The Art of Seduction | kakashi x reader

Chapter | 08

Warning; I updated my older chapters and the first chapter now has YN taking care of a comatose Rock Lee. You do not need to reread the chapters, the new information isn't exactly crucial to the story.

The next day goes by uneventfully. The duo continue their journey trekking through Grass territory, following a small river with a plethora of wild flowers growing near the river banks. Yellows, whites, pinks, and purples dot along the velvety green grass with the river sparkling under the bright sun light.

Both shinobis are relieved that their conversations seem to flow naturally and easily between them, devoid of any uneasy silences or tense conversations that plagued them the day before. YN finds it ironic how Kakashi's injury was able to heal the damage between them, leading them to converse effortlessly; picking up right where they left off before the war.

Even though their conversations are easy, they are still vapid and lackluster, centering around every day topics. Neither shinobi wants to mention the years they were avoiding each other since they're entering more populated towns which means more people to possibly overhear them, especially since they recently crossed over into rogue territory. As they continue to near their destination, it becomes more crucial to keep their identities hidden.

As they trek on, YN tightly clutches the straps of her bag as her mind unconsciously wanders to the image of her clumsily dancing in front of the window. She begins chewing on her top lip as she contemplates her situation. Her experience last night demonstrates that she's not even remotely close to being ready for the real thing. She's too awkward and self-conscious, and she knows that stripping down to her underwear in front of drooling men will only make it worse. Hell, if she can't even perform for Kakashi, – someone she greatly trusts – how can she ever perform in front of an audience of questionable, dangerous men, one of whom could possibly be the kidnapper of the missing women?

However, she doesn't mention her doubts to her partner, not even when they stand in line watching the least suspicious street vendor grill their corn and squid. Although, she knows Kakashi is her support during this mission, with him being her guide for the unexplored realm of lust and sin, she also knows that he can't hold her up completely. She's going to need to stay focused on their objective and make the best out of her situation, no matter how nerve-racking it may be.

As they travel upon the winding dirt road again, yaki tomorokoshi and ikayaki sticks in hand, they continue to chat amiably and YN finds how much she's enjoying his company. Maybe this is what she always felt was missing? His friendship? After the incident in the hospital, their friendship had begun to fall apart. YN was utterly humiliated, wishing to avoid her sensei at all costs. Shortly after, her mother had also threatened her with homelessness if she didn't completely cut Kakashi out of her life, including pairing with him for missions or training. With him not seeking her out either, she made the foolish decision to agree to her mother's terms, fearing he was upset with her as well. However, her idiotic choice did not only sever ties with one friendship, it also strained the friendships with everyone else on Team 7. She noticed how close the team became without her. Yet, she knew it was her own fault.

Her face scrunches in embarrassment of her actions before sinking her teeth into the char-grilled cob, savoring the tangy sauce coating the yellow corn in an attempt to distract herself from the awful memory.

"How is Rock Lee doing?" Kakashi asks, fully breaking her away from her own thoughts.

The sun beats down on the duo, glaring into YN's eyes when she looks over to the silver haired man beside her. Much to her disappointment, Kakashi is already tugging his mask back into place.