I'm still not sorry for the cliffhangers :) WARNING: loooong ass chapter. In honor of Hiroshi's death I finally redid his drawing in Chapter 3.

The cloudy sky bathed the surroundings of the cemetery in a dull gray light where rows of people stood neatly next to each other, all in black. The somber expressions worn by everyone were turned to the twelve year old setting a bouquet of flowers down on a grave. The Konoha symbol was proudly carved into the marble block with scented candles and flowers decorating it's bland white color with a name written on it.

'HIROSHI SHINTO'

Ahsoka knelt down, gently placing the flowers down on the white marble block. Her blank face looked down calmly at the name as she placed her small hand on the stone. The gray lighting making her usual bright colors look dull and muted just as it had everything around Konoha.

Standing in the front row, watching with a concerned look was Obito. His raven hair and onyx eyes matching his funeral clothes as he stood stiffly between Kakashi and Minato, 'Ahsoka...' His mournful eyes never left the young girl as she stood up slowly, her back turned to the group. Kakashi turned his gaze down to the ground as Minato stared on blankly along with the people around them. All remained silent. Not even the birds seemed to want to sing that day.

"Do-Do you think we should knock?" Kurenai leaned over and whispered to Obito.

A tick mark appeared on the boy's forehead, "Shh! I don't know!" He whispered harshly before quickly turning back to the door, "Maybe we should leave her alone a little longer?"

Asuma sighed as he stuffed his hands in his pockets, "This is stupid. If she wanted to talk to us she would have."

Kurenai whipped her head around, "But it's been three days and no one in the class has seen her!" The three had been standing at the large, dark red door of Ahsoka's apartment for a couple of minutes now. Worry for their long time friend had grown since they hadn't seen her since the funeral. Kurenai's voice dropped lower, "What if she really needs us?"

At Kurenai's words, Obito clenched his fist before bringing it down on the door, "OI! AHSOKA! YOU BETTER OPEN UP OR I'M BUSTING THE DOOR DOWN!"

No answer. Obito gritted his teeth, "DO YOU HEAR ME? AHSOKA!" He banged on the door again, "AHSO-"

"Could you please not break my door down? Thank you." The three genin yelped as they whipped around to see Ahsoka standing with crossed arms, a raised eyebrow, and a bag of groceries hanging limply from her forearm.

"Kami-sama...We didn't even hear you coming." Asuma's tense body relaxed as he continued staring at the Aoyama with wide eyes.

"Ahsoka!" Obito stomped over to the girl, "Where have you been?!"

The amber eyed girl shot her grocery bag a side glance before lifting it nonchalantly, "Grocery shopping..." That earned her a deadpan stare from the Uchiha.

"We've been worried sick!" Kurenai rushed over, "I mean we haven't seen you since-" The red eyed beauty clamped her mouth shut before the words slipped out.

"You mean since the funeral?" Ahsoka spoke slowly, empathizing the final words.

Kurenai blushed with embarrassement, "Ye-Yeah."

Ahsoka sighed, slumping her shoulders, "Seriously guys I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me."

The three genin shot each others worried looks before turning back to the light auburn haired girl, "It-It's just-" Kurenai began. Ahsoka's mouth fell slightly as she gaped in surprise, sudden realization hitting her. They truly had been worried about her.

The light auburn hair girl suddenly smiled, "Maa...Why don't you guys come inside? I'll cook up something quick for dinner."

"R-Really?" Asuma asked in disbelief.

Ahsoka giggled as she moved in to unlock the door, "Yeah! Come on."

Soon enough she was setting down four plates of yakitori on the small kitchen table. The three guests stared at the food in awe, "Wow! This looks so good!" Kurenai's eyes sparkled in delight as she lifted up one of the sticks.

Ahsoka chuckled as she took a seat, "Thank you. Hopefully it tastes just as good."

"I didn't know you could cook!" Obito said while chewing. He suddenly stopped as he savored, "This is really good!"

Ahsoka smirked, "I've had a lot of practice." Referencing all the time she spent alone in the apartment.

"I could never. Grandma makes all of the food at home." Obito stated as he stuffed his mouth with another bite. The four laughed and continued eating, just enjoying their time together as they told stories and jokes. Undoubtedly trying to cheer Ahsoka up.

Asuma wiped his mouth with his napkin before speaking, "Hey have you gone to visit Rin lately?" The other two snapped their heads to Ahsoka. The girl stayed silent, her hands in her lap and her gaze down.

"No. No I haven't." She picked up one of the empty sticks and started rolling it on her plate.

Asuma stared at her in bewilderment, "W-Why not?" She stopped rolling the stick, not meeting anyone's eyes. Kurenai shot Asuma a glare before elbowing him hard in the ribs.

"OW! What the heck Kurenai?!" Asuma gripped his side as he whispered harshly.

"Shush!" Kurenai hissed back.

Obito gaped at his teammate but stayed silent for a moment as he studied the girl, "Ahsoka..." She continued to look away in shame.

"I'm sorry. I-I've just been really busy with...ya know." She waved her hand slightly in the air, "Th-The-" Ahsoka gave a slight yelp as she felt a hand on her shoulder and snapped her head to the left.

"Hey, you don't have to apologize. Just take your time, ok?" Obito's soft eyes met Ahsoka's wide honey colored ones. The boy let his hand drop, "But it would mean a lot to her if you went."

