Increasing Talents

He stood on the fifth floor of the Grand Konoha Training Facility. He white hair was pushed up by his blindfold and his eyes hidden from view. His blue high collar coat and black shinobi pants covering his form. Black shinobi combat boots clad his feet and he stood rolling his neck in preparation for training. He had a few new jutsu concepts he wanted to learn. Some of which would be useful for the clan as a whole, some more for himself than anyone else. The fifth floor of the training facility was the one currently the least occupied and that gave him the best privacy. For Peragus did not like his capabilities to be public knowledge, if he could avoid it. He much preferred them to be unknown, even to his allies.

That to many might seem like paranoia. To Peragus however it seemed like it was a matter of course for a shinobi to try to hide their true capabilities. Anyone that knew them might accidentally spread them. It of course did limit his ability to train somewhat. He couldn’t do it anywhere too public. Or he would be showcasing his capabilities to many. As such his time in the Grand Konoha Training Facility tended to be somewhat limited. It was popular, state of the art, and a great place to train in general. The first part was the problem for him. However some of the staff on the first floor knew of his small foible and when they noticed it was a slow day they sent him a message to tell him that he could train in fair seclusion.

Some days he took the chance, some he did not. It simply depended on what he was doing at the time.

This day though he took it, and he did not take it alone. With him was one of the few people in the village he would not truly mind knowing all of his capabilities. “Are you ready?” He would ask at her, his byakugan already on and his body naturally limber and ready to go.

[1]

Hanabi, straight across from Peragus, jumped up and down and side to side, relaxing her back and arms. Though she wasn’t a Taijutsu specialist, it didn’t hurt to loosen up before attempting her jutsu ideas. She extended her arms, fingers crossed, bending them back, making them pop before she calmed down and made a fist to Peragus. “Don’t hold back. Just because we’re together, y’know.” She gave a wink to him, not knowing if his Byakugan saw or not. Hanabi sported a compressed crop top with some shorts and the traditional ninja sandals. Under her clothing though, we wore fishnets that were tight together in regards to the spacing of the holes. Her weapons were tightly strapped to her, one sword being on her back and the others strapped onto her left thigh which made them slightly overlap. However the draw time worked well with it with how she used her swords. Her hair seemed a bit longer now and more flayed out, like it grew over nih it but in reality she had gone to the salon sometime recently. Despite Hanabi normally, she seemed more open with Peragus and more determined. She had a sharp look in her eye, filled with determination.

A wide grin formed across her face as she used her right hand to pull her sword out from her back, slowly and carefully, holding it now with both hands. She gripped her sword tightly, getting into her Kendo Stance. She exhaled slowly, performing the designated motion for this technique. Her arms folding to one side and slowly making the movement to the other side, forming an almost crecent shape. Her eyes closed the whole time, she exhaled once again, feeling her body light. She finished this motion, allowing her to possibly think of another move after this. Opening her eyes once more, her eyes showed no emotion, no light. The thought of Ren piercing through her head like a lightning rod going through her brain. The same red flash glossed over her eyes before looking up to Peragus with a different tone now. Peragus’ Byakugan would be able to pick up some chakra from her eyes before vanishing. This chakra looked red and burned bright just like Hanabi’s Fire. “I’ve got a fight to win so I do apologize if I hurt you pretty badly.” Her voice was lowered by a note, almost an alto/tenor range.


Hanabi didn’t want to hurt him but she was already in this auto pilot mode filled with rage. Her face showed what seemed to be a stoic expression. She lunged at Peragus, almost leaving an indent into the floor but leaving smoke behind her, her sword put to the side of her, getting closer before making a swing towards Peragus. This was an entirely different Hanabi than what was to be known about her. Her breathing was calm and she was focused, her eyes sharp and fixated on Peragus.

---

Hanabi’s Determination:

His Byakugan, active and showing him all around him, saw her wink and he flashed her a grin. “I would not dream of it.” He would say, his public persona stated. He was much more jovial when others might see but tended to be a bit more serious when alone in privacy with someone. The public persona tended to annoy people and he got a personal kick out of doing so. Maybe it was one of the eccentricities one saw in the powerful showing early in him.

Yeah, that was it.

She drew her weapon, ten meters away from him, and commented that she had a fight to prepare for. So that she was sorry if she hurt him. His own grin would be his own answer. The confusing motions of her weapon were certainly useful. But they wouldn’t work, not with his particular counter method in mind. She lunged at him, swinging with her weapon. He of course employed one of his favorite counters.

