Disclaimer: Naruto © Lord Kishimoto.

Author's Random Blah blah blah: Well,I finally finished the first chapter. This is my first real romance-angst-like novel. And who is the pairing? Gekkou HayatexUzuki Yuugao I absolutely love this pairing and can't get enough of them. For those who are curious, yes, Uzuki Yuugao is the violet haired ANBU girl that appears in episodes 54 and 79. Manga Chapter 137.Kishimoto recently released his second character book and she was in it, finally stating her name and confirming that indeed her and Hayate were a couple. Oh the fluffiness. If you ever have any ideas or questions, feel free to e-mail me. Well, enjoy, and please review!

Kusuburu- smolder
Chan- feminine. Usually showing endearment towards a female friend.

He was always there when you needed a shoulder to lean and cry on. He was there when you needed help on your homework, new jutsus, training, and always there for a friend. He was admired for his patience, talent, bravery, consideration, and the simple fact that he never wanted to cause problems. He was always there to defend the ones he loved and always willing to show good overruled evil.

He was always agreeing to help others when they needed assistance and never complaining about the difficulty of things. He always looked for the good in others and judged a person by the nature of their character rather than their appearance. He was laid back and sometimes always smiling, his eyes lighting up when he laughed and his voice soft and smooth. Qualities such as these were always acknowledged and admired. He was of the Gekkou clan, a small clan with a title of being humble, trustworthy, and loyal; all the things he was. But being a Gekkou meant other things… Even though they were skilled ninjas, they were most known for the horrible disease that plagued the family. The genes in the family had a rare vulnerability to sickness and disease that no one could understand.

Hayate Gekkou: A shinobi of Konoha.

Chapter 1: Blind Date

"Who am I supposed to meet?"

"Just be patient, will ya? When's the last time you've been on a date?" Anko growled as she glanced back at her violet haired companion.

Uzuki Yuugao's cheeks reddened a bit as she gazed back down at her feet slowly, trying to keep herself from strangling her more than unusually energetic friend. It was true that she hadn't been on a date in a long time. In fact, she couldn't even remember the last time she had been on a date! Anko had insisted for her to go with her that night and meet up with what she described was 'Her perfect match'. But for Uzuki Yuugao, no one was the perfect match. She was usually always on an ANBU mission of some kind, and if not that, resting up or preparing for one. She never had time to actually have a boyfriend, much less have time for herself and her friends.

The young Kunoichi sighed as she rested her chin on her open hand, wondering what the hell Anko had in store for her. She couldn't help but be constantly reminded of the fact that Anko's taste in men widely differed from hers. Anko liked the flirtatious, sexy, drool worthy men that could kick your ass any day and would more than likely appear in the Bingo Book of S-class criminals. Yuugao wasn't so sure she would want to date a man who could easily take your head off.

She sighed, closing her eyes and letting her mind linger off while Anko kept gingerly looking over her shoulder, making small groans of disappointment when no discovery was made, causing her to take more un-lady like gulps of her drink and nibble on her dango much like a rabbit would with carrots. Anko was never one to be shy and was somewhat aggressive in a sense. A few familiar faces past by in the popular 'Kusuburu' bar, among them being the scarred Ibiki, the beautiful Kurenai accompanied by Asuma (the two had to be going out!), and the devilishly handsome Kotetsu with his friend Izumo. It was safe to say the bar was a frequent stop for most of the older shinobi in Konoha, what with the bar was owned by a retired shinobi and a lot of accommodations had been made for them.

Finally, Anko set down her drink, causing Yuugao's pondering to halt to a screeching stop.

"There he is!" she pointed out as she got up merrily. Anko smirked mischievously as she grabbed onto Yuugao's arm to ensure she couldn't get away. With a tug, she pulled her friend away from her seat at the bar and lead her over to the target.

"This is your date." she announced proudly with a wide smile, holding out her hand. The violet haired girl looked up to catch sight of a man she very well knew; the infamous Shiranui Genma. Anyone and everyone knew him in Konoha for one reason or another. The ever so famous 'ladies man' and the 'guy with the toothpick in his mouth' wasn't hard to miss with his good looks and charms, much less with the fact that he was very social and somewhat of a 'pimp'. And then there was the fact that he always had that long piece of wood in his mouth. But she would never date him…even if her life depended on it. Dating friends always seemed so….awkward.

She sighed, looking over at Anko with an irritated expression, "Isn't the point of a blind date meant to meet new people? Not people you already know and happen to be friends with?"

Anko laughed nervously as she looked over to Genma and then back to her friend. "Well, you know, I just thought that- ah well, damn." She sighed.

Genma smirked, "Ah, come on Yuugao, don't you like me?" He walked besides her, snaking an arm around her thin waist and pulling her close to him in an all to laid back fashion. Yuugao shook her head as she pushed him away playfully, thoroughly not so excited with the offer as he, "Sorry Genma."

