Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto only my characters.

As always a big thank you to my Beta cheekylips.

Chapter 18 Reconcile

Maiha woke the next morning as the sun shone in through her window. Normally the warmth and the light would have energized her and she would hop out of bed ready to start another beautiful day. Today she lay in bed till mid-morning. Had it not been for the call of nature she would have stayed there all day.

She showered and only picked at her breakfast. I have to refocus; I am not going to change just because of those two. She got up, dressed and went about her daily routine.

She arrived at the memorial and laid the sunflower down at its base. "Ai I miss you, I could really use one of your hugs right now. I'm a bit of a mess." A tear trailed down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away. "I know Ai," Maiha took a deep breath, exhaled and then refocused her mind with new determination. "I left on my journey to make my own path in this world; it would not make sense to take the easy way now. I'll see you tomorrow."

She made her way to the training field where she had once trained with Kakashi. Though she had been gone for two years, it still felt strange to be there by herself. She walked out to their tree and stood beneath it putting on hand against it's trunk. Memories flooded her mind and emotions flooded her heart. Let go Maiha just let it go, it will never be. She shook her head in an attempt to clear the fog. "I can't train here, I can't concentrate I'll go to another field." Maiha quickly made her exit from the field and its memories.

After settling on a field she pulled out some of her weaponry. "Well let's see what this body can do." She began small acclimating to the discomfort. Once she progressed into the larger movements the feeling became more uncomfortable yet she pushed through it. It was not until she got into the forceful swings did it become painful, still she pushed.

"Are you ready for today's training session Lee?" Guy asked his most eager student as they raced to their frequented training field.

"Oh yes sensei, I am ready."

"All right, we will start with 400 one finger push- ups using both arms, followed by 300 one arm at a time and then…" Guy skidded to a halt. "What have we here?" Guy and Lee stopped to observe.

"Who is that Sensei?"

"That is Maiha."

She began to use more and more force into her movements aggravating the wound at the same time, still she kept on. She continued adding more force wincing and grunting as the pain escalated until finally she succumbed to it and dropped to her knees with a painful yelp clutching at her side.

Guy and Lee rushed over "Maiha-san are you okay?" Lee asked concerned as he crouched down.

Maiha looked over at him grimacing and breathing heavily. "Yeah, I think I just pushed a little too hard a little too soon." She stood, wincing as she went.

"Are you training all by yourself?" Guy asked.

"Yeah, I guess I just needed to be alone for a while so I could refocus. It's been awhile since I have been home," Maiha glanced around, softly rubbing her side. "Not really much I can do anyway with this injury hampering my movements."

"I'm surprised my Eternal Rival isn't helping you."

"Yeah, well, I didn't really ask him to help me today, we… um… haven't exactly talked in depth since I arrived back in the village." She tried to avoid eye contact with them.

Noticing her discomfort about the topic Guy decided to pry a little. "Really, didn't you two train together a lot before you went out on your own?"

"We did when we had time. I spent some time in the hospital right when I got back. I thought it would just be best if I acclimate myself to the village again," Maiha forced a smile onto her face, "but I'm sure I'll get used to it again in no time." She tried to change the subject. "Hey, maybe Lee and I could do some taijutsu training once I heal up. After all, I know that you two are the best in the village," she smiled again, hoping to distract them from the sensitive topic.

It worked. Instantly, Guy puffed up his chest and let out a great bark of laughter, "Why of course. Any way we could pass on the secret ways of youthful training to others -."

Maiha quickly cut across him, "We'll have to create a schedule once I get better. Now I think I am gonna head into town for some lunch all that training made me a little hungry. I'll see you two later," she waved and then headed on the path toward town. Those two are so odd but amusing none the less. She laughed quietly and shook her head.

Kakashi strolled about his usual route and upon stopping at the memorial noticed from the sunflower that Maiha had already been there and was around and about. "Hmm… little kunoichi I bet you're at the training grounds." He paid his respects and bounded off quickly toward their old frequented field. When he arrived there was no Maiha in sight or any disturbance of the surroundings. "Did you change your habits?" He continued on toward the other training areas to see if she was at another field. During his search he came across Guy and Lee.

"Good afternoon Kakashi-san," Lee said as he noticed him.

"You look like you've lost something, or are you looking to have a contest?" Guy said as he grinned devilishly. "Usually I have to seek you out. What shall it be this time?" Guy concentrated hard thinking of a challenge as he put his finger and thumb on his chin.

