A/N: Its been awhile guysss...I put my whole heart and soul into this, my inspiration has truly rekindled. Truly, my kakashi favoritism is so intense here

"I haven't thought about it too much, I...its....complicated." I shot Tsunade a look, hoping she'd help me knowing why this was more complicated due to my reincarnation. It's not my place to love anyone romantically and she should know that. However, she seemed to beg to differ.

"Hinata." Tsunade took my hand, sobering me up a bit. "You deserve to let yourself love as much as the rest of us." I was drunk, thats the only reason my eyes got watery.

"Right, so even if you haven't thought about it..."

"Who makes your heart beat with just a glance? Who do you find yourself thinking about the most? Who makes you feel safe, seen, loved? When you think about your future, who do you see by your side, holding your hand and preferably keeping you happy for the rest of your life?"

"I...." It's not like I didn't know. I've been head over heels for the same person since even before being reincarnated. Sure, it was a stupid crush for a while, I'd had plenty of crushes growing up, then I got to see the real him, see how caring he is and before I knew it, I was in too deep. "It doesn't matter. I knew from the start my feelings could never be returned. I'm going to do as my clan wants and marry whoever they pick out. At least Neji will have a say and it won't be some creepy old man." I'm sure my smile was bitter because everybody backed down and changed the conversation to focusing on Jiraiya and Tsunade's budding romance.

***

"Again." I pushed myself up into a sitting position, forcing myself to slowly inhale and exhale. Sweat stuck to my skin like honey, and my chakra was steadily reaching the point of exhaustion.

"Maa Maa, you look like you're ready to pass out." I was, but that is a later problem. I have enough chakra to at least do two more.
"One. more. time." I panted, giving him my best commanding glare. Unfortunately only Naruto's puppy eyes work on kakashi.

"Fine fine, how could I say no when you ask oh so polite." Sturdy, nimble fingers wrapped around my bicep, pulling me to my feet once more. Even when he let go, I could feel the lingering warmth of his hand and I had to stop myself from reaching out to him. A single slate grey eye assessed me quickly, deciding I would be fine a bit longer. "If you pass out, I'll have to leave you here to find someone else to buy me dinner." Kakashi's eyes curved into that teasing smile, body set aglow once more. Lightning coursed through his body, before ejecting from every chakra point with such controlled ease it made me want to throw him.

My lightning release was nothing to scoff at, but I needed to be able to release more lightning at a stronger voltage, so what better way than ejecting it from every point of my body at its natural max output. Keeping it controlled, having it max out equally throughout the chakra points was Kakashi's idea and he was the perfect person to teach me. That and he's been on missions without us, so I wanted to spend some time together.

I'd successfully increased my voltage output, but keeping it controlled while maxing out its power was still difficult. Wisps of lightning would lick the trees around me, and I focused on trying to keep it contained around my body. It's like putting a flaming pan in the oven to contain the flames while the fire still rages. This time, I kept it contained for 15 seconds before my chakra dropped too low and I lost my hold. The lightning fizzled out, my chakra reverting back to its (significantly reduced) usual watery flow.

"Fuck yes!" I cheered, leaning against a tree as my muscles protested working any longer. I knew I could contain it at least once today.

"I never doubted you."

"You're the best Kakashi!" I threw myself at him, weakly wrapping my arms around him as my body finally gave out. Before I could fall, Kakashi scooped me up and put me on his back. I rested my cheek on his shoulder, getting a whiff of kakashi's woodsy scent. He didn't actually have to do that much activity, but it was hot and he still smelled fresh.

"Yeah, yeah." He sighed deeply, but his amusement was evident in his tone. I relaxed more into his hold, glad he couldn't see the goofy blush and dopey smile.

"I like being this tall. You should carry me around more often." He let out a small laugh.

"Maa, If I wasn't hungry, I wouldn't carry you at all." Kakashi let go of me, letting me drop for a second before grabbing hold and lifting me back into the easiest position.

"You say that now, but just wait. One day you're gonna be begging to carry me even when I'm not on the verge of chakra depletion." I teased, prodding Kakashi's masked cheek with my index finger. It really would be a dream come true to be carried around by kakashi all the time. He's so strong and smells so good, god, I need to move on.

"Ah, What goes on in that head of yours...wait, I don't even want to know." I giggled against his shoulder, missing the small shudder that went through him at the feeling of my chest moving against his body.

***

Hanabi knelt before Shikaku and Tsunade, waiting to know why they called her in. Alone. "Hanabi-hime. I have a solo mission for you." Tsunade was wearing a mischievous smirk, her tone promising something interesting.

"Really, a solo mission?" Hanabi had never been given a solo mission before. She sat up straight, spine rigid, in perfect posture. She was ready.

"Spy on Hinata, take note of whom she spends time with and how she behaves with them."

"Yes of course Hokage-sama, Tsunade-sama. If it is not confidential, may I ask why I must spy on my sister?
"She's in love, so I want to know with whom." Shikaku released a puff of smoke, choking on a snicker. While he did hope for his son to end up with his crush, there was a bet on Hinata's love life and Shikaku wanted to place a winning bet, after knowing who is in first place of course.

"I will do my best." Filled with excitement, Hanabi set off on a mission for the ages. She also needed to know who her dear sister was in love with so she can help Lady Tsunade play matchmaker! Hanabi believed Hinata deserved love and happiness more than anyone else, so if she could be a part of that she'd be happy.

Hanabi stayed out of Hinata's sensory range, although Hinata was a better sensor and fighter, Hanabi's Byakuran range was second only to Neji. She watched and noted her sisters every move, noting nothing unordinary. That is, until Kakashi returned. The day after he returned, with eggplant miso in hand, she skipped to Kakashi's and begged him to train her in lightning, again, alone.

Hinata has always been touchy and brash, but with Kakashi, she would take every chance she got to touch him. She was headstrong and loud but when kakashi spoke, she truly listened. Her chakra would spike every time he came near and when he wasn't looking, Hinata would just stare at him with obvious adoration. It was when she was ready to fall over and Kakashi caught her that it finally clicked.

Hanabi should have guessed it sooner, Hinata has always spoken highly of her friends and sensei's but since she could remember, Hinata had gushed about how cool and strong kakashi is. She thought Hinata idolized kakashi, but that might be an understatement.

Her poor sister, no wonder she thinks her love will be unrequited, a relationship between sensei and student is prohibited, and a relationship between former sensei and former student is frowned upon in most cases. That and kakashi, as far as everyone knows, is an eternal bachelor and has shown zero romantic interest in anyone ever. However, she did not miss the way his chakra wavered when Hinata relaxed into him, the rare laughs Hinata could coax from him, and the way Hinata could get him to do what she wants even if she didn't realize it.

After two weeks, Hanabi returned to the Hokage's office. "Lord Hokage, Lady Tsunade." She bowed deeply. "I believe I have solved our mystery. If I am correct, which I do not doubt, I believe Hinata is in love with Kakashi-sensei."Shikaku bit through his cigarette and Tsunade crushed the mug in her grip. That was not who they were expecting, but with their deeper knowledge of Hinata's life than even her own sister, it makes sense. Kakashi has been there for her in a way nobody else has, he has protected and cared for Hinata with his life. It's no wonder she's in love. "And while it might be far fetched, I believe, if he willing, Kakashi might have the capability to love Hinata as well." Hanabi pressed her forehead to the ground. "Help them fall in love. I know it is frowned upon, but Hinata's happiness is most important, so please help her."

"Good work Hanabi-hime. Thank you for your service to this village." Shikaku took the scroll and dismissed Hanabi.

"Leave the rest to us." Tsunade promised with a wink. When Hanabi left, she turned to Shikaku.

"I think I have the perfect mission." He smirked, pulling out a folder for an undercover mission asking for a duo. "I will debrief Kakashi, you are in charge of Hinata."

"I like the way your brain works Lord Hokage."

***

"A little bird informed me of something very interesting." Tsunade hummed, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the wood of the desk. Tsunade's golden, assessing, gaze made Hinata anxious. She didn't remember doing anything to cause any trouble and had no new secrets to hide, this time.

"Whatever it is, Sasuke did it." Hinata was quick to respond, using the same excuse she had been using since her and Sasuke's fated meeting. It won't work this time.

"You're in love with Kakashi." With just a few words, Hinata felt herself panic. Her cheeks felt hot and she wanted nothing more than to dig a hole and dissappear. If Someone else noticed, Kakashi would notice and would never speak to her again.

"Wh-Everybody loves kakashi." She squeaked out.
"No, you are in love with him." Tsunade was unwavering, Hinata would admit it aloud and they were going to go from there. She loved Hinata and Kakashi, they both were deserving of love and happiness, and Tsunade was going to make sure they got it from one another. It was almost too perfect. Plus they'd make cute, terrifyingly strong children.

"B-but how? Who told you? I-I don't" Hinata curled in on herself, giving up at her weak denial. "S'not like it matters." She mumbled, letting her dejection seep through.

"Why? Shinobi rules haven't stopped you before now." Hinata had tried for years to ignore her crush on Kakashi, each time she thought about it, it hurt. Knowing the one she loved so deeply could never love her back crushed her, so she tried to not think about it. It wasn't the shinobi rules stopping her, it was that she knows kakashi.

"Why? What do you mean why? Kakashi could never love me like that. I'm-I was his student, he'll never see me as anything but a child." He wouldn't fall in love with her, and even if he ever did, he would never act upon it.

