Sparks 24

"Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer." –William Burroughs

I had to go to work with a serious case of embarrassment with a side of confusion - what happened to me? To him? I couldn't put the night's events into words. I wasn't quite sure how it all happened. But I couldn't stop myself from what I had done; how I had acted. I could see the weight of the pain he'd gone through. I couldn't not do something. Not when I truly cared about his pain. I could see that he blamed himself in some way for each incident he was a part of. Each one was like a weight added to him. No wonder he walked like he did. No wonder he had one foot in the grave. The fact that Guy so often went out of his way for him? That alone - I respected Guy far more than I could express. He did what I'm betting no one else would. He was a true friend to Kakashi. And Kakashi - he needed it so very much. I hoped I helped. I hoped. But I couldn't focus on this too much. Not now.

Best to not dwell.

Best to not overthink.

We both just needed comfort, I supposed. Or he actually….

Ah.

Again, I couldn't dwell.

I had work.

Ibiki probably could smell romance a mile out and squash it in mere seconds. I'd rather stay far below his radar.

Whatever was between Kakashi and I was now…. Well, now it was between him, I and Guy. I hoped that Guy wasn't the gossip type but experience told me that he was. So it was between us, and half of Konoha.

Grand.

Whatever was budding would have to endure that too.

Although my luck thankfully was better as I arrived just in the nick of time for work.

I clocked in without a second to lose and buried myself in my work.

I was able to start to sift through the new Suna Intel.

There were whispers something was going on, a planned attack on Konoha. It was one of those whispers in the dark, tall tales kind of rumor. The kind that you weren't quite sure if it was true.

It was, of course, that day that Ibiki decided to call me into his office. I did my best to calm myself - not think about this morning - and went quietly.

I didn't want to be teased and who knew how fast gossip traveled in Konoha. With ninja? Probably faster than text.

I walked into his office - it was sparse. There was little to tell of who the man was. He probably liked it that way. I came in and didn't sit until he both acknowledged me and the chair in front of his desk.

I won't say how long that was.

"Do you know what's coming?" Ibiki asked, his hands steepled.

Was that a trick question? I eyed him, trying to figure out his angle. Instead of waiting for me to answer, he continued on.

"The Hokage will soon be facing his end during the Chunin Exams. Upon his command we're upping certain security measures - limiting casualties. Because of you we know the when. We know the killer. But we don't know the how and villages involved."

I straightened - so soon? Already?

"You know what's to happen. Why-?" I paused. Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen was… he was preparing to die?

"Don't know. Not up to me. Probably wants the future to come to us, than chasing after it. That way it changes less - we know what's coming." He said, leaning forward in his chair. "I'm sending you out with Mozuku. There's a lead in the Land of Rivers. According to Jiraiya's network - there will be a woman waiting there in a small little restaurant at 3pm - Shirohige's. Between the both of you I think you'll have it handled."

I nodded, sitting up straighter.

"Right then. I'm assuming he knows - we'll leave now, ah?" I asked lightly. Ibiki grunted and I took that as my cue to leave. I didn't want to cause any sort of stir with him.

When I left Mozuku was already waiting for me. He stood there leaning against the wall.

"Don't know why he wanted to see you alone. Could have told us about the mission at the same time." He grumbled.

Not with the information Ibiki and I knew. First hand experience told me - not many would handle it well. I was surprised those who did know were as capable as they were.

"Come then. It doesn't sound like we've much time to lose, luv." I said. He scowled.

"I still gotta get things ready here."

He was probably right.

"Meet back in an hour?" I guessed.

"That'll do it." He agreed.

"Grand."

With that - we left. I figured I'd go hunt down Kakashi's team once more - just to let them know I'd be out. It took a bit - narrowing down the different training camps.

Kakashi was locked into battle with both Sasuke and Naruto. Sakura was off to the side - she wasn't doing much. Knowing Mr. Copycat - he probably already knew I was on the scene. I came over to where Sakura was standing - she at least had a kunai out and ready.

