All This...and Heaven Too - Chapter Seven: ‘Water Hazard’
Because - as time goes on - this story is going to become massive - I promise to post the Permalinks to each chapter. I know how it feels when you find a chapter to a story you’re enjoying, but you can never locate the rest of it. I hope this makes it easier for any of you that come into this after the prologue. If you find that any of the links are malfunctioning, please let me know. Thanks!
Introduction and Brief History - https://rockleefangirl987.tumblr.com/post/159618388822/all-thisand-heaven-too-introduction-and-a
https://rockleefangirl987.tumblr.com/post/159619445665/all-thisand-heaven-too-prologue-the-answer
Chapter One - Training Day - Arrivals
https://rockleefangirl987.tumblr.com/post/159843490557/all-thisand-heaven-too-chapter-one-training
Chapter Two - Renewed Alliances
https://rockleefangirl987.tumblr.com/post/160078980106/all-thisand-heaven-too-chapter-two-renewed
Chapter Three - The Welcome Party (Part One)
https://rockleefangirl987.tumblr.com/post/160861155718/all-thisand-heaven-too-chapter-three-the
Chapter Three - The Welcome Party (Part Two)
https://rockleefangirl987.tumblr.com/post/161645256897/all-thisand-heaven-too-chapter-three-the
Chapter Four - Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig
https://rockleefangirl987.tumblr.com/post/162533440291/all-thisand-heaven-too-chapter-four-home
Chapter Five: After the Ball
https://rockleefangirl987.tumblr.com/post/165920759351/all-thisand-heaven-too-chapter-five-after
Chapter Six: Training Fields
https://rockleefangirl987.tumblr.com/post/167409269637/all-thisand-heaven-too-chapter-six-training
She was west of him and heading north, springing on top of a boulder in her path and launching her body several feet before she landed, caught her breath and with a slight bounce sped off. He was a short distance ahead on a moss filled trail below her location, his course littered with broken branches, cracked tree limbs, and rocks of varied size, engaging his last few minutes with leaping over and dodging obstacles as he hurtled ahead. The fact that the path had not been cleared thrilled him. It made it more of a challenge, especially since he needed to slow down from his usual pace.
Just as I promised Sensei.
Had Lee run at his “normal” speed or even at a common speed for a Ninja, he would have been to the lake and returned to the main area of the Training Fields in the blink of an eye, with a bewildered Captain Marshall still at the starting point. As he was entertaining a guest who was unaware of his capabilities, he kept a pace most experienced runners or athletes would still find exhilarating, and the new weights had proved efficient in forcing him to hold back. It was a good form of pressure for Lee, pressure he welcomed in his desire to excel.
And the Briton - without knowing - encouraged him to push himself, just as it appeared he was doing the same for whatever personal goal she had set.
When the pair started their warm-ups and decided what they would consider the official finish line, he witnessed a little of what Might Guy, and then Tenten and Neji earlier saw. Every stretch, every position Kathryn struck had an elegance to them until Lee was reminded of a swan or a crane from the manner in which she meticulously moved her body. There was a delicate quality to it all and despite having seen the strength in her dancing at the Party or in her routine with Tenten, he was awestruck by how each limb was languidly extended, her features - from the glimmer in her eyes to the little half-smile - filled with contentment.
She is relaxed and cheerful, the way she was whenever I saw her dance. I am glad Kakashi-Sensei told her to come here. I think she needed this.
Once Lee explained the highlights of the route while they completed their stretches, they were on their feet, maintaining a pleasant jog at the beginning as though gauging the other. He sensed her eagerness when she scanned the surroundings using her eyes alone, despite carrying on a conversation with him. The preliminaries of warming-up and ‘getting to know you better’ talk was almost over.
“If Guy-Sensei was here,” Lee told his companion, “he would say we must push to do our best against one another in the spirit of healthy competition.”
“Oh absolutely.” Kathryn didn't lag as the chunin increased his gait. “When he practiced with me, he said I was in the Springtime of my Youth.”
“Did he?” Lee beamed. To know Sensei gave her such a wonderful compliment made him even more anxious to see what Kathryn Marshall was made of. “Well, he is right.”
“And I'm certain you're in yours as well, Master Lee.”
“Then let's get this show on the road,” Kathryn ran a few backward steps, impishness flashing in her eyes. “As someone once said ‘There’s not a moment to lose.’”
“That someone was right! I’ll see you at the lake!” he shouted, indicating their agreed-upon finish line.
“I’ll be waiting for you!” the Briton screamed back.
They broke off in their own separate directions, picking up speed.
And there was no doubt about it - Kathryn was fast as well as agile.
The only time they converged was at a hillside near the midway point. They glimpsed one another as they found their footing and began the ascent, the terrain scarping halfway up so they were forced to use anything which jutted to give themselves better leverage. Lee watched Kathryn rush ahead of him when she leaped to grab hold of a series of stones. He heard her grunt as she pulled herself upwards and then she disappeared over the crest. He was a mere second behind, and on reaching the top, saw her run northwest while he decided to take the easternmost route. It would be a more rugged stretch to travel, but shaving a little time off his pace would benefit him in the end.
And that was where he found himself when he caught sight of Kathryn darting on the trail above him.
The sense of running at a regular ‘human’ pace was amazing. For the first time in what felt like a very long time - since, with Guy’s guidance, he had become almost as fast as his Sensei - he relished what it was like to feel the firm or pulpy texture of the ground as his sandals made contact. Even when he ran alongside those like Neji, Tenten, and Naruto, he never noted these sensations in his muscles because he still maintained incredible speeds. Moving at this rate, although slower than usual, was an excellent reminder of what normal people experienced. And although he was always aware of his surroundings due to his training as a Ninja, his perception was acuter as the endorphins intensified: the water trickling over the rocks in the streams he jumped; the variations in the song of each bird; the sound of his breathing and heartbeat rhythmic in his ears.
