Reminder:

Precipice ~ Hinata: 13/14, Kakashi: 23

In Between ~ Hinata: 17, Kakashi: 27 (about 2 years before Eclectic Love)

Eclectic Love ~ Hinata: 18, Kakashi: 28

Eclectic Love - Chapter Twenty-Five

Hinata snuggled closer to the fluff ball curled into her chest. She felt a heavy weight rest on her hip as a wet nose tickled her arm. Squeezing her eyes together she stifled a yawn. Stretching her body, she made a few of the heads cuddled on her bed rise.

"You're up?" A gruff voice questioned.

Hinata forced her eyes open, "Mm, unfortunately." She loosened her arms around the pug ninken and took in her full bed. "I didn't realized Kashi summoned all of you," she giggled.

Turning onto her back she scratched behind the ear of the ninken known as Biscuit. He had coarse, light brown fur with darker spots. She smiled as he leaned into her hand.

Pakkun's foot came up to scratch behind his own ear. "Your bed's soft," Pakkun supplied. "And you smell good."

Hinata used her other hand to help Pakkun with his itch. "That's always nice to hear."

"You smell more like Kakashi though now."

Hinata's eyes pulled to the side, "We slept in the same bed last night."

Pakkun narrowed his eyes as he thought. "It's stronger than that."

The dogs on the bed nodded their heads in agreement.

"Oh okay," Hinata squeaked as she shuffled out of her bed to hide her blush. "You're all welcome to stay as long as you'd like, of course," she turned to smile before quickly entering the bathroom to shower. She sighed as she started the water, leaving her hand under the faucet as it heated.

Kakashi had left last night for his mission with Sasuke to Kirigakure. He'd be gone for ten days at most. A few days afterwards they'd all have to leave for the trade meeting in Suna.

Hinata smiled as she stepped into the shower despite her nervous stomach. She was excited to return to Suna. She hadn't seen Gaara and his siblings since spring.

'Too bad Shikamaru can't come this time,' she mused as she lathered her hair with shampoo. She snickered to herself picturing the sulking sand princess. 'They're good for each other. Like a mirror of Shikaku and Yoshino.'

Hinata stood with the water cascading down her body. Tilting her head back, the water rinsed the soap from her hair. Her mind flashed to last night and she felt her body tingle and face flush. The grabbing. The grinding. The feel of Kakashi's hard body under her fingers. His lips on every inch of skin he could reach. They didn't have sex, but Kami did she want to. It took all of their combined strength to try and see reason from their doped up brain's cells flooded in dopamine and oxytocin.

They'd fallen asleep but not too long after Kakashi woke to get ready for his mission. Not wanting to leave her alone, he summoned his loyal ninken to warm the bed in his stead.

Her thick sweater remained unzipped showing off a tight black t-shit and net undershirt as she stood against her kitchen counter. The top stained with water as her damp hair rested over her shoulder. She leaned her head into her palm as she watched the pack of ninken scarf down the food she made for them.

"You worry too much."

Hinata smiled, her eyes still staring off. "I thinks it's granted."

"Maybe," Pakkun sat at Hinata's feet looking up at her. "Kakashi's soft when it comes to you too."

That pulled Hinata out of her far away thoughts. She sat on the wooden kitchen floor, tucking her feet underneath herself. "I don't think he's gotten away with being soft on me in a spar for a while."

"Not what I meant."

Hinata's lips lifted, the movement not quite reaching her eyes, "I know." She met Pakkun's searching eyes. She forced a believable smile, patting his head before standing. "This is too serious of a conversation so early," she giggled.

Fumbling on one foot, she snaked her feet into her knee length boots. "Are you guys staying?"

Pakkun looked side to side at his pack members. "No, we'll return. Kakashi might need us."

Hinata nodded as she zipped up her sweater to prepare for the onslaught of wind. She bowed her head, "Thank you for your company. Stay safe!" She beamed a grin before exiting out the front door of her home. She breathed in the fresh air trying to calm the anxious buzz within.

Hinata stirred the ramen broth in front of her as her eyes glazed in thought. Fresh steam kissed her hand. The savoury smell made her mouth water.

