Kinoto looks down at the unconscious girl in his arms and thinks to himself:
Hmm, I guess even gods fall every now and then.
Carefully, he hoists Hinata up into his arms before making his way to the bedroom and depositing her there. She lays there looking small and wretched, her breaths leaving in little pants and forehead slick with sweat as her body struggles to cool itself down.
Kinoto frowns behind his mask.
What would Mizunoe do? He thinks, trying to picture the Named medic in this scenario. Kinoto's frown deepens at the sight of Hinata's thick uniform jacket. He'd probably try to lower her temperature first.
He unzips her chuunin vest and takes off the long-sleeved shirt, leaving her only in her mesh armor.
Kinoto would have dressed her in something more comfortable but unfortunately, he can't allow himself to linger for too long. The scent dampening seals and special issued soap are effective but they aren't foolproof. He can't risk tipping off the Hatake or his ninken.
Kinoto darts into the kitchen, soaks a dish towel in cold water, and returns. He places it on her forehead, his hand lingering .03 seconds longer than what is strictly needed.
Kinoto doesn't want to leave her. And what an odd thing wanting is. He's never wanted before he met the Hyuuga. It's only the knowledge that she's scheduled for a D-rank with her teammate and the impending risk of the Hatake coming back that finally convinces him to leave in the end.
"Hinata? Kakashi?" Hayate knocks again on the door to hers and Kakashi's shared apartment. "Anyone home?"
When he receives no answer, Hayate spreads out his chakra and searches for either of their signatures. He finds Hinata further inside the dorm but there's something off about it, her chakra fluctuating abnormally.
Hayate doesn't hesitate to break down the door, knowing that he's keyed in to the security seals and he probably won't get vaporized. He darts inside the apartment, carefully checking over each space for intruders before entering the bedroom where he feels Hinata's erratic signature.
"Oh, Hinata," Hayate sheathes his swords and kneels at his feverish teammate's bedside, "this is the opposite of alright."
Kakashi knows something is wrong. He doesn't know what, only that something has agitated his wolf, the animal pacing his mind restlessly.
Kakashi spends his shift practically glued to Kushina, reaching for his tanto when someone gets too close to his alpha's heavily pregnant mate. Everyone, from his fellow ANBU to the dango stall owner, is a threat and he treats them accordingly, releasing his killing intent when they breach his mental perimeter.
His wolf has never been wrong. The last time it was this upset was the day Rin died.
Kushina pouts at his aloof, professional attitude, but doesn't impede his mission. She stays within his eyesight and doesn't wander off. When nothing happens and Crane comes to relieve him of his post, he leaves his pack to patrol the alpha pair's apartment before heading back to his den.
Kakashi reaches the top of the stairs and rounds the corner only to stop dead in his tracks. Propped up awkwardly at the entrance is the door to his apartment.
All sound stops, the only thing he hears is the rush of blood pounding in his ears. Kakashi's lips curl back under his mask as he settles into a stance.
How dare someone intrude into the sanctity of their den?!
Kakashi sniffs the air.
lavendersickpackhothurt
Lightning crackles behind his teeth as he shunshins inside the apartment, his wolf snapping its teeth viciously in his mind.
(find! protect! it barks, hunt! devour those who dare harm what is ours.)
"Oh good, you're here." Hayate doesn't even look up from the pot he's stirring when Kakashi snarls, thick and guttural. "The soup's almost done."
Kakashi twitches at his nonchalant tone and it takes an incredible amount of self-control not to pounce on the chuunin's exposed back. He knows Hinata would never forgive him if he mauled her teammate, but he needs answers. Now.
Kakashi opens his mouth, voice barely human, "Where is she?"
Hayate uses the soup ladle to point towards the bedroom. Kakashi doesn't waste a second and shunshins into the room. He checks over the room for any traps or intruders. Only once he's sure it's secure does he approach Hinata. He falls to his knees and shakily reaches for her.
Hinata?
He brushes his fingertips along her jawline and frowns at the heat wafting off her.
She's hot. Much too hot.
Kakashi's hands begin to shake and his chest grows tight.
He can't lose her. He can't lose what little is left of their pack. He can't break another promise to Obito. He can't lose her too, he just can't, no, he can't he can't HE WON'T—
"Hey, hey, Kakashi," Hayate says and makes to approach him. He stops when Kakakshi barks at him. "Woah, woah, okay. Backing up. Got it." Hayate holds up his hands and takes a few steps back. They stare at one another for what feels like an eternity but in reality is only the single most intense two minutes of Hayate's life.
Hayate makes sure to keep his movements slow and clear as he sits down on the floor.
His voice is gentle yet firm, "It's going to be okay, Kakashi." Kakashi doesn't break eye contact as he continues, "I know it's scary, but Hinata is going to be fine. It's just a fever. She'll pull through."
A few moments of tense silence pass before Kakashi speaks.
"...how do you know that?" His nails dig into the floor, the wood peeling back with a screech. "How can you possibly know that she'll be fine?"
Hayate half-heartedly smirks, "Please. Look who you're talking to. I think I'm more than an expert by now." When Kakashi doesn't respond to his attempt at humor he tries for a more sincere approach.
"Sorry. Bad joke. Uh, I guess I know...I know because this is Hinata we're talking about. She's not going to let some fever take her out. No way."
Kakashi looks away then. He lifts a hand and brushes his knuckles against Hinata's fever-warm skin. Hayate's expression softens at the rare display of affection from the usually stoic genius.
"She'll be fine, especially if it's you looking out for her."
"I guess…" Kakashi sighs and his shoulders slump, "...what do I do?"
Hayate proceeds to give Kakashi a thorough mission-like debriefing on how to deal with a fever. Kakashi is quiet as he absorbs the other teen's instructions.
"—liquids are important. You'll also need to wipe her down every now and then to keep her temperature stable—"
Kakashi interrupts, "I'll need to what?"
Hayate rolls his eyes, "You'll need to wipe her down with a lukewarm towel. It's either that or give her a bath."
Kakashi sputters, his ears turning red.
Hayate stares him down, "But that is definitely not happening so wiping her down it is." He crosses his arms and grimaces. "I'd take care of Hinata myself but I have an A-rank tomorrow that I can't ditch. Not if I want to pay my rent on time."
"Okay. I...can do it." Kakashi bows his head slightly. "You can trust me with her."
Hayate smiles tiredly, "Yeah. I know."
Kakashi asks a few more questions before Hayate decides to take his leave.
"The soup's all done. Just keep it covered and it'll be good."
Kakashi nods.
"And make sure she drinks plenty of water. Wake her up if you need to."
