Iruka had expected Tsunade’s party to only include the usual mission desk crew, but when he and Kakashi walked into the community hall (where all Tsunade’s parties wound up being held), it seemed like most of the shinobi in Konoha were there. He immediately spotted Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke along with several of their contemporaries, hanging out in a corner and chatting amongst themselves. Kotetsu and Izumo seemed to be doing their best to get Yori smashed, putting one drink after another in front of her and distracting her with jokes while she drank them. Raidou, still looking a bit worse for wear and wearing a bandage on his hand and arm, was seated in a chair against one wall, and Genma was plopped on the floor next to him, keeping up a steady stream of chatter which Raidou seemed to be pretty much ignoring. Gai, Kurenai, and Shizune were seating around a table talking. Inoichi, Shikaku, and Chouza were at a table with Tsunade, and there seemed to be a card game going on there… Iruka groaned even thinking about that.

“What the heck was she thinking, bringing the whole village here? Isn’t this supposed to be some kind of little deal for me coming back to work?” asked Iruka grumpily.

“Are you kidding? Tsunade isn’t going to throw a small party for anyone! Besides, don’t you realize so many people like you? How many of those kids over there did you teach? And how many of the adults here are their parents, or people you call friends?” he asked.

Iruka shrugged, but even as he did so, people were coming up to him, clapping him on the back, welcoming him into their midst. A few of the mischievous shinobi whispered a “Congratulations!” to him that he knew had nothing to do with his returning to his duties, and he grinned widely. Kakashi was hanging all over him again, making it quite clear they were together, and Iruka was astonished to see a few looks of disappointment among the looks of surprise.

It wasn’t long until Tsunade made her way over to him, clapping him on the back soundly, which hurt like hell, and proclaiming loudly, “You’re the man of honor tonight, so you have to have drinks with me!” She sounded like she’d had far more then enough drinks already, but Iruka knew better than to argue. He let her drag him across the room to the bar, took the drink she pressed on him, and chugged it like a pro. Kakashi, who had followed right behind them, raised an eyebrow, and when Iruka chugged a second drink right after the first, realized he still had a lot to learn about this man. This led to a smile, at the idea that he had the rest of his life to do so, however long that turned out to be.

“You’re thinking too much, Kashi, I can tell!” said Iruka, grabbing Kakashi’s hand and dragging him over to sit next to him at the bar. “Drink!” The order came in the Sensei-Voice-of-Doom, and before Kakashi’s knew it, he was matching Iruka drink for drink. They didn’t notice when Tsunade snuck back to her card game to lose some more money, but a couple minutes later Iruka stood abruptly. To Kakashi’s surprise, his boyfriend seemed to be completely stable, and it was Iruka who supported Kakashi when he tried to stand and barely managed it.

“We’ve got to go see Raidou,” said Iruka, pointing to where his friend was still sitting in the chair. “Apparently he doesn’t feel up to partying, so I want to at least go say hi!” Kakashi merely nodded, and the two set off across the room.

Raidou greeted them warmly, but he seemed tired. “I hope you don’t mind if I don’t stay long, Iruka,” he said. “As much as I love a good party, I’m not even really supposed to be out of the hospital. Gen-chan here was going to smuggle me, but since half the staff was going to be here anyway, Tsunade gave me a reprieve,” he explained.

Iruka smiled and embraced his friend. “It’s fine, Raidou, I’m just happy to see you. You and ‘Gen-chan’” he added, putting a lot of emphasis on the name, and the blush Raidou gave made Iruka smile wider. Genma looked lost, but didn’t say anything, and Iruka turned and plopped down to the floor beside him. Kakashi stood a little awkwardly behind Iruka, wondering if he was supposed to stand there or leave Iruka with his friends, but finally settled for resting his hand on Iruka’s shoulder and waiting.

“Gen-chan, my dear friend, you might try to open your eyes and ears once in a while even when you’re not working,” Iruka whispered into Genma’s ear. Ignoring the man’s look of confusion, he rested his chin on Genma’s shoulder and sat silently, his eyes closed. His hands, however, were moving behind Genma’s back, making signs, and he wondered what the other man would think of the “I will not injure Iruka’s boyfriend” tattoo that would be appearing on his face the next day. He also wondered how long it would take Genma to get it off, or if he’d crawl to Iruka begging before he figured out how.

It was an odd picture to anyone watching, Raidou sitting in his chair looking exhausted, Genma sitting at his feet like a faithful puppy, Iruka leaning on Genma affectionately (to anyone watching anyway), and Kakashi standing behind them all silently. Naruto looked over and grinned, pointing out the scene to his friends, and in moments it seemed like the entire room was looking that way.

Iruka opened his eyes to see all eyes on him, his lover, and their friends. “Well,” he said cheerfully, “I suppose there’s just no hiding for me anymore.” Laughter ensued, brilliant healing beautiful laughter, filling every corner of the room, and Iruka’s heart as well.

The End: for now, anyway. I have some ideas for sequels and side stories using this same timeline/universe, so keep an eye out for them if you’re interested.