Chapter 34

Vulnerability is a Double-Sided Coin

"The loner who looks fabulous is one of the most vulnerable loners of all."

― Anneli Rufus

Konan was enjoying tea and a light lunch, while Soraya was surveying a crochet project she just finished, along with other items that seemed distinctly for someone. She watched as her daughter seemed very proud of the work she had done. Konan was glad. Soraya had a hobby that she could distract her from something other than training, Itachi, and the fact they were still prisoners.

A note was slipped to Konan from her lady-in-waiting.

"Soraya", Konan called. "Seems like you have a visitor", she gave Soraya the note. Soraya read the note, and was surprised that Itachi was here to see her.

"What kind of visit is this, I'm only allotted 7 minutes", Soraya shrugged.

"It is something", Konan replied. She refrained from telling her daughter that you take what little you can from Hanzo. Konan tended to be careful in what she said to Soraya because she didn't want it to be the norm for her to accept toxic behavior from any man. "Better than nothing, you can at least give him the gift you been working on."

"It's not for him", she said defensively. " It's for his lover ", she thought sassily to herself. She quickly wrote a note and hid inside the crafted project. "It's for a mutual acquaintance, as a thank you" Konan raised her eyebrow at the response.

"Interesting", Soraya and Konan locked eyes with each other. Normally, Soraya would falter but she wasn't giving up any additional information. She already said too much in her opinion. It's pretty obvious that Kakashi and Itachi want very few people to know their relationship with each other.

"He gave me some reading tips when I was back in Konoha that's all", playing of her mother's questionable gaze.

"So it's a he?", Konan teased. "Must be important to put delicate work like that."

"It was easy when I understood the pattern", she muttered. "So, when is this visit?"

"Now", Konan said. Soraya lept out of the bed and gathered the project and hid it in her pocket sleeve. She checked herself in the mirror before adjusting herself and walking out gracefully out of the room.

"Wait", yelled Konan. "You don't even know where you are going"

It was a matter of minutes before Soraya arrived at the meeting place right outside the palace. Kisame was with him, side by side as they usually were before they went out on mission. Konan was beside her. They all bowed which was customary.

"Soraya-hime", Itachi started to greet first.

"Itachi-sama", replied Soraya. Itachi was hard to read, but Soraya clearly had a devious smile and a challenging look. There was a long pause after that. Which made the formality of the greeting even more conspicuous. Konan and Kisame gazed at each other as Itachi and Soraya were having their own staring contest and Kisame shrugged his shoulders.

"You look healthy", Soraya gave him a quizzical look.

" Is he calling me fat", she asked herself. As that was a Southern way of saying someone was of the larger stature.

"It's nice that Hanzo has treated both of you well", he said. "So far", he added. "I do wish you were home so we could", he paused thinking of the right words and folded his hands behind his back. "Discuss things further", he decided on those words.

"Maybe I don't want to discuss things with you", she snapped. She exhaled. She grabbed her finished crochet projects and pushed them to Itachi. "These are for Kakashi"

"Kakashi?", he questioned in a hushed tone.

Soraya saw the confusion. "It's his birthday soon, don't tell me you didn't know", she said in a hushed tone. This conversation took Itachi off his guard. He really did not know what to think. First, they were clearly at an impasse in their relationship, but his fiancé is giving a gift to his bonded. It was then he realized that he never told Soraya the true extent of Kakashi and his relationship. For a brief moment he looked perplexed. How was he supposed to tell his wife that Kakashi's bond would be stronger than their future marriage pact.

"Shit", he said to himself. Soraya punched him the arm. "Ow"

"Do better", she said in a soft frustrated tone.

"I know his birthday", he snapped. "And yours", he added.

"You better, hopefully you are more honest and truthful with him than me", she was about to turn and walk away but he grabbed her by the arm and she winced at the touch. Konan was about to step in, but Kisame stopped let go not realizing that he grabbed her so hard.

