Break the Seal

Note: Heh, sorry this took so long for me to update. School started a while ago and I’ve been swamped with homework and the like. Plus I’ve had to study for SATs, so that is also quite time consuming.

I’m really proud of myself for sticking with this story for so long, actually. It’s my longest fic yet. *sigh* I’ve been writing this thing for so long it’ll seem weird not having to think about it, but also a relief. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and read my story, and I really, really appreciate the wonderful compliments. I hope you’re not disappointed in how I decided to end it, and if you guys want , I might write a sequel. Well, I’ll stop babbling now, so enjoy the climax!! (and I know; the chapter title is cheesy, but it fits.)

Chapter Ten: True Love



Smiling in victory Mizuki walked to a small fire nearby, and held the scroll over the licking flames. “I was ordered to take this back to the land of sand, but considering how much it means to you, I’d rather destroy it just to see the look on your face.” Kakashi’s heart sank in his chest as the end of scroll started to turn black and smoulder. Mizuki started to laugh as the end burst into flame, and Kakashi knew it was all over.

“Damn you Mizuki.” Said Kakashi under his breath as he inched closer, trying to will his already hurt body to move. Mizuki saw the movement, and lowered the scroll further into the fire as a warning. Kakashi stopped, unable to do anything as he watched his only means of salvation turning slowly to ash.

The scroll was burning more now, the bottom few inches of blank parchment falling to dust onto the ground. Mizuki wondered if he really should just let it burn, but then Kakashi would have no reason to stay his attack. Smirking wider he pulled the scroll out of the flames reach, but just barely. Kakashi breathed at the sight, not knowing he had been holding his breath in the first place.

“How badly do you want this scroll Kakashi?” Asked Mizuki, his tone laced with mockery. Kakashi narrowed his visible eye, not wanting to answer the sand nin. Mizuki became annoyed at Kakashi’s silence, and lowered the parchment once again. Kakashi unconsciously reached a hand out, drawing it back in as soon as he had done so. Mizuki’s brow raised in curiosity, and he said again, “Tell me how badly you want it or I drop it right here.” Kakashi swallowed hard, not wanting to give in to the sand nin’s demand. But he couldn’t take the risk of having the scroll destroyed, so he ignored his pride as he answered. “I need it. It’s very, very important to me. Please don’t destroy it.”

Mizuki smiled at Kakashi’s pleading, and said, “That’s better. Begging becomes you Copy Nin. Makes me regret not having more fun with you when I had the chance.” He then ran the scroll half way into the fire, the flames scorching Yondaime’s intricate handwriting. “No, please!!” The words left Kakashi’s mouth before he even had time to think about them. Mizuki started at the outburst, but held the parchment in place as he gazed at a panicking Kakashi. ‘This must mean more to him than just a simple letter from an old lover,’ thought Mizuki to himself. But it might just be that simple; Mizuki didn’t really care why Kakashi wanted it so badly. Knowing that the Copy Nin would do anything for it was enough information for him.

Mizuki laughed at the power he now held over the legendary Kakashi. It was too much fun tormenting him like this. He wondered how much he could get Kakashi to do with the destruction of the scroll as leverage.

But Mizuki didn’t have time to contemplate his next move as a kunai flew through the darkness in front of him and landed squarely in his left shoulder. The shock from the knife lodging itself in his flesh made Mizuki drop the scroll to the ground, only inches from the awaiting fire.

Kakashi looked in the direction the kunai had come from, and nearly had a heart attack at what he saw.

“Iruka....” The name came as a whisper past Kakashi’s lips, and he saw the figure standing on a branch in the distance smiled warmly. The chuunin had on a hospital yukata, and his hair was plastered to his pale forehead as he panted harshly. Kakashi just stared in shock from the sight, and Iruka gave the jounin one last smile before losing consciousness and falling from the tall tree.

The jounin’s whole world seemed to go in slow motion as he saw Iruka fall to the ground. His body moved of it’s own volition as he leapt for the chuunin, his body being burned by the intense flames surrounding him as he reached out to catch the other man.

