I do not own Naruto.


Chapter 6


Day one of being engaged to the Hokage of Konohagakure was pretty anticlimactic.

The night before, Kakashi recommended for Ayame to stay within the confines of her apartment. Nursing the relentless nausea and dizziness took precedence, he said. He also suggested they wait a few more days to formerly announce everything, until she was at least feeling better to handle the attention. There would be incredible attention, he warned. He wanted the already spreading rumors to thaw everyone's minds before the actual news/date was thrusted upon them. Konoha was nothing if not a little dramatic—his words verbatim.

It was nice to know the kage of the village thought very highly of the people.

So on day one of the unannounced engagement, Naruto brought soup prepared by his wife, not really meeting Ayame's eyes. She knew he felt bad and just didn't know how to help. She wanted to tell him the truth but couldn't—didn't really know how to either. After Naruto said a quick farewell, Otousan came wanting to check up on her. Apparently he had been asked to keep the engagement to himself, but it did not stop his curiosity. He wanted to know how her relationship with Kakashi started. She gave him the runaround as best as she could.

She held on to an empty vitamin water bottle under the kitchen's two-seater. "Um...we were just friends at first."

Otousan was pensive in thought, holding his chin. "I see. Okay."

"And then...I started to like him last year."

Her father nodded. "Yeah. Everyone knows that."

She deflated. "Was it that obvious?"

Her father laughed at her response and shook his head. "Ayame," he said with a look, as if she knew better then to actually ask that out loud.

She laughed a little, despite herself. "Okay. I was a little obvious." And she had been.

Kakashi would sometimes come to meet Naruto at Ichiraku's and she would do her best to act smooth and amiable. Sometimes when she handed over his orders, their fingers would graze. He never commented on the minuscule passes and so she would continue them. Sometimes she would fantasize that his prolonged staring meant something. Once she had come around to the customer side and hovered very close to Kakashi, showing Naruto a 'new menu item.' That was the first time she had realized how nice the copy ninja smelled.

She had always looked forward to those moments. Now she wasn't sure what to look forward to. Or if after everything, she was allowed to. Was she allowed to look forward to anything? Marriage and children were good things. But marriage and children like this was confusing and even painful. A part of her felt so hollow. There was so much missing...

When her father left Ayame wondered if it was okay, deceiving him as she was. She wanted to tell him the truth but a bigger part of her did not wish to for fear and shame. He would question himself as a father, she knew that. And then he would question Kakashi and somehow that bothered her just as much if not more.

She realized then they had both messed up—not just her. Kakashi's apology had not been unfounded but neither had hers. Kakashi had not accepted her pardon and she wondered if he ever would. He once said he wanted to take responsibility because he was a man but what did that even mean? Was she less responsible because she was a woman? She thought of bringing it up again but wasn't sure. If they were supposed to marry, any misgivings should probably be discussed.

Probably.

Marriage in general was supposed to be until death but marriage to a kage was indisputably binding in a way that seemed so much more permanent. Oh my goodness—would she be in history books?

Ayame touched her flat stomach. Could she really do this?


Day two of being engaged to the Hokage of Konohagakure went a bit more…interesting. Although still home, Ayame felt less nausea and was able to hold down Naruto's leftover soup.

She sat on the sofa, sewing away when there was a knock at the door. Setting the unfinished skirt aside, she made her way to the peephole. It was Kakashi and behind him was a masked Anbu. The Black Ops member's physique indicated she was a woman. She wore a high purple ponytail and her mask kind of looked like a cat, Ayame noted. Her boobs were bigger, too.

Kakashi leaned forward and smiled that polite smile through the peephole. Ayame counted to three before opening the door. Kakashi amiably greeted her and then waved towards the Anbu as if in show-and-tell. "This is Uzuki Yugao. She will be assigned to you."

Ayame stood dumbfounded. She forgot about this part. "Assigned...to me?"

"Yes. For contact and emergencies."

"Emergencies?"

The Anbu woman suddenly kowtowed and Ayame nearly jumped out of her skin. "Ayame-sama, it is an honor to serve the Daishukujo. Aside from your soon-to-be husband, I will be your fiercest protector."

