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Gai sat next to Kakashi at the bar. Kakashi, who was clutching his small glass of sake, almost empty for what was probably the 100th time that night; Gai had lost count, given he was a little tipsy.
But it was nothing compared to Kakashi, who was hunched over a little, drunkenly whining about how lonely he was without his students, or how they’d grown on him, or how he blames himself for what happened to Sasuke.
”M’ such an idiot… what… what moron would put me in charge… m’ just a dumbass… why would he- he- ugh…” Kakashi finished his glass of sake with a sad grumble. Gai frowned, opening his mouth to interject.
He definitely didn’t expect Kakashi to burst into tears before the words even left his mouth.
“M’ such a fucking failure! No wonder Naruto n’ Sakura fu- fuckin’… went… go train with… erm… whoever the fuck… fuckin’ better than my sorry ass… they hate me… my… ugh… my kids hate me…”Gai winced, putting an arm around Kakashi’s shoulders and giving him a comforting squeeze. “Hey now rival, don’t think like that, I’m sure they still think you’re an amazing sensei, please don’t blame yourself.”
Kakashi, ever the sad drunk, pressed his face into Gai’s warm chest. Gai was just barely able to register the blush that came to his cheeks through the haze of alcohol. Still, he didn’t hesitate to soothingly run his fingers through Kakashi’s soft hair. Kakashi hiccupped, tears forgotten as he went slightly limp, settling against Gai’s chest as if he intended to fall asleep there. Gai knew the bar would close soon, so that wouldn’t do.
”C’mon Kakashi, you’ve had a long night. Maybe we should go home.” He prompted gently, moving Kakashi off his chest. He ignored the empty feeling at the lack of his rival’s head against him. “Nooooo” Kakashi whined, reaching for his glass. “One more shot…” He slurred, giving Gai puppy dog eyes.
Gai blinked, trying so hard not to give in. “No, Kakashi, I’m taking you home. You’re absolutely wasted.” He mumbled, removing the glass from his rival’s hand and brushing his soft silver hair out of his face.
With an indignant grumble, Kakashi let Gai help him up. Gai didn’t even try to see if Kakashi could stand on his own, he brought his body closer to his own and let Kakashi lean.
They began to make their way to Kakashi’s apartment, albeit slowly. Kakashi was silent for about 5 minutes before the drunken rambling began.
”S’ it jus’ me or s’ it cold out? Why’s m’ face wet? My head hurts. I could’ve handled one more drink! Mgh… think I need to piss… Gaiiiii have I ever told you your- your- th’ thing about your hair…? Ugh…”
Gai just let it happen for 10 minutes, but as Kakashi got louder with his slurring, Gai got more annoyed. “C’mon Kakashi, we’re so close to your house, you can lie down and sleep this off… you can talk to me in the morning…” He pleaded, uselessly.
”But Gaiiiiiiiii!” Kakashi whined, halting his walking and pouting. Gai had put his mask back up before they left the bar, but somehow it had made its way down again. Oh well. “Come on Kakashi, shut up and let’s go.”
Kakashi didn’t budge. “You’re mean. I thought you were m’ rival… or… um… … don’t be mean to me… you’re just s-“ He was cut off by Gai’s lips, pressing against his. His half closed eye widened, and even through his drunken state he kissed the other man back lovingly.
“There.” Gai gasped quietly, leaning back after a few seconds. “Will that shut you up? Was that all you needed? True love’s kiss?” He mumbled soothingly with an undertone of teasing, putting Kakashi’s mask back up. The two continued their walk, Kakashi now silent. Gai didn’t know if he was finally sobering up a little, or if his kiss worked that well. He secretly hoped it was the latter.
When they arrived at Kakashi’s apartment, Gai put Kakashi to bed, with a forehead kiss this time, but not any less caring. They would talk properly in the morning.