A Quiet Dinner [Nickito]

[Krethean]

It was slowly becoming dusk, and Ujiyasu had finally gotten back to his home: the Grassforge. The store was shut for the day while he was out doing missions with Kasumi, so he unlocked the door and entered, turning on the lanterns that would light up his house and shop.

He bathed, got changed into a more robe-like form of his tiger-esque attire, and placed his clothes in the laundry area, which he'd get to later. There wasn't a great deal of time before his guest would arrive, and he'd rather devote his attention to her, rather than some washing. His evening outfit, which were primarily red with orange and black tiger stripes on the right arm sleeve, and loose, black pants were quite comfortable for when he felt like taking it easy.

Feeling a lot more refreshed, Ujiyasu gave a long sigh of relief as he walked to the kitchen and started preparing the vegetables and the chicken. The curry sauce, with chopped potato and pumpkin that he started cooking well before the first mission he took smelled amazing, and as he chopped away he wondered about his guest's tastes. They never really talked about what they liked... but then again this is the first time they've really eaten together.

The carrot, onion and bell pepper he cut up were put aside for when Kasumi would arrive, and he got the rice cooking, so that it would be ready in time. Once that was done, he began to crumb the chicken, preparing that for frying.

All the while, Ujiyasu couldn't stop smiling. This was the first time he felt he could really let go since the first exams. His near death experience changed him greatly, pushing him from being a happy go-lucky boy to being a much sterner, yet relaxed and reserved man. During the day, he realised she had actually thawed his personality out... and this made him a lot happier than he had been. It was odd to feel more wild again, but having been through the shock and the changed Ujiyasu for quite some time, he was more able to find that balance between being free and wild and being reserved and calm.

He couldn't help but wonder what Kasumi would think of things... he had to admit she became quite an important aspect of his day, and even life rather rapidly. They started as mentor and student, but he couldn't help but notice they became quite a bit more than that... and he didn't regret it at all.

He hoped she wouldn't mind some curry tonight that's for sure.

[Nickito]

ENTER~

The pressure was on for Kasumi to look her best for Ujiyasu without drawing suspicion and questions from her overly protective parents. Her usual outfit wouldn't do as it was far too simple and not nearly revealing enough. Not only that, but the colors didn't really fit a dinner date setting in her opinion. She was sure any other woman would agree nine out of ten times. She needed something more sleek, more chic, more all around attractive and situation appropriate. Black and white seemed like a safe choice, and so she decided on that as her color pairing.

As she put things together in her mind as she showered and on her bed when she was finished, she came to a conclusion about an hour after bathing and cleaning herself up. The outfit was the same short yukata she often sported, minus everything above the chest, including the sleeves, in black. Rather than the same black obi, she dawned a white one made of a much finer material, probably silk. The shorts underneath remained the same, and she traded in her thigh-high boots for a pair of simple heeled sandals in black. A little makeup magic covered her dreadful scar easily, and she was finally ready to head out for the night.

She had told her parents when she got home that she'd be going out to dinner with her team to celebrate a string of successful missions, and that wasn't entirely a lie. She was going to be having dinner with Ujiyasu, and as of late, it was only him on the team with her, and they had done a set of missions together earlier that day. The other two members she had never even had a chance to know past the initial meeting. Every now and then she entertained the thought that Ujiyasu had set things up that way just to get her alone, but she knew things weren't actually like that. That would be a little too crazy, even for her liking, and it was so farfetched. The thought was still nice every once in a while though. Everyone wanted to be wanted.

As she heard her parents moving clear of her line of exit, she made a straight and quick dash out the door, giving only a quick farewell before moving away from her home. Though it was difficult to run in any type of heels, Kasumi had become accustomed to such actions, and the thoughts of where she was going only helped to propel her forward despite the lack of comfort that came with stomping on cobblestone at such a fast pace. Soon enough, she found herself at the familiar Grassforge, and with several quick knocks at the door, she announced her presence, her hair completely out of her face and pulled up in a messy bun. A last minute touch on her journey over.

[Krethean]

Some fast knocks at the door prompted Ujiyasu to stop the preparing for now and check the front door. While he hoped it was Kasumi, there was always the off chance that a villager had an emergency job for him... and in truth that was the last thing he needed right now.

He looked through the peephole and saw Kasumi through it. His body went on autopilot and quickly opened the door for her, before he was stunned by her appearance.

"Wow... Kasumi... hi...!"

She looked gorgeous, and the fact that she dressed up... or down rather, for a quiet dinner with him made him blush a lot more than ever. Snapping back to earth, he waved her in, so that she didn't get cold. When he closed the door behind her, he waved her to the back of the shop, where his house proper was.

It wasn't fancy but it was maintained, and there were cushions around the central mat, along with some chairs on the wall. While Ujiyasu was brought up to be somewhat traditional thanks to his parents' upbringing, he found that there are times when being unorthadox (to him) was better. The smell of the curry wafted through as Ujiyasu waved to the living room for Kasumi to go where she pleased.

