A/N: This took me forever, and still I'm not totaly satisfied with it. I mean I think the chain of events makes sense but it's more the characters. I feel this could happen but it just...dah I don't know I'll see what you guys think so please reviews are very imoprtant for this chapter...I need to know if you liked it or not.

Damn no time jump..the next one is I promise... at this rate this story will be super long.

Now This is still the same day (well night) from the last chapter. Now we know Kakashi had feelings for Akane for a long time...so please keep that in mind when you read this.

Well happy reading and please review.

Chapter 20: Moment of Weakness.

Fire erupted through the wall. Akane screamed in surprise, the wall just disintegrated before her and was engulfed by crimson flames; that sure didn't happen everyday. Akane remained though, unafraid; she had a mission to complete…not a real mission but an important one nonetheless.

Staring at the fire Akane questioned if what she was about to do was even sane…she decided it wasn't but even at the young age of seven she was considered to be strange.

Reaching her hand out she tried to push her hand through the angry flames. Surprisingly none of the flames burnt her. She had no clue why this was the case, it was so common for her.

"Akane?" Her brother questioned as he looked up when he saw her emerge out of the flames. "You okay?" He asked, concern spread across his features. Akane smiled. He forgot his own fear out of worry for her.

"I came to get you out, common I have an idea."

"Where's mom and dad?"

"Outside, they're worried about you, Nariko is waiting for us." She lied, their parents were also worried about her, they didn't know about her strange power and still she had no clue where Nariko was or even if she had gotten out. Akane was smart enough to treat it as a secret, she had seen lots of kids her age with special skills disappear; she would be no different.

"Akane I'm scared."

"Kaji we have to be strong, how can we be great ninja one day f we're scared of fire?"

"I know but why doesn't it hurt you like it does me?" Kaji was worried, it would takehim a while to get over his fear.

"Because you're special…Kaji the fire hurts you because…I don't know just because that's what's supposed to happen, I guess." She lied again she was the one that was 'special', and she hated it; so naturally she decided to believe normal people were special instead.

Running to the flames Akane decided to try something. She had been in school for only a year and had learned a bit about chakra control. If she could somehow create a blast of air at the flames she could clear a path for her brother.

Pulling her hand in front of her, Akane pushed chakra into the fire, but nothing happened.

"Akane maybe because it's not solid, sensei said it may work on something that's like a wall, he said it was a good idea but you can't hit something that won't fall down…or something like that." Her brother was smart just not quite as far along as she was, for some reason he couldn't control his chakra the same way and so it took longer for him to advance.

"Maybe you're right." Looking to the wall her brother was sitting against Akane decided to choose that one to blast, it lead outside and was safer than going through the rest of the blaze. "Move Kaji, I'm going to take that wall down, mom is going to hate me."

"No she won't." He laughed as he ran to her side. Akane collected the chakra like her teacher had explained to her and flung her hand out at the wall. Pieces of wood flew in all directions showering the children. Akane squinted against the darkness and saw something she didn't think could happen.

Her family had gotten out but was fighting a group of ANBU. Why was it they were against her family?…They were part of the same village.

"Kaji…our family leads ANBU right? Isn't that what mom told us?"

"I think so."

"Then why are they trying to kill us?"

Kaji walked forwards and stared at the sight as well. "I don't know Akane but I'm scared." He hugged his twin close and whimpered into her shoulder. Akane absently rubbed his head and watched.

"We should help them." She finally said as the fight intensified. "They think we're dead, mom is crying now…we need to make her feel better so she can win. Let's just use what we learned in class."

"Like what Akane?…We aren't as strong as they are."

"Sensei said strength isn't everything. We just have to trick them. Let's use some pranks Iruka showed us, they might work."

"Or you can have him help you." Akane froze and saw the small boy. Iruka was grinning from ear to ear,his pranks were the best and he knew how to use them in any situation this made no difference with him.With him were his parents and another, a man she didn't recognize. He was tall, very tall. She had to look up to see his face. At first she was scared of him but he was smiling, and it was a friendly smile.

"Are you okay little one?" He asked. Somewhere she had heard it but she was too worried to think about it.

"My mom and my dad we have to save them, there's these weird men and they're…"Akane rattled off but was stopped when she noticed how closely the man was watching her.

"It's okay Akane-chan we'll stop this but you have to promise me that you'll stay out of it." The tall man said as he nodded to Iruka's parents. She stared at him, he was a very strange man, he had silver hair and he was very strong, she could tell just by looking at him. In a flash the man was gone and in the fight.

"Wow!" Akane stared, this was a man who could do anything.

"Common Akane lets go Iruka knows where we can go hide for now, if they find us mom and dad will lose." Kaji was right. If their parents saw they were safe that was one thing, but right now they couldn't protect them, not while they were fighting for their own lives.

