Chapter Text
It was a spring day in Kyoto, the air filled with the scent of blooming cherry blossoms and the quiet murmur of a city balancing on the edge of two worlds. The streets, once solely the domain of geisha in their vibrant kimonos, were now shared with the footfalls of foreign soldiers, their presence a reminder of the world that had shifted after the Great War. Yet, despite the mingling of these two very different worlds, Kyoto held steadfast to it's traditions, it's beauty undiminished, even in the face of change.
The morning light bathed the city in a soft, golden hue, highlighting the delicate pink of the cherry blossoms that lined the streets and filled the parks. In Gion, the heart of Kyoto’s geisha district, the wooden ochaya stood proudly, their dark timbers weathered by time but still exuding an air of quiet elegance. Here, the geisha continued their daily rituals, gliding through the narrow lanes in their exquisite kimonos, their faces a canvas of serene poise, as if to say that the soul of Kyoto remained untouched.
Among the traditional scenes, foreign soldiers walked with a mix of curiosity and respect, their uniforms a stark contrast to the delicate beauty of their surroundings. They spoke in low tones, aware of the weight of their presence in this ancient city. Some watched in quiet awe as a maiko passed by, her obi trailing behind her like a silken stream, her hair adorned with seasonal flowers. The soldiers, though outsiders, seemed captivated by the grace and mystery of this world that was so different from their own.
The Kamo River, flowing gently through the city, mirrored the changing sky and the cherry blossoms that drifted down to it‘s surface. Along it‘s banks, locals and soldiers alike found a rare moment of peace, the river’s soft whispers offering a respite from the memories of war. Children played among the trees, their laughter mingling with the rustle of leaves, as if to remind the world that life, in all it‘s innocence, still thrived here.
At Heian Shrine, the grand torii gate welcomed all who passed through it, whether local or foreign, as if to bridge the gap between two worlds. The shrine’s gardens were a riot of color, the cherry blossoms in full bloom, their petals falling like snow onto the paths below. Here, the traditions of Japan stood tall, unfazed by the soldiers who wandered respectfully through the sacred grounds, their presence a silent testament to the resilience of Kyoto’s spirit.
As the day wore on, the sounds of the city—footsteps on cobblestone, the distant plucking of a shamisen, the murmur of conversation—created a tapestry of life that was both old and new. The geisha, ever graceful, continued their performances, their art a living connection to a past that Kyoto refused to relinquish. In the tea houses, the rituals of the tea ceremony unfolded with precise elegance, each movement a dance that spoke of centuries of tradition.
As dusk settled over Kyoto, the lanterns were lit, casting a warm, golden glow across the streets. The cherry blossoms, now illuminated by the soft light, took on a dreamlike quality, their beauty made all the more poignant by the presence of the soldiers who lingered, perhaps sensing that they were witnessing something rare and fragile. The locals, though aware of the changes around them, held on to their customs with quiet determination, their daily lives a testament to the endurance of their culture.
In this spring day, Kyoto remained a city of contrasts—a place where the old and the new, the foreign and the familiar, met and coexisted. Despite the presence of soldiers, the city’s traditions flourished, it's beauty undimmed.
Among these soldiers was Sergeant Naruto Uzumaki, a young, blonde soldier known for his unwavering optimism and infectious laughter.
One crisp autumn evening, Naruto sat in a smoky bar, the air thick with the scent of sake and tobacco. He was surrounded by his comrades, their boisterous conversations blending with the clinking of glasses and the murmur of patrons. Despite the noise, Naruto’s sharp blue eyes caught sight of something—or rather, someone—striking as he glanced out into the street.
A figure moved gracefully through the dimly lit roads, the hem of their kimono trailing like whispers of silk against the cobblestones. It was Sasuke, a beautiful geisha whose elegance and poise turned heads wherever he went. With alabaster skin, raven-black hair adorned with delicate ornaments, and eyes as dark and deep as the night, the mysterious beauty embodied the quintessence of traditional Japanese allure.
Intrigued, Naruto excused himself from his comrades‘ side and ventured outside. He watched as Sasuke glided past, seemingly indifferent to the gazes that followed him. Mustering his courage, Naruto approached, his heart pounding in his chest.
„Excuse me,“ he called out, his voice breaking the quiet of the night.
Sasuke paused but did not turn around. Naruto took a deep breath and tried again.
