A/N:
So I decided that I'm going to do a page on my Deviant so I can give you better and more accurate info about Ellainna. I thought about it and I'm more of a visual person and figured in this case that'd be better. 🙂 And then, I tore my house up like a dummy looking for my scanner when doy, my printer is a scanner. So, I'll probably have those up before this chapter so, yay! Also, I tried to do something different this chapter and I wrote a bit from a 3rd person view but from Kakashi's side, if that makes sense. So instead of following Ellainna around and speaking about her thoughts and feelings, part of it, you guys will be following Kakashi. Exciting? I think so. Let me know what you guys think. I might keep doing it in later chapters.
Team 7 arrived home to the Leaf Village around early afternoon, worn and ready for downtime. They all reported to the Hokage's office to report on their mission and deliver their results. Afterwards, the Hokage suggested they take the afternoon to relax before they return to business as usual with missions the next morning.
"That's all for now. You're all dismissed," the Third said.
Team 7 all bowed and left his office. After they got outside, Kakashi gave them orders before he went off his own way.
"We'll meet back here tomorrow morning, I guess," Kakashi said, scratching the back of his head. "Good work on the mission. Take it easy."
He left in a blink of an eye and Team 7 turned to each other. Ellainna grabbed onto Sasuke's arm and looked at him. Before she could open her mouth to speak, Sakura chirped up.
"Sasuke, do you, maybe, want to go do something together?"
"Uh, not really, no. I'd rather spend my half of the day relaxing," he responded.
"Oh, okay," Sakura said crestfallen. "Maybe next time."
"Do you wanna go out to get ramen with me," Naruto asked Sakura excitedly.
Sakura bopped Naruto on the head and angrily said, "What makes you think I would want to go get ramen with you, Naruto?"
"Oh, sorry," Naruto whined sadly and in pain.
Ellainna and Sasuke turned and walked off, leaving Naruto and Sakura where they were standing.
"So, what relaxing are you doing," Ellainna asked.
Sasuke shrugged. "What did you have in mind?"
"Let's go eat," Ellainna said pulling Sasuke of in the direction of a steamed buns booth. After ordering 3 buns each, Ellainna dragged Sasuke to the outdoor tables that were nearby and sat down with him.
"So..." Sasuke said before he bit into his first bun. Ellainna looked at him as she ate as well and waited for him to elaborate.
"...What...What is this exactly," he asked.
"What do you mean," she responded with a mouthful of food. "What do you want it to be?"
Sasuke's cheeks turned red and he looked away, chewing fervently. "Ellainna..."
Ellainna grabbed Sasuke's face between her pointer finger and thumb and turned him to look at her. They made eye contact and Sasuke began blushing more but kept eye contact with Ellainna. She then leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. Sasuke's face was now completely red and Ellainna let him go.
"It's whatever you want it to be."
Sasuke dropped his bun on the table and grabbed Ellainna's face with both of his hands. She turned red and looked in alarm. Sasuke pulled her face to his and crashed his lips to hers. Ellainna blinked once in surprise and then embraced the kiss. It was over just as quick as it began, their lips didn't part and their tongues didn't dance, but it was sweet and gentle nonetheless.
"I guess that's that," Ellainna said after Sasuke pulled away.
They spent the rest of their lunch joking and laughing while they ate. After they finished eating, Ellainna stood and stretched.
"Okay," she yawned. "I think that I'm going to go nap for the rest of the day."
"You don't wanna nap at..." Sasuke trailed off while he looked at her.
She tapped his shoulder and giggled. "Maybe. I need to head home first. Gotta check on things."
Sasuke nodded in understanding and stood. "You want me to walk you home?"
"Nah, I got it. I'm right up the way."
Ellainna hugged Sasuke and they said their farewells before they went their separate ways. Ellainna arrived home first. She walked in her front door and sat her keys on the entryway table. The house was still and silent, like usual. Ellainna sighed and went into her bedroom and removed her skirt and weapons belt. She snapped her leotard against her butt as she admired her reflection. She smiled as her butt jiggled in response. Her hair was longer than it was when she was assigned to Team 7 a few months ago. She was pleased with its progress. She had cut it on her birthday thinking she wanted to change her look up and instantly regretted it. She couldn't do anything with it and anxiously waited for it to grow back to its normal length at her shoulder blades. Now that it had reached there, she considered letting it grow longer. She wondered what it would look like long. She removed her ninja scarf from her head and tied it like a bracelet on her wrist.
Ellainna went down the stairs and entered the kitchen to sit at the table. She stared absentmindedly out the window while she determined how she was going to spend the next few hours. She didn't feel like going back out so that left what? Ellainna blinked and suddenly something was blocking her view of the low sun. She blushed as she realized it was Kakashi perched on her window sill, looking calm and passionless as possible. Ellainna made a face at him, sticking her tongue out and waving her hands playfully by her ears. Kakashi pushed on the window, surprised that it actually opened, and entered Ellainna's kitchen.
"You just can't get enough of me, can you," Ellainna teased, rising from her seat at the table.
"Just give it back," Kakashi responded flatly.
"Whatever do you mean?" Ellainna spun on her heel and left in the direction of her room. Kakashi quickly blocked her exit and held out his hand.
"My book?"
"I don't have it," Ellainna shrugged. "Wish I could help ya. But I can't. Sorry. Bye."
Ellainna made to duck under Kakashi's arm but he just moved in closer so that she was now up against the wall. He put his hands on either side of her head against the wall. Ellainna turned red as Kakashi moved in closer to her face.
"My book."
Ellainna shook her head. "I don't-"
Kakashi reached behind Ellainna and placed his hand on her lower back. He pulled her away from the wall, closer to his body, and Ellainna put her hands between them defensively. She felt his hand snake its way down her back, toward her butt and her face grew extremely hot.
"Hey, I-"
Ellainna blinked and Kakashi was holding his book in his hand in front of her face.
"Thank you."
Kakashi turned and made to leave the way he came in but Ellainna called out to him.
"Hey!"
"Yes," Kakashi addressed her, turning slightly to look back at her.
"N-n-no-no fair," she struggled to say as she tried to get her mind cleared back up.
Kakashi shrugged and turned back to the window. "Life's not fair."
In another blink of her eyes, Kakashi was gone. After taking a few beats to process what happened, Ellainna raced to her window and yelled out of it angrily.
"I wasn't done!"
