Chapter Seven: Bonding

I bit the tip of my pencil as I ponder on the silly question. Iruka-sensei told us to write our thoughts something amazing about our close ones. It could be a friend, a family member or a teacher. I was thinking of writing about Kakashi, but there were so many things I could write about and truthfully, I was sort of lazy to write all of it down. I sighed and looked around the classroom.

Most of the kids were scribbling down a lot. I peeked at the girl in front of me and made a look.

She was writing about Sasuke.

I bet my peaches most of the girls here are writing about him. I groaned and slumped back in my seat. Man, this is boring. I glanced here and there to see if anyone else is slacking. Naruto was folding his paper into something; Kiba, with Akamaru napping on his head, was biting his pencil, glaring at his paper and grumbling; Cho-chan is eating as usual although he picks up his pen and writes a few words before eating again; and Shikamaru?

I lowered my eyes to glance sideways at him. He sat in the back row to my left. Typical. He's napping.

Sighing again, I lay down on the table. I haven't talked to him yet. It's not like I'm afraid or anything, but...

Okay, maybe I am a bit worried.

I snapped at him. He might think that I'm a brat. I groaned.

Who cares what he thinks of me? I need to say sorry, at least. Kakashi always say that I have to apologize if I did something wrong. But-

"Mononoke, I hope you will be able to turn up your homework." I snapped out of my daydreams and looked up. Iruka-sensei raised an eyebrow at me, making me grinned sheepishly in return, "Sorry, sensei. My mind wandered off." He sighed and placed his hands on his hips, "What am I going to do with the lot with you? Well, it would nice if you would hand up your paper by the end of class, understand?"

I grinned and salute, "Yes, sir!" Iruka-sensei nodded before turning his attention on the others. I, however, turn to the clock.

Fifteen minutes.

I guess that's enough time. I exhaled heavily and quickly began to write.

XXXXxxxXXXX

Finally, school is over! I yawned and stretched as Asuma-sensei's class is done. The other kids already began to get up and noisy. I smacked my lips as I rolled my shoulders awake. Asuma-sensei's class is always the class thats easiest to sleep in. It's boring and quiet.

I remained in my seat as I wait for everyone to move out of the room before leaving. It's annoying to squeeze through the crowds of other kids after school. And everyone's scent crash into you like a tsunami. Its always a pain to shake it off. Sometimes it lingers for a few days too. Ew.

As I wrinkled my nose at the thought, I felt a presence beside me. Turning to look, I almost expected it to be Kiba, but instead was met with someone that made me jump in surprise.

"You going to sit here all day?" Shikamaru asked as I remain frozen. Seeing that I was unable to talk, he sighed and gestured with his head, "Come on, it's troublesome but we need to talk."

I watched as he begin to walk down the stairs. Shaking myself, I snapped out and followed him quickly.

Shikamaru led me to the quieter side of the school, taking a detour through the back. I guess he noticed my dislike of the rowdy kids at the front door. Finally, we got outside and I took a deep breath. The air outside is so much sweeter than the stuffy school. When I looked back at Shikamaru, he's already facing me, his hands in his pockets.

"As much as how troublesome this whole thing is, I want to know why you're avoiding me." He stated simply and I bit my lip, trying to come up with some sort of excuse. When I realized I couldn't, I groaned and folded my arms, "I'm not."

"You haven't talked to me for a week." Shikamaru countered and sighed, "This is such a drag but all of us kind of...you know." I looked up and cocked my head, "Know what?"

The Nara sighed and scratched his head, "We miss you, I guess. It's not the same to see Iruka-sensei mad without you around." Suddenly, he shook his head and stuffed his hand back in his pocket, "But I still see you with Chouji and Naruto. It's obvious that you're avoiding me."

I looked away, my arms still hugging myself, "I just..." I took a breath and continued, "I just thought that you might be mad at me."

It's his turn to be surprised, "Why would I be mad?"

Shrugging, I look back at him, "Cause I got mad at you?" He rolled his eyes, "I'm not mad, you troublesome girl. You suddenly snapped at me. I thought you were mad." I blinked as he continued, "I was wondering why you would do that but it's too troublesome to figure it out."

"Then why are you asking me now?" I asked, curious. He blinked in surprise as he tense slightly. I could see his cheeks turned a little pink. Shikamaru looked away as he muttered under his breath.

I tilt my head, "Eh?"