"Okay." Suddenly everything was a blur and then she could feel and hear a loud crash as the world around her jolted to a complete stop.

Trying to regain her breath Akane fought to fill her lungs. It was hard she had never had the wind knocked out of her before, but it definitely hurt. As she tucked her legs underneath her she could hear the sound of fighting a few feet away. Trying to get up still, Akane felt rubble crumbling from the building she had been flung against. Looking up she only had enough time to shield her face from the flaming planks as they came crashing down on her.

She tried to breathe but instead all she could inhale was flames. Now she knew how fire could be bad. Screaming Akane inhaled flames and screamed louder as they burned her lungs. The burning was so unbearable that she still tried to scream in total agony.

"Akane!" A voice called. She didn't recognize it, she was sure it came from a little boy her age; she fought to stay awake as best she could. It didn't matter who he was, she wanted the help.

"AKANE!" There was the voice again, this time it was more insistent and sounded much older but still the same voice. How could a voice do that? Still pinned Akane tried her best to move but more debris fell on top, completely pinning her in a flaming inferno.

"AHHH!" Akane sat bolt up right to hit heads with someone else. "Oww…. What the hell?"

"Are you alright?" Looking closer she saw it was someone with silver hair…for some reason she felt she knew this person…but she couldn't see his face, just one eye; the other was shut tight… "Akane…are you okay…talk to me."

The nightmare was a memory; one she relived often, not because she lost someone, actually everyone lived. What made it so frightening was that it was the only time in her life she was scared. That day Iruka's father hand managed to get her out after a force flung her to the wall;while his mother created a genjutsu to keep them from being seen. Still to this day Akane was afraid of being buried alive like that…she doubted she would ever get over it.

"Whaa?" She looked at him once more and it hit her who he was. "Kakashi-san?"

"Yes it's me…I'm glad you recognized me." He snorted. He wasn't mad though, he never got mad at her.

"I'm sorry did I wake you?" She felt bad. She didn't mean to have that nightmare right next to him. Looking to her left she saw that Iruka was sound asleep.

That lazy ass…he wouldn't notice if I screamed in his ear. I wish I was like him.

"No, I was awake." He looked to the trees and back to her. Akane stared; he looked sad and tired. She wanted the sadness to disappear.

Is there anything I can do for him at all? The sorrow in his eyes is so intense I just want it to go away; I want to see him happy; truly happy once.

"You have trouble sleeping around others don't you?" She knew it the day she saw him in the hospital…he had no clue of course but she had watched him closely. He never let any of the hospital staff find him sleeping, and when he did it was a very light sleep. A few times she was sure he slept with his one eye open. Then again she never did get the chance to test it.

I can't say you're paranoid in that sense…wait yes I can…you can't trust people much anymore. With the power you have, everyone is after you for a fee.

"I…well maybe a little. I just don't sleep as deeply as some people." Kakashi sent Iruka a glare.

"Ha, ha, ha, yes Iruka…he knows he's safe here. He's not always like this. In my house he never sleeps deeply." No he usually never seemed to sleep, he was always doing something.

"I can't blame him; we never knew what you were up to." He laughed. It seemed to just roll out of him. It made Akane feel strange.

"I bet." She mumbled. Why as it everyone thought she was up to something all the time?

"Can I ask you something?" He said. This time he actually looked at her. Akane froze up. The single blue eye bore into hers and she was sure he was trying to see her soul. He seemed to type to want to truly know who she was.

"Hmm depends." She smiled. She had long since taken off her mask and let the effect work its way through his system. She knew full well how he felt about her, there was something in their past, something that happened that pointed that out.

"What are you doing?" She wasn't really startled, more confused.

"I don't really know." He tightened his grip on her. Now he didn't want to let her go. "Don't die okay."

"What?"

"Don't die I said."

"Of course I won't."

"Promise?" He said.

"Yeah I promise…"

"We'll see each other again; after all, you seem to get your nose into everything." He said this as he bopped the beak of her mask. "Stay safe."

That day had given her the clue she needed the one thing she could use…to get some answers.

"You're not seriously going to use that against me?" He couldn't believe it, she was at it again; she was teasing him…him the one who teased people…how did she get away with this? Either way he wasn't going to let her win, not at his game.

She's smart but I'm smarter.

"Oh and what will you do about it…stare at me?" Oh she was good; she was delving into the moments of confusion he had when he was sick…but that wasn't going to work, not now.

"Hmm maybe…" He looked her in the eye. Her eyes were nice; they had a very vibrant energy in them. He wanted to see them more often, especially the mischievous glint they got when she was up to something, or in a playful mood.

