Author's Note:

Hello everyone! Sorry about not updating for a while. I have been busy getting my life together and figuring out how I am going to schedule my updates. From now on, I will not let my updates exceed two weeks. So, be on the lookout for my updates either every week or every other week. And, if I can, I will try and maybe put out a bonus chapter every now and again. I will try my hardest to stick to this schedule, especially with my newest adjustment.

As of last Thursday July 26th, 2018, I started my master's program and will be continuing it until September 2020. Wish me luck guys, but I promise I will not be forgetting about you guys or my fanfictions.

On another note, I would like to give all of you a friendly reminder that there I a poll on my profile asking your opinion about having music in this story. So, please go and vote. I would love to hear from you guys.

Second Author's Note: As you guys know, I like using fanfiction to develop my writing skills and use your feedback to help me flourish in this field. So, as you can probably tell, I do take my writing seriously and appreciate all your help in assisting me in this growth. The reason I am telling you guys this to warn you guys a head of time. SPOILER ALERT: I WILL BE ADDING OTHER COUPLES' ADVENTURES AND SEX SCENES WITHIN THIS COLLECTION. From this collection alone, you guys can probably tell I was not happy with the way Naruto ended. Don't get me wrong, it is not because of who certain people got with. No, it has a lot to do with the fact that a lot of what happened DID NOT make any sense. You CANNOT just put people together and NOT give a reasonable explanation for why certain people or events happened. Again, I understand that it is anime, fiction, and that it is up to the writer to end, begin, or twist their story how they see fit. So, I have taken it upon myself to do the same. I am exercising my artistic on how I wish things would have turned out and making them public. With this warning, you will see some pairings that are cracked and many of you might not see why I choose for them to be together or why I have chosen for certain events to happen in the sequence or even the way that the events or people come out. Don't worry though, I will be showing these events and people in a way that made sense to me and I hope to you guys. Of course, you are more than willing to speak your mind and comment/ review. In fact, I welcome it. And, if you do not like the pairing or do not wish to read that chapter, then feel free not to. There may or not be some little hints or events that pertain to the story in those chapters, but nothing that should confuse you. And, if it does, please feel free to message me. I can just explain it to you with you having to read the chapter.

Reviewer Shout Outs:

Guest (who was excited about the sequel and has been following since the beginning): Thank you so much for your review and support. I am happy that you have continued to follow and support me all this time. I hope to keep hearing from you.

Elephant Ears: Hello and thank you for your support and review. To answer your question: yes, there still will be mpreg. I am sorry about the confusion. To be honest, I was going to take it out and put it the summary for Dreamers, but I got lazy. It will be coming, but not too soon. Yes, Sasuke has already learned of his clan's involvement with Kurama's attack and plans on carrying out his revenge. I am also grad to see that you are enjoying the story's perspective and how I wish things would have ended. I hope to keep seeing your name in my reviews.

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Chapter 18: The Wolf and His Dolphin

Normal P.O.V.

(Same Day)

After Iruka watched his student leave the Academy, he returned to finish his nightly chores before locking up the Academy and heading to his apartment for the night. Iruka's apartment is located just outside the center of the village. It was the perfect place for his daily commute to both work and the center of the down. But, he also liked the location because it was close to Naruto's apartment, where he watched over both the young man and his plants. After Naruto went to train with Jiraiya for those three years, Iruka would go over to the blond fox's apartment to clean and water the plants. After a while, it became hard for the dolphin sensei to care for Naruto's plants in the cramped apartment. Now he takes care of the plants in his apartment along with his personal plants; his current task.

Iruka hums a happy tune while watering his plants. Due to his dolphin nature, Iruka must keep his apartment at a tropical temp, perfect for the Black Dragon Japanese cedar, Dwarf Cryptomeria Bonsai, and various other tropical plants in his care.

