sunshineverse | [Closed] All the roads we have to walk are winding...

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[Closed] All the roads we have to walk are winding...

Who: Kakashi & Gai.
When: Nov 1.
Where: The main streets of Konoha, early morning.

Kakashi stepped out of his apartment block and into the waking world feeling considerably lighter than he had for quite some time. He wasn't sure if it was down to the relief of a guilty weight finally being completely lifted, or due to the fact he'd spent the past week in the company of a trio of genin who somehow thought the world of him and were hungry for more knowledge and experience... but either way, it was a welcome change, and it was one Kakashi embraced with both hands.

He hadn't woken up this early for some time, but the routine of the past few days had proven effective again in sorting out his sleep schedule. He was nearly late almost every day, of course, especially when he figured out they didn't officially have to meet until ten rather than seven as Obito had told him (he'd have to watch out for that trick in future), but it was due to a good and whole nights sleep instead of sheer lack of care.

The birds were loud in the trees surrounding the jounin compound, and it was their loud and brash greeting to the daytime that reminded him of times when he'd stumble on a certain shinobi of equally loud nature doing his morning routine, greeting the sunshine in his own way; typically a grin and a thumbs up, sometimes a challenge or some loud proclamation.

Kakashi hadn't seen Gai since the debrief the previous week and despite the potential awkwardness that absence in contact might have caused, Kakashi didn't feel any unease over seeing him.. In fact, for the first time in a while, Kakashi was actually excited to seek him out, and luckily for him Obito's 'punishment' meant Kakashi knew exactly where Gai would be at this time of morning.

He managed to spot Gai mid-stroll toward his temporary place of work, and caught up just in time to cross his path straight across Gai's. His shoulder found itself against Gai's side, and his weight steered him a little to the side, successfully off course.

"Hey there," he greeted with a casual little smile. "Got a minute?"

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He didn't really have a minute. The backlog in the Hokage Tower was a bit unreal, the papers needed to be filed and Gai was planning to be early to have ample time to beat his personal best from yesterday, but Kakashi wanted to talk to him and Gai wouldn't pass that up for the world...even if it meant a heavy discussion and some thorough scolding. He smiled softly as he let Kakashi nudge him just out of the flow of traffic headed to the tower. The little bit of physical contact and seeing Kakashi smiling (and Gai could tell that he was, even with it covered) gave him a warm, comforted feeling after this rather abysmal week.

"You will make me late!" The protest was for protest's sake, though he crossed his arms and frowned a little in an attempt to make it seem effective. He had a reputation for punctuality to uphold, unlike some people. (Didn't Kakashi have some students to look after? Surely he did not weasel out of his punishment already! Argh! He probably handed it off to a poor Academy Teacher or to one of Obito's students, with some excuse or another. Such a clever Rival!)

Gai at least had to be able to say that he tried to not get distracted by Kakashi's 'minute' of his time, not that Obito would believe he tried very hard. Gai himself knew he was giving in as soon as Kakashi bumped into him. Resistance was futile, and he never resisted very hard anyway. Kakashi was charming, in his annoyingly hip, modern, cool way.

Squashing his own smile down, however, wasn't happening, so the appearance of annoyance was completely ineffectual. "But, of course I have time for my Rival!" He always did. Always would. "What can I help you with, Kakashi?"

Kakashi waited till he'd bumped Gai far enough out of the current of work-a-day bodies funnelling into the Hokage Tower that he was satisfied Gai wouldn't be tempted to rejoin their stream any time soon, and then relaxed his walk to a slow amble, his shove against Gai's side becoming more like a gentle lean than a force.

"Oh, nothing really," he shrugged a shoulder and curbed the amused twitch of a smile the words brought. "Why, I'm not stopping you from going anywhere important, am I?" He was definitely being like this on purpose, but it had been some time since he'd messed around with Gai like this. It had been a while since he'd been around Gai at all if he was honest - and not for the sake of a heart to heart or a serious conversation.. No, Kakashi realised it had been much too long since he and Gai had even spent an hour or two being themselves like only they could, in each others company.

