JennyTheWhiteWolf: Hi everyone, I have finally got the second chapter up. Took longer than I wanted, but hey it's here. I hope that you all like it and that you will review and tell me what you think. To those who have reviewed the first chapter I want to thank you for they helped me to bring about this chapter faster. Also sorry about taking so long to bring this chapter. I was so busy with school and such that I kept putting the chapter off. Anyhow I don't believe that chapter three will be too long of a wait considering the fact that its almost done so go me. I figured I owed you guys a bit of extra work for the long wait :)
gigi-Thanks for reviewing and I am glad that you liked the little insight of Naruto. I know that this chapter shows a little more and hints a bit at Atsuko's past. I hope you enjoy it :).
domi-Thanks for reviewing, it is definitely just beginning in the story since I have yet to bring in my other main characters. I hope that you like this second chapter since I do bring in another character.
GatorLHA2- Thanks I do try to keep interest in the story and most often that is to keep attention on the Naruto characters which at times can be difficult. Anyway I am glad that you liked it and thanks for reviewing.
-allison-lovehearts-Hey ally I know that I made mistakes since I was the one to point them out lol. Anyway thanks for finally reviewing and I am glad that you liked it :).
Jessie Transparent- Hey Jessie love! My number one fan lol I am glad that you liked it and now here is the second chapter!
TragicFantasy- Thanks for the review and the suggestion. I usually have a hard time with that and have been trying to break from block of description. This chapter was an older one that I had edited and tried to get away from that. The next two will also be edited chapters, but thank you for telling me that.
Naruto looked around himself trying to find someone, anyone. He was alone in this darkness. He couldn't see or hear anything. He called out hoping that someone could hear him. He called for Atsuko, but not even an echo of his own voice came back to him. The dark swallowed anything and everything. Naruto began to panic and before long began to run. He didn't know where to go or even if he was going anywhere at all. No matter where he went he couldn't escape. Before long he fell to the floor out of sheer exhaustion. No sound came to his ears as he fell. He didn't bother to get up and brought his knees up to his chest in the fetal position. When he lost all hope that anything would happen or that anyone would save him from the dark, he heard a voice call his name. Even though he was tired and sore he got up and went in the direction he thought it came from. His short little legs didn't seem to get him far, but he was determined to reach it.
"Naruto." Naruto jolted awake and began breathing heavily. He looked around and found Atsuko looking down at him. Upon seeing her he jumped up and into her arms.
"Atsuko it was really scary. The dark was all around me and I couldn't find a way out. I…" Atsuko held Naruto and rubbed his back in attempts to calm him. It worked and she watched as he calmed down some and then she pulled away to look at him fully.
"I thought I'd be there forever, but then you called my name and I woke up." Atsuko nodded and helped Naruto to his feet.
"You don't have to worry about the dark while I'm around ok." Naruto nodded his head and went over to put on his heavily worn shoes making Atsuko frown. Today was the day that she was going to be looking for a new place that is move in ready. Hopefully the paperwork on that won't be too much an issue. Though she is going to have a kage bunshin do that while she gets the essentials for Naruto. Those horrible shoes and dreaded clothes are going to burn.
"Naruto how about we get ready so that we can go out. We have a big day ahead." Naruto thought about it and wasn't sure. Being with Atsuko was great, but the thought of being around other people didn't sit well with him. Would they try to hurt him? Or would they hurt Atsuko to get to him. As if sensing his thoughts Atsuko turned to him.
"Don't worry about anyone else ok. It's just you and me and no one else will dare try to harm you while I'm around. I made a promise to protect you, remember." Naruto smiled up at Atsuko. No one had ever said such things to him.
"How about you help me get ready hmm." There really was no room for him to go elsewhere and he did not seem to be in a place as to be by himself at the moment. So she and Naruto approached the closet and opened it as well as opening several drawers from the dresser.
