Two weeks have passed since that afternoon, and Kakashi-Senpai and I haven't spent much time together since then. He's been busy getting acquainted with a new position, and I've been just as busy as ever with my own missions.

The Hokage decided to put Kakashi in charge of genin, and while I understand the logic behind it, I can't help but worry about the repercussions if it doesn't help. The one thing that's most apparent about Kakashi is that his darkness is absolute.

I sigh as I pull the door to my apartment closed behind me. I set out trying to get some fresh air, desperately hoping it would clear my head, and I hardly even noticed that I was walking in his direction until I was already here.

I startle as I near the familiar chakra. It's as though my body instinctively gravitates towards him, and I shake my head at the thought that this has happened on more than one occasion.

I decide to let him be, and flit behind a nearby tree, fixing my gaze on the silver-haired shinobi.

He's visiting that grave again. Her grave. I can always find him here on particularly pallid days, almost as if it draws him here.

"Maa, well, seems I wasn't cut out for ANBU either, Rin," I overhear him say, "but, I suppose I knew it would turn out like this from the start."

My eyes follow him as he looks up and stares off in the direction of a different grave. I haven't figured out whose it is, he never seems to be able to go over to it, but I've always wondered why tha-

"Spying on me again, Tenzou?" Kakashi says suddenly without taking his gaze off the grave.

The thought hadn't even crossed my mind that if I could feel his chakra then he could also feel mine, and I internally face palm at the mistake.

"Oh you know, Senpai, just passing through," I say embarrassed, rubbing the back of my head.

"You don't have to hide," he says softly.

"I thought it best not to disturb you."

I walk over and look down at the grave in front of him. I have an overwhelming urge to reach out and comfort him, to let him know that he's not alone, he's not worthless, if he's hurting it's ok, it'll all be ok. But I decide it's not my place to say anything to him, and I opt for silence instead.

Kakashi looks up from the grave, studying my face. I try to smile, but it comes off forced and I know he can tell. He takes a deep breath and sighs, putting his hands in his pockets. I suspect that maybe it's to hide the trembling, but I can't be certain. Senpai's reasons for doing things aren't exactly cut and dry. Though I'm sure he did it hoping I wouldn't notice… but I always do.

"There's someone I want you to meet, Tenzou," he smiles.

My eyes grow wide as he continues, "This is Nohara, Rin. A very dear friend."

An overwhelming sadness washes over me. I try to speak, but my breathing hitches in my throat. I can do nothing but stand there as I try to control the racing heart inside my chest. I close my eyes.

Kakashi-Senpai looks up, and I can see the panic on his face, "Tenzou-"

"It's nice to meet you, Rin," I say with a shy smile, "this one here is a handful," I gesture over to Kakashi, "but don't you worry, I'm looking out for him," I say as I pat him on the back.

Kakashi's body goes rigid, and he looks at me with eyes I have never seen before. He parts his lips as if to say something, but all he manages to mutter is "…I'm sorry," before disappearing, and I instantly regret what I just said.

But I understand his reaction, because the darkness still lingers in his heart, and I realize that perhaps I shouldn't have said so much. And I will have to apologize to him for it later.

.

It's a slow walk back towards my house, my thoughts even heavier than they were before. Maybe this is a good chance to put some distance between us. I would hate to think that my getting too close would hinder him in any way. Sure, we're friends, and he'll always be my Senpai, but maybe I should stop over analyzing everything.

As I'm nearing my apartment, I can feel that familiar chakra once more, and I look up to see Kakashi leaning against the doorframe of my apartment. I can't help but notice something flutter in the pit of my stomach as my eyes lock his.

I quicken my pace. "Senpai?" I ask confused.

"Mmm," was all he managed.

"What are you doing here?"

"Just passing through," he smirks at me.

Touché.

"Something wrong, Tenzou?" Senpai chuckles, seeing my face betray me as it flushes bright red.

"Wha- no, I-" I stutter as I step back, the words getting caught in my throat.

What is it about this man that makes me so- oh I don't even have a word to describe it! I think as my hands reach up, violently rubbing my head, desperately trying to regain control over my own body.

Kakashi begins to laugh, and a cool hand finds it way to the top of my head, ruffling my hair. "What on earth are you doing, Tenzou?"

I look up to see his dark eyes staring back at me, his expression soft.

"I'm sorry about what I said earlier, Senpai. It wasn't my place, and I shouldn't have said it," I say as I try to shake his hand off my head.

"No. Don't be sorry..." he trails off, allowing his hand to fall back down beside him before continuing.

"…it made me happy," he smiles at me.

I can barely contain my happiness at his words, and I force myself to look away. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, and "I'm glad," is all I could whisper before I'm suddenly being swept up into a whirlwind of emotions that I cannot seem to comprehend.

Kakashi pauses, as if at a loss for words, and then sighs. I watch as he moves to stand beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"It's been a long time since I've said that. Thank you," he breathes as he walks away.

I stand there watching until he disappears out of sight, and as I turn to unlock my door, I can't help but think that maybe it's already too late. Maybe I'm already in way too deep.