"Wait, what do you mean you're moving out?"

Asuma sighs gently, his gaze looking right at the other Jonin who he's lived with for the past two years. "What I said, Kakashi, is exactly what I mean. Kurenai and I are finally moving in together."

His outer appearance didn't change much, but, on the inside, Kakashi scrunches up his face. Sure, he had been alone for most, if not all, of his adult life. But, he was actually used to having a roommate. And of course, Asuma is moving in with his girlfriend. Why wouldn't he? It's the next logical step in their relationship after all.

"So, you're finally admitting that you two have been an item? Not that the whole entire village did not know already. It was blatantly obvious. I bet even Naruto knew while he was still around," Kakashi says with a smirk pulling at his masked lips.

The older Jonin groans then threatens Kakashi with a headlock. Which, he does then gives the silver-haired Jonin a noogie. "What about you, huh? When are you going to find a special lady friend? I'm sure Kurenai can help in that department, Kakashi."

Kakashi groans at the noogie and finally escapes, fixing his… well he restored the orderly mess his hair is. He shoots Asume a look as if to say, 'Don't you dare ask me about a lady friend. I'm perfectly fine with how things are at the moment'. "I've been fine on my own for the last twenty-seven years. I'll be fine when you move out. Uh, when are you moving out, exactly?"

Asuma took the lollipop from his mouth and twirled it around his finger (Kakashi didn't let him smoke in the apartment). "Within the month. So, if you do need a new roommate, I suggest you start looking now, partner."

"Great…" Kakashi mumbles then relaxes against the sofa they were both sitting on. A hand goes down his face then he readjusts the mask, the one item of comfort he's always had. "I guess I can ask around. It would be nice to have help with rent, despite being able to afford it myself."

"And to not be alone, right, Kakashi?" Asuma grins cheekily and places a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Ask Gai. Hell, ask anyone. Just, don't be alone. Loneliness does things to you, man. You, of all people, need someone."

And with that, Asuma chuckles and walks away to his room to start packing.

Kakashi watches him go then sighs, leaning forward, and rests his elbows on his thighs. He reenacts the conversation they just had. Asuma's right. Living by himself is the worst thing for him. The Jonin sighs, running a hand through his hair. His life is definitely going to change. For the better or worse, he doesn't quite know.

And that's what bugs him. He hates not knowing how things will turn out. Kakashi usually has things under control, but this is just not turning out in his favor.

Sitting up straight, he smacks his face a bit. 'Come on, Hatake! It's just a new roommate. How hard can it be?' he asks himself then picks up his favorite novel and opens it to the page he left off at. Removing the bookmark, a little smile forms on his face. Well, seems like tomorrow he starts looking for a new occupant to live with him.

"Should be fun," he says to himself and turns the page.

xXx

The next morning, Kakashi sits up in bed and groans as he rubs the sleep away from his eyes. Mismatched orbs glance around his room, then he sighs. Shifting the blanket, his legs move and feet hit the floor beneath him.

Today's the day Kakashi looks for a new roommate.

The idea gives him a headache now. In a standing position, he stretches and sighs happily at the satisfying pops he heard. 'There,' he thinks to himself then starts getting ready for the busy day ahead.

His day was pretty much already set in stone. The only addition being to try and find a roommate. Should be easy, after all, who wouldn't want to room with him? He keeps to himself and is an excellent cook. Kakashi smile proudly to himself as he leaves the apartment and heads to the training grounds to meet up with his new team for a mission. He wanted to see how well they'd mesh and work together seeing as it's the first time with this group of shinobi. Hey, maybe he'll actually be on time for once.

That is, until he saw Iruka leaving his own apartment to head over to the academy. This is the perfect opportunity to see if the teacher wants a roommate.

Picking up the pace, Kakashi waves down the brunet. "Yo, Iruka-sensei. Good morning, what's up, got a minute?"

Iruka turns around as he adjusts his satchel bag full of papers and scrolls for the lessons of the day. He blinks curiously at the older Jonin. "Ah, Kakashi-sensei, good morning," he greets, bowing his head out of respect for the older male. "I think I can spare a few minutes. If you walk with me towards the Academy, that is. What do you want to talk to me about?" Iruka starts walking and Kakashi follows suit.

"Maa… How to ask…" He just decides to outright ask. "Do you need a roommate or anything? Because I have an extra room now. And well, the offer is there, if you want it."

The Chuunin blinks a few times then he rubs the back of his head. "Geez, Kakashi, I would but… See, I'm actually in the process of having Ayame move in with me."

