Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

After a few days of mild preparation, the day of the mission finally came. Tenzou dressed himself in the room he still shared with Gai, despite his friends suggestion that he and Kakashi just 'room together already'. Kakashi thought it would completely derail their attempt at 'slow and steady' if they were conastantly around each other, and Tenzou agreed with him. He remembered what it was like to be Kakashi's room mate...sexual tension was putting it mildly. Now that they were openly "getting to know one another", sexual tension would turn into sexual action in no time. Not that Tenzou was opposed to being physical with someone as ridiculously attractive as his captain, but Kakashi's fears of them ruining things by going too fast were rubbing off on him. His captain was the most intelligent person he had ever met; if he didn't listen to his advice, than he might as well listen to no one ever.

"Tenzou my friend, can you help me with this damn thing?"

Turning, he gripped Gai's obi and tightened it with an absent mind. They had to be dressed for the festival, which meant wearing traditional garments so elaborate he wanted to take pictures to prove he'd ever worn them. He was pretty sure his was made of Giant Fire Breathing Silkworm silk; that shit's expensive. Apparently he was incredibly wealthy. Worked for Tenzou.

He didn't know how he felt about basically parading around a mission in a giant skirt, but they were technically NOT supposed to engage in direct combat, so maybe it wouldn't make a difference. At least they didn't have to cross dress or something. Women's kimono's were ridiculous. And, it meant Kakashi was going to be in like 5 layers of clothing the entire time, which would help ease his raging hormones because he was PRETTY sure his captain was going to look stupidly handsome dressed to the nines the way they had to be.

When they were finally ready, the two friends grabbed their small packs and shuffled out of their room. Genma and Kakashi were waiting for them in the hallway. Both of them looked incredible, Genma in an emerald wafuku kimono and Kakashi's was a beautiful deep blue that brought out his skin and hair so perfectly he might as well have been some kind of crazy delicate war god. To hide his sharingan, he sported a very fitting eye patch. It made him look dangerous.

Okay, reel it in there, Tenzou.

He cleared his throat as Gai greeted the rest of their team happily. "MY FRIENDS! Look at how well you clean up!"

"Heh, someone down in the missions department decided to deprive you of your usual fashion sense, eh Gai?" Genma jeered. Gai, who usually wore nothing but green and orange, was dressed in a black and grey wafuku kimono. For once, he looked completely toned down and normal. "I bet a dozen people have wanted to do that to you for years."

Gai shot him a nasty look. "Laugh all you want, I happen to quite like my ensemble. I feel mature, sophisticated..."

"Perfect for you, 'cause your CLEARLY colour blind, and no one can fuck up black."

Gai looked like he was going to attack Genma, but Kakashi glided between them and held up a very lazy hand.

"Maa. Guys. We're supposed to be friends. Gai, you're supposed to be in character. Genma, stop being a dick."

Instantly, Gai deflated. Tenzou could see why he was bad at undercover missions. His personality was so...well, you know. It seemed impossible to reel in. Gai simmered down considerably after being very mildly scolded and the team shuffled out, layers billowing, to finally head for their first mission together. Kakashi fell into step with Tenzou, smiling down at him warmly.

"You look great."

Tenzou flushed, smiling back nervously. "Thanks. So do you. That colour is perfect for you. Whoever picked our clothing clearly knows what we look like." And has a great fashion sense, he added mentally. His kimono was an elegant, deep purple that even Tenzou could see went perfectly with his hair and skin tone. It was like they hired some kind of ninja fashionista just for their mission.

"Actually, I know her. Codename 'Dazzle', for obvious reasons. She takes great pride in her work."

Tenzou laughed. "Yes, I can definitely see that. I'm glad to see there is a place for just about anyone in ANBU."

"Anyone with homicidal tenancies." Kakashi added without venom. He winked at Tenzou and the younger man thought he might pass out. He was so doomed.

