A/N: And so ends MoY. The lyrics used in this final chapter come from the song “Black Balloon” by Goo Goo Dolls. It is quite possibly my favorite song ever, and I thought it fit well with what was going on.

Mm. I don’t really like the writing in this chapter; it came off as choppy and generally not very good. Forgive me?

Faiths are my own creation, and I do not claim to have gotten the idea for them from any religious source.

There were a couple of lines in the story that were lime-ish, but since I didn't want to raise the rating just for a measly couple of lines, I just took them out. If you really want to read them, email me or something and I'll send you the full chapter.

A huge thanks to everyone who’s supported me in my story. You guys really are the best.

Hopefully I’ll have another KakaIru fic for you in the near future; most are still ideas and haven’t been written yet. When they do finally make it onto paper, though, I’m sure I’ll be seeing many of you again. Thanks!-MeeLee

MEMORIES OF YOU: FINALE

Comin’ down, the world turned over.

And angels fall without you there,

And I go on as you get colder,

Or are you someone’s prayer?

The wind lashed out at him, tearing at his skin like so many frozen whips, and he could feel it howling in his ears as he fell toward the water, the water that was cold and dark and spoke of death. Then Kakashi felt the cold fear slam into him, the thought that he had been stupid to believe this, that he was going to die, that he was going to splatter into the water and float down the river in so many fucking pieces, that Iruka—

Iruka.

He opened his mouth, and the choked, whispered words slowly made their way over his cracked lips, shaky, uncertain. “I—I trust…” He resisted the urge to scream, instead channeling the energy into his words. “I trust—I trust in the Father—”

The words melted into a desperate, jumbled prayer as the surface of the dark water came closer and closer, looming like the maw of some great and terrible beast. “I tr-trust in Heaven—I trust…I tr-trust—oh God, I trust—” The water loomed up before him, and he almost closed his eyes but then he saw something in the water. Something that slowly lightened before him, something that twisted and changed until it took the shape of a familiar face, a bright smile, reassuring brown eyes. And suddenly he found his strength.

“I trust in Iruka—”

Warmth and bright light burst all around him, and for half a second Kakashi thought he had died—and then they came back, all the memories—white, sunlight, the smile of the Father, bright bright Heaven, happiness, songs, joy, wings, power, magic, peace—and suddenly he remembered, remembered everything, and felt the familiar soothing warmth on his back as his wings unfolded. Beating them quickly, he managed to right himself a mere meter or so above the water, staring for a moment down at his reflection glowing in the dark ripples of the surface.

He was Hatake Kakashi, and he was an Angel. A blessed Angel, loved by the Father and all other Angels, who had served loyally in Heaven for two hundred years. An Angel. Blessed. He remembered.

Then he looked up, and saw the small fishing boat that was floating only several meters away, and the three crewmen currently staring at him in disbelief. He raised his hand, palm outward and facing them, and thought, Sleep, and watched passively as all three humans slumped slowly onto the deck in a deep slumber.

He was an Angel. He remembered everything.

Then he looked back down into the water, and saw the smiling face once again moments before it shimmered and disappeared into the darkness. He frowned slightly. Yes, he remembered so much now…but why couldn’t he remember anything about Iruka?

Flapping his wings powerfully, he shot upward into the sky, gliding down on a passing current and landing smoothly on top of the bridge once again. Iruka turned upon his arrival and smiled, though it was a sad smile. “I’m glad you are yourself again…Kakashi-sama.”

And Kakashi took one look at him, and suddenly knew. Beating his wings once, he sent a rush of air toward Iruka so that it washed over him, easily dispelling the illusion, revealing the fact that he was dressed in simple, sleeveless dark gray robes, his hair loose and spilling onto his shoulders, a single glinting silver chain attached to a shackle around each wrist. The chains melted into the air halfway across the bridge, but Kakashi knew where they extended: all the way into Heaven, attached to the throne of the Father himself. Prone to being cut at his—or any displeased Angel’s—discretion.

Kakashi spoke, his voice calm. “You’re a Faith,” he said.

Iruka sighed softly, though it might have just been Kakashi’s imagination. Very slowly, he sank into a respectful kneeling position. “You are correct.”

Kakashi frowned. It was uncommon for Faiths to be sent to deliver people to Heaven, much less save fallen Angels. Faiths were only semi-holy creatures, after all; they had hardly any magic, and were no match for Angels in either power or knowledge. They were human souls who were too pure for Hell yet had sinned too much for Heaven, and lived as humble servants of the Angels, eternally chained. They were tainted because of their sins so that they burned at the touch of an Angel, and were prone to being banished to Hell for eternity if any mistake was made. Therefore, they stayed mostly in Heaven, quietly serving the Angels’ every need, always subservient, passive, eternally patient.

