Chapitre 216: Chapter 212: Quiet Moments in the Dream World
Chapter 212: Quiet Moments in the Dream World
In the quiet depths of a dream, Malik found himself in a familiar place: Sakura Haruno's bedroom, recreated perfectly from her mind's memory. It was nighttime, and the room was bathed in a soft glow from a single lamp beside her bed. Sakura sat cross-legged on her bed, engrossed in an enormous medical book balanced across her lap. Her emerald-green eyes were focused, scanning each line with intense concentration, her fair skin illuminated softly in the dim light.
She was dressed in cozy, two-piece pajamas—loose yet snug enough to accentuate her curves. Her medium-length pink hair was tied back, strands falling around her face, framing it as she leaned forward slightly. Despite the casual attire, her large, firm backside was pronounced, drawing Malik's eyes as he stood at the foot of the bed.
For a moment, he just watched her, a smile playing on his lips. Her eyes flicked to him once in a quick acknowledgment, then returned to her book without another word. Malik chuckled quietly to himself, deciding to break the silence.
"Really, Sakura? You're using the time in your dreams to study?" he teased, folding his arms in mock disbelief. "I know I gave you more time for yourself, but I didn't think you'd use it to cram in extra chapters."
She didn't react immediately, her fingers deftly turning the page as if he hadn't spoken. Her attention remained fully on her studies, her focus as intense as ever. Malik smirked, understanding her dedication. Of course, with someone like Tsunade as her mentor, Sakura would be relentless in her pursuit of medical knowledge. Her drive to master every detail—every piece of information Tsunade had to offer—was something he both admired and found endlessly attractive.
A few seconds passed, and Malik couldn't resist a follow-up comment, leaning in with a cheeky grin. "You know, you focusing this hard is actually pretty hot."
That earned him a response. Sakura's green eyes flicked up at him briefly, offering an exasperated eye roll before returning to her book. For Malik, even that small gesture felt like a victory. He was enjoying himself immensely, entertained by her ability to brush him off so effortlessly while also knowing she didn't mind his presence.
He edged a bit closer, deciding to sand closer besides her without disturbing her too much. Her body language was unbothered, her posture unwavering, as she continued to read, completely absorbed in her book. Malik began to wonder if he should let her study in peace and leave her to her dream alone. But then, he leaned in closer, his head hovering over her book, and before he could say another word, Sakura surprised him.
She leaned over and planted a quick, gentle kiss on his lips, barely more than a brush, and then returned to her reading without a word, as if it were a routine habit to kiss him whenever he was around. Malik's heart raced slightly, and he grinned, feeling unexpectedly touched by the small gesture. He leaned back slightly, tempted to tease her again. "Maybe I should leave you to your reading," he murmured.
Without looking up, Sakura shifted over on the bed, creating a small space next to her, an unspoken invitation. Malik took it as permission to sit beside her, and he quietly settled in next to her, stretching his legs out and leaning back into the pillows.
Time in the dream world passed differently; it was fluid and unhurried, allowing him to feel every second with Sakura beside him. He found himself mesmerized by her routine—how she read each line carefully, every so often pulling a pen from beside her to make a note in the margins. Her movements were precise, her gaze never wavering from the text, fingers trailing over the page in concentration.
Malik admired her patience, her determination, and the way she seemed to be completely at ease beside him, letting him into her quiet, private space without a single word exchanged. There was something deeply intimate in their shared silence, a quiet understanding that needed no conversation.
He shifted slightly, his shoulder brushing hers as he adjusted himself to get more comfortable. The warmth of her presence and the faint scent of her shampoo surrounded him, grounding him in this gentle, tranquil moment. Watching her was like watching an artist at work; every line she read, every note she made, felt like part of a larger, meaningful picture.
For Malik, this was more than enough. Being able to sit beside her, watching her pursue her passion for knowledge, was a privilege he didn't take lightly. He leaned back, resting his head against the wall, just enjoying the steady rhythm of her pen moving across the paper and the soft rustle of pages turning.
