This chapter was a little tough to write!
Enjoy!
At the end of the week...
Early morning on a Friday, Kakashi finds himself sitting at the table in his kitchen, staring out at the rain. Konoha looks grey, and the droplets hitting his window are loud and inconsiderate of the hour. Rubbing his tired eyes, Kakashi takes a careful sip from the hot mug of coffee in his hands.
'Today is the day…'
Today is the day of Michiko's inauguration as the first female leader of the Sarutobi Clan. It is no small feat; taking the role of matriarch without any prior training from her family and taking on the heavy-loaded politics of the Clans in Konohagukare along with it.
'I wonder how fed up she must be with all of the formalities already.'
Having been on the same Anbu squad for a long time, Kakashi is well aware of Michiko's disdain for formalities and appearances- these are the crux of being clan leader however, and she won't be able to escape them anymore.
As the sky ruptures with booming thunder, Kakashi takes a deep, long, slow breath.
'And what a day it is.'
The Sarutobi household has a quiet but dignified air. Today, food will be cooked to its finest, and Hiruzen has had several caskets of the finest Sake delivered for the afternoon lunch. While the air might seem to be one of celebration within the household, Michiko's mood rather matches the weather.
For the ceremony, Michiko has been dressed in a maroon and white kimono that is emblazoned with the Sarutobi symbol. Her hair has been done up in an elaborate bun with decorative but sharp senbon. Not only does she feel stifled- she feels as if she has been shackled.
As she dresses herself in the early hours of the morning, accompanied by the pitter patter of the rain outside, she wishes that Shisui were here to witness this moment. As thunder booms overhead, she reminds herself; 'All of this…is for him. For the Uchiha. For the future.'
Kunoichi like her, small members of large, important clans, often amount to nothing in the ultimatum of their lives. Their roles are minute and disappear in the larger context of history- the reality that is perceived by future generations is one that leaves their sacrifices unacknowledged and forgotten.
But this; this moment, this opportunity, this role. It can shift the political tides of Konoha. If Michiko disappears somewhere in this history, at least she will have the satisfaction of knowing she tried, and maybe succeeded, in protecting the people she loves. With the current anti-Uchiha sentiment, a Sarutobi leader that is pro-Uchiha can stop the vilifying actions of political entities such as the State, and foremost, Danzo.
Michiko can't help but think the man has a bone to pick with the Uchiha- perhaps because he is not from a dignified clan himself- ultimately, a nobody.
As she fiddles with the way her hair is arranged, she is glad to have half a scarred face- she cannot imagine ever not looking like she has been touched by battle. Moving to stand by her bedroom window, Michiko presses her face to the cold glass and stares out at the rain.
Of the many thoughts occupying her mind, Hatake Kakashi has retained #1 position since their little venture in his bed. Much like the hickeys still staining her neck, and hidden carefully with makeup, Michiko chides herself for being unable to bring the Hatake off her mind. Peering out of the glass now, at the cold and rainy Konoha, she is reminded more of him- Kakashi is much like a storm in her heart, hammering away at the windows and booming for her attention- he is not something she can easily ignore.
Wilfully ignorant of the cold, Kakashi steps out onto the little balcony of his apartment and leans over the railing to catch the rain on his face. In seconds, his hair is drenched and hands over his forehead, clinging to his skin. His un-shirted body is covered in raindrops and as he wipes the hair out of his eyes, gazing lazily out at the village.
There is something freeing about knowing he has made his intentions known to Michiko. He refuses to feel sorry for himself, or regretful of what has passed.
'I wonder if those hickeys are still there.'
With his lips parted, deep in thought, he returns inside and shakes the water out of his hair. He has a schedule for today he needs to follow- shower, dress, head to the Fire Temple. The Hokage has given clear instructions that Tenzo and he should be there for the ceremony- for what he phrased as 'moral support'.
The morning arrives, hidden behind the thick veil of clouds as the Sarutobi clan makes its way to the Fire Temple to receive blessings from the monk in a large procession of caravans. Michiko peers out of the window, curious to see people hidden under their umbrellas and their raincoats, watching with fascination.
Although scattered, the Sarutobi clan is large and deeply invested in Konoha; this procession only happens once or twice in a generation as the clan leader changes- it is a mesmerizing sight for many shinobi and civilians alike- however, the rain has dampened much of the procession- to Michiko's relief.
