-AN-

I didn't consider it, but I really did need a short break from writing full time like I had been. Working on some smaller projects has been calming to say the least.

Though my drawing journey is slow going, but we won't get to far into that.

So let's get back to it, enjoying the smaller fics for now before the next big projects hits.

-Story Start-

Fully clothed and having locked up the apartment as asked by her wayward friend, Anko now found herself at attention before a slightly frowning Hokage. While the last few meetings she had had with the woman had gone well enough, something in the air today just told her that this was going to be a bit different. Had she done something to upset the older woman? Maybe she didn't approve of the friendship between herself and Naruto? He was her favorite after all, no matter what she and Naruto said. Everyone else could tell the elder Kunoichi had a soft spot for the boy. No one else could get away with calling her an old woman to her face and live to tell about it.

Still, Tsunade sat with her hands tented in front of her face, seeming to consider Anko's existence for a long moment while Shizune held their pet pig in her arms behind her. That woman looked to be on the verge of a mild nervous breakdown, curious that. Tsunade huffed, relaxing back as Anko for once kept her mouth shut. Looks like even the hardest of heads could learn from time to time. "You seem to have taken a liking to Naruto lately." She'd start slow, probe gently.

Anko shrugged, relaxing only slightly, "He's a good man and easy to get along with. He's a friend, nothing more."

"Nothing more hmm? Interesting." Tsunade wasn't buying it. Sure she had ordered Anko to watch after him once, but after that Anko should have left him alone. The fact that she was floating around town asking around about him, going out on drinking benders with him. Nah. There was more to this little situation. "The little knucklehead is pretty easy to get along with. No lie there." Pausing as she made a show of moving around a folder on her desk, Tsunade raised her eyes to lock onto the Special Jonin once more, "Yet, your interest in him is pretty interesting in and of itself. Should I be worried about you instead of him?"

Not particularly liking Tsunade's tone, Anko reigned in her temper if only barely, "Is that why you've called me in ma'am? To warn me off your favorite?" She might regret that later, but Anko didn't like having all of her actions questioned by everyone under the sun. Well, Kurenai and Naruto seemed to understand her well enough, but everyone else could get bent.

"I'm not here to play favorites, Special Jonin. I have a concern for all of my ninja. That includes a certain uppity Snake Mistress who might be getting herself into a situation that's way over her head." Tsunade had much more information than Anko did and while she normally didn't step into anyone's personal life like this, she would make an exception for these two.

Anko fully relaxed now, hands on her hips as she shifted her weight, "I'm sure I can take care of myself just fine Hokage-sama."

"I wonder if that's true." Silence descended on the group again, before Tsunade can feel the weight of Shinzune's stare on her back. Right. She hadn't called Anko here just to haze her about Naruto. To business then, "Beyond that, I actually called you here because of your report on Naruto. You mentioned nothing out of the ordinary. Does that still hold true?"

Thankful that Tsunade seemed to be willing to leave well enough alone, Anko nodded resolutely. "Yes. Naruto is of no danger to himself or others. He's his usual goofy and positive self." Mentally she breathed a sigh of relief. Getting on the Kage's bad side was not on her list of things to do this year. She might find herself on border patrol for the next year, or worse yet, gate duty.

Humming and opening a folder to actually consult the information there, Tsunade didn't look up to Anko this time, "Does that include the situation between Naruto and Mai?"

Realizing that Anko should have figured Tsunade knew about Mai, the Jonin sighed and drew herself up. It didn't matter that she knew she never mentioned the other woman in any of her reports. Tsunade was the Kage with decades of experience under her belt, getting one past her was nearly impossible. "Well I-"

Tsunade held up a hand, "Relax, I'm not admonishing you for it. You did the right thing. The situation surrounding Mai wasn't one to be included in your reports. So, as a woman and a ninja, I don't fault you." Eyes turning back up to lock onto Anko's own, the Kage did huff slightly, "As the Hokage though, I am slightly disappointed that you wouldn't trust me with this. It is not like you to leave out information like this, no matter how insignificant it may have seemed. For all you could have know, maybe Mai was another operative I've had on payroll for a separate mission."

