Stability [Private][Navi/Ayama]

Navi leaned against his kitchen counter with his hands in his pockets, staring at the ground of his quaint house. His eyes glazed over with his signature look of boredom and his face bore that of his commonly dark and expressionless face. He looked over with a deep sigh at his stove.

A moment later the cooking fire would be on and a few eggs would be cracked and scrambled within the pan resting on top of the open flame. Situated next to that pan would be another, being heated to perfection as Navi tossed in several strips of bacon and sausage. Situating the pots just right, a soft crackling would be heard as the tender meat was being slowly heated. As the meal was cooking, Navi walked over to his pantry and withdrew a few pieces of fresh bread.

Picking up slices of toast-to-be, he slammed the bread against the side of his toaster. With a look of confusion, Navi gripped the damaged bread and hit it against his toaster harder, cramming the food against the machine. He loosened his grip, the crust and bits of the pulverized bread slipping through his fingers.

Navi blinked a few times, cursing his male origins and tossing the ruined food into the trashcan. He withdrew a few more slices of bread, sliding them neatly into the slots of the toaster and popping them downwards. He then grabbed a small plate of soft and golden butter, placing it next to the toaster for when the meal was ready.

The comforting smell of breakfast would begin to fill the air as he began cooking, Navi's troubled thoughts being carried away by the thoughts of this delicious meal. Last time he checked his girlfriend Ayama had been sleeping, but perhaps she would wake up to the sound of activity in the kitchen.

Ayama sat bolt upright her hands clenching her sheets with a white knuckled grip. Her breath came in short harsh gasps and her face was deathly pale. For a moment she remained still, her ice blue eyes blank and unseeing. Then they sharpened and a small frown crinkled her forehead. Her pulse was up, her breathing quick and adrenaline pulsed through her veins. She knew the symptoms of her own nightmares well enough by now to determine that it was the likely cause for her state. She took a deep shuddering breath to calm herself and looked outside. The warm morning sunlight streamed in, pattering her floor and the broad shouldered form of her Nekoga. The shadowy create seemed to absorb the light that fell across him like a sponge soaks up water, and yet he was serene. She smiled warmly, any worries about the nightmare that had worried her fleeing at the soothing site. She immediately tossed her sheets to the side and stood stretching til her back popped and letting loose a long yawn that bared all her sharpened teeth to the morning rays. She knelt beside Hisoka resting a hand on his head and causing the cat to eye her with a single piercing yellow orb.

“You coming?” she asked verbally, her mind briefly flashing him an image of the kitchen, the open windows and enticingly sunny porch shared as well. The cat gave her a strange look, a mixture of consideration and a strange smugness.

“Nah, I’m comfortable riiight here,” he purred kneading the carpet with dangerously curved claws. His voice was content, almost satisfied and she felt a sense of smug pride flash across their bond. Sighing and nodding, she gave his head a couple of quick pats before exiting the room. Humming softly she glanced out the windows towards the green garden before her gaze switched to her boyfriend. She flashed him a bright smile, her already alert eyes glittering with her usual morning glee. Ayama loved the morning, especially fire country mornings. They retained the coolness of the night without the frigid temperatures the desert sometimes dipped to, and the added bonus of dew covered greenery always brightened her mood. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed the lusciousness of fire country until she returned to it. She also hadn’t realized how nice a morning meal was when shared with some you loved. She padded past Navi, her sockless feet whispering over the floor.

“Morning,” she purred going over to the fridge and opening to pull out the juice. “How did you sleep?”

Navi had in fact not slept at all, he had been at an ANBU debriefing for part of the day, and the results of that had left him awake for the rest of the night. The dialogue that had been exchanged echoed through his head as he had layed in bed, going over every explicit detail that was mentioned.

Even through that, it was possible that he would have fallen asleep if he hadn't heard Ayama murmuring all night through what he concluded was a vicious nightmare. From what he could tell, it was something about Navi dying or abandoning her. Not exactly a fun dialogue to be listening to while laying awake after that Psych Debriefing.

His temporary trance through the recollection of this was awoken by Ayama's question though, and he merely said "Good," then gave a warm smile in dismissive response.

A small thread burst from his fingertip, the movement lassoing a clean plate from a nearby cupboard and yanking it into his grasp. With a blur of swift and smooth movements, the delicious meal would slide its way in front of Ayama, complete with sausage, bacon, eggs and toast.

The chakra thread zips back into Navi's finger, a satisfied look on his face. Through an open kitchen window a single black paw steps through, stopping for a moment before Navi shoots a backwards glance and rushes up.

"Hey Tora!" he exclaims with a level of enthusiasm usually not seen in him. With the flash of a black pelt the cat leaps onto Navi's shoulder, a loud meow being let out in Ayama's direction. While he was by no means a cat person, Tora was an exception, a feline friend that had been with him for a long time. Hopefully Ayama wouldn't inquire overly about this unexpected visitor (although he expected she would), as Navi had a few presents for her today.

"Be nice to her okay Tora? She's a friend of mine."

The seemingly simple black cat bounds off of his shoulder and onto the table, padding towards Ayama with slitted eyes to investigate her.

