#no request

He was never one to back down from a challenge, if anything, he’d be the one creating challenges even in situations where no one had even challenged him at all. But if he had taken a few seconds to think, it was a little bit of a strange situation. Fortunately for you, Inosuke rarely took any time to think at all. 

- --------------------- 

You so desperately wanted to throw Inosuke a surprise birthday party, but it was so hard to keep secrets from him, mostly because he spent a lot of time with you, and would immediately notice if you were trying to shake him somehow. Unless…

You had managed to get the word out to a select group of people, they would get supplies and help you set up the party. You had planned a date and a time. You had no missions. Everything was going according to plan, except for one thing: setting it up would be absolutely impossible without Inosuke noticing. 

You had been wrecking your brain all day to find a way to make him leave for just a couple of hours, and then it hit you all of a sudden. There was only one way to make him do something: tell him loudly you didn’t think he could do it. 

Plan in mind, you went outside to where he was training, sighing dramatically as you sat down. This caught his attention, although he did not stop training at all, instead just turning his body slightly to make eye contact (or so you assumed, you had no idea what way he was truly looking with his boar mask on) and tilting his head, urging you to speak. 

“We ran out of medicinal herbs a little while ago, and I only just remembered when checking the pantries. I know the shop is going to close in a little while, it is impossible to get to the village and back in that time.”

You shook your head dramatically, really putting emphasis on that last part, hoping that you weren’t overdoing your acting. 

“Y/N! Do you know who you are talking to? I, Inosuke, king of the mountains, will run to the village and back before the sun even starts to set!” 

You had him right where you needed him, but you decided to add one more little push. 

“Are you sure?” You frowned a little in pretend disbelief, “the sun will set in less than two hours.” 

“I am sure! And I will prove it to you, right now!” 

--------------------- 

He had gone off without even double-checking exactly which herbs were needed, and you had been able to start preparations for the party. It didn’t take too long for your friends to arrive and help you set up, putting up decorations and filling the table with food, all Inosuke’s favorites. You couldn’t help but feel all giddy inside, you wondered how Inosuke would react, he probably wouldn’t have had many birthday parties before in his life. For a moment you hoped he at least knew it was his birthday, and wouldn’t think this was some type of ambush. 

“He’s coming!” 

Those words from the one on lookout were enough to silence your thoughts and all the party guests, turning off the lights and patiently waiting for the king of the mountains to arrive with the herbs, ready to surprise him and start the party. 

As expected, he slowed down when he noticed the house being completely dark. Dropping the herbs, he reached for his swords, suddenly completely focused and ready to attack whoever was causing whatever was going on. You shut your eyes for a second, hoping desperately that no one would get wounded in the reveal. 

He walked up to the front door, looking around at every step, before charging in loudly, never one for subtelty or slow action. The room being filled with light and people the second he got in, momentarily startled him enough for someone to push his arms down a little, just so no one would get a sharp saw blade in their face. 

“Surprise!!” 

Inosuke was confused for a second, looking around wildly, mask moving as he took in all the people, the decorations, the food, before -supposedly- landing on your beaming face, walking up to him. You only knew for sure he was looking at you once he spoke up. 

“Y/n? What’s going on?” A party?” 

“A surprise party, for you! Happy birthday Inosuke!” 

You made use of his surprised stupor to carefully grab either side of his mask, tilting his head so you could place a kiss on the snout of the boar face. The sound he made underneath the boar head made you doubt your decision for a split second, until you noticed the steam coming out of the little fluffy ears. 

“I can explain....” 

It should be a normal evening for Link. Coming home after some time, you welcome him with food, hugs and kisses and the night he would show you how much he missed you.

Well...it should be...but it wasn´t. When he arrived home, it was dark. There wasn’t a scent of delicious food in the air, you weren’t around. It did not feel like home. 

It made him a bit concerned. Did something happen to you? Or were you away? But you would left some notes for him or you would send him a letter. Nothing happened, so it was normal he was high alert. 

He searched around the gome for any clue you could be. But everything he found was a little messy bedroom...with a lot of cloths around. And all of them were...from him?

Now he was confused and concerned. Why did you search in his cloths...and well, why were you away...and where?

He sighed, he really had no idea. Normally, he could read you easily. But this time, it was really complicated. With still no answer, he started cleaning up the mess. 

It seemed you searched for something and stopped...when you were at his gerudo cloths. Memories how he sneaked in the town come in his mind. He found himself pretty in this outfit...and it was really fun how almost everyone thought he was a girl. Even the hylian girls in the town needed some time to see it. 

In seconds, his eyes widden while he looked at the vai outfit. He wasn’t sure if he was right...but he maybe had an idea why you were away. 

The picture in his mind was: You searched for something and well, you found the cloths. He had not tell you about his time in gerudo town, so you did not know this was his. It would make sense you would think it was from a woman...and when Link knew something...then how horrible your thoughts could be with the idea he would cheat on you...So you left the house. 

But where? He did not know a place you could go for being alone...Or did you not chance the place and maybe...just walked around for clearing your head?

Link could not think further when he heard the door. 

There you are - he could see the red eyes and how sad you looked...well, it changes when you saw him...and how he hold the cloths.

