It was dawn in Konoha.
The sun hovered above the mountain range in the distance, nearly kissing its peak. The sky was a brilliant hue of blood orange and a waning blue. From across a small river sat Kakashi. He stared off into the sunset, his mind blank like a canvas.
It wasn't often that he found that the boy found himself in such a trance. Was it the breathtaking scenery? The gentle breeze? Perhaps. But a moment of clarity was nice to have…for once. Otherwise his mind would drag him down with memories of his late father, Sakumo Hatake, also known as the White Fang of the Hidden Leaf.
The villagers admonished him to the point that he was driven into a deep depression. His father was lively yet in the days that preceded his death he never left his room. Finally, when Kakashi attempted to check on him….
He found his corpse on the wooden floor. His blood oozed from his gaping wound. It was one precise slice from a kunai which had laid next to his body. The Great White Fang of the Hidden Leaf.
Dead by suicide.
And just like that the thoughts flooded back.
Typical.
It was about time for him to–
"Hey, Kakashi! How's it goin'?"
That voice…it was familiar.
Oh right, it was Obito wasn't it? In his stupor the white haired shinobi hadn't even noticed his presence. Perhaps more accurately, his presence was so insignificant to him that he had refused to notice him.
He could tell that his once upon a time classmate was only playing the part of a good samaritan. Maybe he had noticed how the other Chunin and Jonin treated him like a leper. Perhaps they were right to. Kakashi had quickly gained a reputation for one who would put the rules of the shinobi above all else - even his own comrades.
His father had chosen to put his comrades above the mission, and instead he was scoffed at and mocked even by the ones he had saved.
Kakashi couldn't allow himself to share that same fate no matter what the cost was. If he was to be avoided for it, then so be it. That was the price a shinobi paid for following the rules. No one said that it would be a joyous one.
"I've been hearing a lot about you. Looks like you've been seeing some action."
So annoying, Kakashi thought.
If he wanted to play the role of the goodie two shoe then maybe he should have learned how to actually hold a conversation. What did he want him to say? Of course he's been in action, he had been on several dangerous missions, and each time he completed them to the letter, even if it would cost his teammates their lives.
They knew the risks like he did, and they accepted them like he did. If the roles were reversed then he would expect nothing less. That was the harsh reality of a shinobi's life.
The last thing a shinobi needed was to be pitied by another aspiring one - especially one like him.
That failure of an Uchiha couldn't even take the hint that he didn't want to speak to him. Was the silent treatment not enough?
"Hey did something happen? If something's on your mind–"
"Nothing can ever happen to me that's so bad that I need to be comforted by you," Kakashi answered with a monotone voice as he rose to his feet.
He wasn't angry nor upset at Obito's attempt to speak with him. To be either would imply that he cared to some degree about him and what he thought. But since he didn't care about either one, why waste energy and be upset? That slacker was like a fly, and all he needed to do was to make him shoo.
Or, he could simply walk away.
And Kakashi did just that.
"Just leave me alone."
There. That should do it.
Perhaps at his home he could finally be truly alone–
"I knew it! There is something wrong with you isn't there?!" Kakashi heard the boy's voice bellow out from behind him.
It was at this point that Kakashi couldn't help but sigh out loud.
Seriously, what was wrong with this guy?
He turned to face the boy who stomped his way towards him like an angry parent. What had gotten into him? Didn't he just tell him to leave him alone?
"I just told you to–"
"No! I don't care!" Obito yelled at him. His tone…it took Kakashi aback. Was he being scolded right now? Why?
"You can't treat people who care about you like that!" Obito took a step closer, perhaps a step too close for comfort. Instinctively the white haired shinobi took a step back. Obito's dark hazel irises shone with a glint of determination that Kakashi had never seen before. His entire demeanor in fact, was questionably different.
It was as if his gaze could pierce his soul.
Still, that wouldn't change much. Sure he might have surprised Kakashi a little with his boldness but it was a nice try for him to attempt to trick the white haired shinobi into believing that he actually cared about him.
"You don't care about me. You just want to feel better about yourself," Kakashi fired back at him. Was he upset now? No, he was just a little irked was all.
"If I didn't care about you then why would I invite you over for dinner huh?!" Obito blurted out to him.
Kakashi couldn't hide his confusion. Never had anyone ever invited him over to their home. Why would Obito of all people want to? They barely spoke to one another, and when they did, they rarely had anything positive to say to one another.
