AN: Hello there! Thank you for your patience and taking the time to read this. I am sad to say that this is the last chapter. It is quite a long one, and I could have done this in two, but I wanted to put you out your misery and let you see how it ends. It is a bit silly and sappy, but here it is.

Warning: This chapter is in four sections. The last section includes some mature content but nothing really explicit. If you want to read

Girlsluvmanga: Thank you, I think so too

Yengirl: Thank you! I think so two, I agree with your thoughts on Kakashi's face. Yes you should post it :D There isn't enough of them and I am sure it is wonderful! There is a twist in this I am not sure you will like with Kotetsu…. I'm sorry I just couldn't resist this idea!

Silentsearcher: yay for smooches- and expect a few more ;)

Silvermane1: thank you so much!

MySoul isPartan: Thank you I am so glad you think so. I hope you feel the same about this one.

Rika24: ahaha that is a good idea, and I can imagine her saying that ;) but I didn't think Kakashi would anyone else but Gai see teehee

Brightest of Crayons: thank you!

Nerissi: Thank you! Well, he may have caught brief glimpses, but Kakashi is a pro, and he wpuldn't have got a proper week. It's all down to interpretation I think. Ooh yes you should post one too, there isn't enough of this youthful couple. I will also be writing another one soon.

Imaptient Typist: I am SO FREAKIN HAPPY that you are back! I have missed you! You kept me goin on this for a long time… I might have given up so I am really glad you came back for the end thank you so much for taking the time to read and for all your encouragement.

Chapter 27

"Ow!" Kotetsu flinched away from the pink haired kunoichi's hands.

"Maybe if you would stop moving it wouldn't hurt so much and will be over much sooner!"

"Yeah do you think we even want to help you lot after what you did?" Ino added as she sent healing chakra through Genma's back.

"Yeah, it's not too late to do some more damage…" Tenten growled.

The three males looked at each other in alarm, not sure whether to be scared or not.

"Erm, come on girls, I'm sure they are sorry," Hinata added, blushing when the men's eyes turned to her.

"Ha, yeah they had better be," Sakura said as she finished wiping the last of the blood from Kotetsu's face. "OK hold an ice pack over it soon, and keep your head upright for the rest of the day. Being broken twice means it is going to be particularly sensitive, so you probably shouldn't do your shift. All the recent blood loss is bound to make you feel light headed."

"Which means your colleague over there will be working an extra shift," Tenten laughed, gesturing to the old gate keeper who did not look happy that Kotetsu was unfit for duty. "I wonder if he will break your nose a third time?"

After Sakura healed Izumo the girls regrouped. "Well now Kakashi-sensei is giving his attentions to someone deserving, let's go celebrate! Afterwards we can track down the happy couple!"

"Yep, the best man won!" Tenten cheered a little too loudly for their own benefit.

Kotetsu rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He'd already broken his nose- twice- missed out on some action, lost the bet and his money along with it, and had his ass kicked by the eccentric Green Beast of all people. And now these teenage girls were trying to rub it all in his face. Just bloody great.

When the girls left, Izumo had whined about having to go back to work (his injuries were not as bad as Kotetsu's) and Genma went to sleep off the ache before his mission that evening. Kotetsu was left alone in the street, sitting in the shade of a building, feeling sorry for himself when a figure appeared before him.

The man was stood over him, looking down with amused chocolate brown eyes.

"I'd say 'I told you so' but I have a feeling you already learnt a painfully hard lesson," Iruka said, arms folded.

"Come to gloat?" Kotetsu huffed.

Iruka sighed and knelt down. "You know, aside from the fact you shouldn't pick a fight with the biggest kids in the playground, you also didn't consider the feelings of two of your fellow shinobi. Just because they are elite jonin and erm… a bit strange sometimes, it doesn't mean they take such things as lightly as you do. Hatake-san is a very awkward individual and Maito-san had obvious feelings for him."

"It was just a bit of fun," Kotetsu whined. "It wasn't meant to hurt anyone."

Iruka sighed again. "You can be such an idiot sometimes." He paused and looked at the dark, spikey haired chuunin, his eyes warming. "But you are my idiot."

Kotetsu's own eyes went wide. "What… you mean…" Tentatively he reached his hand towards Iruka's. "You mean you want to go out with me? Properly?"

Iruka grasped the injured man's hand in his own, a small smile on his face. "Maybe. I'm thinking about it anyway. But you have a lot to prove, Kotetsu. No more of these silly games and bets with your friends. If we do this, we do it seriously. I am not the kind of man to form casual relationships."

"Yes, yes, anything. I understand. So… are we…?"

"Let's take this slowly. I know we have been together before but I want to do it right this time. For now, let's get you home and I will make you something to eat."