"Make yourself at home. Was just getting our dinner ready so that I can just get it all cooking when you got here."

He couldn't help but still blush as he looked at her, smiling wide as he did. He was still in awe at how Kasumi looked, and truth to tell, he was disappointed he didn't ask for a suit or something when he was doing that mission at the elderly tea house. Still, his loose garnments weren't shabby, in fact they were among one of his best clothes, seeing as he didn't have a real need to suit up. Till now that is.

"I'm pretty sure you get this a lot from many other guys... but I'm going to say it here because it really has to be said. You are gorgeous Kasumi. You are very beautiful... and wow... I'm in awe. To be honest I wasn't expecting you to dress up... and I certainly didn't think it was possible to look any more incredible than you normally do... but... wow."

He couldn't believe how anxious he felt right now, and even more that he was showing his nerves. With Kasumi though, he figured that it was slightly forgivable... given that she seemed to be sending similar messages throughout the day, but he didn't want to get taken for a chump... especially given her nature.

"Um... would you like a drink? Dinner won't be too long."

He nervously rubbed the back of his head as he felt a whirlwind of emotion right now. He felt elated but at the same time, he really didn't know what to expect... he even let his guard down too, which shocked him even more.

[Nickito]

As the door opened up, Kasumi put on her best smile with her eyes twinkling in the light. The almost stutter that Ujiyasu produced in greeting made her chuckle, and she suddenly wished that she had worn a little bit more. Standing in front of him in the cool night air made her almost uncomfortable. His blush cemented the emotion even more, making her feel like she was trying too hard for something that wasn't even an established thing. As he stood there, staring, she wondered if he would ever invite her in and get her out of the chilled air. It had been the most unpleasant thing, walking to his home in the cold with almost nothing covering her skin. The cold was one thing she disliked most, which made her seeming connection with Ujiyasu all the more ironic.

Stepping into the house at the back of the shop, she looked around and smiled. His personality truly showed in how everything was set up. It was something that she actually admired. Being able to have a home of one's own. Choosing the place, choosing how it looked on the inside and the out, having freedom to do whatever you wanted whenever you wanted to. Kasumi loved her parents, but she was growing up and she wanted to branch out on her own. She thought that maybe the next morning, she would start looking for a place to call her own, even if it was just a tiny apartment. With her missions and other shinobi activities, paying surely wouldn't be an issue.

She took a seat on one of the chairs, prefer them to being on the floor for extended periods of time. With a smile, she watched as Ujiyasu continued to blush, and as he spoke to her, she admired his clothing. Where she looked like the village harlot, he seemed almost regal in his attire. Though it was similar to what she saw him wear earlier that day, the robe aspect added a sense of maturity and wisdom that Kasumi found just a little attractive. It seemed strange when she thought about it. In most respects, she was still a girl, and Ujiyasu, clearly a man, was blushing over her. Flattering, but uncharted territory at the same time.

So far she had been quiet, unsure of exactly what to say, and had let Ujiyasu do all the talking. The compliments flew forth from his mouth and landed in her ears in rapid succession, the blood beneath her skin boiling and rising up into her cheeks, almost perfectly matching the color of her hair. She'd been complimented before, but very few had been as sincere as what Ujiyasu said, and never so much at the same time. She was speechless, and the only response she was capable of was to smile the widest she'd ever smile, her white teeth all visible and her eyes sparkling. She had a glow that was entirely separate from the blush.

At the offer of a drink, she was tongue tied, choked up, she still couldn't utter anything but incoherent sounds. After several attempts and failures, she simply nodded her head in acceptance. It was rare for her to be incapable of speech, so she knew that things were serious and that something about Ujiyasu was different than the rest of the boys she had ever been around. She wanted so badly to return the compliments, but her lips were glues and her tongue was like jelly. Hopefully her smile spoke the volumes she felt it did.

[Krethean]

Even though Kasumi didn't say anything, her reaction told him everything he wanted to know: she appreciated everything he said, and her nod was generally a way of saying "Yes I would like a drink"... or however people would say yes to his question.

With a smile, Ujiyasu quickly made his way to the kitchen and raided the fridge for a few bottles of different flavoured iced tea he kept chilled. He had to admit, he found himself to drink that stuff almost as much as water. He pulled a few bottles out, placed them on the bench, and grabbed a couple of glasses.

Taking a glass and the bottles of tea, Ujiyasu made his way back to the living room and blushed once more at seeing her. He couldn't help that he was taken by her breathtaking appearance, and he felt really elated as he handed her the glass. He then showed her the bottles, so he could ask her what to pour.

"I got iced tea in these bottles, one's lemon flavoured, another is a simple green tea, another's called a "red tea" which is pretty refreshing and energising. Also have a peach flavoured tea too."

He'd offer some alcohol for the occasion, but for one thing, he didn't feel that getting drunk was a good idea tonight... for another, he wasn't that much of a drinker.