He cleared the wooded area, glancing to his left to see the Captain speeding across a grassy field and rushing in his direction. Lee looked ahead. The proposed conclusion was within sight and he began to sprint. He glanced again. Kathryn had gained, running almost parallel with him. All this time he slowed to be more like normal, but he wondered if in doing so - in addition to the new leg weights - it might now work against him.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. His favorite saying came to mind as he plowed ahead. One-fourth of a mile to go.
He heard Kathryn’s heavy breathing. Another look over his shoulder. She was practically on his heels. He stretched his legs, pushing harder. He imagined her doing the same.
Almost there...Almost - Almost there.
He saw Kathryn veer left as the body of water appeared to come out of nowhere.
Lee slid several feet to a halt, turning to see a staggered expression on Kathryn’s face, her mouth hanging open and her eyes about to pop. He shut his own eyes and released a frustrated sigh because he knew, without checking, what occurred to cause such a reaction from her. And he looked down - to see that he was standing on top of the water.
No wonder the Captain looked as though some mythical creature had sprung to life!
Lee - you bonehead! You were supposed to be careful. Guy-Sensei is going to kill you!
“Your Ladyship…” he started but was interrupted.
“Oh my God!” Kathryn hurried to the edge of the shore, to a point not far from him. A childlike glow illuminated her face. “Oh my God! Oh...my...God! You’re...You’re...”
Now she will pass out from the shock, not because she is delicate, but because she has seen the impossible. And I will have to carry her back...And he already imagined the looks from his teacher and his teammates upon his return to the Training Fields: Tenten would be abhorred, Neji would be angry and abhorred, and Might Guy would be abhorred, angry, disappointed and then punch him for making such a stupid mistake!
“Your Ladyship…” he attempted again.
“You’re standing on top of the water! YOU ARE STANDING ON TOP OF THE WATER!”
“Yes My Lady,” he calmly answered.
Kathryn squealed, not from fear but from joy. “Show me!”
Lee shook his head in disbelief. “I am sorry, My Lady?” He heard her distinctly enough. It was that question - no, the request which surprised him.
“I said show me! Show me how you do it!”
“Is it very difficult?!” She laughed as she slapped an open palm against her forehead. “Well, of course, it’s difficult or everyone and their mother would be doing it, right?”
“Uh...right.” He was uncertain what to say because she was not reacting as he expected.
On seeing the largest rock among the many on the boundary, she sat down to undo the laces of the multi-colored running shoes. “I never thought something like that was possible. My parents and my grandparents alleged they witnessed it, but we children thought it was something they made up to entertain us. I think I’m the back of my mind I felt you could, and I always hoped...So can you show me please, Master Lee?!”
“I...I...” He swallowed, moving from the spot where he had stood for what felt an eternity. Kathryn Marshall wanted instruction in how to stand on water? He would never have expected that regardless, and she calmly asked him as though needing the sum of one plus one! Well, perhaps not calmly. She was almost delirious at the prospect. Something in her plea, the expectation in her eyes reminded him - of him.
The Eight Inner Gates - a forbidden Jutsu one can die using...I am prepared for the worst. Teach me the forbidden Jutsu. Whatever it takes for my dream.
However, it would not be anything that drastic, showing her the water walking Jutsu. But Lee was hardly on Guy-Sensei’s level as a teacher, and his experience as an instructor was limited, to say the least. That time Sensei asked me to coach - well, that turned into quite a mess, but at least we can say we were being manipulated. And at any rate, she should never have seen me do this for her to want to learn.
Kathryn tugged off her white socks, rolling them under and over, and tucking them into one of the shoes. “Will you be able to show me, Master Lee?!” she called out again, removing her leg warmers and shoving her leggings up to her knees.
Lee gulped. She will expect to learn the basics by the end of the day. I could never teach her the basics by the end of the day. I barely knew the basics by the end of the day. “Of...Of course, My Lady. I...I...I will try,” he stammered, coming closer, watching as she continued to observe his movements with all the excitement of a child receiving a birthday gift! “I should warn you ahead of time. It may look simple, but it can be...I mean it is complicated, well, difficult, and…”
“Oh I understand, Master Lee,” she replied, grinning, her toes wiggling as a gentle wave moved up the shore. “I’m not expecting you to perform a miracle in so little time and teach me to be as proficient as you.” She placed the shoes and leg warmers behind her on a smooth portion of the rock, then stretched her legs a second time, relaxing the soles in the water, enjoying the initial cool sensation as she chuckled. “Did you see that? I rolled up my leggings and I'm likely to get wet all over anyway. Force of habit. I do that when I’m wading in water.”
Lee hardly heard her comments about the leggings. Thank the gods she is not hoping for miracles! he considered as the Briton joked about herself. He glanced down, fighting back a blush. The transparency of the water revealed Kathryn’s feet. They were not just pretty, but he noticed the shade on the nails was silver with an overlying layer of silver glitter, whereas there was an absence of polish on her tapered fingers. He blinked, shaking his head to remove the imaginary cobwebs.
“I will try, although I cannot make any promises, Your Ladyship.” He removed the backpack and threw it so it landed away from the shore.
“Oh I know, I know. I just want to give it a go, if that’s okay?” She jumped down and started walking towards him into the shallow end of the lake, trembling a little as she mumbled, “The water’s colder than I thought. Feels good though. Reminds me of the lake at Windsor. That's the Queen’s favorite castle. It’s enormous, the lake I mean. We swim there and fish and take out the sailboats. I can’t sail a boat, but it’s enjoyable when I’m with the others, even when I’m on duty.”
“So you do swim, Your Ladyship?” And on seeing her nod he thought Good! Because I have a feeling you may need to. He held down a hand to her as she waded further in, the water now just above Kathryn's ankles. Lee took a deep breath, attempting to recall his own long-ago lessons.
