Disclaimer: Again, I don't own anything or anybody except Tomoko, her family, and Nagareboshi Cafe. Any concepts/ideas mentioned in this fanfiction that seem to be borrowed from another media/piece of continuity - note that I don't mean to plagiarize anything or anybody in any way! This fanfic was made for entertainment purposes, not for pissing off others! So yeah!

The theme for this chapter is HollowRiku—Moisés Nieto's cover of Oracion from Pokémon, specifically The Rise of Darkrai movie. I found that the solemn beauty of the song fit the tone of this chapter the most, considering how the last chapter ended on such a bittersweet note. You are also free to pull up the original Leaf-Whistle and Orchestra version done for the movie if you'd like, as it fits the chapter too. :)

Now, for an alternative theme, I found that the Piano Ballad version of Dawn's Japanese theme, Kimi no Soba de, from the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl series works best. Both because of the shared Sinnoh setting (which, by the way, was the first region of games I ever played, so Sinnoh has warm memories for me), and the soft mood I feel conveys a lot of the emotion here aside from Oracion. Especially since this specific version, I feel, honors a certain medic's feelings with much respect, so I wanted to highlight this.

Please enjoy!

Chapter 51: Adjustments

Tears were something Rin had to get used to early on in life. When it came to the life of a ninja at war, tears weren't really something to be let out all that often. Even when it was safe back at home.

It was even spelled out in the handbook every Academy Student was given when they entered the curriculum. The line numbered 25: A ninja must never show their tears. That was the rule.

So then why did the tears come out so easily, just when Guy showed up?

Maybe it was the bottled-up emotions from the 'love triangle' Tomoko-chan worried about, finally spilling over. The quiet yet obvious rejection on Kakashi's part, without him even saying anything. Rin wasn't sure. But once the tears started blurring her vision, Guy's normally sparkly black eyes widened with shock before he jumped down to sit at her side, a handkerchief already in hand.

"Rin-chan! Are you okay? What happened? Who hurt you so much to where you are spending your Youth here crying?"

I don't deserve you, she thought, trying to wipe the tears away all the while. I don't deserve you at all, Guy.

"I-I don't know," Rin said instead, her voice already cracking. "I-I want to tell you I'm okay, Guy-kun, but I know I'm not right now."

The Green Chunin took on a more serious and sympathetic expression, scooting closer to her to put a hand on her shoulder. His other hand still offered the handkerchief. "Should we put off the run for another time?"

"Th-that would be nice," Rin said, trying to put on a smile, taking the handkerchief so that she wouldn't leave him hanging. "C-Could I just sit here? Please?"

Guy's gaze immediately softened as he nodded. "I'll go get you some water."

Wait. She raised a hand as soon as he turned his back. Don't go—

But before she could voice it, Guy was already jumping away, leaping from rooftop to rooftop elsewhere.

The tears were already blurring her vision as she tried to hold on, instead hugging her knees.

Don't leave me alone…

Then, a voice. A very familiar voice, coming from behind.

"Rin?"

No honorific. The usual cheeriness dialed down to a soft and understanding hum. It took everything Rin had to not tear up anymore and instead lift her head to turn around, only to catch a glimpse of orange goggles and a bandaged left eye.

"O-Obito…"

The Uchiha was holding a bag of what smelled like strawberries in his right arm as what remained of his left raised in her direction as a form of greeting. The long sleeve dangled from the appendage like a limp rag, but Obito didn't seem to mind judging by the warm smile. "Hey," he said softly. "Mind if I join you?"

"It's fine," she said instinctively, not even finding the strength to scoot away as Obito walked over to plop himself down next to her, legs crossed.

A breeze gently passed them by.

"Here," and then the bag was gently pushed in her direction, the scent stronger with the added blend of…bread? Obito grinned as soon as Rin looked up. "I stopped by a bakery on the way here. It's not really Nagareboshi-quality in terms of food, but it's still good." Once Rin got a hold of the bag, Obito pulled his hand back to scratch his cheek as his smile turned a bit more nervous. "Well, I hope you don't mind the choice of strawberry biscuits. They also had strawberry cake, but after everything, I thought it would be better to start with something small."

Rin didn't even realize she was crushing the bag with her grip until the tears were already falling onto the white paper. "O-Oh, I see…"

"Rin?" Despite the situation at hand, Obito didn't sound panicky at all, almost understanding as his hand slowly came into reaching distance, stopping a few centimeters away from her knee. There was enough space for her to reach out, but not so much so that she would be uncomfortable. The gaze burning into her head didn't even hurt. "Hey," was the soft murmur. "Do you want to talk about it?"

She shook her head vigorously. The way her heart was clenching was bad enough as is. Instead, she focused on trying to wipe away the tears with Guy's handkerchief, dully registering the faint scent of sweat. "I-I'm sorry, Obito," Rin ended up saying, and she knew she couldn't look up into her teammate's eyes because of what was going through her heart. Hell, she didn't even know what she was apologizing for anymore. "I'm so, so sorry."

