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When both teams returned from their stressful mission, Kakashi was instantly taken to the hospital for chakra exhaustion. Tenzou noticed that Kakashi was able to use his sharingan a LOT longer then he used to, impressing the mokuton user with his senpai's ability to constantly improve himself. In their ANBU days, Kakashi would bust out the sharingan only in the direst of circumstances, and cover his eye as soon as the threat had passed. Now, he fought entire battles with it it blazing between the old scars that framed it, hardly pausing to rest and regain his composure.

Tenzou wondered briefly if it had to do purely with Kakashi improving his use of the blood line limit, or if he was simply less ashamed of having it.

Since he had hardly confronted their enemies and therefore was uninjured, Tenzou retired to his apartment after congratulating Naruto on his incredible accomplishment. The more the mokuton user witnessed of Naruto's power, the more he understood Kakashi having such faith in him. Despite the fact that he didn't exactly have the sharpest mind for technicalities, Naruto always managed to accomplish the unthinkable; he simply had to do it in his own way. You had to respect someone who was forced to twist even the simplest concept around in a way that he could understand, but then succeeded in mastering it.

As Tenzou slowly let himself relax with the knowledge that their enemies had been dealt with and Kakashi was safe and sound, he felt himself wondering about their situation. Maybe Kakashi wouldn't even bring it up...they obviously had MUCH more important things to deal with, as their recent battle spelled out with bright red ink. It probably wasn't the best time for either of them to get involved with each other.

The thought of losing Kakashi right when he had him stung more then he cared to admit, but he was enough of a professional to know that it was the right thing to do.

Surely.

Suddenly, a knock resounded loudly throughout his apartment. In barely a second, Tenzou was up and armed. He took a long, frustrated breath and calmed his muscles. Akutsuki wasn't going to show up at his apartment in the middle of the village; clearly it was not an enemy.

Regardless, he made his way cautiously to the front door.

"Who is it?"

"Still on edge, Tenzou?"

Yamato's jaw dropped in utter astonishment.

Kakashi?

Here? So soon?

Maybe it WAS a trap...

"What's the name of the restaurant we ate at when you beat me at rock paper scissors eight times in a row?"

There was a loud, jovial bark of laughter for just a moment before the answer came.

"The Sticky Fishy. You certainly are paranoid."

Tenzou flushed faintly as he slowly opened the door. Kakashi stared back at him, his arms crossed and his lips clearly quirked up in amusement behind his mask.

"Ah...sorry, Senpai. I just wasn't expecting you; I thought you would be resting."

Kakashi waved him off and stepped inside, forcing Tenzou back a few paces.

"Maaah. I wasn't injured; just worn out. They gave me some chakra, a pat on the back and sent me on my way. They know me pretty well around there."

Shaking his head, Tenzou lead the way into his apartment, swinging by the kitchen to get them both drinks. "Times certainly change; the ANBU medic ward barely knew your code name."

He heard Kakashi lean against the door frame as he poured them some sake.

"My job was a lot simpler back then."

Tenzou glanced up at him, then quickly jerked his head back down as the cup nearly overflowed in his distraction.

"It seems like peace never lasts long in the ninja world, does it?" he murmured absently.

When Tenzou pressed Kakashi's cup into his hand, the two of them locked eyes. He felt the instant magnetic pull that always happened when he connected with his Senpai. It drew them them closer together without moving them at all.

"No..." Kakashi started softly. "Peace doesn't exist with ninja. But, I've realized it can exist between people. I feel peaceful when I'm here."

Something in Tenzou's chest heaved so powerfully it almost sent him flying against Kakashi. It amazed the mokuton user how his body seemed to react without his permission, and yet seemingly to his benefit, when it came to his Senpai.

"Kakashi..." he murmured, truly surprised that he could offer the reclusive ninja so much without understanding how.

The copy-nin took a small step forward, bringing them so close together that the brunette had to flick his eyes up to keep them locked with his partners. He heard a soft clink as Kakashi set his glass of sake down on the kitchen counter across from them.

"I told you I would come back to you, and I meant it." Kakashi continued, and his eyes seemed to burn into Tenzou's with such intensity the mokuton user felt a strong shiver rip down his spine.

"Do you want me?"

Tenzou didn't know if the utter shock he felt was at Kakashi's bluntness or the fact that their conversation was actually happening.