"How long they've been at it?" I asked, stepping up to her side. She turned to me in surprise.

"Tami-san!" She said. I gave her a wink, and nodded over. She turned back to the fight and sighed dejectedly.

"For a little bit - they just keep going at it." She said.

"Mm - and you?" I peaked at her. She blanched.

"I'm just waiting for an opening." She said brightly.

"Ah." I began, evaluating the battle. It was a little intimidating looking. Sasuke and Naruto kept bouncing back at Kakashi who was just knocking them away. "Or you could make your own opening. Take advantage. He'll know you're coming, but he's already two sets of arms and legs he has to keep up with. Best to take opportunity in that."

"But there's no way I could-" She stepped back, darting a glance up at me. I gave a half-hearted shrug. I practically could see it in her eyes. Fear - she was afraid to not do well.

"Best place to fail is when there's nothing on the line, ah? Nothing but pride. Hurts but heals fast enough." I nodded to them. "Great way to burn off some anger too. You can't tell me you aren't the least bit irritated at any of them."

She made a face at me and turned back to the scene. I could see it - those wheels in her mind were turning. She took a half step forward.

By the time she was about to go in to fight - Kakashi called it quits. I could see Sakura's little shoulders drop. I patted her shoulder - she'd get it.

Naruto and Sasuke were huffing and puffing across from each other while Kakashi barely looked winded. Probably all of those endurance competitions he went up against Guy with. I did wonder if he ever completed that competition this morning. Probably.

"Was your Sensei late this morning?" I asked lightly.

"Yeah. By two hours. It was a good thing we booked this area longer." Sakura griped.

"When were you supposed to-?"

"7:30." She said. I cleared my throat and glanced away. Part of that might have been my fault. Maybe. I pushed my hair from my face and tried not to meet her eye when she looked over at me curiously.

Nothing to see here.

We both moved over to them quietly. Kakashi was watching me expectantly. He didn't completely hide his reaction from me - but it was guarded. Like he didn't want his team to see what he was thinking.

"Pardon the interruption, but I just wanted to let you know - I'll be gone for a bit. Thought I'd let you know." I said. Naruto popped up, staring at me expectantly.

"Hey! Does that mean I get to use your camera again?" He asked - excitement was shining in his eyes.

"If you can find it." I said. Months ago he had used it and left it in my pantry. I was both tired of putting it back where it belonged and amused by his actions - so I left it there. I wanted to see if he could find it again. Good thing - as when Sukea came, he couldn't just allow that would-be reporter at my camera. "And don't use it to torment your sensei."

Naruto pouted but perked up a moment after. Sasuke sighed, he looked tired - I'd check on him later.

"Where are you going?" Kakashi asked.

"Not far - Land of Rivers. We're poking about there for a minute and coming back. But in case… I wanted you to know." I explained. I suddenly felt rather silly telling them this - they probably wouldn't even realize I was gone… but if they did…. I'd hate to have them worry senselessly.

"So you'll be back tonight?" Sasuke asked.

"Mm - late. But I should be." I replied.

I didn't quite know what to say after that. Or even what to do. Thankfully Naruto jumped in as he tended to do. I was rather thankful for that one.

"That's good! Then we can go to Ramen Ichiraku when you get back! Kakashi-sensei says we're ready for the Chunin exams!" Naruto announced.

Ah.

I remembered that. Not with fond memories. Although Naruto and Sasuke were adorable then. I glanced over at Kakashi - he was still hunched over but there was a look of pride in his eye, bit of a puffed up chest. He believed in them. Good.

"I'm afraid it might be late - but if not tonight, tomorrow." I said. Naruto grinned. I quietly departed not long after. I didn't want to distract them for too long. While I was leaving I darted a glance at Kakashi - he gave me one of his patented eye-smiles. It was rather warm, welcoming even. Did I have to go? I tried not to dwell on that much. Much.

I went back to the Intelligence Division and found Mozuku was already waiting for me.

"You ready?" He asked.

