"... This is it" Sasuke pondered, leaning against a tree. Ten years of redemption, travelling, protecting... Being alone. Ten years and it's finally time to return. 'Am I even ready? To face people I've threatened, hurt, when all they wanted was for me to find salvation. Face my teammates...' Sasukes gaze met the sun as it rose to midday. He needed to meet Naruto at a specified location, alone, and he'd hate to be late. Just like KAKASHI. Sasuke stilled, eyes widening. Kakashi? He'd have to face him too. That thought was so subconscious, like second nature, but yet he never really related anything else to Kakashi apart from his bad habit of being late and reading erotica novels.
But yet at that time on the bridge... He wasn't late. He was RIGHT on time. Sasuke felt his stomach swallow itself in guilt. At what he tried to do to Sakura, at what he told Kakashi. The man who taught him once what was all he knew. The man who still pardoned him when he returned. The man who said that... He'd LOVED him. Sasuke shut his eyes. That was 10 years ago, did Kakashi mean it? Did he truly love him? Because Sasuke yearned to know. The things he said before he left, at the village gates. That conversation played in Sasukes mind like a broken record player on repeat.
Sasuke always tried to put those thoughts away, but at night, alone, when the starts lit up the sky, they were all he could think about. Sometimes all that kept him going to return, to find the truth behind those words. And low and behold, the day has come. A screech from above awakened Sasuke from his thoughts, opening his eyes to the bright sun. His eagle, tall, brown and proud, stood with a letter tied to its leg, addressed to him from Naruto. He used to receive letters from Kakashi too, but only ever about missions and intel. Nothing more and nothing less. Sasuke never thought too much about it, but it sometimes did hurt.
Maybe because he didn't tell Kakashi he loved him in return. But Sasuke honestly didn't know what to think when Kakashi confessed to him. When he pulled Sasuke away from Naruto and Sakura to pour his deepest regret, which is loving HIM. Sasuke felt as though he didn't deserve anyone's love, love in general, but when Kakashi told him those 3 simple words, they caught like a lump in his throat. Maybe Kakashi thought that he'd rejected him, moved on during his travels, and writing a second love note would just be a distraction. A distraction from reality. A distraction that might weigh Sasuke down. But God, Sasuke didn't feel that way. And the only thing that kept him from replying Kakashis first 'love' note was fear of rejection, disapproval, that he'd complicate their relationship and... Pride. Sasuke cursed his Uchiha pride. It always got the best of him. But yet, he kept each of Kakashis unimportant letters close, and the love one closer.
He opened Narutos letter, after staring at it for 5 minutes like a delinquent, reading through it before sprinting off to their secret meet up destination. He eventually leaned against the wall in the abandoned building, hand grasping his katana in case of a sudden threat or sabotage, not that Sasuke expected there to be one, or be fooled altogether. There was hardly any light either, Sasuke effortlessly moulded into the darkness. He suddenly heard a door creak slowly, the sound of 4 footsteps, 2 individuals. A tall man in an orange and black matching jumpsuit, finished with a white cape hanging over his shoulder stared at his Sharingan with blue eyes in the dark. Naruto.
"Sasuke" Naruto announced. Sasuke stepped out of the lean shadow before returning, "Naruto" in greeting. They looked each other up and down before coming to the conclusion that they both certainly have changed a lot. "Thought you wouldn't show up" Naruto broke the silence. Sasuke scoffed, not replying. Naruto put out his clutched hand for a fist bump, just like old times, hoping Sasuke would return it. Sasuke raised his hand, bumping Narutos gently, Naruto grinning with whiskers. A gold ring around his finger caught in the sunlight, and that's when Sasuke knew that he really did have something going for himself. He gave a huge thumbs up, eyes creased into an arch. His hair was also a lot shorter than Sasuke remembered, but he's probably thinking the same about him, since he grew it out to cover his Rinnegan. Sasuke smirked. Naruto changed but yet not at all. "How's everything back in Konoha?" he suddenly asked, since he was expected to return. It'd be nice to know what he's returning to.
"Peaceful" was all Naruto said in a soft tone, and that was all Sasuke needed to hear. "Everyone's happy. That's what sacrifice pays for" he continued. 'Naruto has definitely matured' Sasuke thought before he turned to exit the stone building when Sasuke practically babbled out loud. "You're... Hokage?" his eyes widened as they wandered over the kanji in bright red, with triangles lacing the bottom of the white cape. Naruto smiled. "Fulfilled my dream". "So that means... Kakashi-?" Sasuke started before Naruto interrupted to explain. "Retired". He turned back around, eyes softening at the look on Sasukes face. He's never seen an expression like that before, not with that intensity. Naruto was going to ask before Sasuke interjected with another question. "Sakura?" Naruto frowned, unsure whether Sasuke still felt anything towards her, but he doubted after he saw THAT look. "Married to Rock Lee" he said. "7 years. Who would believe?" he chuckled.
"Has 2 kids too. Metal and Sarada. One just like the other, each parent mentoring one. They're going to be a tough pair in the Chunin exams" Sasuke was taken aback. "Who else is here?" I sensed more than just your signature alone" Sasuke asker another question. "Sai. You know him, the one with the Beastscroll technique, your replacement" Naruto refreshed his memory. "Can't just take off alone without informing anyone. Being Hokage, ya know?" Naruto rubbed his neck sheepishly. They stepped out the gloomy building together, Sai patrolling the area with said beast drawings. "I know this may seem slightly unnecessary, but-" Naruto was cut off. "I can't just walk into Konoha after being gone for 10 years" Sasuke reasoned. "When you put it like that" Naruto chuckled. "Let's not waste anymore time" he signalled with his middle and index finger towards the forest. "We can be back before sunrise" Sasuke nodded, Sai dispelling his beasts before rolling the large green bordered scroll that hung over his shoulder from a black belt. "Let's go. It's an hour and a half sprint from borders" Naruto began running, Sai in front of him, Sasuke followed behind
-Time Skip to Village-
Sasuke stared in awe at the massive village which he once called home. Which he WILL call home. The large walls, infrastructure. It was nothing like Sasuke had ever seen, or ever imagined. Naruto noticed his awe in the form of silence. "Pretty cool, huh?" he stated proudly. Sasuke nodded. "Cool is an understatement" he said as they walked through the large green gates, with bold red kanji on either one. He watched surprised as the children skipped long chalk lines without any fear or worry in the world, just eyes full of sparkles and admiration as Naruto walked passed. He watched as a group of teenage boys traded what they called 'Shinobi Cards'. That definitely peaked Sasukes interest. 'Shinobi Cards? Like a... Bingo book?' Sasuke thought, until he heard a gasp pf excitement. "I got a Hidden Leaf rare! Kiba Inuzuka, Fang over Fang; strength 1050!" the boy pointed at his card as his friends stared in awe. "I got Shino-sensei" another exclaimed. "Bug control; strength 1048!" he held it high. "Wow! Who knew Shino-sensei was so cool?! Let's go show him!" and just like that, they sprinted off. Shino was a teacher? Sasuke remembered the boy with the goggles.
