#so all i can think of is those two very gay ninjas walking towards each other smiling and then holding kunai to the other's throat

[the-midnight-post]

AO3 Top Relationships Bracket- Semifinals

This poll is a celebration of fandom history; we're aware that there are certain issues with many of the listed pairings and sources, but they are a part of that history. Please do not take this as an endorsement, and refrain from harassment.

[captnjacksparrow]

Why do I ship SNS?

It is a known fact that when people experience a good media, they like to discuss various things they liked, hated, interpret what the creator trying to say and get something from what they have consumed. Eventually people end up in a shipping war if there are multiple possibilities. 

I started watching Naruto on a whim, hoping to see some ninjas in action with some revenge as a background (after all when you have power, there will always be a revenge). Am a sucker for revenge, btw. I am a person who hates romance in media. Because, every movie, book, novel, series has this same recycled romance plastered into every story even though the story don’t need at all. So, I am very tired of it. Every media portrays romance as something inevitable, necessary and something we can’t live without. That’s wrong. 

Usually, romance goes like this... Person A sees Person B... they hate each other and add some possessiveness, jealousy... they magically gets attracted through some shared experiences eventually... they kiss and make babies. There’s nothing wrong with this. It’s just very tiring as I’ve seen million forms of this same repeated trope. I always cringe and yell “Can you give us something different? Grrr.....”.

And also, my motto is that love can happen with any person. It can’t be restrained into certain boundaries. So, I don’t like to put some relationship under an umbrella called Gay, Lesbian, Straight or whatever. Of course, illicit relationships and incest are not normal and am not okay with it.

With all that being said...

My experience after watching the Shippuden series until episode 478 was “Wait, do they love each other?”. I know am very late to realize this, but I have never even viewed them with any romantic lens throughout. 

On my first watch, I was always under the impression that “They are friends”... But there are certain moments I felt “Wait, why are they doing like this which could’ve been handled in a different way!!” I will get to this later in this post. But those moments were overlooked by me because of my curiosity of “What happens next ??”. 

And on my rewatch, it only confirmed my view. 

The other popular ships like SS and NH put forth many points to invalidate what SNS represents. The most common being “They are reincarnated brothers” or  “They are best friends”. Am just going to debunk them from my point of view. 

Naruto and Sasuke are like brothers.....

Nope. 

The best brotherhood title, in this series, should officially go to Itachi and Sasuke. 

You can argue as much as you want that Itachi mindfucked Sasuke and killed his parents....yaada yaada.... 

It is repeatedly shown why Itachi put a curtain on his own clan. The reason is, Uchiha clan decided to forcefully take over the village. No matter how much innocent you are, you cannot take over something with force. Dot. I will write about this in a separate post.

In short, Sasuke realised how his clan members were wrong after hearing the story from the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. That’s why he openly proclaimed “I am going to protect Konoha and become Hokage”. 

Back to the topic, Itachi and Sasuke are blood brothers. If I ship them both, then what you claim is very valid. 

The above gif says, “Sasuke, I know, I made a mistake by filling you with hatred. But whatever you decide to do from now on, I will love you always”. Meaning, He stopped treating Sasuke as a kid and accepts that Sasuke has his own path to walk.

This is exactly how brothers behave. I would do the same to my kid sister. You can see a fraternal instinct from Itachi’s eyes realizing that this is their last time together.

Another thing, Brothers trope always has this hierarchy.... Protect the younger sibling no matter what. It is evident from Madara/Izuna and Hashirama/Tobirama.

Not convinced?

If you pull the Indra and Ashura bullshit, let me tell you one thing. Indra and Ashura were separated and formed their own clan long ago. They eventually branched off into Uchiha and Senju clans. No way you can relate a century old blood relation as brothers. It’s just their chakra got reincarnated over and over. 

Don’t pull up an incest angle between Naruto and Sasuke. Because they never shared a womb. Dot. 

Naruto and Sasuke are Best Friends only.

You know what, you are almost right. I thought that for a very long time. Remember I never wore any shipping goggles ON. 

There are two types of best friend categories. Best Friends without a reason and Best Friends through rivalry. 

Best Friends without a reason in Narutoverse are: Shikamaru/Choji. 

They just became friends and became BFF. They won’t fight or hurt each other. But when you have something to share...you would go to that person and share everything honestly.

Best Friends through Rivalry: Kakashi/Obito, Hashirama/Madara, Naruto/Sasuke

I really cannot provide more proof for the first two pairings as Best Friends as it is not the scope of this post. Although the latter two also qualifies for shipping category. Why?

Because, the common thing among them is that all the three Uchihas awakened/reawakened their Sharingan for their best friend. But Hashirama/Madara and Naruto/Sasuke are the only pairings to awaken or evolve Sharingan when trying to break their bonds with each other. 

Special Brownie points for Madara. He had 4 brothers and lost 3 but still couldn’t awaken his Sharingan but when trying to break up with Hashirama, his eyes were brimming red. 

Sasuke’s Sharingan matures in the first Valley of The End.

That’s why I excluded Hashirama/Madara and Naruto/Sasuke from this Best Friends list.

Because to the both Uchihas, the other person meant something special which cannot be comprehended into a mere term called ‘Best Friends’.

Which is exactly why Kakashi/Obito would perfectly fall into this category.

The way they quarrel, fight with each other, protect each other are perfect scores for a friendship. What makes them best friends is when Obito decided to give his Sharingan despite Kakashi was always putting a cold air around him and most importantly asked him to protect his love ‘Rin’. Also Kakashi carried his friend’s will to his heart and passed on to Team 7.

It all falls under ‘In the memory of my Best Friend’ trope.

Obito may be a trash but he is a good friend. Because after Rin was killed, he massacred everyone around him except for Kakashi. He could have killed him. Understandable. Or he could have plucked his Sharingan back (because he literally plucked most of the Sharingans from the Uchiha clan massacre and kept those eyes as a reserve). This could have enabled him to use Susanoo. I believe Susanoo can only be used with Mangekyo Sharingan in both eyes. But for some reason, he didn’t. 

So what makes me think Naruto and Sasuke love each other, not as a brother and not as a friend but something beyond which I can’t term?

My way of shipping is not about marriage, sex and rearing babies. Because literally everyone does this as an obligation. 

So, I don’t ship them in terms of living together in my headcanon and having sex daily. Nope. But it is not wrong though if you ship in that sense.

In this Narutoverse, Women are just some stow away pieces whose sole existence is to fawn over their dreamboy and cry for them. (Usually literally nothing useful comes out of them). Me being a girl, as much as I hate this setup but I have come to terms with whatever it is and have accepted it. If you are a girl looking for a strong female character...... this is not the place. Watch something else. 

But I draw inspiration from male characters who are characterized deeply for which I have to applaud the creator. Reason being, the very first character which I connected with was Itachi. It was when Sasuke thinks about his past with his family in the flashback before the first VotE battle in part I. I will be writing a separate post about Itachi in this week. 

In short, If you are a person who wants inspiration, draw it from male characters. Not in a single moment, you stoop so low for characters like Hinata and Sakura. That’s not how I envision myself or any woman. Dot.

With all this being said, I ship them as a couple who necessarily don’t have to get married or have sex... But they each other has some special allowance towards each other in their hearts which no one can touch, not even their wives or children. 

This doesn’t mean I accept what came after episode 478 as they are literally something they made for $$$$$. 

There are some basic traits which are absolutely necessary for a ship to sail successfully. They are Acknowledgement, Reason, No Hierarchy, Influence, Owning each others rights and Privilege. (All these reasons should come from both the sides for the ship to be worthy)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Acknowledgement, I mean here, is to accept and acknowledge what they are to each other.

They both agree that they are Bonded/Friends verbally as well as emotionally.

To me, this is essential in any relationship especially for the ones you are trying to ship. I didn’t see this in any other ships like SS or NH where it is always one sided. Sakura confessed before the village entrance to which Sasuke said “You really are annoying!!”. Hinata proposed in Pain arc. Naruto didn’t even acknowledge her confession. He went on to beg for pardon for Sasuke. Again she proposed in the War at the expense of Love Cupid “Neji”. Naruto went on to joke with Minato that Sakura is his Girl Friend. 

If I were in both of these girls place, I would literally be mad and drop this shit right away.

Wheras in SNS, I saw both the people I am trying to ship were asking “What am I to you?”, to which they reply “You are my friend”. To me this is very important.

Reason

To those who are saying “Love is blind”, “Love is Madness”, “Love needs no reason”, you all need self-evaluation. This is not some K Drama situation where you don’t need any reason. You should know why you love someone and why you need the other’s presence.

Naruto’s reason is very simple.

I could provide many reasons. But here, Sasuke, without any reservations... knowing full well of the consequence if he feed Naruto but still extended the helping hand to someone who was always hostile. It is just like what Iruka did. And many incidents which happened during Land of the Waves arc are evident.

He wanted to be friends with this lonely Uchiha boy way back when he was around 7 or 8 for a simple reason that he understands his pain more than anyone. But he really became friends when they were grouped together for Team 7.  

Sasuke’s reason goes even way beyond when Naruto series started.

“Because he felt relief”.

Imagine a young boy who witnessed a massacre before his eyes and lost everyone he loved. But somehow another young boy of his age made him feel relieved. This explains why Sasuke went all out of his way to make friendship with Naruto despite being aloof. 

Isn’t this what we want from someone we love?  

Rather than being completely insensitive about an orphan life or just stalking from the distance and never offered any support, I would prefer someone who understands my pain from their heart and try to reach me. Sasuke reached out to him by offering the lunch and Naruto reached out to him by making him his rival and bug him.

NO HIERARCHY

This is pretty self-explanatory. Unlike blood brothers, there should be no hierarchy in a relationship I want to ship. 

We saw Naruto yells at Sasuke many times absolutely for no reason, despite Sasuke bearing this cold attitude. Probably he is the only person who can call him by such variety of names. 

Sasuke always calls him by his trademark ‘Usuratonkachi’. Sometimes he calls him fool just like everyone. But was never insulting or mean towards Naruto. Except for that time in the final battle, he made fun of his Shadow Clone jutsu citing his loneliness. 

In short, be it a physical fight or verbal offense.... neither of them wilts like a flower. They equally give back. 

The only other person who can verbally assault Sasuke is Karin and probably the only girl who never addresses him as “Sasuke-Kun”. 

U-SU-RA-TON-KA-CHI..... Why do Sasuke spend such an effort to call someone with a 6 syllabic word, instead NA-RU-TO, a 3 syllabic word which is way more convenient to call?? I always wonder.

POSITIVE INFLUENCE

I don’t have to spell out anything here. There are many obvious examples but will try to keep it short. 

Naruto became strong because of Sasuke. He trained hard for 3 years with Jiraiya , a month with Kakashi developing Rasen Shuriken and controlled Kurama’s power with Killer Bee. Except for Sage Mode jutsu everything he learnt was all for bringing Sasuke back. 

In short, Sasuke is Naruto’s predominant strength. 

Though Naruto was not the source of strength for Sasuke, but he brings out many vibrant emotions in Sasuke which he really needed for his traumatic mind otherwise he would always be that cold angry brooding doll without any emotions and I am sure Sasuke enjoys to banter with Naruto.

LOL!!! I don’t know why Sasuke feels competitve here. It’s pretty childish even for Sasuke.

Friendly tease :-) I think he also protected Sakura in this scene. He can also ask her the same, isn’t it? I mean as a friend. 

The best one is yet to come

It’s incredibly hilarious to see how Sasuke pouts when he was with Naruto. Sakura!!!! You third wheeling joker :-D :-D

Throughout Shippuden, Sasuke never shows his emotions with anyone. He either looks very cold or angry.

Reminiscing his Team 7 days, for a split second. 

Probably the only positive emotion is this, in all of the Shippuden. I mean not counting Episode 478.

I don’t think Sakura brought any kind emotions in Sasuke except annoyance when they were together in Team 7. Or Hinata too. These girls just moan “Sasuke-Kun”, “Naruto-Kun” but brings nothing to the table. Total wastrels!!!!!

OWNING EACH OTHER’S RIGHTS

This section is exactly where SNS moves on to a whole different level.

Sasuke wanted to inflict his pain over everyone who lives in peaceful Konoha for what it did to Itachi. (though I don’t really accept with Sasuke here since he never even bothered to question about his clan’s history, but what he was doing is understandable. Just like Naruto tells him).

But the context here is Sasuke is on a murder rampage. Starting from the Kage Summit, killing Danzo, unnecessarily hurting Karin and almost reached a point where he could not be stopped anymore. Then Ms.Annoying appears. She literally have no fucking clue what Sasuke is going through. So started to spout nonsense that she wanted to go with Sasuke-Kun with an ulterior motive to kill him without a strong resolve. 

The interesting SS dynamics here is Sasuke asks Sakura “Do you know what I want?” and to which she gives a carefree-shitty-pathetic answer “I don’t care. I will do whatever you want”. Geez!!!

If I were Sasuke, I would think, “This person standing before me don’t even care about what I want but coming with an intent to kill me and not only that... she is a kunoichi from Konoha where I planned to inflict my pain by slaughtering them.. I better ram my Chidori and be done with it”... He doesn’t see her as his former Teammate. He just want to kill that person.

However, Kakashi deflects the attack and saves Ms.Useless. 

( Me : I am a Sasuke fan through and through. But, Sakura..... You always says you will do this, do that.... But you never succeed at anything... Why is that? Why are you even continue being a ninja? No one asked you to kill Sasuke, you decided to. But why don’t you kill him. Probably you would’ve earned my begrudging respect... Pffft” ****sighs with a heavy second hand embarassment)

Anyways, Sasuke becomes an unstoppable maniac at this point because he was very irritated on seeing Kakashi and Sakura spouting some unreachable nonsense. So he started to attack Kakashi as he is even more irritated on seeing his Sharingan.

Again, Ms.Idiot wants to kill Sasuke when he is at his weakest point due to chakra exhaustion and that too from behind his back. (You!!! Gutless wrench). Sasuke sensed this and attempted to kill her again... (Naruto!!! You idiot. Why did you save her...)

However, Naruto appears and saves her. Naruto and Sasuke’s eyes meet each other.

But somehow Sasuke calmed down and hears out Naruto for what he has to say. He says, “Whatever you are doing until now, it’s understandable”. 

Kakashi wanted to kill him and Sasuke got riled up and prepare his Chidori. Anyways, Naruto intervenes and they go to some meta physical plane and talks privately. And Naruto comes up with his idea and announces as below:

Me: Naruto!!!! Sweety..... Do you realize that you have a big dream of becoming a Hokage which you have been shouting from Day 1? But still you want to overthrow everything for that one person who is in unbearable pain. It’s alright. But you don’t want to go alone or send him alone. No Best friend would go this far. And to those Sakura shippers.... Why didn’t Sakura try to bear the burden? Why didn’t she come up with this Idea? Afterall, you spout nonsense like ‘Sakura saved Sasuke from Darkness, isn’t it?’ And, Naruto.... Who gave you the right to take his hatred and shoulder the burden? And what makes you think you are that only person to do it??? Sasuke, might have other special person in those 3 years. How can you decide on Sasuke’s behalf??? Aren’t you going overboard ?

The answer to all the above is simple, Naruto can risk anything for Sasuke. And he clearly knew that Sasuke’s only living bond is him.

And what happened next was almost unbelievable and for the first time I thought ‘What is it with these two guys?’. 

Sasuke agrees with Naruto’s proposition to not destroy Konoha before fighting with Naruto. 

Me: Sasuke!!!! You have every right to reject his proposition. Since, he was not in your life for the past 3 years, your side of bond with Naruto should have been cut-off long back, right? Sasuke??? Well, at this point he was just your former Team 7 member. You don’t need to honor your proposition. You can attack Konoha anytime. Why did you accept?

Also Me: Sweety!!! Why do you always question Naruto ‘Who am I to you’? Why do you need his opinion always? There is an annoying princess standing behind Naruto vying for your attention. And yet you didn’t even ask her this question at any time. But before Naruto, you completely calmed down from your rampage and willing to wait for what he has to say plus asking for his validation. After all you don’t care about anything, why just Naruto???

And the reason being, Naruto is still his closest bond which he couldn’t cut off despite trying very hard. After all, Many years ago, Sasuke was the one, who readily jumped in to protect Naruto knowing full well that it’s a trap. He was ready to throw away his revenge for this boy back then. Sasuke is afraid that he will give in to this bond once more and Naruto is his weakness which he wants to eliminate so badly.

This is definitely not any Best Friend would do..... Fix that in your mind.

The purpose of these GIFs is not show how protective Sasuke is..... Well, I can talk about it all day. Let’s save it.

Me: Yo!!!! Sasuke..... You wanted to kill Naruto.... You said so yourself under the bridge. Meaning, He is the only person standing between your goal and your resolve and Naruto is always known to weaken your resolve. And yet why are you protecting him here? There is absolutely no need. Because, if there is a situation like Kaguya where both of you are must needed to save this world , then there is a reason to save him. But why now? Plus do you know, if Naruto dies, then Madara’s plan may not succeed because if a Jinchuriki dies, tailed beast also dies. It is perfect for your Revolution, isn’t it? Who gave you the right to own his life? Obito has his reason to kill Naruto, why not let him?Why is it that you want to personally remove him from your life? If he is dead by an external factor, you can carry on your path without any interference and pain. Why go so far to protect him ?

The answer is Sasuke values Naruto’s life more than his own even during his Team 7 days. He has this high esteem for Naruto and almost consider it to be a shame if some worthless fool takes his life. And Sasuke never hated Naruto. He once hated Itachi and his resolve to kill was real and intense. But when Orochimaru asked him to kill 1000 people for practice, Sasuke never killed anyone. He even implemented no kill policy for his team “Hebi”. So, someone like Sasuke who never liked to kill random innocent people, how could he let some trash take away a life, he considers dearly to the same level of Itachi? That’s why in this situation, his body moved on his own to protect something special for him. He may not agree it, but he always shows it.

But some other ship wankers try to say Sasuke may have said “You are annoying” but inside he deeply loved her which is why he was smiling. If so, Why didn’t Sasuke never showed his care not even once? He not only tried to kill her twice when she was defenseless but also let her die twice or didn’t bother at all during the war. Or show me where these soul level connection happened between SS or NH

In short, Sasuke and Naruto own each other’s rights unconsciously. Because they are the only ones who can understand each other’s soul which nobody can reach.

Me: Oh, by the way Sasuke, I think Susanoo should be used like this. You really don’t need your hand to protect Naruto. Susanoo can do it’s work for you. Minato would be proud though!!!!

PRIVILEGE

Most of the points I written above are in and of itself is a privilege they give for each other and not for anyone else. Privilege is essential in a ship. Because it shows how different a loved one is from normal people. 

For Naruto, 

I originally want to put how he begs for forgiveness on Sasuke’s behalf before Raikage and weeps immeasurably before hyperventilating. But this one trumps the other. Naruto literally broadcasted everyone how important Sasuke is to him and how he regretted not offering his friendship at that time and how he couldn’t stop Sasuke from reaching Orochimaru. 

If you want to inspire Alliance shinobi forces, you should have shown how you worked so hard from the bottom to top. Projecting Sasuke as your regret and inspiring people shows how deeply you prioritize this person which affects you after so many years and hence, you don’t want any more regrets. 

It’s very unconventionally romantic which passes the shipping category in flying colours. 

For Sasuke,

The following is the Land of the waves arc which was novelized in the name of Innocent Heart, Demonic Blood released in 2006. 99.9% of the material is exactly as it happens in Manga/Anime. 

This is the privilege Sasuke provides for Naruto. “ But coming from Sasuke, It almost counted as a hug”... 

BROWNIE POINTS:

Now, the following are the scenes which add a mysterious flavour to this ship. I sincerely don’t understand why Kishimoto put this. I mean I am absolutely happy with it, but why? What was he thinking while drawing these scenes? 

It’s also strange that, whenever they clash a Chidori with Rasengan..... They always gets repelled to their own sides and fall with a loud thump. But Naruto’s posture looks very perfect, I mean it looks like someone carried him and laid him down. Anyways, What’s Sasuke doing on Naruto’s side?? He should have fell on the opposite side. Why didn’t he walk away? There is absolutely no reason for Sasuke to come over to Naruto’s side and have an intense meaningful gaze. 

This is another mysterious plus intense scene. I am still wondering, Is this really Sasuke? He is a person who avoids casual touches with anyone other than his brother. I’ve seen so many times Sasuke rejecting hugs from Sakura. I can’t even imagine what Kishimoto was thinking. 

If you people pass these scenes off as Brotherhood or Best Friend chemistry... Then you lack basic human emotions. That’s all. 

Me: Well, Sasuke, If you really want to kill him, you should have shovelled your sword right through Naruto’s vital point when you made that exuberant landing. There is literally no need for you to draw a long sword in close quarters. And what about the Personal Space??? With your speed, you can land without leaning on Naruto’s shoulders... 

Also Me: Yo, Naruto... You were panicking when Sai does the same....but you don’t even flinch when Sasuke invades your personal space????

Anyways, it’s funny that both the intense scenes I have mentioned here were initiated by Sasuke. Quite strange and thrilling.

So, to conclude.... All these scenes I have mentioned  made me unconsciously ship them as a pair. With all these being said, I believe all the ingredients for a good romance were laid perfectly. A moment of impulsive tension or affection, say a hug, between them after a difficult battle could mess with both and make a romance happen. And I don’t think either of them will deny especially Sasuke. 

I don’t see any of this aspect in other popular ships such as SS and NH. If I am Sakura or Hinata in this universe, I will not be okay with my pair doing all these things with other person. I intentionally left scenes from Episode 478 as it is so intense and require a separate post. I am happy that even without Episode 478, SNS ship sails high. So, I believe both Sakura and Hinata are still fourth wheeling their respective pairs in Boruto universe also, I guess. 

P.S: I don’t watch Boruto

Final memento:

No way a friend will look this mesmerized on seeing the other one. 

[kakashisdarling]

Steamy Neighbor II - Kakashi Hatake

Thanks to the amazing @feelingsandemotionsnotexplored for requesting a second part to Steamy Neighbor. Find the first part here. And thanks for reading❤️

Kakashi x reader

I shut my eyes open as I hear a strange noise, only to find myself in a bedroom that’s not mine. A cold drop of sweat runs through my spine as I manage to sit in the bed. The room’s decorated in a minimalistic way with neutral tones and wooden furniture. Somehow it feels soothing.

Shit. I’m at Kakashi’s.

I press my eyelids harshly, trying to remember the events of last night. We came home from the mission and drank some sake to celebrate the good news. We had been camping in the forest near our village, keeping an eye on the east lurkers while Gai and Iruka stayed close to the ones in the west. In the end, they turned out to be a group of adventurers who had gotten lost on their way to the Mist Village, they even asked us for directions and advice regarding the terrain. Meaning they were completely harmless.

Slowly I get out of the bed and take a glance outside, looking for the source of the strange noise. I sense movement in the kitchen. The silver haired ninja is on his knees scouting the inside of a cabinet, with a soft groan he pulls out a rice cooker and leaves it on the surface near the stove, where he is cooking something in a pan.

“That smells good” I say with a husky sleepy tone. Kakashi turns to me and presumably he is smiling, as the corners of his visible eye crease faintly.

“I know you usually just drink juice in the morning, so I thought you could use a decent breakfast for a change.”

“That’s not true, I pick up snacks on the way or cry at Iruka’s door until he feeds me” I poorly try to defend myself as I walk and lean on the countertop near him.

“The last two weeks before our mission you only drank juice, I know for sure.”

My jaw drops wide open at his statement.

“Were you spying on me all this time? What a stalker!” I pretend to sound offended as I raise the back of my hand to my forehead. Kakashi chuckles and his cheekbones turn slightly reddish. He looks adorable and I wish I could see that blush in his bare cheeks.

“You talk to yourself very loudly, so it is hard not to peek at your morning routine when you’re basically narrating everything and growling at the oranges while squeezing them.”

Now it’s my turn to blush. I do tend to talk to myself a lot, saying what I’m thinking without any filter helps me clear my head. I try to fight the heat in my cheeks as I think of a sharp response.

Eureka.

“So, Kakashi, do you have a specific schedule for cooking naked? You should really let me know, I could come give you a hand those days” I tease with a naughty smile.

Kakashi closes his eyes as his full face turns bright red.

“It depends. I only do it if my nosy neighbor happens to be in her kitchen” he says cheekily.

“Oh” I mumble a little surprised but ready for another round. “Should I go to my kitchen this morning?”

“You can mock me all you want, in the end my plan worked out well, didn’t it?” a wide smile forms in his lips beneath the dark cloth and he raises an eyebrow suggestively. He seems to have the blush under control now.

“It worked? I’m not sure it did, you haven’t even asked me out” I keep teasing, in response he chuckles stridently.

“You can’t give me that argument when you just woke up in my bed.”

He has a point.

“Did we -uhm- sleep together?”

“We just slept,” he smiles reassuringly. “You literally passed out on the couch after asking me to bring your pajamas.”

Oh no.

“Did you…?” my voice breaks before I finish my question.

“You changed on your own. But don’t worry, next time I’ll do it myself.”

“KAKASHI HATAKE!” I scream embarrassed, this time unable to fight the intense flush in my face, my thoughts running wild.

He giggles playfully, resembling a child whose mischief was a complete success.

“So what are your plans for today?”

“Mmmmm, we still have to hand in the mission report. And I’m really craving some ramen, so I’ll probably try to persuade Iruka into coming to Ichiraku with me.”

“I could go with you,” Kakashi says with a subtle undertone.

Is he shy all of a sudden after giving me an intentional naked show less than a week ago? This man is unbelievable.

“Oh. I’d really like that and Iruka probably can’t wait to get back to his kids.”

He nods and without a word, he takes out two bowls and serves a generous portion of rice on each. Then he sprinkles some furikake on top and adds a dried egg and sesame seeds. With a warm expression he points to the chair and puts the bowls next to each other.

“Thank you, Kakashi,” I utter while sitting next to him. He stares at me expectantly until I shove the first bite in my mouth. “Mmmmmm this tastes delicious, your seasoning is amazing.”

“Better than Iruka’s?” he asks with a light hue of possessiveness, I nod cheerfully. “Then, next time you’re hungry you should cry at my door.”

Involuntarily, a strangled laugh slips from my throat.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

———————

My eyebrows pin together when I feel someone poking my back. I turn around to find a pair of curious blue eyes.

"Y/n-sensei” Naruto greets me. “What are you doing with Kakashi-sensei?” he asks nosily.

“Naruto! Don’t be rude” the pink haired girl scolds.

“We’re just heading to Ichiraku,” I reply, unsure of what to say.

“Can I tag along?”

“Naruto!” Sakura calls impatiently.

“Didn’t you hear that Iruka-sensei is back? He’s probably looking for you” Kakashi suddenly draws Naruto’s attention.

“Iruka-sensei is back? He owes me a bowl of ramen!” the blonde boy exclaims as he starts walking away. Sakura smiles gently and waves goodbye.

“He’s a handful, huh?” I point at the direction in which Naruto disappeared.

“Sometimes, but he will be a great shinobi one day” Kakashi smiles fondly.

“That’s for sure, he has the best sensei” once again, Kakashi indulges me by blushing under his mask.

 The rest of the way to Ichiraku is silent but not in the slightest awkward.

“Kakashi-sensei, Y/n-sensei! What can I offer you?” Teuchi greets us as we take a seat next to each other.

“Two orders of traditional ramen, please.” Teuchi nods and disappears in the kitchen.

“So…” Kakashi mumbles near my ear. “Is this a date?”

“You tell me.”

“I think it is. The first of many, if things go according to my masterplan” he smirks playfully.

All flustered, I shyly take initiative and lean towards him. In the blink of an eye, Kakashi tugs his mask down and gently presses his plump lips against mine. “And this is the very first kiss of many,” he promises softly. And I certainly find myself hoping it is.

 Finally, it’s here! This took me a long time, sorry but hope you enjoyed it. This is definitely not the ending, please keep an eye out for the third and last part (which will probably be smut xD).

Also, I have an announcement *drums, please* we’ve reached 100 followers!!!!! And as a thank you gift, we’ll be having a week of daily fics 03/22-28 (not only about Kakashi, but also other Naruto boys). I’ve already planned some of the fics, but I’m open to any specific requests.

I deeply want to thank you for all the support you’ve given me. Thank you, thank you, thank you ❤️

[bakubabes-tatakae]

A Kunoichi’s Betrayal (Part 2) || {NSFW} Kakashi x Reader x Obito/Tobi

For everyone that has been waiting patiently for it... it’s finally here. @chidori-mint and I bring you the second part to A Kunoichi’s Betrayal ❤😘 We hope you all enjoy and we hope it was worth the wait. 

Find part one here!

Pairing: Kakashi x Reader x Obito/Tobi

Summary: Just when you decide to finally close a painful chapter in your life and to embrace a fresh start, someone, from your past will come to face you again

A/N: Rin does not exist in the AU.

Warnings: angst, major character death in beginning, smut, unprotected sex, non-con, violence, language

Word Count: 4.5k

*Present Day: Kakashi’s Home*

The sky was pitch black. The leaves in the trees started to rustle as the cold wind blew, that’s when Kakashi heard a muffled cry. 

"You're coming with me, princess…" It was a very familiar voice. He turned his back, and the sight of you made his eyes grow wide. The masked man from the Akatsuki carried your limp body, riddled in drying blood and bruises. Your eyes found him, "Ka-Kakashi…" your voice was weak. "H-help.. me.."

Kakashi struggled to move. His body was frozen. He couldn't move his feet. He tried to call your name but no sound came from his lips. "She belongs with me…" Tobi and Y/n started to slowly fade away.

"NO!!!"

Kakashi woke up, catching his breath. Sweat beads dripped from his forehead. It was another nightmare. Night after night he’s been haunted by these dreams. It was always the same dream. Seven weeks have passed and they still didn't have a lead on your whereabouts. He was growing desperate. He blamed himself for not being able to protect you.

Where are you now, y/n?

A loud knock from his door made him jump. "It's Gai, Kakashi. Open up!"

*Seven weeks ago*

“I promised him I’d protect you Y/n. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do, even if it takes my life.”

You woke up from a dream as those words ran through your head. A heavy arm rested on your stomach and warm breath in your ear as you laid awake. You opened your eyes and turned your head to the side. Obito was on his stomach still fast asleep beside you. His face was scarred but still; he looked beautiful. You let out a heavy sigh. It was still hard to believe that he was here with you. After all this time; he was alive.

"Hello, dollface." He greeted you with a warm voice. "That was the first time I’ve slept in peace for years." 

You lifted his arm from your body, "I have to get back to Kakashi." You stood up from the bed and turned your back on him, collecting all your abandoned clothes on the floor. Obito couldn't help but stare at your naked body.

He chuckled as he rolled over onto his back, his hands resting on the back of his head. His toned upper body was perfectly in view. "Really, princess? We just reconciled and your first thought is that traitor?" 

"Kakashi is not a traitor. He used to be your best friend."

"Best friend?" He scoffed. " After what happened with the two of you? After sleeping with his best friend's girlfriend? I don't think so, princess. Best friends don’t do that." He slowly slipped out of bed to grab his pants.

"It wasn’t his fault, Obito. All the times I felt like giving up, he was there! Every time I felt scared, he made me feel safe again! All the times I mourned for you, he was beside me! Your death brought emptiness in my life. And guess what? He filled it with love!" You yelled at him as you tried to hold back your tears.

"Are you trying to justify Kakashi?" He was now annoyed. "He betrayed me. He knew how much I loved you! How dare he steal you away from me?!"

"Love me? You faked your death and never even tried to reach me. And why? Because you love me?"

"Okay. You deserve the truth."

"Fucking finally. Better start telling me now, Obito."

Obito started to tell you how he survived years ago from the incident in the bridge and how a man had helped him and tended to his wounds. And that in return, he had to carry out a certain plan.

"That man is a psycho, Obito. He's just using you. Isn't it obvious?"

"Y/n, I told you. I will build a better world for us. Our plan is the perfect plan. Can't you see it? I'm doing this for you! For us!" He held your hand and gently tugged you closer to him. 

"How is that better? You’ll be putting humanity in danger? And you're doing this for me? Do you even hear yourself, Obito?" You can't help but cry. You can't believe the words coming from him. "Where has the old Obito gone? The one who aspired to be the Hokage?!"

"Let me ask you this Y/n, do you love me?"

"You know I do. I wouldn't be here if I didn't. I love you, Obito and it hurts so much. I'm already here, what more could you possibly want?" 

Your words struck him like lightning. You cupped his face in your hands and stared at him.  "Am I not enough?" You whispered.

He leaned lower, his forehead touching yours. "You're all I need y/n."

"Then I will stay by your side. For good."

"Are you sure? You'll be branded a rogue ninja.”

"Call off the plan you have with this man. I’ll leave everything behind and start a new life with you. Can you do that for me?"

He suddenly brushed his lips to yours. "Everything I do is for you, y/n. Anything you ask."

*Present Day: Village Hidden In The Leaves*

Tsunade had summoned Kakashi to her office. Along with him were Gai and Yamato.

“I gathered you here because I have many reports that two members of the Akatsuki were spotted in Amegakure. And one of them was the masked man that goes by the name of Tobi.” Tsunade said.

“Two members? Can that be Y/n?” Gai asked.

“Based on the reports, both of them were wearing black cloaks with red clouds on it. But they weren’t able to distinguish if the other member was a male or a female. We can’t assume Tobi has Y/n locked up somewhere. We have to assume the worst. We have to assume that Y/n chose the join the --”

“No. Please... Don’t even finish that sentence, my lady.” Kakashi interrupted. “I know Y/n, she would never aid a criminal.”

“I understand where you’re coming from, Kakashi. But you may want to look at this.” Tsunade pulled her drawer open then placed a headband on top of her desk. He knew exactly whose it was. It was Y/n’s. He recognized the familiar scratches upon it from their missions together. Kakashi took it with trembling hands. The village’s symbol has horizontal slash over it signifying that the holder of the headband had cut ties with their village. He grasped it tightly in his hands.

“My lady, whether you allow me or not, I will go after her. I have to get her back,” he said.

“I already anticipated that. That’s why I asked for Gai and Yamato here as well. They can accompany you with this mission.” Tsunade stood up and walked towards them. “I suggest you all get ready to leave in two hours. This Tobi character might move again. This is our chance to rescue Y/n.”

*Present Day: Village Hidden In The Rain*

It was midnight when Obito and Y/n reached the Akatsuki hideout in Amegakure. It was in the highest tower in the village.

“We’re safe here.” “This village is so gloomy.” Y/n walked around exploring their shared bedroom. She stared at the dark skies through the window. “It’s like the skies are crying nonstop.”

Y/n felt Obito's warm body against her back. His hands gripped her waist. "Maybe we can do something to warm up?"

Y/n turned around to face him. "Hey, I know what you're thinking! You sex fiend. I'm having a warm shower first." Y/n smirked at him as she headed towards the bathroom, not bothering to lock the door.

You started to unbutton your cloak and slowly peeled it off your body dropping it on the cold tiles of the bathroom floor. Next came your panties letting them pool down to your feet as you stepped out of them. You stepped in and turned on the shower, the warm water trickled down your cold skin. You tried to relax your tense body as your eyes clenched shut.

You let out a gasp as you felt a hard wall of muscle press against you back. "You called me a sex fiend, princess…" He whispered in your ear as his hands reached your breasts, gently pinching your nipples. You let a moan escape your lips.

He pressed his body against you harder, your breast pressed up against the tile as you felt his erect cock press between the cheeks of your ass. "I could never ever get enough of you." He sucked at the skin on your shoulder. "This is how I want it to be." His nails dug hard into your hips. "I could have my way with you anytime I want. Any way I want." 

"Fuck, Obito!" You whined at him.

You arched you back as he continued to grind himself against your ass. "So good for me." He lifted your chin to face him. He kissed you, rough and wild. You kissed him back as your hand tugged on his hair. 

He groaned as he broke the kiss. "Let me show you, how this fiend can make you come so hard you'll see stars." His rough hands roamed everywhere, sliding down your wet skin. He slapped your ass making you moan harshly. His fingers reached for your pelvis as he felt you grind yourself back against his throbbing cock.

Obito parted your legs with his knee. His cock slipping and settling between your thighs. You tried to guide him towards your aching entrance. He grunted as the tip touched your wet folds. You arched you back further as he sunk himself in your tight cunt. "My princess is so needy." He smirked, leaning back to watch you grind against him. "So tight. Almost suffocating.”

He felt your walls tightening against him. He gripped your hips, "Stand still, princess.." He rammed into your cunt. You stood on your tiptoes as he hit all the right spots. His grip held you firmly, preventing you from slipping against the tiles underneath.

"You're so perfect y/n." Each thrust of his hips pressing you harder against the wall and sending you closer to that euphoric high. 

"Baby, I can't. I'm so close!" 

"Come on, princess, come now!" Your body tensed and shuddered beneath him as your orgasm shattered you. He growled from within his chest as he spilled ropes of his hot seed inside your quivering pussy.

The room filled with steam from the warm shower mixed with heavy panting from you two as you fought for your breath.

*Team Kakashi: Outskirts of Amegakure*

The group had moved fast. Kakashi’s haste to get to you was probably what was fueling that. When they finally reached the outskirts of Amegakure the three of them were out of breath. Kakashi couldn’t ignore the desperate feeling in his chest. All the wanted to do was get you back. He wanted to bring you back home, to where you belonged. He just wanted to feel his arms around you once again. Just the thought of never seeing you again gave him an uneasy feeling in his chest. 

Gai watched him, never seeing this side of a Kakashi before. Kakashi had never let himself be so vulnerable, especially around his rival. Gai had never realized how bad Kakashi had had his feeling for you. “Kakashi, are you sure that you’re going to be able to do this?” The blatant worry on his voice made Kakashi stand at attention and listen. “I know there’s a chance that the other Akatsuki member isn’t Y/n, but what if it is? I want to make sure you can be objective about this.” He sighed. “If she’s truly gone over to them and we can’t convince her to come back with us then we have to treat her like one of them-” Gai let his thoughts trail off as he saw Kakashi’s whole body grew tense. 

He lashed out at him. He had never meant to do it, but he just couldn’t picture you going over to the dark side. “We’re bringing her back. Worry about yourself Gai, don’t worry about me. I can handle myself!” After the words left his lips he dropped his head. What was happening to him?

Gai furrowed his brow. “I know that was just because you’re worried. I won’t hold that against you Kakashi, but you need to look at the big picture here. The Akatsuki is our enemy, we have orders to eliminate the members no matter what it takes.”

A lump grew in Kakashi’s throat and the words he wanted to say escaped him. He shook his head, clearing the thoughts that riddled it. “Let’s just make our plan already. We have to get moving.”

Yamato, who had been silent this whole time, finally spoke up. “No, we’re not going anywhere until we know that you do what might have to be done. The Akatsuki is a threat to the Leaf Village and we have to treat ALL of their members that way. I never got to meet Y/n and don’t get me wrong, she seems like a good person, but you saw the headband as clearly as we did. She’s a rogue ninja now.”

