Sparks 9

"Politeness is the poison of collaboration." – Edwin Land

A Month Ago

Kakashi stood before the Hokage in silence. He had a strange feeling about the meeting they were having. It wasn't often Hiruzen was quiet like this. The last time it had happened, he was released from the Anbu. He had a feeling it was going to be another life changing day for him. He wasn't looking forward to it.

"Recently I came across news…" Hiruzen began softly. The older man was running his fingers across his knuckles in a calming manner. Something had been on the Hokage's mind for awhile. "It's gotten me to thinking. It's made me wonder if the choices I have made have been the best."

Kakashi remained silent; while he may have questioned the Hokage at one point, his mind was changed - was this why he was there?

"Kakashi you have… you have been on a long path getting to this point. You have dealt with every disadvantage thrown your way with poise. And only recently was it brought to my attention that perhaps it has been trying for you."

Kakashi shifted uncomfortably. He really didn't care for the way this conversation was going. He preferred to avoid this kind of attention. He hadn't wanted it for years.

Hiruzen fell quiet for a moment, his thumb still worrying his knuckles.

"The news that I have gotten, well, it's changed my perspective on some things. On far too many things. You have been one of my most trusted Shinobi." Hiruzen finally looked Kakashi in the eye, "Only now have I realized….I think it's time for change. I'm assigning you a partner."

Kakashi fought the urge to grumble. He had worked in teams, and certain partnerships. He had hoped that once he stepped into the teaching role he would have at least some choice (AKA those who could pass his test), but it looked like that was taken from him too.

"What do you think of Walker Tami?" Hiruzen asked. Kakashi was glad his mask hid his grimace.

"She doesn't like me." Kakashi kept it simple. It was the truth. Maybe he could change his mind?
"That isn't what I asked." Hiruzen said.

Kakashi shifted to get more comfortable. No, he wasn't going to be able to change his mind. Not this time.

"She's emotional. She cares far too much, and she's jumpy. I don't think she'll make a good kunoichi." He evaluated her coldly.
"Are you sure she doesn't like you? Because it seems you share the sentiment." Hiruzen asked in amusement. "Is there anything else?"

Kakashi let out a deep sigh. "She's committed to her goals. Although she's stubborn, she's smart."

"She will be earning her Hitai-ate very soon. While her skills as a kunoichi require cultivation she has shown discipline seen in only a very few. She has skills outside of what we teach. I think you both can learn quite a bit from each other." Hiruzen stated. Kakashi turned his face; he doubted he could learn anything from the woman besides annoying someone else.

"Does she know yet?" Kakashi asked.

"No. I don't think her knowing now will bring anything good." Hiruzen said. Kakashi agreed silently.

"I'll have to consult the council, but I thought you should know of my intention. You have proven yourself to be capable of a great many things. I have high expectations of you."

Kakashi fought back the urge to cringe. That was something he didn't want. No expectations was what he liked to aim for besides what he expected of himself.

He hoped that something would change. However a month later proved him wrong. He was now partnered with a Genin. An inexperienced Genin who knew far too little. At least a Konoha civilian knew enough to live by their standards. He was saddled with a wild card.

Presently

The idea of working with Kakashi was… unsettling. Especially with what I found out last night. While it helped humanize the man I had already decided to keep my distance. And in one swift movement, all my plans were thwarted by a well meaning dictator. Lovely.

Ah well. It meant little to nothing. It wasn't like Kakashi was suddenly going to want to have sleepovers and braid each others' hair while we eat out of a pint of Ben and Jerry's. It would be fine. Certainly, it would be fine. I carried on with my day, walking the streets in a daze. I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself until tomorrow. I almost wished they would have given us a case file today. It would have given me something to do while wandering the streets. I was certain D-ranked missions were the simplest of the lot. Probably odd jobs and the like. At least it wouldn't be Missing Children or finding long lost parents who ran off in the middle of the night. I hated those cases - especially when they turned south. Uncle hated them too, there was a sour look on his face for days after. I would have to hide the alcohol - he enjoyed the occasional beer but on those days he tended to dive into whiskey.

