[(Warning! - Violence, Bad Language, Limes, and mild Lemons!) * Breaking Through to My Heart is influenced by Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden. But, it won't follow the exact storyline. I've changed a couple shinobi's ages around, taken some events and used them, and made some events that never happened. *Notice: All the Naruto characters do not belong to me, nor do the places, except for the Hanahara family, the Hidden Village of the Blossoms, and a few other characters.]

Chapter 25: Date

[Tsuki – The Following Day]

The sun shining through the bedroom window and a warm hand holding mine is what woke me from my sleep. I gave a small groan, my body still a little sore from yesterday's beating. I rolled to the side only enough to see whose hand was holding mine.

I smiled when I saw that it was Kakashi, his hand outstretched to hold mine allowing him to rest his head against it like a pillow. His face was bare, the masked pushed down around his throat, exposing his strong, handsome features. I faintly remember having pulled away his mask sometime last night and running my hand across his cute freckle and the bottom of scar that ran down his face. His hitai-ate was also missing, probably shoved off during his nap, which left his hair to fall chaotically around his face and up in the air.

I moved a little bit more to try and reach out with my free hand to run my fingers through his silver hair, but my movements were enough to wake Kakashi. I watched as both of his eyes opened, one onyx and the other a sharingan that was spinning lazily. I continued to reach out and finally my fingers brushed against his hair, pushing into it until it filled my hand with its surprising softness. One would think with gravity defying silver hair, it would be held up with hair gel or something, but it wasn't. It was gravity defying all by itself.

"I thought I was dreaming last night but I can see I wasn't. You're home."

He kept his head laying on his arm, allowing me to comb my fingers through his hair, his eyes memorizing every movement I made. "You were pretty exhausted and beat up."

I could actually see his mouth move as he talked, no longer hidden from me. I was staring at his face more than I should, but I couldn't have imagined him being this damn handsome! Maybe that was the main reason he hid his face! I bobbed my head at his words. "I've been training super hard since you left. I wanted…" I blushed.

Kakashi slowly moved his head upwards until we were face to face. He arched a brow. "You wanted what?"

I lowered my eyes and absently ran my thumb back and forth across the top of his warm hand. "I wanted you to be proud of me."

Kakashi's free hand came up, allowing a finger to tuck under my chin so that he could lift my face up until I was staring at him again. "Did you think I wasn't already proud of you?"

I gave a tiny shrug of my shoulders, my voice tiny as I spoke. "I don't know. I…"

He smiled now and my eyes memorized the curve of his lips as he did. "I am."

"You are?"

His hand slid up to cup my blushing cheek. "You aren't the woman you used to be before you came here, Tsuki. You're stronger now, more confident; you're free."

The word free made my happy expression fall and I cast my eyes down again. I slowly scooted backwards away from Kakashi until his hand fell away from my face. He kept a solid grip on my hand though. "I'm not free."

Kakashi gave a small sigh and stood up so that he could move onto the bed. He let go of my hand but reached out and pulled me towards him, lifting effortlessly until I was practically sitting in his lap. He forced me to look up at him as his arms wrapped around me, holding me tight against his warm chest. "I know he came while I was away. I know you tried to fight him but he escaped. That alone tells me that you are free; free to make decisions for yourself; free to become stronger than you ever thought you could; free to grab your freedom for yourself."

I stared up at him; my face flushed completely red knowing he knew about Orochimaru's visit. "He… I…"

Kakashi shook his head, tsking at me. "You don't have to explain, Tsuki. It was going to happen whether I was here or not. I just wish I had been here so that I could have killed him for you."

My heart jumped in fear at the thought of him fighting Orochimaru. I sat upwards in his lap until we were face to face once again and I grabbed his face in between my hands, squishing his cheeks a little. "I don't want you to fight him."

Kakashi smiled at me, his cheeks pushing against my hands with the movement. "You wouldn't have to fear for my safety."

I squished his cheeks a little more, to where I almost felt like giggling at how adorable it made him look. "No."