'So, kids have a childhood now' Sasuke thought with a fond smile. He'd also come to the conclusion that 'Shinobi Cards' were stat cards with Ninja who made a great impact during the War. Sasuke suddenly wondered if HE was on a Shinobi card; if people knew him? They passed through the main central market, pass the Yamanaka Flower Shop, Sasukes head lifting to look at the huge digital advertisement mounted onto the building, whilst a low whistling in the corner of his ear turned his attention to a train in the distance, elevated on by the rail. "Holy shit" Sasuke murmured, Naruto watching him with a shit eating grin before slapping his shoulder in an old gesture, teasing his surprise. Konoha wasn't only structurally developed, but technologically as well. "Something catch your eye?" Naruto asked, gesturing to the various shops and stalls in the market.
"Well... Shinobi Cards" Sasuke said, slightly embarrassed. Luckily for him, Naruto didn't notice and instead pointed to a medium sized novelty store with a glass sliding door. "I think Boruto gets them from there. Well, the rare packs he says" Naruto said sheepishly, not that educated on his son's collecting hobby. Sai nodded in agreement to Narutos relief. "Inojin too" he said with his usual bright smile. They walked into the store, the clerk clearly surprised. "Lord Hokage!" he greeted respectfully, bowing his head to Naruto and Sai, and surprisingly to Sasuke too. Sasuke nodded his head in return. "What can I do you for?" he asked, providing help. "Shinobi Cards, please" Naruto rubbed his neck sheepishly once again. Sasukes smirked. Looks like the dobe still isn't used to all the respect. The clerk chuckled in familiarity, showing them to the shelf. "Well, Sasuke. Take your pick" Naruto gestured to the top shelf. They were all wrapped in the same orange and yellow patterned foil. 'So they're also mystery chance cards' Sasuke thought and picked out a random pack from the back where majority of the children couldn't reach. "That'll be all" he confirmed, reaching into his pocket for 150 ryo when Naruto stopped him. "My treat" he pulled out his frog wallet instead and paid for Sasukes cards.
Sasuke smirked, as did Naruto in return. He stuffed the cards into his black pant pockets. "Not opening them?" Naruto asked as they stepped back onto street. "Later" Sasuke waved it off. "Don't Byakugan users use their Kakkai Genkai to see through the packaging?" Sasuke asked Naruto. Naruto let out a loud hearty laugh at the complete random question. "Funny thing, Boruto keeps on asking Hina to take him to the store so she can use her Byakugan. All his attempts have failed so far, but he keeps trying. That determined bugger" Narutos eyes creased. "Sounds a lot like you" Sasuke said. "Does he not have the Byakugan?" Sasuke asked. "No, Himawari, my youngest does, though. Kami, she's strong" Naruto rubbed his stomach, indicating she punched him there. Sasuke smiled fondly. He'd like to have kids of his own. But at the same time, he doesn't. "The cards are a huge thing among the youth for some odd reason. Inojin gave me my own card" Sai added, pulling it out his pocket. It was a sweet gesture that he kept it on his body all the time.
Sasuke looked around once again. "The village, it's development. Who-?" Sasuke couldn't seem to be getting complete sentences as Naruto read each one. "Kaka-sensei" he replied. "Billboards, markets, infrastructure, Shinobi allied forces, Academy laws, transportation. All his ideas. He and Shikamaru made a lot of advancements. Sometimes you'd see Kaka-sensei at the construction sites too. Those smart-asses" Naruto said under his breath. 'Kakashi?' Sasuke thought again, and felt a small smile creep onto his face, gracing his features. "Almost there" Naruto gestured to the large red building, fire written in kanji in red paint at the very top. "One thing still hasn't changed" Sasuke noticed. The design was the same, original. And the Hokage monument behind was even greater. It took Sasukes breath away. After Tsunade, Kakashi's face was carved, with the mask on. Sasuke felt his smile grow wider. He looked quite handsome set in stone. Next to Kakashi was Naruto. He looked bold on the stone, his hair spikier than ever.
They navigated through red walled hallways, carpeted with banners and frames lining the walls. They reached a large oak door, Sasuke hearing a familiar voice, muffled yelling from within. Naruto sighed before walking in confidently, ready to deal with the conflict. Sasuke stayed back in the hall. "How many times is that idiot going to leave my medical reports unscheduled?! I need them by the end of the week to-!" Sakura was cut off by Naruto as his confidence melted into nervousness as he swung the door open. "Sakura-chaaaan!" he chucked nervously. All eyes in the room darted to him in expectation. Sakura, Shikamaru, Konohamaru and finally Sai in front of the doorway. "Naruto! My reports-!" She was cut off once again. Sasuke remained outside the room, surprised he was able to recognise everyone by name besides Konohamaru. He had a Jounin-sensei name tag on. "Never mind that! Look who's home!" Naruto said enthusiastically, gesturing to the door. Sasukes saw this as his cue to enter, stepping out the hallway shadow and into the brightly lit room. Everyone's jaws dropped, eyes widening.
"S-S-Sasuke-kun?!" Sakura screeched in disbelief. Sakura stared at him as he nodded at her, noticing a gold ring on her finger too. Shikamaru nodded his welcome. "Welcome back Sasuke" he offered, Sasuke replying with a simple 'Thank you'. "Sasuke" he heard a VERY familiar voice, deep, lazy, welcoming. Sasuke could get lost in it as it washed over him in waves. "Kakashi?" he said, more in a questioning tone than a gratual one. Kakashi abandoned his recline against the wall in the corner of the room, standing up straight. Sasukes eyes wondered greedily over his featured afraid that he'd never see him again. His height, his eyes, his hair.
He was snapped back from his thoughts when Kakashi suddenly said "Welcome back home" in a mild tone before exiting the room. Sasukes heart leapt and sunk all the same. Sakura noticed some tension between them, but thought nothing of it since Sasuke WAS away from the village for 10 years and Kakashi was their teacher, Hokage who pardoned him. Konohamaru, Shikamaru and Sai all followed suit. Sasuke stood, eyes glued to the wall where Kakashi stood. The last time Sasuke had seen Kakashi was when he destroyed the meteor. Kakashi didn't get to meet him in the medical room when he brought Hizashi Hyuuga back to the village after he was injured on foreign ground. He was slightly disappointed that he wasn't able to meet Kakashi, talk to him. But he had a job, a duty to fulfil. To protect Konoha from threat from within the shadows, with or without Naruto present.
