Senbon New Years: 2008
Happy New Years everyone! Here are the gift-fics for our Senbon New Years '08
For: Star
From: Captain Xiao
Title: The Lecherous Pervert
“Hey, you wanna go out for a drink after this?”
“Anbu-san, now is neither the time nor place.”
“I was thinking we could head over to the ramen stand that devil-kid likes and then afterwards we could go over to my place, maybe even get Anko in tow and you know, between friends, what’s a little sharing and caring?”
“No.”
“…no girls then?”
“No.”
“You know, if all that you wanted was this hot, sexy body, all you needed to do was…”
“I fail to see the necessity of continuing this conversation.”
~~
“Hey! Hey! Raidou! You gotta moment?”
“Good-morning, Shiranui-san.”
“The other day…we didn’t really get off to a good start, so…sorry, let me start that again. Shiranui Genma, nice to meet you.”
“Namiashi Raido- look, where exactly is this conversation going to take me?”
“Uh…I was thinking about what we were talking about the other day, and you know, you never really gave me a chance to elaborate on my proposal -“
“No.”
~~
“I knew there was a reason Mitarashi-san was hanging outside the wedding kimono store.”
“Yeah Anko, I told you that would have been dubious.”
“Shut up, dobe. Cheer up Raidou, you don’t have to be so proper all the time.”
“…”
“Look, if you’re not comfortable, just ignore Genma here -“
“Hey!”
“…imagine he’s not here at all. So whaddya wanna eat?”
“…tonkatsu ramen.”
~~
“So how do you figure we got left here by ourselves?”
“Mitarashi-san is too sensible to be left in a room with you.”
“But it’s my house!”
“Exactly.”
“…”
“…”
“But why do you think, ya know, she winked at me before she left?”
“…”
“You don’t think -“
“No.”
“…”
“…”
“D’you want to -“
“No.”
“…”
“Shiranui-san, please stop touching me.”
“Sorry Raidou, ‘m a bit drunk I think.”
“You’re no such thing.”
“…yeah.”
~~
“What in the -“
“Mm…good morning Raidou.”
“Did we…?”
“He he he.”
“I can’t believe this.”
“Raidou! Raidou! Wait!”
“See you around, Shiranui-san.”
“Shit!”
~~
“So I hear it’s you and Genma.”
“Aoba, I really don’t want to think about it.”
“Suit yourself, at least everyone else around here is thinking about it for you.”
“I just woke up next to him, it’s not like I even remember doing anything!”
“Wild night, eh? Anko said - uh…”
“I’m going to kill that woman.”
~~
“Mitarashi-san. A word.”
“Ya, Raidou?”
“What exactly are you doing telling the whole village about Shiranui-san and myself?”
“So there is a ‘Shiranui-san and yourself’ then?”
“Put that eyebrow down! Tales! Tales about Shiranui-san and myself.”
“You should really go and ask Genma that yourself. He’s been planning this since who-knows-when. Oh! Speak of the devil himself. Gotta go bye!”
“…”
“…”
“Shiranui-san.”
“…sorry.”
“Pardon me?”
“Nothing happened, you know.”
“I gathered as much. You’re not limping, for one.”
“I’m not…? Oh. Right.”
“Although there are other ways it could have happened but from your face, I don’t think that any of them are any more likely either.”
“Uh…no.”
“So would you mind telling me exactly why?”
“Um…”
“You could have just asked, you know!”
“What - I did! Many times! You can’t deny that I did!”
“I meant ask like a normal person, not like a lecherous pervert.”
“…Namiashi Raidou, would you go round with me?”
“Not like you’ve been watching too many period dramas either.”
“…”
“…”
“Yes?”
“Of course.”
~~
HAPPY NEW YEAR
For: Momo
From: Star
Title: Christmas Wishes
Author: Star Madison
Pairing: Raidou/Genma
Rating: PG-13
Summary: On Christmas Eve, Raidou has a talk with Kakashi and receives something he always wanted in the end.
Disclaimer: They are the property of Kishimoto except for Haya and I only borrow them for a short amount of time
For: Momo
Raidou ignores the chilly air and the snow drifting around him, barely acknowledging the other’s presence until they settle down next to him and a gloved hand comes to rest on his shoulder. “Go away Kakashi.”
“Sorry. Can’t. I’m under orders to find out what’s bothering you.”
“Kakashi.” He growls out the name, glaring at the man sitting calmly next to him.
“Hmm.” Kakashi’s hum of agreement is lost in the gust of icy wind and Raidou blinks when something is thrust into his face. Eyes focus on the steaming cup held in front of his face.
Mumbles his thanks, accepting it and takes a sip before exhaling, eyes closing. Cupping the mug in numb hands Raidou opens his eyes to stare at the snow covered trees just beyond the roof.
Waiting for the other man to start talking, Kakashi pulls his mask down and takes a long swallow of his own cocoa, paying no attention the heat of the drink. Glancing at his silent and brooding friend, he sighs and lowers his mug. “Raidou, stop acting like a fool and talk to Genma.”
Lifting his head, he glares at the silver-haired man, mug halfway to his mouth and the steam floats upwards. “That’s none of your business, Kakashi.”
Favoring him with a bland look, the man in question places the thermos of cocoa next to him and idly regards his friend. “Perhaps but you and Genma are my friends and that this tension between you is becoming annoying. Iruka and Haya wanted to get a Hyuuga to block your chakra and lock the two of you in a sealed room. I talked them out of it.”
Raidou’s shoulders slump and he drops down heavily next to the younger ninja with a sigh. “I don’t want to ruin our friendship, Kakashi. He’s my best friend and what would he say if he found out that I’m in love with him?”
“Knowing Genma, he would tell you off for being an idiot then kiss you.” Humor clear in his voice and drapes an arm across the scarred man’s shoulders, “look, you have a chance at being happy, but you’re being an idiot.” He pauses then shrugs. “Not that Genma’s not acting any better.”
Rubbing a cold hand across his scars, he thinks over what his friend said and nods. “You’re right. I’ve been stupid about this whole thing. But,” leveling a look at the silver-haired man, “that doesn’t mean I’m going to tell him.” Handing the now empty mug back to the other man, he stands up and vanishes in a puff of smoke, leaving Kakashi sitting alone on the cold roof.
