Sparks 29
"Take a shower, wash off the day. Drink a glass of water. Make the room dark. Lie down and close your eyes.
Notice the silence. Notice your heart. Still beating. Still fighting. You made it, after all. You made it, another day. And you can make it one more. You're doing just fine."
- Charlotte Eriksson
It felt like Kakashi's mind had been out through a meat grinder and split in half. One pile of brain goo on one side and the rest on the other.
Emotions were gone. Feelings didn't exist. Logic had no meaning. His very will to fight seemed pointless. He liked fighting; or did he? He wasn't too sure.
He could hear things. Mostly murmuring, and nothing solid. It was all so very quiet for such a long time. It was lonely. Isolating. Cold.
He knew there were distinct voices taking around him but he couldn't place them. He didn't have the energy to.
It wasn't until he felt some pressure on his hand that he wondered.
It took days to figure out what the voices were telling him. Oftentimes they weren't talking to him but about him. It would have bothered him if he could summon the energy to care. Sometimes he still had trouble. He knew he wasn't really alone; sometimes people came by but none said anything. Except a woman. Her voice was like a bell. It bothered him that he couldn't place it. He knew that voice. He just couldn't remember. She would talk indistinctly to him, it almost like he was under water. Sometimes she would touch his cheek or hair. He liked it when she played with his hair. It was a bit of sunshine in his otherwise dull and quiet existence. He didn't know why he couldn't move but he didn't have the will to question it beyond that.
"- darling, Tsunade should be -"
He was darling?
Oh.
That's nice.
He always wanted to be a darling. He had hazy memories, mostly they were dark and dealt with death. So much death. So much killing. A tool of war.
Being a darling came with other connotations that he liked far more. Something like a book he read. Something he enjoyed.
He felt a pressure on his hairline, and he knew what that meant. His sunshine was leaving again. She left and would usually return after time had passed. She sometimes told him stories about a Hobbit. Something with rhyming names and riddles and dragons. Sometimes if he focused very hard he could hear her clearly. Sometimes he just listened to the tone of her voice, his soothing bell.
The next time his soothing bell returned he did his best to be responsive. Or at least hear her. He could sense her before she arrived. He didn't question how, he just knew it. He felt pressure on his hand once more, just a gentle squeeze.
"Forgive me, Ibiki had me working late today." She said.
He did his best to try to squeeze her fingers back but his limbs didn't want to work. He couldn't manage to do what she did. His fingers flexed and he heard a sharp gasp.
"Kakashi?" She breathed. Oh, he liked hearing his name in her voice. But he'd rather "Kakashi-kun" or "Kakashi-senpai" but he'd make due. His sunshine didn't know; he didn't know how he knew it but he did.
"I miss you." She said, her voice was thick - no longer like a clear bell. He could feel pressure on his forehead again and he hoped it didn't mean she was leaving again.
He wanted her to stay. He didn't know where he was but he knew that much.
Maya really didn't like Orochimaru or Kabuto. Now that she was separated from Oliver, she found all sorts of new reasons not to like them.
Mostly the reasons were petty (Maya couldn't stand the way they breathed). They gave her really ugly clothes to wear from that dead Sound girl and she didn't know what they did with her clothes. They took too long rambling. They didn't move quite right. Others were reasonable. First off, she was given a seal on her tongue which meant she couldn't talk about certain things. she thought only Danzo could do that, but she was wrong. Orochimaru often told Kabuto to do things, and the things Kabuto didn't want to do often came down for Maya to do. Stuff like gathering firewood or pushing the Snake-man's wheelchair, or seeing after them in any way. The way they talked to her was borderline cruel. Mostly they looked down their nose at her.
Once they realized she didn't quite completely understand them, they were more relaxed around her. But it didn't mean she didn't leave the compound without a bag on her head. The bag smelled horrible, by the way - like rotten potatoes.
They were on their way to meet Tsunade, already knowing Jiraiya was heading there too. Apparently the Third Hokage named her as his successor. Which was weird. He never named anyone, in the manga or anime. Maybe Tami being in Konoha changed things that much? Maybe? But how could she change things that much in a month? It was so crazy. And Orochimaru never ended up in a wheelchair. Ever.
Weird.
Maya did her best to obey Oliver's instruction - keep her head down and mouth shut. when she replied to the evil duo she always used the alphabet sign language.
