Heyyyyy, it's been a while, huh?

Sorry for the updates being so scarce, I'm one of those people who when they write they need inspiration for it, and I couldn't find it until last night when I realised I had so many things to do for school and job, so I should definitely do anything but that, amirite? And then I wrote an entire chapter haha.

Thanks everyone for your feedback, I really appreciate it and love it whenever I see a new comment.

xXSakuraBlossomsXx – I know, it's infuriating! Mizu really has an anxiety problem and low self-esteem, but, hopefully, she'll get over it? ;) I was thinking about writing the story from Kakashi's POV (the first meeting, or the end, or both!) so maybe look forward to it when the time comes? I like how this story is turning out so I might be reluctant to finish adding to it.

kwlgirlbec – thank you for saying that, it means a lot! I think we all need more Kakashi in our lives haha

eun – ask and ye shall receive… a few months later when you forgot it even exists, sorry for that!

strawberry – what a perfect excuse you have given me to prolong this story indefinitely haha, of course you want to hear everyone's view on Kakashi and Mizu's relationship! Jk, jk, I might not do it, haven't really thought about it, that is, but I will now!

demonicKitsune2 – do you consider three months to be soon? Then you won't be disappointed! Otherwise, sorry it took so long…

OneOfYourGuests2 – thank you for that! And the comment! I'm so glad many of you are willing to stick with my fickle nature! And haha thank you for explaining how this site works as always xD

Ai's-Summer – happy new year to you, Ai's-Summer! Hope it started off amazing and you're well on your way to achieve all your dreams! If you have them, that it. I personally think they're overrated sometimes ;)

You definitely didn't sound snobbish, more like refreshingly well-mannered. Sorry if I confused you!

Hopefully, you'll like this chapter as well!

Kayumeee – omg I was going for that! So glad you picked up on it! Thanks! Kakashi's POV might be coming up soon!

How to build attraction

"Are you ready?"

"Definitely not."

I rolled my eyes at my younger sister. "Don't say that. Say that thing that I taught you to say."

"No, I won't – it's dumb. Besides, it will poorly reflect on my reputation if I say I was 'born ready' to pick up a guy."

I jokingly raised my arms towards the skies like I was asking them to give me strength. Sakura smacked my head endearingly.

Rubbing my poor, abused head, I decided we were ready to move out despite Sakura's protests. She was doing some last touch-ups with the lipstick but all in all, she looked absolutely breathtaking. She was wearing her hair in a loose ponytail and a jade dress that matched the colour of her eyes. For someone who had to do all this in the dark, she sure cleaned up nicely.

I, however, brilliantly forgot I might need something nicer to wear in case my sister has a sexual awakening (does that mean she planned for this or does she just have a nice dress on her at all times?), but luckily I had a belt and one of Kakashi's shirts! We successfully stretched it out on the way to make it look more like a dress, and now it was almost knee-length. Sakura managed to do my makeup in the twenty minutes we were in this dark alley. I am guessing I've got Ino to thank for teaching her the art of a flawless cat-eye.

We successfully sneaked out of the inn, where Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke, and Yamato were left sleeping, to go to a nearby town and stake out the quality of the nightlife. Figuring the perfect practice field was the one where we don't know anyone, we made a solemn sisterly vow that neither of us will leave until she has at least one potential lover on her arm. With a little luck, the choice of men here will rival the Konoha beauty standard we were used to. Otherwise, I will most likely shamelessly go back on my word. Concealing my impure intentions from Sakura, I headed out of the alley and towards the only building with a bar-like atmosphere in this place.

"Okay, what's the signal if you want me to subtly rescue you?"

"The signal will come in the shape of a creep flying across the room."

Woah, what a cool thing to say! As expected from a Tsunade's disciple!

"Right, obviously. But maybe we should just stick to a firm and concise verbal rejection. You know, so that they don't throw us out before the night's done."

"Gotcha," Sakura nodded sagely like violence wasn't her automatic response for anything slightly inconvenient. "Although, I don't know why you are going with me in the first place. Won't Kakashi-sensei mind?"

I halted, putting a hand over my heart to demonstrate just how deeply she had hurt me. I had no idea Sakura and Kakashi were so close. To think she would suggest asking him to go with her instead of me – her own flesh and blood! He doesn't even like to socialise, why does she even think he'll be the better candidate for an outing?

"I don't care if he does, this is obviously a sister-thing." I decided to remind her we're related just in case she forgot.

Sakura turned to look at me with a shocked expression. "Does that mean you are really planning on hooking up with someone?"