'To think clans cling to such antiquated rituals.' Feeling awkward being the centre of all this attention and appearance, Michiko feels herself bristle at the thought of being watched closely by the clan, 'Can't imagine the day when this clan culture finally dies.'
Although Michiko is not really against the clan culture which has several merits (look at the Hyuuga and the Uchiha, for example), it makes little sense to her that a clan without any kekkei genkai would make such a big show- there is nothing special about them, except their contribution to the history of Konoha- therefore, this procession is only a show of political power.
As they arrive outside the temple, Michiko gathers the material of her kimono carefully and climbs the stairs before everyone else. Asuma follows close behind her, holding an umbrella over her head and the rest of the procession is led in by Hiruzen.
As Michiko stands beside the monk, she peers out into the open air at the sky and its grey clouds. The distinct scent of rain and damp earth fills the air and she is reminded, again, of Kakashi. Something curls in her chest; it is either longing or remorse, she can't place which.
'Should I have invited him today? Are we something now? Did it mean anything to him?'
The latter of these is a question that has been bounding around Michiko's brain for much of the past week.
Unbeknownst to her, Team Ro has been invited by Hiruzen. Playing his hand at being matchmaker, he guesses that his niece could use their support, particularly Kakashi's, to uplift her spirits. He has noticed that she has been dampened by all the preparation and lectures she has had to sit through on ethics and etiquette for the role.
What Hiruzen does not know is that her and Kakashi have left things on an awkward note, and that her dampened spirits are more so because of the Hatake.
As Kakashi steps out into the pouring rain, dressed in his usual jounin attire, it is on a similar note that he attempts to forego the invitation and bail.
'Michiko will think I'm overstepping…' He shoves a hand in his pocket, the other holding up his large, black umbrella.
As he reaches the high street that cuts through Konoha and eventually ends at the road to the Temple, he catches site of the procession. In that moment, he understands how much Michiko must hate it- all the attention, all the ceremony, all the appearance-keeping.
'Yare yare…'
In honour of her as his comrade and his friend, he changes his mind and goes, lurking far behind the attendants so that she cannot see him. He tells himself it is to support her.
He has gone over the events of that night repeatedly in his mind, reminding himself that Michiko was the one to kiss him first; she tempted him to step out of the bounds he had established between them.
'I don't regret it.' He reminds himself, 'But it can't happen again.'
The rain has dimmed down since the early hours of the morning, to a gentle pitter patter before it recedes entirely. As it dries, the sky gives no indication of clearing up. Kakashi relents to switching between watching the clouds and the ceremony, which is long and tedious. Kakashi hasn't yawned so much in a lifetime.
He is joined later by Tenzo, who finds him easily, spotting his silvery shaggy hair lurking in the back of the crowd.
The only excitement of the day comes when- to everyone's surprise- there is a challenger to her position.
"I challenge Sarutobi Michiko's nomination as clan head!" A young man's voice rings through the temple, and Michiko looks over her shoulder to see who the idiot is. A young sandy haired, green eyed man who can't be much older than her, in a white obi with bandaged hands. He stands close to the entrance.
As all heads turn to regard the challenger, from his place at the back, Kakashi finally gets a full view of Michiko. With her hair done up elaborately, and her sharp, heart-shaped face peering somewhat bemusedly at the challenger, Kakashi feels his breath catch in his throat.
'She looks beautiful.'
The elders whisper amongst themselves, intrigued because no one has challenged a clan head for generations since Sosuke Sarutobi. Kakashi is mesmerised, drowning out the hushed whispers. He is broken from his trail of thought when the challenger announces himself.
"I am Tajima Sarutobi, son of Kenji and Hikari Sarutobi, from the Land of Whirpools." The challenger begins, "Too long has the seat for clan head sat in Konohagukare. I demand a trial by combat to determine which of us is strong enough and capable enough to lead this clan."
Asuma, who has been standing next to Michiko through the long and tedious ceremony, groans.
Curiously, Michiko whispers, "What does he think he's doing?" While it interests her that she can be challenged, she feels the sudden weight of her role as an aching chasm of loneliness waiting for her to dive into it- the challenge is for her alone.
"So then, does the leader-to-be accept this challenge?" Asks Watabi, an aged Sarutobi with too many liver spots on his face.
