Blast Furnace:

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Like a pair of curtains, the blinds covering his eyes lifted, revealing a pair of reptilian orbs to the world. Being greeted by darkness, the yellow gems quickly adjusted to the absence of light and taking in the surroundings. Asides from the light noises coming from the other sharing his bed, everything was still and quiet. Glancing at the neon red clock on the dresser, noticing it only being 4 am, he pondered on getting up. This being the normal time which he would start preparing for his day. The need to rising up so early having been ingrained into him from an early age. And, he probably would have gotten up, if it wasn’t for the woman snuggling against his bare chest. Her pink hair, being visible in the darkness, sprayed about his chest and tickling him slightly. Reaching over, his fingers tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and brush some away, revealing her beautiful and peaceful face. A small smile crept onto his face as he stared at her visual unknowingly. He did not exactly remember when his eyes became heavy and sleep took him once more. All the while, in the corner of the room, watching the couple asleep, was none other than Hikari, “Sleep well, Hatchlings.”

It was nearly two hours before his eyes open once more. Though this time, darkness did not greet the reptilian orbs, instead of the dim light that came from their blinds. The morning sun sneaking through the blinds’ cracks and filtering into the room. Just like he did before, his eyes looked around the room, checking to make sure nothing was out of place or amiss. He did it out of paranoia - something developed throughout one’s shinobi career. One could never be safe, even in the confines of one’s home. With everything in the place where it should be, he turned his attention to the woman still snuggling against him. She looked so peaceful sleeping against him that he almost did not want to wake up her, and just let her sleep as long as she liked. But, yesterday, the pair had decided to do a mission, something neither had done in a long time.Though, the reason behind them not doing any had to do with them not being apart of a village until recent. With them deciding to join Kumogakure no Sato. With Gemma, his daughter from another, playing a part in them joining the village which she was apart of.

Leaning down, he tenderly planted his lips on hers, “Wake up, love. We have a mission to do today.”, the words being whispered in her ear. He planted a couple more light kisses on her face - urging his lover to get up. A smile forming on his face as he continues to plant the light kisses, only stopping when she was fully awakened. Once up, he slipped out of bed, the linen falling away, revealing his nude body to the world. No, his body being revealed to his lover, letting her feast on it as she pleased. While others might lust after his body. It belonged to her, Kaia. His lover being the only one who is allowed to touch him in the most intimate of ways.

With his back facing towards her, freshly scratch marks were visible. The cause of the injuries being the woman laying in bed. Her nails had dug into his flesh doing their night of passion that lasted back midnight. She having gotten a tad bit carried away during the nightly activities. Thankfully, their room was soundproof, preventing any noises from leaving the confines. For it not, the neighbors would have surely heard what they did. Not like he cared about the thoughts of others. He did not bother in healing the wounds; they were minor at best. However, he did heal the light wounds inflicted on his lover, he has lost himself in the moment as well.

“Want to take a shower together?’, he asked, turning around to face his lover. Though the question was asked, there was a hint of lust in his voice that spoke of him wanting something else as well. Didn’t help that there was evidence of this lust dangling between his legs. Either way, he would walk into the bathroom, and if joined by his lover, proceed to have his way with her for the next thirty minutes. Afterwards, taking care to wash her body, and his own before exiting the bathroom completely naked. There being no need to worry about anyone or anything from seeing him or Kaia. The only possible being Hikari who was nowhere in the room.

Moving towards the closet, he slipped on a long sleeve black mesh undershirt which clung to his upper body. The material it was made from being standard amongst the Kumo shinobi. A plain sleeveless grey shirt followed afterward than the stereotypical white kumo vest. Instead of wearing grey shinobi-esque pants, he went for a pair of black ones which matched his footwear. “How does it feel to be part of a village again?’, he asked, checking the pockets on the pants, making sure nothing was in them or extra was added. Allowing his hair to be free-flowing for now, he grabbed a scroll out of a dress. Unsealing the contents reveal a slew of weapons, senbons, kunai, etc. the standard stuff most shinobi carried on them. Making sure every one of them was sharp, he placed them on his body, hiding them from view. “Does it feel weird?’, it had been a long time since either of them been apart of a village with the last one being Konoha for them both. In the past, he promised never to join another village do to his own views about them, yet, here he is now apart of another.

