A/N: I do not own Naruto. This is a short, angsty one-shot. Kakashi is waiting.

Why do I wear my mask.

Nobody has asked me that question for years.

It's not usual for him to be late. In fact, I don't remember this happening before. I'm always the one keeping him waiting. I know my way out of it. It's not a problem.

I just thought I'd surprise him this time.

And he's not here. The first time I decide to make nice and appear early, and he's not here. I can't believe he's late. I don't know how many minutes I've been standing here, but that's beside the point.

Is this how he feels when he waits for me?

People walking by look at me like I'm a stood-up fool, but that's not what's making me restless. It's so unlike him I can't help but wonder if something happened. Not necessarily something bad. Someone may have tugged on his sleeve. That would be enough. He doesn't know how to say no. Yes, that's it. He's caught in a conversation with someone, about something urgent. Maybe he even had to go back for a while. It's all starting to make sense now.

Fool. Letting someone keep him. Making new, binding promises to half-strangers. I wouldn't put it past him.

God, but I hate waiting. Maybe this is why I procrastinate. Because facing his anger is easier than waiting for his face to appear.

I don't see how it can take him so long! He would've dealt with the errand by now. I walk in the shadow of the wall near me and lean against it. The wall is cold even through my shirt. This is ridiculous. He must've died! He wouldn't be able to look himself in the mirror after doing something like this! How can he face his students?

I will never let this slide. He will remember his mistake for the rest of his life. The next time we have an arranged meeting, he won't have anything to hold against me. Anything.

Alright, this is getting bizarre. Something has happened. Something bad. He must be injured, trapped under some heavy piece of furniture or a vehicle. Maybe someone has attacked him. No, he's not alone today, that's impossible. Who could possibly take him and Genma in broad daylight, out of the blue? No, it can't be an attack, it must be an accident. Isn't anyone there to look after him? What's wrong with people?

Wait. It's him! There he is!

He's making his way through the crowd. Looks like a cat squeezing through a narrow window frame. Why didn't he take some quieter route? Maybe that's why he's late. He's looking in my direction but hasn't noticed me yet.How can he not? There's nobody else standing by this wall than me!

Finally, now he sees me and grins broadly. Why do I feel like his gaze is slipping? I really want to hear what he has to say. He comes closer, and we're separated from the masses at last.

His cheekbones are bright red, he looks… flustered.

"I'm so sorry," he says, rubbing his neck.

He's lying.

He's exhilarated.

I haven't seen him this happy ever. He's not sorry at all.

He…

Oh God.

No. No. It… no. It can't.

He said something. What did he say?

"Shall we leave?" he repeats, the joy barely hidden under his voice. I remember to crack my neck forwards in an imitation of a nod, just in time for him not to worry or suspect anything. His brows are high and clear, but it goes away and his gaze slips mine again. This time it feels like a blessing.

I am the furthest thing from his mind.

He walks, and I follow. As his back turns, my hand reaches up and I adjust the mask higher over my face.

Why do I wear my mask.

Nobody has asked me that question for years.

The End