Iruka fell into Kakashi’s arms, his breath coming in short gasps as he tried to breath. “Iruka, what are you doing here?” Said Kakashi as he absently stroked Iruka’s face, realizing the man in his arms wasn’t an illusion. The chuunin’s eyes were hazy when he looked up at Kakashi, but he continued to smile as he said, “N-Naruto said you were going after Mizuki alone... I was.... worried....” Iruka’s strength finally gave out, and his body slumped in Kakashi’s arms. Kakashi sighed as he grasped Iruka’s hand in his own, and he kissed it warmly as he cradled the chuunin in his arms.

Mizuki screamed at the pain in his shoulder, and stumbled back grasping the kunai sticking from his body. With another screech he withdrew the blade, his blood pouring down his vest as he gazed over at Kakashi.

The Copy Nin was bent over on the ground, his body scorched black in over a dozen areas as he held Iruka in his arms. Kakashi then lowered Iruka to the ground, brushing some hair from the chuunin’s face as he released him. He then walked over to the scroll and picked it up, examining it to make sure it was alright. Kakashi sighed with relief when he saw the jutsu was still intact, and gently wound the scroll before placing it tenderly in his vest.

‘I can’t believe that little whore interfered! I should have killed him!’ Mizuki was shaking with anger as he took the opportunity of a distracted Kakashi to slowly crawl away, but he stopped as soon as he felt a foot slammed into his back. He groaned at the pain, and looked over his shoulder at an enraged Kakashi.

It had become dark some time ago, and the flames still consuming the clearing cast long shadows all around the two ninja, and Mizuki shuddered as the red light glowing behind Kakashi made him look like a demon. The shine from the flames glowed in the Copy Nin’s eye, and he glared down at Mizuki with pure bloodlust.

Mizuki panicked and tried to crawl away, but Kakashi swiftly planted his foot deep in Mizuki’s back, making the sand nin scream in pain as something cracked. Mizuki tried to squirm out from under the jounin’s food, but Kakashi stopped his movements by pressing him further into the ground, pinning Mizuki to the forest floor.

With his face still exposed Kakashi smiled viciously, grabbing Mizuki by the back of the neck and picking him up off the ground. Mizuki squirmed in Kakashi’s grip, but the jounin delivered a swift punch to Mizuki’s lower back, making the sand nin stop his struggling. Kakashi turned Mizuki to face him, and stared deeply into the man’s eyes.

Mizuki was frightened at what he saw. Never had he seen someone look so detached, so soulless than at that moment. Then without warning Kakashi deftly withdrew kunai, and Mizuki didn’t even know he had been cut until he felt warm blood pouring down his neck, the gash in his throat gaping. The sand nin tried to gasp for air, but only a low gargle escaped his lips as blood poured from mouth, and the last thing he saw was Kakashi’s indifferent expression as he was dropped to the ground. Mizuki’s blood pooled in front of him, staining the dirt black as he slowly lost consciousness.

Leaving Mizuki to bleed to death Kakashi started back towards Iruka, not even turning when Mizuki tried in vain to crawl away, the sound of his anguish being heard clearly even through the inferno surrounding them.

Kakashi walked up to Iruka, his face softening into a sad frown as he gazed at the still injured man before him. He didn’t know why Iruka had come here, or how he had found them. But he had helped, and Kakashi appreciated that greatly. Bending over Kakashi gently scooped Iruka into his arms, the chuunin snuggling closer to him as the jounin began to walk away from the clearing. Thunder started to roar overhead, and lightning flashed as rain started to pour onto the ravaged field, extinguishing the flames and washing away the remnants of the fight.

Kakashi didn’t mind that he was becoming soaked, but he doubted it would be good for Iruka in his condition. The Copy Nin walked faster, trying not to stir Iruka from his slumber as he hastily made his way back to Konoha.

Iruka mumbled as Kakashi picked up his pace, and the jounin smiled down at his sweet chuunin. He chastely kissed Iruka on the lips, and he saw the man smile in his sleep as he passed the gates of Konoha.