That sent Anko's eyebrows up into her hairline, "She's, wait-"

"No, she isn't. But she could have been. Do not leave information out of your reports, you know better."

Receiving the admonishment for what it was, Anko nodded, "Yes ma'am. I apologize." Sighing and shuffling her feet, Anko voiced her own concern now, "Looks like I'll be spending time in front of the disciplinary committee again huh? Just my luck." And she had been looking forward to a full promotion this time.

Thinking it over and tilting her head this way and that, Tsunade finally shrugged and closed the folder in front of her, "I don't see a reason for that. You admitted your fault and came clean when I brought it up. We can sweep this one under the rug I think." Winking at the younger woman, Tsunade grinned, "This one was done out of concern for your fellow Leaf ninja. You get a pass, just this once. Of course, if you really want that promotion you've been after, you'll need to take a team finally."

Scoffing completely on reflex, Anko shook herself, "Lead a team of brats? Just what I need." She'd miss out on all the good missions, and she'd have to give up her time with T&I. No way. No how. "Kakashi and Kurenai can keep that for themselves, they've got the temperament for it, not me."

Knowing that was going to be Anko's answer, Tsunade filed it away and moved on with the day. "Well, best keep on your toes from here on Anko." Seeing the slight confusion on the other woman's face, Tsunade continued, "You know who you're paling around with, and very publicly at that. Don't gain even more of a reputation will you?"

Saluting Tsunade, Anko smirked and turned to leave, "No promises there Tsunade-sama. I'm having too much fun for once."

Returning the other woman's smirk, Tsunade nods and waves her away, "Go figure. Just like her." Refusing to elaborate, the older woman is already mentally moving on. "Be good to the gaki, he needs all the friends he can get. Emphasis on friends."

"I'm no cradle robber Lady Hokage." Anko was already making for the door, while Tsunade smirks at her back.

"Not from what I hear, maybe answer the door with clothes on from now on." Tsunade didn't need to see Anko's face to know there was a blush there. But the hurried steps out of her office nearly sent her cackling. Whatever was going on between her and Naruto was bound to be good for them both in the long run. Well with his luck it would be, at least with some hope.

Shizune leaned down to her mentor, concern on her face, "Is this wise to let things continue as they are Tsunade-sama?"

Tsunade shrugged, "Wise? Probably not. But Naruto can take care of himself, you and I both know that."

"But, he's still just a boy."

"You're being a mother hen. If you're so concerned go check on him yourself from time to time." Tsunade knew she wouldn't, the other woman had her own worries to attend to. "Leave them be Shizune. They'll be alright."

"If you say so, Tsunade-sama."

"I do, now, let's see what the rest of the day has in store for us." She wanted to finish up her work early today, it was too nice out to be locked away inside.

-b-

It had been a few days of a fast paced run for the hills, but Team Seven had made it to their destination. An uncovered Sound base where Orochimaru himself was lying in wait. Word on the wind from Jiraiya and his network was that Sasuke and Kabuto both were here as well, giving them this once in a lifetime chance to not only retrieve their wayward teammate, but also put down the traitorous Sannin.

So into the depths of an underground compound they went, traversing empty torch lit hallways and eerily quiet rooms. Until a fork in the road presented them with a problem and a choice.

Yamato turned to Naruto and Sakura, both of whom were used to working together much more than Sai and himself were with them, "You two, head left, we'll take right. Call over the radio if you run into anything you can't handle."

"Got it!" Answering in unison, Naruto and Sakura dashed away while Yamato and Sai did the same down the opposite hallway. Alone together, Sakura watched Naruto's back as they raced along the slightly curved path of rough carved stone.

"Sooo, wanna talk about what's been up with you recently?" Sakura couldn't deal with all the quiet right now and the anxiety of maybe finally catching up with Sasuke was starting to get to her.

"Not really. Just been busy lately I suppose." Naruto focused ahead, senses sharp for the slightest hint of fluctuating chakra. He was not in the mood to get caught in an ambush today. Not by Sound ninja.

