Chapter 7 - Benefits of Servitude

Note: This is my first time writing a fic like this. At parts, it may seem almost like Akamatsu-sensei’s work (I wish- in terms of style, perhaps similar, but he’s in a whole different league skill wise). My regular readers will know that Ryouko and Sakura isn’t such an odd pairing in my stories. This fic was designed to enhance that. What better way than to have Ryouko serve Sakura? I’ve kicked the idea around for a long time, and finally found a way to make it work.

Also new is that I wrote more from Sakura’s point of view than Ryouko’s. Between that and a mix of first and third person POV’s, this was somewhat difficult to write. But very rewarding, as I’m rather fond of this fic now. I hope you enjoy. Please comment (I return the favor on non-hentai, yaoi/yuri work). Thank you to my regular readers for sticking with my fics, and thank you to my new readers for giving my work a chance!

-NG[/i]

--

I have served Sakura for a scant couple of months now. I’ve been in love with her for a longer time. I can’t help it- her graceful movements, beautiful body, and her generally sweet disposition are just so incredible.

Too bad I have a snowball’s chance in hell with her.

That in mind, I drew a bath for her, then set off to cook for her. I never found this troublesome- she was so sweet natured I never minded. But lately, I’ve been noticing a sadness about her. It pains me to know that something’s wrong, but that I can do nothing about it. It would take more courage than I have to ask her what’s wrong- it seems to be a private matter, and I don’t want her to dislike me for prying…

I refer to her as ‘Sakura’ in my thoughts, but in my duties, she’s ‘Ojo-sama’. But it seems a shame to hide such a beautiful name behind such a strict title.

--

It’s been quite some time now since I’ve been considered a top medic-nin. But having my own attendant is akward. Not least of all because it’s a male attendant. Not that I mind having a cute guy serve me, but I’ve know Ryou-kun for so long it seems we should be equals. He may be stronger than me in terms of combat. It just shows what a gentle soul he is- willing to humble himself for the sake of my comfort.

But why did Tsunade-sama order this? No one before me received such treatment. And the title of ‘Ojo-sama’? I’m not entirely sure where that came from either.

I hope Tsunade-sama isn’t trying for an O-miai (Prearranged dates to help someone find a life partner)- just because I haven’t dated doesn’t mean I’m incapable. I just need to meet the right guy. But the only guys I feel really comfortable with are Kakashi-sensei, Naruto-kun, and Ryou-kun.

Well, maybe a soak in the tub will help me think.

--

It seems Ojo-sama enjoys watching my evening practice. She has a rare apprectiation for samurai arts. ‘So graceful, Ryou-kun!’ she always says. I treasure those comments.

I have gotten better lately- stronger, faster. My sword becomes a blur as I cut through tatami mats or straw dummies. In full formal attire, this is an akward feat. My damn gi feels like it’s made of carpet. My Hakama would be fine, if it didn’t look like a dress.

One day Sakura asked to try it on. Seeing her wear it so comfortably almost made me ask her if she would like to learn more. I started to speak, but stumbled over my sentence. Maybe I’ll get the courage up later.

--

Ryou-kun let me try his samurai clothes a couple days ago. I never knew samurai’s dressed so comfortably! There’s something about Ryou-kun when he’s practicing like that. He seems so at ease. He’s such a nervous guy, it makes me feel bad. But all the same, seeing him move like that- I know I’m in good hands.

I thought he was going to ask if I wanted to learn his sword art. It sure seemed like that’s what he started to say. I’ll have to ask him. I hope he wouldn’t think it a burden, teaching me. Maybe I could show him healing jutsus. I know he’s interested in those.

It’s strange that I don’t see Ryou-kun train very often. Yet I know he does, because he keeps getting better and better. He seems so secretive. It’s as though he can’t bring himself to trust anyone. I guess I feel…honored that he’s more open with me than the others. He’s even confided to me his frustration at being denied an advancement in rank. It’s one he deserves. I’ll have to speak for him sometime.

But all the same, I have been on a team with Naruto for years. I know the look of a lonely person.

