Thread: An (Eventual) Anko x Kakashi Fanfic by LadyYunaFFX2

DISCLAIMER I do not own 'Naruto' or any of the characters. So don't sue me, please. Chapter VIII During the rest of the afternoon and evening, nurses came into Anko's room and left, checking up on her vitals and switching IVs when needed. Otherwise, they left the sleeping figures of Kakashi and Anko alone, knowing both needed their rest. Then again, even if they would have attempted to wake either of them up, the medical shinobi would see both were in quite the deep sleep, especially the kunoichi. By the time either began to stir, it was almost noon the next day. Pupiless eyes would be the first ones to open first, a low groan passing the Special Jounin's lips as she slowly sat up. A weak smile crossed her lips. She'd been slightly afraid that Kakashi may run into trouble he had a knack for doing such things. But he'd kept to his word and gotten her back to Konoha, it seemed. As her eyes glanced around, they noted the window to her right, IVs attached to both arms, various medical machines and finally .. the still sleeping Kakashi beside her. A soft chuckle couldn't help but pass the woman's lips. Between the traveling and everything else he'd done after arriving back here, Anko could only imagine how weary the Copy Cat Shinobi must be. She began to lie her head back upon the pillow but stopped as the door opened and yet another nurse walked in. The medical kunoichi's head bowed as a light smile crossed her face. Ah, Anko-san. Good to see you awake. ... Thank you. How long have ... have I .... ? A bit over twenty-four hours. The IVs have been keeping you sustained and getting rid of any remaining sources of pain. She paused, seeming to study Anko for a few moments before nodding. Your chakra's coming back to you, steadily but surely. Now that you're conscious again, I'll go get you some lunch. Anko's mouth had been opened to ask about how much longer she'd have to remain here. But before that could be done, she was already out of the room. A small sigh passed her lips as her head fell back against the pillow. Her work ethics especially hated hospitals or similar scenarios to this. Anko wanted to be out of the bed, doing something more .. useful. But she had a feeling it would, somewhat unfortunately, be for the best if she waited for a more official dismissal rather than trying to sneak out. Within a few minutes, the nurse returned with a tray consisting of a grilled cheese sandwich, a bowl of ramen, and some green tea. After setting the tray upon a nearby table, she took notes and then pointed out a small controller beside her left arm. Feel free to call if you need anything, Anko-san. Take care. And with another bow of her head, the nurse left yet again. It'd been so very tempting to interrupt her and ask ... but finally, Anko decided to hold off on asking such a seemingly selfish question. If the discussion came up, so be it. But it wouldn't be because the Special Jounin had seemed to whine and nag as if she were a mere child. It hadn't been till after Anko took a few gentle bites of the sandwich before a new noise caught her attention. This time, though, she would see Kakashi finally waking up. The sight caused the faintest hint of a smile to cross her face. Finally awake, hm? Well ... He replied softly, stretching to get rid of a few sore spots from having slept in a not-so-comfortable surface. I'm not as young as I used to be. The sight of Anko waving her left hand softly and a soft scoff passing her lips hadn't at all been what he'd expected. It was enough to make his head tilt in curiosity before the explanation soon left Anko's lips. You're not even thirty, neither of us are. You're still young. She replied quickly, taking a small sip of her green tea. Now it was his turn to smile, albeit his was hidden behind his mask. Thank you. That's rather ... generous of you. He'd been tempted to use 'sweet' instead but it seemed slightly off to him. Maybe because he was a male? Because he'd never done this before? Kakashi couldn't pinpoint exacts, though he doubted Anko would mind. The shrug that he next saw suggested probably not. I never did get to thank you properly anyways. I know it was just orders ... but still ... His head quickly shook no. Even without the orders, I would have done it. Think nothing of it. Just regain your strength. He went silent, watching Anko slowly eat up. Admittedly, the sight of the food seemed like a good idea. He probably should go and get some for himself also. But before he could consider it, a new question soon echoed in his ears. ... Hey, Kakashi. After I left to track Kabuto down ... what all happened? An inward sigh resounded within his mind as he stared down softly at Anko. So even about the war .. she doesn't know much if at all? It was certainly an interesting and simultaneously depressing thought. She'd been left in the dark -- literally and metaphorically -- on all the events. It made him wonder whether to bother revealing any of that now or later. And after a few moments of quiet contemplation, he decided to go with the latter. She really did need to focus on herself for now, not the village. All the same, it did make Kakashi further appreciate and admire Anko. Her loyalty for Konoha was strong and she always put the safety and well-being of others before herself just like how a real kunoichi should act. And yet, now wasn't the time for her to take up that role. She was a patient in the hospital. His head shook no once again. Later. Right now, regain your strength and be selfish for yourself. You barely had any chakra when I found you you'll need to re-obtain it. And that can only be done through bed rest, eating, things of the like. The reply made Anko sigh softly but nod. She hated when people pointed such things out to her. Why? Because they were always right. The thought of having to stay in bed still went against her work ethic-like mind ... but of course, Kakashi had made many points. It wouldn't do her any good to overexert herself, physically or mentally. And that would likely be all that would occur if he answered that question. Alright, alright. Taking the remote and pressing lightly upon the button, the voice of the nurse she'd just spoken with not too long ago was heard within seconds. Yes, Anko-san? Would you mind bringing another tray? Kakashi's up. Of course, I'll be there in a few. After a few seconds of