"I thought you might like some breakfast, hm? My treat."

The issue of punishment and paperwork was steadily out of sight, out of mind as Kakashi eased him off his path. Gai welcomed and returned the lean, content even just to brush against each other.

"Kakashi, you know very well that I am supposed to-- That you are supposed to--" He jabbed a finger at Kakashi's nose, easily falling prey to the bait. He huffed and grumbled, but for the first time in a while things felt normal. "Why are you not at the Academy?! Are you--" Scandalized gasp! "--ditching?!"

As for breakfast, Gai suspected that, perhaps, his careless Rival would find that he had forgotten his wallet by the time the bill came. He honestly didn't care if he ended up paying. Buying out the entire breakfast menu would be worth it to spend a nice morning with Kakashi. Another week's worth of paperwork would be worth it. He didn't really want to upset Obito but... He would understand.

Kakashi raised his one visible pale eyebrow, the epitome of innocence and surprise at such a harsh, harsh assumption.

"Me?" He asked, complete with a shocked little blink and a point toward his own chest as though Gai had confused him with someone who would ditch and purposefully make himself late for a meeting he knew he had to keep. The truth was that he'd straight up given the kids a day off as a reward for their hard work, but Gai didn't need to know that if the assumption made him react like that. Kakashi supposed, if he really had to pick a word for it, it would be endearing. Or cute.

"If ditching is what I'm doing then you'll be my accomplice, won't you?" he asked, already subtly steering Gai down the road leading to the main district, right toward the string of street stalls already open for the day. "I won't keep you long." Probably a lie, but he was sure Gai wouldn't mind.

If anyone was cute, it was Kakashi when he feigned innocence.

"Do not play coy with me! Hmph! That is just like you, involving me in your schemes!" Gai didn't admit it then, at least not aloud, but he would gladly be a part of Kakashi's plans (especially by Kakashi's own design and not because Gai had to butt in) any time.

He could only keep up the annoyed act for so long, though, before he wanted to reassure Kakashi that he really did enjoy playing along. "I do not do anything half-way, Rival! If I am to assist in your ditching, we will not make a short trip of it! Why ditch only for the morning? Go big or go home, Kakashi!" He punched his fist into the air triumphantly. "We are ditching for the entire day!" And the whole street knew it now.

"Come!" Gai took Kakashi by the wrist and continued down the street. "Where do you want to eat at?"

How anyone could think Kakashi was the cute one when Gai went around punching the air with excitement would probably be entirely beyond Kakashi to even consider, if he'd given it any thought.. but he was currently much too distracted by the smile he was having trouble muting behind his mask, and rose a hand to assist.

It hadn't exactly been his intention to encourage Gai into spending the whole day with him, but somehow he'd subliminally managed it, and he couldn't help but consider this going just as planned. He was incredibly satisfied with Gai's proposal, and when the man clutched his wrist, he went willingly.

"Well, if you insist," Kakashi practically cooed as he caught up with Gai's striding steps as to not be dragged along quite as much. The wrist hold was... kind of nice, though, so he made no move to free himself as he normally might have.

"In that case, I have just the place in mind..." No cheap street vendors for them! No, if they were going to start their day together with breakfast - and if Gai's wallet was feeling generous - Kakashi wanted something a little more special, and meandered his way towards a nice little cafe-and-teahouse he frequented.

"I DO insist!!" Gai couldn't remember the last time Kakashi's voice did that thing, that wonderful tone that to Gai's ears was almost flirty (even though he had always known it wasn't) in its playfulness. Regardless, it always made Gai's heart do a nice tumble in his chest at the realization that, even if he downplayed it, Kakashi wanted to spend time with him. Sometimes he wanted to just hug Kakashi and never let him go.

Holding his wrist was close enough for the moment, especially since it was lasting a lot longer than Gai had expected. It was a pleasant surprise to not have him pull away.