"It's okay," Obito said softly, and his hand moved to touch her knee in a comforting gesture. "There's nothing to be sorry about, Rin."

Rin couldn't help the sob at that point. Obito didn't even hesitate to move his hand and wrap his arm around her shoulders, and once her cheek landed in his shoulder, she froze. "Don't hold it in." The words were warm as Obito's breath brushed the top of her head. "Just let it out, Rin."

She quivered before finally starting to bawl.

It took a long while for the tears to stop. Obito wasn't sure of how much time had passed, but once Rin had pulled away with red-rimmed eyes, he pushed the paper bag of pastries in her direction again. "C'mon," he said, trying to ignore the feeling of his own heart breaking. "You should eat something, Rin."

The last thing his crush needed was to hear about his own problems. And his own feelings.

Nonetheless, Rin slowly nodded, already reaching over to grab a small biscuit to bite into with vigor. Obito chose to stay silent as Rin continued to eat, only offering his shoulder in case if she needed to lean on him again.

After everything, it was the least he could do.

Obito couldn't even find it in himself to hate Kakashi or Tomoko-chan. They weren't at fault for any of this, no matter how much an irrational part of him said otherwise. The fact that Tomoko-chan was close to crying while explaining everything was enough. Still, the whole situation made Obito wonder why love had to be so difficult. Sure, it was obvious that Kakashi had grown to love Tomoko-chan over the years, and she him, but Rin had liked the Jounin for a while. He begrudgingly had to admit as much, despite his own feelings for Rin.

And now this. Rin's eyes were still tinged with red around the edges, despite being dry, and the sight only made him feel horrible about everything.

"I'm sorry, Rin," he found himself saying.

The medic was almost done with her biscuit before pausing mid-bite, raising her head so fast to where her hair slapped her cheeks. "Wh-what are you apologizing for, Obito?" Rin shook her head in dissent, frowning. "You didn't do anything wrong."

But I could've easily made things worse with my own feelings, he thought.

His heart throbbed painfully in agreement.

Instead of voicing it aloud, Obito settled for a small shrug while squeezing Rin's shoulders. "It's just that a lot has happened. And I'm sorry for how things turned out."

Rin tensed under his grip before turning back to her last bits of strawberry biscuit, hanging her head. "…You knew," she said softly. "About me liking Kakashi. And his loving Tomoko-chan."

"You're right on both parts," Obito admitted, despite the shame running through his veins. "But that doesn't mean I expected things to turn out like this. So," he sighed. "I'm sorry, Rin."

The medic opened her mouth, as if to say something, before closing it, instead going on to scarf the rest of the pastry in her hands down. "I-It's okay," she said after a quick swallow. "I-I don't think any of us would've predicted this." Rin clasped her hands together, pulling her knees in so that she curled in on herself. "I-It just…it just really hurts to see it now."

"I know," Obito said honestly, and he didn't even care that his voice was cracking a little. "I know."

Rin raised her head to look at him, tears once again bubbling in her eyes. "O-Obito, I—" was all she said before shaking her head, curling up even more, going silent. "I'm sorry."

Obito squeezed her shoulders again, scooting over to rest his cheek on her head. He couldn't see her expression, but he could only hope she would allow him in. "It's okay, Rin," he breathed, trying not to break himself. "It's okay."

The medic sniffled while leaning into him, just enough for the tip of his nose to brush her hair.

Lub-dub, lub-dub.

The Uchiha tried not to tense from the blood rushing through his nerves.

Obito knew that he couldn't say his feelings yet. Not now. Even if Team Minato had come home safe, this situation was not the best time to confess. No matter how much his heart wanted to.

Rin needed a friend, not a confession.

So, with all the mental strength he had, he pushed his feelings down to smile and squeeze the medic's shoulders. Just in time too, because the wetness in his jacket was starting to resurface as Rin shivered.

"It's okay, Rin," he found himself repeating. "I'm here for you. Take as long as you need."

I won't leave you. That's a promise.

Might Guy couldn't help but feel a bit on edge when coming back to that rooftop. Rin-chan was still upset, and from the looks of it, Obito-kun had shown up to comfort her. He was already losing out on Youth if Obito had already beaten him to the punch. What kind of friend was he to not realize that Rin was still hurt and needed an arm?

He tried not to frown, plastering on his best smile before jumping over and offering a water bottle. Obito had raised his head to stare at him with wide eyes, and Guy grinned wider. "Hello, Obito-kun! Care for something to drink? I have some for Rin-chan as well!"

"Uh," Obito said, before glancing down at Rin and lightly rubbing her shoulder. "Rin?"

