Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

A/N: Well, here is the update. I kept my word and updated like I said if there was still interest from others. To be honest I'm not very confident in this chapter. I kind of have writer's block on this so any ideas and thoughts will help plenty, so please review! Thanks those all those who have read so far, and special thanks to those who continued to read and review in 2012 and in the New Year. Special New Years update is here! A complete KakashixOC (Hikari) scene.

Chapter 7: Too Close For Comfort

Hikari trotted through the forest eager to finally be worthy enough to train with her senpai. Although from different villages, Kakashi was a well known man in the ninja world. Renowned for his fighting ability, and feared for his eye. Hikari did not fear him at all, since they were allies, but in fact she respected him a great deal, which is why she addressed him as "senpai".

With her sudden burst of energy she had gotten a ways ahead of Kakashi, making her way into the unknown depths of the darkness. The worst that could happen is she lose her sense of direction, and get lost until morning, or so she thought that was the worst. She came to a stop and looked behind her, expecting that Kakashi was slowly catching up. The kunoichi noticed he was nowhere to be found and assumed he was casually following her, and would soon be there.

She crossed her arms, waiting for the man. There was a rustle, and she turned towards the east, facing a row of trees. "Senpai, what took you? I've been waiting for a while now." She feigned impatience.

"Oh? How considerate of you." A male voice responded, however it wasn't Kakashi. Hikari furrowed her eyebrows and soon caught a glimpse of a shinobi with a marked out symbol on his headband.

Hikari gasped, drawing a kunai from her pouch. This shinobi had a mask over his face, but Hikari could tell from his eyes he had a sneer on his face. The shinobi leaped out of the tree tossing a pair of kunai at her. Hikari leaped back before the kunai hit the ground, and was glad she did because the paper bombs attached exploded right on contact.

Hikari charged in towards the shinobi with her kunai at the ready, she aimed for his head, but he ducked and she received a punch to the stomach. Coughing, she stumbled back and caught her footing. The shinobi attempted to grab her, as she was now facing away, but she drew her elbow forward and rammed it into his chest.

She heard him utter a grunt and with a step to the side she turned back around and kneed him in the stomach, an easy task due to his already slouched over position. Hikari formed a fist and threw it at his face, but the shinobi intercepted it, grabbing it in his own. Hikari realized the shinobi had her fist in a dead lock, she tried to pull away to no avail when she was pulled forward, and punched in the face, then met with the hard ground underneath her.

"Cute girls have no business being ninja. Maybe you should be more focused on getting married and having a family, than fighting. You'll just get hurt." The male shinobi spoke, cackling at his humor. Hikari clenched her teeth together, he was obviously underestimating her. He pinned her to the ground, causing her to squirm for freedom.

The kunoichi saw the tip of a kunai gleam as it pressed against her captor's throat. Looking up she saw Kakashi standing there, looking cool and collected. "First time I've seen a rogue shinobi attempt to give some advice. It's a bit odd don't you think?" He inquired.

The rouge ninja growled. "Who the hell are you?" He demanded. "This kunoichi's captain. So I'd appreciate it if you let her go." Kakashi spoke, giving a short greeting.

"Why you-" The rogue shinobi didn't finish his own sentence as he leaped away from Hikari and charged towards Kakashi. Kakashi didn't move, he stood his ground. He only shifted to the side as the ninja was right up on him. With ease he dodged the attack and collided his fist with the other ninja's face, sending him tumbling a few feet away.

The attacker didn't seem to be giving up, as he slowly lifted himself from the ground. Kakashi sighed and slid up his headband, revealing his Sharingan. "Looks like he won't be giving up so easily."

The rogue ninja let out a gasp of fear. Kakashi took two steps forward and the shinobi backed away frightened. "Sharingan!" The ninja exclaimed, almost yelling at the top of his lungs. "S-stay away!" The ninja demanded, scrambling completely to his feet and dashing off through the forest in panic.

Kakashi let out a sigh of relief. He now didn't have to bother with additional conflict. He turned to Hikari who caught a glimpse of his Sharingan before he deactivated it. Hikari gasped and got up running over to Kakashi. "That was the Sharingan? Amazing! I wanted to see it!" She exclaimed, sounding like a child seeing a new animal for the first time.

