Dreamers Chapter 93: Welcome Home, a naruto fanfic

…

Chapter 93: Welcome Home

Kakashi's P.O.V.

"Man, everything hurts." I groan internally as I slowly open my eyes.

It took my eyes and ears a while to adjust to the bright lights and loud sounds before I looked around the room. Above me, I saw a drop ceiling with bright fluorescent lights covered by translucent covers. Next, I saw a machine that beeped and read my vitals and the small bathroom. Then, to my right was a large window with seafoam green curtains left opened to let the sunray's inside, a short brown pullout couch, and two matching tables and nightstand. Finally, I looked down and saw that I was lying in a hospital bed with I.V.s hooked up, and bandages wrapped all over my body, a closet for clothes, a small television mounted to the wall. And a light seafoam green blanket to match the window curtains.

"Ok, so I'm at the hospital. That's at least a start. But, how did I get here? Oh, that's right, I participated in a day's long war and fought against celestial beings with my former teammates. Yep, seems to check out," I tried to chuckle, but even that caused me a lot of pain. "I can't believe that we won that war. I'd be lying if I ever doubted we wouldn't. There were a lot of close calls, but we pulled through. I hope that the others weren't in terrible condition. I saw many people who took massive damages to their bodies and chakra channels. I only pray that they pull through. Guy, you better be one of them. And Obito… you better be watching over Rin until we can be together again…."

Suddenly, the sound of someone entering the room caught my attention, "Oh, Sakura. How are you doing?"

Her eyes opened wide at the sound of my voice before she smiled. "I should be asking you the same thing, Kakashi-sensei."

I watched her walk over to my vital reading machine and write some notes in my chart. Her hair was headband-free, tied back in a low ponytail that brushed her right shoulder with two long bands to frame her face. She also wore her white lab coat opened, a stethoscope around her neck, a red qipao dress that stops right above her knees with white trim, black waist sash, leggings, and low, open-toed heeled sandals. I smiled as she reminded me of a doctor.

"Ya know, when you said that you could sleep for a week, I didn't think you were serious," she giggled.

"A week?! I've been asleep for a week?!" I gasped as I tried to sit up and failed.

She rolled her eyes and helped me sit up until my back rested against my pillows. I thanked her before she spoke, "Not literally a week. Only a few days. Your injuries weren't as bad as some of the others. We monitored you closely the entire time you were knocked out. You pretty much were stable, so all we needed was to wait for you to wake up,"

"I see. And I'm going to assume that your Strength of a Hundred Seal healed you quicker than others?" I asked.

"Yep. Although I ended up sleeping for a day or two. That's all I needed to refuel my chakra reserves. Lady Tsunade, Lady Katsuya, and some other medical-nin helped operate and heal our wounded until I woke up. I've been working ever since."

"You must be exhausted."

"I am. But, I can't stop until I know that everyone has healed. We're still finding more wounded people every day,"

"And what about Guy, Naruto, and Sasuke? How are they doing?" I asked.

She didn't answer me right away. Instead, her smile shrank to a smaller one, and she brushed a long piece of hair out of her face as she sighed, "Guy-sensei is still in serious condition. Because of the extensive damage done to his body, we had to move him to the Intensive Care Unit and keep him under constant supervision in case the worst occurred. As a result, he's currently one of our top cases.

Sasuke-Kun is fine and awake, but he won't leave Naruto's side, even eat. We have to bring him food and remind him to bathe. All he does is sit by Naruto's side without moving or talking,"

"And Naruto?"

"Not awake yet. But his vitals and everything look great. So, like you, we're just waiting for him to wake up. Lady Tsunade is head over the most vital cases. So she has been caring for shinobi in a similar shape as those two. Because she did not exhaust herself during the war and because of her Strength of a Hundred Seal, she worked almost since we arrived here. If you think I'm exhausted, you should see her. She's worked non-stop, even while I slept. After I woke up, I lightened her load by handling similar cases and assisting her with Guy-sensei, Naruto, and you, but I don't feel like I'm doing enough," she sighed again.