The night before they found the illusive woman, Maya was sent for firewood again. She wasn't silly enough to try and spy on them. She knew that it wouldn't work. Both of those men were on level or far stronger than Kakashi. They'd know, and they wouldn't like it. It wasn't like she didn't know what they were up to anyways.
So she did her best to just be below their notice. It wasn't hard. They didn't really notice her much. They would look at her from the corner of their eyes. She'd just smile at them, big and wide. It was days like these she wished she was taller. Being 5'2" was a cruel joke, standing next to men like those two.
They would talk to each other, in low tones about Jiraiya and Tsunade. From the sounds of things they thought the two other Sannin were dating. That was kinda crazy. It couldn't be. Tsunade never did get together with Jiraiya. Ever. They were planning the best way to talk to Tsunade about their offer. Mr. Snake wanted it to be straight forward. Kabuto thought they should take a delicate approach.
Maya didn't care - so long as Shizune was there. Her plan was to ask the woman for help. Out of any of them, Shizune would help her. Maya was sure of it. Shizune was amazing (she never did understand why she and Kakashi didn't get together). But knowing she would be seeing Naruto himself? Oh! She was excited!
Maya had her plan - as soon as the battle was underway she'd try to hide and get Shizune to save her. At least, if everything was as it was supposed to be.
So after she was done with gathering firewood for camp she went back and did her best not to gain their attention. Having dealt with an abusive household - she knew how to handle it.
However, going to sleep near the man who experiments on people was really weird.
Maya was expecting the next day to be simple. Orochimaru went to find Tsunade; she'd get the option to heal him and get her brother and lover back and a week or so later Orochimaru would return and a battle would break out. That's what she was expecting. Except nothing was like what she thought it should be.
Naruto didn't see what made Tsunade so great. So far, she hated the idea of being Hokage and outright insulted Naruto and his dream. They had a bet going on - he'd have to master the Rasengan in a week. His favorite Hokage used that move, and it took him years to master it. Naruto was sure he could, so long as he focused. He had to prove himself. He wasn't hopeless like so many people thought he was. He might not be talented, but he could get this down. He could. He just wished Tsunade wasn't there to watch him struggle.
They were sharing a large hotel room; between him, Jiraiya, Tunade and Shizune (including the pig) it was crowded. He was just trying to focus and she kept poking fun of him.
"You should focus." She said, completely unhelpful.
"Shuddup." He grumbled.
"Now, Naruto, you don't tell a lady like Tsunade to shut up." Jiraiya told him.
Naruto made a face. Ever since they arrived, his sensei turned into a pile of goo around the blonde woman. He was wrapped around her little finger. It took Jiraiya quite some time to work up the nerve to say she was listed to be Hokage. She didn't like that one bit. She raged for hours, even worse than when Naruto casually mentioned the numerous female fans he had back in the city before. Jiraiya swore up and down nothing happened and that all he wanted to do was talk to his fans. She scoffed, questioned him and came away from it satisfied. Naruto didn't say anything. Jiraiya made him swear never to use the Harem Jutsu around him ever again. He would have added that in, but he didn't feel like helping his Sensei out at the moment. Not when he found out that she hated the dream of being a Hokage. His dream. When she'd found out why they were they're, she wasn't happy.
"But, Turtledove! You were declared the next Hokage."
"Being Hokage is a fool's errand and a waste of time. Only an idiot would want to be Hokage!" She protested.
Naruto couldn't help but speak up then. And that's how he got himself into the bet. She said he'd never get the new, more powerful than the chidori, move down. It was a waste of his time. But if he could, she'd give him the necklace that the First Hokage owned. That - he liked that. If nothing else it'd just show her what he could do! So many people doubted his ability. Only Iruka and Tami ever saw him as something more than a brat. He was winning other people over, but those two… he owed them so much.
That was when he decided to leave and go for a walk. He found a quiet place to practice for that morning. He was in the middle of focusing when he could feel eyes on him. When he looked up he saw a girl standing there staring at him. She had dark black hair and bright blue eyes like him. Her mouth was wide open, staring at him as if she knew him.
"What d'you want?" He asked. She laughed weakly, and came over to him. She seemed nervous. Really nervous. Naruto straightened, wondering why she acted that way. Her gaze kept darting behind her.
"H-he'p - p-pleeaz." She said, trying to speak quietly to him.
He stared at her, trying to piece together why she needed help.
