Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto only my characters.

As always a big thank you to my Beta cheekylips.

A/N: If you have not read chapter 15 you may want to at least skim through it. *hint* You may need the information for something I have cooked up later, and you may have missed a section of 'fun'.

I do take a peek at the reader numbers every now and then, it helps me decide what I want to write. It doesn't come in chapter by chapter form for me, I get ideas and fill in between.

Chapter 17 Counterfeit Smile

Maiha was going into the second week of being unconscious when she finally woke. "Ugh," she moaned, trying to move.

A nurse happed to be in her room checking and restocking any missing items, when Maiha woke. She ran out to get Sakura. Maiha was trying to sit up as Sakura came breezing into the room. "Don't try overexerting yourself. If you want to sit up I'll raise the bed for you."

"Please," Maiha gripped the side rails of her bed as pain rippled through her.

"Still a little painful huh, that was a pretty deep wound. Do you remember anything?"

"Just the pain and getting my ass handed to me by a Mist Ninja. Someone must have come for me I know I didn't get back here on my own. What about Lee? Is he okay?"

"Treated and released."

"Good," Maiha exhaled. "And Kakashi?"

"Just fine and out on a mission. He should be back in a few days."

Maiha nodded then looked down at her bandaged body, "I can't believe I'm even alive."

"You shouldn't be," Sakura said, sitting down on the edge of Maiha's bed. "We had to do a direct transfusion in the field. Then you had the same amount when you were admitted."

Maiha looked at her surprised "Who donated on the field?"

"Kakashi and I."

"Sakura, I…"

"You don't need to say anything Maiha, I know," She smiled.

"Thank you," Maiha returned her smile as a few tears leaked down her cheek. "How long have I been out?"

"A fortnight today."

"Two weeks?"

"We were all worried about you, especially him."

Sakura didn't have to say his name, Maiha knew who she was talking about. Maiha exhaled knowing that they had things to talk about and this made it somehow more difficult. Deciding to think of it later, Maiha asked, "Can I get up and move around, maybe take a shower?"

Sakura gave her a stern look, "Only small movements. The shower in this room has a bench you can sit on. Standing for long periods of time should be avoided till you get your legs back under you. Oh, and that wound even though it is completely healed it will be tender for quite a while. Any quick movements or jarring motions will be painful so be careful with training or otherwise. There is only so much pain medication will take away."

Even just lying there hurt a tiny bit, so Maiha decided to follow the pink-haired girl's advice. For now. "Thanks Sakura."

When Kakashi returned from his mission he immediately went to Tsunade to complete his debriefing. After he finished filling out the paperwork section of his report and was about to hand it to Tsunade, she looked up at him with a smirk. "I'm surprised you are still here Kakashi. I heard that Maiha woke a few days ago." She watched as his visible eye closed with a raise of his eyebrow, signaling a smile and he was gone in a puff of smoke His report dropping on her desk.

He made his way to her room and found that she had an audience made up of Sakura, Ino, Tenten and Hinata, all listening to the story of her time spent in the Land of Iron. The girls were all gushing over this part of her story.

"You helped heal the boy even after expending all that chakra?" Sakura said amazed.

"He sounds so hot!" Ino exclaimed.

"I can't wait to see all your new weaponry," Tenten spouted out.

Hinata was the only silent one but her eyes were twinkling.

He stopped in the doorway. "Oh looks I missed out on hearing the story didn't I."

Maiha was propped up in her bed while she told her friends about her travels she looked over and smiled at him. "Hello Kakashi."

"Hello, Little Kunoichi."

There was a moment of silence as the past events that had pushed her to leave had been forgotten momentarily when their eyes met and it felt as if they were the only two in the room. The girls could feel the change in the energy and how their presence had been forgotten.

"Ummm…I guess I should get going on my rounds," Sakura said.

"Yeah I have to get back to the flower shop," Ino pointed out.

"I have sparring practice with Neji," Tenten announced.

