Minori stared at me with his big goofy grin.

My jaw was practically on the floor, "What are you doing here?"

He looked me up and down, "Well, it appears I'm rescuing you from further abuse. What happened to you?"

"Uhh," I stammered, "There was a battle."

Minori's eyes shifted between Sasuke and I, "A battle? The Hokage assured me that this mission was safe."

I raised my brow at him, "You're avoiding the subject. What are you doing here?"

He gave me a goofy grin, "I finished my mission so I thought I'd join yours."

I sighed and my eyes drifted to Sasuke. He stared at the ground and didn't say anything. I could tell he's uncomfortable.

"Minori," I couldn't help but feel a bit irritated, "Go home. You wouldn't let me go on your mission, you're not invited on mine."

He held his hand over his heart, "Oh, ouch. I have certainly missed the harshness."

"I should get back." I heard Sasuke.

I watched him walk away. I don't think Sasuke likes Minori.

Minori jumped into my view with his big grin, "So, this mission, how was it?"

I shrugged, "It was good, this is a good team."

Minori faked insult, "Good team?! Are you going to leave me for their team?" He sounded so dramatic. Did I miss this?

I raised my brow at him but said nothing. Sometimes he's too weird.

He jumped me in a hug, "Seiray! Don't leave me! I'll be a better team member!" He cried.

I pushed him off, "Stop it. Get off of me, you big idiot."

I turned and walked away from him. I could hear him following me, "Admit it, you missed me. You were stuck with Kakashi for a few days. I know you missed me."

I shrugged, "Actually, Kakashi's not that bad."

I heard the footsteps behind me stop. I know I shouldn't, this is Minori I'm dealing with, I know I should keep going but I turn anyway.

He looked horrified.

I rolled my eyes, "What now, you big baby?"

"Not that bad?" He sounded like I just kicked a cat, "How could you say that?"

I groaned and turned back toward the house. He's a child. A very tall, handsome child.

When I got back to the house, Tsunami smiled, "Hello, Seiray. The rest of the team is getting ready to go. I think they plan to leave soon. Naruto and Inari are saying their tearful goodbyes."

I couldn't help but smile, I think Naruto really helped Inari. I overheard what Inari did at the bridge. He stood up against Gato and his thugs. Good for that kid. Confidence is good.

Minori stood beside me, "I like this little village. I think it's cute."

"Planning on moving here or something?" I raised my brow.

He scoffed, "And miss out on the chance to annoy you every day? Yeah, not happening."

Kakashi was the first come out. He made eye contact with Minori and immediately, you could see the tension. What the hell happened between them?

"Minori," He greeted, "What brings you to this humble little village?"

Minori was suddenly serious, "My teammate is here, I'm here."

"She's been here for a few days," Kakashi pointed out, trying to push his buttons, "You just got here."

"Yeah," Minori's voice sounded frustrated, "I had some business to attend to, I'm here now."

Kakashi nodded as he took out a book and dismissed Minori, which, I'm sure only made him even more mad.

It wasn't long before the team came out and we were on our way home. Naruto was a sobbing mess as we walked through the gates.

I put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry, you can always come and visit."

He threw his arms around me and screamed, "You're right! When I become Hokage, I can come show Inari how awesome I've become."

I sighed, "Seriously? Do I really look like someone who likes hugs?"

I tried to push him off but it was a little hard.

"You seem as comforting as teddy bear." I heard Minori.

When I finally pushed Naruto off, I punched Minori.

He rubbed his arm, "Hey! What was that for? I thought that was a complement!"

I glared at him, "Go home."

He smiled, "I am."

These guys are going to give me a hernia.

After walking for a few hours, the silence was getting to me… and I'm someone who loves silence.

I noticed Sasuke's distant stare.

I slowed my pace until he and I were walking side by side, "Hey, are you okay?"

His eyes shifted to me, they're cold and distant.

He shrugged but didn't say anything. I'm at arm's length. I don't think I'll be getting any closer anytime soon.

"Slowing down? Don't tell me you're tired already?" Minori chimed in, loudly.

I shook my head, "No, I'm not tired."

"Good," Minori smirked, "Otherwise, I'll make you train with Guy sensei, get more youthful!"

I glared at him, "You want to die young?" The thought of training with that green suited maniac sends creepy chills down my spine.

A flashed of fear went through his eyes and he nodded, "Noted."

