It was raining as Naruto ran up the mountain. He'd failed the gradation exam. He'd studied so hard. Tried his best, but had been unable to pass. No matter how much he practiced, his clones never turned out right, and his henge always had something wrong. The pouring rain was deafening as he sat against his rock. He sat there. He didn't cry. He'd have to try harder. He turn the sky and let the rain wash away his disappointment.
He heard a splash next to him and turned. The man in the dog mask pulled him into a hug letting Naruto know he knew what had happened. Naruto sighed, then smiled up at the man. The man tilted his head to the side, his wet silver hair falling to his shoulders giving him a wet dog look. Naruto laughed and shrugged.
The rain beat around them as the two came to an understanding. Naruto watched as the man pushed Naruto's blonde hair off his forehead. He lifted his mask up revealing only his smiling mouth. The man carefully pressed his lips to Naruto's forehead before putting his mask back down to cover his mouth.
He ruffled Naruto's hair. Naruto snapped out of his surprised state and blushed furiously. To hide the blush he looked up at the sky to calm down before looking back at the dog ANBU and smiling. The man ruffled his hair again and Naruto close his eyes,content. He liked being around this man, Naruto felt warm when he was near him.
The man moved his hand and leaned back against the stone. Naruto followed suit and closed his eyes. Slowly he fell asleep, just drifting into it. He didn't notice the hours pass, or the man finally stand and pick him up. He didn't see the trees flash by as they left the mountain. He didn't know when they got to his apartment and the man broke in. He didn't feel the man remove his wet clothes and put his pajamas on him before tucking him in. He didn't see the man remove his mask and kiss his forehead before leaving. He smiled as warmth invaded him pulling him deeper into sleep.
Naruto was excited, he was finally a ninja and was about to meet his new jounin sensei. Even Sasuke being on his team couldn't dampen his excitement.
Carefully he put a chalk eraser above the door and grinned. Suddenly he felt Dog somewhere, he was about to look when suddenly the door opened and the eraser hit silver hair. Naruto started laughing. He stopped when his sensei started speaking. He didn't hear a word the man said, he was too busy listening to the sound of his voice. It felt calming to Naruto. He felt entranced. He found himself suddenly outside on the roof with his teammates and sensei. He found out his sensei' name was Kakashi Hatake, and that Sakura disliked him, and that Sasuke lived for revenge. He filed the information away for later. He barely caught what Kakashi said before leaving. That night Naruto couldn't sleep.
The next morning he met Sasuke and Sakura on a bridge where they waited for Kakashi for three hours before he showed up with a crummy excuse.
He listened as his sensei explained the mission. He felt his heart sink, but a second later determination flooded him. He reflected on this later as he was tied to a stump. His hunger had gotten the better of him. He watched his sensei walk away after giving Sakura and Sasuke specific instructions not to feed him. To make it worse he could still feel Dog around somewhere, but couldn't pinpoint his location. He was snapped out of his thoughts as Sasuke practically shoved food at him. He couldn't believe it when Sasuke convinced Sakura to feed him. He ate a couple bites then almost choked when Kakashi stormed towards them out of no where. He closed his eyes as Kakashi yelled at them, then opened them in surprise when Kakashi suddenly told them they passed. Naruto watched as Sakura and Sasuke left the training grounds. He was silent as Kakashi cut him loose. Naruto dropped to the ground then stood up. He felt a hand ruffle his hair, and the pieces connected. He turned to his sensei, "Kakashi-sensei. You're Dog aren't you?" he asked.
Kakashi blinked at him then smiled, "Maa Naruto-kun, how'd you know?" he asked walking beside Naruto.
Naruto rubbed the back of his head, "I've been feeling Dog's presence somewhere near, but I wasn't sure where. The pieces connected when you ruffled my hair." he said. They were nearing Naruto's apartment by then.
Kakashi smiled, "Good job." he said. Naruto invited him in. Kakashi followed him. The place was a dump, the only difference from the other day was no expired milk. "Ne, Kakashi-sensei. I got that hot chocolate jutsu down. Would you like some?" Naruto asked. Kakashi laughed and nodded. Naruto grinned and formed the sign, pushing his chakra into it. Soon the scent of rich chocolate permeated the air. Naruto watched as Kakashi slowly moved his hand up towards his mask. "Um," Naruto started, "I can close my eyes if you want Kakashi-sensei." he offered.
Kakashi looked at him seriously, then he suddenly smiled, "It's okay. I don't mind you seeing. I mean you've already seen my mouth." he said pulling his mask down leaving his face and throat bare. He sipped the chocolate and hummed contentedly. He noticed Naruto staring, a light blush on his cheeks. Kakashi raised a brow, "What's wrong Naruto?" he asked.
Naruto shook his head, "Nothing. It's just..." he trailed off, his blush darkening. "It's just... you're so pretty." Naruto mumbled staring at Kakashi. Kakashi felt a blush cover his cheeks.
"Arigatou, Naruto. I'm glad you think so. I think you're pretty too." Kakashi said. He watched as Naruto turned cherry-colored, and busied himself with his hot chocolate. The two sat in companionable silence as they finished drinking. When Kakashi stood up Naruto stood also, and walked Kakashi to the door. Kakashi turned suddenly and kissed Naruto's cheek before pulling up his mask and leaving. Naruto stood stunned as his heart beat fast and his face turned red. He rubbed a hand to his chest to sooth the rapidly beating muscle. He turned and got ready for bed on auto pilot. He got in and closed his eyes. He smiled, because his collection of happy memories was growing.