He ran

In the direct opposite direction of course. His speed was ludicrous to many and he used every bit of it to simply not be in the path of the weapon as it swung through his location. It was a blur to his eyes, the confusing motions causing him to second guess its exact location. But it could only strike within her reach and he could stay out of that with no effort whatsoever. His Byakugan eyes gave him the clarity of vision behind and to the side of him to avoid tree’s and other obstacles and he moved back with a cocksure grin on his features, almost daring her to strike him. He would comment as he moved. “You won’t be hurting me at all with speed like that darling. Shall I tone it down?” He would ask, his normal japes and jibes coming from his lips as he taunted her gently.

It was of course designed to make people angry, to make them stop thinking.

Designed to give him an advantage.

Still, eventually he would stop fully, before hitting any obstacles and fall into a stance that any who had seen a Hyuuga fight before might recognize. However it would be different somehow. Electrical discharge would begin to flow between his individual strands of hair and between the fingers of his hands. The entire time moving he would maintain a 30 meter separation between them. When the electrical discharge began forming however he would stop and move toward her. His momentum ending and beginning again instantly. He would close the distance at his best speed and reach out to tap her only one on the arm as he passed her on her blade hand side. Making any retaliatory strike an awkward affair at best. Although with his speed as fast as it was many wouldn’t even be able to see him moving. The tap would send a surge of electrical chakra through her and, if held back correctly, would cause a surge of pain and a full body spasm that would hopefully send her careening. He would continue past her until 30 meters and maintain that separation. The man using that distance as the 'safe zone' for his hit and run tactics.

[2]

Stuff:

Hanabi’s eyes widened as Peragus disappeared from her but for a second. He was.. running.. away? As she swung, she skidded to a halt, placing her sword down, sticking the blade through the ground to help her stop. Her breathing remained calm, looking around for Peragus, noticing images of him ever so slightly. Each image prompted her to look in a different direction each time. Soon he eventually stopped which caused Hanabi to look at him up and down, slightly blushing from their time together. She became unfocused for a moment before clearing her throat. Now noticing much more about him, a stance she did not recognize and electricity forming around the strands of his hair and finger tips. Just like that he was gone as fast as he was there. Before realizing where he was, Hanabi turned her head only to be greeted with a tap on her arm which sent her into a shock. Her hair frayed out, she gritted her teeth and her body began to shake. “Nng..” She grunted as she tried to withstand it but she fell over. She caught herself on her sword, breathing heavily with electricity lingering here and there around her, making her jolt ever so often. Her eyes faded to a blank stare and from there, without her knowing.. it happened.


Hanabi looked up to Peragus, her eyes glowing red with a tomoe but her stare seemed blank. She picked her sword up from the ground and placed her free hand in front of her, exhaling deeply. Tiger. Snake. Dragon. Bird. These hand signs she created were made for a particular jutsu she created. Her eyes glowed a deep azule with flames forming around her back, her hair flying everywhere, gritting her teeth. Flames forming azule fading into a deep purple at the tips, a dragons head coming from her back and coming out slowly. It resembled much like a Chinese dragon, finally coming all the way out and wrapping around Hanabi, roaring at Peragus. This dragon seemed to have the Sharingan as well but it had no chakra in it, making is useless. Smoke exhaled from the dragons nostrils as it raised its body above Hanabi, twirling around and darting towards Peragus as Hanabi stood up. She placed her sword on her shoulder before following behind the Dragon closely but still having a gap behind it. This particular dragon following Peragus with his Movements, still lacking behind if he were to move. With Hanabi trailing behind, she would attempt to flank Peragus if he were to move near her and she would move her arm across her chest and slice diagonally. No light in her eyes, no feeling. Even through the sharingan, just pain and this pain swept through to the surface. This was the time she would learn her attacks against Ren.

---

Things she do:

His attack worked flawlessly, and he heard the grunt as the electrical discharge shot through her like a lance of pain. As he stopped thirty meters from her he turned, almost dancing on his feet for the maneuver. He didn’t need to, but it was more polite to be that way. Although he focused his eyes on her center of mass, where it was supposed to be in general. He did see her eyes transform however. Becoming red with a single tomoe in each. He watched as she performed hand seals and fire began to form around her in an almost loving embrace. Blue with deep purple at its tips and a flaming dragon roared at him as it began to charge toward him.

