DISCLAIMER: Naruto is the creation of Masashi Kishimoto. He owns and created these characters, woo!
Chapter Seven: Silly Games
The hotel that they had acquired had quite a lavish bathhouse. By the outward appearance Jiraiya could've sworn that his sensei's lip was wiggling with the thought of how much of his hard earned money would be tossed away on a bratty princess's need for comfort. The inside appearance only confirmed his suspicions. Even with the cost of a B-Rank mission, a jonin's salary probably wouldn't amount to one night's stay in the joint without maybe skipping out on a month's rent. Looks like Sarutobi-sensei's wife would be calling a cardboard box home for thirty-one days. Thankfully Aya's pudgy assistant informed the quartet they wouldn't have to pay a cent. Ah the perks of carrying around the wealthy.
Dirt was clouding the warm, clear water on the boy's side of the vast bathhouse. Orochimaru's eyes narrowed looking at his soot covered teammate. Wrinkling his white nose he couldn't comprehend Jiraiya's objection to rinsing off all the soot, grime, blood, and other particles he had gained in battle before coming into the relaxing bath. There was also the matter of him trying not to stare at his well endowed partner who was now fully submerged beneath the clouding surface.
In a frenzy of white hair the sage resurfaced letting out a breath of relaxation and ease. His silver eyes immediately darting towards what looked like a flustered Orochimaru. It may have been the heat in the bathhouse, but he could've sworn the boy had a red tint to his pale cheeks. Not like it mattered that was the effect the humidity mixed with the unusual hot water had on many. Unlike himself, the raven-haired boy probably wasn't a seasoned veteran when it came to bathhouses.
Stretching a brazen grin crossed his face realizing what the wall concealed behind it. "Want to play a game?"
A game? Orochimaru never thought anything good would come from the word 'game' being mentioned in a bathhouse. Right now he was more focused on keeping his eyes above the water while making sure he kept his composure. Oh why did Sarutobi-sensei have to be on guard duty outside? Perhaps a game would make him feel more at ease in this extremely awkward situation. Bathing with Tsunade would be more comfortable then this, and the fact he hadn't even told his so-called 'best friend' was eating him a little on the inside. Secrets were hard to keep, even if he was slightly more superior to his friend.
The lack of response from Orochimaru only seemed to make the white-haired sage more determined to get him involved in the little game. Water was splashing around him; he closed his eyes tightly hoping that if he pretended to be sleeping that would make Jiraiya lose interest. No such luck. Something pressed against his body causing him to only open one eye with detached emotion. A smiling Jiraiya had placed his arm around him, grinning from ear-to-ear in a ploy to make him play the stupid game, whatever it was.
An annoyed expression crossed his face, but on the inside he was fighting the urge to look down. Showing emotion would be weak and careless of him. Jiraiya gave him a chum-like squeeze with the one arm wrapped around him. Any moment he was expecting his teammate to burst out with puppy-dog eyes alongside pouting lips.
"Fine," he grumbled reluctantly, shrugging his overly zealous teammate off his shoulder.
Wavy, flaxen hair fell to Tsunade's shoulders upon removing her hair-tie in the bathhouse. The water seemed to be exactly the right temperature for this sort of activity. Beside her sat a very pouty Princess Aya, her arm was supposed to be in a carefully woven sling, but had been removed against Tsunade's orders before entering the bathhouse. What a drag that she was the one who was stuck with Aya while her teammates were probably enjoying themselves on the other side of the wall. Being a kunoichi on an all-boy's team sucked. There was nothing for them to talk about since they both lived completely different lives.
Her golden eyes wandered sticking directly on Aya's endowments prominently displayed before her. Genetics seemed to be dooming her to a life sentence with the nickname of 'Flat-Chesty' while Aya, three years her junior, was following in the path of 'Jugs'. Sensing Tsunade's jealous gaze, Aya's piercing blue eyes shot open giving off a deliciously wicked stare alongside a smirk. Now that she was caught the kunoichi averted her eyes safely to the corner of the bathhouse with her cheeks glowing crimson.
"That Jiraiya's something." The statement came out of the blue, instantly capturing her attention towards the princess.
