Chapter 7

A/N: Timeline for this chapter: Day 3 in the house.

Thinking about Maxi yesterday made me long for the sounds and tastes of Jamaica. So when I woke up this morning I decided it was time to introduce my men to some of my favorite traditional Jamaican recipes and music.

I decided to start them off with something simple-sweet potato pancakes. As I pulled the ingredients out and arranged them on the counter, I wondered how Maxi was doing. It had been a little over two years since I saw him last.

I hated the fact that I left him with only a 5-page letter, but really there wasn't any other way. He would have used his deep, sexy voice to talk me into staying. "No worries girl" he would say, "Maxi make it all good." and boy could he deliver on that promise.

He showed me the most beautiful beaches and carefree lifestyle I ever imagined. That in itself was hard to say no to, but then when you had a peaceful, loving man, who was all lean muscle, dark smooth skin, that towered over you and wrapped his strong arms around you and sing the songs he said reminded him of you on a nightly basis—well was there any reason why you would ever want to leave?

We both knew that staying and pretending everything was ok as it was would only hurt him more. He had fallen in love with me and I loved him too, but not in the same way. I cared for him deeply but looking back now I think I was more in love with the lifestyle than the actual man.

After spending almost every day for a year with him and his initial never appearing on my breast, I realized that we were only meant to be really good friends—nothing more. He needed time away from me to realize it too.

I had brought my portable cd player into the kitchen to listen to the sounds of the music he introduced me to and sang along as I made the pancakes.

"One love, one heart; Let's get together and feel all right; Hear the children crying (One love); Hear the children crying (One heart); Sayin', Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right; Sayin', Let's get together and feel all right; Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa"

I sifted the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg into the mixing bowl.

"Let them all pass all their dirty remarks (One love); There is one question I'd really love to ask (One heart); Is there a place for the hopeless sinner; Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own?; Believe me"

In another bowl I mixed together the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, milk and melted butter.

"One love, one heart; Let's get together and feel all right; As it was in the beginning (One love); So shall it be in the end (One heart); Alright, Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right.; Let's get together and feel all right.; One more thing"

I turned on the griddle so it could warm up.

"Let's get together to fight this Holy Armageddon (One love); So when the Man comes there will be no, no doom (One song); Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner; There ain't no hiding place from the Father of Creation"

I added the flower mixture to the bowl containing the sweet potatoes and mixed it together until the dry ingredients were moist.

"Sayin', One love, one heart; Let's get together and feel all right; I'm pleading to mankind (One love); Oh, Lord (One heart) Whoa"

I dropped tablespoons of the mixture onto the griddle and let them cook, flipping them, and when they were nicely browned, I placed them on a plate.

"Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right; Let's get together and feel all right; Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right; Let's get together and feel all right."

The smell of breakfast had lured Tenzo into the kitchen where he had been watching me flip pancakes and sing.

"Good morning. You have the most beautiful voice. I never have heard a song like that."

I turned off the griddle and placed the last pancake on the plate. I picked it up and carried it with me as I walked over to him, leaned in and gave him a kiss.

"Good morning. I have several cd's with this type of music. My friend Maxi introduced me to the sound. It's the type of music I listened to for over a year when I was in Jamaica. I love that place."

We walked into the dining room.

"What was it that you loved about it so much?"

"I loved that the people there were so kind, friendly, peaceful and easy going. It's the perfect place to figure out what truly matters to you."

"And what did you figure out while you were there?" asked Genma who had joined us along with Kakashi at the table.

"I realized it was time to come home. My mother however had different plans. We ended up making a compromise, heading towards home staying in the Land of the Moon where my sisters met Sean and Aaron and then gradually moving closer when we went to work at the hotel."

Tenzo returned to the kitchen to get plates.

Kakashi asked, "Those smell terrific. What are they?"

"Sweet potato pancakes. Maxi and I would have these every Friday morning for breakfast and then go to our favorite beach to layout, play in the ocean, and take a nap in a hammock or a long walk around the island and explore. Sometimes we would spend the entire day there. In the evening we would make a fantastic meal together for supper and spend the night singing and dancing in the local clubs."

Tenzo returned with the plates, utensils and butter. I placed a couple of pancakes on a plate and gave him the first plate. He took it and sat down at the table.

"Sounds like you had a wonderful time every Friday." Genma came over behind me and wrapped his arms around me kissing my neck. "Good morning sweetie."