I pulled out the headband from my coat pocket to examine it. All of this work for this little piece of metal and fabric. It was fascinating how that little piece of metal was what told everyone what I earned. It was sort of like a badge, in a way. While I was staring at the little piece of metal I heard a gasp near me.
"Tami! You earned your Hitai-ate!" Guy gushed, running up to me in a way only he could. "This is amazing! Your goal is nearly complete!"

Good gracious.

Only Guy could be that excited about this. While it was exciting, it had little impact on my goal at large. I had to be able to leave the Village to find the jutsus to return home. While Jiraiya would be a help, I knew for a fact that he wouldn't be able to divert much attention to it like I could. If those Missing Nin could figure it out - well, I was certain I could too.

"I did indeed. I just got it this morning." I explained, trying not to let his over-enthusiastic attitude throw me off. He was just always so on.

"That's wonderful news! I knew your youthful spirit would send you forward to achieve your dreams!" He carried on. I didn't even know how to respond to that.

"Ah - well." I puttered, but he paid no mind.

"Have you been placed in a team yet?" He asked.

"Ah, of sorts." I began, pushing my hair from my face nervously. "They teamed me up with Kakashi of all people."

Guy's face fell. A second later he crumbled into the ground. Five minutes later, I found out that Guy had been trying to partner with Kakashi for years between anguished sobs and general unhappiness.
"I can't believe it." He wailed. I awkwardly patted him on the shoulder. I didn't even know where to begin on comforting a man who sparkled when he spoke. Maybe youthful Spring-y something? Ah - better not. Instead I tried humor, hoping he would be simple to cheer.

"Between you and me, I'm rather sure he wouldn't even notice if you arrived in a blond wig, luv. Might even prefer it." I joked playfully. Guy suddenly snapped up and turned to me with fire in his eyes. He nodded seriously, thanked me, and raced off.

I stared after him gobsmacked. I will never understand Guy. Ever. I hoped he wasn't about to do what I thought he would do.

Instead I carried on towards the Academy for Naruto and Sasuke. Naruto would love to see the headband. I hoped it would encourage him further. Sasuke was doing well in school but Naruto struggled. Understandably, considering everything Naruto was dealing with it was harder for him to focus in school. I would do more, but it might not be for the best.

I waited outside for them to be released, sitting on the lone swing as I stared at the building. Parents were arriving, some giving me the evil eye. I would wink playfully or send a cheerful wave their way. If they wanted to be petty, that was their problem and not mine.

My wait didn't last long as I soon saw the doors open and kids running from the school. Naruto was nearly the first to leave while Sasuke was among the pack so to speak. Naruto ran straight for me, jumping right into my arms.
"Tami-chan! You're here!" He shouted loudly. The parents behind him glowered our way. "I like it when you come."

"Mmm - it's rather good to see you too. Learn much in school today?" I asked politely.

"Nope. It was boring." Naruto told me with a disgusted look on his face. I with-held a sigh. In any world a child would find school boring. Even if it was Ninja School. It was sad, overall.

Sasuke leisurely walked up to us, a hand in his pocket.

"Tami." He said cordially.

"Sasuke." I replied. I then grinned mischievously at him, "Your hair is looking far too perfect right now; it would be a shame if someone came to mess it up."

His nose scrunched up, and his free hand went right to his hair as if to protect it from me. I bit back a chuckle.

"Guess what, my lovelies?" I knelt down in front of them, a wide grin on my face.

"Ramen?" Naruto guessed.

"No~ guess again."

"You earned your Hitai-ate." Sasuke murmured, his gaze flicked up to me in shock. My grin answered his guess and Naruto gasped.

"Wha-?! No way!" He shouted, "Lemme see, lemme see!"

I pulled the headband from my pocket and Naruto ooed and awed over it. Sasuke rolled his eyes, but didn't comment.

"I'm gonna get mine this spring! Just you watch!" Naruto shouted in excitement.
"Stupid, you can't even perform any jutsus." Sasuke grumbled. I shot him a look and he turned his face away.
"Tami got hers! I wanna get mine! Then we can be on the same team!" Naruto shouted.
"Methinks that isn't how it works, lovely." I told him sympathetically.

"The Hokage picks teams." Sasuke said. I found that out myself just that morning. I nodded in exasperation, remembering my new partner.