“I suppose...I guess...uh..let us move in a little deeper since you can swim and…” And what? “Once we are out in deeper waters, I will support you to start out, but the most crucial thing will be...Well, controlling your chakra in order to perform the skill on your own.”
“My chakra? Now that sounds familiar. It's within various points of the body, right?”
“That is one explanation, yes. It is a type of energy within the person, any person, but there are some who are better able to manipulate it for certain abilities.”
“And that's where the Shinobi obtain their powers?”
“Basically yes, My Lady.”
She smiled. “No wonder it means so much to you all to use them for the Games. It's a special God-given gift as we Britons would say so I can't blame you.” She sounded thoughtful. “I know I’d be annoyed if someone didn’t want me to use one of my talents.” The water was at chest level and hid her sports bra. “See? What did I say about me rolling up my leggings?” She shook her head, laughing. “You’re crazy sometimes, Kathryn. Just crazy.”
During this time, Lee remained on top of the surface, but he now squatted nearer Kathryn. “I think this is good. We will move out a little more once I have you.”
“Alright, Master Lee. What next?”
“If you will please pardon me, My Lady.” He reached down under the water. Once his arms were eased around her waist, he lifted her upwards to place her on his level.
“Oh my God! I never realized how strong you are!” she complimented him.
Lee nodded and shrugged, uncertain how he ought to respond.
Her feet were tucked slightly underneath her as he cautiously carried her to a deeper spot, but when Lee said, “I have you, My Lady, I have you. You can ease down your feet,” she let her legs relax and wobbled on the surface.
“Whoa!” she called out, laughing and stumbling. One foot was in the water, while the other bounced tentatively on top.
“It is fine, Your Ladyship. Do not worry. I have you.” He pulled her against his body to support and keep her steady. “Just relax, relax. Just relax. We must concentrate on finding your chakra.”
Kathryn giggled, looking back. “Good luck with that.” Then she waved a hand before her face. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” She cleared her throat and at once grew solemn. “Tell me what you want me to do, Master Lee.”
I wish I knew. He angled his head to see her expression. All humor had vanished. She is so sincere about this and I am afraid this will end in disappointment for her. But...if Guy-Sensei had not had faith in me, I would not be standing here. I would not be standing here balancing a Briton commander and a Queen’s kinswoman on top of a lake and looking like an idiot! He groaned within. I am glad Neji and Tenten are not here. I would never hear the end of it.
He took a deep breath. “Alright, alright...Try to clear your mind of anything inconsequential...Forget...I need you to forget we are standing out here like this. Think of it...Think of it as if you are standing on dry land and all of this is normal.”
Kathryn nodded, closing her eyes. Her breathing was calm, steady. She should have been frightened or nervous, but there was no hint of it. With her figure squeezed against him, a protectiveness rose deep inside Lee, and without intending, his arms wrapped more firmly around her waist.
Everything was still. The faint remnants of whatever fragrance she wore at the beginning of her morning had combined both with her own chemistry and a tinge of earthiness remaining from their run. Soft, womanly curves were underneath his touch. There was something enticing about it all, and he shut his eyes, smiling, thinking how fortunate he was to have held her this close twice in less than a week.
A tingling crisscrossed his spine...The water undulated beneath his feet, the movement spurring him to hold her tighter so she would not lose her footing...Kathryn took a deep breath, released it; inhaled, exhaled...Lee’s breathing fell into the same pattern as hers...It was peaceful, calming. What did Might Guy say about stopping on occasion to take in all the world offered? His head drifted, starting to rest against the back of hers.
Snap out of it! You are no longer a boy! What is wrong with you? You know better!
Returning to reality on hearing Kathryn’s voice, he realized she detected the minute change in his form. “I apologize, My Lady. I was...distracted.”
She opened her eyes to glimpse back at him. “Is everything alright?”
“Everything is fine. I am sorry. It will not happen again.” I will not allow it to happen again. “Now, shut your eyes. Listen to the sound of my voice.” He patiently waited, giving her a few moments before he spoke. “What are you hearing?”
“You. I hear you...and...there’s a slight breeze on the water,” she whispered. “I hear the water rippling. I...I hear birds overhead.”
“That is good, but now, I want you to eliminate even the sound of the water and the birds. You do not need to be as alert as you are accustomed, at least not to your surroundings. I want you to hear my voice, nothing more. Does that make sense, Lady Kathryn?”
“It makes sense, Master Lee, yes.” Her feet bounced a couple of times, but Lee held her stationary.
For the next few minutes, all Lee did was quietly talk to her, repeating “Just listen to the sound of my voice, My Lady” or variations of that wording until little by little, she announced she heard him alone. He was amazed at her speedy response to this tiny bit of coaching for there were genin who did not show this type of progress after weeks. He started to wonder if there was the tiniest possibility…
Jumping too far ahead he scolded himself. He still needed to think of a way to get her to harness her chakra if she possessed what was needed, so the next quiet moments were spent with him talking over and over to her, advising her as to what she should concentrate on within her own body. He was in doubt as to the more specific directions he should give, so he drew upon his recollections of when he had learned to travel through the trees or to perform the water walking Jutsu, all in the hopes of finding the one thing that might prove successful.
At least for every memory he had of Guy-Sensei’s instructions, he pushed aside the ones of himself as a child, standing before an entire classroom of students at the Academy, and being unable to perform a basic transformation Jutsu. Right before they laughed and...No! He would not allow that ancient negativity to prevent him attempting to show Kathryn how this was done, so he kept at it, uncertain for how long...
“Master Lee. I think I have it,” the soft voice announced.
The whisper startled him out of his own reverie. “Your Ladyship?”
Her feet were flat on the surface, but that had a lot to do with the manner in which he supported her. However, he noticed her body had stiffened too. “You think you might have…?”
