It was funny, he mused, thinking back on the early days with Team Seven. Who would have guessed that Naruto would be the one to get it together first.
Back then, Naruto had always charged in without thinking, being reckless and confident to a fault, but then maybe that's why he'd never hesitated in following his heart.
Kakashi was happy for his former pupil, he knew how much having a family meant to Naruto, Neji too, neither of them had it easy growing up.
Kakashi found himself sitting down at Ichiraku's without really thinking about it, smiling to himself when he realised nostalgia had gotten the better of him and lead him here. Naruto's grown up so much. He figured out what's important and went for it.
"What'll it be?" the pretty girl behind the counter asked him.
He looked up and met her eyes, noticing the blush that rose in her cheeks when he did.
That's right, he remembered. She's seen my face.
Maybe it was silly sentimentality, or maybe it was the fact she wouldn't be wondering what he looked like, but he found himself doing something he wouldn't normally consider.
What's her name again…?
"Hey, it's Ayame, isn't it?"
"Y- Yes," she said, blushing deeper.
"I'm Kakashi."
"Yes, I know."
Oh yeah, I'm on the mountain now…
"Right. So, Ayame, what time do you get off work?"
"Nine."
That'll work.
"Do you want go dancing with me after?"
She gave him a wide-eyed look, then nodded.
"Great. I'll see you back here around nine. Wear something nice."