"How would you like to pick out what I wear today?" Naruto looked at Atsuko and then back at the closet. She wanted to give him a task to distract his thoughts and not focus upon anything, but the here and now. She watched as he began to dig through her clothes. It was rather amusing watching a little kid go through her closet and grumble. Finally he seemed to find something he liked. She watched as he took out her short orange sleeveless shirt with a V neck and pair of dark blue pants.
"Wow didn't realize I stilled owned that shirt."
"You need more orange, black is boring." Atsuko smiled and turned the grinning boy around and had him place his hands over his eyes while she changed. She removed her uniform quickly and stored the outfit within a scroll. All that she added to the outfit was a quarter sleeve mesh undershirt and put on the clothes Naruto suggested. As quick as she could she situated bandages on her feet to go up to her knees and grabbed black ninja sandals. Lastly she put on her ninja gear and belt. She smiled at Naruto's form. He began to sway back and forth to his own rhythm.
"You ready to go out?" Naruto jumped at her voice and turned to see her. He was so shocked by her appearance that he just stared at her. She chuckled and made her way over to him.
"Something wrong Naruto?" Naruto laughed nervously and she had to wonder as to why. He was the one to pick out said outfit after all.
"So how do I look?" Atsuko gave a little twirl in play. Naruto scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.
"You're really pretty Atsuko." Atsuko smiled at Naruto.
"Thank you. You ready?" Naruto nodded excitedly.
"You bet." Atsuko smiled at Naruto. She wondered why it felt so easy to do so around him. He seemed to bring out the better part of her and without even trying. I guess he reminded her so much of sensei that she couldn't help, buy to smile. Just a simple smile from him warmed her heart and she felt she would do anything she could to see it again.
"Before we go anywhere we will have something to eat. After all breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Naruto took on contemplative look as he followed Atsuko to the kitchen. It had only the essentials a kitchen needed and nothing more. She quickly heated up some left over rice and fish she had the night previous and was done rather quickly.
"Why is breakfast most important?" Atsuko was mixing setting the plates down when he asked.
"Breakfast helps make us alert and focused throughout the day. Without breakfast people get cranky and can't think straight." Naruto continued to think about it and it sort of made sense. He grabbed the utensil next to the plate and tried a bite. Just like the ramen he began to hurriedly eat stuffing as much as he could in a single bit. Atsuko chuckled at the behavior.
"You know Naruto there is plenty where that came from and you can have as much as you want." Naruto looked up at her, his mouth full. Naruto looked at her confused before swallowing and wiping his mouth on a napkin she handed him.
'Atsuko is so nice. I don't want her to go away.' Atsuko noticed that Naruto took on a melancholy look and frowned. The look did not suit him. His beautiful blue eyes became dull, almost lifeless and any sense of that bright cheery smile of his was gone. The child that sat before her was a child that saw things no person, child or adult should ever have to see. It was a haunted empty look that chilled her. Picking up the dishes she quickly washed and dried them and went to Naruto's side.
"You ready to get going?" Naruto looked up at Atsuko with a small smile that did not quite reach his eyes. He nodded his head and got up from the chair. Atsuko held out her hand and the two made for the door. Naruto paid no mind to Atsuko locking up and looked around him. A few people walked about, but no one seemed to pay the two any attention at the moment. Naruto didn't like people much. They gave him bad looks and hurt him. The only ones to be nice to him had been the Hokage, Atsuko, and Teuchi. Atsuko then made a kage bunshin who left quickly in search of a new residence, then proceeded to walk with Naruto close to her side. After a time of walking they began to run into more people. It was then that the two could hear sharp whispering following the two as they went. They could make out a few words here and there and none of them were pleasant. Naruto looked up at Atsuko for comfort and found her glaring at the people. A few actually ran and hid from her gaze. He looked at the villagers and their hate filled eyes made him cringe and step closer to Atsuko. Though he was unprepared for the sudden stop and looked at Atsuko strangely.
