The Garden Path (Daisuke)

[Kentora Neko]

The voice shouting at her was becoming more enraged, calling her creature, and siren. She had been clinging to him, trying to ask forgiveness from the only person she knew who cared for her, thinking that he would always look at her with a level of disdain, when his lips silenced her soft crying. Surprise rippled through her mind, but it seemed that whenever he touched her, her defenses fell and she melted into him. What had he done to her? Her control over her emotions faded and she reached up, wrapping her soft arms around his neck. She felt her heart beat wildly, her breathing labored and passionate. Her head was swimming in the way it felt to be kissed. To be loved. But did he love her...or just want her? She pondered this as she tilted her head to get a better angle at his mouth. Did she simply want him? No, she wanted more than just a few moments of bliss, she wanted a relationship to go with passion. She broke the contact to examine her situation at a different perspective.

She stood and examined the man on the floor. His expression betrayed the same desire she felt. Just looking at him in his pajamas made her spine tingle. He looked at her, examined her, and she felt wanted atleast. The he too stood and walked behind her, wrapping those strong arms around her soft waist. A moan clawed out of her throat as he kissed her jawline, and she craned her neck to expose more area from him to pursue. Although she was so intoxicated by this sensuality, she still processed everything he said. He admitted he wanted her, but what surpised her was that it was she who aroused him. So he thought she was…beautiful…sexy even? That sent her over the edge, but he wouldn’t take her if she didn’t want him. That was a relief, he was giving her a choice.

She processed her choice. Then said carefully “Dai… I want more than just sex…I want…to be what you want me to be. I want to be…yours. Please don’t let me go.” She reached up and turned to kiss him, her heart beating so fast that she felt her chest burn fiercely. Her decision was made.

[Iwahashi Daisuke]

When he stood up and wrapped his arms around him, his heart was beating rather fast and he knew he could not control it like he wanted to. Even tho he wanted to there was no point in trying to control it at the moment. He was holding the one person that he knew was just about the same has him in his arms and it excited him more than any other women had in his life time. Love at first sight for him? One thing he did knew that he was not going to just let her go to allow her to feel the guilt of all this that was going on between them at the moment. It was his fault has well, not just hers like she wanted to place on herself. He was not one that allowed other to take blames that was not theirs.

He felt her tilted her neck when he kissed her on the jawline a few times. He stared at her neck only guessing what she wanted him to do at the moment. It was so inviting and her moand that escaped her lips was not helping the matters either. He could not help himself, and didn't think that he could tell her no now. He leaned his head down and placed his lips against her skin just under her ear he had whispered in to her about making the choice of what to do. He closed his eyes enjoying the feeling that was washing over him as he held her in his arms and kiss the nexk that he cold get to.

He stopped his kissing of her neck when she started to talk about what she wanted. She didn't was just sex, she wanted a relationship, something deeper than just a fling. He had no reason just to use her and just throw her out like she was nothing. She needed him more than he could have possible dream of at the moment. He smiles slightly at her words. "I don't want you to be what I want Neko....I want you to be yourself...thats not what a relationship is all about. Its about accepting each other to who they are not who they want their partner to be. I would never ask you to change something about yourself." He watched her turn around some and then lean up and kissed him on the lips. He could not help but kiss back, only to break it when they both needed air. He smiled slightly and leaned his forehead against hears. He closed his eyes and held her there some time. He didn't care how long he was holding her, has long has she felt love at the moment that was all that matter to him.

[Kentora Neko]

She felt her shoulders relax and the chaos of her mind quiet down as he kissed her neck. Her hands, which were resting on Daisuke’s as he spoke, gently grasped his and repositioned them into a tighter hold, His right hand hanging on her left shoulder and his left hand grasping her right hip. It was a protective embrace, one that she felt most comfortable in. Her back was pressed tightly against his chest, so she could feel his rapid heartbeat through this position and feel his chest rise and fall with his breathing. His heartbeat’s rhythm surprised her because it was similar to her own, racing pace. She pondered his words, and felt the sadness and shame fade into pale emotions. Neko looked up at him with a hopeful gaze, “I can never ask you to change. If I did, I would ruin you.”


