Disclaimer: Don't own.

Iruka woke up the next morning and snuggled closer to his husband before lifting his head and looking up at the older man's sleeping face. He planted a soft kiss on his husband's soft lips, earning him a sigh, before he slowly climbed out of bed, but an arm around his waist pulled him back.

"Ruru," Kakashi purred and nuzzled the younger man's neck.

Iruka smiled, "Morning, 'Kashi."

Kakashi smiled, "What time is it?"

Iruka glanced over at the alarm clock, "Seven forty, what time do you have to leave?"

Kakashi sighed and rolled them over, pressing their bodies flush and began to nip at the tan neck before sealing their lips in a sweet kiss. He felt hands snake into his shirt and follow the curve of his spine. He was already missing this warmth, these sweet kisses, the soft caresses. They broke the kiss and he buried his face into the younger man's neck and felt fingers thread into his hair, massaging his scalp.

Iruka kissed the older man's temple, "How about I make French toast for breakfast?"

Kakashi smiled and pulled away, bracing himself on his elbows, "Aw, but you already own my heart, Ruru."

Iruka blushed and laughed; he pushed and rolled them over again. He smiled down at his husband and kissed a pale cheek, "Then how about French toast a la mode?"

Kakashi's eyes widened, "Ruru!" he rolled them over, nearly tossing the covers off the bed as he pounced his husband.

Iruka laughed, "Oh, 'Kashi," he sighed and hugged the older man.

They climbed out of bed after a well needed cuddle session, and walked into the kitchen where Kakashi tried to help Iruka make the French toast. And Iruka figured that he could try teaching the older man how to make it.

Kakashi succeeded in burning in first try.

Iruka couldn't help but laugh.

Minoru walked into the kitchen and made a face when he smelled something burning, "Did Kakashi-dad try cooking again?"

Kakashi frowned, "I only burned the first piece."

Iruka chuckled, "It seems that Kakashi-dad can only bake," he sighed, "And part of me isn't surprised."

Minoru laughed, "'Cause of his sweet tooth?" he said and laughed at the Kakashi pout. He sat at the kitchen table as the burning smell was soon overcome by the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.

Iruka set the plates with French toast on the table, "And for the finishing touch," he took out the carton of ice cream from the freezer and placed a scoop of ice cream on top of the pieces of French toast, covered with powdered sugar.

Minoru's eyes lit up, "Awesome!"

Kakashi chuckled and watched Iruka as he placed a scoop of ice cream on his French toast and on his own.

Iruka put the ice cream back and took out the orange juice from the fridge. He turned around and found Kakashi taking out the glasses from the shelves. He smiled and poured the juice in the glasses before joining them at the table.

After breakfast, Kakashi took a quick shower and dressed. He threw his dark jersey on the bed as he tugged on his black tank that was connected with a mask. He double checked his pack, equipment and weapons before he finished dressing. He tugged his jersey on and turned around when he felt a familiar gaze on him. He smiled at his husband as Iruka walked closer to him.

"Do you need anything?" Iruka asked, his eyes moving to the pack on the bed.

Kakashi shook his head, "Only one thing."

Iruka met the mismatched eyes and the older man closed the distance between them, a pale hand cupping his jaw as soft lips brushed against his before sealing them in a sweet, tender kiss. He threaded his fingers in the silver hair at the back of the older man's neck and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss as his other arm pulled his husband's body flush to his own.

Kakashi reluctantly broke the kiss when the need for oxygen became too great and instead kissed the scarred nose, the chocolate eyes stayed closed as he cupped the younger man's jaw and planted soft kisses along the horizontal scar, the tan forehead, and the soft lips.

Iruka moved his hands to the pale ones one his face and turned his face to his the palm before taking the hand and kissing the silver band on the slender finger. He reluctantly pulled away, a small smile on his lips as he looked into the mismatched eyes and realized that it was getting harder to accept that this man won't be home this time tomorrow, this time next week, this time next month. Get a hold of yourself, Iruka.

Kakashi smiled back and looked at his pack, "I just need to finish getting dressed," he said and moved to sit on the edge of the bed to tie on his leg wrappings.

