Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The unfortunate thing about passion, especially if seldom experienced, is the usual lack of logic. Kakashi realized this all too clearly as dragged his tired, though strangely relaxed, limbs through the dark ANBU base to his teams meeting point for their mission. He'd kind of forgotten all about it. Cause, you know. Fornication.
He couldn't even pat himself on the back for not being alone in his utter unpreparedness. Tenzou had gotten everything meticulously ready the day before, so despite his shared tiredness due to a distinct lack of sleep, he was ready to go at the drop of a hat.
Kakashi was not.
After relieving himself in the bathroom (twice) he'd joined Tenzou on his ANBU-issued bed and they'd proceeded to "snuggle" for another hour before falling into a peaceful sleep.
Until the god-awful sound of Tenzou's alarm clock woke them up not two hours later.
Kakashi then had his own version of a panic attack, consisting mainly of swearing at himself, and proceeded to make his way as quickly as possible back to his apartment. He hadn't really been there in a few days, so the ritualistic gathering of his mission supplies was more rushed than usual. He actually sent a role of gauze rocketing across his apartment in his eagerness to find his last damnable kunai.
Luckily he'd given Tenzou distinct orders to distract their team until he arrived.
Unfortunately he hadn't actually discussed his idea of distraction.
"So. Kakashi-taichou is...doing what?"
"Watering his plants. It's important to give them plenty of water before a mission."
There was a thick silence that Kakashi assumed was the shared confusion of everyone on the team.
"Kakashi doesn't seem like a plant person..."
"Oh, I didn't think so either. But...surprise!" Tenzou answered with forced cheerfulness.
Kakashi sighed before he rounded the corner. Cool. Now his team thought he was 'sensitive'. As he'd feared, there were several snickers that greeted him as he waved casually. Not that he could really hold it against Tenzou as lying was completely against every atom in his body. Pretty much the last person you should ask to 'make some shit up'.
"Yo."
"Hey, Taichou. How are your precious babies?" An eagle mask snickered.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes just so.
"Black and blue if they don't drop the attitude."
Silence.
Threat effective.
"Now. Are we ready to go, or would you all like to stand around and judge my love of nature?"
"No, Taichou! Yes, Taichou!"
"Great."
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Another unfortunate thing about dismissing logic in the face of romance? Being a ninja. Talk about complicated.
What Kakashi really should have considered before inviting himself over to Tenzou's place the night before was what missions would be like with such an attachment. Kakashi was a protective person on a normal day. He looked out for every single person on his team. Throw confusing feelings and ridiculously strong attraction into the mix and it was a bit of a mess.
He absolutely could not keep his eyes or mind off of Tenzou. He needed to know exactly where he was, and how he was doing, at all times. Of course, he kept an eye on his entire team. It was his job. But he was anal retentive about Tenzou. Luckily for him, he was damn sly and covered it up like the pro he was. No one had any clue anything was going on, including Tenzou. But in reality Kakashi was a hair width away from cutting someones head off, carrying Tenzou around, or grounding him for the entire mission. He found himself reworking their formations so Tenzou was protected on all sides. Kakashi put a sword through an enemies eye because he jumped out of the bushes and demanded to know who Tenzou was. The copy-nin was completely aware that Tenzou could take care of himself, but you know, logic. Not applicable.
"Taichou, would you like me to scout the area?" Tenzou had asked him at one point during their mission.
Kakashi pretended to consider it.
"No. I'll take care of it; watch your teammates backs while I'm gone."
"Of course."
It was his brilliant strategy to deny Tenzou any actual, threatening activity but follow it up with another order that had almost no danger but would keep suspicions from arising.
"Senpai, I've picked up an intruder..."
"Excellent work. Keep scouting and I'll send someone to take care of it."
"Senpai, we've finished off the last of the enemies. I can proceed and see if there are any more."
"It would be best to leave that to your two teammates; I need you with me to infiltrate the bunker we took from them."
Etc, etc.
Team Ro came back from the mission safe and sound, as they usually did. Their team had incredibly high success rates and no mortality rate to date. Kakashi congratulated them all on their hard work, told them their next practice date, and everyone dispersed. Naturally, everyone but Tenzou. He was concentrating far too hard on the inside of his locker. It made Kakashi slightly nervous. When the change room had been empty for around a minute and silent for just as long, Kakashi cleared his throat.
"Maa. I'm going to head back to my apartment. It's...been a while since I've been there."