"I'm sure you are. I know for a fact that Lady Tsunade looks to you as her greatest asset. She may not say it all the time, but I know for a fact that she is extremely grateful for your help,"

"Thank you, Kakashi-sensei," she smiled.

"So, when can I be released from here?"

She giggled again as she stood up, "You wanna go home already? Well, I suppose you're probably ready to get back to Iruka-sensei, huh?"

"Kind of. But why would you say that?" I curiously asked.

"Since he found out we returned and that you were admitted into the hospital, he's been here every day to help take care of you. We told him he didn't have to since we had plenty of nurses, but he insisted he wanted to be here when you woke up. It was adorable to watch. He really cares for you,"

I felt my heart jump in my chest. Sure Iruka and I have been together for a few years now, and I know he loves me. But sometimes, I feel as if I don't deserve him. The lengths he goes to just to make sure that I come home to him is… incredible…

"Yeah, he can be quite the charmer," I chuckle.

"Um, sensei?"

I raise my eyebrow at her until I follow her finger. A light blush appeared on my cheeks as I tried to stop my tail from wagging. Just thinking about him can even excite me. It was at that current moment that another realization hit me. I wasn't wearing my face-covering! I move one hand from my tail to cover the lower half of my face.

"Why didn't you tell me I wasn't wearing my face mask? I feel naked. And why aren't you freaking out? I thought you would have fainted by now,"

"I've already seen your face. We kept your face covering off the entire time you've been here. Although, to be honest, I did faint the first time I came to see you. Although, I understand now why you don't want others to see your face, and one of the reasons why Iruka loves you. I know I would," she blushed as she continued to look at her chart.

"I appreciate the compliment. Now, when do you plan on discharging me?"

"Hold your horses. I need to do a final check, especially your vision, since you don't have your Sharingan anymore. You may leave after that. But are you sure you can even walk? You said you were still in pain,"

"It's just muscle stiffness. Once I get up and move, I'll be fine. Plus, I don't have that far to go," I explained as I tried to move and stretch my arms and legs.

"Alright then. Let's get started,"

…

It didn't take long for her to finish the exam. I did a few movements, followed her pen, checked my breathing, heart, and pulse, did a few other physical checks, and did recall tests. After she finished everything, she gave me a clean bill of health and unplugged me from the machines.

"Alright, you're good to go. I'll send in a few nurses to help bathe and get you dressed while preparing the discharge papers. Once you get those, you are free to leave," she smiled as she wrote in my chart.

"Sakura," I said as I waved her over to sit next to me. Confused, she did as I asked. I smiled as her cheeks blushed when I placed my hand on her crown between her ears. "I'm proud of you. You've truly grown into a wonderful and successful woman. Where did the time go? It seemed as if only yesterday when the three of you became my students and said you wanted to marry Sasuke. Now you're all grown up and becoming a legend.

I know I don't say it often, but I look at the three of you as my own kids. I didn't have a family when I got you three. So I actually thought about quitting being a sensei and wanted to go back to being an ANBU. I didn't care about myself or what happened to me. Iruka and I… we weren't doing so well. In fact, he almost left me because he didn't want me to destroy myself,"

"Iruka-sensei almost left you?! I thought once you mated, then you mated for life? I assumed because of how much he was here and cared for you that he was your mate? Did I assume wrong?" she asked with wide eyes.

"We weren't mated at the time. I had only courted Iruka, and he accepted me, but I was too much of a coward to officially mate with him. So I kept him waiting until I was ready, even though I knew that I wasn't. I loved him, but I was unsure of my future. However, he knew that and stuck by me through it all. So, when I got you kids and started to live my life again, my universe aligned itself. You kids don't know it, but it saved me. I will forever be grateful. Thank you, and please keep up the great work. I love you all, and I'm very proud," I smiled as I tried to hold back my tears.

"Even of Sasuke-Kun?" she giggled.

