Heyyaaaah

Here you go – a fancy new chapter! I'm kind of torn about this one. Hopefully, you'll like it!

xXSakuraBlossomsXx: sorry in advance lmaoo I hope you won't be too disappointed) but as always I appreciate your reviews! I'm relieved whenever you comment you like them! Makes me feel like I still got it!

OneOfYourGuests2: thank you so much! Means a lot! Now buckle up for this next one ;)

Jessi: Hey, thanks for the review and sorry for the wait. I know I've started this fic three years ago (can't believe it's been that long!), but I really try and update whenever I can procrastinate my way out of some responsibilities! I'm so glad you liked the story so much! And don't worry – if I don't finish this fic, you can safely assume I died. I'll get there eventually! Meanwhile, I hope you'll decide to stick with it until the end!

Enjoy!

I know what you're thinking

Yes, I kissed him. I kissed Kakashi freakin' Hatake.

And now I needed to face the consequences of my actions… is what I kept telling myself as I was hiding in the nearby bushes wearing nothing but the wet one-piece swimsuit I had on before I escaped. In a few hours it will be morning, and the temperature was dismally low for early autumn. Thank god for chakra-controlled thermoregulation, am I right?

Oh, Kami, who even cares if I catch a pneumonia and die, why did I kiss him? We had a nice thing going – two single best friends who also happen to be almost-roommates. Our dynamic was the source of envy of many villagers… I think. I can't be sure, but if I were them, I would've sure as hell been jealous of the relationship Kakashi and I had. I mean, any normal person would – we're talking about Kakashi freakin' Hatake!

I briefly considered redeeming myself by committing seppuku, but quickly decided against it since the only person who would be willing to help me pull it off was Sasuke and currently him and Naruto were catching up on all the time they've spent separated. Standing in their way after everything they've been through should be a crime at this point. By the way, why does no one suspect Sasuke and Naruto are a thing? Why isn't there a betting pool on them? So unfair! ...maybe I should get that going?

I started getting up to find Kakashi and pitch him my brilliant idea, but then I remembered I was in the bushes freezing my arse off because I was in hiding from the very man I had headed towards.

"There you are, girlie. Thought I would have to look for ya for a second there."

I practically jumped out of my skin at the sudden break of silence, cursing myself for being so zoned out I forgot to pay attention to my surroundings. Thankfully, it was only Pakkun.

"Kakashi's not with you, is he?" I looked around just in case, but there was no sign of the handsome ninja.

"Nah. He sent me to see if you would like some hot cocoa because it's cold outside. He's making us a bowl."

Gosh, hot cocoa would sure warm me up well. Actually, doing just about anything would warm me up at this point. Going inside, or taking off this wet swimsuit, or even snuggling with Pakkun, even though he was tiny. I reached for him, but he warned me off with a lazy snap of his adorable jaws.

Refocusing on the important bit, I realised that Kakashi knew where I was. Gee, why am I not surprised? And it didn't even sound like he was mad, what with the offer of making me cocoa...wait.

"Us? You don't mean-"

"Hm? Oh yeah, the entire pack is here. We heard boss has a room of his own, and that there's a hot bath and whatnot so of course we came."

The puppies are all here?! This was just like Kakashi – calling the pack over at the worst possible moment. Can't a girl get a heads-up sometimes?

Kami, this was such an obvious bait. Unfortunately, it seemed to be working since I was already walking towards the room with Pakkun in my arms who, for some reason, didn't mind the wet swimsuit this time. I guess he remembered he would need assistance from someone who has opposable thumbs to reach the treats.

"Wait, wait, wait – I can't go back in there! Pakkun, I kissed Kakashi! On his mouth! While his mask was down!"

Pakkun looked as disinterested as always (if not even more so) taking extra care to prolong his yawn before commenting on my urgent dilemma. "So? Aren't you supposed to do that?"