"If any of you value your lives then I suggest you move it and be silent." The sheer amount of killing intent nearly made Naruto cringe who knew for a fact it was directed at the people surrounding them and not himself. When she looked back at him he saw that her obsidian eyes were now crimson and held three tomoe around the pupil. He was fascinated at them and could only stare at them when she looked down and forced a smile to help ease him.
"Don't let what they say bother you Naruto. They are a bunch of fools." He looked around to see that the people from before were nowhere in sight. When he looked back up into her face her eyes were the same obsidian color that he knew. Though her stance did lessen any. She was an intimidating figure that looked ready to attack anyone who dared get too close.
"Atsuko what happened with your eyes?" Atsuko kept walking when she answered.
"They change sometimes when I want to and when I get mad or upset. So if I get too angry they activate on their own. Don't worry about it though, no harm done." Naruto looked confused.
"Yeah but why do they change." Atsuko looked at the now empty street.
"Let's just say that it runs in the family. I can tell you another time what my eyes can do, but for now we arrived at our destination." Naruto looked at the store in front of him and saw in the display window a couple manikins in the latest ninja attire. He looked at Atsuko and back at the store.
"They don't like me in there." Atsuko smiled at him in reassurance.
"They will not dare do anything while I'm around." The two entered the shop and saw several racks of clothes to the sides of the store. Towards the back a woman in her late thirties looked at the newcomers with a warm smile. It was warm until her eyes landed on Naruto and they quickly became dark and she scowled.
"I do not sell to his kind or any that associate with him." Atsuko walked in calmly and activated her sharingan, the moment the woman made eye contact she stilled and stared lifelessly for a moment.
"Are you sure about that? After all your about to make a lot of money. I want six complete ninja attire and four civilian wear." The woman seemed to snap out of it and then bowed to her.
"Of course ma'am did you have something particular in mind, color, or style?" If the woman's change in demeanor surprised her she didn't show it and listened as she began to instruct her in what she wanted.
"Standard blue and black will be just fine for the ninja attire. I would like to make sure it with the reinforced seems and chakra resistance cloth as well. I wish for top quality, price is of no concern of mine." The woman nodded while storing that bit of information away.
"I can certainly do that for you. In the mean time while I take care of the ninja outfits you can pick out the civilian ones. We have many styles and colors to choose from." Atsuko nodded and took Naruto to look around the store. It didn't take too much before he was going up and down the aisles and stopping when something caught his fancy.
'Wow there is so many different types of clothes in here.' After a time of looking Atsuko had several piles of clothes in her hands and Naruto seemed to be bouncing with giddiness. She smiled at the boy and told him to try on some of the clothes in the changing room. She of course had to modify some of his choices on outfits. It took much convincing on her part to keep him from wearing all orange which to her screamed kill me. When the two were looking at some random piece of clothing the store owner called them up. When the two approached Naruto was wearing a pair of simple navy pants with many pockets to put any sort of knick knacks in. His shoes were the standard black ninja sandals. The shirt was a bright orange. Now the two of them matched. When they got to the counter they saw several stacks of clothes and shoes on the counter.
"Its not everyday that people know what they want and so much at the same time. In any case it's all here. Six complete ninja outfits. I made sure to get the upgraded material and reinforced seems." Atsuko nodded. In the end they had got what they wanted and more. Atsuko also made sure to grab other essential such as pajamas and underwear. There were also the black and orange goggles he just had to have. When he put them on she had an instant flashback to Obito. She almost forgot her brother's love of the stupid pair of goggles. She quickly shook her head of the thought and went to go pay for the clothes. The clothes were a little more expensive than normal due to the fabric being stronger and more flexible than the normal civilian clothing. She was happy to pay for it though when she saw how happy he was. The new clothes made him look healthy and cared for like he deserved. The lady at the counter watched as Atsuko took an empty scroll and stored the clothing into it. Afterward the daze seemed to lift from the woman and she seemed to realized what had happened. She could not really be bitter however as she realized just how much profit that she had made.