Henita searched for an excuse but couldn't find one, "I... uh… have to uh… go," She followed the girls out.

"How are you feeling Maiha?"

"I'm okay, still a little tired. But I'm glad I'm home."

He walked over to her bed and couldn't help but stare. She looked the same but then again at the same time different. All of her juvenile features were gone and her eyes were still that sea blue color, but something seemed softer about them. Like she'd grown up, Kakashi decided.

"Sakura said that I should be up for discharge tomorrow."

"That's good. I'm glad that you're doing so well."

Maiha looked down and began fidgeting with the blanket pulling it between her fingers. "Kakashi…I," Her bottom lip quivered and tears began to flow. "I…" she began sobbing."

He had not seen her like this since he had to deliver the news about Ai. He turned slightly and rose up his arm offering her comfort. Maiha gladly accepted moved in close and he wrapped her up in his arms. She was safe again, home again, in his arms.

"You… Sakura," she could barely speak.

"Don't Maiha, you know that I would do it without a second thought."

Sakura started to enter the room to check on her. Witnessing the moment, she stopped suddenly and smiled before quietly stepping out and gently pulling the door closed behind her.

"Okay Kakashi, visiting hours are over Maiha needs her rest so I can discharge her tomorrow," Sakura announced peaking back into the room about an hour later.

"I understand."

"What? You are actually listening to me this time? Well I guess it's the least that you could do after letting you stay so long after visiting hours."

"Uh yeah I guess so," he said as he closed his eye and placed his hand behind his head. He was a little embarrassed that Sakura had called him out in front of Maiha, but it was hard for him to leave. She was back in his life again and there was so much to discuss, but he surrendered. "When you feel better you'll have to tell me your story. I'm sure it'll be a good one. I'll see you tomorrow Maiha."

"Goodnight Kakashi," Maiha said smiling.

The next day Ino walked into Maiha's room energetically and set a shopping bag up on the hospital bed. "I can't wait to see you in this! All of us are going out tomorrow night. You will be to my house at 7:00 and we will get ready to go as usual."

Sakura popped her head inside the door, having heard Ino's announcement, "And don't even think of saying no."

"Well then, I guess we will be going out then, won't we?" Maiha responded smiling.

Just as before all the girls met at Ino's and she finished getting them ready to go. This time Ino had chosen a navy blue strapless form fitting dress that was a little shorter than mid-thigh length. She pinned all Maiha's hair up except for a section that she swept across her face and tucked behind her ear. After she applied her makeup Ino announced that it was time to depart. "Okay girls the night is young and there is a lot of fun to be had so let's get to it!" With that the girls hopped out the door and made their way up the street to the bar.

Upon their arrival Maiha let Sakura know that she was going to stop at the restroom quickly before continuing on to the table. She took a second to look at herself in the mirror and took a deep breath and brought out that confident smile. Moments later as she made her way out she noticed that there was a woman sitting next to Sakura so she took a seat down at the opposite end of the table.

Kakashi and Genma joined the group shortly after the girls had arrived. Kakashi slid into his normal spot next to the woman down at the end of the table and Genma next to Maiha. "Looks like I'm the lucky guy tonight," Genma said grinning as he looked over to her. She gave him a smile back, though she was more interested in the seating arrangement at the opposite end of the table. Kakashi looked up after hearing what Genma said and noticed her. Maiha noticed his gaze and she looked quickly over at Madori and then back at him and forced a smile but inside she was shocked at what she was seeing.

"Ladies, you look beautiful as always," Genma complemented them. "Ah, welcome back Maiha, how I missed those eyes." He spoke, somewhat dramatically.

"Starting this early I see," Maiha smiled.

He shrugged, "Hey, I've got to make up for lost time." Maiha just shook her head and laughed.

"The usual?" the waitress asked.

"Yes please," they all answered.

"Be right back, with your orders."

"Oh Kakashi-kun, I was hoping you would show up sooner than later," Madori exclaimed loudly as she scooted next to him latching on to his arm.