Peragus could see the chakra in the technique, knew he could block it easily with Rotation or even another tech he had created when in sticky moments to handle things such as fire and lightning. However, here? He just did not need to. The dragon was far too slow, and he never made the mistake of wasting chakra when it was not necessary. He did not move back however, instead he waited for the dragon to move forward and when it did the size of the dragon would block Hanabi’s vision of him. Preventing her from seeing what he was doing. He used that moment to dash to the side at his best speed, and come around from the outside. From Hanabi’s perspective the dragon would fly forward, close to the ground, burning in its wake up to its full range of 120m. However Peragus would circle aside maintaining the thirty meter separation but letting the dragon be his cover for as long as possible. Thus letting the dragon move harmlessly away while he came at her from her side. By the time she had the opportunity to recognize what was coming. It should be too late, although Peragus was not going to place any bets on that.

When he reached her he would simply reach out and tap her on the back. The exact same scenario from before hopefully occurring. Where he would hopefully be moving by too quickly to react to. The tap would send another shock of electrical chakra through her system. Enough to hurt like a bitch, but it wouldn’t do lasting harm. He was not here trying to kill her after all. Simply practice some techniques. For now it was her turn to train, soon enough he would get his. Regardless of if the strike was successful or not he would move past, making way to do so behind her beck from her left to her right. The intention to maintain a thirty meter separation between them unless he was actually going in for a strike.

[3]

Stuff:

Hanabi’s eye twitched from obvious irritation from Peragus constantly staying a good bit aways. Watching the dragon fly forward, Peragus had seemed to disappear at one point, causing Hanabi to panic a little. Was it too strong? Maybe he moved out of the way? Her eyes darted back and forth, seeing the dragon dissipate after going the max range. Seeing blurs here and there from Peragus, she felt a touch on her back, the same jolt occurring once more, this time snapping out of her rage. She yelled out, falling to one knee, wincing and closing one eye while she clenched her teeth. “Damnit…” She got herself up and pointed her sword towards Peragus. “That’s cheating, Peragus!” Her sharingan seemed to have vanished once she had been shocked, her eyes back to their natural amber gold. A slight red grew across her face, angry and upset. “Now you’re just playing me.” She began walking towards Peragus, her sword still unsheathed.


Keeping a steady pace, she grew closer to Peragus, about 10m away, assuming he had not moved. “Why don’t you..” She began to speak, her words trailing off as she paused to touch the blade of her sword while looking on it. As she moved her finger across her blade, her azule, purple tipped fire trailing behind, almost like leaving a trail behind. Hanabi looked up to Peragus with a sleek grin, glancing up at him. “Try and get close to me like we’ve been doing.” She said coyly with the inside reference to only they would know. She twirled her blade and gave another wink, now focused but not blinded. Her sword fully ignited now, she made a quick slash in front of her, leaving her sword to the side of her. Waiting for a response, she twirled her sword once more, growing closer if he had decided to stay away, keeping her grin towards him. She made one final slash, a fiery attack, going towards Peragus, Forming the shape of a Phoenix wing. Her eyes sharpened, seeing if her attack hit.


With this attack, she jumped back a bit, keeping her eyes moving, making sure she could keep an eye on him. “Tsukiii…” She said tauntingly. “If you let me get a hit on you, I’ll treat you!” She pleaded, making a cutesy voice with puppy eyes. Of course she couldn’t keep the act up and laughed her joke away. Hanabi didn’t take anyone serious whenever they made those voices and so she still laughed at her own mocking voice.

---

Things:

Her curse as she fell to one knee and her rising up again, yelling out at him in indignation would simply bring a smirk to the Hyuuga’s features. He could see the reddening of her features from anger as she accused him of simply playing with her. His own words would come out in reply, upbeat and whimsical. “Since when am I not playing? That aside do you expect your opponents to sit there all nice and pretty for you while you try to light them on fire?” He would ask an eyebrow raising in curiosity. He let her draw closer, not minding the distance disappearing. He could react fast enough to move out of the way of an attack and when she reached ten meters he would cock his head to one side in curiosity.

