Alright! I'm feeling pretty confident about this one. Again, sorry for any mistakes in this and the last two chapters. I AM in the process of trying to find my mistakes in what I published so far AND write new chapters, so please bare with me.
I do not own Naruto, if I did I wouldn't be writing this.
Comments and Concerns are always appreciated!
" When's someones talking."
' When someones thinking.'
The smell of food brought me back to consciousness.
"Hmmm..." My nose perked up as my body seemed to move on it's own. My eyes were sealed shut, but I didn't need them. I let my nose lead my way. I got out of bed I must've looked like a mess, but I didn't mind. All I could think of was what smelled so good. I made my way out of the room,down the hall and into the kitchen.
"Good morning."
"Hm?" I peeked my eyes open to see Kakashi fully dressed. "Oh. Good morning." I let out a yawn and stretched my arms out. "What smells so good?" My arms plopped back down to my sides.
"I made some breakfast." He stated simply; he put out a couple of plates on the the dinning table. I dragged my feet over and sat down as he took his own seat across from me. I looked down at my food, and I couldn't help but to think why he would do this for me. Wasn't I just a job for him? He didn't look all to happy about when I assumed the Hokage gave her orders to have him watch me along teach me Japanese. So, why was he being so...nice?
"I don't think staring at your food is going to give you the same nutrition as you would have if you were to actually eat it." Kakashi teased. I looked up and noticed he already had a few bites.
'Damn he's fast.' I shook my head. "Sorry. I was just thinking.." I said softly then took a bite, savoring the flavor.
"Hm...about what?" He pressed. I stared at my food for a while longer before looking up to his care free expression.
"Why aren't you an asshole?" I asked giving my head a light shake before setting my chin in the palm of my hand.
He blinked a couple times. "I'm sorry?"
"Why are you being so nice to me? Taking me out to lunch and making me breakfast. I mean I'm just a stranger to you, a job! Why waste your time doing this for me?" a humorless laugh huffed its way from me."Hell, by the looks of it you were pretty upset; actually no, you seemed irritated when Tsunade gave you the order to watch me." I moved positions again, crossing my arms.
"Now how would you know what she told me,hm?"
"Well for one I could could tell it was a command by the tone of her voice. Two: when I saw your look, which it was pretty clear you were aggravated,-" His chin was now resting in his palm as he watched me explain. " - it had honestly led me to a bit of confusion..but when you told me that I was to stay with you-" I snapped my fingers. "-it all made sense." I took in a quick breath as I sat my chin in my palm again copying his position. "So,then why? Kakashi-san. Hm?"
I could see his visible eye switch back and forth between mine. "Mah mah, you are quite the observant one."
I lightly rose my shoulders in a shrug. "I can be at time." The table was silent for a short amount of time before he turned his head looking out the window;now leaning the side of his cheek against his knuckles.
"I was a bit distraught, yes, but then I began to think that maybe you just deserve a chance."
"A chance? Chance at what?"
He glanced at me from the corner of his eye. "That's for you to decide. I'm just here to give you the extra boost; we wouldn't get very far if I treated you wrongly, now would we?" He gave me an eye crinkle smile as he tilted his head a bit. I let thoughs words sink in before speaking again.
"But...aren't you suspicious of me?" He turned back to face me.
"I still have a whole week to decide that.." My mouth formed an 'O' before I went back to my food.
"...then again there's not much to be suspicious of.. I mean you couldn't even figure out how to use a pare a chopsticks without help." He reminded with a smile. I choked on a piece of food.
"O-Oi!"
With-in the next few days I was able to get my own wardrobe, thanks to Kakashi, and get a bed into my room. It took sometime to clean the damn place! I swear, it had enough dust to leave me sneezing for weeks! Once that was done, Kakashi began to get a bit more strict on me about the whole language thing. He said that it would usually take more than a year, but with my capability to take in information well, I would learn the basics in a month or so. Then I could just pick up things here and there to help me along the way.
"AUGH!I CAN'T DO THIS!" I complained as I ruffled my hair all crazy like. The language was COMPLETELY different from english, not that I expected it to be the same, but it was a very complex language. I let out a large groan before letting my head fall on the wooden table. I was just having one of my mental break downs. Kakashi says I'm on a good track but I feel like I haven't learned anything at all!
"Yes, you can. You just have to keep practicing. We're only three days in anyways. I don't expect you to know a lot." He then walked over and took a seat across from me and began to help pronounce and explain the phonology of Japanese. He had me repeat after him which was honestly quite embarrassing. It was like a teaching a baby how to speak, but there was no way around it. I would just have to put up with it.
We took a quick break and that's when I got to ask him the question that's been on my mind sense the hospital.
"Hey, Kakashi-Kun?"
"Hm?"
"How do you know English, anyways?"
"Ah, that. Well English is a dead language, I thought-" he raised a brow towards me. I just shrugged.
