Kakashi places you carefully onto your kitchen table.

"I can't believe he stabbed you with a Kunai." He complains, looking over the wound.

"I don't think he meant to, Kakashi." You reply.

He only glances at you and shakes his head. "Do you have something to wipe up the blood?"

"There's a cloth in the drawer underneath the microwave."

Kakashi walks over to your kitchen cupboards and pulls open a drawer.
"I can't find it."

You sit up painfully and reply in a sassy tone as you're annoyed with everything that has just happened and don't have the energy to repeat yourself.
"Why is it that men can never find anything? I can't simplify the instructions anymore than that."

He stops and looks back at you, cocking an eye.
"Even when you're in pain you can still dish out that sass."

You manage to smile at that.
"That's all I got right now."

"Found it!" He says and pulls a dark colored cloth out. He takes it over to the sink to soak it in water then comes to your side again.

"Lie back." He guides you back down and undoes the buttons to your blouse. You had chosen this outfit thinking you would be using jutsu at the dojo, not engaging in combat. Which had torn up your skirt and shirt in all different places. Pants and a stretchy shirt would have been a better choice.

"So what happened?" Kakashi asks.

"I underestimated Naruto. He meant business today, and I was too soft. Then I messed up the stone and chakra balancing in the process."

"He's lucky I showed up when I did. But I think he underestimated you too. Actually, I think everyone does....except for me of course. I am the all knowing and the smartest ninja here..." He replies, stroking his own ego.

You giggle at that then start to think of how badly you hurt Naruto. Despite blacking out, there were small flashbacks of hunger and cravings for blood. Once you lost control and your cohort took over, Naruto became your prey. If Kakashi had not interfered, who knows what would have happened. You know Naruto is strong, but is he strong enough to stop you?...you picture yourself biting into his neck, tearing flesh at the same time and how he tasted. Tears begin to swell in your eyes.

"I...." You huff and Kakashi pauses looking down at you. "I tried to eat him..." and at the thought of it, tears start to pour from your eyes.

Kakashi being who he is tries to console you in his way, which helps a little. "I should have fed you a few burritos before I left."

You smile through your sadness. Yet you can't help but think of how much of a burden you are to everyone. You cause so many problems anytime you come in contact with someone. The only one who hasn't gotten completely annoyed or pissed off at you is now wiping someone else's blood from your mouth....he is too good for you and would be better off without you tormenting him all the time. You can't imagine how hard this must be for him to constantly worry when you're going to pop off next and kill someone...

"There, you don't look so vampy now." He says with that loving half masked smile.

"Kakashi..."

His fingers trail through your hair and he rests his hand on your cheek.
"Yes, kitten."

"I...I think you should leave me be. I'm not good for anyone.... You deserve better than this..." You choke out.

His brows knit together and he replies very firmly with that smile fading away.
"No."

"But...what if I hurt you?"

He wipes the tears streaming down your face and looks deep into your eyes.
"You won't."

"How do you know?"

"Because I just do."

You huff at that.
"I just want to be normal...."

He shakes his head.
"If you were normal, I wouldn't be here. I love you because you're not normal."

God he is everything you have ever wanted.

"But..."

"Stop! You are not giving up now!"

"But Kakashi..."

"Enough! I don't want to hear it! Don't be such a baby. Just because you got stabbed doesn't mean you get to quit now!"

You scowl at him and sit up on your elbows bringing your face close to his.
"In any normal situation, wouldn't getting stabbed be game over?"

He tilts his head thinking about it.
"If you died, yes it would. But you didn't...so...carry on..." He waves his hand brushing it off.

He walks away from you holding the bloody cloth and throws it in the sink to soak.

"Isn't that a little extreme?"

"Not for what you are. Besides, you're practically immortal so stop complaining. Let's close up that wound so your stone can get to work on the rest. Where is your stitching kit?" He asks while rummaging through drawers he thinks it should be in.

"I don't have one." You reply.

He pauses and turns towards you, slightly shocked.
"You are a literal walking target and you don't have a first aid kit?" He replies in a very condescending tone.

