Chapter 40

She couldn't stop him. Even though she confronted him and even told him how she felt, he left anyway. Sauka sighed and rested her head back against the tree, peering up into the bright blue sky as she thought back to that night.

How she had pleaded with Sasuke to stay in the village. How she understood that no one could replace the people he lost but he had them now. He had her, Naruto, Kakashi Sensei and even Keiko Sensei. There was no reason for him to be alone anymore and he just had to let them in. But, he had refused. Sasuke didn't listen to a word she said and only brushed her off. It wasn't until she threatened to force him to stay that he did what he did.

He thanked her and left her on that bench.

She thought that they had grown at least a little closer. That Sasuke valued the time they spent together. But, now, that all felt like a pipe dream. Sasuke was gone, and she had to come to terms with it. Naruto couldn't bring him back, even with the help of all the others. She had to forget about him. Move on. If Sasuke wanted to throw them all away like they were nothing then maybe she should do the same.

But, she couldn't. Her heart wouldn't let her.

"Hey! Sakura!"

She turned to the side and saw Kiba walking toward her. He waved happily with one hand while the other held a bag at his side. Sakura offered a small smile, "Hi Kiba, how are you feeling?"

He stopped a few feet away from her and massaged his shoulder, "Oh, you know, I took a bit of a beating but nothing I can't handle." Truthfully, his sister would be furious with him for being out of bed, but he couldn't stand doing nothing for another day. So, he went out to get Akamaru some of his favorite treats. It wasn't often that he went anywhere without his little furry companion but Akamaru needed the rest.

Sakura pushed herself off the tree, a soft and apologetic smile on her face. "I'm glad you all came back in one piece."

His smile faded and he looked off to the side, "Well, not all of us came back, and if not for the Hokage we would have lost even more of us." Kiba instantly regretted his choice in words as Sakura's smile fell and she looked down toward her feet. He laughed awkwardly, "Hey, don't be like that, come on. You shoulda heard Naruto in the hospital, he's still determined. No matter what."

Kiba had been there when Sakura wanted to come with them. She nearly begged Naruto and Shikamaru to let her go but they both refused. Shikamaru knew that her emotions would only get in the way and jeopardize the mission, while Naruto had his own reasons. Instead, Naruto promised her that he would bring him back. Even after the mission failed it was still a promise.

"I keep wondering what would have happened if I had gone with you guys." Would she have gotten in the way? Would she have been able to do anything to help them? Instead, she was just waiting for them to get back, wallowing in self pity.

She could do better than that.

Kiba put his hand on her shoulder, "Don't be so hard on yourself. Sasuke didn't listen to you or Naruto, there probably wasn't much any of us could do."

Sauka sighed, "You're probably right."

He frowned a little. It wasn't right seeing her so down. The Sakura he knew was hot-headed and stubborn but knew when to be gentle. Now she was all moping and depressed, it wasn't right. He scoffed, "Man, you're really bringing me down. Shino came back from his mission yesterday, maybe his bugs will cheer you up?" While Sakura had no issues with Shino, especially after training with him, his bugs were a different story. She would freak out whenever one landed on her.

She flinched. Her eyes rose to meet him and there was a fire there. A silent threat, "Just try it."

He laughed, "There's the Sakura I know." Kiba reached out and grabbed her hand, gently pulling her along. "C'mon, there were a few other things I wanted to get. You can tag along." He offered her a large grin but turned before his blush could reach his cheeks.

Back in the academy, he couldn't stand her. She started out so quiet and shy, and then she turned into a massive know-it-all and that soured his taste even more. Just a boy crazy wannabe who was full of herself. That's all she had been. But, then she started training with them. He didn't see that same girl anymore. Kiba had seen how fierce she could be. How her stubborn determination helped her grow and despite all of that she genuinely cared for those around her.

She started to grow on him. While Hinata was like a sister to him, Sakura was something else. He couldn't put his finger on it but what it was didn't matter. All he knew was that he hated seeing her so depressed.

Sakura blinked dumbly when Kiba openly grasped her hand and pulled her along with him. After a moment, she understood. She did need to cheer up. Focus on something else.