"-and we only use it now in a program called Anbu now to pass on secretes or highly classified information."
I nodded. "Oh, so you and that one guy from the hospital are in Anbu? And was exactly is that anyways?"
"Yamato is his name, and yes. Well, we were but not anymore. There are still some occasions where we'll take on a mission or two as Anbu but not regularly." He took a sip of his drink before answering the next question. "The Anbu Black Ops are basically a group of high elite ninja who take on very important and dangerous missions." Kakashi has informed me about the 'Ninja World' as he put it, and the responsibilities and risks they take...it sort of sparked my interest. Not that there was anyway of me becoming one anyways.
It's now been a week and Kakashi and I were on our way to meet with the Hokage about my case. I wasn't as nervous as I would've been a few days ago. I was sure he and I were on good terms, well at-least that's how I looked at it. We arrived at the building and made our way up to the door which I assumed led to the Hokages office. Kakashi gave it a couple knocks before a shout came from the other side. He opened it and walked in with me tagging behind. I took a few steps in before closing the door behind me. I saw a few more people than I had expected. The three teens that I encountered just over a week ago where standing aside; my attention was adverted towards Tsunade who's eyes were glued on me.
"euhehe..." I chuckled a bit as I hesitantly waved causing a few odd looks from the teens. Alright, okay, maybe I was a bit nervous but hey! How could I not be under this pressure?
Tsunade looked to Kakashi, leaning forwards propping her elbows on the desk as she rested her mouth against her intertwined hands. "Dakara , Kakashi-San . Takashimetarii ha ,murawotooshite shinnari dekuiru ka dou ka wo kettei suru shuukanwo atae te I masu..." They began to have their own conversation. I mentally sighed.
'Man...I really wish I knew what they're saying sense I KNOW its about me.' I gently rubbed the back of my neck as I looked over to the blond haired boy who looked like he had...whiskers? Huh..interesting. My eyes then scanned to the pink haired girl who looked kind and innocent, but I had a vibe telling me not to get on her bad side. I then looked to the last teen;his skin was pale and he had eyes just as dark as Kakashi's. My thoughts were disrupted by the blond walking up to me.
"Hm?" I lifted a brow as I crossed my arms. "what the hell..." I mumbled.
"Imu Uzumaki Naruto! Anata ha?" He had a large grin, but it was soon gone when the pink haired girl came in the picture and hit him up side the head. She started scolding him by the sounds of it. He just nervously laugh and tried to reason but was cut off by the raged tone by the Hokage.
'I am so confused...I think he was introducing himself. Hm,well there's no reason to be shy.' I stretched my fist out towards the boy for a knuckle bump. "I'm Takashi Metairie. Nice to meet ya!" It was first name then last,right? The room grew silent and I caught glances with Kakashi.
"AHAHAHA!" Naruto boasted as he pounded his knuckle against mine; saying a few more phrases along the way. I let out a chuckle. Maybe I could be friends with these people.
"Haruno Sakura." The pink haired girl sighed a bit, but stepped forwards and smiled.
"Konnichiha." I said with a light bow. Saying hello, good bye, and saying Itadakimasu before I eat was pretty much all knew so far. Sakura lightly bowed and turned to the Hokage and said a something that Naruto added onto.
'Well, they sound happy. That's good right?' I looked over to the pale boy who lightly waved his hand and a smile. I smiled and waved back before Tsunade spoke up.
"Takashi Metarie." She started. I looked at her with growing anticipation. "Konoha he youkoso." She said with a light smile. Naruto gave me a pat on the back with a wide grin.
"Eh?" I titled my head.
"You are now a citizen of this village." Kakashi informed. "Congratulations." He gave me one of his eye crinkled smiles.
"Oh..." My eyes grew and I let out a laugh. "NO way!Seriously?!That's awesome!I mean to be honest I was a bit scared on what was going to happen to me but-"
"Metairie-Chan." Kakashi interrupted.
"Hm?" I looked at everyone's faces. They were obviously confused, besides Naruto, he looked rather interested. I gave them an apologetic look.
The Hokage just waved it off and said a few more things to Kakashi before dismissing us.
Kakashi POV:
After talking to Tsunade and giving her reasonable explanations on why Metairie is not a threat to the village, the kids began to introduce them selves; starting with Naruto of course. Sakura and Sai soon followed afterwards. I couldn't help but to smile a bit when Metairie lifted her fist towards Naruto. Who would've known she had something in-common with Naruto.
" I expect her to be speaking in a language that I understand as soon as possible! Do I make myself clear, Hatake?"
"Yes, of course, Tsunade-Sama."
"Good. Now get out of my sight!" She dismissed. I turned and began walking out leading Metairie along with me. "Naruto, Sakura, Sai, You three stay. I still need to go over the details of your mission." We made our leave walking back onto the roads of Konoha.
