The Crunchie Corner

It was early morning and I was in the Hokage’s office along with Shino. We both had our ANBU masks on, and in our full grey uniforms. Tsunade stood at her window looking over Konoha while she spoke.

“You are to follow me to the main gates, there I will assign you to the missing Nin whom you are to guard. Her name is Uzamaki Maye.”  I was confused.

“Uzamaki? As in Naruto’s relative?” I looked around for an answer. Tsunade turned around and sat in her chair, resting her head on her hands.

“You weren’t here were you. Hmm. Maye came looking for her brother a year or so before you moved here, and they got along, you know brother and sister. Also if I remember correctly, she had formed a romantic relationship with Kakashi.”

That statement made me remember my short fling for him. How embarrassing, he was taken and I had crushed on him.

“What happened to her?” I asked, wanting to know more about this Maye.

“The Akatsuki came for her. We don’t know why at this point in time, but we believe they used Kakashi and Naruto’s welfare as leverage. I can’t think of anything else that would tempt her to join them freely. She has recently  escaped from them, and Akashi and his team are currently brining her back to the village, but we can’t put aside the possibility that they will come back for her… Or she will go back to them.” Shino and I nodded. Shizune trifled through some files and handed Tsunade one of them. Tsunade then pro ceded to hand it to me. Slowly I opened it. Inside was facts, information, biographies, ranks and all other titbits of valuable knowledge. This was Maye’s file.

“Just as a precaution.” Tsunade told us.

------

Shino and I were on opposite sides of the gates, while Tsunade ventured out into the trees. 

“Where is she going? I asked myself. Nobody answered me. Shino and I waited, and waited. I was getting bored so I took out Maye’s file, and began to read it more thoroughly.

Name: Uzamaki Maye

Age: 25

Rank: Jounin – Missing Nin/ S rank Criminal

Sex: Female

Blood Type: AB

Abilities:

Kekkei Genkai – Transformations into any types of land, aerial or aquatic animal.

Chakra Absorption – Major medical side effects if the chakra is not “compatible” with the user.

Background: Left the village after Namikaze Minato sealed the Kyuubi inside Uzamaki Naruto.  She was trained by three specially chosen ANBU black ops in Kirigakure. Achieved high jounin rank aged fifteen. Left Kirigakure at age sixteen, movements for the next seven years unknown. Returned to Konoha aged twenty-three then disappeared one year later to join the Akatsuki organisation.

 “Wow. She gets around.” I commented, then laughed at the slight sexual innuendo. Shino motioned to me and then pointed out some trees. Sure enough Tsunade was back, and following behind her was a squad of ninja, and one lady in a black robe, decorated with red clouds. She must have been Maye. Eyeing the members of Kakashi’s team, they seemed battered, some were injured.

“Ok everyone you are dismissed. Except you three, Maye, Kakashi and Naruto.” Tsunade waved her arm and everyone went to be checked into the hospital.

“Are you sure you want to go in there with that on?” Tsunade asked the blonde woman.  She looked down at herself then nodded.

“Yes.”

“Right. Lets go then.” Tsunade ushered for Shino and I to follow, so I stowed away her file and trotted along beside Maye. She turned her head and smiled at me. That’s when I knew she was a good person.  As we walked deeper into Konoha people emerged from their houses to see the parade. I could hear hisses, boos, and other foul names being called out to Maye. It wasn’t fair.

“Don’t worry about them. They don’t know the real story.” I tried comforting her. She was obviously surprised that someone did not hold her in contempt because she staggered, earning me a glance from Kakashi.

“Uh thanks. Who are you?” She asked me. I shook my head.

“We can’t give out our real names on duty.” But I trusted this woman so  lowered my voice.

“But you can call me Haley.” She smiled and then nodded. That smile was probably one of the first she hadn’t forced herself to do.

Finally we reached Tsunade’s office. Maye was offered a seat while the rest of us stood in a semi-circular formation behind her, with me and Shino on each end.

“I don’t know what we are going to do with you, Maye. The cells are currently being reconstructed to be able to withstand most forbidden jutsu. And we are out of apartments … but once we find you one, you will be staying there under strict ANBU guard.” Maye bowed her head in acknowledgement.

“Lady Tsunade?” Kakashi sounded almost hesitant.

“What.”

“Would it be ok if Maye came and stayed with me at my house? With the ANBU guarding her, of course.”  Tsunade considered his proposal for a moment.

“Do you still have her room?”

“Yes. Once I knew she was gone, I locked the door and no one ever went inside of it again. I suppose she would have to dust it though.”