Tenzou turned. It was clear in his large, expressive eyes that something was bothering him. Kakashi realized he hadn't been as sly as he thought he had.
"Senpai..."
Eek.
"Yes?" Kakashi responded casually.
"Were you modifying the mission for me?"
Tenzou seemed sure of himself yet still hesitant. As if it seemed like such an absurd concept that he shouldn't ask, and yet he'd seen something he couldn't deny.
Kakashi still hadn't decided how he was going to handle the situation. Unfortunately, that meant it fell to his instincts. That was never an emotionally healthy thing. "What makes you say that?"
"Ah..." Tenzou wrung his hands together, clearly embarrassed about bringing it up. "I just couldn't help but notice you didn't let me do as much as I normally do."
Danger. Danger.
Damage control. Damage control.
"Tenzou." Kakashi began, his tone warm. "You know I trust you, right?"
The younger shinobi blushed and nodded his head vigorously. "Of course, Senpai!"
"And you know I respect and appreciate your high skill level, especially with the Mokuton?"
More vigorous nodding.
"So, any and everything you do on the mission is helpful. You're pivotal to this team."
Kakashi took a step forward and laid a comforting hand on Tenzou's shoulder. He smiled. "Don't worry about it. You'll have plenty of opportunity to show off."
Well, that did it. Tenzou beamed a sunny smile right back up at Kakashi. "Of course. Sorry, Senpai. I just..."
"No, no. Don't mention it. Now. I have a lot of cleaning to do at home. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Sure, Senpai." Tenzou answered with bright eyed certainty.
Kakashi gazed at him with a tight, burning sensation growing in his gut. The more time he spent with Tenzou the more he meant to him. It scared him, scared the shit out of him, but it excited him, too. He felt drawn to him, physically drawn, like his very skin was being pulled in his direction. He realized he couldn't just...wave at Tenzou and walk away from him anymore. He craved contact.
Kakashi slowly bent his neck, dipping his head. Tenzou realized what was happening and his expression froze. The two of them closed their eyes at the same time. Gently, Kakashi rested their foreheads together. They remained like that, basking in each others warmth, breathing in each other scent, for some moments. Kakashi had the almost uncontrollable urge to kiss him, but wouldn't. He felt guilty about smart talking himself out of their earlier conversation. Tenzou would never do it to him, but he...well. It was just the way he did things.
When they parted Tenzou spared Kakashi a sheepish, happy smile. The mokuton user glanced down at his feet. Kakashi stepped away from him.
"Have a good night." Kakashi whispered, and then all that was left of him was a wisp smoke.
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
When Kakashi appeared in the kitchen of his apartment he sighed loudly into the air and smacked himself on the forehead. He needed to get his shit together. It's just that...all he wanted to do was protect Tenzou. How much could he really protect him on a mission? Kakashi had a huge responsibility to his village, his missions and the rest of his team. He'd never flaked so hard. Sure, the mission was still a success. But he'd coddled Tenzou to the point where the Mokuton user noticed. He had to just...continue on as normal and trust. Trust in Tenzou's ability to take care of himself.
Hope with all his soul that his usual luck didn't rub off on his kouhai.
He wouldn't be able to handle that and he knew it.
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The next day Kakashi woke up, fed himself, and refused to purchase groceries for more nourishment until he spent at least two hours with one or more of his friends. He supposed the 'more' option was the better deal, but a very big part of him wanted to find Gai and spend some time alone with him. He'd been such an incorrigible asshat to his long time friend and he really needed to fix it. Being with Tenzou so much had slowly opened him up to social interaction, so he felt like he may finally be ready.
It didn't take him long to find the Green Beast. Really, the guy was always training or exploding in eloquence about youth, so his chakra wasn't hard to pick up. Or, you could follow the giant dust cloud. Gai liked to run places at super sonic speeds.
Kakashi merely stood a safe distance from his friend with his hands in his pockets and waited for him to notice his appearance. Gai was currently flying through the air, kicking the crap out of clay pots that he was zooming to the ground and throwing up to himself. The display looked quite impressive, but Kakashi knew Gai was just fooling around. This was child's play for him.
Within seconds Gai was pausing mid flying-kick with his eyes wide and his jaw hanging open. Kakashi cringed slightly and waved to him in his usual casual style. One of the reasons it had taken him such a long time to adjust to Gai was that he was the polar opposite of Kakashi. The copy-nin liked to be low-key. Gai was Key Explosion Fireworks Unicorns.
