Chapter 5

"Welcome to McDonald's! My name is Alysha. What can I get started for you today?"

If there was anything capable of keeping Alysha's mind off of her strange circumstances, it was her job. As a crew trainer she knew the ins and outs of each position like the back of her hand. Therefore, she was nearly always placed in one of the most fast paced stations.

Today it was Presenting.

Handing out orders to customers, pulling cars forward, preparing drinks all while taking orders from the second drive thru lane. It was fast, it was intense, but it danced a delicate line between stressful and exhilarating. Finesse, confidence and concentration were key factors in being able to perform it well. So, how Marc could pull it off while stoned was beyond her.

As if on cue, she turned to find Marc standing next to her. Dark shaggy hair barely contained under his cap and his equally dark eyes glazed but bored. He gazed down at her with an outstretched hand, "Pam said you're good to go. Just gotta refill the shake machine."

Tension eased from her shoulders. Finally. Alysha took off the headset immediately and placed it in his outstretched hand. She flashed him a smile, "Thanks, Marc."

A ghost of a smile appeared on his face and he nodded before speaking into the headset, "Thanks for stopping, what can I get for you?"

Alysha shook her head and made her way to the cooler. Marc was a nice enough guy and was pleasant enough to be around, but he exuded an almost constantly bored attitude. She liked to think that she got along with most of her coworkers. But, since she was never invited to any outings or parties she assumed she wasn't high enough in the social hierarchy to be considered anything more than, 'friendly coworker.' It used to bug her when she wasn't invited to things. Now, after a few months, she was used to it.

Considering her current situation, she was actually grateful for her lack of friends. At least for now. If she had people visiting often or had people wanting to hangout all the time, the fact she had a guy staying with her would be the new hot gossip. She didn't yearn for any attention like that.

She had been anxious enough to leave Kakashi alone in the house. Thankfully he had been proving trustworthy over the last several days. Alysha would leave him alone with Jasper while she went to work and she could tell Kakashi was immensely curious about where she went each day. It was only a matter of time before he wanted to venture past the farm. At least he had Jasper for company. He seemed to care for Jasper as if he were his own dog. Was it too much to say she was becoming a little jealous at the possibility Kakashi would become his new favorite?

The idea made her scowl.

The scowl didn't help her expression as she lifted the fifty pound box of shake mix. She prayed that the bottom wouldn't give out on her as she walked. Shake mix boxes were supposed to be some of the strongest they got! Yet, at least once a week a box gave out and the bags plopped to the floor. Thankfully the bags were not prone to rupture upon their descent.

A strong and sturdy hand reached out, grabbing the box from her hands as she rounded the corner. "Whoa there! What did that mix ever do to you?"

Alysha squeaked, turning her head to see Steven standing there looking down at her. Soft hazel eyes beaming in good humor as he flipped back his slightly too long blond hair. As management, he didn't need to wear a hat but that wouldn't stop the General Manager from getting on his back about it. A sigh of relief escaped her. Thankful for the load to be gone. He handled it so easily but that wasn't a surprise. Steven was just over six feet tall, broad shouldered and toned. While he was twenty-six, that didn't stop the hormonal teens they worked with from swooning at him.

Not that she could blame them too much.

She smiled, "Nothing, just a lot on my mind. I was told to fill the machine and I could go."

He nodded in understanding, shifting the box in his arms like it was nothing. "I see. No worries, I'll get it for ya. I had to talk to you quick before you go."

"Oh? What's up?" The heat of anxiety trailed up her neck. Had she done something wrong? Out of all the Shift Leaders, Steven was by far the nicest. But, that wouldn't stop him from dishing out punishments or warnings.

His face was abruptly panicked, and he raised his hand to wave it dismissively, "Whoa, don't look at me like that! Nothing's going on. I just wanted to be sure. You live out of town, right?"

"Yeah." She nodded uneasily.

"Okay, I'm gonna need you to put your name on the 'Out of Town' list in the office. We're supposed to be getting a bunch of snow this weekend and we wanna be sure we have a heads up if people can't make it in."

"Oh." A flush of embarrassment swept her features. Of course it was that. She hadn't done anything to get into trouble. "Yeah, I'll write my name down. No problem!"

He flashed a winning smile, "Awesome. Don't want people getting stranded out on the roads." He shifted his weight a little and said quieter, "Or ya know, here at the store."

Alysha's face became confused. "I doubt anyone would be forced to spend the night at the store."

Steven shook his head, "No, but making it back out of town might be hard. Might need to spend the night somewhere… in town."

Before she could have enough time to form a coherent thought a loud voice shouted back to them. "Yo! Alysha! Shake Mix! I got 5 McFlurries up here!"

"I got it!" Steven shouted back. He turned back toward Alysha and grinned down at her, "Have a good night, Alysha."

She was left standing there, blinking wildly before going through the motions of clocking out and grabbing all of her things. Getting into her car she was still stumped. Once she heard the roar of the engine she rested her head back against her headrest and whispered to herself.

"What the hell was that?"

