Room 215
Chapter 5
"6 O'clock"
-X-X-
The stairs creaked angrily under the double weight as Kakashi strolled casually down the steps with a grinning Naruto in front of him, skipping along the platforms effortlessly until finally landing on the ground floor with a self-congratulatory cheer. The older man shook his head at the blond's antics, a smirk playing on his lips as he prepared a mocking remark, but the fun was cut short when his cellphone rang.
He restrained the urge to pout childishly at the interruption as he instead revealed the ringing device from the confines of his pocket, but his curiosity awakened when a familiar name flashed on the screen. He was planning to call Jiraiya after dinner to update him on the information he learned from the earlier chat. Had he become so predictable that the man knew he would have already confronted Naruto about the situation with his friend? Either Jiraiya had asked his secretary to get in touch with him so he couldn't delay the sharing session, or she was calling for another reason altogether.
Tilting his head slightly, he accepted the call and put the phone to his ear. "Hanare?"
"Hey, sweetie," the brunette greeted in her typical fashion, though her voice was suspiciously lacking its signature teasing lilt. "Who's Obito?"
Kakashi's eyes widened. "...What?"
How did Hanare even hear that name?
He glanced up only to see Naruto staring back at him in concern. He offered the boy his signature smile and directed him toward the restaurant. He had to work, anyway.
Naruto frowned, obviously displeased with the secrecy, but for once he decided to be obliging without a fight and turned into the double doors that marked the hotel's dining area.
Kakashi looked around and stepped away from the public space toward the more secluded terrain of the empty lobby. He ran a hand through his hair, then, as he realized Hanare was patiently waiting for him to respond in a way besides shock.
"Why are you asking me about Obito?"
"After you got off the phone with Jiraiya, I heard him talking to himself," she explained easily, a light laugh in her voice. "Well, muttering is more like it. He said something about giving up the search for Obito. Come on, Kakashi, who's Obito?"
Of course he did. Jiraiya thinks my search is a waste of time. He doesn't believe I can find Obito…He also doesn't think I would find anything worthwhile even if I did. He gave up on Obito when he heard what happened, but I haven't. Not completely. A part of me, a foolish part, is still holding onto the hope that my old friend still exists inside the stranger who betrayed me.
"Obito...," Kakashi began before sighing heavily. He knew offering vague details about his past wouldn't satisfy her for long, and he planned to tell her eventually, but not yet. "Forget it, Hanare. It's…personal. It has nothing to do with you."
He heard an audible exhale from the other end. "Okay, okay. I get it. But you know I'm here for you, right?"
Yeah, I do. I don't know how you continue putting up with me.
"...I appreciate it, Hanare," Kakashi smiled, hoping she could understand his sincerity. And with that, it was time to change the topic. Maybe he should just take the initiative to update his drunk of a boss. "Hey, is Jiraiya there?"
"Sorry, darling, but he just stepped out. He turned off his phone, too, so you'll have to wait until he gets back to talk to him."
Kakashi rolled his eyes, "Figures. Just have him call me when he gets back."
"Will do."
The call ended, and he lowered the phone with a long exhale.
Maybe Jiraiya is right. Maybe my search for Obito is a fool's errand...Of course, I don't know what I'd do if I gave it up...Other than quit this miserable job.
Shaking his head, Kakashi then turned to head into the restaurant when he caught sight of Sarada and her father emerging from the double doors, both looking upset.
Well, look who it is? I wonder what's bothering them.
He decided to simply wait close to the wall to observe their interaction. It would be rude to interrupt.
"Sarada," the girl's father spoke sternly, leveling his reproaching onyx gaze on her. "Sarada, look at me while I'm talking to you."
Sarada kept her head directed toward the wall, refusing to look at him as she crossed her arms with a frown.
The man sighed, placing a hand to his head in obvious frustration. "Why would you do that while we're eating?"
"It was an accident!" Sarada defended fervently, finally meeting his eyes. "I was upset. I…I'm really sorry, papa."
Her father shook his head, lowering his arm as his features softened slightly. "I know, Sarada. Just…go back to the room for now. I'll be there in a minute."
Sarada nodded slowly. Kakashi caught sight of the beginnings of tears in her eyes as she turned away and walked hastily up the stairs.
Kakashi wavered slightly at the uncomfortable atmosphere left behind by the exchange but waved it away as he approached the lone figure and casually stated, "Looks like a rough job. Raising kids, I mean."
Those black eyes rose to meet his, narrowing in question, before they hardened into a cold glare. The guy could be wary of him, but that response was just rude. Oh well.
Kakashi shrugged easily, the intense look hardly fazing him. "Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot. Maybe we can start with introductions. I never caught your name."
"Sasuke," was his simple response.
"Nice to officially meet you, Sasuke," Kakashi replied lightly, holding his hand out. "Hatake Kakashi. I'm a salesman for Red Crown."
Sasuke ignored the offered hand, but his glare dissipated slightly into confusion as his eyebrows furrowed. "Hatake...Kakashi?"
"Yeah," Kakashi nodded. "That's my name. Something wrong with it?"
"No," Sasuke instantly shook his head, the puzzled look still present in his stare. "I just...thought for sure I'd heard it before, but we've never met."
Again?
"We haven't. Do you know someone with my name?"
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, as if deep in thought. "No, but..."
"But?" Kakashi pressed.
Sasuke's expression shifted, then, into a blank façade as his stare wandered to the side. "Nothing." The dark-haired man stepped around him and retreated toward the staircase, following his daughter's previous trail.
You've gotta be kidding me...
Was someone going to tell him that was also just a coincidence? Orochimaru reacted the same way to his name—just more suspiciously—but his concerns were valid considering there was another Hatake Kakashi who stayed at the Dusk six months ago. If Sasuke also knew Obito...what could be their connection?
Kakashi tore his gaze away from Sasuke's previous position and forcefully directed himself toward the white double-doors. He could think more on that later. Lifting a hand, he pushed open the right door and crossed the threshold. A grinning Naruto planted at the host stand and a long hallway greeted his vision, stopping at a single door before curving to the left where he assumed the actual restaurant was located.
"Good evening, sir!" Naruto greeted energetically, lowering his torso into a dramatic bow. "Welcome to the Moonlight Grill."
Kakashi crossed his arms, smirking as he regarded the younger man. "I like the 'sir'. That's a nice touch."
The blond troublemaker spat his tongue out childishly as he straightened. "I'm just doing my job, dattebayo."