At one point, she reached up to tuck a loose strand of pink hair behind her ear, her fingers brushing lightly against her cheek. Malik's eyes lingered on the simple, graceful gesture, charmed by the delicate movements that seemed so natural to her. It was rare to see Sakura like this, free from the stress of their missions, able to devote herself entirely to her studies without the weight of the world on her shoulders.
The silence between them was comfortable, like a warm blanket on a chilly night. He glanced around the dream-replica of her bedroom, taking in the small details—the stack of books on her nightstand, the carefully folded blankets, the slightly messy desk in the corner piled with scrolls and medical supplies. Every detail was so distinctly her, reminding him of all the reasons he loved her.
Finally, he let his gaze drift back to Sakura, his heart swelling with admiration. There was something about her dedication and focus that filled him with pride, knowing she was as strong-willed and passionate in her studies as she was in everything else she did. He gently placed a hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. Sakura didn't pull away, but her eyes flicked to him momentarily, her calm expression softening just a fraction before she returned to her reading.
Minutes passed, or perhaps hours—it was hard to tell in the dream world—but neither of them moved or spoke. They didn't need to. The comfort of simply being beside each other was enough, and Malik felt a profound sense of peace settle over him, realizing that he wouldn't trade this quiet moment for anything else.
When she finally closed her book with a soft sigh, setting it aside on the nightstand, Sakura leaned back against him, resting her head on his shoulder. Malik smiled, feeling her warmth pressed against him, and he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.
"Done studying for the night?" he asked softly, his voice barely a whisper.
She nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips as she closed her eyes, leaning into him. Malik kissed the top of her head, savoring the stillness, the quiet intimacy of the moment, and knowing that when he woke, this memory would stay with him.
In this dream world, in the quiet of Sakura's bedroom, he knew they had something truly special—a connection that needed no words, only a shared understanding and an unspoken promise that they would always be there for each other, no matter what the world threw their way.
After his time with Sakura, Malik found himself wandering through the shifting landscapes of the dream world, heading toward another familiar presence. This time, it was Tayuya. Unlike Sakura's quiet bedroom, her dreams had always been more vivid, reflecting a part of her spirit he knew well—untamed and intense.
As he drew closer, the dreamscape around him began to settle, taking shape in the form of a serene and enchanting forest meadow under a starlit sky. The moon cast its pale light across the field, illuminating a blanket of wildflowers that swayed gently in the soft breeze. The trees surrounding the clearing stood tall and silent, as though guarding the moment of peace at its center.
In the middle of the meadow, Malik spotted her. Tayuya sat beneath an old, sturdy tree, her legs stretched out in front of her, one arm draped over her knee. Her long red hair, usually wild and unkempt, was somewhat tamed tonight, cascading around her shoulders in waves. She wasn't dressed in her usual shinobi gear; instead, she wore a simple but flattering outfit—a dark green sleeveless shirt that clung to her form and a pair of loose, dark pants. She looked comfortable and relaxed, yet her sharp, alert gaze betrayed the fierce spirit beneath her calm exterior.
Malik smiled as he approached, humming quietly to himself. He was still dressed in his own pajamas, his short frame and round figure cutting a friendly, unassuming figure against the surreal, dreamlike backdrop of the meadow. Tayuya noticed him right away, her eyes flicking up to meet his. There was a momentary glimmer of surprise, but she masked it quickly, her face settling into a neutral expression. Yet, Malik could see the slight curve of her lips, a hint of a smile that told him she was pleased to see him, even if she wouldn't admit it.
"Well, if it isn't the dream-hopper himself," she said, crossing her arms and eyeing him with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "What're you humming about, Malik? You think this place needs a soundtrack or something?"
Malik chuckled, taking her tone and foul-mouthed greeting as a welcome in its own right. "Oh, you know me, Tayuya," he replied with an easy grin. "Just bringing a little life into this peaceful setting. Though it's not like you need it; you've got plenty of life all on your own."
She rolled her eyes at his response, leaning back against the tree trunk with a sigh. "Yeah, whatever," she muttered, though her gaze softened slightly as he approached. Despite her usual rough exterior, Malik could sense the quiet comfort she felt with him, and he knew it was something she rarely let anyone else see.
