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“Get the Hokage!” The guards shouted amongst the roar of a crowd forming just behind the gate to the village. “He’ll have to decide what to do with him. How are you alive anyway? And why are you here?”
“That’s not for you to know,” Obito hissed as he kneeled with his palms on display. His voice was clearly tired, as were his eyes; as though he had been crying. “I’ll speak to Kakashi or Naruto... or Sasuke, I suppose. Nobody else here would even listen.”
“And you’re in a position to make commands now? A war criminal who, by all rights, is supposed to be dead? Yeah, right,” the guard mocked in a snide tone, walking towards the kneeling man. He then squatted in the space before Obito, grabbing his chin and forcing his eye contact. “Why shouldn’t I just kill you now?”
Obito simply snarled in response, shooting the guard a nasty glare. This earned him a swift punch in the gut which forced the air out of him, making him double over. ‘What makes you think you’ve earned such an attitude? You’re nothing more than living trash,’ the guard thought to himself as he began to wind up another strike.
“Stand down, you are but a guard. It is not your duty to dole out punishment.” The Hokage’s shadow loomed behind the guard. A stern expression painted his face until it was swiftly softened as he bore witness to the face of a friend long gone. “Wh- Obi... Obito?”
“So you’re the Hokage now, huh? Always thought that’d be me,” the Uchiha sounded pained, yet proud; a sad smile turning his lips. “I’m just as confused as you are ‘Kashi, before you ask. Besides, I’d rather talk in private, please?”
“Y-yeah. I- have a lot to do, you know, since I’m the Hokage.” The air was tense, Kakashi’s usual demeanors consisted of serious and aloof, and this was certainly not that. Everyone seemed surprised to hear him stutter and struggle with words. “I’ll uh- see you later. Take him to interrogation, but tell them that by my orders he is to not be touched... At all, until I can do it myself. And be gentle with him, I don’t think he’ll try anything. We had a- revelation, of sorts during that last battle.”
“As you will, lord.”
At first opportunity, which was unfortunately rather late as expected, he headed towards interrogation. He wore a somber face beneath his mask and dragged his feet as he tried his best to avoid people, to avoid the crowd, but somehow Gai always managed to find him: even in his wheel-bound state. He was managing to avoid him quite well until he was a mere block from his destination. Swooping down from the buildings to Kakashi’s flank, assisted by Lee, Gai wrapped his arm around his waist familiarly.
“If it isn’t my lifetime riva-” Gai started before being interrupted by a finger on his lips.
“Not now, I will entertain you later, or whenever I have the chance. I’ll explain later but- ” his voice shaking with obvious anxiety.
“Uh- alright, no need to explain more,” even someone as oblivious as Gai could tell now was not a good time.
The second Gai was rolled aside, Kakashi’s chest began to stir and his head started thinking faster than it ever had. Was he nervous? Anxious? If he was, it was an entirely new kind of anxiety to the jaded man. He felt his stomach turn, but his heart raced: and it was frightening. He should be angry. Furious, even, right? Not feeling like a teenage girl on her first date, struggling to maintain her excitement. This man threatened everything he had ever known, and everything he had ever loved, but he was also his first and only love. Not that Obito ever knew that, Kakashi himself didn’t even realize it until he lost him... again. He tried his best to push these feelings to the side for now as he continued towards his destination, sighing as he pushed open the metal door leading to interrogation.
“Lord Sixth!” Kakashi was greeted with the formality he had become used to: a bow and a salute. Something he usually loathed, but in this moment he appreciated some form of normalcy. “He’s in the low-security area as you requested. He has been remarkably well-behaved, we haven’t even needed to restrain him.”
“Alright, thanks,” he replied uncharacteristically warmly, a smile beneath his mask. One born of nervousness, but a smile nevertheless. “Has anyone else come to speak to him?”
“Naruto was here briefly, but they only exchanged a few brief words. I think he came mostly to confirm it for himself. You know, he's only allowed out of the hospital a couple hours a day, still recovering and all.” The guard seemed cautious of the silver-haired ninja, not used to seeing him act this warmly.
“Okay. Thanks again,” and like that; Kakashi felt the tension in his body reduce almost entirely.
Sinking back into his usual relaxed posture, he slinked his way over to the guard rest area. He wasn’t too familiar with interrogation, it wasn’t his usual rodeo, but he was familiar enough to know where the lounge was. He grabbed some green tea and rice balls for himself and Obito.
Just before entering the low-security ward, he froze. He just stood there in front of the door, his legs struggling to support himself. What would he even say? Obviously, he’d have to ask him how in the sages he was alive, but what after? Would they just talk like they used to? No, that wouldn’t make any sense, they’re both entirely different people than were. It wouldn’t make any sense. Should he act like an interrogator, or is that too cold?
“Senpai...?” A familiar voice rang behind him, like the light at the end of a tunnel; it brought him back to earth. And thank god it did, otherwise, he might’ve spiraled forever. “Are you okay? It’s... rare to see you cry. And I don’t think I've ever seen you shakin', and sweatin' like this. What’s up?”
“Yamato, I- it’s... it’s Obito... he’s here, he’s... alive,” Kakashi said, his voice barely audible before he took a second to breathe. “What in the actual fuck am I supposed to say? How am I supposed to address him? Shou-”
“But he- you... he literally disintegrated... no?” The younger asked, before realizing that he clearly didn’t understand either. He brought his hand to his senpai’s shoulder, rubbing it assuringly. “Given that you're headed towards the low-security ward, I assume he’s here willingly, no?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m sure he’d be fine with a friendly tone if that’s what you would prefer. I can go with you if it’d help.”
“I- uh... I’d like that, I’m just not sure he would be okay with that. Stay here, please? I’ll go ask.” Kakashi had never been more grateful to know anyone in his life than at this moment, Tenzou had always been someone he could count on, and he more than appreciated that.
“Of course, senpai, come tell me if he’s alright with that.”
After flashing the wood ninja a nervous smile, he headed through the door in front of them and down the hall. As he breathed in the metal-tinged air of the prison he felt as if his lungs would collapse. Kakashi was completely unaware of his surroundings as he stared at the floor waiting to arrive at Obito’s cell, his eyes remained fixed on the cold cement as he arrived.
“Uh- Would you care if...” he started only to be interrupted by the older man.
“We don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. I can understand never wanting to see my face again.” His voice was stern, but not devoid of care- it was clear he spoke with regret.
“No! It’s not that,” he felt his voice growing louder as he looked up to see his ex-comrade sitting attentively at the end of the cell bed. “I just... Listen, I’m just not sure how I’m supposed to interact with you after all this time and after... you know. So... would you mind if a dear kouhai of mine was here, just so I don’t freak out again?”
“If you want, I guess I’m fine with that. If it’d let me talk to ya again.”
“So uh- just fair warning: you kinda know him? Yamato?”
“The wood user?” Obito let out an awkward chuckle, grimacing at the thought of seeing the man he kidnapped. “He’s not... opposed to being there?”
“No, actually he’s the one who suggested it, surprisingly. Actually, not that surprising, he is uh- one constant in my life that I appreciate.”
“Ouch.” Obito snarled before speaking over Kakashi as he opened his mouth to reply. “Kidding, I deserve it. Regardless, sure, go get ‘im.”
Lurching down the hallways in a hurry, Kakashi practically ran to retrieve Tenzou. Once he finally arrived, he had been hurrying so much that he almost pushed his kouhai over with the force behind his hand on his shoulder.
“Woah, woah. Sorry. Hey, he said that's fine.” Yamato couldn’t help but notice the excitement behind his eyes, but also a hint of terror. Both were emotions he was not used to seeing the scorned man display so readily. He chose not to comment, for Kakashi’s sake.
“Alright lead the way, senpai,” he responded, Kakashi already dragging him with him. Pushing past the bars to Obito’s cell, the man knew he clearly trusted Obito despite everything.
“Hi again.” Kakashi cooed awkwardly, hand reaching behind his head to scratch at his scalp.
“Hey. Good to see ya again, Tobi.” A poor attempt at humor on Tenzou’s end elicited a chuckle from Obito. Mostly because he was surprised at the man’s willingness to make light of the tense situation, absolving everyone of just a bit of the tension.
“Hello,” he dragged on the last syllable, thinking of what to say. “I know what we... What I did to you is inexcusable, as is my continued existence. For what little it's worth: I’m sorry.”
“No worries, quite honestly I’ve been through worse back in the anbu. So sure, it hurt like a bitch, but I’m more than used to pain,” Yamato feigned a kind smile when really he wanted nothing more than to make him feel the same pain he caused him. He had to keep reminding himself he was doing this for Kakashi.
“I doubt that’s how you feel, but thanks anyway. So, what do you want to know ‘Kashi?”
“I’m going to assume you don’t know how you’re alive, right?”
“That assumption would be correct, I have zero idea what in god’s name could have brought me back,” Obito explained bluntly, fiddling with his thumbs between his knees as a mournful expression grew on the man. “I certainly don’t dese-”
“I’m going to stop you there, Obito.” The hair on everyone’s neck stood on edge as they heard the familiar voice, Kakashi turned to face his former student. Sasuke looked in from outside the bars before quietly entering with the group. “You’re not alive by happenstance, or some god's or sage’s intervention. Quite the opposite, actually.”
“Huh? And you know this how, exactly?” The group pondered in tandem, Kakashi’s eyes lighting up with gratitude as he figured Sasuke had something to do with it.
“You remember Pain’s Jutsu that restored the village. I had only heard of it, as I was doing... other things, during the time.” Sasuke’s eyes darted around the room as he attempted to avoid the humiliation of eye contact, embarrassed of his past. He then cleared his throat before continuing. “Well, it seems I was somewhat able to recreate the jutsu- to a lesser extent obviously, mostly from what I saw from you, Obito.”
“Y-you-” Obito stuttered, clearly both confused and astounded. “B-but you still... you’re alive. And your rinnegan is still intact. That’s the same jutsu I was made to use to revive Madara. You saw firsthand what it did to me.”
“I did, from what I understand, it has something to do with a deity known as the ‘King of Hell.” And deities work on principles, meaning they can’t influence that outside of their circle of influence. For whatever reason, your soul was lingering here on earth for far longer than it should have. And I was able to tether your soul to a body more, well, extant.”
“Well, I suppose I should thank you, but I can’t shake this feeling of frustration. It’s like I had finally faced judgment, only to be torn from it.” Obito’s eyes were fixed on his shaking hands while they tightly gripped his thighs, then his face softened. “Although, I am happy to be able to see the village, and Bakashi, again. So, thank you.”
“Thank you so much, my-” Kakashi’s own sniffle interrupted him as he tried to hold back tears. “Can I ask, why you did that?”
“Why wouldn’t I? He and I aren’t that different from each other. We both befell the same damnable curse that seems to follow the Uchiha around like a lost dog. The only difference between us is that the one meant to save me was strong enough to do so.” When he had finished he looked down at Kakashi, who was now sitting with his hands in his lap on the floor in front of Obito, to see his former sensei try and hide a scowl of regret. He spoke without thinking, as he always did, and his signature bluntness had hurt someone dear to him again. ‘I have got to work on that, I really do,’ Sasuke thought to himself before attempting to amend his comment. “That- wasn’t meant as a slight to you, sensei. Naruto is one in a million, he went through hell for me and still had the willpower to fight me practically to the death. Not to mention he's definitely the strongest ninja alive, maybe ever. Oh, he also knew I was alive, which definitely helped.”
“Doesn’t change the fact that I couldn’t help him.”
“You’re right, it doesn’t. But it does mean that you weren’t given the opportunity.” Sasuke squatted down and placed his hand on the silver-haired ninja’s shoulder in an attempt to comfort him, something he was never great at. “For what it counts, you are one of the most important figures in Naruto’s life. You helped shape him into the man who saved me, Obito, and the world.”
“It’s no one's fault, besides my own and Madara’s.” Obito finally chimed in, voice shaking and full of resentment. “If he hadn’t saved me, if I hadn’t been so gullible as to believe Kakashi a heartless murderer. If only...”
“Enough.” Sasuke's voice grew, now echoing off the cement walls. “Thinking like that will not get anyone anywhere. You will be stuck in the past. You have been given a second lease on life, live it.”
“He’s right Obito, it doesn’t help anyone to dwell on what can’t be changed.” Kakashi turned around to thank Sasuke again, but to his surprise, the man had already left. Turning back to Obito with a sigh, he continued. “Please, live the life you’ve been given as a part of the leaf.”
“Of the leaf...?” Both Yamato and Obito questioned.
“Even I’m not sure what that could mean yet. But as Hokage, I obviously have very significant sway in the village. It’s unlikely you’ll ever be able to walk around the village in broad daylight, at least not for a long while, people would outrage. But listen to me when I say, You will walk free again if that’s what you want.” Kakashi’s hand was placed on Obito’s knee as he spoke up towards the bulkier man, his eyes locked dead onto Obito’s eyes.
“Should I leave now senpai?” This conversation seemed all too personal to Tenzou with Sasuke gone, and he wanted to give them the space they needed. “This feels a bit too... personal for me now. And you seem to be getting more comfortable.”
“Oh- yeah, sorry. I’m good now, and thanks as always, Tenzou.” He smiled at his kouhai as he saluted the pair and headed back towards his post at Orochimaru’s lab. “Well...?”
“Well, what?”
“What I said earlier... would you like that?”
“It doesn’t matter what I want, idiot,” Obito scowled down at the man in front of him, his face softening upon seeing the hurt in Kakashi’s eyes. “Sorry, that was rude. I just mean that what matters is what I deserve, and I certainly don't deserve to walk free.”
“Isn’t that all the more reason to join the leaf? Help atone for your sins, so to say?”
“Tsk... that’s one way to look at it, I suppose,” the half-pallid man’s eyes glanced and wandered away from Kakashi as he searched for something to divert his attention to, settling on the corner where the cell’s bars met the cement beneath them. “Rather hopeful if you ask me, though. Personally, I think rotting away in a cell, tortured by my own guilt would be much more suitable.”
“O-obi... don’t say that.” Obito’s head snapped back down to Kakashi in surprise when he heard the younger’s voice break. His heart dropped into his gut, feeling the tears dropping from Kakashi’s face to his ankles. “I don’t want to lose anyone else, please.”
“Hey, hey,” his voice grew soft as he tried to comfort Kakashi. His hand came down on Kakashi’s shoulders, while the other rested on the messy silver coif atop his head. “I’m not leaving. I’ll be here, you can visit anytime.”
“I don’t want to have to visit you. You should be with me, helping Naruto and I to ensure the future of the village.”
“You flatter me, the village deserves someone who has the legs to stand on, morally speaking.”
“You don’t need the moral high ground to support the village, Obi. You could help Sai with the anbu, for example, someone who I’m certain would be willing to work with you.”
“You’re not getting it,” Obito mutters with a sigh, lifting Kakashi’s head up to meet his gaze. “I’m not good enough for the village, I’m not good enough for the anbu, and I’m not good enough for you.”
“Would you please stop? You are not your mistakes, If I lived in my mistakes I’d still be the sad husk of a man I was for so long after Rin’s death. It’s only because of my students, and by proxy Iruka, that I was able to make anything of myself. So please, let me do that for you.”
“You... but why?” Obito paused, letting a shaky breath escape from between his lips as his eyes began to wet with tears. “I’ve killed so many people.”
“And I won’t let you kill yourself. I don’t want to lose anyone ever again,” he hesitated for a moment, visibly concerned how Obito would react as he placed his hand on his leg hesitantly. “Especially not you.”
“O-okay. We can try, okay? So relax.”
“Thank you, I’m in this with you, please talk to me if you ever need anything,” Obito nodded down at Kakashi, smiling gratefully, his hand pulling away from the shoulder it was resting on. “We can get you your own place to stay if you'd like. Or you could stay with me? I’ve got a spare room.”
“I think I’d rather stay with ya if you don’t mind. I don’t think I trust myself to be alone for too long. Oh and about the anbu? Maybe when I'm more- uh, me? But not yet, if that's okay.”
“Gotcha, maybe that was a bit in the deep end to start out at, huh?” Kakashi chuckled to himself sorely. Standing up before speaking, he offered his hand to help Obito up. “Let’s go, then.”
“Just like that? You don’t have to uh... clear it or something?”
“Eventually, and I will, but for all they know I’m taking you to questioning.”
Taking his hand, Obito pulled himself up with a grunt and followed closely behind. As they traveled silently through the halls, Obito’s chest swelled with emotion. He never thought he would, or should, see the light of day again: let alone the village he tried to destroy. Conflicted as he was, an immense hope and relief set over him when they finally set foot past the border of the drab halls and into the cold fresh air of the night.
“Hey...” Obito squeaked out shyly, his voice louder than the crowds. Kakashi immediately turned to him, pulling him closer by the shoulder as he brought his ear closer. “Thank you... And- I’m s-sorry. For uh... Everything.”
