Izumi's pov.

"......" Kakashi's been so quiet. Its so weird. Ever since the girls left to go play, he hasn't said a word to me.

"So who's Aniki?" I jumped, startled by the aliens voice.

"Zu-Zu!!!" A small child's voice called out before I could even think to answer. I turned, and blinked as teeny tiny arms wrapped around my legs. That was quick.

"Aniki!" I smiled, lifting the four year old into my arms. Or.. my free arm. "How is my little Aniki?"

"Zu-Zu! Aniki missed Zu-Zu!" The little boy laughed.

"Zu-Zu missed Aniki." I kissed his pudgy cheek, and laughed.

"Izumi!" I stopped giving the boy love to smile at his mother.

"Hello, Misaki." I felt Kakashi's hand tighten around mine. "Its been awhile hasn't it."

"It has, Izumi. I'm so sorry if Aniki is causing you trouble." Misaki bowed and tried to take Aniki.

"Not at all. Besides Zu-Zu wuvs hew wittwe Aniki!" I said the last part in a child's voice as I blew a raspberry on the boys cheek, causing an eruption of giggles to escape.

I glanced at Kakashi to see him staring at me all funny. Like... bug eyed... like i was crazy...but.. jelly of my Aniki.

"Do you mind if I steal Aniki for a little while?" I asked, ignoring the annoyed look from Kaka-baka.

"Of course, Izumi!" I set the toddler down, taking his hand.

"Thanks, Misaki! I'll bring him home before dark!" I smiled and Aniki waved at his mother, and grinned up at me. "Let's go play, Aniki." I tugged the *ever so willing* alien, while Aniki lead me to where ever he was going. **Note my sarcasm**

***************

"So that's the Aniki they were talking about?" The alien suddenly asked, when we settled down, sitting on the river bank.

"Yeah." I smiled, watching Aniki kick off his sandals, and stick his feet in the water. "I found him about two years ago on a mission."

"Found him?" Kakashi asked,

"Mhm." My eyes never strayed from the toddler as he splashed his feet. "I found him in the middle of a fire just outside the village. He was the only one who survived."

"Zu-Zu look!" Aniki lifted his feet from the water and let them drop hard, creating a big splash.

"That's so cool, Aniki!" I ruffled his hair, smiling softly. "Misaki took on responsibility so that he wouldn't grow up without some sort of family."

"I see." Kakashi replied, his eyes  never leaving my face as he sighed. The sigh sounded like a sigh of relief.

"Ne, Zu-Zu?"

"What is it, sweetheart?" Aniki climbed in my lap, facing me.

"Why is Zu-Zu tied to scarecrow?" My eyes widened and I burst out laughing, falling on my back in the soft grass. "Zu-Zu is s'posed to be tied to Aniki only!"

"I'm not a scarecrow." Kakashi glared at Aniki

"Zu-Zu was sent on a mission." I sat back up, pressing my index finger to my lips in a hush motion. "But you have to be hush about it, 'kay?"  

"Mister sent Zu-Zu on a secret mission?! With a scarecrow?!" Aniki stared between the very annoyed Kakashi and me, who is trying desperately to not burst out laughing.

"Yup!" I layed my forehead against Aniki's.

"Aniki won't tell! But Zu-Zu must seal with a kiss!" I giggled, very aware of how those dark eyes were watching my every move.

"Alright, alright." Aniki gave me a very slobbery kiss that only a four year old like himself could. And no he wouldn't have it any other place than my lips.

"Now Zu-Zu belongs to Aniki!" The child stood and pranced around, while I wiped the slobber off my mouth.

"You let him do that? Why?" Alien spoke up after watching that little display. "Its.. gross."

"I know." I unintentionally leaned against Kakashi as I watched Aniki pick some wish flowers.

"Then why?" I glanced up at Kakashi from the corner of my eye.

"Why not?" I turned my head to fully face the alien, suppressing the fierce blush that threatened to show on my cheeks.

"Like I said before... its gross." Kakashi met my eyes.. and it seemed like everything stopped.

"Hey! Get away from my Zu-Zu!" Aniki suddenly climbed in Kakashi's lap and glared at him, literally getting all in his face. "Zu-Zu is mine! So hands off!" Aniki pursed his little lips, and gave a nod in triumph seeing Kakashi's surprised face.  

"Uh..." I giggled as Aniki crawled into my lap, snuggling his face into the crook of my neck and yawning.

"Aniki, are you tired, sweetie?" I ran my fingers through his soft brown hair. Instead of answering, the child yawned and snugged deeper into me. "Alright, let's get you home." I carefully stood, Kakashi helping me adjust the now sleeping boy in my arms. "Thanks."

**********

It didn't take long to get back to the center of the village. I lead Kakashi to Misaki's house. Once Aniki was home we headed back to the hot spring inn, both of us unconsciously holding the others hand.

I don't own Naruto.