~*~*~*~*~

“So, why am I here again?” Asked Jiraiya as he stood at the foot of Iruka’s hospital bed. Kakashi sat to the right of Iruka, grasping the chuunin’s hand as Tsunade stood leaning against the wall with her arms folded under her chest.

Kakashi took a moment to release Iruka and walk over to the toad hermit. “I need your help. You’re the most adept at seal breaking jutsus, and I need you to break one for me.” Jiraiya cocked an eyebrow. “Okay, but that still doesn’t explain what I’m doing here.” Kakashi pointed at the slumbering Iruka. “He has a memory sealing jutsu that needs to be taken off.”

“And who put it on him?” Asked Jiraiya as he looked back and forth between Kakashi and Tsunade. Kakashi continued to stare at Iruka, his mind wandering off to events of the past. “I did.” Jiraiya was about to ask more, but a stern look from Tsunade told him to leave it alone. The old lecher shrugged as he walked around to stand next to Iruka, and Kakashi handed him the scroll Yondaime had left for him.

Jiraiya looked at the document a moment before realizing what it was. He quickly read over the note written for Kakashi, and his eyes went wide. He immediately recognized his former student’s handwriting, and was shocked to learn that the Hatake brat and Yondaime used to be lovers. But he just brushed it off best he could as he read over the intricate jutsu written towards the bottom.

“My, this is a complicated jutsu. I wonder where Yondaime found it.” Kakashi ignored him as he sat down again, and Tsunade stood up straight and practically barked, “Who cares, just do the damn jutsu already!” Jiraiya flinched at the woman’s outburst, but did as he was told and read over the jutsu again thoroughly.

“Alright, I think I know what to do. But I need you to leave Tsunade; this is between the three of us.” Tsunade didn’t want to leave, but did anyway out of respect for Kakashi. She took one last glance back at the three men before shutting the door behind her.

As soon as he was sure Tsunade was out of hearing, Jiraiya turned to Kakashi with a serious glint in his eye. Jiraiya took a seat opposite Kakashi, watching the jounin continue to stare at the sleeping Iruka. “How much do you care for this man?” Kakashi’s eye narrowed some, and he said in a low voice, “Very much.”

“How much?” asked Jiraiya, his voice sounding more sharp than he intended.

Kakashi gingerly took his hand and ran it through Iruka’s hair, the silky soft strands easing his mind some. “I love him.” His answer was simple, but it had a profound effect on him; he really did love Iruka, more than anything in the world. He had always been in love with him, ever since that first night so long ago.

Jiraiya’s brows furrowed as he looked from Kakashi to Iruka, and back to Kakashi. He never would have expected Kakashi’s tastes to go THAT way, but then again, Iruka was kind of attractive. ‘Great, I must be losing it,’ thought Jiraiya as he stood once again. “Good Kakashi, because this jutsu has a downside to it.” Kakashi looked at the toad hermit, his dark eye shining with determination. “I don’t care Jiraiya; take it off him. I’ll do whatever it takes....”

~*~*~*~*~

(Three months later...)

“You still haven’t found Mizuki’s body?” Asked Kakashi, barely able to contain his chagrin. He had just arrived back from a three day long mission, and on top of his weariness he had to deal with bad news.

Tsunade sat calmly at her desk, her chin resting on her folded hands. “I’m sorry Kakashi; we’ve been looking for a while now, and all we’ve come across was a large pool of dried blood with one set of footprints walking away from it.... until they faded away.” Kakashi knew the implications of what she was saying. Either someone had come and taken Mizuki’s already dead body, or taken him away to treat him. And if it was the latter, than he was most likely still alive.

Kakashi stared down at the floor, his mind lost in his thoughts. Tsunade ran her eyes over the jounin, knowing the inner turmoil Kakashi was currently dealing with. She didn’t like to see the usually unperturbed man look so distressed, even though she had seen him in a flurry of different moods and states within the last few months. She decided that him being depressed or angry weren’t ones she enjoyed seeing, and sighing she sat straight back in her chair. “We’ll keep looking Kakashi, although I think it’s pointless at this point. Any trace of where he could have gone has been washed away.”

