I'm Not Alone {--Kakashi Hatake--}

{Chapter 20}

I woke up the next morning to an empty space on the bed next to me. I rubbed my eyes as I sat up and glanced over at the clock. It was 1 o’ clock in the afternoon.

“I slept…that long?” I murmured, then I noticed a note on the table.

I had to some errands to take care of. I figured I’d let just let you sleep in. If I’m not home by the time you read this, I’m probably at the Training Grounds. See you there.

-Kakashi

I smiled a little, getting up and slipping some shorts and a loose top on. I quickly brushed my hair and pulled it into a ponytail. I grabbed an energy bar to eat as I left the apartment.

I passed by villagers. There were kids playing and people in the market and the village was wonderfully busy.

I eventually made it to the training grounds and peering at one of the trees, I saw a familiar hint of grey hair and an orange book.

A smirk came across my lips and I decided to try and sneak up on him.

I walked over stealthily and was about to touch him. He suddenly poofed away and I gave a small yelp when a pair of strong arms encircled my waist from behind.

Kakashi rested his chin on my shoulder, speaking with a slight laugh, “You’re so predictable.”

'She really needs to work on her stealth more.' He thought to himself.

My cheeks and ears heated up a little with embarrassment and that caused him to chuckle and kiss my cheek through his mask.

“I know exactly what your lesson will be today.” He spoke as he let me go.

I looked at him expectantly, “Yeah?”

“Well, you need to work on your stealth and hiding. So…although it’s a child’s game, we’ll play something like Hide and Seek.”

“All right.”

“I want you to go hide, and if I catch you…there’s a price to pay.” He said it in such a serious tone though, it made me nervous of what that price was. “Go on the count of three. One…two…three.”

I took off quickly, perching on a tree branch. I took quiet, deep breaths the entire time. I moved my hands to use Shadow Clone Jutsu. I made two clones, sending one to hide by the Memorial Stone, the other to hold its breath and hide underneath the water.

I kept completely silent until I heard a small thud behind me on the branch and there was Kakashi. I freaked out and managed to fall off the branch and onto the ground. I heard the semi-distant “poofs” from the Shadow Clones disappearing.

I rubbed my head as I sat up. “Do you have to scare me every single time?”

“No, not always.” He said as he jumped down and landed in front of me. He offered his hand to help me up and I took it. “Sometimes it’s just fun.”

I scowled at him a bit, “How did you even find me? I had decoys.”

“You forgot to cloak your chakra this time.” He explained and I wanted to groan at my stupidity. That was a basic thing to do, something I should’ve done instinctually.

“All right. So what now?”

I found my back against the trunk of the tree, his body pressed against mine. “You’ll see.”

I gave him a questioning look, and a small noise when he slipped my headband over my eyes. “Kakashi, what are you…?”

Warm, soft lips cut off my words and I kissed him back. His arms encircled my waist. His tongue brushed against my bottom lip and I opened my mouth slightly to let his tongue explore. I was melting against him, and then he pulled away. I gave a disappointed whine. He fixed my headband back into place and I saw him, same as usual with his mask on.

“Kakashi, that’s not fair…” I complained a little.

“Well, you see…your little punishment is me teasing you. Now, if you had won, it would be different.” I gave a smirk, but then he continued, “But that’s for another day.”

“You really are a tease.” I said with a slight laugh.

He gave a grin of his own, “I do have another lesson for you.”

“Really? What?”

“We’re going to work on your Kekkai Genkai.”

We went out into the middle of the Training Grounds and first meditated, manipulating my chakra.

After a long while, he spoke. “Try it.”

I focused hard, and it almost felt as if an electric current passed through my body. When I opened my eyes, the world was tinted blue again. I saw Kakashi move before he actually did.

A huge smile broke out on my face. “I…I did it.”

I laughed and my arms encircled his neck in a hug. “Thank you.”

His arms snaked around my waist in an unspoken ‘You’re welcome’.

The Lightning Eye didn’t last long though and when I looked at him, my eyes were back to normal.

He thought a moment. “It’s not an issue of chakra control. I think we need to tap into that vast amount of chakra. See what else you’re capable of.”

“Great.” I spoke softly. I honestly couldn’t wait to do some more training. I hadn’t noticed how dark it had become until now, and the sky crackled above us. “I think it’s time to get back home.”

He nodded slightly, “Agreed.”

We headed back to his apartment, walking side by side. It was good knowing I had someone that was there for me, whenever I needed him.