She closed her eyes, enjoying the bliss of his lips against her own. She had missed this feeling…this sweet feeling of being loved, so much so that she felt she had to return this wondrous affection somehow. It hit her boldly that he might love her, and she might have actually fallen for her care-giver on first sight. Fallen so far that she didn’t want to turn back. If she was meant for him, time would tell. Right now, she was content to be there in his arms…whether he thought he loved her or not. It was a long moment until Daisuke pulled away and she realized that she had neglected to breathe. As she filled her lungs, she was aware of his sweet, spicy scent, the smell sending warm sensations throughout her mind and body. A soft smile graced her face as their foreheads rested together, her sickness once again becoming benign at the moment. “We need to go out one day and get to know each other better.” She was thinking out loud, but she wondered if he would take offense to the idea. They stayed in that position for so long that she almost dozed off right there, but three thoughts crossed her mind that ruined the moment.


Her stomach rumbled noisily, she yawned, and she realized how grimy and travel worn she remembered being when she first got to Iwagakure. Her eyes fluttered open, and she murmured to her new-found partner, “ I’m sorry, that would be the call for breakfast. Before that however, I must wash this dirt off of me, then after breakfast, I must lay down. Sometimes living is so cruel…” Neko shifted her head to kiss forehead, eyelids, and mouth, then turned completely around to rest her head comfortably on his shoulder, her arms wrapping around his slender waist. She brushed her lips against his neck affectionately, then closed her eyes, waiting to be directed. A sudden thought occurred to her as she imagined the warm shower head on her scalp; Her clothes needed to be washed too. It made no sense to wash her body, then put her dirty clothes back on. She looked up forlornly at him and meekly asked, “Do you think your sister would leave a change of clothes here in case of emergencies? I really need to wash my own and I haven’t the luxury of spares.” She cautiously traced the shape of his collarbone then said “If not, I would be thankful for an over sized t-shirt and a pair of boxers.

[Iwahashi Daisuke]

It would seem that they was in a interstanding about each other. They both felt that they would ruin reach other if they tried to change them. There was nothing that Daisuke could think about to change her. He felt with her rapid heart beat with his hand on her left shoulder, it was just like his own, and it only made him smile slightly because she felt what he was feeling at the moment. He knew he might be holding her rather tight at the moment but it would seem like she didn't mind in the long run right, she was not pulling away from him and smacking him in the face or something. Just holding her like this was slightly mind blowing, this was the first time really that he wasn't just a male looking for sex from some girl and he was not ashamed to admit it. He was still human in the long run. "I will admit something to you....just for you Neko-chan...this is the first time I held a woman like this...without just wanting sex.." He had whispered in her ear. He hoped hat by confessing to her like this that she would know how serious he was being about wanting more than just sex from her. He wanted to protect her from her past and make her feel loved once again. Everyone need that right?

As their forehead meet, he took in a rather deep breath to refill his lungs. Love was something he felt towards his sister, but this was completely different feeling from what he knew from them. He cared for them, but knew they could take care of themselves. With Neko it was completely different and he didn't know exactly why or anything. He had never been in love not like she had before. He just knew that there was nothing in the world that he wouldn't do for her at this time. He took in her scent, she still smelled somewhat like the sakura tree that she was sitting under when he found her. The smell sent him back to when he found her and it made him smile. He opened his eyes to meet hers when she suggest that they go out and get to know each other one day. He nodded slightly at this. "Thats a good plan." He liked the idea because he knew there was so much to learn from her and so much to tell her about himself right?

He watched her yawn slightly, it onnly made him follow suit at the moment. It was still early in the long run has she spoke about breakfast, shower, and laying down again. He could agree with her on that matter, he forgot to do the dishes, and clean up from last night and he failed to get another bowl of ramen that he wanted last night. He was so worried about here that he failed to eat some more on his part. Oh well just means he was going to fix a bit more this morning. "I will make us some breakfast as you take a shower." He looked down to her clothing has she kissed his forehead, eyes and then pressed her soft lips against his own. He kissed back, and lingered on her lips before pulling back so she could speak once more. She had said exactly what he wanted to point at, her clothing. He thought for a moment before pouting slightly at the moment. "I am afraid its going to have to be a shirt and a pair of boxers. Cause even if they did hide clothes here, I would have no way of knowing exactly where they was."

