By the time his birthday party is over, Kakashi is on the floor, fast asleep. His empty glass has rolled out of his grasp and is lying on its side just a few inches from his open hand.
The lights in the bar have been all but switched off and Gai is getting certain looks from the staff members. It's four in the morning; everyone else has left, even Anko.
It's only the two of them now.
Gai grins to himself. Seems like the surprise party was a success again. Kakashi tends to pretend he doesn't enjoy them, tends to withdraw into the corners and routinely wards off conversations with monosyllabic replies and his little book of porn, but in the end, he always gets drawn in; Gai always gets a few genuine smiles and on especially good nights even laughs out of him.
Tonight was a Good Night. All that's left to do now is to make sure that his rival gets home safe. Gai has a lot of practice in that regard. He's an expert in all matters concerning his Kakashi after all.
Gai gently picks him up, one arm supporting his friend's lolling head. Tonight he'll carry Kakashi home in his arms because it's easier and more comfortable than hoisting him onto his back would be. It's dark, anyway. This early in the morning no one will see them.
He likes this, the warm weight of Kakashi in his arms, the knowledge that there's no one else in the world who gets to do this, whom Kakashi trusts like this.
His Kakashi.
Gai smiles to himself.
Maybe the thought is presumptuous… but no, he corrects himself as he steps into the cool night and feels Kakashi's breath tickle his neck.
It's not presumptuous, it's just ambitious.