Originally posted on New Year's Eve.

As with any village, there are certain traditions that are held every year. While most are fairly similar, it's New Years that varies the most amongst the villages. Supposedly the desert folk of Suna still have the warmth of their climate and they spend it outside to watch the stars fade and the merge of the new year into the next. The Kumo that reside in their tall tall mountains are locked in by the snow most years. Yet they seem to enjoy the wild nature that the elevation brings and still find a way to party among the wind, snow, and lightning. Kiri they uh... well it's complicated.

Alas like with most things, Konoha has what most consider the strangest tradition to welcome the new year. A ball. A masquerade ball. What's so grand about it is the ambiguity. It's a party for both citizens and ninja. The masks and somewhat out there costumes can lead to interesting interactions as no one can pick one person from another. Then when the next day arrives most go back to normal. People return to their lives and forget about the ball like it never happened. Or so you were told.

It'll be your first time going. Get dressed up. Dance with a few handsome strangers. Get a little drunk. Have fun. That's what your friend always says when she tried to convince you before. It just didn't sound like the best time. Fancy parties are nothing like normal parties. Getting sloppy drunk is not exactly the vibe one goes for when they go to these kinds of things. It's all about having an image. To be noble. Pretend to be something of status even if you have none. In a way it is a little backwards. Dressing up above your stature pretending to be something you aren't. It's almost like a fairytale.

This year is special for two reasons. One is that the theme for this year is animal. Each person attending has to have at least a mask that looks like an animal. The second reason is that there's a rumour confirmed to be true that Lord Jiraiya is attending this year. That is special because he never is around in winter. He's never participated in the festivities before. At least from what the public can recall that's worth recalling. Rumour has it that Lady Tsunade is making him go. It's her first year as Hokage and having him as a companion at least somewhat by her side says much about how much he supports her.

A surprising amount of people are excited to pick him out of the crowd. Your friend included. She's been yammering on about it for the past week. Half the attendance think Jiraiya will put in minimal effort and his key features will easily shine through his poorly put together New Years outfit. It would be easy if he left his hair be and his mask revealed his bottom half of his face, where his very distinctive red markings can be seen. The rest think he'll blend in too well. A shadow. Just another party goer dressed regal and acting rich. He won't make a spectacle of himself.

"Are you ready?" Your friend burst through your bedroom door and asked.

"Yes. I'm ready." You sigh.

Your friend is going as a representation of a doe. Light brown kimono with pops of red flowers that matched her obi and a mask that fit the theme. It was at least more cutesy than realistic. You are going as a white rabbit. Not really your choice. Your friend came up to you with the masks in hand and the biggest pleading eyes for you to join her this year.

It's hard to say no to her. So here you are. Dressed in a snow white kimono with pale blue accents in the shapes of diamonds specking the fabric with an obi to match. Your mask is like most masks you'll probably see tonight. It covers your face from the nose up. It's carved to look like a rabbit including two white long ears that are perked up. It's... cute at least.

"Great! Let's get going!"

She pulled you by your arm out of your room, through the house, and to the outside. It's already fairly late at night. At least three hours until midnight. She practically dragged you through the snow towards the area where the event is happening. Which was outside. It was a large party tent set up in the middle of the town square. It's the only place big enough to host a big party. The ground has been shovelled and with so many people inside it's warm enough. There's glossy wooden mats laid down for a smooth temporary dance floor. The music is all live band in the form of a classy looking orchestra all dolled up like the cast of a whimsical animal themed children's book.

"Do you really think he's here?"

You snap out of the hazy of admiring the scenery to look at your friend.

"Who?"

"Lord Jiraiya! Who else would I be talking about?"

"Oh um... I don't know. I thought you said he didn't like stuff like this."

"Yeah but everyone knows he'd do anything for Lady Tsunade. I bet he's here... maybe by that group of ladies over there."

"Maybe so."

It's not so bad so far. Everyone is mingling. The band is playing soft calm music. There's drinks being taking around by servers in feline masks and formal suits. Your friend long broke off from you to seek out her target. She's on the hunt for the mysterious Sannin. Maybe to surprise him. He will be surprised. To have his cover blown by a woman he's met a handful of times for mission corespondents would be quite a shock to an elite who is known for his ability to ghost in crowds. Perhaps he'll even be impressed with her ability to seek him out.