"It was and good morning to you." I turned and kissed him. "Maxi encouraged me to try all kinds of things." I handed him a plate and he released me and returned to his spot at the table.

I walked over to Kakashi, "Good morning." I kissed him as I slid a plate in front of him. "Once we went scuba diving. It was absolutely breath taking. Now eat up while they are still warm."

"Good morning and thank you. These look mouthwatering."

All three men began eating as I watched.

I saw Kakashi's eye roll into the back of his head—that's one that likes them.

Genma let out a little moan—that's two.

Tenzo finished chewing, wiped his mouth and said, "I can see why you had them every week. They are delicious. Sweet enough you don't need syrup."

I smiled, "I'm glad you like them. I'm hopeful you will like everything I make today. But if you don't I'll understand. I didn't like everything about Jamaican cooking at first. Some of it can be quite spicy. But you live there long enough and you get use to it. I promise not to make anything too spicy today."

I turned and headed back into the kitchen to bring in a pitcher of milk and a pitcher of orange juice. "Genma please help me get some glasses?"

"Sure. Be right there." He stuffed another quick bite into his mouth, chewing and swallowing while he rose from the table and followed me into the kitchen.

I pulled the pitchers of milk and juice out of the refrigerator. "Later today, would you want to help me make the drink I asked you to get all the ingredients for yesterday?"

"Let me see, spending time alone with you making something delicious—yes please." He smiled.

"Thank you."

Genma grabbed the glasses and we walked back into the dining room.

"Which would you prefer?" I asked all three men and showed them each pitcher.

"Milk please."

"Juice please."

"Milk please."

I poured Kakashi and Genma's milk, then Tenzo's juice. I handed each of them their glass, then filled my own cup with milk and sat down to enjoy my breakfast.

Kakashi was on his fourth pancake when he asked, "So, do you need any help making lunch today? I'm handy in the kitchen and interested in learning firsthand what goes in to cooking some of your favorite recipes."

"I'm always glad to have help in the kitchen. I've already asked Genma to help me with something for an afternoon treat. I was planning on making a quick lunch and maybe a dessert with dinner. Tenzo, you too are welcome to join me in the kitchen."

"I'd like that. Which would you prefer Kakashi, lunch or dinner?"

"How about you help with lunch and I'll take dinner."

"Agreed."

We had finished eating and I began clearing the table. "I only have two rules in my kitchen" all three men listened intently, "Be safe" they all nodded in agreement "and have fun" I smiled and left the room to let each man come up with his own definition of the fun we would be having today when they were helping me in the kitchen.

Tenzo joined me in the kitchen to prepare lunch as I was pulling the ingredients together to make steamed cabbage.

"Do you mind if I pick out some music to play while we make lunch?"

"Go ahead, as you know I enjoy listening and singing along to music anytime." I smiled. "There are several cd's on the counter by the player. Play whatever you want."

He picked up several cd's and would read the songs listed on the back until finally he decided on one.

I heard the beginning of the song and all I could think was 'crap'.

"Shooby dooby dooby doo woi; Shooby doo; oh; Shooby doo dooby doo boi oi; Yeah ah"

This was a song that Maxi would sing to me while we rocked in the hammock. Tenzo probably picked it simply because of the title, 'Angel'. I blocked out the hidden meaning behind the song as best as I could.

"Girl, you're my angel, you're my darling angel; Closer than my peeps you are to me, baby; Shorty, you're my angel, you're my darling angel; Girl, you're my friend when I'm in need, lady."

"Could you wash the cabbage for me please?"

"Sure." He replied as he took it from me and walked over to the sink. "I like the beat, but I'm not sure I clearly understand all the words."

"Yeah. That's sometimes the case with music."

"Life is one big party when you're still young; But who's gonna have your back when it's all done; It's all good when you're little, you have pure fun; Can't be a fool, son, what about the long run; Looking back Shorty always mention; Said me not giving her much attention; She was there through my incarceration; I wanna show the nation my appreciation"

"I could pick out a different song if you would like." I offered.

"No this is fine."

"Do you want to cut up the cabbage in strips or sauté this other stuff?"

"I will take care of the cutting."

"Girl, you're my angel, you're my darling angel; Closer than my peeps you are to me, baby; Shorty, you're my angel, you're my darling angel; Girl, you're my friend when I'm in need, lady"

Maxi referred to me as 'shorty' since the day we met, but after I told him we could never be together the way he wanted, he started calling me 'that girl'. I think it was to remind him that I was someone else's girl and not his. I placed some butter in the skillet and watched it melt, then added the onion, garlic, pepper and thyme.