After another long pause he slowly dropped his arms from around her and pulled away from her. He leaned down and picked up the pillow, blanket and sheet. He was going to make her lay on the bed in the bedroom when he was done. There was no cause for her to lay on the couch now. He didn't mind anyways, he barely used the bed. He walked into the bedroom and tossed the bed stuff on the bed. After another minute or so, he came back out with a shirt and some boxers. He didn't feel like changing himself at the moment. He nudge his head for her to follow him. He lead her down a small hall way and walked into the bathroom. He sat the clothing on the counter and leaned down and pulled out a towel from the cabinet there. He smiles and walked up to her and placed it in her hands. He leaned over and kissed her just slightly and fast enough so she didn't have time to react. "I will go make that breakfast now."

[Kentora Neko]

Neko raised an eyebrow at his comment to her, but she only smiled. So he was experienced and she was Naïve? Somehow she had expected that, since she herself had no experience in the department of explicit sexual relations. But what it also told her was that…he wanted something more than her body. He wanted to just be with her, which made her eyes brighten with wonder. She processed everything he said, then said “That… makes me feel special, but here is my admission…just for you Dai…. when you and I decide to go through with that desire, you will have to teach this naïve virgin how to…please you” She bit her lip, her meaning relatively clear. She smiled when he agreed that they needed to go out one day. She mentally cheered, the idea was so exciting that she had to contain the emotion.

When he told her that the Shirt and boxers outfit was her only option, she sighed, “It works. Big and comfy tends to be my style anyway. Besides, its better than walking around with nothing at all.That is…for me atleast” Neko smiled at him, the joke only mildly suggestive. She reluctantly let her arms slip from around his waist and watched him pick up the bedding, but like a curious kitten, she followed him to his bedroom and waited outside the door. When he came out with clothing and motioned for her to follow, she obediently did as indicated, walking closely behind him. Upon reaching the bathroom and receiving her new adornment, Neko looked up at him and eagerly tried to answer his kiss, but he only pecked her lips, making her pout in disappointment, “Tease, just think. When I come out, you’ll be looking at a cleaner, and slightly prettier Neko. Then I’ll be more huggable.” She quickly shooed him out, then started undressing.


Every bit of her clothing stuck to her skin, leaving dramatic lines all over her body from different thicknesses of dirt. Slightly repulsed, she turned on the shower to a nice, steamy setting, then stepped in. The collection of soaps he had were all scented for men, which wouldn’t suit her well, so she stuck with a white bar that didn’t stink awfully and scrubbed her skin raw, the dirt darkening the water in the bottom of the shower. It took a few minutes until she was satisfied that the dirt on her body was no longer an issue. It was amazing how much paler she actually was. She moved onto her hair, and sighed. Once again… manly scents. She grabbed bottle that said ‘light and fresh’ and decided that it would do. Neko scrubbed her head roughly, then rinsed the lather. Thankfully, men didn’t need scented conditioners, so she generously spread the creamy wash through her hair, waited then washed it out.

An hour passed before she finally felt that she could present herself. Turning off the shower, she reached out for the towel and dried herself in the shower, then exited and dressed herself, hanging the towel up to dry. The shirt was a plain white shirt that fit loosely over her form, The shoulders were wide and the shirt went mid-thigh. The boxers, however, were a crazy plaid pattern, thankfully, her shirt disguised them. With her clothes on, she examined herself in the mirror and shook her head in amusement. She looked like a kid, with the half-giddy expression on her face and the big shirt. Neko brushed it off and walked out into the living room, “Dai?”

[Iwahashi Daisuke]

daisuke listened to her and how she was still a virgin. Most girls never admitted that to man that they first meet, so he was slightly touched by this action. He smiled slightly and nodded some. 'Don't worry Neko, just being with you is good enough for me. Lets not rush into anything hmm?" Rushing into things like this was a huge mistake. He had witness his middle sister doing just that when he was sixteen. She rushed into a relationship, got pregnant, and the man left him Later down the road Dai had beat the shit out of him because of his actions towards his sister but that was beside the point and his sister didn't exactly know that. Getting to know each other first came first to him no matter what. He didn't want to rush them into something they might regret later.

When he had kissed her and pulled back away from her. He smirked slightly when she called him a tease. That was what he was and he was not going to lie to her about it. He shrugged slightly but smiled when she said that she would be a cleaner Neko. Maybe after breakfast he would take a shower himself well depending on how things went of course. Then he was pushed out of the bathroom and he heard the door shut behind him.

