A/N: Thank you everyone who reviewed! You guys are the best, and have been supporting me since the begining. Its amazing really this story has already in only seven chapters a thousand pageviews. Quite a few ghost readers. Keep reading and enjoying the story everyone.

Anyways I need to get this out now if you have not read the first part do so now! In this chapter there is a bit about Akane's past so please do that or else some of what they say will make little sense.

Oh and...tadda...a tiny bit of fluff...Or I think its fluff...I'm not to good with all those acronyms for everything.

So please review. I don't care if you email me or something just review. The reviews will help me for the next chapter.

Enjoy!

Chapter 7: A One Sided Admission When he saw Naruto he knew his guess was right. Tapping his foot impatiently the fifteen year old looked as though he were fired up like he had seen Lee so many times. The strange green clad boy often reminded Kakashi of Gai, which was not a good thing for the young man's health in his opinion, not that he outwardly cared much for anyone's health…any student of Gai's who listens so intently ends up messed up in one way or another mentally.

"Yo!" Kakashi said curtly. Naruto had interrupted him and it bothered him a lot. "You sure you didn't wake the entire building…street maybe?" Kakashi grumbled. He was not going to let Naruto think one minute he was at his beck and call, no way. Not for ruining…his moment.

"I wanted to train…no one will help me."

"And so you whine at me about it?" His voice almost to harsh. Kakashi knew he was being nasty to the boy…but Naruto was ruining his time with Akane, and he really wanted to eventually work himself up the courage to tell her, or t least try…he had to or else she would freak out eventually…or so he felt.

I'm a mess.

"Sensei?"

"Yes Naruto…?" Kakashi glared down at the boy, pinching the bridge of his nose as though he had a headache. Considering who was in his door it was not really a surprise.

"Why are you so mad today…did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" Naruto said this all the while gently scratching his nose self-consciously; something he learned from Iruka was Kakashi's guess.

"…" Then he noticed how nervous he had made Naruto. "I'm sorry Naruto…this is a bad time." He sighed. It was best with Naruto to use the Iruka approach…the same one the younger man used on him when he didn't feel like being bothered over something.

"But…"

"I'm sorry Naruto…as much as beating you senseless makes me smile…I have more pressing things to do." He didn't miss the scowl.

"Kaka-sensei…you're so mean…just a few minutes. I can beat you now…I'm stronger than I used to be." Kakashi laughed. Although Naruto had grown there was still a similarity with the old Naruto…the same one that was determined to show him how good he was…even though unbeknownst to the young man that he had Kakashi's full respect.

"Oh…left something on the stove...gatta go..." He slammed the door on the boy's face, of course the only thing on the stove was the kettle but it was off, he guessed counting it as sitting on the stove was good enough, even though he knew that was a lie.

"So you lie to him?" She had to hear all that. "You make it sound like you despise him…no wonder he demands a match all the time." She crossed her arms. Clearly she was not happy with the conversation he had had with Naruto. The stance she had now was enough to tell him that, but at the same time it was making him feel things as well.

"Maa…One day you'll do it too…just you wait." Kakashi smiled. "He's just exuberant…sometimes I need to…" He grasped his chin in thought. "Slow him down." he smiled. Clearly she was not going to buy that one.

"Slow him down…more like hold him back." Akane turned and walked back into his bedroom. If this kept up it would soon smell of her…he could not handle that.

Its bad enough my bed will smell like her when she leaves, but soon the whole apartment.

"A…Akane-san…!" He wanted her to stay out of there. It wasn't her fault, she'd done nothing, but he didn't want all the dreams again; he wanted to maybe get used to her but not like that, it would drive him insane.

Walking into the room he found her sitting on his bed…looking out the window.

"Its something isn't it." At the very moment he couldn't take his eyes off her. She was sitting on her hip with her legs just so. The light from the sky just beaming over her features in a way that made her look as though she was not from this world. As if she had graced him with her presence. For what though?

"The snow?" He said…it was the only thing new he could find.

"We never take it for granted. Back at Canyon the stuff is so dangerous…people die every year…people like you and me. Here though it's almost harmless. People play when it comes…they never fear it." The thought that jounin like he and Akane could die there never surprised him. She was strong and even this storm got her.

Kakashi nodded this was true for most ordinary people. "However it also is dangerous to those of us who are out on mission. Since we have little technology to predict the weather we tend to send out less people in the winter months in case something like this happens." He knew all too well how dangerous snow could be, having been caught in it before.

He watched her as she sat silently. "I'm sorry." She said suddenly catching him off guard. Her head lolling downwards.

Sorry for what?

Whatever it was he was sure it was nothing. "Akane-san…its nothing…don't worry about it." She was ignoring him…he could tell. She always seemed to get this deep look in her features and getting through to her until her thoughts were done was next to impossible.

"I told you off…I don't even know the kid and I told you off…That was low…he's your student. I'm not even a part of this village." She sighed heavily.

"One day you will be!" Kakashi sat next to her as she leaned towards him.

"What makes you say that?" She was one to question everything…but he liked that, she made him think about what he was saying rather than letting him say it and leave it there.

"Well." He said once more brushing a bang from her face. He knew the movement was a little intimate but such situations seemed to be happening quite often between them. "I would die if it meant you could come back."

She gave him a stern look. "You are not dying…I won't let you, just like you won't let me." She sighed "It sounds crazy but seriously I don't think you could die… so far you've survived it all…seriously you're lucky to know the people you do. They care and help you when you need it. Face it you're far more important here alive than dead hmmm." She then moved closer.

"Yes this is true." He then wrapped his arms around her, enjoying her proximity to him. There were really only inches between them…but he just couldn't bring himself to do anything, not without some signal from her. "However I think everyone including me has really forgotten about how important you are to this village…if someone gave you those scrolls…and my guess those are the originals then there was a reason and it would have been to protect this village…even I know that much." Letting her go he then stood up. "Well then…we should go find some food."

Nodding Akane got up and stopped.

"Are you sure this is fine…I mean will anyone even…"

"Stop worrying…soon you can take Umino's place if you keep that up. He told me you're the type the throw caution to the wind in these situations…you're a good actor."

Stroking her ego was probably a mistake but it was the only way he could get her to leave his apartment, as much as he liked the company he also knew it was bad for one's health to be inside for to long.

"But it's cold outside." Obviously this was someone who hated winter.

"You have a coat in your bag…take that…it'll look convincing enough." He was talking about the lighter one she would wear over her armor…not many shinobi in Leaf knew what they were so she was safe, as long as Ibiki didn't happen to walk by anyways.

"There…that looks better."

"You're just going to go like that?" She asked. Shrugging he started to walk to the door when something draped over his neck. For a moment instinct kicked in and he was about to retaliate when he felt her arms come around his neck from behind quickly after the scarf.

"At least try to stay a little warm…its not much but at least the chill won't make you sick!" She smiled at him warmly and giggled, sending shivers down his spine. He really liked that sound from her, a little too much.

