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 VI Ignoring the fact he was still lightly panting, Kakashi soon found himself towering over the unconscious form of Anko. He may not have been a survivalist or medical shinobi, but he did know a few basics in those areas. Kneeling beside her, he gently rolled her onto her back and laid her left arm out at her side. Sliding his index and middle finger down until it lightly trailed along her wrist, he stayed quiet and still the entire time. A pulse ... it was about as weak as her chakra signature but there all the same. And that was what he'd been seeking for. A small sigh of relief passed his lips. Good, not too late. He murmured, gently hoisting Anko up into his arms. She wasn't as light due to being older than any of the students, but it wasn't impossible to lift her either. And now that the Copy Cat Shinobi had a much better view, a few things came to mind, one of the more urgent coming to his attention as Anko's right hand slid off from the side of her neck. The Cursed Seal .. but it wasn't the mark which got to Kakashi. It appeared to be the wound and ... seemed rather new, fresh. But hadn't she always had that? Or for a while at least? So why would an injury be there of all places? His eyes narrowed slightly, his pace quickening. Without any medical assistance, she would die, simple as that. And it was something he wanted to prevent, not cause. The other was her choice of attire. It was ... certainly intriguing and bold. He'd never recalled being able to have met anyone who could actually wear such things in public, especially the top barely hidden by her overcoat. It was quite the temptation and invitation ... but Kakashi knew better. His hands didn't make any moves or attempts to sneak a grope. It wasn't just because it was wrong either but it also wasn't his ... methods, style as it were. He had a lot more honor than doing such things, especially to someone unconscious. Besides, it'd be better with her consent ... His head quickly shook at the ideas, a soft chuckle passing his lips. She's too stubborn for that I'd imagine. He mused softly. ... For what? A low groan passed after the question and as Kakashi glanced down, he saw Anko had woken up enough to open her eyes. But given her lack of movement, it suggested she was likely too weak to attempt to get out of his arms. She was usually more feisty than how she was at this moment. Welcome back. He greeted, trying to avoid the question for the time being. Her body had revealed there were other more vital things to bring up. But .. would now even be an appropriate time? The only reason his mind said 'yes' was upon thinking back to Konoha and all whom resided in it. The nation itself was struggling to rebuild and not everyone had even been able to properly mourn. There'd been an equal amount of losses with the win of the war physical and emotional. And only one person had ever been capable of making those Seals to his knowledge. Orochimaru ... and if this had been his doing, Konoha would have to know. That'd be the last thing they'd need him to be able to use any and all advantages against them. Unfortunately, the Seal alone could do that along with the mere possibility of him still being alive. After taking the time to muster up enough courage, Kakashi finally spoke up, Your neck. What happened? Blunt and to the point it'd been how he had always talked to others about pretty much anything. There were a few exceptions but none would be brought up at this moment. Anko's head fell softly against his chest, a defeated sigh passing her lips. She stayed silent and that alone made Kakashi feel worse on the matter at hand. This all had definitely been as bad as he'd been thinking, probably more even. Slowly, she forced her gaze to look up to his normal eye, not overly feeling in the mood to tempt the Copy Cat to use the Sharingan on her to get the information. She knew her limits and most of her comrade's abilities. Kakashi's had been one of the most well-known ones for an array of reasons. ... I don't know where he came from but Orochimaru gave it back to me. He said something about Sasuke removing it while I had still been unconscious. How, what for, any of that wasn't revealed so I'm not certain on what exactly he's talking about even. All I know is I was looking for maps, definitely not him of all things. Maps .. so that explained the wreck. And the revelation of Orochimaru indeed having caused this was the second scent Pakkun had picked up. His head shook slowly. While Kakashi wouldn't let it be known, he was annoyed .. and infuriated. This was like a Rank D mission quickly becoming an A one if not S. Not only was Anko at risk of getting severely wounded but Konoha was also in danger. In his eye though, everyone whom had survived had been through more than enough. In fact, the more he dwelled upon it ... he and Anko weren't so different. Being in ANBU had quite a few perks and access to files was easily one of them. He knew more of most of the people within Konoha. Simultaneously, Kakashi knew better than to go around and revealing such confidential information, so he kept all he ever found out to himself. Still, both had someone significant in their childhood betray them in some form or fashion and lost them also. In his case, it'd been his father, Sakumo. The betrayal and loss had both been from his choice of committing suicide rather than trying to live on and raise