Title: Reunion of Shadows
Author: Lisea18
Rating: M
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, I'm making no money from writing this
A big thank you to Lady Valtaya who was my Beta for this story!
Author's note: English is not my first language, so please forgive my mistakes.
Miracle! You didn't have to wait 4 months for this chapter! Next one might be the end, not yet sure, the plot bunnies tend to be pain in the ass. Hope you enjoy.
Reunion of Shadows 14
Kakashi was working late- again. Now he totally understood why Tsunade needed sake to drive her through the day. But for once, Kakashi was grateful for the workload. It was very effective to prevent him from thinking; it kept his mind occupied. Usually Icha Icha paradise was awesome for that too… but not in this special case. Not when he wanted to prevent himself from thinking about Sasuke.
He had been gone for three days now in an Anbu mission. A very difficult one that made Kakashi wince when he realized he couldn't afford to make anyone else go. Neji's team was the best as it contained Sai, Sasuke and Ino as the medic nin. To make matters worse, they were late. As an Anbu he knew that not being late was an exception, but it knotted his stomach and he dreaded receiving bad news.
"Kakashi? I brought you coffee," mentioned Iruka as he entered the room, not bothering to knock.
He was the Chuunin on duty this night and he knew Kakashi enough not to bother with protocol when no one was around.
"Thanks," grumbled the Hokage, lifting his face from the never shrinking pile of papers.
Iruka scratched the scar on his nose nervously, which immediately brought Kakashi's visible eye on him. It always meant something was bothering the Chuunin, and even thought they weren't lovers anymore, Kakashi never ignored it.
"Yes?" he asked, leaning in his chair, cracking his neck and sipping the scorching coffee.
"Don't worry yourself too much, he's going to be fine. I know you feel responsible for him leaving Konoha, but now that he's back everything will slowly settle, so don't work yourself up. Not to mention you can trust the team with him," reassured Iruka, sounding a lot like a teacher right now.
Kakashi forced a grin. Iruka didn't know that Sasuke was far more than a student for Kakashi.
"You still worry and blame yourself too much," sighed Iruka, leaving the room while shaking his head disapprovingly.
Kakashi groaned and eyed the papers with hatred. Now that he was out of them he didn't want to go back to them. Even if he knew they would busy him he almost preferred torturing himself over Sasuke. He was such a masochist. Rubbing his forehead he grabbed Icha Icha Paradise and started to read, images of Sasuke and himself taking the place of the main protagonists.
He tensed slightly as he felt someone approach his window. They had passed the Anbu guarding him. Keeping an aloof behavior he turned his page, pretending to read even if all his senses where on guard. The man had entered and was sneaking on him, so silent Kakashi wouldn't have known hadn't he noticed the man presence earlier. How could a man this fucking good make such a mistake…
Kakashi felt his mouth twitch. It couldn't be? Not loosing anytime he rounded on his assailant, Sharingan catching the kunai coming to his face. He grabbed the hand holding it as it cut open his mask at the lips, and pinned the man to the wall, his own kunai firmly against a tender throat. Kakashi winced as he felt the cold pointy end of a kunai a bit too close to his precious parts.
"Family jewels aren't a vital point Sasuke-kun," pointed out Kakashi, eyes curving in a smile.
"Is that so? I'm pretty sure you consider them one, Kakashi-sensei," replied the hedgehog Anbu before leaning forward and kissing him.
It felt utterly strange to share such a kiss, between an Anbu mask and a half torn cloth one. But it took a totally different meaning. Kakashi pressed himself harder against that warm slender body, felling the kunai between his legs being replaced by Sasuke's tight as he himself rubbed his between Sasuke's parted legs. He lessened his hold on his former student wrist and slid a finger on the palm, making Sasuke shiver and release his kunai to the ground.
"Kakashi," gasped Sasuke, "don't tell me you're naked under your Hokage robe," he growled as he felt the lack of tissue.
"Me?" innocently asked Kakashi.
He smirked under Sasuke's glare and pulled up the Anbu mask, discarding it on the ground, kissing him deeply in the process. Good thing Sasuke had cut open his mask, he would have been frustrated to wait. In the back of his mind, he wondered just what Sasuke was capable of. He could have sneaked on them unnoticed hadn't he purposely let Kakashi feel him. He could have cut his throat open since he had managed to cut Kakashi's mask while he was parrying him.