"Wait just a moment." Kakashi whispered, stopping in his tracks. Confused, Tenzou stopped as well, glancing back at their two teammates who hadn't noticed their lack of movement. He felt a strong hand on his jaw, and when he looked back at Kakashi, he was greeted with a kiss. His eyes fluttered closed and he leaned against Kakashi, feeling the outline of his muscles through the thick fabric of his jacket and kimono. Tenzou was suddenly overwhelmed with how masculine Kakashi was, even though his scent was light and cool.

When they reluctantly pulled away, their eyes met, Kakashi's dancing and Tenzou's cloudy.

"I'm not sure how long it will be before I'll get to do that again. Wanted my fill, first." Kakashi's voice came out almost as a purr, a light rumble in his throat. Tenzou felt like he was on fire and underwater at the same time.

"I'm not full." He responded firmly, despite how his voice cracked. Kakashi's eyes flashed, and Tenzou met his intensity with resolution.

"You want more?"

"Yes." Tenzou breathed as he unconsciously moved closer. His eyes betrayed just how much more he wanted.

The look in Kakashi's eyes made it easy to believe he would eat him whole.

"GUYS, come ON!"

Tenzou jerked so violently he nearly fell backwards. Kakashi merely glanced up in mild irritation. Genma threw his arms up and slapped his palms onto his hips. Gai looked really embarrassed.

"We can't just stand here and pretend you're not making out forever. Can't you just give each other a quick peck, an ass grab and move on?"

Tenzou groaned and buried his face in his hands. "Sorry...sorry. We're coming."

When Genma and Gai continued walking Tenzou spun around and smacked Kakashi in the arm.

"Oww..."

"Okay. Yes, that was...really, really nice, but no more public displays of affection. We're making our friends uncomfortable and potentially creating awkwardness in the team."

Kakashi grinned ferally and Tenzou had the sinking feeling that his captain enjoyed making people suffer. "Of course, Tenzou. You're right."

Tenzou levelled Kakashi with an 'im serious' glare which was answered by an innocent looking smile and the raising of his captains arms in surrender. Tenzou sighed, accepting the inevitable, and walked briskly to catch up with the second half of his team.

This mission was going to be...interesting.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The four friends were taken by carriage to Waterfall, as that was the most civilian mode of transportation. The Hokage had made them all fairly wealthy, with Tenzou being the richest out of all of them. It would allow for them to be able to keep company with the counsellor's son without raising suspicions, as the family was quite well off and high in status. All four of them were apparent sons of wealthy merchants, come to the festival as a sort of 'vacation' before the biggest trading season began. For obvious reasons, Gai's "character" was supposed to be extremely withdrawn, almost to the point of social awkwardness. Apparently, Gai was REALLY bad at undercover missions, to the point where most of his alternate identities involved silence in some respect.

After a five hour carriage ride the team finally arrived. They all filed out rubbing various limbs and numbed appendages. Five hours was a long time for ninja to be sitting on their asses.

When the coach drove off, Kakashi motioned the group in. "We have a hotel room already booked by my father. We should go there first, as I heard the 'prize of the festival' is being held there for the day."

"I'm TIRED. We should have gotten the coach driver to bring us up to the hotel." Genma drawled with such pompous snot that Tenzou was actually tempted to slap him. Damn, he was good.

"It's my father who paid for it, I doubt he would have appreciated us wasting his money. Besides, after sitting for so long, our legs could use a good stretch." Tenzou countered, starting to have fun playing his role, especially since Genma was so good at his.

"Standing here isn't going to do much for us. Let's go." Kakashi commanded, and they obeyed. It was interesting, to try and decipher what was an actual order and what was Kakashi being in character. Their captain managed to retain his authority despite looking like a complete civilian and needing to act like he'd barely worked a day in his life.

As they entered the hotel, instantly they were greeted with the frustrating site of the artifact out in the open, on display, for everyone to see. It was suspended by wires over a plush, ornate cushion and boxed in by a large gold frame. Tenzou hoped something about that set up was jigged with a trap, otherwise they were just making it easy. Even though it was broad daylight and the hotel was bustling with people, a skilled ninja could steal the artifact right under everyone's noses if it wasn't properly protected. Why they didn't just hire a ninja to sit in the background, hidden, and protect the artifact was beyond him. Them having to mingle with the crowd was starting to feel unnecessary and counter productive.

