Chapter Two:

A Temporary Home

Genma awoke to find the three of his teammates gone. He sat up and pulled his sleeping bag from under him, and began rolling it up, pushing it back into his pack. The morning air was crisp and cold much like any mid-January morning would feel. He stretched and was searching his pack for a can of food when Kakashi came walking back into camp.

"Morning," he said not even looking up from his book. Didn't he ever get tired of reading those? Genma merely nodded. "If I were you I wouldn't go near the stream right now. I've already warned Gai." Genma looked over at him suspiciously while raising an eyebrow before recognition hit him; They were traveling with a Kunoichi.

Genma used a kunai to pry open the procured can and tilted its contents into his mouth. Meat and whatever preserved food that the medics at Konoha insisted they eat on a regular basis was packed into it. The flavor wasn't so bad but the texture was what got him. But had learned long ago to quickly chug it down and ignore the feeling of it sliding over his tongue. He needed the nutrients it brought. Placing his senbon back into his mouth, he paused. Normally, he would go rinse off at a stream or whatever body of water was near, mission permitting, after breakfast, but he didn't want to interrupt the rumored hot-headed kunoichi. Then a thought crossed his mind.

"Shouldn't someone be on guard for her,"he said looking over at Kakashi who didn't move from his spot at the suggestion.

"She's a Kunoichi Genma. She can handle herself," Kakashi said, slightly chiding his bodyguard tendencies, looking over at him,"Unless you think your 'wife' can't bathe by herself." He shot Kakashi a look and rose to his feet, stretching as he went.

"When do we head out,"he asked looking into the sky.

"As soon as she gets back,"Kakashi supplied,"and as soon as Gai gets back here after doing his ridiculous morning exercises." Genma smirked. The taijutsu master was clearly doing his legendary morning warm up.

"I just hope he doesn't run into Sakura," Genma said smirking at the image of Gai getting his face decked in by the pinkette. Kakashi's lips turned up as well.

"That would be wistful thinking not to mention quite embarrassing for Sakura. Too much to hope for in one occurrence," he mused turning the page of one of his books.

Genma relaxed back down against the tree trunk, realizing the only thing to do now was wait, pondering the next ten hours in his head. They would get there before nightfall. Then he and Sakura would have to find a place to stay. He searched a pocket in his bag. He had brought some money with him to pay for their place. It wasn't much but hopefully enough to cover the costs for now. He was sure Sakura had as much forethought to do the same. They would be fine for a few days at least. Genma was crouching, sorting his pack, when Kakashi handed him something. It looked like a wooden carving of a wolf. He raised an eyebrow at the Copy nin.

"It's our communications system. Turn the receiver on underneath the wolf and press the button near the front to talk to us. We will use the normal Konoha coded language. Our group's name is Equinox. Your's is broken arrow." Genma nodded in understanding. He put the carving into his pack.

"Are we going to be doing any headset communications." Kakashi pulled out three headsets,"Two are for you and Sakura since you will be the one's doing most of the reconnaissance. The last headset is for me incase I need to directly communicate with you. The distress call is cherry blossom." Genma nodded. He took two of the headset pieces and stored them with the carving. He sighed. The pressure was beginning to settle on him, but he was use to this kind of mission. High risks, no room for error, no slack to recover with. He just hoped Sakura was doing a bit better today.

Sakura was shivering. The stream was cold, but the girl needed to take a rinse off. She had done so quickly as she had learned to do when on the move. Her civilian clothes were on and everything else was stuffed into her bag. She wrung her hair out one last time before shaking it with her hands. It stood out in odd directions, but she didn't have a brush to do anything with it. She sighed as she looked up at the lightening sky. Today was the day they'd be headed into Amegakure alone. She and Genma. She took a deep breath; she could do this. She had given herself a pep talk last night about it. Her resolve had be as strong and as stoic as her best emotionless mask, but it had faded along with the night sky as the morning had come. Too late now. She steeled herself as she lifted her pack onto her shoulders, heading back to camp.

She felt Maito Gai's chakra as he ran up behind her stopping to walk with her.

"Hey Sakura! How are you doing on this fantastic morning!?" He said a little too enthusiastically for Sakura who wasn't really a morning person.

"I'm fine Gai. How about you?"

"I'm fantastic! Ready to go do a little undercover," he said his voice lowered a little. At least he knew when not to shout everything to the world.

"Yeah, I suppose so," she replied. Apparently it wasn't good enough for Gai.

"You suppose? What are you nervous?" He was just as blind as Lee was. Go figure. Lee had learned everything he knew from the man standing before her.

"A little. I've never done anything like this before," she repeated for what seemed like the third time out loud since the mission started.

"Ah you'll do just fine Sakura!" Sakura forced a smile at him which he took as genuine. "See there ya go! Just gotta be positive!" He smiled his thousand watt smile at her and raised his thumb up. "Nothing can foil the power of Maito Gai and youthfulness!" Sakura rolled her eyes but put up with Gai's antics until the camp came within sight. Suddenly Kakashi appeared out of nowhere. Her saving grace. She smiled at him and he gave her his infamous smile.

"Gai have you been harassing Sakura," Kakashi said easily. Gai jumped incredulous.

