Chapter Nineteen
Karin shuffled nervously as she and Suigetsu stood in the Mizukage's office. The leader of the Village Hidden in the Mist sat behind her desk, smiling benignly as she perused their mission report. Suigetsu appeared to be staring vacantly out the window.
"Your mission was a success." Mei Terumi announced.
"Don't sound so surprised." Suigetsu muttered, before cursing as Karin hit him in the head.
"Shut up, you fool." She hissed at him.
"Keep your hands to yourself, bitch." He growled back.
"I would, if you could control your tongue." She snapped, her voice rising in volume.
"I have excellent control over my tongue." He replied, and then proceeded to poke it out at her.
"Juvenile." She muttered. She looked up to see him smirking, with that annoying little tooth jutting out. It pushed her over the edge.
"Will you grow up!" She screeched, hitting him in the head once more. His head disappeared with a splash, only to reappear with the same expression.
"You are such a child."
"A child wouldn't have you moaning and…" He was cut off by her fist colliding with his face.
"Shut up! Idiot!"
Suigetsu's head reappeared again, and Karin pulled back, suddenly remembering where they were and becoming incredibly embarrassed by their behaviour. She needn't have worried as the Mizukage was watching them with amusement.
"Please, don't stop on my account."
Karin squeaked, her face flushing a darker red as she resumed her original position, shifting nervously. Suigetsu remained next to her, completely relaxed but shooting occasional glances across at his partner.
"Oh, back to business." Mei sighed, before lifting the report again. "This plan was very effective. Well done." She raised her hand, clicking her fingers and the door opened. One of her aides walked in.
"Karin, you passed. If you go with Naoki, he will provide you with the requirements of a Ninja of the Mist." Mei waved them off, but called Suigetsu back.
"You have another mission." She stated once the door was closed. She tossed Suigetsu the mission scroll.
He skimmed through it and rolled it up, before tossing it back.
"No."
"Pardon?"
"That mission leaves no room for Karin's skills or presence. I'm not taking it."
"Not all of your missions will require her aid."
"That may be the case, but for now, I refuse to accept a mission that does not involve her."
"It is quite lucrative."
"Then I'm sure you'll have no problem passing it on."
"Very well. You may leave."
Suigetsu inclined his head slightly, then turned and headed for the door.
"Hozuki?"
He halted but didn't turn back to her.
"You are an idiot." She said, smiling serenely. "Look after her."
He glanced back and nodded once. Then he opened the door and left.
The adrenaline in her system waned before they made it home, leaving Karin trying, valiantly, not to lean on Suigetsu as they walked through the streets. Once their front door was closed, Suigetsu swung her up into his arms and delivered her to their room. By the time he'd returned with food, she'd fallen asleep.
He set the food down and climbed up next to her.
"The things I do for you." He murmured, tucking her hair behind her ear tenderly.
"Stop talking, I'm sleeping." She groaned, rolling away from him.
He sighed and stood up. Watching her sleep might be viewed as romantic, but for him it was just plain boring. Karin was vibrant and fun to tease while she was awake, and he enjoyed annoying her when he wanted her to wake up, but right now she needed to sleep. So, he left her to it.
His sword needed polishing anyway.
Karin paused next to a wall, and took several deep breaths. Her endurance was improving, and though the night's activities had been exciting (and thus, draining), she had woken refreshed this morning. She knew she could handle this, just as she knew it had to be done.
Whether Suigetsu liked it or not.
Author's Note: Here's an update, because some people asked for it.