destiny calls | *. naruto fanfic

13.

    I awoke to something cold and wet pressed against my cheek. Still half asleep, I pushed the thing away, snuggling deeper into my warm covers. 

“Akari!” I blinked open an eye to see Eriko standing over me, Riku at her side. Over the past few days we had been back the two of them had bonded almost immediately. Waking me up had become one of their favorite activities to do together.

”I’m still tired.” I mumbled into my pillow, trying to ignore the fact Eriko was towering over me. “Your getting up either way. You have a meeting today remember?” 

“Kakashi cancelled it.” I lied hopefully. Shifting into a more comfortable position, I covered my head with my blanket. All to soon the warmth faded as the covers were ripped off the bed and dropped onto the floor. 

“Your already late. If you don’t hurry I won’t give you breakfast either.” Riku yipped as though in agreement and I groaned.

”Alright.... I’m going...” Satisfied, Eriko left the room, Riku trailing behind her. Probably going to beg for some extra scraps from Machi. I took my time getting ready, knowing it drove Eriko crazy. I remade my bed then headed towards the kitchen, fixing my headband into place as I did so. 

    I wasn’t very hungry but I grabbed an apple nonetheless. If my calculations were correct then I was right about on schedule. Kakashi would arrive only a few minutes after I got there. Who said he was the only one who could play by those rules? If he was going to be late either way, might as well sleep in. 

    I told Eriko and Machi a muffled goodbye through my apple as I left the kitchen. Riku trailed behind me, her tail wagging excitedly when she noticed me heading for the door. I hadn’t really gone anywhere since getting back and therefore Riku didn’t either. I guess it wasn’t really fair to her was it? “Let’s go see what Kakashi wants now.” I muttered to Riku as I weaved my way around tree roots and branches.

    After having to, unfortunately, walk through a busy part of town I reached our meeting place. Everyone was there. Except Kakashi of course. Sakura glared at me as I approached. “You’re late!” She shouted accusingly. 

“Really..?” I drawled, rolling my eyes. “I hadn’t noticed.” As far as I was concerned I was perfectly on time. Sasuke simply shot me an irritated glance and in return I shot one right back. I’m pretty sure I was the smart one here. It was obvious Kakashi wasn’t going to show up on time. 

    Riku bounded up behind me, her tongue lolling happily. Naruto, who seemed to like Riku almost as much as he liked talking about becoming Hokage, slipped the dog a small treat. “Have you named her yet?” He asked.

”For the third, and final time. Yes. I have.” Annoyance laced my voice. Honestly, Naruto had the memory of a fish. “Then what’s her na-“ 

    I quickly cut him off. “Riku.” Thinking I was calling her, the fluffy dog bounded back to my side. Her tail whipping as a sign of her excitement. 

    Finally, Kakashi appeared, giving us a casual wave. Yup. Right on time. Although next time I could probably spare a few minutes. “Well... good morning everyone. Today I got lost.”

”Say Kakashi. Aren’t there any more exciting missions we can do?!” Naruto started pressuring Kakashi about missions and I sighed. Grabbing his jacket, I pulled him back only to have him glare at Sasuke. Whatever. 

“So why exactly are we meeting today...?” I asked Kakashi, not particularly interested. Just trying to get everyone back on course. 

    Kakashi explained our so called “mission” and I sighed. Was it even worth coming to these meetings anymore? Kakashi was always late and all we did were stupid things such as this mission.