Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Naruto spent the next few days in an absolute crisis.

How the hell had he not noticed his feelings for Kakashi before?

It all seemed so obvious now.

He couldn’t believe he actually teased Kakashi about his crush on his dad. He’d dug up the past—probably made Kakashi remember how Minato was the only person he ever felt something real for.

Sasuke was right. He was a complete dumbass.

Naruto groaned, slumping forward with his elbows on his knees.

He’d had Kakashi mostly to himself for so long.

Kakashi wasn’t exactly a people person, so Naruto never really had to fight for his attention. The only time he ever felt like he had to compete for it was back when they were kids—when Kakashi had focused all his time and energy on training Sasuke instead of him.

But now his dad was back.

Minato—the one person Kakashi had liked more than anyone in the world.

And the second Naruto even considered the possibility that their relationship could mean something more, he immediately felt threatened.

He couldn’t eat properly. Couldn’t sleep right. Every time he saw his dad and Kakashi talking, laughing, existing within each other’s space like it was the most natural thing in the world, it felt like his chest was being squeezed by a vice.

He had to do something.

He couldn’t keep silently liking Kakashi and freaking out every time his dad stood a little too close or said Kakashi’s name with too much familiarity. That wasn’t who he wanted to be. He was never the type to sit back and do nothing.

He needed to bite the bullet and just tell him.

So after forcing in a toast for breakfast, with his heart pounding and palms sweaty, Naruto walked to Kakashi’s apartment, barely able to breathe the whole way there. He knocked once, and when Kakashi answered, he looked relaxed and a little surprised.

“Naruto?”

Naruto could barely hold his gaze. “Hey. Can I come in?”

Kakashi stepped aside, letting him in without question. “Sure. Everything okay?”

Naruto took a moment to compose himself before blurting out, “Last time we talked… you told me I should figure out why the thought of you and my dad together bothered me so much.”

Kakashi tilted his head slightly, watching him with quiet curiosity.

Naruto’s throat felt tight. “I figured it out.”

Kakashi blinked. “Oh. And?“

Naruto took a shaky breath.

“I like you.” The words were raw, heavy, and honest. “I like you, Kakashi.”

Kakashi froze.

For a long, agonizing moment, he just stared at Naruto, like the words didn’t compute.

His eyes widened slightly, he looked genuinely shocked—like he hadn’t seen this coming at all. A flicker of something crossed his face before he seemed to catch himself.

“Oh. That’s... I’m—uh…I’m flattered,” Kakashi said after a beat, voice light but awkward.

Naruto swallowed, pulse hammering against his ribs. His whole body felt tight, like he’d just walked into enemy territory without backup. ”You’re flattered? What kind of bullshit answer is that?”

Kakashi exhaled softly, like he hadn’t expected anything less from him. His fingers trailed through his silver hair, and for the first time ever, Naruto saw him look troubled.

"Naruto…" Kakashi started, and there was something gentle in his voice—something Naruto hated, because it made it clear Kakashi was about to let him down easy.

A lump formed in Naruto’s throat.

“Just say it straight to me,” he took a sharp breath. “Are you rejecting me?”

Kakashi hesitated. Not because he didn’t know the answer, but because he was trying to find the right words. Naruto could tell—he knew Kakashi too well.

After a moment, Kakashi sighed.

“…Yeah,” he said finally. His voice was quiet. “I guess I am.”

A pause.

“…Sorry.”

Naruto’s face drooped.

He was silent for a long moment, staring at the ground. His throat felt tight.

Then, quietly, he asked, “Is it because of my dad?”

Kakashi exhaled softly, and his gaze softened.

“There’s nothing going on between me and Minato-sensei,” he said. “We’re just close friends.”

Naruto stared at him for a long moment, searching his face.

Then, slowly, he nodded.

“…Right.”

A heavy silence settled between them.

Naruto let out a weak, shaky breath and forced a small, tight smile.

“Well. This sucks,” he said, trying for humor, but it came out strained.

Kakashi shifted, like he was about to say something else, but Naruto took a step back before he could.

"I should go," he said, voice flat.

Kakashi didn't stop him.

And Naruto didn’t look back.

Kakashi wasn’t even sure why his feet carried him here, but before he knew it, he was standing outside the Hokage’s office. With a sigh, he knocked.

“Come in,” came Minato’s familiar voice.

Minato glanced up from his paperwork as Kakashi walked in, his expression shifting from mild curiosity to open amusement when he saw Kakashi’s face.

“Kakashi,” he greeted, leaning back slightly in his chair. “That’s quite the look you’ve got there.”

Kakashi sighed.

“…Naruto just confessed to me,” he said flatly.

For a moment, Minato blinked. Then, to Kakashi’s immense frustration, his face broke into a grin—before he laughed.

Kakashi scowled. “I fail to see what’s so funny.”

Minato waved a hand as if to brush the words away, still chuckling. “It’s just—history really does like to repeat itself, doesn’t it?”

Kakashi’s eye twitched. “No. Don’t start.”

Minato’s grin was infuriatingly amused. “Come on, Kakashi, you have to admit—there’s something poetic about all this.”

“I thought we’d left all of that behind,” Kakashi grumbled.

Minato’s expression softened slightly. “Well, I thought so too. But now I’ve got an excuse to tell you that you were the cutest little bean and I had to actively stop myself from teasing you just to see you blush.”

Kakashi groaned and covered his face with one hand.

Minato chuckled, then leaned forward, resting his arms on his desk. „Alright, I’m done. Back to Naruto.”

Kakashi sighed and let his hand drop. “...I don’t know how to deal with this.”

Minato tilted his head slightly.

Kakashi crossed his arms.

“I was a kid when I had a crush on you,” he said. “You could chalk it up to a stupid teenage infatuation. Something that would pass on its own. But Naruto—”

Minato’s eyes gleamed.

“Exactly,” he said. “Naruto is an adult.”

Kakashi frowned.

Minato leaned slightly closer, resting his chin on his hand. “So,” he said, a knowing smile playing at his lips, “what are you going to do about it?”

Kakashi stiffened.

His head snapped up.

“…Are you implying what I think you’re implying?” he asked, voice slightly incredulous.

Minato just smiled.

Kakashi’s eyes widened.

“You’re his father,” Kakashi reminded him, as if Minato had somehow forgotten.

Minato shrugged. “I’m just saying—it’s something to think about.”

Kakashi gawked at him.

“I already rejected him,” he pointed out, voice more strained than he would’ve liked.

Minato’s smile faded slightly.

“Why?”

Kakashi blinked.

“…Are you serious? It was the only appropriate answer.” he said slowly, like it was obvious.

Minato’s gaze softened. “Was it honest though?”

Kakashi frowned.

“…What do you mean?” he asked carefully.

Minato tilted his head.

“I mean—do you really not feel anything for Naruto?” he asked.

Kakashi tensed.

Minato’s lips curled into a small smile.

“My son’s pretty cute, you know,” he said. “And he’s got a bunch of qualities I know for a fact you find attractive.”

Kakashi looked away, his throat tightening.

Minato continued.

“I’m not asking you to answer,” he said gently. “But you should think about it.”

Kakashi exhaled sharply through his nose.

“I was his sensei,” he muttered. “I shouldn’t be even thinking about this.”

Minato smiled softly.

“Even if Naruto’s feelings don’t just go away?” he asked. “Even if you have the power to keep him from going through what you went through?”

Kakashi’s breath caught.

Minato watched him carefully. “…Your feelings for me weren’t fleeting,” he said. “They lasted a few years, didn’t they?”

Kakashi swallowed.

“So might Naruto’s.” Minato said.

For a long moment, Kakashi was silent.

His gaze dropped to the floor, his shoulders tense.

Then—

“…The day of the Kyuubi attack, when you died...” Kakashi’s voice was low, almost fragile.

Minato’s chest tightened.

Kakashi took a shaky breath. “I—I was still—,”

Minato’s face softened completely.

A moment later, he was stepping forward—pulling Kakashi into a warm, steady hug.