Iruka felt his heart sink and he looked away, his eyes falling on the pack on the bed, "Do you have everything?" he asked softly.

Kakashi stood and looked at his husband and nodded, "Yes," he closed the distance between them and lifted the younger man's chin, "Ruru, try not to worry too much, alright?"

Iruka smiled and shook his head, "I can't help it."

Kakashi glanced at the clock and sighed, mentally cursing at himself. He took his pouches from the bed and fastened them around his waist. He took his pack and turned back to Iruka who forced a smile and walked out of the bedroom, he followed him and went to entrance to slip on his flak jacket, double checking his scrolls. He looked down as Minoru rushed over to his as he tied on his hitai ate.

"Kakashi-dad, don't forget this," he handed his a slip of paper.

Kakashi took the paper and noticed that it was a photograph. A smile tugged on his lips when he realized it was the family portrait they took at home. He pressed the photograph against his lips before slipping it into one of his pouches around his waist. He knelt down hugged his son, short arms wrapping around his neck in return. He pulled away and placed his hands on the smaller shoulders, "Be good, alright?"

Minoru smiled and nodded, "Of course, Kakashi-dad."

Kakashi stood and looked at Iruka as the younger man closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around his neck, enveloping him in a tight embrace. He buried his face in the younger man's neck, "I'll be back before you know it," he whispered.

Iruka nodded and pulled away to seal their lips in a tender kiss before pulling away, and watched as the older man slipped on his mask, "Take care," he said, Minoru nodded in agreement.

Kakashi smiled and nodded, "Of course," and with that he turned and left, the door clicking shut behind him.

As the village gates closed behind him he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting himself shift back into Sharingan Kakashi, letting himself shift into mission mode before he darted into the forest and began him mission.

Iruka decided that it would be a good idea to go for a walk with Minoru. And he figured it would be a good chance to get some groceries on the way back. Minoru pretty much pulled him into the bookstore, and Iruka tried very hard to ignore the Icha Icha poster about a new release. And he tried harder to not to reserve a copy for a certain silver haired jounin. He instead followed Minoru to an isle where he took immediate interest in a book and read the inside fold. Iruka looked at the books on the shelves as Minoru tucked the book he first picked under his arm and took another from a shelf before looking up at him, "Can I get a book, Iru-dad?"

Iruka smiled and nodded, "Only two for now though."

Minoru smiled and nodded and looked back at the book he took from the shelf before tucking it under his arm, "Alright."

Iruka looked down, "Already?"

Minoru grinned and nodded, "Is there some books that you want to look at?"

Iruka hesitated and shook his head, "No, I'm fine," he took the books from his son, "Let's pay for these."

They moved to the front of the store where the poster of the new Icha Icha was advertising.

"Is this all?" the storekeeper asked.

Iruka sighed, "Can I reserve a copy of the new Icha Icha novel?"

The storekeeper grinned and nodded, "Of course, your name?"

"Hatake Iruka."

The storekeeper smiled, "Ah, but of course, this copy wouldn't be for Kakashi-san would it?"

Iruka blushed, "Of course it is! I don't read them!"

The storekeeper chuckled and Minoru laughed, "Alright, the book should be coming out in two months or so, so you can pick it up then."

Iruka nodded and paid for Minoru's books. They walked out of the bookstore and continued their walk through Konoha, walking into random shops, but not really buying anything. They made their way to the grocery store on their way back home and Iruka bought general things they needed before letting Minoru to pull towards the snacks aisle.

Minoru hesitated and gave Iruka a sheepish smile, "We can get some snacks, right?"

Iruka nodded, "Some."

Minoru beamed and picked out some cookies and a box of kettle popcorn, and he got a sudden idea, "Can we watch a movie tonight?"

Iruka tilted his head, "I think we have one that you might enjoy."

Minoru smiled and placed the snacks in the basket, "Is there anything you want, Iru-dad?"

Iruka smiled and shook his head. He tilted his head when he noticed his son hesitate, "What is it?"

Minoru smiled sheepishly at him, "Do you think we can have Ramen for dinner?"