“Fine. She can stay with you. But take heed, you two are not to either plan an escape, not that you would, Kakashi; do anything inappropriate; or go out to dinner together. Maye! You’re going to be under strict security no matter where you go. I’m not going to take what you did lightly, even if you say it was for the good of the Village.” I couldn’t argue with Tsunade’s thorough precautions. She knew what she was doing . It was now Mayes turn to speak.

“Who are going to be my guards?” Shino and I straightened at her question.

“Shino and Haley.” Tsunade gestured in our directions, and Maye turned around.

“Them?! They’re only like seventeen!” I felt rather hurt at that statement, but I guess she would be surprised. She was an S-ranked criminal after all.

“Yes. I know that, But they are strong. You can go now” The hokage growled. She didn’t like her choices being questioned. Maye bowed and started to walk out, but Kakashi slowed her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be there to.” Kakashi told her earnestly. As we walked Maye kept tugging at her Akatsuki robe. She must’ve felt guilty, and the silence surrounding us possibly made it worse.

“Well, if you ask me, I think the robe matches your eyes.” Everyone looked at me, even Shino.

“What.” I asked defensively.

We eventually came to be outside Kakashi’s house. He walked forward and opened the door and let Maye inside first. She stood at the door for a moment reminiscing in her memories, then she let out a laugh.

“Something wrong?” asked Kakashi. Maye turned around and smiled.

“It’s good to be back.”

“You know Maye-san. Wouldn’t it be good to be back IN-side to.” I Said. Maye didn’t know whether to laugh, or reproach me for being rude, but she didn’t have to choose as she was then gently pushed through the doorway, which she was blocking.

“Oh sorry.” She apologised.

“As we went in Akashi turned to us.

“Since Maye’s is the only other room, you two will have to sleep on the foldout lounge.”

“That’s fine.” I replied.

“Before we get comfortable though we have to secure your house.” Shino added. Of course Kakashi knew this, being familiar with ANBU procedures. It didn’t take long before Shino and I were finished. Maye had stayed downstairs talking with Kakashi, when she turned ad started going up the small steps, but before she lifted one leg, Maye collapsed, but Kakashi acted quickly and caught her before she hit the ground.

“Maye!” He said. I walked over, knowing a bit of Medical ninjutsu I wanted to see if I could help. Looking over her and checking vital signs I could see what was wrong. It wasn’t serious, luckily.

“Kakashi take her to bed. She’s just extremely exhausted.” He sighed in relief that it was nothing serious, and he obediently took her in his arms, and carried her to her room.

Shino and I folded out the lounge, then I beat him to the bathroom to change.

"Gotta be faster than that to be a ninja" I joked as I came out, dressed in pyjamas.

"Mmm" was the reply that I got.

"What is it?" I asked him through the door, as he got changed.

"I'm not used to the house. That's all." He came out, looking rather casual.

‘Aha was Shino house shy? I wouldn't blame him though, Kakashi is a pretty intimidating guy after all.’

"We'll only be here for a week remember. Tsunade trusts Maye more than she wants to let on." I told him knowingly. Shino nodded slightly. He was defiantly uncomfortable. I walked over and climbed under the blanket while he sat on the edge of the bed.

“Come on. Lets get some sleep. Maye isn’t able to go anywhere at the moment even if she wanted to.” After a pause he nodded again, and got under the covers as well. When Kakashi finally came down, Shino and I were asleep, and I was being protectively held by him.

“Heh. Better keep an eye on them.” Kakashi said, and he flicked out the lights.

-------

My eyes fluttered open as the sunlight came through a window, and landed on my face. It wasn’t bright so it must have been around five. As my eyes fully adjusted I seen an arm wrapped around me. I rolled over and noticed that Shino was still asleep. My sudden movement must have woke him, because his eyes opened, but then he closed them again when he seen it was me.

“Good morning.” I said to him, stroking his face.

“Morning” He whispered.

“Come on, we have to be up before Maye and Kakashi” I said cheerfully. I didn’t need to sleep too much, I don’t know if I can say the same for Shino though.

“Okay.” Shino said, rather reluctantly. I laughed in my head and went to get changed. When I came back, the bed was put away, and Shino was dressed and putting his pyjamas away.

“Well I guess I’m making breakfast?” I said, walking over to the kitchen. No doubt Kakashi and hopefully Maye will be awake by the time I’m finished, so I made some for them to.

Shino ate silently while I tried talking.

“Is it still bothering you? The house I mean” I asked him.