"Hey,Kakashi-Kun?"
"Hm?"
"Thank you."
My attention was turned to her. "Oh, it was no big deal really." I gave the back of my head a rub. She paused causing me to do the same.
"No. It was. I'm glad you and the others found me that day." She gave me a full hearted smile. "I honestly don't know what or where I would be right now if it wasn't for you guys." She put her hand on my shoulder. "So thanks,Kakashi." Her smile grew even wider revealing a perfect row of white teeth. I then felt something different spark in me. It was an emotion I haven't felt for a long while. I cleared my voice and shook her hand off my shoulder.
"I appreciate the thanks, but you should be thanking luck; not me." Her facial expression quickly dropped.
"Oh. Okay..." The rest of the walk back was nothing but awkward. Even though I did my best to hide it, it was hard with her constant glances at me.
"Is something wrong?" I asked maybe in a bit harsher tone than necessary. I didn't get a reply from her. Letting out a sigh I walked up to my door and unlocked it. Slipping my shoes off, I walked into the main room and picked up one of Metairie's books "Let's get to your studies."
Third Person View:
The month flew by and Metairie had started speaking phrases in Japanese around Kakashi and ONLY around Kakashi. She wasn't very confident enough to speak it around any others though, as she was afraid she would screw up and embarrass herself. She pleaded Kakashi to let her work or do something to replay him, but he denied saying that she just needs to be focusing on her language skills for now. The brunette still couldn't help but to feel bad, he was letting her live under his house-hold, plus provide food, clothing, and some women hygiene products; which was an awkward situation for Metairie to ask about; but it seemed he already knew, and pointed out that all of that stuff was in the bathroom cabinet for her.
"Oh." Was all she said before she quickly walked away towards the restroom.
Two months and a half has passed and Metairie was now speaking mostly in Japanese and even thinking in it. She could now go out and about on her own; even get some shopping done for groceries with the money Kakashi gave her. She would often explore the village and its individual stores; she wouldn't buy anything of course. She would only use the money to get food or things Kakashi would ask for. The brunette didn't mind running errands for her silver haired room-mate; she enjoyed the positive atmosphere of the village and its people. She would often talk to people, no doubt having an accent,and she did stumbled over her words at times. Kakashi has pointed it out a on a few occasions, but Metairie was just happy she could communicate with others. When ever villagers would ask where she was from she would just make up a place which seemed to work; she didn't feel like going through the whole ACTUAL story. Her and Kakashi would often meet up with the Hokage and the blond was impressed on how Metairie's speech was coming along. Later that day, Kakashi told Metairie that he was going to go out for a bit, but before she could ask where he poofed off. That resulted in a irritated growl from the girl.
"Whatever..." She mumbled in her accented Japanese.
Kakashi made his way back to the Hokage. He appeared in the windowsill of the blond leaders office. "Yo."
"You're late." She snarled. Kakashi just shrugged not feeling like making up and excuse. He hopped onto the wooden floor and face Tsunade, his face growing into a more serious expression. "I assumed you summoned me here because of Metairie's condition?"
She let out a sigh and nodded. "Yes. Though her chakra has seemed to somewhat regulate correctly through-out her body, it still worries me. Has she shown any signs of pain or distress?" Kakashi just shook his head and crossed his arms.
"No,other than having a short-temper, which I'm sure you can relate to Tsunade-Sama; she's perfectly normal." The blond let the little comment go as she didn't feel like wasting a perfectly good bottle of sake by chucking it at the Copy-Nin.
Tsunade let out a light growl before replying. "Bring her to the hospital in a few days. I want to do a brief scan of her chakra vitals and maybe find a solution to the problem." Kakashi nodded. "And if we can get her chakra fixed up, have you talked to her about becoming a ninja?" She asked as she leaned back in her chair and put her feet up on the desk. "Or just getting a job at that?"
Kakashi rubbed the back of his head. "She has mentioned it,about getting a job, but I think it'll be easier for her if she first gets the hang of Japanese a bit better." Tsunade nodded in understatement. "and as for being a ninja, besides filling her in on what a ninja is, no I haven't really discussed that option."
"If I can get her chakra system corrected, I suggest you do so. I can see potential in her Kakashi." She pulled out a bottle of sake from her drawer and popped the cap open. "And you two better not mess around to much." She muttered before taking a large sip.
Kakashis eye grew wide. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh you know exactly what I mean, Hatake. I've given you nearly three months of paid off duty. Which I expect you to work your ass off when we get this all situated." She added before taking another sip of alcohol.
"Well technically you did give me the order of watching her-"
"Oh shut it! Look you don't have to admit that you've been 'active' with her, but it's kind of obvious. I mean it has just been you and her alone-"
"Alright! alright... I get what you're trying to get at." No doubt has the blond been drinking before hand. "But I can assure you that there is nothing between Meta and I."
