Youthful Endeavors

Pakkun sighed as he watched ninjas come and go from Kakashi's apartment. He didn't think he could stick around and watch this any longer...but the dog also didn't want to disappear all together. He wanted to be near enough to know if, no, when Kakashi was recovered. With this goal in mind, the pug came to the decision to take a stroll. It would help him ease some of the tension that was building up from the waiting. Getting up, the pug left the apartment without issue and began to walk the streets of the village.

After criss-crossing Konoha several times, Pakkun came by the old Uchiha district. He paused. Kakashi and him had come here a number of times over the few years the kid had been apart of a team-it had been hard not to with a teammate like Obito. Squinting down the long road, the summon came to the conclusion that few must come this way any longer. The massacre undoubtedly having scared away anyone who was not an Uchiha from ever stepping foot here again. Without thinking it through, Pakkun began to walk into the compound.

The further he walked, the more his nose was bombarded with stale smells and weeds; he turned his head just so once and caught the scent of something else. Sweat. Hurrying after the smell, the pug is so very shocked and relieved. He knows this sweat! It's-it's Kakashi! The summon ran after the smell, following it's strange trail to a weathered house and then to a deserted room.

Pausing at the threshold, the dog thought better than to step right in. Who knew what the kid might have done to it; he's always been resourceful. "Kakashi!" He called. "Kid! Everyone's looking for you!"

The bookcase moved a bit, otherwise, the boy made no sign that he planned to reveal himself. "There better not be any traps," the summon grumbled as he came into the room and walked to the up-ended shelves. Coming to them, Pakkun paws at the scuffed up wood. "Kid?"

It lifted a little and Kakashi peered out with dark eyes filled with relief.

"Pakkun!" The child sighed.

The pug smirked-tail wagging behind him. "I knew you could get yourself out of trouble," the dog complimented.

Tiny hands reached to him and the summon obliged falling into the pair and he didn't question the bookcase falling back over them. The small ninja would explain, the dog was certain. The boy shook against him as his little fingers moved up and down his coat. "I ran away," he admitted, "And-and they saw me run!" He muttered, "They have to be looking for me..."

Licking the crook of Kakashi's elbow, the pug informed the child "I hadn't seen anyone."

"That doesn't mean they aren't out there!" The gray-haired youth hissed.

Taking comfort in the beating of his young heart, Pakkun suggested "I can lead you to your kids, if you want-I'll hear the guys or smell them if they're nearby."

Short arms tighten around his torso. "What if they surprise us? I don't think they'll ever let me go after I've runaway once..."

"They won't" the pug swore. And he meant it. He'd kill Astuo and Tiro himself if he had to.

A shuddering breath later, Kakashi agreed. "Okay," he whispered.

"Let's go then," the summon urged.

And they did.

First, sorry I didn't update yesterday! I was just so busy all day that I was never able to use a computer (let alone near one). I'm hoping it hasn't thrown anyone off too much! Also, thank VampireDoll666 for Pakkun being the one to find Kakashi! Her review inspired me (and it was way better than what I had going).

Second, somehow, chapter fourteen became a duplicate of chapter thirteen and I had to fix that. Because I don't ever keep more than two chapters on backup, I had to re-write it. I know there are some differences now, but I tried to keep to the same intention as before; check that out the re-done chapter now if you want :)

Third, I have finished Phoenix Moon's prize (a One-Shot for being my hundred and first reviewer). It's a Harry Potter Naruto crossover with the prompt being:

"While adventuring in the Forbidden Forest to strengthen the relations between humans and creatures, Harry stumbles upon a small boy up in a tree. The boy is alone and Harry can't help but think that the boy needs someone..."

The fic itself is called Just a Little Magic if you want to check it out ;)

To reviewers, Pixychick84, KakashiKrazed, Kakashi lover, Rosebunse, Prescripto13, The Goliath Beetle, Harvestangel99, Tdbanks316 and VampireDoll666 thank you all so much for your help in reaching my goal of two hundred reviews :) I have to wonder, though, what happened guys? You've been so awesome about giving me ten reviews (or more) for the last, oh, eight chapters. Did ya not like last chapter or something? Let me know! (And oh my god, don't I sound entitled? I should wrap this up before you think I'm some kind of bitch...)

Finally, thanks for reading and please review!

*Edited 5/20/14*