#and hopefully itachi and kakashi shortly after that :)

[axel-tiredstudent]

Reposting my narusasu high school au cause i fixed some stuff

part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5

[13as07]

Similar

(Might Gai)

[Art work is not mine! Credit to shattercrack]

Requested by: Myself

Keys:

Y/N: Your Name

Word Count: 4,274

Warnings and/or Pre-Notes:

Non-romantic one-shot; more friendly one-shot vibes

A bit of Kakashi love at the start and definitely Kashi focused

——————————————————————

     My fingertips cling to the bottom of Kakashi's vest as he walks me through the empty streets of our village. "I can just stay at your place," I try again, tugging on his vest some.

     Kakashi's eyes drop down to me, his anbu mask sliding down his hair some as he moves his head. "No," he answers shortly, sliding his fingers down my arm before colliding them with my own. His fingers are chilly against mine, but that's no surprise since Kashi is always cold. "You're not safe with him on the loose," he adds, picking his head back up as he continues leading me forward.

     About ten minutes ago, Kakashi and I got a not-so-nice wakeup call from Yamato. He went on a rant about someone attacking the Uchiha Clan or something. I'm not sure though.

Kakashi has made it very clear since he joined the anbus that he wants me nowhere near his work, let alone the shinobi world. It saddened me a bit, Kashi being so stuck on me giving up life as a kunoichi, but after the both of us lived through the loss of Obito, Rin, and Lord Fourth, I know he wouldn't survive losing me too. Especially after he joined the anbus. The thought alone of me going on a mission without him sent Kashi into a panic attack. So, reluctantly, I settled for the life of a civilian.

     It's not all that bad. Finishing normal schooling was quite boring and slow-paced compared to the fast-pace, on-the-go training I was used to. A couple of months ago I started schooling to become a civic medic, and with my background of shinobi medical training, I'll hopefully get to graduate a year or two early.

     I still spar with Kakashi, it gives me a nice outlet for the chakra I don't use as much anymore. He also shows me new jutsus and has me practice older ones 'just in case' and because 'you can never be too prepared'. I think it's just his anxiety about being away so much, but I don't mind. It's bitter-sweet moments that remind me of my old life, and my old squad mates.

     "While who's on the loose?" I ask, slightly poking the subject. I know it's not going to go far; it never does. If I've learned anything about Kakashi's line of work over the past five years, he won't talk about it, he doesn't want me to know about it and he doesn't want to relive any of it. I don't blame him. Anbus deal with the darkest corners of our world, which means Kashi deals with the darkest corners of our world.

     Kakashi freezes, tugging my arm some from me taking a couple more steps. "I need you to listen very closely to me, okay?" He asks, his hands cupping my cheeks and forcing me to look into his eyes. I love his eyes; I love the contrast of the dark red of Obito's sharingan against Kashi's natural coloring.

"If you see Itachi, you drop everything and you run. You run and run and run until you are sure he's gone, you understand? And then you continue running, and you do not stop until I find you, okay? If that happens, you make sure it's me. You ask a million questions about me or you or Obito or anything, and if I get even one of those questions wrong, you continue to run. Over absolutely everything else, do not look into his eyes, you hear me?"

     I tilt my head some, letting my eyes run over Kakashi's face. He's scared. I haven't seen him this scared since Lord Fourth died. "I understand, Kashi. What's going on with this Itachi guy? Did you forget I'm trained too? I might be rusty but I'm not useless."

     His jaw clicks open and shut a few times, eyes wandering around the darkness before settling on me again. "No, you're not useless. Which is why I'm okay with you staying home alone when I'm... working, but this is different. Itachi is... he is capable of things out of your abilities, out mine... possibly even out of the Hokage's... I need you to stay safe," Kakashi whispers the last part, his breath shaking as he scans over my face again, drinking it in like he'll never see it again.

If Itachi is as dangerous as Kashi is making him seem, it might be the last time he sees me. The last time I see him... I can't think like that though. Kakashi will be safe, he will come home, he always comes home.

     "I'll be safe, Kash, I always am," I mumble back, wrapping my hands around his wrists and rubbing small circles into his skin. He tilts his head down, connecting our foreheads and closing his eyes. I flutter my eyes shut too, letting my other senses soak him in. I soak in his scent, the icy feeling of his skin against mine, the soft sound of his lungs at work.

     The moment doesn't last long, the driving need Kakashi has for his job pulling us apart once again. A part of me has always wanted to ask him to give up the shinobi life too, but a bigger part of me knows that's not possible. Kakashi hasn't known anything besides this life, being the son of a highly regarded shinobi, starting this lifestyle himself when he was only five. I had the joy of a normal childhood, unlike my partner which made the shift back to a civilian life easier for me than it'll ever be for him.  

     "We need to get going," he mumbles, dropping one of his hands back into mine before continuing to pull me forward.

     The rest of the walk is silent, the emptiness taking up space between us, which doesn't help my worry about his newest mission. I take the time to remind myself of worse things Kashi has survived, worse missions he's gone on, and still managed to make it home to me.

     A door lamp is lit up a few houses ahead of us, cutting through the darkness. It was a rush leaving the house; Kashi threw on his uniform, grabbed my to-go bag, and dragged me out the door. Not much information was passed down to me, just a quick 'you're staying with my colleague'. I'm going to assume this is the colleague's home, or their house at least.

     I'm proven right when Kakashi stops in front of the door, pulling me in front so I'm tucked away safely. He knocks and the door opens almost instantly. I guess this colleague has been expecting us.

     "Ka-ka-shi," the man in the doorway says, dragging out my partner's name in a weird way.

The guy in front of me is very... loud in his appearance. He's in a green jumpsuit, which does not help his bowl cut or his blocky eyebrows. I've seen him around the village a couple of times, usually sporting the usual shinobi vest paired with obnoxious leg warmers and his village ID as a belt. "Mini Ka-ka-shi!" He adds, looking down at me and saying Kash's name all weird again.

     "Um... no... Y/N," I correct, glancing up at Kashi. His face is a bit more relaxed now. I can survive some time with Mr. Obnoxious if it means Kakashi can focus on his mission instead of worrying about me the whole time.

     "Y - N!" The man says, dragging my name out as well. I smile a bit at that. Maybe he's not as obnoxious as I thought he was. He's just a sweet guy with volume issues.

     "This is Gai," Kashi says, gently pushing me through the door. He drops my bag on the ground next to me, still touching me, but on the small of my back instead of wrapped up in my hand like before.

     "Gai?" I repeat, glancing down, my eyes following Kakashi's movements.

     "Gai," he repeats, standing back up. His hands snake around me, wrapping me up in his hold and gently pressing me against his chest. He presses a gentle kiss to my neck, the thin material of his mask separating his lips from my skin. "I got to go. I don't-"

     "Know when you'll be back. I know Kash," I say, cutting him off and tilting my head back. I lay against his shoulder, taking in his face once more.

     Kakashi tilts his head, his mouth next to my ear as his hold tightens on me. "I love you," he whispers before pressing another divided kiss behind my ear.

     "I love you," I echo, sketching him into my memory. Kash will be safe, he will make it home to me.

     "I'll see you soon," he says, reluctantly letting me go. "Take care of her," he adds, looking over at Gai before turning back towards me again. "I will see you soon," Kakashi repeats his words almost a promise.

I know it's not though; he can't promise he won't die on any mission because there's no guarantee he will make it back.

He stays for another beat before slowly letting me go. His eyes stay locked on me as he backs out of the room, once again moving slowly as he closes the door. My heart stings a bit at the lost sight of him. The feeling of dread, sadness, and worry fills me up every time he leaves, and refuses to leave until he's back safely in my arms.

     "So, mini Ka-ka-shi!" Gai says, pulling my attention away from the door and towards him.

     "Y/N," I correct again, glancing around the room. It's very much the house of a newly out-of-the-house teenager. It's a lot cleaner than I'd expect from a man. However, most shinobis are very strict with themselves. Gai seems to be that way too.

     "Mini Ka-ka-shi," he voices again, a huge smile on his face. I decide to let him win, it's not worth the fight. "What shall we do on this glorious night?"

     "Well... I planned to lay down and cry myself to sleep, per usual," I answer before I can stop myself. I know it's not very ex-shinobi of me but the first night without Kash is always the worst, and if I let myself cry it out right away it's a lot easier to deal with him being away the rest of the time.

     "That is certainly a plan, not the best plan, but still a plan. Let's come up with a different plan," Gai says, smiling at me again and throwing up both of his thumbs. I giggle a bit at this. It's nice to see a shinobi still so full of life. "Here's a plan!" He cheers, walking away from me. I take the time to bend down and slide my shoes off. "We can make some hot cocoa and we can look through some of my old academy photo books! Believe it or not but Ka-ka-shi wasn't always so cool." You know, I think I'm going to start saying Kashi's name like that too. It's quite funny.

I was in the same year as Kakashi - and in turn Gai I’m pretty sure - but I wasn’t close to either of them. I usually hung around Asuma and Kurenai so Kashi and I didn’t interact until we both got assigned to Minato-Sensie. I still had the hugest crush on him though, as did half the academy.