"Kakashi has always felt undeserving of love, he thinks that he is cursed to cause the death of anyone he loves. He does not allow himself to love, but you have a tendency to change people's minds. Kakashi cares for you, he knows you are strong, so open his eyes to his feelings. Prove to him that he is deserving of love, your love. If he sees you as his student, change that. Seduce him, force him to see you as a woman, it'll be easier than you think." IF the notes Hanabi took were accurate, kakashi needs a little less coaxing than even he'd like to believe. Perhaps all kakashi needs is to realize that he has feelings for you and you'll do the rest. Besides, after the war Tsunade is sure Kakashi no longer sees any of you as children.

"Dammit, I've been avoiding thinking about this for years to save myself from heartbreak. Now you call me here and tell me I have a chance? What am I supposed to do with this?" Hinata was up and pacing the office. Back and forth, back and forth, slender, scarred hands shoved in her hair, pulling it at the root. "I can't. If-when you're wrong, I'll never be able to face Kakashi again. Kakashi avoiding me would break my heart more than him falling for someone else would. It's not worth it." She gave one solid nod, shoving her feelings back inside and getting over it is still the best course of action.

"Hinata, I have trusted your decision making since I started training you. You are a smart woman, but believe me when I say you are an absolute idiot. I would never try to break your heart, so please, trust that I bring this up because I believe you will succeed."

"You really think so?" Hinata looked at Tsunade with such restrained hope, the former Hokage truly wished for her plan to work.
"Yes."

"What do I need to do?"

"Shikaku and I have planned a mission for you and Kakashi. It was originally planned for Asuma and Kurenai, but it's perfect for you two." With a dramatic flourish, Tsunade gave Hinata the mission details. The hyuga princess couldn't help but feel a bit hopeful as she read. Maybe Tsunade is right, maybe what's stopping Kakashi isn't her, but himself. She'd just have to force him to see her as an adult and to accept that he deserves her love.

***

"Lord Hokage, are you sure I am the right person for this job? There are other chunin and jounin who are specialized in these kind of...missions. Sasuke has done this before, I can take his place with Naruto and he can join Hinata." Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck, feeling put out at being assigned such a mission.

"You were chosen for this mission because you are the best ninja for the job."

"Yes Sir." How was he, a man who had been on about 4 real dates, supposed to go undercover as Hinata, his former student's, fiancé?! Kakashi wouldn't know love if it Chidori'd him in the chest. More importantly...wouldn't this make him some kind of predator or something? Sure Hinata was an adult, and has always been mature for her age(living two lives does that to a person)...well maybe mature isn't the right word, but still.

Sure she was beautiful, anybody with eyes could see that, and funny, brilliant, cheesy, caring, and undoubtedly strong, but she was his student, a student that his other two gremlins were definitely infatuated with. How could he, how could the Hokage, put him in such a position when he doesn't even do undercover missions like this. Sueka was to play pranks and be a different person for a day to escape, not for actual mission use.

As Kakashi stressed out over going on the mission, Hinata emerged from the office next to him. They both froze, eyes wide, feeling caught like children trying to sneak an extra dessert. He watched every emotion pass across her face, shock, surprise, fear, nervousness, something soft and unexplainable to him, and then she flushed redder than he had ever seen. She must have felt as awkward as he did, what if she hated him for this mission. Then she smiled, it was odd, unusual against the red pallor of her fished skin. Kakashi's collar felt too tight, mask too stifling, skin too warm, and before either could speak, he disappeared.

When Hinata exited Tsunade's office, she was unprepared to see a pacing Kakashi. She stopped dead. He froze in his tracks, silver brows furrowed, shoulders hunched in stress, eyes shockingly wide as he stared at her. Hinata knew Kakashi wouldn't want to take the mission, whether it was with her or anyone else, this was not his jam. But instead of anger or disinterest like she expected to be thrown at her, his stressed, shocked face was pretty adorable. He hadn't declined the mission and found a new partner for her, and that made her swell with the tiniest fraction of hope. Maybe Tsunade is right...the thought alone made her burn inside out, she knew that there was no way she wan't redder than Gaara's hair. But then, before she could speak, Kakashi was gone in a puff of smoke was all that remained.

***

"Are you insane?" Sasuke paced back in forth, face scrunched in absolute befuddlement. "Scratch that, I know you'e insane, I just didn't think you were this dumb. Kakashi-sensei? He's like 80." The duckass scolded me, looking ready to shake some sense into me. Its cute, I had the same thought process but if Tsunade believes in me, I have to at least give it a shot and follow my heart.

"He's 32." I cut in dryly, an amused smirk on my lips.

"Exactly, you're 19." Sasuke stopped dead in his tracks, gleaming eyes locking onto Naruto who looked much too amused at this whole situation. "Oi, dobe. Aren't you going to say something." Naruto and I made eye contact.

"Well...." The blonde looked off to the side whistling innocently.

"Don't you dare tell me you're on her side." If Sasuke was any more dramatic he'd be, well, Naruto and I. You'd think Naruto broke up with him with the betrayal he seemed to feel.

"I mean, it is Kakaashi-sensei. Have you seen him 'ttebayo? It's not like we can blame her." Naruto and I fist-bumped.

"Thats not the point idiot. Kakashi was our Sensei, isn't that crossing so many bounds?" Yeah, if I wasn't reincarnated.

"You're right, and if it were any other circumstanced I'd be in agreement. It's kakashi, he's never shown a wink of romantic attraction towards me, so this is a long shot either way." God, am I dumb? Am I getting myself into a bad situation.

"Right, it is Kakashi-sensei, do we think he even has the ability to love someone...romantically?" Naruto scrunched his nose, the thought of kakashi being all lovey dovey was enough to collapse what was left of his brain.

"If he's up against someone as hardheaded as the freak he is."

"Awe, you think I'm awesome enough to pull someone as hot and antisocial as Kakashi."

"hn." He grunted, going silent. I sat and waited fro him to collect his thoughts, mulling over his words as well. If Sasuke really didn't think it was right, I'd be a bad friend to not listen to him completely. After a minute of silence, "Is it worth it?" He questioned lowly. I stood up, locking my eyes with his.

"I don't know, but I do know I love him and I think I'd regret it if I never gave myself a chance. If there is nothing there, I promise I will give up."

"Humph. Fine. I know Kakashi would never hurt you, I just-" I couldn't help but smile at the stubborn flush glowing on the tips of his ears.

"I love you too, you dummy." I cheesed. The duckass grumbled, but we all knew he loved us too.

"Yay group hug!" The blonde giggled, sinewy arms wrapping Sasuke and I up into his grasp, smooshing us into a mess of a hug. I squeezed back just as tight, maybe more so.

"Thanks for looking out for me, both of you." Each day I am reminded of how lucky I am to have friends, no family, as wonderful as them. Only when Sasuke finally went lax did Naruto release us.

"Hn. I guess if you weren't to choose Naru and I, or Itachi-nii, Kakashi is a good choice..." Ever the tsundere, he turned his head to the side, pouting. Even if he's an old man."

"You know I love you guys."

"Hn."

"We love you too."

I pressed a kiss to each of their cheeks, and as I was leaving, Naruto called out once more, stopping me with a blinding smile. "Take care of him Hina-chan, Kakashi-sensei deserves to be loved too, there's nobody better than you."

"I'll do my best."

***

Kakashi sat across from me, pointedly looking at his book and at absolutely nothing else. It had been over an hour and nothing. He sat slumped in his usual bad posture, but the distinct tightness of his shoulders, the uneasy thrum of his chakra, and the fact that he hadn't turned the page in at least 20 minutes gave away how uncomfortable he was. I felt a bit guilty, if I knew the mission this early on would make him act so...wrong around me I don't know if I would have taken it.

His usual silver mess of hair was covered with a cute curly brown wig and light blue-gray contacts covered the stormy grey and glowing red of his natural eyes. Instead of his wonderfully tight Konoha jounin uniform, he wore a long, deep earthy green wool trench coat with expensive looking brown leather buckles clasping it together on the right side. A dusty rose scarf I had knitted a few years ago on a team 7 mission to Yukigakure wrapped loosely around his neck. If I didn't know it was the only scarf he owned, I'd probably be giddy. Hell, seeing him wear it despite ignoring me at every chance still made me happy. Kakashi noticed my gaze on it, but in his mission to avoid addressing me in the slightest, I never noticed.

He wore plain black slacks, black boots, and a tan backpack. The whole look was designed to look expensive, yet average. It completely hid the Shinobi-hardened physique he held, making him look like any other man. Well any other man with perfect bone structure and the most disarmingly beautiful mouth that I wanted to perk into a smile, even just a little.

It was still slightly disconcerting to see kakashi, but him look absolutely nothing like himself. If it weren't for the familiar feel of his suppressed chakra, I could see why nobody recognizes him when undercover.

I too was in disguise. I wore rich, honeyed brown brown contacts and I had covered my natural hair with a slightly messy shoulder length, inky black wig that reminded me of Madara. I just had to get it. When Hanabi saw it, she giggled, knowing exactly why I chose it without me having to say a word. I wore a black cotton turtleneck with an earthy, tan kimono-inspired cropped sweater layered overtop. I had a loose calf length forest green skirt, the stitching matching that of Kakashi's coat and black tights tucked into shiny black booties.

