Bodyguard

Itachi and Ayako walked cautiously towards the Hokage's office. It had only been twenty minutes since Ayako woke up being summoned to Tsunade's office along with her father. Neither one was about to make guesses as to why they were summoned but Itachi commended Ayako for her work on her last mission.

She fidgeted, uncomfortable with the sudden attention.

"Don't worry, everything will be fine. She's not going to assign you another mission; it's your time off after all." Itachi said as they walked into the Hokage tower.

"It's not that otousan it's just the attention…I'm not used to it." She replied with a small smile. Itachi new what she meant. He had raised her to look at every possible angle from a distance, and knew that she, like him self, saw attention as a burden; especially when it came to people outside of their family. Ayako took his hand in hers in the smallest display of affection. He squeezed the small hand that held his own then they separated. Nothing further was necessary for them. Actions speak louder than words, or so they say.

~xxx~

Ken, Haruka and Hideki sat before Tsunade, waiting patiently for the guest of honor to arrive. It was getting late but the noble family had insisted on meeting the girl who helped them, face to face. Normally, the Hokage wouldn't allow anyone knowledge of her ANBU (it's a law actually) but since the noble family requested a meeting with Ayako, Tsunade saw no harm.

"Could you tell us a little more about her?" Haruka asked her petite form sitting as straight as can be in her chair. Tsunade nodded at her request.

"Ayako comes form one of Konoha's most prestigious clans. She's a 17-year-old ANBU and has been trained as a medic- as you well know." She replied the last part of her statement was directed toward Hideki who sat passively in her corner. "Ah, they're here." Tsunade chimed. There was a sharp knock on the door much to the noble family's surprise.

The office door swung open and in walked Itachi and Ayako, tall and proud in their clan kimonos. It wasn't hard to see that they were related; both had long raven hair tied back in a pony tail, charcoal eyes peered sharply as if sizing up an enemy. Ayako stood just a few inches shorter than Itachi and his 5'11" stature.

Hideki inhaled sharply. He hadn't expected her to be so…beautiful. His azure eyes roamed over her figure and from what he could see, she was the most gorgeous creature he had ever laid his eyes on. Milky skin stood in contrast to the dark blue kimono, white obi sitting perfectly on her flat stomach, small hands at her sides. What really made her stand out were her eyes, like black marbles, deep in color and rich in emotion. She had a curious look on her face as her eyes scanned the room. Their eyes met for a brief second. But she turned her eyes away and focused on Tsunade.

Clan leader and heiress bowed low to the blonde Hokage. Tsunade had a sly smile on her face as she eyed the dark-haired girl before her. It was rather amusing to see Ayako so flustered and confused. Obviously, the girl had no idea what she was in for and Tsunade only hoped Ayako would agree.

"Let's get down to business. I have summoned you here to discuss a proposition for you Ayako-san." The busty blonde spoke in a professional manner, her stern eyes gave nothing away. "Fujimura-sama has requested that you take on the role as their personal bodyguard and escort during their stay here in Konoha. I have no problem with the request but I felt it necessary to ask if you would take the position." Tsunade said as she placed her elbows on her desk and rested her chin on her laced fingers. "You've done a fantastic job so far, without being asked, and I believe you will continue to do so. So…will you or won't you take this position?"

Ayako was floored. Was she really asking her to do what she thought she was? Ayako chanced a glance at her father who gave her a tiny nod.

'Father thinks I should. No doubt mother would say the same…and the clan would benefit greatly as would the village. What about my missions and the team? Should I really do this? Yes, yes I should. There's no point in turning her down…besides, they're nice people, especially Haruka-sama.' After the mental pep talk, Ayako made up her mind…it was her decision to make and hers alone. "It would be an honor Hokage-sama." She finally answered with a low bow.

"Very well," Tsunade said, leaning back in her chair. "Treat this as you would any other mission: their safety is top priority. Starting tomorrow, you will escort Haruka-sama and Hideki-sama wherever they wish to go and return them to the Kage suite. They will be guarded by ANBU at night." And that was it. After a brief talk with the noble family, Itachi and Ayako left the tower and went home.

~xxx~

"Aneki, what did the Hokage say?" Shiro asked as his father and elder sister walked into the kitchen.

"Your sister will be the bodyguard and escort for the noble family during the duration of their stay." Itachi answered as he sat down at the table.

"That's wonderful news." Sakura said placing a kettle of water on the stove. "But why were you chosen?"

"Daimyo-sama requested me." Ayako answered as she took her place at the table.

"So, you have to babysit the noble family?" Shiro questioned with a cocked eyebrow. Ayako heaved a sigh.

"No, babysitting implies you, brat." She answered turning her head to her brother. He glared at her. "Isn't it passed your bedtime?"

