I didn't sleep very well that night. I had dreams that literally shocked me awake every two hours or so. Kakashi, being the light sleeper that he is, would also wake up when I did. He'd do his best to calm me back to sleep by whispering comforting words paired with gentle kisses and caresses, but two hours later the cycle would start again.

When morning came, both of us were still exhausted. It took longer for us to get the motivation to get out of bed that morning, though not for the usual reason.

"It's a good thing you're getting some help today." Kakashi murmurs sleepily. "If this became a nightly occurrence, I'm afraid I would have to exile you from my bed."

I was too tired to reply, I only glare at him in disapproval.

X

We leave the apartment a few hours later. Kakashi ends up taking me to the Academy.

We stand at the gates and I make a noise of confusion.

"What?"

"Um...who's this professional we're seeing?"

"Iruka." Kakashi says. "He's read your file and he has experience in helping strange individuals."

"I hate to burst your bubble, but my Eastern is not good enough for a therapy session."

"Actually your Eastern is better than you realize, but yes. I agree."

"Then why are we going to see Iruka? He can't speak my language." I say.

"Well...no. He can't. Jiraiya and I have been developing a genjutsu that Iruka's agreed to test for us."

I laugh. "What? Some kind of translation jutsu?"

Kakashi nods. "If all goes well, you and Iruka will be able to understand each other perfectly."

"Interesting. Sounds fun."

X

We arrive at Iruka's office a few minutes later. Iruka waves at us and smiles.

"Yo." greets Kakashi.

("Hi Kakashi. Marie-chan. Ready to get started?") asks Iruka.

("Ready when you are, I guess.") I reply.

Iruka nods to Kakashi, who begins to rapidly perform a series of hand seals. There is a puff of smoke around Iruka and then nothing.

"Alright. Can you understand me?" asks Kakashi.

Iruka pauses. "I can. Are you speaking Western, Kakashi?"

"That I am. And so are you!"

Iruka grins. "Excellent. How long does it last?"

"Until you feel like releasing it, hopefully." answers Kakashi. "I'm going to give you two some privacy. I'll be outside your office if you need me." He turns and exits the room, pulling out a familiar looking orange novel.

When the door shuts, Iruka motions for me to have a seat. "Sit down, Marie-chan. We have a lot to discuss."

I sit down and stare at my feet.

"I've read the report Jiraiya-sama put together. You've been through quite a lot in the past year."

I shrug and look at him with apathy. "Actually my life has been pretty normal up until recently."

Iruka raises an eyebrow. "You call being pulled into a universe that is a work of fiction in yours normal?"

"Well...no. I mean my life with Kabuto."

Iruka glances at the report on his desk. "Orochimaru's young subordinate whom you were in a romantic relationship with?"

"Yeah. We had a pretty normal and domestic life all things considered."

"So...he didn't abuse you physically or emotionally?" asks Iruka.

I shake my head. "He had a temper, sure, but he never assaulted me unless it was for taijutsu training. Emotionally we did have some issues, but it's nothing a little couples therapy wouldn't fix."

"You sound like you miss him."

"Well..I do. I also worry for him constantly."

Iruka smiles. "I don't pretend to know anything about relationships since I have been in very few of them myself."

"Are you in one now?" I ask.

Iruka blushes in response, which makes me chuckle. "W-well. I am, actually. I just started seeing the Hokage's assistant, Shizune."

I gasp happily. "Aw! That's adorable!"

Iruka blushes even more. "W-we're talking about you, not me right now."

"Sorry."

"Anyway. Is there anything else you'd like to comment on your life with Kabuto?" asks Iruka.

I shake my head. "Nothing super relevant to my current predicament."

"Alright. Now, Kakashi tells me you're experiencing some...distress."

"Well...you could say that." I mumble.

Iruka sighs. "Marie-chan. You have to open up to me for this to work."

"I know it's just...difficult to talk about."

"I understand. But I need you to try. I can't help if you don't open up to me." says Iruka calmly.

I take a deep breath and start explaining my fears to Iruka. He says nothing and listens carefully until I stop talking.

"Well...I can certainly understand your fears. Changing destiny isn't easy." he says after I finish.

"That's an understatement." I mutter.

"I get the feeling you've had difficulty succeeding in an academic setting."

I raise my eyebrows in surprise. "How'd you guess?"

Iruka laughs. "I'm a teacher. I see these things. You know,

you're a lot like Naruto."

"I wouldn't say that. I don't have his determination or work ethic at all. We probably just have the same mental disorder."

"I wouldn't say that. I see the same fire and passion in your eyes as I do in Naruto's." comments Iruka.

"Sure, we're passionate individuals but I still can't stop the possibility of people getting killed because of me. At least Naruto can do something about it. I can't even manifest chakra. Sure, I've gotten semi decent at taijutsu, but I'm still at academy level. Sai kicks my ass on a daily basis and he's not even a taijutsu specialist."

Iruka grins. "I think I can get you a better sensei."

I look at him in despair. "I don't like the way you're looking at me right now. You're not going to suggest I go study under Gai, are you?"

Iruka coughs to cover up his laughter. "Well, he's been bothering the Hokage about you ever since he heard about your...unique condition."

I blink. "Seriously? I've never actually run into him."

"I think Kakashi has been sheltering you from him for quite some time now. He doesn't think you're ready yet, though I think you should give him a try."

I shudder. "I'm not entirely sure I want to walk around with weights for the rest of my life.."

Iruka laughs again. "I'm only suggesting this since you expressed a desire to help in any way you can. Having shinobi level taijutsu skills would come in handy if you want to change things yourself."

I gulp. "You make a valid point...I guess I'll try him out. It's going to break Sai's cold little dead heart, though..."

X

Author's note: Next chapter is going to be a fun chapter filled with misery and the spirit of youth.

Review replies:

Ranko Reaper of Soulz: I FIND THE PLOT AGAIN AFTER A FEW CHAPTERS DON'T YOU WORRY.

Review and enjoy folks!