Huffing and knowing there was more to it than that, Sakura pulled up alongside the normally so boisterous blonde, "Busy enough to shack up with Anko of all people?"

"Anko's a friend, I told you that." What was this Naruto wondered. Was Sakura, dare he wonder, jealous?

"She's sure comfy with you these days. Strutting around your place naked and all." Sakura was not jealous of the other woman. It did put an odd feeling in her chest that the other woman seemed closer to her teammate than she was, but it wasn't jealousy.

Rolling his eyes, Naruto spotted a room ahead of them, the only one they'd found so far, "And you've got a cupboard of tea and snacks in my kitchen. Don't get huffy just cause you don't like her nickname for ya."

Sakura made it to the room first, a frown on her face, "If she calls me pinky one more time I'll-" Forward moment arrested by a fist grabbing hold of her shirt from behind, the pinkette was abruptly pulled backwards. A sword crossed her vision, gleaming in the low light as it passed through the space her neck had once been.

Taking point ahead of the medic, Naruto scowled as a dark haired teenager seemed to melt out of the darkness, "Well, that's some welcome for old friends."

Smirking and holding his head high, Sasuke smirked as his sword returned to its sheath, "Friends huh? Still chasing after my shadow after all this time. Pathetic." On his own, he'd make short work on this and return to Kabuto so they could catch up with Orochimaru. Already long gone.

Sakura edged from behind Naruto, mildly miffed that he moved to block her, "Sasuke! We've spent all this time trying to find you! Come home, we can work this out."

Rolling his shoulders, Naruto shook his head as Sasuke's smirk grew, "I get the feeling Sasuke doesn't care much for working things out Sakura-chan."

Sasuke pointed at the blonde while his eyes were locked on Sakura's jade orbs, "Listen to the dobe. I have no use for either of you anymore. You're dead weight, less than useless as far as I'm concerned."

Cold gripping her heart, Sakura clenched her fists as she glared at her longtime crush, "You don't mean that. That's Orochimaru's influence. Not you."

Sasuke turned a sympathetic look to Naruto, "She just doesn't learn, does she?"

"You really gonna drag this out emo-boy, or can we get to me beating you into tar yet. I'd like to be back home for dinner." Naruto had to admit, it was kinda nice to see that Sasuke still seemed to be his normal above it all self. Times moved on, but people didn't change so easily.

With a thought and a quick shunshin, Sasuke was there, an arm over Naruto's shoulder as he watched the sudden fear build on Sakura's face, "Oh? You think you've improved enough to face me have you? Remember at the valley? I won that fight."

"Did you? I remember being the one to scar that headband of yours. I could have easily ripped out those eyes of yours instead." Naruto smirked, staring ahead at the far wall and ignoring the closeness of his former friend next to him.

"Your sentimentality will be the death of you!" Sasuke was already pulling his sword free, mind set on striking down Naruto right in this moment.

Naruto was faster, burying a fist laden with seals into Sasuke's gut. Not quiet a juken strike, but enough to cut off someone's chakra if they were arrogant enough to get close. "Good to see no matter how strong you've gotten, you're still an arrogant asshole." A second chakra laden punch to the weakened Sasuke's temple sent his limp body crashing to the ground, and a fretting Sakura rushed to check on him.

"Kami Naruto, did you have to be that brutal?" Sakura did her duty, slapping chakra sealing cuffs on Sasuke for good measure before she started to check him over with glowing green hands.

"First, don't forget he's the one that put a hole in my chest, wanna talk about brutality. Second, he tried to kill you, you remember that right?"

"It's Sasuke, it was just a bluff." Sakura refused to look up at Naruto, knowing he would either be looking at her with either pity or scorn. She wasn't sure which she could handle right now.

Ignoring his teammate's denial, Naruto turned away to put a hand to his throat, "Naruto to Yamato-taicho. We found Sasuke."

"Good, retreat to fallback point two and wait for us. If we take longer than an hour, return to Konoha on your own. Yamato out."

