In the other world

No matter how much you think about your own, you need to do your lessons. Professor Jiraiya flicked Obito's forehead when he was deep in thought on Defense against the Dark Arts. Therefore, Uchiha decided to leave his thoughts for later and try to hold out in reality for at least a couple of classes. After Spells and Herbology, he thought it would be nice to find Kakashi, if only because in the next lesson - Potions - they would have to suffer together. Professor Orochimaru had been teaching with them since the first year, when he "had a better opinion" of Obito. Uchiha remembered this and still sulked at him. And with the potions themselves, the brunette was not very good, because for him these lessons simply did not take place. The professor himself was rather pale. Probably because his office was in the dungeons. Does he even go outside? The purple arrows under the teacher's eyes seemed strange to Uchiha. Even Professor Senju doesn't wear as much makeup as he does. Why would a man draw arrows for himself, and even purple ones? Is there something we don't know? Or are they bruises? So many questions, and no answers in seven years. However, every year interest in them waned, because other, more important problems and tasks appeared. This year, Uchiha is generally wanted. It's better to focus on that. Obito found Hatake near the dungeon. - There you are, - Uchiha came up and stood next to him, holding on to the strap of his backpack with one hand. - Hi, - Kakashi nodded. - Well, the last lesson for today... - Yeah. - What are you planning to do after? - I'm going to the library,- he shrugged. - Should I do my homework?.. - Yeah. Obito looked away and looked at the door of the Potions room. It wasn't that she was very interesting, but he didn't know what else to do. - And then?.. - What do you want? - Well... What are your suggestions? Last time I offered, now it's your turn,- Uchiha smiled. - Let's go learn something else. - It's a good idea. I agree. After the Potions lesson, the guys went to the library. There they spent two hours on homework, after which, leaving unnecessary things in the living rooms, they met at the cherished wall. Kakashi nodded to Obito and did the actions he had already memorized, and a door appeared in front of them. Once inside, Uchiha went to the sofa and sat down, putting his hands behind his head and stretching. - What are we going to study? - Hmm... Don't know... Did we teach Glacius? Well, it's freezing. - You can repeat it. Obito took out his wand and cast a spell, covering the surface of the table with a layer of ice. - Then let's see, - Kakashi went to the shelves and took out a book, then sat down next to Uchiha again and began to look for spells. The brunette also looked at the book. "Bombarda, Wingardium Leviosa, Stupefy, Alohomora..." Obito leaned on Kakashi's shoulder. The latter tensed up a little, but immediately tried to relax. - What are you doing? - It's all right... - Oh... - Nothing. Everything is fine. - May I? - Yeah... - Thanks. In the end, they decided to just practice using the spells they had learned before. After all, sometimes even the simplest charms can help to cope with danger. - Expeliarmus! - Bombarda! Ouch... Obito cautiously peeked out from behind the shelves. - And you are much more dangerous than I thought ... - smiled the brunette. - I'm sorry, somehow... - For that, you will certainly be able to protect yourself in case of real danger. - Yeah. Defend yourself! The impediment! - Protego! A protective barrier appeared around Uchiha. - Ha! Cleverly! Levicorpus! - Rictusempra! - Protego! - Damn it... Well okay. Incarcero! - Hey! Emancipate! Get Overshadowed! - Okay, okay, that's enough,- Obito took off the dark bandage from his head. - I realized that you are strong. Let's get some rest. I'm hungry. Kakashi smiled triumphantly. - Okay, let's go to dinner. - And why go somewhere? You can do it here. - Well, if you want. After eating, Uchiha stretched and stretched a little. - Is it too late yet? - I don't know. Do you want to go to the living room already? Hatake shrugged his shoulders. - Well, you tell me if anything happens. If you want, we can finish it now. Shall we go? - Well, come on. Once again, Obito and Kakashi, under an invisibility cloak, walk through the dark corridors of the castle towards Ravenclaw's living room.

