Struck: A Kakashi Hatake Fanfiction

Chapter Twelve: The Morning After

I nuzzled deeper into his chest as I opened my eyes, glancing upward. I found myself studying his face again—still unmasked and perfect. I couldn't help but blush when I stretched as my body was deliciously stiff from last night's activities.

Last night...I haven't given myself to anyone like that since Deshi. I recalled my candid words, the way I'd been so lost in his touch...and now we were supposed just to continue this mission? We'd said we wanted one night, but just remembering the way he said my name sent a wave of pleasure through me. I wanted more. I shook my head. Kakashi Hatake? What had I been thinking?

I slipped out of bed with plans to get dressed, but I soon discovered my clothes were strewn throughout the room. I started quickly scooping up clothing, trying to be as quiet as possible when I stubbed my toe on a small table. I cursed under my breath and heard a low chuckle behind me.

XXXXX

"I see we're back to overthinking again," I said as I watched her from the bed.

I could see she was flustered as she quickly pulled on her tunic. "Well, the night's over, right?" she said quietly as she headed toward the bathroom. I reached out and grabbed her arm before she could pass.

"Emi—" as I said her name those eyes of hers flashed to mine, her cheeks were flushed. "I told you last night—,"

Her cheeks reddened further before she cut me off. "We said a lot of things last night, Kakashi. I'm not one to assume."

I tugged at her arm until she sat next to me on the side of the bed. She was facing away from me, my body angled around her. I was propped up on one arm while I laid my free hand on her thigh, looking up at her. "I meant what I said."

She turned her head to look down at me then, a small smirk at the corner of her lips. "We'll see," she said echoing my words and my uncertainty from last night.

XXXXX

I was heading back to the inn after a long afternoon of running around the village. Hatake and I had split up, checking out the contacts Hito had given us before we left the Fukuda's. The addresses for all of my targets had been dead ends—either the place was empty or a new family had already moved in. Hopefully Kakashi was having better luck.

I was passing through a busy street when I overheard a conversation between a group of older women.

"Did you hear! One of the elders' granddaughters went missing today!" one said.

Three of the other women gasped while another shook her head and said, "Poor girl."

I couldn't pass up the chance to ask about the case my family had been working on, so I made my way over to them.

"Good evening, ladies," I smiled. "I couldn't help but overhear about the missing girl—"

They were looking at me with wide eyes. "You dear, you shouldn't be out so late," one woman said with worry in her voice.

"She looks just like the others..." another said.

"Late?" I asked. The sun was just nearing the horizon and dusk was setting in, but it was by no means late.

They nodded. "All of the girls have been marked and gone missing at night. You really should head home, dear," the same woman urged.

"Could you tell me—do you know this girl well? The elder's granddaughter?" I inquired.

All but one shook their head. The other spoke up. "I'm a friend of that family, yes."

"Do you...do you know where she hangs around? Was she known to go many places at night? Could you tell me of any of her friends?"

"Well, no I'm not sure."

My face fell.

"But," she continued. "My grandson knows her quite well—maybe he could tell you more."

Yes!My smile returned. "Great! Where can I find him?" I asked excitedly.

XXXXX

I was lounging on my bed reading a particularly steamy scene when I heard a knock at the door.

"Any luck?" Emi asked when I let her inside.

"Afraid not," I answered. "All the addresses were vacant."

She plopped down where I had just been laying while I leaned against the wall facing the bed. "Mine too," she sighed.

"Tomorrow we'll scope for anyone who may have known these guys," I said as I watched her stretch her arms above her head. Her back was arched and her tunic was straining as she pushed her chest out. Fuck.

She raised a brow and a playful smile spread across her lips. "I thought you said you didn't have any luck?"

I cocked my head in confusion when I came out of my trance. Her eyes motioned to the book that was still had in my hand and my face suddenly warmed. I cleared my throat. "Ah, well..."

She let out a laugh and flashed me that half-smile I've grown so fond of.

"Well, my afternoon wasn't totally useless. I think I might have a lead on those missing girls."

"But that's really not why we're here, Emi," I reminded her.

She crossed her arms. "This was the last mission they were working on, Kakashi. Don't you think it may have had something to do with their deaths?"

I shrugged in response. "It's not the priority."

She exhaled and stood then staring me down. "It won't hurt to look into this, too."

When I didn't respond she continued. "I'm doing it with or without you, Hatake." She patted me on the shoulder as she made her way to the door.