Hayate stops at the doorway. He takes note of Kakashi's rigid posture and the white knuckles of his clenched hands.
"She'll be fine. You'll be fine. I'll check on you guys before I leave tomorrow." Hayate sticks his hands inside his pockets. "Relax, Kakashi. Worst case scenario is her fever rises and you guys go to the hospital."
"...I don't know how that's supposed to make me relax."
Hayate raises an eyebrow, "Do you know how popular Hinata is there? Between her med-nin training and my ass getting admitted every month, there's not a single person there that doesn't know who she is. The nurses all love her, the doctors too. It's not every day a Hyuuga specializing in tracking and capture decides to become a medic-nin. Injuries caused by unauthorized discharges have dropped waaay down since she started there."
Kakashi has to admit that that does comfort him somewhat. The idea of a building full of healers personally invested in his packmate's health and recovery is heartening.
"Thanks, Hayate."
Hayate coughs into his hand, "Sure. Anything for Hinata." He frowns, eyes going past Kakashi and back into the apartment. "Hey, Kakashi, I couldn't help but notice…"
"Yes?" Kakashi prompts, settling his hand on the doorframe and leaning in closer.
Hayate meets his gaze, eyes dark and sharp like the obsidian kunai Iwa is known for.
"I couldn't help but notice there's just one bed. No other futons." Kakashi's hand on the doorway slips at the scary look that flashes over the shinobi's face. "...you're not taking advantage of my teammate, right, Hatake?"
Kakashi straightens and clears his throat, "No. Never."
He would never exploit Hinata's weaknesses for his own personal gain. Never. Hinata is pack; his best friend. Her interests and well-being will always come first. He will never betray the trust she's given him.
(never, his wolf agrees, pack is pack.)
Hayate yawns, "Good." The chuunin glances at the broken hinges clinging to the doorframe. "I'll, um, pay for that when I get back."
Kakashi chuffs. "I'll hold you to that."
After Hayate leaves, Kakashi erects a wall of dirt to replace the door. He then switches Hinata's towel for a cooler one and takes a quick shower to wash away the day's grime. He returns immediately to Hinata's side.
She's still sleeping, if a little fitfully. Her brows pinch slightly and she lets out a small mewl in discomfort. Kakashi noses at her cheek, whining softly, before settling himself at the foot of their bed to keep watch over her.
Kakashi is roused from his sleep by Hinata whimpering. He scolds himself for falling asleep and crawls over to her side.
"Hinata? What's wrong."
Her eyes are half-lidded and cloudy when she looks at him.
"...'take-kun...hot…too hot…" she mumbles, kicking her feet weakly against the nest's walls.
"Okay. I'll be right back."
Kakashi sprints to the bathroom and wets another hand towel with cold water. He returns and places it on her forehead.
"Better?"
His heart aches painfully when her face scrunches and she lets out a pitiful whine.
"...hot…'m still hot…" she looks up at him with pleading eyes that pain him. "...please...help me, 'take-kun…"
"I will, Hinata, I will," Kakashi reassures her. He rakes his brain for anything useful, anything he can do to cool her down. He freezes when he comes to the only solution. "I'll, uh, be right back."
"...m'kay…hurry, please..."
Kakashi nods, "I will."
He returns with a bowl of lukewarm water and a stack of flower-printed dish towels. Kakashi sits down and carefully positions Hinata so she's sitting slumped in the space between his legs, her back facing him. His hands shake when they go for the hem of Hinata's loose sleeping shirt that Hayate had put her in.
"I'm going to help you, Hinata, so just...please stay still."
"...m'kay," she mumbles.
Kakashi closes his eyes and lifts Hinata's shirt up and over her head. There's a moment where all he can do is sit there—his heart beating wildly—and try to remember how to breathe.
Gods, Kakashi groans internally, steam coming out his ears, this is so embarrassing. Forgive me, Hinata.
Eyes still closed, Kakashi feels for the bowl and towels and grabs them. He dips the towel in, takes a deep breath, and goes to press it against where he guesses Hinata's shoulder is.
He misses.
With his face now uncomfortably hot under his mask, Kakashi tries again. The second attempt is successful and Hinata sighs and he senses her beginning to fall forward. Kakashi grabs blindly for her. He positions her so she's laying against him, her head dropped back on his shoulder.
Kakashi tries his hardest not to focus on the hot puffs of breaths fanning over the underside of his jaw. The next few minutes fumbling with the towel and sloshing the water, his body refusing to cooperate as he slides the towel over Hinata's heated skin.
"mhm…'take-kun," Hinata says after Kakashi misses and knocks his hand against her cheek, "you can...you can open your eyes."
Kakashi nearly spills the water all over the bed.
"...what?!" he shakes his head and puts down the bowl. "No, uh, I can't do that."
"...can…"
Kakashi stammers when Hinata pushes back firmly against his chest and lifts her hands to weakly paw at his eye. She manages to get him to open it when she slips a finger past his eyelid and pokes his eye.
"Ow." Kakashi blinks blearily and frowns down at her, resolutely looking at just her face. Hinata blinks slowly up at him. His mouth dries at the heavy-lidded look she's giving him, her cheeks an attractive shade of red. Instinctively, his other eye opens, capturing the image forever.
"...trust you…" Hinata rubs her head under his chin like an especially affectionate cat. "...it's okay if it's you, 'take-kun…"
Kakashi's voice is raw and worn when he speaks, "Okay. Thank you."
Hinata nods once before going limp once more. Kakashi wraps an arm around her middle to keep her upright. His whole body jerks when the ends of her breast brand brush his bare arm.
Sweet sage, Kakashi cries, I'm going to die here.
Kakashi steels himself before beginning the methodical process of wiping her down. He does his best to keep his hold entirely on the towel, never letting his bare hands touch her and never going past her waist or—or over to her front.
Hinata destroys all his hard efforts when she grabs his hand, her grip surprisingly strong for someone who looks a sneeze away from collapsing, and places it atop her bare stomach.
Kakashi makes a strangled sound, his hand spasming under hers, making him drop the towel.
Hinata doesn't notice.
"...hot…" she mumbles and guides Kakashi's hand across her smooth, bare skin. In his shock, he's helpless to stop her, his brain having shut down all functions not listed as vital to his continual survival.
Kakashi doesn't know how long it takes for his brain to sync back up with his body, but when it does, he finds Hinata fast asleep against him, their hands intertwined, and a horrifying, humiliating ache in his lap.
Kakashi quickly disentangles himself and rushes into the shower, not bothering to remove his clothes as he lets the ice-cold water beat down on him. He grabs his rut-suppressant from his pouch and stabs the needle into his neck.
