The Lost Uzumaki (Kakashi x OC)

Chapter Eleven- Aftershock

A/N: The next few chapters will be long, but please read at your own pace. Also, the music is for the scene (s) after the funeral.

Thick, heavy raindrops steadily pattered against the apartment windows. To Naruto, they looked like blotches of ink falling from the dark grey clouds. Thunder boomed across Konoha, rattling the windows slightly. The young blonde pulled his burgundy sweater over his head and looked towards the other end of the couch, where Mei sat. He watched her blank expression curiously. The news of the Third Hokage's death was, without a doubt, a shock to everyone in the village. And to Naruto, it seemed to have shaken Meilani more than she'd want to admit.

Her eyes stared ahead as her left hand traced circles along the blanket covering her legs. Her right hand tucked under her chin. What remained of her hair was braided on the lower right side of her head, resting on top of her shoulder and frizzed due to the weather. The end strands of her fresh mid-layers poked out through the style. It was the best Kurenai could do after the messy sabotage of Kabuto's blade. Meilani appreciated her friend's attempt, but the shock still remained.
Her tired brown eyes roamed across the coffee table and the plain beige walls. And then the bookshelf, the pictures on top, and then finally stayed on the plant in the corner.

"Good thing I dropped off Asuma-sensei's food before the storm hit, huh?" Naruto asked.
"Mhm." She agreed. "Did you tell him I had patrols?"
"Yeah, he didn't mind. Then again I don't really think anything is gonna bother him right now, you know?"
"And you delivered Shino his winter-melon pastries?"
"Yeah, but it was weird. He just turned all red and didn't say anything. He's an odd guy."
"He helped save my ass, it's the least we could do."
Another silence followed after a roar of thunder. For another 8 seconds, at least.
"We should get a TV. Or grab some umbrellas and go to the movies."
"They won't be open until all the repairs are done. A lot of the building was damaged in the attack."
He groaned, sliding down to the floor. "This sucks. I can't believe the old man is gone."

The day had barely ended, and the rain appeared as the sun had set. After she had been checked by a medical ninja, Mei busied herself with village needs. After helping clear some rubble and searching for missing villagers, she bought food to prepare a dinner. Not just her and her brother, but for Asuma Konohamaru also. Naruto watched Mei ignore his yelling while a shadow clone searched for Kurenai. Who had to gently grab her friend by the hands to get her to pause and take a breath. She had Naruto start preparing dinner while she took Mei to the bathroom to fix the jagged, uneven cut. Meilani pouted when her friend said that to even it out, more would have to be taken off. She offered some layers, and Mei gave a short nod, resolving the answer to be some type of control over what had to be done.

"Konohamaru isn't taking it well," Naruto continued. "Asuma-sensei said he's locked himself in his room."
"Poor kid," She sighed, lying her head back. "I can't imagine how he's feeling."
The rainfall's pattern dramatically changed to a soft pitter patter. Both siblings checked the time; almost 9pm. It had been storming for nearly 3 hours.
"You should really eat something, Mei. I know you haven't ate since this morning."
Mei scrunched the left side of her nose. "I'm not hungry, kid."
He gave his sister an annoyed look, and walked to the kitchen. Her head turned to follow him and watch as he made a small plate.
"I didn't ask if you were hungry." He sassed, placing the small plate on her lap. "You need you strength."
A deep exhale left her nose, yet she still took the plate. He gave a satisfied grin, and sat back down.
"You think Pervy Sage is gonna be there tomorrow?"
"At least a quick appearance." She answered, mouth filled with short rib.
"You know besides being a pervy old geezer, hes not so bad."
Meilani chuckled. "You know, he scared the hell out of Guy when he found out the two of us were dating."
Naruto groans, sticking his tongue out as though a bad taste remained on it.
"I still can't believe you went out with him!"
"I told you Naruto, it was only for a couple weeks. We were barely teens and it was a couple dates, that's all."