Days passed. Kakashi stopped leaving his room. Iruka had to almost shove food down his throat just for the man to eat. Itachi and Sasuke played with each other as Iruka and Keiko tried their best to care for them and Kakashi at the same time.

It was Iruka's day off when he finally snapped. He stomped into Kakashi's room and stared at the older shinobi for a long time, before he smacked him across the face hard.

"Grow up, Kakashi!" he shouted as Kakashi stared at him in shock. "You were fine for years before you learned the truth!" His voice softened. "Kakashi, your kids need you. I need you."

Kakashi stared at him for a long time without saying anything. "What?"

"You're affecting everyone with your moping, Kakashi." Iruka crossed his arms. "Grow up."

When Kakashi looked like he was about to sink back into his blankets, Iruka slapped him again. The gray-haired man sprang up from bed, arms extended.

"Okay!" he shouted. "I get it! Just stop hitting me!"

Iruka smirked. "Get dressed. Take a shower. And take your kids outside or something."

He turned and marched out of the room.

/\/\

Kakashi pouted as he rinsed the soap off his body, turning the water off. He stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist.

"Iruka's mean," he muttered. He studied his face in the mirror, wincing as he noticed how awful he actually looked. No wonder Iruka had to smack some sense into him. It was a miracle he hadn't done it before today.

He hurriedly dressed, tossing the damp towel in the hamper. He ran a hand through his hair, then shook his head. His wet gray hair flopped into his eyes, for once the gravity-defying strands obeying the laws of gravity.

Iruka smirked as he emerged from the bathroom. Kakashi glared at him, but crouched down so he was eye-level with Itachi.

"Hey, Itachi," he said, smiling. "You and Sasuke want to go to the park?"

"Can we bring Hana and Hikaru?"

"Sure. We can bring them."

Itachi smiled and ran off to get his puppy. Kakashi scowled at Iruka one last time before standing and picking up Sasuke.

/\/\

"So," Tsume said when she arrived at the park with Kiba and Hana. "You have finally emerged from your shell of depression."

Kakashi was too scared to answer her. He nodded. She grinned.

"I don't bite you know."

"Are you sure?"

"…Only if you piss me off."

Itachi and Hana glared at her from where they were playing by a tree. She smiled apologetically, then turned back to Kakashi.

"What's it like knowing you have family again?"

Kakashi blinked at the sudden question. "Okay, I guess."

"That's it?" Tsume lifted an eyebrow.

"It feels pretty good, okay?"

"That sounds better."

They were silent for a moment as they watched Itachi and Hana play.

"You know," Tsume started quietly. "Iruka and I have been friends for a long time. Our parents were on the same team. I've known him my entire life." She smiled. "He's like my brother." She gazed at him with hard hazel eyes. "You hurt him in any way, and I will not hesitate to kill you."

Kakashi gulped at the threat and nodded frantically. She grinned.

"He really likes you," she continued. Kakashi glanced at her sharply. "And I can tell you feel the same. You should just get together and end the whole awkwardness right now."

He blinked at her as she laughed. "You cannot be serious."

"I am! He really does like you!"

"You are a hundred percent sure?"

"Yes. I am an Inuzuka. We never lie."

"Really?"

"…Only when we get pissed off."

"Mommy!"

"Sorry, Hana."

/\/\

Iruka had just finished dinner when Kakashi came in with a sleeping Sasuke in his arms and a dead-tired Itachi holding his hand. The older man put the kids to bed for a nap, then appeared back in the kitchen with his mask pooled around his neck.

Iruka was caught off-guard when the older shinobi strode forward and attached his lips to his. The brunette melted into the kiss, leaning into Kakashi.

When they pulled apart, Iruka gasped for air. He shook his head several times. "What was that?"

"That, Iruka, was obviously a kiss."

Iruka glared at him. "I know that! I meant why?"

"Because I really like you."

Iruka blinked, then scowled. "Tsume told you, didn't she?"

"Of course. Seems you two are really close."

"She's like my sister. I really need to stop telling her things…" Iruka sighed, then stared up at Kakashi. "I like you too."

"Good. Because I'm not letting you go."

/\/\

Itachi yawned as he idly traced patterns on his quilt. He huddled deeper in the warmth, then yawned again.

Hikaru hopped onto the bed next to him, panting and wagging his tail. Itachi smiled and raised his hand to pet the puppy, lifting his head to look at the crib across the room.

Sasuke was cooing quietly to himself, kicking his legs in the air. Itachi laughed and sat up, sliding out of bed to his brother's side. Dark eyes stared at him happily, and Sasuke laughed. Itachi smiled and poked his finger through the bars, letting Sasuke latch onto it with his own tiny hand.

Kakashi and Iruka opened the door, smiling at the sight of the two Uchiha brothers. "Itachi," Kakashi said quietly. "Time for bed."

Itachi turned to them with a pout. "But I'm not tired."

"Too bad. You need to go to bed."

The raven sighed and sent one last look at his brother before climbing back into bed. Kakashi and Iruka said goodnight before turning off the light and closing the door.

When Itachi was sure they were gone, he crept back out of bed to Sasuke.

A/N: This is my next story I'm trying to finish. I'm planning on having it be maybe five or six more chapters, at least until Sasuke's first birthday. There will also be a sequel to this, just like Love Comes in All Shapes and Sizes. Just like that story, it won't be up until at least summer vacation. Next chapter should be up tomorrow!

And you guys still need 4 more reviews until you get your story! So review!