Hatake Kakashi (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
scarecrowboy) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sunshineverse2014-12-19 02:31 am
scarecrowboy) wrote in sunshineverse2014-12-19 02:31 am
Entry tags:
[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?"
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?"
no subject
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?"
no subject
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.
no subject
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!"
no subject
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?"