"Are you listening to me, Obito?"

Obito's eyes darted back to the silver haired man, the Hokage, who stood at the door of their shared apartment. To say it was early was an understatement, and he was barely awake. Kakashi's busy schedule had affected Obito who was constantly woken from his dozing on the couch. The house guest couldn't remember the last time he'd had a full and restful sleep.

"I said, that if you find yourself needing anything from the village, you can let the shopkeeper know that the Hidden Leaf will pay the debt. Being Hokage must be good for something, after all." He allowed himself a wry smile at the thought.

"Hmph." Obito folded his arms against his chest and rolled over to face the couch. Dependency was disdainful, unbecoming. He refused to allow the humiliation he felt to be visible.

He heard Kakashi sigh as he opened the door.

"I don't need handouts from the Hidden Leaf. You may have forsaken your pride, but that's not to say I still don't have my own! Uchiha Obito is an S-ranked ninja, a missing-nin, leader of the Akatsuki, the Ten Tails Jinchuriki. I was capable of bringing the ninja world to it's knees, and I can survive on my.. own."

The ferocious grumble that came from inside Obito's stomach surprised even himself. How embarrassing! He could only hope that it had escaped Kakashi's attention, standing mere metres away.

"Talking tough as always, Obito, but your stomach betrays you as the cry baby ninja you've always been! Well, see ya." Kakashi had already turned away, gave a slight wave and closed the door behind him.

Obito turned back to face the door, furious at the perceived lack of respect he felt he'd been shown. "Fuck off Kakashi!" He bellowed after him.

Seemingly some time had passed as Obito sat up and rubbed his eyes. He realised he must have fallen back asleep after being rudely roused earlier. He pushed himself off the couch and albeit reluctantly, went to investigate the contents of the fridge. He was not surprised to find it empty - Kakashi wasn't home often enough to need groceries in the house. But Obito lived here now, and clearly their conversation this morning was linked to the lack of supplies in the apartment..

Kakashi is so selfish. Does that idiot ever think of anyone other than himself? I'm not his servant!

He slammed the fridge door shut. The only thing on offer was tea; as Kakashi had left the pot on earlier, it was still hot. It wouldn't be much in the way of sustenance but his angry stomach needed something. He poured himself a cup and lent back against the counter. His Zetsu surrogate allowed him to survive indefinitely without the need to eat, something which had been crucial during his numerous years as a missing-nin. But that was not to say that he didn't feel hunger and now that he was back in the village he could satiate this desire. Unfulfilled, he placed his empty cup on the kitchen bench and sighed. He had two choices. He could leave the apartment and find something to eat or he could sleep. Sleep always helped him block out his unwanted emotions. Everything felt like an exertion these days, he mused.

Obito made his way to the bedroom. The couch was not the most comfortable place to sleep and he thought he should take advantage of Kakashi not being in the apartment. He flung himself back onto the bed and closed his eyes. It was oddly comfortable, and the lingering scent of Kakashi was strangely satisfying and pleasant..

What?

Obito's eyes instantly opened as he realised what thought had just crossed his mind. He groaned, covered his eyes and focused on his breathing. He needed the sleep after all. Such thoughts were merely a distraction. But try as he might to deny it, he could sense the remnants of Kakashi's soothing chakra on the bed. He hastily rolled over and bit his lip in a useless attempt to focus on something else. He attempted to focus on anything and everything as he tried to deny the all too familiar ache in his crotch. He reached for a pillow and covered his head with it. If nothing else, it kept his arms busy.

"What the hell is wrong with me..?" He groaned.

Leaving the pillow on his face, he ran his fingers down his chest until he made his way to his pants. The temptation was just too strong to resist, having the darkness of the pillow obscure his eyesight helped him to fantasise, and it wasn't like he had anything else to do anyway. He hesitated as his fingers toyed with the elastic. Obito's thoughts trailed back to when Kakashi had found him at the Memorial Stone after his inauguration, completely soaked and had kissed him. Kakashi had obviously wanted him then and Obito obviously wanted him now. But did Kakashi still want him? He hadn't initiated anything since that day. He wondered if Kakashi had thought about him the way he was thinking about Kakashi now, or if it was possible that Kakashi had even fantasised about him right here in this bed. The hand slipped under the elastic, and Obito couldn't help but stroke himself as he imagined Kakashi during his own private moment. His fingers snaked around himself, and whilst stiffening, a small moan escaped his lips as he tightened his grasp.

He started with a slow pace, building up a rhythm. Slow strokes, tight and firm, easing into it. Gradually he quickened, fully erect. It felt somewhat wrong, but that was simply part of the thrill. Panting, he began to buck his hips into his thrusts as he let his imagination run wild.

"Ka..kashi"

Obito bit his lip as he continued to shamelessly pleasure himself whilst tangled up in Kakashi's sheets.

"Ahh.."

