Together in time

Chapter 10: I'm sorry

Story synopsis: In amidst the tension of Kakashi's and Obito's duel, both rely on their Kamui to claim victory. Kamui is a powerful mangekyou, and when used lightly the results can be life-changing. Literally. It's a Kekkei Genkai that allows transportation through space-time, so why not actual time? Neither Kakashi nor Obito was at all prepared for what was install for them. And it doesn't help that neither knows that the other is from the future. (Yet another time travel Naruto fanfic! They are much too common, but are also amazing so why not? Probably an eventual KakaObi at some point maybe)

The fire burned brightly in the darkness of the night. When Obito had offered to use his Fireball Jutsu to burn the bridge to a crisp, Kakashi hadn't thought that the fire would look nearly like it'd been done by the Sandaime himself. That was one mighty Fireball. Could Fugaku even use his Fire-Styled Jutsu's that well? Obito must have been practising a hell of a lot to have gotten his Jutsu that good. It's odd since Kakashi couldn't actually ever remember Obito practising that intensely, but at this point, he categorised anything off about this timeline to be the fact that he had travelled through time altogether, and that doing so probably screwed around with the timeline or whatever... Maybe it was why Obito had been behaving different? Then again... Obito was the only one acting different...

Rin was still her caring self while Minato was still as protective and understanding as always. Kakashi didn't think he'd actually seen Kushina since arriving in this timeline so he couldn't actually compare her to her previous self, but he assumed she'd be the same hot-headed women she was known for being. Anyway, the point was that everyone was behaving exactly as they did in the previous timeline. All except for Obito. It was really beginning to dawn on Kakashi just how different the Uchiha was. He behaved differently and didn't remind him of Naruto as much as he'd used to. Or maybe it was Naruto who had reminded Kakashi of Obito? He didn't exactly want to think about it, and this definitely wasn't the time as Obito had gripped him on his arm to rip him from his thoughts.

"We gotta go." The Uchiha instructed, and Kakashi could only nod in agreement. Staying in enemy territory was not a wise decision and if it hadn't been for Obito knowing to leave then Kakashi most likely would have been lost in thought for a while longer. He supposed it was just another aspect of Obito that had changed. He was much more reliable than before. Kakashi couldn't be sure if he was happy about that factor though since well, he was used to being the person everyone would rely on. He had held his team on his shoulders, or at the very least had been instructed to. He'd been the team captain... And yet now that Kakashi thought about it... Maybe it's better off that Obito is better as a leader. He had never been a good one... Leaders protect their friends, not let them die. The Hatake felt a frown form on his lips as he ran alongside Obito, who was unaware of his thoughts. And it stayed that way for a while, as once they did finally stop running, that same frown still lingered on Kakashi's mouth, who was still internally scolding himself for being the horrible leader he was.

It was then that Obito spotted the frown on Kakashi's face. It was curious of him really since they had just succeeded in what Kakashi had sort to do. As odd as it was. Obito really couldn't pinpoint why it was Kakashi had wanted to destroy Kannabi Bridge. Well, other than the reason that he knew what was to occur there. But that was impossible for Kakashi to know, so it couldn't have been that.. Obito wondered if he should ask the Hatake later on. He probably would, but first, he wanted to know why his friend seemed so upset.

"What's wrong?" He asked, gaining the other's attention. Kakashi seemed hesitant to explain himself to Obito, and instead shook his head saying that it was nothing. Not that Obito believed him... He wouldn't question the other though, he wouldn't want to step on a topic Kakashi wasn't comfortable with. His new goal was to support Kakashi and anyone else. To assist them and be of use to them. He would stick to that goal. Just like now. And with that, Obito suddenly took hold of a Kunai and threw it forwards, surprising Kakashi and the enemy ninja he'd just sensed. Prepping a handful of Kunai, Obito watched intently as the attacker leapt from the bushes. But not just one... Five enemy ninjas made themselves known. Kakashi looked to be surprised as he himself had not sensed any of the enemy ninjas. Perhaps he was getting rusty? That or his thoughts were blocking out his sensory skills... Thankfully Obito was there, and he was serious. He'd protect his comrade!