Silence descends, Kakashi idly watching the snowflakes drift through the air before he chuckles and calls out. “You can come out now.” Finishes off his cocoa, he tucks the two empty mugs and thermos into the bag resting next to his hip. His attention now focused on the snow drifting towards the ground as it collects in a fluffy mound.
Genma drops the genjutsu illusion and approaches the other jounin at the roof‘s edge. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Rolling to his feet with ease, he scoops up his bag and slides it over a shoulder. He looks at the special jounin, a smile quirking on his pale face. “This better get you to stop whining.” Resettles his mask into place, Kakashi grins and turns, leaping to the ground below. “Don’t forget that Iruka is expecting you to show up tonight.” Calls up to the senbon-addict jounin even as he turns to head home to his own lover.
“Brat.“ The word lacks heat as he watches his friend leave and he then vanishes as well, leaving behind no trace that he had been there. Genma heads to his apartment, wondering if he’s going to see Raidou before the Christmas party Iruka and Kakashi are throwing. The conversation he overheard giving him renewed hope and begins to plot ways to get Raidou alone so they can talk.
Landing on the roof of his building, he teleports himself to his front door and digs out his key, unlocking it and steps inside. Shutting it behind him, he begins to shed his outerwear and boots when something dances at the edge of his senses and he stiffens. A kunai appears in one hand and he steps away from the door, leaving the heavy coat on the floor and cautiously moves further into his apartment. The sight greeting him leaves him blinking and he lowers the kunai. “Rai?”
The man in question looks up from staring unseeing at one of his friend’s Christmas decorations sitting on the top of a bookcase. “Genma.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I don’t know.”
“Okay.” Confusion in his tone and slides the weapon back into the holster before dropping down next to his best friend. Brown eyes focusing on his scarred face. “Spill.”
“What?” His head comes up and turns in the younger man’s direction, having clearly drifted off again.
“Rai, don’t say it’s nothing either. We’ve been friends since childhood.” Genma rests a hand on his shoulder, squeezing firmly, frowning and sighs. He decides to just jump in and tell him. “Look, Rai, I know.”
Confusion and a touch of fear flickers across the other jounin’s face when the meaning of those simple words dawn on him. “Know what?” Barely hesitates in asking, hoping that those words don’t mean what he thinks they meant.
“Stop playing stupid, Raidou.” The scowl tossed in his direction has him glaring back at the other man, angrily.
“What do you want me to say, Genma?!”
“The truth would be nice.”
Shoulders sag and he heaves a sigh, running a hand through short, spiky hair. “I don’t know why I came here.”
“You said that already.” Genma’s senbon bobs before his fingers wrap around it and he drops it onto the coffee table, focusing on the man on the other end of the couch. “Rai, let me ask you something.” He waits for him to look at him and smirks a bit. “Does it look like I’m running off in horror that you’re in love with me?”
Raidou blinks, caught off-guard and stares closely at Genma, scars wrinkling. Eyes widen briefly before narrowing and he growls, rising to his feet. “You’re toying with me.”
“Hardly.” Genma meets the glare head-on, the smirk fading and stands up so they are facing again. “You’re the one person in Konoha that I wouldn’t do that to. Rai, you’re my best friend. I would not do anything, intentionally, to hurt you. Look, we need to talk about this.”
“No we don’t.”
“If we don’t it’ll just fester between us, unresolved, Raidou.”
Meeting his eyes, Raidou knows that he’s right but doesn’t want to admit it. Looking away from his friend’s knowing gaze, he turns his attention to the small tree taking up a corner of the room. His eyes land on the packages under the tree and frowns. “Genma.”
“What?”
“Why are there so many packages with my name on them?”
“I have limited people to buy for and you’re at the top of that list so you get the most.” The cool reply has him looking back at the other brunette who stares back calmly then he crosses over to the tree and drops into a crouch.
He digs through the pile and half turns towards Genma, a confused frown on his face. “All these are for me.”
Shrugging, Genma joins him and settles on the floor, reaching out and picks up one of the brightly wrapped packages. “That’s because everyone else’s gifts are in bags waiting to be taken to Iruka and Kakashi’s party. The bags are in the kitchen with the food.” He turns the package in his hands before handing it to Raidou. “Here. Go ahead and open one.”
“Genma, it’s only Christmas Eve!”
“So? When has that stopped us?”
Sighing, he begins to unwrap the present knowing that he won’t be allowed to move until he does so. Sitting on the floor next to his friend, he pushes the paper to the side and works the lid free. Lifting his head, he gives the grinning bastard a dark glare, slamming the top back on. “Genma!”
“What? Even guys can use one.” Plucks the box from his friend’s lap, Genma peels the top back off and reaches in, removing the vibrator. “Look, I know you’re a prude but experimenting isn’t a bad thing.”
His eyes flicker from the dark purple vibrator to Genma’s face, opening his mouth to throw a cutting remark at him when something on his friend’s face makes him pause. Reaching out, Raidou covers his hand with his own and pushes the hand holding the vibrator down. Staring at the other jounin, he slowly reaches out to touch his cheek lightly. “Genma?”
Looking away, he shrugs than looks back at him. “Yea.” The murmured reply answering all the questions filling Raidou’s mind.
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“Like you did?” The retort is sharp and brown eyes blaze with sudden anger.
Cupping Genma’s cheek still, Raidou watches him calmly before smiling faintly. “We’re both idiots.”
The anger fades as suddenly as it arrived and Genma meets Raidou’s eyes squarely. “Yea we are.” He easily agrees.
“And cowards.”
“Hm.”
He hesitates now, clearly wondering if this is a good idea but it is completely taken out of his hands when Genma leans forward. His eyes widen and he starts at the feel of lips against his. Hands coming up to hold his head in place and he closes his eyes, giving in to the kiss.
Tangles his fingers into Raidou’s spiky hair, he deepens the kiss and drags the other man down, ending up on his back with him on top. Pulls away only when he senses Raidou relaxing fully and smirks up at him.
