Work Text:
Trucks are the most important enemies of humanity. You used to think it was funny... but now you've completely changed your mind!
You didn't remember exactly how you died. You only remembered bright lights, loud noises, a little pain... why did you run out on that road in the first place?.. You couldn't say for sure.
When you opened your eyes, you expected to see yourself in a hospital room or facing an angel, but instead... you were just lying on the floor, on something soft. Is that... a futon?
You jumped up and looked around. It wasn't your apartment... not even your city! You jumped up and ran to the window. It wasn't... your world.
Once upon a time, it was the world of Naruto that inspired you so much to learn how to draw. The characters were so beautiful and cute that you wanted to give them smiles with your hand. After all, you often drew your favorites, one of which was... Kakashi Hatake.
This person always made you feel warm in your chest, regardless of his age and the angle in which he was in the frame. You were ready to scream with happiness every time that ashy hair appeared in the frame.
Why was all this said? Oh, right. You could recognize these landscapes even if you hit your head hard.
You were in... Konoha.
It took you a while to come to terms with the fact that this is your world now, not the one you... died in. You wandered around the apartment for a while, looked at things and realized... that you can't find out anything about the person in whose body you found yourself. You could only find your passport and that's all. "(Y/N) (Y/S)". And no more information.
You definitely weren't a shinobi, you realized that after looking around the cabinets. In addition, you didn't feel anything "special" about yourself. And even if you always dreamed of becoming a kunoichi, imagining how you fight with enemies and defeat everyone right and left... in your mind you understood that you would rather die from fear than even from the enemy's weapons.
Initially, you decided to relax a little and make your life more comfortable. You planned to learn more about the chakra later (because it was so interesting!), but in the meantime, you had to make sure that in the new environment you would have money for food or something like that.
The walk through the village was... magical. You stared open-mouthed at everything around you. Shinobi and civilians went back and forth, and you could only admire and rejoice, feeling this anime atmosphere and gradually starting to go crazy at the very thought that you can meet your favorite characters.
However, despite all your enthusiasm, this did not happen for a long time. Well, that was only natural: how could a high-ranking jonin just happen to run into some obscure civilian girl? You decided not to be upset about this, but just find something to earn a living. Fortunately, you still had your drawing skills, and there were a lot of people around who liked your unique style…
Portraits, landscapes, official family paintings, etc., etc., etc. You were willing to work as long as you were paid enough money. Fortunately, you were very fond of drawing, so you were able to cope with all the difficulties and not even kill another client who did not like the way you drew that line in the left corner of the picture.
And when they started asking you to make illustrations for books... M-m-m! You had more time because you didn't have to take so many orders to pay for your apartment.
It was one of the few days when you were absolutely, completely free. You were sitting on a bench with your sketchbook and doing what any self-respecting Naruto fan who could draw would do. You portrayed your favorite characters... and your "husband."
As a percentage, you drew Kakashi the most. Even before that, your apartment was littered with drawings and sketches with him, but now you seem to have found your muse. You never saw the shinobi while you were in this world, although you tried, but that doesn't mean that just being in a village didn't give you a rush of inspiration!
You drew everywhere: on park benches, on the roofs of buildings, in your apartment, in nature... you always carried pencils and sketchbooks with you, because just because inspiration came to you once on the street, it doesn't mean that it will come back when you get home.
So, you were finishing drawing Kakashi and you looked up to rest for a while and look at the crowd... and you almost fell off the bench and onto the muddy ground.
N-not far from you... not far from you was Kakashi Hatake!
Your brain, previously enjoying a hobby, abruptly rose from its workplace and began to run back and forth and yell. There is nothing adequate left in your head, only "HOLY WATERCOLOR PENCILS, THIS IS KAKASHI HATAKE. I REPEAT, KAKASHI HATAKE. THE BEST MAN OF THE CENTURY, A SYNONYM FOR THE WORD "GOD", AN INCREDIBLE YOUNG MAN WHO HAS - ATTENTION! - NO GIRLFRIEND! I REPEAT, THERE IS NO GIRLFRIED!.." and just white noise. Hey, are you drooling out of the corner of your mouth?..
-Hey, Kakashi-sensei, it seems that the girl there was taken ill because you were already late for the fifteenth time.
Naruto, what are you doing?! You quickly wiped your face and stood up, clutching the sketchbook that contained too many Kakashi Hatake faces. If the shinobi sees all this... they'll send you to a cozy place with white, soft walls.
When Kakashi started approaching you to make sure you were okay, your entire brain completely shut down. If you could talk to him, you would only say something like, "Hey, there was a call from paradise to tell you that they lost an angel..." But you couldn't just run away, especially when Kakashi was so close!..
You tried to take a step towards it, but instead... you tripped over the air. You flew down rapidly. You had the opportunity to put your hands out and save your face... but instead you continued to hold the sketchbook to you. The four shinobi watched as your face met the dry ground. Naruto came up to you, squatted down, and poked you on the shoulder.
-Hey, hey, are you alive?..
