On My Mind

The day of the wedding had arrived quickly, much faster than originally anticipated. While many of the preparations were done last minute, everything turned out as planned, even though it was done in a hurry.

In the evening of the previous day, Yamanaka Izumi had found herself hurrying around within the venue, various flowers in hand as she did so.

In her dominant hand, Izumi clutched a massive bouquet of heliotropes, flowers that stood for both devotion and eternal love, as she rushed to find either her mother or her aunt somewhere in the venue. It had taken her longer than assumed in order to find near-perfect flowers, though once she had found them, she had immediately taken them along with her. The flowers were something she had once told Kushina about, the woman grinning at the mention of them. Shortly after, the redhead had declared the flowers to be something she once wanted to be part of a celebration.

Izumi could only hope that they were the right fit for the wedding.

In the venue bustled people unfamiliar to the brunette, preparing the last preparations for the wedding. As it happened early in the morning, shortly after sunrise, the flowers were brought in late in the night to ensure that the next day they would still be well. Among the people, Izumi spotted a familiar frame rushing around, honey hair peeking out of a messy bun the woman wore.

“Yua-oba!” She called out to her aunt.

At the call of her name, the woman turned around, eyes lighting up at the sight of her niece. “‘Zumi!” Yua’s stomach was heavy, her pregnancy had become more so than obvious. Gently, she cradled it as she stood.

Once she arrived at Yua’s side, Izumi let out a harsh breath. “I got the flowers.”

“Heliotropes? How wonderful!” gushed the woman, a smile blossoming on her features. “I knew we could rely on you to make the decision.”

Izumi could feel her cheeks flush at the compliment. “Ah, well, I merely learned from the best.”

Yua let out a warm laugh at that. “Always the charmer, just like your father. But what can I do for you?” When she smiled, she had an ethereal glow to her.

“Where should I place them?”

“Hmm,” Yua looked around the room to find a space for the flowers. Most of the previously open spaces were already cluttered with other types of colors, ones that would not match with the heliotropes. “How about over there?” The spot at which she pointed was one near where the ceremony would take place.

Izumi inspected the spot chosen carefully for a moment before nodding eagerly. “Good idea, thank you, oba-san!” As softly as she could, she embraced her aunt in thanks, mindful of the woman’s pregnancy, before rushing off to get the flowers to where they belonged.

Now, many hours later, Izumi felt worn out as she sat at the wooden table in her room, cerulean eyes tracing her own features in the mirror. Without a doubt, she should have slept more. The bags under her eyes were the marks of a long night, protruding from her scarred skin. Even as she dabbed concealer on it, the purple and blue shade of them still shone through. The same could be said about the scar across her nose. Underneath the concealer, the pink and red scarred skin was still visible, almost as though highlighted by it.

Izumi frowned at her mirror image.

A familiar ache surfacing in her knees made her frown even more, her eyes dulling. She let out a sigh, shaking her head softly.

If Izumi was honest with herself, she liked how she looked and who she was. Most days she never minded the extra skin clinging to her thihgs, the way her arms appeared bulky sometimes and the scar decorating her nose. Most days she grinned at her mirror image, a confident smirk following soon after. Other days she couldn't help but frown, not feeling herself entirely.

And that was okay or so she knew. Izumi did not have to be perfect, just herself and that would be enough.

Regardless, the frown stayed persistent, her cerulean eyes now fixated on the scar.

Even with it, you look pretty. Kakashi had told her so and she believed him, she always had. But sometimes her worries pushed back every other thought. Sometimes even she was weak to the doubts worming their way in.

It was how she found her fingers gravitating toward the concealer yet another time to apply more of it.

One day in a year Izumi did not entirely feel herself and in the back of her mind she knew it was okay.

━━━━

Kakashi meanwhile had received and accepted the aid of Fuji to get ready for their senseis' wedding.

"You look effortlessly good, chef. Did you know that?" complemented Fuji as he gently combed through Kakashi's hair, detangling it. "Like a little gentleman."

"I'm not little." denied Kakashi.

Fuji merely chuckled at the boy. "To me, you are. I remember when you were this small," He held his hand to about his waist. "and now look at you. How you two have grown. Time flies by."

Kakashi hummed in agreement, not wanting to move his head as the man worked so eagerly.

"I'm proud of you, Kakashi," said Fuji suddenly. "You have come so far, you can be proud of yourself. Not only are you a great and capable Shinobi but also a great friend and part of this family." The urge to ruffle his hair overcame the brunette, but he resisted.