"Yes, even him. Even if Naruto had to be the one to knock some sense into him,"

I could tell that the mention of her teammates was still a sore spot for Sakura. Subconsciously lowered her head and let her bangs cover her face, "Those two were truly made for each other, huh? I didn't stand a chance,"

"I wouldn't say that."

"No, it's ok. I'm ok, really," she said with a forced smile. "I talked to Sasuke-Kun when he first returned to the village. I was in charge of caring for him and thought I could make him love me. But I was wrong. He told me that he couldn't return my love. He said I should move on with my life and stop waiting for someone who will never love me back. I've even talked about it with a few of my friends. I may not have officially known that Naruto was who he loved and mated with, but I think I knew deep down. Their relationship has always been… interesting, to say the least,"

"That's one way to put it," I chuckled.

"Just tell me one thing, sensei… Was I the last to know?"

I looked deep into her seafoam green eyes with worry. I didn't want to hurt the pink-haired bunny, but I didn't want to lie to her either. "I wouldn't say you were the last because there are still some people who are just finding out. However, I was worried that you may either be too blinded to care or live in denial the rest of your life,"

"It's ok. I knew I was hopeless when it came to Sasuke-Kun. So you probably aren't that far off. It still hurts, though. I just wished that they trusted me enough to say something. However, I think I understand why they didn't. I don't think I would have handled it well."

"Why don't you talk to them both when Naruto wakes up. They didn't mean to hurt you, but they also didn't broadcast it to the world either. And, despite what you think or feel, they look at you as a part of their family. I'm sure they will be more open to talking with you about it if you approach them," I offered.

She thought my words over and smiled before she sighed and stood up again, "Thank you, sensei. Alright, well, I better continue my rounds. Will you still be here when I bring the discharge papers?"

"If you want to bring them to Naruto and Sasuke's room, that'll be fine. I'll be heading there next after your nurses help me get dressed,"

She nodded a final time before she walked out of my room. I didn't know how long I sat there and thought about our conversation and Iruka before the nurses arrived. I just knew that I wanted to get out of here and make my way home.

…

After the nurses bathed and helped me get dressed, I headed down the hall towards my other student's room. Quietly, I knocked on the door until I heard someone say, "come in." Next, I slowly entered the room and closed the door behind me.

"Oh, Kakashi, how are you feeling?" Lady Tsunade greeted with a gentle smile. Sasuke just nodded without looking at me.

"I'm fine. A little sore, but I'll live," I teased as I made my way towards them and sat on the couch next to Sasuke.

"That's good to know. So I take it that Sakura is getting your discharge papers and everything you need to go home?" she asked.

"Yes. I told her that I would wait in here when she was done. I also had a great conversation with her too before I came here,"

"Oh? What about?"

"Nothing too much. She was just updating me on some of the events and people," I shrugged as I crossed my arms.

"I see," she plainly said as she turned her attention to Naruto's chart.

"How's Naruto doing?" I asked.

"Good. His vitals are fine, and he's almost healed up. It seems that being the Jinchūriki for all the Tailed-Beasts has its advantages," she chuckled low in her throat.

"One could imagine. Have the Kages said anything about precautions for him?"

"Most of them aren't in condition to even speak right now. I did what I could to keep everyone alive and heal them before being put under the genjutsu. But after we were released, I had to hurry and work on some of them as we traveled back here. There were too many wounded to house everyone here, so I ordered for the least wounded shinobi to return to their villages and kept the most injured here until they could go home. Some of the civilians were even nice enough to house most of them. It's always comforting seeing our nations come together. After what we experienced, I can see our nations growing stronger and working together more often. Looks like that brat did it. He created a new world of peace," Lady Tsunade gently smiled as she looked at Naruto's sleeping form.

"I couldn't agree more," I smiled too. "Do we know when Naruto will awaken?"

She shook he head. Because of his low chakra, injuries, and becoming a powerful Jinchūriki, I can only assume that his body has to adjust to the new change. Who knows when he will awaken,"

"Hagoromo said that we shouldn't worry about him. Once his body and chakra reserves adjust and heal, Naruto will awaken," Sasuke explained without looking at either of us.