"Yes."

"N…"

Kakashi's lips abruptly pushing against mine cut off my words as his hands came up and buried themselves in my unbound and tangled hair. I let out an unexpected moan as his tongue flicked out and brushed across my lips, followed my teeth as he gently bit at my bottom one.

I found myself pressing against him and my arms sliding from his cheeks and into his hair to mirror his own hands as they gripped my hair to hold me in place. Then his lips were slowly pulled from mine to lay tiny kisses against my face here and there. I had never been kissed like this.

His voice finally rumbled against my ear, causing shivers to run through my body and goosebumps to form along my skin. "Go out with me."

I squeaked and tried to pull myself away but his arms were suddenly around my waist so that I couldn't and his eyes were focused completely on me. I blinked up at him as I watched his sharingan swirl in lazy circles. "What do you mean?"

A sly grin slid across his face. "What do you think I mean?"

I swallowed roughly. "Breakfast?"

He chuckled and I felt it vibrate through his body into mine. "Sort of."

"Wha…" I lowered my face, my eyes shifting back and forth as I tried to think of what he really meant. I was totally confused. Finally I looked back up at him, my eyebrows scrunched together. "Is there more than one meaning?"

He gave the tiniest of nods. "Two actually."

"Two?"

His hands started to gently knead against my back. "Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the first meaning."

My heart gave a tiny pitter-patter as I felt happiness at his words. "I… can do that."

His grin grew again. "Every day."

"Every day… I can do that… And the second meaning?"

I was almost afraid of his answer, my heart now racing instead of pitter-pattering. He leaned forward once again until our lips were almost touching, his eyes so close I was sure his eyelashes could bat against mine like butterfly kisses. "Be my woman."

My breath hitched and I gripped at his shirt, tightening the fabric in my fists so that I wouldn't faint. "Really?"

His lips pressed forward into the barest of kisses and then pulled back. "Really."

I couldn't stop the smile as it spread and my heart felt warm enough to burst through my chest, drowning out any fears I had. I gave a tiny nod, allowing our foreheads to brush together where I kept mine pressed to his. This was what one would call 'the breath of life'. "Yes."

We stayed that way for a few minutes, eyes closed as we enjoyed the moment. It was Kakashi who moved first, pulling his face away from mine so that he could stare at me clearly again. His smile was soft but his eyes were mischievous. "You might want to brush your hair though… and get dressed. Otherwise you'll frighten everyone."

I let out a gasp and released his shirt so that I could swat against his chest before I started to wiggle my way out of his lap and back onto the bed so that I could try to get up. "That is so mean! Especially after kissing me like that!"

His laughter was hearty enough to force his head to tip back. "I was joking!"

I swatted him again and finally managed to untangle the sheets from my nightgown and stumble off of the bed. "Sure you were."

He reached out to grab me but I danced away out of reach, sticking my tongue out. I ran to the bathroom and closed the door before he could reach me. I heard him give a small growl on the other side of the door as I turned the light on. "I guess I'll go get dressed then, since we have a date for breakfast."

I laughed and pressed my forehead against the closed door. "I'll be down after I tame my hair."

"Leave it down so that I can see all your curls."

"Maybe."

"Please?"

I gave another laugh and pushed away, heading to the sink. "Maybe."

I waited until I heard my bedroom door open and close behind Kakashi before I turned to look in the mirror. My hair was sticking up in every direction, the curls tangled here and there like I'd been electrocuted with wind. I smiled and reached for my brush. I would leave my hair down for Kakashi; I just needed to tame it.

[Asuma – Roughly the Same Time]

Watching Kurenai pitter-patter around the kitchen with our daughter following was the most beautiful sight to see every morning. I was sad that I had to cut it short, before I could enjoy my beautiful wife's breakfast, because I'd been summoned to the Hokage's office just before the sun had spilled over the trees.

I reached out as Kurenai walked by me and grabbed her hand, pulling her towards me and away from where she'd been heading. She laughed and put her free hand on the side of my face, cupping my cheek. "What is it, love?"

