Disclaimer: Don't own.

AN: Alright, this is a sequel to "Ours", and then "Ours" is a sequel to "Caring for you" and a continuation of "Progression" and "Bliss", in that order.

Also! NC-17!

Three months later…

Kakashi sat in front of Tsunade. His heart sinking further as he continued reading the scroll in his hands. He could feel the hazel eyes on him as he finished reading and he looked up to meet their gaze.

Tsunade leaned back on her chair and sighed, "You know I wouldn't ask you to do this if it wasn't completely necessary, if I didn't feel that I didn't need your skills for this," she looked at the silver haired jounin, "I respect our agreement, I do, but right now I need you to take this mission, and this mission calls for your skills and experience," she leaned forward, resting his chin on his folded hands, her eyes moving to the paper work on her desk before looking back at the jounin, "And as part of our agreement…"

Kakashi shook his head, "Don't worry, Tsunade-sama, I won't try to talk my way out of this. I understand what we agreed upon: That I will serve if my skills are required," he looked down at the scroll, before looking back up, "So I will."

Tsunade sighed, somewhat from relief, "Part of me hates doing this to you, but…," she sighed, partly from exhaustion, "Your class will be covered while you're gone. I would suggest you make a lesson plan for your substitute to go by."

Kakashi nodded in understanding, "I understand, Tsunade-sama."

Tsunade nodded, and smiled, "Go on then, get ready and spend some time with your family," her smile widened, "And say hello to Minoru-kun for me."

Kakashi smiled, but felt his heart ache, "Of course, Tsunade-sama," and with that he was gone with a puff of smoke.

Iruka entered the house with Minoru during the late afternoon, after agreeing that it was alright for Minoru to go to a friend's house to "study", which he highly doubted, while he took his shift in the mission room.

"Wash up before dinner," Iruka called after his son who was already rushing to his room.

Minoru turned and nodded and disappeared around the corner.

Iruka shook his head as he shed his flak jacket off and toed off his sandals, he noticed the other pair. He smiled as he slipped off his hitai ate and placed it on the low bookshelf by the entrance. He walked down the hall and poked his head into the bedroom where he found his husband laying on the bed, his leg over the edge as if he was sitting.

"Hey, Love," he said softly as he walked into the bedroom.

The soft greeting snapped Kakashi from his musings and he sat up, looking up at his husband, "Hey," he greeted back and forced a smile.

Iruka furrowed his dark brows, "Is something wrong?" he asked with concern.

Kakashi's smile faltered as he looked at the younger man. He dropped his gaze and sighed.

"Kakashi?" Iruka moved closer, and mismatched eyes looked back up at him.

"Tsunade-sama called me in today," he said, rather forced.

Iruka froze as he got a sinking feeling as he stood there, looking at his husband, waiting for him to continue.

Kakashi looked away and instead looked at his lap, he didn't want to see the hurt in the chocolate eyes when he told him, "I…was assigned a mission."

Iruka's heart dropped. It had been so long since Kakashi's last mission, since Kakashi retired from them, that he nearly forgot that there was still the chance of him being assigned on one, "Oh," he said softly, managing to say it through the lump that was growing in his throat.

Kakashi looked up finally and met the chocolate eyes, and felt his heart ache at the understanding and the hurt that he found there.

"How…how long?" he asked, looking in the mismatched eyes, and noticed as they averted their gaze.

"Four months," Kakashi said softly and sighed.

Iruka stood there as he let it settle in, Four months. He tried not to think about it, how it would feel without him here, with him being gone for so long, how he had seemed to have forgotten how it felt. He didn't want to think how it hurt. Mismatched eyes turned to him again, and felt his chest clench at the emotion he found there. He forced himself to speak, "When…when do you have to leave?"

"In three days. Saturday morning," he answered.

Iruka forced a small smile on his lips and he slowly nodded in understanding, "I see," he said softly and averted his gaze. Three days. He dropped his gaze to the floor, as his heart sank further.