Kakashi stiffened for a fraction of a second. Then, slowly, he relaxed into it.

“I’m sorry, Kakashi,” Minato murmured, voice thick with emotion. “I wasn’t strong enough. I left you behind, and you suffered a lot because of it.”

Kakashi let out a small, weak laugh.

“Who the heck apologizes for sacrificing themselves for the village?” he muttered, voice rough.

Minato chuckled.

Kakashi squeezed his eyes shut, pressing his forehead into Minato’s shoulder.

For a long moment, neither of them moved.

Then, finally, Minato pulled back, resting his hands on Kakashi’s arms.

“The choice is yours, Kakashi. I wouldn’t try to force you into anything against your will,” he said, voice firm but kind.

Kakashi nodded numbly.

Minato’s eyes held his, steady and unwavering.

“I’m just asking you to be honest with yourself and think about it,” he said. “Whether you’re really not even remotely interested in Naruto, or you were just trying to do the right thing.”

Kakashi rubbed at the back of his neck and gave a quiet, “I’ll think about it.”

Minato nodded, satisfied with that answer. He didn't push further. Instead, his expression relaxed, the weight of the conversation fading into something lighter.

“Good.” He patted Kakashi’s arm. “That’s all I ask.”

There was a brief, comfortable silence before Minato glanced toward the window, then back at Kakashi.

“Hey,” he said casually,  “Want to have a drink with me?”

Kakashi blinked at him. “It’s not even 2 p.m.”

Minato laughed, leaning back onto his desk. “I don’t mean now, obviously. I’ve still got a mountain of paperwork waiting for me. But tonight—after I’m free.”

Kakashi tilted his head, considering. Then he gave a nonchalant shrug. “Sure. Why not.”

Minato grinned. “Great. I’ll come get you.”

The sky outside had deepened into a navy twilight, and the small tavern was quiet, save for the gentle clink of mugs and the low hum of conversation. Minato and Kakashi sat at their usual corner table, tucked away from the rest of the crowd. A few empty beer mugs were scattered between them, the telltale sign of an evening well into its flow. The air between them was easy, warm in the way only long friendship could be.

Kakashi stared at his half-full mug for a moment, then looked at Minato with a soft, thoughtful expression. The buzz of alcohol had dulled his sharper edges, making it easier to say what he was feeling.

“…It’s really good to have you back, you know.” he said quietly, voice sincere.

“You’ve told me that already,” Minato said, amused, his smile warm and eyes slightly glazed from the alcohol. “Three times, in fact.”

Kakashi leaned back and swirled what was left of his beer, letting the amber liquid catch the light. “Well,” he replied with a shrug, “it’s because I really mean it.”

His voice was quieter this time, less playful.

Minato’s smile faded into something more subdued as he looked at Kakashi across the table.

“By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask—are you doing okay?” Kakashi asked. “I mean... really? Do you feel like you’ve adjusted to being here? Like, this place, this time—do you feel like you’re living in it now?”

Minato was silent for a long beat. Then he exhaled, leaning back against the booth. His expression turned thoughtful, distant. “Most days, yes. But sometimes...”

Kakashi watched him closely, letting the silence stretch.

Minato finally spoke again, his voice softer now, tinged with something heavy.

“When I died, everything was different. I had Kushina. Naruto had just been born. Jiraiya-sensei was still around. The world made sense, even in chaos.”

Kakashi’s chest tightened.

Minato gave a small, dry laugh. “When I came back, it was like I blinked and seventeen years had passed. Everything I remembered was gone. I didn’t even get the time to grieve properly.” He hesitated. “How do you mourn someone who’s been dead for nearly two decades, when to you it feels like you just held them the day before?”

Kakashi looked at him, silent, his hand tightening on his mug.

“I remember holding Kushina’s hand,” Minato murmured. “Feeling her warmth. Looking at Naruto’s tiny face and thinking we had the whole world ahead of us. And then… suddenly, she’s gone. Naruto’s grown. The village’s changed. Everything’s different.”

He smiled sadly. “Please don’t tell Naruto, I’d hate him to take it the wrong way, but... there even were moments I regretted being brought back.”

Kakashi turned toward him, lips parted in quiet surprise.

“I felt like I didn’t belong here,” Minato continued. “That maybe... it would’ve been better if I stayed dead. Even though—” His voice wavered slightly. “Even though meeting Naruto has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I couldn’t have asked for a better son. He’s incredible, and I’m so proud of him.”

Kakashi’s throat felt tight. “Minato-sensei… why didn’t you tell me?”

“I couldn’t.” Minato said simply. “I felt so damn guilty. In my mind I had no right to feel this way when I had already failed Naruto so badly on the day he was born. So I did my best to push those feelings down and focus on the good things instead.” Minato looked up at him then, eyes glassy but clear. “The only reason I can tell you this now is because I don’t feel that way anymore. Not like that. Not now.”

Kakashi didn’t ask why, though the question was written all over his face.

Minato smiled, soft and sincere. “It’s thanks to you.”

Kakashi blinked, caught off guard. “Me?”

Minato nodded.

“You were the one constant,” he said. “When I came back, everything was different. But you were there. You were fourteen when I died and you were already your own person back then. I knew you. I trusted you. And when I saw you again, older, a little different, but still you… it helped more than I can say.”

He smiled, and it wasn’t sad this time.

“You connected the past to the present for me. You grounded me, Kakashi. You were my anchor and I’ll be forever thankful to you for that.”

Kakashi let out a soft breath and looked away, the compliment feeling too big to hold in his chest.

“You truly helped me stay,” Minato said. “In the beginning, when I wasn’t sure I could. You didn’t know it, but you did.”

Kakashi turned his head toward the window, blinking a few times. His voice was rough when he finally spoke. “You’ve always been too generous with your words, sensei.”

Minato smirked. “I just tell the truth.”

Minato poured them both another round of sake, his movements a bit looser now, a flush blooming across his cheeks that mirrored the one Kakashi had been sporting on and off all evening. The beer mugs had long been pushed aside, making room for the smaller cups and a nearly empty bottle. The air between them was easy, warm, the kind of calm that only came after a shared emotional gut-spill and just the right amount of alcohol.

They were leaning in a little closer now, voices lowered, but not out of secrecy—just comfort.

Eventually, the conversation circled back to Naruto.

“He thinks there’s something going on between us,” Kakashi said, lazily tracing a finger around the rim of his cup.

Minato hummed in response, a mischievous glint sparking in his eyes. “So I’ve heard.”

Kakashi raised a brow. “He told you?”

Minato shook his head, smiling. “He sent Sasuke.”

Kakashi blinked. “He what?”

Minato chuckled, clearly still amused by the memory. “Sasuke showed up at my office all stiff and annoyed, and asked me straight-up if you and I were together. Said Naruto was ‘freaking out’ and wouldn't shut up about it.”

Kakashi covered his face with a hand, groaning softly. “I can’t believe he managed to drag Sasuke into this mess.”

Minato’s grin widened. “You really can’t underestimate the power of Naruto’s stubbornness. If he wants answers, he’ll get them. Even if it means pestering his emotionally constipated best friend.”

Kakashi sighed and refilled his own cup. “Well. I shouldn’t be surprised, I guess. He’s been on my case too. He cornered me about that time you and I sparred, when you... you know. Straddled me.”

Minato lifted a brow. “He saw that?”

“Yeah. He got all huffy about it,” Kakashi said, frowning into his drink. “So I asked him why it bothered him so much. And he said it was ‘weird.’ And for a second—” he cut himself off, then groaned again, “It got under my skin a little. I thought he was being narrow-minded or something, that he meant it was weird because we’re both guys.”

Minato barked out a laugh. “Naruto?” He waved his hand, still smiling. “Kakashi, Naruto’s not straight.”

Kakashi shot him a look. “Well, I know that now. Obviously. But at the time...”

He trailed off and let out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck.

“It didn’t even cross my mind that the reason he was so bothered was because he might—” he paused again, expression almost dazed, “—like me.”