Do you really care? Not really. Lord Jiraiya is an eccentric person. He's also quite handsy. If he does come tonight, he'll probably be coping a feel of some poor girl he conned into dancing before the end of the second song. Or perhaps he'll con a group of them into thinking he's a wealthy powerful man and they stay by his side all night eager for his attention. You may not know him personally, but he just seemed the type.

The music quieted down. People began to quiet down. The crowd began to split for someone to walk through. You soon find yourself stumbling back as people step back to clear the dance floor. It's only when the two people who had caused all of this had entered the clear space did you clue in. It's Lady Hokage. In a rather revealing and beautiful dress that looked to be made out of flames. Her hair is down in loose curls, which is simple but suited to the whole style of her outfit. Her mask is hard to place animal wise. A fox perhaps? It is feline like but is more... fierce.

Her escort is eye catching as well. A tall man. A strong looking man. He's mostly in grey. Which is odd. It's different. Every other New Years outfit is colourful in some way. Yet this man was grey aside from a red obi that held his variety of soft greys together. His mask is a wolf. The face underneath was interesting too... at least the parts you could see. Other people have face paint or make up on, but how this man has it applied is simple but elegant. Two red lines down his cheeks that had mirrored lines that crossed over at the first third mark of his face over his cheeks. Then thinner by his jaw that taper off right before it would meet the lines that line down his face. To top it all off, he has white hair that is done up in a messy braided style that had what must be a considerable amount of hair all weaved together in a way that was somehow simple but intricate way that kept it all tamed in a crescent at the bottom of the back of his head.

This mysterious grey wolf is quite the dancer too. It's tradition that the Hokage gets the first dance. She can't exactly stay anonymous so it was decided long ago when this all first started that the Hokage is the only one that is easily identifiable. The wolf that is dancing with her is what most people are watching. He's quite good on his feet. Lifting and spinning the leader in time to the song the band was playing. It's all just very... elegant to watch. Like two beings that are a level above human in their poise and fairness. It would be nice to know what it would be like to dance with him. Would you feel like that if he picked you for a dance?

That probably won't happen. Unlike both the wolf and fox that are twirling about with grace, you don't got much of that. Who has the time or space to practice ballroom dancing? Your skills are rusty. Plus there are plenty of other women here who have more eye catching costumes than you.

When the first dance ended, you joined the crowd in applause before going back to find something to do. Standing around gawking at a man dressed up as a wolf isn't exactly gonna pass the time. The best place to start is with a drink. As one of the waiters pass by, you snag a glass of sparkling wine off the tray he was carrying. Wandering around didn't really lead to much. There's not much to look at. The top of the tent is sparkly with lights and silver decorations in the shape of stars. Some of the decorations dangle around in clusters around the supports of the tent. There's chairs by them at least. If all else fails you can wallflower until midnight.

Looking again to the dance floor revealed that your friend is having fun. It may not be a legendary hero she's dancing with, but she looks to be happy as she dances with a man dressed as a peacock. When that song ends a different man dressed as a stag asked to dance with her next. She laughed and accepted. She's quite popular tonight.

"Do you know her?" A deep voice asked.

You turn to your left where the voice had come from. It's the man dressed as the wolf. He's standing beside you. It's hard to pinpoint why, but your heart picked up a beat.

"Yeah she's my friend... Am I allowed to say that?"

"Heh it's a party, not a secret society. Relax."

"Right. Sorry."

"Don't apologize. Is this your first time attending?"

You nod. He smiles. It's not cruel or mocking, just amused. Now that he's close you can take in more details of his costume. There's a pattern in his kimono that is only a smidge lighter in colour. The thread is in simple small lines that are only a few stitches long and curve in alternating turns. It's almost like fur. The mask has similar details on it that follow the curvature of the mask with paint. And of course you can now see his eyes.

