Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. 3

Song: Closer by Joe Inoue (English translation)

Chapter 8: Warm Embrace


Kakashi's pov

I finally heard the faucet turn on as I was looking for the smallest pajamas I have. I can't just give her the ones I regularly wear, they'd fall off of her automatically. Although, I wouldn't have a problem with that at all. Gah. Kakashi, you've got to atop thinking like that. I doubt she's attracted to you in any way. I wonder if she knows tha-

I stopped my thoughts mid sentence when I heard the most angelic voice I've ever heard. It seemed to be coming from the restroom.

"You know the closer you get to something, the tougher it is to see it. And I'll never take it for granted, lets go."

That can't be Harumi...can it? I placed the pajamas I found neatly on her bed and slowly walked closer towards the restroom door, leaning up against it.

She really is an angel isn't she...?

After singing concluding the song, she goofily imitated the instrumental music for the remainder of her 30-45 minute shower.

I chuckled inwardly. I wonder if she knows I can hear her. I thought with a light smile forming.

When the faucet turned off, I scrambled to get back into my bedroom not wanting her to catch me there. Luckily, I made it just as she opened the door.

I could see through the fusuma doors that she sprinted to her room like a deer caught in headlights. I chuckled slightly.

A few moments afterwards, she emerged from the bedroom, equipped in loose washed out green pajama bottoms and an oversized blue shirt, with damp long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail. Could she be anymore gorgeous.

Assuming she didn't see me gazing upon her beauty, she wandered into the living room, continuing her exploration of her newfound home.

I spent a few moments contemplating how to start up a conversation without it being too awkward.

"Doo do do doo do do doo." I hummed while walking out of the hallway into the living room, mimicking her interpretation of the song she sang. Is that all you could come up with kakashi? Smooth. Real smooth.

To my surprise, she sang along with my 'beat'.

"The things closest to you/ you need to always pay the most attention to/if you get to close to something/you'll lose sight of it." she sang heavenly with a smile. "I didn't know you could hear me." she said shyly, blushing. She is so...adorable, especially when she blushes.

"Yeah," I began "don't worry about it though, you have an amazing voice." I continued with my eye in a 'U' shape showing my smile

"Aw, thank you so much kakashi." she said modestly.

I smiled more at her innocence.

After a few moments of silence, albeit not awkward I asked slyly "so, do you like your pajamas?"

"Oh" she giggled "yes, I do very much so." she said in a sarcastically honest voice.

I laughed. "Good, that's my best set of pjs there. Im making a very big sacrifice." i replied with the same amount of sarcasm, heading towards the couch to sit.

Just ask she was about to reply, a loud clap of thunder sounded, followed by a bright flash of lightening. The lights flickered slightly as both of us froze completely. After a few moments of confirming that the lights will stay on, another loud clap of lightening occurred again followed by a bright flash of lightening - this one taking the lights with it.

As soon as the lights went out, I could've sworn I heard a close to silent 'eep' noise escape Harumi's lips.

"Harumi, are you okay?" I asked, letting my eye adjust to the darkness.

"Oh, what? Yeah I'm fine." she replied a little panicked still completely frozen.

"Are you sure?" I asked, knowing the answer already.

"...No" she answered shyly.

Im going to die because of her adorableness. Dear god, help me.

"Stay right there. Im gonna go get some candles, okay?" I said, rising out of my seat having my eye adjust to the darkness.

"No!" she pleaded

"Huh? Why not, what's wrong?" I asked worriedly

"...Its just that...im afraid of the dark." she answered decreasing the volume of her voice with every word.

I'll protect you, Harumi.

"Oh. In that case then," I began as I was slowly making my way towards the scared figure that stood in the middle of my living room "I'll stay right here." I finished reaching my destination next to her.

As soon as I reached my place next to her, she grabbed onto me tightly, as if her life depended on it.

Not being used to the feeling, I was a tad shocked. After a few moments, I slowly wrapped my arms around her gently knowing the injuries she suffering from.

She's so small, and fragile, and warm. And...short. It's like I'm suffocating her in my chest. I can definitely get used to this for a year...maybe a few decades.

After a few moments of standing in the middle of the living room in each others arms, and listening to the rain gently hit the windows, i suggested "lets go over to your room, it has the most windows meaning it has the most light." being muffled by her hair. Mmm...she smells like strawberries.

She nodded lightly into my chest.

I reluctantly released her from my embrace, holding onto her hand lightly, leading the way towards the bedroom. If only it could've been for another reason.

I open the fusuma doors as another louder clap of thunder occurred causing Harumi to tighten her grip around my hand and arm.

" Its okay Harumi." I whispered. "I'll protect you."

She looked up at me, and smiled lightly.

I gently pulled her into the direction of the bed, then climbed onto it scooting over so she can follow suit.

She slowly inched closer to me, eventually laying her head against my chest and placing her hand on my stomach.

I returned the favor by gently wrapping my arms around her as she slowly fell asleep.

"I'll protect you...with my life" I said almost silently.

As if she heard me, she moaned quietly.

She's so warm.

I rubbed her back slowly while listening to her inhales and exhales as I slowly fell asleep also.

I don't feel alone anymore.

*Harumi's pov*

I woke up missing the warmth that was surrounding me throughout the night. I looked over at the clock which read 8:45 a.m.

I stretched causing a yawn to escape my lips. I reluctantly got out of bed to figure out where my heater went.

"Kakashi?" i said in a singing voice quietly as you looked around the corner.

I walked into the kitchen to a note that was written apparently in a hurry. It read:

Good morning, Harumi. I hope you slept well, and that the lights are back on. I figured I'd let you sleep in since you need the rest. I just went on a walk, I should be back around 9:30.

-kakashi

PS. You should make me breakfast.

I giggled at the latter thought. Maybe I should make him breakfast, its the least I could do, right? I thought while walking over to the stove.


AN: whooop! 8Th chapterr. Review por favor! It was pretty short, but oh well.

Adiós!

XOXO, Aliey.