„I couldn’t help but notice you. You’re… you’re really beautiful.“
There was a flicker of recognition in Sasuke’s eyes, but he continued walking, leaving Naruto standing in the middle of the street. Unperturbed by the cold shoulder, Naruto followed at a respectful distance, captivated by the mysterious geisha’s allure.
Sasuke led him through narrow alleys and winding streets, until they reached a quaint, traditional house. Naruto watched as Sasuke disappeared inside, the door sliding shut with a soft click. He stood there for a moment, contemplating his next move, before deciding to return the next day.
~●~
As the first light of dawn broke, Sasuke stepped out to find a small package on his porch. Curious, he knelt down and unwrapped it, revealing a beautiful jade hairpin. There was no note, but Sasuke knew immediately who it was from.
The hairpin was a masterpiece of delicate craftsmanship, a slender piece of jade carved with such precision that it seemed to glow from within, as if it held a secret light. The jade itself was a deep, rich green, reminiscent of the lush forests that surrounded ancient temples, it‘s color shifting subtly in the light, from the darkest emerald to a soft, translucent hue.
At the top of the pin, the jade had been intricately shaped into the form of a blooming lotus, each petal rendered with such fine detail that it appeared almost lifelike, as if it could unfurl at any moment. The petals were smooth and polished, their edges slightly curled, catching the light in a way that made them shimmer softly. Nestled within the lotus was a single, tiny pearl, it's surface iridescent, adding a touch of delicate elegance to the already exquisite piece.
The shaft of the hairpin was slender and perfectly balanced, tapering to a fine point, it‘s surface adorned with delicate engravings of flowing vines and tiny blossoms, each line carved with such care that it seemed to dance along the pin. The jade was cool to the touch, it‘s smooth surface inviting, almost like silk beneath the fingers.
He couldn’t help but smile, a blush creeping up his cheeks at the thought of the blonde Sergeant’s bold gesture.
~●~
Over the next few days, Sasuke tried his best to avoid Naruto, but the Sergeant’s persistence was unwavering. He would appear at the teahouse where Sasuke performed, his bright blue eyes following every movement, or he’d be waiting outside after the raven haired evening engagements, always ready with a smile and a joke.
One evening, as Sasuke was leaving a teahouse, he found Naruto waiting, leaning casually against a wooden post.
„Hey, Sasuke! Why don’t crabs donate to charity? Because they’re shellfish!“
Despite himself, the geisha giggled, his blush deepening as he quickly covered his mouth with his sleeve. Naruto’s jokes were terrible, but his enthusiasm was endearing.
Seeing Sasuke’s reaction, Naruto’s face lit up with a triumphant grin.
„See? I knew you had a sense of humor!“
Sasuke shook his head, trying to maintain his composure. „You’re impossible, Sergeant.“
„Naruto,“ he corrected, stepping closer. „Just call me Naruto.“
There was a moment of silence as they stood there, the cool night air wrapping around them. Sasuke glanced up, meeting Naruto’s eyes, and for the first time, he didn’t look away.
„I don’t understand you,“ Sasuke said softly. „Why do you keep following me?“
„Because,“ Naruto replied earnestly, „there’s something about you that I can’t ignore. I want to know you, Sasuke. The real you.“
Sasuke was taken aback by the sincerity in Naruto’s voice. He had been pursued by many, but no one had ever looked at him quite like this. It was both unnerving and strangely comforting.
~●~
Every week, Sasuke found a new gift on his porch, each more beautiful and thoughtful than the last. Naruto’s gestures never failed to bring a smile to his face and a warmth to his heart. The jade hairpin had been followed by intricate silk fans, delicate porcelain figures, and once, a small, exquisitely painted scroll. Each gift seemed to speak of Naruto’s growing affection and admiration, and Sasuke cherished them all.
Despite his initial reservations, Sasuke found himself looking forward to these weekly surprises. But he began to feel a growing desire to reciprocate the Sergeant’s kindness. He wanted to give something back, something that would convey his appreciation and perhaps hint at the burgeoning feelings he was starting to harbor.
Determined, Sasuke spent days wandering through the markets and shops of Kyoto, searching for the perfect gift. He examined countless trinkets and treasures, but nothing seemed quite right. He needed something special, something that would reflect the unique connection they had formed.