I blinked at that. I expected my shocking revelation to cause a stronger emotional reaction, but Pakkun was cool as ice. Hm. Like owner, like dog, I guess. Nonetheless, I'd never needed much prompting from disinterested interlocutors, so I was undeterred.

"Not without his explicit consent, I'm not! What is worse, do you know what? I was probably thinking something along the lines of 'he wanted it because he took off his mask'! Do you hear what I sound like? Pakkun, I'm a predator!"

"Were you thinking that?"

"I mean, probably! I know for a fact I'd been admiring him, so maybe that was really what had happened. I wouldn't put it past me! Apparently, I'm someone who can't control their own urges once they see a perfect face and a perfect body attached to a perfect personality! Pakkun, I have decided – we're going back to the bushes!"

"Oh, goodie."

I squatted back to my place, this time with a faithful companion in my arms. Hey, I guess I'd managed to one-up Pakkun. I took consolation from his small furnace-like body. Emphasis on the fur part, since I could already see his stray hair stuck all over me.

Pakkun sighed. "Hey, girlie. Do you really think if you had done something wrong boss would be inviting you inside at all?"

Oh.

Dang it, he's right! If I had done something wrong, Kakashi would have avoided me like the plague! He wouldn't be offering me a hot beverage or gathering ninken to lure me back inside!

I happily got up, heading once again in the direction of where I knew the dogs were gathered.

I mean, thinking back on it, Kakashi is a pretty skilled shinobi, so he could have stopped me if he had wanted to. Which would mean that he didn't want to stop me. Which would mean that he didn't mind it happened. But as someone who values his personal space greatly, Kakashi wouldn't simply let me kiss him because he was indifferent about it. If he thought I was crossing lines he didn't want me to cross there's no way I could've done it. Which means – he had planned for this to happen!

I abruptly stopped walking to chide and roll my eyes silently. Had I not been holding Pakkun, I would have face palmed. Of course – how could I forget – the plan for the second vacation! He had been easing me into it this entire time! It all made sense now!

Having been planning the first vacation for seven years it's no wonder he was already so deep into planning the next one. I bet even blaming Naruto for the choice of onsen was somehow a part of it. I remember Kakashi complaining about it being the toughest part back when he was telling me the plan in the bar, since no one was sure what made things stick when Naruto was concerned. Kakashi must have somehow planned for me to kiss him as well!

So, in conclusion, me kissing Kakashi was actually Kakashi's idea, and I was blameless. Oh, yeah. It's all coming together.

Well, who ever was the first to come up with denial as a coping mechanism, I think I have long since surpassed them in this game.

Glad to have managed to deny all responsibility for my actions and rationalise some sort of motivation behind Kakashi's, I once again headed back inside with Pakkun in my arms.

…only to stop once again as I again started to agonise over how Kakashi is truly taking this whole me-molesting-him- situation. When you think about it, I was pretty brave to have been only half-heartedly hiding from a highly trained leader of all shinobi. That, or I was incredibly brainless. I guess this was just one of those glass half-full or half-empty type of situations.

"On second thought, maybe you should go on without me, Pakkun," I smiled sadly and let the ninken down on his feet.

"Girlie, you seem to have a severe confidence problem."

Damn, there's just something about a dog telling you you have a confidence problem that really kills whatever little spirit you have left.

So I gasped, insulted. "Whatever! I don't want to hear that from a seven-year old!"

Pakkun raised an eyebrow at me.

"Sorry. I know I have a problem, but, in my defence, it is completely justified! I mean, have you seen Kakashi? Have you seen how kind and caring he is? Have you seen how he managed to turn out like that despite all the sad things that had happened to him? I would've lost it ages ago. Whomever he ends up with will have to be someone as equally amazing as he is, otherwise I'll personally sabotage them any chance I get."

I could tell Pakkun was not in the mood to listen to how great Kakashi was with a hot bowl of cocoa waiting for him just a walking distance away. Nonetheless, he motioned his little paw downwards to indicate he wanted me to get lower.