Kakashi stared at the ground. The tears that were welling in his eyes were threatening to come out. Gai approached him and put a hand on his shoulder. “We know how much you love her Kakashi. We know that she means the world to you and you took such good care of her after Obito’s death, but it might be time for you to let that all go.”

“I can’t do that. If I do I wouldn’t be doing what Obito asked me to do. I promised to protect her for the rest of her life and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.” His voice cracked as he spoke to them. The thought of the betrayal toward you if he had ever laid a finger on you kept a tightness in his chest. 

 Gai cleared his throat, feeling a lump growing in the back of his own throat. He had known you for a long time, he had just as hard a time as Kakashi in believing you had turned against the village you had loved so much. 

 Kakashi looked up at the both of them, his face red from holding back his tears. “As I said, let’s just make this plan and get moving. We might not be too late, maybe they haven’t corrupted her yet.”

 *Present Day: Village Hidden In The Rain*

 You slowly climbed from the couch, watching the rainfall all day was beginning to get tiring. You just wanted to get out of the house. You didn’t care what the two of you would do, you needed some change of scenery. Obito sat across from you, his gaze never once leaving yours. You sighed and stood from the couch, as you stood a wave of nausea ran over you. You steadied yourself as dizziness clouded your vision. 

 When you grabbed the side of the couch Obito popped up from his chair. His hands grasped your waist as he helped steady you. “Are you alright darling?”

 When the dizziness subsided you placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled. “I’m fine Obi… really.”

 His concern never left his face as you walked out of his grip and toward the bedroom. An early night was in your future. As you changed out of your clothes and threw on one of his baggy t-shirts your thoughts were focused on one thing and one thing only. Or one person to be more precise. 

 Kakashi Hatake. 

 As you laid down into the bed and covered yourself to keep the cool air from forming goosebumps on your skin you felt guilty. Here you were, with the man you had once loved more than anything, and the only person you could think of was Kakashi. You quickly shook your head as a migraine started to become present. You groaned and pulled a pillow over your head, letting out a quiet scream, hoping that Obito hadn’t heard you in the other room. 

 When sleep finally overcame you your dreams were the same. Your dreams wouldn’t let you think of anything other than him. And they say that if you dream about someone it’s because they fell asleep thinking about you. But that’s when you thought about it… Kakashi probably wasn’t getting any sleep. Your guilt came back over you, bringing you out of deep sleep. Obito’s figure was now sleeping soundly next to you, a sight you would never get used to. 

 More nausea washed over you, this time forcing you out of bed and down the hall to the bathroom. As you leaned over the toilet and emptied the content of your stomach realization hit you… It had been a couple of months now since you had seen aunt flow. You and Obito had been so busy trying to get the Akatsuki to welcome you in that you hadn’t even noticed until now. 

 You slowly backed up against the bathroom wall and slid down it. With your head in your hands, you watched the floor. Your emotions were now soaring. You were angry that of all times this would happen now. You were excited to be thinking about taking this journey. You were sad as you thought about how you would have to explain this to Obito… about how there was a possibility that it wasn’t his, however small it might be. 

 No. This wasn’t the time. You had to wait. You had to get through your next mission before you could say anything. 

 You slowly stood back up and made your way to the bed again, climbing in and snuggling next to Obito. This time tho… sleep didn’t come so easily.

 *Entering Amegakure: Team Kakashi*

 Kakashi, Gai, and Yamato slowly walked through the village, trying not to bring attention to themselves. As the people around them started to watch Kakashi’s nervousness started to grow. He turned his head slightly to Gai and spoke low. “Do you think they’re getting suspicious? I mean… It’s not like they announced that Leaf Ninja would be coming through.”

 Gai looked around slowly and nodded. “Yea.” His words were uneasy as he nudged Yamato and nodded in the direction of a couple of Rain Ninja. “We’re being watched.”

 Yamato cleared his throat as he looked over and spotted them. They were attempting to hide in the covers of the trees, but they hadn’t realized how experienced the three Leaf Ninja that were here were. “Time for us to intervene.”

 Gai looked over at Kakashi and stopped. “We’ll take out those guys, you get to Y/n.” Yamato took over in the other direction, forming a wood clone to help them out. 

 Gai split after him after Kakashi nodded back and Kakashi jumped onto the buildings. Not the best place to find cover, but he had to move fast and this was the best way. He threw his arms behind him and started running. 

 As he jumped from rooftop to rooftop he saw a blur out of the corner of his eyes. Another Rain Ninja had come from the side. He stopped as the ninja sailed in front of him. When the ninja turned back to him he was already forming a lightning blade in his hand. No one was going to stop him from finding you. 

 He ran forward, his lightning blade out in front of him, ready to hit the ninja standing in his way. His opponent just barely dodged as Kakashi’s attack landed in a tower behind him. The man was quick, but Kakashi was faster. Kakashi’s foot connected with the man’s back and threw him into the side of the next building. When the man slid down and landed in a sitting position Kakashi placed a kunai to his throat and pushed him against the wall with his knee. 

 “Tell me where the one called Tobi is.” There was a growl to his voice as he demanded it from him. “I’m not going to wait. Tell me now!”

 The ninja had a look of terror on his face as he spotted Kakashi’s Sharingan. He stuttered as he waited to see what the copy ninja would do. “Ka-Ka-Kakashi of the Sharingan.”

 “Quit stuttering my name and tell me what I want to know.” He pushed his knee into his chest further. 

 “Okay, okay.” The man struggled under Kakashi’s force. “I’ll tell you.” As Kakashi eased up the man drew in a sharp breath. “They have a hidden base in the forest beyond the village. I can take you there if you like.”

 A familiar voice spoke behind Kakashi as Gai and Yamato approached. Gai stood next to Kakashi and crossed his arms. “The other two are out of commission. This must be the one that split while we were engaged with the other two.”

 Kakashi took his knee off him but kept the kunai to his throat. “Stand up, show us where it is, but if you so much as give a hint to anyone that you’re a hostage I’ll hit you with a Chidori.”

 The man swallowed hard and stood back up, turning and walking forward, the point of the kunai in his back, hidden under Kakashi’s sleeve. 

 * * * * * * 

 As they reached the door of the hideout the man was eager to be free. Kakashi finally removed the kunai and stared daggers at the man. If anyone comes after us I’m going to assume that you were the one that did it and that won’t end well for you.”

 The man nodded quickly and ran off without a second glance behind him. 

 Gai placed his hand on the rock wall that stopped them from entering, his voice low so that if there were people on the other side of the structure they wouldn’t hear him. “Are you ready for this Kakashi?”

 Kakashi nodded and that determined look that he wore so well spread across his face. “I can sense her chakra. She’s here.” A Chidori started to form in his hand and the other’s stepped back, knowing full well what he was about to do. As his energy focused and the chakra formed he ran forward, slamming his hand into the rock and blasting a hole through it. Bits of rock rained down on them as they entered the hideout. 

 Obito turned quickly and when he met the eyes of the fellow Leaf Ninja that he knew so well he smirked. “Well, well. Back for round two are you?”

 You swallowed hard, a lump now forming in your throat, making it hard to breathe. Kakashi ignored Obito and looked to you. “Are you alright Y/n?”

 You nodded slowly, still trying to wrap your head around what was going on. No one was supposed to be able to find you here, so how had Kakashi done it?

 Obito took a kunai out of his pouch and pointed it toward Kakashi. “Don’t worry about her, she’s just fine Kakashi. Let’s dance.”

 An amused exhalation came from Kakashi as he took one of his own out. Still unaware of who this man could be, though he had his suspicions, he was ready to fight. He wouldn’t let him lay another finger on you. “Just back away from her first. Then we’ll do this.”

 Obito stepped forward and laughed deviously. “Oh, I’ll do that no problem.” He pushed you backward and out of the line of fire. “Minato-Sensei would be so upset and disappointed if we harmed her.”

 That sealed the deal for Kakashi. Kakashi’s eyes narrowed as he stared back up at him. “Obito. I should have known.”

 Obito rushed him, his kunai just about to connect with Kakashi’s arm as he jumped out of the way. He was distracted. He had to keep himself together. Your heart pounded against your chest as you watched the two men that you loved fly about the hideout. Kunai clinked as they fought as hard as they could against each other. Your feet were moving before you could even stop yourself. “Stop it!”

 As you approached the two of them the fighting came to an abrupt stop. They pushed off of each other and stared at you, both afraid you would get hurt. Obito was the first to speak. “You have two choices here Y/n.” Your eyes grew wide as his harsh tone. “Either you leave with me and I give up my plans and spare the copy ninjas life,” He pointed his kunai at Kakashi. “Or I kill him if you choose him over me and I carry out my plans.”

 You couldn’t believe the position that Obito was putting you in. You watched as the pleading eyes of Kakashi watched you. You wanted to be with Obito, you had loved him so much, and you always will. But you also wanted to be with Kakashi. He had been there for you through so much. You sighed and looked at the ground, squeezing your eyes shut, too afraid to look up at Kakashi. “I’ll go with you Obito.”

 A laugh erupted from Obito as he looked between Kakashi and you. “Very well.” Obito did something you never would have thought he would do. He charged Kakashi again, kunai at the ready, aimed right for his heart. “I’ll kill him anyway. He’s in my way.”

 You grabbed a Kunai from your pouch and grasped it, holding it directly in front of your stomach, ready to push it through if need be. You let out a scream. “Obito, I swear I’ll do it!”

 Obito stopped in his tracks at the blood-curdling scream as you felt every single eye on you. The man looked back at you and his eyes shot open as far as they would go. “Y/n, what are you doing?”

 “Just stop.” The tears were rolling down your cheeks before you had even felt them. “I don’t want the father of my child to have blood on his hands. Especially not someone he considered a friend.” 

 Everyone in the room froze as they realized why your kunai was pointed to your stomach. You could see the worry in Kakashi’s eyes as he watched you threaten not only your baby’s life but your own.

 Kakashi stepped forward some, but as you moved the kunai closer he stepped back again. “Y/n, you don’t want to do this. That’s not how you are. You aren’t that type of person.”

 “I’ll be that type of a person if I need to be. Now stop fighting. I can’t take it anymore!” You hollered at the both of them, hoping that they would listen. 

Naruto Content Taglist 💕 @chidori-mint @praisingkuroosbedhead @korianrdr @excitedlysuffering @kakashishan @siesel @kurobo @blackkacchan @ari-hatake15 @uhhh-hatake @rubysroom

[kayparker20]

Inner Turmoil - Chapter 6

I'm so sorry about the wait this time around guys. I threw myself for a loop with this plot and I've been struggling a lot to figure out what I want to happen next. I decided to focus on a minor issue while I brainstorm what happens next. It's a bit feelsy but it's not super dramatic. Also kind of realized it was almost too long so the next chapter will have a spicy start before the real plot happens.

Hope you enjoy this somewhat filler chapter!

Chapter 6 - Village Gossip

FFN | AO3

Ino sat at the front counter of her family flower shop, impatiently waiting for the jonin ninja in her store to get a move on. They would always come in, pretend to look around while gossiping, and never buy one thing. She hasn’t liked them since she heard them being hateful towards Kurenai-sensei, probably out of jealousy.

“Can you believe, of all the beautiful shinobi, he dates his former student?” The woman scoffed and brushed her fingertips over the petals of lilies in a bouquet. “I think I would have rather heard he was gay, before that.” Her long, charcoal hair was curled and flowing down her back in waves. 

Another rolled her eyes. “Yeah, gay for Might Guy, even.” Fiery redhead, model body. “Of course, Hatake was too perfect to have no flaws, I just didn’t think it would be something so repulsive like fucking children.” 

“Do you think she fucked her way into jonin level?” The darker haired woman speculated. She turned around and looked at some roses that had been to her left.

Ino had been idly doodling flowers on a piece of blank receipt paper before hearing the topic they had been discussing. Her hand stopped mid-petal at the last comment before she narrowed her eyes at the piece of paper.

“I mean, maybe. Must have been easy to become jonin when you’re the Hokage’s apprentice, and being taught by a legend.” She scowled. “I wouldn’t put it past her. I hear she’s quite the bitch at the hospital.” 

She felt her mother’s eyes on her as she squeezed the pen, staring daggers meant for the women at the counter. She took a deep breath, reminding herself she needed to stay cordial and polite because they were customers, despite how abrasive and tactless they were.

She flipped her long blonde ponytail over her shoulder before addressing the women with a sarcastic smile. “Excuse me, ladies, is there anything I can help you find?” Her tone dripped with deviance through her smile. Her whole body felt tense with her anger as she forced herself to appear relaxed and helpful.

Two can play this catty game.

The women turned in her direction, both sporting smirks on their expressions. They both stared at her as if she were boring before cocking their hips to the side and giving fake smiles in her direction.

“We’re just admiring, but thank you.” The redhead shot back in a clipped tone.

“Are you sure? I think a bouquet of yellow hyacinths, lavender, and iris would go nicely with your hair.” Ino offered slyly.

She stole a glance at her mother, expecting to see an expression of disapproval, and was surprised to see the faintest smile spreading across her lips. 

The darker haired woman narrowed her eyes, clearly catching the message. “You have something to say, girl?”

Ino kept her demeanor as she shook her head. “Oh no, I was just offering. Purple and yellow complement well, you know?” 

Before either woman could snapback, the elder brunette cut in politely. “Ladies, it’s time for our lunch, and we must close for the next hour, so please take your pick. We can check you out for your purchase. We’re glad to give you your flowers before we find our meal for the workday.” 

Ino’s mother sounded elegant and was the epitome of professionalism as she gave a gratuitous grin towards the women.

Both women huffed in defeat.

“No, miss, thank you for your time.” The darker haired woman gave a strained smile before she walked out, the redhead following.

As soon as the door shut, Ino let out an annoyed sigh. “Thanks…” She huffed before crossing her arms across her chest.

Her mother just shook her head softly. “Your cleverness and restraint amaze me sometimes. It was rather amusing.”

“It’s exhausting, not amusing. I much would have preferred to hit them. That was far from tasteful gossip.” Ino scowled. “How could they accuse Sakura of using sex to get rank! As if she isn’t a jonin level medic! Or uh, I don’t know, the medical director of our hospital! The disrespect!” 

Her mother sighed. “People are going to talk, and you have to admit it’s at least a little scandalous. Those women are just jealous, and will say anything to make themselves feel better.”

“That doesn’t make it right!” Ino argued.

Sakura walked in then, smiling. “What doesn’t make something right?” She inquired curiously. “What gossip did you dig up now, Pig?” 

Ino turned, her eyes wide to see Sakura. “Oh, uh, nothing!” She chuckled nervously. “Ready for lunch?”

Sakura looked at her surreptitiously. Clearly, something was up. “Spill it. Now.”

Ino crossed her arms, before giving her a defiant look. “And if I don’t?”

“Are you going to make me beat it out of you? Was it about me?” Sakura deadpanned. “You never refuse to tell me gossip unless it’s about me and it's negative.”

Ino hated how well she and Sakura knew each other in moments like this. They couldn’t hide anything from each other. She sighed before uncrossing her arms. “It doesn’t matter, I handled it anyway.” She said matter of factly.

Sakura stared at her friend before shrugging. “You’re telling me at lunch, come on. Off to get our dango and tea. Director or not, I still run on a schedule. And I got behind after being gone a couple of days.”

Ino lips spread into a teasing grin. “Behind because you were off saving my ass or behind because qualities like procrastination and tardiness are rubbing off on you?” 

Sakura gave her an unimpressed look. “I was late one time. Definitely behind from saving your ass from our deranged classmate.”

They started walking towards their favorite cafe. It was nice outside even if it was a little cooler. Leaves lay around the ground, dry and crinkling under their footsteps. She could only wonder what Ino was all in a tiff about today, being as she saw the very same women she knew to leave the shop with all too knowing smirks. She was also slightly discomforted by them because when they saw her, their expressions suddenly turned downright venomous.

It wasn’t too uncommon for her to get those as the news of her and Kakashi spread, once rumors became truths. It made her wonder about Anko’s offhanded ‘sex god’ comment. Maybe they were a couple of those one-night stands? She frowned at the thought, not thinking Kakashi would have entertained such rude women. 

“Aren’t those the women that you got upset at for talking at Kurenai some time ago?” She wondered to her friend aloud.

“Oh, yes.” She snapped back. “They’re worse than me for spreading everyone’s business and their bullshit two cents about it.” 

Sakura couldn’t remember the last time she heard Ino sound unenthused about new gossip. Usually, it meant it was about someone she cared about, and that it thoroughly pissed her off. Even more so unusually, she would normally be more than ready to rant her pretty reddened lips off about said women being conceited and judgemental and downright horrible. 

Yet today, her blonde friend was being clipped and avoiding discussing the topic. She decided to test it out again. “So what treachery were they discussing today?”

Ino hesitated. She didn’t want to tell Sakura the things people were saying about her and Kakashi. Her friend had been so happy. She seemed to glow this past month since she had started dating him. She didn’t need to be troubled by people thinking the exact opposite of a situation. 

She smiled at her friend. “Oh, not much. I just hate how they loiter in the shop and force me to deal with their presence, yet never buy anything.”

Sakura just gave her friend a bored look and rolled her eyes. “Oh, I’m sure.”

“That’s her. Can you believe such a young girl is with a man like him?”

Sakura instantly frowned, refusing to look in the direction of the people they just passed. She tried to remind herself what people said didn’t matter.

“I don’t think I want Mika to have a male sensei. Do they all prey on their students?”

Her expression turned into a downright glare. How dare someone to accuse him of such horrible things? Why did they blame him? Why was it so hard to just believe they loved each other? Hearing the things people said on the street made her miss the way their friends easily accepted them. 

“Must be easy to make jounin when you’re the Hokage’s bitch, and fucking one of the commanders.”

Ino watched as all the same bullshit those women had said in her little shop floated around them. Maybe she wasn’t really able to protect Sakura after all, but she’d be damned if she was the one who brought that sort of mood on.

“Don’t listen to it. They're wrong.” Ino said sternly, flinging hard glares directly at anyone who dared say something within their earshot.

“It was me those women were gossiping about in your shop today, wasn’t it?”

Ino snorted. “I told them rather professionally exactly how I felt about their false ass opinions.”

Sakura sighed. “I think the ones I hate the most are him being a pedophile, or me using him to get rank.” Her face contorted into anger. “I’ve been a jounin since before I even realized I loved him, for fuck sake!” Sakura growled out. 

“Does she pine after her whole team? First the traitor, now the sensei. Jinchuriki and socially inept next? Maybe she just whores around for them all.”

Now that one was just funny. She laughed as she and Ino entered their shop. “Alright, as if! Did you hear that one?” 

Ino raised an eyebrow. “Do you think Sai knows how to fake an orgasm like he does a smile? That’d be rather disconcerting. Being cute only gets you so far.”

They sat down at their table and ordered their tea and dango. The homey atmosphere of this place always put Sakura at ease. The place had always been so down to earth, and the staff here were so nice and she had known most of them for at least quite some time now. 

She remembers coming to this little cafe for the time with her team as a genin before Sasuke left. He claimed it was a treat for doing so well on a mission, before disappearing when it came time for the bill to be paid. She remembered feeling so angry back then, how dare their sensei pull some sheisty trick like that! But now it was just funny, thinking about times when their lives hadn’t changed so drastically.

“Watch out, Team Seven’s Mistress, coming through.”

Sakura wrinkled her nose. “Okay, now that sounds like a scandal for sure. I could never even dream of taking Naruto from Hinata, let alone sleeping with him. And don’t get me started on Sai.” 

“Shouldn’t she be here soon?” Ino inquired.

As if on queue, the bell rang as another customer entered, and it was their black haired Hyuga friend.

“Hina, over here!” Sakura called.

Hinata meandered over their table and sat next to Sakura. “Hi, guys!” She spoke softly, happy to see her friends.

“Tell Sakura here to ignore these stupid rumors jealous nimrods keep spreading,” Ino said blandly. “Well, at least the boring ones.”

Hinata raised an eyebrow. “There are ones that aren’t boring?”

Sakura rolled her eyes. “Apparently there’s one that I’m fucking my entire team.”

“Oh, now that’s just dirty! Who would do such a thing?” 

“Which thing, fuck the whole team, or fuck Naruto?” Ino said in a teasing voice.

Their friend turned beet red. “I-I don’t either Sakura or myself would uh… Have relations with an entire team.”

Sakura slumped in her seat. “You’re right, but people think my sensei is a pedophile. Which hurts because he would never have thought of me, or any of young girls, in such a way.”

Ino and Hinata watched as Sakura looked so hurt. How do you tell your friend to ignore things she hears whispered as soon as she comes into a room, or simply a vicinity. No one had to deal with something like that. Then again, neither of them were dating men much older than them, or ones who had been their teacher. But why does that matter when they’re adults now? Sakura had been a jonin for two years now after she and Shikamaru had gotten promoted when the fourth war ended.

“They are just jealous that a younger, prettier, and more talented kunoichi took their eye-candy off the market.” Ino insisted. “Easier to keep their ego intact if they blame him for being gross, or you for using him.” 

“I guess…” She sighed. “Look at me, worried about stupid gossip when my old teammate is hellbent on making me join him…” Sakura shivered at the thought. “Even now, there are three ANBU following me at all times.”

“Wait, even at Kakashi’s…?” 

Sakura nodded.

“I bet they watch…” Ino smirked deviously.

“Ino!” Hinata squeaked. 

Sakura just shook her head, more than used to Ino’s antics. She knew it would take her ‘innocent’ friend some time to get used to Ino’s crudeness, but she felt better being around both her close friends.

“Do you think people truly think that low of Kakashi? People think he would groom one of his students?” Sakura asked seriously.

Hinata shrugged. “You can’t expect people to necessarily think super well of someone who openly reads porn in public.”

“Hey, Icha-Icha is a wonderful series.” Ino piped in. “Even Sakura agrees with that.”

Sakura laughed at the comment. “It’s true, but I guess you have a point. No one sees that unless they’ve dared to read the beloved Ero-Sannin’s work. Lady Tsunade swears to burn every copy of those books, but she secretly has her first edition collection, signed by Jiraiya himself.”

“I guess society might accuse us of being molesters next, huh, Pig?”

Sakura frowned. “I sure hope not, considering I’m certain being a molester consists of much more than enjoying romance novels that might be slightly too pornographic at some points along with the good plot.”

Hinata giggled lightly. “I think anyone who had ever actually paid attention to you and Kakashi-sensei interacting would have realized you were the one going after him.” She smiled softly.

Sakura thought about that. She knew she never made intentional moves on Kakashi, but apparently everyone close to them knew they loved each other, or that there was at least something going on. She couldn’t help but feel touched at how accepting his friends were, even if Anko and Genma teased her relentlessly. Or made threesome jokes, which Kakashi bluntly shut down quickly. However, a large majority of people were the stark opposite.

She should have known that Ino’s ideals about them being shinobi bending morals a bit was closer to romanticism than what society thought in reality. She felt like she was just as much an adult as Kakashi and the rest, even in her 20s. She’s gone on deadly missions just like Kakashi, let alone with Kakashi. She’d been through a war. She’s damn near died, multiple times, and she had saved people’s lives and held the ones she couldn’t save.

Yet people dared to treat the situation like Kakashi was dating a child, instead of an equal? So what if he had trained her, it’s not like he ever made a move on her? 

Hinata was right, she made the move on him.

“I knew what I wanted, even if I only got the courage to express it with a little encouragement from sake. At first.” Sakura crossed her arms. “But why do we have to justify our damn happiness?” 

The waitress walked up to get Hinata’s order after that. “What can I get for you today, miss?”

“I’ll have green tea and a rice ball, please,” Hinata spoke softly with a pleasant smile.

“Sure thing!” She flashed a smile at them before striding away to take care of the order.

Ino sipped her drink before shrugging in response to the question. “I thought you already know people talk about anything we do, no matter what. Especially when they’re jealous, and you have plenty of things to envy.” 

Sakura huffed before. “Yeah well, I didn’t get them without effort, and that especially includes Kakashi.”

The girls fell silent. Hinata and Ino could only say so much in attempts to make Sakura feel better. It’s not like you could ignore an issue when everywhere you went you were hearing whispers or receiving horrible glares sent in your direction.

The waitress brought Hinata’s order about and paused a moment. She looked like she wanted to say something, but seemed a bit nervous. She chewed her lip subtlety before looking at Sakura.

“Miss?” 

Sakura raised her eyes to make eye contact with her and gave a polite smile. “Yes?” 

“Is it true that you’re dating Kakashi now? 

Sakura nodded, her smile fading slightly in fear of some directly aimed judgment. She came here often with Kakashi, he used to bring the whole team here. 

“I just wanted to tell you I’m very happy for you guys. I’ve seen you guys together often, and sometimes I wondered if you were the one he bought the lattes for every so often. He’s come here for a long time, but he always seemed so…” She searched for the word for a moment. “Aloof. Always polite, but kept to himself.”

Sakura nodded softly. “He’s uh… He’s been through a lot, even more so than the average ninja.”

The girl gave a sad smile. “So I’ve heard. When he started bringing you and those boys here, he seemed to change. Like a spark in him ignited. Is it true that the blonde was his mentor’s son?”

Sakura’s smile turned a little less stiff as she nodded again. “The Fourth Hokage, yes.”

Hinata and Ino listened with small smiles, glad to see their friend getting some positivity towards her relationship from someone other than friends. Hinata’s face flushed slightly at the mention of Naruto as she thought of him distantly.

“I’m sorry about the things I’ve heard people say. Anyone who truly has been around you can see the chemistry you have, sometimes I wondered if you were secretly together. I have never seen him so relaxed around anyone besides you.” She smiled brightly. “He had friends of course, like those dashing men, Asuma and Genma. Or the….very lively Gai.” 

Ino wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know if I’d consider Asuma-sensei dashing.” She muttered softly under her breath.

Sakura's eyes widened softly. “Thank you… It’s nice to hear someone say something nice about it.” 

“Sakura, it’s almost the end of your lunch break isn’t it?” Hinata wondered aloud, catching the time on the clock. She gave a soft smile before 

“Oh, look at that, it’s the rank climbing whore with her flower bitch of a friend.” 

I guess that’s one way you could refer to Sakura and Ino, at least within the last month. She couldn’t imagine how upset Ino would be if she would only ever be remembered as her ‘flower bitch of a friend’. She would probably be remembered as Ino-Pig, and she hates that nickname.

She could attest to the fact that she hated being referred to as a ‘rank climbing whore”. Didn’t have to sleep with multiple men or do something dirty like have an afraid to fall under the description of whore? She had only just lost her virginity to Kakashi a month ago… 

She sighed and reminded herself that these women wouldn’t care to hear technicalities and that it would probably only antagonize them to carry on with more horrible accusations and scornful comments.

The waitress instantly frowned at the woman. “I can ask them to-”

Sakura shook her head. “It’s whatever, don’t scare off your business. Thank you for your kindness.”

Ino instantly slid her gaze towards the nasty tone, sending daggers. “Are you even acutely aware that Sakura was made a jounin almost three years ago?” She spat. “Pretty sure she only got with Kakashi roughly a month ago, now carry on with your trivial lives.”

Sakura sighed and rolled her eyes, hoping the sting that suddenly arrived would go away with them. “Right, I need to go back to work. I’ll catch up with you guys later.” She stood from the table and turned for the door.

“Oh, did I hurt your feelings? Are you gonna go run and tell mommy Hokage?”

Sakura’s eyes twitched as she started gathering chakra into her fists, ready to shut them up herself. How much disrespect could someone dare to have? Was this really out of pure jealousy?

She kept telling herself none of this was worth getting this upset over. She couldn’t figure out if she wanted to cry from the humiliation or punch them through the wall of the restaurant. She had never felt so ridiculed before, and it was infuriating. 

“I’ll bet my old student would be an easy target to get some action from when I was bored. Especially from emotional types like yourself. Just a few sweet words and you probably melted for him.” The other woman cackled.

Sakura bit her cheek before she left briskly, ignoring the shrieking she heard from Ino, or how Hinata tried to run after her. She felt stupid for letting those women get under her skin, but she couldn’t help it.

This is what people were saying? What else was there? Did she seem that naive, that her sensei could take advantage of her? She knew there would be talking about this, but she never expected those sorts of accusations. She expected disapproval and even some daunting glares. 

She went straight for her office and buried herself in the paperwork she had to catch up. It was a decent distraction. Verifying shinobi physicals, signing them with her approval. Later they would need to be given to Tsunade. She signed paperwork regarding the children’s clinic she was opening with Ino, mainly financial documents for the grants involved in the program. More paperwork was needed to be signed for hospital grants for unfortunate patients.

Kakashi was walking to the cenotaph, feigning ignorance to all the looks she was currently receiving from the majority of the people he passed. Many whispers went about. Mostly about wretched of a man he was, accusations of pedophilia and grooming. Some against Sakura for whoring herself into rank, which didn’t make even a lick of sense if you asked him, considering she was made jounin after the fourth great war. 

He sighed softly. There were much bigger issues now that these people couldn’t even begin to think about. If he ever thought that beginning a relationship with Sakura would have put her in danger, he wouldn’t have indulged in the idea no matter what, if it had meant she would have been safe.

Granted, it was starting to be believed by Tsunade that Sasuke was coming for her either way because he did Orochimaru’s bidding. And healing arms isn’t related to Sakura’s love life. Sasuke was bothered by the fact that Sakura was with somebody else, but was it that she moved on, or that she was with Kakashi in general? That was the question that was begging to be answered in his mind at the moment. No matter what, she would be safe. She might not have any special jutsu, but she had quite the punch with her chakra latent strength, so even in the event he wasn’t there, she believed in her to protect herself. Not to mention the three ANBU guarding her at all times, and he knew one of them was Genma, though she didn’t. 

His mind wandered a bit as he walked from the cenotaph to training ground three, the same one he always used with his beloved team. His thoughts were everywhere, mainly on just how happy he had felt. 

Nothing felt more right than when he laid in bed at night with Sakura in his arms. Her hair splayed about the pillow, her face buried against his bare chest. Her skin felt so soft against his, even with the few scars she held in comparison to his body. Listening to her breathe lulled him to sleep every time she spent the night at his home. She was so warm and inviting, and she always clung to him.

She still had nightmares. Sometimes she just trembled in her sleep, others he woke up to her sobbing into his shoulders or screaming his name with so much agony in her voice it ripped his heart out. He couldn’t imagine what she was seeing, he didn’t like to think of the ways Sasuke may have conjured up to murder him. He always held her close and tried to comfort her, but this had never been his strong suit. He stroked her hair and told her how much he loved her. It seemed to work well enough most nights, and he was glad because he didn’t know what else to do and it made him worry.

The copy ninja expected to find the training ground empty, but what he found was craters and cracks all over the landscape, along with uprooted trees. Usually, this is what you found when Sakura was training.

Or when she was coping with emotional stress which she has plenty of at the moment. 

Was it Sasuke, or has the ridicule finally reached her? His clenched as he thought of everything he has heard whispered the past few days or the actual direct comments. Mostly from jealous women, some from other jounin who didn’t know a lick about them.

He meandered along, following the scent trail of jasmine perfume, as well as listening for either the next impact or the sound of her voice. He followed it well into the woods of the grounds. It seemed the damage done lessened the further he went, which concerned him. It felt like the anger was fading and turning into something more morose. He moved faster through the forest, catching a glimpse of a porcelain mask he recognized. 

What he found was far from angry, at least now. She was kneeling on her knees, still in her hospital uniform. She was covered in dirt and green stains from nature she decided to take her stress out on. Her hands covered her face, covered in blood, dirt, and scrapes; the telltale sign she had been too far in her emotions to protect herself or even think about putting her gloves on. Her shoulders shook and as a choked sob escaped her throat, his heart just couldn’t take it anymore.

This wasn’t the first time he found her like this, and it wrenched him every time. But it was different this time because it felt like it was his fault to some degree. He never wanted to be part of something that could hurt her so deeply. 

He approached her slowly, giving her all the time to notice his presence. When he came up to her, he crouched down and ran his fingers through her messy hair, letting the pads of his fingers drag against her scalp. She shuddered softly but didn’t say anything. He slowly sat down behind her and slinked his arms around her waist to pull her back snug against his chest.

She tried to force herself to calm down in Kakashi’s presence, but it only seemed to worsen. She reminded herself he wouldn’t judge her, that he’s never judged her. Wasn’t that one of the things she loved most about him? She still felt so stupid for getting this upset over some stupid bigoted opinions, from people who didn’t know a damn thing about her and Kakashi. 

Then again, was that the only thing that hurt so much right now? It’s not like Sasuke hadn’t just kidnapped her best friend or threatened her team leader, that she just started dating. That Sasuke hadn’t shown her just how he might wish to make good on his threat to kill her lover.

The feeling of his fingers running through her hair made a shiver run through her and she let out a shaky breath. She felt him sit behind her and the safeness of his arms pull her close. Her chest hurt and swallowed another sob, still feeling this dumb need to act strong in front of him. If he had found her here, clearly he saw the damage she had dealt to the poor training ground before her anger morphed into pain. She turned her body into him and rested the side of her face against his chest. The silent tears soaked into his shirt but she couldn’t stop them. 

“Sakura…” 

She wiped her eyes hastily before the sob she’d been holding back ripped through her. The sound of his voice undid it and she was clinging to him desperately. 

“I’m here for you,” He placed a chaste peck on her forehead before tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ve got you, Sakura. I always have, you know that.”

He held her tightly before beginning to stroke her hair. “I know there’s so much going on right now. This stuff with Sasuke, and the talk around the village. Your nightmares. It can’t be easy, on top of continuing to work full time.” 

The sound of his voice was a thread she clung to. Hearing the rumble in his chest when he talked, alongside his heartbeat gave her something to focus on that wasn’t Sasuke, or horrible gossip, or Kakashi being killed in some way or another. She took a long, deep breath. Everything felt so heavy. 

She had just wanted to be with the man she loved, and she finally got that. Why did all this other stuff have to happen? Right as things started to get better, a wrench had to come in it. She knew that she still was with Kakashi, and she had high doubts he was going to leave, but she just wanted to enjoy it.

“Sakura, it’s going to be okay…” 

He took her face into his hands and guided her to make eye contact with him. Her aqua hues were shining with tears that were still flowing down her cheeks. He wiped them gently and smiled softly at her. 

She huffed and slid her fingers into his mask, dragging it off his face. “Better.” She muttered under her breath. 

Kakashi chuckled softly before pecking her lips with his now bare ones. “Oh, I’m sure you think so. Just think, you’re the only one who gets to see me like this.” He held her tighter. “Who gets to have me like this, all to yourself.” He pecked her cheek.

“I know…” A small smile spread across her lips. “Ino keeps saying to ignore it, that they’re just jealous.”

“Hm, she may be on to something. I’m quite the looker.” 

She rolled her eyes before sniffing once more. “Oh yeah, if only they knew what was under the mask.” She huffed. “Maybe some of them do…” She grumbled.

He shook his head, chuckling at the clear jealousy coming off of her. “Oh no. Not a single one night stand had ever seen my face. They would try, no doubt.” He pinched her ass playfully. “Only medics, who usually were too busy looking at the life-threatening issue on my body, and close friends have seen my face.” He smirked as he whispered in her ear. “Some medics are much cuter than others, and I might have let them drag my mask down and kiss me when I was drunk.”

She raised an eyebrow at him before a smile broke out across her lips and she giggled. “Better only be one of those.”

He nodded sincerely before pecking her lips. “Now, you’re smiling again and able to talk. What lead you to wreak havoc on this sentimental training ground of ours, and then break down?”

She averted her eyes instantly, not willing to fully pull her face out of his hands when they were so warm against her tear-soaked skin. Great, now she’s going to look ridiculous.

“Do think they’re right? That I used you to climb rank?” She mumbled.

He frowned. “I think that no more correct than me being a pedophile, considering the last time I check you were twenty. People twist things as they want to make reality appeal to them.” 

“Ino said something similar. A bunch of women took offense that you found someone prettier, younger, and more talented. If they blame us, then their ego is still intact…” She almost laughed as she remembered another one. “Did you hear the one that I’m fucking my whole team?” 

Of course, she found the humor in that one. “Whoever started that rumor must be oblivious because you’ve chased Sai and Naruto through the village with your chakra fists of wrath.” He laughed before pressing his nose against hers. 

“Now, what is actually bothering you? Because I know that you don’t truly care about anyone thinks unless it our friends or Tsunade, who have all expressed happiness for us, with threats to my life if I hurt you here and there…” 

He was meant with silence.

He sighed. “I’m the one who taught you to look underneath the underneath, and I especially know you’re bothered by way more than some gossip we knew would come.”

Sakura sighed and hugged him tightly. “I can’t stand this. I’m being guarded like a dog, all because Sasuke suddenly decides I matter because his snakey sensei put it in his head he needs me. I think I liked it better before when he was cold towards us.” 

He ran a hand through her hair. “I know. But it’s best to keep you safe, and are you going to complain that you have to sleep with me at my house.”

She blushed lightly. “I gave no complaint about that part. More about this part.” She gestured her hands before pointing. 

“One.” In a tree a few yards back.

“Two.” Leaning against a tree in the opposite direction.

“Three.” Right above her in a tree. “Which I believe I learned is Genma, because awhile  a senbon just fell in front of me before a curse was muttered by that one.” 

Kakashi looked up, noting she was right, that one was Genma. Shame on him for losing his anonymity so easily, but it wasn’t like Sakura hadn’t known who most of the ANBU were from treating them anyway. It’s a given he was the only one brave enough to be that close to his fiery little pinkette when she was at such an emotional high. He never knew when to leave anyone alone. He was one of the only people other than Sakura that insisted on ‘being there for him’ when he was having bad days.

“I also hate that I used to feel safe at home, and now I’m paranoid. All the time. He made it into the village without anyone knowing, all the way into my office! And he got out with Ino the same way!” She looked at Kakashi with an annoyed look.

“That bastard could be watching me right now, and I’d have not a single fucking clue!” 

He didn’t know what to say to that. He felt all the same, except he was the one who had figured out he was in the village, and he hated the lack of action he had taken then. He should have done something right then and there. But he gave his former student too much credit. 

And that’s how he feels like this is all his fault. But saying that wouldn’t help her. There wasn’t much he could do to change what was done, but he’d be damned if something happened again.

“Let’s go home and get you cleaned up, okay? I bought you some books while you were at work before I came here.” 

She smiled softly. He always tried, no matter how hard he felt like comforting was. Whether he knew it or not, he always made her feel better. As he stood up and put his hand out for her to grab, she grasped it tightly as he pulled her up. She inched up on her tiptoes to give him a chaste kiss before his hands gripped her hips and held her there to kiss her back.

“Thank you, Kakashi.” She smiled softly before pecking his cheek. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’d probably tear up all the training grounds, not just ours.”

