I had long given up trying to console Gai. He was sitting on the end of the bed, apologising and berating himself.

"It's all my fault Mai! I was over-ambitious! Foolishness is a condition of the youthful! I am so sorry; I shall run 3000 times around Konoha in your honour!"

On he rambled; I slumped back against the pillows. I had objected to the last twenty punishments he had suggested, but he seemed determined to inflict severe pain on himself. Now it was easier just to shut up and let him continue.

I was also telling myself off, for still not being strong enough. Hell, I didn't even notice a great bloody weapon flying in my direction, and was now to be holed up in hospital for the next week. I had been unconscious for four days, and the doctors had taken the opportunity to run more tests. As it turned out, I had been right. Norio had taken much more of my natural chakra reserves than everyone first realised, and my body had rejected the chakra infusions, something to do with the presence of the Hou-ou. Plus all the training and missions had prevented me healing properly; meaning I had gone out on the mission far below full strength. I could see Gai's logic in that it was his fault that I ended up this way, but I preferred to blame Norio and the man in the clearing; after all, I had asked for Gai's help.

It was all just…unfortunate.

Gai's stream of self-abuse was interrupted.

"How are you feeling today Sumiko?"

Katsuo had entered quietly and was standing just inside the door. He was eyeing Gai cautiously, clearly thinking him unhinged.

"Better now that I'm stitched back together. Any news?"

I had spoken to Katsuo briefly the day before, about what had happened after I lost consciousness. My bomb had drawn the attentions of the Wave Country guard, and they had arrived shortly after the battle. Katsuo gave them the scroll, and several guards escorted him and I back to Konoha. The men in the clearing were exiled ninja from several different countries. Those that fled into the forest to escape the fight had been captured; the leader was dead. My back had been split open, and one of my lungs had been punctured. I'd lost a lot of blood, and had been rushed straight into emergency. I'd spent the majority of my time here asleep, the exception being when Gai woke me up to tell me of his plans of punishment.

"I just thought I'd let you know that the niece received the scrolls, so overall the mission was a success."

He was still hesitant and awkward, even after all we had been through. He shifted uneasily by the door, preparing to leave. Oh well, it was good of him to check in. Again there was that reminder of Kakashi, while seemingly cold and aloof, Katsuo still felt responsible for his comrades, and would protect them no matter what.

"Okay, well thanks for checking in then." I offered a small smile and a wave. He remained serious, bowed and left. I turned my attention back to Gai, and saw that he was muttering to himself. When I concentrated, I realised that he was convincing himself that standing on hot coals for 24 hours was a worthwhile punishment.

"For the love of god! How about blaming the guy that shoved the blade in my back? Would you stop?"

A nurse stuck her head in the room, having heard my outburst, and narrowed her gaze on Gai, who was looking rather sheepish.

"Excuse me, this is a hospital. You are distressing my patient; I shall have to ask you to leave."

Gai bowed his head at the reprimand and slouched from the room without a word. Thank god, I was knackered from fighting the sedatives I was on. My back was starting to hurt again, though the nurse came over to turn up the morphine. It was a different one from when I first woke up; I had requested a new one when the other refused to give me my sedatives until I told her whether Kakashi would be visiting. I'd scoffed at her and told her that I didn't see what the appeal was. She backed off when I said he was missing his cheeks, and the mask was there to stop him drooling on himself.

However this new one didn't seem to be in a hurry to leave.

"So Miss Sumiko, have you had many visitors?"

I shut my eyes tight and tried to let the sedatives take over. No such luck.

"Miss Sumiko? Maia?"

I finally spat out "No."

I heard her footsteps go towards the door.

"Well in future, I'll make sure all your visitors check in with me first. It's not good for you to get over excited."

I'd have rolled my eyes if I could. Sure that was the reason, nothing to do with ambushing Kakashi at all. Ah well, the chances of him seeing see were just about nil. I'd been injured so many times over the last month that it wasn't even an occasion anymore. Besides, when I asked Gai about him, I found out that he and Itachi's brother were training in the mountains somewhere, and he wasn't going to come all the way back just for me. Plus, that receptionist would chase him out if he so much as stepped a foot in the hospital.

My stomach lurched when I realised that the Chunin exams were just 5 days away; Kakashi would be there and I would be…still in hospital. I cursed under my breath. The nurse, who had been scribbling away on my chart looked up and raised an eyebrow. I cleared my throat and looked up blearily, my vision starting to waver.