Of course, it didn't matter. Kakashi was long gone. She sighed and closed her window, making sure to lock it this time around. She decided to go to Sasuke's apartment after all. It beat being home alone and being bored. She wanted some company. She trekked up the stairs back to her room and pulled on a pair of running shorts and left, making sure to grab her keys and lock up on her way out. She didn't get further than off her porch steps when she saw her parents walking up. She stopped in her tracks, overwhelmed by emotion, and unsure what to do.
Hitomu and Isao Jinto walked up the walkway to their house, discussing the events of their last mission, when they saw their daughter exiting their house. They were surprised to see that she was there considering that they always had missions on and off. They were happy to see her mostly, but was also disappointed.
"Darling," Hitomu, Ellainna's mother called out with her arms stretched out. Ellainna made no intention to embrace her mother, knowing exactly what was to come next. Instead, she rolled her eyes.
"Hi mom. Hi dad," she said impassively.
Ellainna's mother walked to her and hugged her anyway as Isao walked into the house, leaving them by themselves.
"Oh, honey, we've missed you! Where are you going? Don't you want to spend time with us? It's been forever since-"
"Not really, Mom. I'll be back home tonight." Ellainna struggled to detach herself from her mother's arms but was unsuccessful. Hitomu rubbed Ellainna's hair, annoyed.
"Honey, I still don't understand why you don't do anything with your hair. I mean, honestly, you would look so pretty if you would curl it."
Ellainna's struggles finally proved fruitful as she managed to untangle herself from her mother's grasp. She flattened her hair back down and grumbled.
"I like it this way, Mom."
"Ah, whatever. What about your clothes? When are you going to dress more appropriately and less like a-"
"Goodbye, Mom." Ellainna walked off and waved lazily behind her towards her mother. Hitomu sighed in frustration but let her daughter leave without a fight.
Ellainna arrived at Sasuke's apartment and let herself in. She collapsed on his bed and sighed audibly. Sasuke came out of his bathroom, drying his hands and chuckled.
"That didn't take long," he said.
Ellainna put a pillow over her head and groaned.
"Let me guess-"
"I don't wanna talk about it."
Ellainna sat up abruptly. "Let's do something else instead!"
Earlier that day...
Kakashi returned home and sighed. He was tired but glad that he was given the afternoon off babysitting his team. He planned to relax and curl up with his favorite...
Oh no
He reached in his back weapon pouch for his Icha Icha book and found it to be not there.
"You've got to be kidding me," Kakashi muttered as he tried to determine where it could be. He mentally retraced his steps, certain he couldn't have left it or misplaced it on their journey back, when it dawned on him exactly where it was. He sighed as he left out of his house again, in a hurry.
Kakashi hated following his pupils around, he felt like he was spying on them and he would rather be doing anything else. He was sure Ellainna had his book but he didn't want to interrupt her lunch with Sasuke. He had noticed that they had gotten a little cozier after the fight on the bridge but assumed that it was due to Ellainna finally getting used to being on a team. Or maybe it was something else? Either way, he was sure Ellainna was going to give her a hard time over his book and he'd rather not have that interaction in front of Sasuke.
However, he had been watching them for a while now and decided that the awkward of the conversation was worth getting his relaxing afternoon back. He started to walk over to them when Ellainna leaned over to Sasuke.
Oh?
Ellainna kissed Sasuke on the cheek and Kakashi exhaling in relief, finding that he had previously been holding his breath.
A kiss on the cheek. That's friendly. Like brother and sister.
He was confused why he was trying to reassure himself. What did it matter if they were dating or not?
But they're not...
Kakashi watched as Sasuke grabbed Ellainna's face and kissed her, this time on the mouth.
Oh...
Kakashi turned and decided he'd leave them to their lunch. He'd wait for Ellainna at her house. He realized he wasn't sure where her house was and it took him a while to find it. He knocked and waited but she didn't answer the door. He went around the side and peered into her kitchen window but didn't see anyone. He decided to check upstairs and if she wasn't there, he'd wait for her on her porch. He put chakra in his feet and walked a few steps up to peek into the first window he saw on the second story. Ellainna's back was turned to him and she was admiring herself in the mirror.
Time seemed to move in slow motion as Kakashi's eyes followed Ellainna's hand. She reached down to the bottom of her leotard and hooked her pointer finger underneath it and pulled. She let go and it snapped back tautly against her butt cheek, causing it to jiggle graciously. Kakashi lost his concentration and fell from the siding of the house. He was too dazed to even care about trying to break his fall and landed on his back. His nose bled and he twitched like a bug that had just been stepped on as the image of Ellainna had burned itself into his mind. He had never seen her in just her leotard, without her skirt or shorts on. It was definitely an experience he would remember.
As he began to daydream, he suddenly remembered why he was there, and shook himself out of his stupor. He reminded himself not to let his emotions override and dictate his actions. He was a ninja and a jonin first. And that meant avoiding anything that may look improprietous on his end. He fixed his nose and decided to just go in, get his book, and leave. What could be so hard about it?
He headed towards her front door, but stopped when he saw she now in her kitchen. He walked up to the window and looked in. He watched as she made a face and couldn't stop himself from smiling. It was amusing to him. He grabbed the window and tugged. It easily slid open and he stepped inside.
"You just can't get enough of me, can you," Ellainna asked him teasingly. She stood up and put her right hand on her hip. He struggled not to let his mind wander like his eye was.
"Just give it back," he said, trying to get out of her house as fast as possible. He didn't trust himself alone with her for very long. No matter how much he tried to mentally prepare himself beforehand, his brain turned to putty the second he sees Ellainna. She was too alluring.
She smiled coyly at him and it took all the strength he had not to buckle and fall to his knees. She spun on her heel towards the kitchen archway.
"Whatever do you mean?"
Kakashi quickly moved in front of her and stretched his arms out, blocking her from leaving.
"My book," he asked, trying to keep his voice from quavering. He hoped she couldn't read his facial expression. He was glad he was wearing a mask. Ellainna shrugged her shoulders, still looking up at him coyly and batted her lashes. Kakashi bit his lip and his breath caught in his throat. Her pale green eyes looked up at his, feigning innocence and full of infectious joy. Her plump lips formed a soft 'o' as her mouth hung open slightly agape. He wondered if they were as soft as they looked; if they tasted as sweet as she smelled. He wanted to grab her face like Sasuke had and pull her in. He wanted to kiss her better than she had ever imagined and show her what could be possible.