"Sakura-chan, does our sisterly vow mean so little to you or do you think so little of me, your sister?" I put the back of my hand against my forehead suggesting I might faint due to her unfair treatment.

She scoffed, refusing to answer my question.

At that moment we have reached the door of the only establishment in this town that could have possibly offered us what what we are looking for. Entering, we immediately scanned the surroundings for possible targets and threats.

Not bad. I noticed some promising candidates for Sakura right away. Now if I could only find someone who looks, talks, and walks exactly like Kakashi, I might have some suitable targets to safely transfer my crush onto them.

I found a strategic vantage point from one of the free tables, trusting Sakura to know to bring me something strong to start with and loosen up. From there, I was able to observe the situation develop. The table was in the far corner of the room, allowing me to survey the entire space effortlessly. The only thing annoying about it were the high bar stools I had hoped were non-existent in the Naruto-verse. I tried looking casual while climbing the stool but I absolutely hated every second of it. Crossing my legs to appear more comfortable (while in reality feeling like a kid whose feet can't touch the ground), I checked where Sakura was.

Sakura spent roughly two seconds alone before being approached by some red-head. Although I could spot her indifference from space, the guy was really giving it his all. I snickered as he turned white after Sakura whispered something indubitably menacing to him. Knowing my fun won't last, however, I put on my best bitch-face and inconspicuously evaluated the guy coming my way.

As clearly inebriated as he was, you could tell right away that the guy was a Jiraya-level lecher. He looked at least twenty years older than me, but he didn't seem especially bothered by it. He wore a hitai-ate around his weak-looking bicep, but by his chakra reserves he seemed to had barely cut it as a genin.

"Hey, there, gorgeous. Is this seat taken?"

"It is."

"Aw, baby, don't be like that." He climbed the stool next to me, leaning over the table to contaminate my personal space with his foul breath, I assume. I rolled my eyes, wondering how long I'll manage to be passive-aggressive before I drop the passive part.

"I have a boyfriend, move along."

He seemed to have sobered up at that, taking a few furtive glances around us in a search for signs of 'the boyfriend'. Having found none, I watched in disgust as the smirk slowly reappeared on his face.

"When the cat's away…" and then he decided it would be cool to rawr (it wasn't, by the way), unaware that he was supposed to be the mouse in his self-proposed scenario.

I sighed, getting more agitated by the minute. I was too sober for this.

Deciding to annoy the guy into leaving, I put on a fake smile. "Hey, old man, are you lost? Should I find your fully grown grandchildren to take you back home? Oh, sorry – for a minute there I forgot that there's no way you would have ever got laid or managed to find someone willing to procreate with you."

The creep, to my growing dismay, was unperturbed by my words. "That's right. And it is this old man's dying wish to feel a young naked body next to his."

I rolled my eyes at that, cursing his logically-defying confidence. I decided to ignore him from that point on.

Looking over to where I last saw Sakura I was surprised to see her talking with a brunette this time. I was even more surprised to figure out why the guy was so familiar to me.

OH-MY-KAMI.

This was perfect!

I waved my hands in the air to get Sakura's attention and then ninja-signed her to come over and bring the guy.

Hopefully, I looked okay. I checked to see how warm my hands were since I knew a warm handshake helps one leave a good initial impression, but then I remembered that in this world people don't shake hands when they meet.

Then I turned towards the creep.

"I need the chair."

"We can all sit together, I don't mind."

"This is your last warning."

"Uhhh, I like girls who are a little...feisty!"

I did warn him.

The very next moment, the creep landed gloriously onto his backside as I pulled the bar stool under him by hooking a leg around the leg of the chair. Uh-oh, he was furious now.

"You little bitc–"

Feeling my killing intent, he stopped dead in his tracks. His anger was replaced by fear so fast I felt a little sorry for the guy. Slowly backing away from me, he spewed out some weak excuses and retreated to the men's bathroom.

"I won't let you do this," I felt Sakura's whisper in my ear at the same time as her intense grip on my wrist.

I blinked at her, confused. "He retreated already, I don't plan on chasing him for revenge if that's what you mean."

"No, I mean about cheating on sensei with someone."

Seriously, Sakura, I wish I was romantically involved with your sensei, do you really think I would dare or even want to cheat on freakin' perfection incarnate?

I waved a hand at her impatiently, while turning towards the brunette.

"Hi. You a friend of my sister?" I asked, casually. Like I had no idea who he was.

"More like a good acquaintance. I am afraid it's been some time since I'd seen Haruno-san last."

