A Shinobi Story

by Hack Interrupted

Team seven befriends a beautiful wanderer and she makes Konoha her home. Spoilers

3. Chapter 3

Chapter Three: At home in Hidden Leaf

In the days and weeks that followed Haru found herself becoming more at home in Konoha. Old man hokage reminded Haru of her da some. She thought that maybe it was because both of the old farts smoked a pipe. Sandaime was fatherly in nature as well. Haru enjoyed working for him. Hokage sama was pleased with her work and told her often to just take her time, there was no need to rush. Haru thought old man hokage wanted her to stay in Konoha.

Oftentimes she would go and stand with Sandaime and look at the faces in the rock. Sandaime told Haru all about the previous hokage of Konoha. Taking a walk with him was like getting a history lesson and she loved it. He talked about Kakashi a lot too. The old man knew that Haru was just as infatuated with the jonin as he was with her. Haru always listened intently to whatever he had to say. Sarutobi was thrilled that such a pretty young lady enjoyed spending time with an old geezer like him. He noticed a lot more smiles in Konoha since Haru had come to stay.

Haru worked on translation mostly during the morning at hokage's place and spent her afternoons in Iruka's office trying to organize his mess. Iruka would join her after class was dismissed and the two of them would work together. They hit it off pretty well and became fast friends. Occasionally Haru would drop in on his class. Iruka's students all loved Haru. Konohamaru teased his sensei about his "girlfriend" more and more as Iruka continued working with Haru. Sometimes they lugged some work back to Iruka's place and went over files while Haru made dinner. Iruka loved her cooking. She made dishes he had never tried before all the time.

Eventually Iruka and Haru started to sneak out for a drink after the day's work was done. Iruka wasn't a boozer, he just liked to sit and socialize with Haru. He thought she was just as smart as she was beautiful. He enjoyed her company and their intelligent conversations. Haru spent a lot of evenings shooting the breeze with Iruka while team seven was off on their missions. It took almost no time at all for Iruka to become Haru's best friend in Konoha.

Haru had just got to Iruka's office when one of the other teachers poked his head in. "Haru san? Iruka sensei was wondering if you could give him a hand in the classroom. It seems there's been some sort of incident."

Haru left the office in a hurry and made her way down to Iruka's classroom. She had come to love all of his adorable little students too and she was worried. She went into the classroom and straight to Iruka.

Iruka stepped close to Haru and spoke to her in a hushed voice. "Oh thank goodness you're here!"

"What's going on Iruka?" he looked stressed.

"It's Kayko. She's had an accident."

Haru peeked over Iruka's shoulder looking at the children. "Is she hurt? Does she need a medic?" Why the hell did you call me?

"Not that kind of accident. She…" He was practically whispering in Haru's ear. "She peed her pants. She's locked herself in the bathroom and she won't come out." He leaned back and nodded at her as understanding came into Haru's eyes. "Maybe you could try? Kayko likes you. This situation calls for… a woman's grace." Please help me Haru! He was aware of every pair of eyes boring into his backside and every small set of ears trying to hear what he was whispering.

Haru nodded. "I see." She took a step back and pointed herself toward the door in the back of the classroom. Poor kid! "Why don't I just," she headed toward the back. Haru went to the bathroom door while Iruka started up with his class again. She knocked and spoke quietly. "Kayko chan it's Haru. Will you come out for me?" Silence. Okay, lets do this another way. "Can I come in there with you?" the lock on the door slipped back and Haru went in. She closed the door behind her as she bent to Kayko's eye level. "You alright Kayko?"

Kayko had calmed down, but she was humiliated. "I pissed myself! Is that alright! I think everybody saw!"

Haru bit her tongue to suppress a laugh. "It's alright Kayko. That part is all over now. You need to come out of here and go change your uniform. That's all and then you're all done and nobody will even remember it happened."

"Yes they will," Kayko pouted. "And they'll see my pee!" she pointed at the dark spot on her uniform.

"Well, then…. We'll hide it."

"How?" Kayko groaned.

Haru looked around for something in the tiny bathroom to cover the child, but there was nothing. She looked down and examined her own clothing. She couldn't give Kayko her skirt; Haru was presently exercising her right not to wear panties. That left her shirt. The exaggerated sleeves would be long enough to completely cover Kayko, but that would leave Haru in her bra. That gave her an idea. Haru smiled at Kayko as she unbuttoned her shirt. "I've got an idea Kayko. You tie this around yourself and you'll be all covered up."

Kayko lifted a brow. "Nobody will see my pee?"

"Nope. And I bet ya they'll even forget all about it the minute we walk out there," Haru said with a grin. She helped Kayko with her shirt.

Kayko looked at Haru san curiously. "But what about you nee san?"

Haru shrugged still grinning. She was wearing one of the bras she bought in Zackastan. It was pretty and decorated with small bells. It was a trick of the Shik women to hide bells in their clothing. Shiek men swear they hear bells every time their lovers laugh. It almost looked like the top of an elaborate bathing suit. "Don't worry about me Kayko. Let's just go okay?"

"Can we run to the door?" she whined.

Haru chuckled. Not in this bra kid. I might fall out. "We can walk fast okay?"

Kayko nodded in agreement and Haru opened the door. The pair hustled quickly past the rows of students and Iruka peeked up at them briefly. He lost his place in the lesson he was reading. His jaw dropped as he saw Haru go streaking by. She looked at him and smiled as she hurriedly followed Kayko out of the classroom.

"Sensei your nose is bleeding!" Udon gasped.

"That's cuz he's a pervert!" Konohamaru jabbed.

Moegi giggled. "Iruka sensei loves Haru nee chan!"

Iruka straightened and pulled a hanky from his pocket. He dabbed at his nose. "Alright that's enough. Back to your lesson." I see; she made me the spectacle instead of Kayko. Pretty quick thinking Haru san. Iruka smiled.

Haru saw Kayko down to the nurse's office so that she could get into some dry clothes. The nurse looked at Haru funny. Haru shrugged her shoulders as if to say well what can I do. Haru took her shirt back, made sure that Kayko was alright and then went back to her room for a clean shirt. She giggled all the way there thinking of the look on Iruka's face just moments ago. Working with him this afternoon should be fun. Little did she realize that from that day on Haru had become indispensable to Iruka.

When team seven wasn't off on a mission, Haru tried to make time to spend with them. Naruto was trying to teach her one of his jutsu when they were alone. He told her not to tell anyone, to let it be a surprise. Haru just laughed at him and tried to learn the trick. She cooked dinner for Naruto and Sasuke often. She took care of their homes when they were away. Sometimes Kakashi would join them for Haru's home cooking. Haru and Kakashi got in the habit of borrowing books from each other. Occasionally Haru would barge in on one of their training sessions and take control of their afternoon. Kakashi had no choice but to just 'deal with it'. His genin thought Haru was the cats meow. Maybe Kakashi did too. Sometimes it was too hard not to be a big flirt with her. It was too much fun.

Once in a while after lunch Kakashi would sit in the courtyard and wait for Haru to show up at the academy. He had become used to their quick five minute conversations here and there as they worked around their busy schedules. It was a warm afternoon and Kakashi sat reading and waiting for Haru. He sensed her approach but played dumb for the moment. Behind his mask he was smiling.

Haru spotted Kakashi sitting and reading that smutty book of his. She tiptoed up behind him with a devious grin on her face. Haru leaned coquettishly over Kakashi's shoulder and peeked at his book. "My my Kakashi san, you really are getting to the good part."

Kakashi raised a brow and looked at Haru from the corner of his eye. With Haru leaning over him like this Kakashi had an up close and personal view of the cleavage pushing against him. His smile broadened behind his mask. "Ne?"

Haru put an arm around Kakashi and reached over with her free hand and turned the page for him. "Reading a little slow aren't you Kakashi?"

With Haru up against him like this, Kakashi had lost all interest in the book. Why settle for fiction when the real thing was right here hanging all over him. Oh boy. She's in rare form today. Haru's eyes scanned the book. She held her bottom lip in her teeth. There was a wicked gleam in her eyes. Kakashi cleared his throat and straightened some pushing his shoulder into Haru's ample bosom. He tried his best not to ogle or blush. "Do you mind Haru san?"

Haru bat her eyelashes at Kakashi. Her cheeks were turning pink. "Am I bothering you Kakashi sensei?" Haru teased in a seductive voice.

More then you know. "I haven't even finished the last page yet."