I don't think that was a good idea to take her up on that offer…I need my book back.

"Does it bother you?" He asked as he continued the game.

"Nope not at all, I love to be admired…it doesn't happen very often." She laughed. He liked that laugh it was very…well he couldn't really describe it on the top of his head but he liked it either way.

Suddenly he was wondering why she seemed to have gotten closer.

Akane found this little game very fun. She loved to tease those she found close to her. She used to play games like this with Iruka all the time, of course Iruka wasn't as good at it as Kakashi, no playing this with Kakashi made it all the more fun since he played back at the same level.

She still loved that one blue eye, the red one had yet to show up and she was sure it wouldn't which was fine. Right now she enjoyed imagining what he would look like with the original eye. How was it he lost it anyways?

If he had both eyes he would be quite the sight. I mean he's amazing. Not only is he strong, he has a wealth of experience and wisdom…for someone his age that's an accomplishment.

"He'll make it. I may not know him well but I do know he's a survivor."

Akane looked up and sighed.

"Yes a survivor, but at what price, what price did he pay to be one?" She looked at Iruka as a single tear went down her face.

Yes a survivor, a survivor of what and for what? I really want to know more about him, why is he so damn sad?

She hadn't totally noticed that she had moved closer to see his features better. Unfortunately, they were obscured but the mask he wore over his face. She found that cloth offending and wanted to get rid of it.

She focused more on his eye and noticed a small flash of emotion.

What was that? Does he still…he can't possibly feel that way anymore, that was a long time ago and I'm sure he's had many other women with him. I was sure he had forgotten.

Kakashi wasn't thinking so much anymore and he was conscious of it. She had a way of mesmerizing him and making him feel like his limbs were made of jello. He didn't like jello much and he didn't like the feeling either. He wasn't sure what it was; was it her eyes? Her face? Or possibly just her overall? He was sure, no positive it was the latter.

If she doesn't move soon I'm seriously going to lose it. I really shouldn't be acing on this, it's just a moment of weakness. Yes that's what it is.

Wishing was one thing but doing was something else. No Akane didn't back away…she moved closer. His heart was racing. She was only inches away now and he could see other features of her face better, something he wanted to avoid.

The way the firelight lit her face made his efforts to stop himself impossible.

She's doing this on purpose, she's psyching me out. To think someone would use my own tactics against me.

His mind was racing but he was certain it had something to do with the day he had told her to leave Fire Country completely. That day it hurt.

The monument shone from the summer shower. The rain made the stone look as if it were brand new. Kakashi loved to come on rainy days. The atmosphere seemed to fit better for visiting the dead.

"Obito…" Kakashi usually always addressed Obito first…he felt better if he did. "Why did I do it?" He asked. "You probably find it funny."

He could almost hear Obito laughing at him for falling for a girl.

"Yeah I know…usually I'm the one who rejects them or ignores them. It's Ironic really; I can't keep her out of my head…she's always there I can't get rid of her."

Again he could swear Obito would tell him to try to tell her, or to show her, but how could he if he sent her away.

"I mean I've had feelings for women before, but this…I mean sure I wanted her…but there's more to it, I actually wanted to talk with her and take her to places and tell her things…why did I do it." He muttered.

Obito would have asked him for what he did. The Uchiha would have told him he was being a big baby for it and to get over it but how the hell could he do that?

"I told her to leave Fire Country…Roots is after her again. There's something about her something important that makes them hunt her like this." Kakashi waited but of course all the replies were in his head. He decided to find the answers in how his sensei would respond. The Yondime would have told him to make sure he knew where she was going and where Roots were going. If they both met then he should jump in and protect her, she was precious to him after all.

"Damn it sensei…what have I done, she's not from here…there's no way I can do this…I…wish…you'd tell me more…I wish I could really ask you." He felt at a loss there was no answer for him…he was on his own. Turning to leave he could have sworn he could hear Obito laughing at him telling him he should still pursue her…if he liked her she was worth the trouble.

"Oh shut up!" Kakashi sighed. "I've done enough; she won't want to talk to me anyways."

He still felt bad for that day and even the one sided conversation he had at the tombstone, but now he was face to face with the woman he had claimed he liked. But his friends were right, if he was ever going to get over it he might as well tell her.

Leaning closer Kakashi took the risk he was afraid of. "Akane-san there's something I need to tell you…" He leaned closer.

Akane's eyes went wide when he took total control of her game. Before she knew it she saw a flash of emotion and he moved closer telling her he needed to say something.

What was there to say? I don't get him he's odd sometimes…what does he…

Catching her off guard Kakashi's hand touched her face, snaking its way to the back of her head. She could feel how tender he was with her; even as he touched her his hand trembled as though he were afraid to break her.

