I slowly trudge to the living room. Kakashi sits on the couch casually, his mask covering the expression on his face.

I sit in the recliner and stare at my feet.

Kakashi clears his throat.

I continue to stare at my feet.

There is an awkward pause.

Kakashi clears his throat again. "Marie."

"What?" I mumble solemnly.

There is another awkward pause.

"There's no need to be afraid. You do not carry the events of this universe on your shoulders."

"Not the entire universe. This village."

"Not true." Kakashi's voice is firm. " We are in control of our own destiny. Whatever happens to this village will be our responsibility."

I shake my head. "No, no, you don't understand. I could be solely responsible for the destruction of this village. Just because I thought I remembered some things that happened."

Kakashi sighs. "No. No you're not."

I grit my teeth. "Yes. Yes I am."

"No. You're not."

I look up from my feet to look at Kakashi, who meets my gaze with intensity.

"Yes. I am. Want me to give specifics.?"

Kakashi says nothing and continues to study me intensely.

"Fine. I told Tsunade Danzō's dirty little secret. He's probably planning to assassinate her as we speak."

"And that's not your fault. Tsunade chose to act on your intel based on evidence she had already been collecting against him."

"But still. *I* was the catalyst. If he plans a coup it's my fault. Mine."

Kakashi sighs. "Based on a decision she made on her own?"

"A decision she made because I gave her information."

Kakashi raises an eyebrow. "Is that intel true?"

"Well...yes? I believe so. It may not be exactly accurate but he really does have an entire arm of Sharingans."

"Then it's not your fault. She chose to act on the information and raise his suspensions. She knows the consequences. Believe me. That's why she chose a successor."

"But, does she? You know now that Jiraiya's still alive, Naruto may not be able to convince Pein to call off his attack and resurrect the casualties."

Kakashi gives me another look. "Since Jiraiya's alive both he AND Naruto can talk some sense into Pein."

"But...you do realize in canon, you die during this fight? How are you this calm right now?" I feel tears welling up in my eyes.

Kakashi sighs. "I'm a shinobi. Death is a part of life."

"Well I'm *not* a shinobi. My only experience with death was two years ago when my coworker died of cancer. If you died for good in this battle, I'd never forgive myself."

Kakashi reaches over and takes one of my hands into his, rubbing circles into my palm, which made tears actually fall.

"C-can I sit in your lap? I need cuddles."

Kakashi smiles behind his mask and pulls me into his lap. I rest my head against his chest. He takes one of my hands in his, continuing to caress my hand gently, his other hand rubbing my back. He places his chin on top of my head, burying his masked face into my hair.

We sit in silence for awhile. I sink into his warm chest comfortably as I sniffle pathetically.

"Promise me something." Kakashi murmurs into my hair.

"Hm?"

"If I die during this battle, promise me that you won't blame yourself, alright?"

I snort softly into his jacket. "Such hypocrisy." I mutter.

"That's different and you know it. And I'd rather not bring my past into this discussion."

"Sorry." I mumble.

We cuddle in comfortable silence for a few minutes.

"Feeling any better?" he asks.

"No, not really. The cuddling is nice, though."

Kakashi snorts softly. "Glad to be of service. I wish I could do more than provide physical comfort."

"Sorry I'm so stubborn. I just can't shake this sinking feeling that something terrible is going to happen."

"And why is that?"

"Because that's what always happens. It's my destined life pattern: I try something and it blows up in my face. I live in a cycle of failure that has perpetuated my entire life. This time people's lives are on the line. If someone dies indirectly because of me I'm never going to forget the fact that I was the cause."

Kakashi sighs. "I may not know the events of your life that somehow shaped your ridiculously low self confidence, but you are most definitely not going to be responsible for anyone's life but your own."

I sniff. "Are you kidding!? I just finished meeting with another village leader so he could make a decision to lead troops here based on things *I* told him. How is their fate not my fault!?"

"They chose to listen to you. You didn't force them to do anything." assures Kakashi.

"But what if I'm wrong? What if I didn't remember any of this correctly?" I bury my face into his chest. Kakashi wraps his arms around me in an embrace.

"What happens, happens. If you're right, then things may turn out for the better." Kakashi whispers in a comforting tone. He rubs my back gently.

"If I'm wrong...?"

"Try not to think about it. I know it's hard not to. Believe me, I understand better than anyone."

"I...just don't think I can stop once I've started, y'know?" I whisper.

"All I can do is offer a temporary distraction, I'm really not very good at this."

I smirk. "Temporary distractions are nice while they last, but it's best not to rely on them. It's running away from your problems and it's something I do far too often."

"Hmm..." hums Kakashi. "That's...actually quite mature of you, especially since you've had such a terrible day. Just thought I'd offer an alternative..."

I blink. "What is this? Are you asking for permission to make a move on me or something?"

"You're upset, I didn't want to upset you any more by spontaneously inciting certain activities..."

Instead of answering, I pull down his mask and gently meld his lips to mine.

When we part he chuckles. "Thought you said you didn't want to rely on distractions."

"I changed my mind. Just for tonight. Make me forget for a night and then we'll tackle this breakdown tomorrow. Gentle passion is what I need right now."

Kakashi looks stern. "No, what you need is someone better to help you work through this. I'm taking you to a specialist tomorrow, alright?"

I nod. "Alright."

He smiles and carries me to the bedroom and uses his body to make me forget for the rest of the night.

X

Author's note: Yaaay Marie's getting therapy next chapter!

Review replies!

Ranko Reaper of Soulz: I'm glad you're enjoying the story! Though there are very distinct differences between Marie and myself; she's much more extroverted than I am.