A/N: Thank you for the reviews and the offers of help. I definitely appreciate them and as we move on I may need them yet but in the interest of preserving some of the surprises for some of you I will struggle on by myself for the time being. As a side note for those of you that think Kakashi is becoming too feminine. He's pregnant but he will be back to bad ass soon enough. Also FYI I split this chapter into two parts so you should get part two tomorrow or the day after. At 5000 words it just is more manageable all around that way.
He had lunch with Kurenai a few more times, and on one occasion spotted Hiro, the Hiro he'd always known, not the happy one. They avoided each other, and Kakashi noticed that it wasn't just him that avoided Hiro. No one seemed willing to get too close to the man.
Kakashi was relieved, as he sat on the porch, looking down at his book, but not seeing the pages, when he finally sensed Gai's chakra. He waited patiently for the other man to come to the house. Though he felt extremely restless (too restless).
Walking by his homes wards, Gai pulsed them briefly to check on Kakashi. Finding him well and hail, Gai went to give his reports and findings. Three weeks had given Gai a terrifying insight and now Gai had to plan.
When all his paperwork and reports were done, Gai stopped by the flower shop. Dressed in his trademark outfit once more Gai contemplated the selection and tried to figure out what went best for the meaning he had in mind for Hiro's flowers. Gai didn't know why but sending Hiro flowers had recently become something Gai found some soothing solace in.
Finally settling on the stems, Gai carried them over to Hiro's home leaving a short note before beginning the trek home again. Once he reached the wards Gai slipped through and quietly made his way home. Slipping off his sandals, Gai gave a weary sigh before rubbing his hand over his face.
Kakashi waited for nearly twenty minutes before he got up to make tea. Apparently he'd be waiting awhile, while he tried to figure out why Gai had left unannounced. It was strange to have Gai disappearing the way he himself usually did.
Having learned, in Gai's absence, to make a few simple dishes Kakashi decided to make the other man something to eat, to allow him to relax once he got home (Kakashi felt a twinge of annoyance when he realized that he was acting like a proper 'wife'). "Goro would be proud." he said to Pakkun, with a roll of his eyes.
Choosing to make curry and rice (simply because he knew it was something Gai liked), with a side of grilled fish, Kakashi set the table, before he debated making anything for dessert. Deciding against it Kakashi began preparing a fresh pot of tea, setting it on the table just as he heard Gai enter the house.
Stepping out of the kitchen after a moment, with his hands in his pockets, Kakashi looked at Gai silently for a few moments, before softly saying, "I made you something to eat." he felt awkward having cooked for Gai, but he decided to ignore the feeling for now.
Studying Kakashi for a moment Gai fought the urge to reach out and touch the other man. Field duty always made him strange about touch afterwards. It didn't matter what he was doing for days after his return but touching another person didn't hold the same appeal. Kakashi appeared to be the exception.
"Thank you." Gai bowed lightly to Kakashi before entering the dining room and having a seat. Shifting his feet up Gai looked at the table and discretely checked for poison before commenting. "This looks really good. I thought you couldn't cook?" Using a joking tone Gai accused Kakashi pouting slightly but secretly pleased that Kakashi had managed well enough on his own.
It gave Gai a cold kind of comfort to realize that Kakashi would be able to manage on his own if need be. Silently eating, Gai waited for Kakashi to say anything. If he didn't Gai was more than happy to think it was just like any other mission.
Kakashi smiled slightly as he watched Gai check the food; Strange he would just assume anyone had poisoned him. But much safer than Kakashi's own eating habits. He usually ate too fast to think about it. Walking in behind Gai Kakashi leaned down, and lightly kissed the other man's cheek, he wasn't sure why he'd done it, and though he felt awkward after he'd done it, he ran his fingers through Gai's hair, wondering why the other man smelled so... un-Gai like.
Kakashi shrugged as he went to his seat, sitting carefully, "I learned a few recipes from Kurenai." he said, tugging his mask down despite the slight flush on his cheeks. He knew Gai obviously didn't want to talk about the mission he'd just returned from, but he was curious.
