Hello, my wonderful freaky darlings!

so, this story is a bit...different for me. I can't really say darker, but it is different. I got the idea from the FF story 'What He Wants' By redqueen76, so are a few similarity's, but not many, as it was just the story that spawned a plot from my demonic bunny, Shale.

Shale: *nods wisely, thunder flashing in the background*

Rythum: Anyway, since I don't want to give too much away – Read! Read!

…..

"Two for a double and a go"

Kakashi growled playfully as Iruka moved another three spots ahead, making the younger man's lead a total of forty pegs. He was so getting skunked.

Iruka knew this too if his grin was any indication. Kakashi sighed and took a sip of his beer as they laid down their cards and counted them, Iruka gaining another fifteen points to Kakashi's measly four. Iruka chuckled in good natured fun as he collected the cards and started to shuffle them, giving Kakashi the chance to let his attention wonder a bit.

They were in Konoha's ninja bar, the Trap Wire. The place was popular due to its open layout, cozy seating and well thought out lighting – subtle but not dark, giving privacy while not putting the nin on edge. It was owned by a retired nin (really an ANBU, but only a few knew that) so he knew quite well what was liked in the ninja community.

The bar was open, made of a special kind of glass, one that didn't break but was still clear, letting the ordering nin see where their drink was coming from. The kitchen was also open for the same reason; you could never take too many precautions when it came to the paranoia of a ninja. Most of the seats were booths, or else bolted to the floor or wall, a necessary thing when it came to bar fights involving drunken Jounin. The more large heavy objects you could keep from their hands the better, it also lessened damage costs.

Kakashi and Iruka were huddled in their normal booth, the one in the very back that looked out on everything, but was hard to see from the rest of the bar. It gave Kakashi the luxury of removing his mask so he could eat and drink like a normal person, as he could clearly see when anybody started toward their table.

Kakashi returned his attention back to his real focus, his 'best friend'. He and Iruka had become friends years ago, after the whole chuunin examine commotion (Kakashi held to this day both of them had been right and both of them had been wrong, the only thing that could have changed was he himself swallowing his pride and dealing with the situation a little better than he had, instead of poking at Iruka like one would taunt a bear) and his Cell had fallen apart on him he'd been surprised to discover a hand up.

Iruka – who had been missing Naruto and admitted it freely – had been the one there for him. The chuunin started with egging him into a spar - which he had won of course, but not without a good deal of bruises, cuts and more than one burn. Iruka definitely proved chasing pre-genin around all day was in no way easy or soft, even if it made his fighting style a little strange.

Iruka had then somehow started a system, inviting Kakashi over for dinner or for training so often Kakashi found it becoming part of the normal routine until it was him inviting Iruka out or just showing up at his door, knowing he wouldn't be turned away.

It had gone on like that for years, comfortable and normal. Iruka had given him something new to live for, something to look forward to when he returned to the village. He was something positive and alive to focus on.

"My crib, you start, Kakashi"

Kakashi blinked and reached from his cards on autopilot, mocking sighing in despair. "What's the bother? You're going to win no matter what I get now"

Iruka flashed him a grin as his place two cards down in front of himself. "Well yes, but don't you want to know how baldy I'll flatten you?"

Kakashi growled around his grin as he examined his cards. Phewy, why was he never good at cards? Sighing again he slapped down the two cards he thought were least likely help Iruka then laid down a ten, groaning in misery when Iruka grinned and slapped down a ten of his own.

"Twenty for two"

"Like you need more points"

Mock glaring at Iruka's laugh Kakashi set down an eight, praying that at least was safe.

Iruka slapped down a three. "Thirty-one for two"

"Son of a bitch!"

Kakashi couldn't help but laugh with his friend as they continued the game, watching out the corner of his eye at how the light caught Iruka's eyes, or gleamed off the rich dark hair when Iruka brushed the long locks behind his ear absently.

Kakashi wasn't the kind of person to kid himself – oh, he was very good at lying and deceiving other people but he generally was honest with himself, even if the inner feelings never passed his blank expression – so he hadn't tried to delude himself when he'd first realized he was attracted to his best friend. He hadn't acted on it of course, but he was fully capable of admitting to himself that he was attracted to another man.

