Paper Stained with Blood { Rem/Akaboshi/Invite}

The morning was biting with a crisp setting. The air was warm, but heavy with humidity that seemed to cling desperately to one’s skin, hair, and clothing. The Gazebo’s lovely greenery was extra vibrant at this fine hour of the day. Healthy and lush to show off the care that Hoshigakure’s gardeners happily provided. Many of the plants and trees glistened from the dew that latched onto their strong leaves. It was obvious that there had been a rain shower last night. One that was calming and silent like a passing spectral. So that no one was to be easily woken during their nightly slumber.

The Gazebo was just then disturbed by a shy, yet excited, young kunoichi. A girl that possessed bright rose-pink hair, slightly bounced her way down the concrete passage. Her fuschia eyes were obviously searching for something, or someone. A lovely light orange haori shielded her from the slight biting wind and humidity, while underneath she wore a plain gown for comfort. Despite her feminine choice of attire, the battered condition of her hands that she hid within the pockets of the haori, is what would give away her true nature of a determined kunoichi.

Rem spent a fair time late last night training. She still felt weak and was stern with herself. As a woman, she couldn’t help but feel too soft. Her girlish pink features didn’t help that fact either. She was soft. Her face was young and gentle, and her voice and expressions held a hint of angelic. No one could take her seriously in battle, so that is why she must make sure her body could withstand more than a flower would. Rem will accept her fragile looks, but she will not allow herself to wilt like one.

Now back to her task at hand.

She had seen the shine of crimson hair that resembled a bright fire, disappear somewhere along this passage. It might have been a trick of the light or her imagination giving her false hope. Either way, Rem was determined to find out for sure.

Her right hand gently skimmed alongside something within her pocket. It was slightly brittle to the touch, but it was something meaningful to her. Something she had just made before bed. Her eyebrows draw together for a small second, as Rem gave a gentle wince. She bit the bottom of her lip with embarrassment, realizing that she had given herself a papercut unintentionally. The sensation of blood trickling down the finger of her right hand was ignored, as Rem focused her attention on one person.

She finally caught up to him. His hair was as lovely as ever beneath the shining of the sun. She found her lion. WIth a smile that easily lit up her face, Rem nervously ran one of her injured hands through the back of her soft ruffled hair. “Goodmorning Akaboshi -”
{TWC: 482}

The Water Gardens, also known as the place where people could find the "Gazebo". A spot many of the Hoshigakure shinobi and civilians alike would often find themselves admiring the beauty of their surroundings. And this would be no different for Akaboshi. The red haired Uzumaki casually made his way through the garden at a slow and soft pace, almost as if he was without any care in the world. Still getting used to his promotion to Jounin he was aware it wouldn't be more than normal that with his new rank also came more responsibilities. Going on dangerous missions, accompanying less experienced shinobi, overseeing their training,.. the list could go on and on.

Continuing his walk the redhead noticed someone had been following him for quite some time now. Considering he was aware of such a fact he simply decided to let it go on for a little longer, might as well have some fun while being out there. With both of his hands tucked away in his side pockets the Uzumaki continued on, acting completely unaware of his surroundings. Although not on official business Akaboshi still made sure to wear his Jounin jacket representing his rank. One could never be too certain when it might come in handy. Dressed in his usual attire, his red hair making him stand out everywhere, the Uzumaki enjoyed a peaceful walk from time to time.

Minutes would pass until he could finally hear the footsteps approaching at an increased pace from behind, accompanied by a familiar fragrance that could only belong to one person. "Good morning Rem", turning around his eyes would meet with hers, the kunoichi he grew so fond of. It had been quite a while since they last spent some time together, perhaps his busy schedule had to do something with it. "What's this?", noticing a small cut on one of her fingers Akaboshi grabbed Reminisce's right hand, wondering what could have caused it. "Have you been clumsy again?". His question was followed by a gentle smile, holding her as his own free hand softly caressed her hair.

(WC: 349)

The way Rem moved close the distance between her and Akaboshi, reminded her of the growing distance between their ranks. The red-haired lion was quickly growing in strength.

While she had hardly progressed as a shinobi.

Rem couldn't deny the down time she's spent on research and training. But she's been lacking in actually gaining any ground. Hopefully someday Rem will finally be able to close at least a little of that growing gap between them.

It was no surprise that Akaboshi noticed her presence. His eyes caught her bright gaze, and he returned the greeting. "I might have been slightly clumsy." She said with a faint blush, while withdrawing a little paper rose from her pocket. Holding it out to him as his hand gently smoothed down her hair. "I wanted to return the favor, of when you gifted me a flower once before. Although I might have gotten a little paper cut from not being as careful."

There was no denying the warmth that she received from being held so close to him. Even though their encounters was occasional, they never failed to steal her breath.

"I've heard the rumors throughout the shinobi of Hoshigakure, Akaboshi, congratulations on your promotion!" The pink-haired Kunoichi chirped excitedly. "You really do amaze me."

{WC: 214, TWC: 696}

Akaboshi gratefully accepted the flower, a smile appearing on his face before looking into Rem's eyes once more. "You know you'll always be the prettiest one of them all" the Uzumaki said while gently stroking her hair. "I'll cherish it forever". Standing there close to each other the redhead noticed she had a lot on her mind. "It appears something is troubling you, what is it?". It wasn't anything like the female Uchiha to feel down, usually the kunoichi would be the symbol of joy and happiness, which made it all the more obvious she had to be struggling with something lately.

Hearing a compliment coming from the one he loved meant a great deal to the Uzumaki, although it felt great being recognized it would feel even better when it came from someone close to you. "Thank you, Rem. I'm glad you supported me all this time, I wouldn't have been able to do it without you". A soft smile, a hand holding hers and a flower in his other, the atmosphere couldn't have been any better. "Now tell me, what's been on your mind?". In the meanwhile Akaboshi started walking, leading the kunoichi onto the grass where they could sit and catch up. 

(WC: 205, TWC: 554)

Just going to make my exit

(Exit)

(TWC: 554)
Claims:
- 524 to finish Hiding in a Summon (previously trained here)

Approved