Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto only my characters.

First, I would like to give my Beta cheekylips a big thank you!

Next, I would like to thank all of you for reading, my mind is overloaded with ideas so expect much much more! And please review.

Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 12 The Simple Things

"Kakashi, my eternal rival! Back in town I see," Guy exclaimed as he came out of the Hokage's office.

"Yeah that was a long mission. I'm glad to get home and relax a little," Kakashi replied, exhaling.

"I hear there's going to be a big night at the bar tonight. Three shinobi were just released from the hospital and their comrades are taking them out to celebrate their recovery. Brings back some memories huh?" Guy smiled.

"Yeah," Kakashi chuckled, "sure does."

"We'll be there about eight that should give you enough time to get there and enjoy yourself before the bar closes," Guy poked at Kakashi's punctuality.

"I may make my way over, I have to stop and see someone first." He turned and sauntered away.

With her dress in tow, at seven o'clock Sakura stepped up to Maiha's door and knocked. Maiha answered. "Hey, Maiha! You ready to go?"

"Sure, lets." Maiha smiled.

"I can't wait to see what Ino picked out for you, I'm sure it's fantastic. Sometimes I believe she thinks of us as life size dolls," Sakura said with a fond smile.

"I'm a bit nervous."

"Don't be, I'll make sure you'll have a good time," Sakura said with a wink.

"Thanks Sakura, please lead the way." They fell into step as they walked to Ino's, giggling as they went.

Not long after the girls left Maiha's, Kakashi stepped up to her door. He knocked. No answer. "She's not home?" He left her apartment and made his way to the lake. The area was quiet and peaceful just as Maiha liked it but she wasn't there. He stopped by the memorial next. The sunflower was present so she most likely was in the village. It was a peaceful evening so Kakashi decided to stay and visit his old friends.

Sakura knocked on Ino's door, the blonde kunoichi flung it open, exclaiming loudly. "I can't wait to see you in what I picked out," She pulled Maiha through the door and pushed her into her room. "Not only do I get to dress you but there is going to be a big party at the bar tonight. There are going to be high ranked chuunin and jounin there and you know how they like to treat us girls!" She gushed. "Put on everything, shoes and all," Ino shouted. The rest of us are almost ready to go."

About ten minutes later Ino shouted impatiently, "Are you ready yet?"

There was a slight pause before Maiha answered. "I feel silly," The dark haired girl admitted through the door.

"Just get out here already!" Ino yelled.

"Okay, here I come."

"Ooooooooo, she's coming out!" Ino said on the edge of her seat

Maiha stepped out and Hinata, Ten Ten and Sakura managed a collective gasp.

"You look beautiful," Sakura said.

"No you look HOT!" Ino shouted. She had chosen a thin strapped white dress for Maiha that accentuated her curvy body with a plunging neckline and an open back. The flowing sarong style mid-thigh length skirt slightly overlaid on her right hip covering her body but leaving just enough visible for the imagination. "Okay let's finish you off; I don't even need to touch your hair, a little makeup to make your eyes pop, some jewelry, there all done." Ino took a step back to admire her work. She gave a somewhat self-satisfied sigh, "Damn I'm good. I can't wait to see the guys fall all over you."

"Oh I'm sure they won't even make a fuss over me."

Ino scoffed "With that dress and those eyes you are gonna need a bodyguard." They all laughed and headed out the door to the bar.

The girls entered the bar and it was packed. Sakura held Maiha's hand and led her to the normal table. Luckily some of the regular chuunin and jounin saved them a seat.

"Why is everyone staring at me Sakura?" Maiha tried to hide behind her.

"Because you look gorgeous and probably because no one has seen you out before," Sakura said with a smile.

Just as they were about to get to the table Maiha was stopped by the young shinobi from the hospital. "My blue eyed angel, is it really you?"

Maiha was startled and Sakura had lost the grip on her hand separating the two in the crowded bar.

"Hello angel," repeated the young shinobi.

"Hello," Maiha smiled as she realized who it was. "Feeling better I see."

"Yes much better, thanks to you," he replied with a warm smile. "Please tell me your name angel, unless that's what you want me to call you."

"It's Maiha."

"Maiha, the blue eyed angel of Konoha," he said almost poetically.

"Maiha is fine thank you," she replied again with a warm smile.

"May I offer you a drink for a moment of your time?" he asked sweetly.

Maiha chuckled, "You don't have to offer up anything just to talk to me."

"Then please join me for a drink. Can I have some sake for my angel?"

