"You should see just how out of it you look from here," A broad-shouldered man of uniform and subtle drawl. One tall drink of water. "Wake the hell up."
Raidō Namiashi scoffed, flustered at their situation. Frosty night air cut through his vest and chilled the bones. "I'm ready to go home."
"To say that out loud, wow," He bit down on the syringe-like weapon he used as a toothpick before flicking his wrist to the wind. "can't you see the importance of what we're doing at this very moment? We're protectin' the whole village from all the evil that lurks in the shadows. You don't see hundreds of enemies headed for Konoha as we speak? No? Yeah, me neither."
"Please, Genma, be quiet." He peered through the darkness, where the sun would rise sometime that morning. Blank. A good word to describe the landscape. Silence was not eerie, merely peaceful nowadays. Regardless, they remained perched loyally atop the tower. Anybody could see everything quite well from that particular, convenient angle.
"Nah, really, I love standing here for hours on end," His tone expressed a certain amount of sarcasm, "what better things do I have to do?"
"Well, sleep sounds pretty good," Raidō said in a matter-of-fact way, leaning lazily on the rail. It was almost useless to keep up with weeks or months or which day it was in their world. Consistent, predictable, uneventful. Life got back to normal fairly quickly. Simply two men doing their job. Guarding the village they had taken sacred oaths to protect. However, it didn't mean they loved every second of it, all the time. Frankly, he didn't always appreciate the sarcasm, either.
"Whatever, I'm starving. Nothing's open at this hour," Genma complained, fantasies of food enough to make him salivate. If he concentrated, he swore that it was possible to catch a whiff of sweet pumpkin broth in the distance. Anything sounded good right about then. Imagined the texture, the flavor, every single detail..
"That bar on the strip should still be open," He crossed his arms, exaggerating the mood by yawning audibly. Clawed at colorless eyes, as if to wipe away the dreariness. He would be considerably more handsome, Genma had decided, without that ugly slash of a scar across his face. Maybe even competition.. "I'm going to bed, though."
"I don't remember inviting you, anyways," The experienced Shiranui removed the senbon from his mouth to better smirk effectively.
Raido copied his friend's sigh, "We'll be here all night, man."
"I need food," He repeated, "Sleep later."
Both stiffened at the presence suddenly upon them, a voice that sounded just as weary; only he really was stuck there. Valued higher than all, especially compared to the two shinobi before him. He was to be guarded at the cost of lives, if necessary.
"I want to thank you gentlemen for staying on such late notice," He donned the garb of Hokage, minus the ridiculous hat. Too professional. White robe, mask, apathetic nature, typical Kakashi.
"No problem, we're here to service the village," Raidō wondered if he heard their conversation, stammering over the issue of how to address his former classmate. Things kept awkward at first, but he seemed to be transitioning into the role well.
"I do appreciate it. Take off for the night. Rest."
"You sure you can handle things on your own?" Genma teased lightly, the obvious nonexistence of their relationship being spotlighted.
"You two have done more than enough tonight," The Sixth meant to compliment them, gazing out into the village with a look of serious contemplation.
He felt the despondent vibe Kakashi was so famous for emanating, the cold stare enough to make him regret asking twice. He couldn't help but think of all the hours he had to spend in that office, locked away with thousands of boring assignments. Enough paperwork to last lifetimes, a prison that also served as a kingdom. Then again, he must have been the most cherished man around. A celebrated war hero, burdened with ample responsibility. Wasn't sure whether to pity or envy him.
"Let us know if you need anything."
"I insist.. go home, please."
He didn't seem happy, Genma noted. For a leader, that is. So he chose pity for the moment.
With that, the Jōnin found his way to the bar in solitude. Raidō had stayed true to the promise of not joining him, but it wasn't like he needed company to eat food. Now that was a woman thing.
"Another," She slurred, cheek to the counter. "Now!"
Genma leered at the purple head of hair, delicious scents prompting him to take a seat. "Anko Mitarashi.. Getting drunk before sunrise? Alone? Where's the fun in that?"
She picked herself up clumsily, looking at him, but not exactly seeing him visually. She had been there for a while. "Don't ask me questions. I'm done."
"I'm going to cut you off, now, miss Anko."
Her protests manifested into noisy outbursts, cussing the owner with a nasty vocabulary. He ignored her childish mutters as he placed his order. This place was frequented by their generation. It aged into the perfect hangout for Jōnin, once they became old enough to drink. Years ago..
"Why are you here?"
"Well, excuse me," Genma feigned disbelief, as if acknowledging he didn't belong there.
"Why are you here?" Anko asked again, staring at her empty glass with sad eyes before whispering, "this night won't end."
Spitting out the senbon, he tried not to lose himself in a savory taste of hot broth, only paying her half attention. "Came from the tower."
She stole some sips of his drink after hearing that. "Oh. Sorry."
"For what?"
"You had to.. don't guard that son of a bitch."
"He isn't worth it," She said, brash tone hidden under a drunken exterior.. like she knew what she was saying.
Despite being a little stupefied, Genma tried not to let it show. Her personal life didn't directly involve him, but he was not naive. The way she pressed her mouth to his ear in a hushed, secretive fashion during meetings; the way she smiled against his cheek when he looked away. Things that were not characteristic of Anko Mitarashi. The vague, favouring looks she and the Sixth exchanged. He did not care to imagine what went on between them, if anything. Disgusting.
"Not worth it," Ungracefully shaking off her beige overcoat, she used both arms as much-needed props. "not a good Hokage."
He was quiet as she vented, figuring he owed that much. They had known each other for a long time.
"I'm so sick of everybody. I guess it never changes."
He heard her talk nonsense, but to listen was more difficult. He couldn't figure out why she said what she said when not completely impaired, and definitely not in her current state. Something to do with Kakashi. Women were too emotional.
"Genma..." Staying silent going on several minutes, she acted as if she were only seeing him for the first time that night. "you're still here?"
"Yeah, Anko. I'm still here."
If he hadn't had sudden reflexes, he might not have caught her the moment she tried to get up. Standing was a poor choice nevertheless.
"I don't need your help," She wasn't aware of how heavily she leaned on him for support, "I'll get there.. eventually. By myself. Let go!"
Genma tossed enough money to cover both of them, because she would border the brink of unconsciousness sooner than later.
Her head lolled to the side, using his shoulder as a pillow. "You're.. still here?"
"This is exactly how I wanted to spend my night," He grumbled, slinging her coat around his neck.
Of the few times he actually got to physically touch her and she wouldn't fucking remember the next morning. He had hoped in the past she would fall on him in a much more different scenario. Preferably in a more voluntary, sober manner. "You're so damn wasted."
"Where we going?" Anko finally quit refusing, taking the slowest of steps he would allow.
"Back to your place," Genma answered lowly, frustrated with the unlucky task of dragging her back. He gripped her waist with his right hand, holding the other side of her up against him with little effort.
"Or.. we could go back to yours."
A/N;; Why are all the pairings I want to write for always so unpopular & unheard of, lol. I'm trying something new, anyways. Probably gonna span into a few chapters.. currently working on more than one plot line. Looking forward to everyone's reactions. Happy Labor Day!