Shiro laughed nervously. "Yeah, but I wanted to say 'good night' to you and dad." He said then got up from his chair and walked over to her. Ayako turned to face him and pulled him into a hug.

"Good night otouto." She said as she hugged him a little tighter. Ayako let him go and nudged him toward Itachi. Shiro then scurried over to Itachi and gave him a quick hug before briskly walking to his room. "You know, he's pretty affectionate…for an 11-year-old." Ayako commented, tilting her head to the side.

"You were the same way at his age." Sakura said walking over to the table with fresh tea.

"Aa," Itachi agreed as he sipped the jasmine scented brew.

"So…tell me more about your new position." Sakura wanted desperately to know what new and exciting things her children were involved in, and it didn't help that her curious nature sometimes got the best of her.

"As father said, I will be their official bodyguard and escort during their stay in Konoha. If all goes well, the position will become permanent unless Daimyo-sama says otherwise." Ayako replied as she set her cup down.

"That's a pretty important task you have there, Yak-chan." Sakura said. Suddenly, Ayako burst into laughter, small tears rolled down her cheeks as she held her gut. "What's so funny?"

"You just reminded me of the nickname Haruka-sama called Hideki-sama by." Ayako managed through her bout of laughter.

"I want to know!" Sakura pouted with a little lip quiver. Ayako collected herself moments later and looked to her mother.

"Sorry mother, I promised I wouldn't tell." A small smile graced her lips. Sakura and Haruka; the two women were so a like, it was almost scary. They were kind and caring women, but Sakura had a bit of a mean streak, and that was perfectly fine with Ayako. She was half tempted to think her mother was too kind had it not been for her hot temper and incredible strength.

"Ayako, you are aware of the political ties that go along with this mission?" Itachi suddenly asked. Ayako turned her attention to her father and nodded.

"Strengthening the ties between the village and the Daimyo is essential to the survival of both. The clan could also benefit from such ties, and in the best interest of all parties involved; I will do my duty and protect the noble family." She replied as she held up her hands as if to defend herself.

A small smile found its way to Itachi's lips.

"I expect nothing less." He said after a slight pause.

"Well, I'm off to bed. I have an early start tomorrow." Ayako said standing from her seat and moving around the table. "Good night otousan." She kissed Itachi's cheek and moved over to Sakura. "Good night okaasan." Ayako kissed her mother's cheek and hugged her before exiting the kitchen.

"Good night angel." Itachi called after her as she turned the corner.

~xxx~

"Good morning Ino-obasan." Ayako chimed when she stepped into the Yamanaka flower shop.

"Good morning Aya-chan. What can I do for you today?" Ino asked when her best friend's daughter walked up to the counter. "It's a rare treat to see you here, what's the occasion? Do you need another apology bouquet?"

Ayako held up her hands. "I don't think Hyuuga-sama like flowers. But I do need a dozen of your best."

"Poor Riku, I thought for sure he was a keeper." Ino said with a shrug. "Your father is a bit overprotective and Neji has always been a stick in the mud…but that can't be helped. I still can't figure out what Tenten sees in him. Oh well. So, why do you need flowers if their not for an apology?"

"A gift for an important guest," Ayako answered with a smile. Ino's eyes lit up.

"Oh, well now…is this guest male or female?" she grinned as she walked around the counter and started picking flowers.

"It's the noble family actually; I just wanted to get Haruka-sama some flowers." Ino stopped picking flowers and turned to Ayako.

"Then that was your team who escorted them into the village?" she asked with a warm smile. "Your mom told me what you did and how proud she is of you." Ayako blushed and turned her head.

"You flatter me Ino-obasan."

"There's no need to be modest, you did a great thing and the village will be stronger because of it. The village is indebted to you; strengthening our ties with the Daimyo will give us more business and trust in the noble family." Ino said stepping closer to the teenager. "I know you've made your clan proud…your father most of all." She placed a reassuring hand on Ayako's shoulder.

Ayako smiled and nodded her thanks.

"So, tell me about Hideki-sama…other than the fact that he has the most gorgeous blue eyes I've ever seen."

~xxx~

Ayako was still flustered from the third degree she received from Ino when she strolled up to the Kage suite with a beautiful bouquet (free of charge for an exchange of information) in hand. She often wondered why Ino was the way she was but decided that she wouldn't have it any other way. Ino made her feel like a normal teenager and not the heiress to the most respected clan in the village; gossiping, chatting about clothes and boys, made Ayako happy…especially when her mother was thrown into the mix. All three women bonded closer together that way.