Genma sighed, "Fine fine. But you seriously don't know what your missing out on." He winked. "Now how about we get a table then and get a few drinks. What'd you ladies say?"

Anko nodded with enthusiasm while Yuugao gave a light hearted shrug. She wasn't one to drink and had never really been to fond of the aftereffects of alcohol. Anko, on the other hand, could take down beer like a 300 pound man. It was a skill Yuugao secretly envied and pitied.

Genma suddenly stopped as he turned, looking back as a wide grin graced itself onto his lips, "Hey, Hayate, glad you came!"

"Evening." He waved as he smiled full heartedly, a small cough closely accompanied by it.

Anko beamed, "Hayate-kun! I never see you!"

He chuckled, "Sorry. I've been kind of busy."

Anko snorted, "Yeah you have! You almost never come out of your office! People are gonna think you're a zombie!"

"People already do." Genma replied smugly.

The three laughed, oblivious to Yuugao's sudden uncomfortable silence. She glanced up at Hayate through heavy lashes, studying him silently and hoping no one would notice. His smile was warm and inviting; his deep brown eyes alluring and entrancing. Gekkou Hayate.

Suddenly, he was looking to her, a smile still placed on his features, "Good Evening, Uzuki-chan."

She nodded, "Mm."

Genma stretched, "Lets go get a table before this place gets crowded."

"That's a good idea." Hayate nodded as he and Genma began to make their way through the dim lit bar. Yuugao turned and watched Hayate's retreating frame with the same look she had before, finding him somewhat mesmerizing. Anko couldn't help but notice her friend's sudden change in mood and the odd stare she was giving.

"It's not polite to stare." she cut in.

Yuugao looked over at her, "I know. It's just that-"

"He's back." Anko grinned, "You know, if you want, I'll take Genma and you can take Haya-"

"No!" Yuugao suddenly cried out, causing a few people in the room to look over at her. Her cheeks tinted a light shade of red as she looked down at the floor, suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed by her outburst and her staring at Hayate a few seconds ago.

Anko laughed as she patted her on the back, "I was just kidding. You certainly have been acting strange."

"I know. I haven't gotten much sleep due to work."

"Ah, another work zombie. Hopefully you wont work yourself to death."

Yuugao smiled, "I know. But I like to take the risk."

Anko sniggered as she took a seat at the table with Hayate and Genma. Yuugao quickly sat next to her, immediately looking around the room at the other faces in the bar. A middle-aged red haired waitress came to the table and quickly took the orders before leaving to get their drinks ready.

"So, I take it everything went well on your latest mission, Hayate?" Anko asked.

"Yes. The mission, though it was long and tiring, went very smoothly. I'm glad to say that it's over and that I wont have to be worrying about long term assignments for a while." he smiled, "But that's not as interesting as your stories, I'm sure."

Genma shook his head, "Nah. Missions can sometimes be more exciting than this place. Nothing new here in my life, other than a lot more work and less play."

"I second that." Anko raised her hand somewhat playfully as she held her dango in the other, "I haven't really had time to just go out and enjoy myself! I've had so much paperwork stacked on my desk that I'm sure we wiped out a whole forest to make. But then again, it's nowhere near the size on Hayate's desk. Poor guy will be buried with papers."

"I rather not think about that." Hayate shook his head.

The four of them laughed as the waitress finally brought their orders, handing them to each of them before winking at Genma and walking away. Hayate glanced up at Yuugao, a soft smile placed on his features, "And what about you, Uzuki-chan? I trust you have been well?"

Yuugao glanced up at him, nodding, "Yes, everything has been well. Basically what Anko said."

"Ah, Yuugao, surely you have more to say than that!" Anko poked her in the arm jokingly, "Come on now, open up!"

Yuugao shook her head, "Honestly, my life hasn't been all that fascinating! Just training, working, missions, and family." she looked down to her drink, taking a sip of it before setting it down.

Genma shrugged, "I'm sure a young single girl ANBU has a lot of exciting things to tell. I can still remember the story you told us about the first B-ranked mission you went on."

"That was a long time ago though." she chuckled. "Perhaps you have a good story to tell?"

There was a moment of silence as he thought, "Oh! Well, I have to tell you what happened to me the other day. I don't think I've told you yet." he looked at their blank faces, "Okay…so I'm going to the-"

Yuugao glanced over to the dark brown haired man across the table, not very interested in Genma's story on the account of he had already told her. It had been so long since she had last seen Hayate, much less talked to him outside of work. His sudden appearance made her happy, but yet all together nervous and confused. She could only wonder if perhaps the feeling in her stomach was caused by the alcohol or a sudden illness. Suddenly his dark brown eyes met hers, causing her to quickly look away.

"-and so then I said to the guy, who was obviously trying to get on my nerves with his-"

She looked back over at him, this time catching his intent gaze. He smiled, causing her to grin back at him, repressing a giggle at the thought of the two of them both completely ignoring Genma's story. Her smile stayed as she looked back over at Genma, who was still telling his story with the utmost enthusiasm. She rested her chin on her hand, trying to figure out what Genma was saying, Hayate doing the same.