Minato didn’t say anything for a second, just watched Kakashi quietly, his smile softening.

“You really didn’t see it coming, huh?” Minato asked, his tone light but curious.

Kakashi gave a dry laugh, then tilted his head to the side. “Would you?”

Minato considered the question, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “No,” he admitted after a pause. “Honestly, until recently, I had zero suspicions that Naruto liked you. Not long ago, he was telling me how he didn’t want to end up single at thirty like you.”

Kakashi groaned and slouched forward, resting his forehead against the edge of the table. “Great. So even to him, I’m the village’s cautionary tale?” He lifted his head just enough to grumble, “It’s not like I’ve got no experience with romance.”

That only made Minato laugh harder. “Sex is not romance, Kakashi.”

Kakashi arched a brow at him in a silent question.

Minato smirked, then leaned back with an air of mock innocence. “You do know who the current ANBU squad consist of, don’t you?”

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping into his gaze. “What are you getting at?”

“Oh, nothing,” Minato said, sipping from his cup. “Just that quite a few people you worked with back in the day are still ANBU. And you know how they get after a few drinks.”

Kakashi’s silence was deafening.

Minato grinned, wicked and amused. “Let’s just say I’ve heard some colorful stories about your, ah, adventurous intimate life.”

Kakashi closed his eyes and exhaled very slowly. “You’re kidding.”

“I wish I was,” Minato said, and clearly, he did not.

Kakashi sighed heavily. “In my defense I thought I was going to die young. It didn’t exactly encourage long-term planning.”

“I’m not judging,” Minato assured him, looking far too pleased for someone who just dropped that kind of bomb. “It makes me a little sad, actually. You were lonely.”

Kakashi didn’t answer right away. He stared at his cup, turning it between his fingers, then muttered, “Don’t psychoanalyze me.”

Minato only smiled. “Can’t help it. Comes with being a dad.”

Kakashi groaned again and reached for the last of the sake.

The night stretched on, the city quiet beyond the walls of the little bar they’d holed up in. Kakashi and Minato had long since abandoned sitting across from one another, now side by side on the same bench seat, their shoulders pressed together in lazy familiarity.

A few more empty sake bottles had joined the beer mugs on the table. They weren’t counting anymore.

Minato had taken to leaning just a bit too much into Kakashi, his cheek nearly brushing Kakashi’s temple every time he laughed. His voice had taken on that warm, almost sing-song quality it always did when he was tipsy—Kakashi quite liked it.

“Kashi,” he said now, tipping his head to rest briefly against Kakashi’s shoulder, “it’s nice that we can be close like this now.”

Kakashi blinked, a slow, unhurried gesture. He turned just slightly to glance down at the golden head beside him, warmth curling somewhere deep in his chest. “You’re feeling sentimental.”

Minato hummed. “Maybe. But it’s true. You know, your younger self would’ve lost it if we sat like this. All stiff and blushing and trying to pretend you weren’t flustered.”

Kakashi gave a quiet laugh, the kind that rumbled low in his chest. “Is it time to tease me again? Are we at that stage of the night?”

Minato lifted his head, grinning lazily. “I’m not teasing,” he said, tone almost childishly sincere. “I’m just glad. That you’re comfortable with me.”

Kakashi looked at him for a long moment. The drunken haze made everything feel a little too soft, a little too sharp all at once. Minato's face was flushed from the alcohol, his smile easy, eyes half-lidded but still clear. There was something earnest in the way he said it, something that tugged at the past—the boy Kakashi used to be, the man he'd become, and the bond they’d somehow carried through time.

“I always was, I think,” Kakashi murmured. “Even when I was flustered.”

Minato smiled at that, slow and pleased. “You were soooo adorable.”

Kakashi rolled his eyes. “Are you trying to test the limits of how much I can blush in one night?”

Minato laughed, nudging his shoulder gently against Kakashi’s. “Haven’t seen you blush once yet.”

“I’m older now. Harder to rattle.”

Minato smiled at that, but didn’t say anything. He just let his head rest lightly against Kakashi’s for a moment, soft and fleeting. Neither of them pulled away.

For a while, they sat there in silence, the kind that settled in easily between people who knew each other well. Their legs brushed occasionally under the table, neither bothering to shift. The world outside the bar could’ve disappeared and Kakashi wasn’t sure he’d notice.

Eventually, Minato spoke again, softer now. “You were such a serious kid. So closed off. I worried about you.”

“I was fine,” Kakashi said automatically, because it was always his answer—even when it wasn’t true.

Minato hummed doubtfully. “You’re better now,” he said. “I can see it. You’re more open. You let people in. Naruto, too.”

Kakashi didn’t know what to say to that. He stared at the table instead, one hand absently resting on the edge, fingers close to Minato’s.

Minato noticed.

Without thinking much, he nudged his pinky against Kakashi’s.

Kakashi glanced down, then up at him again.

Minato just smiled. “I like seeing you happy, Kakashi.”

“...You’re such a sappy drunk,” Kakashi muttered, voice too low to carry far.

Minato nodded, smiling lazily. “Yeah,” he said, “but I’m an honest drunk too.”

He sighed and stretched then, limbs loose and heavy with sake. “Alright,” he mumbled, voice slightly slurred, “I need to go take a leak.”

Kakashi turned to look at him, brows quirking with mild concern. Minato was steady, but just barely—the kind of drunk that made the floor feel farther away than usual.

“You gonna be alright by yourself?” Kakashi asked, eyeing him up and down like he was assessing an injury.

Minato gave him a mock-offended look. “You think your Hokage can’t handle a straight line to the bathroom?”

Kakashi lifted a shoulder in a half-shrug. “I think my Hokage just tried to cheers the salt shaker.”

“That was one time,” Minato said with a snort, then grinned wide, eyes glittering with mischief. “What, you wanna come hold my dick for me or something?”

Kakashi rolled his eyes so hard his head tipped back slightly. “You get so crude when you’re drunk.”

Minato cackled, not even denying it. “It’s your fault, you always bring it out in me.”

Kakashi muttered something that sounded suspiciously like “you were always like this”, but Minato was already stumbling off toward the restroom, waving a hand over his shoulder.

“Five minutes,” he called over his shoulder. “If I don’t come back, I either passed out or got lost. Come rescue me.”

Kakashi chuckled softly, shaking his head. “It’s a bathroom, not the Forest of Death.”

Minato’s laugh echoed faintly before the restroom door creaked closed behind him.

Kakashi was left in the quiet pocket of the booth, the low buzz of the bar fading into the background as his mind finally settled—no distractions, no teasing warmth pressed to his side, just space to breathe and think.

And with that stillness, came Naruto.

The image of him from earlier that day surfaced all too clearly—shoulders tense, eyes uncertain but determined, voice cracking just enough to betray the nerves beneath the confession: “I like you.”

Kakashi exhaled slowly, his thumb absently tracing the rim of his empty cup.

He hadn’t handled it well. He knew that now. The shock had frozen him. Words had stumbled out before he’d really processed any of it. A half-hearted “I’m flattered,” followed by an instinctual retreat. It was the safest thing to do.

But then he’d seen the way Naruto’s face fell. That spark of hope dimming into something small and silent.

He should’ve been more careful. Naruto deserved that—deserved something gentler than a half-assed rejection cloaked in surprise and deflection.

He closed his eyes for a beat, head tipping back against the booth.

The restroom door creaked open, and Minato returned, looking no worse for wear aside from the flushed cheeks and fond smile he wore like a badge of honor.

“Told you I could do it,” he teased, sliding back into the booth beside Kakashi.

“Color me surprised,” Kakashi deadpanned.

“Mean.” Minato grinned and picked up his glass. “So, what were you brooding about while I was gone?”

Kakashi tilted his head, eyes thoughtful. “Just… thinking.”

Minato studied him for a moment, smile softening. “Naruto?”

Kakashi didn’t answer right away. He didn’t have to.

Minato hummed knowingly, then leaned his chin in his hand, smiling. “Figured as much.”

There was no teasing this time, just understanding.