"Damn, I haven't seen you this distracted since," Genma paused, knowing he couldn't really say with all of the extra ears, "September."

It was an S-Rank mission. Jiraiya infiltrated Amegakure to acquire information on the infamous Akatsuki; the details of the mission remained classified to even him. It was the only case he knew of where Hinata broke the Hokage's orders. Following Hinata's churning gut, she and Kakashi detoured from their own mission and found the Toad Sanin on the brink of death.

Tsunade nearly destroyed her office when she learned of their reckless decision. But, when the Wolf and the Rabbit returned with his limp body, there was only silence.

Genma's eyes returned to the present. "Do you think something's wrong?"

Hinata sighed. "It's not the same feeling," she divulged. She pressed her lips together before sighing again as she leaned back in her seat.

Genma reached over to pinch Hinata's cheek with a devilish gleam in his eyes and a teasing smirk. "Aw, so worried about your boyfriend," he cooed.

Hinata glared at Genma and the opposing appendage still on her cheek as she heard a few pots clatter into the sink. She sent Ayame an abashed smiled, waving her hands in front of herself. "I don't have a boyfriend."

"You have a boyfriend?!"

Hinata glowered at the snickering Genma as she swivelled in her seat to turn and meet Sakura's wide eyes. She noticed Yamato's unspoken apology with his grimace of a smile.

Sai stood beside the two, remaining focused on Sakura as he tried to understand her reaction. "You sound like a hyena."

Sakura's eyebrow twitched as turned to Sai with a raised fist. "What did you say to me?"

Yamato smacked himself on the forehead, he closed his eyes with a sigh. "He was getting so much better."

Sai narrowed his eyes at Sakura before glancing at Hinata. "She appears to have many traits listed in the book I am reading for an ideal housewife."

It was Hinata's turn to grimace a smile.

"She's still listed as a Jōnin," Genma responded with a scowl.

Sai looked to Genma before inspecting Hinata. "But she is weak now."

Hinata sat straighter, but her tone remained light, "Strength comes in many different forms." Her eyes danced in amusement, "The village depends on those housewives as much as the shinobi."

"Have I offended you?"

"No," Hinata spoke softly, he was just another victim of Danzo and Root; she couldn't allow herself to forget. "I appreciate honesty."

Sai nodded. "Many who say that do not actually mean it."

Hinata tapped her chin in thought, "You can tell me once we interact more then if you think I mean it," she gave a reassuring smile. "How is the hospital faring, Sakura-san?" She asked hoping to move the conversation further from the topic of her 'boyfriend'.

Sakura perked up. "Really good! The children's wing is growing faster than I expected. A few of the nurses and doctors are even asking to transfer over." She tittered, "Tsunade-sensei's been grumbling on about it."

Sakura lifted her hand to her chin in thought. "I know you've got your job, but you're always welcome to come help us out. Even without medical ninjutsu I'm sure you'd be an amazing help. We are sister students after all," she said with a wink.

"I, ah, really love my job right now…" Hinata murmured. "You're really incredible though. I'm glad the village has you to take care of us."

Sakura blushed as she waved off the compliment.

Genma's lopsided smile grew as he watched the scene. "Were you guys looking for something?"

Yamato responded, shifting his weight as he glanced around. "We were hoping Naruto would be in here. You guys haven't seen him around have you?"

Hinata twisted her lips to the side as she looked off in thought. "No, I haven't seen him since yesterday."

Genma shook his head.

"Darn," Sakura's shoulders slumped. "He was in a mood over the Rabbit the other day. We want to cheer him up."

Always one to stir the pot, Genma asked, "What was he going on about?"

Sakura rolled her eyes, "Said she was being all bitchy and high and mighty. But, I mean, at that level you're sort of allowed to be."

Genma grinned, "Yeah, she's a real piece of work that one."

"She gives me the creeps," Sakura confided. "Have you heard those stories about her? I'm glad I haven't had to work with her yet."

"Some of us aren't so lucky," Genma leaned back in his seat, enjoying himself a little bit too much.

