Too Late

Chapter 5: Like Old Times

PG-13 Just in case

Disclaimer: I don't own…..dammit…

"Talking"

:Sound Effect:

(Inner most thoughts at the moment XD)

…

"Not that you are any of my concern," A cold voice hissed, "but I don't believe you are welcome in this village."

I froze; the voice was coming from behind me, the same eyes watching me.

(Goddammit! This is probably the jackass that stole my gift…) I turned around slowly and twitched slightly in shock.

"Gaara…."

"Your village is not my concern either mind you," he continued, ignoring my acknowledgment of his presence, "….but trying to recruit….can't let you do that."

"Recruit…? You mean….Sakura? Wait, then you did take it! Gimme back the gift dammit!"

"Gift?" he disappeared and reappeared on a tree branch.

"I had a gift! A gift for Sakura, for her birthday! I know you took it!"

"What did it look like?"

"YOU KNOW!"

"I took nothing of yours. I'm simply here to tell you, that if you try get near her or anyone else and I happen to be around, I'll kill you. Do not try drag anyone else down with you."

I was silent, unsure of what Gaara was getting at. He had changed, gotten taller, longer hair, and his personality seemed different as well, but I knew it couldn't be THAT different. He wouldn't go out of his way to…

"I take your silence as stupidity, so let me explain; my only concern is my village. If this village and its people are taken into the darkness with you, then my village is obliged to help as an agreement in our new alliance. It would be a hassle to bring more of my villagers into this; my siblings and I are already here to help, and I personally find crowds annoying."

"Ahh, people never completely change do they?" I asked smirking as his motive came to light.

"You would know that best."

(Ouch)

"Eh….well, I'm not here for recruiting, thanks."

"I could kill you now."

"….but…?"

"You by yourself are no threat, I think it would be nice to see how long you last until someone beats that arrogant smirk off your face. Hope it's not me." A gust of sand swiftly enveloped him and purposely knocked me back into my small fire. I had to roll out quickly so I wouldn't completely go up in flames.

"Ugh, that little…"

(You weren't ready to fight! Be glad he didn't try tear your face off)

"Heh…"

Wait, if he didn't take my gift then who did!

(Don't even try to go back)

…feh, if I can never go back to her….not until my mission is done, then I have to do this now or I might go back later anyway.

(Be quick!)

I'll just take a look around, I probably dropped it and some kid found it.

(It's kind of late for a kid to be out)

Ok, well someone has it!

(You could've just dropped it…)

……whatever…..

…

I decided to wait until early morning so the light could help me in my search and I could be a little more comfortable in my disguise. At night my disguise only worked if someone looked at my face before trying to sense any chakara that might have slipped out. People always held their guard higher at night, making it easier to sense me.

I wandered through the town my head down and eyes darting every direction as I easily darted through crowds without so much as brushing against someone. I silently applauded myself for blending in so well while searching, but just as I was taking in my ego boost I felt someone roughly brush against my shoulder and when I turned to see who it was I almost jumped into the air.

"Ka-er, sorry mister…"

"It's….no problem…."

I don't recall ever being as afraid as I was then except for once in my life, he didn't move, just continued to stare at me, almost mockingly. I wasn't sure if he could tell who I was or not.

(Damn him and his mask)

Kakashi.

"You look familiar young man, have I met you before?" he asked calmly.

"Uh...n-no sir, I'm…a visitor, I've never been here before."

"Really? What are you doing here?"

"I…I…"

(Is he being suspicious? Why is he eyeing me like that!)

"Are you on vacation, school trip…?" he rephrased.

"Err, I'm here with….my parents on a business trip, they're in a meeting right now…."

"So where do you go when they're in meetings?"

"I wander around…"

"Aww no!" he flung an arm around my shoulder making me jump a little, "No, no, no! You don't need to wander around by yourself! I have a little ninja team with nothing to do today, why don't you come with me and meet them?"

"Oh er…no thanks…I'm fine just.."

"It wasn't really a question."

"Oh."

(Just play along! If he can't break you then he didn't technically find you out!)

Right.

"Ok, I guess it won't be too bad since I have nothing to do all day anyway." I said putting on a big grin.

I could almost see Kakashi frowning under his mask as he guided me to where Sakura and Naruto were.

(He wanted a quick confession?)

Maybe he doesn't even know for sure it's me.

(He's trying to see if it is)

But I won't let him.

…

Instead of taking me into a chamber and locking me up until I revealed myself as I'd thought he would do, I actually found myself amongst my old teammates once more. Sakura was the first to notice me and I blushed slightly in embarrassment; from the way Kakashi and I were walking it almost seemed I was a prisoner.

"Kakashi-sensei…who is this?"

"Yeah Kakashi-sensei! He's not a new teammate is he? Cause we told you we don't want one!"

I blinked in surprise, didn't want one? I knew they hadn't gotten a replacement for me yet, but I didn't know they'd been turning them down! Naruto seemed especially keen on that….so maybe he didn't hate me too much after all….

"Now, now, don't be rude Naruto. He is not a new teammate; he is a visitor to our lovely village and his parents are in a meeting now, and since you two have nothing to do today, I thought we could show our new friend around."

"Oh….what's your name?" Sakura asked eyeing me; she wasn't sure if it could really be me, so close to being caught? Or just so close in daylight?

(Well of course she knows its you, she's seen your disguise before)

She's confused.

"Oh, well we can show him around! That's no problem! Hi there my name is Naruto and this lovely lady is Sakura!"

"Naruto!" Sakura grinned blushing slightly.

(It would feel awkward to be the only one who knew)

"It's nice to meet you…" Sakura held out her hand for mine. I smiled and grabbed it, and even though I knew I shouldn't be so bold, I bent and kissed her hand, "My name is Mykosaki, its nice to meet you, Sakura."

Sakura blushed furiously and looked down at her feet to try hide her big grin.

Naruto looked confused as he eyed me then Sakura and finally just pat my back hard.

"I don't want you kissing my hand so, this is my hello!"

"Hehe, that's fine." I replied softly.

"Sooooo Mykosaki! What village are you form? Are you a ninja?"

I smiled at Naruto's bombardment of questions.

(Just like old times)

Vampire Toy: Sorry for the short sucky chapter but I updated didn't I? XP Well tell me what you thought, more to come soon I hope! R&R and flames welcome.