Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

It had been two years since the defeat of Kaguya, two years since the world had been saved from the brink of destruction. Villages were rebuilding, old wounds were healing, and for the first time in what felt like forever, peace was a reality rather than a distant dream.

But for Naruto Uzumaki, the most unbelievable thing to happen in that time wasn’t the peace itself—it was the fact that his father, Minato Namikaze, was alive.

It had been a moment of raw emotion, an accident born from the depths of his heart. When the Edo Tensei was dispelled, Naruto had clung to his father, unable to accept the final goodbye. He had poured all his longing, all his chakra, into that embrace. He hadn’t even realized what he had done until he pulled back and saw Minato’s arms—arms that had been lost in the battle—fully restored. And when he looked into his father’s eyes, the eerie black sclera of the reanimation jutsu was gone. Minato stood before him, breathing, warm, alive.

The implications had been staggering. Tsunade and the other medical specialists had examined him thoroughly, but no one could deny it: Minato had been fully revived, a miracle created by his son’s sheer will.

Naruto barely understood what had happened, but later, as he recalled how he’d restored Kakashi’s eye, he realized: he had somehow done the same for his dad, just subconsciously.

What followed was a whirlwind of deliberation among the Kage and the village council. After much debate, it was decided—Minato Namikaze would reclaim his title as Hokage.

Two years had passed since that fateful day, and now Naruto lounged in the Hokage’s office, leaning back in a chair with his feet propped up on Minato’s desk.

“Do you know what I saw on my way here?” Naruto groaned. “Ino and Sai. On a date.” He exaggerated a sigh, throwing his arms behind his head. “I swear, lately, everyone’s pairing off. First Shikamaru and Temari, now these two. It’s like some kind of plague.”

Minato chuckled as he scribbled on a stack of paperwork. “That bothers you?”

Naruto scoffed. “I dunno. I guess it just makes me feel like I’m being left behind. Like… how come everyone else seems to figure this stuff out so easily?”

Minato leaned back in his chair, considering. “I don’t think it’s about ease. Everyone moves at their own pace. Besides, if it really bothers you, you have plenty of admirers. Finding a date shouldn’t be too hard.”

Naruto huffed. “Yeah, but dating someone just for the sake of it feels kinda weird, you know? Like, I don’t wanna go out with random strangers just ‘cause I feel lonely.”

Minato nodded in understanding. “That’s fair. Love isn’t something to rush anyway. You have plenty of time to find the right person, you know.”

Naruto frowned. “Yeah, but what if I don’t? What if I end up single at thirty, like Kakashi-sensei?”

Minato paused mid-signature, glancing up with an amused smile. “Kakashi, huh?”

“I mean, think about it!” Naruto waved his hands in frustration. “Have you ever seen him interested in anyone? Ever? All these years, and it’s like romance is some alien concept to him!”

Minato chuckled softly, setting his pen down. “Well, I know one person he was interested in.”

Naruto sat up straight, eyes wide. “Wait—what? No way! Who?”

Minato leaned back in his chair, a teasing glint in his eyes. “You’re looking at him.”

Naruto’s jaw dropped. “WHAT?!” He stared at his father, his mind refusing to process what he had just heard. “Kakashi… had a crush on you?” he repeated, dumbfounded.

Minato chuckled, leaning back in his chair with an amused glint in his eyes. “Oh, he was very obvious about it. And cute, too.”

Naruto squinted in disbelief. “No way. Kakashi? The same guy who always acts like nothing fazes him? No emotions, cool as a cucumber, that Kakashi? You’re telling me he had a cute crush?”

Minato leaned forward with a smile, resting his chin on his palm. “Yup. It was extremely endearing, it’s like he didn’t know what to do with himself.”

Naruto narrowed his eyes. “Alright, assuming it’s true, how did you know? What did he even do to make you think he had a crush?”

Minato’s smile turned knowing. “Honestly, I could tell just by the way he looked at me.”

Naruto sighed, dissatisfied. “That’s it?”

Minato chuckled. “Obviously not. But you’d be surprised how much someone’s eyes can give away. He had this way of watching me—like he was trying not to, but just couldn’t help himself. I’d catch him staring when he thought I wasn’t paying attention.”

Naruto tried to imagine it—Kakashi, young and wide-eyed, sneaking glances at his dad, only to quickly look away whenever Minato turned his head. The thought was already ridiculous, but Minato wasn’t done.

“And then there were the little things,” he continued. “Like how he always tried to touch me in ways that wouldn’t seem obvious.”

Naruto nearly choked on air. “What?”

Minato laughed at his reaction. “Nothing inappropriate,” he assured him. “Just small things—like brushing our shoulders when we walked, standing just close enough that our hands would almost touch, little nudges here and there.” His expression grew even fonder. “And he always wanted to sleep on the futon next to mine. He would pout if someone beat him to it.”

Naruto’s mind supplied an image of young Kakashi, acting all stoic while secretly trying to stay close to his dad. His lips twitched.

Minato continued, “And then there was the blushing.”

Naruto’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “Blushing?”

Minato nodded with amusement. “Just a simple praise and a pat on the head would turn him red. He always tried to hide it, of course—lowering his head, looking away—but I noticed.”

Naruto could barely breathe at this point. He was actually hearing this. Kakashi—his Kakashi-sensei—had been an awkward, lovesick little teenager with a crush on his dad.

That was both adorable and hilarious.

“Oh my god,” Naruto breathed, covering his mouth in disbelief. “That’s—so cute.” He groaned, dragging his hands down his face.

Minato chuckled. “It was very cute.”

Naruto leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “So… did you ever confront him about it?”

Minato shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “No. Even though it was obvious to me, I didn’t want to bring it up first and embarrass him.”

Naruto frowned. “Why not? Wouldn’t it have been better to clear the air?”

Minato leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers together. “Maybe. But Kakashi took things very seriously—his responsibilities, his relationships, his emotions. I think he took his feelings for me seriously too.” He sighed softly. “He probably knew nothing could happen between us, so if keeping it to himself was the way he chose to deal with it, then I wanted to respect that. I wanted him to have that control.”

Naruto was quiet for a moment, mulling over his father’s words. He could totally imagine it, how Kakashi might have struggled with something personal but chose to keep it locked away, handling it on his own like he always did.

“…You’re really a good person, Dad.” Naruto finally muttered, rubbing the back of his head. “You’re just… good at dealing with all kinds of stuff.”

Minato smiled, tilting his head slightly. “You think so?”

“Yeah,” Naruto huffed. “If it were me, I’d probably mess up and make things weird and awkward.”

Minato chuckled. “You do have a habit of charging straight into things.”

“Exactly!” Naruto groaned, throwing his hands in the air. “I’d probably be like, ‘Oi, Kakashi, why are you looking at me like that?’ or something stupid. And then he’d get all weird, and I’d get all weird, and it’d just be a disaster.”