The silver-haired's mouth meanwhile went dry. Family. The word was almost foreign to him, a distant memory. 'Sometimes I worry they love you more than me' is what Izumi had told him once, 'you are part of the family after all'. Family, he was part of their family.

"Fuji, I-" choked out Kakashi, the words lost on his tongue.

"You don't have to say anything, Kakashi. Just listen. Miho and I never really got to tell you this but we are thankful for you in our lives," Truth was, they had always also wanted a son. It was what Fuji wanted to tell the boy, but did not want to overwhelm him. "And most importantly, we are thankful you are there for our daughter. We can't thank you enough for that. I hope you know that if there is anything we can do for you, our door is open to you, always. You are part of the family now, whether you like it or not. We are always here for you, don't you dare doubt that. Just so you know."

Kakashi swallowed harshly. "I know," He could feel the tears decorate his lower lash line, threatening to spill any moment. "Thank you."

For the boy's sake, Fuji ignored the glossy eyes. "Don't thank us. There is no need to, really. We are just glad to have you here, chef."

The smile taking over Kakashi's features was visible on the outside, an imprint left on his mask. He couldn't control it, even if he tried.

Fuji gently smoothed down the material of the silver-haired's suit, patting it once he was done. "There you go, chef. All done. Now, we've got a very important task: greet the girls and give them flowers. And we mustn't forget, it's like family tradition." He winked at the younger teasingly.

Family tradition. Yeah, Kakashi liked that thought … a lot.

"Wait, what flowers?"

━━━━

Once Fuji had practically forced Kakashi out of his room into the living room, the boy stumbled in, practically panicking.

"Now you listen to me, chef," Fuji leaned down a bit, his arm resting comfortably on his crutch. "In our clan we have this tradition: before each important event the men give the women a thunberg's clover. You want to know why?"

Kakashi nodded almost eagerly.

"Right answer," Fuji cleared his throat. "They do so because the flowers symbolize something similar to positive love. Don't question it, just do it. Trust me, Izumi's going to be very thankful for that."

"She is?"

"The first time it isn't her old man giving it to her. Oh, how fast they grow," Playfully Fuji wiped fake this from his eyes. "Right, I have them somewhere, wait one second."

As quickly as the man could with his crutches, Fuji hurried into the kitchen with loud thumping noises following him along.

Kakashi meanwhile stood in the too familiar living room, nostalgia washing over him. He could vividly remember how he had been brought to the living room when he moved in, the way a blanket of comfort was placed around him that day.

The pictures lining the shelves had changed much since then, or so Kakashi noticed. When he had first visited they were mostly of a young Izumi, barely a toddler, smiling at the camera. Over the years they had changed as she grew older. A photo of her Genin Team, Team Eleven stood near the middle, the huge smile his best friend wore drawing him in.

What stood out to him the most, though, was a photo practically placed in the middle. He recognized it from being taken years prior, but he never thought he would see it again. Rather quickly he found his own self on the photo, lips twisted into a small smile on it. While it was barely visible, he could still remember the moment. Beside him sat a grinning Izumi, her arm wrapped around his shoulder, pulling him into a sideways hug. Her hair was placed into two pigtails which he found adorable. He also noticed how her head was turned toward him, not the camera. The day he had won the kunai for her during the festival, the following day the photo had been taken. A small sigh pushed past his lips at the memory. On the other end of the couch sat Miho, the woman looking at the two of them lovingly.

Kakashi felt his heart thumping against his chest, the feeling of love overwhelming him.

Family, they were his family. They saw him as part of their family. Years ago the thought had left him trembling, leading him to moving out after having lived with them for almost half a year. Like a scared cat would have, he had turned his back on the ones who loved him by then already and ran away, only for them to still love him.

But now he wouldn't run away. They were his family.

The mere thought left his mind spinning, it running summersaults to keep up with the whirlwind of emotions he was feeling. They took him in, they gave him love, they gave him comfort, they gave him everything and more.

They loved him. To Kakashi, it was incomprehensible.

Regardless, he accepted it. Maybe he did love them back because they were his family now, the thought no longer scaring him. It had taken him over six years to come around, to realize that, but now once he had, they still accepted him, took him in, they waited.

For him, all for him.

Never would Kakashi let them go, his family.

From behind him resonated a familiar pair of heavy footsteps, a loud thumping following it behind.

"I hope you don't mind that we have put it up," Fuji rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Miho had liked it so much, she insisted. And then she got ‘Zumi on board, and how could I say no?"

"I like it." said Kakashi.