This wasn't going to take long. It wasn't an act that ever took much time, owing to the infrequency of it. Masturbation was primarily a relaxant, and with the life Obito led, there wasn't much time for it. His breathing slowed from the pant into deeper and longer breaths. He felt the familiar rush of pleasurable heat consume his body, and in that same moment, he gained some clarity as to what was about to happen and more importantly where it was going to happen..

"Shit." It was too late. He attempted to get up before the inevitable, but caught himself within Kakashi's simplistic bedspread and crashed to the floor. To consider the feeling he felt overwhelming wouldn't have scratched the surface – shame, pain, embarrassment and all within the context of an orgasm. Just his luck.

Obito sat up and immediately examined his arm. Blood had already started to escape from a small wound he'd created. As he'd fallen, his arm had caught on a bedside dresser, spilling its contents all over the floor. The Team Minato squad photo that lay on top was face down on the floor. Picking it up, he stared intensely at the youthful Kakashi glaring back at him.

'Oh If Kakashi could only see me now. I would never live this down..'

He rose to his feet and ran into the bathroom to grab a bandage so that he could stop the bleeding. Once he was satisfied with how the bandage was wound, he leant over and gripped the bathroom sink tightly. How did he let himself get into that situation? He looked at his broken reflection in the mirror and ran his fingers over the hardened skin with a sigh. He turned the tap on and let the cool water pool into his hands before splashing his face. Never again.

He returned to the bedroom and sheepishly attempted to straighten the sheets to the best of his ability. He allowed himself a hint of a smirk at the number he had done on Kakashi's bedroom. It was rebellion almost, in a simple form. His stomach growled again, serving to distract him from his thoughts. He had to get something to eat soon. His only option was to leave the privacy of the apartment and head into the village streets, the prospect of which made him grimace. Still, he had to eat and his attempt to sleep had failed miserably.

As he walked towards the door he noticed the key that Kakashi had left for him hanging up next to the door. He rolled his eyes and passed through the door. He didn't need a key. He made his way down the steps and onto the bustling street. It was almost noon and the village was bustling with activity.

Obito's mouth salivated as he walked past Ichiraku Ramen. It had been a long time since he had eaten there. As a child it had been a common post training meal with Team Minato but he had never eaten there on his own before. He hesitated at the entrance. Kakashi had insisted that the meal would be free but he found the idea beneath him. Obito admitted to himself that he still found the idea of being subservient to anyone galling – he had held such a lofty position within in the ninja world for so long, that adjusting to this lack of power he now had would take some time. And deep down Obito knew he would rather eat with Kakashi than have to struggle on his own.

Obito hesitated before knocking on the door of the Hokage's office.

"Hello Obito." Shiho opened the door.

"I need to speak with Kakashi." Obito replied as he walked past her.

"Excuse me Obito Uchiha! Who are you to make demands of us? The Hokage is busy!" The emphasis on Hokage annoyed Obito.

"It's not a problem Shiho. Let him in." Kakashi said.

"I had little choice." Shiho sighed as she left the room, muttering curses under her breath.

Obito watched as Shiho left and then turned to face Kakashi who was as busy as always. He waited for Kakashi to acknowledge his presence.

"What do you need Obito?" Kakashi lazily asked as he continued to look through his stack of papers.

"I'm hungry." He replied blankly.

"Obito, I already told you that the village will pay for anything that you-"

"Come to Ichiraku with me." Obito stuffed his hands into his pockets. He could feel Kakshi's gaze bore a hole through him inside and out. He refused to meet it head on, staring at the floor.

"Obito I'm working. I'm sorry." Kakashi looked back down to his paperwork.

Obito spun on his heel and began to leave. He felt Kakashi look back up to him again. He felt so stupid. So angry. He stopped and spun around to see that Kakashi was now standing face full of concern. Kakashi's concern only made the Uchiha angrier as he marched back up to his desk, slamming his palms onto it.

"You've always been so stupid Kakashi. You're just so god damned stupid!" Obito hissed.

Kakashi's mask did little to hide the hurt and confusion on his face.

"Obito.." Kakashi begin.

Obito watched as Kakashi struggled to think of something to say. He concentrated as he shuffled his paperwork into some sort of makeshift pile, and after what felt like hours he stepped out from around the desk.

"You're right Obito. Let's go." Kakashi tilted his head as his eyes crept into his signature smile.

Kakashi placed his Hokage hat on the table and walked over to the window.

"We're going to have to leave via the window if we want a hassle free exit.." Kakashi sighed.

"I wonder what Shiho will say when she realises I left through the window.." Kakashi mused.

"Does it matter? You are the Hokage. You make the rules." Obito retorted.

"The Hokage's rules may be strictest of all." Kakashi sighed.

Obito folded his arms in protest. The Hokage could change the rules if he chose to do so.

"What happened to your arm?" Kakashi eyed the bandaged wound.

Obito felt his face flush as he hid his arm behind his back.

"Training."

"In the apartment?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, well no, I mean in my own dimension." Obito stumbled over his own words.

"Oh, I see.." Kakashi prodded Obito's chest.