"Mm - any time, luv." I said. He made a face at me; clearly didn't care for my terms. Soon enough, we were off. We made decent time. The Land of Rivers wasn't too far away. The little village was cute, homely. It, like a great many other villages, had no paved roads. This one didn't even have phone lines.

By 2:50pm we found the restaurant and settled in to wait for our contact. It didn't take long for a woman to walk over to our booth and sit down across from us.

She was dressed demurely - well covered and petite. She had dark dull eyes, long dark brown hair and her face didn't carry any expression. It was as if she was sleeping awake. Hm. Her movements were slow but steady.

The plan was for me to do the talking - woman to woman; Mozuku was going to be skimming her mind. Seeing if she was hiding anything or withholding information. As the interview progressed - well, he just seemed to be frustrated.

"Hear there's quite a tale to be sorted. Before then, what shall I call you?" I asked.

"Mari." She said softly. Not even a flicker of emotion on her face. Nothing.

"Well - Mari, quite grand to meet you. Would you like to get started or would you like to order?" I asked. She didn't even flinch. I glanced at Mozuku; he looked as unsettled as I felt. This wasn't quite right. She wasn't acting right.

"I'm fine." She said. Not even a bat of an eyelash at that. I couldn't read her at all. Her face was so relaxed, so out of it - it was as if she were asleep.

We then got down to business. Throughout the entire time - she was just as dead-eyed and expressionless.

"There's reason to believe Orochimaru is on the move. He's been active to the north and north west of the land of fire." She said in a breezy tone.

"Mm - any say on his movements?" I asked.

"Word is… kidnapping, enticing new followers - some even say experimentation." She said.

I knew very little of Orochimaru. Very little. I knew he was a sanin and he had been kicked out of the village for unsavory practices. I didn't know details - but word was that it was bad.

"I see." I murmured. "And? Anything else?"

"I don't know…" She drifted off, her eyebrows actually furrowed for a brief moment a second after she said it. Her reactions were so very slow. Was she drugged?

"Is this all?" I asked lightly.

She froze for only a moment before speaking once more - in that dreamy tone she'd used all night.

"That is all for now…." She said. It was then when things got odd.

The world turned red - a violent red. Everything around me froze. Except for one man. A very familiar looking man. He stood up a short distance away from our table. He had focused but tired eyes, a long face and long black hair kept in a ponytail. The moment I saw him I felt like the air left from the room. Why was he familiar looking? There was something violent about him, dangerous even. I didn't know if it was the way he held himself or something else. His eyes though….

"How is he?" The man asked.

"Well - Mozuku is rather frozen there. You should ask him." I said sharply.

"Uchiha Sasuke - how is he?"

Uchiha.

He had those eyes - a similar eye to Kakashi's hidden one. But his was different - it was even more unsettling than Kakashi's.

This one - this one had to be Sasuke's brother. He had to be. It meant that I was in trouble - far over my head than I thought I'd be. He looked nearly exactly like Maya's poster but a touch more deadly - far more menacing. Tragic? Him? From the sounds of things he made his bed. He had no sympathy from me.

"I think you lost that right, luv." I said, tilting my head up. This one, this one could end me in a second. I had no illusions about what could go down. What could happen. I certainly wasn't going to go down easy or tell him a thing about his brother. I'd rather die.

He pulled out a sword, brandishing it as if it's very existence was a threat to me, to my life.

I stood slowly, pushing my chair back.

"You will tell me." He said. He went to move forward but I beat him to it. I stepped up, meeting his gaze with mine.

"You will learn nothing. Not a peep, not a whisper, not a word." I growled. I glanced down to the sword. "If you think a sword will change that - you've another thing coming, luv."

Mozuku was still frozen there - unmoving, unflinching. Was this genjutsu? What was it? It had to be. I hoped it was. I couldn't break it, though. Everything was so very pristine.