"I accept." Michiko announces clearly, "But Tajima-san, you will have to give me a moment to get out of this kimono." She smiles, proud to retain her humour in such a situation. Kakashi feels a swell of pride as he watches her, ducking his head to talk to Tenzo about fetching her some spare clothes.
Some people chuckle and the monk overseeing the ceremony leads Michiko away to equip her with more suitable clothes. As Tajima waits, his angst is made evidence by the impatience with which he glances back at Asuma and Hiruzen, who are staring at him silently, with indiscernible expressions.
Entering the back chambers of the temple, Michiko is startled by the sight of Tenzo, holding the black material of an Anbu uniform ready for her to wear.
"Tenzo!" She gasps, "You came?"
"Of course, Hokage-sama requested our presence for your support." He gives her a small, shy smile.
Unable to keep the grin from her face, she hurries to him and puts her hands on the uniform, only then glancing behind him to see her taichou.
"Kakashi!" With wide eyes, she regards both Tenzo and him affectionately, "I didn't know you two were invited."
"Hokage-sama requested our presence in case something like this happened." Kakashi explains coolly, giving no indication of his feelings, "So we figured we'd be your cheerleaders for today."
Blushing slightly at his words, Michiko glances between the two, "I'm so glad you're both here." She cannot keep the emotion from her quivering voice as she takes the uniform from Tenzo, and only then does Kakashi realise how much pressure she must be under.
Michiko, who has always been guarded and rough, dolled up and presented to the clan as the epitome of their clan's leadership- there could be no one more misfit for the role, more ill-prepared. Kakashi feels sorry as he observes her, but his feelings are quickly replaced by those of hope and confidence- if anyone can live up to a challenge, it is her.
Before disappearing into one of the rooms to change, Michiko approaches Kakashi carefully, her eyes searching his for some indication or acknowledgment of what has transpired between them. Seeing no such thing revealed, she reaches over his mask and thumbs his cheek, an interaction that Tenzo watches with interest.
"Thank you for coming." She whispers.
Kakashi simply nods and clears his throat, feeling the heat rise to his face. "Well you better not keep your opponent waiting." He gestures for her to change quickly, and she nods, disappearing inside the spare room quickly.
Kakashi and Tenzo stand outside, exchanging curious looks as they can hear the swish of material being loosened and changed. There's a moment of silence before Tenzo speaks his mind.
"Has something happened between you and Michiko?" Tenzo asks, eyeing his taichou with reigned-in interest.
"No. Why would you ask?" Kakashi lies cleanly, observing as Tenzo shrugs and lets it go. He is lucky that Tenzo is a little…dense when it comes to human gestures- had it been anyone else, they would have noticed Michiko's affection immediately.
"He interrupted at a good time." Asuma whispers, "They were just getting to the part where Michiko would have to declare whether she has any lovers or partners."
Hiruzen shakes his head, "It's an antiquated ceremony. At her age she would definitely have been married if this was my generation."
"Can you imagine the scandal if she said Uchiha Shisui? In this temple? Where the Uchiha aren't even formally allowed?" Asuma snickers, "The monk would have a heart attack."
"And he'd deserve it." Grumbles Hiruzen, "Michiko is no longer with Shisui though, so that should not be a concern."
"What? She never told me." Asuma is surprised, distracted momentarily by one of Hiruzen's cousins who seems to be beckoning him. Excusing himself from his father, Asuma joins the old man who is in desperate pursuit of a cigarette.
"Oji-san, you can't smoke inside the temple." Asuma chuckles, "Best to go outside, that's where the fight will take place anyway."
Asuma helps the old man down the steps with the other clan members following slowly, some of them old, some of them middle-aged. Tajima impatiently glances at Asuma as he passes him, falling into step behind him.
"I have heard many stories about your cousin." He says, "They say she was refused from rejoining Anbu due to her instability. What are your thoughts, Asuma-senpai?"
Irritated, Asuma gives the man a once over and remains silent, exchanging looks with his uncle.
"I think you are ill-informed." Hiruzen speaks from behind them, startling Tajima as well, "All will be settled in combat. Do not fret."
Sufficiently intimidated, Tajima steels his way to the open field where he waits for Michiko to appear.
As Michiko finally arrives for the fight, flanked by two members of Team Ro, Tajima watches her like a hawk. Kakashi observes the young man and feels an urge to smack him for slowing down an already tediously long ceremony.
