Chapter 2

Mei's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. The knock roused Kakashi, who nearly sat up, kunai palmed in his hand despite his pale face. They locked eyes and Mei extended a placating hand out toward him. She forgot to look frightened at the weapon that he'd pulled out of nowhere; he didn't seem to notice. He put the kunai away, eyes still locked on the door. She stood up to answer the summons.

It was one of the villagers, Haru, Mei's memory supplied. Although Mei considered Haru to be practically a child, she was forced to admit that the teen was only a year or two younger than herself. Haru had a basket full of food that her parents made. She'd also come to check on Mei and Kakashi. Kakashi gave the woman an idle wave while remaining propped up in bed. She gave him a flirtatious smile that made Mei's eyes narrow.

"A Stone patrol came by today," Haru said in almost a sing-songy voice as she unpacked the basket of food onto Mei's table.

Kakashi nearly sat up again but Mei shot him a look that stilled his progress. She bit her lip and checked her behavior. Mei hoped he thought the look was a warning to stay in bed and not pass out again. She needed to stop treating him like a peer; he didn't know she was a ninja! If she was the civilian she was pretending to be, she wouldn't be this calm or giving silent orders with her eyes! Mei struggled to bring her character of lonely maiden back to the front of her mind. However, Haru's obvious interest in Kakashi was making Mei see red. She almost didn't hear the next thing Haru said.

"He was asking all kinds of things, mostly roundabout ways of asking if we'd seen a Leaf ninja." Haru smiled at Kakashi again. "But he only asked the men, and they all replied that they hadn't seen a Leaf ninja. They failed to mention they were busy digging graves and didn't see anything but dead Stone ninja. And since he hadn't asked about dead Stone ninja." Haru shrugged with a sly grin on her face, thinking herself clever.

Earth Country was no friend to these people, whose land they crisscrossed and fought on without hesitation. Still, Mei was surprised they took so kindly to one Leaf ninja. Was it that the Leaf had done them a favor at some point, or was it simply sheltering anyone who hated Stone the way they did? It was important information for Mei to note either way. It could prove helpful in future conflicts. The next thing the teen said derailed Mei's train of thought.

"I would have never told them anything, even if they'd asked. You've been so brave watching out for us." Haru slowly leaned down onto the edge of Mei's bed, getting very close to Kakashi, who couldn't move away.

Kakashi only smiled as politely as one can with a single eye.

With all the brashness of a teenaged flirt, Haru leaned in further, nearly touching Kakashi. Mei watched him tense up, the muscles in his shoulders standing out. Haru softened her voice. "If there's anything I can do for you, anything, just let me know. Mei knows where I live."

Mei's mouth was hanging open in shock. Before she could stop herself, she snapped out, "we'll be sure to do that but he needs his rest, goodbye now!" Mei said this in a rush and practically shoved the woman, and her empty basket, out the door. Mei fumed at the closed door. She didn't notice Kakashi's stare right away. The tiny cabin made it impossible for Mei to miss his look for long. "What?"

"You're jealous," Kakashi stated plainly. There was a frown in his eye, a question he wanted answered but he didn't dare speak it.

Mei gaped at him, her jaw moved up and down but no words came. Haru was maybe two years younger than they were but she couldn't begin to wrap her head around the difference in their life experience. Yet here Mei was acting this part and for all Kakashi knew, Haru and Mei had similar lives growing up. The idea of Kakashi viewing her the same way as this foolhardy flirt of a girl irritated Mei to no end. All Mei's training failed her as several emotions duked it out in her brain to be the first expressed. Finally she managed a strangled, "no!" It sounded less like a denial and more like a question.

Kakashi stared at her with his steady eye. Mei felt he could hold her there with his gaze alone. He wasn't finished yet, the words coming as they occurred to him. "How could you possibly be jealous of her? It can't be because of me, I don't even know her. And it can't be on account of beauty-" Kakashi cut himself off. He looked anywhere but at her.

"That's just your chakra exhaustion talking," Mei finally managed. She threw in an eye roll that didn't conceal her flush. Her chest was all bubbles and flotsam, the chaos somehow felt good. "Get some sleep." Then she mentally chastised herself. First she broadcast her feelings, then she fell right out of her lonely maiden persona, again! She wanted to be herself around Kakashi but shouldn't, yet, despite her best efforts, that's exactly what she was doing! What was happening to her?!

"I need to go," Kakashi said suddenly, as if shaking out of a dream. He was already getting out of bed. His movements were especially slow and careful.

Mei broke out of her shock faster this time. "You won't make it a mile, you said so yourself." She was frazzled and dutifully assigned her mind to the problem at hand.

"The Stone ninja aren't going to be deterred for long and now I know that I was their intended target. If I don't lead them away, they'll find out you've been helping me. Everyone in this village will be in danger. If I move on quickly, you can say you were frightened of me and that I left, no need to explain you took care of me. It'll be another lie of omission but at least you'll be safe." They locked eyes.