"We have to do the bell test together," mumbled Kakashi, has Sasuke parted with him, putting a scroll in his hands.
Kakashi had loved how Sasuke had snaked a hand in his hair and was massaging his scalp but it was already over. He glanced at the scroll and sighed, it was the report he had been expecting for the mission.
"Are you scared I will murder you during a fuck Kakashi?" teased Sasuke as he stole Kakashi's coffee, leaning on the desk as he drank it.
He looked so drained Kakashi didn't have the courage to protest. Instead he busied himself by skimming through the report.
"I would die a happy man then," he replied to Sasuke's comment.
"Really…?" drawled Sasuke, not looking at him.
That ticked Kakashi, and he slowly raised his head. He had heard the question mark at the end. The fact that Sasuke wasn't looking at him also showed it was a bit more than just banter. It was cute. Grinning in his unnerving fashion, he caught Sasuke's chin and tilted it until he meet angry pools… with something unreadable in the shadows. Love, fear, doubt, longing, conflicted feelings. Such turmoil that echoed Kakashi's own ones, albeit different. They were two drowning men holding each other's head out of the water… and managing quite well but not being able to believe it.
If Kakashi had thought Sasuke looked too tired for them to fuck, or that the Hokage office wasn't a very good place to do so, all those thoughts went out the window at Sasuke's look. The young man was such a mixed of danger and subtle vulnerability it was hard to resist. Kakashi was kissing him, pushing him on his desk, before even processing his actions.
"Omph! Kakashi," growled Sasuke, rolling his eyes and pushing him away with one gloved hand.
That only served to have Kakashi unfasten the forearm protector with practiced ease. Kakashi had never been so happy in his life to have been a Anbu member. In seconds, he had Sasuke out of his armor. The dark material of the Anbu outfit suited him like a second skin, outlining strong but subtle muscles.
Kakashi grabbed the hand pressed flat on his chest, as his to push away, but truly just resting there, as if to feel Kakashi's heartbeat. Deftly he slide off the first Anbu glove, a small one stopping at the wrist, with the sharp steel nails. Under it the Anbu usually wore another pair of glove that reached their elbow, but what Kakashi discovered was Sasuke's old gloves, the strange ones tied under his hand but covering only the top of it. Feeling it would be bothersome to take them off, he just kissed Sasuke's palm as he took off the other small glove. If Sasuke was to scratch his back, he would rather not have him wear steel nails. Thank you very much.
"Kinky old man," mumbled Sasuke, opening Kakashi's robe to find him totally naked under it save form his usual worn out gloves, his ankle bandages and shoes.
Kakashi grinned, shoving Sasuke's tight shirt up to his arms and nibbling on already hard nipples as he opened Sasuke's pants, pulling them down just enough to have access to what he craved. Sasuke obediently rested his feet on Kakashi's shoulder, not minding the bent position, nor the fact that his pants prevented him from really parting his legs. He shivered as he heard the familiar pop of lube being opened. Moments later Kakashi's hands were resting on the desk, at his side and he felt the man's lubed member at his entrance.
They met eyes as Kakashi pushed in, careful since he hadn't prepared him. Sasuke gripped Kakashi's wrists, nails slightly digging in as he threw his head back, biting his lips to stop a deep moan from escaping. He could feel the worn leather under his fingers and feel the strong muscle move as Kakashi pulled out only to slam back in, rocking them both.
"If mhnnn we get Ahnn caught Hnnn deeper Ahn! I will castrate you," moaned Sasuke, fingers rubbing Kakashi's gloved hand.
Kakashi chuckled, thrusting in an alternating fast and slow pace.
"Mahh you would miss them, Sasuke," he reminded, giving a particularly vicious buck of his hips, making Sasuke jerk in ecstasy.
"Eunuch can still fuck," retorted Sasuke, smirking, "and they last longer," he teased.
"Does that mean you like being fucked in public so much you want me to make that last longer?" purred Kakashi, eyes twinkling.