People often say that you can tell how a person is by their eyes alone. That whole window to the soul thing. This must be a shinobi. They're more guarded in their eyes. Even so his are still gentle. Honest despite what his profession must be. Like most people's eyes here they are coal black. The dark backdrop is picking up all the twinkling lights above in a way that makes it look like the night sky.

"Has anyone danced with you yet, white rabbit?" The wolf asks.

"Uh no, not yet."

"We can't have that. Here, allow me to show you." He offers his hand out for you to take.

Is this really happening? You stare at his hand for a moment as you consider his offer. Or is he joking? An anonymous party could be a good opportunity to mess with someone and live with it since everyone is anonymous. To speak about it would out the prankster and the pranked.

"Come on, you can trust me." The wolf insists. He winks and smirks as he dances his fingers around on his outstretched hand.

A rabbit trusting a wolf? That's a tragedy waiting to happen. Whatever survival instincts you are supposed to have in the face of a predator has left. Perhaps this wolf is too charming to make you afraid. It's those eyes. They sparkle with mischief and kindness. Enough kindness to assure that you are in good hands.

You take his hand. The wolf politely kissed your hand before escorting you go the dance floor. He's got good timing. A slow song began to play. He clasped your hand firmly and his other hand wandered. To your side before going lower and curling around to rest on your lower back. In a quick motion he pulled you against his body.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" He asks.

"No. I don't mind."

"Really?" He chuckles. He leans his head in so it's close to yours the materials of yours and his masks nearly scrape. His lips are close enough to feel the heat of his breath. It smells like the wine being served. "I think we're going to get along just fine, little rabbit."

The way he says that nickname sends flutters down your spine. Little rabbit. His low voice and smile is dangerous. This wolf is as tricky as he appears. You find yourself melting into his touch. He's an excellent lead for dancing as well. Your rusty skills were pro under his guidance. Never before have you felt so light on your feet.

"Another, little rabbit?" The wolf asks when the song came to an end.

"Yes." You instantly agree.

He nods and takes the lead as the next song starts. Same with the next. And the next. Times seems to blend together into a blur with him. It's almost like a trance. It's like he's somehow ensnared you into a trap. A trap that you don't want to escape from. Spending time with the man dressed as a wolf feels special. Somehow he feels more important than anyone else here. Even more important than the fox.

"You are a wonderful dancer." He complimented.

"Thank you. I believe I'm only this good on my feet because of you."

"How are you off your feet?"

Your mouth opens but a response doesn't come out. That question fried your brain. It seems this wolf is hungry in a different way. You ain't usually the type to hook up with a stranger, but this man somehow has you... fantasizing about that. Those lips sucking on your neck. The teeth beyond them sharp enough leave marks. Those hands of his somehow hot to your skin. They'll graze your body along parts that haven't been loved on in a long time. Your throat suddenly feels dry as you attempt to gulp.

"Where would people go to do that?" You ask.

"Heh heh. No where sanitary."

"Sounds dangerous."

"On New Years? I guess you can call it your resolution."

"I guess I can."

He stopped dancing and you follow. You stand still with him in the centre of the floor. Two people who are now out of place in the active area. You stare into those eyes. The identity of this man is something you don't know. He could be dangerous. He probably is. Yet you know he won't harm you. He raises his hand and gently caresses your cheek with the back of his fingers. They stopped and rested on your chin with his thumb pulling on your bottom lip. It summoned more butterflies that flew in a frenzy around your stomach. Instead of dryness a flood of saliva takes your mouth in expectation of a passionate kiss.

When he leans in, you tilt your head and shut your eyes. His lips are soft. That taste of wine is introduced again into your mouth. It only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like it lasted for longer. As if time stopped for a moment. When it broke off it continued to tingle along your lips like you got a static shock.

"That's a pretty good indicator if you ask me." The wolf said with a small laugh.

"Of what?"

"How the rest of this will go if you'll follow me."

He didn't take off right away. He held your hand like he had when he escorted you to the dance floor. He's standing there looking at you as he awaits for your answer. He's an interesting wolf. Polite at the very least. Is there such thing as a gentlemanly wolf? There's at least one in the world. You nod. He nods as well and began to escort you again. He weaves through the crowd towards the flap in the tent that gave the illusion of a grand entrance.