static, the device deactivated. Once he was certain no one would hear their talk, he chuckled softly. And you didn't have to do that . Sure I did. Wasn't that one of the last things you promised me back when you carried me here? If you weren't out speaking with Tsunade or doing other obligations, you'd be here? Kakashi's head glanced curiously up. And ... the memory did indeed return to his mind. Heh, I suppose I did. Still, I could have made a clone to get me food or something. True. But then you would end up using all your chakra. Not as quickly as mine was taken .. but it'd add up with enough time. .... Touche. Very well. His smile widened more behind his mask as he glanced down again to Anko. This was an interesting side of her that he nor anyone else had seen much of. Then again, war was prone to easily changing others, he knew. She wasn't immune to this rule of thumb, he assumed. Even as the door opened, his gaze didn't leave the kunoichi in front of him. Here you go, Kakashi-san. His hands lifted up to take the tray, bowing his head gently soon. Thank you very much. He replied softly, setting the plate upon a separate table nearby. As he grasped the chopsticks and pulled them apart, his head bowed lightly to silently send thanks. And without thinking, he slowly removed his mask, setting it in an unused chair beside him. His head tilted slightly as Anko did chuckle now. Hm? Has Naruto given up on that? Last he talked to me of that, he could never get that damn thing off you. Taking a few moments to study Kakashi without the fabric concealing his face, it made Anko smile softly. Maybe you should keep it off you. It suits you much better. ... Oh? That made him nearly forget the first question, the compliment seeming to take him aback and seriously contemplate on the idea. It'd be incredibly odd and weird at first. But honestly, maybe the woman across from him had a good point. Masks were generally for hiding things, or concepts akin to that. Why he'd even begun to wear it at all .. he couldn't immediately recall. I'll think on it. And ... I'm assuming, yes. Then again, he hasn't really had many chances to bother trying as of late nor has Sakura. He finally growing up then? Everyone is, yes. But especially him. About damn time. She replied, her smile widening more. Finally, she was done with all the food, her own tray now empty. Her head rested against the pillow behind her as she looked up to Kakashi. ... You sure you won't get overly bored staying here? I might remain here for a while. That would be what this is for, along with conversation. He replied, pulling his Icha Icha Paradise book out to reveal what the word 'this' had referred to. Anko's head shook as her smile widened slightly. Don't you get tired of re-reading that so much? Besides, I'd imagine the real thing would be much better. The rather bold statement nearly made Kakashi spit the tea he'd been sipping out. The first question, he had expected. But the innuendo on all the fantasies he read about becoming real? Not from Anko. Someone else? Maybe. But not her. Still, Kakashi managed a light smirk that she would finally be able to see. Not as much as you'd think and ... of course. But I can't just stare at the words and make them literally come to life. I'm not ithati talented. It did , however, make him think back to when he was hurrying over to Konoha with Anko in his arms. He had thought on settling down with a woman. And Kakashi had already mentally noted how similar he was to Anko. Right now, she was proving to be ... an intriguing woman. Compared to all the possibilities still left in the village, she certainly wouldn't be the worst one. His fingers lightly tapped against the chopsticks. However ... He finally mused gently, pausing to ensure the correct words were chosen. Even these fail to hint on the first true steps. And while I can't just make the words jump from the book still, I can extend the offer out to someone I believe worthy enough. Now it was Anko's turn to nearly spit out the last of her green tea, though she did cough a few times. She blinked a few times, her eyes going down to the sheets covering her body before glancing back up to Kakashi. Hold up. Is .. that an offer for a ... date? She asked. Well .. yes. Why? Have you really never been asked before? ... No. Should I have been? I don't see why not. You're a strong individual, talented, unique and .... Only for a few seconds did he pause, again ensuring to choose a proper word, before finishing the sentence up. You do look very lovely. ... Now you're just bullshitting me. His head shook no slowly. Come on, you know I don't do such tactics. ... Lovely? You really think so? Yes. And bold, especially your wardrobe. He teased, setting his own empty tray upon hers. But in a way, that separates you from the other women and it's certainly not a bad thing. You know what you want and go for it. I respect that. ... Well... Her eyes snuck up to the ceiling, fighting off the urge of blush before the Copy Cat Shinobi. It was her turn to think on it. And after a few minutes, she glanced back down and nodded. .. I .. alright. I suppose when I get out, we can figure something out. Good. All more the reason for you to get well by resting up, yes? A weary sigh left as she nodded. Fine. I'm still not going to like feeling so damn lazy but .... I'll behave and stay here. Both had been so occupied with one another that neither noted the nurse slip in to take the trays and leave them alone once again. Kakashi was the first to speak up between the two. I'll update you on what happened ... tomorrow. For now, don't think on it. How's that sound? When he got no reply, Kakashi soon saw why. Somewhere in between words and her head remaining upon the pillow, poor Anko had fallen back asleep. She was likely more exhausted than she'd admit or had realized. Then again, with how much chakra she needed to re-obtain, it didn't amaze him too much. Without bothering to put his mask back on, temporarily forgetting it, he then began to resume reading, picking up where he had left off before Shizune had come and found him. He had little doubts that the next few days would be some of the most interesting ones in his entire life. To think .. him of all individuals had actually asked a female on a date and had it accepted. It made his smile widen more, his gaze going from the words on the pages to the sleeping figure before him.