My Next Door Neighbour (Kakashi x OC)

15 // Reconciliation

We leave fairly quickly afterwards. Kakashi acts as formal as ever in the group, keeping his mind solely on the mission. He doesn't even join into the friendly conversation with Saki and Jourin, preferring to keep his eyes glued to his book except to chime in that we need to stay alert.

We set up camp for the night under thick trees. The sun is almost completely gone behind the hills by now and after quickly and efficiently setting up two tents, Jourin starts a fire and puts a kettle on for tea. Still feeling tension in the group caused by an awkward amount of silence, I announce that I am going on a quick walk under the guise of scouting out the area to check if all is safe. Really though, I just need to clear my head a bit.

I speed walk away and weave my way through the trees, following the sound of rushing water. Eventually I reach the edge of the gorge. Sitting near the edge of the cliff, I take out the kunai Hiro gave me and examine it again. Even in the dim light of dusk, it still gleams silver.

"Don't want you falling in again," says a voice behind me. I turn around abruptly, the kunai in hand at the ready, but only find Kakashi standing a little further off. "Besides, you shouldn't be scouting the area alone, wounded or not," he adds.

"Well I certainly didn't expect you to be here," I answer. He comes towards me and joins me on the edge of the cliff.

"Saki convinced me to check up on you, though I'm pretty sure she wants me to smooth things over..." He scratches the back of his head and glances away. "Sorry for being distant, I-" He stops and seems to be figuring out how to phrase the rest of his thoughts. "I didn't mean to come off as overprotective or possessive of you around Hiro...or to give him the cold shoulder..." he trails off, not making eye contact.

I am a bit taken aback to hear him admit it, though I am glad he can. I ruminate on the thought of Kakashi being protective and possessive of me... My face heats up and I find myself kind of pleased at the idea of it.

"It's okay, I don't think Hiro noticed much or took it to heart. Here, look at the kunai he gave me." I hand him the silver blade.

"This is really lovely craftsmanship..." he says, turning it in his hand. "I'm kind of regretting not becoming his friend now, I would have liked to receive a new kunai," he jokes. I'm happy to hear him make light of it now. "Why does it say 'to get through the dark'?" he asks.

"Oh uhh," I hesitate. Kakashi is a friend too, but admitting to another ninja that I am scared of the dark is a bit embarrassing. Not only can I not swim but my fears are those of a child...

"Well," I begin. "I am scared of the dark," I say mechanically. "Hiro found out and that's why the engraving is on the blade." Kakashi laughs.

"You never told me you were scared of the dark!" I pout and look away.

"It never came up!" I say defensively, crossing my arms. He puts his hand on my shoulder reassuringly, still laughing lightly. I turn to him, my shoulders falling as I relax. We sit in silence for a moment before I ask:

"Hey Kakashi..." He turns to face me, his hand unmoved. I'm scared to question it but I need to clear the air, I need an answer. "This morning at breakfast...what was that really?"

It seems now I've taken him by surprise. I don't know what he was thinking if he thought he could get away with being an absolute flirt all the time and not have to explain himself. It's been weeks now that we've had more than friendly exchanges.

"Um..." he begins. He swiftly takes his hand off of my shoulder and it goes to the back of his head as he tries to think up a response.

"Do you like me?" I ask him directly now. Despite his usual mature and cool air he appears to be rather taken aback by my directness. You can't get out of this one now, cool guy.