The medic muttered something unintelligible, choosing to tuck her head deeper into his jacket. "Muh," was the approximation of the sound that followed.

"Rin," Obito was smiling now. "Guy's here, and we can't ignore Guy."

Rin continued to mumble before shifting. "Ugh," she said, before lifting her head. Guy tried not to step back from the red lining the girl's cheeks, and instead smiled as soon as she turned to look up at him with wide eyes. "Guy-kun?"

"Hello, Rin-chan," he said, purposefully lowering his voice volume to kneel down and offer the water bottle in his hands. "I have your water!"

The medic blinked at him slowly, the crust in her eyes all the more obvious before she reached over to take the bottle from him. A small, shaky smile tugged at her lips as she looked up at him. "Thank you, Guy," Rin said softly, before uncapping the bottle and promptly chugging the liquid down.

A few moments of silence passed.

Guy in the meantime turned his head to look at Obito. The Uchiha had gone quiet too, his hand still around Rin's shoulders while she continued to drink the water, but it wasn't hard to miss the soft look in his black eyes.

The love in his eyes was obvious.

Guy hid a small smile to instead raise a hand as soon as Rin had finished her water.

"How about you two come with me for a quick jog around the village! There's so much Youth to be spent today!"

All he could do as a friend was support them when they needed it. Provide a healthy distraction so that they wouldn't dwell on the bad things.

Hopefully, his Dad would be proud.

By the time we got back to Nagareboshi Cafe, it was Mama who had opened the door. Heck, before I even had the chance to get my keys, the door was already jiggling before slamming open, and then all I could see was Mama.

Long black hair in a wavy side ponytail, long sleeved top, and knee-length skirt. Along with a jacket tied around her waist a la a waist cape, it was Mama.

Her blue eyes scanned over me for a mere second before she kneeled down and started cradling my cheeks in her hands, gaze already soft. "Oh, Tomoko-chan."

I tried not to sniffle at the sound of my name. I didn't have to look behind me to know that Kakashi was lurking around, being that quiet support if I needed him. It was nice, but…but—

Hisako lightly bopped my side of the library with a finger. Tomoko-chan.

"Oh, Tomoko-chan." Mama squished my cheeks softly, smiling in that motherly way of hers. "You told Rin-chan, huh?"

I only had the strength to nod. Mama leaned in to bump my forehead with hers, rubbing my cheeks with her thumbs to let me take in her presence for a second before looking over my head and at Kakashi. "Don't just stand there, Kakashi, get over here."

A pause. "Alright," Kakashi said finally, before the sound of footsteps. A second was all it took before I could feel his familiar presence near me, and then Mama was sweeping us both into a tight group hug. Whoa.

"M-Mama?" I choked out from her shoulder. Kakashi's arm was kinda digging into my own, so the embrace was both warm and somewhat uncomfortable. Hey, I know I'm the hugging person, but there's a limit to how much you can squeeze! I think.

"Aunt Hikari?" Kakashi said, incredulity in his voice.

"You two needed a hug," Mama muttered, before putting us down and resting her hands on our shoulders. A small smile was on her face, but I could tell something else was shining in her blue eyes. I wasn't sure what it was, but something was there. "Now come on in. Judai and Sakumo are inside, and we can all eat lunch together."

That sounded like a nice idea. Despite my own reservations about Papa's reaction to this whole thing.

Hisako only poked my mental shoulder with a small smile. Don't worry, Tomoko-chan. It'll be okay.

I could only hope as much.

Lunch was a quiet affair. At least, I could say that much. The stares going into my head were starting to hurt. From what I could tell, Mama, Papa, Uncle Sakumo, and Kakashi were all staring at me at one point in the whole event. Sure, they weren't doing that the entire time, but it was still something.

Once everyone had finished, I was debating on getting up and heading into my room to think, or really let everything from before sink in quietly, only for a voice to interrupt my thoughts.

"So, you're not looking at us now, Tomoko-chan?"

Papa. When did he sound so reserved? Hell, did he even do reserved?

Immediately, I pulled up my head to look in his direction, only to lurch back from the stare pointed at me. Papa wasn't sad, but he wasn't really reacting either. It felt like a poker face, but was it…? "O-Of course not, Papa! It's not you!"

"Then what is it?" he continued, and I could've sworn the air got a little colder. Heat flooded me for something other than embarrassment, and Kakashi's presence next to me did nothing to help.

"I-I…"

Lub-dub, my heart went nervously. Lub-dub, lub-dub, lubdub, lubdub, LUBDUB, LUBDUB.

"Judai," Mama interrupted, and I turned to her only to catch the beginnings of a stern face not pointed at me. Thank god. The air was starting to warm again with her voice. "Loosen up."

Papa sighed, and his shoulders immediately drooped. "Sorry," he said, a hoarse-like quality to his voice now, and I wasn't sure whether it was pointed at me or Mama. Then, he turned back to me, and all I could catch was his eyes shining with something before I just moved.