Kakashi raised his eyebrows. "Hm? I was actually going to ask if you were alright, but I see you are."

"That was so cool, your Sharingan just now!" The kunoichi smiled. " Is this your first time actually seeing one?" He questioned. Hikari nodded affirmative, causing Kakashi to chuckle.

The kunoichi blushed lightly. "S-sorry, maybe I got a bit too excited." She apologized. "Not at all, I guess only those from Konoha and those who've been in the war before have seen Sharingan, since it's practically non-existent nowadays." Kakashi explained.

"Oh, right..." Hikari mumbled. "So, do you think that Rogue nin actually left for good?"

"I'm pretty sure he did, I guess he realized who his opponent was and decided to run for it." Kakashi stated. "I bet!" Hikari giggled. "So, where were we? Ah, that's right, wasn't I accompanying you on a walk?" He asked. Hikari nodded, and Kakashi nodded as well signaling her to go ahead.

They began walking with Kakashi just a slight bit behind Hikari. "I've been meaning to ask," Kakashi began, looking up at the night sky. "aren't both your and Kotoko's outfits a bit uncomfortable to battle in? They are pretty flashy. You could wear it on a date and never be known as a ninja."

Hikari smiled at his observation. "They aren't very plain, I know. But, in our village we are taught that discreetness is key to a mission. No matter what type, once your target realizes your intentions it becomes harder."

"Interesting point, but may I ask how is it discreet? I think you'd gain more attention, if you get my meaning." Kakashi commented.

"H- However, it's not the discreetness one may think of with a ninja. Not the element of hiding, but the element of unpredictability. As you saw earlier, my appearance leaves room for skeptical." Hikari continued on. "I see, so that 's what you were aiming for." Kakashi said. "Mhm, but I do hate it when I'm told I'm not cut out to be a ninja, just based on my looks." The kunoichi admitted.

"Indeed, that is a mistake for anyone to make." Kakashi spoke. "So how is it, pairing up with someone from another village?" Hikari questioned. "It's unusual, but I'm not against it. The Hokage appointed you two after all from her own connections. Also, I've seen you with my own eyes." The male shinobi responded.

Hikari wondered how Kakashi had "seen her" as. She hoped she didn't come off as one of those ignorant kids that just so happen to be chunin. She didn't want her senpai to have a bad impression of her.

"I take it your village doesn't associate with others very much?" Kakashi asked. "I know almost nothing about them. Except they are headed by the Kurokage and the village is located in the Land of Moon, along with Getsagakure."

"They associate, but on a very low key level. They don't have a hate of the villages, just a distrust of some." Hikari stated. "I see, but both you and Kotoko have traveled outside of it before?" The male shinobi questioned.

"Of course. We travel to various places quite often. Mostly on missions, but we do get the leisure of sight-seeing a bit." Hikari revealed. They had arrived upon a winding path, having gone up the small base of a mountain. "Kakashi-senpai, I'm really excited that I get to train with you." Hikari voiced her thoughts.

"I can tell." Kakashi chuckled, his hands stuffed in his pockets. Hikari faced her captain and took a deep breath. "Shall we go?" She asked, standing a few meters away from him. "You're pretty eager too I see." Kakashi chuckled. "Go ahead."

Hikari saw that Kakashi still had a lax position. His hands in his pockets, and his relaxed posture gave it away. Hikari took this to her advantage and drew a kunai. She charged at him head on, closing the distance between them in seconds. When she was in front of him with her kunai aimed towards him, she did not advance it, however she pulled a small blade out of her pouch with her other hand and slashed it towards Kakashi.

The Copy Ninja grabbed her wrist before the blade came in contact with him and put a hand on her head, pushing down and holding her in place. She was stuck. "It's never a smart idea to rush in at your opponent without knowing what he has up his sleeve. No matter how relaxed or unguarded he looks." Kakashi spoke.

Hikari pulled away, spinning around and aiming a kick for his head. Kakashi blocked it with an arm, and she soon came at him with more energy and sent a punch towards his chest. He grabbed her arm and sent a palm to her face. Hikari sent a knee this time, causing Kakashi to let go and move back, being cautious on where she struck him.

"So you're coming in from a close distance approach?" Kakashi asked. "Mostly. Is there a problem with that Kakashi-senpai?" Hikari responded back with a question of her own.