Haru smushed closer to Kakashi bringing her face closer to his. She had grown to love flirting with him like this. She thought it was fun and Kakashi seemed to enjoy it too. "I could reenact it for you if you'd like."

Kakashi could think of a few scenes he wouldn't mind seeing Haru play out for him; with him. He had to fight to pull his eyes away from her cleavage. He was smiling lecherously behind his mask. He tried to sound serious and stern. "Do you mind Haru san? You're…smushing me." He didn't mind her pushing up against him like this, but they were in public and Haru's provocative pose was getting some stares.

Haru giggled. She was sure she had gotten to Kakashi at least a little but. She straightened and stepped back from him grinning satisfied. "You read too slow Kakashi. You're no fun." She turned on her heel, jingling the coins on her belt and headed back into the academy.

Kakashi watched Haru walk away. He thought that she was indeed a very beautiful woman. Her long flowing skirts and tight low cut crop tops flattered her more feminine features. Haru had a wiggle in her walk that made Kakashi's hidden smile get just a little bit bigger. I'd like to show you just how fun I can be Haru san.

Kakashi chuckled and snapped Come Come Paradise closed. He was already late meeting his team. Haru went inside and disappeared from view. Kakashi turned away and started off to meet his genin. He would defiantly hit the bar tonight; he was sure Haru and Iruka would be there having sake and getting silly. Kakashi thought he might get a little silly himself tonight. It would give him an adequate margin to do a little flirting with Haru. I probably shouldn't Kakashi laughed again but it's so much fun.

Kakashi dropped into the bar more often as the weeks flew by. Haru loved the sake here in Konoha. She and Iruka went out for a drink quite often after their day of work was done. Iruka and Haru were practically inseparable. They never got bored with the others company and they both tended to gab the others ear off. After about a month of happy hour Iruka knew more about Haru then anyone else in the village.

Iruka saw the flirty way Haru was with Kakashi. After a little pestering he managed to squeeze a confession out of her. Haru admitted she liked Kakashi, maybe a lot. Iruka was a little disappointed that it was Kakashi and not him Haru had set her eyes on; Iruka had developed quite the crush on Haru. Iruka was pretty confident that Kakashi liked Haru the way she liked Kakashi, but Iruka's friend could be more stubborn then a mule. Kakashi never really had a girlfriend. He didn't take that stuff too seriously.

As time passed Haru started to wonder just what she was really feeling for the ninja that had brought her to Konoha. Their flirty banter was always fun but sometimes Haru found herself getting a little too close to Kakashi, taking too long of a look in his eye. Haru hadn't felt this was since she had Shanihmaru at her side. She started to question herself; could she really be falling for Kakashi?

Kakashi was asking the same question of himself. Sure flirting with Haru was a fun game, but sometimes it didn't feel like a game. It felt real. He wondered if he should put a stop to it before the game became reality. Kakashi was a well known ninja, infamous really. It was an easy thing for an enemy to use your loved ones against you. Haru couldn't fight; she had spirit and a strong will, but she was no ninja. If he took Haru to him, it could put her in danger and Kakashi didn't want to do that. It would be one thing if Haru planned to stay in Konoha indefinitely. If she stayed here she would be safe, protected by the ninja of Konoha, but if she chose to wander again the only way Kakashi could protect her was to go with her. He couldn't leave Konoha, he didn't want to. I was quite the conundrum.

It was a warm day when Haru ducked out of hokage's place early. She knew where team seven was training today so she decided to bring them lunch. She packed up a picnic basket and headed into the woods to steal her friends for the day. As she suspected they weren't far from the river. "Oy!" Haru called traipsing up the hill lugging the oversized picnic basket.

Naruto turned and saw Haru coming toward them. "Oy! Haru nee chan!" he hurried to meet her. Naruto took the basket from Haru. "Wow this is heavy! What did you bring Haru nee chan?" Naruto hoped there was ramen in here. He could defiantly smell food.

They kept walking, meeting up with Sakura and Sasuke. Behind them Kakashi was frowning a little. "I brought lunch for everyone," she said with a grin. "I thought we could have a picnic by the river."

Kakashi tried to sound annoyed. This wasn't the first time she had popped in during their training. Haru was a pleasant distraction, perhaps too much so. She even distracted Kakashi just a little bit. "Alright, lunch by the river but then we're back to training."

"Yosh!" Naruto hurried forward with the basket. "What did you make for us nee san?"

The group moved to the river bank and Sakura and Haru spread out a blanket. Naruto eagerly pulled one delicious smelling dish after another from the basket. Lunch was served. Kakashi wouldn't say it out loud, but he absolutely loved Haru's miso soup. Sakura and Naruto fought over the dumplings, but Sakura won. With their bellies full team seven sat back with Haru and watched the clouds drift by.

Haru had motives other then lunch for sneaking out here to be with her friends. "Ya know what? Today is an outstanding day to catch some rays," she sighed.

"Catch rays?" Naruto had never heard of this.

Haru smiled and slipped her sunglasses off. "Yeah you know. Lay back and get a tan."

Kakashi lifted a brow. Sunbathing ne? His eyes drifted over to Haru for a better look at what she was wearing. Her short shirt buttoned in the front, her sarong covered her to her knees. No way… don't tell me she's wearing a bathing suit under her clothes. Kakashi's inner lecher applauded.

Sakura looked down at her arms. She was pretty pale. "Just lay in the sun?"

"Yeah, let's do it. Maybe after we'll go swimming." Haru began the abduction of the rest of team seven's day.

Kakashi opened his mouth to protest, but held his tongue as he sat fixated on Haru. She was unbuttoning her shirt. She slipped her shirt off revealing the skimpy black and pink bikini top she was wearing underneath. Naruto gawked, Sakura blinked and even Sasuke raised a brow. Kakashi tried not to leer. He barely had time to think to himself those are some nice twins! Haru stood up and untied her sarong. She pulled it away from her disclosing the rest of her bikini. Ho-ly hell….

Sakura cut her eyes over to her team mates. Sasuke had averted his eyes. He was staring into his drink and his cheeks were pink. Naruto was staring at Haru with his mouth hanging open. Sakura frowned a little and then punched Naruto on top of his head. "Naruto! Don't be such a gaping pervert damnit!" Someday I'll fill out like Haru nee chan too damnit!

Naruto grabbed his head. "Ow Sakura that hurt!"

Kakashi watched enthralled as Haru bent over to talk to Naruto. The genin looked up at her; she smiled at him and pushed him over with a gentle tap to the forehead. "You're too young to be a pervert Naruto."

Naruto giggled and rolled his eyes up to Kakashi. "Kakashi sensei is the real pervert," Naruto teased. "He reads dirty books."

They all laughed a little at Kakashi's expense. "I'm not a pervert," Kakashi defended trying not to look at Haru. He concentrated his chakra and held back the nosebleed.

Haru rolled her eyes. "Sure you're not Kakashi sensei," she teased. Haru sat back down on the blanket and slipped her sunglasses back on. She was quite pleased with the reaction her bathing suit got out of Kakashi. He was lookin. "Oy Naruto. Reach in that basket and get me my suntan oil would ya?"

Kakashi swallowed hard. Oil? She's going to… Naruto passed Haru the brown bottle that whiffed of coconut. Haru thanked him and set to rubbing her suntan oil all over her arms. You gotta be kidding me… Haru moved on to her legs. Her body glistened in the sun. Oh man… would ya just look at that.

Haru finished applying her tanning oil and lay back with a sigh. "Don't mind me; I'm just gonna lay here 'till I'm nice and toasty."

Naruto immediately lay down next to Haru. "Me too!"

Sakura shrugged her shoulders and lay back. If Haru nee chan thought laying in the sun was cool, then it probably was. "I'll try too." She lay back and closed her eyes.

Kakashi watched his genin succumb to Haru's influence yet again. Naruto and Sakura just did whatever Haru wanted to do with her. The two of them laying there like logs was proof enough. Kakashi cut his eyes over to Sasuke. The genin was watching his companions and occasionally stealing a quick glimpse of Haru. His face was still a bit red. And this is just the laying in the sun part. What happens if they really go swimming? Kakashi surveyed his team trying hard not to think of what Haru would look like all wet in her bikini. "Five minutes guys, that's it," he announced.

"Aww come on Kakashi," Haru nagged from her place in the sun. "I haven't even had a chance to get all hot yet."

Kakashi detected the flirty tone in her voice. He fought to keep the blood from rushing to his face. He had to stay composed in front of his students at least, but hot Haru! Kakashi cleared his throat. "We have training to do Haru san. You know that."

