"Gai, do you have to sit so close to me? It's hot enough without your overbearing body heat right next to me," Anko hissed, her arm outstretched to push Gai away from her. A satisfying smirk appeared on her features as he moved away to another sofa in the apartment.
"Beloved Rival of mine! How did you not know your AC unit was out today? You should have kept a better lookout, Kakashi!" Gai bellowed as he plopped down and fanned his face. If anyone actually paid attention, they totally would have known he was panting to try and keep cool.
Kakashi appeared from the back of the apartment and wiped his forehead with his bare arm. With it being so hot, Kakashi was practically naked in his tank, with attached mask, and long shorts on. "Gai, you do have your own apartment, don't you? Not that I don't mind having you here. But- Why are you here?"
After a moment, Gai stopped fanning himself then stood up, spun around, and gave Kakashi a thumbs up. "Because, my rival, I have a proposition for you!"
Anko groaned. "You're way too hyper for a hot day like today. Please, if you to do another dick measuring contest, please take it outside and far away from me. Thank you."
"Anko…" Kakashi sighed then ran a hand through his hair.
"Besides, we both know my dick is loads bigger than the both of yours," Anko added quickly and grinned broadly to her roommate and his rival. She shrugged at their stares. "Like you didn't expect this from me… But, changing the subject… How are things with you and Shizune? I noticed you two getting… cozy, mm?"
Gai didn't expect that to be brought up. His personal life was none of her business! Right? Besides, there was nothing going on between them. She's just the only medic who happens to not be busy whenever he goes in for a check up! There's nothing wrong with that. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Anko- Now, back to us, Kakashi! I say we swim five hundred laps! That way we cool off but keep up our rivalry!"
Kakashi was going to retort but that gave him an idea. "Maybe… but how about we go to the nearest beach resort and actually go on vacation? I believe we all have a few days off, right? It'll be perfect for relaxation and for cooling off."
The tokubetsu jonin beamed at that. Anko jumped from her seat and threw her hands into the air. "Hell yeah! I want to go to the beach! Anything's better than being cooped up here with nothing to do!" Anko nodded and grinned even more. "This'll be our own little mission. Just have fun! And… I think I know the perfect person to bring along with me. Since, you know, you two have each other. I need another lady friend!" A very evil sounding laugh left her throat as she bounded towards the door. "You two pack, I gotta invite my friend! Play nice you two!"
And with that, Anko left the apartment.
Silence seemed deafening. Mismatched eyes looked over to Gai as his brow rose curiously. "Gai, do you know where she's going to go?"
Gai looked slowly over to Kakashi and he shrugged. "Invite someone? Think it's going to be Kurenai, my rival?"
Kakashi chuckled softly then shook his head. "Gai… don't ever change, okay? Now, go. We gotta pack for our apparent vacation."
The Blue Beast grinned and gave Kakashi a thumbs up. "Right! I'll pack! Just let me know when we leave!"
"Alright, Gai. You'll be the first person to know." Kakashi waved when Gai left and shook his head again. "Gai… you're so oblivious… Anko's going to try to drag Shizune along."
xXx
A few days passed and all the preparations were complete. The impromptu vacation that Anko initiated was okayed by Tsunade and that's all the ninjas needed before they left.
But, they couldn't leave peacefully. No, Anko had to show off to her fellow ninjas at the gate.
"Aw, look at the two of you. Working away in this heat." A little grin appeared. "Make sure you both stay hydrated, Izumo! Kotetsu!"
Izumo grumbled, gaze looking onward as Kakashi, Gai, and Shizune walked past them. "How the hell did the lot of you get to go on vacation?"
Shizune clapped her hands together excitedly. "Anko invited me! I don't know exactly what happened… But, I don't even care! I haven't been on a vacation in years! Between helping Tsunade-sama… I've never had a moment to myself, actually…"
Anko's grin grew more. Her own agenda was to try and get Gai and Shizune together. She was able to sense the chemistry between them and knew that this trip could help them. Anko only hoped that Gai would be able to spend longer than five minutes away from Kakashi. But of course, her plan would be flawless! Getting them together, and relaxing at the beach, would be the main focus of the snake kunoichi.
Kakashi shrugged. "I was stockpiling my days off. So, I figured it would be better to use them now then never."
"Oh yeah. We all know you would work yourself to death, Kakashi," Kotetsu chimed in, wiping his nose childishly at his quip. The Chunin did respect Kakashi, however.
"You know I can go see Tsunade-sama right now and try to give you both a much harder mission than gate keeping. Anyone can do this," Kakashi replied and gave them both an innocent smile.
Gai wrapped his arm around Kakashi's shoulder. "Kakashi! Come on! Stop patronizing the gatekeepers! They're being youthful in their endeavor! Now, off we go!" He laughed, pointed, and started to run out the village.