"Why are you called the bellhop when you work other jobs?"
"Because this place is insane!" Naruto exploded suddenly, waving his hands around him emphatically. "Orochimaru is a slave driver! As soon as the sun goes down, on top of my normal duties, I become the host for the restaurant, and then I have to tend the bar."
Kakashi's eyes lit up slightly at that last bit. "There's a bar in this place?"
"Oh, right. I guess you didn't know," Naruto laughed, before directing his hand toward a door at the end of the hall that stood adjacent to a swinging white door. A bright neon sign hung over the top of the bar entrance. "That's it, right there. It's called Seven Suns and that big colorful sign is like a beacon, so you can't miss it. Ooh!" his mouth dropped open excitedly as he leaned forward. "Do you wanna grab a drink with me later?"
Kakashi lifted a single brow at that inquiry. "Naruto, if I remember correctly, you're still underage. Nineteen is not the legal drinking age."
Naruto's lips pressed into an immature pout, "I meant if you wanted to hang out there with me! I'm the bartender, so I have to focus on that anyway. Even if I was old enough, I wouldn't be allowed to drink on the job."
"So, you want me to drink in front of you while you lament over your age and work barriers?"
"Hey," Naruto lifted a single chiding finger and leveled it at him. "I actually like working in the bar. It's my favorite thing to do here."
Kakashi raised his arms as he took a step away from the dramatic scene in front of him. "Alright, I believe you. I was thinking of stopping by regardless."
"Yay!" the blond pumped his fist into the air in triumph. He then attempted to compose himself and return to a sense of professionalism, but the wide grin was still in place. "Anyway, we have a table ready. Tonight's special is a big steak with some kinda weird garlic butter and mashed potatoes."
Mmm…sounds delicious.
Kakashi shrugged, maintaining his surface indifference. "I could go for a steak."
Naruto nodded, making a delighted sound with his lips as he pulled out his phone and started typing out a new text. Kakashi peered over his shoulder and saw that he was sending the new order to Tsunade. He nodded in approval at their system. It was fast and reliable, if not unprofessional.
After sending the message, Naruto dropped his orange phone onto the host stand and smiled. However, in the next moment, his eyes widened in alarm and his hands clung to the sides of his head.
"Shoot! I totally forgot to ask, dattebayo! Is there anything wrong with your room?"
Kakashi tilted his head. "Wrong?"
Was that a normal question to ask the guests?
"Yeah, dattebayo," Naruto nodded, lowering his arms to instead cross them comfortably over his chest. "You know, the lights don't work or the water's messed up or there are rats or whatever?"
Kakashi chuckled to himself at that. So much for Orochimaru's paradise on earth.
"Nope. Everything's just fine."
The honorary host placed a hand over his heart and released a relieved exhale. "Whoo! Good to hear. Some of the rooms are messed up pretty bad. Orochimaru hasn't let anyone stay in them for six months!"
Six months? That was around the time the guest with his name had stayed in the hotel. Was there a connection?
"You've had rooms out of commission for the past six months?"
"Yeah, they're in bad shape, but Orochimaru refuses to pay to get them fixed," Naruto rolled his eyes. "Says he doesn't trust mechanics."
Orochimaru didn't trust anyone, apparently.
"Which rooms?"
Naruto narrowed his eyes, face scrunching in concentration as he seemed to dig around for the information. "Uh...just 217 and 218, I think. 220 is our suite, but I consider it out of commission most of the time too 'cause most people don't stay there. Only the occasional couple and the mayor from the next town over." He paused to laugh lightly, shaking his head as he revealed, "That guy is obsessed with the love symbolism in that room, for some reason. He even has it tattooed on his forehead."
So, it isn't just old ladies who like the room names. Crazy mayors like it too.
Kakashi pushed aside the amusing thought, grounding himself in the information Naruto was sharing. Room 217 was included in the list of rooms that were out of commission.
"So, 217 is out of bounds?" he asked nonchalantly, rapping his fingers against the host stand.
That meant he could easily poke around to look for clues regarding Obito's supposed visit.
"Yep! What are you thinking?" the blond asked, tilting his head curiously.
Kakashi shrugged. There was no harm in sharing his theory with the eager bellhop. "I know that room. That's where someone with my name stayed six months ago."
Naruto's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "How did you find that out?"
"I looked at the guest register," he responded matter-of-factly.
"Aw, man," Naruto brushed a hand through his spikes with a forlorn sigh. "Why did you go and do something like that?"
"I think the guest with my name was Obito."
The Uzumaki's cerulean irises widened in alarm, traces of anger darkening their depths and overshadowing his worry. "Are you kidding me?! Obito was here?!"
"It's a hunch, but I think I'm right."
"No," Naruto shook his head frantically. "No, there's no way! I would've recognized him. And if he stayed here with your name, I would have noticed that too. You saw how I acted with the packages."
That was true. Naruto wouldn't have missed the Uchiha if he came for a visit. Did Obito remember him from their brief confrontation three years ago? Did he know to avoid him? It was safe to reveal himself to Orochimaru since the older man wasn't connected to his past.
"Look, man...Even if you're right, you can't just go running around the hotel like you own the place. Chasing clues is one thing, but this is crazy! You're not a cop anymore, dattebayo! You can't be picking locks and breaking doors and all that! If Orochimaru finds out, he's going to totally freak!" Naruto paused in his rant to take a deep breath and calm himself before continuing, "That's not to say don't do it...You want answers and I wouldn't mind having some either. My point is you need to be careful. We're a team now, and I can watch your back when you do your snooping stuff."
He couldn't risk Naruto's stable job by dragging him into his shady investigation. It would be best if the kid stayed out of it.
Kakashi crinkled his eyes, putting on a smile as he waved away the idea. "That's an interesting offer, Naruto, but I've got it covered. I'll let you know if I need anything."
Naruto frowned, eyeing him suspiciously a long moment, and Kakashi wondered what could be going through his mind. The blond had already proven his uncanny abilities of perception and stubbornness. Whatever words came out next, it was clear that he wouldn't let it go that easily.
"Hm...alright, dattebayo," Naruto finally nodded. He returned to his original position behind the tall stand and indicated the corridor behind him. "Anyway, the restaurant is down that way and around the corner. There's a table in the center that's free, so you can take that one."
Kakashi dipped his head once at the teen, grateful that he decided to drop the subject, and followed his directions toward the restaurant. However, after rounding the corner, he stopped short with a raised brow as he observed a rather distressed looking pinkette blocking his path.