Minato laughed at the image. “Well, it’s a good thing I was the one dealing with it then, isn’t it?”

Naruto sighed dramatically, slumping back into his chair. “No kidding.” But then, a slow, mischievous grin spread across his face. “Still… I am gonna mess with him a little.”

Minato shook his head in amusement. “It was a long time ago but... Be gentle.”

The thought of teasing Kakashi lingered in the back of Naruto’s mind, but he wasn’t in a rush. He figured he’d save it for the next time they were on a mission or something—drop the bomb at just the right moment to really get a reaction.

For now, he just wandered through the village, enjoying the late evening air. The streets of Konoha were still lively, lanterns casting a warm glow over the cobblestone paths. People laughed, talked, and moved between bars and food stalls, winding down after a long day.

That was when he spotted them—Kakashi and Yamato sitting at an outdoor table, plates of half-eaten food in front of them and a few bottles of sake between them. Kakashi was slouched back in his chair, as relaxed as ever, while Yamato… well, Yamato looked wrecked. His face was flushed, his eyes unfocused, and he was gripping the edge of the table like it was the only thing keeping him from falling over.

Naruto strolled over, grinning. “Yo, Kakashi-sensei, Yamato-taichou! Having a good time?”

The moment Yamato saw him, his expression lit up with drunken relief. “Thank god you’re here, Naruto,” he slurred dramatically. He gestured at Kakashi, then back at himself with an exaggerated sway. “This bastard is trying to drink me under the table, and he refuses to let me leave.”

Naruto blinked in surprise. “Uh… what?”

Yamato didn’t give him a chance to react. He gripped Naruto by the shoulders and practically manhandled him into his seat.

“Please,” Yamato begged, voice desperate as he patted Naruto’s arm in thanks. “You need to take my place. If I stay any longer, my liver will crawl out my mouth.”

Then, before Naruto could even process what was happening, Yamato stumbled to his feet, mumbled a hurried, “Good luck,” and wobbled off into the night.

Naruto stared after him, then turned back to Kakashi. “The hell just happened?”

Kakashi, unimpressed, merely eyed him with a slow, assessing look before grabbing the sake bottle. “Alright, you’ll do. Gimme your cup.”

Naruto glanced down at the table. There were only two cups—Kakashi’s and the one Yamato had been using. He raised an eyebrow. “Uh… I don’t have one.”

Kakashi hummed in thought. “Oh. My bad.” Then, without hesitation, he handed Naruto his own cup and took Yamato’s for himself.

Naruto snorted. “What kind of logic—” He shook his head, giving up. Honestly, he didn’t even care. With an amused smile, he let Kakashi pour them both some sake.

“Well,” Naruto muttered as he raised his newly acquired drink. “Guess I’m drinking with you now.”

Kakashi clinked his cup against Naruto’s. “Guess you are.”

Right after they downed the first round Kakashi picked up the sake bottle again and topped Naruto up, then gestured for him to drink. “Go on.”

Naruto raised an eyebrow. “What, no toast?”

Kakashi smirked. “We can toast after you catch up.”

Naruto huffed a laugh but lifted his sake anyway. He wasn’t exactly a seasoned drinker, but he wasn’t about to back down. He knocked back the second drink in one go, feeling the warmth spread through his throat and settle in his stomach. It burned a little, but not in a bad way.

The moment his cup hit the table, Kakashi was already refilling it. “Good. Another.”

Naruto raised an eyebrow but smirked. “I should warn you—I don’t have a lot of experience with alcohol. If you keep this up you might really drink me under the table tonight.”

Kakashi hummed. “Then you better pace yourself.”

Naruto snorted. “Great advice after you just poured me three in a row.”

But he wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. He picked up his cup and downed the third round. It went down smoother this time, and he could already feel a light buzz settling in his head.

“Damn,” Naruto muttered, shaking his head. “That hits kinda fast.”

Kakashi chuckled, taking a slow sip.

After a beat, Naruto leaned forward on the table, resting his elbow against it. “So, why wouldn’t you let Yamato-taichou go home? Pretty sure he was two drinks away from passing out.”

Kakashi let out a dramatic sigh. “Drinking alone in public is way too depressing.” He swirled the sake in his cup before taking another sip. “And besides, Yamato’s a lightweight. He needs more training.”

Naruto laughed. “That’s how you see it? Training?”

Kakashi nodded solemnly. “Of course. He failed today. Left his post. And to make matters worse, he picked a replacement who’s barely legal and also a lightweight.”

Naruto grinned, shaking his head. “That’s fair.” He leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms. “Saying I’m barely legal is a bit harsh though, it’s been over a year since my eighteenth birthday. But I guess it’s true I haven’t gone out drinking too much.”

Kakashi hummed in response, studying him for a moment before pouring them both another drink. “Then tonight’s a good night to start.”

Naruto eyed him with amusement. “You trying to get me drunk, Sensei?”

Kakashi’s eyes curved into a lazy smile. “My cute little student? No way.”

As they continued drinking, Naruto started to notice how the alcohol had affected Kakashi.

There was a faint, warm blush on his cheeks, a rare sight that made Naruto stare for a moment longer than he meant to. Kakashi looked relaxed—his usual cool and detached demeanor replaced with something much softer. His hand gestures were a little sluggish now, his fingers lingering when he reached for the sake bottle, his movements just a tad slower than usual.

Naruto smirked. “Heh, you’re looking pretty cozy right now, Sensei.”

Kakashi lifted his cup lazily, his eyes crinkling in amusement. “That so?”

“Yup,” Naruto confirmed, taking another sip. “So, if Yamato’s a lightweight in your opinion, then who do you usually drink with?”

Kakashi set his cup down with a soft clink and shrugged. “Whoever’s willing.”

Naruto huffed a laugh. “So just anyone, huh?”

“Well… lately, it’s been Minato-sensei quite often,” Kakashi admitted casually, swirling the sake in his cup. “I asked him today too, but he said he had some work to finish up.”

Naruto snorted. “Figures. Dad’s always buried in paperwork these days.”

Kakashi sighed dramatically. “A tragic loss.” Then, after a beat, he added, “He’s not exactly a drinking expert either, but…”

Naruto glanced up, watching Kakashi closely as he hesitated before finishing his sentence.

“He’s a pretty cute drunk,” Kakashi admitted, his voice light with amusement. “So, he scores a few points for that.”

Naruto blinked. Then, slowly, a grin spread across his face.

“Oh man,” Naruto said, barely holding back laughter. “I was gonna wait but you really just walked right into this one.”

Kakashi blinked, tilting his head slightly. “Walked into what?”

Naruto leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand with an obnoxiously smug look. “So, uh… I may have had an interesting conversation with my dad earlier.”

