Absolved.

Progress.

[Song: All Through The Night - Sleeping At Last]

I felt my hair move as I was waking up, and rolled over ending up face to face with the copy ninja. He seemed to be still sleeping, his eyes were closed and his face looked peaceful. I gently reached up and moved some of that silver hair away from his face so I could look at the scar.

"Good morning." He murmured, not opening his eyes or stopping me.

I smiled, pulling my hand away and propping my head up on my elbow. "Hey.." My eyes rested on the Anbu tattoo on his shoulder, and I couldn't help but reach out and trace the design.

He opened his eye now, watching my face before he yawned while trying to talk. "That feels nice.."

I kept doing it for a little while, until my bladder forced me to get up. When I came back out of the bathroom he was fully awake and rolling his shoulders like he was trying to work out a knot in his muscles. "Getting restless?"

"I hate laying in bed all day.." He nodded, looking up to me.

I got an idea and couldn't hide the mischievous smile that came. "I'm going to get breakfast!" I left the room before he could question me.

I decided since he had done well with the soup, I would get him some real breakfast today.

--

Kakashi had about half an hour to himself, just laying on the hospital cot contemplating the previous night. Kairi had looked like she was about to try and kiss him again, and he'd fought with his resolve about it. He didn't want to make her feel like he was trying to take advantage of her.

Kairi came back into the room, through the door this time which surprised him. She was carrying a rather large box, and she set it on the table across the room. He watched her as she hummed to herself, seeming to ignore his presence but she still had that smile like she was up to something.

She laid a spread out on the table that made his stomach growl like a wild animal. Broiled fish, fresh salad, boiled eggs, toast.. It went on and on as she pulled things from the box.

"Is that for us?" He asked hopefully.

"Yes.." She grinned, looking sideways at him as she set the table.

He wondered if she was going to make him a plate and bring it over. He didn't want to let her feed him again, that had been slightly embarrassing but he'd been so hungry. He raised his eyebrows as he watched her walk towards him, empty handed.

"I'm used to family breakfasts now.. You're not going to make me sit there and eat alone are you?" She asked, sly smile making her look devious.. Yet, attractive in a way he hadn't seen from her before.

"I'm not supposed to get out of bed.." He sighed, looking longingly at the food.

"And you weren't supposed to take me on that mission." She giggled, she meant it light hearted but it stung. He'd taken her with him to Orochimaru's and she still bore the curse mark from when he'd lost her there.

"Stop pouting, Kakashi." She reached out to him, helping him sit up. "All I remember about that day is watching the sunset with you, and waking up in your arms."

He smiled, remembering that too. He moved himself into a sitting position, it was getting easier now. He gazed up at her face in confusion as she reached her arms out to him, but he took her hands and allowed her to help him up from the bed. "What are you doing?"

Kairi pulled him to his feet, and when his knees tried to give out she caught him. She had become stronger, she held him up easily without having to sacrifice his dignity. "Helping you recover."

He smiled, steadying himself now that he was standing. He had refused to put on the hospital clothes and instead had Tsunade bring him his own. He was wearing his mask, the one that connected to his shirt and a pair of loose training pants that were comfortable. He didn't miss that her eyes fell to his chest, or how they widened as she took in the muscles that were usually covered by his sweaters.

She helped him walk, as slowly as he needed over to the table. She'd turned around after she had let him steady himself and he'd placed his hands on her shoulders in case his legs gave out. One step at a time he made it to the table and they both sat down.

He ate hungrily, happy with his reward for getting out of bed. He was eating so quickly that she began to giggle. "You really are Naruto's Sensei huh?"

He blushed and nodded, slowing his pace a little. "So, are you going to nurse me all week?"

She turned her eyes to his, amused. "Well, I could go stay at my apartment if you would rather be alone and eat hospital slop."

"No." He said it too quickly and was embarrassed. He rubbed the back of his neck and gave her his nervous smile. "I mean.. I get pretty bored."

"Well, I am just kind of hanging out until Naruto gets back to the village anyway.. So I figured I could help you, I owe a lot to you." She bowed her head to him, a silent thank you.

"You don't owe me anything.." He sighed, finishing the last of his salad.

She'd been the first one he had felt like he could open up to. He had been lost before team seven, and if they had brought him purpose, she had brought him light.

He managed to get back into bed on his own as Kairi cleaned up their dishes, he wanted to help her but he was once again exhausted. This was even worse than recovering from Itachi's genjutsu, he hadn't tried to use his new sharingan so much before.

A nurse knocked at the door just as Kairi finished cleaning up. She pushed it open before he'd even called for her to come in. "Kakashi, it is time for your bath."

"I can help him with tha--"

"No!" Kakashi burst, not able to bare the idea of Kairi seeing him so vulnerable and helpless.

"Oh.." She said softly, her feelings obviously hurt.

He sighed, trying to find words. "That's a little personal.."

She nodded, an embarrassed smile crossing her face as she realised what she had offered. "I'll go find Asuma and Kurenai and bring them by to visit when you are done."

He nodded to her, laughing as she went to leave from the window and got in trouble with his nurse.