Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ In Love With A Ghost ❯ Chapter 6 - Falling ( Chapter 6 )

Last Chapter Summary: Well, isn't this an interesting turn of events? Kakashi isn't dead after all... wow... what's to happen now? And will Juri help Kakashi recover his body? And if so... how?

 

[i.n.l.o.v.e.w.i.t.h.a.g.h.o.s.t]

 

In Love with a Ghost

… A Naruto fan fiction

 

In Love with a Ghost © SilverDragon

Naruto © Kishimoto Masashi

 

Chapter 6 -

“Falling”

 

Scrub. Scrub. Scrub.

 

Rub a dub dub.

 

....

 

I hate doing dishes. And washing pans for that matter... is even worse. Caked with grime and grease and - I'll stop there. Wouldn't want you to lose the contents of your stomach now, do I?

 

It was nearly noon, which meant the ramen stand was going to open soon. And I could only imagine who was beyond that shutter. Namely... a certain blonde kid... accompanied by his annoying 'old' sensei - though he does not know it. Giving the pot I held in my arms one last scrub on the bottom, I snatched the bucket of water to my left, unceremoniously dumping the contents into the pot.

 

Swirling the water around to rinse the pot out, I stood up, carrying it. I had to go dump this out in the back now... Wobbling slightly on my feet, I nudged the side door open with my left foot, using my back to keep the door from closing.

 

And old couple, sitting down at a few of the tables that were beside the Ichiraku ramen stand, gave me a small smile, which I returned with a nod. They were usually here in the morning. Well... in the afternoon. You see, they had a stand not far from here and they liked to have their lunch here most days. Easier than going home for lunch or eaten something that would have been cooked in the morning and turned cold when noon rolled around.

 

Taking a few hesitant steps - the pot was rather heavy and large - I stumbled towards the back of the shop. Reaching a small alley, I set the pot down, glaring at it and all the trouble it had been giving me lately and gave it a firm kick.

 

Scowling and rubbing my foot, I could only glower at the unmoved pot. Stupid pot... that hurt. Sighing and squatting down, I slowly maneuvered the pot so that it tipped over slightly, pouring the water slowly out.

 

I didn't want to just tip it over completely... I remembered what happened last time... I ended up continuing to work, soaked from head to toe. Of course, I could've ran back home to change... but that was nearly halfway across town, and I didn't want to look bad on my first week of work, missing work already.

 

Standing up fully and watching the water run down the dirt and into a small ditch, I let out a breath of air, before turning around and heading back, pot in arms.

 

When I got back, I realized that Teuchi had already opened the shop and Naruto was already sitting on a stool, talking rapidly to - to my surprise - Neji. I never thought the two would actually mix together... And why the hell is the Hyuuga here anyway? I ambled over towards the stove, setting the pot onto it - carefully minding the other pot that was already boiling with ramen noodles.

 

Pouring water into the pot I had just washed, I couldn't help but overhear what the two were talking about...

 

"Ne, Neji - have you seen Tsunade-baa-chan around lately? I heard she's doing something about that case on Kakashi-sensei four years ago... and by the way, did I tell you that Kakashi's stil-"

 

Thwonk!!

 

I gaped in surprise and shock as one of the empty bowls on the shelf beside me went flying... And connected with Naruto's head.

 

"Ara??" Naruto fell over and disappeared from sight. Neji's stone expression didn't change, and despite me not being able to tell the difference if his eyes were moving or not, I could've sworn they rolled towards the ground - presumably where Naruto was.

 

Then the blonde's head popped up again and a scowled formed on his lips, "Who did that!?" His head whipped around furiously, "Come out and face me like a man!" His gaze landed on the bowl and immediately shot in my direction, sharpening accusingly.

 

"It was YOU!"

 

Raising an eyebrow, I calmly latched onto the soup spoon, stirring the noodles silently. When he continued to glare at me, I finally glanced beside me, seeing no one. He wasn't talking about... me... was he? My eye twitched when I noticed a shelf of dishes beside me.

 

"What do you want, brat?" I muttered.

 

"NANI?! You throw a bowl at me and now you ask me what I want?!!" I narrowed my eyes.

