Disclaimer: Don't own.

AN: This is the epilogue which is the interlude to "Come back home to us"...kind of.

Also! NC-17!

Three months later…

Genma woke up with a start and looked around the dark bedroom confused. He sat up and listened. He rushed out of bed and nearly stumbled out of the bedroom as he moved to the entrance where he found Raidou leaning against the front door. "Rai," he said, relieved when Raidou looked up and gave him a tired smile. He closed the distance between them and dropped down to his knees to have a better look at the older man, "You're back."

Raidou's eyes fell shut when a warm pale hand cupped his jaw.

Genma took in the weariness written on the older man's face and sighed, "Come on, let's get you to bed." He helped his lover up and supported most of his weight as he moved them to the bedroom. He stripped the older man out of the dirty uniform, scanning the body for any injuries, sighing in relief when he didn't find any and helped him into bed.

"Gen," Raidou whispered, on the borderline of sleep and wake, "Genma."

"I'm right here," Genma whispered back, and kissed a tan cheek, "You're safe now, Rai, get some rest."

Raidou sighed and gave in to his exhaustion. He felt the younger man's warm body press against him, the comforting warmth relaxing him further, reassuring him, "Gen…"

Genma stroked the older man's cheek, coaxing him into sleep, "Welcome back home, Rai," he whispered and gave the older man's lips a chaste kiss. He let out a tired sigh, You were gone for way too long, love.

Raidou sighed as he woke up. He opened his eyes to find himself alone in bed, but the empty space still warm. He pushed himself into a sitting position and looked around, frowning when he heard a muffled curse come from the general direction of the kitchen. He stumbled out of bed and slipped on a pair of sleeping pants before wondering into the kitchen, when he found Genma rummaging through the fridge. He tilted his head at the view it presented. Genma was wearing one of his pair of sleeping pants that were a bit too big on him and hung loose around his hips, and a shirt that was riding up as he reached around the fridge. It was a sight that he simply couldn't resist.

Genma nearly yelped when a hand smoothed over his rear, making him stand up straight and nearly bang his head on the fridge, "You're awake."

Raidou gave a lazy smile, "Yeah."

Genma sighed, "I was going to make you something to eat," he looked hopelessly at the fridge, "but realized that I haven't gone grocery shopping." He looked at Raidou and the dark eyes darted up to meet his. He shivered when fingertips skidded over the edge of his waistband, bushing under his navel and lower stomach.

"Gen, when was the last time you used one of those toys you have?"

Genma couldn't suppress the shiver the voice, husky with sleep, produced, "I…I don't remember."

Raidou hummed and moved his hand up, softly raking his fingers over the taut stomach, "How about…you go get something for us to eat, and…a new toy for me to use on you," he grinned and looked into the hazel eyes, "I want to make up for making you wait so long."

Genma swallowed when his mouth became dry, "A new…" the hand moved to the small of his back and pulled his closer.

"How long has it been? Nearly a month?"

Genma nodded and became completely aware of how close their bodies were, where their bodies were touching, the hand on the small of his back, "Twenty eight days…" he whispered without thinking.

Raidou softly chuckled and met his lover's lips when Genma leaned in and wrapped his arms around his neck.

"I missed you," Genma murmured against lips, and felt them curve into a smile.

"I missed you, too," Raidou gave his lover another kiss, which was interrupted by a growl from his stomach.

Genma pulled away and chuckled, "Alright, I'll get you something to eat."

Raidou grinned, "And…?"

Genma blushed, "And…yeah…I'll…" he cleared his throat and moved to the bedroom to change, a small shiver running down his spine from anticipation.

Genma ran on autopilot. Wondering what he should buy without even being in the store. He didn't try hiding his grin, something about Raidou wanting to use a new toy, it was almost as good as Raidou buying it himself. His mind instantly went to his birthday, and if anything that made him walk faster. He snapped out of his mussing when a smaller body hurled itself at him, and recognized it as Minoru.

"Uncle Genma!"

He chuckled as they spun with his attempt to balance them, "Minoro-kun!" He smirked, "Don't tell me that you're wandering the streets by yourself."

Minoru shook his head and smiled, "No, I'm with Iru-dad."

Genma looked up and followed the young boy's gaze to Iruka who walked over to them and greeted him with a smile.