"Ah, Sasuke, you speak. It's good to have you participate," I teased. He only glared at me for a second before he turned back to Naruto.

A comfortable silence fell over us, with the only sounds coming from Lady Tsunade flipping through papers. "So, Sakura told me that you're still finding more injured people every day?"

"Yes. Not everyone was recovered before we traveled back here. My main concern was those that needed immediate medical attention. As I commanded a team to deal with them, I ordered the Inuzuka clan to head a search party. Any able-bodied shinobi volunteered to search for others wounded or dead. Unfortunately, they're bringing back more dead than wounded,"

"I see. That is tragic. What have you done with them?" I asked.

"If they are already dead on arrival or D.O.A., then someone from the Recovery Team will return them to their proper villages. It is a tiring process, but it needs to be done, she sighed as she dropped her paperwork and yawned.

"Lady Tsunade. Please take a rest. You even said it yourself that you have been working non-stop since the war ended. So you need to take care of yourself too," I encouraged.

"You sound like my mate," she joked. "I will rest when my work is finished. Until then, the nation needs me. However, is something I would like to discuss with you,"

"Do you need me to leave?" Sasuke suddenly asked.

"No, no. You need to hear this too. When Naruto wakes up, I'm going to need your help explaining it to him," she yawned again before she sat up and stretched her arms. "Kakashi, I would like for you to take my place as Temporary Hokage,"

"What?!" Sasuke and I gasped as we looked at her with wide eyes.

"But, you already named Naruto as your successor. Are you going back on your word?" Sasuke growled.

"Don't you flash your Rinnegan and Sharingan at me, Uchiha. At least hear me out first," she scolded. When Sasuke folded his arms and dismissed his eyes, she continued. "Naruto will still become Hokage; he just won't be the Sixth Hokage. There is too much work for me to do with the war over. I know that I could pass most of it to Sakura and some of my other pupils, but it will be too much to handle by themselves. This includes evaluating Naruto and you, Sasuke. Plus, I can be more useful in the field than in the office.

"Why do you need to evaluate us more?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Both of you possess the Six Paths' powers, Naruto is the Jinchūriki for all of the Tailed-Beasts, and you are mates. Although we may live in a time of peace, we must be ready if a new enemy appears. Who knows what could happen, especially during all this chaos," she explained, but it did little to ease Sasuke. "Don't look at me like that, ya damned brat. It is nothing more than a precaution. We at least need to start a new file on your unique abilities and other physical, jutsus, and emotional capabilities. It will be good to start this now before you get pregnant. And, if I know my grandson, it will be sooner than you think,"

"I'm sorry, milady, but I fail to see why you would want me to take your place as Hokage. I'm not even qualified to be Hokage,"

"Don't worry yourself, Kakashi. I will help you prepare for that. Plus, I will still be around to assist both you and Naruto. As I said, the reason I'm doing this is to be of more service to our nations and to make more strides in the medical field. And it isn't like you're going to become Hokage tomorrow. However, we need to make you Hokage within the next three months. So that will at least give us plenty of time to make sure you are prepared. Shikamaru will still be training as the Hokage's Adviser too, so he'll be here to help guide you,"

"I'm sorry, but I missed the part about why Naruto can't be the next Hokage?" Sasuke glared.

"Ugh. You guys are giving me a headache," she groaned as she massaged her temples. "We can discuss this more when Naruto wakes up. I know that he'll have many more questions than either of you two. All I have to say is this, there are specific criteria that Naruto must meet before he becomes Hokage. His conditions increased after this war, so he cannot become Hokage as immediately as I want him to. Trust me when I say if I could put that boy in my seat and retire tomorrow, I would. But it's just not than simple, ok?"

Sasuke and I looked at each other with skepticism before nodding towards her. We silently agreed that she was already under enough pressure without us asking her a thousand and one questions.

"Great, now if you excuse me, I have more rounds to make. Let me know if he wakes up." That was all she said before she walked out of the room with her paperwork in hand.