"Excuse me," she inquired trying to be as civil towards their client as possible.
A breath of pure delight left Aya now lifting up her slender leg to rub herbal soap over her fair skin. "I mean, if I was not plagued with this marriage I would have to pinch him from you."
Nervous laughter echoed from Tsunade's lips, now the crimson glow on her cheeks was becoming rash-like spreading all over her tan body. Had she given off the radiance of being the one who Jiraiya was tied down to? That was impossible; the princess had never seen them together besides when they first met at the gates. Anyways that idiot wasn't good enough for her. Unlike some people she had standards, but that one night she could've sworn a different side had come out. A tingling ran through her forehead where his lips had touched her bare skin for a mere few seconds.
"Me and that idiot? Don't be silly. He doesn't know the first thing about pleasing women instead all he cares about is jutsu over romance."
"I beg to differ. The boy is quite fluent in how to please women." The words flowed from Aya's pink lips like she was purring them.
It left Tsunade befuddled sitting in the steaming bath. Swallowing hard, she forced a smile to her face only to get a wink as a response from Aya. Envy was stewing beneath the surface feeling not up to the challenge of a beauty like this fair-skinned princess.
The fact anyone could be remotely attracted to her teammate was beyond her comprehension. Perhaps it was because she had known Jiraiya since they were young, running around the streets of Konoha playing ninja. That was back when boys were going through a cootie epidemic making them untouchable. When puberty hit while they were Team Sarutobi, Jiraiya seemed to blossom into a striking ninja leaving Tsunade lagging behind still flat-chested with frizzy blonde hair. Hostility sprang when girls began to notice the oblivious white-haired sage. Harsh words began flying and a competition was born where she was determined to be as strong as the boy who never seemed to take anything seriously.
A sigh escaped her, was this an intervention of sorts? To make her realize that something had been there all along but they were both too obstinate and self-absorbed to take notice. Names of short relationships came to mind. The longest either of them had lasted in the game of love was a week.
Matsuri was a kunoichi Jiraiya had claimed to 'date'. There wasn't too much dating instead it was them only saying 'hello' to each other a couple of times, her following around with affectionate eyes while he focused on combat, and they hugged, once. Eventually she got annoyed when she realized Jiraiya exchanged more words on an hourly basis with Tsunade then he did with her during an entire week. A messy break-up ensued ending with the girl running away in tears while Jiraiya shrugged not fully understanding what her deal was.
Okay, so she hadn't exactly helped when it came to Jiraiya's love life. Secretly she would pop up at the training grounds when he was training claiming she could throw more shuriken at target with bulls-eyes than he could. Matsuri couldn't compete with their rivalry.
Even if she didn't dabble in Jiraiya's love life, allowing him to drool over whoever he wanted like the dog he was, she did take a small amount of pride in knowing that no one had taken his virginity. That pride lasted up until a few moments ago. Oblivious, slightly innocent Jiraiya couldn't have possibly gotten his act together for that. At seventeen he was an oddball, having the sex drive of an ant, only caring about his progression in the world of shinobi. Also the fact that Sarutobi-sensei gave them 'the talk' didn't make them more hormonal either.
"Is that so?" Cocking an eyebrow, Tsunade was trying her best to not get up and punch the overly catty princess before her.
Princess Aya gave a very satisfied smile.
"This is a wretched game, Jiraiya."
The two boys were pressed against the wooden wall diving the men's and women's bathhouses; nude. While Jiraiya was scanning the wall looking for the perfect place Orochimaru stood there feeling more uncomfortable then he did when he was in the bath. The game was stupid, juvenile, and something that Jiraiya took obvious pleasure in doing. How did he ever learn about this game in the first place? It's not something they had ever played while they were studying at the Academy, that's for sure. Droplets of water from Orochimaru's hair were dripping onto the floor as a chill ran through his body. Raising his slender arms up to cover his bare body he watched his teammate still studying the wall carefully.
"What I would give to be a Hyuuga. Their Byakugan would be very useful right now, don't you think?"