"You train all the time," Haru argued back. "I thought we could all go swimming after lunch has settled."

Naruto sat up and faced Kakashi. "Can we Kakashi sensei? Please!" he begged.

"Come on Kakashi," Haru pestered. "Don't be such an ogre. Let these guys have a little fun once in a while. Swimming is fun and good exercise."

Sakura jumped in to the fray. "Swimming is excellent for conditioning your muscles." She opened her eyes and looked at Sasuke. Sakura knew that they would all have to gang up on Kakashi sensei if they wanted to go swimming. She caught his eye and gave him the go along with me look.

"It is pretty warm today. I guess I wouldn't mind getting wet," Sasuke put the last nail in the coffin.

"Slackers," Kakashi grumbled. As usual the kids had taken Haru's side turning their fate over to the shameless hussy her. They would be miserable if they didn't get their way and it might affect their training. "One hour in the water and then its back to shuriken training got it?" Kakashi relented.

"Yosh!" Naruto cheered.

Kakashi sighed and rolled his eyes. He pulled out Come Come Paradise and pretended to read. Hot wet Haru san in a bikini ne? Oh boy…

Twenty minutes later Kakashi sat on the river bank next to the towels still pretending to read his book. Haru was more then just a slight distraction as she splashed around in the water with his genin. Kakashi didn't dare take too long of a look at them; he was still keeping one hell of a nosebleed at bay. He peeked up at them again. It appeared it was boys vs. girls in some sort of splashing war. Naruto was laughing like a loon as he hit Sakura with one wave after another. Haru dove underwater and attacked Sasuke from below dragging him under with her. They broke to the surface laughing and splashing at each other. She's even got Sasuke wrapped around her little finger.

Haru swam away from Sasuke back toward the shore. "Gimmie a minute. I've got some florescent marbles from Telk we can dive for."

Naruto quit splashing Sakura for the moment. "Cool!"

Kakashi stared at his book as Haru waded out of the water. Don't stare… don't stare! Her footsteps approached and Haru stopped near him. Kakashi looked up at her. Haru was dripping wet and smiling. His eyebrow twitched a little. It looked like the water had been a little cold for Haru. This is… torture. He did his best to sound completely relaxed. "Enjoying yourself Haru san?"

She was. Haru liked hanging out with Konoha's genin. Haru giggled. "Yeah!" She bent at the waist a little and rested her hands above her knees. "Hey Kakashi, reach in my purse and grab out those marbles for me would ya?"

Kakashi swallowed hard. The twins were inches from his face and they were saluting him. If these kids weren't here right now… He could hear his heart beat in his ears. His inner lecher wanted to find out if more then a handful really was a waste. Kakashi ripped his eyes away from Haru and looked around for her purse. "Uh…sure"

Haru somehow managed to keep her grin from turning devious. Kakashi kept a straight face and sounded calm, but Haru knew better. He had been on page 47 since lunch. Yatta! Kakashi is checkin me out! She straightened letting herself jiggle a little. "It's probably buried under the towels."

Kakashi closed his book and set it down. I should be yelling at her for interrupting our training. Kakashi sifted through the towels and found Haru's purse. "Found it," he said taking it in his hand. Kakashi turned back to Haru and for a minute he froze. Sweet mother of…! Haru was stretching her back. Her hands were locked together behind her head as she arched backward. The lecher in him screamed get her! Kakashi just might have if he hadn't sensed someone coming. He turned and looked into the woods.

"Oy!" Ebisu yelled running toward the river. He recognized team seven in the water. Not far from them he saw Kakashi and that's an awful lot of skin! Haru.

Kakashi got to his feet as Ebisu put his head down and sprinted the rest of the way to them. "Oy Ebisu," Kakashi was grateful for the distraction. Beside him Haru straightened up and dug her toes into the grass. "What's up?"

Ebisu looked up at Kakashi first. "I should have known Haru san would be with you guys." He turned to Haru ready to scold her. "Haru san!" but that was all he got out. Ebisu stared at Haru hard. His jaw hung slack and his eyes bulged. Ebisu saw nipples standing at attention and it was all over for him. He flailed falling back on his ass with a tremendous nose bleed.

"Ebisu!" Haru had never seen such a display. She stepped forward meaning to tend to him, but Kakashi stepped in the way.

Kakashi sighed and frowned at Ebisu. He was still gawking at Haru. Pervert. "Haru san," Kakashi commanded. "Throw a towel around yourself would ya? You're going to give this slob a seizure."

Haru blinked a little confused. "Uh… okay."

Ebisu was trying to regain control when Haru turned and bent over. He stared at the cheeks right in front of him. Holy hell look at that ass! Unable to stop himself Ebisu raised a shaky hand. Grab it squeeze it grope it!

Kakashi moved so fast it was a blur. He kicked Ebisu in the chest and sent him skidding back on his ass. The stunned jonin came to an abrupt stop in the grass about ten feet away. Behind Kakashi Haru was wrapping up in a towel. Kakashi frowned at Ebisu taking a few threatening steps toward him. "Just what were you thinking you perv?"

"I…uh…" he stammered. Ebisu was stone cold busted.

Haru turned around all wrapped up. The guys had moved back. "Nani?"

Kakashi slipped a hand in his pocket and regarded Ebisu coolly. "Did you want something Ebisu san?"

Ebisu reached into his pocket and pulled out a hanky. With Haru's boobs covered he brought himself under control. Ebisu wiped his face and tore off some of the cloth to plug his nose. "Yes actually." He crammed twisted pieces of cloth into his nostrils. He stood up clearing his throat and trying to regain his dignity. "Haru san!" he pointed at the woman accusingly. "You're playing hookey from work! You skipped out after lunch!"

"Oh?" Kakashi turned and faced Haru. Even wrapped in a towel she still looked sexy as hell. "Haru san?"

Haru wiggled her toes and rolled her eyes up to the passing clouds. She whistled innocently trying not to answer.

"Haru san!" Ebisu barked and she cringed a little.

"So what?" Haru cut her eyes over to Ebisu. "I can take an afternoon off."

Ebisu discovered being strict with her was calming his horny. "Haru san! You have an important and privileged job working for Hokage sama! You should take your work more seriously!"

Haru looked at Ebisu with a pout. "Poo poo on you Ebisu."

"What?"

Kakashi stepped between them. "Hey, hey. Fight nice children."

Haru clasped her hands together behind her back and lifted her nose indignantly. "I am not a child."

No kidding. Kakashi tried to sound reprimanding. "Are you skipping out on your duties Haru san?"

"Not really."

"You should be in Iruka sensei's office working on the census," Ebisu countered.

"I was stuck in old man hokage's office all morning. I've been locked up for days. I need a break!"

Ebisu put a hand on his hip. "Did you ask hokage sama for a break?"

"Keh! You want me go ask him right now?"

Kakashi chuckled at the image that jumped into the forefront of his mind; hokage sama with a nose bleed. "Now now Haru san. You can't go see the old man looking like that." Kakashi smiled playfully at Haru. She'd give the old fart a stroke.

"Certainly not," Ebisu agreed. He straightened and cleared his throat. "Hussy," he murmured under his breath.

Kakashi turned his head and frowned at Ebisu. "Ne?" he put enough warning in his tone to startle the other jonin. It was one thing for Kakashi to call Haru a hussy in jest or wishful thinking, but it annoyed him to hear Ebisu say it. Kakashi stepped closer to Ebisu lowering his voice so Haru couldn't hear. "Hussy is it? You reach for a happy handful and call her a hussy?"

Ebisu's composure faltered and he took a generous step back from Kakashi. For a moment he thought he was going to get his ass kicked. "Hold on there Kakashi san!"

Kakashi was satisfied he had scared Ebisu enough. "You can tell hokage sama Haru will be along shortly. I promised my genin that they could have this little break. They still have some of the time I allotted them left. I'm sure Haru will head back once we resume training. Right Haru san?" He looked over his shoulder at her.

Haru was trying to figure out what exactly was going on. It appeared that Kakashi was not only keeping the other jonin away from her, but he was defending her from his nagging. She blinked at Kakashi somewhat surprised. Kakashi is protecting me? "Right."

Ebisu nodded. Clearly he had overstayed his welcome. "Very well then. I'll leave Haru san to you Kakashi sensei." Ebisu turned and hurried back in the direction he had come from. He frowned to himself, his chest hurt just a bit where Kakashi had kicked him. Jeez Kakashi. If you like Haru san like that you shoulda just said so.

