Disclaimer: Again, I don't own anybody or anything except Tomoko, her family, and Nagareboshi Cafe. The song for this chapter is Kyle Landry's cover of Joe Hisashi's Asian Dream. Tomoko doesn't actually play the song this chapter, but I believe it really fits the mood of this part overall. Please enjoy!
Dedicated to Frost-Ninja Dragon, one of my best friends and wonderful consultant to this fanfiction so far. I'm really grateful for all your help, old friend, and I'll continue to rely on you from now on. Love you lots!
Interlude: Kakashi
Hoshino Tomoko was…a weird girl.
To Hatake Kakashi, she didn't stand out at all initially. If anything, he probably would've avoided her like the rest of the civilians he passed by on the way to the Ninja Academy. It was only when he had turned 5 and visited Nagareboshi Cafe at the insistence of his dad that he noticed her at all.
Hatake Sakumo had apparently taken an interest in this cafe while he was gone and to be frank, Kakashi didn't understand the charm of the small business at first. If anything, it looked and felt like a normal cafe that catered to both civilians and ninja, welcoming anybody with kindness. There was a dinky little bar with the occasional drinker lounging there, the usual table set-up with many privacy seals lurking around just in case, and civilian servers.
It was only when Sakumo pushed him past the small crowd near the center of the cafe that he saw her.
…That's a lot of black and red. For such a casual kimono dress, the girl could've passed off as a small, dark princess with the color scheme. A red hair ribbon marking the right side of her face, a black and red patterned skirt, bright red hoodie, black kimono top and lacy red sleeves, black stockings, heck, even black boots! If not for the occasional splash of grey and red through the obi and skirt itself, Kakashi would've felt the need to avert his eyes from the darkness of it all.
What was much stranger, was what the girl was doing. It was only that moment that his ears picked up the soft melody coming from the girl's direction, one which he never heard before, and when searching for the source, his mouth could've easily dropped.
She's playing that song all by herself?! If not for his trusted mask, Kakashi was sure he was gaping. The girl looked to be his age, yet there she was, dressed up and playing the large grand piano sitting in the center of the cafe alone. Just from looking at her hands, it was like they were flying over the keys, only providing the gentlest of touches to them to produce the song. Even when straining his hearing in an attempt to pay closer attention, he couldn't even hear any hesitation in the movement, the music coming out in a smooth and soothing manner, like water in a river.
"Neh, Kakashi," the boy was sure Sakumo was grinning happily. "How about we head up there?"
Hell no, his mind responded. But for some reason, the words just wouldn't come out. Kakashi attempted to protest wordlessly to make up for the sudden lump in his throat, looking up at Sakumo desperately.
Apparently Sakumo didn't get the hint though, laughing. "Kakashi, you don't have to be shy! She takes song requests—might as well go up there to celebrate your graduation from the Academy!"
I don't need that kind of thing—
But Sakumo still pushed him up to the stage anyway, almost forcing him to sit in the chair next to the piano, cheerily greeting the girl. Luckily, they came up when she just finished her most recent song, and when turning to face them, Kakashi got an eyeful of bright blue.
Her eyes reminded him of a wide blue sky, sparkling with different elements of emotion.
…Apparently she was spacing out though, because when Sakumo got her attention, an embarrassed blush painted her cheeks.
"I-I'm sorry about that!" She has a really high-pitched voice for a 5 year old. "Y-Yeah, that's me. What would you like me to play?"
"Just something to celebrate my son's graduation from the Academy!" Why did Sakumo have to sound so embarrassing when pointing that out? Kakashi was sure that his father was humming, and honestly, he didn't appreciate the attention, facepalming in an attempt to hide the embarrassment on his face.
"…Dad, enough. Please." Sakumo's whines greeted him in response, and Kakashi could feel the questioning gazes of the other customers in the cafe on his back. By Kami, did he have to bring more attention to them?! If he could, Kakashi would've teleported out of the entire establishment if it meant escaping this situation.
To the ninja's surprise, the girl looked even more flustered than he was, sounding a lot more squeaky when speaking up. "Th-Thank you so much, sir. But what kind of song would you and your son want?"
Huh? She's asking me? Kakashi looked up only to see the girl's inquisitive stare, blue orbs warm with understanding.
When he thought about it, no one else aside from Sakumo looked at him that way.
Before he could say anything though, Sakumo beat him to the punch, humming happily. "Whatever you think fits, alright?"
