Struck: A Kakashi Hatake Fanfiction

Chapter Twenty: "Fade Into You" Mazzy Star

I had always been so ashamed of myself. That I hadn't seen it coming, and that I'd been so weak I couldn't even fight him off. I truly never wanted anyone to know how stupid I had been. But laying here in Kakashi's arms, I feel...relief. Like a peacefulness has settled over me.

He'd summoned Yuuta while I was in the shower, so when I came out I was greeted by the sweetest sight. One Kakashi Hatake curled up on the bed surrounded by a pile of dogs. Little Yuu let out a yelp and fluttered his tail when he saw me. Kakashi held out his hand to me and pulled me into the bed with them all and introduced me to everyone.

And I think in that moment, I knew. This life we lead as shinobi—it's difficult, dangerous, often short lived. I know that all too well now. And I know this probably isn't the time, or the place. And we've only just gotten to know each other but this...feels real.

I turned to face him at my realization. His features were calm, contented. He gave me a lazy grin.

"Thank you, Kakashi. This is...exactly what I needed," I said before placing a soft kiss against his lips. Our kiss broke in laughter when Yuuta nudged his little face between us.

"The kid's right, Kakashi. I was under the impression this was a snuggle only zone," Pakkun said with his eyes still closed. The rest of the pack was snoozing, soft snores surrounding us on all sides.

I leaned over and hit the light before resuming my position, my head nuzzled into the crook of Kakashi's neck. Yuuta squirmed his way into the small space between us and quickly fell asleep. I pressed my lips to his neck then and he pulled me tighter to him.

I've never had a better night's sleep.

XXXXX

When I woke up, the dogs had already left for the day. And now it was just us. Emi was facing away, but her body was against me and her legs had intertwined with mine. I pressed my nose into her hair and breathed in her scent. She let out a soft hmmat my touch and I smiled.

I didn't want to leave this bed, this moment. I hadn't known how to react after she shared that with me yesterday. But I knew that there were no words I could say to erase the hurt. Thankfully the pack never said no to a dog pile. It wasn't much, but it brought the warmth back to her eyes.

I left a trail of light kisses down the back of her neck as she stirred awake.

"Kashi," she mumbled as she turned over. Her eyes were still heavy with sleep, her hair scattered about her. And still she was...perfect. "Hi,' she breathed.

"Yo," I answered with a wink.