The palace that Aoi's group was approaching, could be described many ways, and words that many used were huge and beautiful. Both were accurate descriptions, but didn't do the place justice. The sweeping gardens were shaded with beautiful cherry trees, the red of the fruit shining in great contrast to the green foliage that tried to hide the fruit from sight. A rock garden was tucked to one side, and on the other side held carefully tended plants, most seemingly just for show. A koi pond was tucked into a corner under a tree, the tranquil setting calming the nerves of many who sat at a bench to look in the waters.

All this was encompassed in large walls, keeping the outside world at bay. The house went on for quite a while, but the traditional Japanese style persisted no matter where you looked, the rice paper screens shielding the inhabitants from anyone nosy enough to try and spy from far away. Kaori's team gaped at the sight of the picturesque scenery, at a loss for words. Shikamaru continued forward, walking slightly behind Aoi and his guard.

Suddenly the main door was flung open, and a gruff figure was shown in the frame. His clothing was simple in design, but the cloth that made it was a smooth silk that rustled slightly with his movements. A greying beard adorned his face, but bright blue eyes shone forth with piercing intensity. "Is it true?" The man looked around, and his gaze finally rested on Aoi. "Kou-sama... You've returned..." A tear was in the old man's eye, but remembering who Aoi was pretending to be, he fell to the ground bowing in low. "Welcome home Kou-sama, we worried for your safety."

Aoi dipped his head in acknowledgement, hidden slightly behind the guards that led the way. Mamoru stepped forward. "Rise, and inform the lord of his daughter's return." Acting immediately, the man bowed once again, then ran from the courtyard. He left the door open, and huffing slightly Mamoru reached forward to close it.

"You must be tired from your journey, Kou-sama, allow me to escort you to your room." Aoi nodded, following after the shorter man.

Kaori turned to Shikamaru. "What should we do now?"

He seemed to consider the question, glancing at the retreating figures. "Our best option right now would be to follow after them, it shouldn't be too odd after all." Everyone nodded, and began to follow after the two at what could be considered a respectful distance.

_+_

The door slid shut behind the group after Mamoru had beckoned them inside. "Now the real mission begins." One or two confused faces were shown, but he went on. "Aoi was fine on the way here without speaking, but if my guess is correct, they will want to throw some form of a welcome home party for K-Aoi here. As the center of the party, it is expected that Aoi will be talked to quite often, and need to respond."

"I see what the problem it here." Shikamaru looked into the man's eyes. "Aoi has a different way of speaking than the princess. To put it bluntly, compared to the way she talks, he sounds uneducated."

"Exactly. From what I gather, shinobi can usually replicate voice tones rather well, dialect is a different matter however." Everyone turned to Aoi, who sat straight backed on a cushion seeming to pay close attention.

Aoi looked from face to face, wondering if he should say anything. "I think that, if taught, I could copy her speech patterns."

"We're going to have to try... Not to mention etiquette though, we have quite the job set out for us." Mamoru looked around the room. "We're going to get started, so please try and help out to the best of your abilities. I'm going to need to teach Aoi who a few notable people are, so I need one of you to go to the library to get me some documents." The group nodded, and the next six hours were spent cramming whatever might be needed in various situations down Aoi's throat.

_+_

"I still haven't caught any trace of her, are we sure she fled in this direction!?" Kiba's voice came over the headset, complaining like it had for the past four days.

Murasaki sighed, obviously fed up with either the question or Kiba's voice. "For nearing the tenth time today, yes we are. Perhaps if you kept your mouth shut, and your eyes open we could find her. The biggest thing we need right now is patience."

"We don't seem any closer to finding her than we were yesterday, there is no way a princess could get this far away on foot."

There was no reply for a while. "Unfortunately, I think you're right. I don't think she would stay in the woods this long either, without seeking some form of shelter or a town..."

"W-well I think I remember a nearby town being on the map..." Hinata's voice chimed in. There was silence for a few moments.

"Here is what we will do then. Since night is falling, we can probably stay in town tonight, after we find the town that is. From there we can gather information, and if it's a dead end we're back to the forest. Let's meet up first..."

"Right." All three chorused, and soon the group was standing face to face. After a quick look at the map to confirm the direction of their destination, they set out. More than one mind happy at the prospect of sleeping in a bed.

_+_

Chattering voices and light filled the hall as Aoi sat next to the lord of the palace. The evening was just beginning to get underway as people made their way into the banquet hall, positioning themselves along the elongated table set in the middle of the room. Richly clad women trailed slightly behind their husbands as they found their seats, the colors overwhelming in variation. Soon though, everyone was seated around the table, and all looked toward the head of the table as Aoi's 'father' began to speak.