"Uh-" She stared in awe at Obito before quickly shaking her head, "Uh-Hai!" She have a firm nod and a small smile. A blush clearly visible on her pale cheeks.

Not half an hour later and the sun was going down on the horizon, casting long shadows and darkness outside the apartment windows. Obito gave a huge yawn. "It's getting pretty late. I guess we should get going now." The four started to get up, followed by the sounds of chairs scraping against the wooden floor.

Asuma laughed, "Yeah. We don't want to over stay our welcome."

Ahsoka gave a slight bow, "Don't worry about that. You guys are always welcome here." She quickly made her way to the door and unlocked it as the rest continued with small talk.

"Arigato!"

"Thanks for the meal, Ahsoka!" The three walked out the door as they heartily waved good-bye, starting to descend down the steps of the building.

"It was no problem!" Ahsoka chuckled and smiled as she waved. Asuma and Kurenai walked on as they talked loudly. Not noticing that the third member of their party had stopped. Obito stood looking over his shoulder at the Aoyama still standing by the door frame. His dark eyes held a hint of worry as they focused on the girl.

Ahsoka gaped at the boy in surprise before he spoke, "You'll-be alright, right?"

Ahsoka gaped at him for a second longer before she broke into a smile, "Of course. You don't need to worry so much silly!"

Obito's face relaxed as he let himself smile, "Ok, if you say so!" The boy turned back around as he gave a wave, "See ya!" He quickly trotted up to his two former classmates, slowing down to an easy walk as he caught up.

Ahsoka quickly slammed the door behind him. The sounds of their chatter could still be heard, but was getting further by the second as Ahsoka's grip on the door handle tightened to the point where her hand was shaking. She brought her forehead down on the door with a soft thud as she continue gripping the handle.

'"You'll-be alright, right?'" Obito's words rang in her head as a flash of his concerned face crossed her mind. A single tear slid down Ahsoka's cheek.

Another interaction made it's way out of her memories, '"Ahsoka..." Large warm hands wrapped around Ahsoka's as a slight gasp escaped her throat, "I'll come back..." Hiroshi's caring hazel eyes looked down at her, "...I promise."

'Liar.' Her lip quivered as more tears began to fall, 'You're such a liar.' Making sure the sound of her friends's laughter was far enough away, Ahsoka allowed a muffled sob to slip through, 'You promised me. You promised!' This time, Ahsoka couldn't hold back the sobs as she slipped down to the floor. And not for the first time, she cried behind closed doors.

The big white building circled by a wire fence stood almost mockingly as Ahsoka stopped in front of it. Amber colored eyes turned up to the gloomy sky with a frown, "Jeez. Talk about depressing." She turned her eyes back to the building, focusing on the large red sign of the Konoha Hospital.

The walk through the lobby and down the hall was almost a blur. Ahsoka didn't stick around to observe the scenery of the - as usual- chaotic place. She kept her head down, only using her reflexes to guide her through the crowd. She didn't feel like being or even looking at the place that had brought her such bad news. The only solace she got was as she went up the stairs, just enjoying the peace and quiet and...

"Hey!" Ahsoka snapped her head up, "I haven't seen you in so long, dattebane!" Bright red hair was the first thing Ahsoka registered as she looked up at the top of the stairs where a grinning Kushina Uzumaki stood.

Ahsoka's face instantly lit up, "Kushina!" The girl rushed up the stairs as Kushina went down, meeting her halfway.

"You've grown some, ya know?" Kushina cocked her head to the side as she lifted her hand, measuring the still significant gap between the tops of their heads with a raised eyebrow and her signature smirk, "At this rate you'll pass me in no time!"

Ahsoka playfully rolled her eyes, "You saw me just two months ago, I couldn't have grown that much." The two grinned at each other before bursting into giggles.

"Are you here to visit Rin?" Kushina asked as her laughter subsided.

Ahsoka nodded before casting her eyes down to the floor, "Yeah...it's about time I do." Kushina's mouth formed an o in surprise before smiling gently.

"How are you feeling?" Ahsoka opened her mouth to answer, "-And don't tell me that you're 'fine' missy." Kushina pinned the girl down with a pointed glare, causing Ahsoka to gulp.

There really was no hiding much from Kushina, seeing as she was basically Team Minato's self appointed mother figure since they met their sensei's wife. So Ahsoka's fears of getting chased with a frying pan through the streets of Konoha if she didn't answer truthfully were not so far fetched.

"I-" Ahsoka continued to look at Kushina with an uneasy look before closing her eyes and sighing, "I'm managing. It's hard-but I'm hanging on," The girl opened her eyes again with a gentle smile to find Kushina listening and watching with caring eyes.

"Y-You guys give me hope...that things will get better. And I know that sounds cheesy and embarrassing but-" Ahsoka looked shyly to the side and blushed, "B-But it's true."

Kushina stared at the girl before letting out a sob and closing the distance between them, "Ohhoho Why is that embarrassing?! It's so sweet! I'm so glad and happy that your support is us!" Kushina's strong arms tightened around Ahsoka as she sniffled. Ahsoka let out a squeak as she felt the air leave her lungs.

"You're such a sweet girl, Ahsoka. Just know that we'll always be there for you when you need us, dattebane!" Kushina separated and leaned down, holding the dizzy girl at arms length, "Always. Remember that, ok?" Kushina pursed her lips in a pout as her concerned face stood eye-level with Ahsoka.