Apparently their festive wear was funded by the mission, though, so he couldn't complain too much. He had almost no clothes in his wardrobe, and now he had an outfit worth almost an entire missions pay. Score.

When they reached their room, it was with extreme self control that most of them didn't gasp out loud. It was almost as big as an entire floor in ANBU. It was sectioned off by beautiful, mural painted rice paper and bamboo dividers, each section for one person with a large bed, small dresser and tea table. When Tenzou threw his small pack down into the first section, he was surprised to find another outfit flung over the bed. It was black, like the first, and assumed it was meant for Gai. It was less formal, but still very well made and obviously not cheap. He grabbed it, walked out of his private area and was confronted with a very similar scene with each of his friends.

"I think this is yours, "Hanj". Maybe daddy left it for you." Genma commented with a wink.

They exchanged clothes easily, then sat together around a larger tea table in the middle of the room, surrounded by ornate cushions.

"The room...?" Gai began.

"Is secure. I checked." Kakashi finished, and the three of them exhaled loudly, obviously relieved they didn't have to keep up their act 24/7.

"Should one of us be downstairs now, next to the artifact? It doesn't seem very safe where it is." Tenzou asked.

"Actually. I need you to track down the council man's son. You and Genma are the most personable out of all of us, but you have much more impressive tracking methods. The son is your responsibility."

Tenzou gaped. "Wait. I didn't read about this in the mission breakdown..."

"That's because it wasn't in there. I am assigning you to him." the tone Kakashi used made it clear that the situation wasn't open for discussion. Those were Tenzou's orders.

The mokuton user accepted defeat, as he was certainly the type to respect authority, especially Kakashi's. "Yes, Senpai."

"Good. Go now, please. I want to get an idea of what he's like and where he frequents before the festival starts."

Tenzou stood, bowed, and walked out of the room. He was NOT excited at the prospect of having to track someone as a civilian, but he was sure he could do it.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Tenzou had been supplied with a couple of pictures of his target, as well as a physical description and his usual haunts and hobbies. Since he was related to a council member, the smartest place to start was with the actual Council member who had hired them. If he wanted to save time, it was in his bests interests to help them.

Lucky for Tenzou, just as he was passing the official Waterfall council building, the man he wanted to see was walking out with another member of their small government. He stood his ground, trying to look confused and lost, until the two men approached him close enough to engage.

"Please, excuse me." Tenzou interjected, and the two men stopped talking and regarded him, eyebrows raised. "I'm here for the festival, but I can't seem to find the main building. Do you know where it is?"

"Of course." His beneficiary answered, pointing behind him. "It's just on the east side of the exhibition grounds, next to the fireworks stand."

"Thank you so much. My name is Hanj." Tenzou extended his hand, and at the mention of his name, the council man's eyes instantly lit up. He had been informed of all of their cover stories and identities before hand. He took Tenzou's hand in his and shook it firmly.

"Don't mention it. Might I suggest...there is a rather lovely park just beyond the main building. If you really want to experience Waterfall, I would not miss it."

Tenzou smiled and bowed. Perfect. That was easy. "Thank you, I will take your advice."

He bowed to the other man and took his leave. Teleporting would be obvious and was out of the question, but the exhibition was not that big, so getting to his target wouldn't take long by foot.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

When Tenzou reached the park he realized the council man, whose name he remembered was Maizu, had not been exaggerating. The space was filled with gorgeous, hanging flower trees that looked, suitably, like waterfalls. There was a pristine, bubbling stream circling a short grass area, the stream bank also dotted with colourful flowers. Tenzou was definitely a little bit of a nature nut and the park made his heart fill with warmth. He was definitely enjoying this mission so far.

After a very pleasant stroll through the fields of pink and white, he spotted a young man sitting on a marble bench by the stream. He was reading an old scroll and looked completely content enjoying the scenery by himself. Tenzou hazarded a closer look, and to his joy, he discovered the youth looked exactly like the photo's he'd been supplied. Now, to make the decision of approaching him or watching from afar. Since their entire mission was basically 'hiding in plain sight' he decided getting to know his target would make it easier to be around him without arising suspicion.