"What are you brats doing all the way out here!? Don't tell me you two are responsible for burning down Kannabi Bridge!" Were the frustrated words of one of the ninjas, who unsheathed a sword from their waist. It seemed a fight would ensue, and Obito was ready for it. Although, he had to fight carefully, as his strength exceeded everyone who was present there, but... He didn't want to give away his immense strength in front of Kakashi and rat himself out. So he couldn't use his Sharingan... He'd already messed up by using that insanely powerful Fire Jutsu to burn down Kannabi. He was thankful Kakashi hadn't questioned him but... using something like Kamui or Fuinjutsu would get him caught. Maybe if he was careful not to let Kakashi see him then he'd be fine? Nonetheless, he attacked. throwing a handful of shuriken at their attackers.

Kakashi had also switched into attack mode. And while his little chakra reserves made it hard to do any Ninjutsu, he still had the basic skills that he could work with. The Hatake leapt towards two ninjas and decided that hand to hand combat was his best option. Luckily Gai had taught him a thing or two when it came to Taijutsu! Well, he'd already been an expert at it, but Gai's knowledge was beyond human comprehension on the matter. Nonetheless, Kakashi continued on, taking down not one but two of the attackers. He was ready to take on the third, but suddenly his body went tense in pain. He jerked to a stop and fell to his knees. Just what was happening? His eye. It was his eye that was causing all this pain. Kakashi put pressure on it with his palm, feeling the heat it was radiating. But... Obito was close by, so his eye shouldn't be reacting to anything right? Well, that was what Kakashi thought, but the Hatake wasn't aware that Obito had activated his Sharingan at this point, and that with his overall exhaustion from using his Mangekyou all too often, Kakashi's eye was actually activating in sync with Obito's. However, it wasn't as if the Hatake knew that...

"AGGHH!" Kakashi hissed as he clenched his eye, leaving himself completely open for at least a few seconds. It was then that one of the enemy ninjas had found this as an opportunity, and attacked Kakashi head-on. It was at that moment that Obito had finished off two other attackers, and immediately turned to see why Kakashi had shouted, disabling his Sharingan in the process. Now, Kakashi at the exact time, found his pain receding and attempted to move from the blade that his enemy was about to swing at him. He was a little late, and instead of his face being cut, the blade dug into the back of Kakashi's calf. A scream of agony slipped past the Hatake's mouth, while the last enemy ninja laughed in entertainment, his blade piercing skin and digging into the bone.

Obito, however, had witnessed this. His face going white at what he'd just seen, and couldn't prevent. Then, as if running on pure adrenaline, the said Uchiha launched themselves at the last enemy, taking them down with a single blow, finishing the job with a Fire Jutsu. And just like that, it was over.

It was over...

"Obito..." Kakashi then mumbled his breathing heavy on the ground. The Uchiha immediately rushed to his side, his body now on autopilot. Obito didn't say a word to his friend, and instead immediately ripped his own shirt's sleeve in hope of bandaging the wound. But... there was blood. A lot of blood. The gash was so deep and, and... Obito felt his hands shaking. His breathing was speeding up and his eyes felt like tears would spill from them at any moment. Just when he'd promised himself that he would protect his comrades, he failed. Kakashi got hurt, and he couldn't protect him! He couldn't do anything! But... he couldn't give up, and so his hands gently reached out to Kakashi's leg. The Uchiha ripped off the clothing on it, and wrapped his torn sleeve around Kakashi's leg tightly, trying his best to stop the blood flow. The Hatake winced when the pressure was put over the wound, but Obito found himself only tying to calm his friend, even if he was sobbing at this point.

"Kakashi... I-it'll be ok. I just put p-pressure here and... T-tie it up and it'll be o-ok. I'll g-get you back to Konoha. I p-promise..." His tears were flowing freely down his face at this point. His mind was nowhere, and his actions were not even his own. They might as well have been done subconsciously. Kakashi tensed at the sound of Obito's very broken voice, as he'd only heard it that other time when they'd left Konoha. It was so empty then and was so empty now... The Hatake could only listen silently and grit his teeth as Obito worked. But really, as Obito mumbled about his own wellbeing, Kakashi could only scold himself mentally for getting hit by such an attack. He could have dodged it! But he hadn't done it in time. He was so weak and so undeserving of the title 'Leader'... Meanwhile, here Obito was trying his best to patch him up and get him back home. He was doing all he could to ensure Kakashi was ok, just as he had back at Kannabi Bridge all that time...

