A/N: Hello Readers! Thank you all for reading this story and being my faithful followers! I hope this chapter is to your taste because something big happens at the end! Please review, follow and favorite. Love you all!

Chapter 32: I'll Always Love You

Kohana returned home early that night. Work was slow, and sales were dry.

She caught Mr. Hoshimata grumbling, "Only if another Icha Icha book would come out. Seems like that's the only thing people are interested in these days."

Kohana laughed silently. Maybe she could ask her father if he had time to publish another novel. She realized that she had never confronted him about his writing passion. Her mind returned to the long letter that he had written for her. He had first expressed his condolences about Asuma, but after this sad note, the rest of the letter betrayed no hint of concern or trepidation. Jiraya was a master at putting on a happy, jovial face regardless of the situation. But, Kohana knew better and wondered how long it would be before she could catch another short glimpse of him. He assured her that he would be back soon and as usual asked her to stay safe. She felt a pang of guilt as she recalled his exact words.

I know you are angry at my decision to abort your training. However, I hope that you won't begrudge me for too long. Your Kekkai Genkai is invaluable, of course. At the same time, it makes you a target and with everything that is bound to happen in the future, I can't afford to put you in danger. This will be difficult for you, but it's best if you lie low. I hope you understand.

She shook her head rapidly and muttered to herself. 'It's not like I'm blatantly showing everyone about what I can do. Plus, Kakashi thinks it's a good to practice.' The image of the silver haired jonin brought a blush to her cheeks as she smiled giddily.

Much to Kohana's surprise, Kakashi had brought Naruto along. The boisterous 16 year old seemed just as confused as her.

Kakashi explained while plopping down onto the mahogany couch.

"I couldn't leave him alone for too long. He'll need to know, Kohana."

Kohana regarded Naruto carefully. She had known him for only year, but this was a kid she could trust with her life. She wasn't worried about revealing her secret to Naruto, but mostly about the repercussions that might follow. How much more trouble would they get in especially since Tsunade and Jiraya were taking the most cautious measures to keep her out of harms way? And was it worth risking their trust in Kakashi?

Kakakshi saw Kohana's hesitation. He sighed, took off his vest and leaned back, letting his arm drape across the back of his seat, as he spoke, "I can't keep an eye on both of you, Kohana, if you're going to be in different places. This is the only way to do this."

Kohana was momentarily flustered as she took in his position. His muscles strained against his black shirt and Kohana's mouth felt dry. She saw Naruto sit down next to him but her gaze remained transfixed on her crush. She had realized that this was her first time seeing the renowned Jonin without his signature green vest. The padded material hid his built body well.

Kakashi peered at her concernedly when she didn't speak for a few minutes. "Are you alright?"

Kohana jumped, and stuttered, "O-o-f course, I'm fine." She took a composed breath and talked, forcing herself to look at his masked face, "That's fine, Kakashi. I know you've probably thought this through anyway. I don't mind letting Naruto in on the secret."

Naruto asked curiously, "Secret?"

Kakashi nodded to Kohana and went on to explain to his student. When Kakashi finished, Naruto was staring at Kohana in shock. He exclaimed, "Kohana-nee-chan, you're amazing!"

Kohana blushed, "A-ano, Naruto. This is nothing compared to what you can do."

Naruto shook his head, "You shouldn't dismiss yourself like that, nee-chan. I'm glad you're not listening to Ero-senin or baa-chan on this." He then growled, punching his fist, "If anyone comes near you, they'll have to get through me."

Kohana laughed and ruffled Naruto's hair, "Why, that's sweet of you Naruto. I'm sure they'll be thrown off with everything you've learned so far."

Naruto was about to answer when Kakashi cut him off. "Mah, mah, that's enough talking for now. Kohana, let's see how far you've gotten."

"Hai", Kohana said, as she sat down with crossed legs. She closed her eyes and focused on her various chakra points.

She heard Kakashi comment sternly to Naruto. "Rest, Naruto. You've overexerted yourself already."

Naruto grumbled something indistinctly. Kohana giggled lightly.

"Focus, Kohana", Kakashi chided.

"Gomen", Kohana muttered.

Two hours went by quickly, and Kohana's training session ended when Naruto flopped down on the couch drowning the room with his snores and incessant mumblings about Ramen.

Kakashi stated almost apologetically, "He fell asleep. I don't believe he'll wake anytime soon."

"That's no problem. He can sleep here tonight. I'll grab a few blankets and a pillow for him."

Kohana ushered herself to a spare closet and came back with orange and blue cover with a matching pillow. Kakashi lifted Naruto's head gently as Kohana tucked him in.

She stepped back smiling wistfully at the scene, "He looks so much like Minato-sensei."

Kakashi nodded, his hand deep in his pocket, "Hai. Even after all these years, it's still a shocking reminder of who he is."

"Does he know, Kakashi?" Kohana asked sadly as she watched Naruto's chest heave up and down rhythmically.

"No."

"You never thought to tell him?"

"I don't want him to hate his father."

"W-what?" Kohana asked surprised by his response.

"Kohana, despite the situation, regardless of the reasoning, the Yondaime made his own son into a Jinchuuriki. Naruto continues to suffer from that choice. I can imagine what he would think of Minato-sensei if he knew and all the questions he would have. I don't have the answers to them."