~0~

Kakashi stood on the edge of the lake, looking down at the water in deep concentration. He visited this spot everyday. Trying to see something, anything, that would give him an idea of why he had ended up here in a world not his own.

Despite the cold, he was only wearing a black hoodie and the same pants he had arrived in. The temperature didn't bother him, unlike a certain woman he was getting to know. She had left early that morning. Bundled in a thick coat and mumbling to herself about something. He thought he heard the word, "cold" and her tone indicated that she didn't like it.

Trying to learn her language was difficult. It was so different from his own in every way. For once, he was thankful for his Sharingan for something other than the edge in battle. Alysha had spent a long time looking for exactly what he needed, and he was thankful. There were a few videos she was able to find that were designed to help Japanese speakers learn English. They only covered the basics, but it was a good starting point. He would watch them while she was gone and when she was there he insisted that they speak to each other. So he could practice what he learned.

It was obvious that she was shocked at the rate he was learning, even though what he knew was very basic. More words were added to his vocabulary every day and he could see that Alysha was startled at his rampant progress. When she had returned after a day of work, he greeted her in English… Well, he wasn't going to be forgetting that face anytime soon. Even though she wasn't the best teacher, there were other ways that she helped him learn.

His daydreaming was interrupted by a low rumbling sound. So distinct that he couldn't help but recognize it. Kakashi remembered the first time he had heard that sound. The unfamiliar noise made him panic and he had rushed out the door to see Alysha inside a giant metal death trap. If it hadn't been for her getting out and waving her arms to stop, he would have charged up his Chidori and attacked.

How was he supposed to know that it was her means of transportation? It didn't look like anything he had seen before. She acted as though it was nothing, but he was suspicious of this large contraption she called a car. Did everyone have one?

Jasper's head shot up from the water, his tail and ears raised at attention when he too heard the noise. He barked and ran up the path and toward the house where Alysha was sure to be. His tail wagged in excitement the entire time.

Kakashi chuckled at the dog and sighed. Another day with no progress. No matter how much he concentrated or what jutsu he tried, nothing seemed to be working. Hopefully, he could find something soon and he could let Alysha return to her life without him in her way.

Casting one last look at the water, he turned and walked back up to the house. It was a bit of a walk, but when he got closer he saw Alysha furiously petting Jasper. His side pressed against her legs, pinning her to the car as she spoke in a baby tone. "Who's the cutest boy? You are! Oh, yes you are!"

She spoke too quickly and quietly for him to understand what she was saying. But, based on her tone she was just being affectionate, so he could draw his own conclusions. While she was distracted, it was even easier than it usually was to sneak up on her.

When he was only five feet off to the side, he raised his hand and smiled, "Hello, Alysha."

Her startled squeak and her subsequent jump were amusing and his smile turned to a sly grin. She was so easily startled.

"Kakashi!" She gasped, standing up straight and snapping her head to look at him. She frowned, "You don't have to sneak up on me like that."

Again, all he could go off of was her tone. He chuckled, tilting his head to the side in a small shrug, "Sorry."

She waved her hand dismissively, "It's okay. Aren't you cold? It's freezing!" Now that she looked at him, Alysha couldn't believe that he would be outside in just that! It was only fifteen degrees outside! Then her eyes fell to his feet, and he was wearing those weird open toed sandals he had arrived in. How had he not gotten frostbite or something?

"Cold?" He had heard her say that word before, but wasn't sure exactly what it was.

"Um, ya know?" She hugged herself, rubbing her arms and exaggerating a shiver.

A lightbulb went off in his mind and he understood. The temperature. Of course. It all made perfect sense now. He already knew she didn't like it, but now he had a word for it. He was going to attempt to ask a question when she reached out and grabbed him by the arm and pulled him toward the house. He cast one last weary glance at the car before allowing himself to be dragged along.

Once inside, Kakashi watched as she took off her hulking coat and placed it on the hook before removing her shoes. Her uniform was so different compared to what she wore around her home. The shirt could be a different shade, but today it was a deep purple and he couldn't help admiring how well it complimented her skin tone. Her hair was pulled up into a tight ponytail and her clothes seemed to cling to her figure. So much so, that he had to look away when she turned or he would have been caught staring at something he shouldn't be.

He was sure Alysha didn't think he was a pervert and he wanted to keep it that way.

She smiled over at him warmly, "I'll make some coffee."

Coffee. Now that was a word he knew. Kakashi nodded with a small smile and grabbed two mugs from the cupboard as she started the brew. While the cold didn't bother him much, he could tell that a hot cup of coffee after being in from the cold would feel wonderful.

And it did. That first beautiful sip was heaven on his lips and he sighed. When he finally found a way to return to Konoha, he would have to find a suitable replacement for this. Maybe it was already there and he had just never come across it before.

By the time it was done brewing and he had taken his first sip, Alysha had returned from her trip upstairs. She had changed out of her normal work clothes and was in her casual ones. An oversized hoodie and baggy pants that were just a little too long. Her hair was down, reaching just past her shoulders in gentle waves. The afternoon sun leaked through the window, hitting her in all it's glory and he was caught off guard by how her red hair seemed so much more vibrant in the sunlight.

