It was a little late when Naruto arrived at Sakura's, but she was so happy to get the latest gossip on her old sensei that she didn't mind. When Naruto was done retelling the story that Lady Tsunade had told him earlier that night Sakura just sat there silently.
"That's horrible, her life has been horrible." Sakura said deflated.
Naruto nodded his head in understanding, "I know, so it makes you think about what Master Kakashi did to make her leave for such a long time."
"Well whatever it was we need to make sure that he doesn't do it again," Sakura looked at Naruto with determined eyes, "Master Kakashi has had a difficult life too, but we need to make sure that he doesn't freak out again and drive her away."
"Okay, but how do we go about doing that?" Naruto asked tilting his head to one side.
"I'm not sure, we need to keep a close eye on him though, and make sure we support him when we can." Sakura said, still sounding a bit depressed from the story she just heard.
Naruto and Sakura sat a while longer on her couch discussing different ideas on how to support their old sensei's new relationship.
Kakashi and Aiko walked back to her apartment staying close to one another the entire time. When they got to the door Aiko fell into Kakashi's warm embrace and stayed there for a long time. When she finally came up for air she said, "I don't think it's a good idea for you to come in."
"Oh," Kakashi said, trying not to sound too disappointed, but it was apparent in his voice.
"I've missed you Kakashi, and I think I can forgive you. I need more time to be able to trust you though. I think I should spend tonight alone." Aiko said without making eye contact.
Kakashi placed his right hand below Aiko's chin, tilting it upwards and placing his forehead on hers. "I can't say I'm not disappointed, but I'll give you what you need." Kakashi pecked her on the lips and left."
Kakashi walked home with his hands in his pockets, hoping he didn't already mess this up. Did I really think she was going to allow me to spend the night? Kakashi audibly sighed, I suppose it will just take some time.
Aiko closed the door behind her and let her body relax. She had missed Kakashi and felt comfortable tucked under his arm all night. She was happy to share a knowing smile with Lady Tsunade, aware that this was exactly what she had wanted. While Kakashi provided comfort, he also caused her concern. She wanted to forgive him so badly, but her heart still hurt at the sight of him. Can I trust him? Is it dangerous for me to put my faith into this man? Will I survive another heartbreak? Aiko felt hot tears rolling down her cheeks again and went to cry herself to sleep.
Once again, it was Guy who woke Aiko up before the birds even had a chance to. Her pillow was still wet from her tears the night before, and her face was red and blotchy. Aiko yelled to Guy that she needed ten minutes, and jumped in the shower. Aiko paid horribly for those extra ten minutes, Guy decided that since he had to wait running wouldn't be enough for the day. While Aiko was not exactly thrilled to be running through an obstacle course over and over again at the crack of dawn it at least got Kakashi off her mind. Physical pain was definitely preferable to emotional pain.
"Guy, please a break, I need a break." Aiko managed to get out in between labored breaths.
Guy laughed loudly, "Oh come on Aiko, where's your spirit? Where's your Power of Youth? You can't look that young and act that old at the same time."
Aiko glared at Guy with that last line but didn't have the energy to go after him. "Guy, I'm starving can we eat now?"
"Now that you mention it, I could go for a little something myself," Guy said patting his stomach.
"Well come on then, let's go back to my place and I'll make us some breakfast." Aiko flashed Guy a smile and he went rolling after her.
When they finished eating, Guy was talking about some student of his who he seemed to love dearly. Aiko was happy that Guy had people he cared about in his life.
"So, Aiko," Guy arched his eyebrows at her, "How's Kakashi?" Guy's eyebrows were dancing now.
Aiko sighed and began rubbing her temples with one hand again. "Oh, I don't know we kind of made up last night, but it'll a while before…." Aiko trailed off wishing she hadn't said anything.
"Before what?" Guy said sincerely.
"Before I can trust him again Guy," Aiko said defeatedly.
Guy looked at Aiko with concern evident in his eyes. He had pushed them together again, but Aiko clearly wasn't sure of what she wanted. Maybe he had made a mistake. "I'm sorry if I pushed you two together Aiko, I just want what's best for the both of you. You've had a difficult life, and Kakashi's hasn't been any easier. I thought that you two could give each other the love you both need and deserve."
Aiko looked at the man with the bowl haircut sitting across from her. He had always been so intense, constantly screaming his head off about one thing or another, but during difficult times in her, life Guy had always managed to tone it down and be sincere for her. "Thank you, Guy, I think I just need some time to think, maybe without everyone in the village staring at us whenever we're together." Aiko chuckled a little bit.