The cold of winter met you again as you entered the street with him. Your date looks around before picking a direction and heading off. You follow him. He leads the way through the snow to a thin alleyway between two buildings. It's dark in this outside hallway as the builds cast heavy shadows. He stops in the middle and faces you.

"Why'd you stop?" You ask.

"Is this good enough?"

"Wha-! Uh we're gonna do this..." You point to the wood walls to your sides. "Here?"

The wolf grins and takes a step forward. He raises his hands and blocks you in against one of the walls. It's cold against your back but your front seems to be lit with some kind of unseen fire. He gets really close to you again in a way that your heart began to beat faster. His eyes are different somehow. Still dark and sweet, but hold an eagerness that no man has ever looked at you before with.

"I'm staying across town and I don't want to trot to wherever you live." He explains. He pauses to kiss you. He broke it with a small nip to your bottom lip. "So long as you don't squeal too much while I devour you, little rabbit, I'm ready to go right here."

You swallow down the worry and embrace the situation. This does sound fun. Instead of replying with your words, you reply with action. You run your hands up his sides to his shoulders. He remains quiet as you feel him up, his eyes calmly looking you over. But his smile and excited breathing is giving away how much he's anticipating your move. You pull on the hem of the folds to reveal more of his chest. He lets out a breath that was the mix of a sigh and a laugh. He shot forward and caught your lips in a kiss. This kiss was much more heated.

His hands are all over you as he steals the air from you with a kiss that's getting messier by the second. Within moments your obi hits the snow and his hand is under your panties to touch you. You body reacts beyond any input from your brain. You whine. You clench for a moment from the sudden aggressive intrusion but relax as you adjust. It's not long until he's managed to get you too excited for words and your underwear join the ground. But he's not being excluded.

It's easy to feel around his body. His torso is hot to the touch. You follow the line down the centre of his body to his waist. He groans when you grope him through his pants. He's already stiff and ready to go. You pull down the layers keeping his manhood trapped and pull it out to meet the cold air. It won't be cold for long.

The wolf takes over completely. The smidge of space your back had was eliminated as he pushed your flush against the wall. He grabbed your leg and guided it to press against his hip.

"Ah-!" You could barely squeak before he shoved his tongue into your mouth.

You can only make muffled whines as he shoves his cock inside of you. It was sudden but matched the frenzy you feel around him. Your fingers dig into his shoulders for any grip. He's ruthless in his approach. Your head and back is scraping against the siding of the wall. Your body is bouncing with his motions as he sets the pace. The pain of it is tickling your skin but the pleasure he's providing is numbing it. You are at his mercy due to the restricted position he has you in. The best you can do is hold on for dear life as he gives it to you.

The kiss breaks just in time for a well needed gulp of air. It's cold and stings your lungs. Your lips stay parted as you expect this wolf to devour them again. He does go back in, but your head is forced to tilt up and to the side as he nibbles on your neck. The cool material of his mask is pressed firmly against your jaw as he kisses and sucks bruises to your skin. A soft groan leaves him after a moment and the pace he's so valiantly kept up slows.

He grabs your ass and you are tossed for a second as he adjusts you. It seems you had sunk down as he pounded you. He hoisted you back up to the original position as to not finish this in dirty snow. Your leg had turned to jelly as you had lost all focus on staying standing long ago. That is quite counter productive for the situation you find yourself in.

"How you feeling, little rabbit?" His voice cuts through your concentration.

His voice is different now. It's breathless and husky. It suits his low deep tones. He pushes his hips up and grinds them against you. A whine leaves your throat as he burrows into places that send your body into a slew of stimulation.

"Good! I feel good, mister wolf!" You cry out the words in between hitching breaths.

"So do I." He says. He exhales a laugh right against your ear. It sends shivers up your spine as his lips just barely graze your ear. "Especially when you call me things like that, bunny rabbit."

With each variation of rabbit he calls you it makes you feel small in a way. Like you are a rabbit standing before a wolf. A predator much bigger, stronger, and possibly faster than you. Everything about him screams bad yet you don't want to run away from the wolf. The element of danger is only heightening your thrills. Being around this wolf is too much fun to leave.

