Chapter 32- Til the Day We Meet Again
The day of Shanan's discharge had suddenly moved up and her new beginning hung in the air. But for Kakashi, it only underscored the uncertainty ahead. The decision, made in haste the night before, weighed heavily on his mind.
He had spent the long and sleepless night in the hospital waiting room, his protective gaze fixed on the door to her room.
At the first hint of dawn, he rose from his chair, his movements heavy with fatigue – his upcoming mission already threatening to overwhelm him.
Now, he stood outside her room and for a moment, he paused, letting the stillness envelop him as he hesitated briefly.
And then, with a quiet sigh, he opened the door.
His heart was heavy as he stood there, watching her sleep. Her peaceful breathing filling him with a mixture of resolve and sorrow.
And though his eyes stung, he was determined to suppress his emotions, unwilling to burden her. He knew that distance was best – allowing her to grow and heal and live untainted by his darkness.
He took a few steps and placed a book in her bag, nestled beside her belongings. Then, he settled into the familiar chair, the worn leather creaking softly beneath him. The book they'd been reading sitting in his lap, a forgotten prop in the charade of normalcy.
The silence wrapped around him and exhaustion eventually consumed him, drawing him into a fitful sleep. Yet, even in slumber, his presence remained a silent guardian, watching over Shanan as the sky transformed from deep purple to pink and orange, and then finally surrendering to blue. As the sun's rays danced across Kakashi's face, his features relaxed. His breathing deepened, and his body found a temporary peace, reassured by the warm light.
Shanan woke to the gentle morning glow, her gaze falling upon Kakashi's masked face. She hated that he felt the need to wear it and hide himself away from the world. But if it made him feel better, then she could understand.
Her eyes lingered on his relaxed form, grateful that his dreams seemed to bring him a measure of peace. A protective instinct stirred within her, a desire to shield him from harm and ensure his safety. It was a feeling that seemed almost ironic, given that Kakashi was the one who had saved her.
A wave of sadness washed over her. She couldn't explain why, but knowing Kakashi had always felt temporary. And now, she sensed that their time together was drawing to a close, the end looming closer than she was ready to accept. The realization filled her with unease and longing.
Kakashi's eyes opened, locking onto hers. For a moment, he wondered if she sensed his decision, made for her benefit. His mind returned to the pressing task ahead, its burden settling heavy on his shoulders.
He pulled his mask down, revealing a face etched with an exhaustion and sadness far beyond his eighteen years.
"You look more tired than usual, today," she said, with a gentle sigh.
His chuckle was tinged with emotion as he turned away, composing himself. "The chairs in the waiting room are too hard to sleep on," he said finally.
Shanan's eyes widened in surprise. "You slept in the waiting room?" she asked.
"Yeah… " Kakashi nodded. "Late mission briefing."
She searched his face, sensing more to the story, but he remained guarded.
Her gaze drifted away, landing on the book in his lap. A soft, breathy chuckle escaped her lips. "You brought the book?" she asked.
"Of course," he said. "We're almost done. We can't not finish it."
She nodded in agreement, a faint smile lingering on her lips.
Kakashi moved from the chair and settled on the bed in front of her. Clearing his throat, he began to read aloud.
And much to her surprise, despite his previous hesitation, he finally did the voices. It was a side of him she'd never seen – lighter and carefree. Her eyes widened in delight as he brought the story to life.
"You're definitely better at this than I am." he said, looking up at her from the book.
Shanan's laughter filled the space between them. "That's impossible!" she exclaimed.
For the next hour or so, all was just as it should be. Their normal routine bringing them a sense of comfort. But as Kakashi finished reading, their worries resurfaced, casting a gentle mist of sadness over them.
Without a word, he stood up and slipped the book into Shanan's bag.
Her surprised eyes searched his. "You're giving it to me?" her trembling voice asked.
Kakashi's tender smile and warm eyes softened his shrug. "I could tell you really liked this one," he said. "I actually got you two books. That one, and another I think you'll find useful. To start your collection." He then pulled out the bookmark he'd been using, a small, folded paper. "I even wrote out a list of books I think you'll enjoy."