"Maya! Where are you." A voice asked and horror flashed across her face. The voice sounded familiar. It was Kabuto. He was sure of it! Instead of going to confront him, he pulled the girl behind him. He wasn't going to leave someone in need - especially against Kabuto. Not with what he heard about him. He'd heard about Kabuto being a spy. He couldn't believe it at first but Jiraiya was adamant. Even had some proof and the fact that he had said Tami was the one to point him out - Naruto wasn't happy about it. He trusted Kabuto! He befriended him, and the other boy used that trust to get close to him and Sasuke. For what? Naruto didn't know - something to do with
"Maya- get back -" Kabuto growled and then stopped when he saw Naruto. A wide smile broke out across his face as he took in both the girl and the boy in orange. "Oh! Naruto-kun, you're here. It's so nice to see you again."
Maya made a noise but stayed behind him. Naruto could practically feel the fear rolling off her in waves.
"It ain't good to see you!" He snarled, "Kakashi-sensei and Jiraiya-sensei told me you were a traitor! How could you?!"
A devious grin broke out on Kabuto's face.
"Such a strong word. How can I betray anyone when I don't have any allegiances to them?" He commented smugly.
"We were friends." Naruto snapped.
"Friends don't keep friends from their new friends. Hand over the girl, Naruto." Kabuto said. The girl stayed behind Naruto. The blond boy scowled.
"She don't wanna go with you." He said. He was sure he could take Kabuto, but knowing the girl was what he wanted meant he had to get her out of there now. He pulled the girl into his arms and took off. She wasn't that much taller than him.
Kabuto made chase and the blond knew that he had to go. So he went for his favorite jutsu; the one he mastered when he couldn't do a regular one. The Multi shadow clone Jutsu. In addition to that, each clone had an illusion of the girl in his arms. They all split and he could hear Kabuto cursing behind him.
Naruto grinned. It was almost like when he was a kid, pranking the village and playing keep away from the experienced ninja. He made sure to keep Kabuto guessing, while the real him was darting off to sneak back into the crowded hotel room.
As soon as he made it there, the girl gaped at the people there. Jiraiya and Tsunade were in the corner talking quietly. Shizune was sitting on her own, looking like she just finished breakfast.
"Hey! Found a new friend?" Jiraiya asked.
"Kabuto's after her." Naruto responded. The girl was looking between the two older ninjas questioningly. Her mouth fell open
"I'm betting Orochimaru isn't far behind." The Toad Sannin said sternly. "Well, young lady - why's he want you?"
The girl in question laughed nervously. She started playing with her hair and looking away.
"Hey, hey! You can tell 'im, 'ttebayo!" The blond tried to encourage her, but she only giggled a little bit more.
"I- I… speak poor. Trouble. In trouble." She said.
Shizune came forward and knelt before the shorter girl.
"Did he hurt you? Are you alright?" She asked in succession. It took the girl a moment but she nodded.
"If Kabuto is here, that means Orochimaru is near. We'll be back." Jiraiya announced as he stood up.
Naruto stood to go with him, but he held his hand out.
"Stay here. Practice your jutsu. This is between us." The Toad Sannin said firmly. Tsunade scowled and stood.
"Tsunade…." Shizune began, slowly rising to her feet. Tsunade shook her head.
"He's right. He killed the Third. It's between us now." She said.
The two Sannin left while Shizune stood there watching them go.
"You should go back to your practice." She said, turning to Naruto.
The black-haired girl stared at them in awe, glancing between the two others.
Naruto grumbled to himself and did as he was told.
Might as well.
He'd show that Tsunade!
It took Jiraiya nearly an hour to deal with Orochimaru and his little brat. The little grey-haired traitor kept trying to attack Tsunade, but between the both of them he couldn't keep up. When Orochimaru finally played his hand and offered to bring back Kaito Dan and Nawaki he could see the indecision in Tsunade's eyes. The past two and a half years of bliss he experienced flashed before his eyes. Jiraiya knew without a doubt if Dan came back - he'd lose out on Tsunade forever. However for him to return, Tsunade would have to heal Orochimaru. His personal feelings aside, he couldn't stand by and let her.
Tsunade stood there, absorbing the information for a long moment.
"You can't listen to this. If you heal him, I'll have to… I won't sit by, Tsunade. I won't let you." Jiraiya told her.
Her gaze only darted to Jiraiya for a moment before turning back to the two other men. Jiraiya could see it - they truly believed she'd heal Orochimaru. It might have been foolish but for a second, he actually doubted her.