Her eyes remained shut. “I think...I think I've done...what you've asked.”
But he could hear her straining as the concentration intensified. There is that look. She wants this so much. I probably had that same look when I would try to perform jutsu at the Academy. I would try and try...
“Do not push yourself so much, My Lady. Concentrate, but relax.”
Kathryn nodded then with great calm said, “Let me go.”
“Let you...?” He was the one who felt panic.
“We won't know if you keep holding me. I have to give it a try and see.”
“I'll never know unless you let me go, Master Lee.”
Lee gulped. “Yes, My Lady.” He removed his arms from around her waist.
The Captain gasped. “Oh my God! I'm standing on...Master Lee?”
“You're still holding me, aren't you?”
“A little,” he weakly answered, watching as she realized he still supported her by holding the opposite sides of her waist - with his thumbs and index fingers!
She was not angry or upset. Her next words were more a plea. “No, no. You must let me go when I ask, Master Lee. I have to try it on my own and see what happens. I realize you don't want to, but we have to see.” She shut her eyes again and was once more absorbed in achieving her goal. “I take full responsibility,” she whispered several moments later. “Let me go when I ask, understand?”
“Understood, My Lady.” His stomach was in knots; his temples throbbed; he was in a cold sweat. For the first time in years, his knees shook. How in the world had he gotten into this mess? Still, it was somewhat exciting. He wondered if this was the stress Guy-Sensei would undergo when he watched Lee and wondered...
“Now Master Lee!” she shouted.
There was a scream and a splash.
In seconds he dived into the depths and saw the Briton adjusting her position so she could better see her surroundings. He swam to her, placed one arm around her waist, and the pair moved towards the surface.
By the time they drew air, they were performing the backstroke, returning once more to the more shallow part. Slipping and sliding up the shore until both collapsed on the ground, there was silence as they looked at one another, then Kathryn giggled, at first softly and then harder. She buried her face in both hands then laid back on the grass.
“Well,” was all Lee could say, attempting to fight the chuckle building in his chest.
“Well is right.” There was a pause as Lee stared out at the lake and the Captain stared up at the sky, neither speaking for a minute. Then came a quiet “Master Lee?”
“I’m not sure what I was feeling, but obviously it was not chakra.” She burst out laughing even more than before and Lee joined her, collapsing on his back too. It took a while for them to recover and when they did, Kathryn sighed. “I’m so sorry.”
“Oh, but I am, I am. I’m just always so curious about things. I always want new experiences and when I saw you out there like that...I couldn’t help wanting to, just to know the feeling.”
“I understand. I wondered...” He grew quiet.
“When Neji, Tenten, Guy-Sensei and I saw your airships arriving, I wondered what that must have been like. Flying in a machine like that.”
“It’s incredible, Master Lee.” She rolled onto her side. “I’ve flown all over the Empire. I do when the Queen travels, but I did before my current commission too. It's a feeling like no other. The type of freedom when you’re airborne that way because realistically it shouldn't be happening. And they used to say man was never meant to fly.”
It is those ‘they’ people again. They are everywhere! But he smiled knowingly too, at her comment about being airborne and flying. If she thought walking on water was amazing...
“Well again, I’m so sorry,” she apologized. She sat up, beginning to squeeze water from her hair, then brushing away the bits of grass attached to it. “You were dry as a bone before I forced you to be my teacher.”
“That is alright, Your Ladyship,” he commented, trying not to snicker, but he found it difficult not to. He sat upright too, and with a wiggle of one eyebrow remarked, “I was planning on taking a shower at some point anyway.”
Kathryn’s laughter returned, as she playfully pushed at his shoulder. “You’re so silly! You were going to take a shower anyway!” she exclaimed, laughing so hard she was crying and coughing. They both continued to wring out whatever fell under their grip: Kathryn her hair, Lee his sash, but the actions were useless as the water seeped from every bit of their clothing and themselves!
“This serves me right,” she managed after calming down again.
“Returning to the Training Fields soaked to the bone. I’m not even sure how far we’d run, so it’s going to be a long wet trip back for both of us. The only things dry are...” She nodded over to where her shoes, socks, and leg warmers were located. “I mean I was going to be wet anyway, but you. I’m sorry I dragged you into this dilemma,” she admitted, deciding to see how much water could be expelled from the waistband of the leggings. “You don’t deserve this.”
Without explanation, Lee jumped to his feet while Kathryn spoke, locating his backpack a few feet away. He fumbled inside it, then returned to where the Captain sat, rubbing at her ear.
“Great,” she mumbled, tapping on the side of her head. “I think I have water in my...” She paused when a clean, dry green jumpsuit appeared before her face. “What’s that?”
“Please accept this, My Lady.”
“Is that…?” The Briton appeared puzzled. “Where did that...?”
“I always keep a spare with me. Please...accept this to wear back to the Training Fields.”
Kathryn shook her head. “Master Lee...I couldn’t. You’re the one who ought to be…”
Lee lifted one hand to stop her argument. “And you are our guest, My Lady. No matter what happened, I would not feel right to not offer you this as a change of clothing.” He saw that hesitant expression, the one he observed on most faces when they saw what he and his mentor wore. He was always baffled as to why when the tights had so much to offer. “Please...let me explain the benefits as Guy-Sensei once told us.” When Kathryn cocked her head to one side, prepared for his presentation, Lee became all business. “They are designed for ultimate comfort and ease of movement. They have outstanding ventilation and moisture wicking properties. Just touch it and you will see.”
Kathryn tentatively reached out, gripping the fabric between her fingertips, then rubbing the material as she did.
Lee smiled. “Try stretching them and observe how well they give, but that the stitching can take whatever force is applied.” Kathryn looked at him as though she did not want to cause any damage, but he nodded. “Go ahead, Lady Kathryn. They can take it.”