"Thanks for the clothes." Atsuko said to the woman at the counter. After a little nudge to Naruto he too responded in kind, even though he was reluctant to do so. The woman contemplated how to act now that the genjutsu with the hypnotizing effect of the sharingan was lifted. On one hand she wanted to hate the boy and on the other saw the little boy he in fact was. In the end she decided on indifference and nodded to him. Naruto seemed to sense the shift and smiled. When the two left the store it was late afternoon.
"We were in there longer than I thought. You must be starving, how about some ramen?" Naruto's eyes grew large and he began to jump up and down.
"Yeah let's go." Naruto began to tug at her hand in the direction of Ichiraku ramen or the direction he thought it was in. After a quick correction they were on their way there. People around them still gave the two of them looks, but as soon as they noticed Atsuko their stares shifted usually to the ground or to the other side trying to avoid her eye contact. Naruto noticed and felt safe for once knowing that she was there with him. When the two of them approached the stand they saw that there was already someone there. From behind all that you saw was the black pants and long sleeve shirt with the jonin vest over top that. What was most distinguishable however, was the somewhat long spiky silver hair sticking up.
"Kakashi Hatake, well this is a pleasant surprise." Kakashi turned and gave Atsuko a smile, though it was just years of knowing him that she could tell by the indentation in the mask he always wore.
"Atsuko Uchiha and young Naruto Uzumaki; I've been waiting for you." Atsuko shook her head.
"Yeah that's a laugh, waiting for us? Anyway Naruto, as I said this is Kakashi Hatake. He's an old friend." Naruto looked at Atsuko and Kakashi and held on to her hand tighter than normal.
"I heard that you became Naruto's guardian. I just didn't quite believe it." Atsuko shook her head.
"Word sure spreads like wild fire doesn't it." Kakashi shrugged.
"Blame Tenzo, he told Inoichi who then told everyone else." Sudden realization hit Atsuko.
"That is how the others knew so quickly, that gossiper." Kakashi chuckled.
"Don't let him hear you calling him that or you'll be spending the rest of your time in T&I and not on the side you prefer." Atsuko simply shrugged and both her and Naruto got situated at the ramen stand. Kakashi looked at Atsuko with a smile. It had been years since the two had done something as simple as eating together as they were. Even after all that time she still thought of him as her friend though he himself didn't think he deserved it.
"I also have a couple scrolls here from the Hokage. I figured since I would be seeing you that I might as well hand them to you myself." Atsuko took the scrolls from Kakashi and stashed it on one of her pockets on her belt. It was at this moment that Teuchi decided to announce his arrival.
"Welcome to Ichiraku's how may I help my favorite customers today?"
"By having the best ramen ever." Naruto was squirming in his seat too excited to keep still.
"Alright how does one miso and one beef ramen sound to you?" Naruto nodded happily while Atsuko nodded her consent. It was then that Teuchi turned to Kakashi.
"And for you? What would you like?" Kakashi contemplated a moment before deciding on a miso ramen as well. Naruto was drooling by this point staring intently at Teuchi's back.
"Ok then two miso ramen and one beef coming right up." Kakashi looked over and at Atsuko and smiled.
"It's been a long time since I saw you out of uniform, you look good." Atsuko smiled.
"You can thank Naruto for that. He chose it after all. I would say the same for you, but you just switched from one uniform to another which suits you anyway." Teuchi came over and deposited the bowls before the three. Naruto didn't waste a beat and hungrily dug in earning chuckles from the other three.
"He really loves ramen huh?" Kakashi smiled down at Naruto. He was happy that someone was able to care for the kid. He felt guilty for not being there himself. He had much the same problem as Atsuko in terms of trying to care for him though to be perfectly honest with himself he was in no mind set to be able to take care of anyone, let alone a child. Still he should have been there more. Maybe he will have some chance to make it up to him now. Naruto was just about done with his bowl when Teuchi came by and set another one down for him. Naruto not hesitating quickly finished the bowl and went on to the next one.