Shanan's face crumpled, her composure shattered. She leapt from the bed, wrapping her arms around him in a desperate, tight hug. Her body shook with sobs, tears streaming down her face as she clung to him.
Kakashi's arms enveloped her, allowing her to let it all out as his own eyes welled up with tears. Though his sorrow was no less deep, his tears fell silently, a subtle contrast to her anguished cries.
"I'm sorry, Shanan." he whispered. He regretted having to leave, yet duty called and he knew that it was necessary to shield her from the shadows.
"I forgive you…" she said, her hushed voice cracking.
"Thanks," was all he could say, but the single word encompassed a universe of gratitude – for her forgiveness, her presence, her understanding, and her light.
She nodded gently, aware that for Kakashi, gratitude was a rare and precious thing.
Finally, she released him and they both wiped away their tears, the emotional intensity slowly subsiding.
Kakashi's voice was gentle. "Wanna go look at the cherry blossoms?"
She nodded, and together they walked to the window, leaning side by side against the sill.
"It looks like everyone's day is just starting," she observed as they gazed out.
"Yeah, we were up pretty early today," he replied.
"So, where's my apartment?"
Kakashi pointed. "See that building with the red roof?" he asked. "That's yours."
Shanan's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight of her new home. "Oh. It doesn't even seem that far away." Her gaze lingered on the building for a moment before she turned to Kakashi with a question. "And where do you live?"
His finger pointed to a tall, modern building in the distance, its sleek design standing out amidst the older structures. "Actually, it's that one," he replied.
Shanan's gaze lingered on the tall building. "I wondered what that was." she said.
"I've lived there since shortly after joining the ANBU," he said, his voice low and gentle. "So, I know what it's like – leaving familiarity behind." He paused, his gaze drifting back to hers. "You know, I think you and Naruto are gonna get along great. Not that I know him, but…"
Shanan's brow furrowed, confusion etched on her face. "You don't know him?" she asked, surprise lacing her voice.
Kakashi's gaze dropped. "No… I just couldn't bring myself to face him," he admitted. "And I don't know, it feels too late to go and introduce myself now."
Shanan's nod was understanding. "How old is he again?"
"Five," he replied.
"And he's all alone?"
Kakashi's gaze drifted out the window. "That's… how it goes," he said. "But you'll be there for him now. And I have a feeling his life won't be so hard anymore," he added, a hint of optimism creeping into his voice.
Shanan's face lit up with a warm smile. "I bet I always wanted a little brother anyway," she said, folding her arms on the sill.
They sat in comfortable silence, continuing to watch the village awaken. The wind rustled through the cherry blossoms, petals dancing in the breeze, as people began their daily routines.
Shanan scooted closer, her voice filled with determination. "Don't worry, Kakashi, I'll take good care of him. For you and your sensei."
Kakashi's gaze remained fixed on the village below and he folded his arms, mirroring Shanan's posture. A gentle smile spread across his face as a sense of trust and gratitude washed over him. Knowing that neither she nor Naruto would be alone in the world made his heart feel at ease.
After a while, the nurse arrived with breakfast, and they settled back onto Shanan's bed, eating and chatting like an ordinary morning.
"About that book list," Kakashi said. "I tried to include a mix of classics and newer works. Thought you'd appreciate some of the older stories."
Shanan nodded. "Thank you."
"I figured you'd enjoy the poetry of Kusakabe too," he continued.
"Well, I do think I like poetry," she said looking up thoughtfully, trying to remember for sure.
"Oh, and the cookbook I gave you," he added, his voice softening, "it's the one I used the most when I was your age and still learning. It's got some notes on each recipe to make them better. But you might not even need it."
Her eyes snapped back to him, tears brimming now, touched that he thought to give her something so personal to him. "Thank you." Her voice cracked, barely above a whisper. "I'll use it anyway."
He gave her a gentle nod. "You're welcome."
Their conversation continued to flow, discussing books and authors, and various other subjects he thought she might like to read about.
"You know, I think you might find the topic of summoning interesting," he said, his tone thoughtful. "Even if you don't end up using them, the theory and history behind it are fascinating."
Shanan's eyes lit up, intrigued already. "Do you use summons?" she asked him.
