Title: Gentle Lesson: The Restoration of the Hatake Clan
Warnings: WARNING! Angst, romantic adult stuff...
Pairing: Yukio/Kakashi, Sakura/Kakashi.
Disclaimer: I do not own this original piece of work, neither do I gain financially from it~ Lyrics from Owl City.
Author's Notes: Life as a teacher is awesome, but it can suck... Grading, parent-teacher conferences... English Corners and stuff can take up so much of your time. Now that I have a social life and am writing original works as well as other kinds of real-person fanfiction, it's hard to keep up with everything... As some may have noticed, I've completed a Spring 2011 Edit on the previous chapters. Mainly formatting. Otherwise, business as usual... and this is getting into the final chappies – perhaps only one more to go...
Treasures of the Heart
"'Cause the spaces between my fingers
Are right where yours fit perfectly"
(Owl City)
If life is a film, let the shutter pass over the next few weeks – filled with annoying missions (in Naruto's opinion), slow recovery (Kakashi's opinion) and awkward moments which promised so much more. That was Sakura's thought. Passing by slowly, the strip stutters to a halt – closing in a familiar scene – Sakura and Kakashi sitting on his sofa – the one which has slouched on the balcony for too long. The two nins are quiet, but it is a familiar, enjoyable silence. For the most part.
Sakura enjoyed the feeling of Kakashi's arm cushioning her head. It was the closest thing to a cuddle that he could understand. For a while, she had thought it was cute. Tonight though, let's see how far we can go, she thought with a mischievous smile.
To her right, the Copy Nin was idly recounting all the fun times he had so far enjoyed with the pink-haired medical kunoichi. Sakura had brought so many new, good memories into his barren life... Even just being here, on his balcony, on his couch... The couch... Kakashi pulled himself away from the memories that threatened to swamp him as he eased back into it the soft cushions. Memories of Yukio's lips. Yukio's hands. Yukio's -
No. He reminded himself again. It's over. I can only look forward and walk step by painful step towards the future. As uncomfortable as this is going to make me feel – as vulnerable and open – and naked...
He glanced at Sakura's serene face and slightly curved lips.
Open and – naked – Shaking his head, Kakashi resisted the urge to smack himself. It may have been too long, old man – but get a hold of yourself!
"You don't have to hold it in," Sakura said, after a moment. "Just be yourself."
"Easier said than done," Kakashi said, trying to just focus on how right it felt for her to be leaning back against his arm as they sat there watching the sun setting. "It's hard to be yourself – after years of... well, not being yourself."
"All the time you were with us, you weren't totally honest – but toward the end – before we all split up – you had relaxed – a little, right?"
"Yeah – for the first time in a long time, I felt hope..." Kakashi sighed.
"Life for you has been one long battle –" she agreed.
"Well, there were... good moments..."
"Of course, for sanity's sake. I heard about you and Megami."
"Eh?" Kakashi's eye widened. "Oh – th-that – Sakura – you know – you don't have to worry about that –"
"Of course I'm not."
'Oh."
"It gives me some kind of hope, too," she sighed, gazing up at him, her green eyes inviting him to something he could only hope at. "That you can feel once again – be in a relationship again – you know... "
"Oh – yes –" he said, feeling inadequate, feeling like the conversation was going around in circles.
This was their first date. A sit in and hang out date, Sakura said. Getting to know each other better in an intimate kind of way...
Intimate kind of way... Kakashi had tried to interpret that one. Did that mean they would reminisce? Or remember past experiences that troubled them in life? Did that mean that they would share secrets? Or make secrets together... was this about sex? Or no sex? Or just making out? And how far did making out go before it became sex? Wasn't there some kind of fine line? What if she didn't want to make out? Would would want to make out on his couch?
"Do you know why I didn't ask for the restaurant deal?" Sakura said, when the conversation appeared to have lapsed again into silence.
"You said – said – ah... something about getting to know each other –"
"Yes. Because you know... after all we have been through together – after all we have been through apart, we know each other pretty well by now – right?'
"True," Kakashi said. "Like the fact that you like to –"
He was going to say something about her flirtatious drunk behaviour but switched halfway through instinctively feeling that wasn't going to come out right.
"– make a sick person feel special," he ended lamely.
"What were you going to say?" she asked.
"N-nothing..."
"No, be honest."