Kakashi would have beat his head against the piano at this point. Why can't Dad let me speak for myself?! I could've said something for once!
However, the girl looked more contemplative than anything, blinking for a moment before sighing softly to herself and turning back to face the piano. She closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply before opening her mouth again. "Alright then—one celebratory song coming up."
Kakashi couldn't help but notice the solemn look on her face before noticing her hands move.
It was as if she became a different person. Even though Kakashi was sitting right next to her, it was like the girl was no longer a 5-year old child but a professional pianist, playing what could have been a concert-level song without even breaking a sweat. Those same small hands, which were originally fidgeting in her lap, now soared across the keyboard in their own rhythm. Surprisingly, the dark black and red kimono that he initially despised now seemed to really accent the girl's movements, lace shimmering against her wrists to highlight her presence against the white piano keys. The song itself was nothing he had ever heard before, solemn tone mixed with vibrant sound, spun together as though they were telling a story.
The scene was so strange and interesting that Kakashi couldn't tear his eyes away.
She looked mysteriously beautiful.
Far too soon, the song ended with a strong, final press of a key, and Kakashi found himself jumping at the sight of those blue eyes staring at him again. When did—?! The once solemn expression was broken with sudden embarrassment, the girl turning pink. "U-Um…h-h-how was that?"
Immediately, all the saliva dried up in Kakashi's mouth and he found himself staring at Sakumo again. The White Fang was surprisingly solemn and serious in his gaze, nodding as if to say, 'Thank her already!'
What am I supposed to say after all that?! Kakashi found himself whining. Luckily, his mouth decided not to voice that thought, and he found himself conceding defeat to Sakumo, turning to face the girl again. For some reason, the confused gaze in her blue eyes only made him more flustered, and he forced himself to look away. "…It was good. Thanks."
To his surprise, the girl giggled. It wasn't one of those mocking laughs that he occasionally heard from his Academy classmates about the dead-last Obito or the squealing laughs of the random fangirl. Instead, it was a soft and honest giggle, almost like the chime of a tinkling bell.
For some reason, he liked the sound of it.
The girl opened her eyes again, black strands of hair framing her face, and with a warm smile, offered her hand to him.
"I'm Hoshino Tomoko, pianist of Nagareboshi Cafe. What's your name?"
The next time Kakashi saw the girl was during a D-rank mission about 8-9 months later. Honestly, after that little first meeting, Kakashi didn't want to really meet her again. He had already embarrassed himself enough with that whole 'Academy graduation celebration' fiasco, and he didn't want to face that again.
But why? Why did Minato-sensei have to choose a mission where he would have to help out at that same cafe where she would be?!
"Kakashi-kun! Hey!"
…And why did she have to look so happy at seeing him? The new white and pink kimono dress she was wearing didn't help, since it seemed to accent her bright blue eyes even more than usual. Kakashi used all of his self-control to fight down the infuriating blush on his face to answer.
"…Tomoko? The D-Rank mission was from you?" And why does Minato-sensei seem to know you? The blond Jounin was actively ruffling the girl's hair with a warm grin, and Tomoko just smiled happily back.
"Well, yeah! My mom was the one who asked though…" And why was she looking in his direction with that beaming smile of hers?! Kakashi could easily feel his cheeks beginning to burn, and he attempted to look away from her, even when finding out the main objective of the mission. Luckily, Minato-sensei could help Hikari-san with replacing the piping, but…
"While I'm doing that, Kakashi, go along with Tomoko-chan to help her set up around here." Why did Minato-sensei have to pair me up with her?! Kakashi swallowed all of his pride to force a firm reply out, agreeing to the situation at hand. It wouldn't weigh well on his consciousness if he tried to run out right then and there.
Luckily, when Hikari-san was talking to her, he was able to sneak away to the doorway for a few seconds of peace. Unfortunately, this didn't last since Tomoko quickly noticed the lack of his presence beside her, running up to him and grabbing his hand. It took all of Kakashi's self-control to not visibly react, putting on his best poker face and attempting to avoid thinking about the current situation, resulting in his being pulled along by the civilian girl.
Her hand's really soft—oh shit. Kakashi immediately shot the thought down, shaking his head furiously to rid himself of it. God damn it, Kakashi—focus on the mission, not on the hand of a girl! Thankfully, Tomoko didn't notice his inner plight, continuing to pull him along almost like a rag doll. Kakashi felt grateful that no one else was around to witness the whole situation, because he knew there would be far too many barbs pointed at him if anyone knew.