The silence was too much now. I just—

I just jumped up from my chair, ran over as fast as I could, and wrapped my arms around Papa's neck in that order. Unlike the many times I hugged him before, he didn't flinch from the gesture, instead almost frozen as I snuggled into his shoulder. "…Tomoko-chan?"

"I-I'm sorry, Papa," I found myself blurting out. "I'm so, so, so sorry."

I didn't even realize tears were streaming down my face until a strong grip tugged at one of my arms, making me pull away to look at Papa in the eye. "Hey, hey," his voice, previously blank, now suddenly turned soft. "Hime, why are you crying?"

He was using that nickname again.

"I-I, I—" My vision blurred again for the second time today. "Papa…"

"Oh man," was all I heard before Papa promptly turned in his seat, arms winding around my waist to lift me up. Even though I was 13 and properly growing into what felt like adult stature, it didn't take much effort for Papa to lift me off the ground and situate me in his lap like when I was little, this time turning me so that my cheek faced his chest. "Hey, hime," the same soft tone sounded above my head as a large hand that I knew wasn't mine reached over to wipe at my eyes. The touch was just as soft as his voice. "I'm not angry. I'm not angry at you, Tomoko-chan, you hear?"

"Th-then why?" I choked out, trying to curl up in a ball to hide away from all the glances pointed in my direction. Sure, it was just Mama, Uncle Sakumo, and Kakashi, but I was being a crybaby again. My insecurities were showing up again. "Why are you so tense, Papa? I-I didn't do something wrong, did I? I didn't b-burden you or anything, did I?"

My old Dad's voice rushed through my mind. "Vy."

"Tomoko-chan." I tried to not flinch at the sound of my name. "Hey," the same hand from before brushed at my cheeks, wiping away more tears. "What made you think you did something?"

"I-I—" My throat closed up from all the emotion going through my veins. All the memories of Vy's family going through my head, despite Hisako's efforts to clean. It was even hard to make out her usual cursing because of all the static. "I-I just—" My mouth ended up moving without me even thinking on it. "After everything with Kakashi and I being together, you seemed kinda distant, and—" Shit, I was already starting to ramble. "Rin-chan'salreadyhurtfromthiswholething, Idon'tknowaboutObito, andthenthere'sthewholethingwiththeHokage, and-and, I—"

"Tomoko-chan," I shut up as soon as the same hand reached over to poke my forehead. "Breathe for me, hime, breathe."

I sucked in as much air as I could. A few seconds passed, then Papa's other hand landed on my head. "Now go and let it out."

I let it out in a long and shaky sigh. If anything, it was less of an exhale and more of a tired cruiser ship heading into port with a long blow of its steam engines…or something. Then my throat clogged again from the emotion.

This deep breathing exercise was starting to become fairly common in my life, and I had no clue how to deal with it. Or my emotions right now.

"A little better?" Papa tried.

I just leaned against him, feeling more tired than before. "Mm," was the uncommitted noise that left my throat.

Hisako pulled out a duster to start wiping down the many bookshelves that had just accumulated dirt from the whole thing.

Papa sighed while Sakumo-jichan inclined his head in our direction from concern from the corner of my vision. "Judai, maybe we should put this behind us another time?"

"Nah," and then a chin landed on my head, making me shrink into the large presence that was Papa, and despite the weight, the air was warm again. Really nice, snuggly warm. "Tomoko-chan, not everything is your fault, alright? Get that in your head first." The same chin proceeded to bonk me lightly, and I tried not to wince from the quick jolt of pain. "What happened to Obito and Rin is something they have to handle on their own, even if I know you don't like that. But it's something they have to get through. For the Hokage, he's just an ass, so there's not much to fill in there. Don't worry too much." I didn't have to look up to know Papa was rolling his eyes in annoyance. The Third must've really troubled him back when he was a ninja.

"Uh," I said.

"For me, though…" he paused, taking a solemn breath. "The only reason I was distant was because of my trying to sort things out on my own. You're still my little hime in my heart—" accentuated with a warm squeeze and the chin from before now rubbing the top of my hair, "—so letting you go is easier said than done."

See? Hisako interrupted hotly. That's one thing you shouldn't have to worry about, dear. Judai still loves you as he always did.

Oh. I leaned into him, wiping my eyes. "B-But Papa, I haven't left you yet. I'm still your little girl, no matter what changes."

Papa sighed again, a happier sound to it this time, before swooping down and pressing a kiss to my forehead. I tried not to flush red from the sudden gesture. "I know, hime. I know." He sighed again, for what felt like the millionth time today, and I didn't need to look up to know he was playfully rolling his eyes. "Still, you falling for Kakashi? I would've thought you would choose someone else, hime."

