Dear Diary
Chapter sixteen: The earth is movin', but I can't feel the ground
XXX
A/N: Flashback number two: The same day, Gai's POV.
I feel sorry for that guy…
Thank you for your amazing Beta, Mswan!
I do not own Naruto. I only own my own creativity (Though my mother would have you believe that is actually hers… Don't believe everything you hear, folks)
XXX
Dear Diary,
Today I was with Kakashi. I like spending time with him, and I am happy that nowadays I do not even have to come up with a challenge to do so. Usually, he… Tolerates me. It is what it is, I suppose.
We – well, he – decided to go to the bookstore. He said that missions were often too boring and he wanted something to read. I did not object. I know his natural genius makes it hard for him to focus on mundane tasks that others would find challenging. So we went into the bookstore together. I quickly made my way over to the weaponry section, wanting to see if there was something new to learn. I did not notice that Kakashi was no longer with me until I turned to him to point out a book that seemed interesting. Walking back, I found him standing by a display. And I cannot help it; my heart ached.
The display was set up in the 'adult' section of the store, something I did not yet realize my rival was interested in. It was a new book, written by a man who's name sounds familiar even though I cannot recall where I heard it before. The hideous cover of the thing in Kakashi's hands was bright-orange, even brighter than my leg warmers. It was – obviously – a story about a man and a woman.
Now, this should not bother me, but it does. As does the fact that my rival seemed to have forgotten about my entire existence. He looked as if he had found the holy grail, his entire posture one of awe and happiness. Happiness over a dirty book. Disgusting.
But it cannot be disgusting, it is Kakashi. Kakashi cannot be disgusting! I do not understand how this happened! I do not understand why!
He purchased the book, flipping at open as soon as he had paid the bill. So submerged in his reading he was, that he no longer seemed to notice me. I spoke to him, even raised my voice to a level that had people on the street covering their ears, but it was to no avail. I dared not touch him, worried he might get the wrong idea given his choice in reading material. I followed him as he walked, almost mechanically swirling around objects and – apparently – people too. This I know, because I moved to stand in his way, hoping he would at least notice me when he bumped into my body. I have to admit that the thought of body on body contact was a little tempting as well. But Kakashi simply sidestepped my attempts. I use the plural, because I cannot even remember how many times I tried. Eventually I just went home. Kakashi did not seem to notice.
I am generally a peaceful man, but if I ever get my hands on the author of that blasted book, I will give him a piece of my mind!
Sincerely, Gai M.