I had to hand it to Kakashi – Sukea seemed like a complete stranger to me. The eyes, the hair, the gestures, everything was completely different. He even managed to appear somewhat shorter despite not slouching.

Wait, maybe Sukea was based on a real person and it's actually the real Sukea standing before me?! But that would be a stretch, since he said he knew Sakura. The real Sukea wouldn't have known Sakura, right? Or at least wouldn't have went along with pretending he knew Sakura? Kami, this is getting increasingly complicated! Why did Kakashi had to be so good at his job? Oh, whatever, I'll just assume that really is Kakashi.

"Well, any acquaintance of my sister is an acquaintance of mine. Please, take a seat," I motioned at one of the free bar stools.

"I'm sure Sukea-san is very busy, and doesn't have time to sit and drink with you–"

"A drink? What an awesome idea, Sakura-chan! Were you not getting us some?" I smirked, not allowing my gaze to waver from Kakashi/Sukea's.

Sakura headed for the bar again, while letting out some foul obscenities under her breath no doubt.

I let myself consider the possibilities: should I mess with Kakashi and pretend I'm into Sukea, or should I reveal my cards all at once? Or, better yet, should I take this opportunity to try and seduce Kakashi now that he didn't seem as intimidating as usual?

Sukea shifted, looking uneasy. What's your game here, Kakashi?

"Relax – Sukea-san, was it? Handsome guys like you are in high demand here. I just want us to get to know each other."

I leaned towards him, demonstrating my alleged interest.

"W-well, Haruno-san mentioned that you are spoken for, so I don't want to step on any toes here."

Wait, what? Is that one of those tactics for finding out if someone has a significant other? That's a rather weird way to ask "Are you sure your boyfriend/girlfriend won't mind?" How can I giggle and say "Oh, no, I don't have anyone like that at the moment" to what he said? He literally implied my sister broke my cover before I had a chance to cheat.

"Um, she doesn't know what she's talking about, actually. She thinks I'm dating my best friend since we're very close, but that's not the case."

"Oh? You sounded a tad annoyed right there. Perhaps, you want to be more than best friends?"

Kakashi? I love Kakashi. His alter ego? Not so much.

"Now, would that be something I would want to disclose to a complete stranger?"

"An acquaintance."

"What?"

He smiled cheekily. "You said we're acquaintances."

I smiled as well, not allowing him to throw me off. When in a bind, deflect. "Touché. I guess you're not just cute, you're quick too. So what do you do, Sukea-san? Is there a reason you have a camera on you, or are you just a pervert? Oh, I guess that could also be considered a reason."

Was that a slight blush I noticed when calling him cute? I couldn't be sure, as I accused him of being a pervert immediately after and now he definitely wasn't blushing.

"I'm a news reporter. So you think I'm cute?"

"Are you surprised by my assessment of your looks or by my straightforwardness?"

"What do you think?"

Damn it, Kakashi was good at this game too!

"I think you're a little too good at blending in to be a news reporter."

I sensed a pause before he answered.

"It's all part of the job. I need to blend in sometimes to be able to get the best story." Nice going, Mizu, he's on the defensive. Now just bring it home...

"Those are some nice chakra reserves you got there, Mr news reporter." I narrowed my eyes at him, daring him to try and get out of this. By the slight widening of his eyes I knew he was surprised I had noticed. And, I get that, I would be too – picking up on Kakashi's chakra levels while he was suppressing them would require some next-level sensing. Which is why I was next-level bluffing.

This time the pause was longer. I could sense him devising a strategy.

"The job often requires…"

"Cut the act, Sukea-san. Why are you here? Who sent you?" I rolled my eyes for extra effect.

"...it's confidential."

Oh, no, Kakashi, what a rookie mistake. Never admit to anything.

I gleefully thought about the possible ways I could one-up the famous Copy nin. Demand he discloses the so-called sensitive information as a ninja who outranks him? Call Sakura for additional intimidation points and threaten him with violence? Claim he's an enemy ninja or a traitor to the village? Endless possibilities.

Okay, calm down, Mizu. You're actually talking to Kakashi – that's his face you're looking at. You like his face, remember? You think his face is the best in the world. You don't want to torture it like this. Or…

Hang on.

Kakashi showing me his face like this...does that mean he doesn't plan on showing me his face ever? The disguise was good, but not so good to prevent me from recognising him if he were ever to take off his mask. And that question… did he do all this just to make sure I don't harbour romantic feelings towards him?