Angry.

“I can explain...” was the first he said. 

“I don’t think you need to explain how you cheat...” you hissed. 

“But it isn’t what it looked like”

“Oh yes, sure. You didn’t know how it got to you. Sure, sure” you said sarcastic. 

“Please...let me explain it. Then you can decide if you believe it or not” he said and he could feel how stressed out he was. 

“Fine. Explain yourself” you said. 

He breathed in and out.

“When I fought against the beasts, I needed to enter gerudo town. But as you know, only woman are allowed to enter. So I got in touch with a merchant who sold me...this cloth and I could enter the town”

Link had to admit how lame that sounded in his ears.

“So, your first idea of explaining is telling me you just...crossdress. You know how ridicioulous it sounds..?”

“I know...but it’s true. I wore this...only me”

It got silent between you two. He could not read if you believe him. 

“Take it on!”

“Excuse me..?”

“When this is yours, then take it on. It shold be easy for you, right?”

He wasn’t sure what your attention was. But it was the only option. So he take his cloths off before you and chanced before you in the gerudo cloths. Link really don’t know why...but he felt a bit embarrassed before you in it. It was the first time he show it to you. And you scaned every inch of his body. 

“And...you really wore this to enter...the town?”

“Yeah”

“You never meet another woman...?”

“Of course not. You are the only one for me..”

It got silent again.

“So...I overreacted...a bit..”

“I can understand...how you reacted...You did not know it...” he started.

“...And it would explain how strong it smelled like you..”

“I have...a special smell?”

“Yeah...comfy, caring and strong...I AM SO SORRY”

In seconds you were in his arms and cried out loud...this time, a good crying. 

Then he got his food, hugs and kisses. 

“But there is one thing I want to know, Link”

“Mhh..?”

At first, you were placed in different teams with every new mission, so you could learn how to work along different shinobis with various fighting style and chakra nature. But then, there was Tenzo. At that time he was 20, still had long hair, dozens years of experience as an Anbu agent and was skilled like any other agent in your eyes ; you had facilities working with him. You had such a great respect for his person from the start, never forgetting the words he told you before your first mission together : “I like being nice and friendly, but I don’t have any problems with ruling by fear either”. It didn’t seem to you at first sight, but you learnt he really was a born-leader and deserved his rank.

For eight years you served in Tenzo’s team - most of the time at least - and you were positively ready to keep up this lifestyle for all your life. You were working with friends and becoming stronger to protect your loved ones and the village. And were by Tenzo’s side.

You realized your attraction for the brown-haired man soon. He was young, strong, pretty handsome - even more when he happened to cut his hair short -, intelligent and you loved that kind and respectful attitude of him. You were 14 and him 20, you thought it to be a teen crush based on admiration for your senpai and didn’t mind it much. It wasn’t a problem until a few years later when you get that that crush didn’t fade and worst, turned into love. You kept on denying for months, telling yourself it would be a phase but even with time passing, being always so close to him, you just kept on falling harder for the Mokuton-user.

You had just came back from a watch around the village. It was still early in the evening. While your partners were like you in the locker room changing, you noticed Tenzo kept his equipment on and went to a restroom. When you have gotten rid of your Anbu outfit, you followed him to the annexe room. He had crashed on on of the couch and put his mask aside, the back of his head resting on the backrest. Not long through, as something cold came in contact with the skin of his neck. He opened his formerly closed eyes to see you standing before him.

“(Anbu name) ?”

You held out a water bottle for him to take and sat next to him as soon as he took it.

“What are you doing here ? Shouldn’t you be heading home ?”

“I will. But aren’t you, senpai ?”

It was December 31. The weather was rather freezing but there wasn’t snow falling yet. Only black ice for Konoha’s inhabitants to slip and fall on ; a good way for the Katon-user genins to train on their chakra control.

For the last three years your mother had been complaining to not have you at home for the New Year Eve as you were on constraint. Luckily you successfully got your night free this year. As long as Tenzo got his since you were always paired up together. But you knew it wasn’t something he craved for ; having free days on important events was just a reminder he had no family.

“No. I think I’ll just stay here for the night, in case anyone need me.”

“It’s New Year Eve. You should be celebrating like any other normal human being, senpai.”

“You should know by now I am no normal human being.” He smirked to you as a joke.

”Tsk. I know that very well.”

Both of you chuckled a bit. The years had grew you closer and comfortable with each other despite the age gap. You watched him drink the water, thinking.

“What about we spend the eve together, senpai ?”

“You asked for your night free. Don’t waste it.”

“I won’t.” You stood. “Come with me at my parents’.”

Tenzo raised an eyebrow with a little smile.

“Don’t kid me, (Anbu name).”

“I’m not. I’m serious. I’ve talked a lot about you to them, I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to receive you at their table. There’ll be lots of good things to eat. My father’s always cooking for a whole army. I am practically sure we could feed a tailed beast with all the food they’ll be.“

You said that so seriously it made Tenzo let out a laugh.

“Ok, ok. I believe you.” He calmed down. “I am very thankful to you but I Don’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not. I’m inviting you.” He looked at you, hesitating. “So, you’re coming ?”

