My Next Door Neighbour (Kakashi x OC)

14 // Goodbyes

.:Mariko's POV:.

We wake up fairly early the next morning. My wound is feeling better and after another quick session with Jourin I'm starting to feel in tip-top shape once more. During this time, Saki and Kakashi go over plans and mission details.

"It's good to have a higher rank ninja with us just in case, but the longer we take to get back to Konoha, the higher the chances are of another nation discovering the sword," starts Saki. "We shouldn't stay here much longer, not to mention it's imposing on the hospitality of these merchants."

"Depending on how Mariko is feeling, I think we should try to leave today. The Hokage is expecting us to return with the sword quickly and efficiently." They both turn to look at me.

"I agree," I say. "And I don't think travelling will be an issue since I'm recovering fast with Jourin's help, though I can't promise I won't be slowed down." Kakashi nods in response.

"It's settled then, I'll address our plans with Hirama this morning at breakfast and we can aim to leave this afternoon."

We make our way as a unit to the dining hall. Once again, there is a beautiful assortment of fruit & bread on the table, accompanied by other delights. Kakashi seats himself by Hirama and across from Hiro. He greets them both and I sit next to him, doing the same and smiling at Hiro who returns a bright grin. I feel Kakashi glance in my direction. Saki sits next to Rika at the opposite end of the table to Hirama and Jourin sits next to her and I. Kakashi takes no time to address Hirama.

"We're sorry for spending such a long time in your home, thank you again for having us. We won't burden you for much longer as we plan on leaving this afternoon." I see a flash of surprise cross Hiro's face. Hirama turns to face him. He is a very stern and composed looking man, and his tone of voice almost shocks me as it is a lot friendlier than his furrowed brows would suggest.

"It's no burden at all, we scarcely receive guests, especially ninja like yourself," he replies. "You didn't arrive here with the others..." he remarks, glancing over at me briefly. I feel put on the spot and try to straighten my posture to appear more formal.

"The Hokage thought it best to send a higher ranking ninja, given the circumstances." As he says the words, Kakashi side eyes me and I feel embarrassed. I look down at my plate and keep my hands on my lap, tightened into fists. Kakashi's hand gently goes over to mine, as if to reassure me that it wasn't my fault. I release my hands from their grip but my cheeks still feel hot. And not only out of embarrassment.

"I'm glad, to be honest," begins Hirama, "the weapon being transported back to Konoha is very... special... The more ninja guarding it, the better." The way Hirama speaks of the weapon piques my interest. What's so special about it? It must be quite exquisite...not to mention expensive.

"Enough about serious matters, please, eat!" states Hirama, gesturing at the table with a smile. As if on cue, all his children begin helping themselves to the spread of food. I had barely even noticed that we were all waiting for the conversation to be over before starting. Really goes to show just how different this lifestyle is.

"You haven't met my children yet," remarks Hirama to Kakashi. "Rika is the youngest and my only daughter, Hisoke the middle child, and Hiro, my eldest." He designates them by hand as he introduces them. I notice Kakashi's gaze resting on Hiro. He nods in his direction but I can't help but notice his eyes seem blank as he does. Hiro smiles at him.

"Nice to be formally introduced to you," he says cheerily, but Kakashi's response comes out monotonously.

"Likewise."

I wonder if anyone else can feel the tension in the air. In an effort to be normal, I start piling my plate with bread and fruit, stuffing my mouth to avoid talking. Kakashi dismisses Hiro and instead speaks with Hirama, assuring him of the weapon's safety with our troupe and asking him questions about the craftsmanship. He steals a glance at Hiro from time to time and some at me as well. Slowly, I feel his hand slide off mine to rest instead on my knee.