"Hey, Genma."

Genma grinned and nodded in return. He looked around and tilted his head, "Where's Kakashi?"

Iruka's smile faltered, "He…was assigned on a mission, he left this morning."

"Oh," Genma's grin was replaced with a look of concern, "How long will he be away?"

"Four months," Iruka answered

Genma nodded, then frowned when a thought occurred to him, "Isn't…your anniversary coming up?" he mentally slapped himself. Of course Iruka knew that their two year anniversary was coming up, he didn't need him to remind him that Kakashi won't be home for it. He noticed, with a frown, the forced smile on Iruka's lips.

"Yes, but…it's alright."

Genma's frowned deepened and he shook his head, "No, we're going to do something…regardless," he looked down at the dark haired boy, "Right, Minoru-kun?"

Minoru nodded and smiled, "Yeah!"

Genma smiled and looked at Iruka, "We'll go out for dinner, it's on me!...and Raidou."

Iruka chuckled and looked at Minoru when smaller hands took his.

"Please, Iru-dad?"

Iruka sighed and nodded, "Alright."

"It's in three weeks right? Sunday?" Genma asked.

Iruka nodded, "What are you up to anyway?"

Genma's senbon twitched when he remembered, and glanced at Minoru, "I was just…shopping."

Iruka furrowed a brow and tried to read the senbon sucker's expression.

Genma darted his eyes from the young boy to Iruka, and slowly flipped up his senbon, a grinning following.

"Oh, I see."

Minoru looked between the two men, confused, "What?"

"Nothing," Iruka answered and sneaked a glare at Genma.

"I'll see you guys later then," Genma said and ruffled Minoru's hair before looking at Iruka, "I'm suppose to get something to eat of the way back home for Raidou," he frowned, "He came back home and I didn't have any food for him."

Iruka chuckled and shook his head, "Well go on then, don't make Raidou wait."

Genma chuckled, "Alright, see you two later."

Minoru waved, "See ya, Uncle Genma!"

Genma casually entered the store and vaguely wondered about the last time he was there. He looked around his usual aisle and the clerk snuck up on him.

"Anything I can help you with?" the young man asked a bit too eagerly.

"Uh, no, I'm fine," Genma answered a bit awkwardly.

The clerk nodded, "Alright, just let me know if you need anything."

Genma slowly nodded and watched the young man leave, Is he new here? He shrugged to himself and continued his browsing. A strange looking…dildo type toy caught his attention and made him tilt his head in curiosity. And suddenly, he felt silly. He softly chuckled at himself and shook his head. He left the store without buying anything and made his way to a takeout restaurant to buy lunch.

Genma entered the apartment and toed off his shoes before walking into the living, smiling at the older man that was lounging on the couch. He lifted the bag of take out and placed it on the coffee table.

Raidou smiled and took the liberty to look through the bag, "Which ones mine?" he asked, taking out the take out boxes.

Genma smiled and took a seat next to his lover, "Yours is the one with beef."

Raidou grinned, "Ah but of course."

Genma returned the grin and proceed to dig into his meal of donburi. They ate in a comfortable silence, stealing from each other's boxes.

Raidou put down his empty box and stretched, "Hmm, that was good, Gen."

Genma grinned, "Good, now you're fed."

"Physically, maybe."

Genma felt himself blush, "I hate to disappoint, Rai, but…I didn't buy anything."

Raidou's grin softened with curiosity, "And why's that, Gen?"

Genma grinned and moved to straddle his lover's lap, "Because why would I want a toy when I finally have you back?" he purred and nibbled on the tan earlobe, "You won't make me wait anymore, will you?"

Raidou shivered at the breathy voice that ghosted along the shell of his ear. He dragged his hands along his lover's thighs, kneading his hands into the firm round muscles, eliciting a deep groan from his lover. He pulled the younger man closer, pressing their pelvises flush, moaning when their growing erections grinded against each other.

Genma panted for air from arousal and pressed Raidou against the back of the couch, kissing and nipping at the tan neck, slowly rocking his hips. He made a trail of kisses down to a dark nipple and teasing it into a nub.