Laughing Kakashi lead her to the door.

"I've never eaten in a real restaurant…" She said stopping outside the nicely decorated building.

Kakashi turned and looked at her before he was about to open the door. She watched him as he moved out of the way of others and stopped before her.

"What…never?" He stared at her. "You come from a wealthy family…and you've never been to a restaurant…Akane-san I think you just don't remember." He laughed.

"I never spent much time at home…never." She sighed heavily.

She heard a heavy sigh come from the man standing in front of her still holding her shoulders. "It's nice in there, and quiet not many people I know will come here…trust me." He then laughed. "It's a place where you eat, nothing more…just like the dinner table in the kitchen." He smiled.

Somehow I know that's a loaded statement in your mind. She frowned.

"Well shall we?" He asked smiling more. She was really starting to react to that smile.

"How come I get the feeling you're trying to make me look like a date…" She glared at him crossing her arms.

His smile faded. "No I took you here because you need food…if I were to take you on a date this would be far down the list." He seemed almost offended. She hadn't meant it like that.

"Sorry. I was out of line." Her head fell as did her heart. For some reason she was hopping he'd say it was, even if it was a bad joke.

"Its fine, I understand!" He then took her by the arm and dragged her into the restaurant; her guess was so she couldn't get away…which she really wanted to do badly.

Sitting her down he then sat across from her. The place was very nice, not as traditional as some of the buildings around it but comfortable enough. Kakashi had chosen probably the best spot in the entire place as well, she could now see out into the street and watch people pass by but be at an angle that it still felt private, or more than other tables.

"I come here every once in a while, usually after long nasty missions, it's a nice place to relax." He then picked up a menu. "I suggest you at least try the miso soup first…maybe some rice…I think for now we'll leave it simple." He had basically decided for her and it was annoying.

"Can't I decide?" She muttered.

"Nope. You'd pick the biggest thing you could find, I know you…you're hungry and so you want to stop it…but you're like Naruto…I have to make sure you don't shock your body." All this was said carefully.

"Fine you order…I'm going to look for the restroom.

He simply nodded. She was sure he was watching her until she was out of sight.

She wanted to be mad at him for it but as she ate the soup and rice she began to understand him a little more. He was right. She needed this. Kakashi on the other hand ate much more than she did and ate at twice the pace, not once had she even see him move the food to his face, let alone in his mouth.

"You eat way to fast you know that?" She asked grumbling.

"Do I?" He looked at her confused. He had yet to pull out one of those annoying books yet but she was guessing this was a protest because he was sure she had it with her. She guessed he believed she still had it on her…which she did not.

"One day you'll choke." She sighed. And of course knowing him it would be one of those days where she would be near by and no one else…he'd make sure of it.

"I've lasted thins long Akane-san." He drawled as if bored by her.

The waitress came back once more. It was the first time Akane had actually seen her since she was in the restroom when Kakashi had ordered.

"Will there be anything else?" She asked nicely facing Kakashi and standing rudely in Akane's face. Frowning all Akane could do was look out the window. Clearly Kakashi was more busy talking to the tall woman with the big bust than her.

"Ah…Akane-san would you like some tea…maybe…"

"Water…please." Akane sighed as she watched people walk by. It seemed the people of Konohoa really were more relaxed than her own. It was no surprise really seeing as the village was the strongest in the known world. Her village on the other hand was more rigid. People were always on the lookout and there was no one lazing about. No one even got a day off not really. Those off days were always interrupted by some emergency of some shape of form.

Restaurants were a normal part of Kakashi's life. He'd frequent them when he had no food, or when on mission alone. He never really understood why Akane was so worried. It was a normal place and even though she had never been in one he was sure there was something else bothering her. After all she was only staring out the window.

Deciding the mood needed to be lightened he gently tapped her leg with his foot. He didn't want to make too much of a scene, if he did people would get more curious.

"Yo!" He said…not for a greeting but more to get her attention.

"What." She said quietly.

"Want to tell me the problem?" He asked. She was acting strangely; he was guessing she was a little tired. The last few days had been hard on her and it was only expected for her to be like this.

"It's nothing." She then let out a long heavy breath.

"Sure doesn't sound like it?" He rolled his eyes. She was always one to hide things from everyone, but he too did the same and for this she was not going to get away with it.

He sighed and looked out towards the street. He spotted Sakura chasing after Naruto.

"Who were they?" He could see an eye brow slowly rise as she cocked her head in his direction questioningly.

"My students" Kakashi chuckled. "From the looks of things I believe Naruto said something. If he did something she'd have a stick or a kunai in her hand."

Akane looked at him shocked. "She's mean."

"Were you any better?" He distinctly remembered her traps; they were humiliating; hanging the person by the feet but high enough that they wouldn't get down. The rope she used was impossible to cut through with a simple kunai.

"Okay point made…but she's a violent one."

Kakashi laughed. "She has Tsunade-sama's strength as well." Now Akane's eyes were wide.

She suddenly stood up. In response Kakashi quickly grabbed her arm, still not bothering to stand, the table only rattled a little, no one noticed.

"Don't, let them work it out. Her strength is never used against a leaf…Naruto can handle her on his own. Besides she would have thought of you as a foreigner. Her strength would be used on you." Akane sent him a glare and sat back down heavily.

Why do I get the feeling she would have been able to hold her own?

"Sounds to me like you had a very dysfunctional group!" Akane laughed.

"No kidding."

"How hard was it?" She leaned closer mostly out of interest.

"Oh…it was fun…not hard. I just had to pit the boys against each other."

"The girl?"

"At that time training her was impossible. She had troubles focusing with one of my students on the team." He slouched smiling, remembering those times always made him feel more alive, now though things had become stretched between he and his team.

"Obviously not this one…he reminds me of someone, I bet you know who it is I'm thinking about."

"Yes doesn't he?" Kakashi smiled, but inside he was frowning. He should have known she would connect the two eventually, and he had to accept that Akane knew his sensei as well…he just had no clue in what way.

"So then who was the other one?" She sat back again.

"Technically you do know I'm not supposed to tell you this stuff." It was a regulation he technically had to follow but in his mind Akane was indeed a special case. She was a Leaf Shinobi and knew her place. She also was the most likely able to save Naruto and Sasuke from each other.

Something about her makes me think she can help us, keep us all alive. She's always one with the warmest chakra, a lot like the Fourth's.

"Have you heard a name Sasuke Uchiha?"

"I think I did when I came back here." It was most likely she had.

"He was an orphan after his brother Itachi murdered his entire clan."

Akane nodded. "I remember getting an order to kill Itachi. I never was able to fulfill it. My guess is it would have been the end of me."

"Yes." Kakashi smiled. "I'm glad still that you never tried."

Put better I'm ecstatic to still have you here with me. Someone I know I can trust, someone I've watched get older with me, that very same person who's been through all the hardships.

