Kakashi Hatake, I love you

Chapter 8: Deeper Than the Surface

I wake up and feel that Kakashi is still holding onto me tight.  I think he had a nightmare about Rin the way he was mumbling in his sleep.  "Hey, Kakashi, it's morning", I say as I run my fingers through his hair.  I hear him groan and he stretches.  He sits up and I can see how much that nightmare affected him.  My heart breaks for him.  I can't even imagine how many times he's had that dream while he's alone.  "I'm so sorry about last night, Kazuko.  I-", I put a finger on lips to shush him.  "There's no reason to apologize, it's okay Kakashi.  I'll make us some breakfast", I say as I climb off the bed to go to the kitchen.  "I'll be back, I'm going back to my apartment to get clothes", he says as he leaves.  I decide to make breakfast sandwiches since I've been craving them.  I also make a pot of coffee and my mouth is watering at the smell.  

Kakashi comes back a few minutes later and I serve him breakfast and coffee.  We sit down at the table and eat in silence.  "This food is delicious Kazuko, thank you so much", he says as he drinks his coffee.  We have a small talk about our plans for today.  I hear a knock at the door and I open it to see Yamato.  "Oh hey Yamato, it's been a while", I say with a smile as I hug him.  "It's nice to see you as well Kazuko", he says with a smile as he hugs me.  "Oh, hey Kakashi", he says as he catches a glimpse of him.  "I'm sorry to say, but Lady Tsunade has summoned you to her office.  Go as soon as you can", Yamato says.  "I'll catch up with you guys later.  You guys seem to have forgotten about me recently", he says with a fake pout.  "You always seem like you're never here.  Anyway, let's plan something soon.  Always nice seeing you Yamato", I say as I close the door.

"I think you're about to go on your first mission", Kakashi says.  "Tsunade has been asking me about you, your skills, and what type of missions I think you would do well in".  I look at him and I feel myself... blush?  I don't know what I was feeling but it was a good one.  "Well, I'll leave you to go talk to Tsunade.  Come back and tell me what mission you're going on.", Kakashi says as he gets up to wash his dishes.  "What if it's top secret?" I say.  "No worries, I already know what kind of mission you're going on but not the specific details.  I'm one of her advisors so I help her make decisions like this", he says with a closed-eye smile.  "Thank you again for everything.  Last night, breakfast.  I appreciate you Kazuko", he says as he gives me a hug.  He opens the door and leaves.  That man never says goodbye.  He just leaves.  I wonder why.

...

"I have a special mission for you." Tsuande tells me.  "This is a solo mission and it should last between a few weeks to a few months.  It's an undercover mission to the Hidden Mist village.  There have been reports of some suspicious activities going on in their council and I want you to infiltrate it and gather information.  I've heard a lot of good things about you from the ANBU and the elite squad leaders.  I figured you best fit to go on this mission."

Holy shit.  Even Tsunade has heard about me.  I feel so accomplished.

"Kakashi told me that this mission would have been perfect for you, so I decided to pull your file and read it.  I think your background at the Hidden Cloud will help you.  Kakashi is one of my most trusted friends and advisor.  He is the only person I can trust to tell about missions and who's going on them." Tsunade said to me.  I guess she saw the look of confusion on my face.  Well that gives me comfort that he sees I'm capable of doing missions by myself.

"Do you have any questions?" she asks.  "How would you tell my partners about my absence?  Is there a chance I have to abandon the mission?"  Tsunade looks at me and explains how no one is going to question what type of mission I was and in what worst case scenario would have to happen in order for me to abort the mission.  I thank her and I leave her office.  I leave for the mission in three days and I'm excited.  I'm nervous too but I'm sure I can handle it.