Musical Hands: chapter 12

Summary: Kakashi had been listening to an anonymous piano player for years till silence happened. After years of silence, his heart is picked up by the sound of music once more and goes looking with his comrades. Finding an-inner scarred beauty. Naruto has always hidden her real gender till one day she is no longer able to hide. A scarring incident stopping her from living her life…till she met Kakashi.

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Naruto woke up with a throbbing head as she sat up and blinked away the sun's light. Seeing a glass of water held in her face and looked up into the obsidian eyes of Itachi and took the water with thanks. Taking the water to her parched throat before asking. "How is Iruka-sensei?"

Itachi sat at the edge of the bed and caressed her cheek. She flinched before leaning into his touch. He had inwardly frowned at her actions. She wouldn't even look him in the eyes after she realised who he was. "His vitals are stable. He woke up about an hour ago to eat before exhaustion took over him again and is now sleeping. Though Jiraiya took him to the hospital to recover thoroughly." He saw the relief in her advoiding eyes and pulled his hand away. His eyes took in her weary appearance and informed her. "Jiraiya had to leave this morning to help Sasuke take down the zombie-duo of the Akatsuki. He should be back in a few days."

"And you? You're leaving." she whispered her statement with her eyes widening as his lips touched her forehead and looked up to him in shock. "Itachi?"

"You will be fine, Naruto. There are plenty supplies in the house for you and if you need anything then you have Jiraiya's permission to disguise yourself. Shikaku-sensei has placed your training on hold for the rest of the week and Hinata is out on a mission from the sources I have gathered. Stay within the grounds, Naruto. Even when you have tea with Danzo, stay within the lands. He and his men can't touch you here. They won't even be able to make it past the main gates unless you want them too. Otherwise, be wary of others that may just knock on that door."

"Do you have to go, Itachi?" Naruto whispered and covered herself up with the blankets as a source of warmth.

Itachi closed his eyes and nodded. "Unfortunately I do, Naruto. I will return in a few days." He opened his eyes in time to see Naruto lift her head to gaze at him. "About Kakashi…" Itachi sighed when Naruto slapped his face and went running out into the forest through the window. Seems Naruto was ready to speak about it. Itachi stood up and made Naruto's bed before pulling on his Akatsuki cloak. Dispersing in a flock of ravens. Knowing that Naruto would know he wouldn't chase after her and wouldn't be a home for her return.

Naruto ran through the forest bare footed as her pyjama shorts and singlet felt awfully restricting, yet she knew better to run about naked on Jiraiya's land. People still wandered into his lands without knowing and could pass by the seals since they were no threat. But once Naruto got her to sanctuary lands, she always placed up her own barrier so only she could enter and nobody else unless she physically brought them into her lands. Naruto stepped foot onto her lands and immediately placed up her own barrier as she greedily sucked in the air to her burning lungs as her eyes stung with guilt. Naruto stumbled her way towards her lake as her heart throbbed terribly. She collapsed beside a tree and took haggard breathes before nodding to herself that she was fine and stood up once again. Yet the tears pooled over her eyes and wished more than anything to be in the arms of her Jiji.

Picking herself up and getting her emotions under control, Naruto continued her way over to her lake. Only for her eyes to widen in horror as her knees grew weak and fell to the ground. Her quivering hands moving to her mouth as her eyes stung heavily at the sight before her.

Her sanctuary.

Her safe haven.

Her gift from the only man she loved more than her life.

Her oasis.

Her pillar.

…

It was gone. Destroyed.

Naruto released a choked sob as she saw the debris of her pier floating about in her large lake as her only piano was shattered beyond recognition. Getting up on her shaky legs, Naruto ran over to the lake and tried desperately to grab the floating wood as she choked on her tears. "No, no, no, no. This can't be happening. Jiji…Jiji it's gone, Jiji…what am I going to do Jiji…" Naruto babbled as she worked desperately to remove the wood and broken piano from the lake without the aid of her clones. Yet she couldn't pull everything out and sat on the shore overlooking her destroyed oasis. "Who would do this? Who would do such a thing?" she whispered sadly.

"Only a person who wanted to see you in pain, My Dearest Kit. You mustn't falter or show weakness now. Pull yourself together and get moving on your plan. A perfect yet tragic opportunity had opened itself to you. You must act now, My Kit and bear what is to come. For how long? Only the time of others can tell." Kyūbi offered his wise words.