I smiled up at her. "I just wanted to say I love you."

Kurenai leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against my forehead. "I love you too, Asuma." She straightened with a small grunt, her pregnant belly in my face and me loving it. "Do you think you have a mission?"

I sighed with a nod. "Yah."

Her hand gave my cheek a pat. "It's ok."

I gave another nod. "I know. I just wish I could stay and have breakfast with you three." I let her hand go and placed mine on her belly, rubbing small circles.

Kurenai gave a tiny laugh. "There is always going to be breakfast, lunch, and dinner for you, Asuma. So stop dilly-dallying and go see the Hokage before she threatens to beat you to a pulp. I still need a husband and a father for our children."

I smiled up at her before pushing my chair back and standing. When I was all the way up I reached out and cupped my hand behind her neck as I leaned forward, pulling her into a deep kiss. I wanted to keep kissing her, but I knew I had to go. I pulled away and sighed. "I'll come back and say goodbye before I leave."

She patted my chest and moved away again, returning to doing what she'd been doing. "I know. I'll see you then, love."

I watched her for a few seconds more before I headed out of the house and down the street towards the Hokage's office. There were tons of people out, all friends and acquaintances, so I took my time weaving in and out of their way.

Soon enough I was up the stairs of the Hokage's building and standing in front of her office door, knocking. "Enter."

I opened the door and stepped in. Tsunade was sitting at her desk, piles of papers filling it, and Shizune standing close by watching her work on the paperwork. "Tsunade."

She peered up at me and waved me forward to one of the chairs in front of her desk. She waited until I was sitting before she stopped writing. "How is Kurenai doing?"

"Good. Getting more and more pregnant every day."

Tsunade leaned back and smiled. "That's good to hear. I'm sorry to pull you away from your family but I needed you to deliver something for me."

I gave a small shrug. "It's alright. I am a shinobi so I am duty bound to do what my Hokage needs."

Tsunade laughed and slammed her hand down on the desk. Obviously not so hard as to crack it, which she was quite capable of doing. "I wish I had more shinobi like you, Asuma. Your father would be proud."

I blushed a tiny bit and scratched at my beard, trying to hide my embarrassment over the praise. "I can only hope so."

Tsunade took a deep breath, recovering from her laughter. "Anyways, I need you to deliver a message to your old comrade, Chiriku, at the Fire Temple. We've had reports of Akatsuki members being spotted on the border and I wanted to give Chiriku and the other monks fair warning. There have been…" She paused for a moment, staring at me intently. "… attacks on other temples as these Akatsuki look for the Jinchūriki."

I sat forward on the chair. "Naruto?"

Tsunade waved her hand back and forth. "He's fine. He is with Jiraiya training. That's the safest place he can be."

I let out a deep sigh and sat back again, relieved. "I'm glad. After what Gaara went through, I wouldn't want Naruto to have to go through the same thing."

Tsunade nodded. "Especially considering Gaara died as a result."

"It was a miracle that he was brought back." Both a happy and sad miracle, since a life was given up to bring him back.

Tsunade pushed some papers around before finding the scroll she needed and held it out. "It should only take you a day. I thought you would be better suited to deliver it since you've known Chiriku for a long time. He'll trust you more than anyone else."

I stood up and took the extended scroll. I have a small nod of my head. "I'll come back tomorrow after I get back and report in."

Tsunade gave a small nod. "Be safe, Asuma."

"You know I will be." I turned and headed out of the Hokage's office, intent on kissing my wife goodbye before leaving.

[Tsuki – A Short Time Later]

I had half expected Kakashi to be waiting outside of my bedroom after I'd brushed my hair, washed my face, and gotten dressed, but he wasn't. As I headed down the hallway to the staircase, and then down to the genkan, my heart started racing and I kept running my hands down along my dress. I had chosen the one that Kakashi had first paid for in the dress shop several weeks back. It was soft blue and silver, falling to my knees. Kakashi had been speechless that day, and even though I had been extremely embarrassed by his reaction, I had secretly liked it.