Sasuke clamped his mouth shut, glaring. Kakashi smiled even more, recognizing that as Sasuke's pout. He slid one hand up the desk to brush Sasuke's cheek with one finger, needing the others to keep his balance as he roamed in Sasuke's pliant body. Sasuke didn't release his hold on Kakashi's wrist, making him grin even more.
"Kakashi," whispered Sasuke as his eyes began to close, his body shuddering under the pleasure.
Their time apart had made them more sensitive. The place made them more frantic, urgent. Having to be silent, made it all the more edgy, already they could feel orgasm building in them. Sasuke was withering under Kakashi in elated bliss, a dazed look in his eyes as he watched Kakashi, heavy pants escaping his parted lips. And in those, Kakashi could always discern his name, a secret murmur.
Kakashi was pounding faster now, he had turned his head and was biting Sasuke's tender flesh to lower his grunts, where his pants had fallen as he rocked into him. Yet he still kept eye contact with Sasuke, not wishing to miss any bit of the emotion that were painted on that slender face.
Sasuke tensed and Kakashi had to crush his hand under his to prevent a kunai from finding his way to Iruka's neck as the latter opened the door. Chocolate eyes widen in shock as he gasped in surprise. He blinked taking in the scene in mere seconds. Kakashi, naked with just the hokage robe covering his back, deep inside Sasuke. The young Uchiha half dressed, a kunai in his hand, Kakashi's large one closed in a vicious grip on it. He would have been killed hadn't Kakashi been fast enough. Iruka closed the door, not minding that the papers he was bringing Kakashi were scattered on the floor.
"Forgive me," mumbled Kakashi.
It was too much for Iruka, certainly leaning behind the door, than for Sasuke, as Kakashi resumed his thrusting.
"Kakashi!" chocked Sasuke, startled.
The grey haired man released his hand to place it on Sasuke's eyes, preventing him from seeing the door. His other one slid between them to pump Sasuke, to bring him to completion faster. Sasuke wanted to protest but moans were escaping him and he bit into his free arm to stifle them. It took Kakashi a few more deep pounding to reach orgasm, forcing Sasuke's one with him. At any other moment he would have enjoyed how the young man arched off the desk, blood tickling his arm as he bit it so fiercely to prevent any sound from escaping.
Kakashi stumbled back at the vicious kick he received in the chest. Sasuke glaring daggers at him as he rose from the desk, fixing his clothes. With Sasuke the expression "death glare" took all his sense; he could kill you with one mere glance. Kakashi grinned sheepishly, his eyes curving in a smile that betrayed his utter amusement.
Sasuke cuffed the old pervert on the head. It seemed Kakashi was rubbing off on him a little too much, he wasn't feeling mortified at having been caught. But then he had never been that discreet to begin with.
"I'll let you fix this mess Kakashi," he smirked as he snuck out by the window.
When Kakashi open the door to fetch Iruka, he knew the flush on his face wasn't only embarrassment, he was pissed. The man had always been moody and his students knew that very well. Kakashi knew what was coming. He was going to be scolded like a kid. He understood why perfectly well, and he knew it was also because it was never fun to catch an ex fucking his new boyfriend, especially when the latter used to be your student.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Sasuke took off his shoes and placed them in the storage space at his right. Stretching he made his way to the kitchen to grab food before crawling to bed for a well deserved rest. Who knew, maybe Kakashi would pass by later tonight.
Sliding open the door he half smiled at the calendar pinned on the refrigerator, some dates circled in red. On the table rested a slate, messages written on it.
"Cooked food is in the fridge. Check the preemption date. Love. Karin"
"I brought tomatoes before leaving for my mission. No news for you know what. Suigetsu"
Glancing at the calendar he saw that Karin wouldn't be back before two days, Suigetsu was coming home tomorrow. Well, if everything went well. He would be there for their return, so he didn't write on the slate.
Yawning he grabbed some tomatoes from the fridge, almost moaning at the bitter sweet taste. Suigetsu had a knack to find the juiciest ones. He glanced around the level and took the oldest container. Karin's system was wonderful: Made the, Eatable until, it worked very well and they took turn to make foods for the other so none had to cook when they were coming back from a tiring mission.
Done eating he washed the dishes. Suigetsu had had no news concerning the Hyuuga ROOT. This was getting frustrating. The man lay low and so they couldn't find him out. In fact for a moment now nothing had happened. That worried Sasuke more than he wanted to admit, it was the calm before the storm, he knew it, he could feel it in his gut. They were organizing themselves, maybe recruiting new members.