Kakashi lifted his head, and nodded to Tsunade. “It’s alright. No use in looking for something that isn’t there. You don’t need to keep looking on my account. Did you inform Hidden Sand about him?”

“Of course, but the Kazekage said he didn’t know anything about it. And considering our shaky alliance to begin with, I don’t believe he’d send a spy like Mizuki to steal a scroll. It would be a breech of our contract.” Kakashi thought for a moment. “Then it’s more than likely someone directly under Gaara hired Mizuki knowing full well who he was and where he came from.” Tsunade nodded in agreement. “I thought that also; I informed Gaara of that, and he concurred. He apologized for Mizuki’s actions, so we’re still allies. But this all just means that there’s a traitor in Gaara’s mist.” Kakashi knew that wasn’t good news for the still young Kazekage, but he also knew the sand nin could deal with it.

“Both our countries are searching for Mizuki. He’ll be found and tried for all that he’s done as soon as possible. Try to get some rest Kakashi. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Said Tsunade, cutting their meeting short. Kakashi silently acknowledged her words, and bowed subtly before leaving her office.

Tsunade unconsciously clicked her tongue as the jounin shut the door behind him. She hoped Kakashi wouldn’t act irrationally and go and hunt down the missing Mizuki, but she knew he had better things to do with his time, like tend to a certain brunette chuunin. Smiling she began to sift through the many papers at her desk, and in her heart she wished Kakashi the best.

~*~*~*~*

Kakashi walked languidly back to his apartment, his mind going off in a million different places. Life had seemed so good since he had finally disposed of Mizuki and broken the seal, but the fact that the bastard might still be at large was disturbing him greatly. So much in fact, he hadn’t even the courage to tell Iruka about it. The chuunin had just assumed Mizuki had been taken care of, and hadn’t asked Kakashi about it, and the jounin decided not to bring it up. Iruka had enough to deal with that he didn’t need this hanging over his head as well. But it felt wrong keeping this from Iruka; Mizuki had raped him after all, and deserved to know of the sand nin’s whereabouts. Sighing Kakashi decided he should just tell Iruka about it, and with his head hung and his back slumped he climbed the stairs to his apartment.

Before he even reached the door Kakashi could hear faint singing issuing from his house. Momentarily forgetting his troubles Kakashi smiled warmly as he pressed his ear to his door.

Kakashi’s smile went wider when he heard Iruka singing to himself through the wood; he seemed to do that a lot lately. Kakashi would never have guessed that Iruka had such a lovely voice, and reveled in the chuunin’s singing whenever he was lucky enough to catch it. Iruka was somewhat shy about singing in front of Kakashi, but there had been instances where the jounin had caught a line or two before walking in on a slightly embarrassed Iruka.

Kakashi slowly unlocked the door and stepped inside, and was met with the sight of a half naked Iruka making tea. He only had pale blue jogging pants on, with no shirt and his hair was hanging down around his shoulders. It appeared he had taken a shower some time ago, and was still somewhat damp from it.

Kakashi had to stifle an approving sigh as he closed the door behind him, drawing the chuunin’s attention to him immediately as Iruka’s soft singing ceased. “Oh, hello Kakashi-sensei.” said Iruka as he poured the steaming tea.

Kakashi smiled under his mask, walking up behind Iruka to wrap his arms around the chuunin’s waist. Iruka tensed for only a second before melding into the jounin. Iruka hugged Kakashi’s arms closer to him, and laid his head back on the older man’s shoulder. Kakashi buried his face into Iruka’s hair, inhaling the subtle scent of it. It smelt like cinnamon and oak, much like the tea Iruka was making. He nuzzled his nose further into it, ignoring the tickling sensation it was causing.

Iruka sighed contentedly as he felt Kakashi draw him closer, and he slowly closed his eyes as he savored the feeling of the other man holding him so protectively. It made the chuunin feel somewhat guilty for not being able to take the next step in their relationship; he knew Kakashi wanted it very badly. The truth was Iruka wanted it too, but he wasn’t sure if he could be what Kakashi wanted of him. He still felt tainted from Mizuki, and was afraid he wouldn’t be able to live up to Kakashi’s standards. It was a constant, nagging thought that plagued Iruka, and try as he might he couldn’t shake it. He was just glad Kakashi was being so patient with him.