"Just about you being kinda cute and flirtatious when you're – er – drunk – sometimes – not all the time... and it wasn't really me who pointed out... it was Genma. Who you should keep an eye out for because I think he's bi or something so just because Raido has him doesn't mean anything. Really. And –" Now, he was babbling.
"Kakashi."
"Yes?"
'How many dates have you had?"
"Dates?"
"Not the fruit – the thing where you go out and enjoy some time with a girl. And hiring a stripper or a lap dance or something else entirely doesn't count."
"Ah... not a lot... really... I was busy," he muttered. "It wasn't that I couldn't – or whatever – I could have had lots of dates. Women are always hanging off of me."
"Yeah, who wouldn't."
Sakura thought briefly of Yukio's haunted eyes.
He had understood the magnetic pull of Kakashi... as did all the women in Konoha. It's something to do with the mystery of the man. But in the end, it's not his mystery that is important – it's his lackadaisical heart... the intensity that lies under a veneer of devil-may-care.
"Yes, well," Kakashi said. "I just got busy. Life can get that way. Besides, there aren't many good women to be had – not around here... I mean, there are some nice women who have well... lots of good attributes – but none are good for long-term – which is what I prefer – and it wasn't until you kind of – well – matured and became the woman you are today that I realized well, that maybe I had found one that was worth treasuring – that is –"
"I think there's a compliment in there somewhere," Sakura said, with a smile, then, smoothly she turned and slipped onto his lap, straddling his legs, leaning down over him. "This is a very special technique that all kunoichi are trained in from a very young age," she added, leaning down to whisper in his ear.
Kakashi felt like he was going to explode – and for a moment he was frozen in shock. His arms felt sluggish as he tried to push her hands back – but her fingers were already pulling his mask down and her lips had claimed his.
"This isn't so bad now, is it?" Naruto asked Hinata. "It's always the part where I have to pick you up at your house where it gets awkward... Couldn't your dad let you wait outside?"
"I-I am not sure," sighed the dark-haired Hyuuga. "I think he's kind of old-fashioned in his romantic expectations..."
"Ahhh..." Naruto's brow furrowed. "He needs to move into this century."
[Forehead twitch.]
"B-but, you know, I – I think it's kind of nice," Hinata looked up at Naruto then. "I feel like you treasure me even more when you have to fight to get in and out... like a princess."
"Right! If you're the princess, I'm the prince – sent to rescue you!"
[Another forehead twitch.]
"Naruto, you definitely have fought enough for me," Hinata protested. "I'd like to save you just once as well..."
"You did," he said with a smile. "You definitely did – all those years – you had to battle my stupidity, my foolishness... you know... I think I have gotten better in the past few years – now you don't have to worry – I'm thinking about you 24/7!"
"Naruto!"
"Hinata!"
[Shoulder's bent and shaking, forehead furrowed...]
The couple clasped hands over the sushi table, eyes meeting each other with adoration and love. For a moment the romantic atmosphere held – the candlelight, the sweet music, the sweet perfume Hinata was wearing – then, the disturbing chakra from the corner of their booth edged in. Naruto turned and glared at their chaperone.
"Neji! I'm gonna kill you if you don't stop it! You're totally destroying my evening here! Why don't you – I don't know – go chat up that girl at the bar!"
"N-Naruto –"
"Idiot! The only reason why he lets a man like you with his daughter is because I am here," Neji snorted. "Although, the only dangerous thing about you is your disgusting concept of a romantic evening! I feel like I'm going to vomit..."
"N-Neji –"
"Ha! That's because you probably never talk to the girls you date, bastard! Do you even go on dates?"
Neji's eyebrow twitched dangerously.
"Of course I do," he said. "We've already talked about this before, so I'm not discussing it again." He turned his head dismissively.
"Oh yeah? Since when?"
"You said that the last time as well – you know – at the Chinese food joint around the corner."
"Naruto! Neji!"
The two boys were now head to head, glaring at each other. Neji's fingers were already rising, ready for his signature move. Naruto's palm was beginning to fill with chakra...
Hinata sighed. Here we go again...
"Not out on a date?" Sai asked, passing by Sasuke who was surrounded by a group of the boys, steadily getting pissed. "I thought everyone was on a date."
"You aren't," Sasuke glared up at the dark-haired boy.
"Well, I will – much later on –" Sai replied, unperturbed. "I saw Lyra several bars back, getting drunk by herself. Is that okay? She hasn't been too well lately..."
"Yeah... I know..."
"So?"