But Kakashi wasn't someone who would do that, right? I mean, yes, he was socially awkward and someone who steers clear from emotionally draining social interactions, but we were best friends – he said so! So he wouldn't use his alter ego to get me to confess my feelings for him and then discourage me from pursuing him. Maybe with the fact that I had agreed to do whatever it takes to earn him the vacation (even stage a hardcore PDA session), he just wanted to set some boundaries without being direct and potentially hurting my feelings… yeah, that sounds like something he would do.

"...wow, you fell for that?"

I sighed. I inadvertently gave him enough time to figure out a strategy. Whatever, I wasn't in the mood any more. I just wanted to lie down.

I felt my heart ache at the fact that I was planning on returning into Kakashi's bed up until now. I guess I can always squeeze myself in between Sakura's and Naruto's futon. I'm sure they won't mind. Although, moving my stuff out of Kakashi's place when we get back to Konoha will be a definite nightmare. Oh, well, I can search for all that chocolate Kakashi had hidden while I'm at it. He won't need it, he doesn't like sweets.

"Mizu, is this guy bothering you?"

Startled at the familiar voice, I turned towards it.

Kakashi was standing next to me, hands in pockets, and with his head tilted slightly to the side. He wasn't meeting my eye, but rather he was glaring at Sukea.

Sukea seemingly fumbled to his feet and bowed in respect. "Hokage-sama! A pleasure!"

"Tone it down."

"Seconded," I snorted trying to contain my laughter. This sketch of Kakashi for Kakashi by Kakashi was getting out of hand.

Believing I was agreeing with him, he smiled gently, and gave me a pat on the head. Sukea looked like he wanted to leave.

At that moment, Sakura ran up to us with three drinks in her hands. She looked happy to see her sensei. Aw, such a pure soul.

"Kakashi-sensei! Thank Kami you're here! Onee-san wanted to hook up with Sukea-san!"

Wow, a pure soul? That was way off the mark. Seriously, that knife in my back was completely uncalled for. Or would have been, had Kakashi and I been dating.

I shrugged. "I liked his face."

Kakashi coughed, trying to conceal the slight blush of his cheeks. "Is that so?"

I smirked. "Oh, yeah. He's a bit annoying though. You know, I think the perfect man would be a combination of his looks and your personality, Kakashi."

He couldn't effectively hide his blush by coughing any more, so he buried his face into my shoulder. Gaaah, as I thought – this version of Kakashi truly is the greatest! "Hm? Babe? What's the matter?" I cheekily asked while feigning ignorance.

Sakura rolled her eyes. "I don't get you two at all. Why is Kakashi-sensei pleased Onee-san likes another man? I'm done with you." She chugged all three drinks and headed for the dance floor.

"Sakura-chan, I wanted a drink too!" I pouted, but she just graciously gave me the finger with her back still turned. She looked rather cool while doing it, if I do say so myself. I was very proud.

Sukea scratched his head awkwardly. "I guess I'll get going as well. Nice to meet both of you."

I raised an eyebrow at that neither believing this was a nice experience for him, nor that he still insisted on continuing the act. He winked at me, bowed to Kakashi, and disappeared into the crowd.

"So. How did you figure out we were here?" I turned fully towards Kakashi, and he rotated to stand in front of me, propping himself against the table. He reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. My mouth instantly went dry, but I managed not to lean into his touch. Nice self-control, Mizu.

"I saw you abuse one of my shirts while heading for the town so I got curious," he shrugged.

"So you followed us?"

"...You took my shirt."

"You told me I can take your shirts? You said, and I quote 'You look cute when you wear my clothes so wear them more often'?"

And I remember that verbatim. I even remembered the exact date when he said and I used it to adapt the codes for some of my missions. I basically invented a new cipher while at it. Ibiki praised me for coming up with it. That's how big of a deal that was for me.

"Besides," I waived my hand impatiently, "I can always buy you a new one. And it was an emergency."

He looked at me, intrigued. "Emergency? How so?"

I leaned in closer and motioned him to do the same so I can whisper it into his ear. I had to make a tunnel with my hands though, since he couldn't hear me otherwise. The music was getting increasingly loud for a conversation.

It was unnecessary, but welcome when he cupped my hands with his so as to make an even better buffer. Woah, his hands were pleasantly warm.

"Sakura-chan had an awakening and I am here to support her. We had a deal we both had to leave with a potential lover on our hand."

Kakashi turned his mouth towards the tunnel we made with our hands indicating he had something to say now. I turned to listen.

"I think Sakura-chan is all set."

My eyes widened at that, and I quickly searched the crowd for my sister. I managed to catch her eye just as she was leaving the bar with a hot blonde on her hand. She flashed me a victory sign and left.