Kakashi stood when he saw the sad smile that he was never able to bear, that always managed to make his heart clench almost painfully, the sad smile that he hasn't seen in nearly a year, "Iruka…"

Iruka shook his head and looked up at the older man, trying to keep his smile, "It's alright, I understand," he dropped his gaze and turned to leave the room, "I have to start dinner."

Kakashi stood there before he let himself drop back down onto the bed. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. How he hated doing that to Iruka. Especially now after so long since he retired.

Iruka found himself staring at the skillet he pulled out of the cabinet as he felt the information settled in. He put the skillet down on the counter and blinked away the tears that slowly blurred his vision. Four months without him. It's been so long since he took a mission…since he's been gone for such a long time…since I worried that he wouldn't come back home, he couldn't stop the tears that filled his eyes and rolled down his cheeks, he swiped them away. Get a hold of yourself, Iruka. He's going to come back. He has to come back.

"Iruka," Kakashi said softly.

Iruka turned around without thinking and looked as the mismatched eyes filled with concern and sadness. He opened his mouth to say something but the older man moved quicker and wrapped his arms around him, and that broke his control. He buried his face into his husband's shoulder, his own arms wrapping around the strong body.

Kakashi swallowed through the lump in his throat as he held his trembling husband. He soothingly rubbed the younger man's back, and kissed an exposed temple, "Shh, it's alright Ruru," he leaned his head against the brunette's, "It's going to be alright."

Iruka pulled away and swiped at his eyes, shaking his head, "I'm sorry, I don't know what got into me," he tried a laugh, but it came more as a choked sob. He let his hand drop to the older man's chest, over the beating heart, "I'm sorry, I just…I seemed to have forgotten how it felt," he said softly, his eyes on his hand that rested on the strong chest. He managed a smile and looked up, "I'll be fine. It'll be alright." A pale hand came up and cupped his jaw, a calloused thumb brushing along his lips as mismatched eyes sadly looked at him, making his smile fade away.

Kakashi looked at the younger man, at the red rimmed eyes, "I can't bear it. I can't bear it when you smile like that," he brushed his thumb along the end of the horizontal scar, "I never got used to telling you when I had a mission, because I never wanted to see that forced, sad, smile. When you would give me that smile that meant that you understood, that you understand," his gaze softened and he leaned in to give his husband a soft kiss, and managed a smile of his own, "I'll be back before you know it, Ruru." He kissed the tan forehead and looked into the chocolate eyes.

Iruka smiled and nodded, "You better be," he met the older man's gaze, "You have tell Minoru."

Kakashi sighed and nodded, "I know."

Iruka took his husband into another embrace, "Can you tell me where?" he whispered after a while, he knew that he shouldn't ask, that mostly likely Kakashi couldn't tell him. He had a feeling that it was a mission for information, most likely. But he could never be sure. If it was for information then why would Tsunade ask for Kakashi? And he wouldn't ask about details. But right now, he tried.

Kakashi sighed and held his husband tighter, "No, I can't," he felt his husband sigh and nod. He leaned in and placed his lips near the younger man's ear, "Cloud," he whispered.

Iruka smiled and nodded. They stood there more a moment longer before his pulled away and softly patted the older man's chest, "Go on, you have a chance while I make dinner," he pulled away and smoothed his hands over the cloth covered chest, "He'll understand…you just need to talk to him."

Kakashi took a hand into his and kissed the silver band that was on the tan finger, "Alright," he walked out of the kitchen, letting Iruka start dinner as he went to talk to his son.

Kakashi walked into his son's bedroom and found the dark haired boy laying on his stomach, reading a book. He smiled as dark blue eyes looked up at him.

"Hi, Kakashi-dad, I thought you were sleeping," he sat up and marked his page before closing the book.