"How was the mission?" he asked softly as he poured Gai a cup of tea, fixing him with a steady gaze.
"A horrifying success." Gai felt his face set into grim lines before he shook himself out of that mentality. "Are you comparing your pregnancy with Kurenai's? Using her as a bench marker maybe?" Teasing, Gai felt a bit of a flush rush through his system when Kakashi had kissed him and it was taking a while for it to die down.
Kakashi shook his head slightly, he hadn't really thought of that, to be honest. "No, I just told her I'm off-duty for a while, and cleaning up a long to-do list." he said shrugging, maybe he should though. Kurenai would be a good way to gather information on the subject.
"I went to Goro's funeral." Kakashi said casually as he picked his chopsticks up, "Hiro seemed... strange." Kakashi glanced up at Gai, a slightly curious expression on his face, "What kind of mission was it, Gai? You've been gone an awful long time." Kakashi decided that Gai's worry about Hiro, which he was sure was inevitable, could wait.
Putting his chopsticks down, Gai studied the table thoughtfully. "Hiro backslid. Damn." Knowing that Hiro tended to get this way when things were beginning to build up Gai felt this strange pressure in his chest that let him know that not all was right with the world as he would want it to be. If Hiro broke than Gai wouldn't necessarily be the one to bring him back down.
Shelving those thoughts for the time being, Gai picked up his chopsticks again and ate a bit before speak. "It was a simple information gathering exercise. Nothing to worry about."
'Liar.' Kakashi thought smiling slightly, nodding. He didn't think Gai thought he actually believed him either. "Yeah he did." Kakashi admitted, thinking about the last time he'd seen Hiro, "I think," Kakashi said as he poured himself some tea, "Gai, that it's his problem." he knew Gai would think this a ridiculous statement, but he was serious.
"He likely won't accept your help, this time." Kakashi added quickly, not wanting Gai to over react, "You do realize that he..." Kakashi stopped talking, realizing Gai would likely get up and leave if he continued. "I saw Kaela, Goro's wife, she was concerned about you. And when she asked where you were Gai," Kakashi said looking up at Gai as he lifted his cup of tea to his mouth, "I didn't know what to tell her." The tone in which he spoke, suggested that he still didn't know where Gai was.
"Well wherever I was I am here now." Knowing better than to touch on the subject of Hiro's surrogate mother...ever if he wanted to maintain some brain activity Gai let the comment slide. Gai responded evenly finishing his meal and stretching lightly. "The meal was good Kakashi. Thank you."
Shifting away from the table, Gai regarded Kakashi. "Did the Hokage say what we are having yet?"
Kakashi scowled, wondering why Gai was pretending not to see what Kakashi saw. Having finished his meal quickly, as usual, Kakashi rose from his seat and took the dishes to the sink, he hadn't been expecting Gai's question, and that annoyed him.
"I didn't ask." he said flatly as he tugged his mask up, turning toward Gai again, regarding him carefully, "You know something," Kakashi said softly as he slipped his hands into his pockets, "I thought," he said carefully, making sure to pay close attention to Gai's chakra, "You smell like you've been someone else for the past few weeks, Gai." Kakashi hesitated, before adding, "Someone I knew very well, once."
Turning his head, Gai considered a window thoughtfully making note that he would have to clean them soon before looking back at Kakashi blankly.
"Someone you know well. I would think that would be me but I can't be sure." Gai looked back out the window thoughtfully. "I was thinking making the nursery a sunny yellow or green would be nice. They are neutrals for gender." The sudden churning of Gai's chakra surprised him. Taking a moment to place a hand over his stomach Gai exhaled slowly trying to relief some of the tension he felt.
Kakashi was a little surprised Gai was neglecting to talk to him about what was going on (and suddenly he wondered if Gai felt this annoyed when he himself refused to talk about things), "Gai," Kakashi said, scowling, "I don't want to talk about... the baby." he sounded a little awkward as he said it, as if he still wasn't used to the idea of them having a baby (though he did make it a mental note to agree later with the colour choices- preferably a pale yellow).