A small smile graced her lips and she looked up at Kiba. He faced away from her so he missed the appreciation in her gaze. "Thanks, Kiba."

~0~

"You're really that tired, huh?"

Iruka did his best to stifle his yawn before rubbing the tears from his eyes. "Well, we did have a late night, Remi." He looked over at the shorter woman and smiled. She had helped him the night before to finish paperwork as well as grade some tests. To repay her, he was helping her run some errands. He only wished that they had not needed to stay up until nearly three in the morning to finish the work.

Remi beamed up at him as they walked down the street in the early afternoon sun. "Oh, it's not that bad." She brushed her hair back behind her ear, revealing a single dangling red earring that was the symbol of her clan. "I'm sure you slept like a little baby."

"Well, that's besides the point." Iruka laughed. "I'm just relieved to have part of the day off. Konohamaru takes right after Naruto and keeps me on my toes for sure."

Remi nodded in understanding, "So, the Third's grandson can be a little hellion?"

"More or less." Iruka sighed, his expression growing pained. "He's acting out more than he used to. He's taking Lord Hokage's passing harder than he wants to admit."

"Who can blame him?" Remi said somberly. "I mean, isn't his only living family now Asuma?"

Iruka nodded. "Yeah, and Asuma isn't exactly the warmest person..." He didn't know Asuma very well personally. Keiko knew him much better than he did, and from what she had told him Asuma was pretty reserved. He was similar to Kakashi in how he kept his emotions to himself. Though, he was more approachable to the average person than the legendary Copy Ninja.

Konohamaru had been very small when his parents passed away. Both powerful Shinobi in their own right. It was still up to debate if they had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time, or if there was more to it. Iruka could still vaguely remember the day their deaths were announced. Konohamaru had only been three years old.

"Well," Remi began boldly and Iruka looked over at her in surprise at her intensity, "it's a good thing he has you as his teacher, huh?"

"Huh?" Iruka questioned, feeling a blush rise to his cheeks.

"He's got an incredibly caring and understanding teacher." She said openly and honestly, oblivious to how Iruka's blush turned crimson at her honest assessment of his character. Her own cheeks dusted from her words. Sometimes her mouth got ahead of her.

Iruka turned his head to the side, scratching the bridge of his nose as he coughed, "Oh, yeah. So... You said we were grabbing stuff for your cousin?"

She nodded as they came upon a small shop that featured a large assortment of animal supplies, "Well, technically she's not my cousin, but I treat her like one. Hana's one of the best veterinarians at the clan clinic and even though she's younger than I am I have a lot to learn."

The two of them walked around the small shop, Iruka holding a basket as Remi gathered everything she needed. "You mentioned you help out at the clinic during your down time, right?"

Remi smiled a little, "I try to."

Iruka tilted his head to the side, curious, "Try to?"

She sighed, a bittersweet smile forming on her lips, "I'm actually not the best with animals… At least not according to my Clan."

"But, you love animals." He had seen her hide a bird under her desk all day after it had flown into the window. He thought for sure that it was going to die. The sound it made upon impact was enough to make him think that the bird had cracked it's own skull open. Most people would have left the bird to its fate but she had taken care of it all day instead.

"I do." She agreed as she read over a can to ensure it was what she needed. Letting it fall into the basket she shrugged nervously, obviously unsure if she wanted to elaborate. "I love animals and nature as much as everyone else in my Clan, but for some reason I've never been able to make a bond."

Iruka tried not to be distracted by how adorable her bashfulness was. She was refusing to meet his gaze but he leaned forward, curiosity etched into his features. "A bond? Wait, do you mean like Kiba and Akamaru?"

Remi could feel her face flush a little in embarrassment. She nodded and she raised her hand. Her fingers gently brushing her bare cheek, "Yeah. That's what the fangs are. It's to symbolize your bond to your partner. It's just body paint of course, but you get the privilege of wearing it once you've made that bond."

