Flame of A Shinobi

(7- Confessions)

It's the next day. My eyes snapped suddenly open. A warm sensation is in my chest, making me look over. There is a tray of food just over me and a tired looking Kakashi Stands right next to me. I let out a small yawn and stretch, making sure that I don't knock the tray over. I nod to him in thanks and quickly eat my food, barely tasting it. Kakashi disappears afterwards so that I can get dressed. I take my time, making sure to clear any thoughts in my head. This was going to be a long and tiring trip back to the leaf. After I got home, I could rest. Right now, I needed to focus on not falling over.

Kakashi reenters the hut with Kurenai and Asuma, who smile fondly at me. I felt a little out of sorts, but A smile graced my face as I thought about going home to my own bed. "Shall we go?" I ask them cheerfully. All of them nod and we take off for the leaf village. It is an eight hour trip due to my injuries, but we make it back and report in to Lord Third.

"I'm very impressed with how this mission went, Asuma. Shizuka, raise your head child. You not only took on many shinobi wit admirable skills, but you also protected your teammates with admirable courage and determination. I believe I was right by placing you on this team. Please continue to do well and good rewards will come your way. I order the four of you to take the next week off. Train or rest or do whatever you wish. You are dismissed," The Hokage says with a pleasant smile on his face.

I feel instantly cheered by the praise. "Yes lord Hokage," we say before bowing and exiting the building. As I reach the bottom of the stairs, I turn to head to the training grounds, but am stopped by Kakashi. He cocks his head to one side and seems to make up his mind about something. "Come with me," He says as he takes my hand and leads me off in the opposite direction. "Wait! Where are we going?" I cry out as I am nearly swept off of my feet. He chuckles and pulls me along. "To get dinner. Neither of us have had anything since breakfast, remember?"

At the mention of food, my stomach begins to growl angrily. I had forgotten about that. Just went to show how much fun I had when I was with him. I gave a slight squeal as I almost trip, only to have Kakashi catch me. We walk for about ten minutes before he stops in front of a shop. "Ichiraku's Ramen Shop?" I ask curiously as we enter. I had never been here before, so I allow him to order for me, curious as to what it would be like. Within minutes, the food is done and I realize exactly how famished I am, digging in. It was delicious, but gone in several minutes. Kakashi gives me a slight smile and finishes his dinner. "Kakashi?" I ask softly. He turns his head to look at me and an understanding dawns on his face as he realizes what I am about to ask.

"Say what's on your mind," He tells me quietly. At those words, I open my mouth and I ask a single question. "Why did you kiss me?" He stops and glances down at me. "Well, I suppose I am not quite sure why I did it. But I guess you can say it's because I wanted to. I never do anything I don't want to do. Besides, I am not sure why myself but I enjoy being around you." I stop thinking completely and my heart beats fast. "What does any of this mean?" I whisper softly, so completely confused. If I wasn't careful, I was going to fall fast and hard. And if I got hurt, it was going to kill me. Kakashi put a finger under my chin, pulling my eyes up to meet the one he wasn't hiding under his Hitai-ate.

"It means I would like to get to know you better. I don't kiss people I don't like... Actually.. you would be the first one I have ever Kissed. Take that however you want. But it is up to you," He says with seemingly baited breath. My head starts spinning as I try to make sense of all of this. "You want to... get to know me? Like ... Like a date? Or just friends?" I ask awkwardly, not sure how to put any of this. "Honestly, how we approach it will be up to you. I am willing to take my time. However if you say yes, I would like to show you that I can be proper. It is your choice, Shizuka. I am unsure what your feelings are but I would like to explore and understand mine. I didn't exactly have a good example of learning how to feel growing up and it is still new to me," He tells me.