“Hey.... seriously, we’re past that alright? It’s time for you to lend yourself some forgiveness. You have mine, Obito.” Kakashi straightened his back out and began gently rubbing his friend's shoulder. “But, you are welcome.”
The floods of tears crested in his eyes as he was comforted by his once rival; he finally felt safe. After running from himself and having his trauma twisted by a madman driven by the chance at power and revenge he was finally allowed to be weak, to be unsure... to be himself. They walked for what felt like an eternity, not that he minded. It took a lot for Obito to maintain himself, but being able to see the once familiar village and in the arms of someone he thought he lost forever. After finally arriving home, Kakashi stepped forward spreading his arms dramatically over his head.
“Welcome to my humble abode...” he boomed whilst bowing theatrically. Chuckling, he continued, “... leave your shoes- Oh... ya don’t got any. Well, I'll getcha some tomorrow. Follow me for now.”
And so he did, following a couple of steps behind Kakashi taking note of where everything was. They walked down a hall with a room at the end of it, and two across each other in the middle.
“At the end here is my room. The rooms across each other are the guest bed and bathroom. The closet next to the bathroom is for towels, not many in there, I’ll bring some more out later. Uh- the bathroom is empty as well, I’ll stock it in a sec. I’ve got the stuff for it, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and the like: I just live alone and don’t have company a lot, so I only really piss in that bathroom and forgot to stock it. Heh.” Kakashi explained, scratching his nape awkwardly, a bit embarrassed.
“No worries, I assume I’m staying in that room then,” Obito chuckled, turning around to walk towards the door to open it and take a look around. “Wow. Nicer than I expected to be honest.”
“What did you expect? I’m the Hokage, they spoil me.” he giggled a bit.
The room looked almost like a hotel. An extravagant window loomed over a queen-sized bed on the wall opposite to the door, White side tables with glass accents stood on either side of it. A massive black and gray down comforter contrasted with the white bedsheet beneath. To the left of the bed was a glass sliding door closet, empty except for a few extra blankets and sheets. Giving himself a little bit of a running start; Obito leapt onto the comforter, turning around to land on his back.
“Hey, uh- I know I've probably said it a million times by now but, seriously, thank you. I won’t screw it up, promise.” The black-haired man said sincerely.
“And you’re seriously welcome, and for the record, I believe you. After all, Tobi’s a good boy, right?” Obito did not react how he expected, no retort or protest: instead he simply looked at Kakashi utterly dumbfounded as a blush found its way to his face. “Ah, I’m sorry. I can see why that’d be awkward. That name has a lot of bad things attached to it huh. I can stop, if your uncomf-”
“No-” Obito couldn’t believe what he was about to say. “S-say it again.”
“Call you Tobi?” A silence hung heavy in the air as Kakashi tried to decipher the expression on Obito’s pink mug. With a small grin, Kakashi approached the bed and sat down. A moment of hesitation, what if he's wrong? What if he takes things farther than Obito wants? He pushed the fear aside before continuing. “A good boy?”
“Yeah,” he murmured with a loud gulp. “...please?”
“Is that what you want?” Kakashi crawled forward, like a predator stalking his prey, and placed his head right next to the elder’s ear. It felt like he was in one of his favorite icha-icha novels. “To be my good boy?”
“...yes,” he whispered, scared of rejection.
“Good boy, so honest for me.” Kakashi enjoyed the way Obito shuddered as he gently stroked his hair, ruffling it affectionately. He then made his way to the door, turning around to speak one last time. “Good night. Remember, you got this. I’ll see ya in the morning.”
“Yeah... you too.”
Obito wanted more so desperately but didn’t know how to ask for it. Part of him hated Kakashi for leaving him this pit of anxiety in his gut. Another part of him was the most grateful man on earth, to be given a second chance and to hear those sweet words from his lips. Eventually, his anxiety faded, to be replaced by an enjoyable excitement for the future. He fell asleep not soon after, releasing a sigh into his pillow as he nodded off. Once he left, Kakashi sighed deeply as he sunk into his bed. Unsure of why he felt as he did, he pondered if he always felt this happy around Obito. They were always butting heads, but he can’t seem to think of a time he wasn’t happy around Obito. Why in god's name did he honor such a silly request? ‘Whatever, it made him happy,’ he thought, trying to push the thoughts aside while he struggled to sleep. Eventually he managed to nod off.