"Mmhmm…" He nodded. "I've got a pack of dogs."
"Yep," she said. "That makes sense."
Kakashi chuckled softly. "So what about him?" he asked, his gaze landing on the little white bear that he'd given her. "Have you named him yet?"
"Oh, yeah," she said, amused. "He's had a lot of names, but I keep forgetting them."
Kakashi's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Of course he has…" He paused, his gaze still on the bear, a hint of reserve in his voice. "Maybe his next name can be White Fang?" He added, his tone softening. "Even if you forget it, my father would be honored to have a temporary namesake."
Shanan's face lit up with a warm smile as she picked up the bear, studying its fuzzy face with an air of mock seriousness. Then, a soft chuckle escaped her lips, and she nodded. "Yeah, he likes it."
Kakashi gave a soft, breathy chuckle, pleased that his suggestion had been well-received.
Her gaze lingered on the bear before meeting Kakashi's eyes. "Will you tell me about your dad?" she asked tentatively.
He regarded her carefully for a moment, considering her request before nodding.
"He was formidable and renowned," he started, his voice filled with admiration. "People still talk about him… Even with the mask, people still guess I'm his son." A faint smile played on his lips. "That – or they think I am him. The White Fang of the Leaf."
His expression turned wistful. "But he had a surprisingly gentle nature despite his rough exterior," he continued. "I'm sure people thought he was hard on me and made me train all day. But he never did. In fact, he always told me I should train less and encouraged me to just be a kid." Kakashi's eyes drifted off, lost in thought. "I never listened, though. I wanted to be just like him…"
"Yep… That makes a lot of sense too," she whispered, understanding. "And you got what you wanted. You are just like him."
A faint smile spread across Kakashi's face, and he looked at her with appreciation. "He'd really like you," he said, his voice low and sincere.
Shanan's eyebrows rose, surprised and delighted. "Yeah?" she asked.
"He'd appreciate your kindness, your compassion…" he said. "He couldn't talk about my mother much, but… he'd always smile and say she was the most thoughtful person he'd ever met. And I could just tell that he really missed her."
"That's really sweet," she whispered. "I hope they're together now."
Kakashi's smile was gentle. "Me too." He paused, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for asking. No one ever has."
"Oh," she said. "Well, would you have talked about him if they had?"
Kakashi's low chuckle filled the air, and he shook his head, a mix of amusement and self-deprecation on his face. "No."
"I didn't think so," she said with a small laugh.
As they finished their breakfast, a knock on the door preceded Dr. Yamada's warm smile. "Thought I'd come and say goodbye!" he exclaimed.
Before he entered, Kakashi subtly raised his mask, concealing his face.
Shanan's face lit up, unaffected by Kakashi's sudden reserve. "Hi, Dr. Yamada!" she said, her enthusiasm genuine.
Kakashi and Dr. Yamada exchanged surprised glances, pleased that she had finally remembered the doctor's name. A small victory, but a significant one.
Dr. Yamada settled into the chair beside her bed. "You've improved significantly over the last three months. Your progress is remarkable."
Kakashi's gaze lingered on Shanan, a mix of emotions swirling inside him. Maybe this newfound memory retention was a sign she wouldn't forget him.
Though, a small part of him hoped she would forget, that the memories of their time together would fade, sparing her the pain of missing him and giving him a chance to be even just a little less broken the next time they met. The thought was bittersweet.
"But," the doctor continued, "you may still struggle to remember some things for a while. It's possible you might even forget about your time in the hospital altogether."
Shanan's eyes widened, concern flickering across her face as her eyes snapped to Kakashi.
His mask hid his frown as his heart sank. Hearing the doctor say the words only clarified his actual wish for her to remember.
"Is there a chance I won't forget?" she asked, looking back at the doctor, begging for reassurance.
Dr. Yamada's gaze darted to Kakashi, their eyes meeting in a fleeting moment of understanding. Then, he turned back to Shanan, his expression warm and compassionate.
"Actually…" Dr. Yamada said. "The chances of you forgetting are fairly low."
