A/N: Hey everybody! Now, don't be mad at me for how short this chapter is. It's just where the chapters broke, and there is a whole lot more to come yet! But first, Anko's pissed, Kurenai's on her back, and who's waiting for Kakashi? Read and find out! Enjoy!
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Anko fumed a bit. Kakashi said, "Come on. It's not that big a deal."
"It is to me! What if somebody saw us?"
"Then we wouldn't have to keep our engagement a secret anymore."
"Will you be quiet about that?"
"Listen Anko, I know you're not ready right now. I understand that, but ever since I came back home, I came to the realization that I want to marry you. I learned a lot about myself while I was gone. And if you wanted me to wait ten years to marry you," he paused as she looked at him, "I would."
Anko's temper cooled a bit as the sincerity of his words sank in. She knew he was only trying to push her along a little so she'd get more comfortable with the whole idea of getting married some day. Still, she was nervous about how people would treat her when they found out that she and Kakashi were in fact engaged. Her thoughts were interrupted as Kotetsu approached them.
Kotetsu said, "Hey Kakashi. This message was delivered to Tsunade a few minutes ago. It's for you."
"Thanks man. Who sent it?"
"Tsunade said she thinks it's from Korekimi's office, but since she didn't open it, she doesn't know for sure."
Kakashi looked at the envelope and said, "Oh. Ok, thanks."
Anko said, "I wonder what she wants now? I thought she cleared you to get back to work?"
Kakashi said, "I thought so too, let me see what it says." As he started to open the envelope, Kotetsu said his farewells and went back to do his mistress' bidding.
Kakashi took the single sheet of folded paper out of the envelope and read it. He said, "Hm. Ok."
Anko asked, "What?"
"Doesn't look like anything. Korekimi just wants me to run by at 2:00 today. Says she needs to verify something for my file. The note says that it'll only take a minute or two. Must be something that she can't ask on paper. I'll just head over there and be right back. Meet you back here?"
Anko said, "Sure."
"It's close to 2:00 now. I'll get going." Kakashi got close to Anko and flipped his mask down. He gave her a quick kiss and said, "I'll be back in a bit. And sorry if I ambushed you with my little trip to the obi shop today."
Anko said, "I'll forgive you this time, but you try that again without telling me before hand and I'll kick your ass in front of everyone."
He flipped his mask back up again and jogged down the hall, giving her a quick wave as he left. She waved back to him, with a smile in her heart. She thought Kakashi, I'd kick your ass anyway if I didn't love you so much. She smiled as he left, but her smile quickly left as she cringed when she heard her name being screamed at her.
"ANKO!" Anko turned to see Kurenai, flying down the hall toward her.
Oh shit. What's she so fired up about? "Yes, Kurenai?"
"Where's Kakashi?"
"He got called to Korekimi's office. Why?"
"I wanted to ask you a question." Anko got immediately nervous.
"Can it wait? I'm waiting for Kakashi to come back."
"How long is he supposed to be gone?"
Anko said, "Korekimi's note said just a few minutes. What's going on?"
Kurenai said, "We're best friends right?"
"Of course! Wait a minute, why do you ask?"
"Well, I just wanted to know why you didn't tell me."
No. No fucking way. NO! "Tell you what???"
Kurenai scowled at Anko and crossed her arms across her chest. She said, "I think you have a secret you're hiding, and being your best friend, I think you should tell me what it is."
Anko stared at Kurenai. She started to feel sick to her stomach. She thought she can't know. How can she know? Did she see us? Oh my God! NO! This can't be happening! "Uhm, Kurenai, uhm. I think I hear Tsunade calling me. We'll talk later ok? OK!" Anko turned and started walking quickly away from her friend. "Later, we'll talk later, coming Tsunade-sama!"
Kurenai yelled, "Anko GET BACK HERE!"
"Can't! The 5th is calling me. COMING!" Anko practically sprinted down the hall to get away from having to tell Kurenai her secret.
Kakashi arrived at Korekimi's office and went inside. The receptionist girl looked up as he walked in. "Hello Kakashi. Right on time."
I am? What the fuck am I doing being right on time? I'm going to have to work on that, I must keep my reputation intact. "I understand Korekimi has a question to ask me?"
Shinju said, "She does. Please. Do you remember where her office is?"
"I do."
Shinju said, "I have some things to do here, she's expecting you. You can go back."
Kakashi nodded to her and opened the door that led to the hallway that led to Korekimi's office.
Shinju put her head back down and went back to her papers. She peeked out of the corner of her eye, and watched as Kakashi moved down the hall.
Kakashi felt as if a cold finger went up his back. He stopped walking and turned his head quickly to look back at Shinju. She was busily working. He turned back toward the office and opened the door when he reached it.
The room was softly lit just as he remembered it. He closed the door behind himself and walked inside. Korekimi wasn't there, but that was not unusual. She usually came into the office after he'd arrived. He began to walk toward one of the couches in the room when he felt the cold finger on his back again.
He froze. Shortly thereafter, he found out why. A voice he was quite familiar with said, "Welcome back Kakashi." Kakashi turned around and faced the owner of the voice, and it was NOT Korekimi.
Kakashi said, "What the fuck do you want, Orochimaru?"
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A/N: I bet INUGIRL is dancing right now! Go girl! Anyway, get ready to crest the hill and head for the dramatic freefall.
Next up: Orochimaru plays with Kakashi and reveals his plans. He also introduces him to his "friend." See you soon!
