Smoke Rings in the Dark (Reader x Various)

Equations

"What's for dinner, Mutt?" Y/n was enjoying the banter between the two of them as they walked back into the heart of the village.

Kakashi wasn't sure where the time had gone, but they were closer to dinner than lunch now. Arching his lone brow, he said, "I usually go for ramen if I'm in a hurry."

"As long as I get some Dango afterward," Y/n grinned, "I don't care what we eat."

Chuckling, Kakashi jerked his head towards a path, "Ramen first, then Dango."

Settling into the stall, Kakashi sat next to the wall, Y/n sitting beside him. Y/n was trying to take everything in as she scanned the area. The town was bustling with people. Kids were running up and down, laughing and smiling. Their parents called after them as they shopped nearby. This village seemed so peaceful.

"I can't thank you enough, Kakashi," she said quietly. "You didn't have to follow through on your promise to my brother," she turned to look at him finally, "but you did. You're a good man, Kakashi Hatake."

Y/n hadn't realized that she spaced out long enough for Kakashi to order their food. And for it to be served. An embarrassed laugh fell from her lips as she picked up her chopsticks.

Unsure of how to respond, Kakashi only said, "I did what I thought was right, that's all."

Stirring the broth, Y/n watched the noodles curl, "Standing up for what you believe in is admirable."

"Don't be so glum," Kakashi placed his hand on her shoulder, "Eat up, Yuri."

Y/n turned her head, "You're finished?!" She nearly fell over.

Even without seeing his face, Y/n knew that he was grinning ear to ear. Kakashi couldn't answer, though. "He's got to be the fastest man in all of Konoha."

The voice was feminine and sweet. Y/n turned as Kakashi did, "Kurenai," he smiled lightly, his eye crinkling as he did. "Haven't seen you in a few weeks."

Red eyes so rare and beautiful lingered on Y/n. The woman was pretty. Fair skin that was like porcelain. Dark hair and plump red lips. She was curved in all the right places, her unique dress adding to the allure of her presence.

"My teams been keeping me busy," the woman, Kurenai, Kakashi had called her, cut her eyes to the man. "Genma said you had company when you came back today."

"Y/n," Kakashi pointed, "This is Kurenai," he waved to the brunette. "She's also a sensei of a genin team."

Y/n stood and extended her hand, "It's nice to meet you," Y/n said with a smile.

"It'll be so nice having another woman around," Kurenai smiled brightly. "How long have you two..." The open-ended question made Y/n and Kakashi laugh.

Kakashi stood up, "Just friends," he gave a closed-eyed smile. "Helping a friend with a fresh start."

"No wonder Genma was so hopeful," Kakashi bit his tongue at the mention of the male. "Will you be coming out tomorrow?" Kurenai asked.

Y/n shrugged, "I'd like to meet everyone," she cut her eyes over to Kakashi, "if it's okay with you?"

Kakashi gave a lazy smile behind his mask, "I don't mind."

Smiling, Kurenai said, "Great," she waved as she stepped back, "I'll see you two tomorrow."

Y/n waved as Kakashi turned back to pay for the meal. "You don't have to do that." Y/n reached into her pocket as she said the words.

"You can pay next time," Kakashi gripped her forearm to guide her away from the stall. The contrast between the fabric of his glove and his fingers was alluring. "Besides," his hand moved from her arm to her back, "I'm about to make you suffer through placing a seal, Yuri."