Kakashi watched Ebisu retreat hurriedly and turned back to Haru. She was looking at him with something like hero worship in her eyes. She was smiling and her cheeks were turning pink again. "Haru san?"

Haru was thrilled, even slightly embarrassed. Kakashi stuck up for me! "Kakashi, thank you!" She took a few quick steps his way. Her towel came loose and fell off, but Haru didn't care. She threw her arms around Kakashi's neck and gave him a big hug.

Oh boy… there was an awful lot of Haru san pushed against him. Kakashi patted her on the back a few times trying not to think about how smooth her cool skin was. "No problem Haru san. Just remember you have to get back to work after this."

"I will!" she let go of Kakashi and went back over to her purse. Haru dug out her pouch of marbles. She stood with it in her hand and looked back at Kakashi once more. She couldn't be entirely sure, but he did look at least a little flustered. Haru giggled delighted and headed back into the water to play with her friends.

Kakashi didn't go back to the shore right away instead he slipped into the woods. He had to settle his dancing hormones and he couldn't do that with Haru in his sights. Kakashi took in a long deep breath and let it out slowly. It occurred to him that he had been more then just a little annoyed by Ebisu and his perverted tactics. That guy… Ebisu had asked Haru out a few times, but she had always politely refused a date. Ebisu dropped into the bar sometimes and sat with Haru and Iruka for a few rounds. Maybe I should drop by myself eh?

He smiled a little and tried to shake the image of 'bikini Haru' from his mind. Having a drink or two after work with his friends was starting to sound like a great idea. Behind him he could hear Sasuke and Haru laughing. You too ne Sasuke? It couldn't be helped. Haru really was a lot of fun to be around; his genin thought she was so cool! As Kakashi slowly brought himself back under control he made up his mind to drop in to the pub this evening.

The rest of the week went by in a mostly uneventful way. Haru didn't interrupt training again; she had some work to catch up on. Kakashi stopped by the bar and after a few drinks he escorted Haru back to her room. They had all left the bar earlier then usual this evening. Haru said she had some reading to do. Kakashi walked her to her room and then headed to his own. He was a little groggy, but more bored then tired.

Kakashi wandered to the window. He watched the wind swaying the tree tops. It was a warm night and the breeze smelled clean. Looking out at the night Kakashi caught movement from the corner of his eye, not a branch orange? He turned his head and saw something small and orange in a great tree outside the west wing. Naruto? What is he doing here? Kakashi decided to find out. He ducked out his window and hopped over to the tree. He moved so quickly and quietly Naruto didn't even sense him coming.

Kakashi appeared beside Naruto on the branch and dropped his hand on the boys head. "Naruto, what are you doing?"

Naruto nearly jumped out of his skin and let out a startled cry. "Kakashi sensei?"

Did I startle him that badly? "What are you doing here Naruto?" Naruto seemed flustered. Kakashi looked up and saw what Naruto had been looking at. The branch they stood on afforded them a view right into Haru's room. She was sitting by the window reading a scroll and chewing on the end of a pencil."Are you peeking on Haru san?" Kakashi did his best to sound accusing. Even I never thought of this he mused.

"I'm not peeking!" Naruto blurted wildly embarrassed. "I was just checking on her that's all."

"Oh? And just how often do you hang out here checking on Haru, ne Naruto?" Hokage's words came back to haunt him You're going to turn your genin into perverts reading that crap around them Kakashi.

Naruto frowned. His cheeks were burning. Totally busted. "Just… sometimes."

"It's called voyeurism," Kakashi sighed. Great, I've created a peeping tom.

Naruto shook Kakashi's hand off his head. "It's not like that! I told you already, I'm just checking on her," he repeated. He wasn't about to admit to his sensei how often he checked in on Haru. Kakashi would probably beat him for being a pervert. Don't see why. He's worse then me. "What are you doing out here Kakashi sensei?" he tried to counter.

"I saw one of my fool students looking into a jonin bedroom." Kakashi kept his tone solemn. "You should know better Naruto."

"Haru's not a ninja," he tried.

"That doesn't make it any less polite to be peeking on her."

Naruto sighed frustrated. "I'm not peeking! Even if I was peeking, which I'm not, it doesn't matter anyway. I'm sure I'll ask Haru nee chan to marry me in a few years!"

Kakashi chuckled quietly. He knew that Naruto and Haru had become close. They spent a lot of their free time together. That's quite the crush you've got there Naruto. "Oh? And what does Haru san have to say about that? What would she say if she knew you were a peeper, a pervert ne Naruto?"

Naruto startled. He wouldn't dare tell her…would he? "I…uh. She… Haru…"

Kakashi shook his head and sat down next to Naruto. "You know what I think? I think she would be pretty mad if she knew you were watching her like this. Hokage sama did promise Haru she would have her privacy in her room."

Naruto's eyes grew bigger. "You aren't going to tell on me are you Kakashi sensei!" he panicked. Naruto grabbed his head. "Oh no! Haru nee chan is gonna hate me! She'll get the wrong idea and think I'm a big perverted creep like you!"

Kakashi's eyebrow twitched annoyed. "I'm a perverted creep? I'm not the one hiding in a tree waiting for the eleven o clock peep show," he returned annoyed.

Naruto blinked surprised at Kakashi. "How do you know when she gets ready for bed?"

Kakashi was startled to be so right on. "Are you saying you have seen Haru get undressed!" Part of him wanted to knock the little bastard right out of the tree; his devious side wanted to pat the kid on the back.

Naruto put up his hands "N-no!"

"Naruto," Kakashi warned. It wasn't just his cheeks that were red now Naruto's whole face was scarlet.

Naruto chuckled nervously. "Okay maybe once, but it was an accident I swear!" he made the lie sound totally convincing. "I just come up here to check on Haru nee chan sometimes before I go to bed. Like, ya know, if she looked like something was bugging her that day, like today. She seemed kind of stressed out when I saw her earlier so I…" Naruto stopped and let his explanation sink in some.

Kakashi was sure he was getting some half truths, but he didn't doubt Naruto would check up on Haru if he noticed her behave strangely. He certainly couldn't have his student peeking in the jonin dorm all night though. "Alright Naruto, lets make a deal."

Naruto lifted a brow. Perhaps there was a way out of this after all. "A deal?"

"From now on, if you think something is wrong with Haru san, you tell me. I can check in with her on my way to my room, see if there is something she needs to talk about. Can you do that Naruto?"

He could, he just didn't want to. Even if it was from a distance Naruto liked to be the one checking up on Haru. "Yeah, I guess," he pouted.

"In return, I won't mention your… nocturnal activities to Haru san or hokage sama. But," Kakashi lifted a finger and stared his student down, "I better not catch you out here again peeping on Haru san. If I do I will whip the skin off you and then I'll rat you out as a pervert to Haru, hokage sama and even to Sasuke and Sakura. Understand?"

Naruto swallowed hard. For the moment, he was safe, but he would have to abide by Kakashi's rules. No more watching Haru at night. "Yes, I understand."

Kakashi thought the situation was resolved. Naruto wouldn't go directly against his sensei; not when sensei had such damning perverted secrets to hold over his head. "Good. Now I suggest you beat it. It's already after ten now and you have training in the morning."

Naruto stood up on the branch casting one last glance at Haru in the window. Goodnight Haru. "Yes Kakashi sensei."

Kakashi waited until Naruto was gone before he went back to his room. It was somewhat amusing to him to think that his student had such a perverted streak he's almost as bad as I am. Kakashi thought of their afternoon by the river earlier this week. Maybe Haru san in a bikini was just too much for Naruto's awakening hormones to handle. Her teeny bikini had certainly turned Kakashi's head. Kakashi had to laugh. He had been thirteen once upon a time himself; sometimes Haru made him feel like he still was. The weekend was coming up and for the first time in weeks team seven wouldn't be away on a mission. Kakashi decided that he would have to stop into the pub tomorrow night. He was sure Iruka and Haru would be there. Why not go have some fun?

Saturday night rolled around and Kakashi made his way to the pub. He arrived a little later then usual, he had been delayed by a rather lengthy 'to do' list. He was ready for a drink after listening to Ebisu bitch and moan about Konohamaru for the better part of an hour. Kakashi spotted Iruka and Haru at a table near the back. Iruka saw him come in and Kakashi waved in greeting.

"Oy oy Kakashi!" Iruka called waving his friend over. "Come have a drink with us!"

Kakashi walked over to the table where Iruka and Haru sat. They both had a bit of a drunken flush going on. Kakashi smiled. "Looks like you two had a few without me."