The Briton pulled on them, stretched them and twisted them. Although her nails were short, she tried digging one into the stitching to rip it, but no damage was done. When she looked at Lee, his smile was broader and one of great pride.
“See? Impressed? I have been wearing these for years, and I believe that once you try them on, you will wish to wear them all the time.” He felt a burn in his cheeks as he realized how excited his promotion had become, and he quickly came back down to Earth. “Of course, I mean, of course, I realize you have your own wardrobe and your uniforms, but...”
“No, no, I understand, Master Lee. It was most convincing. But…” and she handed the tights back, “I’m not sure I can wear it, only in that, it’s sized for you, isn’t it?”
Lee bashfully lowered his eyes. “That should not be a problem. You see, they conform to the wearer’s figure, My Lady.” When he looked up again, the vivid eyes he found so fascinating had a sparkle in them and the Captain was smiling. Before he could say another thing, the jumpsuit was snatched from his hands, Kathryn springing to her feet.
“I’ll be right over there.” She nodded towards a large rock a little ways from them. After fetching the last of her dry clothes and saying a light-hearted “Be right back,” she hurried the short distance and disappeared.
Lee sat on the ground again, making certain he was facing the water, although he knew he would be unable to see Kathryn at any rate. He was glad he remembered to bring his backpack, but his original plan was to run for the better part of the afternoon, and his water and Onigiri were inside it. He had no idea the spare jumpsuit might come in handy.
I should not have said she would like them so much she would wear them all the time. She has very beautiful clothes, although most of them appear so elaborate and...complicated. All the gears and leather and velvets; all the brass and buttons and zippers; and the belts and links and lacings and jewelry. Guy-Sensei told us all the Britons love those sort of things.
Lee recalled that one item she wore at the Welcome Party, the waist-cinching piece with the black satin panels and the intricate lacing in the back. He touched it several times when they danced, and he could not understand how she moved, let alone danced, wearing something he felt inflexible. I suppose she has worn those things for so long, she cannot imagine anything else.
Although what she had worn today for working out was much more informal and relaxed, and...
I am spending way too much time thinking about Lady Kathryn’s clothing. It is rude. What I need to be thinking about is explaining how the two of us got soaked in the first place. Guy-Sensei is not going to be happy with me. All I was supposed to do was run with her, not attempt to drown her.
He heard rocks crunch behind him, and he simultaneously turned, sprang to his feet, went for his kunai, and relaxed. Kathryn had emerged. Her wet clothes were bundled in her arms, her shoelaces remained undone, and her hair dripped water everywhere. And she looked...
Oh...Oh! Lee blinked, tried not to stare and smiled. She looked lovely, the green emphasizing her reddish hair, and it was obvious the jumpsuit revealed every tiny detail of her body to more than a flattering degree, just as much if not more than the uniforms or dress outfits he had seen her wear thus far. But she didn’t meet his eyes, and instead, hurried back to the ‘familiar’ boulder, where she took a seat in order to tie the shoelaces.
She looks embarrassed. Why would she be embarrassed? But then she does not have a mirror. Perhaps she does not realize how pretty she looks. He also noted her body language: how she squeezed herself as though trying to remain unnoticeable.
So he relaxed again, not wanting to make her feel any discomfort, keeping his eyes averted until he heard her speak.
He turned to see her twisting her hair into a plait. “What was I right about, My Lady?”
She chuckled. “Everything. That these are very comfortable. I can move quite well.”
“You like them?!” he inquired, approaching her, maintaining a discreet distance so she would not feel he invaded what she might consider ‘her space’.
“I like them. I don’t think I’d wear them every day, but I can see where they have advantages.” She rolled her eyes and added, “And perhaps one disadvantage.” Kathryn peeked at the outline of her breasts, then returned to work on her hair, drawing her legs underneath her body.
Lee, however, looked puzzled in an innocent way. “A disadvantage? Could you be more specific, My Lady? It might be something Guy-Sensei will need to check into with the manufacturer.”
Kathryn opened her mouth as if to say something but instead gave a small smile, shaking her head. “No, never mind. It’s not really all that bad.”
“You are certain?” He was curious as to what she intended to say.
“I’m certain. I’m just very grateful for the change of clothes, Master Lee.”
“I am glad I could help.”
“I pray you don’t end up catching a cold or pneumonia or influenza on the way back. I already feel bad enough about getting you wet in the first place.”
“I will be fine. Do not worry. I have dealt with worse.” He opened the main section of his backpack and after making the offer, Kathryn stuffed her wet belongings into an outer pouch. “Would you like some water, Captain? I have a few bottles. I can imagine you are thirsty, and we did not have a chance to rehydrate. And I can also offer you an Onigiri or two if you are feeling hungry.” He removed a small lined container which kept any items inside it either hot or cold. Unzipping it so she could see four simple, medium-sized rice balls, he explained, “This is fried chicken breast flavored with tamari sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes. These two are shio musubi. That is plain with salt on the outside if you are unfamiliar with it.”
“I’ve heard of those before.”
“And this one contains umeboshi.”
“That sounds familiar. I think Harry likes those. Pickled...plums?”
“Pickled plums, yes that is right. That one is a favorite of mine.” He chuckled and added, “I never have to worry about Tenten taking those. She hates them.”
The Briton raised an eyebrow as she smiled. “You did come prepared didn't you?”
“I always try to. You have no idea what situations you might run into and Onigiri always makes an excellent snack.”
“That's quite true. Um...yes, I'll take one of the plain and...I'm not sure which other I…”
“I think you might enjoy the chicken one,” he suggested. “The red pepper enhances the flavor and makes it quite spicy, that is if you like spicy foods.”
“I love spicy foods!” She was so busy concentrating on her selections, she didn’t notice how Lee’s smile increased on hearing her comment. “Alright. Alright, I'll go with that one then, thank you.”
Kathryn snickered. “Don't you think we've had enough already, Master Lee?”