He could easily imagine Sakumo laughing at him in that infuriating manner of his. And don't get started on Obito and Guy…
Kakashi swallowed the lump in his throat to focus on the situation at hand. "So, what do you need me to do?"
Tomoko blinked before letting go of his hand (finally), but for some reason, he found himself missing that soft touch and warmth. What is wrong with you, Kakashi?! Focus! Kakashi instead forced himself to observe Tomoko herself, noticing her counting off her fingers. "Well, normally there's cleaning the tables, setting up the bar over there with any shot glasses or wine cups, washing dishes, sweeping the front yard, restocking drinks, napkins, and glasses from the storage room, setting up the display case in front of the store, um…"
The ninja found himself sweating a little. That's way too much. "You don't have to list everything, Tomoko. Just tell me one thing and I'll do it." The girl blinked and turned to look at him, and Kakashi held back the urge to flinch at the sight of her sheepish blue orbs.
Why do I feel so bad all of a sudden?! "I-I'm just used to cleaning the piano and helping out Mom and Dad, so this is my first time having to allocate tasks to someone else…" Kakashi immediately decided that Tomoko was just weird. No girl should be able to talk so adorably—fuck. The ninja felt the heavy need to pound his head against the nearest wall. If it meant getting this weird heat out of his face, Kakashi didn't really mind losing some brain cells. But it wasn't really the time, and he forced himself to focus on the girl's voice again. "I'm sorry, Kakashi-kun…"
The ninja found himself blinking. There's no need to apologize… "It's fine, but where is your Dad by the way?" It was a diversion, but Kakashi was completely okay with that. If it meant focusing on something else, then he was fine with it. Not to mention, the cafe did seem a bit empty without the tall man's presence (considering he was apparently glaring daggers into Kakashi's back the last time he was here).
Tomoko frowned again, huffing softly through her nose. "Sick with a fever. He's actually upstairs, resting up," she sighed softly to herself, and Kakashi couldn't help but notice how her petite shoulders slumped forward a bit before she straightened herself, looking at him with a sheepish smile. "Is it okay if you could help me with cleaning the front of Nagareboshi then?"
To his shock, he nodded without even thinking, wordlessly taking the duster she offered him and finding himself sitting on top of a large ladder, facing the large Nagareboshi Cafe sign and dusting every crevice in sight. The amount of dust on the board was enough to tickle Kakashi's nose to the point of almost sneezing if not for his mask, but the ninja found himself not really caring. If it meant not having to talk to the girl sweeping the front of the shop below him, then he could take a few sneezes.
"So, Kakashi-kun?" God damn it. He grunted in response, frown finding itself on his face. Does she have to speak up now?! His palms just stopped being so sweaty…! "Do you need any help up there?" Wait...she talked just to see if I was okay? For some reason, Kakashi felt strangely happy at the thought, quickly yelling a reply back before jumping off the ladder to land in front of her.
The ninja found some strange satisfaction in hearing the surprised squeak Tomoko let out at his landing. If she continued to react like that, Kakashi could get used to it. And hopefully I can get over this weird feeling in my chest. "Is there anything else you need me to do?"
Tomoko blinked, putting a hand to her chin in thought, closing her eyes. For once, she was silent, barely moving, and Kakashi felt somewhat useless just standing there. Luckily, it only took a few seconds before her eyes opened again and she looked up at him. For once, the shine in her blue orbs didn't really scare him as much, appearing more curious and questioning. "I think I have something. Think you could check over the grand piano with me?"
Kakashi blinked before nodding. For once, his body and mind were in agreement with one another. The memory of the girl playing that gorgeous song flowed through his head, and he couldn't help but feel curious, following her back into the cafe and sitting down next to her near the piano. What is she going to do? He watched her uncover the piano keys and gently push the piano cover away, eyes following the contours of pink lace accenting her wrists. "So what are we checking the piano for?"
Immediately, Kakashi regretted asking because Tomoko faced him again with that sparkly, happy glint in her eye, warm smile on her face. A soft pink covered her cheeks, and Kakashi could swear time froze at that moment. "Well, I was actually hoping to play a new song for you and get your opinion on it, Kakashi-kun."
Wait, she wants to play it just for me? The ninja felt strangely honored.
Apparently he took too long to formulate a response since Tomoko blinked before stuttering, averting her gaze before looking back up at him hesitantly. "B-By chance, is that okay?"