Ayame immediately looked to Kakashi, astounded. He simply shrugged. He took everything in stride and she envied him that. He had warned her last night that she would have to be assigned a guard. She had begun to argue and he silently listened until she finished. Then he said her safety and the child's was nonnegotiable. She did not contend after that. The Hokage's word was law in Konoha, father of her unborn child or not.

Looking at the bowing Anbu, Ayame wondered just how much her life was really going to change. She had never been referred to with such an honorable honorific and wasn't sure how she felt about it. Frankly it was embarrassing.

"Hello," she said and she sounded shyer than she really was. The nausea returned and her eyes watered. When would it stop? She was so tired of feeling sick and helpless and without control.

Kakashi stepped towards her. "Ayame-chan?"

She weakly smiled. "I'm okay. Still feeling the same is all."

"Hmm. I'll try to see what I can do about that. Do you have any friends or family who could help guide you?"

Her older sister Yumi came to mind but she hesitated. She looked to the bowing Anbu member. Did the woman know? Had Kakashi told her?

Kakashi followed her gaze. "Yugao, we look forward to working with you. I'll be counting on you to keep her safe."

"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Ayame was not sure why, but at that moment she wanted to cry.

"If you could give us some privacy," Kakashi said. He did that a lot—read her mind. Maybe the woman's dismissal meant he had not said anything to her. The thought made her feel a little better.

"Sir!" Yugao did that thing the red-headed fellow had done and transfigured into the floor. Ayame stared closely, still awed by the ability. She wanted to bend down and touch the cement of the hall. It looked as if it had melted just so the Anbu could pass through but now was solid again—

Her thoughts were interrupted by Kakashi's chuckle. He had a nice laugh. She had always thought so. It was smooth and not obnoxiously high-pitched like hers.

"Ayame-chan, is there?"

"Huh?"

He laughed again. "Someone who can guide you," he said and came a bit closer. "With the child." He added the last part with a gentleness she was not sure she had heard him use before. He talked of the "child" so easily. She could not.

She became a little dizzy and she did not know if it was because of the pregnancy. He wasn't very close but close enough that she could smell him—wood and papers and something entirely him. Oh it reminded her of that night—

"Ayame-chan?"

"Hm?"

"Are you alright?"

"Hm-mm."

He stepped inside the threshold. His chest grazed hers and then he paused, maybe remembering the last time he had been there. His hands hovered over her shoulders. "Let's sit you down somewhere," he suggested.

"Not the sofa," she said softly. She thought she heard him inhale sharply through his nose.

"Okay." His tone was lower.

He led her to the two-seater table (not very far from that sofa). The living room was humbly connected to the kitchen. It was a small one bedroom apartment but it was hers darn it. She was not ashamed of it, except maybe now that he could see that sofa with a throw blanket covering the middle cushion.

Helping her sit without really touching her, Kakashi informed her Yugao would be near the premises at all times, and then left faster than she could think of offering him tea.

She realized she had been wearing her robe the entire time.


Day three and four of being engaged to the Hokage of Konohagakure went nearly the same as the first day: Naruto stopped by with more soup, and then Raiden and some coworkers visited with snacks, board games, saltine crackers, and funny stories that nearly had her choke on those crackers. During a game, her younger coworker Aoi randomly brought up a rumor going around that the Hokage was engaged. She choked on another cracker.

On the fifth evening, Naruto came wondering how she was feeling. His wife, Uzumaki Hinata, made leftover dinner again. She was overcooking a lot this week, apparently. He stood at the door, sheepish, holding out containers of food. She took it gratefully, love for the young man swelling in her chest. Before she could invite him in, deliberating if she should explain things to him now, he started to blink rapidly, owlishly looking around the hallway outside the apartment.

"Why is there a…"

"Naruto?"

"Uh—sorry nechan. I gotta check something out. I'll come by another day. Maybe we could have dinner with Hinata-chan?"

"I'd love that—oh bye-bye, Naruto!" She held the containers to her chest, poking her head out the doorway.

