"You came back just in time." Kakashi said, placing two plates on the table. He fried rice with ham, wrapped under a bright golden omelette.

Taking a bite into the food, Itsuko couldn't help but feel amazed. "It's been awhile since I've had such nice food."

"It's not that good. By the way, I was wondering if you would like to attend tonight's carnival together? You're not going on any missions right?" Kakashi asked before he took a bite into his food too. The carnival was an event where families attended, represented by their achievements. Besides that, it was for the families to bond. After the opening ceremony, there would be game booths for families to play and have fun. But for the Anbu, some of them either don't have families or just don't feel comfortable with the event. That's why there would always be missions on the day, for those who were free or simply wanted a distraction.

"Why? Would you enjoy the seat beside The Anbu Captain? That seat has never been filled. I never liked that event, it's crowded. But I never went on the missions either." Itsuko answered, finishing her food without long. She took her plate and Kakashi's to the wash.

Kakashi didn't know what to reply. Ask about what she does on this day if she hadn't gone on the missions? Invite her somewhere else? Apologise? Nonetheless, he gave it a go, "How about we go somewhere more isolated?"

"Sounds great. Before that, I have some paper work I have to complete and hand over to Tsunade. You could follow along if you're free." Itsuko said just as she completed the dishes, getting ready to leave.

Kakashi was about to deny her offer and told her to meet afterwards. However, Pakkun was one step ahead of him. "He's free." He said in his gruff, deep voice as he strolled around the area where the ninken rested.

Kakashi cursed at him under his breath, rolling his eyes at him. He didn't wanted to join her all day since he thought he might be intruding too much.

"Let's get going then." Itsuko gestured, holding his hand as they teleported off to Headquarters. Kakashi certainly didn't expect it and was shock but it was heartwarming, knowing that they were different now. Her long thin fingertips, brushing against his very own. He relaxed his muscles, allowing her fingers to slip around his until they could feel the heat of their palms pressing against each other.

Arriving at headquarters, their hands slipped away from each others. It wasn't long but they both missed the warmth and comfort of each other's hands. But what else could they do? There were things they needed to do and they couldn't just let their relationship become a gossip. They both preferred it to be more private.

"I'll go finish up with my work. I'll try to make it quick. Maybe you can go catch up with some of the Anbus you're closer too. Tenzo should be around too." Itsuko smiled, suggesting things for him go do, afraid that he'll find staying around dull.

Kakashi returned a smile, giving her a reassuring look. "Go ahead and do your work. I'll be fine."

Giving him one last look, Itsuko turned and walked her way to her office.

-

"Kakashi? What are you doing here?" Yamato popped up, asking idly as he caught Kakashi strolling around the headquarters. Ever since Kakashi left the Anbu, he had never ever came back to visit. Today was his first.

"Waiting for Itsuko, we're meeting Lady Tsunade later." Kakashi answered casually. Yamato nodded. Noticing Kakashi's amused looks at the surrounding, he spoke. "Looks nice doesn't it? It was renovated awhile after you left the Anbu. The training ground are more broad and there are more supplies."

But before he could speak, a group of female Anbu arrived.

"Kakashi~!" They squealed. They were the few out of many that liked Kakashi for his looks back when he was in the Anbu. "Would you please join us for the carnival tonight~?"

"Sorry, I have plans." Kakashi replied, earning disappointed faces. He could only looked at them with his famous one eyed smile.

"Care to join our party tonight? Only limited to Anbu members but I suppose you could join." Shiro came too, saying with a wide grin. He assumed Kakashi bluffed about his plans just to avoid those female Anbus. He knew he would've done that if he were Kakashi.

"I really have plans." Kakashi emphasised again, aware of Shiro's misunderstanding. Suddenly, footsteps echoed, silencing the room. Shiro blinked twice, his heart raced just as fast as he ran off.

Kakashi looked around, confused. Then, Itsuko appeared with a stack of paper in her hands.

"Anyone seen Shiro?" She asked, looking up from the papers.

"He's here." Aki came walking, with Shiro held up in her hands. Yuki walked beside her. She dropped him onto the ground, receiving thanks and a glare from Itsuko.

"This pile. Write the letters of apology. Their next mission would be a guaranteed of success." Itsuko said, dumping the papers to Shiro.

"Damn, why'd you have to do that to me?" Shiro rolled his eyes, glaring at Aki as he cringed at the paperwork awaiting him.