"So this is her," a group of other young shinobi gathered around.

"May I say that you look more beautiful than the day that I met you?"

She laughed," Laying it on thick huh, considering I was wearing hospital attire I hope so." A cup of sake was passed to her, she raised it up and said "I would like to make a toast, to the health of you and your comrades, may every day find you well and may you return home from each mission."

"Here, here," the group applauded and they all drank up.

Maiha gave the young shinobi a smile. "I am glad that you are ok, but I am going to join my friends now." Maiha finally made it over to the table and sat in the empty chair next to Sakura.

Genma looked up, "Maiha?" he said in astonishment.

"Hello Genma," she said shyly. "I know I look a little different all dressed up."

"A little?" he said nearly dropping the senbon out of his mouth. "Let me order you a drink." Genma flagged down a server, "Hey can we get some more sake and beer over here?"

"Sure hun, be right back," the server responded.

"Oh thanks Genma," Maiha said.

The beverages arrived shortly thereafter and were distributed to everyone at the table. Maiha finished the cup of sake then another cup was set down in front of her.

"This is for the blue eyed angel," the server grinned as she set the drink down.

"Blue eyed angel?" Ino said questioningly.

"A drink from a guy? Oh, which one?" The girls said looking around the bar.

"It's from a young shinobi that I helped in the hospital," Maiha informed them.

Sakura giggled, "Is he still after you?

About an hour later Maiha was getting rosy cheeked and very relaxed. She had been apprehensive at the beginning of the night, but was glad that the outing turned out to be laid back fun. She was socializing with the group; it felt wonderful to come out of her shell. All it took was a little liquid courage.

"Hey Kakashi, over here!" Genma yelled as he waved noticing that he had walked into the bar and tried to get his attention.

Kakashi made his way over to the table. As he approached he noticed that there was an extra person, a she to be exact. He studied the form and was intrigued as to who it could be. He smiled to himself considering himself lucky that his usual spot was open and right next to the woman at the table. He slid into the seat and looked over toward her and met the gaze of vibrant blue eyes and a warm smile.

"Hello Kakashi, welcome back," Maiha greeted him affectionately.

Kakashi did a double take not believing it was her, though there was no mistaking those eyes. "Hello Maiha," he said surprised, "Um, uh, you look, uh … nice."

"Nice? Really c'mon Kakashi you know she looks hot!" Ino slurred, feeling a little insulted about her handiwork.

The server appeared at the table again and brought another round of drinks "For you and your friends blue eyed angel." They all waved at him and Maiha turned around and gave him a smile.

"You're just in time Kakashi," Genma said "This shinobi had been buying drinks all night for his blue eyed angel and her friends."

Maiha rolled her eyes tired of playing the game of trying to talk Genma out of using the nickname that Maiha had acquired. She tipped up another cup of sake.

"You got some catching up to do Kakashi," Guy said almost challenging him.

"Oh I am sure that it won't take me long," Kakashi replied.

Sakura leaned over to Maiha, "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay."

"I need to use the restroom do you want to come with me?"

"Yes, I think it may be a good idea to get up and move around."

"Excuse us," Sakura said, "We'll be right back," They walked away from the table, weaving their way through the crowd.

Kakashi pulled out his little paper companion. However, he wasn't exactly looking at its pages.

"Wow!" Genma blurted out looking over at Kakashi. He had caught Kakashi looking over the top of his book as he watched Maiha walk away with Sakura. "Nice eh Kakashi?" Genma said under his breath but loud enough for Kakashi to hear him. Kakashi, of course, said nothing in return and tried to keep his nose in his book.

Across the table the girls had their heads together, discussing their night.

"So you think Maiha is having a good time? She was so nervous before we left?" Tenten said.

"Nervous? Why would she be nervous?" Genma asked, overhearing their conversation.

"She told us that she doesn't go out much," Hinata replied, seemingly spurred on by the sake. "But she looks like she is enjoying herself."

In the bathroom, the two girls were preening at themselves in the mirror, making sure their make-up hadn't smudged. "Sakura?" Maiha started.

"Yes?"

"I just wanted to tell you that I am having a really good time tonight," Maiha said with a smile.

"See I told you you would."

"Do you think we could stop by the young shinobi's group so I can thank him? He must have spent a lot of money on our table tonight."

"I think that's a great idea," and the two made their way to the group of young shinobi.

"Hey how's it going ladies," one of the men in the group asked. They received some cat calls and whistles as they moved through the part of the bar that was mostly men. This of course attracted attention from all tables in the bar.

