Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto only my characters.

As always a big thank you to my Beta cheekylips

Reminder: [] has been added as scene changes.

Chapter 30 Need

All shinobi returned to home base and Sakura immediately began her evaluation on them.

"Sakura, I'll get this one started," Maiha looked over as she grabbed some medical supplies.

Catching a glimpse of an ANBU member holding Kakashi up the pink-haired girl sent her a small smirk back with a nod, "okay."

Though the effect of the supplements Kakashi had taken during his rescue had peaked, his condition was so poor that he still needed assistance to move about. Sasuke helped Kakashi over to an area away from the battalion and propped him up against a tree. Maiha looked up speaking just loud enough for him to hear, "Thank you Sasuke." He simply nodded in response making his way to the debriefing.

Upon Sasuke's leave Maiha focused her complete attention on Kakashi's condition. She kept herself in check, not speaking and avoiding direct eye contact as she knelt down beside him. Using the water from her canteen, Maiha moistened a cloth and began to wipe the dried blood and caked on dirt gently from his face. Emotion slowly began to build as each swipe uncovered bruises and cuts revealing the abuse he had endured during his captivity. Maiha knew that withstanding torture was part of their trade, however seeing him in such an awful state allowed the hurt to bleed through her shinobi mindset.

Seeing her anguish, the watering eyes and hitched breathing, Kakashi took her hand in his, removing the cloth with the other, and kissed her palm softly before placing it on his face. She forced out a pitched shaky breath as a tear rolled down her cheek. Though they both wanted to act, this was the closest they could get to embracing at the moment. The light from the full moon filtered through the canopy of limbs and branches overhead in the dense forest that camouflaged home base. As they focused on each other's faces, the voices of the surrounding shinobi faded away with familiar comfort of each other's presence. They were together again and in that moment it was the only thing that mattered.

"Let me help you heal now." Maiha spoke softly holding back her welling emotions. She gently pulled her hand away before moving both to his chest and began his healing. While she focused her chakra balance and precision, Kakashi gazed at her tenderly. Though her face was smudged with dirt, clothing frayed and hair a ratted mess from battle, he had never seen such a lovely sight. His warm stare was only broken by the Commander as he approached them in order to debrief Squad Two's mission involvement.

"Captain Hatake," the Commander spoke sharply demanding his immediate attention.

"Yes Commander."

"We need to debrief."

Feeling the tension, Maiha thought it best to remove herself from the situation. "Excuse me, I will return a bit later to continue your healing, Captain Hatake." It felt awkward addressing him so formally and she inwardly smiled as she began to stand.

"Please continue his healing," The Commander ordered.

"Yes Commander," she replied returning quickly to her kneeling position to resume Kakashi's care.

Kakashi began to divulge information; first the mastermind, the reach of the organization, it's plans and then finished with the description of their captivity and treatment. It was difficult for Maiha to hear the brutality of his imprisonment, Kakashi could feel it in the fluctuations of her chakra. For her sake, he offered enough information for a formal report but kept it as short as possible.

The Commander exhaled heavily after hearing the name of the man responsible for the hostile actions against the village. "Anazi, Kamori. I shouldn't say that I am surprised. After the Hokage revoked his status he became quite unstable leading to his exile from the village."

Maiha and Kakashi could tell the information weighed heavy on his mind as he stood in thought a moment or two before speaking again. "The information you provided will no doubt aid us in eliminating this threat to the village. I am glad you're squad made it back intact Captain Hatake."

"Yes Commander, thank you."

The Commander turned his head toward Maiha, glanced down to her hands and then back up again. "Young kunoichi, come with me. Miss Haruno will continue his healing."

"Yes Commander." Maiha looked at Kakashi quickly as she rose and followed him over to the grouping of shinobi.

The Commander addressed the battalion, "Recovery of the missing shinobi and the intended mission was completed. Squad Two will be returning to the village to recover."

Maiha exhaled quietly relieved Kakashi would be returning home. This dangerous mission was over for him.

The Commander continued. "However, the threat to the village persists. Our latest team of shinobi will remain in their place. Our objective; to destroy all cells of the enemy organization. Tonight will be spent in rest and recovery. We will reconvene in the morning for a detailed second briefing before moving out."