"I see." Iruka mused as she walked away. The rest of their time in the shop was silent. It wasn't until they had paid and were walking down the street again that he asked the question that begged to be asked, "I've seen how good you are with them. What's stopping you from making that connection?"

She didn't answer for a few moments. She bit her lip, wondering how to properly say it, "It's not something you just choose to do. It's more than just being close with the animal. You have to align."

"Align?"

"Yes. In order to have that bond your chakras have to align with one another. I can't just adopt any puppy I find and train them to be my partner. I've just never found the right one."

Iruka frowned at the sullen tone to her voice, "Because of that your Clan doesn't think you're good with animals?"

"An Inuzuka without a bond isn't a real Inuzuka." Remi stated flatly, her eyes glossing over in memory of when she had been told those same words. Her head shook violently before she stood straighter, a determined smile on her face, "That's why I'm going to work hard and become the best veterinarian my Clan has ever seen! I'll prove to them that you can be an Inuzuka, with or without a companion!"

A warm smile enveloped Iruka's features. Even he wasn't aware of the pure adoration that sparkled in his eyes when he looked at her. She really was something. He was going to say something else when he heard a familiar voice from behind them.

"Hey, Remi!"

The two Chunin turned to see Kiba, followed shortly by Sakura. Iruka noticed immediately how deflated Sakura seemed to be. The usual spark that burned in her eyes was gone, but she smiled at them nonetheless. He was brought back to the weeks where she spent every moment she could at Sasuke's side. It was obvious how much Sakura cared for Sasuke, but in the end that didn't stop the young Uchiha from leaving.

Remi waved in return as the two Genin approached them, "Well, hello you two. Kiba, mind introducing me to your friend?"

"This is Sakura, she came with me to grab some stuff for Akamaru." He nodded toward her and Sakura nodded.

"It's nice to meet you, Remi Sensei." Sakura said kindly with a small bow of her head.

Remi could feel her face flush just a little at the title and raised her hands, "Oh, no, no, no. None of that. I'm no ones Sensei."

"I'm sorry, I just assumed since you're out with Iruka Sensei..."

The two Chunin shared a glance between one another as Kiba cut in, "Nah, Remi works with my sister at the Clinic when she's not busy with her ninja duties. Are you grabbing stuff for Hana?" He asked her directly.

As the two Inuzuka spoke with one another about the Clinic and Akamaru's condition, Iruka inched a little closer to Sakura who was watching them. He repositioned the basket in one hand and placed the other on her shoulder. She looked up into his kind eyes, "Hey, how are you holding up?"

Sakura had to admit, it was different now, talking to Iruka. He had been her teacher long before Kurenai, Keiko or Kakashi and seeing him brought her back to her academy days. She liked to think those days were far behind her but in reality she was barely more than a fledgling. Sakura sighed and nodded. Giving him a strained smile, "I'm alright, Iruka Sensei."

He nodded, taking back his hand and letting it rest at his side. Remi was still conversing with the much younger Inuzuka and so took a moment to ask another question. "How about Naruto?" he hadn't seen him since he returned to the village with Tsunade and they hadn't been able to talk much since.

A noticeable frown etched itself onto her face, "He was let out of the hospital yesterday. Some of the others won't be out for a while..." She trailed off, remembering what she had heard from Kiba about their recovery. How Choji and Neji had been so close to death.

"They'll make it through." Iruka told her with the utmost confidence. "They have Lady Tsunade to help them out. And, besides, there's no way they would let this get them down for too long."

She nodded, her gaze falling down to her hands. A single bandage wrapped around her palm before she made a fist. "I just wish I could do more."

Iruka was surprised at the softness in her voice. She sounded like she was on the edge of despair. She was far too young to sound like that. His hand returned to her shoulder and he knelt down slightly to be more on her level. "Sakura, you already do so much just by supporting those around you." When her eyes fell yet again he squeezed her shoulder, indicating that he was not done yet. "But, I understand wanting to be there for your team whether that's on the battlefield or off of it. Sometimes it just takes a little bit of time to find our way. Soon, you'll find yours, and then you'll be able to help in any situation."

His words slowly sank in and she couldn't help but smile a little, "Thanks, Iruka Sensei."

