Naruto: Paradise for One [R-18]

"ID!"

『 Are we wrong? 』

This was interesting. While in the world of her Genjutsu, he could hear the demon speaking to her as well. Its voice sounded so much different than he remembered previously.

She buried her face against his neck, trying to suppress the sudden tears that welled in her eyes. She would not cry. She could not cry.

Even though it felt silly within her Genjutsu, Yakumo took a deep breath and pushed herself back. She had to maintain her composure, keep calm. The small actions were crucial towards maintaining elegance at all times despite what may be occurring. Real or not, these small intentional breaks helped her regain some semblance of assurance and control.

"Saul... I heard about something that's taking place within these Chunin exams. Hinata's fight against Neji is being publicized everywhere. The Hyuuga Clan Heiress turned exile, vs the current genius and pride of the clan, Neji. And the stakes behind the match... If she ends up winning... Will you still choose me?"

No she couldn't help it. Her fear spiked yet again. Somewhere deep inside she knew Saul was a decisive man. He would not hesitate. If it was a choice he had to make, he would choose Hinata every single time.

Her voice rang out again in a panic before Saul could give his response, "You don't have to answer that, actually! Forget I even asked! Just hold me... Please..."

Instead of cuddling with her like she pleaded however, Saul stood up immediately. Yakumo's emotions flew out in disarray.

"Release."

With a will that wavered underneath her pained heart, Saul's release, for the first time, was able to break through the bounds of her legendary Genjutsu. He got up and approached her in the real world. He picked her up and laid her out onto his bed.

"S-saul! What are you doing!?"

"Making my intentions clear to you. It's about time, anyway."

"W-what do you mean by that?" She stammered, her pulse racing.

He left her now, bringing a similarly confused and blushing Hinata back with him. This man... Wasn't this ridiculous!? What was he trying to say?

Saul laid on the bed between them. No. Wait. She knew exactly what he was trying to say.

"You can't have us both, Saul!" She sat up slightly in the bed to glare at him, her fear turning into a mixture of anger and a small amount of... relief? Yakumo wouldn't acknowledge that part.

"Why not?"

"YOU KNOW WHY!!! My father, my clan, they would never accept such a relationship... And the Hyuuga, wouldn't this incense them even more too? No matter how much of a genius you are, Saul, this is just... impossible! You know it is!"

She looked down at her own hands, trembling slightly as she realized the truth she had been trying so desperately to deny. Yakumo knew such a relationship was hopeless, but she couldn't bring herself to let go. The thought of losing him made her feel empty inside, a painful, chilling void right in her chest that made her breath choke up.

『 Stop being so pathetic. It's embarrassing. 』

Id... Please stop it...

"Neither Hinata nor I care about the Hyuuga clan's opinion anymore. Isn't that right, Hinata?"

The woman only had eyes for Saul. He was finally saying it! She finally wouldn't have to suppress herself around Yakumo anymore!

"Of course, Saul-kun." Her eyes were filled with affection and devotion. "As long as you're by my side, I won't care about anything else."

Yakumo froze at Hinata's words. A sharp pang of jealousy mixed with despair twisted within her stomach, making her feel sick. They... When did they get this close? She felt betrayed.

"No no no... What? You just want me to accept this? Just like that? How could you do this to me!?"

"Yakumo. You're not the only one in my heart. I'm sorry, but that's just how it is. I love you and Hinata both." He smiled, "I can keep supporting you, as I always have Yakumo. And more. Your goals, your dreams, if you choose to accept me as I truly am, I can help you fulfil them. Our relationship does not have to be public, you know."

Yakumo tried to back away, but she couldn't. Her back was already against the bed frame. Saul stepped forward, his dominating presence forcing her to consider his words seriously. Yet his tone turned teasing,

"Don't you like the sound of that? By day you'd be the Matriarch of the Kurama clan, coldly ordering men around as the respected and noble leader. But at night, you'd meet with your secret lover. Being able to show your true self, a perverted woman who gets off on the thrill of possible discovery. Don't think I haven't noticed how excited you get when we do it near a window where someone might see."

Yakumo blushed, "Saul, stop it! This is serious! You know..."

His prior words made her remember the love they shared. His teasing lessened the feelings of shock and betrayal in her heart. Maybe this really didn't have to be the end. The tense feelings in her chest: the scary mixture of impending loss and sweet affection, forced her to open up.

"I love you. I really, really love you. I want to get married to you one day, Saul. I want to be with you until the day I die! Something like a secret relationship..." She chuckled self depreciatingly, "Even though I certainly find the idea hot, it just wouldn't be enough for me... Don't you understand?"

Saul nodded. "No, I understand... One day, I'll be able to make everything public. One day, I'll be strong enough that even all of Konoha will accept us, not just the Kurama and Hyuuga clans. Can you believe in me...?"

What was this? Yakumo did not take Saul to be some sort of dreamer who talked big. He was always pragmatic, making plans for everything. She liked this aspect about him. He was a resolute, capable individual who always made it clear through his actions he cared deeply for her. Even though her mind told her it wasn't possible, that he was just talking big for once, her heart wanted to believe.

She wiped the tears that had slid down her face and smiled.

"Alright, fine. I'll believe in you for now. But don't you dare keep me waiting too long, or I'll force you to take responsibility! If you're not strong enough by the time I'm the head of the Kurama clan, you won't be able to stop me!"

"Even if my perfect Saul-kun isn't strong enough, I will be." Hinata interjected seriously, "I won't let you do as you please."

The two glared at each other for a moment, before Yakumo laughed and looked away.

"Saul~! Help! This scary woman is threatening me!"

"Yakumo, behave yourself." He said seriously, before giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Saul-kun..." Hinata pouted.

Saul gave her a kiss as well.

The women began glaring at each other from opposite sides of the bed. Caught in the middle, Saul sighed in exasperation. What was this? Weren't they tired? His hands were full just managing two women!

Author's Note: Here is the foundation for Yakumo's position in the Harem. Saul was clever about this with her, stoking her jealousy just enough to get her to make her moves on him without forcing any commitment. When everything came to light in this chapter just now - Yakumo was already in too deep to abandon what they had together.

People take the path of least resistance. It is easier for her to avoid the pain in her heart now by accepting his promise than to cut things off immediately. But this is still just a temporary solution at best. Their relationship must remain a secret. The longer things remain this way the more resentment is likely to build up. Saul still has a lot more work on his plate to achieve what he wants.