     "That sounds fun, Gai," I answer back, setting my shoes next to the other pair by the door. Gai's attention turns back to me, a smile still covering his face. I grab my bag, tugging it towards me with the small hope there's a pair of house slippers in it. There's not.

     "How unprepared Ka-ka-shi," Gai says, causing himself to laugh. "I don't have a spare pair of house slippers, but I do have some fuzzy socks. I'll be right back!" He cheers, flashing another big smile before walking out of the room. I wonder if he's being cheerful on purpose or if that's just how he always sounds.

As he's gone I look around the room again, taking in more of it. The place is small, but that's no surprise. Shinobis are paid on commission, which means they kind of make their salary with younger shibobis usually being at the bottom of the food chain. Once someone gets their footing, they tend to be able to go for harder missions with bigger commissions.

With Kakashi being an Anbu he gets commission pay on top of salary pay which leaves us living a pretty comfortable life. It also leaves me with a pretty payout if he does die on duty. I shouldn't think like that. He's not going to die. It's just my anxiety.

The entry is pretty open, an archway being the only thing separating the entrance from the combined kitchen and living room. The kitchen is neat beside the old wobbly-looking table, which is covered in different piles of paperwork. It's still neat, everything in its pile. The living room is pretty empty besides a boxy TV, a mostly empty bookshelf, and a grandma-looking couch. Definitely a "freshly out of my parent's house" kind of home. I think it's cute and it makes me a bit sad I never got to experience this stage in life.

My parents died during the Nine Tail attack, leaving me alone. That's when Kashi insisted on sharing his apartment with me, seeing how neither of us had anyone besides each other left in the world. At the time he had already been in the anbus for about a year so his home was all set up. That also meant when he bought me a house we had everything we needed. By then he already had a few steps in the door so getting our home to look how I wanted wasn't much of an issue money-wise.

"I'm back Mini Ka-shi!" Gai says, walk through one of the doors on the right wall. He makes quick steps back to the entrance, an unopened pair of socks in tow. When Gai said he had a pair of socks I didn't expect a new pair. How sweet of him.

      "Thank you," I say, giving him a small smile. His arm stretches out, holding the fuzzy socks out to me. They’re the same bright orange as his signature leg warmers, making me giggle a bit. I take them from him, making sure to tuck the plastic they came in, into my bag before sliding them on my feet. They are warm and fuzzy, a nice little moment on this dreadful night.

“So, Grand Tour!” Gai says, clapping his hands together before bending down to take my bag. “This way Mini Ka-ka-shi.”

I climb to my feet, following after him. It's weird having Gai carrying my stuff for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m used to this kind of treatment from Kashi, but not others.

I’m not hated around the village, but I’m not exactly liked. Women envy me because I’m with Kakashi and I don’t blame them; I’m aware of the status and attractiveness he has. I’m also aware of the loom of death that hangs around him and me, which usually scares people off. If that doesn’t scare them off, the fact that my boyfriend is an anbu tends to scare people.

“This is my glorious kitchen!” Gai cheers, throwing his hands around the small space. The walls of the space are that yellow apartment color. “And this is my cozy living room!” He adds, taking a couple of steps forward.

“Your home is adorable, Gai,” I say, looking around some more. I kind of miss my apartment. Don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful for the things Kakashi can give me but I do think it would be nice to live life at a normal pace, in a normal way.

He hums in agreement, stepping away to open the furthest door on the wall. “This is the bathroom,” Gai says, leaving the door open before stepping towards the other door. “And this is my bedroom.”

Once the door is open I poke my head in. It’s a generic boy’s room, with blue bedding, and a single pillow on the bed. There’s a desk in the corner, more neat piles of paperwork on it. “You’ll be sleeping in here tonight.”

“What?” I ask, turning my attention to the shinobi.

“You’ll be sleeping in here,” Gai says, pointing to his bedroom. “And I’ll sleep out here,” he continues, pointing to the couch.

“I’m fine sleeping on the couch,” I tell him, shifting my weight between my feet. I don’t want to put him out of his room for the night or make him feel like I expect him to.

“Absolutely not. What kind of friend would I be if I let my best friend’s partner sleep on the couch? Not even that! What kind of man lets a guest sleep on the couch? Boys do that, not men.” I listen to Gai’s ramble as I watch him set my bag on the little desk in the room. He is just a sweet guy. “Anyway, enough of my morals. How do you like your cocoa?”

“I’m fine with however you make it,” I answer, watching him close the door and march towards the kitchen.

“Well, I make mine with cinnamon and marshmallows on top, is that fine for you too?”

“Ya, that’s fine.”

I stay silent, watching Gai make circles around the kitchen as he heats the milk and collects our toppings.

“Mini Ka-shi?” He calls, pulling my attention out of my thoughts. I hum in response, letting him know I’m listening. “Would you make yourself comfortable? You look like a stiff board pressed up against the wall.” The statement is paired with a soft small, completely different from the wide one I’ve seen all night.

“Ya, sorry. I’m just worried about Kakashi,” I mumble, slinking over to the couch before sitting down. I curl up against the arm closest to the kitchen, a small attempt to prove to my host that he’s not the reason I’m so stiff.

“There’s no reason to worry about Ka-ka-shi. He’s a pretty good shinobi. Not as great as me of course! Still pretty good though.”

I smile a bit as Gai chuckles to himself. “What makes you think you’re better than my Kashi?” I ask, amusement growing in my chest.

Kakashi doesn’t talk much about his fellow shinobis but this Gai person has been mentioned a few times throughout the years. I never knew his name; I just knew him as the ‘want to be rival’. He’ll never admit but Kashi considers Gai his best friend too despite the annoyance he insists Gai brings to his life. I consider their friendship a good thing, it brings a childish element to Kash’s hardened life.

“Well, we’re tied right now. Twenty-one wins and twenty-one loses but I will beat him! I shall be better than Kakashi Hatake!” I stifle my laugh a bit, finding Gai’s counting funny. I’ve heard about their contests which consist of anything from sparring to a game of rock-paper-scissors.

“Oh ya? You’ll have to keep me posted on the win-to-lose count then,” I say, watching Gai carefully walk into the living room, way overfilled mugs holding his attention. I’m careful as I take my cocoa, taking a burning sip from it to help avoid a spill.

“You know, Mini Ka-Shi,” Gai starts, taking a few sips of his cocoa before setting it on the kitchen table. “Our similar doesn’t talk very much.”

Similar is one way to word that. “Ya, Kashi isn’t much of a chatterbox.”

I watch as Gai shifts things around the bookshelf. It doesn’t take him long to find what he’s looking for. “And yet, when he does talk it’s usually about you. You’ve had him whipped since the academy.”

A laugh bubbles up again from Gai’s comment. It’s no secret that Kashi was the heartbreak of our class. It’s also not a secret that he had eyes for Rin. It does mess with my head sometimes, knowing I was the second choice, knowing that if Rin was alive Kakashi and I wouldn’t be together.

“Ya okay, Gai. I think you should get checked for dementia. Everyone knows Kashi had a huge crush on Rin,” I comment, my giggles coming up as I sip more of my drink.

“No, he’s always had eyes for you.” Gai fights back, walking over as he flips through a thin book. It’s the yearbook from our second to last year at the academy.

Gai sits down on the couch, leaving a bit of space between us as he flips through the pictures. “Whatever you say,” I mumble, turning my focus back to my drink.

“It is what I say. Ka-ka-shi respected Rin and was protective of her for Obito. He loved her to an extent, we all love our squad mates. They’re our family, but his heart has always been yours,” Gai rambles on, continuing to focus on the memories in the aging book.

I roll my eyes at the rant. He’s not completely wrong. Constantly risking your life alongside your squad builds a family bond among the members, and with that comes love. I love Rin and I love Obito - not like I love Kashi, but I do still love him.

Gai pushes the book towards me. I bend down, gently placing my cup on the ground before taking the book. I open it up, being meant with the academy crest and the year the book covers. I flip through the books, letting the memory of my childhood fill my mind.

I end up settling on a blown-out picture of Genma and me practicing our chakra control. I’m hanging upside down like a bat on a tree branch, my hair filtered through a flower crown of sunflowers. Genma is lying flat on his back on the ground, a pissy pout on his face as looks up at me. His hair is wrapped up in a flower crown too, courtesy of me.

I had a habit of making flower crowns in class to help me focus. If my hands were busy my mind could focus, hence the teacher turning a blind eye to it.

“Ka-ka-shi adored you back then, still does,” Gai mumbles, his eyes locked on the picture too as he smiles. “He’d get up early every morning to pick flowers by the gates of the village for you to make crowns.”

By the time we were nine, I would find a basket of different flowers waiting on my desk every morning. I always assumed they were from Genma since he always insisted on wearing one of the crowns I made every day. He would always say it would be a waste for it to go unworn and just tossed out once class was over.

“He would collect them too, after class, the ones you’d throw out,” Gai adds, his smile growing.

“You’re delusional,” I say, a smile growing on my face too. The thought of Kakashi digging through the trash to save my forgotten artwork makes me feel good.

“No, I’m not. I’m pretty sure he still has them in a shoe box in his locker at work. He’s whipped.” Gai erupts in laughter, very contagious laughter that spills over to me. That’s another warming thought. This tough, veteran anbu having a box full of flower crowns his girlfriend made during their school years.