"...Yes..." he heard himself whisper, though he could barely muster the motor skills to open his mouth and produce distinct words. He couldn't really feel the ground anymore either, nor was he aware of his surroundings. Kakashi's eyes were all he could see.

A sudden movement pulled Tenzou out of his hypnosis. Kakashi had pulled his mask down, and the realization caused another thrill to pass unhindered through Tenzou's body with such unmasked force he felt the back of his head gently clunk against the wall.

"Show me."

It took more self control than he thought he had, but Tenzou resisted the urge to do exactly what he knew Kakashi wanted. Instead, keeping his eyes locked with his lovers, he slowly reached into his shirt to pull out a very worn, folded piece of paper from his inside pocket. Kakashi watched him with avid interest as he unfolded it slowly. Without missing a beat, he flipped the parchment around so Kakashi could read what was on it.

Only a slight widening of his eyes gave Kakashi's emotion away: It was the note he wrote to Tenzou the night he left for his impromptu mission.

"How long have you kept that on you?"

Tenzou didn't blink as he answered.

"Since you gave it to me."

After a slight pause, Kakashi's lips quirked up into an irresistible grin.

"Why, Tenzou. I had no idea you were so romantic."

The pout that sprouted on Yamato's face was short lived. Kakashi dipped his head and their lips pressed together gently, as if to recreate the warmth they both felt when in each others presence. Their touch lingered, and when they broke apart, Tenzou realized he was gripping the front of Kakashi's vest. He ducked his head slightly and let go.

"I have to warn you, though..." Kakashi began, but his voice was soft and sweet. "I'm not the easiest person to be with. Sometimes I hide things from people without even realizing why. I still don't understand why I insist on wearing my mask longer then I have to. And..."

Kakashi seemed to choke up suddenly, so he stopped talking. Tenzou waited patiently for him to begin again.

"...I...have a lot of ghosts. And I can't let go of them."

There was a moment where Kakashi's eyes bore so deeply and hopefully into Tenzou's that the mokuton user was too snared with emotion to respond. However, slowly, a smile spread across his lips and his almond eyes shone with friendliness. The worry evaporated from Kakashi's features.

"I already know all of that, Senpai. Your quirks are very apparent."

Kakashi wilted slightly.

"What is also apparent, though, is that you are willing and able to change. It still shocks me how different you are now than you were in ANBU. You've obviously made great strides to be more social, more accepting of peoples friendship. That says a lot. If you're willing to let people into your life, then eventually, you will learn how to let people out of it as well. You're the strongest person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing; I'm not worried about your faults. You overcome every single obstacle you decide to; all you need to do is make that decision."

At the shock in his features, and the obvious emotion, it was clear Kakashi had not been expecting a response like that.

"You seem to have a lot more faith in me than I do." The copy-nin whispered.

"Yes, well, that's also been a trend of yours as of late, Senpai. What happened to your arrogance? I remember back when you would torment someone for months if they suggested you lace up your uniform differently."

Kakashi smirked lightly.

"It was a very well placed mask."

The smirk was mirrored by Tenzou.

"I know you have great confidence in your skills as a shinobi, Kakashi. You have the proof to back it up; countless perilous missions accomplished when no one else could do them. Why can't you have that same faith in yourself as a person?"

Kakashi paused, then seemed to inhale a long wisp of breath before he continued.

"What proof do I have of that? I've never been able to be there for anyone."

Now Tenzou looked confused.

"What do you mean? You were there for us. Not one casualty the entire time you were our leader. Not to mention the fact that you're responsible for my improvement, as well as all the other rookies who came and went from your care. And your students now...look at Naruto."

"Tenzou..." Kakashi started, his head lowered. "Please. Let's not talk about this now."

Clamping his mouth shut, Tenzou gazed at Kakashi steadily, and for the first time that night Kakashi refused to meet his gaze.

"Alright." Tenzou agreed, his voice soft. "I'm sorry for prodding. The point is, though...I'm honoured you want to be with me."

Kakashi's eyebrows knit together in a way Tenzou wasn't expecting.

"Why do you like me?"

Blinking in confusion, Tenzou took a step back and hit the wall with a light smack. He 'tsked' himself and rubbed his shoulder.

"Did I offend you...?"

Kakashi's features softened and he glanced up at Tenzou with a slightly pleading expression.

"No. But I want to know."

