Chapter 22: I've been waiting for so long, it hurts

XXX

A/N: I know it's short, but… Yeah, just deal xD

Marina, you are an amazing Beta, and I can never thank you enough for everything you do for me.

I do not own Naruto. I only own my own creativity (Though my mother would have you believe that is actually hers… Don't believe everything you hear, folks)

XXX

Dear Diary,

I do not believe in mysticism or ghosts. But after today, I feel like maybe I should.
This little peek into Kakashi's world has shown me that there might be things that I could never explain. And I am beginning to feel increasingly sure that I do not want them explained to me either.

At least Kakashi is happy…

Sincerely, Gai M.

XXX

And so we ended up at the Memorial Stone together. Kakashi is very anxious, it is easy to tell. We stand side by side before the Stone, and my love is trembling. Without thinking, I reach out and take his hand, giving him an encouraging squeeze. He seems to appreciate it, giving me a weak smile in return.

I have never actually been this close when Kakashi addressed his friends before, and I feel like I am allowed in on something that is so personal that even a few days ago he wouldn't have even considered the possibility of somebody standing next to him here. I can hear him take a deep breath.

"Minato-sensei? Hey, I'm back. I'm really sorry for ditching you yesterday, but your old sensei can be a little hard to be around sometimes. I'm sure you know. But anyway, eh… I was sort of planning to tell you about something important yesterday. You remember Gai, right? This guy right here," He points his thumb at me, and I feel very honored to be included in this conversation. But Kakashi would most likely not appreciate me speaking up at this point, so I do not.

"He, eh… Well, I'm sure you remember him from back in the day. He's the kid that was always challenging me. And… Well, you see… He's been my best friend for a really long time. And… I guess… When I was around sixteen or so – god, I really needed you around back then… This whole puberty thing really sucks, you know that? Anyway… I kind of realized something about Gai back then, but I never told you. I never told anyone because I was afraid that you'd turn away from me, you know? But… I fell in love with him, sensei. And Gai loves me back. And… Well we love each other, which is pretty fucking great if you ask me… I guess I'm kind of hoping for a sign here, but I know you won't. Still, I needed to tell you about this, and I really hope you're okay with it and –"

Suddenly, Kakashi looks up. As do I. The cloudy sky has turned bright-blue, the dreary drizzling rain has suddenly stopped. Behind the Memorial Stone, we can see a faint rainbow. I blink, looking over at Kakashi. His muscles have completely relaxed, and he is looking back at me with a huge grin on his face. He turns back to the Stone, but before he does so, I notice the slight hint of a tear in his visible eye. I am tearing up as well. It is almost as if Minato Namikaze really is listening.

"That means you're okay with us, right sensei? We have your blessing? Thank you so much, Minato-sensei, thank you so, so much…"

Kakashi swallows, wiping at the tear that is running down his cheek. Another deep breath, "Obito? Rin? Hey, it's Kakashi…"

My mind wanders off a little, this is incredible! Is Minato really listening then? Or is this all some weird but perfectly timed coincidence? Somehow, I find it hard to believe such is the case. Even if it is the most logical conclusion. Kakashi sure seems to be convinced it was his old sensei's doing, and try as I might, I cannot find it in my heart to disagree with him.

So I stand there, silently waiting as my lover works his way down the list of all the people he's ever cared about. I have to admit, the list is a lot longer than I had anticipated. And there are names being called out that I have never heard about before. Perhaps they were his ANBU comrades, I do not know. And quite frankly, I do not really care that much either. I am certain that at this point Kakashi is simply telling everyone he has ever known about me. Which is… Rather sweet, actually.

Finally, it seems that Kakashi is done, as he turns away from the Stone and towards me. He winks at me, leaning over to give me a quick peck on the lips. We really have to talk about this 'kissing with the mask' thing. It feels so awkward… But Kakashi smiles wide, gently tugging on my hand a little. I allow him to pull me along, a smile on my own face as well.

"So, where are we going next, Kakashi?"

"I was thinking… Must be nearing lunchtime, right?"

I nod, "Somewhere around that time, yes."

"Yeah… My stomach agrees, so… What would you say to lunch? That little restaurant across from your apartment was really great, wanna go there again?"

My smile widens a little, "I would love to."