The Silence after the Storm

The ending was catastrophic and unlike anything Obito had anticipated. Of course, he expected the teachers to rush in and reprimand them, that was already a given, but he didn't see this as the outcome - Kakashi on the floor, profusely bleeding.

Small clusters of students circled around them, both with shock and intrigue. They had the duty to relay this out to every person they knew. This was going to be the next big gossip in school - and of course it will be far away from the truth. People will likely twist the narrative into something worth gossiping about.

People don't want the boring truth. They want the hot "tea"; something that will fuel their empty brains and make them more satisfied with their lives. It was what high school, angsty teenagers lived off - drama. Obito could see it now, especially as he watched Kakashi groan in agony. While his first instinct was to be at Kakashi's side, he knew that would not be useful. Even the school nurse couldn't get close to Kakashi. He rejected everyone around him.

Everyone but Tsunade.

"I…..I can't see….!" Kakashi cried as he tried to blink back his vision. "I…No, no, no, no!" He was becoming hysterical. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he palpitated, and his fear increased when the school nurse tried to calm him down. "No!" he shouted, instinctively slapping her hand away. "I don't… I don't want…"

"Kakashi, Kakashi!" Tsunade caressed his cheek and angled his face back at hers. "Breathe, okay? Everything will be just fine. The ambulance is on its way. You'll be fine, Kakashi. I'm here with you." She grabbed tightly onto his hand, as if she has held his hand a thousand times, and Obito saw the relief that flooded into Kakashi's composure. "Try breathing in for me, Kakashi."

Obito looked at Rin who was beside him since the ordeal. She didn't take her eyes off of them for a second, but she didn't show any clear signs of distress from what she's seen. In all honesty, Obito couldn't quite decipher what was going on in her mind during it all. Was she jealous that she couldn't be by Kakashi's side? Or was she angry that it was Tsunade that Kakashi wanted by his side?

He didn't know. He hasn't been able to tell what was on Rin's mind for a long time now. She wasn't as open to him as she was to Kakashi. If things were reversed and Kakashi was the one standing beside Rin, he would be able to read her thoughts just by glancing at her. But Obito didn't have the same insight into Rin's thoughts as Kakashi did.

Rin doesn't trust him as much as she trusts Kakashi.

When Kakashi was rushed by the paramedics, everyone started to diffuse from the situation and walk back into their classrooms. As soon as they sat down in the empty classroom, people started gossiping about Kakashi and Emi like they were an interesting anecdote. Obito sat himself where Kakashi normally sat and looked over at Rin. She still hasn't said anything.

"He'll be okay," he tried to reassure her. He knew that this was what she wanted him to say.

Rin sighed before she looked at him. "He won't be, Obito."

"W-What makes you say that?"

"I mean, he'll be okay physically, but with all of this? I doubt it. When he comes back, he'll be facing this crowd who'll have an opinion on him. That's not all, his dad has been thrown into the mix. Can't you hear people talking about it now?"

He could, but he tried his best to overlook it. Hushed whispers were being passed back and forth between his classmates like it was a game of Chinese Whispers. The truth will become misconstrued as it winds down the grapevine, no doubt. That was always the case in situations like this. Someone will exaggerate information, insert false insights, or alter the narrative completely to fit their own interpretation of the drama.

Kakashi has always strayed far from gossip, but it has always found him. It often surrounded his love life - or lack thereof - and his outstanding grades, but it was never about his family. That was why Kakashi never minded whatever rumour was concocted about him because it never touched the ones he loved. However…. that was no longer the case. His family has been brought to life and everyone has an opinion.

"I heard Kakashi's father is a cripple."

"I heard he was in an accident."

"Well, I heard that Kakashi punched Emi because he found out about that. He didn't want to jeopardize his social standing."

Obito sighed and scratched his head. How were they going to fix this? Could they even fix this? He wearily looked up when the classroom door was closed shut. Surprisingly, it wasn't Tsunade who had shut the door. It was their class rep - Shizune.