He'd only shown his face for mere seconds, but the face he was met with from Kakashi when he destroyed the meteor effortlessly was pure surprise, awe, pride, adoration. A look on Kakashi's face than that he'll never forget, one that he never forgot to this day as it played with him THAT VERY SAME night when he was alone with the stars and the grass. How didn't he notice Kakashi behind him, or at least SENSE him was beyond Sasuke at this point. His mind was doing aerobics. "So, team 7 once again" Sakura interrupted the silence, smiling fondly with the medical report in her hand at Sasuke who awkwardly looked away from the bare wall. Naruto stayed seated behind his desk, Sasuke contemplating on her statement. "Kakashi is part of Team 7" he said softly. "Maah. Kaka-sensei just left. Probably to read his Icha Icha porn novels" Naruto muttered that last part
"You read them too! You have the entire set!" Sakura giggled. "Hey! Pervy sage was my teacher! Of course I have all his novels!" Naruto turned around to hide his pink face. Sasuke smiled at them as Sakura cooled down from her laugh at Narutos excuse. She looked at Sasuke, little emotion visible. 'Still a man of little words, but slightly more emotion. And what's with his awkwardness towards Kakashi-sensei?' she analysed. "Well, duty calls back home and the clinic. It's late. Naruto, you should finish up too" she advised. "Hope we can all meet up and chat tomorrow, Kakashi-sensei included" her eyes flicked to Sasukes as they brightened up for a millisecond beforehand returning back to normal.
She beamed a smile and closed the door, the faint sound of her heels on wood fading as she went further. Sasuke looked at the clock mounted in the corner. 5pm already, the sun just about to set. Naruto groaned from within his chair. "Sakura's right. I better head home early for Hima's birthday" he opened his draw and pulled out what looked like Shukaku, the one tailed beast in plush form. Sasukes raised an eyebrow. Tailed beasts have merchandise? After all, all of them are in correct hands. Naruto chuckled. "Kurama sold out pretty quickly. Guess he's quite popular. Hope she doesn't mind Uncle Gaara's instead" he said sheepishly. Sasuke could only nod awkwardly.
"Sakura is bringing Sarada and Metal over for the party. You should drop by" Naruto invited, grabbing his belongings in preparation to leave the office. "No thank you. I appreciate it though" Sasuke replied. Naruto looked at him questioningly. "Compound" Sasuke clarified where he'd be staying, assuming that'd be Narutos question. Naruto shrugged in response. "It's your choice" he locked the office door, stuffing the keys into his black lined orange pockets, fumbling for a different pair. They walked down through the same hallways before stepping out into the cold street in silence. "Well, see you tomorrow then, Sasuke. If you're not comfortable, you can like, uhh... Come to my place ya know!" Naruto grinned with another thumbs up.
"Thanks for the offer, dobe. But everything'll be fine" Sasuke assured. Naruto nodded firmly before going on his way after offering a teeth baring smile. Sasuke smiled softly, leaving in the opposite direction. From what he heard through Narutos letters, the Uchiha compound was livible now for the past few months. Except for food, since there were no inhabitants after its reconstruction. It simply waited for his return. Sasuke sighed, looks like he had no choice but to eat out. Naruto also told him that the compound had been minimised to a single living quarters since he wasn't looking to revive his clan, the space needed to construct quarters for the other steady growing clans in Konoha. Sasuke kicked a random stone on the road, one hand in his pocket as the cold wind brushed his hair and cheeks. Where should he eat? What should he eat? What was that place Naruto always ate at? 'Ichimi Ramen? Ichaku Ramen? Ichiraku Ramen!' Sasuke recollected. It'll have to do.
He walked the warmly lit streets, searching for the what he thought to still be the small ramen store. Sasukes narrowed his eyes. He was going to have to ask for directions. He had no choice. He was hungry and the village was huge, there was no way he could search aimlessly. Sasuke suddenly spotted a mother strolling the streets with her son, enjoying the market. He slowly and carefully approached them so they wouldn't feel threatened, her son catching a glimpse of Sasuke before hiding behind her skirt. The mother looked up at Sasuke, surprised, but smiled to be friendly. "Excuse me, do you know where the Ichiraku Ramen store is?" Sasuke asked, trying hue best to be friendly in return, the boy still peaking from behind his mother with curios eyes. "Yes dear, its two streets away, down on the left" she replied, her son smiling at Sasuke after staring him down for 5 minutes.
"Thank you" Sasuke was about to turn around when the small boy nervously said, "M-Mister! I-I really like your c-cape!" he scurried behind his mom again. Sasuke smiled softly, lifting a hand to gently ruffle his hair. The boys eyes sparkled. "What's your name?" Sasuke asked. "H-Hiro Kai" he said. "I'm Sasuke Uchiha" he offered. Hiro nodded again, enthusiastically in a way that said he won't forget Sasukes name. Sasuke walked away, following his mother's directions, but he couldn't help but overhear Hiro's conversation with his Mom. "Mom! Did you see that?! Sir Sasuke is like... Super scary and cool! His cape and sword are awesome! I want one! Can I get one for my birthday? What do you think Sir Sasuke does-?" Sasuke for the first time in a long time felt... Good. Refreshed. He didn't know how to describe it.
Almost like he'd unintentionally done something good. He quietly followed the path until he came across the not-so-familiar looking Ramen Bar. It was technically a restaurant now, more than a stall. He walked through the sliding glass doors, pass the signature white and red kanji banners hanging from the ceiling. Sasuke definitely remembered those. The restaurant had warm colours, lights hanging from the roof elegantly, surrounded by a different arrangement of tables. He also remembered when Kakashi brought them to eat after they completed a C rank mission as Genin. He tilted his head in thought. He also couldn't help but snort softly when he saw a large poster of Naruto on the wall eating his favourite Ramen. No wonder the place was so popular.
'Order Lord Sevenths large Miso Ramen with extra Chasu or Pork!' the poster read, it's orange and yellow spiral shapes in the background really captured people's attention. Sasuke shrugged, walking to the front desk for his order to be taken, where a fairly young lady with brown hair served another customer who sat alone at the bar table. He turned his gaze to examine the man at the long polished dark oak table. Sasukes eyes nearly popped out their sockets as he stared in disbelief. He didn't sign up for this, he thought. He spoke uncharacteristically accusingly as he stared at the back of the head with signature tall grey hair. And that only belonged to one person. "Kakashi?" he said. Kakashi snapped his chopsticks in half vertically, before stilling in his seat. "Sasuke" he greeted once again without turning around, only using their names for the second time today
"Fancy seeing you here" Kakashi finally turned to give Sasuke a rainbow eyed smile that made his heart leap and feel hollow all the same. He cleared his throat, getting a hold of his demeanour. "I could say the same about you" he returned sarcastically before continuing. "There's no food at the compound". He sat down, a chair space between himself and Kakashi, the red bar stool acting as an invisible divider that Sasuke wanted for the time being, but wanted it to vanish as well. An invisible iron wall that they built between themselves. Or that just Sasuke built to conceal himself. The brown haired woman suddenly greeted him. "What can I get for you, Sasuke?" she asked politely with a small notepad and pen in hand. Sasukes momentarily stared blankly at her, trying to figure out her name. He was heavenly blessed with a nametag on her white button up shirt.