Kakashi. Even for his own son, he hadn't wanted to try to move on. It was a saddening thought, really. Anko not only got betrayed by Orochimaru but her own sibling that few knew of. The name was slightly ironic, given he had been younger, but apparently he had been called Aniki. It'd only been brought up on her file because not long after Anko tried to warn others in Konoha that Orochimaru was evil after graduating from him, he actually had the nerve to attack her. ANBU had supposed dealt with him ... but whether he died via imprisonment, escaped it and was hidden away or anything of the like had been all unknown. Only when a slight tugging on his jounin jacket comprehended in his mind did Kakashi snap out of his thoughts. ... Hm? He asked softly, looking back down to Anko. ... Oi, baka! You nearly ran into some trees a few times. You were that deep in thought it seemed. .. Did I? He began to move a hand to rub the back of his neck but stopped, realizing he'd drop Anko first. Sorry. But yeah, you're right. I was doing some contemplating. Don't worry about that right now, though. You need rest. We should be back at Konoha soon. .... Is this really wise? Taking me back to Konoha like this? I'm not leaving you behind. For one, that's not the way I am and two, it'd make me quite the hypocrite. After all, I made damn well sure everyone I've taught knows I don't believe in leaving comrades behind. I'll bring up all you've told me to Tsunade-sama ... after you get into the hospital. Something, even if only willpower, kept you alive. You're going to need more than that though. You know this, I'm sure. After all, you're the survivalist, not me. Anko's eyes closed as another soft sigh passed her lips. Goddamn, she hated it when others were right on these sorts of things. But every word that had left Kakashi's lips ... were dead on. Even now, she couldn't think of much else that had let her live besides maybe the desire to want to wake up. She wouldn't push her luck. After re-thinking on the words that echoed in her ears, she gave Kakashi a slow nod. ... I still don't like it but ... you're right. I ... That was as far as she got before a gloved finger was gently pressed against her lips, something she could understand despite her pupiless eyes being shut. Rest up. You'll need it. If I'm not informing Tsunade or anyone else of matters at hand, you'll see me in your room when you wake up. ... Trying to stalk me, are you? She managed to weakly tease. Had her eyes opened up, the slightest hint of a smirk appearing behind Kakashi's mask would have been noted. No. Just ... ensuring. Think of it as a self-appointed and equally stubborn body guard. No offense but in this condition, you have no chance of taking him on. You know that , also, I'm sure. And he has proven in the past that he has the ability to slip in easily enough. After all the war finished causing ... the last thing any of us need are him or to allow our guard to be let fully down. Her eyes opened upon hearing the word 'war'. So the hints from outside the cave .. she'd guessed correctly. Her heart sank as she let them close again. ... Fine ... She murmured, her tone not even trying to hide how annoyed any and all of this was making her at the moment. After gently shifting in Kakashi's arms, there would finally be the tell-tale sign of her chest rising and falling steadily. She'd fallen asleep. As Anko went silent, his eye went down again not to stare but note. Though he couldn't deny her body was quite attractive. And truth be told, he had done a lot of thinking ever since his close call in the void with his father. He'd suggested to Kakashi to begin better living his life out, more to the fullest. That hinted eventually settling down. He'd damn well nearly laughed at the idea at first. But the aftermaths of the war and his own near-death made Kakashi seriously contemplate the advice. From the memories Kakashi had of Sakumo, he could remember one thing. Any and everything that he said was always with a reason, a motive behind it all. Even back then, that was no exception. If anything, they had been some of the most serious words that caught Kakashi's ears. Another soft sigh passed his lips and finally, the Copy Cat Shinobi mentally agreed to think more upon it. Anko would likely be asleep for a hell of a while to recover ... and during that time, he'd use it to better think on the words. Until then, he would do as he said keep Konoha, Tsunade, everyone all informed of what she'd told him. After all, there may be more than merely Orochimaru to worry about. Sasuke ... the fact he'd somehow taken her Seal off at all had definitely made him wonder why he'd done so at all. If it really had been him, eyes would have to remain open and alert for the Uchiha. He'd seemed to slip away during the war also and knowing Orochimaru had also didn't overly make him feel more better about all of this. In fact, it felt more and more like a set up. His head shook lightly. For now, he wouldn't worry on the 'what-if' scenarios. Not until they began to prove they were more than just guesses. As his eye glanced back up again, Kakashi began trying to gauge how far away they were by now. Ten minutes, give or take a few --- hopefully take though. Anko needed to be admitted into the hospital, sooner rather than later. The new goal seemed to fuel him on, his pace quickening as he hurried on towards Konoha, keeping all of his senses as alert as himself all the while.