No matter what people say about me, never let it be said I didn't know how to have a good time.

We were on a mission near Kumo, and it was Kisame's birthday in a few days. He didn't know that I knew, but I totally did. Most people thought he was nothing but a sadistic bastard who had an unhealthy relationship with this sword (all puns intended), but he also had love for fishing and barbecues.

We split up on arriving, and he thought I was away gathering intel...which was stupid because my spy network had supplied me with everything I needed before we left. No, instead I was waiting on him returning from his little intimidation excursion (because no killing unless I said so), and I managed secure a good spot on a lovely lake, and procured some good quality fishing rods, small boat and made a barbecue for cooking his spoils. He wouldn't be back until his actual birthday, so I was feeling pleased with myself for organising the surprise.

Akatsuki might be shit, but I could make it a little less shit.

While I waited, I took advantage of my solitude by the lake, bought a few bottles of sake and planned to get drunk while bobbing on the boat. It was going to be an experiment - would it be a nice drifting experience, or would it make me vomit? I would soon find out.

I was lying at the bottom of the boat and watching the clouds, reminiscing of similar times, when I felt a huge splash on me.

"What the actual fuck!" I exclaimed. "Who has a death wish?!"

I pulled myself up and looked over the edge, only to find two genin sparring on the water. The splash had been one falling in.

"Erena-san?" One called. How the fuck did they know my name?

I looked up and saw TenTen, Gai's student. I groaned and sunk back down into the boat, trying to hide. I hadn't encountered Gai or any of the others in almost six months. I was careful with my mission choices, disguises and ensured there would be no further trail. I hadn't heard any rumours about them, so they had either stopped looking for me or staying under the radar.

And stupidly I forgot keep a Henge active. I just wanted to relax and figured I was far enough away from Konoha. I won't be making that mistake again.

"Erena-san? It is you! Are you okay?" The black haired kunoichi peered into the boat, where I was lying back down. I was too drunk to deal with this and wished she would just go away.

"Hello." I said resigned, not getting up. "Watcha doing all the way out here?"

"Oh! Me and Neji are practicing water walking!"

"Well, duh. No, I mean Kumo...what's a bunch of little Konoha-brats doing out here?"

"Oh! We're on a mission! Delivering a scroll to the Raikage!"

"Didn't anyone ever tell you to keep your missions a secret? You don't want to go blabbing to a Missing-nin now...what if they steal your scroll?" What was Gai teaching these kids?

"Oh! I never thought of that. But it's okay - Gai-sensei has the scroll, no one can get it from him."

"Again, stop with the information! Now the missing nin would know who to target." I sighed. "And where is your illustrious sensei anyway? Left you alone again?"

"He's just getting supplies. He won't be long!"

"Good...now leave me alone, and do me a favour and don't tell him I'm here." I closed my eyes in an effort to pretend she didn't exist.

"Erena-san, are you sure you're okay?"

My eyes snapped open. "Can't a girl get drunk in a boat in peace these days?"

"...It's eleven in the morning?"

"Exactly. I had a full day planned!" I huffed and started to get up. "Screw this, I'm leaving."

As I started the pull myself up, the boat started wobbling and threatened to capsize. To avoid getting wet, I jumped over and landed on the water gracefully, before grabbing the top of the boat and started pulling it towards the shore.

"Hey, wait! Don't you want to wait for Gai-sensei?"

"Definitely not on my to-do list, kid," I grumbled.

Once the boat was on the bank, I turned around about to tell her to leave me alone. I saw the Neji kid standing behind her, arms crossed and scowling, but the Mini-Gai was on the other side of the shore, waving.

"What's he doing over there?" I asked, curious. "Getting a bit stuck with learning water-walking?"

Neji snorted. "The idiot can't use chakra. It's an embarrassment that we're even on the same team."

I snorted. "Again, with the verbal diarrhoea. Don't tell strangers things like that, you just volunteered a weak spot. Geez...and don't be so disrespectful, there are many handicaps out there, and it's amazing what a bit of hard work can do."

"Handicaps? What, like being a drunk?"

I narrowed my eyes and walked over to him, staring at him straight in the eye and poked his chest. "I like you. You need to tone down your self-importance a little, but you have potential." I always appreciated a little sass, even at my expense, but I didn't appreciate judgmental prats who don't know anything past the end of their own nose.

I looked over at the hyperactive genin on the other side and made up my mind. I shunshined over to him, leaving the others behind me.