“Kakashi does not have a box of my flowers in his locker. That is so like… uncool.” Our giggles continue as I flip through the pictures.

“I told you Ka-ka-shi wasn’t cool during our school years,” Gai pushes out through his chuckles. “Oh my, you should have heard the ramble he went when he learned you’d be in the squad. I thought lungs were going to give out from how fast he talked.”

“He was not that excited!” I say, stopping on another blown-out picture. This one is of Gai doing a handstand as Kash is rolling his eyes at his friend.

“He was. ‘Gai she’s on my team! Y/N is on my squad! I’m going to get to see her every day!’ That and he was oh so excited to get Genma off your hip,” he interrupts himself, another round of laughter being pulled from his chest. “‘Genma isn’t going to be around all the time! I’ll get to talk to her as long as I want without him butting in! Do you think she’d go to dinner as a squad if I ask? I should put the idea in Obito’s head,’” Gai seems pleased with his explanation.

I can’t help the warm feeling that pulls the corners of my mouth up further. That did happen. The night after squad assignments were announced, Obito insisted we should all go out to eat so we could ‘get to know each other better’. Kakashi - surprisingly - said yes which caught everyone by surprise. He never was and still isn’t much of a going-out person.

“You know Gai, I think we should hang out more,” I comment, flipping through a couple more pages.

“Yes ma’am! I’d love any excuse to embarrass Ka-ka-shi and to learn new embarrassing things about him, of course.”

We both laugh a bit more, the warm feeling of my newly forming friendship and the secret admiration Kash has always had filling me up. I think I’m going to start staying with Gai more often when our ‘similar’ is out on a mission.

[just-puddding]

Team Minato week day 4- queer platonic/ soulmates

Oh– It says– it was you. that was one of Kakashi's two soulmarks, grim, he had always found it melancholic, for it implied they'd never realized they were soulmates before they had to part

Most people don't– they can guess, but never be sure. because life, life is brutal. So very unfair, keeping them just out of grasp, out of reach until they're gone.

Oh, it was you– but Kakashi, he had two soulmarks, it was unusual but not unheard of– Kakashi had always thought one of them was Obito (he had to be, he knew it, he couldn't phantom otherwise) and yet Obito's last words weren't 'oh, it was you' (do you promise?) Nor were they–

-Kakashi- Rin whispered and he could see the light leaving her eyes– he could see everything, painfully clear with no spare detail, no mercy, engraving itself in his mind. 

(could see the way her lips quivered as she spoke, the way she tried to smile but it didn't quite give, the way her hair flew in the wind, the way her body gave up) 

Surely, more people may say his name before departing, because he was with them when it happened, surely.

But he knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt, as her body collapsed against his, as His hand pulled away and her blood ran down his skin, as he trembled, that she was it. His soulmate

Cruel -i'm sorry- he could barely get the words out, his legs were shaking, he could barely stand up..he squeezed her into a tight grip, unwilling to let her go– why– even as he lost his strength, even as his eyes closed into darkness and nothing.

the last thing he did was release her body and let it collapse to the ground– then he passed out

The beeping comes as a surprise. The noise of the monitor, of the machinery, of the steps and the curtains rattling against the wind, the scent of medicine and illness, of hospital

Kakashi hadn't anticipated that he would survive (a doctor comes to his side shortly after he wakes up and starts asking confusing questions that Kakashi can't answer, because his mind is reeling and it won't stop) even though he had to– was yet to hear the words

(Another loss, another goodbye, one that would hopefully be his own, if life may be so kind.

it was never kind) 

Kakashi had thought that that was the end, for both of them, that he wouldn't be left to wallow in the loss, to live on as murderer (the doctor gives him headache medicine, says something he doesn't understand and then leaves him alone again)

His hands feel dirty, they itch and he can barely keep himself from peeling their skin right off (he's caught, there's yelling, they knock him out and he wakes up restrained, his hands still itch– hurt

He wishes he was dead)

("...She was my soulmate" Minato's eyes soften painfully as he brings him close and runs a hand around his back "I'm sorry" Kakashi is the one that should be sorry "this should never have happened to you"" Minato and Kushina both cry, sobbing all over him, hugging him close– Kakashi can't feel a thing) 

The years go by, even still, they feel like they shouldn't– not when his whole team is dead, when he couldn't save anyone couldn't even keep a single person alive, as they fell like flies to some curse, a punishment for his mistakes– he's sure

It feels so wrong– but they still pass. Past danzö, past tenzöu, past itachi and past the massacre, past his eviction, past everything, each moment so fleeting (each memory so real)

He's 13 when Minato-sensei puts him ANBU, when he ties the red knot and for the first time, becomes hound, the first of what feels like an entire lifetime–

He's 23 when he's evicted, when he can no longer be hound, even when that felt like all he ever was. all he'd ever be

Then he's 26 and the Sandaime gives him team 7, tells Kakashi to train them (why? didn't he see what happened last time?) 

Kakashi doesn't want to meet his soulmate, or at least he doesn't want to discover them– not until he dies–

 he would never let anyone know, not over his dead body, but going on missions terrified him, sent his mind flying in a haze

(They could be an enemy, Kakashi could be the one to kill them again)

But nothing happens, even as years pass by, their identity remains unknown (sometimes he wonders if it's Gai, if he'll lose another soulmate as he loses another loved one– someone he can't imagine life without, someone who's always been there, who he treasures so deeply) 

(hah, wouldn't that be cruel?)

Kakashi starts to believe he'll really be the one dying, Shinobi don't live long lives, he's near the end of his, most likely

Then there's Sasuke, Orochimaru, the Akatsuki, Tobi, madara, the war

And then, 

there is Obito

Obito, Obito who he thought had been dead for 18 years, Obito who he mourned everyday, who he told everything to, Obito who was his hero (Obito who was the number one public enemy now, hah, isn't that cruel?)

And Kakashi understands (maybe he'd never been wrong, after all. Maybe he had always know then, of course he had)

He understands.

(Why are you leaving me again? I thought– I don't want this!)

(A forceful, saddened smile, a gasped chuckle as he came apart right in front of him– disintegrated–

Oh, he says, it was you)

--------------------------------------------------

I'll probably post day 3 tomorrow, i ended up struggling with it, i wrote two different things in preparation but didn't like either so I scrapped them, then yesterday I wrote something else but didn't like that either, then i settled on something and ended up getting too excited with the drawing and trying to finish it and... Yeah

But, uh, here's few Obito doodles because I'm tired and haven't got any drawings of him posted yet!

[jouissezduprintemps]

Those Damned Books

Rating: T Words: 3334 Fandom: Naruto Summary: Kakashi realizes that his apartment isn’t big enough. Tenzo does his best to remain the responsible one. Kakashi ANBU era. KakaYama.

Tenzo’s breathing was soft an even, his lips parted ever so slightly in his sleep. The way he positioned his body, at first, made Kakashi wonder if he was feigning it. His kouhai lay on his side, knees bent in a fetal position, with one arm draped over his torso and the other bent so that his hand rested beside his face on the pillow. Kakashi had waited long enough to realize that this was, in fact, how Tenzo slept. For whatever reason, he hadn’t noticed it before now. Rather, he didn’t care to notice. It amused Kakashi to no end, comfortable as he was when splayed out in all directions when he slept alone.

As he lay sandwiched between the wall and the warm body next to him, he reflected that, now, he really needed to get a new bed. It was one thing for his legs to hang off while he slept; after last night, there was the added challenge of not kicking Tenzo to the floor when his vivid dreams took him. But, a new bed meant less space in a flat he’d already filled. Maybe it was time to move. He was twenty after all, an age considered by almost everyone that qualified him as an ‘adult.’ It couldn’t hurt to find a place that had more than six walls, if he counted the two that separated the bathroom from the rest of his home. Hadn’t his landlady mentioned an opening?

After their fight, when Kakashi had finally come down from his traumatic reaction, Tenzo refused to leave him alone. Too tired to argue anymore, Kakashi relented and allowed him to stay. He winced at the memory, regretting what was said and how he’d spiraled into those parts of himself he didn’t want Tenzo to see. Hopefully, his kouhai wouldn’t ask about it when he woke. Doing his best not to jostle the bed, Kakashi was all kneecaps and elbows as he flipped himself over onto his stomach, falling into a comfortable position. He froze for several seconds to make sure Tenzo was still asleep before reaching up to the shelf on his headboard, pulling down his most recent copy of Icha Icha.  

He bent the covers back to loosen the spine, and the pages made that satisfying crinkling sound that each new book gets only once. Bookworm that he was, it was one of Kakashi’s favorite things. It was better than sex. Well… almost. Eagerly, he opened the cover to the title page, taking a moment to read the short inscription that prefaced each volume he owned. In scratchy handwriting below the printed title read:

To Kakashi~

Now that you’re over eighteen, the old man won’t be able to confiscate this package! (Though, you always seem to find a way around that one. Your sensei and I are so proud.) Enjoy, but not too much. Make sure you actually get outside and talk to some real, live girls every now and again, eh?

