I feel it coming out my throat,

Guess I better wash my mouth out with soap,

God, I wish I never spoke,

Now I gotta wash my mouth out with soap

-Soap; by Melanie Martinez

The decision to go to Kakashi's apartment took a lot of time and effort, on top of careful consideration. Mito knew that by visiting her father, she was risking a lot. She didn't know how he'd be when she arrived, and that frightened her. She could hope he would be somewhat surprised by her arrival, but she couldn't say for sure. Mito knew that her father's emotions were generally well hidden, and he very rarely showed how he truly felt when the situation called for it. So with the young girl choosing to go see him after a period of weeks made her anxious. It made her second-guess herself. Was she making the right decision, going to visit him? She couldn't say for sure. Ayame would claim that, after their discussion, it would be for the best to see Kakashi. Apparently, he'd have some kind of answer to Mito's little bullying problem.

Even if I chose not to go, Mito thought, he'd still figure it out eventually. I'm sure of it. Ma would figure out a way to let him know without actually talking to him.

Letting out a sigh, the young girl knew that she'd have to tell her father. Ayame would go completely insane if he wasn't told. That was the kind of mother she was. It was overwhelming, at times. Almost suffocating.

So, after Ayame chose to go lay down for a little bit, Mito decided to quietly step out to see her father. Maybe he'd have some interesting input on what to do, but that didn't stop the emotions swirling inside the young girl. She was bothering her father, a highly skilled shinobi, because she was being bullied. How lame is that?

Gently closing the door behind her, Mito felt her heart hammering painfully in her chest. She had to keep going. She had to go to her father's apartment. If she turned back for any reason, she'd be absolutely pissed.

╮( ˘ ､ ˘ )╭

The Leaf Village was fairly large. There were a variety of places to go to, which was always reassuring. That usually meant there would never be a dull day in the village. At the same time, though, for those who spent their whole life in the village may find all of it a bit boring. Even more so for the younger generation. Mito found herself feeling a bit indifferent towards her home. She spent her whole life there, but she found nothing particularly special about it. Ichiraku's Ramen was a popular hang-out for shinobi and civilians alike. Hokage Rock was a monument of sorts, but there were still people who'd go up there from time to time. The village's cemetery seemed to be a go-to site, too. It was mostly visited by shinobi who lost their comrades. Mito's father did that a lot. He'd visit the cemetery or the Memorial Stone for hours at a time.

Mito couldn't imagine how it felt, knowing that his best friends' names were etched on that stone. She couldn't imagine the pain he must feel, visiting their memorial and graves as often as he did.

Shaking her head, Mito shoved those thoughts out of her head. She didn't want to think that way. If she had any friends in the Academy, the last thing she'd ever want to see is their names on the Memorial Stone. A shiver ran up Mito's spine at that.

You've got to stop thinking that way, she thought. Why would you even think about the loss of friends? Yeah, it's part of a shinobi's life, but it's still demented to think about.

Wrapping her arms around herself, Mito tried her best to distract herself. The village looked particularly busy, people coming and going, going about their daily lives. It was a reassuring sight. It reminded Mito that there were people doing their best to live a genuine life. Konoha was a large prosperous nation, and because of that, it had a lot to offer people. That was probably the main reason Ayame sought refuge in the village after Uzushio was destroyed. If she could make it in the Land of Fire, then she could make it anywhere. And, for the most part, it seemed that she was achieving that.

Looking around, Mito felt a wave of anxiety wash over her when her father's apartment building came into view. She was so close, too close to turn back.

Just tell him what he needs to know, Mito thought. Ma'll have your head if you don't do this! Just get it over with, okay?

Quickening her pace, the teen tried to keep herself focused at the task at hand. Get to Kakashi and inform him of the issue at the Academy. Simple. Easy. Shouldn't be too difficult.

Right?

╮( ˘ ､ ˘ )╭

It was difficult. It was very difficult. Mito stood outside her father's apartment building for the last five minutes, debating whether or not she wanted to enter. She had hurried from her mother's place to her father's building, only to freeze. How embarrassing.

Running a hand through her hair, Mito felt her chest tighten. All she had to do was go in and find her father's apartment. It wasn't — and shouldn't — be as difficult as she was making it.

Swallowing thickly, Mito decided to push aside any insecurities, doubts, or uncertainties she felt and went inside the building. What could possibly go wrong, right?

(A/N):

First, I'd like to apologize for the wait on this chapter. Second, I'd like to apologize for how poorly written this is. Last, leave constructive criticism where you think it's due.

Do I own anything in the Naruto Universe? No. No I don't. All I own are my OCs, my subplots, and the clothes I wear. If you've got ideas for OCs or subplots, be sure to PM me or leave a review. I'll add them in as soon as possible. Also, be sure to tell me if my writing gets confusing in any way. I'll work on fixing it as quickly as I can.

Be sure to leave a random fact or story in the reviews, if you want. It can be on something old or on something new; it's up to you guys.

Thanks so, so much!

Bella Lillis