Sasuke started to laugh bitterly. It erased their threat they would have to kill them all, as long as one was alive, they would try again. That just made him sick, because that was exactly why his whole clan had been mercilessly slaughtered. Maybe he should find a Itachi between them and make him do the job, this way he would be a nice Danzo. He snickered to himself. There was no way he would scoop so low.
Feeling strangely like a sensei of his, he went to Juugo's grave speaking silently to him, soul to soul. After all, he had died to protect him and to protect his place in Konoha. This was one of the reason he had to fight, and also because there still had all those annoying people that would come running after him if he left. Those pests.
Looking around he felt a pang of regret. Itachi. He hadn't made a grave for him here… And yet, even now, knowing the truth, it still felt strange to bury the clan's murderer with them. Standing up, brushing his pants, he started walking toward a recluse part of town… a certain training ground… a certain Stone. Now he really felt like Kakashi. But that was the only place where he could visit his brother.
But as he left the Uchiha district a lonely figure he knew well jumped from a tree to block his path. Sai. For a moment the two dark haired men eyed each other carefully. He didn't know Sai, but Naruto trusted him, so did Kakashi, so he Sasuke decided he didn't doubt him too much. Furthermore he was a good teammate; their first Anbu mission had gone perfectly well.
"I wish to speak to you about a certain matter Sasuke-san."
Sasuke tilted an eyebrow to show he was willing to listen.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooo
When the bell rang Gai was positive it was Lee wanting to have a nightly training. He swung the door open opening his mouth to cheerfully great his favorite pupil only to have it hanging open in shock. Kakashi stood on his doorstep, looking like a drowned puppy, and it wasn't even raining.
"Enter rival! Let's have a youthful competition! I see your youthful spirit couldn't refuse my invitation!"
Kakashi stepped past Gai into his house and the latter closed the door, looking around and catching an ANBU in the corner of his eyes. The Hokage was always followed from his house to the Tower. He was too precious not to have his movement tracked. At least they would believe Kakashi was here looking gloomy because Gai had dragged him in his games again.
Now what to do with the man sitting on his couch? Or more like hunched on it. He didn't know why Kakashi had come to him; did he want to change his mind? Or to talk? Worried, he grabbed some bottles of sake and poured them a cup.
"So what's bringing you to me tonight? I bet it's not to see who can make the most laps on his hands around the village!" cheerfully teased Gai, drowning his cup.
Kakashi stared at him for a moment, bottomed up his cup, poured himself another and did the same. Gai gulped, that was bad, Kakashi was like that only when something really bothered him. Finally a grey and tired eye met his.
"Iruka caught me with Sasuke."
Seeing the guilty look that translated by: I was jumping Sasuke's brain out in the Hokage office when Iruka entered. That was so like Kakashi it hurt. Gai felt sympathetic for Iruka, they had had a really deep relationship, seeing his ex with his new boyfriend, and learning of said boyfriend this way must have hurt.
Nudging Kakashi a bit, Gai poured another cup, knowing alcohol would help Kakashi confine. The man was a real oyster, so much that sometimes Gai was scared of forcing him to open up… because like an oyster he might just die in the process.
"He scolded you like a little boy of course," teased Gai.
And he could stake his life on it that Kakashi didn't argue with anything Iruka said. Kakashi never stood up to Iruka, especially since he certainly whole heartedly agreed with anything the teacher could have told him, even if it put him in such a state. Kakashi was a desperate case.
"Well, he never did appreciate my exhibitionist tendencies," snorted Kakashi, "especially in the Hokage desk room," for a moment the man's eyes twinkled with mischief.
Gai laughed, patting his rival on the shoulder.
"That mustn't have surprised him too much," pointed out Gai, he remembered the fights he had had to calm down when Kakashi had trick Iruka to have sex in public places.
"No but Sasuke being my partner did," deadpanned Kakashi, drowning his cup, "I got the whole: he's too young speech."
"Well you don't have to worry about that, nor the fact you were his teacher, he's the one who pursued you," remarked Gai, guessing already what Iruka had had to say on the matter.