I could see frustration build in his gaze. It happened before I knew it - he stabbed me with that blasted sword right in my side. I gasped as the pain exploded throughout my side - my nerves raging in protest. I forced myself to breathe calmly. I fought to keep my reaction calm - tame even. How could this be a genjutsu? It was so real, so tangible. It wasn't like Kurenai's. It was worse. The difference between a musket and a modern rifle. It was the deadly accuracy.

"I don't think you quite know what you're dealing with." I gasped, stepping forward again. The sword was still in my side but I refused to even show him the slightest bit of weakness. "Stab me, torture me - you will learn nothing but perhaps show-tunes and sarcasm."

"I killed my clan." He threatened, twisting the sword still in my side. I grunted, biting my tongue. The pain that came with it was excruciating. I forced myself to breathe properly. I wouldn't bow to him.

"You can try. Do it." I challenged and raised my head, neck exposed. The little snot narrowed his eyes at me, "Don't think for one second that if I die you get peace. So help me - I will haunt you from my very grave until you find yours."

I shouldn't be playing this game. Not this one - not with a man who had already killed so many. I wasn't about to cow over for him. Not for anything or anyone.

I am so sorry, Kakashi. Uncle. I guess I didn't get to make my choice.

He faltered for a moment - his gaze flickered away.

"Don't you dare. If you even think about killing me, you'd best look me in the eye. Tell me - did you kill your clan by just stabbing them in the back? Or did you even give them the decency to know their killer?" I snapped.

His gaze turned to meet mine and -

I sat back in my chair - blinking.

"I must go now. Thank you." Mari said. She sat up out of her chair and left.

"That was so weird." Mozuku said. I hummed - it was. Why did I feel like I was missing something? Had something happened? I dragged my tongue across my bottom lip in thought. Mari said that she didn't have anything more. My head felt funny and then… she left.

Odd.

I couldn't shake the feeling I was missing something. Something was off. I breathed in slow.

"Let's go." I said. We couldn't stay for much longer. I wanted to get home. Naruto would worry. I wanted to check in with Sasuke - it'd been some time.

I paid my tab and we left back for Konoha.

It was late when I returned, the sun had already gone down. I couldn't understand it - I had to check on Sasuke first. I had to ensure he was okay. He was home, thankfully.

"Tami." He greeted me when he answered the door.
"Hey, how are you?" I asked. It felt good to know he was safe and sound. He looked fine, but inquisitive as to why I was there.

"I'm fine." He said.

I stayed for a time. We just chatted. He told me about his progress with training.

"How are you liking it?" I asked.

"Fine. I wish we could learn one on one, but I like it." He said.

"Mmm - your teammates?" I hoped he was doing better with them. He just scowled. Ah, guess not.

"They're fine - Sakura doesn't do anything. Naruto always gets in the way." He grumbled. I smiled at him.

"It sounds like he's doing better than last I heard." I said lightly. Sasuke shrugged.

"He's still stupid." He said.

"Naruto isn't stupid. He just acts before he thinks."

"Same thing."

I ruffled his hair playfully and he glared at me but made no move to stop me. We talked for a time. Just learning - just chatting. I don't know why I needed the reassurance he was okay - but I did. I left not long after. I'd have to celebrate with Team 7 tomorrow for their soon participation in the Chunin Exams.

But first, early the next morning Mozuku and I checked in with Ibiki to go over the details.

"Well? What do we know?" Ibiki asked.

"Mari said that Orochimaru is on the move again. Active in the north, and north west."

"And?" Ibiki questioned in a grumpy tone.

"He was up to his old tricks. Experimentation from the sounds of it." Mozuku said.

"Sounds?" Ibiki turned to the other man with a scowl, "I sent you to read her mind not her mouth. What do you mean?"

Mozuku jerked away, his face turning red.

"I tried - there was nothing to read. Her mind was blank the entire time we talked." He said with conviction. Ibiki frowned, leaning back in his chair.

"I can attest to the same. Her expressions were - it was like talking to a dead woman. There was nothing there." I said - I wasn't going to let him take any flack for this. We did what we could.