"Yes Commander," the battalion responded collectively.

The Commander then made his way over to Squad Two, who had all gathered over near Sakura as she continued on with their care. "Squad Two, You are officially discharged from this mission and will return to the village with Miss Haruno in the morning."

Kakashi inwardly exhaled relieved that they would be returning to the village. Maiha stood with her arms loosely crossed and watched for Kakashi's reaction knowing he would be upset with the new order. Upon hearing the news, he quickly glanced over confirming her assumption.

"Yes Commander," Squad Two responded.

[]

Kakashi and Maiha met up after their briefings and put space between them and the battalion. Their rolls had been reversed. Now he would return to the village and she would take on the danger presented by the mission. Maiha silently continued his healing. She could feel it in his chest, the worry grew with each breath he took until finally Kakashi took up her hands moved them off his chest and made her look into his eyes.

Startled she swallowed hard and drew out pensively, "Kakashi please, let's not do this. We have 'till morning I would rather not spend it being upset about the mission."

He exhaled slowly softening his posture and simply sighed with a nod.

[]

After a long silence, a conversation of slightly awkward pauses and endearing words ensued, both giving their best attempt to make the most of the time they had together. Her lips curling up into a small smile Maiha began, "I'm glad you're alright, well, for the most part anyway. I missed you."

"Hmm, I missed you too," he looked at her with a caring eye and a small grin.

"How are you feeling?" she asked with slight concern in her voice recalling the description of his captivity he had given during his debriefing.

"I've been better, but being with you makes me forget all of that."

He could see the crimson blush creep onto her cheeks as she looked down quickly. Her smile broadened and she tried to push the direct focus away from herself, "I told Genma."

Kakashi chuckled.

Her eyes returned to his face, "I noticed he was being a little to attentive to my wellbeing while you were gone."

He chuckled again, "Bet he was a taken by surprise."

"Maybe a little," Maiha smirked as she finished his healing. Moving in more closely she sat beside him. Many knew of their friendship so sitting together wouldn't raise too much suspicion. Though they tried to keep conversation light and away from the mission, the purposeful avoidance proved uncomfortable and they clumsily tip toed around the topic.

[]

"You really should get some sleep Maiha." Kakashi knew the drill. Leaving for the next phase of the mission would push the fast forward button. The relentless shifts combined with the mental and physical exhaustion would test her limits. He could see that the unfamiliar territory of the mission level was causing her anxiety confirmed by her voice, and rushed speech.

"I know, it's just hard to sleep when we have been apart for so long and you're with me now, and tomorrow we will…"

"Maiha," Kakashi called her name just sharply enough to halt her racing thoughts. He lowered his mouth to her ear speaking softly, "No matter if we are apart physically, we are still together. You pledged your heart and soul to me and I have done the same to you. We are connected through that bond."

Maiha paused a moment in thought. Remembering the old woman's words, the corners of her mouth turned upward as her eyes softened and she leant her head on Kakashi's shoulder with a sigh, 'Absolute love'.

"You'll be leaving early tomorrow, now get some rest," Kakashi urged soothingly. Maiha closed her eyes, huddled up a little closer to Kakashi and softly drifted off to sleep.

[]

Maiha rose as the morning sun peaked over the horizon and noticed the other shinobi preparing for the next stage of the mission. It was her time as well. She looked up at Kakashi. Still asleep with his head leaning back up against the tree, he seemed at peace, no pain, and at the time, no worry. She glanced around the surrounding area before leaning over to steal a quick kiss, waking him.

"Good morning," Maiha whispered sweetly.

"Good morning," he yawned blinking lazily before cracking his neck.

She waited a beat "I have to prepare."

Kakashi nodded. "I know, take your time."

She nodded back before standing and taking her leave. Kakashi could only watch as she withdrew from his company and walked a path of lonely steps to the grouping of shinobi preparing for the mission. Duty called. He shifted his focus, making way over to his squad. Tilting his head to Sakura, he addressed his men first. "Well done Squad Two, though we did not complete the mission, all are returning to the village. The safety of Konoha rests in capable hands. The replacement cell is skilled and will be a good addition to the battalion." The group nodded and dispersed preparing for their travel back to the village.

Sakura made her way over to Kakashi. "So you're okay with this?"

