What Came Down the River

Chapter 18: Picnic Outing

We lay there for who knows how long. But I can't say I'm complaining. I'm enjoying the company and Kakashi's enjoying his much needed rest. Soon enough Kakashi yawns, stretching into me before waking up and looking around. I had taken off his head band so he can have a breeze blow onto his face. Plus that and I wanted to see more of him. I find it weird that even with his head band off he never opens his other eye.

"Good morning," I grin up at him from his chest.

"Morning? Did I sleep the whole day?"

"Mmmm I don't know, but you're up now. I believe the custom is to say good morning when someone wakes up. Unless I'm mistaken?"

He chuckles to himself, "well, I guess that's not completely wrong. Good morning."

"You seem to have slept well. The rings under your eyes are gone."

"Hmph I did have a good dream," he seems to have a twinkle in his eye as he recalls it.

"You feel comfortable sharing?" I shine up at him. Whenever I'm with him I always end up in a good mood. Just seeing him smile down at me makes everything better. Strange.

He seems to think something over before speaking, " well it's hard to remember everything, but I know you were there."

Hearing it makes my heart flutter more than it should. "M-me?! Really?"

"Really really."

"Now I must know what happened."

"Erm- well uh...like I said I don't really remember everything."

"Mm," I'm dissatisfied and he can see it. He quickly adds, "but I assure you it was a good dream." He holds me close and I let my curiosity go.

"If you say so...want to go do something now?"

"I don't see why not. What would you like to do?"

"I saw some people eating food on a blanket. I believe they called it a picket knitt. Can we do that over in the forest?"

He laughs slightly, "yes we can have a picnic."

I feel my face flush with embarrassment. "P-picnic, sorry."

"No need to apologize. It's cute." He seems to realize what he said a second later but hopes I don't comment. I don't. Cute is supposed to be a compliment right? Or is it a term of endearment?

"Oh! And can I ask a favor, you don't have to though."

"Nani?"

"Can you teach me how to do ninja stuff?"

"Hm ninja stuff, huh?"

"Uh-huh," I scoot up so we are face to face now.

"I'll have to think about it," he still has that little twinkle in his eye.

"...you did have the intention of teaching me beforehand."

"Before you got hurt and ended up in the hospital for about a month."

"I'm okay now though," I give him a reassuring grin.

He seems to sincerely doubt what I'm saying, yet decides to actually give some thought before he gives a final answer.

"You okay?" I notice his eyes fog over.

"...yeah. Anyways you want to get started on the picket knitt?" He chuckles at my blush.

"Y-yeah," I sit up and hop off the bed. "Let's goooooo!"

Kakashi follows my lead into the kitchen. Seemingly enjoying himself more than he has in a long time. Or maybe it's just me.