"She was hypnotized." Ibiki said.

"Most likely." I agreed. Mozuku sighed, fidgeting with his glasses.

"Anything strange about the encounter?" Ibiki asked.

"The entire thing was strange." Mozuku muttered.

"I've the vague feeling that something's off, but other than that… nothing." I admitted.

Ibiki glanced between us.

"Get back to work. I'll call you if I have any other questions." He said. We both nodded and quietly left.

"Hey - thanks for that, in there." Mozuku said after we left. I paused for a second, turning to see him.

"Not a problem at all, luv." I murmured.

"Y-you know, sometimes we train on the weekends together as a group - if you want to…." He said.

"Sure - yeah. Lemme know."

He nodded quietly and shot me one last look. He left soon after, and I returned to my work.

It wasn't until that night that Team 7 and I were able to celebrate their upcoming Chunin Exams. From what I understood - they would be in Konoha and various other villages would be coming here. It would be like how I went to Kusa so long ago. I was both looking forward to it and dreading it. Ibiki would be assisting with them for the first time. I was sworn to all kinds of secrecy - I couldn't say a word about it. At all. I would be helping in the background. As I was personally connected with two participants, I wasn't able to do much. But the exams would be happening soon - sooner than I could have thought. A week separated us from the exams. Barely anything.

But I was proud of them - all of Kakashi's team. I was going to sit on the outside of the group - either beside Sasuke or Kakashi but the latter refused. He actually guided me to sit beside Naruto, while he had my other side - Sakura and Sasuke were on the other side of Naruto.

"Hoping I can hide your face from prying eyes?" I asked slyly.

"I don't know what you're talking about Tami-chan." He said lightly. I scoffed, and glanced over at his team. They were giving their best innocent as doves look. Adorable, but they were up to something. Although, when had they not been? We had a great time, sitting there - just enjoying each other's company. They did try to see their Sensei's face again. It was rather cute. As the night wore on, I could have sworn I saw a grin on Sasuke's face. We were getting ready to go for the night - I could see Kakashi getting ready to say something when Naruto spoke up.

"Tami-chan… can I…?" He shifted awkwardly and tugged on my arm. I leaned down so he could whisper in my ear. "Can I spend the night?"

My first instinct was to glance at his sensei - who looked far too amused for his own good. The little blond was shifting nervously, glancing at Sakura.

"Of course. Those gremlins need to be kept in check." I said lightly. I could see the concern on Naruto's face melt away. I shot Kakashi a sympathetic look. He gave me his eye-smile and we parted for the night. I kind of hoped he'd walk me home - but I'd rather not have Naruto around for that. I wanted to talk to him privately - part of me needed to know where we stood. The other part? I didn't know what it needed.

Naruto carried on about his day, about how he hoped he was impressing his love Sakura. He also wanted tips.

"I wanna ask her out, 'ttebayo! D'you think she'll go with me?" He asked, his bright blues shining up at me. He was so adorable but….

"I think you know what Sakura's thoughts are." I said.

"No! No way! She's gotta know Sasuke-kun's just a mean old jerk!" Naruto protested. "I treat her way better."

Ah. I recognized that - the feeling that you could just show someone you were good enough they'd finally come to their senses.

"You can't make someone love you, darling." I told him. He crossed his arms.

"Yes you can."

"No. No you can't. I've tried it - never works out. Ever." I said.

"I thought you don't remember nothin'." He said stubbornly. I just smiled at him.

"I remember enough to know that."

He sighed loudly. "I'm gonna try anyways."

"Well," I began softly, "at least you're honest."

We went to my home and I set him up on the couch. He looked like he was having fun there. We talked about Superman for a minute before he looked up at me with his big blues one more time.

"Hey - do you think Sakura-chan could ever like me?" He asked.

"I think that you should find someone who sees what a gem you are." I told him, tapping him on the nose.

"You can't say that! I'm not a girl!" He pouted and I laughed.

"Then pick someone who can see the Superman in you, ah?"