“Don’t rush it, Kakashi,” Minato said gently. “Naruto will need time to cool off after his confession too, things are still very fresh. So take your time to think. And... try to look at him with an open mind.”

Kakashi didn’t answer right away, but his gaze dipped to the table, pensive. It was comforting, the way Minato offered advice without pressure. Without expectation.

Minato stretched, then rubbed at his temple. “Alright,” he said, pushing back from the table with a grunt. “I think it’s time we call it. I like you a lot, but I’m not trying to end up like Naruto after your night out.”

Kakashi chuckled under his breath. “You mean his suffering was my fault?”

“I’m not saying you were the one to blame. But I’m also not not saying that.” Minato grinned, wobbled slightly as he stood, and waved for the check. “Besides, I have a meeting tomorrow. Hokage life doesn’t stop for hangovers.”

They stood side by side as they waited, the moment mellowed, softened by alcohol and the comfort of long friendship.

“Hey, uh,” Kakashi glanced at him and said quietly, “Thanks. For being here.”

Minato’s eyes warmed. “You always made it easy to care about you, Kakashi. I’m just glad I still can.”

Kakashi nodded, and together they stepped into the night. The air was cool, steadying, the buzz of the bar fading behind them.

Two days later Kakashi still wasn’t any closer to figuring anything out, his thoughts in complete disarray. Minato had always been good at reading him, at nudging him toward things he refused to acknowledge, but this time… this time felt different.

His words clung to Kakashi, worming their way under his skin as he strolled aimlessly through the village.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a familiar shock of blond hair.

Naruto.

Kakashi stilled on instinct. He wasn’t ready for another conversation—not yet. He still felt raw from their last one. But Naruto hadn’t seen him yet, so maybe if he turned around—

Too late.

Naruto’s sharp blue eyes locked onto him immediately, his whole posture going rigid. Kakashi braced himself, expecting Naruto to storm over and demand more answers, but… he didn’t.

Instead, Naruto’s face twisted in something pained. Then he turned and walked away.

Kakashi blinked.

Wait.

No shouting. No pushing for another conversation. No Naruto stubbornly refusing to let things go.

Just… walking away.

Kakashi didn’t like how that made his stomach feel.

He wasn’t sure what possessed him, but before he knew it, his feet were moving, following after him. “Naruto.”

Naruto paused but didn’t turn around. “What?”

Kakashi frowned. His voice sounded off.

“…Are you okay?”

Naruto let out a sharp laugh. “Oh, now you care?”

Kakashi barely managed to keep his expression neutral, but his heart sank.

Naruto’s eyes widened slightly, like he’d surprised even himself with the outburst. He winced, then sighed heavily, dragging a hand through his hair.

“Sorry…” he muttered. “I don’t want to be that person. I don’t want to stand here and say mean shit to you.” His expression was more guarded than Kakashi had ever seen it, and he hated that it was because of him. “Look,” Naruto said, voice strained, “I get it, okay? I shouldn’t have said anything. I just—It doesn’t matter.”

Kakashi frowned. “Of course it matters.”

Naruto scoffed. “Does it?” He shook his head. “You already rejected me. What’s left to talk about?”

Kakashi opened his mouth—then hesitated.

Naruto huffed, exasperated. “See? Nothing.”

Kakashi felt something in his chest tighten. This wasn’t how they were supposed to be. Naruto was never quiet like this, never hesitant like this. He had never looked at Kakashi like that—like Kakashi had hurt him.

“I just don’t want things to be weird between us,” Kakashi said finally.

Naruto laughed humorlessly. “Well, too late for that.”

Kakashi winced.

Naruto sighed again and ran a hand down his face. “I just need some space, alright?” His eyes flickered up to meet Kakashi’s, full of something heavy and exhausted. “I’ll get over it.”

The words struck Kakashi in a way he wasn’t prepared for.

The way Naruto said it—like it was inevitable. Like his feelings were something to be fixed and discarded.

Naruto gave him one last, unreadable look before turning on his heel and walking away.

Kakashi stood there, staring after him, and for the first time, he didn’t know if he’d done the right thing.

Naruto knocked on the Hokage’s office door and stepped inside when he heard his father’s voice call him in. Minato was seated behind his desk, as usual, a stack of mission reports in front of him. He looked up with a warm smile when Naruto entered.

“Ah, Naruto. Thanks for coming so quickly.”

“Of course,” Naruto said, his voice neutral.

Minato’s smile didn’t waver, but his sharp blue eyes studied Naruto for a beat longer than usual. “I have a mission for you,” he said, flipping through the documents in front of him. “It’s an escort mission—important, but nothing too complicated. The client requested you specifically.”

Naruto nodded, standing straight, hands in his pockets. “Alright. Where to?”

Minato gave him the details, outlining the client and the route he was expected to take. Naruto listened attentively, but his responses were short, his usual energy absent.

Minato wasn’t oblivious—he noticed.

When he finished explaining, he leaned back in his chair and folded his hands together. “That’s all there is to it. Any questions?”

“No,” Naruto said. Then, after a moment, he added, “I’ll handle it.”

Minato smiled at the confidence in his voice but didn’t dismiss him just yet. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, watching him. “You’re being awfully serious today.”

Naruto tensed for half a second before shrugging. “It’s a mission. I’m taking it seriously.”

Minato hummed, unconvinced. “Is that all?”

Naruto didn’t answer right away. He knew his dad could see through him, could feel that something was off.

“…What else would it be?” Naruto finally said, keeping his tone even.

Minato observed him for a moment longer, then smiled, though this time it was softer. “You tell me.”

Naruto looked away, jaw clenching. “I should get going. I need to prepare.”

Minato exhaled, but he didn’t stop him. “Alright,” he said. “Just be careful out there.”

Naruto nodded, turning for the door.

But before he could reach it, Minato added, “And, Naruto?”

Naruto paused, glancing over his shoulder.

Minato smiled knowingly. “If something’s bothering you… you know you can talk to me, right?”

Naruto’s stomach twisted uncomfortably. “Not about this,” he muttered.

Minato’s brows lifted slightly. “Why not?”

Naruto hesitated. He looked torn, like he wanted to keep it inside but also desperately needed to say it out loud.

Finally, he mumbled, “I got rejected by Kakashi.”

Minato hid his reaction carefully, though he felt a small pang in his chest at how dejected Naruto sounded.

“And it’s just—it’s so stupid. I know it’s stupid. But it’s like… I never even stood a chance, you know?” He let out a dry, humorless laugh. “He’s spent his whole life worshipping the ground you walk on. And now you’re back. Like, of course he wouldn’t want me.”

Minato’s heart squeezed a little at that. Calmly, he said, “Naruto… that’s all in the past. You shouldn’t let it bother you.”

Naruto scoffed. “Yeah. Whatever.”

Minato sighed again, but before he could say anything else, Naruto straightened up.

“I need to get ready for my mission,” he said shortly.

Minato didn’t stop him this time. But as Naruto walked out, he could still feel his father’s eyes on him, calm and knowing.

And somehow, that only made him more frustrated.

Naruto stormed out of the Hokage tower, his fists clenched at his sides. The conversation replayed in his head over and over, and no matter how many times he went through it, it still pissed him off.

"It’s all in the past."

Maybe to Minato it was. But for Naruto, it wasn’t just about the past—it was about now. It was about Kakashi looking at his dad like he hung the damn moon, about Kakashi being so close to Minato in ways he never was with anyone else. It was about the fact that Naruto had confessed, and Kakashi hadn’t even hesitated before rejecting him.

And that sucked.

He barely registered where he was walking until he found himself on top of the Hokage Monument, staring out over the village. The place had always been one of his favorites to think, but today, his thoughts were just running in circles.

It wasn’t like Naruto thought he actually had a chance with Kakashi before confessing. He’d gone into it knowing the odds weren’t great. But some dumb part of him had still hoped.

He sighed and plopped down on the stone head of his father, legs hanging off the edge. The breeze ruffled his hair as he tilted his head back, staring up at the sky.

He thought back to the moment Kakashi had rejected him.