At the bottom of the stairs was where I found Kakashi waiting. He wasn't wearing his normal uniform, which meant this was the first time I'd seen him in anything different. Instead of the dark blue pants, they were black and hugged his legs. I could still see a lot of utility pockets, but they were not a uniform. To replace his flak vest and black long sleeve shirt, he had on a burgundy short sleeve, body hugging shirt. Plus his usual black mask covering the lower half of his face and his hitai-ate covering his sharingan.

The expression on his face as I walked down towards him was something I wanted to see every day. When I was at the bottom step he reached his free hand out and helped me down it even though I didn't need help. I didn't mind. In his other hand, which he extended towards me once I was standing flat, was a beautiful bundle of cherry blossom sprigs.

"I, uh, got you these while you were dressing." He was blushing and I thought it was super cute.

I took them from him and brought them to my nose so that I could smell their beautiful scent. I'd always loved flowers, maybe due to the fact that my last name meant flower. My cheeks were tinged with a blush as well. "They're beautiful. Thank you."

He reached up and brushed his hand along my curls where they flowed over my shoulder and around my body all the way to my knees. "You're beautiful."

We stayed that way for a few moments, staring at one another, before I finally broke eye contact. I walked away only to get a cup from the cabinets so that I could put the cherry blossom sprigs in some water. Once I was done with that, Kakashi watching me move, I walked back to him and took his hand in mine. He laced our fingers together as I smiled up at him. "Ready?"

Kakashi nodded and started walking. I followed him out the door, closing it behind us. When we were down the front stairs and heading away from the house, Kakashi spoke. "I just wanted to give you a heads up that people might stare at us."

I arched a brow. "Oh?"

He gave a small chuckle. "You see, I've never… dated someone before. I've…" He turned away as I watched his blush spread. "I've slept with a couple of women… but I've never dated anyone… or went on a date with them."

His admittance about sleeping with a couple of women didn't bother me. I had no reason for it to bother me. Instead I felt giddy from the knowledge that I was his first girlfriend. "So people are going to stare."

He was still looking ahead of us instead of at me as we moved onto the main Konoha street. "Yah."

I gave a small goofy laugh and moved forward to walk directly beside him instead of a little behind him. He finally looked back at me. I smiled up at him. "I'm ok with it if you are."

"Well…" He gave a shrug. "I don't really mind."

Sure enough, as we both made our way through the crowd towards Yakiniku-Q, holding hands, people stared and whispered.

We were almost to Yakiniku-Q when a voice called out. "Kakashi? Tsuki?"

Asuma was directly in front of us and he was just standing there, staring slack jawed. Next to him was Shikamaru who had his hands in his pockets. He was just watching us normally. Kakashi and I only stopped walking once we were standing in front of them.

Kakashi raised his free hand in greeting. "Yo."

Asuma closed his mouth and stood up a little straighter, pointing at Kakashi. "So…"

Kakashi gave a tiny nod. "Yah."

Asuma pointed at me. "And you?"

I looked at the ground, absently kicking at a dirt clod. I hadn't expected Asuma to see us this soon. I was just super glad it was him and not Genma. Genma would make a scene. I nodded. "Yah."

Asuma gave a booming laugh and moved forward, pulling us both into a giant hug, practically lifting us off of our feet. "I'm so happy right now!"

I was super shocked by the hug but just went with the flow. When Asuma released us I stumbled back a little but remained standing with the help of Kakashi's arm, which was now around my waist.

Asuma let out another booming laugh. "It's about damn time, old man!"

Kakashi let out a small groan. "No need to make a big deal out of it, Asuma. It's a normal thing, dating."

"So you two are actually dating and not just walking around holding hands?"

"Yah, we are."

Shikamaru took that time to step around Asuma and gently tap me on the shoulder. I looked up at him with a completely red face. He just gave a kind smile. "I'm happy for you."

