Silence fills the room as hunched figure overshadows the side of the bed. His hand grasping the still hand laying on the bed. The grief that rests in the room is unbearable. Cancer, incurable, despite everything thrown in it's path. A cough breaks the stillness, a gasp of pain following. The figure on the bed tensing as the hunched figure gently squeezes the prone figure's shoulder.

"Easy now, eternal rival. Easy. Just breathe." His hand slowly drops down from the shoulder, to smooth a loose strand of grey hair away from the prone figure's sweaty brow. Despite all his reassurances, he knows his friend... His brother will never be leaving that bed. At least not in a worldly sense.

Another cough racks the figure lying down, a speckle of blood appearing on pale lips. The hunched figure, dressed in green and orange dabs a small piece of cloth against his friend's lips. Smoothing any trace of blood against his far too pale skin. A deep friendship slowly fraying it's earthly bond. A brotherhood for the ages slowly fading away.

"We've been through so much, Kakashi..my eternal rival. I don't know who I'm going to compete with when you are gone. I...guess Yamato. It won't be the same though." (Nothing could be. Why do you have to be dying, damn you, Kakashi.)

"You'll always be my number one eternal rival. Always. Nothing can take that away from us. " (Not even cancer).

(Can't you see that I, yes even Guy... Mighty Guy, can't live without you. I can't live without my dearest friend. My eternal rival. My brother, in times of war and in times of peace. The best eternal rival I could ever ask for.)

As the sun behind to set, the hand on the bed begins to tighten. Guy understands what that means, and stands up from his spot beside the bed. He makes his way over to the door, holding it open. There is a group gathered on the other side of the door. They have come to say their goodbyes. Guy waits for each of them, bidding his time. Kakashi has played such a vital role in this city's life, helping to keep its very heartbeat going. And now his own heart is slowing, reaching the end of its journey. Then it will be his journey back to the stardust. A chance to be reunited with his father. I

The group finally departs only one person remaining in the room, Naruto. Quiet sobs are coming from him, unable to hold them back he turns to acknowledge Guy. There are no words between them, no words are needed. Naruto takes one last look at Kakashi laying in bed. His beloved teacher. His dear friend and father figure. He bows low, tears splashing onto the role floor, slipping out of the room. "Thank you, for everything, Kakashi Sensei."

The door slides shut, as Kakashi looks toward the setting sun, his own face wet with tears. His head doesn't even turn to Guy.

"Guy. May I ask a request of you? "

"Anything, my eternal rival! Anything! One last arm wrestle?! Or do you want to ride in my back through the town? Anything!" His trademark thumbs up flashes, even though that pains him. This is the last time his rival is asking for a request. His heart sinks and he nods his head.

"One last sunset? (Kakashi turns to him, his eyes shimmering with tears, despite the fading glow of them.) "Please, carry me outside. Just the two of us. "

"You have it, Kakashi!

Guy glides over to the bed, reaching under the blankets to pull Kakashi into his arms. Hiding the shock of how thin his beloved brother is, cradled against him. He walks slowly across the room, slowly pushing the door to the balcony open, making sure none of the blankets fall. Nearing the edge of the balcony, he adjusts the figure in his arms. And together they watch as the sun sets behind the Hokage Rock. Just as the stars make their appearance, Guy's sleeve tightens, and his head dips low. Kakashi is looking right at him, his eyes wide with fear. This is it. His friend is returning to the stars.

"Kakashi. It's okay. You will never be forgotten, and your father is waiting for you. Don't worry. I will look after Naruto and the others. That's a promise. Rest. I will keep your memory alive."

Together they look out at the numerous stars dazzling the night sky, until Kakashi sags in Guy's arms. Free of his mortal coil, forever.

Guy leans down to press a brotherly kiss on Kakashi's forehead, forcing back the tears and the lump in his throat.

"Be at peace, my eternal rival. My brother. "