DAY TWO

Less interaction with people will minimize her chances of being found out. But she had to know the place, so she registered the company of Anko to show her around. Revealing the fact that she's not from Konoha is unaviodable, so Kaiko figured that she must weave an entire lifetime for herself. Lying was hard, but she convinced herself that the fewer lies, the safer she will be.
"That's sad." Mitarashi Anko said to her. "I'm really sorry I asked."
Kaiko shrugged. "It's a fact of life. I'm used to it, anyway."
"What are the places you've been to, so far?"
"Lots. I don't usually remember the names." Kaiko said sadly. "Bad memories are attached to the places, so I'd rather forget about them. That kept me going."
Bad memories are attached to places, Anko said to herself, remembering the incident that took Kaiko to Konoha. He came across Kakashi that day, and he was carrying a woman in his arms. "She needs help, Anko." he had said to her, "Assaulted by three men in the woods." She heard the entire story as they hurriedly went along, and Anko told Kakashi he was too gentle on those three perverts. "I would've given them a worse death, were I in your place."
"We're two very different people, Kaiko." she finally said after a period of silence. "I could set everything aside, but I will never, ever forget. It's something I am not capable of doing."
Kaiko couldn't believe how good a liar she was. Not that she doesn't lie, she'd lied to the bandits more often than breathing, but making somebody outside of the Shinrin bandits believe her is something she thought she couldn't do. All her life, she had been surrounded by people who look down upon her as if she was the lowest creature that ever lived. It was a lie, she thought to herself. She and Anko had one thing in common: they do not forgive and forget.
Another period of silence. Kaiko was occupied in her bubble of hatred; Anko was concerned whether the questions she wanted to ask were timely and appropriate.
"Umm.. so what are your plans.." she finally said, kicking a small stone blocking her way. She couldn't tell whether an orphan like Kaiko could find a place to stay, somewhere one would really want to live in and settle down for good. Now that an unfateful accident had happened to her, it was uncertain if anyone would ever accept her with open arms. Anko is a woman, and she knows how people treat orphans, and how people treat those who... well, like what was done to Kaiko. Either she gets too much pity, or such great disgust. And that is something she would have to live with for the rest of her life.
"I'm not really sure." Kaiko uttered sadly, disgusing her excitement that the subject finally came up. "I don't plan that much... things happen, you know. Plans aren't always easy to execute, so I'd rather not hope."
Such a pessimistic outlook, Anko thought, but realistic. "Well, you can stay here, you know. I mean, stay here for awhile.. not that I don't want you to stay for good. It's up to you, you know. That's just my suggestion."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I have shown you around, you've seen how nice the villagers are."
Kaiko exhaled. She had shown her around, alright, but not within the residence of the Hokage. Kaiko felt a strong gut feeling that if the eye is here, it would be kept safe by the Hokage himself, therefore it'll be inside that guarded place. Hmph. Sneaking would be such an easy task, if not for the people roaming around, walking here and there, coming out of nowhere. She couln't risk being caught, the way Kakashi had found her last night.
Oh well, she's got three more days left. Something could come up.
"That's not a bad idea.."

Anko, as Kaiko had just realized, is one hell of a card player. She made a bet with Kakashi, who approached them during their early morning stroll with an orange book in hand, to surrender his apartment should he lose in a round of card game. Anko boasted of how smart Kakashi was, and how famous he was for the intelligence he possessed, but such brain wasn't enough to beat her in one round of cards. "How unfortunate." she had said while shaking her head. Kakashi was embarrassed, or so Kaiko thinks, that's why he agreed in such an outrageous deal.
"If I win," Kakashi had said to Anko several minutes ago, "I shall become your ultimate master. You will do everything I say, for the rest of your life!"
Anko agreed with a chuckle and off they went to a certain place where every ninja in town seem to hang around. "A game of death between me and genius Kakashi!" Anko had announced upon their arrival, and so every living being inside is watching intently at the game in progress.