Shikamaru groaned in annoyance and repeated slightly louder this time, "Because you didn't talk to me for a week, troublesome girl. It drove me mad, okay?"

It was quiet between us for a few moments before Shikamaru turned around quickly, his hands clasped behind his head, "You're being a drag. I'm going home." I couldn't help but smile a little. So I guess we're good now.

"Wait up! I haven't thank your dad yet!", I said as I skipped over to him.

Shikamaru stopped and turned his head slightly, "Why would you need to do that for? It's already been so long." I grinned at him as I trotted to his side, "Kakashi said I have to be polite."

"Huh, and you waited for one week to do that?" He complained and I snickered, "Better late than never."

XXXXxXXXX

After a nice tea break (which Yoshino-san insisted), Shikaku-san asked if I wanted to come along with him and Shikamaru to check up on the deer. I was curious about his offer so I decided to go along. It's the weekend tomorrow and Kakashi will be home tonight. At least that's what Sandaime (Third Hokage) said. So no one is missing me.

When we got there, Shikaku-san just finished explaining to me about the Nara's clan territory. It was all very confusing, I guess I can figure it out later. I looked around my surroundings and noticed that it was quite familiar. It wasn't the same place Kakashi found me but then again, I suppose the forest is similar in most places. It's all trees and bushes anyway.

Suddenly, Shikaku stopped us, "We're close to the edge of the land now."

"Mononoke isn't from the Nara clan, how can she come in?" Shikamaru had asked and Shikaku just smirked, "You and Mononoke will wait here. I'll go fetch the deer." He wanted to protest but Shikaku just motioned for us to stay before walking deeper into the woods. When he was gone, I turned to Shikamaru curiously, "Why can't I go in?" He shrugged, "Only those from Nara can go in. I'm not sure why either but it's the rules."

Confused, I pushed on, "Then why would your dad want me to come along?"

Shikamaru groaned, "You keep asking so many troublesome questions." I snorted, "I thought you were smart." Glaring at me, he shot back, "You know what? Ugh, never mind, it's too troublesome to fight with you."

Before I could snap back, I heard a rustling. The new scent came to me as my full attention was on the alien thing. "What's wrong?" I heard Shikamaru asked but I didn't answer him. Instead, I stood in front of him, taking deeper breaths to understand the scent.

I don't know why but it smell strangely like Nara home and something else. Finally, I got Shikaku-san's scent and relaxed, "Your dad's here."

"How-"

Shikamaru was cut off by the arrival of a small group of deer that were walking beside Shikaku-san as he returned to us. I watched them in wonder as I stepped closer. There were a few females, some accompanied with fawns. Two male deer flanked the group, their ears turning this way and that.

But one of them drew me in. He stood taller than the rest. His horns were larger and he walked gracefully. Shikaku-san patted him and smiled at me, "This is Aomaru. He's the leader of the herd." I couldn't really hear Shikaku-san because most of my attention was on the buck. He watched me with his coal black eyes and edged closer to me, his head lowering slightly to meet my eye. Once he got close enough for me to see my reflection in his eyes, Aomaru stopped as I lifted my hand towards him. He froze as I reached closer.

Finally, I touched his cheek, my heart blossoming with wonder and excitement, "Hello, Aomaru." He blew a breath on my face, making me giggle from the ticklish feeling, "Nice to meet you too." He whickered and nudged my hand that was on his cheek, sniffing into it. With my other hand, I stroke Aomaru's neck, the thick hide rough against my fingers.

"I've never seen Aomaru so friendly before." I heard Shikamaru said and I turned my head slightly to grin at him, "Are you jealous?" One of the young fawns was standing beside him as he snorted at me, "Don't be such a drag. Why would I be jealous of you?"

"Both of you squabble a lot, don't you?" Shikaku chuckled as he patted one of the male deer affectionately. Aomaru was nibbling at my hair by this time and I was trying hard not to burst into fits of giggles. Suddenly, his head snapped up to look behind me. I followed his gaze but I couldn't see anything strange. I looked back to Aomaru and I saw his ears flicked in all directions, nostrils heaving. Finally, he turned back to the herd and made a sound, causing them to leap back into the trees. He looked down to me for a heartbeat before joining them.

