High School Never Ends Chp. 8

[squeakyninja]

Month: November
Pairing(s): KakaIru, Minor Others
Chapter Rating: R
Word Count: approx. 6700 words
Themes: AU, Romance, Humor, Coming of Age
Summary: Iruka's first day attending Konoha High turns into an eventful one, thanks to a silver haired senior. It's gonna be one hell of a school year...
Warning: Emo moments...

--- "Oi, Kakashi!" Iruka chastised. "When I agreed to this, I expected you to clean up after yourself… Not have me do it for you!" he shouted, swinging a broom at Kakashi's head. The pale teen, still reading his little porn-filled books, easily blocked the shot and instead, grabbed onto it and snagged it away, forcing Iruka to come down with it. The brunet was left facing up on Kakashi's lap as the other smiled down upon him.

"See, Iruka?" Kakashi started. "How can I clean if you're doing perverted things?" Iruka immediately went for the throat.

It was Kakashi's idea at first. He couldn't part from his Iruka for long and had ended up staying over at the brunet's place almost every day, nearly neglecting his dogs. So it was he who asked Iruka if he could move in with him. He tried to argue that it was closer to the school, but the tanned teen knew better and refused every time. That, and the fact that eight dogs wouldn't be able to fit into the household. So instead Iruka opted that he could at least transform one of the rooms he used for storage and convert it into another room for Kakashi. Yet instead of agreeing to the plan, Kakashi asked if he could just share a room with the other. Iruka quickly protested, but after a battle of wits and tongues, he easily lost that fight.

So at least for now, after school, Kakashi would stay over at Iruka's and practically live there until Iruka would kick him out and remind him to feed his dogs. Other days, the silver haired teen was clever enough to provide his dogs with enough food to last them a few days. It was those days that Kakashi would come by and would spend the night. At first, Iruka was reluctant, fearing that Kakashi would start to plan something. Instead, and surprisingly, the silver haired teen acted like a total gentleman. He didn't try to get into the freshman's pants and force him to get naked. In fact, Iruka looked forward to those nights because at least they would either end up sleeping together on Iruka's bed or fall asleep on the couch watching the T.V. Iruka was always the first to wake up and because of that, he had the privilege to always be able to look back into his lover's sleeping face. Every morning he was greeted by that sweet face: eyes gently closed, lips barely parted, and hair shadowing bits of his face. And every morning, Iruka was able to steal a sweet kiss from his boyfriend. Though there were days Kakashi noticed and would turn the kiss into something more heated.

They lived life like this with the exception of one bad habit.

Kakashi was a giant litter bug.

Iruka had always kept the home tidy and dust free until the senior showed up. Afterwards, every day the freshman found himself scrubbing the floors more often and washing more bowls and plates. It didn't help that today the teen found his lover being his messy self, leaving crumbs and trays around him while he sat there reading his porn.

"Kakashi, honestly. If you don't start cleaning up after yourself, I'm kicking you out on the street!" Iruka yelled after composing himself after the couple's latest brawl.

"But-But Iruka!" Kakashi protested. "You can't do that!"

"Yes I can!"

"No, you can't," the silver haired teen insisted. Taken by surprise, the tanned boy was suddenly lifted off his feet by a pair of arms latched around his waist. His arms and legs started to flail wildly and protested for the other to stop. But he refused. Instead, he swiftly took himself and his little dolphin back into the bedroom and nearly dropped him upon the bed.

"Kakashi! What the hell wa-" Iruka started to gripe until a pair of wet, warm lips met with his. Brief but sweet. Unpredictable to Iruka.

"See? You're puddy in my hands," Kakashi whispered as he slowly got on top of the other, towering over him.

"What makes you think I'm puddy?" Iruka asked innocently as he wrapped his arms around the other's pale neck. "Why not the other way around?"

"Oh, really?" the senior laughed. "What's with this Iruka?"

"What? You don't like it?" the freshman asked childlike, lightly kissing Kakashi on the lips.