She giggled softly. “Probably, but you didn’t have to say it.” 

He let go of her, just to grab her hand and start walking towards the end of the woods in the training ground. “Come on. Asuma and Kurenai said something going on a double date, and I think you might want to look a little less haggard for that.” He smiled.

She glared at him. “Haggard? That’s a bit extreme!” 

He chuckled as he dodged the fist he knew was becoming before he sensed it. “I love you, too.” He gave an eye crease as he pulled his mask back over the majority of his face.

“Hinata?” Naruto called out softly from his couch as he heard his door open.

“It’s me, Naruto!” She called back cheerily. 

“How was lunch with Sakura? Is she… Doing okay?” He asked timidly.

Hinata sighed. “She’s… doing alright. The gossip around the village bothers her but I don’t think that’s really it.” 

Naruto thought for a moment before sighing. “I don’t understand why he would do this. I thought his main goal in life was to gain power and kill Itachi, so what does Sakura have to do with that?” He grumbled. “She was so happy before all this. I just want to see her like that again.”

“Me, too,” Hinata said before sitting on the couch. “Ino said he acted possessive and jealous over the fact that she was with Kakashi. Do you think he’s always felt some way about her? Like maybe he’d come back for her once he killed his brother?”

Naruto frowned. “I think that’s what Sakura used to hope for, honestly. That he just had to do this one thing, and then he’d be able to come home. To love her, to be a family with our team. It’s what we all hoped for… in a sense. I think Kakashi was able to accept it sooner than we ever could that Sasuke was probably… never coming back.”

Hinata nodded, reaching over to grab his hand. “I know this is hard for both of you…” 

He just nodded as he continued to frown at the floor. “Whatever hopes those were, they were ruined. I’ll never believe he loved Sakura if he was willing to cause her so much pain, whether it was over jealousy or whatever.” 

“You should go train with your team some. It always helps me when I’m being bothered by something going on in life. I think it would be healthy for all of you.”

“You’re assuming that Sakura hasn’t gone and destroyed our favorite grounds yet.” A smile slowly spread across his lips. “Kakashi is the only one willing to go anywhere near her whenever she’s that upset. Sai and I prefer to stay far away from her chakra enhanced attacks.”

He thought for a while on that. It had always been that way. She and Kakashi were always there for the other. Just like most people left Kakashi alone when he was at the memorial, they left Sakura alone when she was destressing in training ground three. Yet, they both never left each other alone. He thought about how that’s what love is, what Sakura should get to experience. Not the way she felt for Sasuke, just this endless devotion with nothing in return. 

She deserved the way Hinata always made him feel, and hopefully how he wanted to make her feel in return. A relationship with trust, admiration, sincereness, and respect was what anyone deserved. He wanted that for Sakura, and he still believed that Kakashi was where she got that from. He had never seen anyone look so happy as they did when they finally got together.

It was so hard not to preach at anyone that said so many ill things about his two teammates within his earshot. It angered him to see their happiness brought down the way people were judging them. Granny Tsunade already warned him it would do no good, but he knew if someone dared say something bad about Sakura close to her, a chakra infused from the Hokage herself was coming their way. So why couldn’t they get mouth load from him?  Seemed unfair if you asked him, but he wasn’t in the mood to anger her with arguing.

“Kurenai-sensei and Asuma-sensei were planning a double date with them. I think they are trying to make Sakura feel better about the...dissent around the village.”

“Maybe that’ll be good for her. I don’t understand what the deal is anyway, I mean so what, he was our teacher? We’ve been in equal rank with him for almost three years now. And I couldn’t give a damn about some age difference when she could die tomorrow at 20 years old. Any of us could, right? We’re adults. It’s not like we’re kids anymore.” He huffed in annoyance.

Hinata sighed softly. “Just because we see it that way, doesn’t mean other people do. However, I’ve noticed most of the people spreading the rumors are women that wanted Kakashi themself. Ino said they’ll blame them to keep their ego intact.”

Naruto raised his eyebrows. “So basically a bunch of women Kakashi’s age is mad because he hardly gave them anything past a one-night stand. And that’s they were one of the lucky ones in the last decade, and now he’s with Sakura, who is youngers, prettier, and probably ten times the kunoichi they ever would have been…?”

Hinata giggled softly. “Yes, pretty much Ino’s exact words. Like typical, they’re putting down our friends to make themselves feel better.”

“Leaf shinobi are supposed to be better than that.” He grumbled before getting up from the couch. 

“Not everyone has the same ideals as you, Naruto. But your ideals are one of the things I love about you, that so many people love about you, and why you’ve inspired many others. It’s one of the reasons why one day you will make a great Hokage.” 

He smiled. “You believe in me, don’t you?” 

“I always believed in you, even when I didn’t believe in myself.” She smiled tentatively.

He pulled her up by the grip he still held on her hand before kissing her softly, winding his arms around her hips. “I love you, Hinata,” He mumbled against her lips, pulling her against him.

She smiled before pulling away. “I love you, too.” 

“Maybe we should plan a double date with them. That’d be awesome, wouldn’t it?” He grinned at her before pressing his forehead against hers.

“I think it's a good idea, and I’m sure they would enjoy it too.”

Kakashi brought Sakura a cup of tea and sat down next to her, handing her the hot drink of peppermint. She took it from him, instantly taking a sip from the cup.

He watched her closely. She was curled against the arm of his couch with her knees against her chest. Her pink strands just barely fell around her shoulders, perfectly framing her face. Her face was still stained with tears, but she had changed into one of his shirts and a pair of her shorts she had brought here. She seemed a little more relaxed, not so overwhelmed by the anger and pain. He could still sense how uneasy she felt, and he just wanted to make her day better. He hoped the dinner with Kurenai and Asuma would help lift her spirits some, a positive in all the negatives.

He loved her so much, and he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. He’d heard everything the village had to say, some of the things he had once thought about himself. That he had been disgusting. He hated himself for it. 

But now, he couldn’t think of life without her. Without being able to hold her at night, or to kiss her. Without being able to see the way she smiled whenever he told her he loved her. The warmth she held for him in her beautiful green eyes whenever she looked at him. He didn’t want to think of a day when his bed no longer had the faint smell of her jasmine perfume. 

“Kakashi…?” Her voice sounded soft and hesitant.

It pulled him from his thoughts instantly. “What is it?” He asked softly, looking up to meet her eyes.

“You’ve got that distant look you get when you’re thinking about something sad…” She set her tea down on the coffee table.

He tried to smile lightly to shake off her concern. “I’m okay, it’s nothing.” 

She rolled her eyes before shifting over to his side of the couch. “Okay, sure. I’ll pretend to believe that. Now lay down...”

He shifted so that he was laying on his back, and watched her curiously as she crawled over his body. She laid between his legs, resting her cheek against his chest. He shifted slightly to get more comfortable before wrapping an arm around her back. She let out a contented sigh before closing her eyes.

He ran his free hand through her hair gently as a smile spread across his lips. He kissed the top of her head. “If you wanted to cuddle, you could have just said so.” He spoke softly, a little surprised she had demanded affection. 

He thought she might get distant from him, too bothered by some of the things people dared to say, maybe even think they were true. He should have known she wouldn’t believe them for a second, but it didn’t stop him from preparing for the worst. He played with the ends of her hair, twirling the strands loosely around his fingertips. Her body felt warm against his, and it was a comfort he never realized he needed until the first time he held her so intimately.

“Does any of this gossip bother you at all?” She wondered aloud. 

Her voice sounded so small to him. It was rare she sounded so unsure. She was usually so confident these days. He wasn’t surprised to see that it bothered her, even if she felt it was stupid. He knew what was going to happen when everyone found out, but it didn’t mean he liked it or that it didn’t bother him. He used to listen to all the things that were said about his father, so the village dissent wasn’t new to him. Minato had urged to learn to ignore it long ago, but it did seem more difficult to ignore these, at least the parts where he was accused of some things he couldn’t even dream of.

“Some of it does…” He sighed. “I can’t act like people just assuming I’ve always had a thing for you doesn’t upset me. I also fear that you might feel they’re right, and it’s not true.” He tightened his arm that had been around her. 

He tried to figure out what to say that didn’t seem accusatory, but also still be honest with her about his concerns.“I don’t care what they think, but I worry about how what people say will affect you, and your view of me…” 

He watched her closely as she lifted her head to look at him. “I love you, and nothing anyone says will make me think any different of you. I just hate… It angers me that they just instantly assume you’re this gross creep when it was ME who initiated this relationship.”

She huffed before resting her chin against his chest. “If anyone should have ever felt harassed, it was you… But no, they just automatically assume you’re just this lecherous man that groomed me from the time I was twelve.”

“Well, I do read porn in public, so people have the right to believe I’m lecherous…” He smirked. “Not everyone knows it had some real plot to it, or care to know.” He brought a hand to her cheek and stroked her cheekbone with his thumb. “Just like they won’t care to know the real story behind us…”

She was looking into his eyes, at his face, before she bit her lip. “So, you don’t think I just used you and clung around you to climb the ranks as some of the women are saying?”

He scoffed. “Don’t tell me some jealous sluts are making you doubt your real abilities as a kunoichi? How would you have ever charmed me into giving you jonin rank? I was tough on you guys, not to mention I’m not the one to credit for your abilities.” He kissed her nose and then her Byakugou seal. “Tsunade is to credit for all your skills, not me. I’m not even the one who gave you the recommendation. I wasn’t allowed to be a proctor for your exam either, because you were my student and it leads to bias- negative or positive.” 

He pushed some of her hair out of her eyes again before smiling at her. “You earned jonin, and I’m damned proud of you for it. The other jonin kunoichis are just pissed because you’re better than them and they know it.”

“Mmmm, and maybe because I have Konoha’s number one bachelor all to myself?” She grinned, blushing softly at his words.

“Well, of course. Thank gosh, because the ‘hot-ake’ pickup lines at bars were becoming rather boring. And now, when a girl doesn’t know how to take a hint, I can just ask her if she likes chakra punches for a drink?” 

Sakura burst into laughter, burying her face into his chest. “Oh, yeah, that’ll make a great reputation for us to have.”

He sat up, taking her into his arms. “Team Seven already has quite the rep, I doubt that’ll change. Now, go shower for that dinner with Asuma and Kurenai. It’s my job to make us late, not yours, remember?” He carried his slender pinkette into the bathroom and set her on the edge of the sink.

She was beaming at him as she placed her hands on each side of his face. “I love you so, so much, Kakashi.” 

He gazed into her eyes, thankful for the happy glow returning to them. “I love you, too, Sakura. I always will…” He gave her lips a quick peck.

As he stepped back, she slid off the bathroom sink counter until her feet were on the floor. She began to strip before her eyes widened with sudden realization. “What the hell am I supposed to wear to this dinner on such short notice?”

“Oh, I got that covered. Dress in the bedroom. I hope you like it…” He gave a sheepish smile before leaving the bathroom, closing the door behind him. 

He chuckled at the tinge of pink that spread across her cheeks. He wasn’t sure how that was worth blushing over, considering all the other things they’d done lately. He picked up her teacup from earlier and walked into the kitchen to put the dishes in the sink for later. When the shower turned on, he moved onto the bedroom, gathering up things he had grabbed from her house while she was at work.

He’d seen her go out in various settings enough in the past few years to know that his favorite person took care to do her hair and makeup. He had grabbed her makeup box, along with both her straightener and curler. He almost forgot the hair dryer at her house but had turned around at the door to get it. He wasn’t exactly sure what shoes she would want to wear. Looking back on past conversations he had overheard, this was supposedly a difficult task, according to Ino. He just grabbed the black, ankle high boots that had a buckle(which he realized was just for looks), and a small heel. Surely, those went with anything, right? Hopefully.

He grabbed a few more things before taking them back to the bathroom. He hung the dress up on the towel rack, as well as some underclothing he bought for his own eyes later. He looked around the bathroom. Never once had it ever felt small to him, but now he was wondering where the hell he was going to put three new additions. Did women need both a straightener and a curler?

“I think I’ll need to invest in shelves if you’re gonna be here forever.” He said in mock annoyance.

“I’m using your razor, just in case your mind, but it’s too late if you do…” Sakura said languidly, clearly paying more attention to her legs at the moment. “And what are you talking about?” 

“You’ll see.” He smiled before pulling the shower curtain aside. “Your lotion is on the sink when you’re done. If you need my help, I’ll gladly lather your legs with it for you.” He gave a wink before leaving again. 

“Oh god, we’d never make it dinner if I let you do that.” She mumbled affectionately as she finished the last stroke up her leg.

He stared blankly at the curtain once it was closed, wondering just how the hell Kakashi knew what lotion she even used. She shrugged it off, not putting it past him to look rather odd sniffing random lotions in the store until he found a scent he recognized. The thought made her heave with laughter as she rinsed the excess shaving cream off her legs. 

She stepped out of the shower, and her mouth fell open in her surprise. She quickly realized what he meant by needing to get shelves, as there was nowhere to put all her hair tools besides the straightener on the sink, hair dryer on the back of the toilet, and the curler on top of his medicine cabinet. Her lotion, which was the same bottle from her house, was sitting next to the cup that held his toothbrush. 

She grabbed the towel on the hanger, to see the dress hanging there, and her heart was full. 

It was a dark emerald green a-line dress. It had a sheer lace overlay that had floral patterns stitched into it. The lace continued over the chest into long sleeves, completely see through around her shoulders and arms, the solid colors would frame her chest. It was so dressy but simple all at once. Pretty but not too much, it was perfect. 

And then there was the navy blue lingerie set next to it that just made her turn rosy-colored all over again as she started to dry herself off even quicker.

“Kakashi, you bought lingerie?!” She screeched in embarrassment. 

 He laughed, having finally heard the response he had expected. “Sakura, I buy porn in public, I don’t think buying lingerie for you is that shocking.” He came into the bathroom. “I also noticed you were severely lacking any.”

She huffed and pouted in his direction. “Oh yes, because I had so much reason to wear it.” 

He raised an eyebrow in her direction in surprise. “You don’t need a ‘reason’ to wear hot things.” He stepped behind her and reached for the garments. 

He held them to her form as he spoke against her ear. “This navy will look stunning against your smooth and light toned skin. It’s strapless, so it won’t show through the sheerness of your dress. The woman said this lace is comfortable. And I honestly just wanted to see your ass in thongs. I am a pervert afterall.” He kissed the side of her head. “I’ll hook the clips for you if you’d like.

Sakura stared down at the blue fabric. She’d seen plenty of Ino’s lingerie, having been made to help her blonde rival choose which to wear on particular occasions. She had never felt the need to buy any. Ino seemed to only wear it on dates, and she never even bothered with those. Not to mention, it’s not like she even had all that much to show off. She bit the inside of her cheek before turning to face Kakashi. “Uh… Sure.” 

He frowned. “Is something wrong? You don’t have to wear it if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“N-No! It’s not that. I love them, I just… don’t have the body for it.”

Kakashi looked at her dumbly for a moment before turning her body to face him. “Sakura, I promise you, you do. If you didn’t have the body for it, they wouldn’t make your size, which I had to ask Ino for before you ask.”

“Oh, god! I’ll never hear the end of how romantic or hot or whatever it is that you bought me underwear that...might feel slightly more appealing than cotton.”

“Much more appealing than cotton.” He corrected her with a smirk before tilting her chin up and kissing her.

She returned the kiss before pulling back. “Okay, fine. Much more appealing. Now, get out so I can get ready. Your lips are way too enticing.”

“My kisses or the fact you can see them in general now, hm?” He teased.

Damn him.

“Both, now go before we’re late! You have to get ready too, don’t you?” She playfully pushed him towards the door.

“I won’t take anywhere near as long as you.” He shot back as she effectively pushed him from the bathroom.

When he heard the hair dryer turn on, he looked at the time and realized maybe he should start getting ready. He lazily walked back to his room. He pushed through the hangers that had old, worn out ANBU uniforms hung on them. He wondered if they would ever be used again. He found the smoky gray long sleeve button shirt he had been looking for. He couldn’t remember the last time he had even worn this shirt. He vaguely wondered if it had been the funeral service for Jiraiya. 

He stripped down to his boxers before grabbing the black slacks on the hanger behind the shirt and slipping them over his form. He grabbed the shirt and the tie, laying them over the bed.  He pulled a white t-shirt from the drawer and pulled it over his lithe form. He grabbed the button up and slid his arms through the sleeves. He buttoned it up to the top, leaving it open. He glanced at the tie, debating if it was necessary to wear. He tucked his shirt and buttoned the pants. He adjusted everything until it felt comfortable and wasn’t pulling one way or another. He grabbed the dress shoes from the floor of his closet, and her boots before walking back to the living room. 

She came out of the bathroom to see Kakashi folding up the sleeves on his shirt, which was a much hotter sight than she thought it could have been. She smiled lightly before sitting down next to him.

“Thank you for the clothes… And bringing all that from home.” She spoke softly. 

He nodded as he looked over, finding her as beautiful as always. The dress had gone to the middle of her thighs. He could see the difference in her wearing the bra instead of wrappings in her chest which was an appreciative sight he hoped for. She had put on some shimmery gold shadow and smooth liner along her lashes that ended with a small wing. Her lips were tinted pink and shined with gloss. 

She looked gorgeous.

“Nobody would ever think you were kunoichi if they didn’t know the only pink haired person in Konoha was none other than my lovely Sakura Haruno.” He smiled before kissing her cheek. “That dress looks way better actually on you than it ever did on a hanger.”

She smiled before leaning against him. “I like it. I’m kind of excited to go on a double date with them. It’ll be fun, right?” 

He cracked a half smile. “I’m sure you’ll make it fun.” 

She smiled before slipping the shoes and standing up. “Well, let’s go!”

She was brimming with excitement. She couldn’t remember the last time she had even worn makeup, let alone fully dressed up. She grabbed Kakashi’s hand as soon as they got outside of the apartment complex, and had not let go of it since. The subtle click of her heels as she glided through the streets to the park they were supposed to meet their friends at was enough to draw everyone’s attention to them.

He followed her idly, almost being dragged as she insisted on walking so much faster than he ever did. The way her eyes shined with happiness, and the way the light from the streetlamps caught the glitter in her shadow, was mesmerizing to Kakashi. She didn’t look like that for anyone, but she had done all that for him. He never thought she needed makeup, but the gold went well with her eye color. 

She didn’t seem to notice anyone looking at them as they walked together. When she looked back at him, all he saw was pure love and joy, and it made his heart clench. That’s all he ever wanted to give her, no matter what. 

“You look beautiful, Sakura…” He gave an eye crease and squeezed her hand lightly. 

A light blush dusted her cheeks before she looked away and walked to the gate of the park. Asuma and Kurenai were already there. 

“Hey, guys!” She grinned. 

“What do you know, Kakashi did wear something other than the jounin uniform.” Asuma said in a defeated tone. “I guess I owe Genma twenty bucks now.”

“I told you.” Kurenai said as she rolled her eyes.

“I still can’t believe he’s with her, of all women.”

Another woman sighed in annoyance. “Clearly, you don’t know what life is like as a ninja. Sakura is one of the most caring people in the village, and that vet was her sensei but only for a short time, she was mainly trained by Lady Tsunade.”

“She’s a child!”

Sakura turned her head towards the conversing women, surprised to see someone she didn’t know defending them. Curiosity shone in her eyes, and she felt Kakashi pull her towards him, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“Don’t worry about any of that tonight.” He murmured into her ear. “I’m not having some random opinionated people ruin your excitement.” 

She turned to him and smiled. “You’re right, I guess.”

“Kurenai said the women are being more brutal about this than they were when we started dating.” Asuma chuckled.

Kakashi scoffed. “Oh, trust me. I’ve heard enough for a lifetime, and it’s not even the only scorn I’ve dealt with, however, it’s for sure the worst.”

Sakura leaned up and kissed his mask cheek, leaving a slightly sparkled spot on the fabric. “Blame Naruto for convincing us to confess.” She giggled. 

He looked down at her before sliding his hand down to rest on her hip. “Sure, why not. But I don’t regret it either way.”

They walked alongside their friends into one of the fancier restaurants and sat down in a booth. They chatted idly for a while about anything and everything. Kakashi mostly watched Sakura, just happy to see her smiling nonstop. Happy to think it was things he did that made her smile and feel so happy. 

He watched her lips as she talked, starting to understand a little bit why she wore the lipstick in the first place. She always had pinker lips, but the red made them more prominent and seemed to demand his attention. He moved his hand to rest on her thigh, a bit surprised by how warm her skin was. 

“Wait for a second, you don’t even know who the ANBU that are assigned to guard you are? I mean I know anonymity is their thing, but usually, in guarding situations, at least the person being guarded knows?” Kurenai shook her head in disbelief.

Sakura shrugged. “I wasn’t told. It must not be that dire to hide who they are, because I doubt Genma would be careless enough to accidentally drop a senbon in front of my face.”

“The other two don’t know you outside of being Tsunade’s apprentice, my former student, and now my lover who is being threatened by a missing nin who was formerly your teammate.” Kakashi said lazily as he blinked a few times to focus back on the conversation.

“In other words, they probably don’t see a reason to reveal who they are if they don’t already know you.” Asuma affirmed.

“I picked who was watching you. I would have preferred Tenzou and Genma, but he’s still on our team and not with ANBU anymore. So just Genma will do, but I trained the others myself. They also think I’m a pervert.” He gave an eye crease.

Sakura rolled her eyes. “Overprotective? I’m pretty sure Shishou would have chosen decent candidates. I’m almost her daughter, according to Shizune. And that’s because everyone knows you are one.”

“Nope. She asked me to choose.”

“Ino keeps insisting the ANBU watch you guys fuck, and I insisted that there’s still privacy in guarding, especially when the last person she is getting guarded against is Kakashi, contrary to some of the villager beliefs here.” He added with a chuckle. “However, now that you mention Genma is there, I have some serious doubts.”

Sakura’s complexion instantly heated up into a cherry shade. “You don’t actually think-”

“Shizune threatened before I did, apparently.” Kakashi said with a chuckle.

Sakura stirred her miso soup a little more before taking another bite. “I sure hope it worked.” She mumbled.

She thought loosely about this moment, just out on a date with their friends. She had always wanted something like this. Just comfortable and genuine, just love. His hand on her thigh was surprising at first, but comforting. She didn’t miss the gazes that were pointed toward their table, or how people whispered, but she forced herself to focus on the date. 

Which wasn’t that hard as she kept stealing glances at Kakashi dressed more casually. She definitely could get used to him wearing clothes that fit his form a little snug compared to the standard jounin garb. She enjoyed the way the fabric moved over his well-toned figure but was still loose enough to only just barely give an outline of the muscles that flex under it.

She felt Kakashi’s hand slowly moving across his thigh, and she dared to glance at his face, which looked perfectly normal, and nothing like he was stroking her skin under the table. She gulped as she crossed her legs over his hand in an attempt to hide it from others. His fingers felt cool against her heated skin, and she was trying to fight off the building arousal. He only squeezed her thigh in response which led to her stifling what would have been a small moan. 

It was awfully hard to focus on anything people could have been whispering about them when she was trying to keep control of her pleasure, and she wondered if that was his goal. Or if he was just being the pervert he was and enjoying toying with her, having known how sensitive she is to even only his touch. Judging by the imprint of a smirk under his mask she could see if she squinted, it was probably both.

“I don’t think even Genma is stupid enough to test Kakashi on that matter.” Kurenai flashed a comforting grin. “So, how did you two finally figure out you both loved each other?”

Sakura smiled in return. “Well, drunk us shared a kiss, but he got all “this isn’t right” and I told Hinata about it a couple of days later.” 

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. “Naruto came to my apartment ready to beat the breaks off of me because she didn’t just tell Hinata, she sobbed to her about it.” He corrected her as he removed his hand from her thigh, letting his fingers slowly slide off her skin.

She shivered slightly before huffing with a pout. “I’m sensitive.”

“Oh, I know.” He gave her an eye crease. “I tell Naruto I love her and some other sappy shit, and he tries to convince me to tell her but I won’t. And he ended up convincing her to tell me.” He pulled her against his side and brushed his lips against her temple. “And now here we are.”

“Is this part where you skip me finding you two together?” Asuma asked with a knowing grin.

“I had suspected you had some type of feelings for her before the bar. I knew she did because she never smiled as much as she did around you. After the way you threatened the guy at the bar, I was for sure about you.” 

“Now just what made me so obvious?” Kakashi furrowed his eyebrows.

“You, well you with three careens of sake in his system, acted more like a jealous boyfriend as opposed to a protective team leader. Right down to openly wrapping your arm around her waist and stroking her hip.” Asuma deadpanned as if that was a stupid question.

Sakura’s cheeks dusted pink once again. “Ah, so that part didn’t go unnoticed by everyone else like I thought it had…” Her voice was quiet and timid as she felt Kakashi rubbing her hip through the fabric of the dress in the same manner as the night before. 

Kurenai laughed softly. “Kakashi hardly ever got involved with women, so when he does we pay close attention. Anko was the first to point out that he was way more touchy with you than any other one before.”

“Wait, really?” Sakura asked as her curiosity became peaked before amusement shone in her eyes. “Well, no wonder why every freaking woman in the town hates my existence right. now.”

Kurenai and Asuma both laughed at her amusement at that new fact. Their plates were about finished and it was seeming to be the end of the night out. They all said their goodbyes before heading back home for the night. 

The whole walk home, she couldn’t help but wonder how Kakashi was rumored to be phenomenal in bed. Well for her it was far from a rumor now. But how did he have that when he didn’t want to be touchy with the women? He would touch and stroke and kiss every inch of her body whenever they made love, and she couldn’t picture him being any other way. It seemed like it was half the fun for her. Then again, she’d never had sex before Kakashi, let alone casual sex. Maybe that was the difference?

[princecupcakee]

Park Bench | Reddie

Read on AO3

Rating: E

Pairing: Richie Tozier/Eddie Kaspbrak

Word Count: 3,112

Chapter: 1/8

Next Chapters: Chapter 2 (AO3), Chapter 3 (AO3), Chapter 4 (AO3)

Summary: Recently divorced and ‘incapable of love’, Eddie Kaspbrak moves to Los Angeles for work and a small, small hope of a fresh start. Broken up and never dated again, Richie Tozier tries to get back into love with help from his love of music. Quickly meeting eyes and one concert later, they think that maybe love isn’t that bad. So they try it one more time.

Chapter 1: Richie Tozier’s Plan, Eddie Kaspbrak’s First Vinyl & Beverly Marsh’s Plan

Tags/Warnings: Angst / Unhappy Ending / theres only one sex scene but this is explicit anyway / Bisexual Richie Tozier / Gay Eddie Kaspbrak / Post-Divorce / Implied/Referenced Cheating / Inspired By Remembering Sunday (All Time Low) / Inspired by The Book Ninja by Ali Berg / Implied/Referenced Child Abuse / Implied/Referenced Abuse / Implied/Referenced Manipulation

Tag-list: @richietoaster, @s-s-georgie, @mikeuris​, @gazebobullshit, @that-weird-girls-blog, @tozierking​, @thoughtfullyyoungduck, @s-onora, @bellarosewrites, @lermanslogan, @ambitiousskychild, @ghostnebula, @vanillaredvelvet, 

(Ask if you wanna be on the tag-list!!)

Chapter 1

Richie Tozier’s Plan

If Richie’s love life was written into a song, it would be called ‘Disaster’; named after his sad attempts at everything even just slightly involved with it. It would be a ballad, slow at first, some depressing line about how dreams don’t become reality. The chorus would hit loud, deafening if rock music wasn’t something you’d find yourself listening to, ‘He loved the sound of their romance’ is the loudest line in the chorus followed by: ‘But he messed up the steps to the dance’  then a sudden melancholy beat, ‘He failed his audition and he lost his chance.’ Toward the end of the song, as the sounds of the drums faded, and a slow guitar was the dominant sound, ‘It’s hopeless’ and the song would close.

Richie’s love life was an utter disaster if you tried to put it to words. He hadn’t had a single normal date in a very long time (he wonders if he ever did, really.) It wasn’t as simple as, ‘I spilled my drink and now there’s going to be a stain and that embarrassing’ those dates wouldn’t stand a chance on his. A few from his museum of failed dates:

Exhibit A -

James: Hey, I saw that you live in Los Angeles

Richie: Yeah! What about you?

James: I just got out of jail and my ex changed the locks. I really need a place to stay?

Exhibit B -

“I love this band so much,” Abigail gushed.

“Me, too! I’m really glad we were able to catch them here.”

And later that night on the news: ‘Woman arrested for jumping on stage to pull a strand of hair from a celebrity in a Los Angeles concert.’

Exhibit C - Connor. Connor Bowers was perfect with Richie, at least as Richie thought. The two had been dating for 2 years until Richie proposed, only to be rejected. Connor confessed that he was cheating, that he didn’t even actually like men. The night they got together, Richie had bought him a drink. Connor really only wanted to try it, but it clearly wasn’t for him. The next morning though, when they woke up in Connor’s bedroom, Richie decided that they were together. Richie wasn’t really thinking, he was just in desperate need for love. After Richie was kicked out of Connor’s apartment, he ended up in Stan’s house, unable to stay alone his own.

Richie never really moved out of Stan and Patty’s house. They didn’t really mind Richie living there, but they did mind that Richie was still bitter about the breakup. Stan and Richie have been friends since they were kids, he’s seen Richie in every way. Patty and Richie became close friends right when Stan introduced them. They would try to set Richie up with a few of their friends but he would just sulk in his room. He claims to be ‘done with love in the most chill way possible’ but the sad love songs, the bitterness on Valentines, and the sulking would beg to differ.“Love isn’t that bad you know, you could try”

“I don’t need to try. I’m fine,” Richie countered.

“There’s a lot of fish in the sea,” Patty said, kindly.

“Not anymore. All I get is plastic bags now,” Richie said bitterly.

Stan sighed, “you’re just gonna be alone forever?”

“Yes,” Richie replied immediately, standing up to get ready for work. Aside from a few comedy gigs, he works at a little record store a few minutes from where he lives. The store had the best speakers, phonographs, Walkmans, discs, headphones, everything. Richie loved it there, always being surrounded by music. The store was always pretty empty, aside from the occasional customer, it was just him. Like its always been.

He took his car from the driveway, heading for the city.

~~~

“Morning, Ben, Bev,” Richie nodded at them, smiling.

“Good morning Richie,” Beverly greeted with a wave, “How have you been?” Beverly was Ben’s wife, she has always been nice to Richie. ‘Nice’ didn’t compose of only greetings and coffee and being professional, they were close friends who went out to movies and heard each other’s lives play. Beverly designed clothing lines, while Ben was an architect. They don’t spend much time in the store, usually just leaving it with Richie.

“Pretty good, you?”

“Fine, but this one forgot to fix the thing on this table yesterday and was insanely worried all night,” Beverly pointed to Ben over her shoulder.

“It could break!” Ben argued, continuing to fix whatever was wrong with the table. Beverly walked over to Richie, who is sat down on the sofa. “So… I have this friend. He’s smart, good-looking, and really nice-“

“No, Bev, I’m not going to date. I’m single and unwilling to mingle.”

“More like, single and afraid to mingle,” she tiredly rolls her eyes, “Richie, there are good people out there, you just have to try.”

“I don’t see that. All the good people are with the other good people. Look at you and Ben! Both of you are like, super hot and nice. Guys like me got no chance- not saying that I want a chance, because I’m fine being alone.”

“You just have to keep looking.”

“Its a waste of energy to ‘keep looking.’ People who like me are not okay. Remember Abigail? Not to mention, people have shit taste in music.”

“You’re such a music snob,” She weakly laughs and shakes her head.

“Alright, its good. The screws were just-“ Ben says, getting up and walking to them.

“Ben, we love you but I don’t understand a single thing you say about architecture and furniture, and whatever else there is,” Bev jokes.

“I try. I’m out for today though, I have meeting, and I’m not sure if I’ll be back,” Ben says to Richie.

“Thats fine, I’ll just sit back here,” Richie smiles putting his hands behind his head and leaning further into the sofa.

“See you then.”

Richie picked up a vinyl and put it in the player. He had been playing around with cassettes, and a few of his own vinyl for a few hours now (‘few’ probably not being the case) and thinking and writing. After he’s finished a chunk of the script he was working on for his Friday performance at a local bar, he had gotten bored and just casually sat by the sofa. ‘Love’ the word danced around his head, taunting him. Or at least, to him, it was taunting. ’He woke up from dreaming and put on his shoes’ sung the player.

The song carried him around as he sang, “Forgive me I’m trying to find, my calling, I’m calling at night. I don’t mean to be a bother but have you seen this girl?” The lyrics took him strongly, his heart tight and loose at the same time, feeling each beat. He drums his fingers on the sofa, following the beats, “She’s been running through my dreams. And its driving me crazy it seems. I’m going to ask her to marry me.”

“you’re such a music snob,” rang in his ears, and he knew what he was going to do. He ran to his collection of vinyl seated by the left of the speakers, under the small table and began to search. He had his own few pieces of vinyl in the store, his own music that he listened to on the empty days of work. The Beatles, Green Day, Aerosmith, he took all the classics in his hands and grinned.

~~~

“Explain to me your plan again?” Stan asked, shocked.

“I’m going to get the best vinyl, write my number or email- whatever, and see who calls. Go on a date, see what happens. I’m gonna leave the vinyl all around the city’s subway all that, ” Richie explains excitedly.

“That might actually work!” Patty says, joining Richie’s excitement.

“This can get you more crazy dates than the ones you got before, Rich,” Stan says, unsure.

“Then, its material for my shows! Like Abigail and James!”

“See, Stan? Its great! Richie tries to go back to dating and he gets show material, win-win!” Patty hopes.

“Where will you get all the vinyl your leaving?”

“Thats the only downside, I’m going to use my own vinyl, maybe beg Ben to let me use the ones at the store?”

Stan sighs, softly smiling and nods, “this could work.”

~~~

‘Hot Fuss’ sat on his lap as he traced over the letters. Richie was in doubt now, his heart racing as he sat in the train. This was the first vinyl he would be leaving for this project of his. His stop was in a few minutes, so he pulled out the Sharpie from his pocket, bit the cap off, and wrote: ‘If you’ve enjoyed listening to this, would you enjoy a date too? Email me, Richie Tozier, @Remembering_Records.’ Richie set the vinyl down subtly and walked. “@Remembering_Records?” Stan asks.

“I was listening to Remembering Sunday, it was influenced,” Richie replies, hopping over the gap, he takes a deep breath and looks over at Stan, “Let’s hope this works,” he smiles, dashing away.

Eddie Kaspbrak’s First Vinyl

“I can’t believe we’re not using our cars,” Eddie mumbles, grumpily.

“Says the New Yorker,” Mike jokes.

“I drive there! Bill’s from there too! Subway stations are so unsanitary, so many people-“

“P-please! Enough with the com-complaining!” Bill says, frustrated, “M-Mike’s car broke down, and there’s no other way to get to B-Ben and Bev’s shop.”

“Its your day off! You landed in LA at midnight, and now we’re going to meet up with old friends,” Mike says happily, walking into the train.

“Exactly! Midnight. I shouldn’t be running around in this germ-infested-“

Mike looks at him tiredly.

“—I’m doing this because Ben and Bev are great and they’re our place to stay, Florida,” Eddie rolls his eyes.

Eddie doesn’t fit in LA. At all. He’s not used to the weather, the lifestyle, everything. He doesn’t like it here and just wants to go home. And Los Angeles seems to not want him here either. He lost one out of three of his suitcases the moment he got down, he had to wait an hour for Mike and Bill to pick him up from the airport, Mike’s car breaks down on the way to meet a friend, and now he’s taking the dirty subway.

He’s only really here for work. All three of them are. Bill and Eddie are from New York, and Mike is from Florida. They were transferred to the Los Angeles branch as a way to teach and help the new workers there. Bill’s ex-girlfriend, Beverly, lives in Los Angeles with her husband. They’re all good friends and Ben and Beverly offered to let them stay at their house (scratch that- mansion) for as long as they’re there. Of course, they took the offer instead of some crummy hotel, too far from their jobs.

Now here he is, on a train, heading to EighthNote to meet Ben and Beverly. But something isn’t right in this train, Eddie doesn’t know if this is just Los Angeles, but there, two seats away, is a light blue, paper casing, with the words ‘The Killers Hot Fuss’ sprawled across its center.

“Look, its Hot Fuss,” Mike points, “someone must’ve lost it.”

“We could put it in the l-lost and found,” Bill mumbles.

“Do not touch that. Who knows where its been?” Eddie says immediately, grabbing Bill's wrist and lightly pulling him back.

But Mike was already on his way to the seat, hand already about to grab the record. Until some guy in his late twenties took the record and sat on the seat. “Oh, is this yours?” He asks Mike.

“Oh, no, it isn’t mine,” Mike says walking back to Bill and Eddie.

~~~

On a street corner, a glass door, big windows, and a small wood sign that says EighthNote hanging above, Ben and Bev were talking inside when Bill, Mike, and Eddie walked in. “Ben! Bev!” Mike smiles, arms open wide.

“Its been so long!” Beverly sings, piling them into a group hug.

“It really has. I didn’t even know you had this shop,” Eddie says, admiring the speakers.

“At this point, it isn’t even ours, one our friends who work here basically one the place at this point,” Ben explains.

“You guys have a whole staff for this?”

“Nah, its just one of our friends. We pretty much just lay around here, the few customers here and there,” Beverly smiles, “he’s got comedy gigs though, he should honestly be a star now.”

“What’s his name?”

“Richie. We met him through Patty—one of my friends who model for me— her husband, Stan.”

“I’m probably pulling at strings here but are you talking about Stan Uris?” Mike asks, surprised.

“Yeah! How do you know him?”

“Best ex I ever had.”

Beverly laughs cheekily, “do tell.”

“Nothing! I just know from college, we dated a while, then he swooned for a girl, Patty Blum.”

“Thats her alright. Gorgeous.”

Eddie had moved on from the speakers by then, knowing they’d be reminiscing college in the next few minutes. Eddie only knows Ben and Beverly through Bill. Bill and Beverly had dated in college, but broke up and just stuck to being friends. Nothing is really awkward between them, all still close. Ben and Eddie both get along with architecture. He really just wanted something to do, he didn’t know what anything in this store was. “Its the thing from the train,” Eddie points, not exactly talking to anyone.

“Oh yeah,” Mike says walking over to Eddie. Mike’s reply startling him.

“Train?” Ben asks.

“We found a vinyl in the train on our way here,” Bill explains.

The conversation didn’t go into the details anymore, as Beverly took the record and put it in… Eddie didn’t know what that was. Was he supposed to? He saw Walkmans from his classmates when he was in middle school, but he never paid too much attention to it. He simply didn’t have the time or energy to care. Its just music. The song started oddly, in Eddie’s opinion. ‘Save some face, you know you’ve only got one’

“What the fuck is this?” Eddie wondered as the song continued.

“You’ve never heard ‘Smile Like You Mean It’?” Bill asks making Eddie slightly uncomfortable.