Kakashi shook his head, "No, I was just thinking," he looked at his son, his smile turning small, "Minoru-kun, I need to talk to you." Minoru nodded and Kakashi noticed the hint of concern in the dark blue eyes. He sat on the bed, scooting back so he could sit cross legged, his feet tucked under his knees, so he could face the dark haired boy. He let out a breath before looking at his young son, "Tsunade-sama called me in today," he hesitated, realizing that he was ahead of himself, "First, you have to understand that about six months after me and Iru-dad got married, about six months before we adopted you, I retired from missions. Meaning that I would stop taking assigned mission, but still have my rank as jounin, and to do that, I instead became a teacher," he hesitated, "In order for the Hokage to agree with my request, though, I had to agree that I would serve if the Hokage were to need my services, my skills," he paused, and noticed that Minoru was giving him his full attention, nodding to let him know that he understood, "She called me in today, and assigned me mission. I leave Saturday morning."

Minoru's eyes widened a fraction, "Oh, how long are you going to be gone?" he was tempted to ask for other details like where, what, who, but he also knew that he shouldn't, more like couldn't. So he stuck with questions that he knew were alright to ask.

Kakashi sighed, "Four months."

Minoru nodded, and thought about how long four months really way. About seventeen weeks. About one hundred and twenty days, "That's a long time."

Kakashi nodded solemnly, "I know," he offered Minoru a smile, "And…I need you to take care of Iru-dad while I'm gone, alright?" he ruffled the dark unruly hair, "Behave, and try not to give him a hard time," he said with a smile.

Minoru chuckled and nodded, "I know, Kakashi-dad," he looked up at his dad, "But we have to do something fun before you leave," he said and grinned, "And I'll go over to Uncle Gai's Friday night to give you and Iru-dad some alone time."

Kakashi felt himself blush and looked away, clearing his throat, "Uh…," he scratched the back of his neck when he heard a chuckle from his son.

"You're funny, Kakashi-dad," Minoru said, trying not to laugh as he jumped off the bed and left the bedroom.

Kakashi chuckled and shook his head and he scooted to sit on the edge of the bed, his eyes roaming over his son's belongings, from textbooks to sketchbooks to games and toys. He couldn't stop the sadness that sank his heart when he realized how much he was going to miss. He sighed and stood to walk out of the bedroom when his eyes caught something. A smiled tugged on his lips as he took the stuffed dog from the bed, It's been nearly a year. He sighed when he realized that he wouldn't be home for their year "anniversary" together, per se. He set the stuffed dog down and walked out of the bedroom and down the hall to the kitchen where Minoru was helping Iruka set the plates.

Dinner was followed by ice cream, which was then followed by rounds of UNO, and Kakashi realized that he was not very good at card games, but he couldn't help but laugh.

Two days later…

"Wait a minute –," Iruka was effectively cut off by soft lips claiming his in a passionate kiss that he soon melted into. They had just gotten home from dinner, and Kakashi hadn't really told him the reason as to why Minoru was going to Gai's for awhile, but the thought left his mind when the older man's tongue delved into his mouth. He pulled away when he heard a familiar soft chuckle.

Minoru's chuckle turned into a laugh at the embarrassment on Iruka's face and how he half-heartedly pushed Kakashi away.

"Minoru-kun, why is it that you're going to Uncle Gai's?"

Minoru chuckled, "I want to give you two sometime alone."

Iruka blushed and turned to glare at Kakashi.

Kakashi scratched his cheek trying to fight off his own blush, "It wasn't my idea."

Iruka frowned and Minoru laughed, "It was my idea Iru-dad, it's alright, isn't it?"

Iruka looked back down at his son and nodded, blushing, "I suppose."

Minoru beamed, "Uncle Gai should be here soon," he looked at Kakashi, "Can Pakkun come with me?"

Kakashi chuckled, "Only if you promise not to wear him out, I need him to be at his best while we're gone."

Minoru nodded, "I know, it's just fun to have him around."

Kakashi chuckled and bit into his thumb, his hand moving through the familiar summoning seals, and with a puff of smoke Pakkun appeared.

"Boss," Pakkun greeted with a grunt and turned to Minoru, "Hey, Minoru!"

Minoru laughed, "Pakkun! You won't mind coming over to Uncle Gai's with me, would you?"

"Sure kid, I don't mind," Pakkun turned back to Kakashi, "We're leaving tomorrow morning, right?"

Kakashi nodded, "Yes."