"Um, Senju-sama went with Kakashi to the hospital. She left me with the task of giving you guys these handouts." She was quick on her feet to start distributing the papers to her classmates, all the while avoiding Obito's persistent gaze at her. She was shaking - and doing a terrible job at hiding it. She was especially skittish when she reached Kurenai's desk.

When Shizune reached his desk, she didn't bother to look at him to see his disappointment at her. She placed his handout on the desk and hurried to the front of the class to write on the whiteboard. "Senju-sama told me that these are today's objectives." Her handwriting was noticeably lacking in its usual elegance and presentation as her trembling continued. "Um…." Shizune combed her hair back with her fingers as she read the note Tsunade had left her. "S-S-Senju-sama-"

"Class Rep," one student interrupted.

Shizune gazed up. "Y-Yes?"

"You were here when Kakashi and Emi fought, right? What happened?"

"Yeah. I didn't get to see since I was at practice." Another eager student said.

"I heard Emi dissed Kakashi's dad and Kakashi went batshit insane on him."

Shizune began to fidget with her hands as she grew noticeably more uncomfortable. Her dark beady eyes scanned around the room as if she was silently pleading for someone to interject, but everyone cared more for her input more than anything else. She cleared her throat to buy herself time, but that was useless.

"That's not what really happened. I mean…. That is one of the reasons why it happened, but -"

"Do you really think it's appropriate for you to talk about this?" Rin coldly interrupted, unfazed by the disapproving glares she gained by her cohort. "You guys already get the jist of this drama - Kakashi and Emi fought and they both got hurt in the process. What more do you want from this? This isn't any of your business to gossip about Kakashi or his father."

"I was just…." Shizune's voice was noticeably smaller.

"Telling people other people's business. I got that. You seem to have a knack of that."

Shizune flinched at her harsh words, visibly taken aback by her hostility. "Rin, I…"

Rin got up from her seat and packed her things into her bag. "I'm out of here. Senju-sama isn't even here to teach us."

Obito was quick to move and pack his own things. "Rin, wait," he called as she slammed the door behind her.

Kurenai and Asuma looked at each other first before they followed suit.

"Kurenai-san, please stay!" Shizune called only to gain a disapproving look from the raven-haired.

"Rin! I said wait." When Obito finally caught up to her, he pulled her back around by her wrist. Although everything was a blur, he was sure he saw tears fall from her eyes as he forced her to look at him. "Rin…"

She quickly wiped her tears away and proceeded to put on a brave front. "You didn't have to follow me, you know."

"I couldn't just leave you alone." His eyes softened for her as his lips fell downcast. "It must be hard to hear all of these things about Kakashi. It sucks to know that this is out of our control. I wish we could do something about this."

"We could do something about this: we could find out who posted those pictures of Senju-sama. Because we both know Kakashi didn't lose his temper over his father, alone. We have both gotten the messages, right? I'm sure Kakashi has seen it too." Her eyes fell downcast again as she bit her lip for a moment. "He cares about Senju-sama, right? We can both act ignorant of it, but we know it's true."

"Rin, I don't think that's a good idea…"

"Why not?" she sharply asked. "Kakashi is our friend, right?"

"Yeah! Of course!" Obito snapped before stepping back to compose himself. "But…. the seniors did this. We can't possible think of messing with them. Some of them are affiliated with gangs, Rin! Do you really want to mess with gangs? I know Kakashi wouldn't want you to."

Her shoulders sagged as she expressed dejection. "I just want… I just want Kakashi to not worry. He's not going to sit still in that hospital; he'll find something to worry about. If it's not him, it's his dad, if it's not his dad, it's Senju-sama! We can't undo what they're saying about Sakumo-san, but we can do something about Senju-sama's scandal!"

Obito pulled a face before he huffed. An obvious sign of defeat on his part. "Alright…."

Rin's face lit up almost instantly. "So-So you'll help me?"

"I guess," he murmured as he scratched the back of his head. "I mean, if I'm not going to help you, Kakashi is going to kill me when he gets back."