"Well, then when I'm Hokage I'll put Tami on my team!" Naruto said, determination flaring in his eyes. I laughed awkwardly - unless Naruto spontaneously became Hokage in a week I doubted that would happen. I planned to be gone far before Naruto even reached the age of maturity let alone the level he was talking about. Sasuke's gaze flickered to mine, and a frown appeared on his face.

"When you're Hokage, you won't need a team." I told him but I could see in Naruto's eyes he wasn't budging on the idea. He crossed his arms stubbornly and stared up at me, his bottom lip protruding.
"Well, shall we celebrate?" I asked them, a grin on my face. I could see Naruto gearing up with a shout but I cut him off. "Anything but ramen."

He pouted at me.

"We have ramen nearly every time we hang out, my love. Something else will do you good." I told him but still the pout wouldn't leave. Sasuke rolled his eyes and I was nearly with him there.

"Well, o' genius - you've any suggestions?" I asked playfully. Sasuke just shrugged.

I let out a deep sigh. "Alright. Ramen it is."

Naruto let out a deep, bellowing cheer. Sasuke gave a small smile and I gave a weak grin myself. One would have thought it was Naruto who was celebrating.

Later that night, after everything was all said and done (and after I quit my job. I wouldn't need it now that I was a ninja) I arrived home but found the light was on. I gripped my pepper spray closely, more out of habit than need. I pushed into my apartment and found the intruder.

The Hokage himself.

He had welcomed himself into my home, into my cupboards and into my personal stash of tea. He had a steaming cup in his hand as I walked onto the scene. He sat at my kitchen table with my favorite kettle before him.

"Well." I began, "It isn't every day you find the intruder has made himself home."
"I figured you wouldn't mind." Hiruzen said, a small smile formed on his face. "I thought you would like to talk."

"Among other things." I said drily. He gestured to the chair across from him and I took my seat.

"I hope you like Valerian root tea." He murmured. I didn't mind it - it was tea. I poured myself a cup and watched him over the rim.
"I can guess what you've been wondering." Hiruzen began.

"Mmm - I've been wondering a great many things. Mostly whether or not Kakashi will kill me in my sleep - but that's neither here nor there." I countered.

"He will do no such thing." Hiruzen told me firmly.

"Well, with how irritating he is I am rather concerned I'll kill him in his sleep." I tried again. Hiruzen chuckled, knowing I was teasing.

"You don't have the skill." He replied, humor danced in his eyes.
"Mmm - well, with those concerns out of the way methinks the only one left is, why?" I asked finally.

He nodded, staring at the cup in his hands as if it held the world's answers.

"Do you know he becomes Hokage?" He asked.

"I vaguely remember him wearing the hat." I affirmed.

"Kakashi, as he is, isn't enough to become Hokage. He's a fractured man. Just like Naruto. Just like Sasuke." Hiruzen said. "He needs to be stronger. He needs to be able to become more than he is. I want him to be well prepared for the role. We've seen what happens when he's not prepared for teaching."

"And you think, what? I'm just some magical pixie who'll grant wishes?" I scoffed. "The man hates me. He threatened my life and he's been nothing but a right terror since."

"How is he different from Naruto painting the streets and terrorizing the civilians?" Hiruzen asked.
"Well, Naruto's adorable, so there's that."

"I hear Kakashi was well liked in school. Your roommate liked him well enough as well." Hiruzen said, humor laced his voice.

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that." I said drily. Hiruzen laughed softly, placing his cup down.

"When Kakashi assumes the role over Team Seven, he does not do well enough as he was. Under his leadership, someone very close to you breaks away from Konoha and deserts the village."

"Naruto?" I asked. I knew he was on Kakashi's team.

"No. Sasuke." Hiruzen said. I stared in shock. I hadn't even realized Sasuke was a part of the show like that. Now that I thought about it, I did remember a little boy with black hair and dark eyes working with Naruto. Ah. I hadn't realized at all.

"Sasuke leaves? Why?" I asked. Hiruzen shook his head.
"It doesn't matter. What is important is that Sasuke abandons his friends and village. I am hoping that you, here, helping all three of them will change the course for the better." Hiruzen said. I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to put the pieces together.
"And you want me to, what? Be his friend? His therapist? The man needs one. I read what he went through, by-the-by. And he's clearly gone through worse. The man wears it like an anchor." I grumbled.