"I thank you all for finding the time to celebrate my daughter's homecoming along with us today. Though worry filled my heart during her absence, nothing can compare to the joy that has replaced it since her return." Smiles were forced on faces and directed toward the head of the table, though a few could be found to be genuine. "It is our sincere wish that you, our distinguished guests, are able to share in this joy as we dine tonight." Murmurs of agreement spilled from lips as wine glasses were raised in a brief toast. "Let the banquet commence, as we eat in celebration of her wellness."

At this preordained signal, servers spilled into the massive hall, each carrying a silver tray topped with beautifully garnished foods. Voices picked up once again as the food was served and people began their meal. Aoi gazed calmly around the room, with a light of interest held in his eyes. Looking down at the food placed before him, he tried to remember all of the advice and coaching that had been drilled into him.

Gently picking up a fork that had gleaming golden designs running down the length, he carefully speared a piece of the crisp green leaves that made up his salad. After the first bite, someone directly to his left began to speak.

"Kou-sama, it is so nice to see you!" The excitement in the woman's voice sounded almost genuine as she gave a bright smile. "I hope your travels were peaceful."

Aoi looked over, and remembering what Mamoru had said, gave a genuine seeming smile in return. "It was such a lovely trip. The villages we stayed in were so quaint and lively." Aoi spoke in a higher register than usual, trying his hardest to keep the chatter light and unimportant.

"Oh, but I almost forgot!" A hand flew to the woman's face, seeming to accent her apparent shock. "I heard that you were attacked by bandits on your way back. Oh it must have been so terrifying!"

Aoi hesitated a moment or two, unsure of how to respond. "I didn't see much," was the response he finally decided on, but the look on the woman's face seemed to urge him to continue. The smile returned to his face as the gears in his head tried to generate a thoughtless answer. "Why, the fight was over so quickly, it was astonishing! Those shinobi truly are skilled."

It seemed like a good enough answer for her, as she let out a tinkling laugh. Aoi joined in, even though he had no idea why. "I'm so glad that you have returned in time for your wedding though! I hope you don't mind, but I saw a glimpse of the dress. You are going to look so beautiful in it!"

Aoi laughed a little, buying some time to think of a response. "I am slightly nervous, it's such a big event."

"I know what you mean. When I was to marry Lord Hinoshita, I had butterflies in my stomach the entire month leading to the wedding." The meaningless chatter continued for a while through the meal, and soon the plates were whisked away, only to be replaced by another course.

Aoi picked up the next set of silverware for the course, hesitating only slightly at the selection from the various eating implements spread before him. He deftly cut a piece of the meat from the portion placed before him, delicately bringing it up to his mouth. Once Aoi had fully gotten the flavor, he was shocked by the sheer amount of spice used on the meat.

"Oh I just love the spices imported from the Land of Lightning. The eccentric flavor is almost too much to handle, wouldn't you agree Kou-sama?" Aoi sent a smile her way, ignoring the burning sensation on his tongue.

"It tastes so wild, much like the land in which it was found I suppose." She laughed in agreement, finding Aoi's remark witty. Reaching carefully over the plate, Aoi secured his hand on a tall glass filled with a deep red wine.

The woman beside him noticed, and smiled as Aoi delicately took a sip. "Sometimes the spice can get a little out of hand though. Thankfully the wine helps to cool it."

The burning in Aoi's mouth dulled after a sip or two and he smiled in agreement. "It has a rich flavor as well, it compliments the spice wonderfully." More meaningless chatter ensued between the two, until this course, too, was cleared from before them.

When the next course was placed before everyone again, Aoi could feel a faint cloudiness in the back of his mind. It alarmed him slightly, but he didn't let it show and continued to chat to the best of his ability with the woman beside him. Looking back, Aoi found trouble remembering exactly what that course consisted of. The red wine Aoi had been gently sipping was soon cleared away as a white one took its place. The accompanying plate of food that was served with it complimented the flavor of the liquid, making both seem to taste better in comparison.

Nothing happened with Aoi's outward demeanor, but gradually Aoi felt the fog covering the rational part of his mind. Perhaps because of this, he seemed to be able to talk better to the people around him, keeping the chatter light and irrelevant. It was as if his mind was a cloud, and no thoughts really mattered.