--

The place I’m to serve Sakura at didn’t feel like a home when I first came. I took a room so that I could be a live-in servant, if need be. That room has since become a sanctuary. My many swords line the walls, ready to be drawn. It’s in this room that I sleep, eat, bathe, meditate, and study. I train outside so I don’t damage what has become my sanctuary.

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time here, sorting out my thoughts. No promotion, no sensei, no team, and until recently, no purpose. But my purpose- to protect and serve Ojo-sama- has only made more clear to me my biggest weakness.

I’m alone.

Sometimes the most crowded city may be a lonely place. I admit, I long for female companionship. Unfortunately, my eyes strayed to Ojo-sama, and I’ve been unable to look away. Someone so above is simply not an option, no matter how much I wish it so.

It’s time for me to prepare Sakura’s bedding. As I recall, she’ll be having a guest tonight. A sleepover, perhaps? Likely it’s Ino-chan or Ten-chan. I shudder to think of what they talk about. I’ve assumed it’s boys, and I’ve also assumed my name will come up.

--

“Ino-chan, Ten-chan!” Sakura said happily. It was always good to see her friends.

“Sakura-chan!” the two kunoichi exclaimed in unison. Sakura smiled and began to help them with their baggage for the night.

“Please, Ojo-sama, allow me.”

Sakura didn’t have to turn around to know it was Ryouko, performing his job.

“Oh, thank you, Ryou-kun. We’ll be upstairs, then. If it’s not too much trouble, will you bring up the food?”

“Certainly, Ojo-sama.” Ryouko now had a second to greet Sakura’s guests. “Ino-san, Ten-chan. Welcome. (bows) It’s good to see you both again.”

--

In Sakura’s room, the girls immediately broke into giggles.

“Ojo-sama?! How’d your train him to call you that?!” Tenten immediately asked.

“Well, he’s kind of supposed to. Tsunade-sama says…” Sakura replied, blushing slightly.

“So he has to do what you say?” Ino fired out.

“Well, yeah…”

Together, the girls said “Have you made him do anything naughty?!”

“NO!” Sakura shouted. “I would never misuse him like that! Get your minds out of the gutter!”

“I dunno, it’s pre-ttty suspicious. A boy and girl living together, alone…”

“Stop it Ino…” Sakura warned.

“Not to mention the fact that the boy follows her every command…” Tenten chimed in teasingly.

“I’m warning you both…” Sakura growled in reply.

“I’ll tell ya this much- if I had a guy here and I could make him do whatever I wanted, he’d be doing A-LOT more than just cleaning up after me…(hehehe)”

Sakura couldn’t help but laugh herself now. “I’m not like that. Ryou-kun is just a good guy doing a good job. Besides, he could have his pick of the kunoichi. I’m sure I wouldn’t be his cup of tea.”

“I dunno…you’ve gotten cuter, Sakura. Still no breasts, but the rest of you matured nicely!” Ino declared happily.

“Yeah, you’ve got a good figure. I don’t know how you’re still single! I mean, even Lee finding someone.”

“Ohhhh, make Ryouko-san wear spandex! Bet that’d be hot!”

--

Ryouko heard the jabber of a typical girl slumber party. He thought nothing of it. He wasn’t involved, even if the discussion did somehow pertain to him. His only job was to put down the tea and cookies, then leave. Simple enough.

--

I knocked on the door, not entering until I heard Sakura’s voice tell me it was okay to do so. I slid the door open, balancing the tray of snacks with a practiced ease.

“Please let me know if you need anything else, Ojo-sama. Or your guests as well.” I always thought it best to include the guests when I said such a thing.

“Ryou-kun, is it?” Ino began mischievously. “How come I don’t get to call you that? Sakura’s allowed to. And you call Tenten ‘Ten-chan’…”

“Ino, don’t tease him!” Sakura protested, looking flustered.

“So, what do you do for Sakura around here? Anything newsworthy? Scandalous, even? Of course it’s to be expected- a cute girl and guy shacked up together. The forbidden love of a master and her servant. I bet it’s gets steamy here. Have you ever-” Ino persisted, until a smack from Sakura’s harisen (fan) shut her up.

