Love Triangle: Kakashi vs. Genma

13 | Birthday Bash!

A few days later, [Y/N] and Kotetsu were at the guard station at the front gates. She'd volunteered to cover the guard shift for Izumo since it was his birthday, telling him to take the day and visit with his family—for which he was exceptionally grateful. He had taken the entire day and caught up on a few errands and his family had surprised him with a small get together.

"So look, since Izumo's birthday is today and yours is tomorrow, we're planning to spend tonight at the bar for Izumo's birthday and then a second night tomorrow for your birthday!" Kotetsu laughed, leaning forward over the desk in the guard station. [Y/N] shook her head, jumping up to sit on the desk.

"People are going to think that we're the town drunks! We'll go out just tonight and celebrate them both."

"But that's less partying!"

"You'll be fine."

"Please, I've spent the last few days in this stupid guard station. I need something to keep by brain from frying!"

"Alcohol is not the way to keep your brain intact."

"Yeah, listen to her, Kotetsu. You need to reserve all the brain cells you can!" Izumo said, laughing and coming up to the guard station, two other chunin following behind. Kotetsu rolled his eyes and threw a wadded up ball of paper at his friend. "You're only getting away with that because it's your birthday."

Izumo rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Anyway, these guys are here to relieve you two. Ready to go?"

[Y/N] jumped down from the desk and stretched out, high fiving Izumo. "Finally!" She turned to her the two relief chunin, waving to them and thanking them. They smiled and nodded. She had only seen these two a few times before—they were relatively new chunin. They bid them farewell and turned to leave.

Kotetsu had gone above and beyond for his best friends' birthdays. The bar was packed with their other friends, chunin and jonin alike, and some civilians. As soon as they walked in, they'd all yelled happy birthday to the pair and the drinking started. It only took about thirty minutes before they were all at least tipsy. A little over an hour in, they were all drunk and [Y/N] and Izumo were at the bar, surrounded by the crowd as they shook hands.

Kotetsu suggested a drinking contest to see who is the better drinker, the birthday boy or the birthday girl. Izumo had almost refused until [Y/N] taunted him and he knew he wouldn't live it down otherwise. So here they were, chugging sake while everyone around them cheered.

Asuma sat on the other side of the bar, watching his sister and shaking his head. He couldn't help but to grin a little, knowing that the competitiveness in her was a trait of the entire Sarutobi clan. Kurenai lightly brushed his hand under the bar, making him glance at her. She held worry in her eyes as she watched [Y/N] and Izumo, but Asuma chuckled and leaned down to her so that she could hear him over the yelling. "Don't worry, she'll be fine!"

Kakashi stood back against the wall, watching the festivities go on. He couldn't help laughing every time [Y/N] made a sassy comment to Izumo about being a chicken. When she finished her sake, she jumped up and threw her hands in the air. Izumo followed suit, not a full second later, cheering himself. They threw a few jabs at one another for a moment before sitting down, both clearly dizzy. Kakashi shook his head, rolling his eyes in amusement.

Genma helped [Y/N] sit back down on the stool, easing her back against his chest. He kissed her temple and chuckled. "Maybe slow down a little babe." He wrapped his arms around her waist, steadying her as she giggled at him. She reached back and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him down closer. She laughed and kissed his cheek before leaning forward and trying to stand up. When she stumbled, Genma jumped up from his own seat to catch her. "Or... we could just get you home."

He ducked down to put an arm behind her knees and then stood, lifting her up bridal style. He nodded his head to Asuma, who mouthed something along the lines of "no sex while she's drunk" and then he turned to leave. When they were out in the street, Genma was approached by another ninja. He bowed to Genma before speaking. "The Hokage has requested to see you. He says that it's urgent."

Genma looked down at his girlfriend, half asleep his arms. "I, uh, well..."

"Let me take her home."

Genma turned at the new voice. Kakashi stood in the doorway, looking like his usual bored self. He had just been on his way out when he noticed the dilemma Genma seemed to be in. Though he still wasn't particularly fond of Genma and her together, he didn't dislike Genma and couldn't bring himself to leave him standing like that.

Genma sighed, a little uneasy. Kakashi had always been the cool, attractive type and women seemed to throw themselves at him. Genma even knew that [Y/N] had once been attracted to him in that sense. But now, what option did he have? When the Hokage called... "Okay, thanks... It's a little strange that you would seem to have perfect timing now, given your track record."

Kakashi shrugged and opened his arms anyway, holding them out to take [Y/N]. Genma moved forward and gently placed his girlfriend into Kakashi's arms. As if just for good measure, he also leaned in and kissed her gently. [Y/N] was still only half asleep and smiled up at Genma. "Best not-my-birthday birthday ever." He grinned back down at her before stepping back and taking off with the other ninja.

Kakashi turned and started in the other direction, holding [Y/N] against his chest. She was quiet, but still awake, taking in her surroundings. He watched her for a moment before she suddenly jerked her eyes up to his. He raised an eyebrow and she blushed, looking away from him. "Thanks for bringing me home Kashi. I'm sorry to disrupt your evening."

"Not at all. I wasn't doing anything myself anyway."

They walked in silence for a moment longer before [Y/N] looked up at him again. "Kakashi... do you not like Genma?"

"What? Of course I like Genma."

"It's just... you're one of my best friends and since I started dating him, you've not really been around."

"Just busy, you know how it goes."

"Busy?" She asked, knowing well enough to know that was lie. Kakashi had failed his students (several sets now, in fact) so he didn't have training. He hadn't been on any missions lately either. He couldn't have that much going on. "Right."

"[Y/N]."

"Why do you feel like you need to lie?"

"I... I'm sorry. Look, it's not that I don't like Genma. It's just... I can't really say, [Y/N]. I'm sorry."

She rested her head against his chest, listening to his heart thumping rapidly. She sighed. "No, I'm sorry to pry. You aren't obligated to explain yourself to me. I just miss you Kashi."

Kakashi subconsciously hugged her tighter upon hearing those words. She missed him? That must mean that he does have some place in her life. He means something to her. He smiled at the realization and looked down at her, noticing that she had fallen asleep. Thankfully, he was getting closer to her apartment.

When he stood in front of her door, he reached up and pulled her spare key from behind the light. He pushed the door open and stepped inside, closing it gently. They were surrounded by darkness and Kakashi moved slowly to her bedroom. He finally made it there and laid her gently on her bed. She stirred slightly as he did so but remained mostly asleep.

"I wonder if it would have made a difference if I'd been at the bar with you that night instead of Genma." He mumbled, watching her settle into her bed. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. He turned and made his way out, pausing in her doorway. "Goodnight, [Y/N]. Sleep well."