Fuji startled at the reply after he had prepared to apologize for having made the boy uncomfortable. “You do?!” The man cleared his throat. “I mean, you do! That’s great!”

Kakashi was absolutely unconvinced by the man’s acting, but refused to comment on it.

“Anyway, I got the flowers!” Fuji held up two thunberg’s clovers in his hand, nudging the silver-haired to take one. Once he did so, the man grinned. “The plan is this: let them come in for a moment, present themselves as some enjoy doing, and then you will give Izumi the flower, alright?”

“Understood.”

As it turned out, it was easier said than done.

When Izumi came down the stairs, all words seem to die on the silver-haired’s tongue. Was it the heat of the moment or the way his heart suddenly appeared to thump harshly against his chest? All he knew that he thought she was the most ethereal he had ever seen.

Immediately, Kakashi hurried over to her, the flower feeling almost heavy in his hand. For some unknown reason to him, it felt as if his legs moved without his command, like they gravitated toward the person he was now standing in front of.

“This is for you.” As he held out the flower to her, he noticed how his hand trembled in just the slightest manner, barely noticeable but still there.

Izumi gently took the flower out of his grasp, their fingers brushing. With a flush coating their cheeks, they look away, almost embarrassed. “Thank you.” She told him softly, a smile blossoming on her features. In a quick move, she took the flower and tugged it between several strands of her hair so that it sat on her ear.

Fuji nudged Kakashi's shoulder harshly, reminding the boy what he had told him to say once the brunette came to join them in the living room.

Kakashi cleared his throat. "You look … beautiful."

The compliment caught Izumi completely by surprise, who felt startled at it. A blush began to decorate her cheeks, her face feeling warmer. "Oh, thank you!" She smiled at her best friend. "You also look beautiful."

From behind Kakashi, Fuji couldn't help but sweatdrop at the conversation, letting out a sigh about how they were hopeless cases. He shook his head softly, the dark brown curls sitting atop it bouncing with the motion, before he made his way to his wife to tell her about having failed his attempt.

Kakashi felt his cheeks flush, a small smile forming underneath his mask. From the outside, its outlines were visible. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me, it's only the truth." teased Izumi.

“You have something on your face,” said Kakashi suddenly, his visible charcoal eye focused on a certain spot on her cheek.

The mention made her shuffle uncomfortably on her feet, already aware of what he might be talking about. “I do?” she asked nervously, hoping he would drop the topic.

Instead, he leaned closer to her, carefully inspecting the layers of concealer sitting atop her scar. “Wait, let me just-” From one of the pockets of his attire, he pulled out a handkerchief before hurrying into the kitchen of the home, wetting it. Just as swiftly, the silver-haired returned, handkerchief still in hand.

Izumi felt her cheeks burn as he came closer, his gaze asking silently for permission. She nodded, feeling embarrassed.

“Hold still,” said Kakashi as he placed the cold handkerchief on her skin, attempting to wipe of what he considered to be ‘something’ off of her scar. To his dismay, his attempt failed. The next idea came bluntly to his mind and without much thought, he placed his other hand on Izumi’s jaw, cradling it softly in order to hold her still. He paid no attention to how she froze underneath his touch, and instead gently wiped the concealer off, making sure not to irritate her skin. “And done.” He sounded almost proud of himself.

“I-, uh, thank you.” Izumi cleared her throat, her cheeks having taken on a deep red during his actions. She hoped she could pass it off as her skin being irritated or the heat of the room.

Kakashi meanwhile frowned on what was left on the handkerchief, attempting to figure that out. While he was a genius, there was no doubt in that, he was no prodigy when it came to female things.

“What is that?” He murmured underneath his breath. “You look better without it.”

Izumi was unsure of what to respond.

In the end, she squeaked out a quick thank you, avoiding eye contact with the silver-haired.

Maybe today wasn't one of her less confident days … because of him.

Kakashi, thank you.

━━━━

The wedding venue was full to say the least. It was to be expected when one of the Kage got married for the most important political figures of the village to attend, whether the Hokage wanted for that to happen or not. People dressed in expensive clothing filled much of the space, conversing about topics not suitable for weddings, such as conflicts and financial issues. Overall, it was not only very loud, but also quite full.

The reception itself was absolutely breathtaking. In her attire, Kushina appeared to be glowing, her bump only visible if you searched for the detail. The soft shade of the dress she wore perfectly complimented her skin, especially with how her hair was half tied up and half down, the stunning strands of her vivid hair running down her hips. Minato did not look all too bad either in the suit he wore, a shade of navy blue that only accentuated his bright blue eyes. His hair was styled as always, except for the fact that it now looked neater than always, more thoroughly brushed through.

