AN: Ah man, I spent ages agonising over this chapter, even though it is fairly short. I really hope you enjoy it, and I think this will end with another one, maybe two chapters.

Also to all GaiKaka fans, I posted a new GaiKaka oneshot yesterday. But it is post canon, so read at your own risk!

Thank you to all the reviews cheering Kakashi on- he obviously heard you ;)

Chapter 26

The noon sun was high and hot in the clear blue skies of the Land of Fire. Birds chirped as they flew above, clear in the absence of clouds. Yet this went unnoticed by the occupant of the training ground below.

Gai was currently taking out his emotions of the poor punch bag in front of him. And he wasn't holding back. Even when it broke off its chain he continued to pummel it into the ground. He didn't even pause to wipe the sweat from his bushy brows.

So engrossed was Gai between his overwhelming thoughts, and his beating of the equipment, that he missed the soft footsteps behind him.

"Maa, Gai, what did that punch bag ever do to you?"

Gai whipped around so fast he felt his head spinning. "K- Kakashi!" For a moment he feared his rival was an apparition. "What are you doing here?"

Kakashi merely took a step to the side, eyeing the broken equipment with a quirked brow before turning his attention back to Gai. "And hear I thought prince charming was supposed to be a little more graceful."

Gai's eyes narrowed, and he took on a solemn expression despite Kakashi's aloofness. "So you heard what I did…"

"I did."

Gai's face scrunched up in pain. "Look Kakashi, I'm sorry for my behaviour, almost beating to a pulp the man you love, but it came to my attention that Hagane-san was most dishonourable in his intentions. His plans were disrespectful to you, and when I heard them I felt I had no choice but to defend your good name. Though I know it wasn't my place, and I can hope you will eventually find some way to forgive me."

Kakashi's gaze was unwavering. "Gai, unlike Kotetsu, I didn't need you to punch me to come to my senses. I needed four mischievous, interfering, yet smart young kunoichi to tell me what a fool I was."

"Kakashi, I don't under-"

"You see, Gai, I am a powerful, respected and feared elite jonin of Konoha. I don't need anyone to defend my honour; I could destroy Kotetsu-san in a heartbeat. Everyone, including you, knows that the great Copy Nin can take care of himself; which I certainly can."

Gai was looking forlornly at Kakashi, knowing now in his heart that he had gone too far and been stupid enough to lose his love and best friend.

"But sometimes, Gai… sometimes I don't want to. Sometimes, it makes me happy to know that there is someone out there that I can always rely on, who will defend me regardless of whether I need it or not. Someone who cares for me very much. Someone who… loves me."

The last line was no louder than a whisper, but Gai heard every word. He was watching Kakashi intently, but silent, as if not quite sure this was really happening.

"And you love me… despite all my insecurities, eccentricities and weaknesses. Despite me loathing myself a lot of the time. You defend me because you want to, not because you have to. And that was when- when I knew you were the man for me."

Gai closed his eyes for a moment, taking it all in. "Kakashi…"

Kakashi was trying his hardest to control the shaking of his limbs, not to look away at the floor, not to run away. He really wasn't good at this sort of thing. Despite knowing Gai's feelings, he was scared.

"And even though I was too blind to see it… after everything that has happened recently… I've come to realise that you've always been there right beside me even in the bad times, and making me laugh in the good times even though I pretend not to… and I want you to be there always because I… because I love you too. It just took me this long to accept it."

Without another word Gai closed the distance between them and pulled Kakashi into his arms, his body still warm from his workout. He squeezed so tight that Kakashi had to remind him of his needs to breath. He felt a drop of wet warmth on the side of his face and he realised that Gai was wiping away his 'manly' tears.

"You might be a genius on the battle field, but you will always be my hip rival first."

"I think burying my head in the sand is taking 'hip' a bit too far," Kakashi deadpanned.

Gai laughed at that; a deep and warm laugh coming from deep in his chest. Kakashi liked the sound, it made him feel safe and content.

Slowly, Kakashi pulled back. "You know, Gai," he said, hooking a finger in the top of his mask. "I never properly thanked you for kicking ass and defending my honour."

Gai blushed. "Oh?"

And that was when Kakashi took Gai's breath away. Suddenly the mask was pooled around Kakashi's elegant long neck, and an expense of pale skin was revealed, complete with delicate pink lips and a beauty marked. Had the situation not been so serious, Gai would have laughed at the beautiful face of the fearsome Copy Ninja. Kakashi didn't look 'girly', but some of his features were defiantly more feminine than masculine. Yet somehow it suited Kakashi just perfectly. And the best thing was, only Gai would get to see this. And he wanted nothing more than to gaze upon this face for the rest of his life.

Before he could react though, those perfect pink lips were planted on his, in a hesitant but determined kiss.

"Thank you, Gai," Kakashi said as he drew back.

"M- my pleasure," was all Gai could manage. Then when he gained some more control of his senses. "I would do anything for you."

Kakashi smiled shyly, cheeks pink. "So kiss me."

The Green Beast of Konoha flashed Kakashi his most charming smile. "As you wish." He wasted no more time in tilting Kakashi's face to his and pressing their lips together gently. Their first kiss was everything it should be; sweet and slow.

Both decided in their own minds, that it would be the first of many.