–I-it's all right, it's really good, - you muttered to the floor. - The earth is so... warm…
Before Kakashi and the others could get close to you, you jumped up, feeling yourself blush profusely, and sped away, kicking up dust.
After that, you tried several more times to approach Kakashi and apologize for your strange behavior, but each time you were too worried... and so something awkward happened. In the end, you could only watch him from afar, hoping to one day hear him speak directly to you.
It was a day when you climbed up on the roof and sat there, trying to see some of your favorite characters in the crowd to draw them. You were able to make friends with Naruto (you bribed him with ramen) and asked him to pass on his apologies to his teacher. As a result, the boy taught you how to walk on walls, and now you could easily climb anywhere in the village... to find a new angle for your drawings.
You sat and stared thoughtfully into space, chewing on a pencil as if it contained an incredible amount of useful vitamins. All the ideas that you wanted to draw flew out of your head or did not capture your mind right now, so you tried to catch your eye on something and get inspired. However, nothing worked.
-Hey, are you okay? Are you sure you won't fall?
You looked down and immediately twitched your entire body. K-Kakashi?! You took a quick look at the person the world knew as "Sukea" and then accidentally dropped the sketchbook. While trying to catch it, you lost your balance and started falling off the roof!
Naruto taught you how to walk on walls, but he didn't teach you how to fall properly!
You expected to fall and hit hard, but instead you landed right in Sukea's arms, who giggled at your shocked expression. Meanwhile, you were trying to breathe slowly (okay, at least just breathe) because your favorite character was too close.
You were definitely going crazy…
From completely disconnecting from this world, you were distracted by your sketchbook, which fell with a loud sound next to you. You squirmed in Sukea's grip before accidentally falling out of it. As soon as you were on your stomach on the ground, you hurriedly grabbed your precious-s-s-s and pressed itto you, blushing very much and wanting only to dig under the ground so that no one would ever find you.
Sukea looked at you for a few seconds and then gave a cute giggle.
-Are you hurt too much? - he asked, holding out his hand to you. – I have a first-aid kit with me, I can help treat the wounds.
You shook your head and held out your trembling hand to Sukea. As soon as your fingers touched his palm, you felt calluses and shivered all over, hearing your heart beating fast and loud in your ears. It was better than any dream you've ever had.
Sukea helped you stand up straight and dusted you off. With every careful clap your body received, you felt like you were about to go crazy. As soon as your clothes stopped being dusty, the man took a step away from you and smiled broadly.
-My name is Sukea, and I'm a photographer. I heard there's a new talented artist in Konoha, and I'd like to meet someone so creative. We, people of similar professions, should stick together, so to speak.
-Uh... nice to meet you. Y-yes, it's really me, – you coughed awkwardly. – My name is (Y/N). Although I... um, I don't think I'm that good.
–I've heard even the daimyo's wife compliment the portrait you drew for her. I don't think that after this, you can consider yourself "not such a good artist".
Your heart started beating even faster. M-my favorite character... praises me! You mentally apologized to Kakashi for drawing him half-naked and with a rose in his mouth.
-I'm here to take pictures of the local attractions, - Sukea said, raising his camera and looking at you through its lens. – I hear you draw a lot on the streets, (Y/N)-san. Perhaps you can recommend some beautiful place?
The most important beautiful place in Konoha is you. You bit your tongue so you wouldn't say it.
-Uh, I'm really sorry, but this isn't my profile. I'm more... into people. I like to draw passersby and, uh, shinobi. I only draw landscapes when the customer asks me to…
You felt the urge to hit the wall and die... again. Finally, you've talked to your favorite character!.. But all of a sudden, you felt so awkward and stupid that you felt like you just didn't have things to discuss with Kakashi. So sad…
-Oh, that suits me just fine, too! - he smiled charmingly. Kakashi, why are you making fun of me so mu-u-uch?!. – I often take pictures of people, of course, so I'm interested in any way of capturing our lives. Would you like to share your experience, (Y/N)-san? I noticed that you were just looking at the crowd and not drawing. Maybe I can give you some inspiration? - he looked at the object in your hands suggestively.
You felt cold inside you. If you just run away now, then Kakashi will definitely think you're some kind of freak! And yet... how unlucky you were! You took a sketchbook that basically only had your favorite character, not the rest of the shinobi or your previous customers who were too pretty for you not to draw them!..
You offered to sit on a bench, otherwise you will definitely break down and fall to your knees. Sukea nodded and led you to a small area of the village where it was quite quiet. You've never sat down so loudly on a street bench before.
You exhaled, clutching your sketchbook with sweaty hands. As you looked at Sukea hopefully, you realized that he wasn't going anywhere.
You tried to open the sketchbook on the page where you drew just animals, for example, eight specific ninkens…
-Oh, do you like dogs too? - Sukea asked enthusiastically, looking around at the dogs, which fortunately didn't look like his own... because you haven't tried drawing animals before, much less from memory.