"Uh-Uh Yeah! Aha-haHa." Ahsoka answered drunkly with unfocused eyes as oxygen started to reach her brain again.

"Good!" Kushina let go of Ahsoka and stood up straight, causing the young girl to sway forward, but Kushina paid no mind to that as she grabbed an empty woven basket that had been hanging from her forearm.

"I just dropped off some snacks and sweets for Rin, ya know!" Ahsoka caught herself, sweat dropping as she stood up straight, "You know how bad the hospital food is here. You two can share it if she hasn't eaten it all already." Kushina let out a cheerful chuckle.

Ahsoka bowed her head with a short laugh, "That's really nice of you. Arigato, Kushina."

The red haired woman beamed before realization hit her, "Oh! I've been holding you up this whole time, dattebane!" She grabbed a wide eyed Ahsoka and shoved her up the stairs.

"It's fine rea-!"

"No, no! Just go!" She gave Ahsoka one last push before the girl herself started climbing up the stairs.

"W-Well, It was nice to see you again!" Ahsoka called back with a wave. Kushina continued waving back until the girl disappeared at the top of the stairs.

The red head let her hand drop as a smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth, "Tsk, that girl."

The walk to the room was short as Ahsoka soon found herself standing in front of the sliding door. Hesitantly, she brought a hand up but stopped short of knocking. She lowered her fist ever so slightly and closed her eyes as soft sigh escaped her lips.

Finally, Ahsoka straightened up. Keeping her spine as straight as an arrow, the young girl inhaled deeply before tapping her fist gently on the door.

"Come in!" Rin's soft familiar voice called and Ahsoka sheepishly slid the door open. Rin's mouth fell open as her eyes widened in bewilderment before breaking out into joyful laughter, "AHSOKA! You finally came!"

The auburn haired girl took measured steps to the bedside as she smiled ruefully, holding her hands tightly, "Hi Rin."

The brunette let out another shocked laugh as she stared at Ahsoka as if she might disappear, "I-I didn't think you were coming!"

'Me either.' Ahsoka's own thought made her visibly wince, catching Rin off guard.

"O-Oh I'm sorry! I-I shouldn't have said that." Rin stammered guiltily. She looked like she wanted to lean forward and touch her friend but she recoiled since Ahsoka seemed almost skittish at the moment. If she didn't know better she would have thought her friend was uncomfortable...Then again, perhaps she was.

Ahsoka's eyes widened in surprise, quickly dismissing Rin as she sweat dropped, "No, no! It's fine. Y-You didn't say anything wrong, ahaha." Ahsoka chuckled nervously with a closed eyed smile.

"O-Oh ok..." Rin dipped her head down ever so slightly, "Please, take a seat. You shouldn't have to stand there."

Ahsoka did as told, quickly bringing over a lone chair to the bedside and sitting down carefully and tensely. A thick silence followed. A tension so tangible you could cut it with a kunai. The two friends looked everywhere but at each other as beads of sweat rolled down their brows.

Ahsoka fidgeted with her hands as she sat stiffly in place. Her eyes cast down to her fingers as she played with them, 'Maybe this was a bad idea...I shouldn't have come-' The sudden shoving of a hand in front of her face made Ahsoka jolt back in surprise as she registered what was happening.

"Do you want some?" Rin gave Ahsoka a hesitant smile as she watched her. Her outstretched hand offering some sweets.

Ahsoka's blinked off her dumbfounded expression as her eyes softened, gently wrapping her hand around the snack as she took it, "Hai, Arigato."

The Aoyama began to dig into the sweet. She had completely forgotten that Kushina had brought food. Now that she looked around she spotted a pile of different snacks, candy, and some meals in containers on Rin's nightstand. The Uzumaki had gone all out.

Rin's eyes shifted between observing her friend and looking down at her white hospital sheets. Closing and opening her mouth several times until she gained the courage to speak out loud, "How-How are you?"

Ahsoka stopped eating and gave a light scoff as she lowered the food, "I should be the one asking you."

Rin's eyes brimmed with concern, "No. I really should be the one asking you." Ahsoka looked down to the side with furrowed brows as she stayed silent for a moment.

"I should have visited you sooner." The sudden change in topic took Rin by surprise.

"Ahsoka. You were-are going through a hard time. I understand if you didn't feel like coming."

Ahsoka closed her eyes, "Still, it was my job as a friend to come, to check on you. And I failed at that... Just like I failed at other things."

The brunette reached a hand out and grasped Ahsoka's in hers. Her brows furrowing in confusion as she spoke slowly, "I-I don't follow. I- I mean you are here now-"

"You don't understand Rin," Ahsoka slowly pulled her hand away as she looked down to the floor, "I-I had the chance to-to apologize to you when we arrived at the hospital that day...But I didn't, I barely spoke a word."

Ahsoka's hand tightened on the sweet she was still holding, "What I mean is that Hiroshi's death isn't the only reason I didn't visit," Rin's back straightened up.

"I didn't visit because I felt guilty. Guilty that I could've done something to stop you from getting hurt because....It was my responsibility to stay alert...I should have done something." Ahsoka's shoulders slumped down as if the weight of the guilt had fallen down on her young body.

"Ahsoka..." Rin gaped at her friend in disbelief, "You can't blame yourself for that! Sometimes these things-" Rin's rant came to a halt as Ahsoka held up a hand.