***

Christmas is coming soon. The yard was covered with snow. Those who had to cross the street wrapped themselves more tightly in their cloaks and quickened their pace. - They're taking the third-year students to Hogsmeade today, - Uchiha said, looking out the window. - Will we go with them? - The ash-haired man smiled. - Why not? I want to go to Hogsmeade too. - Then let's go, - Kakashi nodded. Obito put on his invisibility cloak and followed the ash-haired man. - Kakashi-kun! Rin waved when they were outside. - Rin, hi,- Hatake waved back. - Going to Hogsmeade? - Yeah. - Great! Are we going together? The Ravenclaw nodded. The girl smiled and gently took his hand. - May I? - Well... Why not? She smiled a little wider, then led him after the third-year students. Nothing interesting happened along the way: the students were talking and having fun, wondering what awaits them in Zonko or Sweet Kingdom, sometimes owls flew by carrying letters, the snow crunched under their feet, and Rin's warm hand did not let him freeze. And now they are in Hogsmeade. - Shall we go to the Three Brooms? - Rin asked as the rest of the students scattered to the magic shops. - Come on. The girl pulled him inside the building. They ordered a mug of butterbeer and chose a table. - Hogsmeade is great... It's a pity Obito can't come here with us... - Yes. I think he would have liked it. The bar was quite crowded. Schoolchildren and wizards of all ages gathered here to drink a mug of the best creamy beer. While Rin was warming her hands, clasping the glass with both palms, Kakashi heard snatches of conversation: - ... If the Ministry doesn't do anything, they may show up here soon! - Madara surely knows that the boy is here. We need to be more careful... - The main thing is not to get into an argument with him. Otherwise, it may end badly... - Wait a minute... The Madara Uchiha? Who was recently released from Azkaban? - Hush! They can hear us! The front door slammed shut, although no one was standing near it. - A draft, - the elderly wizard shrugged, turning over and thereby emptying the bottle of firewhisky. "Obito..." - What happened? Rin looked at him with a slightly worried expression. - Nothing, I am... Let's go back. I'll just take some butterbeer with me. Maybe later you'll want to... - Ok. Kakashi took a butterbeer for Obito, and he and Rin left the store. Hatake hoped to find Uchiha at least by footprints, but there were many footprints here. The snow continued to fall and cover the ground with a new layer, but a couple of footprints near the wall, apparently, were not going to disappear... - Obito? The ash-haired man called softly so that Rin wouldn't hear. The tracks remained in place. - Let's go home... A soft crunch of snow announced that the guy was up and ready to go. Kakashi smiled sadly and discreetly extended his hand. Cold fingers awkwardly touched his palm. The ash-haired man intertwined their fingers with a smile, after which the guys returned to Hogwarts. Already at the castle, they said goodbye to Rin in one of the corridors, and the girl went to her living room. - Shall we go to the Room of Requirement? They didn't answer him, but they didn't let him go either. - Ok. Kakashi led him to the Rescue Room, where they settled back on the cozy couch. - Is it because of them? Obito silently shrugged his shoulders. His upper half was still hidden under the invisibility cloak. The ash-haired man carefully pulled off his robe. Uchiha's gaze was directed downwards, her hands were on her lap. He looked thoughtful and even a little sad, although he rarely showed a detailed mood. - What are you doing? - Kakashi hugged him. The brunette tensed up a little, but soon he was able to relax, although at the same time his head seemed to sink more. He said something softly, as if he didn't want those words to be heard. - Huh? - It's all stupid... - I don't understand... - I'm stupid... Because I can't even understand myself... - Okay. By the way," Hatake said, taking out a bottle, "I brought you some butter beer here. Uchiha looked at the drink and opened the lid, then turned his gaze to Kakashi, as if asking. Kakashi waved his wand, and two mugs appeared in front of them. Obito filled them and took one. The ash-haired man took the second one and drank. His throat burned slightly, and the ash-haired man's eyebrows drew together a little. The brunette drank it all in one gulp and now sat staring at the bottle. - If you want, pour some more. He shook his head and, putting down the mug, leaned back on the sofa, throwing back his head and closing his eyes. Kakashi gently stroked his hair. - It's a strange feeling... - Huh? - What was that? Do you feel it? The ash-haired man shook his head negatively. - Firewhisky. It's not butter beer, - Uchiha laughed softly, hiding his face in the crook of his elbow. - It can't be... did I... get it wrong?.. - Most likely they got it mixed up on the counter. - Maybe... Sorry... - Better not drink it. You can take the robe when you go to the living room. - And you? - I don't want to. I'm staying here. - Then I'm with you. - Are you sure about that? - What if I start doing something? - As you remember, I can defend myself. - Whatever you say... Without thinking twice, Uchiha lay down on his lap. Kakashi stroked him. The brunette turned to face him and now looked into his eyes. - Huh? There is silence in response. Obito closed his eyes and pressed his cheek against it. The ash-haired man gently ran his fingers over his cheek. The brunette sniffed peacefully. Kakashi smiled.