In short, Iruka was not supposed to be here.

Kakashi cocked his head. “Why were you sent to deliver me?” he asked.

“I volunteered,” Iruka said. “It’s a…redemption of sorts.”

Kakashi blinked. “Are you expecting to be blessed for this?” Faiths could, after all, receive Angelic blessings just like regular human souls, which would in turn make them into Angels and allow them to enter Heaven fully. However, most Angels did not use their blessings on Faiths, preferring to reserve them for purer human souls. After all, an Angel only had one blessing to give, and it would be unwise to waste it on a Faith who was already tainted with sin.

Iruka smiled, soft, bitter. “No,” he said. “As I said, it is just a redemption. My own peace of mind, if you will.”

Kakashi was silent for a long moment, watching him. He had seen Iruka somewhere before; he knew it, could feel it in his very being, but he couldn’t quite place his finger on it. Had Iruka served him at some point? Had they somehow run into each other in Heaven sometime?

You don’t remember what you were…or what we had.

He loves you…just as I do.

Was it possible?

And the love you never knew.

What’s the things they never showed you

That swallowed the light from the sun

Inside your room?

Very slowly, Kakashi looked up. “Iruka, how did you become a Faith?”

When the Faith replied, his voice was slightly less certain, but Kakashi knew he wouldn’t lie. A Faith could not lie to an Angel. “Suicide,” he said.

“When?”

A pause. “Eight years ago.”

Silence hung between them for what seemed like centuries. Finally, though, Kakashi spoke. “You have my last feather,” he said. It was not a question; it was a statement. “I want it back.”

Iruka shifted uncomfortably, refusing to look Kakashi in the eyes. “You’re…better off without it. Trust me, please, Kakashi-sama.”

Kakashi slowly shook his head. “Give it to me, Iruka,” he ordered.

Iruka could not refuse; they both knew that. And so, with a sort of small, uncertain sigh, the Faith lifted a hand, opening his palm and concentrating. Before long, a single long white feather materialized in his palm, floating lightly in the air just above his hand, pulsing pure white.

Kakashi raised a hand, beckoning, and the feather lifted easily off from Iruka’s hand, twisting and turning lazily on the breeze as it floated slowly over to Kakashi, waltzing merrily with the wind before it finally settled near the base of his right wing.

The memories hit him like a wave.

He is lost, Kakashi. You must deliver him to us.

Yes, Father.

FLASH.

“Hi, are you…Umino Iruka-san? I’m Kakashi. You look like you could use a little cheering up. Want to go grab some coffee?”

FLASH.

“Do you believe in Angels, Iruka? Or Heaven and Hell?”

FLASH.

“You have to stop this, Iruka. Killing yourself won’t solve anything.”

FLASH.

“I’m an Angel, Iruka. I’ve been sent to save your soul. I think you at least deserve to know that much.”

FLASH.

“Iruka! Iruka, no—stop!” Panic, cold, frantic breathing, fear—

“Why—Why c-can’t you just let me go?”

“…Because I’ve fallen in love with you.”

FLASH.

Gentle, his lips are so gentle. Like kissing a passing spring breeze. “Oh, Iruka, I love you so much—”

FLASH.

Tears.

“You can’t leave me.”

“I’m sorry, Iruka. Please be strong.”

“Kakashi!”

FLASH.

Bathroom tiles, smooth and white and now blood-red. The small figure sprawled on the tile like a limp doll. Blood—blood, blood, blood.

Frantic, harsh fear, can’t breathe, NO— “Iruka! IRUKA!”

FLASH.

You have failed, Kakashi.

I know, Father.

You must be punished for this.

Yes, Father.

And all goes to black.

Kakashi slowly lifted his head, opening his eyes and allowing the memories to fade like leaves swept away in the wind. Iruka was not looking at him; instead, the Faith once again had his eyes fixed on some distant point on the horizon. Kakashi now knew what he was looking for.

He had been seeking escape—salvation—his whole life. And he had found it with Kakashi. But then…but then everything went wrong after that.

And angels fall without you there,

And I go on as you get colder,

Or are you someone’s prayer?

And there’s no time left for losin’—

When you stand, they fall…

When the Angel spoke, his voice was soft, neutral. “I fell from Heaven because of you.”

Iruka swallowed hard, finding it hard to speak through the lump in his throat. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, not trusting himself to look at Kakashi as he said it. “I…I was hoping to make up for it by sending you back.”

“I loved you.” Equally quiet.

“I know.” Equally guilty.

