Sparks 21

"So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for every thing one has a mind to do." - Benjamin Franklin

Walking home that night after talking with Kakashi was borderline tragic. I made a fool of myself. My actions during the mission were inexcusable; I hadn't slept so my partner had to carry me, and then I made an idiot out of myself by being jumped and attacked because I was emotionally distracted. Had Pakkun not come…. Had Kakashi?

I didn't want to think about it.

I wanted to crawl into a hole and die from the embarrassment alone. Then when I went home, Naruto told me what happened - what he went through while I was away. Iruka was a saint. I'd have an entirely distraught twelve year old on my hands had it not been for him. Naruto did ask me if I knew; if I thought he was a monster. The conversation was a hard one. One that I wasn't even ready for. The fact that everyone knew and said nothing to me was painful. But, Kakashi? Knowing he knew and didn't even warn me that it was something that could come up was… I felt so betrayed. He knew I was taking care of them. He knew it. And he did nothing to prepare me for it.

Cruelty.

But I was also holding him to a standard that I knew no one in the village held. A standard I held no one else to. The Hokage could have told me; he made the rule. Iruka knew- yet he said nothing. But it was Kakashi I laid the blame on.

Was it fair?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

But he could have done something.

I took the long way home, taking my time going up the stairs to my apartment.

I needed the time.

I needed respite.

It was probably because I - that I cared for Kakashi that I was so upset. He didn't even seem to care. But I did.

"Those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum."

Indeed.

I felt rather abandoned. But he probably was talking on the battlefield.

I opened the door to my home and walked in. Naruto was wrapped up in a blanket on the couch.

"Welcome back!" He greeted me from his burrito prison. I gave him a smile and ran a hand through his hair.

"Forgive me for being gone so long." I said.

"It's fine Tami-chan! 'Ttebayo! I'm just glad you're back." He grinned so big at me. I sat down next to him and cuddled up.

"Sweetness, do me a favor would you?" I began, running my fingers through his hair.

"Yeah?" He asked, squinting up at me.

"If there's this, oh, raggedy man with one eye and a silver bush-like head of hair that you just so happen to be teamed up with - go ham on that one. Best pranks, Sweetness. Especially if he's late." I said.

"Really?!" Naruto gasped.

"Truly. You'll not get into trouble from me. But not too much. I don't want you to get in trouble from your leaders." I told him, tapping him on the nose. He grinned widely at me. Kakashi deserved this little bit of vengeance. He could have helped me soften the blow that Naruto had experienced. He could have done so much more. He hadn't. It was petty of me to involve Naruto; but Kakashi was the cause of the pain. Had he told me - I could have headed the problem off far before this.

So, we snuggled and watched a movie (on the TV instead) and had a grand old time.

The next day I caught up with Kurenai, who knew near immediately something was wrong. I didn't even need to say a word and she knew. She pulled me away and convinced me (rather easily) to hang out. We went to the bath house and talked.

"Are you okay? Did something happen?" She asked me once we were soaking. I had my hair in braids wondering when my life would stop being so chaotic. I preferred simple over chaos.

"Something happened." I sighed.

"Tami-Chan…" she murmured.

"I-I…. Things progressed without me realizing them." I said.

"Oh, you mean with Kakashi-kun." She said instantly. My jaw dropped.

"How did you-?" I stopped, how did she know and I didn't?!

"There's this look in your eye when you talk about him. I mean, you aren't the first to like him. I thought you knew." Kurenai said. I tried to work my jaw, but couldn't speak. I sunk deeper into the water.

"You didn't know, did you?" She murmured, "I wondered, but…. Well- what happened?"

I turned red and sunk deeper. The water was hitting my chin now. I could see compassion in her eyes.

"Oh, Tami-chan…. Kakashi-kun can be cold, I'm sure he didn't mean-"

"We almost kissed." I said. It was her turn to be shocked into silence. Her jaw fell open and it took her a moment to respond.

"That's good, right?" She asked.

"Maybe," I hedged, "maybe not. I made a fool of myself last mission. In so many ways. I didn't even know that I -. I have to get home and…"

I pushed my hair from my face, running my fingers through slowly.

"Oh. Well, maybe he can visit you." Kurenai suggested.

"I don't think that's the case." I said sadly.

"Could you visit us?" She asked.

"I don't- I don't think it'll work that way." I explained.

"Then you must remember something." She insisted.