"I said so myself... and next thing – she was pissed at me – yelled and said that I was wanting her to be the perfect –" Here, Sasuke knocked back another shot. "Uchiha wife – and keep her locked up at home... and she said that I was being condescending – again... and I got angry and told her that she just didn't know what was good for her – and –"
"You didn't..."
"Yeah... I mentioned her uncle..."
"Idiot," Sai sat down. "So just go over there an apologize."
"For what?"
"For all that shit."
"But I wasn't implying any of that... and I'm right, you know. The doctor told her to take it easy!"
"Well, you might be right – but why do you have to be right?"
"What?"
"Why do you have to be right?"
"I don't know what you are saying."
Sai stared at the round glass between his fingers and raised the dark liquor to his lips. The aroma wafted up toward him. He would have to be careful – tonight, he had some plans – which meant some infiltration, some extraction and them some hot forbidden sex with a certain young Hyuuga who wasn't currently Naruto's girlfriend...
Hiashi, if he only knew, would have the boy's head. Hahaha... dickless idiots... Sai smiled to himself. Tenzou would be pissed too...
"So explain it –" Sasuke nudged his suddenly silent partner.
Sai sipped the liquid slowly, letting the fire run down his throat before answering.
"The question isn't 'Am I right?" It becomes instead... 'Is being right more important than being with Lyra?'"
For a moment, there was nothing said between them – and then Sasuke sighed. He set down his next shot, not yet finished. Massaging his forehead, Sasuke grimaced at the realization – that Sai was right, once again. It was hard to believe that over time such an awkward young man would eventually gain such insight...
Shit... I'm so going to have to go back there... and apologize. I hate apologies... I totally can't do them well enough...
"Well, then, practice," Sai smiled, his eyes curved up into amused crescents. "We can role play if you want –"
"Like hell," Sasuke glared at his teammate and pushed away from the bar. "I'm off." Throwing a few bills down on the counter he grudgingly added, "Thanks."
"Any time," Sai smirked. "Dickwad."
But Sasuke was long gone.
So many lives are strung together in the tale we call life. Tales are what bring us together, Iruka was once quoted as saying that "memories of those who are gone before us are retold to remind us of something we often forget on a day to day basis." The importance of keeping the fire of Leaf going in every ninja's heart.
"Genma's obviously in a philosophical mood tonight," Asuma chuckled. "Although, I am guessing that Sasuke isn't feeling it."
"Judging by how pasted Lyra is down the road," Kurenai added, sitting down by her now permanent live-in flatmate, "I can only guess why... Sai might know though..."
Raido ambled over to the quiet dark-haired ex-Root nin and sat down, summoning another two drinks. Sasuke's exit – followed by a short explanation on the behalf of Sai would feed a little of the rumour mill. But Genma's eyes were elsewhere. There was something more suitable in watching Izumo watch Kotetsu... and he wonders if life is always going to be like that.
"Even when we are dead and gone – will there be others to carry it on?" he asks aloud, feeling a little buzz from the alcohol settle into his bones.
"What d'you mean?"
Raido again – having parted ways with the Sai and shared the titbit of gossip with the other nins before slipping next to Genma's favourite seat.
"Well, you know, Raido, you and I, Hana and I... Izumo and Kotetsu, Kotetsu and his cute wife... Sasuke and Lyra... Sai and his many female conquests... whatever it may be... there is always the chasing and the getting – the pursuit and the capture – a cycle of life and death – and rising and falling –"
"Of course," Raido replied, put down his glass. "And you know – we have a special date tomorrow."
"Riiighhht," Genma leered. "I'm all pumped up about that. I know it's gonna be big 'cause you've been all tense about it all week long."
Raido sighed. "Sometimes, I wonder whether it's fair – that I'm so lucky to have someone like you – maybe the whole circle of life thing messed up – you know? But then, things happen that let me think it's okay... and then other things happen which make me wonder if it's all going to go to hell in a hand basket... and you know – watching Izumo and how faithful he is – it just makes you think that life isn't fair – but who are you to complain and –"
Genma leaned forward and kissed Raido silencing the scarred Jounin. For a moment, Raido enjoyed the moment of Genma's hard lips on his – before he realized – oh shit – this is at the bar! - and then he pulled back and glared at the senbon-nin.
"You're thinking too much, Raido," smiled Genma. "You're going to get a Neji complex at this rate. Just enjoy what you have for now. Let tomorrow be another day."
Raido looked up uncertainly at the Jounin.
"It's easy for you to say. You aren't the one with the surprise."
"Well, you can tell me it now."
"No, no, it's something you have to see. For yourself."
"Raido..."
"Trust me," sighed Raido.
"I do," Genma replied, pulling Raido's chin up. "But let's enjoy the rest of today for what it is."
"You do this carpe diem thing well."
"I've got practice," Genma grinned. "Among other things."
"Talk about it."
"So... carpe diem?"
"Carpe diem," Raido said. "Or wait – no – carpe noctem, right?'
"Raido."
"Right, right, thinking again."
Iruka and Shizune watched Genma and Raido slouch past – obviously not running off to work on a mission – or working at the office or examination grounds on this bright sunny day. The dark-haired kunoichi smiled back as Genma waved lazily at her – but Raido's smile was quick and absent-minded. He obviously had a lot on his mind. She had a good idea why. Hana had come to her a few days back with the news.
"Raido wants Genma to meet the boys."
"And you aren't sure about it," Shizune said, noticing how Hana chewed on her lower lip absently. "This is unexpected?"
"Well, yes... no... I don't know," Hana sighed. "For so long, I've been an independent woman and then there was Genma – and he made me feel like – I don't know – for a moment, I thought that maybe there could be something there – something to make me give it all up – but..."
"But?"
"I can't take half a man. I can't share."
"Who would share Genma?" laughed Shizune then. "I mean, most people who get their hands on him, won't let him go."
"Raido said he was willing."
"No way..." Shizune sat down suddenly. "So... what are you going to do?"
"Like I said... I don't know!"
"I'd take it slow."
"Slow?"
"Yes..."
"Just start with the boys – and then – one day – start looking at other options, huh?"
"Something like that."
"That could work."
"You're all adults," Shizune pointed out. "It's something that with a lot of talking, I'm sure you could figure it out. Take your cue from the boys. They might end up not wanting to get to involved..."
"Good point."
So when Hana opened the door to a stoic, determined Raido and a confused Genma, she couldn't help but laugh suddenly – at the whole ridiculousness of the thing. A grown woman like her, worrying over a couple of men... and she had already had a husband buried and two full-grown children!
"Come in," she said abruptly, before Genma could get a word in edgewise – How she knew he could talk the hind leg off a donkey if anyone let him! Without any word from Raido, the two men followed her through the hall, past large open rooms, past the kitchen and out to a back sitting room with sliding doors which opened to a large yard. Just as he expected, Genma saw a mass of fur flying around the yard and in between some human looking arms and legs stuck out.
The two boys.
"Hiroshi! Renjiro!" she barked out. "Ruki! Asa! Gion! Oni!"
As if by magic, the whole mass of fur and oise settled down in an instant revealing the two boys Genma had met around a year ago. It was in the hospital... Already, they had begun to grow taller – obviously their father had been a tall man.
"Hiroshi, Renjiro – you remember Shiranui-san –"
"Just Genma," he said with a smile. 'My goodness – you two have grown! Now I feel like an old man!"
"Hahaha!" laughed the more exuberant, hazel-eyed Hiroshi. "Genma-san is an old man!"
Renjiro eyed the tall Jounin calculatingly. "Are you older than Mom?" he asked.
"Well... no... but we're close in age," replied Genma easily.
"So you know my Mom a lot?"
"Sure – a long time ago," Genma winked at Hana who snorted.
"It's what I call my phase of insanity," she said. "Tea? Coffee? Or would you like something with a bit more kick?"
"Tea," Raido said before Genma could open his mouth. "The boys can sit and tell Genma about their first day at the Academy, eh?"
"It was awesome," Hiroshi said.
"Not bad," the more close-mouthed Renjiro added with a shrug.
"Iruka-sensei is a little scary."
"But he can have fun too..."
"Iruka-sensei has always been scary," Genma said. "Even when he was a kid on the playground – right, Raido?"
"Ahhh... yes... those were the good ol' days! Anko too... hahaha... ahhh..."
"Anko was a terror," Hana agreed, setting down tea. "Almost as bad as I was!"
The boys looked at their mother in awe.
"What about you, Genma?" asked Hiroshi, helping his Mom hand out the cups.
"Me? Hm... I was a more – live and let live kind of guy... you know..."
"Spineless?" Raido asked, with a small smile.
"No... I wouldn't say that..." Genma rolled his eyes. "I just wasn't into the fighting scene all the time... I liked treasure hunting though –"
"Yeah – in the trash!"