Naruto sighed but turned back to Sakura, lips twisting as he watched her checkup begin to mold into a healing session. Stalking forward, he moved her aside as gently as he could to pick up Sasuke to carry him over a shoulder, "Enough of that, he's good enough to travel."

Sakura stood quickly, eyeing the welt at Sasuke's temple, "I just want to make sure he doesn't have a concussion." Why had that second strike from Naruto looked like one of Tsunade's augmented chakra strikes? Hadn't Naruto only trained with Jiraiya, or maybe because they were teammates? Too many questions.

"You can make sure of that later, we have orders." That sounded wrong even as it left Naruto's mouth, and the look Sakura was giving him meant she felt the same. Even so, he adjusted Sasuke on his shoulder and started back the way they came, "Come on. The further away we get from this place, the better."

"Naruto." As they started to run, Sakura watched Naruto's back once more. She knew his training with Kakashi-sensei and Yamato-taicho had picked up recently. But to overpower Sasuke so quickly like that…it was insane to think about. "Can we really talk, when we get back?"

"So long as it's not about my love life, sure Sakura, we can talk." Naruto wouldn't get his hopes up about his teammate moving past her long time crush finally. He knew her heart even now was still set on the broody Uchiha he carried. Even so, he could hope she would one day move past it. "And hey, lookit here, I kept my promise. One Sasuke Uchiha, returning to Konoha."

"You idiot, you want him back too. Don't act like you don't." Sakura smirked as the aura around Naruto started to seem less oppressive, less full of malice. She didn't like that version of Naruto at all.

"Like a bad rash." He'd rather fight against a combined team of Jiraiya, Kakashi and Yamato. Not deal with whatever nonsense was about to transpire back at the village once they returned. Konoha's single remaining Uchiha was going to be returned. Oh happy days.

-b-

"You know, it's one thing to blow me off cause you think I'm a slut or something. But to actually admit to having fun with me and still blow me off? Is it me? Am I somehow less sexy? He should be tripping over his own feet for my attention. The lousy-" Anko was on a roll, ranting as she relaxed on Kurenai's couch and played with her toddler.

Kurenai had tuned out Anko's whining some time ago, pattering about her kitchen as she started on lunch. This was becoming an odd routine for them recently. Anko would wander the village for the morning, causing trouble or trying to get Ibiki to let her work a little longer, and then she would end up here for a few hours to complain about her latest love interest. Eventually Kurenai would shoo her away so she could put little Mirai down for an afternoon nap. She could say that she was happy that her friend had found someone that she was becoming close with, but she just wished she would do something about it. They didn't need a Hinata . One was more than enough of a headache.

"And another thing, he thinks he's such hot shit now that he's all strong and trained with Lord Jiraiya for a few years. I could take him. Easy. Just need a little prep time and I'll have him on his back in a flash. Believe it." Anko rubbed her nose against little Mirai's, getting a giggle out of the child, "And you, you're just so adorable. Just like your mama. Yes you are. Yes you are."

Refusing to bring up that Anko was now using Naruto's own catchphrase was a monumental act of self control. Rolling her eyes as she walked back out to the homey living room, Kurenai leaned against the door frame to the kitchen and crossed her arms, "Amazingly, you're so good with children and yet refuse to train any." Seeing Anko look up with her with a grin and a shrug, Kurenai shook her head with a smile, "So, we wanna talk about what's really on your mind now that you've ranted at my child for the last twenty minutes?"

"I'm not ranting."

"Anko, I don't think you've taken a single breath through all of that. And it was all about Naruto."

"I…well…no, you see..." Anko paused as she really though about it. Had she really been stuck on the powerhouse blonde all day? It was that meeting with Lady Tsunade, it had her head all messed up. That was it. "Okay, so the blonde is bugging me. He bugs everyone though!"

Sighing and desperately wishing she knew how to bypass this song and dance they were about to do, Kurenai ticked off with her fingers as she listed everything she had noticed. "Let's see. You've gone out with him several times now, of your own volition. Something you would normally never even consider."