“Thank you.” Said Iruka as he turned his head to give Kakashi a light peck on the cheek. Kakashi looked surprised the gesture, and said, “For what Iruka?” Iruka just smiled as he brought a hand to run through Kakashi’s hair, loving how spiky and soft it was. “For everything.” The guilt was too much for Kakashi; he needed to tell Iruka about Mizuki now or he’d never be able to do it.

“Iruka?” The chuunin turned his face further into Kakashi, giving him his full attention. The look in Iruka’s eyes was so innocent and loving, and Kakashi dreaded the chuunin’s reaction to the horrible news; he didn’t want to break this tender moment between them, but it had to be done. “Mizuki’s body hasn’t been found yet.” Kakashi said the sentence as fast as he could while still being coherent; maybe it wouldn’t sound so bad if it wasn’t drug out.

Iruka’s eyes widened in shock and surprise, and he pulled away from Kakashi’s embrace and turned to stare a the jounin. Kakashi tried to plead with his eye how bad he felt, and how sorry he was for being not being able to avenge Iruka. But Iruka’s once hard gaze softened at Kakashi’s obviously depressed demeanor, and he gave the jounin a smile before embracing him, wrapping his arms around Kakashi’s shoulders.

“It’s okay Kakashi. Let’s just try and forget about him and move on.” Iruka thought a moment on what he had just said; it was more than a little contradictory, considering he was the one that wouldn’t let the incident with Mizuki go.

Kakashi was shocked at Iruka’s answer to say the least. He had expected the younger man to become livid and angry, but Iruka had pleasantly surprised him once again. He hugged Iruka back, his arms winding around his waist as he drew him up. Iruka smiled sadly as he tugged down Kakashi’s mask, and kissed the taller man passionately, surprising Kakashi somewhat in it’s tenacity.

Iruka knew he had to take his own advice, knew he needed to wash the memory of his former friend forever. He deepened his kiss, coaxing Kakashi to return it, and the jounin did so quite willingly. Iruka moaned as he felt Kakashi’s hands slide down his sides, past his hips until his gloved hands rested at the lip of his pants.

Kakashi didn’t want to rush into something like this, but Iruka seemed all too willing at the moment, and he hesitated for only an instant before his hands snaked their way under the blue fabric, his fingers ghosting over Iruka’s flesh as he reached around to caress the chuunin’s rear.

Iruka was blushing profusely by now, and gasped as he felt Kakashi touching him, warm hands squeezing him lightly. He instinctively arched at the feeling, and Kakashi smiled as he slowly removed himself from the chuunin, making Iruka look at him in confusion.

Kakashi didn’t even need to say word as he gazed at Iruka. The chuunin knew what he wanted, and didn’t resist as Kakashi grabbed his hand and lead him into their bedroom.

Kakashi hastily drug Iruka to the bedroom, practically slamming the door behind them as he began to kiss Iruka again as he unzipped his vest. Iruka helped Kakashi shrug out of the heavy garment, it falling forgotten to the floor. Kakashi then grabbed Iruka gently by the waist, maneuvering them to the edge of the bed. Kakashi’s hitai-ate and mask were gone next, followed by his black shirt.

Now both men stood only inches from their bed, their bare chests pressed flushed together as they continued kissing, both panting from the effort. Pausing for only a moment Kakashi pulled down his pants, tossing them aside before sitting down on the bed, smiling up at Iruka as he began to do the same for the brunette.

Iruka blushed even more, and instinctively tried to cover himself as Kakashi slide the pants past his hips, the fabric tickling his skin as they fell to the floor.

Kakashi drank in the sight of Iruka before him; he had seen it many times before in his memories (and his clones), but he found the real thing was much better, and just looking at an already aroused Iruka was wreaking havoc on his self control.