Naruto knew Kyūbi was right. She had no time to be moping, despite her sanctuary being destroyed. She can and always will rebuild her safe haven. Though as Naruto went to stand her lips curled into a snarl when she smelt the flowers of a cherry blossom and wiped her head around to see a branch of said tree pinned to one of the trees by a kunai. Naruto's eyes flashed red for a spilt second and knew immediately who destroyed her home. "I can't believe the nerve of that thick-headed girl." She hissed and sent a small bolt of lightning over to the branch and set it to a crisp. "I'll teach that girl a lesson. She shouldn't mess with a woman more dominate than her in every aspect."

Kyūbi just sighed. His container was too stubborn just like her mother. "Just don't kill the Ningen. Destroy her pride, yes, you can do that. But no more. Not even placing her in the hospital. It will be too suspicious and Tsunade won't be able to help you if you take down a medical-nin as talented as that pink-haired…thing."

Naruto huffed and tied her hair up into a high ponytail. "Fine. But I better clean this mess up before the 'family' gets back and raises hell." About to enter the lake again but stopped when there was somebody knocking on her barrier. Naruto frowned and stretched her senses. There were four people with different chakra capacities. The one with the most chakra kept banging on her barrier. Naruto stopped what she was doing and turned to where the banging was coming from and went walking. Heading to the edge of her lands and was greeted with Maito Gai and his team. Yet, there was no youthful smile on Gai's face, but a serious and grim look. Naruto grew curious and stood before the green beast of Konoha. "Can I help you, Gai-san?" Last she saw him he'd almost gave her a heart attack when he grabbed her hands after playing the piano.

Gai was surprised the girl remembered his name after he had somewhat startled her. "Can my team and I come inside, Pianist-san?" he requested with a respectful bow. His team following suit. "I wish to speak to you on pressing matters concerning a comrade of my team."

Naruto felt uncomfortable being bowed to and bowed back awkwardly. "As you can see, I am not dressed for guests…" Yet the serious look in Gai's eyes made her rethink her reply. Gai was never this serious before. She held out her hands to the team. "Please take hold and I will invite you in and you may speak. Though I suggest you hurry before the ANBU scouting these lands spot you and your team, Gai-san."

Gai quickly grabbed the offered hand as he gestured for his team to do the same. Lee stepped forwards and introduced himself as he grabbed the blonde woman's hand. "I am Rock Lee."

Naruto just nodded as Tenten held Lee's hand. "I'm Tenten. Nice to meet you."

Naruto smiled a little and looked to the last member as he grabbed Gai and Tenten's hand. "Neji Hyuga." All he offered to her.

Naruto bowed and spread her chakra through them before pulling them through. "My name is Narumi Yuki from the Water Country. Please, follow me before the ANBU get closer and see you." she requested and led them towards her lake. She immediately heard Gai gasp in shock as the rest seemed confused. As to answer Gai's unspoken question, Naruto said. "People are not kind to foreigners, despite my living life in Konoha since birth. What a cruel world we live in." she muttered sadly and returned to pulling the floating wood out of the lake.

Gai followed after the blonde and halted her movements by gently grabbing her arms and pulled her back to shore. "You shouldn't do such a thing, Narumi-san. Such offenders to destroy such a peaceful and wondrous place should be taken into custody."

Narumi sighed. "You said you needed to speak to me, Gai-san."

Gai nodded and made a signal for his team to clean out the lake. They did so without complaint. "Yes, in fact, I believe you already know why I wish to speak to you."

Narumi's eyes softened and looked away from Gai. "It's about Kakashi, isn't it, Gai-san?"

"I'm afraid so." Gai replied. He glanced down to the young blonde and voiced. "I have noticed for a while now the change in Kakashi ever since we first walked onto your lands on that fateful night. He has become more open and social, though by a small margin. He is happier than I have ever seen before in my long years of being acquainted with him. Though only those close to Kakashi would know the difference. Yet the biggest change, for Kakashi, is that unyouthful orange book he reads has dwindled into nothing. Kakashi, when he met you, just uses the book to simply stare at and not engage in conversation with others. He no longer reads the material and actually listens to everybody now. I know this is because of you, Narumi-san. Even on his days off, Kakashi would usually train or stand before the memorial stone till the sun set, but not this time. You were dating my dear comrade, Kakashi." Gai stated rather than asked and saw her flinch at his statement. Gai released a gently sigh. "He needs to see you, Narumi-san. You are a very important person to Kakashi and right now, he needs to see you."