Guy laughed out loud, "Well I can't help you there Aiko, you two are the talk of the village. People are naturally curious. Just take your time, if you two fall in love I'll be happy for you, and if you don't, I'll be here anyway." Guy smiled and gave Aiko a thumbs up. "I'm going to head out now, I have to meet Lee for some training. Breakfast was delicious!" With that Guy rolled out her apartment door.
Aiko began busying herself with cleaning up the breakfast mess when she sensed Kurenai at her door and heard a light knock a moment later. Aiko threw her head back and let out an exasperated sigh knowing full well what Kurenai was there to talk about.
Aiko let Kurenai in, "So, did you just happen to be in the neighborhood?" Aiko said sarcastically.
Kurenai gave Aiko a knowing smile, "It's not my fault that you two went out to dinner and wrapped yourselves around each other in front of everyone. Tell me everything."
Aiko attempted to change the subject, but Kurenai wasn't having it. "We talked," Aiko said exasperated. "I care for him Kurenai, I've always cared for him. I wasn't the one who ended it in the first place, but the last time he turned on me so suddenly and he was so cruel," Aiko said choking back tears. "I was weak last night, I was happy to be in his arms, but now…I don't know." Aiko was on the verge of crying again, but pushed the tears back, not wanting to break down in front of her friend. "I don't think it's a good idea to just jump right back into with him, and hope he doesn't change his mind again." Aiko looked at Kurenai defeated.
Kurenai crossed the room to hug one of her oldest friends. "You know, you never told me what actually happened between you two at the end. Why don't we start there, and talk our way through this? I think it'll make you feel better."
Aiko sighed, "Alright, I guess it can't hurt." With that, Aiko pulled a bottle of sake from her cupboard with two careens and sat down at her kitchen table.
Kurenai looked at Aiko confused, "It's not even 12 yet Aiko, what are you doing?"
Aiko looked up at Kurenai, "If I have to relive this again, I'm going to need a drink or two. You don't have to partake if you don't want. More for me."
Aiko told Kurenai about her last few days with Kakashi ten years ago, she told Kurenai about the last night she spent in Kakashi's bed and she told Kurenai everything Kakashi had said to her and done to her that night by the lake. By the end of the story Aiko was just about drunk, and Kurenai finally had a better understanding of her friend's pain.
"Okay," Kurenai said sympathetically, "let's go for a walk."
Aiko stood up but stumbled at first with Kurenai grabbing her arm to lend support and giggling a little.
"Maybe it was a bit early to start drinking," Aiko said slurring her words.
Kurenai laughed even louder now, "You think? Come on now you need to walk this off."
As they reached the street outside of Aiko's apartment, Aiko fell to her knees, lurched over, and vomited. Kurenai got down on the ground to help hold Aiko's hair back. After a few minutes, Aiko stopped vomiting and was trying to regain her composure when she realized there was a man standing in front of her. She knew who it was, but couldn't bring herself to look up at him.
Kurenai looked at Kakashi, "Don't worry, I'll take care of her." As she said this, Kurenai attempted to lift Aiko up, but as Aiko got to her feet a second wave of vomiting began.
When she stopped Kakashi bent down picking Aiko up in his arms, "What happened Kurenai? Why does she reek of liquor?" He said angrily.
"That's really none of your concern Kakashi." Kurenai snapped back at him.
"Kurenai, she can't even stand up, she's vomiting in the street, and you're angry with me?" Kakashi sneered at her.
Kurenai relaxed a little, "Kakashi she's upset and confused, we were talking and she started drinking. I didn't realize how much she'd had until it was too late."
Kakashi shook his head back and forth, "I'm not going to hurt her Kurenai, and when she wakes up if she wants me to go, I'll go without question. Just let me be the one who takes care of her, you have a baby to get back to anyway."
Kakashi seemed sincere, and Kurenai knew he wouldn't harm Aiko but she wasn't sure how well Aiko would handle waking up with the copy nin in her apartment. "Kakashi," Kurenai said looking him in the eyes, "be understanding when she wakes up."
Kakashi nodded and walked back to Aiko's apartment with her in his arms.
He laid her down in the bed covered her in a blanket, left a glass of water for her, and went to sit on her couch with an Icha Icha book.
Kakashi tried to read, but couldn't force himself to focus. How much did she tell Kurenai? She seemed fine last night, a little nervous towards the end of the evening, but not upset enough to drink half a bottle of sake by herself. Kakashi knew he was a fool for thinking one talk and some tenderness could fix the mistake he made, but he had wanted her back so badly he allowed himself to believe that it had been enough.