“Thank you, Ryou-kun. Pay no attention to her. She’s a dumb bleach-blonde. Please don’t let us keep you from your evening.”

I was already blushing, but I kept my face impassive as I bowed to the group of kunoichi.

“Goodnight. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you need som-”

“You can start by rubbing my feet, and then you can-” Ino began. “Hey, I’m talking to you!”

I looked at Sakura, trying to make sure my eyes smiled. “Pardon me, Yamanaka-san, but the mistress has asked me to pay no attention to you. I do not wish to disobey Ojo-sama’s orders.”

I saw Sakura burst into laughter. I felt my heart melt once more. I should have told her. Instead, I shut the door and walked to my room, keeping on my mask of stoicism. It wasn’t my place to have feelings such as this. To fall in love with one’s mistress like this…

Even though I had loved her before, it seemed wrong to feel that same normal emotion now. Working for her only intensified my feelings for Sakura. But I had to pay them no mind. I might not have been content to simply serve her, but I WAS happy.

--

I enjoy Ino-chan and Ten-chan’s company. Even though Ino IS overbearing about my ‘relationship’ with Ryou-kun. There is none! He does what he’s ordered to do. Though he treats me kindly and not at all like he’s dissatisfied, it’s strange being his boss. I think very highly of him.

But- I haven’t told him that. It may make all the difference in the world to tell him how grateful I am for him to do so much for me, and never once complain. Getting gratification is always nice. Even someone so stoic must feel that sort of pull. It’s a human need- to be acknowledged. Even Ryou-kun must feel that.

It’s as though he’s a robot with limited emotions. But I know better. He has a beating heart in his chest. All the times he saved me, or Naruto, or anyone else who needed help proved that.

--

I sat down in my room, knees folded under me on a beat-up cushion. I sat at a low table, unfurling a scroll to study from; then I unrolled a second one to write on. I had a cup of tea at my side. A childish part of me wanted to pretend I was a samurai, readying myself for battle by studying the enemy. Perhaps not far from the truth, but that didn’t make it THE truth.

Putting that thought away, I looked back to the scrolls. It was easy going- I didn’t choose anything advanced for tonight. My mind was too preoccupied to think at a really high level. Besides that, when Ojo-sama held a sleep-over, silence was usually in short supply, and concentration even more so.

Tonight was easy- translate my jutsus into another language. I knew phrases in several languages, but in combat, my favorite was Latin. It threw my enemy a curveball, as most of the time they couldn’t understand what I said. It was a handy tactic.

--

“C’mon Sakura-chan, mixed bath!” Ino wheedled. “C’mon, it’ll be fun! Even for him! In a bath with three gorgeous females- he’s a guy, right? He’ll be all over the idea!”

“I don’t know, Ino-chan…it might be degrading for him…” Sakura squirmed, though she wasn’t sure if it was with pleasure or embarrassment- maybe both?

“It couldn’t hurt to ask, right? Besides, he has to be there to tend to us anyway, doesn’t he?” Tenten said carefully, not wanting to earn Sakura’s ire.

“Besides, it’s not like we’ll be naked. Him, on the other hand…hehehe!”

Sakura scowled at Ino. “Are you trying to say you want Ryou-kun, Ino-chan? Ordering someone around is the only way you’ll ever have se-”

“HEY!” Ino howled in protest. “No, I don’t want him. But he IS fun to tease. Besides, what harm could flirting do? But if you ask me, Sakura-chan seemed awfully defensive of him earlier…”

“That’s not it!” Sakura replied furiously, blushing a crimson hue.

“Then prove me wrong and have him relax with us!” Ino challenged. Sakura gulped- Ino had her over a barrel now.

--

“Flama…Flans Ventelius…no, no…Flans Invocatem, Flama Invocatem.”