"Something on your mind, Sakura?"
"Oh!" she gasped, teal eyes widening in surprise a moment before they calmed with recognition. "Oh...it's you."
"Yep, it's me. Kakashi, by the way," he offered as an afterthought. He was losing track of all the introductions he still had to make, but Sakura was probably the last one. "You never heard me coming, did you?"
Sakura shook her head miserably. "No, I'm sorry. Something awful happened, and now I can't focus." She released a forlorn sigh as she lifted a hand to her temple. "Tell me, Kakashi...have you ever been hated by someone?"
Well, this was bound to be interesting.
Kakashi responded with an easy shrug. "I'm sure I have. Why?"
"There was this child in the restaurant who said she hated me," Sakura gestured to the door behind her, her voice gaining volume as she spoke. "She told me to go away!"
Kakashi tilted his head, his mind instantly connecting her experience with what he overheard from Sasuke in the lobby. Also, as far as he knew, there was only one child staying in the hotel. "Are you talking about Sarada?"
"Is that her name? Sarada?"
"Yeah. What exactly did she do to you?"
"She threw her doll at me and ran off!" Sakura revealed in exasperation, running her fingers through her pink locks, calming her breathing.
For no reason? That didn't sound like Sarada.
"Why did she throw her doll at you?"
"I have no idea," Sakura stated defensively, crossing her arms as she looked away from him. "She must have been raised without manners. I didn't even do anything to provoke her. She had an adorable handmade doll, and I just asked who made it."
"That's it?" Kakashi pushed, unconvinced. He didn't know the pinkette well, but Sakura was reactive, if her interaction with Naruto was anything to go by. If Sarada offended her, he could easily imagine her not taking it well.
"Yes, that's it," Sakura nodded. "I didn't say anything that could be construed as rude or mean. That's why I was so upset."
"You don't think you're being a tad overdramatic?" Kakashi asked, meeting her gaze with a trace of disbelief in his own. "A child said she hated you. What adult hasn't been hated by a kid at some point?"
Sakura's eyes widened in offense, her mouth hanging agape, but Kakashi had no sympathy to spare.
Sarada was missing her mother. She was most likely speaking from some unhinged emotion. She was probably in a mood at dinner, and some strange lady getting in her business set her off.
"Kakashi?" Sakura's voice demanded his attention.
He lazily regarded her. "Yes, Sakura?"
She pursed her lips, teal irises flaring as she curled her small hands into fists. "I find you ill-tempered and brutish. You have no idea how to treat a lady!"
With an indignant huff, she stormed off...again.
Kakashi watched her retreating figure, confused due the lack of context with her insult, but he shrugged it off. Sakura's tantrum was hardly anything to spend time contemplating excessively. She would get over it.
Oh, well. Time to eat.
He pushed open the simple door and entered the restaurant only to find that it was entirely empty. This place was becoming predictable.
Really, Naruto? 'The center table is empty'? Every table is empty.
The center table was not his first choice anyway, due to his disinclination to mingle in the crowds, so he chose a more favorable option in the corner. As he approached, he noticed a piece of striped fabric sticking out under the lilac tablecloth. Curiously, he reached a hand forward and retrieved a plush doll—complete with a dress and angel wings.
It must have been the doll Sakura mentioned. Sarada needed to keep a better eye on her belongings.
Kakashi sunk into the nearest chair and placed the doll upright in the adjacent one, its position mirroring his own lazy posture. He chuckled to himself as he took in his temporary companion.
It's been a long time since I shared a meal with someone. Hm…it's also been a long time since I had dinner this early. I've gotten so used to eating at odd hours.
His lighthearted musings were interrupted by the sound of the door opening behind him, followed by Tsunade's powerful voice. "Sorry to keep you waiting! Busy, busy, you know?" As she spoke, the curvaceous woman marched across the expanse of the dining room, a single white plate in her hands. When she reached him, she offered a slight pull of her red lips as she placed the meal on the table. "Here's your rib-eye steak, Kakashi. This is a personal favorite of mine. It was seared with salt, pepper, and my own homemade garlic butter. It smells delicious, doesn't it?"
Kakashi paused, taking a moment to inhale the succulent scent of cooked meat and garlic, before he looked to Tsunade with a closed-eye smile. "It sure does."
Tsunade merely smirked at his reaction to the meal. "Well, I'm happy to hear it. Enjoy!"
With a rushed wave, the blonde left the room, most likely on her way back to the kitchen. That woman worked too much.
Kakashi then turned his attention to the meal in front of him. After lifting his fork, he playfully poked the steak, laughing to himself a moment as he recalled a scene from his book, before he started eating. It tasted much better than he expected. So far, the food was the best part of the illustrious Dusk. Apart from the enticing thread of mysteries, of course.
There was once a phase in his youth when he took up cooking. It was mostly done out of boredom, but he ended up pretty good at it. He mastered several styles of cooking fish but never quite made it to steak. He wondered if there was a trick to it or if following the instructions was the better route.
A cup of steaming coffee being placed in front of him broke his temporary solitude.
"Finished already?"
"Hm?" he asked distracted, placing a final piece of meat in his mouth.
Tsunade rolled her eyes at him. "I'll take your plate now, if that's alright. Is it? I'm sure it is!" She reached a hand forward to grasp the empty dish and removed it from his view.
That was presumptuous, but I was already done anyway.
"Well, look at that," the maid's eyes shone with enthusiastic surprise. "You joined the Clean Plate Club! Not a crumb left."
The woman was joking, but she wasn't wrong. That clean plate was his accomplishment for the day.
"Hey, it's less work for you this way," Kakashi winked. "I'm just doing my part."
Tsunade smirked, hazel eyes gleaming with mirth. "Well, aren't you just a charmer?"
He simply tilted his head in response with a coy lift of his shoulders.
She rolled her eyes again and set a new plate in front of him, with some sort of cake and garnish on it.
"This is from Orochimaru," Tsunade answered to his confusion. "It's his apology for the package mix-up. This is another house specialty: tea chiffon cake. I blend the cream myself."
He wasn't sure what he was expecting when Orochimaru offered dessert, but he might actually enjoy this one. It didn't seem overly sweet.
"Sounds good."
"Take your time and enjoy. There's no need to rush."
And with that, Tsunade retreated once more through the door.
Kakashi nodded approvingly at Orochimaru's gift of generosity. He lifted the still steaming mug of coffee to his lips, savoring the flavor, and was about the try the cake when a voice interrupted him.