Once she was gone, an awkward silence fell over Sasuke and me until I finally broke the ice.

"So, how are things?"

"You're looking at it," Sasuke plainly said.

"So I see," I sighed as I sank lower into the couch. "I talked to Sakura earlier. We talked about a lot of things, including Naruto and you,"

"Why would that need to come up?"

"I think you know why,"

"Hn. It's not my problem if she decides to still hang onto a useless dream," he coldly said.

"But do you think it was fair for her to find out that way?"

"I told her before. I tried to warn her several times, even when we were kids,"

"I know. But did you actually think that she would take it as the truth or to heart?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"That's not my problem. If Sakura decided not to heed my warnings or move on with her life, then that's on her. I did what I needed to do. She made her choice, and I'm not responsible for her decisions. Now leave me alone. I don't need a lecture," he grumbled as he rested his head on Naruto's bedside.

"I'm not lecturing you. I'm just making conversation," he tsked and acted like he didn't believe me, so I continued. "How would you feel if you found out that Naruto didn't want to mate you? What if he told you to move on and stop waiting for him… would you?"

He didn't answer for a while. I watched as the wheels turned in his head. He licked his dry lips and clenched his fists. "That would never happen,"

"No, it wouldn't. But let's just say it did. Would you follow your own advice?" Again, he said nothing as he subconsciously continued the same motions. "Look, Sasuke, I didn't come here to argue with you about Sakura and your relationship. However, I don't like when my children fight or are sad,"

"I'm not your child. I had a family. We are not your children," he emphasized.

"No, but you're like my children. Trust me. I would not care if I didn't consider you guys my family. Anyway, I'm not disagreeing with you. Everyone but Sakura saw that there was something… interesting between Naruto and you, even when you guys were children. But you're older now. Hell, you guys are almost adults. And, although you did the right thing and told Sakura the truth, I think it would help her find closure if you and Naruto had an honest conversation with her. Don't you? Isn't that what you'd want Naruto to do for you if the tables were turned?"

"Hn. I find it funny that you were just told that you were becoming Hokage five minutes ago, and now you're asking as if you have wisdom or something," Sasuke chuckled low in his throat.

"Well, I do have the wisdom to offer if a certain kitty cat would take the time to listen," I teased before rubbing his crown between his ears too. I chuckled when his fur frizzed out at my touch. He only started to relax and slightly purr when I scratched him. "I'm proud of you, Sasuke. I'm proud of every one of you. Every time I turn around, I see you guys making leaps and bounds without me. Sakura may seem like the one left behind, but you're actually leaving me behind. It's ok though, it's not my place to catch up. I would rather watch as you three keep making your strives and getting stronger together. And, good news Sasuke, it's only the beginning,"

"Hn. I don't think Naruto and I could get any stronger, honestly," he chuckled without moving my hand.

"You'd be surprised. Your life is just beginning. Plus, there's more to life than just physical strength. You will face many challenges in your daily life for you to overcome.

I look forward to seeing where your paths take you. I love you, and I'm very proud," I smiled, even as he finally pushed my hand away.

"Alright. Alright. Enough already. I'll… take your advice into consideration… I won't make any promises, though,"

"That's all I ask," Just then, Sakura came into the room with some paperwork and a small package. "Oh, Sakura. I was wondering what kept you,"

"Sorry about that, Kakashi-sensei. I got wrapped up in a few things, but here you go. Here are your discharge papers and some herbs to help with any pain you may experience. Please take them only as needed,"

I grabbed the paperwork and medicine as I stood up with a smile, "Thank you, Sakura. Oh, by the way, where is Iruka? He didn't stop back by here, has he?"

"I haven't seen him since I told him to go home and rest. That was about an hour ago. So I'm not sure if he actually went home or is resting," she answered.

"Thank you. I'll go find him," I walked towards the door and turned around, and looked at my students with my smile and a salute. "Take care," And like that, I was gone in a puff of smoke.