"Glimpses. Nothing more than vague glimpses." I said softly. I sighed and continued. "Then I found - I found out why Naruto struggles so. And I thought he'd at least- he'd at least tell me something that important."

"Oh. Yes. There was an order. People were severely punished if they ever spoke about it. Don't take it personal. He's just… he takes rules very seriously, Tami-chan." Kurenai said softly. "I'm sorry I didn't think of it. I keep forgetting you aren't from around here."

I hummed.

Of course.

"He does, doesn't he?" I murmured. It made sense. After all his father had gone through, it wasn't a surprise. "And I didn't - I don't blame you Kurenai. It's just…. Rough mission and I came home to an upset boy."

"It'll be okay, Tami-chan." She smiled at me. I sighed. It didn't matter. I didn't want to talk about it anymore. Instead I decided to switch the topic.

"By the by, I heard you're getting your first batch of Genin. Do tell, will I be able to meet them? Or will you hide them away in secret like Guy?" I said with a grin. Kurenai laughed.

"If they pass my tests, yes. I would love it if you meet them. I'm meeting them Monday morning at 3pm. I'll keep you posted." She told me with a grin.

I had hoped that it would be some time before I saw Kakashi's face again. Instead he had knocked on my door Monday afternoon, at 3:45. The day when the graduated students would find out their assigned Jounin. Surprisingly he didn't use the window. The only reason I knew it was him was I checked the peephole and saw his bush of silver hair. I took a moment to compose myself before I answered the door.

"Yes?" I answered cordially. He deserved that much, but not much more. He stood there, bags under his eye and his hands firmly stuck in his pockets. I shouldn't feel bad but I did.

"Can I come in? I'd like to talk." He said.

"Don't you have a Genin team to see?" I questioned, keeping my tone as tame as I could.

"That's why I'm here. I had some questions."

"You do know I'm less inclined to answer your questions considering." I said.

"I know. I'm hoping you will anyways." He said. He didn't even try to give me a fake eye smile.

I sighed and opened the door to let him in. I nodded to the kitchen.

"Come on. I'll make some tea." I let him in and closed the door behind him. He stood there, just taking in the scene as if evaluating my home. He rarely ever came in. Usually it was only my kitchen he was in.

I bypassed him and went right to work.

"Late again for those poor Genin. Which of mine did you get?" I asked as if I didn't already know.

"Both, actually. I guess the Hokage thought they might be able to pass my test." Kakashi said as he finally joined me in the kitchen. He didn't sit down at the table, instead he leaned against the door frame. I could feel his gaze on my back.

I scoffed. "Sasuke and Naruto are like oil and water, luv. They don't mix well. They don't even get along for me half the time. Usually Naruto is upset that Sakura's attention is for Sasuke alone."

He hummed.

"Are you that mad at me that you won't use my name?" He asked as he finally sat down at the table. I turned around and set a teacup before him. I didn't answer. I wasn't that angry at him. Well, only on Naruto's behalf, but… I was more angry with myself. I let myself fall for a man and I was planning to leave. Who knew what he thought about it. I refused to even think about it. About his feelings on it. I couldn't. I needed to emotionally distance myself.

"I've a few different teas to choose from. Take your pick." I said as I made my selection. I folded my hands and rested my chin on them.

"Tami-chan." He said.

"We can talk about it later." I told him shortly.

"Will you?"

"I answered the door, hadn't I?" I said lightly.

"We are still partners." He reasoned.

Not for long.

But he didn't know that.

Of course he didn't.

"Okay. Later. After the bell test." Kakashi said.

"Of course." I agreed.

He seemed appeased; I could tell by how the tension in his arms eased. I guess I wouldn't be helping with that anymore either. That was probably when my mess all started. That first night.

"So, Uchiha Sasuke." He began.

"Sasuke is a puzzle in his own right. He's smart but not quite as clever as you. He prefers to keep to himself. He's still processing the things that happened. In order to work with him, it's best to deal with his reasonings. He needs to understand first. Or at least be understood. He does have a sense of justice in him. He's self sufficient. He's had to be." I explained. Kakashi hummed and then fell quiet. He was watching me with care.

We both know who he'd ask about next.

Did he have the guts?

"And Uzumaki Naruto?"

Ah. So he did.

I took the time to take a long sip of my tea. I made a show of placing my tea cup down just so, watching the process of my cups descent. I didn't even look at him.