Despite the suffocatingly uncomfortable atmosphere Kakashi has created, he had no choice but to get into character once the mission started. But if I had to sit in this fucking awful, tense cart for another minute I might explode. Kakashi is a grown up and he has no choice but to act like it and stop avoiding his problems like some petulant teenager. Even if kakashi never feels the same way about me, I refuse to lose the friendship we have built up all these years.

"Ka-" I coughed, "Sueka?" I cringed, fighting the urge to flush like some little schoolgirl trying to talk to her senpai.

"Hm?" He chimed with minimal interest, but finally giving me some semblance of attention.

"I, uh, figured you would probably bring something boring so... I (with aid from Hanabi) made us lunch?" God, its not a question you idiot. "You hungry yet?" Before he could answer, I opened up his bento, and he had no choice but to smell the delicious aroma of his favorite foods. A heaping pile of perfectly cooked salt-broiled saury and a bowl of eggplant miso. To round out the meal and add some protein I made tamagoyaki and for some color a bit of spinach ohitashi. He noticed how I even put in a peeled orange, all of the white parts removed, just like he liked. I handed it out to him and when he finally looked up and at the slightly pleading look, he gave a resigned sigh.

"Thanks, hanako. It...looks delicious." When Kakashi took hold of the peace offering, giving me that oh-so-familiar eye-smile, the tension had finally severed. For all he knew I was in the same boat as him, an ex-student taking a fake-romantic mission with their sensei.

I picked up a bite of my tamagoyaki, "It was no problem." I gave him a saucy smile, mischief flowing through my coils. "Anything for my darling fiancé." And he choked on the saury. His eyes blew wide, cheeks alit with fluster and awkwardness. I shoved a massive bite into my mouth to hide the smile at his reaction. The elder coachman chuckled outside good-naturedly, muttering about the sweetness of young love. I knew as soon as the mission started a we were out of the leaf village, it would be imperative to stay in character, but knowing we were already being listened to for sure...Kakashi tapped my foot with his.

"Now that I've finally drawn your attention away from your...novel, how about we chat?" Code: how about we go over the mission plans, in code, because your dumbass was too awkward to come talk to me about them before someone was actually watching us. Also, please talk to me because I'm soooo bored.

"Right... honey" He forced out, cheeks flushing darker. God, kakashi really was so awkward sometimes. "Sorry about that, you know how I can't put a good book down." He finally gave me a good once-over, cloudy eyes stopping at my hair, an amused smirk pulling at his lips. "Maa, Nice hair." He drawled.
"You finally noticed, I just got it done!"

"I know I didn't get home until late, how was your day yesterday?" Code: How do you feel about this mission

"It was...interesting. I met with the priest and she's all set for our wedding, so I guess it ended up being good and all my stress was for nothing." Code: It was surprising, but I'm ok with it, don't stress. It'll be fine. To add on, I gave an extra lovey-dovey performance, which was much to easy to do. "But, if I'm honest I'm more happy to be here with you. We finally have some time away to tell Reina, the exciting news. I still can't believe she's a Heishi child, and she's inviting outsiders like us to one of their parties!"

"Yeah it definitely came as a surprise. Who would have thought the wild girl from secondary school was really royalty. I'm glad you'll be by my side." Code: Surprising is correct. I guess, we're in this together, let's complete the mission.

"I'll always be by your side if you let me. You're too hot to let go of." Code: exactly what I said. I gave him what I hoped was a sincere look. "Then let's have a fun time." Let's rock this mission, hopefully with a bit of fun.

"Yeah." Kakashi seemed to deflate a little as he sighed in somewhat-relief, a hand coming up to sheepishly rub the back of his neck. He couldn't believe he let is "professionalism" be broken by such a mission when I seemed so nonchalant.

Konohagakure Mission Request

Request: The Royal Heishi family of the Land of Fire

Rank: C with the potential of increase

Required: 2 Jounin level shinobi

Type: Escort, protection, undercover

Mission Details: The Heishi family request two of marrying age shinobi to take the roles of newly engaged friends of the Lady Reina Heishi. They will pose as non-ninja as to not draw attention and make the attendees feel threatened. They will take the identities of Sueka Nishimura and Hanako Kageyama and shall come in their disguises, no henge in case of sensors. They attended Hi no Kuni private secondary school and were best friends until Lady Reina Heishi started trouble and ended up in homeschool for her unruly behavior. They will escort her to the Hi no Kuni gala charity event she is hosting and act as guards until the end of the event and she is back in her compound. Only my daughter and I shall be awares of your true identity. The rest is up to your jurisdiction.

Signed: The noble Lord Rukan Heishi.

(Third person POV switch... for now because if you're like me, you want to know how the man himself feels)

Throughout their journey to the Heishi compound, once Kakashi got over his little solo pity party about being the fiancé to his former student, Hinata prattled on, effortlessly in character as the loving bride-to-be. While discussing mission details in code, she flirted shamelessly. While he knew she had a role to play, certain things she would say, face oh so sincere and much too eager, he couldn't help but feel like there was an underlying meaning he was missing out on.

Hinata had always joked about how hot he was, she had since they met. But by nature she was slightly flirtatious even if she didn't realize it. Besides, Kakashi had sworn, bet on it actually, that Hinata was in love with Itachi. Kakashi had also been hit on many-a times, since he was a child actually. He was socially awkward, yes, but not an idiot. So those little times when she would say such loving things with such honest, open sincerity, he couldn't help but think she might not be putting on as much of a show as he initially believed. That little suspicion itching at the back of his mind had him feeling...conflicted. He wasn't sure how to put his feelings into words.

Hinata leaned over, snagging a piece of his leftover ohitashi with a cheeky smile.

"I trust you with my life, my heart, my soul. With everything, you know?" While it wasn't her voice, the sincerity, the slightly nervous vulnerability her posture held was too obvious. Sure she could have meant just for the mission, but kakashi knew it was more than that. Hinata, heck all of team 7 had always told him how much they trust him, but this time something felt different. Like she was showing a side of herself nobody had seen before.

A feeling, warm yet calming like the spring air as he lounged in a tree reading his favorite book, thrummed thought out his soul. The idea that someone who knew the extent of his life, someone who knew the deepest parts of the life he had, lived, and almost lived, would trust him with everything. Someone who knew everyone he loved died at his hand in some way, could still trust him with everything. For the first time, Kakashi began to see Hinata in a different light. Even if he didn't know it yet.

"I..." Kakashi didn't quite know how to respond to her declaration so he settled with a "Thanks. I think I'm starting to believe you?"

"Oh come on, you asked me to marry you without believing I'd give you my everything. What kinda dummy are you?"

"Maa, probably a big one." Perhaps more than ever, the copy-nin felt extremely naked without the protection of his mask. Too much was on display and it took all of his training to not look away.

"You said it. I didn't." She jested, knocking her knee into his. Once again the coachman gave out an amused laugh.

"Hey, lovebirds, sorry to interrupt your heartwarming moment, but we're arriving to the compound." Their moment burst with a pop, Kakashi settling himself back to normal, shoving down...whatever that was. Hinata however felt something alight inside of her. Hope. While small, Kakashi's normal reaction to such words were usually met with lighthearted sarcasm, and this time, she felt he was finally beginning to accept that he was someone trustworthy. Someone worth everything. Perhaps she did have a chance.

The two elite shinobi exited the carriage with varying degrees of excitement. Hinata practically jumped from the vehicle, eyes alight with wonder as she looked around. The Hyuga compound was large but relatively plain, this compound however was so lavish with ceilings of warm reds and extravagant gold plaited designs making it glow like fire. Truly fit for nobles of the land of fire.

"Hanako-chan!" With a flash of gold, Hinata's feet were swept off the ground into lithe, deceptively strong arms. She was spun around once, twice, thrice before being put back down. In front of her was perhaps the most beautiful woman Hinata had ever seen. She had long maroon hair with a mess of curls that were wild yet gorgeous. Her above average height and curvaceous figure were adorned in a golden ball gown Hinata was sure had solid gold detailing.

Her eyes were a dark chocolatey brown, oozing with warmth and mischief. Her pictures did no justice. The woman, Reina, looked Hinata up and down, licking her lips. "Man, I knew you'd grow up to be a hottie, but you're a real babe now Hanako-chan. I can't believe Sueka got to take you out on a date before I did." She rounded on Kakashi-Sueka, pointing a painted finger in his face. "I missed you too idiot, but don't think for a second I won't steal Hanako-chan from you if you make as much as one mistake." Kakashi's eyes went wide at the brash princess, feeling like her threat was truthful. A shiver went down his spine, he had a feeling he was in for a wild weekend with these two ladies.

"Maa, I wouldn't dare. Besides, I think I've already won."

"And what do you mean by that fish-face." Fish face? He deadpanned at the snicker Hinata gave. Somehow he figured she might have found a new, non-shinobi, best friend.

"Well, uh," Hinata held up her left hand, showcasing the simple band she wore.

"No frickin' way!"

"Language m'lady." Reina waved her servant's reprimand off. Clasping Hinata's hand in her now, crying crocodile tears. Despite knowing one another for about a minute, Reina's acting skills were superb and they were sure nobody would see through her, which put more pressure on them to stay in character. If this was the fiery princess, Hinata thought they were going to have a fantastic weekend.