Kakashi nearby started choking on his water.

"Papa," I said, exasperation filling my voice. "I kinda can't help who I fall for."

He huffed a breath before tightening the hug, grinning all the while. "Still. I'm okay with you being with him, Tomoko-chan, but I get dibs on fighting him. No arguments."

My jaw dropped.

"Judai!" Uncle Sakumo interrupted hotly.

Papa stuck his tongue out at him as Kakashi coughed to get the water out of his system.

Mama shook her head, tired smile on her face. "What in all hell was I worrying for, then?"

I wiggled in the hug to look up at him. "Papa?"

He glanced down at me once the commotion stopped. "Yes, Tomoko-chan?"

"Don't kill Kakashi, please," I said immediately. "He's still part of the family."

Papa raised an eyebrow at me before shrugging his shoulders. "No promises," he said flatly, tightening the hug yet again. Was he pouting? "As your Dad, I have first dibs to beat up your first boyfriend."

What. Hisako said. What?

"What?" I echoed.

Kakashi, having just finished recovering, started choking on another sip of water all over again. Uncle Sakumo took it upon himself to provide napkins for the splatter.

Once that little moment was out of the way, Mama took it upon herself to whisk me away into her shared room with Papa, leaving me standing in the middle of the carpet as she walked over to her closet, throwing the door open hastily to poke her head into the new opening.

"Where did I put that measuring tape…?" I could hear her mutter.

Uh, Hisako started dejectedly. Shouldn't we be worried about Kakashi's upcoming fight with Judai, or is it really just me? Because I really don't want your Dad killing your boyfriend just after you two got together.

My nerves were already shot. Hisako…!

What? She playfully rolled her shoulders. Blame a woman for being honest, and for shipping her charge with her best friend. It's better than some other ships in Vy's world at least. Just give me that much. If not, then sue me.

Oh dear lord.

Horror and embarrassment was already flooding my veins like wildfire to a forest. How long did you know?

Hm?

A-About Kakashi liking me and this happening, I mean?

About the fight? Nada. About Kakashi possibly liking you? Hisako shrugged with a grin. Ever since I was born.

Oh dear lord.

I tried to shake the red out of my face to instead focus on what Mama was doing. Apparently, she was now tossing out various items from the closet and onto the carpet floor, including a long spool of thread, a ball of yarn, a small strawberry-shaped pincushion, scissors, and various rolls of fabric. Mama's long black ponytail, this time moved behind her head instead of the usual side, whipped behind her shoulders as she pulled out a clothes iron of all things. What? "Ugh, where is it?" she muttered.

The clothes iron then somehow found its way near the other junk, landing on the carpet with a soft FWUMP.

"Uhh, Mama?"

"Hm?" She paused in her searching, looking up from the closet without turning her head. "What is it, Tomoko-chan?"

"What are you doing?" I found myself saying.

Mama simply shrugged with a smile before ducking back into the closet, rummaging around with more vigor. "Grabbing my fashion things. While the boys duke it out, we might as well have a little fashion show."

Eh?

"Mama, don't tell me…"

"Hm?"

Heat was flooding my face at the thought as I tried to get the words out. "A-Are you using me as a model again?"

Mama raised her head to grin at me proudly, and I didn't know whether to sweat or smile. "Who else is in the room with me, sweetie, Sakumo? Of course it's for you!"

Once again, I didn't know whether that was a barb or a joke pointed at Uncle Sakumo's way, but nonetheless, my face was probably looking like a tomato now. "M-Mama, you don't have to! I'm happy with the clothes you gave me already!"

Yeeeeep, because everyone staring at you wearing anime-related stuff from the ideas you gave her is great already.

Hisakoooooo.

My other self only smirked.

"But you're still growing, Tomoko-chan! You'll need something else aside from your skirts and kimono dresses!" Mama poked her head out of the closet again, this time a strip of blue fabric sitting on her head, sticking her tongue out like a defiant teenager, if she could do that much. "I'm the one that's going to design your wedding dress when it happens anyways! If Judai gets first dibs on beating up the boyfriend, I'm the one that gets to design your clothes to the end!"

I found myself gaping. "Mamaaaaaa!"

BAHAHAHAHA!

"I don't hear a 'Nooooooo!'" she added teasingly, voice now muffled by a...ruler in her mouth? What did she even keep in there? "Just let me have you for the day, Tomoko-chan!"

Why did I get the feeling Mama was heavily inspired by Kushina-nee? Or if I didn't see it already, she already got along with her?

Brrr. I could already feel the shivers going up my spine at how many things that could happen with those two at the helm. Don't get me wrong, I love Mama and Kushina-nee very much, but the things they could do in their passion could be kinda…

Jaw-dropping? Hisako offered.

Yeah. That.

