What Came Down the River

Chapter 10: The Flashback

"I-i u-u-u-uh o-Oi!" Kakashi's body stiffens under my touch, his body heating up. I groan in my sleep, turning closer into him, his left arm now my hostage as I lean into his chest, completely forgetting how I fell asleep. I feel the generation of more heat against me and I grumble uncomfortably.

"U-uh-u-uhm..." Kakashi wants to call out and wake me up, but decides against it and sits for a few moments longer. He glances down at me, his face rosier than a hibiscus bush, and reaches out, softly brushing my hair out of my face. I flinch slightly at the unknown touch and whimper within my dream. Pulling back a little, his hand hover over my face for a few seconds before he puts it back against his side. Seemingly to get lost in thought. After giving himself enough courage he wraps his other free arm under my legs and picks me up. Using the fact that I'm leaning against his left arm as an advantage to keep me from falling. Although, getting a bit uncomfortable with the position, I let his arm go and cling to his chest tenderly, bringing my ear to his heart and letting his rhythm once again guide me deeper into my slumber. I feel him halt nervously and heat up again. Making sure I'm still asleep he uses his, now freed, arm to support my back as he carries me to the chair.

Sluggishly making his way, we arrive at the chair that's now been taken over by frogs, an owl, and even some other nightly critters. He sighs both out of exhaustion and disappointment. "Just keep it, I'll come back for it tomorrow. Or...whenever. I don't know." He mumbles more to himself than the animals.

Yawning tiredly, he looks over at the river and then back at me. Feeling a bit special to see me completely relaxed as the pale moon reflects my face, Kakashi gives a small smirk while holding me closer to shield me from the breeze.

"Alright I guess we take the scenic route. I don't feel like walking through all those steep rocks right now." He talks to himself before placing his foot on the water and walking down stream. At first the motion of the water swaying makes me uneasy and I half-heartedly wake up. My face emerges from the small crevice against his chest that it was hidden and stretch slightly. My eyes have trouble at first adjusting, so I stare at a spiky haired silhouette. "K-k-Kakashi?" I whisper slightly.

His head perks up slightly before looking down at me. "Sorry I woke you up."

My eyes bar a few more seconds and I notice it's still dark outside and the stars are shining brightly against him. My pupils widen slightly as I open my mouth. "I-i..." Taking in my surroundings I noticed that Kakashi is holding me in his arms as he walks on water.

"W-w-woah! I-I-I-I'm s-s-s-s-so so-sorry! Y-you don-do-don't ha-have t-to carry m-me!-"

He shakes his head, "it's okay. My fault for falling asleep out here. Your chair was taken hostage by some animals so I decided to walk the easier way. Besides you're light anyways." His voice gives a little positive chime at the end. Which causes my cheeks to heat up and I have to quickly turn away before he notices.

My hair drops from the sides of my face and dangles wildly towards the stream below, the moonlight only adding a paling affect to the brightly blond hair. I let it sway with Kakashi's soft movements and feel myself get sleepy again. My body slowly sinks back against his chest and I rest my head on his arm, sighing softly. Kakashi stifles a stagger in his breath as he glance down at me then away.

"K-Kakashi?" I whisper to keep the effects on my voice to a minimum, plus that and I'm tired.

"Hm?" His croak in his voice had never left, though he looks a little more well rested.

"...will y-you come back?" I feel a bit distant in my voice.

"What do you mean? From my mission?" He glances down at me now, peculiarly. His dark eye examining me carefully, yet stripping me of my burdens. As if they were trying to take them on and replace them with positive experiences.