"I can't believe that idiot proposed. How dare he steal you from me." Reina began to drag Hinata towards the doors. "Lets fo to my room and you can tell me all about it. Fish-face can go with the servants to unpack your stuff. Without you. We haven't had a girl chat in sooo long." Hinata looked back at kakashi somewhat helplessly, yet still amused. He shrugged and shooed her away. Ino and Hanabi had begged to pack her bags so she was unsure of what were in them, hopefully kakashi didn't actually unpack her stuff. Or maybe, if he did...oh god. Just please don't.

Once they were safely behind closed doors, Reina gave the most frightening grin. Hinata briefly wondered if this is how everyone felt around her when she knew something they didn't.

"Alright, now that were alone. Hi, I'm Reina! I know you're in disguise so who are you really?"

Hinata bowed. "Hello Lady Reina, I am Hinata Hyuga of Konohagakure. Pleased to be at your service."

"Bleh, drop all that formal shit. I'm a noble not a stick-in-the-mud." Hinata breathed a sigh of relief, liking the princess more and more every second. "Wait, you're Hinata Hyuga. THE Hinata Hyuga?"

"You know who I am?"

"Duh, you are like a total badass and a hottie to boot. I'm a big fan of strong women. Everyone knows about what your team did during the war." Said Hyuga flushed at the praise. "So then who is Sueka? Another top shinobi like yourself? Sasuke, Naruto, Itachi?"

"Oh god no, Naruto is too much of a dunce to ever go undercover." They shared a good natured laugh at that. "It's actually, well, Kakashi Hatake."

"Oh shit. Wait, you're playing fiancé with your sensei? How scandalous." Her smile was all shits and giggles.

"Former sensei." The shorter woman corrected.

"Ohh, former sensei I'm soo sorry for my mistake." She cackled, dark eyes studying Hinata intensely. "So you're together then?" She questioned, a perfectly sculpted brow raising in question.

"Well...no." Hinata responded, the slightest flush on her cheeks at the thought of someone thinking they were really together. What would have been imperceptible for most, Reina caught on immediately.

"Ha, you're totally in love with him." A painted nail poked at her warm cheek. "I can see it all over your face. Bummer for me, I was hoping to take you out." She slung an arm over the Hyuga's shoulders.

"Sorry?" Reina and Hidan should meet, or never meet because they'd be besties and that might be terrible.

"Don't be. IF you're in love with him, why aren't you together. Theres no way anybody would not want to be with you." And so Hinata went on to tell Reina their whole story, including why they were given this mission. The lady smacked her hand into her palm, giving Hinata a determined nod. "That settles it, this weekend I am going to help you make that idiot fall in love with you."

"You'd do that for me?"

"I'd do anything for a girl like you." Hinata gigged at the shameless Reina. She was a party for sure. Ino would love her. "Besides, I need something to liven up my boring life that won't get me grounded...again."

"Well shit, I think this makes us best friends." Hinata held out a fist, Reina pounded her own into it.

"Absolutely. Let's go get you your man." They shared a smile that was all fangs and deviousness. Somewhere else in the castle, Kakashi felt like a wolf had sunk its fangs into his chest.

"Here is your room, Mr. Sueka. Allow us to unpack your bags and turn down your bed if you would like to take a nap after your travels." Kakashi waved them off with a smile.

"No, no. thats ok, I'll be fine doing it on my own."
"No, sir, we insist. For the safety of the Heishi family, we must make sure you haven't brought any potential threats into the compound."

"Uh, right." The servant pushed past kakashi, a guard following as they set the bags down onto the...single...bed in the room. All too suddenly this mission became much too real. Sharing a bed, alone, as psuedo-almost married people. Fuck. He knew it was coming but having it right in his face had him feeling that bubbling discomfort, like he was some kind of pervert or something.

Kakashi was a particular man. He liked his things just so, that included his clothing. So as the servants began to unpack his bags first, he placed each of his items just so. There was nothing nefarious to be found. Once they finished his bag, they began to unpack Hinata's. It was all too average, normal civilian clothing, beauty products, a dress for the ball. And then, he felt his throat close as a lacy garment was pulled out. It was an inky black, floral, lacy bodysuit that would leave little to the imagination. Like any man, he reasoned, his somewhat waped mind couldn't help but imagine full breasts, indigo hair, bouncing as they slipped the garment, on...or off.

"Lucky guy." One of the guards teased, bumping their shoulder into his as he pulled out another set of lingerie in the same shade of silver as his hair.

"Yeah." He responded breathlessly. What in the hell was she thinking bringing crap like that on a mission with him. With a shake of his head he carefully took the offending clothing and carefully put them away, blocking the images of her wearing them, instead allowing one of his icha icha woman take her place. Kakashi had never felt more like a dirty pervert, but he was only a man. He wasn't blind to see that Hinata was a pretty woman, everywhere they went in the village people ogled her. It happened to his whole team, but seeing what she wore beneath her clothing now was too much. Some sliver of him hoped she had packed for him, but more so he hoped she hadn't packed for him and that it was her normal choices in undergarments. Well, that might be worse, knowing she always had such..things...on underneath her gear. Once more kakashi wished he was put on a different mission, risking his life would be more fun than this.

When they pulled out what could only be her pajamas, kakashi felt like he was going to die. There was absolutely no way he could share a bed with a woman wearing something so...scandalous. Matching the color of her eyes was a thin satin tank top, bits of lace lining the top and bottom and a pair of small, tiny matching shorts. It was patterned with hearts, urging his to stop. He hoped he'd just die then and there. How could he live with himself thinking of Hinata in such a way. Better yet, he's seen her pajamas, they were always plain and downright not sexy, how dare she bring something like this on a mission with him.

"Enjoy your night, Mr. Sueka. We'll be sure not to interrupt." The guard gave him a saucy wink and he felt his whole body burn in shame. Kakashi flopped bonelessly into the chair, bringing his book to cover his eyes begging to be put out of his misery.

An hour or so later Hinata and Reina came barging into the room, loud giggles at something Hinata had said.

"Oh honeyyy were home." Reina called, sending them both back into fits of laughter. Kakashi lifted the book, only to drop it back over his eyes when he saw Hinata and could only imagine her in lace. Fuck. Hinata missed it, bounding over to open the closet instead. Reina however, didn't, and now she was intrigued, what could have someone as notoriously cold as the copy ninja flushing. She followed her new bestie to the closet.

"Ah sweet, everything is unpacked. I wonder what Ino packed for me." And now kakashi knew where to put his ire. When he returned he'd be asking the Hokage to send her on a mission that would be her worst nightmare.

When Hinata took a look at the meticulous closet, she began to search through to find her own stuff, careful to not mess kakashi's organization. She would have thrown everything into a drawer and called it good, but having everything hung up was pretty nice. She was looking over her clothes and dress for the gala, when Reina pulled something out with a feral grin.

"What's this?" Reina purred. "Hot. Why don't you put it on." Hinata blanched, looking back and forth between Kakashi and the offending lingerie. Kakashi seemed to sink further into the couch. His sudden ire made sense and she wanted to melt into a puddle. HE put her clothes away, he put her lingerie away and thought she packed it. She wasn't sure if she wanted to kiss or kill Ino. Face aflame, she grabbed the babydoll suit and shoved it back into the closet, away from prying eyes.

"Ah, uh, its...Ididn'tpackmystuffinodidsoIwasn'tsurewhatshepackedIwouldn'tImeanuh-" Reina cackled at the burning mess Hinata was dissolving into.

"Man kakashi, I mean Sueka...your fiancé is one hot babe. Don't you want to see her all dressed up...or dressed down if you know what I mean." She winked at the compulsive porn reader. All she got was a mutter of 'kill me now' from both shinobi. While he was caught in his own mind, Reina brought her face to Hinata's ear. "If you want to get him, you can't lose your nerve at every turn. Be confident and show him what he wants, make him desire you. You've got the emotional part down, so use your womanly wiles to get the lust part. Make him want you."

"Right." Hinata could flirt, she knew she was good at it. She slapped her cheeks. Dammit girl, pull yourself together. You've hit on kakashi countless times, now that its for real don't chicken out. With a firm not she stood up, plucked the book from his face, leveling him with a look.

"Thanks for putting my stuff away."

"Yeah." He cleared his throat, mind becoming a trap once more. "No problem." Huge problem but whatever. The mission came first. At least it didn't blow their cover. Reina grabbed the both of them and pulled them into her arms.

"Alright buddies, since we're such old friends, let's go catch up with a fun night on the town. She gave Hinata an extra squeeze. "Us girls are gonna get ready, so why don't you take a cold shower or something loverboy."

"Yes, I'm starving." Hinata grabbed her stomach with a dramatic flourish.

"You ate three hours ago." Her sensei deadpanned.

"Exactly!"

"Maa if you eat like that you might turn into Naruto." He teased.

"The horror." She shoved his shoulder. "Now go shower so we can get changed."

"Beat it, wife thief, unless you're trying to watch us get undressed." Reina grabbed Hinata's shirt, ready to pull it over her head.

"Fine, fine, I'm leaving." In a blink kakashi was in the bathroom, door locked behind him. The girls flopped onto the bed, laughing loudly and he felt his ears burn. This was turning out to be even more than he bargained for. Reina seemed determine to get him into trouble.

"Damn girl, you're even hotter without clothes on."

"Hey, hey, stop." Hinata giggled. Whatever was going on out there, he didn't want to know. But he couldn't help his mind wander. This was much too similar to an icha icha scene. With that thought, he turned the hot water to ice cold. Kakashi didn't know who he was anymore, he was always in some form of control and somehow he felt like he was now the bunny trapped by a pair of lionesses.