"I always wanted to be cool."
"Totally orally fixated," snorted Raido.
"Ora-lly – what?" Renjiro stumbled over the long word.
"Orally fixated," Genma repeated – enjoying Raido's sudden discomfort. "Means... well... I like to put something in my mouth – like these senbon."
"Wow... cool – so you, like, chew on them all the time?" asked Hiroshi edging closer to stare at Genma's current favourite.
"All. The. Time," Raido said, voice deadpan. "It can get annoying."
"So – how far can you spit it?" asked Renjiro, clearly not a believer like his older brother. His dark eyes never seemed to leave Genma's face – an intense child, he thought, who probably thought a lot more than expected.
"Pretty far," Genma said – and demonstrated agreeably.
Hana leaned away a little, unfazed by how close it passed her ear and buried itself in the screen door behind her.
"You are totally going to have to fix it now," she said coolly. "Drink your tea, Genma." She snagged the offending senbon out of the door and flung at him.
Genma caught it neatly and put it down. Raising the tea cup, he gave the boys a silent toast before sipping from it. His face wrinkled a little, but he downed it manfully. The boys giggled.
"Mom's not the best at tea," Hiroshi said.
"Silence, brat," Hana glared, but there was no real venom.
"So, why the invitation, Hana?" asked Genma, looking across at the woman inquiringly. "Not to be rude, Raido, but as surprises go – this is the most perplexing."
"Well," Hana hesitated, glancing at the two boys. "You have to blame your friend for this – but he guessed it – what Shizune already knew... I just – I didn't think there would ever be a good opportunity to share the truth with you – and I had just let it go over the years – but now – Raido is rather insistent... He should explain perhaps?"
"No," Raido shook his head, feeling more awkward by the minute. More than ever, he felt like this was a bad idea.
Perhaps Hana is right – perhaps there is no going back – no possible –
"Well," Genma said. "What about it?"
"Hana-san," Raido insisted quietly. "You should say it."
Hana sighed then glanced at Renjiro to her right and Hiroshi to her left. She smiled sadly and said, "You know, Genma, for a man who is so laid-back – you have a gift for pursuing people's hearts. After my husband died, I never thought I would enjoy another man's company again –"
"Ughhh, Mooom," Renjiro stuck his tongue out. "Is this gonna be mushy?"
"What's wrong with a bit of love?" asked Hiroshi. "You're just scared. Like how you're scared of that cute kunoichi Kisa who wanted to share her bento with you yesterday."
"Boys –" Genma frowned. "Let's just listen to your mom and hear what she's gotta say."
The boys subsided with a few glares on either side. Raido stifled a chuckle.
"I guess, what I wanted to share with you, Genma," Hana put both hands on the boys shoulders squeezing them a little. "Is that ever since the days we've been together, I've treasured your gifts with happiness – and I feel bad that I would hoard them – not giving you the benefit of the doubt."
"Gifts?" Genma blinked. "You – what? Raido – what's going –"
"Use your head, idiot," Raido said affectionately, poking his friend in the ribs. "Look at them. Turning nine – and Hiroshi's hair and eyes – and Renjiro's devil-may-care rash attitude – even I could see it at ten paces."
"The – the – twins are –"
"Ours," Hana said. "Hiroshi and Renjiro, you know I told you that we'd be meeting someone very important today. Hiroshi probably guessed already..."
"Well," the older twin shrugged. "We were talking about in class a week ago – how you need a mom and a dad to have a kid – so – well – I figured that if you start talking about important people in our lives... it's not like it's the Hokage, right?'
"How do you feel about it?" asked Raido.
"I don't know," Renjiro said.
"Neither do I..." murmured Genma, obviously in shock. His senbon had gone rolling across the table.
"More explanations later," Hana said. "Here, have some more tea. Do you guys want to stay for dinner? What do you boys think?"
"Sure," Renjiro shrugged. "That way we can ask more about his oral whateverness... and see how he fights too."
"Yeah!" Hiroshi smiled. "What does Genma – er – father – um – what do we call him?'
"Genma will be fine," Raido said, "and I say yes to dinner for us both."
Genma was still frozen – his mouth a little ajar. Raido nudged him.
"You okay?"
"Uh – yeah – well – no – I don't know – I mean – how – when – why – what – I'm just – whoa! I mean – kids! - me! I'm a father! I have kids! We have kids! We all have kids!"
Raido smiled.