Reaching for the headband, he paused, eyes lingering on the two empty cribs belonging to their daughter and son; Zaylee and Mamoru. Do to them having a mission, their grandparents offered to let the two children stay with them. They knew better than anyone what was needed to take care of a child. And it also helped that his older daughter, Gemma, took a shine to the little ones and was there with her great-grandparents to help watch over them. Though he knew they were safe, it did not stop him from worrying about them. He chalking it up to his fatherly instincts.

Now dress, he turned his attention to Kaia. Eyes lingering on her body, taking into everything about her. “We should eat breakfast before starting the mission.”, he suggested, waiting to see what his lover thinks before heading to the kitchen with her.

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1125

Sometimes it still shook Kaia to her core how very much she could mean to people she had barely known more than a year. Yet, there was no doubt in her mind the acceptance she had received into Daremo’s family. There was no doubt in her mind that they loved and cared about her. Even little Gemma had taken a liking to her, and her to the child. Without having to be asked, or told, without even second guessing herself, Kaia had integrated herself into Gemma’s life as a motherly figure where the child’s own had failed her so completely. The child had been hesitant and watchful with Kaia for a while, and she couldn’t blame her for the distance she had kept at first, but in the end the two became as much a mother and daughter as any two people could be. Which led to last night: the first time Gemma had called her ‘mommy’. They had dropped off the children with Daremo’s grandparents, and just as she was going to leave little Gemma had run up to her, wrapped her arms around her in a hug, and had said ‘Goodbye, mommy!’ just as she had said goodbye to her father moments before. Kaia had been almost unable to tear herself away from the child; and she had had to hold back the tears and emotions that had threatened to spill over - including rage at the child’s biological mother who had abused her for so long.

It had made Kaia glad for their decision to officially join the village, and happier yet to be active parts of it. It made it easier, though she had quite enjoyed their wandering lifestyle. But the fact that they had done so in Gemma’s best interest, as well as in the best interest in the twins, had made all the difference.


It was from her peaceful slumber she emerged at the sensation of light kisses being showered upon her. ”Hmm..?”, the soft sound of confusion escaped her on a gentle groan even as she opened her eyes, eyelashes fluttering against and kissing her cheeks before eyelids were opened to reveal the beautiful blue colored orbs they had hidden. A smile spread across her face as her gaze fell immediately onto the love of her life, pressing a kiss against his lips gently. It wasn’t until she heard his words that she remembered the mission they had agreed upon to take, the lightest of groans escaping her lips once more as she thought about just burrowing herself back beneath the blankets and trying to steal another twenty or so minutes of sleep. Of course, the light kisses she was showered further in made that impossible, and had her giggling and waking up fully. ”Okay, I’m awake. I promise.”, she spoke with a giggle.


The thought crossed her mind as she watched the love of her life get up and off of the bed, the blankets and sheets falling away to reveal his naked form, as well as the scratches that lined his back as he turned away from her. There was no doubt in her mind that he was just not bothering with healing them; her own having disappeared at some point in the night while he allowed his own to remain. It made her wonder if he liked the way she marked his flesh when they got carried away, while also acting as a constant reminder of the previous night. Her blue hues followed him as he moved, not once glancing away. At his question about wanting to take a shower together she couldn’t help but to grin: she wouldn’t turn down such an opportunity, as he well knew. It was also enough motivation to have her throwing back the blankets that covered her own nude form as she followed behind him, closing the door only to keep the heat and steam within the bathroom, and the cooler air of the bedroom out - it wasn’t like anyone would hear them after all during their extracurricular shower activities: activities which would end in the air eventually washed up and clean once more.

Snagging a towel off of the hanging towel rack she wrapped herself in it, not so much to keep anyone from seeing her as she followed her love out of the bathroom, but rather because she was not a fan of the cold, especially when fresh from the shower. As she stood before her own clothing in the closet she couldn’t help herself from glancing over to Daremo, taking in his appearance as he pulled on a mesh shirt, enjoying the way it accented his body and clung to it. However, before she could allow her mind to wander down a darker and more sensual path, his question caused her to tilt her head thoughtfully and shrug. ”It’s okay. I feel like we made the right decision. I know we wanted to keep the twins away from situations that could be dangerous, but after the destruction of Suna I think it’s best for everyone involved - plus it wouldn’t be fair to Gemma to uproot her like that.”, she spoke as she went through her own clothing, picking out what she would be wearing for the day: a long sleeved turtle neck top in gray from which she had to pull out her long pink hair before putting it in a somewhat messy bun at the top of her head which framed her face perfectly all the same, a pair of black pants, and black boots, saving the addition of her vest for last.