"You have no idea what you are asking of me", he stated. "Maybe it's best if you don't love me"

Soraya was stunned by his words. "Do you even know, what I'm asking of you?", she asked rhetorically. Itachi furrowed his brow in confusion. Soraya shook her head. "What's the point", her eyes started to water but she held the tears back. "Fine then, but same for you, forget that you ever loved me, and the feeling I had for you", her heart started to pound, and her ears started to turn red.

"You act so self-righteous, but you are guarded as well", he accused. "You never talk about your family, you almost had to die, to reveal any emotions you held underneath", Soraya was takenaback by his tone and observation.

"Don't try to gaslight me, what you did supersedes anything I did", she said angrily in a hushed tone.

"I'm aware", he conceded. "But", he said brushing off some leaves that had fallen on her. "The stakes are higher in this world, every decision is literally life or death, and not just your life. Maybe a dozen or an entire village"

"Or Family...I'm aware", Soraya said her posture becoming more straight giving him a more challenging look.

"Good", he said with finality.

"Have a safe trip", she said through her teeth. "Husband", she said with venom.

"Be safe Wife," he went back to his even tone, "don't cause too much trouble".

"I already have", she smirked turning away from him. She walked past Konan and Kisame who were engaged in their conversation, but had no idea what was said.

"I guess their fight, was more intense than I thought", she whispered to her longtime friend.

"Let's just say, he broke a lot of shit, when he got home", admitted Kisame. "But I assumed it was because Soraya was out of his reach", he explained.

Konan watched Itachi observing Soraya walking away. She sighed she knew neither of them would talk about their relationship to other people so there was very little she could do. "Have you heard from Nagato and Yahiko?", she asked.

"No", said Kisame. Konan gave a look of disappointment. "There is no confirmation, that they are dead or alive", stated Kisame. He placed a hand on her shoulder in comfort. "And Hanzo knows that as well"

Eulalia didn't want to compare herself, to Sasuke's stalkers, but when she wasn't in class or with her sisters, she was watching him. When she was passing his class, she noticed how the girls oogled at him, while he was studying. He was very good at the physical curriculum, excelling past some of the students in her year. Everyone was amazed at the last Uchiha.

But he never smiled. Well unless he is with Priya, then a small appears every now and then. Especially when he petted her head in some type of approval. It was cute.

She also watched him at night. He begged her not to kill the men that came to his home "training", with him. He all but demanded not to tell anyone either, and for whatever reason she obeyed. But she stayed afterwards and waited for him to fall asleep. Sometimes, even making a breakfast for him before she left. It was all she could do.

"Watching the Uchiha again?", asked a brown headed boy with white eyes.

"Not today, Nejii", she said honestly. Something else piqued her interest. A familiar white-haired male entered the school building "Why is Kakashi here?", she asked out loud.

"You know The Copycat Ninja", asked Nejii in amazement. "And so informally?",

"Nope", said Eulalia in her monotone. Nejii looked at her in confusion. Then it clicked to him that she would not probably know the full reputation of Kakashi Hatake.

"Kakashi, is The Copycat Ninja", explained Nejii.

"What a horrible nickname", she frankly said. "Sounds like a children's game, he needs to work on that", Nejii chuckled at her statement. She turned to him not exactly knowing what was funny but dismissed it. Then he realized that she was being serious.

"The man knows over a thousand JUTSU", his voice rising. Eulalia looked up at him in puzzlement. "His success rate is over 98%, and he was in ANBU!"

"Am I supposed to be impressed?", she asked in a genuine manner. She didn't nescerrailly care about those things.

"In this instance, DEFINATELY", explained Nejii. "And let's not talk about his father, The White Fang, he only failed one mission", Nejii's voice was picking up in excitement. "He committed seppuku just because of it" Nejii's eyes seemed full off admiration.

"Seems excessive", mumbled Eulalia.

"IT'S HONORABLE!", exclaimed Nejii. "Well that's what my dad says"

"Hmm", she pondered. "He plays games with us sometimes, and helps us with training and homework"

"I'm totally jealous", said Nejii folding his arms.

