Finding A Purpose

Fandom: Naruto Pairing: Hatake Kakashi &/x Fem!OC Contents: Angst. Stress. Desperation. Relief. Confessions. A bit of fluff? A/N: Had to delay something a bit which meant moving other things up some…you’ll see what in the next chapter. As usual, ASK or REBLOG for tag! HUUUGE thanks to all who are reblogging already <3

Ch. 40

The morning doesn’t carry hope on the soft wings of pastel coloured light. Instead, heavy clouds drag out the grey dawn and threaten to drown out the carefully cultivated optimism that Kakashi and the ninken are holding on to as they reach the foothills. From now on, the path slopes upwards.

Just a short break? Like all the other times throughout the night, Kakashi dismisses the idea even though he can see Pakkun and the pack are looking as tired as he feels. He groans silently. The rapid pace is taking its toll – a jōnin like the copy-ninja can travel for more than a day without a rest if they curb the speed correctly, but he has not done so this time. Stiff and tired muscles are dragging his movements with their leaden weight, making him kick up loose gravel because his feet are too heavy to lift. Stealth was never much of a concern from the beginning, but he dislikes the exhaustion and the risk it might it might pose to Uguïsu if he finds her. When…when I find her, he corrects himself bitterly.

“The trail’s only a few hours old,” Pakkun tries to cheer the human on, sensing the distress.