Note: A drabble for S&S Kakashi, and how his feelings towards Tomoko nearly parallel his CP counterpart if not for a few select people.
Sparkle 19: Value Me
"Neh, Kakashi? Could I ask you something?"
He didn't look up to meet her gaze, but still lowered the kunai in his hands as a way of showing she had his attention. "What is it?"
Tomoko inclined her head at him, a small and uncertain smile on her face. "It's going to be a little silly."
"And that's fine."
A small pause. "You sure?"
Kakashi held back a sigh and raised his head to finally make eye contact, as uncomfortable as it was. "Yes. What is it, Tomoko?"
The girl gave him that same unsure smile. "What made you agree to living with us anyways? With Mama, Papa, and I? Isn't it a bit…boring around here for you?"
He wasn't expecting that. If anything, life around the Hoshinos was anything but boring. And considering the almost constant slew of guests visiting, from Obito to Kei to even Fuse-san, it was more than what the old Hatake Compound could account for. The fact she was asking was strange enough.
His old home was empty. The Hoshino home was alive. That was the difference.
He would have questioned it more if not for the unsure look in her blue eyes.
Kakashi sighed for real before reaching over to flick her forehead.
Tomoko yelped, mouth already opening to protest, but he beat her to the punch.
"It's in no way boring around here, Tomoko. Dad and I started living here because your family gave us a place to be us. You helped remind us that we're human too. You gave us a home. So quit doubting yourself."
Tomoko's eyes expectedly filled with tears. "K-Kashi…"
He hid a snort to poke her forehead instead. "C'mon, don't cry now. Let's go train. We still need to work on your stamina."
The girl didn't even hesitate in taking his extended hand this time. That was good enough for him.