Three

Exposed- TenTen / An Ocean Of Memories - Kakashi

TenTen felt a little self conscious in the bikini.  She could see every flaw.

"Come out, TenTen!"

They had finally made it to the beach. Seeing it for the first time was amazing: deep blue water stretched out past the horizon as white sand lay in front of them. But they had insisted on getting to the bungalow first and getting settled, and getting her a proper bathing suit before stepping onto that white sand.

So that's what she was doing. She sighed, stepping out into the store where they were waiting. Kakashi grinned.

"That's it!"

"You've said that about the last two."

Iruka glanced over at Kakashi before looking back at TenTen.

"How do you feel in it?"

She smiled.

"I feel exposed, but I think when my body heals, it'll be great."

Iruka grinned.

"I think you look incredible right now.  You have a beautiful body."

She felt herself blush.

"Nah, it's all scarred, even without the bruising."

Both Kakashi and Iruka looked surprised by her words, but Iruka spoke first.

"You're a kunoichi, though. You're going to have scarring."

Kakashi was a little more romantic about it.

"I love a lover with scars. It means that you've lived.  Besides, I love kissing every scar on my partner's body."

He was practically salivating as he put an arm around Iruka, who was blushing.  They really were cute together. She gave a little spin.

"So this one, then?"

"Hold on."

Iruka got up, heading behind a rack and coming back a moment later with a big, floppy hat with a matching red ribbon, pink sunglasses, a pink cover up for her hips, and pink flip flops.  It coordinated well. He helped her put them on and smiled.

"I want you to be all ready for your first time in the ocean."

She turned and looked in the mirror, wanting to cry. He whispered to her.

"You look stunning."

He put his hands over her hips gently.

"I know how self-conscious you are about this.  Maybe by the end of the week you can lose the cover up on the sand."

He looked at her longingly in the mirror before kissing her shoulders, giving extra care to her tender one, which was fresh out of a sling. Kakashi was watching, grinning like a jackal.

"I'll get you in the ocean.  You might want to ge her a second pair of bottoms in case we lose the first ones-"

"We won't be losing the first ones.  You're going to control yourself."

Iruka rolled his eyes at his boyfriend, making TenTen giggle as she teased him. They had yet to continue their rough teasing from a few days ago.

"They have some stretch; maybe you can pull them to the side."

His eyes grew wide at her words.  She ran her tongue over her lips slowly.  Kakashi jumped up, ready to go.

"You look great!  Let's go to the beach!"

She watched in the mirror as Iruka rested his face against her shoulder.  His words were muffled.

"You do look great, TenTen."

She reached back with her good hand, ruffling his ponytail gently.

"Thank you."

***

Kakashi held her hand, helping her through the sand as he held her flip flops in the other.  She took them off the second she reached the white sand.

"Oh!  It's hot!  And my feet sink into it!  It's kind of hard to walk on!"

Iruka was right behind them, carrying their towels and bag.  He'd make sure to give Iruka some extra love and attention on this trip; he wasn't used to having two people to dote on.  He certainly didn't want Iruka to feel left out.  Besides, they would need ot talk about what things would look like when they returned home.  But at this moment, they were at the beach.  And tonight, he would take them out for a big birthday dinner for Iruka-kun.

They reached their cabana, and Iruka dumped everything on one of the loungers.  TenTen's excitement was palatable.

"Come on!"

Iruka was laying stuff out on the chairs.

"Go on!  I'll be there!"

Kakashi was right behind her as she awkwardly ran toward the water.  Between her healing body and the sand, she was struggling, but so happy!  He caught her as she stumbled, scooping her up and taking her to the water.  He looked her in the face.

"Are you ready?"

She squealed as he placed her feet in the water. Her bottom lip quivered, and he felt himself panic a little.

"Do you not like it?"

Her big green eyes were filled with tears.

"I love it.  It's warm.  It's wonderful.  I'm doing it, Kakashi..."

He wanted to cry as he took her hand and helped her in further.  They went out up to their shoulders and she went under for a second before reappearing on the surface, floating on her back in the gentle waves.  Kakashi looked over and Iruka was nearby, snapping pictures with a disposible camera.  Kakashi motioned him over, taking the camera and kissing him deeply, taking pictures of them.  Iruka caressed his face with warm, wet hands.

"You're so thoughtful, capturing the moment for her."

"It's all for us.  Don't worry about getting it wet.  It's waterproof."

Kakashi slid the camera in his zippered pocket of his swim trunks so he could embrace Iruka fully, still keeping half an eye on TenTen.  With their luck this mission, she would float away, or something would pull her under. But she looked peaceful in the waves, having her own moment.

"Happy birthday, Love."

"Thank you.  This is an amazing surprise.  Two weeks ago, I never would've imagined that I'd be here."

"Let's have a great week before we go home. And maybe we can get some future planning for our clan sorted out as well."

Kakashi reached out, pulling TenTen in by the waist.  She giggled as she bobbed upright, clinging to him. Iruka smiled, speaking to her.

"How's the ocean?"

"Amazing!"

Kakashi was afraid she might miss Neji as she bobbed in the short waves, experiencing this for the first time, but she seemed okay.  He had the feeling that she always missed him a little, but she was ready to move on with the living. Kakashi kissed her cheek; he could see his and Iruka's reflections in her sunglasses.  She had the most amazing smile.  Her weight on his as her legs were wrapped around his waist was comforting.

He felt Iruka dig his hand into his pocket, taking the camera out once more. He held it up.

"Let's get one really good picture of the three of us."

Kakashi held his new little family in his arms as he took the happiest picture he could ever remember taking.