He walked into the kitchen and saw what his clone brought back from its little shopping spree. He really had to learn to pay attention to his clone when they disappeared. He knew that he was able to learn from the shadow clone, it just he never payed that close attention. He create a shadow clone to clean up last night dinner. There was still some items left over that he could make some Miso soup for breakfast. There was also some rice he could made, and some fish he could grill up real quick. He took the stuff out of the fridge that he would need. He started to cook the rice and cooking the miso soup. It was not the best of breakfast but he oped that the soup would help with Neko's cold. He was about to dismiss the shadow clone when he heard a knock at the door. He blinked slightly and pointed to the pots on the stove.

Dai walked to the door and opened the door to see his younger sister. He was the baby of the family but he still had the habit of calling his sister that was two years older than him his baby sister. "Imouto?" He called her Imouto which was little sister towards his sister Rika. He was confused to why she was here of all times. He tilted his head slightly at her and raise his eyebrow at her waiting for an answer.

Rika smirked at Daisuke some. "Oh let me in Dai." She placed her hand on his shoulder and pushed him back and walked inside the apartment. She noticed the bag that she knew that was not his. He would question him later on the matter. "Kosuke-kun said something that you was in town and yet you had not stopped in and saw any of use. Mother is worried about you like always." She looked into the kitchen and saw the clone of his cooking something.

Daisuke grinned when Rika just pushed herself into the apartment like that. She always did have a habit of coming in at some unwelcome moments and now was one of those times. He wanted to smack her one for good out times but instead he went and cleaned up the table and moved all the mail and his tonfas into the kitchen on the counter for a moment. "Imouto you are noisy. I was going to stop in there today or tomorrow. Give me a break. It has been a while since I been here and I needed a break off my feet." He looked up when Neko came back into the living room. Now he was going to have to deal with two females? This could not end well could it?

Rika waved her hand when Dai started to ask for a break but she was caught of guard at the girl that just came out of the hallway and was wearing Daisuke clothing like they was hers. Her brown eyes narrowed at her. "Who are you? And what do you think you are doing where Daisuke-kun clothing like you own them?"

[Kentora Neko]

Neko hadn’t heard the knock or anything. She still had water in her ears from the shower, but when she walked out into the room and saw the woman, her eyes went wide and her mouth dropped. Shock settled over her frozen form, and she was lost for words. Fearfully, she glanced to Daisuke, as if to ask for an explaination. The woman commanded her attention again with her question, and She felt a very defensive side of her come out. Like she owned them? Did it look like she wore men’s clothing everyday? Her mind became sarcastic, but she did notice the depth of her brown eyes. Just like Daisuke’s. Her previous fear dropped, and she felt safe again, and perhaps more confident.


Neko once again glanced at Dai, then locked eyes with the woman, “I am Kentora ‘Yin’ Neko, otherwise known as Daisuke’s friend. And I’m wearing his clothes because it wouldn’t be proper for me to walk around naked, you agree?” She was trying to repress her sarcasm, but it was showing very clearly in her voice. She bowed slightly, “You must be one of Daisuke’ s sisters. Its nice to meet you.” She then stepped around some furniture and extended her hand.


This whole situation looked terrible. Daisuke in his pajamas, her in his clothes, that definitely would raise some eyebrows, so she didn’t blame the woman for asking questions or being slightly incensed. Her walking around the house like this was not going to give the right impression, but she had nothing else, so this woman was going to have to get over it. Then again, insulting the family wasn’t helpful either. She gave an unsure smile to the woman, then turned to Daisuke, “Sorry, this is embarrassing.” She collected her wet hair to keep it out of her face, then stepped to Daisuke’s side, hoping that he would explain from here.

[Iwahashi Daisuke]

Daisuke watched the scene between Neko and Rika, having a girl in his apartment and him still in his night clothes and she in his clothing was not a good way to start that day. He stared at Rika has she commented on Neko's attire. His eyes widen at the scene. Of all things that his sister could could was do this in front of his guest. He wanted to push her out of the apartment and deal with it later, but before he could do anything about it Neko opened her mouth to speak towards Rika and to answer her rampaging questions.

Then Neko walked over to Rika and held out of her hand. She was trying to turn things around and start off from a better start and even commented on the fact that she seemed to be one of his sisters. How could she tell? Was it the eyes that they seemed to all share for the most part. He reached up and rubbed the back of his hair slightly once more. He couldn't help it, it was a bad habit of his that he needed to be broken of for the most part.

