Archive of Our Own

Obito had a tendency to fall, and to fall hard. He’d be the first to admit it.

Years were spent convinced he was in love with Rin, and while he might not be anymore he liked to think those feelings were still sincere at the time.

And then Kannabi Bridge happened.

That dreadful, horrific mission that would change their team forever.

It left Obito down an eye, Kakashi with a Sharingan, Rin with a new determination to get stronger, a whole lot of trauma, and finally, new feelings.

Part of Obito wasn’t really surprised. He’s always thought Kakashi was amazing, ever since they were little. If it weren’t for his dumb Uchiha pride then he’d probably have been the first to say it out loud.

Sure, when they got on a team, Obito never thought they’d see eye to eye. Kakashi was too strict, too determined to play by the book. Obito was more free, more willing to bend the rules and see what would happen.

He was so sure after Rin was captured and the two disagreed on what to do that that would be the end of any possible friendship, and maybe even the end of their team.

But, somehow, they were given a miracle. Kakashi changed his mind and came to help, and together they managed to rescue Rin.

And if it took Kakashi and Obito both losing an eye and Obito getting half his body crushed by boulders and just narrowly avoiding death thanks to Rin’s medical ninjutsu and Minato-sensei showing up just in time, well, maybe it was worth it.

His and Kakashi’s teamwork had improved immensely. Minato and Rin couldn’t even believe it at first. The two of them worked together so flawlessly, as if that’s how its always been. And with their sharingan connecting them, they were even greater.

And it was fun. Obito liked getting along with Kakashi. He liked that the two of them seemed to be unstoppable when they worked together.

So no, Obito wasn’t that surprised that he developed a massive crush on Kakashi. He kind of suspected it had always been there from when they were little and he just pushed it down and focused on Rin instead, but he was surprised at just how much harder he fell.

It wasn’t like with Rin. It wasn’t infatuation that left him acting like an idiot, unsure of how to cope.

With Kakashi, it was easy.

Maybe it was because Kakashi was his rival first? Obito’s not sure what the difference is, but he knows his feelings for the white-haired boy are much stronger than his feelings for Rin ever were.

And…they’re only going to get older. They’ll keep going on missions that will threaten their lives, they’ll keep changing and facing new enemies to protect the village they love.

Obito didn’t want to waste time hiding his feelings anymore.

“Oh, Obito.” Rin breathed, puffing out a bit of frost from the cold air. “It’s beautiful.”

The two stood at the training grounds, having gotten there intentionally early so Obito could show Rin his gift for Kakashi.

Obito smiled shyly, cradling the precious item in his hands. “You really think so?”

A bright red scarf rested in his hands, with the Uchiha crest at one end.

It had taken him over a month, but it was finally done, and just in time for Christmas.

Rin squealed, clapping her hands excitedly. “Are you kidding? It’s incredible, Obito.” She praised. “With the crest and everything…I can’t wait to see Kakashi wear it!”

Obito gulped at the mention of his teammate. As much as he tried not to panic over it, this was a big deal.

The Uchiha crest wasn’t just handed out to anyone. And everyone amongst the Uchiha would know instantly that giving the crest to somebody outside of the clan was a courtship gesture.

So yeah, it was a pretty big deal, and no matter how hard Obito tried, he was really, really nervous.

“Relax Obito, the scarf is great.” Rin promised, noticing his anxious gaze. “Besides, we know Kakashi wears scarves. Remember? He used to wear that green one all the time when we were little.”

He remembered. It’s actually why he picked a scarf in the first place.

But still…

“What if he hates it?” Obito couldn’t help asking.

Because while Kakashi was trying hard to change, he was still Kakashi. He was still overly critical, and could be a bit stuck-up sometimes.

He treated him and Rin with more respect, and far more care, but around other people? He hadn’t really changed much.

But he was trying, and Obito appreciated it. He appreciated when Kakashi would sometimes join them for dango after training even if he really didn’t want to, or how he would actually accept Gai’s challenges instead of blowing him off, or how he would try to offer more advice during training versus general insults.

Kakashi wasn’t perfect, not by a long shot. But neither was Obito, and he liked to think that just meant they were better suited for each other.

“He’s going to love it, Obito.” Rin insisted. “Trust me.”

Before Obito could say anything else, the two spotted Kakashi and Minato approaching, looking more than a little surprised that the two were there so early. Which made sense, considering those two usually arrived a good 15 minutes before the meetup time.

“Wow, I didn’t expect you two to be here so soon.” Minato smiled. “Ready to get started with training?”