Throughout the night, Reina made increasingly perverted comments, both about Hinata and about his feelings towards her. Every bone in his body wanted to leave, but he had to keep it together and play the role of husband-to-be. No matter what, failing a mission such as this, he'd never hear the end of it. Hinata made it a bit more bearable, they were comfortable with one another and despite her bouts of over the top mushy words and smiles that were meant for only him, he figured if it were anyone but Reina, he could perhaps fall into his role with ease. After a cup of sake or two, he even found himself paying the Hyuga woman a few compliments, telling himself he was getting into character. He wasn't too sure how he was supposed to feel about that.

After a few more drinks, and Reina was thoroughly sloshed and sleeping on Hinata's shoulder, they decided to bring the Lady home. In the carriage, Hinata laid a snoring woman on one side, taking the seat next to his. Good shinobi could sober up in an instant, running their chakra enough to burn the toxins from their system, so having a drink or so on a mission where it would be more weird to not drink, wasn't such a problem. Hinata, influenced by Reina had more than a few.

The gentle sway of the carriage, the perceived lack of threat, knowing she was safe with him, and the melodic cadence of the wheels creaking had her getting a bit tired as well. In no time at all she was asleep, head falling to her chest. With a bit of a forceful bump of the terrain, slumped over into Kakashi. He went stiff as a board. When he saw her eyes were shut and her breathing mellow, he relaxed a bit. A gentle hand adjusted her into a more comfortable position against his shoulder, and Kakashi found he didn't mind quite so much. Reina peaked an eye open, ecstatic at the development. She knew he couldn't hold out against a woman like Hinata for long. And if he did, well Reina would just have to dry her tears.

It was only when they arrived home, after seeing how cute she grumbled when aroused from slumber, that the weight of tonight hit. They had to go to bed, in the same room, in the same bed, in the room without a couch, together. Unless, perhaps Reina wanted to keep this girls day going and they could share a bed, but somehow seeing how the Heishi woman looked at his arguably favorite ex-student, and was noticeably less drunk than she should be, he thought perhaps she'd be safer with him.

When Hinata was dressed in her pajamas, he took that thought back. Eyes refusing to look anywhere in her direction like the honorable sensei he should be.

"Sooo"

"Hm?" He questioned with disinterest. Eyes lazily reading over the familiar pages of Icha Icha: resort.

"Do you have a shirt I can borrow?"

"And why would you need my clothes?"

"Well, Ino packed, and while I'm fine I don't want you to be uncomfortable or anything because I know how this looks and were sharing a bed because of the mission and I don't want to make this any worse than it has to be for you and that would at least add a bit more...coverage?" She rambled, still relatively drunk and a bit too honest.

Ah, I'm really not being mature am I. She's in the same boat as me. Kakashi mused to himself. He was acting like a child, honestly as long as he wasn't intending to do anything or thinking any bad thoughts he wasn't being a pervert, right? Without a word, he moved to the closet, tossing her his black sleep shirt. He made the error of looking at her, ample assets stretching the satin fabric just right before being snuffed out with an oversized shirt. His shirt. Somehow that was arguably worse. His stomach did a flip.

"Maa, I'm beat." His voice was hoarse wasn't it. Damn. Hinata found it increasingly hot. He lay on the outside of the bed, as close to the edge as humanly possible. Thats not what had her attention, it was his lack of shirt. Which meant she was wearing his only sleep shirt. The Hyuga thought she had died and went to heaven then and there. Kakashi abs were a sight to behold, perhaps if she was less drunk, and he was actually looking her way, she would have looked away sooner.

"Right." And then she took her side, also right on the edge, not wanting to push too much. "Its pretty cold, you don't want to get under the covers?"
"No." It was cold but he'd survive.

"I have a genius idea."

"And what's that?" He drawled.

"You can summon pakkun. Bull would be best but he takes too much chakra and someone might notice. But you can summon pakkun no problem. He can sleep between us as a barrier and then its not just us! Plus he's so soft and snuggly and I haven't played with his paws in at least three days, thats three days too many."

"I'm perfectly fine right here."

"Aww come on."

"Not happening. Go to sleep."

Then she sat up, and got onto her knees, hands clasped together, a drunken pout. He couldn't look away. "Pleaseeeeeee." She pleaded. Like a weak man, and wanting her to not look at him like that ever again.

"Fine." A puff of smoke and the little fur ball was on the bed between them.

"Yo." The gruff voice greeted and he was scooped up into a hug by the Hyuga princess. As she cooed over him and his amazingness, Pakkun took note of the situation. Kakashi, shirtless, Hinata, in his shirt, in the same bed. He made eye contact with his summoner, ready to ask the question he never thought possible, when Kakashi raised a brow. With a subtle shake of his head he and the resigned look kakashi had, he knew this was a conversation for later.

After plenty of snuggles later, Pakkun took the place between them with a content sigh. Finally, they all were ready to go to bed.

"Goodnight." Hinata muttered. With no response, she figured he was finally asleep. In a sleepy whisper, "thanks for finally talking to me again 'kashi. I think I..." and she passed out. If Pakkun heard his master's heart skip a beat, well that was only for them to know. But the little ninkin felt a beat of satisfaction knowing there was something brewing there. There was no better person to join their pack, and open his masters heart than her. If kakashi sent Pakkun home in the middle of the night, only they would know.

"Wow Sueka, you clean up nicely." And not one bit of that was a lie. While she'd prefer to see him all dressed up, as himself, seeing his face in such beautiful attire was plenty. He donned black hakama, a black knit turtleneck, and a navy blue jacket with yellow, greens, and grey engraved patterning. To match I donned a forest green kimono with blue, yellow, and grey abstract floral patterning similar to his.

"So do you." That smile, the crescent of his eyes, it would make anyone weak in the knees. Despite the atmosphere that was created last night, something was different. There was an ease about Kakashi he hadn't had since they were given the mission. She wasn't sure what had changed between going to bed and the morning, but she was definitely not going to complain.

"Ready to go get our ward my darling fiancé?" Hinata cheesed. With a roll of his eyes, he shoved her out the door.

"Hanako-babe, you look ravishing." Once again Hinata was swept up off her feet by the beautiful redhead. She smooshed the girl into her bosom, giving Kakashi a slightly-joking glare. "Are you sure you don't want to leave fish-face for me." She pulled the hyuga woman tighter.

Hinata pawed her way to freedom. "Geez, suffocate me why dontcha." Exaggerated panting followed.

"I could do more than just that." The redhead teased, watching Kakashi to see if he had any reaction. Other than looking completely disinterested, and slightly uncomfortable there was none.

"Hey hey, I'm engaged." The hyuga held up her ring once more, though not without amusement.

"For now." The two girls, forced seriousness, broke into peals of laughter. There was a thinly veiled threat in those words, and maybe for the first time kakashi would, even if subconsciously, take them to heart. Reina didn't miss the minuscule downward twitch of his lips.

Hinata had always had smiles for everyone, but the way they felt so personal, so just for him in the last few months, and seeing her give Reina grins of all teeth and happiness, had him feeling some kind of way. Did Reina like Hinata, sure, but they were new friends. Did she want to make Kakashi jealous so he'd open his big dumb eyes and see the most beautiful girl so that Hinata could have the man of her dreams. Absolutely. Tonight she was going to do just that, they would leave more than sensei and former student or she'd die trying."Alright lovebirds" She hooked arms with both, "lets get this show on the road."

The initial part of the charity gala was all forced politeness and stuck up nobles. And then the after party began. Despite the formal clothing and rich lords and ladies, loud music was blaring and everyone allowed themselves to let loose, at least a little bit. Yes they had to keep up some appearances, but who were the children of nobles if not party animals. In all the chaos, while keeping an eye out for any threats, Hinata was dragged by the Heishi heiress to the dance floor. While she didn't drink tonight, the hyuga knew how to have fun even amidst her duties. Surveying the area, kakashi couldn't help his wandering eyes as they always made their way back to his partner. With how they was dancing, how could he not look. She really had grown up and become even more of a woman than any of them could have imagined. He wasn't sure who taught her moves like that, but no person in the room was complaining.

Reina pulled Hinata's back flush against her chest, swaying to the beat. Something vile crawled up his chest, squeezing at his lungs. Of all the people in the world, some random noblewoman was not who kakashi saw as a threat. Hell, he didn't even know why he cared. "Throw your head back and laugh like I told you the funniest joke in the world." The noblewoman purred. "Sueka hasn't been able to take his eyes off you. Time to up the ante, wifey of mine." Hinata looked back, with all the subtlety of a finely trained shinobi, and sure enough, light grey eyes were locked right onto their position.

With a sly smirk, she complied. Hinata had not been trained in the art of seduction for nothing. Pushing her chest out, she tilted her head back, grabbing hold of Reina and letting out a the sexiest laugh she could muster. Reina's hands, in full view of the copy nin, slid lower, lower, until one was caught in perhaps the most firm grip she had ever felt.

Kakashi Hatake of the Sharingan was many things, impulsive was not one of them. However, before he could process what he was doing, his feet were already moving.

"Maa maa, I think it's time I cut in for a dance with my fiancé." His smile was anything but pleasant. Hinata was shocked to see someone so often calm and collected look so...jealous. Warmth blossomed throughout her body and with no hesitation at all, she wrapped her arms around his neck. For a moment it was just the two of them. When kakashi was moving to put his hands on her hips, all hell broke loose.