"I haven't been harassing anyone! Unless you mean the ground beneath my feet!" The taijutsu master said clearly uncomfortable. Sakura stifled a laugh with a fake cough. Genma got to his feet as Sakura and Gai came into sight. His pack was slung over his shoulders and he was dressed in civilian clothes. Rather nicely Sakura had to admit. He was in dark jeans, a black sweater top, and his hair was tied with a black bandanna. His feet still had black sandals on them. She smiled a small smile. Some things never changed, but as she looked up to see him, he was looking at her too. Catching him also catching her caused her cheeks to flush a light pink.

"Do you approve," he asked a slight smirk on his lips. Sakura turned more pink if possible.

"You look nice,"she admitted, looking away, shifting her pack on her shoulder.

Genma smirked at her reaction. He saw Kakashi's lips turn up a little bit. She didn't look too bad either. She had on a long dress top. It had sleeves and buttoned all the way down. It was a cream color. She had on tights underneath that that also went down to her mid calf. Then her sandals on her feet. Her hair was still wet and clung to her face. She looked pretty nice. He shouldered his pack and smirked.

"You do too." Her face, if it was possible, got more pink.

"Alright," Kakashi said picking up his own pack and simultaneously saving Sakura from more embarrassment, "let's head out." They all took off into the trees.

Genma had thought about it for the past ten hours as they had been traveling and reaffirmed in his mind his plan of action once more. He was going to be patient, going to show her what a real relationship should be like, and how a man was supposed to act in one. He had been thinking about what Kakashi had told him last night, a lot. She had no experience with men and Uchiha Sasuke at the age of thirteen had definitely screwed her concept of bonds, romantic bonds specifically, all up. Hopefully he could shed some light on that for her. He was going to be a gentleman and not push her to do anything. And he most of all was not going to be the one to steal her first kiss, if he could avoid it. Granted there might come a time in the mission where it might have to happen, but he would do everything he could to save that for her — something precious that she should choose to give away to whomever she believes is deserving of it.

These thoughts passed through his head as the rainy, dark sky of Amegakure reached them. He and the rest of his team stopped two miles from the village. Kakashi had Gai and Sakura beside him as he explained away the details of what they were going to do quite quickly.

"Okay Gai, you and I are going to scout around here for a good sheltered place to set up a long-term camp. Remember find something that is easily hidden we are in Akatsuki territory," Gai nodded as he disappeared from sight, "Sakura. I want you and Genma to go ahead and walk into town. Get yourselves a place to stay. Get settled in and then Genma will tell you how we are going to keep in contact once the area is secure." Sakura nodded as she walked toward Genma. Kakashi stopped her short though,"Wait. Here are the rings the Hokage told me to give you two to wear. Apparently they are fitted to you two specifically." Sakura nodded and took a box from his outstretched hand.

"Be safe Sensei," Sakura said as she took out her ring and handed the box to Genma for him to get his. Kakashi's eye crinkled in a genuine smile before it morphed into a mischievous one as Sakura went to place her ring on her left hand.

"Shouldn't you let your 'husband' do that for you?"He poked one last fun at her, and Sakura did not disappoint.

"Kaka-sensei!" She practically whisper-yelled at him as she hurriedly shoved the platinum band on her ring finger, and Genma couldn't help the quiet chortle that escaped him. The silver haired nin smirked before turning away from them.

"I'll be fine Sakura, now go on." Sakura deflated from her irritation, nervousness overtaking her ire quickly as she nodded and turned to Genma who had a hand outstretched toward her. She looked at him curiously and then she realized what he was doing. She took his hand as he turned, leading her toward Amegakure. Kakashi smiled as he watched them go. This was definitely going to be interesting. His timid Sakura and the strong willed, over protective, chivalrous Genma. They would be just fine; Genma would accept no less. He snapped himself out of his thoughts and ran in the direction that Gai had taken off in.

Genma squeezed her hand in reassurance as the appearance of Amegakure greeted them. It was a really gloomy place. He searched around the buildings for anyone who looked overly suspicious of their appearance. Most of them didn't really care. Genma preferred that. He looked down at Sakura. She had tied a bandanna around her hair before they got into the village. She had said she would leave it that way until she could dye it. He had agreed since it was the quickest fix they had. Genma spotted an apartment complex and steered Sakura toward it. The first thing they needed to do was procure shelter. If this apartment complex was full then he knew they'd be able to tell them where to look next.

"How are you doing Iza," Genma asked quietly, not really looking at her and he lazily scanned the area.

"Fine Kyo," she responded appropriately. She was doing good so far. He squeezed her hand again in approval. Genma stepped inside the complex office and found a short, fat, brunette, balding man with beady blue eyes who greeted them.

"Hello, what can I do for you," he asked eyeing them suspiciously.

"My wife and I are looking for somewhere to stay. Are there any apartments available?" He tried to sound as kind as possible. He had to be at least tolerable, but cautious at the same time. They had just arrived and didn't know who the Akatsuki had under their spell yet.

"Unfortunately there aren't any rooms open here, however," he added as he saw Sakura's downcast face,"I do have a rental house out in town that you could use if you can make the payments."

"How much are you asking for," Genma pried. He wanted somewhere to stay, but their funds were rather slim at least that was if Sakura hadn't brought any money, which he was sure she had.

"Two hundred ryo a month," the man replied. Genma was rather shocked. He had imagined that the price would have been jacked sky high.

"We'll take it," he said easily. The man smiled.

"Follow me then."

Sakura followed behind Genma, his hand still holding hers. She had blushed first at the action, but now she drew some comfort from it. Genma being the only person she knew here, and was relieved that Genma had seemed to have done this before. He had them in the village, established as a couple, and in a shelter within the first thirty minutes of arriving in Amegakure. Sakura was, admittedly, impressed by it. She was awoken from her thoughts when Genma 'Kyo' asked her how she liked the house.