"I don't have it. Wish I could help ya. But I can't. Bye."
Ellainna bent down to try and duck under Kakashi's arm but he was acting on autopilot. He wasn't ready to let her go just yet. He stopped her from leaving and used his body to push her against the wall. He noticed Ellainna's cheeks turning red and took satisfaction from that. He put his hands on the wall on either side of her face and leaned in close to her. Maybe it wouldn't be a big deal if he just leaned in and...
"My book," Kakashi said firmly, ignoring the hormone and emotional driven thoughts cascading through his mind. He's only here for the book. That's it...
Ellainna shook her head, her blush creeping across her cheeks.
"I don't-" she started but Kakashi's wandering hands caught her off guard and made her stop.
Kakashi took his right hand and reached behind her, touching her lower back lightly. He heard Ellainna's breath catch in her throat and let his mind wander. It would be so easy to lean in close to her and kiss her from just under her jaw bone to her shoulder and back up. It would be beautifully satisfying to nibble her ear and feel her body melt into his arms before he bent down and tested how soft her lips felt against his.
Kakashi used his fingertips to pull her closer to his body so that she wasn't touching the wall anymore. It gave him easier access. In reaction, Ellainna put her hands up between the two of them, and rested them against his chest. They were as hot as her flushed cheeks looked. He hoped Ellainna couldn't feel any of the reactions she had elicited from him that day.
Kakashi crept his hand down Ellainna's back, towards her weapons pouch. He rummaged inside it and quickly recovered his book.
Finally...Now to get out of here...
"Hey I-" Ellainna said, but Kakashi held his prize in front of her face. She blinked as she registered what happened.
"Thank you," Kakashi said cheerfully. He quickly turned away from her and made his way to her kitchen window.
Almost there...
"Hey!"
Kakashi couldn't help himself and stopped, but only turned his head towards her. If he turned his entire body, he wouldn't be leaving at all.
Maybe...Does she...?
"Yes," he asked hopefully.
"N-n-n-no fair," she stuttered, encouraging Kakashi's optimism.
She wants...but I can't...I can't.
Kakashi turned and forced himself to be integral.
"Life's not fair," he chimed before he climbed out her window and left. He raced home towards and could've sworn he could hear Ellainna's voice calling out to him.
"I wasn't done!"
Kakashi returned home and put his book on his nightstand. He decided that a cold shower was needed and went into the bathroom and ran one. He got in and sighed heavily as it worked to alleviate the effects from his hot blooded emotions. Afterwards, he switched to a warm shower to wash his body. He zoned out, thinking about Ellainna. Obviously the smart thing to do would to go to the Hokage and be reassigned or have him reassign Ellainna. Unfortunately, without a reason, he doubted that the Hokage would just comply with that request. He didn't want to tarnish his or Ellainna's shinobi careers, especially since something like this follows a person around. He leaned into the water and sighed. He had no other choice than to get better willpower and self control. He just had to last long enough for Ellainna to graduate to Jonin and then he didn't have to see her after that. He finished his shower and retired to his bed. He tried to perk himself up, reminding himself that he was a skilled ninja after all. He was revered throughout the village for his skill. A young lady couldn't knock him off his game. Right?
Team 7 met outside the Hokage's office the next morning bright and early. Well, everyone except Kakashi, anyway. They waited like usual for him to arrive when Ellainna got a bright idea.
"Wait here," she said hurriedly, and rushed up the stairs. She returned thirty minutes later and proudly produced six papers out of her pouch. She waved them excitedly.
"Looky! Now we don't have to wait for old lazy bones to start our missions!"
Ellainna felt a hand clap her shoulder and she shivered before she looked back to see Kakashi standing there.
"Well, thank you. But 'Old lazy bones' can take it from here."
He held his hand out for the mission slips and Ellainna chuckled, having been caught red-handed, before handing them over and quickly walking back to stand next to Sasuke. Kakashi read off the first mission in the stack and they all headed off.
The next six weeks flew by and blurred into one another. Kakashi was always late, Naruto and Sasuke still struggled to get along, Sakura relentlessly flirted with Sasuke, and they completed many missions, most of them D rank. Before they knew it, Team 7 had gotten into a groove, though it wasn't exactly a positive one.
When they weren't working, Team 7 kept to themselves. Ellainna and Sasuke spent time together on and off, training, eating, talking, etc. Naruto spent his free time enjoying ramen and training by himself. His rivalry with Sasuke was heating up and ye wanted to be the one on top. Sakura spent her time reading and dreaming about Sasuke, as usual. And Kakashi had been doing surprisingly well at shoving his attraction down and ignoring it. It was easier of course, because Sasuke and Naruto bickered every ten minutes. Ellainna's flirtatious remarks were still routine, but their frequency did decrease significantly.
If they were on call for missions that day, they'd meet at some predesignated point (too about any mishaps that Ellainna may have tried to carry out) and Kakashi (just as late as ever) would delegate their missions from there. When he wasn't complaining about the simplicity and boring nature of their missions, Naruto would be starting fights and arguments with Sasuke. After their disputes were momentarily solved, Team 7 would finish their missions and break for the day. Sasuke would give out an insult and leave with Ellainna, Sakura would try to flirt with Sasuke, Naruto would try to cheer up Sakura after she would be rejected, and Sakura would blow up and insult Naruto. Kakashi may or may not be there during this interaction, but it was all like clockwork.
And that's exactly what was happening today when Kakashi was summoned to meet with The Third Hokage. Team 7 was in an alleyway in their way back from completing their dog walking mission. They stopped because Naruto and Sasuke were at each other's throats yet again.
"You really are just one big problem," Sasuke gloated. He and Sakura were carrying a weak and tired Naruto by his arms around their shoulders as Ellainna lagged behind lazily with Kakashi. Naruto stood up indignantly and balled his fist as though he was going to take a swing at Sasuke.
"Sasuke," he growled angrily.
Before he could lunge at him, Sakura blocked his way and threatened him with her own act of violence.
"If you keep this up, I'll finish you off myself!"
Kakashi sighed and remarked on how poor their teamwork was. Ellainna forcefully smacked Kakashi on the back as she agreed with him.
"Aww, but what's Team 7 without a little discord and rivalry, hunh?"
"That's right," Naruto shouted at Sasuke's back. "Our teamwork's all messed up and it's all your fault, Sasuke. You think you're better than everyone else?!"
