The next morning, Tenzou woke with a raging headache and a mouth that felt like it had never tasted liquid water. He groaned loudly and rolled over. To his complete and utter surprise, he found his roll stopped mid-way by a warm and squishy object next to him.

He leaped up. He sighed.

Genma was sleeping (snoring) beside him, his mouth wide open, a little puddle of drunk drool collecting beneath his cheek. It all came back to Tenzou in a flash; they had been utterly unable to get Genma to fall asleep in his own bed, so Tenzou had had to grab him in a cocoon like spoon and hold him down until he finally passed out. It seemed Tenzou had fallen asleep in the process, however. How he had managed to sleep like that all night was definitely a testament to the power of alcohol.

A glance over at the other bed found Gai sitting up and scribbling away on a small scroll. Finding him awake was hardly surprising; he was an early riser no matter what the situation.

"Good morning, my friend." Gai greeted without missing a beat or looking up from his work.

"Nnn...not so good, but thanks."

Gai laughed and finally put the scroll down. "Yes, I am feeling quite parched myself, despite downing quite a bit of water before bed. I did bring you some for when you woke up; it's just ahead of you."

With a loud groan of thanks Tenzou nearly crushed Genma's head in his desperate attempt to grab the precious liquid. He downed the entire glass in around three seconds. It was glorious.

"That..is so good. Thank you, Gai."

His friend laughed in response. "I certainly hope it made you feel better, because we have a lot of work to do in the next couple of days."

Tenzou blinked. "What do you mean? Is that what you're working on now?"

A quick nod and then Gai was leaning over and handing the scroll to Tenzou. "I was merely in the process of writing down mission details. We will have to leave tomorrow morning."

Oh.

Right. He technically had a job he was supposed to do.

It blew Tenzou's mind how another person could completely overtake his entire thought process. He'd completely and utterly forgotten about the Conflict, and missions in general, in the wake of his and Kakashi's rekindling of their relationship. Some professional he was.

Something wilted in Tenzou's chest at the idea of being taken away from Kakashi at such a sensitive time. It was utterly ridiculous because the two of them had remained firmly in love through an absolutely absurd breakup, and yet he was terrified of a two day mission while Kakashi wasn't even able to walk himself to the bathroom.

How...did he go to the bathroom?

Gai cleared his throat and Tenzou blushed and actually made an effort to read the scroll. The mission was thankfully very straight forward. Actually, it didn't really seem to have anything to do with the Conflict. That was most definitely a good sign.

"So, who of us is on this mission?" Tenzou asked with slight hesitance. He had his fingers crossed for all of them.

"It is our usual team, minus Kakashi. In his stead we have another skilled ANBU captain named Hoshiko. I have worked with him before and he is quite good. A little eccentric, but that is how it goes around here."

Hang on. They were assigning a random captain to their team instead of just making Tenzou lead? Could that mean that they now had a surplus of manpower? Meaning they were no longer shipping every ANBU off to the Conflict between Sand and Stone?

Gai seemed to follow the bright look on Tenzou's face and grinned happily himself.

"Why. I would say thing are back to normal, my friend."

Tenzou threw the scroll up and whooped with glee. Genma murmured to himself and scratched his nose in his sleep.

"At least for now, we have our team back." Tenzou breathed. "I was starting to think this day would never come."

Gai nodded, his eyes bearing a seriousness that betrayed his previous worried. "As was I."

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Tenzou ghosted through the mission debrief and weapons prep with a practised ease that thankfully suited him instead of betrayed his intentions. In truth, the mokuton user was itching to visit Kakashi. He felt like they had something of a clean slate, despite him still feeling hurt and slightly betrayed from his captain's decision to end things between them. But, with the way things were now, they had an opportunity to kind of "re get to know each other", to start over with far less drama and more understanding. He wanted to spend more time merely talking to Kakashi, digging into his head and his past, discovering every little nuance about him. Those silly things only people who were really close knew about each other.

