Title: Teleute

Fandom: Naruto x The Sandman

Rating: PG

Words: 473

Summary: Kakashi always hoped that this would be their last meeting.

A/n: feedback would be lovely. Don't worry. I'll update Under The Falling Sky. Next chapter is on my beta now.

Kakashi first met her when he was born. His mother gave her last breath as she touched the lady's hand. Kakashi cried. She kissed his forehead. "I'm sorry," she said.

The second time they met, Kakashi was five. He was holding his first hitai ate as he saw his father's guts spilled all over the floor. The lady in black kimono touched his shoulder tenderly, and Kakashi looked at her, eyes wide in shock and lost. "Would it make you feel better if I say you'll meet him again someday?" she said softly, looking straight into the child's eyes that shouldn't meet her twice already in such tender age.

Kakashi stared at her for a long while before he spoke, "No. No, I won't." He turned away from her, clutching his hitai-ate. "I won't feel better 'cos I don't want to see him again."

A year hadn't passed before he once again saw the lady. It was his first kill. He stabbed the Stone-nin with his kunai and watched in horrified fascination as the man fell, blood gurgled from his mouth. Again, the lady touched his shoulder gently before he took notice of her presence. This time, she didn't say anything. She only looked at him with sad ancient eyes that understood everything.

Kakashi wasn't there when she came for Obito. He must save Rin and escaped or else, Obito's sacrifice was for naught. He knew she would be there though.

"Take care of him," he prayed silently, forming seals to perform Chidori. "And don't come back for Rin. At least not before you come for me. Please."

She did come for Rin, several months after Obito's death. Kakashi wasn't there again, but he dreamed of his team. Obito and Rin were waving to him, smiling, looking whole and happy. The lady was smiling too. She didn't wave, though. Kakashi would meet her again, soon.

Then his Sensei was gone. Kakashi stood there, helpless, lost, hurting. He ignored the lady who offered him silent comfort.

"Take me," he whispered. "Take me. I want to meet them again. Please."

"Later," she promised.

"Don't take too long."

Years passed and they met again. Countless of times, especially when he was an ANBU. They talked sometimes, whenever he wasn't in a hurry after his kill. Nothing significant. He asked her what her favorite thing was ("Goldfish," she answered.), or when tomorrow was going to rain ("I don't know," she always said.), or when they would meet again ("Not so soon, I hope," she laughed), or what was her name. ("I think you know," she smiled.).

This would be their last meeting, Kakashi knew. He was glad that she didn't come for his students first. He smiled at her, pleased that he would be the one she took with her today.

"Take my hand," she said.

Kakashi did.

End

Note: Teleute is Death's Greek name in Fables and Reflection.