I was awake before the sun the next morning. Minori's house was quiet. Peaceful. His bed is warm and comfortable. It gave Sasuke's a run for its money.

I pulled off the covers and stood, my ankle still sore.

I quietly wondered down the hall, I saw Minori passed out on the couch. He looked like a child.

I made my way back to his room, I saw the picture, the one of him and his team.

I looked at Minori, he looked so much younger, more lively than now, if that's possible. His silver-blue hair was messy and spikey, like it is now but it's longer now. His aquamarine eyes glowed with joy.

He had his arms around a girl, she had long black hair, almost as long as mine. Her eyes are a vibrant green. This must be Aiko. They looked more than friendly with each other.

A boy stood beside them, a smirk on his face, Isamu. His sandy brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. His eyes matched Aiko's. They looked alike.

"They were twins."

Minori's voice made me jump. I didn't know he was behind me.

I took a step away from the picture, "You and Aiko were close?"

He chuckled, "That's putting it lightly," He smiled as he looked at the photo, "She was my love. And I got her killed." His smile fell.

"You can't blame yourself." I said, my heart sinking for him.

He chuckled, "I don't really blame myself, I just know that I'm not completely blameless."

Minori shook his head, like he was shaking off the memories, "Anyway, are you hungry?"

Before I could answer, he made his way to the kitchen. I followed, taking a seat at his table, "Do you have an apple or some fruit?"

He looked into his fridge and nodded, "Yeah, but don't you want something more? An actual breakfast?"

I shook my head, "An apple is fine."

He shook his head, taking out a pot, "No, I'm making you breakfast. How does miso soup and rice sound?"

"Heavy." I admitted.

He raised his brow and continued to cook, "You don't eat much, do you?"

I shook my head, "Not really."

He nodded and tied on an apron. I laid my head on the table and listened to the sound of his utensils.

It wasn't long before he set a bowl of rice covered in miso soup in front of me, "Dig in!"

I sat up and looked at him. I began to crack up upon seeing his 'Kiss the Cook!' apron.

He frowned, "What's so funny?"

I shook my head, "Nothing. Nothing."

He rolled his eyes before he sat down across from me with his own bowl.

I took a small bite… it's delicious. I never thought he would be a good cook. I was surprised.

We ate in silence and when I was done, he took my bowl.

"So," He said as he leaned across the counter, "Are you going to go back home?"

I stood, "I'm sorry, I'm imposing."

He shook his head, "No," He said quickly, "You're not, I'm just curious about what you're going to do. You're welcome here for as long as you want."

I sat back down, "Thanks but I couldn't. I think I know of somewhere else I could stay but I don't want to go home."

He frowned, "Seiray, aren't you the one that said we're a team, we're supposed to help each other."

"Yeah," I admitted, "But that was for a mission, I don't think it includes letting me move in with you."

He shrugged, "I live by myself, the company would be nice."

"Do you really want to live with me of all people?" I asked.

He finally took off his apron, "Believe it or not, I don't think you're that bad. There's a reason I chose you to be my partner."

I sighed, "You really won't mind?"

He shook his head, "I have two extra rooms. I can clean one out for you."

"Thank you, Minori."

He nodded, "But first, I have to go talk to the Hokage. He might have a mission for us."

Minori went to the Hokage's office while I made my way to Sasuke's. I should probably tell him I'm moving in with Minori even though I doubt he'll like it.

When he pulled open his door his jaw dropped as soon as he saw the bruises on my cheek, "What happened?"

I sighed, "My parents noticed I was gone an extra night."

Sasuke looked angry, "Are you serious? Your parents infuriate me."

I nodded, "Me too. That's why I'm moving."

"Moving?" He looked intrigued, "Where?"

"With Minori."

Sasuke glared, he obviously didn't like it. But of course, he isn't going to say anything.

"What?" I prodded.

He shook his head, "Nothing. I have to go."

He tried to push past me but I stopped him, "Hey, wait. What happened between you and Kakashi?"

He shut and locked his door, walking away, "Nothing. We talked." And with that, he walked away.

I sat on the porch, hating myself. Why didn't I go to him yesterday? This could've been avoided.

I decided to go talk to Kakashi, maybe he'll give me some answers.

I found Kakashi in the village by the vegetable stand, "Kakashi," I said, trying to get his attention.

"Hmm?" He asked, not actually looking at me.

"I have a question."

He finally turned to look at me, his brow going up as soon as he saw me and I know why. I'm still wearing Minori's clothes.

"What can I do for you?" He finally spoke.

I crossed my arms over my chest, "It's Sasuke. He won't talk to me. What did you two discuss this morning?"

He led me away from other villagers, "I have decided to show Sasuke some new techniques so he won't use his curse mark. He and I will be training in the mountains for the next few weeks."

I raised my brow, "Okay, training. So, it's the news I gave him." I kind of figured but I thought I'd check.

"News?" Kakashi asked.

"I'm moving in with Minori." I told him, "To get away from my parents."

Kakashi nodded, "That's probably why he won't speak to you. He's not the biggest fan of Minori. I would think you'd run to Sasuke, aren't you two romantically involved?"

I nodded, "I don't know why I ran to Minori."

"Explain it to me," Kakashi said, "Maybe I can help."

I took a deep breath, "My parents and I fought, they gave me this lovely shiner, and I got out of there. I just started running and ended up at Minori's. He offered to let me stay there."

Kakashi sighed, "It's simple. Sometimes the comfort of a friend is better than that of a lover." (Thank you Sophia)

"Okay," I said, trying to understand, "But how do I get Sasuke to understand?"

He chuckled and shook his head, "All you can do for Sasuke is explain yourself. He may or may not understand but that's all you can do. If anything, he'll just need time."

I nodded, that makes sense. It probably hurt that I didn't go to him.

"Thank you, Kakashi." I said before walking to the training grounds, I know that's where he'll be.

When I made it, I saw him practicing with his kunai.

He glared as soon as he saw me, "What do you want?"

"I wanna talk."

He rolled his eyes, "Go talk to Minori." That hurt.

I glared, "Don't be petty. Talk to me. I need to explain."

He stood there for a second before shrugging, "I'm waiting." He said, his voice harsh.

I took a deep breath, trying not to get angry with him as I repeated what I told Kakashi, "I'm sorry I didn't come to you," I tried to sound apologetic, "I really am."

"Why didn't you come to me?" He asked, his voice hurt.

"Sometimes you need a friend more than a significant other."

"I thought I was your friend."

My jaw dropped, I didn't expect him to say that. I don't know what to say, how do I respond?

"Nice to know where I stand," He said, taking a step away, "I'm good enough to distract you but when it comes right down to it, I don't even come close."

I opened my mouth to deny it but before I could he turned away and the last thing I heard before he disappeared was, "We're over." Breaking my heart.