Ramen Soup for the Soul

Chapter 1

Years. All it took was years to finally build up the courage to ask her out. Kakashi had "allowed" himself to be dragged to that ramen store too many times to count: each time with a single purpose in mind. These thoughts occupied Hatake Kakashi's mind as he took his usual afternoon stroll around the village on his days off.

Of course, he had always know she had a pretty face, had been vaguely noted it while watching Naruto slurp away at his little bowl of heaven (not a single drop of broth remained when he was done with it). However Kakashi had not really taken any notice of her until the day his adorable young genin treated him to some ramen, and tries to see his face. His eyes crinkled at the smile those memories brought.

Ayame and her father had almost swooned when they saw his- which is exactly why he never removed his mask. His charming face, the mystery behind the mask, was his most powerful weapon. Besides, he really didn't like people staring at him, seeing his true self. And that is exactly why, until now, he had never wanted a girlfriend. He had never craved the intimacy. Rushed one night stands were enough for him, rushed hands in the shadows. Like most of his life, he lived in darkness. Ayame was too innocent, too sweet for that. So although he knew of her feelings for him, the pink that creep across her cheeks, the delight in her eyes, he would never ask her out. She needed someone who lived in the light.

Of course with his students, with Gai, with Minato-Sensei, it had been different. After Obito had died, he had opened his heart enough just to allow them in. But even they could not see his face, could not be allowed to get too close.

But now, since the war it had to change- he had to change.

That is why he decided after years of cold heartedness, to allow the sun to shine through. To but a steaming bowl of noodles and not leave until he had finally plucked up the courage to ask her. It only took three bowls of miso ramen to warm his soul and get the answer he needed. He could do this; he could have a normal relationship for once.

Not that any of his other relationships were "normal"... especially the one sided rivalry with his best friend and self –declared rival, Maito Gai. Gai... he had already been seeing Ayame for a month now. It was about time he told him. As Kakashi closed the little orange Icha Icha book he customarily read as he strolled the streets of Konoha, he felt the sudden urge to get his friend's thumbs-up and shiny "nice Gai" smile of approval.

The smell of curry wafted down the stairs Kakashi climbed to Gai's apartment- right on the top floor so he view the "glorious sunrise and promise of new youth" each morning from his balcony. If Kakashi was the darkness, Gai was most definitely the light. He smiled to himself, thinking that if he believed in such things, their friendship was definitely one of ying and yang. Not that he would ever admit that to Gai, it would only encourage his declarations of their eternally destined rivalry. And Gai really did not need any sort of encouragement in anything.

With one short knock, Kakashi took a step back, feeling uneasy. He usually climbed the side of Gai's building and hopped in throught the balcony. But today felt different. Today he felt the need to do this properly. After all he was coming to tell Gai something serious. Even though the words Gai and serious never went together, unless the topic was fighting of course.

Gai answered the door in his absurd turtle-patterned apron and almost did a double take. "Wha- Rival! You're using the door?!" Ladle in hand, he jumped forwards and pulled Kakashi into a air-squeezing hug. It was then Kakashi realised that underneath that bizarre apron, Gai was naked, aside from the bright yellow pants that really didn't leave much to the imagination. Geez, where did this guy buy his clothes? Maybe he should also get a girlfriend, Kakashi thought, someone who would steer his fashion sense in the right direction...

As normal the hug lasted longer than any normal person would allow, and ended when Kakshi felt the hot drip of curry sauce on his head from the ladle.

"Gai!" he had yelled pushing him off. "You did it again."

"Ah! Sorry rival! Come in, come in, and wipe of the curry."

After kicking off his sandals, Kakashi lounged down across Gai's sofa, leaving him to occupy the smaller chair.

"Well, my rival, what brings you here today? Another hot blooded challenge?!" His eyes lit up at the thought and Kakashi could tell his mind was racing with the possibilities.

"Nothing like that, though I could go for a bowl of curry." Kakashi smiled his most charming smile and Guy jumped to attention. In a heartbeat he had returned, a bowl of curry in hand. When he turned his back, Kakashi pulled down his mask and took a few bites before pulling it back up. Delicious. He sighed. If only he had learnt how to cook.

Gai returned with his own meal and tucked in like a starved animal, enthusiastically praising his own youthful cooking and ingredients.

"So," Kakashi began simply. "I just stopped by to let you know that Ayame, the girl I have been seeing, and I are now official. I spoke to her father yesterday."

Kakashi expected Gai to overreact. He did not expect a face full of half-chewed curry and saliva.

"What the hell, Gai?" He yelled wiping it off. "It isn't that surprising is it? It had to happen one day, and a time of peace is as good any. I didn't think I would become target practice."

He said the words lightly even though he had been slightly annoyed. I suppose that is what you get from being so secretive from your friends your entire life, Kakashi thought.

When he opened his now, curry free eyes and looked at Gai he almost wished he hadn't. Gai was staring at him, with his mouth half-open, uncharacteristically silent.

"Gai...?" was all Kakashi could manage.

"How long?" he asked, sounding grave.

What was going on? This wasn't right, this wasn't Gai. He almost never sounded sad. It was one of the most endearing qualities of Gai. "About a month. The day after we got back from the war..."

"Oh."

After a moment, Gai seemed to pull himself together. Maybe he did want a girlfriend after all, Kakashi thought.

"Well my rival, we must drink to the occasion. Someone has finally snared your heart in a beautiful act of youthful-"

"Actually I can't. I am taking Ayame on a date tonight. I wouldn't want to be late after all..." he laughed and tried to block out Gai's confused glance.

"But you're always late!" Gai accused.

"I know, but..."

The statement hung in the air between them. Kakshi did not think that his announcement would make Gai act this weird- not that Gai himself wasn't one big green blob of weirdness.

"Anyway we are going out for dinner tonight, where they do those sweet dumplings you love. I'd ask to come but-"

"Of course!"

"But- hey, what now?"

"Of course I shall be there. And I won't be late." With a mad glint of his teeth, out comes the Nice Gai pose.

"Ergh, are you sure, I-"

"I would not pass over the opportunity to meet the woman who has stolen my most precious friend's heart." Something about the emphasis he put on the word, precious, just didn't sit right with Kakashi. He chose to ignore it.

"Well, you know what they say though, three is a crowd."

"Ah, yes you said it was a date. Well then, Konoha women beware, one of you are about to be asked out to a double date by the legendary blue beast himself!"

And with that, before Kakashi could say another word, he had jumped out his own balcony, still wearing only his turtle apron and scary, revealing pants, acting even more eccentric than his usual self. Something was definitely suspicious about the situation, Kakashi thought, as he finished off the rest of his curry.