"Ramen?" The dark haired man smiled.

"Of course! What else did you expect?"

"Sounds great."

Iruka helped the other man to his feet and walked off towards Kotetsu's home, both men stood slightly closer together than usual.

The four girls looked everywhere. Everywhere.

After their cold lemonades in the café to celebrate a job well done, they searched all over for their teachers. In the training grounds, the market, even their homes. But the two were nowhere to be found.

Then they started to feel anxious; what if it didn't work out? What if there was another misunderstanding? What if Kakashi-sensei never found Gai-sensei? It was all very nerve-wracking for a group of teenagers!

As the sun set however, they agreed to meet at noon the following day to resume their efforts. After all the two sensei didn't have any missions so they would have to appear at some point.

And they were right. With the noon sun high in the sky they heard a commotion in the street.

Moving towards the small crowd gathered in one of the village's central squares, they heard the unmistakable (and unfortunately familiar) sounds of adults muttering disapproval, children squealing and cheering, and two men laughing and hurling taunts at one another.

In the middle of this scene, they found their two jonin sensei hoping between two jump ropes, held by some civilian children. The two men were jumping and cartwheeling between the two ropes whilst alternating their hopping between feet and hands.

"Aha rival, I can see you wearing down! No one is better at balancing on their hands, than Maito Gai!"

"We'll see about that. You're forgetting that you're bigger than me, which means there is less room for error."

"Observant as always! Just as I'd expect from my rival! But don't doubt the agile body of the Green Beast."

It was hard to tell with the mask but Hinata thought Kakashi-sensei was blushing.

"Oh no," Sakura and Tenten were moaning, heads in their hands. "Not again."

"Wow, so childish," Ino smirked. "You two must be really embarrassed. I am glad my sensei doesn't behave in such a way. Asuma-sensei and Korenai-sensei are both very mature."

"Yes," Hinata said. "But sensei did say that their challenges always bring a smile to her face."

As Gai, hopping mid handstand, caught sight of his students he waved one-handed in his excitement. This split second lapse of attention proved to be his downfall; when the rope came down, he failed to jump quick enough, causing the game, and challenge, to come to an end.

Kakashi hopped to his feet, thanking the kids who humoured them in their latest antics.

"Well, looks like I won; lunch is on you, Gai."

"Hah! Only because the presence of our delightful students distracted me; don't count on such an easy victory next time, rival!"

"Yeah, yeah."

"Kakashi-sensei, Gai-sensei!" The girls called as they ran over to them.

"Hello, girls," Kakashi greeted.

"Good morning, young ones!"

"So you're still rivals?" Ino pressed.

Kakashi gave Gai a look as if to say 'you know what to do'.

"Of course! Kakashi is my eternal rival; that means forever, you know!"

"We know what it means!" Ino snapped. "But is that all you are?"

"Why, Ino-chan, didn't you know we were jonin sensei?" Kakashi eye smiled.

"Obviously! But-"

"Then you would know we are also colleagues too!"

"Ergh!"

"How did yesterday go?" Sakura demanded.

"Yesterday?"

"Yes!"

"What about it?"

"W-Whaaa-"

"Aw, come one," Tenten pouted. "You know what we mean."

"It was certainly eventful."

Four pairs of eyes narrowed in suspicion. "How eventful?" Ino asked.

"Well, you were there for most of it, you tell me."

"But not for all of it…"

Instead of answering Kakashi started walking away. "Maa, I'm hungry. How about you treat the victor then, Gai?"

"Coming my lo -rival!"

Everyone froze. "Aha!" Ino yelled. "I knew it!"

"Oh, Gai!" Kakashi whined. "I was having fun too."

"What a dirty trick to play sensei!" Sakura berated her teacher.

"After all we did for you guys too!" Tenten added.

"Maa, you can't deny us a bit of fun."

"Sorry girls," Gai said sheepishly. "We were going to tell you, but Kakashi said it would be more youthful this way."

"I bet he did." Sakura glared.

Gai moved to put his arm around the silver haired man. Kakashi didn't react of course, but he didn't move away either which said a lot. "We want to thank you both for bringing us to our senses."

"Especially me," Kakashi added.

"So you're really both together?" Hinata asked. When Gai responded by giving Kakashi's shoulder a squeeze (a bit too enthusiastically of course), they all squealed. "Congratulations!"

They all stood there smiling, the girls dancing round. Kakashi and Gai both blushed. "Maa, don't let it go to your head girls. Remember; kunoichi first, matchmakers second."

"Whatever you say, sensei." They laughed.