"The village should have put him through examinations, mental exams, before this happened. They would have found something." He knew where she was getting at.

"No…he did it pretty suddenly. He killed his own parents." Akane suddenly made a face and let out a long labored sigh. Apparently he had missed her point, but where had he lost her?

"I'm sorry but there's a problem there, this is why I never did the mission. How can someone who loves his family so much kill them?"

I was under the impression he didn't care. It made it easier for him to do it. Sociopaths do exist; Mizuki is a very fine example; as is Orochimaru.

"What are you getting at?" He now folded his hands on the table more interested. Akane had the most unusual ability to make conversation that he actually enjoyed and often wanted to contribute to. He only hoped it wouldn't end.

"Has Itachi every physically hurt you?" She asked as she glanced out the window and back to him with a strange look he had yet to place. His guess was authority but there was some question in it as well.

"No. Mentally yes, but there was no lasting damage, just a coma." Kakashi mulled this over. Was she saying that Itachi may not have actually done it but snapped after, and chased his brother making him believe he did?

"He told me stories when I worked with him. At the time I was only there to see him after missions but he would smile and laugh about them as if he loved them. Like I said how can you kill the people you love like that? The blade in his hand had blood so Sasuke said but who's?" She sighed. "I don't know my family well but I know I can't do it, even if they killed someone like you or Iruka…I would still never be able to do it."

"So he was covering someone."

"I believe so."

"He would have had to get the entire compound by surprise…." What she was proposing was possible.

"Yes and most Uchiha were a part of the Konohoa Police, who at the time worked beside the ANBU when there were problems within our walls." He caught her, she still considered herself part of Konohoa as much as he was a part of it. There was still hope for her yet. However he decided to ignore the comment and keep his thoughts to himself on that matter, it would only cause Akane to revert to herself more.

"So you're telling me someone more ruthless was with him and he had to watch."

"Exactly." She grinned.

"What grounds do you have on this?" If she was right they might be able to save him, he could be redeemed.

"I've run into him countless times. He still sits with me by the fire, tells me stories about his silly little brother. He once asked me if I could forgive him for the crime he had done. He's never hurt me, maybe made it look like it but only to escape."

Kakashi understood what she meant about forgiveness.

Should the theory be right he was asking someone who lived a similar nightmare if they could forgive him for what he had never done…much like how she was blamed for what she had not done.

"If you're right then this could make things more complex." Kakashi needed more time to think this through. If she were right he would have to go straight to Ibiki to get the people he needed and only those Itachi would trust…namely one: Akane. Though, something bothered him greatly. "Explain to me the threats or should I say taunts he gives his brother?"

"That part is easy." Akane was now playing with a napkin. "He's feeling very guilty. He wants to die for his crime because only then can Sasuke be able to forgive him, he would tell his little brother with his last breaths that he never did it. Sadly poetic if you ask me." Akane let the napkin drop.

"You're a genius you know that?" Kakashi stated, it wasn't really a question, he knew she was. "If that is the case we need to stop the younger one. Having him alive is more important."

Akane shrugged. "He'd find a way to kill himself be it by his own hands or by helping his brother in a miraculous change of heart."

"So how can we turn him around?"

"I might be able to get someone else to talk to him, gain his trust."

"That would be hard he's always with this…I believe his name was Kisame." Kakashi did not like that man. He would rather fight a hundred Zabuzas before he'd fight Kisame. Sometimes he wonders of the seven swords men of Mist just who was the leader.

"I know. He's a problem. Should a battle start you would have to get me or my brother."

"Why?"

"We have better techniques than you to get around that blade." Okay that was catching his attention. She seemed to have noticed as she continues now playing with the little napkin again. "My brother uses distance techniques…he can probably beat Didra as well, but I want to give it a shot once too."

"So how would you fit in, you're not much of a distance fighter."

"No I'm not, but I can heal and even a torn muscle won't stop me. I'm also ten times faster than him."

That was true. Most days she was even faster than Kakashi himself. In speed he would say she was right there with his sensei, but he had yet to see it, only theory to it. It was the only way he could see her alive still.

It's the healing that bothers me. Where does it come from? Somehow I think it's a similar case to that of Naruto. However none of Akatsuki seems interested in her if Itachi was not going after her…or are they scared of her?

"Well either way I think we should walk off breakfast now." He decided to change the subject should someone overhear. People were starting to fill the small restaurant; it was time for them to leave before she was discovered.

As they walked down the street Akane remained silent. She hadn't said a word since she had spent most of her time waiting for Kakashi to talk but he seemed content just to walk with her without words. As time wore on she found his presence just fine and words were soon lost anyways.

They didn't walk quickly, there was no need. Instead she moved at the lazy pace Kakashi had set up and she thanked him for it. She could look at all the scenery.

"So this is why you're always late isn't it?" She smiled at him as he looked at her with confusion. "You're usually out on extended missions and often for months at a time. You like to see the changes."

"You sure it's not to sleep in?" He chuckled at her. "You give me too much credit." Then he looked back to the street ahead, she was sure there was a smile there.

"No I'm sure of it. I saw you looking at some places as if you never saw them before…by the way to settle the confusion about that one women's store…it wasn't one…it was an intimate's store…you do know what that is?" At this he laughed at her but she had to make sure. Kakashi may read smut but she also knew he was innocent to some things in his own way.

"I knew that…I have to admit though it looks more like strictly a lingerie store." He chuckled.

"Same thing as far as I'm concerned." But he was shaking his head.

"Not the same at all…in what way are they the same?" He had stopped walking. She had to stop as well and turned to him.

She tried not to laugh, he was offended. "They both sell strips of cloth for women to wear to please their partners…"

"Wrong! You're a woman and you got it wrong!" He was laughing so hard now that people were staring at him. "Lingerie is a place where yes you can get more intimate garments but also the usual under ware and so on. An intimate's store…sells toys as well as outfits that are revealing…some even less so in the former…do you understand."

"I hate you."

"Only because I'm right. Eventually you'll start liking me again…its inevitable." He smiled at her. Somehow she knew he was so close to say that she would love him again… not like him. She already liked him, it was hard not to. He showed her the respect she deserved and did his best to be kind to her and help as much as he could. She couldn't ask for anyone else to be any different. Though sometimes she wished he would be more.

"Right okay…ah there we are, I was looking for this." She wandered to a window and looked in.

It had been years since she had been in Konohoa and she was pleased to see the beautiful flower shop still standing and still open.

The place had grown since she remembered but she loved it none-the-less. This was a place where memories were made, where many people prepared their weddings and some funerals, but really this place still held the best of memories.

"Lets go in I want to get some flowers."

"What for?"

"I was planning to see the memorial." She saw him cringe but she knew he would go there eventually, why not with her to see the people they used to know.

"Alright, what are you after?" He sighed. He knew this was coming out of his wallet, she could hear the weariness behind that question. She would have paid for it but people would be suspicious if she handed them the currency of her country. Things would go downhill from there.

