650}
{TWC: 2,743} 
{Login 10}

Spoiler:

{WC Claims | Mid-Thread Claims}
{Claims from TWC of 2,743}

20 stats claimed (15/Chakra, 5/Vigor) = 700 wc left = 14 AP claimed (2AP per 100 WC), due to reaching max stats

Flying Swallow (1,000/1,000)  
Great Breakthrough (1,200/1,200)  
Fuinjutsu Breaking (500/1,000)