“In a minute. Obito had a gift to give somebody first.” Rin insisted with a giggle, nudging Obito, who turned pink in an instant.

His eyes drifted over to look at Kakashi, who was staring down at the scarf still in Obito’s hands with an expression he couldn’t read.

Obito opened his mouth to speak, only for Kakashi to turn his nose up with a scowl.

“Seriously? A red scarf? We’re supposed to be ninja.” He scolded suddenly.

Obito’s eyes widened, and he froze on the spot.

“Wha- Kakashi!” Rin sputtered.

Kakashi shrugged. “I’m just saying. It’s not very practical. Not to mention it has the Uchiha crest on it, which will look weird on somebody who’s not an Uchiha.”

Huh, Obito could actually hear his heart crumbling.

“Alright, that’s enough Kakashi.” Minato sighed. “It’s supposed to be a present, and it’s a very kind gesture.” He insisted with a smile.

Kakashi merely rolled his eyes. “Can we start training now? Obito giving Rin a gift has nothing to do with me.”

The gears in Obito’s mind went to a complete halt at those words.

Rin’s eyes widened in alarm as she realized the same thing. “A-Actually Kakashi-“

Obito shoved the scarf into Rin’s hands. “Haha, Bakashi is right, no need for it to be such a production.” He grinned weakly. “But I’m not actually training today, my grandmother needs help around the house, I-I just want to give Rin the scarf.”

Kakashi let out a scoff at that. “Why didn’t you just give it to her later then?” He muttered with a shake of his head.

“Right, um, anyways, gotta run. I-I’ll see you guys later!” Obito announced quickly before taking off in a run.

“Obito!” Rin called after him, but he didn’t look back.

Then she glared at Kakashi.

“What?” He looked at her in confusion.

“Honestly, and you’re supposed to be a genius.” She snapped, storming off away from the training grounds.

Kakashi watched her leave in disbelief before looking at Minato. “What’s up with them?”

Minato sweat dropped. “I’m…not entirely sure.” But he certainly had his suspicions.

Kakashi had a feeling he messed up.

He’s not really sure how, but something’s going on, that’s for sure.

Later that day after training, Kakashi saw Obito and Rin eating dango together. Part of him was a little hurt they didn’t invite him, but he also understood.

It was almost Christmas after all, and clearly the two were finally a couple if the scarf Obito had given Rin was anything to go back.

Maybe he shouldn’t be surprised. Obito’s been in love with Rin since forever. It was only a matter of time before Rin fell for him too. Even if it seemed like Obito had gotten over it, he should’ve known this would happen.

Still…he just wished…it had happened before he caught feelings.

He didn’t want to. Of all things, the last thing Kakashi ever wanted was to get feelings for his teammate and still rather newish friend.

He and Obito were finally working together, finally actually behaving like teammates; finally friends.

But with their new found teamwork and friendship, Kakashi also found romantic affection for the raven-haired boy.

It was actually kind of intimidating. Sometimes he felt like Obito could see right through him, like their sharingans connected them on some emotional level.

But realistically, Kakashi knew that was ridiculous. Obito had no clue of his feelings, nor would he ever know of them.

He was finally their teammate and friend, and wouldn’t do anything to risk that.

“…Hey guys.” He greeted, trying to sound friendly, but his tone came off more anxious than anything.

Obito and Rin looked up at him with surprise, clearly having not noticed him approach. “B-Bakashi.” Obito stammered.

But then Rin was glaring at him. “We should get going Obito, we still have Christmas shopping to do before the party.”

Okay, it was definitely him.

Obito was flat out avoiding looking at him, and Rin was scowling at him like he was the scum of the earth.

Was he too harsh over the scarf? He honestly didn’t think they’d care about his comments that much, too wrapped up in their gooey feelings towards each other.

He hadn’t meant to be so harsh, but he couldn’t help it.

Kakashi watched as his two teammates took off, neither looking back at him whatsoever.

His shoulders slumped in mild disappointment and guilt.

He…needed to make this right. But first he needed to know what he did wrong.

“Sensei…auntie Kushina…I think I messed up.” Kakashi admitted softly over dinner.

Another thing he was trying to do more, accepting his sensei’s hospitality. Because contrary to what Kakashi had believed since his father died, he didn’t have to be alone.

Kushina looked at him curiously, slurping her ramen. “Hm? What’d you do?”

“…I don’t know.” He confessed.

Minato stared at him for a moment before chuckling softly.