"I want you to be you. I believe you will be able to talk him out of whatever he's gotten himself into. I think you will be able to pull him out." Hiruzen explained. I scoffed.

"Based on what?"

"Based on the fact that Tsunade gave Jiraiya a chance because you spoke to her." Hiruzen said. The way he stared at me - it was as if he saw far more than I truly was. I turned away.
"Listen, luv, as nice as that sounds I can't be that for him. I won't. I've things I need to do. The last thing that man needs is a friend who leaves him the moment she has the chance."

"And yet here you are, doing the same to Naruto and Sasuke." Hiruzen countered.

"They'll have each other." I defended my choice.

"Perhaps." Hiruzen let out a sigh, "It doesn't matter now. You're partners. I suppose you'll just have to keep that mindset."

I frowned at him. I knew what he was doing. He was hoping that I would change my mind. Over all that wasn't a bad call. It would be difficult working that closely to the man and continuing to see him as a problem as well as trying to work with him. Difficult but not impossible.

"I suppose so." I agreed, placing my cup down. "Is there any other problems you'd like me to clean up?"

I probably shouldn't use that attitude with the Hokage but I couldn't help it. I felt like he was taking advantage of my character. As if it were up to me to fix the issues Konoha had. That wasn't my job.

"Your tone, for one." He answered drily.

"Mm." I hummed.

He was quiet for a moment before finally speaking up.

"If it comes down to it, you are free to tell Kakashi the truth about your arrival. He's been one of my most trusted men. I believe he will do alright knowing this." Hiruzen said calmly. I made a face.

"And why would I want to tell him? The only reason would be-" I cut myself off and frowned at Hiruzen. "Oh, no. That isn't going to happen."

"Stranger things have happened."

"Methinks gravity would stop working before that happens." I grumbled.

"You may be surprised. But it doesn't matter. I hope you'll reconsider and stay with us."

"Is that what this is about?" I asked. The look on his face told me it was so. I scowled and turned away. Grand.

"I have a home." I said firmly.

"And you have a home in Konoha too." Hiruzen remarked.

"I've already made my choice." I continued.

"So you have." He murmured.

"To even think that… that, I -" I stopped, suddenly flustered. I didn't even know where to continue with that.

"Well, that's all there is to it, then isn't it?"

Hiruzen hummed and stood. He regarded me silently before he left. I should have been a better host and seen him to the door but I wasn't.

I would have thought the Hokage would be the last of my late night visitors but a knock at my window alerted me to the otherwise. I thought it was just a bird at first until the knocking persisted. I looked and found the Anbu Owl crouched outside my kitchen window. I made a full stop, staring at the masked man on the other side of the glass. As I was aware of his presence he simply let himself in almost like he owned the place. I scowled at him.
"You do know that doors exist?" I pointed behind me to my front door.

"What is a window but a more convenient door?" He countered. Oh, everybody suddenly had a sense of humor today.

I hadn't seen Owl in well over a month. I figured he all but forgot about me. Maybe some fair maiden kissed his mask and he swept her off her feet. Probably not, but one could hope. For his sake, I hoped he would get it.

"I heard the news." He said.
"Oh! Yes. The headband." I retrieved it, showing him.

"You should be wearing that."

"Ah? Is that so?" I asked, staring at the headband in question.

"It's disrespectful not to. It shows pride in one's village. Taking it off or having it taken from you is just as dishonorable."

"Well, I suppose mistakes happen once for reason. I do so suppose if you don't tell anyone, I certainly won't." I said, unsure of where to put the headband. I tied it around my wrist, unsure of where it's final placement would be. Guy wore his as a belt (I fancied he would make a marvelous wrestler at the WWE some days), Kakashi turned himself into a cyclops with his, and I saw one man who wore his backwards on his head. The standard wear was the forehead but I would have to see what I could pluck up.

Owl watched me in silence until he was satisfied.

"It wasn't your headband that brought me here." He said.
"Oh? Miss the company, then?"

"I heard about your partnership with Hatake." He said suddenly.