"Better get it done earlier, or you'll miss out on the party." Aki sighed. Shiro always enjoyed playing around and missions better than paper work. It was his wort enemy. "That's right, are you attending The Carnival or our party, Captain? It'll be like every other year right?"

"I won't be attending anything this year. I have other plans." Itsuko said, apologising. She used to attend the party her Anbus held on this day since they never enjoyed the environment of the carnival just like her. But she usually strolls out in the middle of the party. She wasn't a fan of parties.

"But Captain, it wouldn't be the same without you!" Yuki exclaimed, saddened. Although she wasn't very participative in being friendly, the Anbus always liked her. She was one of a kind. They even went as far as failing missions on purpose so Tsunade will know her great and bring her back.

"You always have your other Captain." Itsuko scoffed, throwing a playful glance at Shiro. He almost tripped, glaring at her. "Come on Captain! We only made the success rate drop so The Hokage would bring you back! Why'd you have to punish me?"

Itsuko shrugged it off, grabbing a few files from her office that she needed to hand in to Tsunade. "I'll be off then. Come on, Kakashi."

It didn't take long for them to arrive at the Hokage's. Kakashi held onto Itsuko's files, carrying them for her. It took him much persuading for her to let him carry them, since she knew she could handle it herself and didn't want to burden anyone.

"Tsunade, I have the work that were supposed to be handed in while I was gone." Itsuko casually opened the door to The Hokage's office, holding the door for Kakashi to enter.

Kakashi, carrying files on his hands, used his free fingers to clear out a small space in the table flooded with work so he could place them down. Tsunade sighed again at the amount of work.

"Don't slack off!" Jiraiya laughed. He stood beside Tsunade, his arms crossed. Recieving a glare from Tsunade, she tried to throw a punch at him. Leaning behind, he barely dodged it. His face showed enthusiasm but Itsuko could pick up his dark eyes circles, darker than before, his eyes, more strained and tired than ever. But before she even had a chance to bring it up, Jiraiya spoke again. "Itsuko, Kakashi, are you two free to join us for the carnival tonight? Me, Naruto, Sakura and Tsunade are walking around together."

"Yeah! The more the merrier!" Naruto chorused, both smiling.

Tsunade looked at them, frowning. "Everyone, Kakashi and Itsuko are dating! They would obviously prefer spending their time alone. Jiraiya, what do you think you're doing inviting them?!"

"They're dating? Minato would have been so happy to hear that! Ha, he was right after all." Jiraiya said as he climbed out of the window, leaving ahead, happily laughing at the memories where he and Minato bet about Itsuko's future boyfriend. Jiraiya placed his bet on Obito but Minato chose Kakashi, saying that Kakashi would understand Itsuko better.

"Kakashi-sensei is dating Itsuko-sensei?!" Naruto exclaimed, in shock and confusion. Then, Sakura came in the office, handing Tsunade a few documents.

"Naruto, you didn't know?" Sakura gave him an odd look before she realised. Tsunade was the person who told her the news and since Naruto didn't visit much these days, he probably didn't get the news. But she couldn't blame Naruto for his reaction, hers were just as comparable. It was almost impossible for them to be dating, in their opinions that is, not knowing Kakashi and Itsuko's past relation.

Sakura gave everyone an awkward glance before she dragged Naruro outside, filling him in on the information Tsunade told her.

"So you are going with Kakashi right?" Tsunade said, dropping onto her seat, turning her chair to face them.

"No, that seat for the Anbu Captain was never filled. It has always been a must for us Anbu Captain to attend but none of us ever did." Itsuko simply replied. It wasn't just her who never attended the carnival. Even the previous Anbu Captains didn't. They never bothered about it.

"I had a chance to ask but, how did you two even get together? You two weren't really the closest friends." Tsunade brought up, flipping through the files Itsuko brought over.

"Kakashi knows me best and we've known each other for a long time." Itsuko wondered, why was she asking about their relationship? What is she planning this time?

"That's great. Itsuko come with me, Kakashi please wait for us, alright?" Tsunade leaped out of her seat, her hand locked onto Itsuko's hand, pulling her outside to who knows where.

"Tsunade! What are you doing?!" Itsuko yelled, being dragged away. Kakashi could only stare as the door closed behind them. What was Tsunade going to do this time? He thought, frowning.