"Meta?!PFT HA!" The drunken women began to laugh out loud. "Aw that's cute!You already have a nickname for her!" She continued to laugh. "SO, what does she call you?! 'Kashi-Kun' maybe?" The blond leader teased before breaking out in laughter again. Kakashi let out a sigh and his head dropped.
"I'll just be on my way now." His brow twitched in irritation as he put his pointer and index finger up.
"Good luck! Kashi-Kun~" She sung before he poofed off. "Heh, that man needs to learn to take a joke and have a bit more fun." She stated to herself before continuing to drinking down her beloved sake.
Kakashi was now walking the streets of Konoha and his mind began to ponder. They have grown closer over these past months and Tsunade was right; It was just her and Kakashi. So, no doubt they would bond in some way. He looked at it as just a simple friendship, but every now and then when Metairie would shoot him that big smile of hers or brush against him, he could feel that heart warming sensation again and would have to quickly flee away from the girl.
"It's just a phase..." he sighed. "a long phase..." When Kakashi arrived back home his sensitive nose caught onto the smell of burnt food.
He took in a big breath then exhaled. "Oh boy..." His shoulders slumped as the copy-nin started entering his flat. Slipping off his shoes, he made his was to the kitchen to see a panicking brown haired women.
"Shit!...Dammit!...No! UGH!" He stood there and watched her as he began thinking.
'Well...at least she's speaking Japanese...' "Oi,Meta-Chan." Yes. Kakashi has in fact given the girl a nick name.
She jumped and quickly turned around revealing her nervous smile. "O-Oh H-Hey Kakashi-San! Wh-What brings you here?" Kakashi just looked at her with his half lidded eye.
"This is where I live you know." He dangled his keys next to his face. "And I thought we went over this about you cooking." The copy-nin walked over and reached around the girl turning off the stove. She huffed and crossed her arms. Metairie had made him a dinner as a 'repayment' for him taking care of her...well that resulted in a few days of her taking care of him. So, ever sense then they had agreed that they would leave the cooking to him.
"I know I know!But I just wanted to be useful for once!" The girl started to become fumed and upset as her rant began.
"Hey you are-"
"I mess up on EVERYTHING I do!"
"Now wait a minute-"
"I couldn't even figure out how to use chopsticks with out your help!Plus, I can't even pay you back for all you've done for me!" Kakashi didn't even get any words out this time before she continued on.
"I'M JUST A USELESS BURDEN WHO DIDN'T EVEN SPEAK THE SAME LANGUAGE AS EVERYONE ELSE! HELL! I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER WHO I WAS THESE PAST TWENTY YEARS,KAKASHI! I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MYSELF!...I..I don't know what to do with myself..." The argument elevated quickly but died down just as fast. The room went quiet for a bit.
"...I'm sorry..I-I'll clean up this mess and fix everything.." Her voice cracked when she began to cry. She then turned keeping her eyes adverted down and reached out to grab the pot which held the burnt food, but before she could do so a pare of strong arms wrapped around her middle from behind pulling her back into a firm chest. Her eye's slightly widened.
"...don't say things about yourself like that. It's not healthy." He spoke in his usual calm tone but was a bit softer than usual.
"But-"
"No." It was Kakashi's turn to cut her off. "I never want to hear words like that come out of your mouth again. Especially when you HAVE in fact achieved in learning a WHOLE new language within a few months, and you are NOT a burden. Do you understand?" He spoke firmly.
". . ." The girl kept quiet; her stomach was filled with butterfly's from being this close to Kakashi. He then turned her around keeping his arms locked around her. "I said. Do you understand me?" he repeated keeping that firm tone.
She looked up to him with her glossy eyes; meeting his charcoal black one. She hesitantly nodded.
"Good." He released her and walked over looking at the food. "Damn...you really did mess up."
Metairie lightly chuckled as she turned and wiped her tears away. "Oh shut it." She sniffled then breathed out a light laugh. Kakashi turned around to face her.
"Well I guess this just means we'll just have to go out and eat."
"Yeah. Just let me get cleaned up a bit." She made her way to her room and closed the door behind her. Walking over to the mirror, she placed her hands down on the desk and leaned in staring into her reflection.
'Why they hell to I feel all tingly and...weird around Kakashi?' It wasn't a bad weird it was more like..confused weird if that makes sense. Metairie shook her head clearing away any thoughts and quickly wiped her eyes free from any tears.
"Get a hold of your self girl." She began to clean and freshen up a bit before going back to meet up with Kakashi. He had taken off his Joinin vest which made him look more nicer than expected. "You ready?"
He gave her a slight nod and eye crinkle smile. "Yup." They both headed out and started deciding on where they should eat.
"Why don't we count this as a celebration? For your birthday, sense we never really got to it." He offered.
"My birthday? That was over two months ago, Kakashi-San."