Naruto scowled at the memory. That was what got to him the most—not just the rejection itself, but the way Kakashi had said it. Like it was an afterthought, like it wasn’t even something he had to think about.

Like Naruto had never stood a chance.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

"Damn it."

The worst part was, he still wasn’t ready to give up.

Naruto had no idea how to act around Kakashi anymore.

It wasn’t like they bumped into each other a lot. Their lives didn’t revolve around one another. But Konoha wasn’t that big. Occasionally, they’d cross paths, and every time, Naruto’s stomach twisted in a way he really hated.

If he spotted Kakashi from a distance, he turned and went the other way. If avoiding wasn’t an option, he’d do a quick nod of acknowledgment before making his escape. Short, simple, and totally not the way he used to act.

And his dad… well. That was a whole other thing.

Minato didn’t do anything wrong, technically. But Naruto couldn’t shake the irritation in his chest, the weird resentment toward him that had nowhere to go. He wasn’t mad at Minato for anything in particular—it was just this thing festering under his skin, like an itch he couldn’t scratch.

So he was a little less talkative than usual. A little less eager to spend time in the Hokage’s office. A little less warm when they did talk.

Minato noticed. Of course he did. He was his dad. But he didn’t push, just watched Naruto with quiet concern whenever they were together.

And then, one afternoon, Kakashi walked into Minato’s office to give a mission report, and Minato barely even acknowledged him.

Kakashi blinked. Minato didn’t usually act like this.

For a moment, Kakashi let it slide, walking up to the desk and placing the mission report down. But when Minato barely spared him a glance before murmuring a distracted “Got it, thanks.”, something in Kakashi bristled.

"You're giving me the cold shoulder now too?" Kakashi asked, frowning.

Minato’s head snapped up, eyes widening slightly in realization. Then, like a guilty child caught misbehaving, he sighed and rubbed a hand over his face.

"...Shit, I’m sorry," Minato admitted, voice softer now. "That wasn’t fair."

Kakashi watched him for a beat, unimpressed. "No, it wasn’t."

Minato exhaled again, leaning back in his chair. "Naruto’s upset with me," he admitted. "And I guess I just... took it out on you."

That made Kakashi pause. His expression shifted, irritation fading into something more contemplative.

"...Naruto’s upset with you?" he repeated slowly. "Why?"

Minato sighed, resting his elbow on the desk and rubbing his temple. For a moment, he debated how much he should say. But this was Kakashi, and he had already put him in this position without meaning to.

“He’s hurt because you rejected him,” Minato admitted simply.

Kakashi stiffened.

Minato lifted his gaze, watching him carefully. "And since he knows you used to have feelings for me, he's acting a little… resentful towards me."

Kakashi exhaled slowly, staring at the floor.

"He's being a little irrational," Minato continued. "But his feelings are still fresh, and he's not great at processing things like this. He just needs time." He paused, then sighed again. "None of this is your fault, though. And I really am sorry for taking my frustration out on you."

Kakashi didn’t respond. He knew Minato meant it, but the apology didn’t change anything. Maybe he hadn’t actually done anything wrong, but it didn’t feel that way.

Because Naruto was upset. Because Minato was acting differently. Because everything between them had become strained and awkward, and the only common denominator was him.

It wasn’t fair. He knew that. It wasn’t logical. He knew that too. But guilt didn’t care about fairness or logic.

And if he was being completely honest with himself, it wasn’t just guilt weighing on him—it was the loneliness of it all.

This entire situation had left him feeling like an outsider, like he was being punished for something he didn’t even understand.

For what? For rejecting Naruto? For something as stupid as an old teenage crush?

Kakashi let out a slow breath. “I didn’t want this,” he admitted. “Any of it.”

Minato exhaled through his nose, watching him carefully. “I know.”

Kakashi’s shoulders slumped. “Do you? I didn’t ask for Naruto to like me,” he said, voice strained. “I wasn’t the one who told him about my past crush. But now I’m the one paying the price for it.” He let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. “Naruto is avoiding me. You are treating me differently, even if you don’t mean to.” His voice wavered slightly, but he forced himself to finish. “Like I did something wrong just by existing.”

Minato’s heart ached at the words.

Kakashi rarely let his emotions show so openly. The fact that he was saying all of this meant he was really at his limit.

Kakashi exhaled shakily and ran a hand through his hair. “I rejected him because I thought it was the right thing to do,” he continued. “Because I didn’t want to lead him on. Because I care about him, and I didn’t want to mess things up between us. But it doesn’t feel like I made the right choice. It feels like I ruined everything anyway.”

Minato sighed. “Kakashi…”

Kakashi shook his head. “And now Naruto is mad at you, and you’re apologizing to me for taking it out on me, but I—” He let out a frustrated breath. “I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do. What do you want me to do?”

Minato stood up.

Before Kakashi could react, Minato placed a hand on his head, warm and grounding.

“It’s about what you want, Kakashi.” Minato offered him a small, but sincere smile. “I’ll support you, no matter what you decide,” he told him. “Naruto might be my son, but you are just as important to me. And I’m here for you, alright? I’d hate you to feel like you’re alone in this.”

Kakashi’s breath caught.

For a long moment, he didn’t say anything.

Then, finally, he closed his eyes and let out a quiet, shaky sigh. “…Yeah.”

Kakashi closed Minato’s office door behind him with a soft click, rolling his shoulders and exhaling a quiet breath. He turned—only to find a familiar figure leaning against the wall across the hall.

“…Sasuke,” Kakashi said with a slight raise of his brow. “Here for a new mission?”

Sasuke pushed off the wall and gave a curt nod along with a “Yeah.”, arms crossed tightly over his chest. His dark eyes didn’t leave Kakashi’s face—sharp, unreadable, and more than a little judgmental.

Kakashi sighed, the weight of the past few days catching up with him all over again. “What’s with the friendly stare?” he asked, dryly. “If looks could kill, I’d be six feet under already.”

Sasuke didn’t respond immediately. Kakashi pushed on, his tone edged with weariness. “Let me guess. You want to warn me off Naruto. I get it,” he added, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “He’s your teammate, your friend. You think I’ll or corrupt him or some other dramatic thing. No need to waste your breath—I'm well aware he’s too young for me.”

Sasuke scoffed. “You done?” he said, voice sharp, like Kakashi’s assumption had annoyed him. “I’m just pissed I got involuntarily involved in this whole mess in the first place. I was doing just fine not knowing a damn thing about anyone’s love life. Especially yours and the Hokage’s.”

Kakashi blinked. “...Fair.”

“And by the way,” Sasuke added, eyes narrowing slightly, “Naruto’s not a kid.”

That made Kakashi pause.

Sasuke’s arms were still crossed, but his voice was firmer now. “He’s been through more than most people twice his age. If you’re not into him, fine. But don’t talk about him like he’s some naive kid who doesn’t know what he wants.”

Kakashi furrowed his brows. “I wasn’t—”

Sasuke cut him off. “You kind of were. You said it yourself—‘too young for me.’ Like Naruto’s still some wide-eyed genin hanging on your every word.”

Kakashi opened his mouth to speak, but Sasuke cut him off.

“But he’s not,” Sasuke said, voice firm now, conviction clear in every word. “You were his teacher. You of all people should know how far he’s come. He’s carried the world on his back. So at least give him the credit he deserves.”

Kakashi studied Sasuke, genuinely taken aback. He hadn’t expected a defense like that—not from Sasuke, who usually kept his nose firmly out of other people’s business unless it directly concerned him.

Sasuke took a step closer, looking up at Kakashi with something dangerously close to anger. “And if Naruto was old enough to go to war and nearly die for this village, then maybe he’s old enough for you to take him seriously.”

The words hit harder than Kakashi expected. They landed somewhere deep and heavy, right beneath the guilt he’d been dragging around all week.

Then Kakashi gave a tired, almost reluctant sigh. “Sasuke, I’m not belittling Naruto. But even you have to admit... we’re not a good match. And Naruto could have literally anyone. Why would he settle for someone like me?”