"Give me your shoes." I said, hands stretched out.

"What?"

"Shoes. Now. Gimme." I opened and closed my hands in hurrying motion.

I took out my storage scroll from my pocket, and produced ink and a brush. I then scribbled on the soles of his shoes, trickled a little chakra in to activate and handed them back.

"Put them on." I commanded, and he followed.

As soon as they were secure, I grabbed him and threw him onto the lake.

As expected, his physical skills were superb, and he corrected his fall, landing on the water as he would on the ground. His hands and knees got a little wet, but otherwise he was upright, standing on the water and looked absolutely stunned.

I went to grin at him, but less than a moment later I felt a kunai to my back and a hand on my throat.

"You will not touch my team!" I heard a voice snap behind me.

"Wow...is that a kunai in my back or are you just happy to see me?" I said.

Immediately the kunai was removed and his grip was lowered, and I was spun around gently.

"Erena?!" Gai looked at me with wide eyes. He didn't say anything else, but stared at me for a while before enveloping me in a gentle bear hug. "What are you doing here? I've missed you," he whispered.

I returned the hug, even if I was a little awkward. "Me, too."

He looked like he was about to say something else when Rock Lee interrupted.

"Gai-sensei! Look! I'm on the water!" He was jumping up and down, and the others were staring at him in awe.

"Yosh! Rock Lee! What an amazing feat!" Gai grinned at him, then turned to me. "You did this?"

I gave him a small smile and shrugged. "Just a little water repellant seal on the shoes. He'll need to work on his balance though or-" We heard a splash as he fell into the lake. "That, I guess."

Rock Lee walked back to shore, still grinning, before running back onto the lake to try again.

"Lee! Take your time, and walk before you run! You will get there!" He gave him a thumbs up. The other two genin were crowding around him, the excitement obvious in TenTen.

"Obviously he'll grow out of the shoes, but the seal isn't too complicated and will be easy enough to copy," I volunteered. "I take it tree walking is a problem as well? I could-"

"Erena, stop. Where have you been?"

Great. Here comes the hard bit. I never intended to have this chat...or at least right now. I could easily just activate the Time Flicker and run, but I found I didn't want to. Plus I was still wasted, and messing around with seals like that under the influence is a big fat no from me.

"Oh, here and there. Everywhere really. Ever been to the Land of Birds? It's a particular favourite. The have the best- "

"Erena, I have missed your Youthful energy but you know that is not what I mean."

"Ah. Yes, well...sorry. No can do about that, I'm afraid. No talky." I lifted my fingers to my lips, indicating a 'quiet' motion.

He looked at me funny. "Are you...inebriated?"

"Not as badly as I intended to be...you can thank your genin for that. Also, please tell them to stop trusting strangers. Stranger danger is a real thing, you know...Neji is the only one with even a smidge of common sense. And I think that's only because he's a grumpy asshole."

Gai sighed and looked a little pained before he turned to his Genin with a wide smile.

"Students! Come! I have a good friend I want you to meet!"

"What are you doing?" I hissed, as they came running over.

"Ensuring that you are no longer a stranger!" He smiled.

"Now! You have already met, but this is Nakahara Erena! She is a fellow Konoha nin and a good friend!"

"But you said you weren't from Konoha?" Neji asked.

"See, Gai? This is what I mean...common sense. He's got it in spades. He actually listens, something you are lacking!"

He shook his head in amusement. "Of course she is from Konoha! In fact, she is one of the top kunoichi!"

"Gai, shut up," I said, cheeks flaring.

"Oh, then why haven't I heard of you?" Neji further accused. The little prick really didn't like me.

"Because I don't want you to. Now, if you don't mind, I'm heading off now," I had enough and went to turn my back .

"Erena...please stay," Gai asked. I stopped walking and turned to look at him. Thinking back, I think it was the one of the only things Gai has ever asked of me.

And I was tired of running.

"I...I can stay for two days. Then, either you or I need to leave. I can't do any more than that...at least right now."

I clearly wasn't the answer he was looking for, but he seemed pleased anyway and a huge grin plastered his face.

"Yosh! Then we shall make the most of it!"

The next two days were great. In all honestly, probably the best time I have had in the last five years.

The rest of the first day, Gai didn't ask me any more questions. I think he realised it wasn't going to happen. Instead, he gave me time to sober up (the disapproval was clear) while he trained his genin.