Kohana bit her lips, "This world is messed up. They should have been a happy family. But, they were ripped apart."

Kakashi ran a hand through his hair, and said, "It's a harsh reality." He suddenly winced as he pulled his arm back down.

Kohana saw a small red streak run down his skin. "Kakashi", she exclaimed, "You're bleeding."

"Ah, don't worry. The stitches must have gotten undone. I do them myself, and I must admit I'm not very good at it."

"Then you should have gone to the hospital!"

She grabbed him and forced him to sit down at the dining table. She pushed up his sleeves and winced herself when she saw the damage.

Kakashi gently pushed her hand away, "This is not my first time getting injured. I know what to do."

Kohana glared daggers at him and snapped, "I don't think so, Kakashi. I think you have an aversion to hospitals." Her tone softened, "Let me try something."

Kakashi asked unsurely, withdrawing his arm, "What are you planning?"

"My chakra – you said it has healing properties. Maybe it can heal this."

Kakashi nodded thoughtfully. He smiled and extended his arm again, " Alright. I'm curious too. Go ahead."

Kohana smiled widely and projected a small amount of chakra into her hand letting it seep through the pores on her fingers. "Oh", she exclaimed, "I didn't think it would be blue!"

She placed her hand gently on his wound and watched in wonder as his skin absorbed her chakra. The cut healed itself slowly and closed the sutures. Kakashi flexed his arm comfortably, and noticed that his stitches had also dissolved.

"Hmm, it's not too different from medical ninjutsu", Kohana remarked casually.

"No, now, it's not. I imagine though it's much more potent than medical chakra. It's certainly faster. Arigatou, Kohana." Kakashi said as he stood up and stretched. Kohana averted her eyes again trying to focus on anything but his ripped muscles.

Kakashi picked up his vest that Naruto had unceremoniously pushed to the ground. He dusted it off before asking, " What's for dinner?"

Kohana smirked, "Making me cook again?"

Kakashi cocked his head to the side and gave his famous one eyed smile, "Don't blame me, Kohana. Your food is rather delicious."

Kohana laughed and headed for the kitchen before calling out to him, "Make yourself comfortable."

Kohana made enough food for three and kept a serving aside in a hot box for Naruto. Kakashi inhaled deeply as Kohana served him a plate, "It smells good, Kohana."

Kohana flashed him a smile and dug into her own food quietly. They ate in silence, the only sound being the chopsticks that clashed against their bowls. Kakashi had again finished in lightning speed without once letting Kohana catch a glimpse of his face. Kohana marveled at his ability to hide his facial features even during tasks like eating.

She finally set her bowl down wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Kakashi was once more immersed in Icha Icha. The yellow cover stared back at her relentlessly and she delineated the outline of a man chasing after a woman in a floral outfit with a bouquet of flowers. The closeness of the two individuals sparked Kohana's memory and she frowned at the reminder.

"Kakashi", she called out hesitantly, "do you remember what you said to me on the day of Asuma's funeral?" She winced lightly.

Kakashi's eyes darkened at the mention of his late comrade. He raised an eyebrow asking Kohana to continue.

"You said that this is the pain love can bring. Why did you say that?"

Kakashi remained silent for a long time. He seemed deep in thought. Kohana waited patiently for him though eager to hear his response.

He finally spoke, "You and I have seen our fair share of death. These are the people who we failed to save, whose lives were taken by the hands of those who don't value life. The loss is painful. It seems worth it to keep people at distance just to avoid that pain."

Kohana stared open-mouthed at him. She had thought that after all these years Kakashi would have moved on and accepted the deaths of his friends. He had instead chosen a route that was far worse than dealing with loss. Yet, she felt a feeling of relief seep through her and the trepidation that often accompanied her attempts to declare herself vanished. Because she now knew what was holding Kakashi back, and what she had to fight against. Kakashi had been through a lot and that too at a morbidly young age– his father's suicide, best friends death, and Minato's sacrifice instilled a fear of loss within him that Kohana now promised to dispel.

She put on a bright smile and walked around to Kakashi's side. She knelt down so that she was at his height and palmed his face before pressing her lips firmly on his cheek.

Kakashi's face burned and he stuttered, "K-kohana!"

Kohana ignored him and leaned her forehead against the crook of his neck wrapping both arms around him.

She spoke in a whisper, inhaling his scent, "Kakashi-kun, you're not entirely wrong. Losing someone you love hurts beyond our imagination, but denying it is worse."

She took a deep breath, tightened her grip and kissed his neck lightly, "I know this because I love you and the mere thought of letting you walk away crushes me. I don't know how you feel about me. But, no matter what, I will always keep loving you."

With that, she released her hold quickly and stepped back giving Kakashi some room. The jonin seemed at a loss of words and was staring at Kohana with wide eyes.

Kohana shyly smiled back and said softly, "You don't have to say anything Kakashi-kun. It's getting late anyway. We should go to sleep. You're welcome to use my guest bedroom."

She quickly cleared the table and turned the light off in the living room after leaving a glass of water for Naruto. She escaped to her bedroom and fell face first onto her pillow trying to verbally suppress the happiness that coursed through her.