"Why won't you talk to me about," Kakashi paused, realizing he didn't even have any idea what it was Gai wouldn't talk to him about, "... whatever it is you've been doing. Whatever you're going through." Kakashi didn't mean for his tone to come out so harsh. But he knew whatever was bothering Gai had started the day he'd shown the other man his fathers house.
What could he possibly be looking into after the visit?
For a moment Gai wavered on indecision and then he realized that if Kakashi knew he would likely interfere. Then the thought crossed his mind about the likelihood of Kakashi keeping his word if Gai did tell him what was going on. If something happened to Kakashi, Gai felt his own chakra ripple dangerously in sadness and then the Demon chakra made a push to appear. Gai quickly squashed it.
"I can't talk about missions, Kakashi. You took almost the same oath I did." Gai sighed. Rubbing his forehead, Gai stood up and made his way into the bedroom. Removing his clothes Gai went to take a shower again for some reason he felt dirty still. Finishing his shower Gai threw a towel around his waist before putting on underwear.
Walking back into his bedroom he began to dry his hair hoping Kakashi would just drop it. 'It looks as though Pakkun didn't say anything but he will likely hold it over my head.' Gai thought. Shaking his head a bit, Gai felt his hair sticking up slightly and left it. He wasn't interested in trying to make it presentable. Presently he was trying to figure out the best way to deter a curious spouse.
Kakashi hadn't really expected Gai to tell him, when Gai had a secret he wanted to keep, he kept it, and kept it well. Gai's chakra spike, however, did surprise him. Kakashi frowned as Gai walked out of the kitchen, he wouldn't push it now, he told himself, but he'd ask Gai in the morning after he'd gotten some rest.
Deciding to do the dishes while Gai was in the shower, if only to distract himself (and perhaps annoy Gai), Kakashi finished it quickly, and sat at the table, listening to Gai as he moved from the bathroom, into the bedroom.
Hesitating for a moment Kakashi stood up and quickly walked to the bedroom, leaning in the doorway he watched Gai as the other man dried his hair. He seemed so tense, it surprised Kakashi. "You should get some sleep." Kakashi said, wondering just what could be making Gai so tense. It was strange.
For a moment Gai stilled before realizing that his chakra was adding unnecessary tension to his muscles and at the present time he didn't have a way to dispel it. Not quite sure what to make of Kakashi's comment on him needing rest, Gai chose to let it go. Thinking that maybe going out would be better than staying in Gai nodded at Kakashi.
"I will sleep in a bit. For the moment I am going on a walk." Throwing on some clothes and his shinobi pack, Gai tied his forehead protector around his arm and strolled out into the living room. Putting on a black version of his shinobi sandals, Gai went to leave the house for a bit.
Kakashi watched Gai leave, and wondered what could possibly be causing the other man to have such inner turmoil. Sighing Kakashi ran his fingers through his hair, and went into the living room to sit on the couch. Opening his book, Kakashi stared at it a moment before gazing out the window.
He felt strange, almost as if the shadows were watching him, but he knew that wasn't it. What he truly felt, what he wanted, was to not belong in those shadows. He didn't want Gai to be there, either. Sighing Kakashi shifted down on the couch, and forced himself to look at the book.
Gai was gone for two hours. During that time he found himself wandering into different shops and contemplating if he wanted to buy many different things. Then realizing that he was just stalling Gai took himself to a massage parlor and acupuncturist.
As a general rule Gai didn't enjoy someone touching him that he didn't know but if Gai didn't work out some tension before he got home he doubted he would make it through the night without saying something stupid. As the man he was assigned to straddled him and massaged him into a puddle Gai sighed wearily. Now that he no longer felt like he was going to snap at the slightest provocation, Gai made his way home.
Walking into the living room, Gai kissed Kakashi on the cheek before making his way to the bedroom. Belatedly Gai realized he smelled a bit like the man who had been giving him the rub down but Gai wasn't really bothered about it. He also noted he smelled like massage oil but Gai was quite happy to snuggle down and sleep. Gai reasoned he could always shower in the morning.
