ANBU Allure

Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. I'm still hoping to update this story about once every 1-2 weeks. It may be a bit more or less though. I've got several collaborations going on. We're also heading into a new arc in this story, but I imagine it will be a short arc. Still, I hope that you enjoy it all the same.

Chapter Notation: The results were overwhelming. The vast majority of reviewers were in favor of our trio's relationship not remaining a secret forever. So don't worry, it won't. Happy reading.

Chapter 14

The days following the battle were a bit of a blur for Kakashi. Between rescuing everyone, sending them back to where they belonged, and the journey back to the Leaf…even his stamina was being tested. Though that test was far from over as he strides into Minato's office with Hinata and Itachi by his side.

"Welcome back. I knew that the three of you would be successful and Hinata, I would advise keeping that mask on until you get further away from my office. Just to be on the safe side." Minato smiles at them.

The sight of the familiar gesture was enough to put Kakashi's mind at ease. There were some things that would never change and his Sensei's comforting aura was one of them.

"Of course, Lord Hokage." Hinata bows.

It was such a formal response as would be expected of her Clan, Kakashi uses. One did see similar behavior from Itachi now and then.

"We're here to give our formal report, but you're correct. We were successful." Itachi hands Minato a rather thick scroll. "It took quite some time to identify all the victims and those who were responsible for their suffering. We've already made arrangements to return those who were kidnapped to their respective villages."

There was something incredibly sexy about Hinata's sweet politeness and Itachi's brisk efficiency. Then again, Kakashi supposed he shouldn't be too surprised. He found almost everything the two of them did erotic these days.

"Those who are injured are currently being treated." Hinata nods in agreement.

Minato pauses for a few moments as he scans the report. "I see. It appears that our worst fears were confirmed. We will do our best to track down those who were already sold, but you've all done well." He offers a grin to Hinata. "I'm half inclined to offer you a permanent position with the ANBU, but I know that you do enjoy your work as a medic."

"She performed exceptionally well." Kakashi smirks.

Judging by the way that Itachi was doing the same, it looked as though his male lover was thinking similar thoughts about Hinata's performance. Sadly, they would be required to be more discrete in the Leaf Village than they were while on the mission, but Kakashi was confident they could manage to do so. They were ninjas, after all.

"T-Thank you." Hinata looks down at her feet and even with the mask on, Kakashi knew she was blushing.

Adorable. Absolutely endearing. Itachi certainly had good taste.

Minato chuckles before closing the scroll. "I trust that Ino has already been reunited with her family?"

"Yes, of course." The silver haired ninja nods. "The poor girl is likely still shaken up about the incident, but she aided us admirably."

With any luck, Ino might receive a pay raise or something of that sort. Hmm. Maybe Minato would import some rare, foreign flowers for her family's shop to use or something of that nature.

"Good. I'm glad to hear it." Minato beams at the trio. "With that being said, you're all dismissed for now. You must all be exhausted from the ordeal."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Itachi bows. "You're right. Besides, Hinata's family and mine are waiting for our return and I'm certain Kakashi wants to catch up on his reading. Gods and Goddesses knows what will happen if this man doesn't reach smut reading quota."

Kakashi places his hand over his heart. "Itachi, you wound me deeply. It's not smut. It is erotic literature of the highest quality."

Hinata giggles at that and Kakashi finds himself smiling. The sound was music to his ears. She truly was a treasure.

"I'm afraid that it's still smut, Kakashi Sensei." Hinata giggles again. "Calling it another name doesn't change that."

It was all Kakashi could do not to gape at the beautiful woman who was having such a good hearted laugh at his expense. Perhaps he should have seen it coming though. They did say that it was always the quiet ones.

"Indeed." Itachi smirks as the three of them head towards the door. "I've always been of a similar mind when it comes to this subject."

"I can't take either of you anywhere." Kakashi groans.

A short while later, Hinata sighs as she quickly makes her way to her Clan's private baths. It had been a long journey and well, she was rather relieved to have a chance to relax or so she thought.

"Hinata! You're home!" Hanabi darts into bath. "You were gone forever. I was starting to get worried. I thought you didn't get sent out on missions anymore now that you were a medic at the hospital."

It was impressive how people could say so many words without needing to breathe, Hinata muses. Of course, it likely had something to do with her sister's youth.

Not that Hinata was old by any stretch of the imagination. It was just her sister was her junior by a few years and at that age where almost everything was either the most wonderful or horrific thing in the world. That or one became completely apathetic like Shikamaru.

Shikamaru had never really outgrown that phase.