"We're also going to have Katsu Chicken Curry. Sorry I didn't ask about what you liked before hand... this is a bit spontaneous... but I kinda like it. Been a long time since I did anything by impulse."

He looked at her eyes and just couldn't help but smile. This was very different, and very new... but he wanted to go through with this. He was still unsure about letting down his normally calm and reserved personality, but the longer Kasumi was around him, the more he felt that it really didn't matter. This could be the one time he felt he could go nuts and really relax.

[Nickito]

"Lemon," she said. It was the first thing she had said to him all night, and it was a tea flavor. 'Idiot,' she thought to herself, almost angry with herself for acting like a child. As he told her what they were going to be having, she smiled and nodded, though she had never had the dish before in her life. She'd never even heard of it before. Nobody have ever told her about it, she'd never seen it on a menu, nothing. She started to wonder what it would be like, if she would like it, if she would want to vomit after putting it to her lips. She didn't want to be seen as rude, and so she hoped with everything in her that it would be something that she'd enjoy. It seemed silly, worrying about such a minor thing, but it was one of the larger issues in her life at that moment.

She took another look around and admired his home. When she'd been there before she'd never even realized it had been there. She'd seen the front where the shop was, and the bottom where the forge and hideout was, but it was her first time seeing where Ujiyasu actually lived. "This is really nice," she said, smiling. "I like it. It must be nice having a place of your own like this," she continued. As she spoke, the scents from the kitchen reaching her nose and sending a shiver through her body. "Wow, that smells really good." She couldn't help but laugh as she spoke. In a way, she felt a sense of calm come over her. When something smelled good, it was usually a good sign.

She was quiet for a while, taking in everything that surrounded her and basking in his presence. She turned to look at him and wanted so badly to place her hand in his own. It was almost impossible to resist the impulse. For a while, she only looked at him, taking in his appearance, soaking it up so that she might never forget it. She was sure that the night would be one to remember. "I'm glad you asked me to have dinner," she finally said, her cheeks cooling and the red color fading. "I've never really done anything like this, and I'm glad that my first time on a date like this is with you," she admitted.

Her hands drifted onto her lap and fell in with one another, a nervous fidget, clearly. She rubbed each finger on each hand, the top of each hand and the palm of each hand several times in repetition. She nibbled on her lip just so that she could feel as if she were doing something and not just sitting there, lounging around in an awkward silence. She almost started laughing the kind of laugh that comes from someone who doesn't know what to do with themselves. She'd been on dates before, the most recent one being with a man named Esei, but never one like what Ujiyasu was providing. Where she had enjoyed her time with Esei and felt something special, she was seeing that that had been more of a quirky friendship, whereas with Ujiyasu... Well, she wasn't quite sure yet. Something told her it was more than just a friendship though.

[Krethean]

Ujiyasu set the other bottles down and poured her some lemon iced tea into the glass for Kasumi, the mellow scent of lemon and tea rose from the bottle and into the air. When Ujiyasu filled her glass, he put the lid back onto the bottle and set it down as well.

"It is. Sometimes it gets quiet, but I am glad I have a store to run too. I can have either peace and quiet by closing the shop, or have a nice day of meeting plenty of people. I do miss being around my parents at times, but I make sure I visit them every so often."

Hearing her compliment about the curry that was cooking, he blushed quite a bit. He usually only cooked for himself, and he learned how to cook through his parents. The way he saw it, having good food as well as a good lifestyle would help a person have a long and healthy life. If he planned to help protect Kusa, he'd need to be top form.

"Thank you... it's a recipe I learned recently. Had it quite a bit from a place called "Eijo's" and I wanted to make it myself. Learned how to cook from my folks... so I'm pretty handy with the kitchen... as well as crafting things."

He couldn't help but blush again as he felt his face become quite warm and flushed. His heart actually began to beat faster, but it skipped a beat when she told him that it was her first time being on a date like this, and she was thankful for him offering dinner.

"It's no trouble. I figured you'd like something after today's missions anyway... that and I'm glad to have your company again. I feel pretty special now... since this is the first time you've had a date like this. In truth, you're the first person I've been on a date with."

He just looked at her for a while, smiling as wide as he had ever done before, maybe even wider than that. In his mind he pretty much agreed that this was a date rather than a simple dinner... which again he found himself surprised at.

"Well I better go get that dinner made. Wouldn't want to bring you here and not get you what I said I'd get you."

With a wink, he got up and took the bottles away, as he made his way back to the kitchen. While he regretted not staying around longer to take in her beauty and her... well... her presence, he wanted to get their dinner made. So, after pouring himself some lemon iced tea as well, he got right to work and began frying the crumbed chicken. the loud sizzle could be heard throughout the house, as he kept the chicken moving along the oiled pan.