Kakashi gave him a wary look, his fingers tightening slightly around his drink. “…Oh?”

“Yeah.” Naruto’s grin widened. “Turns out he knows something very interesting about you.”

Kakashi stared at him, silent for a moment, then sighed, setting his cup down. “Do I even want to ask?”

Naruto let out a chuckle, shaking his head. “Nope, but I’m gonna tell you anyway.” He leaned in conspiratorially. “So apparently, a cute kid named Kakashi had a massive crush on my dad.”

Kakashi went completely still.

Naruto could see the exact moment it registered because the already faint blush on his cheeks deepened just slightly. But to his credit, Kakashi didn’t react much beyond that. Instead, he simply reached for the sake bottle and poured himself another drink.

“…Is that so?” he said, tone as casual as ever.

Naruto snorted. “Oh, come on. You’re not even gonna deny it?”

Kakashi took a slow sip. “Would you believe me if I did?”

Naruto grinned. “Not a chance.”

Kakashi sighed. “Then there’s no point, is there?”

Naruto stretched his arms behind his head, rocking back slightly. “So, you really thought my dad was hot stuff, huh?”

Kakashi gave him an unimpressed look. “Don’t act like that’s some kind of shocking revelation. Your father is an objectively attractive man.”

Naruto grimaced. “Ugh. Don’t say it like that.”

Kakashi hummed, taking another sip. “You started this.”

Naruto shook his head, still grinning. “Man, I knew teasing you about this would be good, but I didn’t think you’d make it this easy.” He rested his cheek in his palm, watching Kakashi with amusement. “So. How bad was it? Were you writing ‘Namikaze Kakashi’ in your notebooks? Doodling little hearts when you thought no one was looking?”

Kakashi exhaled slowly, giving him a tired look. “Naruto… this is weird.”

Naruto tilted his head, the grin not leaving his face. “Why?”

Kakashi gestured vaguely in the air. “Because Minato is your dad. And I had a crush on him. Talking to you about it feels…” He paused, searching for the right word. “Strange.”

Naruto huffed. “So what? It’s not like I’m gonna be weird about it. I just wanna know!” He leaned forward, placing his hands on the table. “You never talk about your past. And I think it’s criminal that I know so little about a person I’ve known for so damn long already.”

Kakashi hesitated. He looked away, as if debating whether he really wanted to go down this road. But when he glanced back at Naruto—who was staring at him with an unrelenting, almost pleading expression—he sighed in defeat.

“…Alright,” he muttered. “But if you tell anyone about this—”

Naruto beamed. “Yeah, yeah, I promise. Now spill.”

Kakashi rested his elbow on the armrest, fingers against his temple, as he started. “Part of it was just a typical teenage crush. Minato was… well, he was cool. He was strong, handsome.” Kakashi’s lips twitched slightly, almost like he was amused by his own words. “But more than that, he was an insanely skilled shinobi.”

Naruto nodded his head, listening intently.

“When I was a kid, no one my age was a match for me,” Kakashi continued. “I never found anyone worth my time.” His voice was calm, matter-of-fact, not arrogant—just honest. “And then there was Minato. My sensei. He was on another level entirely. For the first time, I met someone stronger than me. Someone I truly respected. I wanted to learn from him, to be like him.”

He paused, staring at the cup in his hands as if seeing something else entirely. Then, more quietly, he added, “But it was so much more than that.”

Naruto remained silent, watching him carefully.

“I was so full of myself back then,” Kakashi admitted, his voice carrying a trace of self-deprecation. “I had an attitude, and people didn’t like me for it. It wasn’t hard to notice. I didn’t care much—until Minato.”

He exhaled slowly. “He was different. He didn’t treat me like an arrogant brat, didn’t look at me the way others did. He understood me. Even when I pushed people away, he was always patient.” Kakashi’s fingers idly traced the rim of his cup. “That only made me respect him more.”

A faint, almost nostalgic smile played on his lips. “To me, he was everything.”

Naruto swallowed. The way Kakashi said it—softly, with a kind of quiet sincerity—made something tighten in his chest.

He looked at Kakashi, at the blush dusting his cheeks, at the relaxed expression on his face, softened by alcohol and memory. There was something almost tender about the way he spoke about Minato, something deeply personal that Naruto had never seen in him before.

And he wondered—what was it like?

What was it like to like someone that much? To admire them, respect them. To want them so deeply. To have them take up space in your head, in your heart, the way Minato clearly had for Kakashi. 

Naruto wasn’t sure if he had ever experienced something that deep before. Sure, he had crushes, fleeting infatuations, but this? This felt like something else entirely. Something bigger. Something real.

He swallowed and found himself asking before he could think twice, “Did you ever feel that way about anyone else?”

Kakashi blinked, as if the question caught him off guard. He tilted his head slightly, considering. The silence stretched between them, broken only by the distant chatter of other restaurant-goers and the occasional clink of cups from nearby tables.

Then, finally, Kakashi exhaled and said, simply, “No.”

Naruto’s breath caught.

His chest squeezed in a way he didn’t quite understand.

So that was it?

Minato was it for Kakashi? The only person he had ever felt that strongly for? No one else, not in all these years?

Naruto didn’t know why that thought unsettled him so much. He didn’t know why he suddenly felt the weight of Kakashi’s words wash over him, heavy and quiet, pressing against something deep in his ribs.

He stared down at his sake cup, his fingers tightening around it slightly. “Huh,” he said, trying to sound casual. “That’s kinda… intense.”

Kakashi hummed, swirling the liquid in his own cup. “I suppose.”

Naruto bit the inside of his cheek, unsure why he suddenly felt restless. He didn’t know what he had been expecting. Maybe some kind of reassurance that it wasn’t that deep, that Kakashi had moved on, that someone else had eventually caught his interest.

But no.

For Kakashi, there was only one person.

His dad.

The rest of the evening passed in a pleasant haze—drinking, chatting, laughing. Naruto wasn’t sure when exactly they stopped, or when he and Kakashi parted ways, but he figured it must have been late.

Because when he woke up the next morning, he felt like death.

His head was pounding, his mouth was dry, and moving even the slightest bit made his stomach twist unpleasantly.

"Ugh…" Naruto groaned, pressing his face into his pillow. "Never again."

Except, he knew he was lying to himself.

Dragging himself out of bed, he somehow managed to make it to the kitchen and tried to eat something, but the moment he took a bite, his stomach protested violently. He grimaced, immediately setting his food aside. "Okay, bad idea." 

Defeated, he settled for chugging some water and throwing on his jacket before heading out to the Hokage’s office.

Maybe his dad had some kind of shinobi-grade hangover cure.

When he arrived, the office doors were slightly ajar. He heard voices inside—his dad’s and another familiar one.

Naruto pushed the doors open, stepping inside.

Kakashi was perched casually on Minato’s desk, one leg bent up against the wood, the other dangling. They were talking, voices casual, but… there was something about the way they were interacting.

Something so familiar.

They were close, the space between them practically nonexistent, their body language relaxed in a way that spoke of long-standing comfort.

For some reason, Naruto’s stomach twisted—not from the hangover, but from something else entirely.

He shook the feeling off and furrowed his brows. “Oi. What are you guys doing?”

Minato looked over first. “Oh, morning, Naruto. We were just having a little chat.”

Naruto squinted suspiciously between them.

Kakashi turned to him, then blinked. His eyes raked over Naruto’s face before he sighed, unimpressed. “You look like death.”

Naruto scowled. “You did this to me.”

Deciding he had no interest in dealing with a hungover Naruto, Kakashi turned back to Minato and said, "I’ll come pick you up later."

Then, just like that, he hopped off the desk and strolled past the younger man, leaving the room.

Naruto froze.

Pick him up later?

He turned to Minato, mind already spiraling.

His dad gave him a once-over, his lips twitching in amusement. "You’re looking a little green," he noted. "I heard you were out drinking with Kakashi last night. You feeling alright?"

Naruto groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Yeah, I just overdid it a little. Feeling kinda nauseous."

Minato chuckled. "That happens. You should take it easy today."

But Naruto wasn’t paying attention anymore. His brain was still stuck on what Kakashi had said before leaving.

"Why is he picking you up later?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

Minato blinked, then smiled. "Oh, we’re going for lunch."

Naruto stopped.

His entire body locked up for a second, and then—

What.

His mind immediately launched into an internal breakdown.

Lunch?

Like—a date lunch?

No. That was ridiculous. There was no way.

But then again… Naruto didn’t know.

Minato raised an eyebrow at his silence. "Naruto?"

Naruto swallowed. "Uh…" He hesitated, then, in what he thought was a totally smooth and natural way, asked, "Just a good old regular lunch, right?"

Minato tilted his head slightly, looking so genuinely confused that Naruto almost wanted to dig himself a hole and live in it forever.

"Are there other types of lunch?" Minato asked, amusement creeping into his voice.

Naruto coughed. "Guess not," he muttered.

Minato gave him a knowing look but didn’t press. Instead, he smiled and said, "Seriously, you should take the day off. Get some rest. You really look like you need it."

Naruto huffed, rubbing his face. "Yeah… maybe you’re right."

But even as he left the office, he couldn’t shake the weird feeling in his chest.

Naruto took his dad’s advice and went back home to nurse his hangover. The moment he flopped onto his bed, exhaustion hit him like a ton of bricks. His limbs felt heavy, his head still ached, and now that he wasn’t forcing himself to move around, sleep crept up on him fast.

He barely had time to pull the blankets over himself before he passed out.

In his dream, he was walking through the village. It was a warm, peaceful afternoon, the streets bustling with life, familiar voices calling out as shopkeepers sold their goods.

Naruto strolled without any real destination—until something caught his eye.

At an outdoor restaurant, sitting across from each other at a quiet table, were Minato and Kakashi.

Naruto slowed to a stop.

They were laughing—his dad’s warm, easy chuckle mixing with Kakashi’s quieter, amused hum.

Then—Naruto’s breath caught. He watched, rooted in place, as Kakashi’s gloved hand slid over Minato’s. Slowly, deliberately, he laced their fingers together.

Minato didn’t pull away.

They stayed like that, just holding hands, the conversation continuing as if nothing was out of the ordinary. But Naruto’s chest squeezed at the sight.

Then, their voices grew softer. Their gazes lingered.

They stayed like that, fingers threaded together, until suddenly, they started leaning in.

Slowly.

Closer.

And closer.

Their faces just inches apart—

And then—

Naruto jolted awake.

His breath was uneven, his chest rose and fell quickly, heart thudding harder than it had any right to. He stared at the ceiling, dazed, blinking rapidly as he tried to shake off the lingering emotions the dream had left behind.

Then, finally, he groaned and covered his face with his hands.

“What the hell was that?” he muttered to himself.

Why was his brain coming up with stuff like that?

Kakashi and his dad, holding hands? Kissing? What the actual fuck.

He groaned again, rolling onto his stomach. “I must be losing it.”

Two days later Naruto wandered aimlessly through the village, his thoughts tangled in knots he didn’t know how to untie.

Everything felt off. He wasn’t sure if it was just the remnants of that stupid dream messing with him, or if something had actually shifted between Kakashi and his dad.

Because every time he saw them together, something in his gut twisted uncomfortably.

Lost in his thoughts, he barely registered where he was going—until he stepped into a familiar clearing and froze. Speak of the devil.

There, lying side by side on the grass, were Minato and Kakashi.

Naruto’s heart jumped to his throat.

They looked so at ease, so relaxed, like they had done this a thousand times before. Minato was munching on some cookies, the kind he always liked—sweet, probably way too sugary. That part wasn’t odd at all, he always had a major sweet tooth.

What was odd—was what happened next.

Minato held out a cookie in front of Kakashi’s mouth.

Naruto expected Kakashi to wave it away, maybe shake his head. But instead, without hesitation, he lowered his mask and lifted his head slightly to take a bite.

Naruto’s eyes widened.

It was such a small, simple act—but it felt weirdly intimate.

Then, just as naturally, Minato popped the rest of the cookie into his own mouth, chewing contentedly before dusting the crumbs off his fingers.

Naruto was still too stunned to react when Kakashi suddenly paused, his chewing slowing to a stop. He made a face—subtle, but unmistakable.

Naruto knew for a fact that Kakashi didn’t like sweets.

But before he could spit it out, Minato’s fingers gently caught his jaw, holding it in place.

Naruto’s breath hitched as Minato started moving Kakashi’s jaw up and down, mimicking chewing, grinning like this was the funniest thing in the world.

"Come on, Kakashi, you can do it," Minato teased, clearly enjoying himself.

Kakashi just shook his head, exasperated, but let Minato do as he pleased, too amused to protest.

Naruto’s chest tightened.

It was too much.

The way they touched so easily. The way Minato’s fingers lingered on Kakashi’s face like it was nothing. The way Kakashi let him.

Naruto suddenly couldn’t take it.

Before he could even think about what he was doing, his body moved.

He stomped forward and dropped onto the grass right between them, forcing himself into the tiny space that did not exist there.

Minato made a surprised noise as Naruto wedged himself in, limbs sprawling, completely ruining whatever moment they were having.

Kakashi huffed. "Seriously?"

Naruto ignored him, staring up at the sky. "Nice day, huh?" he said, completely deadpan.

Minato blinked, then burst out laughing. "Naruto, what are you doing?"

"What?" Naruto grumbled and closed his eyes, refusing to look at either of them. "I can’t enjoy nature with you guys?"

Minato chuckled, his tone dripping with amusement. "You’re all grown up now, but you’re still cute as a button."

Naruto cracked one eye open and glared at him. "I’m not cute."

"Oh, you are." Minato grinned, ruffling Naruto’s hair like he was still a kid. "Did you just want to get some cuddles from us? Is that what this is?"

Naruto choked. "What—NO! What the hell, Dad?!"

Kakashi hummed thoughtfully. "It does seem like a classic Naruto move…"

"Right?!" Minato agreed, nodding sagely. "He loves throwing himself into people’s arms when wants attention."

"True." Kakashi mused. "I’ve been tackled into multiple hugs."

"And now he’s squeezing in between us—"

"Classic attention-seeking behavior."

"Adorable."

"Obnoxious."

Naruto groaned loudly, covering his face with both hands. "You guys are the worst," he muttered.

Minato just laughed, his voice warm and teasing. "It’s okay, son, you can admit you wanted some love. We won’t judge."

"I didn’t come here for cuddles!" Naruto insisted.

Kakashi made a noncommittal noise. "Mmm. Sure."

Naruto huffed, crossing his arms. "I just saw you guys lying here and figured I’d join. That’s all."

"Mmm-hmm." Minato’s voice was full of mirth. "Whatever you say, kiddo."

Naruto scowled at both of them.

Minato just smiled down at him, still ruffling his hair, and Kakashi looked smugly amused, his mask still pulled down slightly, revealing the small curve of a smirk.

Naruto buried his face into his arms.

At first, Naruto thought he was imagining things.

It had to be his brain messing with him, right? He had spent way too much time thinking about Kakashi’s dumb old crush, and now he was just seeing things that weren’t there. That was the logical explanation.

Except…

It kept happening.

Little things.

Like how Kakashi and Minato stood just a bit too close when they talked—closer than Naruto had ever noticed before.

Like how they seemed to communicate without even exchanging words—just a look, a tilt of the head, and they seemed to understand each other perfectly.

Like how Minato would casually rest a hand on Kakashi’s shoulder when he passed him by. Or how Kakashi, usually so aloof and distant, would lean in slightly whenever Minato spoke, like he was naturally drawn to him.

Was this new?

Or had they always been like this?

Had Naruto just never noticed?

It was messing with his head.

Because before, he never saw a reason to think about it. Why would he? His dad was just his dad. Kakashi was just his teammate, his former sensei. Nothing about them had ever seemed unusual. But now that Naruto knew—now that he had that knowledge in the back of his head—suddenly, everything looked suspicious.

And he really didn’t like it.

He didn’t know why, but the sight of them being so—so comfortable with each other, so in sync, made something in his chest twist.

The thing was, he couldn’t even tell if anything was actually happening.

Maybe it was nothing. Maybe it was just how they always were.

But now, Naruto wasn’t sure if he could unsee it.

Naruto wasn’t proud of what he was doing.

He knew he was acting like a total stalker, creeping behind trees, masking his chakra just enough to avoid detection. But could anyone blame him?

It had started with another suspicious moment—Naruto overheard that his dad and Kakashi were going to train together.

Train.

Just the two of them. 

So, naturally, instead of minding his own business like a normal person, he followed them.

He told himself he just wanted to see. Maybe if he watched them, he’d realize he was being ridiculous, that he was making something out of nothing.

But as he trailed behind, watching them walk side by side, Naruto couldn’t help but notice how comfortable they were together.

Kakashi wasn’t stiff or distant. He wasn’t even acting like his usual lazy, unimpressed self. Instead, he was engaged, actually listening, occasionally making small comments that made Minato laugh.

And Minato—Minato just looked happy. Like he genuinely enjoyed Kakashi’s company.

And then the spar started.

Naruto’s jaw dropped.

He knew both of them were strong. That wasn’t the shocking part. But seeing them fight—seeing them move together, anticipating each other’s attacks, adapting mid-strike—was something else.

They were fast.

Ridiculously fast.

Kakashi matched Minato’s every move with precision, predicting attacks and countering them in the blink of an eye. But Minato was still Minato—his speed and reflexes just a step ahead, pushing Kakashi to his absolute limit. It was like watching a perfect rhythm, a dance of pure skill and experience.

Then, in a blur of movement, Minato won.

He twisted Kakashi’s wrist, forcing him to drop his kunai, and knocked him off balance. In a blink, Kakashi was on the ground, his back hitting the dirt with a muted thud.

Minato followed through, straddling Kakashi’s hips, a kunai pressed lightly against his throat.

Naruto tensed.

He expected them to part immediately—to put some distance between them and shake off the compromising position they ended up in.

But they didn’t.

They stayed just like that.

Minato, still perched on top of Kakashi, smirking slightly, breathing a little heavier from exertion.

Kakashi, lying beneath him, not even looking fazed.

They weren’t moving.

Instead, they were talking—like this was normal.

Like Minato wasn’t literally sitting on top of Kakashi right now.

Naruto felt his stomach twist.

He had no idea what they were saying—he was too far away to hear—but the way Kakashi looked up at Minato, the way Minato’s smirk softened slightly into something fond—

What the hell was going on?

Naruto clenched his fists, feeling a wave of frustration and—something else—rise in his chest.

He hated this.

He didn’t know why, but he hated it.

Naruto left before he could see how the moment ended.

Not because he didn’t want to know, but because something in his chest felt too tight, like if he stayed and watched any longer, it would be too much.

As he walked back to the village, his thoughts were a mess.

He knew he was being ridiculous. Knew he was reading too much into things.

But he couldn’t shake the feeling.

The feeling that he was… losing Kakashi.

Which was stupid.

Because Kakashi wasn’t his to lose.

But the thought wouldn’t leave him alone.

For years, Kakashi had always been there—his sensei, his comrade, the person who had watched over him and guided him when he needed it. Even after the war, after everything changed, Kakashi remained a steady presence in his life.

And now, for the first time, Naruto felt like something was shifting.

Like Kakashi was slipping away—gravitating toward Minato instead.

And Naruto didn’t like it.

He didn’t want to feel this way—jealous? Possessive? What even was this?—but no matter how much he told himself he was overthinking things, the feeling stayed.

And it left him with one single, undeniable urge:

He needed to be with Kakashi.

So, the very next day, Naruto went looking for him.

He didn’t know why exactly. He didn’t have a plan. He just knew that if he didn’t do something, if he didn’t remind himself that Kakashi was still his person—his friend, his former teacher, the man who had been by his side for so long—then this feeling inside him was going to drive him crazy.

After asking around, he finally tracked him down at a small tea house tucked away in one of the quieter parts of the village. Naruto spotted him through the window—seated alone at a corner table, casually reading a book with a cup of tea in front of him.

Naruto hesitated for only a second before stepping inside.

The little bell above the door jingled as he entered, and Kakashi glanced up.

His eyes blinked in mild surprise before settling into its usual lazy half-lidded state. "Naruto," he greeted, setting his cup down. "What brings you here?"

Naruto didn’t even hesitate—he walked right up and slid into the seat across from him. "Just saw you sitting here and thought I’d join you," he said casually. Then, with a grin, he added, "I see you don’t mind drinking tea alone. Unlike alcohol."

Kakashi’s lips twitched, amusement flickering in his eye. "Mm. Tea and alcohol are different," he said simply, taking another sip. "Drinking tea alone is peaceful. Drinking sake alone is... well.”

Naruto huffed a quiet laugh. "Yeah, I get it." He settled in, feeling oddly comfortable now that he was actually here with Kakashi. It was normal, just like always. Just the two of them talking, the way they had countless times before.

A small part of him relaxed.

Then, after a moment, Naruto glanced at Kakashi’s cup and said, "You actually drink tea? Like, for fun?"

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "I don’t see what’s so surprising about that."

Naruto scratched the back of his head. "I dunno… you just seem more like a coffee person."

"Coffee is fine," Kakashi said. "But tea is better."

Naruto made a face. "Never really got into it."

Kakashi smirked. "Of course you didn’t."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Alright, tea expert, if I were to try something, what should I get?"

Kakashi hummed, tapping his fingers against his cup. "Something light, probably. You don’t seem like the type to enjoy anything too bitter."

Naruto crossed his arms. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

"It means you don’t have refined taste," Kakashi said easily.

Naruto gasped, scandalized. "I do too!"

Kakashi chuckled. "I’ll order something for you."

Naruto let him, watching as Kakashi called over the server and requested a specific tea—one Naruto had never even heard of.

When the tea arrived, Naruto eyed it skeptically. "This is your grand recommendation?"

"Just try it," Kakashi said, amused.

Naruto sighed, took the cup, and lifted it to his lips.

And—

…Okay, it wasn’t bad.

Actually, it was kinda nice—it was warm and slightly sweet with a hint of something floral. He liked it.

He swished the liquid in his mouth, pretending to think. "Hmm… not terrible."

Kakashi smirked. "That’s high praise."

As he set his cup down, he glanced at Kakashi. “Hey, you wanna go spar after this?”

Kakashi tilted his head slightly. “Maybe another time,” he said, his voice as calm as ever. “I already have plans.”

Naruto frowned. “Plans?”

“Mm.” Kakashi took another sip of his tea, then casually added, “Having lunch with Minato-sensei.”

Naruto froze.

His brain went into overdrive.

Was this… a thing now? Were they just casually meeting up for lunch all the time? Was this some kind of routine that Naruto had never noticed before?

His stomach twisted before he could stop it.

“Again?” he blurted out.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. “People usually eat every day, Naruto.”

Something in Naruto itched. The thought of them spending all this time together, just the two of them, made him feel off.

Before he even had a chance to think it through, the words tumbled out of his mouth.

“…Can I join?”

Kakashi looked up from his tea, clearly surprised.

“You want to have lunch with your dad and me?”

Naruto held his breath for a second. He didn’t know what he expected Kakashi to say, but the mild curiosity in his tone made him feel ridiculous.

But backing out now would be even more ridiculous, so he just forced a grin and shrugged. “Yeah. Why not?”

Kakashi studied him for a long moment.

Then, after a pause, he exhaled through his nose in amusement. “Alright. But we’re not having ramen, just for your information.”

Naruto didn’t even hear that last part. After he heard Kakashi agree he let out a breath he didn’t even realize he was holding.

Kakashi went back to his tea like nothing was weird.

Meanwhile, Naruto’s heart was still racing, and he really didn’t want to think about why.

Lunch was fine.

At least, Naruto kept telling himself that as he sat at the table, watching his dad and Kakashi like a hawk.

He was hyperaware of everything—the way they spoke, the space between them, any possible secret glances or subtle touches that might confirm the weird feeling that had been eating at him.

But… there was nothing.

Just easy conversation, friendly exchanges. Minato laughed a few times, Kakashi’s eyes crinkled in response, but it was normal. Nothing suspicious.

Naruto should’ve been relieved.

But for some reason, he wasn’t.

Then Minato turned to Kakashi. “Oh, by the way,” he said, “can you come by my office tomorrow at noon? I need your help with something.”

Kakashi hummed, taking a sip of his tea. “Noon, huh? Sorry, Sensei. I already have plans. Can you ask someone else?”

Naruto didn’t know why, but something in him perked up at that. Take that, Dad. Kakashi isn’t a lovesick teenager anymore, he can totally say no to you.

But then Minato smiled and said, “Reschedule?”

Kakashi glanced at him, and Minato continued, “I really want it to be you.”

Naruto immediately turned to Kakashi, expecting him to get annoyed.

He would be if someone tried to rearrange his plans just like that, without even giving a good reason.

But instead of any resistance, any grumbling or teasing, Kakashi just—

Agreed.

Easily.

Effortlessly.

“Alright,” Kakashi said, like it was nothing.

Naruto’s jaw almost dropped.

Because it wasn’t just the words. It was the way Kakashi said them—calm, accepting, almost… pleased.

Like being needed by Minato was the highest praise. Like Minato asking for him—choosing him—was all that mattered.

Naruto clenched his fist under the table.

That feeling inside him—the one that had been creeping up ever since he overheard that first lunch plan—was back.

And this time, it was even worse.

After lunch, they parted ways with Minato, who had to return to work.

Naruto should've gone home. Should’ve gone to do literally anything else.

But the restless feeling in his chest wouldn't go away.

So instead, as soon as Minato was out of sight, he turned to Kakashi. "So. How about that spar now?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

Kakashi blinked at him, then sighed. “Naruto, we just ate.”

“So?” Naruto crossed his arms, desperate for a distraction. “Come on, what happened to training your students even after stuffing them full of rice balls?”

Kakashi gave him a look, unimpressed. “Never happened. Training you on an empty stomach on the other hand—”

Naruto huffed. “Come on. Don’t be lazy.”

Kakashi exhaled through his nose, considering. Then, with a dramatic sigh, he stood. “Fine. But if I throw up on you, it’s your fault.”

Naruto grinned. “You won’t get the chance. You’ll be too busy losing.”

Except, as it turned out, he was the one too busy losing.

The fight was fast.

Blows exchanged, jutsu flung, movements sharp and calculated.

But Naruto was distracted.

Not enough to make himself an easy target—he was still Naruto, after all—but enough that his usual instincts felt just a little off.

The whole time, his mind kept circling back to Kakashi’s stupid soft tone when he agreed to Minato’s request. The way he made it seem so easy, so natural, to just drop everything because Minato wanted him.

And that single thought—how much it bothered him—was what led to his mistake.

Before he even realized it, Kakashi had swept his legs out from under him, and Naruto landed hard on his back.

The next thing he knew, Kakashi was straddling him, a kunai pressed lightly to his throat. It was like deja vu.

Naruto blinked up at him, slightly stunned.

“Hm,” Kakashi mused, peering down at him. “Distracted today, aren’t we?”

Naruto opened his mouth to argue—but he was still on his back, with Kakashi sitting on him, and for some reason, his brain short-circuited.

And just as quickly as he had pinned Naruto down, he moved off of him and stood, offering a hand to pull Naruto up.

Naruto took it, dusting himself off.

Then, suddenly, it clicked.

His eyes narrowed.

His finger shot out, pointing directly at Kakashi. “See!”

Kakashi blinked. “Huh?”

“This!” Naruto waved a hand between them. “This is how normal people act!”

Kakashi stared, clearly lost. “…What?”

Naruto crossed his arms. “You won, you got off me, and that was it. That’s what normal people do when they’re sparring!”

Kakashi still looked confused. “…Okay?”

“BUT! When you sparred with my dad, he didn’t get off you right away!” Naruto took a step closer, jabbing a finger toward him. “You guys just sat there! Like it was normal! Like it wasn’t weird that he was literally on top of you!”

Kakashi blinked once. Then again.

“…Wait,” he said slowly, “you watched us back then?”

Naruto froze.

Oh, crap.

Heat rushed up his neck. He didn’t mean to admit that.

Kakashi looked at him with something like amusement, his lips curving up behind his mask. “Naruto. You were watching?”

Naruto scrambled for an excuse. “W-why are you saying it like it’s weird. I was just passing by.”

Kakashi hummed, clearly entertained now. “If you say so. Anyway, Minato-sensei and I go way back. What you saw—it’s not that weird.”

Naruto groaned, rubbing his hands down his face. He couldn’t take it anymore.

It had been days of this—watching, overanalyzing, feeling something strange coil tight in his chest every time his dad and Kakashi so much as stood next to each other.

It was messing with his head.

And now, after Kakashi’s latest infuriating response, Naruto’s heart was in his throat as the words tumbled out—

“…Do you still have a crush on my dad?”

Kakashi, who had been about to leave, paused.

And for the first time, he didn’t immediately brush Naruto off with a lazy quip.

Instead, he hesitated.

And just… stared at him.

Naruto’s heart pounded.

Then, after what felt like forever, Kakashi tilted his head and with an easy, teasing tone, said, “Don’t worry, Naruto. If you get a new step-daddy, I’ll make sure to let you know first.”

Naruto blacked out for a second.

Because there was no way he just heard that. He felt something twist deep inside him—something sharp, something close to fear. The idea of Kakashi and Minato, of his sensei and his dad—made his whole body reject it.

His brain struggled to process it. His stomach rolled, an intense, visceral reaction. He felt nauseous.

Before he even knew what he was doing, his hand shot out, grabbing Kakashi’s wrist before he could leave.

Kakashi blinked down at where Naruto was holding him.

Naruto swallowed, his throat tight. “Are you being serious?”

Kakashi’s expression shifted—just slightly, the teasing edge fading as his gaze flickered over Naruto’s face.

Then, in an entirely unreadable tone, he asked, “Why does it bother you so much?”

Naruto opened his mouth—then shut it.

His brain stalled.

“Because it’s weird,” he finally said, but the words didn’t come out as strong as he wanted.

Kakashi hummed, his gaze sharp in a way that made Naruto feel exposed.

Then—just as easily as Naruto had stopped him—he pulled away.

“You should probably think about why you feel this way,” he said simply.

And then he was gone.

Naruto was left standing there, his thoughts a tangled mess, with a sinking feeling that he had just opened a door he wasn’t ready for.

Naruto sat slumped on a bench, arms crossed, scowling at nothing.

The village bustled around him—shinobi coming and going, vendors calling out their wares, kids darting past in a game of tag—but Naruto wasn’t paying attention.

His mind was a mess.

He kept turning over his conversation with Kakashi—Kakashi’s teasing, his unreadable expression, the way he slipped away so easily after dropping that stupid, frustrating think about why you feel this way line.

It made Naruto’s stomach twist.

Think about why you feel this way?

As if he hadn’t been thinking about it. As if it wasn’t eating him alive.

He groaned, dragging his hands down his face.

Then, suddenly—

“Oi, Naruto.”

Naruto’s head snapped up.

Sasuke was approaching, hands in his pockets, giving him a flat look.

“Oh, hey, Sasuke,” Naruto said, quickly masking his expression. “How’d your mission go?”

“Fine,” Sasuke replied. He narrowed his eyes. “Why are you sulking?”

“I’m not sulking,” Naruto muttered, shifting his arms.

Sasuke gave him a look that clearly said, Liar.

Naruto sighed. “I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“Alright, see ya.” Sasuke said, and immediately turned to leave.

Naruto panicked.

“Wait, wait, wait!” He manhandled Sasuke back onto the bench, gripping his sleeve with desperation.

Sasuke glared. “Hands. Off.”

Naruto turned to him. “Listen, I—” He hesitated for a second before huffing and running a hand through his hair. “It’s my dad and Kakashi. They’re acting weird.”

Sasuke frowned. “Weird how?”

“I dunno!” Naruto threw his hands up. “I think… I think there might be something going on between them.”

Sasuke blinked.

Naruto groaned and slumped forward, burying his face in his hands. “And it’s making me crazy, and I don’t know what to do.”

Sasuke stared at him for a long moment.

Then, with the flattest, most done voice, he asked, “Why do you even care?”

Naruto made a face. “Because! Kakashi never acts like this with anyone. But with my dad, he—he’s just—different.”

Sasuke raised a brow. “What do you mean he’s different?”

Naruto huffed. “Like, okay—when they were training the other day, my dad straddled Kakashi—”

Sasuke’s eye twitched. “Naruto—”

“—and they just stayed like that! They didn’t move! But then when Kakashi straddled me—”

Sasuke physically recoiled. “Why the hell was Kakashi straddling you?”

“We were sparring, bastard, keep up!” Naruto snapped. “But that’s not the point! The point is—he got up right away! But with my dad, they just stayed like that! Chatting, like it was the most natural thing ever to be sitting on top of each other!”

Sasuke stared at him like he was the dumbest person alive.

Then he rolled his eyes and asked, for the second time, “Again. Why does it bother you?”

Naruto’s brows furrowed. “Because! Kakashi—”

Sasuke sighed, rubbing his temples. Then, under his breath, he muttered, “Of all people, why did you have to pick Kakashi to crush on, I swear to god.”

Naruto froze.

“What.”

Sasuke gave him a tired look.