" Just a nice bouquet. At home we make single graves now and since there are so many people on this stone…well they'll have to share it."

Kakashi laughed at her. For a moment the sun was catching in his hair making it sparkle along with his laugh. Lately he was so happy she just never wanted it to end. He had never laughed so much; only around her would he laugh freely like anyone should.

Stepping in she noticed a young woman at the counter. She was pretty but Akane felt the other girl with pink hair was a bit more ahead of her there. She had no clue what it was but she felt this girl was one to gossip and to scheme while the other was more honest and seemed to pay little attention to rumor…it was clear enough as she had run down an ally chasing a teammate not worrying about the other people around her.

"Hello. I've never seen you…you must be new here."

Then the girl stopped talking instantly when she saw Kakashi, her jaw nearly falling to the floor.

"Are you his girlfriend? No wonder I've never seen you. You're so pretty! Kakashi-sensei why didn't you tell anyone you were dating someone like her. Is she a shinobi?"

Kakashi was stunned, Akane laughed as she watched him blush like an idiot.

"No I'm sorry, we're not…I'm just staying with him until I can find a place outside of town." As she said this she felt Kakashi's hand on her shoulder.

"Her village was destroyed, she was the only survivor." Kakashi said carefully. Akane knew she could trust him to not slip up. It still amazed her at how fast lying came to the jounin. It was only fitting really that Kakashi could excel there.

"Oh…I'm so sorry." The girl look saddened by this and Akane really couldn't have that.

Akane smiled at her reassuringly. "It's okay. Kakashi-san has been very kind to me over these past few days." But the girl looked more saddened by the fact that the two weren't a couple. In a way Akane wished it was true. Then people would have to accept her, but this was never easy.

"That's good. He's still single then you know." The girl whispered in her ear making Akane giggle.

"He's a little lazy and a slob." She lied completely. Kakashi was far from a slob. His home was spotless and countless times she noticed at the restaurant that he would fix the things she would move over or knock over. As for lazy, he was a bit of that but not as much as he made people see. Kakashi was a hard worker and did more than enough for his people. He sometimes just wanted a break. She could sympathize with him completely having to live in a similar situation. So she lied based on the image he had made for himself. She had no right to tell people how he really was when he didn't show this on his own.

Walking around the shop Akane picked a few flowers and gave them to the blond girl to rearrange. Strangely the girl kept asking her how she knew about flowers and arranging them. Akane actually knew very little, only what was taught to her in her Kunoichi studies class…and even that was not long for her. She never learned a lot of the things the other girls learned, she had graduated after only three years of school. However that was something she kept silent about.

Once finished Akane looked to Kakashi who smiled and waved to the door. "I'd like to arrange something…can you wait outside. I'll bring them out to you, okay?"

"Sure." Akane smiled.

Kakashi watched her as she turned on her heals and walked out the door. He smiled to himself but frowned. She was doing it again. That graceful stride she had that made her seem almost as if she were floating. There also was no sound coming from her steps. These facts alone worried him. She had her habits and breaking them would be impossible.

"What do you want Kakashi-sensei?" Ino was particularly curious as to why he had even come in. He usually avoided the flower shop as much as possible.

"Ah…I'm finding my table a little bear…it's a bit big by itself. I was wondering if I could have a small arrangement of lilies, you can put anything you like with them." He handed her some extra money. "But I want them at my apartment in two days. You remember where it is?"

"Yes." Ino nodded. "You like her don't you?"

He decided to say nothing. She didn't need to know, and neither did the village.

"She's a shinobi isn't she?"

"What makes you say that?"

"She walked like a Kunoichi." Ino smiled at him. "I'm guessing she's not supposed to be here. But I won't say anything…she's way too nice and something tells me she's one of us." Ino seemed to understand instantly.

"So when did you become so insightful?"

"I learned it from Shikamaru." Kakashi nodded. That made perfect sense.

"Hmmm."

"He told me you can read a person by their habits, so how they move, look at you and things. What they look at first. When she came in here she saw me right off but straight to the flowers. She also seemed to look at you a lot."

"Bye Ino." Kakashi laughed as he stepped out the door cutting her off. He could still hear her calling after him as he shut the door.

"Here you go." He handed her the flowers

"Thanks." She beamed at him. "So what was that all about? Was she yelling at you when you left?"

"Oh…really?" He looked back. They had already started walking. "Oops." He shrugged placing his hands back into his pockets.

"No wonder Iruka get nervous around you." She muttered as she walked to the bridge. Here Kakashi wanted to stop.

Grabbing her arm he led her to the railing. There they both stood silently. She knew he just wanted a moment; he wanted to talk to her about something.

"Akane-san. Why did you leave the first time? Why did all the Akahoshi leave?" He never was told the exact reasons. Just one day he woke up and never saw her again. He had caught the rumors a week later to hear the entire estate was abandoned and that no one was allowed even near it. The question was why?

"Orochimaru…he set us up." She frowned as she looked to the water. "There were three bodies. He cleaned out all the blood…so ROOTS blamed us."

"Let me guess your people were too powerful to overthrow." He knew a few Akahoshi as he was growing up before they left. He remembered how people would talk about them in awe and how the academy let the children graduate early. Of course those children had more training than anyone, aside from himself. His father wanted him to keep up with them. He wanted someone to look after them; they were still needing some support since many feared them. "My guess is the rest of the village caught on from fear."

"Yes. The scary thing was my family had to disappear before the day they were to leave."

"They did it well…I remember the report…an entire clan simply gone leaving some family members who weren't related by blood behind. It must have been hard for some of those men and women to leave their families behind like that. What amazes me more is they still remain loyal, not a single one has moved on."

"It still is, but they've held on." She smiled but he could sense the sorry there in her chakra. "They had no choice but to leave then."

"Why?" He looked at her as she watched the water go by. "What could strike that much fear?"

She looked at him, she was scared to say something but he realized she wouldn't hide something like that from him, not if he could help her. "ROOTS at the time were threatening to take me, maybe kill me."

"Why you?" He was shocked. ROOTS had tried to force a witness not the perpetrator to be taken from her family…at the age of eight. There was nothing fair in that.

"I don't know." He knew that was a lie but he was giving her time, there was no point in forcing the subject. But this did explain what was going on. It also explained why Iruka was freaking out at him like he was. If he was found out as still working for them, then he would be up for treason and sent to the prison…the last place Iruka would want to be in. Kakashi was sure he'd be killed there, especially since Mizuki was still there serving his time for escaping and he was sure that man still had it out for Iruka. It was a shame really. The chuunin was one of the nicest, and he felt innocent, people Kakashi knew and he even had a few nasty skeletons in his closet.

"Ma…I'm sure we can get it worked out. People would believe me if I told them the truth." He was sure they would with contempt, but was he going to tell her that, nope.

"That's very sweet of you…but I think I'll wait it out." Akane smiled at him. She had long since gotten over it. He knew she wasn't blaming anyone but Orochimaru.