Hayate, Kakashi thinks desperately, where are you?!
Hayate comes back to check on the pair as promised. He watches Kakashi step out of the bathroom, in full uniform and completely drenched, trying desperately to breathe through his soaked mask.
Hayate stares.
Is that a... needle sticking out of his neck?!
Safe to say, the guy is a mess.
Hayate clears his throat. "...so I'm guessing things aren't going...well."
Kakashi drops his head into his hands with a wet smack and groans.
Hayate winces.
Hayate and Kakashi decide to do the smart thing and call for backup, sending Kakashi's fastest ninken to deliver the message. The two boys both startle when Kushina shows up with all the power of a natural disaster, uprooting some of Hinata's plants and sending Kakashi's books flying around the apartment.
Hayate neatly excuses himself and flees. Uhei, the little traitor, unsummons herself with a quick, 'good luck, boss. Take care of the princess for us.'
Kakashi has no such options available to him and is forced to endure Kushina in all her concerned wrath. After she's done scolding him for not informing her or Minato, she orders Kakashi to grab whatever he thinks Hinata might need before leading the way to her home.
Kushina has Kakashi set up Hinata in the guestroom for the duration of her illness. The two spend the rest of her fever at her bedside. Minato pops by via hiraishin every other hour like clockwork to check on Hinata much to his assistant's frustration. Even Itsuki takes a break from his duties as ANBU commander to personally deliver a thermos of medicinal tea, a secret Sarutobi clan remedy.
Word spreads of the girl's condition so by the end of the first day, the guest room is filled to the brim with colorful flowers, get-well cards, plushies, and a half-eaten stick of dango courtesy of Anko.
"You better take good care of my Hinata-nee, senpai," Shisui warns. Kakashi regards the pouting child seriously.
"I will."
Kakashi makes good on his vow and is never far from Hinata, ready to attend to any and all of her needs. Kushina would think it was adorable if it didn't break her heart how fucking terrified Kakashi is. The poor boy is one bad cough away from going out and hunting Tsunade down and dragging her back to the village.
Luckily, between Kushina's hearty ramen and Kakashi's diligent guard, Hinata makes a speedy recovery. Kushina makes sure to lecture her young, stupidly dedicated apprentice on taking better care of herself. Kakashi and Minato are in attendance, standing to her back on either side of her and nodding to everything she says.
"Honestly, Hinata, you need to take better care of yourself, ya know."
Hinata bows for the umpteenth time, "Hai, shishou. My apologies for burdening you."
Kushina rolls her eyes before hooking her arm around the girl's neck and bringing her in for a crushing hug. She squeezes her once before loosening her hold slightly.
"Baka, you're not a burden. If anything you're a gift." Kushina turns her head to press a kiss on her forehead. She sighs, resting her cheek atop her head. "You little troublemaker...don't you dare ever scare us like that again."
Hinata's voice is muffled, "I'm sorry—"
"Ssh, stop apologizing." She smooths Hinata's hair back and her words take on a teasing lilt, "...although from what I heard I think you might owe Kakashi an apology." Kushina pulls back and grins slyly at the young kunoichi. "A little birdy told me you got a little hands—"
"Ahem, sweetheart," Minato clears his throat loudly. "I think that's enough teasing."
Kushina pouts, "Aww, but Min-chan, I was just getting started."
"Kushina," Minato says and looks pointedly where Kakashi is standing. His body is faintly trembling and what visible parts of his skin are completely red, steam coming out of his ears in a sharp whine.
"Oh, my bad."
Minato pokes Kakashi, sending him teetering to the side like a cardboard cutout.
"I think you broke him, dear."
Hinata blinks from within Kushina's embrace, completely oblivious.
"Gai-kun," Hinata starts, fidgeting with the ropes on the summons back, "I'm not sick anymore. I can walk perfectly fine now."
"That might be true, yes, but a ninja is always cautious!" Gai replies.
Hinata sighs and decides to let it go…for now. She'll try again on the way back from her checkup.
"Very well." She looks down at the red tortoise and worries, "Ano, Ningame-san, are you sure I'm not too heavy for you?"
"Nope! Not at all, hime." The tortoise crows. "You're as light as a kunai."
Hinata giggles and pats the Ningame's head.
"Well then, I must thank you. I am grateful for your assistance and company." Hinata looks at both summoner and summon. "That goes for the both of you."
The two look at her for a quiet moment before turning to each other and then back at her.
Hinata sweatdrops when the two burst into tears.
"Uwah! What a display of youthfulness, Hinata-chan, you inspire me more and more each day!" Gai exclaims.
Ningame is equally vocal, "How gracious you are, hime! Truly, it is an honor to serve the one my elders adore so much."
Hinata colors at their words, especially at the tortoise's. She has no idea why but the one time Gai had summoned all eight tortoise elders they had taken one look at her and had promptly surrounded her, their sharp beaks gently but insistently picking her clothes and hair. They had been a flurry of indiscernible chatter and motion, something that surprised Hinata because the creatures weren't known to be very fast, and yet they'd dithered and stomped around her with a speed that impressed Gai, the boy exclaiming that he'd never seen them move so quickly before.
Later, with some help from Ningame and Gai, Hinata had learned that apparently she greatly resembled the human mother of one of the tortoise's deities—the smallest and youngest hatchmate to the World-Bearing Turtle that supports the summon's realm on its back.
When Ningame had opened an aged book on his kind's history to the page detailing the hatching of these ancient beings, Hinata had nearly fainted because on the page there had been an illustration of a woman holding an egg. Except this was no ordinary woman, no, because while it was merely a drawing, faded over time and the lines crude, it is still clearly her.
The woman from Hinata's dreams. It has to be what with her white robes, distinctive Hyuuga eyes, and long, midnight blue hair.
Hinata wonders not for the first what this all means if it means anything at all.
Pakkun sighs and rests his head on his forepaws. He watches idly from his spot on the couch as the newer pups jump and play around. Just watching them is making him feel old.
Urushi scrambles onto the seat next to him. He bows, trying to get the older ninken to play with him. Pakkun huffs and looks away. Urushi's sharp eyes narrow and he lets out a high-pitched bark. This attracts Shiba who jumps onto Pakkun's other side. He yips and tugs at the older dog's ear. Urushi sees this and proceeds to grab the other ear, instigating a game of tug-of-war with Pakkun at the center of it.
Pakkun bears it with a long-suffering sigh.
Suddenly Hinata appears in front of them, Akino tucked into the crook of her elbows, chewing on one of her vest pockets
"What are you two doing to poor Pakkun?" She sets Akino down. The puppy squints at his new surroundings before crawling on his belly to one of the couch cushions and proceeding to gnaw on that instead. Hinata grabs Urushi and Shiba by their scruffs and deposits them on the floor.