Rin smiled before she took Obito by his hands. "Well, we have some digging up to do during this free lesson."

Obito blushed when he felt the warmth of her hands radiate to his. He could only nod as she dragged him along the narrow corridor. Everything felt like a dream when he was alone with Rin - his heart won't stop racing, and his cheeks won't stop feeling like it was burning. He wanted to hide his delight, especially since this opportunity was only made possible out of Kakashi's misery, but he didn't have the strength to control his composure.

This warmth, he thought. He wanted to feel it forever.

"There you guys are!" Asuma bellowed from the top of the stairs as he and Kurenai rushed down to intercept them.

"You guys walked out, too?" Rin gasped.

"Well, duh, we weren't going to listen to her after hearing what she did." Kurenai quickly answered. "But we should have taken our time. It looks like we're interrupting something here." She noted with a devilish quirk in her lips as she motioned at their intertwined hands.

"Oh!" Rin almost leapt away from Obito when she noticed that they were still holding hands. "Um, c'mon, Kurenai, you know it's not like that. We're just friends! Right, Obito?"

Obito instantly perked up and nodded. "Y-Y-Yeah…. Friends. We're just… friends." The beam on his face faded considerably and the pounding in his heart ceased immediately. He suddenly felt cold. He has known about her feelings since elementary, so he was stupid for making himself think that he had a chance for a moment. Even for a moment. He produced his meekest smile, but he knew Asuma and Kurenai could see right through it.

"So, what are you guys planning on doing this free lesson?" Kurenai asked, swiftly changing the topic before it could become more awkward.

"We're going to try to find out who uploaded the photos of Senju-sama onto the website."

"Are you insane?" the raven-haired shrieked. "Everyone knows that it was one of the seniors! Besides, Senju-sama isn't our problem. She can handle this herself."

"She is our problem, because she's Kakashi's problem."

Both Asuma and Kurenai wore a puzzled expression on their faces, and simultaneously said, "Wait, what?", in completely confusion.

"It's a long story," Obito huffed.

Asuma looked at his watch. "We have time."

"Yeah. Let's take this conversation to the library." Kurenai suggested.

1 hour later….

"So, yeah, that's all we know." Obito concluded with relief.

It took a while for Kurenai and Asuma to even process what he had just divulged with them. "So," she started to say with apprehension, "Kakashi and Senju-sama are close enough to be on a first name basis?"

"Y...Yes…" Obito replied with equal confusion.

"A-And this is because Kakashi saved Senju-sama from her potential rapist," Asuma added.

"Well…. Technically…" Obito grimaced. "I think a lot happened in the middle first."

"Like what?"

He sucked air into his teeth in a sharp inhale. "Yeah… I'm a little bit murky on the details too. You know, I don't really know the chronological order of these events. The bottom line is, Kakashi has a thing going on with Senju-sama. Not that kind of thing, but a different thing - a thing."

"Okay, 'thing' is no longer sounding like a word to me," Asuma whispered to his girlfriend.

Kurenai shrugged him off and remained focus on the other pair who were sat adjacent to them. "So, you're telling me, Kakashi actually cares about Senju-sama? Not as a teacher or anything, but… as a friend?"

"Yeah." Both Rin and Obito agreed this time.

"Huh. It would make sense if this leak was one of the reasons why Kakashi lost his temper, especially if their relationship is like that." She frowned for a bit before she looked at them with equal intent. "Do you think she also cares for him in the same way?"

"No," Rin quickly said.

Obito turned his head at her with deep confusion. "You don't? Did you not see what just happened in the corridor? She refused to let him go."

"No, he refused to let her go. I'm sure she doesn't think much of Kakashi. After all, he's just a juvenile she has to tutor from time to time. I'm sure she's grateful, but I doubt their relationship is as significant as ours."

"I don't know…." Kurenai shook her head. "From what I saw in the corridor…. It all adds up why she was so worried about him. I mean, sure, she would be worried if it had happened to any other student, but she wouldn't be latched onto him like her life depended on it. She's with Kakashi right now, no doubt. She may be strict and uptight, but you can tell that she truly cares about Kakashi."