"Huh? Did you bump your head or something–" But before Kakashi could admonish his former classmate further, the Uchiha firmly grasped his hand and began to drag him away.
"L-Let g-go!" Kakashi yelped.
Since when was his grasp so strong?! Kakashi was always ahead of that loser. In strength, skill, talent, and intelligence. Did he close the gap between them that fast?
"No! My grandma would love to have you over. We're having dinner and you're going to enjoy it, trust me!"
"O-Okay just let me go!" Kakashi at this point pleaded with him. He hated how he sounded and he probably looked worse too. A kid his own size dragging him by his arm as if he was a toddler, it was beyond insulting.
"No! Not until we get there!" Obito barked back at him. The lengths that he was going to maintain this farce….it was insane.
And Kakashi felt even more insane for being a part of it.
Yet…
Well….
Maybe dinner at someone else's house did sound nice…
—
"I'm home!" Obito shouted as he walked inside.
Kakashi took his sandals off at the front entrance and stepped inside alongside Obito. He was greeted by the pleasant aroma of the beef and veggie broth that emanated from the kitchen.
"Obito! Just in time! Dinner is ready–" The voice of an elderly woman called out to him. She paused when she turned around to see that Obito had brought a guest along with her. They both took their seats at the dining room table which was close to the floor.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I see that you brought along a guest! You must be Kakashi right?" The elderly woman asked him.
"Uh, yes ma'am," Kakashi politely bowed his head to her. "I apologize for the intrusion." The fact that she recognized him by sight alone must have meant that Obito talked about him a lot. But why?
"Sorry grandma, I should have told you that I was having company earlier but it was kind of spur of the moment," Obito explained to her.
That's an understatement, Kakashi thought to himself. If looks could kill he would have stared a hole through Obito's head.
"It's okay! You talk so much about him anyways. Like how talented he is, smart, and strong–"
"AHHH!" Obito shouted to interrupt her and sputtered in the process. His cheeks were redder than a tomato's and he shot Kakashi a nervous smile - perhaps he had hoped that he hadn't heard that?
Kakashi had a faint blush etched on his face as well. Really? Did Obito really think that highly of him? It didn't make sense. He could tell that Obito just viewed him as an obstacle to overcome. Nothing more. So why would he go out of his way to tell his grandma about him? And why would he try to hide it?
"Uhm," Kakashi shot a glance at Obito before turning to the Uchiha's grandmother. "Obito is quite strong as well, and he's very determined too ma'am, really he should be singing his own praises to you," Kakashi said to her politely.
When Obito's grandmother beamed, Kakashi shot another look at Obito and Obito smiled sheepishly at his grandmother and then at him. He mouthed the words 'thank you' to Kakashi who simply scoffed and looked down.
Once Obito's grandmother served them their food they all said "itadakimasu" and unison.
As Kakashi moved his hand up towards his mask he felt eyes on him and when he looked to the side he saw Obito and his grandmother staring at him intensely.
"Uhm…" Kakashi felt awkward. "You're both staring at me so hard…"
"Oh! We'll look down and eat! Whatever makes you comfortable," Obito's grandmother said.
Obito nodded profusely and both began to eat their stew and rice while staring directly down at their bowls.
That's not necessary….is what Kakashi wanted to say.
He couldn't remember the last time that he hadn't eaten alone. It was a different feeling, one that he perhaps would get used to once more.
The white haired boy pulled his mask down ever so slightly and began to eat. The beef broth was stewed to perfection and it complimented the vegetables as well. The flavor was rich and savory yet light all at once. It seemed that Obito was fortunate to have grown up in the household of such a great cook.
"Oh wow grandma I'm stuffed!" Obito relaxed and patted his stomach.
Kakashi had finished his food surprisingly fast as well. Was he really that hungry?
"It was excellent. Thank you very much," Kakashi turned to Obito's grandmother and bowed to her respectfully.
"You're too kind! Obito, why don't you let Kakashi stay the night? He can sleep with you in your room," His grandmother said.
Both of the boy's eyes popped out of their heads.
"I-I couldn't…." Kakashi muttered as he looked downward. It would be rude to accept such an offer. This…whatever this was, it had gone too far. Obito had already done his good deed for the day, he didn't need to do anything more. Besides, Kakashi had to get home to….
