Genma unlocked his front door and stumbled inside, shaking his head to try and clear the buzzing noise. That explosive tag had been too close; he'd only gotten a little singed, but he'd been having a problem hearing since then.

Someone was sitting on his couch. Startled, Genma jerked backward and fumbled for a kunai.

"It's me."

"Ra..Raidou?" Genma gasped.

"I wanted…I needed to talk to you. You…shit. You look like hell. Should you go to the hospital?"

"No." Genma sighed and allowed Raidou to pull him into the living room. Raidou's face was tight with worry. I forgot how sweet he can be, Genma thought wearily. How much I care for him…

"Let me." Raidou carefully removed Genma's vest and shirt, and checked his wounds with gentle fingers. "Nothing looks particularly bad. Take a shower. I'll make something to eat."

"Rai…" Genma said slowly. "You…we're…"

"I know." Raidou said quietly, not meeting his eyes. "I know, Genma. I'm…"

Genma sighed. "Dammit, Rai…don't do this to me. I care about you deeply, but I can't take this shit anymore, you know? One day you're all lovely and the next day you don't want anything to do with me. And you never want to be seen with me…you're ashamed of us, of our relationship, of me…"

"It's not…" Raidou started, then stilled. "You're right. I'm an idiot. Genma…I love you. I love you, damn it. I was afraid to admit it. I was afraid to…to let myself love you. But when you left me, I…"

Genma stared at him. "You…"

"I love you." Raidou said firmly, finally meeting Genma's eyes. "Please. Don't tell me you don't love me."

"Rai…" Genma breathed. Then he leaned forward and kissed him, wrapping his arms around Raidou's shoulders. "I love you too, idiot. I always have." Genma whispered against his lips.

Raidou shuddered and buried his face in Genma's shoulder. "If I'm ever that much of an idiot again, feel free to slit my throat."

"I might." Genma stroked Raidou's back, closing his eyes and smiling. This was how it was supposed to be.

"You take a shower." Raidou said after a moment. "I'll make some food. Then we…then we can talk. About…everything."

"Ok." Genma said softly.

…

Iruka knocked on Genma's door, rubbing his arm. The cut was healing over nicely. How he loved throwing star practice day at the academy…

He'd heard that Genma had gotten back from his mission this morning and he was eager to pick up where they'd left off. So when Raidou answered the door, clad only in his pants, his chest bare, Iruka was understandably taken aback.

"Uh. Iruka-sensei?" Raidou said, surprised. "What can I do for you?"

"Uh." Iruka felt himself blushing. "Is..is Genma home?"

"Yeh. He's in the shower." Raidou said slowly, obviously trying to figure out what was going on. "You want to come in?"

"N..no." Iruka stepped away, shaking his head. "No, thank you. Just…just tell him…I was here, ok?" Iruka fought to keep his face steady. Something must have shown, because Raidou gave him a concerned look, his eyes studying Iruka.

"Are you sure? You look…upset." Raidou said slowly. "If you need to talk to Genma…"

"N..no. I'm fine. I have to…I have to go. I'll…I'll see you." Iruka turned and fled, leaving Raidou to stare after him in surprise.

…

I'm such an…an idiot! Iruka collapsed into his couch, curling into a ball. I knew…I knew it. I knew it was too good to be true. But I still let my hopes get up.

He covered his face with his hands and shuddered. I guess it was too much to ask. I don't know why I expected any different…

Iruka burst into tears.

…

iKakashi!

Kakashi's head jerked around. Oh, god. Now I'm hearing them all the time! I'm going crazy! I need to go talk to the Hokage. This can't be good sign!

Kakashi! Iruka needs you! Obito's voice was sharp and thin.

Go! Minato 'shouted'.

What the hell? Iruka? Something was wrong with Iruka?

He jumped up, slamming his book closed. Naruto, mid-move, spun around in surprise and Sai gave him a funny look.

"Trainings done for the day. Go home. Bye!" Kakashi said quickly. Then he formed hand-signs and poofed away.

"He's getting weirder and weirder by the day." Naruto complained. Sai just nodded