Ok..he is a little testy today...

"No I Don't!" You snap back as usual.

He crosses his arms raising a brow, you to chew your lip and look away shamefully.
"Then what do you do when you get hurt?" He asks.

"Before you?"

He blows out an annoyed breath.
"Yes, kitten. Before me, what did you do when you got hurt?"

You think back to the many times you have stumbled into your previous homes covered in wounds or with broken limbs. At those times you were at your lowest point, and shamefully didn't take much care of yourself.
"I...well...you really wanna know?"

"Yes."

"I would sleep on the floor until the stone had healed me. Sometimes I wouldn't make it home...and I would have to sleep outside." And there it is the embarrassing truth of how well you take care of yourself.

"Gods, Hana."

You lay back on the table and close your eyes thinking of how much of an ingrate you really are.

A "walking target?"...

...More like a "walking mistake" for anyone who wants to help you out.

He sighs whispering under his breath about something.

"I'm not giving up on you ok? So don't give up on me either." He says and appears above you with a needle and thread.

You look up at him.
"Where did you find that?"

"There's a sewing kit in the utensil drawer."

You gasp.
"I didn't even know I had that."

He laughs.
"This is going to hurt."

"Fuck...can you grab me a bottle of wine from the fridge?" You ask. You'll definitely need some alcohol for this.

"It's three in the afternoon..." He replies in monotone.

"But...it's five o'clock somewhere!" You argue and bat your eyes.

He rolls his own eyes, only responding with a huff and wanders over to the fridge humming something along the way.

"I still think you should just leave me be. You'll probably live longer."

He opens the door to the fridge and answers.
"I'm not going anywhere and neither are you. I plan on living a very long life just the way I want it to be."

"Well, I hope you die from old age happily in your bed, and not eaten alive by some back alley garbage cat. I'll take the whole bottle... thanks."

He chuckles as he pours himself a glass of wine.
"I'm very tasty you know." He replies as he carries the bottle wine over to you.

And you can't help but get a little dirty from that comment.
"Don't tempt me Kakashi...there are parts of you I haven't tasted yet."

You sit up further and take the bottle from him noticing the slight pinking to his cheeks and a devious smile.
"We have kissed many times, Hana." He says innocently and places his glass down on the table beside you.

You huff.
"That's not what I meant."

He rests his hand against your waist and squeezes.
"What did you mean?"

"Psshh. You know exactly what I mean." You reply feeling flustered now that he wants you to right out say what you mean.

"Hmmm...Do I?" He winks.

You flick his headband.
"You're such a brat."

"I know." He replies, and pulls on your shirt to reveal that gaping wound once again. "At least the bleeding has stopped."

He begins to thread the needle and prepare the site with an alcohol wipe he found from who knows where while you slam a quarter of the bottle back. You place the wine down on the table close by your reach just in case you need to gulp back more through the pain.

"Where the hell did you find an alcohol wipe? You're like a wizard or something."

"I'd rather be a wizard than a delivery boy." He says and lowers you down onto the table again. "Now, sit still. I know it's hard with all your wacky emotions running around rampant right now, but it will hurt less if you can stop moving for a few minutes."

You stick your tongue out at him earning a small chuckle back.

"Alright. On the count of three." He says and brings the tip of the needle to your skin. "One...two..."

And he suddenly skips the three and sinks the needle in.

"Owww! Fuck!" You cry out trying your best not to flinch.

He pulls on the thread slowly making sure not to rip the skin.

"What happened to the three?" You gasp.

"You were too tense for the number three. This is better." He replies and continues to stab the tiny needle into your skin. Seventeen stitches later he had closed up the wound and sanitized it again.

"Please tell me you have a bandage."

You shake your head.

He rolls his eyes.
"Cloth it is then." And wanders over to that drawer again and pulls a small cloth from it along with some painters tape he found.

"I'm buying you a first aid kit, this is stupid."

You pout at him.
"It's not stupid."

"It's dumb then." He replies mimicking you from the other night.