"Ah, well." I puttered and gave a small shrug. "Worse has happened. I'm sure I'll survive."

Owl turned away, crossing his arms across his chest. Now that I didn't expect from him. Most assumed crossing one's arms was a sign of stubbornness. It wasn't. It was a self comforting gesture. It was one I had never seen Owl exhibit.

"I need to talk to you about that." He said softly. "Kakashi was Anbu. For good reason."

I remembered what Owl had told me so many months ago - Anbu didn't make good friends. Just that little bit of information helped me know who this man was.

I paused, and gestured to the table.
"I have some tea if you'd like a moment. You look like you need it."

He didn't say a thing but sat down in the chair that the Hokage had sat in not too long ago. I prepared the tea, and soon enough it was ready for us both. I never did see him take a sip but the liquid was slowly vanishing. I did wonder if I would ever get to that level of speed before going home. Probably not.

"So - Hatake's my partner." I prompted.

"I found out an hour ago." Owl said, staring into his teacup. "Tami, he isn't safe."
"Because the man screams security."

"I mean, safe for you."

"And that means?" I questioned.

"You believe the best in people. Even when they don't deserve it. I don't deserve it. But he deserves it even less." Owl confessed. I didn't care for the way he was talking about himself but I left it be.

"Start from the top, then. I may hope for the best with people but I'm far from naive." I told him.

"He's a genius in battle. Tami, he graduated when he was five. After not being in school for a year. He made Chunin a year after, and by the time most graduated the Academy he was Jounin. He has a history."

"Most do." I murmured. "But do go on."

I shouldn't be listening to idle gossip but now it had a purpose. I was working with an enigma. I would need to know these things. Be it my safety or others.

"He's - he was a legend, Tami. I've watched him rip through people in ways that would sicken you."

"He was Anbu. I imagine you've done some things that would terrify me as well." I murmured.

"He's called the friend-killer." Owl said suddenly. I chill went up my spine.
"Ah. Well.…" I turned away. Suddenly I didn't feel so bad about pranking him anymore.

"He killed his friend and a whole slew of other ninja. Enemy ninja but no one had ever seen anything like it. It was a massacre. He just snapped. He swore he doesn't remember but I've seen what he can do." He said finally. It took a moment for me to gather my thoughts. According to Hiruzen the man was a hurting pup. Owl had a different idea. I didn't know who to believe at this point.

"What brought this on?" I asked softly. I looked over to Owl who turned away.

"I overheard him asking Ibiki about you."

Ah, so he wasn't the only one getting inside information. I did wonder what Ibiki was telling him, but I didn't care in the end. None of the important stuff would Ibiki share.

"And what brought your concern on? I know your feelings about informants." I asked. Owl fell quiet. I almost thought he wouldn't answer.

"You remind me of my sister." He said quietly. "She's dead."

I opened my jaw to respond but couldn't get a word out. Instead I reached over and patted his hand.
"You don't worry about a thing. I'm far too stubborn to die, luv. And, besides, should he wish it there's a long line he'll have to enter to even try." I told him humorously. I could hear him chuckle softly behind the mask.

Owl didn't stay much longer after. He left the same way he entered - through the window. It must be a ninja thing. They were interesting over all. And dangerous. I knew, at some level, Kakashi was dangerous - but for Owl to be as unsettled as he was. Well. That was a new level for me.

I would have to put Kakashi to the test in some capacity before trusting him at any length. I would have to play it by ear. I was working with a genius. Someone far quicker than Sasuke. The question was: what kind of man was Kakashi? A Sherlock or a Moriarty? Maybe even The Doctor? Time would tell.

The next morning came the very next piece of the puzzle named Hatake Kakashi. I arrived at the bridge at 9 am - just as he had requested yesterday. I was ready, my headband in place in the only spot I thought it fit well (my forehead). And there was nothing here. No one-eyed man with fake smiles with a penchant for the irritating. He wasn't there. I entertained the idea that perhaps he was hiding somewhere nearby but there was nothing. A quick whistle and a clear ear - there was no one around.

I waited ten minutes - nothing. Ten minutes turned to fifteen and quickly devolved into a half hour of me standing there looking like a fool. Irritation settled deep in my gut.

