[center][i]The start of the cover,
A choice that isn't loved by some.
 
A collab between Alternathan and Little Alice.[/center][/i]
 
[center][i]Summary:[/i]
Kiyomi has sent one of her shadow clones to meet up with Ezuri. It is to set up a cover she has planned since a past event, to mainly protect somebody else. In a way.[/center]

[hider=Meeting up]
Sitting on a chair, the nice weather was great to sit outside. Dressed in her casual outfit, Kiyomi however wasn't looking that happy. With a rather calm expression, there was no signal of a smile or a glint in her eyes. After ordering a glass of sake and managing to convince the waiter to get her one, Kiyomi tried to make it herself comfortable. The conversation she had before was still stalking her in the back of her mind. But it was all for a good reason why she would do it. Waiting for the person she had invited to share a drink with her, Kiyomi already started to prepare herself. Nothing of her inner thoughts or emotions would reach the surface today.
 
Ezuri was happy to be up and running again, his leg was roughed up pretty bad but it healed faster than expected and exceptionally well too. Not too long ago he received an invitation from Kiyomi-san to meet her at a cafe at the outskirts of town. Ezuri wondered why she invited him; maybe it had something to do with the Guardians? If so, then why didn’t she choose Azumi as their place of meeting? Ezuri thought about the teahouse, he never got a chance to actually visit it. The young Hyuuga woke up from his thoughts as he approached his destination. He saw Kiyomi-san sitting on the terrace already. He took place across of her, not sitting down yet [b]"Good day Kiyomi-san"[/b] he greeted her cheerfully [b]"you invited me to come here?"[/b]
 
He had come after all. At first she had thought he wouldn't show up. A friendly smile was appearing on her lips as she nodded. [b]''Yes I had. Come, sit down.''[/b] She said it in a very friendly tone as she patted at the chair next to herself. The waiter came back with the glass, filled with sake. [b]''What would you like to drink, Ezuri-kun? My treat.''[/b] Kiyomi asked, speaking in a voice that was a bit higher pitched than normal.
 
Ezuri answered her smile with one of his own and sat down next to her, a bit nervous though. He did not know why he was here and did not know if he should relax or be on guard due to her friendly tone. She was very nice to him and her voice sounded... Cuter, than before [b]"Thank you, I would like some Gyokuro please"[/b]
 
After the waiter took the order and walked away, Kiyomi briefly took a fast sip of the sake. Putting the glass down, she then turned her head to Ezuri, still smiling. [b]''So, I heard you were on a mission. How was it?''[/b] She asked, still sounding as before. Instead of sitting straight up, she was leaning a bit towards Ezuri, her eyes shooting a curious look in his direction.
 
As Kiyomi engaged in small-talk Ezuri finally relaxed a bit and told her about the mission he had with team 7 and Hayate; [b]"Our mission was to eliminate a small bandit camp that threatened the village. It went pretty well until he got shot down by a slinger and broke both my shin bones in one leg"[/b] He grimaced, thinking back about to intense pain [b]"I just got back from the hospital, my leg healed up quite nice, but Kensuke is not very happy with my performance"[/b] Ezuri grinned a bit awkward, he just hoped that Kensuke would not stay mad at him for too long.
 
Kensuke wasn't happy with his performance? Having been under the teachings of Kensuke, she knew all too well how harsh he could be, showing no mercy with his teachings. But it was something that had saved her many times when she had wielded her blades. [b]''Don't worry... cutie. He will not stay mad at you if you show him your best!''[/b] She said, still leaning forward. [b]''Besides, Kensuke is a nice person.''[/b]
 
Did he just call him 'cutie'? There was a small pause in her voice. He didn’t mind being called like that, especially not when a pretty girl did say it. Ezuri straightened his back [b]"Then I'll do my best next time and I shall make him proud"[/b] laughed Ezuri. He also leaned a little in to Kiyomi [b]"Yeah I think he is a nice person too and probably a very good sensei as well"[/b]
 
[b]''That is the spirit.''[/b] She responded. Turning her head, she picked up her drink and held it in her right hand. [b]''So, what do you like to do in your free time? I mean, there isn't much I know about you.''[/b] Raising the glass to her lips, she took a sip while locking her gaze with his. After the sip, she broke it only to put her glass back. The sake was of decent quality. Not so good as Hiron and Keiko's favorite, but it wasn't that bad at all.
 