"RIVAL!" Gai cried, zooming over to Kakashi and twisting sharply to stop himself from smashing into him. "What a surprise!"
"Yo."
"To what do I owe the honour of this unique visit?" Gai panted, wiping copious amounts of sweat from his brow with his arm.
Kakashi shrugged as nonchalantly as he could manage. "Just out for a walk."
"Ah! Fresh air is excellent for a youthful complexion!" Gai flexed, stretched, spun, posed. "The power of The Warrior is running through my veins! Nothing is better than a workout where you push yourself to the limit!"
Kakashi raised an eyebrow and leaned to the side so he could see behind Gai. He pointedly stared at the clay pots. "You call that pushing yourself to the limit?"
Something glistened in Gai's eyes. "Do you...have a better suggestion?"
They stared at each other. Gai realized his assumption was right and it looked like his heart may have exploded in his chest from excitement.
"Set your terms!"
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
A peaceful breeze blew over a gentle sloping hill. A bird sung. A child skipped. All was well.
"I WILL GET YOU RIVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!"
The grass was ripped from its roots as two high-powered ninja soared over the hill at such break-neck speeds they carried debris with them from miles back. They were shoulder to shoulder, with Kakashi slightly leading the whole way. Gai's face was contorted into avid concentration and Kakashi looked like he may as well be waiting at the doctors office.
Down they went, blasting through the scenery. They'd chosen a little park just south of the main part of the village to have their race. Mostly it was to prevent irreversible damage to the buildings in the area, but also because Kakashi preferred not to be seen racing for his 'title' as the 'better shinobi' as if he cared. He must never be seen to care. He had a reputation to maintain.
Finally, the finish point was in clear view. It was an old stone statue that no one had bothered moving from the time when the village was founded. Whoever reached this statue first won.
Dust, wind, animals and grass flew around them. Gai looked like he could taste victory. Kakashi narrowed his eyes; no way would he let him win.
Just when they were about to cross the 'finish line' Kakashi propelled himself with his last bit of chakra and spun in a circle, kicking out his leg. Gai did a similar manoeuvre, but just a fraction of a second too late. Kakashi's toe passed the statue first. He'd won.
The two ninja hit the ground, wobbled a bit, fell to their knees and desperately tried to catch their breath. It was only when enough air had returned to Gai's lungs to form words that he spoke.
"DAMN YOU!" he panted, jabbing an accusing finger at Kakashi. "The fastest twice in a row!"
Kakashi merely shrugged. "Told you."
Waving it all off, Gai stood straight, his chest still heaving. "No...no matter. I shall win next time!"
There was a moment of silence where Kakashi merely regarded Gai with a neutral expression. He stood as well, dusting off his shoulders as he answered. "Sure. Next time."
Shock registered on Gai's face. He couldn't even remember the last time Kakashi agreed to a 'future match'. It was like pulling teeth to get him to do anything these days.
Gai's shock quickly melted into a wide smile and happy eyes. "Let us have lunch to bring back our energy!"
As if agreeing to a race wasn't surprising enough, Kakashi did not protest eating with his friend. They made their way in silence to the ramen stand, where they both ordered their usual's. Gai was full of questions, but knowing Kakashi the way he did, he expected few answers. He waited until his ANBU friend had eaten half his noodle bowl before he dove in.
"So. This Tenzou I met the other day. I like him; he's honest."
"Mm." Kakashi responded simply. There was no defensiveness in it, so Gai continued.
"When is it that you met him?"
Kakashi leaned back, pushing his bowl away gently. He realized being secretive was not the usual way of 'friendship', but there really was little he could tell Gai about Tenzou that didn't involve something top secret.
"A couple of years ago."
"Oh!" Gai exclaimed. "That long ago? Interesting. I'm surprised I have not met him earlier."
A shrug. "He doesn't get out much."
"No? He seemed perfectly social."
Kakashi toyed with his chopsticks. He had to admit, he really wasn't ready to talk about Tenzou. He didn't even know what the hell he was doing himself. So much of it was private. Gai was the closest thing he had to a best friend, but he really couldn't tell him anything. Not yet, anyway...
"It's a complicated story, Gai." Kakashi answered, turning to face his friend with a serious expression. "I can't explain where he came from."