"Ah. Well...umm..." Tenzou stuttered and glanced down at the floor in embarrassment. How the hell was he supposed to explain himself and not sound completely stupid?

"There are a lot of things about you that I find...attractive..."

"Like?"

Tenzou's head snapped up and he glared at Kakashi heatedly.

"Are you putting me on the spot for fun? Because I won't take it."

A cheeky grin spread across Kakashi's features and he quickly tried to hide it with a cough.

"Sorry. Continue."

Tenzou crossed his arms over his chest and stared defiantly at Kakashi.

"No. You're just going to have to figure it out yourself, or trust me."

A gleam shone in Kakashi's eye as he gazed steadily at his kouhai. He obviously enjoyed his defiance.

"I trust you."

Tenzou's standoffish demeanour melted away, however confusion quickly replaced it. His arms fell to his sides and he looked at Kakashi with slight exasperation.

"Then why did you ask?"

Only a slight pause from Kakashi before he answered.

"I was worried you were honoured to be accepted by Sharingan no Kakashi, and not that you wanted to get to know Hatake Kakashi."

The remaining tension left Tenzou's body as he understood why Kakashi's attitude had changed so suddenly. He took a step forward so he was standing toe to toe with his Senpai.

"I already know 'The Infamous Copy-nin'. I worked by his side for three years, and they were the most influential years of my life. But you can't know a stranger, and that's who the Copy-nin is; he's a stranger. Kakashi-senpai is not, though. When I think of the...warmth..." Tenzou blushed brilliantly, but he managed to hold his gaze with Kakashi's. "...that I feel, I don't think of rank or status. I just think of Kakashi. He's...important to me...and I want-Ahh!"

Kakashi's sudden movement startled Tenzou, and he found himself pressed up against the wall with his lips captured ravenously by the topic of his emotional confession. His body did not hesitate; Tenzou's arms flew around Kakashi's neck as they kissed with an intensity that had the mokuton users head spinning. It felt so incredibly good to be kissing Kakashi, to feel his strong chest, to experience the burning pleasure associated with touching him.

He felt himself lifted slightly off the ground as Kakashi gripped the front of his shirt and pushed him back.

"Come with me." He growled into Tenzou's lips, and the brunette merely nodded mutely in response.

The two of them stumbled backwards until Tenzou felt the backs of his knees hit the side of his bed. Kakashi pushed him forward and he fell back with more dignity then he thought he would. Kakashi crawled on top of him, and the two had a moment where they panted and stared hard into each others eyes.

"Remember; I warned you."

Tenzou laughed and shook his head.

"Warning me doesn't let you get away with any ridiculous behaviour; remember THAT."

Kakashi pouted slightly. "But, I warned you..."

"It's a good thing I already know you, Senpai. You're terrible at selling yourself. I can't imagine you on dates."

Slowly, Kakashi leaned in. He pressed a soft kiss to the side of Tenzou's face before he whispered into his ear.

"Thank you for knowing me."

Tenzou turned his head to gaze at Kakashi, and their noses lightly grazed against each other.

"Thank you for letting me in."

Their eyes closed and their lips gently met. Their kiss was slow, soft and full of emotion. Yamato was wracked with the sudden desire to never be anywhere else; he felt like he could happily drown in the taste and scent of his lover. Kakashi had this soft, delicate smell to him that came as a shock to the mokuton user. He had seen Kakashi slaughter dozens of ninja in one go; he never imagined he would smell almost like a soft breeze. It matched his true personality so well Tenzou briefly wondered if he smelt like wood chips.

Despite trying to think positively, he felt his chest tighten with frustration. If only they had more time...if only this had happened when there had been peace. Why did they always have to be together when there were missions to accomplish, when there were more 'important' things than them? Jounin married, had families and retired; the heads of the strongest clans of Konoha were proof of that. What did it take to get to that level? Was it just the luck of the times?

Even though he knew what was potentially to come, Tenzou held onto the hope that they would be alright. Yamato had been alone his whole life; he could wait for Kakashi when he needed to, and surely Kakashi could do the same.

As they made love, Tenzou knew that even if this was all they got, he would never regret it.

END.

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Sorry for the late update guys! Work just...man. Insane, lol. It's fulfilling work, but it's insane. I've ended the fic because its pretty much the right time to, but also because I might not have anymore time to work on it. (although every time I say that I mysteriously have more time...)

Anyway, hope ya'll enjoyed!