With great precision, Iruka snips off some of the overgrowth from his Bonsai. When he is finished, Iruka gathers the discarded trimming and throws them away. While in the kitchen, realizing how late it is getting, Iruka dawns his apron and prepares dinner. Brown eyes focus on each slice given to the Naruto ingredient.

"Naruto… That kid has truly come a long way…" Iruka thinks to himself. Distracting thoughts causes Iruka to reminisce about his former student. "It seems only yesterday, that little blond fox was causing trouble for the whole village. Pulling pranks, defacing the Hokage monument, creating weird jutsus just to get noticed. Yeah, there were a few times I would scold his behavior. But, deep down, it was painful to see how lonely he was. No one would ever acknowledge him for being more than the Nine-Tails' vessel. Hell, it was even hard for me to accept that he was going to be my student. No one wanted him to become a shinobi. And when he first started, I know I didn't want him I my class. But, seeing how hard he worked and how determined he was to be something better than what he was labeled brought great inspiration to the people in his class. He even inspired me. Now, seeing how much he has matured makes me feel like a proud father. I just wish that he would he would leave Sasuke to his own and focus on himself,"

"Do you plan on letting the water evaporate from the noodles?"

Iruka gasps as he turns around to see a silver haired, grinning wolf leaning against the doorframe.

"Kakashi,"

"Yo,"

"How many times have I told you about sneaking up on me?"

Kakashi puts his fingers on his chin to think. "About a dozen. But that's only been for this week,"

"Kakashi," Iruka growls.

The silver wolf chuckles as he moves to kiss his lover's lips before walking away. "You know, you're really attractive when your angry,"

"I'm going to beat you one of these days,"

"Iruka, I didn't know you were into BDSM. We're going to have to go toy shopping someday," Kakashi continues to chuckle while sitting at the kitchen table.

Sighing in frustration, Iruka pinches the bridge of his nose as he finishes up dinner. "I hate you,"

"Then why stay with me? Is it because I'm such a good lover?" Kakashi stops chuckling when he sees Iruka staring into the boiling pot. "You're thinking about Naruto again, aren't you?"

Iruka nods before walking over to the table with two bowls. He hands one to Kakashi and sits across from him at the other end. "He came by the Academy earlier today,"

"Oh? So, Lady Tsunade allowed him to be released today? How was he feeling when you guys spoke?"

"You know Naruto. Just as happy as ever," Iruka chuckles.

"It is impressive how fast that boy can spring back after being knocked down. What did you guys talk about?"

"Hm? Oh nothing. Just how proud of him I was before Master Jiraiya whisked him off again,"

"Did he say where they were going?"

Iruka shakes his head. "No. But, I'd bet my life that it's on another training adventure. Master Jiraiya said that it might even give him another "tail". Whatever that means,"

"Apparently, because he is the Nine-Tails' vessel, Naruto will gain tails the stronger he becomes. Naruto said that it is a trait among all Jinchūriki," Kakashi explains. Iruka nods his head, indicating he understands the concept. Both males eat in silence. After a while, Kakashi begins to study his lover before putting his chopsticks down and leaning forward on his crossed arms. "What's the matter?'

"Hm? Nothing?"

"Yes, it is. You only play with your food when you're lost in thought. So, spill it. What has Naruto done that has you so worried?"

Iruka looks down at his bowl. He sighs as he pushes it away and leans back in his chair. "I promised Naruto I would keep his secret," Kakashi raises an eyebrow, signaling for Iruka to continue. "Sasuke was in the village the other night and they met,"

"They had sex, didn't they?"

Iruka chuckles. "Yes, and Naruto tried to hide it from me,"

"Of course, that was to happen. But, I'm pretty sure Sasuke didn't come back for a one-night stand. What did Naruto say?"