***

The guys are lucky that today is Sunday. Obito woke up towards noon. Hatake was sitting and reading a book. - Good morning,- Uchiha said sleepily, rubbing his eyes. He was still lying on Kakashi's lap. - Morning. And you said you were going to do something. - Hmm? Oh, that's what you mean... Well, I've never drunk alcohol, so I don't know how I'm going to react. - Everything's fine, right? - It seems to be... The brunette sat down and rubbed his temple. - Does your head hurt? - That's it. But I won't drink any more. - That's good. Obito forced a smile. - What are you reading? - About magical creatures. Uchiha looked at the book. - Hippogriffs? - Yeah. - Do you know why I behaved like that yesterday?.. - Because of the alcohol? - I wasn't drinking then, actually... - Oh, you mean that case? Then I don't know - tell me. - I was jealous... - Oh, to Rin? Hold on. Who to whom? Obito lowered his head a little, but remained silent. - Well? - You... I thought we were going to go together... - I'm sorry... But for the sake of appearances, I couldn't refuse her... - I get it... There was an awkward silence. - If I had sat down with you, Rin would not have seen you and would definitely have kept me company. Anyway... - Kakashi said softly. - I've already told you... — Okay... After hesitating, Uchiha moved a little closer and buried his face in his shoulder. Hatake ran over his back several times. - I shouldn't have said that, right? - I don't know. Silence again. Obito continued to lie on Hatake's shoulder, and Kakashi continued to stroke Uchiha. - We still have homework to do, - the brunette quietly reminded. - Shall we bring it here and write? - Yeah. - Then... See you later? The guys got up from the couch and went to their living rooms to get the necessary supplies. After a while, they met again in the Room of Requirement and began to complete their tasks. Sometimes Obito got up to bring certain books, after which he sat down again and began to search for the necessary information. An hour later, Kakashi notified: - I'm done. - I'm still writing, - said Uchiha, who was propping his cheek with his hand. - Can I help you somehow? - If possible. Remind me, in what year did the first goblin uprising take place? - In one thousand six hundred and twelve. - Thanks. Obito wrote down the number and continued to write. Hatake leaned against the back of the sofa in boredom. You could hear how fast Uchiha's hand was moving across the paper, trying to print beautiful letters and signs. - If you need something, tell me... - Yeah. Half an hour later, the lessons were over. The guys brought their things back to their rooms and met again at the appointed place. - Maybe the Three Brooms? Just the two of us? - Uchiha suggested. - Come on. - Great, - the brunette smiled. - Come on. Obito put on his invisibility cloak again, and they left the castle. Once halfway to the village, Uchiha, without thinking twice, pulled off his robe. - What are you doing? - No one here knows for sure that I didn't get a permit signed. Besides, I'm an adult. Maybe I can at least go to Hogsmeade now? - Probably. And if they see you? - Who? - Well, those who are hunting you. - Ah... well, we can defend ourselves... And I have the invisibility cloak with me. - Okay, I'm convinced. Obito smiled, and they continued on their way. Once there, they went into the Three Brooms and took a table. Uchiha brought them each a mug of butterbeer and sat down next to Kakashi. - You know, it's a little unusual that you don't have to hide,- Obito took a sip from his mug. - I understand, - the ash-haired man nodded, sipping his drink. - And the atmosphere is completely different. Cool. And it's nice. - Yeah. - I wonder what if... The door opened. Four people enter the bar. One of the figures was unfamiliar to Kakashi. Strong build, tall stature, long hair... Obito pulled him by the sleeve - he was already sitting under the table. - Is this really the same Madara? - Hatake asked quietly. Uchiha nodded and looked at the man. When he spoke to the bartender, his voice sounded familiar to Kakashi. He had heard it somewhere before... "Then they followed us. And he commanded..." - Kakashi... The man