Jiraiya with Byakugan, what a scary thought; Orochimaru shuddered at the thought. Finally the bushy-haired boy discovered what he was looking for all along. Placing his hands together, he focused his chakra to the soles of his feet confidently walking up the wall to the top where there was an opening between the men's and women's bathhouses. At first Orochimaru stood his ground, watching his friend peering over the small opening into the next room. There was no way in hell, he was going up there to peep at one of his teammates and the girl they were escorting bathing.
"Would you hurry up," Jiraiya almost whined the statement feeling that somehow he couldn't allow the pale-boy to miss a perfect opportunity.
What sounded like a grumble came from a reluctant Orochimaru before he finally complied, scaling the wall before him. There wasn't much to see, it seemed like a standard bunch of naked girls. Obviously Jiraiya seemed to be overjoyed, but he wasn't too sure it was for the reasons most people played this 'game'.
An exasperated sigh came from Orochimaru's direction causing Jiraiya to look at him peculiarly. There was something lingering on the tip of his teammate's elongated tongue. "Who taught you this ludicrous game?"
"Sarutobi-sensei!" That was an expected answer. "The main goal is to see how long we can, well he calls it 'observe', but it's more of a peep at the girls before we get caught."
So their sensei was a closeted pervert dragging an unknowing and impressionable young shinobi into his sick and twisted world. Wonder what his wife thought of this little game he made up. Once again, Jiraiya was ready to speak.
"He says that if I can conceal myself in a place like the bathhouse for long periods of time then my camouflage skills will be exceptional."
Apparently Sarutobi-sensei knew how to BS his way through any situation. In the back of his mind, Orochimaru could already imagine the scene when they get caught by the Konoha police force. Casually he would explain that he was teaching a young student how to conceal themselves well enough for the already on guard ladies in the bathhouse not to sense their presence. No wonder Sarutobi was one of the best ninja in their village.
Both of them hung onto the edge of the wall in silence; it was apart of the game. Periodically Orochimaru's gaze would dwindle on his teammate who was taking it a little too seriously. How dense can one person be?
Oh no, he thought pulling his head below the edge of the open space. Princess Aya had been looking up in his direction. Unfortunately Jiraiya didn't even notice still probably looking at Tsunade shamelessly, even if he would never own up to it. If Tsunade caught them 'observing' then it would be curtains. Carefully he began tugging on his troublesome teammate's foot alerting him to come down before it was too late. Rolling his eyes Jiraiya ignored him probably feeling the need to still prove himself as better at the game.
Ugh, how annoying his overly determined this idiot was.
"Hello there, Jiraiya," a composed voice echoed through the woman's bathhouse.
Defeated, it had only been at least a half hour. Jiraiya watched feeling disappointed as the princess pushed a delicate tress of her fair hair behind one ear. "You have already seen enough of me, no?"
Vacantly Tsunade stared at Princess Aya wondering who she was talking to. There was no way that Jiraiya could've been spying on them. Wasn't there a wall in between them? Well she might as well see what Aya thought was to be her teammate. Most likely she was just playing a joke to ruffle her feathers.
"What the hell are you doing?" That was one of the first times Jiraiya had actually seen Tsunade move that fast. A towel was haphazardly wrapped around her body when she was hurling those words in his direction.
"Practicing," he answered simply still grinning from ear to ear while below him Orochimaru was flippantly banging his head against the wall.
The rest of the night was spent in separate rooms of the hotel. A room was shared between the four boys while the two girls had their own across the hallway. Only a few hours ago, Jiraiya had seen his female comrade in the buff but hadn't thought much of it at the time. Now it was becoming a little perplexing. To save him from the well-known 'Wrath of Tsunade' his best buddy pulled him off of the wall then dragging him to safety where they changed, ever since then he hasn't had any contact with her. The sight of Aya's body didn't gain the same reaction that Tsunade's did; he felt a little embaressed like he shouldn't have even seen it in the first place.
Sleeping wasn't an option when his normally serene mind was troubled.
Sheets rustled in the bed next to him where Orochimaru was nestled. Big, brown eyes were now gazing at him through the darkness. Everytime there was something bothering him, Orochimaru always seemed to sense it then giving his two-cents. Since Sarutobi-sensei was such a light sleeper, they would have to keep it below a whisper.