"Tami-chan, if I'm supposed to teach them there's things I need to know."

"Funny how that works, isn't it?" I said lightly. His brow furrowed.

"I understand you're angry with me, but this can help them. Please." He insisted.

I stalled, playing with my tea cup. He only stared me down, waiting for my answer.

"Sasuke is like the moon. He's dark, reserved and subtle. He likes the quiet, simple things. Naruto is like the sun. Vibrant, full of life energy and tenacity. He's going to be a force to be reckoned with when he's older. He's a streak of justice in him that far surpasses Sasuke's at times, and he's a penchant for getting even when wronged. For all the things that have gone wrong in his life, hes taken it in stride and has a far stronger character than people give him credit for. He comes off as foolish to others, but he's a creative streak a mile long. His dreams are to be the Hokage. I fully expect he will one day." I said finally meeting his gaze.

"There's a lot of kids who want to be Hokage." Kakashi said.

"Mm. And yet, they're not quite like Naruto." I said. I took my cup and placed it in the sink. I really didn't want to be too close to him right now. This was odd enough as it was.

He must not have thought the same. He came up behind me. I could feel him there. Standing. Waiting.

"If they don't pass, are you-?" He asked.

"I don't want them to pass if you think they aren't ready. If you have doubts… I'd rather them another year than an early grave." I told him.

"And if they do pass?"

"I won't interfere with your team. I won't." I said softly. I already had come to that decision. I knew how important this was to him. Although Kakashi always riled me up - he often had decent reasons. When he wasn't trolling me.

"Tami-chan, I'm sorry I disappointed you." He said.

"Just, tell me - did you know his parents?" I asked. I turned to him, watching him.

"I did." He said.

"But you can't say."

"It is for his safety."

I sighed and looked away.

"Right then." I muttered.

He stood there for a moment before leaving the same way he came in. Was it strange that I missed him already?

Of course Tami was still angry with him. She could barely look at Kakashi. It was painful to have her there and she wouldn't even look him right on. He should have known. He also should have known Naruto recognized him.

The moment they both got a good look at each other after that childish prank Naruto pulled the boy in orange gaped and pointed at him.

"You're the one that interrupted Tami-chan's date! 'Ttebayo!" Naruto howled at him.

Sure.

Disrupt the others too.

"It wasn't a date, Stupid." Sasuke scoffed.

"I'm so sorry, sensei! Naruto can't do anything right!" Sakura said.

Naruto was glaring at him, but suddenly jumped over to Sasuke's side.

"Hey, hey - would you say his hair is bush shaped?" Naruto whispered.

Sasuke didn't answer, he just looked in disgust from Kakashi to Naruto.

"Naruto! You can't say that about the sensei!" Sakura snapped.

What did Tami tell those boys about him?

"How can I put this?" Kakashi began, evaluating the mess before him, "I weep for the future generation."

Sakura's jaw dropped, Sasuke scowled and Naruto grinned at him.

All Kakashi wanted was this to be over. There was no way this team would work together.

One was outright antagonistic to the other, another was a loner and the last was a fool. Knowing both Minato and Kushina, he expected something more. Especially since Naruto had Tami for the past three years. What had she taught him?

"Come on. We'll talk outside." Kakashi said, and led his newest set of recruits (or let-downs) outside. As they went, Naruto was whispering loudly to them.

"Tami-chan told me we might get paired with him, 'ttebayo! She said-" Naruto's loud whisper became much softer.

She said what exactly?

Of course what he wanted to know he couldn't hear.

Kakashi led them to the open, and a decent place to get to know each other.

"Why don't we go around and introduce ourselves? You'll be on my team, and it'll be good to know each other." Kakashi began.

"Like what?" Sakura and Naruto asked. She scowled at him and he chuckled nervously. Kakashi felt a little sympathy for the boy. He knew the feeling.

"Your likes, your dislikes - hobbies and dreams. You know, the basics." He said.

"What about you sensei?" Sakura asked.

"Yeah! How do we know how to do this if you don't first?" Naruto grinned.

Sasuke rolled his eyes at the two of them and Sakura froze and stiffened up.

"Well, I'm Hatake Kakashi. I have many likes-" Kakashi began.

"Like ruining dates." Naruto whispered to the others.

"I have some dislikes. And hobbies - Well… and my dreams for the future? I surely have that." He did his best eye-smile. He'd get Naruto back soon enough. "So how about it. You in the orange."