“Only a little. It’s fine.” He replied. I could tell it wasn’t fine at all. I wanted to cheer him up so I moved closer to him, then moved his jacket away from his face and leant in. I could hear his breathing get slower, but before our lips connected, I quickly took his glasses, and gazed into his silver eyes. They were almost, hypnotising. For a moment I forgot why I took them off.

‘Was I the only person outside his clan to see them?” The thought didn't linger long because Shino pulled me into his arms.

"Now that wasn't fair" he said in his deep whisper, and I laughed. I playfully struggled to get free but we ended up sitting on the couch, well Shino sat on the couch, I sat on his lap.

"You can't tease me like that and not continue." He told me. I giggled and leaned in for the second time, this time not stopping. While off his guard I gained entry to his mouth, when he realised, he reciprocated, licking my bottom lip, begging me to open.

“Ahem!” There was a cough from the stairwell.

“Damn”. I muttered. We both stood up and faced the stairs, although I noticed Shino had closed his eyes. ‘So I was the only one.’ I thought. Knowing that, I didn't mind if we were scolded now.

“Sorry Kakashi.” Shino and I bowed to him and Maye, how was smiling broadly. She obviously didn’t mind.

“What were you doing? ANBU are supposed to be professionals, and having a prisoner seeing you making out on my couch …” He sighed Shino spoke, interrupting Kakashi.

“It was foolish for us to do what we were doing. It won’t happen again.”

“Today…” I added.

“Toda…? “ Kakashi trailed off exasperated. Maye looked at him and laughed, then looked back at us again and frowned.

“Shino. Open your eyes.” She said. She was curious about them, I assumed.

“I’m sorry but I can’t, not without my glasses. Haley could you please get them?” I nodded and gave them to him, and he put them on. It might have been my imagination, but I thought I heard Maye groan in annoyance.

“I made breakfast.” I told them, and pointed to the table.

“We’ve already eaten, so help yourself.” Shino said.

“Thank you.” Maye said, now flashing a huge grin at me, which I returned. Shino turned to me.

“You have a way with people did you know that?” He said, almost sarcastically. I smiled.

“It’s part of my charm.”

Maye and I had become good friends since our first meeting but my time talking with her was limited. Even though it was both Shino’s and my duty to watch over, and guard Maye, I couldn’t help but get caught up in Kakashi’s plans. He asked me to help him plan a “welcome home” kind of party for Maye. Obviously Kakashi has fewer limitations than Shino and I since we are meant to be with Maye all the time, so he went out the day after Maye arrived and asked her if it was okay. Just as I thought, she wasn’t really worried about anything Maye would, or would not try to do, so she agreed fairly quickly, although Kakashi first had to agree to have plenty of sake available. With her permission out of the way, Kakashi and I schemed when Maye was asleep. That made Shino annoyed since I wasn’t with him quite as much, but I promised that when our guard job was over we could do something ‘fun’ and winked at him.

“Kakashi, I’m going to leave and report Maye’s progress to Lady Tsunade.” He and Maye looked up from the book they were both reading. Maye had her head lying on Kakashi’s shoulder still, but her focus was on me.

“Okay, that’s fine.” He said in a very monotone voice. As I walked out the door I smiled when I felt some small envelopes in my weapon pouch.

__________

I wasn’t completely lying, well to Maye. I did have to make my daily report on her to Tsunade, but that wasn’t the only thing that I was going to be doing while I was out. Today I have things to deliver. Kakashi had told me it was convenient for me to do it when I finished with Tsunade. I suppose I couldn’t argue with his logic, and planning this barbeque was fun. I reached the Hokage’s tower and knocked on the huge wooden doors. From behind them I heard shuffling and then a locked being turned.

“Haley-chan. How are you?” The pink haired kunoichi smiled at me.

“I’m great Sakura how are you?” I asked in return, walking into the familiar circular room.

“You know same-old.” I nodded. Looking forward I saw that Tsunade wasn’t there.

“Hey Sakura. Where is Lady Tsunade?” The other girl looked at the empty chair and let out an annoyed sigh.

“I’ll be right back” she muttered, walking through a smaller door on the right side of the room. At first it was quiet and then there was crashing and yells. When the noise died down Sakura came back out followed by Tsunade, who looked extremely tired.

“What!?” She snapped at me.

“Just making the report of Maye’s behaviour yesterday.” I replied.

“Is there anything new?” Tsunade questioned me.

“No Lady Tsunade.”