"If you are so troubled by Tsunade-hime, then perhaps you should discuss it with her."
That wasn't an option for Jiraiya, in his mind he should just leave it be. "What troubles me is the fact you still call her 'Tsunade-hime' from time to time."
"It's hard to overlook the known fact that she's the granddaughter of the First Hokage. Don't try to evade the subject at hand," Orochimaru paused shifting slightly beneath the sheets. "Just do it."
The ending words were harsh like Orochimaru was commanding him to go and apologize. Whatever, he never apologized and there was nothing for him to apologize about. The silence was domineering. Even though the raven-haired boy's eyes were closed in an attempt to slumber, Jiraiya felt like he was still staring at him. The scattered rhythm of his breathing gave away that he was still awake and waiting for Jiraiya to do or say something.
"Humph," Jiraiya pushed the covers off of his body exposing the fact he was only wearing boxers to bed. With his arms folded behind the back of his head, he casually strolled outside of the bedroom giving an effortless, "I'm going for a walk."
The wooden door to Tsunade's room slid open swiftly but quietly, in an abortive attempt to not awaken anyone. Brushing it off, she snuggled deep into her pillow believing that it was probably Aya going for a visit to the bathroom or something. Footsteps echoed softly throughout the room stopping at foot of her bed. Since her bed was by the window, maybe Aya was gazing at the stars. Princesses tended to be weird like that. The bed sunk at the bottom, shaking as something moved its way slowly to where her upperbody was.
Okay… was the princess trying to kill her?
Now her guard was fully up as she still struggled to create the illusion of slumber. Moments passed and nothing changed, the person in question was still lingering on the side of her like they were struggling with a difficult decision. The something began shaking her slightly. It felt like she was a mother and a child was entering her room to tell her that they had a bad dream. Letting out a downcast moan, her golden eyes opened slightly to see a bushy-haired shadow looming over her.
"Wanna go get a drink?" Ugh, it was Jiraiya looking down at her with what seemed like anxious eyes.
"We're seventeen," she groused pulling a nearby pillow over her face.
What sounded like a sigh came from his direction. "That didn't seem to matter at the Christmas par-…"
A harsh hand clasped over his mind from the overly aggressive girl, now disturbed from his simple statement. "Fine, whatever."
The drinking type was something Tsunade would've never pegged Jiraiya as, but there they were sitting at a bar in an awkward silence. On the way to the bar they walked in silence both taking in the unfamiliar sights of the small town they had randomly entered. Where they first stopped was what they thought was a bar. It gave off the illusion of a bar but they probably should've gotten a hint that it wasn't since the windows were tinted. Girls dancing everywhere in skimpy outfits meant they stumbled somewhere unwanted that Tsunade had to practically drag her teammate out of. Curiosity was what was telling him to stay and watch.
Both sat at the counter watching the hustle and bustle of the staff. The streets behind them were still lively with late-night costumers hopping from shops, bars, and clubs. It was late and they had snuck out of the hotel in their pajamas, well Jiraiya was wearing his boxers while Tsunade was at least wearing a robe. In the back of her mind, she was cursing herself for not forcing him to change fully before they went out. Why did she even consent to this?
A slender brunette hopped to the counter eyeing them in a way that she wanted their orders.
An arm had now found its way around Tsunade's shoulder, the look on her face probably read bothered, but Jiraiya seemed to just go on pressing her slightly against his body while saying, "Two drinks for me and my woman!"
Somehow her elbow magically jabbed its way into Jiraiya's rib-cage after the waitress had tattled off. Feeling accomplished, she beamed when he hit the ground with a thump now clutching his chest in agony.
"I was t-t-trying to make ourselves look older," he sputtered still clutching his rib-cage when he took his seat back on the stool next to her. "Man, you're extremely bitchy sometimes."
His elbow made a harsh noise when he plopped it against the counter feeling Tsunade's eyes full of hate glaring at him. Maybe he had picked the wrong choice of words. Something in the pit of his stomach was agreeing.
