Heyo guys! Nikki Here! I'm sure you're curious about this, considering how I'm already writing an ItaNaru fic, huh? Well, to be honest, KakaNaru (Teenage/adult only) is probably my favorite pairing. Originally, That's not Good, my current big project, was going to be a KakaNaru, but I liked the Itachi Naruto pairing better for a time travel fic. I suppose this can be read as a one shot, but I do intend to update this further, so any feedback will be appreciated. Thanks guys! I love you all!

~Nikki

The stars arched before him, their sheer number and beauty stealing the masked man's already fading breath, forcing him to realize just what he'd been missing out on all this time. They seemed to shimmer as he gazed upwards and a small flicker of color in the corner of his eye caught the man's attention. Using the last of his fading strength to turn and look at one of the most striking scenes he had ever seen in his painful life, the man smiled. The deep blue colors of the Aurora Borealis reminded him of a certain blonde's eyes, just as vibrant, vivid, enchanting, and alive as the young man's gorgeous orbs were.

Naruto… The masked man thought. I'm so sorry…

Using strength he didn't even know he had left, the man once again turned his head and gazed up at the beautiful stars presented before him. A streak of white flashed through the night sky lighting up the area around the severely injured man for several seconds allowing him to see the remnants of his prior battle. Masked ninja were splayed out around him in impossible positions with pools of blood staining the snow red broadcasting the fact that they were no longer among the living. Soon, the only survivor realized, he wouldn't be either.

Naruto… The man thought once again. I think, I think… no. I have no right. I've failed you as your sensei. He scoffed. Hell, what am I saying? No sensei thinks of his students like this. My only hope is that you'll forgive me. I know I don't deserve it and I'm being selfish, but in the end, I couldn't bear the thought of losing you as well. I know that you are stronger than me, and you have far surpassed my expectations in every way imaginable, so please, know that I only did this for your protection.

Dimly, the man realized that the edges of his vision were going black, and the darkness was starting to creep further into his visible eye. Glancing at the sky once again the man saw yet another streak of white, but not quite as bright this time. Smiling once again he recalled laying out on their backs as he was now, in the long grass at one of Konoha's countless training grounds after a late night sparring session with Naruto.

Flashback

"Look, Sensei!" Naruto gasped pointing at the stars. "Did you see it?"

"See what, Naruto?" He drawled.

"The falling star, baka-sensei!" Naruto said rolling his eyes. "When you see one, you're supposed to make a wish."

"Oh really," He said once again in the bored drawl of his. "Well then, what did you wish for?"

Naruto snorted. "To become the best Hokage ever of course. And for a lifetime supply of Ichiraku ramen."

"Anything else?" Naruto's sensei inquired.

"Ah, well…" Naruto responded blushing. "N-not really. What about you, sensei?"

"There's no need," He responded.

"What do you mean?" Naruto cried. "Of course there's need for you to make a wish! I know it may sound stupid, but I really enjoy it! Honestly, you ought to-"

"Naruto!" The masked man cut him off. "All I meant by that was that my wish had already come true."

"H-huh?" Naruto stammered. "What was it, then?"

The man grinned. "Isn't it taboo to tell someone what you wished for?"

"W-well yes," Naruto said. "But I told you mine, so you have to tell me yours."

A silence followed the blond's statement.

"Sensei?" Naruto asked. "You're not offended, are you? That wasn't my intention, I swear."

Another silence followed Naruto's question. Suddenly, Naruto felt his sensei move his hand. Gently, the man's hand ended up atop the blond's, interlacing his fingers with the younger man's.

"S-sensei?" Naruto stuttered.

"Shh Naruto," He responded. "Just a little longer. Please."

"O-okay," Naruto whispered as they lay there for a few minutes.

Finally working up his nerve, Naruto cautiously moved his head over to lay it on the grass by his sensei's shoulder. Naruto could feel the emanating shock from the masked man.

"This," Naruto murmured.

"Huh?" The masked man asked.

"My other wish," He said simply. "This was it."

"Okay," His sensei whispered leaning his head down to rest on his student's.

Present Time

Deciding the last thing he wanted to see was Naruto, the man closed his visible and eye and tried his hardest to picture the only bright thing in his bleak life. A perfect image of his student appeared in his head. Naruto stood there smiling, as always, adorned in his bright orange and black tracksuit his gorgeous eyes sparkling with more light and energy than even the sun. The man could feel one last smile tugging at his lips.

"...ashi-sensei! Kakashi!"

Smiling a bit wider the man realized he was even hearing his voice, faint as it was.

"Naruto…" Kakashi whispered feeling incredibly light and warm. "I love you."

"KAKASHI!"

Kakashi was almost sure he could feel a slight pressure on his body after hearing Naruto's voice slightly louder this time, but knew that he must be dreaming, as Naruto was safe in Konoha somewhere. He'd assured it by taking this mission for him.

"Kakashi!" The voice cried. "Just hold on! I'm going to save you, but you just need to hold on. Can you hear me? Kakashi!"

Feeling light and sleepy, Kakashi figured it was finally time to go speak with his father once more.

Goodbye, Naruto. He thought. I do. I really do love you. If only I could tell you…

"KAKASHI!" the voice screamed once again. "Please don't go! I love you too! Please, just stay with me!"

And with that, Kakashi knew no more.