"Here," she dangles a thick length of twined rope, "you two can play this with." The two ninken yip happily and take hold of each end, starting a new game.
"Thanks for the rescue, princess," Pakkun says as Hinata takes a seat beside him. She unseals her newest knitting project.
"You're welcome, Pakkun."
The pug watches as she begins to work, the needles clinking occasionally against each other. It is a scarf, the color a beautiful deep blue.
"Who's that one for?"
"It is for Itsuki-san."
Pakkun doesn't ask about the tiny green frog hat. It's obviously meant for their newest packmate. He has no doubt the girl's alphas will be pleased.
Pakkun nods at the other scarf. "And that one?"
It is a rich green tempered by a grey border. Hinata loops the yarn around the needle, gently pushing Akino away when he tries to chew on that next.
"That one is for Hatake-kun."
"Hmpf, good," Pakkun grunts, watching Hinata carefully stitch the Hatake clan's crest, "I don't know how you hairless pups get by in this cold."
Hinata smiles. "We make do just fine."
Pakkun rests his head on his paws and looks up at her, watching her work quietly for a few minutes before he speaks again.
"The boss is lucky to have you."
Hinata's movements don't falter but she does blush. Pakkun chuckles.
He really does mean it. After the death of their last summoner, Pakkun had worried endlessly about the pup the man left behind. He'd been entrusted with Kakashi by his old alpha and Pakkun did his best, he really did—training the pups, dragging Kakashi home when he over-exhausted himself training, and nosing him awake when the nightmares became too much—but he could only do so much, his time in this world limited.
He remembers watching Kakashi struggling all alone, pushing everyone away with barbed words and cold stares, so desperate to never be hurt again he'd completely closed himself off. But then here came this slip of a girl, extending her hand time and time again despite the last Hatake's best efforts to drive her away. And yet slowly she began chipping away at the pup's defenses, worming her way in with warm food and persistent kindness. And Pakkun cannot thank her enough for it.
He takes in a deep breath, the scent of pack easing the darker parts of his old soul. Pakkun closes his eyes, lavender-ash and static-pine swirling pleasantly in the air.
Hinata and Kakashi.
He knows they'll make a fine alpha pair once they grow up. How can they not when they carry the favor of the old gods; those long-forgotten by man?
(But the dogs remember, every canine worth its pelt knows of the tragedy of the First Great Wolf, who fell in love with a star who in turn Fell for him. But before they could finally meet she was stolen; her life lost to the humans and their violence. Their story ended before it could ever truly begin, with the White Wolf God left howling mournfully at the heavens until he finally succumbed to a broken heart.
Their story is a reminder to have gratitude; to be thankful for life's everyday joys, to stay humble because you could be the fastest, strongest hunter in all the realms and still lose everything.)
Pakkun knows Kakashi will guard Hinata till his last breath and that she, brilliant starlight that she is, would sooner burn out than risk losing Kakashi to the darkness that lies in their human nature.
Pakkun knows that their story is meant to be different. This world already has enough dramas and tragedies. It could use some fresh material, the pug thinks.
"Good morning, Kurenai-chan, Asuma-kun."
"Thank you for training with me today, Gai-kun."
"Kushina-shishou, what are we doing today?"
Kakashi frowns as Hinata's past conversations muddle in his head.
"Ano, Anko-chan, I don't think that's a good idea."
"That is enough, Kou-kun. Thank you."
"Izumo-kun, Kotetsu-kun! Congratulations on your new p—post. I'm sure you will guard our village well."
Kakashi looks to his side where Hinata is practicing her kanji.
"Hayate, have you taken your medicine?"
"Do you think Suki would prefer tulips or daisies?"
"Obito, you need to be more careful. Rin and I won't always be here—"
"Hatake-kun?"
Kakashi frowns.
"Hatake-kun?" Hinata leans forward to catch his eyes. "If you're tired, please go to bed. You don't have to wait up for me."
When he still doesn't answer her, Hinata tentatively touches his shoulder. He stares back at her silently.
"Ano, Hatake-kun, are you…upset with me?"
Kakashi's frown deepens, "I don't...think so?"
Hinata blinks at him. A few moments pass by in semi-awkward silence before Kakashi speaks up again.
"Hinata we're...friends, right?"
Hinata carefully puts her ink brush down. She turns to him and slowly slides her hand to rest on his clenched fists. Kakashi stares down at her small hand on his. Equally as slow, he unclenches his fist and turns his hand so they are both palm-to-palm, their pulses thrumming against the other in tandem.
"Of course we are, Hatake-kun." Hinata locks their fingers together. She smiles at him, eyes filled with so much tender affection that it shocks him into silence to see his own feelings mirrored in her. "We are pack, after all."
It takes him a few tries to formulate the correct order of words, to get to the root of what is bothering him so much.
"Then why are you so...formal with me?" Kakashi lowers his eyes and says softly, "You can call me Kakashi. It's okay."
In the silence that follows his words, Kakashi can hear the blood rushing through his veins and the frantic beat of Hinata's heart as it pounds against her rib cage.
"I did not mean to offend you—to hurt you, I promise." Hinata begins. Kakashi nods, not ready to see and face whatever expression Hinata is wearing. Doing so would only spell his end. "It is only because I resp—spect you," Hinata clears her throat with a dainty cough, the hand holding his beginning to sweat. Kakashi looks up then and finds Hinata beet-red, her lips wobbling, "Ka—Ka—"
Kakashi perks up. For as long as he's known her she's only ever called him by his last name. Never by his first name.
(Except for those times when he nearly lost himself. He doesn't like to think about those times, though.)
The only people she still calls by their last name are acquaintances and Minato-sensei, much to the man's lament. Just last week Gai was upgraded from 'Maito-kun' to 'Gai-kun'.
"Ka—ka—kakashi-kun."
"No," he growls softly, "just Kakashi."
Hinata takes a fortifying breath and says firmly.
"Kakashi."
For one moment Kakashi is filled with a sense of profound satisfaction—
Hinata's eyes roll back and she goes limp, her hand slipping out of his.
—and then it's gone, snuffed out and replaced with frantic concern as he darts over to catch Hinata. He manages to get his hand under her head before it thwacks into the floor. Kakashi doesn't register the sting in his knuckles, too busy checking over his packmate.
"Hinata?" he pats her face gently to wake her. He sighs and pulls her close to him when she doesn't wake. "...I honestly don't know why I'm surprised at this point."
Shisui fidgets with the orange goggles on his forehead, looking at Hinata shyly.