His teaching technique was very similar to when he and I used to train, except the children were both receptive and not...they had countless energy and clearly enjoyed learning, but Rock Lee was the only one who appreciated Gai's exuberance. It was funny to watch Neji and TenTen trying to hold off temper tantrums sometimes...and what was more funny was that Gai was aggravating them on purpose. He was clearly trying to beat something out of them...something holding them back, and he was doing it the only way he knew how.

I decided to help.

"Hey, Gai!" I called from the tree I was perched in. "Only twenty push ups? You going soft?"

"Yosh! You are correct! Neji, make it fifty!" He gave me a thumbs up and I winked in reply. His grin widened.

"Fifty? Why? This won't help me on my path!"

I had a feeling he was playing up because he had an audience, but Gai did not seem bothered.

"A ninjas path is to support their country and people! Do your best and become a shining example!"

Neji scoffed, but submitted to Gai's instructions. A thought crossed my mind.

"Hey, Neji. What's this path you speak of? Is it cobbled or granite?" I heard Rock Lee snicker.

Neji frowned and stopped the push-ups to look at me.

"Are you an imbecile? It is my fate. I am bound into the service of my clan and it is inescapable...I believe everyone's fate is sealed from birth, and it's useless to escape."

"Well, that's a massive crock of shit. Who the fuck told you that?"

He was starting to get angry. "No one. It's a truth I have come to realise myself."

"You know, for someone with super fancy eyes, you are pretty blind. You should really see someone about that. I can recommend a great healer."

"You know nothing! When have you ever been trapped?!"

Oh, bingo. "Every day of my life, thank you very much. Feel free to ask Gai once we part," I shot Gai a look and he nodded in understanding. "Now, is this about a silly little seal on your head?"

"What do you know about it?" He clenched his fists. "You know nothing!"

I smirked. "Honestly, that is one of the worst things to say to me."

"Erena! I am not sure what decisions you are making, but that is not a face I like. Only Unyouthful things happen from that."

Gai started to make his way towards me but I waved him off. "Calm your beans. I got this." I looked back to Neji. "You know, a long time ago I did your uncle a favour. And I'm about to call it in."

He stilled, "What do you mean?"

"Let's set a caged little birdie free, eh?"

"Erena!" Gai shouted. "No!"

He started to sprint towards me but I activated the Time Flicker seal. I lazily walked over, removed his Hitai-ate and looked at the goddamn mess on his forehead.

Seriously. As far as designs go, it was atrocious. They could have made it hidden or even pretty, but no. I swear, if and when I did go back to Konoha, I was dealing with this shit once and for all.

The seal was rooted into his nervous system, and it was a jumble of chakra ties and nerves. Uncoiling it was similar to unravelling a very knotted necklace. Once complete, I stripped the mark from his head, leaving a blank slate.

Because I knew the Hyuuga were prissy motherfuckers, I added a seal to the edge of his eyes-destroying their capabilities in death or if they were forcibly taken. Only difference was, it was tiny and invisible without chakra probing. Hopefully that would keep them happy for now.

Job done, I deactivated the Time Flicker then threw his Hitai-ate at his face.

"There. Now you can wear it however you want. You're welcome." And I stalked off back to my tree.

He seemed confused for a second, before a dawning realisation and ran to the lake for a reflective surface. The others ran after him.

"Erena...what have you done? You may think this is the best course, but it will be Neji who pays the consequences," Gai said, looking worried.

"When you go back to Konoha, tell his father and uncle I was the one who did it. Tell them we are even. And if Neji does face any consequences, they will have me to answer too."

"Why would the Hyuuga clan leader accept this?"

I sighed. "Gai, please trust me. I cannot explain. I hold a lot of secrets that I won't betray. And a lot of favours that I haven't cashed in. This will be one of them."

"I have always trusted you. You truly are Caring and Selfless. That is why I Love you."

My breath hitched. "Still?"

"Of course! My Youthful feelings will never change!"

I looked to the ground, and smiled sadly. I didn't think it was possible- I had been away too long. I left him alone without a proper goodbye and I thought he would hate me.

"I'm so sorry for how I left. Please believe me that I never really had a choice. I love you and regret it so much."

"Shhh! I don't know what happened but I believe your heart was always in the right place." He tilted my chin up softly. "Now! Let us stop this and enjoy the next few days! I believe Neji will now enter the Springtime of his Youth and there is much to do!"

I laughed. "He is going to hate you so much. It's going to be brilliant."