Sasuke scoffed. “Beats me.”

Kakashi blinked.

“But that’s not for me to understand,” Sasuke said with a shrug. “And it’s not for you to understand either. It’s Naruto’s choice. And the least you could do is respect it.”

Kakashi was silent for a moment, staring at the floor. Then, with a weary breath, he nodded once.

They stood in silence for a few seconds longer before the office door behind Kakashi creaked open again, and Minato leaned out with a clipboard. “Ah, Sasuke—come on in.”

Sasuke gave Kakashi one last look before brushing past him and into the office.

Kakashi left the Hokage Tower with his thoughts churning and Sasuke’s words echoing in his head.

He let out a sigh, rubbing his face with one hand as he wandered aimlessly through the streets.

Kakashi wasn’t sure how he ended up there, but somehow his legs led him straight to Ichiraku.

And there, sitting at the counter, looking like the very picture of misery, was Naruto.

Kakashi froze.

Naruto hadn’t noticed him yet. He was busy wallowing, his expression pulled into a deep scowl as he poked at his ramen.

For a brief moment, Kakashi considered turning around and walking away.

Naruto wanted space, right? That’s what he had said.

But instead, before he could stop himself, Kakashi stepped forward.

His shadow fell over Naruto, and finally, Naruto glanced up—only to immediately stiffen when he saw who it was.

Kakashi hesitated. “...Hey.”

Naruto quickly looked away, his jaw tightening. “Hey.”

Kakashi stared at him for a moment. Then, carefully, he asked, “Can I sit?”

Naruto didn’t answer right away. But after a long pause, he let out a breath and shrugged. “It’s a free village.”

Kakashi took that as a yes.

He slid onto the stool beside Naruto. An awkward silence stretched between them.

Naruto broke it first, grumbling, “If you’re here to check if I’m okay, you don’t have to.”

Kakashi hummed. “I know.”

Naruto made a face. “Then why are you here?”

Kakashi thought about that for a moment. Then, with a shrug, he said, “I guess I just… wanted to.”

Naruto tensed slightly, but didn’t say anything.

They sat there in silence.

Naruto stared down at his ramen, expression unreadable. Then, almost grudgingly, he mumbled, “...You wanna split a bowl?”

Kakashi blinked.

That definitely wasn’t the response he expected.

But after a brief pause, he smiled beneath his mask.

“Sure,” he said.

Naruto passed him a pair of chopsticks but Kakashi just held them in his hand for a moment. He then cleared his throat, feeling uncharacteristically awkward. “I, uh… I wanted to say sorry.”

Naruto blinked at him. “Huh?”

“For how I rejected you,” Kakashi said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m… not good at things like this. I thought about it a lot and I should’ve went about it differently, picked some better words. Ones that weren’t so dismissive.”

Naruto stiffened slightly, shoulders going rigid at the mention of his confession. He didn’t say anything right away, just kept his gaze on his barely touched ramen. Then, after a long moment, he sighed. “Don’t worry about it.”

Kakashi glanced at him.

Naruto gave a half-hearted shrug. “I know I kinda just… threw it at you out of nowhere. You weren’t expecting it.” His lips quirked, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “And it’s not your fault I was dumb enough to catch feelings for my own sensei.”

The words barely left his mouth before Kakashi let out a quiet, breathy chuckle. “We have that in common, huh.”

The second he heard himself say it, his entire body tensed.

Shit.

He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. He really hadn’t.

Naruto was already touchy about the fact that Kakashi had once crushed on Minato. If there was one thing Kakashi shouldn’t have done, it was bring it up now.

He braced himself for Naruto to get mad—or worse, storm off—but instead, Naruto just blinked at him, his face unreadable.

Kakashi felt like he should say something to fix it, but before he could open his mouth, Naruto let out a quiet, amused snort.

Kakashi stared at him, thrown.

Naruto shook his head, rubbing the back of his neck. “Guess I walked right into that one, huh?”

“…A little.” Kakashi watched him cautiously, still waiting for some kind of fallout. But to his surprise, Naruto wasn’t glaring at him anymore. If anything, he looked… lighter.

Naruto exhaled through his nose. “Man, this is so weird.”

Kakashi tilted his head. “What is?”

Naruto made a vague gesture between them. “This. All of it. I still don’t know how to act around you, but—” He hesitated, then let out another small laugh. “I dunno. That actually made me feel a little better.”

Kakashi blinked. “It did?”

“Yeah,” Naruto said, then fell quiet. He seemed to wrestle with something before hesitantly asking, “Did you ever tell him?”

Kakashi frowned. “Tell who what?”

“My dad,” Naruto clarified. “Did you ever confess?”

Kakashi blinked, then exhaled a quiet laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “No.”

Naruto tilted his head. “Why not?”

Kakashi let out a short breath, gathering his thoughts. “Because I wasn’t as brave as you, for one.” He glanced at Naruto, then looked away. “But mostly… I knew I didn’t have a chance. He was already in a committed relationship. And even if he hadn’t been, I knew I was just a kid in his eyes.”

Naruto hummed in understanding. He let that sink in for a moment before hesitating again, gripping his chopsticks a little tighter. He kept his tone as casual as he could manage when he asked, “Do you think of me as just a kid too?”

Kakashi stilled, caught off guard by the question. He didn’t answer right away, taking a moment to be absolutely sure of his words before responding. Finally, his gaze softened.

“…No.”

The atmosphere shifted.

Naruto’s fingers clenched briefly around his chopsticks before he let them relax. His mouth opened, like he wanted to say something, but he hesitated. He tried again, voice quiet, barely above a murmur.

“Then—”

He stopped.

He pressed his lips together, shaking his head. Then he let out a small breath and looked up at Kakashi with a quiet, almost sheepish smile. “Never mind.”

Kakashi watched him for a moment, something curious in his gaze. But he didn’t push.

Naruto went back to eating his ramen, acting like the conversation hadn’t just made his heart pound in his chest.

A few days later, Kakashi found himself standing in front of Minato’s desk, summoned without much explanation.

Minato leaned back in his chair, watching Kakashi with that familiar calm gaze. “How have you been?”

Kakashi raised an eyebrow at the unexpected question. “Fine, considering,” he answered cautiously.

Minato hummed. “And things with Naruto?”

Kakashi hesitated for only a fraction of a second before replying, “Not as awkward as before.”

Minato nodded, pleased. “That’s good to hear.” He tapped his fingers against his desk. “I wanted to ask you something, and I’d like you to answer honestly.”

Kakashi inclined his head slightly, waiting.

Minato straightened up. “Do you think you’re ready to take on a mission with him again?”

For a moment, Kakashi just stared at him. He hadn’t been expecting that.

“…With Naruto?” he echoed, brows furrowing slightly.

“Yes.” Minato’s tone was steady, calm. “A joint mission. I haven’t given him the details yet, but before I assign it, I wanted to check in with you first.”

Kakashi felt an odd weight settle in his chest—something between guilt and shame. The fact that Minato even felt the need to ask him that meant he must’ve given off the impression that he wasn’t capable of separating his personal feelings from his duty. And that stung.

He straightened his posture slightly, shaking his head. “I apologize if I made it seem like I would let personal matters interfere with my orders,” he said firmly. “That was never my intention. I’ll do whatever you ask of me.”

Minato sighed, his expression softening. “Kakashi,” he said patiently, “I never doubted your professionalism. I know you’d follow orders no matter what.”

Kakashi blinked. “Then…?”

“I care about your feelings,” Minato said simply. “Just as I care about Naruto’s. And if this situation is still difficult for either of you, I’d rather not force it.”

Kakashi exhaled slowly, some of the tension in his chest easing at Minato’s words. He hadn’t even realized how much he’d needed to hear that—that his Hokage, his Minato, still trusted him completely.

“…I see.”

Minato gave him a moment before repeating his original question. “So, what do you think? Are you up for a mission with Naruto?”

Kakashi took a breath, turning the thought over in his mind. He and Naruto had only just started talking again after days of awkward avoidance, but… a mission wasn’t personal. It was work. And Kakashi could handle that.

