Love Triangle: Kakashi vs. Genma

53 | Confusion

"Let's get in formation for the Flying Thunder Technique. It'll take us directly back to Lady Hokage and we need to be back before the other teams so we don't raise suspicion. [Y/N], you've had more practice with it than I have, so you'll be the third person in formation. I'll stand in the center with what we've gathered."

Everyone moved to obey Tenzo's orders, each ready to get back home. [Y/N] linked her hands with Raido and Genma, but looked away from Genma, unable to look him in the eyes before she was suddenly in the Hokage's office again. They all pulled away from one another as Tsunade stood up. "Well, it's about time I heard back from you four. Tenzo, report."

[Y/N] was silent as Tenzo spoke, too aware of Genma's presence right next to her. He was so close she could feel the body heat radiating off of him. He didn't dare look at her, though he could feel her eyes tracing him. His purposely made his hand twitch to brush hers, the feel of her skin so soft and close that it made him want to intertwine their fingers. She ignored his movement, trying to refocus on what was happening before her.

"...the four of you did good work. Team Kakashi and Team Guy should return soon as well. After they report, I'll establish our next move. Be ready. Dismissed." Lady Tsunade finished and waved them off.

[Y/N] didn't stick around for any longer than she had to. She immediately moved for the door and walked briskly down the hall. She tried to ignore the fact that Genma was right on her heels the entire time, calling her name and begging her to wait. She had just made it outside when he finally caught her. His fingers wrapped around her arm, pulling her gently to the side.

"Can I just talk to you?"

"No. I can't, Genma." She jerked her arm out of his grasp, settling into a defensive stance. She shook her head at him before trying to walk away again.

"What the hell does that mean? You can't?" He asked, frustrated.

"No! I tried to be your friend over these last few years because I still value a relationship with you. I still wanted you to be a part of my life. But not after this Genma."

Genma moved closer to her, trying to block her path. "No, no, no, don't do this. Don't do this to me again. Okay? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to screw this up. Please just let me fix it."

"It's not you Genma. It's me."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I'm still in love with you. That's why I can't. I love Kakashi. I can't do this to him."

"You still love me?" Genma brought his hand up to her cheek. His fingertips had just managed to brush across her face when she swatted his hand away.

"I don't know, Genma. I'm so confused. I'm in love with Kakashi, I am. But this, with you... I think I still love you too. I don't know what I'm doing. I just need time to sort this out. I need to see Kakashi. Please, just... leave me alone for a while."

And with that, she turned and disappeared, shattering Genma's heart again.