Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 62

Chapter Inspiration: Brave Enough by Lindsey Stirling feat. Christina Perri

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The Be Fong waited in Konoha for two days. During that time, she sought out Belva and Kakashi on her own to train. Neither brought up the sparring incident and the ninja didn't flaunt her newfound Teleportation Jutsu in front of them. Mai knew the woman was aware of it though, not putting it past Kakashi to share. Besides, Belva knew better than to argue at this point because it wouldn't change anything. They meditated and moved throughout the Village using the Chakra Strings with speeds and patterns pretending to capture targets that posed as trashcans and sacks of potatoes.

It wasn't like out in the field, but the young woman was certain if she asked anyone to step in, they would all say no. Well, maybe Naruto or Hinata would agree... but she didn't want to put them in a situation where they felt like they had to. Not after what they witnessed.

Kakashi was a little more hesitant to train with her. Not because he was afraid. Because the Jounin didn't know what kind of mindset she was still in.

"I know I messed up, that I shouldn't let things get to me, but I have triggers... and I'm working on them," Mai said when he hesitated to agree. "Especially since I am here until the serial killers are found."

"You don't need any more training," he stated.

"Maybe not... but it gives me something to do. I can't just sit around."

"You should try it once in a while. Some people find it relaxing." Kakashi sighed, head shaking. "Very well. We'll go to one of the back training grounds so we aren't bothered."

They trained well into the evening of the second day, long and hard till the both of them were left panting. The Be Fong's place was closer to rest, offering the Jounin food and something to drink after he showered and changed in a spare of clothing kept lying around. She went for a shower soon after and upon finishing discovered he had fallen asleep stretched out on the couch. The young man was in deep when he didn't even shift as she threw a blanket over him.

It was completely silent as Mai ate, before moving out to the porch and taking in the calm atmosphere. Tomorrow was the day the old members of Taka would meet up. She would leave in the early morning. There was no telling when they would reach the forest and wanted to be sure she was able to set up. Watch the perimeter, even if they took hours to appear.

She found herself in the living room late that evening, staring at the occupied couch. Kakashi looked peaceful, content, at ease. Sasuke had told her once before she looked the same when he woke up beside her. At first the young woman didn't believe him, but upon seeing a similar expression on his face when on the off chance she woke before him... she began to wonder if it was possible for her to feel that way. Even when asleep. It must be nice. Resting a hand on the arm of the couch the ninja's fingers accidentally brushed against the tips of the Jounin's spiked hair freezing for a moment to be sure she didn't disturb him. There was no reaction on his part as he continued to slumber.

He slept over her home many times before. Mostly after the war, like Naruto on occasion, when Sasuke wasn't visiting. And never once did the Jounin remove the mask covering the lower face. Despite Team 7's antics from when the four of them were Genin. To even now when Sakura and Naruto grew bored, managing to rope in Sai as well, Mai knew they snuck throughout Konoha attempting to discover what the Jounin actually looked like. Being a member of Phantom, the Be Fong accidentally caught him mask free. Of course, the Jounin didn't know that fact. The young woman couldn't understand why he wore the mask. There was nothing wrong with his face, no horrible scars to hide or out of place facial features to be insecure of. In fact, many would consider Kakashi to be rather handsome.