"And it never got celebrated which is why we can take the opportunity now to do so. What do you say,hm?"
"..." She thought about it for a bit. ' I guess a little fun wouldn't hurt.' She smiled. "Alright! But lets hurry get something to eat first!"
"Already planned on it." He offered his arm to her. She hesitated for a bit before shining her teeth at him in a bright smile. She wrapped her arm around his and let him lead. They made their way to Ichiraku's where they ran into Naruto and Sakura on the way.
"Hm?Kaka-Sensei? I haven't seen you in a while! Where've ya bee-" The blond boy then noticed that his ex-sensei's arm was linked with another. His eyes narrowed as they trailed over and looked to the girl. "...OI!You're that one girl!The one we found-...are you on a date, with Kaka-Sensei?!" Sakura quickly whacked the boys head.
"Naruto! She can't even understa-..wait date?" The pink haired kunoichi looked to the brunette then to her ex-sensei.
Kakashi sighed. "No Naruto and Sakura. We're not, and how many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me Sensei."
Naruto just waved it off. "Yeah yeah, but I've been calling you that sense I was like 12!"
"Yeah, I have to agree with Naruto on that one Kakashi-Sensei. It just feels weird calling you Kakashi with out adding the Sensei to it." Sakura agreed.
"Oh, so you two were his students then?" Metairie spoke up catching the attention of the two Konoha nin.
"WOAH! I thought you didn't know Japanese!" Naruto exclaimed not answering her question.
Metairie blinked a few times. "Um,well I didn't. That is until Kakashi-San taught me." She informed with a light smile.
"...Your accent is cute...euhehehe..." Naruto said as if all he was listening to was the accent in the girls voice. (Which wouldn't be very surprising)
"Oh..umm thanks!..I guess." I rubbed the back of my head. Sakura just rolled her eyes.
"So where are you guys going?" The pinkette asked.
"This place called Ichiraku's. I've never been there before but Kakashi says its good." I smiled with my reply.
"CAN I COME-" Sakura grabbed the back of Naruto's shirt pulling him down before he could finish.
"Have fun you two! I'll see ya later Kakashi-Sensei! Don't forget about are sparring match tomorrow!" The pink haired kunoichi reminded as she dragged Naruto off.
"Oh come on Sakura-Chan! I'm sure Kaka-Sensei could treat us to some ramen!"
"Oh shut it you doofus!" Metairie couldn't help but to chuckle.
Metairie couldn't help but to chuckle. "So they belonged to you at one point?" She asked as Kakashi began to lead the way again.
He rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. "Yeah I guess you could say that. They're a piece of work huh?"
"That would be one way of putting it." She breathed a laugh. "And what is this about a sparring match,hm? Now that seems interesting!"
He shrugged. "Just some training is all. I haven't really had any hand-to-hand combat lately so I guess it'll be fun." There was a short pause in their conversation before Kakashi started again. "Are you interested in becoming a ninja?"
"A ninja?...Well I have thought about it...and the only reason why I would become one is to protect the one's I care about." She paused. "And now that I think about it would be the people of this village I guess. So far there's been no one who's given me a hard time; people have actually made me feel happy and welcome." She chuckled. "But I don't know." The answer struck Kakashi even though he didn't show it; he was quite surprised by her response. He let out a soft 'hmf' with a smile before he pulled her into the ramen shack.
"Oh!Kakashi-San! I haven't seen you in a while!" Teuchi exclaimed. "And who is this? I've never seen her around here before."
"This is Metairie. She's new to the village." Kakashi introduced as he took a seat, with Metairie soon talking her own seat.
"She is now?" He gave out a slight chuckle. "You hear that Ayame? We have a new customer! Not only to the shop, but to the village as well! Let's cook her up the best ramen we got!" He spoke to his daughter.
"Of course!" She replied from the back.
"And I assume you would like the usual, Kakashi-San?" Kakashi nodded.
"Please." And with that the man was off to preparing the noodles with his daughter. Kakashi and Metairie both looked to one anther and smiled.
Metairies POV:
"Thanks, Teuchi-San! Ayame-Chan!" I thanked the two before leaving with Kakashi. I patted my belly letting out an exhale. "Wooh! I'm full! Thanks for the treat Kakashi-San!" I smiled.
"Mah, no problem, and just call me Kakashi."
I breathed a laugh. "But weren't you the one who told me to add the honorific?"
He waved his hand carelessly. "Eh."
"Fine fine, but only if you drop the 'Chan' in my name,yes?" He eyed me for a bit before nodding. The longer we walked the more I noticed people dressed in Kimonos,and by the looks of it were getting ready for something. Various shop owners began to set and prepare for what ever was going to happen; some even pulled out mobile carts.
"Is...something going on?" I asked observing the rushing citizens.
"They're preparing for the festival."
"Festival? When?" I looked over to see him reading that book of his. 'Is the book really that good?'