The rain has settled, leaving their field of battle damp and full of puddles.
Michiko takes her place on the field, her hand resting on the hilt of her wakizashi. She feels the slipperiness of the field under her sandals and feels the muscles in her thighs clench as they brace themselves for precarious balance.
With everyone in place, Hiruzen dictates the rules of the fight.
"There will be no use of chakra and no jutsu. This will be a clean fight that will demonstrate the fighters' skills with taijutsu and kenjutsu. Only blades are permitted."
Michiko winks at her uncle, keenly aware that he means to tell her: no kekkei genkai. Nothing that will spook the elders or give Danzo a reason to connect her to Kirigakure any more than he already has.
In this moment, Michiko recalls the wise words of her current sensei in clan ethics and leadership, the wise ghost of Tobirama whom she has frequented more in the advent of this ceremony.
If your clan demands a show of power, use strength to demonstrate your worth. If your clan demands a clever mind and tact, diplomacy is the best path- in battle you can demonstrate this by ending the fight quickly, with great damage but minimal attacks- aim your weapon carefully, strike at the vulnerable spots, incapacitate your enemy but do not kill him. Demonstrate ruthlessness and mercy, together.
Readying herself to do exactly as Tobirama has advised, Michiko is glad she has brought her father's bladewith her.
As Tajima unsheathes his katana, Michiko unsheathes her wakizashi and changes her stance. She overhears the murmurs of her audience, mostly women who are excited to see a young woman represent their clan for the first time. Encouraged by their support, and that of the younger clan members such as Asuma and their distant cousins, Michiko feels certain that this fight is hers.
When Hiruzen waves the flag, Tajima is quick to attack. He is direct, making him easy to evade and parry. With the additional training Michiko has taken under Mangetsu, her skill with a blade is excellent and she knows it.
The grassy field is filled with metallic clangs as blades collide and the scent of damp, crushed grass as the duellers move. Michiko easily uses her short blade to parry him, using her legs to kick him when he leaves a spot open. To the on-lookers, she very much resembles a tigress playing with her prey.
Danzo makes note that Michiko fights smart, not strong.
"I see you won't even wield a proper blade against me!" Tajima shouts as he attacks her once more. Michiko ducks, then jumps, kicking Tajima square in the back of his neck. Off-balance, and with his spine momentarily stunned, he stumbles.
"The wakizashi is a proper blade, Tajima-san. Only those who have learnt to wield the katana can wield it."
Parrying him once more, Michiko aims for the back of his arm, cutting his skin and his muscle cleanly in one smooth move. She is surprised when Tajima switches from his right arm to his left.
'He's ambidextrous?'
That is a rare skill- one common only to those who wield dual blades, much like herself. A swordsman with two capable hands is more dangerous than a master of one.
And it seems, as Tajima begins to attack once more, that his left hand is dominant. His skill with the blade is better, and Michiko has to exert more effort to evade him. Michiko begins to attack, excited by the prospect of a matched fight.
Hiruzen eyes Danzo mysteriously as the duel plays out before them. He recognizes his comrades analytical gaze in an instant.
"So, what do you see Danzo?"
"I see considerable skill and a fighting style that is not common to Konohagukare." Danzo says openly, although he keeps his voice low so that their conversation is limited to their ears only.
Hiruzen is silent; he has seen it too.
While the wakizashi was a sword unique to his brother's habit of wielding both katana and wakizashi in battle, Michiko's style with the blade is different. She fights, he realises regretfully, much like her mother. Perhaps training with her kekkei genkai has enabled it; with the blade in hand Michiko moves lithely, like a dancer. She is light on her feet and sharp with her blade-work, leaving little room for Tajima's large swings of power.
Tenzo, who has taken a silent place behind them, overhears Danzo's comment. Curious, but having never doubted Michiko, he keeps his focus on the fight.
Kakashi on the other hand, stands by Asuma. The two have traded concerned looks as the fight starts out, but Kakashi is sure that Michiko has enough skill to defeat her challenger. He is keenly aware of Danzo's presence, watching Michiko like a snake.
'You better kick this guy's ass.' He muses, 'Lots of people to be put in their place for underestimating you.'
As the fight picks up heat, Michiko realises she had originally underestimated Tajima. While he is easily passed off as a 'country bumpkin', he is considerably skilled and heavy handed. With his raw strength, his style of fighting reminds Michiko of her own father, who trained her considerably in the early years of her life.