"Kakashi!"
I'm never going to catch a quiet moment, am I?
Unfortunately, he recognized that voice, and when he turned in his seat, he witnessed a beaming Deidara approaching.
Great...I bet he wants a bite of my cake.
Kakashi swiftly snatched the first bite before the man could ask. It was good—absolutely what he preferred in a dessert.
"Deidara," he greeted dully after swallowing. "Here for the food?"
"Oh, no! I ate earlier, un!" the artist replied, shaking his head. "While I was on the road, I found this seafood place that had these unreal crab legs. The flavor melted in my mouth! In fact, as I sat there in that sad establishment, infested with roaches, I felt inspired. My art has been lacking in inspiration lately, and that seafood place was exactly the spark I needed, un!" Deidara's hands curled into fists as his side, determination overpowering in his tone. "I need to show more raw emotion in my creations! I feel thousands of emotions as I delve into my superior craft, but that message is always lost. No one understands the beauty of my art. They're all blind! But, I will just 'up my game' and create more dramatic pieces!"
Kakashi withheld a sigh. He had asked a simple question, and Deidara turned it into a monologue about his art. This man's rambling was on another level. "That doesn't explain why you're standing in this restaurant. Unless you were inspired to draw lonely dining rooms."
Deidara's mouth fell open in awe. "That is an inspired idea, Hatake Kakashi, un!" He then lifted a hand in front of his face, sweeping it across the air as if he could envision the scene. "The weary traveler stops for a moment only to be enveloped by the surrounding emptiness. He realizes...that he is all alone."
For a moment, he was reminded of Gai. The theatrics, at least. The annoyance he felt from the nonstop chatter was entirely special to the artist.
"Deidara, I'm too full to run away," Kakashi stated dryly. "What do you want?"
The artist's eyes narrowed slightly in reaction to the abrupt question, but he waved it away by raising a fist to his mouth and clearing his throat unnecessarily loud. "Ahem! I wanted to ask you something, and you weren't in your room."
Kakashi quirked a brow at that. Deidara went in his room?
"About that package thing earlier, I'm still missing something. I got the notebook, but there should have been something else inside." Deidara's visible blue eye strayed toward the far wall, a distant appreciation in his stare. "Something small and glorious, with the surreal beauty of a vacant sunrise shining over the mountaintops." His gaze then glided back to meet Kakashi's. "Did you see anything like that, un?"
What obscure sort of description was that? Where did he even come up with that garbage?
"Nothing springs to mind," Kakashi shook his head. "Unless you consider the everyday cardboard box glorious."
"Eww," Deidara's face scrunched in revulsion. "That's offensive! I'll have you know that my taste is much more elegant!" The artist then flipped a hand through his blond locks—a dramatic attempt to prove his point. "I'm talking about a bookmark. It's blue with a painting of an angel on it."
An angel, huh? They must be popular.
"Sounds lovely."
"It's the loveliest piece of art you'll ever set eyes on!" Deidara nodded eagerly, his wide grin returning before it shifted into a smirk. "With the exception of my work, of course, un."
Kakashi cocked his head at that. "What's so special about that notebook anyway?"
The other man's eyes narrowed, the side of his mouth twitching. "You didn't...," his voice lowered perceptibly, rage seeming to swarm in his blue irises. "Did you look at it?"
Wow…Did Deidara miss his compliment about the sketches after he handed over the notebook? Perhaps that wasn't so outlandish. The man's nose was practically buried in it from the second it was in his hands. It might have been for the best anyway. That aggression on his face was intriguing but not to prod. Not yet, anyway.
"I'm not much of a reader." A lie, but Deidara would never know the difference. "I only looked at the cover."
The artist fixed a long stare on him, his visible eye shining with suspicion. Kakashi simply returned the look with an impassive expression.
After another moment, Deidara nodded, his countenance easing. "That is for the best, un."
What is the mighty artist so worried about?
"My bookmark is in your hands," Deidara added finally, holding his hand up in a parting wave before turning on his heel.
As the man left, he passed by Tsunade, who offered him a curious look before he disappeared from sight.
I'll have to remember to check the box later. I'm also curious about his bookmark. This angel thing…is it just a coincidence this time?
"Are you—," Tsunade started to ask but cut herself off with an affronted gasp when she took in the state of his plate. "You've barely touched your cake! Do you not like it?"
Kakashi instantly shook his head, to quell the woman's offense, and held his hands up innocently. "No, it's delicious. I was just busy listening to Deidara's droning."
"Oh, the guest in 211?" Tsunade pointed behind her, at the spot the mysterious artist previously stood. "He seems so familiar..."
"Does he?" Kakashi shrugged. "Apparently, he's some kind of artist."
Maybe even a practicing poet.
"Oh, I'm so foolish!" Tsunade exclaimed, raising a deprecating palm to her forehead. "How did I not notice? I saw his name on the guest registry, but I never thought it was the Deidara! I can't believe he's staying here!"
Kakashi stared at the woman in disbelief. "Don't tell me you're a fan."
Although, to be fair, the sketches in that notebook were incredible. The man was talented, but Deidara would be significantly more appealing if he talked less.
"I'm not crazy or anything, but I enjoy his work."
Kakashi leaned into his chair, crossing his arms over the back as he regarded Tsunade with an inquisitive pondering. Maybe he would learn something interesting about the eccentric blond. "What kind of artist is he, anyway?"
When Tsunade lifted a finger to her painted lips, he reached behind him for the plate of cake and took another bite. Tsunade might be ready to give him a history lesson, so he could indulge in some dessert while he listened.
"Well, his first painting came out about ten years ago and he won some major awards," Tsunade began, her hand fisting to support her chin as she continued. "The painting depicted a lone man in the shadows of a city street watching a couple and their child. There was barely any color in the entire painting. It was a heavily shaded monochromatic red piece. It was very haunting, and everyone assumed the man was going to murder the family, but viewers couldn't help wondering what his true motive was. Deidara must have accounted for this reaction because he cleverly incorporated clues into the canvas that revealed the character's story. Collectors were very excited to get their hands on it. They called him The Maestro of Contemporary Mystery."
He hadn't expected something that intricate to come from Deidara, but perhaps the man was more than he appeared.
Taking another bite of cake, Kakashi hummed in contemplation then waved the fork in front of him languidly. "What was the painting called?"