Kakashi did not have to ask what she meant. He looked at her and gave a short sigh "I have to be."

[]

With the second briefing completed, the reformed battalion prepared to move out. It was their last chance, neither knowing if they would see each other again. The next word would be from her or a notification from the Hokage's office, they would give him that respect. Kakashi picked up Ai's necklace laying it over his fingers and ran his thumb over the pendant before focusing on her, his onyx eye lost in a sea of blue. "She will bring you back to me."

Maiha nodded, her eyes watering lightly.

Kakashi pulled her in. He didn't care anymore, if they saw, what they thought. He brushed her hair back and cupped her cheek in his hand before leaning in, "I love you Maiha, I will see you when you return to me." He left the imprint of his lips on hers, though short and rushed it didn't matter, it was the emotion, the warmth they both needed.

"Take care, I'll see you when I get back, I love you," she pulled herself closer, and he pressed his lips to her forehead before they separated, both walking to their respective groups. It was quite a shock to those who witnessed it but was pressed aside when the battalion departed shortly after.

The commander hung back traveling along next to Maiha. "Young kunoichi…"

She cut him off, gave him a stern glance and spoke in a determined voice, "Village first, Commander."

Satisfied with her answer and body language he nodded and pushed ahead leading the group to their next destination.

[]

Kakashi turned to his squad and was met by the stare of three speechless shinobi and a grinning pink haired medic.

He gave a nod, "We are together, now prepare to head out."

[]

Once back in the village, Squad Two was placed on the inactive list. The dehydration, malnourishment, and physical abuse had been hell on them and they were placed on recovery orders. The captivity had taken a toll on Kakashi, though healed through ninjutsu, the rejuvenation of his body would still take time and he spent much of it thinking about Maiha. Kakashi dwelled on their last moments together and searched for comfort through supportive rational. He knew the group that Maiha accompanied was composed of the most skilled on the ANBU force and had complete confidence in her own abilities. But the waiting, it was exhausting. Day in and day out with no word, he was familiar with the procedure, nonetheless it was still vexing.

[]

"So Maiha…" Genma caught up with Kakashi not long after his return to the village.

Kakashi smiled under his mask hearing her name. "Yeah."

"I didn't think it was possible for you to settle down, and with Maiha." Genma paused and patted Kakashi on the shoulder, "She is a good match for you my friend."

He gave a nod appreciating Genma's approval, but it was short lived as the cheerful thoughts about their relationship slipped away with a deep exhale.

Feeling the sudden change in mood Genma posed, "How long have they been gone now?"

"Just over a month."

"Seems like you are holding up well."

Kakashi looked away, "For the most part, but I have my days."

There was a pause; this side of Kakashi was unfamiliar. There was emotion, the aloof persona that he regularly cast gave way to one of a more humanistic nature.

Genma picked up the conversation again, "She did too ya know, and she did the same." Kakashi looked back over with his statement. "Maiha stayed at your apartment. I noticed you do the same at hers."

"Sometimes even the smallest comforts help."

"Hang in there I'm sure they'll be back anytime now."

"Yeah, thanks Genma," Kakashi nodded with his friend's encouraging words.

Genma gave a salute before turning to head off to duty.

[]

In two months' time the ANBU battalion had dismantled the organization ridding Konoha of the emanate threat. All returned home and were received in high regard, the jounin team commended for their assistance.

The Commander addressed Tsunade, "Lady Hokage, I would like to thank you, without your excellent planning and the careful selection of these shinobi, the mission would have most likely failed and the recovery of Squad Two would not have been possible."

Tsunade nodded, "Now Commander you know I cannot take full credit, my advisors made the selection of the assisting shinobi." She stopped short feeling as if there was more to his appreciative phrasing. "Is there something else to report Commander?"

He exhaled, "Ma' Lady, at this time we are unsure if Anazi, Kamori himself has been eliminated."

Her eyebrows furrowed with the news as her lips formed a tight thin line. After a slight pause her face softened a bit and she addressed the battalion, "Even though his existence is unknown, I still consider this mission a success. The threat to Konoha has been abolished and four of our strongest were recovered and returned to the village. Wonderful work everyone. Now go home and get some well-deserved rest."