Okay I'm…creeped out…

Looking to his face once more she saw an emotion there she had never seen before. Was it lust or…no not lust; he wasn't someone who would act on such an emotion, not at a time like this and she was positive of that. What ever it was Akane felt it wasn't anything to worry about. Kakashi was a kind soul; he hated killing and hurting people. He was one who followed his heart on his missions and only did what was absolutely necessary. She had nothing to fear from him.

Letting him do as he wished Akane felt his face come so close she could smell his breath…it smelled sweet. She liked sweet things.

I don't get it why he's doing this but somehow this doesn't feel wrong.

Kakashi was sure she was scared; it wasn't everyday she had someone come onto her like this.

If I rush this I lose my chance…if I don't she might run…why is it I get into these situations all the time? I want to pull away but my body won't respond.

Deciding on not wasting time but going easy on her, Kakashi used his hand to pull her to him. She was so close he could feel the heat of the blush on her face…it made him blush as well.

Okay I've lost it…when I return home I am not doing another mission for a week.

Leaning the rest of the way Kakashi brushed his lips against hers and cursed the fabric in the way. He couldn't feel how soft they were…he was sure she had soft lips but the stupid mask was in his way.

Akane's eyes flew wide…He was kissing her…really kissing her. She had never thought of doing this. No wait she did…once…a few times…okay more than she wanted to admit. But that meant nothing; she would have never acted on those emotions…not ever. What he was doing was dangerous for him…definitely more trouble for him than for her. Kakashi was from a prestigious village, he had a reputation; Akane had no real village she called home, and barely any reputation, the way she liked it. Still such an act would have more consequences for him.

I've lost my mind, if he keeps doing this there's no way I can stop him.

"Mm!" Akane tried to pull away but he held her still. If he was going to behave like this then she would have to get out of his grasp in a different and less friendly way.

"Kakashi!" She gasped finally pulling away. "Stop this…we shouldn't be doing this." She was glad she didn't have to use any force on him.

Kakashi stared at her with a strange look over his face. She was sure he was hurt but also confused. He had no clue just what it was he had just done, that was clear, and Akane was sure she felt the same way.

"I…I'm sorry…I" Before he finished his thought he was gone in a puff of smoke, leaving Akane alone in the dark.

Getting as far away as he felt comfortable Kakashi slammed his hand into a near by tree. It hurt but the feeling was one he welcomed without regret. It reminded him of his mistake, what he had done…and how much trouble he would have been in if he had been seen. He found it ironic that he the top ninja in Konohoa was afraid of a single rule, and more importantly he felt afraid of Akane because of his loss of control.

"Ahhh you fool! What were you thinking?" He hated himself for what he did. The only reason it happened was he had gotten to wrapped up in the moment and let his mind roam. This was not fair…not to Akane. She trusted him and even cared enough to help him. Now he knew he had ruined it. He had acted on the very primal emotions he had trained himself not to respond to unless he wanted to. But did he want to? Did she want him to? Something told him his last thought was right. If she had wanted it to never happen then she would have pulled away. Was it even a real kiss?

Would it count? I don't really know. Damn it now you've done it Hatake, she knows…You're going to have to do something about it.

There was only one thing he could do, and that was to distance himself from her. To keep away but still be there. If he could keep her safe but also keep himself from feeling for her then all would be well. If only it were that easy.

To do that I need to make sure she doesn't try anything as well. From the way I see it, she started it…but I continued it…nice move stupid.

Growling Kakashi slammed his fist into the tree once more. The pain reminded him he had a long way to go before he could completely desensitize himself of her, but it would only take a few minutes to start that. All he had to do was clear his mind of all thoughts and think objectively. If he did that then the feelings he had for her could be easily ignored. She after all was just a client in a way. He wasn't allowed to stuff his tongue down the throats of his pretty clients, no definitely not. In Konohoa his behavior was considered selfish and foul. To do such a thing could very well disgrace him and tarnish his reputation. Lucky for him no one saw.

"You know I knew there was something going on."

Oh shit! Kakashi cursed to himself as he turned to face the senbon user.

"How much did you see?" His heart was racing with fear as he watched Genma consider his question.

"Well if all of it meant anything to you…"

Damnit! Now I'm done for!

"Great…" Kakashi wanted to die now. Genma was a friend yes, but he also liked to gossip with the women. Kakashi was sure he was worse than any of them. This was bad; if Genma saw all of it then he was a dead man.

"Look I…"

"Forget it, not a word. I had a moment of weakness…that's all." Genma stared at him. To him his words made sense but then he questioned that himself as Genma started to laugh. The senbon bouncing in his mouth.

Oh how much I want to take that thing and shove it down your throat.

