The Lost Uzumaki (Kakashi x OC)

Chapter Fifteen- Gossip and Intel

Following Tsunade's orders, the two jonin entered the town in the late afternoon. Mei suggested they question townsfolk around the market separately. Kakashi scanned the buzzing market, his nose taking in notes of various perfumes, foods, sweat and dirt. A group of women giggled as he passed by. He gave a friendly closed-eyed smile that didn't reach his cheeks. Carrying on, his path led him to a book vendor and he scanned the new novel selection. As he made small talk with the merchant, Mei had found herself conversing with the owner of the tea shop on her break.

"Honestly, the Lord should have asked for help sooner." The elderly woman said in a hushed tone. Her husband poured them two glasses and then squeezed her hand cautiously. They gave each other soft smiles before he continued on to other customers.
"Are they a reoccurring bunch?" The Kunoichi asked. The woman adjusted the sleeves of her powder blue kimono and her light brown hair before continuing.
"Not often, thankfully. And sometimes not all at once. I've seen perhaps 4 total."
Meilani chewed on the inside of her cheek. We may have to order backup.
"Do any of these mercenaries have any.... Abilities that you've seen?"
She shook her head. "Fortunately whenever they've come in here they've been calm. Mostly keep to themselves in a corner."
Meilani sipped her tea, contemplating the next step. A tingle down her spine sent her eyes in the first direction that she felt a stare. She met Kakashi's gaze from across the street. His eye moved in the same direction his head tilted. She shook hers once and then smiled kindly at the woman.
"Have they questioned either you or your husband?"
"They're looking for a married couple, both about mid-40s in age. They said the wife has blue hair, and the husband black hair. Both tan, about average height."
She nodded, and finished her tea. "Thank you for the tea and the information. It was all very helpful."
She opened her pouch, but the woman shook her head.
"It was lovely chatting with someone. It made me feel so young gossiping with such a lovely young lady." She giggled.
"You're too kind, ma'am. Oh, do you possibly know a place where my friend and I can rent a few rooms?"
"Just up the road there's a lovely inn owned by my friend Mako Hawashi. Tell her Suki sent you."
"Thank you, Mrs Suki." She bowed gratefully and regrouped with Kakashi.
"Let's go here, the tea shop lady knows the owner." He followed Mei's lead and was impressed to see her manage to get two discounted rooms beside each other. Meilani insisted on Kakashi getting at least a few hours of sleep before discussing what they've learned.

"I've gone longer without sleep." He crossed his arms and leaned against her doorway.
"Nope, nah uh." She crossed her arms as well, and cocked her hip to the right. "You took watch all night and didn't even snooze while I made breakfast."
"We shouldn't waste time." He removed his shoes and entered her room. Mei looked at him incredulously.
"I wanted to get here last night and what did you say?"
He sighed dramatically, looking towards the ceiling. "Mei, I'm not a kid. I can handle myself."
She frowned, her eyes leering at the wall.
"I'll bring out the files." She uttered in defeat. He made his way to the table in front of the couch, raising a brow at her decision to sit on the floor between the couch and table.
"Comfortable?" He asked, sprawling across the couch.
"Is this my room or yours?" She huffed, spreading out the files on the chestnut table. "What did the book merchant tell you?"
"They've been here a few times, and usually not all at once." Kakashi tucked his left arm under the pillow supporting his head. "My, this couch is comfortable."
"At the tea shop, the lady told me she's seen about 4 total. Maybe we should call for backup."
Mei turned her head and looked at his hooded eye. She tsked at his seemingly bored expression, noticing the snug fit of his mask disguising a grin.
"What? I'm relaxed. And I don't think we need backup, we're not even sure if any of these mercenaries are rogues. Plus, with the state of the village I don't know if it's possible."
Mei shook her head and flipped her hair to the opposite side as she leaned back. Some of the ends of her hair remained on the couch or trapped between her back and the couch. Kakashi breathed in lavender, a scent he's found himself more content around, and one that he only noticed around her.
This is driving me crazy. He sighed deeply, and closed his eyes.
"Well, you're here. So I think we'll be okay."
His lips twitched to a smile even though his eyes remained shut. He listened to Meilani's quiet mutterings to herself and the ticking of the clock. He hummed quietly to himself as he felt the past 24 hours suddenly hit him.
He gasped slightly when a blanket was placed over him.