"I have my moments" He laughed. "Lets drop those off I'm sure everyone will love them…or maybe fight over them." He smiled. He was trying to lighten the mood but that place even brought him down.

The visit at the memorial was short, sweet and sad. Akane wasn't a big fan of looking at all the names she used to put faces to, she could still see them as if they were alive, but she knew everyone had their time. She only hoped that she and everyone else she knew had a few more years to go; otherwise she wasn't sure what to do if she were alone forever.

The first one she looked at was the Fourth, Yondiame. She loved him so much. He was a great man and always had shown her kindness much like Kakashi did. It was him she knew Kakashi had learned it from.

The Third's name was still a sour one in her heart. She had known him for so long. He done her many favors in the past and without him now she felt all hopes of getting back were lost.

Hayate…she knew him well. He and she used to train their swordsmanship before she had re-met Kakashi. Hayate was a highly skilled individual, a genius in his own right. She was also the one who had introduced him to Yaguo. It was a shame everything had to end for the couple so quickly.

Obito, she barely knew the boy. She always heard him; probably arguing with Kakashi since that was how she had found him…it was how she met Kakashi again.

Rin. Rin had worked with her for a few years. One in a half actually. The girl was talented and helped Akane when the missions got to rough. She was the girl who loved Kakashi, she truly did. But she never got a chance to tell him. Akane only hoped Rin would allow her maybe one day the right to tell him.

Asuma…he was the newest name. She had met him once and was introduced to him; however he had never seen her face or knew who she was. At the time the situation called for extreme secrecy. She liked his mind though, almost as good as Kakashi's but not as refined or schooled.

She slowly fingered the names of Iruka's parents. She had promised them before they left for that mission that she would protect him. She was young at the time but even they knew things they shouldn't. She only hoped she could keep that promise.

The last person she wanted to pay respects to…was not on the stone. She still believed he was right but never dared to make it look like she was thinking of that person. If she had she knew Kakashi would have had a few words to say. Lucky for her he had wondered off not wanting to look at those names on a day like this. She only hoped that one day he could forgive that person. Maybe then would they be able to die in true peace.

Walking away she noticed Kakashi had wandered off. This time even further from her side, somewhere out of sight.

"Where'd he go now?" She grumbled irritably.

Walking around the bend she found him standing near a tree looking out to the field. He seemed as though he were deep in thought and she just couldn't leave him like that. He looked very saddened and depressed, that was just simply not allowed for him when she was around. There were times for that, but now was not one of them.

I don't know, it must be the sleep I got…I feel really alive today more than I have for a long time…I wonder if he's the same, I've never seen him laugh like this.

Picking up some snow she balled it up in her hand and waited. She needed the right moment.

Just as he noticed her she flung it, effectively hitting him square in the face just as he had turned. Giggling she ran off into the trees. She knew full well the game was one and he would soon be hot on her heels with a plan for a similar attack.

Kakashi wasn't totally sure just what it was that hit him. It was wet and cold but not to sure what. As he wiped it off his face he laughed.

"That was nasty." He chuckled. Picking up and forming his own snowball he dashed into the forest. Unlike Akane he had full reign of his chakra and in this case it meant he could track her. Only problem was he had lost her.

"Where…" Dodging to left he felt the air go past signaling a snowball. "Ah there you are." He dashed in the direction the ball came from but lost her once more. However he had an idea, once this game was over…he needed a warm lunch…eventually he was going to get her though.

Let's see…she was here…so…damn…she may not use chakra but…she can climb trees.

Sprawling to the ground he felt yet another snow ball fly past. She was good at this game but all he needed was to find her. She wasn't using her chakra but she was also an expert at hiding. Finding her was not easy but the snow was enough to allow him to track her by foot print.

Walking past he heard her jump to the ground but as he turned he only found foot prints. So he followed them, it was easy enough.

Still clutching his snowball he stopped when the feet stopped. There was no point in going all out with her…she was still injured. He was still surprised to see that she could elude him even without much chakra. She was skilled and the more she managed to get away from him the more he realized this was putting to use her ANBU training. He may have been hunting her but in the end he would be the prey.

"Akane-san, you're not supposed to be using chakra." The weird thing was he didn't sense any.

Where the hell did she go?

He was getting a little annoyed. He was Konahoa's top jounin and a woman not even using chakra was beating him a snowball fight.

If anyone sees me lose…I'll be a laughing stock. They'd say how I'd lost a game of snowballs to a woman with no chakra.

Just as the thought passed he felt something grab his leg and pull. Falling flat he could see her still holding his leg, with a wide grin on her face.

Twisting he managed to wedge her shoulders between his calves. There was no way he was going to lose. Now the smile was gone more or less replaced with her teeth bared and an angry look. He couldn't help the shiver going down his spine. She and Iruka had the odd ability to glare at someone so well that fear would strike them to the very core.

"So what will you do now?" Despite her threats he knew he wanted to see what she'd do.

She tried a few times to get away but he was to strong like this, she still needed time to regain her strength as it was.

"Eh…" She tried again. He leaned up and looked her in the eye.

"Akane-san I'm so sorry."

She froze. "For what?" She looked worried.

He was fighting the laugh that was bubbling up, she looked so cute!

Suddenly he smashed his snowball right in her face earning a squeal of surprise.

He laughed. It was great she was so surprised that when he let her go she fell backwards.

"You okay?" He asked leaning over her concerned that she had yet to say a word. His answer came in a large handful of snow to his face.

Ahh…cold…

"There even!" She grinned.

"Even? How is that even…I got you once…and you got me twice." He asked as he wiped the wet cold stuff off his face. He remembered why he never really liked snow.

Shivering a little Kakashi looked down at her. They were once again in one of those compromising situations.

"Is it just me or do you have this affinity for laying on me…it's a little disturbing." Akane asked as she laughed.

"Eh? Not really…it just sort of happened…but I do have a neat little plan!"

Akane cursed under her breath, this was not fair! She didn't want to see Iruka but Kakashi wanted to pay the man back for something.

She watched her best friend as he walked out of the academy and sat down on a near by bench. Iruka was the type to keep to himself; he didn't like crowds as much as others did. On a snowy day like this he was always outside, even to eat a lunch.

"Okay, you in on it or not?" Kakashi asked. She knew for him this was probably important, but she couldn't help but see that the point was not really there. He was planning on ruining Iruka's lunch. She would have never done that under any normal circumstances.

Sighing she knew she had no choice but to go along with it. If Iruka saw her he would instantly pin it on her anyways.

"Okay but for this you owe me a lot."

"I'll cook dinner." He nodded with a grin.

She stared at him and looked away muttering. "You have no choice but to do that." Turning back to him she smiled sweetly. "Pick something else." She watched him as he thought it through.

"Okay, but then I can't tell you…you'll have to wait." He then got up from his hiding place and snuck behind Iruka in the bushes.