"Betrayal," Tsunade answered easily. "Even with the clues, the meaning is up to interpretation, but what I got from it was that the man was the son of that couple, who abandoned him at birth only to replace him years later with another child. It's very tragic and fits the title perfectly, so I'm almost certain I came to the right conclusion."
Deidara is full of surprises.
Suddenly, Tsunade's hazel eyes lit up as she smacked a fist into her open palm. "That's it! I must get his autograph!" In the next moment, the woman's determination simmered only to be replaced with aggravation as she clicked her tongue. "But that will have to wait. I still have so many things to do!"
As the agitated maid spoke, she procured the empty plate and fork from his fingers then rushed back to the hall.
At least I was done with it.
Shrugging lightly, Kakashi glanced around and decided he was done in there. Picking up his dinner companion, whom neither Tsunade or Deidara mentioned, he rose from his seat and followed the trail of Tsunade's retreat out the door. As he exited, Naruto's loud voice drifted toward him. Peering around the corner, he was met with the sight of a distraught-looking Hinata.
She's awake!
"You're really awesome for wanting to help Granny, but you need to rest," the host explained in a haste. "She told me you might collapse if you move around too much! What sort of person would I be if I let that happen?"
Hinata stared at him solemnly, a plea in her wide eyes—still not uttering a single word.
"No...no, Hinata, don't look at me like that. I need to put my foot down on this." Naruto puffed his cheeks, searching around the corridor, probably for help. "Uh...what do I do, dattebayo?"
Naruto…you're hopeless.
Kakashi shook his head as he pushed off the wall and rounded the corner. They both looked to him as he approached.
"Need a hand, Naruto?" he offered, lifting his arm in a casual greeting.
The blond's eyes instantly lit up at the suggestion, a wide grin spreading across his cheeks. "You're awesome, dattebayo! Can you walk her to Granny's room? I want to, but she would seriously hurt me if I abandoned the host stand."
That was exactly what he was going to suggest. Maybe now he could talk to her.
Masking his anticipation with apathy, he raised his shoulders lazily. "Why not?"
The bellhop's glee increased, if that was even possible, as he turned back to the silent girl. "Hinata, this is Kakashi. Have you met him yet?"
She nodded.
"Sorry for telling you 'no'...but I'm just trying to look out for you."
Hinata offered a small smile, which made Naruto's eyes soften as he stared at her. Kakashi rolled his eyes and ruffled those blond spikes as he passed, hopefully shaking off the boy's lovestruck daze.
"Come on, Hinata."
She looked to him and nodded again, hesitating only a moment before waving at Naruto as she turned and followed Kakashi through the double doors.
As they passed the threshold, Kakashi paused. Where was he going?
Groaning internally, he lifted a hand to rub the back of his neck as he glanced down at the raven-haired girl. "So…you'll have to lead the way on this one. I actually have no idea where Tsunade's room is located."
Hinata looked up at him with widened eyes.
"Hey, now, that's not fair," Kakashi defended, clicking his tongue. "I'm not an employee, you know. I'm not supposed to know these things. Of course," he winked, "that doesn't stop me from trying."
Hinata smiled softly at that before walking ahead of him through the lobby. He was grateful that she took the lead so easily and followed her through the door Orochimaru had disappeared behind earlier.
It seemed like a golden opportunity to learn another hotel secret, but he was only met with a dimly lit hallway and a scattered arrangement of doors. Strangely, it was the only corridor with carpet.
Well, that was disappointing. The doors could still be hiding something interesting, but the only eye-catching part of the hall was yet another apple painting hanging on the wall, which seemed to also draw Hinata's attention.
"You know, I never understood art," Kakashi revealed, tilting his head as he absently counted three red apples. "What's the point of this painting? It's just a bunch of apples. Is that supposed to mean something? Don't get me wrong, I like art fine, but I just don't get it."
Hinata silently stared at the painting another moment, not even reacting to his commentary, before tearing her gaze away sadly and moving on, passing a second set of stairs as she walked. She stopped in front of a door on the left side of the hall and twisted the handle. Glancing down at the hand pushing on the door, Kakashi glimpsed the mysterious bracelet tauntingly catching the light.
He needed to know. Why pass up this opportunity?
"Hinata," he voiced, alerting her attention.
She turned to face him, but a heavy exhaustion had dominated her countenance—her lavender eyes worn and half-lidded.
The sight made him pause. She looked like she was on the verge of collapse. Naruto was right to be concerned.
Damnit…
"Nevermind," he smiled reassuringly. "It can wait. Why don't you get some sleep?"
Hinata nodded gratefully and shut the door.
Kakashi sighed, running a hand through his silver strands. He would come back at eight—like Tsunade asked.
Turning on his heel, he made for the exit. He might as well update Naruto on Hinata's safe return.
When he reached the end of the lobby, he heard footsteps on the stairs. Shifting his gaze, he saw Chiyo slowly descending with a small frown in place. As her foot touched the ground floor, she lifted her gaze. Her expression brightened when it landed on him.
"Oh! Is that you, Mr. Hatake? Have you eaten?"
"Yeah, I just finished."
Chiyo hummed airily in response, her eyes slipping closed. "And how did the restaurant fare? I hope it's tasty!"
"It was good...which shocked me."
"That's good news!" Chiyo's smile stretched with glee. Opening her eyes, then, she set a long stare on him. "Mr. Hatake…I have a bit of a favor to ask of you. Can you spare a moment for an old woman?"
Kakashi was hesitant to respond. Who knew what sort of obscure favor she would ask from him?
…But the prospect was too intriguing to ignore.
He nodded.
"I was wondering if you might escort me to the restaurant," Chiyo stated. Leaning forward, she patted a hand gently against her knee. "I had some trouble with my legs recently and I don't wish to fall on the way."
Kakashi's anticipation deflated as his shoulders drooped. That was it?
"Uh..."
"I don't mean to impose, but I don't know who else to ask."
He really didn't want to do that. Raising his hands in front of him, he put on a smile. "Listen, I—"
"Wonderful!" Chiyo clapped her hands together, instantly cutting him off. "It's settled then! I'll just take your arm." With an impish twinkle in her eyes and a self-satisfied giggle, the elderly woman stepped closer—with surprising agility—and looped her arm through his. "Shall we go?"
Kakashi grimaced but accepted the forced embrace of his limb. Wriggling out of her grasp and coming up with a proper excuse would be too much of a hassle. It would be much easier if he did as she requested. And, he had to admit…the woman's giddiness was also somewhat endearing.