Shizune laughed softly and shook her head. "Ah, Gai-san… He's certainly has loads of energy, doesn't he?" After a moment, she too followed out towards their destination.
Silence fell upon the four shinobi still at the gate entrance. They looked to one another, bid their farewells, and Kakashi and Anko left as well.
"I know you have some kind of ulterior motive inviting Shizune, Anko… And while I can't believe you're using our vacation to do this… I think this will do Gai some good."
"Aw, Kakashi. Thank you for seeing things my way. Watch, by the end of this vacation, Those two will be closer than ever!" Anko replied happily.
Kakashi chuckled. "How about you wait til the end of the vacation to see, hmm?"
Perhaps… after this vacation he and Anko will be closer as well.
xXx
All four shinobi arrived at the resort at the eastern edge of Hi no Kuni. The trip was uneventful, except for the occasional teasing from Anko and smart remarks from Kakashi. Gai and Shizune chatted and even stayed next to each other for most of the trip.
'All according to plan…' Anko thought to herself as she looked at the horizon and saw pristine water and the beautiful white sandy beach. "I'll get us checked in!" she yelled then dashed ahead to make the room arrangements. She'd know exactly how to put everyone…
When she ran off, Kakashi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I know exactly what she's doing.." he muttered to himself. Why was she still up to her antics? Although, he did value her tenacity. He shook his head and continued onward, wondering if the other two caught on.
Much to Kakashi's surprise, Gai and Shizune still chatted in their own little world. His brow rose at how well they actually were getting along. "Huh.." he whispered and decided to just go along with Anko's crazy plot for their two friends. "Hey, you two. You're going to get left behind if you don't pick it up," Kakashi told them after he turned to walk backwards. After a moment, he turned around and chuckled as he heard the two scurry to catch up. Maybe it will work, as long as they haven't caught on to what Anko was planning.
Once they reached the inn, Kakashi entered the establishment with Gai and Shizen in tow. He blinked a few times at Anko's huge grin. "Do I want to know what you're grinning at, Anko? What did you do?"
She snickered and stood proudly, room key in hand. "Only the best thing ever! Kakashi, this is our keycard. Gai, Shizune… This one is yours!"
Kakashi couldn't believe it. As much as he'd have liked to room with Anko, she's basically forcing Gai and Shizune to be in the same room. Then again, he'd probably never hear the end of challenges from his rival if he roomed with him for the weekend. The silver-haired jonin shook his head and took the roomkey from his roommate. "I suppose we'll get settled in. Will you two be okay with these arrangements?"
The blush was evident on Shizune's face, but she smiled and nodded. "I'm okay with it! I mean, why wouldn't I be? If Gai-san's okay, I am too," she replied matter-of-factly.
Gai gave Kakashi a thumbs up. "Of course I'm okay with it!" The Blue Beast grinned and made a flashy pose as he took the key. "While I would room with Kakashi, Anko must have done this for a reason!" His gaze went to his rival. He remembered about Kakashi's crush on Anko when they were younger. This is obviously perfect for them to get closer! Gai laughed then offered Shizune his arm. "Let us be off, Shizune! We have to get comfortable then go to the beach! We don't have a second to lose!" And like that, they were both gone to their room.
Silence spurred between the two jonins still left behind. Anko looked at Kakashi and took the roomkey back. "My plan is foolproof. They'll realize how good they are together and tada! Mission accomplished."
"Or they know exactly what you're doing and just playing along, Anko."
A finger went up in a retort, but no words were formed. She huffed then headed towards their room. "Shut up. Come on. We only have a few days here. And I want to utilize the whole time tanning at the beach and gorging myself on sweet drinks and foods."
"That can't be healthy. But whatever floats your boat," Kakashi added and followed her.
xXx
The next few days were spent at the beach swimming and just relaxing, in Kakashi's case. On the day before they were leaving, he sat by the inn and had reread both Icha Icha novels about three times. He sighed, wondering if Jiraiya was making the next installment. Closing the novel, he placed it on the little table next to his beach chair and gazed out towards the pristine blue water.
Gai was swimming laps from one side of the beach to the other. Shizune was laughing, and cheering Gai on, which made him swim even faster. At one point, it looked like Shizune actually gave Gai a little peck on his cheek.
Maybe that was just Kakashi's eyes playing tricks on him. It was incredibly bright outside. His gaze shifts to his right when a loud groan escapes the body in the chair next to him. He chuckled at Anko and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You okay there?"
"I guess," Anko replied then sat up, adjusting her sunglasses. "We should be in the water too. Why aren't you swimming?"
Kakashi pointed to his wetsuit. "I'm ready in case Gai challenges me. But hey, I could ask you the same thing, Anko."