Iruka chuckled and nodded, "Sounds good to me."

They paid for their groceries and walked back home. Minoru caught sight of a certain senbon sucker, "Uncle Genma!" he ran up to the hazel haired man who was almost caught off guard when Minoru practically tackled him. They spun, Genma's attempt to keep his balance as the boy nearly knocked off his center of gravity.

"Minoru-kun!" Genma said and smirked at the dark haired boy, "Don't tell you're wandering the streets by yourself."

Minoru shook his head and smiled, "No, I'm with Iru-dad," he looked over at Iruka who was walking towards them.

"Hey, Genma," Iruka greeted, smiling, shifting the bags to his other hand.

Genma grinned and nodded in returned. He looked around and tilted his head, "Where's Kakashi?"

Iruka's smile faltered, "He…was assigned a mission, he left this morning."

"Oh," Genma's grin was replaced with a concerned look, "How long will he be away?"

"Four months," Iruka answered.

Genma nodded, then frowned when a thought occurred to him, "Isn't…your anniversary coming up?" he mentally slapped himself, of course Iruka knew that their two year anniversary was coming up, he didn't need him to remind him that Kakashi won't be for it.

Iruka managed to keep his smile, even though it was small, and nodded, "Yes, but…it's alright."

Genma frowned and shook his head, "No, we're going to do something…regardless," he looked down at the dark haired boy, "Right, Minoru-kun?"

Minoru nodded, and smiled, "Yeah!"

Genma smiled and looked back at Iruka, "We'll go out to dinner, it's on me!...and Raidou."

Iruka chuckled, and looked at Minoru as smaller hands took his.

"Please, Iru-dad?"

Iruka sighed, and nodded, "Alright."

"It's in three weeks right? Sunday?"

Iruka nodded, and felt his heart ache when memories of their last anniversary came back to him, "What are you up to anyway?"

Genma's senbon twitched and he looked down at Minoru before looking back at Iruka, "I was just…shopping."

Iruka furrowed a brow and tried to read the senbon sucker's expression. He watched as the senbon slowly flipped up and Genma grinned. And then it clicked. He blushed and cleared his throat, "Oh, I see."

Minoru looked between the two men, confused, "What?"

"Nothing," Iruka answered and sneaked a glare at Genma.

"I'll see you guys later then," Genma said, and ruffled Minoru's hair before looking back at Iruka, "I'm suppose to get something to eat on the way back home for Raidou," he frowned, "He came back home and I didn't have any food for him."

Iruka chuckled and shook his head, "Well, go on then, don't make Raidou wait."

Genma chuckled, "Alright, see you two later."

Minoru waved, "See ya Uncle Genma!"

Once they got home, Iruka put away the groceries with Minoru's help, "Are you hungry?"

Minoru tilted his head, "Kind of."

Iruka looked down at his son, "What would you like to eat?"

Minoru tilted his head, and shrugged.

Iruka chuckled, "I don't know how to make," he shrugged, teasing his son.

Minoru laughed, "Then how about…onigiri?"

Iruka nodded, "Alright, want me to show you how to make them?"

Minoru lit up, "Ok!"

Iruka prepared the ingredients and had Minoru wash his hands, leaving them wet and placed a bit of salt in his palms, "Alright, rub the salt on your palms," he demonstrated, and Minoru followed suit, "Take a handful of rice and ball it up, using your left hand as the base and you right to make the triangle shape," he watched as Minoru followed his example, "And rotate to keep consistency, and when you're done," he took a piece of precut seaweed and closed the riceball, "You close it with a piece of seaweed and you have yourself a classic riceball." He looked at Minoru's progress and really tried not to laugh when Minoru frowned and open his hands to reveal a ball of rice.

"It's suppose to be a triangle isn't it?" Minoru grumbled.

Iruka chuckled, "Just try again," he took another handful of rice and showed Minoru again, this time going slower. He smiled when Minoru produced a triangle shaped onigiri, a bit lopsided, but it was good all the same. They made some more, Minoru kept it simple while Iruka added salmon and beef to some.

Needless to say, they made too much for two people.