I stuffed my hands in my pockets and continued on.

We walked for a few more hours, shockingly quiet. I noticed Minori and Kakashi exchanging looks.

It wasn't long before we decided to stop and rest. Minori made sure he distanced himself from the team.

I stood beside him, kicking the dirt.

"Just ask." I heard Minori.

"I wasn't going…"

"I may seem like an idiot but I do pay attention." He smirked, "You're itching to ask me something. Be nosy."

I glared, "I'm not nosy."

"Ask your question."

I contemplated it for a second before taking a deep breath, "What is going on between you and Kakashi?" I know that I have a chance of being shot down, especially with Minori.

He became rigid at the question.

His eyes met mine, "That's something between Kakashi and myself. It's a story for another time."

Should I push? No, I've learned my lesson. It makes him distant.

We got back on the road and it wasn't long before we reached the village. Kakashi departed from us rather quickly and Naruto ran off to tell Iruka how he's one step closer to becoming Hokage.

Sakura made an attempt to ask Sasuke out but he only ignored her and left without another word.

Minori rocked on his heels, "Well, aren't they the awkward bunch."

"Takes awkward to see awkward." I shrugged.

He smiled, "I sure did miss the snarky attitude."

I faked a smile, "Yeah, I'm a regular ray of sunshine." I sighed, "So, how was your mission?"

His face became serious and he eyes stayed trained on the ground, "I did what I had to. My team is finally at peace."

"Good."

He nodded, "I still have to go brief the Hokage. I'll see you tomorrow."

I waved as he quietly departed.

I should head home. I would rather go train but my bruises are still sore.

My house looked empty. Maybe my parents are away on a mission.

I slowly walked in and tried to walk as quietly as I could to my room.

"What in the world happened to you?"

I went stiff.

My mother.

"A mission. You know how it is." I turned to look her in the eyes. They both looked at me with disapproving and judgmental eyes.

My mother stood with her hands on her hips, "I thought we trained you better than that. Look at you, bruised and cut."

"Now, Sujika, it's her first mission." My father said, indifferently, "She fared better than I thought."

My mother glared at him, "It was a D-rank mission. She's weak."

I looked away. I'm not weak.

I could feel her eyes trained on me, "You're weak, Seiray. You're not even worth the name Yuzna. Get out of my face. I can't stand to look at you."

I looked to my father for help but he didn't even look at me.

I stepped back and bowed. I still have to show respect.

I got out of there as quickly as I could, grabbing a sweater and throwing up the hoodie.

I walked through the streets as the sun was going down. I passed a park and watched the families play with their kids.

They all smiled and laughed. I never had that. The closest I had…was Sasuke's mom. She wanted me to be a kid, my parents wanted me to be a fighter. A ninja.

"You look creepy."

I know that voice.

Sasuke's monotone voice.

"Yeah, well, your hair looks like a birds' ass." I retorted.

"You're so funny." He said, sarcastically.

I stuffed my hands in my pockets and sighed.

"What's with the 'I'm tortured' face?" He asked, his brow raised.

I looked in his eyes, a glimmer of worry showed through. I want to tell him but at the same time I'm not in a sharing mood.

"Wanna go spar?"

He looked a little shocked before shrugged, "Sure."

We walked to the training grounds quietly, I'm silently thankful that he isn't asking questions.

I stretched before throwing my hoodie to the side.

"Ready?"

"Always." He smirked.

We charged at each other. I dodged and kicked his side, ignoring any pain I was feeling.

He slid to the side, "Not holding back?"

I shook my head and went in for a few punches, "Not a chance."

He blocked me and jumped away before charging again, kunai in hand, "Got it."

We clashed and threw each other around. He was trying really hard to keep up.

We were really sweating.

I charged him again but he tripped me. I stumbled until I hit a tree. I tried to catch my breath. I felt my shoulders hit the tree and cold metal on my neck.

"Gotcha." Sasuke said through heavy breaths.

I could smell his breath. He had been drinking mint tea before we ran into each other. His moms' favorite.

I pushed the kunai from my neck and grabbed it. I put my leg behind his and pushed him back, making him fall.

I sat on his stomach and held his kunai to his neck, "Whose got who?"

He smirked.

I smiled and something in me stirred. Something pushed me.

I leaned pressed my lips to his.

Make stomach is doing flips.

I never thought I would do this.

His lips are soft.

He tastes like mint.

His kiss… is perfect.