“Ahhhh, boys, they’re all the same.” Kushina mourned, resting her cheek on her hand. “Even at a young age, so clueless.”

“Why don’t you start from the beginning, Kakashi?” Minato insisted with amusement.

Kakashi looked down. “I mean…you were there for the beginning, I think. I think I…ruined Obito and Rin’s moment when I made fun of the scarf he was giving her.”

“Obito gave Rin a scarf?” Kushina questioned, raising an eyebrow.

He nodded firmly. “Yeah, it was clearly handmade too! And it had the Uchiha crest on it! Aren’t the Uchiha supposed to be super selective with who they allow to wear the crest?” He crossed his arms. “What’s he thinking, giving that to Rin?”

“Well, he was probably thinking that he liked her and wanted to start a courtship.” Minato shrugged. “It is a classic Uchiha tradition.”

Kakashi’s eye widened. “A courtship?” He choked out.

Kushina gushed. “I think it’s sweet. Obito’s crushed on her since forever.”

“But- But he was over it!” Kakashi protested suddenly. “He- He said he was over it. To jump to a courtship is…” He scowled behind his mask.

Minato’s eyes widened at his student’s outburst, and he started to connect more pieces in his mind about what was going on.

Sometimes he forgets.

Ninja abilities aside, Jonin rank aside, Kakashi’s still just a kid.

A kid who’s barely thirteen, and so obviously jealous.

Kushina seemed to realize it too, as she suddenly grinned mischievously at Minato. “I can’t believe it,” She started excitedly.

“Be mature…” Minato warned, though he knew it was futile.

Kushina giggled, all but squealing behind her hands like a schoolgirl. “I just…can’t believe it! Kakashi’s first crush! It’s so cute!”

“My what?” Kakashi nearly fell out of his chair, eye bulging out in utter shock.

“I think what Kushina is trying to say,” Minato started gently, trying to signal for his wife to calm down. “Is that…maybe…you’re feeling a bit jealous.”

Kakashi looked at him like he just betrayed the village.

“You have a crush on Rin, that’s so sweet.” Kushina gushed, looking ready to reach over and pinch Kakashi’s cheeks. “It’s your first crush! This is exciting-“

“Who’s crushing!?” Kakashi snapped. “That’s gross, Auntie Kushina.” He scolded, making her gasp in offense. “Rin’s my teammate, that’s all.”

Kushina growled, as if ready to fight him over this. “But it’s true love!” She protested. “It’s true love and it’s adorable!”

“You’re insane!” Kakashi retorted.

Before Kushina could punch him, Minato calmly intervened. “Kushina, I think he’s telling the truth.”

“What!?” Kushina squawked. “How can you say that?! You just said he was jealous!”

“And I think he was…” Minato eyed Kakashi knowingly. “Jealous of Rin.”

Kakashi tensed up in his seat, shoulders shooting up to his ears. He almost looked ashamed.

Kushina blinked, taking a few moments to connect the dots.

Then she gasped, loudly.

“YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON OBITO!?” She all but shrieked, nearly making the boys go deaf.

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed as he reached over the table to shove his hands over her mouth. “Do you want the whole village to know!?” Kushina let out muffled protests.

Minato sweat dropped as he watched two of his favorite people bicker, the peaceful dinner already more than butchered.

Still, Minato couldn’t help his fond smile as he thought about his team.

He’d suspected for a while about Obito’s feelings, but he had no idea Kakashi might feel the same way.

He kept his emotions bottled up and hidden for so long, Minato was just learning how to read him.

But if he really did like Obito, and Obito really liked him, then this all just got so much easier, and made a lot more sense.

Kakashi thought the scarf was for Rin, when in reality it was for him.

And now Rin was mad at him for hurting Obito’s feelings, and Obito was just hurt.

“You know, Kakashi,” Minato started, interrupting Kushina and Kakashi’s wrestling match that had started over the table. “If you feel bad, why don’t you try apologizing?”

Kakashi’s nose scrunched up behind his mask, making Minato laugh.

“I’m sure they’d really appreciate it.” He added. “Since they know how hard that would be for you.”

“But…” Kakashi hesitated.

Minato smiled knowingly. “You want to make things right with them, don’t you?”

Kakashi’s shoulders slumped. “…Yes, sensei.”

“The Christmas party’s tomorrow, you could do it then.” Minato reasoned.

“That party’s only for Chunin.” Kakashi told him stubbornly.

Kushina scoffed, smacking him on the back of the head. “It’s for your class. Just cause you became a Jonin doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of it with your other classmates.”