"You're a queen and so you should be treated; Though you never get the lovin' that you needed; Could have left, but I called and you heeded; Takin' a beatin', mission completed; Mama said that I and I dissed the program; Not the type to mess around with her emotion; But the feeling that I have for you is so strong; Been together so long and this could never be wrong"

An accurate account of the first of several times I told him I was leaving and he used every trick in the book to get me to stay. He was successful until the last time when I left him a note with his mother.

"The cabbage is all cut up, now what?"

"Bring it and a ¼ cup of water over and we can add it to the pan."

He walked beside me and poured the water in, then followed with adding the cabbage as I stirred everything together. I gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. He smiled.

"Girl, you're my angel, you're my darling angel; Closer than my peeps you are to me, baby; Shorty, you're my angel, you're my darling angel; Girl, you're my friend when I'm in need, lady"

"Now we just cover it and let it simmer until it becomes tender. Meanwhile we can slice up the avocado pear."

"Uh, uh; Girl, in spite of my behavior, said I'm your savior; (You must be sent from up above); And you appear to me so tender, say girl I surrender; (Thanks for giving me your love)"

Tenzo washed the pears and I began slicing and arranging them onto four plates.

I took a bite and offered him a taste of the pear.

"That's good. And the cabbage smells wonderful too. The food along with how beautiful you tell me it is and the friendly people makes me wonder how you ever found the strength to leave and come back home."

"Girl, in spite of my behavior, well, you are my savior; (You must be sent from up above); And you appear to me so tender, well, girl I surrender; (Said thanks for giving me your love)"

"Tenzo, there never was any question that I would return home. I can always make the same meals here, I have my memories, and someday maybe we all will go there together. Jamaica was a place that helped me grow a little more confident in my abilities and reinforced that you three are what was important to me."

I lifted the lid to check and see if it was tender yet. "Just a little longer and it will be ready to add the final seasoning."

"Now life is one big party when you're still young; And who's gonna have your back when it's all done; It's all good when you're little, you have pure fun; Can't be a fool, son, what about the long run; Looking back Shorty always mention; Said me not giving her much attention; She was there through my incarceration; I wanna show the nation my appreciation"

I checked the cabbage again and this time it was ready to add the final touches. "Ok, we are almost done. Please bring me that scotch bonnet pepper and you can place it on top while I add the salt and black pepper."

He added the pepper and then walked behind me, wrapping his arms around me, slowly rocking us back and forth, placing kisses on my neck and softly singing the words he could understand.

"Girl, you're my angel, you're my darling angel; Closer than my peeps you are tome, baby; Shorty, you're my angel, you're my darling angel; Girl, you're my friend when I'm in need, lady"

I turned around and gave him soft kisses while we continued to dance until I was sure the cabbage was done.

"I think we need to let Genma and Kakashi know lunch is ready. Do you want to get them or finish up in here?"

"I'll go get them for you Angel." He kissed me and then went to the drawer and pulled out the eating utensils to place them on the table.

As soon as he left the room I turned off the cd player, removed the cd and shoved it in a drawer. I didn't want to hear that song again—at least not today.

I removed the pan from the stove and placed a hot pad on the counter so that I could serve the cabbage on the plates.

As I was making a pitcher of iced tea, Genma greeted me at the door. He pulled four cups from the cupboard and placed them on the table, then returned to grab the pitcher. Tenzo found Kakashi and returned to help me deliver the plates.

Everyone enjoyed the meal. While we were making lunch, Kakashi and Genma had been comparing notes over Chapter 13. Tenzo, having not yet seen the book asked Kakashi if he would want to hold a similar conversation after lunch. Kakashi agreed and shot me a wink. I was glad to see that he was helping Tenzo and Genma catch up on the literature. I'm sure he was telling them also about the precautions we would need to take to prevent me from blacking out.

Genma and I were making a nice cold drink made with various fruit juices. It wasn't difficult to make and I knew we could have a lot of fun, especially when I saw the cd he chose for us to listen to. When Maxi and his band would sing 'Fire Burning', it got me going and there was no stopping the fun after a crowd started gathering to join me on the dance floor.