It was with tremendous experience practising the art of patience that Tenzou managed to complete his duties to the mission prep. Finally, he was free to make his way to the hospital wing, naturally with knowing jeers from his teammates. The fact that Genma could whistle that loudly when he looked like he was going to pass out from dehydration at any moment was pretty impressive to Tenzou. When the mokuton user slowly entered Kakashi's hospital room, it was to find him quietly reading his book in peace. He glanced up, smiled brightly and placed the book open-faced on his lap.

"Tenzou. Good to see you."

"I figured I should visit before we leave." The brunette answered as he sank gracefully into the chair beside the hospital bed. Kakashi merely quirked his head slightly to the side in response.

"A mission?"

"Yes. But, it's strictly Konoha business. It has nothing to do with Sand."

That brought another smile to Kakashi's face. "Ahh. That's great news."

"I thought so, too." Tenzou answered with unbridled joy. Kakashi chuckled softly and pulled his mask down, as if it was bothering him or hindered their conversation. It made Tenzou's heart flutter to think that his captain actually preferred to speak to him with his mask off.

"So. Who is going with you?"

"Genma and Gai." Tenzou replied quickly, his smile only growing larger. "Our team has been assigned to the mission; you would be on it too, if things were different. As it stands, ah...Hoshiko? Is our captain."

Kakashi's brows furrowed in concentration.

"Mmm." He nodded lightly. "Yes. He's good. I approve."

The other ninja could barely suppress a joyful laugh. Kakashi acted as if he could affect the mission roster if he decided this Hoshiko wasn't good enough for his team. Well, on the other hand, who said he couldn't? He was practically Hiruzen's right hand man.

"I'm glad. Gai did vouch for him as well. He said he was a bit eccentric, but...then again, so are you."

Kakashi responded a halfhearted pout. "It's a charming eccentricity though, isn't it?"

Tenzou's laugh received a far more genuine pout from his captain. The mokuton user smiled, his eyes dancing. "It's charming if you're not at the other end of it."

"Maaa, you like it. Otherwise you wouldn't be here."

Bashfulness descended on Tenzou like a shroud. He ducked his head, a blush ghosting across his cheeks. "Well. You have other winning attributes."

Kakashi leaned forward with his eyebrows raised. "Oh. Such as...?"

The look on Tenzou's face depicted quite clearly that he was not game. He crossed his arms over his chest and sat back in his chair.

"Really?"

To Tenzou's credit, Kakashi actually shrunk back slightly at the unexpected hostility. "Maa...I'm injured. It'll raise my spirits."

Tenzou sighed. "I hardly see how feeding your ego is going to help you heal."

"A healthy mind is a healthy body." Kakashi sung with a bright smile.

Tenzou stared at him.

Kakashi batted his eyelashes. "Come now, Tenzou. I would happily return the favour."

"Okay." The mokuton user responded, opening up his arms as if physically receiving said compliments. "Please, you lead. Seeing as it was your suggestion."

It was truly a testament to how bad Kakashi felt about the entire situation between them that he actually relented and did as he was asked. The ANBU captain was bitingly intelligent and could be as vicious as he pleased; if he really wanted to trick Tenzou into feeding him compliments, he was beyond capable of doing so. But, clearly, he was far too guilty to even attempt it.

"Alright." Kakashi began quietly, as if taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "You can be adorably naive, but it is one of your most magnetic traits; as even your innocence is served with intelligence."

Tenzou was not expecting such a thorough, poetic start to their unconventional conversation. His defences diminished considerably.

"You are unwaveringly loyal, something that also comes with a tint of naivete. Actually, somehow, most things you do has a bit of innocence to it. Perhaps it's your eyes; they are so expressive and honest. One can't help but trust you, Tenzou. Something in your face says you would never betray anyone."

That was more than enough for Tenzou, but even as he opened his mouth to speak, Kakashi continued to talk. He stared the other ninja straight in the eyes. Tenzou felt a warm path blaze down his heart and into his abdomen.

"You're intelligent, but very modest. Despite being loaded with talent you have no desire to compare yourself to anyone else or surpass your peers in rank. You merely are what you are; that is something else that attributes to the ease in which you unknowingly coax people into trusting you. All of that, and of course, you're an attractive man. You were a cute kid, far too pretty as a teenager and handsome now. Oh, and you've got a great body. Not that that's really a scarce thing with ninja's, but a lot of us are too skinny. You've got a great build."