"You're so cheesy!" He complained.

"Cheese is delightful. I don't see a problem with it at all." I told him. I snagged him in a headlock and tousled his hair. He protested loudly and I giggled. He was just so cute.

He went to bed shortly after, and I retired to mine. I wished I had gotten to talk to Kakashi but - maybe it was best. I didn't quite know what I'd say. What happened the other night was different than what I was used to. Probably for him too. We would be able to talk about it some other time. For all I knew, maybe he didn't want to.

The following days I was strapped with work regarding the exams. It was all hands on deck and each of us were going through the contestants with a fine toothed comb. It was to ensure everything ran smoothly. Everything.

By the time the weekend came I was fried. I practically begged Kurenai for some down time. I would have met up with Kakashi but he and his team were very busy in preparation. I didn't want to distract them. I didn't want to distract Kurenai either but I needed something. She agreed for the day before the exams started; we'd go to the nearby beach and just relax in the sun. I'd thought it'd be just us however she brought her team along too. Which, I was happy for- they were adorable and company was always welcome on beach days. It'd been some time since I'd been to one - years. Even before going to Konoha. Mind - Kakashi and I's missions sometimes brought us near them, it didn't count as we were running for our lives. I would have thought to invite him but - again, I didn't quite know where we stood. And I was sure he had other things. Certainly between his team and prep - certainly he was busy. And, of course, he had to pencil in his Guy Competitions as well as reading time. I didn't want to take that from him. It was bad enough I was bothering Kurenai.

So Kurenai, I and Team 8 headed to the beach. Thankfully by then I had a tasteful two piece and a large floppy hat. I made sure my hair was dutch-braided back in two pigtails. We set up - chairs and all. I kicked back just happy to sunbathe. Kurenai was beside me, studying me and my hair.

"I've never seen…." She began; she stopped for a second and turned away. Oh. My hair.

"Would you like me to do yours? Keep it from becoming a mess?" I asked. Surprise flickered across her face but she agreed. While I worked on taming her hair we watched as her team. Hinata stayed nearby, content to just enjoy the scene. Kiba and his pup were busy playing together while Shino was doing something off to the side. I could only guess what it was. Probably with bugs. So long as those creepers stayed over there, I didn't care.

"So - fishtail, French or Dutch?" I asked her. She was situated on the sand beside my chair.

"Uhh… Fishtail?" She guessed, glancing back at me. I hummed and began my work.

"This is - this is kind of nice." She said.

"Oh?"

"I never - I never had a sister before. I never had someone do my hair." She said lightly.

Ah - Kurenai was an only child. Same. But it was much the same as many in the village. Few had more than one child. It was a rarity, in fact. Probably because of the short lives most ninja lived. It was a sobering thought.

"It is rather nice." I agreed.

I was in the middle of doing her hair when more arrived. I heard them first. A loud holler and Choji racing for the ocean. I froze, watching him go. I hadn't thought anyone would be joining us. At all.

Ino came over and sat beside us.

"We're doing hair?" She asked - I could see the interest sparkling in her eyes. I held back a groan. It looked like I was regulated to hair duty for the day. Kurenai tried to peak back at me.

"I might have mentioned this to Asuma." She said weakly.

Ah. That explains it.

Speaking of - they'd been rather friendly as of late. Often together - he'd show up from time to time to pop by after we were done hanging out. She never did say anything about it. I figured it was their business - not mine.

I saw Asuma walk up, beach ready. His gaze was on Kurenai alone.

"Sorry we were late. Got held up." He said. He glanced back at me curiously.

"Fishtail." I said lightly, holding the braid in my hand. He only gave me an odd look before going about getting himself situated. Shikamaru was the last of his team to walk up. He heaved a great big sigh and sat down with us, mumbling to himself.

That was when I heard another great whoop for joy. Many little Naruto's came out of the woodwork, leaping and dancing as they made their rush to the water with a great splash. I froze, glancing from Kurenai, Asuma and Naruto - oh. If they were there, then….