She poured her own coffee before she noticed his gaze, offering a shy smile in return.

He ripped his gaze from her and cursed internally. A dusting of pink threatening to show itself. Well, so much for not being seen as a pervert. Kakashi found himself wishing that he had his mask. He felt so exposed without it. But, of course, in Alysha's attempt to be kind and wash his belongings she had ruined it. The material had shrunk and lost its elasticity in the drier. He had done his best not to be irritated by it. How was she supposed to know it would shrink?

Kakashi cleared his throat and concentrated, "You… do not like… cold?" He knew he probably sounded strange. It even sounded strange to his own ears. His words were slow and deliberate as he remembered the basics he had learned from the video.

Alysha could feel her heartbeat quicken in excitement at the question. While she was confused at first at his quick progress she chalked it up to being another one of his magic tricks. Her smile widened, cradling the warm mug in her chilled fingers, "I do not." He nodded in understanding and she continued, "Do you like cold?"

He thought for a moment, trying to think of how to phrase it. He didn't like or dislike the cold. It was just a part of nature he couldn't control. Drawing a blank, he raised his hand and held it open and flat and tilted it from side to side in a "so-so" kind of gesture.

"Good. It's only going to get worse." She tried not to think of the impending snow storm that was set to happen in a few days. This was the biggest reason she didn't like living on the farm. Thankfully, all the good reasons vastly overshadowed the bad. At least she had a neighbor down the road who was kind enough to help shovel her out if she needed it.

Alysha took her coffee and moved into the living room to sit on the couch, grabbing a blanket as she did. Shortly after, Kakashi joined her and she flipped on the TV to pick up where they left off on their show. Alysha had had an epiphany and realized that there were some people who had learned Japanese by watching anime. Why couldn't Kakashi try and do the same? She couldn't be sure that he would like the show itself, but it was an interesting way to learn and he seemed to enjoy it. He always seemed to focus on the screen with immense interest.

It had taken her a while to find a version of Bleach with Japanese subtitles and English dub. Why Bleach? She figured, weird magical shenanigans and huge swords. He might like that.

Alysha played solitaire on her phone as she listened to the show. Some bits were humorous and she would quickly look up to see if Kakashi reacted to it. He did. His lips curled up ever so slightly and she grinned. Times like this she could steal long looks and glances. Really taking note of his features. A strong jaw, high cheekbones and deep set eyes. He was like a piece of art. And she was seated just half a foot from him.

She forced herself to look away as she yawned. Work had worn her out more than she thought and she was more than happy to have Jasper hop up and sit beside her. He nuzzled into her side, taking up the rest of the couch on that side as she pet him. This was a nice way to unwind.

Kakashi was fascinated by this method of education. It wasn't as simple or straight forward, but it was effective enough. Not to mention, it was interesting to be able to absorb the kind of entertainment Alysha enjoyed. To think this level of video could be produced. It was extremely impressive.

They sat that way for a while. Calm and relaxed in each other's company as they watched a young Ichigo struggle and adapt to his new powers. Their coffee was gone and their mugs on the coffee table. He leaned back into the cushion, arms crossed as he concentrated on the words and how they related to the Japanese subtitles.

He felt a soft pressure on his shoulder and he turned to find that Alysha's head lulled to the side. She had fallen asleep. Her breathing was slow and deep and her fingers were in her lap, phone resting lightly between them. The show was temporarily forgotten as he debated waking her up or not. She had to be exhausted.

It wasn't until the phone tilted and nearly fell that he moved. Without jostling his shoulder, he used his free arm to grab it and place it off to the side. No, she could stay asleep for now. He would wake her up after she got to rest a little.

His eyes fell on the blanket on her lap and he gingerly pulled it to cover her a little more. She didn't like the cold.

Once he was sure she would be comfortable, he relaxed and turned his attention back to the TV. It wasn't for another few seconds that he suddenly realized the gravity of what had just happened.

His eyes snapped back toward her.

When was the last time someone had let their guard down around him like this?

In Konoha, everyone knew him as a lethal weapon. One of the best Jonin in the village. Someone who everyone had a healthy dose of fear and respect for. Only those who were on or near his level of skill relaxed around him. Yet, here was this fragile woman, trusting him enough to fall asleep beside him. He had the means to end her life without her even knowing and yet she slept like a baby on his shoulder.

He chuckled softly at this new and odd revelation. Very interesting indeed.

Now, why was the stuffed lion on screen talking?

Hope you enjoyed the small dose of fluff at the end!

I actually worked for McDonald's for about two years! Figured I would use a job I am pretty familiar with. Easier to write that way!

I live in the United States and we use Fahrenheit, as you all know. 15*F is equal to about -9*C.

Fun fact! (Kinda) If you play Sims 4, I made a house modeled after the farm house in this fic. I thought it would be fun and it would be an interesting visual aid if people were interested. My profile on the gallery is Gingerspice8675, the name of the house is A World Away - Home.

Thank you for reading and for all the love and support!

Don't forget to favorite, follow, and Review~!

Posted - 2/17/2022