Unemployed Ninja

I forwned. "Thanks... but I think it's a little too long. I don't want it dragging on the ground because the fabric will mess up.... What do you think? Should I keep it long, or shorten it. And if I shorten it, to what length? Kagome and Mizu weren't of much help so that's why I'm asking you." Plus, I'll be YOUR wife tomorrow and I need to look pleasing I suppose...

"It needs to come at least above the heel. Tell them to shorten it about that length and then you'll be ready." I replied, knowing exactly how she needed to look for this mission.

"Alright! Thanks!" I replied with a big smile. I gathered up the extra fabric that apparently wanted to befriend the floor and made my way back to Kagome and Mizu. I told them where I needed the length and they set to work. I decided I didn't look half bad either. The kimono was perfectly tailored to my body. It was a beautiful kimono, on a somewhat unappealing girl.

I finished preparing. We'd be leaving fairly soon since it wasn't such a long walk and there would be people to meet us anyway.

I had my things packed as well. I was ready to go! I went outside to wait for Ijin as I took in the surroundings. I loved the outdoors. Did I mention that?

"We don't need to act like we're married until we leave Iga's territory, so don't be all clingy on me while we're walking out of the village." I warned, "You'll give everyone the wrong impression."

I nodded with a sweet smile. I was practicing. "Alright! No clinginess!" Not that I would cling to you if my life even depended on it! Clingy? Me? Never...

I narrowed my eyes, "Let's go." Journey's for ninjas were very deadly things at times. We were always being watched, misjudged even. If we didn't act inconspicuous then it was over.

I walked alongside him silently. I didn't know what to do or say, so I just walked casually with a slight smile, hoping I was inconspicuous enough.

"Stop smiling, idiot. You're creepy." I mumbled. I felt more grumpy today than happy. I kind of missed that tugging feeling I had in my chest the day before even though I wasn't sure what it was.

I frowned. "Is this better???" My eye was twitching. Way to sour a sweet mood, Ijin!

"I don't care. Just don't act all lovey dovey!" I growled, it was annoying the crud out of me!

"Am I carwling all over you and being clingy? No! Therefore, I'm NOT being lovey dovey!" I glared at him. "How would you know what I act like when I'm lovey dovey anyway?"

"I don't know, smiling just...makes me feel weird..." I was referring to the weird feeling in my chest, I pulled at my shirt subconsciously.

I watched him and sighed. "Whatever. If you want me to have a blank, impassive face then I can do that too." I proceeded to switch to that expression perfectly.

"Hah, don't. I'm just being a fool." I tugged at my shirt again, I still wanted that feeling back, but I didn't know how to get it. I looked at her and saw her expression, it gave me more of an empty feeling than a good one.

I reverted back to my half smile. "Then make up your mind, Ijin... please." I replied softly... mainly to myself.

That time I felt more of a knot in my stomach. What was that? She had this way about her that made me feel all kinds of odd things. I shook it off and looked ahead cautiously. We were out of Iga territory now.

It was easy to tell when we were out of Iga's territory. It was all in Ijin's expression. "How long until we arrive?" I asked softly.

"Tomorrow. We'll stop at a small village before then and stay there over night." I explained quietly. Her voice was still making me feel weird inside.

"Alright!" I replied with a smile. Before I knew it, I had tripped again. But this time I kept my balance and I didn't fall. It made me feel a little better. Mainly because I didn't want there to be stains on my new Kimono.

I smiled and felt that feeling again, the one I wanted to feel. The tug!

"Good...I'm proud of you. You learn well." I said, surprised such words had actually left my mouth.

I smiled. "Thanks... I've really been trying." I turned to glare at the stupid rock that I had tripped over before moving on with Ijin. "It doesn't change the fact that I tripped though." I replied glumly.

Just to make her feel better I tripped, "Woops. Aha, a little clumsy today." I chuckled.

"That was a total fake, Ijin!" I chastised, wagging my index finger at him. Thank you... I couldn't help but smile, though. He was actually being nice...