Even though Kakashi was leading, Gai kept hold of his wrist, though he didn't venture to try taking his hand instead, or anything more intimate. He would not push his luck and ruin this perfect moment, even if Obito had suggested he should do more and that Kakashi had felt rejected by Gai's lack of response much earlier. But right now they were safely within the boundaries (obscure and bizarre as they sometimes were) of Rivalry. Friends could hold each other's wrists, surely!

Naturally the place Kakashi 'had in mind' had the look of being more expensive than the usual fare, but it was worth it. "My Rival has such good tastes!" He gushed as they stepped into the little teahouse. It always pleased Gai (perhaps more than it ever could please Kakashi) ridiculously to praise/boast about Kakashi.

Kakashi made a small, modest grunt at Gai's compliment, but inwardly preened in the praise just the same. Kakashi hadn't been worried about Gai's opinions/feelings/other towards him since the mission, but regardless it was still somehow very reassuring to have Gai gushing at him like usual. Sometimes it made him feel embarrassed, sometimes he felt bad he didn't vocalise his appreciation for Gai more often, but now Kakashi just felt warmed by it; Gai's truthful honesty resonating as such to make him feel appreciated and cared for. Gai was very good at making him feel that way.

Kakashi led his friend over to a table toward the back of the room, one positioned strategically close enough to the curtained arch that led toward the kitchen so that they were surrounded by the scents of fresh baking and tea-brewing, and close enough to the door as to not have them overheat. Kakashi had indeed been here many times, and it was that frequency that meant he'd found the ideal spot to sit alone and read, or to accompany with a friend.

He looked from the seats to Gai and back again. Ever the gentleman, of course, he gestured out with his free hand to invite Gai to sit first.. Whether their link of hand-on-wrist would continue was up to Gai - Kakashi, once again, put himself firmly out of the decision making part of this activity.

Gai looked around, taking in the setting with wide-eyed youthfulness and smiling cheerfully at any of the staff that greeted them. The room smelled divine, like everything a teashop should and more. It was really a very adorable and special choice for breakfast. Nothing about it really said 'ninja' at all and had he and Kakashi not had a history of doing rather silly things like this, it might have felt like more than it was.

"So considerate! Thank you! This is a very quaint place!"

He took the less strategically advantageous seat and, as they settled in at the table, Gai figured he really should probably (maybe) let go of Kakashi's wrist because now that they weren't walking anymore, it was probably (maybe) edging into a more sentimental or awkward territory for his Rival, and he definitely did not want to give Kakashi any excuse to feel awkward or to withdraw from him, not today! Not when they were off to such a splendid return to the Best of Times!

So, reluctantly, he gave a squeeze, then loosened his hold on Kakashi's wrist, sliding his fingers along the back of Kakashi's hand (as casually as Gai could) before letting his hand rest on the table just beside his Rival's. How very self-indulgent, but Gai felt better for that little gesture, and tried to hide his blush with a grin.

"Perhaps we should have a challenge!!" His grin grew. He wouldn't squander a moment with Kakashi now, or ever again, and what better to keep up this comfortable and happy Kakashi status than with a challenge? "Whoever can drink the most tea...?"

Kakashi liked this place for a lot more than just it's quaintness, of course. The tables that were occupied hosted old little civilians, quiet readers and sleepy looking patrons; none of them visibly shinobi except for himself and Gai and though they were the odd ones out, the attention from those around them was focused entirely on their own business. Kakashi was used to being stared at, even more-so when he as with Gai, but this particular tea house was so peaceful that not even the boisterous presence of Konoha's Green Beast and Kakashi of the Sharingan could disrupt it's tranquillity.

It was probably a good thing, too. Kakashi was in one of those moods where a stare or a mutter might have raised his hackles; and it was too nice a day to go around barking protectively at anyone who gave Gai a wrong glance.

The blessed ignorance of the other customers was also useful as it put Kakashi completely at ease with Gai's contact on his wrist because no-one was looking, so when Gai retracted the touch Kakashi actually found himself a little... disappointed. That was definitely a new feeling for him in matters like these, and covered up the telling reaction as best he could with a gulp as he leaned his chin on his hand, his casual façade not as sturdy as it might have been under normal circumstances.

