Love Triangle: Kakashi vs. Genma

52 | Distance

[Y/N] kept her distance for the next few hours while they completed their mission. The last thing she needed was Genma making another move on her. It was confusing enough as it stands. She loved Kakashi wholeheartedly, but what Genma had given her was different. It was fire that consumed her and burned her but she enjoyed every flame that surrounded her. He had a certain passion that, yes,  Kakashi had too, but just did not show as readily.

Was she to tell Kakashi that Genma kissed her? He started it, so it wasn't her fault. But then, she kissed back, just for a second there at the end. She made no move to pull away. But they were long over. She hadn't thought about Genma like that in a long time... But Kakashi wouldn't see it that way. Despite his outward behavior, Kakashi was a jealous man. He would not take kindly to this situation at all.

"But you still have to tell him. You know that, right?"

"Tenzo, stop it." She whispered back. She hadn't even realized he'd gotten close enough to speak with her until now.

"I can tell what you're thinking. It's written all over your face."

"Then I'll just put my mask back on."

"And wear it every time you face Kakashi from now on?"

[Y/N] sighed. He was definitely right. She was just going to have to own up and tell Kakashi the truth, otherwise she'd never be able to look him in the eye again. She didn't like to hide things from him and the list is just growing now.

"You're right."

"I usually am." Tenzo grinned and gave her a reassuring pat on her shoulder before turning to face the others. They'd been quiet, Raido not willing to mention the situation and Genma unwilling to comment on it either. "Okay you two. Come on. Let's make our distance from here and set up camp. We'll rest for tonight and return home tomorrow."

They all did as they were told, gathering their things and reclaiming any weapons that were still able to be used before leaving the cave. It was just before nightfall came before Tenzo decided they were far enough away to rest. He used his jutsu to create a small cabin for them for the night. [Y/N] decided to forego dinner, instead going straight inside to sleep. She needed to clear her head and get it all of her mind before she went crazy and sleep seemed to be her best option.

Outside, the three men had built a fire and started fishing for dinner. As the food cooked, Tenzo looked at Genma, who had been silent for the majority of the evening himself, distress written ever so slightly over his face. Tenzo had to admit that he felt a little bad for him.

He remembered watching the fight he had with [Y/N] in that alley a few years ago—he'd seemed so broken then. And that engagement ring he'd had... He and Kakashi both seen him pull it out after she'd walked away. This man had every intention of building a future with her. That's not something you just get over easily. But it had been years now and she was with one of Tenzo's best friends. His actions were uncalled for.

"You realize that even if she doesn't tell Kakashi, I very well may. He deserves to know about what you did today."

Genma jerked his head up. "I don't see how that's any of your business."

"I don't suppose that what goes on between you two is my business. But how it affects Kakashi, that, I will make my business. He is a friend of mine and I quite like to see him happy. Do you think this would make him happy?"

"I don't care what makes Kakashi happy." Genma spat back.

"But you care what makes her happy, don't you? This life she's building with him makes her happy. You very well could've just taken that away from her. Now, I've known her for quite some time. She doesn't forgive and forget easily. You think what you did today is something she will forgive you for?"

Genma stopped. He hadn't even thought about it like that. He'd been so focused on missing her and all but hating Kakashi that he didn't even consider how it might affect her. If she truly loved Kakashi and wanted that future with him, this could've ruined everything for her. If they broke up over Genma, neither of them would forgive him. He still wouldn't have her.

Raido put his hand on Genma's shoulder. Rarely did his friend seem so vulnerable and this ANBU guy seemed to bring it out so easily. Raido was not a fan.

"Look, just take it easy. Whatever relationship [Y/N] has with Kakashi, or with Genma, is no one else's business but theirs. Let's butt out, okay?"

Tenzo put his hands up in defense. "Okay, okay. I'm just saying. One of us has to do the right thing."