That's when I realized why they were frightened away from. Three ninjas landed a few ways from us. One of them spoke up, "Shikaku-san, the Hokage asks for you." Shikamaru and I exchanged glances before looking back at the Nara head. He raised an eyebrow at them, "What for?" The ninja who spoke just shrugged, "He said it was about a kid." Shikaku-san dipped his head and sighed, rubbing his neck, "It's a drag but alright, I'll go with you to meet him." He nodded at the other two ninjas, "Take these two home for me, will you?"

He turned back to us and ruffled my hair, "We can do this again some other time. Aomaru has taken a liking of you after all." I smiled at him and gave my thanks. Then he left with the ninja.

"Come on, you two. Let's get you back." One of the duo said as they led us back to the village.

XXXXxxxx

The ninjas separated me and Shikamaru, taking us back to our homes. After waving goodbye to the Nara, the other ninja dropped me off at Kakashi's apartment. Somehow, he recognized me and that I was staying with the famous shinobi. When I got to the door, I turned and bowed politely, "Thank you for sending me back." He nodded and left. Just as I opened the door, he turned around and smiled, "Oh, and say hi to Kakashi for me." I was about to ask him who he was but he was gone.

That's weird. Well, I have no idea who he is. All I could remember about him is the bandage across his nose.

I shrugged and went in. I'll just pass the message anyway. When I locked the door, I suddenly picked up a fresh scent inside the house. Turning quickly, I sniffed.

New scent?

Curious, I started to walk inside slowly.

Kitchen's clear.

Living room's clear.

I opened the bathroom door. It was wet. Quickly, I went inside Kakashi's bedroom and spotted a roll of blanket like a caterpillar on the bed. The curtains were closed so the room was quite dim. I sniffed again and grinned. Slowly, I crept towards the roll. A large fluffy tuft of silver hair peeked out of the other end of the roll. Grinning even wider, I lowered my body to the ground before pouncing on the roll.

"Holy-" I heard Kakashi exclaimed and he turned to look at his attacker. I frowned and poke his cheek, "Aw, you're wearing your mask..." He sighed and plunked back on the pillow, "Lemmesleep." I pouted and stared at him. He could only ignore me for a few heartbeats before he groaned, "Be a good girl today, Mono."

I sighed and tumble from the Kakashi roll, "Bad day?"

"Bad week." He corrected as I snuggle into the roll and hugged him as far as my limbs could reach. I yawned and buried my face into the soft blanket. Kakashi stifled his own yawn before going back to sleep. When I heard him began to snore lightly, I smiled and took a peek at him. I like to look at Kakashi because his face is the one that calms me from my nightmares and gives me comfort. It makes me feel really happy to be with him. I sighed with content as I breathe in his scent and soon, I fell asleep as well.

When I woke up, it was almost evening. The orange glow from the sunset peeked out from beneath the curtains. I rubbed my eyes and stretched, whining as I force myself awake. Turning my head, I realized that Kakashi was still asleep. His eyelids were moving here and there and I smiled. Crawling close to his face, I poked his nose. He wrinkled it but he didn't wake up. Then I began to poke his eyelids softly. He snorted and buried his face into the fluffy blanket, hiding from me. I sniffed in disdain and began to wriggle my face to meet his but it didn't work.

Just as I was about to give up, the blanket exploded outwards and I shrieked as it wrapped me up into a mini roll.

"Got you!" Kakashi said and wrapped me up. I tried to wriggle out but he was faster. Before I knew it, I was stuck in the roll and Kakashi was hugging me like a bolster.

"Hey, no fair!" I complained but Kakashi already closed his eyes, his cheek on top of my head, "Five more minutes, you little devil. Let your poor Kakashi sleep for five more minutes." I heard him mutter and I groaned, "But Kakashi..."

"Shhh..." He whispered then he was quiet. I groaned again and tried to wriggle my escape but he held on tight. Finally I gave up and lay there, nice and snuggly in Kakashi's arms. I watched the clock on the opposite side of the wall and began to count.

One.. Two.. Three...

True to his word, Kakashi got up when five minutes was over. But he didn't move. I looked up and frowned at him when I realized he was awake, "Lemme go." He watched me for a moment before smiling, "Nah, it's rare for you to be so quiet. I need to treasure this moment."

The moment only lasted for thirty seconds because I used my lips to pull his mask down. It only managed to come down half of his nose and he snapped his head away, "Oh no, you don't." When I felt his arms loosen a little, I jumped out and tried to escape but Kakashi grabbed my waist and threw me back on the bed. Before I could run away again, he blew on my stomach and I shrieked with laughter. Then he began to target my tickle spots, making me laugh like crazy with tears in my eyes, "Stop! Stop! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

He stopped after I started to choke from laughter. My giggles died down as I looked up at him. We watched each other for awhile before he ruffled my hair, "Scamp." Then, Kakashi got up from the bed, "Come on, kiddo. Time for dinner."

