Chapter Three

-X-

"Nice house," Sukea said casually, stepping in her abode. She carefully set the plate on a stand near her writing desk, ignoring the painful flutters of uncertainty with having her space invaded by a man she didn't know that well.

Sukea stood politely in her entrance, closed-door behind him. Mihoko flushed as she realized that she had left several dresses laying across her couch.

"Oh, um, thanks... youcanputyourcoatontherack... I mean... if you want..." Yes, she was a moron, that much was clear. But Sukea gave a gentle smile, his beauty spot raising in humor. He unbuttoned his thick green coat while she hustled to grab the offending dresses of her linen couch. She tossed them in her bedroom, shutting the door firmly behind her before turning back to him.

Sukea had quietly hung up his jacket and was looking at the room, a polite smile on his face as his eyes warmly brushed over the area. He seemed to take in the area with some gusto, like he was checking every corner, every nook, escape routes and everything.

She took the chance to give him a one over.

Mihoko nearly choked at the sight of the outfit he had hidden under his weird coat. A skintight black shirt displaying an impressive pair of abs engraved on a lean torso, ending in some comically baggy gray pants (no doubt hiding a sweet...) and dark sandals.

WHO DRESSES THIS WAY, she thought with some consternation.

"PLEASE... sit." She said nervously, rocking on her feet, letting him pass her to sit on the couch. "Would you like tea? I can get some..."

"Sure, that would be nice." His voice was way too calm, contrasting her own nervous jumble of actions. Why was he so cool? Did he think she was weird? But he continued acting normal like she wasn't acting like a chicken who had just lost its head.

He had taken off his gray scarf, and the full breadth of his perfect body sat on her couch, inviting her gaze like some kinky thing the old man would write. She seriously needed to up her smolder game compared to her neighbor. Weren't tenants supposed to be annoying and stuff?

She bit her lip, turning away.

The open floor layout made it inconvenient for her to hide away, and so she was forced to turn and regain her nerves while grabbing the teapot and filling it with water. She bit her lip, not having any idea what to say, or how best to get him to leave without being offensive. The silence was pressing down on her.

"Ah. So you enjoy reading then?"

Mihoko jumped, his voice nearer, turning and barely managing to avoid burning herself on the stovetop. He noticed her shock, his careful hand out to steady her shoulder, causing sparks were he touched. He quickly let go, resuming pursuing her large bookcase as she steadied herself.

"Uh... yes, though most of those are for reference!" She blurted out, fingers twisting around the hem of her skirt. Funny, she had totally forgotten she was wearing it. It took her a moment to realize it was because even though she was embarrassed, she felt safe around Sukea. This was a very rare occurrence between her and most males.

But his smile at her outburst put her on her guard, likely because she had revealed something personal for once.

"Oh?" He said in a tone implying something more.

"Uh, well, you said you knew that I write, like, in the paper, right?" He gave a chuckle, finger going down a love novel she had ghost-wrote for.

"I see."

"Do you like... uh, romance novels?"

She was surprised when he sheepishly pulled out the romance novel, putting a hand behind his head. He may not have realized that he was rocking on his feet excitedly.

"Maa... you caught me. This author is my favorite."

She stopped still, as he picked up her first book. Memories flood her at the sight of the novel she hadn't looked at in years.

"You disgusting old man. I should throw you to the Hokage."

"Be my apprentice! I make good money"

"Disgusting Lech!"

Sukea was surprised when she chortled, watching her face with a curious smile.

"Sorry, it's one of my favorites too."

His brilliant smile caught her off guard, and she almost shielded her eyes, but it was too late. It was burned into her, made her stomach bubble, and she knew that she now had a little crush on her tenant.

As he smiled at her the nervousness that permeated her slowly tricked away, and she began to enjoy herself more.

"I'm admittedly surprised, Sukea-san," She said using his name. Pink spread across his cheeks, but it was gone as quick as it came. "I don't meet many men who like novellas."

He shrugged.

"I've lived long enough to realize that most of my enjoyment in life comes out of unexpected things. I don't let others dictate those things anymore." His eyes sparkled, and as she smiled back, she noticed one was a slightly darker color than the other one. They were a strange color, and she had a hard time focusing on one.