The thought didn't scare him, being Bi; it had just been a little bit of a surprise. Usually he wasn't attracted to people he liked. People he picked up, slept with, hit all his physical buttons while people he liked just remained friends, like Genma or Asuma (and Gai, but it had to be really early on a very good day for him to admit that one)

So the physical attraction to Iruka had thrown him a bit, until he remembered his first crush had been on his sensei. Minato had died before the feelings could really grow and had been married besides, so Kakashi doubted they would have gone anywhere regardless, but they had explained the feelings toward Iruka and had made them a little less daunting.

Iruka's triumphant grin drew Kakashi from his thoughts and he looked down to see a dark hand slipping the little silver peg into the final slot. Sighing in defeat Kakashi slouched back, tossing back a mouthful of beer as Iruka gathered up the cards.

"And you win, again. Are you dealing those things from the bottom of the deck or what?"

Iruka put down his glass and glared playfully at the Jounin. "Did you just accuse me of being a card shark?"

Kakashi grinned back. "Card dolphin more like"

Iruka groaned as if in pain. "Please, I beg you no horrible puns on my name!"

Kakashi chuckled. "So good puns are allowed?"

"Kakashi, there is no such thing as a good pun. That's the whole point of a pun"

Kakashi chuckled again as he took another mouthful of amber liquid. "So, another game? I'm sure you can steam roll me a little harder"

Iruka laughed but shook his head. "I'm sure I could, but I should get home. Aina will be waiting and I have classes tomorrow."

Kakashi found his smile becoming forced at the sound of that woman's name. "Ah, of course"

Iruka simply smiled as he slid the pegs away and folded up the crib board. "You wanna come over for dinner tomorrow?"

Kakashi frowned, a year ago he would have jumped at any and every chance to have Iruka's cooking, but now going over to the chuunin's house meant dealing with her.

"I'll make your favorite"

Screw that, Iruka was playing dirty. "You know I won't say no to that" Kakashi grinned then frowned slightly. "Aina doesn't like Miso soup or eggplant"

Iruka shrugged. "I know, but she doesn't have to eat it. Just cause she's my girlfriend doesn't mean I can't make my best friends favorite meal" Iruka flashed him another grin than swallowed down his last mouthful of beer before sliding out from the booth and heading for the door.

Kakashi stayed seated, blatantly watching the roll of muscles in Iruka's thighs and ass as the younger man walked away.

It had started a year ago. Kakashi's feelings for Iruka hadn't faded away like he'd expected them too, they had increased. It had taken him a week of arguing with himself and a rather cryptic conversation with Asuma to realize he was actually in love with the younger man. Iruka was someone he could spend long periods of time with – who could stand him for long periods of time – and also hit the physically attractive buttons.

After this epiphany Kakashi had started doing some digging. He had to make sure Iruka was alright with a male/male relationship before trying anything after all. He knew Iruka was fine with gay couples; he didn't twitch when Genma got a little more handsy than proper with Raidou when drunk. And Kakashi knew it had been Iruka who suggested to Shizune that maybe the reason none of her relationships were working was because they weren't supposed to. The Hoakage's assistant was now approaching the two year mark in dating the lovely Szume, one of Iruka's fellow sensei's at the academy. Kakashi knew he'd also been the one to introduce the two women to each other.

But that didn't answer if Iruka himself was attracted to other men. Kakashi'd had it all planed out, how to woo Iruka if he was and he'd even had a small inkling of how to try and turn Iruka if he wasn't.

Then he'd been thrown a curve ball.

It came in the form of a civilian brunette named Aina, who Iruka had introduced to Kakashi a year ago as his girlfriend. It had been the first time in a long time that Kakashi wished his mission had taken a little bit longer.

At first he hadn't really worried, it was a new relationship and Iruka was so different from Aina. Kakashi had been sure they would crash and burn, then he – who had by now discovered Iruka was indeed Bi – would make his move and snatch Iruka for his own.