“I- No?”

Beverly cheekily grinning, “Well, since you’re in LA with us, you’re gonna finally see what good music is.”

~~~

The day took longer than Eddie had hoped, but now, he was in a car (thank God) heading the Marsh’s house. Grateful that Bill and Mike were just as exhausted and quiet as he was, he finally caught up with his thoughts. He was finally able to think again, about how the shop looked, how much he disliked the album Beverly basically threw at his ears, how cute the boy who walked into the shop earlier- no. No. Not what should be running threw his head right now. “Do you guys know the guy who walked into EighthNote earlier?”

“The tall, Hawaiian shirt guy with the glasses?” Mike asked, not looking at Eddie as he turned the wheel.

“Yeah.”

“I th-think that was the guy who works there. Who would randomly bring food into a store and y-yell ‘I brought Chinese, fuckers!’ If they didn’t work there?” Bill answers.

“Right,” Eddie says, his mind wandering away from the topic. He found himself opening his phone and searching ‘Hot Fuss’ into Spotify’s search bar. As much as he’d hate to admit it, it wasn’t that bad. And the guy at the store was cute.

Beverly Marsh’s Plan

“I brought Chinese, fuckers!�� Richie shouted as he walked into the store. He instantly dropped his hands when he saw a man right in front of him.

After a quite lengthy moment of staring, “Excuse me,” he said, moving to the right of Richie, out the door, two men following after.

“Who were they?” Richie asked, setting the food on the table in front of him.

“Old friends of ours. They’re gonna be staying at our place,” Beverly explains.

“Okay,” Richie drags the word, “anyway, I have an amazing plan that was already put into action before any of you two hets try to stop me—”

“Uh-huh,” Ben cautiously nods.

“— so. Here’s how it works. I’m gonna set out a bunch of vinyl and shit on subways, with an email written on the back, and see how calls. I write if they wanna go on a date on the back, and if you’re worried if that'll be a bunch of people like Abigail and shit, I’m not saying you’re wrong. But if it is, it’s show material. It’s gonna be great.”

“This is amazing! You should’ve told us earlier, I totally would’ve come with you!” Beverly laughs.

“Wait. Did you start today?” Ben asks.

“Yeah, why?”

“Which?” Ben smirks at Beverly, as she returns the look.

“Hot Fuss,” Richie smiles. Ben and Beverly snicker. Richie rolls his eyes, “Yeah I know I played Mr. Brightside to a girl before, but I didn’t know the song was about cheating!”

Beverly’s laughter doubles, “That’s not it but okay.”

“Whatever. But, anyway, who was the short guy earlier?”

“We told you, old friends. Why?” Ben says.

“Dunno. He was kinda cute I guess.”

“See? I told you you’d like him. That was the guy I was telling you about,” Beverly smiles knowingly.

“You tried to set up Eddie and Richie?” Ben wonders. Beverly sneaks a wink at Ben, “There’s a concert next weekend, right?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Think you could get us three more tickets?”

“Sure?”

~~~

Beverly walked into to her and Ben’s room, grinning. “Are you gonna explain why you’re so happy?” Ben asks.

“We’re gonna get Richie and Eddie together.”

Ben gives an unsure look at her, “Richie’s going back to dating with this vinyls-on-trains thing he’s doing. Are you sure you want to set him up? You know how unhappy he is about love and stuff, its surprising enough that he’s willing to try again.”

Beverly takes a moment to think. She knows Ben is right, but she also knows that this will be good for both Eddie and Richie. Well, the second one, she isn’t so sure of. “I guess,” Beverly says, slightly disheartened, “but, we could ask them and, y’know, try?” She says hopefully.

“As much as I worry about this, I also think that it could be good. We’ll take them both to the concert and see where they go from there. What do you think?”

“Perfect,” Beverly smiles.

[remywrites5]

OMG I LOVE your wolfstar WIP. Any chance I could ask for a mini wolfstar Christmas/holiday meetcute? 🙏🙏🙏🙏

           Sirius held Harry’s hand as they made their way through the shopping center, not wanting to lose him in the Christmas crowd. It was December tenth, so there was still a decent amount of time before Christmas but the shopping center was still a madhouse. It would be easy to lose a six-year-old boy, especially because Harry had a tendency to wonder off.

           “You excited, Haz?” Sirius asked, letting their arms swing playfully as they walked.

           “Yeah Pads!” Harry said, his little face lighting up with excitement. “Do you think Santa will get me what I want for Christmas?”

           Sirius shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t see why not.”

           Harry beamed when he heard that. They got in line to see Santa and Sirius was relieved it wasn’t too long. He had purposefully brought Harry to see Santa on a Tuesday so that less people would be there. It was the perks of owning his own business that he got to just play hooky whenever he wanted.

           Harry had had a dentist appointment to get his teeth cleaned and Sirius had offered to take him. Lily and James both had a hard time getting off work, where as the garage could run smoothly if Sirius wasn’t there. Sirius would take any excuse to hang out with his godson.

           Truthfully, Sirius had never really thought about having kids of his own. With his messed up family, it wasn’t as if he wanted to pass along the crazy to some poor unsuspecting kid. And being gay meant it was hopefully something he wouldn’t have to worry about maybe ever. But he liked spending time with Harry and he loved being a godfather. He just wasn’t sure being a father was in the cards for him.

           The line for Santa moved fairly quickly and before they knew it they were next in line. Harry was practically buzzing with excitement and Sirius couldn’t help feeling the same even though he knew it was just some bloke in an outfit. Harry’s enthusiasm was catching.

           Sirius paid to get the picture with Santa because he knew James would kill him if he didn’t. James was obsessed with getting pictures of everything as if they were all in danger of getting amnesia any second.

           Harry climbed up onto Santa’s lap and gave him a quick hug. Sirius covered his mouth with his hand to keep from laughing. Harry managed to stay still long enough to get his picture taken and then launched into all the trains and Legos and Ninja Turtles he wanted for Christmas.

           Sirius couldn’t help noticing that Santa kept glancing his way and he wasn’t sure if it was in an “oh my god get your overzealous child away from me please” kind of way or if maybe Santa wanted to fuck him kind of way. Which was…interesting to say the least. Sirius licked his lips and caught Santa staring at his mouth.

           Oh yeah, Santa definitely wanted to fuck him.

           “Come on, Haz,” Sirius said, stepping over and holding out his hand. “Let’s give someone else a chance to talk to Santa.”

           “Aww but Pads!” Harry whined, refusing to take Sirius’ hand. “I wasn’t done.”

           “What would you like for Christmas?” Santa asked Sirius.

           Sirius smirked. “Should I get on your lap as well?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow at Santa. Oh Christ, was he flirting with father Christmas?

           “Might make the children upset,” Santa said with a wink.

           Sirius blinked a few times. Santa had just fucking winked at him. “Don’t think Mrs. Claus would like it much either. Come on, Harry.” Sirius lifted his godson up and held him against his hip. “See you around, Santa.”

           “Merry Christmas!”

                                                           ***

           Sirius took Harry around the shopping center and they got some lunch and some toys. Sirius figured there was no harm in a few early Christmas presents. When it got to be three o’clock, he took Harry to the front entrance where they were meant to meet Lily.

           “Was he well behaved?” Lily asked, giving Harry a big hug.

           “He was great,” Sirius said, ruffling Harry’s hair. “Got a picture with Santa and everything. Give this to James so he doesn’t murder me.”

           Lily laughed and put the picture into her purse. “I’ll give him the picture but I can’t promise on the other part. He might be annoyed with you for buying Harry all these presents before Christmas.”

           “Tis the season and all that.”

           Lily sighed. “You’ll spoil him rotten, Black.”

           Sirius grinned in response. “That’s what godfathers are for.”

           Lily shook her head and gave Sirius a quick hug. She thanked Sirius for watching Harry and then ushered her son towards the car. Sirius turned around and was about to head back into the shopping center to do a little more Christmas shopping without an impatient Harry with him. He stopped when he noticed a guy leaning against the building smoking.

           “We’re divorced, by the way,” the guy said as if he and Sirius were in the middle of a conversation. “Me and the Mrs.”

           Sirius frowned in confusion until he got a bit closer. Those hazel eyes looked very familiar. “Oh my god, Santa?”

           “It’s Remus, actually,” Santa said, taking another drag off his cigarette.

           Sirius cocked his head to the side and looked Remus over. Out of the Santa suit, he was really quite fit, tall and lean with light brown curls falling into his face. He wore khakis and a jumper with a red and green scarf around his neck. He looked soft and sweet. “Sirius. Nice to meet you.” He took a few steps closer and shoved his hands in his leather jacket. “Do you always tell strangers such personal things about yourself?”            

Remus shrugged. “Might just be you.”

           “Ah,” Sirius said, his lips twitching with the want to smile. “And what is it about me that’s got you sharing? My devilish good looks? My bad boy attitude?”

           “It was the way you were with your son,” Remus admitted, dropping his cigarette and crushing it under his shoe.

           Sirius laughed. “Oh Harry’s not my son. He’s my best mate’s kid. I’m his Godfather.”

           “Oh,” Remus said, ducking his head down. “Sorry, I just thought – “

           “It’s okay.” Sirius told him, elbowing him lightly. “Haven’t lost your good opinion of me though, have I?”

           “Well you’ve still got those devilish good looks and the bad boy attitude,” Remus said sarcastically. Sirius decided he liked him already. “Although I’m not sure bad boys take their godsons to see Santa.”

           “They do,” Sirius said, sliding his fingers through his hair, noticing Remus watching him attentively. “They just flirt with Santa while they do it.”

           “So you were flirting?”

           “Only because you were making bedroom eyes at me.”

           “Couldn’t help myself.”

           Sirius feigned a put upon sigh. “They never can.”

           Remus rolled his eyes. “You want to go get a coffee or something?”

           “You don’t have to be getting back to the North Pole?” Sirius quipped, already heading for the door to get back into the shopping center. He noticed Remus was following him. “Hear you’re quite busy this time of year.”

           “That’s why I rely on slave labor to get all the toys made,” Remus joked, falling into the step with Sirius once they were past the door.

           “Those poor elves. You really are a monster, Santa.”

                                                                       ***

           Over coffee, Sirius got to know a lot about Remus. At first it seemed Remus was reluctant to talk about himself but Sirius kept pushing until he got Remus to open up. He found out Remus was a supply teacher while going to school to finish up his degree. He did the Santa thing for a little extra cash around the holidays. Remus had been married before and was now divorced. They apparently still had a pretty good relationship despite no longer being in love.

           He also learned that Remus had a son named Teddy, who was three, with blue hair. Remus proudly showed off a picture of his son from his phone and Sirius wondered idly if that was just a dad thing. He thought Remus and James would get along splendidly.

           Sirius liked Remus, the conversation flowed easily, and Sirius had never met someone who he clicked with so easily. But the whole divorced with a kid thing was knocking him for a bit of a loop. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to get involved with someone with that much baggage. He’d never dated anyone with a child before.

           He ended up going home with Remus anyway, tearing each other’s clothes off the moment they were inside Remus’ flat. It was stupid and reckless – two things Sirius Black was practically known for - but it felt good to kiss Remus and Sirius wanted him more than he could put into words.

                                                           ***

           Sirius decided to surprise Remus on Christmas Eve. James and Lily were visiting Lily’s parents for Christmas Eve and so Sirius had no one to spend it with, except maybe his favorite Santa impersonator. He had brought over a bottle of wine and figured he and Remus could drink it while cuddling on the sofa. He rapped his knuckles on Remus’ front door and waited. It was bloody freezing out and he wished Remus would hurry the fuck up and open the door.

           He heard a bit of a commotion from inside and then Remus opened up looking a little frazzled. “Sirius?” he said, clearly caught off guard. “Did we have plans?”

           “No,” Sirius said, suddenly feeling a bit foolish. “I wanted to surprise you. I should have called.”

           “No, no, it’s okay,” Remus said, glancing back behind him for a moment. “It’s just I’ve got Teddy tonight.”

           “Oh.”

           “I get him on Christmas eve and Dora gets him Christmas Day,” Remus explained, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “I mean you’re welcome to join us…”

           “No, I – I shouldn’t intrude on your Christmas,” Sirius said, shaking his head. Fuck, why hadn’t he called?

           “You wouldn’t be intruding, Sirius, I just thought – “

           “It’s too soon, isn’t it?” Sirius interrupted. “I mean we’ve only just started…whatever this is and Christmas is a big deal, right? And we don’t even know if your son is going to like me.”

           Remus smiled warmly. “Teddy is going to love you. That’s what I’m afraid of.”

           “Your son liking me better than you?” Sirius managed to tease even though his heart was pounding against his ribcage.

           “Well no, maybe, he probably would.” Remus laughed and shook his head. “I’m just very cautious when it comes to Teddy and introducing him to the people I date. I usually don’t bring people round to meet him until I know it’s serious.”

           “I’m already Sirius so…”

           Remus rolled his eyes and rubbed his forehead. “Christ, you’re intolerable.”

           Sirius chuckled. “You like me, admit it.”

           “I do,” Remus said, chewing his bottom lip as if deciding something. “Oh fuck it, just come inside. Have Christmas with us and the rest will sort itself out.”

           Sirius hesitated for a moment on the doorstep and then went inside. He gave Remus a quick kiss hello and handed him the bottle of wine. He was going to need a bit of liquid courage to get through the evening. This felt like a test and even though Sirius knew he was good with kids he was nervous about failing. He really liked Remus and didn’t want to fuck things up.

           Teddy came bounding into the room, holding a toy plane and making it fly around the room. He stopped when he noticed Sirius, eyeing him suspiciously. Sirius gave him a smile and a quick wave. “Hey sprog, I’m Sirius. I’m a friend of your dad’s.”

           “Friend?” Teddy asked, glancing at his dad. “My friend?”

           “Sure,” Sirius said, crouching down next to Teddy. “We can be friends. I’d really like that.”

           Teddy looked at Sirius and then at his toy plane. “I only gots one plane,” he said, clutching it to his chest.

           “That’s okay,” Sirius said, ruffling Teddy’s blue hair. The three-year-old scowled at him in response.

           “Wanna play toy carses? I have lots of those!”

           “Sure!” Sirius said enthusiastically. “You know I actually fix cars for my job.”

           “You do?” Teddy asked, his little eyes going wide.

           “Yeah. Maybe one day you and your dad can come visit me at my workshop and I’ll show you what a car looks like from the inside.”

           Teddy’s face lit up in excitement. “Can we daddy?”

           Remus nodded. “Of course.”

           Sirius kept Teddy entertained while Remus made them Christmas dinner. They played toy cars and Teddy kept making them crash so that Sirius had to fix them. Sirius was relieved that he wasn’t absolutely blowing this. When they all sat down for dinner, Sirius found he couldn’t stop smiling. Trying to get Teddy to eat was like a hostage negotiation and Sirius marveled at Remus’ unending patience.

           After dinner, Remus took Teddy upstairs to put him to bed while Sirius opened the bottle of wine. He sipped it in between putting stuff away in the fridge. It was all so terribly domestic and Sirius was a little unnerved by how easily he could see this becoming his life. He convinced himself it was just Christmas clouding everything. He’d be back to his normal self in the new year.

           Sirius had finished his first glass of wine and was just about to pour a second one when Remus appeared in the doorway. “You got one of those for me?”

           Sirius grinned and got a second glass down, pouring Remus some wine and then filling his own cup. “So…”

           “So,” Remus echoed, taking a drink from his wine. “What’s the verdict?”

           “Hmm?” Sirius asked, not understanding.

           Remus sighed and put his glass back on the counter. “You were really good with Teddy tonight and it got my hopes up that maybe this could really work, you know? But just because you’re good with kids doesn’t mean you want to take him on or me. If this is too much I completely understand.”

           “It is too much,” Sirius confessed softly.

           Remus’ face fell and he turned away quickly. “Right.”

           “No, Remus,” Sirius said, grabbing his arm and tugging him back. “It’s too much in a good way. Fuck, I’m half in love with you already and Teddy is amazing. It’s too much, you get me?”

           Remus shook his head. “Not even a little bit,” he teased, stepping in closer to Sirius. “But I understood the part about being half in love with me and my son being amazing and I’ll take that.”

           Sirius huffed in annoyance of not being able to express himself properly. “Santa, I’m ready to tell you what I want for Christmas.”

           “Oh?” Remus said, smiling softly in amusement. “And what’s what?”

           “I want to cuddle on the sofa and drink wine. I want to watch Teddy open his presents tomorrow morning. I want to take you to Lily and James’ for Christmas dinner so they can meet you. I want our lives to get so entwined that I can’t tell what’s mine and what’s yours anymore.”

           Remus stared at him for a long time as if awed by Sirius’ confession. Sirius took a moment to have a little freak out, worried that he’d done too much too fast, overwhelmed Remus with all his soppy bollocks. Slowly a smile spread across Remus’ lips and he pulled Sirius into a kiss. “That’s what I want for Christmas too.”

[britishassistant]

But I Like One Piece (18)

Something’s got to give eventually.

She just never expected it would be her.

It’s lunchtime, and they’re trying to navigate the strange, new dynamics that come from Ino trying to gain Sakura’s attention rather than the other way round.

She’s noticed that, despite bringing her normal lunchbox, Sakura has been picking at her food recently. As though she somehow finds it all somehow unappetizing.

It’s beginning to get a little worrying, so she brought something she knows the pink haired girl enjoys, just to make sure her blood sugar stays up at least.

She wordlessly holds out a skewer of dango to the pink-haired girl.

“Oh, no thank you.” Sakura says. “I’m on a diet—got to watch my figure you know!”

What.

“What?” Ino asks.

The wooden dango stick splinters in her fingers.

“What.” She says.

Over the blood rushing in her ears, she faintly hears someone go “oh no”.

“What do you mean, diet?” Her voice is as calm as she can make it.

Sakura flinches back, so she wasn’t as successful as she hoped she’d be.

Her tone is clipped when she replies, “You know, it’s not attractive to eat so much food, especially not unhealthy stuff. I’m working on fixing that. You should too, Mayu-chan, Ino-chan! We could be so pretty if we just lost a teeny bit of weight!”

No wonder you don’t have a boyfriend yet Tamara, the way you scoff down food like a pig.

She stands up, chair skittering away from her. She doesn’t grab Sakura’s collar, but it’s a near thing.

“Do you know when it’s acceptable to be on a diet?” She hears herself asking. “If you have food restrictions that it will kill you to violate, like diabetes or lactose intolerance. If your religion has foods that it’s not acceptable to eat, like pork or beef or animal products. If you want to improve your health by eating food to supplement an increase in activity, to build up protein for your muscles and iron in your blood. But thinking it’ll improve your looks...”

She hisses, “Open your mouth.”

“Wh-what?” Sakura leans away, hand coming up to try and cover the mentioned body part.

“M-Mayu-chan, hold on—” Naruto tries to caution.

She grabs Sakura’s hand, yanking her forward.

At this distance, her teeth don’t seem discolored and her breath doesn’t smell like bile...

“At least you’re not «bulimic».” She grumbles, dropping the limb. “So it’s just «anorexia» we’ve got to deal with. Shit.”

“W-what are you talking about, Mayu-chan?!” The pink-haired girl demands. “Those—those words, wh-what do they even mean?”

“They’re shitty eating disorders.” She tries to keep ahold of her temper. If she doesn’t know any better, it’s okay. She can be taught, she can be helped. “«Bulimia» is where you compulsively overeat and then throw up the meal. «Anorexia» is denying yourself food altogether. Both are symptoms of mental disorder, and done under the delusion that shitty starving will somehow lead to beauty. So why are you wasting food for this shitty delusion?”

Sakura flinches at the words “mental disorder”.

“T-th-that all sounds made up!” She blusters. “E-everyone knows that boys like thin girls best! My mom and Ino’s mom and all of Ino’s mom’s magazines say so!”

She throws her hands up. “What are you even talking about?! What boys?!”

Sakura’s eyes glance to Uchiha and away.

“Oh. Oh Sakura, no.” She says, despairing. “You’re—”

“What?!” Sakura cuts her off. “Do you not think I’m good enough?! Is the sidekick too presumptuous for trying to catch up to the heroine and the rival?!”

Okay, now she’s just completely lost.

“Sidekick?” Ino says, hands held up placatingly. “What do you mean, sidekick?”

Sakura laughs, a high and shrill sound. “Don’t pretend you don’t know! That’s all I’ve ever been to you! Just-just following you around, with no strength of my own! If it weren’t for you, nobody would even notice if I disappeared! Nobody would care! They’re all your friends, not mine!”

Ino shrinks back. “That’s-that’s not true Sa—”

“DON’T LIE TO ME!” The pink-haired girl’s chest heaves for a moment before the all rage in her expression and posture just...vanishes. Like she’s slipped on a mask.

It’s more than slightly disturbing.

Sakura exhales, a sweet smile on her lips. “I’m going to be a strong, ladylike kunoichi heroine on my own terms. Strong enough to beat all of you. If any of you have a problem with that, you can just keep your stupid mouths shut.”

So saying, she picks up her things and flounces to an empty table at the back of the room.

She pulls out a chair and resolutely turns her back to the rest of them.

There’s a moment of silence where they all stare at each other.

“...What just happened?” Naruto asks in a hoarse whisper.

She shrugs. It started out with vile words about diets and beauty that still set her teeth on edge, then went to Sakura’s awful taste in boys, then something about her not having friends?

That last one stings, honestly.

Ino curls into herself, looking miserable.

“She’s not a sidekick, she’s my friend, my best friend, but why, why—” The blonde girl looks up, pupil-less eyes lost and sad. “Am I a bad friend?”

“Nah.” Shikamaru says. “You’re fine. She’s just being troublesome.”

Chouji nods, reaching over the table to squeeze Ino’s hand and making gentle hushing noises as Ino’s shoulders hitch with sobs.

Sakura’s back twitches.

So she’s listening in then.

“I don’t get it.” Kiba complains, hugging Akamaru to his chest. “Why wouldn’t we want Billboard Brow to be strong? Isn’t she already strong anyway?”

“Ask Uchiha.” Shino says, stabbing a straw into his juicebox. “Why? Because he has repeatedly expressed disdain for Haruno’s abilities on the basis of her civilian status.”

“I have not!” Uchiha snaps. “It’s not my fault that civilians aren’t as prepared as clan ninja!”

“I rest my case.” Shino mumbles around his straw.

She massages the bridge of her nose. “Look, playing the blame game is not what we need right now. Not when our friend’s so intent on starving herself to death.”

“Is she?” Shikamaru asks, almost carelessly. “Our friend, I mean.”

There’s a quiet inhale around the table.

Sakura’s posture is tenser than a set tripwire.

“Of course she is!” Naruto slams his hands down on the table. “What kinda question is that?!”

“A rough patch is nothing to jump ship over.” She scoffs, biting into the spurned dango. “Usopp and Nami and Robin all had them, didn’t they?”

“And they all literally jumped ship.” Shikamaru mutters, though with less heat behind it.

“Gi-give her time.” Hinata murmurs diplomatically. “It’s-it’s awful, to be ho-hounded. Let her ha-have room to breathe.”

Ino blows her nose noisily on a napkin. Her eyes are bloodshot.

“Anything.” The blonde says shakily. “Anything she needs.”

Chouji leans over the table to give her a hug.

“Anything she needs” turns out to be close to two weeks of pointed silences and increasing misery.

Poor Lee has it bad, because he wasn’t even there for the big blowup. Sakura will at least be civil towards him, but the tension between his crush and Naruto and her with no remedy in sight upsets him, though he does his best not to show it.

At least they’ve finally found a store that will sell them the materials and instructions on how to build twelve smallish shrines that can withstand the elements, so silver linings.

They just need to buy the right colors of waterproof paint and some offerings and it’ll all be ready.

Just in time too.

Now at lunchtime, she feels increasingly keyed up at the sight of Sakura’s steadily diminishing portions, getting more and more agitated until digging her nails into her legs is the only thing stopping her from marching over there and— and—

And at this point she’d almost be more worried if this was all her than if it wasn’t.

It gets to the point where she pours it all out to Gai-sensei one morning during training, while Naruto and Lee are busy sparring.

Gai-sensei’s eyebrows furrow, and he’s quiet for a long time.

“Sometimes,” He says eventually. “My most cool and hip rival does not feel very youthful. There are days where he is fighting many battles in his head. So many that plenty of tasks become like perilous trials in his already burdened state. Do you know what I do?”

She shakes her head

He smiles. “I try to see what he needs. Some days, he needs privacy and time, so I give that to him. Others, he needs a reminder of the present, that the battles in his mind need not impede the Springtime of our Youth, so we undertake most youthful challenges together.”

He claps a hand on her shoulder. “Your rival is trying her best to blossom as you and Naruto and Lee have done. You merely need to be there as best you can for her, to judge whether it is prudent to give her time or to test her mettle against yours. Do not try to force it. A rival is an equal, someone who you trust to stand alongside you rather than someone you need to protect.”

“I’m not sure if Sakura’s my rival.” She admits, rubbing the back of her neck. “...but I thought we were equals. I just don’t know why she thinks that I don’t think she’s my friend.”

“You did say that her attempts to improve herself, however ill-advised, meant she was insane.” Gai-sensei points out.

What?

Oh.

Oh.

“I’m an idiot, aren’t I?” She says miserably.

Gai-sensei ruffles her hair. “Not to worry, Mayu-chan! Admitting you have a problem is the first step to being able to rectify it!”

She thunks her head against her knees and groans.

So she’s made mistakes and needs to make up for them.

The only problem now is working out how.

It’s something she puzzles over for most of breakfast, and on their walk to the Academy.

Gai-sensei said to let Sakura “test her mettle” if she’d had enough time to herself.

And those terms she keeps using—sidekick, heroine, rival—sound like something out of a comic book or cheesy novel.

Wait.

Narrative roles.

The part of her that’s been trained to break down literature and rebuild it into a coherent thesis begins ticking over the possibilities.

She cautiously grins to herself. “I think I know how to help Sakura.”

Naruto and Lee look at her with naked hope in their eyes.

It’s like her favorite quote says: The value in fairy tales isn’t that they tell us dragons exist—but that dragons can be beaten.

Fortunately for her, today is a sparring day.

Even more fortunately, her first opponent is Shikamaru.

He can see she’s up to something so he forfeits in record time.

When Sakura stands opposite her, she gives her best innocent smile while they lock fingers.

“Y’know, I still don’t get why you’re even interested in that guy. You’re about a million times prettier than him, you know.”

So that’s what pink hair looks like against a red face and thERE is a punch.

It’s wimpy compared to what she’s previously seen, no real force or form behind it.

“A-are your eyes working?” Sakura sputters, trying to regain her composure. “Of course he’s prettier!”

She grins, making no move to fight back beyond blocking or dodging. “Eh, you’re a ten out of ten, he’s a five on a good day.”

She thinks she hears Uchiha screech from the sidelines as Sakura tries to force her emotions back under the mask. She darts in and pokes her opponent’s cheek before darting away again.

The pink-haired girl makes a sound not unlike a whistling kettle and begins to chase her around the ring.

“You honestly think you can beat me as you are now?” She taunts, mentally cringing at the line. “You can’t win if you keep half-assing it. You’re better than this Sakura, I know you are.”

“No. I’m. Not.” The next kick actually whistles past her ear. “I need to get stronger so he’ll look at me. I need to get stronger so you and Ino-chan don’t get hurt again!”

She darts forward to flick her opponent’s arm. “And this is the best way? Constantly putting yourself down, starving yourself, playing weak to look “ladylike”? Could you even protect Akamaru by hiding your strength like this?”

A growl emerges from Sakura’s throat. “You wanna see strength? I’ll show you strength, shannaro!!”

She spreads out her arms, grinning. “Finally. C’mon heroine. Stop holding back and show me what you really can do!”

Sakura’s punch connects so hard stars burst behind her eyelids.

She stumbles back a step or two and spits the excess blood into her palm.

She blinks at the small white things that come with it, poking experimentally around her mouth with her tongue.

Chopper’s Rumble Balls.

Sakura’s actually knocked her front teeth out.

They’re only baby teeth, but still. She can’t really help her burst of slightly incredulous laughter.

And this—this bubblegum bruiser thinks she’s just the sidekick.

Whispery boisterous laughter echoes in her ears.

She feels like her grin is going to split her face in two.

The pink-haired girl is babbling, horror clear on her face. “Oh my gosh, Mayu-chan, are you okay?! I’m so—”

She holds up a warning finger. “Don’t. Don’t you dare apologize for that, Haruno. If you do, I’ll kick your ass, I swear to Luffy.”

Haruno Sakura stares at her, bewilderment, guilt and irritation flashing across her face.

Then she squares her shoulders.

“As if you could.”

Iruka-sensei calls off the match then and there before they can really get into it, unfortunately.

He sends her inside to wash the blood out of her mouth once he’s reassured that it was only her baby teeth she’s lost.

He seems perturbed when she mentions putting the teeth under her pillow for the Tooth Fairy. Telling him that the Tooth Fairy gives good children money for more than one tooth doesn’t appear to help matters.

She gets back outside in time to see Sakura rush at Ino with a grin that bares all her teeth.

Ino, for her part, stares at her friend with something like amazed awe in her eyes, and only very narrowly dodges a black eye at the last second.

Their fight can only be called “dance-like” in the sheer synchronization of throwing blows. Otherwise it’s nothing that can be called elegant, or Nami, Robin and Vivi forbid, dainty.

It’s one of the most beautiful things she’s ever seen. She thinks they might even surpass Naruto and Uchiha’s fights in terms of passion.

And now she sounds like Gai-sensei.

Maybe time to quit her musings while she’s ahead.

She sidles up to Naruto. “How‘s Sakura?” She lisps quietly.

“So awesome.” Naruto breathes almost without realizing it, transfixed on the girl in the ring.

She pokes him in the side. He jumps and scowls at her.

“Kaa-san’s gonna ban you from cooking again, believe it.” He informs her.

“Not if you don’t tell she won’t.” She replies, doing her best imitation of his puppy-eyes.

“I’m gonna tell.” Naruto says immediately, the traitor. “And I’mma tell Tou-san and Gai-sensei that you stood there and let Sakura-chan hit you.”

She breaks out in a cold sweat at the thought of all the extra kata her father and Gai-sensei will put her through when they hear that she was messing around in a spar.

She flops forward at the waist. “Ugh.”

Naruto snickers.

She straightens up when Sakura and Ino begin screaming at each other about protection and supporting even really bad romantic endeavors and what sounds like the plot of a romance novel and standing side-by-side instead of in front or maybe in front is okay if they fight for it?

She doesn’t quite get what they’re saying.

Judging by their faces, neither do most of the Lunchtime Group, the rest of their class, or Iruka-sensei.

Well, even if it doesn’t quite make sense to her, Sakura looks a lot happier, if bruised and bloody.

That’s more than worth losing her front teeth and a week of cooking over, no matter how much the latter pains her.

She fiddles with the teeth in her palm, running her thumb over the root. They’re always so much smaller than it feels like they should be.

“Did people of your world really believe there’s a fairy that collects teeth?” Naruto mutters to her as Sakura lands the decisive blow.

“Kids were taught to.” She lisps back, doing a bit of mental math as the pink-haired girl throws herself into the arms of her downed opponent, the pair of them sobbing their eyes out. “You’d get, like, one ryō for three teeth.”

Naruto pulls a face that manages to be disgusted and delighted at the same time. “Your world is so weird, Mayu-chan.”

She tilts her head to the side and nods, as Ino and Sakura limp out of the ring and Kiba takes some of her weight as they head to the nurse’s office. “That’s fair.”

Sakura doesn’t join them for lunch that day, but she does move one table closer from the back.

The next day it’s two tables closer, despite the grumbles from some of the other boys in class as she perches at the end.

It continues in this pattern until Sakura’s sitting at the table behind them, pretending badly that she’s not interested.

She doesn’t quite understand why. The way Shino tells it, Kiba apparently broke Sakura’s window the evening after the spars by throwing a first aid kit through it.

Sakura’s parents thought it was a sweet gesture. His Ma was Not Happy.

Despite that, the pair of them came to school the next morning looking happier than they had for weeks. Ino and Sakura have been walking home together too.

Hinata turns around. “U-um, Sakura-chan?”

Sakura cocks her head, but no more than that. “Hm?”

“I-if it’s not too much trouble, w-would you like to si-sit with us for lunch?” Hinata says.

There’s a tense silence as Sakura tilts her head, considering.

The pink-haired girl exhales gustily. “Yes please, Hinata-chan.”

Naruto cheers as she gathers her things and sits back down in between Hinata and Ino.

“Hey, hey, Sakura-chan, do you wanna come over to Mayu’s this weekend? We’re gonna be painting shrines for the StrawHats, it’ll be really fun, believe it!” He asks eagerly.

Sakura’s brow furrows, but the smile she gives to Naruto is genuine. “I-I’d love to. Thank you for inviting me, even after...I-I’m really sorry I said...”

Naruto just beams at her. “S’okay! You’re our friend after all!”

She grins into her cherries as Sakura gets up to give him a great big hug.

That afternoon, they don’t have their usual lecture.

Instead, Iruka-sensei leads the class down the hall for a sneak peek at a new addition to the Academy curriculum that would be implemented next year.

“Now this comes from a new company based in Yukigakure.” He lectures. “They were kind enough to sell these weapons to Konoha at half the price they were selling to other hidden villages.”

There’s several large wooden crate, with heavily stylized kanji and a logo of four thin diamonds arranged in a strange pattern printed on its sides.

The kanji reads: Tsuruku Industries.

She’s not sure if that’s supposed to be a pun or not.

Iruka-sensei carefully lifts the lid off of the crate, and pulls out some of the packaging covering what’s inside as everyone crowds around.

“The Council has decreed that all Academy students from next year onwards need to be at least proficient in these as they are in kunai and shuriken to graduate. You all will still be on the old graduation plan, so your jounin-sensei will probably be the ones teaching you how to use them.” He explains.

Uchiha asks him something, but she can’t hear what it is.

She’s frozen at the sight of rows of gleaming black handguns and clear cases of bullets neatly packed into the styrofoam, all decorated with four thin diamonds.

She doesn’t think she can breathe.

«What the fuck.» She wheezes, before the world goes wobbly and sideways.

[aweebwrites]

Perspective

Warning: A smol amount of curse words

Ninjago Pride Week (Day 1- Questioning)

_______________________

Cole never really questioned his sexuality before. Never really considered it. That is, until… He looked at things from a different perspective.

It was one of those hot summer days with nothing to do, no-one to save. Cole had groggily walked into the living space, the heat too unbearable to sleep in anymore than he already had. He was unsurprised to find Kai and Jay clinging to Zane's arms as he sat on the couch, watching TV unbothered. He was the master of ice after all. Even without using his powers, he radiated a comforting kind of coolness. What did confuse him however was that Nya and Lloyd weren't there joining in like they always did.

Jay spotted him then and saw the confusion on his face.

"Lloyd caught a cold from last night's patrol. Nya opted to look after him with Sensei Wu." Jay explained and Cole grunted before walking over.

He then dropped to his knees and rested his head into Zane's lap, sighing as he could feel the coolness he radiated against his sweat dampened skin. Zane chuckled then, running his metal fingers through Cole's hair.

"Holding this position for long isn't any good for your knees. Perhaps a better position is in your interests?" Zane suggested and Cole only grunted.

He'll move when he feels like it. All three of them laughed at his antics and Cole peered up at Zane, his hair falling out of the way with the movement, giving him a clearer view. His eyes widened, seeing Zane's wide, amused smile, his gentle, glowing blue eyes bright, lighting up his whole face. Cole was starstruck, heat filling his cheeks. He buried his face into Zane's lap, his heart pounding a mile a minute.

Woah… What the heck was that?

He shifted on his knees.

"You should really move before you suffer long lasting injuries…" Zane murmured softly, petting Cole's hair still, the caring tenderness of his voice having Cole's stomachs doing flips.

Without lifting his no doubt beet red face out of Zane's lap, he climbed into the couch so he was laying across Kai's lap.

"You're heavier than you look." Kai commented but didn't shift him off of him.

"Lemme get in on that hair action." Jay says, reaching out to pet his soft hair before he began fiddling with a few strands.

"I didn't know you could braid Jay." Zane says, lifting his brow.

"Go Jay." Kai says with a smirk and Jay flushed a little with a shrug.

"Hey, fiddle in your mom's hair long enough and you pick up a thing or two." He shrugged.

Cole watched the entire interaction, focused on Zane's expressions and his voice. What is this really…

___________

Ever since, Cole has been in a sort of debate with himself.

He watched Zane for a while, wanting to try and place this sudden influx of feelings on something tangible. Certainly he couldn't have a crush on Zane… Right? He wasn't gay… Right?

That train or thought had him looking at his other ninja as well, more specifically Nya. He really shouldn't considering her and Jay's one time fling that ended because of him but… He liked girls… Right? Maybe not Nya from what he could tell. His eyes drifted to Jay who was grinning as he struck cool poses with his nunchucks. A particularly wrong spin of them had him smacking himself in the back of the head. Cole couldn't hold back his snicker. He was such an adorable idiot.

Cole blinked at that. Oh no. Did he have a crush on Jay too???

He can't possibly. He walked over to Jay, swinging his hammer on his shoulder. He'll prove it.

"I would have given you a perfect 10 but that last performance had me wondering if I should call medics." He says as he stopped next to Jay and- shit, that wasn't what he was supposed to say at all.

That almost sounded as if he was flirting with him. Jay looked up at him with wide blue eyes then flushed a little in embarrassment, rubbing the back of his head. Cole felt heat rising in his cheeks, his stomach churning anxiously as he looked over his freckled face, said freckles standing out even more against his red cheeks. Not to mention those gorgeous wide eyes… What was he trying to prove again?

"You saw that, huh?" Jay says, embarrassedly, glancing away but then looked up at him, his wide eyes narrowing in determination. "I'll get it eventually." He promised and Cole couldn't help his smile.

"I'm sure you will spark plug." He says and Jay grinned at him.

_______

That night, Cole lay awake as his friends slept around him in their own beds. He had the same feelings for Jay. It wasn't the exact same thing per say. When he looked at Zane, seeing him smile, hearing him laugh… It was like someone lit a fire in his chest. When he looked at Jay with his big eyes and smile, his freckled face and his overall adorableness… His stomach is in knots. The wanting he felt to touch them both, to hold hands, to hold them, especially to kiss them… It only grew by the hour. He wonders what it would be like to cuddle into Zane's back, burying his nose into his shoulders with his arms wrapped around his waist. Would Zane mind? Does he even like to cuddle?

He knew Jay did. He cuddles his pillows rather than sleeping on them. Even though it leaves him with a crick in his neck, he just can't seem to stop. It was compulsory. Cole looked across at him before slipping out of bed, grabbing his own pillow. Jay was of course sleeping with one pillow in between his legs and the other wrapped tightly in his arm. Cole let a smile slip onto his face. He gently lifted Jay's head, slipped his pillow underneath then gently rest his head down on it.