Kakashi didn't even have to think on a response. "I don't mind. Go ahead." A sense of pride filled his chest at the sight of the girl's beaming smile back, and for once, he didn't attempt to deny the light happiness in his heart. Tomoko turned to face the piano again, and once more, a beautiful melody sounded at her touch. Kakashi found himself leaning back against his chair and closing his eyes, any sense of tension leaving his shoulders. Unlike the first song she had played for him so long ago, this one was considerably more fast-paced and serious, sounding considerably intense but still retaining the soft touch the girl was known for.
It felt like a melody that perfectly described his life as a Konoha ninja.
Does she actually understand more than she lets on?
Near the middle of the song, Kakashi opened his eyes to observe the girl near him. Tomoko didn't even look deterred at the fast pacing of the song, hands gently flying over the keys with a relaxed expression on her face. Even with the long kimono sleeves, they never once got stuck in the piano keys, shifting gently against her skin while she continued to play. The white hair ribbon stood out in her straight black hair, accenting the natural pink of her cheeks.
From up close, Tomoko appeared breathtaking.
…Wait, what? Far too soon, the song had ended and the girl was looking at him again. Kakashi held back the urge to scoot away, putting on his best poker face to deal with her gaze. Before he could say anything though, Tomoko smiled gently, lips lightly curled to show the dimples in her cheeks.
"Neh, Kakashi-kun? You're always welcome here at Nagareboshi Cafe, okay?"
Huh?
Surprise went through him like a tidal wave as Tomoko continued to speak. "If you want a song to be played, I'll always be here to play it for you because you're my friend, alright?"
Kakashi found a lump forming in his throat in response.
I'm her friend…? Even though I haven't talked to her in over 8-9 months?
Apparently he took too much time thinking on the whole ordeal because Tomoko began to panic, visible distress showing on her face. "I-I mean," her hands twisted the hem of her skirt, cheeks bright pink. "I always thought we were friends after you came in that one time with your dad andsinceyoucameandhelpedoutatNagareboshi, Ithought-"
She's panicking too much. "Tomoko." At the sound of her name, the pianist clammed up, averting her gaze to the side worriedly. Kakashi found himself sighing. Ah, what the hell. He held back the burning feeling on his cheeks as much as he could, looking towards the side himself before responding. "It's fine. I'll take you up on that offer sometime."
The girl immediately looked up, blue eyes wide with hope. "S-So, wait—we're friends?" Does she even have to ask? Kakashi held back the instinctive scoff in his throat, continuing to look away from Tomoko's expectant gaze.
...I wouldn't mind being friends with you, dummy. "Y-yeah."
A sense of foreboding immediately filled his chest at the sight of Tomoko grinning so widely, and the next thing she said instantly put him on high alert. "Kakashi-kun, can I hug you right now?"
...Wait, the fuck?! "W-What?! W-Wait a second—" Too late. The girl had already barrelled into him, and Kakashi could clearly say one thing.
Ow.
Who knew such a small girl had so much power in her? If not for the chair, Kakashi could've clearly fallen to the ground of the stage and hit his head.
And yet, for some reason, he didn't mind the weight on his front. If anything, his nose could pick up the faint scent of lotus flowers and rosemary. He never expected such a strange combination to smell so pleasant.
Hoshino Tomoko was…interesting.
But Kakashi just couldn't ignore the large presence on top of him and sighed. "...Tomoko, can you please get off me now?"
Soon enough, Kakashi found himself visiting Nagareboshi Cafe on almost a daily basis. Initially, it wasn't much. If he had free time after a mission or training with Minato-sensei, Kakashi wandered into the cafe, usually to greet Tomoko herself before requesting a song. If he felt hungry, he just ordered miso soup with eggplant, and he quickly discovered Hikari-san made his favorite much better than his father.
…Might as well stick around for the food and not just for the music.
But no matter what time it was or how many people there were in the cafe, Tomoko always gave him the same warm smile.
"Hey, Kakashi-kun, you here for the usual?"
She never really asked anything more, usually getting up to give him a hug before sitting back down to play something. (Kakashi still felt a bit weirded out by her hugging habit, though…) Even if he gave a vague answer, she always complied with his request by choosing a different song every time he visited, whether it was soft and slow or intense and fast-paced. To be frank, Kakashi never expected to enjoy sitting down and listening to piano so much, but there was something about Tomoko's music that made the activity enjoyable.