"Never said that… Never said… that…" he whispered as he leaned down to turn the kiss into a heated make-out session. Naturally, both fought for dominance, turning and tossing in bed, rubbing skin against skin. Kakashi was the first to break the kiss, only to remove his school shirt in the process. No matter how many times he saw it, Iruka always ended up blushing, even a little. Iruka sat up, quickly removed his own shirt, and immediately latched his lips onto his lover's once more, continuing their love session. Kakashi continued to use his hands to roam around his boyfriend's body, his hands finally ended up on his boyfriend's belt. He leaned back a little, staring back into is favorite chocolate eyes, asking if he could go on. One little kiss from the brunet was all he needed.

Fast as lightning, the belt flew off and shifted Iruka's pants down with the boy complying. He pushed the freshman back, causing him to fall back on the bed as the kiss became more heated. Kakashi slowly moved down, starting with the jaw and continued along to the neck. Iruka felt teeth digging into his neck, knowing it will turn into an embarrassing hickey, but he didn't mind or care. He was too caught up in the moment to.

"K-Kakashi!" Iruka gasped as he felt a familiar pressure placed upon his briefs. He looked back at his lover's grey eyes, his own all watery.

"Sorry, Iruka. Guess I always move a little too fa-" Iruka stopped him mid sentence by closing those lips with his own.

"No… Just took me by surprise, that's all," Iruka whispered. He felt Kakashi smile against his lips and couldn't help but smile as well.

"So how about we contin-" Kakashi continued until both men's trail of thoughts abruptly came to an end when one of their phone's went off.

"…I tried to be perfect,but nothing was worth it,I don't believe it makes me real.I thought it'd be easy, but no one believes me…"

"Damn, Obito," Kakashi cursed as he got up and checked his phone. Iruka whined a little as he watched his boyfriend get off the bed. The senior quickly checked his phone and noticed he got a text from the goggle wearing senior.

"…And?" Iruka asked while he grabbed a nearby pillow to fill in for the missing teen.

"Sorry, Iruka. Can we continue this later?" he asked, his voice filled with remorse.

"It depends," Iruka teased. "It has to be for a good reason…"

"It is," Kakashi started. "Obito's asking for my help to get something for Rin for her birthday coming up. Which reminds me I have to get her something too."

"Oh yeah, it's the 15th right?" Kakashi nodded. "Then… I guess it's alright," he said, holding the pillow tighter. Kakashi could only smile as he walked over and lightly kissed his boyfriend's forehead.

"If you want, I can get you something," Kakashi teased.

"Baka, you don't have to!" Iruka scolded, turning his head away. "Geez, it's not like I'm some girlfriend constantly asking for gifts!" Kakashi brought his head back and lightly kissed him.

"But I want to," he teased.

"But I already have everything I want… I have you," Iruka replied.

"And you call me the corny one," Kakashi laughed.

"Was hoping if I used it back on you, you would see how terrible it sounds and stop it," the tanned boy said out plain and bluntly. The other couldn't hold in his laughter. And soon, even Iruka found himself laughing as well. The brunet watched on as his lover smiled back, gave a wave of his hand, and left the room and eventually the home. Iruka heavily sighed as he flopped back upon his bed, cheeks still red.

Why does he do this me? he laughed to himself. He smiled softly as he turned his head and spotted the photo of his parents on the end table. He quickly turned it away, embarrassed.

"Well, if it isn't our little dolphin?" Genma cried along with Raidou, greeting Iruka one day before class. Immediately, Genma latched onto the freshman's back and gave him a back cracking hug and messed with his hair.

"G-Genma!" Iruka cried. "Let me go!"

"Oh, come on, Iruka! I'm just having a little fun!" The senior quickly let go, allowing the brunet to fix his hair.

"Geez, I swear, can't you ever act normal?"

"But then I wouldn't be Genma!"

Iruka couldn't help but laugh.

The trio slowly walked toward Iruka's homeroom, reminiscing about recent events. From their conversation, the freshman finally was able to conclude that the two were going out together as well. It seemed obvious since they spent nearly all their time with each other and how close they were. Reminded Iruka of two other friends he had.

"-ruka!" Raidou called.

"Hmm?"

"We were calling your name for the past five minutes!"

"Oh! Sorry, my mind was elsewhere. What were you trying to say?"

"We were asking if you and Kakashi have gone all the way yet!" Genma cried. Iruka immediately froze upon the spot and felt his heart skip a beat. He broke into an immediate sweat and felt his blood pressure rise. His hands turned into fists as he swiftly turned around

"Why are you asking me that?" Iruka roared, his voice bouncing off the hallway walls. It seemed as if everyone close to him wanted to know.

"Because Kakashi won't tell us and we really want to know if the rumors that he's a real beast in bed are true," Genma simply replied.

"That's no excuse!" the brunet continued. "What Kakashi and I do is our business and our business alone!"

"…So you two haven't done it?" Raidou asked. The brunet immediately spun around and gave both teens a deadly glare before he stormed off. Both teens looked at each other wondering what they did wrong.

But it did make Iruka think.

He had been going out with the senior for some time now. Has to be at least three months. And they already have had intimate relations. The brunet couldn't believe he already was doing such lewd actions with someone within a short amount of time. What would his parents say? What would they say in general if he was dating a guy in the first place? Guess they really wouldn't care as long as Iruka was happy and whoever he was with was treating him right. And he was happy and Kakashi was a great guy. Iruka wondered if Kakashi was even the same kind of guy who would stay with him for years to come. It wasn't like he could provide Kakashi with kids of their own if he wished for them in the future. Yet, it didn't even look like the silver haired teen wants kids. But with what happened last month, maybe Kakashi would be up for adoption. But that would mean a bigger place for them, the kid, and the dogs.

Iruka started to blush like a school girl, already planning his future with Kakashi.

I really am just a hopeless romantic, he thought to himself as he ran back to his homeroom class.

He was on top of the world now. He was attending the school his parents once did and was a model student. He had made many new friends. He even gained someone special, something he never would have imagined he could have found. He had been happy for the first time in his life since he started to live alone.

"Come on, Obito! We're going to be late!" Kakashi called out after checking his phone. They were already a half hour late for Rin's party, still finding themselves in gift shops.

"But Kakashi!" Obito cried. "I have to get Rin the perfect gift."

"Give her flowers."

"Too romantic."

"A plush."

"Too cheap."

"Jewelry."

"Too expensive."

"Obito!" Kakashi shouted. "Just pick something!" he angrily sighed as he held his wrapped gift for Rin. He already had decided to buy her a cosmetic kit, though he just bought not even five minutes ago.

"Kakashi!" Obito whined.

"Ten more minutes and then I'm leaving," the senior warned. The raven haired boy quickly fled the scene in search of the perfect gift. Kakashi stood near the doorway, tossing his already wrapped gift for Rin in the air and catching it, trying anything to help pass the time. He did it a few times before he finally lost his rhythm and dropped it. He watched it roll a few feet away and walked over to pick it up. It was when he rose that he saw it. The lighting hit it at just the right angle, making it dazzle. The design was flawless and nothing too fancy or too cheap. Instantly when he looked upon it, it reminded him of Iruka. It was perfect.

Kakashi smiled behind his mask as he picked it off from the rack and headed back to the register. He did say he would get something for the brunet.

"Oi! Obito! You ready?" Kakashi called out to the back of the store.

"Yeah! Yeah! Hang on!" Obito cried as he ran up the register with his gift, turning out to be a bit of everything the boys just recently talked about. Kakashi sighed as he looked at his friend. He really had moved on and liked Rin and didn't seem to mind that Rin did not feel the same. It seemed more of a challenge that way. It reminded him of how he could never really give up on Iruka, no matter if he tried to run away. Even when he tried to transfer schools, he always found himself following the boy, even back to the beach that one faithful night.

"Alright, come on, let's get going," Kakashi happily sighed. Obito complied as he entered the passenger side while Kakashi sat behind the wheel of his car. He turned on the ignition and turned out of the parking lot and started to head for Rin's.

"Hey, what kind of songs do you have in here?" Obito inquired, searching through the other's music collection.

"Just choose whatever," he replied.

"But I can't choose!" the other whined.

"Obito!" Kakashi scolded, turning his head away for a quick second.

It was a second that would change both of their lives.

Kami damn it, where is he? He said he would be here two hours ago!

Iruka was already at Rin's place in time for her little party. Nothing fancy. Just a friendly get together. Possibly play some games, watch a movie, and more. Already, a few friends were over. Kurenai came by to drop off her and Asuma's gift. She couldn't stay because her boyfriend had a game tonight. Tenzou arrived earlier with Hiyoko to drop off their gifts. They couldn't attend because of study sessions. Rin even invited Izumo and Kotetsu to come by and already had regretted it after seeing the two spend all their time playing her games.

Yet, the two that meant the most to Rin, her two best friends, Kakashi and Obito, had not arrived yet.

A sudden crash from the front room drew everyone's attention. Iruka jumped at the noise and immediately ran in to see Rin scolding the two boys for playing ruff. Apparently, the boys had been playing a racing game and were pushing each other back and forth to try to throw off the other. Their plan seemingly backfired on them as Kotetsu pushed Izumo a bit too hard and the teen went flying into one of the end tables in the rooms, knocking down and breaking a picture frame.

"What did I tell you guys about horsing around?" Rin scolded. Both boys continued to sit still and apologized over and over again. Iruka walked over and studied the mess. He carefully examined it and saw it contained a photo of the three of them, Rin, Obito, and Kakashi, together at what looked like a park. From the looks of their uniforms, it seems that they were in elementary school at the time the photo was taken. Kakashi did mention to the brunet that it was around that time that the trio became fast friends. But now, it was a total mess. The glass was nearly cracked in every direction. Not a fracture laid rest upon Rin in the photo but a long crack ran through Kakashi's face and the glass was completely shattered over Obito. Carefully, Iruka took out the photo and placed it back on the end table as he cleaned up the mess.

While he dumped the broken glass in the garbage, seemingly on cue, Iruka felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

"Kakashi!" Iruka started to yell, already assuming it was his boyfriend. "Where the hell are-"

"Iruka! Iruka! It's me, Minato!"

"M-Minato-sensei? Oh, sorry! I thought- Wait, how did you get my number?"

"Kakashi had you down as an emergency contact so I thought it was best to-"

"Wait, wait, Sensei. What do you mean, 'emergency contact?'"

"…There… There was an accident."

"…What?"

Iruka didn't bother telling everyone else where he ran off to. He wasn't thinking straight. All he could think of was get to the hospital as fast as he could with thoughts running through his mind. He immediately took off to the bus stop and boarded the next run. + Every idea was worse than the one before it before it reached the worst case scenario. The brunet felt his eyes water and felt his hands shake uncontrollably and he tried to push that idea out of his head.

Please… Please, that couldn't have happened… It couldn't… It… Not again…

His thoughts paused as he focused all his energy into preventing his tears from falling.

Iruka arrived at the hospital in record time as he rushed inside through the emergency exit and immediately spotted the blond haired teacher with his little son.

"Minato-sensei!" Iruka cried out. "What happened?" Minato motioned for Iruka to sit down, yet the boy refused. Minato sighed heavily, bringing his face up to his face, almost trying to keep back the words. He didn't wish to be the one to break the news.

"Kakashi…" Minato started. "Was in a car accident. They say he was speeding. But… Kakashi is not one to speed," Minato continued on, trying to be strong for the teen. Iruka gulped, trying hard not to cry himself as he saw how much Minato was suffering as well. "Anyways… there… was a head on collision. The car practically split into two… They say it was a miracle that he survived!" Iruka sighed heavily, relieved to hear that Kakashi was alive. He was still alive. "His left eye has been damaged, though. They say if he can even see out of it, there will be some discoloration." Iruka felt as if a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders. He walked back and leaned against the wall.

"Thank Kami," Iruka sighed, placing his hand over his chest, trying to calm down his heart. "You had me worried there for a second! Here I thought-"

"Um… That's not everything, Iruka," Minato interrupted. Iruka pushed off the wall, puzzled. "Obito… was in the car as well…

"Oh! That's right. Both of them were coming to the par-"

"He didn't make it."

Iruka froze. The comment repeated in his mind over and over again. Each time he disbelieved it, but knew Minato-sensei would not lie to him. Yet, only a few days ago he saw the teen, his face beaming behind his orange tinted goggles, his black, tussled hair, his outlandish attitude. He just saw him and was ok. And now, he would never see or hear from him again. He would never watch him flirt with Rin or laugh his ass off when Kakashi-

"Kakashi!"

Iruka started to think about Kakashi. He was alive and well. But Obito wasn't. And Obito was his best friend. He wondered how Kakashi felt about all of this. He worried, knowing Kakashi's reaction. If Kakashi knew what happened to Obito, would he start to blame himself?

"…Sensei," he finally responded, his gaze on the floor while his hands remained closed to each side. "Please… I need to see Kakashi."

"Iruka, I don't think now is-"

"Please! …Sensei," he said again, his voice agitated as his body shook all over. Even little Naruto saw how emotional Iruka was. Little by little, he scooted off the bench, away from his father, and slowly walked over to Iruka, his frog plushie still in hand. He hesitated at first, but then slowly took his little hand and grabbed a hold of Iruka's.

"…Nii-san?" he spoke softly to Iruka. "…You ok?" Iruka gasped a little at the touch. He didn't even remember Naruto was with them. He quickly put on a face, ditching his worry temporarily as he peered down at Naruto, smiling.

"Don't worry, Naruto," he said, his voice smooth and calm. Instead of smiling back at him, Naruto just pouted.

"Bad Nii-san!" Naruto shouted. "Tou-san says you should not lie! Nii-san can't lie! Lying bad!" Both Iruka and Minato were taken back at Naruto's straightforward remark. Iruka didn't realize he still could not handle lying, even if he wasn't scratching his facial scar. Minato just stood back, a little bit amazed at how much his son had grown so much.

"Ahh, you're right, Naruto," Iruka sighed. "I just did not want to worry you," he continued, rummaging his hand through the blond toddler's hair. Naruto little bit giggled at the motion as it tickled his scalp. "I'm sorry." He let his hand fall limp from the toddler's head and set his sights back on his sensei, a little bit calmer now. "Sensei…"

"He wasn't awake when I visited him," Minato sighed. "And I doubt he will be if you go in there now."

"It doesn't matter. I just need to see him with my own eyes. I need to see that he is alright." Minato sighed again as he stood up and motioned for Iruka to follow him. Naruto walked in tow with the two, his hand still locked together with Iruka's.

They arrived near the end of the hall as Iruka read the name 'Hatake Kakashi' upon a medical folder held on the door.

"He's just inside. I'll warn you he is pretty beaten up."

"Thank you, Sensei. I can handle it from here." Iruka slowly moved forward, forcing Naruto's hand to slide out from his. Hesitantly, he reached for the door and slid it open, his gaze always on the floor. Quickly, he went inside and shut the door behind him, not wanting his sensei to see his reaction. To be truthful, Iruka didn't want to see him, he didn't want to see Kakashi like this. But he had to, to prove to himself that Kakashi was alive. At least he was alive. It was selfish to say, knowing that Obito was no longer with them. But if Kakashi was dead as well, he might as well kill himself now.

The boy slowly but surely started to bring his head up, his eyes remaining closed. He took his time, allowed his breathing to relax and his heart to calm down, his heart beating in tune with the heart monitor in the room, before he set his chocolate eyes upon his lover. He wished he never did. Across the room, there he lied. The bed was slightly adjusted up so he was sitting up. But it didn't help the sight Iruka saw before him. All over his body were scratches and bruises, loosely covered by brand new bandages, as if it was a struggle to put them on. His arms lied at his sides, securing a blanket over him. IVs came and went throughout his body, twisting and turning, providing the necessary drugs so he would not wake up screaming in pain. An oxygen mask left upon his face, assisting his breathing. It was taped to his face, as if he has resisted having it on. What hurt Iruka the most though was the layers of bandages applied upon his left eye, the eye Minato had said he had lost. Iruka looked on and judged. He could tell he was fighting with the nurses by some new cuts and bruises. He didn't want help. He knew what had happened. He knew what happened to Obito. And in the end, he didn't want to live with it.