"Don't be you have a dad", she rebutted. Nejii fell silent, and she could tell that per usual she made the situation awkward. Which made her feel bad, because Nejii was the only person that chose to spend time with her. Well, other than Sasuke when she made him eat what she deemed a proper lunch. "Why is he here?", she questioned again. She tapped his shoulder, "Be useful and use your Byakagan". Nejii gave her an annoyed look and activated. He focused on inside the building and indirectly focused on Kakashi, as he knew that The Copycat Ninja was also good at sensory jutsu.

"He's looking at your file", he stated. "Must be because you caused a ruckus today, and then preceded just to leave school", he deactivated his dojutsu.

"You make sound like a delinquent", stated Eulalia. "I simply left class, without incident and after I finished my work, I may add, then some girl named Ino, started picking on Priya, and her voice was annoying so I used a justsu that I was working on and used it to tie her to the fence and shut her mouth with my plant friends", she shrugged. Nejii gave her a pensive look.

"What you described is exactly delinquency", Nejii almost jumped out of his skin at the sound of Kakashi's voice. "A little justified, but, still delinquency." Eulalia wasn't startled like Nejii has she heard him quietly sneak behind them because of her sensitive hearing. She turned around to him and looked at the masked man.

"Maybe she should have a voice that's less annoying", she mumbled. "Even the plants think her vibration is a nuisance" She sighed. "Her and her posy just kept going on and on about Sauske-kun", she mimicked them in a high pitch voice. "Maybe they should concentrate on their studies, and trying to impress him that way, instead of throwing themselves at him"

"Maybe don't pick a fight with someone from a prominent clan", rebutted Kakashi. Eulalia cut her eyes at Kakashi.

"So go for Sakura next time", Eulalia nodded to herself. Nejii's explanation of how clans tend to work in villages ran through her head. She knew Kakashi's clan was a considered a "beta" clan, usually branches from what the elders called "alpha" clans. All the rest of the clans who were not part of those groups were considered omegas, which usually meant people with last names. Then there were people who were clanless and did not have a family name.

"He's saying that you shouldn't go for any of our peers", Nejii further explained. Eulalia gave him a look and he could tell that she thought about it and dismissed what he was saying.

"Why are you here?", she asked Kakashi still puzzled by his presence.

"Don't be so rude", Nejii wisphered.

She looked up at Kakashi but looked away from his eyes. "Why are you here Kakashi-san?"

"That's still the wrong honorfic", Nejii sighed running his hands through his hair. Eulalia gave him a brief glance notifying him that she didn't care.

"No one could be reached at the Orphanage, so Hestia-chan suggested me", Kakashi exhaled thinking back to the conversation with the principal and Iruka. "You got suspended for a week but after Priya explained what happened, both the Yamanka girl and you are suspended for two days"

"Seems fair", she packed her bag. "I'll go back to the orphanage now."

"Wait", Kakashi blocked her path. "Why don't we get an early dinner, then we can go to my home and have a talk" Nejii couldn't read Kakashi as he had the mask over his face, and he spoke in such a sarcastic monotone voice. However, Eulalia had a pensive look and sighed

"Okay", she relunctly agreed. and started walking away in no particular direction.

"Wait you don't even know where we are going", Eulalia stopped and waited for Kakashi to lead the way. He was right, but also she noticed a familiar face that passed her. Hizashi Hyuga, Nejii's father. His father had monotone look on his face, but she could tell that his eyes lit up everytime he saw his son. She gave a pensive look at the scene of Nejii running up to him. He was too big to run and hug him, but the total look of admiration and pride flowed through Nejii.

The look of longing didn't escape Kakashi. Nonetheless, something else was behind the eyes of Eulalia and he couldn't put his finger on it. However, he knew managing Eulalia would be difficult regardless. He walked out in front of her.

Eulalia didn't question where they were going, but was surprised when they were about to enter a grocery store. She stopped dead in her tracks. "Absolutely not", she said firmly. She could already hear the loud noises, the repetitive beeping, mindless chatter, and the multiple smells coming from the store.

"Really", he asked feigning surprise. "I just got these headphones, and I was going to let you choose the menu.", he said feigning disappointment. She gave him a questionable look and slowly took the headphones from him and placed it over her ears. She looked at the pieces of paper that was in his hand and they were three different shopping list with different menu items. This peaked her interest. She chose the one which was the most savory and spicest. But it was also simple. Spicy pho, and easy sushi rolls as a side.