Tenzou's jaw was almost literally swinging open from its hinges. Kakashi had, he guessed purposefully, complimented the pants off of him. He now felt, and this was probably his captain's intent, guilty for refusing to initially do the same for his lover. So much for Kakashi letting him win this one. Although, if he forgot about the situation at hand, he was deeply moved by his captain's words. Kakashi thought so highly of Tenzou. The mokuton user was honoured and humbled; but also, reassured.

"...Uh..." He stammered, unsure of how anyone even thanks someone for that kind of praise. "That's really sweet, Senpai."

Kakashi merely shrugged casually in response. "I've had a lot of time to think up this stuff."

The answer was so Kakashi it inspired Tenzou to uphold his end of the loosely arranged bargain. He took a deep breath and tried to say whatever came to his mind first. For some reason the idea of vocalizing what made him like Kakashi so much wracked his nerves, especially since he was saying it to Kakashi.

"Ah...well. Next to Gai, you're the bravest person I've ever met. Before you, I didn't truly understand what being brave was. I saw facing each mission -and your possible death- as just another part of the job. Kind of like a way of living, instead of a choice. But you risk your life for others because you care about them and not because it's in the protocol. Sometimes you fight like you wouldn't mind dying. Like your life is a throw away object, something that isn't really here nor there, that won't particularly be missed. But that's not what makes you brave; it just seems to be what keeps you from quitting being a ninja. It just gives you fuel for each mission. As if your life doesn't matter, so it doesn't matter if you throw it away. What makes you brave is your heart and your mind. When you're fighting to help a comrade you don't act like your life doesn't matter. Suddenly, you act like the most important person on the battle field; because if you die, the person you're trying to protect dies, too."

Tenzou took a little break to wet his lips and gazed into his lap. He couldn't face Kakashi, he was far too bashful.

"It's hard to explain, but that's kind of how I see it. Despite your social...ah. Aloofness. Despite the fact that you've seemed to go out of your way to be as distant as possible, emotionally, from your comrades, you're actually a really nice person. You're passionate, you're loyal, you're honest, you withhold judgement and you're there when people need you. Sometimes I wonder if you developed your hard, barbed personality because you're so soft on the inside. Maybe, you get too attached to people and hurt too easily."

It was then that Tenzou looked up at Kakashi. He looked like he was trying hard not to react, but his eyes were wide and full of emotion. His jaw was set hard, but Kakashi was not angry. It was as if he was having a difficult time accepting Tenzou's compliments. Without a word Kakashi glanced down, staring into his hands that were folded in his lap.

"I could continue." Tenzou chuckled. "There's a lot about you that I like. I can't believe I'm admitting this, but I like that I'm one of the only people to ever see your face. It's...a really nice face. So I like to keep it to myself."

That seemed to lighten the mood and Kakashi smiled. "That's exactly what Gai said to me when he first saw it. 'That's a really nice face, My Rival.' He actually counted it as a victory on my end. I was a point ahead of him for a month."

Tenzou laughed loudly and slapped his knee. "That's hilarious and so Gai. When did you guys become 'Rivals' and how hard did you fight against it?"

It looked like Kakashi was attempting to resist a smile at the question. "When I was accepted into the academy and he wasn't, I think. It's the first time I ever met him. He was always leagues behind me in terms of skill and his place in the ninja system, so I think fighting me all the time was his way of working to reach my level."

Tenzou smiled fondly. "I guess it worked."

"I suppose so." Kakashi responded, his smile matching Tenzou's. They sat in silence gently smiling at each other for a time, until the mokuton user blushed and glanced down with a bashful rub of the back of his neck. Kakashi decided to lighten the mood and leaned in, waggling his eyebrows impishly.

"Anything else you'd like to add, my dear Tenzou?"

A thought entered Tenzou's mind at the request and all bashfulness left him. His demeanour changed to a sort of relaxed calm as he gazed back up at his captain and friend. Tenzou looked Kakashi square in the eye, the first of his complements to be done thus, as he answered.