Ayama’s more animalistic instincts prickled as the cat approached her. She tried to subtly draw in a deep breath, scenting the feline to determine the source of her prickle and immediately noted the offness of its scent. She couldn’t quite place her finger on it, but she knew well enough that this was no ordinary feline. Still Navi had never struck her as a cat person, ironic considering who he was dating, but he seemed to trust that cat. She doubted he was unaware of the felines dubious origins.

“Tora huh?” she said, her tone exactly the same the one she used to greet new people. She’d long learned that cats were proud beings and Hisoka hated being cooed to. She preferred to speak to them as if they were more than just beasts. “What kind of kitty are you?” her tone was light and friendly but its undercurrent left no doubt as to her suspicions about the cats origins. Despite them though she trusted Navi and carefully extended her hand to the feline, palm down. A perfectly nonthreatening gesture with a clear invitation for him to sniff it and give her approval. Her gaze flicked from the cat to Navi and her smile turned playful and a little devious.

“I thought you didn’t like cats Navi?” she chirped playfully.

"What kind of kit-," Navi's eyes grew wide for a second, thinking quickly and cutting off Ayama's speech.

"ki-... killer! Are you?" He glances up at Ayama, shaking his head slightly.

You'd think she'd be more experienced with demon cats.

To be fair, she didn't realize that this was a demon cat, so the reflex was natural enough. This particular creature hated to be demeaned or called a kitty, for whatever reason always scratching Navi when he would say it. Tora would pad over to Ayama's naturally inviting and positioned hand. It seems he had forgiven her for this mistake, a stroke of luck probably brought forth from her obvious affinity for felines.

"Tora the Demon Cat" had the power to beat most Jounin level ninja, not that the common observer would ever expect it. At this particular moment even Navi had a hard time believing it, watching Tora rub itself under her hand and allowing Ayama free reign. His nose twitched a little in irritation, it had taken Navi two weeks to become friends with that cat, and she did it in two seconds.

“I thought you didn’t like cats Navi?” she chirped playfully.

"I don't, but me and Tora get along fine. We spent a lot of time together back in the day just laying on rooftops at night and watching the stars. I bought him milk and he kept me company."

Navi felt a nostalgic pang thinking back a little bit on the situation. He would continue speaking now, ignoring Tora and just allowing Ayama to pet him. Instead Navi turned around now, reaching down into a cupboard and pulling out a drawer. He twists the knob on the drawer, causing a small compartment to open inside of it. Reaching down into the compartment, he grasps for a pair of objects.

"Here, I have something to give you."

His hands come up, holding the scabbards of two ANBU blades. Both swords are beautifully crafted, made for deadly efficiency and used by Navi himself to slay countless foes. It had come to be that he didn't need to carry the weapons anymore, and decided they would suit as a better gift for someone who specialized in the art of kenjutsu.

Walking over to Ayama, he continues to handle both weapons carefully before reaching out and offering for her to take them. Both weapons had been specially crafted for use in the special forces, and had cost a small fortune to forge. It would take a certain level of practice to get the hang of these unique blades, but the hilt was actually specially suited for Ayama's grasp.

Navi grins widely, unable to keep a straight face as he waits for her reaction.

"Do you like them?"

Ayama giggled with glee as the cat accepted her peace offering and began to rub its head against her hand. She turned it over and began to scratch that special spot behind his ear, running her fingers gently through his soft black fur. Her face switched to Navi and she chuckled at the disgruntled expression he wore. Considering the core abilities of her bloodline and her shifting facial feature (something she despised) did he really not expect her to be on almost instant friendly terms with any feline?

"I don't, but me and Tora get along fine. We spent a lot of time together back in the day just laying on rooftops at night and watching the stars. I bought him milk and he kept me company."

“Well then thank you for keeping him company” she said with a smile, petting the felines head again and giving him a warm smile. She flicked her eyes back to Navi and drew a bit closer to him at his next words, curiosity the prevailing emotion. As he drew out the words a soft gasp escaped her, her eyes widening at the site of the blades. Any half-witted civilian on the street could have looked at the blades and told you they were of excellent craft. They were deadly weapons in almost anyone’s hands, let alone a skilled swordsman’s. To her eyes though they were literal works of art. Beautiful and exquisite pieces of mold metal that were as lovely as they were deadly. They were prime examples of why she loved swords and for a moment she was struck speechless by Navi’s gift. The small fortune the twin blades must cost. Taking a hold of the blades she felt them, carefully weighing them and checking the balance. Marveling at how well they fit her hands.

"Do you like them?"

“Do I like them,” she practically whispered still a little shocked. Then her face split into a wide grin and she set the twin blades on the counter before stepping forward to wrap her arms around his neck and stand up on her tip toes to give him a fierce kiss. Pulling away she looked into his dark eyes, giggling happily. “I love them, they’re absolutely perfect.”

“Do I like them,” she practically whispered still a little shocked.

For a second Navi looked up at her face and back down at the blades. Was there something wrong with them? Her face held a look of indecipherable surprise that made him worry a little bit.