"You can say that again. Teuchi might as well make another even after that one." Kakashi and Atsuko went to their own bowls and began to eat. Atsuko was one of the only people he ever felt truly comfortable to be around, but still maneuvered his mask so that he ate quickly and covered his face back up again before anyone could see. She smiled at him used to his antics and continued to eat her own food though at a more sedate pace.
"So where are the two of you staying now?" Atsuko shrugged.
"I sent a kage bunshin to scout for a new place since the one I have won't do any longer. Who knows how long it will take ta-" Atsuko paused as her kage bunshin dismissed itself and simply smiled at what Sarutobi-sama has done. She looked to see Kakashi looking at her quizzically. Even Naruto paused long enough from eating to give her a questioning look.
"It seems that Sarutobi had been looking into this farther than I thought. He had a couple residents already situated when I gave him my request. Anyway he approached my clone after finding out which residences were still available. Short story is that Naruto and I have a new place of our own. This shall be the quickest move I have ever had. Sadly that means we have one more place to go then before we start this move."
'Thank god that I don't have all that much stuff to move otherwise this could very well take forever.' Atsuko made yet another kage bunshin to get the couple things that she owned to move to the new place.
"Where do we have to go?" Naruto had finished his meal and looked quite content.
"We have to go to a certain shop that has furniture and home décor supplies for your new room." Naruto smiled happily. He was going to have his own room with Atsuko. At the moment he has never been happier than he was in that very moment.
"If you're not doing anything after this maybe you would want to tag along?" Atsuko looked at Kakashi who seemed to ponder the question.
"If you come along and help there is a free dinner in it for you." Kakashi brought his hand up in a thinking poise as he contemplated the offer.
"Hmm free food huh?" Kakashi took a moment watching Naruto who looked at him curiously. "Sure why not. It would be nice to catch up." When Atsuko was about to pay for the meal Kakashi stopped her and paid for it himself.
"Since you are treating me to dinner I will treat the two of you to lunch." Naruto smiled at him. Anyone who paid for and liked ramen had to be good right? The three of them made their way to the furniture store rather quickly and got all that they needed, and much like the clothing store, more. Naruto of course insisted on the colors orange and blue for his room. He was just too cute to deny him. She just prayed it wouldn't look too badly. It was on the way to their new home did Kakashi watch the two of them interact. In such a short amount of time the two had become close, closer than any Atsuko let get in. It was probably the fact that he was their sensei's son, but it was more than that. He had a personality that shined and made you like him. He was also so much like Obito. The moment that thought entered his head he quickly dismissed it, not wanting to look back at those memories, not now anyway. When the three approached the new house they all looked at it a little differently. Kakashi saw the many windows as a safety hazard, but knowing Atsuko she'd be up all night securing the place with seals of all kinds. As if reading Kakashi's mind she groaned at the long night ahead for her. Naruto looked excited about a new place with such huge yards to play in. In all it was more space than Atsuko had wanted, but Sarutobi stated that if she was going to get a house it might as well be one she was planning to grow into. The place had a total of four rooms including the master, a master bathroom and two other full bathrooms. The house had an open concept kitchen and living room, as well as a dining room. The flooring was a dark wood and the furniture that was there was of a lighter wood.
"A little big don't you think?" Atsuko looked at it and nodded.
"Yeah I wonder why Sarutobi-sama insisted on it. The good thing is that my clone was busy and already moved the stuff from the other place over as well as any cosmetic work that needed to be done. Of course that doesn't count Naruto's room." Kakashi nodded in understanding. The third could be rather tricky when he wanted to be. Naruto was simply focused on his new room and began to tug Atsuko inside. He quickly found his room upstairs. The master bedroom was at the end with the master bathroom attached. Two of the rooms were upstairs to the right with one of the bathrooms across from them. The other was downstairs toward the back along with the other bathroom. She planned the room to be a guest bedroom. He went straight for the one next to the master bedroom and declared it as his. It had nothing in the room at the moment and the wall were sort of cream color. At least they are for the moment.