Kakashi sat quietly on Aiko's couch thinking about what to do next when he heard her stirring in the next room.
Aiko sat up slowly in her bed wishing she had listened to Kurenai about the sake. She noticed that the sky outside of her bedroom window was dark. Aiko couldn't remember exactly what had happened, she knew she had gone outside with Kurenai and she remembered being sick, but couldn't recall how she got into her bed. No more sake for a long time. Aiko thought to herself. She brought her knees up, so she could rest her head on them and wrapped her arms around her thighs in an attempt to get the room to stop spinning.
"I left you water on your nightstand." Kakashi's voice surprised Aiko. "How are you feeling?" Kakashi was careful not to actually walk into the room.
Aiko stared at Kakashi in disbelief. When did he get here? Did he know what had happened? "I'm fine I guess." She said in almost a whisper, not making eye contact with the silver-haired man standing in her doorway.
Kakashi looked at Aiko with sympathy, "You know, getting drunk in the middle of the day may not have been the best idea." Kakashi brought one hand to rub the back of his head.
Aiko gave Kakashi a small smile, "I know, it was a mistake, but Kurenai wanted to talk and I couldn't manage it without a drink. I guess I overdid it." Aiko hugged her knees closer to her chest.
"Can I come in?" Kakashi asked.
Aiko nodded at him.
He walked into the room and took a seat at the edge of Aiko's bed. Trying to keep a physical distance, even though he was aching to wrap is arms around her.
"What were you talking to Kurenai about that you needed to drink so much just to get through it." Kakashi asked.
Aiko put her forehead on her knees so her face was hidden. "You," Aiko said, so low Kakashi had to strain to hear her.
Kakashi looked at the woman curled up in a ball in front of him and his heart broke all over again. "Aiko, if I'm doing this to you if being around me is too difficult and is going to drive you to drink," Kakashi was getting louder as he spoke and was waving his arms in the air, "then this was a mistake, and we should stay away from each other."
Aiko felt her body shutter before she realized she was crying again. She finally brought her bloodshot eyes to meet his. Aiko crawled across the bed to sit on Kakashi's lap, and rested her head on his shoulder. He held her with one arm around her back and the other resting on her legs.
"I'm sorry." Aiko whispered into Kakashi's ear.
Kakashi's eyebrows arched. "You're sorry? What do you have to be sorry for?" He planted a small kiss on her forehead and began rubbing small circles on her back with his thumb.
"For pretending to be okay last night, for getting drunk in the middle of the day, and for vomiting in the street," Aiko said while trying to push her body closer to his.
"You don't need to be sorry for anything Aiko, but I do need you to tell me what happens next. Do you want me to stay away, or can we work through this?" Kakashi didn't want to let go of her but knew she might tell him to.
"I don't want you to stay away," she said into his shoulder, "but this needs to be slow Kakashi. Last night when I told you not to come in, I could hear the disappointment in your voice, and I felt horrible for doing that to you.
Kakashi shook his head back and forth, "You didn't do anything to me, and I'm not expecting anything physical from you. It just feels so good to hold you again. Most of the physical touch I've had since you left has been violent, and I know that was true for you before me. It feels good to have someone to hold."
Aiko looked up at Kakashi, admiring his handsome face. "If you hurt me again Kakashi," Aiko smirked up at him, "I'm going to have to sick Guy on you,"
Kakashi smirked back at her. "Hmmm, I guess I'm just going to have to come through for you then, huh?" With that, he kissed her forehead, and they stayed like that for a long time. Neither one of them wanting to move first. Eventually, Kakashi stood up and laid Aiko down on the bed, kissed her once more on the forehead, and went to leave. Aiko sat up slowly, "Where are you going?" She asked sleepily.
"You were asleep, I thought I should go," Kakashi said to her in a kind whisper.
"Stay? I know I've been all over the place the last few days, but I still don't feel well from the sake, and I want you to. I promise." Aiko looked at him, pleading with her eyes.
Kakashi sighed, "If I stay, you're not going to get drunk tomorrow trying to deal with it?" He asked her with a smirk on his face.
Aiko blushed at the mention of her earlier predicament. "No, I promise, but no funny business Mr. Hatake." She said with a smirk of her own.
Kakashi climbed into bed next to her, covered himself with the blanket and pulled her close to him, and that's how they stayed until the next morning.
Thank you for reading! If you have any thoughts about the story please feel free to comment or private message me! I'm really enjoying writing this, and hope you're enjoying reading it.