Pakkun grunted and trotted to Minoru, looking up at Iruka as he did so, "Hello, Iruka-sensei."

"Hello, Pakkun," Iruka greeted back. There was a knock at the door and Minoru beamed and ran to front door.

"Uncle Gai!"

Gai smiled and hauled the young boy up into a hug, making the dark haired boy laugh. He set him back down and ruffled the dark hair, "How are you Minoru-kun?"

Minoru nodded, "I'm good, Uncle Gai."

"Hello, Gai-sensei," Iruka greeted followed by Kakashi who adjusted his mask.

"My hip and eternal rival, I hear you have a mission starting tomorrow."

Kakashi nodded, "Hn."

Gai nodded in understanding and looked back down at Minoru, "Are you ready?"

Minoru nodded and slipped on his shoes.

"Don't forget your sweater," Iruka said, unhooking a dark grey sweater from near the entrance.

Minoru slipped on the offered sweater and looked down at Pakkun before looking up at Gai, "You don't mind if Pakkun comes along, do you?"

Gai looked at the pug, "Oh! Pakkun! Of course! He's welcomed anytime," he beamed, "And it's your lucky day, I have fresh meat at home."

Pakkun perked up, and tried not to drool knowing that any meat that Gai buys must be not only healthy, but just, well, delicious.

Iruka and Kakashi tried to hold back their laugh from the reaction.

"I'll have him back in a couple of hours," Gai said and looked back down at Minoru, "I have a movie you might be interested in."

Minoru smiled and nodded, "Sounds good to me!" he turned back to his dads, "I'll see you later," he told them as he followed Gai outside the door, Pakkun following them.

Iruka smiled and shut the door behind them, he felt an arm wrap around his waist and turned him around and he found himself in a warm embrace. He wrapped his arms around the older man's neck and sealed their lips in a soft kiss, pulling away with a chuckle, "I can't believe Minoru sometimes."

Kakashi laughed and hugged his husband closer before pulling away, a grin pulling on his lips, "Hmm, I say we take full advantage of this time alone," he said with a leer.

Iruka grinned back, "I suppose," he drawled, smoothing his palms over the cloth covered chest, his grin softening to a smile. He moved his hands back up to the pale face, cupping the older man's jaw as he softly kissed him. He took a pale hand in his and led his husband to the bedroom where they undressed each other, hands touching and caressing warm skin.

Kakashi gently pushed Iruka down onto the bed and crawled over him, sighing as hands smoothed over his skin, over sensitive scars. He leaned down and began to kiss the tan neck, smiling as the younger man tilted his head to give him better access. He nibbled on the tan earlobe, shivering when his husband moaned into his ear, fueling his arousal, "Ruru," he murmured against the parted lips before locking them in a heated kiss. He felt arms wrap around his neck, deepening the kiss and pulling him closer. He shivered when the tan legs spread invitingly, one hooking behind his, rubbing his outer thigh. He reached over to the nightstand and retrieved the tube of lube. Soft lips taking advantage and nipping at his neck, making him moan, gasping as the tan hips rocked against him, their arousals grinding against each other, "Gods, Iruka," he hissed, and looked down at the younger man who was grinning at him.

Iruka slowly rolled his hips, sighing as slick fingers traced his entrance. He moaned as a finger pushed in, and he rocked his hips, urging his husband to continue. He gasped as the hot mouth closed over one of his nipples, teasing it into a nub as another finger pushed in.

Kakashi grinned and brushed his lips against the panting lips, "Don't hold back those wonderful noises you make, Ruru," he licked the bottom lip, "Those wonderful noises that I'm beginning to miss," he crooked his fingers and massaged the sensitive gland.

Iruka cried out, his back arching as an electric pulse ran down his spine, "Kakashi," he said breathlessly, rocking his hips against the fingers massaging the sensitive gland, "Oh god," he moaned.

Kakashi smiled and kissed the moaning lips and withdrew his fingers before spreading the tan hips wider, positioning himself at the welcoming entrance. He slowly pushed in, the younger man's heat enveloping him, "Iruka," he groaned as he became fully seated and his husband pulled him closer, locking their lips in a passionate kiss, tasting each other as their hips began a steady, tender rhythm.