[]

Maiha was exhausted. The mission was long and strenuous, but no matter what her physical status Kakashi was the first thing on her mind. She hopped down the stairs of the Hokage tower and onto the street. It was mid-evening, the sun was well into it's slow decent in the sky and the streets were sparsely populated by villagers finishing their daily tasks. She gave a sigh and smiled glad to be home, "What a beautiful sight."

"I was thinking the same thing," a familiar voice spoke from the side.

Maiha's smile grew wider as she looked over to see a silver haired ninja leaning against the wall, his nose in a little orange book. She walked over to him and took the book out of his hand. Keeping it open, she used it for cover as she pulled down his mask eagerly kissing him. Holding brief conversation between contacts of their lips they reconciled.

"I was… reading that…"

"No you weren't…"

"Was to…"

"What page…"

"Don't remember… got distracted." He pulled her in close welcoming her affection.

"Hey you two, get a room," Genma called out from the exit of the tower, he had pursued Maiha to give her the necessary medical paperwork as she left with such haste after the debriefing.

Maiha pulled her lips away and Kakashi pulled up his mask before she lowered the book.

"I know you two haven't seen each other in a while but Maiha you need to have your medical discharge from the mission, its policy for that rank. Here's your paper work… and welcome back," he followed up with a smirk.

"Thanks Genma," she walked over and took it from him with a smile.

He looked over at Kakashi, gave a quick nod and then turned to go back into the Hokage building.

She returned stepping into his embrace once again and looked upward meeting his soft gaze with one of slight apprehension. "I missed you. You didn't worry too much did you?"

"I thought about you every day, but there were days."

"It was the same for me while you were gone. When I think back, I can't believe how I got through it all; it was almost as if I lost you twice."

Kakashi's eye widened, his heart skipped. He had felt the same. He had left her at the beginning of the mission losing her once, and then again when she took his place as he returned to the village after Squad Two's recovery.

He exhaled knowing what Maiha would have to go through to complete her two part medical discharge, physical and psychological. Kakashi tried to rush her along so they could be together. "I really don't want to let you go… but you should head over there, it will be an extensive physical. We can catch up when you are finished." He pushed her hair behind her ear with his fingertips, "Maybe we can go down to the lake. It's a full moon tonight."

Maiha exhaled with a pout, "Okay."

Kakashi smirked with her childish reaction, "I'm happy you're back and in good health, I'll see you later." Kakashi's visible eye crinkled up, "I love you my Little Kunoichi," and he pressed his masked lips to her forehead.

Maiha smiled widely hearing her affectionate nickname, "I love you too, see you in a while." She reluctantly pulled away heading over to the medical building.

[]

Maiha finished her physical, passed it with flying colors and headed for home. "Just enough time to take a shower before I head down to the lake. Finally I can get rid of those two months of ick. Washing in a cold river just doesn't do the trick." Maiha stepped into a steamy shower. Oh I missed the girly smell of this soap and shampoo. She laughed taking in the fragrance with a deep inhalation. It was something she took for granted but after the mission she had just been on, never would again.

After drying her hair Maiha made her way down to the lake and sat down at the end of the dock. Kakashi had not made his way out yet so she took a moment to enjoy the night. The mission had begun to catch up with her and the relaxing state of the evening brought on drowsiness. She began yawning but tried to catch a second wind in order to spend time with him. He arrived shortly after and sat down beside her.

The lake seemed so much more inviting that evening, the moment more special. Their bond had strengthened in the face of danger and the time spent apart only brought them closer together. The meeting similar to those in the past, the tranquility, the moon, the company. However, that evening differed. Maiha wasn't just waiting for his company or their meaningful conversations and Kakashi didn't go to the dock out of habit or to give her support. Before the mission love was spoken, now after it's true meaning had presented itself. It was not only a want to be in the other's company it was need, each had found the one they couldn't live without.

Maiha fidgeted with the pendant of her necklace, "Do you think Ai was watching over us Kakashi?"

"I have no doubt. She is with us every day in your heart and in mine. It was her that brought us together after all, all those years ago, though the situation was quite a bit different," he chuckled.

Maiha grinned, leaned into him and closed her eyes and Kakashi wrapped his arm around her pulling her in close. They sat serenaded by wildlife and comforted by the moon's soft glow.

