I stared at his strong shoulders from across the field. They slumped slightly, heavy with the weight of burdens he still carried alone. Letting out a sigh, a disparaging smirk found its way to my lips. He was harder on himself than anyone.
Calling out to him, I made my approach.
"Ah, sorry" he started as soon as he saw me "I'm afraid I got lost on the path of life." The corners of his visible eye creased, alluding to the smile behind his mask.
I exhaled a quiet "Hmph" at his half-hearted excuse & took a place beside him. Together we stood shoulder to shoulder in front of the memorial he so often visited.
"This place makes me think about the mistakes I've made in the past... & I've made so many of them" his soft voice cut through the silence.
For years he had blamed himself, his left eye an inescapable reminder of the comrades he'd lost. I did the only thing I could do during these moments & took his hand in mine. Kakashi's gaze never left the monument where his friend's name was engraved, but he squeezed my hand tightly, acknowledging my desire to comfort him.
"Hahaha! Young love springs eternal!" a boisterous voice echoed loudly, unimpeded by the somber atmosphere.
Gai appeared suddenly, clapping each of us roughly on the shoulder. "Kakashi, when will you be honest with yourself about your feelings for this girl? We'll never be young like this again!"
A slight pause "... I'm sorry, did you say something?" Kakashi turned & cocked his head, as if he had only just then noticed Gai's presence.
"Gah, Kakashi! You make me so mad! Why do you always have to act so cool?!" Gai complained.
I chuckled to myself as Kakashi casually headed toward the village, Gai energetically taking pursuit.
*******
Sharing a final drink for the evening, Gai & I sat alone. Kakashi had already excused himself claiming there was a new volume of Icha Icha that he'd been wanting to read.
"Don't give up on him." Gai's tone was uncharacteristically solemn "He cares for you, more than I've seen him care for anyone in a long time, but he's afraid of being happy."
My heart warmed at the possibility of Kakashi having feelings for me. But it also ached for him. Only because of our closeness could I see how closed off he remained.
Still, I smiled confidently "Thank you, Gai. I will always be there to support him."
"That's it! Let the power of youth explode!" he exclaimed, feeling bolstered by my optimistic response.
A blush crept to my cheeks. Unable to ignore the sting of embarrassment, I sheepishly covered my face as others turned to look at us, Gai's overzealous declaration drawing their interest.
*******
He loitered outside just long enough to hear the conversation that ensued after his supposed departure. Sighing heavily, he began to walk home. Despite those unrestrained outbursts, Gai wasn't wrong.
*******
The weather had taken a turn for the worse & storm clouds gathered, a dreary ambience cloaking the countryside. Turbulent skies paralleled the emotions that welled within me. It had been several weeks since I'd seen Kakashi, our respective missions keeping us both occupied, but, having returned home, my mind wandered to him. As night fell so did the rain. Gusts of wind pelted the glass with heavy drops, thunder rolled in the distance & flashes of lightening intermittently pierced the darkness. My vision played tricks on me, the silhouette of a figure crouching on the windowsill being illuminated, until I heard a gentle rap on the glass. My eyes widened & I raced to open the window.