"You're foolish for getting involved with a wolf. Aren't you, bunny rabbit?"

"Y-Yes!"

He laughs again before nipping at your ear lobe. He's having fun with the irony of the costumes as well. You wrap your arms around him and grip the back of his shirt. He's moving faster again. He's eager to get back to that frenzy you and him were at before. Having a much stronger grip on his back will do you better than before. You flex and anchor your leg with a death grip around his waist while your other is planted firmly on the ground. His hands are squeezing your ass then the back of your thighs as he picks the best place to hold you and guide you into his thrusts. He settled on ass, he prefers it.

"Are you ready for more, bunny rabbit?" The wolf asks.

"So much more, mister wolf." You reply.

That charming smile of his returns. You can feel it against your ear and cheek. He places a few kisses on your cheek that made a trail to your lips. They were short and sweet kisses that are often the prelude to deeper, more passionate kisses. They did lead to that, but where often interrupted by panting as he picked up the pace.

Soon you are panting with him as he goes back to the fast hard pace he had set before. It's the type of rough your body wants more of. Each thrust was hard enough to send tingles up your spine. His nails are digging into the tenderest parts of your bottom and his teeth grit. It changed the pitch and sound of his panting into something close to growls as he fights to keep his composure. You must be the tastiest rabbit he's ever had.

The crowd not so far away began to get louder. For a moment you worry it's because they are closer. But they aren't. Something is getting them riled. What could possibly get them so excited as for even you to notice it through this? Just as you ponder your focus gets snapped back to the man fucking you as your body is suddenly incredibly sensitive. A cry tried to leave you but you inhaled and exhaled all at once and it choked out to a hitched hiccup.

"Oh rabbit!" The wolf gasps in the words. His tight jaw loosening just enough to call you by that name.

He shifts your leg upwards so it's more akin to a caught kick. He holds it there which switched up the angle and squished you in a weirdly wonderful way. He's getting close too. His other hand released your ass and slammed against the wall. He uses it for support as he is desperate to finish what he started before he completely falls apart.

That promise to stay quiet as to not draw the crown was completely abandoned. At the same time as him you cry out. The flood of familiar and much wanted relief had climbed higher than you ever felt before. Your head is turned to the sky as he has his curled against your neck. The sounds of yours and his passionate cries were drowned out by the frantic crowd in the party tent as they scream.

"Happy New Years!" The chorus wails in joy as the gong of a clock strikes midnight.

Your leg is dropped and you react as quick as you can to cling onto the wolf's shoulders. His hands are planted firmly on the wall as he gasps for air. His head is bowed and some of his hair had come loose from his elegant hairdo. For some time you pant with him as the cold leeches in.

He slowly leans in by doing a vertical push up. He opts to rest the top of his head on the wall while he fixes his pants. His bits must have gotten too cold to be comfortable. You follow his lead as your bits are getting pretty cold too. Although it's might uncomfortable to put on underwear that have been put in the snow, you deal.

"I could take them if you don't want to wear them." The wolf offers with a smile.

"Uh.. no thanks. I'll keep them."

Perv.

He chuckles before resting his hands on your hips. He kisses you again, this time much more softly. It's the type of kiss where you must caress his cheeks. It felt a little awkward as your thumbs breach under his mask.

"Happy New Years." He said. "I say we started off well."

"We did, didn't we?"

You finish getting dressed. The wolf stayed with you to keep watch in case anyone wandered over. He very nicely helped you tie up your obi to the lovely bow it was in before.

"Want to go back to the party?" He asks.

Hm.. do you want to go back? You are both stimulated and tired. If you run into your friend she'll know exactly what you had done and won't stop pestering you about it for the rest of the night. She'll harass wolf too. Her mission to find Lord Jiraiya will be abandoned as she frets over you and the man you slept with.

Well you made it to midnight. It's now the new year. You did much more than you thought you would tonight. That's a pretty successful party outing. Shower and bed sounds much more appealing.

"No thanks. I think I'm gonna go home."

"Okay." He sounded... disappointed. He quickly hid it under another one of his contagious smiles and gave you another kiss. "Thanks for this. I had lots of fun."