I scribbled down more notes. Three more jutsus. My appetite for learning was known throughout the village. At no point did I dispel those rumors. In the first place, they were true. In the second place, it couldn’t hurt my chances for a promotion to jonin to have a reputation as a scholar.

A knock at my door shook me out of my learning trance. With a sound of question, I opened it.

“Hi, Ryou-kun, uh-?!”

THUD!

I had fallen back into my room, tripping over my cushion as I backed up (Smashing my head painfully in the process, I might add). No wonder there. As well known as my reputation for learning was, I had one other reputation- kunoichi made me light up like fireworks on Chinese New Year. So three of them in bathing suits, showing up at my door was immediate cause for my face to turn red. Quickly, I composed myself.

“Forgive me, Ojo-sama. How may I be of service?” I spoke all this while bowing. The bow was half apology, half hiding my beet-red face.

“Well, Ryou-kun…how about coming to bathe with us tonight? Just a soak in the hot spring, you know? You’re, uh, always working so hard, and you should, uh, relax more. Since I’m also your primary medic, call it a prescription.”

I could understand- Sakura had been put up to this, and she was also making this an order of sorts. I am male, therefore I want to go in a hot spring with girls, make no mistake. But I also have more respect for females than to just obey my hormones. At the same time, this was an order from Ojo-sama. My hands were tied.

“Yes, Ojo-sama.”

Sakura wasn’t done with her surprises yet.

“I know it’s a little strange, Ryou-kun, but how about calling me by my name tonight? We’re relaxing, so it seems right to act more relaxed with titles and such.”

This was a big honor for one in my position. Though I had called her by her name for years, being asked to now, as I’m serving her…that was a big deal.

“Yes…Sakura.” I managed to smile, though I sounded like I was ‘tasting’ the name, as if seeing if it was really appropriate for me to say. Sakura gave me a warm smile, then moved on. I could have sworn my heart stopped beating for a few seconds.

--

Ryouko joined the kunoichi in the hot spring. They all looked beautiful. Ryouko was never a girl watcher, but such beautiful skin, smooth curves, and…so much of it visible. Some invisible barrier in Ryouko’s mind was being hammered on- he kind of wanted to stare shamelessly. Of the three, Ryouko was attracted to two of them. Tenten and Sakura both seemed so practical, mature, and gorgeous. Ino seemed…petty. But she was Ojo-sa-, er, Sakura’s good friend, so Ryouko just went with it.

Still, he felt conspicuous. Despite being a fanatic about keeping in shape, Ryouko always kept his body covered. Now, in a swimsuit, suddenly revealed flesh seemed like a bad thing.

Not from Sakura’s end, though.

He’s got a pretty cute body! He’s slender, but not skinny. He’s not a mountain of muscle- he looks like a martial artist. Graceful, quick…hot…gah! I’m starting to sound like Ino! She’s the type who would start commenting about his butt, or his chest, or a bulge in his shorts- gah! Stop stop stop stop stop!

Tenten and Ino ‘ooo-ed’ jokingly, immediately rushing over to Ryouko.

“Look at what I found!” Ino declared! “Never knew there was a real man under that formal attitude!”

“Kyaa! So cute!” Tenten exclaimed.

Ryouko’s mouth was hanging open partly. This should be heaven…yeah, I gotta be dead now…(gulp) I’m really enjoying this…but I wish it was Sakura who was fawning over me…no, I don’t. I’m glad she’s composed. I admire that.

Ino and Tenten dragged Ryouko over and forced him to sit down, facing the three of them.

“Look what you did! One of you made his nose bleed! I swear, if one of you elbowed him and broke his nose while acting like boy-obsessed idiots…” Sakura was holding a towel to Ryouko’s nose, inadvertently making the blood run thicker.

“Sakura. Um, they didn’t actually hit me. It was kind of…uh…” Ryouko hesitated. This was tantamount to admitting the girls had rattled him and turned him on at the same time. Then again, that would be expected of him. It’s not as though Sakura minded, apparently.

“Oh, that’s right. I forgot…all this kunoichi skin…sorry, sorry. Here, I don’t want you to bleed to death. I can trust you not to look down my top, right?”