–Y-yes… I really love dogs! - you nodded. – I mostly draw people... but I met a few dogs from the Inuzuka clan and decided I wanted to draw them.
Sukea looked at you with such admiration that your heart was about to melt. You gulped and hoped it would be enough, but suddenly the man stretched out his hand and flipped the page…
Well... you've been trying to remember if you made a will, because you're definitely going to die of shame right now.
One big U-turn... and the only person who wasn't Kakashi. All the others... were images of one particular shinobi.
You felt Sukea's heavy gaze and just wanted to blend in with the bench. You should have asked Naruto to teach you some other techniques, especially distracting ones! Now you will roast on this bench not from the sun, but from your own internal temperature.
Meanwhile, Sukea kept flipping, and you couldn't stop him. You could only be glad that you took this sketchbook outside, so there wasn't a half-naked Kakashi pressed up against the half-steamed shower stall and asking to "come inside."
Mostly there were only drawings of Kakashi, who was wearing his usual uniform of a jonin, ANBU, Hokage, and just a kimono with the symbol of his clan on it. Only innocent things... and your dreams of seeing your favorite character in beautiful clothes.
Sukea turned his head towards you, and you tried to turn away from him... but suddenly he sat down closer. The further you tried to run away from it, the closer it got. You didn't have any escape route!..
–I didn't know that Copying Ninja Kakashi had his own personal stalker.
–I'm n-not a stalker! – you jumped and squeezed your eyes shut because you couldn't look Hatake in the eyes right now. – I j-just... I just really admire him!
You turned to him and immediately regretted it. Sukea looked at you with a mixture of laughter and surprise. All you wanted right now was a bucket of cold water poured over your head to cool off... but instead all you got were eyes looking straight into your soul.
–Y-yes… I admire him! - you nodded and held the sketchbook close, hoping that Kakashi would suddenly lose consciousness... and his memory. - I-I-I've been watching him since the first day I moved to Konoha…
–So you are?..
–I'm n-not a stalker or a scumbag, creep or something like that! - you shook your head and swallowed, starting to look down at your sketchbook in your lap. - I just... can't stop admiring him, - you gulped, wishing you didn`t know who was actually sitting next to you right now. – He's very b-beautiful… And I've heard that he's a very smart and strong shinobi… And he's v-very funny and c-cute... and, – you swallowed and squeezed your eyes shut, – I heard that he... h-had a very sad childhood. And the fact that he can smile now, even though he's been through so much pain... ad-dmires me.
You expected Sukea to call you "stalker" and finally leave, but nothing happened. You cautiously opened one eye because it seemed that no one else was around... but the shinobi continued to stay close to you, seemingly hiding his chakra out of habit.
-Is that so?.. - he looked at you in surprise. – Do you... like him?
-Of-f course! How can someone not like him? - you coughed uncomfortably. - Uh, I mean… I think he would be the perfect boyfriend and husband. He has no personality traits that are disgusting or unpleasant. Besides... he values his teammates and students very much, it's obvious even to a mere observer like me, - you smiled faintly. – And if he cares so much about the people who are around him... then he will definitely treat those who are really close to him well.
Sukea stared at you thoughtfully, and you hit the walls again... mentally. Well, I confessed my love to my favorite character. And now it's time to pack up, I'm moving to another city...
–Have you tried to approach him?
How easily and calmly he said these words left you in shock, and you didn't have time to run away.
-U-um... yeah... - you laughed nervously. – But I've never been able to do it. I'm afraid... my brain just shuts down when he's around.
–So it's difficult to talk to him, but you can draw him from every angle? - Sukea chuckled.
-That's something else! – you shook your head. – I-I j-just admire him from afar! Seeing his face on paper and in person... it's not the same thing at all…
Sukea stared at you thoughtfully. You hung your shoulders low and waited for Kakashi to be disappointed in you.
–Do you... like everything about him?
-Yes. And ev-ven more.
–And you don't even mind the fact that he reads erotica on the street and is constantly late?
-Everyone can read what they want, - you rolled your eyes. - Besides, I can't blame him. I bought the same book recently... and I liked it. It was hard to break away, - Sukea's eyes shone as much as when you were talking about dogs. – And about the lateness... I heard… that he pays homage to his fallen comrades. Besides, he's always on time... when his team needs him, so I don't really care about his tardiness.
Sukea raised his head and stared at the sky. He kept asking you questions... and you always answered sincerely. Because you were hoping… that Kakashi will at least know that there is a person in the world who truly loves him and wholeheartedly respects him and the effort he put in to go through all the hell in his life.
When Sukea stopped talking, he turned to you. You felt like your skin was already tired of being red. Suddenly, the man grunted and poked you in the shoulder.
–You're definitely not a shinobi, (Y/N)-san. You told so much information to a passerby you saw for the first time!
-Your eyes somehow inspire confidence in me, Sukea-san, - you coughed awkwardly. – I feel like I've known you for a long, long time.
-Is that so? Oh, maybe then I can help you. It would be cruel, after knowing so much personal information about you, to just walk away.
