Under My Skin

Chapter 10

Ame

Ame stood in the Hokage's office in silence. The only sound she registered was the voice in her head pleading her not the throw up in front of the Hokage. The Anbu mask she wore covered her dreadful appearance, but her breath being deflected back to her still smelled of stale alcohol, no matter how hard she brushed her teeth, or how many times she swilled her mouth.

She focused on breathing shallowly, as every breath caused her stomach to roll with nausea. The Hokage had sent for her far too early if it was up to her. She'd barely had 3 hours of sleep and began to contemplate if she was even sober yet.

She swayed in her stance, willing herself to think of anything but the wave of sickness that threatened. She gulped and bile rose in her throat.

"Hokage-sama," the window slid open and an Anbu with a bear mask perched on the sill. "Wolf can't be located." Her eyes shot wide behind her mask. She didn't realise what they were waiting for, especially not if it was Kakashi. Her heartbeat faster in her chest and something uncomfortable swam in her veins. She didn't know if it was the hangover, the lack of sleep, or sheer dread that made her feel a little faint.

"If he doesn't want to be found, he won't" Hiruzen sighed behind his desk and rubbed his eyes with his fingers. He looked tired too, she realised. The Anbu with the bear mask slipped back out the window soundlessly.

The sun rose behind the Hokage. As he looked up to her his demeanour changed, he became focused and bore through the eyeholes of her mask.

"I'm going to be frank with you, Amaya-san." He leaned forward, propping his elbows on the wooden surface. "We've lost all contact with our spies in Sand." Her body faltered at his words.

"All of them?" she confirmed in a forced, steady voice. A slow nod was his response.

"All of them."

"And you think it is to do with our previous mission." She wasn't asking.

"Unless something major happened to reveal each spy, I can only assume they've known for quite a while and are sending a message after being aware of our interference in their meeting." Made sense. That would be her guess too.

"Your orders, lord 3rd?" She stood to attention even if her body begged her not to move. It earned a deep sigh from the tired Hokage.

"Where is Kakashi when you need him?" He uttered it, to himself under his breath. "Find Kakashi and bring him here is your first order." She actually felt her legs wobble as the command sounded. It's ok. She just had to be professional. This didn't involve anything personal.

"Am I to assume that we are still going to be partnered?" She willed her words to be even as she spoke.

"Naturally, my reasonings have not changed." He rose and turned to watch the sunrise. "I'm tired of your petty game with Kakashi." His bluntness almost made her flinch, "there is no room in Anbu for personal feelings, Ame." He warned. She wondered where his words came from.

"I understand, Hokage-sama," she bent her knee, showing respect. "I will prove my worth, and commitment to protecting this village." Speaking was even more difficult than breathing. The thinking was even more difficult than speaking. "And my loyalty," she added sincerely. Hiruzen turned to her then. He watched her carefully for a moment too long, she began to feel uncomfortable under his scrutinising gaze.

"You formally agree to the partnership, and will give no more resistance?" he asked her suspiciously. She nodded, still on her knee. She felt a presence stir outside the office as her next words came out.