Rika watched Neko, not taking off her eyes off the stranger in the room. She listened to her name and the reason why she was in Dai's clothing. It wasn't like Dai to have people over. He tend to stay away from people all together when he was here. Maybe she wa just a one night stand? Well that was what she was hoping at lease. She looked down to her head and grinned slightly and turned to Dai waiting for an answer and folded her arms a cross her chest.

Dai watched Rika's action when Neko's held out her hand. He grinned at Rika for a moment, she was disrespecting his friend and he didn't like it one bit. It was hard for anyone to piss him off like this, but when it came down to his friends being disrespected like this from someone within his family he couldn't help but be mad at them for a bit. "Neko, this is my older but younger sister Rika. She the one that I graduated a head of in the academy. She just dropped by to tell me that someone within the clan wanted to talk. And I told her that I would be there later to day. Now Rika go be the little messenger that you came here to be." He wasn't to pleased with Rika at the moment and it showed at the moment. It couldn't be helped at the moment.

She grinned at Dai's statement about her being the messenger. She could tell that Dai was made about something and most likely it was because of her. It was not that hard for her to pick up on her little brother's mood change. She also knew now that this girl was something other than a one night stand with Dai. She would have to gain up on him later with his other sisters and get it out of him. "Right, Daisuke. I will be the good little messenger." She looked back over to Neko and smiled slightly. "Nice to meet you Neko-san." She waved at Dai and left shutting the door behind her.

Dai watched Rika's left and looked back to Neko. His eyes soften once more and he seemed to get over his little angry fit he just had with with Rika. He smiled slightly and looked apologetic towards Neko. "I am sorry about her. Rika has a bad habit of just coming in uninvited for the most part. I am sorry how she reacted to her...she lets her mind wonder most of the time..." He hoped that she was not going to be mad at him for letting her into the apartment. There was no stopping Rika for the most part.

[Kentora Neko]

Neko blinked when the woman refused to shake her hand, retracting the offering of peace. Her smile fell, She had done nothing to be disregarded, other than appearing in this unseemly fashion. Very calmly, she turned to Daisuke as he introduced her. There was an edge to his voice, an angry one at that, which surprised her. She did learn one thing, the woman was in fact his sister. She heard the buzzer in her head declare points earned on her side for guessing correctly. She stored the info in her head then turned back to Rika when Daisuke basically told her to leave. When Rika acknowledged her, she nodded, and said “Rika-san”. Neko didn’t want to cause such a fuss, but it was too late. Rika bade farewell, and left them alone.

When Daisuke began to apologize, She blinked in confusion. A small smile graced her face as she laid her head on his shoulder and listened to his explanation. She chuckled, “Well, I am in your clothes, there’s no way that anyone could deny that this does look fishy. So long as she doesn’t go and get you in trouble over my presence, then she’s fine by me.” She looked up at him, reached up and gently caressed his face, “ Dai…I know you gave me your key, but if I get you in trouble, I can always go to the old Kentora compound. The last thing I want is for your family to…think badly of you because of me.” Now that Neko was a little more acquainted with Daisuke’s thinking patterns, she had a feeling that he would be flustered at her comment, but she seriously felt that if troubles did arise that her old house would be a suitable place for her. She knew all to well what could happen if a rift regarding personal life developed in a family. The image of Koto, with his bright green eyes, Dark brown hair, and confident grin, made her smile weaken.


Her gaze became distant as she thought about the times they shared together. The stupid things they did, and the crazy things they learned to do together. She missed him, that constant voice telling her to do what she thought was right, even when others said it was wrong. That crazy kid that played mad drums and sang in their little ninja band at The Den. That was her best memory, but she also remembered the look on his face when she showed him the ring on her finger. The pain, horror, anger and betrayal, it scarred her memory, and the sound of his voice as he cried out, So this is what happens when I meditate and leave you alone for too long. My master begins to hit on my sister? I’ll kill him I swear I will! Are you that foolish!? How can you do this to me, Neko?” She drowned out his voice by returning to the present, quickly wrapping an arm tightly around the man next to her and laying her still damp head on his shoulder, grimacing from the emotional pain. The good times were wonderful and the bad times were bad, but if there was one thing she learned from her father, it was to move on, Remember, a true Kentora never lingers on what he has done, he lingers on what he is going to do next. Secretly, she wondered if Daisuke was her way to move on, to start again. Time would tell, but it was sure taking its sweet time to say it.