Kakashi-kun? Maiha immediately immersed herself in other conversation to avoid staring at them in disbelief.

Genma began pouring and distributing cups of sake. "I would just like to welcome Maiha back to the village we are all glad that you have returned safely and may I say, even hotter than before." They all laughed and drank up. If there was one thing that Genma knew how to do it was how to say something appropriate and then follow it up with something to make the situation light-hearted and fun which Maiha greatly appreciated at that moment.

"Maiha, so you are the one I have heard so much about," Madori began.

"Here we go," Tenten slipped out under her breath.

"Oh I don't know there could be another one around here somewhere," Maiha smiled.

"Well according to Genma's toast everything that I have heard matches up."

"I can assure you there is nothing special about me, just another kunoichi from the Hidden Leaf," Maiha said smiling again. "Hey how 'bout another round Genma," she said changing the subject.

"Oh, okay, round two here we go!" Maiha tried her best to not look down to the other end of the table and kept her conversation within those in close vicinity.

About an hour later Maiha had excused herself and headed to the restroom, followed by Sakura.

"Hey Maiha are you okay?"

"Sure why wouldn't I be?"

"You just seem quiet that's all."

"I'm just getting use to everything again and still recovering," she smiled slightly. "I've been by myself for the last two years after all." She pretty much knew it wouldn't be long before Sakura was on to her.

"Oh, okay, I just wanted to make sure that you were alright and that it didn't blindside you to much that Kakashi has a woman sitting next to him." Sakura said as she was washing her hands.

"I should have known that you would have noticed," Maiha said, defeated. "I'm just a little caught off guard, I wonder why he didn't tell me earlier."

"So you're alright with it?"

"Well I want him to be happy, after all he is one of my very best friends, I just wonder how he can stand that screechy voice of hers."

Sakura laughed "I know it gets to you after a while. They've been together for a bit now so who knows, I can never understand what he is thinking half the time anyway."

"Well as long as he's happy, I'm happy," Maiha forced out, not believing those words actually came out of her mouth considering the relationship she was discussing. She had hoped it would be enough to convince Sakura and it looked like for the time being it worked.

"Well, shall we return to the company of our friends?" Maiha nodded and the two made their way back out to the table.

The bar started shutting down and everyone at the table was getting ready to leave. "Hey! time for one more," Maiha said pushing her cup over to Genma."

"Such a woman!" Guy was slurring, "So full of…youth! To drink with us like that!"

"Well when you hang out with samurai you learn to drink like one."

"Sounds like a good story," Asuma urged her to tell the tale.

Maiha stood up. "Maybe another time it looks like everyone has had enough for tonight."

Kakashi stood as well, about to ask Maiha to walk her home but before he could get the words out Madori blurted out "I'm ready to go Kakashi-kun, are you?"

"Uh yeah," he responded with little emotion.

"It was a grand evening everyone it was great to see you all again have a safe walk home," Maiha said smiling. Maiha met eyes with Kakashi quickly and then looked away. Thank Kami that the alcohol made her feel numb, so she didn't have to think about Kakashi and Madori together.

"Would you like me to walk you home Maiha?" Genma asked.

She looked over to him and thought for a second and then a smile brightened on her face, "I would like that very much Genma thank you."

"Shall we then," he asked as he held out his arm.

"Let's," she replied as she locked her arm in from underneath. She fought the urge to look back at the table and as soon as they were out on the street she relaxed a little. Be happy Kakashi.

Everyone was a little confused at what just happened. The whole group was taken by surprise that Maiha, of all people, would let one of the biggest playboys in Konoha accompany her home.

"Didn't see that coming," Asuma said.

"Such youthful-ness," Guy added.

The girls were equally perplexed. "She isn't the same old Maiha, is she?" Tenten questioned.

"Kakashi-kun, let's go," Madori said breaking the silence.

"Oh, um, okay, sure," he replied.

Sakura was confused a little bit from the way Kakashi had stammered, but then this whole situation was confusing, even to her.