Kakashi tried to keep himself in check as he lightly ran a finger up along Iruka’s arousal, his other hand gently but firmly grasping the younger’s hip. The chuunin gasped at the feeling, and enjoying his reactions Kakashi took the member into his hand, stroking it lightly up and down. After several moments Kakashi picked up his pace, running a thumb over the slit and sliding his fingers gently along the tender underside. Iruka had to grasp Kakashi’s shoulders for leverage as his passion heightened, and just when he felt himself on the verge Kakashi pulled away, leaving a flustered and aching Iruka in his wake. The chuunin whimpered at the sudden removal, and whelped in surprise as he felt Kakashi grab his waist, pulling him down onto the bed.

Iruka found himself lying on top of Kakashi, the jounin smiling up at him as he began to lick his jaw line, dragging his tongue along Iruka’s skin until he reached his ear. Iruka gasped as he felt Kakashi suckle on his ear lobe, and unconsciously arched into the jounin. Kakashi groaned at the contact, and bit into Iruka’s ear, making it hurt but just enough to feel pleasurable at the same time. The chuunin moaned as teeth dug into his ear, and he could barely hear as Kakahsi suddenly whispered, “Take me Iruka.” Iruka wasn’t sure he had heard the jounin right until he felt Kakashi’s legs part wider beneath him, allowing him to fit comfortably between his strong legs.

“What?” Asked Iruka, his eyes wide with shock and lust. Kakashi just chuckled as he reached over to his bedside table, and fumbling some he opened a drawer, withdrawing a bottle of lubricant. Iruka blushed more at the sight, and stared at the bottle like he didn’t even know how to begin using it. Kakashi smiled as he gently pushed Iruka up off of him a little, and pouring some of the slippery substance onto his fingers he reached down between them, running his digits over his aching erection before trailing further down, grazing his entrance. Iruka was enthralled with the sight of Kakashi teasing himself, and had to stifle a moan as the jounin plunged a finger past his tight ring, sliding it in and out effortlessly as he prepared himself.

For all the time Kakashi had spent with men he had never been entered before, but found that it wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be. He liked the feeling of being penetrated, although he knew that his finger couldn’t compare to an actual cock sliding inside him. The thought alone turned him on even more, and he arched his back as he inserted a second and third finger, his pace quickening as he came closer to the edge.

Iruka was impossibly hard now, and all his former reservations had disappeared with Kakashi’s simple words, and he wanted the older man now more than ever. Iruka strained to control himself as he continued to watch Kakashi, and just when he thought he couldn’t take the sight anymore Kakashi withdrew from himself, and panting heavily he pulled Iruka back down, hooking his ankles around Iruka’s waist, inviting the chuunin to ravage him. Iruka could feel Kakashi’s erection graze his stomach, and very aware of his own heightening need he aimed himself at Kakashi’s entrance, and only after a slight nod from the Copy Nin did he push slowly inside, the man under him writhing from the invasion.

It was like nothing Iruka had ever felt before. It was so hot and perfect, and he found the need to go deeper overwhelming, and with one quick thrust he buried himself to the hilt inside Kakashi. The jounin cried out as he wrapped his arms around Iruka’s neck, bringing the brunette down in a scorching kiss and he pulled Iruka closer to himself, making the chuunin penetrate him even more. At that Iruka pulled out of Kakashi, only to thrust back in with more ferocity than he thought he was capable of. Kakashi must have thought this as well because he whelped in surprise, but it soon turned into a heated moan as Iruka picked up his pace, setting a steady and hard rhythm between them.

Kakashi’s neglected member rubbed on both their stomachs with each thrust, and suddenly remembering Kakashi’s need Iruka timidly grasped his erection, but soon became more sure of himself as Kakashi mewled at the action, and Iruka began to pump him fast, bringing Kakashi to the verge of climax.

Groaning low in his throat Kakashi came first, spilling his seed all over Iruka’s hand, and he cried out the chuunin’s name as he was still being pumped, and the sudden clamping around his member made Iruka come in turn. He screamed Kakashi’s name in his passion, and continued to slam into the jounin as he rode out his climax. After he was completely spent Iruka collapsed on top of Kakashi, still buried deep inside his lover. They both just lay like that, each catching their breath as they continued to revel in their post orgasmic bliss.