There was a strange tension in the air.

The air went off in the kettle, startling her, making him laugh at the way she jumped.

"Maa, Okimasa-san, you act like you don't like surprises." He stepped back, giving her some space while he wandered back to the bookcase. "But your recipes in the paper are full of twists."

She sighed in relief, turning to pour tea in some mugs off her shelf.

"I suppose they make my boring life exciting." His eyes slid to her desk, pieces of paper hanging messily from pins.

"Perhaps, but I doubt it." He looked as if he disagreed but was too polite to say so. "I enjoy going through them. I clip my favorites." Sheepishly a hand scratched his hair, a light blush on his cheeks as he realized he admitted that he enjoyed clipping her recipes in the local paper to try out.

It was cute.

"Another surprising thing about you?" She handed him the mug which he graciously took. He reached up, stopping, then scratched his nose.

"I suppose. To be honest I'm more interested to hear more about you." He took a drink, leaving her to fill the silence. She sat at the opposite end of the couch. It had been a while since she felt the desire to open up but with a warm cup of tea, and the reclusive Sukea looking at her like he wouldn't want to be anywhere else, it was difficult to resist.

How had she gotten so lucky to find someone like him? Like... to rent to him. Not because he was totally a babe, and nice, and interested in her.

Was he perhaps trying to become friends to get cheaper rent? The thought made her come back to earth a bit. Time to reign it in.

"Since you are an expert sleuth, you'll be disappointed to know that I am utterly boring. My father was the interesting one in the family, and you probably know he passed away in the war."

Sukea nodded, face grim.

"A hero and one of the Land of Fire's greatest artists." He declared, his voice solemn. "I'm sorry that he passed away."

"I'm sorry as well, but I think most families lost someone. It's not fair to complain when I have so much." He turned his head away, shoulder tight, a sedate look on his face.

"Yes." He agreed. He seemed to have lost someone as well. "But it still hurts, regardless of what we're supposed to feel. War makes us all regretful fools."

"Were you in the war?" She asked before she could stop herself. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry."

He gave an understanding smile. "Yes, unfortunately, the war took several of my friends. To be honest, most of my family is gone. I've lost several friends to previous wars, and it's my goal to keep the peace as long as possible."

"I'm so sorry. That very admirable for you to do." Mihoko set down her cup as if to try and fix his problems. He raised a hand.

"Of course, even when we lose those we care about, there can always be new friends that help us remember why we have friends." His shift in mood was sudden, but she was grateful.

"Yes, although, I have two friends right now that are on a mission to drive me crazy." He smiled jovially, and she had the feeling he was laughing a bit at her.

"I have some as well. So tell me about your mother? Any siblings?" He asked happily. Mihoko raised her hands, putting them in her hair.

"Three older sisters, all married to wealthy men. Mom thinks I should do the same, as does my grandmother who rules over that side of the family. I'm the bad daughter who enjoys working. "

"So the black sheep of the family then?" He chuckled pleasantly, causing her to feel like she had been dipped in a hot spring, and she saw his fine muscles tense under his shirt.

"Yes. I bought this place hiding from the old woman, but sooner or later she'll probably find me and demand I pay penance." He gave an exaggerated shiver.

"Heaven save us from those meddling old women."

She laughed.

"Be kind. We're not all terrible." He snorted.

"Mostly." His agreeable look that didn't match his words, as if he was teasing her. It made her laugh openly, making him look even more satisfied as if it had been his aim to do so.

"Yes, if she finds out you live above me, she'd kill one of us." He laughed, a bit nervously. She snickered at the look.

"I'm kidding. All she would do would be to try and harass me about finding a husband." She was about to take another drink when Sukea got a positively delicious look on his face.

"Well, you could always tell her that we're secretly married." He said in a low voice. "I wouldn't mind that." Her thighs tightened together.

For a moment they sat across from one another, both ignited with the heated air that was suddenly building between them.

SHE WAS NOT THAT TYPE OF GIRL.