Hinata swivelled around in her seat to eat the remainder of her food, trying not to pry into their conversation. It was normal for shinobi to vent about their superior and she didn't want to intrude anymore than she already was. She would have left if it wouldn't have brought notice to herself.

"I have worked with her," Sai voiced.

"Really?" Sakura's brows shot up.

"Yes."

Sakura groaned. "Well how was it?" She pushed.

Sai's head tilted as he thought. "She was efficient. And… nice?"

Sakura lifted a brow, her hands sitting on her hips as her weight shifted to one leg. "I doubt anyone but you would call her that. You need to read more of those self-help books… Or gets some better ones."

"I'm with Sai, Sakura-chan," Yamato finally spoke out. "Rabbit is ANBU. You and Naruto have different expectations."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You don't get as much freedom in ANBU. A mission is a mission; you don't question it."

"Isn't that all missions?"

Yamato shook his head. His eyes glazed as he looked off to the side. "There's bigger consequences if you fail, even more so if you disobey an order. The man who ran ANBU before her didn't take well to failure." His eyes softened in sympathy as they drew to Hinata before shifting back to Sakura, "She's a, a very welcomed change."

Sakura humped. "So who's this boyfriend of yours, Hinata-chan?"

Hinata's smile faltered for a moment as she saw Sakura's devilish grin. 'She looks too much like sensei…'

Sakura slid into the seat beside Hinata. "He's gotta be something to catch your eye." Her gleaming eyes darted to Genma, "Is it you?"

"Nah." Genma winked at Sakura, "I'm still free if that's what you're asking." He knew Kakashi would keel him over if he found out he flirted with his precious bubblegum haired student, but he couldn't help himself.

Sakura rolled her eyes despite the blush on her cheeks. "Jeez, Hinata-chan, why do you put up with him?"

Hinata stopped sipping the salty broth of her chilling lunch. "He's a good friend," she said simply as she tucked a falling strand of her hair behind her ear.

Genma stared at Hinata as a small smile tilted his lips.

Sakura snickered at Genma's dazed looked. "Who's this mystery guy then? Come on you can tell me."

"I'm not seeing anyone. Genma-san was just teasing me."

Sakura groaned, rolling her eyes again as she stood. "Urgh, fine. Don't tell me."

"Ano… I-"

Sakura softened, sending Hinata a smile. "If you ever want girl talk just let me know. Or if you want me to 'talk' some sense into him." She held up her fist as her eyes flamed to life.

Hinata made to respond only to stop as shrill screams reached her ears. She expanded her senses, ignoring the urge to activate her Byakugan. As she recognized a familiar source she was torn as excitement and exasperation flowed through her.

"I'll see you later, Ayame-san," Hinata dropped money and a tip on the counter before running to catch up with her friends who had already left to check on the commotion.

She swerved through a few connecting alleys and side streets filled with people who had paused as they heard the uproar. As she stepped into the open area her eyes narrowed. Three young women in towels stood huddled together, teeth chattering and ears red as they looked at the broken wall of the bath house with gapping mouths.

Hinata walked over to them, ignoring the new forming scene for the moment. She unzipped her sweater, shrugging it off before handing it to one of the girls. Goosebumps rose on her arms as the chilled air met her bare skin.

"Th-Thank you," the girl stuttered between chattering teeth as she hurried to pull her arms through the thick fabric.

Hinata nodded. "Genma-san. Yamato-san."

The two looked back at her before their eyes went to the other women. Taking the hint they removed their Jōnin vest and handed it to two of the now blushing girls.

Hinata walked towards the steaming Sakura who's booming voice could've put Naruto's to shame in this instant. "Sensei." Her own voice didn't raise above a conversational tone.

Jiraiya froze, his impish smile melting off as his eyes met Hinata's cold glare. He swallowed as he held his hands up in defence. "It's not what it looks like."

Sai walked towards the two amused Jōnin. "She trained under Jiraiya as well?"

Genma nodded.

Sai looked back at the now cowering Sanin. "Why is he scared of her?"

Genma grinned, his teeth clanging against his senbon as he glanced at Sai out of the side of his eyes. "Kid, you've got a lot to learn about kunoichi, past or present." When Sai continued to look confused he added, "At least when they're yelling you know what they're feeling. If they're quiet…Never know what they're gonna do."