Maiha didn't want to care anymore. She didn't want to remember, didn't want to think, the situation was thrown at her and she had no time to prepare her heart for the pain. She needed to feel… something with someone. Genma could make her forget, take away the pain even if it was only for the night, and with his reputation she knew that he would be willing no questions asked.

Maiha and Genma had reached her door. "Well here we are."

"Thanks for walking me home Genma," she said while unlocking her door.

"You're welcome." She turned back around to face him. "You look beautiful tonight."

"Oh I bet you say that to all the girls, but thank you anyway," she said as she gently twisted the section of hair that Ino purposely left unpinned and smiled, attempting to draw him in.

"There's that smile with those eyes again. I don't think any man could resist either one," he stepped in closer to her and touched the soft skin of her shoulders with one of his fingers, "I know I have had a lot to drink tonight but you, you are intoxicating in your own right."

"Aren't you the smooth talker?"

He grinned, "I can't believe I haven't tried to kiss you yet."

"I don't think right now I'd have the sense to try to stop you."

He smiled, stepped in closer and put his finger gently under her chin directing her face upward toward his and pressed his lips to hers. She moved her hands up and placed them on his chest and he wrapped his arms around her gently. The kiss that he initiated was long but sweet. Not wanting to overstep any boundaries, he ended it, created a few inches of space between them and looked for her reaction.

Maiha exhaled with a playful hum. He was both surprised and excited by her reaction. She leaned back into him wrapped her arms around him loosely and returned his advance.

"Genma."

"Hmm…" he drew out.

"Do you want to come in?"

"I thought you'd never ask." He pushed open the door and they entered slowly entangled in each other's arms.

They held intermittent conversation between each contact of their lips before having to draw in a breath.

"Sit," she directed him toward the couch climbing on top of him as he lowered himself down. The situation was far from romantic and nowhere near aggressive like the times before. The energy was vivacious and fun with the teasing, smiling and low chuckles that rolled out of their mouths. She needed this, it had nothing to do with emotions it was just a way to get her mind off things.

"I'll have to admit… I never thought… you and me"

"Don't kid yourself… I know… you're reputation.

"So you… came… after me."

"Not exactly… just right place… right time."

"It's dark in here… I can't see you."

Maiha pulled away from his mouth, "Guess that means we'll have to use our hands," she unzipped his flak jacket and pushed it down off his arms onto the couch.

"And all this time I thought you were a good little girl."

"I grew up."

Kakashi and Madori strolled slowly up the street. She had insisted on going for a walk after they left the bar so they could spend more time together. Lately he had been cutting their outings short dropping her off on her doorstep and then disappearing while Maiha was in the hospital.

"Oh Kakashi it's such a beautiful night. Tell me I'm beautiful," she giggled quite tipsy from all the alcohol she had consumed.

He walked beside her with his hands in his pockets while she hung on his arm. "You're beautiful," he forced out somewhat bothered by her behavior.

She cackled in delight as she clung close to his body. "Why don't we go to your apartment?" she giggled, "Maybe you're up to showing me something tonight eh?"

Kakashi was not even listening to her at the moment. His mind was busy with the thought of Genma walking Maiha home. He wasn't sure if he was more upset that he had asked her or that she accepted considering the relationship he had with the both of them.

"Kakashi-kun hello! I'm talking here. C'mon let's go somewhere, you know I won't resist, you're the one with the commitment issues," she said pushing herself up against him.

"Oh sorry Madori-san my mind is a little occupied right now. I have a mission in the morning." It was a lie but he really wasn't in the mood for her advances right now and she was so drunk she wouldn't remember anything that happened that evening anyway. "I should really go home and get some sleep."

Madori was persistent as usual, "Well I can help put your mind at ease and then tuck you in, I know you have trouble sleeping, always pushing me out of bed since you sleep better alone. Hmm… wouldn't that be nice?" She clung tightly to his side and stroked his bicep with her hand.