"A Lord Seventh special with extra pork, please" Sasuke ordered as she wrote it down along with his name, nodding her head in confirmation before setting off to the kitchen, leaving himself and Kakashi awkwardly alone. 'For Narutos favourite food restaurant, it sure is quite empty' Sasuke thought, trying to distract himself to much of his dismay. He looked at Kakashi, whose bowl was empty as he put his hands together in thanks for the meal. "Itakimasu" he heard Kakashi murmur behind his mask, eyes closed. Sasuke still had no idea how Kakashi managed to eat so quickly, without anyone ever seeking a peek of his face like it was normal. Ayame suddenly placed a huge bowl of steaming hot ramen in front of him, the temperature rising from all the steam. Sasukes one visible eye widened. He didn't expect it to be this huge! How did Naruto eat this? How was HE expected to finish it? "Enjoy" she said with a smile, Sasuke stunned. "Thank you, Ayame" Sasuke managed to say after his initial 30 second shock period.
He opened his chopsticks from their paper packing, breaking them down the middle, just as Kakashi did to separate them. He heard a low chuckle from next to him, his eye meeting Kakashi's amused grey ones. "Never knew you liked Ramen so much, Sasuke-kun. Naruto would be proud that he's finally rubbing off on you" Kakashi teased. Sasuke scowled slightly, looking back at the steaming bowl. "I don't. I just didn't know it was this huge" he said, still pouting. Kakashi watched him with a soft gaze before breaking, looking forward again. 'Same old Sasuke' was all he could think when Sasuke scowled. He placed his money on the table, Ayame collecting his extra-small ramen bowl before placing the cash in her apron pocket
"Hope you enjoyed your meal, Lord Sixth. You didn't eat much" Sasuke heard the sound of sliding wood as he dipped his head towards his chopsticks with an open mouth. "Please drop the Lord, I'm not the Hokage anymore" Kakashi drawled lazily. She nodded. "Are you sure you've eaten enough?" she emphasised, gesturing to the small empty bowl, Kakashi having ordered their smallest serving. Meanwhile, Sasuke did the largest, without realising. Kakashi nodded, standing up from the stool he slid away from the table, hands stuffed in his pockets. Just as Ayame left to wash the bowl and dispose of the chopsticks, Sasuke swallowed his mouthful of ramen, gaze following Ayame and the small bowl in her hands. He had no idea why this was playing with him, like he needed to act on it.
Kakashi pushed the chair back against the long table, about to leave as Sasuke watched him. He was just going to leave? Again? Sasuke had no control of himself when he leaned back and grabbed Kakashi's large, warm gloved hand before blurting. "Kakashi, wait-!..." they both stilled, his hand limp in Kakashi's. Sasuke cursed himself, but he didn't want Kakashi to leave AGAIN since their meeting, nor did he know what to say to convince him to stay either. "Share with me. I can't finish it all by myself. You haven't eaten much either" he came up with a white lie. Kakashi cleared his throat, "I'd rather not, Sasuke. Thank you for the offer but I-" he felt Sasukes hand tighten it's grip on his own, almost like he was desperate. Sasuke tugged his hand gently towards himself, "Please?" he said softly, and Kakashi's brain short circuited over that small word said in such a tone.
'Please?' his brain repeated, eyes glued to Sasukes hand in his own, his desperate state without realising his expression. Kakashi smiled softly under his mask, and Sasuke let go of his hand, facing forward again. He walked to sit next to Sasuke, as Sasuke pushed the large bowl in between them. He definitely wasn't expecting Kakashi to sit right next to him, but he wasn't complaining either. Like Kakashi had crushed the invisible iron wall Sasuke had built, and Sasuke was glad he did. He felt like things wouldn't be as awkward if they shared a meal, although it won't solve their problem. He felt calm, a warmth curling in the pit of his stomach as he looked away from Kakashi who rested his one arm on the table, his head leaning against his hand as it rested on his masked cheek. Sasuke was actually shy, refusing to say anything more as he lifted his chopsticks for another bite of pork.
He noticed Kakashi take another pair of chopsticks, his hand on the edge of his mask. Sasuke looked away, hearing a snap before he turned back to look at Kakashi as he chewed. Kakashi just eyed the bowl, Sasuke suddenly aware that one Naruto fishcake was missing. He leaned down to sip the rich, hearthy broth from the white ceramic spoon next to the bowl. Kakashi picked up another chopstick-full of ramen noodles, slurping then up. Sasuke remained bent down, averting his gaze from Kakashi who ate. He thought it to be respectful, the fact that he didn't peer inquisitively like a child at Kakashi as he ate. "I take it you'll be leaving again..." Kakashi asked softly. Sasuke looked at him. "I'm finally home for good" was all Sasuke said before they continued to eat in silence.
Before Sasuke knew it, the bowl was almost practically empty. He reached for the last piece of pork, his chopsticks bumping into Kakashi's. He instantly retreated, looking back at the table shyly. "Go for it" he offered, in a much sterner tone than he intended. Kakashi hesitated for a moment before refusing. "I've had my fill, eat it" Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Kakashi-" he was prepared to tell Kakashi to drop being stubborn, Kakashi instantly beating him to it. "You paid for it, don't be stubborn, Sasuke". There was something in the way Kakashi told him to drop his act, the way he said his name that made Sasuke want to willingly obey. Sasuke pouted, Kakashi also warning him in a tone that you would a child. He didn't want the pork! He was relieved when he noticed that Kakashi took his silence as a que to just finish it without fuss. Just then, a piece of meat poked at the side of his quirked lips.
Sasuke turned to Kakashi in question, confused, but yet not angry or disappointed at the gesture. Kakashi gave another rainbow eyed smile, Sasuke having the same swallowing reaction. His reactions seem to limited. He held the pork in between the chopsticks, cupping his hand underneath in case it slipped. "Open wide, Sasuke-kun" he teased. "I said-" Sasuke tried to interject. "Open, Sasuke" and Sasuke did after considering for a short moment, rolling his eyes. He opened his mouth as instructed, Kakashi placing the slice of now cold pork in his mouth. Sasukes mind sprinted as he closed his lips over Kakashi's chopsticks. He shunned those thoughts away instantly. Ayame stood quietly at the kitchen entrance in total awe of cuteness as Kakashi fed Sasuke. Kakashi chuckled, Sasuke always willing to put up a fight for anything before giving in.