“Aw, c’mon Sakura, that’s why swimsuits exist! Give the guys a glimpse of what they want- but just can’t have!” Ino snickered, strutting mockingly.

“He could so have it!” Sakura shouted back. There were suddenly a lot of sweatdrops around…

“Er…I didn’t mean that quite the way it came out…” Sakura winced, knowing that Ino and Tenten were just given an easy insult.

Ryouko blinked in surprise, but did his best to sit down and relax.

--

I was in my room later, dressed in my night attire. I tugged my robe straight, thinking that I really loved hot springs- they just didn’t love me.

Sakura was so beautiful…well, I must store that memory away now. I’m serving her once more. But I won’t forget Ojo-sama’s kindness…Thank you, Sakura.

I began to lay out my bedding. I disdained beds themselves, and even futons most of the time. I was content to curl up on my Tatami mat with a couple pillows and a blanket. (True story- when my back bothered me, I slept on a tatami mat for a week, and my back healed!) To make room for my sleeping arrangements, I pushed my table and cushion against the wall farthest from the door.

When a knock came at my door, I realized my evening wasn’t quite over.

--

“I’m going to say goodnight to Ryou-kun, okay? Be right back!”

I skipped out of the room, then quickly composed myself. Acting like a giddy teenager in front of my female friends was fine, but not around Ryou-kun. For him, I act…less giddy.

I always say goodnight to him, so I hope I won’t surprise him. He shouldn’t have another nosebleed like that; not twice in one day. It’s really unhealthy. I made sure my robe was secure before I walked in. I feel comfortable with Ryou-kun, but we both agree that modesty is best.

It just shows that he’s not like other sex-driven boys. He wants to do his job, and do it well. Our attitudes are alike in that regard.

I smiled as I thought of seeing him in the hot spring, blushing and looking out of place among my two playful companions.
--

I got up and slid the door open, finding Sakura on the other side. I blushed, as always, at the site of her in her yukata.

“Just came in to say goodni-!”

“Ojo-sama!”

Sakura had tripped over the small step that led into my room. (I had an area near the door was level with the outside hallway- the place to kick your shoes off- then an area that was in a ‘pit’, so to speak) I ran forward to catch her, but she was falling awkwardly. I got in the way and kind of caught her, but then we both tumbled to the ground. I was flat on my back, while Sakura was straddling me, her head on my chest. In all the commotion, my robe had slipped open at the chest. To my surprise, Sakura’s yukata had slid almost all the way off her shoulders. If things were akward before…

--

I tripped and fell, falling right toward the bottom a pit. I quickly braced myself for impact. Instead, I felt a pair of strong arms grabbing me gently. Then there was a second fall.

I pried my eyes open. Ryou-kun had caught me. As I became more aware, I noticed that we were in a REALLY provocative position. Had it been Naruto, I would have punched him for catching me like this. I knew Ryou-kun well enough to know he just reacted instinctively and tried to catch me.

Our nightwear had gotten tangled up; our two obis had somehow twisted into a knot. The two belts pulled on each other, pulling Ryou-kun’s robe open, while pulling my yukata off my shoulders. Both of us were modest, thankfully. But I felt a surge of warmth- and I knew it wasn’t just because Ryou-kun had saved me. When his robe was pulled open, I saw them- the cuts. The scars. The bruises.

“Ryou-kun…” I stopped trying to get away and looked closer. All the fights I had been in, I almost never got hurt seriously. Now I saw where the injuries went. They were taken by my loyal protector. I had never knew the hits he had taken numbered so many. One just below his left nipple caught my attention. He had taken a blade a fraction of an inch away from his heart. Now I could remember the very kunai, and even when it hit him.

“Ojo-sama…You shouldn’t look. It will only…” Ryouko began, but stopped.

“Make me feel guilty, Ryou-kun? It should. I SHOULD feel guilty! I should feel terrible!”

“Not at all, Ojo-sama,” he said comfortingly.