After a while, he slid the sliced vegetables in and tossed them around the pan. This didn't take too long to cook, and before long, he was checking on the rice. They looked nice and fluffy now, so he took them out and scraped them into a small bowl, then scraped the rest into a second bowl. Once the veggies and the chicken were done, Ujiyasu got two plates and placed the mix onto both plates, splitting them evenly. He then poured the curry, potato and pumpkin into two more small bowls and placed both on the plate, opposite the chicken and vegetables. Lastly, Ujiyasu placed the bowls of rice upside down on each plate, then lifted it gently. With a little wiggling, the rice mounds loosened from the bowls and dropped a very small distance onto the ceramic. As a last touch, he pulled out some plum sauce and drizzled the rice with a bit. He figured the sauce would make for a good compliment to the savoury and spice of the curry.

Grabbing two pairs of chopsticks, Ujiyasu placed them, his glass of lemon iced tea, and the dishes on a small table, and carried it out into the living room, where Kasumi was.

"Here we are... and don't worry if you can't finish all of it. I generally try to make sure there's enough for people to eat. I don't take any unfinished meals as a sign of offence, just a sign that you've eaten your fill."

He moved an empty chair to the opposite side of Kasumi, and took a seat. He felt nervous because he really didn't know what Kasumi'd think, and waited for her to take the first bite. As host, he always felt it was polite to let the guest try the host's meal first.

"I hope it's to your liking... Kasumi."

[Nickito]

She nodded in understanding at all the things he said. She understood getting lonely now and then, though she often felt a different kind of loneliness than the kind one feels from the absence of a parent. Her parents were always looking out for her, always concerned with what she was doing, where she was going, who she was with. Kasumi imagined it was because they had almost lost her once, and so she didn't hate them for it even though it made life hard sometimes. She knew it was because they loved her and because they wanted to keep her safe and protected. One of her biggest issues was that she had never been able to talk to them about it in a way that would convey her deepest thoughts. Seeing how well Ujiyasu was by himself urged her to do so, though. He wasn't much older than she was, and he was perfectly fine. She could be too. As his parents had taught him, her parents had taught her.

"I'm your first date?" she said with surprise. She couldn't help but look at him with amazement. "Ever?" she added after a moment, still finding it hard to believe. Ujiyasu was an incredible guy, very pleasing to the eyes and a strong and successful shinobi of Kusa. She thought he'd be something of a catch and quite popular. Truth be told, she considered herself lucky to be spending so much time with him. While he was in the kitchen, she'd finally recovered from the shock and gathered herself up. "But you're so... Charming," she said, the adjective eluding her mind for several moments. "You're so handsome, so kind and funny. I figured girls would be doing anything to get their hands on you... Literally," she said, waiting for him to return.

She sipped her tea, savoring the flavor and anxiously awaiting for Ujiyasu to bring the food in. She hadn't been very hungry before, but as the scents began to grow and the sounds traveled out from the kitchen, her stomach began to wake up and become aware of the impending meal. When he finally came out and set everything before her, she barely had time to hear what he said before she took the chopsticks and eagerly took a piece of chicken into her mouth. As it hit her tongue, the flavors danced and mingled in her mouth, bringing a smile to her face. She hadn't anything like it before, and it was quickly becoming one of her favorite tastes. Several drops of sauce rested on her lip as Ujiyasu spoke again, and she looked up at him like a puppy that had done something wrong, feeling almost disappointed in herself for beginning so hastily.

"Sorry," she said, licking her lips to get all of what had landed on them, drawing the flavors back into her mouth. "I didn't mean to be rude, I just haven't eaten much of anything all day," she explained, a quiet giggle of embarrassment coming from inside of her. As she got over it and her hunger won, she took quick, ample tastes of everything else that had been laid out in front of her and quickly decided that she favored the rice and plum sauce. Strangely enough though, what she liked most was how the plum sauce tasted with the chicken. Tingles were felt along her spine and through each of her limbs, down to her fingers and toes. "It's all so delicious, Ujiyasu," she said to him, taking a sip of her tea to wash everything down.

"So, this is a date," she said, a small, curious grin very apparent on her face. "I think people usually get to know one another on them," she continued. "Something like that. I'm pretty sure. Don't quote me on it." She hoped the humor wouldn't be lost on him, especially because the whole point was to relax the situation. If it was his first date, she imagined he might be nervous. She had been on her first date, embarrassingly so, but it had turned out to be one of the most fun days of her life and one that she wouldn't ever forget. She wanted to do the same for Ujiyasu, if only to show him how much she was starting to like him. She'd accepted his invitation to see what exactly was going on, and everything kept leading her back to one simple thing; she was developing real feelings for him.

[Krethean]

"Well... if that were true, then I guess they all missed out. Seeing as you're the first. But... I'm glad you think that about me."

He couldn't help but smile as she tucked into the meal especially after the compliments she made, and he blushed wildly as she took even more bites, then complimented the taste of the meal. She explained that she hadn't eaten all day, which kind of surprised him. A big day like the one they had, he hoped she would have been well fed.

"You aren't rude. I'm just surprised... now I know why. Eat as much as you like, ok?"

His voice conveyed a lot of concern and warmth, which surprised him. It definitely wasn't just because he was mentoring her, and he was realising this gradually. He smiled fondly at her and felt himself feel more... relaxed. He was nervous still, but he instinctively wanted to make sure she was healthy and alright.