"It's a beautiful night," Kakashi spoke softly.

There was no response.

After a moment he looked over. She had fallen asleep soothed by the warmth of his body, nestled into the hold of his arms. Kakashi smiled, she must be exhausted. He repositioned her, picked her up in his arms gently, and took her home.

[]

Maiha slept through the night and well into the next day. She rose and stretched her arms up over her head, "Ugh I need a shower, better yet a bath, but didn't I just take a shower?" Her recognition of the past few days were nothing but a blur. The physical exhaustion and sleep deprivation had sapped her energy and had thrown off her sleep cycle.

She drew the water as hot as she could stand. "Hmm…bubbles or no bubbles?" Maiha thought for a moment before smiling and giggling, "Defiantly bubbles." She slipped into the hot bath slowly. "Hmm…" she sighed, "I missed this luxury, it's one of the best things about the apartment," and she began humming a tune that had come to mind.

Ai was a big fan of baths and took it upon herself to have a large custom made bathtub installed into the apartment to accommodate her small indulgence.

Not long after she settled into the bath, Kakashi returned from his errands. He had taken it upon himself to pick up some groceries while she slept, since everything in Maiha's apartment had either gone rancid or expired in her absence. Quietly he put them away and then went in to check on her. Noticing she was not in her bed he called out for her. "Maiha?"

"I'm in here."

He heard water splashing around, "Can… I come in?"

"Sure."

He entered into a dense fog. "Whoa! Is there a mist shinobi in here?"

Maiha laughed. "No just a little leaf kunoichi, in a nice… hot… bath," she drew out in a sigh sinking deeper into the water.

The open door allowed some of the steam to escape increasing visibility in the room and he walked over to her. "Bubbles?" he looked at her with a smile.

She giggled shaking her head up and down, "Uh huh. Haven't you ever taken a bubble bath before?"

"Can't say that I have," he chuckled.

"Well, why don't we make this a first for the copy ninja," she smiled slyly with the raise of an eyebrow.

"If you insist." Without a second thought Kakashi pulled off his clothing and slid into the bathtub. "Oh! Hot, hot, hot!"

Maiha laughed as he lowered himself down into the water behind her. Once he adjusted his body, she settled in with her back against his chest leaning her head back on his shoulder. She continued to hum her tune and played with the bubbles lifting them up on her hands and feet.

Kakashi smiled and enjoyed watching the happiness that a simple bubble bath had given her, to him it was one of her finest qualities. Not long and he had relaxed completely as the stress left from worrying about her on the mission melted away. He rested his arms on the edges of the bathtub and sighed tilting his head back, "I'm still not so sure about the bubbles, but this is pretty relaxing."

"There's nothing like a hot, soothing bath, unless of course you are joined by the one you love. That seems to make it so much better."

He hummed in agreement as his lips turned up at their corners. This was wonderful, beside such intimate contact with her this proved just as sensual.

[]

Later that evening she emerged from the bedroom in her short silk robe. "Ahh… clean and energized. All I needed was a little nap."

"A nap?"

"Well yeah," she looked over at him confused. "How long have I been sleeping?"

He chortled, "Almost 24 hours."

"Hmm… must be why I'm so hungry," she thought out loud. "Speaking of hungry, what smells so good out here?" Maiha walked over to the stove where Kakashi was standing and peaked around him.

"Oh, thought I would make dinner, I was a little hungry myself."

"Master of over one thousand jutsu and you can cook?" she spoke with slight sarcasm while raising an eyebrow.

"Well, when you live by yourself for as long as I have you learn a few things here and there."

Hopping up on the counter next to him she continued, "Hmm… I could get use to this."

He took the pan off the burner as the meal finished and then directed his attention toward her. Stepping between her legs he placed his hands on her hips as he smiled. "Get use to what exactly?"

She spoke softly looking in his eyes, "You being here with me, waking up to you every morning, going to bed with you every night." She ran her fingers lightly down his bare chest, her eyes following them downward, "You cooking half naked in the kitchen." She looked at him from under her eyelashes to see a large smile spread across his face as he shook his head. "Hmm… It's kind of a turn on," she followed up with a smile of her own.