Raidou flushed hotter with arousal and tugged his lover's shirt off, leaning forward and making Genma lean back as kissed along the clavicle, letting his hands roam over smooth pale skin, feeling the ridge of invisible scars under his palms, feeling the pale body shiver against him and his fingers dipped under the waistband of the dark pants

Genma couldn't help but laugh when Raidou made a noise and suddenly stood, making him wrap his legs around his waist and arms around his neck. He lovingly nuzzled the scarred cheek as Raidou carried him to the bedroom and gently dropped him on the bed. He smiled up at the older man and arched his hips when the tan hands moved down to undo his pants and tug them off.

Raidou smiled down at his nude lover and leaned down to kiss just below the navel, feeling Genma arch towards his touch. He dipped his tongue into the navel, feeling the pale body buck against him with a throaty moan. He moved up, making a trail of kisses along the taut abdominals, brushing his lips against a nipple as his hands slide along the younger man's sides. "Gen," he breathed, and looked at his flushed lover. He grinned, "On your hands and knees, love."

Genma grinned back and complied, shivering when a warm hand slide along the curve of his spine to the small of his back. He looked over his shoulder and dark eyes locked with his, and a smile graced the older man's flushed face as he leaned in, pressing against his back, and sealed their lips together in a passionate kiss. He sighed when Raidou pulled away and reached over to the nightstand, softly moaning when he felt his lover's clothed erection nudge and press against his rear.

Raidou groaned as Genma rocked his hips, pushing against him, "Gods, Gen."

Genma grinned and did it again, "Rai – ah!" he moaned as lips clamped over his neck, under his earlobe, and sucked.

Raidou grinned against skin and trailed his lips along the curve of Genma's spine, his grin broadening as he moved lower.

Genma's arms almost gave out when the older man's hot tongue traced his entrance, strong hands spreading his cheeks wider for better access. He pushed back against the teasing tongue, moaning as the older man complied and pushed in through the ring of muscle.

Raidou groaned at the sounds Genma was making, soft whimpers and deep moans of pleasure that made a pulse run down his spine and to his groin, making his own erection twitch. He thumbed open the lube and managed to slick his fingers. He pulled away, earning him a frustrated sound. He softly chuckled and Genma groaned, dropping his head. The pale body jerked when he pushed a fingers inside, "Gods, Genma," he gasped out, "So tight."

Genma groaned and rocked back against the intruding finger, "You don't have to tell me," he said breathlessly, and moaned when another finger pushed in and they slid in deeper, "Oh – gods." He cried out, his arms giving out when the fingers crooked and teased his prostate.

Raidou moaned deep in his throat as Genma began to slowly rock against his fingers. He leaned over, hovering over his panting lover as he slowly pumped his fingers meeting Genma's rocking motion. He pushed a third finger in and leaned down to plant a soft kiss on the flushed cheek facing him when he noticed the pale hand tighten its grip on the sheets.

"Raidou," Genma moaned, and spread his thighs farther apart, gasping when the fingers pressed harder against his prostate. He felt the fingers inside of him slowly withdraw, leaving him breathlessly and suddenly empty. He felt a gentle hand on his hip and guide him to lay down on his back. He moaned as lips sealed over his with a sensual, passionate kiss, Raidou's hot tongue delving into his mouth to tease his own, "Rai," he whispered against lips that curved into a tender smile before they moved away. He panted for air, gasping when the soft lips made a trail of kissed down his torso and followed a particular scar that Raidou found one night to be just a tad too sensitive, and of course, sealed that important information away. He choked on a gasp when the soft lips sealed over the tip of his sobbing member, strong hands held him down as they slid down his aching flesh, "O- Oh – gods - ," he broke off with a moan when Raidou hummed in approval.

Raidou eased his hold, letting Genma to gently thrust into his mouth as he massaged the rigid length with his tongue. He felt hands move to cover his, gripping his wrist as the slender hips arched, meeting his motion. He slid a hand down the inner joint of where leg meets hip and traced the slick entrance.

Genma gasped, feeling overwhelmed with all the stimulation, "Raidou – I-I'm – ah!" he arched his back when a finger pushed into him and pressed against him prostate, making his body flush as he moaned uncontrollably and became undone. He reached for Raidou, but a hand caught his and Raidou hummed around him, making his orgasm course through him.