Staring down at the smug bastard under him, Raidou feels the urge to hit him but shifts his weight instead and braces himself. Uncertainty clear on his face as he licks at his lips. “Gen, what now?”
His smirk fades and he growls up at him. “We stop acting like idiots. I love you and I know you love me.” Grabbing his face, Genma makes Raidou look at him and shrugs. “I don’t think this will effect our friendship or change it. Would it be so bad to be both friends and lovers, Rai? Izumo and Kotetsu are best friends and lovers. One kind of relationship isn’t more important then another.”
Lowering his head, he rests his forehead against Genma’s. “I don’t want to destroy what we already have, Gen, to start a sexual relationship with you.”
“Stop analyzing everything. Just feel for once.” He murmurs, looping arms around the sturdy body pressing down on his own. “We can make this work.”
Lifting his head enough to meet Genma’s eyes squarely, he stares at him than lowers his head once more to reclaim his mouth, hands sliding up to grip his hair. Presses him deeper into the couch. Hands tugging on his hair has him pulling his mouth away, a frown forming only to fade at the grin aimed up at him.
“See? That wasn’t difficult.”
“Ass.”
“I have a great ass.”
“Genma.”
“What?” A grin spreads across the senbon addict’s features.
“Shut up.”
“Make m….” His voice cuts off when Raidou pounces, jamming their lips back together and a knee pushes up between his legs making him moan into Raidou’s mouth. His hands slide downwards to the other’s ass and gropes him, causing the scarred man to yelp.
Pulling away, he goes to demand that he stop when the look on Genma’s face stops him and he nosily sighs. “Promise me something, Gen.”
“Anything.”
“I don’t want you to close down and not tell me if something is bothering you. I want you to talk to me. This….relationship won’t work out if either of us communicate.”
Pushing him away, Genma sits up and nods. “I’ve wanted this for awhile now, Rai, I’m not about to ruin it now that I finally have it.”
Raidou looks at him and reaches out, pulling the smaller man up against his chest. “Thank you.” Buries his face into Genma’s uncovered brown hair and wraps his arms tightly around him.
Eyes closing, he relaxes into Raidou’s embrace, allowing himself to be petted and drops a hand down to squeeze firmly on the thigh next to his own leg. “Merry Christmas, Rai.”
“Merry Christmas, Genma.” He smiles into the soft brown strands, dropping a kiss on top of his head.
Iruka stares at the clock then looks at Kakashi. “Genma and Raidou are late. I hope they didn’t get sent out on a mission.”
The silver-haired man pauses in the middle of pouring eggnog into cups and turns to his lover. “There weren’t any missions assigned today.” He grins at him, a knowing smirk in his single visible eye.
“Hatake Kakashi you know something!”
“They’re screwing like rabbits right now?”
“KAKASHI!” Face flaming, Iruka's shrieks getting the attention of their friends.
Smiling, Kakashi goes back to filling the cups while Kotetsu comes over to taunt Iruka. Izumo and Haya wisely keeping their distance as Iruka loses his temper and his shrieks fill their house. Lifting a cup of spiked eggnog, he hopes that his friends finally stopped dancing around each other.
For: Captain Xiao
From: Tasia
Home for the Holidays
It's just that Genma is always there, Raidou thinks as he struggles his way through a dense throng of holiday shoppers. If you have to buy a Christmas gift for anyone - excluding family, of course - it's your roommate. It's the polite thing to do, first of all, and Raidou was raised to be polite. Second, it's the smart thing to do - you have to live with the guy, of course. Displeasing the person who has full access to everything you own is not in your best interests. And it isn't like it is hard to buy for the guy, because, again, you live with him. A little creative information gathering on his likes and dislikes is not out of the question (and being a ninja and all helps too). But something about Genma, Raidou ponders, frowning - something about him means Raidou can't buy just any old gift.
Genma streaks through the trees of Grass Country, his chakra-infused feet slamming into branches as he speeds away from an unknown number of pursuers. On his list of things that are not good, this situation is pretty high up there. He had thought nothing of taking a C-rank mission two days before Christmas - he is ANBU, and C-ranks are for genin. C-ranks usually mean varying hours of tedium, but they always mean extra cash, and who can complain about that? Well, when a C-rank retrieval mission turns out to be an A-rank setup, finding time to complain is the least of Genma's problems. With nin from Hidden Rock out for the message he carries - out for his life, because he isn't giving up the message any time soon - Genma is only concerned about making it home alive.
It's just that Genma is always there, and that they are best friends. Raidou really wants to do something nice for him. He owes Genma, even, for all the nights he's dragged Raidou's drunk ass home, for the times when, bloodied and exhausted and just back from a mission, Genma takes care of him. For those dark nights when the flicker of a candle or a glimpse of an old photograph sends Raidou tumbling headlong back into the worst missions of his life. Genma is always, always there for him, and Raidou finds that within that look of his - one of cautious, frank concern - is something of home.
So close, so close, so close, Genma recites to himself, the hypnotic mantra all that is keeping him upright. Sprinting cross-country had perhaps not been the smartest course of action when he didn't know the score: it would have been easy to outrun a follower or two, but five? He had been stopped in minutes. Shoot senbon, duck, throw shuriken - 1 2 3, thunk thunk flesh - roundhouse, block, roll, jab, jab, take a hit, and aside from the barest necessities of survival, all Genma can think about is the look on Raidou's face if he doesn't make it home for Christmas.
It's just that Raidou loves him - possibly more than a friend should, but Raidou does his best not to dwell on these sorts of prickly topics. He is Raidou, Genma is Genma, they have been Raidou-and-Genma for years and Raidou is perfectly comfortable with that. Wandering from booth to booth, Raidou looks over various trinkets distractedly. None of this feels like a gift for Genma, and Raidou has absolute faith in his instincts (as any well-trained ninja should). He thinks for a moment, thinks hard, and tries to visualize what it is that will feel right. Nothing comes to mind at first, and he scratches at the scars on his face absentmindedly. He's not quite sure what he's going to do. But then he sees it, in the next booth over - a necklace, carved wood on a simple leather loop. It is earthy and beautiful, a solid, smooth weight in Raidou's hand. A kitten's face squints up at him, and Raidou is damned if the cat isn't wearing a fuzzier, cuter version Genma's trademark shit-eating grin. It's perfect.
