~Chapter 23: Odd Job~

(Wednesday September 24 Amegakure Inn Night)

~Kakashi~

Hot water flooded Kakashi's body, every drop doing its duty to soothe an unwelcome ache. His hand was still wrapped around his cock, but he didn't dare move it. Everyone masturbated, yet it felt like something he shouldn't be doing.

Tenzō's words from their earlier debrief mixed together, jumbling about and not registering even in the slightest. Nothing Kakashi tried to focus on lasted before his mind went running right back to her.

Nina.

Her name had felt so very comfortable and warm in his mouth. He'd drunk saké less smooth.

Kakashi was confident when making the bet because he believed there was no risk of feelings developing from the intimate moments he would undoubtedly share with the kunoichi. However, he wasn't that ignorant as to not acknowledge his own attractions. He'd be lying if he said he hadn't thought about it.

Perhaps fantasised is a more appropriate word.

"Well, that's an utterly terrifying thought," Kakashi muttered to himself, turning off the shower.

He couldn't go there. Doing so would cross a line…the line.

Embarrassed by his lack of self-control, Kakashi smothered his face with a towel. He began counting to ten, drawing deep breaths to rid himself of the dizzying thoughts. Immediately, he ripped the towel away from his face, holding it up with clenched fists. He glowered at the piece of cloth as if it'd wronged him more than anything or anyone ever had in his life.

It belonged to Nina. The cotton fibres were heavily imbued with her pleasant scent, which was now in Kakashi's nose and lungs. And maybe even his head.

As collectedly as possible, he returned the incorrect towel to the rail and wrapped the one belonging to him around his hips. He combed his fingers through his hair, pulling out a few waterlogged knots. Still agitated by his own reactions, Kakashi sighed.

They were here to do a job. Feelings had nothing to do with it.

Kakashi's eyes drifted back to Nina's towel. His face contorted as a new wave of guilt hit him.

How naïve.

(Thursday September 25 Amegakure Inn Morning)

~Nina~

Heated droplets of water ran over Nina's forehead and down the length of her nose as she tried desperately to reduce the tension that was resting right between her eyebrows. Her efforts to dissect what had happened in the late hours of last night were unhelped by one of Hanako's unfiltered foretellings ceaselessly circling her brain.

"One day, you'll meet a problem you can't bullshit your way out of, Sarutobi."

Somewhere in Nina's fucked up life as a shinobi, she'd forgotten how the most unusual things held a certain emotional meaning. The physical touches—hand holding, bedsharing—were easily rationalised. But the kiss?

Nina's fingers trembled over her lips.

There was only one word to describe it—odd.

Nina knew Hatake to be guarded, cautious and deceptive. A man so unwilling to trust that even the simplest gestures had you questioning his intentions. Wondering whether the side of him you get to see is truly real.

It wasn't entirely Kakashi's fault; Nina knew she was equally to blame. Pride was also a part of the issue. The only thing she wanted to do, neededto do, was to act normal.

(Amegakure Village)

~Nina~

Thankfully, the bustling crowds offered a great distraction for Nina. She stood in front of a shopfront window, admiring the assembly of a new display—a collection of hand-carved wooden kimono dolls—for the upcoming festival. Her brow pinched together. She wanted to be home, in Konoha, researching…finalising the fucking investigation.

"Daydreaming about me?"

Nina flinched and stiffened all at once, questioning how she didn't sense the Copy-Nin approaching. His chest brushed against her back as he caged her between himself and the shopfront window.

Pervert.

Nina wanted—so much—to shoot the petty insult at Hatake. She refused to acknowledge him save a brief darting of her eyes at his reflection in the glass. "Did you even sleep?"

Kakashi shrugged his shoulders at Nina's concerns. "Tenzō's finished."

Nina's stomach growled as if eating itself from the inside out.

"Have you eaten?" Kakashi asked.

"No" replied Nina. She turned to face him, seemingly catching him off guard. He quickly slipped something into his pocket, but she didn't question it. "But I should."

Kakashi held out his hand, and Nina took it without hesitation. The soft touch of his hand enveloping hers sent a rush of warmth through her body. The simple act of holding hands suddenly signified something more intimate and personal. However, as swiftly as Kakashi's touch appeared, it disappeared just as quickly, his hand retreating to his side. Simultaneously, he stepped back and turned around to lead the way.