"Hey what's going on over there?" Ino said as she directed those sitting at the table over to the commotion.

"My angel," the shinobi moved over to her quickly and grabbed her hand. "Your beauty lights up the room."

"Really you don't have to make such a fuss over me, I just wanted to thank you for being so kind to my friends and I," Maiha said.

"It's the least I could do for you, my angel, after all that you did for me," He kissed her hand.

"I am very happy you are doing well please be safe."

"Thank you my angel." He kissed her hand once more. Maiha gently slid her hand away and grabbed Sakura making her way through the crowd back to the table.

"Bye ladies," the men called flirtatiously.

Maiha and Sakura returned to the table. "What was that all about?" Ino asked.

"Oh I just thanked the young shinobi for sending us drinks all night," Maiha said.

"Really, you thanked him? Usually I just accept them," Ino said

"Well he did send us a lot of alcohol, I thought it would only be polite to thank him for his generosity."

"Whatever," Ino said "If that's the way you want to do things."

Not long after the commotion the group began to dwindle down as the bar began to empty out. It was late into the night and most people were either being accompanied by another or carried out by their comrades.

"Well I guess it's time to go," Maiha said as she stood up. Kakashi stood up as well.

Until that moment the affectionate actions between them slowly escalated through casual contact and they could be somewhat controlled. Now it was different, the alcohol had affected any inhabitation, allowing feelings of attraction to reach the surface and were amplified tenfold. As he sat next to her that night he seemed so close but yet so far away, approachable but he was still behind his drawn line. Though sometimes lines could be crossed. Maiha leaned into him and spoke softly into his ear, "It's nice to see you back and in good health." As she moved away from him she let her hands gently caress his arms down to his hands which he gently grasped almost as an involuntary action. She looked up at him with a bright smile.

"I'm glad to be back," he replied.

They stood for a moment or two before Maiha broke the silence again. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"I'll look forward to it."

Maiha let go of one of his hands and turned her body toward the door. "Good night Kakashi," she pulled her other hand gently free as she bid him goodnight and turned to go.

He watched her walk away, his eyes following the lines of her dress downward and settling on the sway of her hips and how her skirt flowed back and forth. She strolled through the bar and out the front door and after a moment he turned to walk out the back of the bar toward his apartment.

Maiha, of course, wasn't going home, it was a full moon. As she walked toward the dock she took in the beauty of the sky, and how the moon illuminated everything. It lit up the ground and the trees and reflected off the water. She sat down on the end of the dock. Ahh, serenity.

Kakashi on the other hand made it halfway home before he started feeling a bit of guilt and stopped in his tracks. I should have offered to walk her home she did have quite a few drinks. I'm not far from her apartment I'll just go check to see if she got home okay.

When he arrived at Maiha's it was dark. She should have been home by now. He stood for a moment and then looked up at the sky in thought and then smiled, the full moon, she's at the dock, and he headed there straight away.

As the lake came into view he directed his attention to the dock. There he saw a figure sitting at the end. The moonlight reflected off her white dress making the curvature of her silhouette seem to glow. The light breeze of the evening rippled the surface of the water and the reflection of the stars gave off lustrous shimmer as if thousands of diamonds were strewn across it. He stood to take in the view. To him it was a living masterpiece, the focal point being the lady in white. He sighed lightly with a smile and walked out to her.

"Want some company?"

"I would love some," she answered. Maiha had felt his presence long before he had come close to her; she had just been waiting to hear his voice. Kakashi took his place next to her, only in his drunken state misjudged his landing and placed himself so close to her their legs were touching. A flair of heat shot through her body. Incidental contact yes, control of her reaction, no.

"Oops sorry," he chuckled, "Must have had one to many this evening."

"It's okay, I am feeling a little bit unsteady too, and these heels defiantly aren't helping."

"They make your legs look quite sexy, what are those three inchers," he slurred slightly.

Another flash of heat. He was sending her confusing signals, such wording never made it into their conversations let alone directed at her.

"What are you a connoisseur of woman's shoes?" she teased as she laughed.

"No, I just, well, never mind," he sighed, closed his visible eye, rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed.

They sat in silence for a moment or two as the air cleared around the conversation.

"It's a beautiful night, isn't it," she began.

"Yes it is."

"I love nights like these. It makes you appreciate the wonders and beauties of nature, and how beautiful the village is."

"I really hadn't thought about it that way in quite a while. I guess when you see them every day you become accustomed to them and don't appreciate them as you use to."