"I know. But I'll make sure it won't happen again," Ahsoka lifted her head up, her honey-colored eyes staring ahead with a new sense of determination, "I will work harder to make sure I don't fail like that again. I promise."

The words that Minato sensei had told her still rung true. These things can't always be helped...but that didn't mean Ahsoka wouldn't try her damn best to not let it happen.

The brown eyed girl looked like she wanted to say something else, but alas conceded as she looked down at her sheets with a slight smile, "Maa, I guess..." Suddenly, the brunette's head snapped up, displaying a playful grin, "I guess I'll have to work harder too!" She lifted her fists up in determination

Ahsoka raised an eyebrow with an amused grin, "You?"

"Well of course! I-I" Rin's face suddenly fell a little, her smile becoming more forced as she remembered what had happened, "-I might have gotten distracted during the attack." The brunette brought a hand to the back of her neck as she smiled sheepishly.

Rin had let her thoughts of silly things cloud her senses to the point of getting hurt. She couldn't let Ahsoka take the blame for her own mistakes. Something she was angry at herself about.

"And I can't let that happen!" Her sudden soft eyes shifted to meet Ahsoka's, "I can't let you have all the responsibility."

A warm feeling filled Ahsoka as she smiled back. Her eyes never leaving her friend's, "We'll work together then." The two looked at each other before they burst into giggles. Maybe it was the fact that her tension had slipped away, or maybe it was the fact that she had finally made her promise to Rin. But Ahsoka felt lighter than she had in two weeks.

The girl's pleasant laughter filled the room as it bounced off the walls. Not a single sign of the earlier tension remained. Ahsoka opened her eyes as her laughter subsided, catching a sight of a fresh bouquet of white lily flowers and a couple of books on ninja studies by the window sill.

"Are those from Obito?" Ahsoka pointed, to which Rin turned her head.

"Oh! The flowers are from Obito, the books are from Kakashi though."

Ahsoka's brows shot up in surprise, "Kakashi comes to visit?"

Rin's cheeks turned bright pink as she turned her head away, "Yeah, he comes by every once in a while and brings me books on ninja training. I guess he just doesn't want me to hold the team back now that I'm not training."

"T-That's surprisingly... considerate of him..." Ahsoka said in slight disbelief. She suddenly remembered she had an unfinished piece of snack in her hand.

"You think?!" Rin's face lit up as she turned back, her eyes falling on Ahsoka. Then a sudden memory hit her. The distraction. The way Kakashi's eyes softened when he and Ahsoka were speaking as they traveled. The way Kakashi looked as Ahsoka went off with Obito. Rin was angry at herself....but she had to know...

"Maa...Ahsoka." Rin's eyes shifted to the side.

"Hmm?" Ahsoka lifted her head up curiously in between chewing another bite of her sweet.

"What do you think of Kakashi?"

Ahsoka raised an eyebrow as she sat up straight in her chair, "What type of question is that?"

"Oh just you know... " Rin shrugged her shoulders casually.

Honey eyes narrowed ever so slightly in something more akin to curiosity than suspicion, "Um, I guess he's a very skilled fighter. Great tactician too...." The auburn haired girl suddenly scoffed a little as she shook her head, "He is also very meticulous and annoying...but he's...not- bad." A fond smile grew on Ahsoka's lips. Maybe subconsciously.

"Yeah..." Rin got a dreamy look as she stared out the window before turning back to Ahsoka, "You two seem to get along."

An annoyed tick mark appeared on the auburn haired girl's forehead, "Well trust me it's not because he's put any real work into a friendship. The pervert is as elusive as a cat! And as annoying as one too." Rin choked slightly before laughing.

A real laugh. Something that made Ahsoka's eyes softened as she heard it from Rin. Something she hadn't been able to do in so long. What a fool she's been.

"Does Obito come by often?" Ahsoka looked down at her food with an easy smile.

"Hmm?" Rin's expression turned thoughtful, "Well now that you mention it...He's actually been coming less and less."

"Huh? That's really odd."

Rin frowned, "Yeah, I wonder what's wrong." Worry hit Rin a bit more than she had expected as she turned her saddened eyes to the lilies by the window sill.

"Well," Rin's head snapped back to Ahsoka, ignoring the feeling, "Wanna help me eat some more of this food? Kushina-san brought too much."

Ahsoka giggled, "You bet!" As Rin foraged through the options, Ahsoka turned her gaze to the window. The cloudy sky outside had not changed. It's gray depressing colors still leaving the village in somber tones.

Rin's voice became a distant wind as Ahsoka concentrated on the lilies by the window. Such a contrasting scene it was. Cloudy skies outside with a beautiful display of white flowers. So ironic. Then again, lilies are given to the dead.

One week later

Obito walked down the street with his hands in his pockets. The sky was as gloomy as it had been this past few weeks.

Obito's head was slightly bowed as he looked down at the ground with a slight smile. So immersed in his thoughts that he didn't notice the white building just ahead or the person waiting close by.

"Going to the hospital?"

Obito gasped in surprise, whipping his head up at the sound of the sweet familiar voice, "Ahsoka!" He broke out into a smile, quickly trotting up to his friend and stopping just in front of her, "Yeah I'm on my way to visit Rin." He pointed at the hospital with his thumb.

His black eyes suddenly glanced to the side, "H-Have you...?"

