A Hummingbird's Prey (TLU Book 2)

Chapter Thirty-Five: Carrying On

A/N: Surprise! Early update. 💖 After this, one more to go...

"Where the hell is he?" Sayori growled. "Kakashi-sensei has never been this late. It's ridiculous!"
"Maybe he got called on a mission." Nobu suggested. The team had already prepped for field lessons. And for the past few hours waiting for Kakashi, who (along with Sakura, when she's free) had been helping them keep up with their training. As usual, he was running late. And they had all agreed to study their own chakra natures separately.
"In that case, we should be training ourselves. Or go check on Meilani-sensei."

"Or maybe she'll come check on you."
Meilani grinned smugly at their shocked expressions. Her arms opened as they all darted towards her at once, grunting when the impact caused all of them to crash into the ground.
"Ouch," she grunted. "You know, I'm still very sore from waking up."
"We were worried sick," Moriko's arms squeezed Mei's torso. "You barely even flinched on the way home."
"I knew you'd be fine," Sayori muffled against her shoulder. "But you were out for a while."
Mei fought back tears, her head rested on the ground while her team embraced her in a tight pile above her.

"I'm here now." She leaned her head against Nobu's, patting Sayori and Moriko gently on the top of their heads. "Why don't you all catch me up on what you've been up to?"
They all sat up, taking turns filling in their sensei on their missions and what Kakashi has guided them through the past few weeks. She listened eagerly, shaking her head in amusement when they sassed each other.
"Nobu, tell her the news." Moriko nudged, an encouraging smile on her face.

Mei smiled patiently, watching his bashfulness appear across his cheeks.
"I've decided that, I want to learn more about being a medical ninja."
Her eyes lit up. "That's wonderful, Nobu. Does that mean you'll be taking lessons elsewhere?"
"Just a few times a week. I'm still going to go on missions with you all. So don't think you're leaving anywhere without me!"
"Wouldn't dream of it, kiddo." Mei stood up. "Why don't we take the rest of the day off? I'll buy you all ramen."

*****

Kakashi yawned and poured himself a cup of tea. Sitting down at the table before opening up his copy of Makeout Paradise with a cheeky grin. He skimmed over to the chapter he and Mei had played out before, his mind replaying it while he read through the lines. He almost didn't hear the door open and close with an audible click.
"Hi, honey." He looked up, lowering his book to steal a kiss from her. "Want some tea?"
Mei shook her head. "I just had some with Iruka. He wanted to check in, make sure I'm fine."

She giggled when he pulled her to his lap, a hand finding its way through his messy hair. The corners of her lips tugged up, but didn't reach their full potential.
"How are you feeling?" He asked. Mei shrugged, looking down at their laps.
"Still nauseous, but I was able to hold down lunch. So that's progress."

"I have the day off," he mentioned. Mei watched his thumb rub circles on her hip. "I'd love to spend the day with you. We could go see a movie, or head to the bookstore."
Her brow flickered with interest. "Can we do both?"
"That sounds great." His smiled, the sight of it melting her heart. If she weren't sitting, it probably would have caused her to melt to the floor as well. Kakashi continued to smile as he tilted his head. Noticing her eyes soften.

"Hm?"
Mei blushed, her eyes still watching his lips. "You're... The most beautiful person I know."
A pink hue spread across his cheekbones. Before he had the chance to turn his head, Mei cupped his face tenderly.
"Don't be shy," the playfulness in her tone was evident. "You certainly weren't yesterday."
He tickled her side, scooping her up as he rose.
"I don't know how you can call me the most beautiful person, when in truth I'm holding her right now."

Mei held onto his neck. "Even if my scar somewhat copies yours?" She asked teasingly.
He plopped her on the couch, crossing his arms while rolling his eyes.
"I'll let it slide this time."
Mei sat up with feign offense. "I can't believe you would throw me so carelessly."
He leaned down, his hands resting on the back of the couch. "Will you ever forgive me?"
Mei shrugged, observing his features with a neutral expression. He lifted her chin gently for a quick kiss. Promising to shower quickly. By the time he returned dressed and ready, Mei had been able to fill in a few pages of writing. Of what? He didn't know. But given her calm attitude and soft gaze, he figured she was journaling or something along those lines. Regardless, he wouldn't pry. If she felt the need for privacy, he'll respect it.