The wall to their right exploded, any and all chakra that was suppressed came pouring out with a violent ferocity and the intent to kill. Hinata, being the only one who could heal, stepped in front of the two and took the full force of the blast, shards of shrapnel and glass embedding up and down her backside. No words needed to be spoken. Kakashi scooped Lady Reina into his arms and disappeared.

"Fuck, that hurt like a bitch." Still nothing compared to Kabuto's snakes or Orochimaru's poison however. Despite the intense amount of glass stuck in her body, Hinata was not a woman to be stopped. "Anyone who is not a combatant, get behind me and leave through the exit." Covered in blood, yet not dead nor worried in the slightest, not a single noble nor civilian argued against her, all instead rushing to leave, screams echoing throughout the building.

She cracked her neck, a feral grin stretching across her face. She lived for a good, non world-ending, fight. "Bring it on." She released the suppression of her chakra, strength flowing out in waves. If their sensor fled at the intensity, well that was for them to know and her to not care. She had the advantage in the dark. One man on her left and two on her right charged all meeting swift defeat, earth shattering punches sending them flying. They were skilled at espionage, sure, but Hinata had the combat experience and power to back it up. At the raw showcase of her strength, many-a guard grabbed their wards and took the chance to escape relatively unharmed. She clearly had this.

"I'm assuming by your skillset, you are the guard to Lady Reina. A bit surprising, considering your little show earlier." A woman spoke. "If you tell me where she is, I'll let you live."

"You should know, I don't take well to people harming innocent civilians. I especially don't take well to people threatening my friends. I'm giving you one out, take it or enjoy spending the rest of your life in prison."

"Cute, little rabbit. Let's play." The lanky woman licked her ruby-red bottom lip. "Boys, go find her." They seemed all too eager to leave after witnessing Hinata punch a man through a wall. Yes, because dealing with Kakashi was a much better option than dealing with her. The woman was quick but Hinata was quicker, charging in ready to strike her tenketsu and end this with no more hassle.

Feeling her speed being outclassed, the woman blew a cloud of powder from her mouth and each and every one of Hinata's external senses went dark. It had been a while since someone managed to subdue her Byakugan, but that mattered little, unfortunately for the other woman. Vision, sound, scent, none mattered for Hinata could still feel her chakra. It was cloudy, yes, but her sensory skills were renowned for a reason. Even with her sensed dampened, she was not down for the count. She took one hit, two, a kunai to the hand, until she finally placed her mark, with the slight crunch of a sternum, the woman went down, hard.

There were shouts, yelps of pain, then silence. In no time, lady Reina was safe in the caravan and Kakashi was back by Hinata's side, scowling at the blood dripping from her back. While she couldn't see him, the steady buzz of his electrified chakra calming in its fierceness, grounded her.

"You good?" She questioned, ready to heal any injuries he probably didn't receive. The far off look she had, eyes near him but not quite focused on him, had his lips pressed into a firm line.

"Maa, I should be asking you that."

"I'll heal you first, then we can deal with me." Once again he was reminded how brash, stubborn, idiotic, self sacrificing, strong, dependable and stupidly selfless she was.

"I'm fine. You took the hit," and a beat of silence before he used the nickname she hadn't heard in months. "Kitten." It just slipped out, somehow holding much more weight than the teasing name once had.

"Righttt. Well, I'm just dandy." She gave a thumbs up, much too reminiscent of green spandex. "Whatever jutsu that woman had, I can't see or smell anything, my senses are kinda, sorta going haywire. Plus, I need all this stupid fucking glass out to heal fully." Sure, the bleeding had stopped, but healing around the glass was only so useful.

"Yeah yeah, alright, relax." He wasn't sure who he was talking to, or why seeing her so battered from such a minimal fight had him ready to rip the woman's throat out. If she wasn't already in a bloody puddle, he would probably do just that. "I've got you." And he did, a gentle, calloused hand grasped her hand, leading her to the new caravan the Heishi's sent back to retrieve the two of them. Once seated, he guided her in front of him, back turned. Deftly he removed the layers of her kimono, and one by one plucked the glass and rubble from her skin. He ripped a particularly large shard through a hole of shredded lace that was once the bodysuit that sent him into a frenzy. Now, however, he was solely focused on the task at hand. Grey eyes watched, entranced at watching her flesh knit back together so seamlessly. She was a force of nature indeed.

His fingers ghosted along her spine, looking and feeling for any pieces he might have missed, and she shivered slightly when he brushed over a smaller fragment. He wondered if this one was buried deeper, she hadn't flinched once at any of the other small ones.

"Sorry." His low rumble broke the somewhat peaceful silence that had built between the two.

"It didn't..thats not why...it's fine, just pull it out." She grit her teeth, not knowing if the last few days were enough for her to be honest. She was still to unsure of his feelings, too scared of pulling him in and having him leave forever.

"Last one." Deft fingers plucked it from creamy skin, glad to be done.

"Thanks." She turned around, a soft, somewhat nervous smile on her lips. He looked at anywhere but the, ahem, large obstacles in his sights. She reached up, pulling the wig from her head, tendrils of wavy, inky hair billowing over her shoulders. It was an absolute mess, yet the familiar color was entrancing. Eyes focusing on her face, he peeled her fingers away, gently removing the contacts for her. And even when they were tossed out the window, his hands didn't leave her face. He couldn't help but think that he liked Hinata best when she looked undeniably herself. Well, undeniably herself in lingerie that put anything Jiraiya could think up to shame.

Fuck.

Like a punch to the gut feelings, disgusting, vile, vulnerable, romantic, warm, pleasant, scary feelings all seemed to explode within him. Everything, all his confusion, settled and he finally got why he was behaving the way he had been ever since receiving the mission. The final puzzle piece faded away. The final guard he put up preventing him from seeing Hinata for what she was, melted into nothingness.

At that moment, the final bits of the woman's jutsu faded, and all Hinata could see was kakashi. Well almost. She reached a hand out, stopping right before his face. "Can I?" She whispered.

His lips parted, ready to say no, to say how this is wrong and she should kick his ass for being a dirty pervert, her hand cupped his cheek.

"Yes." With the go ahead, she removed the purple stickers, happy to finally see the scar that only added to his beauty. Bloodstained hands removed the contacts, and his Sharingan engrained the look of her at that moment for him to keep forever. Finally, she removed the wig, hands gliding through silver locks, giving them a nice shake. Like it wasn't even hidden, it sprang back into position with ease. Of course he'd look perfect post battle and after wearing a stupid wig for days.

She pulled away, only slightly, to get a good look at him. They were so close, he wasn't sure she had ever been this close to him before. Her eyes flickered down to his lips, then back up to meet his gaze. The air lit with a new sort of tension. Kakashi knew if he went any further, gave into the tug pulling at his heart, he could never turn back. There would be so many consequences, so many possibilities for loss, yet he couldn't find himself moving away.

Hinata closed the gap, soft lips meeting for the first time. Before it could even begin, she pulled away, checking see if he was going to turn tail.

Fuck it.

Kakashi pulled her in this time, mouths meeting in a hungry flourish. It felt like breathing for the first time, or perhaps not breathing at all. It didn't matter. She opened her lips slightly, head tilted just so, deepening the kiss. She tasted like nothing he had ever had before. Not too sweet, the hint of citrus, perfect. This close, with her mouth on his, he got the full brunt of her scent. Even tainted with blood and soot and the hint of perfume he knew she never wore, her subtle jasmine undertones sent his senses ablaze. He wanted to swallow her whole.

Getting comfortable, Hinata moved to sit in his lap. Her hands in his hair, pulling at silky, electrified strands. One hand cupped her chin, the other settling with a firm grasp on her waist, holding her to him. Every part of her was devouring him, each of his kisses being met with the same if not more intensity. She poured all of her love, her entire heart into their kiss. "Ka..."Teeth lightly nibbled at his bottom lip, biting down slightly and dragging her teeth as she pulled away, "Kashi." The breathless sound of his name, paired with whatever little trick she did with her teeth drove him wild. He pulled her closer to him, and she to him until they were two halves of a whole.

Her tongue prodded at his, just barely poking past her own lips, a wordless ask of permission. He was all too happy to oblige her, his tongue mixing with hers, before pushing past her bruising lips and getting a true taste of Hinata Hyuga.

Her lips moved from his lips, to the beauty mark just below, traveling down, one against his jaw, the next much too close to his ear, lips parted, teeth moving to bite down. The carriage lurched to a stop, the shinobi duo pulling apart in varying degrees of shock and awe. Lidded eyes blinked back open. When she met his somewhat dazed gaze, she flushed a darker red than he had imagined possible, hand coming to press on her tingling lips, chest heaving against his.

A 'holy shit' aptly tumbled from her mouth. The expression on her face, the heated glow of her eyes and kakashi suddenly became acutely aware that Hinata loved him, she was in love with him. He had seen that look on Kurenai when talking about Asuma too many times to be wrong. Kakashi sat unmoving for a second more, before gathering his bearings, and in slight shock standing up, sending her scurrying off of him.

With the magic of Kakashi, an all too familiar mask covered his face, barely hiding the flush he was sporting.

He cleared his throat. "I, um, well, we'll uh talk inside." And took the outer layer of her kimono, throwing it over her shoulders, holding it closed right as the coachman opened the doors, shriveled up old-man mouth much too smug. Smooth dude.