"He said, Sasuke was sent here to retrieve some documents that proved how Konoha ordered Itachi to kill their clan. Apparently, the Uchiha were the ones responsible for the Nine-Tails' attack that night, Sasuke killed Itachi, Itachi was actually a good guy, and there are other Uchiha members running around. Now, Sasuke might be on a rampage to destroy Konoha,"

Kakashi the information in, nodding in understanding. "Yeah. That sounds like the path Sasuke would take,"

"You're not surprised?"

"Sasuke killing Itachi? Yes. Other Uchiha members running around after hearing Itachi killed them all? Yes. But, everything else? No,"

"How can you be so calm about all of this? Do you know that this could mean another war could break out because of the Uchihas?"

Kakashi is silent. He mules over his thoughts before answering. "It's because I have faith. Do I believe that no matter what happens the Uchihas are going to start a war? Of course. But, you must also remember that I have personally trained Sasuke and spent time with him. I may be the only adult who has since the genocide of his clan. Sasuke is bent on revenge rather it be against Itachi or Konoha.

But, one thing that we must remember is that Sasuke is still a boy who never got to be a child. Even when he had his clan surrounding him, Sasuke never truly got a chance to be a child. I have met his father. He constantly praised Itachi, but never once even cracked a smile Sasuke's way. Despite our age differences, I have also talked to Itachi. We were ANBU together. I still remember the look in his eyes before that tragic night. They were the same as Sasuke's in the sense that he was lost.

Sasuke is also lost. He has to be afraid and confused. Everything he thought was the truth is not, he is with his surviving clansman who he didn't know existed, and now he knows the hand that our Elders had in the elimination of his entire clan. Sasuke's world is upside down and he can't tell where the lies end and the truth begin. He has to be going through a hard time. Now, does that excuse the crimes he has committed? Of course not. However, it doesn't change that he is lost and might need something or "someone" familiar to snap him out of it," Kakashi explains.

"Like Naruto?" Kakashi nods. Iruka chuckles before continuing. "Hn. It's funny. He said the same thing. I just, personally, I am against all of this. I know that Naruto is in love with him, but he can't save him. Naruto should give up on this useless venture and focus on himself and his goals,"

"We are talking about the same Naruto, right? The same Naruto who has overcome all his obstacles and continues to shock the world with his growth? The same Naruto to has the kindest heart of almost anyone in the world and would rather die than fail a friend, especially a lover? The same Naruto who has been dubbed the "most unpredictable ninja"?"

"Alright. Alright. I get it. I don't know Kakashi. I just~"

Kakashi stands up, walks over to Iruka, squats next to him, and holds his lover's hands in his. "I know you're worried about him. I know that you feel he can be better if he would be selfish for once in his life. But, you and I both know that that will never happen. Naruto is who Naruto is. I have no doubt in my mind that he will accomplish more than anyone in this village ever will, including saving Sasuke. The only thing we can do is support him along the way and step back to admire the man he is becoming. He may need me to help train him, but he really doesn't need any of us. He is learning, growing, and understanding himself. Something none of us can help him with. Just be patient. I know it will work itself out. Naruto will always find a way to make that happen,"

Iruka smiles with a nod. Kakashi lifts their hands to his lips. He places a gentle kiss on Iruka's hands before placing one on his forehead.

"Why don't you go shower and I'll clean up,"

Iruka nods a final time before doing as he was told.

He walks towards the bathroom but stops to turn back towards his lover. "Kakashi… Thank you…"

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Iruka finished up his shower and is now sitting on the edge of his queen-sized bed. He uses his large brown towel to dry his damp hair before draping it over his lap. He turns his head when Kakashi walks into his room with his large, black towel hanging loosely around his thin waist. Seeing his wolf's fur and hair wet irritates the dolphin's soul.

"What have I told you about coming to bed damp?"

"Oh sorry. Let me correct that?" Kakashi smiles before walking over by Iruka, removing his towel, and shaking his body. Iruka groans in protest as he shields himself. With a smirk, Kakashi stands with a hand on his hip. "How's that?'