"Hmmm... I would say in a hour or so; as soon as it begins to get dark." A few girls brushed passed me giving me a light shrug.
"Oh! Sorry!" One of them quickly said as they continued on their way. I just lightly smiled as I stopped; I began to examine their kimonos. They had floral print and bright coloring on them. They were quite beautiful; I even liked how the simple plane ones looked.
"Here we are." Kakashi's voice snapped me out of my thoughts; I looked at the building we were now in front of.
"A tailor?...Are we here to pick up your clothes or something?"
He snapped his book shut. "Yours actually."
"Me? I don't recall anything of the sort." Just then a women ran out and towards us. She had beautiful long hair and a set of pure jade eyes.
"Kakashi-Kun!" She squealed and I noticed she had a couple bags in hand.
"Hello, Yaguri-San. How are you?"
"Ugh, busy! Ive been running around like crazy trying to get people their kimonos! Which by the way I have the one you ordered right here!" She lifted the bag and handed it to Kakashi. She then turned her attention to me. "It's quite beautiful. Truly one of my best! I'm sorta jealous that I don't even get to wear it." She gave me a quick wink. "There's a changing room inside you're welcome to use it! Now, I gotta get going before I have angry costumers!" She quickly bowed before she ran off. I blinked a couple times before turning to Kakashi.
"You...got me a kimono?" I had to chuckle a bit at the irony; I mean was just acknowledging how pretty they were a few minutes ago.
The copy nin nodded. "Wearing one is the proper attire for a festival if you haven't noticed." He handed the bag over to me.
"What about you?"
"You go ahead and get ready. I'll meet up with you in twenty minutes or so."
"Wait, your leaving me?"
"Aw, you going to miss me?" He teased.
"Oh don't flatter your self, Hatake." I furrowed my brows with a light grin. He gave a quick eye crinkle before heading off in the opposite direction. After he vanished with-in the growing crowd I made my way into the shop and began looking for the changing room.
"May I help you?" Came a soft voice from behind.
"Hm?" I turned to see a younger girl, probably around sixteen. "Oh, do you work here?" The girl nodded. "Well I was trying to find the changing room. Yaguri-San,I believe her name was, told me I can use it."
"Oh! Well it's just over this way. Follow me please." She politely said as she started leading me to the changed area. "The names Ayako by the way."
"Metairie, Meta for short." I replied back. Ayako paused when she came upon a curtained room.
"Here it is Meta-Chan. Take your time." She smiled, but before she would walk away I lightly grabbed her shoulder catching her attention.
"Hm?"
"Ano...could you help me with this?" My hand dropped off her shoulder as she turned fully towards me. "You see, I haven't actually worn one of these before." I stated rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly. The blond just grinned and nodded.
"Of course!" She grabbed my hand and quickly pulled me into the changing room.
"I'm not so sure about this Ayako-Chan..." The girl decided to do my hair as well, then add some make-up on me. I tried to protest but she simply ignored and did so anyways.
"Oh shut it! You look great!" She quickly turned me around. "Look."
I perked my head up to be faced with a full body mirror. My eyes widened when I took the time to scan my body starting with my head. My hair was up in a bun, and there was a strip of loose hair on both sides of my face; which had a natural curl at the tips. My eye lids had a smokey tint thanks to the eye shadow Ayako had put on, and my lips were as red as an apple. I then looked at my kimono which resulted in a light gasp escaping my lips. It had a base color of a dark red and a golden band wrapping around my middle. There was a design of a sakura blossom tree with it's petals spread across the clothing; each petal holding their own design. It was truly beautiful. I would defiantly have to thank Kakashi for this.
"Man...your boyfriend is one lucky guy." Ayako commented making eye contact with me through the mirror.
"Uh,who?"
"You know. That guy with the silver hair who came in here and ordered that for you...he is your boyfriend right? Husband maybe?" I quickly whipped my body around; my face now holding a pink tint.
"No no! He's just a friend." I corrected waving my hands side to side. The blond just stared at me before growing a smirk as she crossed her arms.
"Uh-huh. Sure, a 'friend'." She chuckled.
"I-It's true!" My face blushed a deeper color.
"Yeah yeah." She handed me the bag containing my old clothes; I quickly swiped them from her hand. "Now hurry! I'm sure he's waiting somewhere for you." She shooed.
I let out a sigh as I turned to leave, but glanced over my shoulder before I left. "Thanks Ayako." She just smiled and with that I headed out the shop.
"Good luck!" I heard her sing from behind. I just rolled my eyes then turned a corner and continued on walking the streets.
'What do I do now? Kakashi could have at least giving my a destination on where he wanted to meet.' A sigh escaped my lips; I began to look around observing various people and things. My nose caught the scent of something sweet causing my stomach to growl. I looked over to my right to see a Dango stand not to far away. I then reached into my bag and pulled out my wallet, counting some money Kakashi had gave me.