"It's not that either!" You reply equally.

He laughs at you harder than before then comes to your side and wraps the cloth with the painters tape. He secures it on your shoulder.
"Let's get you to bed for a rest ok?"

You nod and he sweeps you up in his arms walking you into your bedroom. You nuzzle into his neck as usual, running your fingers through his hair just below his headband tie.

Thankfully you had cleaned your bedroom a few days ago and it was in perfect shape for a guest to come over. Kakashi marvels at your bed spread saying a queen sized bed is great for snuggling in. While you complain that you miss his king sized bed already.

"Are you hungry?" He asks while turning on your bedroom TV.

"Not really, I filled up on Naruto, I'm good..." you reply grimacing at the thought.

He cringes and chuckles to himself.
"Gross...I'm going to get you comfortable, then I have to head to my office to write up a report on this last mission."

You sigh wishing he could just lay in bed with you for the rest of the day.
"Ok. I guess you can leave..."

He bows.
"Thank you your highness."

Then he magically sets your phone down beside you on your bedside table. You glance at it and back up at him wondering where the hell he pulled that from.
"Wizard." You say.

He winks at you and smiles.
"I'll message you later."

You reach up for him, whining for a kiss.

He laughs softly.
"So needy." He says and pulls down his mask revealing that gorgeous face and kisses you properly. You can't help but try to coax him to stay as you love to tease him so much.

You reach for his pants and he stops you immediately. Damn his reflexes. He pulls away from you.
"Not right now, kitten. I need to get this done."

You pout your bottom lip as best you can and reply with something very suggestive.
"But I haven't tasted you yet..." you unbutton the rest of your shirt and pull it open displaying a thin white bra that holds everything perfectly.

He sits down beside you and places his hands over your breasts squeezing them firmly then hovers his mouth over yours.
"You're such a tease..." He whispers.

And you take this opportunity to undo the button to his pants. He groans at you.
"Hana....I have to go...."

You smile deviously.
"I think your body disagrees." And you reach inside feeling how hard he is.

"God, Hana....I....."

Then a knock obnoxiously presents itself at your front door. Both of you stop your explorations and sit up straight with questionable expressions.

"Are you expecting someone?" Kakashi asks.

You shake your head.

"Stay here." He says in that protective tone. He rises off your bed adjusting himself several times before leaving the room. You hear the front door open and cringe at the voice.

"Kakashi? What are you doing here?" Konohamaru asks.

Kakashi ignores the question completely and in a very impatient and bitter tone he replies.
"Hana is resting. She will contact you later." Then he slams the door shut.

But Konohamaru persists. He knocks on the door a few more times until Kakashi whips it open again.
"What?" Kakashi asks.

"I need to see Hana." He replies with urgency.

"Why?"

"I need to talk with her." He says more aggressively.

"About what?!"

"It's none of your business!"

It was time to interfere with this tense conversation before something happens. You leap out of bed and pull off your blouse then quickly make your way over to your dresser to find a not so bloody shirt to wear. You pull a tight black t-shirt out and some boy cut shorts. However, this was much harder than you had anticipated due to the lack of energy from your spar with Naruto and getting stabbed. In your state of weakness you become dizzy and fall into the door slamming it shut.

Both boys hear the ruckus and cursing from the room and rush to your bedroom.

"Hana, are you ok?" Kakashi asks through the door.

You reach for the handle on your dresser for leverage and pull yourself up to your feet.
"I'm ok." You reply, kicking yourself for being so stupid. He opens the door to find you hunched over your dresser breathing heavily.

"I said to stay in bed." Kakashi scolds and takes a step towards you.

Before anyone can register the heroic gesture, Konohamaru has swiftly scooped you up in his arms with you staring up at him in shock over it.

"Put her down, Kono. She is under my care right now!" Kakashi snaps.

Konohamaru snaps back equally.
"You're not even supposed to be in this room right now! Or in this house for that matter!"