A few pints of blood spilled and almost all of Genma's stamina depleted, he finally catches sight of the walls of Hidden Leaf. A last mad dash through the gates sends his pursuers streaking away, ANBU guards close behind. Genma stumbles through the Hokage's office and through his report, eager to be rid of his too-important message so that he can head home. Raidou is waiting, and a futon, and perhaps a bath, and Genma is not worried.
When Genma lurches noisily into the apartment, his footsteps beating the erratic tempo of someone completely exhausted, Raidou is there to catch him before he falls (and knocks over the coffee table, or the weapons rack, or something else important). Genma knows that Raidou will be, and he is, above all else, thankful for this.
"Rai-chan," Genma manages to croak out after his roommate has helped him to his bed. He is more tired than he thought he would be, but he does have the energy to wave off Raidou's increasingly concerned look. "I know that this is important to you," he continues, voice gravelly. "But is it alright if we do Christmas tomorrow?"
At the sight of his best friend reeling from fatigue, thoughts of Christmas had quite left Raidou's head, despite the fact that it was at his suggestion they celebrate each year (Genma had come from a family with very little concern for tradition). Raidou is taken aback by the sincerity in Genma's tired eyes. He frowns a moment (does he really think I would say no?), then speaks. "Of course, Genma. Get some sleep."
His roommate is already nodding off, so Raidou eases Genma's armor and boots off himself. Genma burrows down into his bedding, still in his ANBU-issue black tank and pants. Disgruntled muttering ensues when Raidou removes Genma's bandana. He shakes his head - Genma is such a kid sometimes.
"G'night, Genma. Tomorrow we'll do gifts," Raidou says, despite the fact that he has spent the better part of two days ruminating on Genma's present.
Mumble, mumble, "Love you, Rai-chan."
A pause, but then again, this phrase does slip out of one of their mouths occasionally. Whatever Raidou-and-Genma are - roommates, friends, or not-just-friends - Raidou instinctively understands this phrase to be true, and feels no need to question it. "You too, Gen," he says. Presents can wait, after all. Raidou is just glad that Genma is home.
For: Tasia
From: Momo
New Years
By: Momo
For a shinobi there are over one hundred different ways of waking up.
There's waking up at home, after having a bad dream.
There's waking up in a tree, after dreaming of being home. This is usually bad because if you get out of bed on autopilot, you tend to fall out of the tree.
They loose more Genins that way.
There's waking up in the hospital. Common, and most people's least favorite. Raidou'd done that one a lot.
Well, second least favorite after waking up in an enemy hospital.
There's waking up in the hospital chair next to your partner. Raidou'd done that one more than once too.
Then there was waking up hung over, laid across two chairs, a overturned pot, a coffee table and cheese tray with no idea how or when you'd gotten there.
Raidou shifted a little, felt cheese stick to his chest. This, he thought with a sort of inane clarity, was not supposed to happen to him. He was the one with the tolerance for alcohol, dammit. He was the one that drank twice as much as Genma then helped the soused man home...
He prodded at his memory and got a whole lot of nothing.
No. Wait. He had one crystal clear memory of pausing, looking once around the room, and thinking to himself- Well, this is gonna be the last thing I fucking remember... Then yelling 'cheers!' quite loudly, one arm around Genma's shoulders...
Speaking of Genma....
Retching noises from down the hall gave the man location away. Apparently the bathroom was either too far or not good enough, because he was hjorking rather violently into one of Raidou's brand new pot's that he'd just bought after Genma'd burned instant ramen.
Raidou's stomach roiled once, then settled. He mentally blessed his ancestors and their iron stomachs.
Huh. There was cheese in his pants, too.
Let's see... Hangover medication was... Over there...
Well, the variety of medications that you'd put into a blender and make a remedy out of where over there, at any rate. Anti-vomit, anti-diarrhea, anti-head ache, anti-nausea (different from anti vomit, believe it or not) and loottts of sugar and salt and water.
Genma started heaving again when Raidou pushed the 'blend' button.
The kneeling man did stop puking long enough to give Raidou a dead sort of look, and to take the offered tea-towel to wipe his face and mouth and hair.
"So," Raidou started. "When do you think you're gonna have this cleaned up?" he held out the dun colored watery beverage. let's be honest. It didn't look trustworthy. It looked like watery shit.
"Party was your idea!" Genma protested, grabbing the shit-drink and forcing it down. The last drags looked to be the hardest, but luckily someone clever had made the anti-vomit pills very, very fast acting.
Anti nausea took the longest, though. Genma looked miserable. And a bit indignant. "I was gonna celebrate with sex like normal!"
"It's a social holiday, we had a good year, we're gonna have another good year, it's a big ass milestone for us...." Raidou rolled his eyes. "You were the one that decided what we really needed, really really, was an open bar, and drinking games."
"Is that cheese in the carpet?"
"Yes."
"S'totally gonna loose the deposit..."
"This is why people have house warming parties at the HOUSE, Genma..."
"Fuuuuck that I don't want cheese in my carpet..."
"Our new carpet."
"Our new carpet. Cheese free."
"Just the carpet, not the house."
"Yeah, you an your kitchen..." Genma paused, looked down. "This is anew pot, isn't it?"
"Yes. I think. Um.." Raidou had to leave the room, find the list of gifts. "You are vomiting in the present Kurenai got us."
"Am not!" Genma looked dour. "I was vomiting in the gift she got us."
Raidou made a note on the list. "I'mma gonna tell her what a great vomit catcher it made."
Genma whined. "Dammit Raidou!"
"Oh, fine, I'll lie," Raidou sat down next to him, poking at the metal pot until he could use his foot to push it away. Pulled Genma closer, rubbing his back. Didn't kiss him though. Raidou'd made that amply clear early on. Unless it was their LAST kiss and one of them was going to die no chance of salvation Raidou was morally opposed to vomit flavored kisses.
"Happy new year, Raidou," Genma mumbled into his shoulder.