"So...what do you think?"
Hinata smiles at him, her eyes wet, "I think they suit you."
He glances away not only to hide his reddening cheeks but also his tears.
"Um, t—thanks, nee-chan."
"You're welcome, Shi-chan."
Shisui's cheeks darken and he tugs the goggles fully over his eyes. Hinata laughs fondly and pulls him into her arms.
"I'll take good care of them! I will, I promise!"
Hinata snuggles him close before bending down and cupping his flushed face.
"I know you will," she murmurs, using her thumbs to slide up the orange goggles. Shisui's eyes burn pleasantly when she gently presses her lips to his right then left eyelid, "and they'll take care of you too."
Minato knew Hinata had potential, but he hadn't realized to just what extent. One might be tempted to call her a genius. And he would if he didn't already know how the girl would react at the mere notion of such a title.
(For all that she's improved so greatly, she still cannot shed the image the Hyuuga had branded her with—that she is mediocre and unworthy of praise.)
Minato adds more chakra to the security seal matrix when it begins to fade. It is simple yet elegant in that simplicity; free from any error and very very deadly.
He could not be prouder.
"You can use those." Kakashi motions to a pair of adult-sized slippers, sliding into his own.
"Oh, thank you." Minato smiles at the other pair of purple bunny slippers.
Those must be Hinata's.
He looks away and slips on the indicated guest footwear. He steps further into the apartment and his smile grows at what he sees.
He'd been a little concerned when he learned that Hinata and Kakashi would be living together. The dorm room is small and Kakashi is a very private person. He'd expected there to be some friction between the two friends—sage knows he and Kushina had their fair share of disagreements during the first few weeks of living together—but he is surprised when there is none.
True, there was some slight hesitation on both their parts, at first, but that had quickly resolved itself. He'd never seen a pair more in sync and more comfortable than these two. Hinata fit herself into Kakashi's home—his life—as if she'd always been there.
It's actually kind of beautiful when Minato thinks about it.
"You said you had something for me?"
Kakashi nods and motions for him to follow.
Minato walks into the dorm—no, home—and marvels at the change. Where before it'd been bare and impersonal, it is now warm and cozy. The space is neat—Kakashi is meticulous and Hinata is mindful and organized—but this is the kind of neatness you get from sharing a space that is cared for and well-loved.
He sees it in the worn blanket folded by the kotatsu and in Hinata's pastel jacket hung up next to Kakashi's neutral-colored one. It is in the cutesy-themed dog mug and cookie cutters drying in the dishrack. It's in the—is that his apron?—pink apron hanging by the oven and the smell of sugar and flour wafting pleasantly in the small kitchen.
In the living room, he spots Kakashi's growing book collection. Upon closer inspection, he spots books on fuuinjutsu, gardening, and baking mixed in with the history texts, fiction novels, and jutsu scrolls. On the couch's armrest lays one of Hinata's knitting projects. Some kind of scarf, he notes.
Minato can see it is a home shared by two people who both greatly care for and respect each other.
He follows Kakashi into the bedroom. On the way, he glances inside the restroom and spies two toothbrushes sitting side by side in a paw-print themed glass.
Minato steps into the room and laughs under his breath at the sight of Kakashi's bed. It takes up most of the room and is piled high with pillows, blankets, clothes, and soft fabrics. Above it is a shelf expanding from the whole wall underneath the window. And on that shelf is a collection of framed photos.
"It's in here somewhere. Give me a second." Kakashi says and goes to search. This gives Minato enough time to look at all the pictures.
The first ones he sees are of Kakashi's and Hinata's genin team. His expression falls slightly at the sight of his dead students.
He looks over at Hinata's team photo.
It too is a bittersweet sight.
Aburame Suki stares at the camera, looking every bit as mysterious as his older brother. Then there is Gekkou Hayate looking like he'd been caught mid-sneeze, eyes half-lidded and his mouth open. Hinata stands in-between the two with a shaky smile and pink cheeks, their sensei, Akio, standing behind them with all the eagerness of a new jounin. All of them are unaware of the tragedy that would befall their team a mere two months later.
The ache in his heart lessens slightly as he looks at the other photos. Many of them are of Kakashi's ninken, the puppies playing, sleeping, and getting into the usual trouble that young ninken often get into.
Minato has to hold back an 'aww' at a photo of Hinata laid out on a patch of grass, laughing as the puppies crawl over her, licking her face and tugging on her clothes.
There are other photos of Hinata and Kakashi together and ones with their friends and teammates. There is one of Obito and Shisui standing on the Hokage mountain, most likely taken by Hinata given that she's in the next photo.
Minato chuckles and raises a brow at the one where his students swapped clothes. It is a little blurry and he can spy his wife's red hair in the corner of the shot so he guesses she was probably laughing when she took it. Which is very valid given the hilarious content of the picture.
Rin is smiling, big and cheeky, her eyes creased close behind Obito's signature goggles, the purple of her clan's tattoos clashing with the orange of the boy's outfit.
Obito is next to her, face pink but with a wide grin, his thumb outstretched to the camera in Hinata's modified chuunin vest-jacket hybrid, the fluffy hood pulled over his head and med-kit strapped to his thigh. Tucked into his side is Hinata who is trying desperately to hide her reddened face, hands fisted and trying to pull up Kakashi's mask higher than it can go.
Kakashi stares at the camera, spare mask in place, eyes bored, and arms crossed as Rin's apron flutters in the wind.
Minato's attention moves away from the photos to the assortment of herbs and flowers growing by the windowsill. He is admiring a rare, extremely poisonous flower, wondering how Hinata acquired it, when Kakashi calls for him.
"Sensei, I found it."
Kakashi plops a very old, yet carefully cared-for stuffed toy wolf in his hands. Minato turns it over in his hands, marveling over the sturdy stitching, when he spots the familiar squared crest.
He looks up at Kakashi, eyes wide. Kakashi meets his gaze evenly.
"It's for Naruto."
"Are…" Minato's fingers curl into the toy's soft fur. "...are you sure?"
Kakashi nods and then says, "You and Kushina…you're pack…and your baby will be too."
Warmth blooms in Minato's heart at the boy's—the same feral with grief-anger boy the Hokage entrusted him with all those years ago—words and he has to blink back tears.
"Thank you," Minato replies, voice thick with emotion. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for letting me love you. Thank you for loving me and mine. "I'm sure Naruto will love it."
Kakashi nods again; awkward and looking away bashfully, acting his age for once.
Minato hears the front door open. The clicking of nails on hardwood and panting follows soon after.
"Kakashi, we're back! They were all out of crab so I—oh! Do we have a guest?"