Releasing a resigned sigh, Kakashi continued his journey through the doors, a small smile on his face expressing his amusement as the elderly woman hummed softly beside him. When they passed the vacant host stand, his humor increased, but it was accompanied by an eye roll. So much for Naruto not abandoning his post.
He walked mechanically down the hall toward the dining area. The path barely took any effort to remember. When the entrance finally came into view, he stopped and extended his free hand to push open the door for her.
"Here you go."
Chiyo smiled gratefully as she relinquished her hold on him. "Thank you! You're a true gentleman."
The compliment brought a wave of discomfort over the ex-detective, but he brushed it away with a dismissive tone. "Now, don't you get me confused with someone else, Chiyo. I had nothing better to do."
"Is that so?" the woman questioned, tilting her head curiously as she peered up at him. "Well, either way, I'm grateful. As you get on in years, you learn to appreciate simple acts of kindness. I know I do," she chuckled to herself. "I have another favor to ask of you. Would you mind seeing me again this evening?"
Kakashi arched a dubious brow, once again taken aback by her choice of words. "...Seeing you?"
"You look so concerned!" Chiyo laughed throatily, waving a hand in front of her. "There's nothing to worry about. You just look like the sort of man who can enjoy a good drink. I would like to buy you a glass in exchange for some company. What do you think?"
All this free stuff…I'm getting the royal treatment at this place.
"Alright, Chiyo," he nodded finally. "A drink sounds good to me. There's a bar right there," directing his hand behind him, he indicated the glowing sign. "It opens at nine. Does that work for you?"
"Splendidly! Well, I'll be going now. I'll see you soon."
With a final smile and dip of her head, the old woman sauntered slowly into the dining room, and Kakashi let the door fall closed behind her. He was actually looking forward to that drink. Chiyo was an interesting woman.
"Hey, Kakashi Officer!" a booming voice suddenly exclaimed behind him.
I wonder who that could be...
Rolling his eyes, Kakashi angled his head to the side, catching the energetic Uzumaki in a warning glare. "Naruto, is discretion entirely lost on you?"
"Sorry, sorry. I was just surprised. What are you doing back here? Are you still hungry?"
"No, I was escorting someone to the restaurant."
Naruto scratched his head, eyebrows scrunched in confusion. "Escorting? Who?" A spark of inspiration spread across his irises, then, before an impish grin curled onto his lips. "Ooh! Was it Sakura?"
Kakashi relaxed his eyes into a dull stare. "No," he returned flatly. "It was the old lady from 212."
"Oh…" Naruto grimaced. "I didn't know you were attracted to old people."
"Naruto," Kakashi began as his patience waned, "You're an idiot. She asked me to help her."
"Well, look at you!" the blond exclaimed through a laugh, settling his hands onto his hips. "Hatake Kakashi, Savior of the Elderly!"
…
"Obito! Thank you so much for helping my wife with her shopping this morning. You were a life-saver."
Obito's face lit up at the praise—onyx eyes beaming to match his toothy grin. "You don't have to go that far. I'm just glad I was able to help."
"You're always helping us," the elderly man returned. He lifted a basket brimming with sweets onto the detective's desk, his own tender smile in place as Obito's eyes widened. "This is from both of us. To thank you for your generosity."
With that, the old man turned and walked back the way he had come, the elevator already open to receive him.
Kakashi rolled his eyes from his position beside the overjoyed Uchiha, a teasing smirk in place from the display he had just witnessed. "I finally get it. Your obsession with helping old people is because they cater to your addiction. How clever of you. Clever and somewhat low."
Obito ignored the taunting, his actions set on tearing open the gift basket to retrieve two lollipops. Removing the wrapping from the first one, he plopped it into his mouth before setting the other in front of his partner. "There. It's grape, not that you deserve it. Keep making fun of me, Kakashi, and I'll stop sharing these with you."
The silver-haired detective shrugged but accepted the hard candy. "It's not my fault you make it so easy. You get goody baskets from old people and keep their fan mail taped around the office." As he spoke, he flourished his hand around them to the various letters and drawings lining the wall of Obito's desk.
The Uchiha frowned, a discernible pout in place that was slightly obscured by the candy in his mouth. "It's not fan mail, you jerk. They're just expressing their gratitude."
"Whatever it is, I can't promise I'll ever stop teasing you for it," Kakashi concluded with a smirk. "That's the price you pay for being the savior of the elderly."
…
Kakashi closed his eyes, releasing a slow exhale as he anchored himself back to the present. He couldn't get caught up in memories around Naruto. He shouldn't get caught up in them at all, in fact. There was a fondness there that he could still associate with them, but the rest was just painful. Despite knowing that, though, he always allowed himself to be pulled back in. Even with this, he was acting as Obito always did—aiding the elderly in their times of need. It's like he was asking for the memories to surface. Perhaps he was just a glutton for punishment.
Pushing away those musings, he returned his attention to those familiar cerulean eyes and crossed his arms, adopting a chiding tone. "Be grateful, Naruto. I just did your job for you. What happened to manning the host stand?"
"Granny called me in to do some cleaning!" the young bellhop wailed miserably. "It's not my fault, dattebayo!" Naruto jutted his lip into a pout and slipped his hand into his pocket when his eyes widened. "Oh, right. While I was in there, I found this." Retracting his arm, he held out an ornate black pen on his palm. "It was under your table, so I thought you might like it back."
Kakashi arched a brow at that. "Naruto, do I look like the kind of person who owns a fountain pen?"
"Uh...no?"
Peering closer at the object, Kakashi noticed the words To Sasori, with love etched into the pen in silver letters. "Look, there's an inscription."
Naruto blinked once in confusion before he also leaned forward to get a better look. "Sasori?"
"Is there anyone staying here tonight with that name?"
"I don't know," the bellhop shook his head. "I'll have to check with Orochimaru."
"Do it. I want to find out who this pen belongs to."
He wasn't sure what made him so motivated to follow this random trail, but he had a hunch that it would lead somewhere.
"I'll hold onto it for now."
Naruto nodded, easily accepting Kakashi's decision as he handed the pen over.
As the older man was slipping it into his pocket, a loud yell reached their ears from the kitchen. "Naruto? Naruto! I need your help! Get in here right now! Chop-chop!"
Naruto groaned, rolling his eyes. "Great...Granny is on my case again. I'd better go see what she wants."
"Good thinking."
Naruto waved once before dashing off toward the swinging white door. So that was the kitchen.
