Chapter 25: Love Rival

Kakashi was practically floating down the road. Yue had agreed to live with him, but this time she wasn't going anywhere. He could barely contain his joy, and found it extremely hard to keep himself from cheering in excitement, and running like a mad man down the streets. After all, he was cool Kakashi Hatake right?

San, who was to be moving into Kakashi's house followed behind him silently. The two finally arrived at the apartment and Kakashi led San inside. "Granny Shiho lives next door. That's who you pay rent to. I will introduce you to her after I get my stuff out of your way." Said Kakashi. "I will go get a cart. In the mean time, feel free to look around if you would like."

Kakashi took off to get a cart leaving San alone in the apartment. The apartment was clean, and surprisingly empty. Looking out the window, San was pleasantly surprised to see that it had a view of a nearby park, and a lake just beyond that. The view is not bad here, thought San to himself. I think I will like it here.

Just then Kakashi came back inside. "Sorry about that. I will be out of your hair as soon as I can. The food in the kitchen is yours if you would like it. There's a market around the corner in case you want anything else. I'll also leave the furniture here for you. You can do what you want with it." Said Kakashi.

"That is very generous of you." San replied. "If you would like, I can help you pack."

"That would be much appreciated." Replied Kakashi.

The two men went to work packing Kakashi's things into boxes. Despite all the time they had spent together on the island, they were still rather awkward with each other. Trying to lessen the tension Kakashi decided to talk to him. "So what do you like to do in your free time?" Asked Kakashi.

"Nothing really." Replied San.

"Do you have any questions about the village? I would be glad to tell you where things are, or things you can do." Kakashi offered.

"Nothing comes to mind." San replied blankly.

San's lack luster responses were making it hard to continue the conversation. Fighting the urge to give up Kakashi forced himself to keep talking. "What was it like working on a mission together with Yue?" Kakashi asked.

"You mean you have never been on a mission with Lady Yue before?" Asked San quizzically.

"Never have." Kakashi replied. "We trained together a lot, but never had a mission together. We were on different squads."

"Lady Yue is an amazing shinobi. I have never seen anyone as lethal, yet kind as her." San replied. "Living and working with her these last eight years taught me what it means to be a true ninja."

Kakashi couldn't help feeling a little jealous at the mention of "living with her." He finally decided to ask the question that had been weighing on his mind for some time. "I hope this doesn't offend you, but were you and Yue ever romantically involved?"

San was quiet for a moment before responding. "We were never romantically involved. In my present state, I am far too beneath her to be allowed such a privilege" San replied. "Also, I knew her heart was elsewhere."

Kakashi felt like he could sprout wings and fly. A huge weight had been lifted from his mind knowing that the two had never been involved during their long eight years together. The rest of the packing finished much quicker, as Kakashi was feeling rejuvenated by San's revelation. Carrying the last box to the door, Kakashi turned to say goodbye to San. "Thanks for the help. Here's the key to the door." Kakashi said handing it to him. "If you have any questions please let me know."

"I do have one thing to say." Said San seriously. "This may be out of line but I need to say it anyway. Take care of Lady Yue. If you make her cry, I will make sure you regret it."

Rather than feeling threatened, Kakashi was touched at San's devotion to Yue. "You have no need to worry." Kakashi answered. "I will never let her cry, nor do I ever intend to let her go again." San grunted in reply, apparently pleased with Kakashi's answer.

Back at the small house Yue was unpacking her belongings. Nothing has changed, Yue thought to herself. The house was exactly the same as it had been when she left. Pausing at the fireplace she ran her hand over the small K and Y carved into the wood. I never thought I would see this place again, she thought to herself.

Yue finished unpacking then headed out the door to the market. After buying everything she needed Yue started home. Just a block away from the house, Yue ran into Genma and Raido. "Genma! Raido! It's been a long time! Remember me?"

The two looked confused for a moment before recognition hit. "Yue!" They shouted at the same time!"

"It's been forever!" Said Genma excitedly.

"Where have you been all this time? We heard you were dead!" said Raido.

"Not dead." Yue smiled. "Gramps sent me on a mission. I just got back last week."

"And you didn't come say hi to us sooner?" asked Genma with a mock hurt expression.

"Sorry, hospital had me on a tight leash." She replied with a chuckle.

"So are you back for good now?" asked Raido.

"You mean will I be going on any more ten year-long missions?" laughed Yue. "I think I will let someone else have a crack at one of those."

"So does Kakashi know you are back now?" asked Genma.

"That's a foolish question." Replied Yue.

"So Kakashi still has claim over you does he?" sighed Genma dramatically. Placing his arm around her shoulders he said, "Don't you think it would be more fun to try someone…UGH!" Genma was interrupted mid-sentence due to being hit in the head by a flying book.