"Happy new year, Genma."
For: Star
From: Captain Xiao
Title: The Lecherous Pervert
“Hey, you wanna go out for a drink after this?”
“Anbu-san, now is neither the time nor place.”
“I was thinking we could head over to the ramen stand that devil-kid likes and then afterwards we could go over to my place, maybe even get Anko in tow and you know, between friends, what’s a little sharing and caring?”
“No.”
“…no girls then?”
“No.”
“You know, if all that you wanted was this hot, sexy body, all you needed to do was…”
“I fail to see the necessity of continuing this conversation.”
~~
“Hey! Hey! Raidou! You gotta moment?”
“Good-morning, Shiranui-san.”
“The other day…we didn’t really get off to a good start, so…sorry, let me start that again. Shiranui Genma, nice to meet you.”
“Namiashi Raido- look, where exactly is this conversation going to take me?”
“Uh…I was thinking about what we were talking about the other day, and you know, you never really gave me a chance to elaborate on my proposal -“
“No.”
~~
“I knew there was a reason Mitarashi-san was hanging outside the wedding kimono store.”
“Yeah Anko, I told you that would have been dubious.”
“Shut up, dobe. Cheer up Raidou, you don’t have to be so proper all the time.”
“…”
“Look, if you’re not comfortable, just ignore Genma here -“
“Hey!”
“…imagine he’s not here at all. So whaddya wanna eat?”
“…tonkatsu ramen.”
~~
“So how do you figure we got left here by ourselves?”
“Mitarashi-san is too sensible to be left in a room with you.”
“But it’s my house!”
“Exactly.”
“…”
“…”
“But why do you think, ya know, she winked at me before she left?”
“…”
“You don’t think -“
“No.”
“…”
“…”
“D’you want to -“
“No.”
“…”
“Shiranui-san, please stop touching me.”
“Sorry Raidou, ‘m a bit drunk I think.”
“You’re no such thing.”
“…yeah.”
~~
“What in the -“
“Mm…good morning Raidou.”
“Did we…?”
“He he he.”
“I can’t believe this.”
“Raidou! Raidou! Wait!”
“See you around, Shiranui-san.”
“Shit!”
~~
“So I hear it’s you and Genma.”
“Aoba, I really don’t want to think about it.”
“Suit yourself, at least everyone else around here is thinking about it for you.”
“I just woke up next to him, it’s not like I even remember doing anything!”
“Wild night, eh? Anko said - uh…”
“I’m going to kill that woman.”
~~
“Mitarashi-san. A word.”
“Ya, Raidou?”
“What exactly are you doing telling the whole village about Shiranui-san and myself?”
“So there is a ‘Shiranui-san and yourself’ then?”
“Put that eyebrow down! Tales! Tales about Shiranui-san and myself.”
“You should really go and ask Genma that yourself. He’s been planning this since who-knows-when. Oh! Speak of the devil himself. Gotta go bye!”
“…”
“…”
“Shiranui-san.”
“…sorry.”
“Pardon me?”
“Nothing happened, you know.”
“I gathered as much. You’re not limping, for one.”
“I’m not…? Oh. Right.”
“Although there are other ways it could have happened but from your face, I don’t think that any of them are any more likely either.”
“Uh…no.”
“So would you mind telling me exactly why?”
“Um…”
“You could have just asked, you know!”
“What - I did! Many times! You can’t deny that I did!”
“I meant ask like a normal person, not like a lecherous pervert.”
“…Namiashi Raidou, would you go round with me?”
“Not like you’ve been watching too many period dramas either.”
“…”
“…”
“Yes?”
“Of course.”
~~
HAPPY NEW YEAR
For: Momo
From: Star
Title: Christmas Wishes
Author: Star Madison
Pairing: Raidou/Genma
Rating: PG-13
Summary: On Christmas Eve, Raidou has a talk with Kakashi and receives something he always wanted in the end.
Disclaimer: They are the property of Kishimoto except for Haya and I only borrow them for a short amount of time
For: Momo
Raidou ignores the chilly air and the snow drifting around him, barely acknowledging the other’s presence until they settle down next to him and a gloved hand comes to rest on his shoulder. “Go away Kakashi.”
“Sorry. Can’t. I’m under orders to find out what’s bothering you.”
“Kakashi.” He growls out the name, glaring at the man sitting calmly next to him.
“Hmm.” Kakashi’s hum of agreement is lost in the gust of icy wind and Raidou blinks when something is thrust into his face. Eyes focus on the steaming cup held in front of his face.
Mumbles his thanks, accepting it and takes a sip before exhaling, eyes closing. Cupping the mug in numb hands Raidou opens his eyes to stare at the snow covered trees just beyond the roof.
Waiting for the other man to start talking, Kakashi pulls his mask down and takes a long swallow of his own cocoa, paying no attention the heat of the drink. Glancing at his silent and brooding friend, he sighs and lowers his mug. “Raidou, stop acting like a fool and talk to Genma.”
Lifting his head, he glares at the silver-haired man, mug halfway to his mouth and the steam floats upwards. “That’s none of your business, Kakashi.”
Favoring him with a bland look, the man in question places the thermos of cocoa next to him and idly regards his friend. “Perhaps but you and Genma are my friends and that this tension between you is becoming annoying. Iruka and Haya wanted to get a Hyuuga to block your chakra and lock the two of you in a sealed room. I talked them out of it.”
Raidou’s shoulders slump and he drops down heavily next to the younger ninja with a sigh. “I don’t want to ruin our friendship, Kakashi. He’s my best friend and what would he say if he found out that I’m in love with him?”
“Knowing Genma, he would tell you off for being an idiot then kiss you.” Humor clear in his voice and drapes an arm across the scarred man’s shoulders, “look, you have a chance at being happy, but you’re being an idiot.” He pauses then shrugs. “Not that Genma’s not acting any better.”
Rubbing a cold hand across his scars, he thinks over what his friend said and nods. “You’re right. I’ve been stupid about this whole thing. But,” leveling a look at the silver-haired man, “that doesn’t mean I’m going to tell him.” Handing the now empty mug back to the other man, he stands up and vanishes in a puff of smoke, leaving Kakashi sitting alone on the cold roof.