'I swear one day I'll have to replay that man.' I thought as I shuffled over to the stand.
"Hello Miss! Care to buy some fried Dango?" The sells man offered.
I widely smiled. "Yes please!" I handed him the amount due as he handed me a Dango stick. I lightly bowed and thanked him before walking off and finding a bench. I sat and took a big bite into a Dango bit; the flavor giving me a mouth watering experience. I let out a groan in delight. It wasn't before long that the desert was demolished and I tossed the stick into a near by trash can. I sat up strait looking up and down the now crowed roads. It was getting dark and it was up to the various lights to keep the streets lit. I took this time to take in the positive atmosphere that was surrounding me. There were children running around and couples of ages varying from young and old having fun. It was a heart-warming view that lead me to think about Kakashi and I's relationship. It was so confusing; we were just friends and I was happy with that,but...there's times that he makes me the happy person ever. I know that sounds cliche' but I couldn't help it, and the feeling was occurring a lot more often now. My eyes closed and I sighed deeply as I sunk into the bench; my arms crossed and my brows furrowed.
"Where is Kakashi anyways? Its been WAY over twenty minutes!" I grumbled.
"Ah! So you know of my old friend Kakashi?" A loud voice came causing my eyes snapped open and looked over to the man.
".. And you are...?" I sat up more strait and observed the bushy browed man.
"The names Might Gai!" He exclaimed pressing his thumb against his chest. "and what might your name be, pretty lady?"
I huffed. "Takashi Metairie. Meta for short." I informed.
"Ah, such a lively name! Perfect for a youthful lotus such as yourself!"
My brow arched. "Anyways, Gai-San you referred to Kakashi as your old friend. How do you know him?" I questioned.
"We grew up with each-other ever sense we were teens, and we've had plenty of memorable challenges!" He put his hand up to his head dramatically.
"Challenges?"
He gave a good nod and flashed a wide smile showing off his row of shiny white teeth. "Kakashi is my internal rival, after all!" His voice rumbled.
"So I assume you're a Shinobi as well?"
"Of course!" I nodded at his response. "May I ask how a beautiful young lady such as yourself got to know Kakashi?"
I breathed a light laugh. "We,um, met out of the village actually."
"Oh?" I nodded with a smile.
"I didn't really have anywhere else to go so I tagged along with Kakashi." It wasn't complete lie, but it wasn't exactly spot on either.
"I see! Well Kakashi sure knows how to pick his flowers." I blinked at his comment. What was that supposed to mean? But before I could ask he stretched his hand out towards me. "Would you care to have a few drinks with me,Meta-Chan? I can't just have you waste away at your youth! Especially when there's a festival going on!"
'Hm he's right..I should be enjoying myself. I'm sure Kakashi can find me when he decides to arrive. Plus,this guy thinks I'm old enough to drink!Hell yeah!' I took his hand and he heaved me up before releasing it. "Why not?" I smiled widely.
"Ha!That's the spirit! Now come on! I know a place not to far from here that has great Sake!" Gai boasted and led the way. I held in a chuckle.
"You certainly have a lot of energy, Gai-san." I commented which resulted in a blaring laugh.
"I may be a bit older, but I still have many youthful years ahead of me, Metairie-Chan!"
"Oh? And how old is a bit older?"
"Thirty"
"THIRTY?! No way! You can't be that old! Ah, er- n-not that that's necessarily an old age. Euheh...I just expected you to be in your mid-twenties for somethin'."
"Well it's nice to know that my looks are still kickin'!"
'Your brows could use a good trim though...' I kept that thought to myself as Gai led me into the bar which was packed with people, and the music was pretty loud as well. "It's pretty busy in here." I said raising my voice trying to talk over the pounding beat.
"But of course! People are celebrating and having fun!" He made his way to the bar as I trailed behind. "Two shots of your finest Sake!" Gai declared to the bartender; he then turned his attention to me. "So, Metairie-Chan! Tell me about yourself!"
"Well there's not much for me to say." I couldn't tell him about my memory loss. No, I was to uncomfortable about it, just thinking about the topic was making me depressed. It was bad enough that Kakashi and the Hokage knew, but there was no way around that; I'm sure there's a few others who knew about my case as well.
"Oh come on! I am sure a youthful lotus such as yourself has a few stories!"
"Here you go." The bartender handed us the shots. Gai grabbed the two glasses and handed me one.
"Here goes for a night filled with an atmosphere of endless youth and the beginning of our friend ship!" Gai raised his glass and I copied.
'My first drink!Here I go!'
"KENPAI!" We cheered in unison. I pressed the tip of the glass to my lips as was about to tilt my head back, but the glass was quickly swiped away from me.