Tenzou approached the bench and smiled down at its sole occupant. "Good afternoon. I hope I'm not bothering you, but this park seems too beautiful to enjoy alone. Do you mind if I sit?"

Maizu's son, whose name was Tama, looked up with a frustrated expression that instantly melted away when it settled on Tenzou. He scooted to the side enough that Tenzou could sit comfortably. "Go ahead."

Smiling, the mokuton user took his seat. Tama was a year older than Tenzou, and was quite an attractive young man whose good looks had not been justified by his photographs. He had short coal black hair, ocean blue eyes and a slight tan to his skin. He looked like no one Tenzou had ever met before. He was starting to wonder if the mission was to keep him safe from desperate stalkers.

"My name is Hanj. I just arrived for the festival a few hours ago."

"Tama. Waterfall is small, it won't take you long to see what's worth seeing. This is pretty much the best place in the village, so it only goes downhill from here."

Tenzou laughed lightly at the disdain in the other man's voice. "Do you not like it here?"

Tama shrugged loosely. "It's fine. The people are nice, and the waterfalls that circle the outskirts of the village are my favourite places to be, besides this park."

"Somewhere a bit bigger would appeal to you more, then?"

"Bigger. Yes...more people." Tama looked down, fingering the scroll in his hand. He seemed a bit melancholy, which struck Tenzou as strange for someone so attractive. Usually people who were good looking had no problems amassing the general public. Perhaps this tied into why he needed to be protected.

"My village is also small, but it doesn't seem to do me any disservice." Tenzou remembered, then, that he was supposed to be rich and kind of bratty. But...Tama did not seem like that at all. If he played his character too well, he had a strong feeling he would put him off. He decided to keep going with what worked. "There's always new faces in the crowd."

"Speaking of faces, you didn't come to this festival alone, did you?" Tama asked, suddenly looking suspicious.

"Haha, no! Of course not. I'm here with three of my childhood friends. I left them in our hotel to get some air and look around. I'm glad I did; this park is wonderful."

Tenzou felt a heat on his face, and upon glancing to the side, discovered Tama to be dissecting him thoroughly. He tried not to squirm under his targets intense scrutiny. "Ah...is something wrong?"

"No." Tama concluded, easing off of Tenzou by flicking his gaze back to the creek. "You're just awfully sweet for someone with silk robes."

Fuck. Maybe he had made a big mistake by slightly breaking character. Kakashi was going to kill him.

"Should I be rude, do you think? I can handle that quite well if you'd prefer it."

Tenzou inwardly cheered at the startled blink elicited from Tama at the bite in Tenzou's words.

"I didn't mean to offend you. I meant it as a compliment."

"It's fine." Tenzou returned, easing the faked tension in his shoulders. Bingo. "Sweet is not usually considered a compliment for a man when offered by another man, at least in my circle."

Tama's lips quirked up into an impish smirk that Tenzou had not been expecting. "Oh? Do you usually blindly follow your social circles and adapt all of their opinions as your own?"

This seemed like a good time to act a little bratty. Tenzou's jaw dropped slightly, his mouth forming a little 'o' at the accusations this stranger had the audacity to throw at him.

"No, I most certainly do not. I don't usually put up with verbal lashings for very long, either."

This prompted an amused chuckle from his target, who despite his words, seemed to be enjoying himself immensely. "My apologizes, I didn't realize my questions constituted as lashings. I guess people don't question the things you say very often, do they?"

Tenzou scoffed and 'unconsciously' shuffled further away from Tama. "I think I'm going to head back to the hotel room, now. Thank you for your company, Tama."

The bright laughter from the man beside him told Tenzou that he had definitely done his job well without even realizing it. He always knew he was a true people person, deep down, but had no idea he was this good.

"Well, now I've gone and thoroughly offended you, haven't I?"

"Not at all." Tenzou replied stiffly, standing and smoothing out his pleated skirt. "Please do not think that your words have that much of an effect on me. I just need to get back to my friends before they worry."