“Do I think we have had enough…? Oh! Water! Of course, I get it!” He knew they were both about to launch into another round of laughter. Before she could joke further, Lee tossed her a bottle as he grabbed one for himself. Kathryn scooted over so the rock could be shared with comfort, and the two quietly ate and drank. What conversation they had consisted of airships, her service at Windsor, and Lee pointing out the occasional appearance of some bird or animal which came into view.
Minutes later the garbage was put in an inner pocket of the backpack, and Lee slipped the straps over his shoulders and made one last adjustment. “Are you ready to start back, My Lady?”
She jumped off the rock. “I’m ready. I think I’ve done enough damage for one day...to both of us.”
“Well, it was an interesting experiment.”
“Oh, is that what we’re going to call it?” she teased.
Lee noticed that Kathryn folded her arms across her chest. He sighed. He had hoped she would not feel self-conscious, but he should have known better considering the way she kept herself scrunched into a human ball the entire time she was seated. Here was one of the most confident individuals he had ever met, and yet it was as if she feared him seeing her in the jumpsuit.
“Well, at least we do not have a great distance to go,” he told her. “If you look over that ridge, you can see the main area of the Training Fields over there.”
“So…” She squinted in the direction he had pointed towards.
“Two or three miles give or take I would think. We were running so many obstacles, it is no wonder you thought we were a greater distance away, but there’s a shortcut which will get us back in good time.” He saw her nod and as he started walking again, he realized she strolled several steps behind. Why is she so embarrassed about me seeing her? He stopped until she caught back up.
“Is there something wrong, Master Lee?”
“No...well, yes.” He had to word this right or he would make the entire matter worse. “I realize we do not know one another all that well, and that although we have met several times, this is but the second time we have spoken at length.
“So I hope I do not sound impertinent, My Lady,” he continued. If I do not say this...
“I can’t imagine you ever being that Master Lee,” she told him. “Why are you afraid of sounding impertinent?”
He thought for several moments and then said, “Only that...I would never wish for you to feel nervous around me or...Well, I saw you walking behind me and that does not...It felt as though you are being subservient and...” He shook his head and blurted, “There is nothing wrong with how you look right now, Your Ladyship!”
He waited, uncertain for what...until Kathryn blushed, giving a tiny smile, and positioning her arms behind her back as her posture straightened to how it was regularly maintained. Softly laughing, she told him, “Thank you, Master Lee. It's silly, but I suppose I needed that little...encouragement.” Her voice was almost shy.
“You are most welcome.” When they started walking again, they were side-by-side. They remained quiet for a short time until Kathryn commented:
“May I ask you something? Something I was curious about?”
She is back to normal. “Of course, My Lady? If I am able to answer it.”
“I was surprised when Mistress Tenten and Master Neji showed up at the Training Fields and neither of them were wearing jumpsuits. I guess I supposed that all of your team wore them, not just you and Might Guy. I mean, it’s what you train in, right?”
Lee grinned. “Well yes and no. Funny you should mention that, Your Ladyship. I remember the morning Guy-Sensei told us - and this was a few years ago by the way, but he said that he was giving Tenten, Neji and me a reward for our hard work and…”
Neji was stunned he could concentrate on his exercises, for his mind had been distracted for the last hour. He lost count of the times he looked in the direction in which Rock Lee and Lady Kathryn had gone, and although it was not late, he began to wonder if the two decided to do something inordinate.
“Knowing Lee he’s taken her on some harebrained marathon so she can try out his favorite curry.”
Tenten grimaced, concentrating on a new move the Briton had earlier shown her. “Huh? What did you say?”
Neji realized he had been talking aloud. “I...Never mind.”
“I thought you said something about curry. Curry sounds pretty good. Do you have plans for dinner already?”
Neji groaned in response and inelegantly dropped to the ground. “I was wondering where Lee’s taken Lady Kathryn.”
“Oh...OH!” Tenten started laughing. “That's why you brought up curry. Neji, I think he has enough sense than to drag her to another Village miles and I literally mean miles from here without warning anybody, just so she could try out that horrible curry only he likes. It’s his responsibility to see to her well-being. And if she eats that stuff she’ll be ready for the hospital!
“And that is what has me worried!”
“That she’ll eat that curry and end up in the hospital?” Tenten joked. When Neji gave her one of his solemn glares, she threw up her hands. “Just kidding.”
“Well, you know how enthusiastic he gets.”
Tenten’s laughter intensified. “Sure but...”
“No, he got tired of running at her speed like a normal human being and took off without her.” Neji was muttering to himself again but Tenten still heard him. “She saw a green blur and that was that. She's probably wandering around looking for the way back.”
“You’re getting overdramatic, Hyuga.”
“Or he introduced her to some training regimen of his and she’s limping back or he’s carrying her back because he almost killed her. He’ll have caused an international incident, Lady Kathryn will shut the Games down with good reason, and they’ll return home.”
“Or she’s been kidnapped by rogue Ninja and he’s gone off to rescue her single-handedly.”
“NEJI WILL YOU GIVE IT A REST?!”
Neji laid back and closed his eyes. “Sorry.”
Tenten sat down beside him and patted his shoulder. “Look, I know Lee can be, well, Lee, but give him a little credit.”
“I’m sure they’re having a great time and lost track of the time.”
“Maybe they found a squirrel.”
“A squirrel?” Neji frowned.
“Yes, a squirrel. A squirrel with a broken foot or injured tail. They'll be walking back in here any second to go find Sakura for medical attention.”
“You know how he is about little animals.”
“Or he told her about his favorite curry, they went on a marathon, and they’ll be back sometime after midnight. Wow! That’d be...” She started counting on her fingers, attempting not to smile as Neji began to look sick. “Well, that’s dozens and dozens and dozens of miles. It might be morning before they get back since he’s going to eat several bowls on top of helping Lady Kathryn recover after she eats a spoonful of it. Then they'll have to perform a stomach pumping Jutsu and…”
Neji put his arm over his face. “You are not helping.”