Though Kakashi was clearly still reluctant, he also seemed to realize he had no choice.

He didn’t want to fight with his team. Not anymore.

And if he had to swallow his pride and apologize for them to be able to make up…then so be it.

“Maybe it really was just a dumb gift.” Obito sulked as he and Rin wrapped Christmas presents at his house.

Rin scoffed. “Obito, it was a wonderful gift. Kakashi’s just being a dummy.”

Either way, he didn’t feel better.

It was bad enough he thought the gift was stupid, but he didn’t even get it was for him.

Some small, really small part of Obito thought maybe, just maybe, Kakashi could return his feelings. But how could he possibly believe that when Kakashi couldn’t even imagine a universe where the scarf had been for him?

“Don’t sulk, Obito. He doesn’t deserve it.” Rin insisted. “Not until he properly apologizes.”

Obito smiled slightly. He was so thankful for Rin. Even when she used to have a crush on Kakashi, she always stuck by him.

She always put their friendship first, and he would never stop thanking her for it.

“Thanks Rin.” He told her softly as he finished wrapping his gift for Asuma.

Rin smiled at him. “I should get going, it’s gonna be dark soon. See you tomorrow at the party.” She insisted as she set the final wrapped present in the large bag.

She left soon enough, and Obito collapsed on his bed, staring up at the ceiling.

He hesitantly grabbed the scarf from his nightstand, looking it over and absentmindedly rubbing his thumb over the crest.

Even if Kakashi thought it was lame, part of Obito still wanted him to have it. Maybe at the very least, he could make peace if Kakashi rejected him directly.

Besides, he’d catch on soon enough when he didn’t see Rin ever wearing the scarf, so he might as well.

Tomorrow was gonna suck if Kakashi ended up going to the party.

Kakashi hated parties.

Even when his dad was still alive and tried to insist on Kakashi having birthday parties with classmates, he never allowed it. He didn’t like the attention and the expectation of it all.

Honestly, just fishing with his dad was more than enough for him.

And after his father’s passing…well, he didn’t even see the point in acknowledging his birthday, much less having a party.

He should’ve known that reluctance would come back to bite him.

Kakashi groaned inwardly as he stood outside his old classroom at the academy. He could already here chatter from the people inside.

Maybe he was being silly, but he just felt so out of place.

Not only was he the youngest amongst his old classmates, but he was also the only Jonin.

Being gifted came with not fitting in, that’s something Kakashi learned from the moment he turned four.

“What are you doing out here, my eternal rival!?” Kakashi cringed and turned to see Gai beaming at him. Not even the harsh colds of winter could change the boy out of his usual attire.

Kakashi had to hold back an insult. He was trying to be nice now, even to Gai. “I just got here.” A small lie.

“Shall we enter and meet our various rivals together?” Gai offered happily.

Well, he kind of had to now, didn’t he?

Kakashi and Gai stepped into the classroom, and Kakashi tried not to hide behind him as people turned to stare at them entering.

“Kakashi, you made it!” Kurenai greeted him happily. “I was starting to think you’d bail on us.” She teased.

“I totally thought he’d bail.” Asuma sulked as he handed Kurenai some yen.

Kakashi’s eye twitched as he saw some of his other classmates also hand each other money.

Had they seriously been betting on whether or not he’d show up?

But Kakashi’s annoyance was soon forgotten as he spotted Rin and Obito by the snack table, talking to each other in whispers. Obito had a gift bag in his hand.

For a moment, Kakashi thought maybe they hadn’t noticed he’d shown up and that’s why they didn’t come greet him, but then he saw them side-eye him.

Jesus, how mad were they?

Kakashi felt sick at the reminder of why he was there in the first place, very slowly making his way over to the two.

“H-Hey, Bakashi.” Obito greeted kind of hesitantly.

Rin wasn’t shy about her feelings whatsoever, crossing her arms and giving Kakashi a scolding gaze.

Crap, this was his cue, wasn’t it?

“Look,” He started with a heavy sigh. “I wasn’t- I didn’t-“ Ugh, his tongue felt too big for his mouth suddenly. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your guys’ moment before, with the scarf and junk.”

Rin and Obito’s eyes bulged out, as if he was speaking a different language.

“I didn’t think you’d care, I mean, I’m always like that so-“ Shit, he was getting into rambling territory.

Rin couldn’t help cutting him off. “Hold on, are you…trying to apologize?” She asked in genuine disbelief.

Kakashi bristled, feeling a rush of embarrassment. “Was that not obvious!?”