Sakura looked up. It was a small but cozy looking house. It was two story and according to the 'landlord' it had two bedrooms, a kitchen, living area, laundry area and a dining area. It was built solidly out of wood. And an area in the back was fenced in. Sakura had to admit it wasn't all that bad for two hundred ryo a month.

She smiled up at Genma,"I love it," she said quietly. Genma's eyes softened as he looked down at her. A warm smile gracing his features as he pulled her to him, wrapping his arm around her waist. Sakura did her best not to let the landlord see her eyes bulge at the amount of affection directed at her by this attractive, very close, solidly built male she barely knew. However, his sudden movement sent her off kilter a bit and her right hand laid what she hoped looked naturally on a plane of his well defined chest. That paired with the attention caused her to blush, which made the landlord smile at the couple.

"You really are newly weds, aren't you," he asked with a smile. Genma laughed.

"As of two weeks ago," he said, giving her waist a tight squeeze. Sakura smiled, turning even more red if possible.

"Well, she seems rather shy." He said evenly looking her over. Genma realized that the landlord was looking Sakura up and down like she was a piece of meat. This didn't sit well with him, and he gave the man a look that clearly told him that he knew what he was up to. The old man immediately straightened up. "Well, I'll leave you to it. Come by the apartment office to give me the first payment on the house."

"I will," Genma said eyeing him levelly. The man paused before nodding in understanding and walked off.

Sakura was grateful to Genma in that moment. Her insides had been churning as that man eyed her like she was a prize and had felt her ire rising at the objectification. Genma had, however, stepped in before she could say or do anything, defending her. She was still looking up at him in mild shock. He didn't notice as he watched the man walk back across the street to the apartment complex, his hand subconsciously tightening around her waist. Sakura couldn't help but smile at him.

"Come on," she said gently, her voice breaking Genma out of his death stare.

"Right," he answered as he pulled her inside the house. Once inside Genma released her from his grip, "We should start setting up perimeters around the house. I'll do the outside. You put up warning systems inside the house since I guess you'll be here the most." Sakura nodded as she turned around and started doing an alarm jutsu on the wall by the door. She placed another near the stairwell and then the last one at the door to the bedroom they would be sharing. A blush rose to Sakura's cheeks as she looked in the room. There was a bed furnished but little else in the room. Sakura set her pack down on one side of the room. Moments later Genma ascended the stairs and set his pack down on the other side of the room. They both looked at each other and stood there for a minute. Finally Genma spoke.

"I can sleep on the floor if that would make you feel better."

"That's not necessary. You'll need more rest if not as much as me. We can share, just stay on your side of the bed. Besides it's not as if I haven't slept with men before," she finished a pink tint gracing her features. She looked at Genma to find him smirking at her. "Shut up Genma; it was Naruto. And it wasn't like that!." He couldn't stifle a real chuckle that emitted from his throat. Sakura rolled her eyes as she headed down the stairs muttering, "I'm going to start getting the house inhabitable."

"Hn," was Genma's only response as she descended the stairs to the first floor. Genma began to unpack and set the wolf carving up on a dresser in the room along with the two head sets. He chose half of the dresser for his things and Sakura could have the other half. Evenly split. He sighed as he sat down on the bed. He reached for the carving and took it in his hands. He found the button on the bottom and turned it on. It made an odd noise for a moment and then a horrible screeching sound. He quickly shut it off as he heard Sakura ascend the stairs.

"What in Kami's name was that?" She asked her eyebrows knitted in confusion. He gestured toward the carving.

"This is our mode of communication, and it screeched at me." Sakura laughed slightly. Genma looked up at her. "Well you wanna see if it is nicer to you then?" He handed the wolf to Sakura as his hands began running through seals. "I'm going to soundproof the room," he then caught himself and the weight of what he had just said. He closed his eyes and would have pinched the bridge of his nose had he not been in the middle of sealing the room. He quickly finished and turned to find a very red looking Sakura. "That's not what I meant," he started,"Incase it made that sound again." Had the situation been any different he would have laughed. Really hard. Sakura stood with the carving in hand.

"I knew that," she muttered, turning her back to Genma as she intentionally focused really hard on the carving. She flipped the switch on and waited for the screeching sound. There was nothing but quiet static. "I guess it just took a woman's touch." She heard a scoff from where Genma stood. He was playing with the senbon in his mouth and had his arms crossed. She merely smiled at him and after setting the wolf back down on the dresser she patted his arm. "It's okay Genma." Then she headed back down the stairs.

Genma walked over to the dresser and picked up the wolf. He flipped the switch and set the wolf back on the dresser. No one would think otherwise right? He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck in stress. Genma took the other headsets and stuffed them in his sock drawer. He left the room and went downstairs where he found Sakura making the kitchen functional. He was headed toward the front door.

"Where are you going?" She asked curiously. Genma almost smirked. She was getting this part of being in a relationship down pat. He chided himself instantly on his acquired bad thoughts during his last relationship, which was years ago. Perhaps she wasn't the only one who needed this clean slate when it came to what partners were suppose to be like. That aside, they were on a mission. She had to know where he was at all times. He turned back toward her.

"I'm going to go talk to the locals around Amegakure and see if I can find a job and possibly some information." Sakura nodded.

