Work Text:
‘…how can he even live in such conditions. Nobody is born with that knowledge and nobody taught him, but there are limits for everything.’
Gai hummed in response, nodding. He was sitting on a bench next to a small tea shop in the village outskirts and Kakashi was going on about his students and their disturbing habits. Besides being terrorized by them, his rival seemed to be in a good mood. Even the perfect weather seemed to be celebrating it together with Gai.
‘I don’t even know what colors the counters are, not to mention the floor. The place is boiling over with- with trash and empty instant ramen packages. How is this kid even still alive if that’s the only thing he eats? It’s unhealthy. His body is growing, he needs energy and nutrients and clean clothes an habitable living space!’
‘Just to be on the same page.’ Gai gulped a whole dango in one go. ‘Are we talking about general standards or your standards?’
Kakashi was quiet for a moment, frowning at his tea.
‘Both. It’s just a matter of time he will get rats in there or something.’
‘Oh, no. Are you having nightmares about it?’
Hatake turned to look at him.
‘I have, actually. Last night I had a dream I was living in his flat and it was just as bad as it is right now. No matter how much I cleaned and scrubbed it was just getting worse.’
Gai made a scandalized sound.
‘My thoughts exactly! I woke up stressed.’ He sighed.
‘I’m sorry you had to go through that, Rival! But even if it was a bad dream, it was something new! You have a new genre of nightmares in your collection.’
Kakashi snorted, nodding.
‘True.’
Gai patted him on his shoulder, smiling.
‘Well, you’re his lead jounin now! Our role does not end on guiding them during missions! Just like you said, nobody taught him how to keep his space clean – sounds like something you could show him. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it!’
‘Yeah,’ he sighed. ‘I’ll also have to work on his eating habits. If he won’t start getting proper meals, he’ll just remain an orange shrimp for the rest of his life.’
Gai laughed loudly.
‘That’s the spirit, Rival!’
Kakashi tilted his head to look up at the sky. A few lone clouds were slowly drifting by.
‘I have to make a trip to the store,’ he hummed, glancing at his companion.
‘Getting a cleaning kit for the kid?’ he asked with a smile.
‘Yep. Didn’t see anything but an old broom. I might need your help too, I think.’
‘Anything, dear Kakashi!’ He showed a thumb up in Kakashi’s face.
‘How do you keep your flat clean? It used to be a mess when we were about his age, no? I know you tried a lot of thing, but what worked for you the best?’
‘Ah, yes – I used to struggle with being tidy as well, but you have inspired me to do better. It was a trial and error method, but in the end I managed to find a system that works from me!’ Kakashi had to wait for him to finish the last dango stick before he continued, his mouth full. ‘First of all, suggest him having a humper in every room, so there will be a designated space for clothes in every room. Secondly, get him a basket every room too.
‘Huh, so again, to toss in there all things that don’t belong in that room.’
‘Exactly! All the possible mess is contained within the humper and baskets.’
Kakashi slowly nodded, humming to himself.
‘That might work. He seems similar to you with having short attention span, being easily distracted and excitable.’
Gai grinned proudly, puffing his chest.
‘That’s me! But the boxes and stuff should be colorful and fun, so he will be happy to use them.’ He chuckled. ‘I still very much love the cleaning set with cartoon turtles you got me!’
‘Yeah,’ he sighed with a smile. ‘I knew you’d like it.’
‘Bah, you know me so well, Rival!’
Kakashi finished his tea in few gulps and pulled the mask back up.
‘So, are you going with me?’
‘Of course I am!’ He jumped onto his feet. ‘Perhaps I’ll find something that sparks joy for myself too!’
The Copy-nin only chuckled silently, standing up as well. He would have to keep an eye for something Gai would like too.
Kakashi wished Gai did not have to go and deal with his everyday business with his team, but Gai – being himself – scheduled a one to one training session with all of his students and he was starting the day with Neji. He received a rib-crushing-and-a-little-too-long-to-be-just-friendly hug from him and when he could gasp for air again, for a short moment all oxygen seemed to be sucked away somewhere far when they held each other’s gaze. Gai’s arms were still on Kakashi’s sides, flexing mindlessly on the seams of his vest.