"So painting now?"Atsuko nodded at Naruto and looked to the two for instruction. Both Atsuko and Kakashi brought out the supplies from Atsuko's scroll and placed protective covering over the wooden floor. When the two brought out the paint colors Naruto chose Atsuko chuckled under her breath.
"Well the room certainly will be eye catching."
"Eye catching is an understatement. I think you meant eye sore." Naruto went over and smacked Kakashi on the leg lightly.
"Hey orange is awesome and the blue makes it better." Naruto stuck his tongue out at Kakashi who smiled at him.
"Then I suppose that is my que to go start making dinner. While I am at it I might as well take a moment to read the scrolls you brought me." Kakashi sighed and shook his head.
"Not even a full ten minutes and you're already leaving me alone with the kid." Atsuko smiled and nodded, then headed for the door.
"Now boys behave your selves." Before she left she smiled at them. That left both Naruto and Kakashi alone looking at the paint cans and then at each other.
"You really are going to paint your room orange?" Naruto crossed his arms over his chest.
"Well duh, it's the best color ever. Why wouldn't I?" Kakashi shook his head. He had a feeling this was an argument not worth having.
"We might as well get this started then." Naruto nodded and went to grab the paint brushes. He was so excited that he took the biggest brush he could and dipped it in the bucket and flung it up so as to get the paint onto the wall. It got the wall alright along with a now very orange Kakashi. It traveled up his body, but mostly landed in his hair. Kakashi's eyebrow twitched as he lifted his hand up to his hair and felt that it was covered in the stuff. He prayed that the color washed out. He then walked over to the blue took his brush and flung some of it back at him, making his golden locks very blue as well as a good part of his chest and hair.
"Hey I didn't mean to get you." Naruto tried to rub the blue off his face to realize that it was all over his new clothes.
"Well I meant to get you." In vengeance of his new clothes Naruto dipped his paint brush in again and went to hit Kakashi again only for him to sidestep out of the way. Naruto watched fascinated as the paint splattered across the walls.
"Whoah that was awesome." Hearing the ruckus from downstairs Atsuko was curious and so stuck her head in for a peak. What she saw brought her to a fit of laughter and once they turned to look at her made her laugh all the more.
"You two look ridiculous."The looks that the two were giving her were priceless. Kakashi looked over at Naruto and the two shared a look. They now had a common goal, get Atsuko. Before she realized it Atsuko was bombarded with orange and blue paint. Thinking quickly she swopped places with a stray paint brush and came up behind Kakashi hoping to catch him in the side with another brush she grabbed, but he caught her arm and brought his other arm down and caught her cheek with the blue paint. It was then that room decorating now became paint wars. Sides often switched mostly Naruto tagging with one adult to the other. Once it was the two adults getting back at him and he learned to always be on good terms with at least one of them. By the time they were done Kakashi was covered in orange with blue here and there. Atsuko was mostly blue with a bit of orange. Naruto was covered in both colors pretty equally. The walls well took on quite an unusual look. It was a mixture of orange and blue splatters. In some areas it was more blue than orange and in other areas more orange than blue. The strange thing was that it didn't turn out half bad. The three put the paints away quickly, not wanting to do so later.
"Wow I haven't laughed like that in years. My sides and face hurt a bit in fact." Kakashi smiled over at Atsuko.
"I don't think any of us have." Naruto beamed up at the two of them.
"It was fun." Atsuko nodded.
"Yeah, but I think I better go start on the food. Do you think you two can take finish cleaning up while I wash up? After that you guys can wash up yourselves." Kakashi shrugged and Naruto saluted her and began to laugh.
"Yup, so what's for dinner?" Atsuko smiled.
"That is a surprise." Atsuko went to leave, but not before hearing Kakashi's comment.
"Why do I have the feeling we got stuck with the short end of the stick?" Naruto looked confused over at Kakashi.