Ahsoka smiled easily, knowing exactly what he meant, "Yeah, I've visited her."

An invisible tension seemed to sept off of Obito as his shoulders slumped down and he let out a sigh of relief, "O-Oh," A light laugh escaped as his eyes closed, "That's great!" He opened his eyes again and cocked his head to the side with an easy expression, "Were you on your way there?"

"Yeah. She's ordered me to come visit her more often to make up for all the days I missed."

The boy laughed, "Sounds like you've got a lot of trips to make." The two started walking, falling into easy silence as they quickly approached the white building.

Obito suddenly came to a full stop, spotting something just ahead. His breath catching in his throat.

"Huh?" Ahsoka looked at Obito- confused before looking ahead, her eyes widening the slightest bit in surprise. Just passing through the gates of the wired fence was a head of familiar silver hair, "Oh it's Kakashi. Rin told me he's been visiting."

"Actually..."

Ahsoka snapped her head to the right at the sound of Obito's voice, "Huh?"

"I'm not feeling so good," The Uchiha turned to Ahsoka with a weak closed eyed smile, "Let's go another day." Ahsoka gaped at the boy in surprise.

Obito walked ahead of Ahsoka. Their pace slow as they moved through the streets, getting further and further from the hospital with each step.

Ahsoka's bright eyes watched Obito's back as he walked, 'Not feeling good huh.' She focused on the Uchiha crest that sat proudly against the blue background of his jacket as his spiked hair moved with every step. The sound of their footsteps hitting the pavement was the only sound that could be heard coming from the two.

"Two hot jasmine teas!" The man handed Obito two small steaming cups of tea. At Obito's request, they had stopped outside a small tea shop, with the excuse that 'gloomy days are the best for drinking tea.'

"Hai. Arigato." The boy turned away from the small tea shop and walked out to where Ahsoka stood facing the street, "Here."

"Ah thanks!" Ahsoka took the warm cup gently in her hands, stopping to smell the sweet aroma, "Kami-sama, I wish the sun would come out already. It's starting to get colder every day." The light auburn haired girl looked up at the cloudy sky with a frown.

"You'd only wish that until it got too hot. Besides, we've had some sun." Obito said as he blew on his tea.

"Well not enough if you ask me. hmf." Ahsoka pouted and turned away, lifting the cup to her lips.

Obito snickered, "There you go again. Getting defensive."

Ahsoka eyes narrowed threateningly, "Huh?" Obito sweat dropped and waved a hand.

"N-Not in a bad way. You always have witty remarks a-and are actually right more often than not. I like that about you."

Ahsoka felt her eyes widened. Her breath catching in her throat for just a second while her porcelain cheeks flushed a pink color, complementing her stunned expression. Did he really just say that? Kami she was such an idiot for getting flustered with a simple off handed compliment.

Obito stuffed one hand in his pocket as he held his cup in the other, turning his gaze back up to the sky, "Though...this weather might make training annoying."

Ahsoka let out a light scoff, "Not that that's ever stopped you before." Her words referencing the countless times she had found the boy training at ungodly hours and incredibly bad weather.

"Yeah, you're right!" Obito laughed lightheartedly. A true joyful laugh - something Ahsoka had heard scarcely these past weeks- A sound that sounded so out of place in these dreary times.

'Rain or shine, you are always pushing yourself, neh Obito?' Ahsoka's eyes trained on the tall boy as he continued to look up at the sky, his eyes and still joyful expression giving him a naive look, 'You're always trying to be the best you can be, the best anyone can be.'

Obito suddenly turned to Ahsoka, a grin on display, "Hey Ahsoka! At the rate I'm training, we'll be equals soon enough! No more staring at anyone's backs!" Ahsoka tensed for a second. His words digging up memories of long ago like a knife.

--'"...Even when I try my hardest I can't catch up to you or Kakashi. All I've done is stare at your backs my whole life."

"I want to be Hokage. The best one this village has ever seen! But how can I do that if I'm always staring at your backs! How can I if I can't surpass you!"

'Liar.' Ahsoka thought, turning away from Obito.

"I know why you backed out on going to see Rin. It's because Kakashi was there." Obito's eyes widened a fraction before he turned his head the other way.

"N-No, that's not it. I'm just feeling sick."

"Liar."

Obito didn't say anything for a moment, leaving a tense silence between the two. Neither of them drinking from their cups again as they stared out at the gray bathed street.

"Honestly, I didn't want to get in the way if it could just be the two of them." Obito said simply. But the hurt deep down was there, Ahsoka knew it. She suddenly furrowed her brows in frustration, staring straight ahead before she burst out.

"Oh shut up! The only reason we are here is because it hurts you to see the way Rin admires him!" Her outburst caused Obito to gape at her. "That's why you avoid the two together." Her voice dropped down to a soft murmur as she turned her gaze down to the ground.

The memory of Obito's dejected face watching Rin's sparkling eyes during Kakashi's match resurfaced in Ahsoka's mind, 'I thought I could ignore it, but in the end...I've always known what was in your heart,' The thought hurt more than a kunai to the heart.

Ahsoka slowly turned her head to Obito. Keeping a relaxed expression despite the tension she felt and uttered one simple sentence, "You love Rin."

Obito's eyes flashed to Ahsoka. A startled gasp escaping his lips as he gaped at the auburn haired girl.