I ducked my head and focused on my work before me. Kurenai's braid was near done and I could tell Ino wanted to be next. I could see the rest of Team 7 walking out. Sakura was walking out after Naruto, her hands right on her hips as she glared at Naruto and his antics. Sasuke was next - looking as calm as ever. Kakashi was last; his nose was in his book. Each of them were prepared for the day. Kakashi had even brought his own chair and set it up beside us. He didn't say much when he sat down. He was wearing that strange one-piece sleeveless spandex shirt that functioned as part of his mask. His pants were rolled up to his knees. I did my level best not to be too aware of him. But the fact that his spandex shirt one could see how strong he truly was…. I cleared my throat. I could see Asuma smirking at me. I shot him a look back, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

"Best beware. Your face may just stick like that." I warned him. He scoffed at me and plopped himself right down beside Kurenai on the ground. He was sprawled out, watching the Genin play. Well, nearly all of them. As soon as I was done with Kurenai's braid he glanced over and gave her a winning grin. They didn't say anything but… interesting.

"Me next!" Ino chirped.

"Wait! What's happening?" Sakura asked.

"She's doing my hair, billboard-brow." Ino snarked. Sakura snarled and glowered down at Ino who was sitting smug. I heard Shikamaru grumble to himself and I felt like joining in on that.

"I can't recall promising to do anyone's hair, truthfully." I said lightly. Ino pouted at me.

"Okay, so maybe I might have thought…." She said, drifting off. I sighed and sat back in my chair.

"You two can see after the other." I said. Maybe they'd stop arguing. The shocked look and scowling they both turned on each other was proof enough of the unlikeliness of that event. I relaxed in my chair, just content to just be.

Although.

I wondered.

I glanced at Kakashi who was rereading Icha Icha Paradise and - and the flower I'd given him was pressed. He was using it as a bookmark. I tried not to overthink that.

"Where's Pakkun? And the others?" I asked. Kakashi slowly looked up from his book over to me.

"You want me to summon my team for a beach day?" He asked.

"Well, I miss them. I'm sure they'd enjoy it." I muttered. Maybe he was right - it was an odd request. They did seem rather dignified for canines. I didn't want to - he was busy pulling out his scroll from his backpack and a kunai. I leaned over, placing a hand over his.

"No - no, I didn't…. You don't have to." I said. He looked back to me and his gaze warmed. Did it suddenly get warmer?

"I think they'd love it." He said.

That was when I could tell we had eyes on us. Both Kurenai and Asuma were looking over at us. Asuma had this knowing grin while Kurenai just stared in shock. I plopped back down and pulled my hat down over my eyes. I didn't mean to.

Right then.

Soon enough Kakashi's eight summons were among us. A few went over to play with the others while Pakkun just lounged with us. Guruko stayed by my side.

"Y'know - I've been thinkin… you kinda make me think of a Chihuahua." Pakkun told me as he looked me over. "More bark than bite and vocal."

"Thanks." I said dryly. I watched as Kakashi hid his face in his book. He was probably laughing at me there.

"I think you're more of a shepherd mix." Guruko said.

"Does this mean I'm part of this one's ranks now?" I said lightly.

"Didn't know we had a contract." Kakashi said.

"Up to the boss." Pakkun sniffed.

"Well, as long as I get one of those fancy jackets you'll have no complaints from me." I said as I stood up.

The three looked up at me curiously. It was about time for me to go for a swim. I wasn't about to just sit there the entire time.

"Well, if I'm among the ranks - I do suppose I'll have to look out for the Boss's greatest enemy." I grinned

"And what's that?" Pakkun asked.

"Tan lines." I said and plopped my hat on Kakashi's head. He didn't do anything to move it, just stared up at me. I could hear Asuma and Kurenai laughing on the other side. With that I went to join the fun. Naruto was still splashing around with the others.