"-and I haven't seen him yet! Can you believe the idiocy of people?"

Anko burst out laughing, Yuugao joining in shortly after, followed closely along by Hayate. Genma, thoroughly satisfied with his story telling, took a quick swig of his drink, practically downing all of it before setting back on the table.

A few hours rolled by as they talked about both serious, but mainly humorous events that had gone on in their lives. Yuugao couldn't help but to keep glancing at the handsome Hayate, who returned her looks with a warm smile. Eventually, Genma got up from his seat before declaring that he would have a nasty hangover in the morning. Anko, agreeing with him, left shortly after him, leaving Hayate and Yuugao at the table.

"Seems like it's been forever, huh?" Hayate asked calmly.

Yuugao smiled, "Yea, it's been quite a while since I've last seen you, much less since we were able to talk outside of missions."

Hayate chuckled, "I guess so…" He coughed a bit, holding up a fist to help hide his mouth.

There was a long moment of silence before either of them said anything. Before she could ever remember, Hayate had always had that bad cough. It wasn't contagious, she was sure, but he was always getting sick. She frowned at the thought.

"So…when's your next mission?" she asked curiously.

He shrugged, "I'm not to sure, really. I have yet to look through the newest papers on my desk. You?"

"I see…I think I have one coming up very soon." she replied honestly.

"How soon?"

"A month or so. I'm not to sure about the details, but I think it's going to end up being an B-rank, or even an S-ranked mission. I hope it's an easy one so I can get through it quickly."

"Matters such as those shouldn't be rushed." he replied.

"I guess so…But I really need a break. It's been nothing but missions for a while now."

"I know. What with the Chuunin exams coming up."

"Exactly. I hope Hokage-sama will have everything under control."

"He will." he coughed again, this time three times in a row.

"You still have that bad cough, huh?" she asked.

He smiled wearily, "Yeah…"

"Well, I really should be getting home." she stood up, "You go home to. You look tired and I really don't want that cough getting worse. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

Hayate stood up with her, "You're right, I should be getting home. Since my apartment is on the way there, I'll walk you home."

"You don't need to walk me all the way there. Your apartment is in a whole other direction." she objected quickly as he moved towards her. Honestly, she would enjoy the company, but having a man walk her home sometimes made her feel a bit needy and dependant.

Hayate smiled, "It's not right for a young lady like yourself to go home alone, Uzuki-chan."

Her cheeks reddened a bit as she turned away from him, "Fine."

Hayate chuckled as they both walked out of the bar, the cold air of the late night suddenly making them realize that they had been in the warm bar for a longer time than expected. Only the soft wind and the sound of chimes could be heard, making it seem as if it was only them on the streets.

Hayate glanced down at her, taking note of her smaller frame. She only stood at about 5'6 while he was 5'8. "You know, I think you've gotten a bit taller."

She glanced up at him, "Either that or your shrinking."

He coughed, "I would hope not."

The rest of the way they said nothing as they passed by some familiar faces down the road. Reaching her apartment, she looked over to him and thanked him. They both lingered there for a moment before she outstretched her hand and began to open the door, saying another thank you while she did so.

"Uzuki-chan."

She turned and looked back up at him, "Hayate, please, call me Yuugao. There's no need to be formal." She smiled.

He smiled sheepishly, "Okay…" He looked to the ground, pocketing his hands before continuing, "It's been so long since I last saw you; since we were able to see each other outside of work."

She looked to the ground, "I know. You were gone a long time…"

His smile faded a bit, "I know, and I am sorry. I didn't want to be gone for so long, but you can never truly calculate how long a mission is."

"Yeah. But at least your home." she smiled cheerfully as she looked up at him, "Maybe now that we both have free time, we can catch up. It's been…About…" she thought for a moment as she began counting her fingers, "About a good few months since we were able to really enjoy each other's company."

He laughed, "Well, once you become a Chuunin, there's no going back. Becoming a Jounin doesn't exactly make work easier." He coughed.

She smiled, "I missed you…"

His smile turned soft, his laughing ceasing as he looked down at her fondly. He slowly leaned forward, kissing her tenderly on her forehead, the action causing an electric feeling rush up her back. "I missed you to. I hope you have a good night. I'll see you in the morning." he whispered as he pulled away, a warm inviting smile set on his features.

She felt her cheeks grow hot as she nodded, "Good night." He smiled and nodded before turning and making his way down the stairs. Yuugao went inside rather quickly, suddenly feeling warm and electrified. She shut the door quietly behind her, taking in a deep breath as she got inside. The last time she had actually talked to Hayate, much less spent time alone with him was almost a year or so ago; possibly even longer. The 21 year old let out yet another sigh before slumping on the burgundy colored couch in a rather lazy school girl fashion. She let her feet hang over the side as she stared up at the white ceiling. She couldn't help but think back on when they were younger, the memory often giving her a sense of comfort.

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