“Yes I should! Instead of helping you, I let you do your own thing! I never tried to get closer to you! I never told you how loyal you are! I always denied that I had any feelings so hard that it must have hurt you!”

I had just admitted to both myself and Ryou-kun that I really liked him. Just saying it like that made me feel better. I stopped trying to get away from Ryou-kun- instead, I pulled myself closer. At this point, I didn’t care how either of us were dressed. I felt I owed this loyal warrior so much.

The truth is that I’ve known how Ryou-kun has felt about me. But I dismissed those thoughts. I never even investigated my own feelings. Now that I had, I had discovered just how much he meant to me. I couldn’t believe it took a patchwork of scars for me to notice.

I noticed Ryou-kun had stopped resisting. I wondered if it was because I was ‘Ojo-sama’ to him, or if he was confused, or he just flat out enjoyed it. Whatever, I didn’t care.

“I love you, Ryou-kun. Ojo-sama to you or not, I’m still a girl. And there’s no girl that wouldn’t care for someone who protected her without ever sheltering her. You’ve kept me safe while letting me have a life. Thank you so much for everything.”

I kissed him, and I didn’t stop. My hand stroked his chest, moving over the very scars that hade made me realize my attraction. At this point, he couldn’t have stopped me if he wanted to- his arms had been caught in his robe as it had slid down. But as our mouths met, I certainly didn’t feel like he was going to stop me. Somehow, he had always wanted this, but would never ask for it.

I kissed him more hungrily- almost savagely. I was blushing now, but I didn’t care- so was he. I seized his thick mane of brown hair and forced his face up to meet mine. It seemed almost violent in retrospect. What can I say- I really don’t have any experience with kissing or making out. This case taught me to just follow my instincts.

--

I’m…with Ojo-sama…No, stop thinking. You have to stop her, you don’t deserve her love!

Why the hell don’t I?

I told the pessimistic side of my mind to stick it’s opinions up it’s @$$ and I just went with the flow. That is, until Ten-chan and Yamanaka-san showed up at the door, their eyes wide as dinner plates. Didn’t take me long to figure out why- Sakura and I had landed awkwardly, our clothes falling off, and she was kissing me. I was conscious of how this looked, but still disappointed when Sakura stopped. I decided to remedy the situation. I slid out from under Sakura and walked to the door.

“Goodnight, Kakaku-sans.” (Kakaku- special guests)

With that, I shut the door and resumed my position.

“Please continue, Ojo-sama.”

With a smile and a long look in my eyes, she did, giggling behind the kiss she gave me. I realized how funny it was that I shut the door on her two closest friends and didn’t care one iota.

I can’t believe it was my scars that made her love me. But I’ll take it…who knew there were such benefits to servitude?

--

“Hey, Ryou-kun?” Sakura didn’t open her eyes or lift her head from it’s place on Ryouko’s chest to speak.

“Yes, Ojo-sama?” Ryouko replied.

“Sorry it took me so long to do this. And…well, sorry we didn’t get past kissing and cuddling.”

“It wouldn’t have been in either of our best interests, Ojo-sama. Going beyond this would be a betrayal of your trust in me.”

“What if I HAD tried to go farther? Would you have stopped me?” Sakura really wanted to know the answer to this one.

“Well, um, as your protector…yes. As a guy who’s been in love with you for years…it would have been difficult.”

Sakura laughed outright. “Typical of you, Ryou-kun. Honest to a fault. But we’ve got plenty of time for the other stuff later. Right now, I need to get to know you beyond the ‘protector’ role you’re in. I want to get to know Ryou-kun the person. But only if you can let me close.” Sakura paused- Ryouko wasn’t one to let people close to him; had she asked too much?

“I can and will, Ojo-sama. And I’ll look forward to it. Forgive me if I’m nervous or clueless around you.”

“Of course. You know, I think Lady Tsunade set this up. An O-miai thing. Guess she got tired of me brooding about Sasuke.”

Ryouko chuckled in his own reserved way. “She probably got tired of me complaining about my rank…and no team…and no sensei…I’m surprised she let me near you.
…

But I’m glad she did.”

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