Raidou milked his lover's orgasm before pulling away, withdrawing his finger from the pale body and smiled down at his lover.

"Oh gods…Raidou…," Genma said breathlessly, and pulled his lover down for a searing kiss, lifting his hips against the older man's straining erection that created a wet spot in front of his sleeping pants, "Rai, why are you still wearing these?" he half groaned and tugged the sleeping pants off the tan hips of the chuckling older man. He moaned at the sight of the thick erection, feeling his own spring back to life. He wrapped his hand around it, and gave it a slow stroke, eliciting a deep moan from his lover.

Raidou leaned down and gave his lover a deep kiss, shivering when pale legs hooked over his hips and pulled him closer. He sighed and pressed his nose against the younger man's jaw as he positioned himself and slowly pushed in, feeling his lover's welcoming heat envelope him. He kissed the pale neck when Genma threw his head back in pleasure as he pressed against his prostate. He circled his hips when he became fully seated, "Gen." He began a steady pace, thrusting into the pale body, the legs around him tightening around him as hands moved to his flanks and the small of his back, urging him deeper. He moaned and wrapped an arm around the younger man's waist, lifting the slender waist and changing their angle, making Genma flush hotter and cry out his name, "Oh gods, Genma," he gasped out, feeling himself thrust in deeper, harder, hitting the younger man's prostate with every thrust. Half lidded hazel eyes locked with his, and he was lost. Their bodies moved on their own accord, their rhythm turning heated, staying tender and sensual. He brushed his lips against Genma's, moaning deep in his throat at the soft mewling and satisfied noises he made. He reached between them and began to pump the sobbing member in between them, his breath hitching when Genma came, hard, in his hand after a few strokes, feeling the resulting contraction. His orgasm claimed him with nearly no warning, filling the pale body with his hot seed. He panted for air as their hips rolled against each other, milking each other's worth.

Genma gave Raidou a breathless smile and wrapped his arms around the older man's neck, "Rai," he whispered for no particular reason and nuzzled his lover's neck.

Raidou softly chuckled and kissed the nape of Genma neck. He shifted his hips and slowly pulled out of the younger man and felt the legs around his waist slip down to the bed, the inner thigh rubbing against his flank as the arms around his neck slipped around his shoulders and warm hands slid along his neck to cup his face.

Genma smiled and traced the older man's features; the dark eyes fluttered close as he ghosted his fingers along the rough scar that marred his cheek, "Have I told you…that your scars…they give me the same feeling of when I look at stars…" he blushed at the way it sounded.

Raidou opened his eyes and gave Genma a curious look, "What do you mean?"

Genma tilted his head, shifting a bit under the older man, "It's like…a pattern," he traced the rough skin, "…it's kind of hard to explain." Raidou smiled. "And when you smile…," he continued softly and brushed his thumb along the older man's bottom lip, "The pattern changes…" He smiled softly at his lover, "I don't think you know just how handsome you are, Rai," Raidou smiled and shook his head, "I'm serious," he said softly, a smile on his lips.

Raidou's smile softened, "I love you, Gen."

Genma blushed regardless, "I love you, too.'

Raidou pushed himself up on his arms and softly grunted when he was pulled back down.

"Stay," Genma whispered, "Remember? You said you were going to make up for making me wait." He smiled and kissed the older man's forehead.

Raidou softly chuckled and pressed their foreheads together, "You do know that if we stay like this any longer, I can't control what happens…"

Genma chuckled and grinned, "I don't mind," he arched his back, "At all."

Raidou hummed, "We'll see about that…"

Genma woke up sprawled on his stomach, completely stated and boneless from their third - or was it fourth? - round. He didn't bother lifting his head when he felt Raidou climbed over him, and pressed a kiss on his temple, "Did I pass out?"

Raidou chuckled, "Maybe."

Genma sighed and turned his head to meet Raidou in a sweet kiss, "Hmm," he hummed as their lips parted and Raidou settled next to him. "Oh…I saw Iruka today," he hesitated, "Kakashi was assigned on a mission."

Raidou's brow furrowed with concern, "But didn't he retire?"

Genma nodded, "Yeah, but he was still at Tsunade's call."

Raidou sighed, "How long is he going to be gone?"

Genma's expression softened, "Four months…"

Raidou's eyes widened a fraction, "How's Iruka?"