Pouncing into the air to avoid a strike, Michiko lands to his left, parries his blade again and cuts through his side, disabling his left arm. As the sword falls from his hands, Tajima resorts to fighting with taijutsu.
At first alarmed at his perseverance, Michiko feels herself respect her opponent as she drops her wakizashi for a fair fight. His kicks are strong and fast. His style reminds her greatly of Guy, and as she dodges and attacks, flipping to plant an upside down kick to the centre of his back, Michiko is grateful for all the hours or practice she has been able to put in with Mangetsu and Madara in the last couple of months.
Eventually, the fight begins to draw more blood. After a kick to her jaw, Michiko spits a mouthful of blood, earning a murmur of concern from the crowd.
"You fight well." Michiko states, "Who trained you?"
The man smiles, shaking his head. "My father did."
They engage in a heavy-handed, quick-paced exchange. Michiko bolsters herself to finish the fight quickly. With some quick moves that require a sufficient amount of flexibility, Michiko ends the fight with a square kick to the face that breaks his nose and knocks him out cold.
"The fight is over." Hiruzen announces. Slowly, monks enter the field to collect the man and hoist him up to carry him away. Surprisingly, he breaks free of their grasp and stumbles towards Michiko, blood staining the front of his face and his clothes.
"Kill me!" He shouts.
Surprised, but concealing her feelings, Michiko gently lifts her wakizashi from the grass.
"This duel is meant to be a fight to the death!" He says desperately, "I cannot return to my family in dishonour!"
With a thoughtful expression, Michiko approaches Tajima and dips the tip of her blade below his chin.
The crowd gasps.
Using the blade to lift his chin higher, Michiko speaks clearly so that everyone can hear her.
"There is no dishonour in making a challenge to leadership. There is no dishonour in losing a fair fight. I will not kill you."
"Please." He sputters, "This was our only chance. Your branch of the family has ruled too long and left the rest of us desolate! If I could not change my family's fate, then I should die!"
Alarmed at his words, Michiko digs the blade deeper into his skin.
"Listen to me, Tajima-san. You have a fought well and demonstrated greater courage than most of the elders that want to challenge my position through shielded politics and gossip." A murmur rises up behind her, but she ignores it, "Whatever the clan's leadership has done to neglect your branch of the Sarutobi clan, we will remedy. And who better to advise me how than you?"
The young man's green eyes, fierce with desperation, appear to soften.
"We will speak after this ceremony is over." Michiko sheathes her blade and holds out her hand to him. He stares at it, looking between her face and her blood-stained hand. Taking it firmly, and with some help from the monks, he stands.
"We will speak then." He agrees.
Turning away from him, Michiko walks back towards her uncle who is giving her a steely look. Tajima watches Michiko with wonder in his eyes as the monks gently lead him away to be healed.
"Your first political move has already been made." Hiruzen comments, much to Michiko's chagrin. Danzo is grinning at her, patting her on the shoulder as he commends her.
"What a great fight and what a wonderful little speech."
Mirroring her uncle's steely expression, she gives Danzo a look that excites him and then proceeds to re-enter the temple, leading the rest of the clan inside.
Tenzo has hung back with Kakashi, as Asuma joins them. They watch Michiko ascend the giant staircase, with the head monk following close behind her. They are conversing animatedly, with smiles and laughter.
"Asuma-san." He starts, curiously, "What was that all about?"
Asuma wearily sighs, looking over his shoulder to watch Tajima limping away with some of the monks, "The Sarutobi clan has its settlements both in the Land of Fire and in the Land of Whirlpools, where they originally hail from." Rubbing his eyes as he considers what Michiko has just done, he is grateful that he was not in her position. "Because they are not allied to Konoha in any open and obvious way, they have limited trade opportunities and monetary options. They're a very desolate part of the clan, and a small one too."
"Why not just invite them to Konoha?"
"They mostly work under different Daimyos. It's a little complicated diplomatically."
"Ah…" Nodding understandingly, Tenzo and Asuma return to the ceremony. For the most part, Tenzo is excited to see what comes next. Kakashi lags behind them, watching Tajima as he limps away. The young man looks considerably sore, but the disheartened desperation is gone, replaced instead with determination and relief.
