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Precipice ~ Hinata: 13, Kakashi: 23

Eclectic Love ~ Hinata: 18, Kakashi: 28


Eclectic Love Chapter Nine

Lids heavy, Hinata groaned as her back arched in a stretch, her arms pushing outwards against the mattress. She stretched her neck, turning it to the side in an attempt to wake, absently noting the weight on her abdomen. With great strength she peeled her eyes open, blinking them as the blurry world sharpened.

Glancing down she saw a grey mop of hair resting on her stomach and a muscled arm drawn across her waist. His fingers held her hip tightly.

Hinata giggled at the sight. She ran her nimble fingers through his thick hair, massaging his scalp.

"Mmm," a moan of content vibrated through Kakashi's throat as he turned his face into her taut stomach.

She continued the massage, running her fingers from the base of his neck to the top of his head.

Their eyes met as Kakashi tipped his head up, his chin digging above her bellybutton.

Hinata's fingers stopped and a blush dusted her cheeks as Kakashi donned a lazy smile, his mask scrunched around his neck.

His smile faltered and his eyes darkened as he took her in: her messy hair spread across his pillow, her cheeks tinged pink, her baggy shirt hanging off her creamy shoulder. His thumb snuck under the hem of her shirt without his knowledge, running across the soft skin.

How he wanted to climb up her body and kiss those parted lips. Taste that perfect skin. Feel those soft curves beneath his grip. See that perfect restraint wither as she became lost beneath him.

Heat rushed down him as he felt his member harden. 'Fuck,' he swore to himself. His neck tensed as he shifted, sitting up so that his back faced the young woman. 'Eighteen… Eighteen. Eighteen. Eighteen,' the twenty-eight year old reminded himself over and over.

Hinata's cheeks deepened in their red. Shuffling along the bed, she straightened and leaned against the headboard while releasing a breath.

Kakashi cracked his neck before standing. He glanced at Hinata. "I'm, ah, gonna go shower," he said sheepishly, running his palm down his face.

Hinata nodded, bitting her lower lip.

Hinata watched as the door to the washroom closed. She stood and made her way to the kitchen. Her silky pyjama bottoms hung low on her hips, the tie undone. Her t-shirt scrunched at her waist, exposing a peek of stomach.

Rummaging through the organized—done by a true perfectionist—fridge and cupboards, she pulled out the ingredients for breakfast: rice and a side of grilled fish. Without thought she got to work, her hands automatically completing each step.

The fish was sizzling as Kakashi entered. His shampoo and body wash dispersed, the cool scent meeting Hinata's sensitive nose.

Waltzing over, his hands stuffed in his pockets, he leaned over to inhale the food. "Smells good as always," he complimented with a grin.

Filling two wooden bowls with rice, she placed the fish on top and handed one to Kakashi. "I should stop cooking while I'm here. Everyone knows you can't cook. They'll wonder why you bother to buy ingredients."

Using a pair of chopsticks, she placed a bundle of the rice into her salivating mouth. Her eyes implored Kakashi to respond.

Trying to repress a single sided grin, he took a bite himself. "Now, now, Hinata-chan. That's not very nice."

Hinata popped another piece into her mouth, chewing slowly. "I forgot your sensitivity. My apologies, Kashi."

Another grin twitched upwards. "Only for you, Hinata-chan."

Hinata pushed her lips out in a pout. "You're as bad Genma-san sometimes."

Kakashi's left eyebrow twitched.

Hinata hid her smile against the back of her hand as she swallowed down her food.

Kakashi's eye took on a mischievous gleam as he finished his meal, his gaze never leaving Hinata.

She met his gaze head on, wondering what the infuriating man had planned.

His chopsticks grazed the wooden bowl as he scooped the last bite of rice. Chewing slowly, he placed the chopsticks overtop the bowl, holding both in one hand. Striding forward, he watched Hinata swallow.

Invading her space, he reached past her, placing his bowl in the sink. His other arm wrapped around her waist, his hand splaying across her back as he arched her into him. "As bad as Genma?" He asked huskily, his breath fanning her neck, making her little hairs stand on end. "Do you want me show you how much better than him I can be?"

Hinata tilted her head back, exposing more of her neck to him as she felt his nose run below her jaw and his hand caress along her spine.