–And w-what can you do? Bury me before I talk any more?
-No. I think… I could arrange a meeting for you two.
You almost choked on your own saliva. Sukea watched you with a smile.
–I used to work for the ANBU, just like Kakashi-san. I could use my connections to ask him for a meeting. You could find out if it's really as good as you describe him.
I know he's great. Thank you.
-Um... I'm n-not sure if this is going to end well, - you shifted uncomfortably in your seat. – I can't talk to him when I run into him on the street by accident… I'm not sure I'll be able to think straight when I go purposefully to meet him.
-Is that so?.. - Sukea shook his head thoughtfully, then suddenly took a piece of paper out of his pocket and wrote something on it. He gave it to you. – But if you change your mind, pour some chakra into this seal. I'll be able to find you, and we'll discuss the meeting with Kakashi-san.
–W-why... are you doing this?
–How can I prevent young love? - he snorted. – Besides, your drawings inspired me to do something. Thank you, (Y/N)-san.
He waved at you and stood up before giving you one last smile and saying that he would like to see you again.
As soon as Sukea was far enough away, you raised your head and yelled at the sky, attracting the attention of passersby. Grabbing your sketchbook, you ran away as fast as you could and refused to leave the house for another week, too embarrassed by your behavior and everything you said to Kakashi because you were too nervous to think of anything smarter! Yes, even if you said that you secretly want to kill Kakashi Hatake, it would be better than everything you said!..
It wasn't until Kakashi got home that he allowed himself to blush. His cheeks and neck were flushed, and Hatake hastily closed his left eye and swallowed. He kept seeing (Y/N)`s face again and again, her shining eyes as she talked about how much she liked the Copy Ninja Kakashi.
Kakashi... had seen her many times before. How could he not have noticed the person who was staring at him so openly? At first, he thought that this was an enemy shinobi who was completely unable to disguise herself, but after (Y/N) was so friendly with Naruto and even learned how to walk on walls from the "incompetent", he realized that she definitely could not be an opponent.
Still, he didn't understand why she looked at him so often... much less acted so strangely. However, he could very well ignore it, and after Naruto brought a note of apology from her, she never showed her face again.
However, he was interested in the sketchbook that (Y/N) always carried with her. He could see her scribbling something there with a pencil... and he couldn't resist looking at what exactly she was drawing. He expected it to be her work or just sketches of people around her, but he didn't expect... that it would be just him.
Kakashi suddenly felt his heart jump in his chest. He had a lot of female fans when he was at the Academy... but they all disappeared after he withdrew and joined the ANBU. And now a girl who just looked at him from afar, got to know him so well in just a couple of months, and already thought he was... cool.
Usually, people either respected Kakashi as a jonin or treated him with disdain. He was always late, he was kind of passive, he read questionable literature, and he wasn't always the right person to be around... Kakashi had heard his students talk about him hundreds of times. They didn't say the nicest things... but at least they worked together, so…
Kakashi could feel something growing in his chest. was it... ego? The shinobi swallowed and hurriedly closed his left eye. The lenses could hide the Sharingan, but not its influence, so he spent a lot of chakra just communicating with (Y/N).
Hatake went to the bathroom to change and wash up. He didn't know why that civilian was talking about him like that. And yet... he couldn't stop thinking about her sincere eyes and the admiration that was in her voice, her gaze, and her movements…
(Y/N) clearly wasn't someone who admired him just because he was a Copy Ninja Kakashi. She'd seen something more... though he still didn't understand how she'd learned so much about him if he'd never noticed her chakra next to him.
Kakashi intended to find out who (Y/N)... really was.
*+*
-Hey, hi, (Y/N)-san.
You yelled in surprise and threw the pencil somewhere to the side. It hit the ceiling and fell on your closet. You tried to close the curtains on the man who appeared on your windowsill, but it was too late.
Sukea saw... your wall with drawings of a certain jonin attached.
While you were looking for a blank piece of paper on which to write your will, Sukea chuckled and pulled back the curtain, looking at you with one eye.
-(Y/N)-san, are you okay? I hear you haven't been out for a week. Are you all right?
-S-Sukea-san, trespassing is forbidden!..
-I'm still outside, actually.
You knelt on the table and put your face between the curtains. Sukea was standing... on the wall of your house.
You sighed and climbed up on the windowsill, pressing the curtains together even harder. The man smiled at you and picked up the bag, which gave off a wonderful smell…
–I thought you were ill... so I brought you some food and fresh vegetables. Can I bribe you with food to get me in?
-Uh... just through the main entrance.
Sukea nodded and started walking up the wall.
You went with him and opened your door, entering your apartment again. The man took off his sandals and walked down the hall, taking a quick look at your bedroom. You turned around, stood behind him, and started pushing him toward the kitchen, where you sat him down at the table. Sukea didn't refuse.
You took out a large bowl of ramen from the bag and opened the lid. A wonderful smell filled your nostrils and reminded you that you had worked too hard and hadn't eaten much today. Sukea leaned over the cup and sniffed a couple of times before blowing on the hot liquid.