Malik took a seat beside her, settling into the soft grass. The silence between them was comfortable, filled with the gentle rustling of leaves and the faint chirping of crickets. He leaned back, his head resting against the tree as he glanced over at her.
Tayuya looked out at the meadow, her eyes distant for a moment before she turned to him. Her sharp gaze softened as it lingered on him, and she let out a soft huff, almost as if she were scolding herself for letting her guard down. "You're lucky this is my dream, Malik," she said with a smirk, "or I'd kick your ass for sneaking up on me like that."
Malik raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin widening. "Hey, I'd let you try, but I think we both know you wouldn't actually do it."
She narrowed her eyes at him, but her expression held a flicker of warmth. "Don't test me," she shot back, though there was no real venom in her voice. It was more a reflex than anything, a barrier she had constructed over time, but Malik saw through it easily. And so did she, which was why she allowed herself this dream—a place where she could be herself without judgment or expectations.
They sat together for a while, watching the dream world shift around them, the meadow somehow both vast and intimate in the way only dreams could manage. Malik felt a sense of calm settle over him, appreciating the rare tranquility that surrounded them.
After a time, Tayuya spoke, her voice softer than usual. "This place… it's not so bad." Her eyes scanned the stars above, the faintest hint of wonder in her gaze. "Never thought I'd like something like this, you know?"
Malik nodded, understanding the complexity beneath her words. "A meadow under the stars, huh? I'd say it suits you in a way—a quiet strength."
She snorted at that, though her gaze remained fixed on the sky. "Keep talking like that, and I might actually start believing it."
They fell into silence again, letting the dream weave around them, painting the landscape in shades of midnight blue and silver. Malik looked over at Tayuya, admiring her in this rare state of calm. She looked peaceful yet powerful, a fierce presence even in repose. Her face softened as she turned her gaze back to him, her expression thoughtful.
"So," she started, her voice unusually quiet, "what brings you to my dream tonight? I don't remember inviting you."
Malik chuckled, shifting to lean a bit closer to her. "Didn't think I needed an invitation," he teased. "Besides, I figured you could use some company that isn't going to try to lecture you or keep you in line."
She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Right, because I'm such a mess, right?" She paused, glancing at him sideways, her lips curving into a small, almost reluctant smile. "But yeah… maybe you're not the worst company I could ask for."
Without another word, she reached out, her fingers brushing against his hand before resting on top of it. The simple gesture sent a rush of warmth through him, and he could feel her grip tighten ever so slightly, grounding herself in his presence.
They stayed that way, sitting together in quiet companionship as the meadow stretched out before them. Malik could feel her hand relax in his, the tension in her posture easing as she allowed herself to fully lean into the moment. He felt honored to share this side of her, to be the one person she allowed into her dreams, a place she could let her guard down.
As the night deepened, a soft breeze stirred the air, bringing with it the faint scent of wildflowers. The stars above sparkled brighter, casting a soft glow over the meadow. Tayuya tilted her head back, her red hair tumbling down her shoulders, and closed her eyes, breathing in the peace around them.
Finally, she opened her eyes and glanced at him, her gaze unusually vulnerable. "You know, this doesn't mean I'm going soft," she muttered, her tone defensive but laced with warmth.
Malik smiled, squeezing her hand. "I know. But it does mean you're human, and there's nothing wrong with that."
She huffed, leaning back against the tree with a grudging smile, her gaze drifting back to the stars. "Yeah, well, don't go around telling people that. I've got a reputation to keep."
They shared a quiet laugh, and for the first time in a long time, Malik felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be. Sitting here with Tayuya in this peaceful dreamscape, he understood just how much she had come to mean to him.
In the silence that followed, he leaned his head back against the tree, feeling the warmth of her hand in his and the quiet strength she radiated. This was Tayuya—the fierce, sharp-tongued kunoichi who was, underneath it all, just a girl trying to navigate her world with her own brand of strength and resilience. And in this dream, with the moonlight casting a gentle glow around them, Malik felt privileged to be the one beside her, the one she trusted enough to show her true self.
As the dream world began to fade, Malik knew this moment would stay with him, a memory of a quiet night in a meadow under the stars, where Tayuya let her guard down and allowed herself to just be.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone