#protective sasuke

[justlovesasusaku]

I think in Sasuke Retsuden, it's not just that Jiji was going to touch Sakura hair, I think it was in general that Sasuke doesn't like people touching Sakura. I mean if you read the actual novel Sakura rolls her eyes, and if you read the manga she sighs.

This seems like common occurrence with him. I wonder how many times during their travels(the blank period) he blew their cover, because someone was attempting to touch her at one point.

[todorokis-girl]

Between Shadows and Light - Kakashi x Reader (Pt 1)

I'm trying something new, and I am feeling nostalgic. Do tell me how I'm doing?

Part 2

In the aftermath of the Uchiha massacre, Y/N finds herself grappling with loss, duty, and an unexpected connection with Kakashi Hatake. As she cares for Sasuke and navigates her feelings for the enigmatic Copy Ninja, their bond deepens amidst missions, village gossip, and unresolved emotions. But with Sasuke’s protectiveness and Itachi’s shadow looming over them, can Y/N truly find love and normalcy, or is her heart forever tied to the past?

masterlist

The soft hum of the cicadas filled the warm summer evening, blending with the crackling of a small fire in the yard of a modest home on the outskirts of Konoha. Y/N Uchiha sat cross-legged near the flames, her dark eyes reflecting the light as she meticulously sharpened a kunai. She was surrounded by an air of calm, but her thoughts were far from peaceful.

The massacre haunted her every waking moment. Every shadow seemed to whisper the names of her kin, every quiet moment echoed with their cries. She'd agreed to take care of Sasuke, but her own grief felt like a relentless weight. The truth Itachi had confided to her before leaving—the burden he'd carried, the impossible choice he'd made—was both a curse and a mercy. She couldn't hate him, even though she desperately wanted to.

She had just returned from a simple mission that morning, and had arrived later than expected, she knew her parents would be angry. When she stepped into the compound her thoughts vanished. The first thing she saw? Itachi, holding a Kunai in his anbu uniform. Blood, bodies.... "Itachi...." he turned to her carefully, tears in his eyes. He walked to her, and fell on his knees. He told her everything, in turn he asked for two things: Take care of Sasuke, and never tell anyone what he shared with her. With that, he was gone. He had meant the world to her, as young as she was, Itachi was the love of her life.

A sudden knock at the door shattered the stillness. Y/N tensed, kunai at the ready, before she remembered herself. Few dared to venture out to her home, and fewer still would come without warning. She set the weapon down and rose cautiously, brushing the dust from her hands as she approached the door.

When she opened it, Kakashi Hatake stood there, his mask hiding much of his face but not the exhaustion in his visible eye. His slouched posture and the faint sag of his shoulders spoke of battles fought, both on and off the field.

"Kakashi," she said, surprise coloring her tone. "What are you doing here?"

He hesitated, one hand resting on the doorframe as if it were the only thing keeping him upright. "I need your help," he said simply.

Y/N's brows furrowed. She stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter. "Come in," she said softly, her earlier wariness replaced by concern.

Kakashi stepped into the modest home, his gaze sweeping over the sparse but functional interior. He didn't sit, though, remaining near the entrance like he didn't belong.

She crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. "What kind of help are we talking about?"

Kakashi's hand moved to his headband, fingers hesitating for the briefest moment before pulling it up. The red glow of the Sharingan in his left eye was sharp against his pale skin, but there was a faint tremble in the lid. "This," he said.

She held back to ask where he had gotten it, thinking back to the relationships he had with Obito before he died.

Y/N's lips parted in surprise. She hadn't seen the Sharingan outside her clan, ever, to be fair she was just 14 when the clan disappeared. Her gaze softened. "You're struggling to control it," she deduced, stepping closer.

He gave a short nod. "It drains me faster than I can keep up. It’s… not mine"

There was a heaviness in his voice that she recognized all too well. Loss. Guilt. A desperate need to honor the dead in a way that only the living could.

"Does anyone know you have this?" He hesitated for a second and looked away, the insinuation was clear. No.

"I can only teach you what I know, which isn't all" He nodded and accepted what she could give.

She inhaled deeply, her mind already racing with the lessons she'd been taught as a child. "Sit down," she instructed, motioning toward a cushion. When he hesitated, she gave him a pointed look. "You came to me for help, so let me help."