At her teasing he would bark out a laugh. “Couldn’t keep me close enough last night Bi-Chan." He would riposte to her teasing. Her wink would bring out another chuckle from him. Her flames would trail down the blade of her weapon and when she made a quick slash at him he would sidestep it carefully, ensuring it never came close. The heat of the flames was able to be felt on his body as a physical warmth. Although they never got close enough to actually harm him. When she twirled her weapon he ensured it was still not able to hit him. Although he kept himself close this time, intent on proving a point. When she struck again, flames firing off the weapon in a new technique he would move around behind her, maintaining that position with simple speed of movement and always keeping her between himself and her fire.

If she jumped back still he would flash out with a palm strike, center mass, and hit with a large load of chakra. Enough to stun an individual easily enough depending on how hardy they were. If she did not jump back and decided to taunt him anyway with a new nickname and begging for him to let her hit him he would simply move in and deliver the same stunning blow to her front. Regardless, assuming the blow delivered at maximum speed landed successfully he would move to stand before her and use a single finger to tilt her chin and head up toward him. Then he would move to give her a tender kiss. He could still see in all directions and knew there were no people to see nearby. So he was not worried about the public display as he usually would be. Should the kiss be successful he would speak while she was still stunned.

“I’m not going to make it easy for you, my sun and stars. If I did I would be doing you a grave disservice by not pushing you to be stronger than you are. When we’re training, I’m not going to play nice and fair. Although I won’t be as mean as I could be. You’re going to have to earn striking me.” He would say before reaching up and tapping her lightning on the nose with a cheeky grin before backing off again to his thirty meter safety zone.

[3]

Stuff:

Hanabi looked at him as he made his smart comment about their previous night and she glanced away quickly but back at him. She coughed a little from the comment, making her cover her mouth. “P-Peragus!” Although she said something herself, it was still heart throbbing to hear Peragus say something as well. As her attack went, Peragus simply evaded and went around Hanabi, leaving her open from behind as she jumped back. Hanabi felt the palm of Peragus’ hand upon her back, making her grunt once again. ‘Damn he was fast’, she thought to herself. She found herself unable to move for the time being, only just able to look at him. Her amber eyes following him to her face before he titled her chin and gave her the kiss. Her eyes widened and she closed her eyes for the mean time before he pulled away, revealing a blush across her face. “Distracting your opponent I see..” She gave a huff before looking at him once again, missing his blue eyes. They were captivating to look at, also dangerous so maybe it was good that she didn’t see them. She listened to his small speech and understood why he was doing the things he did. She didn’t like it but if it helped her get stronger, she wasn’t bother by it as much. Still frustrating but it helped her. She closed her eyes and exhaled, giving him a soft smile as she opened her eyes again. She was greeted with a tap on her nose by him and he had fallen back to his original 30 meter distance. “Just wait till I’m not stunned.” She tauntingly said with a wide grin, her canines showing bright and forward. “Let’s see if I can do something..” Hanabi asked herself before looking him up and down once again.


Hanabi couldn’t do much just due to her being stunned for the time being. So she waited until this effect gave out, giving her time to think of ideas on how to earn a hit on Peragus. Surely she didn’t WANT to hurt him but if she could even get as much as a one tap on him, she would see herself victorious. She stayed put, her eyes still on Peragus. “Tsukii.” She called out tauntingly. She kept a grin on her face, chuckling softly. He was a lot stronger than her without her realizing it until now. She thought about the two of them for a moment, her heart fluttering every now and then. Would they be a good duo later down the road? Her eyes wandered as she thought about this, waiting patiently to move again. The disruption he did to her body made it feel like she was paralyzed and so there was not much she could do.

He chuckled at her reactions to his antics and her threats of ‘waiting till she wasn’t stunned’. She would call him by that nickname again and he would smile at her. “Don’t worry, I’ll wait instead of stunning you again. You should know though that being in this position against one of my clan would generally force an automatic loss of a spar. We can lock you up indefinitely if we get it started at all and note your chakra. It’s probably not functioning very well is it? Probably don’t have access to as much? That’s our bread and butter, the ‘Gentle Fist’. You’ll regain the use of it soon enough but if we can get enough hits on you we can block your chakra access.” He would explain, giving her a brief run down of some of what he was capable of.

