A/N: Hi again everyone! Time for our favorite couple to head in to work and let Tsunade what's going on. And the whole Genma thing? Coming right up! Enjoy!
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As soon as Anko and Kakashi left their apartment, people noticed. They couldn't be missed. It was mid afternoon, and they walked arm in arm through the village with smiles on their faces. It was easy to see Kakashi smiling through his mask. Both shinobi laughed at their own private jokes as they walked to work.
Along the way, people started saying things like, "Kakashi's back!" "He's come back to Konoha!" People even started to gather and follow them as they walked. Kakashi said, "Jeez if I had known I was going to get this kind of reception I would have stayed in bed. Let's lose these people." Anko agreed and they took to the rooftops and made it to work much quicker, leaving the onlookers behind.
They arrived minutes later at the academy, still a bit shocked at the reception that Kakashi had gotten from the various villagers. Kakashi asked, "What the fuck was that all about?"
Anko said, "Probably my fault. I was quite a terror while you were gone. I think they're just glad you're back, to "settle me down" if you will."
Kakashi said, "Me? Settle YOU down? Does that reference have anything to do with us officially settling down?"
"QUIET! Our secret, remember!"
Kakashi smiled at her sideways and brought his finger to his masked lips and said, "Shhh."
They went inside and after quickly checking the bulletin board they proceeded to the offices of Konoha's 5th Hokage. On their way there, they passed many of Konoha's elite, as well as ninjas in training, and various other academy employees – and all seemed thrilled that Kakashi was back. Kakashi whispered to Anko, "Just how angry were you when I was gone? These people all seem so relieved."
She said, "Remember last night when you came home?"
"That bad huh? You were scary last night."
Anko shrugged her shoulders then said, "Oh you have NO idea."
They got closer to Tsunade's office when both shinobi smiled at each other, because just ahead of them – goofing around with Shizune outside the Hokage's offices was Genma. They both smiled as they approached the unsuspecting couple. Genma saw them first and stood up from the wall he had been leaning against.
"Hey Anko! Kakashi. I guess I don't have to keep your secret any more huh?"
At the mention of a "secret" both Anko and Kakashi looked at each other suddenly wondering what does he know? He can't know! Then Kakashi spoke up and said, "You didn't tell anyone I was back did you?"
Genma sputtered, "No, uh, NO."
Shizune interrupted, "He didn't tell me you were back Kakashi, even though I wish he would have," she gave him a stern look and he took a step back.
Kakashi leered at Genma, then reached out and grabbed Anko's hand. He pulled her closer to him, never breaking eye contact with Genma. He said, "Shizune is she in? I need to fill out a change of address form."
Shizune answered, "Yes, Tsunade-sama is in. Why Kakashi, are you moving?"
He said, "Yeah – sort of already did." He looked right at Genma and said, "I moved in with Anko." He paused and waited as the words sank in. He smirked under his mask devilishly and said, "Wanted to let Tsunade know that Anko and I are living together now."
Anko reveled in the announcement, feeling very important, even though she also noticed Genma pale a bit and saw his demeanor change even more.
Shizune couldn't have been more thrilled. Her face lit right up and she said, "Congratulations you two! That's great news! Before you know it, you'll be getting married!" Genma paled even further, while Kakashi and Anko used all their ninja skills to not reveal their secret.
Shizune dashed for her mistress' door and said, "I'll let her know you're both out here. Be right back!" She was genuinely excited.
Anko felt excited too – Shizune's enthusiasm was definitely contagious. She wondered what Tsunade would say, but then again, she didn't really care. This was her life – her business – she was an adult and she could make and live with her own decisions. So she decided that whatever Tsunade thought of their new living arrangements, whether good or bad, didn't really matter to her one bit.
Kakashi let go of Anko's hand and walked over to where Genma was standing. He leaned against the wall next to him. He could feel the nervousness coming off the senbon wielder. Kakashi leaned closer to him as Anko watched. He said quietly, "Anko told me about your little "confession,"" again he let the words sink in. Kakashi was about as good a shinobi as there ever could be, and he was a master at the art of intimidation.
Genma swallowed audibly, but didn't move. Anko wanted to stop Kakashi's psychological torture, but she'd let him continue, unless it got too bad, then she'd stop him.
Kakashi again leaned over and said, "I know she's an incredible woman, but she's MY incredible woman. You've got your own. So here's the deal," Anko started getting nervous, but not nearly as much as Genma was, "wipe the thought of ever having Anko out of your head. Now. Do it now and things are going to be very good between you and me. You don't, then you and me, well; we've got a serious problem. Am I making myself clear?"
Genma moved just his eyes to look at Kakashi's one that seemed to be boring a hole right through Genma's head. Genma may have been smitten by Anko but at that very second; he wished he'd never met her. He nodded at Kakashi and said, "Crystal clear. I apologize to Anko, and to you. I guess I just thought that maybe you two weren't quite so serious,"
Kakashi stopped him, "Don't think. Just do it. Forget about Anko. For you two, it's nothing but business, period. If I hear otherwise, like I said, you and I will have a serious problem. So what do you say?"