Kakashi tried hard not to roll his eyes. "Don't hurt yourself; I'm not here for a contest I am looking for someone."

"Oh, a certain blue eyed girl perhaps?"

"If you are talking about Maiha yes, I am looking for her."

"Ah yes she was here just a bit ago trying to train. She was in obvious pain, pushed until she couldn't bear it any longer. What a fighter." He exhaled, "Reminds me of… me," and he gave one of his ear to ear grins.

"Yeah she can be pretty hard headed sometimes," Kakashi said drily, poking fun at Guy.

"It was strange though, she was training alone today. I would have thought she would have asked you to accompany her. Didn't you train together before she left?" Guy began to pry at Kakashi to get more answers.

"Yes we did. Hmm...it seems odd that she wouldn't ask."

"Well, you'll be happy to know she will be training with Lee and I in taijutsu once she recovers. Said she wanted to train with the best in the village," Guy said as he puffed out his chest again.

"I bet she is just settling back in to the village," Kakashi said optimistically.

"I've got an idea," Guy burst out spastically.

"I thought I smelled smoke," Kakashi replied.

Guy ignored the remark and grinned, "I will point you in the direction she headed if you have a contest with me."

This time Kakashi just rolled his eyes. "I'd rather just track her myself."

"Oh c'mon, just one, win or lose and I'll direct you."

"Fine," Kakashi exhaled knowing that Guy would continue to hound him for days after if he refused now. "What are we doing?"

"One game of rock, paper, scissors."

"Okay."

"Ready, 1,2,3," Guy held his closed fist between them while Kakashi flicked his hand out.

"Paper covers rock, now where did she go?"

Guy disappointed with his loss, hunched over and pointed, "That way to the village."

"She said she was headed to lunch Kakashi-san maybe you can catch up to her there," Lee informed him.

"Thank you Lee." Lee nodded and Kakashi spun around on his heel and headed off toward the village. Why would she not set up times with me unless something has changed since she has returned, but what?

As Maiha made it back to the village she ran into Genma. "Hi Genma," she blushed a little as she thought about what happened the prior night.

"Well hello Maiha," he said suavely.

She couldn't help but chuckle. "Would you like to join me for lunch? My treat, it's the least I could do after last night," she asked tilting her head to the side a bit.

"The company of a pretty lady and a free lunch, how could I refuse?" He said with a smile and offered her his arm. Maiha smiled sweetly and hooked her arm in his and they walked off to lunch together. They chose a quaint little restaurant on the edge of the street and sat at a table in the corner. Their server brought them each a glass of water, "I'll be back in a moment to take your orders."

"Thank you," Maiha and Genma both responded.

Maiha stirred the ice around in the glass with her straw, finally putting her finger over the top trapping the water inside bringing it up to her mouth and releasing it.

"You okay Maiha; you seem a little down today?"

"I just came from the training field. I'm a little disappointed with my performance is all." And the fact that Kakashi is with another woman which she would never mention out loud. She was still having trouble moving forward from it.

"It's always hard to deal with something you can't do anything about."

She thought about Kakashi and Madori again, "Yeah tell me about it," she exhaled and dropped another straw full of water in her mouth.

Once Kakashi made it into town he headed straight to the restaurant district. It didn't take him long to find Genma and Maiha, though he didn't approach immediately he just kept within earshot of their conversation and out of sight.

Seeing how down she seemed Genma tried to brighten her spirits a bit. "So, last night, that was something eh?" he said with a devilish grin.

He drew a smile out of her, "Oh Genma, we were both pretty intoxicated. I guess just chalk it up to the company to a handsome man, who is a phenomenal kisser and alcohol." She let out a playful sigh and gave him a smile as she tapped the straw on her lips.

"Yeah," he exhaled confidently placing his hands behind his head. "You're not so bad yourself Maiha."

"Thanks."

"Out of all the woman in the village it seems that the kunoichi are the best at it."

"That's because in school we practice on each other."

"Wait, wha?" he stuttered.

She laughed, "You guys always fall for that one."

"Well can you blame us?"

She laughed so hard that it hurt her side and she winced letting out a little grunt.

"Still sore today huh?"

"Yeah."

"Sorry about last night, I still feel bad about hurting you."

Maiha blushed and looked away, "It wasn't your fault Genma you didn't know, I didn't either. But I do have to say it was fun while it lasted," She turned back, giving him a shy smile.

"Well if you're ever in the mood for a little fun just let me know," he said with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.