Narumi growled lightly and looked Gai in the eyes with slight anger and guilt. "I don't want to see Kakashi, Gai-san. He attacked and almost killed a precious person to me. Kakashi lost control and assumed the worst. I'm a faithful woman and would never look at another man the way I look at Kakashi. Never. I don't care if Kakashi was thinking rationally or was going on instinct, but what he did I will not tolerate. I have many male family members and male friends and I cannot have Kakashi going around sniffing them out to see if they are a threat to him or killing them via a misunderstanding. If a relationship is to work there must be trust. I trusted Kakashi completely when I went into a relationship with him and had faith that he wouldn't cheat on me with another woman on his recent mission. I expected him to do the same with me and have trust and faith in me." Narumi's eyes widen in shock when Gai went down on his hands and knees before her. "Gai-san…?" she questioned.

Gai looked up to her with plea in his eyes. "Please, Narumi-san, I know you are mad at Kakashi, but please, he is my best friend, so please, I am begging you, please, go and see Kakashi. I will take whatever punishment you see fit for my comrade on me or give you whatever you need for you to see Kakashi. I beg you, Narumi Yuki-san, please see Kakashi. I understand that Hatake men can be unreasonable, but you mean everything to Kakashi and by everything, I mean everything. I saw it in his eyes, Narumi-san you are more precious to him than his own life. Please, see him, Narumi-san. I beg you."

Narumi was startled by Gai's declaration and gazed to the lake where team Gai were working diligently, but she could tell they were anxiously awaiting her answer. She looked down to Gai and asked one question. "Who else wishes for me to speak to Kakashi apart from your team, Gai-san?"

Gai looked to her hopefully. "There is Kakashi's own team, Kurenai's team as you have met her and Asuma's team and him. There are many of us and a handful of Kakashi's close comrades."

Narumi closed her eyes and asked another question. "What had Kakashi done?"

"He was on a rampage in the Forest of Death till recently." He saw her curious gaze and extended. "It took me, Asuma, Kurenai and our teams to subdue Kakashi and knock him out to take home. He should be already be awake…I don't know what he'll do now that he is awake."

"Probably train his body to exercise his anger and guilt or sulk." Narumi whispered and walked away from Gai. "I'll go see him, Gai-san. Just be sure my lake is clean by the time I return and that nobody and I mean nobody knows that I am going to see Kakashi today, except your team. This goes for those pesky ANBU that have been following my under Danzo-sama's orders. I'm sure you know what to do." Disappearing into the forest to wash up and get changed. She and Kakashi hadn't officially broken up, so they were still technically together. Naruto sighed. She needed to get Kakashi into working order before he stressed out the entire population of Konoha.

Neji looked over to his sensei and voiced. "Are you sure she is the one, Gai-sensei? The woman suited to tame Kakashi-sensei's heart."

"I'm not too sure, Neji." Gai replied honestly as he watched Narumi disappear. At least he had a name to her face now. "She is too guarded and sharp to read. An unpredictable opponent that can prove to be fatal. There is no sure way what Narumi-san will do or say to Kakashi."

"Gai-sensei." Tenten called as her eyes drifted sadly at the shattered piano. "Who would do such a thing to a wonderful setting? You can tell this place meant a lot to her. Her eyes were puffy when she greeted us."

"Indeed, this place is." Gai answered. "These lands were given to her by the Sandaime Hokage himself and he was the one who built the wondrous pier that once stood on this lake with a black Grand piano right at the edge under a pavilion. The Team Leaders and I visited this very spot under the full moon while Narumi was playing. In all my years, I have never seen something so magical when she played. It was as if she came right out thin air…a hidden gem of sorts that the Sandaime kept buried deep within Konoha for nobody to see, but only feel."

"The Sandaime must've cared deeply for Narumi-san to create such a place for her." Tenten whispered. "But to have it ripped away so suddenly…"

"People are envious people by nature." Neji muttered. "Jealousy is also an ugly mask to wear. Whoever did this wanted to make a statement to Narumi-san. As she said before, she is not welcomed by some people of this village…I can only feel that this has to do with Kakashi-sensei…I don't know why, but this is just a feeling…"

Lee picked up the lid of the piano and hefted it ashore. "Kakashi-sensei has a fan base I have heard Ino-san speak about with Sakura-san. They are just as scary as Sasuke-san's when he was in the village. Haters sure are an unyouthful bunch. To treat such a lady like this is unforgiveable."

Team Gai stopped talking when Narumi returned. She was washed with her hair falling to the middle of her back in golden waves as her bangs framed her small tanned face. She was wearing a long-sleeved black blouse, the first two buttons undone, with white shorts that touched her knees and tennis shoes. Her outfit was simple, yet she looked so elegant. How on earth Kakashi managed to date such a woman was beyond Team Gai.