Kakashi smiled at that, but it was a sad smile.
"He's pissed about the whole Hokage thing too… because well, Sasuke's still on probation and I'm the damned Hokage… I shouldn't show favoritism and all," mumbled Kakashi.
"Yeah right, but it's not as if Sasuke is trying to gain something from getting on your pants, so that's not really a problem, right?" reassured Gai.
If people had to stop loving because of such things, that would get things really complicated. No one was being used here so why prevent youthful beautiful love! Kakashi distractedly shook his head, as if agreeing half-heartedly then went on.
"Iruka thinks Sasuke is so lost he clung to a paternal figure and that it's my duty to push him away. And it brought back the old argument, I can't take care of myself, can't deal with my mistakes. How can I help him deal with his problems when I can't deal with my own? For Iruka I'm not a good example, I have to help him cope with loved ones death, with paranoia… and I'm not at all the good person for that," Kakashi sighed, drinking some more, "he even spoke of the kunai in the flour package, he will never let me live that down," chuckled Kakashi, a hand sliding in his hair, messing them even more.
Gai simply poured more sake, waiting for his friend to go on. This was indeed an old argument between the two… and Iruka's points were valid.
"He believes I will pull him down, make things worse. End up hurting myself and Sasuke even more, especially since he's so young," Kakashi closed his eye, leaning back on the couch, as if to search for support.
Gai had to strain his ears to hear what came next, because Kakashi whispered it, as if telling it aloud would make it true and he feared that.
"Iruka asked me, looking so fucking worried and anxious; if I was sure I was with Sasuke because of my own guilt. He believes I know I shouldn't let Sasuke close," Kakashi turned his head toward Gai, speaking louder, "and I do know that, I made it hard for us to get together because of this all teacher thing," then he reverted back to murmuring, "and he wonders if I can't push him away because I feel guilty for not being a good teacher, for not managing to help him when he went to Orochimaru."
Gai reached for his friend, putting a comforting hand on his arm.
"And you think he's right?"
"I don't know…" Kakashi took his head in his hand, "I'm too old for all this crap," he grumbled, "Iruka's point are so valid it hurts and I can't know if they are true. How the hell am I supposed to know if Sasuke is seeing me as a paternal figure and waiting for me to save him?"
Kakashi stood up, pacing the room as he talked his empty cup in hand. It was more an internal debate than anything else, but Gai listened, ready to play the mediator between Kakashi's heart and reason.
"As to my guilt, of course I feel guilty, I'd have to be heartless not to. I should have been able to stop him back then… but I don't know if I'm trying to fix that by answering his feelings now. An Iruka is right, I'm not a good example, I can't protect him, I lost Obito and Rin already, I lost him once too, I can't save or protect him either."
Kakashi's voice broke on that last sentence and he unconsciously looked out the window, far far away from here… in the direction of a certain stone. Gai knew he craved to go there and pour his heart out to Obito, but he had come to him, because he needed answers tonight, not silence.
Gai didn't know either, he wasn't Kakashi, he was even less Sasuke. What Iruka said made sense. But Gai believed in the unbelievable, he trusted Kakashi; the man always did his very best. Even driven by past guilt, he was ready to accept any sacrifice to try and make things right.
"You know rival, I think Sasuke would punch you just for saying you want to save him and protect him. I highly doubt he came to you for that, from what I heard, he's one very stubborn and proud man. On the other hand, I'm sure he trusts you."
Kakashi grinned at that, fondly, and that just made Gai have the gut feeling that he didn't give a damn about it Iruka was right or not. Feelings weren't rational, even if there were complicated ulterior reasons, they wasn't important as long as the match worked… and it seemed to. Kakashi didn't come to see him because of a fight with Sasuke, not once had that happened.
"Love is boundless rival! It's youthful and untamable! Let your heart speak!" he advise, pumping his fist in the air in his enthusiasm.
Kakashi rolled his eye, but he understood Gai's sentiment clearly. And he was right, Sasuke would totally kick his ass for his doubt and for even thinking he had to protect or save him. Maybe even if things were complicated he should just pretend they weren't. After all for the moment, Sasuke had no complains, neither had Kakashi.
"You're happy with him, aren't you?" asked Gai, seeing how his friend slowly looked less depressed.