Eventually the end of the meal came, and small cup of sake was placed before everyone as the lord of the palace stood again to address the crowd once more. Aoi tried to listen intently, but it was all for naught as he remembered nothing that had been said. Everyone toasted and drank the sake, and gradually people left to return to their bedrooms. Aoi waited until most people were clear of the room before politely excusing himself.

As he stood, he stumbled slightly, but when one or two worried glances were cast his way, he smiled encouragingly as if nothing had happened. He continued from the room, and was joined by a few guards and Migota as they traveled down the hall. Pushing back the door, Aoi and Migota stepped into his room, shutting the door behind them.

Mamoru stuck his head through the door that led to the room's private bathroom before emerging entirely. "It seems you did wonderfully, Aoi, thank you for all the hard work." The rest of the team spilled from the bathroom as well, taking places around the table.

Aoi nodded and smiled brightly at everyone. "It was so fun," He twirled lightly before planting face first into the cushions on the bed. Shikamaru immediately started, surprised at Aoi, and then leaned in closer to try and assess him.

Ryo, Kodomo, and Kaori shared a look while Migota stared at Aoi's form with incredulity. Shikamaru spoke first. "Aoi, are you feeling alright?"

Aoi's face reappeared from the piles of cloth, with a big smile on it. "Of course I am, Shika-kun~!" His lilting way of saying the sentence making it seem like he sang it.

"Er... right. So what happened at the banquet?" Aoi sat up at Shikamaru's question, seeming excited. The shoulder of Aoi's kimono slipped slightly, but he didn't seem to notice as he sat tranquil on the bed.

"You wouldn't believe it! So Lady Hinoshita sat next to me, and we talked almost all night, it was so fun. The food was amazing too, except the meat with the spices from the Land of Lightning, it was too strange and made my mouth burn. There was a really good drink there, but I don't remember what it was... Oh, and there was a man across from me, and he was really nice and talked about the garden or something like plants. The colors of his clothing was really bright though, so I found it hard to focus on what he was saying." Aoi paused a moment to breath, and Shikamaru took the chance to jump in.

"A really good drink?" Understanding seemed to take over Shikamaru's face, but everyone was still gaping at the usually silent and reserved Aoi.

Aoi nodded, his whole body rocking with the motion. The cloth on his shoulders slid farther off, revealing a good portion of his chest. Kaori and Migota averted their gazes, blushing slightly at the sight. Kodomo had a light of jealousy in his eyes. "The first one was a dark red, and the other was clear like water, but it tasted better. There was the last drink too, and it tasted a little like rice."

"He's drunk, isn't he?" Ryo cast a final glance at Aoi before fixing his gaze on Shikamaru. Said boy nodded, slightly shocked at the revelation himself. Everyone stared at the blue haired boy who sat lazily on the bed. The pins in his hair had fallen loose, causing a few strands to tickle his collarbone. The makeup that was on his face had been covering his face was rubbed off on the covers of his bed and his usually pole straight posture was lazy and slouching.

When he realized everyone's faces he laughed. "Shika-kun, you look funny. Why are your eyebrows all scrunched up like that?" In a flash, Aoi was in front of Shikamaru, pulling his eyebrows apart. When Shikamaru swatted his hands away, all Aoi did was giggle.

Aoi continued to try and mess with Shikamaru's face, and each time Shikamaru would repeat the action of swatting his hands away, and each time Aoi would giggle. A light tapping on the window stopped the repetitive actions, snapping everyone from their daze of confusion. Everyone turned to the window, and Ryo stood to investigate. After a moment he opened the window, and Aoi's bird flew into the room.

Losing interest in Shikamaru, Aoi held out his hand, beckoning the bird to come to him. When it landed on his finger, he squealed slightly in delight. Migota went across the room over to Shikamaru as Aoi began to pet the bird on his finger.

"Hey Shikamaru, what do we do now?" Migota's voice sounded like she was trying to hold back laughter as she spoke.

Shikamaru turned to whisper in Migota's ear this time. "I don't really know. Never expected this to happen."

"Well we can't really leave him li-" Migota was cut off as two arms appeared around her shoulders.

Aoi giggled, and the bird that was on his finger now sat on his head. "Mi-chan, let me in on the secrets~"

"M-Mi-chan?" Migota turned around, only to blush at the close proximity of Aoi's face. Aoi simply nodded in affirmation.

Kodomo let out a throaty cough. "Yeah, Mi-chan. It isn't nice to keep secrets." Migota shot him a glare, and Kodomo simply smiled.