Those times of silence were parts of the day that Kakashi found himself looking forward to every morning.
Tomoko never really asked anything more than she needed to, and a majority of the time, she just let the piano speak for her.
Sure, they never talked in those moments, only really communicating through the sound of the piano strings, but Kakashi felt like he really knew her personally and she him.
Well, they always did say music speaks to the heart.
It just surprised him how close he was getting to the civilian girl. Even with the privacy seals around, Kakashi normally wouldn't give out details on his shinobi lifestyle to other people, civilians included.
But Tomoko was different. He quickly found out how easy it was to talk to her about some issues in his life, whether it was his frustration with training or just complaining about the copious amount of D-rank missions, and no matter what, Tomoko just listened.
She didn't really attempt to interrupt him at all, giving an ear to his problems before lightly interjecting with a bit of her own advice. It wasn't much, but Kakashi honestly appreciated the gesture.
"Well, Kakashi-kun, I can understand your frustrations, but maybe you need to just relax for a second. I'm sure you're progressing just fine - these things just take time, so results won't show immediately."
"D-ranks are unfortunately a given part of a Genin life, Kakashi-kun. And hey, with more time in the village means more time to get more training in so you can be prepared for the days you do head out of Konoha."
No one else really tried to do that aside from Minato-sensei and Sakumo anyway. And he still wasn't sure about other ninja his age considering that most of his age group was still in the Academy.
That was why it surprised him that Tomoko looked so worried when he told her about the Chunin Exams one afternoon. Kakashi just wanted to let her know that he wouldn't be seeing her for the next week or two due to training and going through the Exams, but why was her frown not going away?
It wasn't like he would be going away forever…
"It just feels really early, Kakashi-kun. I mean, no offense to anybody, but why would they need you to become Chunin now? You're only 6…"
Why do you have to look so sad when saying that? Kakashi found himself sighing. Not only was Tomoko a hugger, but she was a worrywart too? He didn't know whether to feel happy at the idea she cared that much about him or just plain weirded out.
It wasn't like he was going to die or anything.
But then why did her blue eyes seem be so deep with some unsaid meaning? Why did he get the feeling that she knew so much more than she let on?
For once, Kakashi pushed those thoughts to the side to reach out and pat the girl's head, huffing. "I'll be fine, Tomoko," his voice was considerably gentle in tone, and he couldn't help but relish in touching the girl's hair, because it was surprisingly soft. "Honestly, Dad's been talking about how there's something going on between the Five Great Shinobi Countries, and that's why the Chunin Exams this year are specifically Konoha-local—so, I shouldn't have to deal with too much stuff. Quit wasting your time worrying about me."
Because a worried look didn't fit the girl in front of him. Tomoko shouldn't have to look so sad.
Even then, Kakashi knew that he wanted the girl to at least have some semblance of happiness.
He didn't want one of his few sanctuaries to go away.
In response, the girl blinked, surprise present in her blue orbs before she sighed, a defeated smile on her lips before looking up at him again. "Just promise me you'll come back safe and sound, okay? I'll play a full concert for you when you get back, Chunin promotion or not." To his surprise, Tomoko offered her pinky to him.
…Really? Kakashi didn't really want to stop touching the girl's hair, but considering how hopeful she looked with her blue eyes wide with anticipation, he knew he had to give a response. This feels really silly. Despite his thoughts on the whole thing, Kakashi swallowed whatever pride he had to link his pinky with hers, marking it as a promise. There's no way I'm not going to come back. "I promise, Tomoko. Just make sure it's a good concert."
Tomoko smiled happily in response, hints of white peeking through her lips, and Kakashi swore the cafe felt significantly brighter. Did she always smile so brightly? "Of course! But I'm going to hug you now, okay?"
Oh no. The ninja's heart dropped to his stomach, panic filling his system. He knew that energetic, happy tone better than anyone. "W-Wait, now?!" Don't tell me she's going to tackle-hug me again?!
"Yes now! It's a hug for good luck!" By Kami, why did she have to look so happy just saying it?! Kakashi could've swore the girl was sparkling.
"I don't need good luck!" Please don't jump me, please don't jump me.
"Too bad — I've giving it anyway!"
Oh FU— Tomoko tackled him again, and apparently had enough force to knock them both down to the floor of the stage. Kakashi groaned, hand to his face while the girl on top of him laughed happily, ignoring all the amused onlookers.