"Of course." Tama replied, his eyes dancing. "Just so I'm sure there are no hard feelings, let's shake on it." His hand was extended before him with a bright, genuinely amused smile. Tenzou pretended to look a little bit frustrated, but he accepted the handshake and clasped their hands together firmly. He noticed a slight change in Tama's countenance.

"You're strong."

Fuck...he must have had at least a billion callouses, too. He didn't think of that.

"Thank you." Tenzou replied, attempting to stitch pride into his features. "Keeping fit is one of my favourite hobbies."

"I see." Was Tama's soft reply, which made Tenzou want to book it out of there ASAP.

Tenzou bowed slightly. "Once again, thank you for your company." and with that, he spun on his heel and walked away. He hid a smile when he felt the young man's chakra link with his as he stepped on one of the scouting seeds he'd dropped. Keeping tabs on him wouldn't be difficult now.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

When Tenzou returned to their hotel room, it was to find Kakashi and Gai conversing around the dining table sans Genma. Shedding his haori jacket, Tenzou sank down onto one of the cushions opposite Kakashi. "I'm assuming Genma is with the artifact?"

"He is." Kakashi confirmed, pushing a plate of food Tenzou's way. "How did it go?"

"Excellent." Tenzou replied with a bright smile. "I found him fairly quickly with the help of his father, and managed to plant a scouting seed on him. It shouldn't be a problem to find him again."

"Good work." Kakashi murmured absently, but the look in his eyes showed Tenzou just how pleased he was. "We'll all be going out after dinner, so we'll need to find him again. There are some festivities tonight we can partake in that also involve the artifact."

"What is he like?" Gai asked around his food.

"Not what I expected...he's intelligent, and far less snobby than I thought he would be. I ah..." Tenzou looked down, blushing slightly. "Took a few liberties with my character, but I felt it was necessary at the time. I'm supposed to be spoiled, but he seems to recoil from that kind of personality."

"Missions are never black and white. Improvising is a necessity; I'm sure you did fine."

Tenzou smiled at Kakashi and his captain returned his warmth. The three of them ate their meals amongst light mission talk, going over the specifics of their night and who was assigned to what. Tenzou, obviously, was still on Tama duty. The mokuton user hoped it wouldn't be weird approaching the counsellors son again after he had left in such a huff.

A knock at the door made all of their heads snap to the location of the sound. Glancing at each other, Tenzou gave a curt nod to signify that he would answer it. He saw Kakashi and Gai's hands move to their hips under the table.

He sputtered attractively when he saw who it was.

"T-Tama?"

The exchanged glance between Kakashi and Gai was almost audible.

"Ah, yes. Sorry if this seems forward, but I actually feel horrible about how I acted today." Tama explained, looking as truly ashamed as he felt. "I shouldn't have poked at you like that. Please accept these tickets to the opera as a peace offering. I got enough for all of your friends."

Tenzou glanced down in shock as four little slips of paper appeared in his line of vision. He looked back up at Tama, unsure of what to say. "That...well, thank you, but you didn't have to go through the trouble..."

"Oh, it's no trouble. Didn't cost me a dime." Tama's playful wink eased Tenzou's mind enough for him to accept the tickets with a smile.

"Well, thank you. We are actually going to be heading to the festival in around an hour, if you'd like to join us?"

For reasons Tenzou could not fathom, Tama actually looked nervous at the invitation. "Oh, well, I'll probably have to be with my father..."

Tenzou smiled in what he hoped was a very soothing and placating way. "No problem."

The atmosphere suddenly became strangely heavy as Tama looked embarrassed and uncertain. "Anyway...I'm sure I'll see you down there. Enjoy the opera." Smiling, Tama bowed slightly. "Until we meet again." and walked away.

Tenzou stared at the spot he vacated for a few confused moments before he slowly shut the door and turned to his friends, the opera tickets held out in front of him.

"Well. That was unexpe- what?"

Kakashi and Gai were grinning so impishly they were practically cackling. Tenzou huffed.

"What is it?"

"Look at you, you smooth operator." Kakashi mused, Gai laughing at his comment.

"What's that supposed to mean? This is good, isn't it...?"