“Got anything else you wanna try on me? Anything faster perhaps? If you want we can cease making this a spar and just make a test and reply of jutsu. After all it’s hard to know how hard your jutsu is hitting if it never hits.” He would comment, offering to play guinea pig for her. He could do so for a while even with his relatively subpar reserves simply by virtue of utilizing Rotation and always using the bear minimum. He could give her a solid idea of how hard her techniques hit that way too. “Or of course we can simply keep ‘playing’ as we have been.” He would say finishing the last with a line that was designed to try to egg her on.

He did not care which option she chose although his comment at the end had been designed to see if he could egg her on and anger her into continuing the spar. The more he brought that anger out the more mistakes she would make and if he could get her to recognize that and work to control that temper then she would become a fearsome kunoichi indeed.

[4]

Jutsu:

Now relieved and feeling like she could move, Hanabi stumbled out of her paralyzed state. She rubbed her head as she gained her balance, listening to how the gentle fist was their bread and butter. “That seems pretty powerful.. being able to block ones chakra..” She said in a lower voice. Hanabi kept grinning at Peragus, raising a fist towards him. “It don’t matter though! Keep coming, love. I think I got some more skills up my sleeve. Of course you can always let me hit you.” She stuck her tongue out, egging him on.

She clasped her hands together, her blue and purple flames swirling around her as she formed the same hand seal again as previously. She closed her eyes for a brief moment before opening them again as she ended the handseal. Her eyes glowed bright gold, replicating almost a sunset from afar. Her hair waved from the flames that created a brief wind around her. From the floor, the flames engulfed her calves, slowly climbing up her legs and body, swirling around her petite figure. Soon stopping on her shoulder blades, she slowly began to form through the ambers of the fire, piecing together, flame after flame. Feathers shook each time new ones formed, now replicating blue Phoenix Wings. Her body lifted up temporarily as they formed in an upright position, making a gust of wind as the wings flapped down into a relaxed state, Elevating her for one second and bringing her back down to the ground. She inhaled once more and exhaled, glancing at Peragus.


She felt lighter on her feet and she felt like she could jump further and move faster. Hearing Peragus’ last comment, her eyebrow twitched with annoyance, huffing and looking away. “But you are…” She muttered as she pouted while crossing her arms. Her eyes glanced back at Peragus, now fading from a glow to normal. Forming another string of hand seals, another form of Hanabi conjured up next to her, in flames and getting everything about her to a T. Her hair, eyes, shape of her body too. Thanks to Ren, she was able to use this technique. The clone formed with a straight face, no emotion at first but soon mimicked her personality, forming a grin as well. Hanabi went forth, now going at C+ rank speed while her clone went at D+ rank speed. Hanabi lifted her sword her her leg and tossed it to the clone, allowing her to use it. The clone caught it as it fell behind, making it shift back a bit from the momentum of the throw. “Let’s get this going!”

---

Learnt/Done Jutsu’s:

At her huff he would chuckle at her “I’m not going to coddle you Hana-chan. Not now, not ever. If you want to land a strike on me you’re going to have to earn it.” He would repeat himself, jumping up and down on his feet lightly as he waited for her next move. Then he would watch as she formed a string of seals and created a clone of fire. The doppelganger looking exactly like her. He noted to himself that she never actually answered his question. If she wanted to keep trying to hit him, or if she wanted to simply begin a form of challenge and response with the jutsu that they needed to train.

When she began to move, he decided she had made her decision amply clear. Actions did speak louder after all and her actions were loud and clear. As she and her clone moved she tossed back her sword and it was at that moment that Peragus acted. He fell back into his Fulminating Dance style when she began to move, noting her increase in speed. However he had a technique he wanted to try. He waited one full second, for her to get ten meters away from him before he swung his arm at his full speed and a crescent arc of lightning chakra fired from the action and toward her at B speed. The arc and Hanabi traveled toward one another at an effective 105 meters per second, faster than his own unaided speed.

The crescent shot of lightning chakra would be held back in its damaging potential severely. He obviously did not want to actually seriously hurt his girlfriend after all. However she would feel the sudden sealing off of multiple tenketsu within her system. The shot would also blast her back if successful, and most probably into her clone. “You can’t keep just charging at a faster opponent Hanabi-chan. Try to think outside the box.” He would say calmly as he waited and held his ground this time. It was time to see if she could actually make him need to run. Instead of voluntarily doing it himself each time.

stuff:

Hanabi shook her head and kept going with a grin on her face. She did want to earn it but deep down she felt as though she would not be able to. She didn’t possess the techniques to go against Peragus properly, let alone think of anything to counter him.. unless.. As she may have thought of something, Peragus’ attack hit her, causing her to cough, pushing her back into her clone, which made the clone explode, causing fire damage to Hanabi. She closed an eye and gritted her teeth as she was hit with not only Peragus’ attack but her own as well. She landed on the ground once it had exploded, a audible grunt escaping her mouth. Peragus’ attack hurt but it wasn’t horrible. Just enough to knock the wind out of her. However her ember clone did some real damage. Places where the fire landed on her started to smoke, searing a bit on the top layer of her skin. She simply shook it off while gritting her teeth. “Damn it.”


