Kakashi sat at the memorial stone. He had a mission today with team seven, but they expected him to be late. He always was and it was always for the same reason. He sat, letting his mind wander. He thought of Obito, the mission, but mostly, always, of her. He had liked her so much, but there had never been a place for him in her heart, not with the admiration and love she had for her older brother. She cared of nothing but him and her own training. When he died, Kakashi knew no one could ever stand in the place of Obito in her heart. She had swore that she hated Kakashi and would kill him someday. 'What ever happened to her?' he thought to himself. He knew she had requested a mission with Hayate, one of her teammates, and had left shortly after.
"Kakashi-sensei!" He turned and saw Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura walking
towards him.
"Ready to go?" They nodded and together they headed out.
They traveled silently, not even glancing at each other. That look made Hayate nervous, almost confirmed his suspicions. The gates of Konoha loomed ahead of them. Hayate coughed. "Are you sure you are ready?" The look of determination had restored itself in her eyes.
"More than anything." The guards nodded respect to the pair. Hayate blushed.
"Looks like we were expected."
"Do they know of me?"
"Hokage-sama has taken care of it. Only he knows who you really are. But keep in mind, you will be watched. No matter what you say now, you did say you would kill Kakashi."
"I understand." As they walked through town, she saw herself as a smaller child running through these same streets. She fought the memories as best she could, letting one in every few seconds. She could not allow herself to get all worked up now. They ascended the stairs to Hokage-sama's office. Hayate knocked and the doors swiftly opened. Hokage-sama stood with his arms open and a smile on his aged face.
"Hayate, Chidori! It brings me great joy to have you two back safely. And in such great time. The Chunin Exam will take place in two short days. Hayate, I expect, with you back now, to be examiner number three. Listen to me, going on and you haven't even rested yet."
"No Hokage-sama, we rested before we reached the outskirts of town. We are fully prepared to resume duties."
"Nonsense, let's sit. Sake?" Hayate nodded and glanced at her. She nodded and Hokage poured them both a drink.
Later, they were escorted by a jounin to a small apartment. They stepped inside and the jounin left. Hayate shrugged his shoulders.
"I can sleep on the couch if you want", he said quietly. She shook her head.
"No. I've been dreaming again. Next to me will be fine." They changed in night clothes silently and laid down next to each other. She squeezed her eyes shut and hoped for a dreamless night.