It wasn't a moment later that Remi pulled Iruka's attention into the conversation and Sakura was left to her thoughts. Iruka did have a point, she had to find her way. So far, she had been handed from one Sensei to the next and had never stuck in one place long enough to really learn much more than the basics of what was taught to her. Her hands balled into fists at her sides as something Kiba had said replayed in her mind.

'…if not for the Hokage we would have lost even more of us.'

The conversation around her fell away. She turned her head up toward the Hokage tower. It was such an outlandish thought, but she had to try right? What did she have to lose?

~0~

Keiko repositioned the basket she held as she looked over the produce. Tonight was the last night she and Kakashi had before they were sent off on another mission. For now, she wanted to focus on trying to make a good meal. She wouldn't see Kakashi until later and thought that it would be a good surprise. While she was no stranger to cooking it was a little nerve wracking to be doing it for someone else. Kakashi had eaten her food before, but now that their relationship had shifted it felt different. It was no longer just friends sharing a meal.

Hopefully she would have a nice and relaxing end to her day. That morning, she had been ambushed by none other than Anko and Kurenai who demanded to get all of the details on the development between her and Kakashi. Thankfully, she was able to slip away with little more than a promise to tell them everything soon. Knowing Anko, that conversation would be more like an interrogation. An incredibly uncomfortable interrogation.

She thanked the stand owner and continued looking through the market. Most of the ingredients that she needed were already gathered and now all she had to do was go home and prepare.

"Well, well, well, fancy meeting you again."

Keiko turned and smiled, "Master Jiraiya, it's good to see you too." Her smile widened when she caught the sight of a silver haired Jonin just a step behind him. His nose was buried in a book but his eyes flickered up when she spoke. She hadn't planned on seeing him so soon, and she was certainly okay with that. "I'm sorry about the other day. I didn't mean to leave so abruptly."

The Sage shook his head and waved at her dismissively, "Don't worry about it. Can't say your reaction to the news surprised me." He turned and gestured, "Care to join us? I was just going to share some news with Kakashi."

Both Jonin perked up, looking between one another before looking back to Jiraiya. Keiko nodded and fell in step beside them. There were only one or two other items she needed and she could grab them later. Jiraiya began, "Naruto's running out around here somewhere too. Gathering a few things before we leave."

Keiko hummed, "Leaving? Why do I feel like there's a story here?"

"Isn't there always?" Kakashi added, slipping his book back into his pouch. A singular half-lidded eye gazed toward Jiraiya, "It's about the Akatsuki, isn't it."

And just like that the feeling in the air shifted. Keiko was brought back to that day by the river. Itachi and Kisame. Her eyes narrowed, turning her icy gaze toward the sky. The clouds were an odd reminder of the cloaks they had worn. "They'll be back for Naruto."

Jiraiya nodded, "They will. But, I've reason to believe they won't try again for another three years. We have time. Next time they try to pull another stunt, Naruto will be ready."

"How are you so sure we have the time?" Keiko questioned.

"They want the tailed beasts. Extracting them from their hosts is an incredibly long and strenuous process. They need to prepare. And so do we." He turned to look at them, seeing he had their full attention. "For Naruto to stand a chance against them, he has to learn how to control fox's Chakra. That's why we're leaving."

"I see." Kakashi stated. "That's why you're leaving the village. In case the fox goes berserk."

Keiko's head lurched to the side. She didn't say a word, only gave the Sage an incredulous look. Did he think that the Fox would break free during this training?

Jiraiya laughed softly, "Ah, you worry too much. There's nothing to worry about, I swear. I'll be sure to make him into a powerhouse, just you wait."

She pursed her lips, not hiding the fact that she found thi all to be a little troublesome. "When will you be leaving?"

"Today. I'm giving the kid a little time to get all his stuff ready but then we have to head out. We're in a time crunch after all."