It took Neji hours to calm down. He basically went through all of the five stages of grief in quick succession...but what he was grieving was beyond me.

At first he was in denial, and spent ages looking at the water at his own unmarred face. Then he started shouting at me - telling me I had no right to interfere and that I'd signed his death warrant (I scoffed at him and called him over dramatic). Then he asked me to replace it-which was beyond ridiculous. Then he became withdrawn, thinking of all the punishment awaiting him back in Konoha...and finally he thanked me.

"And you're sure they will not punish me? Why would you do this?"

"Because everyone deserves their freedom. But it wasn't the seal that was keeping you captive, it was your own self loathing and resentment. Your hatred was what was holding you back - now who knows what you could become."

"Thank you."

I smiled at him. I suspected it was one of the few times he had actually said and meant the words.

That night, we sat around a fire. TenTen asked me if I would show her the portable heater again but I declined. Sometimes a fire was nice.

"Why you so interested anyway?" I asked, sensing her disappointment.

"It's just really cool."

"Oh...did I spark an interest in Fuuinjutsu?" I looked to Gai for confirmation.

"She has been most dedicated in her pursuit for information!" He said, enthused.

I made a humming noise. "So...what have you learned?"

She started chittering on about various things. She was regurgitating things she had read in a book but it was clear she had little understanding.

"Whoa, I'm going to stop you right there. You're looking at it all wrong. It's not just about symbols on paper, it's about mechanics and imagination. You need to see how everything links together-from chakra to physical structures and even biology. First, you need the right scrolls...you're looking at books written by old men who thought they were too smart to care about the basics." I dug out some paper and a pencil and started writing down scroll names, books, specific chapters and pages, and where to find them in the library. "Start here, and start practicing your calligraphy. Then we'll chat again." Her eyes went wide as she took the paper.

"Chat again?" Gai asked. I knew what he was really asking.

I sighed, "Again. But don't find me, I'll find you."

"Yosh!" He punched the air and I laughed.

"Hang on...you've put everything on here-like pages and specific locations...how do you know this?"

I tapped my head. "Freaky brain."

Her eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

I pointed to Neji. "Freaky eyes." Then to Gai, "Freaky...freak." He grinned and gave me the thumbs up. I pointed to Rock Lee, "Freaky determination." Then pointed to me, "Freaky brain." I paused, tilting my head to look at her. "I'm not sure what you're a freak about yet, but being on a team with this lot, it'll come out at some point."

The boys snickered.

"Erena here has the most Youthful memory! She never forgets!"

I nodded. "I'm like an elephant."

"Is it a Kekkei Genkai?" TenTen asked.

"Nah, just me. But doesn't stop people thinking it is, or trying to steal it. Invasion of the body snatchers is not a great experience. Zero out of ten, would not recommend."

"What do you mean?" Gai stiffened.

"Another story for another day, dear. It's handled, for now." He narrowed his eyes at me, and I knew he wasn't going to forget it easily.

"Dear?" Rock Lee asked. Judging by the others expressions, they caught it too.

"Yosh! Erena and I are together! We have spent much Unhappy time apart while she is on mission but that changes little!"

What was he talking about...mission? Fuck. What did he know? Or guess? Or was this a story for the kids?

"You're Gai-sensei's girlfriend? Why?"

I giggled at Neji's bafflement.

"You'll understand when you're older," I said, and he made a disgusted face. It made me laugh even more.

The next day was must the same - in terms of training and hanging out. I didn't mind it one bit.

It became clear the team was destined to be a heavy hitter assault team. They had a future taijutsu expert, a freaky talented Hyuuga and a weapons mistress (and soon to be Seals Mistress, if I had anything to do with it). It was a pretty nice well rounded team. Or it could be, once they got over their personality clashes (mainly fuelled by Neji, so I hope he got his head out of his ass very soon).

I simply lay around and watched them, occasionally giving my two cents - it was Gai's team, after all, and I didn't want to interfere with his methods. He knew what he was doing...I may step in at some point to give them life lessons, though, if Gai didn't get a hang of that part, though.

"Erena-san! Why do you not participate?" Rock Lee asked, during a little taijutsu sparring session.

"She's probably hungover," Neji snorted. Rude.

"Hangover's are for amateurs, thank you very much," I snarked back. Gai gave me one of those little disapproving glances. I tried to ignore it. "Anyway, I'm not really one for sparring much these days."

"Oh?" TenTen asked.

"What kind of ninja doesn't fight?" Neji said. He still had a stick up his ass, I see.