“I love you Iruka-sensei.” Said Kakashi, his deep voice breaking the silence that had descended over them. Iruka jerked his head up at the words, and gazed up into Kakashi’s mismatched eyes, and he was awed at how happy he looked at that moment. Never had he seen the jounin so at peace, and smiling he slide to be face to face with Kakashi, and said, “I love you too... Kakashi-sensei.” before kissing him tenderly on the lips. They both smiled into the kiss, and finally withdrawing himself from Kakahsi Iruka snuggled beside him, wrapping his arm across the jounin’s chest before falling into a blissful sleep.

Even though Kakashi was tired he didn’t want to give into sleep just yet. He just wanted to gaze at Iruka for a while longer, memorizing his face as he slept. The events of the last few years replayed slowly through is head, leading to the present. He was so happy, and to finally have what he had always sought, whether he knew it or not, made him feel complete once in his life. Then he remembered what Jiraiya had said to him before he broke the seal on Iruka, and a small frown marred his face.

// “Good Kakashi, because the jutsu has a downside to it.”

“I don’t care Jiraiya; take it off him. I’ll do whatever it takes....” Jiraiya looked gravely at Kakashi, and said, “Fine, but you have to know what needs to be done. To be able to fully break this seal, a jutsu transfer has to be performed.”

Kakashi still didn’t look up at the hermit as he said, “How much?” Jiraiya sighed as he stood, and grasped the scroll firmly in his hand. “Well, I have to transfer almost all the chakra from the one who initiated the seal into the person they put it on, then mingle the chakra together. The high power resulting from doing so should successfully break the seal, but it also binds your chakra together... forever.” Kakashi could guess the implications of such a procedure, but asked anyway. “What does that mean?”

“It means your life forces are bound together. And that means that if one of you dies, the other one will too. Your fates will be tied to each other, for better or worse. Are you sure you want that?” It was a hard decision for Kakashi to make. It was basically giving him what he wanted, but it also meant that his life as a ninja would be changed dramatically. He would be worrying about not only himself, but Iruka too every time he went on a mission or got into a fight. It was selfish of him, but he needed Iruka; he needed the chuunin know that he loved him, and he had gone through too much to back out now.

His mind set Kakashi said, “I’m sure. Just do it already will you?”

~*~*~*~

“There, it’s done. I hope you two have a happy life together.” Kakashi was panting from the exertion that was forced on him from the jutsu, and he nodded his thanks and gratitude to Jiraiya as the hermit made to leave the room. But just as he reached for the handle he turned around, and said, “Are you going to tell him?” Kakashi thought for a moment. He actually hadn’t thought about it yet. “No... I won’t. He’s been through so much already, he doesn’t need this too. I’ll carry the burden for both of us.” Jiraiya knew it was pointless to try and talk Kakashi out of it, so he just nodded in understanding as he opened the door, walking out and closing it behind him silently.//

Kakashi ran the memory over in his mind, and he still couldn’t regret doing it. He would never tell Iruka of the memory sealing jutsu that was put on him, likewise he would never tell him of the means that had to be taken to take it off. They would forever be his two secrets to keep from the chuunin, but it was for Iruka’s own good.

Soft moonlight started to filter into the bedroom as Kakashi slowly drifted off into sleep, and instead of being haunted by what he knew he could never have, they were filled of sweet memories of the man lying beside him, and he slept more soundly than he had ever done in his whole life.

~Owari~


A/N: Wow, that was a pain in the ass to write. I had to re-write the chap over like eight hundred times before I got it down just right. Sorry again for the long wait, and I hope it was worth it. Were you expecting little Iruka to be on top? I’ve personally never read a fic where he was the seme, so I thought this would be a nice change. I think that in their relationship they’d switch back and forth anyway. But yeah, this fic was quite the learning experience for me writing wise, and I appreciate all who stuck around for the ride. I’ll most likely be going back and revising this fic, adding stuff and taking away stuff to make it more linear. I went back and read some earlier chapters and cringed at how bad they were. But I’ll be sure to warn you if I change anything major. Thanks again, and if you want a sequel, request it or I probably won’t do it. Bye bye!!