"I wouldn't be so bitchy if you weren't trying to freaking sneak a peak at me and the person we're escorting in the bathhouse. Do you know how pathetic that was? You're nothing but an immature, embarrassment to the entire village."
Voices were rising. The words were become harsh, cutting thick into his ego. Now he was feeling anger boiling up inside of him.
"Sorry, if I embarrass you, princess. If you think so little of me then why did you agree to come here?"
"Because you asked." The words flowed from Tsunade's mouth with no doubt in them, coming purely on a whim.
Once again, silence. Both staring at each other with scowls and narrowed eyes. No one was going to move any muscle. Now the anger was vanishing, Jiraiya felt slightly stupid for even asking and Tsunade feeling foolish for saying he was an embarrassment. Sometimes he just drove her crazy. With a pout on his face, Jiraiya looked away leaving her still staring at him now baffled.
"Tsunade…" Jiraiya was now meekly turning back to her, feeling Orochimaru's words pounding in the back of his mind. Spill it, now is the perfect time even if she's so difficult.
Receptively she waited feeling a lingering amount of dread. The response he was about to give could either be positive or negative. Why, oh why, did she have to open her big mouth? Could teammates really be something more? Right now she couldn't really go on the way they were now with an unspoken animosity running between them. She did make a complete idiot of herself during their last battle when she believed he had been blown to smithereens.
Slowly and slightly he leaned forward as if he was asking permission to breathe the same air. It was too be expected since she had punched him one too many times for being in her bubble. Her response was leaning forward a little. Right now everything seemed to be building up.
Two small glasses were slammed down on the counter in front of them catching them off guard. Jiraiya spun fretfully in the stool trying to regain his composure with a grin while Tsunade pouted slightly sending a glare towards the waitress behind the counter. Only one word was in her mind, damn, damn, damn!
It was such bad luck.
Tsunade's nerves were pinching, quite positive that she was sweating through her robe while Jiraiya seemed to be remaining collected at her side. For the fourth time she poured herself another drink swiftly pouring down her throat all it once. Wow, she had forgotten how great alcohol could be. With every second passing she could feel more relaxed.
In awe, Jiraiya watched her suck another couple of drinks back while his finger danced around the rim of his minute glass. Drinking and Tsunade were not a good combination. It was only the second time he had ever seen her drink but the first time was enough to learn that she was a lightweight but took too much pleasure in the tart drink. Wasn't she was one protesting only a couple hours ago about how they were too young? He was too focused on making sure she didn't keel over from alcohol poisoning. If a medical ninja was in need of help then they would have a trouble. Her cheeks began to glow crimson.
Well Orochimaru's advice sure was not helping. When he tried to tell her it only seemed to force her to the bottle.
A loud giggle came from Tsunade's direction. Glancing in her direction only seemed to endorse more giggling. It was like the Christmas Party all over again. That was the single most unconventional night of his life and when he learned to keep his nose out of her affairs. Adorning herself in a light blue grown, she entered immediately brushing by himself and Orochimaru to go chat up some boy by the name of Fudo. When Fudo offered her a drink, that's when she seemed to acquire a taste. Drink after drink made her more attatched to the hip of Fudo, who was notoriously known around the village as a womanizer. When Jiraiya tried to interject all he did was get snapped at by Tsunade so he retreated back to his corner with Orochimaru.
How the boy became a top ANBU Black Op would forever remain a mystery to him. Jiraiya knew how he would operate. First, offering a girl a drink, if it was nonalcoholic then he would spike it, to relax her. Second, he would charm her until she was too drunk to think. Third, he would offer to walk them home only he wouldn't take them home.
That night, Tsunade was his target and watching him leave with her only made Jiraiya clutch his glass until it broke in his hands. If Fudo's goal was accomplished that night was something he never learned. Drinking only seemed to make Tsunade more compliant with whatever anyone around her wanted her to do and apparently more flirtatious.
