I was frowning. I know I was. I could feel the extra effort my muscles were taking to pull this frown off.

But I couldn't help it.

I glanced at the man next to me. Then to the Mission Scroll in my hand. And lastly to the Lady Hokage sitting in front of me.

I watched as she poured her self a small cup of something. From the smell... Sake.

Goodness. Did she start early or what? It was barely three in the afternoon.

She downed it and sighed. "You two have never worked together. Am I correct?" she asked quietly.

I frowned deeper. I really, really wish I could stop frowning. But it seems my face muscles have decided to do what they wish.

"Not directly on a mission together," he answered. "But I've seen Ani in action."

I glared at him.

The nerve.

Tsunde-sama tapped her chin. "I see." She looked back and forth between us. "So you are familiar with each other?"

He grinned. "Quite familiar."

I stiffened.

What a pompous ASS.

He met my eyes. And winked!!!

Do not scream. Do not scream. DO not scream. DO NOT scream. DO NOT SCREAM.

I took a deep breath. And another.

Tsunde-sama was staring at me. I could tell she knew something was off. She was giving me the 'Um, you're freaking me out kind of, a little bit' look. I guess I don't normally look as red as a tomato or ready to explode.

"Is there going to be a problem between you two on this mission?"

"No!" I practically yelled. Her eyes widened slightly and that ASS was laughing now.

I could FEEL my face burn hotter than before.

I tried again. "No, Lady Hokage. The mission will be accomplished. There should be no problem." This time I spoke in what I hoped was a calm and relaxed voice.

But I have a feeling I just made myself look even more stupid.

I need this mission. I need the money. Dammit!

Tsunde-sama nodded slowly. "Alright. Now listen. This wont be as simple as it seems. It's a mission in it's self to just enter the Lightning Country." She set two brightly colored scrolls on her desk before us. "Murata Jotaro is waiting in the Hidden Cloud Village with very important information. You need to collect him and bring him back." A third scroll was set on top of the others. "We need him. Not just the information."

She pushed her chair back and stood with both palms on her desk. Revealing way more of her chest then I needed to see.

I wonder if she has back problems?

"He'll be meeting you in a small restaurant called Tojo's in exactly 6 weeks from tomorrow. That's plenty of time for you two to get there and settle in."

I nodded politely and wondered what information could this Jotaro have?

"I expect you both will be ready to leave tomorrow morning."

He spoke again. "Of course, Lady Hokage."

I just nodded. No need to look like a bigger idiot.

"Alright. You two are to bring Murata Jotaro to me right away once you return."

I reached for the scrolls and placed them in my bag. "Yes, Lady Hokage."

"You two are dismissed. I'll see you when you return."

We both bowed and left the room quietly.

As soon as the door was shut behind us I felt an arm snake around my waist and pull me close.

"Kiba. I will break your arm off if you do not remove it now," I hissed.

I looked into his eyes. He really wasn't all that taller than me. About half a head taller. And his eyes were still as dark as I remember them being. His hair a little longer, but just as wild.

And that little smirk. That hasn't changed either.

"Oh, come on, Ani." He pulled me tighter one last time before letting me go. "This is going to be a blast."

I stopped walking right at the top of the stairs and crossed my arms.

He was one step below me and now we were eye to eye. He sighed. "Okay. Look, Ani. I need the money. You need the money. This is just another easy mission, with a fat sack of money at the end of it." He reached out and grabbed the end of my braid.

I guess I was so shocked by him playing with my hair I couldn't do anything about it.

I mean. How long has it been since he'd done that? Took the end of my light brown braid and flipped it around? Weeks? No. Months...

I met his eyes again.

I guess since I didn't punch him he thought it was safe to continue. "I mean, we worked well together before, remember?"

I swallowed.

Remember? Oh yes. I remembered.

He smiled. Not smirked. Smiled. "It wont be that bad, Ani. I'll even try to be civil."

I rolled my eyes. He dropped my braid. And the spell was broken.

"Right, Kiba."

He frowned.

I walked around him, and I heard him behind me. We descended the rest of the stairs in silence.

Once we were outside he reached out and touched my shoulder. And for the fifth time today I looked into his eyes.

"I'll pick you up at your flat tomorrow morning at seven?"

I nodded. "Seven sounds great."

He smiled and then walked away whistling.

Slowly I walked home.

Seven would only come to soon.

Chapter One

Seven Sounds Great

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A/n: This popped in my head. So I thought, why not?

Disclaimer: Naruto and all associated characters, names, places, ect. does not belong to me. Except Ani.