"Here", she said giving the list back to him.

"Interesting", was all he said before entering the store and she followed. They were mainly quiet on their shopping trip. Which Eulalia was thankful for, she had a lot to think about as they were shopping and going home.

She mainly thought about Sasuke and how their paths differed but were the same. He was alone. He was praised for being the top student, he was exalted for being the last of a great family, and he was admired by girls (and some women) for his good looks.

On the other hand, her sisters were starting to get some notoriety within their own rights. People admired them because of their beauty. Her sister Priya, was the main star of the group with her charisma and beauty. Hestia was admired by the teachers for her hard work and kindness. Lastly, Talise was finally adjusting and she was being noticed as well for various talents.

Eulalia was the troublemaker of the group. She knew it. But no matter how hard she tried she couldn't help herself. Even with Eulalia causing trouble, it was often overlooked by male teachers because her features were typical of an innocent beauty. Additionally with the help of Nejii, she was flourishing academically, and physically.

Contrary to the whispers Eulalia had emotions, within her stoic and aloof nature. She was incredibly heartbroken and at first distraught about her parents being gone. After Hestia calmed her down. She just decided that those emotions were unnecessary, and did her best being a big sister. So she wasn't like Sasuke, who had absolutely no one.

The abuse that Sasuke suffered wasn't a behavior that she hadn't seen before within the orphanage. Many girls and boys were starving, or physically or mentally abused. One thing that Eulalia did realize was that all of them were orphans. This made them prime targets.

There was a reason that she almost forced Priya on Kakashi when she was sick. Luckily, he took a liking to her other sisters as well. Although she like Kakashi, she didn't feel that same growing attachment.

They were finally at his home and he placed the groceries down. He started prepping the dishes he was going to make and gestured for her to help. He knew that Eulalia was asocial but her mutness seemed more odd than usual. "I've noticed that you've been following me", he said stating the conversation. "Far better than Talise I may add", he said chopping bell peppers. " Little Brat ", he thought but the smile hidden underneath his mask revealed secretly his budding affection for the little girl.

"I brought you here to let you know in a week Priya and I are going on her first mission to The Land of The Sand."

"So she got it", a small relief was heard from Eulalia. She knew her sister would not faire well on the battlefield and she was grateful that she was going the diplomatic route.

"I will have temporary guardianship of her again, and a little bit when I get back", his voice trailed off. "I want to extend that but..."

The whole room seemed to flicker for Kakashi, but as soon as it started it stopped. He looked at Eulalia at the disturbance. Her face held immense concentration and focus as she stared down to the ground.

"Kakashi-sama", her eyes started to water. "If you want Priya as you're own please take her", her chest felt heavy like she could hardly breath, but her responsibility was her sister and she inherently knew as the oldest she had to do anything to protect them. "Take Talise and Hestia to, they are easy to deal with", she said in desperation. "You don't have to take me, just take care of them, I beg of you", she remembered that Nejii told her it was proper to bow in this world, and she did. "I know it's because of me, they can't get adopted...

Kakashi placed his hand on her shoulder. "Were you scoping me out, to see if I was worthy to take your sisters", he asked. Eulalia gave him an odd look, as she didn't think it was that obvious that was the reason.

She nodded in response. He wiped the tear from her eye. "Why would I abandon such an intuitive sister"

"What?", she asked in disbelief.

"I was going to ask if it was okay to take you all", he explained. He gestured to the table, and they both sat down.

"Why would you ask? Why not just sign the papers?", she asked.

"Your 13, and in a year you can take care of them yourselves", he stated.

"Konoha wouldn't allow me to do that, most people don't even think I'm mentally capable of being a shinobi.", she stated.

"Well", he stated. "I was going to advocate for you, if you decide its best to take care of them on your own" Eulalia stared at him in shock. Many thoughts were racing through her head. But the next sentence he said stunned her even more. "But in the meantime, I want to take all of you"

She stepped away from him. "I told you, that I'm willing to disappear, I'm to difficult", she stated. "And you would be the perfect father figure for them, I will just take a toll", she said looking away.