"Breakfast is on me," Kakashi declared, abruptly halting his steps and flashing her a look over his shoulder.

(Amegakure Hareta (Sunny) Café)

~Kakashi~

Kakashi couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He'd noticed that Nina seemed a little distracted during their impromptu surveillance—not bantering as much, fighting back half-heartedly. He expected the kunoichi to have mounted an awkward but warranted confrontation for last night's afflictions.

It'd been hours since Kakashi kissed Nina. Not that he was counting or thinking about it non-stop… or dwelling on how it could change things between them.

"You're awfully quiet today."

Nina sighed, her face flushing with irritation. "I'm mad at you. At myself." Her words were tight, and Kakashi had no defence to offer for once.

Long moments ticked by before a young waitress appeared, setting a teapot and two teacups on the table. Kakashi poured the hot brew into the first cup, handed it to Nina, and then poured himself one. The kunoichi remained quiet, moving only when the waitress served her the pancakes she'd ordered.

Kakashi wasn't sure how to address the elephant in the room, but he knew that there was no way they would get through this with their sanity intact unless someone started being a little silly. For obvious reasons, he felt the duty fell on him.

"Have I ever told you how I once rescued my grandma's kitten from a bulldog?" Kakashi eyed the kunoichi, waiting for her to hopefully respond and encourage him to continue talking as she usually would.

"Did the kitten survive?" the waitress asked panickily.

Nina lifted her head, her eyebrow rising ever so slightly. Kakashi was relieved seeing the subtle shift in her demeanour—the annoyed and grumpy mask slipping from her face.

He turned to the waitress, giving her an eye-creasing smile. "Afraid not."

*Half an hour or so later*

Kakashi settled the bill and met the kunoichi outside.

"You think you're hilarious, don't you?" Nina asked, her voice gentle yet unable to conceal the underlying annoyance that tinged her words.

"Though I realise you're a little annoyed with me, honesty compels me to say yes. Yes, I do think I'm hilarious."

Nina gave Kakashi a look, rolling her eyes. Clearly, his deceitful tale was nowhere near as entertaining as when she'd preyed on Guy's irrational fear of ghosts.

~Flashback~

(Nina- 22 years old, Kakashi and Guy 24 years old)

Complex diplomatic ties with Sunagakure meant a straightforward escort mission required an accomplished three-man cell. Kakashi was teamed up with Guy for his taijutsu expertise and Nina as the team's designated medic-nin. They were escorting an aristocratic family from the Land of Rivers to the Land of Stone, and because of the hostility in Amegakure, they needed to travel through Suna.

The mission was arduous and lengthy, even more so with the exuberant Guy in tow. Kakashi resorted to pranks and sarcasm to mitigate the strain on his nerves. A quick-witted Nina soon joined in on the frivolity.

One night, about two weeks into their expected four-week trek, they pooled their money together to pay for a room at a local hot spring their client insisted on stopping at. Kakashi had dealt with Guy's supposititious nonsense surrounding the local ghost tales all day and was thoroughly exhausted and ready to call it a night. He and Guy lay in their beds on the floor while Nina sat in the ajar doorway because she had taken the first watch.

Guy firmly grabbed Kakashi's wrist, preventing him from turning off the small lamp. "D-don't turn it off, Kakashi."

"And why not?"

Kakashi instantly regretted asking when he saw his teammate's frazzled face.

"Because." Guy let go of him, standing up, legs spread wide and his hands on his hips. "Because there was this man at the hot springs that-"

Kakashi sighed. "For the last time, Guy, there is no such thing as ghosts."

"There is, too. Leave the light on," Guy demanded, staring down at him.

Nina was snickering. Easy to do when she hadn't been subjected to such garbage.

"A little help, Sarutobi? You're the team medic." Kakashi desperately needed sleep. "Sarutobi?"

Nina stood, brushing her hands together. "Because you asked so nicely." Kakashi watched as the kunoichi laid a hand on one of Guy's shoulders, forcing him downwards into his bed. "Guy, go to sleep. I'm on guard. You will be fine."