"Some surprise, huh?"
"No wonder you've been so tense! How long did you know?"
"Not too long of a time," Raido hesitated. "From the time I saw them at the hospital – I guessed – but I had to work through it – talk to Hana – and well... just see how it went..."
"Wow. That's... I'm still in shock, I think."
"Well, take your time," Raido smiled. "We have all the rest of our lives to get used to it – figure it out..."
"You're okay with this, for real?" Genma turned to his lover and eyed the quiet, scarred Jounin.
"Yeah... I am."
"I could kiss you right about now."
"Not in front of the kids, idiot."
"Why not?"
"We've got enough to explain without having to explain THAT."
"What?" Hiroshi said. "I know all about kissing. Kisa wants to kiss Renjiro. I told her that I'd help her practice – but she got mad and told me she'd kill me first."
"Just do us all a favour and die," Renjiro growled.
"Well... there's a time for that," Genma said, suddenly feeling very protective. "You need to go at the pace you want – and decide what you want when the time comes."
"Like whether I like Kisa?"
"Sure, Renjiro."
"Or whether you like girls," smirked Hiroshi. "You might be more like – well – uh... Dad? This is just weird..."
"Just call me Genma," Genma grinned. "And yeah, things might go like that as well."
"But you also like Mom, right?" Renjiro blinked.
"Sure," Genma laughed. "I did... still do... just not the same way I like Raido..."
Hiroshi nodded – curiousity sated for all of three seconds before his mouth opened again. Hana gave the young boy a look at the sight of Genma's slack face.
"Are they always so – I don't know – full of questions?" Genma asked after a moment.
"All the day, all the time, every second of every minute of every day of their young lives," Hana laughed. "Just kidding. Seriously, boys, let your – um – let Genma catch his breath. He's getting old you know – can't keep up with us young people."
They all laughed – and laughed until the evening.
"You heard the news?" asked Anko in her usual boisterous manner.
"Which news?" Kotetsu hollered back. "There's a ton going around..."
"About Iruka –"
"– and Shizune?" ended Ibiki. "Yes. We heard. Half an hour later – I think a few ANBU were skulking."
"Poor kids," Asuma shook his head. "As if he wasn't nervous enough!"
"I heard he showed up a half an hour early," added Kurenai. "Asuma wasn't much better though. You gotta feel sorry for them..."
"Well," Aoba muttered, "how else are we going to be entertained around here?"
"I don't know," Kurenai retorted. "Get a life?"
"Shizune is happy though," Asuma shrugged. "I don't think she'd have noticed if the Hokage had been there with a whole contigent of ANBU."
"It'll work out," Ibiki shrugged. "Next up... an unholy union between Hana, Genma and Raido?"
The two normally unflappable Jounin exploded – Genma snorted his drink, coughing for a good two minutes. Raido turned a bright red like a tomato. Hana just looked amused – tipping her head back to laugh heartily.
"I don't think Raido-kun is man enough for me," she said.
"C'mon," Anko said. "I'm sure you could make it work. I would – if Genma was involved."
"Now, now," Kurenai said. "Be kind."
"Well, it makes one wonder," Ibiki stroked his chin.
"I would rather not have you wondering about anything, really," Raido said.
"Whatever," Genma said, straightening. "We're doing things are own way – and that's the most important thing."
"Yeah – how are the boys taking it?" asked Kurenai.
"Pretty well – actually," Hana shrugged. "Which is pleasantly surprising. I thought there would be a lot of lip and stuff – but Genma seems to be good with kids."
"I just smacked them about a bit –"
"Right, you old softie," Raido snorted, his face slowly subsiding to pink. "You guys should have seen him yesterday –" He paused at the warning lift to Genma's eyebrow. "Or not..."
"No, no, tell! Tell!" Izumo begged.
"I'm all ears. Genma, Daddy version – what would I give to see that," sighed Kotetsu.
"What would you give?" asked Hana, curiously.
"Seriously?" asked Ibiki.
"I'm willing to negotiate."
"Hanaaa!"
Kakashi and Tenzou, passing the inn, shook their heads as the loud sounds of raucous laughter escalated even higher. It seemed, truly, like things had gone back to normal – as though none of it had happened – none of the war – none of the people dying – none of those who had been lost to Akatsuki. Shikaku and Inoichi with the older generation had their own booths where they sat and raised silent toasts to those passed on – who would never be able to enjoy what they could enjoy – the sight of Genma being harangued by Kotetsu and Anko. Ibiki starting to pull out a kunai warningly...