Until the next volume

xJiraiya

Kakashi smiled as he deciphered the characters, which was a challenge with how Jiraiya wrote. He bit back a chuckle, wondering if Lord Hiruzen had tried to get his hands on this volume. For a Hokage, old man Sarutobi was terrible at hiding things. As he got older, Kakashi wondered if he had been hiding the other volumes at all, or if he was making a show of it to cover his backside. He turned the crisp page, full of excitement now that he could see the conclusion to the cliffhanger last volume tortured him with – and for three years, at that!

He allowed himself the luxury of reading through the first chapter, which was a denouement from the previous book’s closing chapter. It was probably a trick to sell more copies, but Jiraiya loved leaving the books just before the best part. Curiosity sated, he took the page between his fingers, intent on beginning the second chapter. A knock on his front door had him, regretfully, dog-earing the first page in this volume. It was inevitable that almost all of them would suffer the same fate at one point or another, but there was just something so melancholy about marking the first one.

The volume found its place back on the shelf as the knock sounded again. “’Comin!” Kakashi called, stumbling over Tenzo gracelessly. As he slipped, he took the man down with him, tangling them both in a pile of sheets and limbs that landed with a dull thud that only a human body could make.

“Are you okay?” The knocking became insistent. “Kakashi-taichou!”

Disoriented and sleepy as he was, Tenzo was the first to recognize the voice. “Yugao!” he hissed.

Kakashi swung his arms frantically, gesturing to the other side of his apartment. “Bathroom!”

Tenzo ran as quickly and quietly as he could to the one room of Kakashi’s flat that wasn’t part of his ridiculous open-floor plan. To his dismay, Kakashi realized he was dressed only in his boxers. Shit, he couldn’t keep Yugao waiting any longer if he didn’t want her to think something was wrong. Hastily, he took his blanket and wrapped it around himself like a cloak, clumsily holding the edge to his face in lieu of his mask.

When he cracked his front door, Yugao had her fist raised to knock again. Awkwardly, she lowered it. “Kakashi-taichou, you scheduled training for the new recruits for over an hour ago.” She studied him with suspicion, eyes inquiring about his fashion choice.

Fuck, that was today. Well, it wasn’t like he was never late. He’d gotten over that eccentricity after Obito. His team should know by now to proceed as instructed without him when it came to training. “Right. Yeah, I’ll be right there. I just overslept.”

“Please hurry.” She turned to leave, but stopped to look over her shoulder. “And Taichou, remind Tenzo if you see him. We sent Itachi-kun to his apartment, but it was empty.” Beneath her words ran the message because he’s the reliable one, and we’re actually worried.

Kakashi waited until she teleported before closing the door. He slumped with his back against it, letting out a sigh of relief. “Fuck, that was close.”

“Too close,” Tenzo agreed. “It’s lucky she didn’t think to look for chakra signatures.”

“She had no reason to.” Kakashi shrugged. He picked his pants up from where he’d tossed his dirty clothes in a pile the night before.

“Guess not.” Tenzo pulled his undershirt down over his head, puzzled at the strange tightness across his torso. Once he pulled it down, the excess fabric at the neck showed him his error. “Nope, yours.”

“Trade.” Kakashi tossed him the proper shirt before Tenzo removed his, passing it over. It would have been amusing if they weren’t so late, and if that mistake wouldn’t have been serious among their teammates.

“What’s our cover?” Tenzo asked as he tightened the straps on his armor.

“I don’t need one. They’re used to it by now. Yugao will probably tell them I overslept or something.”

“Well, what about me?”

“Yeah, that’s tough… I don’t know, you were doing something good. Being helpful. Carrying groceries for an old woman? Getting a cat out of a tree?”

“Are you mocking me?”

“You don’t understand. Obito was late every single day, and it was because of crap like that.”

Tenzo was surprised to hear Kakashi speak so casually about his friend. Even Kakashi seemed caught off guard by the way his visible eye widened. Trying not to make a big deal out of what he considered an essential step of the grieving process, Tenzo broke the silence. “Cat out of a tree it is.”

“Right. Um, I’ll go out through the window, and you… wait, I don’t know, thirty seconds then phase through the door?”

“Done.” Tenzo watched as Kakashi climbed out his window before disappearing in a silver flash. Thoughtfully, he picked up the discarded blanket and took a moment to make the bed, unable to leave it in disarray. He’d be preoccupied with it all day, otherwise. Cat mask in hand, he activated his jutsu before walking through the locked door like it was made of water.

In an instant, he was on the training grounds, only a few feet behind Yugao. He jogged forward, informing her, “Sorry I’m late.”

“Everything okay? You’re never late.”

“Tsuki-chan’s kitten got stuck in one of the big oaks. It’s so small, I didn’t think it could get down itself.”

“You’re a bleeding heart.” Yugao looked in front of them, where young ninja were sparring, two-on-two. “I had to send a few home, already. Nothing special, a call you or Kakashi-taichou would’ve made.”

“I trust you,” Tenzo affirmed. “He’s running behind again, is he?”

“After I sent Itachi to find you, and he came back empty-handed, I went to find him myself. The state he was in, we’ll be lucky to see him at all. At least you’re here, now. We can finally get things going.”

Securing his mask over his face, Tenzo stepped forward and gave a sharp whistle, at which the sparring came to an immediate halt. “Switch from taijutsu to ninjutsu!”

“Sir!” chorused the recruits before turning back to their opponents.

Tenzo sensed an abnormal surge of chakra behind him, and he turned on his heel to face the potential threat. To his surprise, Lord Hiruzen was looking on, studying the recruits as they fought.

“Lord Hokage!” Tenzo lowered into a bow, which Yugao followed not a second later.

Hiruzen waved his hand lazily. “Relax. I just came to see what the new group was like.” His brow creased when he realized that there were only two agents in front of him. “Where’s Kakashi?”

“He should be on his way here shortly, my lord,” Yugao assured the hokage.

Hurizen pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “I’m going to ban those damned books from this village.”

“Books, my lord?” Tenzo inquired.

“Jiraiya’s drivel he’s peddling as romance novels. They’ve caused me nothing but trouble, much like their author…” He frowned. “Every time he publishes a new one, like clockwork, he sends a copy to Kakashi. Really, these are jonin-level ninja we’re talking about. The next time-” Aware that he was rambling, he shook his head, dismissing his train of thought. “But that’s why you’re here, Tenzo. You know, Team Kai needs a new captain.”

“I’m honored, sir, but I think it’s pretty clear that I’m needed on Team Ro.”

Unable to argue with his logic, the hokage shrugged. “It’s open if you change your mind.” Turning his attention back to the recruits, he mumbled, “I think Uchiha is the last one we’ll be getting out of this year’s batch. Keep them going for now, for appearances. Give them one more practice before sending them home.”

“Yes, sir.” Tenzo bowed once more. While an unfortunate turn of events for the recruits, it wasn’t uncommon in the slightest. The ANBU were the best of the best. Any ninja who fell outside the top one percent wasn’t worth the armor they’d wear. It was a sad, somewhat cynical fact that most of these ninja would be buried in their uniform just the moment after they put it on. He watched Hiruzen walk down the road. Yugao waited until the hokage was out of earshot before speaking up.

“That’s disappointing. Predictable, but still.”

“We were able to get a handful this time around, which is better than usual. There’s nothing we can do; Lord Hokage’s veto makes it a done deal.” Tenzo cracked his knuckles. “Itachi’s already proven to be more of an asset than Kakashi-senpai thought.”

“Yeah, I guess we didn’t need him, after all.” Yugao was clearly annoyed that she ran across the village for nothing. “Really, those books can’t be that interesting.”

“I can lend them to you if you’re curious.” Kakashi’s voice spoke from behind. Yugao and Tenzo jumped, spinning to face their captain. Sure enough, his nose was in his latest volume, and he raised his hand in a wordless greeting. “The plot is really compelling.”

Yugao snorted. “Sure.”

“Lord Hokage told us to send these recruits home at the end of the day,” Tenzo informed his superior, trying to be businesslike. “He’s not accepting any of them.”

“Why the end of the day? We can just send them home now.” Kakashi peered over the top of his book.

“He wants to keep up appearances.”

“Oh, for god’s sake.” Kakashi closed his book with a snap and strode forward, whistling far more loudly and sharply than Tenzo had done. Once he was sure he had everyone’s attention, he declared. “None of you made it. Go home.”

Amidst displeased grumblings and several swears, the recruits began to disperse when they realized the ANBU agent was serious. “Kakashi-senpai,” Tenzo began in a scolding tone.

“What? It’s a waste of their time, and it’s a waste of ours. I came all the way out here just to tell these guys that they didn’t make the cut. If Lord Hiruzen gets angry, it’s all on me, okay?” In a fluid motion, he re-opened his book, sticking his free hand in his pocket.

Yugao and Tenzo looked at one another, a silent exchange passing between them before Yugao vanished. She saw no reason to stay, after all. Tenzo began to form a series of hand signs when Kakashi glanced up at him. “I need a second set of hands later. Think you can come by in a couple hours?”

“Um, yeah, sure,” Tenzo agreed, puzzled by his request. If Kakashi actually asked for help, he needed it. That wasn’t his way of using double entendre, and there was nothing in his body language to suggest it should be taken that way.