"Alright," she suddenly felt a little hesitant,"don't get into trouble alright. I have no way of knowing if need my help or not." Genma shot her a smirk.

"Hey, don't worry. We do have headsets to use for communication, but I don't know how long their battery life will last and I don't want to waste them," Sakura nodded,"So just trust me alright?" Sakura smiled at him.

She was hesitant. She didn't want him to leave her in a village she had never been to where the Akatsuki could be lurking about any corner. They didn't know who to trust, she knew no one here, and she was 'married' to a man she barely knew. She suddenly stiffened before relaxing her shoulders. What in the heck was wrong with her? She was a Konoha kunoichi! Tsunade would be so disappointed in her had she seen her right now hiding behind Genma like she was a child. For Kami's sake!

"Go ahead and have fun," Sakura said turning back to the kitchen. "I think I might go looking for work too. I saw they have a bar here. I might apply there." Genma turned around toward her, jaw tense and brow furrowed.

"Are you sure," he questioned, his senbon shifting once more. He may have not really been married to Sakura but he did care about her welfare, especially with what Tsunade had said to him before he had left Konoha.

"Yeah why not," she replied, looking him in the eye as she leaned against what looked to be their dining room table and crossed her arms," I've been to plenty and I know if anything is going on, especially illegal, you would find out about it in the local bar. I'd be privy to all information influctuations. By either being told in person or eavesdropping on the information," she finished crossing her arms defensively. He was questioning her again. She knew it was a good idea, even if she wasn't super keen on being in a bar herself, and in past missions the local dive had proven, on more than one occasion, to be invaluable. His protective tendencies made him an impeccable bodyguard, but he was just going to have to trust in her and her ability to worm her way out of any sticky situation she might end up in.

Genma thought for a second. She was right. He still didn't like it though. "Alright. Just be careful. These people aren't like the ones in Konoha. They are much more suspicious. And we still have to do something about your hair," he said, eyeing the bandana.

"Yeah, here is some ryo. Could you pick up a color while you're out." Genma caught the ryo she had fished out of her pocket. It reminded him that they needed to pay the landlord as well. He would do that. He didn't like the way that man had been staring at Sakura. This mission was going to be more complicated than he thought.

"Okay," he said shoving it in his pocket,"See ya later." And with that he was out the door.

Genma had tried nearly everywhere. Everywhere except the blacksmith. He had specifically avoided that place because there was a woman blacksmith. He didn't mind working under a woman. He was obviously a part of the elite bodyguard in Konoha and was a Konoha ninja. He was always working under a woman, but working under a woman he didn't know being a 'married man' in this mission, just felt wrong. Some strange sense of respect to Sakura was messing with his judgment and made him second guess as self preservation won out in the end.

He finally walked up to the blacksmith shop. A woman was working what appeared to be a very obstinate piece of metal. She was fairly pretty. She had pale skin and long black hair with baby blue eyes. Her hands were rough from working with metal all the time and she was about a foot shorter than Genma. She looked up at him after a minute and wiped her hands on an apron tied around her waist.

"Can I help you?" She asked eyeing him.

"Yeah, I just moved into town here. I was looking for a job." The woman nodded regarding him. She was a little younger than him too. He wasn't so sure about this.

"Yeah sure, I could always use an extra pair of hands. Do you have any experience?" She questioned. His eyebrows shot up. That was easy.

"Smithing, no but I'm not a stranger to manual labor. Very teachable," he added, trying to sell himself just enough, but not enough to stand out. A nice middle of the road.

"Fair enough, there's always something to do around here. I'm sure I could find you something," she added shrugging, still eying him curiously. It wasn't exactly flirtatious, but there was interest. Enough to make Genma withdraw. Maybe he could be husband material yet.

"Alright, do you mind if I start tomorrow. I just moved in today. I need to unpack all of my things," he finally spoke, crossing his arms and acting moderately like he was late for something. At this point anything to end the interaction that was making him feel moderately like a sleezebag. The woman eyed him one more time scanning him from head to toe. Apparently satisfied with something she nodded.

"Yeah that will be fine, what's your name?" Genma extended his hand and when she took it he replied.

"Kyo. Shiruno Kyo." The woman smiled a little at him.

"Nice to meet you Kyo. I am Sari. Koketsu Sari."

"Likewise," he replied trying to still remain a little distant. She seemed to notice and didn't push for anymore information.

"I'll see you around seven then?" Genma nodded.

"Hai." Then he walked off in the direction of the main road; he had spotted a store when he was halfway through the village. Finding it again, he walked inside and immediately found women's products, quickly walking past all the more feminine wares and found the hair dye. Now he was stuck. She hadn't told him what to buy. He thought for a second. He didn't want her to stick out because she had a bright hair color so red was out of the question. He wanted it to look natural or so, and Sakura was kind of light skinned so light blondes were out. That left him with all assortments of browns and dark blondes. He sighed as he spotted an elderly female clerk walking toward him.

"How can I help you?" He was asked again for the second time that day. This time he really did need help.

"Um, I need hair dye," he paused for a second not letting the irony of the situation pass him by. He sighed, "For my wife. She didn't tell me what to get." The woman beside him, he could tell, was suppressing laughter at his situation and smiling knowingly. Apparently this was not a first for her. Thank Kami.

"Well is she pale skinned or more darker."

"Pale," he answered immediately. The woman nodded.