His voice was infused with conviction, but Kakashi recognized the subtle nuance – the faint hesitation, the flicker of mercy in his eyes. He saw through the gentle deception, the unspoken truth hanging between them like a fragile thread. Dr. Yamada knew that if Shanan forgot the hospital, she'd forget Kakashi too – and neither Shanan nor Kakashi wanted that.
"Really?" she asked.
Dr. Yamada nodded gently, maintaining the facade, his expression unwavering. "Yes, really."
Kakashi's jaw clenched. The weight of the truth settled heavy on his shoulders, the burden of knowing their memories together were likely fleeting.
Dr. Yamada stood, his smile warm and genuine. "It's been a pleasure seeing you both every day. Shanan, you've been incredibly brave, our model patient."
Her cheeks flushed, and Kakashi's eyes softened, his gaze flicking to hers. For a moment, his sorrow was forgotten, replaced by pride and admiration for her resilience.
"One of the nurses will be in soon to discharge you," Dr. Yamada continued. "Then you're free to go to your new home." With a final nod, he turned and left the room, the door closing softly behind him.
Kakashi took a deep breath, quickly steeling himself before pulling his mask down and revealing a gentle smile directed at Shanan. His eyes, warm and encouraging, met hers. "That's great news, right? You might not forget anything," he said.
"Yeah… but there's still a chance I will." Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper. She couldn't help but fret. Forgetting would erase the only person she knew – the laughter, the tears, and the quiet moments like this. It would leave a deep void and leave space for the looming darkness.
Kakashi's knowing eyes never left hers. "Worried about the darkness?" he asked softly.
Her gaze snapped up; his eyes, usually full of warmth in her presence, now clouded, his shadows resurfacing within their depths. He furrowed his brow, swallowing hard. "I know that look, Shanan…" he whispered.
He looked down, rubbing the back of his neck. "I promise I'm gonna do whatever I can to keep that at bay for you." His face trembled, eyes welling up with unshed tears. "Because I don't want you to end up like me."
She stared at him, her brow furrowing as he spoke.
His voice cracked as he met her gaze. "And with your abilities and potential… I don't want anything to ever hold you back," he said.
Shanan's tears flowed freely now, her expression a mix of anger and sadness. "I don't want you to say those things," she said, her voice shaking.
Kakashi looked away, guilt etched on his face.
"Because I plan to be just like you," she continued. "I want to save people, to make a difference. Even if it's just one person, I want to try. I don't want anyone to spend their life trapped in the dark, feeling hopeless and alone."
He crossed his arms, his eyes fixed on the floor as he nodded. "Yeah, sorry…" he whispered.
Shanan's face softened. "What you do, Kakashi, it's good," she said. "Even when it doesn't feel good, even if it scares you sometimes. If it was bad, then you would do something different. But you care so much about people, and you do things with a heart that needs to help others. That's something to be proud of." She paused, her eyes locked onto his. "You're not a bad person. You're just—lost…"
His throat constricted, overwhelmed by the crushing weight of his own emotions. Shanan's compassionate lecture cut through his defenses, laying bare the deepest struggles of his soul. And yet, her gentle, insistent tone anchored him as he slowly absorbed her words, doing his best to let them sink in.
"You said your father would like me… but I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you." Her face flushed, and she looked away, struggling to compose herself. "I'm so lucky to know you, Kakashi…" she whispered, her voice cracking, "to have someone like you to look up to."
The silence hung heavy for a moment. Then, Kakashi's voice cut through the quiet, his tone a gentle reprieve from the emotional intensity. "Wow… you really do cry a lot," he said, his voice laced with affectionate teasing.
Shanan's gaze drifted slowly back to his, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. Her eyes, still shining with tears, sparkled with amusement. "Well… only when I'm mad, or sad, or scared, or happy, or—"
Kakashi laughed, holding a hand up to stem the tide of her words. "Alright, I get it!" he said. He stood, holding out his hand. "Come on, let's pack your things."
She sighed and took his hand, standing up alongside him and reluctantly started gathering her few belongings, while Kakashi adjusted the straps on her bag.
"Are you at least a little excited?" he asked.
Shanan pondered, her brow furrowed, before shrugging. "Well, I'm excited to meet Naruto," she said. "But that's it."