"Kingston; Let's Go; Hey, hey, hey; Red One; Hey Hey; Shawty got that super thing; Hotter than the sun of south in Spain; Got me soon as I walked through the door; My pocket started tickle-ing; The way she dropped it low that thang; Got me wanna spend my money on her, her"

I wiggled my way over to the cabinet lowered myself down still swaying my hips slightly and pulled out the blender while Genma danced over to the refrigerator and pulled out all the ingredients we would need. I danced up behind him and ground my chest and hips against his backside as he was pulling the ice cubes out of the freezer.

"She get it pop it lock it drop it; That birthday cake; Got a candle, need to blow that crazy flame away; Now take my red, black card and my jewellery; Shawty is cool like the fire,; Cool like fire"

Genma turned around, placed the ice on the table, smiled, and rubbed himself against me. "Even if this drink tastes like crap, it's my new favorite."

"Somebody call 911; Shawty fire burning on the dance floor; Whoa; I gotta cool her down; She won't bring the roof to ground on the dance floor; Whoa; She's fire burning, fire burning on the dance floor; That little shawty's fire burning on the dance floor; She's fire burning fire burning on the dance floor; That little shawty's fire burning on the dance floor; Fire burning fire burning"

I gave him a quick kiss, then turned around placing my rear in his crotch and ground into him while my arms reached up and back to pull his head closer to me so he could kiss my neck. He wrapped one arm around my waist and pressed his semi-hard lump into me while his other stroked my body up and down slowly.

"That body is a masterpiece; The order is one in every hundred years; But ain't no doubt I'm taking it home"

"Time to add everything." I released his head, grabbed some ice and threw it in the blender with one hand then poured the pineapple juice with my other as Genma began pouring the apple juice with his hand that was no longer rubbing me.

"Little mama game is about to change; She'll be on covers over the world"

I added the cherry juice cocktail and the orange juice while he added the club soda.

"She get it pop it lock it drop it that birthday cake; Got a candle need to blow that crazy flame away; Take my red, black card and my jewellery; Shawty is cool like the fire; Cool like fire"

I pulled away from him and picked up the bananas that need to be crushed. I slowly peeled one banana and inserted it in my mouth like I was going down on the tip of his cock before turning back around and gently taking a small bite and chewed it up. He grabbed my ass and gave it a squeeze. "You tease." He paused, "I like it."

"Somebody call 911; Shawty fire burning on the dance floor; Whoa; I gotta cool her down; She won't bring the roof to ground on the dance floor; Whoa; She's fire burning, fire burning on the dance floor; That little shawty's fire burning on the dance floor; She's fire burning, fire burning on the dance floor; That little shawty's fire burning on the dance floor"

While I crushed the banana with a fork and added it to the blender he cut the lime into several slices that would be used as decoration. We wiggled and danced in place, just enjoying the moment.

"She got that fire in her dance that'll make them fella's run around; Hey; No exit from the dance floor so them boys want more; Hey; She got that fire in her dance that'll make them fella's run around; get outta my way, everybody, sing it now; No exit from the dance floor so them boys want more"

I placed the lid on the blender and his hand gently rested on top of mine to help hold it down while he reached around with his other hand and pressed puree. The blender almost drowned out the music but I was so familiar with it that I could still move to the beat, grinding into him, even without hearing the words.

"She get it pop it lock it drop it that birthday cake; Got a candle need to blow that crazy flame away; Take my red, black card and my jewellery; Shawty is cool like the fire; Cool like fire"

The loud noise from the blender along with the music that had been turned up louder than when Tenzo was helping me finally lured Kakashi and Tenzo into the room and they watched as Genma turned off the blender, removed it from the cradle and opened the lid as I grabbed four glasses from the cabinet. He poured the creamy cold drink into each glass and I added a slice of lime to the rim of each glass along with a straw.

"Somebody call 911; Shawty fire burning on the dance floor; Whoa; I gotta cool her down; She won't bring the roof to ground on the dance floor; Whoa; She's fire burning, fire burning on the dance floor; That little shawty's fire burning on the dance floor; She's fire burning, fire burning on the dance floor; That little shawty's fire burning on the dance floor"

I danced my way toward Kakashi and Tenzo with a drink in each hand and offered one to each man. After they took it, I gave them a quick kiss turned and wiggled and danced back to Genma who handed me my drink and gave me a kiss as we ground into each other.

"Somebody call 911"

I lifted up my glass, "Cheers". The three men clinked their glasses against mine and repeated my sentiment before taking a sip of their drink.

I moved away from Genma and turned the cd player off so that we could hear each other without screaming.