He took a few mouthfuls of the chicken, after dunking them in the curry, savouring the taste as he did. It was then that Kasumi spoke, in a much more relaxed manner too, with her usual casual manner, which helped relax Ujiyasu significantly as well. With a small shuckle, he spoke back to his date.

"Well... I don't really think there's a lot about me you don't already know. Born in Kusa, parents were raised in Yuki, I can use Hyouton, made Chuunin a short while ago, team leader with the most beautiful woman I have ever met... who is currently spending the evening with me. So I believe the term "lucky bastard" would apply to me there."

He grinned playfully as he kept his eyes on her, taking in this moment and making sure he'd remember it for the rest of his life. He emphasised the word "woman" because that is how he felt about her now. She wasn't a girl... she wasn't just a student, she was a grown woman to him, who looked as if she had matured, while keeping her playful nature... and that is something he found quite attractive.

"But if you'd like to know something about me that you probably don't know... I was made Genin only last year. Partially because of the Yonbi, partially because of how I was." He smiled and blushed as he laughed a little. "I'm 18 years old... and I'm Chuunin. I know most would be... what... 20? Something like that, before they would become Chuunin, and I know most are about 15 before they become Genin. Kinda bizzare... and a little nerve racking at times."

He took another mouthful, this time of rice and plum sauce, the sweet hit of the sauce prompted him to have a little chicken too, before he spoke again.

"To think I'm leading people who couldn't be much older than me, especially in life-or-death situations. It gets a little overwhelming sometimes, especially when I remember I'm not like most Kusa citizens... and I have to look over my shoulder to make sure I'm not being hunted by Oinin from Yuki. I try not to think about it though. Been through a fair bit so I try help the students I have avoid the mistakes and problems I had. Sorta why we didn't get along too well the first time we met I guess. Least I think we didn't get along very well."

His laugh was mirthful... but it was also nerves. He hadn't actually told anyone this, but when Kasumi said that it was good to get to know each other... he felt it was right to talk to her about this. He may have been quite calm and collected, but even he has his breaking point. For the sake of Kusa though, he remains calm tkeep the situation from going too out of hand... and from possibly killing his own team from his moment of weakness.

After a few more bites, he looked back up at Kasumi.

"How about you...? Any mystery details you'd like me to know about the irresistible woman before me? Or do I know you already?"

He always felt awkward when talking about himself, and tonight was no exception... in fact it only intensified as he never really talked to anyone about himself personally before. It was uncharted waters for him, but he was finding this to be an amazing experience... and hopefully one of many he would share with Kasumi.

[Nickito]

Rather than the smile which had seemed plastered to her face, a frown adorned her face after Ujiyasu spoke the first time. Her brow crinkled and she put her chopsticks down before reaching over to touch Ujiyasu's hand. "It is true, Ujiyasu. Everything I just said. Maybe they just knew you were out of their leagues," she said, rubbing the top of his hand with her thumb. "I, on the other hand, don't really pay attention to whether a guy is out of my league or not. Good thing, too. Look where it got me." With a wink, her smile returned, but she kept her hand on his for several moments longer until her stomach won once again, demanding that more food be ingested. With her chopsticks in hand once more, she rested her free hand on the small table and began to eat again.

"I will, thanks," she said with a laugh. "It really is amazing. All of it. I'm almost surprised you're such a good cook. Chuunin, Craftsman, Chef. I must have landed the Triple C's," she joked. She let silence come to her lips as she ate more of the food in front of her, enjoying it more than most food she'd ever had before. She'd eaten some good things before, but the chicken prepared by Ujiyasu was pretty much at the top. She was a decent cook, but she wouldn't be able to make something so elaborate on her own. The only times that she had were with her mother, and they rarely got the time or opportunity to cook together. Another sign of Kasumi growing up and apart from her parents.

She listened to him talk about himself, her eating paused as she got lost in his tale. In many ways, she felt like they were alike. Particularly their fear of retribution on the part of their home countries. Hunter-Nin had been a very real and very large aspect of her life until Blanche strengthened Kusagakure. After the walls went up and the forces were strengthened, she still felt unsure of what might happen to her and her family, and kept everything a secret until finally meeting the Kusakage. Though frightened at first, she was soon comforted, and in a short time, made to feel truly safe for the first time in her life. It seemed that Ujiyasu still harbored certain fears about being found and taken back, and to an extent so did Kasumi. He was right in that Blanche's protection and Kusagakure's power couldn't stretch far beyond Kusa no Kuni.

"Me?" she asked, her eyes widened by a significant amount. "Well, I guess everyone has a story. Mine is pretty long and complicated," she said, looking down at her nearly empty place with a small, nervous smile. She realized that it was only fair for her to speak about herself, given as Ujiyasu had done the same so readily. She picked her head up and looked at him, gazing into his eyes as she mulled over what to do. Her hands had fallen back into her lap and she was fidgeting with her fingers and rubbing her skin to the brink of being raw. The topic of her life was always something that she found difficult to discuss with others, save for the instance with Blanche where her walls and barriers had been let down, and she often avoided it. Sitting there though, looking into Ujiyasu's kind, gentle eyes, she felt comfortable. She felt that she would be able to handle it.