"Not everyone, just you," Sasuke replied, still walking away. "Face it, I'm better and stronger than you are. It's a fact." Sasuke paused and turned to face Naruto so he could challenge him. "Unless you have what it takes to prove me wrong?"
Naruto growled as he and Sasuke stared each other down. Sasuke turned away first, frustrated with all the progress he had to make to be as strong a shinobi as he hoped to be. It was then that Kakashi noticed the hawk flying above, summoning him to The Third Hokage's presense. He made an excuse and promptly left, ending their work for the day.
Ellainna winked and waved to Kakashi, giggling.
"Whatever, I'm out of here," Sasuke said before turning to leave.
Sakura gasped excitedly and chased after Sasuke.
"Wait! Sasuke, I'll go with you!"
Naruto reached out pointlessly in their direction, dismayed at the attention Sasuke was receiving from Sakura.
"So, why don't we-I mean...you know...Let's do something a little more personal? I mean, to improve our teamwork and all?"
Ellainna bit her lip and spun around, trying to hold in her laughter. She held her stomach and doubled over at the waist as she snickered as quietly as she could.
"I swear, you're just as bad as Naruto," Sasuke replied, crushing Sakura and making Ellainna chuckle harder.
"Instead of flirting, why don't you practice your jutsu and make the team stronger? Let's face it, you're actually worse than Naruto."
That completely crushed Sakura's spirit, but Sasuke lacked caring. All he was worried about was getting stronger. He called out to Ellainna to get her attention. She turned to face him, all of her giggles out for now, and shook her head. She didn't feel like following him around like a sheepdog today. Sasuke considered trying to convince her otherwise but didn't want to in front of the others so he shrugged and left. Ellainna put her hands on her hips and sighed.
If I had known having a boyfriend was this annoying...
As Sakura mentally condemned herself and her skills as a shinobi, Naruto tried to cheer her up.
"Don't worry, Sakura! Just forget about Sasuke. You an' me can develop on our teamwork all day!"
Sakura growled and Kakashi took that cue to leave. He disappeared after patting Ellainna reassuringly on the shoulder. Ellainna was now used to Kakashi randomly giving her physical attention so she didn't question it, but it did cause her to blush just the same. Naruto foolishly took Kakashi's departure as a means for him to try and get closer to Sakura.
Suddenly, a poorly disguised box shuffled up and hit Ellainna's ankle.
"Ow!"
She and Naruto looked down and saw the box, wondering what was going on. Ellainna kicked it angrily, eliciting some cries of pain from inside. She scoffed and walked off in the direction Sasuke walked off in. Naruto started comically running back and forth through the alley, noticing that the fake rock box was following him. This caught Ellainna's attention and she stopped, confused, and watched as Naruto was chased. Finally, he stopped and berated the obviousness of the disguise.
"You saw through my camouflage again," came a voice from inside the box. "You're slick, boss! Just what I'd expect from my greatest rival!"
The box flashed and suddenly smoke bombs went off, revealing three preschool aged children in its place. They coughed as they choked from inhaling the smoke. They comically introduced themselves and Naruto looked on unimpressed. Ellainna was suffering from another fit of giggles not too far behind. Naruto expressed his knowledge of the inhabitants of the box and that they hadn't needed to introduce themselves. Then, he noticed that all three kids were wearing goggles on their heads and asked why it was so.
The kids all smiled proudly and the one named Konohamaru boasted that they were copying the look Naruto used to sport.
"Oh," Naruto unenthusiastically exclaimed.
"Oh," Konohamaru asked incredulously. "Come on, Boss. Why are you being like that? Be more excited!"
"So, did you want something," Naruto asked annoyed.
The kids reminded Naruto that he had promised he would play ninja with them. Naruto mentally tried to think of a way to get out of it and Ellainna mentally 'awww'd the kids. Sakura, however, walked up and ridiculed the kids and Naruto for 'playing ninja'. She thought it was ridiculous and she was still in a sour mood from being rejected by Sasuke.
Ellainna rolled her eyes. "Oh grow up. Let the kids have their fun."
Naruto tried to play it off and look cool for Sakura, though all he did was turn red and laugh awkwardly. Konohamaru realized that Naruto obviously had a crush on Sakura and incorrectly assumed, however, that they were dating. He began teasing him for it, upsetting Sakura and amusing Ellainna.
"Aww, you lovebirds. I would've never known," she teased. "Everything makes sense now..."
Naruto played along and gushed about Sakura's apparent fondness for him, sparking her anger to reach insane levels. She punched Naruto into the fence, scaring the kids.
"What kind of girlfriend are you," Konohamaru asked. The kids rushed to Naruto's aid, worried. Konohamaru insulted Sakura in Naruto's defense.
"You're a witch! And you're ugly too!"
This of course, caused Ellainna to fall to the ground in laughter and angered Sakura even more. She cracked her knuckles menacingly and pummeled both Konohamaru and Naruto. Satisfied, she walked off snootily.
"I don't even think she's human," Konohamaru expressed as he and Naruto stood up in pain. "Did you even see how big her forehead is?!"
Ellainna wheezed, enjoying the teasing Sakura was receiving. Sakura, however, was not as amused and stopped walking. She turned around angrily and chased after the kids and Naruto, ready to pummel them once more. Ellainna tripped Sakura as she passed by, helping the others to put distance between themselves and Sakura but turning her fury onto her. Ellainna had no issue with this, however, as she was confident she could easily over power Sakura. She easily had Sakura in a headlock before she could even throw a punch.
Ellainna was prepared to scold Sakura for her behavior when she heard Konohamru cry in pain. She looked down the alley and saw that he had ran into an unfamiliar ninja. This ninja was standing at the end of the alley with a girl, both of whom were looking down menacingly at Konohamaru.
"Do you need something," he asked.
Ellainna noticed that their ninja protectors were from the Sand and knew that trouble had to be brewing. As expected, the male ninja picked up Konohamaru by the collar of his shirt and began threatening him. Ellainna shoved Sakura away and stalked over to the Sand Ninja.
"Put him down, Kankuro, or you know you'll pay for it later," the female ninja said, looking around anxiously.
"Yeah," Ellainna said, swinging a kunai on her finger. "Put him down, Kankuro. I'd hate to make that ugly mug of yours any worse."
"Oh yeah," Kankuro responded. "I'll put him down. If I can pick you up instead." He winked at Ellainna and she stopped swinging her kunai, gripping it instead.