"I'm not perfect either", he stated. "I have no idea, how I will take care of you all", Kakashi rubbed his eyes in nervousness. "I personally don't have all the answers, I've closed myself off for so long, as a shinobi your taught to be guarded, have no fear, show no fear and I didn't for a long time", he confessed. He sighed trying to convey what he felt to her. "But when I met you girls, I faced fear for the first time, thinking how are you going to be taken care of, I know what happens at the orphanage and to children that have no one, and I didn't want that for you." He noticed that Eulalia was staring at him blankly and he sighed trying to understand him. "What I'm asking is that I know I'm not an ideal candidate, but will you allow me to-

"Yes", she said interrupting him. "My answer is yes, but why didn't you ask Hestia?", she questioned.

"Because you are the oldest", he stated simply. "And I know you are very capable of making your own decisions, you just need...", Kakashi thought of the best way to say what he was thinking. "Guidance"

"So do we move in before or after Priya's mission.", she asked. She was back to her monotone voice.

"Umm well", Kakashi was taken aback as he put his heart out to her and she went back to her asocial tendencies. It was emotional whiplash. "I was making meals for the duration that I was gone, and I brought you here to help, your file said that you are very good cook and baker."

Eulalia blinked in surprise. "You trust me with the girls by myself?", she asked.

"About that", he pulled out a planner for her. "I read about people like you, I have a planner and daily task for you the month that we are gone, Priya said you like green so I got it in that color, I know Hestia will help you around the house and keeping things together, but I also have a friend that said she would help with extra training for you", he stated.

Eulalia took the green planner and a small smile crept her lips. She did indeed liked order. "Can I make time for a garden?", she asked.

"Yes", Eulalia seemed content at the answer.

"Who is this person I'm seeing at 4:00?", she asked.

"Nejii's Aunt", he stated.

"That's the mother of the one who follows Naruto", she questioned. "I think her name is Hinata"

"Interesting", Kakashi put that note in the back of his head, remembering that Soraya commented the same thing when she was in Konoha.

"She seems nice, so I bet her mother is to",

"I may have project for you", he said. He beckoned her to follow and they went outside, but not before he grabbed some pictures. They went to the side of his house and he bent down to an abandoned garden, it had a few things growing.

"There is a lot of dead plants here", stated Eulalia. "You destroyed it by your negligence."

Kakashi was wounded but it was true. "It was my mother's garden", Kakashi nor his father ever tended his mother's garden after her death. They were both too busy to, and it reminded them that she was gone forever.

"So she was negligent", she asked.

"She's dead", Eulalia processed what he said.

"So no grandparents to give us extra allowance", she said more to herself. A hard laugh escaped Kakashi. He knew that she was serious, but it seemed she had unintentionally found his dark humor.

"Nope you just to have to earn it by hard work", his one eye showed his amusement. "Hyguya-sama is also well versed in botany and horticulture"

Eulalia's interest seemed to peak at that statement. "So when do I start?", she asked excitement started to rise in her voice.

"Tomorrow", Eulalia nodded and exhaled.

"Thank you", she said. "I don't hug", she stated. Kakashi put his hand out for a high five. "I'm thirteen we do fist bumps", Kakashi chuckled and adjusted his hand to a fist and she bumped with her own.

"Let's go finish dinner"

From afar Sasuke watched the grown-man and his friend go inside. He came to make sure everything was okay. He also felt it was kinda his fault since it was one of his fangirls that bother her and Priya. But when he saw a small smile grace Eulalia's face, he knew that her family was going to be adopted. It was one thing that worried her that she briefly admitted during one of their lunches together. A melancholy smile crossed his face, he was happy that she had a family.

It also made him remember his own family, and how he missed them. More than ever, he knew what his brother took away from him: Love, safety, and warmth. All he felt now was pain. Nevertheless, protecting the Rui family unit gave him a new motivation to become stronger outside of his continuing trauma and the hate for his brother Itachi. Sauske left but not before Kakashi glanced in his direction.