"Well that means that reds are out as well as light blondes," she replied. No kidding. He had gotten that much. "I would suggest maybe a light to chestnut brown for her hair. It would probably look rather nice on her." Genma picked a random brown from the shelf and handed it to the woman. She smiled. "I'm sure that will suit her just fine." She took the color over to the cash register and rung him up. "It'll be ten ryo." Genma fished it out of what Sakura had given him. "How long have you two been together?"

"Two weeks," he replied nonchalantly. The woman was taken aback for a second.

"How long have you been together. Not how long have you been married honey." Genma paused. He hadn't thought this one through. How long was the normal premarital relationship. Six months? A year? Two? He racked his brains and then replied hoping the woman would take it as he was trying to remember. Men were never good with these things anyway.

"About a year and a half before the marriage. We have been married two weeks." The old woman smiled at him knowingly.

"That's a good time. Here you go hun," she said smiling at him as she handed him his item. He nodded appreciatively.

"Thanks for your help," he added as he headed toward the door.

"Not a problem honey. You have a good day now." He waved as he left the shop. She was rather cheery. He made a mental note of that as he headed back toward the house. He saw their landlord about to knock on the door as he approached.

"Hello,"Genma stated easily. This made the man jump. He had obviously been unaware of his presence.

"Oh hi, I came to collect the rent," he said looking at Genma who walked past him to open the door.

"Yeah come in. Just wait at the door. My wife is still trying to clean the place up a bit,"Genma said as he headed up stairs to get the money from his pack. He didn't see her when he went upstairs nor had she made her presence known when they walked in. He knew she might have gone looking for work, but he assumed that she would wait for the hair dye first. Genma walked back down the stairs and handed the man the money.

"Thank you. But I have to ask where is your wife?" Genma's eyes narrowed.

"Why do you want to know," he asked, a slight defensive tone to his voice.

"Well, there have been some strange men wandering around here lately. I don't really get a good vibe from them uh? What's your name?"

"Kyo," Genma replied quickly wanting to hear what the man had to say.

"Kyo they just don't seem like very good men and I wouldn't want my wife to be wandering alone out here if I was you. She could get picked up by them."

"How long ago did they come into town?" Genma pried trying to genuinely sound curious.

"Oh about three weeks ago. No one seemed to have a problem with them up until two weeks ago. Then they started doing things."

"What things,"Genma asked curiously.

"Well, attacking women for starters. In the intimate manner," the man said his tone hushed,"They just aren't good men Kyo. I'd go find my wife if I was you. Oh and here, the key to your house." Genma took the key from the man and nodded his thanks to him as he walked out of the house after the man. He locked it and headed straight for the bar, intending to find Sakura. He wasn't going to take everything the man said as truth; however, it gave him an excuse to go searching for her.

She was a kunoichi he kept reminding himself, but she was a kunoichi who was on her first undercover mission in a very new place with no one she knew. He knew how that felt. He had been on his first undercover once. The most important person to you was your partner. He also knew that with the condition of their mission, and the potential new information, Sakura was very exposed. He would just feel better once he found her.

Sakura had been sitting at the bar for a while, talking to the namesake of the place dubbed Kiranu's Bar and Grill. Initially she had thought to wait until Genma got back, but finding herself bored she decided to venture out. The henge upon her appearance made the male beside her think he was speaking to a brunette haired woman, hiding her outlandish hair for now. She and Kiranu had been getting along just fine too. She gave the impression to be easing up to the normal person, but she was really on high alert.

"So what positions open do you have Kiranu? I really would like to work here."

"Well, I certainly need the help," the middle aged man said. He had big broad shoulders, long black hair along with a full mustache and goatee,"You could be a waitress, work behind the bar since you are twenty one, or you could be our entertainer if you're up to it?"

"Entertainer?"Sakura questioned. If he was talking about dancing that was a hell no. She'd tried that once on a mission. She hated it. Plus she was 'married' this time.

"Yeah, like vocals," he said gesturing over to the piano in the corner,"I'd bet you have a beautiful voice." Sakura blushed.

"Not really. Plus I don't like the spotlight that much," she said slightly fidgety now. Their mission required stealth. Being a showgirl was NOT stealthy.

"Well, would you at least try it out for me. I'd like to see if I could put you there if I had to." Sakura sighed. She needed the job.

"Alright. Let me see the music you have and I'll choose something familiar." Kiranu smiled.

"That's the spirit!" In that moment he reminded her of Maito Gai slightly. She couldn't help but smile at the enthusiasm. She walked with him over to the piano as he handed her the folder. She didn't even really know if she sang well; though she'd been told she was rather decent. Flipping through the pages, she found one she recognized all too well. She had used that song during her teen years. It was a release song for her. Handing him the score, Kiranu had just started to play when the door to the closed pub opened. Genma walked in and Sakura had never been more pleased to see him.

"Kyo!" She said, trying to sound enthusiastic, only hesitating slightly with his name and Genma looked up. He was getting used to the name. She started walking towards him, and once she was within arms reach he was wrapping her in a hug. Sakura froze not exactly expecting the immediate affection but soon relaxed, wrapping her arms around his middle as he eased her into his body, fitting nearly perfectly.

Genma had one arm wrapped around her middle, the other lacing up her back, his hand cradling her head. He had genuinely been worried, but upon seeing who he assumed was the bar owner he had decided to make the worried husband look more prominent. He eyed the man who now stood his face lightening. Genma rested his chin upon Sakura's head easily. He felt her arms wrap around him and her fingers grip his back. He smiled. She was getting it. Slowly. Genma's eyes that had been on Sakura's head looked up as the man spoke.