Iruka threaded his fingers into the silver locks as he tried to push away the fact that Kakashi won't be home this time tomorrow, that his husband will be gone for four months. That instead, this time tomorrow he will be worrying, and trying not to worry. Iruka mentally shook his head and concentrated on the present. He gasped, his eyes snapping open when the rigid length inside of him pressed against his prostate, "Oh, Kakashi," he said breathlessly, rocking his hips against the older man's.

Kakashi grinned and leaned back, quickening his thrust as tan legs wrapped around his waist. He looked at the tan body under him, his hands following the rocking movements of the tan hips against his. He moved a hand, and splayed it over the younger man's navel, feeling the muscles contract under the tan skin, "Oh god -," he groaned and leaned back down, locking their lips together in another searing kiss.

Iruka held his husband close, their bodies pressed together, lips moving to kiss and suck at his neck as he panted and gasped for air, moans escaping his throat, "'Kashi," he breathed, feeling the familiar tightness in his stomach. He felt the older man pull away, bracing himself on an arm as the other reached between them and took his sobbing member and began to pump in time, a calloused thumb smearing the drops of precum.

Kakashi moaned as the tan body arched under him, chocolate eyes sliding close under the pleasure, lips parted for gasp of air and moans that echoed in their bedroom, "Ruru…Ruru," he panted, dropping to brace himself on his elbow instead, fingers threading into chocolate strands, "Iruka…" he splayed a pale hand against the side of the tan face that was contoured with pleasure, "I love you," he whispered against the parted lips.

Iruka gasped, his hands finding purchase on the older man's shoulder blades as his body arched off the bed, his hips rocking and jerking against the pale hips and the hand pumping his aching member as he came, spilling his hot seed onto his stomach, "Kakashi…," he whispered, his gaze locking with mismatched eyes before they slid shut, his hips riding out his orgasm. He cupped the face as he slowly rocked his hips against Kakashi's faltering rhythm.

Kakashi groaned, his breath hitching as he came inside his husband, spilling his own seeds inside the tan body, his hips rolling through his own orgasm, "Iruka," he whispered, turning his had to kiss the palm of a tan hand. His eyes snapped open when his back suddenly met the mattress as Iruka rolled them over without losing contact. He groaned as Iruka slowly began to rock his hips, his palms smoothing over the thighs spread over his hips, his eyes roamed over the tan skin, over the flat taut stomach that was smeared with semen as his eyes moved up to the tan flushed face, "Oh god, Ruru," he panted.

Iruka moaned as he felt the older man's member came back to life inside of him, his own member bobbing with the subtle movements.

Kakashi raised his legs for better leverage, his own hips rocking under the younger man's. He smoothed his palms over the tan thighs, moving back up over the inner thigh, feeling the skin breakout into goose bumps from the tender touch. He smiled and continued to caress the sensitive skin, moving to the crease where hip meets leg, following the curve to the hips, feeling the movements under his palms.

Iruka leaned forward, smoothing his own palms over sensitive pale skin, fingertips brushing against pink nipples. He gasped as the pale hips thrust upward, hitting his prostate head on, "Kakashi!" he gasped.

Kakashi groaned and watched his husband leaned back, bracing himself on the pale legs behind him as he rocked his hips harder, raising his hips and letting gravity pull him back down, slowly and tenderly riding his length, "Iruka," he breathed.

Iruka leaned back down, felt a hand move from his hip to his rear, following the curve of the firm, round muscle, kneading, making the older man's erection slide in deeper. He moaned and soft lips met his in a sweet kiss.

Kakashi thrust upward into his husband, rocking his hips harder against the younger man, "Iruka…," a tan hand cupped his cheek, a thumb brushing along the vertical scar on his cheek, making his eyes flutter close. He felt soft lips kiss his neck, under his earlobe, above the thundering pulse. He felt the soft lips kiss along his jaw before meeting his.