 

"I didn't throw squat at you," I retorted, placing my hands on my hips, spoon included. I saw Teuchi out of the corner of my eye lean against a chair, obviously waiting it out. Naruto raised the bowl, shaking it fitfully, "DIDN'T THROW ANYTHING? THEN WHAT DO YOU CALL THIS?"

 

I gazed at it, "A bowl."

 

"..." Everyone within the vicinity just gaped in shock.

 

"... Fine... it's a china bowl... a very fine one at that - you're lucky it's not ceramic or you'd be paying a bundle right about now," I continued innocently, blinking at the boy. That's right - pretend nothing happened, that's the way to go.

 

Neji stood up, holding Naruto back by his collar as the boy tried to make a pass at me.

 

Then…

 

Splash!!

 

I stood where I was, jaw dropping. Water dripped down my chin, onto my outfit, down the arm, heck; I could even feel it in my undergarments. My fists clenched and my eyes were still wrenched shut from the impact. This was not my day. I was not looking forward to working in a wet outfit... again...

 

Not to mention that the outfit - a simple tank top and skirt, with an apron as an assessment. The tank top happened to be white. And it just so happened that my bra per say, was blue. And guess what the whole world could see?

 

Naruto, on the other hand, was laughing his head off, his face nearly turning blue from the lack of air. His hand was still pointing at me, gasping and choking himself with guffaws.

 

The rest of the women that were watching cast me sympathetic looks - they probably knew how it felt to be showing just a bit too much... However, the men didn't waste anytime in leering. Luckily, the crowd wasn't too big yet and I flushed conspicuously - both in embarrassment and in anger.

 

At least Neji had the decency to avert his eyes some place else. At least I think he did.

 

My eyes narrowed and I turned around, ever so slowly, and there stood Kakashi, balancing; a stack of bowls, a pack of ramen noodles, and his book in one hand. I would've not been alarmed, if I hadn't seen what he was doing with his other hand.

 

There, casually, he was tossing an empty cup up, catching it before it hit the ground. So, this was who the culprit was. I suppose this was revenge for what happened last night...

 

[i.n.l.o.v.e.w.i.t.h.a.g.h.o.s.t]

 

"... That wasn't me..."

 

I stared. The trees swayed. An owl hooted. And silence settled around us. Very poetic, ne? Kakashi looked around nervously, "Daijobou desu ka?"

"... Then... who was it?"

 

Kakashi sighed, crossing his arms, and giving me a once over, "You sure you want to hear this?" I answered with a glare, "All right, all right - don't blame me after I tell you though," He took a deep breath, "... that body... that your friend found - that Konoha found, it was one of Orochimaru's goons... they took samples of my blood tissue and DNA to fool the medic-nins here in Konoha,"

 

I grew pale. Just the thought of that...

 

".. I knew because I overheard them talking one day - my spirit was near my body, but they must've noticed my presence, because a few minutes after I eavesdropped on them, Orochimaru gave a cackle and said, 'Kakashi.. still here, I see?' and launched another one of his jutsu's at me, knocking me out," Kakashi gave me a wink, "And I woke up in the middle of a forest,"

 

I raised an eyebrow. And he was happy about that?

 

"..Is there a way to get your body back?"

 

Kakashi hesitantly nodded, "Yes, but I won't be able to do it myself..." he turned away and I immediately knew why he had been so distant before. He didn't want to tell me... because he didn't want me to help him...

 

That made me mad. In fact, it infuriated me, "Well? What am I? Chopped liver? I can do something, can't I?"

 

No answer.

 

So, I guessed right then, he didn't want my help. Probably thought I was weak...

 

"What? Think I'm weak? Is that why? Why didn't you ask me to help?"

 

"... You can't do it...”

 

"What do you mean I CAN'T DO IT??! I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN SEE you for crying out loud!" My hands clenched and I regarded him with a hooded gaze.

 

"That's not it...” he muttered. His eyes were flashing with anger, "Forget it, forget about it all, you can't help me. You'd only end up being in the way. You said it yourself remember? You're not a ninja." Ouch. That was cold. How dare he throw my own words back at me? Just because I was not a ninja did not mean I was useless! I could help, I was sure of it!