I opened my mouth to try and speak but nothing came out. I tried again. I was… happy that Shikamaru had said something so nice. Something I had always wanted to hear. "Thank you, Shikamaru."

He nodded. "When Asuma gets back from his mission, you two, Asuma and Kurenai, and Temari and I should go on a group date together. Yakiniku-Q had plenty of space for us all."

I let out a small laugh. "That's actually where we were heading for breakfast."

"They'll have plenty of veggies for you, so don't worry. The owner is good friends with Asuma since he always takes Ino, Chouji, and I there all the time. Even now that we're not a team anymore."

"I'm excited to try it."

Shikamaru smiled again and then looked back at Asuma. "I'm going to head out, Asuma. I need to pick up some things for my father."

Asuma stopped talking with Kakashi and turned to Shikamaru, nodding and extending his massive hand. Shikamaru gripped it with a strong handshake. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

Shikamaru gave me one more smile before walking onwards towards the main gate. Kakashi gave a small cough to catch Asuma's attention again. "I think we should be letting you go as well, Asuma. You have a mission, don't you?"

Asuma nodded. "I'm headed to the Fire Temple. Should be back tomorrow."

Kakashi reached out and gripped Asuma's arm, a gesture of long-time friendship. "Be safe."

Asuma chuckled and pulled out one of his cigarettes. He didn't light it though, just put it between his lips. It bobbed up and down as he spoke. "I always am, Kakashi. See you tomorrow." He then looked at me and reached out to place his giant hand on top of my head. "And you take care of this old man for me, Tsuki. He needs it."

I nodded. "I will. Please be safe."

He gave us one more smile and moved away from us, following behind Shikamaru, heading towards the main gate.

I turned back to watch Kakashi watch his friend walk away. I touched his arm and he looked down at me. "I have the strangest feeling something is going to happen."

I looked back over my shoulder, but Asuma had already disappeared from sight. "From all the training I've received from him, and having fought him several times, I think he is one of the strongest shinobi in Konoha… aside from you, of course. He can handle whatever is thrown at him."

Kakashi dipped his head in agreement. "That he can. I… I always worry though whenever one of my friends goes out on a mission. You never know when you're going to die while out there. I worry about who I'm going to lose next."

I gently gripped his arm. I could see the damage losing his friends had slowly done to him over the years and it hurt me. "We can stop by the shrine and pray for him before we go to breakfast if you want."

Kakashi shook his head and took my hand in his once again, lacing our fingers. "No, we can after breakfast."

"Ok."

"Shall we move along then?"

I nodded. "Yah."

When we finally made it to the restaurant, the owner's face lit up with happiness as she dropped her broom and met us at the door. "Kakashi Hatake! Is this your girl? Has it finally happened, young man?!"

Kakashi let out an embarrassed laugh. "Good morning, Auntie. It's a pleasure to see you spry as ever."

She smacked Kakashi's arm and laughed. "Don't you try and flatter me, young man. You answer your elders when they ask you something."

Kakashi scratched the back of his head and gave her an eye smile. "Auntie, this is Tsuki. Tsuki, this is one of my many Aunties. And yes, Auntie, she is my girl."

The lady let out a happy whoop and I found myself pulled away from Kakashi into this woman's arms. I felt tears hit my shoulder as she hugged me tight, her voice cracking as she cried. "You have no idea how long I have been waiting for this young man to find a woman! And finally, here you are! So beautiful, so beautiful!" She pulled away only far enough to look me up and down from head to toe. "And a strong kunoichi to boot!"

I blinked at her, not knowing exactly what to say. Kakashi saved me from having to. "Auntie, I need her back if I'm going to eat breakfast."

She released me all the way and waved her hand at Kakashi. "Ohhh, you hush now. I'm just too happy for you. Go on in or you'll definitely not be able to eat. It's on the house today, young man."

He quickly pushed me towards the entryway. I just went where he directed me, not saying a peep. "Thank you, Auntie."