"Do that again and I will burn your books,"

Kakashi gasps falsely. "You wouldn't dare,"

"Try me," Iruka growls.

Kakashi chuckles as he leans towards his blushing dolphin's face. "Then how will I be able to learn new things to do to you? Things that make you moan loudly for me,"

With their faces close together, Iruka can feel his blush deepen while his face heats up. Trying to push both his memories and his blush down, Iruka clears his throat while pushing Kakashi's face away from his.

"You play too much. You know that?"

"You love it,"

Brown eyes meet intense black ones. When no one else is around, Kakashi removes his headband and his face mask; leaving him vulnerable to one person. Iruka is the only person that has seen Kakashi's bare face; an intimate moment between the two of them. It may not mean much to others. But to Iruka, it means the world. Just like most people in the village, Iruka had to learn how to survive without his parents. He was alone and felt no one trusted him. So, since Kakashi and he had been dating on and off for the past three and a half years, he finds comfort in knowing that at least theirs is one person in the village he was trusted fully with.

Kakashi, on the other hand, feels slightly different on the matter. With the death of his father, Kakashi felt lost but learned to hide his emotions. With this skill he was able to rise to the rank of jonin and even ANBU. But, since the tragedy of his past, Kakashi shut himself out to the rest of the village. Putting on faces, faked smiles, and taking whatever nickname the members of his village would give him, helped him continue his life in solitude. That is until he met Iruka.

To the lonely wolf, the determined sensei was the kindest and most gentle person he has met since his former teammates: Rin and Obito. Not really knowing how to approach the dolphin, Kakashi only took what he read from his books to gain the affection of his future mate. But, when Iruka confronted him about his behavior, a crack in the silver wolf's wall appeared. With Iruka's help, Kakashi began to study and understand himself for who he truly was. It was also thanks to the dolphin male that Kakashi was finally able to forgive himself for his transgressions while apart of Team Minato. How, Kakashi finally has someone who he can be himself around and there are no more secrets. The day Kakashi removed his mask for Iruka was the day that they truly could unite as one. Now, whenever they are together, it is common to see Kakashi's face just as it is common for Iruka to be teased by him. Both Iruka and Kakashi have put towards the effort to have a true relationship with this being their foundation. The foundation consists of trust, and vulnerability. For if one cannot be vulnerable with their loved ones, then they cannot be vulnerable with anyone outside of themselves.

With heated cheeks, Iruka tried to turn his head away. Despite seeing Kakashi's face regularly, it does not change the fact that the dolphin male likes to admire it from a distance. However, when their faces are close together like this, then Iruka feels powerless. Knowing this, Kakashi takes control of the situation. He reaches for a strong tan chin and uses it to pull their faces together. Iruka tries to swallow a lump in his throat, but it remains stuck. Kakashi leans in closer and presses his lips gently against Iruka's.

Feeling his entire body go numb, Iruka closes his eyes and uses his remaining strength to try and hold himself up. The dolphin male feels a heavy exhale against his philtrum1. With slight strength, Kakashi moves his lips while slowly introducing his tongue into Iruka's mouth. The brunette male welcomes it by tangling their tongues together. The less dominate partner takes the lead by sucking and biting the pink appendage. Feeling aroused by this action, Kakashi uses some of his weight to push Iruka before climbing on top of him. Realizing that this was an uncomfortable position, they opted to scoot towards the headboard without breaking the connection and forgetting the discarded towel. Iruka wrapped his arms around Kakashi's neck: one hand tangling in damp silver locks while the other leaving light scratches at the base of a pale neck. Slightly elongated claws dig into tan hips, causing their owner to hiss in pleasure.

Removing his lips, Kakashi starts to move downward along a smooth neck to his flattened nipples. Iruka moans softly as he feels Kakashi's tongue swirl around one while fingers pinch the second one. Tan hands move to broad shoulders, pants come become slightly heavier, and the stretching of his member pulses through his body. A strong hand reaches up to grip brunette locks and pulls its owner's head backwards; giving the hungry wolf a better angle. The aroused dolphin turns his head and gasps when a hand starts messaging his erect member.

