"We completed the task," Kakashi replied. "Tsunade has fully treated Ranmaru's legs."
"You feeling better, son?" Hiruzen nodded and looked at Ranmaru.
"Yes, thank you, Lord Hokage." Ranmaru gave a shy nod.
"And how is Tsunade?" Hiruzen asked as he leaned back and lit his pipe. Although he knew as he had been keeping tabs on her all these years, he still had to pretend to be a kind caring elder.
"Moody as always." Kakashi scratched the back of his head.
"Still the same, huh?" Hiruzen sighed and blew out some smoke.
"More or less." Kakashi gave a lazy shrug.
Kakashi was not intending to give information about Tsunade, besides he knew that Hiruzen might know.
"Well," Hiruzen said, "you're free to go. I'll make preparations for the Chunin Exams and good job."
Kakashi bowed slightly and left with Ranmaru.
…..
Later that evening, Kakashi stood in front of Kurenai's house. He knocked on the door softly.
The door opened and in the next second, Kurenai threw herself into his arms.
"Kakashi!" she said.
He caught her easily, and their lips met in an intense kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he held her waist tightly. When they finally broke apart, both of them were smiling.
"I missed you," Kurenai said, brushing some of his silver hair back.
"I missed you too," Kakashi said, kissing her forehead.
They walked inside together. Kurenai poured them tea, and they sat on the couch. Ranmaru was staying at Sasuke's house, so it was just the two of them.
"So," Kurenai asked, "how did it go?"
"I should tell you something." Kakashi looked at her for a moment, then smiled a little.
"Okay?" Her eyebrows rose.
"Me and Tsunade… we kissed." Kakashi leaned back.
"You did what?" Kurenai blinked in surprise.
"We kissed," Kakashi repeated calmly. "Actually, a few times."
Kurenai stared at him, silent for a moment. Then she laughed.
"You're serious?" she said.
"It just happened. I didn't plan it." Kakashi nodded
"Well, I did say you could get a second woman." Kurenai shook her head, smiling.
"You did," Kakashi said, looking amused. "Still, I wanted to be honest."
"I'm surprised… not jealous. But surprised." Kurenai tilted her head.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because it's you and Tsunade," she said. "You're like the cool, quiet idol. And she's… Tsunade. Every female ninja looks up to her. I never imagined you two."
"Well," Kakashi said, sipping his tea, "neither did I. But something changed. She's strong, but also sad. And I guess she saw something in me too."
"Just promise me one thing."Kurenai looked thoughtful, then leaned her head on his shoulder.
"What's that?" he asked.
"Don't lie to me. Ever," she said softly.
Kakashi kissed the top of her head. "Never."
"So… are you going to tell people?" She smiled again.
"Not yet," Kakashi said. "Let's keep it quiet for now."
"Alright. But you know, you really are trouble." Kurenai nodded and said.
Kakashi chuckled. "You're not wrong."
After a while, Kurenai leaned back on the couch with a soft sigh. The talk about Tsunade was over, and things felt calm again. Kakashi watched her quietly, the corner of his lips lifting a little.
"You know," Kakashi said, "you should move in with me."
Kurenai blinked and turned her head toward him. "Wait… what?"
"Move in," Kakashi said again, his voice smooth but casual. "I don't like being alone all the time. And you're always here anyway."
Her eyes widened, and then she laughed softly, looking both happy and surprised. "Are you serious?"
"Of course. You'd have more space too. Your apartment's small." Kakashi nodded.
"I'd love that! Really! That apartment's just something I rent. I never even liked it much." Kurenai sat up straighter, her excitement building.
"My real house… it got destroyed when the Nine-Tails attacked. I was still a kid back then. I guess I never really felt at home anywhere after that." She paused, looking thoughtful for a second.
"Then let's make a new home together."
Kakashi's expression softened. He reached out and gently touched her hand.
Kurenai smiled so wide her eyes sparkled. She moved closer and wrapped her arms around him. "You're really something, Kakashi."
"Takes one to know one." He rested his chin on her shoulder.
They stayed like that for a moment, just holding each other. Everything felt warm and right.
"When do you want me to move in?" she asked with a playful tone.
"Tomorrow," Kakashi said. "Or tonight, if you want."
"I'll start packing tonight. But I need a day or two to move everything. And I want to clean your house before I bring my stuff." Kurenai said as she chuckled a little.
"So you're saying my house might be dirty?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow.
"I've seen how you throw your socks on the floor, and you are very messy, You can't hide," Kurenai smirked.
"Fine. I'll clean a little."Kakashi laughed, he was indeed a little messy.
"You better," she teased.
The mood was light and happy, the kind of feeling neither of them had had much in the past. But now, this feeling was starting to grow stronger.
"I'm glad you said yes," Kakashi said.
"I'm glad you asked," Kurenai said softly. She wanted to be with him at all times.
….
Kurenai stepped into Kakashi's house, holding a small basket of vegetables and snacks. The sun had just set, and the sky outside was turning dark purple. The house smelled like grilled fish and warm rice.
"You cooked?" Kurenai asked, a little surprised.
Kakashi popped his head out of the kitchen with a grin. "I said I'd clean… and cook. I'm a man of my word."
Kurenai smiled and set her basket down. The dining table was already set with two plates, candles, and even a small flower in a glass.
"You're trying to impress me, huh?" she said. She was very touched by Kakashi's gesture even if it was simple.