"Y-You guys don't think it's one-sided?"

"I'm sorry, no."

"Oh…"

"Why are you so adamant that it's a one-sided relationship?" Kurenai asked.

"I mean, if it's reciprocal, don't you think there will be a chance that this unique friendship of theirs may blossoms into something more?" Rin grew fidgety and evidently more red-streaked as she asked the question.

Quick glances were shared between the trio before they fixated their gaze back onto Rin. Asuma opened his mouth to speak but he quickly regretted that decision and kept quiet. Obito merely looked at Rin without the intention of addressing her question. After all, he didn't know what to say. Kurenai sighed - it was down to her, it seemed.

"Do you think it could turn into something more?" she deflected the question back onto Rin. Both boys side-eyed Kurenai as they marvelled at how smooth her execution was.

Rin lamented on the question before admitting her fears out loud. "I don't think it. I know it. You guys will say that I'm mad but…. I've seen them around one another. Kakashi is infatuated with her, he particularly adores her. It will just take one awkward circumstance, one tiny incident, to bring them closer together. And who knows what that closeness will lead to."

"Rin, c'mon… You don't really think that, do you?" Asuma asked, deeply worried. "I know for a fact Kakashi would never cross a big of a boundary like that. And Senju-sama, well, she doesn't look like the type who would indulge in such a controversial relationship."

"Me neither," Kurenai confidently said. "I can't see either of them committing in that kind of relationship. There are rumours about Minato-sensei and her being quite close. So, you have nothing to worry about, Rin. Kakashi would never…." Her voice trailed off when she caught Tsunade in her peripheral, walking through the library to get to the other side of building faster.

Tsunade was promptly stopped by Orochimaru at the other end of the library. The four of them tried to be discreet about their stares, but Tsunade was quick to make eye contact with them before she feigned ignorance and continued her conversation with Orochimaru. Finally, with a small smile, she excused herself and exited the library.

"God that was close." Obito sighed in relief as he slumped on his chair. "Hopefully she didn't hear us talking about her."

"There's no way she could have," Asuma agreed.

"Let's get out of here before she comes back and talks to us." Obito said as he quickly shifted out of his seat.

"Let's."

Later that afternoon….

Tsunade tried to stop her incessant fidgeting which occurred to ease her growing ire. The entire situation was a mess: Kakashi was hospitalised probably on her behalf, and the entire school was branding her with derogatory slurs because of her previous professional career. Sure, she was not the stereotypical teacher who was undergoing some sort of midlife crisis, but that didn't warrant the unwanted attention she has been receiving from everyone in the school.

She huffed again but this time threw her pen on her desk and reclined on her chair. The rest of her work was in the staffroom, which was brewing with gossip about her. Her presence, given her age and appearance, had already sparked controversy amongst her older colleagues who were adamant that she was not suited to teach a room filled with teens. This recent drama only further sparked their poisonous allegations against her competence as a teacher.

She rubbed her temple and sighed. How was she going to fix this? How is the school board going to reprimand those responsible for tarnishing her reputation? Sure, the pictures were taken with her consent as a model, but she didn't think that it would be used against her. She was being likened to an escort girl, a porn star - everything that degraded her femininity. In her point of view, the perpetrators are in the wrong. But in the eyes of others, this situation was entirely her fault. This wouldn't have been used against her had she not participated in such a sensual photoshoot in the first place.

Tsunade looked out of the classroom windows, taking in the sight of the setting golden sun. She needed to get home. As she was about to collect her belongings, she heard a soft knock on her door.

"Tsunade-sensei."

"Oh, Minato-sensei!" Suddenly, their plans for the rest of the day flashed in her mind. How could she have forgotten? "I'm sorry, I was very preoccupied that I-"

He raised his hand up to prevent her from rambling. "It's okay. I heard about what happened during the last period. Are you okay?"