Nodding in approval at this newest piece of random information, Kakashi exited the corridor and proceeded up the stairs—surprisingly without any interruptions. Standing at the top of the landing, he realized he had two options: he could go to his room and hunt down that glorious bookmark for Deidara or he could return Sarada's doll.
Turning slightly, he moved to rap his fist lightly on 219, holding the plush figure behind his back. Deidara could wait.
A moment later, the door opened to reveal the youngest occupant of Hotel Dusk, dark eyes staring up at him in confusion.
"...Oh. It's you. My dad isn't here."
Interesting. Where was he?
"That's okay," Kakashi responded, leaning down so he could match her height. "I'm here to see you."
The girl backtracked into the room. "...Why?"
I just come off the wrong way to these two, don't I?
Hanging his head, Kakashi sighed as he moved his arm to reveal the doll. "You forgot something in the restaurant. This is yours, right?"
"Oh..." Sarada's gaze was fixed on the plush, eyes wide in a mixture of surprise and sadness.
"It's okay. Take it."
The girl nodded hesitantly before reaching her hands forward to retrieve the doll from his grasp. She cradled the toy in her arms, her eyes never leaving it. "T-thank you. Mama made this for me."
Kakashi's stare softened slightly. "It must be important."
"Yeah...it is."
"Then maybe you shouldn't throw it at people."
Sarada's eyes instantly snapped up to him. "I didn't mean to! I was upset and...," she sighed, shaking her head. "Nevermind."
Kakashi watched her closely another moment, before he straightened once more.
"Where did your dad go, Sarada?"
"I don't know," the girl mumbled. Her posture tensed as she directed her eyes pointedly away from him. "I'm sure he went somewhere so didn't have to see me anymore. He hates me."
"Hm," Kakashi hummed lightly. "I doubt that."
Sarada's attention returned to him as her lower lip trembled. "But he's always mad at me!"
"Maybe it's not you he's mad at," he shrugged. "Maybe he's got something else on his mind and watching his daughter misbehave sets him off. I thought you wanted to make this trip easy on him."
"I've been trying, but nothing I do ends up helping. I only make it worse!"
Kakashi rested his face in his palm and released a weary sigh. He was out of his element with this. "Look, kid...I'm not good at this, so I don't know what to say to make you feel better."
Sarada lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening around her doll as she pulled it closer to her chest. A short silence ensued before she sighed and murmured, "Could you...maybe stay here for a little while? Just until my papa gets back?"
Kakashi blinked, surprised at the level of trust her request conveyed, but that didn't make it a good idea. Sasuke was already suspicious of him. "I don't know about that."
"It's fine," Sarada roller her eyes irritably. "I can decide things for myself, and I've decided that you're trustworthy. You've been helping me ever since you got here. Now, come in."
With that, she abruptly turned and walked into the room, leaving the door open behind her. From his vantage point, he watched her place the precious doll on one of the two beds, snuggling it under the covers. He felt a small smile form as he witnessed this more carefree side of the girl.
Sarada already looked brighter by acting bossy. Maybe cheering her up would be a good start to figuring out whatever problem she had with her dad.
Hesitating only another moment, he stepped forward and closed the door behind him. He didn't miss the triumphant smirk on Sarada's face when he moved past the entryway into her line of sight.
"Are you hungry? I have some dumplings in the fridge." She indicated the mini fridge with a minimal sweep of her hand.
A fridge, huh? Their room is much nicer than mine. I suppose that's what you get when you're not cheap.
He brushed off her offer with a shrug. He had just eaten, after all. "That's tempting, but I wouldn't want to hurt myself."
Sarada rolled her eyes again. "Do you ever answer questions normally? When I asked how you knew my name, you said 'adults know everything'. That didn't tell me anything."
Kakashi felt a hint of mocking amusement at her frustration but he maintained his impassive demeanor and simply raised his shoulders once more. "Consider it being creative."
"Or annoyingly vague."
He closed his eyes and pulled the corners of his lips into a purposefully annoying smile.
As predicted, Sarada groaned in exasperation and dropped the subject. "What is your name, by the way?"
"Kakashi."
"Interesting name...," she mused. Kakashi tilted his head only for her to laugh then walk to a small table where her puzzle rested. It was almost complete. "Do you want to work on this with me?"
"You sure you don't want the joy of completing it by yourself?" he quipped, an easy smirk in place.
Sarada let out an indignant huff, placing a hand on her hip as she stared at him. "For your information, I've finished this puzzle seven times already. I'm being nice by making an exception to let you help." She then adjusted her glasses with a final click of her tongue and lowered herself into a chair.
Seven times? Impressive.
Kakashi chuckled and relented, dropping himself to the chair across her. "I'm flattered."
A comfortable silence fell over them as they took turns filling in pieces of the puzzle. Kakashi was assigned the boring task of sorting through the dual-toned sand shapes while Sarada tackled the diverse shades of blues and greens for the ocean. She chose the fun section for herself.
As the overhead clock ticked away, Kakashi recalled how much he enjoyed puzzles. They were a great way to pass the time and kept his mind blissfully occupied. He would have to purchase a few on his way home tomorrow.
Just when he was placing one of his final pieces in the sandy shore, he noticed that Sarada's eyes had adopted a distant look. Lifting his gaze to meet her own, he watched as her frown deepened.
"My mama gave this to me for my birthday."
That…explained a lot.
He kept up his composure, however, and responded with a casual tone. "Yeah? When's your birthday?"
"March 31st."
"March, huh? A spring birthday, then," Kakashi noted as he placed his last piece in the corner. "Was your birthday fun?"
Sarada stilled, her hand hovering over the puzzle. A glistening shine radiating from her eyes as they filled with moisture.
Wrong question.
"That's the day my mama left."
"Oh..."
Damnit.
"Why do you think she left?" Sarada asked in a shaky voice. Her hand trembled as it curled around the puzzle piece. "Why do you think she never said anything to me? She didn't even say goodbye. She—," she cut herself off with a barely restrained sob.
Kakashi stared uncomfortably at the emotional girl in front of him. He felt sorry for her, but he was not an optimal choice for consoling anyone. These situations only made him feel awkward. There had to be something he could do, though. It seemed worse to sit there doing nothing.
Wait...On the back of that puzzle piece...
Reaching forward, he untangled the piece from Sarada's loose grip and placed it in the empty space, successfully finishing the puzzle, before gently flipping it over. In black letters, the words Goodbye, Sarada were written onto the back.