"Madori-san, I really should get some sleep, you want me to return safely don't you?"

"Ugh, you always say that," she exhaled frustrated.

"Well it's true. Getting less sleep makes it harder for me to stay focused." Not being a shinobi, Madori had no idea they could stay awake days at a time.

"Oh all right, but when you come back you've got some making up to do," she cackled again.

"Why am I not surprised you knew exactly where the zipper would be?" Maiha giggled playfully as he pulled her dress over her head.

"You shouldn't be, the way the material lays against your body tells it all."

"So you were checking me out then," she helped him pull his shirt over his head.

"Who wouldn't?" he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to the side switching positions so that he was on top.

In the process Maiha's body twisted in such a way that she felt a sharp pain in her side. As Sakura said the wound site would be sensitive for a bit and certain jostling actions would aggravate it. She let out a loud yelp. Genma fumbled for the lamp and turned it on. She lay beneath him gritting her teeth and holding her side tears streaming from the corners of her eyes. She grunted between deep breaths trying to relax herself. As the pain subsided enough for her to regain her composure Genma apologized.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to hurt you."

"It's not your fault," Maiha lifted her hand and revealed the scar.

"Damn, that was a deep one."

"Should I find it insulting that you are looking at a scar instead of my practically naked body right now?" She laughed despite her pain, trying to make light of their current situation.

He chuckled as he helped her sit up.

"Guess my body isn't ready for play dates yet, sorry Genma."

"Too bad, you started changing my mind about sticking strictly with civilians."

They both laughed.

He exhaled. "I guess I should be going." Genma replaced his shirt and pulled his flak jacket over his shoulders.

Maiha zipped it up for him and patted him on his chest, "I'm really sorry Genma, we started off with a bang but didn't end with one."

He laughed at her joke, "It's alright Maiha, I'll let it slide... this time," and he smiled.

"Oh, will there be a next time?" she smirked and raised an eyebrow.

"You know I'd never turn you down." They both laughed again and she showed him out. "Have a good night Maiha."

"Thanks, you too Genma."

Maiha closed the door behind him still holding her side exhaled and slumped forward slightly. "First it's a mistake, then my heart gets in the way, now my body won't let me. What is this karma? Ugh!" She exhaled again in frustration. She took another breath in and composed herself, "Oh Kakashi… what a mess. At least he's happy, just stick with the plan Maiha get over him."

"Headed home already Genma?" Madori asked as he passed her and Kakashi on his way home. "What's the matter couldn't seal the deal," she smirked with a snicker. Her movements were slightly erratic and her voice loud.

Genma looked over at Kakashi briefly and then back at her with a slight furrow between his eyebrows about to comment on her outburst but he held his tongue and replied simply, "Maiha is still recovering from a severe injury and is not up for moving around much yet."

"Tsh, this must be the first in a long time considering your track record eh? Either you're slipping or she's…"

Kakashi looked over at her about to say something but Genma beat him to it.

Genma cut her off "As I said before, she is recovering from a severe injury, leave it alone Madori." He exhaled, "Well I better be heading home, I'm on duty tomorrow, see ya."

"Yeah see ya," Kakashi gave him a nod. He's on his way home that means they didn't… he exhaled. "C'mon Madori-san let's get you home."

"But Kakashi-kun," she whined.

"I wouldn't want you to lose sleep on my account getting dark circles under those beautiful eyes of yours." He forced the compliment out, even after insulting Genma and Maiha in order to smooth things over.

"Aww Kakashi-kun, you're so sweet," she gripped his arm tightly as he guided her home. "Kakashi-kun, why haven't you gotten more serious yet, we've been together for a while now, do all the things that couples do. Still you have never shown me your face. When do I get to see?" she whined again.

"The mask is a sensitive subject and it seems to be a curse as well. After I show my face to someone that gets close to me something happens in the relationship and it's not always good." It was a complete line of bullshit but she wouldn't know any different. He continued, "And relationships tend to get complicated. I go on so many dangerous missions I try not to get involved so it just takes me awhile. I try not to make a big mess out of things, that wouldn't be fair to you now would it?"

