God I love Kakashi... *swoon* He makes that anime/manga worth it.
Just a little moment between Jiraiya and Kakashi before froggy sage sets off on his fateful journey... (good night, sweet pervy prince T_T) Listen to your elders, Kakashi! Even if they act like horny 14 year olds most of the time.
Kakashi winced as Jiraiya clapped him on the back, jarring the stitches in his shoulder. Maybe he really shouldn't have snuck out of the hospital three days early… But then again, if he had to sit around off-duty for another week, he would rather do it here with an old friend (and handy source of information) than trapped in some bleak, sterile cell of a hospital room.
The dimly lit tea house was busy at this hour; all the hubbub put the Copy Ninja on edge. He had never been one for crowds. Kakashi watched with veiled interest as the Legendary Toad Sage, one of Konoha's famous Sannin, attempted to sweet talk a pair of girls young enough to be his daughters into joining them for some hot sake.
"You've gotta love the Leaf Village! The gals here are something else!" Jiraiya laughed boisterously as he rubbed the fresh goose-egg forming on his head. Kakashi leaned back and stuffed his hands in his pockets, the picture of apathetic laziness.
"So, Jiraiya…" Kakashi was careful to keep any trace of eagerness out of his voice, "when is the next volume of Make Out coming out?" A pretty young waitress came to refill their drinks, distracting his companion from answering his question. The light floral scent of her perfume teased Kakashi's senses, triggering a mad search through his brain to connect the right memory to the strangely familiar scent. What was it that it reminded him of? Jiraiya's voice broke through his train of thought.
"I know it's been a while since I've put out any new books, but I'm sure it won't be too long now that you're taking over Naruto's training again. I'll finally get a chance to sort through all the notes I've been taking these past couple years." Jiraiya looked askance at Kakashi and added, "But you only just finished the newest one the kid gave you. There are more important things in life, you know?"
Kakashi's exposed eye narrowed, "What? Is there a new threat to Naruto I need to be aware of?" The Copy Ninja sat up, finally showing outward signs of being engaged in the conversation.
Jiraiya's expression softened and he shook his head at his masked companion. "No. I know the kid will be in good hands with you watching out for him. But look Kakashi, you can't spend all your time babysitting a hyperactive ninja, or reading and re-reading my novels. Great masterpieces though they might be." The white-haired Sannin smiled hugely, "You're only young once! Live your life to the fullest while you've got it!"
"You sound just like Guy." Kakashi's smile was hidden beneath his mask, but it came through in his tone.
"Then he's a wise man, wardrobe notwithstanding." Jiraiya lurched up from the table; he was comfortably drunk and ready to do a little "research." Kakashi had to chuckle at that comment. He bid the sage goodnight and left a generous tip at the table. As he left, he couldn't help but notice the inviting glance he got from their waitress. The leaf jounin sighed and cracked open his book as he headed for home.
Alone. Again.