'"I'm always watching you... Obito." Rin's soft voice spoke in Obito's mind as he remembered her smiling face. The way she had always been there for him. The only one that didn't laugh when he failed. The one who had always believed in him.

So Ahsoka could only watch as he nodded his head with the slightest blush on his cheeks, "Y-Yeah."

Ahsoka's furrowed her brows again the slightest bit before she turned away to stare ahead at the street, expression blank...almost thoughtful. A long thick silence followed. Neither said a word. The tea long forgotten in their hands grew colder by the second. The silence stretched on, both staring straight ahead

"What a moron!" Ahsoka suddenly yelled out, turning to the boy as she clenched her fists, causing Obito to jump out of his skin, "Rin likes Kakashi, you know! She always did, baka!" Ahsoka leaned towards him. The desperation leaking out of her voice as she yelled. She knew the words hurt him, she knew it. But maybe, that is what she wanted.

Obito simply closed his eyes and gave a rueful smile, "Yeah, I know."

Ahsoka's brows furrowed further as she continued, "When it comes to girls Kakashi has you beat! Next to him they wouldn't even see you!" Someone has to wake him up.

Obito turned away from her, "I know."

Ahsoka leaned away, gritting her teeth behind a pained frown, 'Liar.' The day she first saw him training in the rain, the hours of together, the missions, the night under the starry sky, it was all coming back to Ahsoka.

'You always said you were the one staring at my back through out all these years. But in reality...it was always me who was staring at your back.' Ahsoka ducked her head.

'You were so far away from me. Never giving a glance behind.' Obito stared at the ground in deceiving calmness. But Ahsoka knew he was only bottling up his conflicted feelings.

'You lied. We would have never be equals if you caught up to me...you would have only slipped further away, never giving me a second thought. You'd be so surrounded by admirers that I'd be no more than a speck of dust to you. You liar.'

Ahsoka continued staring at the boy. The pain breaking her apart shinning through her eyes, but Obito noticed none of that as he continued to stare down at the floor.

The class loser, the Uchiha failure, and the boy that she had loved for so long, 'You've only ever seen me as a marker in abilities. A guideline to help you measure your success. Your competition. Your friend. But you could never notice me...not the way I want you to. Not the way you notice her.'

Thoughts of her best friend filled Ahsoka's mind. Ahsoka turned her head away in a half-hearted scowl, "Rin likes Kakashi." Her voice came out more like a whisper, but at this point, she didn't know who she was trying to convince anymore.

'"And Obito...I do believe that one day...I'll be the one staring at your back."' Her younger self's words ringing in her head only made Ahsoka scrunch her eyes shut.

'Perhaps...' The image of Rin and Obito smiling happily made it's way to her thoughts, 'Perhaps I'm the one that needs to wake up...wake up and let go." A single drop of rain fell on the ground.

Ahsoka gritted her teeth before she snapped her head towards the boy again, "Rin likes Kakashi! She would never go for a pitiful guy who turns away from visiting her out of being a coward! You have to fight for her!" Obito stared at his friend in bewilderment.

"W-What are you talking about? It's just like you said! She likes Kakashi! I don't stand a chance!" Obito's voice got increasingly louder, clenching his fists tightly before he dropped his gaze down to the floor, "She likes Kakashi..." The last words were barely more than a murmur.

Ahsoka watched him. Watched his saddened expression with an angry and pained one of her own - her lower lip quivering the slightest bit. This is the right thing to do...she had to do it. She had to let go.

She slowly lifted her foot before she drove it right into Obito's shin bone, "Baka Baka!"

Obito cried out in pain as his hands flew to his injured leg. Ahsoka took a wide step back as she shouted, dropping her tea in the process, "You have to fight for her you hear me?! You have to fight for her or you'll regret it for the rest of your life!" Pain laced in her voice.

She couldn't stay there, she couldn't hold it anymore...so Ahsoka took off at a run, leaving Obito behind jumping on one leg. Her feet hit the ground hard as she ran and ran and didn't look back, 'There, I did it. I let go.' Her hair flowed behind her as she continued on aimlessly. Dark gray clouds loomed over her head.

'I'm finally free of you. I never again have to worry about how you see me or if you see me at all ever again,' A drop of rain fell on the ground, then another, and then another, 'I'm free...' The rain started to press on harder but Ahsoka didn't stop, 'So why...why do I still feel asleep.'

The rain continued pouring as a small figure walked slowly through the street, her wet auburn hair sticking to her face. She had slowed down to a walk after who knows how long of running, she certainly hadn't been keeping track. She had been running aimlessly, but now, now she knew where her feet were taking her.

She didn't glance up as she weaved through the streets. Like a beggar, she kept her head down and looked at no one despite the odd looks she knew she was getting from the shopkeepers watching her from the windows of their warm and dry shops.

Still she didn't look up. She didn't flinch at the cold rain. She only acknowledged the outside world when she stood right in front one of Konoha's newest marble gravestones. Yes, her feet knew exactly where they had been taking her.

Amber eyes locked on to the familiar name engraved on the white stone- glistening from the heavy rain. Ahsoka just stood there, arms hanging limply by her side, thinking about how the world had changed in just three weeks.

It was almost funny, how the world hands you hope...makes you think it's all going to be okay. Then it rips it away and we throw a tantrum, like a child having their favorite toy taken away. Yes it was almost funny to Ahsoka.