She let out a soft sigh as she approached the large oak doors, nodding to the two ANBU guards as she raised a hand to knock. All apprehension left her body as her knuckles made contact with the door. Soft footsteps padded on the other side. The knob turned and the door sung open to reveal Ken standing tall and proud before her. Ayako bowed politely to him as she stepped aside to let her in.

"Dear, who's at the door?" Haruka called from the den. She stepped into the hallway and spotted Ayako immediately.

"I brought a gift." Ayako said with a bow as Haruka walked towards her.

"Arigato, Ayako-chan, they're beautiful." Haruka gushed as she took the flowers and smiled. "Oh, where are my manners? Please come in and have a seat. Deki-chan should be ready soon."

As if on cue, Hideki stepped out of the kitchen and glared at his mother. "Could you please not call me that?" he sighed. Ayako fought hard to hide her laughter as they walked into the den and sat down.

"So, do you have any idea where we going today?" Haruka asked standing and walking into the kitchen to put the flowers into a vase. Ayako reached into her pocket and pulled out a map of Konoha. Haruka returned just moments later and looked over Ayako's shoulder at the map. "Oh dear, Konoha is rather large." She spoke in a bewildered tone.

"I've sectioned the village off so you and pick which one you would like to explore. We have all week to do so." Ayako said turning her head to look at Haruka.

"What's this one outlined in red?" Hideki asked staring at the huge section with a red mark around it. Ayako turned back to the map and smile.

"That's the Uchiha compound, where I live." She answered and looked up at their shocked faces.

"You walked all the way here from the other side of the village?" Ken asked as he sat back in his seat on the sofa.

"Of course," she answered. "It's not as bad as you think." The noble family continues to stare, clearly in awe.

Haruka was the first to speak. "Well, I guess we can go to this blue section here." She said pointing to a section just to the left of the Hokage's tower. Ayako nodded the stood.

"There's a tea shop in that section that I think you'll like. It's a small café and they serve lunch." She said as a servant walked in.

"Shall I prepare an extra seat?" the young girl asked. Haruka looked at Ayako expectantly. Smiling from ear to ear, Ayako nodded and the servant walked back into the kitchen.

Breakfast was served not ten minutes later. Ayako was surprised to find just how healthy the noble family ate. Fresh fruit, whole grains and milk. Ken had a cup of coffee as did Ayako as they ate and chatted for about half an hour. Once they had finished, the group walked to Tsunade's office to drop Ken off then the trio started their exploration of the blue section.

~xxx~

"Wow, I must say that your village is amazing." Hideki said looking around.

"Thank you, but all praises should go to the Hokage and our shinobi; without them, our village would be vulnerable." Ayako smiled as they walked down the street.

"You're a shinobi too, Ayako-chan." Haruka said waving a finger at her. She nodded in response.

"You're very modest for a shinobi." Hideki smiled. Ayako nodded and turned to face him.

"That's how I was raised." She defended.

"Your parents must be very proud of you." Haruka commented as they continued walking.

Ayako grinned ear to ear. "I know they are they tell me so every day."

"Yo," an unexpected voice greeted as the trio rounded the corner.

"Good morning Kakashi-sensei." Ayako greeted cheerfully. Kakashi had been her sensei when Ayako was a genin and had trained her team until they all became jonin.

"You know, you don't have to call me that anymore. I've retired since you and your team passed your jonin exams." The perverted former ninja said as he looked up from the latest edition of Icha Icha Tactics.

"Old habits die hard." She responded with a bright smile. Kakashi was suddenly reminded of Sakura and easily saw the resemblance between mother and daughter. On that note, Kakashi noticed the two people walking with Ayako and nodded his head towards her companions. "Oh! Pardon my manners. This is Haruka-sama and Hideki-sama, the noble family."

Kakashi closed his book and bowed to them.

"This is Hatake Kakashi, my former sensei." Ayako introduced as he shook hands with Hideki and kissed Haruka's hand with covered lips. Yes, old habits do die hard; Kakashi still wore that blasted mask.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Hatake-san." Haruka said with a warm smile.

"The pleasure is mine, Haruka-sama." Kakashi grinned under his mask. Haruka almost squealed in delight as they chatted about the village. "Would you like to join us for tea Kakashi-san?" she asked walking down the road arm-and-arm with the former jonin.

"I would be delighted." He answered with a smile and eye crinkle. Hideki could only stare at his mother. He had never seen her react that way toward a man…other than his father of course.

"Does he always make the ladies swoon like that?" he asked Ayako who was staring as well. With a tight nod Ayako sighed.

"I think it's the mask…it must have some sort of mystic power over women who don't know him personally." She replied in a dry tone. "It's either that or it's the magic of Icha Icha."

"Yuck…he reads that smut?" Hideki scrunched his face as he turned his nose upwards.