She felt her stomach churn and growl, interrupting her thoughts, and looked down, her face slightly flushed from the reaction. She cleared her throat and said lightly, “So, uh, what did you find for breakfast? I feel as though my stomach is going to eat me if I ignore it any longer.” She smelled something cooking in the kitchen, but couldn’t tell what it was. Miso? Maybe something else? If it was miso soup, she felt could kiss him…wait, she had already done that today…a lot. Something more drastic then? She shrugged, she would find something to do, but people used miso for more things than just Soup. It had been a while since she had eaten Miso soup. It was a comfort food, but she rarely was in a city to buy even an insta-pack. She sighed, then a brilliant idea came into her head, She would make dinner! Yes, that was it, she would make a really nice dinner for Daisuke, as a thank you! Of course, she wouldn’t tell him that, but she couldn’t help letting a beaming grin stretch across her face.

[Iwahashi Daisuke]

Daisuke watched Neko walk over to him and lay her head on his shoulder. He was much calmer now than what Rika had been in the room. He knew he would have to deal with Rika and the clan later but he would do that when the time came. Not a moment sooner. He wanted to enjoy breakfast with Neko. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead slightly. Just being this close to her was calming him down and not worrying about the clan one bit. There was no need to worry when she was around, things seemed to be better at lease. He gave her a hug before she spoke up about the clan thinking bad of him and staying at her family home. He frowned slightly at this. "There will be no trouble within the clan about this. Rika just has a big mouth that I will have to crush later. I have done it before. Don't worry about the trouble that Rika might bring to me, there are times like this where she thinks she can pick on me for being the youngest, so it is just a sibling thing." He leaned down slightly and kissed her on the lips.

He watched her became distance, probably because of actually thinking about going back to the compound. He was not sure what to do on this matter of subject. If she wanted to go back there while she was there he would not stop her, but if she wanted to go because of his clan than he would stop her. There was no need for her to go through that just because of Rika and her big mouth and he would place his foot down on that subject if needed to be.

He watched her come out of her dazed state and asked what was for breakfast. He laughed slighly at her statement about her stomach. "Tell me what you want to drink. I got some tea and some milk and some water if you want that?" He let his arms drop to his side has he walked back into the kitchen and saw this clone getting some soup in a big bowl just like the rice was now. He grabbed to four smaller bowls and than the big bowl of rice and carried it out to the table. He sat two of the bowls at one chair and the other two at another. "Have a set while I go get us a drink." His clone came out carrying the bowl of Miso soup and setting on the table next to the rice. He placed a ladle and a spoon in the two bowls. It turned to Neko smiled and disappeared. Dai walked back into the kitchen to get their drinks.

[Kentora Neko]

Neko lightened up when he told her that the Rika situation was just a sibling rivalry. She felt no desire to go the compound she at one time called home. After seven years of being vacant, she could imagine the vines, leaky roofs and ghost town atmosphere. Definatly isolated, but mentally, she knew if things got out of hand, she would go to her own rickety and empty city…for his sake. He would be mad, but would he stop her? Somehow, she felt he would stand in her way and keep her in his home even if it killed him. She cringed, what if her bloodlust got the better of her? No, she would run away before he tried to keep her in that state. His kiss was reassuring, and she felt happy just being held by him. Daisuke seemed to chase the bad memories out of her head when he told her what was what, and she gave in, for now. A simple nod was all that was needed to give him the consent he wanted.


Neko smiled when he laughed at her comment. It was pleasant thing to hear him laughing and she wanted to hear more, but he quickly asked what she wanted to drink. She thought about it then said, “um, I know this sounds cliché, but I’d like Milk, please.” There she went again, purring and now drinking milk. Oh well, she was what she was. She couldn’t help it if she loved the idea of a dish…well, cup of cream. She quickly followed him to the table and watched the clone of Daisuke come out with all of the food. Her eyes widened as she saw the miso soup, and she felt her body launch itself at the real Daisuke in joy, glomping him, “Miso Soup! Thank You, So- Much! I’ll love you forever now-” She froze. In her excitement, she forgot to watch what she said. Now what? Would he look at her funny, or with disdain? Would he push her away? She mentally assaulted herself, her logical side saying Baka, baka, baka Neko!