Narumi saw that most of her lake was cleaned and bowed towards the two chunin and jonin. "I extend my thanks, Lee-san, Tenten-san and Neji-san. I would have taken me a week to clean my lake." She faced Gai and nodded. "Please keep the ANBU away from me, Gai-san. The last thing Konoha needs is Kakashi killing the ANBU that Danzo-sama has sent to watch over me. I can sneak out of my lands with ease and they still think I am at home eating breakfast via clone. Though I cannot just depend on my clone."

Gai nodded. "Very well."

Narumi took one last look to her lake with a heavy sighed and rubbed her throbbing temple before turning her back on the carnage. She would deal with Sakura at a later date. "Please excuse me, Team Gai." She muttered and melted into the shadows with ease. Knowing full well that Gai and his team would keep the ANBU Danzo placed on her at a distance. Narumi didn't fool around and take the long way to Kakashi's place. She just wanted to get this talk over and done with before something big happened. It took Narumi at least 5 minutes to get to Kakashi's place, but didn't go to his door. Sakura was there banging relentlessly for Kakashi to open up. Narumi bit back her snarl and landed by Kakashi's window that led to his bedroom. Looking into the apartment, Narumi saw Kakashi's bare back to her as his head was hung into his hands. She gulped nervously and brought her knuckles to her window and lightly knocked. He didn't answer her and released her chakra a bit and knocked again. She saw him twitch and released more of her chakra and knocked once more and spoke. "Kakashi, open up."

Immediately, Kakashi was at the window that Narumi was startled at his speed and almost fell backwards if Kakashi hadn't opened his window and wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her inside. Kakashi quickly locked his window and pulled Narumi to his body and took in her scent.

Narumi overcame her shock and tried to pull away, but Kakashi was holding onto her tightly. "Kakashi…let go…we need to talk…"

"I'm so sorry, Narumi…I'm sorry… for everything." Kakashi muttered dryly into her soft tresses and filled his body with her scent. He pulled back and saw her face with everything within him calming down in an instant. As if the fire suddenly disappeared. Kakashi quickly leaned down and claimed her lips in a sloppy and rushed kiss with his mask in the way.

Narumi stiffened at the sudden feeling of Kakashi's masked lips on her own and growled. Pulling her head back. "Stop it, Kakashi!" shoving him away from her and was about to chew Kakashi into the next decade when the constant banging was giving her throbbing head more irritation. Muttering under her breathe, Narumi went through a few handsigns and placed up a privacy barrier around the apartment with the outside world going silent. She sighed in relief and pinched the bridge of her nose. Though when she heard Kakashi move, she held out a hands to stop him from touching her. Yet his bare and very muscular chest hit her hand and gulped. "Kakashi, please stop and let me talk."

Kakashi wanted to touch her. To taste her. To hold her…but he held back and nodded. "Narumi…I didn't…I didn't mean to hurt you yesterday like I did…" Kakashi finally felt his aching muscles after his recent rampage. "I…I lost control…got jealous…I couldn't hold back when I saw you with another man. I ached and burned when…when I saw you yesterday with…with another man that I just saw red. My mission…I became frustrated and was at an all-time low with my temper and patience that I hurt you in the process…" he placed his hands over hers on his chest and guided it towards his heart as his eyes never left hers. She hadn't looked him in the eyes willingly yet. "Please, Narumi…I want to make it up to you…I'll do anything…please…"

Narumi pulled her hands back and folded her arms with a sigh. "Gai-san and his team came to find me after several of your comrades had to come together to knock you out unless you went rampant elsewhere. I'm mad at you Kakashi…" she whispered bitterly as she closed her eyes.

Kakashi's heart clenched.

Narumi took in a deep breathe. "I'm also disappointed. I understand that you have that dormant wolfish side of you due to your Hatake genes, but what you did yesterday made me revaluate everything I have been doing up till now." She placed her hands over her face and took a haggard breathe. "Oh my kami, Kakashi. What am I going to do? Ever since you've come into my life, it had been both a blessing and a curse. Honestly, I'm glad I got to meet you and see this side of you that you have only shown to me…but at the same time I didn't want to feel any of this."

"Narumi…" Kakashi whispered and went out to touch her.