Kakashi scowled when Gai entered the house, he wasn't sure why, but he felt annoyed that Gai had walked out earlier, when Gai leaned down to kiss his cheek, Kakashi caught a strange scent on him, it surprised him the Gai smelled like another man. He also didn't recognize the scent of oil on Gai's skin.
Kakashi turned his head slightly, looking away from Gai, and when the other man went to the bedroom, and laid down, Kakashi stayed on the couch, and stared at the words on the page he wasn't reading. At the end of the night he chose to sleep on the couch, still not understanding the rather ridiculous anger he felt toward Gai.
Morning came too quickly for Kakashi, who dreamed of a rather pleasant afternoon with someone he'd never expected to enjoy the company of; Sakumo. Kakashi awoke with a start when Pakkun bit his hand lightly asking him to get up and feed the dogs. Kakashi did so reluctantly.
After that he decided to go ahead and make some tea for Gai when the other man woke up (if he wasn't already, Kakashi couldn't really be bothered to check).
Shuffling into the kitchen Gai caught a whiff of himself as he went to make himself a pre workout snack.
"Next time I ask for patchouli." Gai grumbled not liking the scent on his skin at all. He couldn't quite place it but he was confident it didn't go well with his natural scent. Seeing Kakashi puttering around the kitchen gave Gai a strange pleasure.
"Is that for me?" Gai inquired of the tea. Perching on the breakfast bar Gai studied Kakashi. Then he realized that he had never felt Kakashi come to bed and for once Gai was thankful that he splurged on the comfortable sofa not just the attractive one.
Kakashi glanced up as Gai entered the kitchen, nodding in response to the man's question, he brought him a cup of tea, and placed it in front of him, "I can make breakfast." he offered as he placed a hand on the bar top, and leaned his weight on it, casually slipping his other hand into his pocket as he did so.
Kakashi realized after a moment that he wasn't paying much attention to his surroundings, he was aware of them, as any good shinobi would be, but he wasn't really interested in what was happening around him. He couldn't stop thinking about his dream, and from the dream other trains of thought began, Obito, Rin... Minato.
"Did you sleep well?" Kakashi asked conversationally, obviously not really interested
in what either he or Gai were saying, as he stood gazing out the window.
"I think I should be asking you that." Gai studied the tea thoughtfully before taking a sip. "You seem a million miles away." Tilting his head slightly Gai wondered what had Kakashi in such a strange mood. Many times Gai wondered if there were things that Kakashi worried about to the point of bad health.
"Do you have plans for the day?"
"Hmm?" Kakashi turned toward Gai after a moment, "I slept fine." he said softly, scratching his chin as he turned away, ignoring Gai's comment as he began preparing breakfast, "No." he answered glancing over his shoulder at Gai, "Figured I'd go fishing again." he said shrugging, he'd never realized before how boring it was to be out of work.
"Are you going out today?" he asked as he continued the preparations of the Tamagoyaki he was making. He didn't honestly expect Gai to have any plans without him knowing about it, but the way Gai had been lately he assumed it was safe to ask.
"Watch you fish, maybe?" Gai shrugged. "Try to do this gender determining jutsu on you and see if we are having a boy or a girl so I can end the suspense." Not really sure if he would be accepted in his plans, Gai waited silently for a response. "If you don't want me along I guess I can go see Hiro." Scratching his chin Gai thought about and discarded the idea.
"I wouldn't mind you coming along," Kakashi said as he set a plate in front of Gai, placing chopsticks beside it, "But don't bother with the jutsu, Gai." Kakashi said as he leaned against the counter, folding his arms across his chest, "It's more fun this way." he said casually, as if he thought it rather funny that Gai was anxious.
Personally he didn't care to know until he... had the baby. But that thought brought up another though, how would he have it? A Secretion, he suspected. He wouldn't really care that it left a scar (not the way women, and possibly Hiro, would care), but he wondered how he would explain such a thing if they claimed to have adopted.
"Why do you need to see Hiro?" Kakashi asked suddenly, as he forced his mind to go blank, so that he could focus on Gai, and what he had to say.