[Iwahashi Daisuke]

Daisuke watched her lighten a bit, it seemed like they both did when Rika left the apartment. He knew after she went and laid down he would have to go deal with his sister and the clan. He mostly knew that Kosuke had sent Rika to get him so they could talk about stuff that needed to be done. There was nothing in Dai's head that would suggest that he wanted anything to do with all that. He rather be the one that didn't have to choose sides and help pick someone to take the place of a Guardian. It was nothing he liked doing for the most part. Tho being with Neko at the moment it meant that he didn't have to deal with all that headache at the moment.

He watched her smile when he laughed, he found that amusing as well but held his laughter down. He nodded slightly when she chose milk, if he had to guess what she would have asked for the milk would have been his guess. Not only did she purr like a kitten but she liked her milk. It made things rather simple in the long run of things. He would have to remember that she liked milk most of all. He blinked tho when he was nearly knocked down to the floor over some miso soup. He laughed again and hugged her slightly. "Miso soup is one of my favorites Neko-chan. And I haven't had it in a while. Its no restaurant made soup, but I think I do a pretty good job at it. Now go sit and eat while I go get the fish, and the drink. And don't make me tell you again." He was only joking with her about this at the moment. He saw no reason to scold her like a little child for the most part. She was an adult like him so it was all good. He kissed her forehead once more before pulling away from her again.

He went into the kitchen and got two glasses down and pour one tea and one milk. He rather tea for the most part for some reason. He stirred the fish for another moment or so before grabbing a plate and just placing the pieces of fish on the plate and turning off the stove. He looked at the things that he would have to carry and it didn't look good and he didn't really care for using another clone to take everything out to the table with. He tapped his chin with his index finger and looked around slightly before seeing a board that was big enough to carry at lease two of the items. That would work, he walked over and took it and placed it flat on his palm. He placed the glass of tea and plate of fish on the board and made sure he had it balance before grabbing the glass of milk and walking back out to the table. Once out at the table he placed Neko's milk in front of her and then sat the fish and his tea next to his bowl. He placed the board down against the wall. "And I made some fish. So we have Miso Soup, rice, and some fish to eat." He smiled at her as if he was looking for approval of the meal.

[Kentora Neko]

Neko blinked when he hugged her and she let out a hum of content as he spoke. Now she would definitely make him a nice dinner. When ordered to go and eat, she grinned and scurried from his sight. She promptly sat at the table, her hands placed gently in her lap. After a moment of thought, She took his bowl and served him a healthy serving of rice, setting it back on his placemat. She didn’t ladle any soup into his bowl, for fear of it getting cold. Neko then served herself, the miso soup her top priority. She spooned some into her mouth and smiled at the taste. The mingling flavors sent wave of happiness throughout her mind and she quickly went for another spoonful.

After a moment, Daisuke returned with their drinks and a plate of fish, all balanced on a wooden board. For a quick second, she worried that he might need help with all of the stuff, but when he expertly sat the glass of milk and maneuvered the plate onto the table, she relaxed. Neko brightened at the smell of good quality fish and her grin wouldn’t stop getting wider, “Hmmm, You’re good with cats. Fish is Every cat’s dream.’ She watched him arrange the items on the table, then stealthily snuck around to serve him a slice of the delicious white, flaky, and juicy entrée as he put the board against the wall, then returned to her seat and sat innocently. When he explained what was on the menu, there was look on his face that seemed to say “praise me” which made her stand up and hug him, “This is the best breakfast ever, Dai-kun.” Neko then teased him by simply pecking his lips, not giving him the slightest chance to react to her. That was pay back for the shrimpy one he gave her before she took her shower.

She sat in her seat and took a healthy chunk of the fish and ate gleefully. Daisuke was an excellent cook by her standards, and she quickly pondered the things she could cook for him. Neko finally decided on something foreign and exotic, maybe escargot, or the ever intriguing her thinking being that she wanted to share her experiences of seven years. She would have to go out and get the supplies, but she needed money first. Neko paused, then turned to Daisuke, “Dai, what would you say to me about going to The Den and getting a job? I don’t want to be a burden on your wallet, so I was thinking I would supplement your income a little… to contribute to the house and give you more options. There’s always my meager savings, but that’s enough to buy a candy bar.” She took another bite ,chewed, swallowed, and then sighed, I know the owner of The Den pretty well, and I think he just might take pity on me and let me work there again. Its pretty good money if I remember correctly. Neko had presented her proposition as simply a bank booster, but inwardly, she was paying rent with her earnings. She still considered herself a guest in his home and it was the only way she felt she could help out.