 

".. Why can't you just let me help?" I asked softly. My anger had faded and now disappointment filled its place, "I know we haven't known each other for long... But...” I broke off; turning around and facing the path once again, "... forget it...” I muttered finally.

 

There was a swish of wind, and when I glanced over my shoulder... he was gone.

 

[i.n.l.o.v.e.w.i.t.h.a.g.h.o.s.t]

 

My fists clenched at the thought of last night once again. Sure, I probably... I don't know... hit a nerve? I know that maybe… I was just a little forceful… and maybe he was just looking out for me. But still! He deserved it! Plus, it doesn't help that I tend to be very unreasonable… when I'm mad.

 

I had tried to help him and he had none too softly brushed me off! How the heck was I supposed to act?

 

Kakashi only regarded me coolly, dropping the stack of bowls he had. I heard the crowd of people behind me gasp in horror as a loud crash filled the air. They could probably see the lone cup - in midair. Of course, because they couldn't see Kakashi or anything... it only made the situation worse.

 

"She's a witch! That's-"

 

"No, she's a demon I tell you! Hides in her house all day and-"

 

I growled, "Then where am I right now, buddy? Is this my house?" I glowered at the man who spoke the second time and he shrunk back considerably, wincing at my gaze. At that, most of the villagers dispersed, but not before whispering a few more... rumors, probably.

 

After most of the crowd had disappeared, I turned to Teuchi and gave him an apologetic look, "Teuchi-san, I'm terribly so-"

 

He raised a hand, "Maybe you should have a day off - it doesn't seem to be your day today... Don't worry, we all have our bad days...” His gaze landed on the broken dishes and broke out into a rueful smile, "A trick of gravity? Don't worry; I'll clean it up - you head on home, all right?" I sighed and gave him a thankful look.

 

At least he didn't think I was a witch or something...

 

After apologizing again, I quickly slipped off the apron in the back room, before I was shoved out the door and told to 'scat.' I stood glumly outside the ramen stand, feeling depressed. Not only was I not going to get my money's worth for today... Kakashi was mad at me... my outfit was still wet... and my mother was probably going to freak on me when I got home...

 

I saw a man - possibly slightly older than I was, whistle appreciatively at me.

 

I glared at him, crossing my arms and speed-walking past the crowd that was starting to gather again... - for some reason, I didn't know why they were gathering in the first place.

 

I muttered curses under my breath, cursing Kakashi down to the eighteen hells and ducked into an alley, not wanting to walk out in the street... especially in a soaked outfit.

 

Shoving my hands into my pockets, I let out a fitful noise of frustration. I didn't like it when Kakashi was mad at me... speaking of which.. I glanced around, but realized that Kakashi wasn't even around anymore... wonder where he went?

Psh, I snorted to myself, why did I even care? It's not like he was my friend or anything...

 

'That's what you thought he was... before last night.'

 

I winced. Yes… but so what? It was obvious that he didn't think that same of me. In fact...

 

Suddenly I let out a yelp when I tripped over a broomstick. Stumbling to the ground, I grimaced as I felt something dig into my hand. Jerking my hand back and whipping to my feet, I saw my blood drip to the ground.

 

I groaned, surveying my hand. A fresh one inch wide cut was now vertically across my palm... and I could also see that I had scraped my knee. Oh boy, this just makes my day, doesn't it? And not to mention my outfit was now covered in dirt.

 

I cursed again. Cursed Kakashi. Cursed my bad luck. Cursed this day. Cursed the day I was born, and cursed my extremely bad luck. I think life is too hard for me. I should just lay down and quit.

 

I took a deep breath, keeping my head down, deep in thought. Okay, now I'm starting to think stupid things.

 

Well, maybe I should think about apologizing. I mean, he did come to find me right? He wouldn't have come to see me if he was still pissed off.

 

My eye twitched. But then why did he humiliate me in front of everyone?

 

Asshole!

 

My thought broke off as someone yelled, "Oi! Fire! North of here!" My eyebrows rose. That was where my house was! But... it wasn't possible. My eyes whipped north, in the direction of my house, and I saw a steadily rising column of smoke.