“I’m fine with it,” he said. “If Naruto is as well.”

Minato smiled, pleased. “Good. I’ll ask him, too. If he agrees, I’ll summon you back with the mission details.”

Kakashi nodded. “Understood.”

Kakashi was summoned back to Minato’s office later that day, which meant Naruto had agreed to the mission as well.

As he pushed open the door, he immediately spotted Naruto, who was already there, standing across from Minato’s desk, arms crossed as he chatted with his father. Whatever they were talking about, Naruto seemed at ease—maybe even in a good mood. That was… reassuring.

Minato glanced up at Kakashi’s arrival and greeted him with a small nod. “Good, you’re here. Let’s get started.”

Naruto turned to look at Kakashi, his expression unreadable for a moment before he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod in acknowledgment. It wasn’t exactly warm, but it wasn’t cold either. Progress.

Minato leaned forward, lacing his fingers together on the desk. “The mission is in the Land of Rivers. There’s been some suspicious activity near one of the smaller villages along the border, and the daimyo has requested Konoha’s assistance in investigating. Several merchants have reported missing cargo and disappearing goods, and while it could be bandits, there’s reason to believe something bigger might be at play.”

Kakashi listened carefully, already forming a strategy in his mind.

Minato continued, “The two of you will go in under the cover of merchants and gather intel. If it turns out to be ordinary thieves, handle it as necessary. But if you uncover anything more serious, report back before engaging.”

Naruto frowned slightly. “Do we know if any other villages are involved?”

“There’s no indication that other shinobi forces are at play,” Minato replied. “But that’s one of the things I want you to confirm. Keep a low profile and assess the situation carefully before taking action.”

Kakashi nodded. “Understood.”

Minato looked between the two of them. “I wouldn’t have assigned you this mission together if I didn’t believe you could handle it professionally, but I’ll ask again—are you both comfortable working as a team?”

Naruto hesitated for just a second before exhaling through his nose. “Yeah. I’m good.”

Kakashi studied Naruto’s face, searching for any hint of unease, but Naruto’s expression was steady. He wasn’t forcing it.

Kakashi nodded. “I’m good too.”

Minato smiled slightly. “Glad to hear it.” He passed a scroll across the desk. “You’ll leave at dawn. Supplies have already been prepared, and you’ll be traveling as Tetsuya and Renji, two wandering traders. Details of your cover identities are in the scroll.”

Naruto picked it up and smirked. “Let me guess—you made me the loudmouth salesman, huh?”

Minato chuckled. “I thought it would be the most convincing role for you.”

Kakashi huffed a quiet laugh despite himself.

Naruto grumbled under his breath before rolling his eyes. “Fine, whatever.” Then, glancing at Kakashi, he added, “Guess we better get ready, huh?”

Kakashi met his gaze and nodded. “Looks like it.”

Minato watched them for a moment, something fond and thoughtful in his expression, before finally saying, “Good luck out there, you two.”

At dawn, Kakashi and Naruto set off on their mission, traveling under their assigned aliases as wandering merchants.

The road leading to the Land of Rivers was long, but the first leg of their journey was mostly quiet. They had to keep their cover in case of any wandering travelers, so they dressed the part—simple, worn clothing, a small cart filled with random goods to sell as a front, and nothing that screamed “elite shinobi of Konoha”. To avoid suspicion, Kakashi had also ditched his mask.

That part had been especially distracting for Naruto.

He wasn’t shocked by Kakashi’s face or anything—he’d already seen it before. But there was something about Kakashi casually walking around like this, completely unguarded, that threw him off. It made everything feel a little too new. Like he wasn’t just his former sensei, wasn’t just Kakashi, but a man.

The silence between them wasn’t exactly comfortable, but it wasn’t hostile either.

Still, Kakashi could tell Naruto was holding back. Normally, he was a chatterbox on missions, filling the quiet with whatever nonsense came to his mind. But now, he only spoke when necessary, mostly to confirm details about their cover or their route.

Eventually, Kakashi decided to break the silence.

“You’re not really committed to this loudmouth merchant role, huh?” he said, glancing at Naruto. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this quiet on a mission before.”

Naruto shot him a look, then sighed. “I’m just trying to focus.”

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. “On what? Walking?”

Naruto groaned. “You love doing this, don’t you?”

Kakashi’s eyes crinkled slightly in amusement. “Doing what?”

“Getting under my skin.” Naruto shook his head, but there was no real heat in it. “It’s like a hobby for you.”

“Well,” Kakashi said lightly, “I have to keep myself entertained somehow.”

Naruto made a face but didn’t argue. Another stretch of silence. Then, unexpectedly, Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his head. “I know I’m being weird. It’s just... I don’t know how to act around you right now.”

Kakashi considered that. “Then just act normal.”

Naruto snorted. “Yeah, ‘cause that’s so easy.”

Kakashi chuckled. “For you? Maybe not.”

Naruto scowled, but the corners of his lips twitched just slightly, like he was fighting back a grin. It was a small thing, but it made Kakashi feel a little less like everything between them was falling apart.

They found a good spot to set up camp near the river, a small clearing nestled between the trees. The sound of flowing water was steady but calming, the breeze carrying the scent of damp earth and fresh leaves. As the sky darkened, Kakashi started preparing a small fire while Naruto busied himself gathering extra firewood.

“I’ll set up the traps,” Kakashi said, standing up and dusting off his hands. “Try not to trip over your own feet while I’m gone.”

Naruto scowled at him. “Ha ha. Very funny.”

Kakashi gave him an amused eye smile before vanishing into the trees.

Naruto huffed and turned back toward the pile of wood he had gathered. He reached for a particularly large branch wedged between some rocks near the riverbank, grunting as he yanked at it. With a final strong pull, it suddenly came loose—too fast for him to adjust his balance.

“Woah—!”

Before he could even think to react, Naruto tumbled backward, his foot slipping on the damp ground. He flailed, trying to catch himself, but instead, he crashed straight into the shallow water with a loud splash.

For a second, he just sat there, stunned, blinking up at the darkening sky as cool water soaked through his clothes.

Then, a low chuckle made him snap his head toward the campfire. Kakashi had returned, standing at the edge of the clearing with his arms crossed, watching the whole thing unfold.

“Still as clumsy as ever, I see,” Kakashi mused, his tone light with amusement.

Naruto scowled, pushing himself up with a splash. “Oh, shut up.”

He shot Kakashi a glare before stomping his way out of the river, his sandals squelching loudly with each step. Water dripped from his clothes, and his hair was plastered to his forehead. With an annoyed sigh, he peeled off his jacket, then his shirt, tossing them over a nearby tree branch to dry. His pants soon followed, leaving him in just his boxers as he wrung out his soaked clothes.

Kakashi, still seated comfortably, didn’t react much beyond a raised eyebrow. “At least we won’t have to worry about you stinking up the place.”

“Okay, now you’re just being a jerk,” Naruto grumbled, shaking out his pants before draping them over another branch.

Kakashi smirked, then leaned back on his hands as he watched the flames crackle. The light from the fire cast flickering shadows across Naruto’s skin, highlighting the defined muscle of his arms and torso. It was strange, in a way—Kakashi had seen Naruto injured, covered in bruises and scratches, but in this moment, without his usual bright orange jumpsuit or ninja gear, he seemed… different.

Older.

He shut that thought down before it could go any further.

Naruto, unaware of Kakashi’s sudden inner crisis, wrung out his undershirt one last time before flopping down near the fire with a sigh.

“Well, that sucked.”

Kakashi hummed in agreement.

They sat in silence for a while, the night settling in around them. The awkwardness was still there, lingering just beneath the surface, but it wasn’t as suffocating as before.

Kakashi, perched on a nearby rock, glanced over at Naruto. "You should try sleeping," he said. "I'll take first watch."