Genma knew what his answer had to be. If he wanted to live, he had to shut off his feelings for Anko. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but Kakashi could shut his LIFE off easily if he wanted to. "Fine. No problem. If you guys moved in together, it's serious." Genma turned and faced Kakashi and offered his hand, "I wish you both all the luck in the world." Kakashi took his hand and shook it, squeezing just a little past comfortable to assure Genma that he was taking his word at face value and that if he fucked up, even once, he'd be sorry.
Anko was relieved when Kakashi finally let go of Genma's hand. Kakashi had kept his promise to her and not killed him, but that didn't mean that he wouldn't if Genma ever tried anything with her again. And if he did, she'd probably end up killing him herself before Kakashi even got a chance to.
Shizune breezed into the hall and said, "Tsunade-sama will see you both now!" She walked over and stood next to Genma, who looked genuinely relieved to see her. Kakashi and Anko walked through the doors to the Hokage's offices, closing them behind them as they went.
They walked forward to a waiting Tsunade. She stared at them, her hands clasped, her chin on her hands. As soon as they were before her, she said, "Kakashi. You're back. How'd things go?"
Kakashi looked at Anko and then back to Tsunade and said, "There's a lot to tell, but I'm back and I'm better than ever."
"I think I'd like Korekimi to tell me that if you don't mind."
"Of course not. Arrange an appointment and I'll go see her. I think you'll both be pleased."
"I hope so. This village has suffered greatly," she glanced at Anko who let her eyes wander around the room, "while you were gone. I'm glad to have you back. You've got quite a backlog waiting for you when you're ready."
Kakashi thought I was afraid of that. "We also have some news for you." He glanced at Anko again.
Tsunade said, "If you tell me Anko's pregnant, so help me,"
Anko almost lost it. She said, "Listen Tsunade, I was NOT pregnant when he left and he's been gone two months! DO THE MATH for crying out loud!"
Kakashi took the lead and said, "Tsunade, all we want to tell you is that we're living together. Anko asked me to move in with her and I've accepted. All my mail and any correspondence should be sent to our shared address. That's all we have to tell you."
Tsunade breathed out heavily and said, "Do you think that's wise Kakashi? Do you think it's smart to take such a serious step after what you've just been through?"
Anko looked at Kakashi wondering why she'd never thought of that. She looked at him anxiously and waited for his answer. He smiled through his mask at her and said, "It's absolutely the right thing for me to do. I've never been so sure of anything in all my life." Anko was relieved.
Tsunade looked at them as they stood before her. They both exuded confidence in their decision. She could feel neither had a single doubt about what they were doing, and she knew that no amount of advice, or protests, or playing devil's advocate would change their minds. She glared at them and felt . . . jealous. She was jealous that she never had what they have. More like, when she did have it – it was over much too soon.
She sighed heavily and said, "Shizune, please update a change of address form for Kakashi. There's no need to have him fill it out – we know Anko's address." Shizune's face absolutely beamed as she turned and began to search for the form to fill it out.
Tsunade said, "Listen both of you. I'm not a big fan of shinobi living together, let alone dating, but since you're both adults, I can't tell you what to do. I wish you luck with your new living accommodations, but I'll give you a piece of advice." Both shinobi remained silent as they waited for her to continue. "Keep your apartment Kakashi. You don't have to stay there, but if I were you, I'd keep it for a little while, just in case."
Kakashi and Anko were immediately offended, and both looked at Tsunade with displeasure at her advice. Tsunade said, "Get "the look" off your faces. It was only a suggestion. When are you moving in Kakashi?"
Kakashi said flatly, "I already did. I just need Asuma and Naruto to help me move my couch and a few other things in."
Tsunade said, "You're lucky, both are available today. Take the rest of the day off. You too Anko. I didn't expect to see you here today anyway."
Anko said, "More like you didn't WANT to see me here today."
Tsunade responded, "You got that right. Not with the way you'd been acting while Kakashi was gone. Both of you get your domestic situation in order and report back first thing in the morning. We need to get started on that backlog Kakashi."
"I figured as much."
"But first, I'll get a hold of Korekimi to verify that you're good to go. You're both dismissed. I'll send word "home" if Korekimi can see you soon."
Anko said, "Thanks Tsunade-sama. We have some things we need to take care of, so we'll go."
Tsunade rolled her eyes and said, "I don't need any details about your sexual exploits!"
Kakashi said, "Uh, I think Anko means we need to get some groceries. But if you'd like some details there was this one time, OW!" Anko immediately back handed Kakashi's arm causing him to yell and rub it furiously.
Tsunade rolled her eyes again, but immediately thought, they're perfect for each other. Then she pointed to the door and both shinobi left, one still rubbing his arm.
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A/N: So Genma's been sorted out. Or has he? Later chapters will answer that question.
Next up: Kakashi and Anko meet up with Asuma and Naruto on different occasions, to inform them that they're living together, and ask for their help moving Kakashi in. What will Kakashi do to convince them to help him? Also, there will be a special appearance by someone I don't think I've ever written into this series, and a brand new Icha Icha title! See you soon!