"Thank you, I had fun too."

He nods before turning around and heading back out of the alley. You wait a moment before following his lead. You see the very back of him enter the tent again. You head down the street to home. You don't dwell on what happened. You sorta just autopilot to the house, shower, then collapse into bed.

You wake up early by yourself. Your internal clock still scheduled for the morning despite it being a day off and well... all the stuff you did the night before. There's some soreness in your body. Your legs and core are especially stiff. After a good long stretch you are awaken enough to start the day. You get out of bed and throw a robe on before leaving your room.

Your friend is home. Surprising as she tends to party and get invited to her partner's home for the night. Maybe she didn't get as lucky as you. She looks a little bummed. Her hair still has a few pins in from her hair style last night. The red lipstick that matched the red in her kimono was smeared over onto her cheek. She's got her elbow propped on the table with her head propped up by her fist. She's eating cereal with eyes half closed. She perks up when she sees you.

"Hey, I lost you last night. Where'd you go?" She asks.

"I uh met someone." You say.

"Ooooooohhhhh." A grin grows on her lips. "Damn okay. I see what happened. Is he here?"

"No we hooked up at the party."

"Where the hell did you find a place to bang at the party?"

You roll your eyes and continue on to the kitchen to fix yourself up the same breakfast. Quite perfectly you use up both the last of the cereal and milk. You join her at the table and begin to eat. She's looking at you with a smile. You scowl at her.

"Stop it! It's not a big deal." You complain.

"Sorry. It's just not like you to be so adventurous."

You roll your eyes. You switch the subject.

"How about you? Did you find Lord Jiraiya?" You ask.

She groans and frowns.

"No! I couldn't find him anywhere. I must be a terrible ninja."

"Don't be dramatic, you're good at your job. He must've just given you the slip."

She nods before continuing to eat. She's clearly down in the dumps about her average night. She still had a good time. She always does. She just didn't get what she was after. And she obviously had one too many. Her complexion is a little green.

"Are stores open today?" You ask.

"Hm..." She pauses thoughtfully. "I think so. Why?"

"I used the rest of the milk. And we need something for dinner."

"Okay. Are you going soon? Cuz I need like an hour if you want me to come along."

"I'm good." You say with a small laugh. "You stay here and relax, I'm only grabbing a few things."

"Alright. Thanks, I'll get the next trip."

You finish your breakfast before getting up to get ready for your outing. Once dressed and with money in pocket you leave to get your short list of groceries. Since your friend isn't feeling too good you decide to make one of her favourites to cheer her up. It is a shame she didn't get with the man she likes so much. She was determined to find him and get closer to him. Wonder where he was all night? Maybe he slipped out as soon as he could to avoid conversations like that. You heard a rumour or two that Jiraiya isn't too keen on having a reputation.

As expected on most holidays where people drink and stay up too late, the crowds the next day are not big. The store is fairly empty. Which made shopping easy. You began to pick up the things you need to get through the day and maybe the next. It all goes smoothly. Can shopping go wrong? Unless something crazy happens it's a task not many can fail.

The last thing you need to complete your trip is the spice you need for supper tonight. Unfortunately it's on the top shelf and you ain't quite tall enough to get it flat footed. Even on tiptoes it's difficult. Your fingertips are just dancing on it and you accidentally pushed it back further instead of getting it.

Just as you contemplate climbing the shelves, a rogue hand shot into your field of vision and snagged the container you need. You follow the hand to the man it is attached to.

"Oh. Lord Jiraiya." You state in a calm surprise. It's not worth the effort to get excited. It's your friend that likes this man not you. But seeing him up close... you can see why she wanted to get closer to him.

"Hi. This is the one you wanted right?" Jiraiya asks as he holds the container out to you.

"Yes it is."

"Here. I couldn't help but notice you were struggling."

You smile and thank him. You take the spice from him and place it in with your basket of shopping. So far he seems much nicer than his reputation paints him.

"Anything for a pretty lady!"

"It helps that you're tall. You probably get asked to grab things a lot."

"I do, but I don't mind, miss...?"