Kakashi's brow raises under the hitae-ate. "Ayame? Teuchi's daughter? Since when were you two together?"

Iruka smiles to himself then laughs slightly nervously. "Well, you see, one thing led to another… I've seen her so many times whenever I took Naruto there, or even Konohamaru… One day, I just asked her out." The smile on his face grows, eyes closing. "Turns out, she actually had a crush on me too! That was… quite a few months ago, actually. So… if I were still on my own, I would have said yes. Sorry, Kakashi. Have you tried Gai? Genma? Aoba? What about Kotetsu or Izumo?"

As much as he cares about Gai, Kakashi isn't sure he can actually live with the man. He's certain that the eccentric man might actually make him go crazy. Kakashi grimaces inwardly at that. He'll ask him, just… not now.

"I'll talk to them. Thank you, and good luck, Iruka-sensei." With a smile, Kakashi waves the teacher off then bows before he takes his leave, flickering away.

xXx

Glancing up towards the sun, Kakashi knew he had some time before meeting with his teammates. Besides, if he actually showed up on time, the new Jonins might think it's normal for him to do so. It's fun to be late, anyways. So, he decides to seek out another fellow Jonin before he heads to the training grounds. Reaching back into his hip pouch, Kakashi pulls out a familiar red book and reads as he walks.

After some time, the next Jonin Kakashi ran into was actually Gai. Looking towards the Noble Blue Beast, the man sighs then pockets his book and soon his hand. He nods his hello.

"Morning, Gai. What's up?"

Gai, in all his usual spunkiness no matter what time of day, gives Kakashi a thumbs up and smiles brightly (Kakashi could have sworn he actually saw his teeth sparkle from the morning sunlight). It's definitely too early for this.

"Ah! Kakashi, good morning! Ready for a day of youthful activities ahead of us!? Want to start it off with a spar, my rival?" Gai bellows as he spins and strikes a pose. "Or any kind of challenge! I'm itchin' for a rematch, Kakashi!"

With a head tilt, the silver-haired male stares at his best friend. Despite his eccentricities, Gai is his closest friend. He's always been there for him. Maybe it would be a good idea for him to have Gai as a roommate.

"Let's skip the challenge for now, Gai. But, I do have a question to ask you. I have a free room if you want to move in? Don't feel obligated to! I understand if you can't do it… I mean, Iruka is having Ayame move in with him- Who knew the kid had it in him, eh?"

Gai raises a brow then strokes his chin. "My eternal rival, as much as I'd love to move in with you, I have Lee living with me and we're quite comfortable with where we are! I'm sorry, Kakashi. Have you tried anyone else?"

Kakashi actually couldn't believe it. He thought Gai of all people would jump at the notion of living with his rival. But, he understands, Lee does need a father-figure and Gai was that person for him. Sasuke was that for him. At least, he liked to think so. Until he left the village for Orochimaru. Kakashi just nods towards him then holds up a fist. "I'm in the process. So, how about a quick rock-paper-scissors match? Before I head to my team?" Gives him a much better excuse for being late.

"You're on, Kakashi! No cheating!"

"When have I ever cheat?" Kakashi asks, frowning under his mask he prepares for the little match.

Once both were ready, hands were hidden as they prepared for the match.

"Rock, paper, scissors!" they both cried out and extended their hands with their choice of hand symbol. Gai chose paper. Kakashi ended up choosing scissors. With an eye smile, Kakashi places his hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Better luck next time, Gai. Now, I gotta go. I'm late meeting my team. See ya!" Kakashi waves and walks off to finally meet up at the designated spot. He's only a few hours late, which is less time than he's been late before in the past. The only thing that would stop him would be if he saw another fellow shinobi to ask if they need a room.

And as it turns out, he does run into someone in particular.

xXx

"Kakashi!" came the voice. This earned the called shinobi to look up from his thoughts and raise his brow.

"Ah, Anko. Hello."

The two haven't exactly been close, but ever since the Chuunin exams, they have been chatting a bit more over Sasuke. The two were trying to see what's the best course of action for him especially given the fact that they both have something he does. Anko with the Curse Mark and Kakashi with the Sharingan. Too bad these plans turned out to be busted.

"So, did you hear the news?" Anko, always quick to the punch with what she wants to know or talk about.

Kakashi closes his beloved novel and puts it away, giving the other Tokubetsu Jonin his undivided attention. Crossing his arms, he hums as he thinks about any type of news he's heard recently. "You mean besides Kurenai and Asuma moving in together? Nope. Why? Do you know something I don't, Anko?"