Was Mei imagining it or did he mean her when he said "you" the last time and not the group "you" that lumped her in with the village? It both pleased and embarrassed her that this Leaf ninja thought she needed his protection.

"Then we'll get a wagon and horse. I'll drive you to the border, far from the village. They won't expect that and you won't have to run for at least one day. Then no one else in the village will be at risk." This could be a great opportunity, Mei thought. The secrets Kakashi's body held would be worth abandoning her post, worth their weight in gold to be exact. And with the excuse that she was getting him to safety, the villagers wouldn't question her absence or Kakashi's disappearance. This thought ran parallel to Mei's internal screaming at the idea of selling Kakashi for parts like he was an enemy. But he was an enemy, wasn't he? She severed both threads of thought and tried to remember what a lonely maiden would do and say in this situation.

Kakashi shook his head. "I won't put you at risk Mei. I can protect us to the border but who will watch over you on the return trip?"

I will, Mei replied silently. And she seriously doubted he was in any shape to protect them, although she found it strangely flattering that he wanted to try. There was a reason this plan involved him sleeping in a wagon half the trip. Instead she said, "I've traveled the roads alone before."

"No, it's too dangerous." Kakashi grew silent, still. "I'll find another way." An uneasy silence welled up between them, pushing them apart.

Mei admired the professional calm he adopted but it didn't fool her. He was planning to leave alone while she slept; she'd bet her life on it.

Over the past day, Mei had longed to reach out to Kakashi. The longing scared her. She was losing focus. Kakashi wasn't interested in her, not the real her. He was just protecting the version of her that she'd presented. He didn't know what she was really like. If he knew who she was he'd kill her or worse. Mei shook her fears away as she laid down for the night.

The two occupied the same cabin, the lights were out, but no one was sleeping. After Mei had been regulating her breathing for only fifteen minutes, she heard Kakashi slowly climb out of bed. The sound of him suiting up was familiar in a way. His gear was different but the intent was the same.

After the Leaf ninja crept out the window, Mei slipped on her shoes, donned her cloak, and followed him.

Kakashi got farther than Mei expected. Since he was traveling at a civilian's hurried pace the whole way, Mei didn't have to blow her cover. When he stumbled down an embankment, Mei's heart caught in her throat.

Mei waited, listening for Kakashi to get up. He didn't. Her heart thudded in her chest. Was he hurt? Was he dead? She used all her self-discipline to resist the urge to check on him but every moment was agony. She needed to wait. It was still possible he suspected her and was drawing her into a trap.

The sky slowly lightened as the sun crept above the horizon. The birds began to sing their morning tunes. Mei adjusted her tease position, prone on the forest floor. Then, from below her in the dry riverbed, she heard a rustle of leaves and the distinct sound of earth-style jutsu. Mei breathed a sigh of relief and her heart joined the sun in its lofty brilliance. Kakashi had gotten up at last and was burrowing a shelter into the earth, presumably to properly rest. Mei decided now was the time to make her presence known.

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When Kakashi heard someone crawling into the cave after him, he palmed a kunai and considered his options. His tired brain worked the problem over sluggishly. He wasn't any closer to an answer when he saw Mei's lovely face hovering in the darkness. She inched toward him and his thoughts scattered like autumn leaves.

The wayward ANBU had come to care for this woman who lived alone and answered to no one. He also envied her. She gardened and lived a life that didn't require her to kill or lie or lose friends. She was tough, confident, quick witted, and… completely out of his league. And what could he offer her anyway? Even if the attraction was mutual, and Kakashi wasn't sure it was, he was unfortunately oblivious to such things, what would they do then? Would he bring her to the Leaf? Adopt her into his cursed life of death and lies? Watch her die like everyone else who got close to him? No. He cared for her, so the best thing for her would be leave her alone, assure his trail could be followed by any scouting Stone ninja, and lead them away from her.

Mei's presence in his cave ruined that plan. "What are you doing here?" Kakashi's voice was carefully neutral. He unconsciously stowed his kunai.

"I could ask you the same thing. Didn't I tell you to stay in bed?" Mei crossed her arms. This action was a little ridiculous considering the crawl space they occupied. They were facing each other but in an awkward squat.

Kakashi's irritation soaked into his words. "You are taking a huge risk by following me! I left so that no one would suspect you of helping me. You can't be following me around like a puppy!"

Mei's face hardened into a defiant expression. "If anyone's acting like a puppy it's you! Running off like an idiot when you're still clearly injured!"

They were talking past each other, Kakashi could see that, but he couldn't help but feel annoyed. "I'm taking you home right now." This proposal was ludicrous since Mei was blocking the cave entrance. Despite that, they both began to crawl out of the dirt cave. Once in the light of day, they headed back to the village. They moved at only a brisk walk but it was still faster than the speed they'd used to travel out. The light of the sun made their footsteps sure.

Mei's eyes sizzled. She wasn't done arguing despite Kakashi's dismissive attitude. "I am a grown woman; I do not need to be 'taken home'. And for your information, I am taking you back. I'll tie you to the bed if I have to!"