When we were completely inside, Kakashi directed me to a set of booth seats towards the back of the restaurant where it was a little more private so that people weren't staring at you as you ate. It was pretty packed but there was plenty of room. When we took our seat a waitress appeared right away. She was younger than me and had a brilliant smile. "Welcome back Kakashi, it's been a few months since you ate here."

Kakashi laughed. "It is good to see you're still working here, Yui. I've been busy with training and missions, so I haven't had much time to enjoy a good meal here."

She nodded her head while she placed a menu down in front of the both of us. "Don't worry, Asuma, Shikamaru, Ino, and Chouji make up for your absence." She turned to me finally and held her hand out to me. I gently took it while I stared up at her like a spooked deer. "Hi, my name is Yui Nashimani. I've seen you around town, but I've never gotten the chance to say hi."

I felt Kakashi's boot gently tap my sandal. I shook my head, regaining composure, and smiled up at her. "Sorry, I've just been really overwhelmed by people today. It's nice to meet you, Yui. I'm Tsuki Hanahara."

She let my hand go after a few more seconds and continued to smile at both of us. "So is there anything I can get you to drink?"

Kakashi arched his brow at me, indicating I go first. "Do you have ryokucha?"

"Of course. And you, Kakashi?"

"I believe I'll have the same, so you can just bring an extra cup."

She nodded and headed back towards the kitchen. Kakashi didn't bother picking up his menu but motioned for me to. "I already know what I'm going to get. You can look if you want. They have a large variety of vegetable dishes you can choose from. You can pick some already cooked ones or some fresh ones you can grill alongside my meat… if that doesn't bother you…"

I gave a small chuckle. "I'm ok with it, as long as I don't have to eat it."

"Don't worry; I'll finish my part happily."

Yui came back our way. "I'll bring your ryokucha with your meal, that way it's hot and fresh while you grill. Are you both ready to order?"

I nodded. "We are. For me I will just order single orders of all your vegetables that I can grill alongside what he's going to get. Is that ok?"

She smiled. "Of course, Tsuki. We can get you whatever you like." She turned to Kakashi. "And you?"

Kakashi picked up both of our menus and handed them to Yui before answering. "I'll have the miso skirt steak, some spicy yaki-shabu beef, some shoyu steak, and salted pork belly. The usual rice is good for the both of us."

Yui laughed. "A hungry man. You do our business proud, Kakashi. We'll have all that out in a jiffy. Until then…" She sent me a wink. "… talk about love."

My face turned beet red once again and I hid my face behind my hands while she walked away laughing happily. "Oh my goodness, why? Why is it every person we see? I thought they were only going to stare? You said they were going to stare!"

Kakashi chuckled and reached over the table, avoiding the hot grill, to pull my hands away from my face. "It'll be ok, Tsuki."

I gave a small huff. "I think I'm going to hide at home from now on. You can do my training for me."

"You're being over dramatic. It's not that bad."

"I take back what I said."

He laughed and leaned forward, pulling one of my hands up to press a kiss against it. "Too late, you're already my woman. And the whole village will probably have heard by now."

I groaned and flopped back against the booth. "Kakashi."

"Tsuki."

"I hate you."

He laughed harder. "It's too soon to know that."

I stuck my tongue out just as Yui and a large man with an apron on set everything down in front of us; meat, veggies, rice, and our ryokucha. Yui laughed but didn't say anything; neither did the man helping her.

After Yui left us I watched as Kakashi began to put his meat on the grill, then my veggies. While he did that I poured us both a cup of ryokucha. The bright green of the tea was beautiful. It made me smile; outside for the colour of the tea and inside because even though I was embarrassed by everyone's surprise at Kakashi having a girlfriend, I was happy to be that girlfriend.

"Thank you, Kakashi."

He looked up at me, his onyx eye glittering happily. "For what?"

I reached out and touched the edge of his hand, just brushing a nail back and forth against it. "For asking me."

A smile formed behind his mask and he moved his hand to lace our fingers together once again. "You're welcome, thank you for saying yes."

*Genkan – Japanese entryway for shoes, bags, coats, umbrellas, etc.