That’s how Tenzo found himself in front of your parents’ door.

“Tenzo-senpai, you should pick another name for tonight don’t you ?”

“Ah, yeah. I should. Then… Yamato ?”

You showed a large smile to him and nodded. “Sounds good, Yamato-senpai.”

“I Don’t even know your true nam-”

Tenzo hadn’t the time to finish his sentence that the door before you opened wide on your mother, your father just behind her. She shouted while jumping on your arms.

“(NAME)-CHAN ! My baby, you’re here !”

You laughed at her estatic behavior. She used to be calmer but since you Don’t pay much visits with your Anbu duty, both of your parents were overjoyed anytime they could see you - and your mother wasn’t one to hide it. She kissed your forehead before taking a step back and saw the man by your side.

“You didn’t tell us you would come accompany, (Name)-chan.” Your mother was greeting Tenzo with a large smile.

“Mama, it’s my senpai. Yamato.” You presented him as he bowed his head politely to your parents.

“Nice to meet you, Ma’am.”

“Don’t be so formal, Yamato-san. Call us uncle and auntie. Honet, let the young people get inside before they freeze on the doorstep.”

You saw the uneasiness Tenzo had to call your mother auntie, when he thanked her for getting both of your coats, and how it made your father chuckled. Tenzo could only smile as he followed you and your father to the living-room and as you told him not to bother your senpai.

On the main room, Tenzo was surprised to find many pictures of the whole family. Truth be told he didn’t have an idea of what a family home looks like. But what he could see seemed good to him. From your parents’ wedding to your birth, what seemed to be your first steps, teeth, schoolay. Your genin promotion. The chunin one too. There wasn’t a picture without you or your relatives smiling happily.

“Senpai ?”

Tenzo turned to you and noticed you were sitting with your father around the kotatsu. Sure he had one but it never seemed so appealing to him. On the table, your parents had put so many dishes. You weren’t kidding when you said your father was cooking too much.

Ornament, offering, soba (noddle soup) - your family was respecting the traditional celebration of the New Year Eve almost completely. You even got to see Tenzo play uta-garuta (Japanese playing cards about poems). It was really entertaining and you were glad you got to see th Young man enjoyed the night.

Even when midnight was farely passed, and that you already had exchanged your vows of health, happiness, love and luck, Tenzo had stayed a bit longer to play shogi with your father. Both were extremely concentrated. You were looking sitting just next to them, talking with your mother about your visit to the temple in the Morning and how she wished you would wear a traditional kimono. Yeah because she had complained you went with casual clothes for the night. 

What she didn’t complain about through was how she saw the look in your eyes everytime you were looking at Tenzo. She was once again watching you brought another orange slice to Tenzo’s lips who took it mechanically between his lips as he was so into his play. She hadn’t said anything about you bringing a man at home for the first time, but she knew it wasn’t insignificant.

“Checkmate.”

“Aaah. Uncle, you beat me. Well done.”

“Of course, son. Only the Nara can HAHAHAHA.” Your father laugh of his own lack of modesty.

“I could never thank you enough for tonight, Uncle, Auntie. Name-chan too obviously.” You looked up from the orange in your hands. It was the first time he called you by your true name of the whole evening. It made your cheeks burnt a bit.

“It’s nothing much. senpai.” You smiled at each other before he stood up from his place.

“I think it’s time for me to go home.”

Your mother invited him to stay but the brown haired man declined and promised to meet you and your family at the temple in the morning. You stood up at your tuen and went with him looking for his coat and bringing him back at the front door.

“You’re really sure you don’t want stay, senpai ?“

You watched as he put on his shoes then turned to you nodding.

“I don’t want to overstay yours and your parents’ welcome. Thank you, (Name)-chan.” He paused a bit before turning on his feet to take the exit. “Let see each other at the temple later.”

The door closed before your eyes.

Tenzo wasn’t doing his tenth step outside your house that he heard your voice Calling him.

“Wait, senpai.”

He stopped and turned to you. You seemingly hadn’t take the time to put on shoes and were walking in socks in the street. He couldn’t pay him much attention that you had cought up with him. You were fast to put your warm hands on his cheeks and bring his face to yours so your lips crashed on each other.

Tenzo’s eyes widdened and didn’t miss that yours were closed. He didn’t have time to proceed anything that you had already a few steps back away and his face was again feeling the cold of the air.

“I know it’s a bit late for a midnight kiss. But I really don’t to spend the following year alone. I want it to be with you, Tenzo-senpai.”

Tenzo’s heart was beating crazily in his chest and he had no doubt yours was as well. He could see the fear in your eyes ; fear of being rejected and worst that he would take his distance with you. You weren’t even looking at him but at the ground.

“I guess I took the right decision staying at your parents.”

You looked up at him, not understanding.

“You wouldn’t have kiss me back there, right ?” You shook your head no for response. “Then I did good.”

The growing smile on his eyes made you sighed in relief. However it didn’t last long as you felt him a mere inches before you in the slipt of a second.

“Happy New Year, (Name)-chan.”

He put a kiss on your forehead.

“Let’s spend another year together.”