Not a moment later, a bright head of blonde hair ran through the crowd toward them. "Hey! Pervy Sage, are you sure I shouldn't be packing more stuff?!" He paused, coming to a halt in front of the three adults. His face went suspiciously blank as he looked from Keiko, to Kakashi, and back to Keiko again. The original question now forgotten, he pointed a finger up at them, "Hey! Are you two on a date or something?" They were there, together. It was the first time he had seen them in the same place since he saw them alone together and now he wanted some answers.

Jiraiya crossed his arms and shot a smirk at the two Jonin next to him. He could see the blush clearly upon Keiko's skin and could've sworn he noticed one on Kakashi's face as well.

The basket Keiko was carrying nearly fell as she stumbled slightly. As her hands reacted to try and reach for the basket, she saw Kakashi swiftly catch it. He offered a small eye-smile as he shifted to carry it more comfortably. Keiko gave him a small nod in thanks before breathing a heavy sigh and turning to Naruto with a smile. "Naruto, we're not on a date. Do you really think Master Jiraiya would be here if we were?"

The boy crossed his arms and he grumbled loudly, "Yeah, well he'd probably just wanna peep on you after what I saw."

Jiraiya blinked. His head snapping to the side and he could see the crimson color flooding over their faces. The shocked looks were enough to make him smile and he reached over behind Keiko and lightly punched Kakashi in the shoulder. "I knew you guys got together but I didn't know you had it in ya Kakashi! And to think you let the kid watch."

Kakashi could have sworn his eyes were spiraling. He didn't want to talk about this. Not in public!

Keiko cleared her throat, her face still red. "We did not let him watch! Naruto should learn not to barge in through windows. I think he learned that from someone." She cast a narrowed look toward Kakashi who only laughed awkwardly in response. They both know that Kakashi had a habit of entering a room through the window. Seemed one of his pupils had started to copy him.

Naruto could feel his face heat up. "Hey! How was I supposed to know what you two were doing?!" He turned his head and grumbled, "How was I supposed to know you did things like that? Judging by the noises I'd say you didn't even like it."

For a split second, Kakashi's embarrassment was overshadowed by an overwhelming sense of irritation. The only sign that gave away his irritation was a subtle narrowing of his eye. That was all the more he could do before what Keiko said nearly made him sputter.

"Oh, he doesn't do anything that I dislike." She looked up at him through her lashes. A small but teasing smile settled upon her face.

Kakashi was reminded of their shared morning together. When he discovered that such a gentle woman didn't mind being handled with a touch of aggression. The ensuing conversation between Naruto, Jiraiya and Keiko did little to interest him. He was too busy focusing on her. His wide eyes narrowed as he zeroed in on her neck. The marks he had left only took a few days to heal and out of nowhere he was hit with an overwhelming urge to leave more.

He vividly remembered the encounter. Her soft skin beneath his fingers. The sound of her moans. The sweet but subtle scent of vanilla nearly drove him crazy with need. Unbeknownst to him the look in his eye turned to a smoulder. What he wouldn't do to be out of the public eye. He wanted to know just how rough she liked to play.

Just then Jiraiya threw his head back in a laugh. The kid could be funny in his own way. Maybe traveling with him for three years wouldn't be so bad afterall. He wiped a tear from his eye and that's when he saw it. The intensity within Kakashi's eye told a story all it's own and he cleared his throat to gain Keiko's attention.

The woman cast him a questioning glance before looking back in Kakashi's direction. She saw it. Goosebumps tingled down her arms at the sheer intensity but she smiled, ignoring questions playing on Naruto's face. She turned toward him and placed a gentle hand on his chest. To the untrained eye, it would seem that her touch didn't affect him, but she noticed all too easily how he jumped and their eyes locked. A heat sparked to life within her but she forced it aside. "Take that back for me?" She said with a small nod to the basket at his side. "I'll meet you there later, I've been planning something special for you." She lowered her voice, not wanting Jiraiya or Naruto to misunderstand her words.

It wasn't Jiraiya or Naruto she had to worry about misunderstanding her though. Kakashi's eyes narrowed and he whispered back, "I'll hold you to it." Overlooking the subtle hint of confusion on her face he looked at Naruto and nodded. "Good luck, Naruto. Make it count." It would be about three years before he would see his student again. He looked forward to the day.