Tsunade blushed in embarrassment. Since he's aware of the situation, he must have seen the lecherous posts. Every inch of her being urged for her to plaster a smile to pretend that she was unfazed by the entire ordeal, but the very core of herself yearned to express the pent up frustration she had sitting in the pit of her stomach.

Time decided which side of her was exposed to the blond - and albeit Tsunade resented the sympathetic expression on his face, she appreciated the warmth of his hand when he touched her shoulder.

"It's okay not to be, Tsunade-sensei. Some of these children are delinquents who thrive off being trouble."

"I just wish they made trouble like every other teenagers - being late to class, being tardy with homework.."

Minato chuckled. "That would be ideal in a simpler world." He leaned against the edge of the desk and folded his arms. "I won't say I know what you're going through right now; it must be difficult being an attractive woman in a room full of pubescent teenagers."

She elbowed his side lightly. "Even during these times, you still sneak in compliments for me."

"You can never get too much of it," he offered simply. "And it's not like I am lying through my teeth."

Tsunade smiled, sincerely, at Minato before she turned to pack her documents into her handbag. "I'm not in the mood to drink tonight…." She noticed the slight shift in his facial expression. "But I would love for you to accompany me to a cafe, maybe?"

His pearly smile returned brighter than the setting sun. "That would be ideal! Here, let me carry that for you." He fetched her other bags which were filled with notebooks she needed to mark.

"Minato-sensei!" Tsunade shrieked. "I don't want people to interpret us wrongly."

"Let me help you, Tsunade-sensei. You have enough on your hands as is. Allow me to lighten the load a bit."

Tsunade huffed and gestured for him to lead the way, knowing it was a waste of her energy to protest against him. As they walked side-by-side in the science corridor, she felt the hardened eyes of her colleagues glued onto her. Judging from their raised eyebrows and pursed lips, they were not pleased to see her with the most sought after bachelor in school.

She was not blind to Minato's influence on their coworkers. His charisma, along with his good looks, have plagued the hearts of many of their co-workers. If he wished for it, he wouldn't be a bachelor now. But catching a bachelor was not the hardest thing to do, it was getting one to commit. And Minato looked like the type to experiment around with plenty of women, Tsunade suspected. Was she going to be just another number to him?

She shook her head and tried to rationalise with her thoughts. Minato, thus far, has not exhibited any qualities that would suggest that he was a…. manwhore. It would certainly be a surprise to her if he was.

"What are you thinking about?" he lightly asked.

Tsunade almost lost her footing whilst going down the flight of stairs. "Oh uummm… Nothing in particular." A blatant lie. But it was better than admitting that she has been appraising his character in her mind for the past few minutes.

Minato hummed with a smirk proudly planted on his face. "Since you blushed, I am going to guess that you were thinking about me."

The reddened streaks on Tsunade's face brightened, causing Minato's smirk to grow wider. "Minato-sensei, are you more of a tease outside of school?" she asked as she side-eyed him.

"Tsunade-sensei, are you more of an ice queen outside of school?" he asked back, smiling again.

Tsunade snorted. "I guess we'll have to find out for ourselves."

"Great," Minato beamed, "it's a date."

"What? No, no, no. Not a date, Minato-sensei."

"Alright. A friendly outing shared between two colleagues who may or may not be friends." He compromised quickly.

"That's better."

Minato laughed. "Would it be so bad to go out on a date with me?"

"No, I think it would be nice," she admitted flatly, gaining a quizzical look from her admirer. "I'm just not in a place to date…. right now."

Minato's face softened into a more vulnerable and grounded expression. After sighing softly, he looked into her eyes and offered a warmer smile, one she appreciated. "It sounds like you could use a friend right now."

Tsunade's lips curled, reciprocating the sentiment. "I really could."

"Well then, this is going to be a 'get-to-know-me' get together, instead."

"That sounds perfect."

Kakashi looked at his reflection as he brushed his silver locks down to conceal his left eye. His lips thinned. The mere idea of meeting a stranger induced chills down his spine. His subconscious repeatedly chastised his decision, and the pit of his stomach already dreaded the inevitable consequence that was latched onto this 'opportunity'.