"I'll try to keep that in mind," she said with a bubbly giggle.

Not being able to see their body language, he could only go on tone of voice and wording so Kakashi thought this was the perfect time to poke into the conversation. He pulled out his paper companion for cover and strolled around the corner.

"Hey Kakashi," Genma called out when he saw him.

Kakashi looked over like he had just noticed them. "Good afternoon Maiha, Genma."

"Afternoon Kakashi," she said rather melancholy as the smile almost completely drained from her face.

"You both look well today."

"Oh?" she replied.

"Well you both were pretty inebriated last night."

"It's nice to let loose once in a while, and for me it had been awhile. Besides we are both adults more than capable of taking care of ourselves," she said a little irritated that he pointed it out.

Genma noticed the change in her attitude and gave Kakashi a look of bewilderment. "Uh why don't you join us Kakashi we haven't ordered yet," he said a little apprehensively.

Kakashi looked over at Maiha, "May I?"

She shot him a fake smile and forced out "You know what they say the more the merrier."

He pulled up a chair from the next table and placed it at theirs, "Okay then,"

Check yourself Maiha. She noticed her tone was a little edgy but the waitress came back just in time for her to regroup her thoughts and they placed their orders.

After they had finished the server came over with the check. "Oh I'll take care of that," Maiha said appreciatively. She paid the bill and they got up to leave.

"That was very generous of you Maiha, thank you," Kakashi said.

"You're welcome" she said again barely giving a smile.

"Well, it's off to the Hokage's office for duty, thank you for lunch Maiha, see you later Kakashi."

"Bye Genma your welcome," Maiha smiled with a wave and Kakashi nodded.

Maiha and Kakashi walked down the street with no particular destination. "I didn't interrupt anything by having lunch with you two, did I?" Kakashi asked inquisitively trying to find out what was so much fun last night. Knowing Genma Kami only knows.

Maiha looked over at him and given his tone, she knew he was just being nosey so she decided to not give up the information he was seeking. "Kakashi even if you did I wouldn't tell you," she said not giving anything away. She continued walking satisfied with her deception, and he followed in silence while he processed her response.

"So little kunoichi, what do you have planned for the rest of today?"

"Oh I don't know I thought I'd do a walk about to see how things have changed since I've been gone." She looked over fully expecting him to have his nose in one of his cherished books but to her surprise he was actually fully engulfed in the conversation.

"Would you like to go to the training field and catch up on things, you have been back for a bit now and I feel as if we haven't talked at all."

"Well I…"

"Kakashi-kun I have been looking all over for you!" Madori squealed with a smile butting in between he and Maiha. The sudden bump jarred Maiha's already aching body and made her wince and groan quietly.

"I had nothing to do so I thought we could spend some time together today."

"Well Madori I just asked Maiha if she wanted to go out to the training field. I would really like to hear about her travels we haven't gotten a chance to talk about it yet."

Maiha looked over at Madori quickly and then at him. Madori's head snapped over toward Maiha and she gave her a foul look.

"Oh it's okay Kakashi we can always catch up later no big deal," Maiha replied.

"Humph," Madori stuck her nose up in the air with a smile feeling that she had won his attention for the day.

"Madori, I really want to hear about Maiha's travels I'm sure one day apart isn't going to hurt you." He remained calm throughout the entire conversation.

Madori's face turned red and she forced out "Fine," she gave Maiha a once over and continued arrogantly, "you have the day but I have everything else," and she stomped away.

Maiha exhaled with wide eyes, "You know we can really do this at some other time Kakashi."

"No, we have the time now so I want to spend today with you."

"Oh, okay." Maiha sent him a bright smile. She suddenly felt warm and her mood improved drastically.

"Would you like to head out that way now?"

"Yes I would like that very much."

They walked slowly and talked along the way.

"So tell me about your journey Maiha, you were gone such a long time."

"Well it wasn't easy to find myself Kakashi."

"Oh, were you lost?" he teased.

"Well in a sense yes, I had to find my own path in life."

"Where have you been?"

"It's a long story are you sure you're up for it?"

"I have all the time in the world right now Maiha."

At that moment she felt much more close to him and her irritation with him and the current situation dissipated. It felt almost as it used to before she had left the village. Maiha gave him a big warm smile becoming more comfortable with his company and began to tell her story.

They made it to the training field as she finished. Finally Kakashi turned to Maiha, his face serious, "So why did you decide to take on that mist ninja Maiha you know I could have handled him."