It was a long shot, Peragus could see chakra. If she wanted to do something, she would have to try and access her clans natural ability. Genjutsu. She closed her eyes and opened them again, now red with a black lined circle going around her pupil. The first tomoe being created from this circle as well. She proceeded to do the according handsigns towards this Genjutsu and disappeared once the hand seals were done. Even if she hadn’t connected with him with her Chakra, she had at least learnt this tech successfully. Not one lick on Peragus and all the damage to Hanabi. Bruised and tired. She gave a soft chuckle, trying to hide any disappointment towards herself. If she couldn’t learn from this, how could she go forward. Was she too stubborn, too lazy? Was she not smart enough? Her eyes looked down for a moment before looking back up to him before walking towards him at E rank speed. “I have nothing else to try.. I am kinda tired too. Maybe we should get some ramen after this, yeah?” Hanabi proposed to get some food after this training. It would help her get her mind off of her own disappointment. Her voice echoing to him, her physical self unable to be seen.

info:

Ooc:

Peragus’ mind was kind caught between two places at the moment. Idly he saw the chakra she tried to put into him for a genjutsu and reached up to perform the genjutsu kai. The illusion shattering before it could really take hold. That was one of the great strengths of the Byakugan. With his ability to see chakra, even in himself he could dispel genjutsu the moment they were cast. So long as he could move his hand into the seal of confrontation of course. With that the genjutsu would be gone, and as he did she would comment on how she’s tired and that perhaps they should get some ramen. “Sure, I’ll buy.” He would say automatically, his mind elsewhere.

He would lead her toward a nearby ramen place. A larger place than his preferred one with booths inside. He sat at a booth and contemplated things a bit. He considered her word previously used. She had referred to him as ‘love’ and that..that made him feel uncomfortable. Did she ‘love’ him? He had been her first he knew, sharing in an intimate night together that had been unforgettable for the two of them. Did that color her view of him? They had not been dating that long, and he did all he could to make her feel like a princess. But..’love’? He analyzed that thought, chased it down through the alleyways in his mind. He cared for her, deeply, enjoyed his time with her. Not just the time in bed either, he genuinely enjoyed spending time with her. Could he love her? He had to ask himself that question, could he see himself marrying her? Having children with her? He..he didn’t..He cared for her, and wanted the best for her. But he did not love her. That..that meant they weren’t the right choice for each other. That he was not the right choice for her.

His brow furrowed in thought as the waitress arrived and took their order “Shrimp ramen please, with an order of dumplings.” His usual order, as Hanabi would probably know from what had evidently been their first date. He felt a pain in his heart as he contemplated what he was going to do next. A desire to not hurt the woman but not knowing how to avoid it. It would have to be after the meal. During the post meal conversation that usually occurred in such times. Eventually he would shake his head to clear his mind and bring himself back to reality and blink up at her, provided she had joined him of course. “Sorry, was thinking.” He would say, apologizing for his spacing out. “You made good progress today, sincerely.” He would say, flashing her a smile. He tried to get the usual wattage out of it but wasn’t sure he hit the mark this time.

[6]

Hanabi blinked from the sudden break of the Genjutsu. She put a hand on her hip and pouted to Peragus. It was only natural for one to do so with the Byakugan. She closed her eyes and gave a sigh before opening them back up and nodding. She picked up her swords and sheathed them while leaving the training grounds to go towards the ramen shop. A different one however in which made Hanabi wonder why not the one they went to last? Finding a booth, Hanabi sat on the other side and stared to Peragus, him seemingly lost in thought and quite distant. She furrowed a brow and her mouth relaxed into more of a straight line, the corners of her mouth slightly dropping. Hanabi wondered why he was distant but she didn’t want to pry. With his order going first, she ordered her usual, giving a smile and letting the waitress go.