"Not at all."

Hikari suddenly leaped, disappearing and reappearing crouched down in front of Kakashi. Kakashi blinked, not expecting this sudden burst of speed. Hikari threw a serious of punches towards his face and chest, which evaded. Kakashi decided to take his turn now, sending punches towards Hikari. She did her best to dodge them, and ended up having to block a few of them.

Hikari parried on of his punches, by pushing her arms against his fist when the contact was met, causing Kakashi to slightly loose balance. She took this opportunity to hit Kakashi in the face. Getting excited upon landing a hit, she advanced for another hit, but Kakashi grabbed her arm by her wrist and right underneath her shoulder, and swung her around. Hikari hit dirt as Kakashi send her flying a few feet.

She hit harder than expected, causing Kakashi's eyes to widen a fraction, but he kept his serious façade. "Don't stall." He warned. "If you lay there for three more seconds you could be dead."

Hikari coughed and pushed herself up off of the ground. "Use your speed, and even your surroundings to your advantage." Kakashi advised. She saw him activate his Sharingan and she gasped. He put his hands together to form seals, in what was possibly be one of the fastest hand sign combinations she had ever seen. She couldn't even read them, or even begin to grasp where he start or ended.

He used a fireball jutsu, sending the balls of flame towards Hikari. She slid out of the way, her heels digging in the dirt. She ran behind a tree as another towardsround headed her, some colliding with the tree, and others scattering to the side. Hikari stepped out from behind the tree, on her guard but saw Kakashi nowhere to be found. 'Huh?'

She looked from side to side and walked out into the clearing. There was still no sign of the Copy Ninja. Hikari was still on guard, however knowing he would appear soon. Suddenly, there was a crack as a hand reached out of the earth and pulled one of her legs in. "What is this?" She asked, as Kakashi came out of the earth, revealing himself.

"Using surroundings to my advantage. Don't you remember?" He asked, questioning if she remembered the tip he had just told her. "I see. You used it in an interesting way." Hikari complimented.

"You have to be tactful of course." Kakashi spoke, extending a hand out to Hikari. She stared at his hand as if it were foreign. "A helping hand." Kakashi explained, his eyes crinkling as he smiled beneath his mask.

There was a drop from the sky, followed by another, soon there were several drops, and eventually the sky opened and began to rain. Hikari looked up at the sky, the rain falling on her tan face. She looked back at Kakashi and gently placed her hand in his. He helped dislodge her from the ground, and she shook her leg, shaking the dirt off.

Kakashi looked up at the sky himself with curiosity. "A little rain won't ruin anything will it?" He asked, insisting that they continue. "Hm, maybe it will ruin those fire jutsu of yours." She said with a smile. "You're right about that." He spoke, rubbing the back of his head and chuckling.

"Ready when you are." The Copy Ninja stated, gaining his distance. Hikari nodded, and took a guarding stance. Kakashi saw this and looked pleased. He slowly walked towards her and took his stance as well. They began to circle one another as the ran soaked them with each inch. Kakashi was expecting her to attack any time now, but it seemed she was analyzing his next move.

So, Kakashi made the first move. He dashed towards her and sent a punch towards her face, which she dodged. She used the close distance to slash a kunai across his forearm and punch his chest. He seemed to take the punch rather well, not even stumbling back. She jumped backwards, gaining distance and charged at him, forming handsigns. Three clones appeared beside her, heading in for the attack. However, at the last minute one clone disappeared and three kunai appeared. Hikari made quick use of them, grabbing them and sending them flying, aiming for Kakashi's extremities, unfortunately he used his own kunai to deflect them.

The two remaining clones and Hikari were now upon him, fighting him. Having to block and dodge all three directions of attacks, he didn't have much room to retaliate. He surprised Hikari though when he grabbed one of the clones and slammed her into the other one, both of them disappearing, only to reveal a small bundle of shuriken that flew out. Before the shuriken hit, a wall of earth appeared before Kakashi, causing the shuriken to become lodged inside of the mud wall.

"Amazing." Hikari whispered to himself, impressed at Kakashi's quick deduction and reaction skills. The mud wall disappeared and Kakashi once again had sight of her captain. Hikari used the strength of one body now and sent a kick to Kakashi's chest, but it was effectively blocked. She sent one after another, aiming again for his abdomen and then his lower extremities.