XXXXxxx

The next day, Kakashi said that the Hokage wanted to see us when we were having breakfast. So I got excited and tried to hurry him, much to his dismay. He wanted to take it slowly but I literally dragged him out of the door even though he hasn't wear his jacket right and his forehead protector was still in his hand. I locked the door and hid the key in a special spot in the door as he zipped up the jacket and mused, "Aren't you a bundle of energy today?"

I grinned at him as he began to put on his headband, "Are we going to visit the stone or the cemetery?" He hummed for a moment before replying, "Stone.", before setting off. Skipping, I followed closely behind.

It's a habit of his before he leaves to do anything. I never did knew why he had to visit the dead every time he steps out of the house and that always makes him late for things. He always talk to two people, Rin in the cemetery and Obito, who is on the stone. Kakashi said that they were his friends and that he needed to visit them.

Sometimes I talk to them too, adding some things about Kakashi and school. Especially when the senseis take us to the cemetery to clean the gravestones and replace the flowers, I make sure that I always do Rin's first. I especially like talking to Rin, for some reason.

When we got to the stone, I quickly sat in front of it and grinned, "Morning, Obito-san!" I heard Kakashi chuckled slightly and I turned my head to see him stand close to me, "Hey, Obito. I brought Mononoke here today." I smiled and told the stone, "You know, Kakashi is being a total klutz these days! He gets really tired and he keeps spilling the milk too!" Soon, both Kakashi and I began to tell Obito all about what's going on in the village.

Kakashi apologized to him again about how it's his fault and that he wished that Obito and Rin was here. Kakashi always say that. It doesn't matter if it's Obito or Rin, he'll always say that it's his fault. Then, he'll get sad and it makes me feel sad too. I got up when Kakashi fell silent and walked over to wrap my arms around his waist, like always. He strokes my head and we'll stand there for a while more before leaving.

I always wondered why he would apologize every time he sees them. If they were his friends, won't they forgive him by now? I asked Kakashi that before but he always says that it didn't feel enough. I didn't understand why but if it made him feel better...

Finally we reached the Hokage building.

An hour late.

A man came out from the building and grinned at us, "Late again, huh, Kakashi? Hokage-sama is waiting for you." Kakashi chuckled, "Well, we got lost on the path of life." The man just shook his head, "Careful your bad habit doesn't rub off on Mononoke. The kid's got a life ahead of her." But Kakashi just scratched the back of his head, "Of course, of course."

"Come in." I heard a voice said when Kakashi knocked on the Hokage's door. Kakashi sighed and opened the door, nudging me in first. The old man was sitting there, reading a few lines from a piece of paper before writing something on it and placed it on the stack of papers beside him. He looked up at us and nodded, "Ah, Kakashi. Mononoke. Glad you could make it."

"We got lost on the path of life." I grinned as I repeated Kakashi's dumb excuse. Both men looked stumped for a moment before the Hokage started laughing, "Oh, dear. Kakashi, I told you to take care of her, not make another Kakashi." Kakashi only sighed as he shook his head. I grinned at the Hokage as I clasp my hands behind my back, "So what's up, Sandaime?"

The old man sobered up when I asked and the look on his face made my skin crawl. Something's wrong. The Hokage sighed as he held his hands together and pressed them to his lips, "I've called the both of you here today because I need to discuss some matters with you."

We waited for him to continue as he watched me with a look that I didn't understand. Finally, he spoke up.

"It's time for you to change your guardian."

OHOHOHOHO. IT'S TIME. This chapter is kinda long. Longest I've ever written, tbh. BUT ANYWAYS. YES. MONONOKE WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO SOMEONE ELSE. WHO COULD IT BE? Oh, who am I kidding? You know who she's gonna be with. But I'm still open to new changes, people. Like I said before, Kiba and Gaara have a high chance of being Mono's love interest (Adds more drama, don't ya think?)

"Fact#3": Chouji nicknames Mononoke "Momo" (peach) and she calls him "Cho-chan." (I'm just kidding, that isn't an important fact. OR IS IT?)

Fact#3: Mononoke is death afraid of snails. And slugs. (Psst, she hates heat too.)