Winter Light
Chapter Three
Thanks to all the people who read this fic- even if it wasn't all too good. Its something that I finished a chaptered fic at all, so I'll consider it a victory.

WARNING!!! Redicoulously cheesy ending ahead! Tell me what you think =)


Kakashi stared at the sheets of the hospital bed, weak hands entwined in the soft linnen, trembling.

So this was it. The end of Copy Nin Kakashi.

It was rather ironic really. He gained and lost his career in a rock slide.

How anti-clamatic. How shameful.

Instead of joining his loved ones on the stone (as he had planned for many years) he would die in disgrace. Like his father. Unlike his friend and sensei.

Obito began crying.

He had lost something so innate to his person- shouldn't he hurt more than this? Shouldn't he feel something? Anything?!?

Anger? Regret? Pain?

Tsunade sat down quietly next to him. Hazel eyes met grey.

She was crying.

Was Tsunade mourning for the both of them? She had lost one of her best ninja...

"I'm sorry I couldn't heal you."

Kakashi nodded dumby as he was encircled with strong loving arms and his head was pressed against large breast. She was rocking him slightly, as if he were the child he was never allowed to be. Soothing his non-existent tears.

He reveled in the unfamiliar warmth (love?) radiating from Godaime, and briefly wondered if this is what having a mother felt like.

"I've been a shinobi since I was six." He stated not meeting her eyes.

"I know," she replied, holding him closer.

"Twenty one years... Twenty one years as a tool. After Sandaime died, I was the longest active serving shinobi in the village."

"I know," she whispered.

"And now..." He trailed off, unable to find the words.

Silence weighed heavily over the pair. She was still holding him close, lulling him with the assurance of safety with a light kiss to the top of his head.

"... what would my father think?" he questioned, emotion finally breaking his composure.

Tsunade let go and looked him in the eyes. They were puffy and red, but somehow comforting. "He would be proud." She said without hesitation.

Kakashi was skeptical. "How can you be so sure?"

The Hokage smiled slightly through her tears. "Because I am." She ruffled his silky silver hair. "You may not have your name carved in the stone, but you gave the village your life- your way of life. That is more than anyone can ask."

And Kakashi knew everything would be alright.


Fin