"Bye!" he shouted quickly over his shoulder, running down the hall. She curiously watched his retreating form, wondering what the hurry was.


On the sixth day of being engaged to the Hokage of Konohagakure, Hatake Kakashi stood outside her door once more, standard eye crinkle in place. She wondered if it would be a thing now; him standing at her door with that smile.

Ayame stared at the Hokage. He stood on the welcome mat, hands casually stuffed in his pockets. He wore his customary flak jacket with a red band that presented him as the sixth kage. The scene was familiar, except this time he did not ask if he could kiss her nor was she naked under a flimsy robe. She wore a perfectly modest, long-sleeved dress thank you very much. Her hair looked crazy though.

"Hello!" He waved.

"Hello..." She glanced to the right and left of the hallway, checking for stragglers. No Anbu today. Yugao was probably nearby—it was beyond Ayame where.

"Do you like walks, Ayame-chan?"

"Oh...yes. I do," she said and meant it, peeking up at him.

Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck. "I was thinking we could go on one if you're up to it. I know you haven't been feeling well. Which reminds me—" He reached into his flat jacket and held out a small violet pouch. "Ginger tea."

Ayame blinked, grabbing the small bag. "Oh—um. Thank you," she said. Ayame enjoyed walks, especially if she had a lot to think about. Usually she took them by herself and not with the progenitor of her thoughts. "I..."

Kakashi lifted his hands in defense. "It would be good to be seen together."

"To be seen together?" She reflexively lifted the pretty pouch to her nose. The scent was immediately calming.

He nodded. "I think it'll be good for the village." He lifted a shoulder in a small shrug. "It'll bring credibility to some of the rumors. The right ones, hopefully."

"So you want to go on a walk?" It made sense.

"Yes."

Ayame couldn't look him in the eyes. Even in the face of a forced marriage he was still thinking about the village. It was kind. If she was...really going to marry the Hokage, then she should act the role. Ayame already loved Konoha, and she had revealed the truth to Kakashi because of her consideration towards others, so this was not a lot to ask. She wanted to be kind like him.

It was still difficult.

"I don't mind, Hokage-sama," she said. "I do feel a little better today...a short walk will be good for me, I think." She would have to dress warmer. Konoha was nearly three weeks into January and it was cold.

Kakashi smiled and it was one of his softer smiles. The laugh lines near his eyes creased but his eyes did not close. "I'm glad you feel better. It must not be easy."

She nodded silently. He truly was kind.

"Should I give you some time to get ready?"

Ayame was about to say yes right away (she had to get a sweater and some warm shoes) but then thought if she did then would he come in again? She frowned and Kakashi raised a brow.

"Err-umm. I just have to get something." She pointed behind her with a thumb.

"I'll wait here."

She hesitated. "Are...are you sure?"

"I don't mind."

Ayame took that as permission enough and hurried to her room's closet. She tossed the tea pouch on the bed and dug through her drawers, quickly grabbing some leggings and socks. She slid the leggings on under the cotton dress and slipped the socks on while standing, nearly falling. She ran to the bathroom, grabbed her mother's pearl earrings, and brushed her hair up into a messy bun. There was so much of it she had to use three rubber bands.

She fetched her sweater from the living area on the way out. When she opened the door again she was half putting a scarf on, half digging a foot into a boot.

"Ready?" She was breathless, bun askew.

"Are you alright?" he said, maybe surprised at how quick she had been or how much noise she had made.

"Yes!" She locked the door from inside and closed it, key in pocket. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she asked, "Where did you want to walk?"

He watched her fix her bun. "Not too far. We could...are you sure you're alright?"

Ayame nodded. Sure she was breathing a little faster than usual but she was sure it had more to do with his presence than with the morning sickness. Day two had made her a little afraid of her hormones. He had smelled so nice. She decided to not get too close today.

Despite Kakashi's nonchalant attitude, he carried a strong presence. He was the Hokage and the one who sort-of put a baby inside of her. He was also a very considerate lover. He had been forward and unceasing in his seduction, but he had made sure she felt good. The images of that night would never leave her. How could they? Sometimes when she closed her eyes, she would imagine it from start to finish. She would even pretend he would say things he had not said—affectionate things—things about love and a future together.