That she was aware of. Yet.

She was in trouble if Sukea continued to be this wonderful. Reasonable handsome, great figure, and secretly funny, and not keeping the mysteriously elusive veneer of nonchalance she had expected him to. The housing agent had made him sound ridiculously lofty, unapproachable paragon, l as if she expected him to be rude.

She thought about the tight manner had grabbed her to protect her, how warm his arms were when they held her in a strong but courteous hug. If this continued, she could easily imagine being charmed into letting him stay over permanently, free of charge. And she didn't even know him all that much. He hadn't said much about himself.

Curse her weakness for conversation and handsome men who were nice.

But she liked him and wanted to know more about him.

Her face crimsoned.

She was saved from making that decision by a sudden pawing at her door. There were three quick barks, a hushed 'boss' and Sukea sighed, standing up as if he sincerely wanted to stay and keep coming up with ideas to avoid her grandmother.

"Those would be mine." He muttered as if talking about his renegade children. She smiled as one of the dogs continued to pat the door, and rose, walking over. Sukea put on his coat and scarf, and Mihoko reached for the handle. He must have dressed at lightning speed because both of their hands hit the handle at the same time, bumping into each other. Her own tingled, causing her to jump back and hold it to her chest.

"Sorry," She said quickly, "And, uh, thanks for stopping in!" It was a heartfelt compliment despite its nervous delivery. He opened the door a crack, not enough for whichever dog had come to rush in.

"Thank you for the invite." His voice was full of amusement. "I wondered if I'd ever get past that cold shoulder of yours, Okimasa-san." She colored as his shoulder brushed her own. It was just a moment, but she swore his fingers brushed her as well.

"You can call me Mihoko-chan!" She blurted out. She realized that she didn't even know if she had been calling him by his first or last name. She had assumed last since it was the only thing on the contract.

He smiled. "I will then. Please, call me Sukea-kun."

It was way too adorable. Only a very confident man would say something like that.

"Uhh, until later!" He went partway through the door before stopping. As she touched his shoulder.

She raised a brow in confusion, before putting her hand in her fist in realization. "Ah, I just remembered that you haven't told me how you got that plate."

He got an interesting smile on his face.

"I have a friend coming by tomorrow who might say hi and may need directions." He winked with humor she didn't understand. "You may want to avoid opening the door. But if you don't... I may share my secrets.."

Oh, the flirt! And what she would give to know more about him.

As the door shut a rush of energy filled her, and she paced, jumping up and down a bit, before settling at the window. There were still a few hours till dawn, but she wasn't sure she could go to sleep with him on his mind.

-X-

"Hey." Kakashi stopped gazing out of the window looking at the light in the window below and turned to the small pug who was sitting on the beautiful countertops, gazing at him with a sharp look on his face. He nodded, acknowledging him. "If you keep using us to take your place, someone in the Hokage's Office will catch on."

"I thought you were enjoying it." He said humorously, rubbing off the purple make-up from his eyes.

"Shiba's only got so much patience." The said dog whined, pacing around his feet. He knelt down and rubbed his smooth coat, earning him a happy bark.

"Where's Urushi?" He asked looking around the apartment. The pug shrugged tilting his face in the direction of the cleverly concealed back door, the one connecting the apartments. Bisuke chortled at the sight of him.

"Downstairs. He says it feels homier ." Kakashi sighed at Uhei's answer, watching him scratch at his bandages.

"After I explicitly said not to?" It was Akino's laugh that caused him to pause taking off his wig. It was starting to pick up a hint of Mihoko, a tinge of something fresh and a bit flowery. That vanilla that she used in her tea, along with lavender? It was another strike on a long list that she had passed and conquered.

Kakashi knew that the more he mentally checked off, the more trouble he was in. He couldn't let this disguise go on forever, but right now he needed to feel alive. Not a death-defying alive, hair raising alive, but a peace he hadn't even known he was looking for. A companion who understood him on a spiritual level when they spoke.

Yes, he was in trouble.

"He said he knows but likes her bed- I think he's got the hots for her. Got some competition boss." Akino stretched out languorously before laying upside down on the couch.