"He's fun to hang with, that's all." Anko had turned Mirai around to face her mother, hugging the toddler tightly to the little girl's giggles.

"Uh huh, and you bothering Sakura about him on occasion?"

"That was for the mission, I needed info, that's all."

"Riiight, that including bothering civilians about him as well?" Kurenai was already walking forward to save her child from being turned into a stress ball, "Face it Anko. You like the blonde."

"I…do not like that idiot."

"Oh, that right? I'll just let my student know she has nothing to worry about from you. That okay?"

Feeling something twinge in her chest, Anko reluctantly let Mirai go as Kurenai smirked at her. Crafty bitch. She'd have to get her back one day. "Okay, so…maybe there's something there." And so what if there was? They were the village outcasts, they got along and had fun. It could just be that. It didn't have to be anything more than that. "But that doesn't mean I'm looking to get married and settle down or any of that junk. He's. Fun. Kind. He gets me, ya kno?"

Kurenai nodded, as she did in fact understand, "Yes. Well, I don't see you as the homemaking type, but perhaps you should take this a bit more seriously for once?" Red eyes bored into honey colored orbs as the genjutsu mistress bounced her child in her arms, "Maybe listen to that Mai woman and just get it out of your system. See how you feel after that."

Leaning back and relaxing into the couch as Kurenai walked away, Anko raised her voice to be heard, "Fat chance of that. Naruto doesn't seem to have eyes for anyone except Mai. And even there I'm not sure what's up." He sure wasn't putting any moves on the woman, even if she had shown willing interest on more than one occasion. "Maybe he's gay." Wasn't unheard of.

Kurenai's chuckling answered her, "I have it on good authority that he is not, in fact, gay."

That got a few surprised blinks out of Anko. Naruto wasn't the type to lie, but had he and Kurenai of all people? No. No no no. She was still madly in love with Asuma. Nah. "What's the story on that, don't tease me!"

"He joined a mission with my team some time ago. Apparently he got an eyeful of Hinata during one of her late night training sessions." Kurenai shook her head as she remembered the full body flush that Hinata had when recounting that story. "We can say with all confidence that Naruto knows exactly what he likes."

Shrugging and relaxing back, Anko wasn't assuaged of her fears. "Lot can change in a few years."

"Speaking from experience there?"

"I have nothing to say there. I am a hot kunoichi with all the options and time in the world. I am not love struck for some wet behind the ears brat." It sounded hollow even as Anko said it, and she knew Kurenai had a look on her face that would send her running normally. The silence that stretched on between them as Kurenai was in the kitchen was loud enough. "Okay okay. I'll take this seriously."

"You better." Kurenai was back, standing in the doorway with Mirai changed into a cute pajama set. "You know how things are. Life is fickle and fleeting for us. Take what happiness you can find."

"I figured you'd be warning me off so you could root on your student."

"She's had plenty of time to do anything at this point. Maybe some healthy competition will be good for you."

Rolling to her feet, Anko brushes imaginary dust off of her lap, "Uh huh. I'll keep that in mind." Staring at her friend for a moment, Anko did finally come forward and hug the mother gently, "Thanks, for putting up with me."

"Of course, though if this keeps up I may petition Lady Tsunade to make it a revolving mission."

Leaning away in shock, Anko waved a hand in front of herself as she backed away to the door, "I'm not that bad."

"You come by and mope at my house almost weekly Anko. Go jump the boy's bones before I lock you two in a closet." Kurenai had to hand it to Anko. The dust trail she kicked up as she left was rather impressive. Lifting her child up with a smile, Kurenai kissed her on the nose, "Now you, time for a nap." The cute babbling that answered her filled her with a new warmth.

Outside of Kurenai's home, Anko groaned as she wandered down the street with no real destination in mind. So, she liked the guy, she could handle that. That it was less of a carnal, she wanted to sleep with him like, and more of a she wanted to just spend good time with him…that was what was kicking her in the shins. Was this the fabled love everyone spoke of? Better not be. She'd prefer the first type. It was easier, safer.