They stood in the hall, quiet. She supposed she should say something since he asked a question. He was always asking if she was okay. "I'm just a little nervous."

"Me too," he said and she looked to him then. He was staring off towards the stairwell and she marveled.

Was he really nervous? He had said the same thing the other day at her father's but he did not seem nervous at all. There were usually physical signs that accompanied nervousness, like accelerated breathing, blushing, stuttering, hand trembling, etc. She experienced all of them pretty regularly but Kakashi showed none of that. He only said he was nervous and one just had to take his word for it.

He was a pretty frank fellow anyway. She supposed he had no reason to make things up.

She had first assumed he said it initially to her father for authentic purposes but staring at him now she thought maybe he had been truthful. Maybe he was just as nervous as she about this whole thing. He was just better at hiding it.

That's what shinobi did, she guessed. They controlled their emotions and did what they had to do in the face of any and all circumstances. Why should this circumstance be any different? He did what he had to do. That's why she had gone to him in the first place.

They made their way down the hall towards the exit stairwell, but then one of her neighbors stepped out with a broom. The middle aged woman noticed them immediately. Well, she noticed Kakashi immediately.

"Hokage-sama!" The broom in her hand fell. She looked amazed to see Kakashi there in the hall, with Ayame no less.

"Good afternoon, madam." Speechless, the middle aged woman bowed multiple times and Kakashi simply smiled. "You have a good day now," he said as he handed the fallen broom to her.

Ayame was already beat red. She was not sure how she would do this.

They walked down the steps of the second floor and garnished more surprised stares from fellow residents who happened to be outside. An elderly man fully kowtowed and Ayame was impressed with how Kakashi took all the greetings in stride. He would nod or verbally respond in kind. His charisma was downright charming.

Kakashi's friendliness aside, Ayame wanted to blush at the incredible attention. She understood now why he had told her to meet him at her father's house the other day. When she had arrived at Otousan's house, Kakashi had been waiting at the door. He had spared her from this then but he would not today.

But she was not sure how they would all assume she was the one engaged to him. Kakashi had walked around the village with others before, women and men, shinobi and civilian, young and old. Her walking behind him was not a thing out of the ordinary.

And she did walk behind him. Well, she tried to walk behind him and to the right, as it was proper etiquette. But he would slow and she would catch herself walking beside him. She would slow down but the whole cycle would start again. It was a force of habit really, letting the Hokage take his rightful place ahead of her.

If she didn't know better, she'd say this was all very amusing to him. They looked silly, really. When he slowed once again, he said, "Ayame-chan, it's alright to walk with me."

"I ...feel strange." It was stupid, since they'd done much more than walk beside one another. But these sorts of manners were drilled into every citizen's head since grade school. Never mind shinobi, who were always the most formal with the Hokage, especially the veterans. "You want people to know…um…that we're engaged but we're just walking together. You do that with others all the time. And side by side is hard for me. It just looks kind of rude if I'm not behind you. I guess. Um. Yeah." It was hard talking to him.

He considered her. "I can understand that. What do you suggest?"

If they wanted to convince everyone they were an engaged couple, then maybe they could...Ayame looked at her right palm. They could hold hands. She blushed and looked at Kakashi. She would have to stand on his left too.

He must have read her mind because he cleared his throat. "Is that alright?"

Ayame wasn't sure what was right or wrong in this case, but without answering, she offered a hand, heart in her throat. It was trembling and sweaty and she felt really dumb. She focused on breathing as he oh so gently wrapped his hand around hers. Like the time at her father's, you could barely see her hand under his. His hands were not sweaty.

Stupid, hardened ninja nerves of steel.

"Is this okay?" he asked again and she thought maybe his voice lowered like it had on day two. That would be a problem. He should not do it. It made her mind foggy and tingly inside.

"I...I think so." Was it okay? How was she supposed to know? They were doing all of this so backwards she could barely keep up.