Tenzou sounded so flustered and uncertain it only made Kakashi and Gai's grins larger.

"Ah, yes, it is good! It's not every day one captures the heart of a handsome wealth within the first hour of meeting him." Gai proclaimed, pressing his clasped hands to his heart, his eyes closed.

Tenzou glared at them.

"I did not 'capture his heart'. You weren't there, he was rude to me for no reason."

"It's called 'flirting', Tenzou. One day you'll understand."

That just made the mokuton user even more angry. He shot Kakashi a nasty look, suddenly insecure with his lack of romantic experience. He stormed into the room and tossed the opera tickets onto the table. "I'm going to change."

"Do not be angry my friend, it is a sign of how desirable you are that you have made such an impression!"

Ignoring Gai, Tenzou opened the sliding door to his room and shut it with a crisp 'snap'. Gai sighed, feeling bad about his jabs, but Kakashi just shrugged and focused on finishing his meal.

"I hate the opera."

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Around an hour later, Tenzou's anger had diminished, he'd finished changing, and the rest of his team had assembled and changed as well. They met around the dining table to go over any last minute mission details. Genma, to Tenzou's frustration, ragged on him just as hard as his other friends had.

"The OPERA! Tenzou, did you fondle his man bits?"

"Seriously, Genma?"

"Hahaha, hey, I'm not the one who's getting callers hours after the mission started. Try and keep it clean, Tenzou. We have a reputation to maintain."

"I don't understand. He's a man, he probably doesn't meet many people of his accepted social standing who are tolerable...it all points to friendship for me."

His team shook their heads, wisely deciding not to comment further or risk truly offending, and maybe hurting, Tenzou.

Obviously, it was effortless for them to parade around the festival grounds as old friends. Gai was obviously having trouble keeping quiet and sticking to his 'character', but other than that, their interactions between themselves and with other people were fluid. They bought treats, played a few games (which Kakashi annihilated them in, naturally) and then made their way to the main building where the artifact would be presented. A large crowd had gathered, and the shinobi made their way through and stopped as close to the stage as they dared without pissing people off.

Finally, the 'moment' of truth arrived. The council filed in behind the artifact, and there Tenzou saw Tama, dressed in the robes of their government and looking incredibly sophisticated. Their leader appeared, gave a long, interesting account of the history of the artifact, and then the council placed prayers and offerings at the base of the stage. When the formalities were over, the government filed out, and a play began. Tenzou found himself having a good time, as everything was executed with style and quality. Finally, the show was over, and the hall began to empty. Kakashi turned to the group and everyone listened carefully.

"I want to go to the market and get more of those deserts. Yu, Jinkyu, do you mind waiting here for me? I don't care to try and find you again in the crowd."

Gai and Genma looked bored, rolled their eyes, but nodded all the same.

"Just hurry." Genma drawled.

Kakashi turned to Tenzou. "Why don't you go and find Tama? He seemed like he wanted company."

"Yah, I was thinking of that. You guys don't mind?"

"Pft, we see enough of your face, Hanj. Get out of here."

Tenzou stuck out his tongue to Genma. He glanced at Kakashi, who was gazing deep into his eyes with a stare that made him almost grin. If he didn't know better, he'd think Kakashi was getting a little jealous. He smiled, bowed slightly, then turned to leave. As he took his first step, he felt Kakashi ghost past him, his chest brushing against the mokuton users arm. A little part of him giggled in giddy delight. He shouldn't be too proud of himself, but having Hatake Kakashi act jealous and protective, even just a little, was pretty damn awesome.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Finding Tama was a piece of cake, especially since the young man had obviously worn the same sandals all day. It didn't even look suspicious, as he was hanging around in plain site at the foot of the stairs to the council chambers. Tenzou approached casually. When he was close, Tama's head snapped up, and a slow smile spread across his face.

"Hey."

"Good evening, Tama. You look so proper."

With a light, husky laugh, Tama flicked a bit of his robe. "Yah. It's all a show. I'm really irresponsible."

Tenzou sat down next to his new companion with a smile. "Why are you sitting here by yourself?"