Gai's body felt weary as he came home from his first mission since he and Kakashi had got together only a few days previously. It wasn't a long mission, but he had spent over twenty-four hours away from the village, so soon after uniting with his love. It was a shame because he had wanted more than anything to spend these last days with Kakashi and exploring their new relationship.

And he hated to admit it even to himself, but he feared that his leaving the village so soon after everything meant that Kakashi might… change his mind. After all, other than their kiss and that awful 'date' where he had run away, they hadn't really done anything. The night after the kiss they spent on top of the Hokage Mountain, just talking until they fell into a comfortable silence, and holding each other until somehow they had both fallen asleep in the warm night of summer. The sun had woke them that morning, and they had both been surprised to find where they lay.

It had been perfect. The day that followed had included their most current light hearted challenge and lunch. That was when Gai's team had received their summons to the Hokage office.

Gai sighed. He really hoped that Kakashi hadn't changed his mind.

From Tenten's mischievous smirk it seemed like she didn't think so. Although she, like him, was tired, she seemed upbeat as they arrived in the village. Gai wondered if she knew something she didn't.

As it was late, his students asked if they could be excused from reporting to Tsunade-sama. Gai readily agreed, knowing their youthful bones needed some rest, and the mission had been pretty straightforward anyway so there was nothing to declare.

Tsunade didn't seem to mind. In fact there seemed to be a glint in her eyes as she took the report from him and ordered him to go.

As Gai searched for his keys he sighed, wondering where Kakashi was and if he would have a chance to speak to his love tomorrow.

When the door finally swung open, Gai's breath caught in his throat. It couldn't be… was he dreaming?

There were candles lighting the hallway towards his living space, their flickering burnt orange casting a low glow. As he followed them down he found a bowl of warm soup at his dining table, and Kakashi sat patiently waiting for him.

"Maa, Gai, what took you so long?" Kakashi drawled lazily.

"Kakashi- how did you… what are you…"

"You know, your wards are good, but not good enough for the copy nin. That's something we'll need to change. Tenten-chan promised she would let me know when you arrived back in the village. As for what I'm doing here, I am welcoming you home of course." Blushing slightly, he added, "after all it is our first time apart since…"

For a moment Gai wasn't sure he could speak. "Oh, Kakashi!" he boomed, finding a voice a little too loud for this time of night. "I am so happy!" He rushed over and pulled the silver haired man into a hug.

Kakashi squirmed in his arms at first, but soon gave in. Who was he to resist the Green Beast's attentions?

"Maa, come on, Gai, your soup will go cold."

"Yes, of course," Gai said as he put him down and took the seat next to his rival and love. He wolfed it down quickly, out of hunger and his need to hurry up and hold Kakashi again. When he had finished he thanked Kakashi profusely, declaring it the best soup he had ever tasted.

"I highly doubt that," Kakashi said amused. Gai rose to make a grab for him again, but Kakashi held out his hand. "Hold on, Gai. Before you get carried away I… I erm, have something for you." There was an unmistakable blush creeping up the copy nin's face.

"You got me a gift?" Gai was dumbfounded.

"I realised when you were gone- with the help of those interfering brats- that up till now it was you doing to erm, romancing and gift giving… and it was about time I did something for you… to show you that I feel as strongly as you do… I just- I just have trouble showing it."

"Oh Kakashi, you didn't have to do that. The fact you are still here beside me is more than enough."

"Are you saying you don't want it?" Kakashi smirked as he watched his new boyfriend. "It would be a lot of hassle to return it…"

"Ah, well we can't have that then! Gai boomed and leapt to his feet, holding out his hands.

Kakahsi chuckled. "Over there. I'm surprised a jonin such as yourself didn't notice it straight away."

Kakashi switched on a lamp and gestured to a round, medium sized object sitting on Gai's coffee table. It was covered with a plain white cloth, but attached to this was an elegant black bow, contrasting with Gai's usual choice of gift wrap.

Gai felt his excitement wash over him. A gift for him- from Kakashi no less! And a fairly big one too! What on earth could it be?

He pulled the cloth away to find- something he never would have expected.

It was a fish tank, a fairly tall, heated one, complete with fish. And not just any fish- one that was pure white that looked almost silver in some light, and very elegant, and another of the same breed that was bright green and patterned. They swam up and down together, responding to the changes in their surroundings.

Gai was speechless. The gesture was obvious even to him. A fish that represented each of their associated colours. He was touched.

"I got a timed feeder that will keep them going when you're away on long missions. And I can always drop by to check on them." Kakashi rubbed the back of his head, not sure what to do as Gai's face was practically pressed against the glass and he still hadn't said anything.