Neji chuckled. “You’re not sorry.”
“No really, I am, I am. Neji, look. Lee’s not going to do anything that could cause any type of diplomatic damage. He has more sense than that.”
“I know. I’m being...ridiculous.”
Tenten tried to smile in agreement, but it was difficult. She also wondered about the whereabouts of her teammate and the Briton captain, but she would never say it to Neji. Not that she thought Lee would do anything scandalous. That was not in his nature, but she was right when she said he got enthusiastic about things. And Kathryn Marshall was vivacious and curious enough that she might go along with it and...
Neji’s right. We’re going to have an international incident on our hands.
Tenten decided to change the subject. “So do you have plans for dinner yet?”
Neji shrugged. “I was thinking. Lady Kathryn said she’s never had gyoza here in the Leaf Village. I did suggest we go to Oishii. Of course, she's never been there, and they have that marvelous Gyudon beef if she’s in the mood. Or would you and Lee and Guy-Sensei join us? We could share a hot pot.”
“You don’t want to dine alone with her?” Tenten teased, one eyebrow raised. “What’s the old saying: ‘Two’s company but five’s way too much.’” Neji chuckled and returned to his thoughts.
While officially still a rumor, the whispers had already spread throughout the Village about the possibility of the nearest to a royal marriage they would see in their lifetimes. Vendors were calculating how much a wedding of that prominence might bring in added revenue. Ino mentioned what she was going to wear to every party and then the ceremony and the reception. Shikamaru was already bored. Choji wondered about the menu. Kiba asked if dogs would be allowed. Shino wondered if his bugs would be a nuisance. Hinata was shyly excited about a new female addition to their family, then pondered if this might give Naruto ideas…
It seemed everyone in the Village was excited over the prospect of a wedding, almost more than they were the upcoming Games which were an actual reality. But no one had yet said there was going to be a wedding!
Neji remained quiet on the subject and Tenten did not know Kathryn well enough to broach the issue. That was when she realized he had not answered her question. “Neji?”
“I dined alone with her last night.”
Tenten shook her head. “You did?” She had not been prepared for that information. “I was wondering where you’d gone off to yesterday evening. Guy-Sensei said he didn’t see you anymore after the meeting.”
“Well, Lord Michael suggested it and we dined in her tent, but we weren’t technically alone. The lead chef prepared everything tableside,” he chuckled, “and there were servers, and we had some Briton dishes, dishes I’d never eaten before.”
“Ooooh...So very fancy then?”
“No, well, no. She called it simple. Whoever planned it wanted it to be elegant…”
“Oh, you know. The best dishes. The best silver. The lighting. But we were in a tent after all and there’s nothing very elegant about that, but they did an excellent job under the circumstances. What did I say about her being different?”
“And how did it...WHAT THE FUCK?!” she screamed after doing a double-take.
Neji jumped straight up. Tenten was staring wide-eyed in front of her. “Tenten, don’t let Guy-Sensei hear you...WHAT THE FUCK?!”
“Of course I see it!” Neji was on his feet. “I knew something had gone wrong. I knew it!”
“Neji, I’m sure there’s a logical explanation for all of it.” Tenten took one more look at the far side of the clearing and frowned. Why in the world was Lady Kathryn wearing a pair of the notorious green tights?!
“Well, there’s your first mistake, Tenten. Logic and Lee don’t always mix,” and he moved away, Tenten close on his heels.
“Neji...just...Neji, be calm. Look! Look! Guy-Sensei’s laughing so everything must be okay, right? Right?”
Without saying a word, Neji continued to approach his teacher, the Briton, and his bushy-browed teammate.
Tenten never broke step but one single thought was on her mind. Oh, Lee! What in the world did you get yourself into this time?
She arrived just as Might Guy, who was laughing heartily, slapped Lee on the back. “Tenten! I was just about to tell Neji. Well, you won’t believe this.”
Try me. “Guy-Sensei, what happened?” She saw Lady Kathryn smiling and fighting back a giggle, while a blush crept into Lee’s cheeks. Neji, meantime, looked perplexed.
“It was sheer clumsiness on my part,” the Captain confessed. “I still can’t believe how stupid I was.”
“What happened, Your Ladyship?” Tenten asked as she looked from one to another.
Kathryn laughed again. “Well, Master Lee and I were having a quite marvelous run and I must confess he was pushing me to do my best and I appreciated that, so I’m not sure what happened. I either tripped on a stone or a rock...I’m not sure because it happened so quickly, but the next thing I knew I slipped on the ground or in the mud or something, and we were near the lake, and...” She shook her head. “I couldn’t stop myself and I slid into the water. And I can swim, but Master Lee didn’t know so...”
Guy was ecstatic as he interrupted. “So Lee dived in to rescue her.”
Even Neji smiled. “Good for you, Lee.”
Lee shrugged and bowed his head, the blush growing darker in color.
Kathryn continued: “I was already trying to get my bearings when I heard him hit the water, and he helped get me up to shore. We were both soaked of course, and then I told him I knew how to swim, so we had a good laugh. But I’m supposing he tossed aside his backpack before he jumped into the water...”
“And I’m grateful he did because...Well...as I said, we’re both soaking wet, and he goes to his backpack and gives me this,” and she used her hands to indicate the jumpsuit. “He said I was the guest and he wouldn’t feel right not offering it to me to change into and wear back here.”
Tenten’s brown eyes widened as she grinned. “Lee! Wow! You did well.” She was also thinking how incredible the Briton Captain looked in the jumpsuit; how poised and confident despite the revealing fit. You still won’t catch me wearing one though. Sorry, Guy-Sensei!
Guy slapped his pupil on the back a second time. “Of course he did! Always thinking on his feet.”
