Forever Haunted

Tsukiko screamed, sitting up so fast she flew back down from dizziness.

"Tsukiko! Calm down!" A voice yelled, and two hands grabbed her own.

Tsukiko looked up in fear, finding her eyes gazing into the calm eyes of Kakashi. "K-Kakashi…" She stammered, letting him go; two white handprints were left on his arm where she'd been squeezing.

Kakashi relaxed a little, "Are you alright?" He asked.

Tsukiko nodded, though her heart was racing a mile a minute, but she would be fine. "Yes, I'm fine." She whispered, sitting up.

"Are you sure? I tried waking you up but…"

"How long?" She asked, her lips pursed into a thin line.

"Ten minutes." Kakashi answered.

Tsukiko shook her head, her hands balling into fists, "I'm sorry if I worried you, Kakashi, everything is alright." Tsukiko tried to slide off the bed but Kakashi stopped her.

"This has been going on every night." He murmured.

Tsukiko grimly nodded, "I know."

"What's wrong? Why are you always screaming out? And now Sasuke? Before it was-", "You've been listening?" The ice spilled from her mouth and gripped Kakashi's heart.

"It's kind of hard not to, I'm right next to you and you're always so loud." He hugged her from the side. "It's alright, I don't know what's going on… and I know you won't tell me… but I'm here for you." Kakashi comforted, resting his head on hers.

:::

Tsukiko inhaled sharply, her body tensed out of many years of habit, "Please Kakashi… don't tell anyone."

"I won't. But, whoever your Sensei is… He must have hurt you badly." Kakashi looked down at her with sad eyes.

"I've had more than one Sensei." Tsukiko growled, grabbing her dagger from under the pillow. "They've both wronged me… in one way or another." Tsukiko stood and stormed into the bathroom, she wanted no part of the conversation.

:::

Kakashi looked away as the door slammed. He hadn't meant it like that – he just wanted to know what was wrong. 'She's so guarded…' He thought, frowning under the mask. 'I have work to do…' He reminded himself, exiting her bedroom. He had to prepare for the exams.

:::

Tsukiko walked into the room, pulling on her clothes and stocking up on weapons, wire, and extra medical supplies. She sighed and sheathed the dagger on her hip, making sure it was secure before walking downstairs. She ate a large breakfast, she knew it would be a few days before she had a decent meal again.

:::

She slipped on her sandals and walked out, finding Sasuke leaning against the wall outside. "Sasuke." She gasped staring at him.

"Good morning, Tsukiko." He smiled.

She grabbed him and pulled him into a fierce hug, burying her face into his neck.

Sasuke was stunned, never before had you shown such a strong emotion. "Tsukiko?" He asked, looking down at her.

She sighed, her eyes closed as she held his body closer. He was still here… he was still… hers. "Sorry, Sasuke." She apologized, letting him go.

He grinned, "I enjoyed it."

"Let's get going," She smiled, feeling his hand intertwine with hers. 'This won't ever end.' She thought to herself. 'No… This will end.' She tensed, this was only a mission after all. Between her and Sasuke, this was nothing more than an act. 'I'm getting too attached.' A pang of guilt pierced her heart. Tsukiko stopped him, and looked deep into his eyes, "Promise me something." She whispered.

Sasuke looked down at her, "Anything."

"You'll stay with me always." She whispered.

He nodded, "Of course. I'll always be with you, Tsukiko."

Tsukiko smiled, 'Maybe not always… but for now.' She smiled.

The couple walked hand in hand towards Training Ground 44.

:::

Naruto and Sakura were already waiting when they arrived.

"Tsukiko! Sasuke! Over here!" Naruto called out, waving at everyone.

Tsukiko waved back, "Hey Naru-kun." Tsukiko looked around, realizing that everyone else was there as well. "Looks like we got here just in time." She commented.

"Woah… Nice place, what is it?" Naruto asked, gazing up at the gigantic trees.

"This is the location for the 2nd phase of the exams. It's the 44th battle training zone, but we call it, The Forest of Death." Anko grinned, staring at all the Genin.

"Forest of… Death?" Naruto mumbled.

Tsukiko sighed, it was a little over exaggerated. Tsukiko kissed Sasuke's cheek, watching as the children interviewed Naruto and the rest of the Genin, "I'll be around." She smiled, walking away.

:::

"Gaara." She called out, spotting the red-haired Sand user.

Temari and Kankuro grinned, waving.

"Well, didn't you want to get interviewed?" Kankuro teased.

"No." Tsukiko laughed, she could hear Naruto rambling on and on and on. "I just want these exams to be finished." She sighed, the three Sand Shinobi nodded in agreement.