Kakashi complied, lowering himself with a stiffness that came from too many missions and too little rest. She sat across from him, her dark eyes locking onto his mismatched gaze.

"The Sharingan..." she began carefully. "It requires more than just physical energy—it takes something deeper. Something you need to learn to balance." Her tone softened. "I can teach you, but it won't be easy."

"I didn't expect it to be," he replied quietly.

For a moment, neither spoke. The weight of their respective losses filled the room like an unspoken truth, pressing against them both. Finally, Y/N broke the silence.

"Why now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why come to me after everything? You could've gone to the elders when they were still alive"

Kakashi's gaze flickered, the Sharingan fading as he let his headband fall back into place. "Because I thought I could handle it on my own," he admitted. "Besides, you understand where this came from."

Her heart twisted at his words. She knew exactly what he meant, and she hated how true it was. They were both haunted by the past, bound by love and loss in ways no one else could comprehend.

She reached out, placing a hand lightly on his. "We'll figure it out together," she said firmly.

For the first time that evening, a faint smile touched Kakashi's lips, hidden though it was behind his mask. "Thank you," he said simply.

As the fire outside burned low and the night deepened, the two found a strange solace in each other’s presence. Neither dared to say it aloud, but for the first time in a long while, neither felt entirely alone.

Years Later

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the dirt path as Kakashi and his newly assigned Team 7 made their way back to the village after a routine patrol. Naruto was complaining loudly about the lack of excitement, Sakura was scolding him, and Sasuke trailed behind, his expression as unreadable as ever. Kakashi, walking ahead, tuned out the bickering and kept an eye on their surroundings—until he saw a familiar silhouette approaching in the distance.

Y/N Uchiha.

She was returning from a mission, her travel-worn cloak dusted with dirt and her weapons pouch slightly askew. Despite the weariness in her step, her gaze was sharp, and the faintest smirk tugged at her lips when she spotted the group.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" she teased as she stopped in front of them, her eyes immediately seeking out Sasuke. "You’ve got yourself a squad now, huh?"

"Y/N," Sasuke greeted with his usual detached tone, though there was a flicker of warmth in his eyes.

"Wait, you know her?" Naruto asked, pointing at her dramatically. "Who is she?"

Sakura, more composed, bowed slightly. "It’s nice to meet you. I’m Sakura Haruno."

Y/N’s gaze softened as she regarded them, then flicked over to Kakashi, who stood silently watching her with his usual aloof demeanor. She grinned, mischief sparking in her eyes. "I’m Y/N Uchiha, Sasuke’s... clan mat and," —she nodded toward Kakashi—"I’m the reason they call him the Copy Ninja."

Naruto’s jaw dropped. "What? No way! You mean you taught him how to do that crazy stuff?"

Kakashi sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Don’t give her too much credit."

"Oh, please," Y/N shot back, her grin widening. "If it weren’t for me, you’d still be trying to figure out which end of a kunai to hold." Y/N shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. "He was hopeless on his own. Let’s just say he’s lucky I took pity on him."

"Now you’re exaggerating," Kakashi interjected, though his tone was more resigned than annoyed.

"You’re just mad because it’s true," Y/N teased, crossing her arms and tilting her head at him. "Anyway, I’m guessing this is your new team? Good luck—you’ll need it, especially with this one." She nodded toward Sasuke, who just scoffed.

Sasuke cleared his throat, clearly ready for the conversation to end. "Are you heading back to the village?"

"Yeah," Y/N replied, her tone softening. "Mission's done, and I’ve got reports to file. I’ll see you at home later."

As she turned to leave, she paused and glanced over her shoulder at Kakashi. "You’ve got your hands full with these kids, but don’t slack off on them. They deserve the best, Copy Ninja."

Kakashi raised a hand in lazy acknowledgment, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his masked mouth.

"She’s awesome!" Naruto declared as they continued walking. "I didn’t know you had someone like her in your clan, Sasuke!"

"She’s annoying," Sasuke muttered, though his tone lacked any real bite.

Kakashi, watching the interplay, found himself smiling faintly under his mask. Y/N had a way of livening up the quiet moments, her banter leaving an impression long after she was gone. Though her words had been playful, the truth in them lingered. She had been his guide through a part of his life he wouldn’t have navigated alone, and for that, he would always be quietly grateful.

[sonske]

Sasuke taking care of Naruto

[sasukeen]

Imagine Sasuke Protecting You

Sasuke dropped into a protective crouch in front of you. “Stay behind me,” he said.

You glanced down at your injured leg, muttering, “That won’t be too difficult.”

Protective Sasuke is just....there are no words.

[justlovesasusaku]

He blew his damn cover just because some guy wanted to touch her hair

[justlovesasusaku]

Honestly, how can you not love them?

[todorokis-girl]

Between Shadows and Light - Kakashi x Reader (Pt 3)

part 1 Part 2 Part 4

In the aftermath of the Uchiha massacre, Y/N finds herself grappling with loss, duty, and an unexpected connection with Kakashi Hatake. As she cares for Sasuke and navigates her feelings for the enigmatic Copy Ninja, their bond deepens amidst missions, village gossip, and unresolved emotions. But with Sasuke’s protectiveness and Itachi’s shadow looming over them, can Y/N truly find love and normalcy, or is her heart forever tied to the past?

Masterlist

Y/N strolled back toward her house, the quiet streets of Konoha a welcome reprieve from the chatter of the market. She’d run into Kakashi earlier than expected, and as always, his presence had left her thoughts unsettled. He had a way of lingering, even when he wasn’t physically there.

When she reached her doorstep, she paused, her hand resting on the wooden frame. Inside, she could hear Sasuke moving around—probably sharpening his kunai or organizing his gear. He was meticulous like that, a trait he’d honed as he grew older.

She stepped inside and found him sitting at the small dining table, a book open in front of him. He barely glanced up as she entered, but she didn’t miss the faint tension in his shoulders.

"Back so soon?" he asked, his tone neutral.

"Errands didn’t take long," she replied, setting down her bag. She studied him for a moment. "Something on your mind?"

He shrugged, not meeting her gaze. "Training’s been... frustrating."

Y/N pulled out a chair and sat across from him. "Kakashi giving you a hard time?"

Sasuke finally looked up, his dark eyes narrowing. "He holds back. He treats me like I can’t handle anything serious."

Y/N’s lips twitched in a faint smile. "That’s because you're still traiming. The basics are an essential part of solid foundation."

Sasuke scowled, but she could see the flicker of acknowledgment in his expression.

"Give it time," she said softly. "Kakashi’s not one to rush things, but he sees potential in you. He wouldn’t waste his time otherwise."

The corner of Sasuke’s mouth twitched, almost forming a smile, but he caught himself and looked away. "Whatever."

Y/N chuckled, standing up and ruffling his hair as she passed him. "Dinner will be ready soon. Don’t make that face for too long—it might stick."

Later that evening, after Sasuke had gone to bed, Y/N stepped out into the backyard. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the small garden. She wrapped her arms around herself, leaning against the wooden railing of the porch as her thoughts drifted.

She didn’t hear him approach at first.

"You’re quieter than usual," Kakashi said from behind her, his voice low but unmistakable.

She turned her head slightly, unsurprised to see him leaning casually against the side of the house, his arms crossed. "What are you doing here?"

He shrugged, pushing off the wall and walking toward her. "Couldn’t sleep. Figured you might be awake."

Y/N raised an eyebrow. "And why would you assume that?"

He gave her a look that made her stomach twist in an infuriatingly familiar way. "You've always had a terrible sleep schedule"

She exhaled sharply, turning back to the garden. "I didn’t realize I was that predictable. Besides, it's the only time in the day I get to myself, Sasuke has always been an early to bed sort of kid"

Kakashi stepped closer, his presence warm despite the cool night air. "It’s not a bad thing. Just means I pay attention."

Y/N’s heart gave an involuntary lurch, but she kept her voice steady. "What do you want, Kakashi?"

There was a pause, and when he spoke again, his tone was softer. "Maybe I just wanted to see you."

She turned to face him, her arms still crossed defensively. "You know you make things harder whenever you say things like that"

"I know," he said simply "But you can handle it". His gaze, visible through the mask and his one uncovered eye, held hers steadily.

For a moment, the space between them felt impossibly small. She was acutely aware of the way he was standing, the way his voice had dropped just enough to make her pulse quicken.

"Kakashi—"

Her words were cut off when he stepped closer, his hand reaching out as if to touch her cheek but stopping short.

Neither of them moved.

Her breath caught in her throat, and she could feel the tension like a live wire between them. He leaned in, just slightly, his gaze flicking to her lips.

"Y/N—"

The sound of the sliding door slamming open shattered the moment.

"Y/N, where’s—"

Sasuke’s voice broke through, and the two of them sprang apart like they’d been caught doing something forbidden.

Y/N turned toward Sasuke, her heart hammering in her chest. "What is it?" she asked, her voice higher than she intended.

Sasuke frowned, his gaze flicking between them suspiciously. "I forgot to ask if we have more shuriken. I’m low."

"In the weapons chest," she replied quickly, avoiding his gaze.

Sasuke lingered for a moment, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly before he turned and disappeared back into the house.

As soon as he was gone, Y/N let out a shaky breath.

Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck, his posture as nonchalant as ever. "Well, that was... unfortunate timing."

She glared at him, though her cheeks were still flushed. "You should go."

"Are we going to talk about—"

"No," she said firmly, cutting him off.

His visible eye crinkled slightly, though she couldn’t tell if it was in amusement or something else. "Fair enough. Goodnight, Y/N."

She didn’t respond as he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving her alone with her racing thoughts and the unmistakable feeling that something between them had just shifted.

The days that followed were a blur of normalcy, yet the air between Y/N and Kakashi felt undeniably different. She avoided him as much as her responsibilities allowed, throwing herself into training with Sasuke, mission briefings, and mundane village errands. Despite her efforts, the memory of that almost-kiss lingered, replaying at the most inconvenient moments—when she was alone in her room, when Kakashi passed her in the market, or when Sasuke mentioned his name offhandedly.

Sasuke, sharp as ever, didn’t miss her newfound tension.

"You’ve been distracted," he remarked one afternoon during training.

Y/N turned to him, kunai in hand, forcing a smile. "Have I?"

He raised an eyebrow. "You keep pausing like you’re somewhere else."

She let out a quiet sigh and crossed her arms, trying to appear nonchalant. "I’ve just had a lot on my mind."

Sasuke’s expression didn’t change. "Does it have to do with Kakashi?"

Her breath hitched, but she recovered quickly. "Why would you say that?"

"You’re avoiding him." Sasuke’s tone was matter-of-fact, but his eyes held an edge of suspicion. "It’s obvious."

Y/N hesitated, weighing her response carefully. "Kakashi and I have worked together for a long time. Sometimes… things get complicated."

"Complicated how?"

"It’s nothing you need to worry about," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Focus on your training."

Sasuke didn’t push further, but the doubt in his eyes lingered.

That evening, after Sasuke had gone to bed, Y/N found herself restless. The house was silent except for the faint chirping of crickets outside. She sat on the porch, her knees pulled to her chest, staring at the stars as if they held the answers she couldn’t find.

"You’ve been avoiding me."

The voice startled her, but she didn’t turn around. She knew who it was. To be honest, he was the only person to ever step foot into the Uchiha compound besides herself and Sasuke.

"You have a habit of sneaking up on people," she said, her tone dry.

Kakashi stepped into view, his hands in his pockets, his ever-present mask obscuring his face. "Only when they’re trying to avoid me."

She let out a small sigh, looking away. "What, Kakashi?"

He sat down beside her, leaving a respectful distance between them. For a moment, he didn’t say anything, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"About the other night…" he began, his voice quieter than usual.

"There’s nothing to talk about," she interrupted quickly, hugging her knees tighter.

"You don’t think so?"

She glanced at him, her eyes narrowing. "Kakashi—"

"You felt it too," he said simply, his tone steady but laced with something she couldn’t quite place. "Didn’t you?"

Her chest tightened, but she forced herself to remain calm. "It doesn’t matter."

"It does. We've been feeling like this for years Y/N; why do you keep running away?"

She turned to face him fully, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Do you think this is easy for me? I can’t—" She stopped herself, taking a deep breath. "Sasuke’s my priority. Everything else comes second. Including… whatever this is."