Without preamble her mind snapped into place. Placing her hand in the middle of his chest she pushed him off of her. He didn't offer any resistance. "Not nice."

Kakashi let out a gruff chuckle at Hinata's burning eyes. "You started it," he held up his hands in mock surrender.

Hinata's serious expression turned to a bashful smile. "You're right," she mumbled, pulling her eyes away.

Kakashi scratched at his stubble covered chin, also suddenly very interested in the black to grey ratio of the granite countertop.

"I should go."

Kakashi glanced back. "Yeah."

With a clink Hinata placed her bowl on the counter. Turning, she brushed past Kakashi and headed to the window. She didn't look back as she jumped from the heated silence to the frigid air.


Hinata's nose twitched as she pulled the hood of her sweater over her head. The fluffy inside nuzzled around her, protecting her from the fighting wind. She hung her head, letting the oversized sweater submerge her in anonymity. Her baggy pants shook with the gale.

A resounding crash and mournful groan made her tilt her head. She peeked past the fringe of her sweater. One glance at the scene of shattered bowls and a steaming Ayame and Hinata required no explanation.

Hinata jogged across the street, her hood flying off of her. "Ayame-san, are you alright?"

Ayame's face contorted in irritation, a valley formed between her brows. "No! This kid just came out of nowhere and nearly knocked me over!" She sighed. "But, you know what he did knock over? All of our new bowls. Chichi's gonna kill me!"

Hinata's lips pulled into a frown. With a quick glance she could see a blond blob running away; it was in the direction of the academy. "I'm sorry. I'm sure Teuchi-san will understand."

Ayame laughed dryly before her shoulders slumped in defeat. "That's what you think."

Hinata's frown deepened. Her eyes caught a tiny pink petal on a piece of ceramic by her feet. "You bought these at Blossom?"

Ayame nodded. "Yeah. Chichi splurged to get them." She released what could only be described as a mixture between a groan and a cry—it caught the attention of a few stray cats.

"They owe me an old favour," Hinata began. "Just mention my name and they'll replace them for you. Can I use that bag?"

Ayame blinked, dumbfounded.

Hinata cocked her head. "Please?" She tried, eager to get the mess of sharp ceramic cleaned. There'd be bleeding feet if another distracted Genin ran by.

Ayame's eyes watered before she flung herself at the surprised young girl. She pulled back with a giant grin. "You're the best, Hinata-chan! How do you even have a favour with them? They're like, so exclusive."

Hinata giggled. "I helped them in a trade deal with Sunagakure."

"Perks of the job," Ayame affirmed with a conspiratorial smile. "Are you sure this is okay? You won't need them?"

"Don't worry."

Ayame threw her arms around Hinata again. "You're the best." Quickly handing the bag to Hinata she dashed in the direction she came. "Come by later. Whatever you want: on the house!"

Hinata looked to the sky for the placement of the sun. She kneeled, careful of the sharp pieces, and began to place them into the bag. She enjoyed the numbing sensation of her fingers as she plucked each shard. It made her feel connected to the chaotic world.

Halfway done and another kneeled across from her.

"Thank you," Hinata spoke softly.

"No problem, Hinata-chan!"

Hinata tore her eyes from her work to meet crystal blue. The orange clad ninja flashed her a smile. Colour rose to her already pink dusted cheeks.

"I never took you for a klutz."

Hinata wanted to sigh at his phrasing. Instead, that blush remained. "I was - I was, ah, just picking these up for Ayame-san."

"Ayame?" Naruto scratched the back of his head. "Oh, okay. Yeah, that makes more sense. That's nice of you to do that, Hinata-chan. Old man's Ichiraku is already open."

Hinata responded with a smile.

With Naruto's help it didn't take long for the ground to be cleaned.

Hinata took Naruto's proffered hand as he helped her up.

The boy she loved a lifetime ago stood before her as a man. Hair cropped. Chiselled jaw. Gained muscle. Nothing remained of that boy except for that smile. And, of course, his signature hope and irrational—sometimes irritating—refusal to quit: it had caused her more than a few problems.

His brows furrowed when Hinata immediately released his hand and pulled hers into her chest. He chuckled nervously. "You're headed to the Hokage Tower, right?" He waited until Hinata nodded. "Great! Me too. I'll walk you."