"Oh Kakashi, that's kind of sad. If you lose appreciation for the simple things in life, like the ones that you see every day, then how can you truly realize how special the once in a life time moments are when they come along."

Kakashi looked down and smiled under his mask letting her words sink in a bit before responding.

"You always seem to surprise me Maiha, though I shouldn't be, you've always been this way. There is just something about being in your company."

Again with mixed signals.

"Oh Kakashi," she let out a bubbly giggle, "Are you getting all sentimental on me now?" She leaned over to give him a tap on the shoulder with her own but like him completely misjudged her positioning clumsily falling backward.

Kakashi caught her wrapping one arm around her waist and one around her shoulders.

She threw back her head and laughed. "Looks like I've had a little too much myself. At least one of us still has good reflexes in our state." She looked back up at him; his face was so close to hers she could see the indent of the smile on under his mask. Her heart began to race and a rush of heat seared through her body.

He raised her back up slowly closing the gap in between them. His arm remained around her waist. With his free hand he reached up and twisted her raven locks around his finger. "You look beautiful tonight." She was like a goddess, the white dress, her dark wavy hair cascading over shoulders and those eyes, like sapphires sparkling in the moonlight.

She managed to get out "Thank you," in a soft voice dazed. She loved being in his company but at the moment sitting so close to him was exhilarating and made her feel so alive. She was paralyzed momentarily by his touch and his words. Her hunger and thirst for this man could no longer be contained and with the rush of emotions pursued her lustful desires.

Maiha held him in her gaze and advanced slowly stopping only inched from his face. She looked down at where the outline of his lips raised the material of his mask. "I've missed you while you were gone Kakashi."

He could feel her warm breath through his mask and he leaned in slightly.

Maiha looked back up at his eye and continued, "I'm glad you are home." Her lips grazed his mask with every word. There they sat fixed exchanging breaths, each amplified in the silence of the night, contemplating.

He surrendered, his line blurred, the material barrier between the two was no more. The familiar taste and feel from their first heated session in the alleyway resonated, the kiss was anything but. Sweet and sensual. Passionate and euphoric. A slow burn.

She traced his jawline with her hand and gently removed his forehead protector setting it beside them. The flak jacket next. Maiha unzipped it slowly, opening and aided in its removal. Now they were just two people sharing intimate company. He picked her up and set her on his lap now having both hands free to explore her body.

Maiha ran her fingers through his silver tufts of hair as he turned his attention to the area between her breasts. The abrasive stubble of his unshaven face distressed the exposed sensitive skin of her chest. His lips and soft tongue provided a delightful contrast as he tasted her flesh and he teased her by grazing her skin with the teeth of his hansom smile. A pleasurable chuckle escaped her lips.

Her legs were long and toned; her skin was like silk and allowed his hands to travel with ease over its surface. He followed their length to her hips and gently pressed his thumbs on the inner junction of her thigh as his fingers gripped her bottom. She mewled softly as her hands clutched handfuls of his shirt tightly.

Maiha travelled down his neck gently suckling the skin rarely exposed to sunlight. He let out a low moan from deep in his throat. "We shouldn't... be... this... here..." His words were jumbled as she continued.

"Then take me home with you," she whispered into his ear.

Maiha craved his touch and wanted to touch him. Just as in her dreams she wanted to follow every line, every defined muscle of his body and feel his skin against hers. She raised her hand to his face and delicately traced his jaw line with her fingers pressing her lips to his once more.

And then a moment of clarity as his mind caught up to his body.

Kakashi gently grasped her hand and pulled his lips away causing Maiha to open her eyes in shock. "Maiha…. we can't," he said solemnly, "This... this is a mistake it should have never gotten this far."

"A... mistake?" she said quietly as she exhaled, blushed with embarrassment and turned her head away as tears came to her eyes. "I'm sorry, I um have to go," and she left not allowing him to get in another word.

Within no time she was in the safety of her apartment and was mortified at what she had just done. "How embarrassing, how could I be such a fool? Damn it!" She scolded herself. "I need to get out of here. First thing tomorrow I will go to the Hokage's office and see if she has any long solo missions for me... or...or something. That way, things will calm down and maybe we can forget about what happened tonight."

Kakashi was left sitting down at the end of the dock thinking about what had just happened. "Idiot!" he let out in anger. He made his way to her apartment. Upon his arrival he noticed a dim light on in her bedroom and in a moment it was out. Something told him to just leave it alone tonight and to come and see her the following day. "Maiha," he sighed and turned to walk home, he had things to think about as well but maybe at a more sober time.