"You do remember that you are ninja right? I didn't summon you to be spoiled." All the dogs huffed at him, causing him to straighten. "This is a serious reconnaissance mission."

Pakkun groaned, sitting up on the counter to once again look for the doggie treats hidden somewhere. Kakashi grabbed him before he could fall into the sink, setting him on the floor.

"No offense Sukea-kun, but you're full of crap."

Kakashi deeply considered releasing their summons.

-X-

The morning hadn't started so badly, the sun shining brightly through pristine windows, the leftover mugs from the tea she and Sukea had shared drying over the sink. To be honest, she had found that spending an evening talking to her reclusive tenant had been the best time she had in months.

Unlike her dear friends who potentially ended up staying over with some hotshot male, she and Sukea had spent a good deal of the night talking. It was that admission that caused her to go violently red, putting her hands to her face.

So when a somewhat familiar green-clad shinobi appeared, she had one thought:

TIGHT GREEN LATAX was not meant TO BE WORN LIKE THAT.

It was an absurd amount of green cloth housing the one and only, as he proclaimed, Sublime Green Beast of the Hidden Leaf Village. It took a moment for her to realize that she recognized his bowl-cut hairdo and ginormous eyebrows. The wheelchair was the final clue. It clicked where she had seen the Gai.

Ninja. Her hopes for ditching him were slim. He had been in the club! The one Kyou had set on her and Etsuko in order to force them to pair up.

"GOOOOD MORNING, I can see the youthful spring has stayed late this year!" He cried triumphantly, after introducing himself, raising himself from his wheelchair. He was alone but somehow managed to get up the steps to the apartment, not even a speck of dust on his metal headband secured around his Jonin vest.

It was literally only because she had to know how Sukea got the plate that she didn't slam the door closed in a fit of terror.

"Hi." She said tersely, "What can I do for you, shinobi-san?"

"Please, call me Gai," He said with a beaming smile, " MIGHT GAI. I have been sent by our mutual friend in the Hokage's office to walk his dogs!" She swore she heard the whining of the said animals behind her, but didn't turn her head. His proclamation was sort of weird like he memorized the words exactly.

Ah, this is Sukea's friend.

She smiled politely, letting him into the hallway. "Please, Gai-san, make yourself at home." He did so, using unbelievable dexterity to roll himself in. He paused at the bottom of the staircase, looking up as if the challenge before him excited him.

For some reason, Mihoko knew she'd be buying a new staircase if she let him try. She moved quickly, darting up the first few steps.

"Let me get them for you!" She beamed, causing him to grin widely.

"What generosity! I can see why he said you would be helpful!" She paused at the top of the stairs.

"What did you say?"

"Oh, you know, only the hippest, coolest Hokage in the Leaf sanctions missions like this for his friends."

Sukea had set her up, not only that he had used his connections! Sukea was apparently buddy with the Hokage. Mihoko clenched her fists, knocking loudly on the door. If he was home, he was in trouble. But as an adorable little dog opened the door, her resolve melted.

"Hey," He said sweetly, "I'm Bisuke." She practically swooned.

"Oh, Bisuke-san! I have a friend here to walk you!" She opened her hands, and he rushed forward, getting thoroughly scratched.

"Where are the rest of you?" She asked upon finding no other dog following him.

"They don't want to go." He said, "They're scared Gai will make them do laps."

" Baby ." A deep voice said jealously, and she saw as a familiar pug exit. "I'm Pakkun. I'm adorable too," He stated gruffly. Mihoko smiled generously, offering her other hand.

"Of course you are. Could I give you a scratch too?" As if he hadn't been begging for it. He rolled his eyes but happily stepped forward, Bisuke snorting at him. He sighed, agreeably mumbling something about the magic of writer's hands.

Apparently, her neighbor talked to his dogs. She couldn't resist.

"Writer's hands? How would you know that?" The pug raised a brow, and she heard the other one give a half-cough.

"Lady, I ain't that easy. If you want to know how the boss is, ya got to pay the price." She narrowed her eyes. Looks like Sukea had her cornered good and well this time. One last try, perhaps?