How did I get in this mess again?
It quickly became apparent that Hoshino Tomoko was becoming a consistent force in his life. Whether by volition or not, Kakashi almost always saw her every day, and he just didn't know how to feel about it.
First, there was Minato-sensei bringing her along to see the finals of the Chunin Exams, even though Judai-san made it really apparent that he didn't approve when Kakashi first met him.
Kakashi pretended to not notice Minato-sensei's flinch at the sound of Judai's name that day, preferring to focus on the sheepish civilian girl in front of him.
"Well, Daddy let me go so here I am?" her high-pitched voice didn't really help matters, and Kakashi found himself sighing again.
What am I going to do with you, Tomoko?
The hug she gave him after the whole match did feel nice though since it wasn't the usual tackle.
And don't get started on the whole concert she gave due to her promise — if Kakashi could summarize the experience in just a few words, he could easily say that it was one of the best performances Tomoko ever gave him thus far. And to be frank, he was grateful that she was his friend because that concert was worth all the sweat and blood from the Chunin Exams.
…Friend, huh? When thinking about it, Kakashi liked the sound of it.
At least she wasn't always on the battlefield and seeing blood, therefore keeping her innocent happiness and allowing him to relax in her presence. Heck, even the matches he had with Guy were a bit more bearable if it meant he could make her laugh.
She just was that important to him.
That's why when Sakumo suddenly came home one winter evening, not even talking to him and locking himself in his room that Kakashi knew that he had to talk to her.
Tomoko should be able to help with this!
…I hope.
Even with that thought in mind, the words just wouldn't leave his mouth. Tomoko kept giving him the same smile as always as the days passed, and a part of him just didn't want to ruin that for her. She had already done a lot for him by taking his requests every day and listening to his complaints about life.
He didn't want to burden her anymore than he already had.
Yet Tomoko noticed what was going on anyway, grabbing his face to force him to look into her worried blue eyes.
"Kakashi-kun, we've been friends for almost 3 years now. Don't put it off as nothing, okay? You're my best friend, and I'm just worried about you. Don't take it as pity or anything like that, alright? Because I chose to care about you—I chose to worry about you. So, don't take it as some kind of obligatory sympathy—because I chose to become your friend and be with you, alright? So, it's my choice to ask you and try to help you."
That did it. All of his carefully built walls, made to hold back any emotion, immediately crumbled just at Tomoko's words. Anybody other than the civilian girl wouldn't have been able to touch it, yet just her words alone made Kakashi collapse. …Why is only you that makes me like this?
For the first time in years, Kakashi openly cried. He cried about all the rumors circulating around the village, about how his father wasn't talking to him anymore, and how Minato-sensei just didn't seem to be around enough to help.
The thing is, Tomoko didn't say anything. She didn't comment on how his tears were staining her kimono dress or how it seemed so sudden to both of them. All the girl did was pull him into a warm hug, gently humming into his ear and stroking his hair.
For once, Kakashi felt safe.
Despite this, there was a small voice in the back of his head, just questioning why.
Why did he feel so close to her? Why was it only Tomoko that could make him feel this way? Why was it only this civilian girl that could make him crumble and cry like a baby?
"Wh-why is it always you that knows what to say?" Kakashi found himself blurting out, voice cracking. "Wh-wh-why is it always you that knows how to make me look and feel so ridiculous?"
Tomoko simply smiled sadly, continuing to brush through his silver hair. "…You're not ridiculous when you're just being human, Kakashi-kun. And honestly, I don't know—maybe it's because I know you so well."
That same part of him didn't feel satisfied with her answer, and Kakashi found himself laughing, an empty tone in his weak voice. "…I-I guess we're both fools then, huh?"
To the ninja's shock, Tomoko tensed and pulled away only to slam her forehead right into his. Ow. Kakashi was very grateful for his forehead protector taking most of the blow, but he could still see the girl wince from the pain, a small trickle of blood now showing on her bruising head. …Why did you—? Before he could complete that train of thought, Tomoko grabbed his face again, forcing him to look into her determined blue orbs.
"Kakashi-kun, right now, I don't care what you may think on the matter, but you're not ridiculous. You're not useless, okay? Whoever put that in your head is a complete fool."
Huh? The tears were slowly drying on his masked face as Tomoko weakly smiled at him, gently wiping at the trails on his eyes. "It's okay to cry. It's okay to be emotional—because it shows you're more than a shinobi. Being emotional like this just shows that you're still Hatake Kakashi—my best friend and a person I treasure very much. So, don't think that being upset like this makes you any less of a shinobi than anyone else. Everyone cries at one point—it just shows that you're human."