He hoped his pillow wasn't too soft for him. Contrary to popular beliefs, he really likes soft things. He then smiled at the sleeping boy then headed over to his bed again, laying on his sole pillow. He sighed softly then closed his eyes. Maybe he should get some sleep. Staying up all night and worrying over something like this isn't very healthy…

Jay nuzzled into the pillow, inhaling the scent of Cole that filled his nose and sighed happily. He opened his eyes again.

You really shouldn't lead me on like this Cole… I don't think my heart could take it.

He glanced across the room at Cole then at Kai and last but certainly not least, Zane. He pulled the pillow from under his head, squeezing it too his chest as he stared ahead sadly.

Not when things are complicated as is…

________________

"Let's see what you've got pretty boy." Kai grinned, holding his sword defensively.

"Oh bring it hot rod." Cole shot back, lifting his hammer.

They both yelled as they charged at each other, Kai using his sword to block his hammer's swing, grunting once he began skidding back.

"So those muscles aren't for show." Kai grunted out, managing to throw a flirty smirk at him.

He however used his hammer as balance and flipped over him, leaving Cole stumbling forward as Kai landed on his feet behind him, grinning successfully as Cole turned around.

"And I see you're not just a pretty face." Cole says, trading hands for his hammer.

"Oh my god can you guys not train without flirting?" Lloyd says and they looked over at their grimacing leader from where he stopped training with Zane.

Both fire and earth elemental flushed, shooting a quick glance at each other.

"We get it, you like each other. Go on a date already." Nya added and Kai shot her a glare, cheeks darkening.

She freaking knew why he couldn't just date Cole. He can't date him when he wasn't the only one he had eyes on. Cole was panicking a little because of course he'd go catch feelings for Kai too- and he hadn't even noticed until now. He always passed off getting up close and personal with Kai as a strategic move, always passed off flirting with him as a means to distract him. Passed off the spark- now flames between them as something else until he convinced himself that it was true. He glanced back at Kai who looked at him, cheeks just as red as his were, his almost glowing amber eyes igniting warmth through his stomach and chest.

This would be a perfect opportunity to ask him out but… It wouldn't be fair to Kai when… He looked at a surprised Zane and Jay.

"... I think that's enough training for one day. I'm… I'm gonna take a walk…" Cole says, heading towards and out the Monastery gates.

"I could use a nap…" Jay says, heading in.

"I should prepare lunch." Zane says then also headed in, leaving Lloyd, Nya and Kai alone.

"I told you to leave it alone!" He hissed at Nya, the moment they were all out of earshot.

"... My bad. I just thought since-"

"Well you thought wrong!" He snapped at her and she flinched.

He sighed, feeling like an asshole.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that." He apologized then turned away. "I just…" He remembered the surprised look they all wore.

They must think him liking guys as much as he likes girls is disgusting…

"I need some time to think." He whispered, walking over to the monastery wall and scaling it, hopping up to the roof.

Nya watched him go and rubbed her arm.

"I really messed up, didn't I?" She whispered…

___________

Jay huffed his pillow- Cole's pillow, staring ahead blankly. So he and Kai liked each other like that huh? He didn't know why he was so upset. The idea of him getting to have all of them is not only selfish but it might as well be fantasy. It doesn't work that way. This world doesn't work that way. Tears stung his eyes. He knew it doesn't work that way… So why…? He buried his face into the pillow, shaking as he did.

_________

Zane went on autopilot setting up lunch, mind far away. It wasn't a well kept secret that he had feelings for his teammates. For as long as he could remember really. How could he not? They were… He tries to keep it as one but he slips up too easily. The probability of all of them becoming one is too low for him to even hope of it. They would all have to share some feelings for each other for that to work or else things will fall apart quickly. The chances of that is less than 2.24%. He contented himself as being their friend instead, being there for them. But…

'We get it, you like each other. Go on a date already.'

He should be happy for his friends getting together. Being happy… He gripped the handle of the pot tightly, startling once it snapped clean off in his hand. He looked down at it, sadness filling his systems. Maybe it was a curse that he got to experience these feelings. He was a Nindroid. A robot. What did he know about emotions? What could he ever know about love? A blue drop of coolant landed on the broken handle, reminding him so much of himself. It didn't stop him from wanting to find out…

______________

Kai hugged his knees as he stared blankly ahead, his sword laying on the roof next to him. He was an idiot, wasn't he? If he was falling for only one of them, it wouldn't be so bad, you know? But no. His over the top self had to go for all of his friends. He thought back to Jay's wide smiles, to Zane's soft ones, to Cole's all out grins. A smile tugged at his lips, thinking of them. It fell quickly. Their lives were complicated as is. He shouldn't try to complicate things even more with his feelings. He laid back at the roof, staring at the partially cloudy sky. He should… He should keep his distance…

_______________

Ever since, there was an awkward tension between the four. They made sure to give each other plenty of space, crucially watching how they spoke and interacted with each other. Sensei Wu was curious to what the sudden shift was but the moment Lloyd mentioned relationships, he kindly left them to their devices. They all thought they were doing what was best for the others but of course, things have a very special way of going wrong.

______

"Kai!" Said fire elemental grunted as he hit the ground, the building collapsing around them from the bomber that blew out the building's support

"Get out of here! The building is about to collapse!" He yelled up at the three who jumped off the Bounty the moment floor gave way under him.

"No! Use airjitzu and let's get out of here!" Cole yelled down at him.

"I-I can't!" He yelled, looking down at his awkwardly bent leg, knowing the only reason he wasn't in a world of agony was due to the adrenaline. "Go!" He yelled, panicked that these idiots would die with him here.

"No!" Jay yelled.

Both he and Cole looked startled when Zane hopped down to where Kai was, the building beginning to crunch around them.

"Go! I'll help him out!" Zane yelled, helping Kai up, careful of his obviously broken leg.

"No way!" Cole yelled then hopped in too after pushing Jay back for him to leave.

He took Kai's other hand as he gritted his teeth. What they didn't expect was Jay using his lightning to destroy a large piece of concrete about to fall on them.

"You idiots! How the hell are we supposed to get out of here?!" Kai yelled at them, the building rumbling as the ceiling got closer.

They looked around and up before Jay gasped.

"I have an idea."

__

"No!" Nya yelled, seeing the building collapse with the ninja nowhere in sight.

"No… It can't be. They couldn't have…" Lloyd whispered, in shock.

Wu solemnly slipped his rice hat off as a large cloud of dust rose up.

Tears filled Nya's eyes but then she frowned, spotting something. She gasped when the large, colourful vortex flew out of the smoke, towards the Bounty.

"It's them!" Lloyd gasped, spotting all four of them in the massive airjitzu funnel.

"Steady…" Zane says and they landed with a relatively gentle landing.

"Woah woah woah!" Kai yelled once Nya rushed over to hug him, making her stop.on her tracks, confused. "I'm glad to be alive too sis but uh, I don't think my leg can take any more sudden movements…" He says, sounding strained.

"He broke his leg. We need to get him to the nearest hospital." Cole says and Lloyd ran over to the wheel.

"On it."

_________

It was a relatively clean break through both his tibia and his fibula so Kai was put on some heavy meds for the pain and had his leg casted. Wu, Nya and Lloyd were filling his prescription, just to give them a chance clear the angry tension in the air.

"'fuckin' told yah to go…" Kai slurred angrily at them, only half there.

"Language Kai. And I would never leave any of you behind. I could have rescued him on my own." Zane says, shooting Cole and Jay a glare. "I'm a Nindroid. I can always be rebuilt. You two on the other hand-"

"Listen, I'm not about to let you talk shit like that." Cole says with a glare, pointing an accusing finger at Zane. "Yes, you're a Nindroid but that doesn't mean I'd sit idly by and let you fuck yourself up just because you 'can always be rebuilt'! I don't give a shit! I'm not about to let any of you unneededly suffer! Not while I can do something about it!" He says angrily.

"You on the other hand should have gone! You could have died!" He yelled, turning to Jay.

"Me?!" Jay sputtered. "You three morons could have died! If I wasn't there to think of of combining our powers, you would all have died! I'm not about to leave any of you behind, no matter what the hell is going on!" He yelled at them, knuckles white from how hard he was clenching his fist.

"We could have-"

"No you wouldn't have!" Jay snapped, cutting them off. "If jumping in that hole to save the people I love with all my heart makes me a bad person then so be it!" He yelled at them and they were all taken aback.

Jay panted heavily, glaring them down despite being confused why they were all looking at him like that. His own words ran into him like a freight train, making him gasp as he stepped back.

Shit!

"Wait… 'hut?" Kai slurred, trying to sharpen his current view of the world.

"F-forget I ever-"

"Do you… Do you mean it?" Cole asked, cutting him off as Jay's face heated up in embarrassment, seconds away from crying.

"N- I mean, yeah…" He says, looking away, rubbing his arm. "It's fine. I know you guys-"

"I feel the exact same way." Cole whispered and Jay looked at him, surprised and alarmed.

"You- you have feelings? For all of us? Both of you?" Zane asked, astonished and it was Cole's turn to go red as he and Jay nodded slowly. "... I didn't think it would have been possible you all felt the same way I do…" He says in awe, surprising the two and they began to get hopeful, excited even.

"Kai-" Cole cut himself off, seeing their friend fast asleep.

A fond expression crossed Cole, Zane and Jay's face, one they all caught but didn't have to hide. They were all in the same boat.

"I don't hear any yelling… Did something happen?" Nya asked as she walked in.

Zane, Cole and Jay shared lovestruck smiles.

"You could say so." Zane says lightly.

Nya and Lloyd suspicious traded looks.

"Perhaps it's about time we all head home." Wu says, pleased the tension has cleared up.

____________

Kai came to slowly, his head a little fuzzy but that was drowsiness. He heard talking close by. He tilted his head so he can look at the other side of the room. He had to blink a few times to make sure he was seeing right. Across from him, Cole was sitting on his bed with Jay in his lap, his arms wrapped tight around the smaller boy who had his eyes closed but he wasn't sleeping. Zane was sitting next to him, his chin on Cole's shoulder as his hand remained laced together with Jay's, both of them listening to Cole talk about the few years he spent at the Marty Oppenheimer School of Arts. Jay giggled at a joke he cracked then opened his eyes. He blinked once he made eye contact with Kai then grinned.

"You're awake!" All attention landed on him.

"Hey. How are you feeling?" Cole asked as they all made their way over.

"... Pretty good actually." He says, recalling what went down at the hospital. "So uh. Room for one more?" He asked them and he was basked in happy smiles and grins.

"Of course!" Jay says eagerly, his eyes bright as he began to pet Kai's hair.

"I was hoping you'd say that." Zane says with a humble but happy smile.

"Wouldn't be right without you." Cole says with a grin and Kai smiled back.

"Aren't I lucky to have three good looking boyfriends to call my own." He mused, grinning when they all blushed- Zane having blue tinting his cheeks.

"You're not too bad yourself." He says and they shared a laugh, spirits high and their hearts soaring even higher.

Cole watched them as they talked, keeping Kai entertained, his cast on a few cushions. Boyfriends. Somewhere along the line, he stopped worrying over whether or not having feelings for them made him gay or bi or even pan. He supposed it doesn't matter. As long as he had them. He smiled, lacing his and Kai's fingers together, joining in on the conversation.

As long as he was happy.

______________________

(Look who's back on mobile! The recent app update seemed to solve the problem. I'm glad considering my sister yeeted herself out of rhe country with her laptop. Anyway, this was supposed to be a fusion of pride week and a cute healing fic buttttt the healing would come in way too late so i decided to start a different fic for that. I hope you guys liked this!)

[kaspbrak-tozier-reddie]

The Band of Toziers

Click title for ao3

Send a quote and I’ll write a fic

Anon:

Storis, Mileven and Reddie story where Boris, Richie and Mike are cousins, brothers or something. Up to you. I don’t really care about the plotline. Go crazy. Thanks 😁

I chose to swap Mileven for Byler, sorry anon 😬😬

Summary:

Just a fluffy fic of Richie, Boris and Mike meeting each other and going on a road trip together before they all go to college.

Richie Tozier has a twin, Mike Wheeler, and a cousin, Boris Pavlikovsky. His cousin was adopted as soon as he was born and sent to Russia while his twin was sent to Maggie's sister, Karen, a week after birth as Maggie and Wentworth couldn't afford to look after another child.

After an upsetting hour down in the clubhouse, Richie drives back up to his house only to see a strange car and woman in the house talking with Maggie. Little did he know he'd get the best shock of his life.

*********

Straight after graduation the Losers Club head down to the clubhouse, beers and weed in hand. They run through the dense trees and shrubs. The crunching of fallen leaves beneath their feet echo through the thick green forest on the outskirts of town. All thrilled to finally get out of the hell town that is called, Derry. Ben reaches the hatch first and pulls open the wooden door waiting for everyone to enter into the bunker before making his way down the metal ladder and closing the hatch.

For once in 10 years, the Spring is scorching. The Losers had spent more time down at the quarry than ever before.

Between the odd jobs and studying for finals, they all managed to spend an hour or two down in the dirty water of the quarry with a bunch of other teenagers. Not once had the quarry been so popular, it had taken the 7 of them by surprise. But since people in Derry didn't have swimming pools, kids had started to migrate down to the quarry. But the barrens? The barrens are just for them. Nobody goes down into the forest.

*

Bev's the first to open the cooler that Richie and Mike carried down together from Richie's truck. "Anyone else?" She asks the 6 boys, only Richie and Bill raised their hands and passes them both a beer. Eddie hands Richie a bottle opener from his fanny pack that he tossed under the hammock.

"Thanks, Eds," Richie says cracking the lid off the bottle and taking a swig from it. Eddie repositions himself in a more comfortable position so that Richie's feet aren't digging into his side. Eddie stopped cursing out the nickname a year ago because no matter what, Richie will always call him 'Eds'.

They all sit in silence, not knowing what to say to each other since they're still processing their graduation.

None of them knows what each other's major is or college they're going to. Richie came up with the idea the week before their college responses came out. He suggested that they should wait until after graduation to share the colleges they're going to but the 7 of them are quiet. In the deafening silence, Eddie decides to reach for Richie's beer to take a quick swig from it and immediately cringes at the taste. "Bev, got anything else in there besides this piss?" Eddie asks.

"I got lemonade and a bottle of vodka," Bev replies.

"I'll go with that." Eddie watches as Bev mixes him a drink and hands him the cup. He feels the burn of the alcohol and slightly cringes but it passes within a second.

"How about we do what Richie said a few weeks ago?" Mike suggests.

"Or we can guess, write down the college and major and we pull one out at random," Ben says. They all agreed and Stan gets up to grab his note pad, pens and a shot of vodka. Even though they know each other's writing, it still would be fun.

Eddie leans right back and brings a leg up to lean the paper on, immediately writing down 'NYU: Business'. When Eddie had received his letter, he wanted nothing more than to rave about it to Richie since he knew that Richie wanted to study Arts at NYU. But little to his knowledge, Richie accepted the California State University letter, instead of the NYU letter.

As Eddie tosses the paper into Bill's graduation cap he notices a remorseful look on Richie's face. It's subtle and only there for a split second before it changes into a laugh. "Come on Stanley Urine, read out the paper," Richie says in a British accent, Eddie has to admit, it has gotten pretty good over the years.

"Princeton, English," Stan reads, "Bill no way! You got the scholarship?!"

Stan's the first who rushes to Bill to hug him before everyone else steps in and hugs him. It wasn't a secret that Bill was applying for writing scholarships to the big Ivy League schools. Even though Havard and Yale had turned him down, there was still hope for Princeton. When Princeton accepted his application he was quick to respond, not wanting to waste any time. Though this is one of the biggest secrets that have been kept from the Losers Club; the top one being, Richie's crush on a certain hypochondriac.

Bill reads the next one, "CSU, Arts." Eddie chokes on the vodka and lemonade, looking directly at Richie, his eyes wide and filled with shock, while Richie looks at him with repentance.

Everyone knows that the two planned on going to the same college or university, but as soon as Eddie broke into a coughing fit, everyone knew that he was not going to the same school. Eddie doesn't know how to live without Richie. Richie's the only person he needs that will support him alp him through a panic attack. The tall brunette is his rock, his 'brother' and the only person whose opinion matters to him. Even though the two are opposites, neither boy can live without the other.

"It's not too late to change, I can - " Richie starts.

"Rich, we'll just call each other once a week or something," Eddie says sadly and gets up and leaves the clubhouse.

The Trashmouth tries to follow Eddie out, but Stan holds him back. If there's anyone else who knows Eddie as well as Richie, it's Stanley.

Stan, being very observant with a keen eye for detail, knows more about each of the Losers than they know themselves. It's moments like these that Stan's talent comes in handy when Richie's impulsivity and emotional thinking clock over his rationale. Richie in his normal state would opt to give Eddie his space. However, repentance and years of pining together basically equal a mess.

"I think I'm going to go home," Richie says and is met with a stern look from Stan, "chill, man, I'm only going home."

****

Once he pulls up to his driveway, Richie notices a car, that he hasn't seen before, parked out the front of his house. He decides to sneak in through his bedroom window and climbs the apple tree that is coincidently directly out the front. It's the very tree that lets him sneak in and out, at the ungodly hours of the night, to go hang out with Eddie, without being caught. Because if he was ever caught, he'd be grounded for at least a month at most 3.

He throws his bag on the ground and hauls himself through the opening, accidentally ninja rolling as he gets his long lanky legs and rest of his torso through. The soft sounds of laughter echo up the stairs, making the curiosity take over Richie's cerebellum. He finds himself gravitating towards the stairs, the sound of laughter getting louder as he walks toward the kitchen. "Oh, Richie, honey!" Maggie exclaims. "I didn't here you come in."

"Yeah, I just got back," Richie replies sadly and turns towards the stranger. "Hi, I'm Richie," he holds his hand out for the woman to shake.

"I'm your Aunt Karen," the woman replies shaking Richie's hand. "Your brother is just in the bathroom, he'll be out in just a moment."

"B-b-brother?"

He doesn't have a brother and his mom doesn't have a sister. His grandparents died before he was born and his parents are both only children. There's no way that his mom has a sister and there is certainly no way he has a brother he doesn't know about. He's 18 and has no recollection of ever having a brother.

A tall brown-haired boy walks into the kitchen from the guest toilet downstairs. Richie's eyes widen, as he's faced with a young boy that looks almost identical to him. The only difference is, is the fact that he doesn't wear glasses. How is that possible? How is it possible that he has a brother that he didn't know about until today?

"Mike this is Richie, Richie this is Mike," Maggie says to the boys. "Mike's going to Cali too."

"Ma, I don't know if I wanna go to Cali, Eds he - " The strength, that he had upon leaving the clubhouse, left, his eyes start to tear up. "I can't - "

"You want to go to NYU for a boy?" Karen says surprised.

"Those two have been joint at the hip since they were 3, Eddie is like another son to me," Maggie says standing up for Richie and pulls him into a hug. "It's your decision baby. Nobody is forcing you to go to Cali and nobody is forcing you to go to NYU."

Richie nods and excuses himself to his room, he apologises to his brother and tells him that if he wants he can come up too. Mike turns down the offer, wanting Richie to be alone while he thinks things over and stays downstairs to talk with the adults.

*

"AHHHH! Fucking Hell Edward!" Richie screams placing a hand on his heart.

"RICHARD, ARE YOU OKAY?" Maggie yells.

"YEAH! EDDIE JUST SCARED ME!" Richie calls back down and quickly closes his door. "What are you doing here Eds?"

"I wanted to talk to you about college," the hypochondriac says.

Richie nods and slowly advances towards his bed, sitting down beside Eddie. The boy beside him turns so that he's now facing Richie. Eddie brings his legs up to his chest, and Richie takes it as a symbolic safety barrier.

"I know that it's your decision - "

"Eds, I made my decision. I thought about it all the way home. NYU has a better program. I chose CSU because I wanted to be close to the beach and didn't give two shits about the actual program." Richie explains. "Besides, I want to be with you."

"That's so gay Rich." Eddie laughs.

"Yeah well, I am gay so seems kinda fitting and I am madly in love with you - " He clamps a hand over his mouth, Eddie moves off the and slowly makes his way to the window.

Fuck!

Fuck!

Fuck!

"I am so so sorry, this wasn't how - fuck!" Richie states.

Eddie, finally realising what he's doing, stops himself from making another backward step toward the window. "Eddie, please say something," Richie mumbles but Eddie can't. It's like he's frozen, only his chest can move to breathe but other than that he's stuck in time, frozen in a shocked state. "Please, I can't lose you Eds."

"I like you too 'Chee but as I said, I'm not going to make you change to NYU," Eddie says.

"I'm going to make the phone call and try to get us a dorm together."

Eddie nods and watches as Richie phones both universities. Eddie can tell that Richie's on the verge of having a panic attack but manages to hold on to his sanity for the full half-hour that he was on the phone.

Once he is off the phone, Richie sets himself up on the NYU dorm site and waves Eddie over to the computer. Eddie walks over and helps Richie pick out a dorm room that has an ensuite. Sure it's a little more expensive, but it's better than contracting some sort of illness from a total stranger. Richie quickly books in for the room with an ensuite before their all occupied and requests to have Eddie Kaspbrak room with him.

*

"Oh before I forget, I need you to come downstairs with me," Richie says.

"What did you do?" Eddie asks. Richie shrugs and pulls Eddie down the stairs to the kitchen.

Eddie's a little concerned when he sees a woman and a boy. He's never met them and Richie has never spoken about a boy that looks identical to him

"Eddie, this is my brother, Mike and my Aunt Karen," Richie says, "I just met them today." Richie's essentially bouncing up and down with excitement as he introduces his boyfriend? Yeah, boyfriend, to his family that he just met 1 hour ago. "Aunt K and Mike, this is my boyfriend Eddie."

"Boyfriend?" Maggie asks, "when? Does Sonia know?!"

"Literally half an hour ago. No Mrs K has no idea," Richie replies.

" I don't think she will ever find out," Eddie replies and laces his hand in Richie's.

Maggie simply nods knowing to never ask Eddie about his mother's intents. She made that mistake once and the poor boy ended up crying. He had begged her to not call social services or the police but witnessing the distraught and panic that the 14-year-old boy had, it left Maggie no other option but to phone the police. However, Sonia was clever, she had managed to convince the officer that had shown up at her door, that there was no such issue. The pharmacist and the doctor all stated that there was nothing wrong but under the watchful eyes of Richard, Maggie and Wentworth Tozier, there was a lot wrong with Eddie's treatment. All three Toziers vowed to treat Eddie like he's part of the family wanting him to feel the right love and affection that he should've been getting from his mom.

And on this occasion, it's the same, but with Eddie now being 18, he doesn't have to listen to his mother. So he decides to talk to Maggie alone, taking her out to the back yard of her own home.

"Mrs Tozier, you don't mind if I stay here until college, do you? I am happy to stay in the guest bedroom." Eddie says.

"Of course not! You're 18 now and out of school," Maggie says. "If you think it's unsafe for you to be at home, you're more than welcome here." Eddie quickly says 'thanks' to her and is about to head back inside when she stops him. "And, please, we're on a first-name basis here Eddie, you've known us for 15 years!"

*

When Eddie comes back inside, he gets Richie to take him to his house to collect a few things. Richie begs Mike to come along so that he can drive him around town, to show him around. Mike agrees and laughs at Richie's enthusiasm. Richie darts out the door towards his white beaten-up truck, with his keys rattling in his pocket. Eddie laughs as Richie fumbles to unlock the truck. He honestly has no idea how Richie is so energetic all the time when the kid never gets enough sleep. He can only assume it's the coffee and energy drinks on top of his ADHD.

"Seat belts kids!" Richie sings as all three boys buckle up and Richie puts the car in reverse and sure enough, they're heading out down the street.

"You left the clubhouse early?" Eddie says quietly.

"I made you upset, I was going to follow you but Staniel stopped me," Richie replies. "How about we continue this later?" Eddie nods. Richie is quick to take Eddie's hand in his and runs his thumb over his knuckles.

It doesn't take long before the three of them make it to Eddie's house. "Mike, do you have your license?" Richie asks and his twin nods in response. "I will explain everything, but, as of right now, I need you to be our getaway driver."

As Richie gets out, Mike climbs over to the driver's side and gets behind the wheel.

Richie and Eddie climb up the tree that grows outside of Eddie's bedroom.

"Eds, take all your necessities," Richie whispers, knowing full well that Sonia is downstairs. Eddie grabs two backpacks and starts chucking clothes in them. He takes his soap and shampoo as well as his toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and two bottles of cologne from the bathroom. Richie watches as Eddie grabs his stash of playboy magazines from underneath his pyjamas and shoves them into one of the bags, the tall brunette gulps loudly with nervousness.

Before he knows it, Richie is following Eddie out the window and racing towards the car. They jump straight into the back seat and Mike's driving off down the road.

Richie asks Mike to pull over when they're a few blocks away so that Richie can take over. "So why was I a getaway driver?" Mike asks.

"Eds' mom is ... how would you put it, babe?" Richie says.

"She's overbearing and smothering. She made me believe that I was sick up until I was 13." Eddie says.

"Sorry about your mom," Mike says.

"Don't worry about it. I've got a family that loves me." Eddie takes Richie's free hand in his, smiling up at him.

That's true, Richie thinks to himself. The Losers are always there for each other. Even though Eddie never disclosed the information about his mom to the Losers, they knew that he was afraid. Especially when he came out a year ago. Sonia tried to use her reason against him but Eddie knew better. Everything she ever told him was a lie, his illnesses, most of his allergies, the way the world was. She wanted him holed up in his bedroom for the rest of his life, only showing her his love and affection, nobody else.

But now he can run away and she can do nothing. He left a note on his door for her to read and that's that. The rest of his life begins now, and now he can do whatever the fuck he wants. "Rich, can we go down to the store? I want to bleach my hair," Eddie says. "We can show Mike around town too."

Richie smirks and takes a sharp turn towards the heart of the town.

**** By the time the three of them come back, with ice creams in their hands, there's another boy in the kitchen. Richie and Mike look to one another, there's no way that they have another brother. "Boys this is your cousin, Boris," Maggie says. Richie just about faints. This is all too overwhelming for the poor boy.

He just graduated today

Found out that the boy of his dreams is not going to the same university

He finally got the boy of his dreams

He changed universities and scored a dorm room with that said boy of his dreams

He met his twin for the first time

His boyfriend is running away from his mother

And now he's meeting his cousin for the first time. Add that to the list of crazy things that happened today.

"Hello, Richard, Michael," Boris' accent runs thick, he embraces the two tall curly-haired brunettes. "Nice to meet you both."

"Nice to meet you too Boris," Mike says and Richie just grumbles.

How is he meant to react? It seems odd, meeting a cousin and a twin brother, for the first time in 18 years. "Nice to meet you too, man," Richie finally says. "Why don't we go up to my room?"

Mike and Boris follow Richie and Eddie up the stairs.

It bewilders Eddie, seeing how there are now 3 variations of Richie.

Richie, the only one with glasses, will only wear Hawaiian shirts or flannels, jeans and converse. He changes into accents whenever he's telling a story or a joke just to make it funny. Not to mention his potty mouth where almost every sentence has a swear word in it.

Mike wears a bright coloured polo shirt with shorts. In Eddie's opinion, he looks like Stan but with brighter coloured clothes. He seems more logical and certainly isn't impulsive like his brother.

Boris is dressed in pure black. Black shirt, black pants, black socks and black shoes. Carries and umbrella and talks in somewhat cryptic sentences with a thick Russian accent.

Eddie watches as the three of them interact, and he can already see that Richie is the happy middle of the three. He's got the logic and intelligence as his twin but the badass and wit as his cousin. It's kinda funny but creepy, all at the same time. "Eds, why don't we invite the Losers over?" Richie suggests.

"Is that wise? Your family is probably overwhelmed by your egotistical persona," Eddie says. Richie gives him a look, "oh come on, you've talked yourself up all afternoon!"

"You don't think that do you?" Richie asks the two boys. Boris shakes his head but Mike hesitates.

"It's okay Mike, I found Richie very overwhelming, when I first met him."

"I don't mind meeting your friends. If they're anything like Eddie, I'm sure they're great," Mike says.

"Oh brother dearest, that is by far the overstatement of the year." Richie pauses for the dramatic effect (like he always does). "Eddie's the second loudest and second most annoying, Loser," Richie says.

"Who's number one then?" Boris asks.

"You're looking at him," Richie says, pointing to himself.

Eddie laughs and texts the Losers, telling them to bring themselves over to the Tozier household.

[kakashisavakening]

Chapter 1 - Across the Line

Shaking, unsure, fragile. She had to hold onto the door frame when she finally caught a glimpse of Kakashi. Or what remained of the once unabashed Jonin. He was not just mentally broken, but throughout. Sakura covered her mouth to mute the sobs wanting to escape her mouth. She gripped the frame so tightly, her fingertips turned white. The steady beeps of the machines in his room filled the air that was otherwise heavy with silence. Genma was sitting on a chair beside Kakashi's bed, eyes closed. On a table at the end of the bed, Tsunade's notes were scattered, an empty sake bottle tipped over on the right. 

Genma slowly opened his eyes and stared at Sakura with a blank expression. There were dark circles under his eyes. It was obvious that he had been by Kakashi from the beginning. 

"I thought I made myself clear." - Tsunade's voice filled the silence from behind Sakura. - "If all you do is cry, I have no use for you. Grow up or leave."

"B-but Tsunade-sama!" - Genma's eyes widened, his glance jumping from the Hokage to Sakura and then back. Sakura swallowed her tears, not once breaking her glance from her broken sensei. She wiped off whatever remained on her face and walked over to the lifeless body. Machines pumped the air into his lungs. He couldn't even properly breathe on his own. What a shame - Sakura thought - You have always been so strong, sensei. Always saved me, comforted me...  - The image of the sensei grabbing Sasuke and Naruto as they plunged towards each other with the Rasengan and the Chidori in hand flashed before Sakura's eyes. How he smiled at her after the incident was over. And even now, his face was hidden from her. That damn machine. 

"I do not need your lectures, Hokage-sama. I am here because you said I am needed. Because he needs me." - She said in a flat voice. Determination took over the shock, anger filled the cracks that the feeling of fragility had caused in her. In that moment, she didn't feel like she was helpless, or behind everybody else in team 7. She was herself. She was Sakura, the person who was needed by her sensei. Genma slowly leaned back into his chair. 

"Good." - Tsunade said, and put a new bottle of sake on the table. - "We need to discuss some things. This procedure might not work. You need to know that."

"What are the chances it will work?" - Sakura asked

"I really don't know. If I absolutely had to give you a number, I would say about 26%, not more." - She said and pulled a chair to the desk, looking at the sketches and notes once again. - "But if you agree to this, you might die if he doesn't wake up."

"He risked his life more than once for me... I guess the least I can do is do the same." - Sakura responded and reached for her sensei's hand. His skin was cold to the touch, lacking the familiar warmth she hoped she would find. - "What is my mission, Tsunade-sama? What do I have to do to get him back?"

"You will need to make him remember. Right now, he is stuck in the past. He can't see what happened in the past 20 years of his life. Going in circles, facing Orochimaru and drifting through anbu missions. He doesn't know you exist, or that he was ever a sensei. You need to find him and remind him of who he is now." - Gai was leaning against the wall of the room. He quietly listened to the Fifth as she spoke. Sakura has never seen him this quiet or worried. His eyes were also dark with sleeplessness. He hasn't looked this bad since Lee was facing the operation a couple of years ago. - "But when I send you in, I don't know what will happen to you. If you die there, or if sending you in would even mean he will hear you. It is possible that you would be just a ghost watching him fade away... the reason why I assume so is that I was like that, but since I was conducting the jutsu, I could pull myself out. I won't know when to pull you out and I can only send in one person."

"So why did you chose me for this mission?" - Sakura finally lifted her gaze from Kakashi - "What makes you think I can make him remember?"

"Because he didn't know you until very recently. His subconscious will remember you, and maybe that will pull him through... when or if he wakes up, you will drift back as well." - Tsunade took out a roll of red yarn. - "Do you accept?"

"It was never a question." - Sakura's voice never wavered, even though her inner self was still in pieces, crying on the floor. Tsunade waved at the door and they pushed in another bed. She ordered Sakura to lay down and tied the yarn on her pinky, then the other end was tied to Kakashi's. Sakura turned her head towards him. I will do my best, Kakashi-sensei. I will find you and bring you back, damnit. Don't you die on me. She said. The Fifth was doing a series of hand signs, but she didn't pay attention. Her focus was on the slowly rising and falling chest of Kakashi. How it moved so different from when he was himself. You hear me, Kakashi-sensei? Tsunade finished the hand signs, and Sakura's vision began to blur. Don't you dare, damnit. 

As her consciousness slowly drifted away, she reached her hand towards Kakashi's, interlocking their fingers. The three other people in the room quietly watched them for a moment before Tsunade stepped forward to check her vitals. Now, her life and her mind was bound to Kakashi. She won't wake up until he does. This jutsu was the fifth own invention from the Yamanaka body switching technique. It has not been fully tested, because there was nobody to test it on. 

It was all up to Sakura now. There was nothing they could do from out here.

"Tsunade-sama..." - Genma sighed - "You are pretty cruel... sacrificing your own student like that. For a mission she cannot win."

"She might.." - She wanted to sound confident, but her tone fell flaccid. It didn't even sound convincing to her, let alone the two Jonins.

"We both know you didn't chose her for the fact that Kakashi only met her in recent years." - Gai added. - "You know how he feels. Are you really going to punish him for finally caring again? After all these years.. he finally cares about someone, and on his death bed you send that person after him?"

"Call it whatever you want, but all I want is for my Copy Ninja to wake up and get better. This isn't the time when I can afford to lose such a valuable asset." - Tsunade checked Sakura's pulse. Despite her words, she was worried for her student. She loved Sakura like a daughter she never had and watching her in such a helpless felt like a tight grip on her heart. 

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Sakura woke up not far from the memorial statue, that stood for the fallen shinobi who lost their lives during missions. Front of the statue a man stood, a cat shaped anbu mask covering his face. He might as well have been a statue for he stood so motionless as she observed him.

A mess of silver hair on top of his head, hips bit forward as he leaned a bit back as if leaning against a wall. Something about him was so familiar. Was that Kakashi? 

No, it cannot be him - she thought to herself. This boy was barely a couple years older than her, while Kakashi was at least 12 years her elder.

The boy looked up, and their eyes locked. He slowly reached for his mask and as he took it off, a face all too familiar became visible. IT WAS HIM. Well, a version of him. But those eyes weren't the ambitious, confident and caring ones she had remembered. These eyes were cold and empty. Sakura got to her feet and ran towards her sensei. She had called out to him, several times, but he didn't move a muscle. About an arm's length from the statue, she felt like she hit a wall. 

Sakura got back up on her feet, and slowly walked closer with her arms stretched out to feel how far she can go. Her fingers eventually touched what he had previously oh-so-gracefully face planted. It was like the membrane of a soap bubble. It gleamed with similar rainbow patterns as well. Sakura looked at Kakashi again, with her hand on this strange thing that separated them. For a second, he moved towards her, but then his hand stopped midair. He shook his head, put the mask back on and began to walk away.

"Kakashi sensei! Come back!"- Sakura shouted. But it was pointless. Despite the fact that Kakashi did see her, he didn't hear her. All he saw was a ghost at the memorial, with a face familiar enough to believe that it must have been a life he had snuffed out. Someone, who has lost her life because of him. Like Rin did... or like Obito. He just didn't want to know any of it. There was already more than enough guilt piled up in his chest. It took every ounce of strength he had to suppress the pain. 

Sakura gathered all the strength she could and punched the bubble-wall. She felt two of her knuckles crack. - "Please..." - She whispered. She knew that if Kakashi doesn't listen, and realise where they really are then he will die. And so will she.

After walking up and down by the wall, she came to the conclusion that this thing between them must be some kind of barrier to keep her out of Kakashi's mind... or to keep him out of hers. This was were he ended and she began. This line they couldn't.. or shouldn't cross.  Ever since the sensei was assigned to team 7, she admired him wholeheartedly. Now that she saw what the inside of his mind was like, she couldn't help but wonder how he managed to keep this all in... this world where he was all alone, in constant rain and fog. Was this really how he felt all these years? 

Sakura had always imagined that he would be a filthy pervert inside, considering all those porn - khm romance - books he read. She imagined that in his mind would be some twisted image of cute girls and something embarrassing, and that's why the sensei kept to himself so much. He never told them anything, so how was she to know that her sensei was in this depression?

She walked and walked until she reached the training grounds where he had put the team to the test for the first time. The middle column, where naruto was tied to was split in half by the barrier. A vision of the past began to play, as if it was cued. On her side, there was Naruto, struggling, trying to get out, while on the other side was a little boy she has never seen. On the ground, a small, silver haired kid sat with his legs crossed, reaching a bite of food for the one tied to the column. That is just like how it happened with us. She thought.

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All he could hope was that whatever this girl would bring wouldn't be too terrible. 

She had walked up and down for a while, like a lioness in a cage, but then, with her finger tracing this anomaly she walked away. He couldn't help himself, and followed. He didn't want her to notice him, but was intrigued after he saw her punch something in the air. He saw her fist collide with something that sent ripples of light, dividing them with a vertical surface. 

The ghost had arrived at the training grounds where Minato-sensei had tested them. Where his team mates were both alive. As always, the memory began to play, and he felt his heart tearing itself to shreds. 

"What do you want from me?" - He said quietly. But the ghost just kept staring at Obito then a boy on her side. Their movements completely mirrored each other. 

One memory was in fact his. But was the other hers?

[crimsonadri-fanfiction]

My Demons (Chapter 18)

Fandom: Naruto (Anime)

Genre: Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, FLUFF

Pairing: Gaara x OC

Rated: T

(First) (Previous)

Time goes by so slowly And time can do so much Are you still mine? I need your love

-Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers

 A cleaning guy came in to clean up Hinata’s blood and Kankuro went down the stairs and walked up to Naruto who was standing by himself leaning against the railing.

“Ahhh! Now you’re talking! All you can eat! Bring it ooooooon!!!” Chouji suddenly shouted. Hayate coughed and everyone looked over at him.

“Now then, we’ll continue the competition.” He said.

“Alright! This time you’ll be picked I just know it.” Gai said to Lee giving him a thumbs up. “You ready Lee?”

“No.” Lee said turning away.

“Huh?”

“I have been waiting so long, I do not care. I might as well go last.” The names on the board started changing. They stopped Gaara used his sand to transport down. Rin leaned on the railing with a big excited smile. Gaara glanced up at her before looking forward and waiting for Lee to join him.

“Ahhhhhhh!” Chouji screamed. “Safe again!”

“Stop that!” Ino said hitting him on the head.

“You want everyone to know you’re a chicken?” Shikamaru asked also hitting him.

“Lee.” Sakura looked over at him after seeing his name on the board.