"You must be Kyo. Izayouri has spoken highly of you. You're a lucky man to have such a pretty and smart wife," Genma liked him already. He was not demeaning to women, like most of the men he had encountered were today. He also seemed to have a cheery atmosphere about him. Genma released a very pink looking Sakura, who stayed by his side appropriately. He noted one of her hands was resting on his arm. He extended his hand.

"You must be her new boss then, I assume? And you are," Genma said looking at him gaze questioning. He was trying to really weigh this man's character.

"Kiranu. Mitsotobi Kiranu. I am the owner/bartender of this pub,"he said and Genma could sense a bit of pride in his voice. He smirked.

"Nice to meet you Kiranu. I was coming by to check on Iza. Our landlord just informed me of some suspicious looking men that were treating women...poorly," he said taking a glance at Sakura hoping that Kiranu would catch on that he didn't want to let her know exactly what was going on. Kiranu's facial expression hardened and curtly nodded in understanding.

"I assume that was Kitsu that told you that. Unfortunately, that rumor is true. However," he said catching Genma's gaze again,"None of that will be allowed in my pub. Iza will be quite safe working under me. I work every night. I see everything that goes on. She will be safe here. I promise that." Genma nodded and turned to look at a very confused looking Sakura. He'd fill her in once they were 'home'. He gave her a look that he hoped said that, and Sakura whether she got it or not stayed silent.

"Well Kiranu, it was a pleasure but we need to be getting home. It's quite late. I assume she can start working tomorrow?" Kiranu's mood greatly improved and his smile returned.

"Yes, she needs to be here around four. That's when most of the men get off of work and want a drink," he said smiling. Genma nodded.

"I'll be here," Sakura pipped up. She still had her hand on his arm. She smiled up at Genma brightly. He couldn't help the fact that his lips turned up a bit at the corners.

"See you then," Genma said as he turned with Sakura at his side. Kiranu just waved them out of the door. The cool night air hit them and he could feel Sakura shiver slightly at his side. He looked over at her. "Are you cold," he asked wrapping an arm around her shoulders to pull her to him. He could feel her body tremble.

"I'm really fine," Sakura said she had pinked at his touch once more. He smirked in the dark then removed his arm taking off his outer layer of clothing before gently laying it over her shoulders. She looked up at him surprised. She didn't really say anything and Genma put his arm around her shoulders again, pulling her against his body that now clearly felt warm. He didn't mind giving her his top shirt, but in compromise she would have to share body heat. It was only fair.

They traveled in silence. Sakura didn't know what to think about Genma and him being nice to her like this. It was something she wasn't use to, chivalry. Always treated like one of the guys on her squad. No special treatment because she was a woman, not that she wanted any, but it was an alien concept to her. She let her gaze drift up to him and his looming figure in the darkness. She didn't mind his arm around her. In truth she had been very cold. Letting her eyes travel back to the road they were on, her mind raced through possibilities, explanations for his chivalry. They were married after all, but no one was around to see. Or at least she didn't think they were. It couldn't be because he thought less of her; she'd done more than enough to prove herself as a capable kunoichi to her village. As the building that looked to be their 'home', for whatever amount of time, came into view she chalked it all up to the mission. He was being chivalrous to her out in the open due to the fact that someone might be watching. He walked up to the front door and unlocked it with a key then held the door open for her.

Stepping into the cold house, Sakura immediately started toward thefire pit that they had in the kitchen. There were some leftover logs out back that she had seen, and She walked out the back door to get them.

"Do you need any help," came Genma's voice from inside the house as he peeked outside to see what she was doing. Sakura had already stacked six logs into her own arms.

"No, I'm fine for now. Thanks though," she said smiling at him. He still stood there at the door as she came walking inside. Closing the door behind her, he watched as she stacked the logs and began to light them.

"You really are a loner, aren't you?" She turned around to look at him.

"Meaning?"she queried, not exactly sure how to take his statement.

"You do everything by yourself. You don't ask for help. And to be honest I don't think you really know how to react with people that are suppose to be close to you," he finished leaning against a wall in their kitchen, his arms crossed, his signature senbon had, at some point, reappeared in his mouth. She smiled, it must have bothered him all day without it.

"I wouldn't say I don't know how to act with people close to me. I know how to act around Tsunade-shishou and Kakashi-sensei. They are close to me," she said after the fire was lit. She stood back to watch her handywork.

Suddenly she felt movement behind her. She turned around and Genma had closed the distance between them in a matter of seconds. He had her backed against the wall his right forearm resting on the wall above her blocking her escape to the stairs. His face was so close to hers, she could feel his senbon tickling the edges of her nose. She could practically feel the heat radiating off of his body into her own. Her face she knew was immediately pink. What she couldn't tear her eyes away from though were his eyes. They seemed to look straight into her soul, delving into her deepest secrets and darkest thoughts she kept locked away. She was frozen in place before she recognized a certain glint in his eyes, as if he found what he was looking for. Then he spoke, breaking her from her thoughts.