“Great.” He smiled, and, with a slight wave, Kakashi started walking in the direction of his home.

The sun had reached its peak when Tenzo, freshly showered and in a new set of civilian clothes, trudged up the steps to Kakashi’s apartment. The front door was propped open, which made him instantly suspicious. The ruckus from inside told him Kakashi wasn’t alone.

“It’ll be fine!” Guy’s booming voice said in assurance.

“I know you can lift it. It’s the cardboard that’s the problem.” He could practically hear Kakashi rolling his eyes.

“I know a thing or two about structural integrity.”

As Tenzo climbed the last step, he was able to see Guy standing in front of the bookshelf, piling paperbacks into a cardboard box. He stepped over the threshold and caught sight of Kakashi in his kitchen. He was barefoot, standing precariously on the countertop as he retrieved something Tenzo couldn’t see from on top of the cabinet. He looked over his shoulder at Tenzo, but, with both hands occupied, he had to settle for a verbal greeting. “Yo. Thanks for coming.”

“What’s going on?” Tenzo asked with caution.

“I’m moving. I thought I told you.”

“What? When did this happen?”

“Hmm, three, four hours ago?” Sensing his confusion, Kakashi explained, “My landlady owns the whole building, and there’s this family on the first floor that just moved out. You know, to get a house. It’s a little more expensive, but hey, I won’t be getting letters every month complaining that I exceed maximum capacity by roughly ten every couple of weeks.”

“Just start packing boxes,” Guy declared. “Don’t worry about what goes where. He’ll have it unpacked tomorrow morning, I’m sure.” Bandaged hands reached down and lifted the cardboard box, which he balanced on his shoulder to keep from tearing at the bottom. “Down to 105!” After informing Tenzo of the new location, he strode out the door to deposit the box.

Tenzo took advantage of his absence to say, “Kakashi, you can’t just make decisions like that.”

“Why not?” Kakshi asked as his feet touched back down on the floor. “I need more space, the apartment’s vacant, and I don’t have to go looking.”

“Because it takes more than three hours to decide whether or not to move. It’s a big decision.”

“Not for me. Actually, I think it would be nice to have a real bedroom, with a bed I fit on. Maybe I can use the kitchen now. Or, I could have the guys over and keep them in one room. Think about it, one room. I won’t have to clean the entire place.” He smiled, his eyes turning into crescents. “C’mon, Tenzo. 200 square feet to 400.”

Tenzo looked around the cramped apartment, which was, truly, not big enough for even one person to live in. “I mean, as long as you’ve thought it out.”

“I have. It would be suicide to bring a new mattress in here, and the one I have just isn’t cutting it.”

Before Tenzo could comment, Guy returned, flashing them a thumbs-up. “Told you I had it.”

“Yeah, you did, Guy.” Kakashi gave a placating grin. “Do me a favor and grab the bookcase next, would you? I’ll feel better once they’re back in place.”

“You know your attachment to books is strange, right?”

“Not going there.”

Guy responded with a laugh. “Whatever you say, Kakashi.”

What few belongings Kakashi possessed were easily moved down to the bottom floor, with only a few of the larger pieces requiring more than one person to navigate down the stairs. The new apartment was far nicer, containing a full-sized kitchen, a living room, and, as Kakashi was so thrilled to have, a separate bedroom. Even though he lived alone, he sorely missed his privacy when he had company. His friends were too nosy for their own good, most of the time.

Guy departed once the last of the boxes were safely inside. Choza was treating his old squad to dinner, to celebrate Ebisu’s promotion to special jonin. Left to the task, Kakashi and Tenzo set about unpacking in relative silence. The book case in the living room was slowly filled in a system that only Kakashi could understand, and Tenzo managed to find a place in the kitchen for everything.

The walls were bare, and the space seemed overwhelming, but it was something to get used to. Kakashi wouldn’t care much about decoration, and Tenzo planned to slowly introduce various wall hangings or pieces to the apartment when he visited. All at once would be too much for Kakashi; better to ease him into it.

The white-haired man was kicking the leg of his couch lightly, almost prodding it, with a displeased expression. Tenzo waited for him to say something. When he didn’t, Tenzo relented.

“What is it?”

“I don’t wanna sleep on the couch,” came a grumbled response. They’d spent so much time moving and unpacking that he hadn’t taken care of his sleeping arrangement. All he had was a box of blankets and pillows sitting on the floor of the empty bedroom.

He sighed. “You’re asking me if you can stay the night, aren’t you?”

His lack of protest told him all he needed to know.

“Just… come on.” Tenzo gestured for him to follow. “This is why I try to make you think things out, you know?”

“Maa, Tenzo, don’t lecture me. I’ve had a long day moving.”

“Yes, I’m aware. Do you have your keys?”

Kakashi withdrew his hand from his pocket, keyring around his middle finger. He held lazily at eye level before returning it to its place. With that, the door was shut and locked, and the pair set off.

“You know, when someone helps somebody move, they usually pay them back by buying dinner or alcohol,” Tenzo informed his companion.

“I would, but I don’t have my wallet.”

“We can go back for it.”

Kakashi shook his head, walking with his head tilted toward the ground. “Can’t. Locked myself out,” he lied, keeping his best poker face. He stumbled when Tenzo bumped him with his shoulder, a gesture he hadn’t expected in a public setting.

“I can’t stand you, Senpai.”

[kusunogatari-a]

[ Welcome Home ] [ @kyuuzuchiha ] [ Suigin Ryū, Uchiha Sasuke, Tsunade, Hatake Kakashi ] [ Verse: Ryū no Ryokan ]

When everything is said and done, she’s just glad she has a home to return to.

After a string of struggles - what parts of Sasuke’s training they had the time for; hunting Itachi; the subsequent seeking of revenge against Danzō, the Kage; the war…Ryū is exhausted. Never in her life did she guess a simple medic would get involved with anything of such a scale…let alone survive it all.

So after the finale, Sasuke’s trial, and the tentative re-settling of the world…she wants nothing more than to just go home. Not to the little house in Konoha. She can’t go back. Not after everything Sasuke went through…everything she learned about the village that put him and his family through Hell. Where she never really felt she belonged, anyway. Konoha may not be completely evil - simply where a few had put their roots - but nor can it be home.

The travels with Hebi, rechristened Taka, led to changes in the medic she never thought she’d face. Though she still feels much, overall, the same person…there’s still a knowing that she’s not.

Once Sasuke is cleared of his charges and given back his reins, there’s a handful of years he simply…disappears. But not in a way unexpected - if anything, she more than understands. If she herself can’t bring herself to stay…however could he? And though he left without warning, she knows why he didn’t say goodbye.

Because he won’t be gone forever. Because there’s no need to say farewell with the understanding between them. He’ll come back. It’s just a matter of when. When he’s ready.

In turn, Ryū insists on relocating. Despite Tsunade’s arguments and Kakashi’s appeals, she refuses to back down. Konoha needs rebuilding. Replanting. Its roots have been shaken and what grows again must be better than before. And though she could be useful…she’s tired. Tired of being useful. There’s a promise to return…someday. Impermanently. But after so long of calling home a second place to live…she knows it’s time to go back, and regrow her own roots.

The time alone is spent as it was during her training. Caring for the manor, reinvigorating the remnants of the village she needs to survive. It has everything she needs, if only she gives the effort.

And all the while, she waits.

It’s in the Spring two years after the war’s end, up to her knees in the paddies along the river, that the shrill cry of a hawk widens her eyes and lifts her head. The avian circles and spirals down before carefully alighting upon a proffered arm, extending a message-bearing leg.

Short, and to the point.

I’m coming home

A few days later, the tripwires beneath the torī gate echo with a body’s passing, and they’ve hardly begun to still again before she’s out the door and running barefoot. The winding path along the river falls to her footsteps, crossing bridges as the trail dictates best before she meets him. And as over-the-top as she knows the action to be, and how likely above and beyond it is, Ryū can’t help but run into him full-force, staggering them both back several paces before coming to a stop.

“…I missed you.”

“I missed you, too.”

The manor greets them both, and it’s not long before they’re each seated with a cup of tea. Leaned against Sasuke’s side, there’s little need for talking, just each quietly taking in the presence of the other.

“Have you been here all this time?”

“Can’t you tell?” is Ryū’s reply, light with teasing. “It’s been a lot of work getting things functioning again. You should have seen the weeds in the paddies when I got back.”

Sasuke gives a soft huff of a laugh. “Well, you’ll have an extra hand with that from now on.”

“I’d better.” There’s a long sigh. “…it’d be a lot easier if this place was still a village like it once was, ne? Many hands make light work, after all.”

Dark eyes slide to their corners to give her a glance. “…why can’t it be?”

“…you mean besides the lack of people, buildings, and general appeal?” is her dry reply. “Who do you know that would want to come live up in the mountains, with only water wheels for power, so cut off from everything else?”

“You want to be here, don’t you?”

“This is where I was born. I’m a bit biased.”

“I’m here, aren’t I?”

Ryū breathes another sigh. “…I don’t…”

“You might be surprised who would find a place like this more appealing than the hidden villages right now,” Sasuke rebukes. “Certainly not all, or a majority…but likely more than you think.”