"It's his only flaw…and I wouldn't have it any other way." Ayako said as they walked a good ten feet behind the chatting pair. "Ojiisan has his quirks."

Hideki stopped walking.

"He's your grandfather?" he practically yelled. Ayako nodded once again.

"My mother's parents were killed when she was fourteen; ojiisan adopted her so she wouldn't be all alone." Her eyes grew distant for a moment. "I never got the chance to meet them. I was born six years later."

"I'm sorry…I didn't mean to…" Hideki trailed off. Now he felt like an idiot; all he needed now was for Ayako to start crying to complete his self loathing.

"Don't worry about it. Everyone experiences some sort of loss in their lives; you just have to cope and move forward in their memory." She said and started walking again. Now he was truly amazed. Hideki had this picture in his mind that Ayako was some hardcore work buff that never felt any sort of pain. But he had been proven wrong… twice! (First was when he saw her in Tsunade's office and the second was just now.)

"Deki-chan, are you coming?" Haruka questioned as the trio waited for him to catch up. Shaking his head lightly, Hideki then nodded and jogged towards them.

"Which tea house are we going to Aya-chan?" Kakashi asked once they started walking again.

"Your favorite, Raito's"

~xxx~

The week went by rather quickly for the trio who ended up meeting Kakashi for tea every day…and surprisingly enough, he was on time every day. Guess civilian life can really change someone.

The noble family had everything packed for their trip home but Haruka didn't want to leave. Secretly, Hideki felt the same way.

"I liked having Aya-chan escort us around the village, and tea with Kakashi-san was a lot of fun. Can't we stay a little longer?" she pleaded with her husband. Ken, who had heard their stories about their time in the village, was a little put off by her whining.

"Come dear, you've been having fun all week while I've been in meetings during our stay. I would like to go home." He said as he ushered her to the door, Hideki following close behind. "We'll be back in three weeks and you can run around with Ayako then."

"Your mother will be in that week, I won't be able to accompany you then." She sighed as they stepped out into the hall. Ken had forgotten about that…and was glad he wouldn't be home for it. But there was no way he was going to tell his wife that.

"Don't worry mother, you'll still have Aki with you. Otouto will keep you company." Hideki said straight-faced while he grinned on the inside.

"Oh you two are no fun!" she huffed.

"That's what my mother says about me and my father." Ayako said from the door. She had just arrived and caught the tail end of the conversation. Hideki blinked. Standing next to Ayako were two younger boys. One was about eleven and the other five or six years old and they looked just like her. "My brothers and I have come to see you off."

"Wow, they look like their father." Ken said as he stepped forward and looked the boys over.

"Hello, my name is Uchiha Shiro and this is my otouto, Akito." The older, raven haired boy said with a bow.

"My, so well mannered," Haruka said as she walked up to them.

"Actually, they're still working on that." Ayako said with a grin as Shiro scowled up at her.

"You are so not funny." He growled under his breath.

"You're very pretty." Akito said to Haruka who adored him already.

"Careful there champ, she's taken." Ken said jokingly. He patted both boys on the head and turned to his wife. "Well, we should get going then." Then they were off, heading toward the carriage at the village gates.

"We'll see you next month. Unfortunately, Haruka will not be coming next time." Ken said to Tsunade who waited by the carriage.

"That is unfortunate, at least we'll have the honor for your return as well as Hideki-sama." She said as they shook hands.

Haruka was already in the carriage, waiting for her son and husband, when a small head appeared in the window.

"Aneki wanted me to give you this so you won't forget about Konoha while you're gone." Akito said as he handed her a box. Haruka smiled at him and opened the box to find it stuffed with tea.

"It's the same tea you had at Raito's. Since you liked it so much, I figured you'd like to have some at home." Ayako said picking up her younger brother in both arms.

"That's so thoughtful of you. Thank you Aya-chan." Haruka said with a big grin. Hideki had finally joined his mother at that point and smiled at the pair through the window.

"I'll see you next time Ayako. Bye Akito-kun, maybe we'll see each other next month too." He said with a small wave to Akito. The little boy smiled and waved back.

"Are you aneki's boyfriend?" he asked out of the blue. Blushing madly, Ayako buried her face in Akito's shirt.

"Not that kind of boyfriend, otouto." Haruka and Hideki were laughing at her embarrassment.

"No, Akito-kun, we're just friends." Hideki said then Ken sat down in the carriage.

"Until next time." He said to Ayako. She bowed in return and smiled.

"As you wish Daimyo-sama," the carriage took off after that.

"Congratulations Ayako, you are officially their bodyguard." Tsunade said as her hand clapped over Ayako's shoulder.

A/N: Wahoo! There's chapter three. Let me know what you think, k?