Tsunade made her decision in seconds. She didn't say anything when she moved towards their former teammate. He barely even was able to notice the moment she changed and attacked. Kabuto had to get his boss out of harm's way. Both Tsunade and Jiraiya saw it; their decision to flee.
"What about-?" Kabuto asked.
"Leave her. She's lived her purpose." Orochimaru stated. The snake man sent the other a vile grin.
Jiraiya knew they were talking about the girl now in their protection. He wondered how she ended up with them, but it may have been she just fell into his clutches like so many others.
He didn't question it much. As they were heading back, Jiraiya started to wonder about his time with Tsunade - how easily it could fall through his grasp. He knew she could do better than him. He had always known it, but seeing it nearly happen when Tsunade heard about his slip up and then with the offer of bringing back Dan and her brother? He almost lost her again. For a second there - she could have changed her mind. She could have brought them back. She could have chosen Orochimaru.
While they were heading back, he swore he'd be better. Tsunade didn't need to take a chance on him. But she did. He'd do better. Be better.
Tsunade deserved better. It was high time he acted like it.
For the first few days after that Snake had left, Oliver kept his head down. He poked around a couple of the different rooms. He couldn't find a thing that he could use to make a bomb. Not without breaking into some of the computers. He would, however he couldn't. None of the ninjas were away long enough for him to be destructive. The one with four-arms kept a near constant eye on him. He called that one Bill, just to get under his skin. It usually worked. The ninja would grumble to themselves about how it wasn't fair he wasn't to be touched. They clearly wanted to beat him up - but, they couldn't. If anything, Oliver could respect that. That Snake ran a tight ship. His people didn't go against what he said. Although, he was sure there were threats of violence and different reasons for that.
However that came to his other idea - he'd just have to leave. The best way? Irritate the ever-loving snot out of the ninja until they couldn't stand it. He started asking really dumb questions. Started complaining about the amount of dust everywhere. He could go on and on about the cold air and draft in his room. Slowly but surely the ninjas who followed him dwindled and dwindled. He started following after them as they left with dumb questions.
Mostly things like: "Is it just me or is that hall wrong?" or "That blanket you got me was way too warm. I need a medium warm." or "do YOU think this looks infected?"
Anything and everything he could do - he did it. It took another day for them all to give him a wide berth. While he was doing that, he made note of their shifts for watch. While they thought he was sleeping, he was preparing.
He changed his profile, darkened his hair with things he found laying around.
Around one of the changes for watch early in the night, he slipped out. He'd made a knapsack with one of those blankets he had been given and made as much ground as he could on foot. He learned some tricks between his career and, strangely, the boy scouts.
He had at most 12 hours. However, maybe 6 at the least. He'd made his bed to appear someone was there. According to the few signs he could find, Konoha was south in the land of Fire.
For the most part, he stayed off the beaten paths and stuck close to waterways. He'd gone past a massive waterfall in a place called Valley of the End. He hoped it wasn't a metaphor for anything. Oliver didn't rest. No matter how far he thought he was, it wasn't far enough. Not for anyone of those Ninja who just appeared out of nowhere.
He made sure to deviate from his path. The ninja weren't stupid, just proud. He took the time to backtrack and keep going. He hoped by the time he reached Konoha he'd be in the clear.
Hopefully they bought his act well enough that it'd keep them busy back at the compound.
The morning he arrived in Konohagakure, he met the guards and got paperwork to be in the city for a limited time before he could petition to be a citizen.
For a hidden village they weren't very hidden.
"How long are you planning to be here?" One of the guards asked.
"Looking for a fresh start. Hoping it could be here." He said humbly. They nodded and after a couple more hoops to jump through, Oliver was let in.
Konoha was a larger city than he expected. mostly flat land, and barely any trees for a village Hidden in the Leaves. He'd have to find his niece. If it was that easy for him to get in - he knew those Sound Ninja could get him too. He was working against the clock and would have to work smart from then on. He'd try to find her all the while keeping low. It meant it would take longer, but it'd be safer.
Although he had to wonder; Konoha was in the middle of summer, why was it so cold?
I was busy at work like I never had been before. It seemed after Otoakure and Suna's attack on Konoha - everyone wanted a piece. Or, the ninja in charge of reporting were reporting far too often. I was sorting and filing so much I was seeing words and symbols in my sleep. I was even getting reports from the Land of Waves for goodness' sake! It was laughable. However, that wasn't the kicker. It was when Ibiki came to check on me that I found out more.