Shaking the thoughts out of her head, Anko considered the rest of her day. Times like this she really considered that she didn't have much going on in her life these days. Outside of missions and the T&I department she didn't really do anything. Her hobbies were her work and most of her friends were also work-a-holics. The only one that wasn't was a housewife. Maybe the offer from Tsunade wouldn't be so bad, taking up a team of brats. At least with them she could take more missions and fill up her days with something to do. Maybe she could disguise torture as training?

If only she could somehow bypass the boring D-rank missions. She was Anko Mitarashi! She'd be dead before being caught doing D-rank anything. She knew she didn't have the patience to put up with boring chores, hence why she never considered a team in the first place. Well that and she wasn't sure she could take on a team of snot nosed punks with big egos without killing at least one of them. She supposed she could dream though, one day have some kids calling her Anko-sensei? That didn't sound so bad.

As she weaved through the light foot traffic and found herself near a park in the suburban district, Anko's thoughts moved on to the other issue on her mind lately. Kids meant thinking about Mai and whatever secrets surrounded that woman. Mai certainly thought Anko had the hots for Naruto, not that she'd give her the satisfaction of being correct. Anko could admit that the woman was more perceptive than she let on though. Naruto wasn't a bad guy, he treated her like a normal person. To him she wasn't the snake mistress or the traitor's bitch. To him, she was just Anko. The heavy drinker and party woman who spoke her mind and gave a damn about those close to her. He saw her. And she could admit that that was nice for a change. To not be seen as either a conquest or someone to be scorned. Of course, he was still too young for her.

"I wonder if I'd still be this standoffish if we were closer in age and I met him earlier." That was a thought. Would Naruto have changed her? Or would she had changed him instead? Trying to imagine a more unhinged and murdery Naruto had her snorting as she paused under a tree to enjoy the shade for a moment. The playground was full, parents standing around much like her as the children mingled and played.

"You know, they say talking to yourself is a sign of mental illness." Mai's voice floated into her ears, and Anko couldn't help but sigh. She really must be out of it to not even notice the woman on the other side of the tree.

"Good thing everyone pretty much assumes I'm crazy anyway."

"We both know that's not true though."

"Do we though?" Anko leaned around, smirking at the other woman who only gave her a calm look in return. Yup, much too perceptive. "Can I bribe ya not to tell the idiot I was talkin about him?"

Mai giggled and returned to watching her children, "Hmmm, it's tempting. What would you offer me?"

"I could kill someone for ya, I'm good at that."

"Naruto would do that for me unprompted, going to have to try harder."

Anko wasn't going to contest that. Something told her that indeed Naruto would kill for Mai. "Wanna roll in the sheets? Bet I could show you a thing or two."

"My my, you really are stuck on him aren't you." Another giggle has Mai shaking her head as Anko pouts. "You're so much fun."

"Uh huh, at least someone recognizes it." Crossing her arms as she watched the shorter woman, she notes the blonde roots on her crown. Huh, so she dyed it did she? "Didn't peg you as one for vanity like that. Hair coloring."

Freezing for a moment, Mai reaches up to pat her hair gently, "Hmm, must have lost track of time. I'll have to fix that." Lidded and cold eyes turn to Anko this time, "I'm sure you hear this a lot, but sometimes it's best to just leave things alone."

Anko watches her, noting the change in demeanor. Was she that touchy about her hair? No wait, that shade of blonde. It was close to Naruto's but not quite, if anything it was closer to Lady Tsunade's blonde…which, "No way."

"Yup, just can't help yourself. No wonder you're stuck as a Special Jonin." Mai sighed and leaned against the tree, eyes back on her children as Anko focused solely on her for the moment. "Go ahead, ask your questions. I'm sure you have a lot."

"You're a Senju."

"That's not a question." There was a pause between them in the silence, before Mai nodded along, "Yes, I'm a Senju. Quarter blood at least, my children even less so. So I have no worries about them producing any of their traits, and thus, being hunted."