"I never showed him my face you know? He never asked, never tried to see it. He doesn't comment on my quirks, it's as if he just takes me as I am and expect me to do the same."
Gai smiled. He had truly believed Iruka would be the right man for Kakashi, that he would help him, give him happiness and peace of mind. Finally it hadn't worked out, maybe because Iruka had wanted to change who was Kakashi, to erase his suffering while Kakashi was based on his suffering, he had wanted to save… when all he should have done was accept him. Without even trying Kakashi and Sasuke might just manage to change each other.
"I take that for a yes," congratulate Gai, patting Kakashi so hard on the back he nearly made him lost balance, "don't think too much, as long as it works let youthful sprit of love guide you!" Gai grinned then, taking his nice guy pose before adding, "and now let's compete dear rival!"
Kakashi winced and took a French leave by the window, waving goodbye to Gai and smiling as a thank you just before pulling his mask back on. Hands in pocket, Kakashi wandered the desert Konoha streets, his feet bringing him to a familiar grave stone on their own. He needed to make things right with his heart, and for that he needed Obito.
He frowned as he noticed a lone figure standing in front of the stone. A hedgehog haircut gave the stranger away easily and Kakashi reached him, knowing full well Sasuke knew already it was him.
"I see I'm rubbing off on you," remarked Kakashi, a pang of worry shaking him.
"Don't flatter yourself; I was speaking to ghosts long before knowing you did," retorted Sasuke.
"Mahh you're so cold Sasuke-kun," teased Kakashi even if, truthfully, he was relieved this strange habit wasn't coming from him.
They stayed there for a bit, in complete silence. The cold night wind not bothering them, nor the darkness getting deeper and deeper. For a good hour no words was uttered between the livings.
"Sai spoke to me," suddenly stated Sasuke.
"I would hope so, you're on the same team," chuckled Kakashi, knowing full well that would piss Sasuke off.
It was just too fun to play with his nerves. Smiling with his visible eye at the glare he received, Kakashi slowly started to walk away from the stone, Sasuke falling into step with him.
"I think he tried to have a classic conversation with me, Naruto had warned me he sucked at those, but I hadn't notice it was that bad. He sprouted nonsense about trees having leaves, trunk and all that boring stuff. Then he mentioned he had always been part of a tree. He's such a lunatic. He gave me some seeds, he said I needed to plant a new tree and let go of the old one. I believe he was speaking of my past and present. Seriously what's he thinking?"
Kakashi nodded, laughing and shaking his head in amusement. This was all an act, he was processing what Sasuke was telling him in code. Sai had talked to him about ROOT, the only part of the tree he hadn't mentioned. Said had told him he was a ROOT but also belonged to Konoha, "parts of a tree", no way Sasuke would make such a mistake. Seeds must have meant ideas, and a new tree… had Sai suggested to not erase ROOT but change it from the inside? That could actually work, if Sai was still considered a ROOT member, one of Danzo's favorite if he remembered well.
"He's worried about Naruto, he loves him a lot, so he's trying to help. So will you plant the seeds he gave you?" played along Kakashi.
Sasuke shrugged, seemingly nonchalant.
"I think I will, just to have him off my back. I'm not that desperate."
Kakashi nodded. Obviously Sasuke's investigation was running in circle, Sai gave him an opportunity to act and maybe even settle the problem once and for all. He couldn't offer to let it pass. He was desperate.
"Well, show me were you plant the tree and how it goes, will you?" asked Kakashi, eye curved in a gentle smile.
"Hn."
oooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Kakashi enjoyed watching Sasuke as he worked, straight in his chair, pen scratching the paper in regular intervals. He had decided to help him with his papers, but refused to use the Sharingan to copy his signature, too bad. When Kakashi had teased him about Sasuke wanting to pass more time with him, the latter had simply replied he needed practice for when Naruto would be Hokage.
"Kakashi," came the warning voice, "if Icha Icha Paradise his hidden under those papers you're dumbly staring at, I'm going to make you eat each page of that beloved book of yours."
"Tss tss tss Sasuke-kun, not trusting your elder is a bad thing," scolded Kakashi, shaking a finger in his lover's direction.
