scared of the stars

chapter 22 - Kakashi & Obito

No amount of paperwork could distract a distraught man.

Especially when it was about shame.

To say it curled around in Kakashi's stomach was an understatement. It felt more like a heavy boulder, weighing him down. He was feeling so bad he couldn't face Obito.

Yesterday, when his work was finished, he was about to leave his office. He took one step out the door and immediately the nerves took over.

He knew he was in the wrong. He also knew that they would have to talk about it eventually, but he for some reason just couldn't take the first step.

He was so sure Obito would never want to speak with him again. He was probably even sleeping over at Naruto's out of disgust.

So Kakashi ended up staying at the Hokage office the entire night, working ahead with his plans. It came to a point where he didn't know what to do since everything was signed and regulated.

When someone is bored, their mind might start to wander on its own.

Kakashi hated these times since his thoughts never pushed him in the positive direction.

He should think positive. He had to think positive.

Ino.

Ino had apparently become acquainted with Obito, which was great. Obito was slowly getting more and more friends, and he did it all on his own.

Kakashi had been worried he would have to bribe people to talk with him and was relieved that that wasn't necessary.

Obito could stand on his own two feet again, which made Kakashi happier than he could ever put into words.

It also scared him, since he wasn't sure if he was needed anymore.

Obito had proven again and again that he could do stuff alone. He didn't need Kakashi as a guide. He could handle problematic situations rather well.

Damn, his thoughts had led him down a bad path once again.

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After another hour of moping, he came to the conclusion that he should probably check the mail.

It was definitely not an excuse. He only cared about the male- mail!

He sighed to himself and stood outside his door, dreading the moment he would have to open it.

It was 3 pm. A thick layer of snow had settled on the ground, his footprints reminding him that it was too late to turn back.

If Obito looked out the window and saw footprints that walked to the door, only to turn around and walk back, it would be too embarrassing for Kakashi.

He almost felt like knocking, even if it was his own house.

He knocked anyway, holding his breath.

He was extremely happy there were no windows on the door, or Obito would probably not even open the door if he saw it was him standing there. Not out of malice, but just because it was so stupid.

Eventually, he heard a few steps echo through the apartment, then stopping. Kakashi swallowed, just now remembering to practice what he would have to say.

He came up empty.

The door opened and Obito stood there. Kakashi was about to open his mouth so Obito could hear who it was, but stopped when he fully took in Obito's appearance.