Chapter 90: Trouble Double
The hallway echoed with Tayuya's determined footsteps, her eyes fixed on Malik. "Let's end this, Malik. One way or another."
The rest of the Sound Four flanked her, their expressions a mix of determination and wariness. Malik, knowing this would be the fight of his life, hoped their love would be enough to find another way.
Malik's face was serious, "Yes, Tayuya, let's end this, my breathtaking queen of song, my red angry songbird. One way or another."
He thought to himself, "Time to pull out all the stops."
In the heart of the Hidden Leaf Village, under the soft glow of the flickering lights of a scared and battered hallway, Malik, a short, young, and rich man known for his vibrant pink attire, prepared for a moment that could change his life forever. Despite his wealth, Malik was humble and kind-hearted, and his jovial nature made him a beloved figure in the village.
Today, he had chosen a "not so secluded" spot by the crumbling wall, where the light reflected the pink hues if you squinted your eyes very tightly, mirroring his signature color.
As Tayuya approached, her eyes fierce with determination, Malik stood there in his pink suit, his face glowing with anticipation. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Tayuya," he began, his voice steady despite the nerves. "From the moment I met you, I knew there was something special about you. Your strength, your spirit, your music… it all resonates with me."
He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small box. As he opened it, a beautiful ring twinkled in the fading light. "Tayuya, will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"
The words hung in the air as Malik waited, hoping Tayuya would accept his heartfelt proposal. The moment was filled with anticipation, the next few seconds feeling like an eternity.
Tayuya, taken aback by the heartfelt proposal, stood silent for a moment, her eyes wide. Then, a soft smile spread across her face. "Malik," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "you've shown me a kindness and respect that I've rarely known… Yes, I will marry you."
Her words echoed in the quiet evening, a promise of a new beginning for them both. The joy in Malik's eyes was unmistakable as he slipped the ring onto her finger, their lives now irrevocably intertwined.
Malik then asked for her hand, she offered it to him, he kissed it three times, and slid the ring on her finger.
The other members of the Sound Four, consisting of Jirobo, Kidomaru, Sakon, and Ukon, stared at the scene in surprise. Sakon and Ukon even unfused, both looking at Malik and Tayuya with a mixture of emotions they couldn't understand.
It surprised everyone when Jirobo nodded his head and started clapping for them, offering his good wishes and congratulations. A hint of a genuine smile appeared on his face.
It took a few seconds for Kidomaru, Sakon, and Ukon to catch up, and they started thinking. Out of all the people in the world, they truly didn't hate Malik or Tayuya. When they first met Malik, he was hands down the person who treated them the best, feeding them great food and offering real friendship. Tayuya, on the other hand, was their teammate. Sure, they all hated each other at first, but after years of being together as a team, a feeling of found family grew between them. Sure, they all fought a lot, but it was far closer to sibling squabbles than actual malice. After a few more seconds, they clapped too, wishing them luck.
Malik stood up and looked at them, giving them a smile. Then he turned his attention to Tayuya, her face glowing as she stared at the ring on her finger. To her surprise, a giggle escaped her mouth. She put a hand over her mouth and thought she had never giggled a day in her life. She was a cold-blooded killer, and her body count was proof of that. A true mountain of the dead was her throne, especially when she was with the other members of the Sound Four.
Malik, unable to resist the urge, gently reaches out and places his hands on Tayuya's ample hips. The feel of her curves beneath his fingers sends a jolt of excitement through him. He can't help but give them a gentle squeeze, pulling her closer to him. Tayuya's cheeks flush at his touch, but she doesn't pull away. Instead, she leans into him, a small smile playing on her lips.
"I never thought I'd find someone like you, Malik," she says, her voice soft. "Someone who sees me for who I really am and loves me despite it."
Malik's heart swells with emotion at her words. "Tayuya, you are so much more than just a killer. You are strong, determined, and kind in your own way. I see you, and I love you for all that you are." As Malik finishes speaking, he leans in and gently presses his lips to Tayuya's, sealing his promise to her with a tender kiss. The rest of the Sound Four look on, watching the scene unfold with various degrees of surprise and wonder.
Jirobo, who had initially been the most skeptical of the group, finds himself feeling a strange warmth in his chest as he watches Malik and Tayuya together. He can't quite put his finger on it, but something about the way they look at each other makes him feel hopeful.
Kidomaru, meanwhile, is lost in thought. He can't help but wonder what it would be like to have someone look at him the way Malik looks at Tayuya. He's always been a bit of a loner, preferring to keep to himself rather than risk getting hurt. As Malik pulls away from the kiss, he looks deeply into Tayuya's eyes, his hands still resting on her hips. "Tayuya, my love, I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy."
Tayuya's heart races at his words, her gaze never leaving his. "Malik, I want that too."
Jirobo, Kidomaru, Sakon, and Ukon watch the intimate moment, feeling a mix of emotions. Malik, still unable to resist the allure of Tayuya's curves, slowly moves one of his hands from her hip and gently places it on her chest, feeling the small mounds of her breasts through the fabric of her clothes. He can feel her heart beating quickly beneath his touch, and he gives her a knowing smile.
"Tayuya," he murmurs, his voice husky with desire. "You are so beautiful."
Tayuya's breath hitches at his touch, but she doesn't pull away. Instead, she leans into him, her own desire growing with each passing moment.
Malik let go of her, which snapped her out of her fantasy. She looked at him, telling him that Orochimaru had given them a mission to capture him because she rejoined the Akatsuki. Their price was Malik. He asked why, but none of them knew.
He told them he was on his way to Orochimaru now.
They grew secretive and suspicious until they realized that anyone coming to this building would probably have a death wish or was looking for the people already there.
He started to walk past her. She grabbed his arm tightly, raised her eyebrows, and told him their mission was to kidnap him.
He turned to her, an idea forming.
"May I have a kiss?" he asked.
She smiled, happy to oblige, and as their lips met, Malik turned invisible at the last second, creating a stampede of illusions of himself. He sprinted down the hallway, making his way to help stop Orochimaru. She started to look for him but stopped, knowing he would have to face not only Orochimaru but The Chimara.
"He's a fool," she muttered, blowing him a kiss. "But he's my fool."