"I've got peanut butter cookies begging to be made." She inferred and Bisuke whimpered, trying to convince Pakkun of something. The pug crossed his paws.

"Fine. But just a hint. Be nice to Gai. Most people underestimate him." She turned, and almost on command, she heard the said ninja calling. Gai popped his head out. He seemed strangely interested in her interactions.

"Hm..." So was this a test?

"Can I join you?" She asked tentatively, wishing she did not have a crush on her upstairs tenant.

"Of course!" He exclaimed. "Anything for my rivals beautiful flower!" She paused, shrugging at his shout. He seemed like the type to make silly statements.

The rest of the dogs appeared when she promised to buy some doggie snacks to come if they swore to keep it secret too Sukea. In retrospect, if she had clued into the dog's hesitation she may have shut the door because the first thing Gai did was dare her to circle the village five times before he did.

"Gai-san," She said steadily, holding the lease that the dogs had assured her she needed, "I'm not a shinobi." The several dogs twisted around her legs as if to ensure her she would have the most difficult time possible walking, not letting her walk by the Shinobi. They were smart enough to know what they were up to.

'Ah, but I'm already at a disadvantage!" He said far too cheerily, pointing to his chair. He pouted his lips in a manner that should couldn't help laugh at. It wasn't cute, but dang, the man had confidence up the wall. "Please! It's just a tiny one!"

A tan dog white a white muzzle, introduced as Guruko, chuckled knowingly.

She couldn't help feeling a bit bad for him. Sukea hadn't been joking when he said he had some interesting friends. Or better yet, his eternal rival!

"One lap around the village, and no, no ninja tricks! Like insane things that use that chalk or stuff!" She couldn't think of a better way to say it because she wasn't all that familiar with them. He paled a bit but rolled over to her, keeping his smile on.

"Yes, a challenge it is! I expect nothing less to secure the worthy prize of a kiss!"

She blinked.

"What kiss?"

He raised his hand. "On the mark-"

"Wait, Gai-san, what do you mean kis-!"

"Get set-"

"I did NOT agree to that!"

"GO!"

Gai's abilities apparently weren't constrained to chakra, or he was just lying to her, because in half a second he was halfway down the street, the rubber wheels on his chair steaming, throwing up dirt from the road they were on.

Mihoko put a hand on her hip, turning to the dogs that had escaped from the leash. They were supposedly shinobi, so they had to have some trick.

"Got any ideas?"

"Better pucker up, Mihoko-chan." Uhashi joked, chuffing, avoiding her tugging on his leash by whipping it out of reach.

"Not even for some ground-up steak?" The crew froze.

Akino put his head up. "I think we could help you..." Pakkun quickly took charge, jumping on Bull's head.

"Let's go."

-X-

Apparently, the dog's idea was fairly simple. They would drag her to the finish line, on top of Bull, while sidelining Gai by recruiting the local dogs. Mihoko was holding tightly to the middle of Bull who dashed with surprising agility.

"There-" Bull said with a voice rougher than a gravel road.

Halfway through she gained enough courage to pry her eyes open she saw a large pile of puppies that had distracted Gai, in the way of his wheelchair. She got a flash of a young man in green spandex, but Bull didn't stop with his intense speed long enough for her to get a second glance. She mostly just whimpered until he finally slowed down, entering back in the trail they started, surprising the other villagers as she shakily stepped of the dog.

Unfortunately, vertigo finally struck her, and she fell to the ground on her rear.

Not a minute later Gai wheeled in, his chair looking no worse for wear. He looked amazed, the stars in his eyes brighter.

"I never thought a civilian could have such speed!" He grabbed her arm, helping her up in what he must have thought was a soft pull but end up sending her sailing. She grabbed his chair to steady herself.

"Well, surprise." She replied dryly.

"And for such an amazing race,"

"I grant you your wish! I will kiss the fair maiden for winning her race!" She stumbled back, out of reach. He puckered.

" What!" She turned to beg for help but to her astonishment, the dogs poofed into clouds. "Traitors!" She muttered.

He zoomed forward, intent to grant her the prize.