You sat down across from the man who looked at you with a small smile. You took the disposable chopsticks and exhaled, "Bon appetit."
You and Sukea were silent... until you finished eating. When you started to clean up the trash, your sudden guest asked:
–Do you think Kakashi-san's face looks like this?
H-he saw my drawings after all!..
You turned to him and smiled awkwardly. You nodded like your head was on a spring.
-Yeah... that's just my guess! - you coughed uncomfortably. – I think Kakashi-san would look really cute if he had moles on his face or something…
-What if his mask hides numerous scars?
–It won't make it any less beautiful, - you sighed and started looking for a new trash bag. - That would be... sad, though. Even more pain in the life of a shinobi.
Sukea watched in silence as you cleaned up the trash.
–I noticed the books Kakashi-san is reading in your closet, – you've seen them all!.. – May I ask... you decided to buy them just because Kakashi-san likes them?
W-what is he trying to achieve? You sighed and turned to him, putting your hands on your hips and shaking your head.
–I was really interested in them initially because Kakashi-san was reading them. But I would never buy all the books in the series if I didn't like the first part. I admire Kakashi-san and want to be closer to him... but I won't do anything I don't like.
Sukea nodded and suddenly asked which book you liked best. You didn't have time to read everything, but you still entered into this dialogue, feeling your heart jump with every smile that the man gave you. You were still very nervous and even stammered, blushed and said nonsense, but now it was... easier for you. Besides, you couldn't see Kakashi's face in front of you, even though you knew perfectly well that he was sitting in front of you right now.
You didn't even notice how the day went. You belatedly remembered your order and hurried to see Sukea off, when suddenly your stomach made a plaintive sound. You heard a loud chuckle.
-It looks like I've distracted you a lot, (Y/N)-san. Maybe I'll bring you some food to correct my mistakes?
Your favorite character was about to feed you for the second time... you couldn't refuse!
Sukea-Kakashi didn't stay for dinner, but you didn't complain. There should be a little bit of good stuff. Otherwise, you would go completely mad with love for this person who doesn't even know that you know about their real identity!
You spent the rest of the evening eating and working…
*+*
W-why does it always come up when I'm least prepared for it?!
You turned to the puppy, hoping that Sukea would not notice you and pass by. Instead, he walked over to you and crouched down, greeting you loudly in your ear.
-Y-yes, hi… Sukea-san.
–It's so nice to see people feeding stray animals.
Please, Earth, take me... just once!
–I j-just saw this puppy on the street... and decided to feed it. Well, and draw, but it refuses to sit still.
You looked down at the sketchbook on your lap, at the few lines you were able to draw... and at the little red dog yapping contentedly and jumping around you. It had already eaten food, only a small amount of leftovers was left on the paper.
-Well, I can help with that, - Sukea chuckled and looked at the dog. - Hey, kid, how about you sit still for a few seconds and have your adorable muzzle painted?
He reached out and let the puppy sniff at his fingers, then ran his palm over the dog and it fell back. Sukea again asked it to lie down peacefully for a few minutes, and this time the puppy obeyed, turning its head towards you and sticking out its tongue in a funny way.
You quickly drew this cute creature.
-Sukea-san, is that a girl? - you asked when you were done, watching the man play with the puppy.
-Yes. And quite sociable, as far as I can see, - he looked the little dog in the eyes. - Yes? Yes, my dear? Who is a sociable girl? You're a sociable girl!..
And he started scratching her belly.
You watched him and felt your heart grow warmer and warmer. You held the sketchbook to your chest and admired Kakashi, even if he was currently in disguise. Sukea finally turned to you, his eyes glittering as if he'd come up with an idea.
-(Y/N)-san... you live alone, right?
–Yes…
–What does the landlord say about pets?
-Ac-ctually, this is my apartment… S-Sukea-san, do you want me to take the puppy home with me?!
-She's so lonely. And you live all by yourself, constantly working from home and hardly ever going out because of the large number of orders, - he took the girl in his arms, and they both looked at you with pleading puppy eyes. – Besides, she says she likes you. Will you really leave the baby without a mother?
You... couldn't stand it! Those two pairs of eyes were too piercing to your heart! You tried to resist... but you were defeated!
–I-I'll have to... take her to the vet…
–I will help you! - Sukea jumped up and grinned broadly. The little girl in his arms yapped in surprise. – I just found out where there's a great dog vet around here!..
You stood and stared at your apartment, now littered with dog stuff. Food, toys, collars, clothing and shoes for paws… Sukea definitely decided to take out all his love for dogs on you and your new pet, Yorokobi, which meant "delight".
–I think you should have taken the dog, not me, Sukea-san.
The man looked at you from his spot on the floor and laughed softly. Yorokobi next to him jumped up and down in happiness before rushing over and licking your feet.
-She says she really likes this place, - Sukea chuckled. – And she likes you too, (Y/N)-san.
-Uh... thank you. Probably.