"Look man I've known you for a while and I knew that when I saw it happening, don't worry about it. Iruka did the same thing a few days ago…or at least I think he did."

"Maaa?" Now Kakashi was confused…Iruka had kissed her? When was that? A few days? So when he was with Nariko…that was the only time he was away and Iruka was alone with her.

There's something going on here. Why is it I can't stop thinking about her or stay away from her?

"She's a very pretty woman; I can see why you act like this so relax a bit okay. I won't talk I promise. The thing is I want you to know she's pissed as hell."

"Oh…I'm sure she is…but hey lets just talk about her and make it worse."

Genma froze when Kakashi snapped at him. He wasn't intending to be so harsh with the sandy haired man. He only wanted to show his discomfort with the situation, but still he bit off Genma's head over it. Just how out of control could he get?

I need to cool off but there's no real way to do it but wait for it to pass…

"Do you want to talk to me about it? I'm sure getting it out of your system will help."

"I doubt it, thanks for trying…I'll do it on my own." He grumbled. He didn't like people prying into his problems. They would find out things about him and he wanted to avoid that. The less Genma knew the better off he was.

"Look I won't talk but please don't take it out on her, you did a great job of confusing her."

"Confusing her?" How was it she could be confused? She was the helpless victim of his uncontrollable emotions. He was the one who did it and left her alone.

I'm a coward…I ran away from her because I'm afraid of what I'd do. Rather than confronting my problem I ran from it and left her to question herself on her own. But I can't face her now? Will she tell Iruka?

The last thought he had in his muddled head worried him. A while ago Iruka had threatened him…he doubted Iruka was a pushover when it came to punishing people, kids or otherwise. He had heard stories that Iruka wasn't afraid to tell jounin off, no matter what village they were from. The outburst before the chuunin exams was a very good indicator of that. Was he really hat tough and unafraid…is that what she saw in him?

Wait a minute! Iruka…I know he's stubborn but did I miss something? He's an academy sensei…that does require a lot of skill…stamina, flexibility, speed…strength, and a wealth of chakra control…he's not just an academy sensei and desk-nin! Why did I miss that? He's been acting weird these past few days…and so has Genma…

"Tell me something Genma-san?"

"Eh? Sure?" He wasn't sure about this. For one minute Kakashi was wallowing in self-pity and the next he was asking questions. He knew the man liked to keep people on their feet but this was a bit much.

Man he got over that fast…he thinks too fast for me to keep up. Did he forget about Akane already? No I doubt that but what the hell does he want to know?

"Tell me, I'm sure you know; when did Iruka meet Akane-san?"

"Um…about…eh…Why?" Genma wasn't going to spill it until he got what this was about.

You bastard you want to trick me into telling you something…but which one was it about. I think he already knew they had met at some time…so I doubt this can do any harm.

"I think it was eleven yeas or so, give or take a year…why?"

"Hmm…how long has Iruka-san been chuunin?"

Okay it's not about Akane after all…it's about Iruka…shit…not good. If he's worked it out, I bet he's close; then we're all screwed. Kakashi would use it against him; probably to blackmail him I'm sure.

"Um well the same amount of time I suppose…he was already chuunin when I met him…why are you asking about him? Shouldn't you be more worried about Akane, I mean right now I'm sure she'll be out to shred you for running away."

"She'll be fine, she's strong." Kakashi waved his hand in dismissal.

What the hell? He just basically…bastard!

"I give up…what is all this about?" Genma had had enough of this game and it was about time it ended. Obviously Kakashi had not only physically recovered; he also had gone back to his crazy self. There was no way Genma could get into his head and he was sure of it. What he could do was lie…but would he notice it?

He's figuring it out on his own…I'm so dead…so is Iruka; the only one not suffering is Akane.

"Maaa Genma I had one more question…" Kakashi mumbled to himself.

"I'll tell you but you have to answer my question…"

"Hmm." Kakashi nodded. Sitting in the grass Kakashi pulled out a blade of grass and scrutinized it. "You know just by looking at it a blade of grass looks so harmless doesn't it."

Sitting next to him and taking the blade of grass Genma wondered just what it was he was getting at. "Yeah it is, I mean we walk on it, rip it up and burn it a lot."

"Yes we sure do…but what happens most, does it bend or break and what happens when we burn it?"

"Pffft everyone knows that, it bends more than it breaks and if it burns it later grows back."

Genma was sure he was getting to something. Knowing Kakashi this was something that would change the way the mission was going to go.

"Yes that was what I was hoping you would say. People often act the same way. One particular person is like that…" Then just as he said this he snatched the piece of grass from Genma's hand and ran it over his finger. Within seconds a small sliver of blood started to form.

Okay he has so lost it, more than he usually has.

"So you're saying Iruka is stronger than we see him or at least stronger than we give him credit for?"