Kakashi had wanted to die. He wished it was him instead of Obito.

Iruka couldn't hold back any longer. The tears immediately started flowing down his face and would not stop. His voice hitched up as he tried his best not to scream. His whole body shook as he tried to compose himself. But nothing would calm him down. Nothing would stop this immense emotion from hitting him. Suddenly, his whole body took over and he found himself running toward Kakashi's bedside and immediately fell upon his silent body. He couldn't help but wail loudly as his tears rolled down and soaked the blanket. He latched onto his boyfriend, one hand upon his chest and the other one fixed on Kakashi's hand. Minato stood outside as he listened in on Iruka's cries as he held on tight to his boy's hand. He couldn't imagine Iruka's pain if he had to see Kushina or Naruto in that condition.

"Come on, Naruto," he said quietly, tugging his boy along. Naruto didn't object as he followed along.

"…K-Ka-Kakashi…" Iruka cried under his tears as his body shook. He continued to repeat his name as he felt Kakashi's heart beat under the bandages. It was almost like a chant, just saying it over and over and able to hear his heart beat was good enough for him to know he was alive. This was good enough. But a sudden pressure upon his head surprised him enough to quickly lift it up only to meet his eyes with one dreary, tired one. The eye seemed filled with regret and guilt. Iruka only cried more as he tug his head again back into Kakashi's chest and held onto the pale teen tighter. Kakashi first tried to lightly push the boy away, but knowing it was useless, he in turn rubbed his hand through the brunet's hair, seemingly calming him down.

Minato decided to come in after over an hour from seeing his student go in. When he opened the door, his heart sank as he saw Iruka slumped over on Kakashi's bedside. He motioned closer only to find the boy passed out from all of his crying and Kakashi lapsed back into sleep. He slowly took off Kakashi's single hand upon Iruka's rustled hair and took his student into his arms. Slowly, he took the boy into his arms and placed him on a nearby couch to rest. He reached for a blanket near and brought it over Iruka's body. The boy only shuffled a little as Minato brushed his hand along Iruka's forehead, his thoughts filled with so many emotions. He felt sorry for what each boy was going through. He knew of Kakashi's past and had learned from Principal Hiruzen about Iruka's own misfortunes. After hearing each one's sad tale, he wished neither had to deal with more pain. That's why he was happy they had found each other. Together, they wouldn't be so lonely and be in pain.

But then, one cannot control fate.

Iruka awoke the next day, his eyes irritated and throat sore. As he slowly got up, he took a gander at his surroundings. He recalled the events from the previous night as he saw Kakashi lying down in his bed. Tears began to form again as he stood up and walked over, hands shaking. With all his might, he tried his hardest not to cry anymore. He gazed down upon his boyfriend, studying every scratch and bruise that lay upon his pale skin. Lightly, he brushed away a few silvery strands out of his face. Carefully, he laced his fingers through pale fingers. To think, the previous night, all Iruka could think about was cursing his head off to him. And now, seeing Kakashi the way his now, his reason for not showing up, all he could do was thank Kami that he was still with him. He wished that Kakashi would just open his eye at least once more.

Suddenly, a rattle came from the door and behind it came Minato.

"Good, you're up," he said in a soft voice.

"Minato-sensei…"

"How is he doing?" he asked as he slowly walked forward, toward the other side of the bed. Iruka was unable to respond. "I understand. How about let's go and give him some space? How about some breakfast? My treat?" Iruka simply nodded his head and he moved away from the bed, letting go of Kakashi's hand and watching it go limp. His eyes never broke contact as he made his way around, following Minato out of the room. He grasped the doorway as he twisted back, taking one long look back at Kakashi and, with a heavy sigh, walked away.

Iruka followed Minato a few steps behind, staying at a slow pace. He took his time as he noticed the area around him. Every room was nearly occupied, whether the people came in for a quick check up or something more serious. He paused in motion as he glanced into a room, its door slightly ajar. Inside were three people. He could tell it was an old couple, probably married for many years. The husband was lying in the bed, wires and tubes coming in and out of him, while his wife stayed as his bedside, holding his hand tight. What caught Iruka's eye was the third person. From his apparel, he seemed to be the religious type. What he did though scared the teen more. From the looks of it, he was giving the old man his last rites. He was going to die soon and wanted to go in peace. His wife knew it and seemed to accept it, staying by her husband's side for his last minutes. The brunet said his own little prayer for the old man to himself.

"Hey, Iruka!" Minato called.

"Ah! Yes, Sensei! Sorry!" Iruka quickly apologizes as he ran after the adult.

"Iruka… you okay?" Minato asked. "You haven't touched your food."

"Oh! Sorry, Sensei. I guess… I just don't have much of an appetite…," he trailed off while continuing to play with his food. "I'm sorry. Here, at least let me pay you back for the meal." He got up and reached for his wallet as he dug in for a few bills and threw them across the table.

"Iruka…" Minato whispered under his breath. The teen just smiled as he turned and walked away. Minato stayed where he was, letting him go, and proceeded to pick at his own food.

Iruka's taking this better than I thought. I wonder if it's because…

Iruka found himself walking back in the hallway toward Kakashi's room. Right now, he couldn't eat or couldn't think. All that was in his mind was a blank. The only place where he found comfort was by his boyfriend's side. That was probably why he was walking there. He only could find peace there, listening to the beeps of Kakashi's heart rate.

Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of a girl, standing outside his door, her hand lightly holding onto the handle. She seemed to judge on whether or not entering as she clutched a small but delicate yellow flower close to her heart. Rin…

"Oh… Rin… M-Morning…" he said wearily. He took notice of Rin's face, a hollow form of its former self. She had been suffering too. Probably, no, she was suffering more than Iruka was. She had known Kakashi and Obito for years. And now, one was gone and the other was behind the door, clinging onto life. The one she loved was alive but the one that loved her was gone. It was her party they were going to. If they weren't on their way there…

"Morning, Iruka!" she replied with a fake smile. "How are you?"

"I-I'm fine. And yourself?" Rin stood silent for a moment, her gaze shifting to the floor. "It's ok, Rin," Iruka whispered, placing a hand upon her shoulder. "I underst-"

Quickly, his hand was ripped away from her shoulder as she twisted away from him and scornfully glared at him, her eyes waiting to burst.

"What would you understand?" she screamed, almost tearing the flower in her grasp. "How could you possibly understand?" She stood there, shaking, tears falling down her cheeks at a rapid rate. She shook vigorously, petals flaking to the ground, trying her best not to slap Iruka right then and there.

"…But I do," Iruka said. "Trust me when I say I know how you feel." Rin just looked on, eyes flared up and face contorted, trying to calm herself.

"…Just go home, Iruka."

"But-"

"Go home!" she screamed. Iruka stood back. He had never known Rin to be like this. She was always one to be calm and caring. Now, it seemed all she wanted to do was cry and be left alone. Her once cheery, brown eyes where now drowned out with tears. Her breath became uneven as she tried to contain herself but it was no use. With a loud cry, Rin slammed herself into Iruka and wrapped her arms tight around him. Iruka gasped, as he was caught off guard, but slowly brought his arms around her comforting her.

"Rin…" Iruka whispered as he tried to hold back his own tears.

As the days rolled by, Rin and Iruka, thanks to Minato, came to the hospital to visit Kakashi. The pale teen's injuries were actually less severe than they actually appeared so within a matter of days, he was released from the hospital. Minato decided it was best for the teen to stay at his place for now, as he started his recovery. Yet, during all that time, he refused to speak a word of the incident that night, the moment where everything changed for him.

Even his relationship with Iruka changed. The brunet would ask his sensei everyday if his boyfriend was alright. Minato gave the boy encouraging words, though he knew deep down that Kakashi was a broken man. Iruka tried to make attempts to visit but was turned down every time. They didn't see each other until Obito's funeral.

The day was dreary and cloudy, seemingly ready to rain. The weather matched the mood for the day, having to lay a friend to rest. Iruka arrived dressed in his best black attire and put on a strong face he had learned how to do from experience. When he entered the home, he spotted many friends from school yet, most of his family weren't there. He had heard Obito was seemingly a lackey when it came to upholding the Uchiha name, so not many from the family respected him or his family. It seemed that Fugaku was only there to play his role as the family's leader. Iruka walked over and paid his respects to Obito's mother, a recent widow herself. To lose her husband first in the army and to now lose her son. The teen wished he could have met her before during happier times. He sat in the back among his friends as they calmly started to talk about how great of a guy Obito was. Iruka even spotted Rin near the front alongside Kakashi. He wished to be by his boyfriend's side, to be there to cheer him up. But with the way he had been acting so cold, Iruka decided against it.

Later, Iruka stood around the coffin as Obito was laid down to rest. He was silent as the final prayers were said, watching the coffin be lowered into the ground. He glanced back over at Kakashi and Rin. Rin continued to bawl her eyes out, clasping onto Kakashi's arm tight. Kakashi just stood there, motionless and emotionless. A few bandages covered his face while his hair was now combed so it was covering his left eye. He didn't seem like his normal self anymore. He just stood there and watched on, an empty shell of his former self.

When everything was over and people started to leave, Iruka used the opportunity to talk with Kakashi. He found the teen not too far from where Obito was buried. The brunet found the other by another pair of tombstones. He could barely make out one but saw the name of the other:

Hatake Sakumo.

Iruka immediately assumed the man to be Kakashi's father. So Kakashi has lost before too. No wonder why Minato didn't want to say anything. Iruka walked closer until he was nearly a foot away from his boyfriend before he heavily sighed and spoke.

"K-Kakashi…" Iruka started out. "I-I'm here if you need me. Please… please don't bottle everything up. It-It wasn't your-"

"Iruka," Kakashi interrupted, his face still turned away. "I forced you into this, didn't I?"

"Hmm? Kakashi, what are you talking about?"

"Us. This thing between us. I've come to realize that I forced this on you. And for that, I'm sorry," he continued on.

"This thing? Kakashi, listen. I-"

"We need to break up." The words shot through Iruka's heart like daggers.

"W-What? Kakashi, why would you think that?"

"I don't think. know. It would be best for the both of us if we stopped with this."

"This? What do you mean this? What, do you think all of this was just a game to you? Cut the crap!"

"If you want to see it that way, that's fine." Frustrated and worried, Iruka hurriedly along and tried to place his hand on the other's arm. Immediately, Kakashi turned, snapping his arm away, and staring down at Iruka. That was the first time he saw it: Kakashi's new eye. Iruka was nearly caught up in the moment seeing it, his once black eye had lost all color and now was fiery and red, more like the color of blood than anything. A long scar accompanied it, running along the eye. Just looking at it made it possible to feel the pain and made the boy want to cry on the spot, want to hug Kakashi and never let go.

"Kakashi…" he whispered.

"If I were you, I would take this as a blessing and get on with life," Kakashi replied.

"But Kakashi-" Iruka was interrupted by a swift hand coming in contact with his face. His expression immediately turned into shock. He would have never imagined Kakashi would hit him. He quickly clasped his cheek and turned his eyes toward his lover, his face filled with hurt, regret, and sorrow.

"Goodbye, Iruka," was the last thing Kakashi said before he turned and walked away.

"Kakashi!" Iruka called out, tears already forming. But the senior didn't turn back. He only continued to walk away further. Iruka wanted to run after him but found that his legs would not move. He was nearly frozen as he found himself sinking to the ground, hand still over his sore cheek. Tears stared to flow, though he didn't bother to wipe them away. They were the only thing he could find comfort in now.

He arrived back home later in the evening and just fell upon his bed. His eyes were still sore from all the tears he'd already shed. He glanced over to the photo of his parents on the end table and wished he could cry more. It was happening all over again. He lost people important to him.

He had lost Kakashi.