"Erena has many other Youthful talents!" Gai tried to redirect. "She is capable of avoiding it where necessary!"

"What he said," I pointed my thumb towards him. "And when necessary, I either get someone to step in, or I do what I can."

"You get someone else to fight for you? Are you that weak?" He scoffed. That was judgement and not concern.

"Neji - come here. Let's have an arm wrestle!" I chirped.

"Erena! No!" Gai said, looking concerned. Ah, he must have figured out my problem from my run-in with Shisui.

"No no. It's my turn to teach." My smile turned cold.

Neji, arrogance and all, followed me to a boulder. Gai held back on the side lines, arms crossed. TenTen and Rock Lee were next to him, not understanding his change it attitude.

"Three, two, one...go!" We started, and it ended just as quick. As soon as he put pressure on, my wrist and forearm snapped, leaving it floppy...huh...last time it was only the wrist. The arm was new.

Neji withdrew his hand and stared in shock, while the others shouted out. Before this got out of hand, I shook my arm hard and concentrated chakra to the areas. The bones healed in an instant.

"Understand now?" I said to Neji.

"But how? How are you still a shinobi?"

Ah, clearly he didn't understand at all. In response, I activated the Time Flicker, rushed behind him and placed my kunai against his throat before deactivating it.

"Who do you think really won now?" I whispered into his ear.

"Erena. Please stop, this is a most Unyouthful show," Gai said. He seemed disappointed in me again. Aw, crap.

I lowered my kunai and walked around to look at Neji.

"My body may be weak, but I am not. Do not judge people solely on their weaknesses and underestimate us. It will only get you killed."

And with that I walked off before anyone could say anything.

I found a clearing and slid down the trunk of a tree into a sitting position. I'd really made a mess of things...I got ahead of myself and let Neji get to me. He was only a child and I over reacted then scared him and held him at knife point...that was not something normal people do. Only monsters.

Then there was Gai's disappointment in me...Even before, I don't think he ever looked at me that way. It broke my heart...he said he loved me but how could he? When I do things like that? I started hyperventilating and my hands shook a little.

I needed a drink. Luckily, I had an emergency flask in my storage scroll, so I got it out and took big mouthful. I was still in the middle of my breakdown when Gai came into the clearing.

"Erena! What were you thinking! They are only genin! That was a most Unyouthful and Horrible display!"

I looked to the ground and tried to take in deep breaths. "I know. I'm sorry." I managed to squeak out, eyes firm and on the ground. I couldn't look at Gai right now.

"Erena...are you okay? Are you hurt?"

I shook my head, still not looking up and took another drink. I saw green out of the corner of my eye and saw Gai sit beside me, gently removing the flask from my hand.

He sighed. "I understand why you did it, but it there are better ways to teach them those particular lessons. It will come in time - they need to grow at their own pace."

"I know. I'm sorry...I'm just not used to dealing with...people, especially children. My usual conversation partners need a much more...direct approach. I got carried way. It won't happen again."

It wouldn't happen again because I would leave soon. I wouldn't allow myself to damage them anymore than I already have.

"Don't run away, Erena," Gai pleaded and grasped my hands. "I cannot lose you again."

Goddammit to hell.

"I can't come back. Not yet."

"I know. I don't what what you are doing, but there must be a reason. You have always been dedicated in everything you do. But please promise you that you will look after yourself - you are important to me, and I cannot lose you."

I rubbed my face and turned to look at him, finally. "It's not that easy."

He gave me a sad smile, and went into one of the pockets of his jacket to remove a small storage scroll.

"What is this?" I asked.

"A present. From Yumi."

My eyes widened...he could only mean it was my medications. "But how?"

"After you encountered the others last time, it became clear you were having problems. When we returned, I went to speak with Yumi. He gave us all similar scrolls, should we meet you again."

Goddamn thoughtful bastards.

"You mean they aren't mad? I did kind of get them with poison."

"We are concerned, Erena. We only want you back with us." I almost felt like crying. "You cannot say where you are...but just tell me...are you in danger?"

I snorted. "Every day." While Akatsuki was home for now, I knew if I got found out I'd be dead in a second.

"Then why not return?"

I sighed. "I can't. There is too much running on this. If I stop now, I could either be killed or people I care about could be...it's a long game and I hate it but I need to be there."

Gai sighed. "I knew I could not persuade you. Your Youthful Stubbornness will always win!"

"Yea...I'm annoying that way." I agreed.