Haru waved a hand at Kakashi. "It's not our fault you're always late to the party Kakashi san," she giggled.

Yosh! This is my chance to help Haru san out! Iruka called over to the barkeep. "More sake! Bring more sake!" He chuckled as Kakashi took a seat at the table. Haru san is getting pretty drunk. I'll just get Kakashi to take her back to her room and… Iruka broke out in drunken giggles himself.

Kakashi lifted a brow at his friend. "Jeez Iruka, are you that sauced already?"

Haru laughed. "You missed it. We've been doing lottsa shots." Kakashi looked at her and she dropped him a wink. "Iruka won on a fortune slip so he's buying."

Kakashi smiled at Iruka. "You finally won something ne?" Iruka had been playing those stupid lottery scratch offs for what seemed like forever.

Iruka laughed delighted. "Yep!" The bartender sent over a tray with more sake. Iruka poured them all a fresh cup. "To getting lucky!" he toasted grinning.

Kakashi and Haru drank with him. Haru blew out a hot breath as the sake burned its way down. She swayed a bit in her seat. Holy shit man I think I'm getting drunk. The thought got her giggling again.

Kakashi turned his curious stare to Haru. Haru san is…drunk? He cut his eyes over to Iruka and frowned a little. It was one thing to buy your friend a few drinks, but it almost looked like Iruka was trying to get Haru drunk. "Iruka," Kakashi tried to keep his annoyance out of his voice as Iruka poured them all another drink. "It looks to me like you got Haru san pretty drunk."

"I'm not drunk!" Haru lifted a finger commanding their attention. "I am inebriated!" Haru broke up laughing again.

While Haru was amused with herself, Kakashi took the time to give Iruka the hard eyeball. "Are you trying to get her drunk, Iruka?"

"Well yes," Iruka answered without thinking. He saw the way Kakashi straightened and Iruka looked up into a single angry eye. Iruka brought his hands up. "Hold on a minute there Kakashi! It isn't what you think! I wasn't trying to…!"

"To what?" Haru topped off everyone's cup spilling a little on the table.

Kakashi kept his eyes on Iruka's guilty looking face. He knew that Iruka and Haru had become good friends, but Kakashi had to wonder if the chunin had other more devious thoughts and feelings rattling around in that perverted mind of his. If Iruka was trying to get Haru drunk and take advantage of her, Kakashi would just have to beat the crap out of him. He raised one hand and held up his pinky finger. "Ne, Iruka?"

Kakashi thinks I was…! "Kakashi!" Unfortunately for him Iruka wasn't getting Haru this drunk for his own benefit. He was hoping that if Haru was a little tipsy she might let her real feelings for Kakashi come out of hiding.

Haru imitated Kakashi's finger gesture. "Eh? What's this mean?"

"Kakashi sensei!" Iruka was near panic. Kakashi looked angry and he had the wrong idea. "I would never…!"

"Hey, is somebody gonna answer me or what?" Haru pouted. She hated when the ninja talked their secret ninja code crap in front of her; it was annoying and Haru felt left out.

Kakashi picked up his cup mostly satisfied that wasn't Iruka's intention, but just to be sure there was nothing like total humiliation to take a guy down a peg or two. "I was just making sure that Iruka wasn't trying to get you drunk and take advantage of you Haru san."

"Kakashi!" Iruka's face felt like it was on fire.

"Eh?" Haru frowned at Iruka. "Are you doing something I should know about?"

"No!" Iruka took a deep breath and composed himself. "Shame on you Kakashi. You shouldn't put such ludicrous ideas in Haru san's head."

"Eh?" she still didn't quite get it. There was no way Iruka would ever get her drunk and hit on her. Their relationship wasn't like that at all, but Kakashi didn't seem to understand that. She smiled a little wondering if Kakashi was just being protective or if maybe he was a little jealous.

Kakashi shrugged his shoulders and downed his sake quickly. "You never know who might be a closet pervert ya know."

Iruka was flustered, but tried to stay calm. "Keh, as apposed to being an open pervert like you," he grumbled. And to think I'm trying to help him. Keh!

Kakashi looked at Iruka. "Open pervert? Me?"

"I'm not the one reading Make Out Tactics in front of my students."

"Oy, Kakashi san is a pervert?" the guys had seemingly pushed her out of the conversation again. She hated it when they did that.

"It's an intriguing story," Kakashi countered.

"It's a perverted story!" Iruka scoffed.

"And you know this how Iruka?" Kakashi set his cup down smiling. Got ya.

The sake had gotten to Haru. "Pervert, pervert that's all I hear." She brought her hands together; the guys were too busy with each other to notice her. I'll find out who's a pervert alright. It seemed like the perfect time to try to do the jutsu Naruto had spent the past month and a half teaching her. "Haremu no jutsu!"

Iruka opened his mouth to speak, but suddenly there were three naked Haru's hanging off of him. There were three more on Kakashi, and even more still in the bar. Iruka's jaw dropped.

"Who's a pervert?" Haru's naked clones asked in unison.

Kakashi's wide eyes swept the bar. How did she…when did she…? Iruka tried to choke out something and then he fell out of his chair with a whopper of a nose bleed. Naked Haru… everywhere! There were a few local patrons in the bar. One guy started openly cheering at the clones Whooooo baby! Kakashi cut his eyes over to Haru. She appeared to be naked sitting at the table, mostly covered by it. The jutsu was outstanding especially for someone in her state of mind. Haru was giggling. Think about the jutsu not her…. "Haru san! What do you think you're doing! Stop this nonsense at once!"

A naked clone leaned over Kakashi. "Eh Kakashi sensei? Don't you like us?"

He was glad he was wearing his head protector. It caught the sweat on his brow. It's not the real thing he reminded himself. Kakashi composed himself and cleared his throat. He looked at the real Haru at the table next to him. "Are you trying to give the old bastards in here a heart attack? I said stop it now Haru."

Haru frowned at Kakashi. "Party pooper." She closed her eyes and concentrated. One by one the clones disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Aww," an old man at the bar groaned.

Kakashi shook his head. With the naked Haru's not hanging on him, he could think more clearly. "Iruka, get your perverted ass up off the floor."

Iruka shakily got back into his seat. Just because he tried not to think of Haru that way, didn't mean seeing her naked did nothing for him. He picked up a bar napkin and held it over his nose. "Eh…I…uh…"

"You're a pervert," Kakashi finished for him.

Iruka sagged dejectedly in his seat. "I'm not a pervert," he grumbled.

Kakashi turned to Haru. She yawned unamused. "Haru san."

Haru lifted her nose. Stupid Kakashi. Did he even look? "Don't you even think about lecturing me Hatake Kakashi."

"Fine then, I won't lecture you." Kakashi stood up and looked at his sulking friend. "Iruka, I will be taking Haru san back to her room now."

Iruka blinked surprised. "That was fast!"

Kakashi sighed impatiently. "I don't mean for that you sleaze. In case you hadn't noticed, she's bombed out of her mind."

Iruka's face turned red again. "Eh he, right." He nervously rubbed the back of his neck.

"Humph," Haru finished her sake. "I don't wanna go back to my room. I happen to be having a good time." She was more then a little disappointed that Kakashi didn't complement or praise her for learning a ninja jutsu.

Kakashi looked down at the stubborn woman. I'll show ya a good time babe his inner lecher spoke up. Kakashi pushed the damning thoughts back. "Haru lets go."

"I'm not leaving. I want to drink more," she whined.

Kakashi wasn't going to argue with her. He moved quickly and in a flash he lifted Haru into his arms. "Ja ne Iruka."

It took Haru a moment to register what was happening. Kakashi was carrying her out of the bar. "Hey!" she protested.

The old man at the bar laughed as the pair walked by. "You get her sonny!"

Kakashi smiled at the old fart and carried Haru out. Once they were out in the fresh air he said, "Just take a few deep breaths Haru san. Don't worry I'll have you home in a minute."

"But I …don't wanna!" She struggled a little and then stopped suddenly. Kakashi had jumped them into a tree and they were flying toward the dorm. She squealed startled and wrapped her arms around Kakashi's neck tightly. "Don't drop me!" she panicked.

Kakashi chuckled to himself. Sobering up are you Haru san? It didn't take him long to reach the jonin wing and Haru's room. He eased her feet down onto the floor. "We're here."

Haru blinked. They were in the hall in front of her room. Haru was standing on her tiptoes still clinging to Kakashi. "N…nani?" We're here already.