“Then it’s fine.” She told me. I nodded and reached into my weapon pouch and sifted through the envelopes until I found the ones I wanted. I handed the bottom one to Sakura and then walked over to the desk and handed the other to Tsunade. The opened them and read the contents.

“Ohh a barbeque party for Maye-san! I’ll be there” Sakura squealed.

“Ah yes. Kakashi asked me about this the other day. I’ll see.” I was then dismissed and went out side to start delivering the rest. I read the one on top.

“Yamato. Great I don’t know where he lives. I just started and I’m already annoyed.”

_____

“I can’t say wasn’t annoyed about Haley leaving me here, or how she and Kakashi have stayed up the past two nights together. Sure they are planning a party for Maye, but I’m still annoyed that another man is spending all night with her although it’s amazing how she doesn’t even seem tired at all.”

I scowled at my thought’s.

“ I can’t believe I’m actually jealous. Just by looking at Kakashi and Maye I could tell they loved each other, so why was I worried over Kakashi and Haley?”

“Shino ….” Someone was calling me but I was still deep in thought with my rant.

“Shino!” The called again, now shaking my shoulder. This broke my concentration and I came back to reality.

“Sorry I was thinking about something.” I looked up to see Maye smirking at me/

“By ‘Something’ do you mean Haley” She teased. When I didn’t answer her she laughed.

I turned my head abruptedly.

“You wanted something?” I asked harshly. “Why did she have to know?”

“I wanted to know if you wanted lunch cause I’m about to start cooking”

“Oh. Yes. Thank you Maye.” She nodded ad turned away. Soon I heard muffled voices and laughter from the kitchen. Was she telling him about what she said just now? I glared at the kitchen door and scowled.

________

It was now the day of the party and Kakashi had requested Shino and I stay at home while he took Maye out for a date, approved by Tsunade of course. That was only so Shino and I could set up the yard while she wasn’t there, and since technically our mission was over since it’s the last day we were meant to be watching her, it held up well as an excuse to leave us behind.

Kakashi left me a note to where all the drinks were, so was setting up a long table at the back of the yard, while Shino pulled out the barbeque to the side. When we were finished I slumped down, more tired than I’ve ever been in my life.

“Serves you right for staying up for 4nights in a row and not sleeping during the day.” I looked up at Shino who was standing in front of me.

“I couldn’t sleep during the day because we had to watch Maye, and it’s Kakashi’s fault for planning at night.” I defended.

“Well at least tomorrow you can sleep for as long as you want.” He sat next to me and I leaned onto him, closing my eyes and feeling his arm wrap around me.

“Mmm.” I agreed, not wanting to talk.

Soft words invoked my senses, so I opened my eyes. At first I didn’t know if my eyes had actually opened because everything was dark.  Then a head hovered over me.  A blur? No, it was Shino.

 “I think people have started arriving.”  He told me as I sat up.

“So it’s five o’clock?” I asked, now realising that I had been lying on Shino  for a few hours.

“Yes, just about.” He replied, getting up for the first time since I had fallen asleep.

“Were you sitting there the whole time?”

“I didn’t want to wake you.”  He said  simply.  I smiled and put my arms up to him to help me up.  He pulled me up, and quite deliberately, pulled me forward.

“Even though I said you can sleep as much as You want tomorrow, but you also promised me that we could do something ‘fun’ ”.  He finished whispering in my ear, and walked inside. For a moment I couldn’t think. I had forgotten about that, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t at least a little excited for tomorrow to come.

------

I was just adjusting everything on the tables while Shino was showing people out to the backyard.

“Hi Haley-chan!” I heard from behind me. Turning, I saw Ino waving at me, with Shikamaru, Chouji  and Asuma behind her, possibly because she told them to stay there. Personally I found her a little self absorbed.

“Ino, Hi” I said as I walked passed her and hugged Shikamaru and Chouji hello, and bowed my head to Asuma-sensei.  She looked gob-smacked at my indifference, but that didn’t worry me.

“We’re gonna cop it now. How troublesome.” I gave Shikamaru an apologetic smile and offered them all a drink. Pretty soon I had greeted everyone and now had the job of making them keep quiet, which wasn’t as hard as I had thought.

“Haley.” Shino said from behind me. I jumped a little, and let out a little squeal.

“Shino! Don’t do that.” I reproached, but he said nothing.

“Maye and Kakashi are coming down the street.” He said, matter-of-factly.

“About time.” Was all I replied with before getting everyone to quite down.

“Okay, okay settle down. Shino’s going inside, while I stay out here to keep you all in order. When Maye comes out yell Surprise.” I grinned as everyone nodded.