Just as Iruka took a bite out of something…Akane couldn't quite make it out. The signal came, which really was Kakashi standing pointing at Iruka…there was no way the chuunin would notice it; he was to engrossed in his meal.

WHAP! One hit him in the back of the head. Akane tried not to shriek with laughter at the look on his face. Iruka was literally flung forwards with his eyes wide and jaw agape. Instantly he was on his feet and looked around. As he closed his eyes she knew what he was up to.

"Great trick Kakashi-sensei…that's a bit low even for you." Iruka grumbled as he turned to where the jounin had hidden himself.

"Maa…how'd you know it was me?" He lifted his hands to show he had no more snowballs. "It was my last one." He smiled at Iruka sweetly. Akane tried not to laugh.

"Last one? Why are you walking around with snowballs?" Iruka was now facing away from her, she wasn't going to hit him yet, it's not the best spot.

"Oh…" Kakashi shrugged. "I lost the twerp.
Hey! I am not a twerp!

Iruka sighed and turned right where she wanted him. Just as she was about to throw it, he turned back to Kakashi.

"Damn it." Just then Iruka had spun on his heels. Akane clamped her hands on her mouth. He noticed her but she was sure he had no clue who it was that was the only thing saving her. If he knew it was her, he would have attacked her or something.

"Ah…maybe that was the midget." Kakashi said loudly.

You are so dead Hatake!

Iruka then went back to his lunch, just as he sat down Akane threw it pelting him in the side of the head.

Iruka's face was like stone. He was not impressed.

"Kakashi!"

"What?" Kakashi said as he came up next to Iruka. But when he was in range Akane threw a new one at Kakashi, pelting him in the face and hard paying him back for the comments.

Deciding it was smart enough to run she did so. She could hear Kakashi take off into the trees and Iruka through the brush.

She ran quickly, but with next to no chakra for her to balance herself it was difficult to get into the underbrush soundlessly. The only thing saving her from being caught was her training.

The snow was the major problem, and the thing right…smack.

She hit something hard and fell down. In an instant a hand was in her face offering to help her up. Taking it grudgingly she was pulled up against the person she had run into.

"Weren't we taking 'sneaking up on the sensei' a little too seriously hmm?" It was Kakashi, she cringed but then growled.

"Me! You called me a twerp and a midget…I'm not that much shorter than you! And you are a sensei…so you're fair game!" She roared at him just as Iruka came into the clearing and froze on the spot. She sensed him but didn't care. The numbskull in front of her was more interesting.

"Ahh...Akane-san it was a joke."

Her hand hit his chest mostly as fooling around. She still had one more. Gently she felt him move a hand to her face and smile. Just as the arm was out of her way she smashed the left over snow ball right to his ear. The shocked look on his face was almost to much but then suddenly the ground left her feet and she felt him take her down into the snow, shoving handfuls into her hair and face.

Iruka watched them, not really able to look away. Akane had run right into Kakashi and for a moment he knew she wasn't sure what she had hit, since something on the ground was more interesting for that moment.

"Akane-san…I'm sorry." Kakashi said as he slowly sat up. The younger woman had her eyes squinted shut. Clearly Kakashi was worried he had hurt her, which was most likely not the case

Iruka blinked. He said sorry!

I never knew that was in his vocabulary! There's more here than meets the eye isn't there. I've never seen him play…he was playing with her.

Akane then walked back to Iruka and curtly hugged him. She then pulled away and glared at Kakashi.

Was that a point?

"A…Akane-san?" He stuttered mentally kicking himself. He noticed Kakashi's glance in his direction. It wasn't like he did or said something, did he?"

Why is he looking at me like that?

Akane stopped glowering at Kakashi and turned to him smiling.

"This visit, it was…partially planned. I wasn't planning on being here as long as I have to though."

Kakashi came forward and smiled at Iruka. "I was planning to ask you to…take her to lunch while I go do something." He sounded almost dead serious. Iruka knew full well Kakashi had some weeks off, he was warned should the man ask for a mission from him.

"But…" Both Iruka and Akane said in unison but it was to late, he had disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"What the…" Akane said as she placed her hands on her hips. Iruka grumbled.

He was not expecting this. She was not supposed to be in Konohoa and this was endangering them both.

"I have an hour left…" He mumbled.

"What was that?" Akane asked now leaning into his face from beside him.

"Eh?" He jumped. She was always like this. It drove him nuts, although not nearly as bad as Kakashi.

"Um…" He scratched his nose in thought. "We'll go to my place; I'll have Shikamaru cover till I get back."

I shouldn't be doing this. If anyone finds out I'm as a good as dead, Tsunade wouldn't be able to stop them.

As they walked down the street to his apartment, the whole time Akane said very little. He watched her. She seemed to be deep in thought about something. It bothered him to see her like this. Akane was a smart woman, one of the smartest he knew but rarely had he seen her literally with worry like this. Something was going on and he had a clue what it was.

As he walked into his apartment he then walked to the window and whistled. He quickly wrote Shikamaru a message telling him an emergency had come up and that he'd be back late after lunch.

Attaching the message to the bird's leg he let it fly off to the younger chuunin.

Walking back into his living room he found it empty, so he made his way to the kitchen were he found her making something.

"What are you doing?"

"Just making a salad. What some?"

He smiled. She had an ability to just simply make herself at home. Then again her living there for two years was a big factor to it.

She's upset over something I can tell.

"Sure, what's in it?"

"Things I found in the fridge."

Iruka sighed. She was being distant, trying not to talk, how did he know this would happen between those two?

"Like"

"Vegetables, fruit…stuff." Akane was distant with him he could hear it. However right now the wall looked like a great place to start hitting his head on. He knew better though.

"Okay, when you're done I'll have some tea out and we need to talk okay."

She nodded slowly as she continued to cut the cucumber.

He sat quietly at his table near the kitchen. Soon he couldn't even stay still so he then got up; he had forgotten to turn on his kettle.

Once that was done he sat down once more and waited. Then he forgot something else and went and did that. For some reason he couldn't just simply sit still.

Akane heard him sit, get up, sit, get up. It was driving her nuts. She decided it was best for both of them that she'd finish the lunch quickly.

Setting the bowl down she heard the kettle go off. She quickly made a simple mint tea, in hopes it would relax him just a little. She had lived with Iruka before and understood his habits. He was worried about her.

"Iruka!" She called.

He looked around the corner…with something on his head.

She giggled. "What is that?"

"Oh…" He took it off. "It fell right when you called me. My closet was driving me nuts since last week." He just simply threw the shirt somewhere out of her sight and walked to the table. She noticed the stiff limp he had.

"Something happen?"

"Not really. I think I need to run for a bit longer for the next few weeks. I've noticed I need a bit more training time." He sat heavily. "Might be all the ramen with Naruto too."

"You are getting older…you can't eat like you used to." Akane pointed out as she placed a cup next to his bowl. He looked at it and then quickly slapped his forehead.