"Precisely my point. He's got something up his sleeve something I don't know. Maybe you know what that is?"

Genma's jaw dropped. Kakashi was so close to figuring out Iruka. How long did he even know there was something strange about the man?

Kakashi wanted to laugh his head off. Not only did he figure out Iruka, or at least he almost did he also had proof there was more to the man than there seemed. After all he was the one who believed in looking underneath the underneath. Iruka was definitely hiding something and he was going to find out what it was. If not now in his own time, all he had to do was watch Iruka more closely.

Hmm so I get it. Iruka has a secret as well. I wonder what it is this time. I have to admit he and Akane are the best at this but I'm still better at finding out. I'm not a jounin for no reason. Eventually I'll have both of them figured out to the point I can predict them; which could be useful if a problem arises.

As much as he wanted to believe that he knew full well that Iruka was much more predictable than Akane, the latter of the two was more confusing than Sakura was to him.

I almost miss teaching my team…they were much more fun and innocent. These guys have been through a lot, especially Genma. He knows full well what I'm thinking right now.

"Ahem!" Kakashi cleared his throat. "I do believe you owe me an answer."

"Fine ask away…" Genma sneered. Obviously he had hit a nerve but he knew Genma would be over it in a second.

"I heard something interesting a few days ago…. or was it a week ago?" Kakashi grabbed his chin in thought. "Maa it doesn't matter when but I'm sure you know the answer since you know both Akane and Iruka-san well…"

"Uh huh and just what was it you need to know, that is sooo important." Okay correct that Genma was annoyed and not to thrilled.

"What the hell is Katon?"

If he had thought Genma's jaw fell the last time, well now it really did and almost hit the ground. "Wha...What? Where did you hear that name?"

"Well I do believe it is not exactly a name since all it means is fire style…but who would name a person Katon, so naturally I thought it wasn't human. Does this have something to do with Akane-san?"

Genma's jaw fell further…if it could even do that… "I can't tell you what I don't know." Genma shook his head after recovering.

You liar…and people think I'm bad. This was soo obvious! I knew you know before I even asked. It makes sense because all three seem to be linked somehow.

"Well if you don't know don't worry about it. We've just started searching; I have plenty of time on my hands before we find anyone."

"Eh…Okay…." Genma was apprehensive but could he blame him? "How about you go and get that hand fixed though…and talk to Akane-san, she's very confused and needs you to talk to her."

"Hmmm" He mumbled.

Akane sat staring at the fire just wondering exactly what it was that had happened. Was it her imagination or did Kakashi just kiss her moments ago?

Now what the heck should I do about it? Should I ask Iruka?…No that would be unwise. Iruka seems to not get along with him much. Maybe Genma…he's my best choice.

Looking into the trees Akane shivered. As soon as they got into Fire Country the better off she was. So far they had only been searching for three days, but the direction they were headed was obvious.

He left Canyon Country with his team and straight into Fire Country…I still have no clue why. Is he looking for something or someone?

Akane just wanted to leave Canyon Country. She never thought of it as her home, and certainty didn't want to stay there. She would rather die than live the rest of her life in this country. Not only were the people dying but she also had to constantly put up with the main village asking her to help them start a war. There was no way she would do that for them, never, not for anyone.

"I need to tell you something." He repeated as his face neared hers.

Those same words Iruka had said…and Kakashi said them as well. Why was it he had to remind her of her mistake in the past? He wasn't doing it intentionally but something struck her as odd. Kakashi was usually the one to be in total control of his emotions, why wasn't he now? Was he still sick? Akane wasn't really sure, she wasn't really good with such things; Iruka would have understood just what it was that was happening. But now she had to deal with Iruka trying to convince her to take him back and Kakashi trying to take her…what was she to do and why was it she felt as though she was being forced to make up her mind. This was something she was trying to avoid in the first place. The people she got close to always wound up as bait or dead. Was this the same for Kakashi maybe, and did he feel she was someone he didn't have to worry about?

Either way she just wanted the mission to end so both could go home and be with the people they knew best and not with her. This was too much for her, and too many unfamiliar faces and emotions she barely saw directed at her.

"Yo!" She jumped. She knew who it was though and cringed.

"Yo back!" She muttered.

"I want to…umm…"

"The word you want is apologize…Something I bet you don't do often." She sighed. She didn't want to face him or even talk to him right now. She was too confused to deal with this.

"Heh yes I guess you are right, I just had little reason to I suppose. You didn't deserve what I did to you and I felt pretty bad for my behavior. Will you forgive me?" He was being sincere but why did she get the feeling this was hurting him.

"We all do things we sometimes don't understand Kakashi-san…" Pausing Akane noticed his hand. "What happened there?"

