We stood on the beach all wearing swimsuits. Naruto wore orange swim trunks, sasuke navy blue, sakura a pale pink one piece, Kakashi green trunks, and me a black string bikini top and black trunks. I also had waterproof bandages over my collar bone and waist.

A nice, big wave crashed on the shore, making me smile.

"So.... Why do we have these?" Naruto asked, holding up his surfboard, which I summoned from some place I don't know.

"These are surfboards. We ride the waves with them," I explained, laughing when all of them remained confused. "I'll show you!"

I ran towards the water, jumping onto my surfboard on my stomach. Four slashes told me the others were following my lead. I paddled out a little ways and stopped, sitting up on my board. Kakashi pulled up beside me as the kids stopped on either side of us.

"What now?" Sakura asked.

"Now......... Aha!"

I paddled toward a decently forming wave and turned around as it came upon me. I rode it smoothly for a while, going down and up as adding a nice air born moment before letting myself glide back to the awed ninjas and circling Kakashi.

"Who's next?"

~•~

Worn out, we went to take a break on the sunny beach, where Tazuna, Tsuname, and little Inari were building a sand castle. I collapsed on my beach towel, lazily rolling onto my back.

"Hey.... Sensei?" Sakura asked innocently, sitting beside me.

"Yes Sakura?" I replied as Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi collapsed onto their own towels.

"Why is your collar bandaged?"

This seemed to catch everyone's attention as my hand flew up to cover my healing wound, as though they could be seen through the bandages.

"Well," I sighed softly. "How to answer...... The bandages are covering a pretty... Ugly scar...." I said carefully.

"What kind of scar?" Naruto asked.

"Uh, lets see, it's a scar I got when I got out of a messed up relationship," I said awkwardly.

"You mean your boyfriend hurt you?" Sakura gasped dramatically.

"My ex, but yeah. He wasn't exactly thrilled that I was leaving....."

"Can I see the scar?!" Naruto asked suddenly.

"Naruto!" Sakura hissed.

"Idiot..." Sasuke mumbled.

Naruto looked down sadly.

"Sorry....."

"It's- it's fine," I said, patting his head. "I get that your curious, and if you really want to see it, I suppose it couldn't hurt.... But I'm warning you, it ain't pretty."

He stared eagerly, as did the others. I lowered the straps of my bikini top, careful to make sure my chest stayed covered, and slowly unwound the bandages.

Everyone but Kakashi, who seemed too shocked to do anything, gasped loudly. There, still popping in bright red, read 'MINE'.

"Cody... Is this why....?" Kakashi asked numbly, reaching a hand out to me.

"I was bleeding when you found me?" I finished quietly. "Yeah."

I watched as his hand got closer. He gently ran his thumb over the scar, as if to assure they were real. My skin was tingling as he yanked his hand away.

"Oh.... Sensei...." Sakura whispered, eyes watering. I shook my head quickly. "I'm so sorry for bringing it up!"

"Never mind it kids," I said quickly. I rewrapped my collar. "Its not important anymore. It's over, it's done, no biggy, right? Now!" I said loudly, clapping my hands. "The one who can make the best sandcastle by the time I'm back from my walk gets to boss Kakashi around for a day! Go!"

And just like that, the kids were distracted.

"Kids are so easy," I chuckled, getting up and pulling on my shirt.

"I think I'll join you," Kakashi said suddenly, standing up and not even bothering with a shirt.

"Alright," I shrugged.

****

"I see why you hated me so much at the beginning," Kakashi said as we walked through a trail in the forest.

"It's no big deal," I said quietly.

"Yes, it is," he said, apparently annoyed as he stopped.

"What's your problem?" I demanded, putting my hands on my hips.

"You cannot act like you're not upset about this," he motioned to my collar.

"I'm not acting," I said coolly.

"Cody," he said heavily, grabbing my shoulders and looking down at me. "He had no reason to hurt you. He's the most low down piece of scum if ever heard of. Please... Tell me you know that I would never hurt you," He begged.

"Eh... What is this about Kakashi?" I asked, blushing and giving him a suspicious look.

"I...." He paused. "I want to show you how much I care!"

"You.... What?"

He made a frustrated noise.

"God I'm terrible at this!"

"Kakashi, calm down," I said, putting my hands on his shoulders in return. "Breathe with me. In, out."

He took a deep breath and stared at me. Slowly, he opened his other eye- he had taken off his headband so it wouldn't get when when we were surfing- and it gleamed a stunning red.

"Kakashi..." I whispered as he began slowly pulling me nearer.

"I like you Cody, I really do..." He whispered as we grew closer. I could not, and frankly didn't want to at the moment, stop him.

"I... I don't want to get hurt again...." I said softly.

"I won't ever hurt you..." He breathed, closing his eyes and pressing his lips to my forehead gently. I was stunned for a long moment as his hands went to hold the back of my head and wrap around my waist when he pulled away and hugged me securely.

This is wrong. I shouldn't be doing this. I'll get hurt. Why won't my body stop him. Why?

It felt as though I had no control over my body as my arms wrapped around his neck and I hugged back.

All too soon, Kakashi pulled away, looking at my face.

"Are you okay?" He asked, looking panic-stricken. "Oh god, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I made you cry again. I'll... I'll just..." He started walking away again as I touched my cheek to feel warm tears.

"Wait! Kakashi!"

I jumped forward, grabbing his wrist and jerking him around. I hugged him tightly, burying my face in his chest and refusing to let go.

"I'm not crying because of the hug," I said quietly. "I was just scared. I didn't want to get into another bad situation, but... I- I...." I swallowed hard. "I feel safest around you and I don't wanna be alone anymore!"

My shoulder shook as more tears spilled, full of fear. His strong arms wrapped around my shoulders and he held me close as I felt his lips touch the top of my head.

"As long as I'm here, you'll never be alone again."