I obediently obliged.

"Sure, boss is great and all, but he didn't make it on his own. He made it because he had a strong pack who supported him when the times were hard. And you, girlie, are a part of that pack whether you know it or not. That's why you deserve to stand next to him. But running away would be like the opposite of supporting him, just so you know."

Woah. Pakkun was as wise as he was cute, and he seemed to know it. As a reward for listening to him intently he allowed me to touch his precious paw.

"Pakkun," I was tearing up at this point, "you think of me as your pack member?"

"Focus on what's important, girlie. Boss thinks so too. So are you going to run away again?"

"I won't!" wailing and sobbing I picked Pakkun up again and ran for Kakashi's- no, screw that! OUR room!

I barged in heading straight for the pile of dogs in the centre of the room. They were warm and happy to see me and their breath smelled like cocoa, so I didn't mind so much the excessive licking of my face this time. I got down on my knees, and tried hugging all of them at once, but they were too excited to stay still. I saw Kakashi preparing what were most likely second bowls of hot cocoa, with his back turned to us.

"Okay, that's enough, everyone. Mizu has to change out of that swimsuit before she catches a cold," He said without turning around. Ugh, I hate that I showed him that trick since he was so much better at it than me. It didn't even seem like he turned around to see what we were doing. Now all of the ninken were convinced he had eyes on the back of his head, and shifted obediently to wait for their share of the sweet liquid while I was once again denied their attention.

I raised my head only to meet Kakashi's amused expression surprisingly close for someone who was a second ago standing all the way across the room. His mask was back on, and he was wearing his regular uniform and usual eye-crinkle smile, with his hands shoved in his pockets. Instead of soothing my conscience, his casual demeanour only amplified my guilt.

I got up on my feet and bowed deeply. "Sorry for molesting you! I won't offer any excuses because my behaviour was inexcusable! I understand if you don't want us to hang out any more!"

The silence that ensued was unnerving. I waited for full two minutes, reassured only by the sight of Kakashi's feet. Maybe I should've kept my mouth shut? Maybe he wanted us to pretend like it didn't happen? But I had to apologise – it was the proper thing to do! Although, Kakashi never did care about social norms that much… No, this wasn't a question of propriety! This was about respecting personal boundaries of an overly traumatised shinobi whose sanity depended on them being respected! Yeah, I was right to apologise… so why wasn't he saying anything? Was the bow not deep enough? Was I supposed to get on the ground entirely?

After some additional consideration, I started getting lower on the ground, but Kakashi grabbed me by the arm.

"No need for that. I was just… surprised by your apology."

I raised completely, sort of insulted by his words. Did Kakashi think so little of me, he believed I wouldn't take responsibility for my actions?!

I mean, having recalled I'd actually considered completely blaming Kakashi for all this, I can see where he was coming from. Also, let's not mention the fact that I ended up apologising to ease my conscience and only after I'd realised I wouldn't be able to look Kakashi in the eye otherwise. But how was he aware of all that?

"Mizu. You do realise I seduced you, right?"

...

"I'm sorry, seduced? You seduced–"

"You. That's right."

I think I went into shock for a bit at that moment.

But of course I couldn't not kiss him – this is Kakashi we're talking about! Hell, I didn't stand a chance when he wasn't seducing me, let alone now.

I sagely nodded in understanding. "Okay, makes sense. Why did you seduce me, though?"

Wow, I've never seen Kakashi make a disappointed expression like that. Did I say something wrong? Oh! He did it for the vacation, right. Let's quickly show him we're not as stupid as we seem.

"Oh, don't tell me – you did it for the next vacation, right?"

"Wrong."

…

Hm. Surprisingly direct coming from Kakashi. Maybe someone's listening in on our conversation so he's being extra carefu–

"Wrong."

"What is?"

"Your train of thought. No one's listening in on our conversation."

Woah. The way he read my thoughts just know, it was… definitely creepy.

Kakashi eye-crnikled. "It's not creepy, it's a professional deformation."