He came in, papers in hand and a grim look on his face.
"You won't believe this." He stated. I glanced over at him from the overflowing stacks of paper.
"Oh?" I turned to him, just waiting.
"This is the third report since the attack about a suspicious person." He said. He moved towards me and gave me the papers.
Me. It was me; I was the suspicious person. I scoffed, flipping through the reports.
"They list your ultrasonic scream as the reason. Each one. Your relationship with both Uzumaki and Uchiha are another reason." He said; he glared down at me, and I could feel the energy in the room shift.
"It's a good thing you know I'm not." I said firmly.
"Are you?" He asked.
I scoffed and leaned back in my chair. He wasn't actually there to accuse me. No - it was another reason. Had he actually been taking them seriously I would have already been in that honesty room of his until I sang like a little bird. He was here to prove a point. He was here for something more than just some accusation. If I had a bet?
"You know very well I'm not. I'm loyal to the point of stubbornness. Why don't you get to the point and avoid the mind game, ah?" I gave him my full attention, just waiting.
Ibiki let me internally squirm for a time before answering.
"I'm letting you know you have eyes on you." He said, "if it continues and grows it eventually will get out of my hands and the elders will get involved. They don't know about you for good reason. We want it kept that way."
I nodded, "noted. I'll do my best. Any PR tips?"
"When Tsunade comes, don't rock the boat." He advised, "Keep your head down and nose clean."
I nodded and straightened up.
"Anything else?"
"Learn some standard Konoha jutsus." He said as he left.
I looked down at the reports in my hand and sighed. Grand. Just when I thought I was finally a part of something - Konoha showed me exactly how they saw me. I stood and tossed the papers in the stack of unreliable intel and got back to work. I ensured to be calm and respectful as I left. Mind, I never wasn't but… I was extra alert this time.
It had been a few days since Jiraiya had left to find Tsunade. I was trying to keep busy. It was at the point that I was getting to know the hospital staff, which was not what I thought I would be doing. By the end of the day, I decided to go try to figure out where Kakashi kept his summons. It took time. I neither had a contract with them, nor could I summon them. But after checking in with the Inuzuka clan, they pointed me into the right direction. I found them in an area of the many Konoha forests. They had a cute little house large enough for eight Bull-sized members, even though there was only one.
The sunglasses wearing Akino saw me first. He was regarding me coolly, his head tilited up.
"Good to see you again." I said lightly, but he didn't say anything.
"Hey! It's that lady!" I heard Uhei say, "Where's the boss?"
"Whats goin' on?" Bisuke asked, and suddenly they were all bounding towards me.
Oh, I didn't feel like doing this. I barely knew why I was there, besides just letting his summons know Kakashi was stuck in the hospital. I hoped that I wasn't overstepping any boundaries.
"Gentle - ah, canines."
"Don't hurt yourself." Urushi snickered at me. I tried not to roll my eyes at him.
"Be nice." Guruko whispered at him.
"I can't help it, it's funny!" He said.
"Something wrong with the boss?" Shiba asked, coming right up to me. Pakkun was watching me from the back of Bull.
"He's in the hospital right now. I thought you would appreciate knowing." I said.
"What happened?" Pakkun asked.
"Itachi-" they all scowled, "came and attacked. Kakashi is in a coma right now. Tsunade is surely coming. But I wanted you all in the loop."
"That runt is back?" Urushi grumbled.
"I knew something was off about him." Uhei muttered.
"How's he doin'?" Pakkun asked.
"He's okay. He's there, I think. He's just very…. Well. He's not awake."
"Thank you, for letting us know." Akino stated, looking up at me. I never knew where I stood with him; he always seemed so cold and far too cool to ever go right out and say anything.
"I was wondering if you'd like to come with to see him."
"I don't know if boss would like that." Pakkun said.
Probably, he wouldn't want to have any fuss over him.
"Perhaps. But I also don't like the idea of him being there alone."
They shared a look. Pakkun jumped off of the back of Bull and came right up to me. "I'll go with ya. I don't think they'd let us all go."
"If any of you would like to stop by, or come with me you're free to. If you want to come by and see me about anything, you're welcome to." I said to the others as the little pug and I got ready to go.
He leapt onto my shoulder and we headed away.
"How long has he been like this?" The pug asked.