Kakashi felt a spike of annoyance. He wasn't exactly sure if his current abilities would allow him to resist her if she meant to carry the threat out. Still, there was no need to let her know that. "Who's going to help you with that? Haru?"

Mei snarled. "You'd like that wouldn't you!"

"Not particularly," Kakashi practically shouted. He tried to swallow his own shock at having raised his voice. As it was, the shouting had hurt and his breath came in short pants for a few moments. Mei looked a little startled but not upset. He took some slow breaths and continued in a quieter voice. "Are you always this persistent?"

"Only when I'm interested in something."

Kakashi felt a blast of shock run through him. They both blushed but both turned to avoid the other's eye and didn't see it. Kakashi started walking again and Mei followed him.

They traveled in silence. Mei wondered what she was doing. She should have killed Kakashi, sold his body- and her mind didn't get further than that. She couldn't do it, it was unthinkable. And yet it was practically treason to leave him alive.

Mei was broken from her thoughts by the realization that she'd walked past Kakashi. He'd stopped in his tracks, listening. After a moment she heard it too, the crackling of flames. The village? They both rushed forward but Kakashi quickly outpaced her using his chakra. Mei grimaced but hurried along as best she could. Her hand drifted to her stomach again but she jerked it away, concentrating on not tripping.

By the time Mei caught up, Kakashi was engaged in a battle with six Stone ninja. Half of her cabin was consumed in flames while the other half was wet, charred, and smoking. Someone had tried to put out the fire.

Kakashi was losing the fight, not badly but that could change in a second. He was still injured and had been traveling rather than resting the previous night. His chakra wasn't recovered either. Mei glanced at her half burning cabin. Her gear was in there, her chainmail and the majority of her weapons.

A grunt and thud reoriented Mei's perspective. Kakashi was on the ground and not rising, at least not fast enough for it to matter. The Stone ninja closed in. Mei frowned but not with indecision. Her objective was suddenly crystal clear. Mei's green eyes zeroed in on her targets and a wicked smile curved her painted lips.

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This was bad, Kakashi admitted to himself. He was out of chakra, weapons, and quite frankly, options. He could have thrown dirt at the Stone ninja, that being the last projectile available to him, but even he saw the futility in that. He was desperately trying to formulate a plan when he noticed that the Stone ninja weren't focused on him anymore.

Kakashi turned his head and squinted through the smoke-filled air. Mei was standing in the open, at the edge of the clearing. He blinked, too long, trying to refocus. Realizing her danger, Kakashi sucked in a breath to cry out, to tell her to run, but he only coughed, aggravating his bruised ribs. He clenched his teeth against the pain, trying to push himself up. If she died it would be his fault. He had a little bit of chakra left. Maybe he could- Then his world seemed to stop.

The bodice of Mei's green dress had a front zipper closure. Kakashi hadn't taken much notice of it before but he did now. Mei, very purposely, started to unzip her top. Kakashi's eyes bugged out. What was she doing?! Was she trying to provide a distraction? His mind was frantic. He couldn't move. His brain was stunned. She was going to get herself killed! He had to do something! Then he saw the seal tag.

It was a medium tag, about the size of his two hands put side by side. He couldn't read the configuration from that distance but the placement on her stomach suggested- His brain stalled again. In one swift motion, Mei ripped the tag free of her abdomen.

Kakashi felt as if the breath had been knocked from his lungs. He lay there, confused, disoriented, as his brain took in this new information. Mei's chakra, appearing docile as any civilian's just a moment ago, surged through her as it was released from its bonds. It was as wild and heavy and hot as the natures she had at her command. Kakashi stared dumbfounded at the lovely maiden he'd met in front of a quaint cottage two days ago. Her chakra surged, ready for battle, and he thought she'd never looked so beautiful.

"Terumi Mei", Kakashi whispered to himself. He was overwhelmed by his own stupidity, his blindness. The realization ran him through like an iron spike, pinning him there.

Mei darted forward so fast Kakashi almost didn't see. He had to flip flat onto his back as Mei sailed over him, burning mist aimed at his attackers. Kakashi tried to follow the fight but a darkness kept tugging at his vision. He desperately dug his fingers into the dirt, trying to ground himself, but it was in vain. Unconsciousness claimed him.

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The Stone ninja were dead and Mei had a very annoying report to write. She was supposed to be on this spying mission for at least another three months. But she would come home instead, and for what? What was she going to say?

The Mist kunoichi doused the remaining flames on the cabin and darted inside what was left. She quickly salvaged her armor and slipped it on, there was no hiding now. She tried to leave then, to ignore the Leaf ninja who was once again lying unconscious in her garden. Mei scowled at the thought. It wasn't her garden anymore.

Her chakra restored, Mei heard the villagers much sooner as they made their approach. There was a strange duality to this situation but it wasn't quite déjà vu. She looked back at her still smoking cabin and then to Kakashi again. He did not stir. She had no choice.