Iruka braced himself on his hands, hovering over the older man as mismatched eyes opened to lock with his. Their rhythm turned heated and Iruka leaned back and began to meet the upward thrust, angling his hips, making him cry out his husband's name. His sensitive body began to tremble with the heated rhythm and felt his body flush, "Kakashi," it came out as something between a moan and a whimper, 

"'Kashi," he leaned back down, wanting to feel his husband closer, and as if feeling his need, arms wrapped around him, an arm around his waist the other around his torso as their lips met in a passionate kiss. He threaded his fingers into the silver locks, their kiss a contrast between the rhythm of their hips working against each other.

Kakashi felt Iruka break the kiss with a gasp, the brunette throwing his head back with a cry of pleasure as he came, his second orgasm claiming him, spilling his seed in between them. The resulting contraction pulled him off the edge as he filled his husband with more of his seed, "Iruka…love."

They laid in a boneless heap, panting for air against each other's necks. Kakashi shifted and slowly pulled out of his husband and looked down at the younger man, brushing away the stray strands from the flushed face and kissed the tan forehead. He wrapped his arms around the sated body and buried his face into the younger man's neck, "Ruru," he whispered, lovingly nuzzling the warm, flushed skin.

Iruka smiled softly and kissed the flushed cheek in front of him, "Be careful," he said softly, "Be careful and come back home to me…to us."

Kakashi nodded and planted a soft kiss on the skin in front of him, "Of course, Iruka," he whispered back. He felt a hand cup his jaw, making him pull away to look into the younger man's face.

"I love you," Iruka whispered, and fought back the tears that threatened to come to his eyes, "I love you so much, Kakashi."

Kakashi's gaze softened and he kissed the scarred nose. It was hard for the both of them, it had been so long since they had been apart, and now they had to be apart for four months. Maybe longer. He tenderly kissed his husband and offered him a warm smile, "I love you too, Iruka." He ran his thumb along the end of the horizontal scar, his heart aching at the hurt he found in the chocolate eyes.

They laid there, in each other's warm embrace, holding each other before reluctantly getting up and moving to take a shower.

Gai placed a plate of cookies, that he began to buy after he met Minoru, and two glasses of milk on the table and sat across from dark haired boy as Pakkun napped on the floor next to them. He looked at the chess board in front of him, another thing that he didn't really do often until after he met this boy.

Minoru took a chocolate chip cookie from the plate and took a bite from him and chewed as he looked at the pieces on the board, or lack of, "Uncle Gai, can I ask you something?"

Gai looked up, "Sure, what is it Minoru-kun?"

Minoru continued to look at the pieces on the board as he thought about his words, "Kakashi-dad's going to be ok, right?" he looked up at his uncle, "I mean…," he dropped his gaze again, frowning slightly, "He's going to be gone a long time, and it must be a difficult mission if the Hokage-sama called him in even though he's retired."

Gai looked at the young boy, "Are you worried, Minoru-kun?"

Minoru sighed, and continued looking at the chess pieces, "I am. He's my dad, and he's going to be gone a long time, but…I'm also worried about Iru-dad."

"Why's that?'

Minoru thought about his words before continuing, "Kakashi-dad said that he retired about six months before they adopted me, about six months after they got married…that's almost a year ago since Kakashi-dad retired," he looked up at Gai, "Did Kakashi-dad used to take a lot of missions before he and Iru-dad got married?"

Gai gave the young boy a soft smile, "Yes. Kakashi has taken many missions in the past, since he was very young. So, he has a lot of experience, a lot of skill," he nodded, "And yes, he used to take missions before he and Iruka got married. Why do you ask, Minoru-kun?"

"I was just thinking that…if Kakashi-dad used to take a lot missions before they got married, that means Iru-dad got…used to it, right? I mean, used to the feeling of having Kakashi-dad gone for long periods of time?"

Gai nodded, understanding what the young boy meant, "I know what you mean Minoru-kun, but I don't think Iruka ever got used to it, to having Kakashi away, I mean. But I think he got used to accepting that he couldn't do anything about it. He understood that he couldn't, that it was their duty."