Gai replicated Kakashi's seriousness. He knew Kakashi was in ANBU, so the only assumption he could make was that Tenzou was somehow involved in that. He nodded once. "Alright. Perhaps it would be good for him to be taken into the village more often? We could get to know him as well!"
Kakashi gazed at Gai for a moment. Actually, he was right. It would be good for Tenzou. Gai, Kurenai and Asuma were all people he could trust. Making real friends is what he needed. Becoming integrated into the village is what he needed.
"I will."
Gai smiled. "Excellent! The more the merrier."
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
When Kakashi said goodbye to Gai, a moment filled with many manly tears and promises of tomorrow, he debated going back to the base or heading to his apartment. Obviously, he wanted to see Tenzou. Way more than he cared to admit to himself. But, he felt like he needed some time to himself to process everything that had happened over the last couple of weeks. Tenzou had been virtually alone his entire life; he would understand.
As soon as Kakashi entered his apartment he booked it to his bed and flopped over, landing face first on his mattress. His sheets smelled cold, crisp and clean. He'd seriously preferred them to smell like that at one point in the not so distant past. Now it just seemed lonely.
It slightly amused Kakashi how one experience could taint his way of living forever. He didn't give a shit that he was single before. He'd been sleeping alone in his house since he was 6 years old. Now, after sharing a bed with someone a measly three times, he suddenly felt an aversion to it? The feel and scent of his sheets bringing bad memories instead of a clean rest? How fickle human emotions were.
His thoughts continued thus for hours as he lay on his bed and let his mind wander. Despite the fact that he'd had no desire for friendship for the majority of his life, when he really thought about it, he felt ridiculous for acting the way he had for so long. Sure, his life would have been much simpler if Gai, Kurenai and Asuma had just given up on him. He could have lived in a cocoon of solitude and never cared for anything further. But because he had these friends who kept trying to reach out to him, he kept wondering if he wasn't going about things the wrong way. It obviously wasn't SO much of a wonder that it forced him to change things, but the thought was always there. And then Tenzou had come along. He'd just been...so many things that Kakashi had been and still was. Cold, methodical, and unbending in his loyalty to his 'profession'.
But. Underneath all that, Kakashi had seen someone who wasn't cold blooded. He just didn't know anything other than the mission. Kakashi was drawn to him naturally, had known how to deal with him, because he was almost a replica of himself at that age. The rest was history of course. But it almost seemed inevitable. Kakashi wouldn't have been able to resist him if he'd tried. Tenzou just screamed for help. Kakashi couldn't resist helping someone who needed it. Especially if they were so young, and trapped in the clutches of someone like Danzou.
So now what? Well. The obvious solution seemed to be to keep going. He was basically being ordered to become a 'normal person' anyway because he was SO fucked up that he'd snapped and nearly killed someone. Normal people dated, so...yah.
Kakashi rolled onto his side and reached into his bedside table. Out he pulled the first edition of Icha Icha Paradise. He cradled it to his chest and sighed loudly. Who knew the damn book would actually come in handy? It was slightly embarrassing to think about it, but if it wasn't for the passionate love-making scenes in his guilty pleasure reading material, he would have been a bumbling fool with Tenzou. Kakashi blessed his ability to act confident in any situation, because he was pretty sure Tenzou hadn't the slightest clue he was as new to this as the mokuton user was.
Well. Pretty much...everyone hadn't a clue. It's not like he ever did anything that spelled "Casa Nova" in particular, he just had the air of someone who wasn't exactly a "spring flower waiting to be picked". Actually, when he thought about it, Kakashi was pretty sure everyone thought he was some kind of heart-breaking manwhore. POSSIBLY due to the fact that anyone who hit on him was coldly turned down, but because so many girls did hit on him, everyone assumed he let one or two in whenever he felt like it.
Not to mention the fact that he could wing one hell of a dirty joke thanks to his precious Icha Icha.
To think he'd bought it on a whim at a book sale.
Tenzou, on the other hand, had "Innocent Youth" stamped onto his forehead in blaring red ink. The long hair, big eyes and often rosey-red cheeks did nothing to detract from his charming naivety.
Tentatively, Kakashi cracked his Novel of Romance open and began reading it again from page 1. Now that he'd actually had some experience with 'passion', he found himself sort of relating with what was happening in the story. It was actually a little...exaggerated, but hey, it gave him plenty of ideas.
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
It wasn't until late the next morning that Kakashi returned to the ANBU base. Knowing it would be futile he checked Tenzou's apartment first. When his single, clean knock was unanswered, he knew no one was in.