When dinner time arrived, Iruka took Minoru to Ichiraku's as promised.

"Iruka-sensei, Minoru-kun, how are you?" Teuchi greeted from behind the counter.

"Fine," Iruka replied, taking a seat. Minoru sat next to him and nodded at Teuchi.

"The usual?"

Iruka chuckled, "For me, yes."

Minoru smiled, "Me too."

"Coming right up," Teuchi disappeared from the counter and Ayame came and handed Minoru a melon Ramune soda.

"And your tea, Iruka-sensei," she placed Iruka's tea on the counter.

"Thank you."

As Minoru waited for their meals, he couldn't help but notice that something, more like someone, was missing. He looked at his dad and noticed the forced smile he gave Teuchi as the old man came back with their bowls of ramen. He knew that this was going to be difficult, to be able to make sure that his dad won't be too sad without Kakashi. He knew that it was difficult, because he was beginning to miss his dad as well.

Iruka shut the lights off in Minoru's bedroom and silently closed the door, leaving it slightly ajar. He smiled as he heard the boy roll over in his sleep. Minoru had fallen asleep while watching a movie, but Iruka couldn't blame him, it had been a long day.

He walked to his own bedroom and got ready for bed. He slipped under the covers and sighed as he rolled over onto his side. He smoothed a hand over the empty space next to him, and a pang of longing hit him square in the chest. He closed his eyes and rolled over onto his back and found himself staring at the ceiling.

He found that he couldn't sleep that night.

Three weeks later…

Iruka opened the door to Genma who had a toothpick in lieu of his senbon. He smiled and let the two jounin inside, "I'll go check if Minoru is ready."

Genma nodded and they situated themselves in the living room as Iruka walked down the hall.

"This must be hard for him," Raidou said softly and looked at his lover.

Genma sighed, "I thought it would be easier on him if they went out today, you know?"

Raidou nodded, "I could only imagine, not only how Iruka feels, but how Kakashi feels too."

Genma looked at the older man, "But…it's different, right? He has Minoru with him, you know?"

Raidou nodded, and gave the younger man a solemn expression, "But that doesn't mean that the fear disappears."

Genma sighed and looked up as Minoru rushed into the room and pounced.

"Uncle Genma! Uncle Raidou!" he managed to hug both men at the same time.

Raidou chuckled, "Where's your dad?"

"I think he's in his room."

Genma stood, "I'll go see what's keeping him," he smiled and walked down the hall and knocked on the bedroom door before slowly pushing it open, "Iruka?"

Iruka walked out of the bathroom and smiled at Genma, "Sorry, I just…I'm ready."

Genma eyed the younger man, "Are you alright, Iruka?"

Iruka sighed and nodded, "I'm fine."

Genma furrowed a brow, his toothpick twitching, "Iruka."

Iruka deflated and dropped his gaze, "I miss him," he said softly, and looked back at the older man, forcing a smile, "I miss him, Genma."

Genma sighed and placed a firm hand on the younger man's shoulder, "He'll be back soon," he smiled, "In a week, it'll be a month, one month closer to having him back home."

Iruka nodded, "I know."

"Come on, let's go have you anniversary dinner," Genma led the younger man to the living room.

Iruka smiled as Raidou played rock, paper, scissors with Minoru, and losing.

"Best out of seven!"

Minoru grinned, "Do you want to lose again?"

Genma chuckled, "Come on kids."

They made their way to a restaurant that Iruka hadn't really visited, but he learned that it was a nice restaurant with friendly service and he made a note to bring Kakashi to it.

Dinner was good, and conversation digressed throughout. Minoru gave Genma and Raidou a curious look, "Can I ask you something?" he asked Genma.

"Hmm?" Genma put down his drink and smiled, or smirked, and Minoru.

"How long have you and Uncle Raidou been together?"

"About three years."

Raidou nodded in agreement.

Minoru nodded and took a sip from his drink before looking at Iruka, "How long were you and Kakashi-dad together before you got married?"

Iruka tilted his head, "Nearly four years, but we knew each for six years before we got married."