"Itakimasu." Gai thanked Kakashi for the food with a smile, he was thrilled to realize that he could accompany, Kakashi and spend some time with him. "Fine what if I do it and don't tell you what it is?" Gai wheedled.
Taking a bite of his breakfast, Gai realized that Kakashi had given him his full attention. Gai replayed the conversation before recognizing the reason behind Kakashi's sudden focus.
"I wanted to give my condolences and just make sure he was still functioning. Maybe stop by and see his mother later." Gai shrugged. "I would rather spend time with you though."
"Oh, like I wouldn't just use my sharingan to lie to you about the result," Kakashi gave an exaggerated shrug, "Your decision after all." Gai's response didn't surprise him. Leave it to Gai, Kakashi thought, To think he can help those who couldn't be helped.
"By all means," Kakashi said as he began to get himself some tea, "Don't let me stop you from committing suicide. If you want to see them, see them. I'll be at the river most of the day- not like I have anything else to do these days." Kakashi commented, a little bitter.
"Kaela," Kakashi said looking over at Gai, "Is a good woman. She used to be a good shinobi too, but Goro broke her. She'd be pleased to hear from you... it doesn't have to be today." he added the last part, almost as a reminder. "But if I was you, I'm pretty sure I would stay away from Hiro."
"Well aren't you just bitter and irritable this morning." Gai groused a little irritated with the way Kakashi acted. "Kaela isn't broken. That woman still can track with the best of them and if I remember correctly there are quite a few stories where she busted Goro over the head with something because he irritated her." Smiling fondly as he thought of the timid woman who he considered a second mother who had no problem flipping a switch and being just as ferocious as she had been timid the time before.
"I do miss Kaela." Gai mused nibbling at the food. "If Hiro kills me than at least you won't have me around to force my affections on you." Feeling slightly grumpy about the fact that most of his affectionate gestures were met with annoyed acceptance and tolerance, Gai decided to calm himself somewhat. He really didn't need all of the trouble that would happen if he decided to try to be less affectionate. Or heaven forbid wait until Kakashi made the first move.
Kakashi scowled, shifting the cup in his hand, Gai's words bothered him, more than he'd like to admit. More than he'd ever be willing to allow Gai to know. It wasn't even that he didn't enjoy Gai being affectionate, he rather enjoyed it. He was just worried. Worried that if he allowed Gai to get close then something bad would happen. "I'd just have to kill Hiro then." Kakashi said flatly, shrugging slightly.
Kakashi wanted to point out that the way Kaela acted around Gai, and the other kids, was just the way she acted as a mother. Not a person. But he just shrugged, not really caring to argue about it. He'd spent so much of his youth on missions that Gai probably knew the woman better than him anyway.
Suddenly feeling slightly standoffish, Kakashi glanced down into his cup, "Actually, I think I should check on Sakura this afternoon. I haven't seen her in weeks." he knew Gai would likely be annoyed with him for this sudden change but he didn't care, "Maybe," he said softly, looking up at Gai finally, "You should see your students, too." Kakashi paused before adding, "They probably miss you."
"None of mine are in the village currently." Gai responded evenly. "You should connect with Sakura I am sure she will have some things to say." Shrugging at the interruption of his plans, Gai finished his meal before beginning to clean up.
"I would hope you wouldn't kill Hiro. Likely if he killed me he would have a reason." Gai shrugged as he got up and puttered around the kitchen a bit before sitting down to finish his tea. "Did you have any strange dreams last night?"
Kakashi watched Gai carefully for a few moments, before turning his attention to the cup of tea he was still holding, which had gone cold. He was thinking of Naruto and Sasuke when Gai's question drew him from his reverie. Strange dreams? Kakashi looked up slowly, as he raised a hand to tug his mask down, taking a sip of the tea, he contemplated Gai's question for a moment, before answering, "I always have strange dreams, Gai." he said softly.