Hinata's eyes dropped to the ground. "Um, sure."

Naruto beamed.

The two kept a distance between them as they walked; one hoping to be seen, the other hoping to blend into the background.

"So, Hinata-chan, I haven't talked to you. How d'ya like that fancy job?"

Hinata kept her gaze on her intertwined hands. "It's good," she murmured. "I like, ah, helping the village… in a different way."

Naruto's face fell in remorse before he hurried to pick it up. "You're so awesome, Hinata-chan. I could never do what you do," he exaggerated. "I don't even know what a Minister of Trade is!"

Hinata pressed her lips together in a tight line. "Naruto-san, you are one of the more intelligent people I know. You do not need to play the fool in front of me."

Naruto's mouth gapped, unsure of what to say. "Ah…"

Hinata kept silent, grateful that the Tower was on the horizon.

The confused ape trudged beside her.

"Thank you for walking me," Hinata spoke the second they passed through the doors. "Have a good day, Naruto-san."

"Huh? Oh! Have a good day, Hinata-chan!" Naruto yelled after the disappearing woman.

She could have arrived at her office following the same path as Naruto, but she needed the silence, needed to be alone. She hated putting on the act—being a girl she no longer was. It ate at her, but it was necessary.

She received a few looks as she walked the halls. A few rare smiles. But, mostly everyones' head turned away as she passed, like she was the final chapter of a their favourite tragedy.

"Are you trying to make my student's brain explode?"

Hinata locked her office door. Turning around she looked up to Kakashi before making her way to her desk.

Her office was almost the size of the entire front of her house. Her desk sat at the far end. Made from a bleached wood it opened the room. Four drawers lined each side. A simple lamp adorned the desktop: white with a rounded top. A couch splayed one wall. It matched with white upholstery and the softest pillows—clouds in pillow form truly. At the opposite wall laid her cabinet. It reached to the roof, every drawer filled to the brim with files.

"Don't you have a meeting?" Hinata ignored Kakashi's comment as she took a seat behind her desk.

Kakashi did the same, plopping onto the spotless couch. He leaned into the corner as his arms spread across the back. "Nope," he stated matter-of-factly. "Hokage-sama needs us. She's sending Tenzo instead."

Hinata swished her lips.

"So, why are you trying to make my students brain explode?" Kakashi tried again.

"I wasn't trying to," she sighed, "'make his brain explode.' I was irritated and needed a minute."

Kakashi rose a brow. He hummed in thought. "You have been a bit testy all morning. That time of the month I'm guessing?"

Hinata mirrored his look as she raised a challenging eyebrow of her own.

"Im kidding, of course," he drew his eyes around the office. "I have that all mapped out on my calendar. Like a war zone. Colour-coded. Everything. You'd be proud."

Hinata tried not to smile.

"Jiraiya-sama told me to do it. That man's a genius."

Hinata shook her head as her lips betrayed her by lifting into a smile.

"Wait… Are you early? Cause that would-"

"I'm not on my period, Kakashi."

"Full name. That means I'm in trouble."

Hinata closed her eyes with a sharp exhale.

Kakashi chuckled.

With another deep breath, Hinata explained. "Naruto's realizing I'm not the Minister of Trade. We need to make sure he only talks to a select few about it as he tries to figure things out."

Kakashi's eyes hardened as he thought back. "Naruto has been poking around a bit. He never lets things get boring that's for sure."

Hinata's lips quirked into a smile. "I could use a bit of boring."

With glazed over eyes Kakashi nodded his agreement as he continued to reminisce.

Hinata's finger tapped once against the desk as she considered what else she needed to share. She wanted to have more information before bringing it up, but she could use her partner's help. "I've been sensing something lately. It's off. I don't know…" Hinata drowned off as she massaged her temples. Something foreboding had been gnawing at her stomach for the past few days. It gnawed at her randomly for months, only closing in now, but with no proof all she could do was wait and prepare herself.

Kakashi's eye grew dark as he met Hinata's telling gaze.

No words needed to be said.

"Okay," Kakashi stood, "I'll check the perimeter."

"Thank you, Kashi," Hinata said in relief. "Go in your ANBU."

Kakashi grinned and gave a deep bow. "Yes, ma'am."