Since Naruto was so vocal, might as well put him first.

"I'm Uzumaki Naruto! 'Ttebayo! I like ramen an' cooking tacos with Tami-chan! And getting fancy ramen with Iruka-sensei. I don't like waiting for my food! An' my dream - I'm gonna be the greatest Hokage someday! That way, no one will look down at me! 'Ttebayo!" Naruto said excitedly.

What were tacos?

Sakura was next. She was a stuttering mess and kept glancing at Sasuke. The only thing she was firm about was her clear disdain for Naruto and her apparent love for Sasuke.

If Tami was as clear as that, he'd know exactly how she felt for him. It would make his life easier. Although he was incredibly happy she wasn't boy-crazed as little Sakura. However - no, she had to be difficult and get upset over trivial matters. What did it matter if he didn't tell her about Naruto being a Jinchuuriki? He seemed fine today. He wasn't some blubbering mess Tami made him out to be. It was fine. She shouldn't baby them anyways.

"Well. That only leaves one of you." Kakashi turned to Sasuke.

"My name is Uchiha Sasuke. I don't really care to tell you my likes or dislikes. It doesn't matter. However my goal is to bring justice to victims. By any means." He said.

Kakashi watched the last Uchiha for a moment before telling them about the next mission, the bell test and their chances. Like any other team he had, they ate it right up. They didn't even second guess him or his spiel.

Although what Sasuke said….

That was unexpected.

He didn't expect that to come from Sasuke. How much work had Tami done with those boys? He expected the last Uchiha to be angrier - darker. Instead, there was a fire in him.

Interesting.

When the boys returned, Naruto was buzzing with both excitement and frustration. Sasuke just seemed irritated. I knew that feeling well; I called it the Hatake syndrome. The man still induced headaches.

"Boy did you call it, Tami-chan! He was over an hour late! I got him good though."

"You got him with an eraser." Sasuke grumbled. Ah. I had hoped that Naruto would get him with something more than an eraser.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. We're meeting tomorrow for our first mission! He said it's a 60% fail rate! I'm not scared, though. I'm gonna get it! 'Ttebayo!" Naruto said, his arms folded behind his head.

"Naruto said you called him a raggedy man. Is - was he your partner?" Sasuke asked. Sharp as ever - truly.

"He was." I agreed.

"Can you tell us anything about this mission? Anything about him?" Sasuke asked.

"I promised I wouldn't get involved. You two are more than capable of dealing with the likes of him." I told them simply. They could handle him. They could handle this test. They won without me. They could win again. They had to have to be a team.

"You really think we can?" Naruto asked, looking up at me with pure excitement.

"I know you can. In fact, were I the betting sort I'd put money on it." I said. He was so thrilled he ran off for the night shortly after. Mostly with promises that he was going to win and prove me right. It was cute. I was sure Naruto had plans of his own. I looked over to Sasuke who just seemed annoyed.

"You won't tell me anything?" He asked again. I sighed and knelt down in front of Sasuke. I could already see a glimmer of the man he was becoming.

"I promised. I do my best to not break those. For you, for him. Even Naruto." I said. He sighed in exhaustion and gave me a look.

"Nothing then." His nose scrunched up at me. I tapped it playfully. He was cute when he actually let that guard of his down.

"Just nothing except I wish you well and I know you'll do amazing." I told him.

The next morning was tiring. I knew what was happening mere miles from me - in a training field somewhere. Kakashi was going to give them his bell test. They would be the genin to beat his test - prove that he was right in how he handled his affairs. At least when it came to Ninja work.

I felt strung up, tightened by an unknown hand. It was stressful. I couldn't go and watch. I knew what was happening. I knew what would happen to our partnership. It was done. Gone.

It was a pity that our last mission together was a disaster. I wish I hadn't messed it up. I was sitting in the open, nearly alone in my musings. I hadn't even noticed when someone came by and sat beside me.

I turned and saw Ibiki there. He was leaning over, his elbows on his knees regarding me coolly.

"Your partner won't be your partner anymore." He said.

"I'm aware." I said, looking away. I knew his skill. I didn't want him reading me now.

"Thought about what you're gonna do after?" He asked.

"Hokage said I was to be in another group."

"You could. Or you could join T&I." He said.

"I don't do torture." I said.

