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~Serenity~

She was often filled with worries. It had occasionally caused her to stress over so many things. She never went anywhere unless she was around him. Anyone else, she feared that she might get them killed by her former clan. When her friends would ask why he would always tag alongside them, she often told them it was a precaution for when things were to suddenly go wrong. The times she would go out alone, she would wear a disguise so that no one would recognize her. So when she lay on his bed, so calm and untroubled, Ryu wanted to do nothing but watch her sleep and admired her beauty.

Her auburn hair was scattered all over the pillow. Her small pink tender lips were partly open. Her hazel eyes were sealed. Her left arm lay next to her face as her head tilted to her side. She even had the scent of the wild cherry blossoms and strawberries. She was so calm when she slept. It was a rare sight to see her that peaceful. He couldn't recall ever seeing her that peaceful. Not even when she was still living with her family. Ryu, who had lain next to her, propped himself on one arm to get a better view of her.

The bed sheets had concealed a fair amount of her naked body from his view. It didn't really matter to him. The night before, he got to see all of her as he too revealed himself to her. She was at loss of words throughout the night only able to moan out his name in a trance. Her voice was heavenly every time she called out his name.

Ryu smiled to himself. Kasumi was a true beauty for one as young as she. Her skin was flawless. No traces of scars from her training were present. It was as if she never had any. He gently placed his fingers on the skin of her arm. He slowly moved them up and down her arm, feeling the smoothness of her delicate skin. She was too perfect for him. Unlike Kasumi's, his skin had many scars from all the years he had spent fighting, but she didn't seem to mind.

Kasumi would never judge anyone based on their appearance. It was among the many reasons why he was drawn to her. She never questioned why he had let his hair grow or why his eyes were a different color than his parents. He had grown to love her and wished that in time that she would become his wife. If he played his cards right, she might be...soon. She was already his in body and soul. The only thing standing in their way was her brother and half-sister.

Ryu knew Hayate would not call off his pursuit for Kasumi. He would have to intervene in their affairs to ease the stress and worry that Kasumi felt every day. Ryu never wanted to see Kasumi get hurt again especially by her siblings.

Kasumi shifted in her sleep. Ryu stopped his actions and scooted closer to her. He placed a hand on her cheek, letting his thumb do a circular pattern on it. A small smile appeared on Kasumi's lips. Smiling himself, Ryu kissed her forehead before leaving her side. It was time to put things into action. He took a quick shower before he donned his black shinobi gear with his family's heirloom on his back.

He stood at the foot of the bed watching his precious Kasumi sleep. Ryu walked towards the door but not before he glances one more time to the sleeping girl in his bed. It was wise to let her enjoy the rest of her sleep. Who knows what would become of the tranquility in his home after his visit with her brother.

"I love you, Kasumi. Sweet dreams." Ryu said as he slowly closed the door behind him letting her sleep in serenity.

~.~.~.~.~