It had been the perfect plan, until it blew up in his face.

Kakashi had underestimated just how clingy Aina was. He knew the relationship had many issues – he was Iruka's best friend, he could get the younger man to tell him anything- but Iruka was one of those people that always tried to make things work and Aina was the kind to take advantage of that.

And now a year later, that damned woman was still there. And if that wasn't bad enough, through a lapse of control on Kakashi's part, Aina had figured out the great copy nin liked Iruka in a definitely not best friend kind of way. Kakashi had no clue to how the stupid girl had worked it out when no one else had (so he'd been staring at Iruka's ass with a 'dazed' expression, big deal) but he'd been positively terrified for a good while (on the outside of course, you don't show weakness in the face of a bitch)

Kakashi had been sure Aina would run to Iruka and tell him everything, then he would get the 'I love you but not that way' speech from Iruka and all his chances of sweeping Iruka up as his own would be dashed to pieces. But Aina had done nothing of the sort.

The conniving woman had kept her mouth shut in favor of having something to lord over the Jounin. Kakashi had heard many things from his friends about rivalries between partners and best friends (some sort of contest over attention and affection. Aoba once made a comment about who would be saved in a life and death situation, which didn't make sense to Kakashi, Iruka would try to save both of them. That wasn't a question) but the level to which Aina took it was completely ridiculous.

Aina would always make sure to touch and or kiss Iruka every chance she had when Kakashi was in sight, throwing smug looks in Kakashi's direction when Iruka wasn't looking. And to top things off, she was now tossing around casual comments about marriage and children, giving Kakashi pointed looks on the latter as if to stress 'I can give him something you can't'.

Well damnit all if Kakashi could! There was adoption or if Iruka really wanted a blood child he was sure there was a forbidden jutsu of some sort he could use! He'd carry it and everything and-

Kakashi sucked in a deep breath. Now was not the time to be stressing over the possibilities of convincing the elder council to give him maternity leave, he still had to get the brunette bimbo out of the way before worrying about that.

Getting rid of Aina would be extremely easy; Kakashi had known that from the start. So why was she still there, a year later? Well, Kakashi had realized that all his plans of sabotage would hurt Iruka, there was really no way to end the relationship – which Iruka had put so much work into, heaven knows why – without Iruka getting crushed, and that was something Kakashi was unwilling to have a hand in.

So he'd waited, positive the whole thing would crumble on its own, then it would be Aina's fault Iruka was hurting and like a good best bud Kakashi would swoop in and comfort his broken hearted friend. If the comforting somehow ended up with Iruka falling into his bed well- the world worked in strange ways sometimes.

But that was then. Now was a place with pushy, clingy brunette bitches tossing about the word marriage and Kakashi was realizing he'd have to make a move. He had to get rid of her, even if it hurt Iruka.

Kakashi sighed as he realized he'd been sitting alone for the past fifteen minutes, holding his empty beer glass. Dropping the glass and his share of the bill on the table, Kakashi slipped his mask back up over his nose and sauntered out of the bar.

Stepping out onto the lamp lit street he headed off toward home at a comfortable stroll, shoulders slouched and hands in his pant pockets. Looking of the world carefree and relaxed and not at all plotting the sabotage of his best friend's relationship.

….

"Kakashi! Fancy you showing up here!"

Kakashi forced out a smile that was probably just as sick as the one now pasted on Aina's lips – or it would have been if his face had been visible.

"Aina-chan, don't you look quaint tonight"

Aina's smile faltered for a moment, giving view to the look of hatred she was really feeling. It was a juvenile slip, but then Aina was civilian.

Kakashi simply kept his perfect fixed smile in place as he pushed the brunette out of the way and entered the little apartment, the warm and familiar smells of Iruka's cooking filling his senses through the mask.

The younger man stood in the small cubby corner kitchen in worn out, ripped jeans and a light leaf green tank top. The colour accented Iruka's dark skin nicely and the added bonus of the bare well-muscled arms were greatly appreciated. The sensei hummed quietly as he stirred the simmering pots on the stove, all containing that tell-tale hint of spice that Iruka always added due to his mother being from Wave.

Kakashi never minded; he liked spice in his food.

"Don't put so much pepper in! You're making it too spicy!"

Aina brushed past Kakashi and into the kitchen, shattering Iruka's picture of calm as she grabbing the dark hand hovering over the largest pot, stopping it from adding another pinch of red powder.

Iruka started as he was pulled from the mindset he always drifted off into when cooking to blink at his girlfriend in confusion. "What?"

Aina rolled her eyes before giving Iruka a lovingly tolerant look. "You're putting too much spice in, Honey"

Kakashi scowled but kept his mouth shut, slinking over to island counter and trying to convince himself good best friends didn't get involved in couples spats. (Besides, every snark from Aina was a point against her that he could eventually use)

Aina, unlike Kakashi and Iruka, didn't like spicy food. Which was fine, or would have been, if the woman could cook. It irked Kakashi to no end that the brunette expected Iruka to not only cook for her but cook her way. There were a few things Iruka had made over the years that Kakashi hated, but he'd always ate them, because if someone went to the work to feed you, you ate it their way.

You wanted something specific, you make it yourself.

Iruka blinked again then shook his head, giving Aina a smile. "This is the Miso soup, Na, which I'm sending home with Kakashi, so I'm making it spicy for him."

Kakashi smiled – just a tad smug – as he perked up. He was getting a doggy bag for home. Score.

Aina glared for a moment – as if angry at being upstaged – then huffed and let Iruka's hand go. "Fine, but you keep feeding strays Iru-kun and you'll never get rid of them" she shot a nasty look at Kakashi behind Iruka's back before flouncing to the living room – about three feet away.

Iruka just chuckled as he stirred the soup. "Too late for that, Na, besides, he cute, can't I keep him?" the last line was said with a childish tinged as Iruka repeated the dreaded words any parent heard when faced with a 'lost' cat, dog, amphibian or something even more questionable.

Kakashi grinned while Aina snorted and dropped down on the couch. Iruka finished checking on dinner before turning to the Jounin perched at the counter behind him. "Hey Kakashi"

"Yo" Kakashi waved a peace sign momentarily.

"I hope you brought payment for my work"

Kakashi chuckled and set the rather large bottle of very nice sake on the counter and pushed it toward the other man for inspection. "But of course, my lord"

Iruka bit back a snicker as he grabbed the bottle. "I'm never letting you near my movie collection again, it gives you ideas" an appreciative hum passed Iruka's lips as he read the label before he turned to find his sake set.

Kakashi stopped his own snicker before pouting; wishing Aina would disappear so he could take off his mask, answering in a reedy voice. "But master!"

Iruka gasped and whirled around. "That's where that went! I thought I was going crazy looking for it, you thief!"

Kakashi grinned, over exaggerating it so Iruka could see his cheeks move under the mask. "Guilty, I'll give it back –once I find it"

Iruka groaned as he went up on tip-toe trying to reach the small white sake set on the highest shelve. "Find it in your wreak of a place? I'm never getting it back now- Damnit!"

Kakashi hopped off his stool and gently grabbed Iruka's arm, preventing the younger man from crawling on the counter. Quickly he reached up and snagged the set from the shelve, keeping Iruka between him and the counter the whole time.

Hey, when you're stuck in the role of best friend you don't pass up a chance to touch your love interest.

"My lord"

The sake set was place gently into Iruka's hands while Kakashi kept their eyes locked, trying to keep Iruka close for as long as possible. A small giddy bubble of joy flared up in his chest when Iruka blushed slightly.

"Thank-"

Iruka's thanks was cut off when a feminine hand grabbed hold of his elbow and yanked. Kakashi doubted the pull had much, if any; strength behind it, but it caught Iruka off guard, making him stumble to the side while one hand lost its grip on the white set.

The tray began to tip, the small white cups sliding off and toward the floor as if in slow motion. Kakashi pitched forward on pure instinct, grabbing the tray and setting it right before trying to catch the cups that were falling. He managed to snag two of the three, but was helpless to the save the last one before it hit the tile floor and shattered.