His smile suddenly disappeared when he focused on Sasukes lips, slowly sliding off his chopsticks, chewing measuredly before swallowing, finishing by unconsciously licking his lips. Kakashi practically tore his gaze away, trying to keep his shit together. Ayame finally walked in, hands crossed, folded in front of her stomach politely. "All done, I see" she pointed out as Kakashi placed his chopsticks into the bowl. Sasuke nodded placing 500 Ryo onto the table. "Thank you" he repeated, Kakashi doing the same, stuffing his hands back in his pockets, in a way that Sasuke thought was quite hasty. They both stood up to leave, Ayame waving. "Do come again!" she said as Kakashi held the white banners up for Sasuke to pass through when he whispered a small 'Thank you' to Kakashi
Sasuke stood silently, watching as Kakashi closed the glass door before departing. 'Without even saying anything?' Sasuke thought, crossing his arms as the cold wind whipped his cape, still looking rather expressionless. That's when Sasuke found himself wordlessly following him. He belittled himself once again, but he wanted to be alone with Kakashi. He NEEDED to know. Needed to know his true feelings because he currently doesn't seem to be talking about it, or anywhere near discussing it, acting as though it never happened. And it ate Sasuke from the inside. He just needed to know whether he was the only one harbouring these strong emotions. Sasuke even willingly learned to swallow his pride, since his pride was his destruction in the past
Sasuke stared at the floor, fumbling with his fingers. Did Kakashi stare at him, feed him, care for him and act like it was nothing? Like it was platonic? Sure, those actions can be portrayed platonically, but Sasuke FELT like that meant much more than that. Or so he hoped. Sasuke suddenly stopped. Was Kakashi... Married now? Was that why Kakashi was restraining himself? Was that the invisible wall between them? He blinked back a few shallow tears, feeling a lump in his throat as he swallowed it dryly, fingers shaking, subconsciously fiddling with his ring finger. If Kakashi was indeed married, Sasuke would be happy for him. It'd be selfish of him to not be. He picked up the pace, falling behind Kakashi as he walked steadily. Sasuke suddenly felt drained, shooting glances at Kakashi's hands. Is that why they're always stuffed in his pockets? Was he trying to hide it?
Sasuke tried to stop himself from overthinking, momentarily shutting his eyes in hope of slowing his mind and calming down. Kakashi always had his hands stuffed in his uniform pockets, for as long as he could remember. It was just part of his lazy persona, right? Sasuke assured himself before Kakashi suddenly spoke. "You're following me" he said in a matter of fact way. Sasuke wanted to tell him that he'd follow him ANYWHERE. Be it hail or glass, but he simply shook his head and replied with his well-known "Hn". Kakashi looked over his shoulder, shrugging, letting Sasuke do as he pleases. Sasuke breathed in the sharp air, eyes glued to the floor. Why was he so emotional? Sasuke scowled silently at himself in displeasure. He needed to regain some self-control. But at the same time, he didn't. He wanted to pour his feelings out to someone. Anybody. His regrets, his achievements, his mistakes, his emotions, his love. But he wanted that somebody and yet anybody to be Kakashi. Not just somebody. And HE wanted to be someone to Kakashi too. Tell Kakashi directly to his mostly expressionless godforsaken handsome face that this is what he made of Sasuke. That this was his fault, everything that he said 10 years ago.
Kakashi may already have his 'somebody'. Even if he did, Sasuke just wanted to know who? He held his breath, the soft sound of a steady stream humming in his ears made him recollect everything before he spilled. He took notice of their surroundings, unsure of how they arrived here. They were still within the village, maybe on the boarders? Sasuke didn't know. It wasn't busy compared to the markets, it was quite, it was preserved. They stood silently on a cute wooden suspension bridge which bordered two plains of grass. The light thump of their sandals on the wood vibrated in the air. He watched as Kakashi leant against the railing, elbows resting on the wooden support above the triangulation, his one leg bent backwards lazily
Sasuke turned in the opposite direction, watching the water in the stream flow steadily away on the other side of the bridge. Sasuke breathed out, a cold white puff of smoke following his exhale. He didn't even realise the temperature dropped out here. He stood perfectly straight, posture poise, not knowing what to do or say, or why he was even stupid enough to follow his instincts when they told him to follow Kakashi here. Why Kakashi even let him tag along wordlessly without shrugging him off. "You visit here often?" Sasuke finally spoke, trying to sound confident. But he was met by an uncomfortable silence, like he shattered a wall of glass. "Mostly" came Kakashi's reply, and Sasuke nodded to himself, leaving it as that.
They both felt indisposed to talk, not wanting to mention something that might alert the other or prior events or accidental confessions. Kakashi sighed, turning his head slightly to catch a glimpse of Sasuke from over his shoulder, who'd taken position a few feet away from him. Sasuke suddenly spoke again, and Kakashi would be lying if he said he wasn't glad when he did. "It's quite late. Someone's probably waiting for you back home" Kakashi couldn't help but let out a deep chuckle that made Sasukes hair stand. He smiled slightly beneath the mask, shaking his head at the poor indirect assumption. So, Sasuke Uchiha thought his sensei finally moved on, had a life with another, settled down to have children. Kakashi never really thought himself to be that type of man. He scoffed bitterly. "Certainly not." Sasuke looked discreetly at Kakashi from over his shoulder on the opposite side of the bridge. He didn't know if it was his place to ask, but he did, unfiltered. "By what means? " "By none", Kakashi replied nonchalantly. Sasuke would have usually felt annoyed, but he didn't. He was more so confused. He kept the slow conversation going. "Why not?". He was replied by the sound of shuffling behind him, indicating that Kakashi had changed his posture.