"GAI!" From out of nowhere a cloaked figure said, separating Gai from his goal of sneaking a wet one on her. "I have a challenge for you!"

"KAKASHI!" He shouted, striking a pose in return. "I accept!"

"What in the world!?" Mihoko interjected as Gai flew off the chair to do said pose.

"I challenge you to a spicy curry eating contest! We start in two minutes!" And in less time than it took to blink the green-clad hero of the Leaf Village was racing to his next duty. Mihoko was still stumblingly light-headed as a firm arm rested on her shoulder. She looked up at his white-robed figure, the large red hat resting on his head.

He seemed familiar.

Oh.

"Hey." Mihoko was confident her brain had been scrambled in the race because she just told the Hokage hello. Maybe she was crazy?

Except, she wasn't alone in seeming him. The Hokages appearance had gathered a few people, cheerfully waving at him, but that didn't deter him from turning to her. His mask tightened, eye curved, in what was likely his version of smiling. "Sorry about that. Sometimes he gets out of hand."

Oh god, once again she looked like a total moron. How did this keep happening to her? But the Hokage wasn't looking at her in disgust. More like... admiration? Like she had done something to please him.

"It's fine... Imeanhe'saniceguy, but I'm not interestinginkissinghim..." Oh god, she was rambling like a moron. To her surprise, he chuckled.

"That's good. I have a friend who'd be disappointed if you did." He stated gleefully, making her turn crimson. Was Sukea friendly enough with the Hokage mention something like that? She should just find a hole and die.

Her face went bright red.

She was saved from another horrifying exchange as the Hokage turned. She turned to find a slender young man with his black hair pulled back into a ponytail behind him. His black eyes looked at her and she shivered his intelligent gaze assessed her. He was a jounin, probably, with that vest that Etsuko's brother had pointed them out before.

"Shikamaru-san. How can I help you?" The Hokage stepped around her, putting a friendly arm on her shoulder. A much more careful pat then Gai's earlier punch.

"Yo. I was sent by the old woman." The jounin said with a bored tone.

"I'm a bit busy at the moment." The Hokage said, clearly exasperated. She put her face in her hands, utterly mortified.

She was an excuse .

"I'm just the messenger."

"Maa, I was just finding Gai-san for the meeting." She blinked, her crushing embarrassment pausing at his familiar phrasing. She knew she had heard that phrasing somewhere.

However, he turned, patting her on the head before standing by the other Shinobi.

"Oh, I took the liberty of bringing rent for Sukea, who asked me to write it from me to you directly. I hope that's okay." She knew that even if it wasn't he was the Hokage so it better be.. . He motioned to her pocket, and as she put a hand there, and she felt the bump of paper. Had he seriously put a check in her pocket without knowing?

CREEPY! A Shinobi would easily have the skills for that sort of thing. The Hokage definitely knew how much of a civilian she was. What a weirdo!

She stared, wondering how such a prominent shinobi made it in life with those type of social skills.

He kindly waved, and both shinobi left, disappearing as shinobi did. One moment there, the next moment they're gone. She stood alone, bereft of even the company of the dogs she had come with.

"What is going on?"

-X-

Later she found several of the dog's snoozing on her bed, wrapped in her sheets. Pakkun perked up at her approach, breathing in heavily at the smell of her approaching scent.

"You didn't invite us to ramen!" He accused. She sat on the small part of the bed not reached by the dogs, crossing her legs.

" You didn't save me from the great Green Spandex man- You sort of vanished."

"Not our fault. The boss called us." He wheezed, "You should make me dinner."

"What was Sukea doing?"

"Sukea? Seriously lady?" He raised a thick flap of flesh in what was probably the equivalent of a human eyebrow raise.

She frowned.

"What? That's who your boss is, isn't it?" Pakkun grumbled.

"Oh right. He's not our boss though. He's our slave. It's just easier to call him boss. Makes him feel better."

She chuckled. "Whatever you say."

"Fine lady. Just make me something to eat. Doing his stuff makes me starving."

"Aren't you on a diet?"

"He lied."

Seriously, Shinobi dogs .