"Want to go in?" asked Tenzou.
"Uh... I think I will pass."
"The younger ones will be showing up soon – after their dates are done... as per usual."
"You would know better than I," Kakashi said ruefully, scratching his head. "I'm just going to have a look in at what Sakura's up to and then make it an early night."
"Good luck with that," Tenzou replied.
"Eh?"
"I think I heard from Sai who had heard it from Hanabi who had heard it from Hinata who had heard it from Ino who had heard it from Naruto and Sasuke that Sakura was having some kind of in-house plan for you guys tonight."
"Really?"
"So I'd get hurrying if I were you. It's one thing to keep Iruka or the Hokage waiting..."
"Right..."
"Kakashi," Tenzou added, watching the Copy Nin slowly meander off. "I know that what you say and do is sometimes a little at odds – but I guess I just think that the worst thing we can do to ourselves is not take the chance. We've survived so much in our life – if we don't grab the opportunities given to us – how much do you think we are going to regret it?"
Kakashi didn't say anything for a minute and then said, "Welll... I am never sure about things like this... but I will try my hardest. Don't worry, Tenzou-kun. I'm not going to let it go this time."
With that, he disappeared upward and Tenzou, shaking his head, entered the inn, greeted by a wave of –
"TENZOU! MY MAN!"
"Tenzou! You heard the news? Of course you did, bastard!"
"Oh – you know – Sasuke and Lyra totally made up at the bar – drunk and all – I'm sure the Uchiha are spinning in their graves!"
"Hey – wait, Tenzou – hey! Where's Kakashi?"
"Sakura had a date planned for him – didn't you know?"
"I heard it from Kurenai who heard it from Hinata who heard it from Ino who heard it from the two boys."
"I heard about it from Sai."
"It'd be too dangerous to sneak up on them, wouldn't it?"
"Genma, perish the thought. Unless you have a serious death wish."
"Just saying..."
Kakashi, contrary to popular opinion, not for the first time showed up punctually at his apartment. Inside, he could sense the familiar glow of Sakura's chakra – still, there was a bit of tension – and he paused a little before entering. Inside, the small apartment had been lit with dim lights – and Sakura was waiting for him on the couch. It seemed like such a familiar scene, the Copy Nin felt a small twinge of deja vu. They were home. Home. Kakashi felt a little overwhelmed by thought.
One day, he had a feeling that home would be the large family house which sat now, waiting for him. The gardens begging to be tended, the silent spaces waiting to be filled with the sound of voices, and the swing to be pushed. Sakura had already suggested that they look into getting a home renovating service – "I know you have a stash of money, Hatake – we better invest." He had said yes – but until now, he hadn't been able to pinpoint the source of his reluctance. Now he knew.
It was to be found here. Here, in the comfort of what he knew – Sakura and the small home they had made together in so short of a time. To move seemed like leaving a familiar nook – a comfortable niche – going out on a limb. Perhaps I am a coward after all... He shook his head and sat down.
"You look a little anxious," Sakura said, edging closer.
Kakashi eyed her for a moment, hesitated and then shrugged, "It's nothing."
"Nothing?" she repeated. "Nothing is making your shoulders all tense."
Suddenly she was behind him, firm hands on his shoulders pulling and pushing against muscle and bone in a surprisingly relaxing way. A massage... Sakura's massage... Kakashi closed his eyes and relaxed. I've never had something like this before... only what the physicians would arrange for after a particularly damaging mission...
"So what's this nothing about?"
"Tenzou said that I shouldn't be afraid of the future," he said finally. "And when I came into the house – I felt so glad – felt so at home – but then I thought about our talk about the main house and... suddenly it felt like it might be too big for me to handle – like maybe I'd end up disappointing – I don't know – you, the family... Konoha... myself..."
"We'll take it one step at a time."
"I told him that I was willing to take it at my pace – that it would happen – that I wouldn't run away – but what if the step is too big."
"It will never be too big," Sakura stooped down and bent around to kiss him on the side of his clothed cheek. "We have each other."
"But – I'm still – well – I'm still so... unable to even be honest about everything – and there's the fact that I can't seem to behave like the other people out there..."
"Like what people?" Sakura asked, coming around to nestle against the Copy Nin.
"Well, Shizune and Iruka – who are engaged... and Naruto and Hinata who can hold hands in public all the time – and Lyra and Sasuke who aren't afraid to show their feelings in public – and Genma and Raido who kissed the other night, they say, at the bar..."