"Damn, I'm sorry…I was going to take care of that, but…"

"It's okay." Akane sat down at the other end of the round table. She watched Iruka as he ate a few mouth-fulls and looked back to her.

"You going to eat?" Akane laughed. Iruka was worrying again…he was at it again.

"Yes I will." She said as she put some of the salad in her mouth. "Mmm a good salad."

"Everything you make is good…except…"

"Yes I know." Akane sighed. Iruka wasn't the healthiest ninja in the village no he was probably the worst out of eating habits. Such things as vegetables were not on his menu. "Personally ramen is not my favorite food…once in a while its okay but not all the time. You know I need to rehabilitate so I could go with you at an ungodly hour." She was joking and snickered at his face.

Oh I'm kidding, you know it.

Once the meal was done Akane was curious about something.

"So what did you want to talk about?"

"Well…" Iruka looked down. "Why did you see him first and not me."

Him? Oh…Kakashi…not this…he's getting like that isn't he?

"Ah…I had an accident on the way here and Kakashi-san found me buried in the snow." She saw the worry on Iruka's face deepen. "I'm okay, otherwise I wouldn't be here talking to you."

Iruka smiled. "He cares a lot about you."

Akane nodded. She couldn't quite put a finger on it but she was sure Kakashi did care for her.

"I know…"

"He cares more than you're willing to admit to yourself." Iruka smiled at her.

Akane knew there was a something to it but how, when.

"Hmm…"

"I wanted to know something. Has Katon started healing you?" She frowned. Normally she and Katon got along but lately things have been stretched thin between the two.

"A little. He's pissed off right now so the rest is for me to do."

"Why?" Iruka leaned back and crossed his arms.

"I don't know. It's not like I talk to him." Akane huffed. Well that wasn't totally true. She talked to him but only when he was civil.

"Ha ha okay okay. I'm guessing you two have been at each other's throats."

Akane sighed. "He thinks I'm getting reckless."

"Kakashi's been like that too." Iruka smiled, "I think you like him." He said picking up his cup and stopped. Akane glared at him. What was he saying?

Is he telling me that we've both been acting odd…but I can only see Kakashi as being odd lately? He's still way to thin for my taste.

"I…I don't know what you're talking about." Akane stammered trying to hide the fact she thought in some way he was right. Iruka was usually right though with these situations and she knew full well the words 'I told you so' will be something she'd be hearing from him on the subject later.

Iruka that's not good.

"Yes you do." Iruka grinned more. "You've fallen for him haven't you?"

Akane froze. "Even if I did there's nothing I can do about it."

"Tell him." Iruka rolled his eyes at her it was annoying.

"I can't."

"Why not?" Iruka leaned forwards. She hated this. This was what he was so keen on talking about to her. "He's going crazy, you know that. He even stopped eating because you weren't here."

"What the hell was I supposed to do?" Akane stood up. This was enough.

"I'm not letting you do to him what you did to me. You're not allowed to leave him high and dry like this. I seriously think he loves you." That was a shock. Kakashi loving someone was new to her. She stopped in mid stride to the kitchen.

Kakashi…loves someone…me? How…how the hell did that happen? He's always so distant.

"When did that happen?" Akane sat down confused. "You do know you had no right to tell me."

"You knew it already." Iruka shrugged. "I thought someone had to get it out. Besides you feel the same about him don't you?"

I'm not liking how well you know me.

"What are you my conscience?" Akane pouted.

"Someone has to be. Katon doesn't act well enough as one. Besides he has changed a lot around you. He's really trying to tell you."

Akane sighed.

"What the hell can I do?"

"Nothing really. He needs to realize it. He probably thinks you'd turn him down." Iruka waved his hands to either side of him. Clearly Kakashi had been talking to him; otherwise Iruka really wouldn't have known.

How could I do that? He's been so kind to me I never know what he's up to…

Iruka got up and emptied the rest of his tea into the sink; he never finished his tea, even when he was younger.

"I need to go back to the academy. Can you get back there on your own? Maybe you should stay." Iruka looked at her concerned. Akane sighed,

"I'll stay. He'll know where I am."

"Probably. He knows my apartment better than me."

"How?" That was a new one.

"He stalked me for a while before we had that mission to Canyon."

Akane laughed. That was Kakashi. He was a curious person and loved to watch people.

"Well you know where the extra room is; maybe some rest is good hmm? You look a little out of it."

Akane nodded and watched Iruka leave. Sometimes she wondered how they had even loved each other once, but days like this answered that. He really was her conscience. He still loved her clearly but he was giving her advice as a friend. There was no jealousy there. He seriously felt that was better for her. But how on earth had it happened? Was he even right?

Kakashi wandered down the street. He had spent an hour haggling a sales person for two passes to the hot spring near the village. He liked it since his last visit there…one Iruka insisted on. It seemed the chuunin loved them so much, he almost knew them all.

The reason he chose this one was because it a unisex spring, this suited his situation. This way he could watch her, and make sure no one tries to kill her. The other reason was he had bought them a suite where they get their own bath…it was better than having to deal with others and he was sure Akane would not enjoy it.

"Ahh…this will be something to make up for it. She might heal faster as well." He remembered once when he had seen Naruto after being in a hot spring. It was unusual since the boy had more bruises on him than the rest of the team combined but once out of the water, he had none. He was sure Akane would react the same, by then he would know what she was.

"Shopping next." He mumbled when a presence made itself clear behind him. "You need to work on that Kurenai." He sighed. Of all people it had to be her.

"What are those for?" She asked, he knew what she was after.

"Ah…a break." Kakashi smiled.

"You have two." She cocked an eyebrow.

"Yes I do…I'm taking a friend." He wanted to kick himself over that one. He had made one mistake already.

"Last I checked you have none." Kurenai crossed her arms and waited for him to stop…but he didn't, there was no way he would.

He casually walked into the grocery store. His plan was simple. Make dinner, go get her, and shock her with his admission of guilt and then after being turned down sleep on the couch alone.

He would say guilt since he felt bad he had been looking at her for this long and had not yet told her much.

"Its odd, Ino said there was a nice woman with you."

"Yes she's from a village to the North." Kakashi smiled.

"Is that who you're taking?" It seemed Kurenai had recently taken a fascination with him, but then again he was a friend of Asuma's. She was only hurting, trying to find some comfort. However because of Akane he was not going there. He had to make her believe she could trust him. Trying to help Kurenai would make things much harder on him.

"As a matter of fact it is. She's been through a lot and I decided she needs a break."

"But you're going." Kurenai pointed to his vest as if he had stashed them there…which he did not.

"…." He pulled the milk from the fridge and placed it in the basket and continued.

"Ino told me the same story."

"Did she…then it's true, so what's the problem?" He wanted her to go away now. He'd do anything to get her off his case.

"I saw Iruka talking to her." Kakashi stopped and laughed.

"Well I needed to get her out of my hair so I could get those passes as a surprise. Is this a crime?"

