#guy maito

From the best show <3

A KakaSaku Fanfiction.

*This is a partial chapter posting. Read the full one on A03. CLICK HERE to go to full chapter.*

Summary: Bonds come in many types.

Kakashi pushed Gai's wheelchair carefully along the barely there path. Path was more generous than it deserved, truthfully. Game trail was likely more accurate. It winded through the forest over roots and a few small boulders and rocks.

Gai didn't mind the occasional jarring. He was much too focused on the sunlight dappling through the leaves overhead and the mossy patches showing through the green grasses on the forest floor and creeping on many of the boulders they passed.

"We are nearly there," Kakashi confirmed after maneuvering around a particularly gnarled root. They were only about 100 yards from the road, but it was enough for the sounds of the forest to envelope them and the occasional passing cart or person to be drowned out.

It was on the furthest edge of the walled village, so it was already quiet, but the untouched forest made it feel even more secluded. Kakashi took a deep breath of the air. He felt at peace here. It would be the perfect place to rebuild his clan's compound. A peaceful, fresh star for the Hatake. It was a long time coming, he supposed.

Gai's pleased gasp sounded as they broke through into a large, mostly open area in the forest. He eyed the meadow with its small stream ribboning across one side, a blinding smile upon his face, "My Rival!" Awe in his voice.

Kakashi came around to stand at his side observing the landscape, "I thought this would be a good place. It is deep enough into the forest to feel secluded without having to travel too far." He rubbed his neck, shoulders raised as he asked, "What do you think?"

Gai spun his chair around on two wheels clapping his hands around Kakashi's hanging at his side, "My Rival! This spot is truly gorgeous! It is open enough already to not require the removal of too many trees. I know how much you like hanging around in them."

Kakashi let out a breath with a chuckle, "Well, it's the only reading spot that lets me pass the time in peace most days." Gai's approval of his choice made him feel slightly more comfortable.

Planning a clan compound made him feel completely out of his element. He figured it was a case of impostor syndrome. After all, he was technically of a clan; it just had never really ever felt like it his whole life. This whole idea of his, well, the weight of the task was beginning to settle on his shoulders.

"I was actually hoping to leave most of the trees through the whole compound, if possible. The boulders too," he admitted as he turned to look over the landscape, "Though some may have to be moved around."

"You could use the boulders to make an ornamental garden or two," Gai suggested, rubbing his chin in thought, nodding to himself, "And a moon bridge over the stream would be quite a sight. You certainly have enough good stone here to source for it."

Kakashi grinned, "Those are good ideas, Gai. Thank you."

"Do you plan to show Sakura the land?" Gai asked, "I am sure she would have some good ideas as well."

Kakashi rubbed his neck, uncertain, "Well, I was thinking of showing her when it is finished. Actually."

Gai's brows rose, "But, Kakashi, such a job as this could take a year or more."

Kakashi grinned down at his friend, eyes glimmering mischievously, "Not if you employ ninja and jutsu on the build."

Gai blinked. A smile slowly bloomed across his face as he realized Kakashi's point. He threw his head back in a laugh, "Oh ho! Just the kind of clever thinking I would expect from my Rival!"

Kakashi chuckled, "So, you accept my offer?"

Gai's countenance sombered, "Hm, I don't know, Kakashi. You are embarking on the next chapter of your life. One full of the blossoming bud of the strength of your youth and love. I would be in the way of this beautiful moment of your life, my Friend."

Kakashi sighed, "Gai, you could never be in the way. You are my longest and dearest friend. You are family. Besides," he hummed looking around the meadow, "I fully planned on building you your own home next to the main house."

Gai sputtered in surprise or protest one.

But Kakashi just continued on, "I know you enough to know that you enjoy your space as much as I do."

Gai's lip wobbled at that. He was touched. Kakashi had been his oldest and dearest friend as well. They had been through so much. Lost their families. Lost friends, teachers, mentors. Through it all, they had leaned on each other's constant presence in each others lives.

"Besides, a clan compound isn't much of a compound without extended family living nearby, is it?" He smiled down at Gai, who eyes became watery.

The truth was that Gai had always looked up to Kakashi. For his talent, his inner strength. For his cool head under stress. Gai was always the emotional one. If he had ever had a brother, he was sure that even their bond wouldn't compare to the one he felt with Kakashi. He really was Gai's family. And to hear Kakashi open up and say so himself, well...

Gai wiped at his eyes, tears steadily streaming down his cheeks. He was touched. And relieved. They had come so far. "My Friend! I know I already said as much, but- I am so happy to see you reach this stage of contentment in life! You've suffered so much. But you're heart and the will of youth within you was strong! I always knew you could make it to such a place of peace within yourself."

A lump rose in Kakashi's throat, "Gai..."

"I am just so proud of you!" Gai affirmed through his tears.

Kakashi's eyes grew hot, "Gai-"

"I would be honored, my Dearest Rival, to bear witness to the Hatake clan taking it's place in the sunshine of youth!" he exclaimed, "Your Father and Minato-sama would be so proud of how far you've come since your ANBU days."

"Damn it, Gai," Kakashi covered his eyes with his hand. Hot streams fell onto his cheeks dampening the top of his mask.

Gai, upon noticing Kakashi's rare display, clapped his friend on the back, "Now, my Rival. Where should we begin?"