------

The door opened and I got ready to answer Maye’s questions about the whereabouts of Haley.

“Hello Shino.” Said Kakashi, Maye however looked flustered. I made some guesses as to why, but didn’t think about it much more, I didn’t need that in my head right now.

“Hello Kakashi-sempai”  I bowed my head. Maye looked around, and must have finally realised that Haley was missing from the picture.

“Shino, where’s Haley?” She asked, still looking around the room, probably thinking the same about Haley and I, as I just did about Kakashi and her.

“She’s not in here.” I answered her plainly. Maye placed her hands on her hips.

“Then where is she?”

“Outside”

“Why?”

“She’s fixing something.”

“Why aren’t you helping her?”

“She told me I’d get in the way, so I came inside.”

Kakashi had no choice but to watch as we exchanged our curt replies, and sighed. It was obviously going no-where.

“Well I’ll go and see if she needs some help” He offered, but Maye would have none of it.

“No, I will. Men” She exclaimed and started stomping up the hallway. Kakashi and I exchanged glances, and followed her.

----

“SURPRISE!!” we all screamed as Maye stepped outside, who was only expecting to see me. For a moment she didn’t know what to do, and a whole range of emotions came across her face, the last one being happy on the verge of tears.

“I.. Thank you so much guys” She struggled to say, and I led her into the crowd of people so they could express how happy they were to have her back.

 Everything was going well and the Sake kept flowing, helping everyone to keep in a fun mood, Gai however, had abit too much to drink. He had brought a karaoke machine into the middle of the yard, and switched it on. Everyone turned to watch as he embarrassed himself, although Lee was behind him, offering compliments to his sensei’s ‘youth’.

He brought the microphone up to his lips and began.

“Maye, you are the sunshine in my eyes. Your skin is too perfect , and with my good looks beside yours we could rule the world. Will you be my Girlfriend?” This last sentence, he shouted at the top of his lungs, deafening some unlucky people who were standing to close. His eye’s gave away the love he felt for her, but contrary to what I had expected, he ended up embarrassing Maye more, who was seeking help from Kakashi and Yamato, but they only laughed, leaving her to fend for herself. I had a right mind to go over there and kick Kakashi out there with her, but I wanted to know what she would do, so I left it.

Maye just stood there, her  face almost as red as my hair, but she overcome it, and started to speak.

“Look, Gai. I’m not interested in you okay, Don’t ask me ever again please.” I think I seen the sky fall down of Gai’s head, he had been rejected, and in the bluntest way possible, I would think. It was hard not to feel sorry for him, but I felt sorry for Maye being put on the spot like that. She didn’t seem to be sympathetic to the now crying, Gai, but had a satisfied smile on her face, as she walked over to Yamato and Kakashi.

I didn’t see much more of the party because I was still tired, so I hunted down Shino and started saying goodbye to everyone.

“See you around Maye.” I said, giving her a hug, Shino however, was more professional in his farewell. I couldn’t help that I made friends easily!

“Oh and Haley.. Thank you for helping plan this.” Kakashi said.

“No problem” I replied, and waved as Shino and I left. We could still hear the party at the end of the street.

“Are you sure you want to go home?” Shino asked me, as I had turned to look over my shoulder.

“Yeah.” I said.

“Okay,  just making sure.” He informed me.

“Well, If I get to sleep early tonight, I won’t be sleeping tomorrow.” With this I laughed, and left Shino speechless in the middle of the road.

The walk home seemed to be taking forever. There was an awkward, knowing silence and in all honesty ... I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow.  But how could I tell him that now, as soon as I had told him to wait, I regretted it. I turned my head slightly to look at Shino, and the way he was looking forward, but not seeing anything, I knew he didn’t want to wait either, but he won’t make any sort of move, so it was up to me.  We turned onto his garden path and he went ahead to unlock the door then moved aside for me to walk in.

‘I suppose it’s now or never’ I thought, wondering if I would be able to do this.

“Shino” I said turning around slowly, but whatever I was going to say next was lost in translation as Shino’s warm lips pressed against my own.

‘So much for not making a move!” I told myself in my head. I have to admit it took me by surprise, but I didn’t pull away from him, quite the opposite actually. About as soon as it had hit, Shino pulled away. I tried to hide my disappointment.

“I’m sorry.” He apologised, thinking he had broken the earlier contract. “What were you going to say?”

I didn’t answer him; I didn’t even trust myself to speak. I just wanted him to kiss me again.