It is obvious that Konohamaru knows about the contract breach or at least part of it. He lays you back on your bed and sits down beside you. Your eyes flick back and forth between a very jealous Kakashi, and an overly protective Konohamaru. This has to be the most awkward situation you've ever been in.

Fucking hell...

Konohamaru sweeps your hair out of your face and runs his eyes down to your shoulder to where Kakashi had bandaged you up.
"What happened?!"

"She needs rest, you can come back later." Kakashi says, trying his best to hold back his jealousy.

And in an angry tone Konohamaru replies back.
"Don't you have a report to finish?! Why don't you go do your job instead of harassing Hana all the time!"

"I'm not harassing her, you are!" You stare wide eyed at Kakashi watching his emotions reach their peak. Konohamaru's one hand makes its way to your waist where it rests firmly, not giving up. His other hand pulls on your shirt where the cloth and tape are covering your wound. He begins to examine it closely and unravels Kakashi's makeshift work.

You have to do something about this situation before they lose their shit.

Like a canine giving warning to a predator, Kakashi growls.
"Don't touch her, Kono!."

Konohamaru stops and turns his attention to Kakashi. He opens his mouth to speak, one fist clenched, but you interrupt him before any words can sting Kakashi.

"Both of you stop!" You grab Konohamaru's hand and push it away. "I'm ok. Just give me some space for god's sake!"

Konohamaru looks at you sincerely.
"I'm just trying to help."

"I know you are. But you're interfering with my care. Kakashi is helping me out, please be respectful to the guests in my house!" You reply as best you can, making sure it isn't obvious you and Kakashi are an item.

Konohamaru sighs.
"Sorry, I am just worried about you." He glances at your shoulder again.

"I will be ok, Kakashi is here to help." You reply, reassuringly.

Konohamaru scowls are that.
"Kakashi isn't supposed to be taking care of you at all."

"And where the hell did you hear that?" Kakashi asks, crossing his arms.

He replies sharply.
"Our leaders!"

So he does have an in with the higher ups...

You place a hand on his arm grabbing his attention again.
"What do you need to tell me?"

"You have your hokage meeting tomorrow. I overheard...." He pauses and looks back at Kakashi.

Kakashi sighs heavily.
"I...fuck...I'll go get that report done." He says bitterly and leaves your room slamming the door shut before you can even say one word about it.

Damnit Kakashi! ... you curse him for leaving you alone with Konohamaru in your bedroom.

Konohamaru focussed back on you.
"Does he always hang around you?"

You nod.

"Asshole. If he's bothering you, I can make that stop." He replies.

That gets your gears turning once again. How is it this guy has so much pull around here?

You shake your head.
"No, he is a good friend to me. Please don't do that."

The word "friend" seems to please his ears.
"Alright, I won't say anything. So. I overheard our leaders talking about some of the things you have done in your past. Not the specifics, just how dangerous you are. I think they want to hire you out for high class missions."

That is something you already know, as Naruto made it clear.
"Yeah, Naruto already told me that.

He continues...
"I also heard, the Kumogakure wants to offer you a place in their village as their highest ranked ninja."

You roll your eyes and Kono scowls.
"Do you know what that means?"

You shrug.

"You will basically be rich. The land of lightning is very wealthy and you will most likely be offered your own estate with anything else you want."

You shrug again. This doesn't interest you at all as money only brings problems. Money is the definition for power, they go hand in hand. It was the reason why you were made into an assassin in the first place. In Fact you despise money and wish there was a better system in place.

Konohamaru stares at you wide eyed.
"You don't care about being rich?...you could have anything you wanted."

"No, money is dirty and full of problems. I'm not interested in that as I will make my own way without give outs." You reply.

"Well, the land of iron wants you too. After the incident at the gala they are desperate to get their hands on you. But I'm not sure why...not yet anyways. I'm working on that."

There is no doubt Arufa and his goons would want you. Especially from the extent they went to in using genjutsu and trying to drug you. It is obvious they have known about you for quite some time.

"I...I heard Arufa used some genjutsu on you and tried to give you some type of drug in a drink. Is that true?"
Konohamaru asks.