"Er…sorry."

She went back to her chart, rolling her eyes. There had to be a way for me to get there, and I had 4 days to think of one. I feigned sleep while my brain worked frantically away.

"Absolutely not! She cannot leave the hospital until she is completely healed; we can't make any more mistakes!"

The nurse and Asuma were arguing outside my room. When he finally visited, I told him of my predicament and he immediately rose to the challenge. Though he didn't seem to be winning in this verbal sparring with the nurse.

"But the Chunin Exams only-,"

"Mr Sarutobi – she is your friend! I'd expected better from you that to risk her fragile health for a stupid compet-,"

"I'm not fragile!" I bellowed from my bed, struggling against the sheets to prove my strength. I succeeded in knocking over one of the beeping machines, and smashing a vase of flowers from well-wishers.

"I have the final word – she stays until I say she can go!"

"But-,"

"- that's final! Good day sir!"

Angry footsteps stomped away down the hall, and Asuma trudged back into my room looking annoyed. He threw himself into a chair and glared out the window.

"You should have kicked her." I advised. He smiled slightly.

"Don't worry about it Mai, we'll find a way for you to get out of here."

I was getting stronger every day, though I was rather stiff from the lack of activity. I slept most of the time, determined to get well enough, but that nurse was being a pain. She would undoubtedly keep me here just to spite me now.

Asuma took my silence as one of disappointment, and leaned forward urgently.

"Mai, you will get to see Kakashi, don't worry about that, I'm sure he will come straight to the hospital -,"

I whipped my head around, an idea forming. Asuma cut himself off, looking a bit nervous at my wide-eyed expression.

"Er…What?"

I started to grin, pleased at my own wiliness. I tapped my nose slyly and shook my head at him.

"I'll tell you later. I'm tired now, but I'll see you later right?"

He was squinting at me suspiciously, trying to figure out the plots and plans forming in my head. Eventually he got up and said his goodbyes. He opened the window, and had one leg hanging out when he turned back to ask:

"You're not going to do anything stupid are you?"

"When do I ever?"

He raised his eyebrows at me, and had to duck the other vase that was in my reach. He laughed, and jumped from the sill down into the streets.

"Bloody Ninja, why can't you use the door!"

I turned to see that the nurse had returned with a great scowl on her face. She started to fidget around again, and I decided to try out my plan.

"Nurse…"

"Rei." She supplied.

"Nurse Rei, about the final exam-,"

She threw her hands into the air and groaned with exasperation.

"I've already told you, no!"

"Wait though! Look, it's my only chance to catch up with my friend. I haven't seen him in ages and he's going to be there, maybe you know of him? Hatake Kakashi?"

The nurse stopped what she was doing, standing totally still.

"I mean,' I continued, 'I could always have a nurse accompany me to the exams, he would be so grateful that I was allowed to go."

I feigned innocence and plucked at my blanket when the nurse turned around quickly, narrowing her eyes.

"He'll be there?"

"Yup."

"And you'll introduce me?"

"Yup."

She looked out the window, her eyes glazed. I could practically read her thoughts; the Kakashi fanatics were all the same. She'd be thinking about how she would be on the arm of the most eligible bachelor in Konoha. She'd be famous throughout the village; a cut above the rest of us 'peasants'. She'd be thinking about the possibility of him becoming Hokage and what that would mean for her.

I had heard all of these fantasies from women during my time tormenting fan-girls as a child. No one cared that he was an idiot jerk.

An idiot jerk that even I had a crush on.

I pushed that thought away quickly, and realised that Rei's attention was once more focused on me.

"Don't think for a second that I don't know what you're doing."

I looked at her blankly; my innocent expression must be terrible. Instead I shrugged at her, and waited for the continuation of her tirade. She opened her mouth again, but stopped before she spoke, smoothed her hair and drifted out of the room.

I grinned to myself triumphantly. The fact that I had to introduce her sucked, but at least now I got to go to the exams.

I glared up at the dark ceiling, furious that I was still awake. Sleeping without sedatives was proving to be difficult, and it was now two in the morning; how was I supposed to heal up if I couldn't rest? I kicked the blankets off me, too hot and bothered. There was a faint light coming from the corridor, and I could hear the low murmurs of the nurses and doctors on duty.