"Probably planned three different ways to kill you before you even noticed what you did," Yamato muttered with a shiver.

"You get more and more beautiful each time I see you," Jiraiya chuckled nervously, taking a step back. "You've always been my favourite student. You know that, right?"

Hinata's eyes darkened as she heard the chattering teeth of the young women.

"Have you lost weight? Done something different with your hair?" His voice squeaked at the end as Hinata stepped forwards.

"We respect women in Konoha, sensei."

"There's nothing I respect more!"

Hinata pressed her lips together as she crossed her arms, "I'm disappointed in you."

Jiraiya's head fell with slouching shoulders, his spiking hair falling around him.

Hinata turned to Yamato. "I'm sorry to ask, Yamato-san, but could you please fix the wall of the bathhouse."

Yamato nodded, planning to do that already. It would take little time as a wood style user.

Hinata then focused her attention on the three women. She bowed at the waist, "I am very sorry. Please file a report with Hokage-sama and I will ensure you're reimbursed for your troubles," she glared back at Jiraiya as he started backing away. He stopped, hanging his head once again.

The women nodded, squeaking out thanks. They scowled at the white haired Sanin before shuffling back into the bathhouse.

"Now to deal with you." Hinata narrowed her eyes making Jiraiya grimace in apprehension.

Hundreds of kilometres east of Konoha, Sasuke and Kakashi kept at a breakneck speed. Both were eager to complete this mission. With the winter air their skin reddened as they fought against the wind. At their current speed it would take two days to reach the border of the Land of Fire; where the sheltered forest terrain opened to the vast eastern ocean. A one day boat ride would take them to the island of Kirigakure.

Sasuke had no doubt about the purpose of this mission. It was a test. He smirked knowing in his gut that it was Hinata who manufactured this ploy. Though her eyes appeared warmer he knew that her heart had chilled these past years. Being the student of a Sanin, especially one as resourceful as Orochimaru, had its perks. He learned of the under workings of Konoha. Of an organization called Root and the man who ran it. He learned of the Akatsuki and their interest in Hinata.

Sasuke's lip curled. In hindsight he should've pieced together that Hinata wasn't retired. 'No one with hands as bloodied as hers ever gets out of this life.' He glanced at his former sensei out of the corner of his eyes.

What he couldn't figure out is why Hinata would choose Kakashi to be paired with him. 'Does she think it will stir up some latent nostalgia?' He wanted to roll his eyes at that. 'I thought she would've sent that Wolf ANBU.'

Irritation flourished in his chest at that thought. He couldn't recognize the man's chakra. He couldn't recognize Hinata's either, but he'd always recognize that voice.

"Lost in thought?"

Sasuke's ever present glare shifted to Kakashi. "Hn."

"I've missed these long conversations of ours, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke ignored the comment, picking up his speed. He clicked his jaw when Kakashi caught up to him with ease.

"Have you enjoyed your return to village life?" Kakashi pushed to start a conversation.

"It's fine."

"You know when a woman normally says that it means it's not fine," Kakashi mused.

The top of Sasuke's lip curled. "What do you want?"

"Just trying to catch up with my old student."

Sasuke took the opportunity, "What do you know about the Wolf and the Rabbit?"

Kakashi glanced at Sasuke from the side of his eye. "I've worked with them a few times."

"How long have they been partnered?"

Kakashi hummed in thought. "I'm not sure. First time I heard of them was… a bit over a year ago. They've built up quite a name since then."

Sasuke grunted.

"They're pretty close from what I heard."

Sasuke's eyes darted to Kakashi.

"Very close. Inseparable even."

They narrowed.

"I wouldn't try."

Sasuke's eyes returned forward, 'He knows who they are.' He smirked, "I think I'll be fine."

AN - Thank you to fluffpenguin, Splaaash-attack, cathyscloud9, Laaaaaara, and onlyluna for reviewing last week :D This is more of a transition chapter, but was hopefully still entertaining :P Let me know what you thought! What do think Hinata's punishment's gonna be for the lecherous Jiraiya? Next chapter is In Between!