"Let me see you beat this!" Kakashi said with a triumphant laugh. He laid down his four cards on the table and beamed at a frowning, miserable-looking Anko.
"Well, sad to say this, but..." Anko revealed her cards. Kakashi slumped back in his chair, "you better start looking for another place to stay."
Kaiko didn't know anything about cards, but something about Kakashi convinced her that Anko would win the game in a snap. Maybe he doesn't look like the genius Anko says he is. I'm such an ungrateful bastard, Kaiko thought to herself with a chuckle.
"Worry not, my friend, for you have found a new place to stay." Anko said to her, patting Kaiko's shoulder and smiling. "And you have a roomful of things you can use, except clothes, ofcourse."
"WHAT!" he jumped off his chair. "That's not part of the deal!"
Anko shot Kakashi a challenging look. "Wanna bet over another game of cards."
He sat back down. "Ok, you win. You'll eventually win it, anyway." Kaiko struggled to speak above the loud, demented laughter coming from Anko. "I'm not really taking your apartment, Kakashi-sir."
"YOU'RE NOT!?" Anko, who nearly choked in her laughter, looked at her.
"You're not..." Kakashi said with such relief.
"I mean, I'm not really sure if I will stay... for good. I can't be a burden to any of you."
"Kaiko, you're not a burden." Anko assured her. "And Kakashi's more than glad to lend you his place, you know, he's just too afraid to show it."
Kakashi didn't say anything, he didn't want to give Kaiko the wrong idea. He'd be happy to help her, although giving up the apartment is an entirely different issue.
"C'mon.. he'll at least let you use his house for the meantime.." Anko glanced at Kakashi, seemingly convincing him to do just that. "Or you can stay with me."
"Yeah right." Kakashi countered. "As if she could sleep with your very loud snores. You will not survive in her house, I'm telling you. Take mine instead." he finally said. "I can get used to snores."
"You freaking pervert!" Anko barked back. "I'm letting her stay with me, not you!"
Kaiko watched them bark remarks at one another and thought, how unusual it is for people to insult each other and enjoy it. She had grown up in a place where insults were insults and they really sting. Weird, but it only took her two days and now part of her kept wishing she lived in such wondrous place.
"Alright. I'll show you my place." Kakashi told Kaiko, casting a sidewise glance toward Anko. "Anko's fourty-five minutes late for work." he said, whispering theatrically, although his voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.
"WHAT!" Anko ran off without even the slightest glance at Kaiko. And right beside her, Kaiko realized, was a chuckling, one-eyed, silver-haired ninja.

A normal Kakashi would've kept his distance, but something about Kaiko that day he found her in the forest touched a hidden compartment of his cold little heart. Living with a part of Obito - emotionally speaking - isn't that bad, however, the real Kakashi still lurks within. He's like an owl with two eyes independent from each other.. like two half-faces stitched together to form a new one. This kindness he didn't possess before was probably a part of Obito.. a parting gift.
"This is the place." he said, opening the door and allowing his visitor to take a good look at his place... perhaps she would change her mind? "What do you think?"
Kaiko walked barefoot, feeling the warmth of tatami mats. Back in the camp of the Shinrin bandits, her room was a small, poorly furnished stockroom with a worn-out mat for her to sleep on and an old kimono for her blanket. This room had a thick, comfortable mat with thick, warm and newly-changed sheets. Kaiko was so overwhelmed, she couldn't stop herself from crying.
"What's the matter?" Kakashi asked him softly, quietly following her a few steps behind and instanly coming to her rescue (once again).
"No, it's nothing..." Kaiko lied, wiping her eyes with the back of her finger. "Just, uh, allergy."
Kakashi chuckled. "It's really nice and cozy down here, you know. And quiet."
"Yes, I can see that."
"And it's close to the academy, you can see it from there." he pointed toward a window at the other end of the room. Kaiko felt cold water douse over her. She immediately marched toward the said window and saw the ninja academy where great ninjas are being trained. She also saw the temple of the Hokage. And, she could easily access it though the rooftops. Perfect.
