~ Two weeks later ~

Kakashi not too long ago had went on a mission to save Gaara, the Kazekage of the village Hidden in the Sand, from the Akatsuki. While they did manage to save him, he ended up losing the Shukaku to them and being brought back to life in exchange for Lady Chiyo's life. Kakashi had over used his Sharingan against Deidara which took a heavy toll on his body. Kakashi could no longer mentor Naruto and Sakura like he wanted to and entrusted Team 7 to Yamato. Currently, Team 7 is out on a mission to investigate a potential lead on Sasuke. Kakashi however is recovering in the hospital, at least he has your company... but not for much longer.

You were coming back from a small mission Tsunade gave you upon your request. Since Kakashi was not fit to work, you had to step up and work to pay the bills even though Kakashi refused it at first. Small D and C rank missions was all you were doing so you didn't return to the village 2 or 3 days after going on the missions. It wasn't much but it was something.

It was late at night but you really wanted to see Kakashi before going home. As you were walking down the hall to Kakashi's room, someone stops you in your tracks with their back against the door, blocking the entrance to Kakashi's room. It was Tsunade, and she was very serious.

"Lady Tsunade, what are you doing here so late?" You asked as you felt uneasiness grow in your stomach. Tsunade sighed and looked directly at you.

"You've stayed long enough in the village (Name). You need to resume your mission. Kakashi will soon be released from the hospital so you no longer need to worry about small housekeeping." Tsunade said not flinching for a second as she spoke. You were stunned for a moment and then frowned.

"My mission... I nearly.. forgot. Then I'll leave as soon as Kakas-"

"You need to leave tomorrow morning." You stayed silent as you processed Tsunade's words. Tsunade knew that you missed being home in the village, but your mission was too important. It would benefit not only you, but the Leaf and Mist as well. You couldn't put it off any longer.

"I understand.. I'll just leave the things I brought for Kakashi then."

"I'll take them. I need you to go home and start packing your things." Tsunade said, feeling bad as she saw the sad look on your face.

"I know you want to say goodbye to Kakashi, but this is too important (Name). Even I don't know how long it will be for you to finish your mission. We are in a time of many different problems and conflict approaching. I need everyone to do their part. Understand?"

"Yes M'Lady... I'll be gone first thing in the morning... goodnight." You gave Tsunade the things you brought Kakashi and walked away completely depressed but you knew it was for the best. Tsunade sighed as you left. She entered Kakashi's dark room where he was sleeping and put the items beside him on the nightstand. She stood for a moment looking at Kakashi.

"I don't want to keep you two apart... but we need to do what's best for the village. That's our duty as Shinobi." Tsunade said before leaving the room. As soon as she was far enough. Kakashi opened his eyes and sat up. He clenched the sheets and leaned forward to his hands. Little did you know that Kakashi had overheard your conversation.

"Again.. she's leaving again... it can't keep going like this. This time, things will be different." Kakashi said as he stood up. He bit his thumb and performed a summoning jutsu. When the smoke cleared up, Pakkun showed up before Kakashi.

"What's up, Kakashi?"

"I need you to do me a favor. Are you up to the task?" Pakkun tilted his head in confusion as Kakashi explained his plan to him.

~ To you next morning ~

You finished packing and was about to leave until you accidentally knocked over a picture off the dresser. You went down to the picture and saw that the glass had shattered everywhere around the frame. You took out the picture from the frame and froze when you saw it. It was the same picture you found in your old apartment of you, Naruto, and Kakashi.

You had a sad smile on your face as you held it close to your chest and sighed. Tears fell from your eyes as you began to cry.

"I'm so sorry, Kakashi.. I'm a terrible girlfriend and lover for not being around and committed to our relationship... When I finish this mission I promise I'll be better for you." You said out loud just to make it seem more real. Then you wiped away your tears and cleaned up the mess so Kakashi wouldn't find out. You placed the picture on the nightstand and left your house.

~ Time Skip ~

You had been running for at least two hours and ran a pretty far distance from the Leaf. But something was bothering you as you were running. It almost sounded like someone was running behind you but matching your steps and speed so that you wouldn't hear them follow you.

You stopped to take a break and pretended you were going to take a rest. As you sat down against a tree, you activated your transformation minus the appearance. Only your senses had sharpened.

You heard heavy breathing not that far from you. So you were being followed. You then used your strong sense of smell to only be stunned in the process. You recognized this scent. You disappeared from the tree you were on to where the scent was. You were face to face with a way too familiar face. You were frozen as your eyes widened and began to water.

"Kakashi?!"

"Yo."

A/N: a shorter chapter than I am used to writing but I needed to post this chapter. I am suffering from my monthly writer's block so until I can get my rhythm back, chapters will end up being this short. But thanks for reading! Please enjoy this picture of Kakashi!