One afternoon, as he strolled through a quieter part of town, hiss eyes fell upon a small jewelry shop. Intrigued, he stepped inside. The shop was filled with an array of beautiful items, but one in particular caught his eye: a necklace with a blue crystal that sparkled with the same intensity as Naruto’s eyes. As soon as he saw it, Sasuke knew he had found the perfect gift.
With trembling hands, he purchased the necklace and took it home. He carefully placed it in a small box, tying it with a delicate bow. As he prepared to give Naruto the gift, a mix of excitement and nervousness washed over him. This was more than just a token of gratitude; it was a piece of his heart.
That evening, Sasuke gathered his courage and made his way to the bar where Naruto and his fellow soldiers often gathered. The bar was lively, filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation. The geisha hesitated at the entrance, his heart pounding in his chest. Summoning his resolve, he stepped inside.
Naruto was at his usual spot, surrounded by his comrades, his laughter carrying above the din. Sasuke took a deep breath and approached the group. As he neared, Naruto’s eyes lit up with surprise and delight.
„Sasuke! What are you doing here?“ Naruto exclaimed, standing up to greet him.
Sasuke held out the small box, his hands shaking slightly. „I… I wanted to give you something. To thank you for all the wonderful gifts.“
Naruto’s eyes widened in surprise as he took the box. „You didn’t have to, Sasuke.“
„I wanted to,“ Sasuke said softly. „You’ve been so kind to me. I wanted to give you something special in return.“
Naruto carefully untied the bow and opened the box. His breath caught when he saw the necklace, the blue crystal shimmering in the dim light of the bar. He looked up at Sasuke, his eyes filled with emotion.
„Sasuke, this is… it’s beautiful. Thank you.“ He gently lifted the necklace from the box, holding it up to admire it‘s craftsmanship.
Sasuke blushed, his heart racing. „I’m glad you like it. I saw it and thought of you.“
Naruto’s friends watched the exchange with interest, their teasing remarks momentarily forgotten. Naruto smiled, a rare, genuine smile that made Sasuke’s heart skip a beat.
„Here, let me help you put it on,“ Sasuke offered, taking the necklace from Naruto’s hand. He stepped closer, his fingers brushing against Naruto’s neck as he fastened the clasp. Naruto’s skin felt warm under his touch, and for a moment, the noise of the bar faded away, leaving just the two of them in a bubble of shared intimacy.
„There,“ Sasuke said, stepping back. „It suits you.“
Naruto touched the crystal, his eyes meeting Sasuke’s. „I’ll treasure it. Just like I’ll treasure every moment we’ve shared.“
A chorus of cheers and whistles erupted from the soldiers, breaking the moment. Naruto laughed, his cheeks tinged with pink. „Alright, alright, enough of that!“ he called out to his friends, his voice light with happiness.
Sasuke smiled, feeling a sense of contentment he hadn’t known in a long time. As the night wore on, he stayed by Naruto’s side, their bond growing stronger with each shared laugh and whispered word. And in that bustling bar, amidst the camaraderie and chaos, they found a sanctuary in each other, a promise of brighter days ahead.
~●~
Over the following weeks, their encounters became more frequent. Naruto’s relentless optimism and genuine interest slowly chipped away at Sasuke’s guarded walls.
The night air was warm in Kyoto, the faint scent of cherry blossoms lingering in the breeze as Sergeant Naruto sat quietly in the dimly lit tea house. His eyes, weary from the long months of duty and the unfamiliar sights of this foreign land, softened as they rested on the figure across from him—Sasuke, the geisha who had captured his attention from the moment he entered the room.
Sasuke moved with an effortless grace, each gesture refined and purposeful, like poetry in motion. His kimono, a deep shade of midnight blue adorned with silver-threaded cranes, shimmered under the lantern light, casting a soft glow on his pale skin. The hem of the silk fabric whispered against the tatami floor as Sasuke poured tea with the quiet elegance that only years of training could perfect. His dark hair, styled in an intricate coiffure, framed his sharp, striking features, while his delicate, painted lips seemed to curve ever so slightly into a secretive smile.
Naruto watched in silence, his heart pounding in a way that caught him off guard. There was something about Sasuke, something beyond the delicate artistry of his makeup or the graceful movements that captivated everyone around him. Naruto couldn’t look away—his eyes traced the delicate line of Sasuke’s jaw, the soft curve of his neck, and the way his hands moved with such quiet confidence. There was a strength in him, hidden beneath the layers of tradition and beauty, that Naruto couldn’t quite explain.