Silence descends, Kakashi idly watching the snowflakes drift through the air before he chuckles and calls out. “You can come out now.” Finishes off his cocoa, he tucks the two empty mugs and thermos into the bag resting next to his hip. His attention now focused on the snow drifting towards the ground as it collects in a fluffy mound.
Genma drops the genjutsu illusion and approaches the other jounin at the roof‘s edge. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Rolling to his feet with ease, he scoops up his bag and slides it over a shoulder. He looks at the special jounin, a smile quirking on his pale face. “This better get you to stop whining.” Resettles his mask into place, Kakashi grins and turns, leaping to the ground below. “Don’t forget that Iruka is expecting you to show up tonight.” Calls up to the senbon-addict jounin even as he turns to head home to his own lover.
“Brat.“ The word lacks heat as he watches his friend leave and he then vanishes as well, leaving behind no trace that he had been there. Genma heads to his apartment, wondering if he’s going to see Raidou before the Christmas party Iruka and Kakashi are throwing. The conversation he overheard giving him renewed hope and begins to plot ways to get Raidou alone so they can talk.
Landing on the roof of his building, he teleports himself to his front door and digs out his key, unlocking it and steps inside. Shutting it behind him, he begins to shed his outerwear and boots when something dances at the edge of his senses and he stiffens. A kunai appears in one hand and he steps away from the door, leaving the heavy coat on the floor and cautiously moves further into his apartment. The sight greeting him leaves him blinking and he lowers the kunai. “Rai?”
The man in question looks up from staring unseeing at one of his friend’s Christmas decorations sitting on the top of a bookcase. “Genma.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I don’t know.”
“Okay.” Confusion in his tone and slides the weapon back into the holster before dropping down next to his best friend. Brown eyes focusing on his scarred face. “Spill.”
“What?” His head comes up and turns in the younger man’s direction, having clearly drifted off again.
“Rai, don’t say it’s nothing either. We’ve been friends since childhood.” Genma rests a hand on his shoulder, squeezing firmly, frowning and sighs. He decides to just jump in and tell him. “Look, Rai, I know.”
Confusion and a touch of fear flickers across the other jounin’s face when the meaning of those simple words dawn on him. “Know what?” Barely hesitates in asking, hoping that those words don’t mean what he thinks they meant.
“Stop playing stupid, Raidou.” The scowl tossed in his direction has him glaring back at the other man, angrily.
“What do you want me to say, Genma?!”
“The truth would be nice.”
Shoulders sag and he heaves a sigh, running a hand through short, spiky hair. “I don’t know why I came here.”
“You said that already.” Genma’s senbon bobs before his fingers wrap around it and he drops it onto the coffee table, focusing on the man on the other end of the couch. “Rai, let me ask you something.” He waits for him to look at him and smirks a bit. “Does it look like I’m running off in horror that you’re in love with me?”
Raidou blinks, caught off-guard and stares closely at Genma, scars wrinkling. Eyes widen briefly before narrowing and he growls, rising to his feet. “You’re toying with me.”
“Hardly.” Genma meets the glare head-on, the smirk fading and stands up so they are facing again. “You’re the one person in Konoha that I wouldn’t do that to. Rai, you’re my best friend. I would not do anything, intentionally, to hurt you. Look, we need to talk about this.”
“No we don’t.”
“If we don’t it’ll just fester between us, unresolved, Raidou.”
Meeting his eyes, Raidou knows that he’s right but doesn’t want to admit it. Looking away from his friend’s knowing gaze, he turns his attention to the small tree taking up a corner of the room. His eyes land on the packages under the tree and frowns. “Genma.”
“What?”
“Why are there so many packages with my name on them?”
“I have limited people to buy for and you’re at the top of that list so you get the most.” The cool reply has him looking back at the other brunette who stares back calmly then he crosses over to the tree and drops into a crouch.
He digs through the pile and half turns towards Genma, a confused frown on his face. “All these are for me.”
Shrugging, Genma joins him and settles on the floor, reaching out and picks up one of the brightly wrapped packages. “That’s because everyone else’s gifts are in bags waiting to be taken to Iruka and Kakashi’s party. The bags are in the kitchen with the food.” He turns the package in his hands before handing it to Raidou. “Here. Go ahead and open one.”
“Genma, it’s only Christmas Eve!”
“So? When has that stopped us?”
Sighing, he begins to unwrap the present knowing that he won’t be allowed to move until he does so. Sitting on the floor next to his friend, he pushes the paper to the side and works the lid free. Lifting his head, he gives the grinning bastard a dark glare, slamming the top back on. “Genma!”
“What? Even guys can use one.” Plucks the box from his friend’s lap, Genma peels the top back off and reaches in, removing the vibrator. “Look, I know you’re a prude but experimenting isn’t a bad thing.”
His eyes flicker from the dark purple vibrator to Genma’s face, opening his mouth to throw a cutting remark at him when something on his friend’s face makes him pause. Reaching out, Raidou covers his hand with his own and pushes the hand holding the vibrator down. Staring at the other jounin, he slowly reaches out to touch his cheek lightly. “Genma?”
Looking away, he shrugs than looks back at him. “Yea.” The murmured reply answering all the questions filling Raidou’s mind.
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“Like you did?” The retort is sharp and brown eyes blaze with sudden anger.
Cupping Genma’s cheek still, Raidou watches him calmly before smiling faintly. “We’re both idiots.”
The anger fades as suddenly as it arrived and Genma meets Raidou’s eyes squarely. “Yea we are.” He easily agrees.
“And cowards.”
“Hm.”
He hesitates now, clearly wondering if this is a good idea but it is completely taken out of his hands when Genma leans forward. His eyes widen and he starts at the feel of lips against his. Hands coming up to hold his head in place and he closes his eyes, giving in to the kiss.
Tangles his fingers into Raidou’s spiky hair, he deepens the kiss and drags the other man down, ending up on his back with him on top. Pulls away only when he senses Raidou relaxing fully and smirks up at him.