The boy grinned widely, momentarily forgetting about the weird moment he had just witnessed. His hands interlocked behind his head, "I will, you better believe it!"

He did.

Kakashi offered one last nod toward the three of them before turning to leave. While Keiko said her own goodbyes, he had somewhere to visit.

He made his way through the village, making his way through the crowds of people. Slowly the people became fewer and fewer until he was only surrounded by trees. He knew the way so well, he didn't even have to think to get there. His feet carried him so easily. It was almost easier than falling asleep.

Finally, the grey stone came into view and before he could even register it, he was standing in front of it. It had been longer than usual since he had come to visit the stone. He rested the basket upon the stone, "I have to take these back, but for now I hope this is okay." It wasn't often that he brought offerings. In the past, he always brought something. Whether it be a single wild flower, or a large bouquet. Now, visiting was so common for him that offerings just seemed to lose their meaning.

Silence filled the small clearing. A gust of wind picked up before he spoke openly. "You would probably think I've gone insane."

He paused, waiting for a reply that would never come.

"Sometimes I think that I have." He sighed, digging his hands into his pockets. "In the moment, I can't question how right everything feels, but… " His words drifted off for a moment. "I can't help but feel like it's a disaster waiting to happen. I've been trying to take this one day at a time. Live in the moment like you always seemed to. I'm not cut out for it, I'm always stuck in the past."

If the pattern of his life continued as it had, then this would surely end in disaster. Just as everything else that had offered him happiness. His father, laying motionless in a pool of his own blood, leaving him alone. The years that followed he spent blindly following every Shinobi rule and code to the letter, regardless of any thoughts or consideration from others. Meeting Minato Sensei, Rin, and Obito had been a turning point. At the time he didn't realize it, but they had carved their way into his heart. He had been determined to keep them all at arms reach, and he had. Until Obito literally knocked some sense into him and he realized how foolish he had been.

By the time he realized his foolishness, it was too late. Obito gave his life to save him. Then he failed to protect Rin. And, finally, he wasn't even allowed to even attempt to be there for his Sensei. The trio that had so rudely carved out a space in his heart were all gone. In their wake, was a hold he had come to terms with being forever empty. It had all ended in disaster, why should this happiness he felt with Keiko be any different?

Of course, there was no one to answer, but he could vividly picture their faces. Hear what they might have said in response.

'Oh, look, the great Kakashi having lady troubles. Tsk, you've always got something to nitpick.'

'Come on, Kakashi, don't talk like that! Everything's going great! No need to worry!'

'Kakashi, you can't let something like this stop you. Love is something precious and it can only make you stronger.'

His eyes snapped open.

Love.

Did he love Keiko?

That thought had never before crossed his mind. His feelings for her were strong. Stronger than they had been for any one person before her. He read about that feeling all too often, and yet he couldn't say for sure. Did he really know what it meant to love someone?

He knew Keiko did. She loved Naruto, and her father of course. In fact, he would be willing to bet that she had the capacity to love each and every person she came across. The amount of compassion she held for others could be nearly sickening. Even when they were only strangers, she had shown him compassion and empathy like no one had before.

It was a memory from years ago, but he could still remember her words as she tried to comfort him through her drunken ramblings. He could still remember the way she had used the monument to steady herself.

'Ya know, I bet they're proud of you… You're still here. I-I bet you're learned a lot since the war. You've managed to stay strong without them. Some people break into pieces when they lose someone… '

A short breath escaped him, "Are you proud of me?"

Silence, followed by his own chuckle.

"I can't imagine you would be proud of a man who doesn't even know what he feels."

~0~

Keiko sighed heavily, looking into the pot with a pout. Someone had not taken her basket back to her apartment as she requested, so she was left to make something else before it grew too late in the day. So, she settled on the thing she knew without a doubt she could make flawlessly. Curry. Next to ramen, it had been a meal Naruto really enjoyed. It was also one she could load with vegetables with minimal fuss from the boy. Over the years, it was second nature to her now.