The world refocused in as he set the tray down on the island counter, placing the two cups he'd caught on it before turning back to the remains of the other.

"Oh, I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump you, Iru-kun"

Kakashi had to consciously fight not to send Aina a death glare at the lame excuse. Iruka simply looked confused as it had been obvious she'd grabbed him, not bumped him.

"I'll get the broom" Kakashi forced the words out as he stalked to the front closet where Iruka kept his clean supplies, quietly seething. Aina had done it on purpose, barging into their privet moment before Kakashi could do damage. A part of Kakashi felt mildly smug as he finally realized why Aina would always come with Iruka if she knew Kakashi was going to be there. She felt threatened; she knew Kakashi could win Iruka if given the chance and she trying not to give him that chance.

Kakashi had to wipe the smirk off his face – less it show up in his eye – as he returned with the broom. Aina was now sitting at the island while Iruka crouched on the floor, carefully picking up the porcelain shards. Aina was chatting away about something that had happened at her work that day, not even trying to help her boyfriend clean up.

A bubble of fury heated Kakashi's chest and he had to breathe deep to calm it. Aina probably didn't even know how much the sake set meant to Iruka. It had been given to him by the Sandiame as a Christmas present, one of the last before the old Hokage had died. It was very special to Iruka, which was why Kakashi was so annoyed at himself for missing the cup.

"Here" kneeling down Kakashi reached out and took the piece of porcelain Iruka was holding from him. "I'll clean this up, you worry about the food."

Iruka sent him a grateful smile before he stood, turning back to the bubbling pots on the stove.

Aina ignored this, continuing on with her story, something about the annoying clients she had deal with all day and how exhausting it was. If Kakashi remember correctly Aina worked in a civilian insurance firm, which was a stupid thing to have in a ninja village if you asked him. You couldn't actually name all the things that could happen to you and your house in a hidden village.

Shaking the shards into the garbage Kakashi leant the broom aside and reached for the plates, setting them out on the counter while still tuning out Aina's chattering. He hated this, if it had just been him and Iruka they would be on their second cups of sake by now, banter and joking insults being tossed between them. He would be able to take his mask off and both of them would be comfortable.

Kakashi sighed and quietly fished chopsticks and spoons from a drawer, setting them along with the plates and bowls before helping Iruka with serving the food. Aina still seated comfortably in her stool. She'd moved on to complaining about the size of Iruka's house, which was a common thing for her.

Aina didn't stay over at Iruka's very often, she made him go to her place in the Civilian Quarter where she owned a two story home that used to be her parents. Kakashi suspected she liked being able to show Iruka off to her neighbors the same way some people liked flaunting new clothes or a diamond ring.

Which, in all honesty, Kakashi supposed was fine. He would show Iruka off too, he just hated her approach. Iruka's place was not that small, it was just right for one person and only slightly cozy for two, Aina's place however was far too big and on the other side of the village. Iruka's apartment was a five minute walk from the academy – two if he ran – and roughly eight minutes from the Hokage Tower and the Mission Center, perfect for Iruka's morning commute, especially when he slept in and ran late.

Aina's was over twenty minutes from the school, half an hour from the Tower, plus the council had instated a new rule months ago forbidding all 'roof running' in the Civilian Quarter after receiving too many complaints from civilians about ninja running over their houses as shortcuts. No one in the shinobi community gave half a twig if someone thundered over their ceiling at six it the morning, you got used to it, but the civilians were strange, strange creatures.

Staying at Aina's frequently made Iruka late for class – a dangerous thing with pre-genin – but Aina never liked staying at his because it was 'too small'. Thankfully this meant a mild stale mate as – though Iruka would give on many things – his job was the one that he refused to let go, if he had Iruka would have been promoted to at least Special Jounin years ago.

If it wasn't for this small road block Aina probably would have had them living together months ago. Kakashi knew he would have, but then he was more than willing to moving in Iruka.

"I mean really Sweetie; there's not even room for a table! We're stuck sitting here like we're in bar or something!"

Iruka sighed as he ladled out soup, obviously having heard this complaint before. "It's functional, Na, and there's plenty of room here, why would I need a table? The coffee table works just fine for grading"

Aina gave him a simpering smile while looking at him through her eye lashes. "Well yes, there's room now but with kids there won't be"

Kakashi almost broke the chopsticks in his hand while Iruka's grip of the pot faltered for a moment. He caught it too fast for Aina to notice the slip but Kakashi saw it and the annoyed, uncomfortable look in Iruka's eyes before the younger man turned away to grab the rice.

So Iruka wasn't any more comfortable with Aina's blatant pushing then he was. Good to know.

Sliding into the stool farthest away from the still chattering brunette – she was on a work scandal now - Kakashi stared down at his bowl of steaming soup sadly. Left over miso soup was nice but not as good as the fresh stuff and with Aina there he'd have to bolt it down, which not only meant not getting to taste it but he'd have to wait till it was lukewarm so not to burn himself.

He hated Aina.

A piece of black cloth was gently pushed in front of him and Kakashi looked up to see Iruka smiling apologetically at him as he nudged the bandana closer. Smiling back thankfully Kakashi scooped it up and tied it around the back of his head before slipping his mask off. Happily he picked up his spoon and started on the steam hot soup, transferring it to his mouth under the bandana.

It wasn't very graceful, but it worked. He could eat at a normal speed and no matter how many times Aina tried to catch a glimpse all she would see was black cloth and spoon.

Dinner past without much excitement. Aina talked the whole time again, though for the life of him Kakashi couldn't recall a single word she'd said. Horrible thing for a ninja maybe, but Kakashi figured he was better off with her voice not stuck in his head. He wasn't sure how Iruka put up with the endless chatter, but then Iruka was a teacher; he was good at tuning out seven year olds.

Kakashi helped Iruka clean up afterwards, wishing they could turn on one of Iruka's cheesy old superhero movies or play a game, but with Aina there it wasn't going to happen. She seemed to want Kakashi out of the house as fast as possible, and she was going to use any means necessary to do so. Her comments were slowly becoming less veiled to outright mean and Iruka kept throwing confused looks at her over his shoulder.

Normally she and Kakashi had their game down to perfection, both so good that not even Ibiki could have picked up on their real hatred. Aina was obviously growing tired of the whole thing, if she was dropping the act now.

After a few more attempts at something for them all to do, all of which were shot down by Aina, Kakashi decided to give up on the evening. The only comforting thing was Iruka's look of pure frustration as he poured the miso soup into a container for Kakashi to take home. He too was obviously irritated with his girlfriend.

Score for Kakashi.

Iruka passed the leftovers to Kakashi, sending him a grin as the Jounin slipped on his shoes. "Hang on, Kakashi; I'll walk down with you"

Kakashi glanced up, hope bubbling in his chest, as he saw Iruka wink and grab the kitchen garbage. Iruka probably want to apologize for Aina's behavior, but Kakashi could use it to tare the brunette down.

"Oh, I'll do that, Honey; you've been cooking all evening"

Aina jumped up, simpering smile in place as she snatched the bin from Iruka's hands and headed for the door before he could grab her or tell her no. she yanked on Kakashi's arm on the way out, pulling him with her about half a foot so she could close the door on him.

She shot him a dirty look, opening her mouth to snap something before she glanced at the closed door. Scowling she turned on her heel and stalked down the hall to the stairs, obviously realizing she couldn't yell at him in front of Iruka's house.

Kakashi sauntered after her, moving silently as he followed her into the alley behind the apartment. It had been a few weeks since their last insult session and though he knew he should probably just go home it was just so much easier this way. so he followed, entertaining himself with the thought of her stupidity (you didn't lead a more powerful enemy into a secure location to mock them. This was setting aside the fact she knew he couldn't hurt her without facing charges)

"When are you going to give it up, psycho?"