Nonetheless, after some more clatter behind the closet doors, Mama stood straight up, shaking her head vigorously. "Finally!" In her hand was a long strip of tape, and I didn't even need to move to see the small numbers on the plastic. Mama turned her head, sparkles clear in her eyes, and I tried not to freeze up as she walked towards me. "Hold still, sweetie! And raise your arms for me!"

"Okay?" I did as she asked.

Mama stretched out the tape between her fingers to take in the general length of my torso before raising an eyebrow up at me. "Relax, Tomoko-chan. I'm not going to kill you with this." She proceeded to wrap the tape around my waist, tightening it in a band.

That is, if Dad doesn't kill Kakashi first.

Hisako, you are so not helping. Outwardly, I took a breath. "Still, Mama, what are you making this time?"

"Hmmm?" She hummed again, taking away the tape to instead wrap it around the undersides of my arms and cover my upper chest. "Oh, just another dress. Or a casual outfit. You need to at least look presentable when we head out later."

Wait a minute, later?

"Mama, what do you mean by 'later'?"

I had to wait a few seconds for an actual response, because Mama actually put the measuring tape in her mouth while holding up a roll of soft pink ribbon in her hands, tying said ribbon around my waist. Once she was done with her main task, she neatly spit out the tape into her hand and grinned. "You'll see~!"

Oh boy, said Hisako.

Oh shit, Kakashi couldn't help but think.

"Don't just stand still, Kakashi!" Another swing of a chakra sword, and Kakashi relied on his instincts to block with the White Chakra Blade, the air almost as thick as blood with the fight. A few strands of hair were all the signal he had of the close call that just happened, and he tried to breath. Even with the familiar scent of Dad nearby, the amount of tension running through the atmosphere made him on edge.

Behind the long chakra katana, Uncle Judai grinned wryly at him, sweat running down his cheek before he jumped back, readying his sword. "Okay, let's try that again. Come at me like I'm an enemy."

Kakashi was already opening the Sharingan to test it out. Even with the chakra slowly draining from him, he did what he could to focus in. Uncle Judai only looked at it once before his eyes flashed that strange heterochromatic red-green, smirk on his face. "No genjutsu in this, Kakashi. It won't work on me." He raised his sword. "Don't hold back."

"Just no killing in here," Sakumo interrupted dryly.

Any questions about Uncle Judai's eyes was pushed to the back of Kakashi's mind as he charged. All that was on his mind was finding a way to disarm. If Judai didn't have his sword, then maybe he would have a chance—!

He raised the White Chakra Blade, just in time for Uncle Judai's katana to grow in length for a potential counter. Good. Judai was expecting him to use his tanto.

"Running head-on isn't the best idea, Kaka—" Judai's eyes widened as soon as Kakashi came close, dropping Dad's blade to instead aim for an elbow at his torso, and the older man immediately jumped away in time for Kakashi to catch a rhythm. Spinning on his hands, he used the momentum to aim a kick at Judai's arms.

It was a fast few seconds, trying to land a hit via taijutsu. Spinning kicks, artful leaps to jump back into the realm of things, and even picking up the White Chakra Blade again to try getting a low blow at Judai's legs. Throughout this entire, messy process, Judai nimbly dodged with his katana flickering from the various movements, the same red-green eyes glowing in an imitation of a taunt. Kakashi could only admit it was because of his Sharingan and previous training with the quick Minato-sensei that he could keep up with the older man's speed, as the dojutsu was good at keeping track of whatever movements Judai was making. Despite the older man's former Jounin status, Kakashi was finding his movements somewhat predictable. Duck, dodge, leap, smirk in his direction. Something along those lines.

It was quickly getting annoying, seeing that smirk.

"Nice job trying to disarm me, but you're going to have to do more than that! You have to land a hit first!"

"E-Easier said than done!" Kakashi puffed. His chakra was draining fast, and his stamina was probably the only thing keeping him up.

Might as well try that again. It failed last time… He sheathed the White Light Chakra Blade.

Ox, Rabbit, Monkey. The hand-signs were almost second nature to him as the chakra gathered to his right hand. The flickering of the lightning was nearly deafening at first, but at this point, with the light scars already covering his hands from previous practice, Kakashi didn't care.

All that mattered was rushing in, trying to aim for that sword…!

Uncle Judai pulled up his longest katana to date, the blade extending a near half meter long before the Chidori collided with it, and all that came out of it initially was smoke. Kakashi could vaguely register the feeling of sharp chakra resisting his grip, but he had something. He tried to move his hand in an attempt to break it, blood rushing through his veins.

"What the hell—" Judai cut himself off as soon as the sound echoed in the backyard and surrounding area.

SNAP.

Kakashi could vaguely smell the scent of his own blood, but that didn't deter him from the grip of something sharp in his palm. He coughed, trying to clear the smoke from his lungs before hesitantly opening his right eye.