"I was Kurenai's roommate! And since he's moving in I gotta go! Now, I gotta find a new place to stay! I mean, sure, I can stay. But, fuck no! I don't need to hear them being raunchy at night." She shivers. "Gross."

He laughs and shakes his head. "You do realize that sex is somewhat normal for people who are in relationships, right?" Kakashi then strokes his chin as he thinks for a brief moment. "Hey, I have a spare room. Move in with me?"

Anko's brown eyes shoot up towards Kakashi's lone gray one. Her gaze narrows. "Are you feeling alright? Because I could have sworn you just asked me to move in with you. You do know what you just said, right? I'm not hearing things?"

"Look, you need a place to stay and I don't care for being alone, to an extent, anymore. It's the perfect opportunity, Anko. I'll stay out of your hair and let you do your business. Besides, I'm hardly home as it is since we're down in numbers for missions. Lady Tsunade has kept me busy. It'll almost be like you got the place to yourself when I'm not around." He gives her an eye smile. "Just think about it? You do have a month, right?"

She sighs then scratches at her chin. Looking absolutely bored that moment, she shrugs. "Guess I could give it a shot. Being alone isn't that appealing anyways. Don't understand how you did it for so long, Kakashi."

Kakashi laughs nervously and relaxes a bit. "Well, I'm not alone per say anymore. I have a bunch of people that care about me. I assume you're one of them? I faintly recall you always being there when Gai asked me to join you all at the dango stand."

"Yeah? What of it? You're a fellow shinobi, Kakashi. A comrade. Of course I care."

His brow rose curiously. Hm, she does care. There's comfort in that, for some reason. And it has nothing to do with his little crush on her.

Right?

Maybe…

He never acted upon it when he was younger though. Given what Kakashi was going through while growing up, he didn't want anyone to get close to him. If anyone did, he'd felt like it could go wrong at any moment and they'd die by his hands. Just like Rin.

But Rin's death wasn't his fault. He knows this, but still feels partially to blame for what happened.

Things are different now, though. Maybe… maybe he can love now. He does care for his squad, despite them bickering at each other more so than working on teamwork. They'll mature sooner or later and Kakashi should have the perfect team. At least, he had hoped so. So much has changed over the past year. Who knew that his little squad of genin wouldn't be HIS anymore, what with Naruto training under Jiraiya and Sakura under Tsunade. He was alone yet again. Maybe he shouldn't have anymore Genin under his tutelage. He'll just stick with running missions with older shinobi, thanks.

Breaking from his thoughts, Kakashi looks over to Anko who seemed to have tried getting his attention the last several minutes. He blinks a few times, vision focusing. Did he really space out?

"Sorry, did you say something, Anko?"

Anko ends up rolling her eyes and patting his cheek gently. "Do you always space out when you talk to cute girls, Kakashi-kun?" She grins cheekily at the way she said his name. If only she knew how that made his heart actually skip a beat. After a moment, she takes her hand away from him and hums. "You don't get to know now. That's what you get for spacing out on me. Now… Shouldn't you go greet your squad and get ready for that A-Rank mission, Kakashi-kun?"

There his heart goes again. If she keeps this up, he's bound to have a heart attack. With a huff, he closes his exposed eye and tilts his head downward in a thinking position. "Firstly, Anko-chan," two can play at the name game, "we're not leaving til tomorrow. Today's just a sparring session to see how well the other Jonin and I mesh together. And, given that I can easily work with anyone, it shouldn't be a problem."

His gaze goes over to her and she looks like she's… sleeping?

The snake kunoichi fake snores, lets her head fall, then quickly "wakes" up, her head looking everywhere quickly. "I'm sorry, but, you were boring me." She takes a few steps away from him and turns quickly on her heel. "Anyways, I shouldn't keep you from your sparring session, dick measuring contest... Whatever it is you're planning doing with the boys." With a wave she starts walking off.

However, Kakashi was still curious on what she said when he was off in his own mind. "Wait, Anko! What did you say to me?"

Turning around once again, she smiles while walking backwards. "I asked you… Does the offer of your roommate come with relationship benefits? Because if so, you got yourself a deal, Kakashi-kun~."

With her so far away, he actually allowed himself to blush. Coughing into his fist, he shrugs. "Move in first, and we'll see where it goes," he calls out and waves as she finally goes.

Well, looks like he might finally have a roommate. It'll certainly be interesting to say the least. And, he might suddenly have a new girlfriend? He'll have to check back with her on that after he gets back from his mission.