Usually, Kakashi likes to take things slow and prolong foreplay longer than necessary. But, tonight, Iruka can tell that his mate is hungry now. When Kakashi stops, Iruka turns his head to see a pale hand reaching for lube in the nightstand beside the bed. While Kakashi readies him for what's next to come, Iruka takes the moment to admire the lethal body in front of him.

With the help of the moon's reflection of the sun, Iruka can make out every inch of Kakashi's form. Scars from past battles that will never heal, muscle defining lines, and smooth, pale skin make up the form above him. When they first mated, both were self-conscious of their bodies. It was hard to believe how Kakashi of all people would be awkward about his body. The same could be said for Iruka. But, with the help of each other, they were able to overcome their issues, mostly around each other. While he was admiring Kakashi's form, Iruka noticed that his lover's movements stopped.

"What's the matter?"

Snapping Kakashi free from his thoughts, the wolf chuckles while shaking his head. "Just admiring the view,"

The blush deepens again on his tan cheeks as he watches Kakashi prepare him. Hisses and moans leak out of full lips as slender fingers probe the inside of his anus. Those same slender, lube-covered fingers thrust and curl to stimulate the prostate of their victim. Iruka tries his hardest to control himself, but as the fingers continues to assault his prostate, he finds it hard to control his moans and movements.

Realizing that his mate is ready for him, Kakashi uses the lube to lather himself. With his member completely covered, Kakashi uses one arm to hold one of Iruka's leg up while the other guides his erect member inside the tight hole. Iruka hisses at the slight sensation. His fingers reach upward and grips the pillow tightly as Kakashi stills himself. Making sure that his partner is ready, Kakashi pulls out to the tip before thrusting back in. The movement makes Iruka throw his head back. Kakashi leans down and kisses the inner part of Iruka's legs as he continues to thrust into the pulsing hole. Iruka bites his hand; preventing himself from screaming. Kakashi does the same by biting his lip. Pale hips pick up their pace. The bed creaks and rocks as the two mates' movements become more vigorous.

"Fuck…" Kakashi whispers as his movements freeze up and he cums within his lover's pulsing hole.

The feeling of cum shooting inside of him and the wave of sensation washing over him, brings Iruka to his climax too. He moans deeply as his hot seed leaks from his tip and down his shaft. The two remain in their positions, panting and exhausted. After a few moments, Kakashi releases his grip on Iruka's legs in favor of leaning over to grab one of the towels.

"Sorry for the mess," Kakashi chuckles as he cleans his lover.

"That's ok. You'll just be cleaning my sheets again," Iruka chuckles back.

"A small price to pay if I get to have you like this for the rest of my life,"

Rolling away from the cheeky wolf, Iruka pulls the covers over him and closes his eyes. "Go to bed,"

"Yes sir," Kakashi chuckles a final time before sliding in to spoon his quiet dolphin.

The two lay there for a while, in silence, until Iruka speaks.

"Do you really think we'll be ok?"

"What do you mean? About the war?"

"Yeah,"

"I don't know," Kakashi sighs. "I can't promise that either of us will live if one does arise. Unless we can eliminate both the Akatsuki and the remaining Uchiha, the it will be inevitable. However, I do know that no matter what, I will always protect you,"

"How would you feel if I decided to fight?"

"I don't honestly care. I would prefer you wouldn't, so that I know you're safe. However, I know that with Naruto involved, you might not be able to help yourself. Either way, I'll still be there to protect you. I promise," Kakashi says as he tightens his hold around Iruka.

"I don't need protection or saving,"

"I know. But I also know you still like the reassurance,"

"I hate you,"

"I love you too, nushi2,"

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To Be Continued…

1 The space between your nose and upper lip

2 Japanese word for "lover (male)