Minoru nodded and looked at the pieces on the board, "This must be hard for Iru-dad," he said solemnly, "And for Kakashi-dad, too."

Gai sighed and nodded, "I could only imagine."

Minoru frowned before giving a sharp nod, "I'll try my best to make sure Iru-dad isn't sad while Kakashi-dad is away," he said, determined, and looked up.

Gai chuckled, "That's the spirit, young Minoru-kun!"

Minoru laughed and took another bite from his cookie. He had a feeling that since Iruka wouldn't be alone while Kakashi was away, that it wouldn't be too difficult to cope with.

Kakashi opened the front door and his son latched on to him, wrapping his arms around his waist. He chuckled and ruffled the dark, unruly hair, making his son laugh, "Did you have fun?"

Minoru nodded and let go of his dad.

Pakkun looked up at Kakashi and gave him a concerned look, "Boss?"

Kakashi shook his head, knowing what Pakkun must be picking up on, "It's alright, Pakkun. Go get some rest, alright?"

Pakkun eyed the jounin before grunting and disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Kakashi looked back down at Minoru, "Go get ready for bed, alright? Oh, and…uh, try not to wake Iru-dad."

Minoru grinned and nodded, "Alright," he smiled up at Gai, "I'll see you later, Uncle Gai. Good night!"

"Good night, Minoru-kun."

Kakashi watched as Minoru disappeared around the corner before turning back to Gai, "Thanks, Gai, I owe you one."

Gai shook his head, "Think nothing of it my eternal rival!" he smiled, "I'll also try to be available whenever Minoru-kun needs someone to watch him while Iruka-sensei is busy."

Kakashi nodded, "Thank you, Gai, really."

Gai smiled and gave Kakashi a steady look, "Kakashi, good luck."

Kakashi slowly nodded, "Thank you," he hesitated, "Gai…did Minoru say anything?"

Gai gave a small nod, "He mostly had questions. And, he's a bit worried, about both you and Iruka-sensei."

Kakashi nodded, his gaze on the door.

"Are you alright, Kakashi?"

Kakashi sighed and nodded again, and looked back at Gai, "I'll be fine."

Gai looked at the silver haired jounin, "They'll be alright, Kakashi," he said in a reassuring tone.

Kakashi nodded and ran a hand through his hair, "I know."

Gai smiled and gave Kakashi's shoulder a firm squeeze, "I must take my leave now, my rival. I shall see you when you return. For now, rest and prepare yourself for tomorrow."

Kakashi smiled, "Thank you, Gai. Good night."

"Good night," and with that Gai took his leave.

Kakashi closed the door and slipped off his mask as he walked down the hall to Minoru's bedroom, "Ready for bed?"

Minoru smiled and nodded. He climbed on to his bed and under the covers, "Kakashi-dad?"

"Hm, what is it Minoru-kun?" he asked sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Don't worry about Iru-dad, I'll try my best to make sure that he doesn't feel too sad while you're gone, ok?"

Kakashi smiled and felt a lump form in his throat. He nodded when he didn't trust his voice and instead hugged his son, and smiled. He kissed his son's forehead and ruffled the unruly hair, "Thank you, Minoru-kun," he managed, but his voice still cracked.

Minoru sat up and hugged him again, "It'll be alright, Kakashi-dad," he said and pulled away.

Kakashi nodded, a small smile on his lips, "I know," he stood and Minoru laid down tugging the cover over himself, "Good night, Minoru-kun."

"Good night, Kakashi-dad."

Kakashi walked out of his son's bedroom and left the door slightly ajar after turning off the lights. He turned lights off as he walked through the house, and walked back into the bedroom where Iruka laid waiting for him. He smiled when he saw Iruka's silhouette sit up, bracing himself on an elbow. He climbed onto the bed, joining his husband under the covers and he pulled the younger man closer.

Iruka rested his head on a strong shoulder; half sprawled over the older man, and felt a soothing hand slowly rub his back. He lifted his head and kissed a pale cheek before settling down again, letting the soothing hand coax him into sleep, his husband joining him soon after.