"Well," he said, arranging items she handed to him in her bag. "One is better than none." His eyes met hers, warm with understanding.
She smiled slightly, nodding, her gaze turning thoughtful. "What about you?" she asked. "Are you excited to go on missions again?"
His expression was unreadable as he kept his gaze averted, seemingly focused on his task as he zipped up her bag. "Honestly…" he finally said. "Not really. My first mission back is gonna be pretty intense. But… I am looking forward to getting it over with." His gaze locked onto Shanan's, conviction etched on his face. "And, like you said, even if it keeps just one person safe, then that's enough for me."
Shanan chuckled. "Well, I don't think that's exactly what I said."
"Eh… close enough," he said with a half-shrug.
As the nurse discharged them, the rest of the nurses stopped by to bid Shanan warm farewells. And then, once the goodbyes were exchanged, Kakashi and Shanan stepped outside into the vibrant streets of Konoha.
The sensory overload hit her like a wave – people rushing by, children's laughter, and a whole other cacophony of noises.
Overwhelmed, she felt her anxiety spike, her breath catching in her throat.
Shanan's hands instinctively rose to cover her ears, and she closed her eyes, her body folding inward as she squatted down, trying to make herself small. The world around her was too much, too loud, too bright. Droplets of water immediately started forming on her arms, she felt like she was drowning and her entire body started feeling as though it might pop like a balloon filled with too much water.
"Shanan, I'm here," Kakashi said, his calm voice cutting through the chaos as he knelt in front of her. She felt his hands gently cover hers in an effort to anchor her and she slowly opened her eyes to look at him.
"Just focus on your breathing," he reminded her, guiding her through the exercises he'd taught her. "Take a nice deep breath – in through your nose and then out through your mouth."
Slowly, she followed along, her body relaxing as she focused solely on him. Her gaze never left his, as she felt her lungs filling with air, the water in them receding back to wherever it had come from. The droplets on her arms seemed to absorb back into her skin as she breathed with him, trust and gratitude shining in her eyes.
When she finally calmed, Kakashi smiled, his face relaxing. "Better?" he asked, standing up and offering a hand to help her to her feet.
Shanan nodded gently, her eyes still a bit wide as she stood straight again. She took a few more deep breaths, composing herself, before turning to face the crowd. "Thank you," she whispered. "I'll be okay."
Together, they stepped into the bustling streets, Kakashi navigating the crowds with his usual ease. Shanan clung to his arm, still nervous, her senses firing off rapidly at the unfamiliar sights and sounds. But as they walked, her gaze scanned the crowd, and suddenly, she spotted the couple they'd seen from the hospital window.
"Kakashi, it's them!" she exclaimed, standing up straight.
His confusion was evident, his brow furrowed. "Who?" he asked.
She nodded toward the couple, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Kakashi's eyes followed, and he let out a nervous laugh. "Oh no… not those guys."
"What do you mean? They love you!" she teased, laughing. "We have to say hello, I wanna know her name!" Her enthusiasm was unstoppable.
"You know, you really shouldn't talk to strangers, Shanan…" he warned playfully. But she was already dragging him toward the couple, her grip on his hand firm. Kakashi's sigh was resigned, and he rolled his eyes, a nervous smile spreading across his face as he allowed himself to be pulled along.
As they approached the pair, Shanan released Kakashi's hand and nearly yelled at them, her excitement bubbling over. "Can I hear what you guys sound like?"
Kakashi let out a soft laugh, shaking his head as he slipped his hands into his pockets. "That's not how you introduce yourself, Shanan," he said, his guidance gentle and patient. "Tell them your name and ask them theirs, then you'll hear what they sound like."
Shanan nodded resolutely, her eyes shining with determination. She took a deep breath and looked back at the couple, a bright smile on her face. "Sorry," she began, her voice clear and confident. "I'm Shanan Takagi, and this is Kakashi Hatake. What are your names?"
The man smiled warmly, a breathy chuckle escaping his lips. "I'm Nijiro Yoshizawa," he said.
"And I'm Ayame Isomura." The woman's voice was lovely and melodious and Shanan's eyes widened in awe as she spoke.
"Are you boyfriend and girlfriend?" Shanan asked.