"I guess we're doing this the hard way," she replied.
"That's the only way I do anything, Sweetie," Kankuro fired right back.
"You better put him down right now," Naruto exclaimed.
Kankuro smirked as he took stock of the Leaf Ninja in front of him.
"We've got a few minutes before he gets here," he said to his partner. "Let's have a little fun, hunh?"
The girl sighed and declared she has no involvement in what he decided to do. Kankuro gripped Konohamaru a little tighter and threatened to kill him, causing Naruto and Ellainna to charge at him. Kankuro threw Konohamaru at Naruto and reached out to grab Ellainna instead.
"Come to Papa, Sweetie," he said menacingly. Anticipating his intentions, Ellainna reared back to dodge his grasp and throw a punch instead. However, before her blow could land, something whizzed through the air and knocked into Kankuro's hand. It was too late to stop her punch, even if she wanted, so Ellainna followed through on her punch. Kankuro fell to the ground, gripping his hand. A pebble landed at his feet and Ellainna looked up to a nearby tree angrily.
"I had it covered," she shouted.
"You're a long way from home," Sasuke said, tossing another pebble threateningly up and down. He was perched in the tree Ellainna was facing. "And you're way out of your league."
Sakura cheered happily of course at Sasuke's arrival and Kankuro stood, glaring at Sasuke. Konohamaru took the distraction to run to safety at Naruto's side. Ellainna nimbly leapt onto the fence and then to the branch Sasuke was sitting on. She used the momentum to swing herself up and landed deftly in front of him.
"Oh great, another wimp to tick me off," Kankuro proclaimed.
Sasuke held the rock in his hand and squeezed it.
"Get lost," he said as he opened his hand and let the sedimantary remains of the rock flow balefully to the ground. Sakura and the little girl, Moegi, fangirled over Sasuke's strength. Naruto was intimidated and Konohamru demanded to know why Naruto wasn't cool like Sasuke. Naruto tried to convince him otherwise but when he failed, he mentally blamed Sasuke for sticking it to him.
"He, Sweetie," Kankuro shouted. "Come back down here. We're not done yet."
"In your dreams, loser," Ellainna shouted back.
"She's out of your league," Sasuke said. "Cut your losses and leave. Or I'll make you."
"Why don't you get down here, punk? You're the kind of pesky little snot I hate the most. You're all attitude and nothing to back it up."
Kankuro pulled on a loose bandage from whatever he was carrying on his back and it slid easily down next to him on the ground.
"What," his partner exclaimed. "You're gonna use the Crow for this?!"
"Kankuro, back off," came a voice from behind Sasuke. Shocked, everyone looked over to see yet another Sand ninja hanging from a branch on the other side of the tree from Sasuke and Ellainna.
"You're an embarrassment to our village," the ninja said.
Kankuro and his partner looked at him worriedly.
"Uh...h-hey, Gaara," Kankuro said gently.
Sasuke tried to size the ninja, Gaara, up, and chastised himself for not noticing his presence.
"Have you forgotten why we're even here," Gaara scolded Kankuro.
"I-I-I-I know," Kankuro stuttered. "I-I-I-I-I mean, they challenged us. They started the whole thing really. S-s-see, here's what happened-"
"Shut up...Or I'll kill you."
"Uh, right...I was totally out of line. And-and-and I'm sorry Gaara. I was totally out of line."
Kankuro and his partner both made pleading motions, begging for his forgiveness. Gaara ignored them and turned to Sasuke.
"I'm sorry for any trouble he caused."
Sasuke continued trying to size up the skill of Gaara while Ellainna grinned. She made a fist and fire erupted from here eyes.
"I want him to grovel and eat the dirt at my feet while he apologizes," she proclaimed fanatically. She continued on a tangent but she was ignored. Gaara disappeared in a flurry of sand and reappeared next to his two comrades.
"Let's go," he said forcefully. "We didn't come here to play games."
"U-uh-uh-All right. Sure. I get it," Kankuro said. All three Sand ninja turned and began walking away.
"Hey," Ellainna yelled. "I didn't get my apology yet! I wanted-"
Sasuke put his hand over her mouth and pulled her to him so that she couldn't escape as she struggled to rant some more.
Sakura, thinking she had something conducive to say, called out after the three ninja.
"Hey! Hold it!"
"What," the female ninja asked, her and her comrades backs still turned to them.
"I can tell from your ninja headbands that you're from the Village Hidden in the Sand. Of course the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind are Allies, but no shinobi can enter another's village without permission. So state your purpose. And it better be good." Sakura felt like she was big and bad having 'caught' some shinobi breaking rules.
The tree Sand ninja turned around and Ellainna rolled her eyes.
Sakura, you're an idiot.
"Really," the female Sand ninja said. "Have you all been living under a rock or what? You don't know what's going on, do you?"
Sasuke looked at Ellainna and she nodded her head. He released his hold on her mouth as the female ninja procured an ID.
"We have permission," she said. "Of course, you are correct. We're Sand Genin and our home is the Land of Wind. And we've come here to take the Chunin Exams. Get the picture?"
"The Chunin Exams," Naruto asked. "What's that? I've never heard of them. Believe it!"
"Oh I believe it, all right," the Sand ninja said. "You're totally clueless."
Ellainna sighed in exasperation and Konohamaru explained to Naruto exactly what the Chunin Exams were. Naruto expressed his joy at his newfound knowledge and his desire to compete in the Chunin Exams. Sasuke jumped down from the branch he was perched on and demanded Gaara identify himself. The girl turned around, thinking Sasuke meant her, and excitedly asked if that was so.
"No, him. The guy with the gourd on his back."
"My name is Gaara...of the Desert," he responded. "I'm curious about you too. Who are you?"
Sasuke smirked arrogantly. "I am Sasuke Uchiha."
They looked at each other threateningly as immature boys do before Naruto interrupted, announcing his assumption that his name must want to be known as well.
"I couldn't care less," Gaara quickly said before he and his team quickly leapt off. Sasuke was excited to test his merit against new opponents. As Naruto sought affirmation from Konohamaru that he wasn't weak, Ellainna hopped down from the tree and landed on Sasuke. They crashed to the ground and Sasuke growled angrily.
"Ella, what the heck?!"
"Sorry," she giggled, taking her time getting off him. She leaned over and whispered in his ear. "That's payback." She winked and bounced away cheerfully. Sasuke stood and growled, following after her.