Kakashi clears his throat. "Yeah, um, it's sensei."
Hinata comes into the room and smiles at them, joy in every motion as she bows.
"Welcome to our home, Namikaze-sensei."
"Thank you, Hinata." Minato returns the smile, petting Akino when he leans his front paws on his leg for attention. "You two have a lovely home."
Hinata pinkens and Kakashi stands a little taller, a pleased glint in his eye.
"W—would you like to stay for lunch?" She asks, her voice coming out squeaky.
Minato tucks the wolf toy into his front pocket, its little head sticking out so it can look at the world with its button eyes.
"I'd love to."
Kakashi is watching Hinata brush her hair, his cheek smooshed against the wall of their nest and one arm swinging idly, and his belly full of Hinata's homemade eggplant miso-soup.
Her hair has grown significantly since her clan (literally) cut ties with her. It now reaches the middle of her back. She has plans to let it grow out even longer, to her heels, like her teacher. Kakashi watches the silken strands glide through the brush's bristles and thinks to himself that it is the greatest idea she's ever had.
Hinata must sense his gaze on her because she turns around.
"Kakashi?" Kakashi smiles behind his mask at the sound of his name in her whisper-sweet voice. "Did you have a good birthday?"
Kakashi buries his face in the hand-knitted scarf. It is his present from Hinata that he's refused to part with since Hinata draped it around his neck this morning.
Kakashi inhales their mixed scents and purrs, "Yes."
Hinata smiles at him. "I'm glad."
Hinata politely looks away when Kakashi takes off his mask and turns off the lights. They climb into bed, settling into their respective spots. Kakashi looks at the ceiling once more before closing his eyes. He feels Hinata shift beside him, her knees touching his thigh as she curves around a pillow.
Lucky pillow, he thinks, half-asleep.
Hinata scoots closer. He shudders when he feels her breath ghost his face.
"Happy fourteenth birthday, Kakashi."
His eyes pop open when she presses a feather-light kiss against his cheek. She quickly scoots away and turns around, curling into a little ball.
Best birthday ever, Kakashi thinks and touches a hand to his face, a smile curling his lips.
Itsuki doesn't bother taking off his ANBU uniform and flops onto his bed. He sighs as he sinks into the plush mattress.
"Gods, I've missed you," Itsuki mumbles into his feather pillow. He closes his eyes and is about to fall asleep when a knock sounds at his door.
He groans loudly.
"Yeah?"
Whatever it is, it better be important because Itsuki hasn't had more than four hours of sleep this week.
"You have a visitor, young lord."
Itsuki glares and hopes the speaker can feel it through the wood.
"Tell them to come back another time I have a…prior appointment to attend to."
And that appointment is with his bed. One that he's not rescheduling for anybody. Not for his father or his cronies. Not even for the Daimyo himself. He's not leaving his bed for anything less than a village-wide catastrophe. Other than that, Itsuki doesn't care what is, who it is, or what they want with him. He is exhausted—
"Ano, it is alright. I shouldn't have come unannounced. I'll take my leave, Sarutobi-san."
Itsuki is immediately on his feet, energy coursing through him. He throws open the door, startling his clansmen and the girl standing at his side.
"Hinata-chan!" Itsuki chatters excitedly. "What a pleasant surprise!" He checks her over subtly and is pleased when he finds no sign of her previous illness.
Hinata hugs the bundle in her arms tighter to herself. "I apologize for intruding, Itsuki-san. If you are busy I can come by—"
"No, no, I'm not busy at all!" Itsuki flails, much to his clansmen's amusement, and steps aside. "Please, come in."
Hinata nibbles on her lip nervously.
"...but what of your previous appointment?"
Itsuki grins.
"Canceled."
Hinata's eyes grow wide and she immediately protests. Itsuki cuts her off before she can really get going. The last thing he needs is the little hime prostrating herself on the floor. His clan would eat that shit up and Itsuki does not have the mental energy to deal with the rumors.
"Hinata," he says, firm yet gentle, "It's fine, really."
Itsuki eyes the neatly wrapped package curiously when Hinata squeezes it.
"Truly?"
"Truly." Itsuki smiles fondly down at the girl. "I always have time for my baby brother's cute little friends." He winks at her and takes delight in the blush that spreads across her cheeks. "And by cute little friends, I mean you, Hinata-chan, in case that wasn't clear."
Hinata makes a high-pitched noise in the back of her throat and ducks her head down. Itsuki chuckles. Man, she's so easy to tease.
Itsuki glances at the other person in the hall, his cousin three times removed, and groans internally when he sees the gleam in his eyes. Great, he's giving it five minutes before the whole compound knows about this.
Itsuki forces a smile at his cousin.
"Ah, Kaede, thanks for escorting Hinata-chan all the way over here. I can take it from here."
The young man is quick to mask his amusement and bows.
"You are welcome, young lord. I will take my leave."
Itsuki waits until he's gone before turning his attention back on the younger girl. She's recovered somewhat, her face a charming pink color and her head lifted once more, though she does avoid his gaze.
Itsuki holds his arm out and gestures to his room.
"Want to come inside?"
Hinata suddenly reddens again. It takes Itsuki a moment, his sleep-deprived brain working slower than normal, before his words and his actions come together in his mind. Because here they are, young and unmarried, and he's just sent away their escort and invited Hinata into his room.
(Gods, he doesn't want to know what his clansmen—blessed sage, his mother—are saying about them right now.)
"Or—or we can stay out here." Itsuki quickly says, his own cheeks reddening. "That's good too."
"Hai!" Hinata blurts. They stare at one another awkwardly. Itsuki, being the older of the two, decides to break the ice. He clears his throat and tries to lean casually against the wall but fails when he miscalculates the distance and stumbles.
His blush travels down his neck when a giggle escapes the girl.
So cute~! He thinks, stars in his eyes. Man, what he wouldn't do to switch his grumpy little brother with Hinata. She'd make such a nice little sibling. Polite, cute, and kind. Best of all, he can finally get her to call him 'nii-sama'!
Itsuki shakes his head, dispelling the fantasy. "So, uh, what brings you by, Hinata-chan?"
"Oh, right, yes," Hinata unwinds her arms, fumbling with the package, before bowing suddenly at a perfect ninety-degree angle. "H—here!"
Itsuki has to take a step back to avoid being smacked in the chest. He carefully takes the gift. Hinata straightness and watches closely as he unwraps it. Itsuki pulls out the swathe of deep blue fabric and lets it uncoil, the ends of what is obviously a scarf brushing the tops of his bare feet. Itsuki marvels at the soft cloth.