"You think I don't know that? Listen, the group thing was cute for awhile. But you're not made to be a normal ninja. You think I got you in for that?" Ibiki scoffed. I shifted uncomfortably.

"Oh?"

"I trained you because you and I have the same skill. You understand people better than most of my staff. You're a natural. I understand people through pain. You? You use compassion. I don't care for that route but I like the results. It'll keep you from making mistakes where our village is concerned." Ibiki explained.

"Haven't you heard - I made a fool of myself last mission. Perhaps word hasn't reached the grapevine."

"I was waiting for that to happen." He admitted. I scowled at him.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You aren't meant for the battlefield. Why do you think I trained you for it so thoroughly?" He growled. I jerked away and turned my head.

"Because I was that bad?"

"Think about it." He said with a smirk. "The Chunin exams? You could read and prepare against every opponent. You could outwit them, lure them into your little web. Out on the field, how often did Kakashi have to save your tail?"

I crossed my arms and looked away. He had no right. It was true enough - Kakashi did far better than I in battle. I often was backup or a distraction for him. In the field I could barely know when someone was coming after us. The only reason I caught on was he developed a slight twitch in his neck when we would get attacked.

"I taught you enough to get you through. Who's idea do you think it was to put you and Hatake together?" Ibiki had a deadly grin on his face. "I had to make sure you could last real battles. Not puffed up displays for crowds. Out of all the ninja - he's the only one who wouldn't leave you to die. Even with your attitude. The Hokage wanted the darkness in him dealt with. And you did that. Just fine."

I breathed out slowly. Ibiki was quite the little plotter. I must have been nothing more than a little pawn to him. Insulting, but not surprising.

"Why?"

"I need someone to sort the intel Jiraiya gives us. You've proven yourself. You won't be in the Anbu. You won't even strictly be T&I. You'll help with some interrogations. Maybe going out on missions. But your primary job will be going through data and compiling it for us. Weeding out the false leads from the real intel." He explained with a wicked grin.

I took the minute to absorb what he was telling me.

It actually - it actually sounded nice. I didn't have to go head first into battle any more. I wouldn't be fighting so often. I had been fighting since I arrived. This, this was what I wanted to do.

"And should I find my way back?" I asked. It was my only concern.

"You did your job. You held up your end. You're free to go when it's time." He said, crossing his arms. There was a look in his eye - he wasn't being forthcoming with me. He wasn't lying, but….

"When would I start?"

"Tomorrow morning. I'll send Owl." He said with a grin. Ibiki then stood and walked off without much of a goodbye.

By the time 2 pm came I knew it was done. I passed by, finding the training grounds empty but them celebrating at Ramen Ichiraku. I watched them from a distance. It was probably time to let them go. I had places to be. Elsewhere. This was where they belonged. I belonged someplace else.

So I left and went home. I thought about the choices I had made - the pawn's part I had played unknowingly. Certainly I was walking into it again. Ibiki didn't just use me as a pawn. He manipulated the whole board. I wonder how much he knew - if he knew about my feelings for - or if that wasn't something he could deduce. He probably could if he weaved all of this together. He knew. From the get go. And I couldn't muster the anger to be upset with him.

Naruto came and told me how he, Sasuke and Sakura were now real ninjas (and if she ever did want to be in his team he was sure Sasuke could find another one). Sasuke kept his distance. I didn't know why but it was fine. He was a loner after all. He would come when he was ready. If not I'd pop by his place.

Kakashi didn't arrive until late that night. I was in my pajamas (long shirt and long comfy pants) and was reading a book from my shelf. I was stretched out on my couch - lounging. I figured he forgot about our talk, what with all the excitement his day must have been.

He, again, surprisingly knocked on my front door. Not the window. I answered the door. I saw shock flicker in his eye before he cleared his throat.

"I'm late but-" He said - I don't think he quite meant to say it from his reaction as he flinched right after.

"You're always late." I said lightly. No judgement - just facts. He always was.

"Yeah. Can I-? Is it too late?" He asked. I nearly thought he was asking about something else. I let him sweat it out for a second before opening the door wider to let him pass. He came in, taking the room in once more.

"You probably heard by now." He said.

"Naruto was ecstatic. You made quite the impression." I replied softly. I sat down on the couch, pulling my knees to my chest. He sat across from me, getting comfortable.

"So that was our last mission." He said after a long silence. Together was left unsaid.

"So it seems."

"You knew."

"I had a feeling."

"I wish you shared it." He grumbled.