Surprisingly, their comrade obliged and shuffled himself under his covers.

"Just don't let Kakashi turn the light off," Guy requested, sitting up on his elbows for support.

Irritated with Guy's psychological malfunction, Kakashi quickly looked to the medic for further assistance. She was in the doorway, looking out and skyward.

"I wouldn't recommend leaving it on if I were you," Nina stated.

Guy's eyes boggled out of his head. "W-w-why?"

"It's not really my problem." Nina slid down the doorway's moulding, crossing her feet at her ankles. "It's probably an old wives tale."

"What is?" Guy lunged forward, looking at Nina around Kakashi. "What's an old wives tale?"

Nina maintained a calm disposition. A skill, Kakashi believed, had been forced upon the kunoichi to perfect. "Lights on for ghosts—yes. But, for demons-"

"D-d-d-demons?" Guy hugged his knees to his chest.

"Oh yes. How did that old lady put it?" Nina tapped her index finger to her chin. "Leave the lights on, and you shall provide the demons with a beacon to your location."

Kakashi was grateful that Guy was too overwhelmed to notice the smile forming under his mask.

"So, Guy, shall we leave this on?" Nina held the lamp's switch in her hand.

"N-no, thank you. Turn it off!"

"Goodnight, Guy," Nina whispered, flicking the switch off. "Goodnight, Captain."

Later that night, at handover, Kakashi had sought to thank Sarutobi for her assistance. She fobbed it off, stating it was her responsibility as 'the team medic.'

~End of Flashback~

(Konohagakure Hokage Office Lunch time)

~Hanako~

Hanako stamped another document and forged another signature, adding it to the growing pile to her left. She empathised with Tsunade's drinking problem. Nothing was exciting about any of the paperwork that was forced under her nose by Shikaku. Initially, she had hoped to be handed the document regarding her relationship with Shiranui but soon accepted the unlikelihood of that happening out of respect to Jōnin Commander's due diligence.

A knock on the office doors allowed Hanako to stretch. A pointless exercise considering the weight of the two boulders her feminine shoulders were burdened with. She was now convinced her superior's bountiful bust served only to endlessly tease Master Jiraiya.

Shikaku cleared his throat, bringing Hanako's attention to the two shinobi standing before her. He handed the file to her, indicating where she was to sign.

"How much of the forest is left?" Shikaku asked.

"Hmpf." The lightness disappeared from Temari's expression. "Anko wasn't happy about my suggestions. But I can be very persuasive."

Shikamaru crossed his arms, muttering something inaudible to Hanako but well within earshot of Temari. The kunoichi from Suna slapped him with a backhand. Shikamaru straightened up with feigned enthusiasm. "She's right."

Temari's eyes darted to Hanako's. She nervously tugged on her attire, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

Hanako smiled. "That'll be all."

Shinobi were taught how to scare, fight, run, and win. It was somewhat ironic that they weren't trained to be afraid, lose, or love.

Hanako pressed down the stamp of the Hokage's seal heavily, aiming for the blood-red ink to disguise her botched attempt at Tsunade's signature. She whirled around on her chair, handing Shikaku the signed report. "There's been no announcement of a sudden shortage of dumplings in Konoha."

A subtle smile spread across Shikaku's face. "I'll organise the inspection for this afternoon, Milady."

It wasn't often Hanako allowed herself the pleasure of someone else's discomfort, but it was just too fun with Anko Mitarashi—Konoha's dumpling bitch.

(Amegakure Orphanage)

~Nina~

There was no time for greetings as excitable hands dragged Nina into the building. The children crowded around, parading various items, from clothing to umbrellas. Yuuma gently reminded the children not to mix their belongings, and Kimi could hardly get her mouth around the words to form a complete sentence.

"Can you believe it? Twelve. Clothes. Shoes. Hairbrushes. And…not just for the children but for us, too. And then… it's a miracle. The house. Kami. I can't believe it." Kimi burst into tears, falling to her knees, clutching her new garments, giving her thanks in between the sobs. Yuuma bent down to console his wife.

Marco, cradling an armful of his new belongings, stole Nina upstairs to his bedroom. She helped him by hanging the black garment bag on one of the three wooden knobs affixed to the wall beside his bedroll while he packed his other clothes into the three drawers of the bedside table.