After the couple had lovingly spoken their vows, the room had erupted into cheers in their favor, wishing the two of them the best luck on their new way of life together.

Kakashi meanwhile appeared to have a completely different objective, his gaze fully fixated on the friend beside whom he was seated. He intently studied her reaction, the way her cerulean eyes began to tear up as she cheered and the wide smile which spread across her features. Then he had looked away once the reception was over, and it was time for the guests to enjoy themselves. Izumi had removed herself from his side for a moment, going over to congratulate the happy couple, while his gaze followed her.

"What do you think are you doing staring at my daughter like a lovesick puppy, Hatake?"

The boy in question froze on the spot, visible charcoal eye blown wide in surprise. After the shock passed, he turned to face the Yamanaka man.

"I wasn't-"

"Don't deny it, Kakashi," laughed Fuji, removing his hand from the shoulder of the startled boy. "I can't walk properly but I can see better than most."

"I didn't say you couldn't see well."

"I know, chef. I was kidding," Fuji gave the boy a smile, one that was dripping with warmth. "I'm glad it's you and not some other boy staring at my munchkin."

Kakashi looked up at the dark-haired man, unsure of what to say.

"When Izumi was born, I was worried that one day, someone would come along and break her heart. As her father, you can understand that I don't want that to happen, you know?"

The silver-haired nodded, confused by where their conversation was going.

"But then you were suddenly in her life and the worries began to disappear. Every day she talked about you, she didn't really stop if you ask me. From the way she was talking and smiling as she did I knew that somewhere out there, there was a boy making her happy. As her father, that also made me happy. And then I met you, Kakashi. I'm not sure why, but I knew from that moment on that I could trust you to make sure my daughter will be alright. I know that I am repeating myself from earlier, but still. Now I still trust you, and I don't doubt that I always will."

The revelation startled Kakashi. "You trust me?" His heartbeat began to increase, it felt almost heavy. Fuji trusted him … with her?

"How can I not? You make her smile wider than I can. You mean a lot to her and from the way you just looked at her, I can see that the feelings are reciprocated."

Now a flush began to coat his cheeks. He felt almost embarrassed.

"The only thing I ask of you is to keep doing whatever it is that you are doing, Kakashi."

Kakashi nodded. "I will."

Fuji turned to the silver-haired, still smiling. "Thank you," His green eyes traveled over the head of the boy in front of him just in time to catch sight of someone familiar approaching. "Enjoy the rest of the evening, chef."

Without as much as a chance for Kakashi, the man turned away and made his way to his wife, ready to gossip about his talk. His demanding presence was immediately replaced by a curious one, a sweet smile intensifying the blush on Kakashi's cheeks.

"What did my dad want?" asked Izumi, coming to stand beside her friend.

Kakashi's eye widened for the fraction of a moment before he schooled his expression again. "Nothing."

"Okay…" said Izumi, trailing off. Her eyebrows furrowed, attempting to read his expression. She leaned closer to the boy as though she were inspecting him, before she leaned back again, smiling. "If you say so."

The boy said nothing in response, only observing the scene around them.

“Kushina-nee looks so pretty tonight!” squealed Izumi, cerulean eyes fixated on the older woman. How she herself wished to look as stunning as the woman on her own special day.

“She does.” agreed Kakashi. But she is not the only one looking pretty tonight, he thought.

“Minato-nii cleaned up nicely for today too.” Usually, when Izumi saw the older man, he was dressed in a simple pair of sweatpants alongside a basic t-shirt.

"If Obito and Rin were here to see this, they would most likely freak out." said Kakashi, his voice beginning to crack, though he kept himself composed.

Izumi gently placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "I think so, too. But I also think that they would want you to relax and enjoy the celebration, Kashi. All they want is the best for you, trust me. Enjoy it for them."

"I'll try."

"That's what I wanted to hear!" The laugh she let out was melodic to him. "Will you dance with me?" With an expectant smile, Izumi held out her hand to him, hoping he would accept.

"I can't dance." told her Kakashi sheepishly.

"Neither can I!" giggled Izumi. "But come on, it's fun!"

"Yeah?" Instinctively, Kakashi found himself reaching out to grab her hand.

Izumi nodded. "Yeah, totally," She reciprocated, grasping his hand tightly in her own. "So come on, Kashi, let's dance!"

"Okay, Izu. I'll dance for you." And if he could, he would for the rest of his days.