Staring down at the smug bastard under him, Raidou feels the urge to hit him but shifts his weight instead and braces himself. Uncertainty clear on his face as he licks at his lips. “Gen, what now?”
His smirk fades and he growls up at him. “We stop acting like idiots. I love you and I know you love me.” Grabbing his face, Genma makes Raidou look at him and shrugs. “I don’t think this will effect our friendship or change it. Would it be so bad to be both friends and lovers, Rai? Izumo and Kotetsu are best friends and lovers. One kind of relationship isn’t more important then another.”
Lowering his head, he rests his forehead against Genma’s. “I don’t want to destroy what we already have, Gen, to start a sexual relationship with you.”
“Stop analyzing everything. Just feel for once.” He murmurs, looping arms around the sturdy body pressing down on his own. “We can make this work.”
Lifting his head enough to meet Genma’s eyes squarely, he stares at him than lowers his head once more to reclaim his mouth, hands sliding up to grip his hair. Presses him deeper into the couch. Hands tugging on his hair has him pulling his mouth away, a frown forming only to fade at the grin aimed up at him.
“See? That wasn’t difficult.”
“Ass.”
“I have a great ass.”
“Genma.”
“What?” A grin spreads across the senbon addict’s features.
“Shut up.”
“Make m….” His voice cuts off when Raidou pounces, jamming their lips back together and a knee pushes up between his legs making him moan into Raidou’s mouth. His hands slide downwards to the other’s ass and gropes him, causing the scarred man to yelp.
Pulling away, he goes to demand that he stop when the look on Genma’s face stops him and he nosily sighs. “Promise me something, Gen.”
“Anything.”
“I don’t want you to close down and not tell me if something is bothering you. I want you to talk to me. This….relationship won’t work out if either of us communicate.”
Pushing him away, Genma sits up and nods. “I’ve wanted this for awhile now, Rai, I’m not about to ruin it now that I finally have it.”
Raidou looks at him and reaches out, pulling the smaller man up against his chest. “Thank you.” Buries his face into Genma’s uncovered brown hair and wraps his arms tightly around him.
Eyes closing, he relaxes into Raidou’s embrace, allowing himself to be petted and drops a hand down to squeeze firmly on the thigh next to his own leg. “Merry Christmas, Rai.”
“Merry Christmas, Genma.” He smiles into the soft brown strands, dropping a kiss on top of his head.
Iruka stares at the clock then looks at Kakashi. “Genma and Raidou are late. I hope they didn’t get sent out on a mission.”
The silver-haired man pauses in the middle of pouring eggnog into cups and turns to his lover. “There weren’t any missions assigned today.” He grins at him, a knowing smirk in his single visible eye.
“Hatake Kakashi you know something!”
“They’re screwing like rabbits right now?”
“KAKASHI!” Face flaming, Iruka's shrieks getting the attention of their friends.
Smiling, Kakashi goes back to filling the cups while Kotetsu comes over to taunt Iruka. Izumo and Haya wisely keeping their distance as Iruka loses his temper and his shrieks fill their house. Lifting a cup of spiked eggnog, he hopes that his friends finally stopped dancing around each other.
For: Captain Xiao
From: Tasia
Home for the Holidays
It's just that Genma is always there, Raidou thinks as he struggles his way through a dense throng of holiday shoppers. If you have to buy a Christmas gift for anyone - excluding family, of course - it's your roommate. It's the polite thing to do, first of all, and Raidou was raised to be polite. Second, it's the smart thing to do - you have to live with the guy, of course. Displeasing the person who has full access to everything you own is not in your best interests. And it isn't like it is hard to buy for the guy, because, again, you live with him. A little creative information gathering on his likes and dislikes is not out of the question (and being a ninja and all helps too). But something about Genma, Raidou ponders, frowning - something about him means Raidou can't buy just any old gift.
Genma streaks through the trees of Grass Country, his chakra-infused feet slamming into branches as he speeds away from an unknown number of pursuers. On his list of things that are not good, this situation is pretty high up there. He had thought nothing of taking a C-rank mission two days before Christmas - he is ANBU, and C-ranks are for genin. C-ranks usually mean varying hours of tedium, but they always mean extra cash, and who can complain about that? Well, when a C-rank retrieval mission turns out to be an A-rank setup, finding time to complain is the least of Genma's problems. With nin from Hidden Rock out for the message he carries - out for his life, because he isn't giving up the message any time soon - Genma is only concerned about making it home alive.
It's just that Genma is always there, and that they are best friends. Raidou really wants to do something nice for him. He owes Genma, even, for all the nights he's dragged Raidou's drunk ass home, for the times when, bloodied and exhausted and just back from a mission, Genma takes care of him. For those dark nights when the flicker of a candle or a glimpse of an old photograph sends Raidou tumbling headlong back into the worst missions of his life. Genma is always, always there for him, and Raidou finds that within that look of his - one of cautious, frank concern - is something of home.
So close, so close, so close, Genma recites to himself, the hypnotic mantra all that is keeping him upright. Sprinting cross-country had perhaps not been the smartest course of action when he didn't know the score: it would have been easy to outrun a follower or two, but five? He had been stopped in minutes. Shoot senbon, duck, throw shuriken - 1 2 3, thunk thunk flesh - roundhouse, block, roll, jab, jab, take a hit, and aside from the barest necessities of survival, all Genma can think about is the look on Raidou's face if he doesn't make it home for Christmas.
It's just that Raidou loves him - possibly more than a friend should, but Raidou does his best not to dwell on these sorts of prickly topics. He is Raidou, Genma is Genma, they have been Raidou-and-Genma for years and Raidou is perfectly comfortable with that. Wandering from booth to booth, Raidou looks over various trinkets distractedly. None of this feels like a gift for Genma, and Raidou has absolute faith in his instincts (as any well-trained ninja should). He thinks for a moment, thinks hard, and tries to visualize what it is that will feel right. Nothing comes to mind at first, and he scratches at the scars on his face absentmindedly. He's not quite sure what he's going to do. But then he sees it, in the next booth over - a necklace, carved wood on a simple leather loop. It is earthy and beautiful, a solid, smooth weight in Raidou's hand. A kitten's face squints up at him, and Raidou is damned if the cat isn't wearing a fuzzier, cuter version Genma's trademark shit-eating grin. It's perfect.