"You can stop choking me anytime now," Kakashi teased. Her arms around his neck were tight, but not uncomfortable. In a way it was kind of nice standing here with her like this. He had an arm around her for support; she was crushed up against him. Kakashi smiled at her.

Haru loosened her hold on Kakashi. "Oh… sorry." She went to step back and almost tripped over her feet. Kakashi caught her easily as she grabbed his flack jacket to keep from falling.

"Easy Haru. Maybe I need to put you to bed too ne?" he stared down into her flush face. Yes, this is kind of ….

Haru scrambled back away from Kakashi. She knew he was just teasing, that was part of why it was so flustering. Her drunken brain tried for a retort. "Ha! You wish you could take me to bed!" It hadn't come out the way she intended it to and she gasped a little. Crap, rewind! What did I just say?

Kakashi's mouth fell open a little behind his mask. That's not what she meant to say…is it. Judging by the rosy blooms in her cheeks, no. Kakashi took a step closer to Haru and she peeked up at him. She was trying to look tough, but her façade was easy to crack. "Why don't you invite me in and find out," he wiggled his eyebrows at her and laughed.

Haru's mouth fell open in surprise. For a moment she was speechless. "I…you…" damnit he's just toying with me again. Haru did her best to straighten up. "Humph!"

Kakashi was smiling all the while knowing he wouldn't mind at all if she called his bluff. Stop thinking like that. Haru san and I can't… He took a step back. "That was a pretty impressive jutsu Haru. I didn't know Naruto was teaching you."

"He said I shouldn't tell anyone, that I should just make it a surprise."

"A surprise ne?" That it was. Kakashi never suspected he would ever be surrounded by naked Haru's. He supposed he could see why of all the jutsu there were Naruto chose to teach Haru the harem jutsu. Naruto must have put in hours of practice with naked Haru. Kakashi was equally surprised Haru had executed the jutsu perfectly in her inebriated state. Haru wasn't a ninja, but she was learning being among the shinobi.

"Were you surprised?" she asked hopefully. What she wanted to ask was were you impressed, but she didn't want Kakashi to know that she had been learning ninja stuff to get his attention and praise.

"Oh I was surprised alright Haru," Kakashi chuckled and shook his head.

She dared a step closer to him. "I did it right didn't I? Should I have made more?"

He smiled down at her. He thought Haru might be fishing for his approval. "You did very well Haru san, but you might want to refrain from using that jutsu too often. You might give someone a heart attack."

Haru giggled delighted. "So I probably shouldn't show old man hokage ne?"

Kakashi couldn't keep the laugh in. "Probably not Har san."

She smiled drunkenly. "I guess you're right."

Kakashi could see that Haru needed to get to bed. She was swaying on her feet a little. "Will you be alright from here on your own Haru?"

Haru shrugged a shoulder at Kakashi. "Keh, all I gotta do is take off my clothes and get in bed. I think I can handle that on my own." Haru smiled deviously. "I'll just yell for ya if I need any help." She turned and went into her room closing the door behind her.

Kakashi stood where he was for a moment listening to make sure Haru didn't fall over. He could hear the rustle of fabric and the plop of her clothing hitting the floor. The real Haru was naked on the other side of the door. Oh boy… Kakashi stepped away before his lecherous mind could start thinking to much about naked Haru. He shuffled down the hall to his room trying not to think about the naked clones hanging all over him. Tomorrow he would have a little chat with his wise ass student, but for tonight Kakashi would dream about Haru.

The next morning while Haru tried to sleep off her hangover, Kakashi went looking for Naruto. He found him in his usual place in the forest practicing with his shuriken. "Yo, Naruto," Kakashi called to him as he entered the clearing.

Naruto threw one last shuriken and turned to face his sensei. "Oy Kakashi sensei. I wasn't expecting you out here today."

Kakashi leveled his eyes on his student. "We need to have a little talk Naruto."

"What is it Kakashi sensei?" the look in his sensei's eyes told Naruto he was in some kind of trouble. "I haven't done anything wrong…lately."

Kakashi folded his arms across his chest. "You taught Haru san that harem jutsu of yours."

Naruto got wide eyed. "Nani? Haru nee chan did harem jutsu in front of you?"

"Not just in front of me Naruto, in front of everyone in the bar last night."

It sounded like Naruto missed a wild time last night. "Oh?"

Kakashi frowned. "Don't you 'oh' me you little turd. Just what were you thinking teaching Haru san something like that ne? Iruka sensei fell right out of his chair."

Naruto couldn't keep from giggling. "Did pervert sensei get a nosebleed?"

"Naruto," Kakashi put some warning in his tone. Naruto cringed a little. "You better explaine yourself right now."

Naruto had to think up an excuse fast. He wasn't as good as Sakura was at coming up with something at a moments notice. "I uh…I thought it would be good for her to know because uh…it would be distracting to any bad guys that attacked her."

"So you taught her harem jutsu for her own defense?" Kakashi shook his head. "Do I look stupid to you?"

"You don't look that stupid Kakashi sensei," Naruto replied not understanding that the question was rhetorical.

Kakashi's eyebrow twitched a little as he frowned at Naruto. This kid… "Naruto, don't bullshit me. You taught Haru san that jutsu so you could see her naked."

Naruto's cheeks heated up. "No, not really. I just thought that if she was going to learn a jutsu it should be an Uzumaki Naruto original jutsu."

"Really?" Kakashi sighed frustrated. This was going nowhere fast. "Alright Naruto listen up. No more perverted naked jutsu around Haru san you got that?"

Naruto pouted a little. "It was just a jutsu, besides it's not like she's your girlfriend or something. You've never even asked her out on a date."

Ne? Kakashi raised a surprised eyebrow. "What gives you that idea Naruto ne?"

"Haru nee chan told me. She said 'that Kakashi likes to flirt but he never follows through' whatever that means." Naruto shrugged his shoulders.

Kakashi was taken aback for a moment. He and Haru flirted all the time but never follows through ne? His mind flashed back to last night, to taking Haru to her room. He had teased her about inviting him in. "What else has Haru san said about me ne?"

Naruto grinned. It looked like he had the upper hand for the moment. "I'll tell ya, but only if you promise not to punish me for teaching Haru nee chan harem jutsu."

Why you opportunistic little shit! Kakashi frowned. "We have a deal if you promise no more pervert crap around Haru san. Don't make me tell her you're a peeping pervert."

Naruto shrunk a little. So Kakashi sensei hasn't forgotten about that yet. "Okay Kakashi sensei. You've got a deal."

Kakashi spent the morning with Naruto listening to him repeat all the things Haru had said about Kakashi over the past few weeks. He left Naruto to get back to his training thinking about what the boy had told him. It sounded like Haru had a crush on Kakashi, maybe even more then just a crush. Me and Haru ne? It made Kakashi smile just thinking about it. He wasn't thinking about where he was walking, he let his feet lead the way. To his chagrin he ended up in front of Haru's room just before noon.

He figured that she would be up by now, she probably wasn't even in her room anyway but that didn't stop him from knocking on her door. "Haru san, it's Kakashi. May I come in?" There was an unintelligible grumble from the other side of the door that Kakashi guessed could have been 'come in'. He opened the door and stepped inside. Haru was a lump under her blanket. "Don't tell me you're still in bed Haru san. It's almost noon."

"Shut the door. You're letting the cold air in," she grumbled from under the covers.

What cold air? Is she dreaming? Kakashi slid the door closed. "Haru san," he tried again. "Are you awake?"

Damnit annoying Kakashi. Haru pulled the blanket down enough to poke her head out. She squinted at Kakashi. "Whaddya want? Can't ya see I'm dieing here?"

Haru had quite the case of bed head and Kakashi laughed a little. "I could blind you with dental floss right now."

"Ha ha. Very funny." Haru forced herself to sit up holding the blanket against her with one hand. There was a horrible taste in her mouth and her head ached some. She frowned at Kakashi. "Well, what do you want? Or did you just come here to make fun of me huh?"

For a minute he couldn't say anything. He realized that Haru was naked. He could see her bare shoulders, her uncovered backside. "Sorry Haru, I thought you would be up by now. I didn't know you had a hangover."

"I aint gotta hangover I can hold my liquer. Must be a flue bug or something." She rubbed her eye with her free hand. "So what did you want Kakashi?"

"I was going to see if you wanted to go grab some lunch, but I guess you're too under the weather ne?" he smiled at her tough guy façade.

"I'll live," she grumbled.

"You need to rehydrate your body Haru san. Why don't I go get you something to drink?. Maybe something for your headache?"

