Here For You - Kakashi Hatake x OC

Chapter 15: The Leaf's Jinchuriki

Kakashi and I were the happiest of people. We spent more time together than before, if that was even possible. We would hug, and hold hands, and kiss. His touch made my heart flutter every time. I loved being with him. And he loved being with me. Today he wanted to treat me to some dumplings, even though he didn't like sweets all that much, he knew I enjoyed them. I smiled and thanked him as I munched on the dumplings. I didn't eat them too often, but I love them. He kissed my cheek. Him doing that still made me blush. "You're so cute when you blush," He murmered into my ear, which made me blush even more.

We left the dumpling shop and wandered through the evening Konoha streets. He slid his arm around my waist and held him closer to him. I leaned my head onto his shoulder, breathing in his musky scent and enjoying the warmth radiating from him. He kissed the top of my head through his mask and I sighed happily. People looked at us, seeming surprised and shocked to see us together, but I didn't care and neither did Kakashi. Why should we hide our happiness?

The atmosphere seemed different tonight, though. Tense, even. I lifted my head from Kakashi's shoulder and he spoke, "Do you feel it, too?" I nodded. Our guards were up. Something was wrong and we both knew it. Once we felt it, in a matter of time, we saw it.

The Nine-Tails.

We were trained ANBU, so we quickly made our way in the direction of the scene. Upon our arrival, though, our own fellow ANBU, and some nin from the Foundation, forced us to leave. "Sorry, Lord Fourth's and Lord Danzo's orders," They pushed me back as I tried to fight my way through. I wanted to help, I wanted to protect my village. Kakashi pulled me back, though, "We can't do anything right now," He told me, "We must follow orders." I wasn't having it, "But we have to help! That beast will destroy our village if we just stand around here doing nothing!" I was frustrated. Kakashi tried to calm me down, "They're doing all they can. We can't afford to lose any more ninja. We've lost far too many to this war as it is. We must stay back. When they need us - they'll call us." I relaxed a bit and the guards ushered us to an enclosure where all the civilians and most of the village nin were kept safe.

Kakashi sat down on the floor and pulled me down into his lap, wrapping his arms around me. "What's wrong?" He asked softly. I answered honestly, "I know I'm usually this strong, held-together ninja that isn't afraid of anything... But I'm kind of scared right now." He pressed his forehead to mine, "I'm scared, as well. But I believe that it will all be okay." He comforted me and I relaxed against him.

The atmosphere was tense. Time dragged on, torturing me. I tried to calm down, focusing on speaking to Kakashi, but I felt the anxiety building up inside of me. I really didn't want to have a panic attack now. I tried my hardest to push it all away, but my attempts were fruitless. I didn't want Kakashi to have to see me like this. "I'll be right back," I hurriedly muttered to Kakashi. He went to say something, but I left him before he could. I walked up to one of the guards at the door and asked him where the bathroom was, trying not to show him my current condition. He pointed in the direction of the restroom and I half-walked, half-ran, desperate to be alone.

I shut the door quickly behind me. I was free enough to try to calm myself down. My heart rate quickened and my breathing was ragged. I dug my nails into the palms of my hands, hoping the physical pain would push away my panic. My stomach was churning as I thought of what was going on outside at this very moment. I tried to control my breathing. My nails drew blood in my hands. I was shaking hard as I tried to ignore the roaring sounds of the Nine-tails rampaging through my village. Tears stung my eyes as I desperately tried to calm my heartbeat. I could no longer breathe. I started to choke and the sink in front of me started to be blurry in my vision. I squinted and dug my nails deeper into my palms. Having an anxiety disorder as a ninja wasn't all that fun. I had learned to control myself most of the time. But then there were times like these, and once the panic flooded me, it wouldn't let go. You're a failure, the nasty voice in my head said. Trying to be a ninja and mask your condition... So pathetic. I trembled and shook my head. Blood dripped from my hands. I gasped unevenly as strong arms wrapped around me. "K-Kashi,n-n-no, please," I cried and stuttered badly, "I d-don't w-want you to s-see m-m-me like th-this." He thinks you're pathetic. I sobbed. He will leave you, you don't deserve him, such a failure. "You were gone for too long," I heard him say. "Katsi, please, look at me," He cupped my face and wiped my tears away as I look up at him. He grabbed my shaking hands, not caring about my blood covering his own hands. "Tell me what to do," I couldn't tell him. I couldn't speak. I couldn't breathe. "Katsi, please, calm down, it's all going to be okay, it will all be over soon, please..." I still shook uncontrollably and I saw his eye, full of worry and desperation. And I knew it that moment that he cared for me, deeply. His concern muted the voice in the back of my head. He took some bandages out of his pouch, took my hands and carefully started to bandage them. His touch made me feel a little better, blood still rushing through my head, I could hear it. He finished with my hands and gave me a sad smile, "Please tell me if there's anything I can do to help." He hugged me tightly as I finally spoke.