“It worked like a charm.” Lee said after kicking. “I knew if I said I wanted to be last I would be next!” He kept kicking the air. “I simply applied the principal which states that sometimes the surest way to hit something is to stop trying to hit it.” He started punching the air. “It is a form of reverse psychology!”

“Huu-ah! That’s my student.” Gai said.

“I was absolutely not going to be last no matter what! Ha ha! I sure fooled them did I not?” Lee asked.

“Now then, listen carefully.” Gai said. Lee stopped punching. “A piece of advice before you begin.”

“Sir.” Lee saluted. Gai leaned closer to Lee and whispered.

“Look, you see that gourd that Gaara’s wearing? Watch out, there’s something weird about it.”

“Good advice sir.”

“Don’t write it down!” Gai said when Lee started writing it on a paper.  “What are you thinking? After all you’re not going to have any time to read any notes during the match are you?”

“Ah, more good advice.” Lee said before writing it down.

“Now Rock and Roll!” Gai shouted pointing.

“Yeah!!” Lee shouted before vaulting over the railing to the floor. Lee took up his stance. “I knew that sooner or later we would have to meet and I am glad it is sooner.” Gaara just started at him.

“I hope Gaara doesn’t hurt him too bad.” Rin said with a small frown. Temari looked at her.

“I’m sure the kid’ll be… fine.” Temari said.

“Why are you in such a hurry?” Lee asked after catching something. He dropped the cord to Gaara’s gourd.

“Alright then.” Hayate said. “If you are both ready… begin!” Lee ran at Gaara and jumped up.

“Ah! Leaf Hurricane!” He kicked but Gaara’s sand blocked it before getting bigger. “huh?” Lee jumped away while flipping to avoid it. The sand went back into the gored.

“What is that?” Ino asked.

“It’s sand.” Sakura said. Lee ran at him again and sand came out. Gaara remained motionless, his arms still crossed. Lee jumped and kicked but the sand blocked him. He kept attacking but the sand kept blocking. He heard it behind him and took out a kunai. He sliced at the sand as it attacked him then tried to kick. He rolled out of the way of the sand multiple times. Before jumping up and throwing kunai at the side of Gaara’s head. The sand stopped them.

“Wow.” Naruto said as he watched.

“Even as fast as he is, Lee can’t get anywhere close to him.” Sakura said.

“The sand, he’s using it as a shield.” Naruto said.

“He’s not doing it.” Kankurō said. “The sand is protecting him of its own accord.”

“Huh?”

“It’s almost like a living thing.” Kankurō said. “It’ll come to Gaara’s defense without his doing anything. That’s why Gaara’s never been injured. No one can get at him. No one’s ever even been able to touch him.” Kankurō said. Gaara looked up at Rin and saw her bouncing on her feet with a big smile. He couldn’t help but smirk briefly.

“Well, is that all?” Gaara asked turning back to look at Lee. “I hope you haven’t finished entertaining me. We haven’t had enough… fun.” Gaara lifted his head and the sand came at Lee. It grabbed him around his leg before swinging him around. It threw him against the wall and Lee slid down. It came at him again but he dodged to the side and ran at Gaara before trying to punch him. Gaara looked up towards Rin and expected to see a smile but Rin had her hands over her mouth slightly and looked worried for Lee. Gaara grit his teeth together. She was supposed to be supporting him; she shouldn’t care about some leaf ninja she barely knew. Lee back-flipped away from the sand but then he slipped on it and fell. Gaara heard Rin gasp and shot a glare at Lee. The sand came at Lee and covered him.

“It’s over.” Shikamaru said. Sakura looked up to see Lee flipping in the air way up high. He landed on top of the hand statue.

“A ninja who can do neither ninjutsu or genjutsu is certainly a rarity. Lee has only his taijutsu to rely on. Some might consider that a disadvantage, but that’s what makes him a winner.” Gai said.

“Huh?” Sakura sounded even more confused.

“Alright Lee, take’em off.” Gai said giving him a thumbs up. Lee look over and saluted.

“Uh, but Gai sensei, you said that was only as a last resort when the lives of very important people were at stake.” Lee said.

“That’s right I did, but this is an exception.” Gai said.

“Really?” Lee asked a smile forming on his face. “Really?” He sounded excited. Lee sat on the statue and pulled off his orange leg warmers to reveal leg weights.

“Huh? Are those..?” Ino asked.

“How old fashioned.” Shikamaru said.

“Totally cool.” Naruto said.

“Totally dumb.” Kankurō said.

“Ah that is better.” Lee said holding each leg weight and standing. “Now I will be able to move freely.” He dropped the weights. When they hit the ground it was like an explosion had gone off. The whole room shook. Everyone looked shocked.

“Alright! Now go!” Gai shouted.

“Yes Sir!” Lee said and suddenly he was gone. Gaara blinked and looked surprised. Lee was suddenly behind him and punched. Lee punched through the sand but didn’t hit Gaara. Gaara looked shocked and had uncrossed his arms. Lee was suddenly on the other side of him and kicked. Gaara’s head moved as Lee kicked because the sand had just barely stopped Lee’s foot. Gaara looked to where Lee had been and Lee suddenly punched coming an inch away from his face. Lee ran around Gaara and punched and kicked. Lee suddenly punched with a cry and his fist went past Gaara’s face.

“Close!” Sakura said with a smile. Gaara looked around as Lee seemed to blink around him kicking and punching. Temari looked over at Rin to see the girl watching with wide eyes.

“I could see that Lee had no aptitude for ninjutsu or genjutsu,” Gai said. “so we skipped them and focused all of his time and energy into developing taijutsu. That way we turn his disadvantage into a blessing. Now he doesn’t need those other things to win because he’s transformed himself into the world’s greatest taijutsu specialist.” Lee was running around Gaara who was trying to see where he was. Lee jumped up and brought his foot down and kicked Gaara’s head down which caused Rin to let out a squeak. Lee slide away and looked up with a smirk and Gaara looked in pain and annoyed.

“Wow, that’s scary.” Naruto said. “And I thought he was quick on his feet before. He’s been that fast all this time?”

“Yes Lee!” Gai cheered. “Let the power of youth explode!”

“Right!” Lee shouted and ran at Gaara. Gaara raised a hand and sand came up to block. Lee was suddenly behind Gaara and kicked.  Gaara whirled around. “Over here!” Gaara couldn’t tell where Lee was. “No here!” Lee punched Gaara sending him to the ground.

“Gaara!” Rin shouted as she gripped the railing tightly.

“Good!” Gai said.

“He’s just, too quick.” Sakura said. “That sandstorm can’t keep up with him. Lee you nailed him!”

“That’s incredible.” Shikamaru said.

“I’ve never seen anyone that fast.” Ino said.

“Makes me dizzy just tryin’a keep track of him.” Chouji said. Gaara stood as sand poured out of the gourd.”

“Uh-oh.” Kankurō said.

“Yeah uh-oh is right.” Naruto said. “Your friend with the eye make-up is getting the stuffing beaten out of him.”

“That isn’t what I was talking about, kid.” Kankurō said.

“Huh?” Lee looked at Gaara, who was hanging his head, as sand fell off his face and onto the ground. He looked up and sand was covering him completely except for a few places were the sand had broken off.  Gaara was grinning with wide eyes, showing all his teeth, and making a weird sound.

“Gaara?” Rin whispered.

“What the heck?” Naruto asked. “What’s going on with this guy?! His face is falling off.”

“It’s like a shell made of sand.” Kakashi said.

“Look there’s no a mark on the guy.” Shikamaru said.

“That is so weird.” Sakura said. The sand around Gaara swirled and went up to his face. The sand covered him.

“I don’t get it, is he made of sand or what?” Naruto asked. “All those blow and kicks Lee hit him with, did any of them get through?”

“No.” Kankurō said. “It’s like he’s wearing a suit of armor.”

“A what?” Naruto asked.

“Ordinarily those shifting clouds of sand are enough to shield him but in the event the shield is penetrated Gaara can also wear the sand like armor as a last line of defense.”

“This guy’s too much. He’s got armor now?” Naruto looked back at the two. “Does he have any weak spots?” Kankurō glanced over at Rin who looked extremely worried.

“Well is that all?” Gaara asked. Lee started to unwrap his arm wrappings until long pieces dangled from each.

“Get ready.” Lee said before he started running around Gaara in a large circle.

“What are you waiting for?” Gaara asked.

“Okay you asked for it.” Lee said. Suddenly Lee kicked Gaara in the chin sending him up.

“Gaara!” Rin shouted.

“Try this!” Lee kicked him in the stomach a bunch of times to get him up. The sand on the ground started to follow.

“What an incredible series of kicks.” Kakashi said. Lee gave a final kick then wrapped Gaara with his bandages before grabbing onto him and spinning them both extremely fast.

“Now take this! Primary Lotus!” They hit the ground creating a large crater. Lee landed safely next to it. The smoke cleared and Gaara could be seen in the middle of the crater. The sand armor on his made it seem like he was cracked all over. “It is over. I got him.” Lee said.

“Right on!” Gai shouted.

“Gaara!” Rin screamed. Temari put a hand on Rin’s shoulder afraid the girl was going to jump over the railing to run to him.

“Amazing. He really did it.” Naruto said.

“No… I don’t believe it.” Kankurō said.

“You did it!” Sakura cheered. “Way to go Lee!”

“Is he… that guy isn’t dead is he?” Shikamaru asked. Hayate walked over to look at Gaara’s body. A piece of sand fell in showing it was an empty shell. More pieces began to crumble away

“What?” Lee looked shocked.

“An empty shell!” Sakura shouted.

“But how? When did he do it?” Gai asked.

“It was when you closed your eyes to pray.” Kakashi said. “At that moment, Lee closed his eyes too because of the pain. That’s when he did it.” Lee turned around hearing sand behind him and Gaara appeared, sand falling down around him. He chuckled.

“Oh no it’s-“ Tamari said. Rin looked back, up at Temari with a frown.

“So it’s happened just as I thought; that look in his eyes it can only mean…” Kankurō said. “The demon inside him has been awakened.” Gaara made a hand sign and the sand swirled around him before attacking Lee sending him to the ground. Lee got up shakily grunting. He turned to face Gaara. A large wave of sand rose up.

“Run Lee!” Naruto shouted. Lee put up his arms to defend himself and a large wave of sand pushed him to the wall. The sand retracted and Lee slid down the wall. The sand came at him again and Lee put up his arms around.

“The poor kid is helpless he doesn’t have anything left.” Kankurō said. “Gaara’s just toying with him now.”

“I don’t get it, what’s Lee doing just standing there?” Sakura asked. “With his speed he should easily be able to get out of the way of those blasts. Why doesn’t he dodge them?”

“For a very simple reason.” Gai said. “He can’t dodge them.”

“Huh? Why is that?”

“The lotus is what you might call a double edged sword.” Kakashi said.

“What…What does that mean?”

“You know that it’s a forbidden technique, why do you think that is?” Kakashi asked.

“Well…”

“The Lotus isn’t ninjutsu or genjutsu it’s taijutsu requiring extreme physical energy, the strain it puts onto the body is unimaginable. No one can sustain it for long. Right now Lee is in so much pain that he hardly move at all. Isn’t that right Gai?”

“But-! But that means-!” Sakura looked back at Lee who was in a crater in the wall. He was holding his hands out and panting heavily. The sand attacked again and Lee jumped out of the way before rolling and jumping a few more times. Lee put up his arms in an X and Gaara made a hand sign. “No ninjutsu or genjutsu.”

“All he’s got is taijutsu.” Ino said. “And not much of that.”

“There’s no way he can win this.” Chouji said.

“Win? He’ll be lucky to survive.” Shikamaru said. Lee kept his arms up. Sand attacked him and he yelled out as he was sent to the ground.  Gaara grinned and Lee stood up again holding up his arms. Gaara chuckled.

“What good to you think that’ll do?” Gaara asked.

“I pity the kid.” Kankurō said. “Gaara will just toy with him until he begs for mercy.”

“Well then,” Gai said. The three looked over. “Gaara’s in for a long match because that will never happen.”

“Huh?”

“Lee doesn’t know how to give up.” Gai said. The sand attacked Lee and he landed on his stomach the sand pounded into his back. Lee screamed. The sand retracted and Lee stood again holding up his arms. Tears came to his eyes as he looked up at Gai. Sand moved around and Lee got ready.

“He can’t go on, make him quit before he gets himself killed!” Sakura shouted. Lee took up his normal stance with one hand up. The sand attacked but Lee quickly moved out of the way.

“Lee!” Rin shouted. Gaara clenched his fists and teeth as a growl rose in his throat.

Why does she care about him? Gaara’s mind screamed. She’s my friend! Mine!

“What?” Kankurō looked shocked that Lee had dodged the sand.

“He’s still about to-“ Neji said.

“Move like that?” Naruto asked. Lee stood again with a smirk.

“Lee’s smiling, he’s running for his life but he’s still smiling.” Sakura said.

“Yes, but now it’s Gaara’s run to run.” Gai said. “The leaf village lotus blooms twice.”

“I’ve heard that somewhere before.” Sakura said. “Yeah. Lee told me that.”

“But no… Gai you didn’t.” Kakashi said.

“Yes Kakashi I did.”

“So that genin, that boy, is able to open the eight inner gates and use the hidden lotus?”

“That’s correct.” Gai said.

“Well if that isn’t the more….” Kakashi sighed. “Okay, so then how many of the inner gate is her able to open now?”

“Five gates.”

“Okay, what exactly are these inner gates you’re talking about?” Sakura asked. “And the hidden lotus?”

“The eight gates are like values or chakra limiters that must be opened if one is to… release the hidden lotus.”

“I’m still not following.” Sakura said. Kakashi explained where the gates were. Starting at the head: The Gate of Opening, The Gate of Rest, of Life, of Pain, of Closing, of Joy, of shock and the Gate of Death. The purpose of the gates is to limit the flow of chakra throughout the body.

“The primary lotus opens only the first gate.” Gai said. “The gate of opening, releasing the brains restrains on the muscles freeing a person to bring forth his body’s strength to its full extent. You’ve seen the results.”

“And the… hidden lotus?” Sakura asked. Lee was dodging all of Gaara’s sand attacks.

“At the second gate, the gate of rest, one’s strength is increased further. And at the third the gate of life one enters the hidden lotus.”

“Wait a minute; just the primary lotus almost destroyed him, he could barely move. What’s gunna happen to him if he takes it further?”

“Exactly.” Kakashi said. “By opening all eight gates you could obtain power beyond even the Hokage’s the only drawback is… you die.” Sakura looked shocked. Kakashi looked at Gai. “I don’t know what this boy means to you Gai, but I shouldn’t have to tell you that we never bring our personal feelings into play. I wouldn’t have thought you were capable of this.

“You have no right, you know nothing about him.” Gai said. “Nothing at all! That boy has something important to prove and he’s determined to prove it even at the cost of his life. And I am determined to help him reach his goal, not for his sake but because that goal is worth reaching.” Suddenly the hair around Lee moved and energy came from him.

“What?”

“I don’t know what you think you’re planning right now but this match is over for you.” Gaara said.

“You are right. It is over. One way or another. I am not going to be the only one to lose here!” Lee’s hair stared to lift from the pressure of the air around Lee. Gaara looked a bit surprised. “Gai-Sensei please let this work, it is now or never!” Lee brought his arms down as blue chakra started to glow. His hair was blowing straight up and his skin and face looked darker. “The third gate! Gate of Life open!” The ground around Lee rose around him as his chakra and the air mixed around him. His skin was changing and his eyes were wide and white. A green glow emitted from him.

“His whole body’s changing.” Sakura said.

“He’s turning red!” Naruto said.

“What’s it mean? What’s happening?”  Kankurō asked.

“He’s opened the third gate the gate of life, now he’ll attack.” Kakashi said.

“Oh no, not yet.” Gai said.

“Hm?”

“The fourth gate! Gate of Pain!” Lee shouted as he was hunched over slightly. “Open!” He screamed.

“Incredible.” Kakashi said. Lee continued to scream and suddenly moved forward. Gaara’s eyes widened, as Lee moved the ground exploded. Lee kicked Gaara up in the chin, the force being sent up at the other genin and jounin watching. Everyone held up their arms and took cover.

“Gaara!” Rin screamed.

“Huh? Gaara!” Kankurō shouted looking around.

“Where’d they go?!” Naruto asked.

“Gaara!” Rin shouted, squinting to look through the dust.

“Eh huh? Up there!” Shikamaru shouted. Gaara flew up out of the smoke and dust.

“There’s Gaara but what happened to Lee?” Ino asked.

“He’s just gone!” Chouji said. Gaara’s sand hurried to get to him. Gaara’s sand armor was cracking.

“Hiding behind that sand armor again, ay?” Lee asked. “Well we will see about that!” Lee was suddenly above Gaara who sounded surprised. Lee hit Gaara down then back then all around rapidly. Gaara’s sand armor was cracking and falling away. “You are a tough one!” Lee shouted. “Try this!” Lee forced his hand into a fist.

“I can’t watch.” Rin whimpered as she covered her eyes.

“His muscles are tearing themselves apart.” Kakashi said.  

“One more and we are finished!” Lee shouted as he opened the fifth gate. Lee disappeared when he was a foot away from Gaara. Gaara made a noise of surprise and suddenly Lee hit him in the stomach. Gaara went flying but Lee had a bandaged attached to him which stopped him. Gaara looked at Lee with wide eyes. Gaara’s sand couldn’t keep up and was far behind Lee. Lee pulled on the bandage which pulled Gaara up. “Hidden Lotus!” Lee shouted as he punched Gaara in the stomach.  They hit the found sending a shock wave and smoke and dust up at everyone else. Gaara’s gourd started to turn to sand to protect him. Lee rolled on the ground.

“Unbelievable he did it!” Naruto shouted.

“Gaara!” Kankurō and Rin shouted.

“Is it over?” Sakura asked. The smoked cleared.

“Huh?”

“What’s that?” Ino asked. “Down there.” In the center of the crater lying on a protective layer of sand Gaara was groaning in pain. Rin covered her mouth with a gasp. Gaara weakly reached out his arm with an open palm. His sand started going after Lee.

“I know what’s coming now.” Shino said. Lee struggled to get up and move away. The sand went around his left arm and leg.

“Gaara no!” Rin screamed.

“Sand coffin.” Gaara said closing his fist. Lee screamed in pain. He hit the ground and looked to be unconscious. The sand move to attack again. “Now you die.”  Gaara sat up as his sand was stopped by Gai. Gaara looked at him in shock. He grabbed his head with one hand. “But why? He failed.” He put his other hand on his head. “Why save him?”

“Because he’s… he’s my student and also because he is precious to me.” Gaara blinked and his eyes looked up at Rin who had tears in hers.  

“He’s precious to him?” Tamari asked. “A student?” Gaara stood and his gourd reformed on his back. Gaara started walking away.

“Huh?” Gai looked after him.

“I quit.” Gaara said.

“He what, he quits?” Sakura asked.

“It’s too late for Lee. He lost the match the minute Gai intervened.” Kakashi said.

“The winner is…uh?” Hayate look over at Lee. Everyone made a noise of surprise causing Gaara to turn around. Gai looked behind him to see Lee standing, his left arm and leg bleeding profusely and his left leg was shaking.

“It can’t be.” Gai said turning to face him. Lee raised his right hand in his normal pose. “No Lee.” Gai went up to him. “It’s alright, it’s all over now. Anyway you’re in no condition to…” Gai stopped. “Lee…oh Lee…” Gai started crying. “What have I done? Look at you not even conscious and still determined to show the world what you can do.”

“He’s out cold.” Kakashi said pulling his headband back down. “Nothing keeping him up but sheer willpower.

“Lee… You’ve already proven it.” Gai said before pulling him into a hug. “You are a splendid ninja.”

“The winner is Gaara.” Hayate said. Gaara was looking at Gai and Lee. He glared at them.

“Lee!” Sakura was about to jump down.

“Sakura.” Kakashi said stopping her. “There is nothing you can do for him right now.” She looked down. “There are times when sympathetic words only make things worse.” Sakura looked down to see Gai lying Lee down.

“Hmph, I knew he couldn’t beat Gaara.” Temari said. Naruto vaulted over the railing and started running towards them. As he passed Gaara he turned his head to look at him. Gaara looked back then watched Naruto run over.

“Hurry this boy needs attention.” Hayate said to the medics who were coming. Naruto looked down at Lee.

“Bushy Brow…” Naruto stood by Gai as the medical ninja looked over Lee.

“You’re his teacher aren’t you?” One of the medics asked Gai.

“I am. What is it?” Gai said. The medic stood.

“Will you… come with me?” The medic asked before walking away. Gai followed.

“Careful with him.” The other two medics put Lee on the stretcher.  “That’s right, easy.” Naruto walked over and looked at Lee.

“The boy’s breathing is faint but steady. There are bone fractures and muscle tares on is body. He’s facing a long and difficult rehabilitation.” The medic told Gai. “But I’m afraid it’s not the worst of it… his left arm and leg in particular have suffered massive damage. I’m sorry I know how much it means to you both but he’ll never fight again. His days as a shinobi are over.” The medic bowed before going over to the stretcher to help take Lee away.

“No… he’s wrong.” Naruto said, tears coming to his eyes. “It can’t be true.” His shoulders shook. Gai walked up to Lee. He was also crying. They took him away.

“Easy for you to say it’s over! What about Bushy Brow?!” Naruto screamed. “What’s he supposed to do now?! Failure! I thought you said we could win?! I thought you were gunna show how a failure can-! It was all a lie wasn’t it!” Naruto started to run after them but Kakashi appeared to hold him back and cover his mouth.

“That’s enough Naruto.” Naruto knocked his hand away.

“But sensei- It isn’t fair! All he ever wanted was to prove himself against Sasuke and Neji.”

“And maybe that’s what led to his downfall.” Kakashi said. “He was so fixated on that goal that he sacrificed his body, his future, to attain it. And now that goal is unattainable. But you’re wrong about one things Naruto, it wasn’t just Sasuke and Neji he was thinking of, it was you too. That’s right, he risked everything just for the hope of meeting you in combat. Remember that.” Kakashi put his hand on Naruto’s head. “Be worthy of his sacrifice.” Gaara watched Lee get taken away. Gaara transported back to Tamari, Rin and Baki with his sand.

“Good to have you back, Gaara.” Temari said. Gaara just looked at her for a brief moment before looking at Rin. She was wiping tears out of her eyes. Gaara’s hand gripped the front of his shirt as she looked at him. He must have looked in pain because her eyes widened and she rushed to his side.

“Are you okay?” she asked reaching out a hand but stopping before she touched his arm.

She doesn’t even want to touch me. Gaara thought bitterly.

“Gaara?” Rin asked as she gently touched his arm. Gaara looked down at her hand; Rin took it the wrong way and pulled her hand back. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” he said quietly. Rin looked towards the doors of the room.

“I hope Lee is okay…” she said. Gaara started glaring at the ground. Temari swallowed and looked between the two.

Next Chapter

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[taibu]

Genyatta - KARAOKE MAYHEM 2.0 (Genyatta Week 2018 - Day 1)

Well! Here we are! Let’s hope I’m doing this right haha! Super long and really badly written, sorry. But my arm was literally falling off near the end so I needed to finish it fast! Enjoy!

WARNING: VERY fluffy. Like. Holy fuck. Obviously gay shit. OOC mostly because I'm still new to the franchise haha. Also headcanons. Loooads of them. Mostly for Zenyatta tho.

Other things to note: Most characters not seen in this fic are either working for the Talon or haven't joined Overwatch yet, or in some cases are just away atm. Mostly because I can't be fucked to add them ALL in the fic, there is like, gazillion of them, Jesus. I'm already pulling my hair with the amount I have uuuugh Iris embrace me...

Oh! Here’s also a Youtube-playlist to all the songs used in this fic! Listen to it for effect! 