She glanced at her appearance in the closets full length mirror, head cocking to the side as she contemplated her appearance: it was strange to see herself looking like she belonged to a village again instead of what had become her usual kimono and other comfortable attire. ”It does feel a little strange though. I guess I’ve long since lost my faith in the system, so to give up my freedom to belong to it again is a bit difficult to wrap my head around.” She paused in speaking, walking over to Daremo and placing a kiss upon his lips, standing on the tips of her toes to do so. ”But, I’m still glad we decided to do this, and I’m going to keep my head up in hopes that maybe Kumogakure will change both of our minds…”


On her way to her own dresser where her assortment of weapons resided she paused by the cribs of the twins, running her fingers gently along the bars. She found herself wondering how hard it would be to disassociate herself with everything else while on this mission, and it stood as a reminder as to why they were taking something ‘easier’ until Kaia was comfortable with something more. Shaking her head, trying to push her worry away, she headed towards her dresser and pulled out a scroll, unsealing it to reveal her own headband and weapons all of which were cared for with the most detailed eye, including her hidden blade. Her headband was added first, being used to keep her bangs out of her face, followed by her hidden blade and then the remainder of her weapons which were hidden in various secret pockets and the like upon her form.

Turning her attention back to Daremo she nodded and smiled. ”Breakfast sounds good.” She would follow him to the kitchen, but not before sparing a backwards glance towards the empty cribs: knowing their children were safe and well cared for, and yet worrying all the same. ”Something tells me it’s going to be a bit harder to put on my resting-bitch-face when we go to do this mission, and to push all my emotions back, than it used to be…”, she spoke honestly, knowing that out of everyone it was her husband she could be open with, that he would understand the most.

Waiting for her husbands reply she found herself falling into the same routine as always, pulling out food, and pans, utensils to cook with as well. It was all the same, despite suddenly covered in weapons and ready to kill should the task require it. But, this was what she was used to: the act of cooking breakfast with her love - though now they tended to cook for more than just themselves on a typical day. Which, was precisely why she had to stop herself from adding more food than necessary as she worked in silence.

Word Count: 1,510

Tugging on the mesh shirt, the black material hugging his body like a second skin, conforming to his muscular frame, Daremo caught the glance of his lover. A warmth shining within the reptilian eyes of his as they focused on the beautiful eyes of his lover. The woman being a truly remarkable individual for everything she had done for him without being asked to. She became a mother to his oldest child, Gemma. When her own mother had been nothing more than an abusive woman in the physical and mental sense of the word. Naturally, Gemma had been wary of his lover, probably assuming she was just like her own mother, and there being only a matter of time before she was abused once more. Instead of feeling frustrated with Gemma’s wariness and untrusting nature, his lover was patience. She did not push Gemma to immediately accept her as the ‘new’ mother. She did not force Gemma to like her. Whenever the child needed space, she gave it. She allowed her actions speak on her character. She allowed Gemma to decide if she was worthy. And, last night when the children were dropped off, his daughter deemed his new lover worthy of being called ‘mom’.

He remembering the scene vividly with his daughter running up to Kaia, when they were about to leave, hugging and calling her ‘mom’ before disappearing back into the house. Remembering how his lover was nearly brought to tears by Gemma’s action. All the work she had put into getting his daughter to trust her and affectionately call her ‘mom’ paid off. The entire scene was a beautiful one, and he was immensely happy that the two finally connected like a mother and daughter should. He could have not been more happy with the situation outcome. Initially he had been worry on how his daughter would react to Kaia considering her on upbringing, and these fears were confirm. But because of Kaia’s persistence and unwillingness to give up on Gemma. The worry he had felt before was no longer there, being replaced with happiness when the mother and daughter shared a hug.


Yes, that was the answer his mind gave when so how intently his lover was looking at him. Indeed, she was checking out. He wonder what were her thoughts at that exact moment. What was she thinking about while looking at him? While curious on the inner thoughts of his lover, Daremo did not bother in ask no, he was too busy looking at his lover who was still wrapped in a towel. The towel doing very little in hiding her beautiful, feminine curves. From head to toe, his eyes did not try to hide what he was doing. How he seem to linger on her assets, covered by a towel, for a few seconds before moving on. Before his thoughts could continue down a sensual and perverted path, the question opposed was answered.