"We are supposed to be married. Interacting, contrary to what you may believe, with your spouse is much different than interacting with a teacher. The actions are closer, more intimate than you have experienced even with a friend. If we are going to pull this mission off, well, you are going to have to learn that,"he said, his voice quiet, "I'm willing to help you learn. But you must." Sakura remained quiet. Looking away from him and toward the stairs, she let her mind wander. She knew he was right, but he didn't have to call her out like that. She knew she was inexperienced and their safety, this mission's success, depended on her ability to pull this off. Feeling fingers on her face, her eyes widened at the contact, and she turned to face him again as he pulled her once more from her thoughts. "Touches like this are the norm to people in a relationship. I can brush over the overly affectionate gestures with you by saying that you aren't too comfortable with outward displays of affection, but something somewhere is going to have to give because people are going to notice we aren't completely comfortable with each other," he said quietly, still studying her. Her eyes widened even more. "I am not saying that it is going to be soon, but sometime during the mission people will start to question us. You have to be ready to accept more affectionate behavior," he said, moving away from her. "I'll put it off as long as I can," he started to walk up the stairs but paused,"And Sakura. Try not to flinch so much when I touch you or people will think I am hitting you." Then he continued his way up the stairs.

Sakura didn't realize she had been holding her breath until she released it in a huge sigh. He had been right of course, and she would try. It was just hard for her. But there was one thing he didn't know about her. She would never jeopardize her teammates. Closing her eyes, she walked over to the doors of the house locking each one before looking at the fire to see how safe it was leave it. The kitchen floor had been smartly made of stone along with the fireplace, so there was no threat to the house being burnt down if she left it alone for a while. She turned to the stairs and walked up them. She found Genma sitting on the bed, his head in his hands, looking up when she walked into the room.

"I'm going to take a shower," she announced as she pulled a few items from her pack and headed toward the bathroom. Genma merely nodded in acknowledgement. Her eyes softened as she recognized the stress riddled in his body language. Well he wasn't the only one. She decided she'd ask him about it after she got out of the shower.

Genma watched her enter the bathroom until the door shut behind her. He turned on the wolf intending to give a full report to Kakashi. The staticy sound returned and he pressed the button Kakashi had told him to press.

"Broken Arrow to Equinox." There was static for a few more seconds. Then the sound of Kakashi's voice filled the signal.

"Equinox responding. How's the wife." Genma felt his eyebrow jump in agitation. He could practically see the smirk on Kakashi's face.

"Fine," he said through gritted teeth.

"Had to defend her honor yet?" Kakashi was really pushing it.

"We found Heaven. Medium rating."

"I'll take that as a yes." This time Genma did facepalm. He knew for a fact that one man had eyed her up and down like a piece of meat. He hadn't liked that. He really didn't want to discuss it any further. They were on a mission for Kami's sake! Stick to the mission Kakashi!

"Suspicious exercises already reported. Targets are birds. Exercises with birds are told to be rather greedy." There was silence for a second.

"Tell the wife to keep dinner hot. You may have to be late." Genma recognized the code.

Kakashi wanted Sakura to be on hot-high alert. He was to be late-protective. Genma agreed.

"I agree," Genma said responding,"Work is getting hard." Kakashi's laugh echoed through the transmitter.

"My other half wants her to come visit sometime." Another code. Apparently the other half-Gai wanted Sakura to visit-be careful too.

"Agreed Equinox. We found varied labor."

"When is your wife due again?" Genma couldn't help his cheeks to pink at that code. Especially since on this mission he did have a wife. Due- what time did work start.

"Uh. I think the doctor say May seventh but she tells me June fourth." It had been awhile since he'd done one of these. He was a bit rusty. May-was morning and June-evening. At least he thought.

"Ah well you two will have to get it straight so you won't be late and can be prepared." Kakashi wanted them to look after each other. Apparently he didn't like the fact that their times didn't correspond well. Genma practically rolled his eyes.

"Understood Equinox. We will try."

"Understood Broken Arrow. I've just got home. Time to spend time with the wife." Genma was glad it was almost over.

"Over and Out Equinox," Genma said reaching a hand up and pulled off his bandanna. He ran the same hand through his hair, that was almost to his shoulders when not pulled back, in stress. There was no further correspondence and Genma turned the switch off on the wolf. He was just in time to see Sakura walk out of the shower, her hair sticking to her face very flatly. To him it made her look rather thin and small that way. She was wearing a dark tank top and long, loose fitting pants. Practical. He stood and started to walk toward the bathroom when he noticed Sakura was looking at him oddly too. "What?" He asked.

"I've just never seen you without your bandanna on," she said innocently, "your hair is longer than I expected." He couldn't help the tug at the corners of his mouth. He should have expected her to be just as interested in his new appearance as he was to hers.

"Yeah well you know. It's not like I'm covering up baldness." Sakura's eyes widened before pearls of laughter sounded throughout the room, unrestrained. It was a nice, warm sound. Something he thought fit the woman before him. A warm, small smile curled the edges of his lips before a full smirk broke across his face; at least he could break the tension with laughter. "I'm going to take a shower." He airily said, as he grabbed his pack and walked into the bathroom.

"Shouldn't we report in tonight?" She asked, sitting on the bed.

"Already done," he said, throwing his pack on the bathroom sink, looking at the small toilet, moderate sized shower and even smaller sink space, maybe he could extend the counter space for her. At least so they could each have their own room for their toiletries. " Kakashi wants us to be watchful of each other and doesn't like the fact that we have jobs at opposite time frames. I don't see this as a problem though. It means I'm off when you're working and I can stake out the pub in order to get some information. I can also," he finished looking back at her, "protect you at the same time."