'Michiko seems to know what she's doing…that's a first.'
Humored, Kakashi climbs the stairs to the temple steadily, making it inside just in time to hear the monk's question that alarms him. With Michiko in his line of sight, he is curious as to what her answer will be.
"Do you wish to announce anyone to the clan as your partner or lover?" Clearing his throat, the monk speaks firmly to dispel any awkwardness that the young woman might feel.
As she feels the silence behind her, she is glad that Asuma is not within her vision, otherwise they would both definitely giggle. Everyone in the temple is quiet, waiting keenly for an answer that will either shock or scandalise them.
"No."
Nodding in affirmative, the monk moves to speak again when he is interrupted by an elder, who can't keep it to himself to not call out Michiko for her 'well-known affair'.
"And what of the rumours that you are involved with Uchiha Shisui."
A murmur rises up and dies down. Tajima watches the clan with interest, recognising what Michiko meant when she mentioned 'hiding' behind politics to challenge her position.
Without turning around, Michiko addresses the rumour over her shoulder, "That news is three years too old to be relevant."
She feels a painful twist in her heart as she speaks. Kakashi feels something too, but whether it is pity or relief, he cannot tell.
The monk continues quickly to the next set of questions, silencing the murmur that just about begins, "If you were to appoint any individual from outside this clan to advise you or take counsel from, who would that person be?"
'Uchiha Itachi.' Michiko thinks without a doubt, but she stops herself from saying his name because she needs to appear 'neutral' to the clan. She curses the Sarutobi for picking a side against the Uchiha.
"Hatake Kakashi."
Her answer echoes through the silent temple and is followed by another murmur of discussion that quickly dies down. Kakashi feels some eyes turn to identify him. He crosses his arms, the only indication that he is surprised to hear his name being taken.
"And who would you name to take your place at the head of the clan, should you lose your life in the line of duty?"
"Sarutobi Asuma." She speaks firmly.
The questions continue; they are long and tedious and involve a great deal of philosophical mind-wrangling- there are thought experiments, what-if situations, recitals of poetry. And once it is all over, Michiko feels like she has spent 24 hours sitting in the theory classes of the Academy. She is relieved to no longer be dressed in the kimono and rolls her shoulders just as Hiruzen unfolds a special haori for to place over her shoulders.
To signify the end of the ceremony and Michiko's successful ascension to clan leader, she is given a special haori that has a fancier embroidered clan symbol on the back, and dark maroon and purple accents.
Putting it on over her uniform, she rises. She is pleased to spot Tajima in the room as the clan proceed to congratulate her. He nods to her, which she returns with a polite smile.
Finding the attention awkward, she moves to greet her uncle with a hug and a kiss, then she greets Asuma. Begrudgingly Danzo also gives her a pat on the shoulder and she is soon swarmed by relatives and elders. She loses track of how many people shake her hand or pat her back.
As she greets people, ducking her head to let some of the older women kiss her forehead, she spots in the darkness of the temple, the swirling orange mask of 'Madara Uchiha'.
Her breath hitching in her throat, she blinks quickly and surely enough, the man is gone.
With her heart hammering, she tries to find Tenzo and Kakashi, annoyed that they are lurking far at the back and are impossible for her to reach without greeting a billion more people.
"Oh, hello. Thank you." Michiko says automatically as an elderly woman grabs her by her forearms and kisses both her cheeks. Flustered, Michiko is grateful that she had enough makeup to cover the hickeys still decorating her neck. Removing herself from the woman gingerly with a polite smile plastered on her face, she pushes her way through the crowd, stopping every few steps to greet someone with a 'thank you' or a laugh, until she is at the back of the temple. She spies Asuma talking to Kakashi, who is leaning casually against the wall, chuckling about something while her cousin grins.
Her heart's hammering has slowed, but it picks up again as she eyes Kakashi's profile; she can make out the gentle curve of his nose and the soft lips that are smiling beneath the mask because she has become so familiar with them.
"Hey!" Michiko whisper-shouts, rousing herself from her own reverie as she sneaks up to them to avoid anyone noticing her or seizing her to congratulate her.
"Oh look." Asuma grins, "She escaped." As he pulls her in for a hug, her eyes travel sheepishly to Kakashi. They regard each other, both unsure how to respond to the other.