"So do you like it?" I asked all three men.

Genma chuckled "You already know my answer."

"This is the perfect thing for a hot afternoon or a night dancing at a club." Replied Kakashi, "I can just picture you dancing like that every night. Those lucky Jamaican bastards." He chuckled.

"Maxi and I would always start the night off in the clubs with this song. It got everybody in the right mood."

Tenzo added "I bet you had the guys all over you after seeing you dance like that."

"No not really. Maxi was well known in all the clubs by the owners and bouncers. The regulars at the club knew not to mess with me. I had practically an entire village of men that were looking out for me at all times—it reminded me of Konoha." I smiled and took another sip of my drink, "If anyone remotely got out of line, I had at least 2 large men at each club who would redirect them with just a nod from Maxi to intervene."

Genma offered a toast, "Well we are all thankful for that. So here's to Maxi for keeping you safe when we weren't with you."

Again we clinked our glasses together and enjoyed the smooth cold drinks.

"So I was going to make a pie with supper, but I'm actually a little tired now. Would you guys mind it terribly if we didn't have dessert tonight?"

Kakashi answered for all three men. "It's not a problem. Why don't we all go lay down and take a nap together."

"But what about?"

Genma interrupted me, "I'll take care of it. You go lay down and relax. It' won't take me long to rinse out the blender and throw the trash away."

I gave him a deep kiss and a "Thank you" as Tenzo took my hand and walked me out of the room with Kakashi following closely behind. Each sipping on our straws as we made our way to the bedroom.

I was surprised when I woke up that no one was in bed with me. I moved to the edge of the bed to get up when I heard Pakkun say, "Hey Rainbow. Did you have a nice nap?" I looked around the room and saw that he along with the entire pack were lined up at the door as if they were keeping watch over me. Pakkun let out a yip and Akino and Bisuke darted off to perform whatever task they had been assigned.

Buru stood in the doorway behind Shiba, Urushi, Uuhei, and Guruko who were behind Pakkun.

I removed myself from the bed, took a couple of steps and then lowered myself to the floor. I didn't even need to pat my leg and all the dogs, with the exception of Buru and Pakkun moved forward so that I could give them the attention that they didn't get yesterday.

"I'm the luckiest girl in Konoha to have such brave ninken watching over me while I sleep. What did I do to deserve this special treatment?"

"These four didn't get to spend very much time with you yesterday and they wanted to make sure you knew they were glad you are back." Pakkun offered.

I gave each dog a good scratch behind the ears with the exception of Uuhei as he didn't like to have his bandages messed with. I rubbed him on his back. "Well I'm glad to see you all. I missed you too. But I have a suspicion that maybe Kakashi asked you to watch over me."

"Nope, that was all our idea." Smiled Pakkun. He made another yip and the four dogs disappeared from the room.

Pakkun walked over to me and curled up in my lap. I began to rub him behind his ears, "Pakkun, you would tell me if Kakashi was off doing something he shouldn't be right? He's suppose to be taking it easy and recovering. I expected to see at least him in here with me when I woke up."

"Oh, he's just reading under a shade tree."

"That's good. What about the other two? Do you know where they are?"

"Outside."

I knew I wasn't going to be getting much more information out of Pakkun so I let him roll onto his back so that I could rub his favorite spot—his tummy. I turned my attentions to Buru.

"Buru, did I do something to upset you?"

Buru's lazy face suddenly became concerned and he walked towards me, "No. Why would you think that?"

"Because usually you are at the front of the line to greet me."

He moved close enough that I could scratch behind his ears, but still was blocking my path toward the door. He gave me a lick on the face.

"I would have been first, but Pakkun ordered that I stay at the door."

"That's good. I'm glad you aren't upset with me. Would you both like to go to the kitchen with me and get one of the biscuits I made for you all?"

Buru immediately said, "Yes." Pakkun in his blissful state agreed, not really thinking about what I had asked.

I held Pakkun like a baby in my arms and continued to rub his belly while standing and walking to the kitchen. I peeked out the window and saw Kakashi under a shade tree. Genma and Tenzo were no where to be seen however.

I opened the cabinet with my bare foot and momentarily stopped rubbing Pakkun to pick up the tin and place it on the counter. I immediately returned to rubbing his tummy. "Did you like the biscuits I made for you?" I asked both dogs.

Pakkun perked up with the momentary absence of me rubbing him and had vaguely remembered we were in the kitchen to get biscuits. Both dogs answered "Yes."