"Perhaps, though the tea here isn't one to waste.." Kakashi mumbled, lavishing Gai in eye contact and gracing him with the pull of his mask in a smile. "Maybe something that won't interrupt breakfast too much, hm?"

His cheeks turned a steadily darker shade of pink as Kakashi watched him far more obviously than usual. It was unusual for Kakashi to be quite so clear with his interest in Gai being there! He was flattered! His heart was warmed! ...Maybe a little too much, considering the blush that was still spreading over Gai's face.

"Oh! Of course! ...Ah..." He looked down at their table, at Kakashi's hand, then at Kakashi, trying to come up with a less disruptive form of challenge than their usual contests. Staring contest? No, no. It needed to be better. Kakashi's eyes were doing that subtly sad thing and Gai really wished he had a good idea what would make the mood what it was a few seconds ago.

Was it the touching? Was Obito really so right about Kakashi's unspoken, un-acted-upon romantic affection, or was that just wishful thinking? He felt mostly oblivious to what might be going on in Kakashi's head and heart lately and should have been better at this. They were Rivals. Eternal Rivals. He had to stop guessing and second-guessing; he had to go with his gut! Challenge himself to challenge Kakashi to a Challenge that would challenge the status quo of their friendship! ...Yes! That would be perfect!

"I challenge you to hold my hand, then!" He held up his hand across the table for Kakashi to take, to initiate the challenge. If this was a mistake, Kakashi could just say no or clarify that it would be just friendly, no harm done! ...Right? Of course. He had to stop worrying. Lacking confidence was shaking his youthful spirit. "That is not too disruptive! And the first to break contact loses!"

Kakashi wasn't entirely sure what he'd been expecting Gai to choose. Kakashi was just in such a malleable mood that anything would have probably got a yes from him; sparring of any kind - even a test of taijutsu where Kakashi would truly have to try to get a win - some kind of endurance challenge, laps around the village... all of Gai's usually so strange and out there ideas of challenges were now exactly what Kakashi had come to expect from the man, and he embraced that comfortable expectancy and was ready for whatever Gai had to throw at him as long as they were doing it together.

.....But that was new.

Gai had never made any moves that were too physical around Kakashi; he always treated his boundaries like he was made out of glass, only roughening once he was sure Kakashi was okay with the contact, hence why Gai was prone to collaring him around the neck or shoulders, and ambushing him with hugs every so often. Kakashi had given him enough clear signs that those things were okay. Untouched-upon romantic feelings or not, Kakashi had been skittish about any contact further than that until now, so he supposed the lack of progress was solely his fault... if Gai felt the same way, as Obito had said he did.

Kakashi stared at Gai's hand for a moment, mulling things over and considering and thinking and thinking and thinking till suddenly he rose his own hand and linked his fingers with Gai's larger ones. No more thinking, he decided in that moment, no more brooding and no more worrying about things instead of taking chances. He'd liked Gai's contact on his wrist, he'd liked sidling closer to him while they walked, and god damn it he'd like this too.

"Challenge accepted." He agreed with an unfaltering and honest smile.

Kakashi had asked for something not disruptive to breakfast, and Gai tried his best to deliver on that, but in the time between issuing the challenge and getting his response, Gai's confidence wavered again and he was left wondering if maybe the challenge had been disruptive in a different way: to their Rivalry. Maybe the wrist-holding had been fine, but hand-holding was overstepping. They were similar but distinct actions and maybe one was just going too far? He was suddenly very aware how empty his hand was and that Kakashi was just staring at it. Should he back down? He never backed down from a challenge, but if Kakashi would rather not--

Gai let out a sigh of relief and his body clearly relaxed as Kakashi's fingers threaded between his own. That smile was just so perfect and it left nothing for Gai to worry about; no reason at all to think that Kakashi was just agreeing to make him happy or to save their Rivalry. That was a true smile, not a complacent one, so beautiful despite the mask covering it. He grinned back at Kakashi and squeezed his hand in thanks and, eyes rapidly beginning to water, Gai had to reach for a napkin with his free hand to blow his nose.