"No, don't touch me, Kakashi. Because if you do, I won't be able to say my piece and you really need to hear what I say before I make the biggest mistake ever. Just…don't touch me right now." Narumi gazed up to Kakashi finally and resisted the urge to flinch when she saw his pitiful and hurt-filled eyes. She took a step back till the back of her knees hit the bed and sat down. She never broke eye contact. "When we officially met, we both knew I was damaged and was slowly healing and you've helped me with that…yet because of you, I've also suffered at the hands of your fangirls. I won't give names, but the mark I got on my middle that I refused you to heal was from then. We were just friends then…you were my second friend after Hinata-chan and I was so happy to have a friend that didn't pity me for what happened or got close to me because of my looks. I was happy. Kakashi…we grew close at the wrong time. Perhaps not for you, but for me the timing was all off. I was damaged, adjusting to my new life and trying to plan my existence. You staked your claims on me and I adjusted for you, yet you still couldn't adjust for me. I have and always will have males around me, Kakashi. It makes me wonder what you will do if I hugged an old friend of mine that you haven't met before. Would you kill him? Try and hide me?"

Kakashi flinched at her words knowing she was right. Though his fandom was crazy, he never expected them to find out about Narumi so fast, even though they weren't dating at the time. He knelt before Narumi and took her hands in his. Ignoring how she tensed at his touch and rubbed soothing circles with his thumbs on her wrists. "Narumi, there is nothing I can say that can assure you that this won't happen again." He looked up into her eyes and said. "I care about you, Narumi. More than I think you'll ever know."

"More than your life…" she whispered. "Gai said the same thing."

"You know that I would never intend to hurt you the way I did. I reacted on instinct and irritation. Usually, I wouldn't have hurt Iruka like that, but you are different from everybody I am acquainted with, Narumi. Even if our time is short, I feel it deep within me…you are my most precious person in Konoha…in the Land of Fire…in the Elemental Nations. You are everything to me, Narumi."

"You don't know me, Kakashi." Narumi replied sadly with a hint of bitterness. "You can't say something so touching when you don't really know me. Kakashi…you've made me a happy young woman, but I have been thinking and with what happened last night and what has happened this morning in my Sanctuary…I've come to realise something important…" she closed her eyes.

Kakashi looked up to her pleadingly. "What? What is it, Narumi? My Lunar."

Narumi opened her eyes slowly filled with conviction. "I'm tired, Kakashi. Mentally, physically and somewhat emotionally. Being like this right now is not good for my health and state of mind. If we were friends for a few more months and I understood what I really wanted, I would be more than happy to welcome you into my arms…"

Kakashi's eyes widen. "No…"

Narumi knew this was for the best. He needed to be safe for her plan to work. "Kakashi, I can't do this anymore. The sneaking around…that possessive nature you have, I'm not ready for that. Not now. A relationship of such an intimate level is not what I can handle right now." She pulled her hands out of his and stood up.

Kakashi stood up too and shook his head. "You don't mean it, My Lunar. I do know you and I know you don't mean what you are saying. Don't lie to me! I love you!" he confessed and placed a hand over his heart when he saw her eyes widen. "I fuckin' love you so much that I'm terrified of what may happen yet excited whenever I see you. I love you, Narumi Yuki and I know for certain that what you just said is all bullshit. You're running away…you're running from me…from us…why you would lie to me like this?" he whispered gently in question.

Narumi shook her head and walked backwards towards the window. "You're lying to yourself, Kakashi. You don't love me and shouldn't say words that are all but lies. I just came to say goodbye and wish for you to take care of yourself so you don't stress your comrades out. They are nice people. They seeked me out for you and got on their knees to beg me to come and see you. But, I'm sorry, Kakashi. I really can't do this anymore. I'm incredibly tired and I can't handle what's being tossed at me right now."

Kakashi reached for Narumi, but she only pulled away. "You're lying. I can sense it. I know you care about me, My Lunar."

"I'M NOT LYING!" Narumi snapped as tears stung her eyes. "Why won't you listen to me?! Damnit! I don't want this! I don't want to be in a relationship with you, Kakashi! I don't want or need your love! I don't care anymore so just leave me alone and forget that I ever meant anything to you! I warned you several times that I can break your heart and I'm sorry for doing it like such a bitch, but I don't want you, Kakashi."

Kakashi tossed a fist into the wall and yelled at the stubborn blonde. "Forget you, you say! What makes you think I can easily forget you, Narumi Yuki?! It's not easy when the memories of us together are stuck on reply in my head whenever you're not around! Your smile! Your eyes! How happy you made me! Our time may be short, but, those were some of the best memories and I will never be able to erase them! I confess my love to you, place my pride down and whimpered to you like a kicked puppy and give you my heart, Narumi! I love you!"

"STOP IT!" Narumi screamed. "I don't want you, Kakashi! I don't!" disappearing in a swirl of winds and used several shunshin till she made it to the Hokage's office.

Tsunade was startled by Naruto's sudden appearance but quickly made work of gaining them some privacy before pulling the girl into a soothing hug and whispered sweet nothings. "It is okay, my baby. I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you. Always and forever."