"I usually don't, but the Hokage made a special request. I couldn't turn it down." She smiles at her sister and beckons her to join her. "I can't tell you what happened on the mission as it was top secret, but I'm really glad to be home and to see you again."

Indeed. She had missed her family fiercely throughout the entire ordeal, but that had always been the case whenever Hinata went on long missions. It was just one of many reasons why she had decided to become a medic instead.

"Oh. Well, if it's top secret, I guess you can't say anything." Hanabi pouts. "Did you learn any new techniques though?"

Hinata suddenly wishes she was still wearing her mask. It would have made hiding her blush much easier.

The answer was yes. Hinata had learned many new techniques, but not the kind that Hanabi had any business knowing about yet.

"Nothing worth mentioning." She smiles at her sister. "Why don't you tell me what you've been up to during my absence instead? I'm sure it's more interesting than anything I could tell you that wasn't classified."

"Oh okay!" Hanabi grins. "Well, my team went on our first C rank mission."

Hinata mentally sighs in relief as her sister proceeds to happily tell her all about the mission. That was a close one.

For now, she'd just indulge in her family's welcome home and try not to think about the future too much. She was in love with two men and her Clan would never condone that.

That left two options. They'd either have to be extremely discrete or she'd have to choose one day. The latter thought was terrifying.

Meanwhile Itachi returns to the Uchiha District and blinks at the state he found everyone in. It seemed almost without exception that most of his Clan was exhausted or at the very least busy.

"There you are." Shisui bounds over to him. "It's a good thing that you're back. We can use all the help we can get. The Leaf is going to host the Chunin Exams again this year."

There were times when Itachi sincerely wondered if Shisui could read minds. "Ah. That explains it and before you ask, the mission was a successful." Though he wasn't the only Uchiha who was good at anticipating questions.

"I expected no less." The other Uchiha chuckles. "Come on. Your mother has decided to humor Sasuke by making his favorite tomato dish tonight and I'm sure that she's likely made you your favorite as well. The woman has a sixth sense for when people will return from their missions, I tell you."

That was true. How Mikoto Uchiha always managed to guess such things was beyond Itachi's comprehension. Maternal instincts were apparently a rather powerful Jutsu.

"That sounds perfect." Itachi smiles at his cousin only for his cheeks to burn a bright shade of pink when his stomach rumbles.

"I'm not even going to bother to ask when the last time you ate was. You really should take better care of yourself." Shisui rolls his eyes playfully. "Even your body has limits."

He was right about that. Itachi hadn't intended to skip breakfast that morning, it was just there had been so much work to do.

"You're right. Come on. They're probably waiting for us." He walks alongside his cousin towards the home that he still shared with his family. He could have gotten his own, but it was comforting to be surrounded by immediate family and other Clan members. "And you can tell me all about this year's Chunin Exams. I'm somewhat surprised they're having it in the Leaf again. Usually, they space them out more."

"They normally do, but the Leaf has a good 'middle ground' climate. Those from colder and hotter regions don't have to adjust that much and it negates to some degree unfair advantages due to terrain. Everyone has had missions in forested regions for the most part." Shisui didn't miss a beat as he begins explaining everything.

Of course, he wouldn't though. The man was still one of their Clan's shining jewels. Shisui had even taught Itachi how to throw properly.

"I suppose that makes sense. Did Sasuke get roped into helping with security as well?" Itachi couldn't help but chuckle at the adorable image of his foolish little brother trying not to sulk in boredom.

Shisui winks at him. "Yes, he did. Oh and your father wanted me to tell you that he's prepared the house for whenever you need one."

Those words make Itachi wince. It wasn't at all a mystery why the Uchiha patriarch had done so. To some degree it was considerate, but it was also an unmistakable message.

Itachi was expected to carry on the Clan's name. He'd been in love with Kakashi for years and his youth had shielded him to some degree, but eventually his obligations to his family would win out.

There was only one difference this time. This time he had Hinata. It would be quite the scandal, but he was confident that Hanabi could take her sister's place as the Hyuga Clan's Heiress.

"That's good to know." Itachi nods at Shisui, trying to disguise his growing sense of panic.

There was just one problem. His love for Kakashi should remain a secret. While the silver haired man had never seemed particularly bothered by the secretive nature of their love before, things were different now.

It was hardly fair to have Hinata acknowledged as his wife by the general public and to keep Kakashi hidden in the shadows. One day, they'd have to tell everyone the truth. Though that was a matter for another day.

For now, Itachi would just enjoy a family meal and try to keep Sasuke from dying of boredom during the Chunin Exams.