Next he tried the sparring arena. To his surprise Tenzou wasn't there, either. Kakashi found himself scratching his head. Where the hell else could he be?
After a quick search of the locker room and communal kitchen turned up with nothing, Kakashi actually found himself worrying. It's not like Tenzou had a roaring social life outside of ANBU. There were literally three places he could ever be.
"Hey, Taichou." A familiar voice greeted behind him.
He turned to see Aki-san, one of the members of his team, walking up behind him with her sword casually slung over her shoulder. Kakashi lit up internally. Aki-san and Tenzou had a pretty good rapport with each other, so there was a fair chance she knew where he was.
"Yo." He greeted in his usual style. "You wouldn't happen to have seen Tenzou around, would you?"
Aki stopped and stared at Kakashi in a way that made him extremely uncomfortable.
"Wait. You mean...you don't know?"
Now WHAT kind of a way was that to answer him? Like, cue the dramatic music here please.
"No..." Kakashi responded slowly. "I don't know. Is there something I should know?"
"Uh...yes. Tenzou was assigned a solo mission. He left yesterday."
Kakashi's eyes visibly widened.
What the hell?
"How exactly did this happen and why was I not informed?"
Aki scratched her head in genuine confusion. "He received a raven yesterday with a scroll from the Hokage. I just assumed you were told about it in advance..."
God damnit Hiruzen.
What the shit?
"Thank you. I guess I know now." Kakashi answered flatly, completely unable to keep the sarcasm from his voice.
When Aki left in an uncomfortable hurry, Kakashi struggled to control himself. This was ok. Solo missions happened. Generally, not without the captains input or knowledge, but, you know...
Details?
Kakashi checked in with the missions desk to make sure he, or his team, or a single unprepared member of his team, didn't have a mission. He was in the clear and so was the rest of Ro. What the hell was going on that Hiruzen would send Tenzou by himself?
Calm down, Kakashi. Tenzou is one of the best in this foundation. Hiruzen wouldn't send him on a suicide mission. Despite his jackassery right now, he isn't actually a jackass.
Right?
Of course.
...
Kakashi booked it straight to the Hokage's office. Something told him Hiruzen would be expecting him.
Because obviously.
The two ANBU guards let him in right away which just made Kakashi even more annoyed. Irrationally annoyed, yes, he was aware. But annoyed.
As soon as he stepped in and the doors were closed Hiruzen gestured to a chair in front of him. "Please sit, Kakashi."
Kakashi did as he was told. He waited patiently for Hiruzen to get to the point. Damn he was annoyed.
"We were given reasons to suspect a mole was attempting to break ANBU. Eye witnesses attested to a suspicious character with suspicious ties. We needed someone to sniff him out. It required the utmost secrecy, stealth and excellent scouting abilities. Tenzou excels at all of those things, and we could not afford to send more than one shinobi. We really needed this to be as quiet as possible."
When Kakashi's initial mental reaction was to fly through a list of reasons why Hiruzen was wrong and it should have been someone else on that mission, he realized he was being ridiculous. The only reason he was so pissed was because the thought of Tenzou, by himself, potentially surrounded by blood-thirsty enemies made him want to vomit all over his feet. But there was something else bothering him, too. There were plenty of people on his team who could do the things Hiruzen listed. Why Tenzou?
"Can I know the details of the mission?"
Hiruzen shook his head slowly. Kakashi couldn't help but narrow his eyes.
"I don't think that's a good idea. All you need to know is that he can handle it easily. That, I am sure of."
It was clear as day that Hiruzen knew exactly what was going on with Kakashi and was trying to handle the situation in a way that would agree with him the most, even if he himself didn't agree with it. While Kakashi sort of appreciated the sentiment, he would rather have been sent on the mission himself. Because he, too, excelled at stealth, secrecy and scouting. Kakashi had a feeling Hiruzen's reasons for selecting Tenzou went deeper and he wasn't going to like those reasons at all.
"It wouldn't happen to have anything to do with Root, would it?" Kakashi asked evenly.
Hiruzen paused and stared at him.
God damnit.
"But Danzou-"
"Don't worry about him. This mission shouldn't involve him in the slightest."
Kakashi sighed loudly and rubbed his eyes. Fuck. Why did he even ask. He wasn't going to be able to sleep tonight.