"I'm giving those two their space. I knew my plan would work. See? Did you see the cheek kiss? They're totally into each other!" She grinned then adjusted herself in her seat. "But… the water is looking nice right about now…" Anko trailed off.
His gaze went back to the water. "I can fix that…" A smirk appeared under his mask. He quickly hoists Anko onto his shoulder, ignoring her yelling and flailing. Adjusting them both real quick, Kakashi dashed towards the water and dunked them both.
"Kakashi! No!" was all Anko could say before she went in. Frantically, Anko breached the surface and gasped for air. Her usual stylish ponytail was now a sad mess. "Kakashi!" She growled, splashing at him for laughing.
"What? You wanted to go into the water! Don't get mad at me for giving us a little push." The grin under his mask was really prevalent. He splashed her in return.
Soon, a whole splash war broke out. Kakashi wouldn't admit it, but it took every ounce of his control to not use a Water Style jutsu against his three companions.
xXx
After their swimming and splashing escapade, the quartet sat in their jointed living room. Gai and Shizune sat leaning against each other. The day's event made them tired and thus led to a nap.
Anko grinned at the sight in front of her and pointed it out to Kakashi. "See? Told ya. My gut instincts are never wrong."
He chuckled and sat next to Anko, his arm draped over the back of the sofa. "Funny… I think they were just toying with you, Anko. I truly think these two had a thing starting back in the village… You just pushed them closer." A little smile formed under his mask. "I… really think they're good for one another."
She, with no prompting from Kakashi, leaned against him and nodded. "I think you're right. Plus… I think they were trying to get us together too. I mean… why else would they actually let us room together. Or am I just crazy?"
"Who knows, Anko. Gai's mind is certainly mysterious." Of course, Kakashi is probably one of the few people to get a glimpse into it. "I'd rather let things flow naturally. For myself, I mean. So, if… well… I suppose it'll happen if it does."
Anko looked at Kakashi with a raised brow then shrugged. She didn't want to pry, it wasn't exactly her place to do so. But… Does he actually believe that there's a chance for the two of them? Anko thinks silently for a moment and leans against Kakashi again, eyes closed. "You never know Kakashi. Fate is a fickle thing."
xXx
All good things must come to an end. They all decided to leave that night rather than the next day in order to have an extra day of recuperation in their respective homes. The trip back was filled with chatter and definitely more lively than the way to the beach.
This made Anko giddy seeing close Gai and Shizune had gotten over the last few days. Maybe Kakashi was right. Maybe there was something going on and they just needed a little push in the right direction. Thankfully Anko was there to help out! She's definitely a matchmaker. She was the one to push Asuma and Kurenai together after seeing them make goo-goo eyes since their academy days. The same thing could be said about Hayate and Yugao, until his untimely death a year prior.
Still! She's pretty good. Her gaze went to Kakashi as they walked. She studied his features as he read his beloved novel. Maybe she can help him get with someone? Then again… no one has ever caught his eye. Well… there was one. Her gaze shifted to the dirt road before them. Maybe… Maybe she can give him a shot. Well, when the time's right, of course.
"Anko? Something on your mind?" Kakashi asked when he noticed she seemed spaced out.
"Huh?" she blurted out then shook her head. "Oh, no. I'm alright. Just thinking about sleeping in my own bed. What about you? Anything different about the novel? Or do you really just love reading the same story over and over?" She grinned broadly. "You're a hopeless romantic."
Kakashi chuckled and flipped the page with ease. "I am, yes. Besides, it's just a really good story. I can't wait for Jiraiya-sama to publish the next novel."
Anko gave Kakashi a hip check and she laughs as they walk. "I swear, if you keep bringing that up… I will burn your novels." There was a sinister glint to her gaze.
"You wouldn't."
"No. But, isn't he training that little Uzumaki runt? Maybe he's too busy to write. You may have to wait for a few more years, Hatake."
"Maybe… but I'll wait patiently," Kakashi replied and went back to reading.
Gai and Shizune watched the interaction between Kakashi and Anko. Smiled formed on their features. They were a few steps behind the other two and still kept their distance.
"See? I told you we should have focused on them a bit more. They're so close to getting together." Gai whispered to Shizune, excitement almost building up.
"But, as long as they keep their walls up, it won't be an easy task, Gai-san. They'll have to open up to one another first. That's an important step before any relationship can take place."
The Blue Beast hummed and crossed his arms. "I guess so, Shizune. I thought agreeing with the sleeping arrangements would help out… They're so stubborn!"
She laughed. "They really are. But… Only time will tell right now. Just let them figure things out for themselves. Besides… I think Tsunade-sama has a mission that will help move things along as well. At least… we're in the process of finalizing all the details for this mission."
"Oh how dastardly of her…! I'll await with baited breath then."
"Me too, Gai-san… Me too." Shizune replied as she watched the two in front of them bicker over the quality of Icha Icha.