Kakashi studied her, his visible eye softening. "I understand," he said after a long pause. "But you don't have to be alone to take care of Sasuke"

"I’ve been alone for years," she replied quietly. "It’s easier that way."

He reached out, hesitating for a moment before his hand rested lightly on her arm. "You’re not alone, Y/N. No matter how much you may think you are; you've never been"

The weight of his words settled between them, heavy and unspoken. She looked down at his hand, then back up at him, her resolve wavering.

Before either of them could say another word, the sound of a door sliding open broke the moment.

"Y/N?"

Sasuke’s voice was groggy, but it cut through the tension like a knife.

Kakashi immediately pulled his hand back, his demeanor shifting to something more neutral. Y/N turned to Sasuke, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "What’s wrong?"

"Can’t sleep," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

"Go lie down," she said gently. "I’ll be in soon."

Sasuke nodded, glancing briefly at Kakashi before retreating back inside.

Y/N stood, brushing off her clothes. "You should go," she said, not meeting Kakashi’s gaze.

He hesitated, but eventually rose to his feet. "Goodnight, Y/N."

She didn’t respond as he walked away, disappearing into the night. Once he was gone, she let out a shaky breath, her emotions a tangled mess.

No matter how hard she tried, the walls she’d built around herself were beginning to crack. And Kakashi, whether he realized it or not, was becoming impossible to ignore.

After she helped Sasuke settle back to bed she found herself sitting on the grass of her backyard again. As late as it was, the quiet helped to dig through her memories. The house was silent except for the faint chirping of crickets outside. Her knees pulled to her chest, staring at the stars as if they held the answers she couldn’t find. And yet, her thoughts drifted back to Kakashi.

Her mind wandered to the beginning, to the time he had first come to her seeking help with the Sharingan. He had been hesitant, awkward even, in the way he asked. At the time, Y/N had been drowning in her grief, struggling to make sense of her place in the village after the massacre. Teaching Kakashi had given her purpose, a way to channel her pain into something meaningful.

She remembered the early days of his training vividly—the quiet mornings in the clearing outside the village, where they practiced until the sun dipped below the horizon. Kakashi had been a quick study, but the strain of using the Sharingan without an Uchiha’s natural chakra reserves had worn him down fast. Still, he never complained, and Y/N admired his determination even when she refused to say it aloud.

There were moments, though, when she’d catch him looking at her—moments when his mask slipped, not physically, but emotionally. His gaze lingered a second too long, and sometimes, when their hands accidentally brushed during a sparring session, he would pull back just a fraction too quickly, as if burned. She had written it off as nothing, attributing it to his aloof nature and her overactive imagination.

But others had noticed. Even before the massacre, even before they became close. She could still hear the teasing whispers from years ago, back when their sessions together were a common sight. “Do you think Y/N was meant for Kakashi, not Itachi?” someone had said once. She’d laughed it off, her heart too preoccupied with thoughts of Itachi to even consider the idea.

Kakashi, for his part, had never addressed the rumors. He was always quiet, always respectful, but there had been times when he would glance at her in a way that made her stomach flutter. At the time, she hadn’t known what it meant—or maybe she had been too afraid to know.

One memory stood out in sharp relief. It had been late in the evening, the sky streaked with purples and reds, and they were packing up their training equipment. She’d turned to him, a casual remark on her lips, and caught him staring. His eye had softened in a way she hadn’t seen before, a faint blush coloring the tips of his ears.

“What is it?” she’d asked, her voice teasing. “Do I have something on my face?”

He’d looked away quickly, rubbing the back of his neck. “No. Nothing.”

She’d laughed, brushing it off, but the moment had lingered in her mind for days after.

She remembered the day he had stood beside her at the riverbank, their sandals sinking into the wet sand as the water rushed past their ankles. They’d been just teenagers then, still figuring out who they were meant to be in a village that demanded so much from them. The massacre was a mere years behind her, still filling her every thought, even as she refused to grieve. She had been staring at the horizon, lost in thought, when he handed her a small paper crane he’d folded.

“Why the crane?” she’d asked, turning it over in her hands.

“It’s supposed to bring peace,” he’d replied, his voice quiet but steady. “Thought you could use some.”

At the time, she had simply smiled softly tucked the crane into her pouch, grateful, but never giving the gesture much thought. But now, years later, she could still feel the weight of that small offering, the way his gaze had lingered on her as though he’d wanted to say more but hadn’t known how.

Now, sitting on the porch, she felt a pang of regret. How many of those moments had she ignored? How many times had she chosen to look away because she was too focused on Itachi, too afraid of what moving on might mean? But then again, he was focused on Rin. She wasn't the only one ignoring it... but at the end of it all, she continued to reject it even when he finally set his full focus on her.

Y/N sighed, resting her chin on her knees. She had spent so much of her life running—from her feelings, from her pain, from the possibility of happiness. But Kakashi… Kakashi had been there through it all, quiet and steady, waiting for her to see what had been in front of her all along.

“Why are we like this?” she muttered to herself, the question a quiet plea to the universe. “Why can’t we just… be honest?”

And now? Now she wasn’t sure what to do with the knowledge. Part of her wanted to run to him, to tell him everything, to see where this road might lead. But another part of her, the part that still clung to the past, whispered doubts into her ear. What if it’s too late? What if you’re too broken to give him what he deserves?

Why hadn’t she seen it? Was it because of Itachi, because she had been so consumed by her feelings for him? Or was it because she had been afraid, afraid of what it would mean to let someone like Kakashi in?

She sighed, her breath shaky. “How could I have been so blind?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

[todorokis-girl]

Between Shadows and Light - Kakashi x Reader (Pt 2)

I'm trying something new, and I am feeling nostalgic. Do tell me how I'm doing?

This is a slow walk, I want to savor it.

part 1 part 3

In the aftermath of the Uchiha massacre, Y/N finds herself grappling with loss, duty, and an unexpected connection with Kakashi Hatake. As she cares for Sasuke and navigates her feelings for the enigmatic Copy Ninja, their bond deepens amidst missions, village gossip, and unresolved emotions. But with Sasuke’s protectiveness and Itachi’s shadow looming over them, can Y/N truly find love and normalcy, or is her heart forever tied to the past?

masterlist

The night settled over the village like a thick, velvety blanket, muffling the sounds of daily life until only the occasional whisper of the wind remained. Y/N sat cross-legged on the porch of her home, her gaze fixed on the sky. Stars blinked down at her, their cold light a stark contrast to the warmth of the lantern that flickered beside her.

She wrapped her arms around her knees, sighing softly. The day had been long, the missions draining, but the quiet of the evening offered little reprieve. Her thoughts were restless, pulled in too many directions. Sasuke’s growing independence filled her with pride, but the gap left by his determination to forge his own path felt wider each day. And then there was Kakashi—a presence in her life that seemed to defy explanation.

The crunch of gravel underfoot drew her attention, breaking through her thoughts. She tensed instinctively, hand brushing the kunai at her side, until a familiar voice called out.

“Relax, Y/N. It’s just me.”

Kakashi stepped into the lantern’s glow, his silhouette tall and slightly hunched as if carrying the weight of the day’s battles. His mask and slouched posture were as familiar as her own reflection, and yet something about seeing him here, at her home, sent a ripple through her chest.

“Don’t you ever make noise?” she teased, her voice steadier than she felt.

“I would have, but I didn’t want to interrupt you staring dramatically at the stars.”

She rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth tugged upward in a reluctant smile. “What are you doing here?”

Kakashi leaned against the railing, his gaze shifting to the lantern. “I could ask you the same. Long day?”

She nodded, resting her chin on her knees. “Long life.”

He hummed in agreement, the sound low and thoughtful. “Mind some company?”

For a moment, she hesitated. Her home was her sanctuary, her retreat from the world, but Kakashi had a way of slipping past her defenses without even trying. She gestured toward the empty space beside her.

“Suit yourself.”

He settled beside her with a quiet sigh, stretching his legs out in front of him. The silence that followed was comfortable, the kind that didn’t demand to be filled.

“You don’t have to keep checking on me, you know,” she said after a while, her voice softer now.

“I’m not checking on you,” he replied, turning his head to look at her. His visible eye was warm, the usual lazy indifference replaced by something quieter, deeper. “I just… like being here.”

Her chest tightened at his words, and she dropped her gaze to the lantern’s flame, its flicker mirrored in her dark eyes.

“You always say things like that so casually,” she muttered, her tone caught somewhere between exasperation and fondness.

“It’s not casual,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

She looked at him then, really looked. There was something in his expression—something raw and unguarded—that sent her heart racing. Kakashi was a master of masks, both literal and figurative, but in that moment, she could see him. The man beneath the aloof demeanor. The man who had suffered as much loss as she had, who carried his own ghosts but never let them weigh him down when it came to others.

“Kakashi…” Her voice faltered, the name hanging in the air between them.

“I know,” he said, cutting her off gently. “You don’t have to say it. But I needed to.”

Her breath hitched, and for the first time in years, she felt exposed. Vulnerable. But instead of retreating into herself, she held his gaze, searching for something—anything—that could guide her through the storm of emotions churning inside her.

“I don’t know if I’m ready,” she admitted, the words trembling on her lips.

“I’m not asking you to be,” he said simply. “I’m just… here. For you.”

The sincerity in his tone broke something inside her, and she closed her eyes against the sting of tears. It had been so long since she’d allowed herself to lean on someone else, to believe that she didn’t have to carry everything alone.

When she opened her eyes, Kakashi was still watching her, his gaze steady and unwavering. Slowly, tentatively, she reached out, her fingers brushing against his gloved hand. He didn’t pull away.

The contact was small, almost imperceptible, but it was enough. Enough to remind her that she wasn’t alone, that even in the darkest moments, there were people willing to stand beside her.

The lantern flickered again, casting their shadows against the wall, two figures sitting side by side, finding solace in each other; with Kakashi by her side, she wondered if maybe, just maybe, she could learn to live again.

The sunlight filtered softly through the thin curtains of Y/N’s home, illuminating the small kitchen where she set down a plate of rice and eggs. Across from her, Sasuke sat stiffly, his arms crossed as he stared at the steaming food. He was thirteen now, and though his frame was still wiry with youth, the lines of his jaw and the fire in his eyes hinted at the man he was determined to become.

“You’re up early,” she said, sliding a cup of tea toward him.

“You’re not,” he replied, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

She rolled her eyes, sipping her tea. It was an old exchange, one that had started years ago when Sasuke was just a child trying to mask his worry whenever she returned late from missions.

Sasuke’s gaze drifted to her face, his expression hard with a faint softness in a way he rarely allowed anyone else to see. “You should rest more,” he said, his tone quieter now.

“I’ll rest when you do,” she shot back, arching a brow.

For a moment, the heaviness that often hung between them lifted. But it wasn’t long before it crept back, subtle but present.

“I saw Kakashi leaving last night,” Sasuke said, his voice carefully even.

Y/N glanced at him over the rim of her cup, unsurprised by the observation. “He stopped by. It wasn’t anything serious.”

Sasuke studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. “He’s around a lot these days.”

“Is that a problem?” she asked, setting her cup down.

Sasuke shrugged, though the tension in his shoulders betrayed him. “He’s around a lot.”

“I thought you liked him,” she said, leaning against the counter and crossing her arms.

“I tolerate him,” Sasuke corrected. “He’s not as annoying as Naruto.”

Y/N couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “Well, that’s high praise.”

After a moment of silence, y/n noticed the only thing he'd had so far was a couple sips of tea "You’re not eating again," her tone light but carrying an edge of exasperation. She crossed her arms and tilted her head at him.

"I’m not hungry," he muttered, his voice laced with irritation.

She didn’t buy it. "You’re going to need your strength, you know. Training on an empty stomach isn’t exactly smart."

Sasuke’s gaze flicked up to hers, sharp and stubborn. "I’m fine. I don’t need you fussing over me."

Y/N sighed, lowering herself into the chair opposite him. "Fussing? Is that what this is?" She gestured to the plate. "Sasuke, I’m trying to make sure you don’t collapse in the middle of whatever grueling regimen you’ve set for yourself today."

"I won’t collapse," he shot back. "I’m not weak."