He caught up to her and they silently fell in step with each other, heading towards Sasuke's apartment. Halfway there, Ellainna glances as Sasuke and sees him scowling. She sighs and rolls her eyes.
"I'm not at your beck and call, Sasuke," she said annoyed. "I don't jump when you say or follow you around like a lost puppy dog."
"You're my girlfriend," Sasuke said equally annoyed. "You should want to hang out with me."
They both stopped walking and faced each other.
"If you wanted a toy to have complete dominion over, you should've dated Sakura. Or any of the other girls in your class."
Sasuke growled, but stayed silent because he knew she was right. He sucked his teeth and walked off.
"Fine. Go have a life then. Let me know when you want me in it, I guess."
Ellainna rolled her eyes and walked off in the opposite direction, towards her house.
"Butthead."
Ellainna didn't make it very far until she had a visitor join her on her walk.
"Enjoy your meeting," she asked, unable to keep the mounting frustration out of her voice.
"Why, yes, I did," Kakashi said cheerfully.
"So I assume you signed them all up?"
"Of course."
"...do you really think they're ready?"
"Do you think they're not?"
Ellainna stopped and pondered his question. Kakashi stopped and faced her.
"I'm biased," she cheerfully announced, her bad mood seemingly dissipated. "Naruto's an idiot, Sakura's an even bigger idiot, and Sasuke...he's just an arrogant jerk."
"But..?"
"But they're skilled," Ellainna reluctantly admitted. "Maybe skilled enough to pass. I don't know. But they'll give everyone there a run for their money."
"Why are you so sure? Is that what you did?" Kakashi playfully elbowed Ellainna and chastised himself for doing so.
"Have you known me to do anything less," Ellainna chuckled.
Kakashi chuckled but refrained himself from anything more. He wanted to wrap his arm around her and rub her shoulder. Well, that's where he wanted to start. But he was getting a little better at resisting his urges and ignoring them when he was around her.
"So what's got you walking home alone these days," Kakashi ventured.
Ellainna rolled her eyes. "Oh. That."
They walked in silence a few more steps before Ellainna changed the subject.
"But anyway," she said, swinging her body to face him and walk backwards. "What makes Kakashi Hatake tick. For real this time." Ellainna remembered they day they met on the bridge and his lack of information.
"Well, I like to read," Kakashi joked.
Ellainna laughed and pointed her finger at Kakashi. "I already know that, pervert."
She walked up to him and playfully pushed his shoulder.
"Fine, keep your secrets," she said, winking at him.
They again walked side by side in silence before Kakashi broke the silence.
"Well, what about you? What makes Ellainna Jinto tick? Maybe I'll get inspiration from your response," he lied. He didn't want to open up at all. Ellainna tapped her chin pensively before she answered surprisingly honestly.
"Nature."
Kakashi looked at her in surprise. "Nature?"
Ellainna chuckled. "Yeah. Uhm...Here."
They stopped and faced each other. Ellainna reached into her ninja tool bag and produced a few worn books; one green, one yellow, and one blue. She stepped close to Kakashi and put the blue one in his hands and opened the green one, unveiling a pressed flower that was labeled. She nervously tucked hair behind her ear, unsure if she should continue. She didn't normally talk to people about this, or anything of substance really. But with Kakashi, she felt it was safe to open up to him.
"I-uhm...I press flowers and-uh-" She pointed to the book she put in Kakashi's hand and he opened it. Inside were photographs of various animals, also labeled.
"-take photos of things-or-or-or dr-dr-draw them...you know? I-yeah."
Ellainna turned a little red as she watched Kakashi flip through her books, impressed in her dedication and knowledge. Everything was labeled with names, origins, nativity, random facts, etc. She was very thorough. He flipped to some drawings in the back of one of the books and Ellainna hurried covered it with her hand.
"Uh, no..no...not those," she said, flustered. She gripped the book with her other hand and pulled to take it back. Kakashi, however, did not let go. He pulled it away, out of her reach. He hurriedly flipped through the book, admiring her various sketches and drawings as Ellainna fruitlessly tried to grab the book from him. He flipped through half-finished animals and a few painted sunsets before he got to the back. In it, was drawings of people. There were villagers, clients she had, scenery, her teammates, and self-portraits. She had various spots of the village detailed, every person's face was perfect down to the last frown line. Kakashi opened his mouth to compliment her on her skills when he flipped a page and he was staring at himself. There was a drawing of Kakashi in the sunlight staring off. He smirked, his ego stroked, and Ellainna's face turned red.
"Oh! No! Please!"
Kakashi turned away from her and kept turning pages. Every page was full of drawings of him. On the next few pages, every corner, every space, was filled with some kind of drawings. Kakashi was intrigued as he examined the drawings. She took the time to put in details that he hadn't even noticed about himself. His ego now adequately stroked and his confidence through the roof, he closed her book and smiled. He took a moment to exhale and compose himself before he turned to Ellainna, not wanting his true feelings to be made obvious to her. However, he didn't have to worry about that. When he tried to hand her the book back, Ellainna was hiding her face behind her hands and shaking her head.
"Uhm..."
"I know, I know! Please just forget that all of this ever happened!"
"Sure," Kakashi said, surprising Ellainna. She removed her hands from her face and looked up at him.
"You just have to take it back."
He held her book out and she retrieved it and smiled. As she put all three books back in their place, Kakashi chuckled and put his hand on her shoulder.
"I'll forget just how obsessed with me you are," Kakashi said teasingly. Ellainna covered her now red face again and groaned in mortification.
"No! Jeez!"
They walked and talked some more, getting lost in delightful chatter and laughter. They both found it surprisingly easy to open up themselves and talk about random things they otherwise may not have divulged so easily. They were so caught up, they hadn't realized they had arrived at Ellainna's home until Ellainna had giggled and spun on her heel, causing her to her home.
"Oh," she squeaked. She turned back around to Kakashi and pointed her thumb at her home.
"Seems we've made it."
"I guess so."
They both teetered awkwardly in silence before Ellainna turned up to Kakashi and grinned.
He was reminded of the last time he walked her home and she smiled at him like that. He turned red but hoped against his better judgement that she would kiss his cheek again. Given that chance, he was certain he wouldn't hold himself back any longer. Her kiss on his cheek would be like confirmation of reciprocation and he wouldn't steel himself anymore. He couldn't bring himself to initiate an act of affection but he wouldn't turn her down if she did so. All she had to do was...