"Everyone's pretty excited about going to the festival," Marco began, ushering Nina from the bedroom. "New clothes and all that."

"Have you ever been?"

Marco shook his head. "Nah." He slowed down, turning on his heels to face Nina. "I snuck out last year, but you can't do much without money. You know?"

Nina knew the kid had a point. While the fireworks display was sure to be spectacular, the sideshow alley games and food stalls cost money.

"Thanks to Mr Baku, that isn't a problem." Marco pulled a coin purse from his ratty shorts pocket and shook it until the coins rattled together. His smile stretched wide and bright. "He even offered to pay some of us to come work at his shop."

Nina smiled back, afraid of opening her mouth. She could still hear Kimi's sobs coming from downstairs. Nina imagined the woman had relentlessly prayed in the dark, silent hours long after everyone else had slept. Over and over, her voice hoarse and helpless, begging for a miracle.

"You won't tell them about me sneaking out, will ya?" Marco asked.

"No." Nina ruffled the top of the kid's head. "Our secret."

Marco took her from room to room, announcing its purpose. The orphanage may not have architecturally resembled anything quite like its original structure, but the residence retained its homely feel. The dining room, Nina's favourite of the rooms, was now spacious enough to fit a massive wooden table with bench seating on both sides and single chairs on either end.

Yet again, Maya was monopolising the Copy-Nin's attention. The little girl was wrestling with his untamed silver strands. She giggled, refusing to give up on altering its unkempt style.

"She hasn't stopped talking about him since the other day," Marco said, handing Nina a glass of water.

Nina recalled when Kakashi was first made team leader of Team 7. He'd occasionally ridiculed the young fledglings under his care to whoever was in the Jōnin lounge. Naruto's artless impulsiveness, Sasuke's rigid vigilantism, and Sakura's pubescent hang-up on Sasuke were constant sources of frustration in the squad's earlier days. However, Hatake's three students had since come into their own, which, in Nina's opinion, was a credit to the remarkable foundation he'd provided them.

Nina watched as Maya let go of her plush bunny and smooshed Kakashi's cheeks between her two little grubby hands. "Are you a pirate?" she asked, swiping at the material covering his left eye.

Kakashi stood, escaping from Maya's physical inquisition. The little girl's lip dropped into a severe pout, equalling Naruto's whenever he was assigned a low-ranked mission.

"Cute kid," Nina commented as she observed Marco attempt to console Maya.

"Don't let looks deceive you," Kakashi remarked, looking back at Maya from over his right shoulder. "She's a little demon."

Maya squirmed out of Marco's sympathetic hug and bolted. Nina pounced, scooping the little girl up into her arms before she could reach the Copy-Nin. She bopped Maya on her freckled button nose. "An adorable demon." Maya snuggled into the crook of Nina's neck.

(Village on outskirts of Amegakure Hotel Evening)

~Tsunade~

Mildly intoxicated, Tsunade sulked back to her room, very much poorer thanks to her rotten luck in the gambling house. She flopped onto the bed on her back, staring at the ceiling. Unsurprising to Tsunade, Tenzō's report was sparse with significant details. She trusted—enough—that Kakashi knew what he was doing. She hoped the Hanako was managing, with Shikaku's guidance, to stay afloat of things and that the meddlesome Elders steered clear of her office until she got back. And then there was…

Jiraiya.

Tsunade threw an arm over her eyes, shielding them from the ceiling light. Tomorrow she would be meeting the Toad Sage. A small smile crept over her face. Slowly, she felt her body settling into sleep.

(Thursday September 25 Amegakure Village Night)

~Nina~

Nina breathed in the fresh night air, looking at the night sky. The full moon hung low and full. For once, it hadn't rained a drop all day. Dinner was pandemonium with the twelve children and Kimi and Yuuma. It had been well after nine before Nina and Kakashi left the commotion of the orphanage.

"So, how about it, Sarutobi?"

"How about what exactly, Hatake?" Nina asked, utterly confused by the Copy-Nin's vague and random invitation.

He directed her to a ground-level tavern to their left with a pointed index finger. What sounded like stray catcalling emanated from the venue.

Karaoke.

~End of Chapter~