Just take care of yourself, okay?

Father Kakashi was a respected man within the community. He was a young priest who was trying to modernize the church, which is why he did not have a bad relationship with the gypsies of the place, because they were people like him, only with different customs and beliefs.

"Father Hatake, are you busy?"

A blond boy ran into the church and smiled. Someoneewas coming a caravan! Was it a circus? New friends? He was excited.

And Kakashi, smiling slightly, went to sit on one of the church stools. Naruto was one of the orphans he loved the most.

"Naruto, welcome. What makes you so excited?"

"Father! A caravan is coming! What do you think it would be?"

"Naruto, they are probably new gypsies. I will go later to see and welcome them. Do you want to join me?"

"Yes! I want to make new friends. I like gypsies. They talk funny and have entertaining stories."

"Naruto, just wait a minute, okay? I'll get ready and let's go see these new friends. I won't be delaying more than 10 minutes."

Sitting and waiting for Father Hatake, Naruto decided to tour the church. Statues of the saints and so on were in front of all the wooden benches. The place smelled old and clean at the same time and the statue of Saint Peter was on one side staring at everyone who entered the place. Naruto was scared for this, which is why he avoided looking at that particular figure.

It was a nice church. Small but who had helped the town many times. He had sheltered them in storms, sand or when the situation warranted it.

"Naruto, I'm ready. Let's go."

Hand in hand, the orphan and the priest walked calmly through the town until they reached the uproar that these caravans had caused.

"Ahem, good afternoon. I am Father Hatake and I run the church here. With Naruto here, we came to welcome you warmly."

"Father!" said an euphoric gypsy. "My son has arrived! And several friends who haven't been in years!"

A man, about Kakashi's age, got out of a van. He had beautiful caramel skin. His long hair fell gently down his shoulders.

But when the dear father of the Konoha Town saw that beautiful face, a knot formed in his stomach, but the happiness of seeing Iruka after so many years washed over him like a tsunami.

"Iruka? We haven't seen you for many years. I hope that God has gone with you and safeguarded your soul."

The brown haired man turned his head towards the voice he hadn't heard in years and a bittersweet feeling formed inside him. He was finally home.

"Father Hatake. Nice to see you again. And who is this boy? Hi! My name is Iruka."

"Hello Mr. Iruka. My name is Naruto. You look friendly, do you want to be my friend?"

"Of course I do, Naruto. I have stories to tell. I would actually like to ask Father if he allows me to tell stories to orphans."

He said, looking deeply in the priest's direction.

"Obviously, no problem. There should only be one other member of the church. I recommend Brother Gai. He is effusive but protective of the orphans in our care."

"Father, I want to talk to you alone, is it possible?"

"Sure. Come, join me to drop off Naruto and we can talk inside the parish."

"As you wish father, I will follow you."

~•~

The atmosphere inside Kakashi's room was thick. He knew what was coming and he didn't feel ready.

"Kakashi. How have you been?"

"Pretty good, actually. God has given me health and life. Now I'm in charge of the orphanage. The truth is that I don't regret my priesthood."

Sighing, Iruka sat on the bed in the room.

"Kakashi, I never stopped loving you. All this time I was traveling, I could never forget you. I dreamed of your kisses every day, I felt your arms surrounded by mine and your whispers of love on my neck."

"Iruka, Iruka. You know I can't. God, I love you so much, but I also love God and I promised to serve my life for God and I won't give up, Iruka. This is where my people and my home really need me."

Sighing and trying to hold back tears, Iruka hid his hands in his pants pockets.

"I just hope, Kakashi, that you're happy. I won't get any closer. But you have to know this, I love you, but I respect you enough not to make you split between what you want. Just take care of yourself, okay?"

See you later, Father Hatake.

And hey!, I hope we're friends, okay? We have known each other for years and you are very important to me to completely remove you from my life.

Walking to the door without looking back and both of them heartbroken, Iruka left behind a priest who hopes he has made the right decision.

End.