Kakashi had put himself out there for her, asking the council and her father's permission to wed. She could do this for him even if she was internally having an anxiety attack. She had only held Yuu's hand in the past but it was magnanimously different with Kakashi. She was not sure if it was because he was the kage or because he would be the father of her child. Or both. Despite their current estrangement, she had been incredibly into him before and attraction like that didn't go away.

They turned the few heads that were around her block but as they neared one of the main streets, the commentary began:

"Whoa look at that!"

"Is that... Ramen Girl?"

"Ah! He's found someone!"

"I actually heard Kakashi-sama's engaged. I guess that's her."

"Yo she's hot."

Ayame tried not to wish too much for the ground to swallow her up. She felt deceitful and wrong but Kakashi was so...normal. Oh she really envied his ability to keep it together.

"Some will guess." Kakashi was making eye contact with curious bystanders, waving with his free hand at certain times, but he was talking to her. She had no idea how he did it. She could barely walk, hold his hand and endure the stares while he talked all at the same time.

"They'll guess?"

He nodded. "And Naruto is not the only sensory ninja in the village. For instance Yugao is, too. But I am not worried about my shinobi. They know better than to question the Hokage and his private decisions."

"The civilians," she whispered. Though they too were expected to serve and honor the Hokage, they were not pledged to him in the same way shinobi were.

"Yes, but guesses are guesses. And later it will be fine."

"Because—um. We'll be married."

"Exactly."

They never entered the heart of Konoha nor any path close to the taller buildings in the village. Perhaps it was in consideration of her, but he only walked them close to her area. They turned more heads going through the neighborhood market. Stationed ninjas gawked and bystanders nearly dropped items that they carried.

The Hokage acted as if he had walked holding hands with her before. Some people whistled, some nodded approvingly, and some cooed adoringly because "Our dear Hokage has finally found himself a nice young lady!" Kakashi beguilingly waved at times, specifically at the people that wordlessly stared. His sense of humor stood strong against the situation and she begrudged him further. He even winked at one of his ninja that suggestively howled.

Ayame continued to look down, face red as a pepper. He was…really good at this. Although she didn't really do anything, walking around with her head down, she hoped the message got across well enough with the hand holding.

She wondered then why it was women who bore the weight of carrying a child. A father could be nameless but a mother never could be. They literally bore the weight and handled the emotions of it all before the baby was actually in their arms. They were to nurture children with very sensitive parts of their bodies and Ayame knew there would be a love there that she had never experienced before. She easily got attached to pretty things like clothes and shoes and gourmet meals—why would a baby be any different? A child.

Kakashi and she made their way back and silently released the hand holding as her apartment building appeared around the corner. Standing outside her door, he asked, "Have you been able to communicate with a confidant?"

Ayame shrugged a little shrug. It was not her first choice but it was the only choice. "Maybe today I can visit my sister. I have three nephews." They were the funniest boys in the world and Ayame loved them very much.

"That's good. There are books but you shouldn't experience this alone."

"I think so too." She nodded, a sense of forlornness taking over. The adrenaline from the walk began to fade and hollowness replaced the rush of incredible attention. She touched her abdomen. There were so many questions she had and no one to ask them to.

He pulled his eyes up from her hips before he spoke. "I have to go but if there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to come to the Tower or ask Yugao."

"Okay sure." She tried for a light smile.

"Ayame-chan," he hesitated. "There is something…"

She looked side to side, not sure what he'd say now. He reached into his flak jacket and pulled out a folded booklet. He looked down at it for a second, and then offered it to her. She took it, curious. It wasn't tea obviously. She wondered how many things flak jackets could actually carry.

"What...is this?"

He harrumphed into a fist and then indicated towards the booklet with a wave. "This is an available plot near the Tower and multiple complimentary blueprints. Pick any one you'd like."

Ayame suddenly realized she would not be living in her apartment anymore. In two months, she would be expected to live somewhere else. With Kakashi. In a house. By themselves.

"I...I have stuff." Her power of speech amazed her sometimes.