"I was born in Mizu no Kuni, just outside of Kirigakure. My parents were both shinobi, Jounin of the highest regard, respected by everyone in the village and the land. They preferred the quiet life offered by the country, and only went into the village when they were summoned or needed. They had all the money they could need and supplies were easy to come by for them, so they didn't have to do many missions. During the war though, they were needed and they answered the call like any proud shinobi would. Like we would if Kusa was in danger, or if an ally was in need. Part of why they were so highly esteemed was the Kekkei Genkai they possessed. My mother used Futton and my father used Shakuton. They were a fierce duo, and the Mizukage had them do horrible things the likes of which only they were capable.

"They were often assigned to assassinations, but torture was also one of the things they were made to do. My mother could create her vapor and slowly or quickly burn her enemies, and stop only for a medic to heal the captive so she could continue without killing him. My father... His Kekkei Genkai was much worse. He could try people up until they were severely dehydrated, almost dead from the lack of water in their bodies. They used their skills on a great many people, and over time it started to get to them. Even shinobi aren't entirely heartless. It was especially hard for them to do to the people who hadn't done anything wrong, that were completely innocent, but they did it for the longest time because they had me to think about.

"When I was six, they had had enough and they came up with a plan to get away. We stole away during the middle of the night, made our way to the shore and got on a boat that took us to the main continent. I don't remember exactly where we arrived, but I think it was a land off Hi no Kuni. Eventually we made our way there, and for a while we lived in the forest, rarely going into town for supplies. We lived off of the land for the most part, but despite my parents best efforts to maintain a low profile, the Oinin from Kiri found us eventually. The attacked mercilessly, but they weren't aiming to kill. They wanted my parents alive, probably to be killed before the Mizukage, or maybe just imprisoned. My parents, on the other hand, were fighting to kill, to protect not themselves, but me.

"We got away pretty clean, but I took a kunai to the leg that left a pretty ugly scar. It had been poisoned, and my father had had to open up my wound to get it out. It healed pretty badly, and so I cover it up all the time. I've got about a ton of make up covering it right now." She laughed at the last bit of what she said, and decided to take a moment to breathe, to calm down and slow her heart beat. She hadn't been able to look at Ujiyasu at all during the entire time that she spoke, and she found that she still couldn't. She was afraid of the things that might be written on his face. She didn't want pity or sorrow, because it was what it was. She just wanted him to know about her. After a few moments, she began again.

"It was around that time that I started to become so sensitive to Chakra. I would wake up in the middle of the night because I would feel the Konoha shinobi doing their patrols. At first my parents weren't sure why I was having such a hard time. Headaches, insomnia, the works. When they started to figure out that everything happened when other shinobi, unfamiliar shinobi, were around, they put two and two together. They started to help me control it, learn to use it, and they started my general ninja training as well. They taught me the basics I would have learned in the Academy, and they taught me how to use my Mind's Eye of the Kagura technique. It took them a while to agree, but eventually they taught me to use weapons too. It wasn't a perfect situation, but it was enough for me.

"They started helping me with my Elemental Chakra too. I was born with Katon and Suiton like my mother, so they figured one day I might develop my mother's Kekkei Genkai. It scared them because they knew it would make me a bigger target to the Oinin as well, and so my mother never really taught me about it. She still hasn't, actually. I think she's afraid to use it, especially around here. Its effects would be pretty clear. They taught me my Basic Releases though. She worked with me on Suiton, he worked with me on Katon. I was pretty good at using them both, considering they were opposite, but after a couple of years I had a good collection of jutsu at my disposal.

"We moved from place to place until I was in the double digits, I think. In and out of Hi no Kuni, Kusa no Kuni and Tsuchi no Kuni. They seemed like places the Oinin wouldn't search for us, given the climates and the landscape. My parents Kekkei Genkai would leave pretty hard to miss marks. We spent a lot of time in Kusa towards the end though, that's how we ended up in the village. We sort of made a place inside, and then the walls started going up, the buildings started being made, and Blanche came into power and solidified everything. We made it out home mostly because my parents thought the sudden power shift was a good sign, especially because so much happened so quickly. They felt they would be safe. That I would be safe.

"They didn't want me being an official shinobi though, mostly because of the same things you're afraid of. Going out on missions, being recognized by a Kiri shinobi, stuff like that. Both of them thought that it would be too dangerous. If you didn't pick up on it by now, they're pretty overprotective. I had to bend the truth a little bit just to get out of the house to come here tonight. When I was about sixteen though, I signed up for the Academy without them knowing and breezed through it in about a year because of all the previous training I had had. I got promoted to Genin just before I turned seventeen, did my own thing for awhile, and eventually I got assigned to you." With the story pretty much wrapped up, she still found herself staring at her plate, occasionally stealing glances at Ujiyasu's clothing. She thought that if she looked up she might break into tears. Even though she was incredibly comfortable with him, she still felt the pain and regret of what her childhood was.