…

After leaving the hospital, I went to the Yamanaka clan's flower shop. I was surprised to see that it was opened, considering the clan's head died during the war. I walked in and picked out a plant for Iruka. While I was there, I offered my condolences to Ino's mother's family. Although I don't recall her name, I know she is beautiful and robust. I asked her why her shop was opened instead of mourning her husband. She smiled as she said, "all she could offer were flowers for those who are also grieving." It gave me a lot to think about as I left her shop.

"Now to find my dolphin," I said before I used our bond to search for him.

I found him nearby, at my house. I wasn't quite sure why, but knowing that he was possibly waiting for me there made my tail wag in excitement.

…

Despite the slight pain in my legs, I made it to my apartment and took a deep breath. On the other side of my door was my mate. I could feel his anxiety and fears. I could sense him pacing and racing around the small place. Again, it excited me. Without any more hesitation, I grabbed the door handle and opened the door.

The door creaked as I crossed the threshold. I needed to remind myself to fix that later. But that was the least important thought in my mind. The brunette dolphin that stood comprehensive eye and was shocked was all I cared about. His body was stiff as he stood in the middle of my living room. The only thing that moved was his quivering lip. I knew he wouldn't say anything soon, so I tried to break the ice.

"Hey there," I cooly said, but he didn't move. "I, uh… I'm sorry I'm late. Ya know, got lost on the road to life." I tried to joke, but nothing worked. So, I cleared my throat, shifted the plant in my arms, and closed the door. "Sakura told me that you came to the hospital to take care of me every day. So, I got you a plant as a thank you plant. I hope you like it. I know you have like a dozen plants, but I was told this one was special, I think." It was almost disturbing how still and silent he was. It made the air around us a little tense and awkward.

"Look, I know that I must have worried you, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for leaving you here, but I wanted to~." As I talked, I felt the wind knocked out of me as Iruka crashed into me. I had to stead my legs and brace us as he latched onto me. "Iruka, I know you missed me, but do you remember that I just got out of the hospital," I teased as I held him there, using the door for support. Suddenly, his body uncontrollably shook as he cried. "Iruka, what's wrong,"

"You idiot!" he shouted as he buried his face in my chest. "I waited for you for so long! And when I heard that you had to be carried to the hospital, I thought the worst! For days I stayed by your side and watched over you as they hooked you up to those machines and cared for your bandages. I barely slept as I waited for you to wake up! And you just walk in here with a plant and your cocky smile as nothing happened?! How could you make me worry like that?! You idiot! Do you know what I thought?! I… I… I thought that I had lost you… I was so afraid for you. I was scared that an ANBU would bring back your jacket and tell me that my mate was gone! I… I… couldn't lose you… not again… not ever…." He continued to cry into my chest.

My heartfelt heavy as I listened to his words. And, before I knew it, my instincts kicked, telling me to comfort him. First, I gently pushed him back a little to put the plant down. Next, I lowered my mask as I cupped his face to whip his tears.

"Hey, hey, hey, hey. It's alright. I'm here. You don't have to worry anymore. I'm not going anywhere. I promise." I leaned his forehead towards me so I could kiss it.

Next, I kissed his lips. It wasn't one of our heated kisses. Instead, it was one of deep love and passion. We gave each other a kiss when we wanted to pour all of our emotions and love into each other. It was my favorite kiss. Unfortunately, because of our height differences, he had to strain his neck while I bent my knees slightly, but we always made it work. He leaned further into me, and I held him as close as I could. His tanned arms wrapped around my thick neck and buried his hands in my hair. Mine wrapped around his waist. We stayed like this for a while. Our breaths ghosted over the other's faces, so we didn't need to breathe. I waited until he pulled away first before I did the same. I kissed the last tears from his eyes, making him smile before he buried his face in my chest again.

"Welcome home, Kakashi,"

"Thank you, Iruka…." I whispered in his ear.

For the rest of the day, we shut the rest of the world out. Everything else could wait until tomorrow. But, for right now, I wanted nothing more than to fall asleep with him in my arms and his natural, salty scent engulfing my senses. All I ever needed in this world was right here.

…

To Be Continued…