OVERWATCH - KARAOKE MAYHEM 2.0

"Seriously?" Genji asked, lowering the paper Hana had just handed him. "Yup!" Tracer chirped, jumping a bit. "I thought it would be fun to do something for the coming New Year and what better way than to revive the good old Karaoke Mayhem!" Genji let out a groan and threw his head back over-dramatically. Zenyatta, gently floating next to him, chuckled warmly as he took the paper handed to him. It was an invitation to the party Tracer had named Karaoke Mayhem back in the good old days of Overwatch. It had been when Genji was in Blackwatch, still young and hateful towards life, vengeful against his brother, lost and lonely. Back then he had stayed in the party just for the free drinks and snack, but as McCree had started singing Cotton Eye Joe he had locked himself in his room to brood. And McCree had been the THIRD to sing. But now things were different. Genji had found piece, he was full of life, and his relationship with his brother was getting better by the day now that Hanzo too worked to Overwatch. He mostly showed negative emotions for humoristic effect. But part of him still begged him to only go for the free food and NOT to sing anything. "It's a completely free-for-all experience!" Lúcio said. "I know there are some who will refuse to sing at all, but the invitation is always open and we have the whole night to use! So if you change your mind about wanting to participate of the stage, just hit me up and I'll find the songs ya need!" "The earlier you make your choice, the better, but no pressure!" Hana giggled. The tree said hasty byes to the two omnics as they still needed to give the invitations to many other members and to plaster the posters reminding everyone of the party in every free space on the walls. "Last time I wasn't able to enjoy any of it, mostly due my own discomfort with myself..." Genji said as he looked at the invitation, printed on bright pink paper, probably designed by D.Va. "What was the other reason then?" Zenyatta asked, folding his own invitation neatly and putting it in his pocket. "McCree's singing." Genji said with a smirk that was hidden by his mask, but Zenyatta laughed warmly which made Genji's heart flutter. "Well hopefully you'll stay long enough for my performance!" the monk said calmly, with a hint of excitement in his voice. "Whoa! You're going to sing, master?" Genji asked, positively surprised. He had known Zenyatta would participate, mostly to spent time with the team, but to actually go on the stage and sing? That made Genji's mind go all wild. He had never heard Zenyatta sing, and they had been spending a LOT of time together since they first met, and more now that they were with Overwatch. They trained together, their rooms were next to each other, they meditated every day for hours, Zenyatta would join the team in the cafeteria despite not needing to eat himself... yet not once had Genji heard his master more than hum occasionally when tending his plants or when cleaning. The thought of Zenyatta's warm and calm voice bursting into a full on song made Genji's legs shake. "Why yes! I am planning to. Just one song though. I'm quite rusty after not doing it for a while, but it will feel good to use my voice for it's original purpose after such a long time..." Zenyatta said, holding his hands together on his chest, clearly exited, despite his voice being so calm. "It's original purpose?" Genji asked. Zenyatta had mentioned that he was originally made into a worker for a restaurant, thus his calm and collected composure and lean and sleek build. He, and his late brother, had been replaced with the newer models soon tho and were abandoned, thus giving them all their time to experience tranquility. But where would Zenyatta need a good voice for if he was just a waiter? As if he was reading Genji's thoughts, Zenyatta answered: "Serving wasn't the only job I had in the good old joint... I also had to provide our guests with entertainment on occasion." "So you used to sing to them?" Genji asked, sitting in a lotus-position on the ground in front of his master to show that he was interested enough to sit and wait for the omnic to finish the story. Zenyatta floated slowly down until his body touched the ground. "Indeed. There was a stage in the restaurant where me and my brother often gave our best performances to our visitors. Many found it quite enjoyable. I had few admirers too!" Zenyatta let out a chuckle. "A young girl with short blonde hair once even asked for my autograph! I didn't have a name back then, so I just gave her a serial-number." Genji laughed, it seemed he wasn't the only fan his master had. "Did you enjoy it? Performing, that is?" he asked. Zenyatta let out what could have been seen as a happy sigh if he was a human. "Yes. Very much. Part of me misses it..." "Though not everyone found it that amazing. Some just didn't like omnics, but many also said that we were just build to spout songs out of our systems. That is not true though. Just like with humans, you need more than a good voice to sing! You also need to understand rhythm, leveling your voice, pitch... It takes some time to learn. Luckily I had all the time to learn in the kitchen while washing the dishes for the evening. My then boss heard me, and actually complimented me! Next week he pulled me off my own duty to cover for a singer who's voice-box had overheated suddenly. After that, I sang every once in a while to our guests." Zenyatta let out another sigh. "I... kinda miss those days." He lifted his hands in his lap, staring at them. "The late nights of me alone in the kitchen cleaning and singing to myself. My somber and dramatic performances. The "Happy Birthdays" I would sing to the children. The performances I would pull off with my dear Brother to make our guests laugh... I wish you could have heard him, Genji. Mondatta's voice was truly something else. If his speeches gathered crowds, his singing would have brought the world together in an instant!" Genji wanted to take Zenyatta's hand in his own. The omnic very rarely spoke of his late brother, especially like this. Last time the conversation had turned to Zenyatta overheating and hiccuping, only to excuse himself and lock himself in his room. Genji didn't know if Omnics could cry, but he was sure that was what Zenyatta had been doing for the following hours. Loosing Mondatta had been a huge blow to him. And Genji understood him perfectly. When his mother and father had died he had felt the same. Instead Genji decided to hold his hand on his master's shoulder instead. "I'm sure I would have enjoyed his performance greatly." he assured his master. Zenyatta lifted his head a bit, and even if he was physically unable to, Genji was sure the omnic was smiling to him. "What about you, my student? Will I find you on the stage as well?" he asked then, clearly ready to not think about his only family-member he had lost so painfully. Genji was taken back by the question. "Ah, I don't know... I've been in karaokes before, in my youth, but Hanzo said I sound like a dying whale when I sing..." Zenyatta laughed warmly. "That would be spirit-lifting!" "I suppose. And embarrassing." Genji sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "But... If I got few laughs out of people, it would be worth it!" Genji meant to say "few laughs out of YOU" but changed it last second, not wanting to seem too forward to his master. "I'm glad you think of everyone else before yourself, Genji!" Zenyatta chimed. "It only proves your progress. I'm proud of you, Sparrow" Genji felt butterflies in his stomach as he heard those words. Zenyatta had told him he was proud of Genji before, but every time was more magical than the last. Genji was glad he had his visor on, otherwise Zenyatta would have seen the deep red shade his face took on these words. He simply bowed a bit and muttered a hasty "thank you master". --- Rest of the day Genji walked around base and thought about his master. His sensual voice bending into rhythm of the music and finding the perfect pitch for every word. But no matter how hard he tried he could not imagine it. He had to hear it. And he would, in few days. But the wait felt abysmal... "Yo! Genji!" Cyborg turned to see Lúcio skate to him, carrying something that seemed like musical equipment. "Yo!" Genji said waving his hand. They would have done a high-five but Lúcio's hands were too full for that. "You seem busy with the preparations." ninja said as he started walking alongside his friend. "Yup! I've been keeping track of everyone's music-requests, putting up lights, preparing the back-drops... Now I'm little worried we won't get everything done before the big day!" Lúcio huffed. "If there is anything I can do, please ask!" Genji said. He needed something to do anyway, he might as well help his friend in need. Genji found that working with Lúcio, Lena and Hana was more play than work. Everything was a race with Hana, Lúcio would spew out jokes and give them appropriate music to work for and Lena just had that halo of happiness that shone wherever she went. Genji let out a content sigh. He was happy for friends like these. He felt bad for acting the way he did in the past, and would work his way to be better person for everyone! But he would not be this way without his master... At one point Genji saw his master talking with Lúcio. He thought about going and saying hi, but saw that their matter seemed personal, and concerted on his work, or at least tried to. Twenty minutes later Lúcio returned to the others, reading trough the notes he had taken when talking to Zenyatta. "Your master sure knows what he wants from his show!" Lúcio said, flipping the book close and stuffing it in his pocket. "I hope he isn't too demanding?" Genji said, laying down a box filled with old microphones. "Not at all! I actually prefer people who know exactly what they want and need. It helps preparations a big time!" the ebony man said, smiling. The four then started testing the mics. They needed multiple, some for people who wanted to sing together, some in case some would break during the mayhem itself. They got seven working mics and threw the rest in Lúcio's room for spare-parts. "So what about you, ninja-boy?" Lúcio asked once they were walking back to the stage. "Are ya gonna sing?" Genji chuckled. "I've never had such a good voice... Ask Hanzo." "Dude, he's your brother! Of course he would think you sound like a stuffed elephant! Maybe you're just little... rusty." Lúcio snickered, gently elbowing Genji's arm. Genji let out a wholehearted laugh. Just few years before, he would have strangled Lúcio for making fun of his looks, but Genji was okay with his new body now. He knew Lúcio didn't mean to make him feel uncomfortable, and if he ever did, he would be sure to apologize in a heartbeat. Zenyatta had told Genji that in order to learn how to truly laugh, you first needed to learn to laugh at yourself. "Maybe so. Want to help me wash it off?" the cyborg asked. "Sure man! And if you're more comfortable with your local songs, just ask and I'll find them for ya!" "Sounds like a plan!" --- Last few days Genji helped his friends to put up the stage, and they got it done just in time. In between preparations, Lúcio would give Genji some voice-training. He helped Genji to find a good pitch for his voice, follow the rhythm and even some sick dance-moves. Hana and Lena were an excellent audience, giving cheers as he did something right, and laughing wholeheartedly when he missed a mark or made a funny noise, most just to make the girls laugh. Lúcio was a great teacher. Patient and filled with optimism. It filled Genji with a feeling he could only describe as friendship. Genji would think of his old "friends" he had in school. Most were jerks that only wanted to hang out with a rich kid. Rest were ass-kissers and air-headed cheerleaders Genji kept around for looks. He had never had this much fun with other people, not even his own brother when they were kids. And it made him feel safe and content. "You're making good progress, bro!" Lúcio chimed happily. "Tho in my opinion you still need some practice to be perfect. Unfortunately we don't have time to perfect your act before the big moment, but I know you'll do great none the less!" "All thanks to you, man!" Genji said, lifting his hand and Lúcio high-fiving him gladly. He then looked behind Genji and chimed a quick hello to someone, running past the cyborg. Genji turned around to see that Zenyatta had entered the room, carrying a box of some kind. He whispered few words to Lúcio, who smiled and nodded, taking the box. Zenyatta waved a quick goodbye to Genji and the girls and left as swiftly as he had entered. "So when you gonna tell 'im, luv?" Tracer asked suddenly. "Hmh?" Genji hummed, barely turning his head. "You know. That you like him?" D.Va added, smirking. "Who?" Genji asked, confused. "Zenyatta!" both girls and Lúcio who had walked to them shouted. "WHAT!?" Genji felt his voice glitch with surprise. "How do you- I mean when- I mean-" "Genji. Buddy. Everyone knows." Lúcio said, holding the box on one hand and landing other on the cyborg's shoulder. "Everyone expect Zenny apparently." Hana giggled. "How... long have you..?" Genji stuttered. "Ever since you almost took a bullet for 'im on a mission." Lena said. "Ever since you gave him, "The look" to him on the dinner on my first week here." Hana said. "Ever since ya put so much effort into your new move just to make 'im proud." Lúcio said. Genji let out some steam from his seams. "Tho-those could all be seen as platonic things, you know!?" "The fact you said "could" kinda sealed the deal, luv." Tracer said, landing her hand on Genji's arm. Genji groaned and slumped on the near by sofa. Lúcio took the box under his desk and joined him and the girls on the sofa soon after. "So. When?" Hana continued where they started. "Never. He's too good for me." Genji said matter of factually. "What!? Luv! You're perfect for 'im!" Lena gasped. "He is calm, collected, sweet, you're loyal, brave and strong! You complete each other!" "Lena's right, dude. Besides, I'm sure he likes you just as much!" Lúcio said. "Really?" Genji asked, trying to keep another puff of steam in, failing. "Well I mean... I can't really read 'im, no face and all that, but he talks about ya a lot!" he answered. "True! Every time I talk to him he says how proud he is of you!" Hana chimed in. "Yup! Even when the conversation has NOTHIN' to do with you!" Lena laughed. Genji let out another puff of steam to hold himself from overheating. Zenyatta... really liked him back? He could scream. Indeed, he might actually just do that! "Who talks about who?" Hanzo's voice chimed in just when Genji was about to let out a glitched scream of excitement. "Zenny about Genji." Hana answered. "Ah, that. Yeah, he does. A lot." Hanzo sighed, rolling his eyes. Even Hanzo confirmed it! Genji no longer felt like screaming, he felt like crying. With happiness. "What, we talkin' 'bout Zenny and Genji-boy?" McCree asked walking in. Where did all of these people keep coming in!? "Yup." Hanzo simply said. McCree laughed hard. "It is a surprise ya'll aren't all over each other yet! He totally has a thing for you, partner!" Now Genji didn't know what to feel. Happiness, embarrassment, annoyance, glee... It all manifested with a steady stream of steam that finally escaped his vents and a deep sigh. "So... not planning on telling him?" Lúcio asked, landing his hand on the cooling shoulder of the cyborg. "I don't know anymore... I just... want him to be happy. I want to make him laugh. I want to... make sure he lives every day of his life in bliss..." Genji sighed. Thinking about Zenyatta and his warm voice, his cute laugh and sweet embrace made Genji momentary forget where he was, but luckily for him, he was surrounded by friends and family who were happy for him. "By the dragons, you ARE in love!" Hanzo exhaled with clear surprise in his voice, but soon smiled and put his little brother in a arm-lock. "And here I thought I'd never see the day you settle down!" Hanzo laughed, ruffling his brother's hair gently. Genji was surprised of his brother's sudden showing of love, but took it gladly. "I think you should tell 'im, luv. I'm sure he would like it a lot." Tracer giggled, glad to see the two brothers so close all of the sudden. "I know. But... I'm not sure how yet..." Genji said as Hanzo finally let him go. "You could do it in the Karaoke Mayhem! With a help of a song!" Hana nearly squeaked. "Oh God no!" Hanzo yelled, over-dramatically. "Zenyatta's audio receptors will burst!" "Hey man! Genji's gotten better with his voice by the day! He may not be perfect, but at least Zen won't need to be repaired right after!" Lúcio chimed in, putting his hands around Genji's shoulders proud of his work. "Still, I think a song would be bit... over-dramatic..." Hanzo said more seriously. "No it would not! It would be romantic!" Hana giggled, stars in her eyes. "I would love if someone I liked sang to me!" "You're a romantic tho." McCree said. "Zenyatta is more... down to earth. I'm sure just stating yer feelings will be enough to 'im!" "You blokes are boring!" Lena scoffed. "But Genji, it's your call. Sing to him or don't, that's your choice to make, luv." Genji thought about it a long while. Finally he laughed a bit. "I'll tell him of my feelings, but not with a song. I... want to think about this trough with more time. I want it to be perfect. For now, I only want to make him laugh and enjoy himself." cyborg finally said. He looked at Lúcio with a smirk under his visor. "I know what song I'm going to sing at the party. Will you help me with the backdrops?" "Ya don't even need to ask, my dude." Lúcio said, smiling widely. --- The evening begun with a low techno-tones booming from the speakers as people started gathering in one by one. Lúcio visited each, welcoming them and asking one last additions to their performances, possible song-changes etc. Tracer flashed around making sure everyone had enough drinks and snacks, and D.Va paced around both exited and nervous of her performances. She had taken two songs, one at the very beginning, one near the end. Genji's turn was around the middle, just before Hanzo, and the two brothers, sharing table with McCree, tried to guess each other's songs. Genji was glad none of their guesses were right. When it came time to guess McCree's song, both brothers simply looked at each other knowingly. McCree laughed and tried to convince them that Cotton Eye Joe was not his choice for the first song this time, and although Hanzo let out a sigh of relief, Genji knew Jesse better than that. When Zenyatta arrived, Genji waved to him and invited him to sit with them. Zenyatta complied happily floating in the chair next to Genji. "It's good to see you in such good spirits tonight my student." the omnic said happily, talking bit louder than usual to make his voice audible over the rumble of the techno. "I can't help it! We've made such an effort for this to be as perfect as we can, the least we can do is to enjoy it ourselves!" Genji laughed, and was delighted to hear Zenyatta join him. "I suppose you're right. Although I must confess I feel bit jealous of you friends who got to spend so much time with you during these few days." the omnic then said. Genji felt flustered. Zenyatta was... jealous? For him? He then realized that during the last three days he had been spending less and less time with his master, in helping his friends and the singing lessons from Lúcio. He barely had time for their daily meditation. "I'm sorry I've left you alone like that, master. I never realized our time together meant so much to you..." Genji said, leaning closer that Hanzo and McCree, engaged in a heated debate over which was better; sake or beer, would not hear them. "Don't apologize, my sparrow." Omnic said, clearly smiling despite the lack of mouth. "It has been a bliss to watch you interact with your friends. I'm glad that you share your friendship with other people as well and not just you old boring master." Genji blushed. He wanted to tell his master that he would always have time for the omnic, that spending time with him was such a bliss he would never trade it to anything else, that his master was the only one he let see his most hidden things of his personality... but he took a silent breath and simply replied: "You are far from boring, or old, master. You're ten years YOUNGER than me." Zenyatta laughed again, but before he could answer, they were interrupted by Lúcio stepping on the stage with a mic. "Thank you all so much for comin' to the Karaoke Mayhem 2.0!" he chimed, followed by a wave of applause. "The list of the performances is on the wall over there" he pointed at the wall near the tables "so feel free to get yourself ready for your own while you wait. For now, let's stop talking and start singing!" Applause again. Before they died off, Lúcio, deepening his voice a bit, mumbled in the mic: "Ladies and gentlemen... It's Mambo N. 5!" Cheers followed as a familiar song started to play off the speakers. Lúcio sang with his great voice, making dance-moves that would have seen impossible for any other person. As the chorus came, they soon noticed he had changed the lyrics a tad bit... "A little bit of Angela in my life A little bit of Mei by my side A little bit of Lena is all I need A little bit of D.Va is what I see A little bit of Zarya in the sun A little bit of Ana all night long A little bit of Fareeha here I am A little bit of you makes me your man" Everyone cheered and laughed, all the girls in the base having a different reactions to their names coming up in the song. Mercy blushed, Mei even harder, Tracer laughed and gave a thumbs-up, Hana, who was recording the performance with her phone simply smiled, Zarya gave a cheeky smile and took a sip of her drink, Ana gave the man a toast, Pharah covered her face embarrassed. There was a huge roar of cheers and applause as Lúcio finished, bowing. Hana was next. Much more braver than before, she jumped on the stage and a jumpy K-pop-song started booming from the speakers. Hana's high-pitched voice started singing in Korea some song Genji had never heard but enjoyed none the less. Next up was Tracer. She flashed on the stage and laughed. Soon the familiar beat of "Wannabe" started playing and everyone cheered again. Lena would flash back and forth in time, singing the whole song by herself, using different pitches for each spice, sometimes Genji would swear he saw more than one Tracer on the stage at once, but cheered for her like everyone else did. Next up was Fareeha who sang her version of Cher's Believe. Her performance was not as jumpy as the three others, but it was a nice change of pace after so many exiting songs. McCree was next, and Genji was little surprised that he was singing Country Road instead of Cotton Eye Joe. But everyone seemed slightly disappointed when he didn't. Not that they said it out loud. Reinhardt was next and he sang an old German ballad, tearing up at the end so much he could hardly breath anymore. Genji could feel the old-timely nostalgia the crusader must have felt when singing and found himself misty eyed as well. He clapped to Reinhardt louder than the others so far. Winston was next, and sang Man on the Moon. Knowing Winston's past with the said space-rock, it gave his song a nice twist of irony. Tracer had her second turn after that, singing MMMBop, now much more calm performance, jumpy and happy yes, but without flashes between time and space. Genji was little shocked to see his name pop up next on the big screen. He got up, embraced the cheers and applause he received, and jumped on the stage, taking the mic from Tracer who winked at him. She must have heard from Lúcio what he was about to sing. He nodded at the ebony man, who turned his music on, and the lights off. When the ambient chimed in, some "woo"-ed a little, recognizing the classic instantly. It wasn't until the electric voice on the background first sang "Domo arigatou, Mr. Roboto" did Hanzo groan so loud it almost drowned the music. Genji smiled under his mask, and started the song. Thankfully the song didn't require amazing voice or perfect pitch, so he went overboard and acted out and dramatically on the stage, making everyone laugh. Except Hanzo who had hidden his face in his hands in shame for his blood-relative. With those cheers and laughs Genji heard his master's voice. The omnic would have dropped from his chair if he wasn't floating. That made Genji so happy he finished the song with as grace he had left, replacing the ending's "I'm Killroy"s with "I'm Genji!"s. Everyone cheered and clapped, Zenyatta even getting on his feel and standing to applause him. Genji was beaming under his visor. He had made his master laugh. His night could not get any better than this... "That was delightful, Genji!" Zenyatta said as Genji sat back on his spot between him and Hanzo, who still was hiding his face. "I didn't think you'd do it, but darn it boy, you did!" McCree chimed in. "I have no brother." Hanzo muttered getting up and making his way to the stage. Hanzo's song was much more serious than his brothers at least. Genji didn't remember the name of the song, but he recognized it as the same their father had often sang while driving, cooking or having a drink with friends. Tho Hanzo sounded much like their father (let alone LOOKED like him), Hanzo's tone was much more serious, somber, sad almost. Genji didn't even notice the tears that made their way down his face until Hanzo finally finished to the sound of loud applause. "At least one of us has some dignity left." he then said, sitting down on his place and taking his drink. Genji laughed a bit, noticing his voice cracking a bit. Hanzo noticed this and watched as his brother took of his visor to clean off the tears. "It's the song father used to sing, wasn't it?" Genji asked, still cleaning his face, Zenyatta handing him a tissue, wherever he pulled it from. Hanzo hummed and nodded. The elder brother smiled just a bit as he wrapped his arm around his younger brother's shoulder. "Didn't mean to make you cry tho." he said, almost as an apology as Mei began Donna Summer's Power of One with her meek and quiet voice. "You didn't. I got dust in my eyes." Genji lied, knowing he would not be believed. Hanzo laughed just a bit, holding his brother closer. Genji smiled back, his face exposed now and putting his mask on the table. With a content sigh he listened to Mei sing, getting braver by the word, soon going so strong and high that she seemed like a completely different person. If he wasn't so fixated on watching Mei's performance, he would have noticed how Zenyatta was looking at him, head bend slightly to the left, shoulders up, as if he was smiling... Angela and Zarya had almost refused to sing, Mercy due being embarrassed, Zarya because she didn't care, but Ana had been able to coax them into singing "I feel like a woman" with her, and all three seemed to enjoy the experience quite a lot, even having a group hug at the end. Maybe it was just because both Ana and Zarya were bit drunk and Mercy was just happy she had sang after all, or maybe the girls had forged a whole new friendship on the stage, Genji was eager to see. Ana's second turn was right after her first, and she embarassed her daughter by Singing Meredith Brook's "I'm a Bitch". Everyone else found it quite fitting however. Lucio would then sing one of his first singles, getting everyone pumped up again. Barely after Lúcio had finished, a familiar sound of bass started blasting off the speakers. Hana was standing on the stage soon, singing one of the most well known songs of her homeland. Gangnam Style. Most of the watchers got up to dance with her while Hana used her chirpy voice to make even Hanzo smile, despite no-one having any idea what she was saying. The beat and Hana's dancing was enough to get them pumped up. Even Genji got up to dance, and pulled Zenyatta to dance with him. The omnic was bit confused at first, but soon danced in perfect sync with his student. All too soon the song was over. When the party people finally calmed down, Genji saw Zenyatta's name pop up on the screen. His heart missed a beat. He had almost forgotten that his master would be singing too! And he had already thought his night would not get any better... Zenyatta's motor whirred louder than usual, and the omnic slowly got up, checking on his robes to make sure they were straight, and levitating his orbs on the table. "Watch over them while I'm on the stage, Genji." he whispered to him, making his way to to Lúcio who was holding the mic for him while everyone else cheered. Genji watched Lúcio whisper one last thing in Zenyatta's audio receptor, the Omnic nodding and taking the mic, slightly bowing. Ebony man bowed back and made his way back behind his desk. Zenyatta turned to face the crowd, seemingly eager to get to singing again. Genji didn't notice how he was at the edge of his seat, holding his breath. Slowly the lights dimmed to almost none at all, the only thing making light was Zenyatta's forehead-lights with their cold blue gleam. Silently the music started, and Genji recognized it soon as Owl City's Fireflies. Every time a little chime ringed in the song, the backdrop showed a colorful flash, adding more and more, until the room was filled with light. As the song kicked up, Zenyatta brought the mic to his face... and sang. "You would not believe your eyes If ten million fireflies Lit up the world as I fell asleep 'Cause they fill the open air And leave teardrops everywhere You'd think me rude but I would just stand and stare" As the omnic's synthetic voice calmly made out the vocals of the song, Genji felt shivers on his back. Master's voice was... like that feeling you get when you see snow for the first time in your life, or when a bird lands on your hand to feed of the bread-scrums you're giving it, or when the first gleam of sun breaks its way trough the clouds after a rainfall. He watched the slow, subtle movements Zenyatta made while singing. Those small moves that were in perfect synch with the rhythm of the song. "I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep 'Cause everything is never as it seems" The first chorus was sang quietly, almost as a whisper. Whisper Genji wanted to believe was only for him. Just to his ears. "'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs From ten thousand lightning bugs As they tried to teach me how to dance A foxtrot above my head A sock hop beneath my bed A disco ball is just hanging by a thread" The second verse was much more pumping that the first one, Zenyatta moving much more openly, almost like he was dancing to the beat. Genji beamed, watching his master enjoy every step he took, every word he sang, every movement he made in the rhythm of the song... Genji knew that the second chorus was louder, almost booming, knowing it would be the "Wow"-moment of the song. Genji held his breath and waited to see what would happen. He noticed Lúcio bending under the counter and opening the box Zenyatta had given him earlier that day. What came out made more than just Genji gasp in awe. "I'd like to make myself believe That planet Earth turns slowly It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep 'Cause everything is never as it seems (when I fall asleep)" From the box, thousands of small balls of light flew out, surrounding Zenyatta like fireflies he was singing of. They circled him like the orbs he had left behind just moments ago. Genji looked up to them fly around the room, and around the audience, gasping with wonder. As one landed on his nose, Genji saw that it indeed WAS a orb, just much, much smaller than the ones resting on the table right now. The light came from the shining symbols carved on them with great care. Genji wondered how long it had taken Zenyatta to make all of them, and where he had gotten the materials. He then noticed Mercy whisper something to Ana. Genji wasn't as good reading lips as Hanzo was, but he thought he saw her say "It took many hours to finish these little buggers. I'm glad they turned out so well!" Genji smiled. Of course. Angela would seem like a person with time, know-how and materials to help Zenyatta make all of these little things. "Leave my door open just a crack (Please take me away from here) 'Cause I feel like such an insomniac (Please take me away from here) Why do I tire of counting sheep? (Please take me away from here) When I'm far too tired to fall asleep (Haha)" The song went back to calm and collected again, Zenyatta now returning back to his more subtle ways of movement, interacting with the "fireflies" around him. All of the echoed lyrics in the background had a woman singing in them, and for a moment Genji though he could recognize the voice... But he brushed it off his mind as Zenyatta turned to face him on the stage. "To ten million fireflies I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes I got misty eyes as they said farewell But I'll know where several are If my dreams get real bizarre 'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar" All throughout the verse, Zenyatta was staring straight at Genji, face expressionless, but voice with a slight hint of thousand feelings all mixed into one. Pride, happiness, sadness, glee... Genji was only half listening to the words themselves and just staring at the Omnic with wide eyes and a gentle smile on his face. Zenyatta was singing JUST FOR HIM right now... those words were just for him to hear. Now the things everyone had told him were confirmed to be true. Zenyatta did have feelings for him. Genji felt his heart burst with joy as Zenyatta turned back to the other audience to finish the last chorus. "I'd like to make myself believe That planet Earth turns slowly It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep 'Cause everything is never as it seems (when I fall asleep) I'd like to make myself believe That planet Earth turns slowly It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep 'Cause everything is never as it seems (when I fall asleep) I'd like to make myself believe That planet Earth turns slowly It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep Because my dreams are bursting at the seams" As the last words disappeared into the night, Genji found himself standing and applauding as hard as he could, alongside everyone else on the base, cheering and whistling to the most amazing performance they had seen in a while. Even Zarya smiled and gave few genuine claps and a toast to the Omnic. Zenyatta simply bowed and thanked everyone on the mic before handing it to Lúcio. "Master... that was... absolutely amazing!" Genji gasped, taking the omnic's hands in his own without even realizing it first. "Thank you Genji. Your words mean a lot to me." Zenyatta said, sounding bit winded. He quietly squeezed Genji's hand, making the other notice he was indeed holding them, and quietly freed his other, waving it few times, gathering all the wandering orbs and retreating them back to their box. After he was done, he took a deep breath and sat down. Controlling all of those small orbs at once must have taken some wind out of him, Genji though, sitting back to his place. Hanzo smiled warmly at his brother, seeing how he was still holding on to his master's hand. But McCree had disappeared. "Thank ya all for coming tonight! You all made this night amazing!" Lúcio spoke to everyone trough the mic, and everyone cheered. "Now feel free to stay behind and enjoy the great company! But before we wrap the karaoke-portion of this night up, there is still one more song we have to hear for this party to truly be seen as a Overwatch's Karaoke Mayhem!" he continued, smirking. Genji put two and two together; McCree was nowhere to be seen, and there was still one more song to. "Nooooo" he groaned. And just few seconds later, Lúcio jumped off the stage and McCree's voice started residing the well known words of Cotton Eye Joe. The crowd either groaning, laughing or cheering with tears in their eyes. Some were happy to hear Jesse's gravely voice sing the old classic, and some could not believe he actually did it. Genji turned to Hanzo just to see him mouth "We're done!" to Jesse. It happened to be a silent moment in to song and McCree mouthed away from the mic "But baby, I love you!" looking heartbroken. Hanzo simply blushed and looked away. Genji felt a wash of realization over him. How Hanzo and McCree spend most of their time together nowadays, how Hanzo interacted with the cowboy much more different than anyone he knew, how they even spend most time in this party! Genji almost threw himself to Hanzo to hug him and tell him how happy he was for his brother, when Zenyatta tugged his arm. "Can I speak with you in private?" He whispered. Genji's heart skipped a beat. "Sure." he muttered, as they left McCree finish the song and Hanzo to blush. --- "I can't believe I didn't notice before!" Genji gasped as they walked outside the base, the faint ending notes of Cotton Eye Joe on the background. "Notice what?" Zenyatta asked. "Hanzo and Jesse! They've been together this whole time! And I didn't notice until now! Haha!" Genji laughed, grabbing Zenyatta from his waist and twirling them around a bit. Zenyatta yelped, but laughed them as Genji let him down embarased. "Sorry. I'm just so happy for them! Jesse was my best friend back in the Blackwatch days and Hanzo... well, is my brother! And I thought he would never find anyone he would be happy with! And they are perfect for each other!" cyborg said, walking around, not able to keep himself still. "Hanzo is serious, loyal and smart, but bit too grumpy at the times. Jesse is funny, laid back and strong willed, but has a bad habit of forgetting to work before play! They are made for each other!" Zenyatta chuckled. "I'm glad to see you so happy for your brother and friend. It really warms my motor to see you so happy for someone else." "Haha, about time I suppose..." Genji laughed, stopping his pacing to face his master. He took a silent breath. This was it. He didn't care anymore! He would tell his master his feelings, here and now! All he needed was an opening... "So. What did you want to talk with me?" Genji asked, taking Zenyatta's hands in his own again. Zenyatta sighed happily, lowering his face a bit, as to smile. But he lifted his head soon and said: "You're ready Genji." "Ready?" Genji asked. "Ready to face the world as who you are. You are happy, you are one with your new body, you have friends and your relationship with your brother can only get better from here. You're ready now." Zenyatta said, happily. But then he lowered his face again. This time he wasn't smiling. "You... don't need my teachings anymore. I... have no more to teach you. You're... ready." Genji felt his heart sink. THIS was what Zenyatta wanted to tell him? That he was no longer the cyborg's master!? Genji felt his breath shorten, and only then remembered that his mask was still on the table alongside Zenyatta's orbs. "Ma... Master?" Genji began, but Zenyatta lifted his hand gently to stop him. "Just Zenyatta will do from now on, Genji." "Z... Zenyatta? Does this mean... you won't be my teacher anymore?" Genji stuttered. "I'm sorry this affect you so badly, Genji. But that is only bigger reason to let go now..." the omnic sighed. "It's... okay..." Genji said, taking a deep breath. Zenyatta had been more like a friend to him for months already! In bigger picture nothing much would change. Plus! Now they would not have an awkward teacher-student-thing to get over once he would tell about his feelings! This was a good thing! "We... we can still have our daily meditation, can't we?" Genji laughed. His remaining skin scrawled when Zenyatta didn't laugh with him. "I'm afraid not, my friend. I'm... leaving the Overwatch tomorrow." Everything went dark in Genji's mind. He could not process the words he had just heard. On the background he could hear a somber love song, as if to mock him. "... no..." was the only thing Genji could say. "No, master... Zenyatta! You can't go! I- We need you here!" "I'm happy you wish for me to stay, but the world needs me out there, not here." Zenyatta said, his voice clearly somber with sorrow. "I'm a monk, Genji, not a fighter. I wish to return to the road, find more people to help, more students to give my time to. I can't do it here..." All of the sudden Genji's mind went back to the night they had just spent together: Zenyatta saying how he felt jealous to his friends, how Genji had ignored Zenyatta during these last few days, the words of the song when Zenyatta was singing only to him: "I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes. I got misty eyes as they said farewell"... Zenyatta had been planning his leaving for a long time already... "No, nonono, Zenyatta, you can't leave now! I... I..." the words got stuck in Genji's throat and were replaced by sobs. Zenyatta seemed like he wanted to take Genji in his arms, but in the last minute backed off. "I'm sorry Genji..." he sighed, walking away slowly. He didn't return to the party, and instead headed for his room, only levitating his orbs back to him. "I'll leave first think tomorrow. I... would like it if you came to say goodbye. But I understand if you feel too angry to." the omnic said, stopping for a second. With a shaky voice he finished: "If I don't see you anymore; I'm proud of you Genji. Goodbye..." Genji fell on his knees as the tears came hard. This was not how this night was supposed to go! He was supposed to make Zenyatta laugh and happy! He was supposed to tell how he loved him! He was supposed to LIKE him! Why was he pulling away!? "Genji?" he heard Lúcio's voice near by and soon felt his arms around him. "Genji! Man, what happened!? Where's Zen?" the ebony man shouted, trying to get Genji to stand up. "You were wrong. All of you were. He doesn't like me... He... He's leaving Overwatch tomorrow!" Genji almost screamed, tears flowing from his eyes. Lúcio let out a gasp, and called Hana and Lena. The two girls, alongside Hanzo, McCree and Angela were soon there. "Brother!" Hanzo shouted, seeing Genji on his knees on the ground. "What happened?" he asked, wrapping his arms around his little brother. Genji sobbed something about Zenyatta leaving, and Hanzo looked up to the others who all turned to each other, not believing their ears. "That... doesn't make sense..." Hana sobbed with tears in her eyes. "Zenny was so happy when talking about Genji! They were supposed to get together and married and---" the rest was choked up by the girl sobbing and crying and muttering something in Korean. Lena hugged her and sobbed herself. "I don't believe any of this!" she sighed sadly. "This is not how it was supposed to go!" "Actually..." Mercy whispered and everyone turned to her. "When Zenyatta and I were working on those orbs, I asked how he felt about you, Genji. He said so many beautiful things about you. In such a voice that could not be mistaken to anything else but undying love!" Angela sighed with tears in her eyes. "But... he also said something that made me worried... He said he was not good enough for you." Genji lifted his head from his brother's shoulder and looked at Mercy with confusion on his face. "He also said he misses the monastery, the road, the buzz of big cities, smiles of the people he has helped... He misses his old life. But he could not see how he could fit his old life and his love into one life. I told him we would find a way together, but he said he already knew the answer... I though when he sang to you and then took you out that he would confess all this to you... I... I'm sorry, I should have talked to him more..." Genji felt like he was more torn between happiness and sadness than ever in his life. More than when he first met his brother after their fateful fight, more than when he first joined Overwatch, more than when he first met Zenyatta... He wanted to go and take Zenyatta in his arms and tell him how much he loved him, leave Overwatch with him and travel back to the monastery... He also wanted to let Zenyatta go, wanted to let him live his own life in piece. He wanted to go to Zenyatta and yell at him for even thinking that he wasn't good enough for him! All of these feelings fought inside him while the others around him sobbed, cried or simply looked sad. Hana was wailing in Lena's arms, Jesse had tipped his hat over his eyes to hide them, Lúcio was pacing back and forth not knowing how to feel, Hanzo was still holding him, eyes hazy with tears, Angela was swallowing back her's. That was when Genji realized that these people cared for him as much as he cared for them, maybe even more! They wished happiness for him, and when it was stolen from him, they cried with him... Genji took a deep breath, wiped his eyes, nodded at his brother, showing he was fine enough to be let go of, got up and looked at his friends. "I know what to do." he said quietly. "But I need your help." "Anything, man!" "Of course luv!" "U-*sniff*-Uh-huh!" "Whatever ya need, partner!" "Tell us what you need Genji!" "Anything, brother." Genji smiled. He spew out simple commands to each. Hana and Mercy to wipe their tears and go get Zenyatta back to the party as soon as they could. Hanzo and McCree to sit him down and make sure he would stay put. Lena and Lúcio to follow him back on the stage and help him out to put up a show just for Zenyatta. --- It was fifteen minutes when Hana and Angela rushed trough the door, dragging confused Zenyatta between them. Hanzo and McCree gave the omnic a cold stare, pushing him down on his seat and sitting on his both sides to make sure he would stay there. Zenyatta looked around confused. Hana and Angela had just broke down his door, Hana, with red eyes and raspy voice, had screamed something in Korea that Zenyatta's translators now processed as "heart-breaker" and "Dumb monk" along many other not so nice words. Angela had just been quiet and asked Zenyatta to come with them once Hana was done screaming at him. Now Hanzo and McCree were giving him cold looks as if he had killed someone. When Zenyatta noticed Genji on the stage, the sorrow he had felt before the girls came bursting in came back to him. Genji was holding the microphone in his hand, and Zenyatta knew what would happen next... part of his was afraid... and part of him wanted to burst into tears with joy. A soft piano started to play on the background when Genji came to the light to everyone to see. Many were surprised and confused to see Genji on the stage. Wasn't the karaoke over already? But when they noticed Zenyatta sitting on the middle of the room, they all gasped softly and nailed their eyes to see what would happen. Even Zarya took a better position to see what these two weird omnics were up to... Genji started to sing, in Japanese, but thanks to his translator Zenyatta understood each word. So far only him and the Shimada-brothers could understand the words sang on to the air, and that was exactly how Genji wanted it to be. "I'll become a happy butterfly, and ride on the glittering wind I'll come to see you soon It's best to forget the unnecessary things There's no more time to be fooling around" Genji had partly chosen this song because it had Butterflies in it, and he knew Zenyatta loved them. "What do you mean, wow wow wow wow wow? I wonder if we'll reach the skies But, wow wow wow wow wow I don't even know what my plans are for tomorrow" On the chorus many recognized the song. "Hey, isn't this from that super old anime?" Hana asked from Lena, whispering over the music. "Yeah, sounds like it. But It's a pretty song, so, I think it'll work!" Tracer answered. "After an endless dream, in this world of nothingness It seems as if our beloved dreams will lose Even with these unreliable wings, covered in images that tend to stay I'm sure we can fly, on my love" The words "on my love" were in english, so everyone could understand exactly what Genji was singing about and a quiet "aaw" washed over the room. Zenyatta was still as a stone, optics watching Genji. "I'll become a merry butterfly, and ride on the earnest wind I'll come to see you where ever you are Ambiguous words are surprisingly handy I'll shout it out, while listening to a hit song What do you mean, wow wow wow wow wow? I wonder if it'll echo through this town But, wow wow wow wow wow There's no use anticipating" The slow tone of the song didn't really give Genji much free will to dance to the beat, not that he wanted to. Most of his concentration was on the words and not to burst into tears in the middle of the song. Not yet. Maybe at the end... "After an endless dream, in this miserable world That's right, maybe not using common sense isn't so bad after all Even with these awkward wings, dyed with images that seem to stay I'm sure we can fly, on my love" Zenyatta was as still as when the song began, but from the slit's of his optics Hanzo and McCree could see something clear, like tears, slowly fall on his face. It was coolant. Many omnics would start "crying" it when their feelings got them overheated. His internal cooling system was swirling hard, and the Omnic seemed to be slightly shaking. "After an endless dream, in this miserable world That's right, maybe not using common sense isn't so bad after all Even with these awkward wings, dyed with images that seem to stay I'm sure we can fly, on my love" Genji let out a gasp as the song was over, dropping the mic down in his hands. He looked at Zenyatta with tears flowing from his eyes. Neither of them moved an inch for what seemed like a minute. Everyone, even Zarya, were on the edge of their seats... Finally, so fast neither Hanzo or Jesse could react, Zenyatta got up and started running. But not away. Towards Genji. The cyborg let out a happy sigh, opened his arms and let the omnic run into them. Everyone started cheering wildly. McCree even took out his gun and shot the cealing few times. Genji held the shaking Omnic in his arms so tightly, as to never let him go. "I'm sorry..." was the only thing coming from Zenyatta's voice-box. Repeating over and over, more sad, more somber than before. "Don't apologize. You're confused. You don't know where you belong, where you should go. Should you stay or leave. You have no reason to apologize..." Genji reassured despite his own voice cracking multiple times. "Genji... I don't deserve you..." "And I don't deserve you." "I don't want to leave... you or any of these amazing people..." "You don't have to..." "But... I miss home... I miss my life..." "We can always visit monastery! And take holidays to travel together!" "You... how can you come up with the answers to all this so easily?" "Because I love you." Genji held Zenyatta's shoulders and his forehead against his own. "I love you Zenyatta. I love your laugh, I love your voice, I love you the way you are. I'll live my life making you happy, protecting you, and if I ever let you go, I would not be able to live!" Zenyatta let out what sounded like a cry. Burrying his face on Genji's shoulder he sobbed. "I'm sorry Genji... I... I thought you didn't... I was so lonely... I'm sorry... I love you. I love you too my Sparrow! I love you so much!" "I'm sorry I left you alone for such a long time. I promise I'll never leave your side again! I promise... I love you..." The two Omnics were the only ones who heard the words they exchanged, only few words slipping trough the team's cheers and roars. Hanzo tried, and failed, to keep tears in, and McCree gave him his hat to hide his eyes with, openly crying himself. Lena, Hana and Angela were hugging, jumping and creaming with joy. Lúcio played some calm love-music on the background, fighting back tears. "Oh my god, just KISS ALREADY!" they heard from the audience. Everyone looked up to Zarya who had shouted it. Zarya looked down on everyone. "What?" she asked, lifting her class. "That's what everyone I waiting for, right?" and took a sip from it. Genji chuckeled, melting when he heard Zenyatta join him. He lifted the Omnic's face straight to his and pressed his lips against the seam on Zenyatta's face. Zenyatta pressed gently against him as the team cheered and clapped for them. Genji swore he could hear his brother wailing with tears of happiness, suddenly muffled by something, most likely Jesse's shoulder. But he didn't turn to look. All he cared for now was Zenyatta. END So yeah. here ya go! Some fluff for you all! God this took whole day to write! And it suuucks and is super cheesy haha! XD If there are typos I don't care lel Before you say that Zenyatta was being mean or out of character, please remember that you only read Genji's point of view here. I didn't do that good of a work to explain how Zen felt about this, but I might write a mini-fic about it if enough people whine about it lol.

[ellana-ravenwood]

“You’re afraid to be happy” - Kakashi Hatake x Reader 1/2

Summary : Kakashi is in love with you...But pushes you away because he’s too afraid of loosing you, as every single persons he ever cared about died or left/betrayed him. 

PART 2

My masterlists  @ella-ravenwood-archives.

Some more love for Kakashi, because I’ve been binge watching Naruto Shippuden and I’m kind of in love with him (also, I received requests for fics about Luffy and Zorro from One Piece, and characters from FMA and more Naruto, so expect to see more anime around here), hope you’ll like it ! : 

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It wasn’t often, that the famous Copy Ninja, Kakashi Hatake, talked about his feelings. Hell, it was so rare some would say he never does. 

But Yamato, one of his only remaining friend, knew better. 

Sometimes, when they were both very drunk, they’d talk. They wouldn’t always remember what about, but they’d talk.  

About their lives. What they like, don’t like, what make them happy, what brings them down...Your name often appears on Kakashi’s lips during those times.

Like today, or rather, tonight, while Kakashi helps Yamato to walk home. Or was it Yamato that helped Kakashi ? They were kind of slumped against each other’s, walking with difficulties, cheeks red because of the alcohol. 

After the scarecrow pronounced your name for the tenth time that night, Yamato finally dared to ask : 

-So, you love her ? 

-Who ?

-Who could I talk about ?

-(Y/N) ? 

Yamato nods. Or, tries to nod, because every movement that are a bit too vigorous makes him want to throw up. 

-Yes I do. 

-...I am confused, Kakashi-senpai. 

-What are you confused about, Tenzou ? 

-Don’t call me like that please. 

-Don’t call me “senpai” then. What are you confused about ? 

-Well, if you’re in love with her, and she is in love with you...why don’t you two just date ? 

-Because if we do, she’ll die. 

-...I’m even more confused now. Maybe I’m too drunk. Or you’re too drunk. 

-I’m definitely drunk, but I can still think straight. 

-I don’t get it. I don’t get you. She’s obviously madly in love with you ! And she’s beautiful, kind, caring, nice, extremely funny...

-I know all of that Yamato. But I can’t. 

-But...Why ? 

-Because everyone I ever loved either died or betrayed me that’s why ! She has to stay away, or something will happen ! It’s simple really ! 

There’s a moment of silence, as Kakashi lets go of Yamato out of annoyance...and, loosing the support that was allowing them to stand and walk, they both tumble, their body swaying dangerously, until they fall on the floor. Too drunk. Way too drunk. 

The silence stretches, awkward. Kakashi is avoiding his friend’s gaze, because the effect of alcohol doubled with what he feels about you and how much he fears to loose you (so he can never have you) mixed together are making the tears welling up in his only visible eye. And he cannot let Yamato see, he can’t stand when people pity him...

Yamato looks at the man he considers his role model with sadness. He knew that Kakashi’s life had been hard, he knew what he went through, and he really did consider him his friend...So seeing him broken like that, well, it made him sad. Made his heart tightened. 

He had to do something about it. Carefully, and still clumsy on his feet, Yamato stands back up and lend his senpai a hand. 

-Come on Kakashi-sen...Kakashi. Let’s go home. 

-You’re not insisting ? 

-Why would I be insisting ? 

-Usually, when we talk about (Y/N), you try to convince me for hours to...

-Listen, I get it. I understand your fears. You’re probably right. 

-...I am ? 

-Yes. You’re too dangerous for her to be around you. After all, she’s only an advanced ninja, one of the best jonin in the village, that constantly goes on dangerous missions and risks her life every day...She doesn’t need you to bring more hazard in her life. 

-...I’m not sure I like your sarcastic drunk self. 

-Just, come on. Let’s go home. 

-So...You’re dropping the subject ? 

-I’m dropping the subject. No need to force you. I won’t talk about it again. 

Yamato definitely noticed the disappointed expression Kakashi made, even if it stayed just a fraction of second on his face. And he knew. He knew he had to do something for him and you. He knew that no, he would never drop the subject, not as long as he really tried to make things work. 

Because everyone in the village knew it, you and the copy ninja were a match made in heaven. Hand-made for each others. Only, you both were too stubborn to realize it. 

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

Finally. You were home. After six months on an important mission far away, you were back to Konoha. As you walked through the main gate, you couldn’t help but sigh in relief. Your body was littered with many scars you got on this particularly hard mission, and damn you were glad it was finally over. 

Home. There wasn’t a place better than home. Besides, there were someone you misse...There were some people you missed. 

You went back to your house to put away your stuff, take a good and long shower...and sleep for at least the next twenty four hours. 

Yes. All you needed, was to relax. To let go of all the stress and fear for your life you had pent up inside you this past month. 

You didn’t even bother to dry your hair, and fell asleep as soon as your head hit your pillow. 

Your dreams were filled with a certain silver haired man...When you woke up, your heart was beating as if you were in his presence. 

You felt so silly to feel that way when it was obvious he felt nothing for you...You hated yourself for not being able to think of any other men. The worst thing was, there were other men interested in you. Other great and decent men. But...you just couldn’t get over Kakashi. No matter what. 

You were six years his junior, and was working under his commandment in the ANBUs a long time ago. That’s how you met him. Needless to say, instant crush. You just couldn’t help but like him. And he was so nice to you, nicer than with everyone else...no. This was wishful thinking. He was nice with everyone. And yet, whenever you had a “friendly non-date just hanging out”, he was never late. The man who was always late, was on time when he had to meet you. That meant something right ? 

Plus, there was that time, before you left six months ago, when he came to bid his farewell, catching up with you and your team in the forrest as you left earlier than you were suppose to...He took you a bit away from your teammates, and told you to stay safe, because he couldn’t loose you. And he almost kiss you. His mask was down, his lips close to yours...but at the last second, he gave you an awkward peck on your cheek and left. How frustrating. 

Maybe he just wasn't interested, but was too nice to say so, and so wanted you to feel happy so he acted like he was ? No, even a man as clueless and nonchalant as him knew this would be cruel. 

With another sigh, you turn around in your bed, and fall back asleep, dreaming some more about the one and only Kakashi Hatake. 

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

-Oh ! (Y/N)-chan ! You’re home ! 

You turn around, and a smile spread across your face. Maito Gai. That man as so weird, and was also one of your favorite people. When he was around, you were sure to have a good laugh. Besides, he was very sensitive, and knew how to listen. 

-Hi Gai-kun. What’s up ? 

-Surprisingly, not much since you left. Except maybe that Kakashi had been in a terrible mood since you left, and refused every single one of my challenges. I wonder if there’s any correlation between the two facts...

You blush and hit your friend on the shoulder. 

-Coincidence. He probably just had a problem with...his team or something. 

-If you say so (Y/N), if you say so. 

He gives you a knowing look, and you can’t help but blush some more...but then, you realize that yes, it was probably just a coincidence, because why would he push you away that much if he was interested ? And your blushing face turned into a sad expression. 

Gai looses his smile, and says, worried : 

-Are you alright (Y/N) ? 

-Yes. Yes don’t worry. 

-Please, you know I’m always here to listen. Tell me if something is wrong, maybe I can help ! 

-No, believe me you can’t. 

-We won’t know if you don’t tell me.

-For God’s sake Gai you can’t help ! It’s about Kakashi alright ? And unrequited love ! There’s nothing you can do about it ! Just drop it ! 

And on that note, you leave your friend, feeling a bit guilty to have snapped at him though he was always so nice with you...Besides, you hated talking about what you were feeling like that. 

Gai looks at you leave, confused. Since when did Kakashi not love you back ? What did that idiot do so that you were thinking that ? He was so obviously head over heels with you...But oh, hey, here he was talking to you and...Leaving right away, after only exchanging a few words with you. What was going on ? 

You were wrong, thinking Gai couldn’t help in any way. 

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

He was so cold toward you. He didn’t see you in six months, and all he said was a very unemotional “hey” and “I have to go, important things to do”, not even answering your question about how he was doing. You were wondering what you did wrong, because usually, even if he wasn’t romantically interested in you, he would be nice. Cordial. Your best friend. After long missions, you both would go eat something, or just hang out around the lake or something...But there, he just left and his tone was so harsh...What did you do ? 

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

Kakashi felt guilty. So guilty. But he couldn’t help it, seeing you smiling and talking to Gai like that, made him...so angry. The way your fingers brushed his arm, how your hand touched him (though you were totally hitting him...)...It just drove him mad. You two were flirting ! And he just couldn’t stand that. 

He would have to eventually though. Because he couldn’t have you. It was too dangerous. ...He just had to let you go. Cut all connection with you. Yes. That was probably the best idea. 

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

Gai and Yamato were in the Jonin’s common room, sitting on a couch. They were the only one around. The youngest one said, with a deep sigh : 

-Kakashi is such an idiot. 

-I couldn’t agree more Yamato. I don’t get him. 

-Right ? She’s right there, obviously wanting him, and he just...He doesn’t do anything ! 

-I understand him though. PTSD. He suffers greatly from it. He lost so much already. 

-He doesn’t push us away, and we’re friends ! 

-It’s different. He likes us, of course. He would be sad if we died. But I think loosing (Y/N) would truly break him. Destroy him, even. 

-Yeah, I get what you’re saying. It is true that, from what he said about her when he was drunk, he seemed to be genuinely in love. In too deep. 

-Pushing her away and refusing to admit his feelings doesn’t help though. One day, she’ll have enough, move on, find another man, get married, have kids...and he would have loose her too.

-I think he doesn’t even wanna get attached. 

-They’ve known each other for years. It’s too late, he’s already, like you said, in too deep. 

-Yes but, the question is, how to convince him that he’s going to suffer just as much if he doesn’t try ? 

-I have no idea.

-Me neither. Maybe we should talk about how (Y/N) is one of the best kunoichi in the village ? She can fends for herself, he won’t loose her that easily. 

-Don’t you think he already knows ? I think he thinks he’s cursed or something...

-Oh, that complicates everything...

-Right ? 

The voice of a certain copy ninja makes them jump : 

-What are you two scheming about ?