"Congratulations, Michiko." Kakashi says as he pulls away from the wall, hands behind his back. He makes no movement to hug her and keeps his distance. Michiko smiles and thanks him politely, annoyed that he is being so formal with her.
"Now probably isn't the best time taichou…" She trails off, still not used to addressing him by his name, "Maybe we can talk later?" Although she smiles politely at him, Kakashi doesn't miss the warning look in her eyes: 'Don't avoid me.'
"Of course." He accepts, feeling the beginnings of nervousness in his empty, hungry belly.
Asuma glances curiously between the two of them, quickly deducing that the discussion is of a private nature. Wondering what exactly they would need to discuss in private, Asuma makes a quick mental note so that he can interrogate his cousin about it later.
Many of the clan members begin departing and Michiko joins her uncle in thanking them for attending and bidding them farewell. As soon as the a large brunt of the clan has left, her family and their lunch guests prepare for their own departure. Michiko manages to escape this and avoids the convoy of caravans, abandoning them to find Asuma, Tenzo and Kakashi again.
Agreeing that Asuma will distract his father, he hurries off, dragging an unwilling Tenzo with him. Kakashi hangs back with Michiko, keenly aware that her eyes dart nervously to him every so often.
"So…" He starts, coolly, "You're an important person now."
With a laugh and a shake of her head, Michiko brushes it off, "I mean I have a big important title now, but that's about it. Don't know whether anyone will really take me seriously."
"Tajima definitely will." He smiles with his eye, leaving Michiko flushing at his words, "Let's hope so."
They begin to walk together down the temple's steps, watching the bustle of several family and clan members sorting themselves out amongst the caravans in the distance. Clouds still circle overhead, heavy with rain. If it starts to drizzle soon, Michiko has no doubt it will turn into another thunderstorm.
"Taichou. About what happened…" She trails off, hoping that she can find the courage in her to address the matter, "I wanted to talk to you about it."
Unfortunately for her, Kakashi responds all too quickly.
"I don't think we should worry about it. We were both under the influence." He says, "It was just a poor decision on both our parts."
He doesn't mean what he's saying and he wishes he had the courage to actually listen to what Michiko has to say.
Michiko is at first shocked and then angered. She tries to object- but Kakashi doesn't let her speak.
"I think we should put it behind us and forget it ever happened."
Kakashi definitely does not mean the words that fall from his mouth without hesitation, but it is a reflex reaction- he can't stop himself from denying her the conversation she wishes to have. He can see that it irks her, and it pleases him that she goes cold at his words. Sharply, Michiko chides him.
"Well, I can't forget until all those hickeys heal."
"Ah…" His single eye wanders to her, "Those must be taking their time. Nothing a little chakra can't heal if you know how."
"Yes." She quips coldly. His blatant rejection hurts her. Before Kakashi can speak again, Michiko has walked quickly away from him, jogging down the steps to join the entourage heading home.
'What is it that sends men skittering away from me?' With her wounds reopened and salted, she shakes the regretful memories of the Nakana Shrine and Shisui from her mind.
Being left behind, Kakashi watches her with some mirth in his eyes. He doesn't know what has taken hold of him as he lies to her. Thinking that he enjoys watching her chasing him, he understands that he is being an asshole and yet, it does not bother him one bit. In fact, he feels like he finally has an edge over his feelings towards Michiko.
'Yare yare…This is going to be more troublesome than I'd hoped.'
He wonders whether she hoped to get something out of what transpired, and his heartbeat ups a notch at the thought.
'So unpredictable.'
Arriving at the base of the steps as the entourage begins to depart, he waves them goodbye, catching Asuma's eye who waves back. There is meant to be a formal lunch after this- and while Kakashi has been invited- he has no intention to attend.
What he needs right now is time to think about what Michiko means to him. Standing in the grass as the caravans depart, thunder booms loudly over his head. As he peers up at the sky, it announces the rain that begins almost immediately after the loud noise, falling heavily as if it were desperate to escape its lofty domain.
Kakashi is soon soaked and begins his walk home, drenched to the core and not bothering to fish out his umbrella.
In her caravan, sitting silently between Hiruzen and Asuma, Michiko dabs her eyes to conceal the tears that begin to brim.
Asuma gives her an encouraging smile and squeezes her hand. Clasping it in hers, she feels a little better.
She doesn't need Shisui, or Kakashi.
She can do all this on her own.