"Oh Kakashi-kun you really are a softie on the inside aren't you. Trying to protect my heart," she slurred as she tried to run her fingers down his sides.

"Here we are." He announced, successfully evading her tickle attack and anymore talk about their relationship.

"Thank you for walking me home Kakashi-kun. Are you sure you don't want to come inside," she smiled as she pulled herself a little closer and looked up at him, "not even for a little while."

"I really need to clear my mind and prepare for tomorrow Madori-san, I'll see you later okay." His mind was already traveling on to other things. He could see his shadow cast upon her door as the light from the full moon illuminated the night.

While it seemed like he was distracted she reached up to pull down his mask. He dodged her hand. "C'mon just a little peak?"

"Madori-san, I asked you to please be patient."

She exhaled frustrated "Fine."

"Good night Madori-san."

"Good night Kakashi-kun," and she leaned forward kissing him on his masked lips. She pouted again when it put little effort into it. "Kakashi-kun…" she groaned.

"I'm sorry Madori-san I really am distracted with this mission. I'll see you later."

She walked through her door and closed it. "Ugh why won't he take off that stupid mask," she pouted and exhaled frustrated as she crossed her arms.

Kakashi turned and hopped of Madori's doorstep with a slight smile under his mask. The first full moon since she's been back in the village. I know she'll go there. He headed straight for the dock.

Maiha tried to shake the thoughts of Kakashi and Madori from her mind to refocus again. She inhaled deeply and then exhaled as she sat on her couch listening to the clock ticking staring off into the corner. Feeling a little more relaxed, she noticed how bright the night had become. Maiha smiled, the full moon, I'll go down to the dock maybe it'll clear my head.

Kakashi made it to the dock sat down at the end and waited patiently. Not long after he heard footsteps approaching him. "So you decided to come out here tonight."

She sat down next to him, "Of course it's a full moon."

"Yes it is, and you're here, with me. So you knew I would come out here."

You're so predictable Kakashi-kun," Madori leaned her head on his shoulder.

Your with me and she's not, he exhaled despondently, "I don't plan on staying long."

"I know, you're mission, and you need your sleep," she snuggled in closer to him.

Maiha rounded the corner to the street that headed down to the dock with a smile. It had been so long since she had been able to sit at her old place of comfort. She allowed her eyes to follow the moonlit path down the street to the dock's end. The smile slowly drained from her face as she noticed two people already sitting at the end in what seemed to be a cuddling posture. She could tell that one was obviously Kakashi from his silver hair and the other must have been Madori. The sight knocked the wind out of her and she ducked behind a building trying to catch her breath. Seeing Kakashi with another woman was hard enough to swallow. Him taking another woman to the place to the place that he knew meant so much to her, that hurt her more than anything he could ever do.

She slowly slid down the wall of the building into a crouching position tears flowing heavily from her eyes. "Oh Kakashi how could you, the dock too." She exhaled forcefully, "I see now, this is real. I have to step aside." She stood, crossed her arms in an attempt to comfort herself, turned slowly and began her walk home.

The drama that unfolded was not only exclusive to the three that were directly involved. On her way home Sakura witnessed the entire event from a far. First she noticed Maiha's reaction. She approached the street corner that lead out to the lake. "What was that all that about?" She looked down at the dock "Hmm… Kakashi and Madori again. She rested her chin on a finger and her thumb, "there's more to this than I originally thought."

A BIG thank you to all of those that are following along, I hope you are enjoying it so far. As I said, I have a lot more in store for Maiha and Kakashi so hang in there.

I am getting a little more comfortable with character 'relations' ie. Maiha/Genma, Maiha/Katsuro (seriously read chapter 15) so expect more of this type of action in the future. I put the story under M rating after all, just in case.

To everyone please, please review. I like to read what you all think, or wonder for that matter. You never know, the answer may be around the next twist or turn.