She suddenly turned her face to the gray skies above. The relentless rain crashed down on the cemetery, blocking most of Ahsoka's surroundings as she stood silently, her eyes shadowed by her wet hair that stuck to her face.

'Nande,' Her face was stoic, showing no emotion, hiding behind a mask, just like she had been doing for the past weeks, 'Nande...Why is it that every time things look like they are going to be okay, something goes wrong?' It was a simple thought, and such a simple question.

Kakashi walked through the rain, not minding it too much as he walked with his hands in his pockets. He kept his head up though he didn't need to see where he was going, he knew the way by heart. Visiting his father was a thing he did often, though the ill will was still there.

He had just finished visiting Rin, checking on how fast she was healing and how fast they could get back to work. Giving her the training books was the least he could do seeing as if she fell behind the team would suffer. It was truly a drag.

Kakashi kept on walking, only stopping when he was at the all too familiar entrance of the cemetery. The rain continued beating down on him even as his feet stopped. He narrowed his eyes at something in the distance, the heavy rain making it hard to see.

Straining his eyes even more, Kakashi made out the familiar silhouette standing a way's away from him and his eyes widened slightly. Her back was turned to him and her face was turned to the heavens, but there was no mistaking who it was.

'Ahsoka? Why is she-' Kakashi's eyes dropped, remembering the funeral not three weeks ago. He drew his eyes back to her lone silhouette in the distance. He knew what she was feeling, or at least a part of it, and it was not pleasant. Kakashi couldn't help that rare feeling of empathy that washed over him as he watched the auburn haired girl through the rain.

--Flashback--

The young prodigy walked through the streets after leaving the bench far behind him. His eyes cast downwards to the gravel. The sudden of  shinobi sandals hitting the ground followed close behind the boy.

"KAKASHI!"

Kakashi's head snapped up as he turned around to see the fast approaching greenly clad boy.

"Guy?" Guy's sandals came to a screeching halt as he stopped a mere two meters in front of Kakashi. The taijutsu focused boy huffed as he regained his breath, his eyes never leaving the silver haired Hatake.

"Kakashi..."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow in confusion, but Guy didn't stop staring him down, "You-You like Ahsoka, don't you, Kakashi?"

Kakashi's eyes flew wide open, staring at Guy in horror. Though he quickly hid it behind anger as he gritted his teeth, "What the hell gave you that idea?!"

Guy slowly stood to his full height, his eyes meeting Kakashi's, "The way you looked at her after she left. It was as if all the good things the springtime of youth brings you left you!" The greenly clad boy pointed an almost accusing finger at Kakashi.

Kakashi would've rolled his eyes if he hadn't been too busy defending himself, "What are you talking about?--" Kakashi leaned away as Guy held up a hand, propping the other one on his hip.

"There is nothing to be ashamed of! The idle thoughts of youth are what keep us energetic!"

"It's not like that, okay?! I don't like Ahsoka!" Kakashi said, frustration seeping from his voice. He suddenly lowered his gaze before turning away slightly, "Besides, she's- she likes Obito." His eyes suddenly narrowed at Guy, "So you're just wasting your time on her."

Guy's eyes focused on the silver haired boy, studying him with uncharacteristic seriousness,"That's doesn't matter," He stated casually, making Kakashi even more confused, "It's only natural for the girl you like to like someone else. It even makes her sparkle brighter, gives her a different energy. She sparkles like a star, so you fall for her, even though you know it's not gonna happen."

Kakashi scoffed, ignoring Guy's dramatic attempt at poetic language, "Whatever. I don't even get why you are telling me this."

Guy stood up straight and pointed another finger at Kakashi, "Because now I know my rival likes the lovely Ahsoka too! So I had to face you, head on!"

Kakashi scoffed and dug his hands in his pockets, "Like I said. I don't like her anyways. Besides, I still think you'll have no chance." He said- but in his head, he was thinking neither of them had a chance.

Guy grinned, "I think it's up to the girl to decide whether it's possible or not! And I will never give up on winning the love of my sweet jasmine. Even when you are competing for her, Kakashi!"

Kakashi rolled his eyes, scoffing as he turned away, facing the long street again,"Whatever."

--Flashback ends--

Ahsoka didn't even feel the rain anymore, even as it continued to pour in it's mundane way. Her eyes never leaving the sky. The only sounds were the countless drops of rain falling down on the cemetery, but nothing else.

That's when she finally spoke in a monotone hoarse voice, "If you are here to shower me in pity you can leave." Kakashi stopped in his tracks. Of course she had sensed him. He had approached as slowly as possible, only standing a couple of feet behind her now.

Th boy relaxed after the initial shock. A beat, "I don't do pity."

She waited for a second, "...Good."

Ahsoka moved her head down. Her eyes still shadowed by her long hair, but she didn't say anything else- and neither did Kakashi. At least not for a while. Kakashi's gravity defying hair had lost some of it's defying quality with his usual spikes sagging down in the rain.

His heavy-lidded eyes continued to stare at Ahsoka's back until he finally spoke, his voice uncharacteristically soft, but it's commanding quality was still there. "Come on. You're gonna catch a cold out here."

A weak "No." escaped her lips. Her voice losing it's own commanding nature that it had just moments before. She made no move to leave. She couldn't.

"You're going to get sick," Kakashi's firm hand grabbed on to Ahsoka's forearm. She barely flinched at the sudden contact, "Let's get out of here."