slowly looked around at everyone present. Hatake gently squeezed Obito's hand. Madara held the ash-haired man's gaze a little longer than the others. One witch came up to the brunette and said something to him. He nodded and cast another glance in Kakashi's direction, after which he and three companions left the bar. Obito leaned on his knee. - It got through... - Hatake exhaled softly. - I hope they don't come back here... Obito sat down normally again, then folded his hands on the table and rested his head on them. - That's what he is, then... - Yeah. You don't know him yet... - And I hope I won't find out. I don't want him to come to us. - And you think about it, - Uchiha smiled sadly. - Let's wait a bit and go back to school. - Come on. After sitting for about ten minutes, they still left the Three Brooms and went back to school. Obito put on an invisibility cloak just in case and suggested that Kakashi, as a last resort, also hide under it. - In general, you can ask the Help-out room for another one. Just in case. - Why not, - Hatake agreed. - Then go straight there now. At the castle, Obito pulled off his invisibility cloak. When they had already climbed to the eighth floor, Kakashi was abruptly pulled back and hidden under his robe. Several Slytherins passed by, discussing how they would smash Gryffindor in the upcoming Quidditch match. - But we never made the team, - Uchiha whispered in his ear. - Yeah... - Have you tried it? - Nope. - But they didn't take me... They said that all the seats were occupied, but they could take me as a backup. I refused, as they are almost always in shape and very rarely leave the game. And I'd just be wasting my time on the Quidditch pitch... - And I didn't really want to, and I forgot. - Somehow it didn't work out... - Yeah. They stood in the hallway, hidden under an invisibility cloak, and waited for the uninvited guests to leave them alone. There were only a few steps left to the Rescue Room. When the footsteps finally died down, they made their way inside. However, the room was not like the one they had been in before. It was pretty dark in here. The only light came from the fireplace, crackling softly in front of the red sofa. The second invisibility cloak lay on the armrest, hanging slightly to the floor. Obito took off their robes and walked a little forward. - It's a little weird, isn't it? - Why, that's enough... Nice? - Yes, probably... Uchiha's voice was slightly strained. - What are you doing? Everything okay? - Yes, it's fine. What's wrong?.. - That's right, - Hatake said, sitting down and leaning back on the sofa. - It's convenient. Obito walked over and sat down uncertainly next to him. He followed Kakashi's example and tilted his head back. His gaze became more thoughtful and distant. - What do you think, - the brunette began. - What will he do to me when he finds me? - As you said, I do not know him, so I cannot predict the actions of this person. - However, yes... I don't know for sure myself. Sometimes I feel like a coward when I hide from another squad. Pathetic and weak... - Don't say that. Obito looked at him a little surprised. - You're not pathetic. And not weak. Are you just giving up without doing anything?! - The ash-haired man looked into his eyes. - I... don't know what can be done... Should I come up and ask him what he wants from me? I doubt he'll just let me go later... I know something needs to be done, but... what exactly?... - For now, it's easy to avoid him, and when it's no longer possible, then you can not resist much for the sake of appearances. I will be near. - Ok... I will try... A tactical retreat... Isn't that what it's called? Uchiha tried to smile, shifting the subject a little. - Well, sort of. - So we're sticking to the plan for now... The fire crackled softly in the fireplace, filling the emptiness of the dark room. Obito and Kakashi looked at him, trying to figure out what else to discuss and how best to start this conversation. After thinking for a while, Hatake leaned on Uchiha's shoulder. - Huh? Obito came to his senses and looked at him. - What? Can't you? The ash-haired man looked at him innocently. - You can, - smiled Uchiha, quietly