‘So,’ he said eventually, as happy as ever. The sun was hitting his eyes in that specific way revealing they were not actually black, but very – extremely – dark brown. ‘See you around, Rival!’
‘Mm. Yeah,’ he agreed, letting his gaze slide down Gai’s nose and land on his full, still smiling and very distracting lips. How come they were so entrancing no matter if they were just happily curled up, smeared with hot sauce or constantly blabbering? ‘I’ll hunt you down later.’
Gai smirked with a huff. Kakashi did not do spicy – not after their spicy challenge - but he could think of a few exceptions.
‘We’ll see about who will be hunting who,’ he lowered his voice just enough to make it hang somewhere in between a threat and a promise.
Kakashi gripped a big, shopping bag a bit tighter, making it crinkle – and with the other hand, he brushed off an imaginary thread off of Gai’s chest.
‘Sure,’ he mused.
‘But now!’ He straightened his back and tossed his fringe from his eyebrows. ‘I must go, I’d hate to be late for training with my adorable pupil!’
‘You’re training with Neji now, no?’ he made sure, raising an eyebrow.
‘Correct!’
‘Neji Hyuuga?’
Gai nodded, beaming.
‘The one and only!’
‘He’s a brat,’ noticed Kakashi.
‘He is,’ agreed Gai, making a funny face. ‘He reminds me of you actually! Probably that’s why he makes me feel so sentimental when I watch his interaction with his teammates.’
Kakashi only snorted, finally stepping away to get out of that weird, tense bubble around them.
‘It must be it,’ he agreed. ‘That means I was adorable,’ he noticed with a smug smile.
‘I’d reconsider the past tense!’ he chuckled, pulling him back in for one last hug; it was quick and with a few light taps on Kakashi’s shoulders, he leaned in for a quick kiss on the cheek. He waved him goodbye and speed run away.
Kakashi watched him for as long as he could make out his silhouette.
‘Oh, you bitch,’ he muttered into his mask. He turned on his heel and finally went off to ambush Naruto in his disgusting flat.
Just as predicted, Naruto was at home – Kakashi spotted him sitting on the floor, mindlessly turning pages in some colorful magazine. He landed on his windowsill and knocked on the glass. The boy jumped, making a face of a kid just caught on something he was not supposed to be doing and relaxed when he saw who decided to visit him. His flat was just as awful as when he saw it the last time.
The boy slid the window open.
‘Sensei! A mission?!’
Kakashi shooed him away and jumped in.
‘In a way. We have a lot to do.’
Naruto grabbed the big shopping bag pushed in his arms and peered inside, frowning. It was filled with brand new cleaning supplies; sponges, packages of cloths covered with colorful prints, plastic and material baskets and cleaning agents.
‘What’s this?’
‘This, Naruto, is you being taught how to take care of your belongings.’
‘What?’
Kakashi sighed and gestured around.
‘This place is a mess. I’m surprised there are no cockroaches there yet.’
Naruto puffed his cheeks in an annoyed expression. He got a bit red on his face and he must had felt the itch on his cheeks, because he turned away. Kakashi ruffled his hair.
‘Now, now, no need to get embarassed. I know nobody taught you how to clean and organize, and it can be tricky.’ He gave him a gentle knock on the top of his head. ‘Living in messy space is not good for you. I’ll show you how to deal with it, so chin up. It only looks so overwhelming, but when you figure out a system that works for you, you’ll feel the difference.’
‘Lies,’ he scoffed. ‘It just gets worse when I try to clean up!’
‘That’s why I’m here,’ noticed Kakashi patiently. ‘Get a big trash bag. It’s in there – we’ll start from the top. Meaning we will gather everything that belongs in the trash and toss it in here. One room at the time, alright?’ he added, seeing the unconvinced look on the boy’s face. He reached to one of his waist pouches to fish out a small visual timer Gai spotted on one of the shelves in the shop. ‘Do you think five minutes is enough?’
‘Pfht, sure thing, sensei! I’m super-fast!’
‘Hm, we’ll see about that.’ He turned the knob and set it for five minutes; part of the clock’s face turned red as a visual aid. ‘It will go off in five minutes. You can take a look at it and see exactly how long is left.’