 

I frowned.

 

No way. I started to walk. As I got closer and closer to the turn that led to my street, the fact that the rising smoke seemed so close to my house's location started to make me uneasy.

 

Impossible.

I burst out into a sprint.

 

I just need to… see for myself. There's no way it could be my house. What were the chances? I'm pretty sure the god's have punished me enough today. It can't be my house. I skidded around the corner, anxiety rising when I saw the huge group of people crowding around a house at the end of the street.

 

My house was near there…

 

Damnit… It better not be my house. Dad didn't have work today... and Mom was a homemaker. What would happen to me if I lost them both? I felt panic fill me— what if it was my house? What if—what if my parents were killed? Were hurt? All thoughts of Kakashi flew out of my head as I reached the crowd and started to shove people out of the way, not bothering to apologize.

 

I thought furiously, 'Please... don't let anything happen to them!'

 

After what seemed like forever, I pushed the last few people out of the way and froze in my tracks. There, the house seemed to loom out towards me. Flames licked the sky. There were already people working, trying to put it out. All the houses on this street were practically identical - so it would've been impossible to tell which house was which.

 

But only one thing caught my eyes. I was gazing - straight at the window on the house. There... was a small poster. It was the poster I had put up just this morning... it was a poster of a dog. Something I had wanted for a long time... it... I freaked. It was my house. My parents.

Without hesitation, I let out a strangled cry and tried to get past the crowd, but two people held me back.

 

"Otou-san! Kaa-san!" I cried out, "Kaa-san! Otou-san!" I let out a muffled sob and I started to kick, punch, hit... I wanted to get into the house... The flames were crawling up the sides of my home, and I could see the ceiling starting to crumble already.

 

With one last effort, I gave the firemen that held me one last kick and I felt their grips loosen slightly. Just enough for me to shove them away and get passed them.

 

Without hesitation, I bolted up the path - and into the house.

 

[i.n.l.o.v.e.w.i.t.h.a.g.h.o.s.t]

 

I coughed. Smoke rose around me and it was red... orange... my vision was filled with fire. My living room... burning. The kitchen... burning. Everything was just burning. Just burning.

 

"Kaa-san! Otou-san! Where are you?!" I coughed against, covering my mouth with my right hand and trying to maneuver around.

 

No answer. Fearing for their lives, I continued to trek through the house, avoiding the fire and falling debris. Where were they? I bolted up the stairs, not paying any mind to the fire that was creeping around the ceiling.

 

Throwing open the doors, one by one, I found no one. Where were they?

I felt a bit of hope fill me... maybe they were not even home? I let out a small sigh. Maybe...

That's when I felt rather than saw... the ceiling collapse. Right on top of me.

 

[i.n.l.o.v.e.w.i.t.h.a.g.h.o.s.t]

 

I felt my eyes drifting open. Where was I? I could see white... all around me... Someone was beside me. I turned my head and there was Genma, chewing nervously on a senbon. His gaze was on the window and not on me.

 

I tried to raise my hand, but couldn't do it. That's when I realized - I was in the hospital.

 

Coughing weakly, I tried to get Genma's attention, "Genma-san..." I whispered. His attention immediately riveted to me.

 

"Juri-san? You're awake!" He stood immediately, "Let me get the doctor..."

 

I caught his arm, "Iie... tell me... are my parents safe?"

 

He avoided my gaze. No answer. Why was he answering me? Did something happen to them? No... It couldn't be... There was no one in the house... not that I had seen. I had checked.

 

"Gen... ma?" I whispered urgently, "Are my parents-"

 

He cut me off, "I'm very sorry, Juri-chan," he hesitated, and I felt panic rise inside of me once again. My eyes widened and I could only brace for the worst, "... the fire squad put out the fire... After getting you out... and..." His voice dropped to a mere whisper, "We found two bodies in the basement... one male... one female."

 

No… no... It couldn't be… They weren't…

 

"I'm very sorry, Juri-chan. Your parents... they're gone."

 

[i.n.l.o.v.e.w.i.t.h.a.g.h.o.s.t]

 

Revised August 28, 2008