–If the dogs love you, then you're a very good person, – he smiled and stood next to you, watching the puppy at your feet. - Animals always feel the approach of "evil" better than humans. If you are attracted to wild, untamed, unaccustomed animals... then you are a really good person.
You could only inhale and call out to Yorokobi with sounds, distracting her from your feet and drawing her attention directly to you.
-I'm going to stay in Konoha for a while, - Sukea said, smiling. – I trained dogs for the ANBU once… So I could help you with Yoro-chan.
You nodded vigorously. And it's not just that you wanted to spend time with Kakashi so that you could get used to him and not faint... but also that you didn't know what to do with a dog at all. You had to squeeze a little puppy that was abandoned on the road, dirty and definitely hungry, but you would never have taken this girl in if it wasn't for Kakashi.
Looking into the dog's intelligent eyes, you could only sigh, sit down, and pet Yorokobi between her ears. Maybe... it's not all bad.
Since then, Sukea has often appeared at your home to help you train your Yorokobi... and to giggle at your Kakashi drawings. (You wanted to take them off... but when you did, he only laughed harder.) You did feel uncomfortable… but this feeling was weaker than the happiness you felt when you and Hatake taught Yorokobi commands and obedience…
Eventually, you were able to stop worrying around Sukea because you spent too much time with him, drinking tea, discussing books, and teaching Yorokobi to bring your slippers to bed in the morning… And those were the best days of your life. Finally, you were able to get to know Kakashi not as a character... but as a real person. And you fell in love with him for the second time.
*+*
How do you keep finding me when I least expect it?!
You thought you were used to Sukea, so you were used to Kakashi... you were wrong!
You stood there and watched Yorokobi happily run around with eight ninkens. She rolled on the grass and bit playfully. You were glad that she grew up and gained weight during the time she was around you…
-My ninkens seem to like your dog.
You looked at Kakashi. Kakashi fucking Hatake. The shinobi was standing in front of you, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a book that was slightly covering his face. Jonin was completely relaxed when you were about to start tearing your hair out.
-Um... i-it looks like it.
You pursed your lips and stared at Yorokobi again, trying to calm yourself. I knew it, I shouldn't have gone anywhere today! What other dog park?! Why did I leave the house in the first place?
-Ahem... you're Kakashi-san, right? - Hatake stared at you for a long moment, then nodded. – I am (Y/N). Um... I do not know if my message got through or not, but... I would like to... um, personally apologize for being rather strange… Y-you must have noticed that. I tried to apologize for our first meeting, during which I just ran away and made you worry for nothing, b-but in the end, I only made your life full of embarrassment…
-Oh, it's okay, - Kakashi smiled out of the corner of his eye, and you almost swam with happiness. – To be honest, I thought that it was because of me that you was in such a state. You always got nervous when I was around.
Ha-ha-ha, why did this happen?! You smiled awkwardly. If you keep looking at me like that, I won't hold back and kiss you. Up close, you're even more cute!..
You coughed, trying to recover. You wanted to go and sit on a bench... and you did it. But suddenly Kakashi sat down next to you!
–What's your dog's name?
Top Three Unexpected Ways to Start a Conversation: …
-Um... Yorokobi, but I call her 'Yoro'.
-She's pretty strong for a puppy... and a dog that isn't a ninken, - Kakashi pointed forward with his finger. – She has almost no problem chasing my dogs.
-Uh, I don't do anything special with her. She just... lives… At my house, um…
M-my brain started shutting down again!..
You... didn't know what to talk to him about. You've talked to Sukea a lot... but now that you've met Kakashi in his true form, you don't know what to do with yourself.
-Um... Kakashi-san, c-choose a number: "one" or "two".
-Uh, one?..
-T-thank you… So I'm going to go eat ramen today instead of cooking at home…
Hatake stared at you for a few seconds, then chuckled. You turned to him and saw that the man was chuckling softly.
–I thought I decided your fate, (Y/N)-san.
-Y-you've decided! It depends on what time I go home, – you pointed to the dogs playing in the grass. – If I had to cook, I would have gone earlier, and Yoro would have walked less. And so… I think she can enjoy the company a little longer.
-I think my ninkens really liked your Yorokobi, - Kakashi smiled. – Maybe you'll bring her here at least once a week. My dogs can also get some rest sometimes, and for Yoro, playing with ninkens can be good. My dogs are very smart, they could teach her a lot.
-T-that sounds great! – you can feel the sweat running down your neck.
–I'm already looking forward to our next meeting, (Y/N)-san, - another smile. - Oh, by the way, I hear you're very good at drawing…
You returned home a little exhausted, but quite happy. You were proud that you didn't pounce on Kakashi and try to kiss his face and shout in his ears that he deserves love and happiness! (Especially yours). You took off your sandals and crawled towards the bedroom just to sleep…
You've now interacted with your favorite character twice as much: when he was Kakashi... and when he was Sukea.
*+*
-Hey, (Y/N)-san, it's vacation time!