Haru shifted in bed swinging her feet over the side so she could get up. "I got something for this ha…flue bug. Something cold to drink does sound pretty good though."

Flue bug my ass. "I'll get you something." Kakashi stepped out and headed down to the cafeteria. He poured Haru a big glass of red cool-aid knowing it was her favorite. Kakashi knew Haru was hung over, but she refused to admit it in front of him. Haru wont show any weakness in front of me. He ran what Naruto told him this morning through his mind again as he made his way back up the stairs.

Haru had managed to put on her robe before Kakashi got back. At least she wasn't sitting here naked anymore. He brought her a big glass of cherry cool aide and she perked up a little. "Thank you Kakashi," she smiled a little as he handed her the glass. Haru went to her desk and pulled out an unmarked bottle of pills. She shook one into her hand, thought it over, and tapped a second from the bottle. She washed the tablets down with cool aide. The drink really hit the spot and Haru chugged half the glass.

Kakashi stood back watching Haru with a smile. She said she wants to spend more quality time with you. What does that mean Kakashi sensei? Naruto's voice echoed in Kakashi's head. "You should eat something Haru san. How about I go get us some lunch and bring it back here?"

Haru blinked at Kakashi. What's he being so nice for this morning? "Uh… You don't have to go out of your way on my account."

Kakashi chuckled. "I wanted to have lunch with you anyway Haru san. We can just as easily have lunch here right?"

"Yeah…"

Haru was looking at him curiously. "Alright then, I'll be back in a few." Kakashi went out and headed for the stairs. Haru went back to her bed and sat down. She was a bit confused. She had pulled a pretty sneaky trick on Kakashi and Iruka last night busting out with harem jutsu in the bar, but instead of being reprimanding today; Kakashi was being nice. Not just nice…really nice. Hmm… maybe he did look after all. Haru smiled.

By the time Kakashi got back Haru was dressed, her bed was made and the pills she had taken were working wonders for her. She even took care of her bed hair Kakashi mused as he sat down with Haru on her bed. "Say Haru, why is it that you had Naruto teach you harem jutsu?" Kakashi asked over lunch.

"He thought it would be funny, give me a secret weapon against Iruka or Ebisu. He told me I should surprise them with it when they were getting on my nerves." Haru smiled a little. She was defiantly feeling better. "I just wanted to lean that whole copy thing."

"Shadow replication," he advised and finished off his egg roll.

"Even little Konohamaru can transform. I guess I felt a little…left behind. I wanted to be able to do what my kids at the academy could do."

Kakashi smiled. "Your kids?"

"Yeah well… I like being at the academy. The kids are great and it's such a busy place. Old man hokage's place too. I get to see everybody coming in and out of there."

"Sounds to me like you are really getting to like it here in Konoha."

"I guess I am. I've made so many friends. It's been fun." Haru had a few more bites of rice and then set her takeout tray aside. She leaned back on her fluffed up stack of pillows. "Iruka and I are about half done with that census project. We've made it through all the genin and are working our way through the chunin. The academy sure has produced a lot of ninja."

"How is it going at hokage's office?" Kakashi was watching her. Haru was staring up at the ceiling. She looked a little sleepy, but better then she had just an hour or so ago.

"It's going. Old man hokage keeps telling me to take my time. I don't think he wants me to finish." Haru laughed a little. The old guy had become a lot like a second father to her.

"You've met just about every ninja in the village working at hokage's place ne Haru san?" Kakashi popped the last piece of broccoli in his mouth finishing his lunch.

"I think I have." Haru smiled a little and looked at Kakashi. He had tugged his mask down to eat lunch and hadn't bothered to pull it back up yet. Haru tried not to stare, but she thought Kakashi was very handsome epically when he was smiling at her. "What's with you today Kakashi? Something is…weird."

He laughed a little. "Weird ne? What's so weird?" He tossed his empty tray back into the take out bag.

She frowned a little in concentration sitting up for a good look at him. "You're being awfully nice today. You want something Kakashi?"

"I just wanted to hang out Haru san. Is that so bad?"

"Just hang out ne?"

Kakashi shrugged his shoulders. "This is the first weekend I've been home in ages. I though that we'd just spend a lazy Sunday together."

Haru laughed a little herself. "My da called days like this a couch day. No motivation to get up and do anything so ya just flop on the couch and watch TV." Haru sighed contentedly. She was feeling better, but tired. A side effect of the pills. The fact that it was so grey outside also made her sleepy. "Does it look like rain out there Kakashi?"

"It will probably pour sometime this afternoon. It's been cloudy all day." Kakashi didn't mind lazing around with Haru all afternoon. It wasn't too often that they got to spend a lot of quality time alone. Usually Iruka or one of his genin was with them.

"Grey days like this always make me feel so tired."

"You sure it's got nothing to do with that liter of sake you downed last night," Kakashi teased. Haru smiled smugly and flipped him off with one long finger. Kakashi laughed. "Such obscene gestures Haru san."

"Like you're one to talk reading all those dirty books," Haru teased back. "I read some of that Make Out Tactics ya know. It's very naughty Kakashi."

That brought a slight blush to his cheeks and Kakashi laughed a little. "Oh? I guess I haven't got to that part yet."

"What do you mean part? The whole book is," Haru didn't finish. She just rolled her eyes. "Doesn't phase you at all does it?"

"It's just a story Haru san. Nothing to get all riled up over."

"I never said I got riled up over it."

He flashed her a devious smile. "Just blushing." Haru was trying to frown disapprovingly, but it was too hard for her to do with a smile on her face. "You're blushing now just thinking about it."

"I am not." She managed a somewhat serious looking frown. Kakashi sure was in a teasing mood today. If she wasn't careful he just might get the best of her.

"Not blushing or not thinking about it? You must be thinking about what happened in chapter two." He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

Haru straightened. "I never read that far."

"Oh?" Kakashi leaned a little closer to Haru. "Then what's got you blushing Haru san?"

"I'm not blushing," she insisted, but Haru thought she could feel the heat in her cheeks. It wasn't often she sat alone with Kakashi like this.

Yes you are… and it looks beautiful on you Haru. Kakashi nudged his head protector up and looked at Haru with both eyes. "Looks that way to me. Are you feverish?" He knew she wasn't, but it was an excuse to touch her. Kakashi reached over and felt Haru's cheek with the back of his fingers.

Haru blinked at him. Is Kakashi … is he hitting on me… for real! "I'm fine…I feel much better."

Haru's cheeks were flush but it wasn't from some mysterious flue. Its because of me. Haru really does feel something for me…something like what I feel for her. His hand lingered on her face; he pressed his fingers against her forehead pretending he was checking for a fever. "You seem to be alright." Kakashi looked down into Haru's eyes.

Haru was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Any second now Kakashi would make some smart remark and get her all bent out of shape. That's the way it was between them. Flirting was a joke, a fun little game. Then… why is he looking at me… like that? "I told you I'm fine."

Kakashi's gaze went from her eyes to her pink lips. He couldn't help it; he moved his hand down and swept a finger across Haru's lips. "You're lips are so soft Haru san. Like flower petals." He looked up into her bewildered eyes.

Haru stared up at Kakashi stunned. She could hear her rapid heartbeat in her ears. He held her chin in his hand tipping her face up to his. It looked like he was going to kiss her. This can't really be happening can it? Kakashi's not just teasing …is he? "Kakashi?"

Maybe the right thing to do would be to back off, but he couldn't. Kakashi wanted to feel her soft lips against his own. "Haru… may I kiss you?"

What! For just a moment she thought her heart stopped. Kakashi didn't look or sound like he was just joking around. He seemed quite serious. She struggled to get the words out. "If you want to."

He could see how flustered Haru was. It made her all the more appealing to him. Kakashi leaned in and kissed Haru lightly on the lips. The feel of her kiss kicked his own heart beat into high gear. His hand left her face and wrapped around her waist. Kakashi pulled Haru closer. Once he started kissing her, he didn't want to stop. He felt Haru's arms wrap around his neck as their kiss became more heated.

It was the first time Haru had been held or kissed since Shanihmaru died. Kakashi… She felt him draw her up against him; Kakashi held her tight. Haru clung to Kakashi returning his increasingly passionate kiss. I have…I've fallen for Kakashi…She pulled at him as she relaxed back into her stack of fluffy pillows bringing him down on the bed with her.