Naruto nodded and snatched a bag, immediately starting to collect in it all trash from the room. Kakashi looked around and without hurry, he began collecting the dishes. He stacked them in a pile and leaned on the wall next to the still opened window.
‘How much time do I still have?’
‘Check the timer.’
‘Ha! Watch me!’ He sprinted off the room, stomping heavily with his bare feet.
Naruto did not make it in five minutes, but in his defense, he took a run over the whole flat. The bag ended up by the front door. Next, Kakashi made the boy take another stroll around the flat to collect all the dishes in the kitchen, but not in the sink – the boy had exactly one plastic basin and that was where the dishes were gathered.
‘So, what now?’ he asked, fixing his headband. He was wearing it even on his free day and despite his initial reluctance, he was already invested.
‘Now, you will collect the clothes. Everything that is on the floor ends up in the humper.’
Naruto made a face.
‘A what, now?’
‘Oh, boy,’ sighed Kakashi to himself and dug in the giant bag he brought with himself. He pulled out a colorful, foldable paper-like basket. ‘Here. A humper for your dirty clothes. Put one in every room in which you might undress. I got you one for bathroom, bedroom and there is one more…’ He placed them all on the bed. Naruto walked closer and picked one up, chuckling at the bright colors and geometrical prints. He squinted at the man.
‘Why so many?’
‘Because one stroll around your place was all I needed to know you just toss whatever, wherever. Dirty clothes belong in a humper. I don’t expect you to go to the bathroom every time you get something stained.’
Naruto laughed, ruffling his blond hair.
‘No, I don’t do that.’
‘Figured. Have one in every room and always throw dirty clothes and what-nots in there. Contain the mess in one part of the room.’
‘Oh I get it, I get it! Controlled mess! Cool!’ He unpacked one of the humpers and tossed the plastic packaging on the floor. Kakashi cleared his throat. His student only stuck his tongue out and with a chuckle, he picked up the bag.
All three humpers ended up in their planned places and Naruto picked up all the dirty clothes he scattered around (that time he made it in five minutes and Kakashi agreed to high-five him). They changed the bedsheet too and after that, they dusted the shelves and they both grabbed a broom. With every window opened wide, they swept the floors. The next point on the list was wiping every surface with a cloth and some really nice smelling detergent before the same would happen to the floor. They had to change the water twice.
Instructed by his sensei, Naruto picked a spot for a plastic basket to place in every room. He was supposed to toss in there whatever he brought from another room and did not put it away. Together they went through the kitchen cabinets and threw away everything that was past due date. The fridge was scrubbed clean as well and Kakashi scolded the boy for not even having an first aid kit. Just because he had Kyuubi healing him it did not mean he would not ever need any medicine or something to wrap a wound! He wrote him a list of things to always have stashed in the same place so he would never had to look for it if needed. Naruto was convinced that sensei would talk his ears out about food and nutrition – he was bad at cooking anyway! – and screeched when Kakashi out of nowhere lightly slapped his head with a cooking book for beginners. Where did he even take it from?! And apparently sensei was using something similar when he was a kid, so he decided to take a curious look at a few pages.
‘…there are some base ingredients you should always have and you’ll never have an issue with making a meal from them. Here.’ He reached to open the book on one of the first pages. ‘The list is ready. Don’t make that face, kid. It’s important, you have to know how to properly take care of yourself! The way you eat, exercise and rest affects your chakra quality, and as a result, your techniques too.’
‘…I know,’ he grumbled.
‘I’m telling you because you don’t know. Another thing. Since you’re a genin now, I believe you’re off the village financial support.’
‘Yep.’ He drummed his fingers on the table.
Kakashi sat more comfortably by the freshly cleaned table.
‘How do you budget?’
‘What?’
‘What is your money system - no, do you have a money system?’
Naruto grinned and stood up. He jogged off and when he was back, he tossed a quite big, frog-shaped pouch on the table.
‘Gama-chan takes care of it for me!’
Kakashi eyed the wallet and slowly looked up at his student.
‘And what plan does Gama-chan have for making sure you have money for groceries, bills, the rent, and safety pillow if you end up injured and can’t take missions. Oh, and trips to Ichiraku, some coin aside for whatever you wish, and clothing? You’re a growing boy, you’re going to need new clothes regularly.’