"I could ask you the same" Kakashi returned with no sarcasm, eager to know why Sasuke didn't pick up any strong Kunoichi during his travels, if not Sakura. Sasuke frowned from behind his raven curtain. He wished he could tell him exactly why. Pin the blame on him. 'Because I've been chasing you, waiting for you. Refusing to let anyone in but you if you ask' Sasuke thought, eyes closed, feelings slightly hurt. Kakashi spoke again, changing the subject when he noticed Sasukes silence. "The bridge has a nice view of the moon" he said softly, Sasuke opening his eyes to look up at the sky, the stars lighting up the dark azure of dark satin blue. He searched for the moon to prove Kakashi's statement, but it wasn't in his plane of view. He turned around, dark and bright eyes met by the bright white orb. It was a full moon. Sasuke vaguely remembers staring at crescents, waxing and waving gibbouses. But it's been a while since he's seen a full moon. Sasuke didn't comment on the scenery. "Every time I look at it, it reminds me of two things specifically" Sasuke listened to Kakashi. "Iruka told me many years ago about when he asked the children a simple question of 'If the moon were to crash to the Earth, who would you spend the last moment with?'" Sasuke looked at Kakashi softly. "I didn't think too much about it. All I thought was that I'd be goddamn happy if it were to. But now that it is, meteors crashing into Shinobi territory, now that I have people I'm afraid to lose, a village I'm afraid to forfeit, that I failed to protect. I didn't want another thing added to my list of failures. Even... You" Sasuke brought his gaze up to Kakashi who didn't look back. "So that time I met you for the first since you left, when you destroyed that meteor. When the moon was only a couple of hours away from crashing to the fucking surface"
Sasuke expression was surprised but blank at the same time. It was the mere fact that Kakashi remembered that moment and thought something of it. That Sasuke wasn't the only one. He smiled softly again. But Kakashi saw Sasuke as his failure. He wanted to tell Kakashi that it wasn't true, wasn't his fault, but all he got out was, "And second?". He stepped closer to the other edge of the bridge. "That you were somewhere out there. Be it far or near, you were out there regardless. Staring at the same moon, maybe at the same time. Maybe even talking to the moon as I do. Talking to the moon, an invisible and silent way of reaching out to you. Hoping that you're on the other side talking back to me too. Hoping that I'm listening to you, hearing your soundless whisper, trying to get back to you. But all there is is an echo, and you're not sure whether you're scared of that empty echo or the reply". Sasuke felt another overwhelming lump in his throat. He stilled, frozen as the wistful breeze that enveloped them in whispers after Kakashi spilled everything Sasuke yearned to hear, but hoped not to. Kakashi still didn't pass him a single glance. He wet his lips, mouth dry, voice unexpectedly small and caught in his throat. "Do you... Still love me?" Sasukes voice and words shook with uncertainty and fear. The silence made Sasuke think he was going insane. "Always have... And always will" Kakashi turned to finally look at Sasuke for the first time since they started speaking, noticing how he shook silently as he stood, face curtained by raven locks that Kakashi wanted to oh so desperately feel in his hands. Sasuke bit his lip in anticipation, unsure of what to say. Unsure of what's going to happen. "Goodnight, Sasuke" Kakashi greeted, uncrouching from against the wooden railing, hands back in the warmth of his pockets as he began walking away.
Sasuke felt as though he'd driven his own sword through his chest. He thought he'd collapse to his knees, but he didn't. His body was in shock, his eyes wide. He felt a warmth creep up his face that threatened to spill from his eyes. His Sharingan, raging red in colour swirled furiously in his right eye, Sasuke overcome by sudden emotion that he didn't even acknowledge it's activation. "I don't want you to leave ..." Sasuke murmured, almost barely a whisper. Kakashi stopped, guilt eating away at him on the inside as he clenched his teeth from behind his mask, trying to stay calm, tried to keep himself from running to Sasuke, letting him fall apart in his arms before piecing him back together, whispering sweet nothings into his ears as he told him how much he wants him. Wants him to want him. He blinked away what he thought were possible tears, glancing at Sasuke from over his shoulder before walking away with heavy legs, and a heavy heart.
Sasuke bit his lip harder, the taste of ivory sharp on his tongue, his hand lifting to slam against the wood in frustration before it stopped mid-air. His lower lip trembled, walking in the opposite direction, practically storming home. His deep black cape swayed in the cool wind as he made for the small, one building Uchiha compound. Sasuke tried to stop shaking, overreacting, get a hold of himself, blinking vigorously to prevent any tears from falling, pushing them back in a way that said he didn't care. But he did. Fighting whatever the hell he was feeling, just as he did all those nights, all those years before when he put everything before his emotions first, because he felt as though having feelings was a weakness. But Kakashi made him feel strong. Stronger than just physically. Strong in a sense that he- he stopped thinking about it. But he felt like Kakashi was all he needed. Was he not all Kakashi needed in return? Kakashi still loved him. He closed his eyes briefly, catching a sharp breath through his nostrils which sent ice to his lungs
None of Sasukes nights seemed to be going to plan. They all revolved around one person. He tried to scowl as he fumbled uselessly with the keys in his hands, fingers trembling when he abruptly opened the door before slamming it shut, his body not co-operating. Sasuke stopped in front of the door to regain himself, back against the cold wood as he stared blankly at the empty living room. He felt something warm trickle down his cheek, making a faint 'splat' as it landed on the dark birch below. Sasuke took a deep breath in, the tears streaming down his eyes, seemingly unable to keep anything in anymore as they flowed down, just like the river. He slid down the door to his knees, biting his lip harder to try and stop the small gulps that escaped his lips. He curled up against himself, burying his face in his knees, pale gloved hands grasping at his jet black hair as he let out a small whimper.
Sasuke sobbed, alone, in the darkness of his apartment. 'So, is this making up for all the things I've done?' Sasuke thought bitterly as he brought his hand up to wipe his eyes. He gasped, the tears refusing to stop. He thought that... That- Sasuke stopped himself. "STOP FUCKING THINKING, FOR FUCKS SAKES!" he screamed into his lap, choking on tears. Tears of pain. Sadness. Regret. He'd hoped that he would have learned a lesson from all those years spent in the darkness. That he'd never regret any of his decisions in the new life. That he'd take responsibility for all his actions. But he couldn't help but regret all his regrets. He regrets not writing back to Kakashi when he'd written to him. He regretted his silence, his absence of words. He regretted not telling Kakashi how he felt earlier on. How he feels, what hurts and what doesn't. That he's the one that chases Sasukes doubts away without even saying anything. That Kakashi is all he needs. It's clear to see. Clearer than a horizon, clearer than Sasuke had ever seen before, Sharingan or not. That he... loves Kakashi. He doesn't want to be alone in the darkness. He's always been alone, not that it bothered him, but now that he's felt Kakashi, the dark doesn't seem as dark anymore. Sasuke whimpered again. He may be Uchiha Sasuke, the untouchable, the last heir, but right now, he's just a human being, a man. He's not just Sasuke. It's that very fact that he yearns for Kakashi, needs him, wants him, needs his love.
Sasuke fears that he's lost it all, just as he found it. That it'd undoubtedly be by himself once again, in the shadows. He no longer has anyone to keep him up at night. Was he even worthy of Kakashis everlasting love? Would Kakashi get over him? Would he get over Kakashi? Sasuke shook his head, wiping his tears again with the same dark purple tear soaked sleeve. He stood up, untying his sandals weekly, shucking them off before lamely dropping his Katana to the floor in a heavy thud. He felt like dead-weight, attempting to carry himself to his bedroom with puffy red eyes, cheeks still wet and sticky from the fresh tears.
