All right my dear readers, Chapter 3 is finally up! It's longer and hopefully more enjoyable! Chapter 4 should be coming out later this week, if my art project goes well that is. ~.^

CHAPTER 3: Annoying Persistence

"Kakashi-san, wait a minute please!" yelled the mousy woman, Shizune as she ran up to us, "You have to take Sanria-san today."

"What?" was his only response.

"Naruto-kun, Tsunade-sama needs to brief you on your latest mission with Gai-san's team. And Sakura-chan, you need to do some paper work for Tsunade-sama and finish your rounds at the hospital." She smiled apologetically. "Oh, and Kakashi-san, Tsunade-sama wants you to help Sanria-san find a place as close as possible to yours. You're to be her primary escort during her stay at Konoha with us."

The little orange book shut with a crisp snap, "If that is what the Hokage wishes, then I guess I have no choice, come along little girl."

"What!" now it was my turn for the single syllable response.

I chased after that annoying man to start my rant when I suddenly felt dizzy and my legs abandoned my weight. I was a little surprised to find myself not on the ground but supported by Kakashi from behind instead. One arm was around my waist and the other was holding up that silly book.

"You really are hopeless. Can you stand?" He asked without even a glance.

"Yeah," I replied as I pulled myself out of his grip.

"Hey, Nee-chan are you okay?" Naruto and Sakura had run up to the two of us.

"Maybe you should go back in the hospital for a few more days," Sakura added.

"No, I'm just a little light headed. I'll be fine walking around in the fresh air." I smiled and waved off their concern.

I looked around for Kakashi and found him once again leaving me behind. I wisely decided to walk after him rather than run, No need to waste my energy for that jerk!

As we walked through the city streets, I let my mind wander to the details of my situation. I obviously didn't have the strength for an escape, but I felt myself beginning to doubt if that was really the best thing to do. The best thing for me. Don't kid yourself, you know if you stay they'll find you and they'll kill off this village. I sighed absent mindedly as I followed…wait, where'd that jerk go? I'm off my game completely! I can't even keep track of one ninja! I finally took notice of my surroundings; I found I was wandering aimlessly through a shopping district. The farther I went the thicker the throngs of people crowded in the streets. Maybe I can just disappear in this crowd long enough to make an attempt for freedom. I began to weave deeper into the crowds until I spotted a narrow alleyway. I carelessly let the sea of people push me into the alley's direction. When I reached it, I tried to pick up my pace but was thwarted by tiny blasted spells of dizziness. That ninja has to be close by, but I can't sense him anywhere. He can't be as lazy as he looks. If only I had more strength!

"Looking for me?" I felt his hot breath on the back of my neck. I jumped and swung my left fist clumsily behind me. Kakashi easily caught and held it. "That's not very nice you know."

"Well it's not very nice to sneak up on people, either." I retorted and tried in vain to retrieve my wrist. "Just where did you go anyway?"

"Around. More importantly, where were you sneaking off to?" His one eye glared at me a little more sternly than what I had seen before.

"I wasn't sneaking," I lied. "I just wanted to get out of the crowd. In case you haven't noticed I'm not the most firm footed person around here." He still wouldn't let go of my wrist.

"You're right we should go." He finally let go of my wrist, but to my discomfort picked me up bridal style of all things and whisked me off to some unknown location or my death, never know with a guy like him.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?!" I thundered. I tried to push him away but my arms gave up on the fight with my draining strength. Damn. "Where," my breath felt short suddenly, "are you taking me, you jerk?" I asked again as my head started to lean toward his chest with heaviness. Oh, please don't pass out, I can't give him that satisfaction.

We finally stopped on a narrow outdoor hallway on an upper floor of what looked like a shabby apartment complex. "You really should be more courteous towards your host." He said smugly. I could tell he was enjoying himself with my predicament.

He set me down and leaned me against the wall. I could feel my energy draining faster and I strove harder to hide it. I watched Kakashi shuffle through his pockets and finally pull out a key which he inserted into the door next to my supportive wall. He seemed to be taking forever opening it too!

"Alright," He hooked his arm around my waist and walked me into the small apartment, "you'll have to stay here until you're place is set up."

"What? My place?" I glanced at him as he led me to a small sitting area.

"Mmhhmm. The Hokage is having the apartment next door set up just for you. You'll get some privacy, I'll get my apartment back and I'll also be close enough to catch you from running off again." His mask crinkled in what I guessed to be a smile as he stared down at me. He was quite a bit taller than me.

"I never ran off in the first, umff," he dropped me in the chair before I could brace myself, "place." He took the chair opposite mine and just stared intently at me. I glared back.

"I hope you realize the longer you lie about your purpose here, the harder the consequences are going to be on you." His stern look was back. I proceeded to look around the apartment to avoid it. I was facing the front door and my right side was open to a small kitchen. I turned and noticed another door on the kitchen side, closed, and the back wall had a door as well, bedroom maybe? My left side offered only a drab wall. I rubbed my head, I felt so very tired.