Upon execution of the kick to his lower extremities, Kakashi grabbed Hikari's leg and pushed her backwards. Hikari turned a small back flip and landed crouched down on her feet. "I see why they call you the best, and I haven't even experienced all of your ninjutsu yet." Hikari mulled. Hikari was taken by surprise when Kakashi suddenly sent a hit towards her and came in contact with her shoulder, sending her stumbling back a bit, another hit came, and she blocked it, however it knocked her back as well.

"Your technique is pretty decent, but you need to be able to hold your ground and weight more. My attacks haven't been very forceful, but quite a few of them have either knocked you back or caused you to stumble." Kakashi analyzed.

Hikari looked down at the ground as she received the criticism. Kakashi walked over to the kunoichi and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Practice makes perfect." He said, smiling. Hikari looked up at the man, a small smile slipping on her lips. She grabbed the man's arm in a grip which soon tightened. Kakashi looked a bit surprised by this action, and Hikari gave a sharp blow to the man's stomach, using their close proximity as leverage.

Kakashi winced, needless to say he was surprised. He bent over in pain. "Ouch, that actually hurt." He said, Hikari then tackled him to the ground. "So, I guess that means I win? As punishment for you I think I should get to see something..." She spoke. Kakashi raised an eyebrow and swiftly switched their positions.

"Oh, and what might that be?" He inquired, gazing down at her with curious eyes. Hikari flipped him off of her on his back, pinning him once more. Kakashi had seemed to let her have one over on him, and didn't resist her actions. She looked at him full of interest and he granted her one back.

"Hm, not much just what's under here." Hikari spoke, poking at his mask, she pinched it drawing down the first one. "Sorry, I'm afraid I can't spare that information." Kakashi said, turning his head to the side.

"Why not Kakashi-senpai? Just a peak? It's so mysterious I can't help but be curious." Hikari begged. Kakashi shook his head no, and gently pushed at Hikari's shoulders.

Hikari slipped her hand under the second mask, or maybe she felt a third one against his cheek as well, but this time she also felt skin, and she wanted to expose it. Feeling Hikari's hand so close to taking away his mask Kakashi panicked. The jounin pushed against her shoulders in a quick, powerful movement causing Hikari to fly off of him. He gasped as he saw the extent of his action.

Hikari flew towards the edge of the cliff due to the force. "Hikari!" Kakashi called out her name and luckily her foot touched the ground and she was able to catch her footing only a few inches before she went soaring over the edge. She let out a sigh and so did Kakashi. The Copy Ninja's brows furrowed however as he felt something was not right. Only a few moments later did a crash sound as the ledge beneath Hikari's feet crumbled, sending her falling face up, down the side of the mountain.

The last thing Kakashi saw before she disappeared from view was her crimson eyes widen. "Hikari!" Kakashi yelled, sprinting to the edge. Looking down he saw her rapidly falling. "Damn" He cursed, with no time to think he leaned over the edge after her, running down the side of the mountain to outrun her gravity centered body.

Hikari had only uttered one scream, after that she just transformed her face into a look of freight. Catching up with her had been worrisome, but easy. The hard part was trying to keep his balance on the wet earth. Luckily she fell from the edge, so her body was still close to the side of the mountain. Kakashi reached out and allowed Hikari to fall into his arms. "Kakashi?" She asked, not expecting him to have saved her. She was in such shock and panic that she forgot to address him as her senior.

"Hold on." Kakashi informed as he infused more chakra in his feet to slow down his sliding, but to no avail. The rain was pouring down even heavier, and the side of the mountain was just too slippery for him to catch a proper grip without advancing forward. "Crap, at this rate we'll both hit rock bottom, literally." Kakashi groaned.

"Kakashi-senpai?" Hikari questioned worriedly. "Hikari," Kakashi spoke, his tone serious. "I'm gonna need you to put your arms around me, quick."

Without asking questions, Hikari did as she was told, wrapping her arms around his torso tightly. She was glad she had a good grip, because next thing she knew Kakashi's hands had moved from under her and were brought together to form hand signs. A horizontal shelf of earth erupted from the side of the mountain underneath him. He leaped up on the makeshift ledge and crouched down, breathing heavily. Hikari's breathing had increased as well. They exchanged a glance.