"Alright, that's probably enough…" Kakashi intervened, his tone light but firm. He attempted to usher Shanan away, but Ayame chimed in, her laughter reassuring.
"It's okay!" she said. She exchanged a loving glance with Nijiro, and her smile grew wider. "We are," she confirmed, a soft smile on her face. "Why do you ask?"
Shanan's face lit up, her excitement genuine, delighted that she'd asked. "Because I know how much you lo—" but Kakashi swiftly reached out, his hand covering her mouth and silencing her mid-sentence, as he pulled her against his side.
"Don't say it," he breathed, his eyes darting toward the couple in alarm.
She continued trying to speak, her muffled voice protesting against his hand, eyes sparkling with mischief. She squirmed and tried to pull his hand away, her small hands grasping at his fingers, but Kakashi held firm.
The couple exchanged puzzled glances, their faces reflecting both their confusion and their amusement at the pair.
Kakashi removed his hand from Shanan's mouth, rubbing his neck sheepishly. "Sorry," he apologized, his tone laced with embarrassment. "She's uh… precocious, but doesn't quite understand social nuances yet." He glanced down at Shanan, narrowing his eyes, playfully cautioning her to behave.
He continued, explaining further, "She saw you from the hospital window once and wanted to say hi. But we really should get going now." His eyes signaled a hasty retreat, and he gently nudged Shanan forward, encouraging her to move along.
Nijiro and Ayame nodded understandingly.
As Shanan and Kakashi walked away, Ayame called out, her voice carrying across the distance. "Hey Shanan, come see me at the ramen shop sometime!"
Shanan turned back, beaming, her face aglow with excitement.
Once they were a safe distance away, Kakashi leaned forward, chuckling despite himself. "Were you really gonna tell that guy that his girlfriend loved me?"
"But she does!" she teased, completely unapologetic. "You heard her say it…"
Their laughter echoed through the streets.
Kakashi shook his head. "Honestly, I think you do their voices better than they do," he said.
"Yeah," she said, giggling. "I can't believe they got them so wrong. Especially Nijiro. He sounds a lot older in real life…"
"Hmm…" he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I wonder why."
Shanan looked up at him with a grin, clearly pleased with herself.
As they turned a corner, the vibrant streets gave way to quieter residential alleys. The shift in atmosphere was instantaneous, and the laughter still lingering on their lips faded. The red-roofed apartment building came into view, its sudden appearance a harsh reminder of their destination.
For a moment, they stood frozen, staring up at it in silence.
The sounds of the neighborhood – children playing, birds chirping, random chatter – filled the air, but they seemed muffled and distant.
Kakashi's grip on Shanan's hand tightened, his eyes fixed intently on the windows of the unassuming building. His heart was filled with apprehension and dread, and Shanan's followed suit. Her thoughts mirrored his, and the silence between them grew heavy with foreboding.
Shanan's eyes scanned the facade, taking in the layout. There were a total of six doors, each with a window a foot away, forming a grid of three on top and three on the bottom. "So which one is mine?"
Kakashi looked down at her, his eyes softening. He hesitated for a moment before turning back to the building. "Top middle," he said finally. "Naruto's is there on the far right."
"But," she asked, looking up at Kakashi, her brow furrowed. "Who lives in the rest?"
"Nobody." His expression turned somber, his voice tinged with sadness. "The bottom apartments flooded a few years back, so they've been empty ever since." His gaze lingered on the building. "However, the top three are well-kept. You and Naruto will be its only residents, though."
Shanan's brow furrowed deeper at the thought of someone younger than her living alone in a building with no direct neighbors.
Her gaze dropped to the ground. "When do you leave for your mission?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Just a few hours," he replied.
"And how long will you be gone?"
Kakashi's gaze met hers for a few seconds – a world of emotions conveyed in that fleeting moment. Then, he took a deep breath, his eyes drifting back to the building as he slowly exhaled. "This one's gonna be long," he admitted. "A few months at least."
She nodded slowly, unsurprised. "Well, then I guess we're both jumping in head first."
Kakashi's soft smile returned, warm and appreciative. "You really are clever, Shanan. I guess we're already a lot alike."