You introduce yourself with hand outstretched. Instead of taking it for a handshake, Jiraiya grabbed it and turned it so he could place a kiss on your knuckles. He insists you call him with no formalities. He's awfully cheery this morning. If he was so reluctant to go to the party, it would be easy to assume he wouldn't be so positive the day after. Unless he got lucky or something.

"You're up early." You note. "I would have figured almost all of our village would be sleeping off the hangover."

"Almost all." Jiraiya agrees with you. He certainly thinks he's the exception. "I didn't stay that late at the party and," he paused to tap his middle. "My liver can withstand more than a few bottles of wine!" He pauses again after laughing at his own joke. "What about you? Did you go to the party?"

"I did. But like you I didn't drink much and went home early."

Jiraiya nods in understanding. He joins you for the rest of your shopping. He had a few items as well. Things that gave the impression that he's going to be staying for more than a few days. He stood with you in line and kept the nice conversation going. He is quite friendly. Not exactly a gentleman but he's nice to talk to. Strangely it does feel like you have spoken to him before.

You waited for him to check out and he was keen to walk with you for a while. He likes your company. It's hard to find a woman who enjoys talking to him. He's enjoyable to talk to. He's a man that is very wise and worldly, but didn't carry himself like a sage. You find yourself absorbed in the conversation as this man fascinated you. Alas you probably shouldn't get so absorbed in winter. A piece of ice under the snow caught you off guard.

It's a good thing you are in the company of someone with fast reflexes. Or is it? Jiraiya reacted all right. As you fell back his arm managed to get behind your back and he pulled you to safety. If safety was pressed against his body. He caught your hand with his and it was an odd moment of familiarity as it was like a drunken attempt at a proper stance for dancing. It must just be because you went to the party last night. The wolf left a lingering mark on you.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Jiraiya apologized.

Your brain does a double take. That sounded... too similar. Your partner said something similar last night. You stare intently at Jiraiya. His eyes are searching yours, concern and confusion in his gaze as you are being rather intense. You are close enough to feel his breath. It doesn't smell like wine anymore.

"Is something wrong?" He asks you with a worried frown.

Those eyes. The smile. This voice. Your hands travel up and rest on his shoulders. It feels the same when you gripped them last night. Jiraiya winces when you find the same spots you dug into. You must have left marks. He left a few of his own. Your ass is a little tender from his rough treatment of it last night.

"Have we... met before?" He asks. Looks like he's caught on too.

Jiraiya is the wolf you spent your New Years with. He is the one that had you dance the night away and finish it in a way you never expected. You clung to his back and to every sultry thing he called you.

Your friend is going to flip.

She's either going to hug you or feel betrayed. You didn't mean to end up with Lord Jiraiya but here you are. There's no doubt in your mind. This is beautiful stranger you banged at the New Years party.

A smile that is much more familiar grows on Jiraiya's face. He's looking you over again, much more slowly. You jump when his hand makes itself comfortable on your ass. A pinch of sore pain flares up when he squeezes.

"I remember you now." He said with a chuckle. "Bunny rabbit."

"You do, mister wolf?"

He laughs. You laugh with him. Once he quiets down he leans in. You relax and lean into it. Kissing Jiraiya when he's Jiraiya is not so different. He's much more tender when he's himself. When he was in costume he was dominating. Maybe the guise of a wolf made him more aggressive. Normal Jiraiya ain't so bad either. He's much sweeter than the wolf.

"Wanna get a coffee?" He asks. "I'd like to get to know you."

"That sounds good."

Jiraiya released his hold on you and opts to place his arm around you instead of holding you. You walk with him to a coffee shop, get the beverages to go, and he takes you back to the inn he's staying in for the holidays. It started with talking, then joking around. The chances of finding each other under the circumstances had become quite the joke between you and him. One thing led to another. Soon you were laying on the bed with him on top of you. His hand running down your leg while he kissed you breathless.

The second time was different but familiar. That's a good way to sum up meeting Jiraiya today. You knew him but didn't. You know what it feels like to have him, but it's somehow a new experience when it's Jiraiya and not the mysterious wolf. It's different. But one thing is for certain.

It's much better this way.