She flinched at his words but masked it quickly. This wasn’t the first time he’d equated concern with weakness, and she doubted it would be the last. His resolve to avenge their clan had grown sharper over the years, and though she admired his determination, it left little room for softness.

"I never said you were," she replied evenly.

His shoulders stiffened, and for a moment, the kitchen was silent save for the faint rustle of the wind outside. Then, without a word, Sasuke reached for the chopsticks and began eating, though his movements were slow and reluctant.

Y/N’s gaze softened as she watched him. He still carried the pain of that night like a wound that refused to heal, and no matter how much she tried to be there for him, there were some things she couldn’t take away.

And he didn’t know the truth.

Her mind drifted to Itachi, the memory of his tear-streaked face as he knelt before her on that blood-soaked night. His whispered confession, his plea for her to protect Sasuke, had become the foundation of her every decision since then.

But Sasuke hated him. Blinded by rage and grief, he saw only the brother who had slaughtered their family—not the one who had sacrificed everything to save them and the village.

"I’ll be heading out soon," Sasuke said suddenly, breaking her reverie.

"Another training session with Kakashi?" she asked, keeping her tone casual.

He nodded, pushing his empty plate aside.

Her lips curved into a faint smile. "You know, he’s been impressed with your progress. He doesn’t say it, but I can tell."

Sasuke shrugged, but there was a flicker of pride in his eyes.

As he stood and moved toward the door, Y/N’s voice stopped him.

"Sasuke," she said softly.

He paused, glancing back at her.

"You’re not alone, you know," she said, her eyes meeting his. "You never have to be."

He didn’t respond right away, his expression unreadable. Then, with a faint nod, he stepped outside, letting the door close behind him.

The day passed in a blur of errands and brief conversations with fellow shinobi. Y/N was no stranger to the stares and whispers that followed her through the village. The Uchiha name carried a weight that hadn’t diminished over the years, and her association with Kakashi only fueled the rumors.

"Did you see Y/N and Kakashi yesterday? Together again."

"They’re always together lately. Think there’s something going on?"

"I heard she’s the reason he’s so good with the Sharingan. Makes sense, doesn’t it?"

Y/N kept her head high as she walked through the market, ignoring the murmurs. She’d grown used to the speculation, but that didn’t mean it didn’t bother her.

"Y/N!"

The cheerful voice of Kurenai Yuhi broke through her thoughts. The kunoichi waved as she approached, her crimson eyes warm and friendly. "Running errands?"

"Something like that," Y/N replied with a small smile.

Kurenai fell into step beside her, her gaze studying Y/N thoughtfully. "You’ve been the talk of the village lately, you know."

Y/N raised a brow. "What else is new?"

Kurenai chuckled. "Fair enough. But the Kakashi thing… it’s not helping, you know."

"There’s no ‘thing,’" Y/N said firmly, though her cheeks warmed slightly.

"Right," Kurenai teased. "And I suppose the way he looks at you is just... friendly concern?"

Y/N rolled her eyes, but her heart skipped a beat at the comment. "He’s a colleague. A friend, at most."

"Uh-huh," Kurenai said, clearly unconvinced.

Before Y/N could respond, a familiar voice called out from behind them.

"Y/N."

They turned to see Kakashi approaching, his usual lazy demeanor in place. He gave Kurenai a polite nod before focusing on Y/N.

"Walk with me?" he asked.

Kurenai shot Y/N a knowing look before excusing herself, leaving the two of them alone.

Y/N sighed, falling into step beside Kakashi. "You know you’re not helping the rumors, right?"

He glanced at her, his visible eye crinkling with amusement. "Rumors don’t bother me."

"Well, they bother me," she muttered.

Kakashi’s tone softened. "If it’s really a problem, I can keep my distance."

Y/N stopped walking, turning to face him. "That’s not what I meant."

He looked at her, and for a moment, the air between them felt charged.

"Good," he said simply.

Y/N shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "You’re impossible."

"And yet, you put up with me," he replied, his voice laced with warmth.

She didn’t respond, but as they continued walking, she couldn’t ignore the steady presence of Kakashi at her side—or the way her heart seemed to ache with a mix of confusion and longing.

It was only a matter of time before the lines between them blurred further, but for now, she chose to focus on the path ahead, one step at a time.