And Naruto tried—he really did. He closed his eyes, adjusted his position, pulled his arms under his head, then flipped onto his side, but no matter what, the incessant buzzing in his ears drove him crazy. Every few seconds, a mosquito would land on his arm or leg, and he’d slap at it, only to have two more take its place. He tossed, turned, grumbled, and muttered curses under his breath, but the little bloodsuckers were relentless.

Finally, he’d had enough.

“ARGH!” Naruto exploded, sitting up and furiously swatting at the air around him. “I swear, I’m gonna lose my mind!” He swung wildly, missing most of his targets, but at least it made him feel better.

Across the fire, Kakashi sighed, clearly unimpressed. "You do realize we're on a mission, right? Maybe don't announce our location to the whole damn forest?"

Naruto shot him a betrayed look. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t realize my suffering was such an inconvenience to you.”

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. “Suffering?”

“Yes, suffering! I’m being eaten alive over here, and you’re worried about me being loud instead?” Naruto snapped, waving dramatically at the air around him.

Kakashi hummed, eyeing him with mild amusement. “I think you're exaggerating. There aren't that many flying around.”

Naruto scowled at him. "Maybe not around you, but I'm practically naked over here!" He gestured at himself, still only in his boxers. "I am the full-course meal, obviously attracting every single mosquito in a five-mile radius!"

Kakashi considered that for a moment, then tilted his head. “Hm. Lie down.”

Naruto frowned. “I told you, I can’t.”

“Just do it,” Kakashi said, his voice calm but firm.

Naruto squinted at him suspiciously but relented, flopping onto his back with a dramatic sigh. “Fine. But if you’re about to tell me some dumb meditation technique to ‘think away’ the mosquitoes, I swear—”

He cut himself off when Kakashi shifted closer, settling down beside him. He lifted one hand, and suddenly, a faint crackle of chakra illuminated his face in a pale blue glow. It wasn’t a full Chidori—far from it—but the air around them buzzed faintly with static.

Naruto stared, wide-eyed, as Kakashi held out his hand, waiting. And then, as soon as a mosquito dared to enter his range, a small zap of electricity snapped it out of existence. Every now and then, he would adjust the position of his hand, fine-tuning his control to make sure Naruto remained untouched by any stray electricity.

Naruto’s heart did something stupid in his chest.

This was, without a doubt, the most romantic thing anyone had ever done for him.

He suddenly had the horrible, gut-wrenching realization that he was never, ever going to get over Kakashi.

Naruto swallowed thickly, staring at the older man beside him. Kakashi, who had effortlessly rejected him. Kakashi, who had told him no, who had been clear and firm about it. And yet here he was, quietly doing something ridiculous and sweet just to help him sleep.

Naruto had to look away.

“...Thanks,” he muttered after a long pause.

Kakashi hummed noncommittally, still focused on his task.

Naruto exhaled slowly, closing his eyes. Maybe, for just tonight, he could pretend this wasn’t a one-sided crush. Maybe he could let himself enjoy it, just a little.

Even if it was only a fantasy.

The night air was warm, the sound of the river nearby a quiet, steady presence. Naruto lay still, his body finally relaxing now that the mosquito nightmare had been taken care of. Kakashi remained beside him, his occasional flickers of lightning chakra zapping away any stragglers brave enough to come near.

It was... nice. Too nice.

Naruto knew he should just shut up and let himself fall asleep, but his brain wouldn’t let him. His heart wouldn’t let him. He cracked one eye open, turning his head slightly to look at Kakashi.

“You know,” he started, voice quieter than usual, “you don’t have to keep doing that. I’ll survive.”

Kakashi didn’t look at him. “I know.” But he didn’t stop.

Naruto stared for a moment before exhaling through his nose, shaking his head slightly. He didn’t get it. Kakashi had turned him down. Clear as day. But then he went and did stuff like this.

It was confusing as hell.

“Kakashi.”

“Hm?”

Naruto hesitated, turning his gaze toward the stars above them. He felt strangely vulnerable like this—lying there, half-naked, under the open sky with Kakashi sitting so close.

After a beat of silence, he said, “Why’d you reject me?”

Kakashi’s hand stilled.

Naruto swallowed, his heart hammering. He hadn’t planned on asking that. It had just slipped out. But now that the words were hanging in the air between them, he felt like he had to push forward. 

“I mean, I have a general idea of what your reasons might be. I don’t want to guess, though. I wanna hear them from you.”

Kakashi was quiet for a moment.

Then he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “The moment you confessed, I already knew what my answer should be. It was the only right one in my head.”

Naruto watched him closely, his chest tightening.

“And yeah,” Kakashi continued, voice calm but a little tired. “The reasons are probably what you’d expect. You were my student. There’s a significant age difference between us. And you’re not even twenty yet.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “You’re young. You have a lot of time to fall in love. And one day, you’ll find someone better suited for you than me.”

Naruto exhaled sharply through his nose, shifting so he was propped up on his elbow. “That’s what you think, huh?”

Kakashi didn’t respond right away. His gaze drifted toward the fire, unreadable.

Naruto searched his face, waiting.

“Yeah,” Kakashi finally said, his voice softer. “That’s what I think.”

Naruto let himself fall back against the ground, staring up at the sky. His chest felt tight in a way he didn’t know how to deal with.

“…I don’t like your answer,” he muttered.

Kakashi let out a small, breathy chuckle. “I figured.”

Naruto pressed his lips together. He sat up abruptly, twisting to face Kakashi. His expression was tight, frustrated. “See, if you gave me a good reason just now, then maybe I’d let it go.”

Kakashi arched an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting.

Naruto pushed on. “If you told me you were so repulsed by me that looking at me made your balls curl inwards—”

Kakashi made a choking noise. His Chidori dispelled.

“—or that you’d rather burn all your precious Icha Icha books than go on a date with me, then I’d accept that this whole thing is hopeless.”

Kakashi stared at him, expression unreadable.

“But the reasons you gave me?” Naruto continued, his voice unwavering. “They sound like a bunch of excuses.” He held Kakashi’s gaze, unwavering. “So I don’t accept them.”

For once, Kakashi didn’t have an immediate reply. His fingers twitched slightly where they rested on his knee.

Naruto leaned in a fraction, his eyes sharp. “You could’ve said no in a way that actually killed my feelings, y’know. But you didn’t.”

Kakashi exhaled through his nose, rubbing the back of his head. “…I didn’t think I needed to be cruel.”

Naruto scoffed. “You can if you want. As long as you’re being honest.” He sighed, raking a hand through his hair. “Seriously. If you actually wanted to reject me, you should’ve done a better job.”

Kakashi looked at him then, really looked at him. Naruto was tense, shoulders squared, face flushed—not with embarrassment, but with conviction. There was no hesitation in his words, no self-doubt. Just unwavering certainty.

It made Kakashi’s stomach feel oddly heavy.

“…You’re really stubborn, huh?” Kakashi said finally, voice quieter.

Naruto huffed. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

A silence settled between them. The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows across Kakashi’s face.

Naruto held his breath, waiting. Daring Kakashi to give him something real.

Kakashi exhaled slowly, tilting his head back slightly as if considering his next words carefully. “I’m still… figuring things out myself,” he admitted. “And right now, I don’t have any other reason to give you.” His voice was quieter now, more thoughtful. “Not one I know I’m sure about.”

Naruto stared at him, searching his expression, trying to gauge what that meant. He took a breath, then said, “If that’s the case, then my feelings aren’t going anywhere.” His tone was matter-of-fact, no hesitation, no doubt. Just a simple truth.

Kakashi looked at him for a long moment, then gave a small nod. “Alright.”

That was it. No argument, no attempt to change Naruto’s mind. Just that single, accepting word.

Naruto felt something settle in his chest. A strange mix of relief and anticipation. He wasn’t sure what exactly he had been hoping for, but this—this felt like something possible.

He sighed and lay back down, folding his arms behind his head as he stared up at the dark sky.

For the first time in days, his heart felt a little lighter.

With Kakashi still sitting beside him, close enough that Naruto could hear the quiet shift of his breath, he let his eyes drift shut.

And with a somehow hopeful heart, he tried to fall asleep.