"No one will expect Tenzou to be there and he knows the inner workings of Root. He was perfect for the job, Kakashi. And he accepted it without hesitance. If he isn't worried, you shouldn't be, either."
White hot rage sliced its way up Kakashi's chest, closed up his throat and slammed into the backs of his eyes.
Of course Tenzou accepted the mission without hesitance. That's what he did. What mission would he ever turn down? None. Even if he was terrified, he'd take it. That's what he was trained to do damnit.
"Can I see the mission scroll?" Kakashi asked, the hand that had been massaging his eyes now serving to shield his furious face from Hiruzen.
"No." Hiruzen responded curtly. "You may not. And you are forbidden to go after him. That is an order, Kakashi."
Kakashi needed to leave and he knew it. He was so many things at that moment that if someone called his name he probably wouldn't have recognized it.
"May I be dismissed?"
"Yes..."
Kakashi stood at once, bowed absently to Hiruzen and teleported from the room without bothering to say goodbye.
When he appeared back at his apartment he whirled around and punched a hole through his wall. Panting heavily, he ripped his arm back out, flicking the wood splinters from his fist.
He couldn't believe they put him back into Root. Not only from an ethical standpoint, which was what enraged Kakashi the most, but he had the mokuton. Root had deliberately kept that power from the rest of the village. They would obviously be happy to take it back, and brain wash Tenzou to keep it there.
Was Tenzou scared right now?
Would he run into Danzou? If he did, he was doomed. Tenzou wasn't strong enough to defeat Danzou. Maybe one day he would be. Surely, one day. But not now.
Taking a slow, deep breath, Kakashi tried to calm himself. There was nothing he could do about it now. He had to trust Hiruzen; that he wouldn't send Tenzou somewhere that would get him captured. He also needed to start reminding himself of Tenzou's skill level. But...Root. They were heartless fuckers with no moral code. And Danzou was a sneaky bastard. What if he knew Tenzou was coming...
Kakashi sat on the edge of the bed and put his head in his hands. He was going to go crazy. He needed a distraction.
Then, he thought of it. His friends.
Quickly Kakashi glanced out of the window. It was only noon, surely they would be about the village.
He disappeared immediately.
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Someone upstairs clearly decided to give Kakashi a break, as Gai was sitting at the ramen stand talking up the chef as if he was waiting there for the frazzled ANBU jounin to join him.
Kakashi slid into the seat beside Gai, and when said ninja turned around, he nearly had a heart attack.
"AHH!...But, wait. It is my Eternal Rival! What a surprise!"
A half-lidded stare greeted him. "Yo."
"What brings you here?" Gai asked, genuinely shocked to have Kakashi willingly partake in his company twice in two days.
"Didn't feel like being inside."
Kakashi pulled the menu up and pretended to peruse through it. There was essentially no way in hell he'd ever admit to anyone that he sought out company for the sake of comfort. He wasn't sure if any amount of therapy would ever get him to that level of social ability.
"Well! Cheers to a beautiful day." Gai exclaimed as he held up his little cup of tea. Kakashi wiggled his fingers around and the owner of the stand got the point. He sighed and placed a cup of tea in Kakashi's waiting hand. Kakashi lifted his cup and gently clinked it against Gai's. They both took a sip, the vendor blushing faintly at the brief sighting of Kakashi's handsome visage.
"I have been thinking of what our next challenge should be." Gai began seriously, crossing his arms and furrowing his brow. "I was thinking-"
"-Who can throw the most kunai into a ramen bowl nailed to a post." Kakashi supplied casually around a sip of his tea.
Gai's jaw hung open. Kakashi supplying TWO challenges in a row? What the devil? He literally could not remember the last time Kakashi supplied them with a challenge, let alone two.
It actually may have been never.
"Yuh...yes! Yes, that is a most excellent challenge! Not that I would expect less from my most worthy rival!"
Kakashi downed his tea, smacked down the glass, tossed a coin at the vendor and stood from his chair. He stared at Gai, his eyes all business.
"Let's do it then."
Gai suddenly felt slightly afraid.
"Uh...Of course!"
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Two hours, eighteen ramen bowls and countless kunai later, a victorious Gai was whooping with glee.
"That's TWO more kunai in total! HA! I believe this challenge belongs to me!"
Kakashi eyed the offending bowl with a suspicious scrutiny. "It shouldn't count if they're one on top of each other..."
"We did not specify that in the rules! I made it fit, so it counts!"