Kakashi's eyes softened. If her mom wrote this message, she wasn't planning on coming home.
"Sarada—"
He was interrupted by the sudden sound of the door opening and black spikes coming into view.
Sasuke paused in the entryway, confusion evident in his expression. "Kakashi? What are you doing here?"
Sarada swiped a hand against her eyes, looking away from her father as she snapped, "We were talking."
"I told you not to let anyone in our room," Sasuke chastised, his patience seeming to thin with her disrespectful tone and supposed recklessness. "You don't know anything about this man!"
Kakashi lifted his hands in front of him as he rose calmly from the chair. "Hey, don't yell at the kid."
Sasuke's dark orbs flared. "I've had quite enough of—"
"I let myself in," Kakashi informed the concerned parent. "She didn't do anything wrong. Sorry about this."
The other man held his glare a moment longer, before he slipped his eyes closed and exhaled heavily. "At least you understand. Now leave."
"I'm going," Kakashi nodded but didn't move. He wanted to see if he could find some answers before he left. "But first, I have a question. Why did your wife leave you?"
"What?!" Sasuke grit his teeth, alarm and rage reflected in his shaking fists. He turned his focus to his daughter, then, his tone accusing. "Sarada, what have you been telling him?!"
Sarada merely shook her head, her eyes watering all over again.
"Damnit...," the dark-haired male cursed under his breath, before lifting his eyes back to the composed salesman. "Kakashi, every family has its problems. I would appreciate it if you stopped nosing into mine."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes. "Believe it or not, these questions aren't for my benefit. They're for Sarada's. I think your daughter deserves to know why her mother abandoned her."
Whatever was left of Sasuke's resolve shattered. "Get out! If you bother my family again, I won't hesitate to get you thrown out of here!"
Kakashi held his erratic glare a moment longer before walking toward the door. Once he was in the hall, the still fuming parent slammed the door behind him. He might have made the situation worse, but if there was a chance Sasuke would finally explain his wife's disappearance to his daughter, then it would be worth it.
Oh, right. Ugh…I have to track down Deidara's glorious bookmark.
With a resigned sigh, he dragged himself across the hall to his room, where he proceeded to look in the cardboard box that had once contained the artist's mysterious notebook. It seemed empty, but a bookmark could have easily slipped into the cracks. He flipped the box and tap his palm against the bottom until a blur of color fluttered to the ground.
Dropping the box, he bent down to examine the coveted item. The bookmark had a blue tassel at the top, but the more intriguing part was the image depicted on it of a girl in a blue dress. No, that was the angel. She had luminescent blue wings that faded into the background of turquoise and purple clouds. It looked ethereal.
Is this a professional art piece?
Maybe Deidara could provide him with some answers. If he could get him to stop ranting for a few minutes, of course.
After procuring the bookmark from the floor, he returned to the second-floor corridor and locked his door behind him before sauntering past the stairwell until he reached 211. He raised a fist to knock lightly on the wood.
The door opened rather abruptly, and Kakashi barely managed to catch himself as he was met with the intense blue gaze of Deidara's visible eye.
"Oh, Kakashi. I had a feeling it was you, un. Did you find my bookmark?"
"Yeah, I found it," Kakashi replied. He extended his arm so that Deidara could easily take the bookmark.
The man looked overjoyed as he accepted it and held it up to the light. "Ah! I'm so glad it wasn't lost!"
Deciding to cut short the dramatics, Kakashi cleared his throat and gestured to the bookmark. "The picture on the front...Do you know who did it?"
"You noticed!" the artist's mouth widened with glee. "It's breathtaking, isn't it? Do you recognize the name Coverdale?"
"Should I?"
"Why are people so uneducated in the world of beauty?" Deidara tsked, shaking his head in an admonishing fashion. "Samael Coverdale is a famous painter, and this particular piece marked the pinnacle of his artistic career. His life is surrounded by mystery, but we do know that he was a British painter from the late nineteenth century. This bookmark," he flattened it on his palm so they could both see it, "is a reproduction of his most famous painting, Angel Opening a Door. It's a personal favorite of mine, un."
"Is it normal for an artist to brag so much about someone else's work?"
Deidara laughed in response. "Just because we share the same profession doesn't make us enemies. In fact, our bond is deepened by our similar paths!" He placed his free hand against his chest and held it there with a proud smile. "You learn more about your own art through the critique of another. Coverdale also uses a masterful display of color in his art, and that naturally appeals to me."
Kakashi arched a curious brow. "I heard that you went more for that dark mysterious aspect. Lots of shading and minimal colors."
"Oh," Deidara's enthusiasm seemed to deflate as he returned his arm to his side. "You must be referring to Betrayal. It's true that I took that route with my first painting, but I've been experimenting with the use of more color in my latest works." His single eye stared into space as it had once before in the dining room. Kakashi braced himself for the return of the eccentrics. "I want my art to be eye catching! Color explodes off the page in a way that shadows never do! Coverdale understood that concept, so you could say he's a role model of sorts."
Coverdale...sounds like an interesting fellow.
"Oh, yes, do you see the key held in the angel's hands?"
Kakashi didn't, but he leaned forward to glean the bookmark more carefully. Sure enough, the angel's palms were turned upward, and a small gold key was placed there. Was she receiving it or accepting it?
"Yeah…What about it?"
"That key and the word 'door' in the paintings title is what creates the true enigma of this image. No door is shown, but the angel holds the key to open it. It spurs the imagination, doesn't it, un?"
This was torture.
"It sure does," Kakashi agreed in a bored voice. It was time to make his escape. "Anyway, if you don't need anything else, I need to go. I've gotta take a work call."
"Of course! The work never sleeps, as we artist's say!"
I doubt anyone actually says that.
Deidara waved goodbye and closed the door.
Finally…but that left him to wonder what he should do with the rest of his time.
Kakashi quickly decided he might as well kill some time reading until Hinata was ready to talk, but as he passed 218, he heard a faint banging.
Inclining his head toward the noise, he stepped closer to investigate and knocked idly on the door.
"Hey? Is someone in there?"
Through the blocked threshold, he heard muted sniffling. Was someone crying?
"Go away."
Sarada?
Kakashi furrowed his brow, concern faintly creeping in. What happened to her?
"Hey, kid, what are you doing in there? Your room is 219."
His response was a choked sob as the girl whispered, "…Leave me alone."
Not gonna happen.
He wrapped his hand around the door handle, but it wouldn't budge.
Damnit…Sarada locked herself in the room.