Naruto visibly deflated and sat back down. He shrugged, looking away.
Ah, yes. The kid was never explain that either. Kakashi offered him a reassuring smile and reached to his waist pouch – he pulled out a small booklet, enough to fit some envelopes inside. He placed in on the table and slid it towards the boy.
‘Get a pen. You’re going to start your budgeting envelopes.’
‘Ayeh, sensei!’ he called, jumping back on his feet. He was back in a blink of an eye.
Bills, rent, groceries, fun, savings. Every envelope had a different color and silly stickers for decorating them (another funny thing Gai had spotted – he had a good eye for cute things designed to make your life easier). Together they came up with a diagram on how to distribute the cash into envelopes.
‘Every time you collect your salary you go back here.’ He tapped the booklet. ‘And you put the money in here according to this plan.’ He frowned. ‘…I assume the bills were not explained to you either, no?’
When Naruto shook his head, Kakashi only sighed. It was going to be a long afternoon. He was probably going to have a similar talk with Sasuke – at least about money, the kid knew how to keep his flat clean, but he would have to make sure that he knew how to deal with his finances.
The sun was already low on the sky when Kakashi was finally satisfied and Naruto mostly understood bills, how to pay them and how to budget. He even looked through the cooking book and seemed interested in a few recipes, so Kakashi could take a deep breath and tell himself that the kid was going to be okay.
He also had to summon his pack and go through their fur – he took them for walks a few times around the training grounds or the forest around the village (close enough to be seen at any time by the shinobi guarding the borders). There could had been something hiding in their coats…
Since he had plans, he did not stop by the cemetery nor did he go to the memorial stone – besides, he wanted to spend that day among the living. It was an odd feeling, for over ten years he would spent most of his free time between graves of his family and friends. Wanting to be around people was just as refreshing as it was tiring. His legs just carried him right on their own accord. Lost in his thoughts, he barely noticed his surroundings or any words printed in the book he was holding in front of his face.
The block of flats was a familiar sight – out of habit he skimmed the windows, checking who of his colleagues had their lights on. His eyes lingered on the window to the kitchenette in Gai’s flat. It was lit up, meaning he was welcome to get up there to annoy him. In a couple of chakra laps he was on the windowsill, ready to get inside through the window but he stopped before he even opened it for himself. Gai was not alone, his whole team was there too and he found himself staring straight at Neji. He was staring back at him, face blank. He did not even flinch or acknowledged the situation in any way, but apparently he was a little too still for too long, because both Lee and TenTen turned on their seats to see what Neji was looking at.
Lee jumped at his feet and trotted to the window and opened it a little too energetically, making the glass rattle.
‘Good evening, Kakashi-sensei!’
‘Uh-‘
Gai peered from the other room, frowning in confusion, but he beamed when he saw what was going on.
‘Rival!’ he called happily, patting his palms dry on his sweatpants. ‘What a lovely surprise! Come on in, we’re going to have some tea and play Pig Tail!’
Card games?
TenTen waved a deck of card in her hand.
‘Come on!’ laughed Gai, making a beeline to the window. He grabbed Kakashi by his wrists and pulled him inside, not giving him a chance to even come up with an excuse to leave immediately. ‘How did it go?’ He closed the window. Lee returned to his spot. ‘With Naruto, did you manage to do everything you planned?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Nice, I expected nothing less!’ He patted him on the shoulder, guiding him straight to the little table in the middle of the room and pushed him down. Kakashi obliged.
All three students were staring at them without even trying to be subtle about it. Gai was still talking, clearly delighted with having them all together like that, and he joined them soon enough with a tray loaded with a pot of tea, little cups and a plate full of dried fruits and nuts.