It took some time but they all eventually joined us in the water. I playfully splashed Kakashi. He got even with me. With a water jutsu. To get even with him I stayed below the waves - just waiting. It took a minute for him to dive down to see what was going on. The minute he saw I was fine and just playing he sent me a dull glare. I gave him the cheekiest of grins and surfaced after.

"That's not funny." He grumbled quietly after he came back up. He wasn't angry - just pouting.

"Au contraire! I thought it hysterical." I told him. His brow furrowed as he tried to figure out what I had just said. I turned my head away - I forgot myself. Now that mind of his would be doing overtime to figure out that statement.

"Come! I think it's about time to go." I said, seeing Kurenai already packing up. I needed to distract him. He instead reached out and touched my arm.

"Are we…?" He started, studying me for a moment. I slid my tongue across my bottom lip in thought - what was he asking? I waited for him to figure out what he wanted to say. He would, given time. He was about to say something when Team 7 started shouting from the shoreline that it was time to go. We shared a look and he climbed out of the water to walk on top. He helped me up. We both knew I could on my own, but I appreciated it so very much. We got our things and began the trek back. I hung back with Kakashi. Neither of us spoke a word. Knowing our luck? We'd get interrupted a moment before anything profitable happened.

There was something so nice to see him without his gloves on. Although he looked ready for anything - as usual - he seemed far more at peace. It was so very nice. His nose, for once, wasn't stuck in his book as we walked back. In fact his hand was rather empty. A pity, really.

With that, I slipped my hand around his, intertwining our fingers. It took a second for him to respond, giving mine a gentle squeeze.

"You can come over whenever you want, you know." He told me as we went.

"I'll - I'll keep that in mind." I said softly.

Who would have thought that holding his hand would have ever made me feel this warm before? I certainly wouldn't have called it. In fact I would have scoffed about it years ago. Especially if it was him. But here he was, and here we were - holding hands and there wasn't anywhere else in the world I'd rather be. The realization brought some guilt. Although, none near enough that I thought I deserved.

We didn't speak much for the rest of the night, even though he did walk me home and saw me to my door.

"We have the exams in the morning." He said lightly.

"I know." I replied. We'd been in preparation for the entire week. It was a bit of a rush, considering. He took a second, once again looking for the right words.

"Talk after?" I said, hope coloring my tone. Maybe - maybe if I figured out where I was with him I could make my decision. Maybe then I wouldn't feel like I was being torn in half.

"Yeah." He agreed. We parted for the night, and I watched him go.

I was in trouble with that one. This wasn't like my usual. I'd never…. My time with Robert was nowhere near this. Axel? Forget it. This was so very different. I went into my home and glanced at the scrolls still tucked away. I should be working on them. Should be. But right then? I couldn't think of doing it. I should get ready for the next day. Although I had nothing truly important to do for the exams I was needed to work. I went to bed, but lay there - thinking. My mind was on nothing but a silver haired man who'd taken off with my heart and I didn't even know if he quite realized it.

AN:/ tada! Moar to read (well, you already read it so...). A few of you thought they'd get right together after last chapter :P Not yet but soon. No Kakashi POV here, or anyone else's. This time it just didn't work to move the story along. It's my calm before the storm chapter. Always need one of those. Especially with all the warm fuzzies with the past ones.

And Itachi made an appearance! I wanted to show a little how he had been giving information to Konoha. Orochimaru is top on his list of concerns, and he just so happens to run into the girl who he knows has been keeping a close eye on his little brother. I'm sure you guys may have wanted a calmer meeting between them - but Tami don't play that way lol Tami's a little too dramatic for that xD

Technically speaking, (that I know of) Itachi can't make people forget with his Sharingan. Technically. However, he can hypnotize them and it seemed like a reasonable conclusion that it could be in his arsenal.

I hoped you all enjoyed it. I wanted a breather from the fluff to get back to the main story at hand.

Again - thank you guys so much for all the reviews! I did my best to reply. I couldn't the day of because the website was spazzy. And welcome to my new followers and favorites! Love you all - please stay safe!