Haru…She pulled him down on top of her. He liked the feel of her warm body beneath his. He wanted to touch her. He wanted to have her. He slid a hand down her backside and felt cheek through the thin fabric of her skirt. He could tell Haru wasn't wearing any of her little red panties. That beneath her flowing skirt was nothing but Haru. Her kiss was sensual, like nothing he had ever felt before. Kakashi was getting aroused. I should stop this before…

Kakashi moved so that he could push himself off Haru flattening his palms against her pillows. He forced himself to break his mouth away from hers and back away from her. He had her boxed in on the bed. Kakashi stared down at Haru. They were both a little breathless, speechless for a moment. "Haru…I…"

Haru took a few quick deep breaths and swallowed hard. Kakashi still had her pined to the bed. She stared up into his eyes seeing the conflict there. What is he… "Kakashi…"

He wanted to kiss her and hold her; he wanted to let his hand slide up her thigh under her skirt... Stop it damnit! You've done enough. Kakashi pushed away and sat up at the edge of the bed. He faced the floor trying to bring himself under control. "Forgive me Haru. I got a little carried away."

She thought that maybe he was backing off because he was getting a little too hot and bothered. A little carried away… She wasn't sure what to say. That had been one hell of a kiss. Her heart was still hammering in her chest. "It's…okay." She sat up looking at Kakashi's flushed profile.

"I didn't come here to….I just wanted to…" Haru had sat up and she was looking at him. He chanced a glance at her. Haru didn't look angry, she looked beautiful. Kakashi smiled slightly. "You probably think I'm a sleaze ne Haru san?"

Haru returned Kakashi's uneasy smile. "No, I don't think you're a sleaze Kakashi." She laughed a little. "I guess I got a little carried away too."

He relaxed a little. True enough; Haru had been the one that had pulled them down on the bed. "So much for spending a lazy Sunday together ne? I just wanted," Kakashi shook his head. "I'm sorry Haru. Guess I am a perv after all."

She giggled at him. "You think too much Kakashi, besides; the day's not over yet. We still have plenty of time to lounge around like a couple of bums." Haru moved over closer to the wall making a spot for Kakashi next to her in bed. She pat the empty place next to her. "It's not a couch and I don't have a TV in here so I'll just have to bore ya to death with my life story."

She's really going to let me stay after that? "Haru," Kakashi was pleasantly surprised.Haru wasn't angry; she wasn't kicking him out of her room. Kakashi smiled and moved up to the spot she had made for him next to her. He lay back tucking his hands behind his head just to be extra sure that he would behave himself. "Alright then Haru, lets hear it."

Haru smiled down at Kakashi. "It's pretty boring stuff, nowhere near as exciting as the life of an infamous ninja."

Uh oh. "Infamous ninja?"

"They call you Copy Ninja Kakashi right?" Haru had managed to weasel a few things about Kakashi out of her good buddy Iruka.

"Who told you that Haru?"

"Iruka has told me a few things. Old man hokage too."

It was almost a given that Iruka would run his mouth at least a little to Haru, but Kakashi was surprised to hear that hokage had as well. "You don't say?"

Haru rolled over on her side and got comfortable. "Rumor has it you've copied over a thousand jutsu. That's some trick."

Kakashi tried not to feel the panic creeping up on him. "How much do you know about me Haru san?"

She smiled at him. He seemed surprised that she had done some snooping. "You were some kind of child prodigy, a real genius. Old man hokage said you were already a jonin by the time you were Naruto's age."

Kakashi swallowed hard. Shit. What else did you tell Haru you old fart. "Hokage sama told you that ne?"

"He bragged about you Kakashi. I think you're one of his favorites."

He smiled at Haru and tried not to sweat. "You think so?"

"Sure I do. He said you're a pretty tough sensei. Naruto Sasuke and Sakura are the first genin to ever pass your test."

"Well, that's true. They were the first group to show the right amount of teamwork." He was holding on to the hope that Haru didn't know he was former ANBU. She had skipped ahead to team seven so maybe Sandaime hadn't said anything.

"Old man hokage said teamwork is really important to you. He was surprised they passed your test. Same test the previous hokage used to test his genin ne?"

Kakashi nodded. He thought he might be safe for the moment. "Have you studied the hokage Haru san?" he tried to steer the conversation away from himself.

"A little. The old man talks about them sometimes. Not as much as he talks about you, but he has given me quite the picture of Konoha's history. He explained the different ninja ranks to me too. Iruka filled in the blanks a little better for me. Said that you guys have to take tests to advance." It sounded reasonable to her.

"The chunin exams will be coming up soon."

Iruka had told her that many, almost most of the genin that took the written exam to move up to the chunin level failed the first few times. "Iruka said the exam is hard. A lot of people fail."

"It's pretty tough," Kakashi consented. He was already thinking of letting his genin take the next exam. "I think Naruto may have a hard time with it."

"Is there some way he can study or," she rolled her eyes a little, "is there maybe a way to cheat?"

"Haru san!" Kakashi tried to sound shocked. In truth though, he was amused.

"Well? I know Sakura would probably do just fine. She's really smart. Sasuke could probably pass too, but Naruto… He's just not book smart."

He tried to look disapproving. She has no idea how close to the truth she is. "Anyone caught cheating during the exam fails automatically."

Haru sighed. She didn't think Naruto was clever enough to cheat discreetly. "Poor Naruto. Can't you do something to help him Kakashi?"

Kakashi laughed a little. "Don't worry about it Haru san. They'll pass when they're ready. They'll be just fine."

She hoped so. "I'll just have to take your word for it."

"Enough about the ninja, tell me something about you Haru san."

"What do you want to know? I think I've already told you about most of the places me and my da passed through."

Kakashi had indeed heard a lot about Haru's travels over the past few months. There was one thing he was quite curious about so he worked up the nerve to ask. "Where did you meet Shanihmaru?" he fired off the first question.

"Uh…" Haru was a little taken aback. She thought it was strange that the guy that had been kissing her just a few minutes ago was asking about her old flame. Checking out the competition maybe? "We met in Cayuga, it was a small town near the border of Rock country. He ended up hitching a ride with us and…he just kinda stuck around."

Kakashi knew that Haru had planned to marry Shanihmaru. Things had been quite serious between them. "And you ended up together."

Haru smiled at the memories. "I guess he kind of grew on me."

"What was he like?" Kakashi figured Shanihmaru must have been one hell of a guy to snag Haru. She had even agreed to marry him. He was a bit nervous about competing with the ghost her lost love.

"Well," she let her mind wander some. "He was a really nice guy. He had a silly sense of humor, everything amused Shanihmaru. He was kind hearted. Had a real soft spot for kids. He had a habit of finding the most depressed and lonely kid in town and spending the day with them. He used to say 'if you can do something, do it.'"

Kakashi smiled wistfully. "He was a real soft touch ne?"

"Yeah. It's what got him killed. He tried to break up a fight…" Haru was lost in thought for a moment. "Shanihmaru traveled with me and my da for a long time. It took him three months to work up the courage just to hold my hand. We were together for about six months when he asked me to marry him. Those were…happy times."

Kakashi saw the far away look in Haru's eyes. How can I outrival Shanihmaru? She loved him so much. He made her happy. "You were happy then."

Haru sighed. "Yes, I was." She looked into Kakashi's eyes. "But I'm happy now too."

He was relived to hear it and Kakashi made up his mind. "Haru, I know that no one can take your da's place in your heart, Shanihmaru's either." Kakashi reached up and held her face. Haru liked Konoha, Kakashi was sure she was going to stay in this safe and happy village. I can keep Haru safe here. It's okay to…"But perhaps there is room in your heart for another love."

She felt her heart speeding up again. Another love? "I…"

Haru's cheeks were turning pink again. It made him smile. "I've been thinking, hoping actually that maybe," Kakashi felt butterflies in his stomach. He hadn't been this nervous in a very long time. "Me and you Haru, together. What do you think? Wanna give it a try?"

"Me and you…together…" she let it sink in. Me and Kakashi?

Kakashi chuckled lightly. I guess I took her by surprise. "Yeah, you know; boyfriend girlfriend. All that stuff." He was pretty sure he was blushing too. "I really…I like you a lot Haru san. I think it would be good between us."

Me…Kakashi's girlfriend! Yatta! Haru was excited, happy. A nervous laugh escaped her. "I think," she was blushing wildly now. "I think it would be pretty good too. Let's give it a try Kakashi."

"Well alright damnit," he borrowed Sakura's favorite phrase. Kakashi his arm around her and pulled Haru to him. Haru is mine now. We can be happy. Elated, Kakashi kissed his woman.