I gasped at that. "Are you trying to unseduce me now, is that what's happening? Stop reading my thoughts."

He chuckled and came closer, making me hold my breath in anticipation. "Don't worry. If it comes to that, I'll just seduce you again." Even with the mask I could feel his hot breath on my ear. I could sense the goosebumps on my arms forming.

Gently nudging me in the direction of the bathroom, Kakashi smiled pleasantly: "Why don't you take a nice warm bath to chase away that chill?"

I curiously observed his expression for any signs of discomfort or unease, but he seemed to have reverted back to his carefree pre-mask-reveal demeanour. And I couldn't help but feel saddened at the fact. Taking his mask off in front of me was such an immense show of trust for Kakashi, and I blew it. The only thing I can do is hope he will feel comfortable enough some day to take off his mask once again, and let me bask in his glorious uncovered presence.

"Hmm? Is there something on my face? Oh, sorry – a force of habit," and just like that he took off his mask, hitting me with the full force of his beauty and leaving me speechless in the process.

I was so used to seeing only parts of his face, I was not prepared for the way he was looking at me with that amused expression. With one hand holding the mask at his chin, and the other snugly staying in his pocket, he towered over me, making my mouth feel increasingly dry. Taking a step further towards me only made him seem taller, and I just knew soon my neck is going to hurt like hell from looking up at him.

But at that moment, I didn't mind it so much. I was mesmerised by his smile which was gradually coming closer. And closer. And closer.

He came so close I was unable to take in his entire expression . The only thing I was able to see were his eyes, still amused, still approaching.

When I felt his lips touch mine I could tell he was trying to gauge my reaction. The expression in his eyes turned more gentle, until his eyes fluttered shut. I could sense his attention switching to the feel of the kiss itself as his lips became more active.

I followed his lead, readjusting my focus on the way his tongue lightly passed over my bottom lip. But his slow cautious movement only left me wanting more, so I automatically tilted my head to one side to give him more access and deepen the kiss. I could feel his smile widening through my lips.

"Hey, some of us were promised hot cocoa and we're not leaving no matter how uncomfortable you two make us feel."

Our eyes snapping open simultaneously at the chiding in Pakkun's voice, we stepped away from each other instantly, bowing in apology to the ninken, my blush glaringly obvious and Kakashi's less so with the mask now back in its place.

I escaped into the bathroom to take a shower and compose myself a bit. Kami knew I needed it. My heart was hammering so hard in my chest, I had to deliberately focus on taking slow breaths to calm down.

After the quickest shower of my life – every second matters when there are ninken in the next room – I put on the pyjamas Kakashi left for me (along with the knickers, as I was horrified to notice) and rejoined the company in the next room.

Refusing to dwell on the feelings of excitement and dread that consumed me in equal measure at the now, apparently, rather real possibility of Kakashi kissing me again, I took larger steps to chase them from my mind.

However, upon entering the dark room and hearing only the gentle snoring of the ninken I realised it will be morning soon, and I hadn't slept a wink. Suddenly feeling exhausted, I jumped over Shiba and Bisuke to reach Kakashi's figure in the centre of the bed. He sleepily acknowledged me by opening one eye, and making room next to him. I put my head on Kakashi's shoulder and fell asleep soon after.

"Mizu-chan! Get up, we've got to go!"

I jumped out of bed, automatically going through the motions of packing my sleeping bag only to find out I had been sleeping on a bed. Confused at the urgency when I clearly wasn't on a mission, I turned towards Naruto who was now rubbing a painful spot on his head where Kakashi hit him just seconds ago.

"Sorry, Mizu, he just doesn't listen. Never has. I would hate to be one of his advisors someday," he apologetically approached me, putting my jonin uniform in my hands, and then bumping our foreheads in a more familiar greeting.

"What's going on?"

"The vacation's over. We're going home."

