The Spaces In-Between

Say Yes

Kakashi opened his eyes and cursed.  His ceiling was an unwelcomed sight as he lay there for a moment in severe discomfort.  He had made a promise to her years ago and all this time, he had not even seriously thought about how to accomplish it, and now he had made another one.  He rolled out of his bed once his body cooled off and went to his closet.  It was early morning and the village was just starting to wake up.  He pulled out a pair of pants and pulled them on quickly, then a shirt that he tucked in before threading his belt through the pants loop.  He quickly wrapped his leg and secured his utility pack.  All of this as he was thinking quickly in his mind.  He knew it was possible to open portals to other worlds.  He had been on several of those worlds during the last war.  As he pulled on his vest and secured his headband, it finally came to him.  Only one person could help him bring Y/N to him permanently.

He cursed again, having no idea where he currently was since he had been gone from the village for a very long time.  Naruto would know.

After putting on his sandals, he grabbed his mask almost running out the door without it.  He was sure that it was a little unusual of a sight for the village, the Lord Sixth running at top speed across the rooftops.  It was not something he had done since the village was at peace.  He arrived at Naruto's house, knowing that he would not be at his office yet.  He probably was still asleep as late as he worked into most nights.

Hinata opened the door for him and her eyes widened slightly as she saw him.  "Kakashi sensei, is everything okay?"

"I'm sorry to have bothered you so early, Hinata, but I need to talk to Naruto."

"He's not here right now.  He didn't come home again last night.  I was going to take him a change of clothes."

"I'll take them for you, Hinata," Kakashi said with a smile.  She was adorable with her baby bump protruding out.

She smiled at him, stepped back to pick up a bag she had prepared, then handed it to him.  "I also made him some breakfast."

"You're a good wife, Hinata."

Her cheeks became very pink before she nodded to him in thanks.  He raised his hand in farewell before taking off in a run once again.  A few moments later, he was outside Naruto's office on the ledge and pushing the window open.  He stopped for a moment to look at his student.  He was slumped over the desk, which was covered with stacks of paper, with drool coming out the side of his mouth. That kid.  He was trying so hard to be the best Hokage but it was obvious the paperwork side of it was burying him in an early grave.

He softly put the bag down next to the desk before approaching him and gently putting his hand on his shoulder to shake him.  Naruto's eyes snapped open and he sat up, blinking as he looked at him.  "Kakashi sensei, what are you doing here so early?"

"Hinata sent you a change of clothes and breakfast, Naruto," Kakashi answered instead.  "You should get some help with all of this."

"I have Shikamaru..." he yawned.  "You can't just trust anyone with this stuff.  Some of it is high level and I never know until I actually put my hand on it."

"Hmm," Kakashi answered before getting to the point.  "Where is Sasuke?"

Naruto blinked as he looked at him.  "Why would I know?"

"Because I see one of your clones sneak out every so often then come back a week or so later.  I know you're sending them to him."

Naruto sighed heavily, "He doesn't want to be found right now."

"When has Sasuke ever wanted to be found," Kakashi muttered.  "It's important Naruto.  I need him to do something for me and he's the only one that I believe can do it."