He dipped his hands into his pockets, mindlessly throwing spare change into the wooden bowl on the coffee table before checking the other when he felt the unfamiliar foil packet of cards from this afternoon. Sasuke dragged it out, examining it's fluorescent orange , yellow and gold packaging, sitting down on the grey carpet in front of said coffee table. He momentarily thought about discarding it, but he also didn't have anything better to do, so he ripped the foil without any difficultly or much thought. He flicked mindlessly through the high-quality set of waxed cards. They came in sets of 7; Ino Yamanaka, Kiba Inuzuka, just like the boys from the street earlier on. Rock Lee, Mei Terumi- ex-Kage of the Hidden Mist, Killer B- Rap Monster from Kumohagakure. Sasuke scoffed at the memory of Killer B almost killing him after their fierce battle. He was so utterly stupid, going after the 8 Tails who had complete control over their tailed beast. Stupid, naive, blinded by revenge that only seemed to continue. Kakashi was right... That time on the bridge when he told him he wouldn't find salvation after he got what he was after. The way he mocked Kakashi. He frowned, saddened. He wouldn't be upset if Kakashi still felt ridiculed by that. He was utterly disrespectful, and yet, here he expected that same person to love him.
He shook his head, placing the cards down onto the table. Sabaku no Gaara was next- Youngest Kazekage, but he didn't seem bothered in the slightest to read into it due to the card is sat atop of. A bright purple and gold fluorescent card with... Kakashi's face printed on the centre, his body in an elaborate stance as purple-like lightning emitted from his palm in a violent spark. The shiny part of the card symbolised that it was a rare and Hidden Leaf 'exclusive', according to the packaging. Each character probably has their own unique colour, Gaara's having been red as Sasuke looked back it, Mei's blue and Kakashi's purple after the lightning. He stared at the card clutched tightly between his fingers, this having been a pure coincidence.
His eyes roamed over the small details. 'Hatake Kakashi; Kages Successor, Violet Bolt- Power 4000', it read before continuing to Kakashi's brief history as the Copy Ninja in 5 lines of small writing. 'Master of 1000 jutsu' and 'Strongest Shinobi' were the words that stuck out to Sasuke, especially because they were printed in bold text. Did Kakashi know he was printed on a card? Sasuke scoffed. 'He probably does', he thought with a weak expression. His new jutsu also sounded pretty powerful, Naruto having mentioned that Kakashi was in the process of inventing a new technique having lost his Sharingan in the war a few years ago. Naruto, however, didn't tell him about it's nature or its development, so this was new information to Sasuke. He probably didn't mention since he thought Sasuke would be uninterested. He did mention that Kakashi managed to, 'Cut the head clean off a summon like a total badass', but Sasuke obviously had no idea what that was. But it was indeed a very 'Naruto' thing to say. He slid the cards off the table and into the bowl, except for Kakashi's. He felt himself drawn to it, holding onto it, and it ached. Because if Kakashi did reject him, this would technically be all he has left. He slid the card back into his pocket. A pitiful card and a load of hurtful memories.
He'd probably give the others to Naruto's and Sai's kids. They were suspiciously right about that store selling rare ones. Sasuke managed to bring a soft smile to features at the thought. Children. He'd never have any of his own. Partly also because he didn't want to... He also didn't have the correct partner. He pondered over the thought before hearing a knock on the door, instantly sucking him back to reality. His eyes widened a little as his body completely stilled in instinct at hearing a foreign noise. He was hesitant to answer it, but it could just be a lost person or... Something, Sasuke thought as he made up excuses. He contemplated even ignoring it altogether, acting as though no one was home. He shook his head, getting up with his folded legs before walking barefoot on the cold wood towards the door. Sasuke opened the door, more abruptly than he anticipated, but quickly forgot about that, and the fact the features of his recent breakdown were still apparent on his pale face when he saw Kakashi standing on the front step, hands stuffed in his pockets. "Sasuke?"-
He shut the door just as abruptly as he opened it, shocked, panicked as he wiped his sticky cheeks, quickly returning to his stoic, unbothered persona on demand. His mind momentarily rushed over Kakashi's warm and worried tone before he aggressively shut the door in his face. Should he open it? Or ignore him until he left? Sasuke took a deep breath in, hands shaking on the metal knob as he twisted it and opened the door again. "Kakashi" he practically stated, refusing to make contact with the sharp aluminium irises that pierced right though him. He instead stared past the silver-grey hair and into the street, over his shoulder, Kakashi having being taller than Sasuke. Damn him. "Sasuke, look-" Kakashi began. "What I said back at the bridge... Was uncalled for-" Sasukes stomach flipped, like he was going to cry all over again.
'Uncalled for?' Did he not mean it? And to think he cried over this man! "But I meant it..." Kakashi continued, as if reading Sasukes mind. How did he always somehow manage to read him? "I meant it all, Sasuke" Sasuke finally shifted his gaze to meet Kakashi's. He was met with soft, vast grey oceans, which quickly changed to concerned, tender raging storms once they flicked over his. Dull, empty, broken. Kakashi's heart stopped. Sasuke had been... crying? Because of him? He breathed in, speaking again. "I-I want nothing more than to love you, be loved by you. Be most involved with you. I want it all, as long as you're in the picture. As long as you're in the picture, I want to be there with you, if you'll have me. I didn't mean to say goodnight, but I-" Kakashi hissed when he started stumbling over his words. Sasuke gazed at him expectantly, waiting for him to finish that sentence, just as he waited for him.
"Needed to think... I needed to think, damn it!" Sasuke jumped slightly, his voice thundering louder compared to when he started speaking. "I needed to realise what an idiot I was. An asshole" Kakashi sighed as Sasuke watched him with wide eyes. "I know you're not a child anymore, but... I'm sorry for everything. For possibly making you feel unwanted, unloved, regretted. I understand your hesitation because love can be so unforgiving, but even a broken heart can beat again. I want to be the one to watch you crumble before putting you back together. I'm sorry for being so-so immature. For making you cry. I'd never mean to make you cry, intentionally or not, and I'd do anything to stop those tears from falling. I want to be the reason you smile, your happiness. I regret not putting the effort into that. You've opened my heart in a way no one else did, ever will, and I never want to see you unhappy because of me-" Kakashi rambled. "I swear I'll love you in a different way" Sasuke felt his heart jump and flutter, eyes swell with fresh tears in their corners as a lump caught in his throat. He blinked, one crystal falling from his cheek, which caught Kakashi's attention. He stepped slightly forward onto the wooden flooring of the house as his warm gloved hand came up to caress Sasukes cheek, the drop absorbing into the dark material as Sasuke blinked rapidly, only causing more tears to fall. He tried to turn his face away, to hide it, but Kakashi's fingers followed, accompanied by his tender gaze.