It was as if a weight was lifted off of his chest. Kakashi felt relief for the first time in days, but he couldn't help but voice his doubt. "E-even if it looks ridiculous?"
Tomoko frowned again, absently wiping away the blood on her forehead before taking out a tissue to wipe at his face. "Even if it looks ridiculous. Humanity is pretty illogical that way."
This girl… Kakashi shakily sighed. "…You're unbelievable."
No one really tried to say that before. But then again, who ever did?
Shinobi were built to put their emotions away for the sake of the mission. But Tomoko was the first one to call it horrible, indirectly calling the entire system a fool.
Even if she didn't understand everything, Tomoko said something that Kakashi forgot all this time.
Before being a ninja, he was human. And Tomoko was the one that recognized it all this time, playing piano so that other ninja would realize this too. That there was more than just missions and bloodshed. There was more in life than just listening to the Hokage.
When did he forget all that?
Tomoko just grinned happily, as if she saw the gears turning in his head, her hand reaching up to poke his cheek. "But you're still with me anyways."
"Y-yeah…" Kakashi grabbed the hand she used to poke his cheek, relief continuing to flood his systems. The tears were finally starting to go away, and for once, his heart didn't feel like it was in a cage. It's always been you that's been different, huh? "Yeah."
Kakashi, quite frankly, needed more of this in his life.
He just wasn't expecting it to come so soon.
Somehow, Tomoko was able to get Sakumo out. Just with that large concert, with Hikari-san and Judai-san playing their own instruments alongside her, she was able to reach Sakumo's heart more so than he did, her message resonating with everyone there.
"Move onward, not there yet, so let's just live!"
The old Kakashi probably would've felt angry with himself for the fact that he wasn't able to help his father. But this time, things were different.
Kakashi already knew by now that Tomoko had something that no one else really had aside from her immediate family members.
She knew how to look beyond the surface and truly empathize with someone.
And to Kakashi, he couldn't be more grateful for her presence. For once, he was actively enjoying missions, even if they were D-rank, talking to others his age. Minato-sensei seemed to be so much closer than before, and with Sakumo properly taking a break to teach at the Academy, the father-son duo were able to train together again in a non-stressful environment.
Heck, even Jiraiya came back to visit!
"Yo, Kakashi! Good to see you and Sakumo doing well! Give Tomoko-chan my regards, okay?"
Kakashi just couldn't thank her enough. She gave him a warm sanctuary with her piano; she saved Sakumo from doing something he might've regretted; and hell! She even convinced her family somehow to have the Hatakes live together with them just so that the two ninja could have a warm home to come back to.
The ninja never thought that he would wake up to the scent of warm breakfast and a loving smile.
"Wakey wakey, sleepy-head!" For such an early hour, Tomoko still had on that bright smile, her touch soft when shaking him awake. "Breakfast's almost ready! Minato-san should be coming by in an hour, so get on up, okay?"
Kakashi only had two things to say about the civilian girl.
Hoshino Tomoko was different. And he was just grateful that she was his best friend.
Author Notes: First up, sorry about the delayed update guys. I may have mentioned that my updates are sporadic, but for those readers who expect me to update every day, I have to apologize. With college midterms being a huge priority right now, I needed to concentrate on my studies, and with writer's block, I couldn't really write this chapter as fast as I would've liked. So for the future, I will say that updates will possibly take up to a week at most because real life can be a huge priority at times.
And for those who are curious, I mainly wrote this chapter due to a stray inspiration I had. See, recently, Naruto Shippuden released episode 483, which focused mainly on Jiraiya and Kakashi. The way that the anime portrayed Kakashi's life after Sakumo's passing was actually really heart-wrenching, and I wanted to write this interlude as a way to emulate that third-person point of view the episode used in an attempt to flesh out Kakashi and Tomoko's friendship. Consider this a gift to all those KakaTomo shippers since I'm still not sure on pairings yet!
…And yes, the official ship name is KakaTomo. Go ahead and rejoice friends!
Thanks again to everyone for supporting me and I hope you continue to enjoy Civilian Pianist! Next stop is the creation of Team Minato, so hope everyone's prepared for a lot of chaos!
This is Writer-and-Artist27 signing out and I'll see you guys next chapter!