Hikari hadn't really actually expected him to ask her questions. After all, he was even more reserved than she was and she was having trouble finding the nerve to ask him anything at all, let alone anything really personal. It would take time to get there, she knew that and she was just fine with that. A slow pace was fine with her. Actually, it was generally preferable for her, as she was sure it was for him. But when he was ready, she wanted him to know that it would be okay. That she wouldn't be uncomfortable with answering questions. At least she didn't think so. She would be hesitant to answer anything too personal this soon, even though she wanted to open up, but she would at least try to answer any questions he might have. It would be a slow process for either of them to really and truly open up, she thought, but she wanted to be able to open up to him, and for him to be able to do the same. And she didn't want him to feel uncomfortable if he did want to ask her anything, whether now or later.<br/><br/>When she asked him to go to the festival she hadn't expected him to say yes, so why had she even bothered to ask? When he replied flatly, his voice becoming somewhat cold again, she wondered if it had been a mistake to do so. She didn't want to push him or make him uncomfortable or anything. Had she? A tinge of worry crept up inside and a hint of it might be seen in her eyes if she was looking, but for the most part she managed to avoid showing much of a reaction. When he shrugged and apologized she put on a smile and shook her head, "No, it's fine. It was a dumb idea anyways." She replied gently, giving him a small smile and rubbing the back of her neck somewhat nervously. She meant what she'd said. It had been a dumb idea, she knew that. She'd already seen multiple incidences in a single day of what being around people was like for him when it wasn't crowded. She imagined that the festival would be a million times worse. And besides, they'd both likely be sent on missions before then, so she doubted they'd be able to go even if he had agreed.<br/><br/>She pushed the thoughts from her mind, not allowing any tinge of disappointment to even register, choosing to allow her brain to override her emotions, and focused on the task at hand. The hot pot was almost finished cooking, so she got two bowls, some chopsticks, and other utensils they'd need, placing the utensils on the table and handing him a bowl. She let him get his food and then she got hers, picking up her chopsticks just in time for someone to show up at the door. It was Kakashi, she could sense his presence easily enough. "It's Kakashi." She informed him with a soft voice, holding up a hand to let him know it was okay, as she'd seen his instinctive reaction. Moments later Kakashi opened the door, stopping as soon as he saw the two of them.<br/><br/>Kakashi stood there, blinking and unmoving for a moment before he smiled nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh... Uhhh... Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. I didn't know you were having company over. You never have company over." He explained, waving off the last part before finally stepping in and closing the door behind him. He hadn't expected her to have company, given that in the almost ten years she'd lived with him he couldn't recall a single time that she'd actually brought someone over. The few times she'd hung out with people she'd always gone out. And even that hadn't really happened in years, at least to his knowledge. And now she was hanging out with a boy? And not only that, she'd invited him over for dinner? He might have assumed there was more to this than friendship if he didn't know Hikari as well as he did.<br/><br/>Still... This was a big step for her. He couldn't help but feel a little proud. Of course, she had to choose<span style="font-style: italic">him</span>to be the first one she decides to open up to or care about after all this time. He wondered if that was the wisest decision. He had a feeling she'd end up getting hurt if she got too close to him. He'd been tailing the boy secretly for some time now and he couldn't help but worry about the consequences in the long run. But then, he supposed it wasn't his choice, even if he wanted to try to be protective of her. She could handle herself, and she was no doubt even more worried than he was, and for whatever reason she had chosen to go ahead with it, so he had to trust that she knew what she was doing. And anyways, maybe it would be good for both of them? He certainly wouldn't have expected Kuronotsurugi Uchiha to be in his apartment, eating dinner with Hikari. Perhaps she would be good for him. He just hoped she wouldn't be burned too badly in the end.<br/><br/>"I thought you were on a mission." Hikari finally spoke up. She was trying to be nice, but he could tell she was a little disappointed by his arrival. "Oh, well, I was. But it was a short one." He replied, putting his things down. "Hello." He greeted Kuronotsurugi with a small wave and a polite smile. "I don't think we've ever formally met. I'm Kakashi Hatake." He introduced himself, more as a formality than anything, before turning his attention back to Hikari. "I can go out for a while, if you'd like to be alone. I wouldn't want to interrupt your date." He offered, knowing full well that it wasn't a date. But he couldn't help but mess with her.<br/><br/>Hikari's cheeks burned a bright red and her eyes widened slightly at his comment. "What? No... We're not... This isn't..." She stuttered and stumbled through her words, trying to explain what he already knew and he chuckled lightly. "I know. I just wanted to see your reaction." He admitted with a smile and Hikari pouted playfully before she unexpectedly threw a chopstick his way, hitting him square in the forehead. "Hey... That wasn't nice." He pouted and she smiled innocently. "You deserved it." She replied before retrieving some more chopsticks.<br/><br/>"Well, if this isn't a date, then what are you kids up to?" He asked, slipping his shoes off and crossing the room towards his bedroom, stopping in the doorway and leaning against the door frame, watching them. It wasn't often that someone he was watching showed up at his apartment. He couldn't ask for a better chance to observe him and gather information, and he couldn't help but wonder what exactly he was up to. Perhaps his motives were pure, but he couldn't take that chance and risk missing out on some valuable intel. He hated having to intrude on Hikari, and he didn't want her to get mad at him or anything, but he had a job to do, so it was a risk he had to take.<br/><br/>Hikari was a little disappointed that Kakashi hadn't taken the hint and left, but she avoided letting this show on her features as she watched him cross the room and lean against the doorway that led into his bedroom, asking what they were up to. "Well, we<span style="font-style: italic">were</span>about to eat." She gave him a knowing look and he laughed nervously. "Oh, well, don't mind me. Go right on ahead." He waved his hand as if to tell them that they should go ahead and eat. Hikari sighed a little, softly enough that Kakashi wouldn't hear it, even if he could see that she was doing so, but loudly enough that Kuro would likely hear it.<br/><br/>"Sorry." She mumbled an apology to Kuro, looking down at her food and poking at it with her chopsticks. She had hoped Kakashi would be gone, but now she just hoped that if he stuck around, Kuro wouldn't decide that it wasn't worth it and leave. She glanced up at him, as if to gauge whether or not he was willing to stay or if he would leave now. She couldn't hide the slight worry or perhaps a hint of fear that crossed her features as her blue eyes scanned his face, his eyes, trying to figure out what he would do.<br/><br/>Kakashi couldn't help but feel guilty when he saw the fear play across her features. Of course she would be afraid. One way or another she'd lost everyone she truly cared about, except him. It was only natural that she would worry that Kuronotsurugi would leave, too. And here he was making things worse. But he couldn't deny that he was rather curious to see what would happen now. He wasn't exactly the most sociable. He was surprised the kid was here at all. He'd be even more surprised if he actually stuck around now that things had undoubtedly gotten a little awkward with his arrival. Dealing with one person was one thing, adding another into the mix was something entirely different and he was rather curious to see how he would handle it, and to see just what was going on with these two. Of course, that had little to do with the information he was meant to gather, but it could be pertinent if something was happening between them. If he was beginning to grow or change for the better, if only a little. Lately it seemed like he'd been growing increasingly restless and Kakashi worried where it might lead. But perhaps for once he could bring the Hokage some good news. Only time would tell.