"Oh. Let me pack my stuff–"

"That's okay, the ninken helped me do it this morning. I wanted to let you sleep. Just get dressed and we're good to go."

I nodded, but, in all actuality I was considering paying for another night just so I could stay and sleep some more.

"Why can't we be late just this one time?"

Kakashi eye-crinkled victoriously: "Actually, we were supposed to leave two days ago."

I instantly sobered up feeling a surge of adrenaline at the thought of having to face a furious Tsunade who would have been enjoying her retirement if it weren't for us. I will never hear the end of this, won't I? I groaned at the realisation that they have probably organised a search party already and printed the 'Missing' posters.

"Why do you always do this, Kakashi? How come no one said we should leave? Naruto-chan?"

"Beats me – I think only Grandma Tsunade thinks this was supposed to be a three-day vacation."

Oh, Kami, we're definitely done for.

"So what's the plan now? Are all of us defecting? Because if we come back Tsunade-sama will kill us."

"Don't worry, everything will be just fine," Kakashi said with a smile that was hard to refuse.

...***...

"WHERE WERE YOU? I WANTED TO SEND ANBU TO LOOK FOR YOU, BUT THEN ALL OF THEM TOLD ME YOU SAID YOU'LL BE AWAY FOR FIVE DAYS AND NOT THREE?! WHY WAS I THE ONLY ONE WHO DIDN'T KNOW?"

"Forgive us, Tsunade-hime, but when I told you we were going on a three-day vacation I thought you knew we'd need the two extra days for travelling," Kakashi rubbed the back of his head innocently.

Well, at least he appeared apologetic while saying it.

"ALL OF YOU ARE BANNED! YOU HEAR ME – BANNED!"

Kakashi perked up at the chance of not having to be a hokage any more.

"Except Sasuke-kun, who is still under village arrest! And you, Kakashi-baka because there's no way I am staying here to do your job! And you, Sakura-chan and Mizu-chan, because I know this wasn't your fault! And, actually, Naruto-kun can stay too, because someone needs to replace this lazy bum soon! And, Sai-kun I will need you for a sensitive mission next week, so I guess you can stay too!"

We all turned towards Yamato who was the only one who stayed in an apologetic bow this whole time, and was now sweating profusely. We then looked back at Tsunade who got even more irritated at that.

"FINE! YOU WON'T BE BANNED! ALL OF YOU WILL PAY FOR THE VACATION FROM YOUR OWN POCKETS INSTEAD! WE'LL SEE IF YOU'LL DARE TO ORDER THE LUXURIOUS SUITE NEXT TIME, YOU PUNK!"

Oh, snap, now that was a punishment.

That's when I noticed Kakashi looking at me rather intensely. Kami, I will have to pay at least half of it, won't I? Oh, well. I guess it was worth it.

With significantly lighter wallets, all of us headed outside not believing our luck. I, for once, truly thought she'll send us to T&I for kicks just to 'see if we were impostors' or something.

Without the adrenaline keeping me awake, I suddenly felt exhausted. But I had to know how Sakura's adventurous night turned out. Knowing she wanted to touch base with Ino upon returning to Konoha something juicy must have transpired the night before. Instead of looking dead tired, Sakura seemed rejuvenated. Maybe this is the right moment to subtly suggest there was a Kazekage who could use some companionship. Saying quick goodbyes to everyone else I trailed after her.

"Hey, sis, you off to see Ino-chan?"

"Yeah, what's it to ya?"

"Can I come?"

She eyed me unenthusiastically. "Sorry, four's a crowd."

What? There aren't four of us–

I turned around following where her eyes had been looking only to see Kakashi standing next to me and reading his lewd literature while holding my hand (which was impressive, but HOW? WHEN?). I sighed, practically feeling Sakura's indubitably sensational story slipping through my fingers. She left without even saying her goodbyes.

Zoned out from despair, I let Kakashi drag me around wherever. Who even cares where we were going – Ino's going to know all the details of Sakura's dalliance and I'll probably get the censored version she's going to tell okaa-chan. Maybe if I get her to brag about it in front of Hinata–

"It would be nice if we could see the ninken more often."