He was the one to give me the when and the where. If he wanted to play that game, well - who was I to deny him?

I spun around on my heel and sauntered off. If Kakashi wanted to be late he would have to come find me. I wasn't about to continue to stand there waiting for him. I had standards.

I found a nearby tea shop and started poking around. It was various blends of tea in little jars littered around the store. I may have just found paradise.

I was feeling adventurous, considering the day before me. I started investigating the different blends they had. Ah, Summer Rose tea. That sounds fascinating. I wondered what other treasures I could find.

It took him an hour and a half more to find me. I could see him from my peripherals. From the way he stood he didn't seem happy. Good. That made two of us.

"Ah! The man of the hour." I said, sprinkling in some Walker charm. His irritation was gone in a flash and he hid behind his other favored mask of false cheer.

"Sorry, sorry! I got held up. There was an old woman who needed my help." He said - there was something in his tone that made me doubt him. There was something about it that made it feel - rehearsed, fake. It was almost as if this was a normal thing for him. Well. Game, set, match.
"Ah, well. I hear there's a great many in Konoha. It's always nice to see the disabled helping the disabled." I countered. I could see irritation building in his brow as he held tight to his false smiles. I continued browsing the selection. Oh, they had chai. I wondered if I could make myself a Chai Latte with the blend. Perhaps?

"I thought I told you we would meet at the bridge?" He asked. Ah, he was used to being humored. Probably taking advantage of the kindness of others.

"I was. I arrived on the dot at 7 am. And then a certain someone wasn't there." I sighed as if it were the greatest of burdens. "I then grew concerned. My, this man was half blind-"

"I'm not half blind."

"-and I grew oh so worried. So I decided to check the nearby ditches - after all they're so easy to fall into when you're a cyclops. So I looked and - oh! They've blueberry lavender." I moved quickly to snap it up. Oh that sounded delightful. I may have been leaning into the role of the idiot far too hard, but the man deserved it. He was an hour late.

"We need to go. The Hokage is expecting us." He said, I could hear the strain in his voice to remain polite. Well, it wasn't my fault we were late. He was the one who decided that.

"In a mo', I'm getting tea." I told him. He gave me a dark look.

The short of it, I didn't get my tea. Kakashi all but pushed me from the store.

I sighed longingly to the tea shop as we left. I would have to find those blends again. Hatake didn't even let me purchase what I had found. It was a pity.

"Can you answer one thing?" Kakashi asked out of the blue as we walked towards the city hall.

"Ah?"

"Why is Guy running around in a black jacket and a blond wig?" He side eyed me. It was as if he thought I plotted that little detail.
"It was a joke. I was trying to cheer him up." I explained defensively. Kakashi glowered at me from his only visible eye.

"Oh, don't you even start. It's not my fault he has a man-crush on you. I was trying to get him to stop wailing." I continued. Kakashi only said man-crush under his breath.

I nearly continued to try to defend myself but I snapped my mouth closed. Focus on the goal, girl. Ignore him.

Outside City Hall, Guy was waiting for us both. He did indeed have a blond wig as well as a black jacket. It wasn't a leather jacket, but I was quite impressed with his ability to find one so fast. I knew for a fact they weren't easy to find. He was posing outside and I couldn't help myself. Guy was a delight. Truly, I shouldn't have been as entertained as I was but it was flattering in a way.

"Ah!" I gasped, "It's like looking into a mirror!"

Guy struck a pose, and I bounced over to his side, wrapping an arm over his shoulder. Kakashi stared at us with disdain written in his gaze.

"I, Tami, am the newest addition to the Konoha Kunoichi! I shall make all of my sensei's proud, love!" Guy carried on. I nearly lost it. Guy was hysterical. I was sure he wasn't being serious. He might have been but there was a playful look in his eye that said otherwise.
"Too true, too true!" I agreed beside him. Kakashi eyed me with disgust before walking into the building. Guy and I shared a look.

"Mm - best not be me for a time, luv. Methinks I'm in trouble at the moment." I told him, Guy gave a smile and patted me on the shoulder. I followed my new partner in. He was hunched over far deeper than usual. Anger was all but written there in the space between his shoulders.

