-1Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of those characters. Kishimoto does.

Ch.7

When Kakashi said 'catch up later', he should have known it would involve Genma dragging him to the pub for a few drinks. Try as he might though, Genma couldn't get one drink down Kakashi like usual, as well as a conversation. He'd answer him 'yes' or 'no', other times only giving a 'hmm' or other one or two word answers. Although he well knew that Kakashi was usually a man of few words, this was just ridiculous.

"Hey, Hatake, what's with you tonight?"

"Hmm?"

"Why so quite? Something the matter?"

His visible eye creased as he smiled and dismissed his friend's worry. "I'm fine."

"Alright… if you say so," Genma told in surrender, although he still kept his suspicion as he sipped gingerly at a not to heavy mixed drink. Over time, other elites filled their table and were sharing drinks and stories like usual. Over time, Genma became a bit too intoxicated for Kakashi's likes. The senbon-chewing jounin finally slipped away from the table.

The hunt is on, Kakashi mused as he watched his more than buzzed friend mosey around to the women that filled the pub, flashing heart melting smirks and teasing waves their way. Finding this to be the opportune moment to slip away, Kakashi did just that. Leaving behind the noisy and liquor scented pub, he wandered the streets and found himself once again before the village's memorial stone. When he felt the presence of another a few moments later, he wasn't too surprised as he looked over to see Genma, standing there with a senbon in tow, leaning casually on one leg.

"Came to see if you're okay," he told with a grin.

"Now's not a good time, Shiranui…I'm not in the mood to talk."

"Even with me?" he asked in a seductive way, but not drawing anything out of Kakashi but one of those blank stares.

"Especially with you," he responded a little softer than Genma liked. He frowned and took a few steps closer to the copy-nin. That was when Genma was sure something was wrong. It wasn't like Kakashi to say something like that, then not afterwards say 'I'm only kidding' with a little chuckle.

"Alright, Kakashi… what's wrong," Genma asked, his voice brimming with a seriousness Kakashi only heard during mission briefings. Even in there it was a rarity. With a sigh, Kakashi stood from his kneel to face his friend.

"Hmm… well…"

"Does this have to do with her?"

Kakashi rose a brow; Genma didn't smirk or chuckle or say something smart. Genma took Kakashi's silence as his answer.

"Look Kakashi, she…"

"She feels like you use her," Kakashi cut in. He felt bad that he was telling him this, but it had to be done, even if it turned out to Atsuka beating him into mushy pulp. Genma cocked a brow.

"She what? You do know that…"

"She'd come to you at times?"

"Yeah."

Silence.

"So what's this about?"

"I don't want to argue or fight with you, Shiranui… I just think… know… what Atsuka wants from you."

"And that is?"

"For you to leave her alone…"

More silence.

"Leave her alone?" he repeated as if that was something he should have done in the first place.

"Yeah…"

Genma slightly rubbed the back of his head and nodded.

"She's just… too important," Kakashi told him quietly, but Genma though that he said that statement more to himself then it's intention of being aimed at him. But, Genma already knew this back on that day in May. He knew that Atsuka wasn't one of those girls from the pub. Kakashi was right to say that he should leave her be. Genma told himself that over and over again. But sometimes he'd find himself at her home, and sometimes he'd come home to find her there. Those times he inwardly cursed, wishing she'd not be there. But sake and alcohol made such thoughts come after she'd leave.

"Yeah… she is…" This time he did grin, but in an innocent way, and Kakashi inwardly smiled. Genma was probably more afraid of commitments than himself. Maybe that's why he didn't put up a fight. And Genma himself knew that too. He found a sort of safety with other women. It was all about commitments. Or fear. Or not wanting to take responsibility. Genma wasn't sure if he was ready for that type of responsibility.

"Hmm… thanks for understanding, Shiranui."

"Yeah… so what's going on with the two of you, then?"

"What do you mean."

"Heh, never mind, Hatake… I'll see you around."

And with a puff of smoke, Genma was gone.

That went better than expected.