[Krethean]

He felt his heart race as she gently held his hand, and he had to admit... and he honestly hated admitting it... but he felt like a school boy. He was pretty much going head over heels right now.

He ate a little more as she fed herself, before she talked about herself. From there he found himself listening with rapt attention while he continued to eat.

Her story mirrored his a bit in that both parents weren't from Kusa, however while he was born in Kusa, and forced to flee from the Yonbi attack with his parents, she was a native of Mizu. Her tale of her family was one he paid a lot of attention to, as she had never mentioned them except in passing... similar to Ujiyasu himself for that matter. As her story continued, he felt his concern for her grow, as did his feelings for her.

As she finished, Ujiyasu didn't know what to say right there, but he knew what he should do. He quietly got up and walked around the table to Kasumi, watching her with concern but also a warmth he hasn't shown to anyone... aside from his parents. He knelt down beside her and gently whispered to her.

"Hey..."

At this, he gently wrapped his arms around her and gently rubbed her back with his hands, holding her in his arms for the first time. He gently eased her head to his chest, as he kept her close, but he held her gently so that he didn't shock or scare her.

"Your parents sound like good people... and I am glad they never lost their conscience. Someday I would like to meet them.

You never have to hide your scar from me if you want to. What I want is for you to feel happy, safe, and above all... yourself. How you want to be.

And I am glad we met like this. Not only can I help you become better than what you are now... but I know I can keep an eye on you in a different way."

He gave her possibly the most warming, fondest smile he could give as he gently stroked her hair, cupping her left cheek with his right hand.

"You wanted me Kasumi, and you got me. I'd like to think I got you as well... and I'll make sure you smile whenever I can, and if I can't then I hope to ease your troubles and share your burden."

He couldn't help but think he sounded utterly corny, but he did feel that telling her what he thought would be the best thing. He looked at her and just kept stroking her hair with his thumb, as if to let her know that she's safe in here. Away from everyone. Away from Yuki no Kuni... from Mizu no Kuni. From Kusa, from being a shinobi. It was just the two of them now.

[Nickito]

She was surprised to find Ujiyasu beside her, having not really noticed his movement at all. As she brought herself to look into his eyes, closer to her own then they had ever been before, all she was care and concern. She could have stared into them forever because they made her feel safe, and more importantly, they made her feel wanted. Her eyes were peeled away as his arms wrapped around her and she was eased into an embrace, her head against his strong chest, every so soft and slow that she could hear each heartbeat. She brought her arms up to nuzzle against him, unable to do anything else, unwilling to do anything else but listen to the things he spoke into her ear and lose herself in his touch.

A single tear rolled down her cheek as he finished speaking, and one of her hands moved to hold the hand that was cupping her cheek. She smiled back and shook her head, blinking back the tears that she felt might begin to spill. "You're so cheesy," she said, laughing out of pure joy and happiness. "You're too good to be true, Ujiyasu. I'm still waiting to wake up and realize this is all a dream fashioned from my most inner desires," she said, taking a deep, shuddered breath. Her heat was beating fast and her head was spinning. She felt like she was being pushed and pulled in every conceivable direction. "I really like you," she finally admitted, wiping the tear trail from her face and basking in the feeling of his strong arms around her.

"I think this is the happiest I've been in a while. I wouldn't mind staying like this forever, maybe even longer," she said with a smile. Her arms began to move without a thought, and soon her hands were holding his face, each hand firmly but gently on a cheek. She leaned in to him and, at the same time, brought him closer to her until their lips were touching and they were sharing their first kiss. Time seemed to stop, and there were flashing lights all around her as she connected with him in a way she had never connected with anyone else. Though she had kissed a boy or two before, that moment with Ujiyasu was her first real kiss, and she wouldn't have been happier to share it with anyone else.

[Krethean]

Kasumi's reaction was just what he had hoped as she held herself close to Ujiyasu. Her words at first, made him laugh, but when she mentioned that she really liked him, he couldn't help but smile. It was surprising to hear that from one of the most flirtatious women he's ever met. Sincerely that is.

"Well I won't lie... I really like you too Kasumi."

At her mentioning that this was the happiest she felt, Ujiyasu softly stroked her hair with his thumb, before she did something he won't ever forget. She pulled in close and softly pressed her lips to his. Shock rode freely on Ujiyasu's face before his mind allowed him to think properly again, and realised this was actually happening.

As she gently pulled away, Ujiyasu leaned in a bit and prolonged their kiss, wanting her to know from actions rather than just words that he felt the same about her. After an eternity of bliss, which was really about a minute, Ujiyasu eased their lips apart from each other and breathed his words, clearly breath-taken by what had just happened.

"Well, I'm more than happy to be like this forever... longer if possible. It's not every day someone winds up with an incredible person in their arms, and kiss them."