"Kakashi, you do realize that even they have their problems, right? Like Iruka is the biggest worry wart in the history of humankind – and Naruto keeps ruining his dates by fighting with their chaperone and Lyra and Sasuke were drunk when they were fighting it out at the bar – and so were Genma and Raido – probably... They're just exhibitionists. So what if you don't think you'll ever be able to drop your mask in public? In this journey together, remember, I've seen all of you. So don't beat yourself up. Just the fact that you had the courage to tell me tonight that you are struggling is the honesty I need."
"You sure?" asked Kakashi.
"Yeah."
"Oh... well... I heard from the boys you had planned something?"
"Well, we already had dinner," Sakura leaned in, kissed him, let him pull down his mask and enjoyed another kiss. "So I thought desert was in order."
She rose and tugged him toward the bedroom. It was his usual simple bed with the olive green quilt complete with black shuriken. Kakashi followed, feet dragging but his dark eye a little wide as she pulled him down onto the bed, drawing him close for another kiss. The mattress gave a bit as Sakura sat back on it – but her mind was elsewhere, enjoying the feel of his firm lips on hers. Her hands brushed his, running up his arms, down his sides to lift up the edges of his shirt enjoying the feel of skin and mesh shirt underneath his usual navy blue pullover. Kakashi's breath hitched, his lax fingers suddenly tightening on either side of her head – they slowly drifted down, running along the edge of her pink shirt.
She smiled encouragingly and whispered, "It's up to you to decide, Kakashi."
"About desert?" he asked breathlessly, pulling back to look her in the eye.
Her fingers rose to pull his hitae ate up staring at his bi-coloured eyes.
"You think it's a bad idea?" she asked.
"No, no," he laughed then. "Together, let's take the chance. This step."
"We'll carry each other."
"Like always."
Sakura gazing upward felt transfixed in the moment, locking away that picture for all time before the shutter-film of life moved onward – to remember that starlit moment of a slight smile welling up out of the eyes and curving the Copy Nin's lips. Until the day she would close her eyes forever, she wanted to remember this quiet moment – something she was sure would be hers only for a long time to come. It was precious – her treasure buried now deeply in her heart for all time.
"I can finally see
That you're right there beside me,
I am not my own,
For I have been made new
Please don't let me go,
I desperately need you"
Please Review!
Message to Reviewers:
Only one more chapter left! My pengyous tell me I can't start a new fanfiction until I finish at least one! So here goes!
Reply to Reviewers:
aquamarine-acaia – As you can see, it's slowly coming to a finish! Hurrah!
Beloveddaughteroftheking – Yeah... Yukio's disappearance is necessary – but kind of sad, you know... he was such a needy person.
Hatake-kun – Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
Slippup – Thanks a lot! It's great to meet another reviewer! I hope you enjoy the update!
Inu-babygirl1 – Thanks for reviewing!
Nikule – I definitely feel too busy to keep up with all of my writing projects. This is what happens when you start too many! TT_TT
kinokokichigai – No resurrections, promise. Glad you loved it!
Chasity – Hopefully this answers your questions!
Ninjakitty – Sometimes I wish I could forget this story – it's been an albatross around my neck – for over three years! But very soon, it will be laid to rest! Phew!
JunJun1990 – I'm glad you could find it! Sorry for the wait – I got a life and it's getting in the way!
Kagomaru – Thanks a ton for your praise! I'm glad you are always coming back to the story. It's gonna be done soon – so I'll have to think up another one... or finish my Letters duology...
Prescripto13 – I LOVED the limbo scene. It was one of the most beautiful parts in the manga for Kakashi. Of course, I may be biased – but the fact he could find some kind of resolution concerning his father – was great. Now we just have to find out why Rin is dead and we are all set to go. Well, it's been a long hall, eh? I guess I'll have to start considering other plot bunnies to write.
Fionfee – I think it will go pretty well from here on out – seeing as I am only planning one more chapter.
Kakashifangirlnumber1000 – Not a very soon update – but I hope you enjoy this chapter! It's almost done!
maaike-fluffy – Kakashi/Sakura shipping is very difficult because you are right – you can totally get squicked by the idea. Time helps alot... which is why I recommend "Letters" because it really deals with the issue of time. Hahahaha... of course, I'm the kind of writer who doesn't magically like to fast-forward Sakura's age...