"What is the meaning of that? You're so stupid Kakashi!" Obito turned away.

"You see, I just thought that there were no attacks that exist that worked against Obito Uchiha. So I'm surprised that you have this wound and that I just touched you too." Kakashi replied smugly.

Upon entering Ichiraku Obito was met with the same familiar sights and smells that he had experienced when he was younger.

"Welcome! Sixth Hokage and.. Obito Uchiha! It has been a long time since I have seen you!" Teuchi greeted the pair.

"It's good to be back." Obito instinctively replied. Even if the words seemed forced, strangely the sentiment wasn't.

He could see Kakashi look at him eyebrow raised out of the corner of his eye. He ignored Kakashi and was thankful that the shop was empty. He sat down at the counter as Kakashi followed behind him.

"The usual then, Sixth?" Teuchi had already started preparing the meals.

"Thank you Teuchi." Kakashi replied.

"Obito, I have to admit I'm surprised you brought me here." Kakashi stated as he began to eat his ramen.

"I was hungry."

"Hmm." Kakashi replied.

Obito began to eat his ramen. It tasted even better than he had remembered. The experience was only soured by the fact that he could feel Kakashi stare at him. He always stared at Obito. Always. It was infuriating. It was as if Kakashi simply could not process Obito's existence. He hated it. He hated the attention. But maybe this time, he was wrong.

"What?" He frowned.

"I think you used your cry baby antics to your advantage.." Kakashi grinned.

"What the hell Kakashi!" Obito stood up and grabbed Kakashi by the cloak.

"Obito.."

Obito's pout caused Kakashi to laugh.

"Obito I have something that I need you to know." Kakashi continued.

"What is it?" Obito let go of him, his anger dissipating slowly, and sat back down.

"I have to write it down."

Obito watched as Kakashi pulled out a small notepad and pen out of his pocket. He tapped the tip of the pen against his lips before writing something down.

"Here. You can't look at it yet though. You have to wait until I get back to work."

"That's stupid." Obito groaned. He hated these little games. His apathy was quickly diverted however.

"KAKASHI-SENSEI AND OBITO-SENSEI!"

Obito turned around to see Naruto carelessly barge into the ramen shop.

"Oh, hi Naruto." Kakashi waved.

Obito stuffed the note into his pocket and sat back down. He observed Naruto as he danced around the shop, excited for his daily dose of ramen. A few minutes later a second figure appeared at the entrance.

"Hinata you made it!" Naruto grinned and pulled her to the chair. "Guess what Hinata! Kakashi-Sensei and Obito-Sensei are here too!"

"…Obito..?" Hinata stepped back. The unmistakable eyes of the Hyuga darted towards the shadows sitting in the corner.

Obito tensed at the mention of his name. He took a deep breath and jumped as he felt Kakashi place a hand on his shoulder.

"What's wrong Hinata? Are you sick?" Naruto asked. Naruto was amazing at many many things, but reading emotions and reactions was not one of his strengths.

"Naruto-kun, um, is it okay if we eat somewhere else? I don't want to be a burden to you, but I'm not sure I can be here.." Hinata replied. Obito's fiery glare was felt all around the room. The tension was palpable. Naruto, somewhat to his credit failed to notice.

"Oh, uh, sure. I mean I really love Ichiraku Ramen but we can eat anywhere! See you around Sensei's!" Naruto replied. The retreat was swift.

Obito pushed his bowl away as the pair left. All he could think about was retreating to his dimension.

"I'm so sorry Naruto-kun. He.. He killed Neji." Hinata's voice could be heard as they walked away from the shop.

Kakashi abruptly stood up and reached into his pocket for his money.

"Oh! No charge for the Hokage and his teammate." Teuchi exclaimed. Kakashi was grateful to the wise old Ramen shop owner, more than he could have ever known. He seemed accepting of Obito at least.

"Thank you" Kakashi bowed his head slightly and signalled for the now angered Obito to leave.

"Thank you for lunch Obito. It was a much needed distraction from all of that paperwork." Kakashi linked his fingers and stretched his arms up over his head.

Obito nodded.

"Shiho must be furious by now so I shouldn't keep her waiting any longer. See you later!"

Kakashi turned and headed back towards the office.

Obito headed back towards the apartment. Even during lunch he had still managed to find someone who despised him. Living in the Hidden Leaf may not work out after all. He was sure that he could survive as a missing-nin again. There was no one who could stop him. The Hidden Leaf wouldn't miss him. And yet he wanted to be needed. To be missed. He wondered what that would feel like.

Once at the apartment building Obito made his way up the stairs to his shared apartment and brushed his pocket instinctively for the key. He hadn't taken it, boasting to himself that he could merely use Kamui to exit and enter whenever he liked – he surmised that he wasn't thinking. Regardless, he reached inside what he assumed to be an empty pocket, only to find the neatly folded piece of paper that Kakashi had given him earlier. He had forgotten all about that. Obito carefully unfolded it and read the short message.

"Obito
I like you.
Kakashi."