I placed Pakkun on the counter next to the tin, lifted the lid, and removed two biscuits before placing the lid back on. As soon as I gave Pakkun his biscuit and he began chewing I asked Buru "Do you know where Genma and Tenzo are?"

I held the biscuit just out of reach of Buru, "Yes they are working on a surprise for you out back."

I gave him the biscuit and rubbed him behind the ears and returned my attention to rubbing Pakkun's as well.

"Buru could you do me a favor and let Kakashi know I'm awake. He wants to help me make supper tonight."

"Oh he knows. Akino and Bisuke told him."

"Do Genma and Tenzo know I'm awake?"

"Yes the others went to tell them."

"Buru could you go tell Kakashi I'm in the shower. I want to clean up before I'm ready to start making dinner?"

"I will and thank you for the rub, the biscuit and especially for not being mad cuz I followed orders."

Buru poofed out of the room and I once again held Pakkun in my arms and began rubbing his stomach. Pakkun let out a little whimper.

I looked out the window and could see Buru appear in front of Kakashi to relay my message. Kakashi stood, dismissed him and started walking toward the house.

I walked into the bedroom "I'm hopping in the shower now. Do you need to watch me in there too or did Kakashi order you only to keep me occupied in the bedroom?"

Before Pakkun could think he replied, "He just wanted you kept in the bedroom."

I placed him on the bed. "Ok. I'll be out in a few minutes."

I walked into the bathroom just as I heard the front door open and shut. I left the door open, started the shower and heard Pakkun jump to the floor as I began to undress.

I heard Kakashi ask, "Did she try to figure out what we were up to?"

"No, she just wanted to know where you all were. Buru told her outside and then she came back in here."

"Back in here? You mean the bathroom?"

"No the room."

"Why did she need to return to the room? You were suppose to keep her from leaving the room."

"Crap. She offered Buru biscuits and that meant going into the kitchen."

"Okay so Buru was thinking with his stomach. Where were you that you couldn't stop her?"

Pakkun softly mumbled, "in her arms."

"And you couldn't poof away and warn me?"

"I didn't want to."

"Why not?"

"Cause I was relaxed."

Kakashi pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You're a ninken. What had you so relaxed that you forgot about your mission?"

"She rubbed my favorite spot." He snapped.

"I've given you rubs like that and you still are able to think clearly. What was different?"

"She played dirty. She used chakra."

"Apparently she could teach Ibiki a thing or two about interrogation tactics, though I doubt even the most soothing chakra from him would loosen lips the way she can."

"You really shouldn't try to keep secrets from her."

"But we wanted it to be a surprise."

"Not that secret. I'm talking about your past. She wants to help you. The only thing keeping her from using those techniques on you is that she loves you too much to try and trick it out of you. That should tell you right there that she can be trusted with anything. In my opinion, if you don't trust her with it, you're only hurting yourself."

"Thank you for your assessment Dr. Pakkun. Get out of here."

"So are we ok?"

"We're ok. See ya later."

I heard Pakkun poof out of the room and Kakashi walk through the door.

I turned off the water and opened the shower door. "Could you hand me a towel please?"

Kakashi grabbed a towel off the rack and wrapped it around me.

"Thanks" I leaned in and gave him a kiss. "I should be ready to start supper in a few minutes. I just need to get dressed."

Remembering that I was on my period Kakashi asked, "Would you like me to grab your clothes so you don't have to worry about accidentally bleeding on the floor?"

"No need, my periods are always only a couple of days and with Genma's help yesterday, I've almost completely stopped. I've gone all day with only a tiny drop appearing on my pad. It's safe for me to go back to thongs…or even commando. Would you enjoy cooking naked with me?"

"I enjoy doing anything and everything naked with you."

"Well since we will be cooking with oil, it's safer if we wear clothes." I dropped the towel and walked into the bedroom toward the closet.

Kakashi followed me into the closet. "I'd be willing to change the menu for tonight to a salad if that meant we could be naked in the kitchen."

I walked over to the section where I had several dresses hanging up. I flipped through them until I came across a light blue sun-dress and removed it from the hanger. "Another time. I know you will enjoy what I have planned."

I slipped the dress on and walked back out to the bedroom. My hair was damp so I picked up a rubber band that was lying on top of the dresser and pulled my hair into a ponytail at the top of my head. I then braided my ponytail and finally wrapped a smaller rubber band around the end.