"Don't ever make fun of Guy again." He suddenly snapped at me. My jaw dropped. He thought what now?

"Excuse me?" I tried, seeing if he would be so bold as to say it again. He didn't, but he glared down at me. His only visible eye said what his words wouldn't.

"Guy is my friend. I'm not making fun of him, I'm joining the fun. He's a delight. You on the other hand - well, I'd rather be partnered with Guy. For as much as I'm off kilter around him at least I can trust him." I snapped back. I stormed off in front of Kakashi. UGH! I couldn't stand him!

I did my best to contain my rage. By the time I reached the room where my newest case would be assigned I was well composed. Thankfully Kakashi wasn't as severely hunched over as he had been. I hoped his anger was sated for now.

He was just so rude. I didn't see how Guy would want to work with him!

Our next case was handed to us. Finding a cat. It was simple enough. From the paper, it was a kitten named Socks. A little girl had lost him and she was desperate to get him back. From the notes, she saved up money with the help of her parents to pay for the fee.

I read over the file quickly before handing it off to Captain, my Captain. Kakashi spared me no glance and I quickly left. He caught up to me shortly. The file was nowhere to be seen.
"Where are you going?" He asked.

"Seeing the client." I said, not even glancing at him. I was still generally unhappy with him. I hoped that the entire time working with him wouldn't be so unpleasant. How on Earth did he come to the conclusion I was making fun of Guy? I wasn't so cruel. Besides Owl, Guy was my first true friend in Konoha. Maybe I had been a bit too dismissive of him? Maybe that was it.

I found the address quick enough. The mother answered the door looking like a 50s housewife - in a dress and apron. Although the dress was far longer than in the 50s style.

"Good morning. We've been assigned your case. We've some questions, if you have some time." I greeted her. She paused for a moment before going to get her daughter.

The little girl was smaller than Naruto and Sasuke. She hid behind her mother's dress when she met us. Kakashi stood behind me like a looming ghost. If he could just try to be approachable, that would be helpful.

Instead I took a step forward, kneeling down before the little girl. She watched me curiously, clutching her mother's skirt close.

"Hello - we're here to find your kitten. I have some questions that you can help with." I began softly, "I must say - Socks is such a cute name. How did you come up with it?"

"He likes socks." She told me from behind her mother.

"Well - it's a fitting name. Tell me - does he spend his time with you often or with another member of the family?"

She ducked behind her mother again, peeking out to look at us. She seemed to prefer looking at me, only daring to glance at Kakashi from time to time.

"Socks loved Akina." The mother explained.

"Oh! Well, that certainly does benefit us." I replied.

"Yeah?" Akina asked.

"Of course. Now, I do have an odd request. Do you have any used laundry we could borrow? Four pieces, if it's not too much. And, if there's any socks that he loves - well, if we could borrow those it would help."

I had five eyes on me in that moment staring at me as if I were insane. But there was a method to my madness.

The housewife stuttered, glancing at me and then to Kakashi behind me. I couldn't say what he did but she left right after. She returned with a pair of trousers, a shirt, a pair of socks and little dress.

"Thank you. We'll be back as soon as we can." I said gently. We left thereafter. I lead Kakashi around town looking for just the right thing.

"What are you doing?" Kakashi finally asked, following after me like a lost pet himself.

"Working smarter, not harder." I replied. He gave me a look and I sighed. "I'm planning on working this problem from a couple angles. We could just hunt down the cat, but it's a kitten and cats are a prey species. They're good at hiding. I'm thinking about setting up boxes around the home. Perhaps a block or so out. "

"I thought you were going to ask for help."

"From who? You?"

"We are partners."

"I'll ask your help when you start acting like a partner." I snapped. He shot me another look before vanishing into thin air. Men.

I found my boxes eventually. Cats adored boxes. I set them up around the home with the laundry tucked inside and went off to look for the cat on foot. Every so often I would check the boxes. Sometimes I found other cats in them (which I would swiftly kick them out). It took a couple hours but I found the kitten in question.

Ah. Socks did like socks. I knelt down to the box, waggling a finger before him as he tried to catch me.