When she had moved out of her old man's not too long ago, she'd bought brand new furniture and curtains and decorative pieces and pillows and that sofa too. It had been a milestone she had celebrated with her family and coworkers. Another step into adulthood—a segue into growing up and showing everybody that she was not a baby.

"You can bring your things, of course." He had a habit of reading her mind-most everybody did. She wasn't exactly the mysterious type. She was not Kakashi. She never knew what he was thinking.

"Is that okay?" It was their favorite question to ask him.

"I don't see why not." He smiled. "There's no specific etiquette on how the interior of a kage's house should be."

She smiled with him. "That would be silly."

"I think so too. Once you find a blueprint let me know."

"I will…but a house in under two months?"

He shrugged. "I know a guy. And don't worry about costs."

"Oh…okay." He was the Hokage. If anyone knew anybody, it would be him. Ayame once heard a rumor that whoever was the active Hokage shared a vault with the Fire Daimyo. Rumors, but still. Life was really turning on its head. It was all thanks to the little extra flare of chakra.

"Well..." she started, wondering what time it was. If she wanted to visit Yumi it would be best before sunset. Her sister was particular like that.

"Right. I'll get going. Have a good day, Ayame-chan."

"Thank you. You, too."


The relationship and relatability of siblinghood was a funny thing. You could live your entire life with a brother or sister, grow up in the same house with the same parents, the same school, extracurricular activities, friends, food, but somehow you could still turn out to be the most different beings in the universe.

Ayame and Yumi weren't the most opposite of sisters, but they were different. That was what all the uncles had told Ayame growing up. That was what Otousan would gently explain to Ayame every time Yumi made her cry or treated her crossly the older they got.

That being said, it was understandable that Ayame was very nervous as she waited for someone to answer the door of a two story, well-constructed house. A rickshaw and its puller waited twenty feet away, on the street outside the extraordinarily green yard. Yumi lived on the opposite side of Konoha and everyone had big, green yards here. A rickshaw was the best mobile option if you weren't able to travel roof-to-roof.

Yumi opened the door and she was virtually a carbon copy of Ayame—simply older with shoulder length hair and curves that had brought three strong boys into the world. Ayame expected Yumi to get excited but she did not. She just smiled and raised one hand in greeting. It had been awhile.

"Hey, Aya-chan."

Ayame smiled. She could hear the boys in the background playing. "Nechan! It's been so long. How are you? You look great."

"Yeah fat and ugly thanks."

Ayame was not deterred. "Oh whatever. You're beautiful."

"Hm-mm. So what do you want?" Yumi closed the door behind her and came down the wooden steps that fell from the beautiful home's threshold. She hugged herself tighter within her coat, reminding Ayame of how cold it was. She wondered if it would snow tonight. They both shivered.

"Oh that's…" Ayame hoped to at least say hello to the boys before dropping the baby bomb. Would she not be invited inside?

"Otousan said you're getting married."

Ayame gasped, looking at Yumi with eyes as big as hers. "He did?"

Yumi shrugged, bending down to pick up some forgotten toy. She dusted it off. "Yeah. He said to wait until you told me. But whatever. Congratulations though. Finally, right?" She actually gave a little smile before it disappeared. She walked down the stone steps and bent at the waist to pick up another toy, frowning.

"Oh…thank you…"

Yumi's face pinched in impatience. Ayame wasn't sure if it was because Yumi began to notice all the toys that were scattered about the yard or if it was her. One never knew with Yumi.

"So what did you want to talk about?"

"Well..." Maybe she should just go ahead and say it. It was difficult but Yumi was the only one who could help. She was a mother three times over. Sure they didn't get along but maybe if she asked properly. They were sisters after all. And Ayame did not want to do this alone. She had no female friends or family relatives that she was very close to. She only had Yumi.

"Aya-chan, seriously?"

"Oh um, it's just...sorry I—"

"Why are you taking forever to talk? You always do this."

Ayame watched as Yumi's mouth demolished into a scowl. The expression alone told Ayame that it had been a mistake to come. At the end of their school years, Yumi had picked up a certain behavior against Ayame. She had never understood why or how, but things had drastically changed between them. One day Ayame was happily following her older sister around and the next, Yumi didn't want much to do with her. They had stopped getting on a long time ago. But it hurt every time and especially now when Ayame was at her most vulnerable.