"I bet Anko's in there."
"She's an instuctor, just like me. But I'm few years her senior. We teach there for a living."
"Is it good money?"
"Hmm..." he was scratching the back of his head in thought. "Quite enough for me to survive."
Kaiko laughed. "You're kidding."
"No."
"Yes you are."
"So, you like it here."
"Perfect."
Kakashi exhaled. "So I'd better start moving out."
Kaiko laughed, and Kakashi shared her mirth with his usual chuckle.

He was walking on all directions, taking some stuff here and there, rearranging this, throwing that, telling her about this and that. He doesn't seem like a very talkative person - in comparison to Anko - but he is nice, and he welcomed her like Anko did. People here are nice, and hospitable. Kaiko thought. Nothing in comparison to where I came from. Back with the Shinrin bandits, nobody treated her with such warmth, even the one she called mother. They do look out for each other, but mother never stood up for Kaiko's defense. They talk all the time, but conversations only involve their chores, their needs, etc. Never did they sit down and talk about nonsense but still enjoy the moment.
"I'm an orphan." she lied, sitting comfortably on the warm floor with legs folded neatly beneath her. Kakashi was not too far away from her, sitting cross-legged on the floor. The apartment is all set, and the two of them were engaged in an activity called "letting time pass" - as Kakashi had put it.
"I'm sorry."
Kaiko smiled. "It's not your fault." He chuckled.
"Do you intend to stay here? It'll put a stop to your constant travelling."
"Travelling is nice." she said.
"I know."
"Have you ever travelled?"
Kakashi paused to think it over. "Well, I have been to places. But I don't travel like, travel.. if you get what I mean."
Kaiko nodded. "I wish I can travel.."
"What.. isn't moving from place to place enough for you?"
Kaiko bit her tongue. Oops. "I'd like to see the places you've seen." "Nothing astounding about them, really." he said, actually meaning it. He had been to places, right. He had seen famine, death, starvation, tragedies, greed.. nothing astounding.
Silence followed. Nobody spoke, until Kakashi stood on his feet and made an excuse to leave. "I should be in the academy by now."
"You're late." Kaiko teased.
"I think so." he was on his way to the door.
"Better get going."
"Sure will."
Kaiko watched him leave. It might seem crazy, but young and idiot she may be, her attraction toward his warmth didn't escape her instincts.

Anko was talking to another ninja when Kakashi caught her eye, sitting atop a tree branch and waving at her. "How about lunch break?" he shouted.
"Why?"
Kakashi jumped off the tree and made his way to Anko. "Well, we can invite the little one.."
"What's this? The two of you going out?" Gai asked out of the blue and earned himself a punch.
"Definitely no!" Anko barked back, retrieving her arm and clenching her fist. "I bet its this guy over here who owes me an answer. So now, it seems to me, Kaiko has earned a nick name from you."
"Where's your question?"
"Wow, Kakashi's dating someone?"
"Yep." Anko nodded at Gai. "I think he's planning to.. I can smell it with my pretty little nose."
"I'm just being... hospitable. It's not a crime."
"Depends on the intentions of your so-called hospitality."
"So, are you going to invite her over?" Anko asked, completely ignoring Kakashi's previous statements.
"Yeah, I sure would want to meet her." Gai added.
"I'm not dating her, she's making this all up." Kakashi explained, pointing accusing fingers at Anko. "You got it all wrong, Gai. Anko is joking. The girl barely recovered from her wounds and here you are making such an issue about her… and me."
Gai exhaled and waved a hand in the air. "Okay. Okay. I guess I'd just leave you two.. I'm on a mission, I really have to go. If she's not coming over, then I guess there's no need to wait."
Anko gave Kakashi a strong slap across the back. "He'll introduce her to you, Gai.. one of these days..."
"I'm not saying anything."
"Oh, he will!" Anko assured Gai, then faced Kakashi. "Why are you asking about the lunch break?"