"Hey it's not that bad is it?" Kakashi gave her a mock glare.
"It is if the paint doesn't come out of my hair. I believe this would cost at least a week's worth of dinners to make up for it." Atsuko chuckled as the two began to remove the protective covering. Naruto then began to ask Kakashi a bunch of random questions while they finished cleaning. Most were questions like what it was like to be a ninja or whatever else struck his fancy at the time. He never ran out of questions though. He was a curious guy who always wanted to know more. Kakashi took the scroll and brought out the furniture. The bed came first and then the light colored wood dresser as well as a desk with a chair that came with it. That was of course after they made sure that the paint was dry. Lastly Kakashi unsealed the rest of the clothes, but decided not to handle them until the two of them were clean.
"Meet us downstairs after you're cleaned and changed." Naruto nodded went to the bathroom across the hall and Kakashi could hear Atsuko now down in the kitchen preparing dinner. It was a very good thing that he generally brought along another outfit as his paint covered one was now a horrid mess. So he proceeded to the master bathroom.
LINE
Naruto was having a hard time trying not to get paint on anything else, which was hard to do when he was covered in the stuff. When he got to the bathroom he looked around at the ocean décor. He had never seen anything else that hadn't originated within Konoha so took in the items curiously. He then saw his reflection in the mirror and sighed. He could only see his head, but could see he was drenched in paint. He decided that it may be best to shower with the clothes on hoping it might take some of the paint off. To his surprise the paint came off rather easily. Even the paint on his clothes that were in a pile by his feet began to gradually recede. After showering completely he stood there letting the hot water wash over him.
'Today was really fun. I wish it would be like this all the time.' Naruto shook his head and turned the water off. He got out and grabbed the sea green towel and began to dry off. He wasn't sure what to do with the clothes so he just let them be in the tub slash shower thing. He could smell the food that was coming from downstairs so he quickly changed into his pajamas that he grabbed on the way to the bathroom. It's a miracle he didn't get any paint on them. He then made a mad dash downstairs. He saw that Kakashi was already down there and sitting at the table paint free and changed into a fresh outfit. He chose however to where simple long sleeve black shirt and pants. His mask on and the always present forehead protector covered his left eye. Naruto smiled at him and went over to his seat. He saw Atsuko and saw that she was wearing attire similar to Kakashi. He wasn't sure what was cooking, but it smelt good and that was all that he needed to know. Atsuko sat down to her plate and smiled. It had been a long time since she had made spaghetti. It used to be one of her brother's favorite dishes. He liked it since it was different and everyone else thought it strange. She looked over at Kakashi who looked over and smiled at her. Naruto was continuously taking one bite after another. She honestly wondered where the boy put it all. It was as if he was an empty pit. He was always hungry, but she did not mind it. She actually liked having someone to cook for. Dinner was spent in mostly in answering Naruto's questions. That was when Naruto said something she did not expect.
"I've decided. I want to be a ninja like you." Atsuko walked back to the table after depositing the dishes in the sink.
"Why do you say that?" Kakashi looked on curious as Atsuko asked.
"I want to be like you guys and be able to keep you and nobody messes with ninja." Atsuko smiled at him.
"That is a good reason to be a ninja." Naruto looked contemplative as he asked Atsuko his next question.
"Why did you become a ninja?" Atsuko took a moment to answer trying to think back to her initial reason for becoming a shinobi.
"I wanted to protect my precious people. I needed to be strong to do so and ninja have always been strong." Naruto seemed to soak in her words like a sponge. What she didn't know was how much of an impact those simple words had on the boy.
"I want that too. I'll make sure to get strong enough to protect you, Kakashi, Teuchi, and even Ojisan." Atsuko smiled back at him, a true smile, it almost hurt her cheeks with the effort, but she was happy. Naruto made her happy. Kakashi had watched on pleased with the interaction. He never thought to see Atsuko look so content and smile so often. It was like the two were kids again only they didn't hate one another now.