"Thanks for walking me home, Kakashi! I enjoyed the company."
Ellainna bowed in respect and thanked Kakashi for his company. The sound of her voice snapped him out of his daydream. He chided himself for letting his emotions rub his thoughts once more. He had to have better self control.
Ellainna stood upright and played with her fingers nervously. "It was nice to get know each other a little bit better..."
Kakashi nodded his head. "I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning!"
"What?! Why do I have to go tomorrow? All your doing is giving them the forms. Can't I just stay in bed and sleeeeeep?" Ellainna bent over at the waist in exaggerated discontent. Kakashi chuckled.
"No, you still must attend."
"Fine." Ellainna stood up and put her hands on her hips.
"I guess..."
She waved and walked into her home. Kakashi sighed and walked home.
The next morning, Team 7 met bright and early, missing Kakashi (of course) and Ellainna. Sasuke wondered if Ellainna's absence was due to their small spat the night before. Sakura, annoyed, ranted about Kakashi's frequent tardiness and bemoaned her inability to blow dry her hair that morning. Naruto ranted about his inability to brush his teeth and change his undergarments, thinking his situation gave him an in with Sakura.
"Uh...That's really disgusting, Naruto," Sakura said.
Sasuke leaned against the bridge, annoyed by his teammates. Before he could open his mouth to complain, Kakashi and Ellainna appeared on one of the wooden arches of the bridge. Ellainna straddled the post and yawned lazily as Kakashi was crouched and waved to everyone.
"Hey. Good morning, everyone! Sorry I'm late. I'm afraid I got lost on the path of life."
Of course they didn't believe that. Sakura and Naruto expressed as much while Sasuke scowled. Ellainna rolled her eyes and mumbled to herself.
"The path to my house, maybe."
Kakashi leapt down from his spot and Ellainna let herself slide until she was dangling by her hands. She lazily swung until she felt the need to let go. She landed next to Kakashi and promptly plopped down, crossing her legs. She leaned her head into her hands and began to doze back off almost immediately.
Kakashi continued to address the team regardless.
"I know this is a bit sudden, but I recommended you three for the Chunin Exams." He handed them each an application form and nudged Ellainna. She tipped over but remained asleep.
"Application forms," Sakura asked
"You're repeating me, Saskura," Kakashi chimed. "This is all voluntary. It's up to each of you. If you don't feel ready, you can wait until next year."
Naruto's yells jolted Ellainna awake.
"All right, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto cheered as he charged at Kakashi. He leapt and hugged him around his neck.
"You rock!"
Kakashi swung Naruto around and tried to release his grip. Ellainna ducked as Naruto's dangling legs almost knocked her in the head. She grabbed him by one and yanked, causing Naruto to crash to the ground.
"Hey!"
Ellainna glared and Naruto and Kakashi steered the conversation back to the Chunin Exams. He handed Naruto his application.
"Whoever wants to take the Exams, sign the application and come to room 301 at the Academy at three p.m. five days from now. That's it."
Ellainna gave a weak thumbs up with both her hands. "Good luck you guys. If you pass you'll be where I was 4 years ago." She grinned at her joke.
Naruto was so excited, he was chanting and raving about the Chunin Exams. It was an opportunity to show up and show out. Sasuke and Sakura held their forms in their hands and pondered their decision. Kakashi released them and the Genin on Team 7 went to reflect and determine if they were going to sign up or not. Sasuke asked Ellainna out to an early but she declined.
"Sorry," she yawned. "Can't. You have to make this decision yourself. I can't help."
Sasuke shrugged and stalked off thinking more about the Chunin Exams. It was a great way for him to test his merit and battle against strong shinobi. Ellainna stood and stretched as she yawned audibly. She intended to go home and sleep the afternoon away but she was stopped by Kakashi. He put his hand on her shoulder and she jumped in shock.
"Come with me," he said quietly.
Ellainna sighed but followed Kakashi anyway. After they were a little ways away from the bridge, Ellainna spoke.
"So...If they sign up, I guess we'd be spending some more time together..."
"Yeah...guess so."
"What are we going to be doing in the meantime?"
Kakashi shrugged. "Whatever the Hokage needs, I guess."
"Hmmm..."
They continued walking in silence until Kakashi broke it.
"So...you and Sasuke..."
Ellainna stopped walking and faced Kakashi. He stopped as well but looked to the sky instead of making eye contact with her.
Yes?
"Is that a thing?"
Say no.
"Oh. Yeah. I guess so!" Ellainna smiled, hiding her uncertainty. She stepped closer to Kakashi and looked up at him. "Is...that a problem?"
Say yes.
"No, not really."
Yes!
"As your Sensei I have to consider team dynamic and-"
"You're not my Sensei," Ellainna chuckled. "You're my equal, far as I'm concerned."
Ellainna walked off and Kakashi followed behind her.
"So what did the council say when you suggested your squad? Did they flip their lids?!"
Kakashi chuckled with Ellainna.
"Of course. Even Iruka doubted their eligibility. They're probably being tested now, as we speak."
Kakashi filled in Ellainna on how they were being tested, entertaining her. She cackled when Kakashi mentioned Sakura's test. When they got close to the edge of the populated part of the village, Ellainna tugged on Kakashi's arm in alarm.
"We can't go back in town!"
"Why not," he asked confused.
She spread her arms out and motioned to her outfit. Assuming she was going to return home after a few minutes, she left her sleepwear on: a fleece pair of pajama pants and a cropped tank top that flowed breezily. Kakashi mentally agreed with Ellainna; Her clothing was revealing and lacking appropriateness for a stroll in town.
"What do you-"
Ellainna grabbed Kakashi's arm and pulled him away.
"Just walk me home!"
Ellainna grinned at her cunning. She didn't care if she was wearing her pajamas in town (she had done so before), she just wanted to go home and sleep. And if Kakashi walked her there himself, all the better. Once they arrived, Ellainna rushed inside, peeked her head out from behind the door, and tanked Kakashi before running upstairs to her bed. Kakashi chuckled and left, heading for the village.
After her nap, Ellainna showered, and dressed herself, this time in a red dress with slits on each side. She was going to enjoy her time off from missions. She went into town and walked around, debating what she wanted to eat for lunch. She noticed the village was flooded with ninja from other villages and got excited. She remembered her time in the Chunin Exams fondly.