For a long moment she doesn’t answer. “…well, it’s not something that could be done in a day, anyway. The only things left besides the manor are rotting, charred foundations and old bridges that probably need work. It’d take a lot to get things up and going again…and even if there is some kind of appeal to it…it’s less so with so little to start with.”

Quiet reigns for a time, Sasuke’s gaze caught out a sliding screen. It’s one of the valley’s many foggy days, the warm valley air and moisture hitting the cooler atmosphere up between the snow-capped peaks.

“…onsen…”

“Hm?”

“The hot springs,” he muses with a nod of his head toward the outside. “…there’s a number of them, right?”

“I…yes. The mountain range is volcanic. It’s the same system that makes the springs to the north, in Yu no Kuni. Why?”

“…that’s your appeal.”

Watching Sasuke as he speaks, Ryū’s gaze eventually follows his own, blinking with a brow furrowed in thought.

He sees he has her attention. “You told me when we first came here…the manor was built big in preparation for a clan that never grew. It has rooms. Even if it’s just to start, until you can build something else…it could be like a ryokan. This valley used to be self-sustaining. It could be again. You could raise all the food, run the springs, book the rooms…it would take work, and likely help, but if you could get it going, I bet it’d run just fine.”

“…it’s so out of the way, I -”

“You keep saying that like it’s a bad thing. People like getting away from it all. If you can make this place seem worth it, they’d get here one way or another.”

“There isn’t even a road!”

“Hire someone with doton to put one in.”

Ryū deadpans. “You talk as though I’m made of money. I might have my own valley, but that didn’t exactly come with its own fortune,” she teases.

“No, but you have to give something to make something. Just…think about it. You could advertise it as some healing getaway. Get all those old folks with money up here thinking it’ll help them live longer. Maybe even have some actual patients up here if they need long-term, more natural care. Those with money could help pay for those who need your help.” Sasuke gives her a glance tempered between stern and imploring. “…you could breathe life into this place again, if you want. You don’t have to - it’s yours to do with as you please. But if you want to see it filled with people again…it is possible.”

The healer goes quiet, eyes flickering back and forth as she stares at nothing and thinks. It seems so far-fetched at a glance, and yet…

“…I’ll think about it,” she eventually relents, looking back to him. “Not exactly something I can or should decide so quickly, ne?”

“No. Food for thought, is all. If it’s what you want, you can make it happen.”

“I think you’ve vastly overestimating me,” she retorts with a smile.

“Or perhaps you’re the one underestimating yourself.”

Ryū gives a sigh that dissolves into tired laughter. “…I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”

Once the sun sets behind the valley walls, Ryū lingers along the master quarter’s balcony, arms folded atop the railing and staring out into the dark. Along her left arm, her right-hand fingers trace along the paths of her scars in thought. Sasuke’s musings have plagued her all day, and as ardently as she tries to push them aside, they insist on stealing her sleep.

…she knows Yamato. Vaguely, at least. His mokuton would make short work of buildings. The manor can serve as the ryokan proper, just so long as she can ensure her own quarters would be kept from guests’ prying eyes. And she’s more than certain that her teacher could help provide the chakra necessary. The same could be said of anyone she’d find to create a road from Hi no Kuni’s floor and through the mountains. As loath as she is to disrupt the forest, hopefully it could be done with minimal interruption. There would be bathhouses to build for the springs, quarters for the inevitable staff she would need for the onsen, the ryokan, the crops and likely shops that would follow the money of the visitors. Animals would have to be brought up, raised, and tended to. The fields - most of which have just been beyond her means - will have to be ploughed, seeded, irrigated…and all that just to feed people. Hopefully she can rely on more natural sources of power, given how limited it is up here - fire for lights, and cooking. Maybe a more “rustic” experience is marketable…

And when it all comes down to it, she just might have the leverage she needs to get a running start. If she can strike a deal with Tsunade - promise Konoha healing for its most needing here for little or no charge - she might be able to get the necessary shinobi help to get things going. And Sasuke is right - if they can attract tourists with ryō to spend, they should be able to keep themselves afloat in spite of Konoha’s allowances.

…it would take time, work, and manpower…but she just might be able to do it.

“I figured you wouldn’t be sleeping.”

Having sensed his approach, Ryū doesn’t rebuke him. “…you’ve planted quite the seedling idea in my head. It insists on my attention, and now it’s growing out of control.” There’s a sigh, head bowing before she half-turns to look at him, doubt in her eyes. “…do you really think it would work? That I can do this?”

“I think we can do this,” he shortly retorts, arms crossed in his yukata. “You hardly think you’re going to be doing it alone, do you?”

“Well, no, but…”

“Then stop phrasing it that way. The more you do so subconsciously, the more you’re going to worry.” Stepping up beside her, obsidian eyes flicker about in the darkness before glancing to her. “…I know I’ve been gone for a while.”

“You needed to -”

A slight furrow of his brow cuts off her interruption. “…I know you’ve been doing this all by yourself. And before we met, you did the same. You’re used to being on your own, even after the time we spent traveling with the rest of Taka. And once that was over, you slipped right back into that mindset. It’s easy for you to do…and I know why. I do the same.”

The Uchiha’s expression manages to soften. “…neither of us have to do that anymore. As alien as it feels, we’re no longer alone. I know it’s reflexive to doubt it. But if you think we went through everything we did to end up not having each other’s backs…you’re vastly mistaken.” A brow perks. “You held my soul in your hand. What about that makes you think we’re not stuck with each other?”

A sheepish kind of guilt lowers Ryū’s gaze. “…I didn’t…mean it like that…”

“Yes, you did.” Just a hint of amusement lifts the corners of his lips. “I’m not chastising you, Ryū. I’m just trying to get it through to you.”

It’s her turn to furrow her brow, risking a glance back up. “…it…?”

Sasuke can’t help a light sigh. She can be just as oblivious as Naruto sometimes, he swears. His right hand threads fingers with her left, and his brow comes to rest against her own, feeling her tense. “When I say you’re not alone…I mean I’m here with you. For as long as you’ll have me. By your side, facing anything.”

Greys widen, staring into charcoals even as they threaten to spill.

His tone softens, lowers, slows. “Because there’s few, if any, who know what I know. Who have felt what I’ve felt. Who understands as you do. And I’ll be damned if I’d ever let a person like that go. When I say you’re not alone…I mean it’s because we’re not. Together.”

She’s shaking like a leaf, barely daring to breathe.

Sasuke looks hung up for a second, caught in a kind of indecision. But apparently he overcomes whatever obstacle there was, because he finishes his rebuttal with a simple, “…it means I love you.”

To her own surprise, Ryū doesn’t crumble right then and there…maybe because, in reality, she already knew that. It was never plainly said, but…more than implied through actions. It’s not so much a confession as it is an affirmation of an unspoken understanding. Nevertheless, she still has to swallow thickly before murmuring, “…I love you, too.”

In return, a kind of apprehension melts away from his expression, and a warm, true smile lifts his lips, gaze softening. “…we’ll do whatever you decide. This is your home. One you’ve chosen to share me with. If it’s what you want to try, I’ll stand by you. Success or failure, I’ll still be here. We’ll make due. If I can help take down a rabbit goddess, I’m fairly sure I can handle anything else Life can throw at me. At us.”

Ryū manages a shaky laugh. “…I guess that’s true. Anything else is rather mundane in comparison, isn’t it?” There’s a pause, her gaze torn aside with thought. A small part of her, admittedly, is loath to let strangers into her home. But the rest knows she could do good here. Hot springs are good for one’s health. This place, the home of her clan, has always been one of healing and respite. And she could help those who need more intense care - she could continue her work, but on her terms. In her home, without Konoha breathing down her neck. And the valley could be filled with voices again.

It helped her find herself once before. Maybe it can do so again.

“…we’ll talk about it more in the morning…for now, I think I better try to sleep.” Ryū gives a weary smile. “Not sure I’m up for much more tonight.”

“Understandable. Best get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Ryū watches him turn to go, hesitating a moment before imploring, “…stay?”

A glance is tossed over Sasuke’s shoulder, gaze unreadable.

“Just…so we’re not alone?” After a pause, she adds, “…I know it’s selfish, but…I’ve missed you. It’d be nice to just…have you near. Like when we traveled…?”

There’s a blink, and then a hint of a smile. “…I was hoping you’d ask.” Reverting his retreat, he joins her in shuffling beneath the futon’s covers, eventually settling into stillness.

For the first time since their parting, she sleeps with a smile on her face.

When morning comes, Ryū rests on her left side, feeling Sasuke’s chin atop the crown of her head, arm slung over the dip of her waist. Judging by his heart rate and chakra patterns, he’s about as deep into sleep as he can get. And as guilty as she feels for leaving, she manages to slink away unnoticed downstairs. At first she thinks to start breakfast, but…something else pulls her outside.

Leaning against the archway of the manor yard’s gate, arms fold into her yukata sleeves across her middle, staring out into the rest of the vale. There’s clouds of lingering morning fog, but sunbeams struggle to part them as it rises over the eastern peaks. Dew adorns every aspect of green, catching the light and turning everything crystalline.

Here and there, steam rises from vents and springs, adding to the misty, almost ethereal atmosphere.

This is probably what she loves most about home.