"A few days. I would have been by sooner but-" I drifted off, I felt a little bad about forgetting about them.
"Eh. We're just summons. We're usually overlooked."
"You're more than that." I said assuredly
"Nah. Not really."
I turned my head and stared right at him.
"You've seen him through some of his most difficult years. Don't lie to me." I said.
Pakkun ducked his head and his ears flattened against his head even more.
"Well, when ya put it that way…." He grumbled. He stared at me curiously, after a second. "So you and boss, huh?"
I cleared my throat and looked forward. "I suppose our last mission together erased any doubt."
"Kinda hard not to see it. You were giving each other those looks every night." He said.
"What looks?" I questioned. I did not give any looks. At all.
Instead of answering me directly, Pakkun caught my eye and fluttered his eyelashes at me and in a high pitched voice said, "It's fine, I trust you. I'm sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable."
I vaguely remembered saying something like that. I turned red and looked away. He rolled his eyes and shook his head at me.
"You both have been making eyes at each other way before then." He said.
"I was not." I said.
"Were so! You both were attracted way back in that store." He growled at me.
"The candle store?" I asked - maybe? I could see it. I mean, I did bump into him. I didn't even think I moved away from him.
"No. That one you worked at." He said.
What?
No.
There was no way!
I couldn't stand him and he kept bothering me! There wasn't a possibility of me finding him attractive back then! I didn't even use his name! I called him names and refused to use his given one. He was borderline rude and dismissive. He couldn't have found me attractive. And there was no way I could have… or did I?
"The nose doesn't lie." Pakkun said firmly when he saw my disbelief.
"I was not! He was irritating." I said.
"An' why do you think he kept talkin' in your ear, spookin' ya? An' why you kept gettin' so mad at him?" He asked. "Like I said. You humans I just don't get."
I didn't say anything else. I could feel my face get warmer and warmer. There was no way! But I didn't dare say it. The pug on my shoulder would call me out and then where would I be.
"L-let's just go, ah?" I offered with a slight stutter. He snickered at me as we went.
"Didn't know, didja? It was just a little bit but it was there." He asked smugly. I didn't answer, only cleaning my throat and trying to ignore him. When we got back into the city and to the Hospital we had little trouble getting in and to where we needed to be.
I dropped him off with Kakashi first. The pug didn't say anything but curled up beside him on the bed.
"I'll be back. I have to make my rounds." I said lightly. Pakkun didn't respond. Instead of waiting I headed out and went to find Sasuke's room. Sakura was sitting there, talking to him quietly. I couldn't bear to interrupt. Although I often wondered if she actually loved him like she said she did, it was moments like this I believed her. She cared more than I realized before. I kept my distance, so that I couldn't catch her words until I saw that she'd stopped. I lightly knocked on the open door. Sakura spun to see me sitting there.
"Tami-san!" She said, getting up to stand. I waved her off and came in to look at Sasuke. He hadn't even moved.
"How is he?" I asked.
Sakura bowed her head and didn't answer.
"He'll be okay." I said assuredly. She nodded quietly and finally looked me in the eye.
"Have you checked in on Lee-san lately?" She asked.
"No. I'll have too soon." I said, "how's he?"
"He's okay… just getting tired of lying around."
Mmm. Of course he was.
"We'll have to see what we can do for him. I'm sure there's something he can do that won't aggravate his condition." I said. Sakura clearly didn't think so.
"I'll go now… I'll see you later." She said, and stood up. She left soon after, heading out. I waited until she left before I said anything. She looked like she was just worn down by life already. The little girl who fought in the preliminaries - that fire? It was near gone. I could see it in her eyes. I'd take it upon myself to help her - but between everything on my plate I didn't know how useful I could be.
But I should do something. And I would.
"I know you think little of that one, but she cares more than you think she does." I said to him. I stayed with Sasuke for a time. Not nearly long enough, but I had another plan. I visited Kakashi long enough to see him and read another chapter. Pakkun paid attention to the story, finding humor in the tale. At the end of my visit I pressed a kiss to Kakashi's hairline. I had to see after his remaining team member. At least until he woke up.
"I have to go now… staying?" I asked
"They won't kick me out." He said.
I may have given him a head scratch. He may have allowed it.
I found Sakura heading home, her shoulders drooping and her head low. I looped my arm through hers.
"How about a lady's night ah? Something fun?" I asked her with a grin.
The pinkette stared up at me in shock.