"Are you alright Hikari?" Kakashi asked through labored breaths. Hikari nodded. Kakashi looked down at their surroundings. They had fallen quite a bit, but there was still quite a way until the bottom, he couldn't jump the rest of the way to the trees without risking some broken bones and an injured Hikari. Walking or running down the side was out of the question too, since it was too slippery, it also posed a danger. If he fell they were both done for.

Kakashi got an idea and walked over to the side of the mountain, while keeping a hand on Hikari's shoulder, and made hand signs once again. This time he used and Earth Jutsu that caused a part of the earth wall to melt away, creating an opening. They ducked, and entered the opening which was rather deep. "Amazing." Hikari commented. "Absolutely amazing. I don't know what I would have done without you Kakashi-senpai."

"Well, for one thing, you probably wouldn't have gone flying down here to begin with." Kakashi stated. Hikari frowned. "I don't know...maybe, but even if that's true you've reconciled. Your quick thinking and skill saved us!" Hikari pointed out, her breathing slowing a bit as she sat down. Kakashi sighed. She wanted to praise him for it, but he still felt guilty.

"So, what do we do now?" Hikari asked, turning to her captain for answers. "Looks like we'll have to wait until it stops raining and dries a bit. I don't know about you, but it'd be pretty dangerous if I ran down the side of that thing now." Kakashi spoke. Hikari glanced outside, glad that the water couldn't reach them here. "Same here..." Hikari spoke, sighing.

The kunoichi shivered as she realized she had cold, wet clothing attached to her body. "Are you cold by chance?" Kakashi asked. Hikari nodded quickly. "Aren't you?" She retorted. "I am, but I'm withstanding it." He said. "Come over this way." Kakashi said, patting the spot beside him.

Hikari looked at him curiously, wondering what use being next to him would be. However, she got up and moved over to sit next to him. Kakashi put his arm around her shoulder, which caused her to jump. "Heh. Relax. I'm not that bad am I?" Kakashi joked, pulling her closer. He pulled her so that she was sitting in front of him, and he had his arms wrapped around her shoulders.

Hikari gasped at the sudden close contact. "K-Kakashi-senpai, what are you doing?" She asked, confused. "I'm helping you get warm, although we're both soaked. Maybe if we stay like this long enough we will get warm. Hikari blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed to be so close to Kakashi. She even felt his chest rest on her back, as he got tired of holding his body away from her after a few moments.

"Y-You don't have to be so kind, you know...you don't have to go to such lengths." Hikaru protested. "Of course I do, you're a part of my team, right? Plus, it was really all my fault. If I hadn't panicked earlier and shoved you, it would have never happened." Kakashi stated.

"I shouldn't have been so curious, I'm sorry Kakashi-senpai." Hikari frowned as she apologized. "Don't blame yourself." Kakashi spoke, rubbing Hikari's wet hair. "Although curiosity does kill the cat, remember for future reference." He said jokingly.

Hikari sighed, and suddenly felt herself being turned in Kakashi's arms to face him. "Sorry, Hikari. I'll take the blame for this. I'm relieved you're alright though." The Copy Ninja spoke seriously. "I—thanks." Hikari said, giving the jounin a kind smile.

Kakashi placed his hand on Hikari's cheek, and brushed a few wet locks out of her face. Kakashi was leaning them both over a bit, and water from Kakashi's hair was dripping onto Hikari's face. A water droplet fell into her eyes causing her to blink, followed by two more which had the same reaction. However, the second time when her eyes were closed she felt a small, warm pressure on her lips. Her eyes fluttered open to see the Copy Ninja kissing her. She didn't respond, she was too shocked. Kakashi, swiftly replaced his mask once he broke free before Hikari got a chance to see what was underneath.

Hikari looked at him with questioning eyes, her cheeks completely red. She had a grip on his arms and she squeezed, staring at him. Kakashi gave her a soft gaze and smiled. "I thought it would warm us a bit." The jounin offered. Hikari turned her face away, and then her entire body, feeling like her entire face would combust at any moment.

A/N: What did you guys think? Reviews please! Thoughts and ideas are welcome, I may even use some of them! Thanks!

Ja Ne