A long pause. A cold wind blew, ruffling Kakashi’s pure white robes and Iruka’s dark gray ones. The Angel stepped forward then, and extended a hand. “Approach,” he said.

Iruka looked up, confused, but Kakashi repeated the command and so he rose, carefully walking closer to the Angel. Kakashi reached out toward him, but Iruka instantly shied away, not wanting to be burned. Kakashi shook his head. “Stay still,” he commanded, and the Faith had to obey as he came closer, slowly reaching down and wrapping his fingers firmly around Iruka’s wrist, just above the shackle.

The Faith winced, but said nothing, made no complaint, only closed his eyes and turned away. When Kakashi spoke, his voice was low, calm. “I should’ve done this a long time ago,” he said, and jerked forward on Iruka’s arm, pulling the Faith forward and wrapping him in a tight embrace.

The resulting pain was unbearable; every inch of his skin that came into contact with Kakashi felt like it had been set on fire, melting right off of his bones. Iruka screamed, the agony burning through his nerves, and a suspicious charred smell began seeping into the air as he pushed desperately against Kakashi, struggling to escape, but the Angel refused to let go. Instead, Kakashi encircled him more firmly in his arms, wrapping them both in the white cocoon of his wings and concentrating. That only made the pain worse and another agonized cry tore itself from Iruka’s throat; his cheek brushed against Kakashi’s shoulder and was instantly seared red, and when Kakashi gently kissed his forehead it felt like being branded.

Then the pain spread, welling up in his back and he shrieked, the sound muffled by Kakashi’s shoulder as he began to thrash—his back felt like it was melting; skin, bone, flesh, everything felt like it was falling apart back there, and he could barely feel through the intense pain the blood seeping into his robes. Kakashi’s hands swept over his back and Iruka jerked, the tears streaming down his face. “Cr-Cruel…”

“No,” Kakashi whispered, gently caressing the Faith’s bleeding back, pressing repeated kisses to his forehead, his hair, everywhere he could reach. “No, please, just hold on a little longer—”

“St-Stop,” Iruka pleaded. “Please—I’m sorry, just p-please…” And then his entire body gave a slow, thorough shudder before finally, mercifully relaxing as he was driven into unconsciousness.

Kakashi held him for a minute longer, gently running his fingers over Iruka’s back, biting his lip as they grew red with the Faith’s blood. Iruka’s body continued giving involuntary jerks under his hands, natural responses to the pain even though the Faith was currently unconscious, and Kakashi felt the tears spring to his own eyes as he silently prayed that it would be over soon.

And then suddenly he felt it: a surge of heat that welled up inside himself and then receded just as rapidly, seeping into Iruka. The Faith’s body convulsed one final time before going still at last, and two eerie clinks rang out in the night as both shackles on Iruka’s wrists suddenly snapped open, falling limply to the ground. Kakashi watched quietly, relieved, as the blood covering Iruka’s back slowly began to fade, receding into itself, until the robes were new and fine once again.

He gently lowered Iruka down then, setting his head gently in his lap; he smiled when Iruka’s body gave no pain response, and noted that the skin had already fully healed. Reaching down, he tenderly caressed Iruka’s face, waiting patiently.

Soon enough, Iruka began to respond; his eyelids fluttered and he gradually turned toward the touch, dispelling a breath that tickled Kakashi’s fingers, and Kakashi simply watched as ever so slowly those two soft brown eyes fluttered open, blinking for a moment in confusion up at the dark night sky before settling on him.

Instantly they widened in fear and Iruka sprang up, shuffling back several steps as far away from him as he could get, terror written clearly on his face. Kakashi did nothing to stop him, having expected as much, and instead rose slowly to his feet, extending a hand. “Don’t be afraid,” he said.

“No.” Iruka shook his head, taking another step back as Kakashi stepped forward. “Please—I said I was sorry—please, no more…”

“Don’t move,” Kakashi said.

But Iruka did not obey, did not even seem to hear him as he continued stepping backward, closer and closer to the edge of the bridge. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he repeated, almost like a mantra, eyes casting about for some form of escape.

“Iruka.” Kakashi gave him his best reassuring smile. “Please, just trust me.” And he reached forward.

Iruka’s reaction was instant; he leaped back—but he was already dangerously close to the edge of the bridge, and his foot caught on the metal ledge. He gave a surprised cry as the foundation gave beneath him, and for a brief instant his stomach lurched and intense cold rushed through his body as he began to fall—but then Kakashi was there, seizing his wrist firmly and pulling him back up and into his arms.

Instantly Iruka winced and shut his eyes tightly, expecting more pain, but was surprised when he felt none. He heard Kakashi chuckle right beside his ear.