Tama shrugged. "A bunch of stuffy old men aren't really my type of company."

"Where are your friends?"

Tenzou saw a distinct tightening of all of Tama's muscles. Interesting. "They aren't in town, believe it or not. They see the festival every year, I guess they're sick of it."

"Ah." Tenzou nodded his head in understanding, but things were slowly starting to come together in his mind. This was the second time he had found Tama alone, in public, obviously shunning the company of others. He didn't seem to be too fond of being around his father and the other council, and for some reason, his friends were gone. This completely explained why his father hired a bunch of young guys Tama's age to watch out for him. It was the perfect, and maybe the only way, to protect him.

"Where are your friends?" Tama asked with a mocking grin. "I don't think I've ever seen such a concentration of strapping young men in one circle before."

Tenzou laughed, feeling pride for his team, which he was sure could be translated through his smile. "Yu and Jinkyu are hanging around the artifact, waiting for Miko. He went to get more sweets."

"Miko...is that the silver haired one?"

"Yup."

"He must get the ladies."

Tenzou rolled his eyes. "Like you wouldn't believe. He calls them "the fan club"."

"Naturally." Tama chuckled. "What happened to his eye?"

"Oh, an accident when we were kids. It seems to have actually given him even MORE of an advantage with women, actually. They find it 'mysterious' and 'deadly'. Like he's a pirate or something."

Tenzou was a little worried about how easy it was to make up stories and essentially lie to someones face. Maybe he had issues and didn't even know it. Or, maybe he really was JUST that good.

Tama's smile softened. "You don't sound jealous at all."

Tenzou blinked in confusion. "Huh? No, of course not."

"Most men would be. That other guy, the one with the longer hair, he's a looker, too."

He felt ridiculous, but a tinge of insecurity rippled through his chest. "Are you insinuating that I am the ugly duckling?"

Tama's smile turned wicked. "Ah, no. That would be poor bowl cut, the super tall one. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but he kinda looks like he got electrocuted and his eyes never went back to normal."

Tenzou snorted so loudly it echoed through the night. "H-hey! That's...horrible..." he attempted around his muffled laughter. Poor Gai. He was one of the best people ever, but...he did look pretty unique.

"Someone should probably convince him to hack off half of his eyebrows, too. The combination is like burnt toast on top of a cracked egg."

Feeling like the worst friend ever, Tenzou promptly burst out laughing. Picturing Gai's head with burnt toast as eyebrows and an uncooked egg as eyes just sent him over the edge. Tama's eyes tingled with mirth, the blue depths swimming with his enjoyment. He really was exceptionally handsome, for all the complimenting he did of other people. He looked almost...exotic.

After about a minute, Tenzou finally calmed down enough to speak. "I feel like a horrible person..."

"Nah, guys can handle knocks to their looks. Besides, I'm sure he knows." Tama waved off Tenzou's worry with a flick of his wrist, his smile so contagious Tenzou found himself grinning again.

They heard someone call Tama's name distantly. Turning, they could see his father gesturing to him. With a loud sigh, Tama turned back to Tenzou, his mood obviously ruined. "I have to go."

"That's alright, it was nice talking to you." Tenzou returned, his large eyes wide and happy like his smile. "I'm sure we'll see each other again."

"I would like that." Tama replied, his eyes capturing Tenzou's, boring into them. They were so clear and blue Tenzou felt like he was floating in a mirror. He felt a small, burning coil in his abdomen. For a moment, he couldn't speak.

"Ah...a-alright..."

Tama stood, but kept their eye contact as if he hadn't moved. "Just for the record...I think you're the most attractive out of all of them."

With that, he turned and walked up the stairs to meet his father as if he hadn't just complimented the pants off of Tenzou. The mokuton user sat on the steps, mind boggled, worryingly aroused and unsure of how to handle the situation.

How was he supposed to guard Tama when spending more time with him would obviously be leading him on?

Damnit. They were right. I'm never going to live this down. Why does he have to be so attractive and charming...Kakashi is going to kill me.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Oooohhhh WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN!? :D Stay tuuuuuned!