After Ezuri said that he took some swigs of his sweet flavored Tea. it was better than most tea-places around here, he hoped the tea at Azumi's was as good as it was here. Ezuri's smile brightened as she cheerfully said; [b]"that’s the spirit."[/b] where after she continued with asking what he liked to do in his free time [b]"I mean there isn’t much I know about you"[/b] [i] Well, that goes for you too [/i], thought Ezuri. His eyes found hers and it was hard to look away, her eyes seemed to draw him in, a small blush crept up his face and eventually he looked just slightly the other way [b]"I like to train, either polishing up my techniques or raising my Stamina, endurance and strength. If I'm not training I like to enjoy Tea or read. What about you, what do you like to do in your free time?"[/b]
 
That was an easy question she could answer. Looking at her glass, she started to answer back. [b]''I like to read as well. I have tried to draw, but unlike Kensuke-san, I haven't got any talent for art.''[/b] She said, realizing that Ezuri likely didn't know that Kensuke drew things in his free time. [b]''Other than that, I am often training on my own. Or attending to my other duties. I really don't have any hobbies or much free time.''[/b] Kiyomi answered, which was the truth. But it didn't really bother her that much that her free time was limited. It was the price she paid for her work. [b]''What kind of things do you like to read?''[/b]
 
Ezuri listened attentively and nodded from time to time [b]"I mainly scour the library of the Hyuuga mansion for Jutsu scrolls, I want to learn as much techniques as possible, I'm currently trying to learn Mizu Hari but it doesn’t go very well yet.[/b] Ezuri took a little sip of his tea and savored the taste [b]"Other things I like to read are history books and books about other nations and far away places, either fictional or real. The bijuu also fascinate me."[/b] little did Ezuri know that he was talking to a jinchuriki. By lack of knowing anything else to ask he redirected the question she asked him back to her.
 
That last one caused her to freeze. It wasn't noticeable for somebody that didn't know her very well, like Ezuri. But it would have been a clear sign to any person like Hiron, Keiko or people that had been very close to her. [b]''Bijuu, hmm?''[/b] She asked as she raised her glass, taking a sip. Sighing, she threw a frown in his direction. [b]''Why are you interested in them? Many people just think they are either demons or weapons of destruction.''[/b] That and most information that could be found in the libraries were nothing more than tales, myths or stupid hogwash. 
 
[b]"well, It's a large part of our history. I also think that they are not as bad as everyone think but if they are and I ever need to fight one to protect the village I like to know what I'm dealing with. That and I just like the tales"[/b] the latter sentence made him blush a little because that was of course not why one would read such a thing. [b]"don't you think its important? I'd love to see one sometime, although not from too close"[b] added Ezuri quickly.
 
If she thought it was important? For a moment, she was laughing inside her mind. Of course, she was a jinchuriki after all. But laughing him out for what he asked would be rude and not that friendly. Briefly her eyes looked up as she started to answer back, like she was seriously giving it some thoughts. [b]''It is something I find very important. Though it depends on what you mean.''[/b] Looking at him, she had a playful smile on her lips. [b]''Do you mean knowing our history or how to fight against one? Cause else I could easily reveal you the Nibi.''[/b] After saying that, she poured more effort in keeping something hidden. Matatabi had caught the words of Ezuri and truth be told, he wasn't at all fond of his words. Still managing to keep the Beast inside of her, Kiyomi waited for his response.
 