"EH?!" I looked over to see Kakashi holding the empty glass next to his face, which he obviously drank, and was dressed in a simple navy blue kimono; he honestly looked quite...handsome. His gazed was locked on me telling me I was in trouble; he set the glass down.
"Ah Kakashi-San!" Gai shouted as he slammed his once filled glass back on the table. "What a surprise!"
"It certainly is..." Kakashi said his gaze still locked on me. I cleared my throat and turned back to Gai and sheepishly smiled.
"I-I think I'm just gonna step out side" I gave out a nervous chuckle.
The bushy browed man blinked a few time. "But you have just got here my lovely lotus! I thought we were going to have a night filled with drinks!" I stiffened not daring to look at Kakashi.
"Ano..." I looked down not really knowing what to say.
"Did...I say something wrong?" Gai asked a bit confused.
Kakashi sighed. "Mah" He waved his hand back and forth. "Thanks for watching Meta for me, Gai-San, but we must be going now."
Gai looked between Kakashi and I and obviously got the wrong idea. "Oh! I see! Go along then! Don't worry about me!" The man said before ordering more alcohol. "I will see you guys later!"
'Wait, watch me? Who does he think I am?! A child?!' I was quickly pulled out of the bar by Kakashi's solid grip on my arm. "Kakashi I can-" Before I could finish I was whipped around and was forced to face the man who stood in front of me.
"What do you think you were doing?" He demanded while tightening his grip.
Slightly wincing I answered, "I was just going to have some fun but-"
"By drinking?! You do realize that you're under aged."
"By a year Kakashi, a year!And I've waited for you for nearly and hour! What did you expect me to do? Just sit and do nothing?!" He looked like he was about to reply but instead he let go of my arm and exhaled.
"You're right. I'm sorry, but you should know better than go drinking especially with Gai." There a was short pause. "How did you meet him anyways?"
I lightly rubbed my arm and looked elsewhere. "While I was waiting for you-" I made short eye contact with the shinobi before looking away again. "-he ran into me and we started to talk. When I found out he was a friend of yours I thought he would be safe to hang-out with..." A soft sigh escaped my lips and I looked back up to the man. "I'm sorry. It's just I was bored, he offered me a drink, and I said why not." I replied with a light shrug. The silence between us grew and all I could hear was the mixed background noise of various voices.
". . ."
". . ."
"You look beautiful." My eyes grew before softening and a small smile formed on my lips.
"Thank you. You look very handsome if I do say so myself." I stated in a matter-of-fact tone. He returned by doing his famous eye crinkle smile.
"Come on. I wanna show you something." He began walking and I followed besides him.
We made our way through the crowd and Kakashi bought me a wolf mask after I begged him for it. I placed it on the side of my head for the rest of the trip.
"Where are we going anyways?" I questioned. He only halted and extended his hand. I looked at it blankly before placing mine on his; he pulled me close to his chest before doing a quick hand symbol then POOF. We were on the roof of a building. I felt a bit dizzy but it quickly went away as I look around. I was in total awe; I could see the whole village, and how it's lights brightened up the atmosphere. Kakashi walked passed me and sat down; his foot planted on the ground causing his knee to arch up as his other leg was crossed. He rested his wrist on his raised up knee and before I knew it there were explosions of color in the sky. My eyes instantly were locked on the mixtures of various colors, and I could hear the cheers and awes of the villagers down below. My body reacted on it's own and took a couple steps forwards to where I was a bit ahead of Kakashi.
"wow..." I spoke, but came out more like a whisper. As I continued to watch I got a flash of a picture,no, a memory in my head causing me to flinch and press my hand against my head. I quickly looked away from the fireworks hoping it would stop the rising head ache.
"You okay?" Kakashi spoke from behind.
I glanced over to him with my squinted eyes. "Yeah, I think the lights just gave me a short head ache." I lightly laughed it off before looking back into the sky, but as soon as the next firework exploded all my senses became dull. There was a huge flash in my vision and all I could see was a women who looked similar to me handing me a sparkler.
"Here you go sweetie. Be careful not to burn your self." She informed in English.
"Yes mommy." I replied.
I groaned in agony as I held my head and dropped to my knees. I tried to regain my focus but my brain was going nuts! Kakashi quickly ran over and knelled in front of me grabbing my head forcing me to look at him; I could tell he was trying to talk to me but all I heard was ringing.
"Come here dear. The big ones are about to go off." The women called. I quickly made myself over and hopped in her lap.
"Are they going to be scary,Mommy?" That resulted in a chuckle from the women.
"Not of you really look at them." She stated before a firework shot up in the air and exploded revealing sparkles of red, white, and blue.
"Happy fourth of July...Metairie."
The sound of Kakashi repeating my name grew louder and louder as I blinked a few times.
"Metairie! Are you okay?! What's wrong?!" My eyes were half lidded and I began to feel tired.
"I think...I think I saw my mother..." I mumbled before falling limp into Kakashi's arms.