"I don't think you're supposed to call yourself clever, Kakashi," she playfully chided.
He chuckled as he pulled his mask down revealing a genuine smile. "Oh, right… then you say it," he replied.
She sighed softly, glancing up at him. "Okay," she said. "You're pretty clever, too."
Their gazes returned to the building, the moment's levity fading.
Shanan's expression turned serious, her eyes brimming with tears. "Kakashi… please be careful on your mission," she implored, her voice trembling. "I might not ever know if you're okay… and I just need to know now that you will be." The dam broke, and her sobs erupted, shaking her small frame.
Kakashi's composure crumbled, his face contorting in anguish. He enveloped her in a tight embrace, his own tears flowing freely. "I promise I'll be okay, Shanan," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I promise."
Her tears soaked into his shirt as she clung to him, and he could feel his heart shattering into a million pieces. Together, they struggled to compose themselves, letting go of their emotions in a shared, cathartic moment.
As they stood there, Shanan's sobs gradually subsided, replaced by quiet sniffles. Finally, she looked up at Kakashi, her eyes red-rimmed but determined. "Will you promise me something else?" she asked quietly. "Please."
Kakashi nodded, his eyes never leaving hers.
"When you get back, make a friend or two, okay?" she requested. "I don't want you to be all by yourself anymore."
A faint, sad smile crossed Kakashi's lips before his arms tightened around her. His tears fell unchecked over his lips as he whispered, "I will. And I'll check in on you, too. Even if you don't see me." His breath caught in a shuddering sigh, his soul aching for her to ask him to stay. But he knew that she was being extra brave for his sake. "I said I wouldn't let the darkness take you again, I meant it."
Shanan's face shook, new tears flowing uncontrollably. "If we meet again and you're still there, then I meant what I said too," she whispered. "But at least try to find your way out. You don't have to stay in one place anymore, Kakashi. Just try."
He nodded.
Minutes passed, their embrace anchoring them in the turmoil.
Finally, they parted, reluctantly surrendering to the distance that awaited them.
Kakashi pocketed his hands, his eyes red-rimmed.
Shanan wiped her eyes with both hands, still trying to calm her emotions. "I have a silly idea that might help us feel better," she said, a sad smile on her lips.
"Yeah? Tell me," he encouraged, his voice warm.
"Every time I come outside, I'll wave," she said, her eyes sparkling with hope. "Even if you can't see me," she added, her voice cracking into a whisper.
His smile was genuine, his face relaxing. "It's not that silly… And it would make me feel better." he admitted, his voice filled with gratitude.
Shanan nodded. "Good." Her gaze shifted to the apartment, her thoughts turning inward. "Well, then I guess this is goodbye," she said.
"Don't think of it as goodbye, Shanan," he said, his smile warm. "How about, until we meet again?" he suggested.
Her brow furrowed, her thoughts racing. Then, she nodded, a small smile spreading across her face.
Kakashi carefully pulled his mask up, his eyes locking onto Shanan's as he reached out to gently pat the top of her head. "See you," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
"Yeah." Shanan smiled up at him appreciatively, her eyes shining with tears, her voice equally soft. "See you."
As she walked toward her apartment, Kakashi watched, his tears silently streaming down his face and into his mask. His hands remained clenched in his pockets, a futile attempt to hold onto the moment.
She reached her door, turned, and smiled through her own tears, cherishing this last glimpse of him before the indeterminate separation.
Then, with a trembling hand, she waved goodbye.
Kakashi's wave was slow, his eyes locked on hers.
She stood for another moment, and then, with a quiet resolve, she took a deep breath and disappeared into her apartment. The door creaked shut behind her, and Kakashi's gaze lingered, his heart heavy with the weight of their goodbye.
The evening air wrapped around him, a somber reminder of the darkness that lay ahead.
He steeled himself, duty calling.
Placing Shanan with Naruto would give her purpose and keep her darkness at bay. His own path, however, remained shrouded until his mission was complete. Sacrificing his peace was a small price for her sake.
Kakashi turned, his footsteps echoing through the silence. With each step, the distance between them grew, a physical manifestation of his isolation. Still, their bond remained.
A flashlight guiding him through the darkness…