With feigned grace, he left the vehicle and beelined straight for their bedroom, trying to collect his thoughts.

The Hyuga scrambled out of the vehicle after him, rushing past the coachman and guards stationed at the door. Lady Reina was waiting inside for them, but Hinata rushed past without a second thought. A foxy smirk painted the Lady's lips, their dishevelment was all too telling. And seeing them both, in their natural state, Reina understood a bit more how someone as lovely has Hinata had fallen for a man like Kakashi. She was into women but she wasn't blind. She'd see them in the morning and get all of the details before they left.

Kakashi should have walked turned right out of that room and left, apologized and hit the road, but all he could think about was her. The all consuming movements of her lips and hips as they kissed, the selfless way she always took the most damage, the sound of her voice when she told him countless times that he was valued, the feel of her chest pressed against his, the eager way she always wanted to learn and be stronger, the confidence of her posture when she stood up for her convictions, the way her teeth felt pulling his lip, the way she made the darkness in his heart that much more manageable, the feel of her tongue against his, the feel of a punch she held back as to not shatter his bones, the way she looked at him like he hung the sun, the moon, and the stars in the sky, the gentle prod of her chakra as it mended all of his bruises. Just, everything Hinata.

The doorknob twisted and Kakashi should have left, yet the sight of her, the assessment of his feelings, Hinata was barely through the doorframe before her back was pressed against the door and his lips were on hers. He pulled away, forehead pressed against hers. "You never cease to amaze me." He uttered, a slight chuckle of disbelief spilling out. Her eyes shone, becoming glassy. She tucked her head into his chest and hugged him. So tight, enveloping herself with him and he her. Somehow this felt more intimate, more personal than anything else they could have done.

"Just, let me for a minute. Please."

"Always." He returned the embrace, albeit awkwardly at first.

If this was wrong, he never wanted to be right again. Everything with Hinata felt so, right. He'd deal with whatever consequences, whatever ridicule came later, all he wanted right now was to see where this would go. For the first time since the death of Rin, for the first time in forever, Kakashi wondered if this is what love might feel like.

When they lay down to go to bed, Hinata crossed the invisible barrier set last night. Arm coming to rest on his chest, leg interwoven with his. Kakashi didn't mind one bit, arm wrapping around her, ready for the most peaceful sleep of his life. They could figure the rest out tomorrow, tonight was just for them.

Hinata woke up first, counting every blessing and thanking every god she could think of. She woke up, in kakashi's arms, after they kissed, more than once. The soft squeal she failed to suppress woke the silverette up.

"Mm, mornin'." He smiled. The Hyuga pounced, pressing another kiss to his masked lips, still in awe at being able to kiss the copy-nin. She was all grins and starry eyes. Cute.

"Maa, someones an eager kitten." He teased.

"I've waited my whole life and then some to kiss you. How am I ever supposed to stop." Happiness was quite literally radiating off of her. Kakashi too, it wasn't often he felt so utterly weightless.

"Then don't." His head dipped down, mask pulled low, to capture her lips in another and another. Reina slammed the door open, hands perched on her hips as she caught them in the act. Both shinobi froze, turning to look at her intrusion.

"Fucking finally, mask-face. It was getting painful to watch Hinata pine over you." Said girl flushed, a pouty glare directed at Reina.

"Hey!" Kakashi let out a resigned sigh, hand coming up to pinch the bridge of his nose. Moment...ruined.

"While I am bummed I didn't get to bed a hottie like you." Reina gave a truly sincere smile towards her new friend. "I'm glad we got to meet and you got your man."

"Thanks. I'm glad we got to meet too."

"Maa, I'm not."

"You should be mask-face. Without me you'd still be blindly ignoring the girl in your arms."

"I would have figured it out." Both women gave him deadpan looks that made him feel like an idiot. Perhaps Hinata was right when she called him emotionally constipated.

"So?" Hinata spoke up as she penned in her mission report. They were taking their sweet time to return to the village, content to just be in one another presence.

"Hm?" Kakashi looked away from Icha Icha to the woman shuffling her feet beside him. She liked when he gave her his undivided attention.

Drawing a swirl in the corner of her paper, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "What do we do? What do you want to do."

"Ah." Kakashi had been pondering this since the night before.

She stood in front of him, face set in rigid determination. "I don't care what anyone thinks or has to say. We can deal with any issues once they come. I just want to be with you, if you'll have me."

"I...Yeah, I do."

"Good, then carry me home." She perched herself on his back, enjoying the rumble of his back as he chuckled good-naturedly.

"Maa, one minute in and I'm already being used." She pressed a kiss to his clothed cheek as payment.

Once they were in the forest before the village, Hinata clambered off his back, pulling him in for one more kiss that he was all too happy to oblige. Prying eyes at the edge of her sensory range watched with shock through his binoculars. A perverted grin stretched across tanned skin, a cackle escaping. An interesting development indeed. Kakashi was even more of a man than he thought.

When they returned to the village, pointedly standing a foot away from one another in the mission office, Tsunade smirked. A foot apart or not, Hinata had not managed not to smile for more than 10 seconds, the two women sharing knowing glance. Shikaku let out a puff of smoke, pulling the hokage brim low enough to hide the amusement he had. He held a hand out to Tsunade who pressed a hefty roll of cash into it. He and Hanabi were to split the winnings of who Hinata would end up with. Choosing to wait for all the info proved highly in his favor.

The two shinobi exchanged a look, not knowing what the hell was going on. "Mission report?" Shikaku's gruff voice questioned as he pocketed the money.

"Sir." They chorused.

"The mission was a success. The details are within the report."

"A fine job then, you two may go."

"Yes Lord Hokage." They both bowed, moving to take their leave. Hinata was hoping to make out a bit more.

"Hinata. Come chat once you have some...free time." The blonde winked all too chalant.

"Yes Lady Tsunade."

"Hmm, Somehow I feel like this mission was orchestrated for this outcome in mind." Kakashi mused as he walked her home.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Cheeks puffed out, she turned away from his prying eye.

His finger poked and prodded at her cheek. "Then Lady Tsunade didn't plan this mission after she found out your feelings? Ino packed for you just for fun. The Lady Reina wasn't helping you get my attention?" Kakashi wondered how long she had felt like that, and how long he had been oblivious.

"Like I said, I don't know what you're talking about." The flush she sported said otherwise.

"Sure, sure." The copy nin dropped the younger Hyuga off at her compound with the promise of taking her out to dinner. As he took the scenic route to his home, he pondered the last week of his life, slightly nervous of what was to come if, when people find out. Kakashi was a grown man, he had plenty of fun in his life. Maybe not as much as his other classmates, bar Obito, but he was not a man of feelings, nor relationships. He hadn't really had the time nor care to give another person the time of day, so he felt a bit out of his depth on how to navigate a relationship with someone he cared so deeply for, someone who was already in love with him without him doing a thing.

A bush to his right rustled, and his hackles rose. He was being watched. Ever so calm, he kept strolling, waiting to see who was there.

Hair billowing, face all perverted grins, Jiraiya popped out, slinging a heavy arm over the younger's chiseled shoulders.

"Ah Master Jiraiya, hello."

"Kakashi, you dirty dog." Jiraiya was completely and utterly impressed. He gave the silverette a firm pat on the back. "A sensei and his student...how scandalous. It's the perfect plot for my next book!" He wiggled his brows. "You'll get the first copy."

"Really?!" Kakashi cleared his throat, tampering his excitement and deciding to behave like an adult. "Maa, I'm not sure if thats..."

"You just wait. Give me every last dirty detail, you scoundrel you. I've never been more proud."

"Thanks?"

"The others are going to have a field day."

"Wait, don't tell..." but Jiraiya was already gone. Damn, is this how other people feel when he leaves in the middle.

(For the next few days all of Kakashi's interactions were...something)

"Ka-ka-shi my eternal rival. What is this I hear about you seducing your student?" Gai sobbed, teeth sparkling.

"I didn't...hey she seduced me! Wait, not that either, I." Kakashi was trying to figure out how to explain the situation to his less than bright bestie. Gai didn't care though, seeing the way Kakashi seemed lighter, happier he knew Kakashi had genuine feelings. Gai began to flood with tears. He was ecstatic.

"Her feminine wiles and kind heart caught the most fine bachelor in the village. So full of youth!" The dramatics wavered and the rare moment of sincerity took place. A green arm held out a thumbs up. "I am truly happy for you my friend, you both deserve it."

"Thanks Gai." Kakashi meant every word.

"Yo." Kakashi greeted his proteges, ever so familiar eye-smile in place. The two ninja rounded on him, anything but a pleasant look on their faces. He felt his skin prickle, feeling like it would be best if he...

Two blonde shadow clones grabbed him from behind. Sasuke was at his front, sword pressed to his throat with a sneer. His sharingan blazed, promising pain if Kakashi so much as dared to move. Naruto had a rasengan whirring, aimed directly at his face.

"You know we love you Kaka-sensei 'ttebayo, but if you so much as make Hina-Chan cry,"

"We'll crush you." Their sensei sweat dropped, knowing it wasn't a joke and now that the two were all grown up, he knew their was weight behind their promise.

"Maa Maa, I wouldn't dare."

"You better not. Hina-chan loves you a lot." Naruto was pleased to see their Sensei flush at the admission.

"Unfortunately." Sasuke, not so much.

