A/N: Firstly, thank you to La Moonlight Lily for being the most wonderful beta I have ever worked with. They have truly helped me tell this story to the best of my ability.

I love Mei Terumi's character. Even though her appearances in the Naruto series have been few and far between, she is a favorite of mine within that universe.
I struggled over the title of this story like I never have before, but I hope that readers will find the multiple meanings within it as they read through. This story itself is my gift for Mei, a character I really enjoy learning about and writing for.

I do not own these characters; I had a wonderful time exploring them.

Chapter One: The Invitation

"I'm sorry; what did you say?"

Mei was too caught up in the sight of a man's nimble fingers as they delicately peeled an orange to realize their owner had been addressing her. In her defense, his soft-spoken baritone rumbled more quietly than usual, his question further muffled by the mask he wore. It was only when both of his sleepy grey eyes darted to hers that she discovered he was expecting a reply.

Tearing her attention away from his fingers, Mei watched as Kakashi glanced at the others in the room to confirm they were too occupied to notice him. He quietly cleared his throat, and she understood that whatever he had to say was for her alone to hear.

"I asked you if you would like to attend this year's International Halloween Gala with me."

"Oh!" Mei hushed her surprise. The International Halloween Gala had become an annual tradition since the Fourth Great Ninja War. It was collectively hosted by the Daimyo of the various nations, held in the Land of Iron in honor of where the Shinobi Alliance had been born.

"Ah, I see you already have plans to go with someone else." Kakashi's mask creased around his hidden, awkward smile.

"No, that's not it. Since I'd retired this year, I wasn't expecting an invitation." Mei showcased an awkward smile of her own. "It was delivered shortly before we left to travel here, and I haven't sent my reply yet."

Her fellow retiree softly chuckled. "Of course you would be invited; your costumes have been something to look forward to every year." Kakashi's eyes widened uncharacteristically. He seemed surprised by his own admission, and quickly returned his focus to the orange in his hands. Pulling at bits of membrane that only he could perceive, he missed the blush that dusted Mei's face when he stammered, "I could RSVP for us both on mine…that is if you would like to accompany me."

Out of the corner of her eye, Mei noticed the Yondaime Raikage's eyes narrowing at them, betraying his growing curiosity at their discussion. Worried he would interrupt before she could answer, she quickly whispered, "yes. I want to attend, with you."

The remainder of the current Kage summit and the arranged dinner that followed offered no opportunities to elaborate on the quiet exchange. Mei found herself unable to keep her undivided attention on the proceedings as they unfolded.

It wasn't unusual for her thoughts to drift into daydreams of the Rokudaime Hokage while in his presence. There was no denying that Kakashi Hatake cut a fine figure of a man, even if his face was still a mystery to her. She knew him to be a formidable shinobi many years before he became her equal in rank. When he did accept the highest promotion his village could offer, he adopted a self-assurance, exuding strength and security which she found herself drawn to and Mei admired his ability to silently take command of a room upon entering it. When he spoke, his calm and steady voice washed over her like a soothing balm. In the years following the Fourth War, she allowed herself to steal discreet glances at him whenever they met, indulging the attraction that she wouldn't act upon, given their respective positions.

Although she sat beside Kakashi at dinner, Mei was too nervous about continuing their private conversation, even if the situation had allowed it. Her brain buzzed from a barrage of thoughts since she'd agreed to be…his date? Should she consider it a date? Did he consider it a date? Did people their age still date?

Suddenly, the horrible thought that she had been too obvious in admiring him invaded her mind. It wasn't long after such an unfortunate seed had been planted that a headache blossomed from it. Mei sighed, closing her eyes as she set her teacup down. Mentally preparing an excuse to leave, she pushed herself away from the table to depart.

"Are you alright?" Kakashi was on his feet before she rose from her chair. His low voice spoke the concern she also found in his eyes when she turned to look at him.

"Just a headache, probably from traveling today," Mei prattled, hoping to cover her surprise from his sudden reaction.

"I'm not used to the trains yet myself." Kakashi lightly chuckled as he scratched at the back of his head.

The commotion drew the attention of Mei's successor Chojuro, who promptly expressed his own wish to retire, and offered to escort Mei back to their guest rooms in the Hokage Tower. Kakashi extended his hand to grasp Mei's, gently pulling her upright. She felt a folded piece of paper being pressed into her palm as he gave her a pointed look and said, "I hope you'll be feeling better by morning."

"Thank you." Mei's fingers curled around the secret missive to keep it hidden from the other guests at the table.

"I'm sorry I didn't know that you were feeling unwell," Chojuro began what Mei expected to be a stream of apologies that would last the entire walk to their assigned quarters.

"The headache had just started before I stood up to leave." Mei tried to put the current Mizukage's mind at ease, knowing he'd always been so sensitive when it came to her. "I wouldn't have expected you to notice something so trivial."

"But the Rokudaime Hokage noticed." Chojuro continued to pout anyway.

'That's true; he did' Mei thought. The idea that Kakashi paid such close attention to her caused her to blush for the second time that day. She tightened her hold on the note she carried, eager to be alone so she could read it.

As soon as she'd entered her room and closed the door behind her, she unfolded the paper Kakashi had passed to her. Mei recognized his slanted script as she read the name and address of a tea shop, and the short note that followed it:

This is a quiet place where we could plan our costumes and other details. I'll wait there around nine tomorrow morning if you are able to meet with me.

Thank you for agreeing to go to the Gala with me, Mei.

-K

Mei brushed her thumb over her name, smiling at how it appeared in his handwriting. It had been a long time since anyone had referred to her by it, without any title attached. Kakashi had only called her Lady Mizukage before this, and the use of her given name made it easier to think that he'd asked her to accompany him for personal, rather than professional reasons.

Mei was still smiling after she'd washed her face and sat to brush out her hair before turning in. Whether the Gala could be considered a date or not, she allowed herself to enjoy the flattery that came with being so singled out by a man like Kakashi Hatake. She quickly braided her hair and climbed into bed to sleep off what remained of her tension headache. There was no way she would allow it to prevent her from meeting him in the morning.