An ache formed at the back of her throat and seared down into the center of her chest. She wanted things to be different. She wanted to be close with her sister but Yumi must have not had the same desire. The few times Ayame brought up the estrangement, Yumi brushed it off, saying there was no such thing.

Ayame would not cry now. She wanted to leave but she wavered. Maybe if she explained why she had hesitated, Yumi would understand and maybe feel a little bad about her impatience.

"You don't think I have better things to do?" Yumi crossed her arms, toys in both hands. The setting sun made her narrowed eyes shine like honey.

"I just"—it was difficult to speak—"wanted to talk with you but you're being really rude and I don't know why."

Yumi rolled her eyes. "Okay."

"Seriously?" She threw her sister's sarcasm back at her but the moment she did she regretted it. It would not help.

"Yeah. Seriously. You think because you're marrying the Hokage you can get away with all this cutesy stuff?"

"O-otousan told you?"

"Of course he did, Aya-chan. I talk to Otousan all the time even though I don't see him. He's really excited. I mean it's great, but you gotta stop all this. How do you expect to be a leader? I can't stand it."

Ayame inhaled slowly and exhaled slower. "Okay. I'm gonna go."

"Go ahead. Walk away. You always do."

Ayame turned on her heel, ignoring Yumi's last words, and made her way towards the rickshaw. She would not cry. She would not cry—then she realized she hadn't been able to greet her nephews and Ayame burst into tears. She was so emotional lately it was embarrassing. The puller glanced at her, surprised but said nothing as she climbed in, hands cold and nose runny.

Every time Yumi would get in one her moods there was nothing on earth that could get her to relax or apologize. Of course Ayame always walked away. If she stayed, they would not be able to work it out anyway. Yumi only got meaner and Ayame would just sit there and take it, as if it were an honorable thing to hear out an unreasonable person. It was better to walk away. It was always better to leave and not experience the devastating weight of utter rejection from someone who was supposed to love her.

We're just different, Ayame repeated her uncles' mantra in her mind as she cried all the way home.


Kakashi looked up from a half decoded scroll as Yugao walked into the office. She bowed and he raised a brow. Her shift was not over yet she was here. Ayame's night watch did not start until later in the evening.

"Yugao, what's going on?"

"My apologies, Hokage-sama. Uzumaki Naruto is with Ayame-sama."

"Naruto is?" Kakashi closed the scroll. "Explain."

Yugao nodded dutifully. "Ayame-sama went to see Seito Yumi and not long after visiting she returned home on a rickshaw. She was crying, milord. Uzumaki Naruto and Hinata were outside her apartment building with groceries. After helping her inside, Naruto-sama stepped out to find me. He asked that I report this to you."

Kakashi sighed. So his number one hyperactive, knuckleheaded student had put two and two together. "I imagine he had more to say?"

"…"

"Go ahead, Yugao."

"He said if you did not…come immediately he would make sure you did. Sir."

"I see."

"I tried to dissuade him but it is Naruto-sama."

People loved Naruto for all he had done for the world, including the kage's personal Anbu. His student would make an excellent leader one day. He would have the most faithful men and women at his beck and call. He was already gathering favor from those like Yugao and Fuko. Even Shikamaru looked forward to Naruto's successorship. Half the reason he became the Hokage's right hand man was to one day be useful to Naruto.

Kakashi never once minded their extended loyalty to Naruto, especially since he trusted the young man immensely, but perhaps today he felt a little weary of it all. He was not a placeholder for Naruto after all—he was the Rokudaime Hokage.

He stood, securing the scroll in a sealed drawer of the large desk. "I suppose I have some time now."


From childhood's hour I have not been

As others were—I have not seen

As others saw—I could not bring

My passions from a common spring—

From the same source I have not taken

My sorrow—I could not awaken

My heart to joy at the same tone—

And all I lov'd—I lov'd alone—

-Edgar Allan Poe, 'Alone'