Tears continued to stream from the eyes Kakashi loved to gaze at from afar, get lost in. He'd never forget what they look like. Scorching, full yet empty, constantly searching. He adored them. He moved his hand from Sasukes cheek to brush his hair away, exposing his purple eye. It stared at him, wide and confused, insecure. He loved Sasukes strength, and his vulnerability too. He had no control over himself when he suddenly pulled Sasuke into the round of his arms, head cradled into Kakashi's neck and shoulder as he shook. "I'm sorry, Sasuke" Kakashi whispered into his temple. "Just... St-stop" came a weak, broken voice, muffled from his shoulder. Kakashi's heart momentarily sunk. Sasuke grabbed at his Jounin collar, burying himself deeper in Kakashi's warmth and scent. "Just stop saying that" Sasuke whispered breathily. Kakashi felt the dark material of his shirtless vest become damp against his neck from Sasukes sobbing. "I-I'm just so scared of losing you... In a sense that we wouldn't behave as student and ex-teacher altogether. I was so s-scared of opening my heart to you in fear that I'd be rejected, in fear that I'd be hurt. But when you love someone, as I do you, that's exactly what I did, and a risk I was willing to take. I just needed to know how you felt. It's so bittersweet because I gained you and your love, but I could lose it too. I love the way you make me feel. The adrenalin, uneasiness, always manages to keep me on my feet and in my head. I'm scared that this is all just dream... Just like every other time, every other lonely night-"
Sasuke faltered as Kakashi looked at him tenderly, lifting his chin with his index finger and thumb, rough from years of Shinobi work. It was realistic, and it grounded Sasuke. He sucked in a breath. "Don't be scared, Sasuke..." Sasuke loved the way his name sounded slipping from Kakashi's lips, softening it with grace. "-Because you're everything I want, and will ever need" Kakashi inched closer to Sasuke, Kakashi lifting his hand to slip his mask down to expose thin, pink lips, settling below his chin. "I'll be forever, Sasuke" Kakashi murmured against Sasukes cold pair or lips before licking gently at his lower lip, Sasuke letting out a small uncontrolled whimper, opening up for him. Kakashi kissed him deeply, inhaling through his nose as Sasuke moaned softly, melting against his smooth lips and tall, hard form. Kakashi broke off, Sasuke staring at him through thick, dark eyelashes. "Will you be mine?" Kakashi whispered. Sasuke nodded, wrapping his arms around Kakashi's neck as Kakashi craned his head forward to capture his lips. Sasukes face flushed a pretty pink as they poured out years of pent up emotions, moulding into each other. Kakashi's tongue probed at Sasukes, Sasukes shying away as he whimpered against Kakashi's lips before they intertwined in a hot kiss. Sasukes hands grabbed at the silver hair that plagued his mind, soft and light in his touch, just as he imagined.
Kakashi flipped them around, their positions switched as he pushed Sasuke against the wall, shutting the door with Sasukes back. Kakashi ravaged him in a way that he couldn't keep up, sliding down the wall as his legs turned to jelly, Kakashi following him down, hot mouth never leaving his own. Sasuke broke off, Kakashi moving to kiss his temple sweetly before littering butterfly kisses down his neck and throat before sucking at his milky unmarked skin, Sasuke pushing against the wall, head leaning back as Kakashi lapped at his shoulder. Sasukes fingers carded through Kakashi's hair, moaning softly. Sasuke gasped, his chest heaving from the pleasurable sensations. "I'm not letting you go. Not again. Not when you're finally mine to lose. Not when I'm yours. Not when we're each other's happiness. I won't let you become one of my many past regrets... A memory. I want to make a future with you. One where we're content after years of struggling" Kakashi murmured breathily, hot and moist against the juncture of Sasukes neck. Sasuke nodded again, desperately pulling him up from the mark on his shoulder to his lips, Sharingan roaming over Kakashi's pale, handsome features, sharp jawline and nose, beauty spot near his mouth, his scar travelling down further than Sasuke thought. He traced Kakashi's scar with a shaky thumb before smashing their lips together, his hands suddenly pinned to the floor with Kakashi's overtop. Kakashi groaned deeply in his throat, Sasuke feeling it vibrate into his mouth, and it felt amazing.
Kakashi broke the kiss, moving to nuzzle Sasukes ear as their breathing normalised. He rested their foreheads against each other, Kakashi staring in Sasukes eyes, lidded and heavy with love as they stared back at him, an expression that meant he was no longer searching. He was content. Kakashi smiled softly. "I love you" his breath fanned lightly at Sasukes face. He closed his eyes, breathing heavily as his mind raced over those 3 words. They sunk in, and Sasuke returned. "I love you too" he hugged Kakashi tighter. "I love you more" Kakashi grinned before pressing a smile to Sasukes cheek, making Sasuke chuckle softly and turn his face away from Kakashi in embarrassment, in a way that made Kakashi's heart race and world round to a stop. Nothing else mattered. Just their bodies against one another. Their heart beats synching. Sasuke closed his eyes as his breathing neutralized. "This isn't a dream, love" Kakashi murmured. Sasuke pecked him on the lips, Kakashi burying himself in raven hair as he inhaled Sasukes unique scent. It danced in his nostrils.
Sasuke hid a faint smile in Kakashi's chest. He pressed his ear closer, carefully listening to Kakashi's rapid heartbeat as it slowed to a steady thrum. His heartbeat, his warmth, smell, everything about Kakashi almost lulled him to sleep. "Sasuke?" Sasuke hummed in response. "Hm?" he replied, mumbled. "Let's go" Kakashi said in a very ambiguous way. Sasuke leaned to look Kakashi in the eye, confusion apparent in his features as Kakashi pulled up his mask before getting up, taking Sasukes hand before hoisting him up as well. Kakashi held his hand as he opened the door, the cold wind fanning on Sasukes warm flushed face. As it turns out, Sasuke didn't live too far from the bridge they were previously on, the one Kakashi frequently visited. The only one. Maybe because it was close to the compound. Kakashi himself didn't know. He shut the door to Sasukes small home before leading him on. "-Kashi" Sasuke said in surprise, not getting his full name out, but it made Kakashi excited for Sasuke to have something to call him on his own. "Shh" Kakashi hushed. Sasuke pouted as Kakashi led him past the urbanisation and back into the open. "Where are we going?" Sasuke asked softly. Kakashi looked back at him before smiling underneath the mask. "You'll see" he replied charmingly. Sasuke rolled his eyes. That was much more like Sasuke.
Sasuke noticed the bridge they previously stood on, the one with the dazzling view of the moon all year round, the silky flow of the river. Sasuke would be lying if he said the way things played out on this same bridge a few hours ago didn't make him upset at the thought. Kakashi could see it. "When you left-" Sasuke directed his attention to Kakashi who backed him up against the wooden pillar, hands in his own. "I wished nothing more for you than the happiness in this world. I wanted you to know that there was nothing to forgive. Love is blinding, Sasuke" Kakashi whispered. "Not until you came to make it clear" Sasuke whispered back. Kakashi was quite for a while, taken back by Sasukes statement. He leaned to kiss Sasuke through the mask. Sasukes hands came up to cup Kakashi's face as he planted his behind Sasuke. "What are we doing here?" Sasuke asked. There was a sudden silence, only the moon and dying lights visible to witness them. "Reliving old memories, and making new ones" Sasuke giggled as they pressed their lips together once more.
~The End~