Flame of A Shinobi

(24- A brother's love, Kakashi's Heart)

It took about three weeks for Nobuo to be released from the hospital, his blond hair had been cut and his black eyes were slowly returning to the lively way they used to glint at the world. I had spent the last several days at the hospital, talking with my brother about what had happened since he was gone. Mother had been here every single day, having decided to stay at the hospital until he was released. Nobuo healed well, but there was still a very haunted look in his eyes. However, it was slowly being replaced by a curious one.

After he discovered that Kakashi and I were an item, his entire attitude towards Kakashi had changed. Before, I suppose Kakashi had been his rival.  Now, there was an altogether different relationship. I wasn't quite sure if he accepted us being together or not. all he said was "If you hurt her, I'll kill you myself, Kakashi."  The vehemence with which he had said it was the most surprising thing of all. I love my brother to death, but his approval is something I wasn't looking for. I wanted what I wanted and I was going to get what I wanted.

Kakashi puts a hand on my shoulder, rousing me from my thoughts. "Are you ready to leave for our mission?" He asks me quietly. I nod and smile. We were only due for a C ranking mission today, hoping that it would only take several hours to a day at max. It was Just Kakashi and I for this mission, Asuma and Kurenai having been placed on another mission entirely, most likely for the rest of the week. I was really excited to be able to go on another mission after being off duty for six weeks. Even Kakashi had had several small missions in the time that Nobuo was in the hospital.

Nobuo was finally putting weight on now, and was no longer looking like a corpse.  I followed Kakashi towards the Gate, taking note of all kids playing alongside the shops. With a last inventory check, we set out on our mission.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Time- skip~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I finally reach the gates of the village, exhaustion weighing on me like a second skin. We still had to report in to the Hokage. The low sunlight was slightly warming in the crisp air, being well into December. I shake my head as I think about how depressing this mission had been. Seriously? Why would anyone want to escort the Lady of a Feudal Lord to a freaking tea-party? And mind you, the things they gossip about make boys look shameful. A blush spreads across my face as I remember them talking or more like bragging about their husbands sizes.

Kakashi looks over at me in concern. "Are you okay, Shizuka? You look feverish." Kakashi points out as he places a hand to my forehead. I frown at him and brush off his hand. "I'm not sick.... Just embarrassed at what we overheard today," I mutter as I try to forget the whole conversation. Kakashi chuckles slightly as we make our way up the steps. Lord third was just leaving his office when we reach it. "Mission completed I take it?" He asks as we approach him. I nod in confirmation. He gives a relieved smile. "Good work, then. Go home and get some rest. We will see if I have any new missions tomorrow," He tells us as he gives a wink.

As we turn, I open my mouth to say something. I soon close it. I didn't want to burden Lord Third with anything unimportant. The walk home is rather silent, all the children from late this morning having gone home already. Kakashi holds my hand as we walk peacefully home.

When we arrive, a surprise awaits us. My brother is dressed and leaning against the post that marks the entrance to the estate. He looks like he has been waiting there for a short while. I let out a grin and step forwards, giving him a warming hug. "Nobuo? What are you doing here?" I ask him quietly as I step back and wrap my arms around Kakashi's waist. Nobuo closes his eyes for a second and lets out a sigh before speaking. "I wanted to know if you both wanted to join me for dinner. It isn't too late right now, and I wanted to talk to you both over some warm food," He says as he runs a hand through his hair. I look to Kakashi who nods in agreement.

"How does barbecue Pork sound?" He asks as he wraps an arm around my shoulder. Nobuo smiles. "Haven't had it in ages. It sounds like a deal," He says as he gets off of the post he was leaning on. I look between the two happily and we set back out.

Within minutes of arriving, we are given menus and our order is taken. The waitress leaves and Nobuo clears his throat slightly. Looking to Kakashi he lets out a deep sigh. "I wanted to apologize to the both of you," He starts out, ignoring our confused looks. "What for?" I ask gently. Nobuo looks to Kakashi. "I was a real bastard to you. I know my baby sister is grown, capable of making her own choices and all. I just can't seem to get over the fate that she doesn't need me right now, and hasn't for a long time. But you were there for her, Kakashi. So thank you. Our father is gone, but in his place, I give you both my blessing. Do whatever you wish," He says as he receives a water from the waitress.

I tear up a little at this as Kakashi nods to my brother. "I promise I will always take care of her,. I love her with all of my heart." he says as he takes my hand under the table. I blush a little at the public display of Affection mixed with the adoring words he spoke just then. "Thank you, Nobuo. It means everything to me," I say with a huge smile. Nobuo nods his head and sighs again. "That being said... Kakashi, if you ever fail or make my sister cry... I will tear you into a million pieces and hide your body," he growls as he looks over protectively at me. Kakashi laughs. "Duly noted," he says before I can interject anything.

We are saved from any more chatter when our dinner arrives, the delicious smells of barbecue pork filling our noses. I ate at least four plates myself. Nobuo and Kakashi turned it into a contest to see who could eat more. Much to my amusement, Nobuo was unable to keep up with Kakashi and ate 10 plates to Kakashi's 12. "You are both going to gain weight if you eat like that a lot," I giggle. Kakashi leans close to my ear and whispers "We can just work it right off later," His hot breath tickling my ear. I giggle and cover the blush that spreads across my cheeks with my sleeve. That devil...

Nobuo smiles and thanks us before we leave, heading back to moms and to bed. He still was not up to speed and was probably pretty tired right now. As for Kakashi and I, we headed home to do... other things.

(I will be releasing two more chapters tomorrow. I got really delayed. We kicked my roommate out today. He wanted to spend all his money on weed and like literally ZERO on helping pay any rent or bills. Neither my boyfriend or I smoke weed as I have an allergy to THC. He was three weeks late on paying us rent and 3 months late on helping pay bills, refused to care for "his" or buy his own food but wanted to eat ours. I am keeping his cat and he has to move out. It's been a horrible day. Not to mention apparently he is dating a SOPHOMORE in HIGHSCHOOL at nearly 21 years old... seriously... pedo or what? anywho, hope you liked the chapter because I have something planned for the next 4 and it is going to be good have a great night I am off to bed)