In that moment, under the flickering glow of the lanterns, Naruto felt a wave of awe wash over him. Sasuke wasn’t just beautiful—he was breathtaking. More than any soldier Naruto had ever seen, more than any place he had ever visited. It was as if everything about Sasuke was a perfect blend of mystery and grace, and Naruto found himself wondering how someone could embody so much beauty in both body and spirit.
Sasuke lifted his eyes and met Naruto’s gaze. For a brief moment, time seemed to stop. The sounds of the world outside—the gentle rustling of the cherry blossoms, the distant hum of the river—faded away, leaving only the quiet space between them. Naruto felt his breath catch in his throat, realizing that no words would ever be enough to describe what he was feeling. Sasuke was the most beautiful human being he had ever seen, not just in the way he looked, but in the way he moved through the world, with quiet elegance and an inner strength that drew Naruto in like nothing else ever had.
Naruto’s grip on his cup tightened slightly as he watched Sasuke turn his head, a delicate strand of hair falling loose from it's pin, catching the light like silk. In that moment, it wasn’t just Sasuke’s beauty that captured Naruto—it was the unspoken depth behind his eyes, the quiet vulnerability that only someone who had lived a life of unrelenting control could understand. And Naruto realized, with a sudden clarity, that he had never seen anyone quite like Sasuke—nor would he ever again.
He was usually confident and bold, but found himself uncharacteristically nervous in Sasuke’s presence.
He leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on his knees, his blue eyes sparkling with an earnestness that was impossible to hide. He knew he had faced tougher challenges on the battlefield, but this was different—this was about finding a way to connect, to bring a moment of lightness to someone who seemed to carry the weight of tradition and expectation on his slender shoulders.
“Did you know,” Naruto began, a mischievous grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, “that back in my village, we have a saying: ‚A smile is the best way to solve most problems, and if it doesn’t, then it’s worth it just to see someone else’s face light up.‘” He paused, watching Sasuke closely, hoping to see even a flicker of amusement.
Sasuke looked at him, his dark eyes reflecting the soft light of the room. There was a brief moment of silence, the only sound the distant murmur of the city outside. Then, a faint, almost imperceptible curve appeared at the corners of Sasuke’s lips—a sign that Naruto’s words had at least touched something within him.
Encouraged, Naruto pressed on, leaning back in his chair as if preparing for a grand performance. “Okay, so maybe you haven’t heard that one before, but how about this? There was this time during training when I thought it’d be a brilliant idea to challenge the commander to a race through the obstacle course. Thought I could win, no problem. Turns out, I didn’t account for the mud pit halfway through. You should’ve seen the look on his face when I went flying face-first into it. Let’s just say, I spent the rest of the day looking like a swamp monster. But hey, at least I gave everyone a good laugh!”
The blonde’s eyes sparkled with genuine enthusiasm as he recounted the story, his hands gesturing animatedly. He was rewarded by the softest of laughs from Sasuke, a sound so quiet and fleeting that it could have easily been missed, but to Naruto, it was as if the entire room had brightened.
Sasuke’s lips curved a little more, and there was a glint in his eyes now, a hint of something warmer, less guarded. “You must have been quite the sight,” he replied, his voice laced with a trace of amusement.
Naruto grinned, feeling a surge of triumph. “You have no idea! And the best part was, I never lived it down. They still call me ‘Swamp Sergeant’ sometimes.” He chuckled, shaking his head at the memory, his laughter infectious.
Sasuke’s smile widened, and for a brief moment, the reserved mask he wore seemed to melt away, revealing a glimpse of the person beneath the graceful exterior. It was a smile that softened the sharp angles of his face, making him look younger, more carefree, and in that instant, Naruto felt a warmth spread through him, as if he had achieved something truly important.
Seeing Sasuke smile—a real, genuine smile—was worth more than any victory he had won on the battlefield. It was a reminder that even in a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, there were moments of connection, of shared laughter, that could make everything else fade away. And in that moment, surrounded by the soft glow of lanterns and the scent of cherry blossoms, Naruto knew that he would cherish this memory, this rare and beautiful smile, for a long time to come.
~●~
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky in hues of deep orange and purple, Naruto finally had the chance to meet his beautiful geisha alone in the garden. The garden was a tranquil sanctuary, a hidden retreat from the bustling city of Kyoto. The soft rustle of leaves and the gentle murmur of a nearby stream created a serene backdrop, as if nature itself was holding it‘s breath for this special moment.
