The five times Kakashi lowered his guard.
一.
He had lost faith that day when he found his father face down in a pool of his own blood, several hours old. At the tender of five, he had already grieved and begged, bargained and given up. When Minato-sensei found him, he did not protest when the man hoisted him into his arms.
二.
Chakra drained and his body eating away at itself, Kakashi knew a hospital visit was probably warranted. Taking the plunge, he asked Otter to take him home. She hesitated, but didn't refuse. He fell asleep in bed that night, Otter on the floor beside him, too exhausted to care. In the morning, Kakashi was vaguely aware of her hovering over him but he pretended not to notice.
She had swept his silvery hair out of his eyes, expression strange.
三.
This time, Otter needed his help. While in pursuit of the missing-nin Itachi Uchiha, they had been separated. When Kakashi finally found her body limp on the ground, he couldn't shake off his fear. It was just a genjutsu; she was okay, she was safe.
He gave up on the chase. Masks off, he could see the grief etched deep into her face, eyes bright with tears.
Kakashi brushed them away when they fell.
四.
It was battle of perseverance. His eye stares into hers, irises red with whirling tomoes.
'Fine, if that's how you want to play.' Kakashi lifted his headband, revealing his own Sharingan.
"You want it this bad?"
"Damn right I do."
Kakashi's eyes stung but he held them open and waited. He struck when she blinked, hand snatching the mission scroll that sat between them.
She yelled obscenities that made him blush.
五.
Festival time. People stared wherever they went. Her cheeks were tinged a deep shade of pink, whether from the sake or embarrassment, Kakashi could not tell. It was uncomfortable, he had to admit.
"Let's go somewhere else."
She nodded with relief.
Standing in front of a shrine built high above the village, the streets below were bright with life. It was the perfect backdrop. For the first time, Kakashi pulled down his mask and kissed her on the lips. They tasted of cotton candy.
There was an astonished gasp and his three lovely little students came falling from the sky.
A/N: To clarify in case any of you got confused, Otter is the OC's ANBU alias and yes, she's a Uchiha. This was supposed to be a full fic but I got lazy and made it a one-shot. It's very heavily inspired by Quillslinger's no end to our descent. It's really good go check it out!