"Oh but if said elder had proved his trustworthiness he wouldn't be so focused on staring at me, rather than working," retorted Sasuke, a meaningful glare answering Kakashi's chuckle.
"I'm training you for when Naruto will be Hokage, be grateful, I didn't fell asleep on the paper, putting droll all over them for you."
Sasuke snorted at that, picturing very well the moron doing that… he would even bet the dumbass would bring his stupid nightcap with him. God. He was going to suffer when Naruto would be Hokage. But he was going to be there when he friend would have to deal with reality, to see everything couldn't be all gentle and good. And he would make sure Naruto stayed with his delusional belief, so they could aim for a greater ideal even if never reach it.
"How about going home? I will cook to thank you," proposed Kakashi.
It was a pity they couldn't just see each other in peace. In a way Kakashi was relieved that the moving out question wouldn't be tackled. They couldn't at all for the moment; it was already hard enough to have Sasuke stay over at Kakashi. Not that Kakashi didn't want Sasuke to live with him, it was just… it could put tensions and he didn't want that. Not now, especially not after Iruka's talk that had happened the day before. On the other hand, he didn't worry about Sasuke messing with his habits, the young man proved to be as strange as him.
"We will destroy one of your masks again," pointed out Sasuke, a clear invitation to a certain kind of desert.
"Oh don't worry, I have plenty in reserve," assured Kakashi, pinching Sasuke's ass just as he left the office, preventing him to make a fuss about it.
After a nice meal, some playing around and a nice Sasuke withering on the kitchen table, then being mercilessly taken against the shower wall, they nestled into bed. Sasuke not minded as Kakashi read one of his Hokage paper before switching off. The advantage of being a ninja was you could sleep in almost all conditions.
When Sasuke's breath became steady, proving he was fast asleep, Kakashi softly glided his hand in the soft hair. He chuckled as Sasuke growled in his sleep, rolling away from the petting. Yawning Kakashi puffed up his pillow and let sleep claim him.
It was a moonless night, heavy clouds obscuring the sky as negatives thought did the brain. It was raining, drops pounding on the roof in a hypnotic rhythm that resembled hurried steps. Thunder screamed, getting closer by the minute. It sounded like war, a war that nature was fighting with herself. Sasuke turned in his sleep, his eyes moving under his closed eyelids. He felt the shadows of shaken trees slide on him, fingers that tried to grab him. Someone was thrashing. Sweat began to tickle Sasuke's forehead as his unconscious screamed at him to wake up. Someone was screaming… was it him?
Sasuke's eyes snapped open, his heart beating too fast. He wasn't the one yelling or having a nightmare. Turning in the bed he saw Kakashi twisting in the sheets, cries and incomprehensible pleads escaping his masked lips. Sasuke didn't even hesitated, he grabbed Kakashi's shoulders, ignoring the kicks and punches he received in the process and shook him awake.
"Kakashi!"
He shot up in the bed, sitting astray, odd colored eyes slid open, glazed over. It took a few seconds for Kakashi to get back to his senses and stop gripping Sasuke for dear life. He blinked a few times, trailing his hands in his messy hair, taking deep breaths. After a moment, he seemed calmed again and tentatively glanced to Sasuke. It was all the latter needed, he slip out of the bed, switching on the light, not even glimpsing at Kakashi.
The grey haired man stayed puzzled but was in too much a daze to start dwelling on it. All he could do was listen to Sasuke's soft padding in the kitchen. He was fixing something. Then the steps went to the living room and back to the bedroom. Kakashi looked up as a burning cup of warm milk with honey and a touch of alcohol was presented to him. He grabbed it, the heat helping him connect with reality once again, chasing away the images of death. The last moments of the best friend who gave him a new eye before dying to save them.
Kakashi started a bit as cushions were settled behind his back and a Icha Icha Paradise book dropped next to him. The covers on Kakashi's legs were adjusted and then Sasuke, draped his part of the bedding around himself and settled his head into Kakashi's lap and promptly fell back asleep.
Kakashi bent over, kissing his forehead. It seemed they were really fit for each other. Kakashi too couldn't go back to sleep after a nightmare. It was nice to have someone to take care of him, so sweet… even though he wouldn't tell that to Sasuke unless he wanted the other one to pout. He chuckled, the nightmare already seeming far away.
-To be continued-
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