Sasuke awaited him in the heart of the garden, where the late-blooming cherry trees formed a canopy of delicate pink blossoms. The evening light bathed the scene in a soft, ethereal glow, casting gentle shadows that danced around them. Sasuke stood by a small stone lantern, his silhouette outlined against the fading light. He wore a kimono of deep indigo, the fabric adorned with subtle patterns that shimmered faintly in the twilight. The jade hairpin in his hair caught the last rays of sunlight, it‘s green brilliance a perfect contrast to the deepening dusk.
Naruto approached with a mix of anticipation and nervousness, his uniform seeming almost out of place in the garden’s tranquil beauty. As he drew nearer, he took in Sasuke’s serene expression, the way his eyes, dark and deep as the evening sky, seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words.
“Good evening, Sasuke,” Naruto said softly, his voice barely more than a whisper in the stillness. “I’m glad we could finally have this moment together.”
Sasuke turned, his gaze meeting Naruto’s with a quiet warmth. “Good evening, Naruto. The garden is beautiful tonight, isn’t it?”
Naruto nodded, his eyes sweeping over the blooming flowers and the gentle curve of the stone paths. “It really is. But I think it’s even more beautiful now that you’re here.”
A faint blush colored Sasuke’s cheeks at the compliment, a rare and fleeting display of vulnerability that made Naruto’s heart skip a beat. Sasuke’s eyes softened, and he offered a small, genuine smile that seemed to light up the garden more than any lantern could.
As they walked slowly along the gravel path, Naruto couldn’t help but be captivated by the way the evening light played upon Sasuke’s face, highlighting the elegance of his features and the quiet grace with which he moved. They spoke softly, their conversation a gentle flow of words and laughter, as if they were both savoring the rarity of their time together.
They paused by a small koi pond, the water’s surface reflecting the starry sky above. Naruto watched as Sasuke carefully released a handful of cherry blossoms into the pond, the petals floating on the water like a scattering of stars. It was a gesture both simple and profound, a quiet celebration of the fleeting beauty of the moment.
Naruto felt a profound sense of peace as he stood beside Sasuke, the weight of his uniform and the demands of his duty fading away in the presence of this tranquil beauty. “You know,” Naruto said, his voice filled with sincerity, “I’ve seen a lot of things in my life, but this—this evening, this garden—it’s something I’ll always remember.”
Sasuke glanced at him, his eyes reflecting the stars above. “I’m glad. Sometimes, it’s the simple moments that stay with us the longest.”
They stood in silence, the gentle night breeze rustling the cherry blossoms overhead. The garden seemed to hold it‘s breath, wrapping them in a cocoon of quiet beauty and shared understanding. In that serene, moonlit garden, surrounded by the soft glow of lanterns and the whispers of nature, Naruto and Sasuke shared a moment of connection that transcended words—a fleeting yet timeless memory that would linger in their hearts long after the evening had passed.
After long silence Sasuke turned his head to Naruto, his eyes searching for an answer in the ocean blue eyes.
„Why do you do it? Why do you try so hard to make me smile?“
Naruto looked at him, his expression serious for once. „Because I think everyone deserves to be happy, especially someone as special as you.“
Sasuke felt his heart skip a beat. In that moment, he realized that Naruto had become more than just a persistent soldier, more than one of his customers; he had become some kind of a friend, perhaps even something more. The walls he had built around his heart were slowly crumbling, and for the first time in a long while, Sasuke felt hope.
Their relationship continued to blossom, like the cherry trees in full bloom. Despite the hardships of the time, they found solace in each other’s company. Naruto’s laughter became the soundtrack to Sasuke’s days, and Sasuke’s serene presence brought a sense of peace to Naruto’s tumultuous life.
As they walked along the riverbank, Naruto stopped and took Sasuke’s hand. „Sasuke, I know things are difficult right now, but I want you to know that I’m here for you. No matter what happens.“
Sasuke looked down at their entwined hands, a smile tugging at his lips. „Thank you, Naruto. You’ve brought light into my life when I thought there was none left.“
Naruto squeezed his hand gently. „And you’ve shown me a beauty I never knew existed.“
As the sun set over Kyoto, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, they stood there, hand in hand, two souls finding comfort and joy in each other amidst the chaos of their world