Growing Pains

Chapter 21

Araile's muscles couldn't-and wouldn't-move from their position as she leaned against Shinrai for comfort. His body heat seeped into her muscles, relaxing and soothing them. Her eyelids drooped until they closed, and remained closed as sleep finally overcame her. Shinrai stayed with her in the same position so he wouldn't wake her up as every muscle in her body became limp and relaxed.

Quiet breaths reached his ears as she slept. A gentle smile crossed Shinrai's lips as he leaned his head against her head softly, enjoying the silence. After a couple minutes had passed, something began to bother Shinrai. A rather annoying small rock was poking him in his leg, and the cool damp ground was beginning to seep into his pants.

This was a bit of a dilemma. If Shinrai moved, he would most certainly wake Araile up...but if he didn't he would surely become even more uncomfortable, and wouldn't be able to stay in this position much longer.

Decision made! He was moving.

Quietly, he shifted his legs until he was leaning back. As expected, Araile's body began to slide forward. Shinrai knew this would happen, and easily situated her in his arms so that he was holding her under her shoulders and knees. To Shinrai's delight, she didn't stir.

He carefully got up and looked at Takumi's grave, sending a quick prayer to her dog companion. He didn't personally know Takumi, but he had looked after Araile when she was living with Kakashi, and to that he was grateful. As he entered the village, he noticed that it was beginning to look more like a village and less of a destruction site.

'What a nice village,' Shinrai thought to himself as he continued walking with Araile still sleeping in his arms.

Continuing on, Shinrai found himself at her old apartment where Kakashi had taken care of her since she was a young toddler. Suddenly nervous, Shinrai walked up the steps and quietly knocked on the door with a free hand. He had only seen Kakashi, but never talked to him face-to-face. He didn't want to mess this moment up and make Kakashi not like him. A small shudder ran down Shinrai's back as his mind began to conjure up images of how bad it would be if Kakashi didn't like Shinrai.

"Hello?" a voice said, breaking Shinrai out of his thoughts.

Blinking, Shinrai found himself looking at the Copy Ninja, Kakashi Hatake. Gulping, Shinrai opened his mouth and an unmanly squeak came out. Mortified, Shinrai cleared his throat and tried again.

"I brought Araile back home," Shinrai said quietly, happy that he didn't squeak again.

"I see. Thank you very much, you can bring her into her room if you don't mind," Kakashi said with a small smile.

"Y-yes sir," Shinrai said, and quickly headed to Araile's room.

He quietly went into her room and placed her gently on her bed. Hesitating, Shinrai pulled the blanket over her thin frame and tucked it under her chin. Sighing softly, Araile snuggled into her pillow. As quietly as he could, Shinrai walked out of her room and closed the bedroom door.

"Thank you for bringing her back here, Shinrai. I can see you care for her very much," Kakashi said, coming out from the small kitchen.

"Yes sir. We became friends in the Land of Iron," Shinrai said.

"I see. Well, you can stay here and rest," Kakashi said simply and returned to the kitchen.

Shinrai smiled, thankful that he wasn't messing this up. He walked to the couch and carefully sat down, testing the limits of the couch. Squishy and soft and comfortable. Immediately, Shinrai relaxed and leaned back against the cushions, it's softness embracing him.

He'd only rest for a couple minutes.

Only a couple....minutes...

Soon, Shinrai was in a deep sleep with his arms crossed over his chest. Some purple strands of hair slid from behind his ear and over his face. Kakashi smiled gently as he gazed at this young teen. He knew Shinrai was interested...no, crazy...about Araile. Shinrai was a good young man; Kakashi could sense this.