"I cannot dissuade you, but tell me what I can do to help! I will not fail!"

I smirked at him. "Don't give up on me? Even if I do something really, really bad?"

"Never!" He grinned. "That I can promise you!"

"And...if you see me with my...colleagues, do not approach or engage, okay? That is really important. And make sure to tell the others."

"What do you mean?" He looked confused.

"Who I'm with...we usually work in teams. I have a partner - who is away on his part of the mission right now, but everyone is...we're all bad news. Really bad news."

"In what respect?"

"S-Rank Missing Nin?"

His eyes boggled. "These are you companions? How are you safe?"

"I'm one of them. Or at least, they think I am."

"You are deep undercover?"

I snorted. "That's one way to put it."

"This is more complicated than we thought. We must put our heads together an think!" He said, looking into the distance, a determined look on his face.

"Oh no, don't you start getting involved. Trust me - nothing good will come of it."

"We cannot let this go, Erena. We will not."

I sighed. Why were my friends so stupid?

"Fine, but be careful. Cover your tracks. And if I ever tell you to stop going down a path, you'll stop. Okay?"

"Agreed!" He cheered. He then jumped to his feet and placed his handed up my arms to gently haul me up.

"Now let us go speak to the rest of the team!"

"You mean apologise?"

"Yosh!"

"I fucking hate you sometimes."

After we returned, the apologies to the kids went fairly well. I even got one back from Neji...I suspected both Gai and TenTen had something to do with that.

There were no further incidents, and everything did seem truly forgotten...except a curious Rock Lee who came over to ask me about my healing techniques...he had never seen anything like it.

"Count that as a good thing...because that took lots of lots of practice." His eyes widened in understanding.

By the evening, Gai admitted they should probably head into Kumo to deliver their scroll. He seemed reluctant, but the timing was for the best. I warned him to avoid coming back through the area on the way back - he nodded in understanding.

"When will I see you again?" He asked.

"When I'm able? I need to make sure it's totally safe. Don't worry, I'll find you when I can."

"How?"

I gave him a dry look, and did not dignify his question with a response.

"Listen...if you ever need me, there's a bar in the Senotakaiki area of Fire- you'll know the one when you see it. Ask for a bottle of Fire Whisky from the bar...drink it, or discard it, whatever...but place whatever message you have for me in the empty bottle, recap it and hand it back to the bar...it'll make its way to me."

"But if it gets intercepted?"

I shook my head. "The bottle is Sealed. Impenetrable. And if broken, the contents will be destroyed."

We said our final goodbyes, which included hugs from TenTen and Rock Lee...to say I felt awkward was an understatement. Gai laughed at the look on my face as I awkwardly patted them on the back. Neji just gave me a curt nod- now that I didn't have a problem with.

Gai was the final awkward goodbye and I didn't know what to do. I gave him a shy, coy smile and about to wave, when he rushed to pick me up and kissed me. I put my hands around his neck instinctually.

In the background I heard Rock Lee give a cheer and TenTen a single clap and a squeal.

"I'll find you soon, okay?" I whispered.

"Yosh! I will be waiting!" He smiled at me.

With final waves, they ran off towards the village, leaving me alone on the bank.

But for the first time in a while, I didn't actually feel alone at all.

Kisame returned the next morning, and kicked me awake.

"Huh. I half expected you to be blackout drunk."

"You think so little of me," I scoffed (even though that had been my original plans). "Anyway! I have a surprise!" I jumped up and gestured dramatically to the boat. "Ta-dah!"

"It's a boat?" He seemed confused.

"And fishing rods and I make a fire pit barbecue and there's sake- although I suppose that ones mainly for me...Happy birthday!"

He blinked. "You got this for me?"

I nodded merrily. He didn't say anything, but looked between the fishing rods and the boat. He removed his cloak.

"Get me a rod and the sake. Let's go fishing."

We spent the rest of the morning on the boat, hardly speaking, and for once he got more drunk than me...I was just in a nice floaty bubble.

"So what's got you in a good mood anyway? I haven't seen you like this...ever. You get laid or something?"

I choked. "Of course not! As if!"

"Well, something happened. You're being strange."

"Maybe I'm just enjoying your company?" I grinned at him.

He scoffed. "Definitely not."

After a few more minutes of silence, I spoke again.

"You know, I think I might want kids some day."

He swung the pole of his fishing rod over to hit me on the head.

"Don't be a fucking idiot."

I cackled.