"You were standing closer than me when you threw it..."
Gai gasped, scandalized. "I was not!"
The two bickered for a good five minutes before Kakashi admitted that Gai was the winner. The two of them cleaned their mess amongst talk (mostly from Gai) about the latest goings on in the village and what everyone was up to.
"Genma just got back from a rather interesting mission, actually. He and Raidou were both assigned to it, as well as another chuunin i've never met before. They had to apprehend a rather creative villainous ninja who defeated his prey by farting so horrendously that his opponents could no longer breathe and fell unconscious almost instantly."
Kakashi stopped mid kunai pick up. "What?"
Gai laughed as he balanced far too many hole-filled bowls on one hand. "Yes, Genma was not happy when he returned dragging a very unconscious and green-faced Raidou."
"What about Ebisu?"
"Ah...he has started teaching I believe. I think he wants to go for the jounin test, especially after Asuma was awarded the title."
Kakashi nodded absently. That made sense. Ebisu always tried to keep up with Asuma, he just never had the stamina to be successful. Or the charm, which he was assuredly lacking. Hence his constant peeping on the opposite sex instead of scoring them.
"Has he done anything ridiculous lately?"
Gai choked slightly and Kakashi basically had his answer.
"Say no more."
"But..." Gai began, turning to Kakashi was a pleading expression. "It is so very entertaining..."
"Is it going to give me nightmares?"
"Hum. Does picturing Ebisu wearing nothing but chicken feathers give you nightmares?"
"It...doesn't give you nightmares?"
Gai actually stopped to think about it which made Kakashi feel slightly nauseous. "Gross, Gai."
"Nightmares is a harsh word..."
"Stop talking."
By the time Kakashi and Gai finished cleaning and catching up, it was nearly dinner time. The copy-nin was relieved to find so much of his day had been taken up with an activity that did not involve stressing himself out about Tenzou. However, he also couldn't remember the last time he'd spent so much time with Gai. In a weird way, it freaked him out. That was too many people getting too close to him in such a short period of time.
Yes. Two people was too many people. Issues.
"Where are you off to now, my Rival?"
Kakashi shrugged. "Home for food."
"Ah! Would you like to accompany me for some light nourishment to celebrate my victory today?"
A pointed look told Gai his gloating was not appreciated. "I don't remember having celebratory dinner when I won our races twice in a row..."
Gai laughed loudly to hide his folly. "HAHAHAHAHA. Well! It is also to celebrate our time together! Why, it has been years since I've seen you so much!"
Kakashi's face dropped. Gai's comment made him feel like a flaming bag of doggie doo-doo. Years? Really? Why the hell did Gai still want to be his friend?
"Alright..." Kakashi responded somewhat sheepishly.
Gai slapped him, way too hard, on the back in excitement and directed him to his favourite dinner spot with a happy grin on his face.
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Kakashi stood in the hallway of his apartment building facing his front door, key in hand, for nearly a minute. He really didn't want to go in there. There was no way he'd be able to sleep tonight, not when he could already feel the paranoia about Tenzou creeping into his skull. He'd only been separated from Gai for like five minutes fer shits sake. There was really nowhere else he could go, though. Only the ANBU on a night shift would still be at the base, and they were obviously too busy doing their jobs to spar or interact with him.
With a deep breath, he turned the key and went into his apartment.
He tried to distract himself with Icha Icha, but the cold darkness of his apartment seemed to be closing in on him. He decided the only place he could get any comfort was Tenzou's. It was probably REALLY creepy for him to break into his kouhai's apartment and just make himself at home, but that's what Tenzou got for skipping off to Root and driving Kakashi crazy with worry.
Kakashi teleported right to Tenzou's doorstep. He gently placed his hand on the door knob and twisted it with his fingers crossed. To his utter amazement, the door popped open. Tenzou had left it unlocked. He never did that.
Well, that was an invitation if Kakashi ever saw one.
He strolled right in and instantly felt the familiarity of his surroundings settle in on him like a warm blanket. Nothing but good memories existed here.
Kakashi kicked off his shoes, shrugged off his shirt and flopped onto Tenzou's bed. The gentle, woodland scent of his kouhai filled his nose in a way that almost made him sigh. He couldn't believe how much better this was. It felt more like home than his apartment ever did.
He propped a pillow up, cracked open his book and got comfortable. He'd do some more research before he went to bed.
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooo