The sun was just rising when Kakashi was roused from his sleep by a cold, damp nose on his neck. The nose whined and the jounin whined in response; curling into his pillow. He sighed as he felt paws press into his shoulder incessantly. He rolled over and shot a half-hearted glare at the offending creature.
“What do you want?”
The dog barked and Kakashi grimaced at the volume. Begrudgingly, he finally climbed out of bed, fumbling with a sweater and heading towards the food and water bowls. He stared, confused, as he found them both full and the dog door unobstructed. He turned back to the dogs as they started crowding the couch. Kakashi sighed, assuming there was some deceased creature on his sofa again. He was pleased to find a living creature; and a human, at that.
Kakashi chuckled to himself; always surprised as to how Ryuzaki managed to sneak in without his chakra giving him away. Pakkun peeked out from his spot, snuggled between the back of the sofa and Ryuzaki’s stomach.
“He got here hours ago. I tried to get him to get on the bed but he wouldn’t.” Pakkun rolled his eyes.
“Oh, he never does.” Kakashi sighed.
He reached over to brush a strand of hair from Ryuzaki’s face, tucking it behind his ear. Ryuzaki’s brow furrowed as he snuggled into the couch cushion. Kakashi smiled and shrugged off his sweater, draping it over his guest’s torso before heading back to his bed.
———————
At a more decent waking hour, Kakashi had finally started getting ready for his day. He was supposed to be training with his team; though technically they weren’t his team anymore. He was already twenty minutes late but, it’s not like they should expect anything different. He could hear a loud knock at the front door even over the spray of the shower head. It was cut short and Kakashi could feel the combined presence of his students go cold. He turned the water pressure down, trying to listen in through the thin apartment walls.
“Um, hello? We’re here for Kakashi-sensei?”
“He’s in the shower. Wait out here, I’ll tell him to hurry.”
“I... don’t believe we’ve met before. Um-“
“I’m his roommate.”
Kakashi held back a laugh at Ryuzaki’s rough and rehearsed tone. He definitely wouldn’t hear the end of that today. He gave his hair a quick scrub before standing to dry off. Ryuzaki was at the sink when the shower room door opened. Clearly still tired, he was trying to pull back his long, dark hair into a bun. Trying. Kakashi sighed a laugh and dug through a drawer, finding an elastic for his “roommate”.
“By the way, they’ve been here before. They know it's a one bedroom.”
“Well, have fun with that.”
“Meeting with Tsunade today?”
“Unfortunately.”
“Aw, not even excited to see her?”
“If it were up to me I’d-“
“Stay here and play with the dogs. Yeah, I know.”
Ryuzaki shot a finger gun at Kakashi and headed towards the closet.
“Gonna borrow some clothes. Maybe buy you some groceries. Your kids are outside.”
Kakashi laughed again and pulled up his mask. He gave a short “I’m off” and opened the door. The trio was pressed against the door, giving Kakashi a slew of confused looks and whispered questions as he squeezed past them.
“You have a boyfriend?” Naruto whispered; Sakura punched him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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The sun was nearly setting when Ryuzaki finally headed off toward Tsunade’s office. He’d taken after Kakashi and decided it wouldn’t hurt to be late. The village had its hands full with rebuilding, anyway. Tsunade wouldn’t even notice the time; she probably forgot about their meeting by now. Ryuzaki had barely made it up the last step when Tsunade came barreling out to meet him.
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“And where were you, all damn day? Have anything to say for yourself?”
“I was visiting a friend.”
“You were slacking off at Kakashi’s place again, weren’t you!”
“I did him a service; he needed groceries.”
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Tsunade growled out a sound of exasperation before grabbing Ryuzaki’s sleeve and dragging him inside. She tossed him into a chair in her office before dropping into her own, sighing.
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“Look, I know you don’t really want to be here. But it’s important that we have all the help we can get.”
“And how exactly am I supposed to help with anything? I’m one punch from death.”
“Oh please, I’ve seen your medical charts, you’re fine.” She rolled her eyes. “Besides, I’m not going to ask you for manual labor; just some office work.”
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The hokage shuffled some papers on her desk, handing a manila file to Ryuzaki. He recognized them as graduation forms.
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“I need help with paperwork for the academy and chunin selections. We have so much reconstruction still to do. Schooling is falling to the wayside. You have experience with this so you can help.”
“You had me moved all the way here for paperwork?”
“I’d rather have eyes on you after recent events.” She mumbled.
“Tsunade, that was nearly two years ago.”
“And it’s still fresh in this village’s eyes. We have students that need guidance and attention.”
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She pushed the file closer to Ryuzaki and smiled triumphantly when he caved and picked it up.
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“Alright, fine. I’ll help.”
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~~~~~~~~~~~
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It was well past office hours when Kakashi went looking for Ryuzaki. The jounin had waited outside the building for him for a while now. He paused at Tsunade’s office where he could hear the rustling of paper’s inside.
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“How old is Konohamaru, now?”
“He’s twelve.” Tsunade sounded half asleep.
“They grow up so fast, don’t they?” Kakashi quipped.
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Ryuzaki seemed to perk up at the sound of his voice.
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“Eavesdropping, Kakashi?”
“Oh, never. I was only trying to track you down. I waited on you.”
“Ever the gentleman. Tsunade trapped me here with paperwork.”
“Come to collect your boyfriend, eh, Kakashi?” Tsunade smirked.
“I call it rescuing a comrade.” Kakashi smirked back.
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Ryuzaki bid Tsunade a good night and collected the file, he could finish the work back at the flat. The night breeze was a godsend in comparison to the harsh sun and humidity during the day. It was only April and the sun was already blistering. Kakashi seemed to enjoy it too, holding his arms out to his sides and sighing. Ryuzaki followed beside him, taking a deep breath.
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“Good to know the nights are still nice and cool.”
“Still not much of a day-person?”
“With skin like this? I don’t think so.”
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Ryuzaki gestured to his pale complexion and Kakashi pointed to his own, chuckling. Kakashi had taken to walking backwards, facing Ryuzaki. They used to walk like this often when they were younger.
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“You know, I miss when we used to take walks together.”
“You know,” Ryu mocked lightly, “it’s not polite to read people’s minds.”
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Kakashi seemed to like that response as he smiled clearly, even with the mask. He nearly tripped on the stairwell as they reached the apartment building. He played it off by jogging up the steps as Ryuzaki laughed at him. The two could hear the band of dogs scurrying around, excited that their father was finally home. Kakashi beelined for the kitchen, catching a whiff of something savory.
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“You cooked!”
“It’s nothing too special. Just miso soup, left to simmer.”
“Does this miso perhaps have-”
“Eggplant? Perhaps.”
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Kakashi was ecstatic, going so far as to set up the kotatsu just to eat the small meal. He found a floor chair for Ryuzaki and held his hand as he sat, much to Ryuzaki’s chagrin. Kakashi pushed Ryuzaki’s hands away, pouring two glasses of water and setting up the electric burner to keep things warm. He fiddled with the settings on the kotatsu heater and Ryuzaki laughed, rolling his eyes.
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“It's a simple meal, Kakashi.”
“Yes, but you were kind enough to make it for me.”
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Kakashi bowed his head at his dinner guest and began to dig in. There was just enough miso and more than enough eggplant, Kakashi’s favourite part. He made a happy noise as Ryuzaki lifted a hefty slice from his own bowl, placing it in Kakashi’s. They ate in silence for a while; as Ryuzaki sat back in his chair, he felt something brush his leg under the kotatsu. He stared ahead at Kakashi, who was trying to look innocent as he sipped at his water. The unidentified touching object brushed him again, sliding up Ryuzaki’s shin before it couldn’t reach any farther. Ryuzaki shifted, pulling his leg back before shoving it forward, kicking the inside of Kakashi’s thigh. Kakashi coughed, sputtering water all over the front of his shirt.
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“Ahem,” Kakashi patted at himself with the corner of the kotatsu cover, “so, uh, not tonight then?”
“Well, I didn’t say that.”
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Ryuzaki chuckled as Kakashi flushed, taking a gulp of water and clearing his throat.
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“So, um, then, did you want to-“ Kakashi gestured to the bedroom.
“It is getting pretty late, huh?”
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Kakashi smiled, hiding his face behind his hand.
—————————
Kakashi woke to a pleasant warmth behind him, a hand scratching lightly at his sensitive side. He squirmed, looking over his shoulder at Ryuzaki.
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“Good morning.”
“I already let the dogs out.” Ryuzaki’s voice was hoarse, Kakashi frowned.
“Does your throat hurt?”
“A little. It’ll be fine.”
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Ryuzaki pressed a quick kiss to Kakashi’s cheek before rolling off the bed and standing to stretch.
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“Your students will be here soon.”
“Why can’t they just wait at the training field?” Kakashi sighed heavily.
“Because they’d be waiting hours for you.”
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Kakashi whined petulantly and Ryuzaki chuckled.
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“Did Sasuke say anything yesterday?”
“Surprisingly, no. He was more quiet than usual, though.”
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Ryuzaki made a face and shrugged. As long as he wasn’t throwing a fit… There was a knock at the door and Ryuzaki went to answer it, tossing his hair over his shoulders to hide his neck. Sasuke was standing forefront this time, with Sakura and Naruto somewhat behind him. He gave Ryuzaki a once over and averted his eyes.
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“Is Kakashi-sensei ready?”
“Almost. He’s getting dressed.”
“Ah. Will you be doing office work again today?”
“No, Tsunade wants me to take a day to finish settling in.”
“We’re supposed to have lunch around one. Come by the training grounds.”
“Aw, an invitation?”
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Sasuke made a shocked expression before giving Ryuzaki a half hearted glare.
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“Just show up.”
“I will.”
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Kakashi leaned into view of his students, a particular glint in his eye as he smiled at the group.
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“Well, then. I suppose we should get moving before we run too late on time, huh?”
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Kakashi chuckled as Sakura and Naruto scurried down the stairs, cocking his head as Sasuke hesitated. He looked between Ryuzaki and Kakashi before pointedly glaring at Kakashi.
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“You know he’s sick-“
“Sasuke.” Ryuzaki said sharply.
“...You better take care of him. Is all.”
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Sasuke looked embarrassed as he tailed after his teammates, looking like his younger teenage self, hands shoved in his pockets and shoulders tight. Sakura seemed to still cling to him, whispering questions as he shrugged her off with a blush. Kakashi chuckled at Ryuzaki’s ruffled look.
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“Awfully possessive, isn’t he?”
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Ryuzaki sighed, turning back into the apartment.
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“Go train your kids, I’ll meet you all for lunch.”
“It's a date, then~”
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Kakashi answered in a singsong voice and Ryuzaki rolled his eyes, flopping back into bed for another while.
__________
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Ryuzaki found himself wandering off toward the training field, a bit early for lunch but he was bored. It was surprisingly bustling, the newer field having plenty of room for multiple teams to practice. Naruto was distracted by his approach and Kakashi landed a smack to the back of his head. Kakashi gave a short wave to Ryuzaki, barely being able to dodge as Naruto struck back with a cheap body shot. Sasuke seemed unimpressed, picking up a box lunch and meeting Ryuzaki halfway down the field.
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“Here, Sakura prepared one for you.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll walk you to the picnic area-“
“No, I can stay here for a few. I’d like to see you guys train. See how far you’ve come.”
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Sasuke didn’t respond, but led Ryuzaki towards the team, instead. Sakura seemed to fidget, wringing her hands together as the two approached.
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“I hope you like the bento. Sasuke told me what you like to eat, so I hope I prepared it right.”
“It looks fantastic, thank you.”
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She seemed pleased as Ryuzaki found a seat on a nearby rock, crossing his legs and settling the bento on his lap. It was nice and cold, having been packed with a bag of ice. She’d cut the tomatoes in nice slices that would easily go with each slice of tamagoyaki. She’d even included a little packet of soy sauce and rice seasonings, separated from the rest of the meal. Sasuke wasn’t kidding, it was a lunch Ryuzaki would make for himself any day. Naruto cut everyone from their happy moment as he exclaimed loudly.
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“Are you and Sensei screwing or what?”
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Sakura gasped loudly and gave him a sharp smack across the top of his head. Sasuke glared coldly at him and Ryuzaki looked at Kakashi, amused.
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“What is the matter with you! You don’t just shout things like that!” Sakura shook her fist at him.
“Ryuzaki and I are in a relationship, yes. He’s moved in with me and has just returned to Konoha after being away for quite some time.”
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Kakashi answered simply, patting Naruto’s shoulder, who still looked confused.
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“You never talked about him before…”
“I have, actually, I just didn’t give a name.”
“Then how were we supposed to know?”
“You weren’t. You all would have obsessed over it and it would have distracted you. Especially you.”
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Naruto grimaced before nodding and giving a quiet apology. Ryuzaki laughed around his omelet.
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“He is a handful isn’t he?”
“Hey! How would you know?” Naruto flared back up.
“Well he always wrote about how troublesome you all were. How headstrong you were all the time.”
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His teammates giggled as Naruto blushed, snatching up his water bottle and mumbling a “whatever”. Sakura found a seat next to Ryuzaki, practically watching him eat with glee in her eyes. She chided Sasuke for snagging a slice of tomato. They all seemed to just be waiting for Ryuzaki to finish eating as they sat around him, eating much faster than him after their training. Kakashi seemed pleased, his chin resting on his hand, watching Ryuzaki enjoy himself. He glanced around at the group.
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“I mean if you’re all done we can go.”
“No! No, it's fine! You eat!” Sakura waved him down.
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The group agreed, everyone waving him on and smiling at him, encouraging him to finish his lunch. A bit embarrassed, but comfortable around the group, he continued his meal while Kakashi struck up a conversation.
__________
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Sasuke seemed reluctant to let Ryuzaki go. While Kakashi stood close beside him, Sasuke stood even closer on the other side. They were walking home from training, Naruto and Sakura had already skipped ahead. Kakashi was sure what to say, if anything, that wouldn’t tick Sasuke off. The boy had such a protective attitude about Ryuzaki, ever since his rumoured return, and prior to that, his diagnosis. Ryuzaki had fared fine on the trip to Konoha, and the clear air would probably be good for him. Sasuke hadn’t agreed with it. He wanted Ryuzaki to stay close by, but not Konoha. He also didn’t really mind Kakashi dating Ryuzaki, he trusted Kakashi enough. But when your teacher and “brother” start dating it can be a bit weird.
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They’d stopped by Sasuke’s house first. It was a small, one bedroom, with a nice sun room in the back. It was probably about the same size as Kakashi’s apartment. Sasuke was eyeing Kakashi, then glancing back at Ryuzaki, evaluating something.
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“Sasuke.” Ryuzaki warned. “Be nice.”
“You’re going to live together?”
“Yeah. We’re not far so you can still check up on me.”
His gaze shifted to Kakashi. “And you’re going to help take care of him?”
“Of course.” Kakashi shrugged.
Back to Ryuzaki. “Have you had a check up with Tsunade?”
“Not yet. That’s tomorrow.”
“Tell me what she says. I’ll be here.”
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Ryuzaki nodded and Sasuke moved in for a quick half hug, touch and go. Ryuzaki managed to ruffle his hair before he basically ran into his house, now embarassed. Kakashi sighed, scratching at the back of his head. Ryuzaki chuckled, reaching up to pull Kakashi down and press a kiss to his masked mouth. He tugged Kakashi along, fingers linked together.
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“So, you have a check up with Tsunade?”
“Yeah, she doesn’t trust the reports from the other doctors.”
“Why not?”
“She’s paranoid.”
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It didn’t suprise Kakashi any that Tsunade wouldn’t accept Ryuzaki’s health reports. He’d been sick for so long and only two years ago had he finally gotten a diagnosis. According to Tsunade, if she couldn’t have figured it out then no one doctor from Sungakure could. But, they had, Tsunade just had to do her own follow up, to be sure.
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