Neko decided to ask questions about Daisuke while she was still awake, so she pondered all the standard questions. Finally, she found one that beat all the other ones into the ground, “Hey Dai, do you like…rock music?”

[Iwahashi Daisuke]

Daisuke smiled slightly when she gave him a hug for his work. He knew he had placed on that face because she stood up and hugged him, he didn't mean to for the most part it just came out that way. He didn't know exactly why he wanted to please her but he was glad that he was doing that anyways for the most part. It seemed like he was doing just that with every thing he did for her. He was pleased with himself for making her happy, not only that but he was rather happy with her just being her close to him gave him a feeling of comfort for the most part. A feeling that he didn't want to let go of.

He listened to her comment about cats, he was not sure how to take that but he smiled anyways. He never even consider owning a cat of his own, it had never really came up due to his constant moving from one place to another. He looked down to his spot and noticed that she filled his bowl with some rice. He smiled slightly, but that faded when she gave him a quick kiss on the lips. Her lips tasted already of the Miso Soup and it made him want to kiss her back, but she was to quick for him to even fully taste the soup on her lips. He pouted at her slightly wanting more. "I am so glad that you approve of my cooking Neko-chan." He would really have to remember that she liked Miso soup, milk, and fish. That was not heard to remember by anyone standards but for him he had to take extra care of things that went inside of his head for the most part.

He sat down and took up the empty bowl and got some miso soup in it. He picked up a pair of chopsticks and grabbed a piece of fish, he preferred chicken for the most part but fish was always good in the morning and chicken good at night. Well that was how he saw it for the most part. He looked up to her when she started to talk about the Den. He was aware of the Den here in Iwagakure, tho it was not a place that he traveled there often. "For one, you are not a burden on my wallet Neko-chan. Second I will not stop you if that is what you want, but only if you do if for your own reason and not for me. This is your home too." He smiled at her, he was being dead serious on this matter. He wanted to make sure that she knew that she was welcome here at anytime and not just when he was here. He had given her a key after all. He took up some rice and ate some before turning to the miso soup. He really had to prepare thi more often for himself anyways.

When she asked her question about the rock music he tilted his head slightly to think for a moment. He didn't exactly have a favorite taste in music it just seemed to go with his mood for the most part and he could listen to just about anything. He shrugged slightly at her question. "I listen to just about everything Neko-chan. What about you? What sort of music do you like to listen to? And other than Miso soup what else do you like?" He was curious to see what else she liked so he might be able to fix it for her.

[Kentora Neko]

Neko’s eyes glimmered mischievously as she noticed the small pout on his face when she pulled away and told her he was glad that she liked his cooking. Whenever you’re happy, there’s a glint in your eye that makes the air seemingly sweeter. I’ll try to keep you happy. You’re more at ease that way.” She then returned to her seat.

Daisuke didn’t hesitate to declare that she wasn’t a burden on his wallet, but Neko knew better. She had experience in this field and knew the cost of food, clothing, electricity, water usage and so- much more with two people in the house. As far as she knew, Daisuke mostly lived on his own, and he didn’t stay in one place long so he was used to paying the bills for one person road show, therefore she mentally overruled his statement. She did like the fact that he would permit her to have a job, so she smiled and said Yes sir, I will follow your rules. She said it in jest, but deep down she knew that a good portion of her earnings would go into the Daisuke/Neko living fund. Satisfied, she continued to eat her meal, savoring every bite, sip and drink.

When he chose the careful “I like everything” answer to her question, she slumped slightly but brightened when he asked what she liked. “Well I adore everything rock, but my favorite mingles the essence of classical, opera, rock, and dark metal. I’m still partial to old cartoon theme songs and the classical department, but that’s because I play everything. Flute, guitar, stringed instruments-violin especially- Koto and I formed a Two Ninja band and played at The Den regularly. I’m amazed you hadn’t heard of us. Tiger Powerhouse? Ahaha, Man we had some crazy ones. That’s what I plan to do when I get a job there again, but it wont be as good with me singing. Then again, I could find a way around that. Our music really appealed to the Teenagers and such. With some of our mixes, we actually taught some people to ballroom dance! That was fun.” She stopped, then looked at him curiously, “Do you play anything? If not, I would be obliged to teach you some stuff.”