The next morning Maiha headed over to the Tsunade's office. "Lady Hokage. I would like to respectfully ask to proceed to my alternate path and seek tutelage in another village to further my skills," she blurted out.

Feeling that her tone was edged with emotion Tsunade proposed a question. "Have you decided against the medic path? Sakura and Shizune have been reporting great reviews and I am rather impressed by the latest report on the young shinobi that you assisted with."

"I appreciate you giving me the chance to explore the medic trade but I would like to proceed immediately to my other option please," she said hastily.

"I will attempt to set something up as soon as possible but it may take a day or so. Do you have any preferences as to who I should contact?"

"With my near mastery of water jutsu, I believe that of wind would strengthen my current abilities," Maiha said attempting to be logical about her decision.

"That is a practical request. Suna is our ally. They may be willing to help you with your desired training. Give me twenty-four hours to request training in their village. If I am not mistaken one of their shinobi is currently training here with us will be returning shortly so most likely you may be able to accompany them," Tsunade said.

"Thank you Lady Hokage I appreciate your assistance. Oh, and one more thing, if I may ask, can you please keep my whereabouts and reasoning for leaving confidential?"

"Yes Maiha, I will assign it under confidential status. Come back in the morning and I will have word for you."

"Thank you again Lady Hokage, I appreciate this more than you know," and Maiha left her office.

Tsunade was perplexed, everything was going smoothly for her and now such an abrupt change. What are you running from Maiha?

After Maiha left the Hokage's office she went directly to her apartment and began packing to leave. I have to go soon before the village gets up and moving. She locked the door behind her and thought about where she would stay the night. Where would he not look for me in the next 24 hours? The old Tanzaku castle ruins! No one goes there anymore. I would have overnight cover and in the morning hopefully be out of town. Perfect. She headed out with stealth to the ruins and settled in to hide for the next 24 hours.

Early in the afternoon Kakashi made his way over to Maiha's apartment. He knocked but no answer. He knocked again, still no answer. Where have you gone? He headed out to all the areas that she frequented and still no sign of her. Okay, I will keep my distance for now and allow her to come to her senses. From there he went about his normal routine.

Though she was in hiding she still found herself thinking about him. She knew his schedule and knew where he would be. I can't stay. I can't bear the rejection from him and I won't be the object of light hearted poking and prodding. It was obvious to her now that he didn't have the same feelings for her as she did for him yet rejection pushed her to leave. She was confused; Maiha had opened herself to him and become vulnerable in the process. She had broken her own heart.

As darkness fell, she looked up at the moon. "Hmm... What are you doing right now Kakashi, probably out and about with the other jounin no cares and free roaming about the town. Maybe we can both laugh at my ignorant juvenile actions someday; distance is what we need now." She needed to get away. She had to refocus and Maiha knew she couldn't do that in the village, he was there.

Kakashi walked by her apartment that the evening and stopped in front, still no action. I'll go up and knock again if she is sleeping I will hear her stir and at least know she is there.

"Hey Kakashi!" Genma yelled as he headed down the street. "C'mon we are headed out to the bar the girls are gonna be there tonight, skirts and drinks a dynamite combo!"

Maybe Maiha will be there, all of her friends will be. "Sure, I'll head over with you." He was fully expecting her to be sitting in the end chair next to Sakura just as the night before, but the seat was vacant. He took an empty chair and tried to blend in. He pulled out his little paper companion and kept up the charade that he was enjoying himself though what he really wanted to do was interrogate all of whom were at the table to see if anyone had seen her lately. Once the group loosened up Kakashi began asking about how things in the village while he had been gone. Finally Sakura provided a bit of information.

"The last few months she has been working in the hospital like usual. I believe she is scheduled for rounds with me on Monday."

"I haven't seen her today have you?"

"She had a lot to drink last night maybe she is just hung over. She doesn't drink much you know."

"Or maybe she ended up going home with someone," Ino butted in. "She did look super-hot last night."

"Oh yeah that dress WOW!" Genma exclaimed.

"No, I saw her last night. But you are right she did have a lot to drink," Kakashi said.

"Wow you are all of a sudden interested in her every move Kakashi what gives?" Ino asked.

"Well I was with Ai when she brought her back to the village. Ai wanted me to watch over her that's all."

"Watching over her and being over bearing are two different things," Ino pointed out, "Just give her some space."