"Hinata…" Itsuki's breath hitches when he catches sight of the lovingly handstitched crest of his clan. "...did you make this for me?"
Hinata looks away and presses her fingertips together nervously.
"Y—yes. I wanted to thank you for the tea and for your concern when I was ill." She takes a deep breath and turns to face him once more; insecurity etched into her soul so deep it makes Itsuki want to weep. "Do you…like it?"
Itsuki swallows and straightens, pulling the scarf closer to himself, donning his Monkey persona for a moment.
"No."
Hinata freezes but her eyes are quick to water. Before she can start crying, his mask cracks as he grins, bright and pleased.
"I love it!" He whips the scarf out in a flourish and lets it wrap itself around his neck. He's quick to gather the girl in his arms and hug her to himself, casting an E-rank genjutsu to have hearts and sparkles float around them. His grin widens when Hinata lets out a real laugh.
"Itsuki-san!" She cries; embarrassed and delighted all in one when he spins her around.
"Hinata-chan!" Itsuki mimics her cry with her own name. Wanting to hear more happy sounds from the normally reserved girl, he tosses her up in the air. Hinata screams in laughter. Her hair is suspended around her for a glittering moment and Itsuki wonders not for the first time if Hinata isn't some messenger of the gods sent to bless his clan.
And then it's over, Hinata yelling his name in joy. Itsuki catches her in his arms easily, cradling her close to him as he spins her one last time.
He comes to a slow stop. Hinata rests her head on his shoulder, giggling quietly, her soft eyes gazing up at him happily. Itsuki melts at the sight, his insides turning to goo. They stare at one another, the silence this time much more comfortable and enjoyable than the previous one.
Itsuki counts the stars in her eyes, little flecks of silver one wouldn't normally notice unless they were very close. And then he's yawning, a wave of fatigue crashing down on his head like a brick house, and Hinata copies him, blinking slowly at him.
"...what are you two doing?" Comes his little brother's voice a few paces away from them. Hinata yelps and Itsuki has to let her down so she won't fall to the floor.
"N—nothing!" "Nothing," Itsuki says at the time. He blinks tiredly at Asuma who is watching them curiously. "What are you doing, otouto?"
"I heard Hinata was here so I came to see if she wanted to play shogi." Asuma quirks an eyebrow, a smirk on his lips. "But I see you guys are busy." He turns and leaves the way he came.
Hinata flushes and watches him go, stammering helplessly. Itsuki yawns again, shoulders drooping when the weight of exhaustion increases. Hinata looks at him then, galaxies swirling in those eyes of hers as she teeters left and right.
"Itsuki-san?" she asks, her voice small and trembling before fainting. Itsuki is reaching for her before he knows it. He blinks blearily at the unconscious girl and feels a swell of childish jealously rise inside of him.
How come Hinata-chan gets to go to sleep?
Itsuki picks her up once more and walks into his room. He places Hinata gently on his bed and she curls into herself like one of his baby summons. Itsuki's lips twitch in a smile.
He has enough working mental faculties to take off his chest armor so he doesn't bother her before dropping down beside the sleeping princess. Itsuki closes his eyes with a bone-weary sigh, taking a moment to bask in Hinata's sunshine-like chakra, before finally (gods, yes, finally) falling asleep.
Kakashi's nose wrinkles when Hinata steps into their home.
"W—what is it?" Hinata asks as he stalks towards her, his dark eye intense.
"You smell."
Hinata's face heats in mortification. She makes to run to the bathroom, but Kakashi's hands clamp down on her shoulders, effectively keeping her in place.
"I can fix that."
Hinata finds herself blushing for a whole different reason when Kakashi hugs her, his arms holding her a little too tightly, but that's okay because Hinata's legs have turned into overcooked noodles as Kakashi begins rubbing his masked cheek against hers, his hands kneading her arms and sides.
Orochimaru is not a man prone to sentiment. He is a man ruled by logic, entranced by this world's many mysteries. However, Orochimaru is nothing but a dutiful son. Even if his parents are long gone.
He carefully wipes clean the headstones of his father's and mother's graves. They may be empty—their bodies lost in the first war—but that does not mean these tombstones are meaningless. No, these two slabs symbolize all that he is working so hard for, a goal that he is ashamed to admit he finds himself losing sight of more and more these days.
(there is nothing more for you to do here, something whispers in his mind, creeping around his heart and sinking its claws deeper as it gains purchase, black ink seeping into the vulnerable organ, return to your work. your time is wasted here.)
Orochimaru's head snaps to the side when he senses another's approach. His tongue flicks out, tasting the air and trying to get a read on the unique signature that's entered the cemetery. Most wouldn't pay it any mind, the owner's chakra feeling like any other average shinobi but Orochimaru is not most.
He retracts his tongue, eyes narrowing curiously.
This person…they smell-taste of honeyflower, oldgrief, and something distinctly other.
(There's also another person, hidden cleverly behind seals and old tricks, but Orochimaru isn't interested in Danzo's puppets.)
Intrigued, Orochimaru walks towards them. He stops a few meters away and observes the young girl kneeling at a grave.
"...your son is doing very well. You would be so proud of him."
Channeling chakra to his eyes lets him see the name on the headstone.
Hatake Sakumo
Orochimaru's lips twist downwards.
As a close friend of Jiraiya's and a legendary shinobi in his own right, their social circles had overlapped. And in spite of Sakumo's tendency to let his heart lead in place of his brain, they had been...friends—allies. Sakumo possessed an intellect far superior to most, his strategic prowess surpassing even Orochimaru's.
It is one of his many regrets that he hadn't been there, hadn't noticed how far the man had fallen until it was too late.
Sakumo's death only made the voice in his head louder; more bitter.
Orochimaru's eyes widen in surprise when the girl turns to face him, her expression hard. His eyes widen further as he takes in her features—porcelain complexion with a geisha doll's delicate features, long dark hair, and kind yet determined eyes. She looks just like his mo—
"Who's there? Show yourself."
Orochimaru finds himself stepping forward, pulled by some unexplainable power to this person who bears such an uncanny resemblance to his—
The girl's mouth falls open in a perfect 'o'. She quickly snaps her mouth shut and rises.
"Ano, my apologies, Orochimaru-sama," she bows respectfully. Orochimaru wishes his brat was at least a quarter this polite. "I did not know it was you there."
She shouldn't have been able to sense that anyone was here. Orochimaru finds himself intrigued by this fragile-looking Hyuuga who rooted him out without using her clan's eyes or even a single jutsu.
"It is fine…" he trails off purposely, eager to unravel her mystery.
"Hinata." Her mouth forms a thin line, sharp and sure, "Just Hinata, Orochimaru-sama."