"It isn't a secret, I was just asking Shikamaru a question." Migota glared at Kodomo.

Aoi pouted slightly, sitting down on a cushion with a flop. After sitting down he fell backwards, and as the bird flew off onto the table, Aoi's head fell into Kaori's lap. Her hands fluttered wildly over Aoi's head, unsure what to do. "I-um... uh..." She glanced over at her teammates for help, but Ryo took an unhealthy interest in the drapes hanging by the window, and Kodomo was to busy trying to contain his laughter. "You guys are horrible."

"Ah, come on Kaori," Kodomo said with a snort. "It seems like he calmed down a little at least." He laughed a little, hiding it behind his hand.

Just then, Aoi flipped over to look at Kodomo. "You know Koko-chan, it isn't nice to laugh at people. Look at how upset Ri-chan is~" Everyone started this time except Kodomo. Kodomo was beyond mad at the mention of the nickname Murasaki stuck him with.

"Aoi, you could tell Kaori was upset?" Shikamaru questioned.

Nodding his head, Aoi circled his finger in the air. "It's kinda obvious. I mean if you look at her eyes, they are squinted slightly, and her mouth is ever so slightly turned down at the corners. Not to mention there is a tenseness in the muscles on her neck. And special for her," Aoi stopped circling his finger in the air and let his arm fall slightly so his finger rested on her nose. "Ri-chan's nose twitches when she gets upset."

Shikamaru shook his head lightly. "Even while drunk, he is as observant as ever." Migota and Ryo nodded agreement. Kaori still sat there, and Aoi hadn't moved his finger from her nose yet. Everyone turned then at the dark aura that came from Kodomo's direction.

"Aoi... Why did you call me Koko-chan?"

Sitting up so his legs were folded under him, Aoi faced Kodomo with a stern expression. "Because Koko-chan is Koko-chan, and that's your name!" A grin split over Aoi's face.

With a grunt like roar, Kodomo launched himself at Aoi. Even with his mind clouded from the affects of alcohol, Aoi reacted to the attack. Ducking slightly under Kodomo's airborn body, Aoi lifted his hands, one pulling down on his head and the other pushing up on his stomach. Kodomo landed harshly on the floor, even with his fall being broken by the cushions scattered around. The air knocked out of him, Kodomo was unaware of his surrounding and the fact that his head now rested in the lap of Aoi.

For his part, Aoi was sitting cross-legged with Kodomo's head in his lap. His hair was barely held up at all, but his face was surprisingly clear of the blue strands. The cherry blossom pink kimono was held on him almost solely by the light grey obi at his waist, exposing his toned chest and ab muscles. He looked down at Kodomo, who had his eyes closed in slight pain from his landing. The image seemed to resemble one that would be found as fan service in a manga from the store back in Konoha. Kaori and Migota blushed at the scene, and even Ryo seemed slightly embarrassed by the scene, turning away from the two. Shikamaru kept a straight face for the most part.

Before Kodomo could open his eyes however, Aoi fell to the side, the wall stopping his descent to the floor. Before even a single word was uttered, a soft snore could be heard from Aoi, and after a moment, everyone was certain that he was asleep. More than one person breathed a sigh of relief at the realization.

A brief cough came from the corner of the room, and everyone turned to the long forgotten Mamoru. "That was certainly unexpected."

Shikamaru nodded. "I agree. There is also one thing we need to remember though, don't let Aoi have alcohol for the rest of the time we're here." Everyone nodded agreement, and once Kodomo sat up, they all stared at the sleeping blue haired boy, who was breathing deeply as he leaned on the wall.

_+_

So, there's the next chapter for ya! Started out pretty boring, but hopefully got a little interesting as it went on. ^.^ I sure had fun writing it out... I don't know if anyone saw that coming, but meh. I don't have much to say, except that I'm sorry I didn't post it sooner. I had half of it typed up on Saturday, but when Sunday came around and I meant to type up the rest, I got a fever and overall felt crappy. I'm all better now though! Dedication to KawaiiNepetaChan for the riddle last time. Same thing this time with the riddle, so here ya go.

What force and strength cannot get through, I with a gentle touch can do. And many in the street would stand, were I not a friend at hand. What am I?

Tell me what you thought of drunk Aoi. It probably won't happen much, if at all, in the chapters to come, but I felt it would be fun to have happen. Hope you liked it! And if you did, go ahead and click that vote button. Drop a comment and let me know what you think. Or check out my other stories. I have three, but one is being completely rewritten, and the other two are... slower updates. See ya next time!

-Nicky~