You looked up at Sukea, who suddenly appeared on your windowsill, and then lowered your head again and stared at the paper.
–I have to finish drawing the cover for my new book, I can't, Sukea-san.
–The whole village is resting, even many of the jonins didn't go on missions today, and you're staying at home?
–I like my house.
-Oh, hello, Yoro-chan! - Sukea glided past your desk to the dog, who happily wagged his tail and started licking his face. - Hey, hey, watch out! I'm wearing makeup!..
You turned around and exhaled in shock as you looked at the yukata the man was wearing. Something exploded in your ears. You've been dreaming so much... to see Kakashi in traditional Japanese clothing!
While you were drooling, Sukea got up and took off his sandals, carried them to the exit and came back to you. He noticed your shocked look, and then held out his hand and smiled seductively at you.
–How about you leave all your worries behind and enjoy the festival with me?
This is something that... only otome novels will offer you. You looked at your work sadly... and then hissed, shook your head, and still grabbed Sukea's hand. He smiled and said that he would be waiting for you in the kitchen, going there himself as if this place belonged to him.
You didn't have a lot of clothes… so you quickly decided on the choice and went to the man.
Sukea, holding a cup that he bought especially for himself, looked at you for a few seconds... and then you saw his cheeks turn slightly red. He left his tea and extended his hand to you, offering to go with him to study the festival held in Konoha. You froze for a second... before placing your hand on his.
You've explored literally the entire village, trying to find as much inspiration as possible and just wanting to explore Konoha. You seemed to know this place better than people who have lived here for years. Still, you couldn't immediately tell which street the festival was held on, so much had it changed.
-I have to admit, I haven't been to a festival like this in a long time, - Sukea chuckled softly, looking around, - so I thought we could explore this place together.
You nodded, swallowing. The man released your hand as soon as he led you out of the house, but you could still feel his warmth on your palm.
Traditional Japanese rituals weren't something you were particularly familiar with... so it was so magical to learn it all together with Sukea... with Sukea-Kakashi. You've walked through the noisy, loud streets, tasted street food that you couldn't find before, even though you thought you'd tasted every dish in the village. Mostly you played games, Sukea only joined when you couldn't possibly win a prize. As a result, your bag was replenished with souvenirs, one of which, a bracelet, you put on the wrist of your companion.
The longer you were with Sukea, the less you believed that this was your reality now. You kept waiting to wake up and find yourself alone again... but with each thought, your grip on the man's clothes, which you were holding so you wouldn't get lost, grew stronger and stronger, making you believe that this wasn't a dream.
You didn't know what to pay attention to: the bright colors of the festival or... Sukea, who smiled so sweetly at you. Each time, your mind substituted the man you loved for that man, and your heart became more and more restless.
Happiness... you were so happy that you could spend so much time with someone you admired, empathized with, and loved for so long!.. But you were so afraid of how this story would end in the end.
Some merchant swore to you that there would be fireworks at the end, and Sukea suddenly dragged you somewhere to the side. "It's best to look at them where no one will be around." You gulped and followed him in silence, feeling the warmth of his hand stronger than any cool wind around you. The man was dragging you out of the way too fast, seeming to forget that you and he are now civilians who can't seem to move at such high speeds.
You were completely exhausted by the time you climbed the mountain. Sukea pointed to a small bench in front of you, and you began to crawl in that direction. But before you really fell to the floor and pretended to be a snake, the man picked you up and helped you walk the last few meters, for which you were very grateful.
You sat down on a bench and looked at the sky, which will soon be painted with bright colors. You couldn't wait for it. But while the dark canvas remained dark, you turned your head to Sukea, who sat down heavily next to you and looked at you awkwardly.
You thought that you and he would just enjoy the fireworks and Sukea would take you home, but... let's just say you didn't guess right.
The cool wind blew over your skin and calmed you down a little. You looked down and saw happy people walking and having fun. I think you've even seen a few genin teams that you know. You smiled and giggled, happy that children can be children.
–It was... a good date, wasn't it?
If you were drinking something, you would spit it out instantly. You turned your head to Sukea, who was pursing his lips and watching your reaction closely. Your eyes widened in shock, not because you were against it... but because you didn't expect things to turn out this way!
–From the look on your face, (Y/N)-san, you don't think so.
-W-what do you mean, Sukea-san?
-I thought it was pretty obvious… that when a man invites a woman to a festival just the two of them, he wants to have a date... - he rubbed the back of his neck. - Um... I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I... I know you love Kakashi-san, but... I spent so much time with you and was so happy that…
It's time for me to... make him feel incredibly embarrassed.
-Sukea-san... there's no point in pretending anymore. I know... that you are really Kakashi-san.
The shinobi who wanted to continue talking choked on his own words. You took a little pleasure in his shock, taking revenge on him for everything you went through because of him, and then whispered:
–I knew that from the beginning. So... your confession doesn't make sense.
Kakashi sighed heavily and turned away from you. You looked at his red ears and didn't understand... why he was reacting like that. You were so, so happy with him. Did he also... enjoy your conversations, training with Yorokobi, and walking with her as much... as you did?