"Yes, it is all true. I believe they have had their eyes on me for quite some time now."

He hisses.
"Those assholes. I'm getting so sick of them. But don't worry I will keep you safe. I am gathering more information and will be putting in some good words for you. Shikamaru is vouching for you too."

You sigh in relief. It is nice to have men of their ranking on your side, god knows you need it.
"Thank you." You say warmly.

"Anything for you." He sweeps a hand through your hair gazing down at you.

"Do you know when my meeting is tomorrow? And who will be there exactly?" You ask very curiously.

"All superior ninja will be there and the hokage from the lands that are either interested in you or hold contracts with you still....but Hana, I have to ask...why did you run from all those lands knowing they would come for you?"

Why did you run? There are so many reasons why, and each land is different. It would be a very long story and you would like to get some sleep. You fake yawn up at him.
"I will tell you some stories another time. There is so much to it but I need to sleep my stone is begging to heal my shoulder."

He glances at your shoulder again.
"What happened anyways?"

"Naruto threw a Kunai at me during training." You reply simply.

He glares at the wound.
"What the hell is wrong with everyone these days? I swear everyone has lost their minds over you!"

You laugh, ain't that the truth.

"Thank you for your help again. I really appreciate it. Will you be at the meeting tomorrow?"

He nods.
"I am scripting it. I will be there to write down the important parts, same with Shikamaru. We volunteered."

It was relieving having your friends around you, helping you through this. Definitely not something you are used to and it makes you feel like you mean something.

You smile at him.
"You two are a blessing."

He squeezes your hip again and presses a small kiss to your cheek.
"Have a good sleep. Message me when you wake up."

You wished that part didn't have to happen, but since Kakashi suggested you stay close with him, stopping affection from Konohamaru is not in your benefit at the moment.

"Night." You say and turn on your side fluffing your pillow at the same time.

Konohamaru rises off the bed and tucks you in further very sweetly before leaving the room. You hear your front door open and shut then you swear loudly.

How messed up was that whole situation?

Immediately you reach for your phone to text Kakashi.

😮💨You ok?

He messages you back right away.
Did he kiss you again?

It was obvious he was very worried about leaving you alone with Konohamaru in your bedroom. He was probably going crazy over it, best not to tell him about the cheek kiss...

No kisses. Promise.

Good. Any useful information?

Yeah, the land of lightning wants to offer me a high ranking position in Kugomakure as a ninja and the land of iron wants their piece of me too. I'm starting to think this is going to be a battle between lands over me. I'm nervous..."

Don't worry, I will make sure you are secured here in hidden leaf village. As of right now you have no control without me present. I plan to keep it that way for a while until this all settles out. So try not to gain control just yet, I know that sounds like we are moving backwards, but to keep you here and safe we have to delay progress.

That shouldn't be too hard considering every time you do try to gain control you fuck it all up anyways.
I'm not gaining much ground anyways...

Soon...promise. Get some rest. I'll bring you some takeout in a few hours. Kono style 😏.

Why does he have to remind you of those things?
🤨 you reply.

To which he replies.
🤣💋

You roll your eyes and drop your phone onto the bed then snuggle into your pillow....

———————————————

The next day.

You wake up to Kakashi lying beside you holding your waist with one arm. He is resting on his side facing you, maskless, shirtless, and pantless only wearing his boxers. You begin to register your surroundings and realize you must have slept right through the night.

How the hell?

Then you recall short flashbacks of Kakashi hovering over you with your body quivering from some kind of fever. You recall the urgency and fear in his voice. You recall feeling sick to your stomach...then nothing after that.

Softly, you sweep your fingers through the thick silver strands of his hair gazing over his handsome features while trying to piece together what the happened. He was supposed to bring you takeout in the evening, but it is obvious something else had happened.

His eyes snap open at your touch and he grabs your hand.

"Hana!" He says almost breathlessly.

You smile back as if nothing is amiss.
"I think I slept through dinner..sorry about that."

He sighs with relief and wraps his thick arms around you holding you as close as he can, nearly crushing your ribs. "I was so goddamn worried...." He whispers into your shoulder.