Naruto’s mouth opened. Then closed. Then opened again.

“What?!”

“Oh, for—” Sasuke exhaled sharply. “You’re jealous, moron.”

Naruto choked.

“I am not—”

“You are,” Sasuke deadpanned. “You’re freaking out because you think Kakashi is interested in your dad,” Sasuke said, voice dry. “Why else would you care this much?”

“Because it was weird—”

Sasuke gave him a long, unimpressed look.

Naruto’s stomach did another awful flip.

His brain scrambled for an answer—something solid, something that made sense—but all he got was a mess of feelings.

He suddenly thought back to the way he’d been feeling every time he saw Kakashi and his dad together.

The irritation. The twisting in his gut. The way he couldn’t stand seeing Kakashi act differently around someone else—

Naruto’s face burned.

“Oh, no.”

He groaned into his hands. "This is so bad," he muttered. "This is the worst thing that's ever happened to me."

Sasuke, who had just gotten back from a real life-threatening mission, gave him a look. "You're being dramatic."

Naruto snapped his head up. "I just realized I'm in love with my ex-sensei, who might or might not be dating my dad! I think I have a right to be dramatic!"

Sasuke flinched, looking alarmed. "Oi! You didn’t say in love before—"

"Doesn’t matter, I’m fucked either way!" Naruto slumped against the bench. "Ugh, how did this even happen?"

Sasuke exhaled. "That’s what I’d like to know. I was gone for one month."

Naruto turned to him desperately. "Okay, what do I do?"

Sasuke scowled. "How the hell should I know?"

"You always have some annoying, smart-ass answer!" Naruto argued.

“I wasn’t even here,” Sasuke said, crossing his arms. “I didn’t see any of the stuff you’re crying about, so I don’t know if it was actually as scandalous as you’re making it out to be.”

Naruto pulled a face. “It was!”

Sasuke ignored him. “Either the Hokage and Kakashi are together, or they’re not.” He shrugged. “If they are, then you need to get over Kakashi and let them be.”

Naruto’s stomach dropped.

His throat tightened.

He didn’t like that option. Not one bit.

“And if they’re not…” Sasuke’s expression turned unimpressed. “Then I refuse to get involved in whatever idiotic attempts you make to woo him.”

Naruto turned bright red. “I wasn’t—”

Sasuke stood up. “Figure it out, Naruto.”

Naruto grabbed his sleeve again, eyes pleading. "Sasuke, please. You gotta help me!"

Sasuke yanked his arm back. "Absolutely not."

Sasuke stood in front of the Hokage’s desk, arms crossed, his expression flat as Minato flipped through the final pages of the mission report.

"Everything seems to be in order," Minato said, stamping the scroll with approval. "Good work, Sasuke. This was quite a long mission so you should get some well-deserved rest."

Sasuke gave a short nod. He should have left right then, but instead, he lingered.

Minato raised an eyebrow. "Something else on your mind?"

Sasuke hesitated only briefly before saying, “Can I ask you a personal question?”

Minato blinked, visibly surprised. "A personal question? That’s unexpected from you." His expression softened. "But sure, ask away."

Sasuke exhaled through his nose, feeling vaguely ridiculous for even entertaining Naruto’s nonsense. But at the same time, the idiot had been relentless.

"Are you and Kakashi together?" Sasuke asked plainly. "Or is there something going on between you two?"

Minato’s surprise returned in full force. His blue eyes studied Sasuke for a long moment, unreadable—until a knowing smile tugged at his lips.

"Did Naruto send you?" he asked, amusement evident in his voice.

Sasuke sighed. "Not exactly."

Minato tilted his head.

Sasuke crossed his arms. "I found him sulking on a bench when I came back. He was freaking out because he thinks there’s something between you and Kakashi."

Minato chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "I see."

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed. He wasn’t one for gossip, but something about Minato’s reaction bothered him.

"You see?" Sasuke repeated, unimpressed. "That’s not an answer, Hokage-sama."

Minato’s smile widened slightly, but he hummed in consideration. "No, I suppose it’s not."

Sasuke didn’t drop his stare.

Minato exhaled, tapping his fingers against the desk before leaning forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand. "And what do you think?"

Sasuke clenched his jaw. He didn’t want to get involved in this mess. He really didn’t. But since he was already here…

"I think Naruto’s an idiot," he said flatly. "But if what I heard from Naruto is true then I also think Kakashi doesn’t act that way around anyone else."

Minato hummed again, watching Sasuke with an unreadable look. Then, finally—

"Kakashi and I are close," he said simply. "We always have been."

Sasuke frowned. "That’s still not an answer."

Minato’s expression didn’t waver.

"Are you together or not?" Sasuke pressed.

Minato leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. Then, with a slow, amused shake of his head, he said—

"Tell Naruto he should ask me himself."

Sasuke glared. "Seriously?"

Minato only smiled.

Sasuke turned on his heel. "You’re just as bad as Kakashi," he muttered, storming out.

Minato only chuckled again, watching him go.

Sasuke’s irritation was at an all-time high. He knew he shouldn’t have entertained Naruto’s nonsense. He knew it would end like this.

As he stepped outside, he briefly considered not telling Naruto anything—just to make him suffer. But he knew Naruto would only chase him down relentlessly until he gave an answer, so with an irritated sigh, he changed course and headed straight for Naruto’s apartment.

Naruto nearly fell over when Sasuke kicked open his window instead of using the front door like a normal person.

"Oi! You bastard, what if I was naked?!" Naruto shouted, scrambling off his couch.

Sasuke gave him a disgusted look. "Then I’d set this place on fire and leave."

Naruto scowled but waved a hand. "So? What did my dad say?"

Sasuke crossed his arms. "He told me to tell you to ask him yourself."

Naruto’s face fell. "What?!"

Sasuke shrugged. "He knew exactly what I was asking and still didn’t give a straight answer."

Naruto flopped back onto the couch, rubbing his face aggressively. "Ughhhhhh, this sucks."

"Get over it," Sasuke said.

"I can’t!" Naruto groaned. "They’re acting weird and I feel weird and you—" He jabbed a finger at Sasuke. "—you put some dumb idea in my head about me crushing on Kakashi, and now everything is even weirder!"

Sasuke exhaled sharply. "Don’t put the blame on me. You were being a dumbass so I just helped you connect the dots."

Naruto flailed. "Well, un-connect them!"

Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose. "Naruto. You’re an idiot. And I’m leaving."

"Wait, wait, wait—" Naruto scrambled to grab his sleeve before he could jump out the window. "What do I do?!"

Sasuke yanked his arm back. "You want an answer? Ask Kakashi or your dad directly. You want to deal with your feelings? Figure them out on your own." He shot Naruto a deadpan look. "Or keep whining about it and suffer. Either way, leave me out of it."

And with that, Sasuke disappeared.