Honoka

The Bath House

A/N: Drawing above made by me! Age gap is whatever you want to to be, but above legal drinking age. I hope you enjoy!

*

I was sitting in a tavern somewhere in the Land of Fire when I heard a boisterous, loud voice booming from a few booths away. I groaned, holding my head. Do they realize what time it is? I thought to myself.  Do I realize what time it is? It must be well past midnight. Who could possibly be this energetic right now?

My questions may have been rhetorical, but I soon got an answer.

“Pervy Sage!” I heard a teen yelling from the door. “You’re supposed to be training me! That’s why we’re in this stinking town, remember?”

I peered around the wooden booths to see a blond kid pouting with his arms crossed. He was now standing at the booth with the loud man. I noticed the man had a few women sitting at the table with him and shot glasses covered the table. His face looked red with embarrassment, but honestly it could have been the alcohol. With a loud awkward laugh, he pulled the blond kid into a headlock.

“How many times have I told you to stop calling me that, kid?”

“Well maybe you should stop being pervy,” the kid retaliated. “Hey, stop punching me! Do you want to fight here, old man?!”

The women at the table giggled amongst themselves as the two argued. Eventually they calmed down and the younger boy finally convinced the white haired man to leave. The tavern was once again quiet and I was able to enjoy my sake in peace.

*

Finishing my drink and the food I had ordered, I payed my tab and strolled to the inn I was staying at. The night was still and the moon was high. The air was cool and refreshing on my heated face. A soft breeze tussled my hair and I felt so much at peace. I decided to take a detour to the hot spring to really get the full effect of my sake and relaxation.

My movements were sluggish as I undressed and folded my clothes. I noticed someone else had left their clothes here, but since it was just the two of us this late, hopefully she wouldn’t bother me too much. I wasn’t in a talking mood at all tonight; I just wanted to hear the running water and the music of the night from the frogs and crickets.

I eased myself into the water and draped the towel over my face in hopes of deterring any conversation.

“Excuse me… Miss?”

Damn… Wait. I froze, hoping my ears were lying to me. That voice didn’t sound like another woman at all. I slowly reached up and pulled the towel off my face only to lock eyes with the white haired man from the tavern.

“What are you doing in here?” I said, sobering up a little.

“I could ask you the same thing,” he chuckled, crossing his arms and tilting his head slightly.

“But you’re…” I looked around the spring to find the other woman, but I soon realized we were the only two here. Am I… did I walk into the men’s bath by mistake? My eyes grew wide with the realization. “Please forgive me,” I rushed, bowing my head. “I didn’t mean to enter the wrong bath. I had just been at the tavern and I’ll admit I walked here in a stupor since the night was just so lovely.” I placed the towel in front of my chest and moved to leave.

“Don’t apologize,” he said sincerely. “I’m sure we’ve all been there before. I know I have,” he let out a hearty laugh at just the thought of it. “I promise to keep my distance if you would prefer to stay since you are already here.”

I looked him up and down suspiciously.

“I promise,” he swore, holding his hand over his heart. “I’m a ninja and a gentleman. I love the company of a beautiful woman as much as the next man, but I will never make a lady uncomfortable on purpose. If you would prefer to leave, I will look the other way and pretend this never happened.”