"Come on! I never have tried those dango things. Shall we? It's on me~." I offered cheerfully. A grin split across her mouth and she nodded happily.
Sakura was a passionate little girl - just like I thought. She had some strange ideas, complaining about her parents and them not understanding her drive to be a Kunoichi. They were excited for her and supported her, but the little girl found them exhausting. Her hardships were a little different from the others. Her parents thought the world of her while her peers saw little else but a smart girl who wouldn't stand up for herself as much.
While I did often dish out advice, I didn't believe for a second she needed it. The little girl needed to be heard. So I sat back and let her dictate the conversation.
Her thoughts on Naruto were a little sad; she didn't care for him as much, but I could see some admiration growing for him. Sasuke she adored, which I already knew. At the end of the night, she stopped me before I left.
"I'm sorry… for snapping at you. Before." She told me, staring at her feet.
"It was a personal question. I probably overstepped bounds. Your reaction was fair." I said. She nodded a little awkwardly.
"Yeah. I just heard it from everyone. Everybody thinks I like Sasuke because he's popular. But it's not that." Sakura told me.
"You don't have to tell me a thing. Just so long as you know." I said.
Sakura looked up at me with raw determination in her eyes. I could see that there were questions she wanted to ask me, but instead she kept quiet. We parted later that night. The girl had gone through a rough couple of months. But she'd make it through. She'd be okay.
She would be - just like Kakashi, Sasuke and I. We all would.
It took nearly another week for Tsunade to arrive.
I didn't even know until after work. I was held up at work and couldn't leave until late. I figured it was Ibiki's way of revenge. I raced to the hospital as soon as I could. I took the quickest route possible - bounding from rooftops. Sasuke was awake with Naruto and Sakura there talking with him. I'd come back - leave that part of Team 7 to acquaint themselves.
I did my level best not to run to Kakashi's room. He had to be awake!
He was!
Kakashi was sitting up in his bed, staring at his lap. Pakkun was lying there curled up. I couldn't help but stand there in the doorway for a moment. My breath caught in my throat and when he turned to see me I nearly wanted to cry from sheer relief. I rushed to his side and wrapped my arms around him, cradling his head to my chest.
There was a new weight in his shoulders, a new burden. I wondered what horrors Itachi made him live though. The defeat I saw in his eyes, it bothered me on a level I wasn't prepared for.
"I'm so glad you're awake." I told him quietly. It took him a moment to respond but he pulled me in. "I missed you so much."
He didn't say anything for the longest time. We were just there, me running my fingers through his hair. I did this, going it didn't bother him. I figured it didn't, as he seemed to lean in closer to me.
"Is everyone okay?" He asked finally.
"I'll have to check in with Sasuke, but - everyone is fine." I told him. He hummed, nodding his head. Pakkun sat up and glanced between us. I have the little pug a quick smile.
"Are you okay?" I asked Kakashi.
"I'll be alright. All I need is some rest." He said. I tried not to laugh at that, but it was incredibly hard - I was already feeling so light. I was thrilled he was okay.
I watched as Pakkun stood and went over to the chair beside Kakashi's bed. He looked like he was ready to go. I imagine we weren't good company right then.
"So Hobbits?" He asked.
"I always thought you'd enjoy good old Bilbo. Maybe you'd want to join him for some tea." I said. He chuckled - oh, how had I missed before that he sounded so attractive laughing like that. Maybe I should challenge Guy - see which one of us could get Kakashi laughing a true laugh. That might be fun.
Kakashi didn't warn me when he pulled me down on the other side of the bed and pulled the thin sheet over both of our heads.
"You're supposed to be resting." I protested playfully.
"I am." He assured me, lying on his side facing me. His hand was on my side and his hair was nearly flattened against the sheet above us.
"Tossing me about isn't resting." I said. I placed my hand on his shoulder but didn't dare push him away. Kakashi gave me only an eye-smile and a light shrug. His hand from my side came up to play with my hair. We talked quietly to each other about nothing in particular. I barely thought he was paying attention to what we were even talking about. I couldn't say I was either. I was just so thrilled to see him awake. He was okay. Sasuke was okay. Everyone was fine. They were safe and awake.
"Tsunade-sama will be seeing if she can heal whatever's wrong with Lee-kun." He told me.
"Good. It would be a pity to see him be forced into retirement far too soon." I said. Although I disagreed with his age being involved in such matters, I knew Lee was going after his dreams. It was inspiring in a way.