The clear visual of a broken tanto tip, about 5 centimeters long, was clutched in his hand, and nearby, Kakashi could make out Judai's dull mutter of, "What the fuck."

He raised his head, only to take a step back at the now broken tanto in Uncle Judai's hands. The older man's eyes had turned back to their original brown color, now dark in shock and surprise.

Did I just—

"Kakashi!" Next thing he knew, all he could smell was Dad as Sakumo ran over to stand in front of him, worry covering his visage to the point of making the lines on his face even more apparent. "Are you okay?"

"Dad?" he said dully, only watching as Sakumo slowly grasped his right hand to unfurl his fingers from the blade. His glove was torn to show thick lines of red, but it overall wasn't a deep wound if anything. What still stood out was the glint of metal as the broken sword piece lay bloodied on top of his palm. "Did I—"

"Holy shit, Kakashi," Uncle Judai's voice, as he looked up only to make out the older man's surprised smile. "You just broke my old sword."

"Uh, sorry?"

"Sorry? Sorry?" To Kakashi's surprise, Judai threw back his head to laugh loudly. It was good enough to make him nearly forget Sakumo's current fretting over his bloody hand, at least. "Kakashi, that's awesome! I don't think your dad even got to break it before! That's a first!"

"Judai, how can you be laughing?!" Sakumo proceeded to scold, and the pain finally started coming in as Kakashi winced at the touch. He knew Dad was worried, but the fact that his wounds hurt more with his fretting didn't help anything. "Kakashi cut his hand!"

Judai raised an eyebrow at the former White Fang and frowned. "Coming from the former famous ninja?"

"You're one to talk!"

Ugh.

"Kakashi, why did you use Chidori again?" Now Sakumo was staring at him, and he tried not to freeze up. Any other place seemed better than this one right now.

"It seemed like a good option…" Now Kakashi was regretting his previous decision, because the fact that his Dad was staring holes into his hair didn't make him feel better. Blood and exhaustion included.

Sakumo sighed before tenderly cradling the wounded hand in question, examining the wound. "I get that you were desperate, Kakashi, but remember to think things over. Not every fight will turn out like that."

"I know, Dad." Kakashi decided not to say anything else and let Sakumo clean and bandage his hand, because the amount of emotion in Sakumo's last few words said enough.

Sakumo still rested his other hand on Kakashi's hair, smile on his face. "Still, good job, son."

He tried to grin back.

Judai nearby sighed, playfully rolling his shoulders. "I guess I have to go to Jim to make a new tanto. Had to do it sooner or later…this one was getting on in age."

"Papa? What are you talking about?"

The scent of rosemary and lotuses.

Lub-dub.

Kakashi didn't even care that he was sweating and bleeding at his right hand—all that mattered was looking up and—

Oh shit.

His mouth would've dropped to the ground if not for his mask helping it up already.

Aunt Hikari was behind her, proudly pushing the girl forward like it was some kind of holiday. Tomoko was fidgeting, clenching the hem of whatever new thing Aunt Hikari had put her in, and—

Kami, was she wearing blue? Blue ruffled collar, blue ribbon sash at her waist tying into what looked like a bow behind her, and her—her light blue Wayfinder, tinted with its green edges, hanging from her neck on its leather strap. Accompanied with the matching blue-ribbon bow on her right hair strand and the overall white of the dress, the look was modest, simple, clean, and—and—

If Kakashi had a strong urge to kiss her before, it was pretty overpowering now. It took all he had to not even run, thanks to extra unintended help from Sakumo via holding his injured hand. Instead, he coughed into his uninjured fist, trying to hide the happy shock in his voice. "T-Tomoko, what are you doing?"

"Uh, fashion show?" The girl squeaked out the answer as her cheeks bloomed a dark pink from the embarrassment. "Mama brought me out here to ask for your guys' opinions." She ducked her head, and it was only thanks to his ninja training that he could catch the faint mutter of, "What kind of distraction is this? This feels so embarrassing…!"

Adorable is more like it. His mind and heart said in agreement. Kakashi covered it up with another cough.

"Hime, you look cute." Judai said matter-of-factly, way before Kakashi could fashion a proper answer. Tomoko proceeded to turn red as Judai raised a hand in greeting. "Hikari?"

"Yes, dear?" The older woman hummed over Tomoko's head.

"Remind me to kiss you later."

Hikari proceeded to chuckle. "Oh, Judai, just take a shower and you'll get more than that if you want later."

It was now Judai's turn to flush red and sputter as Sakumo quietly chuckled. Kakashi stared at him, only for Sakumo to grin and shake his head. "Don't ask," he mouthed. A shiver, made from a mix of embarrassment and disgust, was quick to travel up his spine, resulting in Kakashi's quick nod.

Tomoko fidgeted under Aunt Hikari's hands as she continued to look away. "I-I guess it looks good?"