"You know," she said looking at him directly," I am a Konoha Kunoichi. I can defend myself." Genma sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck, leaning against the bathroom door. He really wanted a shower to wash off the day, but he knew this conversation had to happen at some point.

"I know Sakura," he said, sighing," But you have to understand. I am an elite bodyguard of Konoha. It is in my very nature to protect." Sakura was taken aback by this. She had passing thoughts on why he was so protective, his bodyguard work being one of the many, so to hear him say only confirmed her suspicions. He took her lack of speech as his opportunity to enter the bathroom and did so quickly.

Sakura began chewing on her bottom lip in thought as she heard the shower turn on. He was an elite bodyguard. Tsunade had told her that the elite bodyguards were not only chosen for their capabilities, but also for their nature. They were the most protective of Konoha's shinobi and therefore the most loyal. And also, as Tsunade had pointed out to her as a tease one time, the best candidates to become great boyfriends or spouses. Sakura had glared at Tsunade and waved the notion away at that time, but she was beginning to see more why Kakashi had chosen her and Genma to play the part as the married couple. It made sense. He was overly protective of her, which would suit Kakashi's undying fatherly need for her well-being as well as Tsunade's to a T, and she was the innocent looking kunoichi who anyone would tell anything to. Ino had once told her that she had an aura that made people want to trust and tell her things. Sakura had blown that one off too at the time, thinking it made her sound naive and childish; however, now she was beginning to see that as an advantage.

She sighed as she ran her fingers through her hair, detangling it since her brush had been left in the bathroom, one more time before towel drying it. Then she laid down on the bed, closing her eyes. Genma had an oil lamp burning on his side of the bed. She contemplated turning it off, but he would need it once he got out of the shower. She closed her eyes and decided that she should try to fall asleep before he got out. It would make it less awkward for the both of them, and mere moments later she did.

Genma let the hot water relax his muscles as he stood there enjoying the stream pelting his back. He had needed this. Genma's mind, as it always had since he was young, once he had gotten in the shower had spun out of control with thoughts. The mission. The marriage. But one thing in particular that he had been told by the Hokage herself. It was a part of his mission and his alone. Only two people other than the Hokage herself knew about. Kakashi and Genma. It had made him understand why Kakashi had chosen Genma instead of himself to be Sakura's spouse.

The Akatsuki were after something in Amegakure. The Hokage didn't know what, but something had made her think that it may be a trap from the information gathered thus far. Sakura was the most skilled medic Konoha had. Tsunade herself had admitted that, and there were brief mentions in intercepted intel of 'a medic' or 'the medic' from the Alatsuki. Tsunade thought that this might be a trap to lure Konoha ninja out into the open in order to be captured or used as leverage. Genma had asked the Hokage why she wasn't sending a different kunoichi, a different medic nin in Sakura's stead., but the Hokage had merely said that the possibility of going up against the Akatsuki was too great. They needed a skilled medic. They needed Sakura in case they were injured. Genma had relented at that point understanding her logic, but it still didn't settle well with him. He had been charged not only with the mission, the undercover reconnaissance 'marriage' to Sakura, but her well-being as well had been entrusted to him.

He sighed leaning against the wall of the shower. If Sakura was as skilled as the Hokage let on, then if she were captured, they would have a huge problem. It didn't help that another faction of criminal was also targeting women in the area, and the possibility that it was also the Akatsuki couldn't be ruled out.

He stood there for another moment letting the water seep into his muscles then shut the water off. After getting dressed in long pants he walked into the bedroom where Sakura was. Surveying the room, as he had expected, she seemed to have fallen asleep. This suited him just fine, but the side she had chosen as hers was closest to the staircase. This didn't settle well with the bodyguard. He went and picked up her bag placing it on the other side of the room where his had been. Then turning to her sleeping form he paused. She seemed so peaceful, like none of the worries of the world touched her. The tension she held in her forehead was gone, shoulders were relaxed, and her body, instead of ready for assault, just languidly laid where she'd drifted off at. Doing his very best not to disturb her, he picked her up and placed her on the other side of the bed. The cold side of the bed. He felt slightly bad about it, but he valued her safety over her comfort at that moment.

Quickly turning off the lamp, he slid into bed next to her. He could see her shivering in the darkness and laid his arm over her waist as an apology, but she turned toward the source of heat as soon as it was provided. She may have been a kunoichi but she was still a woman. He smirked into the darkness as he propped his head up on his arm looking at her.

The moonlight filtered in from the window behind him. It cast shadows on the woman in front of him, defining her features. The tautness of her jaw, the light shade of her hair, the muscles in her arms, the curvature of her hips...He tore his eyes away from her hips and placed them right back on her face. This was no time to let his libido get in the way of a mission. Granted he had been single without this kind of proximity to a woman for awhile now, but still this was a mission nothing more. No emotions. No attachments. No nothing. Period.

He was broken from his thoughts as she snuggled in closer to his chest. Thank Kami she was asleep or she would have murdered him and died from embarrassment, he was sure of it. He could just imagine what she would do if she were awake right now. A smirk played across his features as he imagined a very pink, very distraught Sakura who had flipped herself off of the other side of the bed in order to get away from his shirtless upper torso. Yep. Thank Kami. For her sake, if not for his. He yawned silently and laid his head down on the pillow and closed his eyes. Willing himself to forget this temporary lifestyle, in this temporary village, with a temporary marriage to a woman who were both in their temporary home. In a matter of seconds, all was lost time as his breathing evened out. The sign that he had most definitely fallen asleep.