“I’m just sorry I was so uncoordinated,” Kathryn apologized. ”I’m usually not that way, but there are times I get caught up in the moment...”
“Lady Kathryn,” Neji told her, “everything’s fine. I think we’re thankful it was nothing more serious than that.”
“Yes, yes, that’s true.” Kathryn noticed how quiet Lee remained during all of this.
“So are you going to head back to your camp then, My Lady?” Guy asked.
“I think that might be best. I’m ready for a hot bath and my hair's a disaster. I think I’ve overstayed my welcome with your team as it is, Might Guy.”
Guy bowed to her. “What did I tell you this morning, My Lady? You are always welcome.”
“Well, thank you for your hospitality.”
Neji leaned close to her and said in her ear, “I’ll speak to Guy-Sensei. I’m sure he’ll let me walk you back to your camp.”
“That would be nice, Neji. Thank you.”
In the meantime, Tenten gave Lee a nudge with her elbow. “You and your spare jumpsuit. It came in handy, didn’t it?”
“Yes it did,” he quietly replied.
“You okay, Lee? Hey, what’s wrong? You don’t have to be so modest. That was pretty heroic what you did. I mean, you didn't know she could swim.”
“I mean, what if she couldn’t have and you hadn’t responded the way you did.” Tenten whistled at the prospect of ‘what if’. “I told Neji there was nothing to worry about.”
Lee looked up. “Nothing to worry about?”
“But why was he concerned? He knew we had gone for a run.”
Tenten groaned and rolled her eyes. “He figured you had talked Lady Kathryn into some madcap adventure,” and she started to walk away. “Like taking her for your favorite curry or something.”
A somber expression came to Lee’s face as he realized what that would have meant. “Tenten, I would never have taken her that far away without informing someone. I would never have taken her at all because of the distance and possible hazards. I am not that irresponsible.”
“See? I told Neji the same thing, but you figure he’s going to be worried about her, right?” She winked. “Anyway, glad you’re back and congratulations on a job well done. Oh and ask Neji about dinner. I think he wants us to join him and Her Ladyship and Guy-Sensei.”
“Ask about...? Tenten!” But she had already hurried off. Lee turned to see Kathryn and Neji were talking with Might Guy. For one of the few times since the incident, he looked at himself, ran a hand through his still damp hair, and realized he was in need of a hot shower and a fresh jumpsuit. It never seemed to matter before now. I just wanted to make certain she was warm and dry and safe. I am thankful I had the spare...Why would Neji think I would take her to try my favorite curry? I am not that stupid to drag her miles away, even for something that amazing.
“Lady Kathryn.” He had been so deep in thought he had not heard her walk up beside him.
“Of course, My Lady,” and he followed her a short distance away, thinking this would be a good time for him to make mention of the main thing which had bothered him since their return. The moment they were no longer within range of Guy or Neji hearing anything, Lee started with “Your Ladyship...” but Kathryn already shook her head.
“I know what you’re going to say, Master Lee.”
“But why did you accept the blame for what happened, My Lady? I was...”
“Exactly! You were going to take the blame for something that was not your fault. I couldn’t let you do that.”
“But if you had not seen me...”
“Regardless of whether I did or not, I’m the one who begged you to show me how it was done, and yes, you could have refused, but I think you were as hopeful as I was.”
He nodded, remembering the inkling of excitement that pushed aside his nervousness.
“Also, what did I tell you when I asked you to release me? You remember, don’t you?”
“You said you accepted full responsibility.” His acknowledgment was grudging.
“And I still do. So no harm was done.”
Lee closed his eyes. “Except I have permitted you to lie to Guy-Sensei and Tenten and Neji and I stood there and said nothing.”
Kathryn shrugged, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Well, if you think about it, it wasn’t exactly a complete lie. I did fall in the water. You did dive in. I just switched around the circumstances of how it all came about.” She swallowed hard as she watched his black eyes grow down-hearted, and she looked at the ground and sighed. “And you’ll tell me you’ve lost all respect for me because of this.”
“No, I...No, my respect for you has not changed, My Lady. I just do not like thinking of you telling a lie to protect my error.”
“I know. I’m sorry, but as I said, I wasn’t going to let you take the blame. Can we...Let’s just say we both made a mistake and leave it at that. Please.” When he nodded, it spurred her to add, “Also, promise me if I ever ask you to do something like that again...” She paused.
“What do you want me to do, Lady Kathryn?”
“Knock me upside the head and tell me to snap out of it...And there! I saw it! You’re smiling, Master Lee. I was not going to leave until I got you to smile again.”
Lee shook his head. “You are so silly, My Lady,” he told her, repeating part of what she had earlier said to him. But she was silly, in the nicest way possible.
“Sometimes it helps. We can’t be all glum and super-serious all the time. Life wouldn’t be worth living, would it?” She stood tiptoe, about to give him a quick kiss on the cheek, but lowered herself upon noticing both Guy and Neji had faced their way. “Anyway, thanks again for the run, and the lesson, and the unexpected swim, and the jumpsuit, and the Onigiri and...and for being so kind to me when I was feeling...uncertain.”
“I am glad you had a good time today. I shall look forward to running with you again, Your Ladyship,” he told her, bowing.
“Same here. Have a good rest of the day then, Master Lee.” Kathryn dipped an elegant curtsy, took another glance of herself, and laughed as she walked away.
It was right after she disappeared with Neji that he remembered she had left her workout clothes in his bag, but he would see if Tenten minded dropping them off at the laundry to get them cleaned. He would then deliver them to the Captain at the earliest possible convenience. As for the spare tights - he had more than enough pairs, and there was a possibility once she gave it some thought, that Lady Kathryn would see the benefits of wearing them whenever she worked out.
It was a shame she was not specific to the one disadvantage she mentioned. For the life of him, he had no clue as to what it could possibly be.
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