Author's Note: Here's the new second chapter! I rewrote large sections of this one, so hopefully it'll read a little better! I do plan to rework the next few chapters also but not straight away, as I find editing a very lengthy process. If you have any advice/constructive criticism I'd love to hear it, it means so much to get reviews/follows/favs it really does. I'd especially like to know how well I've written the Canon Characters, it's important to me to get them as accurate as possible.

Enjoy!

Thanks to: Meeshamelee, XxcandichanxX, SolaShines, SamTheShortyMan, DragonSlayer2187, Akatsupure

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any characters, story, ideas that are associated with it. What I do own is my OC Toshiko Akatora and any other OC's that may turn up.

=^.^=

2

It took a few days for Toshiko's chakra levels to fully restore, and for the worst of her injuries to heal. Tosh hated every minute of time that she spent stuck in the hospital room, it was so dull she had even tried wandering through the corridors searching for other inmates to pass the time with, only to have been spotted by a nurse within minutes and shooed back to her own cell for more tedious resting.

On the fifth day Tosh awoke to the melodious sounds of chirping, and rays of sunlight streaming in through the window. Grumbling at her leftover aches and pains, she made her way slowly towards the en-suite, and emerged an hour later feeling revitalised. One of the nurses had washed her clothes and left them folded on a chair, so she dressed behind a modesty screen and then wandered over to the window; where she felt a slight twinge of disappointment upon seeing the empty rooftop. The kunoichi turned away and slumped against the ledge, she had hoped rather than expected him to be there, but still she couldn't help the sinking feeling that washed over her. Letting out a sigh, Tosh started towards the bed, resigned to having yet another unexciting day, when a voice from behind stopped her in her tracks.

"Looking for someone…?"

A feeling of warm electricity shot through Toshiko's chest as she spun around, poking her head out of the window once more, this time to see a tall figure idly leaning against the wall to her right. "Kakashi, you're back!"

He cocked his head to one side and a slight twitch of his mask hinted at a smile. "It would appear so."

"Well it's about time too, I was getting so unbelievably bored in here. You've got to help me escape 'Kashi, they won't sign me out without supervision for another couple of days!"

He let out a chuckle at the urgency in her voice, "It can't be that bad, you're making it sound like it's a matter of life or death."

"You're not far off; it'll be the end of my sanity if I have to stay here any longer! Does my mental state mean nothing to you? Come on, I'll even make you lunch."

"Your impatience could rival Naruto's."

"Pleeease?"

"Hmm… well, I guess you do make things interesting around here; and it would be troublesome to have to find someone as equally amusing to spend my free time with…" He scratched his chin. "I suppose I could be persuaded, but on one condition."

*Oh dear…* She thought. *The last time he said that I ended up having to race Guy around the village twice, whilst running backwards… I would've won had I not fallen into the river. I could have murdered him for that.* "What's the catch?"

"There's no need to look so worried Tora, I merely want to hear the rest of your little rendezvous with nature."

She paused to consider his proposal, "And that's it? You'll help me if I tell you?"

"I promise that's all I'm asking for."

"Ugh, fine. You win. But I'll tell you about it after we get to mine."

=^.^=

They walked through the bustling streets of Konoha together, past delicious aromas emanating from restaurants and vibrant market stalls selling all manner of interesting things; from fashion kimonos to ninja weaponry. Struggling to move her stiff bruised limbs, Toshiko had linked her arm through Kakashi's for support. She noted how warm his body was; it felt safe and comforting being so close to him. She was by no means a damsel in distress nor was she reliant upon others; she was a Jounin of the leaf village, but still, there was just something about Kakashi Hatake that made her feel like whatever happened, for better or worse, everything would be OK. He would do whatever it took to make sure of it. "So, how was the mission? Did you and your students fight any awesomely evil ninjas? I still can't believe anyone actually passed your survival test, by the way."

"'Awesomely evil'? That's a new one, I wonder what the Third would say if I wrote that in my report…"

Kakashi put on his most serious of tones and said "…We [Team 7] were ambushed on the southern outskirts of Crater City, by a gang of 'awesomely evil' ninja. Their incredibly absurd plan was to deviously decimate the city, using various rather impressive jutsu. Luckily we-Ouch…"

He looked down at the small kunoichi who was currently repeatedly jabbing at his side with a slender finger, "Hey, stop teasing me Hatake!"

They both laughed as he pulled her into a hug, pinning her arms down and stopping the attack in the process. "Where would be the fun in that...?" he replied, releasing her from his grip.

Continuing on down the street, they had just passed the Dango Shop when somebody called out to them.

"KAKASHI! TOSHIKO!"

Might Gai was headed in their direction, "I was just on my way to the hospital to escort you home Toshiko, I am, after all, Konoha's noblest of gentleman but I see that Kakashi here has beaten me to it! I expect nothing less from my ultimate rival!"

"Hmm? Oh, hello Gai. Sorry, did you say something?"

"You're as cool as always Kakashi!"

Gai turned his attention to Toshiko, and produced a bouquet of flowers he'd been hiding behind his back. "Flowers, for the beautiful lady, I hope your recovery is as swift as the springtime of youth!"

A smile spread across her face as she took in the colourful tulips, "Oh they're lovely, thanks Gai. You really shouldn't have."

As she took a step forward to accept the gift Tosh felt a nudge from behind, causing her to stumble into Gai's arms. There was a muffled snigger from behind as she pulled out of the accidental embrace. "Watch your step there, little lady, and mind you take care of yourself. Kakashi, next time we meet it's your turn to pick the challenge!"

"Oh, Gai, you're still here?"

"Gah! You make me so mad Kakashi! Always acting so cool, and composed!"

They parted ways, and Toshiko and Kakashi carried on their journey. "Bloody hell Kakashi, trust you to make things awkward back there."

"I don't know what you mean; although now you mention it, the two of you would make a cute couple. I was merely giving you a little… encouragement, you're welcome."

She could tell his mask was concealing a smirk. How she wished she knew what he looked like with a devilish grin plastered across his face, heck she wished she knew what his face looked like, period! "You are so bad, Hatake. You know it's not like that at all."

"Oh I know, but teasing you is one of my favourite past times, would you deny me my amusement?"

With a sigh she walked ahead, she wasn't really mad at him, to be perfectly honest she secretly liked the playful way he mocked her, it was like a game to them, but damned if she was going to let him get away with it. She heard him laugh nervously "Sorry Tora, You know I was just messing around."

She turned her head towards him, he was rubbing the back of his head with one hand; in the way he always did when he was trying to talk his way out of something, or apologising for being late. Her insides melted and her face lit up in the most genuine and contagious smile, "I know."