Ezuri was happy she shared his opinion. [b]"knowing our historyis the first thing. Of course I rather never face a tailed beast. If the stories are true they are ridiculously strong, but I also believe they are not that bad... maybe,"[/b] Ezuri chose his words carefully and hoped she would not laugh at him [b]"maybe we can even befriend them..."[b] Then Kiyomi-san said something that made his visibly flinch. [b]"S-show me the two-tails? B-but how?"[/b]
 
[b]''Simple, cutie. I am the Two Tails.''[/b] She said, joking about the serious situation. Leaning back, she giggled very briefly. [b]''Besides, who can befriend a weapon of mass destruction? Are you thinking you can befriend a katana?~''[/b] She said, in a more teasing manner. The growling inside her mind was something she could ignore. And luckily could keep contained inside. She wasn't going to cause a scene with Matatabi right in a public place.
 
Ezuri was shocked but managed to laugh a little when she started to giggle, although a little awkward. He almost believed her, but her cutie giggle made him think twice. [b]''Besides, who can befriend a weapon of mass destruction? Are you thinking you can befriend a katana?~''[/b] said Kiyomi-san. [b]"Now you are just mocking me"[/b] pouted Ezuri [b]"also, Katana's are no living things, I'm sure the bijuu are more than just weapons right?"[/b] Ezuri said, taking a swig form his tea, emptying the cup with it.
 
[b]''Who knows?''[/b] She said back. Kiyomi wasn't really intending to give any information or secrets away regarding the Tailed Beasts. Not many were aware of some facts that were known to her and she would keep it that way. Having learned that people always used their opinion to influence a fact, Kiyomi wasn't eager to see the same happening with the things about Tailed Beasts. [b]''But what is your opinion of your team?''[/b] Kiyomi asked, subtly switching the subject.
 
Ezuri was happy that she changed the subject although her question was a little tricky, if he spoke badly about his teammates or Kensuke, would she rely the information back to him? [b]"I think they are all capable Shinobi, I like Kensuke-sensei, he is strong and reliable. We have the shy Inuzuka girl with her ninken Arashi. Shisen was her name if I remember correctly, she is very shy and her dog is very protective what makes it hard to come close to her, she even bit Hayate. He is nice too and somewhat stronger than us but that is to be expected because is way more experienced, then again he is not really a member of team 7"[/b] answered Ezuri her question taking the save road, although everything he said was very much true.
 
It somehow made her feel happy and proud that Hayate was seen as a stronger person. But she was needed to push emotions away. It wasn't a time for to think about them or even experience them. They were in the way. [b]''That sounds wonderful cutie, but what about you? Have you been able to show your strong side?~''[/b] She asked, almost like she was swooning. The slightly higher pitched voice was back as she seemed to focus her attention back on him.
 
Me? Ezuri though about this for a moment. He did get cornered and broke his leg. He decided to tell her to truth but polish it up a little. He looked up into her beautiful eyes again and his voice decided to stop working for a moment. When he found it back he said; [b]"Well, when we got down from the trees I killed some of them pretty soon, but apparently I attracted a lot of attraction. my best kill was probably staggering the man with an elbow in his stomach before crushing his airways with a jyuken shotei attack. Then I spun around and formed a water clone while jumping up into a tree. I fooled almost all of them, every. Single. One. Except for the slinger that broke my leg. After that I couldn't do much but providing ranged support for Shisen and Hayate."[/b] Ezuri told her with a lot of enthusiasm, it fading out over the course of his story [b]"at least we finished the mission successfully, but Kensuke had to step in to make sure it did so"[/b]
 
After listening to his story, she could only form one thing from it. He had messed up. No wonder that Kensuke wasn't that happy. [b]''I think that you might need to ask Kensuke-kun some training then. He may be tough, but he is the one who managed to train me. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have won that many battles.''[/b] Kiyomi responded back, still with the same manner of speaking as before. [b]''That and you shouldn't worry too much, just try to follow orders and it should be fine.''[/b] Kiyomi said, gently poking his shoulder.
 