"You can wish a great many things and they still don't happen." I said lightly. He frowned and looked away.

"You won't let that go, will you?" He asked. I kept quiet for a minute - maybe two. He was getting antsy, his thumb was rubbing against the tips of his fingers. He didn't do that often. Rare in fact.

"How can we have a talk if you don't talk?" He questioned, finally turning to me again. I sighed and sunk further into my couch. He was trying. Far more than I'd ever seen him try. I needed my distance back, nothing more. But I couldn't sit here watching him try and do nothing.

"I made a fool of myself. I'm sorry if that's coming across as my being upset with you."

"You're embarrassed." He said flatly.

"Why wouldn't I be?" I asked. He chuckled under his breath, bringing a hand to his face.

"Of course you are." He said quietly. He pinched his nose and watched me again. "You could have just said so."

I hummed and looked away. "It doesn't matter anymore now anyway."

Kakashi fell silent for a beat before turning away.

"I guess you're right."

"I am happy for you, by-the-by. You deserve this."

"You mean Naruto-kun." He said.

"No. I mean a team." I corrected lightly.

"Maa" He hummed. The tension in his figure melted away. His eye softened, but he still looked so tired. I smiled at him and nudged him with a foot. I shouldn't be teasing him. I shouldn't be. But he'd been gearing up for this for years. A light blush dusted his face - I must have crossed a boundary. I didn't know if I had it in me to continue to keep him distance. My resolve felt as strong as a cheap tissue.

"Lookit you - I bet you spent the afternoon worrying over them like a Hen with her first clutch. Probably preening the whole way too." I teased.

It didn't matter. I doubted he liked me in the first place. He'd never shown interest before. No reason to believe that event was anything more than a nice night and stupid decisions. All it had showed me exactly where I stood. Him? Who knew. I wouldn't read him. I told him he'd keep his secrets. He would.

Kakashi smiled at me - I could tell it was a real smile because his eye crinkled.

"So - Naruto-kun told me you encouraged him to prank me." He said in a friendly tone.

"I may have. You rather deserved it. Thought it fitting." I said smartly, falling back into our usual ease.

"Probably. But you never did tell me about his Sexy jutsu." Kakashi said.

Ah.

That.

I forgot about that.

"Was it your idea for him to transform into you?" He asked smoothly.

What?

I nearly choked on my own breath.

Naruto did what?!

I could feel the heat and humiliation rising from my neck and over taking my face. I told him he could prank Kakashi - I never thought he would use me to do it!

"He didn't."

"He did." Kakashi sighed, leaned back and stared at the ceiling. "I'll never have to wonder what you'd look like in a red bikini again."

I groaned and buried my face in my knees. He was teasing me - I knew it. He probably had women falling over him. He probably had some girl already that I didn't know about - or one that came along eventually. He played things so close to the chest - who was I to know? It was cruel to think about but it was probably true. He deserved that happily ever after. Certainly he didn't care for me like that. He showed no signs - ever. At least that I saw clearly. I promised not to read him. The only reason I knew he was even remotely interested in romance was the books he read - but it could be another reason. A very different reason. Best to not have any wild dreams about this.

"You didn't teach him that, did you?" He asked, interrupting my thoughts.

"I can't believe you're asking me that!" I grumbled to him, still hiding in my knees.

"Well - considering your choice in distracting the enemy - you can't blame me." He said easily.

"I told you I'm not a flirt. Not like that! And I'd never - I wouldn't do that." I said defensively. He hummed, and leaned back in the seat further.

"Okay."
"Why do you keep -" I paused, that almost kiss, the flower. He probably thought the worst of me- my heart twisted. "I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"Our last mission was a disaster because of me." I couldn't stop replaying my stupid decisions.

"I wouldn't call it that."

"It was. I - I…" I stuttered.

"I was just trying to tease you, Tami-chan." He said lightly. I hummed - oh. He did do that often.

"Why don't we just forget about that last mission. I won't bring it up. You don't even need to think about it." He offered.

"Okay." I agreed.

"Friends?"

"Of course."

Kakashi gave me another eye smile and stood to head for the door. "If I ever asked for help with Sakura-chan, would you?"

"You need only ask. I'll help however I can." I agreed. I slowly climbed to my feet. It was relieving to know he was willing to let it all go. As I made my way over, he stopped me from opening the door.