"Alright I think that it's time for Naruto here to head to bed." Both Kakashi and Atsuko went up the stairs with a reluctant Naruto in tow. That was when she realized that she had yet to bring out the new bed sheets. Quickly she brought out said items and Kakashi went to the other side of the bed and helped her to make it. First she got the orange sheets and then the orange and blue checkered comforter. Lastly she grabbed the blue pillow with orange trim. Atsuko waved Naruto over who ran and jumped into his sheets and smiled up at both Atsuko and Kakashi.
"Today was awesome, but Kakashi with orange hair was the best part." Kakashi shook his head.
"I don't think the color suits me very well." Atsuko smiled at the two and went to tuck Naruto in.
"Don't worry I got a picture in when he wasn't looking." Kakashi shot Atsuko a look, but didn't comment when he saw the happy look on Naruto's face. Atsuko handed Naruto what looked like snapshot of a Kakashi with his orange hair laughing as Naruto was looking down at his blue clothes in horror. Naruto smiled as he looked at the picture of him and Kakashi and tucked it away under his pillow.
"Ok Naruto I'm going to see Kakashi out and then I'll be back." Naruto nodded and watched as the two headed out. Kakashi walked leisurely with his hands in his pockets and Atsuko walked by his side not saying anything, simply enjoying each other's presence. The two came outside and they came to a stop. Kakashi looked over at her and smiled.
"Today was interesting." Atsuko nodded her head.
"Yeah I'm glad you decided to join us." Kakashi nodded his head and then looked up at the sky.
"Me too, but I am curious, what did the scroll entail?" Atsuko decided to join in his stargazing. She knew eventually that he would bring up the scrolls.
"Naruto's guards had simply let a few rookie chunin by and watched as they hurt him. Sarutobi is taking care of it as we speak. He told me not to get involved and to watch out for Naruto. What about you? Will you be around more often?" Kakashi looked at her and nodded.
"I must admit that it is hard to see him and not think of sensei. To not think of the people who aren't here, but at the same time he is a good kid and he seems to bring out the good in people." Atsuko smiled at the last part.
"I'm happy that Sarutobi-sama finally relented. I was beginning to think he'd never let up. I just hope that me caring for him doesn't hurt him in the long run. I don't have the greatest track record in keeping those I love safe from harm." Kakashi flinched slightly at the last remark. Atsuko noticed instantly so added, "I also have been meaning to tell you something for some time, only I was uncertain if you would listen." Atsuko took in a steady breath before again addressing Kakashi.
" I never blamed you for Obito's death. I want you to know that it wasn't your fault." Kakashi smiled sadly at Atsuko.
"Thank you though I still feel responsible." Atsuko shook her head slightly.
"Well don't because my opinion on this matter is the only one that counts." Kakashi chuckled at that.
"I believe that Naruto is already rubbing off on you. You are acting a little like your old self again."
"Yeah it's easy to do around him. Besides I have always been this way around him. I can just use my name now with him." There was a moment of silence before Kakashi turned with a smile.
"You better get back to Naruto before he starts searching for you." Atsuko nodded and smiled at Kakashi before making her way back. Kakashi simply watched her for a moment until she was out of site behind the door. Even then he stayed a moment just contemplating the day. It was a standard day, even by a civilian's point of view, but it was the most fun he has had in a while yet. Still hearing those words from Atsuko brought a wave of guilt and shame, but it was easier for him to shake it off knowing that she didn't in fact blame him. Finally he disappeared with the swirling of leaves.
JennyTheWhiteWolf: Hey everyone I hope that you enjoyed the second chapter. I had worked hard and I pray there weren't too many mistakes if any. I tried hard to get rid of them. Anyway i would love to hear feedback from you so please review. Reviews inspire me to bring out my next chapter faster as well as to hear what you think and if I should add any sort of ideas that you might have. Anyway have a good day or night, whichever, and I will begin working on the new Chapter 3.