"I-I'm sorry..." Kakashi found himself admitting. But, those few words held so much more to them than the Kakashi let on. He was sorry. Sorry for getting hurt. Sorry for being a terrible leader. Sorry for killing Rin. Sorry for not being a better friend to Obito. And just... so much more. Everything he'd failed at doing... He wanted Obito to forgive him all of it, but he could never tell the Uchiha of such things, so it was wishful thinking.

"Don't say that! I'm sorry! I couldn't stop this from happening..." The Uchiha sobbed on, soon finishing wrapping Kakashi's wound. The said Hatake tried to lift himself but found that it hurt too much to move, Obito however, lifted part of Kakashi up, slowly getting the other onto his back, his tears drying up." I'll carry you back. Help me out would ya?" He tried to be optimistic about the whole situation, and as Kakashi nodded his head, Obito managed to pull the other onto his back. The Uchiha tried his best to tune out the winces the other made. "A-Are you alright?" Obito asked, his tone worried as he adjusted his goggles with his free hand.

"I'm fine... Thanks." Kakashi smiled to himself, and as soon as he'd said those words, Obito had started walking forwards. Most likely back to Konoha. It was now that Kakashi felt like he could reflect on what exactly had just happened. And so he did so, finding that in conclusion... He really was exhausted from this entire trip. His wounded leg occasionally brushed against Obito, and Kakashi would groan under his breath at the pain. He soon yawned from his accumulated tiredness, and leant his head forwards, nuzzling into the back of Obito's neck, finding that it made a good place to sleep. He hadn't noticed the sound of surprise his friend had made as a result and instead wanted to sleep. Looking back, Kakashi was so thankful to Obito for what he'd done. If he was just a second later then his leg may have been cut in half... That would have been a nightmare. The Hatake then gave a sigh, closing his eyes. "You make a good pillow..." He mumbled offhandedly, causing the older to chuckle in response.

"Is that so?" He questioned, trying to ignore the red that was now decorating his cheeks. Kakashi only grunted a yes in response, and Obito found himself smiling slightly. Something about this felt good? What could it have been? Obito didn't know, but when he felt Kakashi's breath against his skin, the Uchiha felt a shiver go down his back. That feeling was... different. Not what he'd expected. Kakashi's breath was warm, Obito decided. And after walking silently for a few minutes, it was clear at this point that the Hatake had fallen asleep, as his breathing had slowed. Obito sighed to himself in relief and continued his trek back to Konoha. He'd probably have to set up camp and get some rest as it was past midnight by now probably, and with the journey back to Konoha being a long one, he'd have to get some sleep in order to carry Kakashi the entire way back. Yeah... He'd do that.

He just wished he'd been stronger... Then Kakashi wouldn't be hurt.

He wouldn't let Kakashi get hurt ever again...

It was nearing 3 am. Kakashi could tell because he usually ran on a mental clock. It was one of the joys of being purposely late to each and every training lesson with his Genin. The said Hatake opened his eyes warily, recounting what had happened. He sat up and immediately winced at the movement of his leg, which was indeed wounded. So, then everything that had happened really wasn't just a dream? Where was he? Looking around, Kakashi noticed that he was indeed still in the forest, but it didn't look like the Grass country anymore. He was within Konoha borders... So, had Obito carried him all this way? Surely only a few hours would have passed, as it was still dark. How did he cover so much ground? The question Kakashi realised he didn't care too much about, and instead inspected his surroundings.

There was a low crackling sound, which Kakashi identified to be a campfire. He sat up, trying his best not to move his leg around too much, and caught notice of the fact that he was being covered by Obito's blue jacket. It was of course torn and ripped up because part of it was tied around his leg, but it was the thought that counted. Speaking of which, where was Obito? Kakashi looked around and found his friend sleeping a few meters away from him. His goggles and headband had been set aside, and the boy only his undershirt and pants. Kakashi found his gaze resting on the Uchiha, who stirred in his sleep slightly, before muttering a single word.