"When you aren't making things complicated, you make me really happy."

Kakashi's eyes widened and he stared at Tenzou with a mixture of pain and shock. This seemed to be the one thing the ANBU captain had the hardest time accepting. He glanced away, looking down at the ground with open shame. Sadness crept from his eyes and drooped his shoulders.

"...Do I?" He whispered.

Tenzou leaned forward and gently placed his hand over one of Kakashi's. His captain still couldn't seem to look at him, but Tenzou continued anyway.

"Yes. When I'm with you, I'm happy. I feel more than I've ever felt in my life. I had no idea that kind of passion or warmth existed until you. If it wasn't for you, Senpai, I may never have gotten the chance to feel that."

When Tenzou finished speaking, Kakashi seemed compelled to turn his head and gaze hesitantly into his eyes. The mokuton user stared back steadily, trying to communicate how serious his statement was. Suddenly, there was something else lurking in the depth of Kakashi's gaze. A sort of confidence was brewing, seemingly strong enough to affect his speech.

"You..." He started, but was unable to say the rest of the sentence in anything but a whisper. "...Make me happy too, Tenzou. It kills me, because I've always felt I was more of a source of misery for you than happiness."

Tenzou laughed lightly, his hand still lingering on Kakashi's. "Well. I've had my fair share of that, but I wouldn't have stayed with you if you didn't make me happy, Senpai. I don't know anything about relationships but I'm very good at self preservation. It isn't logical to stay in a dangerous situation that can cause mental or bodily harm without good reason. The shinobi code practically forbids it."

That seemed to click with Kakashi and he grinned very faintly. "That does make sense."

Time seemed to still, and the two lovers stayed close but barely touching for a few countless moments. Something made Tenzou glance up at the wall clock in the room and he groaned lightly. "It's time for me to go, Senpai. The mission shouldn't be too long, though."

"Of course." Kakashi answered quietly. He seemed to grow uncharacteristically shy, as if he was unsure how to end their very emotional meeting. Truthfully, Tenzou was uncertain as well. A sort of heavy, awkward silence descended between them. Tenzou stood to try and break it, but as soon as his hand was off of Kakashi's, his captain reached out and snatched it back. Their gazes locked again. Kakashi's seemed more resolute.

"Thank you, Tenzou. I've been pitying and shaming myself to absolutely no benefit for either of us. I'll work to deserve your trust and the time you've invested in me. I honestly don't feel I deserved it, but I will now. I promise you that."

Tenzou gazed down at Kakashi, his expression emotional and shocked. He wasn't expecting that level of determination and it made his heart swell almost painfully in his chest. Making a very valiant effort not to tear up, he leaned down to kiss Kakashi goodbye. His Senpai smiled but lifted Tenzou's hand to his lips instead and placed a firm, lingering kiss on his knuckles. Tenzou felt his breath catch in his throat.

Kakashi pulled away slowly and gently returned Tenzou's hand to his side. "Be safe on the mission, Tenzou."

"I...Yes. I will. Thank you."

The mokuton user seemed to want to say something else, but he was thrown by Kakashi's words and actions.

"I, ah...look forward to seeing you when I get back." Tenzou stated so hesitatingly it almost sounded like a question.

Kakashi grinned wolfishly in return. "As do I. I might even be able to move by then."

With a raging blush at Kakashi's absolutely incorrigible expression, Tenzou bowed lightly and turned on his heel, walking towards the door. He had no idea why he'd bowed, but something about the way Kakashi patted his Icha Icha book gave Tenzou the impression he had FAR too much time on his hands to let his imagination wander. Clearly, he'd have to come back to Kakashi ready to really give things another shot or he'd be in a really awkward position.

Probably literally.

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I know that was shorter than usual, but I REALLY wanted to give you guys something since it's been so long since I've updated. The next chapter will be longer :D It MAY be the final one, but I always say that. So probably two more chapters, realistically. Thanks SO MUCH for all your amazing feedback, and for sticking with this story though its long hiatus. You guys make writing much more enjoyable :) Until next time!