I was… flabbergasted. When did she- How- Since when-

Kami, I need to find someone quick. I can't be outdone by my little sister! Should I check if that creep was still in the bathroom? I could exit with him, and then ditch him in an alley, technically fulfilling the conditions of the pact–

"Want to get out of here?"

Oh. Right.

The pact was made to make sure Sakura loosens up a bit, I didn't necessarily have to fulfil it now that she found a hook-up. I could just leave with Kakashi!

"Sure, I could eat. You're buying right?" I joked. I was indeed hungry, but this was Kakashi we're talking about so I knew paying for the meal was something I would get stuck with. Plus, I owe him like a gazillion favours anyway, so I really shouldn't be suggesting he should pay for the it in the first place.

"Okay. What are you in the mood for?"

Whoa, I think I blacked out for a second there. It sounded like Kakashi said he'll be the one paying. I blinked a few times and looked at him while he held the door for me to exit.

"Oh, I get it – is Sukea-san actually coming with us so you can exploit him some more?"

Kakashi pouted (cute!) turning his head to the side in embarrassment.

I can't believe I thought I would be able to admire Kakashi's face and ignore Sukea's personality. But, more importantly, was he planning to approach me from the start and do this, or did something made him steer off the planned course? What was the goal of this, anyway? To make me annoyed at Sukea? Well, if that was it, he definitely succeeded.

"Ahem. Do you want us to get some food to go and then eat it in the bath?"

"Do I? Kakashi, you're a genius, I could kiss you!" Oh, crap.

I blushed furiously as soon as the words left my mouth. He probably didn't take this as a confession, right? It was a common expression!

"How 'bout you hold my hand for a start? If I take off my mask now my lips might get cold."

That was the stupidest excuse ever, but I recognised it was for my sake. I grinned, confidently taking his hand in mine and interlacing our fingers. Wow, a few days ago I wouldn't even have been able to do this much! I would start thinking about…

"Mizu, no overthinking. Just enjoy it."

Right, right.

I focused in on the sensation of his hand in mine wishing I could lie down and let the feeling consume me. Hey, I guess I did leave with a guy on my hand. Go figure.

"AH! You sneaky ninja! Don't distract me. Why were you following us?"

"...I'm your Hokage?"

"Nice try. When we get back we'll have another talk about personal boundaries."

He groaned.

We bought a bunch of food and then went to eat it in the bath as was the plan. We had the swimming suits on, but (and I was absolutely floored by this) Kakashi went in maskless! I tried to tone down my ecstasy to a manageable and more appropriate level, sneaking an occasional glance when his eyes were closed and his head leaned back, enjoying the warm bath.

I took a bite of the food and then offered him some by putting it close to his mouth. Kakashi sensually (was that on purpose?) took a bite, allowing me to see the flash of his fangs. Was the hot bath getting hotter? Damn.

I watched in fascination as he chewed and swallowed. His complexion was amazing. His lips were perfectly full. His nose was adorable. He opened one eye and smiled boyishly as he noticed me staring. There were those fangs again.

I averted my eyes, blushing at getting caught.

"Sorry. Your face just seems soooo familiar. Like I've seen it before," I decided I should tease him instead.

I glanced in his direction in time to notice his blush rising.

"I was wondering how you managed to figure it out so quickly. You seemed to have been aware of who I was when you saw me with Sakura-chan."

And I thought I had fooled him at least in the beginning. Let's go, Mizu, like you practised. Distance and deflect.

"I mean, come on. A news reporter came to Konoha to get a picture of the Copy nin's face? Like he would ever be allowed to do that. We are ninjas, our jobs are literally to be as inconspicuous as possible. And it is brilliant when you think about it. Cover your face all the time, and then when you reveal it, you're a stranger to everyone. I imagine it must come in rather useful on missions. And then, of course, the only person who would be allowed to even try and do that without Kakashi seemingly ever being aware of it – is Kakashi himself. But what I found more interesting is – what were you trying to accomplish by dressing up as Sukea?"

Kakashi blushed at that, putting a hand over his eyes. Our great Hokage mumbled the answer, embarrassed: "I wanted you to see it."

"See what? Your face? Why didn't you just take off your mask when the two of us were bathing earlier?" Kami, he was adorable!

"It became too big of a deal to reveal it casually."

I raised myself on my knees and scooted over to him to remove his hand and be able to see his eyes.

A touch of pink stained his cheeks but his gaze was not apologetic any more. It was intense.

He was as beautiful as he was handsome, and when I snapped out of it, my lips were already on his.