She started counting on her fingers.
"Your voice. Your hands. The way you talk like nothing bothers you. That quiet cool guy thing. And that smile you try to hide but always shows up." She said.
"You've been paying attention." Kakashi was a little surprised. He didn't expect Tsunade to think of him like this.
"Too much," Tsunade muttered, leaning back. "It's annoying."
There was silence for a few seconds. Then Tsunade looked at him again.
"You're dangerous, Kakashi Hatake."
"And you've had too much to drink," he replied gently.
She didn't answer right away. Then she said, "Maybe. But I'm still thinking clearly."
Kakashi stood up slowly and walked over to her side. He bent down a little and brushed a strand of hair from her face.
"Tsunade," he said softly.
"Yeah?" She responded as her golden eyes met his.
"Do you want me to stop being dangerous?" He said.
"No… Just don't break me." She smirked and shook her head.
"I won't," he said, leaning in.
She closed the gap, kissing him slowly. It wasn't fast. It wasn't wild. Just warm.
….
Kakashi stretched his arms with a soft yawn. He sat up, looking around. He remembered all the kisses they had last night.
He didn't expect to bond with Tsunade like this but they did, and he could still remember the taste of her lips or the feeling when he grabbed some things that made Tsunade embarrassed.
He could confidently say that it was an amazing feeling far surpassing Kurenai. Though they had not crossed some lines yet. He knew that now wasn't the time.
As he got up brushed his teeth and went outside.
Tsunade was already awake, sitting by the small table in the corner, sipping tea. Her long blonde hair was loose, and her expression was calm.
"You're up early," Kakashi said, as he was walking over.
"I don't sleep much," she replied, not looking at him. Kakashi had been on her mind all night, It left her sleepless.
"Regret it?" Kakashi said as he sat down across from her.
"What? The kiss?" Tsunade looked at him and raised an eyebrow.
He nodded.
"Of course not!"She said rolling her eyes at him.
"That's comforting." Kakashi chuckled.
"But," she said, softer this time, "I don't regret it."
"Good. Because I don't either." Kakashi said as he looked at her very seriously.
"You know, it's weird. For years, I thought my heart was frozen. Like I couldn't feel anything real anymore. But last night…" she trailed off.
"You felt something?" Kakashi leaned forward a little.
"Yeah. And it scared me." Tsunade nodded slowly.
"You're not alone." He reached over and gently took her hand.
They sat in silence for a few moments, her hand warm in his. Then Tsunade smirked.
"You sure Kurenai won't punch me?" Joking, she knew Kurenai couldn't beat her at all.
"She might tease you first," Kakashi said with a grin. "But no. She's not the jealous type."
"And even if she does, she can't beat you," Kakashi said as he picked her up and sat her on his lap.
"You pervert." She said as she made herself comfortable on his lap.
Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Kakashi?" It was Shizune's voice. "Lord Hokage sent a message scroll. Something about the Chunin Exams."
"I'll be right there," Kakashi replied.
"Guess real life's back." Tsunade stood up and said.
As Tsunade stood by the table, fixing her cloak. She ran her fingers through her hair and straightened her top, trying to look normal again. Her cheeks were still a little red, but she acted like nothing happened.
Kakashi stood near the door, watching her with a soft smile.
"You did fix yourself?" he asked playfully.
Tsunade gave him a glare. "Shut up."
Kakashi walked over slowly. "One more thing before I go."
Before she could say anything, he pulled her close and kissed her this time deeper, slower, with more feeling. Tsunade's eyes widened at first, then slowly closed as she melted into it. Her hands rested on his chest, heart racing.
When he finally pulled back, her lips were parted, her breath uneven.
"That should hold you for a while," Kakashi said with a smirk.
"You're so full of yourself," Tsunade muttered, voice barely steady.
He turned toward the door and opened it calmly.
Shizune stood there, holding a letter, frozen in place with wide eyes.
"Ah, thanks for the letter," Kakashi said as he gave her a small smile.
Shizune didn't move. Her face turned bright red as her eyes drifted to the inside of the room, where Tsunade was now sitting back in the chair, hair slightly messy and lips a little too red.
"L-Lord Hokage sent this!" Shizune stammered, holding the letter with shaking hands.
"Got it. I'll take care of it." Kakashi took it gently.
Shizune glanced again at Tsunade, who was now trying to look very calm, sipping her tea like nothing had happened. But her messed-up look and quiet fluster gave it all away.
"I-I'll be going!" Shizune squeaked, spinning around and running off down the hall.
Kakashi turned back and gave Tsunade a little wave. "See you soon."
Tsunade didn't answer. She just waved him off with her hand and took another sip, pretending her heart wasn't pounding.
But the smile on her lips didn't lie.
…..
Kakashi and Ranmaru walked through the main gates of Konoha. The guards nodded as they passed. Ranmaru looked around, his eyes wide. Although it was not his first time in the village. He still couldn't hide his curiosity.
"It's so… peaceful," Ranmaru said.
"Yeah. Let's hope it stays that way." Kakashi smiled. "
They headed straight to the Hokage's office. When they walked in, Hiruzen was sitting behind a tall stack of papers. He looked up and gave them a small smile.
"Kakashi. Ranmaru. Welcome back," Hiruzen said.