At the mention of the twins, their pride and joy, he remembered the conversation which she spoke of. The moment when they spoke about wanting to raise a family away from their lifestyle. Away from the violence of the shinobi world, in hope that they would never have to experience the same hardships they have. The idea of keeping them completely away from violence, now that he thought about it, was nothing more than wishful thinking on their part. Violence is inescapable in the world they live in. So, instead of trying to run and hide from it, preparations should be made to handle it whenever it comes. It is something they both knew. The world was unforgiven and the only way to survive it is to prepare for the worse. And it would be a cold day in hell if he allowed himself to be caught unprepared. . . again.

The destruction of Suna. he already came to terms with what unfortunately happened to the village. He did not believe the destruction was warranted with there being no justifiable mean to the heinous act. Alas, there was nothing that could be done about the life. Though it did hurt him to know a lot of his friends, apart from the Geisha houses station in Suna, had perished. But, at least, there were some who managed to escape in time. That being the only comforting fact from the incident. “I feel the same way. We made the right decision in joining Kumogakure. Especially now with the destruction of Suna. The crime rate is going to spike with the survivors looking for any way to survive if joining another village is out of the option. And considering no one knows if the attack was a rogue element or planned by another nation? Things will probably get worse. If we did not join a village, we could very well put our children in danger.”, and if there was one thing neither of them wanted was to put their children in any type of danger.

Daremo watched his lover stand a front of the full-length mirror. His eyes roaming across her body, loving how she looked at the exact moment. It having been a long time since he had seen her in anything but kimonos. Not to say he enjoyed one more so than the other, just that it was nice. Yellow orbs would come to rest on her pink hair. She having dyed her white hair, caused by stress due to him, pink some time ago. The color looking wonderful on her.  

His arms wrapped around her waist, the action been done so many times that it has become natural, and pulled her closer into his embrace with his lips meeting hers in the quick kiss, and unwinding, letting her go. “Don’t think about the freedom lost, but rather what we want to protect by joining a village.”, he spoke, walking up behind Kaia, who had stopped at the two cribs, with his hands rubbing her shoulders in a comforting manner “Just remember who we are doing this for. It is for their future in which we are doing this for.”.

He noticed how she shook her head as if to clear away her thoughts, tying on the headband signifying her alliance to Kumo, and hiding weapons on her persona. He wonders what plagued her mind only moments ago, and question if it had to deal with the twins? This being the first mission the pair has done since the twins were born. Could she be worried? Before he could dwell on the question, she turned and smiled at him, something he returned.

“They are safe, love.”, he whispered catching the glance she threw back to the empty cribs. She was worried about their children’s safety despite knowing they were safe and well taking care of. He too was worried. He chalking it up to their parenting instincts, of wanting to protect their children, acting up.

“Hello, hatchlings.”, he was not surprised when the voice of Hikari greeted them both upon entering the kitchen. The komodo seemingly lounging on the living room floor, waiting for them. “Hello to you too.”, he replied back, moving towards the refrigerator to pull out a sealed raw steak. Placing the slab of meat on a plate, and placing it in a corner, where it was in no one’s way. “Thought you like hunting your food?”, he commented, glancing over to Hikari as she devoured the meat. The komodo having always complained of being a great hunter and preferring to hunt for her food instead of be given handouts. Yet, here she was eating what was offered to her without a word.

Washing his hands and drying them, Daremo fell into the comfortable routine that came with helping Kaia cooking. The two moving about without having to say much to one another. Knowing exactly what each other needed as they made breakfast. The silence between them being a comfortable and pleasant one. There being times were no words is needed to be said between individuals, and this was one of the times.

Once the food was done and plates fix, the pair consumed their breakfast. Daremo speaking briefly on what the mission detail, mentioning the number of suspected bandits at the mine along with their boss. After eating the food, and the dishes washed and put away, Daremo exited the building with Kaia following.

Upon stepping outside, a cool morning breeze greets him. Yellow, reptilian eyes turned their focus to Kaia, “Are you ready?”, he inquired, only leaving off towards the southward gates upon getting confirmation from his lover. With there being no timeframe for the mission, there was no hurry in having to complete it in a timely fashion. Though, at least he knew, that he wanted to complete the mission as soon as possible in order to spend the rest of the day with his love.

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