Izumi's pov.

I turned my head, glancing at the alien who lay beside me sleeping, free arm slung over my stomach, legs tangled with mine. Yesterday had come and gone in a blur, and I couldn't get the kiss out of my mind. Every time I think of it, my cheeks heat up and my heart starts racing.

I'm not sure how Kakashi will react though. I don't mind it one bit. But... I'm kind of nervous as to what hid answer will be.

I felt the alien shift and moved my eyes back to his form. He untangled himself from me, and sat up, seeming fully awake. I sat up as well, noticing how he wouldn't even look my way.

"We need to talk." I blew out a soft breath. Here we go, I thought sarcastically to myself. I nodded, aware that he just barely glanced my way. I'm fully prepared if he returns any sort of feelings for me. But the door slammed open before he could continue.

Minato rushed in the room. "M-Minato?" I stuttered, watching the blonde man pant and catch his breath.

"Izumi, I'm sorry to cut this short... but the Hokage sent this. Its urgent." Minato handed me a scroll, one of my personal seals placed over it. I set it in my lap.

"Release." The seal disappeared and I pulled the scroll open. After carefully reading the instructions, my gaze slid over to Minato. "I need to go." Minato nodded and cut the chakra ropes with one of his special kunai. "Thank you."

I jumped from the bed, hearing Minato leave, and began pulling my clothes off, not caring that Kakashi was watching. I pulled on my ninja clothes, and was tugging my gloves over my arms when Kakashi spoke up.

"Izumi, what's going on?" He asked. His voice sounded far away, and I couldn't help but look back at him. He was staring at me hard.

"I have a mission. Its going to take a little while." I stated, tying my weapons pouch around my waist like a Fanny pack, settling it on my right hip.

"What kind of mission? I thought this was your 'mission'." Kakashi narrowed his eyes, glancing at the scroll I had in my hand.

"Its an S-Rank." I said quietly. "Kakashi.... what's wrong?"

"Its nothing." He looked away. I, for some reason, sensed a little pout. "What kind of mission?"

Might as well give a little insight. Its not top secret. And I wasn't instructed that I couldn't inform anyone.

"An infiltration mission in the land of Rice Patty's." I sighed. "It says Minato will give me final instructions before I leave."

"Your not going alone.... are you?" I shrugged, watching as Kakashi slid off the bed.

"I don't know. Or rather, I won't know until Minato gives me instructions." I stated, sighing. "Either way, its fine." Closing my eyes I took a breath and stepped into the bathroom, taking a my hairbrush and running it through my hair before braiding it.

I left the bathroom and slung my bag over my shoulder, pulling out my Anbu mask. A cat, with blue markings on the forehead and right cheek. I hooked the mask to the side of my head and strapped my katana to my hip.

"If you want, I'll make a promise." I stated, seeing how Kakashi was staring at me with almost sad eyes. Almost. There was definitely disappointment, though. "I'll promise anything you want. I hate breaking promises."

Kakashi seemed surprised. "Alright." I stayed still, watching as he came closer. His right hand raised and his fingers traced my cheek. I fought down the blush that threatened to make itself known. "Promise me you'll come back alive. I don't have a good feeling about this mission." I nodded. Neither did I.

There's a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. I can't say for sure... but I have a feeling this mission won't go as planned.

"Okay." My voice was barely above a whisper as I answered. Swallowing, I spoke again. "I promise."

Kakashi sighed, and it sounded like a sigh of relief. He moved to pull away, when he paused, his eyes meeting mine. I didn't have anytime to process when his lips crashed onto mine. Letting out a little gasp, my eyes widening a bit, they drifted closed after a few moments.

Kakashi's hand held the back of my head gently as his tongue darted across my lower lip. I just barely opened for him and he slipped past my lips. My hands moved upward, cupping his cheeks. My face was definitely beat red by now. I'm almost positive as his tongue tangled with mine.

As we pulled apart, my heart skipped a beat as his thumb traced my bottom lip. "You look cute flushed like that." A small smirk tugged at his lips as he said that.

"I-I..." I mentally slapped myself for stuttering.

"That's my promise. Now you have to keep it." Kakashi stated, suddenly turning serious. I nodded.

"I need to leave." The alien nodded and followed as I quickly left our room and then the entire inn, to be greeted by Minato, Rin, and Obito.

"Are you ready?" Minato asked, his tone relaying he was completely serious. I wiped all emotion from my face and my eyes, also activating my sharingan as I moved, pulling my mask over my face. I stepped closer to Minato and kneeled before him, my head bowed.

"Relay my orders and I shall leave immediately." I requested in an emotionless voice. Minato nodded, and pulled out a scroll.

"You are to go to the land of Rice Patty's. There your team waits for your orders. Unfortunately, Weasel and Crow are assigned a different mission, so they will not be with you." Minato took a breath. "You will infiltrate an enemy camp. Our sources have confirmed they have conjured an army of thousands. Dispose of them. That is your mission."

"Understood." I stood and turned half way.

"Izumi." I glanced at Minato. "Be careful. This mission came out of the blue. It doesn't seem like an ordinary mission." I nodded once. "Be careful. And don't strain yourself."

"Yes." I gave the others a half wave and took to the trees.

I hope I can finish this quickly.

I don't own Naruto. Also, gomenasai for taking so long!