"What happened?" You ask annoyed at yourself. You are getting so sick of waking up like this.

He releases you and looks over your features, his eyes flit about you frantically.
"I came back to find you on the floor convulsing. You were sick for hours."

That has happened before. It seems like each form you change into has a different after effect. This one makes you just plain sick, most likely from a fever that is too high. Your panther form turns you into a panther until it wears off. Your other losses of consciousness paralyze you, who knows what is next on the list.
"I think you should put me in a bag and leave me on the side of the road, we can let natural selection take it from there." You reply.

He bursts out laughing.
"I did not spend all night wiping the drool from your mouth just to throw you out."

You gasp.
"I was drooling?!"

"A lot."

You cringe at that vision.
"Well, that's attractive..."

He chuckles.
"Even drooling through a seizure, I wouldn't say no."

You laugh very loudly at that.
"I think you should raise your standards Mr. Hatake."

"Oh I have...you are the highest standard I've ever had, kitten...don't forget that."

You smile triumphantly and sigh. He is the best thing that has ever happened to you.
"Well, I think I'm all better now...."

Suddenly a text comes in. You turn away from Kakashi's embrace, however he barely gives you enough leeway to grab your phone. You manage to pull it towards you with one finger under his grasp and begin to read the message from Naruto.

Good morning, Hana. First off, I want to apologize for our encounter yesterday. I misjudged a lot during our training session and although I can't guarantee your loss of control won't happen again, I can guarantee not to stab you anymore. 🥺

Secondly I need to inform you of a few things. The time for your meeting is at 130pm. I don't recommend being late as there are a lot of very important people wanting to see you.

I also need to ask you to be on your best behavior....

Kakashi snickers at that message earning a death glare from you.

We need to be careful what is said. So if you could be that sweet girl I know you can be please do.

"Almost too sweet." You whisper.

Kakashi laughs and rips the phone from your hands. He throws it onto the sheets behind him and kisses you sweetly.

"Kakashi." You say between kisses. "I think I should respond..."

He releases your mouth and replies sourly. "Oh alright." And reluctantly passes you your phone to respond. He watches you closely.

Thank you for refraning from stabbing me. It is much appreciated 😒...

Kakashi stops you.
"You're being sarcastic." He states.

"I am not! I'm being entirely truthful." You argue.

"He asked you to be sweet. Try again."

You growl.
"Fine." And delete the message.

I appreciate your concern, Naruto, and thank you for being more careful during our sessions. Although I guarantee you won't get that close again. 😛

"Hana." Kakashi snaps. "Try again!."

"That is also true, Kakashi!" You whine.

He huffs at you. "Give me the damn phone!" And he yanks it from your grip. "I'll do it."

Dear Naruto,

"Don't say that!. I can't stand that formality crap!" You protest and he continues his cringing typing, smiling wildly.

Thank you so much for being my sensei, I know I am in good hands. I welcome any challenges you have during training and couldn't be more happy to oblige your requests. I will be on my best behavior....

"I think I'm going to puke." You say under your breath.

At the meeting and will make sure to be on time.

His thumb crosses over the send button and you try to snatch your phone from his hands.

"Ha! Too late, it's sent!" He snickers and you pout at him. "Hey don't give me that look!."

"He's going to know someone else wrote that!."

He passes you back your phone.
"Nah, he's not that observant. But it's getting close to your date with the angry hokage. You should probably get ready. I know it takes girls a long time."

"Fine..."
You nudge him and scoot over to the edge of the bed then whip off the sheets. Carefully you sit up and place your feet on the floor remembering how badly you had fallen yesterday. It would be a smart idea to test your strength first.

"You ok?" Kakashi asks.

"I think so." You stand slowly, only feeling a slight dizziness. "I'm almost back to normal. I'll go shower then make us some breakfast."

"No, I'll make breakfast, you just get ready." He watches you carefully make your way over to the bathroom.

"Ok, but don't set anything on fire." You reply, wondering what the hell this man can cook.

