Kakashi awoke wrapped in strong muscular arms on a soft warm bed. Defiantly not Kurenai's. He pulled away softly, as not to disturb him. The arms let go and Gai turned onto his back in his sleep. He shook his head, as last night returned in a fast blur of entwined arms and legs, and he smiled. Getting up, he stretched. It about four thirty in the morning, and he had little sleep, but he was only pleasantly drowsy, not flat out tired. He walked to the door, stopping to look at Gai, unable to wipe the smile from his face, despite the sad look in his eyes. His clothes were exactly where Gai said they'd be, folded neatly on the table. His boxers were still over by the couch. He walked over and put them on then went about getting dressed there was still something he had to do before he could get back to bed. Kurenai'd still be up. It was just how she was, she'd get herself tips but not drunk. Then she'd sit on the couch in the dark until daybreak. He had to go and tell her it was over, and he wasn't looking forward to it. But then again he wanted to stay and make sure Gai knew he was coming back. However, if he didn't hurry Kurenai would be passed out and he didn't want to delay this anymore than necessary. He pulled on his last sandal and reached for his bag when something fell out. His eyes gleamed in apprehension, and beamed.

Gai stretched and paled when his arm hit empty bed. He looked over at the spot next to him and frowned. It was cold and long empty of an occupant. He sighed and sat up looking at the door. It was around six, six thirty. He plopped back down on the bed and his hand hit something hard on the other pillow. He grabbed it and held it above him. It was a book with a sticky note attached to the cover:

Keep it save

Gotta talk to Kurenai

Be Back Soon I Promise.

Kakashi

He reread the note with a grin then peeled it away to see the title, Make Out Tactics. Somehow he was sure Kakashi would keep his word.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Mike, the landlord of an apartment building six or seven blocks down from Gai's, was up and reading a magazine in the office like area on the first floor. He saw Kakashi approach and frowned.

"Hey, Copycat. What you doing out and about this early?"

"Hey Mike, I need a room."

"Turns out I got one. Small, cozy, and rat free."

"That's what I'm looking for."

"Good to hear." He reach under the desk and pulled out a key. "Fourth floor, room fifteen. Come back down when you've put away your stuff, and I'll get the paper work you need to sign." Kakashi took the silver, and as he turned away Mike butted in, "what's this mean for you and Kurenai."

"There is no me and Kurenai. At least, not any more there's not."

"I'm sorry man."

Kakashi looked at the ground, "Yeah, me too." He put away his clothes, his single mug, and his books leaving the rest in the box to put away later. The room had a desk and a bed. But nothing more. He'd have to get stuff for it later. Down stairs he initialed here, here, and here and signed on the dotted line. Then sped out of the office. He'd been gone nearly three hours and he was anxious to get back to Gai. He got to the door raised his hand to knock, but the door was pulled open. Gai yawned and scratched his head, "What are you? Some kind of 'Morning person'."

"It's not a sin to get up before the sun you know."

Gai grinned at him stepping aside so he could come in, "It is when I awaken to an empty bed. Now get in here before you catch something in that drafty hallway."

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

A seven year old Gai stood beneath the cherry blossoms when he heard something. It sounded an awful lot like sobbing. He walked in the direction of the sound and there at the base of one of one of the bigger Sakura trees, was a silver haired boy no more than five years old. He had big steel blue eyes, filled with tears and a refined beautiful face. He was sure he had found an angel. He approached slowly and found he was dress normally, not in the robes of the divine, no halo, just very sad eyes. "Hi." He said softly getting down on one knee so he was at eye level with the boy, "What's wrong?" The boy looked him in the eyes, wiping away mucus on his sleeve.

"They was picking on ma-ma-me... Because I'm g-g-girly and they said I wa-as a sissy."

Gai grinned at him, "Well, bust their heads in then. Sometimes you got to make some noise if you want to be heard." He stood and offered the four year old a hand. "Name is Gai. I'm going to be a master at Taijutsu."

"Kakashi..." The little boy wiped his eyes. "So if I stand up to them, they'll leave me alone."

"It's not a guarantee, but if they keep messing with you and you keep standing your ground, they'll respect you. And even if they don't you'll respect yourself."

Those blue eyes brightened, "You're really smart, Gai."

He gave his good Gai pose, "Why, thank you."

Kakashi blinked at him, "What was that..."

"That was my signature pose."

"It's silly..." But the little angelic boy smiled, "I like you."

"I like you, too." And he smiled back.