Turning to watch the kids and leaning against the tree herself, Anko got comfortable as the dots started to link up in her mind, "No wonder Naruto's so worried about you."

"I get the feeling you've got the wrong idea about things. Missing the forest for the trees, as they say." Feeling Anko's confused look on her, Mai waved a hand out towards the village, "Us Senju are still around. Spread out and blood thinned, but we're still here. In any village really if you look hard enough. But, much like the Uchiha, we're functionally done as a clan. Our blood too diluted to matter in the grand scheme of things."

Anko hums and takes it in, mind whirling with the new information, "So then you say I have the wrong idea. What's Naruto's connection then?"

"I thought you better at reading subtle cues. There is no connection between us, at all. I had been serious when I said we only met by a twist of fate. Much like you and I had."

Shrugging and deciding to let it go, Anko relaxes, "Guess I should leave it alone then." Of course Lady Tsunade knew about Mai then, they were family! But why have her living like she was? Why not help her?

"That's for the best. Better to focus on your real goal. You know, before someone else takes Naruto away from you." Mai smirked as Anko chokes on her own spit, coughing and sputtering next to her and unintentionally breaking her thoughts.

"I keep telling everyone, we're not like that!" Anko huffed and turned fully to Mai once more, who had a finger to her chin as she thought loudly.

"I wonder what your children would look like. All purple haired with cute whiskered cheeks maybe? Who's eyes would work better though, your honey or his blue?"

Flushing as the imagery entered her own mind, Anko turned away again, "You're delusional. As if I'm motherhood material." Anko had a variety of reasons for why she didn't want kids of her own, or want to run her own team. Most revolved around a certain snake man still on the loose in the world.

"I think you'd be alright. Time does wonders for one's mindset after all." Mai edges closer to the other woman, nudging a shoulder against her's, "Sometimes it just takes a special someone."

Letting the silence build between them for a moment as they watched the children play, Anko has to admit that if anyone could say something like that confidently, it was probably this woman next to her. Someone who had probably been through a terrible lot to make it this far in life as a non-ninja. "Are you…really happy with how your life is?"

"Hmm. Am I happy? That's a question isn't it." Mai smiles as she watches her children play with some of the other neighborhood kids. This downtime only available because a certain someone had been stubborn and left her with a little spending money, "I suppose, if a certain blonde would acknowledge my feelings, life would be complete. But failing that, yes, I'm happy."

Ignoring the first part, Anko nudged the smaller woman in return, "You can say that pretty confidently?"

"Yup. I'm safe and never hungry. I don't have to worry about one day ending up in a ditch, dead. My children are healthy and growing strong. And I have a few friends who care for me. It may be simple, but it is a good life. One worth living."

"Definitely simple, but I get it." Anko had to really think about it, but she could understand. It might not be a life for her, but she could see the peace as something enticing.

Mai returned the question, "And what of you? Are you happy Anko?"

Right in this moment, Anko wished she could so easily say that yes, she was. She had friends who cared, a career she loved and access to all the sweets she could want. But. "I'm not sure. I have fun, yeah. But I'm I happy? Lately I think so."

Seeing the Jonin lost in thought, Mai nods as she can understand the feeling better than Anko might know, "It's a hard task, finding out the worth of our own lives. Maybe instead of wondering at everyone else's secrets, you should figure out your own?"

Huffing as she pushed away from the tree, Anko gave Mai a bored look, "Have I reminded you lately that you aren't as fun as I first thought?"

"It's nice to hear from you. It's like a badge of honor. Besides, you seem to like me well enough, I think we could be good friends."

Anko wasn't ready to admit that she liked the straight to the point Mai just yet. But with a new plan for the day in mind, Anko turns to head off towards her apartment, "You know. We'll have to get lunch again sometime, bring the kids. My treat."

"I'd like that, Anko." The burst of leaves from next to her was expected as Anko performed a shunshin away, and yes Mai was still smiling, "It's nice to have real friends."

-AN-

Helldivers II has me in a death grip, but my creative juices are moving again. Sorta. It's slow going at the moment.