"Thank you."

It wasn't just the hand-holding (though that was a big part of it). Those tears were for the words he loved so much and that meant so much to their friendship, words Gai felt like it had been forever since he last heard. Kakashi accepting one of his challenges again was so important; he would never stop cherishing that simple phrase.

A few sniffles and nose-blowing later and Gai smiled over at Kakashi. "I believe you promised me breakfast, my Eternal Rival?"

It was strange, but when Gai's body relaxed with relief Kakashi's body automatically seemed to do the same. A whole mess of tension bled from him as he exhaled - tension he hadn't known was there and tension he hadn't been able to shift for weeks no matter what he did. It had been tight in his shoulders, aching at the back of his head, and now as he looked at the brilliant sight of Gai looking at him so raw and happy, he couldn't feel a thing. There had always been something therapeutic about being with Gai, but Kakashi hadn't noticed before now just how deep that feeling lay; it was moments like this one that reminded him, and reminded him just how much Gai meant to him, and how much Kakashi enjoyed spending time with him.

The tears were to be expected, and it was all Kakashi could do to look at him with adoration and happiness as he blew his nose and wiped at his face. He was used to this, and though it was probably a little over dramatic for the situation Kakashi didn't feel embarrassed to see Gai start bawling. Yes, Gai was easily moved but Kakashi knew he never wasted tears, and as far as he was concerned these tears were tears of happiness... Happiness in the face of seeing their rivalry settle back where it had been before various ruptures had disturbed them, and to see it start to progress forward to new, exciting places.

He squeezed Gai's hand back, both as reassurance and as a reciprocation of thanks. Gai had made a move Kakashi would have never been able to make on his own, and he was deeply thankful for that. Gai's hand was warm in his, even through the leather of his glove (he kind of wished he'd taken it off before linking their fingers) and it had been something he'd craved for longer than even he was aware of.

"I did indeed," Kakashi nodded when Gai finally brought him back to the real world from the cloud he'd momentarily been riding, and gestured to the menu with his free hand. "What takes your fancy?" His eyes were twinkling with happiness, but also with the slightest hint of mischievous excitement. Navigating breakfast one-handed would be interesting, to say the least.

Gai wasn't embarrassed by his emotions and it would never fail to surprise him when his very hip Rival wasn't really bothered by Gai's shows of emotion either. Kakashi had been one of the first people outside of Dai who Gai felt accepted by, and after the last couple of weeks, he really wanted to pull Kakashi into a tight hug and thank him for continuing to be that person (regardless of the mistakes Gai had made).

He nearly lost himself in tears again when Kakashi squeezed his hand back. It felt like a daydream.

It was definitely going to take some effort doing breakfast with one hand (his less dominant left-hand, even if Gai was mostly ambidextrous), he discovered, picking up the menu as Kakashi gestured to it. But that was part of the challenge, and there was nothing in the world--even an inability to eat--that could possibly deter Gai from holding his Rival's hand now that he had it. He looked over the menu, treating the decision as if it was a very important one (it was! This was a very special breakfast!), and then grinned up at Kakashi. The grin wasn't even in response to the menu or his decision; it was simply that nothing could wipe that smile off his face.

"Perhaps green tea and tamagoyaki, unless my Rival has a better suggestion!"

"Good choice.." Kakashi cooed, nodding his agreement. Breakfast was one of his favourite meals, since everything was typically salty and full of everything necessary to get one ready for the day, and sharing it with Gai was something he'd missed having the opportunity to do. With his free hand, Kakashi gestured to call a server over, and ordered their breakfasts with an indulgent side of miso with lazy ease, as though completely oblivious to his hand in Gai's. It was, of course, less that he was oblivious and more that the contact wasn't something to be embarrassed over.

He easily placed the menus back where they were despite his handicap. Gai had sacrificed his more dominant hand to take Kakashi's lesser one, so the copy-nin was in more of an advantageous position than his rival.

"So," he said once the server had left and he'd leant his chin on the palm of his hand. "How's the paperwork?"

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[Closed] All the roads we have to walk are winding...

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