Ahsoka's lip quivered a little as she let out another soft 'No'. But she didn't resist when Kakashi started tugging on her arm, leading her away. The whole walk out of the cemetery she didn't take her shadowed eyes off the stone, not until they were too far away.

She simply followed Kakashi, guiding her as she lingered behind him, pulling her arm as he went. She didn't know where they were going. She didn't care to ask.

Kakashi continued walking, weaving through the streets and roads until he found what he was looking for. A small bench sitting on the outside of a closed shop, an overhang roof shielding it from the rain.The two quickly ducked under the roof. Their clothes dripping on to the dry space of pavement.

Ahsoka immediately slumped down at the center of the wooden bench, looking out to the street. Kakashi slowly approached after shaking off the water in his hair, his black eyes staring down at the girl, "Scoot over. You're taking up the whole bench." He sent a harsh kick to her leg.

"OW! I'm scooting! Ok?!" Ahsoka grumbled as she shuffled in her seat. For the first time showing a different expression than the empty one she had worn.

Kakashi flopped down to her right, watching the rain as Ahsoka subtly turned away from him, holding her hands tightly in her lap. The rain continued and they watched in silence as water dripping from the overhang fell down to the floor.

Ahsoka lifted her gaze a little, looking at Kakashi out of the corner of her eye for a second before turning her eyes down once more, "Are you going to ask me about it?" She finally asked, breaking the silence.

"No, but I'm listening." Kakashi said simply, still staring straight ahead. Ahsoka stayed silent once more- still looking down at the ground, watching the rain drops splatter on the gray pavement.

"It's kinda stupid," Ahsoka's voice broke a little as she finally spoke, "This boy that I had a crush on. Really cute and a good guy," A weak smile tugged at her lips, "He's a knuckle-head but he's got a good heart."

She didn't think Kakashi knew who she was talking about- but he knew. He knew very well who it was, but he kept a mask of indifference on as he continued to watch the rain, listening intently despite his bored demeanor.

"He's not the type most girls go crazy about...but I did," Her eyes dropped lower as the small flicker of a smile faded, "He won me over...but now, I have to let go of him b-because... He's in love with someone else." Her fists tightened.

Kakashi sneaked a glance from the corner of his left eye at her dejected, anguished expression before quickly glancing away, 'Letting him go?'

"The worst part is..." Ahsoka continued, her voice breaking again, "Is that I knew how he felt all along!" Tears splashed down on her fists as Ahsoka scrunched her eyes closed, "I'm such an idiot! How could I let myself keep getting dragged along when I knew!" A few sobs rippled out of her.

Kakashi turned his head slowly to her, eyes wide with shock. He had never seen her cry, never seen her so vulnerable. It put him on edge seeing this normally bright girl fall apart, but he couldn't look away. He should be glad she is finally getting over him...He should be angry that that idiot made her feel this way...but as he watched her cry....he couldn't bring himself to feel any of that.

Ahsoka let out another weak sob before she lifted her head to find Kakashi staring at her. She immediately furrowed her brows, "Are you just going to keep staring at me or you going to say something!" Kakashi only blinked at her harsh tone.

She continued staring at him expectantly, eyes locked. He blinked once more before his monotone voice broke the silence, "Yeah that is kinda stupid."

Ahsoka's eyes flashed in anger,"You know what?! I don't even care if you are here or not so just go!" Kakashi stared into her honey-colored eyes. She was angry, but seemed to not have the energy for it, rather, she was devastated. Tears threatened to fall as she sniffled once more.

The boy only blinked, his gaze never wavering from her eyes as he spoke, "If you don't care if I'm with you or not...then I'll just stay." Ahsoka's tear filled eyes widened. Their bright color contrasting with the gray surroundings as she gaped at the boy for a second before turning away, sniffing once more with a scowl.

"Fine, go right ahead." She slumped down deeper into her seat, turning her gaze to watch the rain once more. Kakashi's eyes lingered on the girl- observing the elegant features of her face- before turning back to watch the rain as well, the slightest upward turn of his lip beneath his mask.

** Original art of the moment Ahsoka chose to let Obito go

A/N: A bunch of YLIA inspired scenes were here so just giving credit. And now I hope you understood what I meant by saying YLIA was perfect for what I wanted to do. It just fit so perfectly in my love square plot.

Also...why is Ahsoka crying in front of Kakashi so important? Because if you haven't noticed, the only times Ahsoka has truly cried are when she is alone. She doesn't like people to see her sad, she prefers people think she is happy so she can bring more joy to them. However, she finally broke down for the first time with an audience in front of Kakashi. Something she has never really done. (I mean sure a tear slipped or something with Minato but she didn't full out cry.)

The most important thing that I wanted to say was why I chose for Ahsoka to let go of Obito. The reason is because I didn't want his death to be the reason she had to stop crushing on him (Not that you stop loving someone after death but more like why they couldn't be together...if you get my drift...) I didn't want her to then be with Kakashi because oh oops her crush died. NOOO. I'm not gonna do that to Kakashi! He ain't gonna be the rebound guy! So I had to make Ahsoka let go of Obito by her own free will so her having feelings for Kakashi later on won't be like "Oh she is just with him because she couldn't be with Obito cuz he's dead"...like just no. Kakashi doesn't deserve that.

Next we will be diving into canon again...and I think you all know what comes next.

***Next update will be Sep 13th