"You know Kakashi I don't really care for your advice right now. I haven't done anything wrong and it's not my fault that you and your team happened to spot me," a little harsh maybe, "by the way………. thank you for saving me, I don't believe I've actually said that."

"As round about as that is, you're welcome." Kakashi replied, still staring at me, "I'll make us some tea."

I was still in his field of vision but I was thankful for the relief from his none-to-subtle stare down interrogation attempt. I relaxed a little in the chair and closed my eyes.

I woke up to the bright morning light in a soft and warm bed. Shooting into a sitting position and clutching the blanket to me I tried to figure out where I was. Damn, where am I? What happened last night? Then I remembered I was at Kakashi's place. This must be that back room. I got up, clothes were still on good sign there, and walked around the tiny bedroom, sparse but cozy looking. A small desk sat across from the bed, on it where some papers and two picture frames. The first was of Kakashi, a younger Sakura and Naruto and another boy. The second picture showed four people in a similar pose to the first, one of the children I guessed was Kakashi with his grey hair, masked face, and grumpy look.

"He was kinda cute as a kid." I smiled to myself.

"Why thank you." Was the reply from right behind me. I jumped, bumping the desk and knocking over the two frames.

"Can't you knock or make a noise when you sneak up on someone?" I glared at him and his closeness to my position.

"That's a bit purpose defeating now isn't it." His mask crinkled as he reached across me to reset the frames. "How are you feeling? Up for some breakfast?" He started for the door without waiting for my answer and I reluctantly followed.

"Fine. Sure. What time is it?"

We walked to the kitchen where a plate with an egg and some rice, was laid out on a small table with its lonely chair beside it.

"Afternoon. When you're finished we'll head out."

I didn't bother inquiring about that comment and watched him retire to the living room as I sat down to breakfast. Suspicious as I was, my stomach took command and I obeyed. After all I had only had that apple from the previous afternoon. Wow he's not that bad of a cook! I finished the meal quickly, washed up, and turned to join Kakashi in the living room. "Oh!" I gasped at Kakashi's sudden appearance in the doorway. I don't know why I'm still surprised I should be used to this sort of stalking by now.

"So what now my good jailer?" I smiled sarcastically.

"We'll go on a small tour of the town and get you some history lessons." He replied as he opened the front door and took out his book. "Don't lag behind, I won't carry you this time."

"Won't give you the pleasure." I retorted and trotted after him.

After some boring, mostly useless information about the background of Konoha; the tour of the town was much more entertaining. I didn't see Sakura anywhere as we passed the hospital. However, I did take notice of Kakashi's constant glances in my direction. He must be waiting for me to slip up.

"I remember you said something about not liking to fight when you first woke up in the hospital. Since that hasn't worked too well in your favor, would you like to learn some simple self defense techniques?" His eye never left his book, "Should be handy if you keep your habit to go traipsing through the forest without any form of protection."

I looked away thinking about that fateful day. Absently, my hand went to my right wrist, "Oh my God! Where is it?! I hadn't even noticed it was gone!"

Kakashi glanced up from his book.

I looked at him a little desperately. "You wouldn't happen to know, would you? Kakashi?"

"Hmm?" He was back to his book, "I might've heard something about it. Why do you ask?"

"Why do I ask?" I gawked at him, "Because it belongs to me. Now do you know or don't you?"

"Maybe."

"Kakashi!" I smacked his arm and huffed, "I need it back, it's the only thing I have left…" I trailed off.

That was the wrong thing to say. Kakashi put away his book and bent down to my eye level for another stare down. My head only reached the base of his neck after all. "Left of what, hmm? An old flame maybe?" His mask crinkled with his teasing.

I tried to shrug him off and go around him but he blocked my path, "You won't get it back unless you tell me."

I felt my face flush, I didn't want to tell him but I also wanted my bracelet back. I turned away from him in an attempt to hide my reddening face, "It's boring really, you wouldn't find it interesting at all."

"Try me."

He's really going to push me, damn it why does he have to be so persistent? I crossed my arms defensively, "Fine, it was a gift from my mother. Happy? I told you it wasn't very interesting." Still facing away from him, I squeezed my eyes shut to fight off the sudden urge to cry. I haven't thought about my family in years, why does he have to stir up all these cursed emotions?

I felt a tap on my shoulder, "that wasn't so hard now was it?" I turned to see Kakashi holding my bracelet up for me to take.

I took it carefully in both of my hands. The familiar white metal felt warm in my hands as I turned it, inspecting the braided designthat melded together on the bottom half of the circlet. I could tell it was happy to be back with me. I slipped it on my wrist and felt the ancient power hidden within my bracelet reunite with my own energy. My hand was suddenly taken into possession by Kakashi's much larger hand.

"You have very small hands and wrists. No wonder you don't like fighting, you wouldn't be any good at it." He was staring intently at me again.

I glared, "You really know how to charm the ladies don't you?" retrieving my hand.

"Haha come on, I'll show you the training grounds." He was rubbing the back of his head and walking off towards the edge of town.

I rolled my eyes and chased after him, again.