Despite every bone in Kakashi's body screaming for him to turn back before it was too late, he instead put on his best cologne, applied gel into his hair, and donned his best jewelry. All he needed was a suit, which Mei has kindly agreed to lend him for the night. But knowing her, she had her own agenda under her sleeve.

Kakashi looked at the time on of his phone, double-checking that he still had ample time to take a minor detour to Mei's office to pick up his suit. After a final glance, he slipped into his winter coat and rushed out of the door.

As he texted Mei that he was on his way, he mindlessly walked down his street. It wasn't until his shoulder brushed against someone else's that his eyes lifted from the screen. "Minato-san!" he quickly acknowledged, promptly dipped his head.

The older man smiled warmly. "Kakashi! What are you doing out? Aren't you supposed to be resting?"

"Ohh.. uuhh… I left some things back at my job. I'm just rushing over to collect it."

"Well, do you want me to give you a ride?"

"No, no!" Kakashi said too quickly, unnerving himself along with Minato. "I mean, I really want to take a long walk right now."

Minato looked concerned, mildly suspicious, but any morsel of emotion that could set off the alarms in Kakashi's mind was quickly hidden when they made eye contact. "Well, give Sakumo-san my very best. Tell him that dinner will be on me once he comes back home."

"I will." A small smirk surfaced on the student's face when he picked up on the pink smudge on Minato's cheek. "I was wondering why you were so chirpy. I can see why now."

His beaming aura cooled rapidly when Kakashi gestured to the kiss mark on his face. The prominent lipstick mark on his skin was quickly camouflaged by the red pigment that surfaced from his intense blush.

"You've caught another one, haven't you?"

"Not exactly…"

"Just make sure you let this one down easy. You don't want her end up like your previous friends, who became too attached to let go."

"You make me sound like a womanizer, Kakashi. But this one is special. I think I like her too much, actually."

"Already?" he asked with a frown. "Wow. I wish I knew who this woman was."

"You do."

Kakashi paused. "It's… not my mother, is it?"

"No!" Minato snapped instinctively. His blushes became a shade deeper in horror.

"I'm just making sure."

"No. It's Tsunade Senju, the new biology teacher."

The sinking feeling in Kakashi's stomach transferred into his chest, much to his chagrin of keeping himself composed. The sensation had been so abrupt that he wasn't able to fully comprehend it. With a small shake of the head, he gathered himself and pretended to be disinterested in the matter.

"Oh, well…" he began to say before Minato interrupted.

"We're not dating yet. We're just getting to know each other."

'Yet', Kakashi couldn't help but take note. Their dynamic could transcend into something more serious. The suffocating presence in his chest began to ache.

"And you really like her?"

"So far, yes."

Kakashi shrugged dejectedly, hiding his concern. "Then, you have fun. Just don't get me tangled up like you have before." His eyes flicked up to Minato's to engage in eye contact. "And... don't entangle her with false feelings unless you're serious."

"Not this time, I promise. I don't want to mess this up. I have a good feeling about Tsunade."

Despite lingering ebbing sensation in his chest, a small sigh of relief escaped Kakashi's lips. "Good. Well, uh, Minato-san, I really have to go."

"Sure. I shall see you around." He placed his hand firmly on Kakashi's shoulder. "Just don't get into any trouble, okay?"

"Of course not."

Kakashi turned back around and hurried down the street, refusing to look over his shoulder to catch the concern in Minato's eyes. The older man had a penchant of helping those he suspected needed help. And this was a matter Kakashi wanted to solve on his own. For his family's sake, he needed to do this.

But first, he needed to dull the stinging pain in his heart. He clutched at his shirt as his lips thinned. Why did he feel like this?

Why did he feel jealous?

A/N: Long time no see! Half of this chapter was written way back last year, but I kinda fell out of love with writing KakaTsu. I'm back now :) I hope everyone has been keeping safe in the midst of the pandemic and riots and protests.

It would be great to have some feedback! :)

Take care, everyone!