"Um... is someth-" then his speech was silenced by Ayama, placing an expression of unexpected shock on Navi. Immediately blood would rush to his cheeks and his eyes would flutter several times before he regained control. The redness would fade from his face and a small charming smile would rest on his lips as she parted from them.

“I love them, they’re absolutely perfect.”

His dark eyes grew warm as she giggled, his face lighting up from watching her clear expression of happiness.

"I'm glad you like it," Navi said with a relieved look of satisfaction.

"Now for something slightly less glamorous," he started, kneeling down next to another cupboard and revealing a standard Leaf Chuunin Flak Jacket.

"This is also yours, sorry it took me awhile to get a hold of one for you."

With an open hand holding up the folded green jacket, he would place it on the table next to her for inspection or wearing if she so desired. He expected that Ayama would be much more interested in the swords though, so the jacket was more of a side thought.

"Oh, one more thing," Navi started, holding up his right hand with a single outstretched index finger. A moment later the tip of his finger glowed blue with chakra, signaling the beginning of a precise formulaic jutsu he intended to perform.

"Roll up your sleeve for me please,"

He would begin to stretch his hand forward under the assumption that she obeyed his request, and started to explain what he was doing as the chakra around his finger glowed brighter.

"You know the Fourth Hokage?" Navi asks, knowing full well that she would as Ayama seemed to enjoy reading history and had always been very knowledgeable in historic figures and events.

"Or more specifically, his legendary signature jutsu?"

"It's just like that, but better," he says with an amused wink.

She reached out running her fingers over the green material and thought briefly about the dusty brown one she would be wearing now if her life had gone differently. Her expression briefly took on a distant tone, her eyes far away as she thought of what could have been. But always it came back to Navi, the man she owed so much to, her happiness included. He had changed everything in her world so drastically in such a short time that some mornings she woke up and still couldn’t believe it. But despite that she could hardly imagine life without him, now. It was just too foreign of a concept. Taking her hand off the jacket she smiled at him again.

“Thank you,” she said, and while it may seem she was simply thanking him for the sword and jacket her tone implied thanks for so much more.

"Oh, one more thing," Navi started, holding up his right hand with a single outstretched index finger. A moment later the tip of his finger glowed blue with chakra, signaling the beginning of a precise formulaic jutsu he intended to perform.

"Roll up your sleeve for me please,"

Raising one silver eyebrow at the strange request she did so anyway, rolling up one sleeve of her pajamas to bare her upper left arm. She eyed the chakra covered finger curiously, calm as can be.

“The Hirashin?” She asked curiously “The fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze’s signature jutsu earning him the title of the yellow flash, allowed him to transport between seals with impunity thus making him incredibly fast.” She rattled off from memory.

“So what make this better?” she said copying his tone and flashing him a playful smile. Forcing back the pink that threatened her ears and face.

Navi begins to explain upon hearing her question, a beaming and clearly self-satisfied look present in his demeanor.

"By the same fundamental basis of teleportation between seals, this parent jutsu is an advanced version for several reasons..."

He presses his finger against her bare arm while continuing to explain, a strange and light burning sensation probably felt for a few moments while he continues.

"For one, it allows me to emit a flash of my chakra upon entry, in addition to a supplementary Katon wave that is emitted and channelable through my presence."

His finger stops glowing as the seal finishes, but he leaves his hand there for a few moments as he speaks. The tiny seal glows for a moment before settling, its size comparable to a single pencil dot.

"Beyond physical transportation, this also allows telepathic communication between us, the range being absolutely unlimited and activated with only the touch of your finger."

Next Navi would take her wrist and turn it upwards, revealing an outstretched palm. If she allowed it, he would apply the same seal at the center of her palm, allowing for communication in emergencies.

"Lastly, and the most important reason why this jutsu is better then the original...," he flashes a playful smile at Ayama before finishing "is because instead of teleporting the fourth Hokage it teleports me."

Releasing her hand, Navi steps back for a moment and stretches a little. He exhales deeply, rubbing the tip of his index finger where the bright and intense chakra had just been manifested and waiting patiently for a response.

She smirked at his playful words and brought her palm closer
to her face for inspection. She studied the dot, rubbing her fingers gently
over it. It was such an unobtrusive little dot, barely more than a freckle and
yet it held such capabilities. For a moment she was stunned as she realized
something.



She was now protected at all hours anywhere she went. If she
was ever captured or in mortal danger, all she would have to do was press the
little dot and she would be safe, secure. Her more powerful boyfriend would
come to her aid and that thought, that promise of safety suddenly eased her mind.
She smiled warmly at him and was reprised at the feeling of a great weight
being lifted off her shoulders. The dots were a promise, a promise that he wouldn’t
abandon her. She shook off the strangely relieved feeling, dismissing it as a
lifting of the paranoia that someone too powerful with the intent to use her
against Navi would kidnap her.

Smiling she reached forward, intending to take the hand he
had used to apply the seals and smiled at him.


“Now I feel bad that I don’t have a gift for you,:”she hummed
before tiptoeing up to kiss steal another kiss.