"Hello sweetness." I greeted

It took a moment to earn his trust but I was able to. I lured him into my jacket and zipped it up. I tossed the old boxes and gathered up the clothes. When I returned to the home, neither Akina nor her mother were there. So I found a place and relaxed.

I was going to have to get down to the bottom of the Kakashi issue. I had no wish to be his friend, but this - this wouldn't work. Eventually one of us would push the other off the edge. I barely knew anything from the man himself. He antagonized me so easily. Something would have to change. It would probably have to be me. I didn't even know if he wanted to even work with me. I knew I barely wished to. But from what Hiruzen said, something would have to happen because his mind wouldn't be changed.

Kakashi arrived later, far before the family did. He was reading his book, Icha Icha Paradise.

Ah - the one thing I knew about the man apart from anything anyone had told me. Perhaps I would have to ignore the idle chatter I heard about him. Perhaps it was time to put my skills to the test. Kakashi was a mystery. But he was one I would have to figure out in order to survive this partnership.

"What are you doing?" He asked, his one eye flicked from the pages to me for a brief moment. This was when I would usually bait him or get back at him for that tone of his. It was as if he was expecting me to be lazing about, doing nothing. Instead I would take a different approach. Direct? No. He was a ninja - he seemed to thrive in poking around things before going in for the kill, so to speak. Instead of making him play my game, I would play his.

"Oh~ this and that." I chirped. I saw surprise flash in his eye, his brow raised just a touch. Ah, here we are. Much better.

"And what would that be?" He asked, his tone was a tad more friendly. The change was barely noticeable but it was there.

"Oh, well," I began, changing my tune to something more playful and light, "clearly plotting world domination, luv. It's a ten step process. Want to join?"

"Ten steps. Wow, how simple." He commented. I could see an ease slowly growing in between his shoulders.

"Hardly. Step three has thus far been the most difficult."

"Oh?"

"Mm - I have it on good authority I'm a right terror. Methinks I ran off my poor partner. Poor man was saddled with this hot mess." I commented. He glanced at me again. Was that - ah! It was. Humor. At least he had a sense of humor somewhere in there. Perhaps there was hope yet.

"Poor man indeed." Kakashi murmured.

I knew from his response that he wasn't ready to give up his ground yet on being as stubborn I had been, but he wasn't going to outright provoke me. Good. I could work with that.

"I am hoping that some point we can actually work together and not be at each other's throats. It would be rather grand." I said finally. Kakashi hummed in what I thought was agreement. He waited a beat before turning to me.

"The boxes were gone - did you..?" He asked quietly. I unzipped my coat and showed him the snoozing kitten curled up against me.

"Smarter not harder." I gave him a playful wink.

He turned away and back into his book.

As soon as the family returned, I had the privilege of returning the little kitten Socks to Akina. The mother gratefully took back the laundry and soon we were off to report the completion of our first case.

Kakashi's nose was still in the book. It was interesting, seeing him read that book. It was smut, but not just smut - it was cute. The idea of love in that book was child-like, near as sweet as sugar. It wasn't deep, there was no philosophical meaning in the book. It was as if cotton candy had become a story - a smut story, but one nonetheless. Kakashi was a ball of absolute curiosity. He had both the adoration and fear from those around him. His story, for all of his twenty-something years has been marked with pain and strife. He had been, practically, a child-soldier. A Jounin at twelve. I couldn't be friends with Kakashi. I couldn't. But I did have to be partners with him. I hoped I could walk that fine line. For both of our sakes.

AN:/ Another chapter! Again, I'm having a blast with this. I think I've been putting a chapter out every 4-5 days (wow!) and that's not normal for me at all. I'm kind of surprised about this chapter as I had originally planned this kind of silent agreement between them to take a little bit longer. But they needed it. Tami can have a hard head with things. He's not going to let go of the ground he has for a little bit here. He'll loosen up around her soon enough.

I hope you all enjoyed that Guy scene. Once I thought of it, the idea wouldn't leave and I had to have it in! He was absolutely joking around with Tami and Kakashi. He was only being like 7% serious (if we were to rate seriousness).

And Owl… Oh, Owl. He's a favorite of mine. I needed Tami to have a more well rounded idea of who Kakashi was. The idea was, what if someone heard about you but only heard the bad things? It wouldn't be good.