The Red Fox And The Rat: Coffee
Several months have passed since the 4th Ninja War ended, since we claimed our victories, since everything's gone back to normal. Or at least, that's what I would like to say as things have gotten a little…hetic? No, that doesn't seem right. How about busy?
After our combined alliance of shinobi during the War, it was suggested that each Village send a representative to act as an ambassador between nations and keep the peace. The two choices giving those selected were either occasional visits or to live within the Village. I chose visitation option in which I visit and stay for a week or two, to give me a little vacation time away from home (though I heard Subaku Temari of the Sand took up residence in a heartbeat. Something to do with one of the strategist being an old acquaintance of hers…).
One of the responsibilities was to receive specific documents from our homes-be they requests, politics, or the economy-and deliver them to whichever Kage we happened to be placed under. Because I have only arrived a couple of days ago, Lady Tsunade had decided not to have me take missions at the moment, to get me used to my environment (not that I'm complaining, really, since I get to relax).
As I had walked through the streets to the Hokage's mansion this morning, I did happen to notice looks of fellow early birds. Since I wasn't in active duty, I wore my favorite civilian outfit: a knee-high golden sun-dress, a pair of white sandals, and a white bandana which pulled back my red hair and only showed my mother's golden hoops rather than have my ears poke out. Though regardless of how much I attempted to blend in, it was hard not when you're as dark skinned as I am.
It had taken only a few moments to complete my task, and after having her thank and dismiss me, I wondered what I was to do with the rest of my day. Having step out of the mansion, I was lost in my own thoughts. It wasn't until a voice pulled me away from them: "You're the woman from before…the one who beat up Naruto." I blink to find standing before me a pale pretty boy, who was wearing oversized black clothes. He looked familiar as if I had seen him somewhere…. "Naruto? I asked confused.
I felt my eyes widened, as I remembered where I had heard that name before: an image of a blond shinobi came to mind. Killer Bee spoke highly of him after we had returned home, which is why I committed him to memory. "Oh, you mean Killer Bee's friend," I said, a slight smirk forming on my lips, "Whiskers!" I couldn't keep my voice from sound happy about remembering someone who was close to my sensei. Then I realized what exactly he was asking, and narrowed my eyes. "What of it?" I growled at this boy.
The boy didn't back away as I took a step forward, not even flinching at my slight advance. "Are you not remorseful of what you did?" He asked me out straight. It was the question in itself that had reminded me of why he was familiar: he had been the same one to stop me from beating his comrade. I backed off a little, crossing my arms. "Pfft, of course not," I replied, a slight blush at remembering how badly I had beat the poor guy and all the while thinking 'Of course I am! He did train with my teacher and after learning about him from some of his comrades, I have no other choice but to feel guilty.' "I did what I had to for my sensei!"
"So you still harbor animosity towards Naruto?" I felt my face heat up at the question, instinctively getting defensive as I barked at him.
"I never hated him to begin with! I was just….annonyed at the moment…and he let me vent!" I think I saw him give a slight blink of confusion but it might have just been the sun getting in my eyes. 'Just what is he thinking? He's harder to read then Samui!' I couldn't help but think as I tried to read his face and expressions for emotion…
"Would you care me for coffee?" Where the hell did that come from? One second this guy's asking me if I hate his friend and then ask to accompany for coffee! Though I did really want to try some of the Konoha's specialties while I was here, and going with someone was definitely better than going alone. I dropped my head, sighing with my eyes closed before shrugging my shoulders and saying, "Why not?"
We arrived to the nearest coffee shop, taking a nearest table to the door. I glanced out the window, only catching glimpses of the people that walk by the window. A young waitress who oddly reminded me of a chipmunk came to our table, speaking so fast that the only thing that I picked up was "I'll give you a moment," after handing us our menus and before she skipped away in with her extremely too happy self. I picked up the menu as and scanned over what they had to offer us, occasionally peeking over the edge to look at my companion.
He hadn't said much as we had made our way here, and didn't seem like the type of guy to do small talk—was it because he didn't know how or because he saw no point in it? This time I did happen to look a bit confused at the menu before. Was it possible I was the only one not a little nervous about this? "So what would you do you think you will be getting—" Crap! I still couldn't remember his name! I felt my face heat slightly again at my mistake, finishing the sentence regardless, "Um, what was your name again?"
"Sai," He replied, finally looking up and ready to order. "And you are Karui." I lowered my menu a little at him calling my name. I hadn't introduced myself how could he have—""You helped out Kiba during the war and befriended Hinata at that time as well. I've heard great things from you from both," I lowered the menu to the table, looking him square in the eye.
A smile couldn't help but creep itself onto my face at the mention of my two friends! Hinata was as sweet as can be but was someone who I wouldn't want to have as an enemy (especially when it involved Naruto. After see told me what happened I knew not to touch him again!). And Kiba, well he was a little wild, but his loyalty to his friends and protectiveness of Hinata gave him good points in my book. Also he wasn't too bad on the eyes, so it was always good to know a handsome guy like him. "I remember you too, Sai. Omoi mentioned you a couple times during his rants. And really, now? How's dog breath and the princess doing?"
"Dog breath? Princess?" I saw Sai give it a moment to think about the two nicknames (it was obvious as to why Kiba was dog breath and considering that Hinata is the heir to the Hyuuga, I thought it fitting to call her that). "They are fine." Not too long afterwards, the waitress, whose name was Brittany according to the name tag, appeared again. She speedily took our order and returned to use in a matter of minutes. I stirred my drink after adding a few cubes of sugar, and blew before taking a sip. Watching from the corner of my eye, I noticed Sai didn't even reach for the sugar or cream but mimicked my blowing.
The next thing I knew, my dress was soaking wet with hot coffee! I give a cry of shock, jumping up and stand up to face him. I'm angry yes, but now I know why he's been acting so strange about the coffee thing and while he looked so lost. This had to be first time in a coffee shop, though if so why invite me to a place he had never been too? The whole situation was funny as I gave it some thought, laughing at it all. "W-what?" I finally uttered after my laughter shifted to mere chuckles. "Is that your first coffee, Sai?" A little pink appeared in his cheeks, causing to me to again laugh. I'll have to have another cup with him and show him how it should be drunk next time. But for now, it looks like I made a new friend over Konoha coffee!