What had prompted Gai to ask that question, Kakashi wondered, had he said, or done something he normally wouldn't have? Kakashi raised the cup, to hide his face, lest his expression give anything he was thinking away, "Why?" he asked at length before taking another sip of the tea.
Shaking his head a Kakashi's suspicious movements Gai resolved to be more open with Kakashi when this was over. "I have heard that along with cravings some pregnant people have dreams about their children that are premonitive." Deciding to do a little digging in the form of subtle questions tied into his questioning Gai continued thoughtfully.
"I mean dreams of a particular parent can mean the child will be the spitting image of the person in the dream." Gai explained.
Kakashi physically flinched at Gai's comment, dropping the tea cup as he did so. Staring away, he jerked his mask up, taking a slight step back as the tea spread across the floor, "Sorry." he said quickly grabbing a dish rag and kneeling to wipe the tea up as he began cleaning the glass up. "I, uh," Kakashi paused to scratch his cheek, obviously embarrassed, "I heard an unexpectedly loud sound... Very loud." he lied as he wiped the tea up, before throwing the glass away.
"That's probably just an old wives tale." he said softly, "I've never met any woman who had such a dream." Kakashi said as he looked away, his mind obviously somewhere else again. Because he was still lying, and he remembered a very particular case in which he'd known a woman who had such a dream. (Kushina.)
For a time Gai stared at Kakashi then he stood. Shaking his head Gai smiled. "When this is all over I hope you know that we are going to have a conversation to end all conversations." Shuffling out of the kitchen Gai popped himself up into a handstand and walked into the living room.
Flipping onto the floor, Gai began to stretch himself out. Not thinking Kakashi would have any interest in continuing the conversation, Gai tuned Kakashi out. Willing his body to maintain the suppleness that it had been reduced to from the night before Gai willed himself into a completely relaxed state.
Kakashi watched Gai leave, and wondered why he suddenly felt the urge to reach out to him. He stopped himself, as he slipped his hands into his pockets, and looked at the floor, and realized for the first time, that he wasn't as strong as everyone else thought he was.
Turned out, he was human after all.
Kakashi hesitated a moment before slipping out of the kitchen and into the bedroom, to change his clothes, deciding to forgo the shower for now. Once he was finished changing he went into the living room, and paused as scratched his cheek slowly, a nervous habit of his, "I think I'm going to head in town for a visit with Sakura." he said softly, "Will, uh, you be here later, or are you going to visit some people?"
"I will visit Kaela, workout and then spend some time clearing out the guest room. Maybe I should build another room onto the house..." Gai mused contemplating the logistics of the building. They could have a bedroom and then a spare room which they could use for whatever purpose. "Are you going to kiss me before you go?" Gai inquired hopefully, hopping to his feet.
Kakashi hesitated, before slowly walking over to Gai, "I hadn't been planning on it." he admitted before leaning forward and lightly kissing Gai, not bothering to pull the mask down this time, he just gave Gai a quick chaste kiss, before pulling back, and moving toward the door.
"Ah, if Hiro's there... Just be careful what you say. He hasn't been sleeping again." He added the last part almost as an after thought, "I'm not sure how you'd find the time to build another room on." Kakashi said, as he pulled his sandals on, obviously holding no interest in building a room.
Gai found himself pouting slightly before calling after Kakashi. "I'll expect a better kiss when you get back." Knowing he sounded slightly demented and not caring in the slightest bit. "I can handle Hiro just fine." Shooing Kakashi out Gai went to get battle ready. He figured that if Hiro were in as bad of a mood as he thought then he would need to be ready.
Kakashi smiled as he shook his head, he wasn't even going to dignify that with an answer. He'd likely kiss Gai better, but he didn't want the other man to actually be expecting it. As long as Gai was still there when he got back, he'd freely give the man a kiss.
As long, Kakashi thought as he headed out, as he wasn't life threateningly injured, anyway. Kakashi felt strangely depressed as he walked in town. He wondered idly, if it had anything to do with the dream about Sakumo he'd had. Pushing it out of his mind he decided to ask Gai, when he got home, why the other man hadn't introduced him to his family yet.
Seemed odd, he thought.