She saw that her favorite snow cone stand was back in town, presumably for the heavy traffic the Chunin Exams brought in, and instantly swooned. She approached and bought the largest bowl of blue ice she could and reveled. She munched happily on the ice as she walked away, looking for an open table or bench somewhere to chow down. That was the downside to the increase of food stands that popped up: there was never anywhere to sit.
Ellainna decided she would commandeer an empty classroom at the Academy. It would make for easy access to the training grounds so she could train afterwards. As she made her way towards it, she felt someone's presence following her. She decided to slow her pace and confront the person but then she felt a hand grope her butt. She spun around in rage, fully prepared to choke her assailant with flavored ice. Unfortunately, she saw no one in the bustling crowd out of the ordinary. She figured maybe she was being paranoid and chalked the incident up to accident. She found out her assumption was wrong as someone grabbed her around the waist from behind. The arms pulled her close against their owner's warm body, who then ran their tongue against Ellainna's earlobe. She glanced behind her and noticed her captor was wearing a headband from a distant village.
Crap
Ellainna made to turn and punch the ninja but her hands were caught and held by two ninja on either side of her. She noticed they were wearing matching headbands as the one holding her.
Crapper
The ninja holding her clicked his tongue and shook his head.
"Not very friendly, I see, hunh, boys," he said.
"Not at all, Haruka," the one to Ellainna's left said.
Ellainna racked her brain on how she was going to free herself. The way they were standing, anybody passing by would have to stop and pay attention to realize that something was wrong so she was all alone to free herself. Cocky as ever, Ellainna figured bluffing her capabilities would aid her in her escape. At the very least, it would stall as she thought of a plan. She looked at the wasted snow cone on the ground and shook her head.
"Hard to be friendly when you waste a girl's desert. Seems to me like I should pay you guys back for that."
"You did it to yourself," Haruka said, nibbling on Ellainna's ear. "You tried to hit me. Seems to me that you owe me for that. I'll tell you what though. Come spend the night with us and I'll call it even, hunh?"
He snaked his hand from Ellainna's waist to her thigh and rubbed it sleazily.
"Let's not and say I didn't, shall we?"
Ellainna stomped on Haruka's foot as hard as she could, causing him to cry out in pain and hunch over. Anticipating this to happen, Ellainna threw her head back and headbutted him. He let her go and fell back, clutching his nose in pain. Ellainna turned and kicked one guy in the balls. He let her go and fell to the ground, clutching his injured sack. Ellainna took her free hand and used it to sock the last guy as hard as she could square in his mouth. Haruka was not accustomed to being humiliated so easily and intended to attack Ellainna from behind. He raised his hands to make hand signs to perform a jutsu but was stopped by a kunai that was launched into his arm.
Ellainna stomped her foot angrily and proclaimed, "I HAD IT! I didn't NEED any HELP!"
She turned around to face Kakashi, who had threw the kunai and now had Haruka in an arm lock from behind.
"Identify yourself," Kakashi said, ignoring Ellainna.
"Haruka Chio of the Village Hidden in the Clouds," the boy whined.
"Apologize!"
"What?!"
Kakashi pulled the boy's arm tighter and he yelled out in pain.
"Okay! Okay! Sorry!"
Kakashi pulled some more. "For what?!"
"Ow! Sorry for being a jerk. Jeez! Now let me gooo!"
Kakashi pushed him to the ground angrily. Haruka's face landed in the wasted snow cone. Ellainna giggled.
"Get out of here and don't come back," Kakashi barked. "I don't want to see your face again."
All three ninja fled in fear, leaving Ellainna with Kakashi.
"I totally had it, you know," she said huffly, putting her hands in her hips.
"Uh hunh."
"I totally did," Ellainna shouted angrily. Kakashi didn't say anything else but grabbed Ellainna by the wrist. She blushed but followed along and was surprised when Kakashi lead her back to the snow cone stand.
"Anything you want," he said. "My treat."
Ellainna's entire face was now red, but she wasn't going to turn down a free treat. She reordered a large cup of blue snow cone and Kakashi paid for it.
"Now, enjoy your day," he said, walking off. "And don't get into anymore trouble!"
Ellainna looked at Kakashi as he walked away and then at the treat in her hands and decided that she would follow him. When she caught up to him, he looked at her puzzled. Before he could ask her why she was tagging along, she hmmp'd and turned away from him.
"Don't think too much into this. It's not like I like you or anything. I just think today would be easier if I followed you. Less creeps trying to take advantage."
Kakashi chuckled to himself.
Liar
They ended up on a roof somewhere on the outskirts of town, talking and laughing. Before they knew it, it was dark, and the village was winding down for sleep.
"Oh...wow," Ellainna said. "It's late..."
"I guess so," Kakashi responded.
He leaned back and looked at the night sky and Ellainna looked at him, studying his features. His eye twinkled, reflecting the beauty of the night sky. She could see that they were a soft, dark grey, not the black she previously thought they were. The mask covered his face, but made his features more pronounced. His jawline was sharp, his chin round and firm. His nose was long and pointed and it made Ellainna wonder if it was true what they said about noses...
Suddenly, a ninja appeared behind them and Ellainna jumped in surprise, no longer lost in her train of thought.
"So," Kakashi said. "How did it go?"
"They all made it," the ninja replied. "Your squad and the others. All nine Genin proved themselves ready for the exam."
The jutsu broke and the smoke cleared to reveal the ninja was really Iruka Umino.
"You were right, Kakashi. They're good. They've all developed very impressive skills."
"Hmmm," Kakashi wondered out loud. "But the Chunin Exams can break anyone. We'll see if they can tough it out..."
Ellainna clapped Kakashi firmly on the back, unsteadying him from his perch on the roof.
"Ah, lighten up, Kakashi. I'm sure this is just going to prepare them to pass the exams next year!"
After Kakashi and Iruka finished their meeting, the former walked Ellainna home again. A fact that Ellainna teased him about.
"You just really enjoy my company, hunh?"
Kakashi pointed to her house and said, "Just go home. You have an early day tomorrow."
Ellainna grinned. "Oh yeah. We're spending more time together, right? I knew it. You just can't get enough of me, can you?"
She skipped happily into her house and Kakashi sighed before making his way home once more.
A/N:
Sorry it took forever for this one. I had a break from school and ended up running errands and catching up on Shippuden. I am going to try writing more consistently, but I graduate in August so I'll have LOADS more time then. For your patience, I kept this chapter long instead of splitting it up so you're welcome 😉
Thanks!