"Let's go have some fun in the kitchen." I took his hand and we walked to the kitchen.

Kakashi flipped through the stack of cd's. "So what are we making?"

"Jamaican Mango Chicken and Rice."

He placed his chosen cd into the player and pressed play and adjusted the volume down so that it played lightly in the background. "Sounds tasty. What do you want me to do?"

"You grab a frying pan and a baking dish and I'll get the ingredients."

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone; I can see all obstacles in my way; Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind;
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright); Sun-Shiny day; It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright); Sun-Shiny day"

Kakashi stood close behind me and watched as I poured oil into the frying pan. He reached around and turned the stove on to heat up the oil.

We walked over to the sink and I ran the chicken pieces under water then placed them on a plate covered with a paper towel that Kakashi was holding as he stood behind me.

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone; I can see all obstacles in my way; Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind;
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright); Sun-Shiny day; It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright); Sun-Shiny day"

"It needs to be browned. Then we will put it in the baking dish and add the seasonings." I handed tongs to Kakashi and stood beside him and watched him turn the chicken.

Kakashi placed the browned pieces of chicken into the baking dish. I offered him the seasonings to be added to the chicken: soy sauce, white wine, crushed garlic, salt and diced Jamaican green peppers. He gave me a smile as he added the seasonings and I turned the oven on.

"I think I can make it now, the pain is gone; All of the bad feelings have disappeared; Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for; It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright); Sun-Shiny day"

I tore off and handed him a piece of aluminum foil. He covered the baking dish, opened the door, and placed it in the oven.

"It should cook 30 minutes."

"Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies; Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies"

He set the timer.

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone; I can see all obstacles in my way; Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind; It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright); Sun-Shiny day."

"Now all we need to do is slice up the mangos and make the rice."

"I'll start the rice if you take care of the mangos?"

"It's gona be a bright (bright) bright (bright); Sun-Shiny day"

"Ok."

With the mangos sliced, the rice started and the chicken nearly finished baking in the oven, Kakashi pulled me close and we began slowly dancing.

"We got to give a little love, have a little hope; Make this world a little better. Whoa, oh, oh; Oh, oh, whoa. Livin' in this crazy world; So caught up in the confusion; Nothin' is makin' sense; For me and you. Maybe we can find a way; There's got be a solution; How to make a brighter day; What do we do. We got to give a little love, have a little hope; Make this world a little better; Try a little more, harder than before; Let's do what we can do together. Oh, whoa, oh; We can really make it better, yeah; Oh, oh, oh, la, la, la; Only if we try. Got the words on our minds; Got the troubles on our shoulders; Sometimes it seems so much; What we go through. Maybe if we take the time; Time to understand each other; You can learn to make it right; What do we do. We got to give a little love, have a little hope; Make this world a little better; Try a little more, harder than before; Let's do what we can do together. Oh, whoa, whoa; We can really make it better, yeah; Oh, oh, oh, la, la, la; Only if we try. Oh, oh, oh, la, la, la; Give a little; Oh, ah, oh, oh, oh; Oh, oh, oh, la, la, la; Only if we try."

Soon we heard the timer letting us know it was time to add the mangos. We stopped dancing and as Kakashi pulled the dish out of the oven and pulled back the aluminum foil, I handed him the plate of sliced mangos and offered him a taste of one.

"Mmm. Thank you."

He added the final ingredient, covered the dish with the foil again and returned it to the oven.

I set the timer for 10 minutes and began to collect the plates, cups, napkins and eating utensils. Kakashi helped set the table and soon the timer was going off again.

Kakashi gave me a quick kiss. "I'll go get Genma and Tenzo while you turn the oven off, take it out and put the food on the table."

"Sure. Kakashi?"

"Yes."

"I hope you enjoyed cooking together. even though it wasn't naked cooking." I smiled.

He wrapped his arms around me, pulled me close and gave me a deep kiss. "I enjoyed every minute of it. More than I can express. Just having you here with me, it reminded me of the happier times when my dad would help my mother. It was perfect."

It took only a few minutes to have everything ready and on the table and since they weren't back yet, I decided to take out my braid and pony tail now that my hair was completely dry.

I brushed through my now wavier hair. I added a quick clear coat of lip-gloss, slipped on a pair of heels and went back to the dining room to wait for them. We left the cd player on and I heard the soft music coming from the kitchen. I heard the door open so I turned the volume up and moved into the living room where I could meet them and we would have more room to move around and dance.