The farewell to Naruto was bitter sweet. She wished she could have had a little more time to say goodbye to him, but Jiraiya insisted that they leave. The determination in his eyes only served to make her hopeful for the future. He had the look of someone who would truly make a difference. Maybe, just maybe, he would be able to bring Sasuke back.

For the moment, she was more interested in someone bringing her basket back.

As the thought crossed her mind, she felt a presence spark to life behind her. Startling at first but quickly she recognized who it was. She turned, "Well, look who finally decided to show themselves."

Kakashi laughed softly, pushing the basket closer to her on the counter. "Sorry, I got a little sidetracked-"

She waved her hand in the air dismissively, "Don't worry about it Kakashi." Sliding the basket toward her she began to set the contents out onto the counter, "I was going to make something a little different for us, but you took too long. So, I guess we'll just have to hope we're back from our missions before everything goes bad."

Kakashi stood watching her take out the ingredients one at a time. Slowly realizing what she had planned on making with its contents. Miso soup. For a moment he felt abashed that he had misinterpreted what she had said earlier. He thought for sure that the 'something special' was something far different than food. He did however feel a comfortable warmth spread in his chest. If he recalled correctly, he had only mentioned that he enjoyed miso soup once before, a long time ago. The fact she had remembered a fact that had just been tossed about, was oddly satisfying.

He shot a glance toward the stove and noticed that everything was basically ready. The food could wait.

Just as Keiko was about to gather a few items to take to the fridge she felt a set of hands on her hips. Instantly she knew who was behind her. It wasn't until Kakashi's lips pressed to her neck that she was actually surprised. His mask was down.

The way he seemed to nuzzle into her neck made her chuckle as she reached a hand back to run her fingers through his hair. "Kakashi, what's gotten into you?" She teased.

His hands gripped her hips firmly and a moment later she was wedged between Kakashi and the counter. Her hands flew to the counter at the jostling movement and she had to bite her lip to purpress a surprised gasp. She was suddenly all too aware of her situation and her pulse quickened. Something that Kakashi took notice of, evidenced by the smirk she could feel against her neck. Anticipation bubbled from deep within, "Kakashi, what's gotten into you?"

One of his hands snaked up her side and he could feel her start to tremble under his touch. He couldn't remember anyone ever being so responsive to his touch. His hand grasped at the collar of her top and pulled to the side, freeing her shoulder to his attention. Before he answered he nipped at the sensitive skin there. In response Keiko gasped, her body arched, involuntarily pressing herself against him and leaning forward onto the counter. He leaned in close to her ear, everything he felt earlier that day returning in full force. "Maybe I wanna be in you."

Her already flushed face turned scarlet in shock, "Kakashi!" His hands trailed down her arms until he grasped both wrists in his hands. She could feel excitement building within her uncontrollably. His rough hands holding her in place, the feeling of him pressed to completely against her, and the markings she was sure to have from his attention. It made her head spin. She never thought something like this could feel so incredible.

As abruptly as it all started, it stopped.

He had pulled away from her, giving her a moment to catch her breath. When she turned, she didn't know what to expect. Kakashi beginning to grab plates for their meal was not what she envisioned.

His mask was still down, allowing her to see his smirk in all its glory. "Don't want the food to get cold."

In a move that surprised him as much as he had surprised her, she took a few steps toward him and crashed her lips to his. Unlike other kisses they had shared that started gentle and sweet, this one was hungry and intense from the get go. Kakashi was happy to oblige in her demand and they explored every crevice they could reach. Finally, she pulled away. "You're a jerk." She said playfully, readjusting her top.

"I'm your jerk though, aren't I?"

Her eyes snapped up to meet his. The implications of his words were not lost on her. Before she could think of something to say he continued, "I made sure to leave them where only I can see."

She gasped, feeling her shoulder that was still thrumming pleasantly. Keiko couldn't exactly say she was surprised.

A genuine smile graced his lips, his heart full.

Just one day at a time.

You guys and your comments make me so damn happy. I don't know if you guys realize just how much! Hope this was a good chapter for you. Had to go over a lot.

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Posted - 12/14/2021