To….
….to nothing.
"That's a great idea grandma!" Kakashi perked his head up at Obito's words. This guy was serious. In fact, he was more than serious. He seemed delighted at the thought of them spending the night together. But why?
Huh?
"That's good to hear. Kakashi, you're such a kind and polite boy. Handsome too. You're welcome to spend the night here anytime," Obito's grandmother said.
"I uh…" Kakashi was beyond words.
He didn't know what to say.
"Thank you…" He muttered softly. "Thank you very much."
—-
It was dark.
It was quiet.
Kakashi laid on the same bed that Obito slept in and his eyes peered out the window. Obito was next to him, but Kakashi could tell that he wasn't asleep yet.
"Obito…" Kakashi whispered his name.
"Hmm? What is it Kakashi?" Obito asked him.
Kakashi could feel Obito's gaze shift towards him.
"Why are you being so nice to me? You don't have to…" Kakashi's voice trailed off. He couldn't bring himself to say more. Not right now. Not in front of Obito. He'd probably get a good kick out of him acting so vulnerable anyways.
"Kakashi…" Obito had placed his hand on Kakashi's shoulder and used it to turn Kakashi's body towards him. Kakashi didn't know why, but he went along with it and before he knew it, he was face to face with those same determined hazel eyes that he had seen earlier in the day.
"You don't have to be alone anymore. You have a home here too, you know," Obito said to him. There was a sincere sternness to his voice. He really wanted to get his message across. Kakashi could tell that Obito was genuine, but why?
"Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden? What changed? What happened?" He had so many questions. No one had ever treated him like this. Not even Rin.
"Let's just say…I've been given a different perspective," Obito said with a grin.
Kakashi couldn't make heads or tails of what that was supposed to mean or even imply, but he would have to take it at face value for the time being.
Still….
"I thought you hated me," Kakashi said.
"What?" Obito blurted out. "What do you–"
"You've always been so competitive with me!" Kakashi fired back at him. He was upset, and annoyed, and a little irritated too about this whole situation. These range of emotions stemmed from him being confused. This sudden change in Obito's demeanor, this 'random' act of kindness, and now he told him that he looked up to him too?!
"What else was I supposed to think?! You probably thought I was a snob too, and arrogant and cocky. I was a little, or I still am rather, but I'm confident in myself that's all–"
"Kakashi you have it all wrong!" Now it was Obito's turn to cut him off.
"I've always admired you okay! My grandma was right, I talk about you all of the time! Almost as much as I talk about Rin! Maybe even more! You're everything I want to be, but most importantly, you're my friend," Obito confessed to him.
Kakashi felt his cheeks glow beet red. Was it hot in here? Was it because of his mask? Maybe he should take it off.
"Obito you…" Kakashi suddenly became deeply aware of Obito's breath tickling his face. The white haired boy placed his hand on Obito's chest and he wanted to guide him away, yet his hand rested against him like one would on a window pane.
"I'm trash. You shouldn't want to be like me."
"You're not trash Kakashi!" Obito pulled himself closer. The Uchiha boy thumbed Kakashi's mask and pulled it down ever so slightly to reveal his face. Normally Kakashi wouldn't allow anyone to get so close to him, but for the first time in what felt like ages he felt comfortable with someone.
"Don't ever say that you're trash again. You just want to do what you think is right because of what happened to–" Obito cut himself off.
"What happened to–?" Kakashi couldn't help but perk up at Obito's words.
Obito averted his gaze and sighed. "Never mind. I'm sorry."
"No it–" Kakashi paused for a moment to gather the right words to say. "It's okay." He would finally say. There was no way that he could go into detail about why his father decided to take his own life. Regardless, it was possible that Obito had related Kakashi's gloomy state to his father's death.
However, there was much more to it than that.
"I'm tired, okay. I don't want to talk about this anymore. Let's just get some sleep…" Kakashi's voice trailed off once more and he glided his hand off of Obito's chest. For some reason, the boy that he thought was once immature and juvenile now seemed warm and kind and almost like an older brother to him. Obito's entire personality seemed to have changed overnight and he couldn't understand why.
Regardless, Kakashi couldn't say that he didn't like it.
At that moment, he really liked it. He liked it far more than he would ever admit.
As he drifted off to sleep, the white haired shinobi felt Obito wrap his arm around him.
And the two slept together peacefully.