A few pints of blood spilled and almost all of Genma's stamina depleted, he finally catches sight of the walls of Hidden Leaf. A last mad dash through the gates sends his pursuers streaking away, ANBU guards close behind. Genma stumbles through the Hokage's office and through his report, eager to be rid of his too-important message so that he can head home. Raidou is waiting, and a futon, and perhaps a bath, and Genma is not worried.
When Genma lurches noisily into the apartment, his footsteps beating the erratic tempo of someone completely exhausted, Raidou is there to catch him before he falls (and knocks over the coffee table, or the weapons rack, or something else important). Genma knows that Raidou will be, and he is, above all else, thankful for this.
"Rai-chan," Genma manages to croak out after his roommate has helped him to his bed. He is more tired than he thought he would be, but he does have the energy to wave off Raidou's increasingly concerned look. "I know that this is important to you," he continues, voice gravelly. "But is it alright if we do Christmas tomorrow?"
At the sight of his best friend reeling from fatigue, thoughts of Christmas had quite left Raidou's head, despite the fact that it was at his suggestion they celebrate each year (Genma had come from a family with very little concern for tradition). Raidou is taken aback by the sincerity in Genma's tired eyes. He frowns a moment (does he really think I would say no?), then speaks. "Of course, Genma. Get some sleep."
His roommate is already nodding off, so Raidou eases Genma's armor and boots off himself. Genma burrows down into his bedding, still in his ANBU-issue black tank and pants. Disgruntled muttering ensues when Raidou removes Genma's bandana. He shakes his head - Genma is such a kid sometimes.
"G'night, Genma. Tomorrow we'll do gifts," Raidou says, despite the fact that he has spent the better part of two days ruminating on Genma's present.
Mumble, mumble, "Love you, Rai-chan."
A pause, but then again, this phrase does slip out of one of their mouths occasionally. Whatever Raidou-and-Genma are - roommates, friends, or not-just-friends - Raidou instinctively understands this phrase to be true, and feels no need to question it. "You too, Gen," he says. Presents can wait, after all. Raidou is just glad that Genma is home.
For: Tasia
From: Momo
New Years
By: Momo
For a shinobi there are over one hundred different ways of waking up.
There's waking up at home, after having a bad dream.
There's waking up in a tree, after dreaming of being home. This is usually bad because if you get out of bed on autopilot, you tend to fall out of the tree.
They loose more Genins that way.
There's waking up in the hospital. Common, and most people's least favorite. Raidou'd done that one a lot.
Well, second least favorite after waking up in an enemy hospital.
There's waking up in the hospital chair next to your partner. Raidou'd done that one more than once too.
Then there was waking up hung over, laid across two chairs, a overturned pot, a coffee table and cheese tray with no idea how or when you'd gotten there.
Raidou shifted a little, felt cheese stick to his chest. This, he thought with a sort of inane clarity, was not supposed to happen to him. He was the one with the tolerance for alcohol, dammit. He was the one that drank twice as much as Genma then helped the soused man home...
He prodded at his memory and got a whole lot of nothing.
No. Wait. He had one crystal clear memory of pausing, looking once around the room, and thinking to himself- Well, this is gonna be the last thing I fucking remember... Then yelling 'cheers!' quite loudly, one arm around Genma's shoulders...
Speaking of Genma....
Retching noises from down the hall gave the man location away. Apparently the bathroom was either too far or not good enough, because he was hjorking rather violently into one of Raidou's brand new pot's that he'd just bought after Genma'd burned instant ramen.
Raidou's stomach roiled once, then settled. He mentally blessed his ancestors and their iron stomachs.
Huh. There was cheese in his pants, too.
Let's see... Hangover medication was... Over there...
Well, the variety of medications that you'd put into a blender and make a remedy out of where over there, at any rate. Anti-vomit, anti-diarrhea, anti-head ache, anti-nausea (different from anti vomit, believe it or not) and loottts of sugar and salt and water.
Genma started heaving again when Raidou pushed the 'blend' button.
The kneeling man did stop puking long enough to give Raidou a dead sort of look, and to take the offered tea-towel to wipe his face and mouth and hair.
"So," Raidou started. "When do you think you're gonna have this cleaned up?" he held out the dun colored watery beverage. let's be honest. It didn't look trustworthy. It looked like watery shit.
"Party was your idea!" Genma protested, grabbing the shit-drink and forcing it down. The last drags looked to be the hardest, but luckily someone clever had made the anti-vomit pills very, very fast acting.
Anti nausea took the longest, though. Genma looked miserable. And a bit indignant. "I was gonna celebrate with sex like normal!"
"It's a social holiday, we had a good year, we're gonna have another good year, it's a big ass milestone for us...." Raidou rolled his eyes. "You were the one that decided what we really needed, really really, was an open bar, and drinking games."
"Is that cheese in the carpet?"
"Yes."
"S'totally gonna loose the deposit..."
"This is why people have house warming parties at the HOUSE, Genma..."
"Fuuuuck that I don't want cheese in my carpet..."
"Our new carpet."
"Our new carpet. Cheese free."
"Just the carpet, not the house."
"Yeah, you an your kitchen..." Genma paused, looked down. "This is anew pot, isn't it?"
"Yes. I think. Um.." Raidou had to leave the room, find the list of gifts. "You are vomiting in the present Kurenai got us."
"Am not!" Genma looked dour. "I was vomiting in the gift she got us."
Raidou made a note on the list. "I'mma gonna tell her what a great vomit catcher it made."
Genma whined. "Dammit Raidou!"
"Oh, fine, I'll lie," Raidou sat down next to him, poking at the metal pot until he could use his foot to push it away. Pulled Genma closer, rubbing his back. Didn't kiss him though. Raidou'd made that amply clear early on. Unless it was their LAST kiss and one of them was going to die no chance of salvation Raidou was morally opposed to vomit flavored kisses.
"Happy new year, Raidou," Genma mumbled into his shoulder.
"Happy new year, Genma."