He laughed quietly as he looked at her face once more, gazing into her eyes as he felt peace just wash over his being. He hadn't experienced joy like this in his life, and he wasn't about to forget what this was like... and if he could help it, he wouldn't let this special bond that Kasumi and he shared fade. At least that was his hope.

"If you ever want to, and are able to... you're more than welcome to stay here with me. Not just at the store and in our team's hideout... but here. Whenever you want to. Apart from doing missions and working on stuff for villagers, I don't really leave the house as much... unless I want to go out. It'd be nice to see you more often outside of work."

He smiled really wide and playfully as he kissed her lips once more, feeling a lot more himself after the initial shock of the moment. He would say his next sentence with a wink.

"I mean... we are dating now after all."

[Nickito]

Ujiyasu's smile was infectious, to say the least. It drew wider, happier smiles on Kasumi's face over and over, and served to continuously remind her that what she was feeling was as real as it felt. It was the first time she had felt something so real, so she had nothing to base it off of. It wasn't love, not yet. It was much too soon for something that serious, after all. However, she felt the space that was left, and she knew that some day what she felt for Ujiyasu could, and most likely would, expand into love given time. Looking into his eyes proved that to her, because she had never looked into somebody's eyes and actually seen them like she could see Ujiyasu.

The second kiss on Ujiyasu's part sent her spiraling into ecstasy. It had been a risk and a leap for her to kiss him, and though he hadn't pushed her away, there was always the chance that it was unwelcome. Knowing that he welcomed it enough to continue the gesture set her on fire, and allowed her to relax into him all the more. As he spoke, and curled into him more for a moment, gripping his robe in her hands and she sighed contently. His invitation was more than welcome to her ears, and as he made it, she pushed herself away and nodded her head slowly. "I'd really like that. I'd really like that a lot, Ujiyasu," she said finally.

She looked at her plate and saw that it was mostly empty and devoid of food, having ingested nearly all of it. Between eating so much and being so close to Ujiyasu, she found that her hunger had gone and that she wasn't interested in eating anymore. It was still early though, and she wasn't ready to leave. Not yet, anyways. "What should we do now?" she asked, looking around slowly. "I don't know about you, but I'm not hungry anymore. Not after that," she said with an embarrassed smile. One of her hands moved up and into his hair, her fingers drifting easily through it. She repeated the motion several times, relishing in the fact that she was doing it. "Even though I'm done with dinner, I don't really wanna go yet."

The kunoichi was showing a side of herself that she often didn't let out and that nobody had ever really seen before. Not even her parents had met this Kasumi. As she gazed at Ujiyasu though, her breathing easy and her heart racing, she liked that he brought it out of her. Still though, no matter how sweet or loving she being around him, there were still other sides to her, one being that of the flirty and aggressive young woman. It was mostly harmless, but she still liked to have fun with it every now and again, and she couldn't help but give into the thoughts. "If I didn't like you so much, I would just throw you down here and now," she whispered seductively, a grin spreading over her lips. They were simply words, just as all of her flirtations were, and had no backing in the present or the past. "I don't want to ruin what we have and what we could have. I'm sure you understand," she continued, trailing a hand down his cheek. She was still innocent as far as that went, and she planned on remaining so for at least a little while longer.

[Krethean]

As Kasumi gently eased away, he was worried for a brief moment that maybe he went a little too far... but her response changed his thought completely. Hearing her not only wanting to, but telling him that she'd like that a lot, made him smile almost uncontrollably.

He made a chuckle-cross giggle sound as she teased him about doing something a lot more intimate right then and there, but she shared the same concern he had. He didn't want to go full speed ahead... even this right now was quite fast... but so far it hasn't been bad at all... in fact, it's been an amazing experience for him.

He blushed like crazy and felt really relaxed as she ran her fingers through his hair. It was odd, but with Kasumi, he actually wanted her to do that. Maybe it was the way she did it that made it feel so nice, but he wasn't about to stop her.

"That's ok, I said I wasn't going to be offended for you not being able to eat it all. I made sure there was plenty for you.

And I do understand." He said this as he lightly pecked her nose with his lips, while he gently held her hand as it lightly caressed his cheek. "I want this to work... and I'd rather we take it slow and make sure this does happen... and that we can see where this takes us, rather than rushing through it."

He looked deep into her eyes as he spoke his next sentence.

"You are very important to me right now Kasumi. Not simply because you're my team-mate... but because you have single-handedly made everything incredible."

He gently held her close and cherished the tenderness of the moment. It was so rare for him to actually just unwind and relax, especially with his promotion, but with her he was able to feel completely at peace.

"As for what we could do... well, we could always have a look at the back yard of my house. It does have quite a view of the hills, and the night sky is pretty amazing. "

"I mean, I'd rather you didn't go just yet either... and I'd like for you to see something else you'd get to see with this place that no-one else would really get to see. Plus I'd like another excuse to hold you close. I mean... you are pretty irresistible."