Genma sighed and shifted closer, "He's trying to keep a smile on for Minoru," he said softly, "I offered to take them out for dinner for his two year wedding anniversary," he looked at Raidou, "If that's alright?"

Raidou smiled and nodded, "Of course."

"We're paying, by the way."

Raidou chuckled, "Alright."

Genma sighed, "I'm worried about him…"

Raidou nodded with understanding, "I know…" A pale hand cupped his cheek, tenderly stroking it.

"I can only imagine what he's going through."

Raidou sighed and kissed the palm of the pale hand, "I know…"

Three weeks later…

Iruka opened the door to Genma who had a toothpick in lieu of his senbon. He smiled and let the jounin inside, "I'll go check if Minoru is ready."

Genma nodded and they situated themselves in the living room as Iruka walked down the hall.

"This must be hard for him," Raidou said softly and looked at his lover.

Genma sighed, "I thought it would be easier on him if they went out today, you know?"

Raidou nodded, "I could only imagine, not only how Iruka feels, but how Kakashi feels too."

Genma looked at the older man, "But…it's different, right? He had Minoru with him, you know?"

Raidou nodded, and gave Genma a solemn expression, "But that doesn't mean that he fear disappears."

Genma sighed and looked up as Minoru rushed into the room and pounced.

"Uncle Genma! Uncle Raidou!" he managed to hug both men at the same time.

Raidou chuckled, "Where's your dad?"

"I think he's in his room."

Genma stood, "I'll see what's keeping him," he smiled and walked down the hall and knocked on the bedroom door before slowly letting himself in, "Iruka?"

Iruka walked out of the bathroom and smiled at Genma, "Sorry, I just…I'm ready."

Genma eyed the younger man, feeling something was off, "Are you alright, Iruka?"

Iruka sighed and nodded, "I'm fine."

Genma furrowed a brow, "Iruka."

Iruka deflated and dropped his gaze, "I miss him," he said softly and looked at the older man, forcing a smile, "I miss him, Genma."

Genma sighed, hearing every ounce of sadness in the younger man's voice. It was hard to see him like this, to see those forced smiles that he hadn't seen in such a long time. He placed a firm hand on the younger man's shoulder, "He'll be back soon," he gave him a reassuring smile, "In a week, it'll be a month, one month closer to having him back home."

Iruka nodded, "I know."

"Come on, let's go have your anniversary dinner," Genma led the younger man to the living room.

Iruka smiled as Raidou played rock, paper, and scissors with Minoru. And losing.

"Best out of seven!"

Minoru grinned, "Do you want to lose again?"

Genma chuckled, "Come on kids."

They made their way to a restaurant that Iruka hadn't really visited, but he learned that it was a nice one with friendly service and he made a note of it, thinking of bringing Kakashi to it.

Dinner was good, and conversation digressed throughout. Minoru gave Genma and Raidou a curious look, "Can I ask you something?" he asked Genma.

"Hmm?" Genma put his drink down, and smiled at Minoru.

"How long have you and Uncle Raidou been together?"

"About…over three years?"

Raidou nodded in agreement.

Minoru nodded, and took a sip from his drink before looking at Iruka, "How long were you and Kakashi-dad together before getting married?"

Iruka tilted his head, "Nearly four years, be we knew each other for six before we got married."

Minoru nodded and smiled before looking at the other two jounin, "So, about another year and you two will get married too, right?"

Genma choked on his drink, blushing for two completely different reasons. Wh-what – he sputtered mentally, trying to clear his airway.

Raidou almost choked on his drink, but managed to spill some of it when his hand apparently became boneless for a second or two, This boy –

Iruka laughed, and gave the older men an amused look.

Genma glared at him, still blushing from the sudden question that he hadn't thought about. Not really. Not…really.

"Well, Minoru-kun," he said to his son, "They'll get married when they're ready."

Genma cleared his throat and took another drink from his glass; to say that he now felt awkward would be an understatement. Has…he swallowed, Has Raidou…He stole a glance at Raidou and noticed that he was blushing as well, which only made his blush stronger.

Minoru chuckled, "Sorry, I didn't mean to make things…weird."

Iruka chuckled and gave the older men an amused look.

"Iru-dad?"