Closing time at the bar forced her to finally put down her coveted bottle. Side-by-side they walked, well Jiraiya walked while Tsunade staggered, down the street. It was getting a little too late for his liking and by the alignment of the moon in the sky he could tell morning would be coming soon. Sarutobi-sensei wouldn't be very pleased if he found out where they had gone. A wallop sounded behind him only to reveal Tsunade face-planted into the ground. Letting out a sigh, he eased her slowly onto his back thinking it would be the easiest and safest way to make it back to the hotel alive.
"I can w-walk ya know," her words were slowed together. Obviously her mouth wasn't up to speed with her mind since she was now joyfully resting against his back.
When Orochimaru had mentioned taking her out this wasn't what he had expected. A feeling of relief flushed through his body when he set her down softly on her bed. He expected for her to instantly fall to sleep but instead her big, golden eyes were looking up at him with tears brimming on the edges. Now what had he done?
"Please don't," even if her words were slurred by the amount of alcohol running through her bloodstream there was a certain amount of dread evident in her voice.
Before responding his eyes scanned the room seeing Aya sleeping soundly in the bed near the door. A mask was over her eyes and he imagined that she probably had earplugs in, that's usually how princess-types were. Finally curiosity spread over him, "Do what?"
Tsunade erupted into uncontrollable crying leaving Jiraiya all the more mystified. Crying girls was something he had never dealt with before. What was he supposed to do to make her stop?
"F-F-Fudo," she choked out not bothering to rub the tears from her cheeks or her now running nose. Somehow he reminded her of something that happened with that guy. "Just don't."
Somehow she is becoming more inarticulate as she sputters out her emotions. Mentioning the words 'that night' only seemed to make her burst into more uncontrollable crying. Slowly he extended his hand forward in an attempt to comfort her only to have her recoil seeming as terrified as ever. For a moment he looked down at his hand, piecing together a picture in his mind. There they were sitting in a hotel room, she was drunk, and he was male.
Gently he took a seat next to her on the edge of the bed, feeling like he could be punched at any moment. The fact that someone could ever take advantage of a girl like her was a little unusual. Her strength was mind-blowing and she was stubborn, but apparently when she was drunk it all vanished. Someone had noticed that about her, and his name was Fudo. Jiraiya's eyebrows furrowed at the thought of someone taking advantage of her like that. The memory was obviously a little painful for her, so he decided not to press her for information.
"I won't do that to you and I won't allow anyone to do ever do that to you again." It seemed like a heavy promise but he was pretty sure he could keep it. In the morning she probably wouldn't even remember this entire nightmare.
The response he got was unlike her. Sniffling she fell backward onto the bed, curling into a small ball tugging him down with her. This was the more flirtatious side of her being drunk. She was lying on her side now snuggling into his shoulder while he was lying flat on his back fighting his face flushing.
A yawn escaped her, now she was falling asleep. "You're going to keep me safe?"
Apparently old Tsunade was returning since the words were snarky and doubtful, but still she seemed to really be curious. Simply he responded knowing she would only be conscious for a few more moments, "Yup."
Now Jiraiya was stuck in the hotel room opposite of his own with Princess Aya only a few feet away from him and Tsunade using him as a human pillow. What an odd turn of events. Orochimaru was probably half awake wondering where he had disappeared off to. Later he would slip out from underneath her returning to his room nonchalantly, but right now he was basing his situation off of a weird strain of luck.
End of Chapter Seven. It's progressing slowly.
This chapter shows the sprouting of Jiraiya's pervy side, while Tsunade can obviosuly hold her liquor now that she's older. The end was a little sweet, but whatever. They had to make some progress sooner or later. The 'Fudo' event will probably come up in later chapters even though I totally made it up. Jiraiya will somehow have to deal with that for her. Along those lines Tsunade will probably discuss Aya's obvious lie about sleeping together with Jiraiya. Right now, I made her a little meek about the situation.
Orochimaru will not end up having a crush on Jiraiya. It's not going to be SasuNaru-esk. He's just a curious little creature.
They're slowly coming into their adult personas which is what the story is about, how they became the way they are now.
Thank you to everyone who reads and reviews. It means a lot. Sorry for the slight wait, but I wanted "Strumming Along" to progress since this story will probably be finished before that one. My writing's gotten better, so hee hee.
Once again, thank you. :D!