"She was A Jezebel, this Brixton queen; Livin' the life like a back street dream; Tellin' mi lies when the truth was clear; I think she knew what I wanted to hear"

Tenzo was first in the door and I grabbed his arm and pulled him towards me and began to dance. He wrapped his left arm around my back and took my left hand into his right. He pulled me close and turned us slowly in place as our bodies became perfectly synchronized in our movements.

"Spinnin' mi 'round like a wheel on fire; Walkin' on tightrope, my love's high wire; Fatal attraction is where I'm at; There's no escapin' me; I just wanna be close to you; And do al the things you want me to; I just wanna be close to you; And show you the way I feel; I feel love; When I'm lying in the midnight hour; Holding you just like a dream; Love is never what it seems; When we touch; And you're holding me the way you feel; Girl, you make my dreams come true; You make my dreams come true; I just wanna be close to you; And do all the things you want me to; I just wanna be close to you (Huh); And show you the way I feel (Huh-huh-huh)"

He spun me out from his body and into Genma's arms. He too held me close with his arm wrapped around me and holding my left hand. However ours was a little less formal and more passionate. We lowered and raised our bodies slightly as we ground into each other and turned in slow circles.

"She was a Gemini on the cusp of Mars; She holds mi back or she goes too far; Windin' mi up just to let her down; So emotional, gagged and bound; There's more to this than meets the eye; A devil woman locked inside; With the full moon rising, I was scared; I think I was possessed; I just wanna be close to you; And do all the things you want me to; I just wanna be close to you (Huh-huh-huh-huh-huh-huh); And show you the way I feel; I feel love; Every time your body's next to mine; Something deep inside of me; Wants to love you endlessly; When we touch; Girl, you don't know how it makes me feel; I just can't believe it's real; I can't believe it's real; I just wanna be close to you; And do all the things you want me to; I just wanna be close to you; And show you the way I feel"

Kakashi came up behind me wrapping his right arm around my waist and taking my left hand into his as it was already raised in the air and took over leading us as Genma stepped away. He placed soft kisses on my neck as we danced and spun slowly in circles, while he slowly and softly ground into my backside.

"She got an attitude, I can't explain; You never know if you're in frame; Tying me up with elastic words; I'm on the countdown till I get heard; Her blood was hot, she burned so bright; A neon sign there in the night; It's hard to say if I went too far; My heart still bears a scar; I just wanna be close to you; I just wanna be close to you (Huh-huh-huh-huh); (I just wanna be close to you) She was A Jezebel, this Brixton queen; Livin' the life like a back street dream; Tellin' mi lies when the truth was clear; I think she knew what I wanted to hear; (I just wanna be close to you) Spinnin' mi 'round like a wheel on fire; Walkin' on tightrope, my love's high wire; Fatal attraction is where I'm at; There's no escapin' me; I wanna be close to you; And do all the things you want me to; I just wanna be close to you (I just wanna be close to you, baby); And show you the way I feel"

He whispered the last lines of the song in my ear, finally able to express what he was feeling earlier.

"I wanna be close to you (Baby); And do all the things you want me to; I just wanna be close to you; And show you the way I feel.

When the song ended he turned me around to face him and gave me a soft kiss. I pulled back and smiled, "So are we all ready to eat?"

"Yes, that little dance worked up my appetite. I'm ready to eat you."

I turned to Genma, "You can feed that appetite another time. Right now we are having supper."

Everyone walked to the table and Kakashi pulled my chair out for me and pushed it in once I was seated. He served everyone and finally sat down.

The room was filled with soft moans and chewing. As I watched each of them enjoying the meal, I felt like the two very different parts of my past were coming together in harmony. My men and my memories of a happy, peace filled time. I held the warm and happy feeling in my heart and hoped that whenever I saw Maxi again that he would have moved on and we could renew our friendship without the strain of him wanting something that I could never give to anyone other than the three men currently enjoying their dinner in front of me.

A/N: "One Love" by Bob Marley and the Wailers - 1977; "Angel" performed by Shaggy - 2001; "Fire Burning" performed by Sean Kingston – 2009 – Written by Kisean Anderson, Bilal Hajji, RedOne; "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash – 1972; "Give a Little Love" performed by Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers – 1991; "Close to You" performed by Maxi Priest - 1990 - Written by Gary Benson, Winston Sela, & Max Elliott.

Next Chapter – Day 4 – Kakashi gets a checkup.