Maiha's flirtatious words and actions caught her asking for trouble. "You," he forced out playfully pulled her into his body quickly and lifted her off the counter. Not expecting his actions Maiha grabbed onto his shoulders to steady herself as he turned and headed for the bedroom.

"No Kakashi!" she whined slightly pointing back toward the stove, "Dinner before desert."

"We can warm it up later," he said with a smile as he walked through the doorway. They tumbled onto the bed. Maiha dug her heels into the mattress propelling herself away from him as she griped onto the sheets and pushed through her hands. Though in the end she would give in, Maiha wasn't about to make it so easy for him.

"Where do you think you're going?" He chuckled.

Maiha giggled while putting up resistance. The material of her robe allowed her to slide easily over the sheets, though her plan was foiled as he lunged forward gripping her at her hips and pulled her back into him incidentally pressing himself hard up against her as her legs swept around him. She let out a forced breath followed by a short blissful hum. She stopped fighting, the way she looked at him changed. This time it was he whom had flipped the switch. He saw it come on, felt it, play time was over.

Kakashi slowly leaned over and teased her lips with his own as he pressed himself up against her once more. She responded with another lustful exhale and squeezed him gently with her legs.

"Have you changed you mind?"

"Hmm," Maiha drew out. "A bit of sweetness before a meal never hurt anybody."

A low chuckle rolled out of his throat and he took in her lips. He flicked his hand through the tie in her robe that had already loosened by all the jostling around. The material fell to the sides opening her body to his eager hands.

"Nothing underneath?" he pulled his lips away surprised.

"It's just us… why bother."

He smiled and moved in again with a chuckle as he fondled her curves while softly kissing her lips and neck.

She reached down and he lifted slightly allowing her access to the waist of his pants which she easily unfastened and slid her hands under stroking the skin beneath his clothing. He hummed into her mouth softy enjoying the finesse of her touch and hearing his reaction encouraged her to push further. Maiha placed a firm hand on his chest pressed upward and directed him to move to the side as she used her body to switch their positions.

After settling, she leaned over consuming his mouth once again before trailing soft kisses down his neck then on to his chest. Maiha inhaled deeply taking in his scent and mouthed his skin with her lips and tongue playfully nipping at him gently with her teeth before descending to his abdominals finally reaching the only clothing covering his body which he willingly aided her in removing.

He watched as Maiha crept over him softly like a cat ready to pounce, on her prey. She was already pushing him toward the edge just by all the thoughts that were running through his head about what she could do to him and it being left unknown. Lowering herself down to him once again she caressed his lips with her own pressing herself up against him, her hair cascading around him.

Kakashi could feel her warmth over him tickling his sensitive flesh. He let out a frustrated exhale "You're a tease."

"Humph," she drew out softly, "am I?" she paused placing one hand on his chest and the other between them as a guide and took him in with one drive, drawing out a pleasurable moan from both of them. He shuddered beneath her. Maiha sat up changing the angle, pushing him in deeper. He trembled and placed his hands on her hips in an attempt to continue. She taunted him moving his hands over his head as she leaned forward to look him in the eye smiling provocatively, "It's not your turn."

My turn? Where is this coming from? There was no innocence on her part no romance necessary on his. This was new, unexpected; she had brought out this temptress making the action almost too hot to stand and he realized it would take a substantial amount of effort for him to avoid losing control.

Maiha sat back up slowly dragging her finger tips lightly over his skin pushing him backward as she moved before rocking her hips forward again, her internal muscles gripping him, she rose stroking his entire length to it's end slightly pulling him out before plunging him in once again. On the first succession he exhaled loudly urging her to continue just as she was. She kept on, the repetition of movement sending waves of pleasure through each of their bodies.

It was sudden and came on quickly. Maiha's movements where more drawn out with each vocal outburst louder and more pitched than the last. Her breathing became irregular she couldn't focus, she was lost. Her muscles tightened around him, her legs began to quiver. She threw her head back and gripped his thighs behind her tightly for support, her body threatened to give out as a climatic surge rippled through her carrying her away, disconnecting her from time and place.

Kakashi sat up wrapping an arm around her waist, the other placed on her mid-back supporting her as she melted into his arms. She couldn't think, her body had no stimulus to respond. Maiha sat motionless for a few moments before regaining consciousness. She picked her head up as a wide smile of satisfaction spread across her face still catching her breath. She opened her lazy eyes and swept the hair out of her face still somewhat intoxicated by the explosion of euphoric sensations felt just moments ago.