TenTen shuffled the cards and for a good measure, everyone stared intently at her hands to make sure she was not trying any tricks. During the game, Gai was loud as usual, but that time the decibels were doubled because of Lee who clearly imprinted himself to his teacher. It was endearing – Kakashi still remembered the kid when he saw him in the academy over a year ago. He improved greatly and was a very promising shinobi despite being completely unable to use chakra for anything else but staying glued to any surface. TenTen was cheating a little, but Gai said nothing, so Kakashi did not mention it either. Her bluffing was clearly baffling to Neji who seemed to be on edge of activating Byakugan to see the rest of the cards. They went through three pots of tea and numerous rounds of card games (with a break for dinner fixed by Gai, which Kakashi used as an excuse to hide in the kitchen with him) when his students finally decided it was time for them to go. It was a long day and they had a morning training planned – they needed a night of good sleep to keep up with their hyperactive, overachieving and endearing teacher.
Gai either hugged (Lee) or high-fived (Neji and TenTen) them on their way out of the flat. Chuckling, he closed the door and turned to face his Rival. He leaned on the door, grinning.
‘Another round?’
‘Maah,’ he sighed, leaning back to lay flat on the floor. ‘I’m good. I wouldn’t mind more tea.’
‘Chamomile?’
‘Mm.’
Gai only chuckled and put the kettle on. He prepared the cups.
‘So, love! Tell me about your day!’ There was a short pause. ‘I meant Rival, of course! Hahah!’
‘Of course,’ he mused, taking his headband off. ‘I can be your love too,’ he added under his breath and sighed. ‘The flat was a mess. It took hours to clean this up, we gathered a few bags of trash… And two trips to the launderette! He doesn’t even have a first aid kit, his fridge is almost empty but he does have an impressive stash of instant ramen.’ He sighed. ‘I have to stop off on the market on the way tomorrow…’
‘Bring him some veggies?’
‘Yeah. He needs actual food.’ He hid his face in his palms, rubbing at his eyes. ‘But overall it was productive. I taught him about bills and budgeting too.’
Gai laughed proudly, pouring hot water in the cups.
‘It truly does sound fruitful! I’m positive he learnt a lot today, Kakashi!’ He placed the cups on the low table and crouched next to him. ‘You went all Maito style on him, Rival!’ With a grin, he slapped his knee.
‘Mm. It’s the best style if you ask me.’ He let his arms drop, so he could look at him, and smiled.
Gai was openly staring at him with big eyes almost immediately full of tears.
‘Rival!’ he crooked; his bottom lip was wobbling. ‘That’s so sweet of you to say!’
‘Yeah, yeah,’ he waved his hand. ‘Say, I wanted to summon the dogs and look through their fur.’
Gai perked up with a big smile.
‘Please do, I’m always happy to see them! Let me just grab snacks real quick-’ He stood up and jogged to the kitchen cabinets. Kakashi used this time to bite down on his thumb to draw some blood and summoned the merry band. He disappeared under them when they all tried to sniff and lick his face to say hello.
With a jar of dog cookies in hands, Gai stood nearby and watched them with a soft smile for solid five minutes. Eventually he shook the treats to get their attention and – including Kakashi – give them home-made cookies for a good start.
The floor was big enough for all of them to find a comfortable position. Lazily stretched, the hounds were napping while waiting on their turn. Kakashi started from the smallest of the pack, so Pakkun was the first to have his fur meticulously combed through. He ended up in Gai’s embrace for a round of cuddles and smooches on his wrinkled forehead.
Bisuke was the next on the list. He had two ticks hidden in his fur.
Munching on a treat, he happily jumped in Gai’s arms – it was his turn for cuddles and kisses.
Both men barely said anything, focused on the tasks at hand and their cups of aromatic tea, enjoying their presence in silence.
After the forth dog (Akino), Gai pressed his lips in a thin line and fighting a smile, he reached for another one. Instead of Uhei, he grabbed Kakashi by the sides. With a sigh, he pulled him closer. Still holding the dog, Kakashi ended up laying on Gai’s lap, briefly wondering who was more confused – him or Uhei.
Unbothered, humming something happily under his breath, Gai started the fifth series of petting. He carefully combed Kakashi’s hair and only winked at him when he met his sleepy gaze.
Kakashi slowly patted Uhei’s butt, and once freed of his weight, he only sat more comfortably and closed his eyes with a happy sigh.
‘Who would have thought,’ said Gai quietly. ‘How many clothes your precious ninkens wear.’
‘Hm.’