"Keep it, Tomoko-chan," Sakumo beamed over the last bandage knot on Kakashi's right hand. "You look great."

The civilian raised her head, blinking wide blue eyes before nodding. "Th-thank you, Uncle Sakumo."

And then Tomoko turned to him. Kakashi found himself gulping.

Lub-dub.

"K-Kakashi?" Tomoko tried. "Wh-what do you think?"

Before he could think on it further, the first thought left his mouth in quick succession. "You look beautiful."

Tomoko blinked.

Kakashi blinked back.

Hikari, Judai, and Sakumo all shared glances. Hikari giggled, Judai tried not to groan fondly, and Sakumo merely smiled.

"What?" the girl said finally. "What?" she flushed a dark crimson now. "M-Me? Beautiful?"

Shit. Kakashi tried not to fumble with his hands as a result of the bandages covering his right. "I-Is there a problem with that?" The slightest bit of embarrassment leaked out through his voice, and his gut was already twisting in on itself from the whole situation. The stare trained into his head from Uncle Judai's direction wasn't helping. "It's just the truth," he tried to amend.

Tomoko made a noise akin to a popping tea kettle before ducking her head with a shy smile. "O-Oh," she said, warmth in her reply this time. A pause, and then she raised her head, bigger smile on her face. "I-I love you too, Kakashi."

God.

LUBDUB.

Hikari let out a loud squeal, just as Judai's jaw dropped to the ground. Sakumo continued to smile, coincidentally in time for Kakashi's heart to fall to his stomach. His heart proceeded to bounce in his chest like a bouncy ball, and if not for his feet being frozen to the grass, he probably would've moved forward right then and there. "T-Tomoko…"

The civilian flushed a dark red, akin to a cherry in appearance, before shaking her head to promptly rush forward in his place and jump.

"What the—" was all he could get out before they crashed.

"Waaaah!"

"Whoa!" It took what stamina and strength he had left — which was barely scratching 'alright' considering the previous spar/fight with Uncle Judai — to catch Tomoko in her newest rendition of a tackle-hug, nearly flopping over onto the grass if not for his reflexes. Nonetheless, they twirled for a moment, the arms around his neck warm and tight as the scent of rosemary nearly assaulted his nose.

Once they came to a stop, Kakashi could vaguely make out the feeling of Tomoko's hair brushing his neck as she tightened the hold on him. "Tomoko?"

"J-Just let me do this, Kakashi, please?" The civilian pressed closer to him, apparently not minding the sweat and dirt while tucking her head into the crook of his neck. "I just want to hug you really tight and not let go for a while."

He hid the urge to snort and kiss her, instead, wrapping his arms around her back and squeezing her fondly. "Alright."

It was hard to miss the adults looking on in fond acceptance.

It took a few more days for an ANBU to show up in the house. More specifically, in what should've been another work day at Nagareboshi Cafe was rudely interrupted by a man wearing a Falcon mask showing up in front of the piano, way before I could even consider walking over.

"Tomoko-san? Please call your parents, Hatake Sakumo, and Hatake Kakashi over. It is time. We already have Uchiha Obito and Nohara Rin waiting in the Hokage's office."

I tried not to gulp.

Here we go.

All I could hope for was that my stomach wouldn't give out in the long run, because Falcon-san already had his hand in the familiar hand-sign for teleportation. Literally looking like he could go at any second if I didn't comply.

Remember to bring a paper bag, dear.

I could only wish that said bag would be enough.

How would I go about letting it all out?

Note to others — don't start off with something like, "So, I've been keeping a secret from you all for a while now."

I was already dreading Team Minato's reactions. Mama and Papa's more so.

That is, if Mama didn't look like she wanted to throttle the Third Hokage — who was inconspicuously smoking his pipe at his desk — long before Papa blew up.

Author's Note: '\_(=A=)_/'

I am really sorry for this chapter taking so long — this Winter Quarter has been long and rather time-consuming since I got my own Internship and midterms hanging around almost every part of my head. I'll definitely work harder to get the next chapter out ASAP, so I hope you can wait out again!

Thank you all, of course, for reviewing and enjoying Chapter 50. It's been a while since the last update, and since so much as happened since then, I have to mention a few names in gratitude. Lang and Beta, of course, for being amazing online friends and encouraging more writing on my part. Abalisk-senpai, for being that great upperclassman and role model I needed when I needed to get to work. The anonymous charming lurker, for leaving such a nice review on Chapter 18 and helping me get back into work speed. Viviene001 and bloodydarkangel for being new fans and leaving wonderful reviews. For everyone else who said something in the past 2 months.

It's good to put up an update again. As of today, February 22nd, 2018, CP has 1103 reviews, 1520 favorites, and 1798 followers.

I'm happy to be back. This is T signing out to finish midterms and start writing the next chapter.