"You should be more careful," I froze when the words were spoken. That voice. No way... 

*******************

"I-I'm sorry," I mentally cursed myself for stuttering, my hands trembling as I tried to keep calm. I hadn't seen him in so long. He's so warm...

"Are you alright?" He asked gently, his voice slightly tinted with worry. "You were spacing out, weren't you." Ah, a statement. Daring a glance at the man, I timidly looked up, only to catch his gentle gaze on me.

"I-I wasn't." I heard myself protest. Kakashi narrowed his right eye, his hold on me tightening. "I-I need to go," I found myself saying as I carefully pried myself from his hold.

He complied, his hands dropping to his sides as he let out a sigh. "It's been a long time, hasn't it, Yu?"

Folding my hands in front of me, I nodded, keeping my gaze to the ground. "It has, Kakashi." I said quietly.

"How is Naruto?"

"He's fi-"

I was cut off as an Anbu appeared beside me. "Ayumi, it's Naruto..."

It was at that moment that my hand met my face, and I sighed, left hand propped on my hip. "So early too.."

"He's panted the Hokage faces." Let's add yet another date for my hand and face as they met once again.

"I'm going to kill him...." I muttered. "Has Iruka caught him yet?"

The Anbu didn't get a chance to answer as a yell made its way to our ears.

"YOU'LL NEVER CATCH ME ALIVE!!"

"That idiot!" I groaned. Pushing a strand of hair behind my ear, I pursed my lips. 

"That's probably why he was so rushed this morning.." I thought aloud, only earning me curious glances from the Anbu and Kakashi. "I'll let Iruka take care of him for now." I glanced at Kakashi who was watching with a hidden smile beneath his mask.

"Yes, ma'am." The Anbu bowed and disappeared.

"That makes me sound old." I stuck my tongue out in distaste, earning a chuckle from the silver haired man I had nearly forgotten.

"I see you've turned into a good mother," he complimented.

"Is that so," I sighed. "I don't feel like I'm doing a very good job, being his sister and his mother figure." I blew out a breath and adjusted my purse on my shoulder. "Oh well," I tucked a fallen lock of hair behind my ear as I peeked up at Kakashi. "I-I should be going now."

"Hm?" He hummed as I tried to slip passed him, but a large hand caught my small one. "Why don't we catch up somewhere," he offered, his thumb running over the back of my hand. "Besides, I have something I need to talk to you about."

"A-About what?" The small touch was enough, I had to force down that heat that threatened to rise to my cheeks.

"It's about the graduation exam."

Sighing, I nodded. With a peek around me, I turned toward the dango shop, pulling the ever willing man with me. Sitting in a booth, I could feel his eyes on me as he slipped into the booth opposite of me.

"What about the exams?" I asked quietly, folding my hands in my lap. My eyes met Kakashi's and I watched as he fished something from his pocket. Finding whatever he needed, he slipped a paper onto the table toward me.

"Hokage-sama has a request for you." He stated.

Picking up the paper, I opened it.

Ayumi,

I understand that this is coming on such short notice.

I have assigned Kakashi to be Naruto's sensei, should he pass.

However, since he is your brother, I would like you to assist him with the team.

And please, don't let the past get in the way.

-Hokage

It even had his seal on it.

I'm pretty sure my hands were trembling as I placed it back on the table. "The exams are tomorrow, as I'm sure you know."

"Yes, I'm aware." I muttered. "I don't understand why he would do this, I mean.. He knows I retired from all positions as a shinobi."

"How long has it been since you retired, Yu?" I glanced at Kakashi who had his arms crossed over his chest.

"It's been ten years. After Jiraiya brought Naruto back to me...." I sighed.

"And? How long has it been since we last seen each other?" I frowned at that. "We haven't even talked about it, Yu-"

"I-I can't, Kakashi." I spoke firmly, but just the mention of the past was bearing down on me. "It's been years since we've seen each other, I understand that. But...I was young, and I was stupid." I kept my eyes on my lap as I spoke. I couldn't look at him. But, I could feel my eyes sting with the tears that I had shed so long ago. For him.

"Ayumi," his tone was harsh, but gentle at the same time.

"I need to go, Naruto should be home anytime, and I still have a few errands I need to do." I stood, but so did Kakashi, his much taller frame slightly leaning over mine.

"We do need to talk at some point." He stated. I just nodded my head. "Meet me at the KIA stone, tomorrow at seven, so we can talk about the new team."

His left hand lifted, his fingers brushed over the skin of my cheek for a moment, and then he was gone.

"Idiot.." I muttered. My hands were shaking. Why? I don't really know, myself. I know that it's been a long time since I've seen him.

With a sigh, I left the dango shop and started on my errands.

****************************************

The morning approached so quickly. It didn't help that I had gotten no sleep the night before.

I was sitting at the kitchen table, coffee mug in my hand, my eyes staring into the dark liquid inside. "Morning, Nee-chan...." Naruto dropped into the chair opposite me, his head dropping heavily to the table as he struggled to keep his eyes open.

"Morning, kiddo." I ran a hand through his hair and smiled. "I'm going to have to leave early today." My little brother frowned, but didn't say anything. "I actually need to head out now."

I stood and kissed his cheek as he sat up. "'Kay," he muttered.

"I know that you'll pass, honey." I whispered in his ear before placing my mug in the sink and starting toward the door. "Make sure you come home before dark." I said as I slipped on my shoes and opened the door.

He made a sound that sounded like a 'yes', so I left the apartment and slowly made my way down the complex stairs.

It didn't take long to reach the KIA stone. But when I did, Kakashi wasn't there. He wasn't anywhere in sight.

Sighing, I stopped in front of it and stared down at a few names.

"You're early," I nearly jumped at the voice, but didn't.

"Or you're late." I retorted, wrapping my arms around myself as he stopped beside me.

Kakashi chuckled, the sound sending my heart into a frenzy. He's standing very close. "I suppose you could see it that way," he sighed. "Where should we discuss this?"

I pursed my lips and glanced up at him. Damn him for being so tall...

"I don't care," I finally said, shivering as a cold waft of air blew through the area. "Just somewhere not here." Kakashi smiled beneath the mask and slipped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side, and closer to his warmth. "W-What are you doing?"

His cheeky response was; "Keeping you warm. It's cold today." I tried to move away, but he wasn't having it. And yet, he made it seem so casual, like this was normal to him.

"C-Can't we just go inside?" I glared at him, but he was unaffected.

"Inside where?" He asked, acting completely oblivious. Rolling my eyes, I hid my hand and made a hand sign, not something I'm used to doing. With a smile and a poof, I was safely shielded inside the apartment again.

Within twenty minutes, there was a knock on the door while I was making tea. "Come in!" I yelled, feeling the chakra behind the door. It opened and in walked Kakashi with an un-amused look.

I let out a small laugh as he dropped into one of the kitchen chairs. I placed a mug down in front of him and sat opposite of him.

"Much better," the corner of my lips tugged into a smirk as he sighed. "Now..."

**************************************************

I don't own Naruto!

Ayumi in her Anbu uniform ——>