The two men exchange an awkward look, before looking at Kakashi. Yamato, who had enough of his senpai’s nonchalant way and wanted him to be happy, bluntly said : 

-We were talking about how afraid to be happy you were, and how you were destroying yourself, pushing (Y/N) away.

The murderous look that goes through Kakashi’s eye makes Yamato shiver (and he was the master of creepy faces). But the scarecrow does not do anything, he just stares at his two friends, and teleports himself elsewhere.

Gai and Yamato sigh. He was hopeless...

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

Kakashi teleported himself in a tree not far away, and sat down on a branch, sighing deeply. He knew they were right. He really was in too deep. But he couldn’t risk it. He just couldn’t. He had to stay away from you. 

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

You left three weeks later for yet another highly important and dangerous mission, alone this time. It had to be very discreet. 

Kakashi didn’t come to tell you goodbye, as he would usually do. He didn’t come to tell you his famous “stay safe”. In fact, you haven’t seen him since that cold encounter when you came back three weeks ago...And with a heavy heart, you left for your mission, not knowing when you’d come back. 

Or if you’d ever come back. 

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

-WHERE IS SHE ?! WHERE IS SHE ?! 

Kakashi was frantic. His heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest, to be rip away from him. 

Gai was the first to get to him, and try to hold him down as he kept asking where you were, screaming your name in Konoha’s hospital. 

It took the mighty Gai, Yamato, Naruto, Sakura, Tsunade-sama and a few nurses to hold him down, to calm him, forcing sedative in his body. 

His vision went black, and the last thought he had was : “Where is she ?”

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

You didn’t feel the sword piercing you. You didn’t feel the arms of an ally you made on the way wrapping around you. You certainly didn’t feel the trip back to your village, dangling between life and death. 

Almost ten times your new friend thought you were gone...but you’d always come back. You were definitely a fighter. His light med-ninja skills also helped. He got you home, and later, would be heavily rewarded by Kakashi and the Konoha’s hokage, Tsunade Senju. You were a valuable member of the village, an important one even, they owed him. 

Kakashi, especially, would be forever indebted to him. Because that stranger, that man you knew since only two days, saved the life of the love of his life. 

You had that effect on people. Your natural aura made them want to help, to trust you...which is why that man you barely knew saved you. A miracle really.

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

You opened your eyes, and for a few minutes, was confused as to why everything was so bright, why everything was so painful...and then you saw him. His head was laying on the side of your bed, and he was sitting in an uncomfortable hospital chair. 

Hospital chair ? So that’s where you were. A hospital. And if Kakashi was there, then you were back home. Home. No place like home. Even if you were in the hospital...Flashback of how you almost died, of your travel back to Konoha surged toward you.  Oh. Right. You almost died...

You shifted in your bed, and let out a cry of pain. God your belly hurt so much...of course, that where a sword fucking pierced you. Where did it even come from ? You guessed it didn’t matter anymore...

Your small cry woke Kakashi up in an instant, and, at first a little confused as to where he was, he turned to you and his face lit up. 

His mask. He wasn’t wearing his mask. That was new...Before you could speak, his lips crashed on yours, and you were to stunned to respond. The kiss was short anyway. And so soft, you almost thought you dreamt it. 

-Hi. 

You said in a hoarse voice, your throat hurting because it was completely dry. 

-Hi. 

He answered awkwardly, before continuing: 

-Sorry about that. Did I hurt you ? 

-No. Not at all. 

Silence. Not awkward. You just stare at each other curiously. Finally, you say : 

-...You’re confusing me Kakashi. 

-Uh ? 

-I said you’re confusing. 

-...Why ? 

-Because...Because you decide to not talk to me ever again, all of a sudden, without any explanation, and now...you kiss me. Without explanation either. 

-...Sorry.

-Don’t be. Just...Well, don’t be so daft and explain. 

-Oh. Hum. Yeah. Right. 

He tumbles on his words a lot. He often doesn’t know how to explain what he feels, but he ends up, with great difficulties, telling you everything. 

From the impact his father’s suicide had on him, to the pain of loosing every single one of his friends, every people he ever cared about...Minato-sensei, Obito, Rin...The betrayals he had to go through, the loneliness. His fear to be happy again, just for that happiness to be taken away. Because with you, he was really happy. He felt like he was innocent and pure again. Like he didn’t go through all those traumatisms. Like he was whole again. 

He was afraid to be happy, and to loose everything again. To loose you. So he thought that it’d be easier for you to hate him...it took him a long time though, to finally do it. To try and make you hate him. It took him years. Because before, he wasn’t strong enough. You were his only ray of sunshine...but he’d rather be lonely forever, than for you to die because he was cursed and...At some point, you shut him up with a kiss. It’s ok. You understood. You always has really, not having had an easy life either. With a smile, feeling his hands cupping your cheek lovingly, you say : 

-So..I had to almost die to convince you eh ?

He chuckles lowly, of that deep and sexy chuckle you like so much, and answers : 

-I guess sometimes, I can be a little...”daft”. 

-Dense. 

-That too. I...I love you (Y/N). I’m sorry it took me so long to realize it. I’m sorry I wasted so many years pushing you away. I’m sorry I only just understood that I would never truly be happy without you in my life, as more than a friend. And most of all, I’m sorry I’m putting your life in danger, just by loving you so much...

-Kakashi. My love. You’re not cursed. Hell, it’s when you pushed me truly away, when you cut all ties, when you stopped talking to me, that I almost died. Doesn’t that mean something ? 

-Uh ? 

-Well, yeah. It’s once you exited my life, that, for the first time in years, I was truly in danger. In my book, it means that you’re my lucky charms, and that you’re not cursed. At all. 

His heart misses multiple beats. He never even thought about that. It’s true that, since he knew you, you escaped certain death multiple times with just a few scratches...Could it be ? Could it be that you were so made for each others that you’d be the only one not affected by his curse ? He feels a smile creeping on his face, and is unable to stop it. 

The smile you give him (damn you loved this little beauty mark under his lips) made his heart flutter, and with a voice buried in emotions, he says : 

-I love you (Y/N). I’m sorr...

-Stop being sorry. I love you too. Now that you realized you were acting like an idiot, things will be alright. Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. 

-Please. Don’t. I love you. I can’t...I can’t loose you. 

-You won’t loose me. As long as you’re with me. My lucky charm. My lovely, sweet, cute and always late lucky charm. 

Your lips on his are the sweetest thing he ever tasted, and he wonders how he could have had resisted you all this years. 

He kisses you back. Fiercely. And with a last “I love you”, you drag him in your bed, and fall in each other’s arms (him making sure to not hurt you...he would never hurt you anymore). 

FIN. It’s “meh”. Sorry. I just love Kakashi, I wanted to write something with him...So maybe I rushed the writing a bit too much. And some scenes go too fast and blahblahblah meh. 

[jacksgreysays]

Konoha Team Designations (2017-05-23)

I went into this a little before on this post here, but I'd like to go into more detail just so I don't keep making stuff up and then not writing it down anywhere and then forgetting.

So here's the basic list for the teams again:

Team One - Medic
 Team Two - Vanguard (Stealth/Speed)
 Team Three - Defense (Genjutsu/Barriers/Traps) 
Team Four - Automatic Fail (code for ANBU/assassination) 
Team Five - “Retrieval”
 Team Six - General Support
 Team Seven - Heavy Hitter
 Team Eight - Tracking/Hunting 
Team Nine - Escort/Courier
 Team Ten - Infiltration/Siege

And as I said before, the Academy does actually try to create genin teams that students would be well suited to, but it depends on the assigned jounin sensei and their standards if they actually pass (except for Team Four who really just are leftovers and pretty much auto fail into the Genin Corps).

Mostly the reason why I'm doing this is because I have three different Naruto fanfiction series--Counterpoise, Externality, and (In)Difference--featuring three very different OCs who end up on very different genin teams, and since I've been doing the Character Statistics I've had to really hammer down just what each character's strengths and weaknesses are and resolve that with the other characters as a team.

Teams Seven, Eight, and Ten, obviously, are based on canon: Team Sevens are the traditional "heavy hitters," the ones who become legends--the Sannin, Naruto-Sasuke-Sakura, even in Boruto that carries over (I think?). Team Eights--based simply on the Aburame-Hyuuga-Inuzuka formation--are most likely meant for tracking/hunting, though no doubt they can form this team without those three clans specifically, with other sensor types. Team Ten are, of course, Ino-Shika-Cho, though for the years there aren't a set from those clans they can still use that number for teams who might have a similar set up or potential--very people based tactical abilities.

I don't know where exactly I got this from, but I feel like Team Gai was fanonically made to be Team Nine? Or, at least, given the other teams it kind of make sense to have them fill in the blank and since their team set up is very different from the other three they'd have a different number. And their specialization of escort/courier fits quite nicely in a weird spectrum of tracking/hunting and infiltration/siege--if that makes any sense?

My Team One designation is based off an, admittedly, insignificant throw away line from Dreaming of Sunshine's early chapters regarding Sakura's placement given Shikako's presence--which lead to @kuipernebula​ and I collaboratively brainstorming the simply named Team Medic 'verse.

Which leaves Teams Two through Six.

Given the superstition about the number four, that team would just be dooming a group of kids for death. And it kind of makes sense in a ruthless kind of way that there would be some students who just... don't have much potential at all, so Team Four--as an Academy proposal--is just an automatic fail into the Genin Corps. (But maybe that designation is used as a code for temporary teams doing assassinations or auditioning for ANBU).

Itachi was canonically stated to be placed on Team Two with a boy who basically called himself Tenma Lord of Speed and a girl who studied medicine in the Academy but, given the awful awful sexism in this series, got shunted into retiring to become a waitress for some reason?! which is a very distinctive team set up vastly different from the other teams we've already seen.

But that Team Two was stated to be "formed out of the best genin at that time and they were given the symbolic position of guarding the Fire Daimyo during his annual visit to Konoha." Which would make an argument for them being a Team Nine--or, rather, making Team Gai who specialize in mobile guarding type missions a Team Two--but it's specifically noted to be a symbolic position and more about showing off to the Fire Daimyo their shiny new Uchiha prodigy.

So what do you do with a team of the best genin from the class that aren't heavy hitters? They aren't specialized enough for a medic team or a tracking team, and they don't quite have the same vibe as an infiltration/siege team. They might be a decent escort/courier team, but that wouldn't really take full advantage of their potential. You have a fast kid, an Uchiha, and a medic--you can't move faster than your client for escort missions, to fully utilize the Sharingan you want to pit them against other shinobi not just bandits, and escort/courier missions aren't high enough risk to need a medic.

Thus, vanguard: a stealthier, speedier strike force who can handle themselves in dangerous times but are more subtle than the walking tanks and explosions of Team Seven.

So Three, Five, and Six are free game.

It made sense for there to be a general support team--because while a team of all medics is the easiest way to train combat medics and would make sense for large scale troop movements (when multiple medics would be needed for an entire battalion), it's not practical for smaller scale battles--and I made them Team Six because I figured they'd be deployed alongside one of the other higher number teams. Teams One and Two wouldn't need a general support team because it'd be redundant for One and slow down Two, whereas Seven and higher could use support for more variety if the mission calls for multiple teams.

With that mentality in mind, I figured Team Three ought to also be a specialty such that they also wouldn't need a general support. Or, rather, to break down what general support team even means? I headcanon that Kabuto's team were a Team Six--a medic with high genjutsu skill, a guy who can absorb chakra, and a guy who can stretch his limbs--which shook out to, besides the medic, genjutsu and close range non-destructive abilities. Hence, defense for Team Three.

And, finally, Team Five which I literally made up because I wanted a team of Leverage-esque thieves. I mean, I'll justify it in a second, but I figured I ought to be honest about my motivation for all this ranting; I wanted practical problem solving ninja thieves.

Obviously the Academy isn't going to make a team of assassins to be. While they are training child soldiers, it's not as if they can tell which preteen is going to be better at assassination than another. And while there is Team Two who would be good at the straightforward get in, get the target, get out, that doesn't leave much room for the other assassination requests of "make it look natural" or "frame this other person for it," etc. etc.

So the best way to train toward that mentality would be missions for "retrieving" objects. This team would need to be not quite a support team, but neither an outrightly offensive team either--kind of like a smaller scale, less destructive version of Team Ten. It's still very people based tactics, but more subtle (Yamanaka personalities may be all about nuance, but their ability is not so much. At the very least, I don't think the person they possessed loses their memory of the possession? So it'd be very obvious afterwards what happened).

In Counterpoise the Team Five I created is "the genjutsu specialist with a fondness for traps, the medic with a talent in taijutsu, and the fuinjutsu user with chakra reserves four times the size a ninja twice her age"

In Externality, Tetuski accidentally helps Naruto graduate one year early, leading to the both of them and another OC becoming a Team Two under Kakashi. (I actually have what is probably an unpopular/unheard of headcanon that Team Minato was not a Team Seven but rather a Team Two)

In (In)Difference, Team TenChiKoku is a Team Ten that doesn't directly mimic the Ino-Shika-Cho dynamic but would have a similar function in wartime.

Okay, that's a weird thing to end on, but thanks for reading this far!

[anarchetypalarchive]

Mission: Impossible Probably Doesn’t Have This Much Gay Panic

aka that ridiculous super tropey cliched jeremwood gta fic i started ages ago and have now finished as a valentine’s gift for @ryanthepowerbottomguy rating: m for nonspecific dick mention content warning for bad humor, deliberately vague heist details, and ryan “you can’t catch me gay thoughts” haywood on ao3 excerpt:

“It just needs another minute.”

“We don’t have a minute,” Ryan says. He presses an ear against the door and shuts his eyes, tense, waiting, mapping out a dozen escape routes in his head. “We have maybe thirty seconds. Does that work?”

“Look, the thing—it says it needs fifty-three seconds, okay, do you want me to argue with the computer?”

“Well, yeah, that’s what Gavin does!”

“He—okay, wait, no? He definitely doesn’t just argue with the computer, what the hell, what exactly do you think Gavin does when he’s—” Jeremy cuts himself off, goes still and quiet when heavy footsteps stop in front of the door.

“Alright,” Ryan murmurs, shifting to move into a better position to intercept the guy when he comes through the door. “I’ll try to take him down quietly and maybe we won’t, uh, no, what are you doing,” he says, bewildered, when Jeremy vaults himself over the desk neatly and starts moving in Ryan’s direction.

“I saw this in a movie once,” Jeremy says seriously, and then he’s grabbing Ryan by the lapels of his ill-fitting suit and hauling him down to kiss him.

Fully. On the mouth. With tongue. It’s a little dirty.

Ryan wants to say he plays it cool.

On Tuesday, Jack rolls her eyes and rubs her nose and says to Jeremy, “I’m not sick.”

On Wednesday, Jack coughs wetly and turns to Ryan before he can speak and snaps, “I’m not sick.”

On Thursday, Jack shivers with a flushed face and rounds on Geoff and manages to sound pretty fucking threatening despite all the sweaters she’s bundled in when she says, “Say a goddamn thing about my health and I’ll cut off your balls, Ramsey.”

On Friday morning, Geoff hovers like a concerned mother in the doorway of Jack’s room and delicately suggests she might not be well enough to pull off the job at the vineyard that weekend.

Ryan—who is not hiding behind Geoff in fear of pillows or books or small knives being thrown in their general direction, thank you very much—waits for Jack to haul herself out of bed with a deliberate and intense rejection of any implication that illness is even a plausible thing that exists in any person, especially herself.

Instead, to the surprise of Ryan and Geoff and God Himself, Jack moans pitifully and burrows further underneath the blankets. “I think I came down with something,” she says, voice muffled by layers of bedding.

“Yeah, like four days ago,” Jeremy says. Ryan doesn’t jump in surprise, but it’s a close thing. He turns to see Jeremy behind him, lifted up on his toes slightly as he peers around Geoff and Ryan to look at Jack, concern twisting a slight frown to his mouth. Jeremy does that a lot—moves silently and unnoticed, effortlessly, despite the weight of him, his muscle and bulk, his bright personality and brighter green fucking hair. (Like a big fucking purple polkadotted elephant that can still be a ninja, Michael had said nonsensically during one of his more intense drinking sessions.)

The effect of Jack glaring daggers at him is diminished somewhat with the way she’s nested in pillows and blankets, face flushed, hair a mess. “Dooley,” she starts, venomous, and then she has to break off and cough hard for a few moments.

“I’m calling Caleb,” Geoff says, patting himself down for his phone.

“No, you’re not,” Jack protests.

“I’m gonna find a thermometer,” Jeremy adds, turning and disappearing down the hall.

“No, you’re not!” Jack calls out.

“I’m gonna— Uh, soup?” Ryan tries weakly, withering under Jack’s scowl and starting to back away from the room. “I’m gonna— I’m just gonna go.”

“I hate you all,” Jack shouts. “It’s just a cold!”

——

“It’s the flu,” Caleb says with a frown, pulling away from Jack’s bed. They look concerned, but mostly exasperated. “You should’ve called me sooner.”

Geoff has a distinct I told you so expression and Ryan’s seriously in fear for Geoff’s life if the way Jack’s looking at him is any indication of how long he’s going to remain uninjured.

“But I can run this job,” Jack says, “right?”

She and Geoff are supposed to be going to a fancy wine tasting out in Blaine County to get access to various plans, names, locations, and other information supposedly stored on a computer on the property.

“Are you fucking kidding?” Geoff says, and Ryan and Jeremy look at each other and simultaneously flee from the room to the tune of Jack’s frustrated snap of a response and Caleb’s I-Seriously-Do-Not-Get-Paid-Enough-For-This-I-Mean-Really sigh.

Ryan has a sneaking suspicion—a growing sense of dread, really—that he knows what’s about to happen. He and Jeremy are idly playing Mario Kart in the living room when Geoff appears, looking disgruntled and like he’s on a mission. Ryan automatically looks for the nearest exit, but then Geoff’s standing in front of them, blocking their line of sight to the television.

“Geoff,” Jeremy says, swaying this way and that, trying to see around him. “Geoff, no, we’re playing rainbow road, this is a very crucial moment— Toad, nooooo,” he finishes sadly, his side of the split screen abruptly going dark.

“I need you two to run this job,” Geoff says firmly. It’s his ‘no-nonsense-I’m-the-dad’ voice, and Ryan resists the urge to whine.

“What about Gavin and Michael?” he asks. “When are they getting back?”

“Not until next week.”

“What about Lindsay?”

“Ryan.”

“Or Trevor.”

“You’re going,” Geoff says, looking exasperated. “End of discussion.”

“I will turn this car around, kids,” Jeremy says under his breath.

Geoff gives him a look. “It’s a straightforward job. You’ll have the invitation to the wine tasting already, so there won’t be any trouble getting in. Wait until the guests are too drunk to be paying attention and then look for an office. Our intel says it’ll probably be in one of the back rooms past the guest hall. You copy the plans onto a flash drive and bring it back here. Easy. You can handle it.”

The issue isn’t really that Ryan thinks he can’t handle it. Geoff’s right, it’s straightforward. The issue is that Ryan may or may not be harboring something vaguely in the realm of not-strictly coworker-like feelings for Jeremy, and the thought of spending hours at a fancy party pretending to be an item— Well. Ryan isn’t exactly interested in making a total idiot of himself in front of the guy he may or may  not be interested in.

“I don’t have a suit,” Ryan tries weakly.

“You can borrow one of mine.”

“Wait, hold on,” Jeremy says. He’s frowning. Ryan allows himself a brief moment of hope.

“What?” Geoff asks.

“I’m gonna have to dye my hair back to brown, aren’t I.” He looks devastated.

——

So, apparently they’re doing this.

Ryan fidgets in Geoff’s ill-fitting suit the whole drive up to Blaine County. This really isn’t their style: the crew is more about jobs with loud explosions and car chases than this type of covert operation.

(It’ll be fun, Jeremy says. Like Ocean’s Eleven. Or Mission: Impossible. Ryan’s dubious.)

Ryan’s not really sure what he’s expecting, except it’s not this—a diamond of a vineyard in the rough of Blaine County. As they walk up the drive, he looks at the rows of vines reaching out into the distance towards the horizon. Rosebushes stand rooted at the start of each row, shadows of their thorned stems stretching long in the last few minutes of sunset.

“Pretty,” Jeremy comments.

“Useful,” Ryan replies, glancing over in time to see Jeremy’s curious expression.

“Useful?”

“Canary in the coal mine,” he explains—nonsensically, if the change in Jeremy’s face from curious to bewildered is any indication. He gestures vaguely. “The rosebushes are...more fragile. Than the vines. But they’re susceptible to the same diseases. So, disease happens, the roses go first, gives everyone a chance to fix things before everything goes to hell. They’re a—”

“Warning system,” Jeremy supplies, but he’s frowning.

“Necessary sacrifice.”

“Is it?”

Ryan looks at him. He opens his mouth to respond, but Jeremy’s already moved on, hands going to his suit pockets in search of their invitation as they approach the doors of the country house. The occasional formally-dressed couple filters inside after being not-quite interrogated by the man at the door who’s checking the guest list.

It says something about the sort of jobs Ryan usually takes that his brain automatically classifies the man as bouncer even though he’s pretty sure there’s a higher-class term for what the guy is doing. Still, he can’t shake the tension that seizes hold of his shoulders, tension that comes only when he’s about to intimidate his way past a bouncer into a seedy club to do a shakedown or complete a contract hit.

But this isn’t downtown Los Santos, and he’s not the Vagabond right now.

Ryan takes in a breath, holds it, lets it go as he forces himself to shrug on the personality of this character he needs to become. The character that is happily married to Jeremy—to Jeremy’s character.

Ryan already has a headache.

“—is that okay?” Jeremy’s saying, looking up at Ryan with his brow furrowed.

Ryan blinks. “I— Yeah,” he says, nodding, trying to look more confident and less I was paying zero attention to what you were saying because I’m still lowkey having a brain aneurysm every time I look down at the wedding ring on my finger or remember that I’m supposed to be pretending I’m married to you, and one of those two things happen approximately every four seconds, so I’ll basically be having one continuous moment of stupidity during this entire job, I hope that’s okay, and also I’m sorry you have to deal with me but there’s really nothing that can be done about it at this point, have I mentioned what an absolute catch I am.

“Great,” Jeremy says, oblivious, and suddenly there’s the warm weight of his bicep sliding into place against Ryan as he links their arms together.

“What are you doing,” Ryan says lowly as Jeremy hands their invitation over to the not-bouncer, voice strangled and rough, like the manifestation of his huge gay crush is trying to crawl its way free from his throat.

Jeremy looks thrown off and alarmed. “You just said I could!” he hisses defensively, and he shifts hastily like he’s going to extract himself from Ryan.

And Ryan—well, maybe his grip on Jeremy sort of immediately tightens tenfold, but that’s just. Acting. Because the supposed married couple should probably not be pulling away from each other in gay panic alarm. He’s a professional. He’s acting. It’s fine.

“Mr. Armstrong,” the not-bouncer says as he looks up from the invitation to Ryan with a nod. He gestures to Jeremy. “And this is your husband?”

Ryan’s brain misfires. For a moment, he says nothing, gaping slightly, only managing to snap into action when the not-bouncer’s brow furrows in what appears to be concern. “Yeah,” he says. It comes out louder than he intends it to, more a bark than a response. He coughs, tries to salvage it. “Uh— Yes, this is my husband,” he clarifies, totally unnecessarily, voice now overly loud and stilted. Jeremy looks pained.

You’re a professional, his mind supplies again, except now it just sounds miserable.

Thank god for Jeremy, who laughs and strokes a hand down Ryan’s arm—ostensibly as a gesture of affection, but to Ryan it comes across as a desperate heed to shut up before you get us shot, oh my god, what are you even doing. “Newlyweds,” he explains, his smile unfairly charming. “He’s still getting used to it.”

Ryan tries to nod along, ducks his head with a carefully constructed sheepish smile, but he’s hyperaware of Jeremy’s soothing little touches to his arm.

There’s a voice in the back of his mind that sounds like Geoff, authoritative and exasperated and a little shrill. Hey, asshole. You have a murder count in the triple digits. You are a very scary man. Please pop the fucking floating hearts making a love nest over your head.

The not-bouncer just shrugs and waves them in, and Ryan lets out a long, relieved sigh as they step into the air-conditioned hall.

It’s a large building, packed with rich people in varying states of tipsy, and Ryan has possibly never been so uncomfortable in his life.

Jeremy picks up on it, because Ryan has all the subtlety and more of a brick to the face. “You okay?”

Ryan opens his mouth to deflect, to brush the question off, but Jeremy’s looking at him earnestly, like he actually cares. That makes it all worse, somehow. “I’m not used to being in the field without my mask,” he admits. That is, at least, part of the truth; Ryan decides to leave out the and you look really nice in a suit and that’s making me want to jump out the nearest window to escape my own feelings.

Jeremy smiles. “Hey, don’t worry. All we gotta do is schmooze until everybody’s drunk. By then, nobody’s gonna remember what you look like, anyway.”

“Schmooze,” Ryan echoes dubiously.

“Plus, don’t you have a background in theater or something? Just act your way through it.”

Ryan freezes. “Who told you that.”

Jeremy grins, deceptively cherubic. “Geoff.”

“Of course he did.”

“I can’t say I’m surprised.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ryan asks defensively.

“I mean, you’re kind of...dramatic?”

“Says the guy who wears purple and orange and nicknamed himself Monster Truck.”

Jeremy smiles wickedly and pulls out the big guns. “Geoff said you used to be a mod—”

“No one can prove anything.”

Jeremy’s laughing now, dimples popping in his cheeks, and Ryan can’t stay annoyed for the life of him. Hell, Jeremy’s right; it’s a waiting game for now. There’s expensive wine and fancy little snack things (hors d'oeuvres, Jeremy says; tiny snack things, Ryan insists) and he might as well enjoy himself before they have to really get to work.

Still, his mind is sending off little alerts, flashing neon signs that say Date!! This is like a Date!! You’re the only one who thinks it’s like a date but you should still be very alarmed and awkward!!!

He drowns those neon signs resolutely in wines he can’t pronounce the name of and tiny snack things he also can’t pronounce the name of, and he’s able to relax after half an hour or so.

It’s nice to really spend time with Jeremy. It’s hard to get a pocket of time where it’s just the two of them—Ryan supposes that’s the benefit and drawback to being part of a big crew: you’re never alone.

But now Jeremy talks about growing up in Boston and about how he has a cat (Scooter would love you, you should come over sometime and meet him, and Ryan has a heart attack) and Ryan learns a dozen things he never knew about Jeremy before.

To his own surprise, he starts sharing about himself, too. He’s comfortable with the crew; he’s grown a lot since joining, but he still doesn’t make a habit of offering up information unprompted. Maybe that’s reflex from years of paranoia or because he doesn’t think he’s very interesting, but Jeremy beams when Ryan says he wishes he had a dog and that he grew up in Georgia and he’s been self-conscious about the twang in his voice that pops up whenever he’s particularly tired or worked up (Dude, I think it’s nice, Jeremy says, bet you get all the ladies with that, and, well, no).

Ryan’s waiting for Jeremy to come back with two of some weird sugary dessert thing Ryan saw and immediately demanded, but when he returns, he’s empty-handed and looking mildly panicked.

“Wegottago.”

Ryan frowns. “What?”

Jeremy’s bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet. “We gotta go, my old boss is here—”

“Who?”

“Joel Heyman,” Jeremy starts impatiently.

“You used to work for Heyman? Why the hell did you never mention that?”

“It never came up.”

“Jeremy—”

“Look, it’s fine, it’s just, I’m not totally sure if he’s gonna be cool about—”

“Dooley,” comes a calm voice.

Jeremy freezes, then plasters on a winning smile and turns around. “Joel,” he says warmly. “Fancy meeting you here.”

Joel Heyman, from what little Ryan knows about him, has vague ties to Geoff (and apparently Jeremy) and is one of the richest people in the city. It’s a little baffling that his suit is slightly too big on him and somewhat rumpled and faded, like he’s owned it for twenty years.

“What are you doing here, kid,” Joel demands with a sigh.

Jeremy’s smile doesn’t falter. “This is a wine tasting, Joel,” he says. “We’re tasting wine. Enjoying the high life.”

“Schmoozing,” Ryan puts in.

Joel raises an eyebrow at him, and he falls silent again. “You working a job for Ramsey?” he asks, voice low.

Jeremy looks uncomfortable. “Are you gonna make this hard for us?” he asks, tone suddenly serious.

Joel watches him for a long moment. “You going to blow the place up?” he asks.

“No.”

“Is my drinking going to be interrupted?”

“Probably not.” Joel cuts him a look. “Definitely not.”

Joel gives him another long look, then fixes Ryan with an identical one. “I never saw you,” he announces. “I’ve never seen you before in my life.” Ryan stares in bewilderment as Joel turns and walks off, tipping back the full wine glass in his hand and practically chugging it as he walks.

Ryan manages to tear his gaze away to look at Jeremy. “Was he like that while you were working for him?” he asks, unable to think of anything else to say.

“Oh, god no.”

“Huh.”

“He was way weirder.”

——

By the time they manage to sneak off into the back rooms of the vineyard hall, most of the guests are on the verge of drunk or well past it. They’d had to drink a bit themselves to keep up appearances, and it’s a testament to how infrequently Ryan drinks that he’s actually feeling somewhat buzzed as they look for the computer with the plans on it.

It doesn’t take long to find it, Jeremy picking his fifth lock to get them into a room that turns out to be the vineyard’s office; they close themselves in and Ryan listens for footsteps while Jeremy boots up the computer and gets the flash drive ready.

Despite how well everything’s been going so far—for a given value of well, if well involves tripping over Jeremy’s polished shoes every fifteen seconds as they search the back rooms, or earlier in the night when Ryan got startled and in a terrifying moment of blind reflex nearly embedded an hors d'oeuvre utensil into the throat of a poor, awkward, terrified bureaucrat like some kind of horrifying impromptu tracheotomy—

Despite that, Ryan is beginning to think that their luck may have run out.

“Jeremy, we need to go,” he says, muscles coiled tight like he’s ready to run or fight or—or stay still, apparently, which is what he’s currently doing, because Jeremy won’t step away from the computer where the drive is flashing blue as it gradually copies and stores the information.

“It just needs another minute.”

“We don’t have a minute,” Ryan says. He presses an ear against the door and shuts his eyes, tense, waiting, mapping out a dozen escape routes in his head. “We have maybe thirty seconds. Does that work?”

“Look, the thing—it says it needs fifty-three seconds, okay, do you want me to argue with the computer?”

“Well, yeah, that’s what Gavin does!”

“He—okay, wait, no? He definitely doesn’t just argue with the computer, what the hell, what exactly do you think Gavin does when he’s—” Jeremy cuts himself off, goes still and quiet when heavy footsteps stop in front of the door.

“Alright,” Ryan murmurs, shifting to move into a better position to intercept the guy when he comes through the door. “I’ll try to take him down quietly and maybe we won’t, uh, no, what are you doing,” he says, bewildered, when Jeremy vaults himself over the desk neatly and starts moving in Ryan’s direction.

“I saw this in a movie once,” Jeremy says seriously, and then he’s grabbing Ryan by the lapels of his ill-fitting suit and hauling him down to kiss him.

Fully. On the mouth. With tongue. It’s a little dirty.

Ryan wants to say he plays it cool.

When the door slams open, Jeremy doesn’t even pause, not breaking away from Ryan until  a loud Hey! comes from the guy standing in the doorway.

Jeremy pulls away with a wet noise and turns to look at the guy, one hand still hanging on to Ryan’s lapel.

“Oops,” Jeremy says. Ryan says nothing, because Ryan has lost all ability to speak or think or do anything other than stare at Jeremy, glassy-eyed.

“You can’t be in here,” the guy says roughly.

“Sorry,” Jeremy says sheepishly. “The wine just sorta… You know how it is.” Is he flirting?

The guy looks somewhat taken aback. Jeremy lets go of Ryan and moves to sit on the desk, hopping up and letting his legs swing.

After a moment, Ryan gets it. He lets Jeremy keep up the drunk, flirty guest act and focuses on the man in the doorway. The way his jacket hangs means he’s packing, a small handgun, probably, but it doesn’t take a big gun to kill someone, especially not in close quarters like this.

“You… You can’t be in here,” the guy says again. Ryan smiles apologetically and moves to get between the guy and Jeremy, blocking his line of sight.

“I’m sorry. My husband’s had a bit more than he can handle. It’s hard to tell him no sometimes.” All the time. “We’ll go.” By the time he turns around, Jeremy’s slipping a hand into the pocket of his suit pants.

“Okay, okay,” Jeremy singsongs, sliding off the desk and stumbling a bit before he crashes into Ryan and leans against him heavily, laughing. “We’ll go. But I’ll be seeing you later,” he tells the guy, poking him playfully in the chest as Ryan ushers him out of the room and back down the hall towards the party.

“You know you’re gonna have to keep up the drunk persona for the rest of the night,” Ryan says lowly, one hand around Jeremy. It’s taking all of his effort not to think about the kiss, about the rough scratch of Jeremy’s facial hair and the soft, wet slide of his mouth and—dammit.

“Fuck that,” Jeremy replies, dragging Ryan from his reverie. “Let’s get the hell out of here as soon as it’s clear. That guy didn’t look like he bought it.”

“He’s armed.”

“Yeah. Not in the mood to get shot. Especially after drinking. You know how much more you bleed?”

——

Not wanting to seem even more suspicious than they already do, they decide to give it twenty minutes before making their leave; Ryan wanders off to pick at what remains of the hors d'oeuvres to soak up the alcohol in his system, then meets back up with Jeremy to leave with the other people starting to trickle out.

As they walk through the dark parking lot to Jeremy’s car, Ryan’s a little giddy with the excitement of a job gone well, admittedly still reeling from the kiss even now. Honestly, he’ll chalk the night up as a success all around.

Typically, that’s when someone emerges from the one of the rows of grapevines and points a gun at his head. “Oh, goddammit.”

It’s clearly not the reaction the man was expecting. He pauses, then steps completely out of the shadows, aim not faltering. It’s the guy from before, managing to look a lot more intimidating now that Jeremy isn’t actively flirting with him and he’s holding a gun. “Alright, let’s make this quick.” He points at Jeremy, gun still pointed between Ryan’s eyes. “You give me the flash drive, I won’t blow your boyfriend’s brains out.”

“Husband,” Jeremy blurts.

The man stares at him. “What.”

Jeremy raises his left hand and wiggles his fingers at him, the gold of his borrowed ring glinting in the light of far-off car headlights. “He’s my husband.”

“Jeremy,” Ryan says lowly. They both have pistols strapped to their shins, but the guy has his finger on the trigger and looks like he wouldn’t hesitate to shoot; Ryan doesn’t want to risk trying to get to his gun.

“Look,” Jeremy says placatingly, holding his hands up and taking a few steps towards the guy. “We don’t want any trouble—” He breaks off when the sound of the guy flicking off the safety cuts into the quiet dark of the parking lot.

“Back up,” he barks. Jeremy does, not looking pleased about it. “Flash drive. Now.”

“Jeremy,” Ryan says again. Jeremy’s eyes flick towards him, and Ryan shakes his head almost imperceptibly. They just need to buy themselves some time, distract the guy until one of them can disarm him—

Jeremy reaches into his pocket and pulls out the flash drive, throwing it into the air. The guy catches it, tucking it into his own pocket.

“No!” Ryan snaps. Jeremy gives him a look he can’t parse.

“There,” the guy says, smiling. Ryan wants to bash his face in. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“Can we fucking go now?” Jeremy asks roughly.

There’s a tense pause, where it looks like the guy is giving it some thought. Finally, he shrugs, gesturing with the gun but not stashing it away. “Go,” he says. “If I see you back here, you both die.”

Jeremy doesn’t respond, just reaches out and snags Ryan by the arm, having to half drag him away towards the car. Ryan’s half expecting shots to ring out, but they make it out of range safely.

“What the hell was that?” he hisses, pulling out of Jeremy’s grip. “We could’ve figured something out! The whole fucking night was a waste.”

“Ryan, relax.”

“How am I supposed to relax?” Ryan demands, and then he absolutely does not shriek when the driver’s side door to Jeremy’s car crashes open.

“Take it easy, Haywood,” Joel says as he gets out of the car. “And here I thought you were supposed to be the unflappable Vagabond.”

“What are you doing here?” Ryan’s pretty sure he has a headache.

“Making a delivery,” Joel says calmly. He digs in the pocket of his rumpled suit for a moment, then tosses something at Jeremy. Ryan looks over.

It’s a flash drive.

He definitely has a headache. “What the fuck is going on.”

“Thanks, Joel,” Jeremy says, pocketing the drive and walking around to the driver’s side of the car with his arms out like he’s going to hug him.

“Nope, don’t even, don’t touch me,” Joel says promptly, backpedaling away as Jeremy laughs. “You better tell Geoff I helped you and that I’m expecting a cut of the profit.”

“You got it.”

“A big cut.”

Jeremy rolls his eyes and gets into the car, Ryan following suit as his brain chugs along to keep up.

Ryan pulls his door shut and looks over at him, a little bit in love. “You clever motherfucker.”

Jeremy beams at him.

“When’d you trade the drives off with Heyman?”

“While you were stuffing your face with those little finger sandwiches.”

“Excuse you,” Ryan says defensively, “I was not stuffing my face, I was very delicately—”

And Jeremy is kissing him.

Jeremy is kissing him and they’re not pretending for anyone anymore, so it doesn’t make sense, it doesn’t make sense but Ryan is half climbing over the center console to get a better grip on Jeremy because he’s scared this is all he’s going to get.

Jeremy kisses like he does everything: with his whole self, with all his focus, with enthusiasm, and maybe Ryan’s still a little buzzed because he’s never gotten half hard from a messy make out before. Not that he’s complaining.

Jeremy’s laughing breathlessly when they part for air, smoothing Ryan’s hair down from where he’d mussed it up in his excitement. “Sorry,” he says. “Just wanted to finally do that when we weren’t, you know, being watched by a weirdo with a gun.”

“You’re still being watched by a weirdo with a gun,” Ryan feels the need to point out.

“Who’s that?”

“Me.”

Jeremy snorts with laughter and leans in to kiss him again, then pauses. “This is,” he says. Pauses again. “This is okay, right?”

Ryan stares at him. “I’d tell you how long I’ve wanted to kiss you for, but it’d be very embarrassing and you’d never let me live it down, so.”

Jeremy looks surprised, which is fucking incredible, really. Maybe Ryan hasn’t been as obvious as he’d thought. “Really?”

“Are you kidding? Look at you.”

Jeremy lets out a disbelieving noise. “Look at me? Look at you.”

Ryan flushes faintly. From— From the alcohol, surely. “Okay, well, that’s— Shut up. Go back to the kissing.”

“Are you embarrassed?” Jeremy coos.

“Shut up. Commence with the kissing. Conversation over, less of the talking thing, more of the lips thing.”

“More of the lips thing,” Jeremy echoes, grinning.

“Shut up,” Ryan says helplessly, really starting to blush now.

Jeremy’s smile is blinding.