Minoru nodded and smiled before looking at the other two jounin, "So, another year and you two will get married too, right?"

Genma choked on his drink, blushing for two completely different reasons. Raidou almost choked on his drink, but managed to spill some of it when his hand apparently became boneless for a second or two.

Iruka laughed, and gave the older men and amused look when Genma glared at him, still blushing, "Well, Minoru-kun," he said to his son, "They'll get married when they're ready." He left his statement ambiguous because he didn't want to assume anything, but he had his suspicions.

Genma cleared his throat and took another drink from his glass; to say that he now felt awkward would be an understatement. He stole a glance at Raidou and noticed that he was blushing, which only made his own blush worse.

Minoru chuckled, "Sorry, I didn't mean to make things…weird."

Iruka chuckled and gave the older men an amused looked.

"Iru-dad?"

"Hm?"

"Who asked who…to marry…whom?" Minoru frowned at the sound of his question.

Iruka smiled at the memories, "Kakashi asked me to marry him," he softly chuckled, "More like gave me the ring and let me think about for two weeks as he went off on a mission, then asked me."

Minoru laughed, "Yeah, that sounds like Kakashi-dad."

Iruka smiled and nodded. He took another drink from his glass and almost snorted when he noticed that the older men were still blushing.

Genma glared, "What?"

Iruka shook his head and managed to swallow before he choked, "Nothing."

Raidou cleared his throat and glanced at Genma, and a smile tugged on his lips at the bright blush on his lover's cheeks. He leaned in a kissed a warm cheek and snorted when Genma jumped at the sudden kiss, his smile widening to a grin when he noticed the blush reach the younger man's ears.

Iruka burst out laughing, earning him a glare that lost its effect with the bright blush.

Minoru laughed at the exchange between the two jounin, "You two should get married," he said without thinking, and the two jounin froze again. Genma's face looked as if it was going to burst into flames and Raidou's didn't look any better. Minoru gave them a sheepish look, "Sorry."

Iruka smiled and shook his head.

When they got home Minoru pulled Iruka to the living room and gestured him to sit, "Wait right here," he said before the dark haired boy ran out of the room.

Iruka watched as his son came back with a present in his hand, "Minoru-kun…"

"This…this is from Kakashi-dad and me."

Iruka gave him a curious look before taking the present and unwrapped it, lifting the cover of the box and pulling away the wrapping tissue. He gasped. He took the framed picture of Kakashi, who wore a black turtle neck so that his mask wouldn't look too awkward, his mismatched eyes uncovered, and Minoru who wore a dark blue dress shirt. He traced the smiling face, the smiling eyes.

"Kakashi-dad and I took it a week before he was assigned the mission," Minoru explained, "While you were working at the mission room."

Iruka felt tears weld up in his eyes as he looked at the portrait of his husband and his son, "Minoru-kun," he looked up at his son and drew him into a hug, "Thank you."

Minoru returned the embrace, "Don't cry, Iru-dad," he said softly.

Iruka pulled away and shook his head as he swiped at his eyes, "I'm sorry, it's just…," he looked at the portrait, and then at his son, "I just…" he trailed off, his eye moving to the portrait again.

"You wish Kakashi-dad was here," he finished for him.

Iruka felt fresh tears fill his eyes and nodded. He felt his son's shorter arms wrap around his neck in a warm embrace, and he returned it without hesitation. It was hard enough to be apart for such a long time. It was even harder not to let that show. And today, the day of their two year anniversary, it made the longing that was building in his heart break his reserve.

Iruka pulled away and swiped away the tears from his eyes and offered Minoru a smile, "I'll be fine," he reassured his son, and took in a deep breath, and smiled, "Each day that passes is a day closer to having him back home, right?"

Minoru smiled and nodded.

Iruka ruffled the unruly dark hair and kissed his son's forehead, "It's getting late, and we both have to wake up early tomorrow," he smiled, "Go on and get ready for bed, alright?"

Minoru nodded and gave Iruka one last hug, "Happy Anniversary, Iru-dad."

"Thank you, Minoru-kun," he watched as his son left the living room before he looked back down at the framed portrait, Be safe, Love.