"Baka-shi.." He mumbled under his breath, causing the Hatake to chuckle to himself. It truly was ridiculous how Obito could remind him of his old, evil self, but still act like the same knucklehead he'd grown to care for. It really was odd, but Kakashi couldn't question it. He'd travelled back in time after all, so maybe the timeline really had gotten a little messed up like he originally thought? Well, it was a thought for another time. There was something else Kkaahsi wanted to do now that he had the chance to, his gaze not leaving the Uchiha. Kakashi attempted to lift himself up, but failed and only groaned in pain. His body felt like it was inflamed, but he tried again, and then again. With each failed attempt to stand up, Kakashi grew impatient and pulled himself across the ground, making his way towards the Uchiha.

"Finally..." He breathed, exhausted from his 2-meter journey to reach Obito that felt like 2 miles. Once next to the Uchiha, Kakashi found himself looking down at the older, who slept peacefully below. One thing that Kakashi noticed about this younger Obito, was that he hadn't had any facial scars like the older Obito from his timeline had. He supposed that had happened because the Kannabi Bridge incident had yet to occur, so Obito looked as he did before receiving that mark. The Hatake watched as examined his friends sleeping face, and slowly reached out and brushed aside the spikey brunette hair. A frown made it's way to Kakashi's face, as he took note of all the small cuts on Obito's forehead and cheeks. They had been from the glass shards embedded in the boy's skin, and while Kakashi didn't want to ask how they had gotten there, he had a certain suspicion that Obito was responsible for them. It was an unpleasant thought, but one he unfortunately thought was true...

Probably more subconsciously, Kakashi's hand brushed against Obito's cheek, envisioning what it would look like with the scars his older self had. Menacing, he decided. And thankfully this Obito would never get scars as the other had. Kakashi would make sure of it. Kakashi watched as his thumb gently rubbed the Uchiha's cheek, while his hand more or less caressed the older's face. Obito's skin was cold... Probably because he'd given Kakashi his jacket, and was sleeping on the bare ground with not much to keep him warm. The Hatake felt a wave of guilt wash over him at that moment, realizing just how selfish he'd been these past few days. He hadn't told Obito anything about where they had gone, what they were doing, and why they were doing it, and then, later on, teased the brunette for no valid reason. He then didn't help at all in actually destroying the bridge and instead only became dead weight when getting injured. He was certain Jounin for crying out loud! Even if his body didn't physically keep up with his knowledge of combat, Kakashi knew that he should have been able to be more useful to Obito than he had been. He had been useless! Meanwhile, Obito had practically led the operation... Saving him and ultimately stopping the Kannabi Bridge incident from occurring.

"Why can't I be a good leader? Why do I screw it up every time?" Were the only questions Kakashi found himself asking. He had tried so hard but failed time and time again... It didn't help that precisely at the moment the wind picked up, only making the Hatake feel colder and more upset. He wanted to do better. He didn't want to be a burden... What could he do to benefit anyone at this point when he'd been such a screw-up? He didn't know, and quite frankly abandoned the thought when he heard Obito's teeth jittering from the cold air. He was cold, at the cost of giving Kakashi all the warmth he had. It really only added more guilt to the Hatake, who decided he would do all he could to help Obito in return.

He was unsure at first, but slowly Kakashi moved closer to the Uchiha, and put an arm around him, in a subtle embrace. It was awkward at first and caused a pink hue to show on his face, but the Hatake relaxed after a while, soon resting his head on the Uchiha. Kakashi could feel Obito's chest move in time with his breathing, and the brunette's heartbeat was sounding in the background. It was a soft heartbeat. Calming even. Kakashi liked it... And it was that very same heartbeat that began to rock the Hatake back to sleep, for once feeling at peace, if only for the time being...

"I'm sorry Obito... I wish things could have been different..." He mumbled quietly to himself before sleep truly had taken over.

Author's Notes:

Hi everyone! I can't believe I finally got around to updating this! Woooooo! Inspiration suddenly struck me in my sleep, and I couldn't stop writing! These interactions I really do love, and Obito is finally being more of himself! Yay! While Kakashi is a bit more on the upset side now, but I wonder what will happen next chapter? I'm also pretty inspired to write that one, as a big secret will be revealed to a certain blonde in it, but that's all I'll say for now! Until next time!