It’s not long before she senses Sasuke’s approach, resting his chin on her shoulder. “Have you been up long?”

Smiling at the gravel in his tone from sleep, she shakes her head. “No…thought I’d just…come out here and see if I could picture it.”

“Mm…” Silence for a moment before Sasuke asks, “And…can you?”

Ryū sighs. “…I think so.” A hand begins pointing. “The onsens, of course, would have to be near the pools. I’ll have to map out just how many there are, but…there’s more than enough for a women’s set of pools, men’s, and a unisex. Any smaller ones we could put private rooms near.”

Sasuke listens, a small smile on his face.

Pointing west, she goes on. “Most of the old farmland is that way - I’m sure the old fences for livestock have all but rotted away…they’ll have to be rebuilt. It’ll be far cheaper to raise our own than have it brought all the way out here.” A moment to think. “…we can put staff houses over there…and if anyone wants to open shops, they’ll probably go more east. We can put on festivals for the holidays.”

“That would be nice…” His head tilts to glance at her. “…you’ve put a lot of thought into something so hypothetical.”

“…maybe it’s not quite so hypothetical anymore. Besides, if I want to do this…I need to do it right. Plan for every detail. This place used to run completely autonomously. It had everything we needed…and it can be that way again. I’m sure of it. I can still do my work, and we can be at arm’s length from Konoha.”

“…just that far?”

“We’re going to need their help,” is her tired reply. “Yamato-san would be able to do the building so quickly. And if I can make a deal with Tsunade - offer my help with patients in return for their support - it will be all the smoother.” Ryū, in turn, glances to Sasuke. “I know it’s not ideal, but…it would give us a much-needed boost.”

“…this is your little project. Do whatever you feel you must.” After a few moments of silence, he asks, “…so, will you do it?”

Staring out into the valley, something in Ryū’s heart thrills like a struck temple bell. “…I will.”

They take a few days to lay out their plans - every detail - figuring out just what to say to convince Konoha to lend their aid. Ryū can only hope the village will find enough worth in the endeavor to let them try. Once they’ve accounted for every argument, every loophole, they take their leave and make their way back to the hidden village.

It’s only a two day trek, and yet something about it brings a comfort Ryū now realizes she’s been missing: traveling at Sasuke’s side, staring into a campfire’s flames off the roadside. They can’t be nomadic - not anymore…not now - but the small taste of what was helps ease her into the fact that he’s returned. And that this time, he won’t be going anywhere.

To her dismay, their return doesn’t go unnoted. Pardoned or not, Sasuke still has his reputation, and both stares and whispers follow them as they go.

“Don’t worry about it. You know how they are…just need something to talk about.” He hardly seems bothered, expression lax and gaze trained ahead. Sparing Ryū a glance, there’s an expectant raise of his brow. “There are far worse things a person could do than sling a few words around behind my back. It’s fine.”

She knows he’s right, of course. But that doesn’t stop the sour glance aside. “Still doesn’t make it okay.”

“We’re here for a far more important purpose than telling off some gossipers, Ryū. Don’t let it bother you.”

She bristles up for a moment, prepared to counter, but eventually deflates. …if only they knew. Knew what he’s faced, what this place has done to him…! That would make them think twice… It still irks her, how everything that happened is just…left in the past, unaddressed. It feels wrong.

Her posture wilts further with a sigh. …at least he won’t have to put up with it much longer… From here on, she’ll handle Konoha on her own.

For now, however, it’s the pair of them that approach the administration building, let in without a hitch thanks to a hawk sent before they’d left. Within the Hokage’s office is Kakashi behind the desk, and Tsunade beside it. The Godaime still gives an ever-so-slight narrowing of her eyes, but Kakashi offers no reaction beyond a subtle smile that squints his gaze.

“Ah, you made good time - Tsunade-sama made it here just before you did.”

“What is this all about?” the blonde cuts in, clearly in no mood for small talk.

Ever practiced in Tsunade’s shortened temper, Ryū doesn’t take the blunt inquiry personally. “I have a proposition for you - for the village. One that, I believe, will benefit us both.”

“Does it involve you coming back?”

“…no.” There’s a moment to regather her patience. “…I want to rebuild Kusunokizan.”

Both Kakashi and Tsunade’s brows lift in surprise. “…and how would that benefit us?”

For a moment, a retort sits atop Ryū’s tongue - a counter quip asking about how Hi no Kuni’s supposed forces did so little to protect them from destruction in the first place. But she swallows it down, instead offering, “I want to turn the manor into a ryokan - one with two purposes. One for guests for onsens built from the hot springs, and the other to be like…hospice care for those who need it from Konoha.”

That gets Tsunade’s attention. “…go on.”

Ryū then lays out her plan, going into every detail, every step that would take them from now to then. “There’s so much potential there - potential that should not be wasted. All we need is Konoha’s assistance, and we can make it a reality. In return, we will accept any patients requiring long-term care for no charge from Konoha and their allies.”

Kakashi, having only asked the occasional question, leans back in his chair, expression thoughtful as arms fold over his chest. “…so, you can continue your work, and remain home.”

“Exactly. Those within Konoha who need our help the most can get it without cost - in a place that’s without the stress of a hospital, or the rush of a hidden village. Be it for a recovery…or for their remaining days.” There’s a slight wilt to Ryū’s shoulders. “…my home has been empty for twenty years, now. I want to see it live again. The ryokan, the onsens…it’s all part of a wish to see it full of faces again. To make it a place of healing again. I know I can make this work! I just need a little help to get going - then there won’t be anything standing in my way.”

The Rokudaime tempers into a smile. “…well, it sounds like a veritable cause to me…don’t you agree, Tsunade-sama?”

Ambers flicker between Ryū and Sasuke. “…he will be staying with you?”

“Yes ma’am.” Without hesitation, Ryū’s left hand takes his right.

Tsunade gives her scarred arm a glance, and something softens in her gaze. “…very well. I’ll draft up the official documents, and get the people we need. We’ll help you with construction of your requested buildings, and the road. Then we’ll have to determine what supplies you’ll need, and a loan for them you can begin to pay back with your services once you’re on your feet. As for finding employees…you’ll have to vet them yourself. I’m not about to hold your hand through everything.”

Ryū can’t help a small, wry smile. “Of course not.”

Official negotiations take hours. With each agreement Konoha relents, their debt stacks a little higher. All throughout, Ryū pays sharp attention, not letting anything slip. Only every so often does Sasuke interject, leaving most of the talking to her. Instead, he takes to watching her from the corners of his eyes, a hint of a smile on his face.

“And with that…I believe we have our framework,” Kakashi finally announces, the windows behind him long dark. “It will take time to get things organized, but hopefully within a few days, we can get started!”

“Thank you again for your help,” Ryū offers, giving a respectful bow. “I’m sure we’ll all come away from this making lives better.”

“I believe we will.” Handing her her copies, Kakashi gives Ryū an eye-crinkling smile. “We’ll let you know once we’ve got everything ready on our end.”

The young healer gives a curt nod of her head. “We’ll remain in Konoha until then.”

Only once they’re out of sight of the administration building does Ryū sag against a wall with a shaking sigh. “Gods, I’ve never been so pent up in my life…”

Sasuke gives a soft snicker. “You held up rather well. Come on…we should get some food in you, then some sleep.”

“Sasuke?!”

The pair glance up to see a familiar face, which wastes no time closing the gap between them. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you two! Where’ve you been?”

“Home,” is Ryū’s short reply, giving Naruto a weary smile. “Sasuke only just got back a few days ago.”

“Then…what are you doing here?”

“…how about we find a place to sit and eat, and we’ll fill you in, ne?”

“Sure, sure!”

It’s not a meal with Naruto unless it takes place at Ichiraku’s. With Naruto on Sasuke’s left and Ryū on his right, the pair of them explain their endeavor in a handful of words.

“Whoa…that’ll be awesome! I’ll have to come spend a week or two, eh?” The blond gives a grin. “Come drive the teme nuts for a while!”

“I’d like to see you try,” is Sasuke’s retort, taking up another mouthful.

“We’d love to have you,” Ryū amends, giving Sasuke a look, but not without a smile.

Watching them for a moment, Naruto blinks before squinting. “…wait a minute…”

“Hm?”

Humming thoughtfully, he looks them both over for a long moment, Sasuke’s expression blank while Ryū’s is simply confused.

“…what’s all this ‘we’ stuff, huh?”

“…what do you mean?”

“Everything you’ve said! It’s been ‘we this’ and ‘we that’ - is there somethin’ I don’t know about?”

“I fail to see how it’s any of your business,” Sasuke rebukes, pointedly staring at his bowl.

Ryū giggles into a hand. “Well, Sasuke is staying with me, in Kusunokizan. He’s going to be helping me.”

“…mm.” Blues squint further. “…and?”

Flushing pink, she just replies, “…and what?”

“Are you, y’know…a thing…?”

“Naruto, your habit of butting in my business clearly hasn’t gone away while I’ve been absent.” The Uchiha’s tone is a bit more growling, eyes sliding to their corners. “There’s enough gossiping going around without you giving anyone else something new to talk about.”

“But you are, right? It’s totally obvious! You were all googoo-eyed a second ago!”