“Well, most people open with ‘I’m sorry’ when apologizing but…” Obito started teasingly, before his smile turned genuine. “Thanks, Bakashi.”

Kakashi nodded a little, refusing to make eye contact. “…So we’re good?”

Rin suddenly gave him that stupid gushing grin, much like Kushina had last night at dinner. “Awww, Kakashi, of course we’re good. Thank you for the apology, and for coming to the party, I know how much you hate them.”

She suddenly hugged him, and Kakashi could only stand there like an idiot, not even hugging her back.

He looked at Obito for help, but the Uchiha merely laughed at his expense.

When Rin broke the hug, she suddenly nudged Obito with her elbow.

Obito paled. “Now?”

She gave him a pointed look.

“…Did I miss something?” Kakashi couldn’t help asking, suddenly feeling excluded again.

But then Rin smiled at him. “Obito has something he’d like to say. Obito?” She looked at him again.

Obito gulped, and his cheeks darkened as the two stared at him. Finally he shook his head frantically. “I can’t do it with you staring right at me, Rin!” He protested.

Rin’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh, right, I’ll just-“ She awkwardly scurried off to go talk to Anko, leaving the two alone by the table.

Taking a deep breath, Obito looked at Kakashi. “Oi, Bakashi…about the scarf-“ He started.

“It really was a nice scarf.” Kakashi told him honestly before he could chicken out.

Obito looked at him with awe. “…You…You really think so?”

“Yeah, it’s…really well made.” Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “And I shouldn’t have trashed on it.”

Obito’s eyebrows furrowed. “But…if you thought it was so nice, why did you insult it so much? I mean, you acted like it was the worst thing you’ve ever seen.”

Kakashi winced at that. “It…I just…” Sometimes Kakashi missed doing things by the rulebook. Ninja weren’t supposed to have feelings, or at least, they weren’t supposed to express them.

Thankfully, Obito couldn’t seem to stand watching him struggle anymore, and quickly interrupted. “Forget it, it doesn’t matter. Um…” Obito hesitated before suddenly holding up the gift bag.

Before Kakashi could say anything, the gift bag was shoved into his hands.

“You got me a present?” Kakashi asked in surprise. “You didn’t even know if I’d show up.”

“Ahhh, just open it, Bakashi!” Obito protested in embarrassment.

So, Kakashi opened the bag.

And was shocked to find the scarf.

“…I don’t understand.” He confessed. “I thought Rin had accepted it?”

Obito groaned. “For goodness’ sake, Bakashi. The scarf was never for Rin.” He snapped, a furious blush crossing his cheeks. “It was for you, alright?”

What?

Kakashi’s jaw nearly dropped behind his mask, and he had to take a moment to compose himself.

The dots slowly connected in his mind, and suddenly he felt like a total idiot.

“…Oh.” He said lamely.

Obito looked away with a slight pout and blush. “I know you like scarves and…and giving someone the Uchiha crest is-“

“Is a sign of courtship.” Kakashi finished for him in awe, looking down at the scarf and holding it with genuine care.

Obito’s eyes widened. “Uh…yeah. How’d you know?”

Kakashi had to hold back a groan as he realized. Minato totally knew what was going on, didn’t he?

Could he really not have given Kakashi a heads up?

“Remind me to sneak-attack Minato-sensei later.” Was all Kakashi said.

Obito opened his mouth to ask questions, but he fell silent as he watched Kakashi slip the scarf on, wrapping it around his neck loosely.

He couldn’t see it very well, but he swore a small blush was peeking out from under Kakashi’s mask. He refused to meet Obito’s eyes, pulling up the scarf almost as if to hide behind it. “Well? How’s it look?”

Obito sucked in a breath, and remembered the very worst thing about Uchiha’s in that moment.

They loved stronger than anyone.

“Not very practical.” Obito told him, unable to hide his grin.

He didn’t even need to see Kakashi’s face to tell he was smirking.

“Merry Christmas, Obito.” Kakashi told him sincerely after a moment.

Obito smiled rather shyly. “Merry Christmas, Baka- I mean, Kakashi.” Kakashi’s eyes widened in surprise, before he was looking down with his own amount of shyness.

And then, just to be sure,

“So…you accept my courtship, right?”

“I wouldn’t wear this crest if I didn’t. Though I think having the sharingan would’ve been enough.”

“What can I say? I like to make extra sure people know I’m committed.”

It was really weird to joke and banter with Obito like this. Still unnatural.

But God, Kakashi wouldn’t trade it for anything.