I immediately zoned back in at the mention of dogs. This deserved my undivided attention. I looked at Kakashi who was still reading his book. What a strange thing of him to say all of a sudden. Was he missing them so badly? That's completely understandable, although slightly unusual to hear from him. Whatever – far be it that I'm going to waste an opportunity to convince Kakashi to let those adorable pups live in the apartment.

"I wholeheartedly agree! Are you going to ask them to come by more often or stay longer?"

"Mmmm. I wonder. The apartment's too small to accommodate them all for longer periods of time. Especially now that Pakkun and Bull are having their pups."

"PAKKUN AND BULL ARE HAVING PUPPIES?"

Kakashi looked at me surprised. "You didn't know? Oh, right – you were showering when they told me."

"Kakashi, my FOMO is through the roof, right now! Quickly, tell me a secret no one else knows to balance me out!"

"I was thinking we should buy a house together. More specifically, that one."

I looked at the house he was pointing at, trying to piece together the information he just shared.

"So that we can rent it? For some extra money on the side?"

"No. To live in. Together."

Buying a house? Kakashi and I? Together? A whole house? Where we would live? Together?

"When?"

"We can do it this week if you're up to it. It shouldn't be too difficult since the village owns it."

"Why would the village own specifically this house?"

Kakashi shrugged. "It's sort of a historical landmark. What remained of the Hatake legacy."

Oh. My. Kami. This was Kakashi's childhood home!

He must've sold it to the village when he was young and in a weird place mentally. And now he wants to buy it back? With me? Does Kakashi see me as – family? Be strong, Mizu! Don't start wailing now!

I mean, that, oooor he's low on money. Actually, that's a really likely possibility now that I think about it. Boy, I almost made a scene back there. That could've been embarrassing. Talk about a close call.

"But, are you sure you want me to own a half of it? Wouldn't you rather just borrow the money?"

Kakashi looked at me weirdly. "Mizu, this isn't about the money. You do know that, right?"

So he does see me as family! Oh, no – here come the waterworks.

"I do! I do want to buy this house with you! I want us to live together in it, and to have a whole pack of puppies (pun intended, by the way), and to maybe grow a garden outside! But I definitely want us to grow a lot of plants inside, that's non-negotiable. Oh, and I really want to decide on the wallpapers together, and most of all I want us to say Tadaima and Okaeri to each other every day. Of course I do!"

Oops. I guess I was a tiny bit more excited by the prospect of living together with Kakashi than I thought I will be. Hopefully, he was not too creeped out by my outburst. I decided to timidly focus on a rock I found on the ground just to be on the safe side.

The very next moment, however, Kakashi picked me up in his arms so I instinctively put my hands on his shoulders for balance. Convinced I won't fall, I refocused my attention to Kakashi's expression.

He looked so...happy. His smile was obvious even below the mask, and his eyes were not their usual disinterested selves, but rather they shone with glee. It was amazing to me that anything I could do could bring such an emotion to his face, and I would have trouble believing it myself had I not been witnessing it first-hand. Seeing him so happy was so breathtaking that I wanted to remember this expression of his forever. Frantically trying to burn the sight of him into my memory, I cursed my eyes for not being able to stay dry enough to see him more clearly.

I wiped my eyes with my sleeve in vain, soon giving up on it. Instead I reached to pull down Kakashi's mask and he let me. His smile was even more amazing uncovered which only made me sob even more. Finally, unable to do anything else to express my gratitude to him for allowing me to stay close and see him so happy, I kissed him.

I kissed his forehead, his eyes, his nose, until I finally reached his lips and decided to linger there because I had never before kissed a person who felt so much like home.

...***...

Author's note: Hey, I know this seems like it could end right here, but I don't want you to get discouraged! This is not the final chapter! There will be at least 14 chapters!

Till next time!