"No…" Kurenai sighed. "I guess it's just that you've been very strange lately."

Kakashi almost tripped. Everyone called him strange, what could be worse than that?

He quickly paid for his groceries and started to walk down the path and stopped. Kurenai had tailed him the whole way.

"I saw you playing a game with her."

That caught his attention.

"You were laughing….I've never heard you laugh like that."

He froze. She heard him laugh…okay? What was so big about that?

She acts like I'm not human. Everyone but Akane seems to forget that. I am alive, not a machine…can't I laugh and cry like the rest.

He shrugged.

"She was really good with those snowballs…nearly got you a few times."

"Hmmm." Kakashi looked to his left and picked up and apple, throwing his coin to the man giving him a stern look.

"She's very pretty." Kurenai continued.

"…" Kakashi sighed and stopped. She was like a fly that wouldn't go away…she was always there!

"And…"

He glared at her. She stopped and paled. "Kurenai….she's a friend I am helping get back on her feet…nothing more. She'll be gone soon."

Kurenai stared at him more. He knew he sounded as if he dreaded it…well he did but he was not going to tell anyone. "I…"

He didn't want to hear it. No he wanted to be left alone! Clasping his hands together he disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Akane had returned to Kakashi's apartment after he had picked her up from Iruka's place. Dinner was very nice. Akane had remained silent. She had no clue what he was up to but t was something. It was strange how she had acquired a second sense when it came to Kakashi, almost as though she had been there with him for years.

He sat silently watching her. He had made her his favorite dish and she found it strange to be eating eggplant once more. In canyon eggplant was rare and not often sold in markets. The merchants never sold it to her people when it was in so most of the time they were stuck with very bland foods. For her now the meal was like a treasure, she almost felt bad for eating it. But there was no way she was going to let it go bad or cold. It was way too good for that.

"Ah…Akane-san slow down." Kakashi laughed. "You'll be sick." He warned in that tone she hated.

Thinks he's my conscience doesn't he…that's counter productive. He'd tell me to do things I really shouldn't

Even though she wasn't there all the time she knew he was notorious for instigating problems or some minor fights, probably between his students.

"Sorry." She said quietly as she blushed…it wasn't often she got a meal like this but he was right. "I think that's it for me."

"I was about to suggest that. Otherwise you'll never sleep." He took the dishes and stashed them in the sink. It was late and she knew he was tired, she could see it on just the patch of his face everyone saw.

"I can wash them you know…I'm well enough to do that." She offered but saw the look on his face. She wasn't to sure what to make of it. He looked almost annoyed as though she had suggested something so lowly. He almost looked mad or disgusted.

"No no you need rest." He started pushing her to the other room.

"But…"

"No! You get rest!" He said quickly.

"Are you sleeping on that couch?" He froze she saw the worry there.

"Yes." He said slowly as he stopped fussing with her.

"Stay with me." Akane wanted to sleep but she wanted some kind of human contact as well. Someone to hold her someone she knew would make her feel safe.

He made a movement that worried her. He seemed as if battling with himself.

"Kakashi?"

"No…I…"

"Tell me." She grabbed his hand and he snatched it away and left in an instant. She had no clue what that was but it hurt. She could feel her heart constrict from it. What was his problem?

Did I do something?

Sitting on the bed she sighed and placed her face in her hands.

Kakashi needed to get away from her. If he let her pull him towards her he wasn't going to stop there…no he wasn't

I've gone insane!

He shoved a hand into his hair and shook his head in frustration.

I was stupid to think she'd like me like that…but that was way to close…I would have…

He heard a loud sigh from the other room. He felt bad she had no clue what was going on and he could understand that. He had been acting strangely for days around her and it wasn't helping.

If I can just relax then I can do what she asked of me…can I even do that.

He had to. She would think badly of him if he left her now.

Walking to the door he stopped. Was she crying?

She sat on the edge of the bed with her face in her hands he could see her shoulders shake and a few stray tears fall to the floor. Had he caused this?

Walking silently he sat next to her and pulled her against him so her head was buried in his chest.

"I'm sorry Akane-san…" was all he could say as he gently rocked her trying to soothe her.

"It's nothing you did." She sobbed silently.

He was surprised at how quiet she was like this. He gently placed his hand in her hair and continued to relax her. How could he not stay with her?

She needs me here…I can't abandon her, no matter how strong she may be.

"Common right now we both need some rest." He gently helped her up. After the long day she was tired and the stress was getting to her, the crying made that very very clear. It was one thing to live in a village like this, but to be here for a short time and not registered…it could leave one with many thoughts and Kakashi knew full well what they would be.

Lying next to her he turned to face her and moved some hair aside. She gently smiled at him but said nothing. No words were needed between them in this moment. He knew she had almost no energy. He was feeling the stress himself. The entire time he had been using his chakra to watch for Anko or Ibiki, mostly because they were the people who knew Akane and what she looked like.

If they had found her he would have been forced to hand her over. Just the exertion of that day was enough. Iruka helped a lot when he got a break but his conversation with Kurenai was worrying him.

She knows something…will she tell Tsunade? She was very specific. I know part of her is mad at me for Asuma's death, I wish she'd be confided in knowing I blame myself for not being there with them. However to take this out on Akane would be something I would fight back against.

He hadn't realized he was frowning but Akane's soft hand on his face woke him from his thoughts. He could still see a single tear fall down the side of her face as she watched him.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." He smiled to her. He knew she could see his face almost as well as anyone who saw it without his mask. She was artistic…there was no hiding from her eyes.

Gathering the blanket he pulled it over them both and as she rolled over he gently wrapped his arms around her. He was going to have to fight himself all night just so both of them could sleep.

"I'm sorry this wore you out."

"It's fine." Kakashi smiled. "I would rather it be you than anyone else." He was grinning now. She was leaning into him. Somehow he knew she was feeling what he was if not more.

"Really?" She was about to roll over but he just gripped her tighter and buried his face into her shoulder.

"Yes." He returned, his voice muffled.

He felt a small shudder but ignored it; if he had paid attention to it things would not turn out good.

"I'll have a surprise for you tomorrow in the morning. So get as much sleep as you need okay." He said carefully.

He felt a tired nod and soon her breathing was as shallow as any sleeping person's. Sitting up he looked down over her. She was always so beautiful when sleeping. Always with a smile. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead and ran a hand over her arm.

"I love you…that's the only reason I try so hard for you." He smiled weakly. Hearing those words was very strange to him and yet quite right. One day he would be able to admit it openly to her but today was not the day. "Tomorrow I hope." He laid himself back down and put his arms back around her. "Maybe tomorrow." He murmured one last time before he drifted off to sleep.

TBC...

A/N: Okay to pose a question to anyone willing to answer, or the challenge of working this out. What/Who is Katon? He shows up a few times here and there so why? I would love to hear what you guys have come up with, I'm sure someone was wondering who that random name was?