"This?" Kakashi held up his injured hand. "It's nothing really…" But before he finished Akane was already looking at the small wound.

"I'll put a bandage on it for you, that way we don't have to worry about you getting sick on us."

"Oh thanks glad to know you have so much faith in my ability to take care of myself." He grudgingly ground out.

"Ha ha well it seems to me you get hurt a lot."

"Part of the profession." He shrugged. Akane always seemed to enjoy teasing him though. He took it better than most.

"Sit!" She pointed to a space on the ground and Kakashi did as told. She found it amusing. He knew she got her way usually and she knew it too. After all someone had to push the six-foot tall genius around, it might as well be her.

Damn he's so tall…eh. I need to get some peroxide for this one.

Walking back to her bedroll she grabbed her hip pouch. After a few moments of struggling through it and giving up Akane noticed Iruka staring at her.

"What?" She wasn't in the mood right now to talk to him. Right now he was content on acting like a weakling and she wasn't going to put up with it.

"Nothing just curious. Why's he sitting there?" Iruka squinted. He was still half asleep from the looks of it.

"He hurt his hand."

"He did! He never does anything like that…what other strange things did he do tonight?" Iruka really didn't trust him. Akane wasn't sure if telling him the truth was a good idea. A week ago she had told him she no longer liked him the same way he had her…but if she had told him about Kakashi…she was sure he'd flip out.

"No not really…why?"

Iruka made a face and sighed, "It's nothing…just be careful he's weird."

Akane questioned that. What was weird anyways? He had no right to call Kakashi weird, she was the weird one not anyone else.

"Get some rest…you'll need it. I think Kakashi is going to make the pace even faster…he seems to be in a rush."

"I noticed. He wants home I think. He doesn't like Canyon country much, I can't blame him." He muttered as he yawned.

"Hmm yeah I bet he will."

Getting up she patted Iruka on the shoulder and smiled. "No nightmares kay!"

"Promise." Iruka smiled yawned againand laid back down on his bedroll.

She was sure he'd fall asleep in seconds.

Taking her hip pouch to where she left Kakashi she noticed he had his eye closed.

"Are you sleeping?"

"No."

"What are you doing exactly?"

"Something like meditating. You took too long so I decided to relax a bit that's all."

Staring Akane wasn't sure just what relaxed was to him. He always looked relaxed…what else was there for him to be…what was he like wired? She suddenly decided she didn't want to know.

"Um okay then. Can I see your hand now?"

"Yeah." Pulling off his glove Kakashi held out his hand. Akane stared at it. She seemed to stare a lot when he was involved. Right in the center of his palm was a large scar.

Someone must have put a knife or a kunai through his hand…that must have hurt. Most people would instantly lose all use of that hand for days, and some never get it back. He was very lucky but something tells me he was still able to use that hand…hmm he is strange in a way, but he's been a jounin for a long time I bet he would even keep fighting after his heart stopped…but I wouldn't like to see that, that would tear me apart.

Taking his hand Akane put the peroxide on the wound. She noticed Kakashi hadn't flinched, was he that used to pain? She had questioned that once before. Maybe he was that then verified her thought that he had indeed lead a very hard life, one full of pain.

Taking out a bandage Akane carefully wrapped it around the hand and attached some tape over it to keep it in place.

"There all done." She said giving the hand a light pat.

"…" He hadn't said a word and still he was looking away from her.

Um what? He's ignoring me? What the hell he just spoke to me…what did I do?

"Kakashi-san you're hand, I'm done with it."

"Thank you." He said distantly as he got up and left.

Eh? Maybe he's tired and needs some sleep…yeah that's it, it has to be.

Genma watched Kakashi as he spoke to Akane but now he was sure that the younger man was feeling really bad about what he did and that he wanted to keep as far away from Akane as he could. He felt sorry for Akane because she didn't understand.

Walking towards her, he decided to talk to her, if Kakashi wasn't going to make her feel better than he was going to.

"Hey you! That was very nice of you to help him with that." Akane turned and smiled. She always had such a cute smile, it was the same kind of smile Iruka had; sincere and see through. You could always tell if either one of them was smiling insincerely.

"Eh…yeah I thought so, but he's acting weird now."

"I know." Genma came over and sat next to her.

"What do you mean by you know…?" He saw her confusion; he too would have been confused…actually he was. Why couldn't Kakashi just admit he liked Akane and get it over with? Kakashi had his reasons though and Genma was sure they were just as crazy as the man was. He was positive Kakashi's reasoning was messed up.

"I saw the whole thing."

"You did?" her eyes widened

"Yep."

"Then you tell me what the hell happened because I'm just all confused."

Genma cringed. She was that confused? Wow that was some move Kakashi did on her.