Kakashi simply shrugged off the question and made up an excuse to leave.

Memorizing the architecture will not find the Lazarus eye, nor will it help solve her second thoughts about snooping around such heavily guarded territory. If there is one secure place to hide the eye, that would obviously be the hokage's residence and Kaiko need not remind herself how she was easily spotted by Kakashi last night. The hokage is one very important man, ofcourse, a stranger like her who has nothing to do with the hokage - or even with the village of Konoha - possesses no reason to come anywhere near him. And here comes my obstacle. With a deep sigh, she stared at the orange sky lit by a setting sun swimming in its thin blanket of clouds. For several times in her barely colored life, she wanted to give into the hardships life had thrown her way. She's not a brave woman, otherwise she would've ran off to any place where the bandits would simply leave her alone. On second thought, Kaiko realized the bandits would not let her go. Especially the chief. According to him, Kaiko was taken by the group as payment for a debt her parents supposedly made... and for this she had to work hard, all for a debt she didn't know anything about.
Kakashi had been like this - on his feet and staring at a particular set of symbols carved on stone - for several hours already. He wanted to wake Obito from his eternal sleep to ask more questions. He never found any answer, until now that the sky over his head had changed from blue, to orange, to black. Understanding oneself was a problem Kakashi never actually faced, and that is the problem. Even in his childhood he had a better understanding of what was, is and will be. Since Obito's fateful death, Kakashi had changed, and so the unshaken ground of idealism shook and crumbled before his very eyes. But wait, was it because of his unending grief over Obito's death? Perhaps there was something else... something greater than grief.
One foot first, then the other. She felt a twinge of happiness when she successfully settled her foot over the windowsill. Based on her estimate, she could jump from Kakashi's window to the visible rooftops of the academy, and she's planning to do just that. Although Kaiko never really did anything like that, she thought that she'd rather die trying. Now, only one foot left. Firmly grasping the sides of the window, she readied herself for the next foot.
"Kaiko!"
Surprised, she looked down and slipped. Although Kakashi's heart skipped a beat, catching her right on time was no hard feat. "What are you doing!" he asked the woman whom he had caught in his arms.
"I thought I was going to die!"
"I thought that was the main idea."
Kaiko detected the sarcasm in his tone and immediately wore her mask once again. "You saved me... again."
"Yeah, what would you do without me."
"I was just..." her glance drifted back to the window where she was balancing herself awhile ago and traced the path downwards, where her nasty fall would've ended if not for genius Kakashi. However, she wouldn't have slipped off if he didn't come and ruin her concentration in the first place.
"I don't need an explanation." he said coldly as he helped her on her feet. It seemed to Kaiko that he was irritated for something she must've done. Surely it's not because of the fall.
"What's wrong with you?" Kaiko asked with a genuine confusion in her voice.
"Everything." he answered, his gaze darted toward the ground. If not for his slightly bent head, Kaiko wouldn't have known he wasn't looking at her as they spoke for his visible eye was covered by stray locks of gray hair. Since the day he saved her life, Kakashi never spoke to her with eyes, eye, downcast. And it really shouldn't bother her but it does. She wanted to know why he changed all of a sudden.
With a shudder, Kaiko wondered if her disguise has finally been uncovered. Perhaps one of the bandits came to Konoha and told the authorities about her. Maybe this was their idea of finally eliminating her? No. Or maybe this is some form of punishment? How about Anko? What would she do?
Busy in her own thoughts, Kaiko was unaware of the period of silence between them. Her heart continued hammering rapidly against her chest as ideas shifted from one to another.
"Don't try to kill yourself."
Was that a threat? Kaiko felt his tight grip around her arm as his hand materialized from her pool of thoughts. He had been holding her arm since she was up on her feet, yet it was now that she became aware of it. Kakashi's grip tightened as he pulled her to him. Kaiko just stared in disbelief as he lowered his head for their first, brief kiss.