Kakashi hummed in agreement.
"Pakkun said you went to find them." He said.
"I did… I didn't want you to be alone."
He hummed again and pulled me in closer. I curled into him. We lay there, just enjoying each other for a time. I don't know when it changed but it did.
I could see the look in his eye and I knew what was on his mind.
"It's a shame, ah?" I murmured. I tapped his masked lips with a finger. I was teasing him. I figured he wasn't quite ready for me to see his face yet.
The only warning I got was a heated gaze. In a flash, his uncovered mouth was pressed against mine. I trailed my hand up his arm to his shoulder. His hand found my hip again. It was him who pushed the kiss deeper. He was a tad hesitant at first. I had a feeling he didn't have much experience; it wasn't like I had much either. But like anything, he gained confidence in mere seconds. By the time we parted, I was breathing heavy and he had moved to lean his forehead against my shoulder to gain back his composure.
I gently played with the hair on the back of his neck. I couldn't help but giggle. He breathed out a little chuckle himself.
"You should be resting." I said again softly. I was elated to share the time with him, but I needed him safe.
"Maa." He grumbled and pressed a kiss to my neck before pulling away.
I barely saw his face, just a hint of a soft but beautifully playful smile before his mask was back in place. I was stunned. I stared at him in shock while he just chuckled again.
"What are you doing Hatake? You better not be doing anything my nurses need to clean up after!" A voice called.
Oh, I knew that voice!
Tsunade!
Kakashi didn't respond right away, but pulled the sheet off from over his head to see The newest Hokage standing there proud. I struggled to get a glance. She was standing there with two others. One looked to be Shizune. The other I couldn't immediately tell who it was.
"Is there somebody there with you?" She asked.
"My girlfriend." He said simply. I liked hearing that out loud from him.
"If you end back up in that state, you're staying in it." She threatened. She then moved forward into the room, "well? Who is she?"
Kakashi and I shared a look. Slowly I sat up.
"Well, if it isn't Just-Tami. Good to see you again." She said smugly.
"Lady Tsunade." I said weakly. She grinned, eyeing the headband on my head.
"Well, well. There are some upsides to this arrangement. I'll see you in my office tomorrow morning." She said with a grin. "In the meantime, make sure he stays in that bed and you stay out."
I blushed and pushed my hair from my face. Kakashi moved to let me slide out. That shlump returned as Storm Tsunade bore down on us.
Grand.
Shizune waved at me weakly. The girl beside her was staring at us with her mouth wide open. When I finally got a good look at her, it finally clicked.
Maya.
Same bright blue eyes, same dark black hair. She was dressed differently, but it was her. I did my best to hide my reaction.
Tsunade left and Shizune followed but Maya didn't. She was frozen there on the spot.
Kakashi sat back, eyeing her curiously.
"Is she okay?" He asked.
"Maya?" I breathed. I didn't know what to hope. It couldn't be… could it?
Finally the small girl snapped out of her shock and pointed right at us both.
"I knew it! I knew it! I knew you'd like Kakashi! I totally called it!" She cried out in English.
Kakashi's eyebrow furrowed.
"What did she say? Do you know her? He asked.
My mouth worked but no sound came out. I glanced between both of them.
I can't believe this….
AN: So, as I was researching for the last chapter and about the Tsukuyomi, it turns out love can heal the condition. : Itachi himself theorized that because "since Tsukuyomi destroys the spirit, feelings that reconnect the spirit can undo Tsukuyomi" (quoted directly from NarutoWiki) - and it has happened before. However, it kind of felt like a cheat to the system that Tami and Sakura could potentially get both guys out of the effects. I didn't want to take something away from Tsunade that she shines in. So I left it kind of on the sidelines, and just had her help a little bit instead.
Sasuke will come in more next chapter, at least I plan on him to.
So, Sakura's reason for loving Sasuke will be explored here. But Tami also doesn't really want to know much xD
Also, there may be some jealousy later on with Maya. Maybe.
So they are all in Konoha! Or at least... Are they? Oliver won't be as lucky on finding Tami. It will take him some time.
So, anyways... This one was a harder chapter for me :P I hope it was still enjoyable!
Thank you again, everyone for all the support and love! I adore you guys!
Edit: this chapter has been low key bothering me since I posted it, so I went in and edited a could things. I'm trying to honor Orochimaru's character more. He does seem a little all over the place right now, but it's honestly for a reason.