"Well I saw the 'kiss'" He said making quotation marks in the air. He wouldn't exactly call that a kiss. "Then he poofed away and then he came back." Genma smiled of course Akane noticed he kept out the part about where the man went off to.

"I don't get it Genma. First Iruka, now him…I'm so confused I don't know what to do."

"Well I can't exactly tell you what to do. I mean do you see Iruka as more than a friend?"

"No not really. What happened between us was a mistake."

"Right. And Kakashi-san?"

"I don't know…he's really nice."

"Is he a friend?"

"No…not really, I don't know him well enough."

"Then where's the problem…oh damn yeah okay I see what you mean, with Iruka things were easier since you were living and working for the village at the time." He hated that law. There was a reason why it was there but when he sees his two friends suffereing because of it.

"Exactly. I mean Kakashi-san is a nice person and very kind…but I doubt there's anything there…and yeah I'm not there anymore…and that time was also in secret, no one knew I was from here."

"Yeah. Look I just want you to know that Kakashi-san feels pretty bad about what he did, and I'm sure he'll one day tell you what all that was about. If I tell you what that was he'd lose trust in me and never admit it to himself what happened. He's scared of something…actually I'm not too sure what that is but just give him time.

"I guess…I just…he was so cold to me when I fixed up his hand…why? Did I do something to offend him so much?"

"No Akane, he's just confused and worried…he'll be okay by tomorrow." Giving Akane a final hug Genma sighed. "Get some rest, tomorrow we start moving, you'll need the rest if you have to look after this hoard, especially the short guy…he looks like he' a handful."

Akane laughed the smile returned and soon she was yawning…sleep was the best thing for her.

"Yes I guess that would be true. Good night Genma. Who's next on watch?" She was obviously very tired if she couldn't remember that.

"I think it's my turn." He smiled. "Go before I wake Iruka up…he'll make you sleep."Akane's eyes narrowed.

"I don't think you thought that through well…he's no threat…how many times do I have to tell you that."

"Gee sorry…in Konohoa he's a terror. I mean he even scares Kakashi at times, and seriously no one scares him."

"Hmm we'll see about that won't we?"

"Go to bed." Giving Akane a push in the direction of her bed Genma heaved a sigh. "Seriously now go to sleep, you won't miss anything."

"Okay okay night." Waving Akane made sure Genma could hear her going to her bedroll.

Man she never quits. I never understood how she can stay awake for days on end and not be fazed…I know she's afraid she'd miss something but I doubt there's anything else going on tonight.

That was true. He was the only one awake within sight, there was someone else for sure but they were around the corner. All he had to do was find a nice tree and sit in it. Unlike the others he hated being on the ground when on watch. If he were in the trees he could see more and observe more, which was the whole reason why he saw what he did.

Kakashi sure is acting weird. Ever since he got sick he's practically attached to Akane at the hip…not intentionally though…there's something between them but what can I say…there was something between her and Iruka once and I knew it too. Something changed it and somehow Kakashi may have a hand in that, she does seem to know him after all, at least a little bit anyways.

The question was when and where did they meet? Was there something then or was it just now? He was certain this was not something that just happened to start; the kiss was to fast, there had to have been a time when they were close, the question was still when. Where didn't matter.

Either way I have to get them both to admit this to keep them from getting discovered. If someone else finds out then Kakashi's screwed. If I could just get them together secretly that would make all the problems that occur in public go away…but that will never happen; Akane would kill me.

Getting Kakashi to agree to such a thing would be impossible. Whatever it was that the two of them were feeling he hoped it would sort itself out and soon, if it weren't the mission would be in jeopardy.

Sighing Genma leapt up into the tree he felt was best for keeping watch. He was going to have to look after both of them at this rate. It was going to be a long and tiring mission.

TBC...

A/N: Well this took me three or four weeks to get done, wow. Now it's done. Personally this isn't one of my favorite chapters,I found it the hardest to write at least so far.

Now Kakashi has been working up to this. He spents so long wondering just what it was he was feeling. He figured it out obviously but then he lost confidence in what it was he did. He felt bad and confused. Basically he caved in to his emotions.

Akane...she did what she does...confuses others and then get confused. She's a little overwhlemedI mean what would you do if two people you knew (or sort of knew in Kakashi's case) some on to you...poor thing

Genma hee hee he acts like her older brother.

And Iruka...I tried to make the conversation between him and Akane cute, I mean I could so see a sleepy Iruka in my head...

Please please please please review, this story needs as much feedback at this stage as it can get so please remember to review...my email is very empty...I'd really like to know if anyone liked this one...I may scrap this chapter if I'm not please with where it goes or if someone tells me how it doesn't fit with the rest I wrote...so please review.