“Haley?” He questioned. Again I didn’t answer him, instead I just walked up the hallway, but instead of turning into my own room, I went straight ahead into his. Shino came after me; I could hear him, though he probably thought that he had upset me somehow. I don’t blame him since I was the one who left without saying a word. After a moment he finally caught up, and I faced him as he came through his door.

This time I did speak.

“I was going to say ... That I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow.” Shino then looked around, realising where we were; well I assumed he was looking around because his head moved slightly to the side.

“So …” He started the sentence but he didn’t need to finish it for me to understand.  I nodded to confirm his question.

“And you’re sure?” He asked.

“Yes I’m sure.” I said softly, not showing in my voice the impatience I felt or the undertone of lust. Sometimes he was just too caring for his own good!

At some point our clothes made their way to the floor and Shino was now arched over me. I stroked the side of his torso, feeling his toned muscle under my fingertips.  He lent his head down and kissed my neck, and it made me shiver.

“Now?” He asked, sounding as nervous as I felt. I only managed               a small intake of breath that somehow resembled a yes.

His body was pale from years of his over conservative form of dress but it only illuminated his toned physique. He kissed me again, this time his hand caressed my face, slowly moving down my neck. His fingertips trailed down my side and I pulled him closer, our body heat combining. Moonlight streamed in through the window, it's white glow making us seem ghostly. I gasped. I could feel him. I was a mixture of pain and pleasure. Shino still being his ever caring self stopped momentarily.

"Do you want to stop?" He whispered into my ear.

"No." I replied in an equally hushed voice. Again I felt the new sensation. My head was filled with nothing but Shino.

When I woke I heard a heartbeat, and realised I had my head rested on Shino’s chest. My head was moving with the slow rise and fall of his breathing.  Last night had been the first time for both of us, and I was now glad I hadn’t waited.  I sat up slowly, and looked over his sleeping form. It’s the first time if actually seen him without clothes covering his face. His chin is defined but not angular. It has a sort of ...  softness about it, like a child. I looked over to the small clock next to the bed. It read eleven AM.  We had slept to almost midday! This didn’t worry me though, since I didn’t have anything in particular to do. Being careful to get up without waking him, I walked into the bathroom to have a shower. The hot water sprayed down onto me, relaxing me and helping to wake me up from our almost, sleepless night.

___________

I woke to the smell of food wafting up through the hall way, and noticed Haley wasn’t laying next to me. I also noticed that the only thing keeping my body from the eyes of others was my blanket, which almost didn’t fulfil that simple task either.  I pulled it up a little while I sat, clearing my head of the grogginess that comes with sleep.  My vision became less blurred but I still squinted, the sunlight coming through the window was almost too bright for my eyes to handle. I reached out and groped around for my glasses, soon closing my hand around the familiar frame. After draping myself with a robe I walked down the hall to see Haley cooking, a frequent activity for her.  A few years ago, other than Naruto or Chouji, I wouldn’t have thought that someone could eat so much food every day.

“Good morning,” I greeted. Haley jumped, obviously concentrating very hard on the pan in front of her.

“Oh, Good morning” She smiled, ushering me over to the table so I wouldn’t get in her way. I watched as she balanced plates and cups while stirring or turning various foods and I inwardly laughed. It’s a wonder we still have plates at all sometimes, but she knew what she was doing so I didn’t interrupt.  Her red hair swayed in the loose pony tail as she walked about the kitchen, finally serving the meal she had prepared.

“Did you sleep well?” She asked. I personally thought this was a rhetorical question, but she was serious, which actually made me smile.

“As well as anyone I suppose.” I answered, knowing that she knew I was dead tired, but she never seemed to need much sleep so I needn’t ask to know her answer. Before we could actually start our meal, a loud, but short knock came from the front door. Slightly annoyed, I got up and went to answer it, with Haley following close behind, eager to see who it was. I opened the wooden door and looked out. Standing on the porch was Kakashi, his only visible eye giving the hint that he was worried.

“Hi Kakashi!” Haley half yelled from behind me, I only bowed my head at him, and he did the same.  I moved aside to let him through but he just stood at the door. Haley took this chance to walk up further, since I wasn’t blocking the door anymore.

“Kakashi ... Is something wrong?”  She asked him, reaching out a hand and placing it on his shoulder.

“Maye ...” Was all he said, but it was enough to send Haley into near hysterics.

“What about Maye!? What happened!?” She interrogated, and I guessed she was struggling to keep from shaking the answers out of the silver haired jounin.