Kakashi had rounded the corner leading back to the house. Up ahead he could see Yue along with Genma and Raido talking in the street. Kakashi couldn't hear what they were saying, but he could tell they were laughing. Jealousy got the better of him when he saw Genma put his arm around Yue's shoulder. Grabbing one of his Make Out series books, Kakashi aimed and threw it at his head.

"Who threw this…Kakashi!" Genma gulped, seeing an annoyed Kakashi looming behind them.

Yue had bent down to pick up the book. Seeing that it was one of the Make Out books Yue frowned at Kakashi and said, "Didn't we agree that these books were off limits?"

"I was on my way to throw them away, but I've thought of a better idea." Kakashi said with a cold smile directed at Genma. "Here." He said thrusting the books into Genma's hands. "I think you need these more than I do." With that said he grabbed Yue's hand and drug her off towards their home leaving a very embarrassed Genma and laughing Raido behind them.

"That was mean Kakashi." Yue said sternly, though she was secretly amused.

"He deserved it." Growled Kakashi. "Why is it that the second you are out of my sight the men congregate around you?"

"We are just friends Kakashi. He didn't mean anything by it." Yue replied.

"You have no idea the effect you have on guys do you?" Mumbled Kakashi more to himself than Yue. "What am I supposed to do if someone better comes and snatches you away?"

"You have nothing to worry about." Said Yue linking her arm through Kakashi's. "We were separated for ten years, so I intend to horde you to myself for at least that long."

"Only ten years?" asked Kakashi with a cocked eyebrow. "What about after that?"

"It depends on if you have been a good boy or not." Teased Yue.

"I don't intend to be a good boy at all." Kakashi whispered into her ear, before playfully nipping her ear.

A shiver ran down Yue's spine. "Hey, none of that mister!" Yue squeaked nudging Kakash with her elbow. Kakashi laughed at her and wrapped his free arm around Yue's shoulders.

Arriving at home, the two went to work. Kakashi unpacked his things while Yue prepared their meal. As he finished unpacking the last box, Kakashi picked up the scent of miso soup. "That smells delicious." Kakashi said as he entered the kitchen.

Inside the kitchen Kakashi found a large meal spread out over the table. Once again Kakashi was taken aback by the sheer amount of food Yue had cooked. "You know there are just two of us eating together right?" Asked Kakashi.

"You know how excited I get when I cook." Yue shrugged. "We have leftovers now at least."

After they finished their meal Kakashi and Yue decided to take a walk to help burn off some of the food they ate. Walking hand in hand by the river, the two pleasantly chatted till they ran into Shizune who was carrying a large stack of books and papers. "Here Shizune, let me help you with those." Yue said grabbing half of the stack out of Shizune's hands.

"Oh, Yue! Thank you so much!" Shizune said gratefully. "Lady Tsunade has been having me run documents back and forth all day for her. My arms were getting tired."

"We would be glad to help." Kakashi said, grabbing the rest of the stack out of Shizune's hands. Unnoticed by Kakashi, but seen by Yue, Shizune blushed when Kakashi spoke to her.

"Thanks a lot Kakashi." She said shyly, looking down at her feet.

The three made their way to the Hokage's mansion and dropped the documents off at the library. Shizune sat down with a thud onto a bench. "Whew, I am exhausted." She said while fanning herself with her hand.

"You two wait here. I will go get us something cool to drink." Yue said leaving Kakashi and Shizune sitting on the bench.

"Sounds like you've got it pretty rough." Kakashi said to Shizune.

"Lady Tsunade can be pretty bossy sometimes." Replied Shizune. "Despite that, I really do look up to her though."

"You and Yue are birds of a feather." Kakashi smiled. "Both of you always look to the positive in every situation." Shizune fell quiet. "I'm sorry. Did I say something to upset you?" asked Kakashi worried.

"You and Yue are together right?" asked Shizune. Kakashi was surprised by her question and merely nodded in response. "Don't take this the wrong way. I really do like Yue. She is kind, generous, and a wonderful ninja, but I am kind of sad that she returned to the village." Shizune whispered.

Kakashi was baffled. He had no idea where this was coming from, or why Shizune was saying these things to him. "I…I think I will go check on those drinks." Kakashi stammered.

Standing up to leave Kakashi felt himself being held back. Shizune had grabbed his hand and was looking into his eyes with a pleading look. "I'm in love with you Kakashi. I have been for years." Shizune blurted. "I really do like Yue, but can't you pick me instead?"

Crap, thought Kakashi to himself. Just what the hell am I going to do now?