"So you better take care of her too dattebayo."

"Hn."

"Always." Naruto released him, however, during training that day Sasuke seemed to hold back a little less than normal. Kakashi was going to need a day off after the beating.

"Oi, fuckface." Kakashi leaned back, scythe slicing where his head was the moment before. Hidan came following soon after, feral as always. "Hinata is the hottest bitch in this joint. How the fuck did she choose you."

"Maa, jealous?"

"Fuck yeah I'm jealous you piece of shit pervert. You seduced a student, fuckwad. I'm gonna kill you." He swung again, kakashi bringing a kunai up to block the next attack.

"That's really not how this all went down."

"I don't give a fuck."

"She's lucky to have a friend like you, but I'm not going to lose to you." When Kakashi flipped up his headband, ready to get a bit more serious, Hidan grinned.

"Fine!" Pointing his scythe at the man, "you break her heart, make one wrong fucking move and you're my next sacrifice to Jashin."

"Get in line." The jashinist cackled. Kakashi would be fucked if he messed up.

"Kakashi-senpai."

"Itachi."

"If you take advantage of Hinata-hime in any way." Sharingan flared, and he was submerged into Itachi's world of torture. The man himself was larger than life, crows flying all about. "What I've done in the past will seem like a mercy."

"Right." His shoulders slumped, he was getting pretty tired of being threatened.

"I'd advise you avoid Shisui and Kisame for the time being. They are not as, forgiving, as I am." The copy nin shuddered. Somehow he felt as though he's become enemy number 1. Hinata was truly a wondrous woman indeed.

Hinata had no trouble in the slightest to set the village straight. When she came out saying she was the one who seduced him, and even provided Jiraiya with details he left out for her sake, the book that came out told all...with a bit of extra spice of course. Kakashi got pitying looks sometimes, his credit at being aloof and dominant coming into question since he was the last one to realize his or her feelings. She loved it.

***

One night, a few months or so in, Hinata came over after a mission to sleepover, and while his nightmares were much less often than in the past, one just had to strike. All he could hear was the chirping of a thousand birds. The air was alit with crackling blue shining much too bright, blood much too red, and his hand in Rin's chest. It was the same nightmare over and over, never-ending. It was his fault. Murderer, murderer MURDERER. His chakra went haywire, heavy breathing and whimpers waking the younger Hyuga. He screamed, shooting awake and making a beeline for the bathroom sink, seeing nothing, feeling nothing but red, red, blood, Rin's blood. He scrubbed, scrubbed his skin, wanting to peel it off if it just meant he was free from her blood.

Tears poured from eyes seeing what was no longer there. Hinata followed him, a gentle hand grabbed his own, delicately cleansing the rest of the soap before holding them tightly in her grasp. "Hey, hey." She spoke, voice barely registering for him. "Kashi, breathe. Look where you are, look at me." She pressed her forehead to his, hands sliding to hold his more comfortably. "Breathe. You're ok. Breathe." She modeled a few steady breaths, his slowly beginning to follow suit. "Come back to me." Hazy eyes began to clear, focusing on the woman in front of him. Lavender eyes surrounded by navy lashes, so strong, so safe.

"Hinata." He breathed. Grounding himself in the sent of jasmine and citrus. She guided him back to his bed, cradling his head to her chest. He grabbed tightly to her, feeling himself break for the first time with someone else. He wept and she did nothing but run her hands soothingly through his hair, just being there for him. Kakashi fell apart, and Hinata piece by piece helped put him back together like he had done for her so many times.

That night, Kakashi knew he was undoubtably irrevocably in love with Hinata Hyuga. The next morning, "Morning kitten." He chimed, voice sing song. "I love you." He pressed a kiss to her forehead, sliding out of her grasp.

"Mornin 'kashi." She muttered, still half asleep. He chuckled as she froze, brain whirring as the words processed. As nonchalant as ever, he escaped the room and went to make breakfast. A few seconds later a thump sounded as he fell out of the bed.

"KAKASHI HATAKE YOU GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!"

***

Kakashi had a date in the back of his mind for months. Thanks to Neji, Hinata had managed to add two years onto her sentence for an arranged marriage. She hadn't mentioned it once, but Kakashi knew it was weighing on her. While they were happily and wholly committed to one another, Hinata didn't want to push Kakashi into anything more if he wasn't ready. Hell, she didn't even know if he'd ever want to get married. If not, they would figure it out.

Kakashi never imagined himself getting married, it seemed impossible. For years he believed love was not something he should attain, considering majority of those he loved died. It was a curse. Until now. Despite not needing a wedding to know they were meant for one another, the idea that her clan would still force her into a marriage with another, made the jealousy rear its ugly head. Hinata was his and he was hers, thats all that there is to it. He'd be quicker to kill the clan elders than give her up to some punk. With a bit of pep in his step, he went to go find a ring.

When kakashi opened the door, he was greeted by his favorite sight. Hinata, dressed in nothing but his shirt, surrounded by his ninken. She was using Bull as a backrest, Pakkun atop her head, Shiba snuggled into her chest, Guruko lounging on her lap, Urushi and Bisuke playing tug of war on her left, Uhei playing fetch, and Akino gnawing on a new treat she baked for them. Shiba gave a lick to her chin, and she giggled at the sensation. Once they had decided she was his 'mate' they were utterly clingy. Not a single dog said hello, Pakkun just nodding in greeting, yet when Hinata walked in the door they were all over her asking for cuddles and treats. He wasn't sure how to feel about their disloyalty.

Kakashi was sure she took his place as favorite parent. The absolute blinding smile she greeted him with made him feel like the luckiest man in the world. Not for the first time his heart seized in his chest. "I see you've spent your day off well."

"I sure did." She snickered, nuzzling her nose with her favorite...Bull. Said giant boy let out a happy rumble. Kakashi wasn't one for grand gestures, he wasn't one for long heartfelt speeches, nor was he a nervous man. Today, was the exception and he'd give it his best shot. He'd had plenty of experience hearing Naruto and Hinata talk after all.

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, walking over to take a seat beside her, snuggling into her and Bull's softness. Uhei, Urushi, and Bisuke trotted over, taking place on his lap and head respectively. Their little family, it was perfect.

"Hinata." He took a deep breath, pulled down his mask, and brought out the ring. She went stiff as a board, eyes flickering between him and the ring. "I don't know how I ever managed to live my life without you. From the moment we met, you were a force to be reckoned with and changed everything I thought I knew. You are a bright ball of sunshine sent here to fix this sorry life of everyone you meet. Mine included. I never expected our relationship to grow the way it has, but I'll never have enough time to prove to you that it is the best thing that has ever happened to me. You told me you were mine if I wanted, and I too am yours. Forever." Lavender eyes began to water, her lower lip trembling as she held on to each word he said. With the way 9 sets of eyes were on him, he felt like he was rambling. "Maa, what I'm trying to ask is...marry me?"

All the air was knocked from his body as she slammed herself into his hold, a torrent of "yes yes, dummy, yes" flowing as freely as her tears. She brought him into a wet, slobbery, bruising kiss and Kakashi didn't think it was possible to feel as happy as he did sliding the ring onto her finger.

So I'm going to summarize the rest because I feel like this is a good place to stop

-Kakashi got off easy, Shisui only broke his nose when they announced the engagement and Hinata's father threatened him in a way scarier than the rest combined

-They have a beautiful, super low-key wedding that is actually not low-key at all with the amount of chaotic people in their lives

-Hinata becomes Hinata Hyuga-Hatake and Kakashi becomes Kakashi Hatake-Hyuga

-Their vows were traditional, until they were alone and Kakashi could say his true ones

-Hinata becomes a sensei of a new team of young shinobi and Kakashi joins them often

-At the age of 24 Hinata becomes pregnant with their first and only child, a girl, and when she tells him he faints...then puts an overabundance of protection seals around their house

-Kari Hyuga-Hatake has Kakashi's hair and Hinata's eyes and she is the most beautiful thing either of them have seen. She is determined like her mother yet a quiet strength like her father. A prodigy of course

-They live happily ever after kicking ass and being hot

​​​​​​​A/N: This chapter has a special place in my heart. Clearly you can tell my favoritism but it goes beyond that. This chapter specifically felt like writing a love letter to kakashi but also to my version of Hinata. All of the things I love about her, how much she has helped me grow and learn to be myself. Having kakashi fall for all of the things I wrote to love and hate about hinata feels like a perfect round up of my favorite anime man and the greatest thing to happen to me, this story.

Unlike characters like Sasuke or Hidan, Hinata and Kakashi's relationship in the romantic sense has been very one sided the entire time for a reason, he was much too old. I needed to find a way to flesh out their romance in a way that wasn't too forced or overly inappropriate while keeping it natural for their characters and how they have interacted in the past. Also there is just no way someone like kakashi is as suave as he thinks he is at first, he's emotionally stunted and I think romance would scare him. I hope I did tis justice and you enjoy it. also don't date your teachers...unless they are him.

A life update for those of you who care, kinda garbage honestly. Had a friend fallout which is fine, it happens, but more so I've had some super health issues. The first time I watched naruto was the day after I had foot surgery for the first time, so it seems fitting four years later...I come back to work after another surgery. I had surgery on both of my feet last week so I haven't been able to walk, and it seemed right to work on this now. Especially with how much motivation ive had this week.

Thank you for those of you who've read this far, I already am working on the next ending. Love y'all!