Ezuri felt happy with the advice and reassurance from Kiyomi-san but he could not shake of the feeling that she thought he messed up as well as Kensuke-sensei did. Why else would she say this, but Ezuri managed to laugh at the little push to his shoulder. It really felt nice to talk to her and have some Smalltalk. He enjoyed her company and hoped she enjoyed his. [b]"I think I can manage to keep myself standing next time, without having to rely on Kensuke-sensei and my teammates as much as i needed this time"[/b]
 
[b]''Just relax. Besides, do you see any of them here now?''[/b] Kiyomi asked, raising her right eyebrow as she asked the question in a rather amused voice. Supporting her head with her left hand, she tilted her head a bit to the left. [b]''Well?''[/b] The playful smile returned on her lips as she finished the asking sentence. Wrapping the fingers of her right hand around the glass, which still had a bit of sake in it, Kiyomi didn't take a sip of yet.
 
Ezuri looked at her as she spoke to him and didn’t fell her subtle movements. Was she... flirting with him? Ezuri started blush and felt like he could not speak so he just shook his head and managed to get a barely audible [b]"No"[/b] out of his mouth. [b]''Well, are you alone then?''[/b] Kiyomi asked, trying it again. Was it that hard to pick up? Deciding to try it differently, she straightens up and pouted a bit. [b]''Well?''[/b] Where was she getting at, well he was not alone, she was here with him, he shook his head again [b]"No"[/b] this time it sounded a little more confident. Ezuri smiled a bit, he let her take the lead here, not sure what to make of the situation.
 
[b]''So I am not somebody you would notice. Great to know.''[/b] She said, sounding offended as she raised her glass and emptied it with a tug. She had thought her hint that she was here was clear enough, but now that didn't work, she thought of trying it the other way around. [b]''And I thought you wouldn't mind a date with me.''[/b] She scoffed, looking the other way.
 
[b]"No that’s not-"[/b] started Ezuri but Kiyomi kept talking [b]"wait this is a-"[/b] Ezuri started to blush heavily and looked down [b]"I am so, so incredibly sorry, i do not know that this..."[/b] He tried to find the right words, eventually he looked at her again and apologized again [b]"I'd love to have a date with you, I do notice you and I'm sorry I didnt catch on earlier"[/b]
 
[b]''So that is it then. A date. You got to take me out somewhere.''[/b] She turned around, with the playful smile adoring her lips. Leaning back in her seat, Kiyomi raised her eyebrows. [b]''I don't like sushi or anything sweet. But I will let you come up with something. I am free over two days from now. You may decide where we meet and how late, but not my home.''[/b] Friendly summing up the things, Kiyomi giggled. [b]''Aren't you eager for it, cutie?''[/b]
 
Ezuri was happy she was giving him a second chance, two days from now, that gave him enough time to come up with something good. [b]"alright"[/b] he said [b]"I'm sure I can come up with a place you'll like, why don’t we meet up at Azumi around noon?[/b] He didn’t respond to the question if he was eager for it because it was clear she was mocking him again there and instead just smiled at her, brightly.
 
[b]''Azumi is the place then.''[/b] She said. Getting up, she seemed to dust off her lap before glancing at his direction for a one last time. Winking, she then walked away. [b]''Don't be late!''[/b] Walking away, the playful smile vanished quicker than snow under a desert sun. The bright green color of her eyes turned into a darker variant as she continued to walk away. 
 
Ezuri also stood up, not sure what the right course of action was as of now. She winked at him and he smiled [b]"I won't"[/b] he called after her and looked at her as she walked away, her hips slightly swaying. Ezuri sighed a relaxed a little. He messed up, again, but he was given a second chance and he would make up for it for sure. The day was still young and Ezuri decided to check out Azumi as he didn’t do that yet and see if he could become a member of the guardians.[/hider]