continuing the phrase. - Thank you,- the Ravenclaw smiled too. Obito tried his best to keep himself in control so as not to mess things up. It would be a shame if his only friend left him. - What are you doing? Kakashi looked up at him. - If you want something, tell me, I'll come up with something. Uchiha got a little nervous. - That's it... It's okay, sort of. And how are you? - That's it... I don't feel like doing anything... Maybe I'm sick, do you know? - Let me see. Obito turned to face him, removed his bangs from his eyes with his hand and touched his forehead with his lips to take his temperature. The ash-haired man closed his eyes. - I don't think so. Does something hurt? - I don't think so. It's just a weakness of some kind... - Maybe you should consult with a nurse? - I don't want to,- Kakashi hugged him and snuggled up. Uchiha flinched a little from surprise, but hugged back. - Are you sure it won't get worse? Did you catch a cold while we were at Hogsmeade? - I don't know,- the ash-haired man shook his head negatively. - At least it's better with you... You're so warm. I don't want to let you go. Obito was embarrassed, but he felt a little better. He gently stroked his friend's back, trying not to make sudden movements, as if he was afraid to scare him off. Kakashi liked the caress, so he smiled contentedly. Uchiha involuntarily smiled back. Hatake thought about it, then kissed Uchiha on the cheek. - Wow, it feels a little better... The brunette's cheeks were covered with blush. He looked at him with incomprehension and embarrassment, but a spark flashed in his eyes. Kakashi leaned on him again. Obito sighed softly. - Huh? - What? - Why are you sad? - I was just thinking a little,- Obito tried to justify himself. - You've been thinking a lot lately... - You're probably right. I don't recognize myself, to be honest. It's all kind of weird... In a different way... Although not much seems to have changed. - I see. - At least the wishes are still in place,- Uchiha smiled, looking at the ceiling. - You still haven't said which ones. - Try it... Guess what? - Honestly? I have no idea. - And if so?.. He carefully rested his head on the ash-haired top of his head. - Do you want to lie on me? - Hatake arched an uncomprehending eyebrow. - What? - Well, like you're "lying" on me right now. - Nope. I didn't guess right. - And then what? Obito buried his nose in his hair. - Do you like my shampoo?? - no. I mean, that too, but it's not a wish. - Well, what about it? - I can't say. - Well, all right... After a short silence, - Hatake asked quietly, - Can't you say it, but can you do it? - You can try it... Obito moved away a little, and then unobtrusively touched his cheek with his nose. - Ah, I get it, - Kakashi nodded and kissed him on the cheek again. - Right? - Almost, - Uchiha was a little confused, thinking how best to approach the situation. - But I see you don't mind... - Nah, I don't mind. Not at all. Yes, that's who I am. Obito grinned a little. Then, having made up his mind, he moved closer. Kakashi felt his breath. Hatake looked into his eyes. Uchiha leaned forward and gently touched his lips with his own. Kakashi was a little surprised, and then tried to return the kiss. After a couple of minutes, Obito pulled back and looked at the ash-haired man. Hatake still didn't understand what was happening a little and just buried his face in Uchiha's chest. Obito was silent, gently stroking his back. - How are you?.. - Yeah. So you've been thinking about it all the time too? The ash-haired man muttered softly. - Uh-huh ... - the brunette agreed shyly. - Wait a minute... Too?... Kakashi blushed and hid his face. - I thought you wouldn't approve... Although... You kind of took the first step yourself, but I thought it might have been an accident, and it's just adolescence... But the Patronus... And then I got jealous... - Obito smiled sadly. - Yeah... - I'm sorry about that... - For being jealous? I forgive you... I forgive you for everything, if you want... Uchiha smiled again and gently kissed the top of his head. - Thanks... For a while they still sat in the Rescue Room, next to each other and looked at the burning fireplace.