-Am I... that bad of a shinobi?
-I have... my own secrets, - you coughed uncomfortably.
–But if you knew this from the beginning... why didn't you tell me about it, (Y/N)-san?
–Because... I really love you, - you put cold hands to your hot cheeks and squeezed your eyes shut. – And I-I... I was very nervous around you. I would like you to know about my feelings in a different way... but I couldn't think of a way then to refuse you in such a way that... my heart was calm after that.
Kakashi slowly turned to you, and you saw that he was holding a hand to his left eye, as if trying to control the pain.
–It's me... who should be apologizing, because I lied to you... even if you knew the truth in the first place. (Y/N)-san, - he swallowed and looked at you with eyes that clearly showed that he didn't believe what was happening, - do you really... think I'm such a great person?
You nodded quickly. You looked into his right eye and whispered:
–Actually, I think you're much more cool and awesome than the image I gave you when I talked to you as Sukea-san... I... I really admire that you were able to stay on the 'light side' after all the terrible things that happened to you, - you clutched your clothes with your hands, feeling how sweaty your palms were. – Sometimes I didn't feel safe in Konoha anymore, because at any moment we might be attacked by other shinobi… But then I remembered that you lived here, too, - you smiled at him. – And so I immediately began to feel safe again. Kakashi-san... you have no idea how glad I am that you exist. You're the one… who originally inspired me to draw.
Hatake turned away from you again, now looking at the floor. You exhaled loudly, swallowed, and looked at him nervously.
–I k-knew I wasn't going out with Sukea-san... but I still... would like to watch the fireworks directly with the real you, Kakashi-san.
The shinobi stood up and suddenly disappeared into the smoke. You could only stare sadly at the place where he had just been. Looks like... the plan failed. You hugged your knees to your chest, propped your heels on the bench, and stared ahead at the merry village. What a pity you didn't bring your sketchbook…
You didn't know how much time had passed. A sudden rustle of bushes behind you made you turn around. You thought they were robbers or something, but it turned out to be... Kakashi. And he was wearing a different yukata. When he sat down next to you again... you saw the Hatake clan`s symbol on his back.
-Um... (Y/N)-san... - he gave you an awkward smile out of one eye, because now he was wearing the mask and blindfold again. - I ... I'm sorry I ran off so abruptly and didn't even say anything… I left you all alone… I'm j-just really overexcited.
–I t-thought you'd changed your mind about 'dating' and decided you didn't want me…
-N-no, it's not like that! - he shook his head and moved cautiously closer to you. – I'm not sure how you got all this information about me… But I'm... really pleased that someone has rated me as highly as you... and... that you don't think I'm a disgusting, lazy pervert like my students do.
–I'd show them all how awesome you are if I could, - you blush slightly and cross your arms over your chest, starting to grumble.
Kakashi laughed at your words, and you looked at him. The shinobi immediately looked away.
-Um... (Y/N)-san… I know you've spoken to me as both Sukea and Kakashi... but I still sincerely wish... that you'd get to know me better as... me, - he swallowed. – I didn't know what to do because I was afraid to imagine your reaction when you found out that a high-ranking shinobi was pretending to be a civilian in order to communicate with you… But I'm glad you guessed it in the first place, - he moved his hand slightly and placed it next to your hip. – I would like to... ask you out on... a real date, (Y/N)-san. Because I... t-think I like you, (Y/N)-san.
Your heart was ready to explode just like the first firework that is about to appear in the sky. You turned away from him to hide your huge smile. Instead of saying anything, you just moved your hand and placed it on top of Kakashi's. The Shinobi immediately twitched.
-Um... if y-you don't like it, I can stop!..
-N-no, it's fine. I'm just not used to it… - Kakashi swallowed and carefully turned his palm over before intertwining his fingers with yours. - So... it`s ok-okay?
Looking into his pleading and uncertain eyes, you felt that you would allow this person anything, even if he was asking for the impossible.
You nodded and turned your head towards the fireworks that had finally started because you couldn't contain yourself anymore. A huge smile has appeared on your lips again, now even bigger than the previous one. You squeezed Kakashi's hand harder to make sure you weren't asleep. Your mental fangirl was now dancing joyfully and clapping her hands, shouting that the next step was to revive the Hatake clan!..
You mentally hit her because you didn't want to scare Kakashi off. You were so glad that he did not perceive you as a crazy stalker, that now you were simply obliged to finish the job and make this beautiful man happy!
You squeezed his hand and gave him a small smile. I promise... I'll make you as happy as you once made me just by appearing on the screen... my sweet Kakashi.
And one day... you'll check whether all the children born from Kakashi will actually have ash-colored hair, whether his mom was from the Inuzuka clan, and whether the shinobi of this level can train for hours in bed with you. You'll check it out one day... but for now, you could only blush as you squeezed his hand and soaked up this small, precious moment and the fireworks blooming in the sky like Kakashi's love for you.