To him she had never looked as lustful as she did at that moment, deliciously disheveled, a hot mess. She was beautiful, she was passionate, she was sexy and she was his.

He advanced slowly allowing her to come back around. His mouth moved from her chest up her neck and finally to her lips where she welcomed their presence. He was turning the heat back up slowly and she was absorbing every degree.

She had reawakened, her body was once again alive. Lips synced, tongues entwined and hands perused the others body, each searching for breath.

"Tell me what you want," Maiha exhaled in lust as his lips and tongue swept across the soft canvas of her skin.

"You," he drew out. Kakashi placed her back on the bed, he could feel the welling of deep pressure within him threatening release, yet he held on wanting to push her there first. Their mouths remained in contact though they could only manage an exchange of breaths, all focus shifted to the friction in between. Maiha's body, still sensitive, quickly responded to his movements and her warmth began to tighten around him. The pitched inhalations, soft sighs and the gripping of his skin by her hands, it was building within her as well and its recognition cut away at the control he so desperately tried to maintain over his own body.

Her tension had reached it's breaking point, Maiha mewled as another surge of pleasure rushed through her body, her back arched and her hand clinched the skin of his bottom, the other between his shoulders pulling him in.

Control was lost; he pursued her, following the urge of her hand he drove in deeply, pushing her body up the bed slightly as he buried his face in her neck muffling a drawn out moan as he rode out the eruption of sensation that had seethed within him before collapsing on top of her. Both of them where left panting, the room spinning leaving the air electrified tinged with the scent of sex and sweat.

The feeling was surreal. Maiha was confused on how anything could feel so amazing. Her head was all a whirl trying to pinpoint the one possible thing that lead to the cataclysmic effect; the actions, the feeling, the emotions, him, them together, it was everything, all of the above. She wrapped her legs around him gently and stroked his skin softly with her fingertips as she awaited his return to reality.

Senses restored, Kakashi picked up his head, propped himself up on his forearms and stared into her eyes while his fingers played with her hair. A handsome smile graced his lips, as the same thoughts occupied his mind. He loved this woman, just as she had stated before, there would be no other for him.

Maiha flashed him a bright smile before he leant forward kissing her gently. He pulled away slightly and brushed his lips against hers "I love you."

Her eyes watered and tears leaked out the corners of her eyes upon hearing those words. She couldn't speak, her emotions had built up inside her and now were all coming out at once.

He wiped them away with his thumbs, "Why tears?" He searched her eyes for answers.

"I don't know," her voice shook. "I just… I… love you… so much and."

He smiled and pressed his lips to hers once again, "It's okay." His voice was low and soft, calming the sudden wash of emotions that overtook her. He moved over to the side. "Come here." Maiha pressed herself up against him, setting her head on his chest soothed by the warmth of his body and comforted being wrapped up in his arms.

[]

"So, what you said earlier…" He began "Before…"

Maiha pushed up propping herself up on her elbow. She smiled and exhaled slightly, "I don't want to be apart from you anymore Kakashi. I want to be with you, through everything. Hmm…you've spoiled me already. I need to see your smile, even if it's only when we are alone. I need to have your arms wrapped around me. I need to hear your voice say my name with those three little words. I need to feel your lips against mine. I need… you."

He wouldn't miss this step, he had already stumbled to many times. Kakashi leaned in pressing his lips against hers melting down her emotional build-up. He moved back and looked into her eyes sending her a sly grin and pushed himself over the step with a little humor speaking softly, "It's nice to hear that you feel the same way… But…"

"But what?" she drew out confused.

"I don't know how we are going to fit all of your things into my little apartment."

Maiha took a moment to process his words before laughing, "Really Kakashi."

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by a low growl. Kakashi looked down at her stomach as a severe blush came over her face.

He chuckled, "Maybe we should continue this over dinner. It sounds like I need to feed my lovely Little Kunoichi."

I apologize for the long hiatus. My heath has been a bit of a bother as of late but all seems to be on the up and up now. I hope there aren't too many mistakes but I think it's time to move on to the next chapter. Thanks for hanging in there with me and thanks for reading.