"Hm?"

"Who asked who…to marry…whom?" Minoru frowned at the sound of his question.

Iruka smiled at the memories, "Kakashi asked me to marry him," he softly chuckled, "More like gave me the ring and let me think about for two weeks as he went off on a mission, then asked me."

Minoru laughed, "Yeah that sound like Kakashi-dad."

Iruka smiled and nodded. He took another drink from his glass and almost snorted when the older men were still blushing.

Genma glared, "What?"

Iruka shook his head and managed to swallow before he choked, "Nothing."

Raidou cleared his throat and glanced at Genma, a smile tugging on his lips at the sight of the bright blush on his lover's cheeks.

Genma tried to relax, not to think of Minoru's question – about the awkwardness that he was trying to ignore. I wonder…if…Raidou has thought about – he jumped when soft lips pressed a kiss on his heated kiss, and felt his blush reach his ears, Is this how Iruka feels when I tease him about his blushing?

Iruka burst out laughing, earning him a glare that lost its effect with the bright blush.

Minoru laughed at the exchange between the two jounin, "You two should get married," he said without thinking, and the two jounin froze again. Genma's face looked as if it was going to burst into flames and Raidou's didn't look any better. Minoru gave them a sheepish look, "Sorry."

Iruka smiled and shook his head.

When dinner was over and Iruka took Minoru home, part of Genma was glad that Raidou didn't bring up the subject that Minoru did not too long ago.

Six months later…

Raidou stared. Long and hard at his pouch from his sitting position on the bed, knowing what was inside of it, This is taking me way too long…I think, he continued starring and stood to only continue his starring. He thought that maybe he had been thinking about it for too long, thinking that he was over thinking it. Which made his groan when even his thought weren't making much sense anymore. He glanced at the clock and then back at his pouch. He swallowed and with a mental nod he slipped his hand inside and palmed the object and stuffed it into his pocket, feeling his heart skip a beat. He walked out of the bedroom and back tracked to make a trip to the kitchen where he jotted down a note and left it on the table before heading out.

Genma entered the apartment with a sigh and toed off his sandals. He zipped his flak jacket open as he walked into the kitchen his eyes falling on the white piece of paper on the table. He took the note and read it.

Gen,

Meet me near the training grounds (by the lake).

-Rai.

A smile tugged on his lips and he furrowed a brow in suspicion, turning the paper over, thinking that maybe there was a clue behind it. He made a trip the bedroom where he changed out of his uniform and into a pair of jeans and a buttoned up shirt before leaving and heading out to meet Raidou.

Raidou tried not to fidget. He really did. But he kept sitting and standing from the rock that was under a tree, Calm down. He told himself and took a calming breath. Didn't work. He turned when he heard someone walk up to the clearing he was in and smiled when it was Genma, "Hey."

Genma smiled, "Hey, you wanted to meet here?"

Raidou nodded and mentally kicked himself when he realized that he hadn't thought of what to really say, "Yeah."

Genma quirked an eyebrow and looked around, "…So…?"

Raidou cleared his throat, "Well, I wanted to ask you something."

Genma nodded and moved to sit on the low level rock and gestured for Raidou to continue.

Raidou had to tell himself that Genma was probably just tired from his shift. Yeah…

Genma eyed the older man, "If I didn't know any better, Rai, I would say that you're nervous."

Raidou gave a nervous chuckled, "Really?"

Genma quirked an eyebrow, "You tell me."

Raidou sighed and looked out at the lake before moving to kneel in front of the younger. He took a pale hand into his and looked into the confused hazel eyes, "Genma…," he started, "I love you, more than you'll ever know," he smiled, "And you've made me happier than I ever thought possible," he gave the pale hand a firm squeeze, "And…I want to stay with you, as long as forever is for us," he noticed the hazel eyes widen a fraction, not noticeable, but he couldn't tell if it was out of panic or surprise, "For the rest of our lives, Gen…" He dug his hand into his pocket and fished out the black velvet box out, "Genma…will you let me love you for as long as life will let me?" he thumbed the top open, making it softly snap, revealing a matte silver band. He felt his heart skip a beat, "Genma…will you marry me?"