She looked downward, "I know but there is no way that I could have forgiven myself if I hadn't done anything and let you fight in the condition you were in. I knew up to that moment because of our relationship, you felt as if you needed to in some way to protect me. It was at the same moment that I know I needed to force you to trust me and my abilities in order to show you that you don't have to be so concerned anymore. I was prepared to do what I had to to protect you and Lee, that is my dedication to my fellow shinobi. You must have had some shred of faith in me to listen and take Lee to safety."

"You still took a huge risk with him Maiha," he said concerned. "And you really didn't give me the chance."

"Kakashi, with all the training I went through I knew how much stronger and skilled I had become. I worked hard in strategy and gained a lot of confidence in myself. I knew that I could battle him and stand a chance. Even though it didn't end well I matched him almost every step of the way."

"How did you get injured?"

"A reciprocal action. My final attack was very close range, I didn't account for it," she looked down "if it hadn't been for you and Sakura… I, well." She paused for a few minutes while they stood under their tree. "Do you think she would have come for me?" Maiha stared off into the distance and he looked over to her confused. She turned back toward him, "Ai, do you think she would have guided me?"

"Maiha this is something that I don't want to discuss," he seemed hurt by the topic and slightly turned away. "It was hard enough to see you in that condition thinking that I was so close to losing you… I just really don't want to think about it."

His wording and tone shocked her, "I'm sorry Kakashi I didn't mean to upset you." She took a step toward him reached over and gently rubbed the back of his shoulder. Her body tingled, and felt warm, he still cared for her, he had not filled the place she held in his heart. She was still part of his life, just not in the context she had wished for. He responded to her touch and turned back to face her.

She mustered up the courage to discuss the past with him. "Kakashi, I know I didn't leave on the greatest of terms, it was brought on by impulsive and juvenile reasoning. At that time I was young, naive and confused about life."

"I'm sure I didn't help matters much what happened that night..."

"Like you said it was a mistake," she cut him off, "water under the bridge, we don't need to talk about it."

"Oh, okay," he answered a bit confused. He wanted to talk about it, to discuss those feelings and to understand them not just from his perspective but from hers as well. All of those actions stemmed from somewhere and the emotion, it radiated from her that night and he felt it as well. That night he wasn't merely with another woman, she had more than just a name, she had presence.

A few moments of silence passed.

"Kakashi," she began again softy as she looked up at him. "I just wanted to let you know that I thought a lot about you while I was gone. There wasn't a single full moon that I didn't think about our nights at the dock. Those memories kept me company and comforted me while I was alone." She paused. "However, I also had a lot of time to reflect on our relationship. I want you to do what makes you happy. You have spent far too long concerned with my welfare after Ai passed and though I appreciate it, you need to move on and live your life as you were meant to." She gave him a small smile. It hurt her to say those words and refrain from breaking down so she attempted to end her dialogue. "I'm sorry I'm just babbling now. I just really missed you is all." She stepped in hesitantly to hug him.

"I missed you too Maiha." He wrapped his arms around her gently and pulled her into him. "I am glad that you have found your path in life and have returned home safely."

This wasn't just a friendly hug this was an embrace. This was what Maiha wanted, to share this closeness. She wanted to curl up and stay there for hours. Drawn in by how she fit perfectly within his arms like it was molded just for her. The feel of his muscles, the way he smelled, and the sound of his beating heart.

He lost himself in her warmth, the familiar scent of her shampoo and the fact that it was her. As before there was just something about her company that captivated him. Her presence was comforting and at that moment he realized how much he had missed her while she was gone. Not just because he was worried about her but because he had stability in his life with her. Their bond was closer than just a normal friendship, after all she was the only one that he would allow so close to who he really was.

Had the thought not crossed her mind that he belonged to another woman Maiha would have not fought so hard to hold back the feelings she had for him. She wanted to cry, him holding her was tormenting, it was something she couldn't have but she didn't want him to let go. This isn't fair, how can I move forward if he keeps pulling me back in.

She gathered the courage and embraced the pain of pulling away from him. "We probably should be heading back to the village it's almost dark." He nodded and together they made their way back to the as the sun set.

As always thank you all for reading or following along. To those that decided to go back and glance over chapter 15 thanks as well. I don't want you to miss out on anything. I tend to be a skipper sometimes too and I understand the story is a little drawn out. Keep in mind the story builds on the chapter prior to the current one and I will thread them through each other. If you didn't understand something go back or let me know maybe I didn't do a good job of explaining it.

On to the next…