Outside the moon was full, and it was a calm, clear night. The stars were out in their thousands, and a slight breeze swayed the trees outside my window.

I impatiently blew the hair that had fallen into my face away, and rested my hands and feet against the metal bars of my bed, relishing its cold touch.

It still wasn't enough. I looked out through the window again, and the cool night beckoned. It wouldn't hurt just to open it.

I swung my legs off the bed, onto the floor, and was pleased to find that I didn't collapse. I grabbed the pole holding the fluids I was hooked up to and wheeled it over to the other side of the room and pulled the window open.

I stuck my head out immediately, enjoying the fresh air. The moonlight cast Konoha in an eerie bluish glow; the streets were quiet and still. It seemed everyone was resting up for the exam, leaving the village unusually calm. After a week of being confined to that little room, it was almost overwhelming to have so much space. The idea of shutting the window on it all and returning to bed was heart-breaking.

I looked up at the stars again, contemplating my situation. It was boring, just lying there in the hospital, surely I was well enough to do something useful. Far off in the distance I could see the training field; and beyond it, I knew the memorial waited. I bit my lip, would it be safe for me to go there again?

I was crouching on the sill before I'd even contemplated the thought.

Bugger it, I needed to stretch my legs, why not go and visit Obito while I was at it? I gingerly pulled the IV needle out of my arm and hopped down on the roof below. The landing impact was something to get used to, and the weights were something else again. No matter, I could just take my time.

I jumped down to the street more carefully, concentrating my chakra properly so as to not break my legs, and then set off towards the memorial.

I was only wearing a white, hospital issue night-dress, and I was momentarily pleased for the fact that no one was around to see me.

It was oddly peaceful, wandering the streets of my home. I got to look and take my time as I would not during the daylight hours.

I reached the training fields surprisingly fast, and sped up to reach the memorial stone. I didn't feel afraid this time, though slightly anxious, as though I was meeting someone new.

The stone glowed dimly in the distance, and I could already make out the names carved upon it. The atmosphere was almost churchlike in its solemnity, and everything had a dreamy air to it. I made my way through the overgrown grass and knelt before the stone, tracing Obito's with my fingers, before turning my back, sitting down and leaning against it.

I tilted my head back to look at the stars and licked my lips. How did I do this? Should I talk to him in my head or aloud? It's not like anyone would hear me. I cleared my throat, and began.

"Um…Obito? It's Maia; we used to play ninja together. You probably don't recognise me, it's been a while…"

The voice inside my head told me that of course he didn't recognise me, he is dead. I ignored it and pushed on.

"It's been a weird few years. I'll tell you that. But you should see how everyone has grown up – I can hardly believe it. Asuma is a really great guy, and Gai is as psychotic as ever. They've both been good to me…

'And Kakashi. Jeez, is that a surprise. He's still a jerk, but not as much as before. He has his own team now, which is hilarious to watch… You'd be proud of him, Obito. Hell, you probably are, who knows how this whole death thing works, I've been close to it so often you'd think I'd have a better understanding of the concept, but I'm afraid no-," There was a sudden movement in the distance.

"-Maia?"

I managed to contain myself, preventing a stream of shocked curses at the last minute. Kakashi was suddenly staring down at me, appearing from no where. I tried to calm my thudding heart as I gazed up at him in surprise. He was frowning slightly at me, seemingly as confused at my appearance and I was at his.

"Oh, um, hi."

My mind raced, wondering if he had heard what I'd been saying to Obito, or worse, if he had heard me and assumed I was talking to myself.

"What are you doing out here?"

"Visiting Obito. What's your excuse?"

He seemed surprised at my answer.

"Looking for you. You're supposed to be in the hospital." That last part was said with annoyance. I glared at him, he was one to talk. He was famous for disappearing from hospital beds to train instead of resting or healing.

"I'm fine." I muttering, pulling at the grass. There was movement next to me, and I felt him sit down, lean back against the stone. He also looked up at the stars.

"How'd you know I was in the hospital?"

"Asuma sent word when you were admitted. I came as soon as I could, he seemed to think you were in critical condition, but I see you're your usual pleasant self."

I pulled a face at him, thinking he wasn't looking.

"Careful. The wind may change and you'll be stuck like that."

I quickly rearranged my face and resumed destroying the lawn.