"Tami-chan, can you forgive me for not telling you about Naruto-kun?" He asked. I froze, looking up at him. I didn't even think he was that upset about it.

"I'm still unhappy with it. I understand your reasons." I murmured with a shrug. I looked at the ground below me, "I just don't agree with them. At all. It was - I felt betrayed."

He stepped closer to me. I would have backed up but I could't quite move. I could hear him let out a low sigh.

"I'm sorry - I'll make it up to you. He is a part of my team now. I'll look after them both - as best as I can." Kakashi said. He brought his hand up and lifted my chin to look me in the eye.

What was he doing?

"I promise you - I will keep them safe. On my life." He told me. His thumb stroked my chin and his eye crinkled.

"Yes, well, you'd best come back too." I said firmly, fighting to remain calm. What was he trying to do to me? Was he just..?

"What are you going to do? Come find me in your pajamas?" He teased.

"These just so happen to be the scariest pajamas in Konoha. You would be so lucky." I snarked. His expression warmed. His thumb stroked my chin once more before he stepped away and opened the door.

He bade me good night and left, closing the door softly behind him.

Kakashi was probably just teasing me. We did that. We trolled each other. We poked fun. This was nothing. Flirtationship. I had enough of them, though. Usually they were more playful and not so - this was different. But he couldn't be - I was sure he wasn't serious.

For all I knew, Kakashi's future bride was a month away from making herself known. Perhaps two. I would be respectful - bow out. He deserved that much.

Kakashi grinned, heading home after a long day. It was a good day. He finally had a team all his own. Of course they would be Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke. Of course. As well as little Haruno Sakura. It felt good to finally have a team that had potential; who he could put faith into. It was like stepping out of the past and into the present. His team echoed his old one closely. Naruto was already so very much like Obito, it was a little jarring. Sasuke? Almost like seeing himself there, scowling at Obito and his actions. It was heartwarming.

He could handle this.

He could.

Kakashi had a second chance to make things right. He wouldn't fail his new team. He would stand tall and be a good leader for them - like Minato did (he'd do this in his own way). And Tami - he had hope that she could be his Kushina. She could be. This time, the story wouldn't end in tragedy.

He did have hope with Tami. She blushed for him! She let him lift her chin! She didn't yell or get angry. No sarcasm, just her being so very cute. Was that who she was under all her attitude? He liked it; she was adorable. He enjoyed her attitude, she was fun to banter with - to challenge. But he didn't know she could be riled quite that easily.

Kakashi could do this. He could win her over. He might have been a little heavy handed teasing her about Naruto's jutsu prank during the bell test (his heart nearly stopped, Naruto had the nerve to call him "Kakashi-sempai").

The only thing he would change if he could was this; he would have kissed her goodnight if he could have. She was so adorable in her pajamas, blushing up at him. He couldn't, though. He had to play the long game. He didn't want to scare her away. She was already so jumpy. In the meantime, he would be studying. He had every volume of Icha Icha ever released. It was the most romantic book series ever, compiling the best and most effective way to win over a woman. They displayed all aspects of love. The pain, the joy, the complexity, , the sorrow - all of it.

In fact, he just borrowed the scene from Icha Icha Violence, chapter two page 16. It worked like a charm. But even if it didn't continue to work, there were other ways.

If nothing else, he would ask Jiraiya what to do. The Sannin won the heart of his lifetime love. If Jiraiya could win Tsunade - why couldn't he win over Tami?

The only thing Kakashi was regretful over was the loss of his partnership with Tami. He'd have to make excuses to see her. Updates on Sasuke. Reports on Naruto's behavior. Maybe they could work together to get Sakura focused on training rather than Sasuke. He could even find out what Tacos are. But he'd have to be crafty so she didn't catch on. If she did she might withdraw again. He couldn't have that.

He was going to miss working with her. Their banter, her teasing smile, and how simple she kept things. He hoped her next group worked out. Kakashi would have to ask her what she would be doing now without him.

An:/ another one. O.o alright guys, man…. That was a ride with these two. I tried to let you know they wouldn't be dramatic for long. (If Tami would get over her doubt, that would be great).

So now that they both have an idea of the other things, but only one of them has the right idea lol.

I know I'm updating super fast but like... I literally have nothing to do during this Corona mess. Might as well work on my writing and getting it better. D: (I hope it's not annoying)

Love you guys. Thank you for so much support! You guys are the best, and I'll see you next time.