‘One might even mistake them with a person!’ He unzipped Kakashi’s vest (he opened his eyes to look at Gai’s hands) and carefully placed his palm on his stomach. Kakashi initially flinched, but did not protectively curl up his limbs. With a sigh, he slowly relaxed enough for Gai to resume his scheme and allowed his palm to slid under the chainmail he would always wear under his clothes. When met with no protests other than instinctive, short tensing of the muscles, Gai started rubbing his belly in slow, circular motion. ‘But it’s alright. Nothing can stand between them and the well-deserved tummy pets!’
Kakashi could not help a snort. He could feel the judgmental looks from his pack but he could not care less at that moment. Gai shifted, lowering his head and he placed a loud smooch on his forehead. Kakashi could feel a smile tugging on the corner of his lips, but Gai was far from being done – one big hand scratching his head (making him feel tingly all over, he loved head scratches), the other giving him belly rubs and he kept peppering his face with soft kisses. Some of them were stupidly loud, but it was making him feel warm and soft. He scooted a bit closer to lean more comfortably against Gai’s chest and rose his chin a bit higher, inviting him to continue. Listening to his heartbeat and calm, deep breathing felt almost like he was floating.
When he eventually looked up, he met with Gai’s gently gaze.
‘Hey.’
‘Hey.’ He reached up to run his fingers through his silky black, and completely unfairly soft hair. Gai turned his head towards his palm when it slowly slid down his face, gently following the line of his jaw. Kakashi reached back up and just with his fingertips, kept exploring his face. With a thumb he brushed one of his eyebrows and barely brushed over his lower lip. He let his hand rest on the side of his neck - he could feel his pulse.
Gai leaned in again to press a tender kiss on the scar on his left eye, and then another one following down the trail of the old wound. Tilting his head back just so, Kakashi hooked a finger on the fabric on the bridge of his nose and pulled the mask down. It stayed on his chin. Another soft, lingering peck– a bit lower on his cheek, right on the mole hardly anyone knew about – and in the next moment they both moved slightly to the sides so their lips could meet. The belly rubs unfortunately stopped when Gai slid his hand further down the side to pull Kakashi a bit higher, so he would not have to strain his back and neck trying to reach up. He offered a little back scratch instead. With a small, content sound in the back of this throat, Kakashi reached up once more to put his hand on Gai’s neck with no intention of letting him go anytime soon.
They broke the kiss a few times just to lean back into it again. Eventually. Gai moved back enough to give a little peck to Kakashi’s nose and forehead again.
Kakashi got comfortable, nuzzling against Gai’s chest. He could not hold back goofy grin tugging on his lips at the idea he just had – unfortunately the green jumpsuit was on so he could not implement it. Another time – for the moment he was satisfied with a nose boop.
‘I think we’ve got distracted,’ noticed Gai, his voice happy and low. Kakashi’s arm slid down over his chest, stopping for a quick squeeze or two. Relaxed muscles were soft and who he was to resist?
‘Don’t know what you’re talking about,’ he mumbled with his face pressed against Gai’s pecks. He nuzzled against them. ‘I can have ticks too.’
Gai laughed, shaking his head.
‘Right! Let me check, I cannot allow my beloved Rival to walk around eaten alive by some external parasites!’
‘Absolutely not.’
Chuckling lightly, Gai busied himself with going through Kakashi’s coarse hair. Luckily for him, no ticks were found, but he was not in a hurry to let him know that the inspection was successful. Kakashi was feeling progressively heavier and softer in his arms.
‘You’re falling asleep,’ he noticed.
‘Hm.’
‘Don’t mind me, by all means, I don’t mind either!’
‘Mh-mh.’
With a happy grin, Gai kept petting his hair. He reached to the chair nearby and grabbed a blanket. Proud of his good choice of placing it a couple hours before, he tossed it over Kashi and two dogs at the same time. He only hummed in response and turned a bit to get more comfortable, putting both arms around Gai’s waist.
Gai only sighed to himself, looking at him with a small, fond smile. He got himself stuck, but he was not going to complain. He was more than capable of sitting still for hours!
Especially like that.
He had fallen asleep as well, surrounded by eight warm furballs in variety of sizes. Kakashi draped over his lap was a comforting weight and Gai did not need a lot of time to doze off.