"They are discus fish. Not only do they come in all sorts of different colours, but they are smart. They are different from the other tropical fish that just swim, eat and hide; Discus fish will recognize and interact with you. They can be observed watching movement on television and they will watch you cross the room and are aware of what is going on around them. Suitable fish for ninja, don't you think? Also I know you are," Kakashi paused to blush, "affectionate, and so are they. Discus fish will quickly endear themselves to you. They will recognize you and eagerly rush to greet you and will eat out of your hand."

Gai was listening and trying to take all this in.

"Not only that but," Kakashi smirked here, knowing Gai would like this next bit. "Discus fish are considered king of all aquarium tropical fish. No contest."

Gai finally turned away from the tank, a knowing smile on his face. "You know me too well, rival."

"So… do you like them? If they are too much hassle, I can take them off your hands-"

"I wouldn't dream of it!" Gai lunged towards Kakashi and clasped his hands. "They are perfect for a hot blooded shinobi such as me. Perfect."

Kakashi pulled his mask down, grinning widely. "You mean it?"

"I wouldn't lie to you. I love them. And the fact you got them for me makes them all the better. I will proudly have them on display in my home. Thank you, Kakashi."

Gai's voice on that last bit was low, and it made Kakashi feel light headed all of a sudden.

"Do you- do you want to feed them. I was waiting for you to arrive…"

Gai beamed. "Let's do it."

He released some food into the tank. The contrast between the two was immediately amusing to both men. The green one zoomed towards the food and began eating like a – well like a little green fish-pig. The white one however moved deliberately and gracefully. Gai would have described it as lazy unlike the other youthful fish.

As the green fish wolfed down its meal, the white fish took its time eating, as if to savour the moment. It was a good looking, elegant fish, and it seemed to know it. The green fish however seemed unconcerned by how it looked and enjoyed its meal.

Gai and Kakashi turned to each other smiling.

"Smart fish indeed," Gai smirked. "I've in love with the hip and cool, white fish."

"Oh really? I prefer the green one, who just doesn't give a shit."

Both men laughed warmly.

"Thank you, Kakashi. This means a lot."

"I am glad you like them." Kakashi paused again, wanting to say more. He was very aware that he wasn't so cool and aloof looking without his mask. "You are… very dear to me, Gai."

"And you are everything to me, Kakashi."

They watched each other for a moment. And a moment was too long for them both. Gai pulled Kakashi into his arms, and kissed him. This time it was more urgent, and passionate. At some point their mouths opened and their tongues met, wet and warm and perfect.

After some time Kakashi pulled back, almost giddy. That was when he notice the fish- he could swear they were gawking at them.

"Hm, I think we have an audience."

"So it would seem." Gai smiled.

"Shall we… shall we take this to the bedroom?"

"Kakashi… there is nothing I want more. But are you certain?"

Kakashi didn't hesitate for a second. "Yes. I have never been more certain of anything. I want to wake up next to you."

Gai felt almost dizzy with happiness. "We can take it as slow as you like. Nothing needs to happen. I just want to hold you."

"I know. And that's why I want something to happen… with you. Only you."

"Eternally."

They smiled stupidly at one another, until Gai blew out the candles and lead Kakashi to the bedroom by his hand. For a long time they did nothing more than hold and kiss one another, content to take things slow. Surprisingly it was Kakashi who made the first move, undressing them both. When he finished, Gai kissed both his hands before moving between his legs.

Gai took one long leg into his hands and kissed from his foot upwards, in a trail towards his sex. He stopped just before, and looked up to meet Kakashi's eyes.

"Are you ready?"

"Gods, yes."

"I promise I'll be gentle."

"I know. I trust you, Gai."

Gai thought his heart was about to burst with love. Kakashi was so beautiful and pale and perfect lying on his sheets. Kakashi himself was caught up in similar thoughts about Gai.

True to his words, Gai was gentle and sweet and their first time together was everything they had hoped and more. It wasn't perfect and it wasn't painless but it was love. A love that Kakashi had suspected had been there long before the events of the past few days, but sometimes it took more than a sharingan to see what is underneath the underneath.

Sometimes it took a group of four teenage girls to spot two fools in love who didn't even realise it themselves.

And both men would never be able to thank them enough.

AN:

Well there you have it. I hope you enjoyed the ride and didn't think the gift was too weird, even for these eccentric jonin! I also hope that you don't mind the cheeky side pairing of Kotetsu and Iruka. I just got it in my head ages ago and couldn't rid the pervy thought! I know some people really prefer him with Izumo but I really wanted to include this pairing.

Anyway I will be starting my third GaiKaka chaptered fic soon, this time with them in an already established relationship. Including my one shots it will be the seventh time I have used this pairing in a fic- I think I am still crazy about these two haha.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Tineyninja.