scared of the stars

Chapter 20 - Obito & Kakashi

Obito and Kakashi had not spoken once since their fight.

They didn't want to speak with each other either.

They walked with two meters between them, Kakashi walking in the front and taking the lead. Yamato was trying to start conversations, not aware of what had transpired. The mission had been canceled and the guards had admitted that they weren't really guarding. Apparently, Kai and the princess had bribed them.

Guy wasn't saying anything either, only watched silently.

Obito was slouching, his hands tugged deep into his pockets. He was thinking back on every encounter he and Kakashi had had, trying to understand the sudden change of behavior.

It wasn't like Kakashi at all.

He felt like a grumpy teenager who had just been dumped. How pathetic wasn't he?

This was their very last mission together and it had ended with them not talking to each other? Obito didn't know when Kakashi would become Hokage, but he was sure it was pretty soon.

«So that was fun, right? I think it would be really enjoyable if we all went out together again, just not on a mission.» Yamato said and slapped both Obito's and Kakashi's shoulders playfully. Neither responded.

«Yeah,» Guy said, sounding unsure.

«Yeah,» Yamato replied, more to himself than any of the others.

They were all greeted at their return, Naruto even stood at the gates and welcomed them all back.

«How did it go? I hope you kicked some ass.» He said cheerfully and laughed. Obito smiled, looking away.

Naruto was there mostly for Kakashi, and since it was obvious Kakashi didn't want anything to do with Obito at the moment, he decided to leave. Naruto made a confused sound as Obito left to walk in another direction.

He needed some time to think. He was sure Yamato would have walked with him if he had asked, but he didn't want to be with anyone from the mission right now.

The map in his head of the town was luckily very detailed. He only managed to trip two times, which was a clear improvement. He was completely alone with no elbow to assist.

«Hey, Obito?!» A feminine voice called out and Obito stopped his walk.

«Hi!» he said, hoping the person would introduce themselves before he made a fool out of himself.

«I am Ino. I know I haven't introduced myself yet. I really wanted to do so sooner at Kakashi's Hokage party, but then I got stuck with the store and-» She said, then interrupted herself. She giggled. She for some reason reminded Obito of Sakura. He wondered if they were friends.

«I am sorry. Sometimes when I am stressed I start rambling. It's a bad habit.» She apologized.

Obito shook his head and smiled, feeling himself ease up.

«No worries. Why are you stressed?» He asked, not expecting the sincere tone from his own voice. He had really not expected anyone to introduce themselves to him when walking alone.

«We got a little too many packages for the store. I love flowers, but sometimes it can get a little too much. I have to put them all at appropriate places before the day is over. Usually, my mom is here, but she has a bad day and I am left here alone.» He heard a rustling of plastic and imagined a bouquet of all kinds of colors. The only time he had bought a bouquet was when he was thirteen years old. It was for Rin.