Orochimaru nods. He looks at the gravestone she'd been visiting. He takes note of its pristine condition, any graffiti or defacing having been erased completely. The sight pleases him.
"Did you know him?"
Hinata follows her gaze.
"Not very well, I'm afraid. I'm more acquainted with his son."
"Ah," Orochimaru says quietly, remembering, "you are the hime Jiriaya wrote to me about. The one skilled in fuuinjutsu."
Hinata blushes and dips her head, "An exaggeration. I am but an amateur."
Orochimaru hums, eyes shining as his curiosity burns ever brighter.
"We ssshall see." Orochimaru's tongue flicks out. Her taste-smell is stronger now—ashesancientbenign other."My teammate may be an idiot but he's not a complete idiot. I hope you don't disappoint, little hime."
"I do as well." Is her demure response.
Orochimaru turns to leave, a new light flickering to life in his soul when Hinata calls out to him.
"Ano, Orochimaru-sama, are you not going to take your summons with you?"
Orochimaru turns to question her and stops, his eyes widening at the white snake coiled around her wrist.
Rebirth.
Hinata offers it to him and Orochimaru automatically reaches out to take the little creature. Its tongue flicks out curiously.
"He's very sweet." Hinata compliments, running the back of her fingers over the snake's pristine scales as it slithers into his hands. She watches it a moment longer before smiling at him.
Him.
She's smiling at him. No one ever smiles at him. Only his idiot teammate and sometimes Tsunade if she's in a good mood, but no one else. Not when they're all so terrified of him.
Orochimaru stares at her; stunned.
"I won't keep you any longer, Orochimaru-sama, I know you have important duties you must attend. I myself have a shift at the hospital soon."
She bids him farewell and leaves just as quickly as she'd appeared in his life.
"Hinata…" he wonders aloud, looking down at the little omen now sleeping in his palm. "...just what are you?"
Normally, he'd arrange for the girl to be sent to his lab, but she's too well-known. Jiraiya's brat student is bound to make a fuss if she goes missing. Then there's the fact that Danzo has some sort of interest in her, what with the Ne operative monitoring her.
But there's a small part of him, buried deep under a mountain of grief and bones—that little boy; the dutiful son—that knows he could never raise a scalpel to her. Not when she wears her face.
He'll leave her be for now. Observing this slip of a girl promises to be just as interesting as dissecting her would be.
Hinata is aware of Kakashi watching her. How can she not when his gaze is a physical weight on her person, the intensity of it heating her from the inside out?
It's not the first time he's done so either. Every night she sits down to brush her hair before bed. And every night he perches himself on their bed to watch her, his gaze almost...longing.
Oh, Hinata thinks, realization dawning on her as she remembers a passage she'd read on the wild clans of Fire Country.
'Similar to many other types of the wild clans, the Hatake frequently express their fondness through mutual grooming activities. This serves to solidify and/or reinforce pack bonds between members while also maintaining health and hygiene.'
Hinata softens. Oh, Kakashi, she thinks mournfully fond. Hinata lets loose a tremulous sigh, mentally preparing herself for what's she's about to do. Slowly, she turns around to find Kakashi looking at her like she knew he would be.
Mustering her courage, Hinata grabs her brush and slowly climbs next to him. Kakashi's gaze never wavers, his dark eye following her with a single-minded intensity that makes her face hot and her heart flutter pleasantly.
Hinata settles behind him. It shows how much he trusts her to give her his back. She raises the brush and, with a shaky exhale, runs it through Kakashi's hair once.
The effect is immediate.
Kakashi goes rigid like he'd been hit with his own jutsu. Just when Hinata begins panicking, an apology on the tip of her tongue, Kakashi literally melts. He rolls closer to her, his back curled around her thighs and his head pushing its way into her lap. Another gentle swipe has him whining. A few more have him purring contently in her lap.
(Sometimes Hinata wonders if maybe Kakashi doesn't have some Uchiha blood in him. Shisui sometimes purrs when she plays with his hair. The noble clan has always been so strongly linked to felines just as they are to their affinity for fire. It would explain the purring and how well Kakashi took to Obito's eye.)
Hinata falls into a meditative state, the two of them absorbed in their own bubble of peace and safety. She carefully unties his headband and sets it aside. Hinata hums a wordless melody, brushing the tips of Kakashi's spiky hair.
So soft, she thinks as the grey strands tickle her hands. His purring becomes almost obscenely loud when she discards the brush and runs tentative fingers through his hair. Kakashi stretches and turns, pressing his masked face into her lap when she lightly scratches his scalp. Her heart thumps a little harder where it sits tender and warm in her chest.
"Kakashi…" she murmurs, running her fingers through his thick, yet fluffy hair. He looks up at her questioningly, his eyes drooping drowsily. Hinata doesn't know how she can ever articulate the deep affection she holds for him, not when she doesn't quite understand how far it goes.
"I...I…" she licks her lips, hand pausing, "I just—I want you to know that you are very, very precious to me. That you w—will always have me should you ever need me."
Hinata knows her face is an unattractive red, but she can't bring herself to worry about that right now as she awaits his response.
Kakashi is quiet as the weight of her words sinks in. Slowly, he extracts himself from her lap.
Hinata's eyes burn with unshed tears. She worries that she's said too much and made him uncomfortable. Hinata is usually never this forward. Furthermore, what could he possibly need from her? Hasn't he made it clear he has no need for her—the Hyuuga's clan's greatest disappointment?
("What makes you think I need anything from you." )
("And what makes you think I," his voice is low and harsh, "need the help of the failed Hyuuga heiress?")
("No. I don't need anything from you. Haven't I made myself clear?")
Kakashi's hands fall on her shoulders, his hold on her firm and grounding. He leans in close, arms encircling her in a gentle embrace like she's a piece of glass that will shatter if he's too rough with her; like she is something worth caring for.
Hinata's heart beats frantically in her chest and she knows Kakashi can hear it with how he tilts his head ever-so-slightly. She inhales sharply when Kakashi rests his clothed mouth on the same spot he'd sunk his fangs into her only a few months ago.
"I'll always need you," and his voice cracks along with her heart at his next words, "so please… please don't leave me."
Hinata slips her arms under his and returns the embrace, stretching her neck to give him more room.
"I won't." But they are shinobi, courting death at every turn, and she refuses to give him empty promises. "Not willingly."
"Me too, 'nata, me too." Kakashi replies, accepting her words and offering his own. He nuzzles the underside of her jaw, his purring starting up once more. Hinata smiles and scratches his head. She giggles when he begins purring even louder.
A/N:
FINALLY after 14 freaking chapters these two are on a first name basis.
XD