The words were screeched at him the instant he rounded the corner and he smiled sadistically under his mask. Aina had started calling him 'psycho' a while ago when she realized the normal insults like 'idiot' made her look stupid in face of his IQ level.

Kakashi shrugged lazily as he leant against a nearby wall. "When you stop being a needy, mewling whore. So – never"

The glare she sent him would have been scary, if he hadn't been on the receiving end of one of Iruka's death glares. Once you survived one of those, you could live through anything.

Aina held his gaze for a moment before realizing it wasn't working. Sighing she relaxed back into her usual, deceptively pretty self. "Fine, do what you want. You'll never win. Iruka is mine and he will stay that way. I can give him children, real house and a normal family, what can you offer? You're a broken down legend and an unnatural freak besides. You honestly think he would even stay near you if he found out what an abnormal, disgusting fag you really ar-"

Kakashi stopped himself just shy of slamming her through the alley wall. Slowly he breathed in deeply, letting the red clear from his vision and the roaring leave his ears, but he didn't put her down.

"How bout I go the Trap Wire and tell everyone there what you just called me?"

Aina paled and stopped trying to kick him. Hardly anyone in the shinobi community cared about same sex relationships; one could say they were preferred in the face of casual affairs. No one cared if two female or male best friends were living together in every sense, but if the couple was heterosexual the elders would be there breathing down their backs, trying to push a marriage and as many kids as they could get out of the deal.

The shinobi world had a rule. You were entitled to your opine - so long as you kept your mouth shut. Prejudice did exist in Hidden villages, but revealing them was social suicide, and in some cases, actual suicide as – depending on the topic and just who you were insulting – they would kill you.

Civilians of course were mouthier, but Aina had been getting enough peeks into Iruka's world to know the rules. She knew there were laws against any ninja taking violent action against a civilian in their village, but she also knew this rule would be smashed and forgotten if Kakashi announced her words to a whole room full of his friends and loyal fans. He was THE Copy Nin after all.

Of course Kakashi would never do it, he couldn't. Even if it got rid of the woman, Iruka would step in to protect her and Iruka actually getting physically hurt was not something Kakashi would risk.

The deep fear and terror in Aina's eyes showed she had understood the threat, even if she didn't know he wouldn't act on it. With another person Kakashi might have tried for an apology (if they hadn't been stammering one out already) but he knew he'd never get one from the proud woman. Sighing he set her back on the ground and stepped away, uncurling his fist as he did. A part of him still wanted to hit her, but Kakashi wouldn't break his rule.

With shinobi there was no 'never hit a woman' rule, mostly because a Kounichi would not only hit back but in most cases (ie Anko, Tsume, Tsunade) they would hit harder. It was the civilian's – men and women – they were gentler with. (They also weren't supposed to scare them, but that one was ignored more often)

With more self-control then he thought he was capable of Kakashi moved away from Aina completely, turning his head as she slunk passed him and ran for the staircase door. The heavy metal frame rattled when it slammed back into place, covering Kakashi's yell of frustration as he punched the wall hard. Chunks of mortar and stone few into the air as the brick beneath his fist caved in slightly, leaving a dent.

Lowering his now bruised hand Kakashi took in a few deep breathes, exhaling slowly, trying to calm his fraying control.

Shoving one hand into his jean pocket Kakashi strolled slowly from the alley, snagging his container of soup which he'd set down before starting the fight with Aina. Appearing for the world to be completely calm, he stepped onto the street, trying very hard not to think about what was probably happening up in Iruka's apartment right now as he turned toward the tijustu training ground.

Maybe Gai would be there, training late like usual. Then he could really work out some steam.

….

Ok, before someone asks, yes, this IS a KakaIru story. Kakashi just hasn't gotten rid of Aina yet. And no, I do not want you to like Aina, actually, nearly every OC I've ever used in a story were designed to be hated…

Anyway, if your interested, drop a follow! And if you liked it, please review.

Oh, favorite line for me was this one ~ (so he'd been staring at Iruka's ass with a 'dazed' expression, big deal) ~ so Kakashi in my strange mind.

Later! Rythum