Ryū blinks. “…was he?”

“I don’t do googoo eyes,” Sasuke retorts.

Hesitating at his slip of temper, the medic puts a hand on his arm. “He’s just teasing you, ne?”

Sasuke sighs, shoulders losing their tension at her touch. “…as always.”

“There, see! You just -”

“Naruto!” Ryū cuts in, giving him a sheepish smile. “Maybe not now…ne?”

The blond just pouts, arms crossing with a harrumph. “Teme finally gets a girlfriend and I don’t even get to give him any crap about it…”

“There’ll be time for that later,” Ryū assures him with a laugh. “For now, we’ve had a long few days. We’ll probably be in the village for a few more - maybe we’ll catch up more after we’ve had a chance to rest, okay?”

Naruto considers that before sighing. “Yeah, yeah…I’ll butt out. No sense being a third wheel, ‘ttebayo…” Putting down his fare, hands stuff in his pockets before managing a softer grin. “…still. Good on ya, Sasuke. It’s about time.”

Watching him go, it’s Ryū’s turn to exhale. “Some things never change…”

“Tell me about it.” Getting as close as Uchiha Sasuke can get to pouting, he pushes his bowl up and digs out some ryō. “If you ever consent to him staying for more than three days at a time, I might do something drastic.”

Ryū just laughs. “I’m sure you could survive more than that.” Abandoning her stool, she takes his hand in both of her own, tugging him with a warm smile. “Come on - it’s still early yet. Let’s wander around for a bit, ne? We’ve both been away two years, after all!”

With Naruto gone, Sasuke softens with a small smile. “As if I can refuse you.”

They wander the thoroughfares for a time, hand in hand, just watching the village settle into night. She has to admit, part of her missed this…but she also tells herself there will be lights and laughter back home soon enough. She just has to be patient.

Taking a room at an inn, Ryū sits along the bed’s side as Sasuke readies for the night. It’s almost like the day hasn’t sunk in yet. Sasuke’s weight settles behind her, drawing her glance over her shoulder. “I guess now we play the waiting game.”

“Consider it a practice in patience.”

She scoffs, smiling. “I’ve mastered senjutsu - I have the patience of a saint.”

“After everything I pulled you through, I think I know that better than anyone.”

There’s a hum of agreement, joining him beneath the bedclothes and resting her cheek atop his shoulder. “…things are going to get hectic for a while.”

“I think we can handle it just fine.”

“That we can.”

A few days are spent in Konoha, leaving the Hokage to their business until they hear back. Until then, the pair mostly just hang about the village - browse shops, wander streets, peruse cafes, and simply sit about and watch the village go about its days. And every so often, a familiar face comes up and says hello, surprised to see them - especially Sasuke.

Saying a fond farewell to Hinata, their latest companion, Ryū gives a light sigh. “…it’s strange how much people have changed in just two years, ne?” When there’s no reply, she turns to see Sasuke with a hawk on his arm.

“Looks like we’re ready to go.”

As she’d expected, they find Yamato among a small group in Kakashi’s office, alongside a doton kunoichi and several fūinjutsu specialists.

“They’ve managed to condense your supplies into some scrolls,” the Rokudaime explains, gesturing with a hand to a stack of them on his desk. “Just…be sure to be careful when unsealing them, eh? Don’t need you being crushed. Otherwise…I think you’re free to get started!”

“Well try to be quick and get these two back home soon,” Ryū replies with a smile. “You’ll have to pay us a visit once everything’s up and running, Kakashi-senpai.”

“That I will.”

Once the group of them make it back to the foothills of the mountains, Ryū and the doton user take the lead, mapping out the best route for the road. “I’d like to make it as…unintrusive as possible.”

“Sure, sure! And maybe Yamato-taichō can put a small something halfway up - y’know, in case there’s rain and people need a place to duck out.”

“That’s a great idea!”

Within the valley proper, the kunoichi splits off to go back and start her work, and Yamato puts hands on his hips. “So…you said there’s someone here to help with chakra?”

“Mhm!” Sending Fubuki up the mountain to fetch Suigin, Ryū uses the time to point out where everything will go. “I hope it’s not too much?”

“Depends on what your friend can help out with.

In spite of herself, Ryū smirks. “I think she can handle it.”

Behind her, steam obscures the path down the peaks, billowing out until clearing to reveal the dragon sage.

Yamato pales.

Declining her head, Suigin offers, “You have need of my help, little one?”

“Yes, shishō.” Explaining the plan, Ryū delights as the sage nods.

“Simple enough. Shall we begin, Yamato-san?”

Expression still shocked, the shinobi just nods.

Following Ryū’s instructions, the group begins work on buildings for staff, for shops, for onsens and livery barns. By nightfall, the silhouettes of them peer out of the mist.

Nevertheless exhausted, Yamato and the kunoichi both take to sleep almost immediately after Ryū ensures they have a home-cooked meal.

“I hope they’re not too overtired,” she muses as Sasuke dries the dishes she washes.

“They’re shinobi - one day of work, no matter how straining, isn’t about to kill them.” There’s an amused glance her way. “You worry too much.”

“If you were a medic who knew almost anything that can go wrong with a person, you’d do nothing but worry, too.”

“…fair enough.”

Within a few days, the road reaches from Hi no Kuni’s floor to the entrance torī gate, and every building on their list is empty, but built.

Thanking the pair again, Ryū sends them off after rest and one last meal, staring out at the work they’ve done. “…this is real, right? I’m not dreaming?”

“If you are, then so am I.” Arm around her waist, Sasuke stands at her side. “Now the hard parts, hm?”

Making up flyers, Ryū sends them to every major village in Hi no Kuni. Advertisements for the positions she needs filled, giving a romantic view of the project. And slowly, people begin to arrive.

Vetting them takes time, but eventually she starts to get an official roster for her staff. Farmers begin to work the fields, bringing families to fill the houses. Onsen workers receive training, ryokan staff being beating back the tide of dust in the manor, and the livery handlers begin fence repairs as animals are brought in. And within a few weeks, they’re ready to start as the time flies with the rush of preparations.

All the while, Ryū juggles the financials and schedules, thankfully at least partially prepared after some of her work in the hospital. Sasuke lends aid, and together they find a shaky foundation.

“…now to just find people to come.”

More flyers. More enticing offers to try and bring people in. And at first, no one does. Nerves wind tighter with each passing day, Ryū taking to staring out toward the road with a worried hand at her chin.

But then it starts. All of a sudden, like a floodgate’s been opened, an entourage of people appear. Taken aback and yet eager, Ryū starts settling them in as she’s been practicing for weeks, all smiles and polite bows.

Not far behind them, to her surprise, is Kakashi. Giving him a suspicious look, she can’t help but ask, “…was this your doing?”

“There might have been a kage meeting a few days ago,” he admits, looking aloof. “…and I might have mentioned it. And I might have urged the others to mention it, in turn, to their more up-and-up citizens.”

“You did not…!”

“I said I might. Plausible deniability, Ryū.”

Expression shocked, she eventually laughs. “I think my debt just got a whole lot deeper, ne?”

“Give me a room with a good view, and we’ll call it even.”

The days are busy, from sunup to sundown. But Ryū relishes in it, working alongside Sasuke to keep things under control. After the initial rush, things settle into a pattern, and everyone seems to find their niche. Each night finds them all exhausted, but with a humbling sense of accomplishment.

Standing out in the balcony one night, Ryū just…looks at the lights, and listens to the voices of the voices in the ryokan - all merry, some tinged with drink. Even at this hour, guests linger in the pools, and the homes of the locals are still lit from within.

It doesn’t feel real.

There’s no surprise when Sasuke joins her, embracing from behind. “Is this how you imagined it?”

“…and so much more. Look at this place, Sasuke…look how alive it is. How happy.” Overwhelmed tears bead along her lids. “…I never thought I would see something like this. It’s just…beyond what words can say. It’s not just some empty graveyard of ghosts and half-forgotten memories. It’s real again.” She draws a shaky breath. “…it’s not empty. I’m not alone…”

Sasuke softens, bringing his head around to her cheek with his own. “…no, you’re not. And never again will you be. Look at all you’ve done.”

“It was your idea,” she retorts with a sound half-sob, half-laugh.

“And together, we made it happen. But you know you’re the heart of this place. It was your home before it was anything else. You opened it up to a future - brought it life and light again.”

Chest near bursting, Ryū’s eyes close in contentment, nuzzling against him softly.

“…welcome home.”

     THIS IS SO LATE I’M SO SORRY. I’ve had blocks like you wouldn’t believe OTL Also it got really rambly but tbh I love writing stuff like this so I just...went overboard. Also because I wanted it to be worth the darn wait, lol      I also adore this verse and writing them together in it just...! Is good. I’ve never written a prologue to it before, just stuff after it’s all been said and done. So this was neat to write!      I hope it was to your liking! And not too all-over-the-place like my longer stuff tends to get, aha~ If you want anything changed let me know, but for now I’ma go collapse cuz GOLLY this is long xD      Also since this IS for the giveaway doohickey, just a quick thank you, Boo, for you being a mutual for all this time. I adore writing with you, and I hope this is a lil something given back to show my appreciation ;w; <3