"Anyway,' I tried again, 'I heard you were training in the Mountains, you didn't have to come all the way back here because of some flesh wound."

"Mai, it was hardly a flesh wound."

"Aw, did I have you worried?" I said sarcastically, as if anything could ruffle his feathers-,

"Yes."

I turned to him in surprise. He was still staring at the stars nonchalantly. He always knew how to shut me up, though now I felt painfully awkward. He had actually come to see me, to make sure I was okay. What was wrong with him? I decided to change the direction of the conversation; after all, we were both here to remember Obito…

"So do you come here often?" I said.

He finally looked at me, smirking and raising an eyebrow.

"That was not a line!" I said hotly, knowing what he was thinking. He smiled at me, but became serious again quickly.

"Yes, sometimes."

Something in his tone caused me not to pursue the subject; he seemed somewhat distant and thoughtful. The breeze picked up slightly, and I realised that I was actually getting cold. I linked my arm around Kakashi's, trying to warm up a little. He didn't shove me away, which I took as a good sign. I picked up his hand and pressed my palm against it, measuring our fingers.

"I miss him. He was really good at playing ninja."

He didn't answer, and I looked up from our hands. He was staring down at me, frowning slightly. I realised that he probably wasn't comfortable with how close I was, that or he thought I had some sort of hand fetish.

"Sorry, is this not okay?" I pulled away slightly, but his arm tensed around mine, stopping me.

"No, you're fine."

I relaxed again, though my stomach was doing somersaults. He looked away quickly, and I thought he was going to ignore me and try to figure out how to escape.

"He was good at being a ninja too."

I was careful not to look at him, this was a rare insight into Kakashi's head, and I wasn't going to ruin it by saying something stupid. However, despite my silence, he did not continue, once again consumed in his thoughts.

I decided to leave him to it for a while, shutting my eyes to catch some sleep. It only felt like I had shut them for a moment when he piped up again.

"I heard you aren't allowed to go to the exams."

Hm, I wonder how mad he will be when he finds out that I traded him for my freedom…

"Well…that's not totally true…"

He sighed exasperatedly.

"You've done something stupid again, haven't you?"

"Why does everyone keep saying that!"

I tried to pull away again, but his fingers closed around mine, causing a rush of nerves to sweep down my legs. Well, I wasn't going anywhere fast; it was now or never.

"Ihavetosetyouupwithmynurse" I finally mumbled.

"What?"

"I SAID: I can only go if the nurse comes too and…I…introduce her to you…and I kind of indicated that you would be interested in her…"

He groaned and shut his eye.

"What? Just be polite to her! You don't have to pull out the stops or anything!"

"I'm not dating any more nurses Mai."

"I didn't say you had to! Just be nice!"

An odd look passed over his face, though it was too hard to decode in the darkness. He suddenly pushed himself to his feet, and pulled me along with him. I over-balanced and bumped into his chest and had to try to regain my balance.

"What are you doing?"

"Taking you back to the hospital. You've had enough adventures for tonight, and the Nurse will be after my neck if she finds an empty bed."

Tiredness finally hit me, and I didn't give up much of a fight. By the time I realised that we were still holding hands, he released mine and walked off quickly. I watched him go, confused. He turned around suddenly, realising that I wasn't following.

"Maia?"

"Did I offend you or something?"

He looked surprised.

"…No."

There was something wrong with him, but he clearly wasn't about to tell me. So instead I sighed and stomped to catch up to him. We walked back in silence, which was neither companionable nor comfortable. He was thoughtful enough to help me back onto the roof tops and see me back through the window; though by the time I turned around to say good night, he was already gone.

He had left as soon as she turned away from him, furious with himself. How stupid of him to think she was interested. Kakashi walked back through the silent streets towards the mountains. He would be early for training this morning.

When she had curled up next to him he had thought for a moment…but then she tried to set him up with another woman. Kakashi shook his head, cursing himself again for letting things getting so far. When he had finally gotten Asuma's message he had left for Konoha at once, unsure of what he would find when he arrived. She had been in critical condition for two days, and now she was sneaking out of the hospital out of boredom. He looked up from his feet, and realised that he was at the edge of the village. Before he set off for training, he told himself sternly: "Enough. This idiocy ends now."

Kakashi ran through the early morning, and tried to convince himself that the feeling in his chest was the burning result of the pace he set, rather than sickening disappointment.