Genma's breath hitched and his grew wide as they looked down at the ring presented to him and Raidou nervously, yet patiently, waiting for his answer. He felt his heart pounding in his chest and he had to close his eyes for a brief moment before meeting Raidou's, "I…have to think about this, Raidou." He felt his heart ache when hurt, yet understanding, filled the dark eyes and Raidou slowly nodded. He stood and step away, hesitating as he looked back at Raidou who thumbed the velvet box closed and looked at him. He opened his mouth to say something, but couldn't find the words. He looked away and walked off into the forest.

Raidou waited until the footsteps disappeared before he let out his sigh. He moved to sit on the rock and look out at the lake. He was expecting it. He knew Genma well enough to at least have an idea how he would react. Even though, he felt his chest clench as he looked at the velvet box in his hands; the velvet box that held the white gold ring that held a subtle and masculine appearance. The ring that yelled "Genma" when he first saw it. He tore his eyes away and instead looked at the lake. Part of him told him to go after Genma, another told him to give him his time.

After a long moment, that felt like hours, he stood and decided to go after him and went to the first place that came to mind: he went to Iruka's.

Genma looked up and froze in his tracks when he realized where his feet had let him. He thickly swallowed and after a moment walked up to the memorial stone and knelt down in front of it, sitting back on his heels as his eyes rested on familiar names, "It's been a long time…," he said softly, a small, sad smile on his lips, "Mom. Dad." He closed his eyes he tears stung his eyes, "Why am I here?" he whispered to himself and looked back at the stone, "Because I have didn't have anywhere else to go…," he answered his own question.

"I know…that you don't want me here," he heard his voice crack, and took a deep breath to calm himself, "But…I don't know what to do…" he felt tears sting his eyes, "I love him. I love him so much…and I ran away when he asked me to marry him…," his heart clenched when he remembered the hurt in the dark eyes. He clenched his jaw and swiped at his eyes when tears ran down his cheek, "Why couldn't I just tell him…" the stone didn't reply, "Because I'm a coward. Because I'm scared," he answered softly, "I'm scared of ever losing him…" his voice cracked at the thought, "Of the pain and hurt," he dropped his gaze, "I never allowed myself to become so attached, let alone fall in love…but…Raidou's worth it," he swiped at his eyes again, "He's worth it."

"But I'm scared…that if he becomes more to me," he clenched his jaw, holding back his fresh tears, "And that day comes…" he broke off, not being able to finish, "I don't know…if I can handle that." He looked down at his lap, "But I love him so much…," he looked back up at the stone. "What should I do?"

The stone didn't answer.

Iruka opened the door to a rather stressed looking Raidou that was failing at trying to look casual, "Raidou, what's wrong?"

Raidou hesitated, thinking that he question answered his, "Is…is Genma here?" he asked anyway.

Iruka shook his head, "No, why? What happened?"

Raidou sighed and looked off to the side, "I asked him," he looked at Iruka, "I asked him to marry me."

Iruka smiled but it instantly faded when he understood the situation, "Raidou…"

Raidou's lips curved into a small smile, "He said that he needed to think about it," he hesitated, "It's just…something tells me that I need to find him."

Iruka gave the older man a soft smile, "Raidou, you know him well enough to understand him. Find him, Raidou, and take him home."

Raidou smiled, "I will," he hesitated, "if he does come by…"

Iruka nodded, "I'll tell him."

Raidou nodded and left. He walked down the darkening streets of Konoha, "I know he's not home…" he slowed to a stop when a thought occurred to him. He changed his direction.

Raidou stopped in his tracks when he found Genma in front of the memorial, feeling a sense of relief fill him. He slowly walked to his lover, letting his presence be known and knelt down next to him when he didn't see the younger man make to move. Genma glanced at him and offered him a small smile and noticed the red-rimmed hazel eyes, "Gen…" he trailed off when a pale hand took his and gave it a firm squeeze.

Genma smiled softly at the stone, "Mom, dad. This is Namiashi Raidou," he said softly and took in a steady breath, "My fiancée."

Raidou's head whipped to look at Genma with a shocked look on his face, "Genma?"

Genma looked at the older man and gave the tan hand a reassuring squeeze, "I want that, Raidou. I want to spend as long as I can with you," a smile graced his lips, "Because I love you, Rai, and this love I have for you will only get stronger," his smiled widened, "Of course, Rai. Of course I'll marry you."