Then he spoke to her. “ I see… you did seem lost in thought.. not entirely here I should say as well..” Her voice never wavering, almost a monotone pitch. Something felt off and it bothered her, making chills be sent down her spine. Seeing Peragus compliment her and flashing a smile, she knew this smile wasn’t a regular smile. “Peragus… Is something on your mind…? Do you want to talk about it?” She asked, quite sincere. Hanabi went to put her hand out to him, asking to hold his hand for comfort. There was so much to ask but she had to bite her tongue. Too many questions wouldn’t lead to anywhere, let alone a good outcome. She knew that best. Hanabi awaited for his response in silence, her heart thumping louder, slowly lowering into her stomach. Nervous.. anxiety… She was worried about Peragus and she wanted him to be okay. Did she say something to cause this? Was it how she acted in the training grounds? Her anger did take over.. her eyes shifted to look another way before pulling her hand back, knowing he probably wouldn’t take it.

Of course she would ask the question. He couldn’t blame her for it but there it was. He couldn't wait until after the meal now and that would tarnish the memory even more for both of them. He continued to consider if this was the best option. Trying to see if perhaps he should wait. See if his feelings developed deeper than they had. After all, if he felt like he could love her in return then that would simply be a matter of patience now wouldn't it? He considered that for a moment before coming to the conclusion that if he was going to fall in love with her than he would have felt a deeper feeling for her than he did.

Don’t get him wrong, he cared for Hanabi deeply, wanted her to be safe, happy, to do well, and progress to make her dreams come true. But love? What he felt just did not go that deep. He enjoyed her company, had great fun with her in bed to their mutual satisfaction, and yes that did leave it’s own emotional connection. But it was not love. He sighed deeply at that as he began to speak. “There isn’t an easy way to say this Hanabi..Earlier in the training you called me ‘love’. The pet name got me thinking about my own feelings and while I care for you dearly, enjoy our time together and want the best for you. I don’t ‘love’ you, and I don’t think I will in the romantic sense if I haven’t started to now..I think it’s best if we go back to being friends.” He would say, his tone somber. Activating his byakugan he would see the ramen restaurant was pretty much empty and he reached up and removed his blindfold to look her in the eye. Crystalline blue eyes met amber as he looked at her sadly. “You’re still welcome to stay at my home if you need somewhere safe..that offer was never predicated on us being together. You’ll always have a room there. I promise you that, I know it might be hard to see me for a while and it’ll be hard for me too..I don’t like causing people I care about pain..” He would finish putting his blindfold back on. Idly he pulled out his wallet and paid for the meal before it arrived, leaving a generous tip for the waitress and the cook. “I’m gonna go. I’m sorry Hanabi, I’ll see you around, alright?” He would finish before turning and heading out. He would grab something else a bit later. Ramen was her favorite food and he would rather her at least have some on his dime one last time than to make it awkward.

[Potential Exit

[7]

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After Peragus said what he needed to say, their eyes locking once more before he stood up to leave. Hanabi gritted her teeth and slammed her hands on the table, standing up and yelling to him. “What, just because I called you a nickname means you can just throw me away all because you don’t consider your feelings to be love?!” Her hair covered her eyes, mouth and nose barely to be shown. A few drops of water fell from her face, landing on the table as well. Hanabi walked around the table, moving towards Peragus and stopping in front of him whether he turned around or kept going. “I’m not even sure of the concept of love but I STILL chose to give you something I deemed untouchable to me.” Her eyes watering more as tears went down her cheeks, clearly referring to their first night together. “I… I trusted you… Trusted that you wouldn’t leave for some reason, let alone because of a concept you don’t understand! I was here and you asked! You asked me!” She used her hands to talk at this point, placing her hand upon her chest in reference to word me. Hanabi’s eyes quickly changed from her golden amber color to the Sharingan, the first tomoe spinning until coming to a halt. “You—…” She clenched her fist, moving it up and down before letting it out through a slap. Her hand went across Peragus’ face, breathing heavily over her anger. “You’re right.. I DON’T want to see you for a while. I should’ve never trusted you if I had known you’d be like everyone else and leave.” With her final words, she backed away from Peragus just by a few feet to be able to go around him, her shoulder bumping into his arm, tears flying off her face. She left her food sitting there and ran off, somewhere quiet..




(Exit thread)