“Surprised?” the Angel asked, gently disengaging him and reaching up to brush a finger against his cheek. Iruka flinched, but again felt nothing, and he blinked up at Kakashi in complete confusion.

“What…” His voice trailed off when he noticed for the first time that the wrist Kakashi was currently grasping was bare, as was the other. “Where—Where are my chains?”

At this, Kakashi smiled, bringing Iruka’s hands up and covering them with his own. “You can’t chain an Angel, Iruka,” he said.

And angels fall without you there,

And I go on as you get colder,

All because I’m—

Comin’ down, the years turn over.

And angels fall without you there,

And I go on, I will lead you home and

All because I’m…

All because I’m…

I’ll become

What you became to me…

The situation finally hit Iruka like a slap across the face and for a moment he could only stare blankly at Kakashi, disbelieving. Kakashi smiled again. “I gave you my blessing, Iruka,” he said. “You’re not a Faith anymore; you’re an Angel now.”

Suddenly Iruka was finding it very hard to speak. “K-Kakashi—”

“Spread your wings,” Kakashi said. “You’re free now.” And reaching around Iruka, he gently passed his hands over Iruka’s back. Instantly something like a pleasant warmth spread there—it was like sitting with his back to a fire—and suddenly he felt a new weight, tangible but infinitely light, and peering back he was astonished to see a pair of large white wings jutting out of his back.

“I think we should get you out of these things too,” Kakashi said, and made a motion in the direction of Iruka’s clothing. Instantly the dark gray robes lengthened, spreading over his arms, and lightened in color until they were white, pure cream white like Kakashi’s, glowing softly in the dark. Kakashi’s smile broadened. “Now, don’t you think you look a lot nicer in those?”

Iruka swallowed hard, biting his lip. “Kakashi,” he whispered. “Kakashi, why did you do this?” When the Angel gave him a blank look, he continued, speaking fast. “You only have one blessing to give—you’re not supposed to waste it on me! It’s your job to bless a good human soul, not some suicidal maniac like me—and besides, I’m the reason you got banished to earth in the first place, so why—”

He was cut off when Kakashi reached forward, pulling him into a tight embrace, burying his face in Iruka’s shoulder. Iruka made something akin to a squeak at the sudden movement, arms coming up to instinctively return the embrace as Kakashi spoke, voice smooth and silky next to Iruka’s ear. “You already know the reason,” the Angel whispered.

“Kakashi.” Iruka swallowed, gently pulling back from the embrace and looking straight into Kakashi’s eyes. “That was eight years ago. You only experienced a memory; it doesn’t mean—”

“Yes, it does,” Kakashi said, cutting him off. “Because eight years can’t erase what we had, Iruka. You know this, because you feel it too.”

Iruka bit his lip. “I—I can’t,” he said. “Because it doesn’t matter what I—”

“Oh, but it does,” Kakashi said. “You’re an Angel now, remember? We’re equals, and as such, we can talk as equals, and live as equals…and love as equals. Isn’t that what you want?”

When Iruka didn’t answer, he edged closer, gently placing his forehead against Iruka’s. “All these years,” he said, “I may have forgotten so many things, but I don’t think I ever forgot you. Even when I first saw you in my bookstore, I felt something. It was an echo, perhaps, but it was there. And it’s there now, and I’m not about to let it go.” He paused, and when he spoke again, his voice held a hint of worry, of desperation. “There isn’t just a lifetime before us, Iruka. It’s an eternity, and I want to spend it with you…so please, tell me it’s not over. Please, Iruka.”

Iruka looked up at him for a long time, and Kakashi saw the uncertainty in his brown eyes, gradually escalating into confusion and bewilderment before finally fading into the calm of acceptance. And then he smiled, a soft, genuine smile that made Kakashi fall in love with him all over again.

Very slowly, he reached up and gently touched Kakashi’s face. “Kiss me, Kakashi,” he whispered. “And it’ll be forever after that.”

He had barely finished speaking before Kakashi’s lips were on his, gentle and soft yet barely concealing the desire underneath, and Iruka felt the other Angel’s arms wrap around him and allowed himself to be pulled against Kakashi in a firm embrace, sliding his own hands into Kakashi’s silver hair as he deepened the kiss.

They pulled apart after what seemed like an eternity, both of them flushed and slightly out of breath. After a moment, though, Kakashi turned, making a casual waving motion with his hand, and slowly a long lighted tunnel opened before them, glowing beautifully in the night and beckoning them to Paradise.

The silver-haired Angel smiled, gently taking Iruka’s hand. “Shall we?” he said, and together they ascended into the light.

FINI