Raidou recovered from his shock and wrapped Genma in a tight embrace, "Genma," he whispered, and buried his face into the younger man's neck, "Oh, Gen."

Genma smiled and returned the embrace. He knew this was right, because he couldn't see it any other way. And if he remembered the words of a certain haired jounin correctly…

"That doesn't matter, the risks and knowing that a jounin's life isn't a long one…what matter is that we're in love, that we want to strengthen our bond. And that want not to him, in any way…will bring me back home to him."

He felt Raidou pull away enough to seal their lips together in a sweet kiss. The want not to hurt him, to always be there with him, for him. To be the one that he comes home to, that comes home for.

Raidou looked into the hazel eyes, "Are you – "

"Do you want me to change my mind?" Genma asked with a smile.

Raidou smiled and looked at the stone. He traced his fingers over a pair of names, "My mom, and dad."

Genma's gaze softened.

Raidou's smile softened, "This is Shiranui Genma," he slipped his hand into his pocket and took out the velvet box, snapping it open and taking the matte ring out. He took his lover's hand and slipped the ring onto the pale digit. He smiled and kissed the ring and looked at Genma, his smiled widening at the soft blush on the pale cheeks, "My fiancée."

Genma's heart skipped a beat and found that he couldn't stop smiling. The flutter in his heart confirmed it; this couldn't feel more right.

Raidou kissed a pale cheek, "Let's go home, Love."

Genma nodded and stood, leaning on Raidou for support when his legs were asleep. He hesitated and looked at the memorial a small smile tugging on his lips, "Thank you," he said softly and an arm wrapped around his shoulder. He looked at Raidou and smiled as they walked back home.

They knew it was a chance, a risk even, but it was one that they were willing to take. Because to put it simply, they knew when they couldn't let go. They would spend, and share the rest of their days as long as life allowed them, and they would take it one day at a time. Together.

The next morning, Raidou woke up with Genma half sprawled on top of him. A warm smile graced his lips as he looked down at the younger man, My fiancée…, he felt a warm flutter in his heart and held the sleeping man closer, earning him a sleepy sigh. He gently threaded his fingers through the hazel locks, his smile widening when Genma snuggled closer against him. He leaned his head against the younger man's as he let his mind wander, thinking about their future, and what it possibly held for them. And he couldn't see it any other way. He couldn't see his life – their life – any other way. Genma, his long time friend that innocently wormed his way into his heart, and settled there to make it his place.

He lifted his head when he felt Genma stir against him and sigh against his neck as the younger man's lovingly nuzzled into it. He felt Genma's sleepy hum as the handsome face lifted to look at him, "'Morning, Gen."

Genma smiled and hummed as he nuzzled the scarred cheek, "'Morning, Rai." He softly sigh and planted a kiss under the earlobe, "What are you thinking about?" he asked softly, a warm smile of his lips.

Raidou smiled and kissed the sensitive forehead, "Us."

Genma smiled as he felt a certain flutter in his heart, "Really?"

Raidou softly chuckled and took the hand that was resting on his chest and kissed the silver band.

Genma fondly smiled at the older man, "…I never thought this would happen…," he whispered before thinking, and felt himself blush when Raidou gave him a warm smile.

"You mean us?" Raidou whispered back.

Genma smiled and gave a small nod, "Yeah…Us, you…and me," a hand came up to cup the back of his neck, "In love…engaged," his smiled widening at the word.

"Neither did I," Raidou said softly and threaded his fingers into the hazel locks, "Then again, the future is always strange to think about."

Genma softly chuckled and nodded in agreement, "But then again…" he trailed his hand over the exposed tan chest, and smiled at his fiancée, "Thinking about our future together, makes me feel very warm and just…simply happy." He couldn't help but laugh when Raidou pounced on him, rolling them over and crashing their lips together with a passionate kiss.

These moments, these precious moments. They knew their future would hold many – many ­– more of them. And that's one of the facts that they happily looked forward to.

AN: That's it! It's over :( I hope you guys enjoyed it! And thank you so much for reading!

I'm thinking of either starting the Prequel to "Ours"...which is really the Prequel to "Caring for You", or the Minoru sequel/arc. We'll see!