He laughs.
"I believe that is your cliche not mine."

You finger him again and strip down to nothing infront of him. He hums at you.

"I suddenly feel like showering."

You would love to spend your shower with him, but he is right. It is twelve o'clock and you have little time to get your shit together. You haven't even thought about things to come and what to say to the angry hokage. So you ignore his comment.

"Breakfast first, this kitty is getting hungry."

"Well we can't have that now can we."

You turn and blow him a kiss then walk into the bathroom.

One hour later you are both sitting at your kitchen table with full stomachs. Kakashi had heated up the take out from last night which was a hearty bowl of Ramen. You had praised his advanced skills at heating things up to the perfect temperature and he smiled proudly. Now you are both going over details of the meeting.

"So...if you're offered a position in any other land you will say?" Kakashi asks.

"I will take all the positions!" You reply overly enthusiastically.

He glares at you.

You laugh loudly.
"Kidding! I will not accept any transfers as I am a hidden leaf ninja."

"Correct. And if you are questioned about control what do you say?"

"I do not have control yet."

"From there, Naruto will reveal to everyone that you only have control in my presence."

"Right."

"After that, we try to hold off on any high class missions. If we are forced into one, then I will go with you." He smiles through his mask.

"This was your plan all along, hey?"

He nods proudly.
"Remember, I am always five steps ahead of everyone....always."

"So you're not all looks then." You snicker.

He shakes his head at you.

"Focus, Hana."

You giggle trying your best to laugh this all off. It's easier to make it a joke than it is to be serious about it. Your stomach hurts something fierce right now but you're not about to show your anxiety in front of him. He needs to see your strength right now.

"I'm focussed. It's going to be ok. I've gotten this far, I think I can handle this meeting." You reply and place a fake smile onto your face.

His eyes flit about you, most likely analyzing your strange calm state.
"Good. And try not to worry, I'll be sitting right behind you."

That fills you with a very confusing feeling of relief and panic. You had no idea he was going to be present for this meeting. It was nice to have him there for support, but he will also be fully aware of the things you have done in your past. It is inevitable that the hokage of each village you have caused problems in will be discussing those said problems amongst the entire room full of people.....oh god...

You wish you could hide right now. You wish something would come up so you can't make it to this damn meeting. At this point, you would even take another Kunai to the shoulder to get out of this.

Then Kakashi pulls you out of thought.
"Hello?" He waves a hand in front of you looking concerned.

You blink twice and shake your head snapping out of your anxious spiral.
"I'm ok, it's going to be ok. Just roll with it." You say in a type of mantra.

He raises his brows.

"Right..." He replies nervously then places a hand on yours.

"Hana, if you feel your emotions are getting the better of you, and your stone is causing that pain in your chest...I want you to say my name ok?...over and over again in your head. Say it until you are sick of saying it."

You blink at him. It was an odd thing to comfort yourself with. But it may just work. You think back to when he told you to focus on him while teaching you how to swim and it worked. Focussing on him and your love for him changed all your fears. You nod in response.
"Ok."

He sighs. "Let's get going. We don't want to be late."

You quietly stand, pushing your chair to the side. Your mind is spinning wildly, running through embarrassing and terrifying scenarios. But there is nothing you can do about it. You follow Kakashi to your door to put your shoes on and can't help but feel his eyes on you.

"What?" You ask, staring at him.

"Well..umm...you look beautiful today." He says choking on his words.

Instantly your cheeks pink up matching the color dusting his own. You smile feeling the warmth inside.
"Yeah...you look good too. No falling for any hot hokage ladies ok?" You reply, complimenting him back.

He laughs hard.
"I know all the hokage coming to this meeting and almost every ninja. Don't worry, there is no one there who holds my interest but you. My standards are above sea level now, remember?."

You burst out laughing as he just compared any previous relationship he has had to bottom feeding fish. Where does he come up with this shit?

"Let's go, beautiful." He holds his hand out to you just as you finish slipping your boots on. And you leave your home feeling slightly better.

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